Rockford Township (part 10 of 11)

The campaign of 1852 was signalized by the election of E. B. Washburne as a member of congress from the First district. Mr. Washburne received 1,102 votes in Winnebago county; Thompson Campbell, his Democratic opponent, 851 ; and Newman Campbell, 610 votes. The advent of Mr. Washburne into national politics is worthy of more than a passing notice. Elihu Benjamin Washburne was a member of the celebrated Washburne family. He was born in Livermore, Maine, September 23, 1816. In 1839 he entered the Harvard law school. Among his classmates were Richard H. Dana and William M. Evarts. He was admitted to the bar in 1840, and at once settled at Galena, Illinois, and entered into partnership in the practice of law with Charles S. Hempstead, one of the incorporafcors of Rockford female seminary. Mr. Washburne remained in congress from 1853 until March 6, 1869. From this long and honorable service he was familiarly known as the "Father of the House," and in that capacity he administered the oath as speaker to Schuyler Coif ax three times, and once to James G, Blaine. By reason of his insistence that the finances of the government should be administered with the strictest economy, Mr. Washburne was called the "Watch-dog of the Treasury." Mr. Wasburne called the attention of Governor Yates to his townsman, Ulysses S. Grant, who wished to enter military service. When the hero of the civil war became president, he honored his old friend with the appointment of secretary of state, and later he made him minister to France. This position he held during the Franco-Prussian war. At the request of Bismarck, and with the permission of the French minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Washburne exercised his official influence for the protection of the Germans in Paris. When the empire was overthrown, Mr. Washburne was the first foreign representative to recognize the new republic. He remained in Paris during the siege, and was at his post when the commune ruled the city. The emperor of Germany recognized his services by conferring upon him the Order of the Red Eagle. He declined this honor because a provision of the constitution of the United States prohibited it. Upon Mr. Washburne's resignation in 1877, the emperor sent him his life-size portrait ; and he was similarly honored by Bismarck, Theirs and Gambetta. Mr. Washburne died in Chicago October 22, 1887. His rugged independence and absolute integrity gave him the full confidence of the people.

Abraham I. Enoch was elected a member of the legislature from the Forty-seventh senatorial district. His vote in Winnebago county was 1,063; Lyman F. Warner, Democrat, 840; Ezra S. Cable, 659. Mr. Enoch was born in Dayton, Ohio, July 24, 1819. He came to this county with his father's family in 1835, and settled in Guilford township. Mr. Enoch was honored by several public offices, and in 1866 he was again elected a member of the legislature. Mr. Enoch removed to Rockford in 1867, and began the manufacture of plows. In 1844 Mr. Enoch married Catharine J. Davis. They had seven daughters : Mrs. D. C. Putnam, Mrs. H. H. Carpenter, Mrs. Charles A. Works, and Misses Clara, Harriett A., Emma A. and Lois A. Reverses of fortune came to Mr. Enoch, bub he sustained them with the courage and honor of a high-minded Christian gentleman. Mr. Enoch died in 1883.

William Brown was elected state's attorney for the Fourteenth judicial circuit. His majorities in the several counties were: Winnebago, 650 ; Stephenson,480; JoDaviess, 87; total, 1,217. His opponents were Francis Buriiap, John C. Kean and Francis S. W. Bradley.

Charles H. Spafford was elected circuit clerk by an even one thousand votes ; King H. Milliken was elected sheriff; Alfred A. Chamberlain, coroner.

At the county election in 1853 the entire Whig ticket was successful. Selden M. Church was elected county judge; Asher Beach and Alfred E. Hale, associate justices; William Hulin, county clerk ; C. A. Huntington, school commissioner ; Duncan Ferguson, county treasurer ; Duncan Ferguson, surveyor.

Chapter Lxii

lULY 15, 1851, many of the leading public-spirited citizens of *-' the town associated themselves together under the name of the Rockford Water Power Company. These gentlemen were: Thomas D. Robertson, John A. Holland, R. P. Lane, G. A. Sanford, W. A. Dickerman, S. M. Church, Orlando Clark, C. I. Horsman; John Edwards, John S. Coleman, John Fisher, William Hulin, Isaiah Lyon, Melancthon Starr, C. H. Spafford, Lucius Clark, J. J. Town, Henry Potwin, H. R. Maynard, Jas. H. Rogers, B. McKenney, John Platt, Albert Sanford, Chas. C.

McCoy. This organization was effected in pursuance of the general law enacted by the legislature in 1849, for the improvement of Rock river and the production of hydraulic power.

In September, 1851, the owners of the water and laud under the old company entered into an agreement with the new company, whereby the two interests were consolidated; and steps were immediately taken for the construction of a permanent dam on the rock bottom of the old ford, from which the city derives its name. In the spring of 1853 the dam and race were completed and accepted by the company. The length of the dam is between seven hundred and eight hundred feet. The water-power is divided into twenty thousand parts, and is held and sold in this proportion.

The first great impetus given to the manufacturing interests of Rockford was the advent of John H. Manny, in 1853. Mr. Manny was born in Amsterdam, New York, November 28, 1825. His father, Pells Manny, settled at Waddam's Grove, in Stephenson county. The younger Manny's attention was called to the need of a reaper by his father's purchase of aheading machine, which proved unsatisfactory. The father and son thereupon so reconstructed the header as to practically make a new machine. They obtained a patent on the header and began its manufacture on a small scale. It proved to be too expensive, and was abandoned. Mr. Manny then directed his atten- tion toward perfecting a reaper, and after many vicissitudes, which brought him to serious financial embarrassment, his inventive genius and indomitable energy were crowned with success. Mr. Manny built eighty-four machines in 1852.

In July, 1852, a reaper trial was held in Geneva, New York, in which Mr. Manny's reaper came into competition with eleven others. The excellence of Mr. Manny's machine was established.

In the spring of 1853 Mr. Manny was urged to come to Eockford by Orlando Clark. The preceding year Isaac Utter came from the east, and formed a partnership with Mr. Clark, under the firm name of Clark & Utter. In the spring of 1853 there were manufactured one hundred and fifty of Mr. Manny's combined reapers and mowers, in Clark & Utter's factory. It is also said that John A. Holland told Blinn & Emerson, who were then in the hardware business, that it would be desirable to have Mr. Manny come to Rockford for two reasons : first, there was better water-power ; second, the firm was extending liberal credit to Mr. Manny for stock.

The popularity of the Manny reaper demanded larger capital. In the spring of 1854 Wait and Sylvester Talcott became associated with Mr. Manny as partners, under the name of J. H. Manny & Company, and during the year eleven hundred machines were made. In the autumn of 1854 Jesse Blinn and Ralph Emerson were added to the firm, and its name was changed to Manny & Company. In 1855 the famous trials of the Manny reaper were made in Europe, which gave to his inventions a reputation abroad. Mr. Manny continued to improve his reaper, and obtained twenty-three patents upon new devices.

In September, 1855, C. H. McCormick, of Chicago, began suit in the federal court to enjoin the Manny Company from using a certain device, upon the ground of infringement of patent. The case was heard before Justice McLean and Judge Drummond, at Cincinnati, although the court records were kept in Chicago, which belonged to the same circuit. Attorneys of national reputation were retained. Mr. McCormick's counsel were Reverdy Johnson and E. N. Dickerson. Peter H. Watson, who had obtained Mr. Manny's patents, was given entire charge of the defendants' case. Mr. Watson had formerly resided in Rockford, and later he became assistant secretary of war. He employed George Harding, Edwin M. Stanton and Abraham Lincoln. It is said E. B. Washburne had recommended Mr.

Ralph Emerson'S Recollections Of Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln to Mr. Manny. When all the parties had arrived at Cincinnati, Mr. Lincoln was informed by Mr. Watson that Mr. Stanton would close the case for the defendants. This was a great humiliation to Mr. Lincoln. Although he had prepared his argument, Mr. Lincoln did not argue the case. Mr. Lincoln first met Mr. Stanton at Cincinnati. Mr. Stanton treated him with great discourtesy during the trial, and referred to him as a railsplitter from the wild west. Notwithstanding these indignities, Mr. Lincoln was impressed with Mr. Stanton's great force of character ; and when six years later a man of iron was needed, President Lincoln made Mr. Stanton his secretary of war. No other incident in the life of Mr. Lincoln better illustrates his moral greatness. The trial resulted in a victory for the Manny Company. The decision was announced January 16, 1856. The defendants' expenses of the suit were sixty thousand dollars, and this large sum was made from the business in a short time. Mr. McCormick appealed the case to the United States supreme court, where the decision of thelower court was affirmed, and Mr. Manny's rights as inventor were fully sustained.

Ida M. TarbelFs Life of Lincoln, republished from her serial in McClure's Magazine, gives an incident of this trial, which the author obtained from Ralph Emerson, who says:

"Mr. Stanton closed his speech in a flight of impassioned eloquence. Then the court adjourned for the day, and Mr. Lincoln invited me to take a long walk with him. For block after block he walked rapidly forward, not saying a word, evidently deeply dejected.

" 'Ah, yes,' he said, 'I do occupy a good position there, and I think that I can get along with the way things are done there now. But these college-trained men, who have devoted their whole lives to study, are coming west, don't you see? And they study their cases as we never do. They have got as far as Cincinnati now. They will soon be in Illinois.' Another long pause; then stopping and turning toward me, his countenance suddenly assuming that look of strong determination which those who knew him best sometimes saw upon his face, he exclaimed, 'I am going home to study law! I am as good as

Mr. Lincoln once visited Rockford on professional business in connection with this sui b. It was on a hot summer afternoon. Mr. Lincoln and one of the clients sat on an old log on the bank of the river and discussed the matter. Mr. Lincoln wore a long linen coat, and presented that picture of ungainliness with which the world is familiar. Mr. Lincoln was a guest at Mr. Manny's home, which was a small frame building that stood on the site of the Milwaukee depot. The company paid Mr. Lincoln one thousand dollars, which was the largest fee he had received up to that time.

