Rockford Township (part 3 of 11)

Mr. Blake's claim included parts of sections twenty and twenty-nine. A claim was made in the autumn of 1834 by Mr. Kent for an English gentleman named John Wood, of Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Wood, however, did not take possession of this claim until the following spring. The first work done by these pioneers was theerectionof two log cabins. Mr. Kent's cabin was on a site directly east of Mrs. Tinker's brick house, and was removed when South Main street was opened. Mr. Blake's cabin was built in the grove on the claim which he had chosen.

During the autumn and winter Mr. Kent made trips to Chicago and Galena. He employed a number of workmen, who had come from Galena, in various kinds of work. Among these was the construction of a dam and a sawmill on Kent's creek. The timber for the mill was cut from the grounds now occupied by Rockford college. In the following January, when the ice was sixteen inches thick, a sudden thaw swept away the dam. To this day the observer will notice that the rock at the bottom of the creek, near the Swiss cottage, shells off, and the force of the water and ice made a deep hole in the bottom of the creek. The stream was then twice or three times its present width, and its current was proportionally stronger. Such was the fate of Rockford's first dam, which was built very near the spot where Hon. Robert H. Tinker's suspension bridge spans the stream. Early in the following spring workmen began digging the race ; the construction of the second dam, just below the first, was undertaken in June, and the mill was completed in July. When the dam was completed the water arose so as to make a twelvefoot head, and covered the laud now occupied by the several railroads as switch-yards. The water sometimes backed nearly to State street. Several years later the citizens determined to remove this dam, because they believed it bred malaria; and this resolution was executed without due process of law.

Besides the cabins already noted, Mr. Kent began the erection of another and better log house, in the fall of 1834, which was completed the following spring. This structure consisted of an upright and a wing, and was considered an uncommonly good house for those days. Mr. Kent's family probably came from Galena in Ma,y, 1835. Mr. Blake boarded in the family for two years, and only occupied his own cabin in the grove when he found it more convenient to do so while tilling his land. The business of the settlement during the first years included a general store, a blacksmith shop, sawmill, a primitive hotel, a crude system of banking, and mail facilities of a private sort. All these were under the general proprietorship of Mr. Kent.

It may be safely said that few men in trade, commerce or manufacturing survived the financial crash, and the depression which swept over the country in 1837 and later. Mr. Kent was poorly prepared for the storm. His ready capital had become exhausted, and he was now in debt for money, merchandise and property. His goods had been sold on credit, and collections were impossible. His property was depreciated and unsalable, and embarassment and failure were unavoidable. Mr. Kent made the best settlement of his affairs possible under the circumstances, and honestly surrendered everything. His capital which he brought with him, his buildings and improvements, his plans and preparations, and even his prospects were gone ; and he saw no star of hope in the Rockford which he had founded and helped to build ; no opportunities which he might retrieve. And so in 1844 he bade her along and sad farewell and went to Virginia, where he made his home the remainder of his life. He engaged in trade in Craig, Fayette and Montgomery counties. Mre. Kent died in Blacksburg, Virginia, May 26, 1851. Mr. Kent lived with his daughter, Mrs. Mary Irby Black, the last five years of his life, in feeble health, in Blacksburg, where he died March 1, 1862.

This man will ever stand foremost in the history of Rockford, in point of time and early events. In his character and life there are are elements that arrest and fix attention, and which merit grateful remembrance. Kent school, in South Rockford, Kent's creek and Kent street are named in his honor.

Fortune was more kind to Mr. Blake. He resided on his farm, until 1851, when he removed into Rockford and engaged in real estate business. For two years preceding his death Mr. Blake operated extensively in timber lands in Wisconsin. Mr. Blake died October 8, 1880, Mrs. Blake was living in November, 1899, at an advanced age, and feeble in mind and body. Mrs. Clarence Bean is their daughter. The Blake school is named in honor of Thatcher Blake.

Chapter Vii

MOST of the country around Rockford was originally prairie. The first settlers found the west side of what is now the city largely wooded, reaching south below Knowlton street, and north as far as Fisher avenue, and extending west beyond the creek, and to the high ground of South Rockford, and up the south branch ; also on the East side from near State, south to Keith's creek, and east to creek and to Sixth street. North of State, on the flat, was wood and brush up as far as the brewery. John H. Thurston gives this vivid description of the east side of the river as it appeared in the spring of bis arrival : "The season of 1837 opened early, and as the earth became clothed in green, it presented the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. Innumerable flowers dotted the scene in every direction. What is now the Second ward was covered with tall, thrifty white oak timber. The fires had killed most of the underbrush, and it was a magnificent park from Kishwaukee street west to the river, and from Walnut street south to the bluffs at Keith's creek."

Rock river is a historic waterway, and presents a great variety of picturesque scenery. Southey's apostrophe may be addressed to her: "Thou art beautiful, queen of the valley! thou art beautiful." The Rock has practically two heads: the smaller, in a rustic stream which flows from the north into swamp-girted Lake Koshkonong ; the larger, in the four lakes at Madison, the charming capital of Wisconsin, which empty their waters into the Avon-like Catfish or Yahara, which in turn pours into the Rock below Lake Koshkonong. The river, at Rockford, before it was dammed, was nine or ten feet below its present level, and about four rods narrower, with clear gravel bed, and no mud or swamp about its shores. The water was very clear and pure before the cultivation of the land on its banks had caused the wash of soil bv the rains. There is an interesting historic spot on the river some miles below Rockford. Margaret Fuller visited Oregon in 1843. There she found new themes for her muse. At the riverside there is a fine spring whose waters are cool and unfailing. On the bluff above it today are growing gnarled and twisted cedars. In the branches of one there was an eagle's next. Beneath its shade Margaret Fuller wrote her poem, "Ganymede to his Eagle." The spring still sends forth its pure stream, and hundreds of people visit the spot. Under the shadow of the trees which falls upon the pool, they read the marble tablet set in the solid rock above, which bears this inscription: "Ganymede's Springs, named by Margaret Fuller (Countess d' Ossoli), who named this bluff Eagle's Nest, and beneath the cedars on its crest wrote 'Ganymede to his Eagle,' July 4, 1843."

The level at the intersection of State and Madison streets, on the East side, was about ten feet higher than at present. At the intersection of State with First the level was about ten feet lower than it is today. Between these two points the ground was six feet above its present level. From the river bank to Madison was therefore quite a steep ascent. West of the river, the ground was low, as it now appears at the knitting factories, and so continued nearly to Main street, as it yet remains in some places.

South of the depot of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, on the West side, and from ten rods west of Main street, the land was low, only a little above the creek, with the exception of the ridge near the creek. When the dam was built this area was called the pond. This depression has been filled, and the site is mainly devoted to railroad purposes.

The bluffs at the college grounds descended steep to the water's edge, unbroken and unworn. They were covered with grass, brush and trees on the top and sides. There were many red cedars, some of which were large and gnarled. The whole formed a pleasant and romantic spot.

At first there were no roads, and the first track would be followed until a road was worn or a change made. The crossing of streams and sloughs was difficult. East of the city, and running nearly parallel with the river, was a wagon road made by the army wagons and trains at the time the troops under Major Smith passed on their way to the battle of the Bad Axe, in Wisconsin, in 1832, where Black Hawk was defeated. This road, however, did not run on the line needed by the settlers, and it was soon obliterated. The Indian trails were of little use. The red men always went single file, so that their trails were but narrow paths, and of no special value to the settlers. These trails were easily traceable as late as 1840, and possibly later.

Few antiquities, save arrows and hammers, were found, and the early race left little to mark its occupation of this region . Only a small number of Indian graves were found, and these did not indicate careful burial. Some traces of burying on scaffolds and in trees were supposed to remain ; but little information can be obtained upon this point. The headless Big Thunder skeleton sat in his stockade on the court house mound in Belvidere as late as the autumn of 1838. But neither his renown as a warrior and chief, nor common reverence for the dead, protected his bones or marked their grave.

The Indians had taken their final departure previous to 1834. There were afew Pottawatomies in the vicinity of Rockton. Rock river was apparently the dividing line between the Pottawatomies and the Winnebagoes. The latter had removed to their western reservation. Those who occasionally returned, singly or in small companies, to revisit their former home, were harmless to the settlers.

Wild flowers were abundant, both on the prairies and in the woods. They were of great variety and beauty. Hickorynuts, butternuts, black walnuts and hazelnuts were plenty. In fruits, there were crab apples, wild plums, thorn apples, grapes, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.

Game was plenty. It consisted of deer, wolves, wildcats, otter, coon, muskrat, squirrel, woodchuck, wild geese, ducks, crane, heron, plover, snipe, prairie hens, partridges, quail, loon, gull, and pigeons. Mr. Thurston says : "Having never shot a game bird previous to my arrival in Rockford, the vast quantity of feathered game which I saw migrating northward in the spring of 1837 excited my unbounded surprise and admiration." Fish of the varieties now found in this locality was abundant. Wild honey was obtained in considerable quantity. The small birds then found still remain, except those taken for game. Snakes were quite numerous. The rattlesnake and the massasauga were poisonous, and the blowing adder and a variety of water snake were also so considered. Today a snake is rarely seen, except in woodland and on river bottoms.

