Rockford Township (part 11 of 11)

Mr. Hitt relates the way in which the Chicago Tribune failed to print a line of Lincoln's historic speech at Freeport in the Douglas debate - the greatest of all Lincoln's addresses before the civil war. Mr. Hitt was reporting the speech, and was writing out his notes for the next morning's paper, when Owen Lovejoy, the abolition agitator, arose in the rear of the hall and delivered a harangue, which is now forgotten, but which, for the moment, roused the meeting to a frenzy of enthusiasm, while Lincoln's had seemed rather tame. Joseph Medill, the proprietor of the Tribune, was carried away with Lovejoy's speech, and came up to Mr. Hitt's desk excitedly, ordered him to stop transcribing his notes of Lincoln's speech, and to let the Tribune have every word of Lovejoy's harangue in the morning. The Tribune next morning was all Lovejoy, and there was only a word about Lincoln's oration. This is "an illustration," says Hitt, in telling the story, "of the fact that the contemporaneous impression of a great occasion does not always coincide with the judgment of history."

Chapter Lxxiii Rockford Settlers 1855-59

CHARLES WILLIAMS was a native of Massachusetts. He v_. came to Rockford in 1855, and with his son Lewis, was engaged in the hardware business. Mr. Williams was the war mayor of Rockford, serving from 1859 to 1864. His home was the residence now owned by John Barnes. Mr. Williams died in 1876. He was father of Miss Elizabeth Williams and the late Mrs. C. L. Williams.

William M. Rowland came to Rockford in 1855. He was a native of Connecticut, and when a young man he removed to Augusta, Georgia, where he was interested in the Iron Steamboat Company. Soon after the repeal of the Missouri compromise, Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, memberof congress, informally received the prominent citizens of Augusta. Mr. Rowland is said to have been the only gentleman present who did not offer congratulations to Mr. Stephens upon the repeal of that law, but assured him that it would prove a calamity to the south. Mrs. Rowland was a daughter of Rev. Henry Wight, D. D., a graduate of Harvard, and for forty years pastor of a Congregational church at Bristol, Rhode Island. Mr. Rowland died April 29, 1869. William L. and Robert C. Rowland are sons.

William L. Rowland was graduated from Yale college in the class of 1852, and removed to Rockford with his father's family in 1855. When the public library was founded in 1872, Mr. Rowland was appointed librarian, and he has continuously retained this position. Under his able and conscientious supervision, the library has grown from an exceedingly humble beginning to an institution worthy of a much larger city. The Rockford public library is universally conceded to be unsurpassed by any other library in the country of its size, for the use of the student and specialist. The library will be Mr. Rowland's monument. An uncle of Mr. Rowland, Rev. John B. Wight, a Unitarian clergyman, was the author of the first public library law of Massachusetts, enacted in 1851. Mr. Wight was sent to the legislature from Wayland for the express purpose of securing the passage of this law.

Death Of Colonel Nevius

Benjamin Blakeman was a native of Stratford, Connecticut. He came to Rockford in 1856, and carried on the lumber business, first on South Court, and later on South Main street. About 1871 he formed a partnership with William Dobson, in manufacturing. Mr. Blakeman is now retired from business. His daughters are Mrs. Theron Pierpont, Mrs. Anna C. Vincent, Miss Harriett, and Mrs. A. D. Early, deceased.

Colonel Garrett Nevius, a native of New York, came to Rockford in 1858. He was a member of the Rockford City Greys, and in 1861 he enlisted with the Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, and arose to the rank of colonel. He was killed in the charge of Ransom's brigade on the enemy's works at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. Memorial services were held on the court house square, in Rockford, where the remains lay in state, and an address was delivered by Dr.Kerr. His body was then sent to New York for burial. Colonel Nevius was only twenty-six years of age. Nevius Post, G. A. R., was named in his honor.

RobertH. Tinker was born at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, in 1837, where his father, Rev. Reuben Tinker, was a missionary, sent out by the Presbyterian church. Mr. Tinker came to Rockford in 1856. He built the Swiss cottage, on Kent's creek, the most picturesque home in the city. The plan of his unique library, on two floors, with winding stairway, was suggested to Mr. Tinker by his visit to Sir Walter Scott's library, nearly forty years ago. In 1870 Mr. Tinker married the widow of John H. Manny. He was elected Mayor of Rockford in 1875, and served one term. Mr. Tinker has been interested in various manufacturing enterprises.

John H. Hall came to Rockford in 1855, and engaged in the grocery trade. He served the city as alderman, and as a member of the school board. The Hall school is named in his honor. Mr. Hall was father of Mrs. H. N. Baker, and Henry and Miss Helen Hall. His death occurred in 1882.

Lucius M. West was born at Vernon Center, New York, June 19, 1820. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Sturtevant, of his native county. In 1858 Mr. and Mrs. West and their three sons came to Rockford. In 1862 Mr. West built the store now occupied by M. M. Carpenter, where he carried on trade in rubber goods and boots and shoes. About 1874 he engaged in the manufacture and jobbing of enamel carriage top dressing, which has attained a world-wide reputation. Mr. West was actively identified with the religious interests of the city.

