Ridott Township (part 1 of 2)

Ridott Township

Occupies the southeastern corner of the county and is nine miles in length by six in width, with an area of 34,400 acres, of which about 30,000 acres are under cultivation. It is well watered in the northern part by the Pecatonica and tributary streams, and heavily timbered in that section also, while the southern portion is mostly rolling prairie.

The township formed a portion of Silver Creek Precinct until after the passage of the law providing for township organization, when it was laid oif and named, it is said, after a clerk in the Post Office Department at Washington. The first settlement of the town was made in the spring of 1836, by Andrew iTackson and Jeiferson Niles, who claim to have come on the 4th of March of that year, and built a shanty on the east bank of the Pecatonica. During the winter of 1835 or 1836, or early in the spring of the latter year, Harvey P. Waters, accompanied by Lyman Bennett, visited the present territory of Stephenson County, and halted at the mouth of Yellow Creek, now included within the limits of Silver Creek Township. He remained here until spring had become an established fact in this section, when he removed to Ridott, and is still enumerated in the census of that town. That spring, it is said, quite a number of settlers identified themselves with future Ridott, and, besides increasing the number of voters in that portion of the county, contributed materially to the promulgation of its attractions. Among these were Sawyer Forbes, Daniel Wooten, who settled one mile west of the present village of Ridott ; Horace Colburn, where Samuel Moyer now resides ; a man named Wickham, who entered the land upon which the village of Ridott is located ; John Reed and brother, who squatted on the Farwell farm ; Benjamin and Josiah Ostrander, at the mouth of the Creek ; David Niles, on land subsequently owned by Garrett Lloyd ; Asa Nichols, and some others. They, one and all, indulged the same anticipations, experienced the same vicissitudes, conquered the same hardships, and rejoiced in final victory, as did those who came at an early day, and, in other portions of the county, were tried and triumphed gloriously.

The primary settlements made in Ridott, as elsewhere in portions of the county watered by the Pecatonica, were established along the bank of the river. The land there was more desirable, apparently, for agricultural purposes than the rolling prairies at a distance from the stream, and the water-power sought to be utilized for mechanical and other purposes was deemed as an invaluable adjunct to the building-up of the country. The houses were, of course, primitive beyond description, often being constructed of sod, with thatched roofs and other evidences of the limited resources available in those days. Yet this discouraging outlook attracted rather than dismayed the emigrants, who came in large numbers even after the township had been generally settled, and desirable sites were held at extravagant rates. In 1837, Caleb Tompkins took up land in the timber on what was afterward known as the Bride Farm. G. A. Seth, Isaac and Eldredge Farwell settled adjoining each other, four miles east of the present village. Garrett Lloyd became a settler this year also, as did Norman, Levi, Isaac and Orsemus Brace, Harvey and Jeremiah Webster, Sybil Ann Price, who entered a claim to land three miles east of the present village; Stewart Reynolds, Sanford Niles, etc. These were followed in 1838 by Lewis and David Gitchell, Philo Hammond, Ezekiel and Jacob Forsythe, John Lloyd, a brother of Garrett Lloyd, who came the year previous; Putnam Perley, who entered a claim to the place now known as

Hemmen way's; Ezekiel Brown, who settled near Holmes' Mill; John Brazee, one mile west of the village, probably Christian Clay, and others. In the fall of 1837, a girl was introduced into the household of Daniel and Julia Wooten, was christened Margaret, and published as the first birth to occur in the township. In 1839, among those who cast their lines in the pleasant places with which Silver Creek Precinct abounded, were Charles Babcock and George H. Watson, accompanied by 1,000 sheep; William B. Hawkins, Ross and Anson Babcock, John Karcher, Lewis Woodruff, etc., etc. Early this year, i. e., on March 10, Thomas J. Turner, who had been among the first to settle in the township and make permanent improvements, and was then acting in the capacity of a Justice of the Peace, performed the first marriage ceremony that occurred in the town ; the celebrants were A. J, Niles and Nancy A., daughter of Gustavus A. Farwell ; the ceremony took place at the farmhouse of N. Eldredge Farwell, and the "couple" began the voyage of life without the "fixins " and " flourish " now deemed indispensable to similar events.

The decade between 1840 and 1850 was noticeable for the number and quality of those who came into Ridott to settle ; during that period the improvements that were made, included the railroad then projected, and many other features of enterprise that in these Edisonian days would be regarded as bubbles on the water. On the 28th of August, 1842, a colony of English agriculturists arrived in the township and took up land that had been reserved for their occupation in the timber. The '' head-centers " of the party sent out an agent the year previous who canvassed the situation in America, prospected over the West quite generally, and, after making careful estimates of the advantages offered elsewhere, advised the establishment of an English colony in the township of Ridott. The report submitted and containing the recommendation cited was adopted, and in harmony therewith, the following persons came into the township : Thomas Hunt, wife and mother ; Robert Knight, Charles Foulkes, Robert Lankford and wife, Thomas Clay, Henry Layland Knight and wife, Charlotte Hurst, John Wooton, George Barnes, Joseph Gibson, Joseph Lester and W. R. Fairburn and wife. They settled in the timber f,nd remained together about one year and a half, employing their knowledge, obtained at home, in preparing the earth for the. bounteous harvests, which have since been yielded. At the expiration of that period, death, a division of sentiments and other causes combined to dissolve the colony, the members of which were distributed about the then almost undiscovered West. Many, however, remained in Stephenson County, where they have prospered, and are, to-day, among the most extensive and enterprising farmers in this portion of the State.

About 1850, lands began to increase in value and command ready sale. During that year, the influx of Germans was quite large. They were composed of the better class of that nationality, and, settling south of the old State road, opened up farms and completed improvements, which to the present day, testify in behalf of those who projected and concluded them. The colony originally numbered about fifty members, among whom were Poppa Poppa, Wessel Wessels, Jurin van Buckum, Christian Akerman, Folk Huyanga, Yelle Ruter, Uno Collman, T. Jussen and others, whose descendants have survived them and succeeded to generous inheritances, the fruit of labor employed by their parents, and which has done so much to create a demand for land in the State.

From 1850 to 1860, the settlements made by individuals and parties were more frequent and permanent. In 1852, the Galena & Chicago road, since passed into the possession of the Northwestern corporation, was completed through Ridott and contributed materially to the populating and improvement of the township. In 1860, the lands had been generally taken up and occupied ; the war, as a matter of course, diminished the population to an appreciable extent ; but since its close, the numbers who enlisted and never returned have been made up by the arrival of those now counted among the inhabitants and identified with the public good. The township, to-day, is regarded, by those at least who reside within its limits, as one of the most healthful, fertile and desirable in the county, the home of industry, independence and prosperity.

The first deaths are alleged to be the drowning of Milburn and Eeed, in Pecatonica River, as related in the history of Silver Creek Township, in which township it is also claimed this accident occurred.

Ridott Village

When the Galena & Chicago Railroad was completed through the township, a station was established about one mile west of the present village, and a town surveyed and platted. The place was named Nevada, after Nevada City, Colo., at which point Daniel Wooten, who owned the ground upon which the former place was located, died in 1849, while en route to California. A post office was established here, of which William Wright was the Postmaster. Considerable improvements were made, and for several years appearances seemed to indicate that Nevada would, in a brief time, become a thriving town.

This condition of aifairs remained unchanged until the summer of 1860. At that time, J. S. Cochran and brother, of Freeport, purchased 60 acres of land upon part of which the village of Ridott now stands. It seems that prior to the purchase of the town site, the Cochrans had concluded a contract with the railroad company, by the terms of which the former were to grade the side tracks, plat and lay out the town, in consideration of the company's removing the station to the point now occupied. Accordingly, the side tracks, etc., were completed, thirty acres of land were surveyed and platted into lots 30x120, and on the 10th day of July, 1860, the station was removed. Immediately thereafter, G. W. Loveland, Postmaster at Nevada, in obedience to instructions from the Department, removed the post office thither, and completed his present house on Adams street, the first house in the village, which was at that time known as " Cochranville." Improvements were made without delay. The Cochrans built the large frame building on Adams street, now known as the " Farmers' Store." A man named Oscar H. Osborn erected a house near the track, and adapted the same to residence and saloon purposes. In 1861, Samuel Irvin built a shoeshop on Adams street ; James Clark, a residence on the same thoroughfare, and W. E. Moorhouse a dwelling on Jefferson street, these constituting the improvements made until the close of the war. The period intervening between 1861 and 1865 was not noticeable for enterprise ; some little building was carried on, but nothing of note is remembered to have occurred. Quite a number of soldiers enlisted from Cochranville and vicinity, a limited number of whom returned, the remainder yielded to the fortunes of war and were buried in the trenches, or settled elsewhere.

During the fall of 1861, through the agency of a petition prepared by the residents and addressed to the Department at Washington, the name of the village was changed to " Ridott," by which name it has been known to the postal authorities, the commercial world and the general public, ever since.

After the peace at Appomattox Court House, an impetus was given to building up and improving the village. Ross Babcock erected the brick block on Adams street, containing two stores, office rooms and "Ridott Hall," a commodious audience-room dedicated to "free speech," wherein the Free Methodists hold services, lectures are delivered, soirees are given, and the cheerful minstrel warbles his melodies. Isaac S. Shirey put up a handsome residence on Washington street ; J. A. Kerr followed the precedent on the same street, and later, Josiah Deimer, Mrs. Lewis Getchell, Reuben Clark and Hezekiah Poifenberger, on the same thoroughfare; Henry Gibler, one on Adams street; Dr. M. W. Walton moved a building into the village and reconstructed it, making an attractive residence out of its frame, etc., etc.

In 1867, the church edifice of the United Brethren Association on Adams street was commenced, and completed during the year following. In 1869, the old red schoolhouse on the Waters place was vacated, and the base of operations changed to the handsome brick schoolhouse on JeflFerson street, completed that year and since occupied.

The past ten years have been years of prosperity, though not fruitful of events or replete with accidents or incidents calculated to inspire ambitious youth or create a fever in the blood of the age. In 1875, the town was incorporated as a village, under the general law, with the following list of officers. It should be observed, however, that the first birth was a son to Oscar and Mary Osborn, named Irwin, and who now resides in Iowa. The first death was Elizabeth Leech, and the marriage of Brock Mullen to Mrs. Mary Hill was the first matrimonial venture concluded in the town.

