Rockford Township (part 5 of 11)

Dr. Alden Thomas was born at Woodstock, Vermont, November 11, 1797, and was a lineal descendant from John Alden. He was married to Elizabeth Marsh, June 15, 1824. In the autumn of 1839, the family came to Rockford. They had lived in the meantime at Bethany and Holly, New York. During the first few weeks in Rockford the family lived in the Brinckerhoff house, which still stands on the corner north of the government building. Later Dr. Thomas resided for a few months in a house which stood on the site of the Emerson warehouse, just south of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad bridge. In the following spring Dr. Thomas built a house opposite the court house. He practiced medicine about five or six years, and then removed to a farm two miles south on the Kishwaukee road, where he lived about two years. The family then returned to the village, and lived for a time in a house still standing on South Second street, and later in the grout house near the corner west of the First Congregational church, which Dr. Thomas built. He opened a drug store soon after his return from the farm, and continued in this business until a short time before his death. Dr. Thomas was a member of the First Congregational church, and played the bass viol there for some time. A book of music, with words and notes copied by him in a clear, beautiful hand, is now in possession of his daughter, Mrs. W. A. Dickerman. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas arc held in loving remembrance by the early residents of the city.

Dr. Thomas' children are: Mrs. W. A. Dickerman, E. P. Thomas, and the late Mrs. S. J. Caswell, of this city, and F. A. Thomas and Mry. Evans Blake, of Chicago. Henry, the youngest son, enlisted in the army during the civil war, and was drowned while returning on a furlough. Dr. Thomas' death occurred March 21, 1856.

Chapter Xxiii

ON the morning of April 16, 1838, Dr. Haskell and family, Mo wry Brown and wife, Samuel Haskell, H. H. Silsby, Isaiah Lyon, Caleb Blood and William Hull boarded the steamboat Gipsy at Alton, Illinois. The destination of this party was Rockford. The river was high, the bottom lands were overflowed, and the boat sometimes left the channel of the Mississippi and ran across points of land, and once went through a grove of timber. When the Gipsy arrived at Rock Island and ran alongside the wharf-boat, a strong wind from the east turned the bow out into the stream. As the boat turned, the rudder struck the wharf-boat, and broke the tiller ropes. This accident rendered the boat unmanageable, and it was blown across the river to Davenport, Iowa. While at Rock Island Dr. Haskell contracted with the captain that upon his return from Galena he would steam up Rock river to Rockford. At Savanna, Samuel Haskell, William Hull and H. H. Silsby left the Gipsy. They had come to the conclusion that the boat would never reach Rockford; and in company with Moses Wallen, of Winnebago village, where the county seat had been located by the special commissioners, they started afoot for Rockford. They stopped over night at Cherry Grove, and the next morning they traveled to Crane's Grove, on the stage route from Dixon to Galena. There they hired a coach and team, which brought them that evening to Loomis' Hotel.

Mr. Silsby writes that a few days after his arrival he arose one morning as soon as it was light, to see if he could discover any sign of the Gipsy. He was rewarded by the sight of dense, black smoke, near Corey's bluff, which seemed to be moving up the river. Soon the Gipsy came in sight, and the people gathered on the banks of the river and cheered the boat as it ascended in fine style until nearly over the rapids, when it suddenly turned, swung around, and went down stream much faster than it ascended. It rounded to and tried it again, and soon turned down stream a second time. After several attempts, with the aid of a quantity of lard thrown into the furnaces, the boat ran up the swift current, and soon tied up to the bank in front of Platt & Sanford's store, which^stood near the water's edge, in the rear of the Masonic Temple site. The Gipsy was the first steamer that visited Rockford. It was a stern-wheeler, not less than one hundred feet in length, and perhaps thirty in width. It had a cabin above the hold, and an upper deck, open and uncovered. There were several state-rooms. G. A. Sanfordand John Platt had come to Rockford the preceding year, and had formed a partnership in conducting the first store on the West side. Mr. Sanford sold his interest to Dr. Haskell. The following year Mr. Platt retired and Dr. Haskell became sole owner. When the Gipsy arrived the Doctor's eleven tons of merchandise were removed from the boat to the store. A merchant at Beloithad shipped ten tons from Rock Island to Beloit, which were to be delivered at that point. The people came in from the country, and chartered the boat for an excursion up the river, and carried passengers. The captain said he never witnessed such a scene before. They danced all night, and kept the cabin in an uproar day and night until they reached Rockton. The music was furnished by Andrew Lovejoy, who played the flute, and another man with his fiddle.

Dr. Haskell was a native of Massachusetts. He was born at Harvard, March 23, 1799. His father, Samuel Haskell, removed to Waterford, Maine, in 1803. In 1821 the son went to Phillips Exeter academy, and entered Dartmouth college in 1823. He left his college class in his sophomore year, and studied medicine until 1827, when he received the degree of M. D. from the college. While in college, he taught one term of district school in East Haverhill. One of his pupils was John G. Whittier; and the schoolmaster in Whittier's "Snow-Bound" was his former teacher. On page thirty-four of Samuel T. Pickard's Life and Letters of Whittier, is found this allusion to the hero of this poem : "Until near the end of Mr. Whittier's life, he could not recall the name of this teacher whose portrait is so carefully sketched, but he was sure he came from Maine. At length, he remembered that the name was Haskell, and from this clue it has been ascertained that he was George Haskell, and that he came from Waterford, Maine." Dr. Haskell never appeared to have been aware of the fact that his gifted Haverhill pupil had immortalized him in "Snow-Bound." Dr. Haskell also received this tribute as a teacher from his illustrious pupil, as given in a later chapter of Mr. Pickard's biography : "He

[Whittier] was accustomed to say that only two of the teachers who were employed in that district during his school days were fit for the not very exacting position they occupied. Both of these were Dartmouth students: one of them George Haskell, to whom reference has already been made." Dr. Haskell began the practice of medicine at East Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1827, and removed to Ashby, in the same state, in the following year.

Dr. Haskell came to Illinois in 1831, and settled at Edwardsville, and two years later he removed to Upper Alton. While there he became one of the founders of Shurtleff college, of which he was trustee and treasurer. The Doctor built up a large practice, which he soon abandoned. November 7, 1837, the cause of the slave received its first baptism of blood. On that day Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy was murdered at Alton, for his bold utterances in behalf of an oppressed race. Dr. Haskell entertained radical anti-slavery views, and he determined to leave that portion of the state in which the pro-slavery sentiment was largely predominant.

From the time of his arrival in Rockford until his removal from the city about twenty-eight years later, Dr. Haskell was a broad-minded, representative man of affairs. He conducted for a short time a mercantile business on the river bank, as the successor of Platt & Sanford. But his ruling passion was horticulture. He entered from the government quite a tract of land lying north of North street, and built the house on North Main street now occupied by George R. Forbes. He planted a nursery and became an expert in raising fruit. It is said that one year he raised sixty bushels of peaches. The severe winter of 1855-56 killed his trees, and from that time he devoted his attention to more hardy fruits. His later Rockford home was on North Court street, near the residence of Hon. Andrew Ashton. Dr. Haskell was generous and public-spirited. He and his brother-in-law, John Edwards, presented to the city the West side public square, which was named Haskell park, in honor of the former. A street, called Edwards place, forms the southern boundary of the park. A ward schoolhouse in West Rockford also bears Dr. HaskelPs name.

In 1853 Dr. Haskell became a convert to Spiritualism, and his long and honored membership with the First Baptist church ceased on the last day of that year. It has been stated that he was first alienated from the church by his lack of esteem for

Becomes A Spiritualist

Elder Jacob Knapp, who was then a prominent member. Mrs. Haskell followed her husband, and withdrew from the church May 6, 1854. Dr. Haskell entered upon his new religious life with that energy and enthusiasm which had signalized his former adherence to Baptist doctrine. April 15, 1854, he began the publication of the Spirit Advocate, an eight-page monthly. The paper was an able propagandist of the new faith. A complete file of this paper has been preserved in theRockford public library. Twenty-three numbers were published. In the issue of March 15, 1856, the editor announced that the publication of the Advocate would be discontinued, and that it would be consolidated with the Orient, under the name of the Orient and Advocate, with headquarters at Waukegan. In his farewell address to his constituents, Dr. Haskell said : "While hitherto laboring in the cause of human advancement from the thralldom of bigotry, error and superstition, we have had the consciousness of having acted honestly in proclaiming 'the glorious gospel of the blessed God.' We feel that the cause is of God and must prevail; and the combined force of men and devils can not prevent its final triumph. . . . The great contest bet ween truth and error has commenced; and the advocates of error and superstition are arraying all their forces to withstand the onward march of truth and harmony ; but truth must triumph over all opposing foes."

In 1866, Dr. Haskell removed to New Jersey. There he was engaged in founding an industrial school, and purchased with others a tract of four thousand acres, which was laid out for a model community. In 1857 Dartmouth college gave the Doctor the degree of A. B., as of the year 1827.

Dr. Haskell died at Vineland, New Jersey, August 23, 1876. The late George S. Haskell, widely known as a seedsman, was a son ; and Mrs. Henry P. Kimball is a daughter. Dr. Frank H., Willis M. and Carl Kimball are grandsons. His nephew, Rev. Samel Haskell, pays him this tribute in Pickard's work, previously noted : "He was a man of scholarship and enthusiasm, afriend of struggling students, many of whom he befriended in his home and with his means."

