Paw Paw Township

Paw Paw Township

Paw Paw Township is a fine body of land, principally rolling prairie. There are within its borders three groves, - Paw Paw, Ross and Coon Grove, - the first named extending into Lee County. The township is well watered by the Big Indian Creek and its numerous tributaries.

The natural advantages of timber and water attracted settlers here at an early day. David A. Towne was 'doubtless the first, locating here in the spring of 1835, and erecting his log cabin on the southwest quarter of section 19, on what is now known as the Pierpont Edwards place. Mr. Towne broke a few acres and made his home here till the following year, when he transferred his claim to his brother, Russell Towne, and removed to the adjoining township on the west, now Wyoming, Lee County, where he resided the remainder of his life.

The next to locate here was the Harris and Butterfield party, who came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in July, 1835. The party was composed of Rev. Benoni

Harris, a Methodist Episcopal -minister, and family; Benjamin Harris, son of Benoni, and family ; Edward Butterfield and family ; John Plass and family ; and L. D. McDowell and Joseph Harris, two single men.

Benoni and Benjamin Harris, with their families, settled on the northwest quarter of section 14. Rev. Benoni Harris was the pioneer preacher of this region, and labored faithfully in his holy calling, both as a mission and circuit preacher. His wife, Thankful Harris, was the first to die in the new settlement. Her death occurred in the spring of 1836. She was buried in the grove on the west side of the road on section 19. The venerable pastor died in 1845 and was buried beside her. Benjamin Harris moved to Iowa in 1854, entered the army in the late war, and died some years later.

Edward Butterfield made his first claim on the west side of the county line, but the following year he moved into Paw Paw Township, making his claim on the west side of section 19. He continued to reside in Paw Paw until 1852, when he removed to Iowa. He returned in 1864 and died two years later. Solomon V. Butterfield, his son, is the only representative of the first colony now residing in the township, and from whom the historian obtained much valuable information.

S. 1). McDowell, who came here a single man, married Delilah Harris, July 4, 1836. Miss Harris was the youngest daughter of Rev. Benoni Harris. This was the first marriage in the township. Their daughter, Mary E., born in the summer of 1837, is believed to have been the first white child born in the township. The honor is also claimed for Caroline Towne, daughter of David A. Towne, who is said to have been born in the spring of that year. Mr. McDowell and family continued residents of the township for several years, and then moved West.

Asahel Baldwin kept the stage house and was the first Postmaster at Paw Paw Grove. He remained but a few years and then removed towards the setting sun.

William Rogers located at what is now East Paw Paw, where he kept a tavern until 1842, when he sold to Jacob Wirick. He built the first house on the site of the village. Of this man, Boies thus speaks:

" Bill Rogers was a marked character. He was bold as a lion, tall and straight as an Indian. He sometimes acted as detective of criminals, and sometimes, it is said, in the character of principal. An exciting story is told of his arrest of a huge, powerful negro, who had hitherto defied all efforts to capture him. Rogers met him on the prairie when both were unarmed, and, after a fight lasting over an hour, succeeded in pinioning his arms, handing him over to the officers, and securing the large reward offered for his capture. Rogers was the contractor to remove the Indians from this country to their new homes west of the Mississippi. Five or six years ago [Boies wrote in 1868] an early citizen of this county, crossing the plains to California, was astonished to meet him far beyond civilization, dressed in Indian costume, and mounted on a wild mustang, with long hair and beard as white as snow, still hale and hearty, and^lill a pioneer."

But few settlements were made in the township until 1841, when settlers began to come in quite rapidly. Among those who came between 1841 and 1846 were Matthew Nisbitt, Jacob Wirick, Moses, Marcus A. and Eli Bartlett, Alonzo M. La Port, Dennis Connell, Thomas, William, James and Robert Harper, James McFarland, Vincent Breese, Robert Hampton and A. W. Lake.

Some of the earliest settlers at Paw Paw were no credit to the community, and from suspicious circumstances surrounding them were supposed to be members of the horse-thieving and counterfeiting fraternity. But they were not allowed to remain long, the better elements buying and forcing them out.