In 1875 he appointed a religious service for Woodruff's Addition, and for three years and a half conducted a mission school there, and furnished the building at his own expense. Deacon West was benevolent, and freely gave of his means to relieve the sick and needy. He died August 20, 1893.

Charles L. Williams was born in Sherburne, Chenango county, New York, October 20, 1828. He was graduated from Hamilton college in 1847, and in 1851 he received the degree of M. A. from his alma mater. Mr. Williams came to Rockford in 1859, and engaged in mercantile business. He married a daughter of Mayor Charles Williams and subsequently purchased his father-in-law's house on North Main street, which included the lots now belonging to John Barnes and Mrs. Julia P. Warren. Mr. Williams took an active interest in organizing the public library, and from 1872 to 1878 he was a member of the board of directors. Mr. Williams has four children : Mrs. C. R. Smith, of Chicago; Mrs. W. D. Williams, of Omaha; Miss Sarah, and Lewis A. Williams.

Daniel N. Hood was born in Salem, Massachusetts, September 25, 1834, and came to Rockford in 1858. Prof. Hood was for many years at the head of the musical department of Rockford seminary, and for more than ten years of this period he was organist of the Second Presbyterian church in Chicago. Prof. Hood now resides in Boston. He is father of Mrs. Frank D. Emerson.

Gilbert Woodruff was born near Watertown, New York, November 20, 1817. He came to Rockford in 1857, and soon after he purchased and platted a farm which is now known as Woodruff's Addition. Easy terms of payment were given purchasers of lots. Mr. Woodruff is therefore in a real sense one of the builders of Rockford. He has been president of the Rockford National Bank since its organization; president of the Forest City Insurance Company since its organization in 1873 ; and president of the Forest City Furniture factory since 1875. In 1842 Mr. Woodruff was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Fay. They had five children : Mrs. Sarah Parmele, Volney D., Mrs. Emma Ferguson, William F., and Mrs. R. W. Emerson. Mrs. Woodruff died in 1877. In 1879 Mr. Woodruff married Mrs. Augusta Todd. Mr. Woodruff was mayor of Rockford from 1873 to 1875.

1848. In 1857 he came to Rockford and was admitted to the bar in the autumn of the same year. For forty years Mr. Taylor was a well-known member of the legal profession of this city. In 1866 he began his work as master-in-chancery under appointment of Judge Sheldon. This position he held until his death, except an interim from 1872 to 1876. Mr. Taylor was elected a member of the legislature in 1878, and served one term. His death occurred at a sanitarium at Kenosha, August 29,1898. His immediate surviving family are: Mrs. Taylor, and two daughters, Mrs. J. R. Crocker, of Chicago, and Miss Ama. Mr. Taylor was the first president of the New England Society of Rockford.

Marquis L. Gorham was a native of Vermont, and came to Rockford in 1857. He obtained a patent for a seeder manufactured by Clark & Utter, and for a corn cultivator made by N. C. Thompson. He was also the inventor of the first twine binder, the patent for which was sold to C. H. McCormick. Mr. Gorham died at Philadelphia in 1876, while attending the centennial exposition, when he was only about forty-five years of age. His daughter, Mrs. Alice Harrison, died in 1882, and the last surviving child, Mrs. Lillian Harrison, died in 1890.

Norman Cornelius Thompson was born in Knoxville, Georgia, May 25, 1828. Mr. Thompson entered Yale college, and during his junior year his father's home and store were destroyed by fire. This misfortune changed his course in life. Mr. Thompson came to Rockford in 1857. He built one of the largest manufacturing plants on the water-power, and his immense output contributed in no small degree to the prestige of Rockford as a manufacturing city. Mr. Thompson was a public-spirited citizen, and a generous supporter of the First Presbyterian church. Financial reverses overtook him in 1884, which resulted in the suspension of his bank in East Rockford, and his retirement from his manufacturing industry. Mr. Thompson died July 4, 1898. N. F. Thompson, of the Manufacturers National Bank, is a son, and MissNormaC. Thompson is a daughter.

Thomas Butterworth was born in Manchester, England, September 6, 1827. He learned brick-lay ing in his native country. In his twentieth year he came to America, and landed at New Orleans. On account of yellow fever, he immediately went to Cincinnati. He entered the employ of Stacy & Company, the proprietors of the Cincinnati gas works, and in their interest he was sent to repair the works in Rockford about 1856. The latter plant was then owned by Lane, Sanford & Co. He remained in Rockford and assumed the management of the works. He also continued the business of contractor, and built Brown's Hall, the old People's Bank building on State street, and other buildings. He subsequently sold his contracting business, and in time became the sole owner of the gas plant. In 1878 Mr. Butterworth was elected a member of the legislature, as a Democrat, and served one term. His death occurred at Ashville, North Carolina, April 5, 1885. His surviving family were Mrs. Butterworth, and seven children: Mrs. Will Tullock, Mrs. E. M. Botsford, Mrs. Paul F. Schuster, Mrs. Hosmer Porter, Mrs. Geo. Roper, and Chester and William Butter worth.

