Salem Township (part 2 of 3)

The next meeting relating to the interests of the society, of which there is any record, was held by the executive committee, on Monday, April 24, 1854. That meeting adopted a resolution requiring the treasurer of the society to give bonds in the sum of one thousand dollars; that the first annual fair be held on the first Thursday of October, and that the Board of Supervisors of Carroll County be petitioned for an appropriation of five hundred dollars, to be expended in fencing and arranging the fair grounds for the use of the society. The first bill that seems to have been presented against the society was by H. G. Grattan, the secretary, for "printing and stationerv,'' and he was ordered to " draw on the treasurer for the same."

The first fair commenced on the first Thursday of October, 1854, and was held on the farm of A. Monroe Bailey, about seven miles south of Mt. Carroll, and was rather a primitive af/r//?'. It is related of the president that he took a sow there to be shown and put her in a pen. but that he did not know that the rules of the society required all stock and articles intended for exhibition to be entered upon the books of the secretary. His ignorance of the rules was not discovered until the fair closed, when he loaded his female porker into his wagon and hauled her home, a wiser man than when he dumped her into the pen in the morning.

The writer of this history was unable to find any record of that first fair - the number of entries, the premium list, award of premiums, or anything of the kind, so he is unable to present any of the particulars. Only the first report of the treasurer has been preserved among the records, and this is presented in full:

The second f lir was held in the Fall of 1855. The ground selected was on the hill on the east side of Dog Bun, and a little west of the present residence of Nathaniel Halderman, Esq. The records fail to show where it was held in 1856, and tlie old settlers with wlium the writer talked were at fault as to its location that year, but it is ])robable it was held on the same erround it occupied in 1855.

June S, 1854, a petition was presented to the board of supervisors, asking for help from the county in the sum of 8500. The petition was not acted upon at that time, but on motion, was laid over until the next meeting of the board, but a close following of the record fails to reveal any further action in regard to the petition, or at least the appropriation of the sum asked, until Tuesday, May 5, 1857, when the board of supervisors

EesolvecJ, That five lumdred dollars ($500) be appropriated out of the County- Treasury to be expended by the Executive Committee of the Carroll County Agricultural Society in the puichase and fitting uj) of Fair Grounds to be used at the annual exhibition of Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Fairs in said county, and that the title to said grounds shall stand in the name of the Board of Supervisors of Carroll County and their successors in office.

May 29, 3 857, Joseph Warfield and wife deeded to the board of supervisors a little over five and a half acres of ground in the southwest quarter of section twelve, town twenty-four, range four east, in consideration of $550. October 4, 1858, Jackson Beaver and wife also conveyed to the board one acre and sixty one-hundredths, adjoining the Warfield tract, for $125. This increased the domain of the society to about seven acres, which served the purposes of a fair ground for several years, and until the population and growth of the county had so increased that a larger area became a necessity. April 15, 18G5, the executive committee appointed a committee of three, consisting of John Nycuni, Daniel Becker and Elijah Bailey, to ascertain whether the old fair grounds could not be sold, and larger and more commodious grounds be purchased, the committee to report at the next meeting.

WiiKKFiAs, Certain friends of agriculture and members of the executive committee believe liie prosperity of the agricultural societ^v would be enhanced b}' moving the fair about to different parts of the comity; therefore, liemlved, Tiial projiositions will be receivetl at the next meeting of the executive committee as to such removal, by any portions of the county interested in having the fair held in theii midst.

May 20, 1865, a meeting of the executive committee Avas held at Laiiai-k, when the committee appointed at the last ])revious meeting, in regard to selling the old fair grounds and purchasing a larger area, reported that additional ground could be purchased from Josej)h AVarlield to enlarge the old fair grotinds; also, that new and suitable grotinds coidd be purchased from William T. Miller, north of the town of Mt. Carroll, and that

A committee of Lanark citizens appeared at this meeting to ask that the fair be removed to that place, but had no definite propositions to make in regard to the removal. After some conversation relating thereto, they asked for further time to canvass the matter, which was granted. A committee of five, John Kridler, M. Z. Landon, John Keach, E. M. Cook and Elijah Bailey, was appointed to receive such propositions as might be presented, and to report thereon at the next meeting of the executive committee, when final action would be taken on the subject.

The next meeting of the executive committee was held at the oflice of the secretary of the society, in Mount Carroll, on June 3, 1865, when the committee on the location of the fair grounds submitted a report, which was accepted. The report embraced the proposition of the people of Lanark, and was substantially as follows:

The people of Lanark, on condition that the Carroll County Fair be held in the town of Rock Creek, at or near the village of Lanark, for 1865 and 1866, will furnish grounds, suitablj' fenced, and the necessarj^ buildings, free of expense to the society; provided that the executive committee will give the use of the old lumber on the old fair ground (the posts and buildings excepted), and the net proceeds of the fair for the year 1865. {Signed) M. D. Welch, Z. B. Kinkaid, M. Z. Landon, committee; M. Z. Landon, chairman.

This proposition was amended by requiring the Lanark jDeople to enter into a lease of the grounds to the society for two years, when it was accepted, and the fairs for 1865 and 1866 were held there.

January 6, 1866, a meeting of the executive committee was held to consider the proposition of purchasing additional grounds of Mr. Warfield. The proposition was fully discussed, and a vote finally taken upon the subject. Those voting in favor of the purchase were, Messrs. Bailey, Beardsley, Pierce, Hathaway and Funk. Those voting against the purchase were, Messrs. Stover, Eeasoner and Davis. The proposition was accepted, and September 17, 1866, Joseph AYarfield and wife deeded to the board thirteen and nine one-hundredths acres, adjoining the old grounds, for the sum of $823.12, making a little over twenty acres, the whole cost of which was §1,498.13. All of this tract was put in one enclosure in time for the fair of 1867, since when the fairs have been regularly held thereon.

The last fair was held September 4, 5, 6 and 7, 1877. The total number of entries were 1,554; total amount of premiums ofifered, $2,148; total amount of premiums paid, $2,006.15. The number of shareholders or members is 436. The cash value of real estate and the improvements thereon is $3,000.

A New Court House

From October, 1844-, to 1853, the court house erected by Messrs. Emmert, ITalderinan c^ Co. was sufficiently commodious to furnish accommodations to the circuit court, the couuty offices, jail, etc. But population and business had been steadily increasing, and in the last named year the people began to agitate the building of a larger and better building - one in keeping with the importance and wealth to which the county had attained. In September of that year, the agitation of the subject had grown so general that, on the 13th of that month, the board of supervisors

Resolved, That a good and sufficient building or buildings be constructed, suitable for the uses and pijrposes of a jail and court house for the County of Carroll, said building to cost not less than $12,000 nor more than $20,000.

November 30, 1855, the supervisors "resolved that M. W. Hollingsworth be appointed to procure a draft »f some competent architect foracourt house and jail, with suitable rooms for sheriflp, juries, clerk, recorder, and jailor, with specifications as to the size, material, finish and cost, and report to the next session of the board."

Tuesday, March 11, 1856, Mr. Hollingsworth presented his report, together with a draft and plan of a court house, which was accepted, when the board appointed M. W. Hollingsworth, R, II. Gray and Leonard Pratt "a building committee, to superintend the construction of said building, upon the ])hin and in the manner designated; and also that the committee, or a nuijority of them, be authorized to let the same to the lowest bidder therefor, and to enter into contract with any person or persons to construct the same u])on the plan afoi'csaid, u})on such terms as nuiy be for the best interests of said County of Carroll, at the ]ioint heretofore designated by said board." The board also adopted the following:

Resolved, Tliat said committee be re(iuired to take from tlic contractor or contractors of said building good and suMlcieiit bonds to secure the completion of the work and materials furnished in the nuuiiicr and form described ; also, upon iiittring into contract, giving bonds as aforesaid, said committee be avuhorized to ilraw orders iijion the county treasury, in favor of sail! contractors, in tlie sum of live thousand ihillars; and, upon the covering in of said building, said committee are authorized to cause bonds, drawing ten per cent interest, to be executed, payable in equal instalments, in one, two anil three years, for one half the balance of contract price. And, upon the eomplelion of said building, to cause boiuls tor the balance remaining unpaid to be issued, at ten per cent, as aforesaid, payable in two, three and four years from date, iu equal sums.

Resolved, That the committee for building court house, jail, etc., be, and they are hereby instructed to let the contract for building court house, etc., in accordance with a resolution of the board of supervisors, of March term, A.D. 1856.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to obtain a draft and specifications for a jail and county oflices, the same to be tire-proof buildings - the offices and jail to be separate - said committee to report at some future meeting.

Saturday, the 8th, the committee appointed at the September term to obtain draft and specifications for a jail and county ofiices, reported that, owing to the death of Garner Mofl:ett (a member of the board), and other circumstances, they were unable to attend to their duties as they would like to have done. A draft for a jail was presented by the committee, which was examined by the board.