Chapter Xxiv

JAMES MADISON WIGHT was born in Norwich, Massachusetts, in 1810. He was admitted to the bar of Queens county, New York, in 1837, and immediately afterward came west. He first joined his brother, J. Ambrose Wight, in Rockton. But he found no field in that village for the practice of his profession; and he came in 1838, to Rockford, where for a time he taught school. In his early life he served a few terms as city attorney of Rockford. He was one of the pioneer lawyers of northern Illinois, and built up a large practice. He was for many years local attorney for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad and for other corporations. He was also for a time a member of the state legislature, and served on the judiciary committee. Mr. Wight was a member of the constitutional convention of 1870, called to draft a new constitution for submission to the voters of the state. To Mr. Wight, law was not merely a profession ; it was an absorbing and delightful study. He was above all, a student; a perfect cyclopedia of general information, familiar with the literature of many languages, which he read in the original, and a passionate lover of classical music and art. Mr. Wight was a cousin of George Bancroft, the famous historian. To many lawyers of today, Mr. Wight's sense of professional honor might seem a little strained; but for him there was only one standard, the standard of a Christian gentleman, and to that conception his business principles were subordinated. Mr. Wight died in Rockford in 1877, leaving to his children the heritage of an honest name, and the memory of a modest, blameless and tender life. Mr. Wight was the father of Mrs. Harriott Wight Sherratt, Miss Mary Wight, and Miss Carrie, who died in 1891. In his religious views, Mr. Wight was a Channing Unitarian. The Wight school in the Sixth ward was named in his honor. His home was the residence now owned by Judge L. L. Morrison.

Colonel Of Seventy-Fourth

New York. In 1831 he was admitted to the bar in Adams, Jefferson county, where he first practiced. In 1832 Mr. Marsh married Harriet M. Spafford, a sister of Charles, John andCatlin Spafford. Mr. Marsh came to Rockford in 1839. He was accompanied by his wife and children, a brother and wife, and his three brothers-in-law. Soon after his arrival he and the three Spafford brothers built the brick house three miles south of State street, on the Kishwaukee road, now occupied by F. J. Morey. A large farm was attached. Mr. Marsh drove daily to the village, where he practiced his profession. His later home was the residence subsequently owned by the late W. W. Fairfield, on East State street. These beautiful grounds are now subdivided. In 1862 Mr. Marsh entered military service as colonel of the Seventy-fourth Illinois infantry. He was severely wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge in the autumn of 1863, and returned home. Two months later he again went to the front. In the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta his old wound troubled him, and he resigned. Colonel Marsh was a man of fine presence, rather above medium height, portly, and perhaps slightly pompous, with blue eyes. The corner of the left eye was slightly marred by a wound received in his younger days. He was accustomed to comb the hair low over the eye, and thus unconsciously gave to the eye a little wicked expression. Colonel Marsh was very courteous, and extremely fond of society. He delighted in picturesque costumes. His favorite suit was a blue dress coat with gilt buttons, buff vest and light pantaloons. Colonel Marsh was a lover of games ; chess was his favorite. He forgot everything when engaged in a game of chess, and spent long afternoons and evenings at this pastime, oblivious of everything else ; much, of course, to the detriment of his business. Colonel Marsh, or 'Squire Marsh, as he was often called, was a gentleman of striking characteristics. He preserved the courtliness of the old-school gentleman. His social nature was of a generous kind. He was at home either in long-continued argument, or he could adapt himself to the lighter conversation of gallant and graceful nothings of fashionable society. His habitual attire combined the present and the past with striking effect. His blue swallow-tail coat, buff vest and gold-headed cane jare intimately associated with his sturdy personality in the minds of all who remember him. Colonel Marsh was a man of well-stored mind, and made his mark as a lawyer at an early day. His last years were spent on his farm near Durand. His death occurred at the home of his daughter in Chicago, March 13, 1881. He was buried in Rockford with military honors. His surviving children are: Mrs. E. H. Baker, formerly of Rockford ; Mrs. William Ruger, of Batona, Florida; and Cerdric G., of Chicago. Ogden C. died soon after his father. J. M. and Volney Southgate are nephews.

Francis Burnap was born at Merrimac, New Hampshire, January 4, 1796. He belonged to one of the old historic families of New England. His mother was a sister of Major-Geueral Brooks, of Revolutionary fame, who was afterward governor of Massachusetts for seven terms. His father was Rev. Jacob Burnap, who for fifty years was pastor of the First Congregational church of Merrimao. Mr. Burnap settled in Rockford in August, 1839, and began tne practice of law in Winuebago and neighboring counties, in the state supreme court, and in the federal courts. His industry and patient persistence in his profession were proverbial. He loved chancery practice, and in the knowledge of this department he had few equals in the state. Mr. Burnap was a man of integrity, and boldly avowed his opinions, however unpopular. He belonged to the Liberty party in its early days, and proclaimed his radical anti-slavery sentiments when abolitionism was a term of reproach even in the free north and west. He was also a believer in total abstinence and woman suffrage. Mr. Burnap was a thorough student. His books were his beloved companions. He was a fine linguist and was proficient in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French and German. As a friend, he was kind, courteous, and dignified in all his social intercourse. While he was affable in manner, he was firm in his principles, even to sternness. The tenacity with which he clung to his opinions, and earnestly defended them, sometimes excited enmity. He practiced in his profession until 1864, when ill health compelled him to retire. Mr. Burnap died in Rockford December 2, 1866. He was the senior practitioner of the Rockford bar, which adopted resolutions of respect at his death, and attended his funeral in a body. In the forenoon preceding his death he dictated his will, in the full possession of his mental faculties. Mr. Burnap never married, and he lived a somewhat isolated life. Mrs. Lucy M. Gauss, of St. Louis, formerly a teacher in the Rockford schools, is a niece.

Duncan Ferguson was a native of Scotland. He was born in Glasgow, in November, 1810. He attended the University of Glasgow two seasons; was employed several years in the land surveys, and soon thereafter he was engaged in the trigonometrical surveys of Great Britain, which he continued for ten years. He was employed most of this time in Ireland. In 1837 he left his native laud and came to the United States. He first settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained two years, in the employ of two railroad companies, as draughtsman. Mr. Ferguson removed with his family to Rock ford in 1839. In 1840 he was elected surveyor and justice of the peace. He held the office of surveyor until 1856. In 1862 he was appointed assessor of internal revenue. He held this position eight years, and then resigned. For ten years Mr. Ferguson was supervisor from the Seventh ward of the city. March, 3, 1873, he was elected chairman of the county board, to succeed Hon. Robert J. Cross, who had died February 15th. Mr. Ferguson retained this position until 1881. In 1877 he was elected mayor of Rockford, and served one year. He held the offices of city engineer, assessor, county treasurer, and commissioner of the county under an act of the legislature for the improvement of Rock river. Mr. Ferguson was a member of the First Baptist church until the schism led by Dr. Kerr, when he became identified with the Church of the Christian Union. Mr. Ferguson was a genial, courtly gentleman, of high character. His death occurred May 14, 1882.

Thomas D. Robertson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, March 4, 1818. His parents removed to London when he was a small child. He lived with a brother for a time on the Isle of Sheppey, at the mouth of the Thames, where he attended school. He was subsequently engaged with an older brother in the publication of the Mechanic's Magazine. Mr. Robertson came to the United States in 1838. He stopped for a time in Chicago, and arrived in Rockford in December of the same year. Mr. Roberson studied law in Rockford and at Madison, Wisconsin. He was admitted to the bar, and was a prominent practitioner for some years. In 1848 Mr. Robertson and John A. Holland opened the first banking house in Rockford in a building adjoining the European Hotel site on West State street. From that time he gradually abandoned the practice of law, and devoted his attention to banking and real estate. Mr. Robertson was a leader in the movement to secure the extension of the Galena & Chicago Union railroad to Rockford. He had charge of the collection of the subscriptions to the capital stock in Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties, Mr. Robertson has continuously resided in Rockford for sixty -one years. No other person has been as prominent in its business circles for so long a time. The church and Christian education have always received his financial support. He is a trustee of Beloit college and Rockford college. Mr. Robertson's career has been signalized by strict integrity and exceptional business ability. He is probably the largest property-owner in the city. His children are William T.Robertson, vice-president of the Winnebago National Bank, and Mrs. David N. Starr, of Florida.

Ira W. Baker arrived on Rock river October 6, 1838, on Saturday, at sundown, with his family of eight, from a grandmother of seventy to a babe of four. At half past ten the next morning all went over the hill a mile away to attend church, at the house of Mr. Batchelder. It was a double log house of two rooms. The door between the rooms was the pulpit. The Rev. Hiram Foote preached. No scene could better depict the early sabbath in church. Organ and choir, long-drawn aisle and fretted vault waft no truer praise. The soft sky and the air of the Indian summer, silent woods of gorgeous hues, the reverent worshipers, strangers in form but kindred in heart, the solemn and touching service, and the polite and tender greetings and farewells were home and church to the true and earnest pioneers. Even the little Swiss clock, hanging high in the corner, with its long weights and pendulum, seemed thoughtfully and regretfully to mark the passing moments, and when it must strike twelve it gave due notice, and softly struck its strokes. Perhaps like Tell of its native land, it had prepared for extra work due on such occasions, for it kept right on with thirteen or fourteen, and so forth, until elders and urchins alike smiled upon its little distorted anatomy. The clock, house and owner are now gone, and perhaps all who gathered there ; but the church and home of the pioneer are the church and home of today .

Hon. Edward H. Baker, son of Deacon Ira Baker, was born in Ferrisburg, Vermont, April 5, 1828; and when ten years of age he came with his father to Winnebago county. Mr. Baker received his education at Knox college and Illinois college at Jacksonville. He studied law and was admitted to the bar. At one time he was in partnership with his father-in-law, Jason Marsh. Upon the organization of the Rockford & Kenosha railroad, Mr. Baker was chosen secretary of the company. He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1866, and served one year. At the time of his death Mr. Baker was a director of the public library. His death occurred January 26, 1897. The circuit court, which was then in session, adjourned, out of respect to his memory ; Hon. Charles A. Works pronounced a euolgy, and the bar attended his funeral in a body. Mr. Baker excelled as a toastmaster. He was a thorough student, and acquired a large and varied fund of information. He was an authority upon Masonic matters, and in colonial and local history. He had true historic instinct, and his writings often display fine poetic feeling.