Chapter Viii

THE first settler of what is now East Rockford was Daniel Shaw Haight, who arrived April 9, 1835. Mr. flaight caine to Illinois from Bolton, Warren county, New York. A year or two previous to his appearance on Rock river he had selected a claim near Geneva, Kane county. Hesold this claim, and in compan}' with two or three men, he came to Rockford on a tour of inspection. He selected a tract of land, which comprised a large part of what is now the First and Second wards. Mr. Haight went back to Geneva for his family, and in May he returned to Rockford with his wife and child ; Miss Carey, who was Mrs. Haight's sister, and a hired man. Mrs. Mary Haight and her sister were the first white women to settle in the county, as it is supposed they preceded by two or three weeks the arrival of Mrs. Kent. Mrs. Haight appears to have been equal to the duties and trials of pioneer life. She had no acquaintance with books or literature ; but she possessed a good mind, and was alert, shrewd, and affable to strangers. Mr. Haight was a rugged, roistering pioneer, and a shrewd man of affairs.

Upon his arrival Mr. Haight put up a tent under a large bur oak tree, which his family occupied until his cabin was completed. This dwelling, built in the summer of 1835, was the first structure on the East side. It was built on the eastern part of the lot which now forms the northeast corner of State and Madison streets. This spot was at the brow of the tableland, from which the descent was rapid toward the river. The house was built in regular pioneer style, without the use of a single nail. The main part was about eighteen feet square, built of oak logs. It had a puncheon floor, two windows and a door. The cellar was simply an excavation under the centre. "Such a house," says Mr. Thurston, "may be built with an axe and an auger, and is a warm, comfortable dwelling. Haight made an addition in '36, with a space between ten feet wide and roofed over, which had a shingle roof and floor of sawed lumber." Mr. Haight's second house was on the northeast corner of State and Madison streets. It was a frame structure, and completed in 1837 by Thomas Lake and Sidney Twogood. This house was divided and a portion removed to the northeast corner of Walnut and Second streets. It is the oldest frame structure now standing in Rockford.

The first public religious service in Rockford was held the second Sunday in June, 1835, at the house of Germanicus Kent, and was conducted by his brother, the Rev. Aratus Kent, of Galena. It has been said that on that day every soul in Rockford attended divine worship. The audience comprised Mr. and Mrs. Kent, Mr. and Mrs. Haight, Miss Carey, Thatcher Blake, Albert Sanford, Mr. VanZandt, who was Mr. Kent's millwright, a man in the em ploy of Mr. Haight, and two other persons whose names are unknown. Thus it will be noted that in early June, 1835, there were less than a dozen persons in Rockford. This small number may be explained by the supposition that several workmen, who had been temporarily employed by Mr. Kent, had removed from the settlement.

It is impossible to give the name of every settler in what is now Rockford township at the close of the first year after Mr. Kent's arrival. In the autumn of 1834 Mr. Kent solicited a number of his southern friends to settle in the rising colony. Reference was made in Chapter VI. to John Wood. Another gentleman who thus responded was James B. Martyn. He was a native of the County of Cornwall, England, and had emigrated to Huntsville, Alabama, where he had made the acquaintance of Germanicus Kent. Mr. Martyn arrived in Rockford late in the summer of 1835. He subsequently removed to Belvidere, where he engaged in the milling business.

James Boswell and James Wood also came from the south about this time. Mr. Boswell settled on a claim about half a mile north of State street, on the west side of the river, immediately above Dr. Haskell's orchard. Thenext year Mr. Boswell traded with Mr. Spaulding for property directly opposite, on the east side of the river.

Eliphalet Gregory was born in Danbury, Connecticut, April 23, 1804. He came from New York in June, with his family. His claim extended east one-half mile from Kishwaukee street, and south from State to his brother Samuel's claim. His first log house was near Keith's creek, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, and west of Seventh street. A part of his later

The First Physician

Samuel Gregory arrived in Kockford December 8th. His claim was approximately bounded by what are now Sixth and Fourteenth avenues, and Ninth street and Churchill Place. His log house was on Seventh avenue, by Keith's creek, between Ninth and Tenth streets. Mr. Gregory spent his last years in Pekin, New York, where he died in May, 1886. His sons are: Delos S., John Clark, Homer, and James B. There were also four daughters : Mrs. Delia A. Johnson, deceased ; Mrs. Addie S. Witwer, of Chicago ; Mrs. Edna J. Hulbert, deceased ; and one who died in infancy.

Ephraim Wyman arrived in September. He was a native of Lancaster, Massachusetts. In 1824, when he was fifteen years of age, he removed to Keene, New Hampshire, and from there he came to Rockford. He followed the business of baker from 1835 until 1850. In the latter year he went to California, where he remained three years. Mr. Wyman owned and platted a tract of land in the heart of West Rockford, to which reference will be made in a subsequent chapter. A street on the West side bears his name. Mr. Wyman was county treasurer and assessor in 1844-45. In his last years he was afflicted with blindness. Mr. Wyman was a worthy gentleman, and is kindly remembered. He died in the autumn of 1898. Mrs. Wyman still resides in Rockford. Their only child died when less than four years old.

Levi Moulthrop, M. D., had the distinction of being the first resident physician in Winnebago county, as now organized. Dr. Whitney had probably preceded him at Belvidere, which at that time was included in Winnebago county. Dr. Moulthrop was descended from Mathew Moulthrop, who settled at Quinnipiac, now New Haven, Connecticut, April 18, 1638, and who was one of the original signers of the Plantation Covenant, ratified June 4, 1639. Dr. Moulthrop first came to this county in the autumn of 1835, and permanently settled here in the following spring. He was born near Litchfield, Connecticut, November 1, 1805. He received his early education in his native town, and completed a course of medicine and surgery at Fairfield college, in the state of New York. In the spring of his arrival in this county, he settled upon a claim of several hundred acres near Kishwaukee, now in New Milford township, and began the practice of medicine. June 30, 1840,

Dr. Moulthrop was married to Miss Margaret, eldest daughter of Sampson George, and died after a brief illness, September 12th of the same year. His son, Levi Moulthrop, was born in the spring of the following year. Dr. Moulthrop is said to have brought the first copy of Shakespeare into the county. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Democrat in politics, and a communicant of the Episcopal church.

Richard Montague came July 1st from Massachusetts, and purchased a tract of land near the city. A street in South Rockford, an island in Rock river and a ward school bear his name. Mr. Montague died July 16, 1878. His son, S. S. Montague, became an expert railroad surveyor.

Adam Keith came from Indiana. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1795. From there he went to Ohio, thence to Indiana. His name was given to Keith's creek. Mr. Keith removed from Illinois to Wisconsin in 1846. He died at Beaver City, Nebraska, in 1883, at the age of eighty-seven years.

William E. Dun bar settled in what is now South Rockford, and was a leader in the organization of the county. Mr. Dunbar served as county recorder from 1839 to 1843. He died October 16, 1847.

P. P. Churchill was born in Vermont in 1804. He preempted a farm of one hundred and sixty acres east of the city. Mr. Churchill died January 11, 1889. He is remembered for his simple ways, kind heart and upright life.

Among other settlers in the township during the year were: John Vance, John Caton, Joseph Jolly, Charles Hall, Lewis Haskins, Milton Kilburn, William Smith, Luke Joslin, Israel Morrill, D. A. Spaulding, Lova Corey, Alonsou Corey, Abel Campbell, EzraBarnum, Anson Barnum, James Taylor, William Hollenbeck, John Hollenbeck, V. Carter, Joseph F. Sanford, Jonathan Corey, Daniel Beers, Mason Tuttle, and Mr. Noble. The following were also employed by Mr. Kent during the year : Squire Garner, Gaylor, Perry, Norton, Phineas Carey, Jefferson Garner, Nathan Bond, Charles J. Fox, James Broadie and wife. All these were not within the present city limits, but they were residents in the vicinity. They made the hamlet their place of trade, and assisted in its growth.

The foregoing list, however, did not comprise the total population of the county. Settlements had been made in nearly all the townships. In June, 1860, Judge Church delivered an historical address before the early settlers. At that time Judge

Church gave the following list of settlers in what are now the different townships, in September of 1835 : New Milford : Samuel Brown, William K. Wheeler, Richard Hogaboom, Phineas M. Johnson, John Adams, John B. Long, Mr. Paddleford, James Campbell; Guilford: Henry Enoch, William E. Enoch, J. A. Pike, Abraham I. Enoch, John Kelsoe, Mr. Rexford, Colonel James Sayre, Abel C. Gleason, John Brink, William G. Blair ; Butler, now Cherry Valley: Joseph P. Griggs ; Harlem : William Mead, ChaunceyMead, Zemri Butler; Roscoe: Robert J. Cross, Robert Logan, Elijah H. Brown, William Brayton ; Rockton : Thomas B. Talcott, William Talcott, Henry Talcott, John F. Thayre, Isaac Adams, Pearly P. Burnham, Darius Adams, David A. Blake, Ellison Blake, John Kilgore, John Lovesse ; Owen: James B. Lee, Richard M.Walker; Burritt: Isaac Hance, John Mclntosh, A. M. Sherman, John Manchester and family, Elias Trask, Alva Trask ; Lysander, now Pecatonica : Ephraim Sunmer, William Sumner, Mrs. Dolly Guilford, Elijah Guilford, Thomas Hance; Elida, now Winnebago: David A. Holt; Howard, now Durand : Harvey Lowe, Nelson Salisbury, who made claims in 1835, but did not occupy them until the spring of 1836. These, with their families, property, houses, and other improvements, made that first short period determine all the future. They possessed and enjoyed the land. Others were following close behind. The future seemed promising, and they had only to prepare for it. Considerable ground was broken for cultivation ; but the newly broken soil was of little use until its turf had rotted and mellowed. There was thus probably little raised that year in crops, except possibly sod corn, potatoes, vines and garden vegetables. Winter wheat, however, was sown for the following spring.