" That if the county would loan its credit to the amount of 8100,000 for a term of years (perhaps ten), in consideration thereof he would build the court house for the county according to the plan and specification now (then) belonging to the county, then in the hands of M. W. Hollingsworth, and would secure the county in double the amount of the bonds the county might issue against the payment of said bonds or any interest thereon,"

Messrs. Artt, Stephenson and Aldrich were appointed as a committee to consult with Mr. AVilson with regard to the matter, ''to procure from him a contract, or form, or statement in writing, of his proposition to build the same; also, to ascertain what kind of security the county had best receive for the fulfillment of any contract that may be made," etc.

In the afternoon of that day the committee reported that they had met Mr. Wilson, but that they were unable to present a contract or statement from him at that time, but would do so in future, whereupon Daniel Hur- ley and D. R. Frohoclc were appointed for the purpose of receiving and consulting with Mr. Wilson in regard to entering into a contract with him to build a court house, jail and lire-[»roof county offices, etc., and to report upon what terms and in what time said Wilson would build said court house, jail and fire-proof county offices, and how payment should be made for the building thereof; also, the nature, kind and amount of security that would be given for the peiformance of said work, the amount of bonds to be issued by the county, the rate of interest, time and manner of payment of interest and princi])al.

February 20, 1857, this committee reported that they had consulted with Mr. Wilson, and that he had no proposition to make, whereupon the committee was discbarged.

Tuesday, May 5, 1857, Mr. Wilson again presented a proposition for building a court house, jail, etc., which was received. This proposition was, in substance, as follows: That he would so far complete the jail the first year as to render it available and secure, and also provide jailer's rooms - the year to commence March 1. The second year to have the offices ready for occupancy; the third year to so far complete the whole building that it could be occupied for offices, jail and court purposes, and the fourth year to have the whole building entirely completed in accordance with the plans furnished. He asked payment to be made as follows :

1st. Five thousand dollars to be paid in hand; $5,000 to be paid March 1, 1858; ,^§5,000 March 1, 1859; $5,000 March 1, 1860; $5,000 March 1, 1861, with ten per cent on fifth payment twelve months; and $5,000 payable March 1, 1862, with ten per cent interest per annum, payable annually for two years, and to enter into bonds with sufficient securit_y to carry out his proposition. Upon the reading of this proposition, the following: resolution was offered:

Resohed, Tliat a committee of tliree be appointed by tlie board, who shull have power to let a contract for tlie building of a court house upon the public square in the town of Mt. Carroll, in accordance with the spec itical ions and profiles of a jjlan now in the liands of Mahlon Ilollingswortli, provid'.'d such contract is let to such jjarties as will agree to build the same; wiiliin four years. *******"

1. 'I'liat it is necessary for the convenience and interest of Carroll County that a jail, county oniccs and jury rooms should Imilt .it the earliest pnictical dnv-

4. That a committee of three be appointed to let a contract upon the most favorable terms, in accordance witli the specitications and pi-ofiles of a plan of a court hcmse now in tlie hands of ]\Ialilon W. Hoi lin.f^s worth, and that such contract, before it is filed and in binding, sliall be submitted to the board and supervisors at as early a day as the said commitlee ^hall think proper to call a meeting of said board.

Wednesday, May 27, 1857, the board again met, when the abovenamed committee presented their report, setting forth that they had examined all the proposals for the Ituilding of said cotirt house, and presented, for the consideration of the board the proposal of Wm. T. Miller, the said proposal being, in the opinion of the committee, the most favorable for the county, said proposal being as follows:

I propose to build the court house in accordance with the specifications, profiles and plans furnished by Olmsted and ^Ticholson, of Chicago, for thirty-one tliousand five hundred dollars, in the following payments, to-wit:

In hand, |4,500; March 1, 1858, .|4,500; March 1, 1859, $4,500; March 1,1860, $4,500; March 1, 1801, $4,500; March 1, 18G2, $4,500; March 1, 1863, $4,500; interest at ten per cent on each payment after due, if not paid at maturity. I propose for the above paj'- ments to put the whole building under roof, finish jail and jailer's ro^mis, county offices and fire-proof vaults by ^March 1, A. D. 1859; finish court room for court purposes by March 1, 1860; and complete the building by March 1, A. D. 1861. And I propose further that, sliould said proposition be accepted, I will enter into good and sufficient bonds for the fulfillment of my part of the contract.

Wm. T. Miller

Tuesday. May 28, David Emmert, Abraham Beeler and Philander Seymour were appointed a committee to enter into a contract on the part of the county with Wm. T. Miller, in accordance with his proposition. The committee were fully instructed, and required to take a good and sufficient bond from Mr. Miller for a faithful performance of his undertaking, etc. Several resolutions of instruction to the building committee were spread upon the journal, with a view to the protection of the interests of the taxpayers of the county. The contract was duly drawn up and signed by the contracting parties, and all the preliminaries arranged to commence building the present very handsome, commodious and convenient county buildings, Mr. Miller being required to enter into bond in the sum of $6,000, with good and sufficient security, etc.

August "3, 1857, the first tnstahnent, as provided in Mr. Miller's proposition, was paid to him in county orders, the numbers commencing with 1804 and ending with 1834 - thirty-one in all - and representing $4,500.

September 15, 1857, the board ordered that " W. T. Miller and Jacob P. Emmert be allowed the exclusive use and occupation of the court house square, in the Town of Mount Carroll, during the time they are engaged in building and finishing the court house thereon, for all purposes connected with the erection of said court house."

June 1. A. D. 1857, a contract was entered into bv and between David Emmert, Philander Seymour and A. Beeler, building committee, on the part of Carroll County, and State of Illinois, as party of the Urst part, and William T. Miller and Jacob P. Emmert, party of the second part, etc., by which the hist named undertook the building of the court liouse, on the terms proposed in Miller's proposition by Emmert, May 27. Work was at once commenced. The building of the stone basement walls were let to Mr. James Watson, and were completed that year. In May, 1858, James and B. H. Hallett, masons, commenced the brick walls, which were fully completed, and the building enclosed, by the beginning of Winter. In the Spring of 1859, Sheriif Xase was ordered by the judge of the circuit court to occupy the jail department, but the building was not accepted by the county until Tuesday, June 4, 1861, when the board of supervisors ordered " that the clerks and sheriff be instructed to remove, occupying the offices in the new court house."

The delay in occupying the new building grew out of the fact that a controv^ersy had grown up between the county authoi'ities and the contractors. The former maintained that the terms of the contract had not been filled, and that, in many respects the plans and specifications had not been followed. The main sources of difference arose in reo-ard to the roof (which was claimed to be im^^erfect and leaky) and the fire-proof vaults. Committees of investigation were appointed, and suit's against the contractors for damages, etc., were threatened, but the differences between the parties in interest were finally satisfactorily settled, without resort to the courts of law. However, the vaults were overhauled and remodeled, and the roof repaired. These expenses were incurred by the county, for the reason that the building committee had accepted the contract as completed,

War Records

If there is any one thing more than another of which the people of the ]N^orthern States have reason to be proud, it is of the record they made during the dark and l)loody days of the War of the Rebellion. When the war was forced upon the country, the people were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their wavs, doin^- wliatever ti.eir hands found to do - makintj farms or cultivating those already made, erecting homes, founding cities and towns, building sliops and manufactories - in short, the country was alive with industry and hopes for the future. The ])eople were just recovering from the depressions and losses incident to the fiiumcial ])anic of 1857. The future looked bright and j)roniising, and the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the Free Stat(!S were buoyant with hop)e - looking forward to the j)erfecting of new plans for tlie ensurement of comfort and com]iL'tencc in their declining years, they little heeded the mutterings and threatenings of treason's children in the Slave States of the South. True sons and descendants of thelierocs of the "times that tried men's souls" - the struggle for American independence - they never dreamed that there was even one so l)ase as to dare attein])t the destruction of the Union of tlieir fathers - a government bajitized with the best blood the world ever knew. WliiJe immediately surrounded with ]>eace and tran(|uility, tiiey paid but little attention to the rumored i>h)ts and plans of those who lived and grew ricli fi-om the sweat and toil, blood and llesh of otiiei's - aye, even trafllckcd in the olisiiriuij of their own loins. ^. evert heless, the war came,

April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter, at Charleston, South Carolina, Major Anderson, U. S. A., commandant, was fired upon by rebels in arms. Although basest treason, this tirst act in the bloody reality that followed, was looked upon as the mere bravado of a few hot- heads - the act of a few fire eaters whose sectional bias and freedom hatred was crazed bj excessive indulgence in intoxicating potations. When, a day later, the news was borne along the telegraphic wires that Major Anderson had been forced to surrender to what had at first been regarded as a drunken mob, the patriotic people of the North were startled from the dreams of the future - from undertakings half completed - and made to realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep and well organized purpose to destroy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black, or who, perchance, through practices of lustful natures, were half or quarter removed from the color that God, for His own purposes, had given them. But they " reckoned without their host." Their dreams of the future - their plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy - were doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappointment.

Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln - America's martyr president - who, but a few short weeks before, had taken the oath of office as the nation's chief executive, issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers for three months. The last word of that proclamation had scarcely been taken from the electric wires before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole government could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house - every calling offered its best men, their lives and their fortunes in defense of the government's honor and unity. Party lines were, for the time, ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier statesman - " By the Great Eternal^ the Union must and shall he 'preserved ! ' '

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. ]N"or were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call, for either men or money, there was a willing and a ready response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their country's altar. Such were the impulses, motives and actions of the patriotic men of the North, among whom the sons of Carroll made a conspicuous and praiseworthy record. Of the offerings made by this people during the great and final struggle between freedom and slavery, it is the purpose now to write.

Whereas, The laws of the United States have been, and now are, violently opposed in several states by combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary way, I therefore call for the militia of the several states of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, to suppress said combination and execute the laws. I appeal to all loyal citizens to facilitate and aid in this effort to maintain the laws and the integrity of the perpetuity of the popular government, and redress wrongs long enough endured. The first service assigned to the forces, probably, will be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union. Let the utmost cure be taken, consistent with the object, to avoid devastation, destruction, interference wiih the property of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command persons composing the aforesaid combination to disperse within twenty days from date.

I hereby convene both houses of Congress for the 4th day of July next, to determine upon measures for public safety which the interest of the subject demand.

Abraham Lincoln

The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors in the South was accepted - not, however, in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence - but with a firm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the president was plain under the constitution and the laws, and above and beyond all, the people from whom all political power is derived demanded the suppression of the rebellion, and stood ready to stistain the authority of their representatives and executive officers.

The first war meeting- held in Carroll County convened at the old court house on Wednesday evening, April 17, ISOl, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of organizing a military company to act in conjunction with other companies for the defense of a common country. T. T. Jacobs was chosen as president of that meeting, and S. C. Hays was appointed to act as secretary. Yolney Armour stated the object of the meeting, when stirring speeches were made by J. P. Seedy and Hon. B. L. Fatcn.

V. Armour, B. L, Patch, A. Nase, Samuel Preston, of Mount Carroll, and Monroe Bailey, of York, were appointed to prepare a series of resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, and during their absence, short and enthusiastic speeches were made by Messrs. Hays, Colehower, Chapman and others. After an hour's absence, the committee returned and reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:

WiiERE.vs, The people of several states of the Union are in open and armed rebellion against the Government of the United States, and have, without any reasonable excuse or any invasion of their rigiits by the general government, seized the torts, arsenals, and property of Uie government, and to crown their outrageous acts, have actually levied war upon the government, by their late attack on and forcible occupation of Fort Sumter; therefore, be it

Resolved, 1. That we, the citizens of Mount Carroll and vicinity, without distinction of party, hereby declare our unalterable attachment to the Union and Constitution as it is, and that we will stand l)y the stars and stripes, and support the atlministration in its measures to vindicate the rightful authority of the government in suppressing treason and enforcing the laws in all tiie states.

2. That we deem it our duty to organize a military company in this county, to meet any call that may l)e made bj' the government of the state, for the purpose of supporting the general government in the present emergency.

Saturday Evening Meeting

Pursi.ant to adjournment, the mcetiTig re-as.-^embled in the new court house, for tlie purpose of commencing the organization of a volunteer company to be tendered to the governor of the state. Judge Wilson presided at this meeting, and J. P. Enunert acted as secretary. TTjion taking the chair. Judge Wilson electrified tlie audience with a manly and patriotic speech, which was frequently interrupted with heart-swelling cheers. Judge Wilson was followed by Hon. W. T. Miller, Dr. B. L. Miller, H. A. Mills, C. B. Smith, Henry Ashway, James Shaw, Y. Armour, X. Halderman, William T. Frohock, and others, with warm and patriotic speeches, which were heartil}" cheered.

Mr. Armour presented a roll for the signatures of volunteers, and the work commenced. While the roll was being signed, a delegation . from York Township, headed by a martial band, entered the court house and were greeted M'itli wildest applause. As soon as quiet was restored. Monroe Bailey, the chairman of the delegation, announced '' that York Township was all on fire for the cause of their country - that nine of her sons had already enrolled themselves, and that at least as many more would before the Carroll County company was filled." This announcement created an enthusiasm that could not be restrained, and cheer after cheer greeted Mr. Bailey as he resumed his seat. The York boys were also greeted with hearty shouts as ihey filed forward to enroll their names.

During the recei^tion of the names of volunteers, the followino^ awreement was presented for signatures, which was promptly and unhesitatingly signed by a large number of prominent citizens:

We, the undersigned citizens of Carroll County, Illinois, do hereby agree to support, maintain and protect the families of all persons who may volunteer from our county fur the defense of the honor and perpetuit}'' of our beloved government, so long as said volunteers shall be engaged in such defense. For the performance of this agreement we pledge our sacred honor.

A subscription was thentstarted for the purpose of raising money to defray the contingent expenses of the volunteers while completing their organization, and two hundred and fifty dollars were subscribed before the meeting adjourned.

Wednesday, April 24, the Carroll County Weekly Mirror, Messrs. I. Y. HoUinger and A. Windle, publishers ; James Shaw, Esq., editor, sounded the key note to the war feeling in Carroll County, in the following editorial :

Tlic whole countr}- is in a flame of exciiement; ihe tires of patriotism arebeing lighted in millions of Noi'ihern hearts ; while the dark fires of a hellish and infernal faualicism are crazing the Southern mind. Sumter has fallen - the flag of our glorious counlrv is trailed in the dusi - spurned, spit upon, insulted by Southern mutineers. Arsenals and forts are laken bj- storm. Xortiiern men are insulted, endangered, slain for no crime. The rebels are marching uj^on "Wasliiugtou. There is danger that the capital of our couutr}' will fall into tlieir vandal hand-;. Virginia has seceded. Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, has proved a traitor. The bridges are broken down ; the railroad track is torn up ; every thing is being done.to hold back the forces of the Union, until Washington|shall fall into tlie hands of those marching upon it.

Men of the great North, of the mighty West, must these things be ? Are we to tamely sit in inactivity until the whole country shall be overrun with a military usurpation'?' Is the nigger-driver to possess our government, make our laws, reduce us to bondage?

Millions will answer - No! by the everlasting God, No I - Never! Next to our firesides and hearthstones, the City of Washington is dear to the loyal American heart.

Let the old fires of the Revolution once again be lighted. Let patriotism and selfsacrificing devotion to our country warm every heart, and lead to promptness in action. Let all who can, volunteer. Let all who can not do this, give their prayers, their means, their sympathies, to the holj^ cause of freedom. Silence traitors and tories at home; stop the So'uihern boats on the upper Mississippi River. Keep our lead at home, until we give it to them in the shape of bullets ; keep our iron until we can send it in the shape of swords, rifles and cannou. Keep our provisions until they go to our armies in tlie bouth. Proclaim liberty to Ihe slave everywhere. Let the power of the nation l^e summpned to crush out the rebellion just inaugurated. Let those be honored who assist in hghting their country's

The First Compa7iy. - ln the Mirror of May 1, we hnd the loliowino- : " Otir large new court house is turned into barracks lor the Carroll County volunteers now awaitins: the Governor's orders to go to Sprin^eld, or anv other point. The company is under the command ot Captain ^ase. The boys are exceedingly anxious to be off. They are a fine-looking company, and will fight like tigers and bull-dogs. Woe to the equal number ot rebels that fall into their hands. '" "

" Captain, Adam Nase; first lieutenant, K. J. Heath; second lieutenant, James O'Brien; first orderly sergeant, John ^Y. Puterbaugh; second orderly sero-eant, P. D. Kenyon;. third orderly sergeant, James A. Shafler; lourth orderly sergeant, Charles W. Wilcox; first corpoi;al, Milo Cummings; second corporal, Albert P. Eapp; third corporal, George Kridler; fourth corporal, Henrv McCall, Jr." Then follow tlie names ot ninety-lour ot the sons of Carroll who were ready to march to the field ol danger, courage and strife - all of whose names will be found in another place. _

While the men were busy polling up this company, the ladies ot Mount Carroll were not idle, but their deft fingers had fashioned a handsome flag, which, on Monday evening, April 29, was presented to the company, with proper ceremony," at the court house. Rev. O. D. W. White represented the ladies, and on their behalf made a very appropriate presentation speech. Dr Miller received the flag for tlie company, and res])onded to Mr. White s remarks in fitting terms, when Captain Nase, whose modesty had kept liim in the background, was called out, and " made an excellent, solid, short, impromptu speech. Others of the volunteers also pledged themselves and comrades to stand by, defend and return the flag to the lair hands from

This company could not l)e received at once, m consequence ot tlie (luota of the six regiments assigned to Illinois being so quickly filled, and on Saturday, the 4th of May, were dismissed for the time, but ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be summotied at any time, ihe boys were disap]>ointed, but their turn came ere Iciig. Before a week had passed. Captain Nase received orders to march his company to l^reeport, and go into camp as a part of a regiment for this congressional district. ilie evenino- before their departure, thev assembled m the court house, where they were feel in -'Iv addressed bv Bev. C. ^L AVoodward and John irvme, Sr Earlv <.n Si'rturday muniing, the 11th, the boys marched away, escorted to the outskirts of the town by tlie Carroll Cornet Band and a large number of citizens of both sexes.

