Rockford Township (part 9 of 11)

L. F. Warner is a native of Connecticut. He read law with Hon. Reuben Booth, who had been governor of the state. A statute of the commonwealth then required a student to read law three years before admission to the bar. Mr. Warner came to Rockford in November, 1848. Chicago at that time gave no promise of so far outstripping Rockford. The Galena & Chicago Union had built a construction track a few miles from Chicago. In 1848 East Rockford was larger than the West side, and had more wealth. Mr. Warner has always been a Democrat. He was a delegate to the famous convention at Charleston, in 1860, which resulted in a breach in the party, and the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas for the presidency at a later convention. Mr. Warner has served Rockford as city attorney. He is now the senior member of the Rockford bar. In 1898 he completed a full half century of continuous practice in his profession.

Melancthon Starr is an honored name in Rockford history. Mr. Starr was born in Albany, New York, April 14, 1816. In 1840 .he went to Tallahassee, as a commission merchant, where he represented several New York houses. His principal business was the purchase of cotton and its shipment in large quantities to the north. Mr. Starr, however, was a lover of freedom, and he became so disgusted with the scenes incident to slavery that he removed north. He became cashier of the banking house of

Melancthon Starr

Nevins, Townsend & Co., on Wall street, New York. His residence was at Jersey City. Mr. Starr removed to Rockford in 1850. He first conducted a dry goods business on the Second National Bank corner. He was assignee of Charles I. Horsman's bank when it failed. In 1855 Mr. Starr became interested in what was afterward called the Winnebago National Bank. This banking house was founded in 1848 by Thomas D. Robertson and John A. Holland. Later John S. Coleman became a partner, and the firm was Robertson, Coleman & Co. On the death of Mr. Holland, Mr. Starr was admitted to the firm ; and after Mr. Coleman's death the firm was Robertson & Starr, which continued until the organization of the Winnebago National Bank, in 1865. By reason of the respective characteristics of these gentlemen, the house of Robertson & Starr was sometimes called the firm of the Law and the Gospel. Mr. Robertson was president, ard Mr. Starr was vice-president until his death. In 1857 Mr. Starr sold his homestead on North Main street to Elias Cosper. It was his intention to return east ; but the death of Mrs. Starr changed his plans, and he re-purchased his former home, where he spent his last years. Mr. Starr was the beloved patriarch of a large family circle. December 16, 1839, he was married to Lucretia M. Nevins, at Norwich, Connecticut. She possessed literary attainments and great force of character. Their six children are: Harry N., Mrs. John P. Manny, Mrs. C. W. Brown, Chandler, David N.,and Miss Lucretia. The mother died in 1857. In 1861 Mr. Starr married Ellen M. Townsend, who still resides in Rockford. Mr. Starr was a man of the world in the best sense, and left quite a large estate. He was one of nature's noblemen. It has been said he never left a promise unfulfilled. He treated all men with respect. The poorest man was made to feel in the presence of Melancthon Starr that he was a gentleman, and he always received the same courteous treatment as though he were the possessor of unlimited wealth, and moved in the highest social circles. Mr. Starr was a rare type of that rapidlydeparting class, the old-school, Christian gentleman. There was not a grain of cynicism in his nature. The geniality of his disposition was as constant as the stability of his character. A beautiful trait was his sympathy for his old friend, the late Ephraim Wyman, who in his old age was reduced to very moderate circumstances. Nearly every Sunday Mr. Starr visited his friend, and cheered his last years with his sympathy and puree. Mr. Starr was a Unitarian. He was a communicant of of that church until its membership disbanded, when he became a regular attendant at the Church of the Christian Union. Mr. Starr died, universally esteemed, November 29, 1885.

John Edwards was born at Acton, Massachusetts, August 18, 1800. He was in business in Lowell before his removal to the west. Mr. Edwards was living at Alton, Illinois, during the excitement which resulted in the death of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, America's martyr to free soil and free speech. On that occasion Mr. Edwards took an honorable and decided position in favor of the freedom of the press; and stood on guard at Mr. Lovejoy's bed, with a loaded musket in his hand, the night before that brave Abolitionist was murdered by the proslavery mob. Mr. Edwards came to Rockford in 1850. He was the first dealer in pine lumber in the city. His first yard was near Peter Sames' wagon factory, near the Northwestern railroad track. Most of his lumber at this yard came by team from St. Charles, and the amount of stock on hand at one time was from ten to twelve thousand feet. His second yard was on the north west corner of Church and State streets, and the lumber was hauled from Elgin. At times he had difficulty in getting the lumber from the terminus of the railroad at Elgin. The teamsters who hauled wheat to that place would throw off a portion of the load when stalled in the mud at Pigeon Woods, and leave it there. Mr. Edwards encouraged the development of the Rockford water-power; was interested in the work of the seminary, and during his last years he was its agent. Mr. Edwards was an upright, worthy gentleman, of New England stock. His home was the present residence of George R. Forbes. His death occurred June 14, 1871. Mrs. Edwards was a woman of fine presence and force of character. She spent her last years with her daughter in Chicago, and died at about ninety years of age. Their three children are : Mrs. A. L. Chetlain, of Chicago, formerly Mrs. Melancthon Smith; Mrs. Julia Clemens, of Rockford: and the Rev. John Edwards, a retired Presbyterian clergyman. His wife was a sister of the late Melancthon Starr.

Chapter Liv

DANIEL S. HAIGHT, the founder of East Rockford, like his West side rival, did not remain in Rockford to see the fruition of his early settlement. Mr. Haight removed from the village in the winter of 1847 - 48, and settled in Texas, near Shreveport, Louisiana. He revisited Rockford in 1857. The date of his death is unknown to his old friends in Rockford. There is a tradition, which is commonly accepted, that he was a soldier in the Confederate army, and that he died after the civil war at Fort Worth, Texas. No worthy record of his life and work has been preserved ; but next to Mr. Kent, his name is most prominent in early history.

In the autumn of 1845 an eccentric character, who gloried in the name of Julius P. Bolivar McCabe, made his appearance in Rockford. He prepared a historical sketch of the village, which was published in the Forum of December 3, 1845, which gave a statistical resume of Rockford, which the writer called "one of the most tastefully built towns in Illinois." There were six congregations : Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Methodists, Universalists and Unitarians; a branch of the American Bible Society ; one classical and three select schools, with one hundred and fifty-eight pupils ; eleven dry goods stores, with a winter stock which aggregated sixty-five thousand dollars; a printing office ; three hotels; fourteen lawyers ; six physicians; three justices of the peace; two drug stores; two jewelry stores; two harness shops; one iron foundry; two sawmills; one fanning-mill factory ; one furnace and machine shop ; a distinguished portrait and landscape painter ; two land agencies ; two wagon shops ; three groceries ; one edge-tool maker ; two dentists ; two meat markets ; four tailor shops ; one bakery ; five shoe shops ; two cabinet shops; one copper and tinsmith shop ; five blacksmith shops ; two cooper shops ; two paint shops ; one livery stable, and one fashionable barber shop. The population of the East side was six hundred and eighty ; West side, five hundred and ninety-eight ; total in village, twelve hundred and seventy-eight. Of this population, four hundred and seventy were natives of New York ; two hundred and thirty-seven of the six New England states; one hundred and sixty-two of Illinois, including one hundred and nineteen who were born in Kockford. Luther Miller, father of Anson S. and Cyrus F, Miller, then in his seventy-fifth year, was the oldest man in the village. Mrs. Elizabeth McKinney, aged seventy-six years, was the oldest woman. There were only two colored persons in the town. On the East side there were one hundred and fifty-one houses; on the West side, one hundred and twenty-six; total, two hundred and seventy-seven. In describing the courthouse, this statistician said: "It is crowned with a beautiful and well-proportioned cupola, which rises fifteen feet above the roof of the building."

February 23, 1844, Charles Latimer, a former lawyer and well known citizen of Rockford, was shot at Potoski, Wisconsin. A few days previous to the fatal affray, Latimer became involved in a quarrel with a Mr. Gloster and another gentleman, which arose from a discussion of the right of foreigners to vote. It was proposed to settle the difficulty by a duel; but by the interposition of friends, it was thought that the matter had been amicably adjusted. On Friday morning, however, as Gloster was passing along the street, Latimer accosted him, drew a pistol and fired. The wadding lodged on Gloster's breast, but the ball passed over his shoulder. So heavy was the charge that the stock of the pistol was shattered by the discharge. Gloster immediately retreated, but was followed by Latimer, who had armed himself with two loaded pistols and a bowieknife. As Latimer advanced to Gloster, he said: "Are you ready? One or the other of us must die today" Gloster replied that he was not, and went to procure a double-barreled shotgun loaded with shot. On Latimer's approach Gloster warned him to keep back ; but Latimer still advanced, and raised his pistol, which missed fire. At this juncture Gloster fired, and most of the charge took effect in Latimer's breast. As he fell, he tried to fire again, but failed. He expired almost instantly. Gloster immediately delivered himself to the authorities, and after a preliminary hearing he was discharged. Mr. Latimer, who had been rather intemperate in his habits, was said to have been perfectly sober at the time of the affray.

The Forty-Niners

B. Hall recovered against Messrs. Friuk, Walker & Co. a verdict for one hundred and seventy-five dollars, for a trunk which was stolen from a stage belonging to the defendants, in which the plaintiff had taken passage. It appeared conclusively that the plaintiff was a passenger in defendant's stage while enroute from Rockford to Chicago, and put his trunk on board, and that the same was stolen before it arrived at Newburg, without any fault or negligence of the defendants. The jury, however, were satisfied that they were liable as common carriers, without any default.