Chapter Ix The Pioneers Op 1836

THE tide of emigration, which may be said to have begun in 1835, continued for several years. When the Rockford Society of Early Settlers was organized, January 10, 1870, its constitution provided that male residents of the county who settled therein previous to 1840 were eligible to membership. In this and the preceding chapter is given a partial list of those who came previous to and including 1836. In succeeding chapters will be published an incomplete roster of settlers of 1837-39, inclusive. According to the Old Settlers' standard of eligibility to membership, these names belong to the historic roll of honor.

One of the first emigrants of this year came from the old world. Thomas Lake was a native of Blackford, in the Parish of Selworthy, County of Somerset, England. He sailed from Bristol in 1832, and arrived in New York after a voyage of seven weeks and three days, just as the cholera was beginning its westward march with such alarming fatality. Mr. Lake's reminiscences of the time between his arrival in New York and his settlement in Rockford four years later, is a vivid picture of the hardships of pioneer life. Soon after his arrival in Chicago in October, 1835, he met an old acquaintance, Sidney Twogood, from Cleveland. Mr. Lake also saw Dr. J. C. Goodhue, whom he had called to see Mrs. Lake, who was ill. The Doctor advised Mr. Lake to settle in Rockford. He and his friend Twogood accepted this advice and arrived in Rockford, and for a time they followed the carpenter's trade. Mr. Lake also took up a claim, which was subsequently known as the Willis Smith farm, and now owned by P. Byron Thomas. Mr. Lake died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jane Lake, in Guilford, in the autumn of 1886.

Herman B. Potter was a native of Connecticut. He reached Rockford in October. Mr. Potter purchased a farm about two miles south of State street on the Kishwaukee road. Later he came to the city and built a house where the First Congregational church now stands. This home was purchased by Mrs. Chamberlain. Mr. Potter was a prominent citizen in the early history of the county, and was at one time a member of the county commissioners' court. In 1850 Mr. Potter visited California. In 1853 he removed his family to Iowa, where he resided until his removal to Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Potter died at Galesburg, March 16, 1880, at the age of seventy-five years.

Selden M. Church was a son of New England. He was born in East Haddam, Connecticut, March 4, 1804. His father subsequently removed to Livingston county, in western New York. The son came to Chicago in 1835 with a team ; thence he went to Geneva, in Kane county, where he remained until he settled in Rockford in the autumn of the following year. During his early residence in the township, when the Winnebago Indians made occasional visits to their former hunting-ground, Judge Church frequently visited their camp, and obtained such knowledge of their language as enabled him to intelligently carry on conversation with them. From an early date until the time of his death, Judge Church was a notable figure in the official and business life of the community. He filled the offices of postmaster, county clerk and county judge. The last position he held eight years. In 1847 he was a delegate from this county to the constitutional convention. Judge Church was a member of the general assembly in 1862; a member of the state board of charities in 1868 ; and was one of the commissioners chosen by the government to locate a bridge at Rock Island. Judge Church died June 21, 1892. He builded wisely for the educational and moral welfare of Rockford. Mrs. Church and daughters, Mrs. Katharine Keeler and Miss Mary Preston, reside on the family estate on South Avon street. The title to this property has not changed in more than half a century.

Abiram and Mary Morgan left their home in Massachusetts in September on a visit to this western country. They were charmed with the Rock river valley, and determined to settle here. They purchased a quarter section of Nathaniel Loomis, and erected a small log house on almost the exact site of the spacious old Horsman mansion. Mr. Morgan also purchased section twenty-two, which was originally an Indian "float." Mr. Morgan possessed a competence, which became the basis of a large estate for his family. His religious sympathies were with the Baptist church. As sooii as Mr. and Mrs. Morgan had established their home, they desired that it should be shared by their only daughter and her husband. This daughter, previous to the departure of her parents from Massachusetts, was a young school girl attending Charleston seminary, where she formed an acquaintance which led to her romantic marriage. Charles I. Horsman was then a young man in business in Boston. It was an instance of mutual love at first sight, and they were married February 10, 1834, when the bride was nineteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Horsman took their departure from the east soon after the arrival of her parents in Rockford. They came by way of Pittsburg, thence by the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, thence overland to Rockford. Mrs. Horsman has given a vivid picture of their reception at the parental home. As the shades of night were falling, on the second day of December, they reached Rockford, on the east side of the river. They were cold, hungry, weary and disheartened. The river was full of floating ice, so that the ferry was not available ; but a man agreed to row them across in a small boat, and they eagerly assented. Then they walked up from the river arm in arm, through the stately oaks, until they came to the home where the young wife's parents were waiting to receive them. In referring to that incident in later years, Mrs. Horsman said that as the door was thrown open to welcome the daughter and her husband, when the flood of light threw out its rays into the night, and the aroma of hot coffee greeted their keen senses, it seemed as if the gates of Paradise had been opened to them. On this very site Mrs. Horsman resided until her death in 1889. Mr. Horsman died March 2, 1875.

Sampson George, an English gentleman, came to thiscounty iti September. In his youth Mr. George had been educated in the profession of the law, in the office of his father ; but he had a decided preference for agricultural pursuits. Mr. George purchased a claim of eight hundred and eighty acres of land, held by Joshua Fawcett. Five weeks after his arrival Mr. George was taken ill and died October 31st, leaving a widow and five children. He was buried on his farm southeast of the village. Later the remains were removed to the West side cemetery.

Charles Henry Richings, M. D., was the second resident physician. He followed very closely Dr. Moulthrop. Dr. Richings was born in England, February 26, 1815. He received his medical education in Belgium, and settled in Rockford July

Hiram R. Enoch

18. The practice of his profession and his in vestments returned him a comfortable fortune. Dr. Richings was a communicant of the Episcopal church. His death occurred August 13, 1884. His widow resides on the homestead on West State street. His son, Dr. C. H. Richings, is a well known practitioner.

Bethuel Houghton came from New Hampshire, in October. He engaged in the bakery business, and at one time he was associated in this way with Ephraim Wyman. Mr. Houghton left reminiscences in manuscript, which have been of service in the preparation of this volume.

Hiram R. Enoch was a native of Warren county, Ohio. From there he removed with his parents to Will county, Illinois, and thence he came to Guilford township. Probably no citizen of Rockford possessed a larger fund of local history than did Mr. Enoch, and he rendered valuable assistance in the preparation of historical articles. Mr. Enoch was county treasurer eight years. His best known work was as editor and proprietor of the Rockford Journal. After his removal from Rockford Mr. Enoch was in the employ of the government, in the pension bureau. His death occurred at Washington, D. C.

Isaac Newton Cunningham was the first of four brothers to settle in this county. He was the second sheriff of Winnebago county, and held this office four years. He died in Rockford December 24, 1865. His name will frequently appear in later chapters.

Jacob and Mary Posson came from Schoharie county, New York. In 1837 Mr. Posson purchased land four miles east of Rockford, upon which he lived five years. In 1842 he bought property on the northeast corner of Second and Market streets. While building a cooper shop on this site he received injuries from which he died November 1, 1842. His son, H. A. Posson, has resided in the county sixty-two years, and has probably lived in Rockford township longer than any other resident except Mrs. Thatcher Blake. Mr. Posson was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and his arm was amputated the following week. He was in the local mail service four years from 1890, under Postmaster Lawler.

David S. Shumway came in the spring, and settled on a farm in New Milford. He was a native of Vermont. The family was known as Green Mountain Yankees, and was of Huguenot descent. One son, R. G. Shumway, was born in Vermont; R. B. Shumway is a native of Ohio ; three sons, Alvaro, Roland H., and Monroe, were born on the old farm in New Milford ; also three daughters, who died young during the sickly seasons of early days. Roland H. Shumway has acquired a national reputation as a seedsman, and has amassed a large fortune.

Nathaniel Loomis and his son, H. W. Loomis, came from New Jersey. Other settlera in the county were : Charles Works, Alonzo Corey, Charles P. Brady, Spooner Ruggles, Henry P. Redington, Jonathan Wilson, A. G. Spaulding, Scott Robb, Numan Campbell, John Peffers, Heman Campbell, Homer Denton, John Robb, Edward Smith, Joseph Ritchie, Herman Hoit, Martin W.Borst, Philip Culver, Thomas Williams, Joseph Vance, Austin Andrews, Edmund Whittlesey, Joseph Miner, Albert Fancher, Eli Burbank, Mr. Barnaby, and Miss Danforth, a sister of Mrs. Israel Morrill, and who became the wife of D. A. Spaulding, the first government surveyor of northern Illinois.

John Greenlee and John Armour, from Campbelltown, Argyleshire, Scotland, settled in the spring of this year at Harlem, and formed the nucleus from which has grown the large and flourishing colony known as the Scotch Settlement.

n""HE emigration of 1837 was equal to that of the preceding year. John C. Kemble was the first lawyer who practiced in this county. Mr. Kemble and Dr. Goodrich had offices on South Madison street, directly below Potter & Preston's store. Mr. Kemble's log house was built near the northwest corner of First and Walnut streets. Mr. Kemble was a gentleman of ability, and had been a member of the general assembly of New York from Rensselaer county. Mrs. Kemble was a member of one of the old Dutch families in New York. According to the custom of the day, a colored servant was assigned the duty of ministering to her comfort. Her maiden name was Potts, and she met and married Mr. Kemble in Chicago. Her servant, Isaac Wilson, familiarly known as "Black Ike," came to Rockford with Mrs. Kemble in the latter part of 1837. It has been said that he was a slave at this time; but such was not the fact. When Isaac was a boy slavery was abolished in New York by an act of gradual emancipation, and he became free at a certain age. He had become so attached to the family in the east that he voluntarily followed Miss Potts to Chicago, thence to Rockford, where he resumed his duties as a servant. These statements are made on the authority of the late Harvey H. SSilsby, who boarded with the Kemble family in the spring of 1839. About this time ex-Governor Marcy and wife of New York were guests at the Kemble home. Mr. Marcy had been governor three consecutive terms, and had attracted attention as a member of the United States senate by his reply to Henry Clay's assault on Van Buren, and by his answer to Daniel Webster's speech on the apportionment. The Governor came to Rockford with his own handsome team and carriage, and his drives about the country with the Kembles were notable inci- dents in the social life of the village. Mr. Kemble became insane, and in 1840 he was taken to an eastern asylum, where he died a short time afterward. Mr. Kemble had two sons. Albert, the elder, was an artist. He went to Italy for study, where he married, and died. Edward became an editor, and founded the California Star, the first English newspaper in San Francisco. For many years after the death of Mr. Kemble, "Black Ike" had a fruit and lunch counter on North Madison street, and is well remembered by old residents.