The prolonged mental strain incident to perfecting his inventions and the trial of the suit undermined Mr. Manny's health. He fell a prey to consumption, and January 31, 1856, he passed away, in his little modest home on South Main street, when he had just passed his thirtieth birthday. He never realized the wealth which his inventions would bring to others, nor the prestige which they would give to the Reaper City, nor the great name which he had made for himself.

Mrs. Manny received a royalty of twenty-five dollars on every machine manufactured. This amount was subsequently reduced. Financial reverses overtook the company in 1857, but it weathered the storm, and built an extensive plant.

During the next few years after the arrival of J. H. Manny, other manufacturers began business on the water-power. D. Forbes & Son established their iron foundry in 1854, and in 1864 the malleable iron works were added to the business.

Joseph Rodd came to Rockford from Canada in the autumn of 1853, and a few years later he embarked in the milling business on the east side of the river. Mr. Rodd's home was the residence of Colonel Lawler on Kishwaukee street.

In 1854 M. Bartlett & Company built one of the finest stone structures on the water-power for a flouring mill. The Troxell milt was established in 1853 on the East side, and in 1855 it was purchased by Mr. Bartlett.

of Trahern & Stuart. In 1856 Mr. Stuart retired and was succeeded by Mr. Dales. Later Mr. Trahern manufactured iron pumps. He died November 2, 1883.

In 1854 John P. Manny began the manufacture of knife sections in Rockford for John H. Manny's reapers. He succeeded in producing a knife section that was hardened by his own peculiar process in oil tempering, which has never been surpassed to this day.

William Gent came to Rockford in 1857, and was associated with John Nelson in scroll work, and later he assisted the inventor in perfecting his knitting machine. Mr. Gent was considered one of the best working mechanics in the state. He died June 20, 1887.

Chapter Lxiii

THERE has been one movement in the history of the American mind which gave to literature a group of writers entitled to the name of a school. This was the great humanitarian movement, or series of movements, in New England, which began with the elder Channing, ran through its later phase in transcendentalism, and spent its force in the anti-slavery agitation and the enthusiasms of the civil war. This movement was cotemporary with the preaching of many novel doctrines in religion, sociology, science, education, medicine and hygiene. New sects were formed. There were Millerites, Spiritualists, Mormons, Swedenborgians and Shakers.

This intellectual and moral awakening found its expression in the lecture platform. The daily newspaper had not assumed its present blanket-sheet proportions ; and the leaders of these various phases of new thought carried their message to the people in person.

In the autumn of 1853 the Young Men's Association was organized, for the purpose of bringing to Rockford the most popular lecturers of the day. Among its members were Rev. H. M. Goodwin, C. H. Spafford, H. H. Waldo, H. P. Holland, E. W. Blaisdell, J. E. L. Southgate, William Lathrop, R. A. Sanford, E. H. Baker, Rev. J. Murray, E. C. Daugherty, A. S. Miller.

The first course was provided for the winter of 1853-54. It began with two lectures, November 29th and 30th, by E. P. Whipple, in the First Baptist church. It is almost incredible that one of the local newspapers should not have even given the subject of his lecture. From the other, however, it is learned that Mr. Whipple's theme for this first lecture was Heroic Character, and that he "delineated graphically and beautifully the hero-soldier, led on by his love of glory ; the hero-patriot, actuated by his love of country ; the hero-reformer, moved by his love of humanity ; and the hero-saint, animated by his love of God." The subject of his second lecture was Eccentric Character. The Forum's criticism was not very appreciative.

Horace Greelets Impressions Of Rock River

The third lecture was given December 10th, at the Baptist church, by Horace Mann. His subject was Young Men. The Democrat, in "reporting" the lecture, took this flattering unction to its soul : "As we looked around over the large assemblage of youth, beauty, intellect and fashion, and noted with what anxiety the sea of heads were turned toward the speaker, as if to catch the words ere they left his lips, we experienced a deep feeling of pride, and thought to ourselves, few places in any land, of equal age, population, etc., can boast of a more highly refined, intellectual community than are to be found in our own little embryo city."

The fourth lecture was given in the City Hall, by George William Curtis, December 12th. His subject was Young America, and for an hour and a half the speaker entranced his audience with his noble thought and pure diction. After referring to the Alps, Mr. Curtis said : "But there are loftier mountains than the Alps; there is a lovelier landscape than that unfolded by Italy, with all its richness and all its beauty. There is a land more beautiful, more voluptuous, more soul-satisfying ; a region far away, but which every man has visited ; a paradise into which no care, no sorrow, no vice ever enters ; where Barnburners and Hunkers lie down together; where all heads are silver-gray, woolly ; where painters praise each other's pictures ; musicians are not jealous of their fellow artists ; ladies with blue do not dislike brown eyes in others ; where musicians on wintry, moonlight nights, serenading delightful damsels, blow their fingers and their instruments only for love. Millions have sailed for the shores of this fair country, with the faith of a Columbus or a Franklin, and millions have failed to reach them ; like the child running to catch the setting sun only to grasp the cold grey of the evening, so we essay to gain the favored land ; it is the California to which thousands sail, only to get wrecked on Cape Horn ; it is the eyes of his mistress to the ardent lover, just before she jilted him. This favored land is the land of Fancy, pictured on the ardent soul of youth."

Horace Greeley followed Mr. Curtis. His theme was The Reforms of the Age. He spoke of the abolition and temperance movements, woman's rights, and the abolition of the death penalty. Mr. Greeley wrote his impressions of the Hock river valley at some length for the New York Tribune, from which this characteristic paragraph is taken : "1 have traversed the Roman Campana (which is only a great wet prairie surcharged with malaria and ruins), glanced at the great pastures of Belgium, and ridden across the prairies of central and northern Indiana by daylight, lamplight, and moonlight; but still I was nowhere in a discussion of the value and attractiveness of prairies - for I had never been on Rock river. But now, gentlemen ! I give you fair warning that I take a back seat no longer when the felicities of western life and the genial fertility and Eden-like character of the prairies is under discussion - for I have been on Rock river! . . I should like more springs, more running streams, and less lime in the water ; but then Paradise is beyond Jordan, or some other stream, and is not wisely sought even on Rock river."

The next speaker was Prof. Joseph Emerson, of Beloit, who spoke on Greek Civilization. W. H. Channing was announced for January 27th, but no reference to the lecture is found.

Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the seventh lecture in the course February 3, 1854, in Warner's Hall. "Emerson's lecture," says H. H. Waldo, "was not without its comical features. His subject was History. I believe it was the same as his essay with that title. One scintillation was this: 'Time vanishes to shining ether the solid angularity of facts. Carthage was, but is not.' This was only saying there was nothing permanent. He gave this thought in a matter-of-fact style. The hall was packed, but half the audience were sleepy. The lecture was pronounced by some to be a failure."

Lectures were given during this season by Bishop Potter, Chancellor Lathrop; Judge Doolittle, of Wisconsin, on The Character of Washington; Bayard Taylor, two lectures, on the Arabs, and Japan and the Japanese. March 27, 1854, Ole Bull and Patti were in Rockford.

The course for 1854-55 included Rev. E. H. Chapin, Josiah Quincy, John G. Saxe, John Pierpont, James Russell Lowell, and Bayard Taylor. Dr. Chapin spoke on Modern Chivalry; Mr. Saxe gave a poem-lecture on Yankee Land ; John Pierpont's theme was The Golden Calf ; Lowell spoke on English Ballads, and Bayard Taylor, on India.

The course of 1855-56 was opened by Henry Ward Beecher, who spoke on Patriotism. He was followed by Wendell Phillips. T. Sarr King and Dr. Chapin were engaged for this course.

Chapter Lxiv

p\OCKFORD has claimed the honor of the birthplace of the rx Republican party, so far as a congressional nomination under that name is concerned. "Seven cities fought for Homer dead ; " likewise many places have contended for the honor of the first party organization. Rockford's claim to the first congressional nomination is certainly not unreasonable; and even if it cannot be sustained, it will at least call attention to a notable political event.

When the Kansas-Nebraska bill was passed by congress in May, 1854, there was a general feeling in the old Whig and Democratic parties that the encroachments of the slave-power demanded more vigorous resistance. With this end in view, a call was issued August 8th, to the voters of the First Congressional district, for a mass meeting to be held in Rockford on the 30th instant. This call was signed by forty-six citizens of Rockford, only five of whom are now living. The meeting was called to order in the courthouse, and from there adjourned to the grove west of the Baptist church, between Court and Winnebago streets. E. B. Washburne had been elected a member of congress as a Whig two years before, and was of course a candidate for re-election. There were other Richmonds in the field : Turner and Sweet, of Freeport ; Loop, of Rockford ; and Hurlbut, of Belvidere. None of these were openly avowed candidates; but each was anxious for the prize. A committee on resolutions of one from each county was nominated. There was ambition mixed with patriotism. It was a time of breaking up of old parties, and the future was uncertain. How far would it be safe to declare against the action of congress? This was a serious question. The leaders were against Washburne, but the people were with him. There is a tradition that the committee on resolutions was directed somewhat by the suggestions of Stephen A. Hurlbut, in preparing anti-slavery resolutions so radical that Mr. Washburne, it was thought, could not accept a nomination upon them. But Mr. Washburne was equal to the occasion. He declared that the resolutions met his most hearty approval; whereupon James Loop remarked, in language more emphatic than pious, that Washburne would swallow anything. Mr. Washburne was thereupon nominated as a Republican by this mass convention.

The regular Whig convention for the district was held September 6th, and Mr. Washburne was also made the nominee. His nomination was opposed by Mr. Hurlbut, who on the day of the convention is reported to have said : "When you say that E. B. Washburne is a good man, I agree with you. But when you say he is a wise man and a statesman, there is a chance for an argument. It has been said Mr. Washburne is a man of learning. But I say that as a man of learning, E. B. Washburne, of Fever river, Galena, possesses frightful limitations." Mr. Hurlbut was a consummate master of sarcasm, which he often used without mercy. But it has been said that while Hurlbut could make the better speech, Washburne won the votes ; and on the whole, he was the more successful politician.