February 17, 1846, a convention of physicians of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin was held in Rockford, when the organization of the Rock River Medical Association was perfected. Its object was mutual protection and improvement in professional knowledge. Dr. Goodhue^was elected president ; G. Hulett and George Haskell, vice-presidents; S. G. Armor, secretary and treasurer; censors, Lucius Clark, A.M. Catlin, A. Thomas. The first annual meeting of the society was held in Rockford the 19th of May following.

C. Spafford, D. K. Lyon, H. B. Potter, Dexter Clark, William Hamilton, H. H. Silsby, Isaac Rowley, ObadiahE. Lamb, a Mr. Smith, a Mr. Lewis, Sylvester Robinson, and Henry L. Simpson. Mr. Robinson died at Mud Springs, forty-five miles east of Sacramento, a few days after his arrival. Mr. Robinson was a native of Connecticut, and came to Rockford in 1847. He was father of Mrs. E. P. Catlin and H. H. and N. S. Robinson. Mr. Simpson died while on his return home, at Peru, Illinois, in March, 1851. His remains were brought to Rockford for burial. Mr. Simpson was father of E. L. Simpson and Mrs. Z. B. Sturtevant. He came to Rockford about 1839. He built a brick house which still stands on Leonard Schmauss' lot on North Second street; and part of another brick house on the south west corner of First and Market streets. Mr. Simpson was engaged in the business of blacksmith. He owned a one-half interest in a grist mill at Cherry Valley, and property in Rockford. Mr. Lamb died in California. As in all similar ventures, some were successful; while others received no adequate returns for their journey into the far country.

Chapter Lv

THERE are no early official records of this church ; and the writer is indebted to Levi Moulthrop, one of the oldest resident churchmen, for the facts given in this chapter. The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D. D., first bishop of the diocese of Illinois, made his first episcopal visitation to Rockford, August 28, 1841. Prior to this time there had been no public services of the Episcopal church held in the county. There had been only a very few families of the faith who had settled in Rockford. Levi Moulthrop, M. D., was the first churchman who came into this county. Dr. Moulthrop arrived in the autumn of 1835. He brought the first American Prayer Book, which is now in the possession of his son, Levi Moulthrop, the dry goods merchant.

The first church family who settled in the county was that of Sampson George, who came from Yorkshire, England. They arrived in the settlement of Rockford September 24, 1836. The family consisted of Mr. George, his wife, Ann, and five children, two daughters and three sons. The children had received baptism in England. Mr. George brought a letter from their parish priest, commending the family to the spiritual care of any clergyman of the American church into whose jurisdiction they might come. They also brought two English Prayer Books. The death of Mr. George occurred five weeks after the arrival of the family in Rockford. There was no priest nearer than the missionary at Galena, and he could not be definitely located, owing to the extent of territory under his charge. Thus the first churchman was buried without the offices of the church.

During the next few years several other families of the church settled in the county. Among these were Jonathan Weldon, Chauncy Kay, and John W. Taylor. The former two settled on farms about six miles southwest of the town, and the latter remained in the village, and engaged in the dry goods business.

At the Bishop's first visitation the services were held in the old court house building on North First street, which served a similar purpose for other households of the faith. The holy eucharist was celebrated for the first time in the county, and holy baptism administered. The Bishop preached. John Wadleigh Taylor, infant son of John W. and Jane P. Taylor, was baptized.

August 4, 1842, the Bishop made a second visitation to Rockford. The services morning and afternoon were held in the same building as in the preceding year. The sacraments of the holy eucharist, baptism and confirmation were administered. One of the baptisms was that of Levi, infant son of Mrs. Margaret Moulthrop. Those who received confirmation were Miss M. E. Weldon, Mrs. Margaret Moulthrop, Salmon R. and Spencer S. Weldon. The Bishop preached two sermons. Aside from these yearly visitations by the Bishop, the few church families in and around Rockford were without the sacraments of the church, except an occasional service by some missionary priest from a distant point.

In 1845 the Rev. Alfred I/auderback, of New Yorkstate, was appointed by the domestic board of missions to the missionary field of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with Belvidere and Rockford as chief points of location. This fact meant more regular and frequent services for Rockford. The new missionary's first service was held August 10, 1845. Father Lauderback ministered in this section two years, when he was sent to take charge of the parish which had been recently organized at Galena, Illinois. From this time for several years occasional services were held in the village by the Rev. Dudley Chase, a son of the Bishop, and the Revs. Humphrey and Millett, of Beloit, Wisconsin; Pulford, of Belvidere; Johnston, of Pekin, and Miller, of Bonus, Illinois, the father of Orrin Miller, an early Rockford attorney. Services were generally held in the new court house.

The present parish was organized May 1, 1849. A meeting of the parishioners, both men and women, was convened, at which the Rev. Dudley Chase presided ; and the parochial organization was effected in accordance with the prescribed canonical form. The articles of association were signed by Chauncy Ray, Jonathan Weldon, Horace Starkey, Duncan J. Stewart, John Conrad, S. R. Weldon, and Spencer S. Weldon. Upon the organization of the parish, the parishioners proceeded to the election of a vestry. Those elected were: senior warden, Horace Starkey; junior warden, Chauncy Ray; vestrymen, John Conrad, Duncan J. Stewart, S. R. Weldon.

The Rev. Dudley Chase was called to be the first rector. He accepted the call, but afterward declined, as he preferred to accept a charge in Chicago, where he organized the parish of the Atonement on the West side, which was afterward merged into the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

November 15, 1852, the Rev. Charles Reighley, of Chicago, was called to the rectorship of the parish. With the consent of the new bishop, Rt. Rev. Henry John Whitehouse, the call was accepted, and the first rector entered at once upon his work. Bishop Chase had died September 27, 1852, and had been succeeded by Bishop Whitehouse. A lot was purchased on the corner of North Church and North streets, for two hundred dollars, and a church building erected at a cost of nineteen hundred dollars. The new church was consecrated by Bishop Whitehouse, August 23, 1853, "by the name of Emmanuel Church, Rockford."

Succeeding the Rev. Charles Reighley have been the following rectors in the order named : Revs. Anson Clark, Michael Schofield, William T. Smithett, Thomas Smith, S. B. Duffield, J. E. Walton, S. D. Day, C. S. Percival, F. W. Adams, A. W. Snyder, D. C. Peabody, Wyllys Rede, and N. B. Clinch.

The Rev. D. C. Peabody became rector March 1, 1886. During his rectorship the present rectory was purchased, and the Fairfield Memorial Parish House erected, at a cost of forty thousand dollars. The latter was the gift of one parishioner, Mrs. Eleanor G. Fairfield, and was erected as a memorial to her late husband, W. W. Fairfield. An additional thirty feet of land adjoining the church lot on the west was purchased, at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars, and many other permanent improvements made in the parish.

Emmanuel church, like the Episcopal church in America, has calmly pursued the even tenor of its way. Centuries ago the forefathers, in iconoclastic zeal, discarded the beauty and sublimity of her ritual. With a sort of reversion to type instinct, non-conformist churches have from time to time since then incorporated portions of her ritual into their service. Like air and sunshine, it appeals to the great universal, and will ever maintain its place in public worship. Four of the greatest spiritual forces of the centuries, Frederick W. Robertson, Frances Ridley Havergal, Phillips Brooks and Archdeacon Farrar, have found in this venerable church a congenial atmosphere for the highest development of the religious nature.

Chapter Lvi

THE subject of higher education received attention at an early date in this section. As early as 1836 or '37 a joint stock company was formed at Belvidere, for the purpose of building and maintaining an institution to be known as Newton academy. March 4, 1838, an instrument of writing issued from Boone county, by Dr. Whitney, commissioner of sales for the county, conveying to John S. King, Hiram "Waterman, A. D. Bishop, William Dresser and F. WT. Crosby, trustes of New ton academy, and their successors in office, for the use of the academy, block twenty in the original town of Belvidere. This tract of ground cornered with the southeast corner of the public square, and is now occupied bp the residence of H. C. DeDunn. The building was commenced, and so far completed as to be tenantable, and Prof. Seth S. Whitman taught a school therein. He was succeeded by another teacher whose name has been forgotten. In August, 1843, the academy, grounds and franchises passed from the association, and became the property of John Waiworth, in trust, to be used by him for educational purposes, and none other. In the same month Mr. Walworth conveyed the property to Arthur Fuller, a brother of the famous Margaret Fuller, subject to all the conditions named in the conveyance to Walworth. Miss Fuller went to Belvidere in person, and bought the property, and had the deed executed to her brother. Mr. Fuller occupied the academy as a teacher about two years, when he conveyed the property to John K. Towner and Eben Conant, subject to the same conditions. Mr. Conant was father of Rev. A. H. Conant, who was pastor of the Unitarian church of Rockford. The son used the academy as a school room and house of worship, llis doctrines did not meet the approval of the membership of the other churches, and neither his school nor his church met with special success ; and in January, 1852, Messrs. Towner and Conant conveyed the property to the Rev. Charles Hill Roe, a Baptist clergyman. From that time, for many years, the academy was used ks a private residence; then as a barn, and was finally destroyed by fire.

About 1839 a seminary was founded at Mt. Morris, in Ogle county. The attempt to establish a school at Kishwaukee was noted in a preceding chapter.