The village now contains a population of about 350, has three stores, two blacksmith-shops, two saloons, two religious congregations, and one wagon, shoe and harness shop, also one livery stable.

The first school taught in this portion of the township, was a select school ih a log house on the farm of Horace Colburn, now owned by Samuel Moyer. Here Miss Laura Colburn and her successors in office sowed the seeds of knowledge and administered the birch for about ten years. At that date, or in 1855, a frame schoolhouse was erected on the farm of Harvey P. Waters, and for fourteen years the " Old Red Schoolhouse," by which term it was known, did duty as a church, lecture-room and house of entertainment, in addition to the object for which it was erected. In 1869, the brick schoolhouse on Jefferson street was completed, the " Old Red " vacated, and moved to the Moyer farm, where it supplies a varied want, graphically expressed as "long felt," being a wash-house, butcher shop, and what not peculiar to settlements provided with limited resources.

The present school edifice is 40x60, compactly built, two stories high, and cost about $5,000. The premises contain two departments, employ two teachers, and enjoy an average daily attendance of seventy-five pupils. The schools are conducted at an annual expense of $1,200, a portion of which is obtained from the State, and are under the control of a board composed of Wesley Johns, J. A. Kerr and Marvin Hammond.

Religious

United Brethren Association. - This society, the largest and most influen tial in Ridott, was established in the township before the village was laid out, with a small membership, under the pastorate of the Rev. James Johnson. The congregation was composed of residents of Nevada principally, as also members of the denomination residing in other portions of Ridott Township, and services were conducted in the schoolhouse, first on the Moyer farm, and, finally, until the church was built, in that on the Waters farm.

In 1867, the frame edifice on Adams street was commenced, its completion and dedication being postponed until the following year, when it was taken possession of and has since been occupied. It is of frame, 28x48, handsomely equipped, capable of seating an audience of two hundred. The congregation at present numbers forty-five members ; the church property represents an estimated valuation of $2,500, and the following have officiated as Pastors : Revs. James Johnson, Mr. Frazer, Mr. Dodds, Mr. Davis, L. B. Peck, G. B. Walker, J. H. Phillips, Mr. Thayer, P. Hurles, I. K. Statten. J. H. Grimm, F. Reibel, H. D. Hesley, and W. S. Hayes, the present incumbent.

Free Methodists - Numbering about thirty communicants, was organized in 1875, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Ferns. The association worships in Babcock's Hall, the Rev. Mr. Frink being the Pastor in charge.

Ridott Cemetery

located on the farm of Samuel Moyer, and laid out about 1868 or 1869, is a handsome inclosure of one acre, devoted to burial purposes, and under the control of Mr. Moyer. The cemetery contains some elaborately carved monuments, commemorating the virtues of those who sleep beneath the sod, and is a spot of beauty, if not a resort for joyous pleasure, that will be regarded with sympathetic interest until the world is rolled up like a scroll.

Post Office

Was removed from Nevada in 1860, to the depot in Cochranville, with G. W. Loveland as Postmaster. In the fall of 1861, it was changed to Ridott. Mr.

Loveland remained in charge until 1863, when he was succeeded by Samuel Irvin, who removed the office to his store on Adams street. He was followed by William Carroll, Jr., who continued in possession from 1865 until 1870, when Jacob D. Schmeltzer took charge, and acted until I. S. Shirey was appointed'. Mr. S. discharged the trust until the fall of 1879, when he resigned and G. S. Babcock was appointed his successor, and is still serving.

Ridott Band

The village boasts a band, composed of the young men residing in the vicinity, which was organized in 1878, and on all occasions when its services are called into requisition, discourses most excellent music.

This township, located on the western boundary of the county, is six miles square, embracing the east half of Township 28, with an aggregate area of 22,800 acres, 19,574 of which are under cultivation. The western portion of the township is as fine prairie as can be seen anywhere, while the part occupied by Waddams Grove, is covered with a superior quality of timber. In the eastern portion of the township, there is more or less scattering timber, or, as they are usually called, openings. A number of excellent limekilns and stonequarries have been opened in the township ; there is no lack of excellent water ; fruit is cultivated with profit to the producer, and a steady market is afforded the farmers - combinations which have aided in building up and rendering prosperous what is claimed by the inhabitants of West Point, as the banner township in the county.

In the early part of the year 1832, William Waddams, accompanied by his sons Hiram and Nelson, arrived in Illinois, and, staking out his claim on the north side of the grove which has inherited his name, became the pioneer settler, not only of West Point Township, but also of Stephenson County. He was, barring the presence of his two children, solitary and alone in the primeval forests of the undeveloped West, with neighbors on the east no nearer than Rock River, Galena on the west, and Grant County, Wis., at the north, where there lived Andrew Clino, a man who is represented at that date to have been a patriarch in years, adventures and experience.

Here he resided for two years and upward, when George S. Payne ventured into the vicinity, and settled himself on the farm subsequently owned by Thomas S. French. During this year, John Garner, with his sons, A. J. and Alphonso Garner, entered a claim within half a mile of the present limits of the village of Lena. This trinity comprehended the number of emigrants who yielded to Western attractions, and established an abiding-place in West Point Township. The precedent thus established was emulated a year later by Rodney and Luman Montague and William Tucker. These gentlemen settled near William Waddams, and for years supplied the absence of neighbors.

In 1836, Jabez Smith, Alfred and Sanford Giddings, looked in upon the settlement established near Waddams Grove, but passed on and became identified with the building up of Kent Township. John B. Kaufman came in 1835, and remained only a year, when he moved to Erin Township, but Washington Parker, who settled in West Point during 1836, remained without indulging his wandering proclivities.

The tide of emigration which followed westwardly in 1837, was not checked, did not ebb, before West Point Township was overrun with new-comers, many of whom remained, while others drifted into the waves of circumstances or inclination and went elsewhere. Among those who added materially to the population of the promising township was the family of Samuel F. Dodds, David T. Perry, Robert and William Lashell, James and Oliver Thompson, Mr. Graham, Benjamin, John and Jesse Tucker, Jacob Burbridge, Martin Howard, John Harmon, Samuel and Marshall Bailey, George Place and others. Jacob Burbridge, at the time of the Black Hawk war, resided on Apple River, and served as a volunteer in the campaigns which were concluded only when the savages, led by their wily chief, evaded extermination by surrender and humiliation.

In 1838, Thomas E. Way, Samuel F. Dodds and J. D. Fowler, and la 1839, M. L. Howard, joined their individual fortunes with the pioneer settlement, and remained to participate in the profits that accrued with time and the advance of civilization, and in 1839 and 1840, the population was measurably increased, until in the latter year an informal census returned an enumeration of sixty residents. Ten years later a similar experiment established the population at 250, all told.

In September, 1853, the Galena & Chicago Union road was completed to Freeport, its success due, in no inconsiderable degree, to the aid extended by the inhabitants of Stephenson County. The result was that, notwithstanding the increase in the value of lands of at least 25 per cent, the township began to fill up with settlers of a sterling character, who lent an additional force to that already employed in the cultivation of West Point, and appreciated the value of all her material interests. Lands were held at a stifi" price, which was gradually increased each year, until 1865, when they were quoted as commanding a steady demand, at a rate per acre not differing from that paid during the year last mentioned. This was continued until the panic of 1873, when " nominal " were substituted for substantial prices, and remained under that head until the paralysis in business was succeeded by a healthy re-action, and that supplemented by complete restoration.

In January, 1854, the road was completed to Warren, and, in the spring of that year, Samuel F. Dodds, in conjunction with the Illinois Central Company, laid out 160 acres of land, in the southeast corner of the township, for a village site, and named it Lena, by which it is still known, a prosperous municipality and the shipping point for farmers residing at points within the radius of twel/e or fifteen miles.

From 1850 to 1860, the increase in population, both of the village and township, was rapid, the population of the latter in 1860 being 1,798. This was slightly increased a year later, when the war broke out, which had the effect, not only of diminishing the number then enumerated, but also of preventing any increase during its continuance. Immediately upon the conclusion of hostilities, the number of inhabitants once more attained large dimensions, as the census taken during the current year (1880) indicated.

During the war, the quota under every call made by the Federal Government for troops was promptly filled, and the township was well represented in the Eleventh, Fifteenth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Ninety-second Regiments of Volunteer Infantry, and Fourteenth Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry. All of those who went into the service, discharged the trust committed to their care with fidelity ; many of them were left the occupants of " trenches " or

In November, 1835, the Rev. James McKean, a Methodist minister, preached in the cabin of Luman Montague, and, in the following year, a Methodist class-meeting was organized. In about 1840, the Rev. Aratus Kent, who was identified with the cause of religion in Galena and Dubuque years previous, came to Waddams Grove and organized a Presbyterian class ; about the same period, a Sabbath school was held in J. D. Fowler's cabin, and a school for the education of the young in a log house erected near the residence of Luman Montague.

From these insignificant beginnings, the causes of morality and education in West Point Township have attained an importance and value that can only be measured by the beneficial influence they have exerted, not alone in the building-up of the township, but in formulating and maintaining of a quality of public opinion which finds expression in the character of the people, and their observance of those obligations which civilization and humanizing influences impose.

In the latter part of 1850, the west half of Township 28 was taken from Waddams, and added to West Point, making the latter six miles square, its present boundaries.

In 1836, Amanda Waddams was born at her father's cabin, which still stands on the Waddams farm, about four miles west of Lena, on the road from Nora to McConnell's Grove, being occupied by Mrs. George Place, who, as Eunice Waddams, was married to George Place, July 4, 1837, by Squire Levi Robey, the first marriage in the township, and the first of record in the county.

About 1839, Minerva Rathburn, residing with Robert Burbridge, near Pin Hook, while engaged in scuffling with Abija Watson in Mr. Burbridge's house, was accidentally thrown against a peg driven into the logs as a shelf support, and received injuries which caused her death soon after. This was the first death in the township, and the first burial in what was known as Waddams' cemetery - long since vacated, and now inclosed in the farm owned by J. P.Fair.

Lena

The town of Lena is located in parts of Sections 32 and 33, on the Illinois Central Railroad, twelve miles west of Freeport, and is, next to that city, the largest town in the county.