In the evening Mr. Washburne entertained his friends at a banquet at the City Hotel. Some time after this Whig convention, Mr. Hurlbut met H. H. Waldo, who had supported Mr. Washburne, and complimented him on his splendid fight, and said that, considering the material at hand, he had done well.

Thus was made one of the first, if not the very first, Republican nomination for member of congress. The strong antislavery sentiment of both parties had been intensified by the repeal of the Missouri compromise, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, and the passage of the Illinois Black Laws, through the influence of John A. Logan. Like Saul of Tarsus before he saw a great light, Logan was dominated by prejudice ; and, like Paul after his change, he bravely befriended those he formerly oppressed. General Logan always had the courage of his convictions ; and his political change was sincere.

In 1854 Mr. Hurlbut thought he could take a more radical position on the slavery question than Mr. Washburne. He had left the south because he was in sympathy with northern principles. Stephen A. Hurlbut was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1 815, and settled in Belvidere in 1845. He was the son of a Unitarian clergyman, and a brother of William Henry Hurlbut, for many years editor-in-chief of the New York World. He was commissioned a brigadier-general in 1861, commanded the Fourth division at the battle of Shiloh, and for that service he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and assigned to the command of the Department of the Gulf. General Hurlbut was the first commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic; was appointed minister resident to the United States of Columbia, by President Grant. From 1873 to 1877 he represented the Fourth district in congress. In 1881 General Hurlbut was appointed United States minister to Peru, and died at Lima in the spring of the following year. Abraham Lincoln once said that Stephen A. Hurlbut was the ablest orator on the stump that Illinois had ever produced.

Edward D. Baker, E. B. Washburne, John F. Farnsworth, Stephen A. Hurlbut and Robert R. Hitt were men of national reputation who have served the several districts in which Rockford has from time to time been located. This record is scarcely less notable than that of the old Western Reserve district, which was represented by Elisha Whittlesey, Joshua R. Giddings and James A. Garfield, whose terms aggregated fifty-one years.

The banking house of Spafford, Clark & Ellis was founded in November, 1854. The firm consisted of C. H. Spafford, Dr. D. G. Clark, and E. F. W. Ellis. Dr. Clark came to Rockford in 1848. Two years later he went to California, and returned in 1853. Dr. Clark died October 4, 1861. Spafford, Clark & Ellis did business in the stone building on the alley, on the south side of State, between Main and Church, now owned by Hon. E.

In 1854 was also established the banking house of Briggs, Spafford, & Penfield, in East Rockford, which became the Third National Bank. The members of the firm were C. C. Briggs, A.

January 1, 1855, the banking firm of Dickerman, Wheeler & Company began business on West State street. The firm consisted of W. A. Dickerman, Buel G. Wheeler, G. A. Sanford, R. P. Lane. This house became the Second National Bank.

Fuller & Tomkins began banking business in the Worthingington Block, East Rockford, in 1853. The firm consisted of A. C. and E. L. Fuller, and Enos and N. C. Tomkins, all of Belvidere. The firm was later called E. L. Fuller & Company.

E. H. Potter & Company and Edward N. Kitchel were also in the banking business on the East side. These banks, with Roberson & Holland, founded in 1848, and Mr. Horsman's bank, established in 1852, and which have been noted in precedingchapters, complete the roster of Rockford banks to 1861. It was a day of unstable currency, when "wild-cat" money was abundant, but worthless. This fact made banking a precarious business as compared with the splendid system of today.

In 1852 the first party of Swedish emigrants arrived in Rockford. They left their native land with no thought of coming to this city. Some were destined for Chicago, but upon arriving there, they were told there were better opportunities in the country. About twenty-five came to Rockford in 1852. Among these were S. A. Johnson, John Nelson, Andrew Hollem, P. G. Hollem, Alexander Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Hokanson, P. A. Peterson, Sr., and wife, P. A. Peterson, Jr., Glaus Peterson. John Stibb came in 1854. His son, Frank G., was the first male born in Rockford of Swedish parents, and Mrs. Augusta Lind, daughter of Jonas Anderson, was the first female. Emigrants continued to arrive annually for some years. The cholera in 1853-54 checked emigration, and later the civil war had the same result ; and it was not until 1867 that the greatest Swedish emigration was reached in a single year. The Swedish early settlers have a society, whose records are kept in their native language.

In June, 1852, the Rock River Mutual Fire Insurance Company was granted a charter by the legislature. The company did quite a business for a time, but it was finally unsuccessful.

In 1853 the three-story, double-store brick block on the southwest corner of State and First streets, was built by Abraham I. Enoch, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Davis. Mr. Davis was a "forty-niner," and returned from California with quite an amount of ready money.

At the election in November, 1854, Wait Talcott was elected state senator; William Lyman, reprepresentative ; John F. Taylor, sheriff; A. A. Chamberlain, sheriff.

Under a statute of February 27, 1854, the judge of the county court of Winnebago county was given jurisdiction in law and chancery, where the amount involved did not exceed one thousand dollars. This law was repealed February 12, 1863.

The earnings of the Galena & Chicago Union railroad for August, 1854, were $103,000. The earnings for the corresponding month the preceding year were $48,000.

Chapter Lxv Rockford Settlers 1851-54

IN the early history of the county, Rockton, by reason of its water-power, was a rival of Rockford. As the latter began to forge more rapidly to the front, several of the settlers of Rockton from time to time sought the larger opportunities of the county seat. This exodus from the northern neighbor might be called the Rockton migration. Among those who came from Rockton to Rockford were James M. and J. Ambrose Wight and William Hulin, to whom reference has been made in early chapters, and Seely Perry, Jesse Blinn and Wait Talcott.

Seely Perry was born at Stockbridge, Massachusetts, August 22, 1822, and was graduated from Union college at Schenectady in 1845. Mr. Perry came to Rockton in 1849, and in 1851 he settled in Rockford. After teaching one year he engaged in the lumber trade, in which he has continued for nearly half a century. In 1846 Mr. Perry married Elizabeth Benedict, who died in 1874. She was the mother of Lewis Seely, and Mrs. Eva Moore, of St. Louis. In 1876 Mr. Perry married Marie Thompson. They have one daughter, Miss Marie. Mr. Perry was elected mayor of Rockford in 1858 and served one term. He is now the oldest living ex-mayor of the city. Mr. Perry has also served the city as alderman, member of the board of education, and a director of the public library.

Jesse Blinn was born in 1809 in Vermont, and from there he removed to Conneaut, Ohio. He came to Rockton in 1838 ; in 1850 he settled in Rockford, and his family a year later. He opened the first exclusive hardware store in the city. His stock invoiced $10,000. He subsequently became a manufacturer on the water-power, to which reference has been made. Mr. Blinn died in 1879. Mrs. Blinn is a native of New Hampshire. She is descended from Lord James Louden, whose estate is still preserved in Scotland. Mrs. Blinn has some autograph lines written by Robert Burns, commemorating his visit to Louden castle. Joshua R. Giddings was entertained at Mr. Blinn's home when he made a political address in Rockford in 1854. Mrs. Blinn is residing with her daughter, Mrs. H. P. Holland.

Ralph Emerson was the son of Rev. Ralph Emerson, a Congregational clergyman, and a professor in Andover theological seminary, the oldest Congregational divinity school in the country. Another son is Professor Joseph Emerson, of Beloit. Mr. Emerson was born in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1831. He came to Rockford in 1852, and was later a partner with Jesse Blinn in the hardware business until they became interested in the water-power. The Emerson company has proved one of the most successful manufacturers in the west. This result may be attributed to Mr. Emerson's unusual executive ability. He has made a generous use of his large wealth in contributions to various religious enterprises. Mr. Emerson married Adaline Talcott, a daughter of Hon. Wait Talcptt. They have had eight children. Two sons died in infancy, and in 1889 Ralph was killed by falling from a building during a fire on the waterpower. Their daughters are Mrs. Adaline E. Thompson, Mrs. Harriet E. Hinchliff, Mrs. Mary Lathrop, Mrs. Belle E. Keith, and Mrs. Dora B. Wheeler, whose husband is a professor of biology in the University of Texas. In April, 1900, Mrs. Emerson was appointed by Governor Tanner to represent Illinois as a commissioner at the Paris exposition.

Hon. Wait Talcott was a son of William Talcott, and was born at Hebron, Connecticut, October 17, 1807. He came to Rockton in the autumn of 1838. He was one of the incorporators of Beloit college and Rockford seminary. In 1854 he came to Rockford and began his career as a manufacturer on the water-power with his brother, Sylvester. In 1854 he was elected state senator from the district comprising Winnebago, Carroll, Boone and Ogle counties. Upon the passage of the internal revenue act, President Lincoln appointed Mr. Talcott commissioner of internal revenue for the Second congressional district. This appointment was dated August 27, 1862, and Mr. Talcott served five years. Mr. Talcott preserved files of Chicago and Rockford newspapers, and upon his death, which occurred November 7, 1890, his sou William A. Talcott, presented them in excellent bound condition to the Rockford public library.

John S. Coleman was a native of Delaware county, New York. In 1851 he removed with his family to Rockford and became a member of the banking firm of Robertson, Coleman & Company. He built the stone house on North Main street, now owned by William Nelson. Mr. Coleman was a trustee of Rock- ford seminary and treasurer of the board, and a member of the city council. He was a man of high character and unostentatious life and manner, and his death was deeply mourned by the community. Mr. Coleman died April 6, 1864, in his fiftyeighth year.