Rev. Benoni Harris was, without doubt, the first to preach the gospel of Christ in this region of country. He was an old man when he came to the county, but lived some years to do good as he had opportunity. He died at the grove, at the age of 84. Meetings were held at private houses until the erection of school-houses, wheu services were held therein. Services were held at the house of Marcus Bartlett in the summer of 1845, Rev. Win. Atkinson, a young Congregational minister, officiating. He traveled a circuit of forty miles on foot for several months.

A society of United Presbyterians was organized at Ross' Grove in 1854, Rev. Mr. Freetly, Pastor. The first church in the township was built by this society, assisted by the Presbytery, and by liberal donations from New York State and from neighboring people. The idea of building a church at that time is said to have originated with Daniel McFarland, a visitor from the East. He proposed the building, and offered to give $100 toward it, which he subsequently did. Among those who took an active part in building were the Harper Brothers, Matthew Nisbitt, Moses Bartlett James McFarland, Alexander Lyons. John Dennis and O. D. Miller. The church, a large wooden structure, was erected in 1861, and dedicated in the spring of 1862, Rev. Samuel F. Thompson officiating. The membership numbered about 45. The church is located on section 1 1, and has for some years not been used.

The first school in the township was held at the house of Benjamin Harris in the summer of 1836, Rev. Benoni Harris being the teacher. It was a private school. The first school-house was erected in the north end of Ross' Grove in 1846, and the first .term of school bjgan December i, Thomas Burns being the teacher. The house was of logs, split and set upon end, chinked and plastered with mud. The first frame school-house was built on the present site of the house in District No. 2, and erected in 1850.

A joint stock-company was organized at East Paw Paw for the purpose of building and conducting a seminary at that point. The building was completed and opened in 1855, with Elder Jessup as principal. The venture did not prove a success, and the building was sold to the school district for a public school, either to the district or people, a company was formed, another building erected, and the East Paw Paw Classical Seminary began operations, with D. D. McGibbony as principal. The building burning down December, 1870, the district turned over to the company the building first erected. Mr. Frazer succeeded Mr. McGibbony, and in turn was succeeded by J. H. Beitel, the principal now in charge. The school has always maintained a high reputation, but, owing to many villages springing up within a radius of a few miles, it has not met with the financial success it deserves. The present Trustees are Robert Hampton, C. H. Card, Henry Dickinson, Henry Boardman, O. D. Edwards. William Patrick, J. B. Hyde, Robert Boston and William Weddell. The institution is now known as the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary.

George I. Talbot, County Superintendent, in his annual report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following interesting facts in relation to the public schools: There were ten school districts, three of which had school less than no days during the year. In each of the districts was a frame schoolhouse, the total value of all being $4,800. There were 340 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 231 were between the ages of 6 and 21. Of this number 182 were enrolled in the schools. Twenty-two teachers had been employed, receiving a salary on an average of $29.30 per month, the highest being $40 and the lowest $20. The tax levy was $2,220.

A postoffice was established at Ross Grove at an early day. In 1849 Wheeler Hedges was Postmaster. His receipts for the year were $1.09. It is not probable the office was established before 1848. According to John Wentworth, Moses Bartlett was Postmaster in 1851, George V. Miner in 1853, Charles Davis in 1855. Daring that year H. H. Clark was appointed and removed to its present site at the cross roads. Matthew Nisbit succeeded Clark, and the office was then successively held by J. L. Holmes, John Freetly and Charles Davis. Others held it for short intervals until 18^7, when the incumbent, Asa Demming, was appointed.

A postoffice was established under the name of Paw Paw Grove in 1837, with Asahel Baldwin as Postmaster. Mr. Baldwin was succeeded the following year by William Rogers, who held it until 1840, when he was succeeded by Charles Morgan

In 1842 Hiram Wood was appointed and held it for several years, being succeeded by A. B. Breese. Succeeding him, in turn, the office was held by Walter Hyde, George Brownlow, H. A. Van Riper and Benjamin Lobdell, the latter being appointed in 1884. The receipts of the office in 1837 were $2.87.