In 1853, the survey of the present railroad corporation had located its route and the grading of the i-ight of way was begun. As soon as the building of this highway of commerce had been settled, Samuel F. Dodds, who owned eighty acres of land on the present site of the town, acting on behalf of the railroad company, purchased an additional tract of 80 acres, and laid out the town. The survey was made by B. Dornblazer, the original town being in the form of a parallelogram, comprehending twenty-six blocks and a total of 304 lots. Subsequently, I. C. Allen, S. J. Kimball, Underwood & Albee, C. Roush, N. C. Pickard, A. Weaver and A. C. Allen, made additions to the original town, increasing its dimensions to a large extent.

When the town was laid out, Samuel F. Dodds owned a stone residence then and now occupying Lot No. 1, on Lena street, while Dr. F. Voightheld title to a log house standing a short distance east of where the depot was subsequently erected. It remained intact until the advance of improvements compelled its demolition. These two houses embraced the list of buildings at that time - there were no others of any description.

During that summer, lots sold rapidly, commanding prices varying from $50 to $150 each, William Allen and S. H. McEathron, being among the first to purchase and make improvements. Allen put up a store at once, but McEathron delayed the erection of a building, devoted to similar purposes, until the fall. Both were of frame, but only one survives the lapse of a quarter of a century.

On New Year's Day, 1854, the track was laid, and cars began to run between Freeport and Warren. This had the effect of increasing the number of arrivals and stimulating enterprise. The additions to the population were largely made up of English and Irish, many of whom became permanent residents, together with representatives from the Eastern States, who engaged in business, and have since been identified with the growth and prosperity of the town.

There were three church organizations in the village, viz. : Presbyterian, Rev. R. Colston, Pastor ; Methodist, Rev. A. Wolf, Pastor ; Baptist, Rev. J. E. Ambrose, Pastor. There were no church edifices in the village or township at that time, and the several congregations occupied the schoolhouse alternately. The public school was in charge of Miss S. D. Hyde. Dr. J. R. Chambers, the only other physician in the township, was located at Louisa.

From this date until 1860, the increase in population was quite rapid. The panic of 1857 produced no pronounced effect disastrous to the growth of the town, which progressed in business and importance in a manner that was gratifying to those who had first projected its survey. During the summer of 1855, Reber & Cheney and S. F. Dodds began the three-story brick building at the corner of Railroad and Schuyler streets. It was completed about the fall of 1856, at a cost of about $4,000, and is still used for business pur-

In the same year. 1856, the Baptist denomination, which had been worshiping in the log schoolhouse at the eastern end of the town, built the church edifice, now occupied by that sect, on Galena street. This was the first church built within the town limits. It is of frame, and the only one of that material in Lena. Before 1860, however, the Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist and German Methodist societies had each erected commodious edifices.

In 1860, the population had increased to not less than 600. Lena had become a prominent shipping-point for grain and stock, vast amounts of the latter being consigned to factDrs in Chicago, St. Louis, and elsewhere, and the center of trade for farmers residing in West Point, Waddams and Winslow Townships, as also for those residing in the eastern and southeastern portions of Jo Daviess County.

When the war broke out, volunteers responded to the call, and troops trom the townships adjoining rendezvoused at Lena. This enlivened business to an appreciable extent, which was continued during the entire struggle. In 18bd, the necessities of the case influenced Mr. Weaver to erect an elevator now standing at the corner of South Railroad and Schuyler streets, and, during the continuance of the contest waged between the sections, improvements of a substantial character, consisting of stores and residences, both of brick and frame, were made.

With the close of the war, there was scarcely any perceptible diminution in the amount of business transacted; thence to 1870 improvements maintained a steady increase, and the population appreciated in number. There were no vacant houses to be found, and the demand for residences and storehouses was, if anything, greater than had been previously quoted ; in fact, the residents now living say, that, from the time the town was first laid out to the present date, there have not b'^en sufficient houses to accommodate new-comers or supply the demands of business.

In 1869, the Lena Star, a weekly paper. Independent in politics, was established, and has since been conducted successfully, without having missed an issue. In 1868, the opera house was built by F. E. Brine, and is still used for dramatic and social gatherings.

On the 16th of April, 1866, the village of Lena was incorporated as a town under the general law of the State, and on the 23d of the same month the election of Trustees was held, with the following result: A. W. Hall, A. H. Stahl, William Hayes, A. Weaver and S. H. McEathron. On the 27th, the board qualified, and organized by the appointment of A. W. Hall, President, and Samuel J. Dodds, Clerk.

On the 20th day of April, 1869, the town of Lena was organized under a special charter passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor March 30, 1869, defining the corporation boundaries, providing for the election of Trustees, prescribing their qualifications and duties, and generally clothing them as a legislative body, with powers and duties appropriate to municipal officers.

The charter was accepted at an election holden on the day above mentioned, and the following is the roster of town officers who have since served :

1871 - M. Weaver, President; H. G. Fowler, A. H. Stahl, William Young and Levi Sherman. Z. Stover and George Steckle failed to qualify, and H. G. Fowler and M. Weaver were appointed to fill the vacancies.

The board meets the first Monday evening of each month, in the town house, on South Railroad, between Washington and Schuyler streets. The building is of frame, used in part as an engine house, and was erected in 1874, at an expense of $500 and upward.

Between 1870 and 1875, a large emigration, composed of young men and their families, to the West, reduced the population to some extent, but their absence has since been supplied by others who came in, and becoming citizens have aided in contributing to the success of the town.

The last census gives Lena a population of over 1,500 The town now contains one weekly paper, one bank, one hotel and another of brick in progress, one opera house, one steam flour-mill, one lumber yard, two elevators, one of the largest and finest school buildings in the State, seven church edifices, one wagon-factory, six blacksmith-shops, one cooper-shop and forty stores devoted to the sale of groceries, drugs, dry goods, hardwares, cigars and the line of commodities commercially regarded as staple.

Lena Fire Company

The village is protected from the "fire-bug" by a hand-engine company composed of thirty-five members, supplemented with a chemical engine requiring the services of ten men in addition. These companies were organized in 1874. In that year, a hand-engine, together with 800 feet of hose, was purchased at Canton, 111., for $800 ; the chemical, however, became the property of the department two years previous. Since the organization of the company, in 1874, 600 feet of hose have been purchased and other expenditures eifected, making the value of the property at present about $1,500.

The chemical is officered by H. M. Dodds, Foreman ; F. McManigal, Assistant. The whole is under the control of Henry Wingart, Fire Marshal, and Samuel F. Dodds, Assistant.

The first school taught within the corporate limits of Lena was in a log house belonging to Samuel F. Dodds, which stood in the orchard on the Dodds homestead. This was about the year 1849, and Miss Maria Pickard was employed as teacher. About twenty scholars responded to the roll-call during her administration, which lasted one year. In 1850, a log schoolhouse was put up on what is now known as Franklin street, which served its purpose until 1854, when the stone building still standing at the corner of Lena and Franklin streets was completed and taken possession of, and, though the number of scholars had increased, the force employed to direct their instruction remained the same until years afterward. In 1859, a portion of the Sixth District, which comprehended Lena, was cut off and added to District No. 8, and a schoolhouse erected. It is of stone, two stories high, and cost in the neighborhood of ^1,000. The number of departments and force of teachers were increased from this date.

In November, 1866, the two districts were united, and have since been known as Union District No. 6. In 1868, the present commodious school edifice of brick was completed and occupied. In dimensions, the building is 56x60, four stories high, including the basement, containing six departments finished, with the necessary rooms and closets in addition, and cost $20,000. The departments embrace first and second primary, first and second intermediate, grammar and high school, requiring the services of seven teachers, and necessitating an expenditure of $4,000 for the year closing June 30, 1880. Of this, $3,600 is obtained by the levy of a tax on the real and personal property listed in the district, and the balance from the State and township, in addition to fines assessed and collected for the commission of offenses against the State.

The schools enjoy an average daily attendance of about 400 pupils, and are under the direction of a Board of Trustees, at present composed of W. P. Naramore, Joseph Sechler and D. W. Hayes.

The first post office established in West Point was called Waddams Grove, * John Garner, Postmaster, and located near Louisa ; this was some time in 1837 or 1838, and a year or two later it was removed five miles into Waddams Township, when Pells Manny was appointed Postmaster. The next post office was established at Howardsville, then on the stage road from Galena to Chicago, with Martin Howard as Postmaster. Somewhere about 1845, a new office was established at Lena, under the name of Alida, and Samuel F. Dodds appointed Postmaster. In 1852, the name of the office was changed to Terre Haute, and so continued until 1854, when it was changed to Lena. At that date, the office was kept in the residence of Mr. Dodds, and so remained until 1857, when it was moved to South Railroad street, and F. Reber appointed Postmaster. During his administration the office was again removed to Reber & Dodds' Block. In 1861, S. F. Dodds was re-appointed, and served until his death, which occurred in May, 1863. The vacancy thus created was supplied by the appointment of Mary J. Dodds, widow of deceased. In 1869, J. M. Scherraerhorn was appointed to the position, and removed the office to Central Block, thence to Roush's Block, thence back to the Central Block, where it now is, Mr. Schermerhorn remaining in charge.

S. Rising & Co., Bankers

The business prosperity of the town of Lena is further evidenced by the existence of a banking institution, which was established in 1867 at its present site, under the firm name of Rising, Smith & Co. The gentlemen composing the firm remained in charge until June, 1867, when the name was changed, becoming S. Rising & Co., and so continuing until November, 1870, when it became " Foil, Corning & Co." Business, which was large and appreciating, being transacted principally with farmers and drovers, in the counties of Stephenson and Jo Daviess, was disposed of with profit to the gentlemen directing its operation, until February, 1878, when the name of Fall, Corning & Co. was retired, and that of S. Rising & Co. substituted, the substitution remaining the commercial name at present in force.