William H. Townsend came to Rockford in 1857, from Springfield, Pennsylvania, He was in affluent circumstances. His home was on South Third street, well known in later years as the residence of Dr. D. S. Clark. Mr. Townsend was a stockholder and director of the Rock River Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the later reverses of the company were a source of such anxiety to him that he became deranged. June 2, 1869, his body was found in Rock river, about four and a half miles south of the city. Mr. Townsend was about sixty years of age, and had been a member of the board of education. He was held in high esteem, and his death was a great shock to the community. Mr. Townsend was father of Mrs. D. S. Clark.

F. H. Manny came to Rockford in 1859. He was a cousin of John P. and John H. Manny. For some years he was engaged in manufacturing on the water-power. His home was the residence owned later by W. F. Hudler, on the South side. He met with reverses in 1875, went to Waukegan, and from there to Chicago. Mr. Manny died in Chicago April 15, 1899, at the age of eighty-two years. The remains were brought to Rockford for interment. He had one son, James, who so far as known by his friends, is no longer living, and three daughters, the first and second Mrs. Farrington, and Miss Harriett.

Among other well-known citizens who came to Rockford during the period covered by this chapter are the following: George Trufant, George H. Dennett, Win. McKinley, 1855; A. C. Burpee, 1856; David Keyt, S. F. Penfield, D. S. Hough, H.B. Hale, W. H. Smith, C. A. Shaw, 1857; John R. Porter, 1859.

The Proprietors Of Rockton

contractor ; D. Miller, boots and shoes ; J. W. Seccomb, books ; C. T. Sackett, painter; W. G. Johnson, painter; Robert Smith, hatter; J. B. Agard, grain buyer; Joseph Burns, dry goods; Wm. Lyman, physician ; John Fraley, druggist; Israel Sovereign, hardware dealer. James B. Skinner, who conducted a blacksmith shop on North Main street, became the founder of the manufacturing firm of Skinner, Briggs& Enoch. He was father of Mrs. C. F. Henry and Mrs. A. C. Gray.

Several early settlers should have been mentioned in their proper chronological order. Among these were the Talcott family. The first permanent white settlers of Rockton, with the exception of Stephen Mack, were William Talcott and his son, Thomas B. They came from Rome, New York, with horse and wagon, in 1835. The father removed his family to Rockton in 1837. Wait, Sylvester and Henry Talcott were younger sons. William Talcott held a captain's commission in a company of New York state militia during the second war with England. His death occurred September 2, 1864. Thomas B. was one of the first three county commissioners elected in 1836. He died at Rockton October 1, 1894. The Talcott family were the first proprietors of the northern village. Samuel Talcott settled there in 1843.

Levi Rhoades was born at Hinsdale, New York, June 25, 1830. In 1847 he came to Rockford. He learned the cooper's trade, and during the war he laid the foundation of a large estate in supplying the demand for barrels. He continued in this business until 1884. Mr. Rhoades was interested in many manufacturing enterprises, and was a man of great force and executive ability. He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1876, and served one year. His death occurred November 19, 1891.

W. D. Trahern was born in Louden county, Virginia, March 24, 1824. In 1848 he came to Rockford, and the following year he began the manufacture of threshing-machines. In 1862 Mr. Trahern engaged in the manufacture of iron pumps. Mr. Trahern was successful in business, a considerate employer, and was highly esteemed. He died November 2, 1883. 0. P. Trahern is a son.

Chapter Lxxiv Ecclesiastical History 1850-60

DURING the pastorate of Rev. F. A. Reed, the congregation of the First Methodist church became so large that he suggested the formation of another church on the West side. In 1851 the Methodists living on the West side held their Sunday and Thursday evening prayer-meetings at the home of the leader, James B. Skinner, on North Main street. The organization of what is now the Court Street Methodist church was completed January 1, 1852, in the First church. The charter members, as nearly as can be ascertained, were as as follows : James B. Skinner, Charlotte L. Skinner, William Hazard, Louisa Hazard, Elizabeth Keyes, Rev. Wm. Fowler, Mrs. Elizabeth Fowler, Daniel Ticknor, Thomas Peters, Ann Peters, Clark Fisher, Francis Richards, Lucy Richards, James Preston, Ann Preston, Jonathan Hitchcock, Mrs. J. Hitchcock, Asael Ives, Mary Ives, Dr. Charles N.Andrews, Mary Dewey, Joanna Davis, George Boyd, Alzira Andrus, George Reeves, Elizabeth Reeves, G. W. Reeves, W. J. Cole, Mary Cole, William Hamley, John Travis, Mrs. Travis, John Austin, Mrs. Austin.