John Lake was born March 27, 1821, in Selworthy Parish, England. His father died when he was quite young, and he was early thrown upon his own resources. When sixteen years of age he determined to follow his uncle, Thomas Lake, to America, and arrived in Rockford about December 1st. After three years on a farm, Mr. Lake spent a year as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, under Thomas Thatcher. At the expiration of that time he began the business of contractor and builder on his own account. In the winter of 1852-53 Mr. Lake formed a partnership with the late Phineas Howes, in the lumber trade. The firm's yard was on the site of the Chicago & Northwestern passenger depot on the East side. After the railroad bridge was completed across the river, the firm removed its yard to the West side, near the present Northwestern freight depot. The business was continued there until the summer of 1856, when it was sold to Mr. Freeman. In November of that year Mr. Lake revisited his native country. He returned in February, 1857, and early in thefollowing spring he again embarked in the lumber business, on the southeast corner of State and Third streets, with his former partner, Mr. Howes. This partnership was dissolved in the autumn of 1859, by the sale of the stock to Cook & Brother, lumber dealers on the "West side. From 1860 to 1868 Mr. Lake was a partner with the late Henry Fisher, in the lumber business on the West side. In May, 1867, Mr. Lake again revisited England, and after an extended tour of the continent he returned in the autumn of the same year. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Lake and Seely Perry formed a partnership in the lumber trade, on the corner of Third and State streets, which was continued until 1874. The residences of these gentlemen were built from nearly the same plans. In 1874, and again in 1877, 1889 and 1891, Mr. Lake revisited Europe. Mr. Lake was connected with the Rockford Insurance Company from its organization in 1866 until its sale in 1899.

He was its first vice-president, and served in that capacity until January, 1866, when he was chosen president to succeed Dr. Robert P. Lane. Mr. Lake served the Second ward as alderman ten years ending with 1883. He has been a supervisor, and chairman of the board of education. For sixty-two years Mr. Lake has been known as a man of affairs, of strict integrity and exceptional executive ability; he is a self-made man. Mr. Lake and Seely Perry own the three-story brick block on the northeast corner of State and Second streets. October 11, 1849, Mr. Lake married Miss Aimed a M. Danley, of Harlem. Three of their seven children died in infancy. Those surviving are : Mrs. William H. Crocker, of Evanston; and Mrs. Charles M. Clark, Mrs. William M. Prentice, and Frank L., of Rockford. Mr. Lake is a prominent Odd Fellow, and has served as grand master of the grand lodge of Illinois, and representative to the sovereign grand lodge of the United States for six consecutive years. Mr. Lake is an attendant at the First Congregational church.

Henry Thurston and his son, John H., then a lad thirteen years of age, arrived in March. In company with William P. Dennis, of Massachusetts, they had come from Troy, New York, by sleigh and wagon to Chicago. There they met Daniel S. Haight and Benjamin T. Lee, of Rockford, both of whom had known the elder Thurston in the east ; and they persuaded the party to settle in Rockford. While in Chicago they met John C. Kemble, who had made the journey by stage from Troy, and the company reached Rockford soon afterward. The son grew to manhood and continuously resided in Rockford until the death of his wife in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Thurston resided more than forty years in the brick house on South Madison street, which has been used for several years as an annex for the high school. Mr. Thurston published his Reminiscences in 1891. They are a valuable contribution to local history. Mr. Thurston was uneducated in the learning of the schools ; nevertheless he had a retentive memory, a ready wit, and a natural aptitude for writing that have made his little volume of Reminiscences quite popular with all classes of readers. He has graphically portrayed that circle of pioneer social life in which he moved. Mr. Thurston died September 19, 1896.

William P. Dennis was a well known citizen, who held several minor offices. He first lived in a log house on the site of Dr. Catlin's residence, on South First street. Mr. Dennis died in Rockford, February 4, 1880.

Samuel D. Preston came from New York. He traveled over- , land from Medina, with his wife and one child. He lived on North Madison street, and later his home was on the site of the office of the Rockford Lumber and Fuel Company. Mr. Preston was prominent in the early business and political life of the community. He was county treasurer four years. Mr. Preston died February 11, 1844. He was the father of Mrs. L. J. Clark, deceased ; Miss Anna T. Preston, deceased ; and Miss Mary Preston, a resident of the city. Mr. Clark, his son-in-law, built the old stone house on the southwest corner of Madison and Oak streets.

Eleazer Hubble Potter was born in Fairfleld county, Connecticut, and emigrated with his parents to western New York when he was about seventeen years of age. Mr. Potter was fully committed to the New England idea that the church and the school-house form the real basis of the prosperity of a city. He therefore took an active interest in building up its religious and educational institutions. Mr. Potter made the acquaintance of Samuel D. Preston at Medina, and when these gentlemen came to Rockford they formed a partnership in business. Mr. Potter afterward became a prominent banker. He built the house now occupied by Rev. Mead Holmes, who has enlarged and otherwise improved it. He also built the fine residence of Hon. Gilbert Woodruff. Mr. Potter died at his home in this city, September 1, 1861, at the age of fifty-five years. He was the father of Mrs. William Lathrop, and Commodore Potter, who resides with his daughter, Mrs. Sabin, at Belvidere.

Nathaniel Wilder was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, June 30, 1794. From his native state he removed to Keene, New Hampshire, and from there he came to Rockford with his family, in March. He opened a blacksmith shop in a log building on South Main street, between Green and Cedar streets, and owned considerable property in that vicinity. Mr. Wilder was probably the third blacksmith in Rockford. He continued in this business twenty-five years, and then engaged in the coal trade. At one time he was a member of the Second Congregational church, but his later faith was Unitarianism. He died July 11, 1884, at the age of ninety years.

George W. Brinckerhoff came to Rockford during this year. He was in partnership with Germanicus Kent in various business enterprises. Although Mr. Brinckerhoff was quite prominent at one time, little is known of his later life.

Goodyear Asa Sanford was born in Hamden, Connecticut, in August, 1814. He was engaged in farming in the east until he came to Alton, Illinois, in December, 1836. In the following year he came to Kockford and engaged in mercantile business. Mr. Sanford always took an active interest in politics, and was one of the early sheriffs of the county. He was also school commissioner from 1845 to 1847. Mr. Sanford was a member of the banking firm of Dicker man, Wheeler & Co., which began business January 1, 1855. The firm name was changed the next year to Lane, Sanford & Co. The Second National Bank was organized April 29, 1864, with Mr. Sanford as cashier. He succeeded to the presidency, which he held at the time of his death, March 16, 1894. As a banker and man of affairs, Mr. Sanford was very prominent for more than half a century.

Rev. John Morrill and wife made their home in the little village in February. Mr: Morrill 's important work in stimulating the religious life of the community will be considered in a subsequent chapter. Mrs. Morrill was eminently fitted for the work to which she was called.

David D. Ailing was born at Westfield, Connecticut, April 27, 1813. At seven teen year s of age he began an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. He came to Rockf ord in October, upon the advice of G. A. Sanford. Mr. Ailing built a number of dwellings in the little village, and was a contractor during his entire active life in Rockford. He constructed the old First Congregational church, on the West side. He owned valuable property on South Main street. Mr* Ailing died August 1, 1898. He was the father of Mrs. P. W. Danky and Frank Ailing.

John Beattie was one of the first emigrants from Ireland to this county. He was born of Scotch ancestry in the north of Ireland, June 21, 1811. He learned the carpenter's trade in his native country, and continued this occupation after his settlement in Rockford. He was successful in business, and became the owner of a beautiful site in the finest residence portion of the city, which is now the hoirie of his daughters, Misses Mary I. and Anna. Several business houses on West State street also belong to his estate. These valuable lots were tendered him in payment for work on the old court house, more than half a century ago. Mr. Beattie at first refused them ; and it is said he wept the day he became their possessor, because he felt that he had been defrauded. Mr. Beattie was highly esteemed for his sterling character. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, although he was not a member of any church at the time of his death. Mr. Beattie died December 3, 1889. iMrs. Beattie died December 7, 1891. Two sons, Edward W. and George D., reside in Montana. Two sons and a daughter are deceased.

John Platt was born in West Haven, Connecticut, March 8, 1813. He came from Alton, Illinois, to Rockford in May, and engaged in mercantile business, in 1839 he removed to Pecatonica township and became an extensive land-owner. He returned to Rockford in 1845, where he resided until his death in 1881. Some years later Mrs. Platt married Robert H. Cotton. She passed her eighty -fifth year, December 11, 1899.