Thi^ coinnanv was raised under the call for volunteers tor three months, but, as before state.l, the .piota of Illinois was filled before the company was readv. When it reached camp at Free])ort, the alternative ot being mustered into service for three years or during the war, or ot luing dismissed, was presented. The choice was with the men, and they nearly unaiiimouslv accei)ted the situation, and were sworn m accordingly, iiie informal election of ofiicers, held before the company left :\[ount Carroll, was confirmed, and the duty of camp life on the tented field commenced in good earnest. Shortly after, the company was ordered to Alton, whither it was soon followed with a uniform provided by the people from whose midst the men composing its rank and file had been raised.

May 14, the board of supervisors elected for 1861 - H. Smith, L. Heftlefinger, J. J. Eaeker, Samuel Sheller, A. Mofiett, J. F. Chapman, John Hillman, E. Hathaway, D. W. Dame, and D. L. Bowen - met for the transaction of business. After the examination of their certificates of election, as shown by their journal entries, the following resolution was offered and passed unanimously - all the suf)ervisors yoting aye:

Resolved, That the sum of five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be sufficient, be appropriated for the purpose of uniforming and equippino; the volunteers from this county who have, or who may hereafter enlist in the service of ihe state or of the United Staes, and supporting the families of the same, as may be necessary from time to time.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, with power to draw orders through the clerk on the treasury, to be paid out of the funds arising from such special tax, in such amounts as, in their discretion, the same may be needed to carry out the object of the foregoing resolution.

Supervisors Chapman. Heffiefinger, Bowen, Mofiett and Hillman were appointed as the committee provided for in the last resolution above quoted. This committee appointed a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Chapman and Hetfiefinger, to negotiate the orders thus provided for, and superintend the purchase of a uniform for Captain J^Tase's company. Captain Xase was advised by Mr. Chapman of the action taken by the county, and that the sub-committee would visit Chicago to carry out the object expressed iu the first resolution - to procure a uniform for his company, and that they wished him to have the measure of every man of his company taken by the time they reached Freeport on their way to Chicago, naming the day when they would stop at the camp to receive the list. Arrived there, Captain Nase expressed a desire to accompany Messrs. Chapman and Hefiletinger on their mission, and was made an honorary member of their committee, but defraying his own expenses. The dealers in Chicago did not have much faith in the credit and honor of the Carroll County taxpayers, and declined to accept the orders in exchano-e for their goods at any price. They did not seem to regard them as worth ten cents on the dollar. The committee came home somewhat disappointed, but not discouraged. Mr. Chapman then sought the agency of Mr. H, Ashway, and tried to sell the orders to Mr. James Marks. At that immediate time that gentleman was not prepared to cash them, but agreed to do so in two months, when he should dispose of a lot of cattle he was fattening for market. As soon as these were sold he would take the orders at a discount of twenty-five per cent. Receiving this assurance, Mr. Chapman, who was then in the mercantile business, returned to Chicago, and, on his individual faith and credit, contracted with a house of which he bought goods for a sufiicient quantity of cloth and its manufacture into uniform suits, which cost §1,200 - the net amount of cash realized from an issue of SI, 600 in county orders, at a discount of twenty-fiv^e per cent. Two months later, when Mr. Marks shipped his cattle to Chicago, Mr. Chapman met him there, turned over the county orders, received the money, and paid the debt he had contracted to tmiform the first company sent out from Carroll County to help defend the life and maintain the perpetuity of the government. The uniforms were forwarded

In this connection it is but an act of justice to remark thnt to Mr. J. F. Chapman, a true patriot and an honest man - the noblest work of God - belongs the credit of uniforming the lirst company. It is true the faith of the county was at his back, but that could not be made immediately available, and but for his energy, tact and credit among the business men and wholesale dealers in Chicago, the uniforming of Captain Nase's company would have been much longer delayed. While the war lasted - or, at least, for a large part of the time - the county looked after the interests of the soldiers' families, as tlie people had pledged themselves to do at the first war meeting. Mr. Chapman was the trusted and faithful agent fur the distribution of money and supplies, as they were needed, and not a dollar of the means thus entrusted to him failed to find its way to those for whom it had been provided. And many is the mother and soldiers child, that has occasion to remember with grateful heart his honor and goodness. Mr. Chapman was succeeded in this duty by Mr. O. S. Beardsley, another patriot and honest citizen, whose record is without blemish.

TJie war went on and recruiting continued. A second company was soon after raised, which met at the court house on Saturday evening. May IS, and proceeded to the election of officers. Abram Beeler was elected captain; S. S. Dunn, first lieutenant; James Watson, second lieutenant; J. P. Beebe, first sergeant; and D. W. Price, second sergeant. This company was christened the " Hickory Rifie Guards." AYhile there was a hand raised against the government, the people of Carrdl were alive and active. Men, women and children were busy - the men in the moi'e arduous iluties of recruiting and providing '' ways and means " for eqni]iping the volunteers and sending them forward, and the women and children in providing and sliip])ing to the " Boys in Blue " a thousand and one things that carried gladness and joy to hundreds of tents.

The first appropriation made by the board of supervisors was in tlie sum of $5,000, a part of which was used for the purpose of uniforming Captain Xase's company. The balance was applied to similar purposes and fur the support of such of the families of the volunteers as might need assistance. No one then imagined that the war would be of long duration, or tliat instead of $5,000, millions would be needed before the rebellion was coiu[uered. And so it came, as the war was prolonged, call after call was made for men. As these men enlisted, money was needed for their equipment, for the payment of bounties, the support and maintenance of wives and families; but there was no stinginess attending. Appropriation followed a})]u-opriation from ])ub]ic sources. Thousands were multijilied by tens and twenties. Tax was added to tax, but the people bowed willingly to the increased burdens. Never were taxes more willingly paid. About their ])avment there was no jrrumbliui;. fur the life uf the nation was at stake. Xow, in times of peace, when the people have time to think, the large amount of money conti-ibuted by them from townsliip and county sources s(;(^'ius almost wonderful. Uut few have even an approximate idea of tlie immense sums they helped to pay. Nothing can be presented in letters and figures fuller of interest than the actual sums thus provided.

Of the fourteen townships in the county, Mount Carroll is the only one inckided in tlie above statement, it being the township in which the city of Mount Carroll is located. The township authorities were equally liberal, and to their several clerks we are indebted for the following statement, as we are indebted to Thomas D. Davis, deputy county clerk, for the above statement.

Besides the county appropriations, each of the outside townships were equally liberal and patriotic. So far as it has been possible to obtain these several amounts, they are respectively as follows:

These are only eight of the fourteen townships, not including Mount Carroll. Efforts were made to secure the amounts paid by the other townships - Shannon, Washington, Freedom, Cherry Grove and AVysox - but our postal cards either went amiss, or the township clerks did not answer, or, if they did answer, their answers failed to reach us. AVe would like to present the exact ligures, but can not for want of the proper data. The above sum of 81-3. U23. OS, added to the county appropriation heretofore quoted, and making a liberal and fair estimate for the live townships not heard from, would swell the grand total to very nearly $325,000, contributed by this people to aid in the suppression of the war of the rebellion.

Besides these public appropriations, individual citizens contributed and paid lar<;e sums toward the payment of bounties to avoid the humiliation of a draft, and to help the needy families of those who had gone out with their lives in their hands. The actual amounts of these contributions can not possibly be known, but it is safe to assume that they were equal to one fourth of the county and township appropriations, which would swell the grand total to the enormous sum of $-406,2501

In concluding this section of the History of Carroll County, what more tilting tribute can be jjaid - what greater halo of glory cast about their deeds of i-alor than a full and complete War Record, embracing the names, the terms of enlistments, the battles in which they engaged, and all the minutiffi of their soldier lives? It will be a wreath of glory encircling every brow, and a memento which each and every one of them earned in defence of their country's honor, integrity and unity.

The Fifteenth R giment Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Freeport, Illinois, and mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861 - being the first regiment organized from the state for the three years' sewice. It then procefded to Alton, III., remaining there six weeks for instruction. Left Alton for St. Charles, Mo.; thence by rail to Mexico, M^i. Marched to Hannibal, Mo.; thence by steamboat to Jefferson Barracks; then by rail to Rolla, Mo. Arrived in time to cover Gen. Siegel's retreat from Wilson's Creek; thence to Tipion, Mo., and thence joined Gen. Fremont's army. Marched from there to Springfield, IVIo.; thence back to Tipton; then to Sedalia, with Gen. Pope, and assisted in the capture of 1,300 of the enemy a few miles from the latter place; th^-n marched to OtterviUe, Mo., where it went into winter quarters Dec. 26, i86i. Remained there until Feb. i, 1862. Then marched to Jefferson City; thence to St. Louis by rail; embarked on transports for Fort Donelson, arriving there the day of the surre ider.

The regiment was then assigned to the Fourth Division, Gen. Hurlbut commanding, and marched to Fort Henry. Then i-inbarked on transports for Pittsburg Landing. Participated in the battles of the 6th and 7lh of April, losing 252 men, killed and wounded. Among the former were Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. \V. Ellis, Major Gndd.ird, Captains Brownell and Wayne, and Lieutenant John VV. Puier augh. Captain Adam Nase, wounded and tr»k"n prisoner. The regiment tlien marched to Coriiith. participating m various skirmishes and the siege of that place, losing a nuaibcr of men killed and wounded.