As early as 1843 there was some discussion of the need of a college for the upper Rock river valley. A general convention of the churches of the northwest was held at Cleveland, Ohio, in June, 1844, at which education received much attention. It was decided that a college and a female seminary should be founded in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, respectively. A resolution was adopted that the "exigencies of Wisconsin and northern Illinois require that those sections should unite in establishing a college and a female seminary of the highest order - one in Wisconsin, near to Illinois, and the other in Illinois, near to Wisconsin." The delegates, upon their return, called a convention at Beloit in August, 1844. Three subsequent conventions were held at Beloit, because it was believed from the first that the college should be located at that place. The resolution of the first convention, affirming the need of both college and seminary, was re-affirmed in these subsequent conventions, representing especially the Presbyterian and Congregational ministry and churches in all the region. The union of these two churches in this movement may be attributed to the fact that each was weak as it stood alone, and only in union was there strength. At the fourth convention, held at Beloit in October, 1845, Beloit was selected as the seat of the college, and a board of trustees was elected, to whom was committed the development of both institutions. The first meeting of the trustees was held the same month. Upon the original board were Rev. Aratus Kent and Hon. Wait Talcott. The charter for Beloit college was approved by the governor of the territory of Wisconsin, February 2, 1846. Middle college, the first building, was begun in the autumn of that year.

Then began the discussion of a site for the seminary. Rockton and Rockford were rivals. But Beloit had been selected for the college; and from the Puritanical point of view of those days, Rockton was considered not a desirable distance for a college for young ladies. Thus Rockford was given the preference. The Rockford Forum of October 29, 1845, published a call for a meetiug at the Methodist church, on Monday evening, November 3d, to consider the location of the seminary. This call was signed by thirty-four citizens, led by T. D. Robertson.

Old Seminary Building

[Began for the First Congregational church, subsequently owned by the county as a court house. Miss Sill began her preparatory school here. It was also occupied as a place of worship by several churches. Last stood on Gilbert Woodruff's grounds. Torn clown autumn of 1899]

Science Hall, Rockford College The Preparatory School

At this meeting it was resolved to attempt to raise the sum prescribed by the Beloit trustees as necessary - about three thousand five hundred dollars. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions, consisting of Jason Marsh, George Haskell, Willard Wheeler, Asa Crosby, Anson S. Miller, P. B. Johnson, and Horace Foote. The Forum of November 5, 1845, contains a full report of this meeting, also a lengthy editorial. Citizens pledged the required amount. The Forum of December 3d mentions, in a sketch of the city, that the trustees of Beloit college have located the seminary at Rockford. A charter was granted February 25, 1847, to the following gentlemen as incorporators : Aratus Kent, D. Clary, S. Peet, F. Bascom, C. Waterbury, S. D. Stevens, A. L. Chapin, R. M. Pearson, G. W. Wilcox, A. Raymond, C. M.Goodsell, E. H. Potter, L.G. Fisher, Wait Talcott, Charles S. Hempstead and Samuel Hinman. These same gentlemen were the incorporators of Beloit college. The board of trustees was to consist of sixteen members, with power to increase the number to twenty-four. But disasters affecting the business interests of the village prevented the fulfillment of the pledges which had been made, and delayed the enterprise for a time; but it was never abandoned.

Meanwhile, June 11, 1849, Miss Anna P. Sill began a preparatory school, under the name of the Rockford Female Seminary. The recitations were held in the old court house building on North First street. Miss Sill came to Rockford from the east, with the expectation that her school would develop into the seminary which had been planned by the trustees of Beloit. This preparatory school was not the seminary proper, but rather its forerunner, and entirely under local management. Miss Sill was assisted by the Misses Hannah and Eliza Richards. The number of pupils the first term was seventy, most of whom were under ten years of age. The opening of this school apparently gave an impetus to the consummation of the former plans for a seminary. The trustees were Rev. L. H. Loss, Jason Marsh, Anson S. Miller, C. A. Huntington, S. M. Church, Rev. J. C. Parks, Bela Shaw, T. D. Robertson, E. H. Potter, Dr. George Haskell, Asa Crosby. The academic year was divided into four terms of eleven weeks each.

In 1850 the citizens again made pledges aggregating more than five thousand dollars for buildings, and theladies pledged one thousand dollars for the beautiful grounds. This original subscription list is still in existence, though eaten away in places.

It was found among the papers of the late Charles H. Spafford. The word original is here used because the subscriptions of 1845-46 were apparently never redeemed. The list is probably the only one in existence. Thus by September, 18, 1850, the seminary proper was assured as a permanent institution of Rockford, for the higher education of young women.

During the first two years of Miss Sill's residence in Rockford she continued independently her preparatory school. But in 1851 the school was formally recognized by the board of trustees of Beloit college as the preparatory department of Rockford female seminary, under the charter which they had already obtained. Full preparatory and collegiate courses of study were defined, and, upon examination, fifteen were admitted into the first collegiate class in September of that year. The year 1851 is thus regarded as the date of the founding of the seminary, according to the original design. The recitations were conducted in the old court house building, already noted. The seminary had been granted full collegiate powers by its charter, but it was called a seminary, as was customary for such institutions at that time. The name was not changed to Rockford college until 1892. Seven of this first class of 1851 graduated in 1854. Only one, Mrs. William Lathrop, is now a resident of the city. The course then covered three years, and was later changed to four years.

The present seminary grounds were purchased from Buell G. Wheeler. The land originally extended to the river, but a portion was taken by the Chicago & Iowa railroad. The property was not condemned, as the trustees preferred to sell rather than enter into any controversy. The grounds never extended farther east or north. They were never enlarged, and were reduced only on the west. The deed to this property was also found among Mr. Spafford's papers, and apparently had never left his possession. The reason therefor may be explained. Mr. Spafford was county recorder at the time; he was also a trustee of the seminary, and the treasurer of the board. The document would thus naturally remain in his possession. This deed and the original subscription list, previously noted, were presented to the college at the last commencement season by Mr. Spafford's family, and are now among its permanent records. The city of Rockford owes a debt of gratitude to three of its early citizens for the very existence of this institution. At a critical moment in the formative period, Charles H. Spafford, Eleazer

Separate Board Of Trustees

H. Potter and Dr. Lucius Clark mortgaged their homes and raised several thousand dollars to insure the success of the seminary. This self-sacrifice by these gentleman, who had faith in the future of Rockford, and who appreciated the value of higher education, has never been properly recognized, for the apparent reason that their course has not been generally known.

After the purchase of the grounds Mr. Wheeler said they were sold for much Jess than their real value. Mrs. Wheeler was deeply interested in the success of the seminary ; and thus the property was obtained at a low price. Mr. Spafford also preserved a transcript of an itemized estimate of the cost of the first building, made by John Beattie. This document called for an outlay of seven thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven dollars and thirty-five cents.

July 15, 1852, the corner-stone of the first building was laid by Rev. Aratus Kent, president of the board of trustees. He spoke from the words: "That our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

After the acceptance by the board of trustees of the financial pledges of the citizens of Rockford in 1850, it was deemed best that each institution should manage its own affairs. A provisional local board appears to have been created at this time ; and in 1852 the seminary passed into the control of a separate board of trustees. The principle of co-operation, however, continued to prevail, and certain gentlemen were on the official boards of the college and the seminary. In the lapse of years this number gradually diminished, until now Thomas D. Robertson is the only one connected with the boards of the two institutions. The first formal appointment to the permanent faculty of the seminary was made in July, 1852, when Miss Sill was elected principal. In July, 1854, the collegiate course was divided into four departments : mental and moral philosophy; mathematics and natural science; history and English literature; ancient languages. The department of mental and moral philosophy was assigned to the principal. Miss Mary White was chosen teacher in mathematics and natural science.

In 1854 work was begun on Linden hall, the western wing. It received its name from the residence of one of its New England friends. From this place and from New York the larger part of the fund was obtained for its construction. In the fifties Miss Sill raised a large sum of money among her eastern friends, especially in Boston, for the seminary, apparently to raise a deficit. Up to September 8, 1854, Miss Sill had secured in subscriptions the sum of three thousand six hundred and fifty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents. This fact appears from a financial statement made by Charles H. Spafford. According to the Rockford Democrat of August 1, 1854, Mr. Mil wain was the architect of Linden hall, and the plans and specifications called for an addition forty-one by sixty-four feet, and four stories. Linden hall was first separate from Middle hall, and then connected by a frame passage-way.

In 1866 a second addition, Chapel hall, with its connecting corridors, was begun, and completed two years later. In 1871 Linden hall and Middle Hall were connected by a corridor.

Of the first collegiate class admitted in 1851, seven were graduated in 1854, eight in 1855, sixteen in 1856, ten in 1857, eleven in 1858, ten in 1859, eleven in 1860, and nine in 1861 ; a total of eighty-two in eight years. There were then three departments: collegiate, normal and academic. During that time there were eighty-five others who entered the seminary, but did not complete the course. Forty-one were in the junior class in 1861. The whole number who shared in the instruction of the collegiate course during the first ten years was two hundred and six. One hundred and eighty-three had received instruction in the normal course; and the whole number of pupils for a longer or shorter time connected with the institution, including the preparatory courses, from the beginning in 1849, to July, 1861, was fifteen hundred and thirty. During this time there was contributed to the seminary from all sources the sum of thirty-nine thousand two hundred and twenty-eight dollars.

The influence of this seminary and later college upon the intellectual, social and moral life of Rockford may be recognized and appreciated ; but it can never be fully estimated. The city does not contain a more enduring monument to the wisdom of its founders.

