Mount Pleasant Township (part 1 of 2)

Mount Pleasant Township

'OUNT PLEASANT Township, during the days of the County Commissioners' rule, formed a part of Union Grove Precinct, which was among the first of the precints to be settled. The territory of which it is now composed is bounded on the north by Ustick, and on the east by Hopkins, on the south

The credit of the first settlement is given to Felix French, James J. Thomas, J. D. Pashcal, Wm. H. Pashcal and George O. James, who came in the spring of 1835. Felix French located on section 19; W. H. Pashcal on section 17 ; J. D. Pashcal on section 16; James J. Thomas on section 16, and George O. James on section 7. George W. Thomas came in a little later, and made a claim on section 9, and one for his brother, W. C., on section 8. John W. Stakes, with Joshua T. Atkinson, made the first claims in Union Grove Precinct, on both sides of Rock Creek, in 1835. They made a division of their property in 1836, Mr. Atkinson taking the west side of the creek and Stakes the east side, which is now embraced by Mt. Pleasant Township. He should be regarded as a settler in this township. During the summer of 1836 he broke up the ground and planted a crop where Morrison now stands.

The Pashcals were born in North Carolina - \V. H. in 1804, and J. D. in 1805. James J. Thomas was born in St. Clair Co., 111., in 1801, and George W. in 1820; George O. James was -born in South Carolina in 1 806. The Pashcals served in the Indian War of 1831-2 ; so also did James J. Thomas. The Pashcals came from Morgan Co., 111. They built a log cabin, which was used as common property by all the settlers that season and the following winter. In the spring a corn crop was planted, which was the first in the township. Other cabins were soon built, and the settlers began to feel more comfortably "fixed." Jonathan Haines, Horace Heaton, Samuel Lane and John B. Dodge came in this year. Heaton and Lane located on section 4, and Dodge on section 6.

Jonathan Haines put up a saw-mill on Rock Creek, about a mile and a half above Unionville. He had only cut a few feet of lumber when a freshet came and took his mill down stream. It was hauled back and set up again, but not in time to cut any lumber that season. In the spring of 1837 it was again started, and with better success. During this season two stones were put in for grinding corn and wheat. This mill site was in what was afterward called

Jacqbstown. Mr. Haines became quite a prominent and useful citizen, doing much toward advancing the township. He afterward moved to Pekin, 111, where he died, Feb. 22, 1868. William H. Fashcal accumulated considerable property, and was a much respected citizen. He died on his farm home, March 12, 1875. He was a son-in-law of Anthony M. Thomas. J. D. Pashcal died during the winter of 1885. J. B. Dodge died at his farm in January, 1843.

In 1837 the settlement was increased by the arrival of Pardon Dodge, Anthony M. Thomas and family, William Heaton, Sr., and family, Aaron C. Jackson and family, and James Knox, Sr., and family. These were soon followed by many of their friends, and others who had heard and read of the glowing accounts of this fair country.

From this tfme on the township increased in population rapidly. Mr. Jackson made his purchase on section 17, where a part of the city of Morrison is no AT located. He reared a large and respectable family of children, most of whom are still living. He died June 10, 1879. The first wedding in the territory now embraced by Mt. Pleasant Township, was, according to Mr. D. B. Young's recollections, between Horace Heaton and Sally Chamberlain, in 1838. Miss Chamberlain came out with Mr. Young's family. Mr. Heaton died Sept. 16, 1867. Mary Ann, daughter of John W. Stakes, was the first child bom here, which event occurred Oct. 15, 1855. The first death occurred in 1837, and was that of James Heaton, son of William Heaton, Sr. Oliver Hall was the first teacher to instruct the youths of this primitive settlement in book-learning. His school was opened in 1838, in a rudely constructed log house, on William H. Pashcal's claim. He was a native of Massachusetts. For his services he received $10 per month, which was raised by subscription, and he was also boarded by the settlers. The first School Board elected was on Jan. i, 1846. A. M. Thomas, William Knox, A. C. Jackson and Jonathan Haines, were the Trustees chosen. A. P. Young was the first teacher appointed by a board of school trustees. He taught in District No. i.

In 1836, a Methodist class was formed, consisting of James J. Thomas and wife, and George O. James and wife. Meetings were held in Mr. Thomas' cabin. This was the nucleus from which the present

Methodist Church of Morrison was formed. This class was formed by Rev. James McKean. He was a circuit " rider," belonging to the Rock River « Conference.

The pioneers in those early days had a pretty hard time to secure supplies for their winter wants. About this locality, the Indians had killed or driven off nearly all the wild game. They had to depend on Chicago, Galena and the Mississippi landings for supplies, and as markets for their products. The distance to Chicago was long, and the roads bad. They could not afford to put up at the taverns, so they took food along for themselves and feed for their teams. They would leave feed along the road on their way, in order to lighten their load, for use on their return trip. It would often take them ten and twelve days to make a trip. If they got back home with a few supplies in exchange for their hardearned products, they thought themselves lucky, and were satisfied. The lands were not then surveyed ; and it was not until January, 1843, that they came into market. They were held then at $1.25 per acre. While the pioneers had awaited with no little expectancy this order of the Government, yet it was received by most of them with trepidation, and by som with consternation. The question was, as to how they were going to meet the first payments, as they were all poor. They had some grain and a few head of stock, but no money. They must make their payments or lose their claims. Many sold everything they had at a great sacrifice to do this. It was during this period that claims were jumped. But this proceeding was very hazardous to the jumper, as the farmers generally would stand by each other. ^

Ml. Pleasant was organized under the township system, April 6, 1856. The meeting for this pur- f pose was held at Mt. Pleasant school-house. Ward P. Lewis was chosen Moderator, and John W. Stakes, Clerk, pro tern. After these officers were sworn in by a Justice of the Peace, who was acting, the polls were declared to be open. The meeting resulted in the election of Aaron C. Jackson for Supervisor; Ward P. Lewis, Clerk; Alfred Haines, Assessor; Cyrus P. Emery, Collector; John James, Overseer of the _Poor; William H. Paschal, R. K. Hiddleson and Horace Hinton, Commissioners of the Highway; G. H. Deniick, R. K. Hiddleson, Justices of the Peace, and Cyrus I". Emery and A. C. Pratt, Constables.

The surface of the land in this township is quite varied, some parts of it prairie, some undulating, some rolling, and some, particularly the western part, bluffy, or broken. Its topography is, indeed, very attractive. It is watered by Rock Creek, and smaller streams, on the borders of which are fine groves of timber. The soil is mostly a clay loam, which is very fertile. Considerable attention is being paid to the raising of stock, and in this department the township ranks third. The farms are well cultivated, and many of them are adorned with beautiful dwellings. The farm buildings throughout the township are above the average, and the roads good.

In 1855, the Chicago & Northwestern completed its track through the township, which gives to the people ample means of transportation. It enters the township on section 28, and, running west by north, passes out on section 18.

Before this town started the trading was done at Unionville, which was the principal town, not only for this, but Union Grove Township. There was also another hamlet where the people were wont to trade and get their smithing done, called Jacobstown. There were a mill, a supply store, and some shops there. This only exists now in the memory of the old settler. There is, also, a station on the Chicago & Northwestern, called Round drove. At this place there is a postoffice. The farmers, mostl , have adopted the creamery system, and send their cream to those places where it is converted into butter.

According to the census report of 1880, the population of Mt. Pleasant, including the city of Morrison, was 3,048. It is estimated that the population has increased 500 since that time. The County Superintendent in his annual re|X>rt ending June 30, 1884, makes the following report regarding school statistics: Value of school property, $39,900. In the nine school districts there are eight frame and one brick building. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 1,227, of whom 880 were of scholastic age, and 758 enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $130 per month, and the lowest, $25.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 14,412 words in this source stream.

Mount Pleasant Township

This was the name of a school, and when the township was organized in 1852 from Union precinct, A. C. Jackson applied the title to the town- ship. He showed excellent taste, for there is no richer or prettier section in Whiteside. The first claims were made in 1835 by W. H. and John D. Paschal, J. J. Thomas, and Felix French. Jonathan Haines built a saw mill at Jacobstown in 1835, but a freshet soon carried it away.

The Winnebago Indians were a source of annoyance, but left in 1838. Wolves were troublesome. In 1836 Horace Heaton, Henry Boyer, and Samuel Love came, William Heaton in 1837, and A. C. Jackson. Provisions were scarce, and corn was one dollar a bushel. The first school was taught by Oliver Hall from Massachusetts in a log hut in Paschal's timber. He received ten dollars a month and had to board around. Rev. James McKean preached at the house of James Thomas, and in 1836 formed a class consisting of James J. Thomas and wife, and George 0. James and wife. Barton H. Cartwright reached Union Grove every four weeks. In January, 1843, the land came into market, and as money was scarce, the settlers had to make a strenuous effort, selling hogs at $1.50 a hundred, to secure the cash to pay for their claims. At the first town meeting in 1852, Aaron C. Jackson was elected supervisor; assessor, Alfred Haines; collector, Cyrus P. Emery. In 1857 at a town meeting, a committee was appointed to frame a hog law for preventing swine and sheep from running at large under a penalty of five dollars. In 1865 each volunteer was voted a bounty of $110 under the last call.

Round Grove in the eastern part of Mt. Pleasant was surveyed in January, 1856, by W. S. Wilkinson for John A. Holland, C. D. Sanford, J. I. Wonser, and James McCoy. It is a station on the Northwestern railroad.