The village of East Paw Paw is situated on the west line of the county on section 7, on the old Chicago and Galena stage road. The village lies partly in De Kalb and partly in Lee County, and contains one general store and postoffice, conducted by Benjamin Lobdell, a wagon and carriage shop by H. S. Dickinson, and a hotel and blacksmith-shop. It boasts of the educational establishment already mentioned - the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary. It also has two churches, a union and Methodist Episcopal.

The first house was built at this point by William Rogers, in 1837, and used as a public house. He sold out to Mr. Jacob Wirick in 1842. The latter enlarged the building and named it the Paw Paw House. He conducted it successfully as a public house for many years.

Before the building of the railroad south of the grove, East Paw Paw became quite a flourishing village, and was considered one of the best trading points for miles around. At one time there were two general merchandise stores, a drug store, and other places of business here.

The " Chicago road " (sj called) which crosses the township from east to west, entering on the east near the northeast corner of section 12, takes a general westerly course, and leaves the township near the southwest corner of section 7.

This road is historic for the reason that it was the great thoroughfare in early days for travel and freighting between Chicago and Galena and the country west to the Mississippi. Over this road in the pioneer days rolled the heavy leather-spring Concord coaches, loaded inside and out with eager land-seekers and speculators, while the heavy freight wagons plodded their slow way, following each other in quick succession. Over this road, the farmers of those days, whose homes lay westward of this township, hauled their surplus produce to Chicago.

The Paw Paw Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was organized Sept. 6, and began business Sept. g, 1881. The first officers were: .Simeon E. Hyde, Pres.; Spencer Griffeth, Secy; R. F. Hampton, Treas. The company has written about $100,000 worth of business. The business is limited to Paw Paw Township. Losses are paid within 60 days by assessments on the members.

The assessed valuation of lands and personal property in this township for 1884, is as follows: Lands, $337,707 ; personal property, $101,533. Total, $439,240. The State Board of Equalization, that it might conform to the low assessments made in other counties, reduced the total to $391, 975. Among the articles assessed were horses, 1,015 '-> neat cattle, 3,268; mules and asses, 28; sheep, 965, hogs, 3,865 ; melodeons and organs, 45 ; pianos, 4 ; carriages and wagons, 334 ; watches and clocks, 226. The total number of acres of improved land is 24,032, the largest number of any township in the county.

ship of Pierce, so named in honor ot Franklin Pierce, who at the time of its organization was just inaugurated as President of the United States. It is bound on the east by Kane County, on the north by Cortland Township, on the south by Squaw Grove, and on the west by Afton. The headwaters of the Big Rock Creek are in this township. It is a prairie f country, the northern half being undulating, while the southern half is rather flat. It has been an excellent wheat country in the past, and in 1870 % it produced more of that cereal than any other [ township in the county.

He located in the north part of the township in 1 847. During that year John Lasher, a native of Pennsylvania, and Jacob F. Plapp, a native of Germany, came and selected their future homes. Lasher selected the southeast quarter of section 24. He built a substantial frame house, lived there until 1853, when he sold out and removed to Iowa. He now lives in Dubuque. Plapp selected the northeast quarter of section 24, but did not permanently settle until about two years later. He died on the homestead in January, 1885.

Jacob Lintner came from Lake Co.,111., and located on section 25. He was born in Dauphin Co., Penn.f in 1799. His wife was Frances SharTher, also of the same county and State. In 1828 they settled in Richland Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1844, when they settled in Lake Co., 111. Mr. Lintner died on the homestead in 18150. His widow successfully managed the farm until her death, March 23, 1883. They had eight children, only one of whom is now a resident of the township - Mrs. Frederick Hoffman.

There were a number of arrivals in 1849, among whom were Henry Ramer, Christian Meyer, George Eberly, David Gerlach, Bernard Milnamow, Thomas Gormley, Malachi Henaughan, John Allen and Josiah Jacob. Ramer was from Pennsylvania. He settled on section 27, and there died. Meyer also settled on section 27. He now resides in Sandwich. Eberly was also from Pennsylvania. He located on section 26. He died here. His son, George, lives on the same section. Gerlach chose for his home a portion of section 24. He is now dead, but has two sons living in the township, Samuel on the homestead and Anderson on section 14. Henaughan located on section 19. He is now dead. Two sons survive him, who yet reside in the township. Milnamow, Allen and Gormley all yet reside in the township. All arc Irishmen.