Presbyterian Church. - Early in 1844, the Rev. Elisha Hazzard, came into the neighborhood of where Lena now is and commenced a missionary work, and, in June of the same year, established what was then known as Waddams Grove Presbyterian Church. The society was established at the residence of Pells Manny, about three miles northeast of Lena, and was composed of Samuel F. Dodds, Mary Jane Dodds, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Strong, Mrs. Sarah Murry, Mr. and Mrs. Hollander, Mr. and Mrs. George Henninger and Benjamin Tucker. Samuel F. Dodds and Lyman Strong were Elders, and services were held in the residence of Pells Manny and the Montague Schoolhouse, a log structure, 18x20, erected in 1839, near the residence of Luman Montague, in Waddams Grove.

Some time in 1847, the first Presbyterian services conducted in Lena were held at the residence of Samuel F. Dodds, the Rev. Aratus Kent preaching, and in 1850, the organization founded in 1844 was permanently located in Lena, though a regular pastor was not obtained until one year subsequently. In 1854, the stone schoolhouse on the north side of Lena street was completed^ and used by the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist societies, alternately.

In 1857, the church and congregation commenced the work of erecting their present house of worship, a brick edifice, 35x50 feet, with an audienceroom above, and a lecture hall on the first floor, which was completed and dedicated in October, 1859, at a cost of |3,057.25. Since that date, there has been expended on the building for cupola, bell, lecture-room, paper and painting, upward of $1,595, making a total cost of church and furniture over $4,625.

The present value of the church property is upward of |5,000. The congregation numbers not less than seventy-five members, and the following Pastors have officiated since its removal to Lena: The Revs. Robert Colston, E. D. Willis, W. J. Johnson, J. W. Cunningham, L. M. Gates, E. Scofield, H. G. McArthur, J. M. Linn, S. I. McKee, and A. S. Gardiner, the present incumbent.

Amity Evangelical Lutheran Church - Was organized in the old stone schoolhouse of the village on the 14th of March, 1857, with a few members, Levi Woodhart and Benjamin Garman, Elders ; George Breaux and Daniel Rice, Deacons, and the Rev. E. Fair, Pastor.

Previous to this date the Rev. G. J. Donmeyer preached occasionally, the families of Messrs. Grossman and Weaver composing his audience, and forming the nucleus of the present organization.

When fairly under way, arrangements were completed in that behalf, and the present church edifice, the first in the village until subsequent to 1868, was erected at a cost of |7,000. It has since undergone extensive repairs, being refurnished, frescoed, carpeted, etc., and will comfortably seat an audience of 300, though it has, upon special occasions, accommodated 500. The Sabbath school connected with the church is one of the best organized and^ most efficiently managed in the county, with an average attendance of 125 scholars. The church also owns a commodious parsonage adjoining the church and one of the most beautiful homes in Lena. Located on the corner of Mason and Washington streets, directly opposite the recently completed and very elegant public school edifice, near the center of town, and yet free from the annoyances

The church enjoys a membership of 150, being a gradual but permanent increase since May 24, 1858, when the communion was first administered to twenty-four communicants ; is free from debt, and has been under the charge of the following Pastors, as far as can be ascertained from the records, which are imperfect : The Revs. E. Fair, A. A. Trimper, W. H. Schock, D. L. Tressler, G. B. Black, J. W. Tressler, C. Baird and H. C. Haithcox, the present incumbent.

St. Marys Roman Catholic Church. - This congregation was first organized during the year 1870, when worshipers were few and dependent upon the offices of missionaries resident in adjoining parishes and passing through the county. Services were at first conducted in the old schoolhouse, whence a removal was subsequently made to the stone building previously used as the hi^h school. The congregation remained here until 1872, when the present brick church on Lena street was completed, consecrated and occupied, and is still in the service. The building is 30x45, one story, and cost a total of $2,500.

Services are held every Sabbath, the Irish under the Rev. F. Horgan, of Dublin, occupying the edifice alternately with the Germans, of whom the Rev. E. Freligh is the Pastor. The congregations number eighty-five communicants, and the property of the church is valued at about $5,000.

Free Methodist Church. - The Free Methodist society was organiztd vM the fall of 1874 with fifteen members, under the pastorate of the Rev. C. Wr Frink. The congregation worshiped in Fowler's Church, on North Railroad street, until 1877, when they removed to the old stone schoolhouse on Lena street, where services are still conducted.

Prior to 1879, the church was attached to the Freeport Circuit, but in that year it was assigned to the circuit made up of Lena and Ridott, to which it now belongs, and enjoys a membership of twenty worshipers.

The congregation is gradually increasing in number and influence, and contemplates the erection of a house of worship at an early day. At present services are held weekly, and preaching once in two weeks by the Rev. Orville Frink.

Methodist Church - One of the oldest congregations in the township, was organized at first under the direction of Father McKean as early as 1835-36, when the class was made up of less than half a dozen and worship was held in the cabins of settlers. In 1850, a class was organized in Holly Grove, and in 1852 the Lena congregation was established, being connected with the Freeport Circuit. At first, services were held in the schoolhouse on the Dodd's property, whence a removal was made at various times until 1857, when the present church edifice was erected and has since been occupied. The congregation is quite numerous, the church property valuable, and the same ministers serving Freeport have generally been assigned to Lena. The Rev. Joseph Odgers is the Pastor at present occupying the pulpit.

German Lutheran Church. - This society originally formed a part of the Amity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was organized March 14, 1857, and so continued until 1869, when the congregation was divided and the German Lutherans erected the church at present occupied. It is a brick, 35x40, handsomely furnished, with accommodations for about 250 worshipers, and cost $2,500.

The Rev. G. J. Donmeyer officiated as Pastor for several years, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. Fritch, who is at present in service. The present

First Baptist Church - Was organized early in the forties, at Yellow Creek, under the auspices of the Rev. Mead Bailey, when it was known as the Yellow Creek Baptist Church, with a congregation composed of Martin Howard and family, Samuel, Marshall and Aaron Bailey, with their families, and John Harmon and family. Services were held in private houses until the town of Lena was laid out, when the society removed thither and occupied the log schoolhouse on the Dodds place, jointly with other denominations. Soon after, measures were taken for the erection of a church edifice, which resulted in the building of the Baptist Church on Lena street, at a cost of $1,000, which was completed and dedicated and has since been occupied. In 1864, the church was enlarged and is now one of the neatest religious edifices in Lena.

The congregation numbers 100 members ; the church property is valued at $1,500, and the following Pastors have served in its pulpit : The Revs. Mead Bailey, Joshua Ambrose, D. S. Dean, Frederick Bower, I. B. Branch, and F. H. Gilbert, now in the service.

German Methodist Church. - In 1850, the Rev. J. J. Young, a minister of the faith, passed throus^^h the vicinity of Lena and presented the Gospel to the Germans resident thereabouts in their mother tongue. From this beginning the present society was formed, having been organized in 1852, under the direction of the Rev. John Broear, and worshiping in a log cabin belonging to a Mr. Killman, about three miles southeast of the town. In 1854, the Rev. John Koehler preached in the stone schoolhouse, the first German Methodist minister to oflSciate in Lena. In 1855, H. Rosenstiel, Charles Altenberndt, C. Rosenstiel, Frederick Koch and Frederick Luedeke were elected Trustees, and in 1856 the Germans built their present church edifice, which was for some years the only church in Lena, the Rev. H. Vosshall being the minister.

The society was poor and owed an indebtedness of $850 on the church, which was prevented from being sold through the personal efforts of the trustees. Notwithstanding which embargoes, the congregation prospered ^nd is to-day independent. The original members were Mr. and Mrs. Rosenstiel, Sr., Mr, and Mrs. C. Beine, Mr. and Mrs. F. Luedeke, Mr. and Mrs. F. Koch, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Altenberndt ; the congregation to-day includes sixty members. The value of church property, including a parsonage erected in 1877, is $8,500, and the following ministers have accepted calls to the charge within the past twenty-eight years : The Revs. John Broear, John Koehler, H. Voshall, H. Richter, P. Schaefer, R. Feigenbaum, John Haas, Jacob Schaefer, W. Schreiner, F. Schmidt, H. Sauer, P. Hummel, and C. C. Miller, the Pastor at present in charge.

first set its "light upon a hill," in Lena, on the 4th day of January, 1867. At that time, Lena was a thriving town, and recognized as one of the best grain and stock markets in this section of the State. The population was a composition of energetic, go-ahead business men, alive to the importance of building up and sustaining any enterprise having a tendency to enhance values in the vicinity. Hence, J. Gishwiller, a native of Pennsylvania, and S. J. Dodds, an attorney, of Lena, experienced little diflBculty in making a beginning and securing 350 subscribers to enable them to accomplish that end. These gentlemen purchased a seven-column Washington hand-press, with sufficient body and display type to set up a patent inside, seven-column folio, and at once entered upon the duties incident to editing and publishing the Lena Star, in the second story of what is now known as "Weaver & Siehler's " Block. The Star ^n as, neutral in politics, and furnished to subscribers for $2 per annum. The partnership between Gishwiller and Dodd continued until March 1, 1867, when Mr. Dodds retired and Gishwiller conducted the enterprise alone until April 27, when he, too, turned a rule, metaphorically speaking, and sold out to J. M, Shannon, who assumed editorial and managerial control at once, remaining in charge until February 12, 1869. At that date, a financial cloud dimmed for the time, the shining rays of the Star, and before a dawn of better days the paper was sold under foreclosure proceedings, James S. McCall, editor of the Freeport Journal, becoming the purchaser. The management of the Star was placed in charge of James W. Newcomer, of Freeport, a practical printer and ready writer, who discharged the trust faithfully, and was rewarded by a rapid increase in the circulation and advertising patronage obtained. He remained in charge nearly nine years, when the present editor, W. W. Lowis, formerly editor of the Carroll County Gazette, purchased the material and assumed control. Mr. Lowis changed the paper to a five-column quarto, from a neutral to an independent paper in politics, reduced the price to |1.50 per annum, and otherwise improved its appearance and attractions. The paper is now one of the most complete in its equipment and management in the State of Illinois, having a hona-fide circulation of 700 copies and a large list of advertisers. It is devoted to the building-up of Lena and the surrounding country, and commands the confidence, good will and support of all who are similarly interested.

Secret Societies

Meetings were thereafter held in a building since rented for a term of years and fitted up with the equipments and insignia of the order at a great expense. The lodge prospered from its organization under the dispensation, and now has seventy-four members, officered by S. J. Dodds, W. M. ; J. H. Gunsaul, S. W. ; F. A. Darling, J. W. ; W. W. Stahl, Secretary ; John Metz, Treasurer ; E. R. Prindle, S. D. ; J. A. Clark, J. D. ; Wyman Roe, Tiler.