Henry N. Baker, another son of Deacon Baker, was also a native of Ferrisburg, Vermont. For many years he was engaged in the real estate and loan business in East Rockford. Mr. Baker was for some time president of the board of education. He removed from the city in 1899.

David S. Penfield was the first of three brothers to settle in Rockford. He was a native of Pittsfield, Vermont, and was born in 1812. Mr. Penfield and the late Shepherd Leach were schoolboys together in their native place, and the friendship then formed continued through life. Together they emigrated to Michigan, where they remained a short time, and then continued their journey on horseback to Illinois, and came to Rockford in 1838 by way of Dixon. There was then no stable currency. Large numbers of private banks furnished a currency of more or less value, and each state had its own issues. The exchange of money in traveling from state to state was therefore attended with not a little difficulty, and considerable risk. The unsettled country was infested with bandits, and travelers were never sure, when seeking entertainment for the night, whether they would escape the snare of the fowler. Mr. Penfield and Mr, Leach adopted a rule that is very suggestive. Whenever they came to the house of a settler where flowers were cultivated, there they concluded they would be safe. Upon their arrival in Rockford, Mr. Penfield and Mr. Leach purchased a large tract of land on the West side. They were also in mercantile business on the site of 322 East State street, and there employed the first tinner in Rockford. Their stock included hardware, groceries and other lines, and invoiced about three thousand dollars. Mr. Penfield lived for a time in a house owned by Lyman Potter, on North Second street. He formed a partnership with his brother John G. in the real estate and loan business; and subsequently became a member of the banking firm of Briggs, Spafford & Penfield, which was merged into the Third National bank. Mr. Penfieldwas a very unassuming gentleman, and was universally esteemed. He died May 20, 1873, at the age of sixty-one years. Some years ago Mrs. Penfield gave the site to the Young Men's Christian Association on which its splendid building now stands. Their children are: Mrs. Henry Robinson, deceased ; Mrs. C. R. Mower, of Rockford ; and Mrs. Stephen A. Norton, of San Diego, California.

Shepherd Leach, to whom reference was made in the preceding paragraph, was an extensive land-owner, and amassed a large estate. Mr. Leach was gifted with keen business sagacity, and was successful in nearly every enterprise. He had an extended acquaintance among business men ; was straightforward in his dealings; and withal, was a man who possessed many qualities worthy of emulation. Mr. Leach died July 9, 1885. Mrs. Edgar E. Bartlett and Mrs. J. B. Whitehead are daughters.

Willard Wheeler came from St. Thomas, Upper Canada, in September, 1839. He was the second tinner in the town. Mr. Wheeler was a brother of Solomon Wheeler. He built the house on South First street where Mrs. Julia A. Littlefield resides. To Mr. Wheeler belonged the honor of being the first mayor of Rockford. He died April 24, 1876.

The Cunningham brothers are among the last survivors of that early period. Samuel Cunningham was born August 15, 1815,inFeterboro, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire. This was Daniel Webster's county, and where he and his brother Ezekiel practiced law. Mr. Cunningham heard Mr. Webster deliver an oration, and voted for him for president in 1836. Mr. Cunningham came to this county in the spring of 1839. His active life was devoted to agriculture. He served one term as county commissioner. Mr. Cunningham is a splendid specimen of the sturdy New England type, and the very soul of honor. He has a retentive memory and an interesting fund of political reminiscence. His brother, William Cunningham, came to Rockford in the spring of 1838. He has spent much of the intervening time on the Pacific coast, but is now living a retired life in Rockford. The writer is indebted to these brothers for valuable historical information. Another brother, Benjamin Franklin Cunningham, preceded Samuel to Rockford in the spring of the same year. He owns a beautiful home below the city, on a rise of ground which commands an extended northern and southern view of the river. A fourth brother, Isaac Newton

Joel B. Potter was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1810. From there the family removed to Orleans county, New York. He received a collegiate education and prepared himself for the Presbyterian ministry. His health failed, and he never resumed this calling. In 1839 he came to this county, where his brothers Herman B. and Eleazer had preceded him. In the same year Mr. Potter built the house now owned by Judge Morrison. He carried on a farm for some years, and was subsequently engaged in the drug business on East State street. He conducted the store alone for a time, and later with his son-in-law, J. F. Harding, as a partner, until the death of Mr. Harding, in 1867, when Mr. Potter retired from business. Mr. Potter and his family were members of Westminster Presbyterian church. Mr. Potter died November 30,1880. Mrs. Potter is still living. Advanced age does not impair her intellectual vigor. Mrs. Caroline A. Brazee and Mrs. E. S. Gregory, of Rockford, and Mies Frances D. Potter, of Chicago, are daughters.

The Herrick family came from eastern Massachusetts in 1838 - 39. Elijah L. Herrick, Sr., and three sons, Ephraim, Elijah L. Jr., and William, arrived in Rockford in 1838 ; and the following year there came three sons, George, Edward, and Samuel, and four daughters, Phocebe, Sarah, Martha, and Hannah. About 1849 the father of the family built a cobblestone house, which is still standing on Fourteenth avenue. The Herrick family, though typical New England people, possess one interesting trait peculiar to the Scottish clans. It is said this entire family, with one exception, lived in the vicinity of Rockford for forty years, within such distance that all could come together in a few hours' notice. This remarkable fact is seldom paralleled when the size of the family is considered. The father died May 18, 1852; Mrs. Herrick, March 28, 1876; Phoebe, July 13, 1854 ; Sarah, January 21, 1885 ; William, February 13, 1885; Ephraim, January 7, 1888; Martha, Julyl8, 1898. Edward died near Newell, Iowa, September 15, 1899. While a resident of this county he lived on a farm in Cherry Valley township. He removed to Iowa in 1880, and settled on a farm, where he died. He was seventy-seven years of age. One son and one daughter survive. His wife died about eight years ago. George and Hannah Herrick never married. They reside in Rockford. E.L. Herrick and family and Miss Hannah

E. L. Herrick was born at Andover, Massachusetts, September 30, 1820. Mrs. Herrick, previous to her marriage, was a teacher in Rockford seminary. She came in September, 1852, and taught three years. They have three children : Elizabeth L., professor of French language and literature at Rockford college; Charles E., assistant cashier of the Manufacturers National Bank ; and Frank J., of the firm of Bed well & Herrick. Mrs. William Marshall, now residing in Florida, is a daughter of Mr. Herrick.

Samuel Herrick was only four years of age when his parents came to this county, and he has continuously resided here since that time. His daughters, Hattie and Clara M., are teachers in the Rockford schools.

The three Spafford brothers came to Rockford in 1839, in company with their brother-in-law, Jason Marsh. Their father was Dr. John Spafford. The eldest son, Charles H. Spafford, was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 6, 1819. He was educated at Castleton, Vermont. He had chosen the profession of the law, but his decision to come west changed his plans in life. Mr. Spafford performed a conspicuous part in the development of the city. He held the offices of postmaster, circuit clerk and recorder. He was president of the Kenosha & Rockford Railroad Company. Mr. Spafford, in company with his brother John, and John Hall, built Metropolitan Hall block. The stores and offices were owned separately and the hall was held in common. Mr. Spafford also, with others, built the block now known as the Chick House. Although Mr. Spafford made alarge amount of money, he sustained reverses of fortune. When the banking house of Spafford. Clark & Ellis went into liquidation, he paid all the liabilities of the firm, which were forty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Spafford's splendid service in the early struggles of Rockford college will be noted in the chapter devoted to that subject. March, 8, 1 842, Mr. Spafford was united in marriage to Miss Abby Warren. In March, 1892, Mr. and Mrs. Spafford celebrated their golden wedding. Their children are : Airs. Carrie S. Brett, Mrs. Charles H. Godfrey, and Charles H. Spafford, Jr. Mr. Spafford died in September, 1892, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a genial gentleman ; courtesy was the habit of his life.

Amos Catlin Spafford was born September 14, 1824, in Adams, Jefferson county , New York. After he came west he followed farming in this county until 1848. About a year later be was interested in a sawmill on the old water-power on the East side. In 1850 he went to California, where he remained two years. About 1854 he became a member of the banking firm of Briggs, Spafford & Penfield. Upon the organization of the Third National bank in 1864, Mr. Spafford became its president, and held this position thirty-three years, until his death. In 1876 he was one of the state commissioners at the centennial exposition. Mr. Spafford died suddenly at Adams, New York, while on a vacation, August 22, 1897. Mrs. Spafford died May 22,1898. Their children are : Mrs. J. W. Archibald, who resides in Florida ; Miss Jessie I. Spafford, professor of mathematics and physics at Rockford college; George C. Spafford, cashier of the Third National Bank, and Miss Nettie L. Spafford. Genuine worth is self-revealing. Mr. Spafford was a man whose face was an immediate passport to confidence, and it was a true index to his character. His genial disposition, sterling worth and absolute integrity shone out in every feature and expression. He was unostentatious, kind-hearted and neighborly in manner, and stood for the best things in the life of the city. He was conservative in judgment, yet efficient and progressive in business. He was a leading representative of the influential men whose strong and forceful characters have made Rockford a synonym for solidity, enterprise, morality and prosperity.