Benjamin Kilburn was born inBelchertown, Massachusetts, August 8, 1808. He settled permanently in Rockford in 1837. He had visited the county the preceding year, selected a place for a home, procured lumber for a house, engaged a man to build it, and then went back to Massachusetts to adjust his affairs. Upon his return to Rockjord he was accompanied by Mrs. Kilburn 's brother, hici.^y Maynard. Mr. Kilburn's first house was on the site of the Hotel Nelson, where it stood until 1891. Mr. Kilburn subsequently purchased a quarter-section in the northwestern part of the 'city. Mr. and Mrs. Kilburn had seven children. Five died in infancy or early youth. Edward B., a son, enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteers, and died in the hospital at Murfreesborough, in 1863. Mr. Kilburn opened a stone quarry on his place, which proved valuable, and is still operated by his son-in-law, T. W. Carrico. Kilburu avenue was named in honor of Mr. Kilburn. He died in 1860. Some years later Mrs. Kilburn married Mr. Fales. She died in the summer of 1899.

John Miller, with his wife and three sons, Jacob B., Thomas and George, arrived about the middle of May. Jacob was better known as "Old Jake." He was the second resident lawyer, and as a forcible speaker he was in great demand by the Whigs of this section in the exciting campaign of 1840.

Among other settlers in the county during the year were: Isaac Toms, William Twogood, Elisha A. Kirk, William Jones, William Peters, Richard S. Stiles, Eli Hall, Levi Taft, Hiram Richardson, Simeon Harmon, Lewis Keith, P. S. Doolittle, Joseph Hayes, Seth Palmer, and his daughter, Mrs. William Conick, who has resided in the county sixty-two years.

Chapter Xi

IN the summer and autumn of 1835 the settlers in this section began to agitate the question of local government. This matter was promptly brought to the attention of the state legislature.

The counties organized in northern Illinois prior to 1835 were much larger than they are at present. At that time Cook, LaSalle and JoDaviess counties extended from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river. Jo Davies was organized in 1827. It then extended east of Rock river, and included the territory now comprised in nine counties. This singular name for the county was not given by the citizens. The name designated in the original bill was Ludlow, in honor of the naval hero of that name. A member of the legislature moved to strike out the word Ludlow, and insert the name Daviess, in honor of Colonel Jo Daviess, who fell at Tippecanoe. Another member facetiously moved to amend the amendment by inserting before Daviess the word "Jo." The reason assigned was the fact that there was a member of the house by the name of Davis, and that the people might think the honor was intended for him ; and that it would be indelicate for the house, by any act, to transmit his name to posterity, as a precedent. This motion prevailed ; the senate concurred in the amendment, and thus the county officially received the name of Jo Daviess. This immense tract of wild, unpopulated country extended eastward to the third principal meridian, and has been reduced in size by the organization of eight other counties.

Cook and LaSalle counties were organized in 1831. It was the evident intention at that time to subdivide these counties at a later day, to meet the demands of an increased population. A map of Illinois, printed in 1835, owned by the late

Hon. Ephraim Sunnier, and now in possession of his son, Hon. E. B. Sumner, represents Cook county with territory attached on the north for judicial purposes. La Salle has northern territory annexed for the same purpose, corresponding to portions of McHenry, Kane, Winnebago and Ogle counties, and all of Boone and DeKalb, as at present organized. JoDaviess is shown with annexed territory on the east and south. The distinction between Cook and La Salle counties proper, and their annexed portions, appears to have been in the fact that the former were surveyed, while the latter were not. Although JoDaviess county was organized eight years before Mr. Simmer's map was printed, the map does not even represent the county as surveyed. The conditions, however, in JoDaviess were peculiar. The country near Galena included a mining camp, with quite a considerable population, and thus required a local government. Hence the organization of the county preceded by several years the government survey of the land.

The state legislature at that time held its sessions at Vandalia. An act, approved and in force January 16, 1836, provided for the organization of McHenry, Wiimebago, Kane, Ogle and Whiteside counties, and the reorganization of Jo Daviess. Section two of the law created Winuebago county, with boundaries as follows: "Commencing at the southeast corner of township number forty-three, range number four, east of the third principal meridian, and running thence west to the said meridian ; thence north along the line of said meridian, to the southeast corner of township number twenty-six, in range number eleven, east of the fourth principal meridian; thence west to the dividing line between ranges number seven and eight ; thence north along said line to the northern boundary of the state ; thence east along said boundary line to the northeast corner of range number four, east of the third principal meridian ; thence south to the place of beginning."

Winnebago was thus formed from the attached portions of Jo Daviess and La Salle counties. That part of the county east of the third principal meridian was taken from La Salle; the portion west of this meridian was detached from Jo Daviess. As at first organized, Winnebago county was almost exactly double its present size, and included all of Boone county, and the eastern two township ranges of what is now Stephenson county. Winnebago has never been enlarged or reduced from its original form on its northern or southern boundary.

The First Census

Section nine of the law to establish the county ordered an election to be held at the house of Germanicus Kent, on the first Monday in Ma.y, for sheriff, coroner, recorder, surveyor, and three county commissioners, who should hold their offices until the next succeeding general election, and until their successors were qualified. The election, however, was not held until the next August.

No county created by this act was to be organized, and an election held, until a majority of the voters of the prospective county had addressed a petition for the same to the judge of the sixth judicial circuit, or, in his absence, to another circuit judge. The voters were also required to give sufficient proof that the proposed county contained not less than three hundred and fifty white inhabitants. This task was undertaken by Dr. Daniel H. Whitney, who had settled at Belvfdere. As the first census enumerator, Dr. Whitney diligently spied out the land, and discovered the requisite number of "white inhabitants."

These facts were communicated to Judge Thomas H. Ford. He thereupon issued an order, dated July 15, 1836, for an election to be held at the house of Daniel S. Haight, on the first Monday in August. The ninth section of the statute had designated an earlier date and another place for this election ; but inasmuch as the organization of the county depended upon a prescribed population, a subsequent section of the law necessarily referred the time and place of such election to the presiding judge of the circuit. Under the first constitution of Illinois, all elections for state and county officers were held the first Monday in August. The time of these elections was changed by the second constitution, in 1847, to the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November. GermanicusKent, Joseph P. Griggs and Robert J. Cross were chosen judges of election. Judge Ford's order has been framed, and is preserved in the office of Captain Lewis F. Lake, the circuit clerk, as an interesting relic of those early days.

It has been said that politics and religion are the chief concerns of men. The "iron pen of history" must record the fact that politics then had the right of way for the time. The prospective election awakened intense enthusiasm. The electors were to vote also for a member of congress and two representatives in the state legislature. But the special interest centered in the selection of three candidates for county commis- sioners. Kentville and Haightville, as the West and the East side settlements were respectively called, had already become strong rivals. The Guelphs and Ghibellines, in the mediaeval Florentine republic, did not more earnestly strive for supremacy. No caucus or convention was called, and the factions informally divided the honors. Simon P. Doty, who had settled in Belvidere in 1835, was the candidate for commissioner for that part of the county. Thomas B. Talcott was the northern candidate. Mr. Haight was anxious to have the third elected from this bailiwick, but he waj3 obliged to yield this point to his West side rival, who placed William E. Dunbar in the field.

The election was held on Monday, August 1st, in a decidedly primitive manner. Written or printed ballots had not then been introduced into Illinois. Under the old constitution, all votes were to be given vive voce until otherwise provided by the general assembly ; and up to this time no change had been made. This method kept the interest at a high pitch, and enabled the voters to tell at any moment the relative strength of the several candidates. It is a gigantic stride from the vive voce vote of 1836 to the Australian ballot of today. At that time there was not a copy of the Illinois statutes in the county to direct the judges of election in the discharge of their duties. Mr. Kent, however, knew something of the election laws of Virginia and Alabama, Robert J. Cross was familiar with those of New York and Michigan, and Mr. Griggs was acquainted with the laws of Ohio. The election, therefore, was not allowed to goby default for so slight a cause as ignorance of the laws of their adopted state. D. A. Spaulding had some acquaintance with the laws of Illinois, and he was made one of the clerks of election, and entrusted with the duty of making the poll-books. Simon P. Doty, Thomas B. Talcott and William E. Dunbar were elected county commissioners; Daniel S. Haight, sheriff; Daniel H. Whitney, recorder; Eliphalet Gregory, coroner; and D. A. Spaulding, surveyor. The results of the election for member of congress and representatives in the general assembly are given in a subsequent chapter devoted to this subject.

One hundred and twenty votes were cast at this election. The names of the voters were as follows : David Caswell. George Caswell, David Barnes, P. P. Burnham, Thomas Crane, Thatcher Blake, Seth Scott, Joshua Fawcett, John Barrett, Jeremiah Frame, John F. Thayer, William Randall, John Welch, Joshua Cromer, John Slavins, David Blake, William Barlow, Joseph

The First Voters

On Wednesday, August 3d, the county commissioners-elect met in special session at the house of Daniel S. Haight, for the transaction of business necessary to complete the local government. Each commissioner administered the oath of office to the other. Lots were drawn for the terms of one year, and two and three years respectively. D. A. Spaulding was elected clerk of the county commissioners' court ; and Robert J. Cross was chosen treasurer. William E. Dunbar was sent to Vandalia, the capital of the state, with the election returns. The term court might seem to imply that this body possessed judicial powers, but such was not the fact. Under the constitution of 1818, three commissioners were elected in each county for the transaction of all its business. This court performed the duties and exercised powers corresponding in a general way to those entrusted under the present law to the board of supervisors.