Lena Star Lodge, No. 106, I. 0. G. T. - On Wednesday evening, July 2, 1879, a number of the citizens of Lena met in the lecture-room of the Pres- byterian Church for the purpose of instituting a regularly chartered Good Templars Lodge. After prayer by the Rev. A. S. Gardiner, Mr. Colgrove, of Freeport, in whose hands the meeting had been placed, administered the obligation to about twenty-five of the forty-one charter members present. The lodge was named, at the suggestion of the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, "Lena Star Lodge," and the following oflScers chosen: S. Rising, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Chambers, W. V. T.; Theodore W. Clark, W. R. S.; B. McFatrich, W. F. S. ; Miss M. A. Smith, W. T. ; F. H. McManigal, W. M. ; N. B. Heth, W. C. ; Miss Mattie Hall, W. I. G. ; M. 0. Naramore, W. 0. T. ; W. W. Hall, Lodge Deputy.

Letia Lodge, No. 194, I- 0. 0. #. - Was instituted March 13, 1856, and chartered October 17 following, with S. F. Dodds, J. M. Schermerhorn, J. Simpson, Daniel Thomas, D. De Graff, John Swarts and J. D. Dewey, members. S. F. Dodds was N. G. ; Daniel Thomas, V. G. ; J. M. Schermerhorn, Secretary, and J. Simpson, Treasurer.

At first, meetings were held in Dodds' Hall, from which a removal was made to W. J. Clark's Hall, where the lodge meets weekly on Monday evenings.

The lodge has since increased to twenty members, who convene in the regular session on the evenings of the second and fourth Fridays monthly, at Clark's Hall.

Lena Steam Mills - Located at the corner of Schuyler and Lena streets, are the oldest in the village and among the most extensive in this part of the State. The business was established in 1855, by Schermerhorn k Munns, when the present edifice was erected. It is of brick, three stories high, exclusive of the basement, and cost, with the additions and furniture, $11,000. These consist of an engine-house, 16x30, supplied with an engine of thirty-five horse power, and a grist-room 12x40. The mill has three run of buhrs, and, when run to its full capacity, can grind 480 bushels of wheat every twenty-four hours.

In time, Messrs. Schermerhorn & Munns disposed of the property to J. S. i Soule, who in turn sold it to J. P. Ring, and, after subsequent transfers, it came ! into the possession of A. H. Stahl, the present owner, who paid therefor, $14,000.

Shannons Qarriage Works - Located on Schuyler, between Lena and Railroad streets, were established February 4, 1874, by A. Shannon and A. ; Weaver at their present site. The year following, additions and improvements were made to their establishment, which have been increased each year since, until now, Messrs. S. & W. have one of the most complete repositories in Northern Illinois.

Their line of manufacture embraces all qualities and grades of vehicles, from a track skeleton to a hearse, and from the ordinary " democrat " to a coach. In the building of these, the firm employ skilled labor only, use the best materials and plans, originating with themselves. They have patented a slidingseat wagon, and the work turned out is of a well-proportioned and durable character.

As a result, their stock is in constant demand, and, as none of it is shipped elsewhere for sale, purchases are made at the shop by dealers and others from a distance.

Lena jPownt^ry - Established in 1867 by J. McCulloch & Son, on Grant, between Center and Schuyler streets, where for thirteen years they have conducted a successful trade in all parts of the country, and acquired a reputation for responsibility and character. Their line of manufacture comprehends every variety of moldings, in addition to leather-rollers, boot-crimpers, feed-cookers, etc., one hundred of each being turned out annually and shipped to various points in Northern Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. In addition to the branches cited, the firm does a large jobbing and repair work, the business in this and the general class of work completed aggregating $10,000 per annum, and requiring the services of five hands at a weekly compensation of $60.

Central Elevator - Owned and conducted by P. H. Kaufman, is located on South Railroad street, opposite the depot of the Illinois Central road, where the buildings were erected, in 1875, at a cost of $4,000. The premises consist of a main building, 40x60, three stories high, with an addition 24x38, one and a half stories high, and containing an engine of twenty-five horse-power by which the machinery is operated.

The elevator has capacity for 20,000 bushels of grain, and during the^^ year 1879 a total of 345,738 bushels of oats, wheat, corn, rye and barley, were handled by the management, for which was paid $98,530.91, in addition to $26,000 paid for clover-seed and $25,838 for bags.

Lena Elevator - Located on Schuyler street contiguous to the track of the Illinois Central road, was erected in 1868, by Moses Weaver, at a cost of $10,- 000, and has a capacity for 25,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Weaver conducted the business for a number of years, but in 1873 John Reeder purchased the enterprise for $5,000, and still controls the establishment.

During the year 1879, 238,931 bushels of grain passed the hands of the proprietor, requiring the outlay of $71,290, and adding materially to the pros-

Military

Lena is the headquarters of Company H, Third Regiment Illinois National Guards, organized in 1877. The company is made up of fifty-two muskets, officered by George H. Sherry, Captain, F. M. Halliday and George Houser, Lieutenants, with the usual complement of Sergeants and Corporals. Drill-meetings are held once a month.

Opera House

located on South Railroad, between Schuyler and Center streets, was erected by F. E. Beine, in 1878, at a cost of $7,500. The premises are of brick, two stories high, and finished in a handsome style of architecture. The ground floor is devoted to the occupation of stores, while the second story is appropriated to the uses of offices and the opera house auditorium. This latter is about fifty feet square, supplied with a stage, and can comfortably accommodate an audience of five hundred. The building is an ornament to the town, and its uses a convenience to residents, public speakers, lecturers, the strolling player, and all with a stock in trade consisting of genius or wit.

Cemetery

consisting of four acres, was laid out by S. F. Dodds in 1854, and, though burials took place from that date to the time when it was transferred to the village, July 30, 1866, no cemetery organization was perfected. It is located in the southern part of the village, handsomely laid out and platted, decorated with evergreens and ornamental shrubbery, and contains some decidedly artistic monuments. The cemetery property contains an aggregate of 368 lots, almost wholly taken up, and is under the charge of the Village Trustees.

Lena Catholic Cemetery

without the limits of, and a short distance from, the northwestern portion of the village, embraces three acres, and was laid out and dedicated in May, 1880. It contains upward of 200 lots, but few interments have as yet been made.

Waddams Grove

a station on the Illinois Central road, four miles west of Lena, was established in 1874. It is a quiet settlement, containing a Methodist Church, school and other buildings peculiar to an inland town of measured resources ; also a cheese factory, started by F. S. Farley. As a shipping-point for grain and some other articles of export, it promises, in future years, to attain some degree of importance.

Kneeland made his appearance and aided in the work. The mill was finished during the fall, and the builders took possession, owning one-quarter each.

The winter passed without the happening of any event which was deemed worthy of preservation for the future generation, the hardships, toils, trials, persecutions and suffering incident to pioneer life experienced elsewhere, beinoduplicated in Winslow, with the same circumstances, pleasures and triumphs to fend their advance and mitigate the severity of their attacks. Joseph R. Berry settled in the town during 1835, as did others who have left no marks behind to guide investigations as to the date of their coming, or other particulars in that behalf. The spring brought with it a return of previous vicissitudes, labors and vexations of spirit, also the encouragement that tempers similar afflictions. During 1836, Stewart & McDowell (new arrivals) opened a store in Ransomburg, procuring their stock from Galena. They remained there for several years, and then removed to Oneco, establishing themselves on the place where Lewis Gibler subsequently resided, now owned by Judge Hinds.

The year 1836 is further remembered as the annual during which the settlers were provided with medical attention by one of their own number. Previous to that period, the sick were dosed with medicaments procured in Galena, and attended by physicians, to the "manor born," of other regions. But W. G. Bankson came on to the scene in 1836, and, settling on Section 25, advertised his services as awaiting the demand of the public. Others "came in" about this time, including Harmon Coggeshall, James Macomber, etc.

The first marriage to occur in Winslow, within the memory of the oldest living inhabitant, took place in the fall of 1836. The ceremony united Dr. Bankson and Phoebe Macomber, and was witnessed on the heights of Ransomburg in the presence of a large (?) and doubtless interested audience. A circuit rider, or Squire Waddams, did the business.

During 1837, it is not thought that immigration tended in the direction of Winslow, though Illinois and Stephenson County received large accessions to the number of their inhabitants. But, for some unexplained reason, Winslow was exempted from participation in these benefits accruing elsewhere during that year, Charles Macomber, Cornelius and the Rev. Philo Judson, Ephraim Labaugh, Alfred Gaylord, Rev. Asa Ballinger and S. F. M. Fretville being the only arrivals the record of whose coming has survived the rust of ages. That many came, is undoubted. That any in transitu resisted the fertile acres dotted everywhere with evidences of wealth, or the temptation to remain and dispute possession of these wood prairies with the red man, who sported along the flowery banks of the Pecatonica, it is impossible to conclude. Those who came, saw and were conquered ; but the hand of Time has effaced their coming from the memory of those who live to-day, and further mention of them is precluded. The Judsons settled below Brewster's Ferry, and Philo, who was a minister, subsequently removed to other scenes. His daughter is well known, not alone to the citizens of Stephenson County, but throughout the Northwest, as Mrs. Gov. Beveridge, a lady identified with many objects of charity and the cause of reform.

In 1838, affairs began to brighten and became more encouraging. On the 10th of January, a son was born to Silas and Miranda Gage, though his was not the first birth in the town, Sarah Maria Denton having been born in the fall of 1836. He still lives in Winslow Village, where he is known as I. V. Gage. In the spring following, Newcomb Kinney entered land and " broke up" a farm on Section 26. Hiram Gaylord joined his son Alfred, who came in 1837. Cornelius and Jonathan Cowan cast their lot with Winslow also. On the 28th of May, John Bradford, Thomas Loring and Columbus and Ichabod Thompson, together with the Moulton brothers, arrived from Plymouth County, Mass. They came to build up and improve lands held by the Boston Western Land Company, on which the village of Winslow was subsequently built. That summer they built a wagon and blacksmith shop, shingle factory, and the American House, which latter is still standing. Elias and Edward Hunt came in the same year. Joseph R. Berry, who came in 1835-36 and revisited the East for his family, returned to Winslow in 1839, and settled above the village site. W. P. Cox settled the same year in Section 35. Gilson Adams, A. A. Mallory and others came during the same year.