The following board of trustees was elected: William J. Cole, James Taylor, Charles N. Andrews, Jonathan Hitchcock, and James B. Skinner. In 1852 the Dorcas Society was organized. January 14, 1853, a lot was purchased on North Court street, and the erection of a church was soon begun, with John Austin, architect ; Jonathan Hitchcock, mason; and W. J.Cole, carpenter. During the erection of the church, the congregation worshiped in Boyd's Hall. Rev. Luke Hitchcock was presiding elder.

The conference of 1853 sent Rev. Chatfield, who remained a part of the year, and then returned to Michigan. Rev. William Tasker, pastor of the First church, assumed oversight of the church until the next conference. In September, 1854, Rev. W. F. Stewart was appointed pastor. The dedication of the new church occurred in November, 1854, conducted by Re vs. Hooper Crews, Bolles, Stuff, and Agard. The cost of the building and grounds was seven thousand dollars. A revival followed the opening of the new church, and during that conference year one hundred and forty persons were added to their numbers.

In 1864 Court Street church was set off in the Mt. Morris district, and William T. Harlow was appointed presiding elder. This division of territory was unsatisfactory, and in 1865 this charge was returned to the Rockford district, where it belonged, and where it has since remained. August 26, 1857, the conference met with this church. This conference was signalized by the passage of stringent anti-slavery resolutions, and in "breaking ground" for the Wesleyan seminary, to which reference was made in a preceding chapter. The first pastors served in the following order: 1853-54, Rev. Chatfield; 1854-55, Rev. W. F. Stewart; 1856-58, Rev. Luman A. Sanford; 1858-60, William P. Gray; 1860-61, Revs. James R. Goodrich, William E. Daniels, T. B. Taylor. Rev. J. H. Vincent, founder of the Chautauqua movement, and now a bishop of the church, was pastor from 1861 to 1864. During his absence on a trip to Europe, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Daniel P. Kidder, D. D.

Information concerning the early history of St. James' Roman Catholic church is very meager. The records are said to have been destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. Mass was celebrated in the homes of Catholic settlers of Rockford by priests located at New Dublin and Freeport, previous to 1850. Father Gueguen said mass and baptized children in 1840. The permanent organization dates from 1850. John McAnarney is said to be the oldest resident Catholic in the city. In 1851 Artemas Hitchcock and wife conveyed to Rt. Rev. James Oliver Van de Velde, for one hundred and fifty dollars, lot one in block twenty-six, as found in Duncan Ferguson's map of the village. A second conveyance was from John Lee and wife to Anthony Regan, bishop of Chicago, of lot two in the same block, for four hundred dollars. Father Hampston was appointed priest of the parish in 1851 by Bishop Van de Velde. He was the first resident pastor, and built the first church in 1852. It was a small, one-story frame structure, with a seating capacity for two hundred people. The citizens of the town contributed a portion of the money with which the church was erected. Father Hampston died while in charge of the parish, and is buried under the present church. He was a man of studious habits, modest and retiring in manner, and highly respected by the citizens.

The present St. James' church was begun in 1866, and dedicated the folio wing year, under the pastorate of Rev. J.S. O'Neill. The pastors of St. James' church have been as follows : Revs. John Hampston, George Hamilton, William Lambert, J. Bulger, John P. Donelan, J. S. O'Neill, Joseph McMahon, T. J. Butler, James J. Flaherty. The only surviving pastors are Fathers McMahon and Flaherty. The latter started the parochial school in 1886, and in 1891 completed the present brick structure. The school is in charge of the Dominican Sisters.

Dean Butler was a priest of more than local reputation. He was born in Limerick, Ireland. He completed his education in the College of the Propaganda, in Rome. He possessed unuslial musical ability ; and while in Rome was a member of the pope's choir. It is said Dean Butler was the papal ambassador at the baptism of the Prince Imperial, son of Napoleon III. and Eugenie. During the civil war, Dean Butler was chaplain of the Irish Brigade. He was a man of literary tastes, and for some years was a member of the Rockford public library board. Dean Butler died at Rome in July, 1897.

The formal organization of Presbyterianism in Rockford occurred in 1854. There were Presbyterians, however, in the city before that time. These naturally affiliated with the Congregational churches, and were not an unimportant element in their strength. The building begun as a Congregational church on North First street, and afterward abandoned, was often called the Presbyterian church. It was really the joint effort of Congregationalists and Presbyterians. The Presbyterian clergy of this country have been distinguished for piety and culture, and the church has been a stalwart champion of the fundamental Christian doctrines. The writer is indebted for the facts given herewith to historical addresses delivered by Rev. James Cruickshanks and Rev. J. K. Fowler.