At this first session of the court the commissioners divided the county into seven precincts, as follows : Yellow River, which included the towns of Silver Creek, Ridot, Freeport, Lancaster, and the south half of Rock River, in Stephenson county ; Rock Grove, which included the north half of Rock River, all of Buck Eye, Rock Grove, and the east half of Oneco, in Stephenson county, and Laona and Howard (now Durand) in Winnebago ; Peeketolika, corresponding to the towns of Seward, Lysander (nowPecatonica)and Burritt; Kishwaukee, now the townships of Cherry Valley, New Milford, and part of Rockford township ; Rockford, which included the present townships of Winnebago, Guilford, the larger part of Rockford, and the south half of Owen and Harlem; Rock River, including the townships of Shirlaud, Harrison, Rockton, Roscoe, north half of Owen and Harlem, and Manchester in Boone county; Belvidere, which included all of Boone county except Manchester township. This precinct contained two hundred and fifty-two square miles ; yet at the first presidential election in 1836, it could poll only twenty-three votes. Rock River precinct was twenty-four miles in length, and from six to twelve in width, and included six townships. At the presidential election previously mentioned this immense territory could poll but twenty votes. The number of precincts was subsequently increased to ten.

At this session of the court an order was issued, which fixed the time and place of holding an election in each precinct, for justices of the peace and constables. The date chosen was August 27. In only three of these precincts, however, were elections held on that day. In Belvidere John K. Towner and John S. King were elected justices of the peace, and AbelThurston and Mason Sherburne, constables. In Rock River, Sylvester Talcott and Robert J. Cross were elected justices of the peace, and John P. Parsons and D. A. Blake, constables. In Peeketolika, Ephraim Sumner and Isaac Hance were chosen justices, and William Sumner and Thomas Hance, constables. These justices were the first judicial officers in the county. A second election for the four remaining precincts was ordered to be held October 14th. Upon the election of these officers at this time the county organization was completed. There was as yet no county seat. The act to establish the county, however, had provided that until public buildings should be erected for the purpose, the courts should be held at the house of Daniel S3. Haight or Gennanicus Kent, as the county commissioners should direct.

The first claims against the county were presented at this session. Germauicus Kent, Robert J. Cross and J. P. Griggs, as judges of election, and D. A. Spaulding and S. A. Lee, as clerks, were allowed one dollar each. D. A. Spaulding was allowed fifty cents for stationery furnished for poll-books.

Chapter Xii

THE law establishing Winnebago county designated Robert Stephens and Rezin Zarley, of Cook county, and Jolm Phelps, of JoDaviess, as commissioners, to locate the permanent seat of justice. These commissioners, or a majority of them, were authorized to meet on the first Monday in May, 1836, or as soon thereafter as may be, at the house of Daniel S. Haight, for the discharge of their duty. John Phelps never made hia appearance. The other two commissioners met July 14th, at the place specified by law, for the selection of a site for the county buildings.

At the county commissioners' court on Thursday, August 4, 1836, the report of the special commissioners was presented. The reader will avoid confusion by noting the distinction between the three county commissioners elected by popular vote, and the special commissioners designated by the statute to locate the county seat. The latter reported that on the 14th day of July they had met at the house of Daniel S. Haight, and that two days later they had selected a site on lands owned by Nicholas Boilvin & Co., on condition that the proprietors should execute a warranty deed to the county of thirty acres of land, so long as it should remain the seat of justice. On the same day Charles Reed presented to the county commissioners a deed of twelve blocks, containing two and one-half acres each, situated about two miles up the river from the ferry crossing.

The law was very specific concerning the location of a site. It provided that if the site chosen should be the property of individuals, instead of government land, the owners thereof should make a deed in fee simple of not less than twenty acres of said tract to the county ; or in lieu thereof they should pay the county three thousand dollars, to be used in the erection of county buildings. Mr. Reed may have presented his deed in good faith, but it UUH iiot accepted because it contained an objectionable clause to the effect that the county should hold the property "so long as it should remain the seat of justice." This reservation defeated his scheme.

This tract of land came into possession of Nicholas Boilvin about one year previous. Mr. Boilvin was at one time a government agent for the Winnebago Indians. The several transfers of this property form an interesting chapter of local history. It was noted in Chapter III. that by the treaty negotiated at Prairie duChien, August 1, 1829, between the United States and the Winnebagoes, grants of land were made to certain descendants of this tribe. Catherine Myott, a half-breed Indian woman, was one of the two who had received two sections each. Previous to this contest over the county seat, one of these two unlocated sections had been sold to Henry Gratiot. By a deed executed August 25, 1835, Catherine Myott conveyed the other unlocated section to Nicholas Boilvin for eight hundred dollars. This was the first individual conveyance of land in Winnebago county. This deed was filed for record in Cook county, September 3, 1835, and recorded by Daniel H. Whitney, recorder of Winnebago county, September 8, 1836. This instrument was the first filed for record in this county. The tract located for Mr. Boilvin, by virtue of the treaty of 1829, is the east half of section fourteen and all that part of section thirteen west of Rock river, in Rockford township, and contains six hundred and thirty-seven acres. At the time Mr. Reed made the offer of his deed to the county commissioners, the property belonged to Nicholas Boilvin, of Chicago, Charles Reed, of Joliet, and Major Campbell.

As soon as the organization of the county began to be agitated, Boilvin and his associates determined to secure the location of the county seat on their site. The entire tract was platted September 14, 1836. It was known as Nicholas Boilvin's plat of the town of Winnebago, and the plat was filed for record September 17, 1836. Reed appeared as the principal manager. There were two hundred and fifty-one blocks, and these were subdivided into two thousand four hundred and thirty-six lots. The streets were uniformly eighty-two and one-half feet wide, and bore north and south, east and west. The lots were fortynine and one-half feet front, and one hundred and thirteen feet and nine inches deep, except the lots in the water blocks, which ran back from Water street to low-water mark. The alleys were twenty feet wide. The town was chriateued Wiimebago. Reed built a two-story house, to be used as a hotel arid store, which is still standing a few rods above John H. Sherratt's new residence. A free ferry was established; a lime-kiln and a blacksmith shop were built; and a road opened through the timber east from Winnebago, to meet the state road from Chicago to Galena, at a point on Beaver creek. Nothing was left undone to secure the county seat; but the decision of the commissioners, like the law of the Medes and Persians, could not be changed.

Notwithstanding the fact that the special commissioners were given full power by the statute to locate the county seat, their selection was arbitrarily set aside by the commissioners' court. This rejection, however, was based upon a reason which would have been considered valid by any court. The question did not again come before the people until 1839. Pending the location of the county seat, the commissioners ordered that the circuit and county commissioners' courts should be held at the house of Mr. Haight.

Chapter Xiii

1""HE ferry was the first mode of transit across the river. Ferries were established by special acts of the legislature, with regular charters, in territory not under county organization. The issue of licenses for conducting ferries came under the jurisdiction of the commissioners' courts in organized counties. In 1836, at the September session of this court for Winnebago county, Germanicus Kent was authorized to establish a ferry at Rockford, at what is now State street. He was required to pay a license of ten dollars for one year. Rates of ferriage were established as follows : For each carriage, wagon or cart, drawn by two horses, oxen or mules, sixty -two and one-half cents; the same drawn by one horse, thirty-seven and one-half cents ; for each additional horse, twelve and one-half cents; for man and horse, twenty-five cents; each horse, mule, or head of cattle, twelve and one-half cents ; hogs, sheep and goats per score, fifty cents; each footman, six and one-quarter cents. These terms were for transients. Farmers were given a yearly rate. Free ferriage was given to the citizens of the county after the village became incorporated. The proprietors were reimbursed from the village treasury.

At the same session of the court Vance & Andrews were authorized to establish a ferry at Winnebago, on the same terms for license and ferriage as given Mr. Kent. C. Doolittle, by his agent, H. M. Wattles, was granted the privilege of establishing a ferry where the line between Rockford and Owen townships crosses Rock river, on the same terms. In the spring of 1836, Harvey Lowe and Nelson H. Salisbury, who had made claims in Howard in the preceding autumn, returned with their families. May 18th they crossed the river at the point now spanned by Trask's bridge. They were the first to cross in the boat which had been launched that day. They had been detained there about a week, and during that time they had assisted in building the boat. This ferry, which was established through the agency of Love and Salisbury, to enable them to cross their claims, subsequently became the thoroughfare in the direction of Mineral Point, and formed a convenient crossing for all emigrants to the country north of the Pecatonica.

In 1837 the ferry licenses of Kent and Vance were extended another year, at the same rates. Mr. Kent conducted the ferry at Rockford from 1836 to 1838. In the latter year a license was issued to Kent & Brinckerhoff. The rates of ferriage were changed and the license fee raised to twenty dollars. These gentlemen were succeeded by Selden M. Church, who continued the business until the first bridge was built.

Skiffs were used for carrying passengers, and a scow for horses and other property. A scow was made from the halves of large split logs hewn down to proper thickness, and planked in the ordinary manner. A large cable was stretched across the river, supported by posts on either side, which kept it in place. From the ends of the scow smaller ropes ran to pulley blocks running on the cable. By shortening one of these ropes and pushing the boat from the shore so that the current could strike it obliquely, the craft was given the required momentum, and the rapid current propelled it over. The scow could carry two teams at a time. Teams were driven upon the scow, and if any danger was apprehended from frightened horses, the driver would block a wheel to the scow with a chain. A platform at either end of the boat, supported by levers attached to each side, was lowered to the solid landing, and thus formed an easy entrance and exit. A railing at the sides and base at the ends insured perfect safety. The countersign was "Over!" which, with various repetitions and inflections, always preceded the starting of the boat.