James L. Loop was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1815. He settled in Belvidere in 1838, and some years later he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Stephen A. Hurlbut, in the practice of law. He was prosecuting attorney for the northern district of Illinois in 1843-5. From 1846 to 1850 Mr. Loop was secretary of the Illinois and Michigan canal, which office he resigned. In 1852 Mr. Loop removed to Rockford and formed a law partnership with William Lathrop. In 1856 he was elected mayor of Rockford and served one term. Mr. Loop's death occurred February 8, 1865, when he was fifty years of age. The remains were taken to Belvidere for burial. By the common consent of the Rockford bar, James L. Loop possessed the finest legal ability of any man who ever practiced in this city. His intellect was strong and his resources were at his instant command. His grasp of legal principles was due to his acute, intuitive sense of what was right between man and man, which was a gift from nature. Mr. Loop was always the genial gentleman. Like so many other gifted men, he was his own worst enemy, and his sad, untimely death was an impressive object lesson that strong drink is no respecter of persons.

William Lathrop is a native of Genesee county, New York. He came to Rockford in January, 1851. He was a partner with James L. Loop from 1853 to 1857. In 1856 Mr. Lathrop was elected a member of the legislature, and served one term. In 1876 he succeeded Stephen A. Hurlbut as member of congress from the Fourth district, and served one term. During his long residence in Rockford Mr. Lathrop has enjoyed a large and lucrative legal practice. His clientele has come from the influential portion of the community. He has in some respects the finest law library in the city, and the author takes pleasure in acknowledging his obligations to Mr. Lathrop for the free use of his library and for information personally given. Mr. Lathrop married Adaline Potter, a daughter of E. H. Potter. Their children are Mrs. Anna Case, of Charles City, Iowa ; Miss Julia, a member of the state board of charities, and Edward, Robert and William

West, March 17, 1828. In 1846 he removed with his parents to Boone county, and in 1852 he settled in Rockford. He served three terms as assessor of Rockford. In 1869 he was appointed one of the first board of trustees of the reform school at Pontiac. In 1870 Mr. Early was elected state senator from the Twenty-third district, composed of Winnebago, Boone, McHenry and Lake counties. His senatorial colleague was General Allen C. Fuller, of Belvidere. After the state had been re-districted he was elected senator in 1872, from the Ninth district, which included Winnebago and Boone counties, and again in 1874, for the full term of four years. By the election of Governor Oglesby to the United States senate and Lieutenant-Governor Beveridge becoming governor, Mr. Early became acting lieutenant-governor of the state. Mr. Early died September 2, 1877. He was father of A. I), and John H. Early. Mrs. Early and Miss Bertha reside in East Rockford.

Lieutenant-Colonel Edward F. W. Ellis was born in Milton, Maine, April 15, 1819. He was admitted to the bar in Ohio. In 1849 he went to California, where he was unsuccessful in commercial speculation, and resumed the practice of law; in 1851 he was a member of the California legislature. Colonel Ellis came to Rockford in 1854 and became a member of the banking firm of Spafford, Clark & Ellis. Upon the outbreak of the civil war Colonel Ellis raised a company for the Fifteenth regiment, called the Ellis Rifles. He was chosen lieutentantcolonel, but was acting colonel at the time of his death. At the battle of Shiloh he was in command of the Fifteenth, which belonged to General Hurlbut's division. On Monday morning his regiment was exposed to a terrible fire and Colonel Ellis was struck in the breast by a ball, and instantly expired. Colonel Ellis was a tall, noble-looking man, of much decision of character. The city of Rockford mourned his death with profound sorrow. Colonel Ellis' home was the historic homestead lately owned by Dr. W. H. Fitch, on West State street. In 1856 the property was transferred to Colonel Ellis, and there he lived with his wife and children. The latter were Blanche, now Mrs. Chandler Starr; Alma Hor tense, now Mrs. Fisher, of California, and Edward. The home was always characterized by generous hospitality.

Henry P. Kimball was a native of New Hampshire, and was graduated from Rochester university. Mr. Kimball came to Rockford in 1852, and taught school for some time. He had a local reputation as a horticulturist. As secretary of the Agricultural Society, Mr. Kimball achieved a unique distinction as a successful fair advertiser. Upon his invitation many of the most distinguished men of the last generation visited Rockford and made addresses. Among these were General Grant, Attorney-General Taft, Benjamin F. Butler, John A. Logan, Chief- Justice Waite, General Martindale, Wade Hampton, James R. Doolittle, Matt Carpenter, Benjamin F. Taylor and Will Carleton. In 1875 Mr. Kimball invited Jefferson Davis to deliver an address. This invitation created such excitement that Mr. Davis withdrew his acceptance. Mr. Kimball married Miss Ellen, a daughter of Dr. George Haskell. Their sons are Dr. Frank EL, Willis M., and Carl Kimball. Mr. Kimball died May 10, 1889, when sixty years of age.

John Nelson was a native of West Gothland, Sweden, born April 5, 1830. He came to Rockford in 1852. His life was uneventful until a short time before his death, when he perfected the Nelson knitting machine, which revolutionized the knitting of hosiery. After General Grant had returned from his tour around the world, he visited Mr. Nelson's factory, and declared that he had never seen such perfect machinery for this purpose. Mr. Nelson died April 15, 1883. The Hotel Nelson is named in his honor.

A. E. Goodwin, M. D., was born August 11, 1827, at Chelsea, Vermont. He was graduated from Berkshire medical college at Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Goodwin came to Rockford in 1854. During the civil war he was a surgeon in the Eleventh Illinois infantry and in the One Hundred and Eighth. He was wounded at Vicksburg. Dr. Goodwin was a member of the city board of education and of the public library board. Dr. Goodwin died May 14, 1889. His only surviving child is Mrs. Robert Rew.

Chester C. Briggs was a native of Vermont. He was born in Dover, September 6, 1817. He was graduated from Dartmouth college, and edited the Green Mountain Freeman, an anti-slavery paper. In 1853 Mr. Briggs came to Rockford and became the senior member of the banking firm of Briggs, Spafford & Penfield. He was subsequently financial manager of the Kenosha Railroad company. In 1868 he became associated with the firm of Briggs, Mead & Skinner, in the manufacture of agricultural implements. The firm name was later changed to Briggs & Enoch. Mr. Briggs died January 24, 1892.

James G. Manlove was a native of Dover, Delaware, where he was born December 15, 1812. He was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin, and settled in Rockford in 1851, and began the practice of law. He held the offices of police magistrate, justice of the peace, town clerk and alderman, and the confidence which the people reposed in him is attested by his repeated elections as town clerk and justice of the peace. Mr. Manlove died November 6, 1891.

Robert P. Lane, M. D., was born in Hopewell, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1818. He studied medicine with an uncle in his native state. Dr. Lane came to Rockford in 1851. He was a leader in the organization of the Rockford waterpower company, and gave his personal attention to the construction of the dam. He was a member of the banking firm of Lane, Sanford & Company ; one of the organizers of the Second National bank, and continuously served as its president from 1864 until 1881, when he resigned to accept the presidency of the Rockford Insurance Company. He had a fine personal presence and unusual suavity. He served as a member of the library board and was senior warden of the Episcopal church for forty years. Dr. Lane died March 7, 1891.

Anthony Haines was a native of Marietta, Pennsylvania, born April 21, 1829. He came to Rockford in 1854, and formed a partnership with Elisha A. Kirk for buying and shipping grain over the Kenosha railroad. In 1880 he, with other gentlemen, organized the Rockford Street Railway company, of which he was elected president and general manager. Mr. Haines, at the time of his death in 1898, was vice-president of the Manufacturers National Bank.

Charles O. Upton was born in North Reading, Massachusetts, in 1832, and came to Rockford in 1854. Mr. Upton has been prominent in the banking business of the city. He was a director of the Second National bank twenty years and the last two years was its vice-president. In 1889 he led in the organization of the Manufacturers National Bank, and was its president ten years. Mr. Upton served the public in the city council, on the county board, and as treasurer of Rockford one term. He now resides in Chicago.

Carlton W. Sheldon is a native of New York, born in. Victor March 14, 1828. He came to Rockford in 1852, entered the law office of Jason Marsh, and was admitted to the bar in the autumn of the same year. In 1869 he entered the employ of the Rockford Insurance Company as adjuster, and remained five years, and in 1874 he was elected secretary of the Forest City Insurance company, and held this position five years, when he resumed the practice of law. Mr. Sheldon has four children: Charles E., George, Mrs. Dora S. Hart, and Miss Ethel.

Isaac Utter was a native of New York. He came to Rockford in 1852, and formed a partnership with Orlando Clark, on the water-power. For twenty-one years he was associated with Levi Rhoades, in the manufacture of paper. Mr. Utter was a stockholder in the People's Bank and in the Wiunebago and the Second National. He was a man of great enersry, and good judgment in business affairs. Mr. Utter died May 7, 1888. He was father of Mrs. J. M. Fraley.

Alexander D. Forbes was born in Perthshire, Scotland, December 13, 1831. He came to Rockford in 1854, and in partnership with his father, Duncan Forbes, began business on the water-power. In 1864 they established the first malleable iron works west of Cincinnati. The father died in 1871. Mr. Forbes is now president of the People's bank.

Major Elias Cosper was born in Worcester, Ohio, in 1824. He came to Rockford in 1854, and entered the banking house of Robertson, Coleman & Company, as teller, and in 1857 he became its cashier. Upon the outbreak of the civil war Mr. Cosper sold his interest in the bank and entered the service with Company E, Seventy-fourth regiment. After the battle of Chickamauga he was promoted to the rank of major and paymaster of the army. Upon his return to civil life, Mr. Cosper, in company with T. D. Robertson, Melancthon Starr, and John P. Manny, organized the John P. Manny Reaper Company, and was its manager. Since 1874 Mr. Cosper has been connected with the Rockford Tack Company, and is its secretary and treasurer. Mr. Cosper may be called the father of the public library. He spent much time in soliciting subscriptions and was a member of the board of directors for more than twenty years. Mr. Cosper has a fine private library of about thirteen hundred volumes.

John G. Pen field is a native of Vermont and settled in Rockford in 1854. Since that time he has been continuously in business as a broker and dealer in real estate and insurance. Mrs. Penfield gave the lot to the First Congregational church on which the parsonage now stands. They have three daughters: Mrs. Charles E. Sheldon, Mrs. Helen Revelle and Miss Kate.