Many godly men and women have labored for the success of this Christian college ; and those of a later day have reaped the harvest. This chapter would be incomplete without a more specific reference to Miss Anna P. Sill and Rev. Aratus Kent.

Miss Sill'S Early Life

and inherited the intellectual and moral qualities of a long line of Puritan ancestry. Her father, Abel Sill, was a farmer, who died in 1824, in his fiftieth year, when Anna was seven years of age. Her mother was the eldest daughter of Judge Jedediah Peck, who, it is said, was the first in New York to urge legislative action for the establishment of common schools, and the abolition of imprisonment for debt. In 1831 Miss Anna made a public profession of religion. In the autumn of 1836 she taught a district school in the neighborhood of Albion. About six weeks of this time, during the vacation season, she attended a school at Albion, and in November, 1837, she entered Miss Phipps' Union seminary, one of the first female institutions of the state, as a regular student. One year later she became a teacher, and probably continued her studies at the same time. Here she remained five years, until July, 1843. During her last year at Albion she wrestled with the problem of her life-work. She had a holy enthusiasm for humanity; but a thick veil, which faith and prayer alone could rend, obscured her path of duty. She was inclined toward the foreign missionary field, if she could be accounted worthy of such honor. To her pastor she writes: "I have hardly dared to ask my Heavenly Father so great a privilege, but have prayed that at least I might be permitted after death to go as a ministering spirit and whisper sweet words of peace to some poor heathen soul." When an opportunity came for her to go to India, however, she had become convinced that her mission was, in part, to prepare others for the field.

After some time Miss Sill's thoughts were turned from Albion toward the west as afield of missionary and educational labor. She corresponded with Rev. Hiram Foobe, who was then at Racine, Wisconsin, with whom she had some acquaintance. The reply was not favorable, and Miss Sill opened a seminary for y©ung ladies at Warsaw, October 2, 1843. This was the first seminary entirely under her control. She remained there until March,. 1846. In the following August she was invited by the trustees of the Gary collegiate institute, in Oakfield, Genesee county, to take charge of the ladies' department. This invitation was accepted, and she taught there until the spring of 1849. At this time the location of a seminary at Rockford was again under consideration. Friends of theenterprise had heard of her success as a teacher. Among these was Rev. L. H. Loss, then pastor of the First Congregational church. He invited her to come to Rockford and opeii a school for young ladies as preparatory to the prospective seminary. Miss Sill accepted the invitation, and arrived in Rockford May 24, 1849.

Miss Sill and the seminary are thenceforth so vitally related that the life-story of one is the history of the other. In the summer of 1884, after thirty-five years of successful leadership, Miss Sill resigned, and retired to the more quiet but not less honored position of principal emerita.. She accepted the situation as for the best interest of the seminary, with Christian fortitude. She who had been the directing force for so many years, must thenceforth live outside the circle, a passive spectator of the young and progressive life. This was perhaps the severest trial of her life.

Miss Sill lived five years after her retirement from active life. She died at her room in the seminary, June 18, 1889. The funeral was held in the chapel on the 20th. The introductory services were conducted by the Rev. Walter M. Barrows, pastor of the Second Congregational church. The funeral discourse was preached by her former pastor, Rev. Henry M. Goodwin, D. D. Prayer was offered by the Rev. W. W. Leete.

Anna P. Sill lived a life of en tire consecration. Self was laid on the altar of sacrifice, that it might be wholly consumed in the holy flame. When the path of duty became clear, she threw the enthusiasm of her strong and generous nature into the founding of a school for the Christian education of young women. Its honorable history shows that her faith was not delusion nor mere enthusiasm ; but that there was a providential guidance of her way, and a divinely-ordered connection between the work and the instrument. At the alumnae reunion immediately after her death, Mrs. Marie T. Perry paid her this noble tribute : "With her wondrous endowment of head and heart, and an indomitable will, she set up her standard in the wilderness, and with a courage that knew no faltering, a vigilance that was ceaseless, patiently, hopefully prayerfully, wrought out the dream of her life - the school of her love. . . Her power over her pupils was rare and marvelous. Day after day, by word, look and act, she forged the unseen chain that at last she riveted around them. The impatience of youth might seek to shake it off and break it ; the pleasures of life and the dictum of the world might strive to undo its fastenings, but sooner or later, disloyal legions would wheel into line and do valiant service in the cause of truth and right." Emerson observes that there is nothing so great as a great soul ; and it may be said that upon the thousands who came under her benign influence, "light from her celestial garments streams."

Kev. Aratus Kent was born January 15, 1794. He was a son of John Kent, a merchant of Suffield, Connecticut, and a brother of Germanicus Kent, the first settler of Rockford. They belonged to the family from which came the famous Chancellor Kent, of New York. Mr. Kent was fitted for college at Westfield academy. At nineteen years of age he entered the sophomore class at Yale. He united with the church under President Dwight, August 15, 1815. Mr. Kent graduated from Yale in 1816, and then spent four years in theological studies in New York. He was licensed to preach by the presbytery of New York April 20, 1820. From November 21, 1822, until April 11, 1823, he was a student at Princeton theological seminary. He was ordained January 26, 1825, at Lockport, New York.

Mr. Kent subsequently applied to the American Home Missionary Board "for a place so hard that no one else would take it." He was sent to Galena, Illinois, then a mining city, where he immediately began his labors. His first years in the west were spent in home missionary work. October 23, 1831, he organized the First Presbyterian church at Galena. His three children died in infancy ; one in 1837, another in 1838, and a third in 1840. Mrs. E. P. Thomas, of Rockford, is an adopted daughter. Mr. Kent was a leader in the founding of Beloit college and Rockford seminary, and out of a meagre salary he contributed to Christian education. Mr. Kent died November 8, 1869, at the age of seventy-five years. He was honored in life, and his memory is held in reverence.

Around Mr. Kent was a senate of men like unto him. Eight of the sixteen incorporators were clergymen. Rev. Stephen Peet, father of the churches in Wisconsin, died in 1855 ; yet that brief remnant of his life enabled him to add the founding of Chicago theological seminary, as the completion of what he had done in aiding the building of the churches, and of Beloit college and the seminary. Rev. Dexter Clary, another incorporator of the two institutions, died June 18, 1874. Charles M. Goodsell, of Geneva, Wisconsin, became one of the founders of Carl ton college, at Northfield, Minnesota.

Chapter Lvii

THE public school system of Rockford had its beginning in national and state legislation. The foundations of the system were laid more that a century ago, about four years before the United States entered upon national life under the constitution. May 20, 1785, an ordinance was passed by congress, then assembled in New York, for a system of rectangular surveys of the lands in the "western territory," and it was therein provided "that there shall be reserved the lot number sixteen of every township for the maintenance of public schools within the township." The territory thus designated was the Northwest Territory, from which Illinois was created. The Ordinance of 1787, for the government of the Northwest Territory, provided that "religion, morality and knowledge . . shall forever be encouraged." Thus early was recognized the value of popular education. The next step was in 1818, when Illinois sought admission into the union. In April of that year congress passed an act enabling the people of the territory of Illinois to organize a state. Certain propositions were therein made to the convention of the territory, which, if accepted, would be binding upon the state and the federal government. Three of these referred to education. First, that section number sixteen or its equivalent in every congressional township shall be granted to the state, for the use of schools in such township. Second, that three per cent, of the net proceeds from the sales of all the public lands in the state shall be given to the state for the encouragement of learning, of which one-sixth part shall be exclusively bestowed on a college or university. Third, that two entire townships in the state, to be designated by the president of the United States, shall be reserved for the use of a seminary.

These propositions were accepted by an ordinance adopted at Kaskaskia, August 26, 1818. December 3d following, congress approved the constitution. Thus Illinois came into the

First Public School Law

By the term "early schools" is meant those schools which were maintained under various laws of the state prior to 1855. The first public school law was passed in 1825, seven years after Illinois became a state. Common schools were established free to white citizens between the ages of five and twenty-one. Districts containing not less than fifteen families could be formed by the county courts, upon petition of a majority of the voters thereof. Voters were authorized at the annual meeting to levy a tax in money or merchantable produce, at its cash value, not exceeding one-half of one per cent., subject to a maximum limitation of ten dollars to any one person. The state also appropriated two dollars out of every one hundred dollars received into the treasury, and disbursed the interest on the school fund proper among the several counties ; and these sums were distributed by the counties among the respective districts.

This law was bitterly opposed, and in 1827 it was amended so as to be virtually nullified, by providing that no person should be taxed for the maintenance of schools, unless his consent was first obtained in writing. The state appropriation of two dollars out of every one hundred dollars received into the treasury, was also withdrawn.

. The school laws were revised at nearly every session of the legislature. These were all radically defective in that the state did not impose a tax, but made it discretionary with the districts whether such tax should be levied. The law of 1845 made it optional with districts whether they would levy a tax. The maximum was fifteen cents on the one hundred dollars. Many important changes were made. By this act it was provided that on the first Monday in August, and biennially thereafter, there should be elected a school commissioner in each county. The law of 1849 limited the local tax to twenty-five cents per one hundred dollars. The statute of 1851 provided that a majority of legal voters could levy a tax not exceeding one dollar on every hundred dollars, for building and repairing schoolhouses.

The school fund proper of the state consists of three per cent, of the net proceeds of the sales of the public lands in the state, one-sixth part excepted. This is known as the three per cent, fund, or school fund proper. Under an act of February 6, 1835, this fund was loaned to the state at six per cent, interest.