Prominent Settlers

Among the numerous early emigrants, there are always some who by superior energy and force of character leave a lasting impress upon the community. Aaron C. Jackson was the statesman of the town, holding various offices, justice, in 1842 sent to legislature, in 1847 in the constitutional convention, in 1852 supervisor. Jonathan Haines was another type, a mechanic. In 1847 he invented the Illinois Harvester, and manufactured the machine in shops at Unionville till his removal in 1849. Union Grove was named by him, J. T. Atkinson, and Henry Boyer in 1836. Winfield S. Wilkinson was civil engineer and a man of intelligence. After residing at Como and Sterling, he made his home in Morrison in 1858. He was sent to the legislature in 1844 and in 1870 was county surveyor two terms, and for twelve years county clerk. Simon Fellows settled at Round Grove in 1850. He was postmaster twice, and held the office of justice for twelve years, his first commission signed by Gov. Matteson. J. D. Odell came to Whiteside in 1839, and after carrying on a grocery trade in Lyndon, retired to Morrison in 1863. He wrote occasionally for the papers.

If Lyman Johnson could rise from the grave, and compare the virgin prairie of his time with the bright and beautiful city of the present day, he would acknowledge his successors have been exceedingly busy. The town was surveyed in 1855 by W. S. Wilkinson. The proprietors were Lyman Johnson, H. S. Vroom, Homer Caswell, John W. Stakes, James Snyder, L. H. Robinson, N. M. Jackson, John J. West, -and W. H. Van Epps. The land was originally claimed by Stakes, but was purchased from him. The name was given in honor of Charles Morrison, a merchant of New York, and friend of Van Epps. Unionville seems to have made the same mistake as Como. The railroad surveyors ran the line through that town, but when the citizens put an exorbitant value upon their property, the company drove the stakes at Morrison, and the fate of Unionville was sealed. The first house was built by Lyman Johnson on the site of Library Hall. With the running of the first train into Morrison, Oct. 19, 1855, the expansion of the young town began. Stores, shops, and dwellings were erected. Norris was the first doctor, and he built has shanty on the site of the Universalist church. Afterwards came Nowlen, Taylor, and Donaldson, who established successful practice. The frame depot of 1857 has lately been replaced by a handsome brick station. John E. Bennett was made postmaster in 1855, afterwards making a gallant record in the rebellion as colonel of the 75th Illinois regiment. In 1857 the first brick block was erected. As Morrison won in the county seat election of Nov. 3, 1857, the records were removed from Sterling, May 3, 1858. This bonanza with the railroad, started the place on a steady career of prosperity. An agricultural fair was held in 1856, and continued until 1863, when it was removed to Sterling. But in 1872 the Central Agricultural Society was formed in Morrison, where it has since given yearly exhibitions.

In 1857 Morrison was incorporated, and at an election April 25, 1857, forty votes were cast, choosing five trustees, S. H. Vroom, S. H. McCrea, L. Johnson, J. G. Gridley, and W. L. Coe, and H. Olmstead, police magistrate. In 1869 the legislature passed an act incorporating the "City of Morrison," and at an election March 29, 1869, to decide upon the adoption of the charter, 168 votes were for, and 49 against. The officers chosen were George A. Whitcomb, mayor, and W. J. Savage, J. Cobleigh, W. L. Coe, S. W. Robinson, J. S. Green, J. A. McKay, aldermen. J. S. Green, was made treasurer, L. G. Johnson, city attorney, and W. E. Savage, clerk. At the election in April 15, 1873, for reorganization under the general laws of the state, E. B. Warner was chosen mayor. For licensing saloons 73 votes, and against 134. The city debt was $4,194. In 1874 saloons carried, and license was fixed at $400. In 1875 A. J. Jackson was elected mayor, and license was increased to $800. In 1877 a city building was erected at a cost of $2,000, for the use of the fire department and the city council.

Besides Lyman Johnson, who was the leading spirit in the early development of Morrison, and who died suddenly in 1867, must be mentioned H. S. Vroom, also an active agent in various kinds of business operations, dying in 1875. S. H. McOea, who came to Morrison in 1855, was best known in connection with the warehouse business, shipping the first carload of grain October 1, 1855, afterward in 1862 removing to Chicago, where he became prominent, being president of Board of Trade in 1870. Lester H. Robinson appeared in Morrison in 1855, was active in politics, treasurer of the township, U. S. revenue assessor, and in 1865 sought a broader field in Chicago. James G. Gridley was another energetic citizen of 1855, who built the second warehouse, the Presbyterian church, and the brick schoolhouse, afterwards retiring to Ustick township.

The Memorial Log Cabin

In the center of the fair grounds stands the antique ornament of the spot, the Independence Hall, the old North Church, the venerable building like those in Philadelphia or Boston which enshrines a thousand memories of the glorious past. It is the double log cabin, dedicated September 2, 1885, in presence of a vast concourse of people from every section of the county. The day was lovely, and everybody was inspired.

Col. E. Seely for 25 years president of the Old Settler's Association, was master of ceremonies, and at one in the afternoon, the exercises opened with prayer by Rev. A. M. Early, who settled at Erie in 1843. He thanked the Lord for the joy of the hour, and for the privilege of living amid scenes so captivating. Prof. M. R. Kelly was the orator of the day. He congratulated the early settlers on the erection of this venerable cabin as a fitting monument of their honorable history. "Here you came, as New Englanders, New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians, Virginians, as Englishmen, Irishmen, Scotchman, Germans, and in friendly relationship you made your claims, built your log cabins, and ever since have dwelt in harmony. Your wise management of public affairs has made the reputation of old Whiteside second to no other county in the state. Look at your palatial dwellings, fine schools, well tilled farms, all the conveniences of civilization, and then think of the time when you lived in cabins, when your courts and worship were held in private houses, when you broke prairie, and went supperless to bed, when you go your potatoes from Rock Island, and you meal from Henderson's Grove, when you paid 25 cents postage on a letter, when you shook with the ague, when you swapped provisions with the Indians, when you made coffee from toasted bread, when whole families slept in the same room partitioned off with sheets and shawls."

Before Prof. Kelly spoke and afterwards, the Old Settlers' choir, composed of L. C. Twitchell of Union Grove, J. A. Sweet of Garden Plain, Warren and Ezekiel Olds of Albany, and W. H. Colcord of Genesee, led by Samuel Homer, of Morrison, with cornet, enlivened the occasion with such stirring airs as America, Old Hundred, Auld Lang Syne.

Speeches by the old settlers were now in order, and Col. Seely opened the ball. This day lacking only 18 days completed his fifty-one years in Whiteside. He brought provisions for a year, but by October, 1836, he was eaten out of house and home, and had nothing left but wife and six children. A man was sent to St. Louis for provisions, but he came back in four weeks with neither money nor eatables as he had lost the money. "I sowed the first handful of wheat that was sowed in the county. I defy any man to say he sowed before October 15, 1836. Mr. Reynolds sowed on the 20th, I on the 15th."

In Judge McCoy's remarks, he spoke of his first meeting Col. Seely in his cabin, when he was after a position on a mail route to Springfield, and the colonel's warm welcome. "Take a seat, sir, come in, and take a seat, and let me tell you that face laughed from the crown of the head to the sole of -the feet. I was a mere stripling, and thought he was a splendid specimen of a man."

Dr. L. S. Pennington praised the early settlers for their struggle and sacrifice in leaving the east to secure a home, and make themselves useful and independent citizens. "But the men and women of 1840 are gone. I look over this assembly, and how few do I recognize."

Rev. A. M. Early spoke of the religious changes in 46 years. His first parsonage was a log cabin, and his circuit was extended, comprising Sterling, Unionville, Albany, Downer's Grove, Lyndon, Erie, Kingsbury Grove. The preachers had to ford creeks and swim rivers, wore patched clothes, lived on corn dodgers, and yet could sing as they rode along,

E. B. Warner remembered when dressed pork was sold in the county for 62% cents per hundred pounds, when a man could bring a four-horse wagon load of pork to town, and take the pay back in a handkerchief tied by the four corners. Money was scarce. "Why it was no uncommon thing to go through the year without handling a dollar of money."

Mrs. Dr. S. A. Johnson, of Fulton, spoke of her father, R. J. Jenks, buying half the site of Fulton from John Baker in 1838, of his building the first ferry, and of his prophecy that in less than fifty years a railroad from Atlantic to the Pacific would bring China tea from the west instead of the east.

But the lion or rather lioness of the festive occasion was Mrs. Phebe Vennum, then one hundred and one, who sat in an ancient arm chair, where she heard all the proceedings, and even took part in the songs. With the gray-haired fathers and mothers were their children and their families, to listen to the tales of the heroic days, and transmit to generations to come. A crowd of curious spectators of these modern days to witness the unusual solemnities. It is safe to say this memorial cabin has no duplicate in Illinois, perhaps in the United States. It is on the plan of the Washington monument at the capital, in which each state has a stone.

The following list of old settlers and the logs they contributed has a profound interest, and contains in itself a volume of history. Every name -awakens a host of recollections. It is taken from the Whiteside Sentinel, Sept. 10, 1885, Charles Bent, editor, which published a complete account of the dedicatory exercises, and from which our sketch was condensed. It will be noticed that with each name is given the date of settlement and the kind of wood.

Entry-Way

P. V. Pollock, Hopkins, 1835, walnut; John Kent, Mt. Pleasant, 1839. red oak ; E. J. Ewers, Fenton, 1839, red oak ; C. H. Slocumb, Albany, 1839 white oak; A. Zoirns, plate from log cabin built in Garden Plain in 1845, oak.

University Of Illinois

Mrs. Mary A. McKnight, who is distinguished as being the first white child born in Whiteside county, is visiting in Prophetstown and vicinity and expects to spend several weeks in this county. Her home is in Mabton, Washington.

Mrs. McKnight is a bright and interesting lady, now past the three score and ten mark but still well and active. Her parents, John W. and Sarah Bowman Stakes, came to this county in 1834, and settled on the banks of Rock river near Prophetstown. Mr. Stakes bought the ferry boat which had been run by a Mr. McClure. This ferry was run across the river from the mouth of Walker's slough to a point above the present site of Prophetstown village.