Among other pioneers of the township were Levi and Moses Hill, Thomas Halloran, P. Home, P. Dunn, L. Hennegan, John Ferrick, the Butlers and Dillons.

The first school in the township was taught by William J. Bates, in 1850, on section 8. The schoolhouse was made of split poles. Mr. Bates taught 21 terms in that district. In relation to the present status of the public schools of the township, the following items are gleaned from the report of the County Suprintendent of Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884 : There were 416 persons in the township under 21 years of age, of whom 296 were over six. Of this number 272 were enrolled in the public schools. There were eight districts, each having a frame school-house, the total value of which was estimated at $6,250. Each district had school over no days during the year, in which 24 teachers were employed, receiving an average monthly salary of $34.43, the highest being $45 and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $2,220.

Elder Wilcox was probably the first to preach Christ and Him crucified in the township. There are in 1885 two Church organizations - the Evangelical Association and the Lutherans.

The first meetings of those holding the views of the Evangelical Association were held at the house of John Lasher about 1849, near the county line. The people of Kane and De Kalb Counties met together to worship in private houses on both sides of the line for some years. Revs. Hall, Rockuts and Weldy were the first preachers. John Shoop was the first class-leader and Jacob Lintner exhorter. Among the first members were David Gerlach and wife ; Benjamin Moss and wife; John Shoop and wife; George Eberly and wife ; Jacob Lintner and wife ; John Kuter and wife ; J. F. Plapp and wife ; John Bartmeis and wife ; John Schwitzer and wife ; Valentine Hummel and wife ; Christopher Hummel and wife; John Lesher and Peter Hummel. About 1850 a church building was erected on the southwest quarter of section 24. It is a frame structure, and still in use. It was dedicated by Bishop Esher, of Chicago. The society owns a parsonage conveniently located near the church. There are now 150 members connected with the society. Peter Hummel, Jacob Kunes and Oscar Ramer are the class-leaders; Andrew Gerlach, Thomas Shoop, Fred. Lentz and George Schule, stewards ; Peter Hummel, Fred. Lentz, George Ramer, George Schule and J. Kuter, trustees. Rev. Jacob K. Schultz is the present pastor. Services are held in German and English. A Sabbath-school is connected with the Church, with Jacob Weber superintendent.

The first meetings of the Lutheran Church were held at the school-house in District No. 2, in 1870, and were conducted by Rev. John Andreas, from Somonauk. An organization was effected embracing the families of Henry Rath, Peter Conse, Charles Dellenbach, Joseph Dellenbach, Demst, George Motz, Frank Redeleperger, August Conse, Henry Schmidt, Henry Anspach, Hartman Schule and William Nehring. The society met for worship in the schoolhouse until 1872, when a neat frame church build- 5 ing was erected on the northeast quarter of section C 33. which, together with the furniture, cost $2,400. j There are now 20 families belonging to the society.

Pierceville postoffice was established in 1854, with Moses Hill as postmaster. His commission was dated February 21, 1854. The office was at his house, which was on the route from Sycamore to Cortland. Mail was received from each direction twice a week. In 1857 Mr. Hill resigned, after which time, until 1879, various persons held the office, until 1879, when Mr. Hill was reappointed. He served until 1883, when George Schule was appointed, and is the incumbent. Mail is received three times each week from Hinckley.

The first birth in the township was that of a child of John Lesher, in .1849. The second birth was that of Mary Jane Meyer, daughter of Christian Meyer, born October 6, 1850. She is now the wife of Valentine Hummel.

The first death was that of Jacob Lintner. He was first buried on his farm, but his remains were subsequently removed and interred in the cemetery of the Evangelical Association.