William A. Knowlton was a native of Chautauqua county, New York, and removed to the west when a young man. He came to Kockford in 1853 from Freeport, Illinois. After the death of J. H. Manny, Mr. Knowlton became business agent for Mrs. Manny. He retained this position several years, and was eminently successful. Mr. Knowlton was subsequently engaged in various manufacturing enterprises. He sustained financial reverses, and in the autumn of 1891 he removed to Chicago, where he died September 17th of the following year. Mr. Kuowlton was sixty years of age. His surviving family consisted of Mrs. Knowlton and five children : Mrs. Helen Gibson, Mrs. Fred S. Hardy, Misses Evaline and Mary, and William A. Knowlton, Jr. Miss Evaline recently died in the east.

John P. Manny was born in Amsterdam, New York, March 8, 1823. He settled at Waddam's Grove, Stephenson county, in 1842. He came to Rockford in 1852, and for several years he manufactured knife sections for J. H. Manny's machines. Early in the sixties he perfected several inventions, which were handled by N. C. Thompson. After the war Mr. Manny became interested in the John P. Manny Company, in which he was associated with Elias Cosper, T. D. Robertson and Melancthon Starr. This company and Mr. Thompson paid him royalties upon his inventions, and the Mississippi river was the dividing line between their respective territories. Mr. Manny's income from this source was at one time forty thousand dollars ayear. He purchased the John S. Coleman estate on North Main street, which was his home for many years. This property is now owned by William Nelson. While residing at Waddam's Grove Mr. Manny married Miss Eunice Hicks. George J. was their only son who attained his majority. He died in 1892, leaving one son, Dwight, an employe of the Winnebago National Bank. Miss Florida Manny, a daughter, is also a resident of the city. Mrs. J. P.Manny died in 1864, and in 1867 Mr. Manny married a daughter of Melancthon Starr. They had four children : Mrs. Charles Sackett, John Starr Manny, Virginia and Henry Manny. Mr. Manny died November 16, 1897.

Among other well-known citizens who came to Rockford during this period were : Horace Brown, T. J. L. Remington, 1850; J. M. Southgate, Andrew G. Lo wry, Horace Buker, 1852; Jacob Hazlett, D. A. Barnard, Samuel Ferguson, 1853 ; Henry Fisher, Melancthon Smith, T. W. Carrico, William and George R. Forbes, 1854.

Chapter Lxvi The Free Public School System

THE free public school system of Illinois dates from 1855. In December, 1853, a large common school convention met at Jersey ville, composed of many ad joining counties, andoneat Bloomington, for the whole state. These movements produced results. The general assembly, which met the following February, separated the office of state superintendent of public instruction from that of secretary of state, and made it a distinct department of the state government. The state superintendent was required to draft a bill embodying a system of free education for all the children of the state, and report to the next general assembly. March 15, 1854, Governor Matteson appointed Hon. N. W. Edwards, state superintendent. In the following January Mr. Edwards presented a bill which became a law February 15, 1855. For state purposes the school tax was fixed at two mills on the one hundred dollars. To this was added the interest from the permanent school fund . A free school was required to be maintained for at least six months in each year, and it was made imperative upon the directors of every school district to levy the necessary tax. Thus the free school system of Illinois began when the taxing power of the state was invoked in its behalf.

The school law was bitterly opposed, and narrowly escaped repeal. Sir William Berkeley, the royal governor of Virginia, said in 1670 : " I thank God there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have these hundred years." The spirit of this pious wish prevailed in southern Illinois ; and there was a repetition of the old conflict between the two distinct classes of people in the two portions of the state. The southern portion was poor, while the northern portion was wellto-do ; and it was only as it was made to appear to the southern portion that it was receiving more from the state school fund than it was contributing, that the people acquiesced in the law.

The charter of 1854 had conferred upon the city council of Rockford full power over its schools. June 20, 1855, the council passed its first school ordinance under the new school law. The city was divided into two school districts: East side, number one; West side, number two. A board of school inspectors was appointed, consisting of George Haskell, A. S. Miller, and Jason Marsh, after whom the Marsh school was named. In December the board voted to purchase of A. W. Freeman his lease of the basement of the First Baptist church for a school in district number two. Mr. Freeman was employed to teach at $800 per year. At the same time H. Sabin was engaged for the first district, and the old court house on the East side was leased.

The council had provided by ordinance for a school agent for each district, whose acts were to be approved by the council. July 27, 1855, the agent for the first district was authorized to purchase from Solomon Wheeler, the tract on which the Adams school now stands. September 10th a contract was made for the construction of the building. April 28, 1856, a contract was made for a schoolhouse in the second district, on the site of the Lincoln school ; the contractors were E. N. House, M. H. Regan, and James B. Howell. The progress of the buildings was delayed by unfavorable weather, and the late arrival of school furniture.

August 14, 1857, in the afternoon and evening, occurred the formal dedication of the two union school buildings. Previous to this time Rockford had no schoolhouse of its own.

The first district school had three principals from 1857 to 1884. The first was Orlando C. Blackmer, who was appointed March 10, 1857. His assistant was S. F. Penfield. Mr. Blackmer is a brother of Mrs. N. C. Thompson. He is now living at Oak Park.

Henry Freeman, Mr. Blackmer's successor, is a native of Massachusetts, born within twenty miles of Plymouth Rock. He was graduated from Teachers' seminary, Andover, Massachusetts, in 1839, and taught for one year in the preparatory department. Prof. Freeman began his life-work as principal of the high school at Bridgeton, New York, in 1840. In 1845 he was offered the principalship of Salem academy, at Salem, New Jersey, where he remained five years, until he was elected principal of Wallkill academy, at Middleton, New York. In 1855 he was called to the position of principal of the high school and superintendent of schools of Freeport, Illinois. In 1859 the board of school inspectors invited Prof. Freeman to take the position of principal and superintendent of schools of East Rockford, at a salary of one thousand dollars a year. This position he filled twenty-one years, until he resigned in 1880. During this long service hundreds of pupils came under the influence of the principal. Prof. Freeman had high ideals of life, and his strong character was a potent factor in promoting that which was for the best interest of the pupils. His conscientious efforts were appreciated, and occasionally his former pupils gather informally at his home and recall reminiscences of those formative years.

The third and last principal was Prof. McPherson, who remained until 1884. George G. Lyon was chosen principal of the Second district school, March 10, 1857. He was succeeded by E. M. Fernald, E. N. Weller, J. H. Blodgett, and W. W. Stetson.

October 21, 1861, the number of school inspectors was increased from three to five. In 1884 the city of Rockford was made one school district, with one high school, in pursuance of an ordinance drawn by Hon. Alfred Taggart.

Provision was made for the construction of Kent schoolhouse for South Rockford, soon after the arrangements had been made for the East and West side schools. This school for the greater part of the intervening time has been in charge of one man. Prof. O. F. Barbour, a native of Ohio, came to Rockford in 1859, and was for a time engaged in the dry goods business. In September, 1866, he became principal of the Kent school, and has retained this position for thirty-four years. For more than twenty years Mr. Barbour has also been a member of the library board.

The general law of 1872 for the incorporation of cities was silent on the school question, and when Rockford was organized under the general law, it retained the school features of ita special charter. School boards are elected by popular vote in other cities of the state, and have the taxing power. Rockford stands alone, with its board of school inspectors, appointed by the mayor, which has only advisory power. No subsequent statute concerning boards of education will apply to Rockford, and it would require new legislation at Springfield to change the board from an appointive to an elective body.

Chapter Lxvii

The agitation for a public library began in 1852. Several years elapsed, however, before a library was established, and information concerning these early efforts are very meagre.

The Sinissippi Division No. 134 of the Sons of Temperance, of Rockford, surrendered its charter to the grand division April 15, 1852. Its former members resolved to reorganize under the name of the Rockford Library Association. All members of the division who had paid their quarterly dues to the close of the preceding quarter, were to be equal sharers in the library. A request was made in the Forum of April 21st for the return of all books belonging to the library. Thus, so far as known, the first circulating library was the small number of books owned by the Sons of Temperance. The Forum of October 27th published a call for a meeting of the trustees of the Library Association for October 30th, and for the annual meeting of the stockholders on the first Saturday of November. No other reference to the library is found immediately thereafter.

At the annual meeting of the Young Men's Association, September 11, 1855, it was proposed to extend its sphere of usefulness by providing a library and reading-room. A committee of three was appointed to confer with the old Library Association, with a view of obtaining its books. So far as can be learned, this effort to establish a library and reading-room was not successful.

It was not until March, 1857, that the first successful effort to establish a library was made. In that month a subscription paper was circulated, with the following statement of its object :

"We, the undersigned, agree to take the number of shares set opposite our names, in an association to be incorporated under 'the general law of this state, for the purpose of the establishment of a public library in the city of Rockford. Said library to be under the management and control of aboard of trustees, to be elected by the stockholders.

"Shares to be fifty dollars each. Ten dollars per share payable upon the formation of the association, and ten dollars per share per annum thereafter, in such amounts and at such times as shall be determined by the said board of trustees. Shares subject to forfeiture by the trustees for non-payment of installments."

The first four names upon the list pledged twelve hundred dollars, and by the autumn of 1858 six thousand dollars had been pledged. William L. Rowland collected a considerable portion of this amount, and a schedule of cash payments has been preserved by him. The library was duly organized October 14, 1858. Rooms were secured on the third floor of Robertson, Coleman & Company's bank. James M. Wight, Seely Perry, Selden M. Church, Elias Cosper, and Thomas D. Robertson constituted the first board of trustees ; Elias Cosper was chairman; Spencer Rising, treasurer; F. H. Bradley, librarian. The original board was composed of gentlemen of exceptional literary equipment. Others rendered efficient aid in the selection of books. Among them was William L. Rowland, who was subsequently apppointed librarian of the public library. The books, although few in number, possessed very high merit. The number of volumes at this time was about one thousand ; number of magazines and newspapers, thirty-eight. During the next few years the library steadily received accessions. According to the annual report of the stockholders, made October 11, 1860, there were 1,134 volumes. There had been drawn during the year ending October 4th, 1,669 volumes. This was an increase of 396 over the preceding year. Several gentlemen acted as librarian for short terms, and received a nominal compensation. Among those who rendered this service were John F. Squier and Hosmer P. Holland.