After the evacuation of Corinth, the regiment marched to Grand Junction; thence to Holly Springs; back to Grand Junction; thence to Lagrange; thence to Memphis, arriving there July 21, 1862, and rein.iined there until Sepiembcr 6th. Then marched 10 Bolivar; thence to the Hatchie river, and participated in the battle of the H.ilchie. Lost fifty killed and wounded in that engagement. Then retiirneJ to Uoliv.ir; from thence to L.'igrange ; thence, with Gen. (irant, down through Mississippi to Coffeeville, relurniir^ to Lagrange and Memphis; (hence to Vick^biirg, taking an active part in the siege of th it place. After the surrender of Vicksbiirg, marched with Sherman to Jacksin, Miss.; then reiiirned to Vicksburn and embarked for Natchez; Marched thence to Kingston; returned to Natchez: then to n.irrisonburg, I.,i., capturing Fort Bcaurcg.ird, on the W.ishit.i river. Ketlirned to Natchez, rem. lined there until Nov. 10, 1863. Proceeded to Vickslnirg and went in o winter quarters. Here the regiment reenlisted as veterms, reniaininj; until Feb, i, 1864, when it moved with Gen. Sherir.an l rough Mississippi On Champion Hills had a severe engagement with rebel

Carney. Marched to Meridan; thence south to Enterprise; thence back to Vicksburg. Was then ordered to Illinois on veteran furlough. On expiration of furlough joined Seventeenth Army Corps and proceeded up the Tenne-see river to Clifton; thence to Huntsville, Ala.; thence to Decatur and Rome, Ga.; th nee to Kingston; and joined Gen. Sherman's army, marching on Atlanta.

At Allatoona Pass the Fifteenth and the Fourteenth Infantry were consolidated, and the organization was known as the Veteran Battalion Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and numbering 625 men. From Allatoona Pass it proceeded to Ackworth, aad was then assigned to duty, uuarding the Chattanooga and Atlanta Railroad. Whilst engaged in this duty, the regiment being scattered along the line of road, the rebel Gen. Hood, r. arching north, struck the road at Big Shanty and Ackworth, and captured about 300 of the command. The remainder retreated to Marietta, were mounted and acted as scouts for Gen. Vandever. They were afterwards transfered to Gen. F. P. Blair, and marched with Gen. Sherman through Georgia.

After the capture of Savannah, the regiment proceeded to Beaufort, S. C; thence to Salkahatchie river, participating in th.f various skirmishes in that vicinity - Columbia, S. C. Fayetteville, X. C. battle of BentonviUe - losing a number wounded; thence to Goldsboro and Raleigh. At Raleigh, recruits sufficient to fill up both regiments were received, and the organiz.ation of the Vcieran Battilion discontinued, and the FiftecMth reorganized. The campaign of Gen. Sherman end.-d by the surrender of Gen. Johnson. 'I'tie regiment th'-n marched with the ;irmy to Washington, D. C, via Richmond and Fredericksburg, and participated in the grand review at Washington, .May 24, 1S65; remained there two weeks. Proceeded, by rail and steamboat, to Louisville, Ky.; remained at Louisville two w eks. The regiment was then det.ached from the Fourth Division, Seventeenth .Army * orps, and proceeded by steamer to St. Louis; from ihrnceto Fort Leavenworth, Kan., arriving there July i, 1865. Joined the army serving on the Plains. Arrived at Fort Ke.irney, August 141I1; then ordered to return to Fort Letveiiw rtli, Sept. i, 1865, where the r-giiiient was mustered out of the service and pLiced en r.'Ute for Springfield, 111., for fin.il payment and disch.irgc - having served (our years and lour months.

The Thirty-fourth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, September 7, i86r, by Colonel E. N. Kirk. Moved, October 2, to Le.xington, Kentucky, and from thence to Louisville, and then to Camp Nevin, Kentucky, where it remained until February 14, 1862. Marched to Bowling Green, and thence, 7iia Nashville, Franklin and Columbia, to Savanna, on the Tennessee River. Arrived at Pittsburg Landing, April 7, 1862, and was hotly engaged in that battle, losing Major Lcvanwayand 15 men killed, and 112 wounded. From thence moved to Corinth, and was engaged on the 29'h of May, losing one mm killed and five woimdcd. From Corinth, moved to luka and Florence, Alabama. Crossed the riverat th.it place, and moved to Athens, Huntsvillc and Stevenson Alabama. Was encamped over a tnonlh at Battle Creek. From thence marclieil. Ti'a Pelhain, Murfrccsboro and Nashville, to Louisville, Kentucky, arriving September 37, 1862.

October i, 1862, left Louisville for Frankfort. Regiment commanded by Lieut. Col. H. W. Bristol, Brigade, by Col. E. N. Kirk, and Division, by Brig. Gen. Sill. October 4, was engaged in a skirmish ai Clayville, Kentucky. From Frankfort, moved, via Laurensburg. Pcrryville, Danville, Crab Orchard, Lebanon and Bowling Green, to Nashville. November 27, had a

December 27, Right Wing moved to Triune, and, after a sharp light, drove the enemy from town. On the 29th, moved, via Independence Hill, toward Murfreesboro. On the 30th, took position as extreme right of Union lines. On the 31st, the enemy attacked the regiment in overwhelming force, driving it back on the main line. Following the advantage gained by his infantry, the enemy's cavalry charged the line, and captured many of the Regiment. Loss^killed 21, wounded 93, missing 66 Gen. Kirk was mortally wounded.

While at Murfreesboro, the Right Wing, Fourteenth Army Corps, was organized into the Twentieth Army Corps, and Major Gen. McCook assigned t'< command.

June 24, 1S63, the Twentieth Corps moved by the Shelbyville Pike, toward Liberty Gap. On the 25th, the Second Br gade was ordered forward, an^ I advanced across an open cwnfield, eighty rods in widlh, lately plowed and softened by the rains which fell the day and night before, until the men sunk half way to the knee in mud at eveiy step. Without help, and in the face of a rebel brigade advantageously posted, they drove the enemy from his position - the Second Arkansas Infantry leaving their battle flag on the hill, where they fought in front of tiie Thirty-fourth. The regiment losing 3 killed and 26 wounded.

August It, moved via Larkin's Valley, to Bellefonte, Alabama. The Thirty fourth was here detailed as Provost Guard. On the 30th, moved to Caperian's Ferry, on Tennessee River. Here the regiment was left to guard the pontoon bridge.

November 8, moved to Harrison's Landing, on Tennessee River. November 14, ordered to to report Brigadier General John Beatty, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. Jeff C. Davis commanding Division. Arrived at Chattanooga 15th, and camped on Moccasin Point.

November 25, ordered to join the Brigade on the battle field of Chattanooga. Arrived 11 o'clock P. M. Moved at i o'clock A. M. of 26th, and moved via Chicamauga Station.

On the 28th, moved back to Chattanooga, where those unable to march were put in camp, the remainder of the regiment moving on the expedition into East Tennessee, as far as Loudon, where the Thirty-fourth were detailed to run a grist mill, grinding corn and wheat for the Division. Returned to Chattanooga, arriving December 19, 1863.

December 22, the Thirty-fourth was mustered as a veteran organization, and January 8, 1864, started for Springfield, Illinois, for veteran furlough.

Received veteran furlouiih, and rendezvoused at Dixon, Illinois. February 2S, moved, via Chicago, Louisville and Nashville, arriving at Chattanooga March 7, 1864, and moved out to join the Second Brigade, Colonel John G. Mitchell, One Hundred and 'Thirteenth Ohio, commanding, in camp near Rossville, Georgia.

First Lieutenant Richard J. Heath, e. as sergt., Sept. 7,1861. Re-enlisted as vet., Dec. 23, 1863. Promoted first sergeant, then second lieutenant, April 2, 1864. Promoted tlr^t lieutenant, Sept. 13,

Carroll Countt War Record

Captain Amos W. Hostetter, com. first lieutenant, Aug. 15, 1861. Promoted captain, April 18, 1862. Died of wouiuls July 26, 1864. Captain Jos. Teeter, e. as corporal, Sept. 7, i86t. Promoted first sergeant, then second lieutenant, June 29,1863. Promoted c iptain, April 20, 1865. Mustered out July 12, 1865. Fir.^t I ieutenant Jackson Beaver, e. as first sergeant, Sept. 7, 1861. Promoted first lieutenant, April 18, 1862. Resigned Jan. 2q, 1863. First Lieutenant Mltson C. Fuller, e. as sergeant, Sept. 7, 1861. Promoted first sergeant, then second lieutenant. May 4, 1862. Promoted fii^t lieutenant, Jan. 29. '63! Honor.ibly discharged, Feb. 25, '65. First Lieutenant Jas. A. Wells, com. May 5, 1865. Died

The Washburne Lead Mine Regiment was organized at Chicago, 111., Dec 25, 1861, by Col. John E. Smith, and mustered into the United States service as the Forty-fifth Infantry Illinois Volunteers. January 15, 1862, moved to Cairo, 111.; February ist, assigned to Brigade of Col. W. H. L. Wallace, Division of Brig. Gen. McClernand ; February 4th, landed below Fort Hrnry, on the Tennessee, and on the 6th marched into the fort. It having been surrendered to the gun-boats. February nth, moved toward Fort Donelson, and during the succeeding days bore its part of the suffering and of the battle. The flag of the Forty-fifth w.,s the first plante I on the eneii y's works. Loss - 2 killed and 26 wounded. March 4th, moved to the Tennessee River, and nth, arrived at Savmnah. Was engaged in the evpedition to Pin Hook. March 25th, moved to Pittsburg Landing, and encamped near Shiloh Church. The Forty-fifth took a conspicuous and honorable part in the two days' battle of Shiloh, losing 26 killed and 199 wounded and missing - nearly one-half of the regiment. April 12th, Col. John E. Smith, of the Forty-fifth, took command of the Brigade. During the siege of Corinth, the regiment was in the First Brigade, Third Division, Reserve Army of the Tennessee, and bore its full share of the labors and dangers of the campaign. June 4th, the regiment was assigned to Third Brigade, and moved towards Purdy, fifteen miles. On the 5th, ma ched to Bethel ; 7th to Montezuma, and on the 8th to Jackson, Tennessee, the enemy flying on its approach.