Early in 1853 a few devout adherents of this faith lay the foundations of a Presbyterian church in Rockford. The first meeting was held in the summer in the old court house (the abandoned Congregational church) on the east side of the river. Rev. R. G. Thompson, of Beloit, preached the first sermon to a congregation of twelve persons. Services were subsequently conducted at intervals by members of the Chicago presbytery, until the arrival in December of Rev. Hugh A. Brown. In November, 1853, these services were held in Peake's Hall and in the court house. In December services were regularly held twice each sabbath ; first in Horsman's Hall, and later in Warner's hall, over C. F. Henry's clothing store. February 1, 1854, the little band resumed worship in the court house, where, July 8th of the same year the formal organization of the First Presbyterian church of Rockford was duly effected, with thirty-eight members. Rev. G. F. Goodhue, of Marengo, presided.

The original members of this church were as follows : William Johnson, Christina Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Deborah Burns, Charles M. Priestly, James Forbes, Esther Armstrong, Isabella Marshall, Elizabeth Clow, William McCall, James Nesbit; John Bull, Rebecca Kozier, Thomas Meredith, Grace Hinch, John Martin, A. Ferguson, Mary Parland, Janet Shepherd, Mary Johnson, Archibald Johnson, Michael Burns, Shepley Priestly, Fanny Moore, Petrina Forbes, Peter R. Marshall, Robert Clow, Sarah Forbes, Jane Blaine, Anna Nesbit, Sarah Bull, David* Meredith, Nancy Meredith, Elizabeth Lijin, Mary Martin, Mrs. A. Ferguson, William Shepherd, and John Tullock. William Johnson, Michael Burns, Thomas Meredith and Shepley Priestly were chosen to the eldership, and Robert Clow and William McCall were elected deacons, who were ordained and installed in their respective offices on the following day. A choir was employed September 17th to lead in the service of song, and November, 1855, the choir, by a resolution passed in the session, was allowed the use of an instrument for use in public worship. In October, 1855, H. C. Meslor and William Shepherd were elected and installed as ruling elders.

December 3, 1855, the clerk of the session was instructed to apply to the board of domestic missions for an appropriation of three hundred dollars to aid in the support of Rev. Hugh A. Brown, as the stated supply of the church. February 10, 1857, Rev. Moses Ordway, of the presbytery of Chicago, was requested to be present at a meeting to make choice of a pastor. Rev. Hugh A. Brown was chosen. He declined the call, though he continued to supply the pulpit until January 1, 1858, when Rev. John M. Faris, of the Richland presbytery, synod of Ohio, was unanimously chosen pastor.

The first report to the presbytery in 1855 shows that the membership had increased to fifty-five, the families to thirtyeight, and the congregational expenses to six hundred and twenty-five dollars. Rev. Faris' pastorate continued four years and a half, until October, 1862, when failing health made his resignation necessary. His pastorate was successful. The communicants increased the first year from seventy-seven to ninety-seven, and the congregational expenses from seven hundred to thirteen hundred dollars.

Rev. Faris' successors have been Revs. Faunt Leroy Senour, J. S. Grimes, A. J. Leyenberger (now shortened to Berger), James Cruickshanks, J. K. Fowler, J. R. Sutherland, George Harkness, B. E. S. Ely.

In September following the organization the congregation worshiped in the old Unitarian church, on the northeast corner of Elm and Church streets. Services were held in the old court house from November, 1854, until March 1, 1855, when the old Unitarian church was purchased. The society used it for a time on the old site, and then removed it to the northeast corner of State and Winnebago streets, where the church continued to worship until December 20, 1868, when they took possession of their present house of worship.

The sabbath-school antedates the church six months. It was organized the last Wednesday in December, 1853, with fifteen pupils, promptly after a stated supply had reached the field. Mr. Brown may have directed the school for a time, but Michael Burns was the first superintendent.

The First Swedish Lutheran church was organized January 15, 1854, with seventy-seven communicants and thirty-two children. Late in the summer of 1855 it was decided to build a church. The original estimate of cost was seven hundred and seventy-five dollars. Its actual cost, however, was sixteen hundred dollars. This church was erected on the corner of North First street and what is now Lafayette avenue. It was a frame structure, forty-five by thirty-eight feet, and twentyeight feet high. It had a seating capacity for three hundred persons. The dedication occurred November 23, 1856. Dr. Hasselquist preached the dedicatory sermon. This building is still standing, and forms a part of J. Friedman's double house on North First street.

The first pastor was Rev. A. Andren, who was called in the spring of 1856, and entered upon his duties in August of the same year. Rev. Andren built a parsonage on the church lot at his own expense, with the understanding that afc the termination of his pastorate the church should buy the building at its original cost. Rev. Andren's pastorate continued until the close of 1860, when he removed to Attica, Indiana. In May, 1860, the church decided to withdraw from the synod of Northern Illinois, and join the Augustana synod. At that time the church had one hundred and fifteen communicants.

The present church was built in 1883, at a cost of about sixty thousand dollars. It is the largest auditorium in the city, with a seating capacity for eighteen hundred. Its membership is fifteen hundred, with eight hundred children. This is the largest membership of any Swedish Lutheran church in America.