Mary Ann Stakes (now Mrs. McKnight) was born in a cabin located near where the north end of the Prophetstown bridge now is, October 19, 1835. In 1837 or the next year Mr. Stakes made a claim in Union Grove Precinct, where the city of Morrison now stands. He put up a log house on the land occupied by the residence on Grove street owned now by F. A. VanOsdol. Mr. Stakes returned to Prophetstown and ran the ferry at that place for awhile, later removing to Morrison, where he died in 1861.

A Letter From Virginia

Mrs'. A. C. McAllister writes from Fredericksburg, Virginia: In the Whiteside Sentinel, I note that you ask for information about the first house built in Morrison. My father, H. S. Vroom, erected the first dwelling in Morrison proper. Perhaps some dwellings may have been moved before from Union Grove. He built the house in the summer of 1855, and it is still standing so far as I know. It has been known in later years as the Woodruff House, on the corner south of the M. E. church. Lyman Johnson built a house which was used as a hotel across the street east from our house. It is my impression this building was moved there and added to, and not built there. My father and mother had rooms in this house with the Johnsons, until their own was completed. The house may have been begun in 1854, for my parents were married, and my mother went there a bride in March, 1855. The house was not finished till fall. I was born there, Nov. 30, 1855, and was the first child born in the town of Morrison. The first brick dwelling was the house on the hill where my mother died in 1893, built by John E. Duffin in the early days. You can now understand my hearty interest in Morrison and Whiteside county.

Mrs. Simonson At Ninety-Three

In January, 1900, the writer had the privilege of calling upon Mrs. Salvina Simonson, nearing her 93rd anniversary. She was born in 1807, two years before Darwin, Lincoln, Tennyson, Gladstone, saw the light^ Her younger days were spent amid spinning wheels, tallow candles, logs on the hearth. Her father was a carpenter, living at Union, N. Y., between Owego and Binghamton. She was married at twenty, and began life on a farm. About 1838 they removed to Illinois, settling on a farm at Round Grove. First was a log house, then a better building of frame. Here her children grew up, and this was the family home for a half century.

Although the call was made at an early hour in the morning, the old lady was moving about, and with a quick step passed to an adjoining room 1o adjust her toilet. Little infirmity. Few wrinkles, a slight deafness, no hesitation in speech. She retired. at nine, rose at daybreak. Up before the rest of the family, often emptying the ashes.

Slept well, scarcely waking during the night. Ready for three meals a day. She thought people used too much rich food, cakes and pastry, preferred whole wheat bread, enjoyed fruit, avoided tea, put just enough coffee into hot water to give it color, and took no butter but what was used in cooking the food.

Her health generally good, occasionally a touch of rheumatism. Neat in dress. A small black cap over her delicate gray hair, spectacles, a plain "black shawl, an old-fashioned apron of ample size. She enjoyed reading, and several books of large print were lying on the table. Beautiful was her devout spirit in thankfulness to the Lord for his mercy during the passing years.

Longevity seems to be a family inheritance, as her mother lived to 95, and then died from the effects of a fall. When the writer made his call, Mrs. Simonson was staying with her daughter, Mrs. Peter Bressler, in Sterling, but she soon went to visit her son Fred in California, and died there.

The Water Works

A strong crystal spring, dug up and walled in 1881, was the beginning of the water supply. An artesian well was bored in 1896 to the depth of 1,645 feet, yielding a daily flow of 300,000 gallons. In 1906 four drive wells, six inches wide and 75 feet deep, were sunk to supplement the artesian -supply. One pump has a capacity of a million gallons daily, the other a million and a quarter. The standpipe, a conspicuous landkark on the hill on the north side, is 35 feet in diameter and 45 feet high. Surrounding the works is a natural park of nine acres, the trees forming a dense shade, furnished with seats, offering a tempting resort in the sultry days of summer.

As you approach the plant is a triangular lawn, embellished with a fountain. I. H. Parrish has been the efficient engineer for nineteen years.

Closely connected with the water works is the fire department. It is of the volunteer order, receives an allowance of $25 from th%city, and has- 18 members ready to respond to duty. H. T. Berry is Chief; B. P. Humphrey, First Asst. ; W. A. Heiss, Second Asst. ; H. 0. Smouse, Secy. ; R. E. Cochran, Treas.

"I consider that we have probably the best equipped and most efficient fire department in the state for a city of our size," was the opinion expressed to a Sentinel reporter by Chief H. T. Berry.

The ten men who first donned a fireman's uniform in the city, were Henry S. Ferguson, Charles Spears, A. C. Graper, George Blue, Homer H. Marshall, George W. Stafford, Charles F. McKee, James Martin, William Brearton and E. Y. Lane.

Twenty-two days after the organization of the company, the ten original members had procured uniforms consisting of blue woolen shirts, blue caps and leather belts upon which appeared the name of the company.

Of the first ten members, one, Chas. F. McKee remains after a service of thirty-one years. Of the eight members added in 1883 R. E. Cochran remains after a service of twenty-four years.

The first fire that called out the company occurred Dec. 29, 1876. Since that time the company has run to over one hundred fires, many of them were dangerous by reason of their location.

Recently $400 have been spent in putting in stalls for the horses, patent harness holders which enable the driver to harness his team while on the seat, and automatic sliding doors.

The new pump which was installed last year furnishes 175 pounds pressure and this is enough to force water to the top of any of the. buildings now standing in Morrison.

The Secket Societies

The Modern Woodmen of America call their organization in Morrison the Henderson Camp, No. 13. The Venerable Consul is Harry L. Welch, the clerk, C. E. Johnson, and Chief Forester, Myron Dillenbeck. There are about 120 members. It provides for a payment of one, two, or three thousand dollars to the families of deceased members, with care in sickness. The age of admission is between 18 and 45, and the applicant must be of good habits.

mander is A. T. Skelley, and the Keeper of Records and Seals, H. T. Berry. The society was organized about 1880. The Pythian Sisters number 125 with Mrs. Belle Hart-man as Most Excellent Chief, and Mrs. John Harrison, Mistress of Records and Correspondence. At a Pythian Memorial service, May, 1908, held in Baptist church, 40 members of Anchor Lodge, No. 120, K. of P., and 20 members of Celeste Temple, Rathbone Sisters, attended, and listened to a discourse by the pastor, Rev. J. W. Kinnett.

The Odd Fellows, Grove Lodge, No. 257, have richly furnished rooms on the third floor of a brick block on Main street. F. C. Barnum is secretary. The lodge was organized May 12, 1858. The charter members were W. W. Winter, D. P. Spears, F. W. Chapman, James McCreedy, M. M. McKeen, and F. C. Woodruff. Mr. Winter was the first Noble Grand. There are 135 members. The good women seem to be quite enthusiastic for they muster 170 Rebekahs, with Mrs. Albert Miller as secretary.

Dunlap Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M. was organized May 30, 1859, with ten charter members, the best known being John E. Bennett, S. H. McCrea, H. M. Teller, now Colorado senator. In 1877 there were 85 members, now about 100. The meetings are on the first and third Mondays of the month in Masonic hall. For 1907 I. D. Woodford was W. Master, Pierre Jackson, secretary. Among the past masters is Dr. A. E. Kennedy, and Mrs. Lurena Kennedy is Worthy Matron of the Eastern Stars, who number 130.

On a lofty ridge that runs through the northern section of the city are the public edifices of the county. First on the west as you enter the grounds is the fire proof building for the circuit clerk, treasurer, and county clerk, and recorder. In the treasurer's office sitting at his desk was the veteran official, W. H. Thatcher, formerly of Sterling, who as treasurer and clerk, has .grown gray in his duties, and at eighty is the same genial friend as in his prime. In the office of the county clerk upstairs W. C. Stillson is prompt to respond to any call for information. In the copy of the proceedings of the board of supervisors, a pamphlet of 50 pages, printed for distribution, are various reports of the committees. It covers the time from April, 1906, to March, 1907. For instance, there are the physicians' bills for attendance on the poor in the different towns, amounting to nearly $800, in sums from one dollar to a hundred. There are the grocery and dry goods bills for articles furnished the common poor and also indigent soldiers. A full detailed report of the- county farm in receipts and expenditures.

In the center of the group is the court house, completed in 1865 at a cost of over $14,000. The committee in charge was E. B. Warner, R. G. Clendenin, and W. S. Wilkinson. In size the building is eighty-five by fifty-five. The court room is circular, with a gallery. Its chief ornament is the oil painting of Black Hawk's prophet, presented by Hon. E. B. Washburne. On the first floor is the sheriff's office, and on the second, the grand jury room where the supervisors also meet. The walls are brick, corners of cut stone. The succession of Judges Heaton, Eustace, Crabtree, and others, who have sat upon the bench, and the lawyers, Henry, Leffingwell, McPherran, Manahan, and others, who have plead at the bar, all passed away, invest the familiar structure with sacred associations.

On the extreme east is the jail completed in the winter of 1858-59, at a cost of over $10,000. In 1876 improvements became necessary, an appropriation of $4,900 was made, and under the superintendence of Besse, Pennington, Milnes, Spafford, and Wallace, the work was done. The improvements were the substitution of eight iron cells, accommodating four prisoners each, in place of the former stone cells. The new cells are ten feet deep, six feet wide, seven feet high, with a steel corridor five feet wide and twentysix feet long in front. The notable prisoners confined here of late were the Swarthout boys, and the Italian Randis. The jailor's house of brick was erected on the south side of the jail.

Judged by the occupants of the jail, Whiteside is a virtuous county, for the cells in December, 1907, were empty, a solitary boy lounging at a corridor window. Charles Hamilton, sheriff, courteously unlocked the heavy steel doors, and gave the writer the freedom of the dungeons. Thirty-two prisoners can be confined, four in a cell, by swinging iron berths on each side. A bath tub with hot and cold water on each floor. When a prisoner enters, he is given a washing, and is obliged to put on clean clothes once a week. The second story is reserved for women. No insane victims are received now, as they are taken to Elgin or Watertown.

