Prophetstown Township (part 1 of 2)

Prophetstown Township

The following have been the Supervisors, Town Clerks, Assessors, Collectors, and Justices of the Peace, of the township of Prophetstown, from its organization in 1852, up to and including 1877.

At a special town meeting held August 21, 1869, it was voted to issue township bonds to the amount of $40,000, in aid of the Mendota and Prophetstown branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The vote stood 173 for, to 109 against, the issue.

Considerable cheese has been manufactured in the township for the past fifteen years, by Luther B. Ramsay, Porter W. Spencer, and William McBeth, and a market has generally been found in the neighboring cities, and but little has been shipped, so far, to distant points by railroad. The cheese is of excellent quality, and the manufacturers could find a market for it anywhere. The principal articles of export of the township are grain, hogs, cattle, and butter.

Prophetstown township contains 28,486 acres of improved land, and 1,705 acres of unimproved land. The Assessor's books for 1877 show that the num ber of horses in the township in that year, wa's 924; number of cattle, 2.423 mules and asses, 11; sheep, 2,019; hogs, 3,094; carriages and wagons, 337 watches and clocks, 265; sewing and knitting machines, 160; pianofortes, 23: melodeons and organs, 33. Total assessed value of lands, lots, and personal property $654,574. Value of railroad property, $25,022. Total assessed value of all property in 1877, $679,596.

The population of the township of Prophetstown in 1870, outside of the village, as shown by the Federal census of that year, was 998, of which 890 were of native birth, and 108 of foreign birth. The population of the township in 1860, including the village, was 1,144. The estimated population of the township in 1877, excluding the village, is 1,100.

The town of Prophetstown was laid out and platted in 1838, the proprietors being George W. Campbell, Dixon B. Morehouse, James Craig, Daniel Webster, Asa Crook, Erastus Nichols, and Jabez Warner. The original plat only included that part of the present village lying north of Main street. Campbell, Morehouse, and Craig lived at Galena. The interest of Daniel Webster was probably given to him for the influence of his great name; but, be that as it may, Prophetstown can exultingly exclaim that the godlike Daniel was one of its first proprietors. Mr. Webster's interest was sold in Philadelphia some time afterwards. In 1855 the town was re-surveyed, as the first survey was found to be incorrect. The village is beautifully located on the south bank of Rock river, and is the market town of a rich agricultural country. The first frame building in the village was erected in 1838, by Alanson Stowell, the lumber being brought from Spring Creek, in Henry county. It stood upon the river bank until 1875, when it was torn down. The streets are broad, and most of them, outside the business part, finely shaded. Many handsome residences grace the village, showing the opulence of its citizens. The business portion of the town is mainly on Washington and Second streets, and these present a lively appearance during business hours. During the past few years several fine stores and other buildings have been erected, notably among them being the mercantile building of Baldwin Bro's, the First National Bank building, and the Seely House.

Prophetstown was incorporated as a village in 1859. and held its first election for charter officers on the 4th day of April in that year. The following have been the Trustees and Clerks of the Village Council from the organization of the village up to and including 1877 - the name of the President of each Board of Trustees being in italic : 1859, Andrew J. Tidier^ Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Albert G. Porter, Edward S. Dickinson; Clerk, William T. Minchin. 1860, Andrew J. Tidier, John H. Warner, Elias C. Hutchinson, Russell I. Dickinson, Albert G.Porter; Clerk, Martin P. Warner. 1861, Andrexc J. TuUer, Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Paul Newton, Albert G. Porter; Clerk, Martin P. Warner. 1862, George A. BardweU, John H. Warner, Elias C. Hutchinson, Albert G. Porter, James Scarrett; Clerk, Martin P. Warner. 1863, Andrew J. Tuller, John H. Warner, James Scarrett, Elias C. Hutchinson, Albert G. Porter; Clerk, Silas Sears. 1864, Andreio J. Warner, James Scarrett, Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Alonzo Davis; Clerk, E. F. Nichols. 1865, Andreio J. Warner, James Scarrett, Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Alonzo Davis;Clerk, E. F. Nichols. 1866, Andrew J. Warner, Elias C. Hutchinson, James Scarrett, John H. Warner, Cyrus Emery; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. l^Ql, Andrew J. Warner, George N. Fenn, John H. Warner, Harvey C. Hull, James'Scarrett; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1868, Elias C. Hutchinson, Paul Newton, John J. Green, Silas Sears; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1869, Nathan Tho7npson, A. D. Adams, Johnson W. Gage, James Scarrett, George Kellogg; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1870, Nathan Thompson, James Scarrett, Johnson W. Gage, A. D. Adams, George Kellogg; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1871, Henri/ R. Kent, Henry F. Kellum, James H. Mosher, Sherman G. Baldwin, Jabez F. Warner; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1872, Henry F. Kellum, Nathan Thompson, Andrew J. Warner, Daniel K. Smith, Elias C. Hutchinson; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1873, Lnther B. Ramsay, Henry R. Kent, Johnson W. Gage, Everett L. Ballou, John H. Meyers; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1874, Martin V. Seely, John J. Green, Hamden A. Sturtevant, Aaron D. Hill, Orson G. Baldwin; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 3875, Orson G. Baldwin, Hamden A. Sturtevant, Johnson W. Gage, Elias B. Warner, John H. Meyers; Clerk, A. J. Mattson. 1876, John J. Green, Elias B. Warner, George N. Fenn, William Sanderson, James H. Mosher; Clerk, Silas Sears. 1877, George N. Fenn, Orson G. Baldwin, Johnson G. Gage, Martin V. Seely, Harvey C. Hull; Clerk, Martin V. Seely.

The first Police Magistrate elected was A. J. Mattson, Esq., and he has continued to hold that office ever since, no other name being suggested at any election. His present term will expire in April, 1879, at the conclusion of which time he will have held the office for an entire decade. The village of Prophetstown has always paid its orders promptly, never borrowed any money, and never issued a bond or other evidence of indebtedness, outside of its mere municipal orders. It is doubtful if any other village or city within this broad land can show the same record.

A large brick building was erected in the village in 1854 by Horace Annis, Thomas Bryant, and the Warner brothers, as a plow and wagon factory, and for four years quite an extensive business was done. The firm then dissolved, and the manufacture was successfully continued by the Messrs. Warners, who also added a steam saw-mill to the factory, with which they sawed considerable lumber. The whole business was discontinued in 1868.

The First National Bank of Prophetstown was organized in 1872, with a capital of $50,000. The officers of the bank are : Nathan Thompson, President, and A. J. Mattson, Cashier. In the same year Mr. Mattson erected a fine bank building, in which the bank has since been located.

The old Hock River House, at Prophetstown, was for many years a well known and largely patronized hotel. Probably no public house in this section of the country had a wider fame. A part of the building was moved to Prophetstown from Portland, in 1841, but additions and extensions were made to it from time to time afterwards, as needs demanded, until it became a commodious structure. The traveler was sure to find at the Rock River House a bountifully supplied table and acceptable accommodations. Its destruction by fire in March, 1872, removed one of the few remaining landmarks of the county. The loss, however, is well made up by the present Seely House. The main part of this structure, like the Rock River House, was moved to Prophetstown from Portland. It was built in 1856, by Mr. S. M. Seely, and kept by him as a hotel two years. Col. E. Seely then moved into it, and continued the business for about two years, when it was purchased by Mr. M. V. Seely, who occupied it as a farm-house and hotel for twelve years. In 1872 Mr. Seely had it moved to Prophetstown, at a cost of four hundred dollars. He then had it remodeled, plastered and painted, and formally opened it to the public on the 25th day of December, 1872.

The business houses in Prophetstown, in 1877, are : Three general merchandise stores, seven grocery stores, two drug stores, two hardware stores, two boot and shoe stores, one furniture store, three millinery establishments, two lumber and coal yards, one grain elevator, one bank, one printing office, three blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, two harness shops, one bakery, one hotel, two barber shops, three physicians, five saloons, one livery stable, one meat market. Since the completion of the railroad, business has vastly improved in the village, and its population is estimated now at 1,000.

Immediately after the completion of the railroad to Prophetstown, and it had begun to feel the impetus of a new growth, the people decided to have a newspaper organ to inform the great public of the many decided advantages it possessed as a business point. Acting upon this decision, they invited Messrs. A. D. Hill and Charles Bent to establish a newspaper there, and in compliance therewith these gentlemen, receiving some aid from the citizens of Prophetstown, purchased type, presses, and other material for a publication and job office, and on the 2d of September, 1871, issued the first number of the PropJiHs- town Spike, 3Ir. Hill having entire charge as business manager and editor. The name of the paper originated from the fact that shortly before its publication the last spike had been driven that completed the railroad to Prophetstown, making the name a very suggestive one. At the end of the year Mr. Hill became the sole proprietor, and still continues as such. His experience as local editor of the Whiteside Sentinel had given him a good insight into journalism, which, combined with excellent business qualities, an untiring energy as a news-gatherer, and fine ability as a writer, made the Spike a success from the start. The paper is now in its seventh year, and has always ably and sturdily advocated the interests of Prophetstown and the south side of Eock river. It is Republican in politics, and has an excellent circulation and business patronage.

The Methodist Episcopal Society erected a church edifice in the village in 1864, which is the only one of any denomination iu the township. The Society worshiping at this church is the one which grew out of the formation of the mission society, at the house of N. Gr. Reynolds, in the summer of 1836, as mentioned elsewhere in this chapter. Mr. P. B. Reynolds donated the lots on which the Church structure stands, and other citizens contributed towards its erection. Rev. Mr. Lewis was the pastor in charge at the time the building was erected, and not only superintended the whole work, but labored with his own hands wherever he could, taking his team to help haul the lumber, and bringing the mortar into his residence to be prepared in order to prevent it from freezing. The members of the church have a grateful remembrance of the labor bestowed and the zeal manifested by him at the erection of the building. The church is now in a prosperous condition, and has a well attended and well conducted Sunday School. Rev. S. Stover is the present pastor.