There was a ferry-house on either side of the river. The ferryman resided in the one on the West side. It was a frame structure built on the site of the public library building, in 1839, by Allen & Brown, for Kent & Brinckerhoff. Its dimensions were fourteen by fourteen feet, one story, boarded up and down, with shingle roof. James Taylor, a bachelor, was the first ferryman. He was succeeded by Giles C. Hard, and he in turn by John Fisher, after whom Fisher avenue was named. He was a native of New Hampshire, a strong and muscular man, of strict integrity. Mr. Taylor was assisted by Asher Miller. Their combined strength was sometimes severely tested in getting a row-boat, loaded with passengers and mails, across through the ice, when the ferry-boat could not run.

Survey Of The State Road

When Gerrnanicus Kent and Thatcher Blake made their settlements, there were no state roads in this vicinity. Indian trails wended their way through prairie and forest, but these did not greatly facilitate the travel of the white man. At that time Chicago and Galena were the only well known points in northern Illinois. The first settlements in the state were made in the southern portion ; and as the tide of emigration poured from the east into the Rock river valley, after the Black Hawk war, each session of the legislature laid out a number of state roads.

By an act approved January 15, 1836, James Gifford, Daniel S. Haight and Josiah C. Goodhue were appointed special commissioners to view, survey and locate a road from Meacham's Grove, in Cook county, to Galena, in JoDaviess county. The bill directed that the commissioners should make "Elgin on Fox river, in Cook county, Belvidere on Squaw Prairie, in the county of LaSalle, and Midway at the ford on Rock river, in the county of J o Daviess, points on the said road, and shall fix the said road on the most advantageous ground, for a permanent road, having reference to said points." This road was opened without delay, and State street in Belvidere and in Rockford is a portion of this highway, which extends nearly across the state in a general northwesterly direction from Chicago.

By the same act David W. Whitney, Stephen Mack, and John P. Bradstreet were designated commissioners to locate a road from Belvidere to the mouth of Pecatonica river, at Macktown, which was named in his own honor by its founder, Stephen Mack. By an act of the legislature, approved March 2, 1839, Benjamin T. Lee, of Winnebago county, Ephraim Hall, of DeKalb, and Isaac Marlett, of Kane, were made commissioners to view, survey and locate "a state road from where a certain road terminates at the Will county line, to Aurora, on Fox river; thence, by the county seat of DeKalb county, Rockford, in Winnebago county, Trask'e ferry, Pekatonikee; thence to the state line, in a direction towards Mineral Point. The said commissioners shall lay out a state road from the town of Winnebago, in Winnebago county, intersecting the State road in the direction to the Will county line." Mr. Marlett, the third commissioner, was the father of Mrs. 0. B\ Barbour, of Rockford. About 1839 Charles street was opened as a more direct route to Chicago, by way of St. Charles; hence the name. But it was of little value in this respect beyond Cherry Valley.

In March, 1839, an act of the legislature was approved, by which twenty-five thousand dollars were appropriated from the state internal improvement fund, which had been created two years before. This money was distributed among the northern counties. It was to be applied by the commissioners' courts of the counties receiving the same, exclusively to the construction of bridges, and the improvement of public roads in their respective counties. Winnebago county received three thousand one hundred and fourteen dollars and eighty-three cents, with the proviso that "the bridge across Cedar creek, on the State road leading by Bloomingville to the mouth of the Pickatonike, and the improvements of the Great Western mail route or road from the east to the west line of Winnebago county, shall first be made and paid for from the sum appropriated to said county."

Upon the organization of the county, the commissioners devoted considerable attention to receiving petitions for the appointment of viewers to locate roads. The rapid settlement of the county, in a day preceding the railroad, demanded the best possible facilities for transportation. Every propertyowner was anxious to secure a public road near his homestead, and was willing to give whatever land was necessary. The records of the county bear testimony to the fidelity with which the commissioners transacted this important business.

Chapter Xiv

MR. KENT was in a sense the first proprietor of the colony. He gave it the name of Midway. This name, which is said to have been proposed by Mrs. Kent, was suggested by the fact that the settlement was about halfway from Chicago to Galena. "Midway, Rock River, JoDaviess county, Illinois, June 17, 1835," is thename and date Mr. Kent gives in a letter to afriend. The law of 1836 which established the State road, noted in the last chapter, referred to "Midway at the ford on Rock river."

A letter written by Mr. Kent in the autumn of 1834, addressed to J. B. Martyn, of Alabama, directed that gentleman to "Midway" as follows : "At Galena call on my brother. From Galena go directly east until you come to and cross Apple river, thence turn in a southeasterly course to Plum river, and from there to Cherry Grove. - There leave some timber on your left, and a small grove on your right [later known as Twelve-Mile Grove] and then keep on until you strike Rock river, from which a blind path will lead you to Mid way." These instructions were about as definite asLauncelot's direction to the Jew's house, in the Merchant of Venice : "Turn up on your right hand at the next turning, but at the next turning of all, on your left; marry, at the very next turning, turn of no hand, but turn down indirectly to the Jew's house." Nevertheless, Mr. Martyn found Midway.

Under. date of October 17, 1837, Mr. Kent writes a letter from Rockford. The settlement was therefore known as Midway from one to three years. It is said "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet ; " but it is doubtful if the ambitious young community would have become the commercial and educational center of the Rock river valley, handicapped by the primitive name of Midway. The original proprietors early came to this conclusion. Authorities differ as to the origin of the name Rockford. One writer says the place was known as Rockford by the Indians ; and that this name was suggested to them by nature. Upon the site of the present dam was a solid rock bottom, where the water WRS usually so shallow as to afford

John H. Thurston gives a somewhat different, though not necessarily a conflicting, version. He says Daniel S. Haight, Germanicus Kent, William H. Oilman of Belvidere, John P. Chapin and Ebenezer Peck of Chicago, and Stephen Edgel, later of St. Louis, met at Dr. Goodhue's office, on Lake street, in Chicago, to name the claim, or mill privilege, which they hoped at some time would become a town. "Midway," though an appropriate name, was not in favor. Various names were suggested and rejected, until Dr. Goodhuesaid: "Why not call it ROCKFORD, from the splendid rock-bottom ford on the river there?" The suggestion seemed an inspiration, and was at once unanimously adoped ; and from that day to this, Dr. Goodhue has been given the credit of the present name. The date of this christening is uncertain. Mr. Thurston says it occurred in the summer of 1835; but the statute of January, 1836, still designated it Midway. News traveled slowly, however, in those days; and possibly the solons at Vandalia had not learned of the change.

The first surveys in Winnebago county were made early in 1836. Don Alonzo Spaulding, a pioneer of 1835, was the government surveyor. One of his associates was Hon. Charles B. Farwell, of Chicago, who in 1886 succeeded the late General John A. Logan as a United States senator from Illinois. In October, 1835, Mr. Spaulding began the extension of the third principal meridian, at a timber corner about two miles north of the point where this meridian crosses the Illinois river, on the western boundary line of LaSalle county. Mr. Spaulding extended the third principal meridian north to its intersection with the Wisconsin boundary line. He then returned on the line to the corner of townships forty-one and forty-two north, range one east, and commenced the stand-line running east along the southern boundary of townships forty -two north, ranges one, two and three east ; and then surveyed the range and township lines in these three ranges to the north line of the state. He subdivided townships forty-four and forty-six, Rockford and Rockton, before leaving the field in January, 1836. Mr. Spaulding resumed his surveys in the spring of that year, and subdivided township forty-five, range one east, and townships forty-four, forty-five and forty-six, ranges two and three east. In 1839, 1840, and 1841, under another contract, Mr. Spauld- ing subdivided, in ranges ten and eleven, east of the fourth principal meridian, from the northern line of the state south ward nearly thirty miles. It will thus be seen that Mr. Spaulding surveyed the range and township lines in all of Winnebago county, and the western range of Boone; and subdivided all of Winnebago except New Milford and Cherry Valley townships.

Mr. Spaulding, however, was not responsible for the fact that the streets of East and West Rockford do not squarely meet at the river. Mr. Spaulding stated that in January, 1836, Mr. Kent requested him to lay out two or three streets, parallel with the river, on the West side, as the beginning of his town. There were probably ten or twelve blocks, the corners of which were defined by stakes. This survey of blocks and streets was a personal transaction with Mr. Kent, and entirely separate from Mr. Spaulding's survey of townships and ranges for the government. In the spring of 1836 several persons interested in the east side of the river wished Mr. Spaulding to lay off the beginning of their town. After making a preliminary examination, he found that he could not make the front street or the street next the river, on the most suitable ground and have the cross streets correspond with the streets on the west side of the river. He then examined his work on the West side, and found that it could be changed so as to conform to the East side. At that time no improvements had been made which would have been affected by the prospective change ; and a slight modification would have made the streets on the two sides of the river harmonize, as though there had been no river dividing the town. Mr. Spaulding explained to Mr. Kent the advantage of such harmony to both sides of the river ; but Mr. Kent was unwilling to comply with his suggestions. Forty-five years later Mr. Spaulding made this explanation to relieve himself of the responsibility for the city streets as they now touch the river.

The rivalry between the two sides of the river could not be compromised. Nature provided that the river should be a bond of union in which there is strength ; but the two factions made it a cause of division. Both Kent and Haight foresaw that the prosperity of Rockford would largely depend upon the development of the natural water-power; but neither would make any concession, even for the general good. William E. Dunbar had settled on the West Side in 1835; but he subsequently removed to the East side, purchased land of Mr. Haight, and joined him in a common rivalry against his former neighbor.

Chapter Xv

IT has been said that John Wesley gave one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the poor, and at his death he left to the world two silver spoons and the Methodist church. The latter has proved a splendid legacy. Methodism has always been a pioneer. It received its baptism of divine energy in the days of John and Charles Wesley. George Whitefield caught the holy flame, and came to America to preach a more simple gospel to the common people. Methodism has since kept pace with the course of empire that westward takes its way.