As a prisoner enters, a careful entry is made in a large book of his personal characteristics - age, height, hair, eyes, complexion, nationality. Then other particulars. By whom committed, when committed, for what offense, term of sentence, when discharged, how discharged. The prisoners receive no tarts or jelly, but substantial food. The county pays sixty cents a day for men, seventy-five cents a day for women.

In front of the public buildings is a thrifty native grove, an ideal spot for mass meetings, and here Lyman Trumball, Henry M. Teller, Roswell G. Horr, and the orators of several campaigns have roused the applause of admiring multitudes.

In the spring of 1908 the jail was thoroughly cleaned and freshened with paint on all the walls and woodwork and throughout the cells. The colors used were" selected perhaps with a view to awakening the germs of patriotism in the prisoners, as red, white and blue are seen everywhere. The old calcimine on the walls, which had been there for twenty years or so, was scraped off and the walls neatly painted. The work was all done by the men in the cells. The place is in excellent condition, perfectly secure, and has been made a.* attractive as possible to the unhappy fellows whose imprudence renders their enforced retirement from the busy haunts of men necessary for the public good. The sheriff studies to please.

These statistics show some of the operations of the county officers during 1907: Number of marriage licenses issued, 253; number of arrests made by sheriff and assistants, 60; number of prisoners confined in county jail, 58. Convicts taken to Joliet, 9; crimes for which arrests were made - murder, 2; manslaughter, 1; burglary, 4; robbery, 2; grand larceny, 1; assault and battery, 9 ; assault, 2 ; stoning railroad car, 2 ; contempt of court, 1 ; vagrancy, 3; disorderly conduct, 2; wife abandonment, 3; bootlegging, 2; dependent boys, 2 ; obtaining money, 2 ; fornication, 2 ; petit larceny, 3 ; entering building, 1 ; burglary and larceny, 1. Insane taken to Watertown, 12. Several insane patients were taken to the asylum by others than officials.

The First National Bank Of Morrison

In considering the subject of banking, one is met by the same conditions that are met in the investigation of any of the professions. The term "prehistoric" presents itself and there the pursuit of knowledge in that direction must end. The members of the various professions in acquiring knowledge in the profession of their choice, must study the elementary treatises and all that follows, but in an article that is prepared for a work of this kind very little generalization is permitted.

The statement may well be made, that an individual bank is a part qf a great system. This will be seen as early as history's dawn. The world was not old in comparison with the age of the race embraced in the historic period, before it is perceived that attention was bestowed upon what has grown to be one of the prominent departments in business. Before the ten commandments were given, there were extensive live-stock dealers, operators in real estate, and bankers and brokers.

The first known banks were organized in the twelfth century. The Venetians seemed to be first, followed by the Genoese and the Florentines, in whose hands the business seemed to flourish most, until the founding of the bank of Amsterdam in the seventeenth century. This particular organization is named, as this was the model on which was formed most of the European banks now in existence. The banks organized under this law control the banks of the British Empire. .

Our National banking law is copied to a large extent from the joint stock banking law of Scotland, and even the bank of England, organized for the expressed purpose of monopolizing the banking business of the realm, was soon compelled to recognize the leadership of the Scottish banks, and now the province of the bank of "Threadneedle street" is to act as a clearing house for the consolidated banks of Scotland.

When it was thought wise to take steps to formulate a system of finance to assist in the prosecution of the war of 1861, the then Secretary of the Treasury decided to submit for adoption a National banking law, and in doing so, chose as a model the Scottish banking laws, which were followed as closely as the conditions then existing would permit.

The First National Bank of Morrison was projected at this time, and its organization number was 1033, showing there were very few compared with the present number, and then those in operation were mostly in the eastern states. This was the first national organization in Whiteside county, and remained the only one for several years. There was none in Lee county, until this bank had been in operation a number of years.

The proposition to organize a national bank in Morrison, had its rise in the banking office of L. Smith & Co. The members of the firm were Dr. Leander Smith a private banker residing in the City of Fulton, and A. J. Jackson of Morrison.

The work of organization of this bank was one of a few moments' time. Mr. Jackson left the private bank of which he was the manager, stepped across the street to the store of Spears & Bro., located in the store now- occupied by W. L. Angell, passed through to the elevator of Johnson, McCrea & Co., returning direct to his banking office, the work was done, and in thirty minutes the organization papers were being prepared for the signatures of the subscribers, and soon on their way to the office of the comptroller of the currency.

The measure of this bank's success has been a matter of public record. For over forty years its reports have been published in the city papers at such intervals as are prescribed by the banking department. No claim for excellence over any of its neighbors is made by the officers of the bank, indeed, they are gratified to find that they have been able to keep pace with the procesion of banks and bankers that have taken their places in the list now before the public. Some banks may have a larger capital, some a more extended field of operations, and may surpass this institution in many ways, and yet the family of ten stockholders that organized the bank and owned it were quite well pleased with their undertaking. The original ten stockholders were Leander Smith, L. H. Robinson, Chas. Spears, Wm. Spears, W. S. Wilkinson, W. F. Johnson, A. N. Young, Jas. Snyder, A. C. Jackson, and A. J. Jackson. They were among the best and most capable business men in the new city, and were ambitious that their experiments should be a success, and were diligent in informing themselves upon the subject presented. Having no pattern to follow, they evolved a course that afforded them much pleasure and not a little profit.

In looking back over the forty-four years of the bank's existence, it is seen that only two of those who were in at the christening, are with the stockholders of today, namely, W. F. Johnson and A. J. Jackson. The bank has had the services of three presidents, Leander Smith, W. S. Wilkinson and E. A. Smith, the present head of the organization, the first two holding their offices from the date of assuming it until their death.

Mr. Jackson was elected cashier of the bank on the day of its organization, and has held the position continuously since. No cashier of a national bank in the United States has held the position for so long a time. It has been said by those of old time, that "there is nothing new under the sun," generally, this may be true, but even in the old conservative profession of banking, there is occasionally something occurring that is not laid down in the books. In the year 1901, Sargent & Greenleaf, a firm manufacturing timelocks for banks and other purposes issued a catalogue of their out-put, and in it appears this passage, "In May, 1874, Mr. Sargent sold the first time lock ever purchased by a banker, to the First National Bank of Morrison, 111., making the attachment himself."

At this time it was noticed by the cashier, that some kind of a time-lock was invented and was being manufactured at Rochester, N. Y. A letter addressed to the manufacturer inquiring .concerning the new invention, brought a reply containing full particulars, with the promise that the model of the lock should be forwarded at once to Morrison, for the cashier's inspection. . The lock was brought to Morrison, examined by the cashier, who concluded it was likely to be the protection that was needed, and that it would become popular among bankers. The experiment was eminently satisfactory, and soon became generally known to bankers, inquiries began at once to come to the manufacturers, and now there is not probably a bank in the country that is not equipped with a time lock of some pattern.

It is not thought necessary or desirable to go into details concerning the methods pursued in this bank, for banks are in some ways like households, all good, but managed a little different as to details.

The bank of course, is quite partial to its awn management, it has endeavored to conduct its business in a liberal and conservative manner, have a careful regard to the national banking law, the instructions of the department, and the supervision of its board of directors. The business of the bank has increased from the date of its organization to the present time. A statement of the condition of the bank at the date of its last report made to the comptroller of the currency, Feb. 14, 1908, is as follows:

Present Directors Bank Of Leander Smith & Son

This is, the only other financial institution in the city. Like the bank of Thomas Coutts in London which kept the same sign on the building 100 years after his death, so the name of Leander Smith remains, although dead for several years. The bank was started in 1878 by Leander Smith and Duncan Mackay. and this relation continued till 1889, when Mackay retired, and the present firm of Smith & Son may be dated from 1885. Two sons, E. A., and H. W. now control the business. Interest paid on deposits. A bank of loans and discounts. Money orders are issued by this bank at less rates than are charged by express companies or the postoffice department.

The Schools

The young people find their enjoyment in two buildings, the older and larger on the south side, and the newer on the hill to the north, so that the children are really climbing the hill of science, every day of their lives. The high school and some of the grades are in the old building. A large and complete faculty. Prof. E. L. Boyer, late of Bloomington, successor of D. D. Thomerson, is at the head, and teaches English; Gladys Graham, German and history; Anna Taggert, Latin; Gertrude Ross, mathematics; W. E. Weaver, science; Sophia V. Levitin, English; Elizabeth Weidenfeller, commercial; Nellie Poorman, music and mathematics. There is a library of reference books and a creditable museum of minerals and curios. On the roll 167 pupils. The board of education consists of S. M. McCalmont, president; Jacob Feldman, jr., secretary, and Mrs. P. F. Burtch, C. E. Proctor, H. B. Wilkinson. In the graduating class of 1908 are 21 members, only four being young men: James Lawry, Josephine Happer, Louis Abbott, Helen Green, Winifred Ewers, Lola Reynolds, Helen Smith, Neva Smith, Lottie Coltoti, Mae Conlon, Edith Matthews, Ellamae Feldman, Agnes Lively, Ellis Potter, Florence Angell, Hilding Palmer, Edith Nelson, Marguerite Ladd, Bessie Bradley, Zula Ritchie, Anna Hawk.

The board of education for the district school is composed of W. L. Angell, C. D. Gallentine, W. L. Brewer, S. M. Ladd, R. A. Norrish, F. C. Barnum, and J. H. Gray, president.

As in all towns, the Morrison school system is a development -from a humble beginning. A log house in 1838, a frame in 1847, a removal and enlargement in 1858, the nucleus of the present edifice in 1860. The present building is brick, three stories, and the original cost was $20,000, with $5,000 more for furniture, heating and apparatus.

Morrison, the county seat and second city in size in Whiteside county, has always prided herself on her efficient public schools. As early as 1859 the main part of the south side school was completed. It was two stories high, in a beautiful park of natural timber, and was the pride of the village. Later another story was added and still later the wings were built, making a twelve-room structure.