During the months of June and July, engaged in garrison and guard duty. Augustiith, assigned to guarding railroad, ne.ir Toon's Station. On the 31st, after much desperate fighting, c mpanies C and D were captured. The remainder of the regiment, concentrating at Toon's Station, were able to lesist the attack of largely outnumbering forces. Loss - 3 killed, 13 wounded, and 43 taken prisoners. September 17th, moved to Jackson ; November 2d, to Bolivar, and was as-igned to First Brigade, Third Division, Right Wing, Thirteenth Army Corps. Nov. 3, 1862, marched from Bolivar to Van Buren ; 4th, to Lagrange, and were assigned to provost duty ; 28th, marched to Holly Springs ; Dec. 3d, to Waterford ; 4th, t .Abbeville ; 5th, to 0.\- ford, to Y< cona river, near Spring Dale.

ComiMunications with the North having been cut off. foraged on the country for supplies. Dec. 17th, notice reeived of the promotion of Col. John E. Smith, to Biigadier General, ranking from Nov. 29th. Dec. 22d, retiin ed to O.xfo.d ; 24th, moved to a camp three miles north of Abbeville, on the Tallahatchie river, where the regiment remained during the month. Mustered out July 12, 1865. at Louisville, Ky., and arrived at Chicago, July 15, 1865, for final payment and discharge. Major Leander B. Fisk, com. captain Co. E, Sept. 14, 1861. Promoted major. May 22, 1863. Killed in battle, June 25, 1863.

Captain Wm. T. Frohock, com. first lieutenant, Aug. 30, 1861. Promoted adjutant, Oct. 31, 1861. Promoted captain, Jan. 21, 1863. Pr moted colonel Fourth Missi'^sippi Colored Troops, Jan. 12, 1864.

First Lieutenant Jos. Myers, e. as first sergeant, Aug. 30, 1861. Promoted second lieutenant, Dec. i, 1861. Promoted first lieutenant, April 9, 1862. Resigned Oct. 15, 1S64.

First Lieutenant Baley Cleranger, e. as corporal, Aug. 30. 1861. Re-enlisted as veteran, Dec. 24, 1863. Mustered out July 12, 1865, as Sergeant. Commissioned first lieutenant, but not mustered.

1861. Promoted second lieutenant Dec. i, 1861. Promoted first lieutenant Nov. 4, 1862. Promoted capiain May 22 1863. Mustered out Nov., 1864.

Second Lieutenant Oliver Swartz, e. as corporal Sept. 14,1861. Re-enlisted as veteran Jan. 5,1864. Commissioned second lieutenant, but not mustered. Mustered out July 12, 1865.

The Ninety-second Regiment Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Rockford, Illinois, and mustered into United States' service September 4, 1862. It was composed of five companies from Ogle County, three from Stephenson County, and two from Carroll County.

The Regiment left Rockford, Octiber 11, 1862, with orders to report to General Wright, at Cincinnati, where it was assigned to General Baird's Division, Army of Kentucky. It marched immediately into the interior of the state, and, during the latter part of October, was stationed at Mt. Sterling, to guard that place against rebel raids, and, afterwards, at Danville, Kentucky. On 26th January, 1863, the Regiment, with General Baird's Division, was ordered to the Army of the Cumberland. Anivingat Nashville, the command moved to Franklin, Tennessee, and was engaged in the pursuit of the rebel General Van Dorn. Advanced to Murfreesboro, and occupied Shelbyville, June 27. On July 5, Regiment was engaged in rebuilding wagon bridge over Duck River. Ju y 6, was ordered by General Kosencrans to be mounted, and, armed with the Spencer rifle, and attached to Colonel Wilder's Brigade of General Thomas' Corps where it remained while General Rosencrans had command. The Regiment crossed the mountains at Dechard, Tennessee, and took part in the movements opposite and above Chattanooga, when it re-crossed the mountains, and joined General Thomas, at Trenton, Alabama.

On the morning of gth September, it was in the advance to Chattanooga, and p irticipated in driving the rebels from Point Lo( kout, and entered the rebel stronghold, unfolding the Union banner in the Crutchfield House, and kept in pursuit of the rebels. At Ringgold, Georgia, was attacked by a Brigade of Cavalry, under commai d of General Forrest, and drove them from the town, killing and wounding a large number.

April 23, Captain Scovil, with twenty-one men, were captured at Nickaj.tck Gap, nine miles from Ringgold, and one man killed. Of the men thus taken prisoner., twelve were shot down, and six died of wounds, after being taken prisoners. The remainder weie taken to Andersonville ; and very few ever left that place, h ving died from the cruel treatment received there.

From Ringgold, May 7, 1864, the Regiment entered upon the Atlanta Campaijn. and was assigned to Geneial Kilpatrick's command, and participated in the battles iif Kesaca, raid arnund Atlanta, Bethesada, Fleet River Bridge, and Jonesboro. The Regiment lost, at Jonesboro, one fifth of the men engaged. From Mount Gilead Church, west of .Atlanta, tJctober i, the Regiment moved, and took active part in the operations against Hood's Army. At Powder Springs, it had a severe eng.igement, lo-ing a large number of men, killed and wounded. The Regiment then returned to Marietta, and participated in the various engagements and skirmishes in Sherman's march to the sea. At Swift Creek, N. C, Captain Hawk, Company C, was severely wounded, losing a leg.

The Regiment, during its term of service, was in some forty battles and skirmish-es. It was mustered out at Concord, North Carolina, and paid and discharged from the service at Chicago. Illinois, July 10, 1865. Major Jno. H. Bohn, com. S;pt. 4, 1862. Resigned

The One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at Freeport, 111., by Colonel Rollin V. Aukney as a battalion of eight companies, and ord' red to Camp Butler, 111., where two companies were added and the regiment mustered, June i8, 1864, for 100 days.

On June 21st, the regiment moved for Memphis via Cairo and the Mississippi river, and arrived on the 24th. On 26th, moved to White's Station, 11 miles from Memphis, on the Memphis and Charleston railroad, where it was assigned to guardiiig railroad.

Caeroll Couisty War Eecoed

Was organized by Col. Wm- Put kellogg, at Camp Butler, and mustered into United States service, Oct. I, 1861 having 1,141 officers and men. Its operatiqris ;'eVe at Cape Girardeau, I'.irds' Point, New Madrid, Mo, and Island No. 10, after which it moved by 1 ennes;;e nver to Hamburg Landing, Tenn Itp-rticipated in the siege of Connth and battle of Far.-n.ngton. After the ev.-iCuation of Corinth, it guarded railroad. It was at battles of luka and Corinth. It was in pursuit of Price on several occasions capturing P"soners and having skirmishes, several of which amounted to real battles The Seventh was on Grierson s^celebr.ated raid through the enemy's country to Baton Rouge, La After capture of Fort Hudson and Vicksburg, moved to Memphis, and thence into Tennessee, having several encounters with the rebel Gens Chalmers and Forrest. Sept 30 1864, was assigned to Gen. Hatches cavalry and for Months was on the most active duty in central rennessee and northern Alabama, hrst against Forrest's cavalry, and thence against Hood s fleeing army. Tan 13, 1865 199 men and officers only reported for auty. Thiri; days before 450 men reported for duty. In three weeks the regiment was swelled to t.6°o men hv rerrnils Oct. 20, 1865, was mustered out at Nash- ^rUe!"Dl:;haVged at' Sprfngfield, 111 Nov. .7. ^865 Maior Geo. A. Root, e. as sergeant, Sept. 5, 1861. rro- 'moted econd l.euten..nt Jan. r6 1862, Promoted

First Lieutenant Jos. O'Kane, e. as private. Sept. 5, 1861. Promoted first sergeant, then second lieutenant Oct I 1S62. Promoted first lieutenant, Feb. 10, '1863. Honorably discharged (as second lieutenant) March 10, 1865.