In 1844, Cyrus Woodman came to Winslow as agent of the Boston Land Company, and from that date the progress of the township has not only been rapid but assured. In 1850, it was set apart from the county as Winslow Township and placed under township organization. At the present date it is regarded as one of the most prosperous and attractive townships in the county, with every element to commend it to the successful consideration of all who seek homes among the thrifty, where a promise of happiness and contentment can invariably be realized.

The township was named about 1838, after Gov. Winslow, one of the early provisional Governors of Massachusetts, by W. S. Russell, agent of the Boston Western Land Company.

G. S. BABCOCK, general stock, of the firm of Babcock Bros., Ridott ; born in Ridott in 1852, and engaged in farming on the home farm ; his father and mother deceased; they came to this county in 1836 ; Gr. S. came to town in the fall of 1878, and engaged in the present business ; his wife, J. L. Goodwill, was born in Canada in 1855, and came to America in 1861. Married in 1872, and have three children - Clyde L., born Oct. 9, 1873; Mitta born September, 1875; Floyd, born April 13, 1878 ; owns town property ; proprietor of city hall, and owns 300 acres of land in Sec. 34. In politics, Republican ; in religion, a Liberal.

MICHAEIi B ARDJBLL., farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Alsace, France, in 1821 ; came to America in 1841, first to Long Island, and remained until 1845, then came to Stephenson Co., 111., and entered 80 acres of land, on which he made the improvements, and now owns 120 acres, and 12 acres of timber. His wife, Margaret Koppes, was born iu Renbier, Germany, in 1832 ; came to America in 1850. Married in 1850, and have had seven children - Michael, born March 16, 1852, and in Ridott; Caroline, born May 15, 1854, and now Mrs. Maks, in Ackley, Iowa; Hattie, born June 3, 1856, now Mrs. Baughenbaugh, in Rock Run ; Elizabeth, born Aug. 10, 1858, at home ; William, born Jan. 16, 1861 ; Charles Henry, born March 16, 1863 ; Paulina, born Aug. 10, 1865, died April 21, 1876. In politics. Republican ; in religion, Evangelical. Has been School Director three times.

[JLBICH BOOMG-AARDEN, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Ridott; born in Hanover, in 1827 ; came to America in 1850, to New York City, then to Chicago, then to Stephenson Co. ; his father bought half a section of land and made the improvements ; worked on the farm with his father, then in. 1859, went to California and remained one year and a half, then returned to Chicago and enlisted in the 24th I. V. I., in 1861. mustered out in 1864 ; in 1874, his father died and left him 132 acres of land, on which he has built a barn, 54x24, with cattle shed, 14x54. His wife, Annie DeVries, born in Germany in 1842. Married in 1868, and have had eight children, - infant, deceased, Peter, Luppe, deceased, Ippe, Ulrich, Tette, deceased, Tuppe, Tette. In politics, Republican; religion. Liberal.

HEXBY BORCHERIS, dealer in general merchandise, Ridott; born in Hanover, Germany, in 1835; came to America in 1852, and engaged in farming; owns 133^^ acres of land in Sec. 19, and he improved the place ; left the farm in 1873, and moved to Ridott and engaged in business. His wife, Henrietta Boomgarden, was born in Hanover in 1832 ; married in 1863 ; she died in 1864, and left one child - Henrietta. Second wife was Eliza Rehbock, born in Hanover in 1839 ; married in 1869, and have four children - Fritz, Henry, Charlie, Herman. In politics, Republican ; in religion, Reformed Evangelical. Has been collector of town.

DAXIELi BRICK, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Ridott; born in Germany in 1827 ; came to America in 1814 ; was in Chicago about two years and a half, then in Freepurt about five years, and now owns 65 acres of land and made the improvements. His wife, Annie Antes, was born in Berien in 1840, and came to America in 1844; they were married in 1856 and have twelve children - Annie C, Peter, Elizabeth, Tina, Louisa, Lewie, Daniel, John, Henry, George, Samuel, Kittle, Rebecca. In politics, Democrat ; in religion, Presbyterian.

HENRY BRICK, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Ridott: born in Germany in 1836 ; came to America in 184-4, and came to Illinois and remained two years in Chicago, then to Freeport four years, then to Ridott, and owns 74i acres of land and made the improvements. His wife, Louisa Neimer, was born in Prussia in 1846, and married in 1868 and have had three children - Willie, Emma and Henry. In politics Democrat ; in religion, Evangelical. He enlisted in the 44th I. V. I., Co. D, in 1864 ; mustered out in 1865 ; in the battles of Nashville, Franklin and Columbia, Tenn. His father was 87 years old when he died.

WILLIAM W. BROWN, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Ridott; born in Stephenson Co., 111., in 1842, and lived with his parents, and now owns 120 acres of land and has made part of the improvements. His wife, Mattie Sabin, was born in Winnebago Co. in 1861 ; they were married in 1880. In politics, Republican ; religion, Liberal. Has been Pathraaster ; enlisted in the 46th I. V. I. in 1862 ; discharged in February, 1865. His father was born in Ireland in 1812 ; came to Illinois in 1824. His mother, Lydia Hatch, was born in New York in 1813; died in 1875.

REV. S. C. BULKELEY, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Colchester, Conn., in 1810, and came to Illinois in 1856, and was engaged in preaching ; organized a church at Wheaton, 111., and assisted in the building of a meeting-house in 1862, and has also preached at Pecatonica ; Universalist denomination; now engaged in farming and owns 160 acres of land. His first wife was Henrietta T. Andrews, born in Bethel, Conn., May 28, 1817 ; married Jan. 27, 1837 ; died June 2, 1853, and left three sons - Horatio and Oliver, in Texas, and Daniel, printer, in Chicago. His second wife, Hannah C. Andrews, born at Danbury, Conn., Feb. 6, 1827, and married Oct. 30, 1853 ; died, at Wheaton, 111., Jan. 12, 1863, and had one child - Walter B., born at Danbury, Conn., April 10, 1855, died Sept. 9, 1855. James C. Cole was born in St. John, N. B., Feb. 21, 1818; married to Sophrona Judd in 1842; died Nov. 19, 1862, and had two children - Walter G. and George J. Mr. B.'s third wife was Mrs. James C. Cole, born in New York in 1827 ; came to Illinois about 1838, and married Oct. 3, 1864. In politics. Democrat; in religion, Universalist. During the war, he was instrumental in raising the 13th 111. Regiment, 12th Cavalry, Col. Farnsworth, and 105th I. V. I., Lieut. Col. Vallett, and Gov. Beveridge was the first Colonel.

ISETH CABLE, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Ridott; born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1839 ; he came to Illinois in 1844, and has 200 acres of land ; his wife, Emeline Gibler, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, in 1850. Married, Jan. 15, 1868, and have two children - Ira W., born Nov. 2, 1868; Ida Elizabeth, born Nov. 18, 1873. In politics, he is a Republican, and in reli^iion Liberal. He has been Pathmaster. He enlisted in the fall of 1861, in the 46th I. V. I., Co. G, and was mustered out in 1866 ; was engaged at Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Vicksburg, Jackson and Mobile.

ASA CARY, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in New York in 1822. and came to Illinois in 18f>2 ; he bought 160 acres of land and made the improvements ; this was in Silver Creek ; he sold this place and came to Ridott, and now owns 215 acres of land, and has made the improvements; his wife, Laura A. Rice, was born in Boston, Erie Co., N.iY., in 1832. Married, in 1849, and have had seven children - Howard A., in Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa ; Minnie E., now Mrs. Colby, at Bailey ville ; Lillian G., Adda L. Merton E., William Wilber and Mary A. In politics, a Republican ; in religion, Liberal. He has been School Director.

CHRISTIAN CLAY, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P.O. Freeport ; born in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1 816 ; came to Illinois in 1839, and bought a claim of 80 acres of land and made all the improvements on the place - a fine barn, 36x70, with 16-foot posts, as also a fine brick house, and things in good repair ; his wife, Mariah Youter, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1828. Was married in 1847 ; they had eleven children - Laura, Matilda, now Mrs. William Geear, in Cass Co., Iowa, born June 17, 1846 ; Phillip Bena, born Dec. 20, 184-', died in 1850 ; George Washington, born Aug. 20, 1849 ; Caroline, Oct. 11, 1851 ; Christina, Dec. 16, 1853, died March 25, 1875; Alexander, born Jan. 6, 1856; Ellen Nora, March 23, 1858; John Lenord, Aug. 17,1860; Emma Jane, Oct. 9, 1862 ; William James, Sept. 9, 1866; Cora Adellia, born August

FOIiKERT CRULL<, farmer, Sec. 21; P. 0. Ridott; boru in Germany in 1839, and came to America in 1861 ; he settled io Ogle Co. for four years, then came to Stephenson Co. and bought, and now owns 160 acres of well-improved land ; his wife, Margaret Serifine, was born in Germany in 1851. They were married in 1867, and have had four children - Tillie, John, Fannie and Janie. He has been Postmaster. In politics. Republican ; in religion. Liberal.

H. H. DEGrROAT, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born in Germany in 1814 ; came to America in 18 j2; and bought and now owns 80 acres of land ; was in the army in the old country. His wife, Geiskle Denebrook, was born in Hanover in 1818 ; they were married in 1838, and have eleven children - Christina (now in Ogle Co., 111.), Rechord (now Mrs. Williams), Foskeain (in Baileyville), Hamka, John (in Dakota), Ockel (at home), Rista (deceased), Resend (deceased) and three who died in infancy. In religion, Dutch Reformed.

JACOB DIEHL., farmer. Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Germany in 1824 ; came to America in 1847, and remained in New York until October, then went to Pennsylvania, remained until 1850, and then came to Ogle Co., 111.; remained seven years, then came to Stephenson Co., and bought 160 acres of land, and improved that, and now owns 320, and has improved that with a fine house, large barn and outbuildings. His wife, Margaret Freeling, was born in Hanover in 1820 ; she came to America in 1850, and married in 1851 ; they have had two children - Margaret (now Mrs. Munns, residing on 160 acres of her father's land in Sec. 19) and Mina (now Mrs. Tillie Wessels, of Ridott). In politics. Democrat ; religion, Liberal. Has been Pathmaster.