Last November a fire broke out at eight in the morning threatening the complete destruction of the time-honored school house, but the determined efforts of the fire department supplemented by the help of the citizens rescued it, and it was temporarily remodeled. In June 1908 it will be rebuilt or rather reconstructed and made modern. Fifteen thousand dollars is to be expended in making it again worthy to house the children of Morrison. The outside will not be changed in shape but it will be given an up-to-date appearance.

During 1907-8 the Mount Pleasant township high school is occupying the second floor. The third floor has for some years been used as a historical museum and a very fine collection has been on exhibition there. The recent fire almost ruined it.

The north side school is a modern two-story brick with a basement for the heating apparatus. It, too, is surrounded by a fine park of trees - "Nature's own planting". This building is almost new and is especially well adapted for school purposes.

The course of study compares well with courses offered in larger cities. Manual Training is had in some of the grades and in the township high school. This department is well equipped and is growing in favor with patrons and pupils. Sewing has a place in the high school but as yet nothing further has been attempted in domestic science. Music is taught in all the grades and in the high school, a special supervisor being employed for that work.

It is the purpose of the boards of education, both the township high school board, and the city board, to give the children of Morrison training for useful service. Morrison believes that true happiness is more certain and more permanent to those who have discovered their aptitudes and. that these different courses all help the child to know his bent.

Supt. J. S. Moyer has had experience in managing schools and he has been given a corps of able teachers. The schools are in good hands, thanks to an interested patronage.

Library

Prof. J. S. Mover, thirteen years in the Fulton schools, is principal of the grades, which have an enrollment of 349. In room one - is Elizabeth Taylor; two, Emily B. Kelly; three, Eva Duffy; four, Frances J. Wilson; five, Hulda F. Peterson ; another five, Gertrude J. Douglas ; six, Kate Martin ; seven, Mrs. Emma W. Hollingshead ; eight, Miss Emma Reid. Prof. Moyer teaches reading and arithmetic.

The Schools And Their Library

The schools of a community are an index of the educational life of the individuals who govern and direct the affairs of the community. And the wealth, culture and general intelligence of the people of Morrison is indicative of the educational standard of her schools, which standard is maintained by an able corps of earnest and efficient teachers.

The high school building is being entirely rebuilt, and when finished will be one of the most modern and well equipped school buildings in northern Illinois. The high school will occupy the second floor and four grades the first floor. The North Side, or ward building is a new and well furnished building accommodating four grades.

The fact that the high school has an enrollment of one hundred and sixty-five pupils is an evidence of the interest and appreciation that our people have in educational matters. And when it can be said that forty-six of thes? pupils come from the country outside of the city limits, some driving eight miles, and all studiously following a course of study credited by Illinois, Wiscosin and Chicago Universities, it certainly indicates that the spirit and life of educational conditions of Morrison and surrounding country are commendable.

Nothing is left undone or omitted from the educational forces that may aid our pupils in expressing their self-activities in living and working with such subjects and in such ways as will make healthy bodies, kind hearts and well poised minds. To this end manual training for boys and sewing for girls have been added to the general efficiency of our schools. During the past year a library of two hundred and seventy-five carefully selected books has been secured for the use of the grades. The books have been selected with the view of not only interesting the children in the world around them but also of gratifying the innate love of legend and spirit that makes a large part of child life. In the first and second grades such books at "True Fairy Stories," "Old World Wonder Stories," and "Boy Blue and His Friends," lead the child on from his home nursery stories to see a larger world outside of home and school, while "Plant Babies and Their Cradles," "Five Little Strangers," and "Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans," introduce him to nature and history. In the higher grades there is a wider variety of subjects until in the seventh and eighth they may be classified under the heads of history, geography, science and fiction, and include such books as "The Story of Our English Grandfathers," "From Trail to Railway," "True Tales of Birds and Beasts," and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Such a variety of books in the hands of interested and earnest teachers cannot fail to stimulate the love of the good and the true in the hearts of school children. Inherent in every child is a life that is responsive to beauty, truth and virtue. These character building influences are found in the expressions of our poets, prophets and seers, and to these the child may go and find in history and poetry, in biography and story, in legend and myth, that which satisfies, strengthens and gives delight to childhood. While if we withhold from the child the food which its true life craves, we weaken it, throw it into confusion and error, and sin and sickness will follow. Children need the companionship of influences that ennoble and enrich life. Satisfy the child in this particular, and virtue and strength will be the fruit of the universal spirit.

Odell Library And Museum

Gladstone or Macaulay would revel in this quiet retreat on Grove street, not far from the Whiteside hotel. It is a gem in arrangement and material. About 4,000 volumes, large enough for the population, and twenty-five to thirty new books received every month to keep abreast the current thought of the world. There are three tables, containing magazines for reading and books for reference. It is well patronized, in the -winter season of club.? and study, 100 books sometimes taken out. Besides the well selected volumes on the shelves, are cases of curios in the form of shells and coral, Indian skulls and arrows, a variety of mineral specimens. In a show case are rare books like Homer's Iliad, London, 1721, English Reader, 1813, Natural History, 1715, U. S. History, 1811. Some choice pictures on the wall, Execution of Nathan -Hale, a bird's-eye of Morrison in 1885, a frame of copper coins, the circle of American authors. But the most entertaining is a large group of Morrison people of all ages and sizes, old and young. A local photographer gathered the faces taken in his studio for thirty years, and put them side by side. As the children then have grown to manhood and womanhood, their baby features are here embalmed. It is a sort of Egyptian immortality. A gallery for coming generations.

The building is the old Congregational church adapted to its present use. The books and minerals belong to the early Morrison Literary and Scientific Association, who in 1879 received the house and $8,000 from J. Odell, a generous citizen, for the benefit of the public. The property is now in charge of the city which levies a tax for its support in addition to the interest derived from the endowment. There are nine trustees according" to the state law. Patrons and visitors are sure of courteous treatment from Mrs. Frank Robinson, custodian.

A former Sterling boy has shown decided capacity for business. In 187& Samuel H. Ladd entered the jewelry store of Clark & Giddings to learn the trade, came to Morrison in 1886, and has now the finest establishment in the city, his operations extending to kodaks and musical instruments. His store is on the north side of Main street.

The Auditorium

Halls on second stories are tiresome and dangerous, and in her spacious place of amusement on the first floor, Morrison has set an example worthy of imitation. The auditorium is on Grove street, built of frame in 1900 at a cost of $15,000. There are seats for seven hundred people, and 1,200 can be accommodated. A stock company, thirty-three share holders at fifty dollars a share. E. A. Smith is president, A. J. Jackson, secretary, and treasurer.

The city receives its illumination from an electric plant established in 1889, H. S. Green, president and treasurer, L. R. Ramsay, secretary. There are 130 incandescent lights, furnished at $19.50 a year, and three arc lights at $75 apiece. The price of gas is $1.25 net per thousand feet. The office is on Main street.

The Whiteside, the leading hotel, brick, three stories, was erected in 1865, and is the headquarters for lawyers, judges, jurymen, and other limbs of the law in court time. The block of the First National, opposite, was put up in 1864. A central situation, the street just east leading to the station.

Whiteside Farmers' Telephone Company

This was incorparated May 18, 1903. The capital stock is $20,000, divided into eight hundred shares paid up, with a par value of twenty-five dollars each. The object of the company is to build and maintain telephone lines or exchanges or both in Whiteside and adjoining counties, state of Illinois, with such extensions or connections with other telephone lines as may hereafter be decided, and to furnish telephone communications over its lines at a minimum cost to its stockholders.

The Greenhouses

These are at the southeastern edge of the city, and reached by a continuous sidewalk. A delightful stroll on an October morning. Two firms close together. In the front show window of Davis Bros, a bright display of carnations and chrysanthemums at our visit recalled Lowell's poem on the dandelion :

The larger establishment is that of the C. D. Gallentine Co., which has grown from one house 140 feet long, nine years ago, to twenty-nine glasscovered roofs averaging 220 feet in length. The main crops are cucumbers, two crops a season, and tomatoes, one crop. A pretty sight, the tomatoes and cucumbers climbing on wires to the roof. Markets are found east and west, Chicago taking the bulk of the product. To destroy fungvis and insects, the ground before planting is sterilized by infusion of steam through a multitude of pipes. To secure a balmy temperature during the wintry months, 3,000 tons of soft coal are consumed. The seed of cucumbers and tomatoes are sown in broad trays, transferred to pots, then planted in the large beds. Cucumbers bear in two months from seed, tomatoes in three. The day temperature is kept at 85 degrees, night at 65.

Grove Hill Cemetery

A charming spot, a sacred resort. It lies along the northern edge of the city, and the open gateway invites you to enter. Arbor vitae, singly and in clusters, seems to be the favorite evergreen, with its delicate leaves, giving an air of cheerfulness to the solemn retirement. The turf is soft and velvety, the lots are kept trim and fresh, and there is a sad satisfaction in walking up and down the avenues, and reading the names of so many who once took part in the busy affairs of the world. It is like taking a Morrison directory of the last generation. Here they all come at last: Snyder, Sholes, Gray, Wilson, Duffin. Eli Upton, 1811-1900. Dr. H. C. Donaldson, 1825-1896. Coroner, kind physician, awhile in Sterling. Charles Spears, 1814-1884, and Rebecca Spears, 1822-1895, have a monument of light red granite. Leander Smith, 1889, aged seventy. Baird, Mason, Wood, Wallace, McAllister, Whitcomb, Jackson, Baker, Ely. Here is a granite memorial that recalls a family sorrow. Burritt E. Phinney, 1883, only 25, and M. Loyal Phinney, 1887, 'only 24, just ready to begin their promising career. Loyal C. Twitchell, Vermont, 1812-1903, and Mary H., 1814-1892. Charles Shirk, 1815-1904, and Sarah, his wife. There are three Yennum tombs, and at each the writer expected to see the name of the notable centenarian, Mrs. Phebe, but in vain. Edward Vennum, 1842-1897, soldier. Two Robinson monuments, one simply "Robinson," the other S. W. Robinson. John S. Green, 1831-1888. Wm. Spears, 1872, aged 59. This couplet over a humble grave:

Burr, Brown, Fellows, Farrington, Boyd, Bent, what associations! The death of his daughter, Charlotte, was a blow to Prof. H. E., which saddened his remaining days. Nancy Kingsbury, 1873, age 64. Levi Beach, 1810- 1893. Sampson, Savage, Lane, Baum, Winfield S. Wilkinson, 1812-1893, and his wife, Frances E. Sampson, 1814-1890.