Piti« e Tciwiifit Ip a 188} had 22,351 acres of improved land, valued at $291,915, as reported by the local assessor. The personal property, according to the same authority, was valued at $56,756. This total of $348,67 i was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $315,293. Among the items of personal property assessed this year were the following; Horses, 624 ; cattle, 2,35 1 ; mules and asses, 24 : sheep, 53; hogs, 2,092 ; carriages and wagons, 160; watches and clocks, 125; sewing and knitting machines, 102; pianos, 6 ; melodeons and organs, 26.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of DeKalb County, Illinois, by Gross, Lewis M, published 1907; 2,413 words in this source stream.

Paw Paw Township

Paw Paw township forms the southeast corner of De Kalb county. Having the advantages in surface and soil of a rolling prairie, it has the distinction of having the greatest dumber of improved acres of any township in the county. It has twenfy-four thousand and thirty-two acres in a high state of cultivation. Yen- little of the township is too flat for the plow. It also, having within its borders three valuable and beautiful woodlands known as Ross Grove, Coon Grove and Paw Paw Grove, naturally attracted those seeking homes in the west at a very early dav.

Paw Paw township derives its name from one of the groves, in which are still found some of the once numerous paw paw trees with their peculiar and juicy fruit. The Big Indian creek and its many tributaries, which run through the township, furnish it with a good supplv of pure.

running water. Along its banks were once the favorite haunts of the noble red man. Here the celebrated Shabbona, chief of the Pottowattomies, with bis tribe, was accustomed to camp when water and game were scarce in our sister township which bears this heroic chief's name. Here, too, dwelt, for a time the chief Wabonsie, whom history remembers by his daring deeds and bloody crimes committed while on the warpath, but whom, rather than be a aeighbor to the "pale face" disappeared toward the setting sun.

Paw Paw township became the permanent home of the white man in 1834. when David Towne settled on the. southwest quarter of section 19, which is now the home of Charles M. Smith. Mr. Towne arriveil late in the autumn and did little that winter except build a cabin and hunt, the latter being no great task at that time, as the proves and creek bottoms afforded an abundant supply of deer, nrairie wolves, wild cats and an occasional hear, also wild turkey-, geese, duck-, prairie chicken-, etc. Mr. Towne was joined this winter by his brother Russell Towne. to whom the next spring he transferred his claim for the consideration of a week's work. David, previous to transferrins his claim to his brother, entered a claim in Lee county, near the present site of West Paw Paw. where he spent the remainder of his life.

The hot days of July, 1835. found another party of weary pioneers camped near the present site of Polio. The party was composed of Rev. Benoni Harris, a Methodist minister, and family: his son. Benjamin Harris, and family. John Plass and family; Edward Butterfield and family; Joseph Harris and Louis McDowell, two single men. They were soon followed 1>\ R. Baldwin and Joseph Ross and family, who first settled near the grove which now bears the latter's name.

Of the above named, Rev. Benoni Harris, volumes might be written, but space will here permit only to be said that no community need feel prouder of its pioneers than doe- Paw Paw township of this venerable man of God. of whom it may be truthfullv said: "His soul was spotless.'' He never ceased in the upbuilding of the naked country, whose fortune was "to be blessed with such a man." Although seventv years of age when be settled in this township we find him for the next ten years preaching to and teaching the good.

the bad, the white and red man alike with untiring energy. His wife, Thankful Harris, the first on whom death called in this new settlement, was buried in 1836 on what is now the Atherton farm, section 19. Mr. Harris traveled but a few more miles on the rough highway of life and was laid to rest beside her in 1845. About one hundred and fifty yards west of the farm house of William Atlnrton stands side by side two small marble shafts, one of which bears this inscription: "My Beloved Wife, Thankful Harris." The other has Masonic emblems and the name "Benoni Harris. At Rest."

Edward Butterfield continued to reside in this township until 1852, when he removed to Iowa, returning two years later. He died in 1854. The first white child born in this settlement was Caroline Towne daughter of Russell and Roxana Towne, in 1830. S. 1). McDowell, becoming tired of a lonely life of "single blessedness." married Miss Delilah Harris, youngest daughter of Rev. Benoni Harris in 1836. This was the first marriage in the township. To them the following year was born a daughter. Mary E.. the second white child born in the county.