ADAM FII^HER, farmer. Sec. 15; P. 0. Ridott; born in Bavaria in 1845, and came to America in 1858; bought 95 acres of land, partly improved; has a barn, 32x40, 18-foot corners, a good house, and everything in good repair. His wife, Margaret Klever, was born in Stephenson Co. in 1854, and was married in 1872; they have had three children - Jacob (born in 1873, died in 1874), Lizzie (born in 1875, died in 1879) and Margaret (born in 1878). In politics. Democrat ; in religion, Presbyterian. Has been Pathmaster.

LUTHER JS. FREEMAW, farmer, Sees. 26 and 27 ; P.O. Pecatonica; born Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1833 ; came to Illinois in 1863, and bought from the Chicago & North- Western Railway Co. 153, now 178, acres of land, and made all the improvements of a good house, barn and other buildings. His wife, Miss L. A. Wetmore, was born in Cattarraugus Co., N. Y., in 1836 ; they were married in 1861, and have six children - Kate, A.llen, Henry, Nellie, Lawrence and Nelson. In politics, Republican ; in religion, Liberal ; has been Pathmaster.

H. FR YLINGrS, farmer. Section 30 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Hanover, in 1815 ; came to America in 1850, bought 120 acres of land and sold 40 to his brotherin-law; has a fine spring of water on the place. Never been married; his sister keeps house for him. In politics. Republican ; in religion, Dutch Reform ; has been Pathmaster.

BE ARND G^ROENEYEIiD, farmer. Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Hanover in 1829 ; came to America io 1852; bought 80 acres of land, and made the improvements ; now owns 154 acres, and has fiae house, barn, corn-cribs, wagon-shed and wind-mill. His wife, Tjake Fuls, was born in Hanover in 1831, and came to America in 1853; they were married in 1856, and have had three children - Tjabe, born June 18, 1858, died Dec. 15, 1860 ; John, born July 10, 1860 ; Jane, Feb. 13, 1863, died Aug. 9, 1873. Has been School Director four years. On this place stands the old church, built in an early day and used by the Dutch Reformed.

PHIIiO HAMaiOT^fD, deceased; born in Vermont in 1811; went to Hamburg, N. Y., then to Chicago, in one year ; then to Stephenson Co. in 1837, and settled in Silver Creek; then, in 1848, came to Ridott, and entered land; has now 320 acres of land, with good improvements. Died April 5, 1877. His wife, Esther Farwell, was bora in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1819 ; came to Illinois in 1839 ; they were married in 1840, and have had five children - William, born July 25, 1841, now in Howard Co., Iowa; Marvin, born in Silver Creek July 29, 1842, now farming the place in company with his mother ; his wife, Addie L. Rublee, was born in Franklin Co., Vt., in 1853, and were married fall of 1879. In religion, Liberal ; in politics. Republican; has been Pathmaster and is School Director for 1880. Enlisted in 1863 in the 46th I. V. I., Co. D ; mustered out in 1866. Eliza, born Oct. 14, 1845, and was Mrs. Bride, died July 22, 1873 ; Luke B., born Aug. 5, 1851, is at home ; Ira, born May 2, 1855.

JOH!^ HEEREIV, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Aswaisraland, Germany, in 1814 ; came to America in 1849, in the fall, to Stephenson Co., and bought a half-section ; made the improvements ; now owns 113 acres of land ; also stone quarry on the place ; his wife, Annie Wirmier, was born in Hanover, in 1813 ; married, in 1838, and has had nine children - William, born Feb. 22, 1839, died 1842 ; Foskea, born in Sept. 16, 1840; now Mrs. Sweeden, in Valley Co., Neb.; Gseskeiraa, born May 7, 1842, died in 1866; she was Mrs. Krouse ; William, born Sept. 1, 1844, in Hanover; his wife, Adalaide Boomgaarden, born in Silver Creek Township, April 11, 1858; married April 4, 1878; enlisted Sept. 10, 1861, in 46th I. V. I., Co. C, veteraned Dec. 22, 1863; mustered out Jan. 21, 1866; enlisted as private; discharged as Sergeant ; has been Assessor, Pathmaster, Collector and School Director ; Wessel, born Jan. 20, 1847, died in 1850; Schwantje, born Aug. 20, 184'.^, died in 1849; Wesley, born June 11, 1852; Anna, born Aug. 31, 1854, died in 1869; John, born Dec. 20, 1857, died in 1859. In politics. Republican ; in religion, Lutheran. Has been School Director for seventeen years.

li. HEMEN WAY, dealer in lumber, Ridott ; born in Illinois in 1849 ; engaged in farming until July 4, 1868, when he and wife traveled until March 1, 1869 ; worked out from March 1, 1869, until Oct. 1, 1869; then bought an interest in the mill; sold out May 1, 1870; then went to Colorado; bought a half-interest in 160 acres of land, and farmed until Oct. 1, 1870, when he sold out and went to Kansas ; rented a farm, and farmed until October, 1871 ; then returned to Colorado Territory ; bought a farm of 160 acres of land, and 160 acres of timber; farmed until Sept. 1, 1873; sold out and came to Illinois; bought a farm of 166 acres of land in Sec. 36, Ridott Township, and farmed until March 1, 1875 ; then rented the farm and went to Colorado and rented a farm and a lot of stock, and farmed until Oct. 1, 1876 ; then sold out and came to Illinois ; went on to his farm, and remained until Jan. 1, 1879 ; then rented the farm and bought out the timber business in Ridott, and still in business. His wife, Cynthia J. Cole, was born in Stephenson Co., 111., Nov. 13, 1851 ; married in 1868, and have three children - William N., born in Stephenson Co., March 25, 1870 ; Emma C, born in Colorado Territory, June 17, 1872 ; Elizabeth May, born in Stephenson Co., April 15, 1877. In politics, Republican ; in religion, Liberal. Has been School Director.

PETER HERRMANN, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Freeport ; was born in Bad Bad in 1836 ; came to America July 4, 1852 ; worked for one year as hired man, and then his father bought 100 acres of land, and Peter lived at home until 1860, when he bought and now owns 140 acres of land, with fine stone barn 34x46-feet, 16-foot corners, with bank stable, good house and outbuildings. His wife, Catharine Roth, was born in Bad Bad in 1840 ; married in 1860 ; died in 1872 ; left three children - Elizabeth (deceased) ; Cathrine and Matilda ; second wife, Miss Ellen Kimbell, afterward Mrs. Stoskopf, born in Alsace, France, in 1841 ; married in 1875. In politics, Democrat; in religion. Liberal. Has been School Director, Pathmaster and grand juror in 1877.

ABRAHAM B. HERISHEY (deceased) ; born in Upper Canada in 1812 ; came to Illinois in 1852, and settled in Rock Run Township, Stephenson Co. ; then went to Fayette Co., Iowa, Fayette Village ; remained there four years ; then returned to Silver Creek Township ; remained there until five years ago, when he came to Ridott ; he died Sept 28, 1878. His wife, Elizabeth Snyder, was born in Albany Co.^ N. Y.,

J. A. HERSHEY, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Lancaster Township, Stephenson Co., in 1852, and bought 148 acres of land, and made the improvements. His wife, Annie Friday, was born in Michigan, town of Springfield, Oakland Co., in 1858, and they were married in 1875, and have one child - Alice Julia, born Nov. 2, 1878. In politics, Republican; in religion, Methodist; was School Director for 1880.

THOMAS HUNT, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Nottingham, England, 1818; came to America in 1842; settled in the precinct of Silver Creek, afterward Ridott Township ; bought 40 acres of timber land and built three log houses in company with a colony that came from the old country with him ; he is the last living representative in this county ; Mr. Fairburn died in December last ; he now owns 360 acres of land, and a large stone house, barns, and a 30-foot wind-mill for grinding use ; planted grove of 40 acres. His wife, Mary Ann Kirk, was bora in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1821; married in May, 1842; they have had twelve children - Infant born in 1843, died in 1844; Jane, now Mrs. White, in Ackley, Iowa, was born Feb. 10, 1844 ; Joseph, in Hardin Co., Iowa, born Feb. 4, 1846 ; Susanna, now Mrs. Lenard Stoskopf, in Freeport, born Dec. 22, 1847 ; William, at home, born Sept. 6, 1853 ; Ellen, now Mrs. William Lamb, in Ridott, born Nov. 2, 1851 ; Annie, now Mrs. Crabtree, in Lee Co., born Sept. 9, 1855 ; Thomas, born May 4, 1858, died Dec. 10, 1861; Douglas, born Jan. 27, 1860, died Sept. 20, 1863 , Thomas Forsytha, born Jan. 1, 1862 ; Ellen Marinda, born April 1, 1849, died April 19, 1849 ; Infant boy, born 1848, died 1848. William is in company with his father on the farm ; his wife, Jennie Burdick, was born in Stephenson Co., April 25, 1858 ; married. Sept. 12, 1877, and have one child - Mary, born in May 9, 1879. Mr. Thomas Hunt has been Justice of the Peace, four times Town Treasurer. In politics. Democrat ; in religion. Free Thinker.

BALSTEB JELDERKS, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Ridott; born in Germany, 1816; came to America in 1850 ; bought 40 acres of land and made the improvements, and now owns 100 acres of land. His wife, Jane Meir, was born in Germany, in 1818 ; married in 1837 ; had two children, both died in infancy. In politics. Republican ; in religion, Dutch Reformed; has been Pathmaster ; they have one son by adoption - Batsler Jelderks, Jr., born in Stephenson Co. in 1857 ; working his father's place. His wife, Bena Weeimann, born in Germany, in 1861 ; married, in 1878, and have one child - Jane, born January, 1879. In politics, Democrat ; in religion, Dutch Reformed.