John Spafford was born November 26, 1821. During his long life in Rockford he was engaged successively in farming, grocery, and grain and lumber trade. In 1856 he became the general agent of the Rockford & Keuosha Railroad company. Until within two years of his death, Mr. Spafford was president of the Rockford Wire Works Company and the Rockford Suspender Company ; he was also interested in manufacturing a lubricating oil, and in a planing-mill. Mr. Spafford died December 5, 1897. His manner was ever gracious toward all sorts and conditions of men. Mrs. Spafford and one daughter, Miss Kate, survive. Two daughters are deceased.

Phineas Howes was a native of Putnam county, New York, and was born September 25, 1817. He came to Rockford in 1839, and in that year he erected a small house on East State street, which is still standing. Mr. Howes was a carpenter aud joiner, and followed this trade for many years. He purchased a tract of land in Cherry Valley township. For about fifteen years he was a partner with John Lake in the lumber trade. By strict attention to business, Mr. Howes accumulated quite a large estate. His death occurred October 11, 1894. Mrs. C. H. Woolsey is a daughter. Mrs. Howes was a sister of the late Harris Barnum. She died December 10, 1877.

William Worthington was born at Enfield, Connecticut, July 5, 1813. He came to Rockford in the spring of 1838. About 1840 he built a brick blacksmith's shop on the southwest corner of State and First streets, where the Crotty block now stands. This shop was eight or ten feet below the present grade. Later Mr. Worthington built a wagon shop on the same lot, about the same size, of wood, one story. This wasthe first wagon shop on the East side. There were then no other buildings on those corners. Mr. Worthington was the next blacksmith on the East side, after William Penfield, and was probably the fourth in the village. About 1842 Mr. Worthington formed a partnership with Hosea D. Searles, and opened a drug store. This was the founding of the business now carried on by Worthington & Slade. Mr. Searles had come from Connecticut the year before, and was familiarly known as "Doc. Mr Worthington's children are: Miss Julia, William, Frank, and Charles. His death occurred April 11, 1886. Mr. Worthington's partner, "Doc." Searles, had a fund of humor and anecdotes with which he entertained his patrons. He possessed mechanical skill, which he utilized by making the first soda fountain in the village. It was made of wood, with a lever of the same material, about ten feet long. He also built a rotary steam engine, which he sold to the Mt. Morris seminary.

Laomi Peake. Sr., a native of Herkimer county, New York, emigrated from St. Thomas, Upper Canada, to Rockford, in September, 1839. He was one of the few pioneers who brought ready capital. He came with about five thousand dollars m money, which was a princely sum for that time. Mr. Peake was the first person who made a harness in Rockford, although a man preceded him who did repairing. Mr. Peake purchased the northeast corner lot on First and State streets, sixty-six feet front on First street, by one hundred and fifty-six feet on State street, for one hundred dollars, and erected a brick building twenty-two by thirty-five feet, with two stories and a basement, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The corner of this lot is now occupied by the Manufacturers Bank. In 1852 he com- pleted a second brick block on the same site, and finished a hall on the third floor, at a total expense of about eight thousand dollars. Peake's hall was the first public hall in Rockford. This block was destroyed by fire in November, 1857, and the side and rear walls were left standing. The corner store was occupied at the time by C. A. Huntington and Robert Barnes, as a book-store, at a rental of four hundred and fifty dollars per year. Elisha A. Kirk and Anthony Haines purchased the property in the autumn of 1858, for four thousand dollars, and rebuilt the block the following year. In 1841 Mr. Peake built the small brick house directly west of Mrs. Anthony Haines' residence, on the same lot, where seven of his twelve children were born. In 1856 he built the substantial stone house which is now the residence of Mrs. Haines. Mr. Peake died November 8, 1891, at the age of eighty -four years. He was the father of L. Peake, the harness-dealer on West State street. Mrs. Peake resides in East Rockford, and is eighty-three years of age.

William Hulin was a native of Salem, Massachusetts. He settled in Rockton township in 1837 or '38. August 5, 1839, he was chosen a justice of the peace, and from that time he was continually in the public service. He resigned from the office of clerk of the county court a few days before his death, which occurred December 10, 1869. Mr. Hulin was about sixty-one years of age. In the early forties he removed to Rockford. His home in this city was the residence of Dr. C. H. Richings, on North Main street. In 1855 he married the widow of Merrill E. Mack. Mr. Hulin was a high-minded gentleman, in whom those who knew him best placed perfect confidence. Mr. Hulin preserved files of early Rockford papers, which are now in the public library. He edited a work on school law, with forms, which was of value to teachers.

Daniel Barnum was a native of New York, born in 1778. In 1838 Mr. Barnum, with his wife and six children, came to Winnebago county, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cherry Valley township. Mr. Barnum removed to Rockford and spent his last days in retirement. He died November 8, 1870, at the age of ninety-two years.

Harris Barnum, son of Daniel Barnum, was born in Danbury, Connecticut, September 8, 1819. He came with hisfather to Rockford in 1838. His early manhood was spent on his father's farm. In 1866 he engaged in the shoe business in Rockford with the late Daniel Miller, but soon sold his interest. From

1870 to 1874 he was associated with Duncan Ferguson, now of Denver, in the real estate and loan business. In 1874 Mr. Barnum was one of the organizers of the Forest City Insurance Company, of which he served as treasurer until incapacitated by illness. Mr. Barnura held the offices of alderman and supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum have had five children, three of whom are living: Mrs. Alta Williams, and Misses Blanche and Emily. Mr. Barnura was a man of excellent business ability and strict integrity . With these qualities he acquired a large estate. Mr. Barnum died February 26, 1899, in his eightieth year.

Hon. Horace Miller was a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and was born in 1798. He came to this county in 1839, and settled on a large tract of land near the mouth of the Kishwaukee river, which in an early day was known as tbe Terrace farm. At one time he owned twelve hundred and fifty acres. From 1850 to 1852 Mr. Miller represented this county in the state legislature. He resided on his farm until about 1861, when he came to Rockford and lived a retired life until his death August 5, 1864. Mr. Miller was father of William H. Miller, a well known citizen. Mrs. Brown, widow of the late Judge Brown, is a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. John Benjamin came from Canada in 1839, and settled in Guilford township. Mr. Benjamin's step-daughter, Mrs. Sarah A. Cook, who still resides in East Rockford, has the distinction of being the first matron of Rockford seminary. She served in this capacity from 1849 to 1852. The students were served with meals in a frame structure directly opposite the first seminary building, on the east side of North First street.

Among the other pioneers of 1838 were: Alfred P. Mather, William Hamilton, Levi Monroe, and Richard Marsh. In 1839 there came Courtland Mandeville, Frederick Charlie, Thaddeus Davis, Sr., Stephen Crilley, D. Bierer, Chester Hitchcock, John Bull, H. Hudson. Others who came previous to 1840 were: Sylvester Scott, James Gilbert, Artemas Hitchcock, John W. Dyer, Samuel C. Fuller, Newton Crawford, Jonathan Hitchcock, Dr. D. Goodrich, Hollis H. Holmes, Stephen Gilbert, and Bela Shaw. Judge Shaw died suddenly May 31, 1865. Five brothers, Thomas, William, John, Robert and Benjamin Garrett, with their parents, settled in Guilford township. Thomas died January 20, 1900. He was a Manxman, born on the Isle of Man, February 11, 1827.

Chapter Xxv

ONE of the greatest privations of the early settlers was the scarcity of provisions, which at that time were obtained from the older settlements in the southern portion of the state. The pioneers possessed limited means, and few were individually able to bear the expense of a journey of such distance. Several neighbors would unite their small sums, and send one of their number for supplies. The difficulties of travel were great ; there were rivers to cross, either forded or swam ; streams and sloughs to be waded ; muddy roads and ponderous wagons. Under these circumstances, the time of the messenger's return was uncertain. Later, when a trade in provisions had been established, the same obstacles kept them at almost fabulous prices, and the settlers were sometimes reduced to the verge of absolute destitution. Flour sold from sixteen to twenty dollars per barrel, and on one occasion Thomas Lake purchased three barrels at twenty-two dollars each. Pork was thirty dollars per barrel ; wheat sold from three to four dollars per bushel ; New Orleans sugar twenty-five cents per pound ; and other provisions in proportion. This condition rendered it impossible for the great majority of the settlers, with their scanty means, to scarcely procure the necessities for their support. For six weeks in the winter of 1837-38 there was a tobacco famine, which was a terrible privation to the slaves of the filthy weed. "Judge" E. S. Blackstone said the people in the early forties were too poor to cast a shadow. Mr. Thurston ventures the assertion that in 1841-42 there were not twenty farmers in the county who possessed a suit of clothes suitable to wear at church or at court, which they had purchased with the fruits of their labor on their farms. Some who had passed the prime of life became discouraged and returned to their homes in the east to die. Barter was practiced even in payment for performing the marriage ceremony. Abraham I. Enoch, a justice of the peace, once took a bushel of beans as his fee. Joel B. Potter, a clergyman, was compensated for two ceremonies in wheat, and one day's breaking. Ephraim Sumner swam Pecatonica river twice one cold night, to perform the rite, and received fifty cents.

Had it not been for a beneficent Providence, who stocked the woods and prairies with game and the rivers with fish, many would have suffered for the necessities of the barest subsistence. As late as 1841 the scarcity of fruit was a great trial. There was little, and often none, not even canned fruit. There were dried apples, and the housewives made "mince-pies" of them. Sometimes, in case of sickness, the ways and means looked rather dark, and the mother and her whole family might be involved. In such cases none filled a more important place than Miss Betsy Weldon, whom a few will remember. Strong and well herself, she could fill the place of nurse, housekeeper, dressmaker, milliner, and general repairer of clothing. She was ever ready to respond to cases of need.

