Portland Township

Portland Township

Seely Clerk. The following named officers were elected to represent the new township: George Paddock for Supervisor; D. D. Dickinson, Clerk; J. S. Logan, Assessor ; Levi Fuller, Collector ; A. T. Brackin, Overseer of the Poor; D. Underhill, Richard Brown, H. Burke, Levi Fuller, R. M. Besse, Constables ; and J. T. Welding, Justice of the Peace. Paddock and Dickinson served but a short time and then resigned. A special election was called to fill their places, July 8, 1852. Bacchus Besse was elected Supervisor, and Alphonzo Brook, Clerk.

When Whiteside County was attached to Ogle County, this territory formed a part of the Crow Creek Precinct. In 1837, the Commissioners' Court of Ogle County formed it into the Precinct of Prophetstown, which embraced all the territory in the county lying south of Rock River. The following year the name was changed to Portland. In 1840 it was subdivided into three Precincts, a part taking the old name of Prophetstown, a part that of Rapids, and the remainder Portland. As now organized the township of Portland embraces all that part of Congressional township 19 north, range 4 east, lying south of Rock River, and also that portion of Congressional township 19 north, range 3 east, lying south of Rock River, containing in all 22,243 acres of ground. Its surface is generally level, though in the northeastern part there are some high lands. The soil is a sandy loam in the main. There are many sloughs, and what is called the Big Slough extends up into the township. It is well timbered and quite liberally watered. It is better adapted for stock-raising than for agricultural purposes. In Indian times it was a favorite hunting ground. Norman B. and Alexander J, Seely, brothers, were the first settlers in the township, coming about the ist of June, 1834. They came from Genesee County, N. Y., and located on section i. Ebenezer, an elder brother, who had been living with his parents in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., joined them in September. He first went to Michigan, expecting to find his brothers there, but they had pushed on Westward. Leaving their location, he hurried on to the Prairie State to find them. Mitchell Ruxton came in about this time, and this quartette, it might be said, made up the population of this township for this year. They put up some cabins in the grove, which gave them shelter through the winter. Glowing accounts had gone back East oi the grand Western Empire, which brought a large immigration the following year to Illinois. Among those settling in Portland were Horace Burke, Wm. H. Cushman, Simon Fuller, Simon Chaffee, Alphonzo Brooks, Horace G. Seely and Bacchus Besse.

In 1836 some 20 families came in, among them Levi Fuller, Sr., with a family often children. From this time on the population of Portland Township rapidly increased. Simon Fuller located on section 15, Horace Burke on section 16. Ebenezer Seely, more familiarly known as Col. Seely, made a claim afterwards on section 6, in what is now Prophetstown Township, in the history of which more particular mention will be made. Norman Seely, in 1835, planted the first crop.

During the first years of the settlement the people had to go to Chicago to do their trading. They would drive their hogs there, and often sell them at the rate of $2 a hundred. They felt quite happy when a trading place was opened to them at Albany, on the Mississippi.

The first school taught in the township was by D. F. Cole, at the house of Simon Fuller, on section 15, in the winter of 1836-7. The first death is reported to be that of a son of Alonzo Brooks, who died in 1837. The first birth was a daughter to the wife of Norman B. Seely, in the fall of 1834. She was named Mary. The second birth was a daughter of Alexander J. and Philena Seely, a year later.

The first religious society organized was that of the Presbyterians, in 1839, at Sharon, on section 29. It was in a school-house, Rev. Mr. Wilcox presiding. The Church rapidly increased, and in 1841 a building was erected, which was the first church structure put up in the township. A parsonage was afterwards added. The first mail came through in 1836, but no postoffice was established until 1852, which was at Jefferson Corners, with Benj. Dow as postmaster.

In 1840 there were voters enough in Portland to make the Presidential campaign quite lively. Whig whisky, as well as Democratic whisky, was plenty during that campaign, but the Whig whisky, or General Harrison's popularity, prevailed.