Among those who came to the township in 1836 were Asahel Baldwin, William Rogers, Joseph Alcot, dob Morgan and T. Bannigan. Asahel Baldwin was the first tavern keeper and postmaster at I 'aw Paw Grove. After a few years he removed to Missouri. William (Bill) Rogers settled on the present site of East Paw Paw and built the first house in this village in 1837. He conducted his house as a tavern, known as the Paw Paw House, until 1842, when he sold to J. Wirick and went west. The old Wirick House was for years a flourishing tavern and many a tired, hungry and dirty traveler was refreshed under its roof. Jacob Wirick was proprietor for fourteen years.

Paw Paw in early days was headquarters for crimes and dishonorable deeds, which gave the community an unenviable reputation. This, however, was no fault of the majority of the inhabitants, but misdemeanors were committed by a small band of men supposed to have consisted of Wyram, better known as "Bogus" Gates. "Bill" Rogers, John Bryant and others, whose many underhanded and suspicious acts branded them as members of a horse thieving and counterfeiting gang. They often had large sums of money in their possession which could be accounted for in no other way than by their own manufacture. At one time part of the gang was imprisoned for horse thieving, the two stolen animals being found in the Gates barn. They escaped from the penitentiary, however, and lived for many years to commit deeds of atrocity. As the country became more thickly settled the marauders lived very uncomfortable lives and took up the western march to the newer country, where there were less numerous objections to their way "I gaming a livelihood.

In early days, before banks with their safety deposit vaults had found their way to De Kalb county, it sometimes happened that the settlers accumulated good round sums of money and these for safe keeping were buried deep in the ground in some unfrequented spot. Years after the "wild cat" days had passed a sum of eight hundred dollars was found by Harris* Breese and a companion buried in a place near where a fence had been built.

But few settlements were made until 1842, when settlers came quite rapidly, among the earliest of whom was Jacob Wirick and family. Of Mr. Wiriok's family of ten children but one, Nancy, wife of H. S.. Dickinson. J. P.. remains in the township. To Mrs. Dickinson the writer is indebted fnv the early history of Paw Paw township. She has been a continued resident of Paw Paw township for over fifty-six years and recalls the early history of this township with a vividness as though it were but a fortnight.

Among those who made Paw Paw township their home within the next five years were: Marcus and Eli Bartlett. Alonzo M. La Porte, Dennis Connell, Thomas, William. James and Bobert Harper, James McFarland, Vincent Breese, Almond Lake and Bobert Hampton. We are indebted also to Bobert, Hampton for the assistance of his diary and excellent memory for information regarding the early history of this township. Although Mr. Hampton at this writing- is seventv-seven years of age, he walks with much of the elastic step which characterized him among the early settlers. Daily may he be seen astride his favorite horse going to his nearest postoffice. East Paw Paw. or more properly called Paw Paw Grove, for his mail.

Up to December, 1846, there had been no schoolhouse erected. Benjamin Harris, however, had kept a private school at his home since 1836. Now all felt the need of better >chool facilities, and the 1st. day of December, 1840. found the youth for miles around, with Thomas Burns as master, assembled in the first schoolhouse built in Paw- Paw township, on the aorth side of Ross Grove. This edifice of learning was made of logs split and set upon end. chinked and plastered. The first frame Echoolhouse was built in 1850 and is now a part of the residence of William Stone. East Paw Paw.

A stock company was organized and built a seminarv al East Paw Paw in 1855, but the movement did not prove a success that. time, so the building was sold to the school district. In 1868 a new and better seminary was built and the school started once more, as the East Paw Paw Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminarv. In less than two years this tine building was destroyed by lire and the district turned the old building over to the seminary. Tt continued for several years under the above name and no school in this section of the state has turned out a better class of graduates. Among those who were fortunate enough to receive the advantages of this school are clergymen, lawyers, editors and teachers, of whom any community may justly be proud.