The late Judge Church once told this story : "I have in my mind one who is now among the most prosperous farmers, who found himself without the means of procuring for his family a single meal, and he, with one of his neighbors similarly situated, determined to try their luck at fishing. They proceeded to Rock river, and met with success entirely beyond their expectations. When returning, each with as many fish as he could well carry, said one farmer : 'Well, we have got our fish, but what have we to fry them in?' 'Fry them in!' replied his hopeful and satisfied companion. 'Why, fry them in water!' And could you in those days have visited the log cabins scattered over these prairies, that are now groaning under the load of a bountiful harvest, and covered with all the evidences of comfort that wealth can purchase, you would have found many a man going to his hard day's toil from as scanty a breakfast as of suckers fried in water."

It is well that Winuebago county was settled by such a class of sturdy pioneers ; men of will and purpose, who knew no such word as fail ; who pushed out in advance of civilization, with the determination of the old Norse baron, who engraved upon his shield, as heraldic device, a pickax, surmounted by the motto, "Where there's no hole for me to pass, I'll make one."

It must be evident to the casual observer that only a small portion of the human family possess the qualifications for pioneers. It is not the business of the pioneer to seek good society ; but to make it. Contrary to Mr. Carlyle's dictum, the society of that day was not founded upon cloth. The social status was based upon respectability. In the rural districts a family would sometimes drive twenty or twenty-five miles in a lumber wagon, to visit a "neighbor." In the village amusements were extemporized to dispel the lonesomeness of the long winter evenings. Among the most popular was the "mock court." The sessions of the court were held in Mr. Miller's store, where "pent-up Uticas" of spread-eagle eloquence were allowed full expression. Each member of the court had his sobriquet ; some of these were not suggested by the muses. Another popular summer amusement with a certain class was the "awkward squad," which performed frequent evolutions around Sam Little's saloon. They always produced a "smile."

The noble band of women displayed the fortitude of true heroines. They shared the toils, endured the privations, counseled in difficulties, encouraged in despondency, and nursed in sickness. At the first reunion of the Society of Early Settlers, held at the Holland House, February 2, 1871, Charles I. Horsman responded to the toast, "The Mothers and Daughters of the West, in which he paid them this tribute:

"I don't know whyl have been selected to respond to this toast, only that the ladies and I have always been good friends, and I find them my best friends in prosperity and in adversity.

"Mr. President, the truth of this old adage was literally verified in the early settlement of this county. It was the women that carried the laboring oar, and it was to their untiring industry by day and night that we, the men, mainly owe the measure of success we have achieved. It was her words of encouragement, and smiles of approbation that cheered us on in the darkest hour of trial. They were not the effeminate angels that Willis writes of, 'with lips like rose-leaves torn,' but sterling women that met the stern realities of life, and were equal to the occasion; . . and, Mr. President, what would we poor fellows have done when burning up with fever, or chilled to death with the ague ! But for the kind offices of wife and mother and sister to smooth our pillow, bathe our fevered brows, and moisten our parched lips, many of use here tonight in robust health would be lying under the clods of the valley. All honor, say I, Mr. President, to the mothers and daughters of the west, those who, with their enterprising fathers and husbands, left their own pleasant hills and valleys to tread upon the receding footsteps of the red man."

Chapter Xxvi

IN April, 1838, there were only four houses north of State street, in West Rockford : the ferry house on the site of the public library building; Abiram Morgan 'slog house, on orvery near the site of theHorsman residence; a log cabin on the bank of the river, about one hundred and thirty rods above State, occupied by Rev. John Morrill, and D. A. Spaulding, the government surveyor; aboard and plank house near the site of A. D. Forbes' residence, occupied by John and Calvin Haskell, nephews of Dr. George Haskell. South of State street there were quite a number of cabins. Nathaniel Loomis and his son, Henry W. Loomis, lived in a log house near the southeast corner of State and Main streets ; and much of the valuable property in this block still belongs to the Loomis estate. On the west side of Main, D. D. Ailing had an unfinished house. Directly north was a two-story frame house, which remained unfinished for several years. On the same side, opposite the government building, still stands the residence of George VV. Brinckerhoff. On the corner north of the Chicago & Northwestern depot, Nathaniel Wilder hadahouseof one and ahalf story. On the east side of Main, opposite the new depot, Wyman & Houghton had a story-and-a-half building used as a bakery and boarding house. South of the C., B. & Q. depot, on the west side of Main, James Mitchell had a small house. On the same side of the street, near the bank of the creek, stood Mr. Kent's house and sawmill. There was a log hut eight or ten rods below the mill that had been used as a blacksmith's shop, and a store near the river. William E. Dunbar had lived in a log cabin about one hundred yards south of the creek, and twelve to fifteen rods east of Main street. Sanford &Platt's store was on the river bank, south of State. Benjamin Kilburn had a frame house on the site of the Hotel Nelson. There was a total of eighteen buildings in the village on the west side of the river, beside the cabin built by Mr. Blake in the grove to the west.

East Side Houses

The East side was somewhat larger. The Rockford House was for some time the only hotel between Belvidere and Freeport. On the southwest corner of State and Madison streets stood Bundy & Goodhue's store. Directly south was a building erected by Mr. Haight. The first floor was the postoffice, and the second was occupied by Tinker & Johnson as a tailor shop. On the northwest corner of Madison and Walnut was a ball alley owned by Charles Oliver. On the southeast corner of State and Madison was Potter & Preston's store. They succeeded Bundy & Goodhue on the opposite corner, where they remained until the death of Mr. Preston, when Mr. Potter continued the business alone fora time. East of Potter & Preston's first store was the foundation of the Washington House. On the northeast corner of State and Main was Daniel S. Haight's unfinished frame house. On East State street Mr. Haight was putting up a one-story building for a postoffice, which a few years later was occupied by Worthington & Searles as the second drug store in the village ; this building is still standingnear the Keuosha depot. East of the postoffice site, on the alley, was Mr. Haight's first log house, occupied by John Miller as a boarding house. East of the alley, on State, was Samuel Little's saloon. On North First street was a story-and-a-half house occupied by Samuel Corey, a brother-in-law of Mr. Haight. North of Mr. Haight's frame house was a story-aud-a-half house owned by William Hamilton ; and at the northeast corner of Madison and Market was William Peufield's blacksmith's shop. Between the * 'swell-front" and the brick house south on South Second street owned by Sapauel I. Church, stood a house with a story and a half, owned by Dr. David Goodrich. In the rear of this, on the alley, was a log structure occupied as a schoolhouse about 1837 - 38. On the site of the streetcar barns on Kishwaukee street, was Anson Barnum's double log house. At the southeast corner of Second and Walnut was John Phelps' house, afterward owned by William P. Dennis. On the west side of First street, opposite the fire station, was John C. Kemble's house; and on the river bank, north of Walnut, James Clark was building a store, in which he kept a general stock. The "stage barn" built for Mr. Haight in 1836 by Thomas Lake and Sidney Twogood, stood near the intersection of State and Third streets. John Vance'e log structure, built for a store, was on South First street, opposite the hay market. There was a log house about ten rods southeast of the "stage barn," occupied by a Mr. Kingsley, who came from Belvidere to work for Mr. Haight on the Kockford House. James Boswell's cabin was near the Peacock estate. Jacob Posson's cabin was in the vicinity of block twenty-one, Gregory & Penfield's Addition. These, with the East side ferry house, and a small log hut used for a stable, were all the buildings within half a mile of the intersection of State and Madison streets, on the east side of the river, in April, 1838. Mr. llaight erected at least seven buildings on the East side, beside three bar us, and one-half of the Rockford House. In 1839-40 he build the large two-story brick house east of Longwood street, which is still standing. Mr. Haight claimed that one hundred thousand brick were used in its construction.

In the spring and summer of 1838 Harvey H. Silsby, Mowry Brown, William Hull and William Harvey built the house now standing north of Mrs. W. A. Dickerman's residence, for Dr. Haskell, who afterward sold itto John Edwards. In the autumn was erected by Dr. Haskell the brick building which was known later as the Winnebago House, on Andrew Ashton's corner. When laying out the ground for the cellar Mr. Silsby persuaded Dr. Haskell to set his building six feet from the line of the street. The Winnebago House was the first brick store built above Rock Island on Rock river. Into this store Dr. Haskell moved the stock of goods from the building on the river bank which had been occupied by Platt & Sanford ; and he and Isaiah Lyon continued the business. In 1843 Mr. Lyon closed out the stock, and converted the building into a hotel, under the name of the Winnebago House. Mr. Lyon's successors as proprietor were N. Crawford, C. C. Cobern, P. C. Watson, James B. Pierce, Isaac N. Cunningham, and D. Sholts. The building passed into Mr. Beaton's hands in 1854, and was afterward rearraged into stores.

After finishing Dr. Haskell's brick block, Mr. Silsby and Mowry Brown built a house for G. A. Sanford near the center of the block, south of Porter's drug store, on Main street. This house is now standing near the Chestnut street bridge. Benjamin Kilburn built his house near the Trask bridge road that season. The rear of the Beattie house was built the same summer.

Death Of Mr. Silsby

river at Newburg, once called Sayresville, after its founder, Colonel Sayres. Newburg was then in Winnebago county, on the mile-strip. The bridge was built of heavy timbers framed together, and floor timbers laid from one bent to another to support the floor. This bridge extended several hundred feet south of the river across a marsh to solid ground. Thirty-two years later Mr. Silsby crossed this bridge with a loaded wagon.