In 1838 a road was laid out, running from Fulton City through Parker's Grove, in Garden Plain Township ; thence along by Winchell's Grove, and crossing at Crandall's Ferry on Rock River; thence into Portland. The first nursery planted in Portland Township, and the first in Whiteside County, is credited to Nathaniel Norton, in 1837. This enterprise was a succsss, and many of the early settlers are indebted to Mr. Norton's- happy foresight for their early fruit.

through the township in the afternoon of June the 5th, crossing Rock River in the vicinity of Crandall's Ferry. It demolished everything along its pathway, tearing up trees and plowing up the ground. Its course was through Mr. Rowe's farm. His house was demolished and two of his sons killed, and his daughter was so seriously injured that she never fully recovered. He was also badly injured. A stake from a fence killed one of his sons, being thrown with such force as to pass entirely through his body. Many of Rowe's cattle were also killed. John P. Fuller was at Horace Burkes house when the tornado struck it. The house was nearly leveled to the ground, and he was carried some six rods and thrown against a sapling, and badly hurt. The physicians tried to- bleed him, but it was six hours before they could get any blood. He says he never has recovered from that ride. Mr. Burke also received injuries, but his family escaped, except a son, who received a severe kick from a cow that had been transported about half a mile from Rowe's farm, and set down on Mr. Burke's hot cook-stove. He lost several head of cattle, horses and hogs. A new barn, which he had but recently completed, was taken up and carried some distance, passing over his house and scattering the grain all about. The tornado was not at all selfish in its visitations, but called at Daniel Blaisdell's, tearing down almost everything, and at A. T. Brackin's and Robert Mead's ; but no further bodily injury was done to the people than mentioned above.

Col. Seely started the first saw-mill in the township, which was located on section i. He organized a company, consisting of himself, R. M. and P. B. Besse, A. Adams, D. D. Dickinson and George Paddock. This was a steam-power mill, and their engine was purchased at Springfield, Mass. A stone was afterwards put in and grists were ground. This mill commenced sawing lumber in 1852. An effort was made to start a town here, which was called Port land ; and when the route for the Clinton Branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was being laid out, strong exertions were made to secure the line through this town, but Prophetstown got it, and the road then deflected to the northward. The trading place now is chiefly at Spring Hill and Prophetstown. Portland is a good agricultural township, and is among the first in raising stock.

Many of the early settlers are still living in the township; some of them have moved away, and some have- died. Norman B. Seely died at his home, in 1874, at the age of 65. Alexander J. Seely left for Texas at an early day, having had a difficulty with an Indian, which resulted in the killing of the latter. He went into the Mexican War and was killed. Levi Fuller died in 1856, at his home.

Col. Seely speaks of an elephant's tusk which his son David found at an early day in the sand on the shore of Rock River. It was over four feet long, five feet in diameter, and weighed 32 pounds The Colonel had it sent to Barnum's Museum.

From the County Superintendent's annual report for the year ending June, 1884, the following information regarding schools has been gathered : There are ten school districts in the township, in one of which there is a graded school. The school property was valued at $7,900. In the ten districts there are nine frame and one brick building; of persons under 21 years of age there were 543, of whom 482 were of scholastic age, 332 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers per month was $90, the lowest $25. The tax levy was $2,230. SUPERVISORS.

PHIS village is located in Portland Township, on sections 21 and 28, the section line dividing the town. Atone time it was quite a flourishing town, but latterly it has not been so prosperous, as the trade from the township has gone elsewhere. It was founded by Levi and Horace Fuller, who opened a general supply store in 1850. They carried on the business here for several years, when they closed up. In 1852 a mail route, running from Rock Island to Princeton, by way of Spring Hill, was established, and Lewis D.

Crandall was the mail-carrier. Levi Fuller received his appointment as Postmaster for this place in 1853. E. W. Clapper is the present Postmaster.

Spring Hill has telephone connections with the different towns of the county, and this, with a daily mail service by stage, makes up to a great extent for the loss of a railroad. The town is located in thu midst of a rich farming country, and it is possible that it may take on a new growth.

Business Interests

A. D. Booth & Co. carry quite a large stock of general merchandise, and have also agricultural implements. They have been in business here since 1875. W. H. Fuller & Co. keep a stock of general merchandise. J. L. Fuller has a general store. C. C. Fuller keeps the hotel, and is ready at all times to welcome his guests and make them feel at home.

The citizens have provided for the education of their children by erecting a good school building and procuring the services of competent teachers. Miss Mary Dolan is the present teacher. She has an average attendance of 40 pupils.

The Masons have an organization here - Bollen Lodge, No. 412. It was chartered Oct. 5, 1864, with twelve charter members. The present membership is about 30. They have a good hall, which they own. It is well fitted up, pleasant and commodious.

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; 2,579 words in this source stream.

Portland Township

How did Portland get its name? Not from the precious Portland Vase found in Rome, and now in the British Museum? Perhaps from the Dukes of Portland, eminent English statesmen. Or the cities of Portland in Maine and Oregon. Or Portland Cement, which means everything sound and hard. Or from the Isle of Portland in the English channel, noted for its ca-tle and building stone. Perhaps, after all, a fanciful name.