Masonic Lodge: - Prophetstown Lodge No. 293, A. F. and A. M., was instituted in October, 1858. Charter members: William T. Minchin, Andrew J. G-rover, Simeon Fuller, William Pratt, David H. Nichols, William A. Spencer, Franklin Haddaway, James C. Monroe, H. A. Parkhurst. The present oflScers are: H. B. Leonard, W. M.; Fred W. Hutchinson, S. W.; Elbridge Paddock, J. W., Silas Sears, Secretary; 0. J. Sholes, Treasurer. The Lodge numbers 95 members, and has a fine hall, built in 1868, at a cost of $2,500. There is also connected with this Lodge an Eastern Star Lodge, which was instituted in 1870, and has a membership of 65.

Prophetstoion Chapter Royal Arch Masons: - This Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organized in December, 1875, and chartered October 26, 1876. Charter members: Silas Sears, Albert J. Jackson, James Scarrctt, P. W. Spencer, James H. Mosher, Ambrose L. Hotchkiss, William McNeil, Jr., John J. McNeil, Orrin J. Sholes, Hamden A. Sturtevant, Sherman G. Baldwin, Henry R. Kent, Robert L. Burchell, Marlon C. McKenzie, Orson G. Baldwin, F. J. Barber, N. 0. Freeman, Arthur H. Baldwin, Eldridge Paddock. The officers for 1877 are: Silas Sears, H. P.; Ambrose L. Hotchkiss, K.; James Scarrett, Scribe; Orson G. Baldwin, Secretary; Sherman G. Baldwin, Treasurer.

Odd Felloios Lodge: - Sinnissippi Lodge No. 508, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered March 3, 1873. Charter members: Silas Sears, David Cleaveland, George Cleaveland, P. Bacchus Besse, L. Paddock, Ebenezer Seely. The present officers are: Charles N. Stevens, N. G.; E. Simpson, V. G.; F. J. Nichols, Secretary; Cyrus Emery, Treasurer; P. B. Reynolds, Chaplain. The Lodge now numbers seventy-one members, and meets in Sinnissippi Hall, a handsome building erected in 1874, the upper rooms of which are owned by the Lodge.

Biographical

poratcd in 1875. The grounds comprise twenty acres, and are finely located in the southwest part of the village. The amphitheater is a large one, and the track one of the best in the State. Three Fairs have been held, each of which has been successful. The officers of the Association are: George P. Richmond, President; H. F. Kellum, Secretary; A. J. Mattson, Treasurer.

Asa Crook waa born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1790. When nineteen years of age he moved to Erie county, New York, where he remained until 1831, when he came to Indiana, staying there only a year, and then moving to Michigan. His residence in the Wolverine State was of three years duration, and in May, 1834, he came to Prophetstown, and made a claim adjoining the present village. He then returned for his family, and going by the way of Knox county, engaged a Mr. Benjamin Brown there to go up to Prophetstown to do some breaking for him. He arrived with his family on the 4th of June, and as the breaking had been completed, planted it to sod corn, which produced a good crop. Mr. Crook erected a log house that season, and lived in it until 1839, when he built the large two-story frame house now owned by W. A. Taylor. In this house he entertained many travelers. He was probably the first Justice of the Peace in the county, having been elected to that office in August, 1835. He was also Postmaster early in 1836. He was always a farmer, but like many other of the early settlers, made some money in selling claims. Mr. Crook's family was a large one, and endowed with strong constitutions. The children are all still living, and enjoying excellent health. Mrs. Crook is with her son Timothy D., in Nebraska, and is now eighty-four years of age. Mr. Crook died in Sharon. Henry county, in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Crook, the latter being a Miss Mary Dustin, were married in 1811. Their children have been: Theron, who married Miss Nancy Hamilton, and lives in Oregon; Timothy D., who married Miss Elizabeth Barker, and lives in Nebraska; Charles, living in Iowa; Asa, Jr., who married Miss Lucy Cole, and lives in Henry county, Illinois; Lydia, who married Norman B. Seely, and lives in California; Mary, who married Mr. Penwell, and after his death, Andrew T. Bracken, and lives in Portland; Cynthia, who married David Brown, and lives in Iowa; Lucy, who married Robert Woodside, and lives in Portland; Sarah, who married P.Bacchus Besse, and lives in Portland; Laura, who married Benjamin Mattson, and lives in Henry county, Illinois; and Caroline, who married David Vader, and lives in Iowa.

John W. Stakes was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and born in 1809. His first settlement in Illinois was in Hancock county, and in 1834 he came to Prophetstown. At that time a Mr. McClure was running a small ferry boat across Rock river, from the mouth of Walker's slough, on the bottom above the present village of Prophetstown, the point being where the old Lewdston and Galena trail crossed the river, and Mr. Stakes bought him out. He remained at that place about two years, and then went with John Bowman and Josiah T. Atkinson to Union Grove Precinct, the three making claims there. The claim of Mr. Stakes was where the city of Morrison now stands. He put up a log house on the laud where Ed. B. Warner's residence is now situated in that city, and lived there about a year, and then purchased the ferry at Prophetstown of James Knox. He ran the ferry about a year, and then sold to John C. Pratt, and went back and died at his home in Morrison in 1861. Mr. Stakes married Miss Sarah Bowman in 1833. Their children have been: Mary Ann, who first married William Wright, and after his death, George McKnight, and lives in Iowa; Rebecca, wife of Fletcher Bollen, living in Geneseo, Henry county; Eliza- beth, wife of Gardner Reynolds, living in Prophetstown ; Walter W., now dead; Susan M., living in Prophetstown: Emeline A., wife of Ebenezer Beardsley, living in Iowa; Sarah Helen, living in Prophetstown; Lusina, wife of Orpheus Parker, living in Iowa; and John B., living in Prophetstown. Mrs. Stakes is still living on a farm adjoining her first home in Prophetstown.

John Bowman was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and came to Prophetstown with Mr. Stakes. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked with Alexander Seely. He went to Union Grove with Mr. Stakes. In 1850 he went to California, and died in that State in 1852.

William Hill was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1783, and came to Prophetstown in 1835. He came all the way from Vermont with teams, and was two months on the road, arriving at Prophetstown in the fall. He was a carpenter and wheelwright by trade, but became a successful farmer. His large family of sons were nearly grown up when he came, and they immediately made claims along what is now Washington street. Coming from New England, he appreciated the importance of schools, and the next year after his arrival succeeded in having a log school house built, which was used until 1841. This was the first school house in Prophetstown. Mr. Hill married Miss Susan Baker. Their children have been: J. Sullivan, who married Miss Rachel Belden, and lives in Prophetstown; Almira, who married J. Colin Southard, and is now dead; John, now dead; William, who married Miss Ann Smith, and lives in Prophetstown; Ezra, who married Miss Jane Underbill, and lives in Prophetstown; Fordyce, who married Miss Polly Wall, and lives in Prophetstown; and Joseph, who married Miss Martha Reynolds, and also lives in Prophetstown. Mr. Hill died in 1846, and Mrs. Hill in 1876. The Hill family have lived in Prophetstown since their arrival from the East. William lives on his valuable farm, and has done much to improve the breed of sheep, cattle, and hogs in the county. He has lately introduced the Holstein cattle, so celebrated for their dairying qualities. Among the public positions held by him have been those of Supervisor and Justice of the Peace of the township. Joseph has also acquired a large competency by farming, and owns perhaps the finest farm in the town. During the present year, 1877, he has tried the experiment of tile draining, having laid about a mile of tiles. Ezra lives on Washington street, and has a fine farm, devoting his attention principally to raising hogs, in which he has been very successful.

Marvin Frary was born in Massachusetts, in 1799. In 1802, he went with his father's family to Ontario county, New York, where he grew to manhood, and then located in Cattaraugus county, New York. In the early part of 1835, he came to Prophetstown, and made a claim between the present villages of Prophetstown and Portland, which he afterwards sold to Fred Dwight, and bought the claim of Norman B. Seely. In addition to farming he was engaged for a time in the distilling business in Portland. Mr. Frary first married Miss Mary E. Seely, but they were divorced, and he afterwards married Mrs. E. S. Ellithrope, widow of Sampson Ellithrope. The children by the first marriage were : Myron, who died in 1836, and Caroline who married Joshua Bennidum, and is now dead. By the second marriage there was only one child, Delia, who married Fernando Brewer, and lives in Lyndon. Mr. Frary died in Prophetstown.

J. Sperry Johnson was a native of Castleton, Vermont, and born in 1809. He came to Prophetstown in 1835, and his first claim where William Hill now lives. This claim he afterwards sold, and went to Fox river where he remained several years, and then returned to Prophetstown, settling in the southwest corner of the township where he opened a large farm, and engaged in sheep and cattle raising. He died in 1876, after a long and severe illness. Mr. Johnson married Miss Betsey C. Gault in 1838. Their children were : Harrison L.. living in Prophetstown; Thomas F., living in Kansas; Carlos E. who enlisted in the 34th Illinois Volunteers, and died from disease contracted in the service; Frank V., living in Prophetstown; Ellen M., wife of Wallace Burroughs, living in Nebraska; and Clement D., who married Miss Fanny Booth, and lives in Prophetstown.

Alonzo Davis was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, in 1815, and moved to Oneida county, New York, when quite young. In 1834, he came to Chicago where he worked at his trade, that of wagon maker, for about a year, and then came to Prophetstown. He has made, and purchased, several claims since his residence in the town, and has also worked at his trade. He is still living in Prophetstown. He married Miss Mary Warner in 1839; no children.