WESIiEY JOHN, wagon-maker, Ridott ; born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1821, and went to Pennsylvania, and in 1851 came to Illinois and bought 40 acres of land, and remained until 1857, and made most of the improvements, and then went to Winnebago Co., and remained until after the war. He enlisted in the 15th I. V. I., in 1861, and was discharged in 1863, and returned to Winnebago Co., and in 1867 came to Stephenson Co., and opened a shop ; he owns town property, and made the improvements; his wife, Ellen Allen, was born in Center Co., Penn., in 1819, and was married in 1845, and have had six children - Thomas W., painter, in Ridott ; Mary

Elizabeth, teaching in Kidott High School ; Julia Emeline, now Mrs. Kear, in Ridott , Adelbert A., minister of the Advent denomination ; Hiram, deceased; infant daughter, deceased. In politics, Republican ; in religion. Friend. Has been Director of Schools.

JOHX W. KAKCHER, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born in Stephenson Co., in 1842; engaged in farming until 1862, then learned the confectioner's business in Freeport, and worked there three years, then returned to the farm ; he owns 300 acres of land, and made the improvements on the place also ; 160 acres in Hardin Co., Iowa, improved ; 80 acres in Champaign Co., 111., improved. His wife, Annie E. Shaw, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1843; married in 1866 ; have had five children - Edward Clarance, Ida Ellen, Johnnie Elmer, deceased, December, 1876 ; William Leonard and x\lbert John. In politics. Republican ; in religion. Liberal. Has been School Director.

J. A. KKER, of the firm of Keer Bros., dealers in general merchandise, Ridott; born in Clinton Co., Penn., in 1840; came to Stephenson Co. in 1846, with his parents, who entered land ; his parents are both dead ; J. A. engaged in farming for five years, and in 1871, began the mercantile business in Ridott; he owns town property, also 47 acres of land, on which he has improved ; has 160 acres of land in Hardin Co., Iowa. His wife, Rebecca Sibert, was born in Ohio in 1843, and came to Stephenson Co. in 1856 ; married in 1862, and have three children - Kittie, born Aug. 7, 1863 ; George, born June 8, 1872 ; Le Roy, born Nov. 6, 1874. Has been School Director, Trustee, Collector and Constable ; in politics. Democrat ; in religion. United Brethren.

HENRY LEASE, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Pennsylvania, in 1803 ; came to Illinois in 1854 ; bought and owns 40 acres of land, and made the improvements. His wife, Eliza Thompson, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1807, and married in 1835 ; have had four children - Sarah, now Mrs. John Foster, in Hardin Co., Iowa; Charles L., at Denison, Texas ; Hannah E., deceased ; J. T., born in Pennsylvania, in 1845, came to Illinois with his parents, and owns 80 acres of land, also improved land in Iowa, 160 acres. His wife, Lizzie McKibbin, was born in Stephenson Co., 111., in 1846 ; married in 1878. In politics. Democrat ; in religion, Liberal. Has been Pathmaster and Collector three years.

W. LOVEIiAHfD, hotel and livery, Ridott ; born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1825, and came to Stephenson Co. in 1854 ; owns 163 acres of land in Rock Run Township, Sees. 1 1 and 12, also town property ; has made the improvements both on the farm and the town property. His wife, Lucy J. Watson, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1827, and married in 1849, and they have had two children - Clarence L., conductor on the C. & N. W. R. R. between Rockford and Chicago, with his home at Rockford, and George R., a carpenter by trade, and living at home. Has been Justice of the Peace for seventeen years. In politics, Republican ; in religion, liberal. Was School Director for a number of years; Collector for the years 1860 and 1861.

W. K. McGILLilOAN, Assistant Agent C. & N. W. R. R., Ridott ; born in Pennsylvania, Lancaster Co., in 1845 ; came to Stephenson Co. in 1854. Enlisted in the 46th I. V. L, in December, 1863; was discharged in February, 1866. His wife, Jennie Lincoln, was born in Vermont in 1848 ; married in 1866 ; have had four children - Nettie, Emma, Charlie and Joseph. In politics. Republican; in religion, liberal. Has been Trustee of the village of Ridott.

J. Jf IJLIiER, farmer. Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Pecatonica ; born in Germany in 1832 ; came to America in 1857, and went to Wisconsin, then to Illinois in 1874, and bought and owns 118 acres of land. His wife, Dothey Meirs, was born in Germany in 1838, and married in 1857, have had five children - Mary (now Mrs. Filcher), Minnie, Christ, Emma, Annie. In politics. Democrat ; in rehgion, Lutheran.

JOHN MITCHELL. ; P. O. Pecatonica; born in Ohio in 1853 ; came to Illinois with .jhis parents, then went to Linn Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming; returned October, 1878, and has a farm of 240 acres of land; made part of the improvements. His wife, May Henderson, was born in Illinois in 1852. Married in 1876 ;

JACOB MOLTER, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Germany in 1815; came to America in 1850, and settled in Stephenson Co. ; bought 80 acres of land ; now owns 160, and has made all of the improvements. His wife, Bena Molter, was born in Germany in 1822 ; married in 1840 ; died in 1872 ; left six children - Jacob, in Ridott ; Daniel, in Ridott ; Phillip, in Silver Creek ; Bena, now Mrs. Rippberger, in Kane Co. ; Katie, at home ; Johnnie. Margaret Mapes, his second wife, was born in Alsace, France, in 1827 ; married in 1875. In politics, Democrat ; in religion, Lutheran.

JACOB MOIiTEK. farmer, Sec. 8 ; P.O. Ridott; born in Badeo, Germany, in 1843 ; came to America in 1850 ; remained at home until he was 21 years of age. when he hired to his father for two years, then rented a farm, and now owns 160 acres of land. His wife, Polly Bardell, was born in Illinois in 1843 ; married in 1866, and have had five children - Margaret, born May 27, 1867; Henry, born Feb. 25, 1871 ; Reuben, born April 28, 1873 ; William, born July 1, 1877 ; Albert, born Jan. 21, 1869; died Aug. 19, 1871. Religion, Evangelical; has been Pathmaster and Assessor.

SAMUEIj MOYER, retired farmer; P. 0. Ridott; born in Lebanon Co., Penn., in 1810 ; came to Illinois in 1863, in the fall, and bought 170 acres of land, on which he made improvements ; his wife, Elizabeth Bealer, was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., in 1815 ; married in 1833; died May 21, 1867 ; had seventeen children -

Co., Iowa), Elizabeth|(now Mrs. Machaer, in Kansas), Henry (in Kansas), Priscilla (Mrs. Steven V. Meater, in Vermont), Catherine (Mrs. St. Clair, in Pennsylvania), Sarah (now Mrs. Unanest, in Silver Creek Township), Mary (now Mrs. Groos, in Orangville), Leah (now Mrs. Swartz, in Kansas), George W. (in Montgomery Co., Kan.), Samuel (fell into a spring and was drowned), Daniel (in Ridott), Rachel (deceased), Lena (at home), Henrietta E. (in Iowa), Lucetta (now Mrs. Askey, in Iowa). In politics, Republican ; in religion, Reformed ; has been School Director nine years, Pathmaster, Trustee, Treasurer; there are eighty grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

A. J. NILES, farmer, Sec. 2; P. 0. Ridott; born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, in 1815 ; came to Illinois in 1835 ; entered land in the timber, near the river ; then sold out and moved out on the prairie, and bought 120 acres of land, and made the improvements ; he now owns 120 acres of land and 23 acres of timber ; has been living on this place since 1841 ; the winter of 1835-36 he was in the mines near Galena. His wife, Nancy A. Farwell, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1817 ; married in 1839, and had eight children - Marvin (deceased), Ellen (deceased, was Mrs. S. Mitton), Homer (living near home), Sidney (in Nebraska), twins, Viola and Orilla (Viola deceased at the age of 2 J years), Jennie (now Mrs. Tarbert, in Ridott), Augustus (in Ridott). In politics. Republican; in religion, Liberal; has been Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Collector, and Supervisor three times.

JOHN RADEHAKER, deceased; born in Germany in 1801 ; came to America in 1855, and bought 153 acres of land, on which he made the improvements ; Mr. R. died April 22, 1870. His wife, Rosa Sonwds, was born in Germany, Aug. 2, 1811; married, April 16, 1832, and had three children - Apha (now Mrs. Coleman, in Freeport), Maggie (deceased), Hann (married and lives one mile south).

FOKKE RE WERTS, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Ridott ; born in Germany in 1819 ; came to America in 1850 ; bought and now owns 95 acres of land, and made all the improvements. His wife, Harmenie Freelings, was born in Hanover in 1818; married in 1851 ; has been Pathmaster.

CHARIiEIS ROHKAR, restaurant and billiards, Ridott ; born in Hanover, Germany, in 1826 ; came to America in 1852, was two years in New York, and then came to Freeport ; stayed until 1872 ; was engaged as police and Marshal ; then came to Ridott and engaged in the present business ; owns his town property, made all the improvements, and has things in good order. His wife, Dora Barth, was born in Hanover in 1822 ; came to America in 1852 ; married in 1847 ; they have had four children - Henry, in Rockford, 111., 28 years of age ; Charlie, near Ridott, 22 years of age ; Caroline, 19 years of age ; Margaret, 17 years of age. In politics, Democrat; in religion, Lutheran ; was Elder in the Dutch Reformed Church in Freeport, and is now Constable.

HENRY SCHEFFNER, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Freeport; born in Baden, 1845 ; came to America in 1852, farming 240 acres of land belonging to his father-in-law, Jacob Bardell. His wife, Cathrine Bardell, was born in Stephenson Co. in 1846 ; married in 1867, and have had nine children - Elizabeths., Anna Jane, William Henry, Charlie G., deceased ; George G., Liddie, Jacob, John and Maggie. In politics, Republican ; in religion, Evangelical Methodist, and a local preacher ; has been Trustee of the circuit and of the church ; is now Commissioner of Highways, and classleader in the church.

JOHN ISCHEFFNER, farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Freeport; born in Baden, Germany, in 1818 ; came to America in 1852, to Stephenson Co., and bought 80 acres of land, on which he made the improvements, and now owns 160 acres. His wife, Maglend Zahn, was born in Baden in 1814 ; married in 1843, and had five children - Henry, born Nov. 20, 1844 ; Susan, born July - , 1850, now Mrs. Klerer ; John, born June 14, 1832 ; Florence, born June 15, 1854 ; Cathrine, born June - , 1859, died Aug. 3, 1875. In politics. Republican ; in religion, Evangelical.