A large tract has been added to the cemetery on the north with a vault at the foot of the slope, and already many handsome monuments have been erected. On a long solid block is the name "Jennie Jackson, 1842-1901, the first of her family to depart this life."

The main driveways are paved with brick, and many of the lots terraced. The good people of Morrison evidently consider Grove Hill as the choicest jewel in their crown.

The Mansions Of Morrison

New York has Fifth avenue, Boston Beacon street, . Chicago Sheridan road, and Morrison her Grove street. Too humble a title for so pretty a thoroughfare. Sheridan Boulevard would sound better and do justice to the situation. On a high ridge sloping to the south stand a succession of villas in various styles of architecture, colonial, Queen Anne, Elizabethian. Here beginning on the west is the red residence of M. V. Card, with its sweeping view of the valley, the buff dwelling of J. B. Markey of the refrigerator factory, the elaborate frame mansion of Ed. A. Smith, banker, the buff villa of Charles Bent and next that of his son, the home of the Missas Teller, the white frame of Robert Wallace, the brick of Charles Foster, the square brick with portico of Mrs. Smith, widow of Leander. Among the historic people in this aristocratic row are Julia and Mary Teller, sisters of the distinguished Colorado Senator, Henry M. Teller. Of eight children, one is dead, Addison and James are in Colorado. The father died on the farm in Union Grove, the mother in Morrison. A grandfather's clock from the eastern home stands in a corner of the sitting room. No more delightful home than that of Charles Bent with its hospitable hall and spacious parlors. An ideal library in the rear. Low book cases with glass doors along the sides filled with standard authors, one corner devoted to rare volumes of early and later Illinois history. Indian and Mexican vases for the antiquarian. Around the writing table in the center with its fantastic shaded light what deliberations of state, what questions of research, what plans of patriotism. There too. is the Spear?

house, one of the first on the hill. To the east on Genesee street is the large brick residence of Mrs. Taylor, widow of the old physician. Of late years many handsome residences have been erected on the south side, which is quite level. One of the finest is the splendid villa of M. H. Potter, dealer in lumber, the gray stone, bright roof, and shaven lawn, making a perfect picture. Most are frame but in excellent taste, as those of H. S. Green, Judge Ramsay. J. H. Snyder, A. J. Jackson, Roy Davis, J. W. Steiner. On the lawn of Dr. Hazelton, south of the track, are two primeval relics leaning together which would be a treasure for a historical society. They are the stones, the burrs of the first mill in Whiteside county, at Jacobstown on Rock creek, about 1840 or before.

The Women'S Clubs

No city of its size anywhere has so much refinement and intelligence as Morrison. Its good wives and daughters devote their afternoons of leisure to reading and research instead of finding enjoyment in the passing diversions of the hour which leave no permanent profit at the end of the year. The city has at least five associations of ladies who meet regularly for purposes of improvement.

One of the oldest is the Fortnightly club, organized in 1894. The officers for 1907-1908, are Mrs. Decima Bent, president; Mrs. Ellen Smith, vice-president; Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd, secretary; Mrs. Hettie Milne, treasurer. There are twenty-one members. A booklet is printed giving the topics for the various meetings. A page is devoted to "In Memoriam" for deceased members. The motto for the year is from Thackeray: "My good people, it is not only impossible to please you all, but absurd to try." The topics of discussion have a wide range : Confucius, Zoroaster, George Eliot, Women of the Bible, Lady Macbeth, Our Forgotten Foremothers, Should a wife recehe an allowance? Readings and songs give variety to the sessions.

Another is the Monday Evening club. Mrs. Burtch is president, and Mrs. Cornelia Green, secretary. Here, too, the subjects for examination have a broad field. In 1906 they took up The World's Greatest Short Stories, Irving, Balzac, Dickens, Thackeray, Poe, Hawthorne. A leader is appointed previously on essays or on poems. A passage is read by members in turn, and at conclusion questions are asked. In 1907, English Essays had prominence. Bacon, Addison, Swift, Lamb, De Quincey, Carlyle. Emerson, Macaulay, Ruskin, Arnold. One year they considered the great poets, like Shakespeare, Milton, Burns, Coleridge, Longfellow. A delegate is regularly sent to general meetings of women's clubs.

The Daughters of the Revolution have nearly thirty members, and have enrolled many of the prominent ladies of the city. The Regent is Mrs. Margaret Lapham Brown; vice-regent, Mrs. Cornelia Green; secretary, Mrs. Vallie Sholes Green; registrar, Mrs. Letitia Happer Payne; historian, Mrs. Ab- bietta Porter Wilkinson. The meetings are held once a month. Although the questions are chiefly confined to our own country, the patriotism of other lands is not forgotten. Washington and his administration, the constitution, quotations from American history, historic homes, men and women of history with five-minute talks, war time, the historical novel, political parties, show the character of their work. Readings and papers. The discussions are informal and enthusiastic.

There is a Domestic Science club composed of ambitious housekeepers who aim at excellence in the important and desirable graces of culinary art, meeting at each other's homes from time to time. Practical demonstrations are often given. The topics vary from the "use of salmon" to "preparations from bread dough."

A Progressive Reading circle take up some of the best books of standard or recent literature. For instance, Nov. 4, 1907, at the home of Mrs. Bent, the lesson for reading and discussion was the first three chapters of "The Little Minister."

City Officers Of Morrison

The Mystic lodge in Round Grove is thought to be the only one of its kind in the United 'States that owns the building in which its meetings are held as well as the ground upon which the structure is located. The hall has lately been enlarged to forty feet in length and further improved by the addition of a stage and two dressing rooms, so it may be utilized for social and dramatic entertainments, parties, balls or other gathering? that very often require a suitable room to assemble in a small place as well as in larger towns than Round Grove. The new hall was formally opened and dedicated in 1907.

The Churches

On one of the southern streets is the Holland church, the largest society in Morrison, and, doubtless, the latest. There are 115 families, 125 scholars in the Sunday school, three catechetical classes, a young ladies society, and a woman's missionary. The sermons are in Dutch, morning and evening, and the congregation so large that the frame edifice must be enlarged. Most of the people live in the country, and some at so great a distance that they must start soon after seven for morning service. The families are patriarchal, from nine to twelve children often. Very punctual, turning out rain or shine. Excellent citizens, having brought from the old country the virtues of thrift, economy, and neatness, live bountifully, and work strenously. The sheds for seventy-five teams and the hitching posts indicate the rural character of the worshipers.

The pastor, Peter John Bouma, was born in the Netherlands, educated partly at Kampen, H., and partly in Michigan. He has been twenty years in America, and five here. Every year he visits every family, occupying two -days every week.

The Methodist Episcopal

On Sunday, May 20, 1906, the Mehodist church was re-dedicated amid great rejoicing. The former edifice was so completely transformed that the present is really a new church on the former site. From the Sentinel of May 17, 1906, we condense the details of the rejuvenated sanctuary. The entire building was raised three feet, and a stone wall laid, making an eight foot basement for dining room, kitchen, fuel and boiler rooms. The main building is 10x60 feet, and the audience room sixty feet square. It is heated by steam. By means of rolling partitions, all of the rooms can be thrown into one spacious auditorium, with ample seating capacity for special occasions. 'The exterior is painted white, the interior decorated, a steel ceiling, walls frescoed, artistic electric light fixtures. There are nine handsome memorial windows, costing $700, given by members of the church. The Good Shepherd in the east was the gift of Mrs. Lucinda Curtis in memory of her husband Cyrus and daughter Eva. On the south, one by J. H. Kennedy, for his father, A. E. Kennedy and his mother, Rachel. Paul preaching on Mars Hill by Charles and Mary McMullen. One by Mark and Phebe Root for their father and mother, John and Elizabeth. On the north side a window given by the Payne family for William and Eliza Payne, and on the opposite one by the Thomas families for G. W. and Mary Thomas. One on the east by Chas. McMullen and the Teller family for Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Woodruff, and another on the west for Mr. and Mrs. I. V. Walker. One on the north by the Epworth League.

The parsonage is on the north. The first was erected in the sixties, but was sold and removed, and the present attractive and modern residence built in 1903, at a cost of $4.200. Taking church and manse together, no more convenient and complete church property in the county.

Like all Western churches, the Methodists in Morrison had their days of struggle. Rev. James McKean, a missionary, held service in a grove in Mt. Pleasant, in the house of James J. Thomas. In 1836 he formed a class, consisting of James T. Thomas and wife, and George 0. James and wife, the first religious organization in Mt. Pleasant. The semi-centennial was celebrated in Morrison, May 1-3, 1887. This M. E. society is really an outgrowth of the Unionville church, organized Oct. 8, 1842, Rev. B. Weed, presiding elder, and Rev. Chester Campbell, preacher in charge. The church belonged to Union Grove circuit, Rock River conference. The circuit included Union Grove, Erie, Wine-hell's Grove or Kingsbury, Lyndon, Otter Bluffs, Albany, Genesee Grove, Fulton, and Rock River Bend. Among the prominent names we find A. C. Jackson, class leader, D. B. Young, local preacher, Samuel Slocumb and Luke Abbey, stewards. The services at Unionville were conducted in school houses until 1855, when a church was erected, Rev. S. B. Baker, being the preacher in charge. In 1858 came the Morrison church, the first sermon preached in July, 1858, at old Concert Hall, by Rev. J. W. Waterbury. It was on the third floor of the building now occupied by the Green Drug Co., and G. W. Robinson. Here the services were held until the removal of the church from Unionville to Morrison in 1862. At a meeting of the society in 1860 at the Baptist church, arrangements were made for the purchase of lots from S. H. McCrea for $300, and the Unionville church for $900, and $100 for the bell which had disappeared. The building was removed and dedicated May 23, 1862. The repairs and removal cost $2,000, In 1858 the Morrison circuit was established, and in 1863 the town was made a station. In 1877 a new church was erected at a cost of $4,808, the old building being remodeled in connection. There was a spire 113 feet high. Rev. H. W. Thomas, D. D., of Aurora, conducted the exercises of dedication, Sunday, Sept 2, 1877.