The interest on this fund constitutes one of the sources from which the common school fund of the state is derived. The principal of this fund is now $613,362.96.

The college fund consists of one-sixth of three per cent, of the proceeds of the sales of public lands in the state. This fund was also loaned the state in 1835. In the same year it was provided that the interest on this fund should be annually loaned to the school fund, for distribution with other funds, among the several counties in the state. February 18, 1857, the interest on this fund, less one-fourth of one per cent., was set apart to the maintenance of the state normal university. The principal of this fund is $156,613.32.

The seminary fund is derived from the proceeds of the sale of "seminary lands," which consist of two townships given the state by the general government, for the founding and support of a state seminary. This fund was also loaned the state in 1835. In the same'year it was provided that the interest on this fund should be annually loaned to the state school fund. In 1857 the interest on this fund, less one-fourth of one percent., was devoted to the maintenance of the normal university. The principal of this fund is $59,838.72.

The surplus revenue fund was created by congress in 1836, by an act which deposited with the states, in proportion to their representation in congress, the money that had accumulated in the national treasury, mainly from the sale of public lands. Prior to this act an unsuccessful effort had been made to distribute this money among the states as a gift from the nation. The objections to this plan were overcome by depositing the money with the states, subject to return upon call of congress. About twenty-eight million dollars were distributed among the states in this way, and none of it has ever been called for. Illinois received $477,919.24. A portion of this amount was expended in internal improvements, and the balance, $335,592.32, was by an act of the legislature of March 4, 1837, made a part of the common school fund of the state, and loaned to the state at six per cent.

The most munificent donation from congress was the sixteenth section of every congressional township. This amounted to nine hundred and ninety-eight thousand four hundred and forty-eight and eighty-nine-hundredths acres. It has been said that if these lands had been properly cared for, they would have given the people such an ample public school fund as would have saved them from local taxation. The local sale of these lands and the handling of such funds were delegated to township trustees by the law of the state. The principal of this fund varies in different townships, from less than one hundred dollars to more than one hundred thousand dollars. Unfortunately, most of these lands were sold at an early day, when the people were poor and prices low. Some township trustees were wiser, and held them for higher prices. The Chicago Tribune building and McVicker's theatre are built on school lands, still owned by the township, and pay an enormous rental. The township fund of the state in 1898, including a conservative estimate of the value of unsold lands, aggregated $15,479,457.42. The principal of the township school fund of Rockford is $4,000.

A local school fund is derived from fines and forfeitures. In 1853 the fines collected and criminal forfeitures on bail were added to the school fund. The present law provides that all fines, penalties and forfeitures which may be imposed in any of the courts of record, and before any justice of the peace, except those incurred for violation of the ordinances of incorporated cities and towns, shall be paid to the county superintendent of schools, and the same shall be distributed annually by him, in the same manner as the common school funds of the state are distributed.

September 28, 1850, congress granted to the states of the union, all overflowed and swamp lands, thereby made unfit for cultivation, within their respective limits. These lands were subject to the disposal of the legislature, provided that so much of the proceeds of such sales as may be necessary shall be devoted to reclaiming the same by levees and drains. By an act of the legislature, June 22, .1852, these lands were granted to the counties in which they were respectively located, upon similar terms upon which the state had received them, for educational or other purposes, at their discretion. January 15, 1855, the state auditor of public accounts certified that one thousand eight hundred and one and nine-tenths acres was the total amount of such lands in Winnebago county. In March, 1855, the board of supervisors appointed Duncan Ferguson, Milton Kilburn and Edmund Oviatt a committee to examine these lands, and report. These swamp lands were located in townships twenty-eight, twenty-nine and forty- three. Many of them were near the village of Winnebago. These lands were first sold by C. A. Huntingdon, the school commissioner, at high prices, arid during prosperous times. Little cash was paid, and the purchasers gave mortgages for the balance. Values declined, and the purchasers could not redeem their property. Thereupon the supervisors ordered them resold, which was done by H. H. Waldo, who succeeded Mr. Huntington as school commissioner, for about what they were actually worth.

Through some obscurity in the statutes of 1852 and 1854 upon the subject, there was prolonged litigation as to whether the proceeds should constitute a county fund, or be distributed among the townships. The money finally passed into the control of the superintendent as a. county fund. The principal of this fund in Winnebago county is $5,980.06.

By way of recapitulation it may be said the principal state and local funds for the support of higher and common school education are now as follows: Direct state taxation, direct local taxation, school fund proper, college fund, seminary fund, surplus revenue fund, township fund, fines and forfeitures, and the swamp land fund.

The cause of popular education languished for eighteen years from the passage of the first law in 1825. In 1844 a common school convention was held in Peoria, which earnestly pleaded among other things, for a state superintendent of public instruction. The legislature, at the session of 1844-45, yielded in some measure to the force of this reasoning. By an act of 1845, the secretary of state was made ex officio state superintendent of public instruction. In reference to local taxation it was required that a two-thirds legal vote of any district should concur in ordering the tax. The large propertyholders, especially those who had no children, often threw their influence against a local tax levy, and the school revenue was consequently small. Many of the features of the school law of 1845 were incorporated into the law of 1855.

The first school in Winnebago county was taught by Miss Eunice Brown, who afterward became Mrs. J. G. Lyon. This school was on the site of 110 South Second street, in the rear of what is known as the John Early residence, and taught in a log house. This was about July, 1837. In the spring of 1838 Miss Brown taught on the West side, in a building on what is now the court house square. Mrs. Lyon died at her home in Rockton December 7, 1889.

Roster Of Early Teachers

In 1837 Miss Frances Bradford taught school in a log cabin which belonged to William E. Dunbar. In 1869 the late Mrs. John H. Thurston prepared a list of early Rockford schools, which, with some amplification, is substantially reproduced. Israel Morrill and Miss Sarah E. Danforth taught in 1838 on the West side; Miss Wood, in 1839, on the West side; James M. Wight, in the winter of 1838-39, in the building on the corner of Madison and Market streets, on the site of the American House ; Miss Hyde, in 1839, in the same place; Andrus Corbin, in 1839, in a house owned by himself on the West side; Mr. Jackson, in the winter of 1839-40, in the house on the corner of Madison and Market streets ; Miss Hepsabeth Hutchinson and Miss Maria Baker, in 1840, on the East side; Mrs. Mary Jackson, in 1838-39, on the West side; Miss Wealthy Bradford, in 1841-42, on the West side; Lewis S. Sweezy, in 1841-42, in the brick schoolhouse on the southeast corner of the public square, East side; Miss Harriet Barnum, in 1841, in a private house, East side; Miss Minerva C.Fletcher, in 1842, in a log house that stood opposite the First Congregational church, East side ; Elijah Holt, in 1841-42, in the brick schoolhouse, East side; John Paul, in 1841, in the first house south of the railroad, Main street, West side; Lewis B. Gregory, in the brick schoolhouse, East side, 1843-44; Miss Fronia Foote and George Waterman, in 1843-44; Miss Julia Barnum, in 1844, in private house, East side; Miss Adaline Warren, private house, East side; Miss Augusta Kemfield, in 1845, East side; C. A. Huntington, from 1845 to 1849, in the old court house on North First street, and on the West side ; Miss Elizabeth Weldon was assistant to Mr. Huntington ; H. H. Waldo, in 1848, in Baptist church, West side; D. W.Ticknor,from 1846 to 1849, in the brick schoolhouse, East side, assisted in turn by Miss Elizabeth Weldon, Anson Barnum, John W. Andrews, and D. Dubois; H. H. Waldo, in 1849-50,.Miss Hannah Morrill, 1848, East side; Robert A. Sanford, 1848, West side.

In 1850 Mr. Bowles taught in the brick schoolhouse on the East side; Mrs. Squires, in 1850, on what is now 111 Madison street, East side, and afterward on West side; Mrs. King H. Milliken, in 1850, East side; Miss Mary Dow, Miss Delia Hyde, and George E. Kimball, 1850-53, in the basement of the present First Baptist church building, West side; Miss Sarah A. Stewart and Miss Mary Joslin, in 1850, in a building where the Masonic Temple now stands ; Seely Perry, in the basement of the First Methodist church, on Second street ; B. Rush Catlin, in 1852, in basement of First Methodist church ; Misses Charlotte and Harriet Leonard, in 1851-52; Miss Stowell and T. J. L. Remington, in 1851, in the brick schoolhouse, West side; Rev. C. Reighley, in 1852, on the East side ; Miss Fanny Avery, in 1852, on the East side; Mr. Stevens, in 1853, in the brick school house, East side ; Miss Lizzie Fern, in 1853, on the East side; Mrs. Carpenter, in 1853, West side; Rev. L. Porter, in 1852; Mr. Stowell, in 1853; Rev. Addison Brown and Miss Frances A. Brown, on the West side; Miss Julia Galloway, in 1854, in the lobby of the First Congregational church, East side; Darwin Dubois, in 1854, in First Methodist church; Mrs. Julia and Miss Chapman, in 1854, on West side ; Miss Belle Burpee and Miss Ethalinda Thompson, in 1855, on the East side; Halsey G. Clark, in 1855, in old court house, East side, with Miss Lizzie Giffen as assistant; Miss Emma Brown, in 1857, on the East side; Freeman, in basement First Baptist church, West side ; Wesley Sovereign, in First Methodist church, East side ; Mrs. Jones, on West side; Miss Elizabeth Fisher, West side; Miss Gunsolus, East side; Mr. Johnson and Mr. Gifford, West side.