This library served its purpose several years; but during the war popular interest began to decline. The library was finally closed, and about 1865 the books were sold at public auction in a building on North Main street, directly north of Mr. Ash ton's block. Some of these books are now in the public library, and quite a number, in excellent condition, are in the private library of Robert H. Tinker. The first library was organized under a general law, and was entirely supported by private subscriptions and annual fees. It was not until 1872 that the legislature enacted a law which provided for a tax for the support of public libraries.

In the summer of 1856 a movement was begun for the founding of a co-educational seminary in Rockford, under the control of the Methodist Episcopal church. February 14, 1857, an act of the legislature was approved, to incorporate the Rockford Wesley an seminary. The incorporators were E. F. W. Ellis, T. D. Robertson, D. W. Ticknor, and W. F. Stewart. There were to be twelve trustees, appointed by the stockholders, eight of whom should at all times be members of Nthe Methodist Episcopal church. Aboard of three visitors was to be appointed by the annual Rock River conference. The company was to have a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, divided into shares of one hundred dollars each.

A farm of about two hundred and sixteen acres was purchased of William M. Rowland. It adjoined Judge Church's farm on the west, and extended north to the State road. The purchase price and accrued interest amounted to nearly twenty thousand dollars. A large portion of this tract was platted into town lots, and it was proposed to build a college suburban town. The sale of lots occurred April 29, 1857. The subscribers to stock purchased lots. Rev. W. F. Stewart had been transferred from the Ohio to the Rock River conference, and had been assigned to the Second or Court Street church. Rev. Stewart was made purchasing agent for the seminary by the annual conference.

August 31, 1857, the ceremony of breaking ground for the seminary buildings took place under the direction of Rev. T. M. Eddy, who was in attendance upon Rock River conference, which was then in session in Rockford. Several hundred people were in attendance. An address was made by Rev. J. C. Stoughton, agent of Clark seminary ; and Rev. W. F. Stewart gave a brief history of the origin of the seminary movement.

When the ground was broken, fifty-seven thousand dollars had been subscribed. The enterprise, however, was unsuccessful. Quite a number of houses were built, but in time several of them migrated into town on rollers, and the land reverted to farming purposes.

In October, 1857, Rev. Stewart began the publication of the Rockford Wesleyan Seminary Reporter, in the interest of the seminary. Only four numbers were published. Both Rev. Stewart and Rev. Stoughton have died within the past few mouths.

Chapter Lxviii

BAYARD TAYLOR, in a letter to the Tribune, published in the spring of 1855, paid Rockford this generous tribute : "I last wrote to you from Rockford, the most beautiful town in northern Illinois. It has the advantage of an admirable waterpower, furnished by the Rock river; of a rich, rolling prairie, which is fast being settled and farmed on all sides, of a fine building material in its quarries, of soft yellow limestone, resembling the Roman travertine ; and of an unusually enterprising and intelligent population. Knowing all these advantages, I was not surprised at the evidences of growth since my first visit a year ago. People are flocking in faster than room can be furnished, and the foundations of two new hotels, on a large scale, show the requirements of the place. I was pleased to note that taste keeps pace with prosperity here, as elsewhere in the northwest. The new Unitarian church is a simple but very neat Gothic edifice, and the residences of Mr. Holland and Mr. Starr are very fine specimens of home architecture. The grounds of the former are admirably laid out ; there is nothing better of the kind on the Hudson."

The charter of Winnebago Lodge No. 31, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was issued by Geo. W. Woodward, grandmaster of Illinois, in 1847, to the following named charter members : Selden M. Bronson, Ansel Kenfield, Dewitt Clinton Briggs, Frederick II. Maxwell, and Rev. Nathaniel P. Heath. The lodge was instituted August 11, 1847. The place of meeting was Horsman's block, on the West side.

Rockford Lodge, No. 102, Masons, was organized February 13, 1851, under a dispensation from C. G. Y. Taylor, the grand master. The following named citizens constituted its first membership : Alfred E. Ames, William Lyman, Henry Carpenter, C. H. Spafford, William Hulin, E. H. Baker, Ansel Kenfield, John Fraley, James P. Burns, W. F. Ward, Jesse Blinn, and Buel G. Wheeler. E. H. Baker was the last survivor of this original membership.

Winnebago Chapter No. 24, Masons, was organized December 12, 1854, under a dispensation from Louis Watson, grand high priest. The following constituted its first membership: A. Clark, Chauncy Ray, W. F. Fairish, H. Miltimore, John A. Holland, L. P. Pettibone, R. H. Cotton, Abiram Morgan, G. D. Palmer, and Ansel Kenfield. 'This chapter was constituted under another charter in December, 1855.

Star in the East Lodge No. 166, Masons, was organized February 12, 1855, under a dispensation from James L. Anderson, grand master. The charter members were: E. F. W. Ellis, R. H. Cotton, W. M. Bowdoin, William Hulin, S. G. Chellis, Jos. K. Smith, Joseph Burns, C. I. Horsman, B. G. Wheeler, G. W. Reynolds, John A. Holland, C. H. Richings, D. G. Clark, Adam McClure, Holder Brownell.

The dispensation for Rockford Encampment, No. 44, Odd Fellows, was granted August 5, 1857, to the following patriarchs as charter members : James Fleming, J. H. Clark, Hugh Strickland, Enos C. Clark, G. A, Stiles, Joseph Schloss, and Robert Smith. The encampment was instituted by Deputy Grand Patriarch A. E. Jenner, August 26, 1857.

The Rockford Burns Club was organized November 5, 1858. It is an association of Scottish- Americans, who meet annually on the birthday of Robert Burns.

John A. Phelps, a Rockford attorney, died July 28, 1854. The bar of the city adopted resolutions of respect, and attended his funeral in a body.

About 1855 James S. Ticknor was appointed agent of the American Express Company, and held this position until 1881. Mr. Ticknor came to Rockford in 1854. He was preceded by his brother, D. W., who came in 1846, and taught school. The brothers were in the drug and book business a short time. J. S. Ticknor died September 18, 1899.

February 15, 1855, a charter was granted the Rockford Central Railroad Company. The incorporators were Rockford citizens. It was proposed to make a connection with the Illinois Central at Mendota, and run through Rockford to the Wisconsin pineries, and make a north and south line to Cairo.

Death Of John A. Holland

Piles were driven in Kock river at Kockford, for a bridge, which are now used by the Burlington company. The route was surveyed, but no track was laid.

In February, 1855, the Rockford Gas Light and Coke Company was incorporated. The incorporators were Simon M. Preston, William Lyman, John Platt, Henry Fisher, and Jesse Blinn. A few years later Thomas Butterworth was made its manager, and he finally became the owner of the plant.

May 17, 1855, occurred the sale of several hundred acres of canal lands in Winnebago county. These lands were selected as a part of the grant to the state of Illinois by the general government, to aid in building the Illinois and Michigan canal.

In 1855 the legislature passed a very stringent prohibitory liquor bill, known as the Maine law. The bill was not to go into effect unless approved by a majority of the popular vote at an election to be held June 4th of that year. The vote in Winnebago county was a splendid endorsement of the bill. Every township in the county sustained the measure. The vote in Rockford was as follows: for the law, 752 ; against, 71. The vote of the county was: 2,153 in favor of the law; against it, 363. The bill was lost, however, in the state.

The death of John A. Holland occurred September 29, 1855, at Mount Vernon, Ohio, while he was on a visit to his father-inlaw, who resided there, in company with his family. The remains were brought to Rockford for burial. Resolutions of respect were adopted by the Masonic bodies and by the bar of the city. The funeral was held at the Unitarian church on Sunday. Rev. Mr. Murray, the pastor, preached the discourse. John A. Holland was born in what is now West Virginia. He came to Rockford in 1845, from Worcester, Ohio, where he had practiced law. He formed a partnership with T. D. Robertson in the practice of his profession. He was the attorney for the Galena & Chicago Union railroad, and assisted the Illinois Central in securing the right of way from Chicago to Cairo. Mr. Holland was an attendant at the Unitarian church, but was not a member. He was a man of comprehensive mind, great energy and sagacity, and always operated upon a large scale. He was a leading spirit in every public enterprise. The Holland House was named in his honor. Mr. Holland was father of Hosmer P. Holland. His second wife was a daughter of Dr. J. C. Goodhue.

Chapter Lxix

TUESDAY, November 11, 1856, John F. Taylor, sheriff of Winnebago county, was instantly killed by Alfred Countryman. On that day Alfred and John Countryman came to Rockford from Ogle county with some cattle, which they offered for sale at such low prices as to arouse suspicion. The cattle were sold for a sum below their market value. The purchasers delayed payment until notice had been given the sheriff, and papers made out for the apprehension of the brothers, which occurred about nine o'clock in the morning. They were then arrested on suspicion ; and before they were taken to jail Sheriff Taylor searched them for concealed weapons. He found pistol balls in Alfred's pockets, and upon inquiring for his revolver the prisoner replied that he had none. Sheriff Taylor, assisted by Constable Thompson, then started with the prisoners for the jail. Just as they reached the steps Alfred Countryman broke away from the sheriff , leaped over the fence on Elm street, and ran down that street, with the sheriff in pursuit. At the next corner, near the livery stable of Hall & Reynolds, the sheriff had nearly overtaken Countryman, and was about to seize him, when the latter drew a pistol which he had concealed, and fired. The sheriff staggered a few paces, and fell. His only words were: "I'm shot; catch him."