Nathaniel Gr. Reynolds was born in Hancock, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, in 1794, and came to Prophetstown in 1835. From a biography of his life, written several years before his death, we gather the following facts : In 1796, his parents moved to St. Armands, Lower Canada, where they remained until 1809, when they returned to Massachusetts. Soon afterwards Mr. Reynolds was indentured to Deacon Levi Clarke, of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, to learn the business of tanning, and making shoes. In 1812 he was drafted in the State Militia, but as Gov. Strong refused to place the Militia under United States ofl6.cers, he enlisted in 1813 as Sergeant in the 40th Regiment, and served during the war, being honorably discharged at Boston, in 1815. In 1816, he went to Genesee county. New York, and took a sawmill on shares, where he sawed lumber for a shop and tan vats, and commenced work at his trade. He also superintended the opening of the road from Warsaw to Buffalo, through a dense wilderness. In 1820 he moved to Black Rock, near Buffalo, and built the second tannery in the latter place, conducting it for five years, and then disposed of it to good advantage and went to Aurora, Erie county. New York. He remained at Aurora, working at his trade, erecting buildings, and selling goods, until October, 1835, when he started for the then far West. The balance of the biography we give in his own language, as it relates more particularly to his life while a resident of Whiteside county, and to incidents similar to those experienced by many of the old settlers. He says, "I came with my family, consisting of my wife and five children, from Buffalo to Detroit by water, and from thence to Chicago by team over roads as bad as one could possibly want to see. From Chicago to Rock river my road was an Indian trail, and for the last fortyfour miles before reaching Prophetstown, I crossed the prairie without a road, and not a house in sight, my only guide being the lone tree. The weather was inclement, and crossing the sloughs very difficult. In most eases we had to swim the streams, but we finally reached a cabin near my destination, where we were made happy with refreshments, and a fire, and had a good night's rest on the soft side of a hewn plank. Three days afterwards I returned for the wagons which I was compelled to leave at a slough; camped out during the night, and returned the next day all right. This was in November, and the cold had increased, with a fair prospect of winter setting in. Here I was with five horses, one yoke of oxen, and seven dollars in cash, but no hay, grain, or provisions, except what we had in the wagons, nearer than seventy miles, and no roads or bridges on the way. Knoxville was the Egypt for us, it being the nearest point where provisions could be obtained, and for that land of corn I started with my teams, one of my neighbors acting as pilot. We swam Green river. Edwards river. Big and Little Page creeks, and arrived safe, but on account of high water could not return with any load until the water fell. We were weather bound for thirteen days. In that time I exchanged one span of horses for such things as I wanted. In the mean time ten men with teams, on the same errand as ourselves, joined us, their company being very acceptable. We loaded up and started, making quite a respectable caravan. It was eighteen miles to the first house or cabin. We crossed the two creeks without difficulty, although the weather was excessively cold. Edwards river had so fallen in consequence of the freeze that we thought we could ford it, but the banks were so steep and frozen that one pair of horses or oxen could not hold our loads down nor draw them up on the other side, so we coupled six yoke of oxen together and made fast to the hind axle with sufficient length of chain, and thus eased the load down into the stream. Then we took the cattle across, and drew the loads up the other bank. In that waywesuceeededin gettingall ourloads acrosssafely, except mine. In raising the bank with it, and wh^n about half way up, the cattle broke the chain, and my wagon run back and upset the load into the river. We soon righted the wagon, and I jumped into the river and collected my load, which was principally in barrels. I offered a good price for help, but the parties refused, and advised me to let.the load go down stream, as I would get my death by such exposure, but I could not spare the articles. I floated them to the shore, put a chain around them, and run a pole through, when those on the bank, with my help in the rear, pulled them up, and loaded them again, when we went on. It was three and a half hours from the time I went into the water before I reached a fire, and what is somewhat remarkable, I did not freeze in any part, while every one on the bank were frozen, some of them badly. We succeeded, however, in getting along after that, but had often to put all the teams forward of one wagon. When we came to Green river we had to unload, and take our stuff over in a trough, or canoe; swim our teams, and fasten a rope to our wagons, and pull them over as a seine is hauled. Then we had good going on the prairie, as the sloughs were all frozen solid. We arrived home well and hearty, having been absent twentyone days in going seventy-five miles and back. I found thirteen out of nineteen in our cabin down with the measles, with no doctor within thirty miles, but all lived and got smart soon. Troublesdid not come singly, for in a day or two I broke my wagon tire, and had to load it in another wagon and take it to Naperville, a distance of one hundred miles, to be mended, and get my horses shod, it being the nearest shop I could get to without swimming. It happened well enough, as I got a good price for bringing a load back from Chicago. There was a heavy emigration that winter, and in the spring of 1836 provision were scarce, and commanded a high price, flour from $16.50 to $20, per barrel; pork 18 f cents per lb. or $32 per barrel. In 1837, I was chosen President of the Kock River Land Claim Association, and the Society no doubt prevented a number of law suits, and claim fights. In the fall I was elected Justice of the Peace. At the organization of the County of Whiteside, in 1839, I was elected one of the County Commissioners, and in 1840 was appointed Deputy Marshal, and took the census of the county, the Marshal stating that my returns were the most correct of any Deputy in the district. In 1842 I was elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1847 appointed Colonel of the 103d Regiment Illinois Militia, and commissioned by Gov. French. In 1849, was elected Judge of the County Court of Whiteside, and Justice of the Peace in Prophetstown for four years, and in 1853 I was again elected Judge of the County Court for the term of four years. So much for the offices. I am now, and have been for several years, a thorough going Temperance man. I have said in the fore part of this brief sketch, that I moved to Rock river in November, 1835. I omitted to mention that I came out here in June, and made a claim. There were only three cabins then within a distance of a hundred miles. I drew up a petition for a postoffice, to bo called

Prophetstown Postofficc, and got four residents and three travelers to sign it. I then went back for my family with as much speed as possible, fearing some one would come and "jump" my claim, as it was called. I have also said that provisions were high, but as soon as I began to have a surplus everything was on the decline. Still I kept on breaking and improving for five years, until I had one hundred and thirty acres under cultivation, and considerable stock. Since I have been in Illinois I have been engaged in agriculture and in the improvement of horses, cattle, and hogs, which will long be remembered by the inhabitants of Whiteside county, some of whom know that I came here poor. I have had rather an up hill road to travel, yet I have plenty of this world's goods to make me and mine comfortable to the end of life." Mr. Reynolds moved to Sterling about the year 1860, and died there January 21, 1865. He was married July 13, 1819, to Miss Phebe B. Brace. The children all live in Prophetstown, and are : P. Bates, who married Miss Polly Smith, and after her death married Miss Elizabeth May; Orpha, wife of Edward S. Gage; Amanda, wife of Edson Smith; Linus, who married Miss Sarah Conner; Clark, who married Miss Amanda Conner. The three brothers are engaged in the occupation of farming, are enterprising, thorough men, and stand high in the community. P. Bates has filled various town offices - has been township Treasurer for a number of years, for the last two years Supervisor of Prophetstown, and is Chairman of the present Board of Supervisors of Whiteside county, a position which he ably fills.

Anthony J. Mattson was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1818, about one mile from the Erie county line. His father was a native of Scotland, and his mother of Ireland. When about three years of age, his parents moved to Erie county, Pennsylvania. Before he had attained the age of six years his mother died, and before he was twelve years of age he left home, going out into the wide world for himself, for thenceforth he was to be his own master, and dependent upon his own labor for the supply of his wants. He came to Prophetstown in 1838, and although but nineteen had traveled quite extensively - to the east as far as New York and Philadelphia; south as far as Vicksburg, and west to St. Louis. He came to Prophetstown byway of St.Louis, Peoria, and Knoxville, arriving on the 23d of June, and soon after engaged in mechanical pursuits to which his tastes led, and for which nature had happily endowed him, having given a mind to plan, and a hand to execute its behests. On the 9th of April, 1840, he was married to Miss Lucy B. Minchin, a native of Vermont, and a lady possessing all the gifts and graces for which the fair daughters of that renowned State are celebrated. But one child was born to this union - Alice, born August 17, 1843. She died July 20, 1844, and gloom for a time darkened the otherwise happy home of the parents. Time brought changes. The country improved; business revived after the depression consequent upon the visionary schemes and lunatic financeering of 1839-40, and a brighter future opened. In 1848, Mr. Mattson' was appointed Postmaster at Prophetstown, and in 1852 opened a small store and continued in this business until the beginning of 1855. In April of that year he entered into the banking business, in which he was actively engaged until he was burned out. Between 1853 and 1860 he devoted much time and effort toward securing the construction of a railway to Prophetstown, so as to give it an outlet to Chicago and St. Louis. From almost the time when Mr. Mattson first became a resident of Prophetstown, he conceived the idea of having it connected with the great markets by railway, but did not actively engage in the work to secure this end until 1853, when he concluded that in order to accomplish the object, a strong effort must be made, and hard work done. For nearly twenty years, commencing with the Sheffield & Savanna Railway enterprise, and shortly after that taking up the Camanclie, Albany & Mendota, he labored persistently and unswervingly for the construction of a railroad which would reach Prophetstown. Finally h^ had his reward when, in March, 1871, the Grand Trunk Railway, owned and operated by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. Company, was completed to Prophetstown. To no man are the citizens of Prophetstown, or those of other towns along the line of this road from Mendota to the Mississippi river, more indebted for the building of the road, than to A. J. Mattson. His constant aim was to benefit the south side of Rock river, then without railroad facilities. To the interests of the people benefitted by this road he always acted with consistency and strict fidelity, and it is but due to him in this biographical sketch to award him that meed of praise, for securing the accomplishment of this object so munificent in its results to the people, which so eminently belongs to him. On the breaking out of the war Mr. Mattson was appointed enrolling ofiicer for Whiteside county, by Governor Yates, and was afterwards appointed Deputy Provost Marshal under Capt. John V. Eustace, which positions he filled to the satisfaction of all. Ke then received the appointment of Chief Clerk in the U. S. Revenue Assessor's office, for the Third District of Illinois. A. J. Warner, Assessor. In 1856, he was appointed Notary Public, and in the spring of 1859 elected Justice of the Peace, to which latter place he has been re-elected ever since, the best possible evidence that his course has been acceptable to his fellow citizens. The First National Bank of Prophetstown was organized in 1872, with a capital of !|50,000 - Nathan Thompson, President, and A. J. Mattson, Cashier. This position Mr. Mattson has since filled, and its duties, in connection with his official business, occupies his time, and leaves little opportunity for other pursuits. For four successive years he was an active official member of the State Board of Agriculture, serving with credit to himself, and benefit to the State. Mr. Mattson has built up an enviable reputation as a citizen and a man of business, and occupies a prominent position in the community in which he resides.