Second Lieutenant H. A. Van Epps, e. as private, Sept. 5, 1861. Re-enlisted as veteran, /eb. 10, 1804. Promoted first sergeant, then second lieutenant April 20. 1865. Mustered out Nov. 4, 1865.

Captain Wm. H. Redman, com. second lieutenant May 17, 1S65. Promo. ed first lieutenant Aug. 21, 1865. Promoted captain Feb. 15, 1866. Mustered out May 29, 1866.

Captain Samuel S. Smith, com. second lieutenant, Feb. 25, 1862. Promoted junior first lieutenant Sept. 2, 1862. Promoted captain Co. A. July 23, 1864. Term expired March 28, 1S65.

The war ended and peace restored, the Union preserved in its integrity those sons of Carroll who had volunteered their lives in defence of their o^overnnieiit, who were spared to see the army of the Union victorious, returned to their lioines to receive grand ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had eagerly and jealously followed them wherever the fortunes of war called. Exchanging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, they fell back to their old avocations - on the farm, at the forge, the bench, in the shop, and at whatever else their hands found to do. IJrave men are honorable always, and no class of Carroll's citizens are entitled to greater respect than the volunteer soldiery, not alone because they were soldiers in the hour of their country's peril, but because in their associations with their tellovv-men their walk is upright, and their honesty and character without reproach.

In 1S63, D. W. Dame, of Lanark, was chosen to represent the people of Carroll (bounty in the popular i)ranch of the general assembly of the state. On the iSth day of .laniiary, 1SG5, Mr. Dame introduced the following series of resolutions, which are copied into these jiages as showing the true spirit of the [)eople of the county he represented. These resolutions ai'o clear and expressive, and the sentiment they represented in 1865

Resolved, hi/ the Senate (ind Ilonge of Hepresentatives, representing the people of the State of Illinois in General Assembly. That the deepest sympathies of the whole people of Illinois are with Ihe tamilics and friends of the following brave and gallant officers. [Then followed a statement of number of regiment, names of officers, rank, date of death, cause of death]. And with th"se of the numerous line officers, and the host of non-commissioned officers and privates, wlio have gloriously fallen upon the battle-field, during the progress of the present war, in defence of their imperiled country and its free institutions; and we hereby tender to them, one and all, the assurance that their noble dead are not and shall not be forgotten; and that we shall ever tenderly cherish their memories and be proud of their noble deeds, whilst we deeply and sincerely condole with those who mourn lor their loved and lost.

Resolved, That our soldiers in the field, who so nolily responded to their country's call in the hour of her peril are entitled to the gratitude of the state. Living, thej' shall know a nation's gratitude; wounded, a nation's care; and, dying, they shall forever live in the memory of every true patriot, their widows and children become the ol)jects of the nation's guardianship and watchful care, while posterity shall delight to erect monuments to perpetuate the remembrance of their names and virtues.

Resolved, That the secretary of state transmit to the ofticers commanding the several regiments and other organizations from this state now in the service of the country, copies of tlie foregoing resolutions, with a request that they be read to their respective commands; and that copies be also transmitted to the families of the field officers named in these resolutions.

That the name of every line officer of Illinois regiments killed in the service, or who has died at home from diseases or wounds received in the service, be added to said roll.

Old Settlers' Association

It is not strange that among the pioneer settlers of any new country a deep-seated and since friendship should spring up, that would grow and strengthen with their years. The incidents peculiar to life in a new country - the trials and hardships, privations and destitutions - are well calculated to test not only the physical powers of endurance, but the moral, kindly, generous attributes of manhood and womanhood. They are times that try men's souls, and brino- to the surface all that there may be in them of either good or bad. As a rule, there is an e([uality ot conditions that recognizes no distinctions. All occupy a common level, and, as a natural consequence, a, brotherly and sisterly feeling grows up that is as lasting as time, for "a fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind." With such a community there is a hospitality, a kindness, a benevolence and a charity unknovv^i and unpracticed among the older, richer and more densely populated commonwealths. The very nature of their surroundings teaches them " to feel each other's woe, to share eacli other's joy." An injury or a wrong may be ionorecl, bat a kindly, (jener<nis, charitahle act is never forgotten. The memory of old associations and kindly deeds is always fresh. Kaven locks may bleach and whiten; full, round cheeks sink and hollow; the fire of intelligence vanish from the organs of vision; the brow become wrinkled with care and age, and the erect form bowed with accumulating years, but the true friends of the "long ago " will be remembered as long as life and reason endure.

The surroundings of jnoneer life are well calcnlated to test the " true inwardness " of the human heart. As a rule, the men and women who first occupy a new country - who go in advance to spy out the land and prepare it for the coming of a future people - are bold, fearless, self-reliant and industrious. In these respects, no matter from what remote section or country they may come, there is a similarity of character. In birth, educatiun, religion and language there may be a vast ditierence, but, imbued with a common pui'pose - the founding and building of homes - these difierences are soon lost by association, and thus they become one people, united by a common interest, and, no matter what changes may come in after years, the associations thus formed are never buried out of memory.

In pioneer life there are always incidents of peculiar interest, not only to the pioneers themselves, but which, if properly preserved, would be of interest to posterity, and it is a matter to be regretted that the formation of " Old Settlers' Associations " has been neglected in so many parts of the country. The presence of such associations in all the counties of our common country, with well kept records of the more important events, such as dates of arrivals, births, marriages, deaths, removals, nativity, etc., as any one can readily see. would be the direct means of preserving to the literature of the country the history of every community, that, to future generations, would be invaluable as a record of references and a ready method of settling important cjuestions of controversy. As important as these associations are admitted to be, their formation has not yet become general, and there are many counties in the Western country whose early history is entirely lost because of such neglect and indifference. Such organizations would possess facts and figures that could not be had from any other source. xVside from their historic importance, they would serve as a meansV)f kcepingalive and further cementing old friendshi)>s and renewing among the members associations that were necessarily interrupte*! by the innovations of increasing population, cultivating social intercourse, creating a charitable fund for the benefit of such of their members as might l)ecome victims of misfortune or adversity.

Actuated by such motives as those above outlined, and in pursuance of a call published in the Carroll County newspapers in June, 1874, a large number of the old settlers met under the tent on the Carroll County Agricultural l"'air Crounds, on the "id day of Se]>tember following, for the purpose of organizing an Old Sktilkks' Asso(^iatiox. I). \\\ l)ame stated the object of the meeting. J^uther II. IJowen was made tomjiorary chairman, and -lohn Irvine was chosen tem]>orarv secretary. The secretary read the nanu'S of over two hundred old settlers then living in the county, which he had collected from the l)cst sources of information. The meeting then ]>roceeded to the election of ])('rmaiient olfu-rrs, resulting as follows:

On motion of Dr. E. WoodrufF, of Savanna, it was agreed that all persons who were residents of the county previous to 1850, shonld be recognized as old settlers and entitled to membership of the association. [This proposition was subsequently amended, and in the a^loption of the constitution and by-laws, section two declared any one entitled to membership who had been a resident of the county twenty-one years.]

Resolved, That in order lo make the association a progressive institution, that a residence of twenty-five years sliall be held to constitute an Old Settler, and a member of this association.

Nelson Fletcher, Monroe Bailey and Elias Woodruff were elected as an Executive Committee, ajid John Irvine, N. Fletcher and D. W. Dame were chosen to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of the association.

The meeting of Thursday, October 8, 1874, was a very large and pleasant one - the Old Settlers and their friends to the number of live hundred being present. The exercises of the day were commenced by a quartette of the Mount Carroll Glee Club singing a song composed for the occasion by Dr. George R. Moore, and set to Vusic by Mr. James Irvine, as follows:

Sing, oh! sing of the days when all was new, Ere the plowshare had vexed the sod ; When the hills and plains lay full in view, As they came from the hand of God. When the fruitful earth Gave a willing birth To a sea of nodding bloom. As the rolling swell of the prairie green, Danced up to the wood in its summer sheen. Like a bride to a fairy groom.

As w^e spoke with a trill, And worked with a will. And thought with. a thrill. Of the homesWe would build. In a land where all was new. What a happy trill, a resolute will, and a joyous thrill, In the homes we would build, For the sunlight to gild, In a land where all was new.

Gaily sing of the days when all was new. When the wood heard the echoing swell Of the sliining ax of builders true, As the pride of the forest fell.

And that cabin all our own. While the dimpling smile of a bright-eyed wife, Smoothed down all the cares and sorrows of life, And we made it a happy home -

And the mud chimneys roar; In the homes we had built. In a land where all was new. Oh, the puncheon floor, and the welcome door, and the chimney's roar,

Sadly sing of the days wlien all was new, "When He bid us pass under the rod ; When our lov^ed and lost lay dead to view - Their souls on the bosom of God.

With his parching breath, Strode in silence round our homes; Took the father's pride with his sunlit hair; Eewedded the bride to her own despair; Filled our ears with a mother's moans,

Proudly sing of the days when all was new. When our trials and troubles had flown; When the shadowy angel fled from view. And the blessings of God rained down;

Of the richest golden grain. And the haivest song in a gushing thrill. Was a Pean to God - to man good will ; Rolling on over hill and plain.