Nearly all of these schools were private. The teachers were paid mainly by the parents. The teacher made out his own bills and collected them. There was then no regular state or local tax, and the only public school money was derived from the interest on the several state school funds, and the township fund obtained from the sale of the sixteenth section. Private teachers, who conformed to certain requirements of the law, received some compensation from the public money, in proportion to the number of pupils under their instruction.

The early public school records of Rockford township have been lost. It is therefore impossible to obtain exact information. There appears, however, to have been a school district, with a schoolhouse, on each side of the river. The East side public school was in the brick building on the southeast corner of the public square. This schoolhouse was erected at an early date, by private subscription. L. B. Gregory taught there soon after his arrival in Rockford. His examination for certificate was quite brief, and was held in E. H. Potter's store. The directors were E. H. Potter, William E. Dunbar, Willard Wheeler, and Dr. A. M. Catlin. Mr. Gregory was asked to spell baker. He replied that he could not; but the certificate was granted.

Growth Of Paternalism

In the classical institute, in the basement of the First Baptist church, from 1855 to 1856, of which H. P. Kimball was principal, one class pursued the regular studies of the freshman year in college, and entered one year in advance. A score of students left this institution and entered eastern colleges. Two years' study was considered sufficient to advance scholars through a full preparatory course of mathematics and the usual books in Latin and Greek, giving them a sufficient and thorough preparation.

Seely Perry taught a preparatory school for young men about a year and a half, in the First Methodist church. At this school quite a number of students prepared for college. Among these were the late Dr. Selwyn Clark ; Alexander Kerr, who is now emeritus professor of Greek in the University of Wisconsin ; Rev. John Edwards, brother of Mrs. Clemens. On account of ill health, Mr. Perry turned over the school to a brother of Dr. E. P. Catlin.

Besides the houses used for schools on the East side already noted, were: one on Kishwaukee street, near bridge; one on lot in rear of engine house on South First street; one on South Madison street. Not less than eight buildings were used for school purposes on the East side. -Asum of money was once raised to build a second public school house on the East side; but it was never erected. The money was finally paid into the municipal treasury, upon the order of the city council.

John A. Holland and others build a schoolhouse for private pupils, on South West street. It was occupied exclusively by the children of those who erected it. It was therefore not a large school, but somewhat exclusive. The contract was made with Seely Perry for furnishing building material.

Another schoolhouse is now on South Main street, used as a blacksmith shop, near Mrs. Brett's block. The Second Congregational church was organized in this building. There was also a small schoolhouse on the south side of Green street, between Church and Court. It was a white frame building. Abbie Parker, a sister of the late G. W. Parker, taught there at one time.

The development of the public school system is an excellent illustration of the growth of paternalism ; first, on the part of the general government ; and second, in the gradual advance of the state toward the present standard. In a strict sense, the free school system was founded in 1855, and will be considered in a later chapter.

Chapter Lviii

THE constitution of 1848 provided for a county court, as the successor of the county commissioners' court, and authorized the legislature to enact a general law, providing for township organization, under which counties might organize, by a majority vote of the people. In the early days of Illinois as a state, southern ideas and institutions dominated the commonwealth. The commissioners' form of local government originated in this country with the Virginia planters. The system of township organization had its origin in New England. But the root of this form of local government may be traced to the districting of England into tithingsby King Alfred, in the ninth century, to curb the widespread social disorders which disturbed his realm. The change under the second constitution of Illinois was due to the influence of New England settlers in the northern portion of the state. The Illinois township system, however, is not closely modeled after that of the New England states.

The legislature, by two acts approved February 12, 1849, supplemented these two constitutional provisions by the necessary legislation. The first created a county court, the judges of which should be elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1849, and quadrennially thereafter, and assume their duties on the first Monday in December following. There were also to be elected at the same times and places, two associate justices of the peace, who, with the judge, constituted the county court, which succeeded the county commissioners' court.

This county court was short-lived, so far as Winnebago county was concerned. The second statute, also approved February 12, 1849, provided that at the next general election in November, 1849, the voters in any county might vote for or against township organization. Consequently, at the same general election in November, 1849, the voters of this county elected both a county court to succeed the county commission- ers' court; and voted to adopt township organization. Section four of the new law provided that if the voters so elected, the township organization should be in force the first Tuesday in April, 1850. At that time the associate justices ceased to be members of the county court, under the provision of section six of article seven of the new constitution. The associate justices, however, were elected for several years as justices of the peace for the county at large.

It may seem, at first thought, that two such laws would not have been passed by the legislature, as the second might nullify the first. But it will be observed that the township organization system did not become operative unless the people so voted ; hence there was a possibility that they would not conflict.

From 1849 to 1855 the clerk of the county court was also clerk of the board of supervisors, under section eight of article sixteen of the township organization law. By virtue of an act of February 9, 1855, the clerk of the county court of Winnebago county ceased to be ex offieio clerk of the board of supervisors, after the first Monday of the following April. Under this law Duncan Ferguson was appointed; and a separate clerk of the board was thereafter biennially appointed, until the law was repealed.

Chapter Lix Second Congregational Church

THE Second Congregational church was organized in the autumn of 1849, with forty-seven members. Nearly all had taken letters from the First church under date of October 18th. The application for letters, in part, was as follows : "We, whose names are underwritten, . . believing we shall be serving the cause of Christ by so doing, propose to form ourselves, in company with such others as shall desire to unite with us, into a Congregational church to be styled the Second Congregational church of Rockford." Tradition has given no cause for separation from the parent church, other than the one assigned in the foregoing declaration. The resolution of dismissal recognized the right of every person to be governed by the dictates of his own conscience ; still it was the sense of the church that this action was "premature and uncalled for." A vacant church building and a growing population on the West side seemed to justify a separation; and time has fully vindicated its wisdom. During its entire history Rockford has been a stronghold of Congregationalism .

The first meeting preliminary to organization was held October 30, 1849, at the schoolhouse in West Rockford. This building is still standing on South Main street. Rev. Lansing Porter was called to the chair, and Worcester A. Dickerman was appointed clerk. A committee of three was chosen to present at a future meeting, articles of faith, covenant and rules of government for the proposed church. Benjamin A. Rose, Dexter G. Clark and Thomas D. Robertson constituted this committee. It was resolved that the public organization of the church should take place November 14th ; and Samuel J.

An adjourned meeting- was held November 7th. A resolution was adopted, by which the following named persons, who were then present, organized the church: Robert Clow, Burton P. Franklin, Rachel Franklin, David D. Ailing, Rebecca Ailing, Alexander Patterson, Helen Patterson, Ellen Patterson, Jane

Articles Of Faith

Thomas D. Robertson, from the committee appointed at the former meeting, presented a report on articles of faith, covenant, and rules of government. This report was accepted and adopted. The articles of faith were thoroughly orthodox, according to the standard of the time. The orthodoxy of today is somewhat elastic; but half a century ago the term stood for a clearly defined and rigid system of Christian doctrine. This Congregational creed consisted of nine articles. The three articles relating respectively to the fall of man, the atonement and eschatology are reproduced in full:

ARTICLE IV. - We believe that our first parents were created holy; that they fell from that state of holiness by transgressing a divine command, and that in consequence of their apostacy, all men, unless redeemed by the Holy Ghost, are enemies of God and under the curse of the divine law.

ARTICLE V. - We believe that Jesus Christ, our Mediator, is truly God and truly man, and by his sufferings and death on the cross, he atoned for the sins of the world, so that the offer of salvation is sincerely made to all men, and all who repent and believe in him will be pardoned and saved.

ARTICLE IX. - We believe that Jesus Christ will appear at the end of time to raise the dead, and judge the world ; that the righteous will be received into life eternal, and the wicked will go away into everlasting punishment.

This preliminary organization was completed by the election of officers. Rial K. Town and Alonzo Gorham were chosen deacons; Thomas D. Robertson, clerk and treasurer ; Benjamin A. Rose and Samuel J. Russell, prudential committee; Goodyear A. Sanford, Worcester A. Dickerman and Dexter G. Clark, assessment committee.

The public organization of this church occurred Wednesday, November 14, 1849. Previous to these formal exercises Mrs. Sarah J. Clark, Mrs. E. W. Spaulding and Mrs. Jane C. Houghton, who had been included in the original letter of dismission from the First church, but were not present at the first meeting, were received; also Mrs. Mary Haskelland Miss Eliza Holmes.

The Congregational council was composed of the following gentlemen: Rev. Hutchins Taylor, moderator; Rev. Dexter Clary, Beloit; Rev. Lewis Benedict, Rockton; Rev. R. M. Pearson, Grand DeTour ; Rev. Lansing Porter, Rockford ; Horace Hobart, delegate from Beloit. Rev. R. M. Pearson was chosen scribe of the' council ; prayer was offered by Rev. H. Taylor; and Rev. L. Benedict preached the sermon. The covenant and articles of faith were read by the clerk, and publicly approved by the church. An address to the church and deacons was delivered by Rev. Dexter Clary. The council then formally declared the Second Congregational church of Rockford to be duly and orderly organized.

November 18th Asher Miller, who had been included in the original letter of dismission, was received, upon the same. The new church continued to receive accessions from time to time from the older society, as the West side increased in population.

Since the mother church had vacated its first house of worship on the corner of Church and Green streets for the new brick structure on the East side, the former had been unoccupied. The Second church now returned to the house which many of its members had abandoned less than four years previous. Messrs. Kent and Brinckerhoff had failed in business, and the old edifice was sold by their assignee to the Second church. It was placed on a rock foundation and refitted for worship.