Isaac Colin Southard was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1809, and came to Prophetstown in 1836, locating on Washington street, where he opened one of the best farms in the town. In 1870 he sold the farm toChauncy Paddock and moved to Minnesota, where his wife died. He is now living in Kansas. Mr. Southard married Miss Almira Hill, their children being: Emery D., who married Miss Lucy Roberts, and lives in Minnesota; Isaac Colin, Jr., who married Miss Christine Farnum, and lives in Iowa; William E., who married Miss Annie Bremer, and lives in Prophetstown; and Susan L., wife of George Strong, living in Minnesota.

Thompson F. Clark was born in Lower Canada, in 1798, and came to Prophetstown in 1836, settling on the bottom west of the present village. He died in 1846. Mr. Clark married Miss Philena Miller in 1821. Their children have been: Charlotte, now^dead; Statira, wife of E. Burchard Warner, living in Prophetstown; Oscar, living in Iowa; Edgar, who married Miss Electa Spencer, and lives in Chicago; Adeline, now dead; Rothchild, who enlisted in the 40th Illinois Volunteers, and died in the service; and Theodore F., living in Prophetstown.

Edward S. Gage was a native of Addison county, Vermont, and born in 1815. His mother was the first white child born in the town of Ferrisburg, Vermont. In the fall of 1834 he came as far west as Ohio, and remained in that State until the fall of 1836, when he came to Prophetstown. In 1844 he purchased the farm upon which he now lives. He is one of the thorough farmers of the township. Mr. Gage married Miss Orpha Reynolds in 1840. The children of this marriage have been: Savilla, wife of George P. Richmond, living in Prophetstown - Mr. Richmond is one of the most successful farmers in the county, and is largely engaged in stock raising and feeding; Sophia, living in Prophetstown; Frances, wife of Emmet Underhill, living in Prophetstown; Phoebe, now dead; and two sons who died in childhood.

Joshua F. Walker was born in Stanton, Vermont, and came to Prophetstown in 1836. He remained a few years, and then returned to his native State where he died in 1870. He was unmarried.

Freeman J. Walker was born in Stanton, Vermont, in 1812, and came to Prophetstown in 1837, settling on Jackson street where he followed farming until 1870, when his health failed, and with the hope of restoring it, sought his native hills, but without avail. He died in 1876. Mr. Walker married Miss Emily Gage in 1838. Their children are: George, and Freeman, living in Prophetstown; Almara, wife of David Cleveland, Jr., living in Hume; Loraine, wife of William H. Adams, living in Hume; and Catherine, living in Prophetstown.

William Richmond McKenzie is a native of Essex county, New York, and was born in 1815. He came to Prophetstown in 1837, and settled first on the bottom, but afterwards opened a fine farm on Jackson street, where he still resides. Mr. McKenzie married Miss Harriet Martin in 1842, their children being: Luther B., who married Miss Annie Manning, and lives in Prophetstown; William, living in Colorado; Lovisa, wife of Frank D. Ramsay, living in Morrison; Ella, wife of Augustus Reynolds, living in Prophetstown; Mabel, wife of George H. Hyde, living in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Arthur, living in Prophetstown.

Harry Smith was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1801, and came to Prophetstown with William Hill in the fall of 1835, making a claim on Benton street, near the present village. He married Miss Ursula Spratt, in 1825. Their children are: Ann, wife of William Hill, Jr., living in Prophetstown; Helen, wife of E. A. Fassett, living in Prophetstown; Duane, living in Prophetstown; and Jane, wife of George Kellogg, also living in Prophetstown.

Erastus G. Nichols was born in Essex county, Vermont, in 1801, in which place he passed his early life. In 1832 he moved to Niles, Michigan, where he remained three years, and then in company with Mr. L. P. Sanger took a contract on the Illinois and Michigan canal, and made the cutting through Camp Rock. He came to Prophetstown in October, 1837, and settled on the bank of Coon creek, near its confluence with Rock river. In 1840, Messrs. Nichols, Sanger, and Galbraith, contracted to dig the canal around the Rock river rapids, commencing the work at the present village of Rock Falls. These gentlemen put a large force on the work, and also opened an extensive store for that time, on the Rock Falls side. Mr. Nichols had been educated as a lawyer, and practiced some during his earlier life. In 1839, he was appointed Circuit Clerk for Whiteside county, but resigned before he had performed any duties, and in 1840 Col. R. S. Wilson was appointed to fill the vacancy. He was the first Postmaster when a separate Postoffice was established at Prophetstown, in 1844, but was attacked with small pox the next winter, and died in February. In 1838-"39, he built a saw mill on Coon creek, which nearly ruined him financially. Mr. Nichols was a man of good ability, and very highly respected. He married Miss Elizabeth Graves. Their children were: Annette, wife of Alanson Stowell, living in Prophetstown; Edliza, wife of Phillip B. Brown, living in Prophetstown; Alpheus B., who married Miss Maria Paddock, and is now dead; Jones B., who married Miss Tamson Seely, and lives in Prophetstown; Sarah J., wife of Augustus Treadwell, living in Prophetstown; Ethan, now dead, and Wilbur, who married Miss Lucy Thorp, and lives in Prophetstown.

Prophetstown in 1838. He died of fever in August, 1839. Mr. Nichols married Miss Portia Hopkinson, in 1825. The children of this marriage were: David H., living in Colorado; Alpheus, in Montana; Guy, in Wyoming; Ezra, who was killed in the Mexican war; and Rufus M., now dead.

Jabez Warner was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1787. In 1806 he moved to Missouri, it being then French territory, and settled near St. Louis. During his residence there he served as Sheriff, and also as Probate Judge, of St. Louis county. He was a cooper by trade, and carried on a large cooper shop in St. Louis, in which he made flour barrels for the mills of that city. When the news of the victory of the Americans over the British, at New Orleans, on the 8th of January, 1815, reached St. Louis, Mr. Warner lost his right arm while assisting in firing a salute over the triumph. He was a Lieutenant in the war of 1812, and with his company made a trip up the Mississippi river to keep the Indians in check. During this expedition the captain of the company was wounded, and died soon after, leaving the command to Lieut. Warner. He was universally esteemed as a man of clear judgment, unswerving integrity, and great kindness of heart. He died in 1847. Mr. Warner was married to Miss Elizabeth Conner in 1811. Mrs. Warner was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1794, and is still living with her sons in this county. Their children have been: John H.; Mary E., who married Job Dodge, and lives in Philadelphia; Elias Burchard; Andrew J.; Sarah C, who married Silas Sears, and lives in Prophetstown; Edward B.; Eliza A., who married Andrew J. Tuller, and lives in Sterling; Martin P.; and Ellen M., who married B. H. Bacon, and lives in Philadelphia. John H. married Miss Clarissa E. Bryant, and resides in the village of Prophetstown. He owns a large and well cultivated farm in the township, and has been a very successful agriculturist. Elias Burchard married Miss Statira Clark, and upon coming to Prophetstown commenced farming, which occupation he continued until 1851, when he engaged in mercantile business in the village with his brothers Edward B. and Martin P., and maintained his connection with them until 1856, when he retired. Andreio J. first married Miss Elvira Rowe, and after her death Mrs. Eliza M. Woodard. He was engaged in mercantile business with Andrew J. Tuller from 1849 to 1851, and for several years was part owner of the plow factory and saw mill in the village. In 1862 he was appointed an Assistant United States Revenue Assessor, and in 1865 was promoted to the office of Revenue Assessor for the Third Congressional District, holding the latter position until 1873. He has also held various offices in the township, and has been a member, and for several terms President, of the Board of Trustees of the village of Prophetstown, and in all of these offices he gave unqualified satisfaction. Edivard B. married Miss Elizabeth C. Bryant, and for several years was engaged in business in the village of Prophetstown. In 1858 he was elected County Treasurer of Whiteside county, when he retired from business, and devoted all his energies to the duties of his office, the county finances being then in not a very prosperous condition, and county orders below par. The county seat had been but recently moved to Morrison, and county buildings had to be erected. Added to this was the breaking out of the war, and as it continued, drafts were ordered which could only be averted by paying large bounties, and to do this bonds had to be issued and put upon the market. Resting under a cloud as to her financial matters, the way looked rather difficult for Whiteside to realize upon her bonds, but under the able management of its financial officer they suffered but very little depreciation, and that only for a short time. Through Mr. Warner's influence taxes were levied to pay them, and long before the times had reached hard pan, the war debt was extinguished. In the meantime the county buildings had been erected, and paid for, and the credit of Whiteside county in all respects fully re-established. The twelve years during which Mr. Warner held the position of Treasurer were trying ones for the county, and had there been a less able, faithful and judicious officer at the head of the financial department, it is difficult at this day to determine what its condition would have been. In 1872 Mr. Warner was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization, and re-elected in 1876, his recognized financial abilities placing him at once among the leading members of that body. In 1859 he moved to Morrison, where he has since resided. He has been Mayor of the city of Morrison, and one of the school directors nearly all the time during his residen(?e in that city, and had also very acceptably filled a similar position in Prophetstown while a resident of that place. Martin P. was engaged in business for some time in Prophetstown, but for the past fifteen years has been connected with the County Treasurer's office, residing in Morrison. Jahez F. married Miss Statira R. Cutler. He owns a fine farm in the township, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. His residence is in the village.