The Christian church was organized March 18, 1856, with twenty-five members. They first held meetings in the old court house. Thefirst records are meagre. An edifice was completed in 1856. It stood on the site of the Trinity Lutheran church, and its estimated cost was $1,748. The clergy of the Christian church discarded the prefix Reverend. The first elder was Issac Shaver, who served one year. He was succeeded by L. J. Correll, who remained two years. Lorenzo D. Waldo, who came to Rockford in 1845, was for thirty-two years an elder of this church, and an honored and faithful minister of the gospel. Mr. Waldo died July 12, 1888. He was father of Billings R., Henry D., and Misses Jennie, Mabel and Ada Waldo.

The Westminster Presbyterian church was organized January 3, 1856, with twenty-two members. Many of these had taken letters from the First Congregational church. A fraternal feeling prevailed at the time of separation, but there was a conviction among those who were distinctively Presbyterian that there was an opportunity for a society of that faith. The organization of the church occurred in the old Congregational church. It was first called the Second Presbyterian church, and the name was subsequently changed to Westminster.

The constituent members were as follows : Thomas Garrison, Mrs. Electa Garrison, Ralph Giddings, Mrs. Cornelia Giddings, Joel B. Potter, Mrs. Adaline B. Potter, E. S. Rose, Mrs. Jerusha C. Rose, Eliza W. Rose (now Mrs. E. T. Cleveland), Charles Williams, Mrs. Sarah S. Williams, Frederick A. Hart, Mrs. Sylvia Hart, Eusebia More, Eliza White, Stephen Rose, Mrs. Amanda H. Rose, Frances Rose, Stephen Rose, Jr., J. H. Wheat, Mrs. Frances E. Wheat, Juliet F. Wheat. Three of this number are still residing in Rockford: Mrs. Adaline Potter, Mrs. E. T. Cleveland (formerly Miss Eliza M. Rose), and Mrs. Frances E. Wheat. Joel B. Potter, Charles Williams, J. H. Wheat and

J. S. Rose constituted the first board of elders. The first deacons were Stephen Rose and Ralph Giddings. Rev. Morrison Huggins was the first pastor, who served until 1859. He literally gave his life for his people, and died during his pastorate. As he consciously drew near the end, he said: "A pastor's death-bed is his people's."

The first place of worship was the historic court house on North First street. In the summer of 1856 a chapel was completed on the ground now occupied by the lecture room of the church. This chapel soon proved too small, and public worship was conducted in Metropolitan Hall, pending the erection of the present church, which was dedicated in 1858.

The Winnebago Street church had its origin in a Sundayschool, which was started May 20, 1856, and which held its sessions in a grove on the river bank. From the grove, in October, the school went, by invitation of the directors, into the new Kent schoolhouse. The Sunday-school continued to grow until a church became a necessity. The sabbath-school was under the supervision of the Court Street church. The church was organized March 4, 1864, at the home of Israel Sovereign. The presiding elder, Richard A. Blanchard, acted as chairman. The roll of members numbered twenty-eight. The following board of trustees was elected : Israel Sovereign, Fred. A. Arnold, Josephus Lakin, Benjamin F. Whittle, and Stephen Thayer.- Ground was broken for the new church August 8, 1864. The corner-stone was laid August 24th. The address was made by Rev. Thomas M. Eddy. The cost of the church was eight thousand dollars, and was dedicated February 12, 1865, by Dr. Eddy. The parsonage was built in 1867, at a cost of twelve hundred and fifty dollars. Rev. Robert Bentley served as pastor from 1864 to 1866 ; Rev. William D. Skelton from 1866 to 1869; Henry L. Martin, 1869 to 1871.

One of the results of the religious revival of 1858 was the formation of the Young Men's Christian Association. The first meeting preliminary to organization was held May 4, 1858, at the First Presbyterian church. A motion prevailed that an Association be formed, and an adjournment was taken to

Young Men'S Christian Association

Tuesday evening, May llth. The next meeting, however, was not held until the 18th, when the constitution was signed by sixty persons, all of whom were members of the various evangelical churches of the city. May 25th, the Association met at the Baptist church. Rev. Hooper Crews delivered the inaugural address, and the constitution was signed by forty-five persons. On the following Tuesday evening, June 1st, the Association elected a portion of their officers, and at their next meeting, June 8th, the organization was completed. The officers were as follows: President, Horace W. Taylor; vice-presidents, S. F. Penfield, C. E. Buswell, William Wasson, Lewis Williams, R. P. Lane, William Brown, V. Daniels ; corresponding secretary, E. C. Daugherty; record ing secretary, 0. A. Pennoyer; treasurer, William Culver; librarian, C. E. Wingate. A standing committee and a committee on library and lectures were appointed. The lecture and library committees were requested to procure Sunday evening lectures, as often as once in each month, from the pastors of the city and others.