Portland is one of our seven townships, Jordan, Genesee, Clyde, Hume, Newton, Montmorency, whose sacred soil has not been invaded by the iron horse. Erie is the nearest point by rail. A mile from Erie is Rock river, and crossing the iron bridge, you are in Portland. There is a bayou, the land is low and swampy, and at an early day in wet times this particular place was impassable. Now, thanks to the labors of the commissioners, travel is a pleasure. The approaches and the high embankment, like a railroad, for rods is macadamized with Joliet stone. It is made to stay.

Four miles further is Spring Hill. A clean, cheerful-looking hamlet of about one hundred people. Dr. .1. T. Magill, who, after a residence of fourteen years, knows the families, gave the writer the census on his fingers. He is a graduate of Bennett Medical college, eclectic in practice, and in his leisure cultivates a fruit farm, shipping what he is unable to use. On a sign is "Village Hotel," recalling Miss Mitford, a store kept by Mr. Perkins, a

But this is none of your common shops where horses are shod and shovels are mended. George Rollo, who has had the business for sixteen years, is from Aberdeen, Scotland, is a master of the trade, an artist in iron. The shop is supplied with machines for doing every kind of work, power drills, ripping saws, emery wheels, disc sharpener, plow repairing, trip hammer, everything necessary, all run by a six-hoiv-e gas engine. Farmers come many miles to have their plows sharpened and put in order. Two men are generally employed.

Spring Hill was started in 1853, and Levi and Horace Fuller opened a store and did an extensive business until 1872. In 1869 a steam saw and grist mill was erected, but continued only a few years. A mail route was established from Princeton to Rock Island in 1852, and the postoffice in 1853, Levi Fuller, postmaster. The village is situated on a ridge, seen in every direction for miles, and is surrounded by a good country and productive farms. Much stock is raised. At a late sale by C. C. Fuller, a mile west of Spring Hill, among the animals offered at auction, were nearly a hundred yearlings and cows.

The tornado of June 5, 1844, was remarkable in that it was exclusive, its ravages confined to the township. The storm came from the west, crossing Rock river at Crandall's Ferry. Houses, barns and cattle were destroyed, trees leveled and many persons injured. Two sons of J. Smith Rowe were killed, and a daughter permanently crippled. Some marvelous escapes. Horace Burke's barn and house ruined, but of twelve persons none were seriously hourt. Wagons and household utensils were carried for miles. Three of A. T. Bracken's horses driven through a sod fence and not badly damaged. This is said to be the first tornado in the county.

Sharox Church

This stands on the site of the first church in the county. Although the Congregational society was formed in Lyndon in 1836, no church was erected, the meetings being held in dwellings or schoolhouses. The Presbyterians organized a society here in 1839, with Deacon and Mrs. Kemmis, the mother, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Getty, Reuben and Horace Hurd, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Durfee. Christmas, 1841, the new church was dedicated. It was an oblong edifice, one main door in front, and three windows on each side. It cost about $800. Mr. Norton gave ten acres of land, and assisted in erecting a parsonage at a cost of $400. This was afterwards burned, but another was soon in its place. Rev. Daniel Rockwell was the first settled pastor, followed by a succession of faithful ministers, Bliss, a returned missionary, Martin, Baldwin, Kenricks, Chambers, Corbett. As the Presbyterians grew less numerous, and other denominations increased, the old building became known as the People's Church, on account of its various membership and liberal services. As the early structure had become too small for the increasing attendance, it was decided to erect a new building, which was dedicated with fitting and solemn ceremonies, Sunday, July 7, 1907. Rev. Mr. Smith, the present pastor, was in charge of the day's exercises.

The edifice was packed at an early hour, and hundreds gathered outside and were enabled to enjoy the exercises through the open doors and windows. At the close of the introductory hymns and prayers, Rev. A. M. AVhite, D. D., formerly pastor at Morrison and ex-chaplain at Joliet, delivered the dedication sermon. It was a noble and impressive discourse. As he spoke of the friends of other days who had worshiped on this spot, eyes grew dim and strong men were stirred with emotion. Only three were present who had witnessed the opening of Sharon church in 1841: Henry Kempster, J. P. Fuller, Richard Thompson.