John S. Warner was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1784, and came to Prophetstown in 1837. He was a surveyor by profession, and was one of the leading minds of the place from the time he became a resident until his death, which occurred in 1864. He married Miss Sybil Perry in 1806. Mrs. Warner died in 1865. Their children were: Irene, who married Rev. William Palmer, and is now dead; Ruby, wife of David Underbill, living in Prophetstown; and Mary, wife of Alonzo Davis, also living in Prophetstown.

Ashley Booth is a native of Freetown, Massachusetts, and was born in 1806. In 1809 his parents moved to Chenango county, New York, and in 1830 to Cattaraugus county, in the same State. In 1835 Mr. Booth came to Whiteside county, and first made a claim near the present village of Portland, and in 1837 brought his family to his new home, living for a time in a rail cabin covered with boughs of trees. He lived at various places until 1844, when he opened a farm at Woodward's bluflF, and has resided there since, except a couple of years spent at the Pike's Peak gold diggings. Mr. Booth married Miss Mary Foy in 1830, and after her death, which occurred in 1872, married Mrs. Fanny Winters. He has only one child, William, who married Miss Adliza Hurd, and is a farmer near Woodward's bluflP.

Calvin Williams is a native of Monson, Massachusetts, and was born in 1799. When five years of age, his parents moved to Cortland county, New York, and in 1823 to Erie county, in the same State. Mr. Williams moved to Michigan in 1833, and in 1837 came to Prophetstown, where he still lives, working at his trade of carpenter, although seventy-eight years of age. He married Miss Sally Hill in 1823, their children being : Enos, living in Portland; Emily, who married Johnson W. Gage, and lives in Prophetstown; Harriet, who first married Ryland Smith, and, after his death, Henry Myers, and lives in Prophetstown; Eliza, wife of David Barber, living in Prophetstown; Armina, wife of Andrew J. Seely, living in Portland; Lovina, wife of Richard Thompson, living in Portland; and Nathan, who married Miss Lillian Parish, and lives inSterling.

John Farnum was born in Orange county, Vermont, in 1814, and came to Prophetstown in 1837, settling on Washington street, where he still resides. His farm is one of the best conducted in the county, the neat appearance of his buildings and yards not being counterbalanced by weedy fields and broken-down fences, Mr, Farnum was married to Mrs. Irene Underbill, in 1846. There have been no children by this marriage, but that has not prevented iMr. and Mrs. Farnum from taking care of those whom death had deprived of their nat^ ural protectors, as the following list will show : Henry Leonard, living in Prophetstown; ]SIaria Pease, living in New York; Julius Kane, living in Prophetstown; and Christine Farnum, who married Isaac Colin Southard, Jr., and lives in Iowa.

Alanson Stowell was born in Broome county, New York, in 1812, and lived there until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Greene county, and afterwards to Steuben county, in the same State. In 1836 he came to Illinois and worked for a year at his trade of millwright, in Quincy, and in August, 1837, settled in Prophetstown and commenced building the saw-mill on Coon creek, in which enterprise he lost heavily. He is now residing on his large farm adjoining the village. Mr. Stowell married Miss iVnnette T. Nichols, in 1842. Their children have been : Elizabeth, wife of Henry Davidson; Erastus, who married Miss Lucy Blackman; Mary A., wife of Jacob Pence; Marian, who married Frank McG-rady; Bradford, Adliza, and Mark A. - all of whom live in Prophetstown.

Elias C. Hutchinson was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and came first to Illinois in 1837, settling at Alton, where he remained until 1839, when he came to Prophetstown. During the earlier years of his residence in Prophetstown he worked at his trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker, to which he had been brought up in his native State, and afterwards became a farmer. He is now engaged in the furniture trade in the village. Mr. Hutchinson married Miss Mary Crary, in 1839. Their children have been : Augusta and Frederick, living in Prophetstown, and three who died in infancy.

David Underhill is a native of Jefferson county, New York, and was born in 181-4. He came to Illinois in 1837, remaining for a while at a place above Rockford, on Rock river, and in September of that year rowed down Rock river in a canoe to Prophetstown. He made his first claim on Benton street, adjoining the village, and in 1839 opened a farm at Jefferson Corners, where he resided several years. He now resides on his farm near the school section. Mr. Underhill married Miss Ruby Warner, in 1841, the children of the marriage being : John, who married Mrs. Ruth Mitchell, and lives in Prophetstown; Mary, wife of Alonzo Wilkinson, living in Hume; D. Storrs, who married Miss Hannah Tubbs, and lives in Hume; Alonzo, who married Miss Dolly Renslow, and lives in Iowa; Sylvester, also living in Iowa; and Perry, who lives in Prophetstown.

William T. Minchin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1794, and came to Prophetstown in October, 1837, having stopped a year at Inlet Grove, Lee county. He made a claim on Washington street, near Jefferson Corners. In 1844 his improvements were destroyed by a tornado. He married Miss Abigail Sibley, in 1819, who, after his death, married Henry Smith. She is now living in Prophetstown, with mental faculties unimpaired. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Minchin are : Lucy B., wife of Anthony J. Mattson, living in Prophetstown; Mary Louise, who first married Luke Spencer, and, after his death, H. F. Kellum, and lives in Prophetstown; Julia Ann, who first married John Lunner, and, after his death, Harry Brown, and lives in Prophetstown; William T., who married Miss Milly Bear, and lives in Carroll county, Iowa; and Clinton B., who married Miss Aggie Buel, and lives in Iowa.

Henry Olmstead, Sr., was a native of Canada, and came to Prophetstown in 1838, opening a farm on Washington street, upon which he lived until his death, in 1860. He married Miss Sarah Merritt, who is now living in Nebraska. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead are : Oliver, who married Miss Electa Hunt, and lives in Prophetstown; Daniel, who married jNIiss Octavia Kendall, and lives in Nebraska; Jane, who first married Harmon Smith,

Oliver Olmstead is a native of Canada, and was born in 1816. He came to the State of Illinois in ISSffjand first located in Plainfield, Dupage county, but remained only a year, and in 1837 came to Prophetstown. During that year he married Miss Electa Hunt, and the young couple passed their honeymoon in a small cabin in Eight Mile Grove, rudely constructed of logs, with puncheon floor, mud fire-place and chimney, and minus a window. Their provisions were corn bread and frozen pork and potatoes, and at night the cabin was filled with a pretty rough-looking set of wood-choppers. The place was then in reality a howling wilderness, the fierce, cold winds finding their way into the cabin through the numerous cracks, and the wolves keeping a continual chorus during the night in the surrounding timber. In March, 1838, Mr. Underbill moved to his claim on Washington street, where he had erected a cabin twelve feet square. On this claim he commenced work in good earnest, and at odd times worked at any job he could find, so as to get something to live on. At one time some necessary article was wanted by his wife for the household, and Mr. Olmstead started for Albany, a distance of twenty miles, to get it, walking the whole way. Not finding the article there, he went up to Fulton, eight miles further, where he obtained it, and then returned home by the way of Union Grove, making the whole distance traveled fifty miles - a feat of devotion and endurance worthy of record. He has carried on farming at his old place from 1838 until the present time, and is still able to do a good day.'swork. He married Miss Electa Hunt in 1837. Their children have been : George, who married Miss Fanny Green, and lives in Prophetstown; Oscar, who married Miss Elizabeth Clifton, and lives in Prophetstown; Alonzo, who enlisted in the 9th Illinois cavalry, and died in the service; John W., Rosantha, David, and Willie, living with their parents; and Edna C, who is dead.

Daniel Olmstead is a native of Canada, and came to Portland in 1838, locating a farm on Washington street, upon which he erected a fine brick house. He lived on this farm until 1865, and is now a resident of Nebraska. Mr. Olmstead married Miss Octavia Kendall. Their children were : Sarah, wife of Eugene Butler, living in Sterling; Augusta, now dead; and Frederick, who married Miss Ella Graham, and lives in Eock Island county.

Harmon Smith was born in Vermont, in 1812, and came to Portland in 1837. He settled on Washington street, and remained on the same farm until his death. He married Miss Jane Olmstead, in 1839, their children being : Webster, who married Miss Hannah Underbill; Clarion, who married John Lambert; and Charles, who married Miss Edna Smith.

Lewis Brown was born in Dutchess county. New York, in 1779, and came to Portland in 1836, locating a farm on Washington street, on which his son Harry now lives. He died in 1876 at the ripe old age of ninety-five years. Mr. Brown married Miss Orilla Clark. Their children were : Sarah B., now dead; and Harry, who married Miss Julia Minchin. and after her death. Miss Anna Kurfis, and lives in Prophetstown.

Stephen Crook was a native of Rutland county, Vermont, and came to Prophetstown in 1836. He made a claim above Coon creek that season, and returned to Vermont. In the summer of 1838 he came back with his family, and in the November following was frozen to death while coming home from Dixon's ferry, an account of which will be found in this chapter. Mr. Crook married Miss Mary Gibbs. Their children have been Mary, who married Harry C. Cook, and is now dead; Albert G., who married Miss Sarah Besse, and lives in Sterling; Lucy Ann, wife of Lewis D. Crandall, living in Colorado; Irene, wife

Robert Smith was a native of Vermont, and came to Prophetstown in 1837, locating a claim near Jefferson Corners, upon which he settled in 1838. He met with the same fate as Stephen Crook, while returning from Dixon's ferry in November, 1838. Mr. Smith married Miss Christina Lee. They had two children : Richard, living Tampico, and Lucy, living in Vermont.