During this formative period several animated discussions were held concerning the eligibility of Unitarians to membership. Among the leaders of the affirmative were Rev. A. H. Conaiit and Melancthon Starr. The Association was prosperous for about three years. The last president was Lucius M. West. The outbreak of the civil war drew many of the young men into military service, and the Association ceased to exist about 1861. The meetings were held on the second floor of the stone building on the southeast corner of State and Wyman streets. Last year Charles L. Williams found the records of the Association among his household effects, and presented them to the present Association.

The Third Street church was the second daughter of the First church. It was organized January 9, 1858, with about eighty members, while Rev. Hooper Crews was pastor of the parent church. Messrs. Benjamin Holt, William Brown, Charles Foster, Solomon Wheeler, George Troxell, Willard Wheeler, William Worthington, Francis A. Horn and James Chick constituted the first board of trustees. Two lots were purchased on the east side of North Third street for twelve hundred dollars. The church was built by John Early in 1858 at a cost of four thousand dollars. It was dedicated by Hooper Crews, Saturday, October 9, 1858. Rev. Thomas M. Eddy, the well-known editor and author, preached the following Sunday morning. A small parsonage was built adjoining the edifice on the north in 1859, at a cost of six hundred dollars. In 1866 the church was enlarged and improved at an outlay of eighteen hundred dollars. In 1871 the society bought a parsonage on State street, nearly opposite the Baptist church, for three thousand and nine hundred dollars. This property was subsequently owned by Henry C. Gill. In 1874 the society sold the former parsonage on Third street for thirteen hundred dollars. This church was visited by several successful revivals.

The Third Street church became strong and influential. Rev. Nathaniel P. Heath served from 1858-60; Rev. Luman A. Sanford, 1860-62. May 19, 1876, the First church and the Third Street church concluded to unite their fortunes and spend their future as one body, under the name of the Centennial church.

The State Street Baptist church was organized in 1858. During Rev. Ichabod Clark's pastorate of the First Baptist church, letters were granted to thirty -four members who wished to organize a society on the east side of the river. This purpose had its origin in the prayer-meetings held by the Baptist women in that part of the city. The first formal step to ward the new church was the organization of a Sunday-school, July 4, 1858. July 13th, a prayer-meeting was held in the vestry of the Westminster Presbyterian church, at which notice was given that two weeks from that date a second meeting of those interested in the new movement would be held.

The organization of the church was formally completed in the vestry of the Presbyterian church August 17, 1858, with the following constitutent members : C. E. Buswell, A. S. Buswell, Eliza Barker, Charles Barker, Sophia C. Chamberlain, Brewster H. Chamberlin, Susan Cram (Mrs. P. Mesick), Armina Cram, Ruhanna Compton, Amanda Crane, Abby M. Dennis, James T. Dunn, Jane L. Dunn, Ann A. Dunn, Thompson Dunn, Stephen Gilbert, Sarah Gilbert, Maria Gilbert, Jacob Hazlett, Jane Hazlett, Catherine Hazlett, Margaret Hazlett (Mrs. J. P. Largent), James B. Howell, Cardina M. Hathaway, H. H. Guthrie, Ellen Miles, George Mills, Susan Mills, Chichester Mills, Elizabeth M. Mills, Erastus B. Perry, E. R. Riggs, Charlotte A. Riggs, Sarah A. Stearns. Six of this number are still living in Rockford : Jacob Hazlett, Mrs. Jane Hazlett, Catherine Hazlett, Mrs. J. P. Largent, Miss Eliza Barker, and J. B. Howell.

Sta Te Street Baptist Church

The next day, Rev. Edward C. Mitchell arrived in the city. August 31st he was called to the pastorate, which he accepted September 14th. The terms were three hundred dollars in cash, an equal amount in board for himself and wife, and two hundred dollars additional if circumstances permitted. One of the first steps was the engagement of Prof. D. N. Hood to conduct the music. The church was prosperous during Dr. Mitchell's pastorate. A sociable was held in Metropolitan Hall, and plans perfected for a house of worship. A little chapel was erected on the corner of Market, State and North Fifth streets, which is still standing. This chapel was dedicated February 2, 1860. Its cost was eighteen hundred dollars. It had sittings for two hundred and fifty people. This house was built at a cost of ceaseless industry and sacrifice, and with some of the forms of special effort incident to pioneer times. For nearly nine years this chapel remained the home of the society.

The organization was first called the Second Baptist church of Rockford, but on the choice of a permanent location, the name was changed to indicate its relationship to the city, to the State Street Baptist church, October 26, 1858.

Dr. Mitchell, the first pastor, died in New Orleans, in February, 1900. He held positions of influence in his denomination. He was professor of Biblical literature at Shurtleff college; held the chair of Hebrew and Old Testament interpretation in the Baptist Union theological seminary; professor of Hebrew in Regent's Park college, London; president of a Baptist theological school in Paris; acting president of Roger Williams university, at Nashville, Tennessee; president of Leland university, New Orleans. He also did considerable literary work. In 1879 he revised and edited Davies' Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon ; with this he issued the Principles of Hebrew Grammar. In 1880 be issued a new translation of Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar,

Chapter Lxxv Conclusion

THE presidential election of 1860 marked an epoch in American history. The nation had come to the parting of the ways. Mr. Lincoln's prophecy that the government could not permanently endure half slave and half free, was about to be demonstrated before the world. Mr. Lincoln, by reason of his profound insight into the political situation, which he had shown in his debates with Judge Douglas, was the logical candidate of his party.