The handsome new church which is modern throughout, was erected under the supervison of John C. Meyer & Sons of Spring Hill. The main auditorium is 48x30 and twenty feet to the eaves, height of ceiling center, forty feet. There is also an annex 18x30 which will be used as a Sunday school room and league room. This annex can be made all into one room, as there are sliding doors. The cathedral windows of chipped glass give the building a soft light. The hard pine ceiling is set in panels, the floors and woodwork also are of hard pine. The white walls are hard finish. The 10x16 rostrum for the minister and choir is in the south and opposite to the front entrance. The seats are the patent folding opera chairs, mahogany finish. The hardware and gas fixtures are copper finished. At night two gas lights will illuminate the annex and four the main auditorium. The basement, with cement floor, is divided into two rooms, one for the furnace, the other for the kitchen, conveniently fitted with culinary supplies. The entrance, 8x8, leads into either the audience room or annex through double doors. The solid foundation is made of concrete. The arrangement is very neat, the whole edifice well planned and finished.

A cement walk has been laid in front of the church and extended in front of the cemetery. The handsome iron fence completes the surroundings of one of the prettiest country cemeteries and church in this part of the state.

The board of trustees consists of E. H. Kempster, president, Daniel Young, treasurer, Frei Crosier, Dave Urick, Ralph Smedley, Clark Fuller. The new church is a mile and a half west of Spring Hill.

Early Settlers

From 1834 to 1841, over one hundred pioneers made their home in the township. Some grew old and died on the land they had tilled, others for various reasons, moved to other counties or other states. Singular to say, about one-half came from New York, others were divided among Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts. For instance, from New York emigrated Levi

Fuller in 1834, Simeon Fuller in 1835, Bacchus Besse in 1835, Simeon Chaffee in 1835, John Smith Rowe, in 1835, Robert Getty, in 1835. Alphonso Brooks in 1836, John Smith Logan in 1836, James Rowe, 1836, Jesse Slawson, 1836, Amos Young, 1836, Walter Young, 1838, Daniel F. Cole, 1837, Hiram McKenzie, 1837. Several from foreign countries. Christian Benson, born in Gotteriburg, Sweden, after working as a pilot around New York came in 1835, and had a terrible experience of freezing in a November slough. Louis Arnett, Alsace, France, made his claim in 1837. Jacob Arnett, Elstein, France, arrived in 1836, worked as a ditcher, went to California, and returned with wallets of gold. James Graham from Ireland, settled in 1837. John Kempster, Berkshire, England, came in 1837, and died in 1869. Martin Reis, Ahrang, Prussia, and Philip Rapp from France. Another Graham, William, from Ireland. Robert Thompson, Ireland, carpenter, 1837, introduced blooded stock.

Massachusetts sent Horace Burke, John Baxter, Guy Ray, Hiram Harmon, D. Porter Brewer, William Maynard. From Connecticut came Levi Fuller, Alden Tuller, Chauncey Reynolds, Asa Maynard. A good many from Vermont. Daniel Blaisdell, Job Dodge, Smith Hurd, Hiram Underbill, W. S. Crane, A. T. Wiggins, Benjamin Dow, Arbela Adams. Nathaniel Norton, Maine, came in 1837, and started the first nursery. Two trees from his stock were in good bearing in 1877 on the farm of Frank Gushing in Portland. He aided generously in the building of Sharon church in 1841, and removed to Chicago in 1843.

The Seelys

Nearly every spot has its prevailing name. Quincy has the Adamses, Virginia, the Lees, Delaware, the Bayards. So Portland has the Seelys. Blooded stock. John Robert Seeley, Cambridge, England, gave the world "Ecce Homo" in 1869, which roused the theologians. J. H. Seelye was president of Amherst and member of congress. Difference in spelling, but a rose smells sweet by any name. Jeduthan Seely came to Portland in 1836 with his son Ebnezer, but died of medical bleeding like Washington, the same autumn. Norman B. and Alexander J., his sons, had preceded him in 1834. Norman built the first house in Portland, and walked to Rook Island, forty miles, every Monday morning, to work "on a government job. Alexander was a blacksmith, but killing an Indian in a quarrel, to escape the vengeance of the savages, he fled to Texas, and fought in the war with Mexico.

Col. Ebenezer Seely, the best known of the family, made his claim in the fall of 1834. He and his wife opened their cabin to every stranger. The latch string was always out. A man of large frame, face with a smile that never came off. At the old settlers' meeting till his death, he was easily the big gun. The writer often saw him in Sterling in later years at the hotel of his son, Sol. Mrs. Seely died in 1874 at 72.

The first town meeting was held April 6, 1852, and in 1854 it was voted to pay a bounty of one dollar for every wolf killed, increased in 1859 to two.

The first school was taught in 1836 by Miss Eliza Hall in a log house owned by Nornaan B. Seely. Twelve pupils. The first schoolhouse was of logs, and erected in 1837.