Samuel Johnson was born in Castleton, Vermont, in 1805, and came to Prophetstown in 1838. In 1839, he married Mrs. Christina Smith, widow of Robert Smith, and settled near Jefferson Corners, where he lived about twenty years, when he moved to Sterling. He is now living on a farm in Coloma. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are : L. L., who married Miss Block, and lives in Coloma; he was a Lieutenant in the 34tli Illinois Volunteers; and Christina, wife of Charles Tenny, living in Vermont.

David Woodward is a native of Warren county. New York, and was born in 1811. He came to Whiteside county in the fall of 1837, and remained during the winter in Portland. In the spring of 1838 he made a claim at the bluff, which is now known as Woodward's Bluff, and has resided there ever since. He has been for over forty years a worthy member of the Methodist church, and is highly respected. Mr. Woodward married Miss Mary Leach in 1835. Their children have been : Elizabeth, wife of James Keefer, living in Henry county, Illinois; Martin, and Henry M., now dead; Emma, living in Prophetstown; Ellen, wife of J. Willis Keefer, living in Prophetstown; Mary Elsie, wife of Edgar Hammond, living in Prophetstown; and Milton, also living in Prophetstown.

Stephen D. Smith was born in Poultney, Vermont, in 1798, and came to Prophetstown in 1839. He settled on Washington street where Ezra Hill now lives, and remained there until 1855 when he purchased a farm adjoining the village. In 1871, he sold this farm to his son D. Kenerett, and Luther B. Ramsay, who laid it out into village lots, and most of the building since the completion of the railroad has been done on this land. Mr. Smith still resides upon a portion of it. In 1821 he married Miss Tilly Manley. Their children have been: Polly, who married P. Bates Reynolds, and is now dead; Caroline M., wife of Luther B. Ramsay, living in Prophetstown; Ryland, who married Miss Harriet Williams, and is now dead; William Edson, who married Miss Amanda Reynolds, and is now dead; E. Wallace, who married Miss Philura James, and lives in Kansas; and D. Kenerett, who married Miss Alma Green, and lives in Prophetstown.

Obadiah W. Gaoe is a native of Addison county, Vermont, and was born in 1813. He came to the State of Illinois in the fall of 1838, and in the spring of 1839 to Prophetstown, first working at his trade as a shoemaker, and afterwards opening a farm on Jackson street, where he still resides. He was County Commissioner in 1848, and for six terms Supervisor of Prophetstown township. He married Miss Mercy L. Farrington in 1851. There have been two children by this marriage : Augusta, and Euretta, both of whom are living at home.

Johnson W. Gage was born in Addison county, Vermont, in 1818, and came to Prophetstown in 1839, where he has resided ever since. He has held the office of Township Assessor for fifteen years, and School Director for ten years. Mr. Gage married Miss Emily Williams in 1842. Their children are : Oakman C, living in Prophetstown; George, who married Miss Josephine Cox, and lives in Iowa; and Nathan, Charles, Elizabeth, Dell, Joseph R., Rector"! Lucy, and Sarah, all of whom are living at home.

Silas Martin was born in Massachusetts, and first moved to Schoharie county, New York, and from there to Canada. In 1839, he came to Proplietstown, and remained two years, when he went to Coloma, and died there about 1859. His wife was killed in 1841 by the accidental discharge of a gun, while she was out riding. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been : Sarah wife of Thomas Yooward, living in Coloma; Nancy, wife of Morris L. Green living in Montmorency; Emily, wife of William W. Durant, living in Albany- Sophia, wife of Sydney Barber, living in Coloma; Harriet, wife of William R. McKenzie, living in Prophetstown; Henrietta, wife of J. E. Whitcher, livin<'- in California; Silas, living in California; David, now dead; and Hamilton, who married Miss Harriet Chapman, and lives in Hound Grrove.

Luther B. Ramsay is a native of Deerfield, Oneida county. New York, and was born in 1818. He came to Whiteside in 1839 in company with Leonard Woodworth, as one of the engineers in the construction of the canal around the rapids ahove Bock Falls, and continued at that work for six months, and then returned to New York State, having previously, however, made a claim in what is now the township of Hume. In the fall of 1840 he came back to Whiteside and lived for three years in Hume, and then moved to Prophetstown where he has since resided. Since his last return to Whiteside he has been constantly engaged in farming, and in 1853 and 1854 was also engaged in mercantile business in the village of Prophetstown. For quite a number of years past he has manufactured cheese to a considerable extent, and has a splendid dairy farm near the center of the township. He is one of the leading citizens of Prophetstown and resides in the village. Mr. Bamsay was married to Miss Caroline M. Smith in 1845. Their children have been : Frank D., an able and successful lawyer, who married Miss Lavisa McKenzie, and lives in Morrison; and Lucy E., and Christina, living in Prophetstown.

Sampson Ellithorpe was born in Saratoga county. New York, in 1806. He first settled in what is now Hume township, but soon sold his claim to William Bamsay, and moved to Prophetstown, where he died in 1840. Mr. Ellithorpe married Miss Eliza Wight, their children being : Earl S., who married Miss Mary J. Averill, and lives in Prophetstown; and Bethiah, wife of Dr. H. C. Donaldson, one of the early practising physicians of the county, and for a number of years, and at present, a successful practitioner in Morrison.

Horace Annis was born in Orange county. New York, in 1816. He came to Illinois in 1837, and located in Chicago, where he remained until 1839, when he came to Prophetstown. He was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at the business while a resident there. From 1854 until 1859 he was connected with the Plow Factory at the village, and afterwards moved to Colorado, and then to Montana, having been Probate Judge in both Territories. He married Mrs. Portia Nichols in 1840. The children of this marriage have been : Mary, wife of Harmon Cleveland, living in California; Keene, wife of Lewis J. P. Movrill living in Lyons, Iowa; Julia, wife of Hamden Sturtevant, living in Prophets-' town; and Paul, living in Montana.

Lawrence Walls is a native of Londonderry, Ireland, and was born in 1803. He came to Illinois in 1838, and was foreman for Sanger and Nichols in their contract on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. In 1840, he came to Prophetstown, and purchased a farm east of Coon Creek, where he now resides. Mr. Walls married Philena Clark, and after her death, Clarissa White. He has one child, a daughter.

Edward Wright was born in Bome, Oneida county. New York, in 1811 and came to Illinois in 1833, remaining awhile at Plainfield, Kendall county! In January, 1835, he came to Prophetstown in company with William Perkins.

At that time there were no houses on the south side of Rock river from Dixon down, until the grove just above Prophetstown was reached, where there were two cabins, one occupied by Mr. McClure and the other by Mr. Bestwick, an Englishman. Messrs. Wright and Perkins made a claim adjoining Asa Crook's, and which took in the land on which the village of Prophetstown now stands, and also enough of the bend of the river below to make what they considered two good-sized farms. Perkins soon after returned to Kendall county, while Mr. Wright remained to hold possession, and make improvements, and eventually purchased the interest of Perkins. Mr. Wright then took R. Ammidon as a partner, and the claim was divided. In 1836 he sold his share, with the exception of twenty acres which had been previously conveyed, to Jabez Warner, who had then just come up the river with a flat boat loaded with flour and provisions. He then went a few miles further up the river, made another claim, and commenced improvements, but having had the chills and fever for most of the time for two years, reluctantly left Whiteside county in the fall of 1839, and settled near Lisbon, Kendall county. Mr. Wright married Miss Sophrona Clark, daughter of W. L. Clark, of Lyndon Precinct, in October, 1840. Their children have been: Julia, Emily, Clara, and Lottie, all of whom are now living, and married; they have also had three others, who are now dead.

Henry L. Tuller is a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and was born in 1816. He came to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Chicago, and in 1841 came to Whiteside county, and engaged in the mercantile business with Capt. W. S. Barnes, at Albany. In 1842 he purchased the store of Frederick Dwight, in Prophetstown, and did business in the county until 1848, when he went to Peru, Illinois, and became connected with Dodge & Pitts in the manufacture of plows. He is now in the same business with T. D. Brewster,in Peru. Mr. Tuller married Miss Frances E. Snead, the only issue of the marriage being one daughter, Frances E., living at Peru.

Jeduthan Seely, Jr., was born in Cayuga county. New York, in 1807, and came to Prophetstown in June, 1836, and settled adjoining the village of Portland, but within the present limits of Prophetstown. Mr. Seely married Miss Mariba Foy. Their children have been: Marvin, who died in 1851; Tamson, wife of Jones B. Nichols, living in Prophetstown; William F., who died in 1876; Emily Martin; and Celestia, wife of E. Laban Ballou, living in Prophetstown.

Nathan Thompson is a native of Saratoga county. New York, and was born in 1822. He came to Prophetstown in 1843, and has been identified with its business interests ever since. In 1852 he became connected with Andrew J. Tuller, as dealer in general merchandise, building the store now occupied by D. K. Smith, and continued in that line for fifteen years. He was also engaged with William Pratt and others, in digging county ditches, and has been very influential in all the railroad enterprises in which Prophetstown has had an interest, from the starting of the first project ixntil the completion of the present road through the village. He is now President of the First National Bank of Prophetstown, and resides in the village. Mr. Thompson married Mrs. Sarah' Parrottin 1867. They have no children.