The first pastor of the new church was Rev. Lansing Porter. This gentleman had served the First church as its pastor a little more than two years. The records of the Second church do not show that any formal call was extended to Rev. Porter. But he assumed this position as soon as the organization had been effected, November 7, 1849, and served four years.

Mr. Porter pursued two years of his college course at Hamilton, and two years at Wesleyan college, and was graduated from the latter in the class of 1839. He then took the full three years' course in Yale theological seminary, and a year of postgraduate work at Auburn theological seminary. Mr. Porter went to Chicago in 1843, and from there he came to Rockford, when he was less than thirty years of age. Mr. Porter's first pastorate was that of the First Congregational church, Rockford. Mr. Porter is now living at Hamburg, New York.

In 1851 the church was found to be too small, and its capacity was increased by the addition of forty feet to its length. Thus improved, it continued to serve its purpose for seven years. During Rev. Porter's pastorate the church was blessed with temporal and spiritual prosperity. A high standard of Christian living was maintained, and the obstinate backslider was promptly "excommunicated." Two examples from the records of 1852 may be cited. In April the prudential committee reported on a certain case "that in the absence of all evidence of her repentance for her sin, notwithstanding repeated labors with her, and the extension of her suspension, the committee recommend that she be excommunicated. Therefore the church recommend that she be excommunicated from this church.'' unchristian conduct, for the term of six months from January, and whereas he has given no satisfactory evidence of repentance, therefore resolved that he be and hereby is excommunicated from this church." In this day the word "excommunicated" has a peculiarly solemn and ecclesiastical sound.

On one occasion there was quite a serious discussion over the problem whether the congregation should "face the music" during that part of the service. The pulpit was in front of the congregation, and the choir in the rear. There was a difference of opinion as to whether the congregation should face the minister during the singing, or turn around and look at the choir. It sometimes presented a ludicrous appearance when the occupants of one pew would rise and face the minister, and others in front might be turned in the opposite direction, facing the choir. Finally a vote was taken, and by a small majority it was decided to face the minister. Every one accepted the situation, and peace prevailed. Mr. and Mrs. Dickerman and G. A. Sanford sang in the choir.

December 31, 1853, Rev. Porter severed his pastoral relation. At a meeting held December 16th of the same year, it was voted to extend a call to Rev. Joseph Emerson. This call was accepted. May 21, 1854, a Congregational council convened in the church for the transaction of business incident to the

Rev. Emerson was a son of Rev. Daniel Emerson ; a cousin of Ralph Emerson, of Rockford, and a second cousin of the famous Ralph Waldo Emerson. Joseph Emerson was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, in 1806, and died at Andover, Massachusetts, in 1885. Mr. Emerson was graduated from Yale college in 1830, and from Andover theological seminary in 1835. He received his ordination in 1836. His pastorate in Rockford was eminently successful. He built the house on North Church street, where Ralph Emerson now resides. Some of his friends thought he was building his home too far from the village - away up in Dr. HaskelPs orchard.

The pastorate of Rev. Emerson was signalized by the erection of the second house of worship on South Church street. July 19, 1855, the society voted that it was expedient to take action toward building a new church. A committee, consisting of D. G. Clark, G. A. Sanford, T. D. Robertson, John Edwards and John S. Coleman, was appointed to carry out the same. In 1856 subscription papers were circulated. A building committee was composed of John Edwards, D. G. Clark, J. G. Manlove, G. A. Sanford, Ralph Emerson, and T. D. Robertson. A correspondence was opened with Renwick & Auchmuty, a firm of architects in New York, and from them was received, in the summer of 1856, plans and specifications for the structure. The committee invited proposals. The most favorable response was received from David and James Keyt, of Piqua, Ohio. The committee, before letting so large a contract, desired to obtain definite information concerning the character and standing of the bidders. John Edwards was sent to Piqua to make an inquiry. The result of his mission was so satisfactory that the contract was let to the Messrs. Keyt for the sum of twentythree thousand four hundred and seventy-eight dollars and seventy-eight cents.

There was some difference of opinion on the choice of location. Certain members strongly urged the erection of the church north of State street; but it was decided, by a vote of eleven to two, that it should be built on the corner of South Church and Chestnut streets. The lot was purchased from L. H. Rood for three thousand dollars. Work was begun on the building May 17, 1857, and was completed in the autumn of 1858. The plans provided for a stone porch in front, and a lecture room in the rear. Upon signing the contract, the rear extension was omitted, because the committee could not depend upon obtaining money to pay for the same ; and still later the porch was also abandoned, which reduced the expense about fourteen hundred dollars. The building committee met great difficulty in prosecuting the work, and during its progress the financial panic of 1857 came upon the country. It was one of the most severe strains in the money market in the history of the country. October 13th of that year the New York banks suspended specie payment. The committee had fortunately negotiated a loan for six thousand dollars, with a gentleman in New Jersey, on the 1st of October. This loan was made, as were nearly all the loans, on the personal notes of the building committee. The loan of four thousand dollars was also secured by a mortgage given by G. A.Sanford, T. D. Robertson and W. A. Dickerman, on their individual property. This document was preserved for many years as a memorial of the courage of the builders. Under these circumstances, there were some who favored the suspension of the work ; it was proposed to leave off the spire ; but the committee continued the work to completion.

Farewell services were held in the old church on Sunday, November 28th. After this little sanctuary had outlived its usefulness in a growing city, it was donated to the people in Owen township, where it was again used as a house of worship.

The new church was dedicated Thursday, December 2, 1858. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the pastor, from Isaiah 66 : 1, 2 : "Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest ? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord : but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." This church continued to be the house of worship for nearly thirty-four years, until the spring of 1892. It has been said that P. P. Bliss, the famous gospel singer and composer, wrote his best known song, Hold the Fort, in this church. Among the distinguished persons who have entertained Rockford audiences from its pulpit are Rev. Lyman Abbott, D. D., and Mrs. Julia Ward Howe.

July 30, 1859, Rev. Emerson tendered his resignation ; and on August 23d an ecclesiastical council convened at the church, and dissolved the pastoral relation. The church did not long remain without an under-shepherd. At a regular meeting of the church December 7, 1859, a call was extended to Rev. Jeremiah E. Walton. This call was accepted, although there is no record of his installation. This pastorate continued until December, 1863.

Mr. Walton graduated from Williams college, in 1853, and from Hartford seminary, in 1856. He came to Rockford from Troy, New York, when a young man, full of hope and enthusiasm. Mr. Walton entertained religious views similar to those held by the late Horace Bushnell, and especially those concerning Christian nurture. After his removal from Rockford Rev. Walton took orders as a priest in the Episcopal church. He subsequently returned to Rockford, and became the rector of Emmanuel church. Mr. Walton resides at Marshall, Michigan.

The pipe organ was constructed in 1863, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. Rev. M. P. Kinney was called to the pastorate August 10, 1864 ; and an ecclesiastical council was convened Nov. 29th. Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, D. D., was called November 23, 1870. He was succeeded in 1888 by the late Rev. Walter Manning Barrows, D. D. His successors have been Rev. Wesley C. Haskell and Re^. Peter Snyder.

Of the constituent members, eight are still living : Thomas D. Robertson, Mrs. Caroline M. Dickerman, Mrs. Emily G. Sanford-Dodd, and Mrs. Rebecca Ailing, of Rockford; Judge Henry C. Hyde, Mrs. Sarah D. Hyde-French, and Miss Esther A. Hyde, of Freeporb, Illinois ; and Mrs. Hannah L. Gorham-Weldon, of Santa Barbara, California. Mrs. Emily Sanford-Dodd was the wife of Albert Sauford, who died in 1854. In 1877 Mrs. Sanford married Jacob S. Dodd, and removed to New Jersey. After the death of Mr. Dodd in 1884, Mrs. Dodd returned to Rockford. Mrs. Rebecca Ailing is the widow of the late David D. Ailing. She was born in December, 1813, and came to Rockford in 1837 with her husband. The lasfc death among the charter members was that of Mrs. Harriette Platt-Cotton, which occurred April 9, 1900, at her home in Rockford. John Platt died in 1880. Mrs. Platt married Robert Cotton, and was again left a widow.

Chapter Lx

THREE nearly cotemporary events contributed to the progress of Rockford from the simple village to its more commanding position as a city. The advent of the railroad, the first in importance, has already been noted. The organization of the new water-power company is reserved for a later chapter. The third factor was the incorporation of Rockford as a city.

As early as 1851 the citizens realized that the local government was no longer adequate to meet the needs of the rapidly increasing population. In the autumn of that year steps were taken for the organization of a city government. In pursuance of a call signed by Jason Marsh, G. A. Sanford, Willard Wheeler, Isaiah Lyon, George Wyatt, Newton Crawford, C. I. Horsman, W. A. Dickerman, W. P. Dennis, Jesse Blinnaud William Hulin, a meeting was held at the court house November 29th. It was deemed advisable at this conference to submit the question of city organization to a vote of the citizens. The trustees of the town thereupon ordered an election for this purpose to be held January 3, 1852. There was 110 excitement to call out the voters, as the prospective change was generally accepted as a matter of course. One hundred and nine votes were cast for organizing under the general law of 1849. The city government of Springfield, Illinois, was adopted as a basis of organization. The first election under the new order was held April 19, 1852. The candidates for mayor were Willard Wheeler and E. H. Potter. The election resulted in the choice of Mr. Wheeler. The aldermen elected were : Sumner Damon, First ward ; E. H. Potter, Second ward; H. N. Spalding, Third ward; C. N. Andrews, Fourth ward. The first meeting of the city council was held on Monday, April 26th, at the counting-room of Eleazer H. Potter. William Lathrop was appointed city clerk. An ordinance was passed creating the following city officers : clerk of the council, attorney, treasurer, marshal, assessor, collector, engineer and two street commissioners. These officers were to be appointed annually by the city council at its first regular meeting after the annual municipal election. At the second session of the council, held May 1st, the following city officers were appointed : William Lathrop, attorney ; Hiram R. May nard, treasurer; Duncan Ferguson, assessor; K. H. Milliken, collector ; Duncan Ferguson, city engineer ; Thatcher Blake and William McKenney, street commissioners.