Countryman ran to the woods north of Kent's creek, with hundreds of infuriated citizens in pursuit. John Platt was the first to overtake him. He took his pistol from him, and, with assistance, secured his arrest. Amid threats of lynching, the prisoner was placed in jail and securely ironed. Samuel I. Church, the sheriff-elect, briefly addressed the crowd and assured them that the prisoner was secure.

Sheriff Taylor was thirty-one years of age, and left a wife, and a son a year and a half old. He was an excellent officer, and was held in high respect by the community. The funeral was held Thursday on the public square, adjoining the jail, under the charge of the Masonic fraternity. The board of supervisors were in attendance in a body. The discourse was preached by Rev. W. F. Stewart.

Countryman was indicted and tried for the murder of Sheriff Taylor, at the following February term of the circuit court. The prosecution was conducted by U. D. Meacham, the state's attorney, assisted by William Brown. The counsel for the defense was Orrin Miller and T. J. Turner. The following gentlemen constituted the jury: Levi Tunks, Philo C. Watson, Anthony M. Felmly, Silas G. Tyler, Jacob B. Place, G. R. Ames, Allen Rice, Charles Works, J. W. Jenks, Edward Peppers, J. W. Knapp, S. P. Coller. The trial began on Monday, February 23d. The case was given to the jury on Thursday; and Friday morning they returned a verdict of guilty. Judge Sheldon pronounced the sentence of death upon Countryman. One of his counsel, Mr. Miller, tried to obtain a stay of proceedings, so as to bring the case before the supreme court. But Judge Caton refused to grant a writ of error.

On Friday, March 27th, Countryman was executed on the farm of Sheriff Church, a short distance from the city. The execution was witnessed by eight thousand people. In the absence of a military company, the two fire companies, armed with sabres and carbines, formed a hollow square at the jail, into the center of which the carriages, which were to form the procession, were driven, and as the procession moved to the place of execution, the fire companies formed a strong guard. Upon arriving at the scaffold, Rev. Hooper Crews offered an earnest prayer. The prisoner made a short speech and professed repentance and forgiveness for his crime. At seventeen minutes past two the bolt was withdrawn, and Countryman was swung into eternity. His father, sister and one brother witnessed the execution. Before the body was taken down, Sheriff Church addressed the crowd as follows: "These painful proceedings being now concluded, and the sword of justice about to be returned to its sheath, I hope never again to be drawn with so much severity, I would thank you all for the good order you have maintained - your conduct does credit to the city, and I hope you will observe the same decorum in retiring."

Chapter Lxx

IN 1856 was projected a railroad to connect Kenosha on Lake Michigan with Rockford. It was a part of the orginal plan that this line should extend from Rockford to Rock Island. January 20, 1857, a charter was granted to John M. Capron, Egbert Ayer, Thomas Paul, John Cornell, W. B. Ogden, John Bradley, Jason Marsh, George Haskell. David S. Penfleld, Robert P. Lane, C. C. Briggs, C. H. Spafford, A. S. Miller, Jesse Bliun and Seely Perry. The company was to have a capital stock of eight hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of one hundred dollars each, and was authorized to construct a road from a point near the state line in McHenry county to Rockford. This road was built as a means of relieving Rockford from burdens imposed by the high freight and passenger rates of the Galena & Chicago Union.

Books for subscriptions to the stock of the road were opened early in November, 1856, and on the 25th of the same month the company was organized by the election of the following officers: President, C. H. Spafford; vice-president, R. P. Lane; secretary, E. H. Baker; treasurer, A. C. Spafford; executive committee, J. Bond, J. M. Capron, R. P. Lane, D. S. Penfield and Seely Perry. The subscriptions were made largely by farmers along the line, who gave mortgages on their real estate to secure their payments. The company negotiated these mortgages in payment for iron, labor and other expenses in the building of the road. When these obligations matured many of the subscribers could not redeem them, and the holders of the mortgages foreclosed them.

The contract for the construction of the road to Harvard was made in March, 1857, and the work was begun shortly afterward. The eastern division of the road was under the control of another company, organized under a charter from the Wisconsin legislature. The progress of construction was impeded by financial embarrassments, arising from the great depression which spread over the country in 1857, and the enter- prise languished. In August, 1858, the company applied to the council of Rockford for a loan of the city credit to the amount of $50,000 to aid in the completion of the road. An election was held September 2d, and the measure was carried by a majority of more than five hundred. This is the only instance in the history of Rockford of the loan of the credit of the corporation to a railroad.

November 21, 1859, the road was completed between Rockford and Harvard, and the event was celebrated by a banquet at the Holland House the same evening. In 1864 the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company was absorbed by the Chicago & Northwestern, and the Kenosha & Rockford road, as a matter of course, soon came under the same control.

The most beautiful home in Rockford during the period covered by this history, was that of Mrs. J. H. Manny, on South Main street. The " Manny mansion " was built in 1854, by John A. Holland. The grounds had a frontage of three hundred and twenty-five feet, and extended from the northern limit of G. N. Safford & Company's lumber yard to a point below Kent's creek, and were fronted by a stone fence. The beauty of these grounds was due, in large measure, to John Blair, a Scottish landscape gardener, who came from Canada at Mr. Holland's solicitation. He laid out the grounds, and set the standard for landscape gardening in Rockford, and in this way he left his impress on the city. Mr. Blair subsequently laid out the grounds of the Elgin insane asylum. It is said he now lies near Victoria, British Columbia. After the death of Mr. Holland, in 1855, financial reverses overtook his family, and about 1860 this splendid estate passed into the ownership of Mrs. J. H. Manny.

The fine estate which adjoined Mrs. Manny's on the south was owned by Rev. Lansing Porter, the first pastor of the Second Congregational church. He built the stone fence which fronted the property. Mr. Porter sold this home to Elias Cosper, and he in turn sold it to S. C. Withrow, who, in the course of a few years, completed a beautiful home.

The Rockford Register, of August 30, 1856, made this announcement : " We have been shown the plans for a beautiful residence to be erected by Mr. Seely Perry. . . It is to be of brick, built in the Italian style of architecture, with cupola, verandas, etc., and it is estimated will cost some $5,000 or $6,000. The lot chosen for its erection is on the height above

Mr. Marsh's fine residence, east side of the city, and commands a splendid prospect." This has in late years been familiarly known as the Schmauss property, and is now occupied as St. Anthony hospital. Forty years ago it was called "Perry's castle." Mr. Perry, however, called it "Perry's folly."

In 1861, C. C. Briggs erected a substantial residence on East State street. It was built of Milwaukee brick, two stories, with cupola, and ornamented by a veranda, extending the entire length of the building on the west. Its estimated cost was $9,000. It stands today like a deserted castle, frowning upon the pleasant modern homes that have intruded upon its former spacious grounds.

Gilbert Woodruff's spacious mansion was built by E. H. Potter. When financial reverses came to him, he disposed of the property to C. A. Shaw, father of Mrs. J. M. Southgate.

Allen Gibson, secretary of the Rock River Mutual Insurance Company, built the residence now owned by Thomas D. Robertson. Mr. Gibson expended $20,000 in the construction of this house and later improvements.

The year 1856 is memorable in history for the fierce struggle for freedom in Kansas. On the 19th and 20th of May, Charles Sumner delivered his celebrated speech in the senate, on The Crime Against Kansas. It was marked by the usual characteristics of his more elaborate efforts, exhibiting great affluence of learning, faithful research, and great rhetorical finish and force. It was, in the words of the poet Whittier, "a grand and terrible philippic." On the 22d of May following, Senator Sumner was brutally assaulted in the senate chamber, by Preston S. Brooks, a representative from South Carolina. Circumstances combined to create an enormous demand for Mr. Sumner's speech.

The following letter, written by Hon. E. B. Washburne to Francis Burnap, of Rockford, is interesting in this connection, because it has never before been published, and by reason of Mr. Washburne's prophetic utterances. The full text of the letter is as follows :

Washburne'S Unpublished Letter

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 2, 1856. - My Dear Sir: The demand f or Sumner's speech is so great that it will [be] some time before your order can be filled. They cost two dollars per hundred, instead of one. We want to get a big edition of BisselPs great speech made in 1850 for circulation in our state. I find the twenty-dollar draft from you here. The excitement everywhere in the north is terrific. If we make no mistakes, and act earnestly and discreetly, the rule of the slave-power now ceases. Mr. Sumner is getting along. He was terribly beaten, but his blood will be avenged.

F. Burnap, Esq

In 1854 Anson S. Miller laid the foundation for his new hotel on the southwest corner of State and Court streets. The hotel was planned on a large scale. The foundation walls were four and a half feet thick at the base. The structure was to be built of cream-colored limestone, four stories high, with an attic and basement, which made it nearly equivalent to six stories. The size was to be one hundred feet on State street, by one hundred and twenty on Court, and its estimated cost was $40,000. Mr. Miller was unable to realize his ambition, and the work was abandoned after the walls were laid.

The Winnebago National Bank block was completed for Robertson, Coleman & Company, in 1855. Messrs. Ticknor & Brother and O. Dickerman built the block adjoining, of same general style, a few months later.

In June, 1855, a joint stock company, organized under the authority of an act of the legislature, began the erection of the Holland House, an extensive hotel which received its name from John A. Holland. The hotel was completed the following spring, and April 30th an elaborate inauguration festival was given by the citizens to Messrs. Pierce & Bingham, the proprietors. Isaac N. Cunningham, the former landlord of the Winnebago House, was chairman of the committee on arrangements, and presided at the tables. Brief addresses were made by Judge Church, Mayor James L. Loop, Jason Marsh, Dr. Lyman, William Hulin, Melancthon Starr, C. I. Horsman andT. D. Robertson. Like most enterprises of this kind, undertaken in the interior cities of the west, the property was unremunerative, and passed into private hands. A man by the name of Baldwin held mortgage bonds, and foreclosed. He bid in the prop- erty at the sale, and then sold it to Robertson & Starr. Mr. Starr purchased the interest of his partner, and sold the hotel to his son, H. N. Starr. Later owners were W. B. Sink and C. W. Brown. The Holland House was destroyed by fire Christmas eve, 1896. The records of the old Hotel Company are said to be in the vault of the Winnebago National Bank.