Alexander G. Thompson was born in St. Charles, Missouri, in 1818. From there he went to Erie county, Pennsylvania, and came to Prophetstown in 1838, and settled on section 36, on Jackson street, where he resided until 1865, when he moved to Round Grove. He is still residing at the latter place. Mr. Thompson married Miss Almeda Gault. Their children have been: Addie, wife of Albert Seaman, living in Sterling; George W., who died while in service at New Orleans during the late war; Sarah Jane, now dead; Sarah, wife of

William Thompson was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1811, and came to Prophetstown in 1838 with his brother, Alexander Gr. lie remained in Prophetstown until 1866, when he went to Floyd county, Iowa, where he is still living. Mr. Thompson married Miss Mary Cleaveland. Their children have been: Amy, now dead; Harmon, Cora, and three others, living in Iowa.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois : Containing Full-page Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Illinois, and of the Presidents of the United States, by Chapman Brothers, published 1885; 3,598 words in this source stream.

Prophetstown Township

HE territory that is now embraced by this township during the earlier division of the county, belonged to Crow Creek Precinct. In 1837, when Whiteside County was by the County Commissioners of Ogle County at- I t ached to the territory of that county, this territory was formed into Prophetstown Precinct, embracing all the territory in this coiiiity south of Rock River. The name was afterwards changed to Portland. In 1840 this territory was divided into three precincts, which were named Prophetstown, Portland and Rapids. This arrangement gave to Prophetstown its present territory and the western

Whites1De County

After the election for township organization, in 185 1, the Commissioners appointed to give names and boundaries to townships, retained the name of Prophetstown for the territory lying in town 20 north, range 5 east, south of Rock River; and the name of Volney to that part in township 19 north, range 5 east. The latter name was afterwards dropped, and the entire district was known only as Prophetstown. This township was organized under the township organization law April 6, 1852, when the following named officers were chosen : Obadiah W. Gage, Supervisor; J. W. Gage, Assessor; Wm. R. Cox, Clerk ; R. W. Smith, Collector ; and N. G. Reynolds, Overseer of the Poor. Commissioners of the Highway were P. D. Beardsley and E. S. Gage.

This is the largest township in the county. The nature of the land is mostly rolling, and but very little of it broken. The soil is a sandy loam and very productive. It is watered by Rock River and Coon Creek. A+ong these water-courses there is more or less timber. Back, or south from Rock River, there is quite a forest. There are several pretty groves in different portions of the township. One of the county ditches runs along the west part of the township, emptying into Coon Creek.

The first settler to locate in the territory now embraced by Prophetstown, was Asa Crook, with his family, which consisted of his wife and nine children, four sons and five daughters, and a hired man by the name of Brown. They came about the first of June, 1834, and located near the mouth of Coon Creek, and were accompanied by Norman B. and Alexander J. Seely, who located in what is now Portland Township. Mr. Crook constructed, for their use through the summer, a wickeup.

Samuel A. McClure came in a few days later than Mr. Crook and made a claim, but did not stay long, selling out his claim to that stirring pioneer, John W. Stakes, who came in with his family, and John Bowman, along in September.

Before Stakes and family came in, however, Col. Ebenezer Seely had arrived, and made a claim on what is now section 6. Col. Seely came from Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He went first to Michigan, expecting to find his brothers, Norman and Alexander, there. On arriving in Michigan he found they had pushed on West to Illinois, and so he followed them. Mail facilities were not so good in those days as now, and the family at home had not been advised of the brothers' change of base. He put up a cabin on his claim and wintered there and about the settlement. Mr. Crook also built a cabin, which made them more comfortable winter qimrters. In March, 1836, Col. Seely went back for his family, and returned with them in June. They had a farm in New York and also a saw-mill, which they sold, and, constructing a raft, put all their household effects aboard and started down the Alleghany River. He brought with him his family, his father and mother, John Reed and family, and 'Henry Bower and family ; also a large supply of provisions.

Leaving the Alleghany Rivsr, they .gassed down the Ohio to Louisville, where he disposed of his lumber and then took a steamboat for St. Louis. From St. Louis they came up the river to Rock Island. At Rock Island he hired a ferry-boat, upon which they all embarked with their goods and supplies, and poled it up Rock River to Prophetstown, where they all safely arrived after a journey of two months and 20 days. He brought with him among the rest of his cargo, lumber, door and window frames. More particulars concerning this pioneer and his family will be found in his biography, on page 189.

The settlement was increased this year by the arrival of Amos Gordon, N. G. Reynolds, HarrySmith, Charles Atkinson, Marvin Frary, Edward Wright, William Hill, Alonzo Davis, J. S. Johnson, and a few others. In 1836-7, considerable addition was made, and from this on immigration set in quite liberally.

The first child born in this township, and the first female child in the county, was Anna Stakes, daughter of John W. Stakes, in 1835, on section 22. Col. Seely says that the first male child born in the county was William Hopkins, at Como. The first death was that of Jeduthan Seely, Sr., in the fall of 1836. Col. Si;ely was the first Postmaster, getting his commission in the fall of 1836. Solomon, his son, carried the mail, receiving it at Dixon, to which place it was brought by mail contractors. Col. Seely was Postmaster until 1856, a period of twenty years, and then the office was given to Farmer Adams, who lived on section 13, Mr. Adams had it about four years, when it was removed to Spring Hill, in Portland Township.

Wh1Tes1De County

Lovica Hamilton taught the first school in the township, in the summer of 1836. It was on section 3, in a log school-house. Miss Hamilton was afterwards married to John C. Swarthout, and raised a large and respectable family. Daniel Crocker brought the first stock of goods into the township from Galena, in the spring of [836. He located on the banks of the river in a log house, near the ferry. It is said by some that this was the first stock of goods opened in the county. This ferry was run by John Knox, and was the oldest ferry in the county except the Crandall Ferry, and was located abjut twomiles from Lyndon.

In the early part of 1835, Asa Crook opened the first tavern. It was a double log cabin, located on section 3, and became quite famous in those days for its hospitality.

About this time there were about 300 or 400 Indians (mostly Winnebagoes) camping near the mouth of the creek, and Asa Crook used to trade with them a good deal, and was a great favorite with them. In the fall of 1835 a Winnebago Indian was killed by a Pottawatomie, in a quarrel. The murderer fled, and a reward of two ponies was offered for his capture, or for his head, by the Chief. Some Indians went in pursuit, and finally captured the fugitive at the mounds, in Wisconsin, near where Racine is located. They killed and decapitated him, and returned to camp with the head, which was buried in the grave of the murdered Winnebago.

The Prophet, and Black Hawk, whose home was at Rock Island, had left the country before the set tiers came. The Indians soon followed them, passing beyond the Mississippi, to fade away at last.

Col. Seely, in 1836, sowed the first handful of wheat in the township, and said to be the first in the county. In 1837, he went to Aurora, and had the first grist ground. He saw, as he was passing through Chicago on his way to Whiteside County, in 1834, the first two-story building that was erected in that city. It was being built for a hotel, and was located upon the site of the present Briggs House, corner Randolph and Fifth Avenue. Col. Seely, in early days, started the building of a town in Portland Township, on section i, which was called Portland. He erected here quite a large hotel and other buildings, laying out considerable money. But there were other interests, which were directed towards Prophetstown. When he railroad came it passed through 1'rophetstown and then turned northward, leaving Portland some two miles to the south, and Col. Seely's project was unsuccessful. This contest was rather spirited and bitter, leaving some unpleasant reminiscences behind. One of the results of the contest was the petition of Col. Seely to the Board of Supervisors to have his farm, his home of 80 acres, set off to Portland Township, which was granted, and to all intents and purposes he is a citizen of that township. He is still living at his home, in his eighty-third year, and is hale and hearty. (See page 189.)

Those pioneers had but few sources of amusement in the early days, but were very fond of a little sport now and then. Once on a. lime, and a very good time it was, they say they had a Fourlhof-July celebration. It was the first held in the township, being at no later date than 1836. Nothing aroused those old pioneers like a Fourth-of-July celebration. They could not have grand processions then with gay uniforms, brass bands, roaring of cannon and the display of fireworks, but they could have a dance; and this they did, and Asa Crook's tavern was the place where it was held. Col. Seely was a prominent and important factor in this celebration, and he wanted it to go off well, which he thought it could not do unless there was a little something to drink. But just at this time the article of drink was a very scarce commodity. Deacon Crocker had some wine, but he kept it for sacramental purposes, and would not sell it for any other, being inclined to temperance principles.

Col. Seely finally prevailed upon the Deacon to let him have a gallon for the use of the ladies who were to participate in the celebration, some of whom, he stated, were not very well. Having obtained permission to enter the cellar, the Colonel saw his way clear. He secured the services of a boy and two patent pails, entered the cellar by the back way, filled his pails, and returned to the tavern. They had a grand time. The wine was drank, and the ladies went home well and happy.

Prophetstown is one of the best improved townships in the county, and has a larger per cent, of its lands under cultivation than any other. It ranks the first in stock-raising, and, is a, large producer of grain. Its roads are good, and the buildings throughout the township are substantial, many of them being very attractive. The Clinton branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was completed through ihe township in 1871. It passes through the northeast corner, entering on section 12, and going out on section 5. The people do their trading mostly at Prophetstown. The population now is estimated at 2,200. The census of 1880 retried 1,709. Special attention has been given from the first by i he people of this township to the education of their children. The result has been that they have good school buildings in all their districts.

HIS beautiful and somewhat noted town is located on the picturesque banks of Rock River, and surrounded by a rich agricultural country. It was incorporated by act of the Legislature March 10, 1859, and the territory now embraced by it may be more particularly described as the southeast fractional quarter of section 32 in township 20, range 5 ; the southwest half of the southwest fractional quarter of section 33, same range and township; the northwest fractional quarter of section 4, township 19, range 5, and the northeast fractional quarter of section 5, township 19, range 5, east of the fourth principal meridian. This was declared to be the limits of the village of Prophetstown.

The first election was held for selecting village officers April 4, 1859. Andrew J. Fuller, Elias C. Hutchinson, John H. Warner, Albert G. Porter, Edward S. Dickinson, were elected Trustees, and VV. T. Minchen, Clerk ; Andrew J. Fuller was chosen President of the Hoard of Trustees.