Mr. Silsby rendered great service to the writer in locating these buildings of the early days. His trade, that of contractor and builder, doubtless fixed the dates of their erection in his mind. No other individual furnished a more valuable fund of information in the preparation of this work. He knew the village from the beginning, and he retained his excellent memory unimpaired to the last. Mr. Silsby died suddenly April 7, 1899, in Kansas, after having spent the winter with his daughter in Rockford. He was eighty-one years of age. Mr. Silsby was born in Acworth, Sullivan county, New Hampshire, November 1 , 1817. He went in 1837 to Upper Alton, where he remained until he came to Rockford the f olio wiug year. After working at his trade for some years, he embarked in mercantile business. Mr. Silsby was survived by three daughters, two of whom reside in Rockford. They are Mrs. Harriet Griswold and Mrs. Levi Sanders. George A. Silsby, of Mitchell, South Dakota, formerly in the shoe business in Rockford, is a son.

Chapter Xxvii

THE oldest Baptist organization west of Chicago is the First Baptist church of Belvidere. On a Sunday in March, 1836, Rev. John S. King preached the first sermon in the Kishwaukee country, at the primitive home of Timothy Caswell. The First Baptist churcli was founded in July, 1836, and was the first religious organization in Belvidere. Its first pastor was Prof. Seth S. Whitman, who served ten years. Prof. Whitman was a native of Shaftsbury, Vermont. He was graduated from Madison university ; and later, in 1827, he was one of the three who formed the first graduating class from Newton Theological institution. Immediately after his graduation, he was called to the chair of Biblical interpretation at Hamilton Theological institution. This chair he occupied seven years, until his health failed, when he came to Belvidere. Prof. Whitman also performed duty as a civil officer in that early day. In 1841 he was clerk of the circuit court under the appointment of Judge Dan. Stone, and postmaster of the village. Belvidere, in 1836, was included in this county; hence a reference to the church in that village has a place in this chapter.

The First Baptist church of Rockford was organized December 22, 1838, at the home of Dr. Haskell. It is thus the second Baptist church planted in northern Illinois, and the third religious organization in Rockford. Prof. Whitman and Deacon Nathaniel Crosby from Belvidere were present. Prof. Whitman was chosen moderator, and Dr. Haskell, clerk. A declaration of twelve articles of faith and a church covenant were adopted. Sixteen residents of Rockford presented church letters, as follows: James and Martha Jackson, from Indianoplis, Indiana; Abiram Morgan, from the First Baptist church, Springfield, Massachusetts; Pierce and Evelina Wood, from Conneaut, Ohio; John and Susan Emerson, Machias Point, Maine; William B. Brainard, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Ransom and Lucy Knapp, George and Eunice P. Haskell, Mo wry and Lucy Brown, Isaiah Lyon, and Caleb Blood, from Upper Alton.

Constituent Members

In June, 1888, the church celebrated its semi-centennial. The Rock River Association had been invited to hold its regular session in Rockford. It was proposed to celebrate this anniversary at the time the Association should meet, although the exact date of organization was later in the year. The Association accepted the invitation. At that time the pastor, Rev. W. A. Stan ton, Ph. D., prepared an excellent historical address, to which the writer is indebted for many of the facts given in this chapter.

Just one-half of the constituent membership of the church came from Upper Alton. This enrollment included several men of sturdy character and progressive ideas. Dr. Haskell has already been introduced to the reader. Isaiah Lyon honored every position to which he was called. Mr. Lyon was born in Woodstock, Connecticut, in February, 1804. He was acousin of General Nathaniel Lyon, who was killed at the battle near Wilson's creek, in 18G1. About 1825 Mr. Lyon went to St. Louis, thence to Upper Alton, and from there he came to Rockford. He was in mercantile business, proprietor of the Winnebago House, and for thirty-one consecutive years a justice of the peace. He resigned on account of declining health, after he was seventy years of age. Mr. Lyon's sterling qualities inspired confidence, and the poor always found in him an adviser and helper. He was prosperous in business, and acquired a considable estate. Mr. Lyon died January 22, 1883. His only child is Mrs. S. F. Weyburn, who is now residing in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Abiram Morgan was one of the most prominent citizens of early Rockford, and maintained his membership with the church until his death, January 6, 1855. Ransom Knapp was a brother of Rev. Jacob Knapp, the revivalist. Caleb Blood had been a student at Shurtleff college, and became a Baptist clergyman. He was a grandson of Rev. Caleb Blood, whose ministry in New England from 1777 to 1814 was well known.

January 12, 1839, three weeks after its organization, the church extended a call to Rev. A. Chapin, of Shurtleff college, at a salary of three hundred dollars a year. He declined the call, and until May, 1841, the church depended upon occasional supplies. Among these were Prof. Whitman, of Belvidere, and Rev. John Sears. Dr. Haskell was deacon and clerk, and withal a pillar of strength. He had built a brick block on the site of Hon. Andrew Ashton's store, with a hall on the second floor for public meetings; and here the church held its services until

May, 1841. The missionary spirit was fostered. There is a record of a vote, March 9, 1839, to give twenty-five dollars to the Illinois Baptist convention.

In December, 1839, the church was legally incorporated, and plans for a house of worship were considered. In the following spring, lot six in block eleven was purchased. This is the northwest corner of Main and Peach streets, and is now owned by the W. A. Knowlton estate. The church had enjoyed no preaching for three months, and in April, 1840, it was decided to have regular services, with or without preaching. A system of benevolence, to begin June 1, was adopted. In July following a call was extended to S. C. Jameson, a student at Brown university ; but it was declined.

September 23, 1840, the Rock River Baptist Association was organized at Belvidere. During 1839-40 churches had been organized at Round Prairie, Roscoe, Pecatonica, and Sugar River. The Rockford church appointed six delegates to attend the Association. Dr. Haskell was chosen moderator, and Prof. Whitman, clerk. The total membership of the six churches of the Association was two hundred and nineteen. The minutes of this first Association were published in full in eight small pages. A copy is preserved in the Rockf ord public library, and is probably the only one in existence. A complete file of the minutes of the Rock River Baptist Association for fifty-nine years has been preserved in this library. The early numbers were collected by Rev. E. C. Mitchell, D. D., while he was pastor of the State Street Baptist church.

The erection of the new house of worship proceeded as rapidly as possible. This sanctuary stood close to Main street, and faced the east. It was a balloon frame, about thirty by forty feet, clapboarded, with no cupola. There were three windows on either side, but none in front or rear. Three or four steps at the front led to a porch, the covering of which was an extension of the gable end of the roof. This projecting roof was supported by four square columns. The interior consisted of a single room. From the door there was one center aisle, and on either side a row of pews which extended to the side walls. At the right and left were seats, slightly raised, for the singers. At the west end was the pulpit, upon a platform securely boxed.

Early Pastors

used. Prof. Whitman was the preacher, and from that time until November 12th of the same year, he regularly supplied the pulpit, at five dollars a Sunday. As a stated supply, Prof. Whitman may be considered in a restricted sense as the first pastor.

The Rock River Baptist Association held its second annual session with the Rockford church September 18 and 19, 1841. The delegates at Bel videre the precedingyear had been instructed to invite the Association to meet in Rockford at this time, and the invitation had been accepted. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. Luther W. Lawrence, of Bonus. The total membership of the churches in the Association had increased since the first session from t wo hundred and nineteen to two hundred and sixty.

The first resident pastor was the Rev. Solomon Knapp. He came from Des Plaines, Illinois, November 12, 1841, served less than a year, and resigned September 19, 1842. His salary was at the rate of three hundred dollars a year. During his pastorate there were nine additions by baptism and eight by letter. From his departure until the autumn of 1843 the church was without a pastor.

A call was then extended to Rev. Warren F. Parrish, of Massilon, Ohio. He was a convert from Mormonism to the Baptist faith ; and it is said the threats made by the Mormons greatly annoyed him and his wife. The church paid him a salary of three hundred dollars and house-rent the first year ; the second year he received four hundred dollars. Of this amount, the Home Missionary Society paid one hundred dollars. This is the only year, in the entire history of the church, when it received any assistance from this source. The First Baptist society of Rockford was organized January 6, 1845. During the summer of that year there was a lack of harmony between the pastor and people, and September 1st Rev. Parrish tendered his resignation. He continued his residence in Rockford, and his membership with the church until June 15, 1860, when he was excluded. He had preferred charges against Dr. Clark, who was then pastor, for preaching heresy as to the Biblical teaching about usury. The church exonerated Dr. Clark, and rebuked Rev. Parrish. He continued to agitate the matter, however, until he was excluded. Upon his confession of error, he was restored January 4, 1862. In 1866 he removed to Kansas, where he became insane, and died.

About a month after the resignation of Eev. Fairish, the church invited Rev. O. H. Read, of Portageville, New York, to supply six months, from October 13, 1845. The terms were : "one hundred dollars in money, a. cook stove, delf, and furniture with which tokeephouse; but he was to pay his own house rent." Rev. Read was unwilling to remain longer than the six months.

Rev. Luther Stone came from Rock Island and served as pastor from June, 1846, to June, 1847, with a salary of four hundred dollars. In October, 1846, the church granted letters to eight members, to form a church at Harlem. Deacon R. T. Mabie was one of the number. After a struggle of two years the Harlem church disbanded, and Deacon Mabie reunited with the church November 18, 1848.

From July 18, 1847, to October, 1848, the church was again favored with Prof. Whitman as a stated supply. His health failed, and he retired for three years from pastoral duties. He then took charge of a Baptist church at Madison, Wisconsin, where he died after eight months of service, January 2, 1852. The Baptists of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin owe a great debt to this cultured Christian gentleman. Dr. Frank S. Whitman, a prominent physician and politician of Belvidere, is a nephew.

In the autumn of 1848, Elder Jacob Knapp removed from the east, and November 18th he united with the First church by letter. The church was then without a pastor, and arrangements were soon made with Elder Knapp for holding revival meetings. The little frame building was too small, and the church secured the use of the court house, where it continued to hold services until the new stone structure was completed. Elder Knapp continued his labors until June, 1849. At the annual session of the Rock River Association, held that month, the church reported sixty-two additions by baptism and seventeen by letter. These accessions increased the membership to one hundred and sixty.