The telegraph line was completed to Rockford in October, 1855. It was owned by the Chicago & Mississippi Company. The line connected at Freeport with the line on the Illinois Central.

At the presidential election in November, 1856, Winnebago county gave John C. Fremont a magnificent vote. Every town in the county was carried for the Pathfinder. The total vote of the county was 4,154. The county gave a majority of 3,179 for Fremont over Buchanan. The First Congressional district gave majorities for Fremont and Washburne of more than twelve thousand. William Lathrop was elected representative ; Samuel I. Church, sheriff; H. T. Mesler, coroner; Morris B. Derrick, circuit clerk. Mr. Church was brother of Judge Church, and came to Rockford in 1848. He purchased a quarter of the school section; later he made it his home, where he died in 1886.

In 1856 a military company was organized, under the name of the Rockford City Greys, which enkindled the enthusiasm of a large number of the young men of the city. In the summer of 1858 Colonel E. E. Ellsworth was engaged as drillmaster, and under his instruction the company attained a high degree of proficiency. In September, 1858, an encampment was held on the fair grounds, which continued four days. Companies from Freeport, Elgin and Chicago were in attendance. This company continued in excellent condition until the outbreak of the civil war, when, under the name of Rockford Zouaves, many of the company volunteered in the three months' service, under the call of the president for seventy-five thousand men ; and as part of the Eleventh Illinois volunteers, were detailed to garrison duty at Cairo and at Bird's Point.

Colonel Ellsworth was a splendid specimen of young manhood. He was received as a social lion by the young people of the city. He was frequently a guest at the home of Charles H. Spafford, and at the time of his death he was betrothed to his elder daughter, now Mrs. Carrie S. Brett. In 1860 Colonel Ellsworth organized a company of Zouaves in Chicago, and the following year he accompanied President Lincoln to Washington. Upon seeing a confederate flag floating from a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, he rushed to the roof and tore it down. On his return from the roof he was met and shot dead by Jackson, the owner, who in turn was shot by one of Ellsworth's men, Frank E. Brownell. Colonel Ellsworth's blood was the first shed in the civil conflict.

August 17, 1858, the completion of the Atlantic cable was celebrated by the citizens of Rockford with great demonstrations of enthusiasm. On that day the queen of England and the president of the United States exchanged messages. The event was celebrated in 'Rockford by a salute of fifty guns, fired by the City Greys, and the church bells were rung. Public exercises were held in the evening at the court house. Addresses were made by James L. Loop, Judge Miller, E. W. Blaisdell, Judge Church, William Hulin, and Dr. Lyman. The speech of Mr. Loop was exceptionally brilliant, and replete with noble thought. One paragraph from this address is quoted : "Great Britain and the United States - the two great maritime nations of the globe, have met in mortal combat upon that briny deep; they have fought for the sea's supremacy, they have maintained on either side with all their prowess and power their respective country's glory, and well and gloriously have their names resounded through the world - but no victory ever won by either upon the ocean can compare with this joint victory we have met to celebrate."

In 1860 the census of the city of Rockford, taken by Thos. Boyd, showed a population of 7,046, and 8,117 in the township. In 1836 there were 350 white inhabitants in the county, which included Boone, and the eastern half of Stephenson. In June, 1837, after Winnebago had been reduced to its present size, the county had a population of 1,086. In 1839 the village of Rockford had 235 inhabitants, and in December, 3 845, there were 1,278. In 1840 there were 2,563 in Rockford township, and in 1855 there were 6,620.

Chapter Lxxi

ON Tuesday evening, May 19, 1857, acharivari resulted in the instant death of one of the party. Hon. William Bebb, ex-governor of Ohio, was residing in Seward township. His son, M. S. Bebb, had just returned from the east with his bride. Twelve young men of the neighborhood proposed to charivari the bridal party. They assembled at the Governor's house about eleven o'clock at night, and began their performance with cowbells, tin-pans, three guns, and other articles which could contribute to the hideous din. The Governor at length appeared with a shot-gun and ordered them to retire. They paid no heed, and Mr. Bebb fired one barrel, which took effect in the face of William Hogan. The party then approached nearer the house, as for an assault, when the Governor discharged the second barrel at the leader, Lemuel Clemens, and instantly killed him. The crowd then speedily dispersed.

The trial of Governor Bebb, for manslaughter, began February 4, 1858, in the circuit court, Judge Sheldon presiding. The prosecution was conducted by U. D. Meacham, the state's attorney, who was assisted by T. J. Turner. The counsel for the defense was the famous Tom Corwin, of Ohio, assisted by Judge William Johnson, James L. Loop, and Judge Anson S. Miller. The trial began in the court house, and in order to secure more room, an adjournment was taken to Metropolitan Hall.

The greatest interest was manifested in the trial, by reason of the reputation of the defendant, and the celebrity of Mr. Corwin. A large number of ladies were daily in attendance. The jury consisted of the following named gentlemen: John Spafford, Putnam Perley, William A. Phelps, Joel W. Thompson, Horace Hitchcock, L. D. Waldo, Baltus Heagle, Benjamin F. Long, John Morse, S. M. Preston, R. K.Town, Isaac Manes.

Both sides of the case were argued with great ability. The central figure was, of course, Mr. Corwin. The Register, in reporting his address to the jury, said: "It was just such a speech as Tom Cor win alone can make, and was listened to with breathless attention. It lasted some four hours, during which time he went over every particular of the case, applying the law to each point, and showing under what circumstances a man may kill another, and also detailing in great beauty of language the manner in which the people had become possessed of the inalienable right to enjoy their homes in peace, and undisturbed."

The case was given to the jury at five o'clock Monday afternoon, and at nine o'clock they returned with a verdict of not guilty. The Register concluded quite a full report of the trial with a commendation of the jury for their righteous decision.

M. S. Bebb, whose marriage was the occasion of this disturbance, became a well-known citizen of Rockford. He had quite an extended reputation in the scientific world, and was recognized as the highest authority upon some species of the willow. Mr. Bebb was for some years a member of the public library board.

Last June the Chicago Tribune published an interview with Hon. Luther Laffln Mills, who made some extraordinary statements concerning Mr. Corwin's method of conducting the case. It was stated that he came to Rockford weeks in advance of the trial, made the personal acquaintance of all the farmers and their wives, and so completely impressed his strong personality upon the people that the acquittal of his client followed as a matter of course. This interview was republished in a Rockford paper, but it is declared by old residents to be a very pretty piece of legal fiction.

The Commercial Block, now known as the Chick House, was built in 1857, by T. D. Robertson, C. H. Spafford and R. P. Lane. The block was sixty-six feet front by one hundred and two in depth, with basement under the whole. The first story was divided into three stores, fronting on Main street, and two offices or shops on Elm street.

The Register of Jannary 31, 1857, estimates that the grand total for improvements during 1856 was $529,350. Among these was the Metropolitan Hall block, built by Charles and John Spafford and John Hall, at a cost of $16,000. During this year Thomas Boyd built the four-story, marble-front block on West State street, now known as the European Hotel. Its cost was estimated in the trade review at $10,000.

Chapter Lxxii The Lincoln-Douglas Debate

"PHE famous Lincoln-Douglas debate was an event of local I interest as well as national significance. In April, 1858, the Illinois state Democratic convention endorsed Stephen A. Douglas for the United States senate. Abraham Lincoln was nominated by the Republican party at Springfield, June 17th. July 24th Mr. Lincoln sent a challenge to Judge Douglas to discuss the political issues of the day in a series of joint debates. The latter accepted the challenge, and named one city in each congressional district, except the second and sixth, where they had already spoken. Ottawa, Freeport, Galesburg, Quincy, Alton, Jonesboro and Charleston were the points chosen for these discussions.

The second and most famous debate was held at Freeport, August 27th. It was the greatest political event ever held in this congressional district. Thousands were in attendance from the northern counties, and the excitement was intense. A special train was made up at Marengo, and run over the Galena & Chicago Union road. It consisted of eighteen coaches, eight of which were filled with Rockford citizens.

Mr. Lincoln's doctrine was that the government could not endure permanently divided into free and slave states ; that they must all become free, or all become slave. In Mr. Lincoln's opinion, the principal point of debate was Judge Douglas' doctrine of popular sovereignty, in connection with the Dred Scott decision. These two positions, in his judgment, were in direct antag@nism, and were, in reality, a shameful fraud.

It was at this debate that Mr. Lincoln propounded the four celebrated questions to Judge Douglas, the answers to which swept away his last chance for securing the presidency in 1860. Previous to the debate, a conference was held at the Brewster House, at which E. B. Washburne and Joseph Medill urged Mr. Lincoln to refrain from such interrogations. But Lincoln was insistent. He said that if Judge Douglas answered them one way he would lose his prestige with the south; and if he answered them the other way, he could not retain the leadership of the northern wing of his party.

The result justified Mr. Lincoln's prophecy. " Of that answer at Freeport," as Mr. Herndon puts it, Douglas "instantly died. The red-gleaming southern tomahawk flashed high and keen. Douglas was removed out of Lincoln's way. The wind was taken out of Seward's sails (by the house-divided speech), and Lincoln stood out prominent."

The election occurred on the 2d of November. Mr. Lincoln received a majority of over four thousand of the popular vote, yet the returns from the legislative districts foreshadowed his defeat. At the senatorial election in the legislature, Judge Douglas received fifty-four votes, and Mr. Lincoln forty-six - one of the results of the unfair apportionment law then in operation.

Robert R. Hitt, the able representative of this district in congress, was the official stenographer of these debates. These famous addresses, which made Mr. Lincoln's national reputation, and which, more than anything else, contributed to his election as president, owe their permanent form to Mr. Hitt's stenographic notes, the originals of which Mr. Hitt still hoards among his literary treasures. They were published in full by a publishing house in Cincinnati, in 1860.