The town is well laid out, with wide streets, which nre shaded by fine large trees. This village was originally platted in 1838, and was distinguished by having among its proprietors the great Webster. Its platters were George W. Campbell, Daniel Webster, Asa Crook, Dixon B. Morehouse, James Craig,

Erastus Nichols and Jabez Warner. This plat included that of the present village lying north of Main Street. It is not remembered by any of the early settlers that the great American statesmanever visited the village, or that he was ever pecuniarily benefited for the use of his name. It was undoubtedly put in to give the town a " send-off," and create what would now be called a real-estate "boom."

This town was called in eirly days the Prophet's Village, and it was here that Wa-bo-Kies Shiek, or White Cloud, commonly called the Prophet, had his home with his tribe. He was a son of a chief of the Sac and Fox tribes, but was connected with the Winnebagoes by marriage, having two of their women for his wives. He is reported to have been a splendid specimen of the Indian race. He was tall and dignified in his movements, possessing an intelligence far beyond his race. His face had something of the Grecian cast, and his mind and character was more that of a student than that of an uncivilized Indian warrior. He became one of the most distinguished chiefs of the Winnebagoes and was the right arm of Black Hawk during the Black Hawk War of 1832, being constantly with him until its close, which ended at the battle of Bad Ax. It is hard to realize that this pleasant, quiet village was the theater of hostile operations during this war. It was to this place that Black Hawk, after organizing at Sac Village, marched with all his forces and formed his camp. The Prophet, through his marriage with a friendly tribe, and his associations with the early settlers - particularly with Col. Henry Gratiot, Agent of the Winnebagoes, and his family - was disposed to be on amicable relations with the white settlers. He had not that bitter, vindictive spirit in his heart against the white man that Black Hawk had ; but when the war broke out he did all in his power to make the Indian cause successful. He was in reality an enemy in war and in peace a friend. (See biography and iwtrait of White Cloud in the biographical portion of this book.)

Daniel Crocker opened the first store in Prophetstown, which was in the spring of 1836. It was in a log cabin near the bank of the river. He did a thriving business, selling to Asa Crook alone $1,000 worth of goods in one year. Alanson Smith has the credit of erecting the first frame building, which was in the summer of 1838, and was located near the river. It remained there until 1875, when it was removed. Asa Crook opened the first tavern in 1836. It was a double log cabin, but it's roof gave shelter to many a pioneer who otherwise would have had nothing but the canopy of heaven above him. A. J. Mattson started the second store, and was the first Justice of the Peace. He is still honored by his fellow townsmen with this position. The first wedding in this village was the marriage of Isaac C. Southard and Almira B. Hill.

Settlement was made on the site of this village when it was in the precinct of Prophetstown with a view of forming a town. About the year 1845 an attempt was made by Col. Seely and others to establish the town on what is now section i, Portland Township. Quite a number of buildings were put up there, and among these was a hotel building. This project was a failure, and Prophetstown grew right along. The hotel building that was put up in the prospective village of Portland was afterwards moved over to Prophetstown. and forms now a part of the Seely House.

After repeated failures to have a railroad to put the town in communication with the railway world, a road was finally constructed by the aid of the towns along the line, which was called the Mendota & Clinton Railroad, and is now a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. The first train of cars came into the village March 8, 1871. The town has since steadily grown, and now has a population of about 1,000 souls. There are many beautiful dwelling-houses in the village and substantial business blocks. Where the savage once pitched his tent, and held his council of war; where the Indian war-whoop, with its ominous piercing cry, was once heard, there is now a thriving village, the inhabitants of which are devoted to industrial pursuits and the arts of civilization.

Educational

The people of Prophetstown have secured for the education of their children a good graded school with a very excellent corps of teachers. In 1882 they erected a new school building, at a cost of $r2,- ooo, furniture $300. It is a large two-story building constructed of brick, with four apartments, which are heated by a furnace. Seating capacity, about

Press

240. Total enrollment of pupils for the past year was 220; average enrollment, 168; average attendance, 143. The school is divided into eleven grades, each representing one year's work. The school has a regular course of study, embracing all the English branches and the natural sciences. The pupils in general are superior in intelligence and earnest in their studies. The progress made in the primary department in writing, maping and drawing was remarkable. This school is under good discipline. There appears to be a sympathy between teacher and pupil, which is the basis of government. Will J. Johnston is Principal ; Grammar Department, Miss Anna L. Bastian ; Intermediate, .Miss Mary E. Cabot; Primary, Mrs. W. J. Johnston. PRESS.

Prophetstown has an excellent newspaper to represent its interests. The Prophelstmvn Spike is an eight-column folio paper, published every Saturday by A. I). Hill, who is editor and proprietor. It was established in September, 1871, by A. D. Hill and Charles Bent. The former bought out Mr. Bent's interests in 1872. In 1878 he sold out to J. W. Olmstead, who published it a while and then sold to another party. In May, 1883, Mr. Hill repurchased the paper, and has since been sole owner. In politics the Spike is Republican, and has a good circulation. It is a well edited, bright and newsy paper.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - This society was formed in 1836, at the residence of Nathaniel G. Reynolds. There were only five members at the first organization, and only class services were held for some time. Later on they had preaching from the mission service, and held their meetings in the school-house. In 1860 they erected a church building, which was the first in the town. It was erected under the administration of Rev. M. Lewis, to whom its final completion was due. This society has continued its services regularly since its building was completed. A pastor is at present in charge, and the church is fairly prosperous. SOCIETIES.

Prophetstanm Lodge No. 293, A. F. and A. M. - Dispensation was granted for the organization of this lodge Oct. 7, 1858. Win. T. Minchen received from the Grand Lodge the appointment as Master. The first meeting was held Oct. 16, 1858. In 1868 the lodge bought a lot, and in September following they voted in favor of building a hall. This was completed, and Dec. 10, 1868, was dedicated. Deputy Grand Master James C. Luckey was master of ceremonies, assisted by Past Masters John Rugles, Jr., Win. Frasier and I. G. Burbank. The building cost about $3,000, and the furniture and equipments i| 1,000. This society has an elegant hall, and is in a prosperous condition. In connection with the hall they have a dining-room and kitchen, with all the necessary cooking utensils, and also table furniture for an extensive banquet.- The logde is out of debt, and lias money at interest. Present Master, H. A. Stuttevant, with a membership of 87.

Prophctstown Chapter, No. 174, R. A. M., was organized under dispensation Dec. 23, 1875, and was chartered Oct. 26, 1876. It was constituted Nov. 9, 1876, by M. S. Bowman, of Sterling. Silas Sears was the first High Priest, and H. R. Kent is the present. This chapter has 6t members and is prosperous.

Sinnissippi Lodge, No. 508, /. O. O. F., was instituted in 1873, with Silas Sears as N. G. This society has a good, large hall, which they own. The hall is very neatly furnished and equipped. The walls are decorated with emblematic representations, denoting the different degrees and their significance. These were made by C. N. Stevens, and are very artistic as well as ingenious in their construction. The lodge also has a good organ. A fine engraving of Schuyler Colfax (who established the Rebekah order) hangs at the head of the hall. They hold regular meetings and are in a prosperous condition. Present N. G., C. H. Gould.

Tidal Wave Rebekah Lodge, No. ng. - This society was organized Nov. 20, 1883. Mrs. Alice Daily was the first N. G. They have 50 members, and meet in the Odd Fellows Hall. The present N. G. is Mrs. Cora L. Emory.

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; 5,095 words in this source stream.

Prophetstown Township

Many of our state names preserve the memory of the red man, who roamed these prairies before us, and it is commendable. Every name tells a story, awakens an emotion : Illinois, Mississippi, Chicago, Winnebago. Of all our townships, Prophetstown is the only one of Indian association, recalling Black Hawk's chief adviser, whose home was on or near the site of the present village.

Too goodly a land to be neglected, and soon as the Black Hawk struggle was settled and the coast was clear, the white emigrants made their claims. In June, 1834, Asa Crook and family arrived, living in his wagon and a lodge all summer until he erected a log house in the fall. John W. Slakes and wife came in September. In the spring of 1836, James Knox, Sr.. started the ferry across Rock river, the first in the county. The same year Daniel Crocker from Galena opened a store in a log cabin. In June,

1837, Jabez Warner with his two sons came up Rock river in a flatboat, with a stock of goods, forming a partnership with Simon Page. Most of the original settlers came before 1840, and we shall consider them again.

Prophetstown lies in the heart of a very rich agricultural district. The land is extremely fertile, and thrifty farmers have grown independent. Perhaps the only rural section where the tillers of the soil have automobiles. It is said in town and country around there are nearly twenty of these destructive machines. The face of the land is beautiful, not a dead level, but just enough swell and meadow to gladden the eye and rejoice the heart. No wonder Black Hawk and his braves clung to this lovely valley.

Prophetstown is on the Mendota branch of the Burlington, and can be reached from the north or south by changing cars at Denrock. A pleasant drive from Sterling on the south side of the river through a charming section of well improved farms. Soon after leaving the station you enter the main street with several blocks of stores', offices, and various business houses. Here is the Farmers' National Bank, organized in 1902, with a present capital stock of $60,000, and deposits of $133,907. N. Thompson is president, and 0. P. Petty, formerly of First National, Sterling, is assistant cashier.

This is the office of the Eclipse Self-Sharpening Lawn Mower, a machine that is winning high praise wherever used. It has ten-inch drive wheels, four steel blades, handle and roller of seasoned hard maple. As a precaution against rust the machine is treated to a heavy coat of white paint, and then finished in aluminum, giving it a neat appearance. Three prime points are claimed. It does not rust, nor clog, and is self-sharpening. During three years it has stood all tests, and is recommended by those who have used it as the best on the market. The manufacture is just in its infancy, but is bound to grow.