An act of the legislature of June 18, 1852, authorized the city of Rockford to borrow money, not exceeding ten thousand dollars, for the purpose of constructing a bridge. Bonds were to be issued, in the sum of one hundred dollars each, bearing interest not exceeding ten per cent., and were to be redeemed within twenty years from issue. This sum was evidently insufficient for the purpose ; and an act of the legislature of February 3, 1853, authorized the city to borrow a maximum sum of fifteen thousand dollars. Bonds were to be issued in sums not exceeding one thousand dollars each, payable within twenty years, and to draw interest not exceeding ten per cent. The act of 1852 was repealed. There is a tradition that Jason Marsh was sent east to negotiate the sale of the bonds, for which he charged a commission of ten per cent. This fee was very reluctantly paid. Today Rockford can borrow money at a very low rate of interest, and command a liberal premium on her bonds. The second or covered bridge was built in 1854, with the funds derived from the sale of bonds the preceding year. This bridge stood until December, 1871, when it was torn down and succeeded by the first iron bridge.

There was some technical irregularity in the incorporation of the city ; and an act of the legislature approved February 8, 1853, legalized the previous official acts of the mayor and council. Section two of this law provided : "That all official acts of the council and of the mayor, or either of them, of said city, done or performed since their election as such, and prior to the period this act shall take effect, and which would have been valid in case the original incorporation as a city had been legal, be and the same is hereby legalized."

A special charter was granted to the city by the legislature March 4, 1854. By this act the general law of 1849 was declared to be no longer in force, so far as Rockford was concerned, except for the purpose of supplementing proceedings had or commenced, so as not to impair the legal consequences of any past transaction. This charter was amended February 14, 1855, April 26, 1859, and February 22, 1861. "An act to reduce the charter of the city of Rockford, and the several acts amendatory thereof into one act and to revise and amend the same," was approved February 15, 1865. Rockford was governed by this charter until the city was reorganized under the general law. This general law, enacted in 1872, repealed the general law of 1849, and abolished the system of special charters. Between these dates there appear to have been two methods for the incorporation of cities in force at the same time: by a general law, and by a special charter. It may be presumed that a city generally obtained greater powers under a special charter than by a general law; and the former method of incorporation was more generally adopted by the cities of the state.

The constitution of 1870 abolished special legislation, which for half a century had been a cumbersome method of incorporating cities, colleges and business enterprises. Moreover, the old system afforded great opportunities for corruption in the legislature. The evolution of legislation in Illinois, from the special to the general, is an interesting study to the student of political history.

Previous to 1887 the mayor was elected annually. The chief executives of the ciby prior to 1864 were as follows : Willard Wheeler, April 26, 1852, to April 25, 1853; Hiram R.Maynard, April 25, 1853, to April 22, 1854; Ulysses M. Warner, April 22, 1854, to April 25, 1855; Edward Vaughn, April 25, 1855, to April 29, 1856 ; James L. Loop, April 29, 1856, to May 4, 1857; William Brown, May 4, 1857, to May 3, 1858; Seely Perry, May 3, 1858, to May 2, 1859 ; Charles Williams, May 2, 1859, to May 2, 1864. Mr. Williams served five consecutive terms. This honor has been conferred upon no other citizen. Mayor Brown will have served six years upon theexpiration of his present term, but he has been elected only three terms.

In 1855 steps were taken for the organization of a fire department. Its need had daily become more apparent. A committee, appointed by the city council, purchased four small engines, named Constantino, Alexander, Sevastopol and Nicholas. The Sevastopol was received in the latter part of October, and February 21, 1856, a public trial was made of the engines, all of which had arrived. The result was not altogether satisfactory, and the "machines" with Russian names were discarded. In May and June, Winnebago Engine Company Number One, and Washington Number Two were organized, and nearly a year later the efficient engines bearing those names were received. Subsequently Union Engine Company Number Three was formed, and an engine procured. These three engines constituted the fire apparatus of the city as late as 1869. The first six chief engineers were Edward F. W. Ellis, Samuel I. Church. M. A. Bartlett, Howard D. Frost, A. G. Springsteen ^ Gardner S. Allen. The first four first assistant engineers were Gardner S. Allen, James E. L. Southgate, Charles T. Jellerson, Hiram H. Waldo.

The tax levies for the first few years under the new regime were as follows: 1854, seven and one-half mills on each dollar of taxable property, both real and personal ; 1855, ten mills on each dollar; 1856, one and three-quarters per cent, on each dollar ; 1857, one and one-half per cent. ; 1858, one and five-eighths per cent. ; 1859, two and one-half per cent. ? 1860, two per cent. ; 1861, two per cent. It will be observed that the rate increased each year up to 1859.

The City Hotel was opened in June, 1852, by James B. Pierce, who had been connected with the Winnebago House. The City Hotel stood on the southeast corner of State and Church streets. It was one of the old land landmarks on the street, and was torn down to make room for Hon. E. B. Sumner's brick block, occupied by the Forest City National Bank.

Death Of Clay And Webster

ing for the death of Henry Clay, which occurred June 29th. Bells were tolled upon receipt of the intelligence. A mass meeting of the citizens was held at the court house July 1st, to make arrangements for a public tribute to the memory of the great statesman. Anson S. Miller was chairman, and John A. Phelps, secretary of the meeting. Newton Crawford, William Brown, John A. Phelps, John Edwards, Selden M. Church, Anson S. Miller and Mayor Wheeler were appointed a committee to complete arrangements. Memorial services were held at the Baptist church July 24th. Prayer was offered by the pastor, and Ex-Governor Bebb pronounced an eloquent eulogy. It has been said man is, as he is related to other men. Henry Clay could be measured by this standard. He was the greatest parliamentary leader of his time, with Douglas and Blaine as close seconds.

The First Baptist church purchased a bell from the foundry of Rincker & Company, of Chicago, in July, 1852. Its weight was fifteen hundred and forty pounds, and cost about six hundred dollars.

Hon. John P. Hale, the candidate of the free Democracy for the presidency, delivered an address at the court house in Rockford, October 15, 1852. The audience was estimated at five thousand, and many came from neighboring counties. Mr. Hale's address was dignified and candid, and made a favorable impression.

In October, 1852, the Bank of Rockford was organized under the general banking law of the state. Charles I. Horsman was president, and Charles C. Wilcox, cashier. A sworn statement of its condition on the first Monday in July, 1853, reported a circulation of $49,995. Levi Moulthrop began his business life as a clerk in this bank, when he was twelve years of age, and remained five years. The bank suspended in 1857.

October 27th the Forum a second time appeared in mourning, for the death of Daniel Webster, which occurred the preceding Sunday. Although Mr. Webster's death made a profound impression throughout the country, it did not so stir the hearts of Rockford citizens as did the passing of Henry Clay. Men loved Henry Clay ; they admired Daniel Webster. One moved men ; the other expounded principles. The work of Webster is the more enduring. He will rank in history with Hamilton and Marshall. On the Sunday following the death of Mr. Webster, Theodore Parker preached a memorial discourse in Boston, in which he boldly criticised his subject. In view of the fact that this oration is regarded as one of Parker's masterpieces, a local cotemporary estimate is of interest. The Forum, edited by A. Colton, made this editorial comment : "That erratic divine, Theodore Parker, has improved the opportunity to preach a sermon upon the death of Mr. Webster, . . His attempt to criticise the career of Mr. Webster is like a phosphoretic spark prescribing for a thunderbolt. It has been well observed that it is an illustration of the ass kicking the dead lion."

In March, 1853, Julius J. Trask, a settler of Winnebago county, died in California. His brother, Alva Trask, the first proprietor of Trask's ferry on Pecatonica river, died in California some months previous.

The term, "Forest City," as applied to Rockford, had its origin in an article written by a correspondent of the New York Tribune, which was published in the autumn of 1853. The preservation of the native forest trees made the name appropriate, and Rockford is so designated to this day.

In pursuance of an act of the legislature approved February 14, 1853, Thomas H. Campbell, state auditor of public accounts, offered for sale at public auction at the court house in Rockford, November 18, 1853, all state lands in Winnebago county. About twelve hundred acres were sold. The law fixed the minimum price at three dollars and fifty cents per acre. These lands were given the state by act of congress of September 4, 1841, for the purpose of creating an internal improvement fund.

Chapter Lxi

IN the presidential election of 1852 Winnebago county maintained its position as a Whig stronghold. The presidential electors received 1,023 votes; the Democratic electors, 820; Free Soil electors, 725.

Under the apportionment of August 22, 1852, the legislature divided the state into nine congressional districts. The First district comprised the counties of Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, JoDaviess, Carroll and Ogle.