Elder Knapp was one of the most remarkable men of his time. He was born in Otsego county, New York, December 7, 1799. He was graduated at Hamilton Theological seminary in June, 1825, and ordained in the following August at Springfield, New York. After serving the church at Springfield for five years, and the church at Watertown for three years, he began his career as an evangelist. For fifteen years his home was at Hamilton, New York, and for twenty-five years at Rockford.

Elder Jacob Knapp

Elder Knapp claimed to have preached about sixteen thousand sermons, baptized four thousand candidates, and was the means of making one hundred thousand converts by his revival ministry, of whom two hundred became ministers of the gospel. Elder Knapp's mind was characterized by strong logical tendencies, and his sermons abounded in homely illustrations, apt quotations from the Bible, and a good knowledge of human nature. The sight of a Unitarian or Universalist had much the same influence upon him that red flannel has upon a certain domestic animal. In commenting upon the cold intellectuality which was supposed to distinguish the Unitarians, Elder Knapp said that when they went to hell, they would so change the atmosphere of the place that all the little devils could skate on the ice. In stature, Elder Kuapp was short, squarely and stoutly built, his voice was deeply sepulchral, and his manner self-possessed. He was fertile in expedients and possessed an indomitable will. He was quick at repartee, in which he was a consummate master. An instance is recalled when he was interrupted in a sermon by a smart young man in the gallery who inquired as to who was the father of the devil. Quick as a flash came the retort from the evangelist: "Young man, keep your own family record." On one occasion Elder Knapp met two clergymen on the street, when one said to the other, so that the Elder could hear: "Have you heard the news - they say the devil is dead." Elder Knapp reached out both arms, placed one hand upon each minister in fatherly compassion, and exclaimed: "Poor, fatherless children !" He sometimes drew comparisons which were not complimentary to his own denomination. He charged certain members with inconsistency in their doctrine of never falling from grace and their practice of continually so doing; whereas the Methodists believed infalling from grace, and lived up to it.

Tothisday the widest differences of opinion prevail astothe sincerity and true Christian character of Elder Knapp. Many of his fellow citizens believed his daily life was quite inconsistent with the higher ideals which he taught from the pulpit ; while others considered him the very incarnation of godly zeal ; as a veritable John the Baptist, warning the people in terms of awful grandeur to flee from the wrath to come. President Knott, of Union college, testified : "Elder Knapp is unequaled among uninspired men." Dr. Thomas Armitage, in his History of the Baptists, says: "The writer heard him preach many times, and judged him, as he is apt to judge men, more by his prayers than his sermons, for he was a man of much prayer. His appearance in the pulpit was very striking, his face pale, his skin dark, his mouth wide, with a singular cast in one eye bordering on a squint ; he was full of native wit, almost gestureless, and vehement in denunciation, yet so cool in his deliberation that with the greatest ease he gave every trying circumstance its appropriate but unexpected turn." Elder Knapp died March 3, 1874, on his farm north of Rockford,and was buried in the West side cemetery, with his feet toward the west, in accordance with his strange request. MissKittie Sherwood, his granddaughter, has been laboring for many years as a home missionary among the colored people in the south. Elder Knapp's Autobiography was published in 1868.

The immediate successor of Elder Knapp was Rev. Ichabod Clark, D. D. He came from Galena, Illinois, in July, 1849, and labored continuously for five years. Mrs. Clark died September 16, 1854. Dr. Clark desired a change of scene and labor, and November 5th of that year he left Rockford to engage for a time as superintendent of missions for the Illinois Baptist General Association. During his absence the pulpit was regularly supplied by Rev. Justin A. Smith, D. D., the veteran editor of the Standard, the Baptist publication in Chicago. In August, 1855, Dr. Clark resumed the active pastorate, which he retained until July, 1860. This was the longest pastorate in the history of the church. Four hundred and fifty-two members were added to the enrollment, of whom two hundred and eleven were by baptism.

The stone edifice now occupied by the church was completed in 1850, and was then the finest church building in the village. The dedicatory sermon was preached June 20th, by Rev. JirahD. Cole, before the Rock River Baptist Association, which was then in session with the church. The building cost six thousand dollars ; the total cost of the lots, building and furniture was seven thousand five hundred and eleven dollars and seventeen cents. Among the prominent pew-holders were William Hulin, Charles I. Horsman, J. B. Howell, H. W. Loomis, Daniel Dow, Isaac Andrus and John Beattie. Not all the pew-holders were members of the church, and a few were not even included in the congregation. This church is the oldest house of worship in the city. Its solid walls have resisted the tooth of time and the fury of the elements for a full half century. When the old frame church was vacated, it entered upon a career of itineracy. It was sold to the Unitarians, who removed it to their lot. Still later it was used by another church, and for secular business before it was torn down.

Revival services were frequently held from 1850 until Rev. Clark's resignation. In 1858 there were one hundred and two baptisms. June 6th of that year fifty -eight received the right hand of fellowship. This year the church reached its high-water mark. After fifteen years of long and faithful service, Dr. and Mrs. Haskell adopted Spiritualism, and severed their connection with the church in 1853 and '54, respectively.

July 31, 1858, letters were granted to thirty-four members who wished to organize another church in East Rockford. The New Hampshire confession of faith was adopted by the First church January 2, 1859. When Dr. Clark closed his pastorate in 1860, the church had a membership of two hundred and seventy-seven. When he came to Rockford there were one hundred and sixty Baptists in the town ; when he went away there were three hundred and fifty-seven. Dr. Clark died at Lockport, Illinois, in 1869, and was buried in the West side cemetery.

Several members of the church were licensed to preach. Among these was Rev. Samuel Haskell, a nephew of Dr. Haskell, to whom reference was made in Chapter XXIII. Mr. Haskell went from Rockford to Suffield, Connecticut, where he prepared for college. In 1845 he was graduated from Brown university, and in 1847, from Hamilton Theological institution. From 1847 to 1852 he was pastor of the First church in Detroit, Michigan; from 1852 to 1871 in Kalamazoo, and from 1871 to 1888 in Ann Arbor. In 1866 he was president of the Michigan State Convention. He is now retired from the pastorate, and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Other licentiates were T. Adna Orcott, J. P. Curry, T. L. Breckenridge, J. A. Dobson, Volney Powell, and George Bornschlegel.

Dr. Clark was succeeded by Dr. Thomas Kerr, who received a call immediately after the resignation of his predecessor. Dr. Kerr was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, May 24, 1824. He received a liberal education at Gordon's college and the University of Aberdeen. The latter is one of the oldest of two or three universities in Scotland. Dr. Kerr has a brother who for forty years was professorof architecture at King's college in London, and isnow professor emeritus. Dr. Kerr came to America in 1844. He arrived in New York September 1st. While in that city he attended a winter's course of scientific lectures in Columbia college. In 1850 Dr. Kerr received his degree in medicine at the Iowa state university, then located at Davenport, but now at DesMoines. The same year the Doctor began the practice of medicine at Elgin, Illinois, where he remained seven years. During the latter part of this period Dr. Kerr felt constrained to enter the ministry ; and in June, 1857, he was ordained as a Baptist clergyman at Elgin, by the Fox River Association. Among those who officiated at his ordination was Rev. Charles Hill Roe, of Belvidere, an honored name in local Baptist history. Dr. Kerr became pastor of the Baptist church at Dundee, in Kane county, in the latter part of 1857. During this pastorate he continued to practice medicine at Elgin, as he found he could not absolutely retire at once from his former profession. In the autumn of 1859 Dr. Kerr was called to Waukegan ; and June 1, 1860, he began his pastorate in Rockford.

To Dr. Kerr belongs the honor of preaching the first war sermon in Rockford after the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Sunday morning the news came that President Lincoln had issued a call for seventy -five thousand men. It was one of those critical moments in the nation's life. Under its solemn inspiration, Dr. Kerr preached an impressive patriotic discourse in the afternoon in the First church, and for the first time in local history the American flag was displayed from the pulpit. Dr. Kerr preached the first funeral discourse over a dead soldier, a brother of Lucius Day, whose remains had been returned to Rockford for burial. These memorial services were held in the street in front of the old court house.

After one year's service, Dr. Kerr was given a vacation of three months, during which time he visited Palestine. In 1864 Dr. Kerr was a member of the Christian Commission for three weeks, under the appointment of its chairman, George H.Stuart. His commission was signed as secretary by B. F. Jacobs, the famous Sunday-school worker. Upon his ret urn Dr. Kerrraised several hundred dollars, by popular lectures on his observations at the front, for the benefit of the Christian Commission fund. Dr. Kerr's official reports were highly complimented by Chairman Stuart. These appointments of clergymen were always for a short time, in order that a large number might be invited to serve, and because such appointees were usually in charge of their own local fields.

Dr. Kerr's first Rockf ord pastorate closed November 1, 1866, when he was called to Hannibal, Missouri. After a brief pastorate by Rev. James Lick, D. D., Dr. Kerr was again called to his old charge in Rockford, and he began his second pastorate July 11, 1869. His discourses were not considered evangelical, and he was charged with not preaching Baptist doctrines. Dr. Kerr tendered his resignation August 28, 1870. In October the church called a council. This council met on the 14th, deposed Dr. Kerr from the Baptist ministry, and advised the church to exclude him from membership. Upon this advice, Dr. Kerr and forty-eight members were excluded, who, though owning the larger part of its property, left the church undisturbed in its title to, and possession of it. With his friends, Dr. Kerr organized the Church of the Christian Union, upon abasis of liberal religious thought. It is now the oldest independent church of its kind in the country; and preceded by five years a similar movement led by the late Prof. David Swing, in Chicago. Dr. Kerr, with a slight intermission, has preached in Rockford nearly forty years. American church history records compartively few parallels of such long service in one community. The career of Dr. Kerr after his radical departure and of his church belongs to a later period of local history.