Methodism was established in Wiunebago county in 1836. It was therefore the vanguard of the church militant to enter and possess the land. The official record of the first society has not been preserved. It is an interesting fact that early and authentic information was given by Bishop Vincent thirty-five years ago. At that time he was pastor of the Court Street Methodist church. On Sunday, October 2, 1864, Rev. Vincent preached a sermon on Methodism in Rockford, which has been preserved. Thirty-five years ago there were living witnesses of the first effort to organize a Methodist church, and others who had seen the stately tree grow from the grain of mustard seed . This sermon is supplemented by an excellent historical address delivered by Rev. G. R. Vanhorne, D. D., August 6, 1882, in the Centennial Methodist church, which is on file in the records of that church. These sermons furnish the only available information concerning the first church organized in Winnebago county.

Galena was the first appointment within the bounds of the present Rock River conference. It was at that time, in 1829, in the Illinois conference, which comprised the states of Indiana and Illinois. The Indiana conference was formed in 1834. After this separation of Indiana from the Illinois conference, thelatter still covered a vast region. In the autumn of 1835 Rev. William Royal was appointed to the Fox River mission. Rev. Samuel Pillsbury was associated with him. This mission circuit extended

The First Class

Dorthwardfrom Ottawa. In June, 1836, Rev. Pillsbury preached a sermon at the home of Henry Enoch, in Guilford township, seven and one-half miles east of Rockford. This was the first service in the county conducted by a Methodist clergyman. On that occasion Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beers and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gregory traveled six miles in a heavy lumber wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. Verily, these godly pioneers were not carried to the skies, nor even to church, on "flowery beds of ease." Their religion cost them something; but they received manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. This first service was followed during the summer by occasional sermons by Rev. Royal at Mr. Enoch's house; and Mrs. Enoch often prepared Sunday dinners for the congregation. On his way to conference at Springfield, in the autumn of 1836, Rev. Royal passed through Rockford. Monday afternoon, September 2d, he preached in Samuel Gregory's log house, which stood on what is now block fourteen in Gilbert Woodruff's Second Addition to Rockford. At the close of the sermon Rev. Royal organized the first Methodist class, which consisted of five persons : Samuel Gregory, Joanna Gregory, Mary Enoch, Daniel Beers and Mary Beers. These pioneer Methodists have been honored by five memorial front windows in Centennial church. Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Beers were living when Dr. Vanhorne prepared his memorial address seventeen years ago.

Rev. Vincent, in his sermon, made this reference to that humble beginning: "I visited a few days ago the remains of the old log house, scarcely a mile east of the river, and near the railroad, where this organization of Methodism took place. It was in an humble place, but in the midst of a glorious land and under a benignant heaven that this little germ was planted, and it has grown rapidly, and the five have become nearly a thousand who live under the shadow of Rockford Methodism today ; and who can tell of the number who have gone up from the field of conflict into the temple of triumph? "

At the conference of 1836 Bishop Roberts appointed Dr. Arnold to the Sycamore circuit, of which Rockford was a part. The few Methodists gathered for worship as often as possible at Mr. Gregory's house. In 1837 the conference met at Rushville, when Bishop Roberts sent William Gaddis, with Robert Lane as assistant, to the Rockford circuit. This circuit belonged to the Chicago district, over which John Clark was presiding- elder. Mr. Lane soon retired from the field, and he was succeeded by Leander S. Walker. At the conference of 1638, at Alton, Bishop Soule returned Mr. Walker to Rockford as preacher in charge, with Nathan Jewett as assistant. During the early part of Mr. Walker's pastorate he preached in the house of James Boswell, north of the brewery. . The Methodists subsequently worshipped in a building erected by Mr. Haight on the site of the American House. This building was used for various purposes. In the summer of 1838 the Methodists built a parsonage on First street, between Prairie street and Lafayette avenue, facing west. This was the first Methodist parsonage built within what is now the Rock River conference. Another memorable event occurred during this year. The first quarterly meeting was held late in the summer, in a barn belonging to Mr. Haight, near the intersection of State and Third streets, and is known in local history as the "stage barn." The services began on Saturday, and continued through Sunday. Bishop Morris presided at the conference held in Bloomington in 1839, and returned Nathan Jewett to Rockford as preacher in charge.

The Rock River conference was organized August 26, 1840, at Mt. Morris. Bishop Waugh presided over this conference, which was held in a grove. Rockford was retained in the Chicago district, with John T. Mitchell as presiding elder, andSemphronious H. Stocking as circuit preacher. August 25, 1841, the conference was held at Platteville, Wisconsin, when Bishop Morris sent John Crummer to Rockford. The Methodists were then holding services in the brick schoolhouse on the East side public square. The Dniversalists appointed their service at the same hour and place, and differences arose. The Methodists withdrew from the schoolhouse; the pastor removed his family "up-stairs," and finished the lower story of the parsonage as a chapel.

August 3, 1842, the conference met in Chicago, and Bishop Roberts assigned Rockford to the care of Silas Bolles. At this time the Methodist church was worshiping in what was afterward known as the "old seminary building." This structure had been begun as a Congregational church, but was abandoned for the church built on the West side by Kent and Brinckerhoff. In 1842 the Methodists bought this property of the county commissioners, and held it for some years.

Purchase Of Five Lots

James B. Marty n, Samuel Gregory, Daniel Beers and Willard Wheeler. At the conference in Dubuque, Iowa, August 30, 1843, Rockford was made a "station," and Bishop Andrews -ent Richard Blanchard. November 10th of that year the trustees of the society purchased of Daniel S. Haight the lot on which the parsonage had been built five years previous. The consideration was two hundred dollars. In 1849 the trustees sold the property to George Shearer, for three hundred dollars. The lot is now occupied by Thomas Sully's residence.

Nathaniel P. Heath succeeded Mr. Blanchard in 1844. He was sent by Bishop Morris, who presided at the conference in Milwaukee. In August, 1845, the conference met at Peoria, and Bishop Morris sent Charles D. Gaboon to Rockford. He filled this appointment only once, and died September 25th. His remains are buried in the Cedar Bluff cemetery. Of the fifty-eight pastors who were assigned to Rockford pulpits from 1836 to 1882, Mr. Gaboon is the only one who died among this people while in the pastorate. John Lucock was sent to fill out the term of Mr. Gaboon. During his pastorate the society resolved to build a church. December 6, 1845, a subscription paper was circulated. The quarterly conference had already appointed John Lucock, Willard Wheeler, G. 0. Holmes, James B. Martyn, Horace Miller, Samuel Gregory, Edward Fitch, and Eliphalet Gregory as a building committee, to superintend the erection of the edifice, which was to be called "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Rockford." This subscription list has been preserved, and is now in the archives of the society. The amount subscribed was two thousand three hundred and twelve dollars.

In August, 1846, Nathaniel P. Heath was re-assigned to this charge, at the request of the society, by Bishop Hamline, who presided over the conference at Galena. February 25, 1846, the trustees purchased of William H. Gilman, lots one, two, three, four and five, in the east half of block thirty-one, fronting on South Second street, between Oak and Walnut. The consideration was three hundred and twenty-five dollars. This part of the town was then called the "Barrens," and was a hunting-ground for the boys. These lots, except lot one, are the same upon which the Centennial church and parsonage now stand, and which were occupied by the First church and parsonage. The contract for building the First church WM made with M. H. Regan, in 1846, but it was not completed

The conference of 1847 was held in August, at Chicago. Bishop Waugh assigned James E. Wilson to Rock ford. He remained one year. The church was completed and dedicated during his pastorate. March 13, 1848, a second subscription paper was circulated. The document contained this proviso: "That the seats in said church shall be free for all, in accordance with the discipline and usages of said church, - if not free these subscriptions to be null and void." The amount pledged was two thousand and sixty -nine dollars. This document is also preserved. The dedication of the church occurred June 1, 1848. Leander S. Walker preached the dedicatory sermon. The cost of the church was about seven thousand dollars. The pulpit of this sanctuary had an unique history. Several years before, Samuel Gregory had taken careful forethought for his burial, and cut down a stately walnut tree, sawed it into boards and solemnly stored them away for his coffin. Nature seemed to resent the insinuation, and the country became so healthy as to render his efforts useless. Before Mr. Greogory had an opportunity to die, William Logue came to Rockford with an abundance of undertaking supplies, and Mr. Gregory relegated the well seasoned boards to the loft of his barn. When the First church needed a pulpit, he brought forth his treasure of walnut and literally laid it on the altar. When the Centennial church was built, the historic desk given by the first class-leader was carefully taken apart, and fashioned into the beautiful piece of furniture upon which the Bible now rests. Mr. Gregory lived more than forty years after this strange preparation for his burial ; and that which was intended to encase a dead body, now holds the living word.

Canton was the seat of the conference in 1848, when Bishop Morris sent James C. Parks to Rockford. He was the first preacher who remained two years on this charge. During his first year, in 1849, the society built a "grout" parsonage on the corner lot just south of where the present parsonage stands. July 18, 1849, the annual conference was held at Rockford, with Bishop Janes presiding. Bishop Hamline presided at the conference in Plainfield, July 17, 1850. He assigned to Rockford. William P. Jones, who remained one year. He was succeeded by Francis A. Reed, who received his appointment from Bishop Waugh, who presided over the conference, held July 17th, at Peoria. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Reed that the "Second Methodist Episcopal church" was organized. These were successful years for local Methodism. At the end of his term he reported four hundred members and twenty probationers.