A mastodon's tusk was found at the village of Portland in 1846 by David B. Seely. It weighed 32 pounds, was found in sand and gravel 27 feet below the surface, and sent to Barnum in New York.

In the cemetery adjoining the sohoolhouse on section fourteen, is a splendid soldiers' monument, erected by the citizens in honor of the fallen heroes of the township.

At the election in Portland for president in 1836, when Martin Van Buren received 170 electoral votes to Harrison's 73, and Daniel Webster's 14, twenty votes were cast, and Sol Seely was put on a pony to bear the returns through November blasts over 28 miles of an Indian trail to Dixon.

A good crop of winter wheat was raised in 1841, and as the price in Chicago was one dollar a bushel, the settlers hauled the grain there, the trip taking eight days with horses, two weeks with oxen.

Voices From The Dead Old Newspapers

Looking over these yellow, faded journals of ye olden time is like walking through a cemetery. The people and events oome before the mind's eye as vividly as though you were gazing at a panorama.

Before us is the 'Sterling Times, Dec. 12, 1854, Charles Boynton, editor. Six narrow columns. R. L. Wilson figures largely, and he was large, as clerk of court, insurance agent, land agent, dealer in real estate. Few advertisements. A. S. Hudson was doctor, M. S. Henry, Stillman & Sackett were the lawyers. Mrs. D. R. Beck had a choice selection of millinery, and Hall & Blakesley a large assortment of heating and cooking stoves. But the iron horse was not yet. Sterling was literally stage-struck. In black type we read these head lines: will run as follows: Passenger train leaves Dixon at six, a. m., and arrive* at Dixon at eight. So Sterling people were obliged to take stage to Dixon foi Chicago, or if the walking was good, go on foot.

This is the Sterling Republican, Oct. 25, 1858, William Caffrey, editor. A campaign year. For president, John C. Fremont. For vice president, Wm. L. Dayton. For governor, W. H. Bissell. For congress, John F. Farnsworth. For legislature, John V. Eustace. A mass meeting, Oct. 30, and Hon. John P. Hale, senator from New Hampshire, was to be present without fail. He was, for the writer heard him. Also Judge Trumbull, Joe Knox, Sam Galloway, Farnsworth, Bross.

C. B. Smith and Miss M. E. Gilman will open a school in basement of Presbyterian church. Miss Palmer, pianist, will have charge of musical department.

Two familiar medical names have cards, Dr. Julius P. Anthony, who is supplied with a full set of amputating instruments, and Dr. M. M. Royer, who speaks the English and German languages. B. G. Wheeler & Co. started a bank, which after a time closed doors. George Hagey had received an excellent assortment of gold and silver watches. James Potts of New York has a rich supply of ready-made clothing. Sawyer & Gilbert had received three cargoes of Saginaw lumber. By 1857, Anthony & Royer had formed a partnership in the drug business. R. B. Colcord in Genesee was advertising tomb stones. D. McCartney at Fulton would attend to all legal matters entrusted to his care.

By 1860 the paper had become Republican and Gazette, and the advertisements were more numerous : James Gait,, real estate and collector,. Pennsylvania House, Central House, W. M. Kilgour, Edward N. Kirk, B. C. Coblenz, Henry & Price, lawyers. Gait & Crawford had hardware, Wells and Emmons furniture, W. A. Sanborn coal yard. Among the dry goods merchants were, J. L. Crawford & Co., and Patterson & Witmer. J. W. Sheaffer guaranteed good log pumps, M. A. Bunn was ready to extract teeth, A. P. Smith to teach piano, Clark Powell to furnish trees, Hinsdale and Johnson drugs, Dr. J. C. Teats to take your picture, Nelson Maxson had wagons, H. Brink had brick and lime, Terrell & Harper groceries. Only two societies, Masons and Odd Fellows. Hapgood was mayor. The National ticket was Lincoln and Hamlin, and Arnold for Congress.

To show the ravages of fifty years, it is only necessary to say that of all the persons whose names appear in these wrinkled sheets, only two remain,, so far as known, upon the earth in the spring of 1908. The venerable Thomas A. Gait, at eighty is still looking after numerous business interests^ on both sides of the river. Isaac N. Bressler, who as city sexton, kept on hand, coffins and shrouds, yet wonderful to relate, after starving in three rebel prisons, holds the fort on the identical spot where he did business twogenerations ago. If you would see the names of the Sterling men and women of 1860, you must read them on the marble and granite in Riverside cemetery.