The nomination of Mr. Lincoln was received with great enthusiasm by the citizens of Rockford. In August the Rockford Wide Awake Club was organized. Its object was co-operation for the success of Republican principles and the election of Mr. Lincoln.

Saturday, September 1st, was a Republican rally day. The Wide Awake Clubs from neighboring towns were present. The special attraction was Cassius M. Clay, the celebrated orator of Kentucky. The exercises were held on the court house square, and it was estimated that fully twelve thousand people were in attendance. The first speech was made by Hon. James H. Baker, secretary of state of Minnesota. Mr. Clay was introduced by Judge S. M. Church. "His oratory," said the Register, "is not of the fervid kind, but he is a calm, cool, deliberate speaker, laying out his ideas into square blocks of solid argument and building up an edifice supported by facts and figures which it is absolutely impossible to undermine or batterdown."

During September and October, a series of joint discussions was held by Judge Allen C. Fuller, of Belvidere, and John A. Rawlins, of Galena, on the political issues of the day. One joint debate was held in each county of the First congressional district. Judge Fuller was the Republican candidate for presidential elector, and Mr. Rawlins was the candidate of the Douglas Democracy. One discussion was held in Rockford Septem- ber 29th. These debates have a historic interest by reason of the subsequent prominence of the participants. Judge Fuller became the war adjutant of the state, and in this capacity he displayed great executive ability, and was the able supporter of Governor Yates, in the organization of the military forces of the state. Judge Fuller still resides in Belvidere. Upon the outbreak of the war in 1861, Mr. Rawlins came promptly to the support of the union cause; he was the confidential friend and adviser of General Grant during his campaigns, and in 1869 he became his secretary of war.

Among other gentlemen who made addresses in Rockford during the campaign were Judge Lyman Trumbull, Stephen A. Hurlbub, Governor Bebb, Melaucthon Smith, Colonel Ellis, James L. Loop and Judge Church. Richard Yates and Owen Lovejoy made speeches at Belvidere October 9th.

The presidential election was held November 6th. Winnebago county cast 3,985 votes for Abraham Lincoln and 817 for Judge Douglas; Richard Yates received 3,986 votes for governor, and Mr. Allen 826.

The election of Mr. Lincoln was perhaps the most notable event in the life of the nation. The shouts of victory had scarcely died away when one southern state after another openly revolted from the authority of the union. The election of Mr. Lincoln brought the sword, rather than peace. But the sword was drawn in a holy cause. For two hundred and fifty years the irrepressible conflict between freedom and slavery had continued. The "land of the free" had made iniquity her law. Millions of bondsmen wet the soil with tears and blood. Cause and Effect, the chancellors of God, had come to enforce the truth that there were rights that states must keep or they shall suffer for their sins. Victor Hugo says of Napoleon at Waterloo : "For Bonaparte to be conqueror at Waterloo was not in the law of the nineteenth century. . . When the earth is suffering from a surcharge there are mysterious meanings from the deeps that the heavens hear. Napoleon had been impeached before the Infinite and his fall was decreed. He vexed God. Waterloo is not a battle ; it is the change of front of the universe." So the Slave- Power had overleaped itself, and could no longer resist the advance of a more enlightened Christian civilization.

philosophy does not explain, that work out righteous results. Human wisdom does not foresee them; they do not destroy human freedom, but they do achieve their results with infallible certainty. The leaders of such events are like vEneas in the fable : they are often covered with a cloud woven by divine fingers, and men do not see them. But when they are needed the cloud breaks away, and they stand before the world prepared to do their work. Such a man was Abraham Lincoln. He was called to lead in a war made holy by the quickened moral conscience of the nation. Poets, and reformers, and statesmen had cast up the high way for the King, who should visit the nation with chastening. This judgment day was at hand, because Phillips, and Garrison, and Sumner had come ; because Whittier, and Lowell, and Harriett Beecher Stowe had come ; because Lincoln, and Seward, and Chase had come ; because Grant, and Sherman, and Sheridan had come; because the great and terrible day of the Lord had come !

Index

Agricultural society organized, 172. Ailing, D. D., 49, 152, 156, 243, 245. Amusements, village, 133. Andrue, Isaac, 246. Articles of Confederation, 4. Atlantic cable celebration, 357. Attorneys, city, 316. Atwater, Caleb, 12.

Errata

In the last line of the first paragraph on page 43, the name Dr. C. H. Richings should read Dr. Henry Richings. Also on page 129, in the paragraph on William Hulin, the same substitution of the two names should be made.