Since the organization in 1842, the churches in Unionville and Morrison have had 38 pastors, including Rev. M. G. Wenz. At the dedication, May 20, 1906, the sermon was preached by Rev. A. T. Horn, D. D., of Evanston, presiding elder of the Dixon district. On Wednesday, May 23, Rev. A. M. White, of Chicago, former pastor, gave an address. The present pastor, Rev. M. G. Wenz, is a graduate of Northwestern University and Garrett Biblical Institute, and the flourishing condition of the church owes much to his scholarly taste and earnest effort.

There is a membership of about 250, with numerous societies, missionary, ladies' aid, brotherhood, Epworth league, Queen Esther circle. A girl is supported in Porto Rico school. A group of busy workers.

The Presbyterian

On March 28, 1905, this sanctuary was the scene of a solemn and yet delightful celebration. It was the fiftieth anniversary of its organization. Of those who became members in 1855, only four are now living, David Cowan, of Polo; Mrs. Ellen B. Murray, Clear Lake, Iowa; Mrs. Agnes W. Graves, Unionville; and A. J. Jackson, of Morrison. To add interest to the occasion many of the older members were present, Mrs. Leander Smith, Mrs. J. H. Snyder, Mrs. M. S. Heaton, Mrs. W. A. Van Osdol, Mr. and Mrs. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew. Roses and potted plants threw a freshness and charm over the joyous occasion.

After invocation by Rev. W. V. Jeffries, of the Presbyterian, anthem by the choir, and prayer by Rev. M. G. Wenz, of the Methodist church, an historical sketch was read by Mr. A. J. Jackson, cashier of the bank. He has peculiar qualifications for the performance as he is the only member living in the city who belonged to the early organization. From the sketch which was printed in full in the Sentinel we are enabled to glean much valuable information. At Unionville, March 28, 1855, twenty-two persons in all, met to consider the formation of a Presbyterian church. Among them were John and Phebe Vennum, W. H. Lane and Catherine, Henry and Abigail Ustick, N. M. and Harriet Jackson, Win. Lane, Samuel and Frances Miller, Austin and Fanny Martin. Rev. W. C. Mason and Rev. W. W. Harsha were the committee from Presbytery to effect the organization. W. Kier and N. M. Jackson were ordained elders. John Kier and A. J. Jackson were received as members, and the roll was then 24. During the next year nine members were added. For three and a half years, Rev. Jacob Coon acted as stated supply. The first services were held in the Congregational church at Unionville, organized in 1844. During the summer of 1855 the railroad located its station at Morrison, and the young congregation decided to remove thither, in 1858 erected a building, which was replaced in 1883 by the 'present structure. Rev. A. H. Lackey served as supply for two or three years, followed at different times by Armstrong, Kelly, E. Erskine, and others, until the spring of 1863, when Rev. George Paull, a young minister from Pennsylvania, came for five months as he had decided to go as missionary to Corisco, Africa. He soon died there, and was deeply mourned. That autumn, Rev. Geo. T. Crissman was called, laboring with high esteem until 1878. An interval of six months was filled by Rev. W. M. Blackburn, and another of two years by Rev. S. H. Weller. Rev. James Frothingham preached for four years, and on his departure in 1886, Rev. J. W. Skinner was chosen pastor, continuing until his removal to Colorado in 1902. Rev. W. V. Jeffries filled the pulpit until 1907, when Rev. \V. C. Crofts was invited to the vacancy. He is a graduate of McCormick seminary, Chicago, a classmate of Rev. C. G. Richards in Sterling. The membership of the church is 310, with 280 scholars enrolled in the Sunday school, and a C. Endeavor of thirty. The usual missionary and ladies' societies, and a men's brotherhood. William' Fraser, elder, in an article in the Monthly Messenger, Fulton, says the present church, occupied in 1884, cost $15,000, and the organ since installed, $1,800. The board of trustees elected in 1893 consisted o"f A. J. Jackson, Edward Vennum. C. Shirk, Robert. Wallace, and S. M. Ladd.

Church Of The Good Shepherd

This solid brick church stands on the corner of Gl'ove and Cherry streets, and was erected in 1870 at a cost of $11,000. The Universalists formed an organization as early as 1866 with J. R. Bailey. Jesse McKee, W. Twining, G. S. Fullmer and W. Topping, as trustees; J. M. Burtch, secretary and J. Mayo, treasurer. The constitution was signed by 48 persons. The dedication sermon was preached Feb. 16, 1870, by Dr. Ryder, of Chicago. No regular pastors for many years. Rev. J. F. Newton, of Dixon, has been preaching of late on Sunday afternoons, as well as delivering a series of literary lectures on Friday evening.

Worship was held as early as 1857 in houses, and in 1862 the brick church was built. Among the early priests were Kennedy, Ford, Daly, Govern, Gormley. When there is no resident pastor, the priest at Fulton has officiated. The present pastor is Rev. M. A. Dorney, educated at the Jesuits' College in Chicago. There are two hundred souls in the congregation, mostly in the country. An altar society of forty ladies. A neat interior with two rows of pews, and on the walls the usual pictures of the stations of the cross. An elegant new rectory lately completed at a cost of $4,"300. A fine situation on a terrace on west side of Bay street.

The Baptist

This was started like other Morrison churches in Union Grove in its palmy days, and the first services were held by Rev. E. Ingham, a home missionary. In 1854 the society was organized with thirteen members, Timothy Dimick and wife, Sanford Williams and wife, W. H. Pollard and wife, E. A. Pollard and wife, Nancy Lewis, Clarinda Dimick, A. I. Maxwell, N. S. Barlow and wife. The first services in Morrison were at Johnson's Hall. The first building was on corner of Genesee and Park streets, completed in 1857. Rev. L. L. Lansing was first pastor, succeeded by Rev. J. V. Allison, K. W. Benton, A. A. Russell, Deland, Keene, Collins, and others, no pastor remaining a long time. In 1872 a new brick church was erected on corner of Grove and Cherry streets. The membership at one period was 280, but it has declined of late years, and at present there are 108. The minister in charge is Rev. J. W. Kinnett, in his second year. He took a course at Rochester Theological Seminary, University of Chicago, and is now studying for a degree. There are the usual woman's societies, B. Y. P. U., and a Sunday school of 75 pupils.

On the south side is a small Swedish Lutheran church, and near Smith's bank a Christian Science Reading room, open from 1 to 5 P. M., with Sunday services at 10 A. M.

St. Ann'S Episcopal

It was organized, Nov. 22, 1888. The building is frame with a basement for parish meetings. Rev. Edwin Weary, of Sterling, is priest in charge. Finance committee consists of R. Norrish, R. E. Cochran, R. Wood, J. Ritchie, A. Penn. There are 15 families, and 32 members. Three guilds, St. Ann's, ten members; St. Margaret's, twelve; Junior, eight. The work at this mission has been performed mostly by the clergy of Grace church. Sterling. During the summer, students from the Western Theo. Seminary have spent their vacation in Morrison. For ten years St. Ann's had a resident pastor, Rev. Mr. Gear, now rector of Maywood, 111. Before the erection of a church building, services were held in a public hall.

The Whiteside Sentinel

Little Iceland some years ago celebrated her Millennial, a thousand years since her start. America is too young for such a performance. Philadelphia had the Centennial in 1878, and Chicago the Columbus anniversary in 1893. But our semi-centennials are becoming numerous even in the West, and the Sentinel had hers in the issue of July 25, 1907. From a paper of that date, we are glad to give a detailed account of the rise and progress of this long established' journal. The Sentinel says:

Our Fiftieth Anniversary

Fifty years ago - July 23, 1857 - The Sentinel was first issued to the public. No other newspaper now published in Whiteside was then in existence, so that it can be truthfully said that The Sentinel is the oldest paper published in the county.

In 1857 the new town of Morrison, which had been located with the coming of the railroad in the fall of 1855, was beginning to develop, and the citizens felt that a newspaper medium should be established by which its advantages as a commercial point, and its fine location in the midst of one of the most fertile agricultural districts in the State, could be made more generally known. With this in view they invited Mr. Alfred McFadden, who was connected with a paper known as the Fulton Investigator, to take charge of an office in Morrison, which invitation he accepted. They advanced a considerable sum of money to him, which he was to repay in advertising, and copies of the paper. A hand press and a sufficient amount of type to print the paper and do ordinary job work, were purchased, and on the 23rd of July, 1857, the first number of The Whiteside Sentinel, a six-column four-page paper was sent forth to do its work in assisting to build up Morrison and Whiteside county.

The Sentinel was conducted by Mr. McFadden until 1862, when, owing to ill health, he leased it to Elmer Searle for one year. At the expiration of the lease Mr. McFadden resumed its publication, and in 1868 enlarged it to an eight-column four-page paper. In July, 1867, The Sentinel was purchased by Charles Bent and Maurice Savage, who published it until May, 1870, when Mr. Bent became the sole proprietor. He instituted many improvements, and also enlarged the paper to four pages of nine columns each. In July, 1877, Mr. Bent sold the office to Robert W. Welch of New York city, from whom he repurchased -it in March, 1879, in the interim having published a history of Whiteside county, and has since been its proprietor.