Dr. Kerr is a commanding figure and a strong personality. His presentations of religious thought, though not expressed in evangelical terms, are inspirational, restful and spiritual ; and enkindle a spirit of reverence in responsive hearts. The question as to whether essential Christianity can be permanently maintained in the hearts of men, apart from the historic and personal Christ, is the fundamental point at issue between evangelical and liberal Christianity; and upon this question the latter is on trial for its life.

Chapter Xxviii

F^ARLY in 1839 the little village aspired to the dignity of an L incorporated town. The general law of 1831 provided that "whenever the white males over the age of twenty-one years, being residents of any town in this state, containing not less than one hundred aud fifty inhabitants, shall wish to become incorporated for the better regulation of their internal police," it should be lawful for them to do so. The ambition of the village was sustained by the required population.

A meeting of the citizens of Rockford was held, pursuant to public notice, at the Rockford House, April 1, 1839. David Goodrich was called to the chair, and James Mitchell was chosen clerk. It was resolved that the two villages of Rockford, east and west sides of Rock river, be incorporated into one town. Committees were appointed to ascertain the number of inhabitants within the prescribed boundaries of Rockford ; to draft an act of incorporation for the town; and to confer with Mr. Brinckerhoff concerning free ferriage for the citizens of the county.

An adjourned meeting was held April 3d, but no business was transacted. A second adjourned meeting was held on the following evening. The committee on census reported that the number of inhabitants was two hundred and thirty-five. The committee appointed to confer with Mr. Brinckerhoff made a report to the effect that he would furnish free ferriage to the citizens of the county on condition that the trustees of the town would remunerate him, at the close of each year, with such sum as a committee of three should determine, after ascertaining the receipts and expenses of the ferriage. One member of the committee was to be chosen by the trustees, another by Mr. Brinckerhoff, and these two were to appoint a third. At this meeting, by a two-thirds vote, as required by law, the town was incorporated. An election for five trustees was held April 10th. There were chosen Dr. Goodhue, Daniel S. Haight, Samuel Little, Ephraim Wyman and Isaiah Lyon.

The Town One Mile Square

The statute provided that the boundaries of a town incorporated under its provisions should not exceed one mile square. The trustees restricted the limits as thus prescribed by the law. They organized by the election of Daniel S. Haight, president ; Anson Barnum, clerk; John C. Kemble, attorney. Isaiah Ly on was elected collector and treasurer; Henry Thurston, assessor for the first district ; John Haskell, for the second ; Nathaniel Wilder for the third ; S. D. Preston, for the fourth.

Rockford continued its simple municipal life under this system until January, 1852. These years were quite uneventful, so far as municipal affairs were concerned. The complete records of the proceedings of the board of trustees for those twelve years are contained in a single small volume. This book is well preserved, in the office of the city clerk. Routine business occupied the almost exclusive attention of the board; and frequently less than a page is required to record its proceedings.

The lands in Winnebago county did not come into market until the autumn of 1839. The lands in Rockford and Rockton townships were not offered for sale until 1843, by reason of the famous "Polish claims," which will be considered in detail in a subsequent chapter. The land office for this district in 1839 was at Galena. The opening of the lands to sale and entry in that year was an interesting event to the settlers of Winuebago county. Some of them had their farms well under cultivation, and had raised a sufficient surplus, so that they were able to secure their farms when the sale began . The uniform government price for land was ten shillings an acre. Speculators were always around the land office on days of sale, waiting for the first chance to make a claim. A common interest bound the settlers together, and they usually maintained their rights in equity against the sharp practices of the land sharks.

Many of the settlers, however, did not possess ready money. Stock and grain had become plenty by this time, but they could not be sold for cash. Money at one time commanded thirty per cent. Some of the farmers had their claims bid in on shares. Lands were also bid in by men who had money, on condition that their advances should double in three years - thirty-three and one-third per cent, interest ; the money-loaner furnished the money, and gave a bond to the claimant to redeem at the expiration of three years, if the money should be paid on or before that day. The money-loaner supposed his title was good, as it was entered in his own name, and paid for in full with his money. It was decided otherwise, however, by the supreme court, which treated it as a mortgage. There was much litigation on this point.

The Aberdeen Bank of Scotland purchased large tracts of land in 1839, in McHenry, Winnebago and Boone counties. There were purchased four thousand six hundred and forty acres in Boone county alone. Mr. Taylor, the agent of the bank, a short time after he made the entry, went down the Mississippi river on the steamboat "War Eagle," and when near St. Louis, he was drowned by falling from the boat. It has been said he leaped into the river; but there is no known reason to justify a suspicion of suicide.

Reference was made in a preceding chapter to the organization of a temperance society, July 4, 1837. H. B. Potter was chosen president, and M. W. Allen, secretary. The first annual meeting was held July 4, 1838, at Winnebago. Rev. Hiram Foote delivered an address. E. H. Potter was chosen president, and Horace Foote, secretary. The second annual meeting was held in West Rockford, July 4, 1839. Prayer was offered by Rev. John Morrill, and an address was given by Rev. Cyrus L. Watson. The pledge was circulated and sixty-one names were secured, which made the total membership one hundred and sixty-eight. Among the members during the first three years were H. B. Potter, Germanicus Kent, Samuel Haskell, Israel Morrill, I. P. Bartlett, Samuel Gregory, I. M. Johnson, George Haskell, John Emerson, James M. Wight, Dr. J. C. Goodhue.

February 22, 1840, it was resolved : "That this society has learned with concern, and deep regret, that several distilleries are about being erected in this and the neighboring counties, by means of which we are led to fear and believe a large proportion of our surplus produce is to be rendered worse than useless; that the kindest gifts of Providence will by this means be transformed into the worst of evils."

The records of this first temperance society are preserved in good condition, in possession of Mrs. Harriott Wight Sherratt. The last entry was made in April, 1842, by James M. Wight, secretary.

Chapter Xxix Rockford Cemeteries

rOUR sites have been used in West Rockford for the purpose of a cemetery. The first burial in the village of Rockford was that of Henry Harmon, who was drowned at the ferry in Rock river April 7, 1837, on block thirty-five of J. W. Leavitt's plat of the original town of West Rockford. The Commercial Hotel, South Church street, is on the southeast corner of this block. The second interment was of the body of Sarah Kent, a daughter of Germanicus Kent, upon the same block, in 1837. These were followed by the burials of Addison Phillips, who accidentally shot himself in March, 1839, and John Haskell, a brother of Dr. George Haskell, also in that year. Mrs. James Mitchell and some others were buried upon block thirty-five, which was the only place of interment on the west side of the river until about 1840. The proprietors of that portion of the town west of the section line dividing sections twenty-two and twenty-three, then gave to the citizens of West Rockford a plat of ground for cemetery purposes corresponding to block fiftythree in Morgan and Horsman's Addition to the city of Rockford, on the south side of State street. This block now includes the estate of Dr. C. H. Richings. Mrs. Montague, wife of Richard Montague, was the first person buried in this ground. She died February 17, 1842. From that time this plat of ground continued to be the place of burial until 1844. The original proprietors of the town, by an agreement with the citizens, exchanged this place of burial for a site corresponding to what would have been blocks thirty-seven and forty-eight of the original plat, on the north bank of Kent's creek. This tract corresponds with the switch-yards, roundhouse and stockyards of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad . The bodies were removed from the cemetery near State street and reburied in the new grounds. In the year 1844 the citizens, after several meetings, organized an association, and in February, 1845, they obtained a charter incorporating the Rockford Cemetery Association. Under this charter they elected their trustees and other officers, and kept up the organization in accordance with all the provisions of the act. The first trustees named in this charter were John W. Taylor, Ephraim Wyman, Cyrus F. Miller, Richard Montague and Benjamin Kilburn.

From 1844 to 1852 this site remained the place of burial for the Rockford Cemetery Association. During this time the number of graves had increased to about one hundred and seventy-five. The bodies 'that had been buried on block thirtyfive remained there until 1852.

The extension of the Galena & Chicago Union railroad to West Rockford again made it necessary for the Association to remove its cemetery, as the grounds had been selected by the railroad company as the site for its depot. A portion of this tract was condemned by the company for this purpose. The Association thereupon made arrangements with the railroad company for the sale of the entire property, except seventy feet fronting on Cedar street. The company paid the Association one thousand and nine hundred dollars. The frontage of seventy feet on Cedar street was subdivided into twelve lots, and sold to different persons for three thousand eight hundred and twelve dollars and twelve cents.

In April, 1852, the trustees took measures to procure a new charter for their more extended needs. In the following May the Association purchased of Charles Reed, George Haskell and Nathaniel Wilder, the present cemetery grounds. This tract contained thirty-three acres, for which the Association paid twelve hundred dollars. On the 29th of May, 1852, the Association made a contract with David D. Ailing to remove all the bodies in the original place of burial on block thirty-five, and those in the later cemetery.

At the special session of the legislature in June, 1852, the Association obtained a new act of incorporation. The sum realized from the sale of its former property left a good margin after the later purchase. Quite extensive improvements were made with a portion of this reserve. This cemetery is a beauful spot in summer, well kept, and contains many splendid monuments. One of the most noticeable is the plain granite shaft over the grave of Hon. Ephraim Sumner. The granite was quarried at Barre, Vermont. The height of the base and shaft is forty feet, and the weight is twenty tons. This monument was put up in 1894.

Cedar Bluff Cemetery

ground for a cemetery on the East side. It was situated on the east side of Longwood street, about ten rods north of State. The ground was open prairie. There was no shade from the summer sun, and the wintry winds intensified its desolation.