The fire that occurred in 1870 put a damper on the school for a time, but it was not lasting and in a few years it was better than ever before. For many years a paper called ''The Students' Offering" was published in connection with the school and from its columns and the memory of some of the old pupils we are enabled to record many facts of interest, In 1860 D. D. McGibeny, with his wife, both graduates of Alfred University, started west for the purpose of establishing a school. For two years t li -\ followed their chosen line of work in Wisconsin, but the war had such a depressing influence that they were forced to abandon it. Mr. McGibeny took up the insurance business, and while following this work became acquainted with William E. Rosette, one of the trustees of the East Paw Paw graded schools, and was engaged as teacher, which position he held for vears. He was about to leave to follow his long cherished plan, when the idea struck Paw Paw people that they might build up such an institution there and retain Professor McGibeny. Hence the seminary was built through much difficulty and untold work and planning on the part of Professor McGibeny. The building committee consisted of D. D. McGibeny, C. C. Breed, Robert Bampton, D. R. Fuller and .). 0. Stanton. For a few years school was beld in the unfinished building and just as it was completed the hand of an incendiary reduced it to ashes. From that time until the close of the life of the institution school was held in the old building.

The first corps of teachers consisted of Professor McGibenj and wife, S. N. Fish. M. D., and J. 0. Stanton. McGibeny and Stanton did most of the teaching. Some of the ether early teachers were Ernest C. Eaton, Mattie J. Fish. Ellen Persons, James W. Shank-. Leroj M. Averill, W. II. Conn. C. E. Rosette, Leroj S. Norton, Charles Smolt and W. N". Low. The course of study consisted of Greek, metaphysics, natural sciences. French, drawing, oil and photograph painting. Latin, mathematics, German, physiology and the laws of health, vocal and instrumental music, etc., and the common branches of education.

A seminary having been built at South Pawpaw on the In between De Kalb and Lee counties. and another at West Pawpaw, a few miles distant, a rivalry sprang up ami they eventually destroyed each other. As the patronage was insufficient to support them they finally became common schools. The first church was built at Ross Grove in 1861, the second near the present site of Rollo, and the third at East Pawpaw.

Pawpaw township sent one hundred and thirtyseven men to the Civil war. There were but four townships in De Kalb county which sent more men to the front. Fifteen of her citizens are known to have lost their lives during that struggle. Three of these belong to the Hyde family, a family still prominent in the affairs of the town. John Densmore Dole killed at Stone River, a bullet piercing his brain. He had stooped to relieve a wounded soldier and while doing this service lost his life. His grandfather was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill, while giving a drink to a wounded comrade. The bod)' was recovered through the entreaties of his mother to General Rosecrans and he was buried in the South Pawpaw cemetery. Pawpaw not only gave one hundred and thirty^ seven men to the Civil war, but sent two to the war with Mexico : Alonzo LaPort and Peleg Sweet. If, sent three soldiers to the Spanish-American war: Clarence Dunton, Benjamin Atherton and C. Goble.

Hon. Robert Hampton, one of the honored citizens of De Kalb county, came to Pawpaw in the early '40s. He served his township many years as supervisor, was elected county treasurer and member of the state Legislature. His son, R. F. Hampton, prominent in town affairs, also served his town four years as supervisor. Other men prominent in political affairs of Pawpaw were H. M. Boardman. a sketch of whom appears in this work; Jesse Cory and his son David, who were both prominently identified with the affairs of their town and county. Simeon E. Hyde was prominent as a financier, was a man well known in La Salle and De Kalb counties, while his son, George Hyde, is at present serving his town as supervisor. Alonzo LaPort, a veteran of the Mexican war. owning a thousand acres of land in his town, was one of its early ,pioneers, serving his town faithfully in many capacities, and is at present a resident of West Pawpaw. His son. Frank LaPort, is a large landowner and successful business man and is well known throughout the countv.

The supervisors from this town arc: Pierpont Edwards, William Shepherdson, Robert Hampton, A. Dole, N. H. Powers, S. E. Shepherdson, Cornelius W. Quilhot, Henry M. Boardman, John Harper, Alonzo LaPort, James Harper, David Cory, Frank Hampton and George Hyde.