From April 1, 1899, to Oct. 1, 1899, the Sentinel was published as a semi-weekly, but subscribers were dissatisfied with the change, and it returned to its original form as a nine-column weekly. On Sept. 28, 1905, it was enlarged to a seven-column, eight-page paper, and since July, 1907, has been published as a twelve-page newspaper.

During the absence of its owner while attending to his official duties as U. S. Pension Agent at Chicago it has been continued under the successful management of Charles Bent, Jr.

The Sentinel adds this hopeful prophecy: The cycle of fifty years has now closed at the commencement of which Morrison with now a population of nearly 3,000, was a hamlet embracing less than 300 people, and the county with its population now of nearly 40,000, containing then only a few thousand inhabitants, and it will not be unreasonable to predict that the next fifty years will bring as great a growth in population and material benefit as the past fifty years have witnessed.

The Morrison Record

The younger of the two weeklies of the city, and a progressive paper. It was founded March 17, 1894, by H. E. Brown. Buell A. Langdon bought one half interest, Sept. 1, 1894, and the firm became Brown & Langdon. This continued till Jan. 1, 1897, when Langdon bought Brown's interest. Langdon was alone till May 1, 1902, when he sold to W. B. Barnes, who ran the paper until Dec. 1, 1904, when C. E. Johnson purchased one half interest, and six months later, the remainder. Since that time, he has been sole editor and proprietor.

The Record is a six-column quarto, or eight pages, well printed, and is a bright, clean, attractive sheet. It has one unusual feature. There are no patent insides, no plate matter prepared in Chicago, and sent broadcast over a hundred counties. Numerous advertisements and a generous supply of local affairs furnish material in plenty for the columns. Republican in politics, and sound in every good cause. The presses are run by gas engines. The office is on the north side of West Main street, and the Record comes out every Thursday. Mr. Johnson is a practical printer, an affable young gentleman, and is rapidly advancing the circulation of his paper.

Various Ventures

The Reform Investigator, started by Elmer Searle in 1868, devoted to financial reform, published at the Sentinel office, was removed in 1870, to Chicago, and perished in the fire of 1871.

During the Greeley campaign of 1872 the Morrison Independent was issued with L. S. Ward as business manager, and J. W. Huett, editor, and discontinued in 1874. In July, 1874, the office was purchased by G. J. Booth and Son, who published the Morrison Times, but after two years, they moved to Rock Falls, and started the Whiteside Times.

In July, 1876, Guernsey Conolly and Frank A. Gore moved their printing office from Lyndon to Morrison, publishing the Morrison Democrat, advocating Tilden's election, but it retired in 1877.

The Factories

As you pass to the west end, over a long building is a huge sign with glaring letters, Libby, McNeill & Libby, Condensed Milk Plant. It was started March 4, 1907, W. P. Page, supt., and employs 45 men and 7 girls. The farmers bring milk in ten-gallon cans. After it is weighed, it is thrown into a large storage tank, and the systematic process begins. The heating in copper kettles, the adding of sugar, the vacuum pan, where steam eliminates water and impurities, the filling of the cans, placing in coolers, and then in barrels of 600 pounds for shipment to bakers and confectioners. After the cans are emptied, they are washed by steam and sterilized. Nothing is left undone to insure perfect cleanliness. The whole building from top to bottom would make a Dutch housekeeper dance for joy. In one room is an array of small bottles on shelves of milk subjected to analysis. As we were informed, these milk plants are a direct benefit to farmers by affording a home market for cash and by increasing the value of the land. It rents for more per acre, and rises in valuation.

The can-making department at the Libby, McNeill & Libby plant made a very respectable reputation for itself one day by turning out 22,037 cans in four hours. The average run is around the 5,000 per hour mark, but on this particular occasion it was stretched a trifle. This department is in charge of Mr. Bernheisel, lately of Rockford.

Not far off is the Refrigerator factory. It was started for the sole manufacture of refrigerators, but to furnish employment at dull seasons of the year, school furniture was added as a sort of by-product. For instance, from May to September, furniture, from September to May, refrigerators. In winter 135 hands are employed. Fifteen years in operation. The chief woods used are elm, ash, and gum. A late innovation in the interior of the refrigerator is the insertion of glass and enamel instead of zinc. More ' ornamental, but increases the price. A perfect fire system with a pressure through the pipes on every floor from their own 51,000 gallon tank. W. H. Colyer, nine years in the works, showed the writer much courtesy.

Senator Trumbull At Morrison

Prof. S. A. Maxwell sends this reminiscence: In the fall of 1866, Sena-* tor Lyman Trumbull addressed a large audience on the political issues. A laughable incident occurred in the middle of his speech. To illustrate a point, he shouted, "Show me a Democrat," and with more emphasis, "Show me a Democrat!" At this juncture, a red-faced, half-witted, and half-intoxicated man arose at the end of the platform, and swinging his hat, shouted, "I belong to that party." Senator Trumbull turned, and taking in the measure of the fellow, scathingly retorted, "Yes, and I think you got into it as Nasby did in the Philadelphia convention, by the color of your nose and the smell of your breath." After the tremendous applause subsided, a local politician called the Senator's attention to the fact that the chap was not sound in mind, not a fair representative of the great party, whereupon Trumbull promptly made an apology, by saying that had he known the mental condition of the fellow, he would not have uttered the retort.

Morrison In U. S. Senate

But Mr. Teller did not remain long enough in Whiteside to become known to the bar or to the people, for adopting Horace Greeley's advice, he removed to Colorado in 1861, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876, Centennial year, when Colorado was admitted to the Union, he was elected to the U. S. Senate, and except three years in the cabinet of President Arthur as secretary of the interior, 1882-1885, has held the office by re-election. His present term expires in 1909. During a late campaign, he spoke in Morrison on the court house grounds. It is somewhat curious that in his sketch in the Congressional Directory, 1906, while the town of his birth, Granger, N. Y., 1830, is given, and the town of his education, Rushford academy and Alfred University, no mention of Morrison or Whiteside. It reads: "In January, 1858, removed to Illinois, and practiced law there until April, 1861."

One of Teller's early cronies during his struggling days in Morrison, was the solemn and dignified A. J. Jackson, cashier of the First National Bank. He always meets the Senator, who regularly visits Morrison to see his sisters when on his way to Washington. They occasionally slept together in an old shack on Main street, since moved away and torn down, whose ceiling was so low that it was impossible to stand erect. They once went to see it, and get a sliver of the tenement that had sheltered their noble frames.

Senator Henry M. Teller, of Colorado, announces that he will return to private life at the expiration of hi^ present term in the Senate in 1909. The Senator, who is in his seventy-ninth year, and in splendid health, said' lately: "I can foresee no contingency that will cause me to again seek election for the Senate. I do not care to give a specific reason for my retirement, beyond the weight of years. By next March I shall have spent a little over thirty-two years at Washington, mostly as Senator from Colorado. I think that is a sufficient time for me to spend in public service, and will retire."

Alpheus Clark Post

This is number 118 G. A. R., and was organized Dec. 6, 1881. Frank Clendenin was first post commander, and by re-election held the office four years. Among the best known of the twenty since are Charles Bent, G. W. Howe, E. W. Payne, and A". J. Jackson. The commander for 1907 was William J. Trye. From 1904 to 1905 was C. W. Mitchell, also a familiar face. The regular meetings are held at the post room on the second and fourth Mondays. Thirty members are given in the blue booklet used by the boys for reference. At the January meeting of the W. R. C., 'No. 116, these officers were installed: Mrs. Phoebe Burch, president; Mabel Fellows, secretary; Mary Davis, treasurer; Mrs. Lasher, senior vice; Miss Alice Harrison, conductor; Miss Cora Hall, assistant conductor; Mrs. Amy Heiss, musician ; Julia Winters, chaplain. Talks from the veterans and a banquet succeeded.

Married Sixty-Two Years

Besides being election day, Tuesday was an important day for at least two people in this city, as that day was the sixty-second anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jotham McKee.- This worthy couple have been residents of Whiteside county for forty-two years, during which time they have lived in Ustick and in this city.

Mr. McKee was born in Jefferson county, New York, October 27, 1821, and was one of a family of nine children. He was a farmer in his native county until January, 1866. He then came to Whiteside county, Illinois, and lived in this city for twelve years, during which time he conducted a meat market. He served in the capacity of constable, also as deputy sheriff, and for ten years was city marshal, and for four years street commissioner. He was a capable officer and served the public by attending to his duties with diligence and efficiency. In 1878 he bought a 160-acre farm in Ustick and moved there, conducting the farm for several years. He retired from the farm a few years ago, and came to this city to reside among his many old friends and acquaintances.

Delight Frink was born November 30, 1824, in Cortland county, New York, and was the daughter of Joseph and Esther Frink, who were natives of New York, as were Mr. McKee's parents. Jotham McKee and Delight Frink were united in marriage April 7, 1846, in New York. They have one son, James, who lives in Rockford, Illinois.

Mr. McKee, though in his eighty-seventh year, is vigorous for one of his age and during the past winter was always among the first to battle with the snow drifts, keeping his walks clean as many younger citizens neglected to do.

Recent Deaths Of Old Settlers

Alfred Heaton, one of the pioneers of Mt. Pleasant, died at his home in Morrison. 1908, after an illness of several weeks. He was nearly eighty-eight years of age and had resided in this township the greater part of the time since 1837.

Alfred Heaton, son of William and Martha Heaton, was born in Jefferson county, New York, April 28, 1820. In 1837, eighteen years before the first railroad was built through this township he came with his family to Mt. Pleasant, Whiteside county, Illinois, and located on section 3. In Unionville, May 11, 1845, he was married to Eliza J. Robertson, who died May 29, 1895, shortly after they had celebrated their fiftieth anniversary.

In 1850 Mr. Heaton crossed the western plains and the Rockies with a company going to California in search of gold. They traveled the entire distance with oxen and wagon. A year and a half later Mr. Heaton returned by way of Panama.

When the Civil war broke out he enlisted with Company C, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and served until September, 1862, in the same regiment which his son enlisted in later.