Oi a future so bi-ight. For the homes we had built, In a land where all was new. Oh! the liappy sight, by prophetic light of a future bright,

The acting president, Norman D. French, followed in some very appro])i'iatc remarks, idthounjh he said he was no sj^eaker, from the fact of his opportunities for ohtaining an education being very limited, and that he would rather undertake to make a new farm than to make a speech. None of the people had come tliere, he continued, to make long speeches, but to brighten u]i old memories. In the etirly days of Carroll County, settlers who lived within twenty miles of each other were called neighbors. In 1832, when lie came to the northern part of the state from Vermont, he crossed Rock lliver at Di.\on's Ferry, kept by Mr. Dixon. Troceeding northwardly, he found a few settlers at Elkhorn Grove, and two or three at Cherry Grove. In 1833, lie hired out as a farm hand. In the Fall of that year, and in 1834:, he helped to survey the county into townships. At one time in 1833 he became lost in a fog, and after two days' wanderings he found himself in Savanna. He made the claim on which he then lived in 1835; broke up a part of the land in 1836; built a cabin in 1837, but raised no crop until 1838, and had raised a crop everj- year since. Mr. French gave this as the origin of the term " Suckers " as applied to Illinoisans.*

" In those days it was customary for people living in the south part of the state to take their teams and some milch cows, in the Spring of the year, and go up to the lead mines near Galena, work at mining during the Summer, sell out their stock and trapping in the Fall, and return home by following down the rivers. The sucker fish of the Mississippi and its tributaries go up stream in the Spring to deposit their spawn, but always return down stream on the approach of the Fall and Winter months. Hence the name of ' Sucker ' State."

Mr. Preston being called upon said, he would not attempt to make a speech, but would read a poem he had prepared for the occasion, entitled :

An Old Settler'S Homily

* Another version is given thus: In very early times, when emigrants from Virginia and Kentucky, to Missouri, were crossing the lower end of the state - going through "Egypt" - water was sometimes scarce, and the only means of obtaining it in certain localities was by sucking it up from craw-fish holes through hollow weeds or reeds. Wiiether this be true, the writer sayeth not.

In tlio afternoon, Mr. Fletcher, chuirniun of the eoinmittee on constitution and by-laws, presented the committee's report, which, after an amendment to section two, making the annual fee twenty-five cents, instead of fifty cents, was ad()j)ted.

Coiint'datloih. - We, tlie under.sii;-ned citizens of Carrull County and State of Illinois, feeling and knowing that many of our early settlers have passed away, and with them much \ahial)le information has been lost ; and now wishing to preserve as much as possible the early incidents attending the tirst settlenu'ut of Carroll County, by gathering together her pioneer fathers, forming them int(t an association, cementing and renewing old friendships, bringing to light and recording old, and in many cases almost forgotten, reminiscences, thereby perpetuating and giving to our children

Sp:ction 1. That we, the old settlers of Carroll County, do, this day, form ourselves into a permanent organization, under the name and style of the Old Settlers' Association of Carroll County, to exist as long as any of its members shall be permitted to exist.

Sec. 2 provides that any one who has been a resident of the county twenty-one years prior to October 8, 1874, can become a member upon the payment of twenty-five cents.

Sec 6 defines the duties of the president and vice president, and section 7 of the secretary; section 8 of the treasurer, and section 9 of the executive committee.

After the adoption of the constitution and by-laws, the following old settlers appended their names, and the year of their settlement in the county.

1846 - William H. Hawk, Thomas Aloffett, R. M. A. Hawk, AVilliam B. Ray, J. Sheldon, Frank Trail, Nicholas Hart, Hugh Howell, Nancy Howell, AV. A. Shoemaker.

The second annual meetino: of the association was held on the fair grounds, Thursday, September 23, 1875, and was very largely attended. The meeting was called to order by Mr. L. H. Bowen, the president, in a few very appropriate remarks, among which he referred to the arrival of himself and wife at Savanna, in an ox-wagon, his horses having "gave out" about two miles before he reached the site of his future home and business operations. The forenoon of the day was mostly passed in greeting, handshakings, renewing old ac(|uaintances, and reviving old memories.

The leadino^ feature of the afternoon's exercises was the readino' of a poem entitled " The Pioneers," by Andrew Downing, Esq., editor of the Boone County. (Iowa) Republican^ who was the tirst male child born in Mount Carroll Township, and the son of Ileman Downing and wife, who were among the early settlers of the county, locating here in 1837. This poem is so descriptive of the scenes and inci<lents of pioneer life, that we transmit it to these pages for preservation to the people who will come in the by-and-by to occ.iipy the homes that pioneer hands fashioned out of forests and ])i-airie j Jains:

The Pioneers By Anuuew Downing

This is the path their footsteps press'd, Out of the East-h\nd into tlie West, Journeying onward, day by day, To a land that was liundreds of miles away.

He was a genuine son of the soil, Hornj'-handed and used to toil ; Broad his shoulders, and brown his face; Sirengtli, and vigor, and manly grace Marked his movements; his dress was rough, And made of the strongest homespun stuti', Woven from threads tlmt his mother spun, Frt)m the carded tieece, for her favorite son ; Fashioned from cloth that his sister wove, In the far-off home of his youth and love. This was the veiy suit he wore Only a few sliort weeks before, Wlien the woman who walks by his side, Took his hand and became his bride. She was a farmer's girl, buxom and fair, Willing his home and his fortune to share; Wise, and modest, and patient, and good, ^ Strong in the strength of her womanhood :

Ready to follow him anywhere. And help him the burden of life to bear. Thus they travel together in quest Of a hai)py home in the distant West. All their dower and earthlj' hoard Safe in a big, red wagon Avas stored, Under a canvas, broad and white - This their shelter bj^ day and night. Drawing a wagon, perchance, was a yoke Of sleepy oxen - a team well broke To "Gee! " or " Haw! " when the master spoke, To " Back ! " or " G'long ! " and always know Enough to halt at the sound of " Whoa! " And this is the way the settlers went Through hamlet, and town, and settlement. One bright morning at last they came Full in sight of their little "claim " - Fertile acres as ever lay Out of doors, in the light of day; And the bright spot seemed to the woman's eyes A very vision of paradise. There, by the edge of the dense, dark wood, Was the litttle cabin, homely and rude, Built by the husband's ready hands, And overlooking the pleasant lands. Safe in the welcome haven at last. The " prairie schooner " her anchor cast - Lay at her moorings just before Tiie little log cabin's open door; While, freed from the yoke, the cattle pass To their ev'ning feast in the tender grass; And the household goods, a meagre store. Lie scattered about on the puncheon floor ; Water, anon, from the spring is brought, And an armful of seasoned fuel sought Wherewith to kindle a blazing tire, And the yellow flames rise high, and higher In the chimney's throat, and the black pot swings On the long, dark crane, and the tea-kettle sings Its cheery song. And the bright j'oung wife Begins the work of her frontier life; Spreads the board for her plain repast. And when the darkness shuts in at last, Weary and drowsy, repairs to her i-est - The queen of a home in the glorious West !

After the reading of this poem, T. T. Jacobs, a settler of 1855, and a gentlemen of worth and merit, was called out for a speech, but, more poet than orator, he preferred to read a poem. This poem covered the growth and prosperity of Mount Carroll, as well as nearly all its business avocations, and was considered so applicable that a copy of it was requested to be spread u])on the journals of the association.

Co Supt. Schools

instead of making a speech, gave a description of the farming implements in use when he came here, in 1838, as compared with the farm macliinery of 1875; soon after w^hich the meeting adjourned until the first Thursday in September, 1876.

Third Annual Meeting. - The third annual meeting of the Old Settlers of Carroll County was held on Thursday, September 7, 1876. Like those which had preceded it, this meeting was held on the fair grounds, which had been put in order for the occasion by Mr. Wm. J. Pierce, the superintendent of the lair grounds. At two o'clock in the afternoon, Samuel Preston, secretary of the association, called the meeting to order, and said:

Fellow Citizeks and Oi-d Sf:ttlers - Since our last meeting, death lias entered our ranks and taken away our chief head, our president, Luther H. Bowen. Although he needed hut a few more mouths to fill up the measure of years allotted to man on eartli, yet when he met with us one year ago, moving ahout with his usual ela:?tic steps, little did we think - little did he think - it would be the last time he would meet with us. I have here a biographical sketch of his life, prepared by some of his immediate friends in Savanna, and when we are duly organized, and at the proper time, if desired, the secretary will read, it to you.

By a provision of the constitution, the association, in the absence of the president, must select from among the vice presidents one to serve as president. Please nominate some one to fill the position made vacant by death.

Mr. Munroe Bailey nominated D. McKay, who was duly chosen to the position. On taking the chair, Mr. McKay j^aid a handsome tribute of respect to the virtue, worth, intelligence and enterprise of the association's deceased president, when the regular order of business was taken up.

Mr. Munroe Bailey called for the reading of the names of the Old Settlers to see who else had died during the vear. This readino^ elicited the fact that Henry L. Atherton, of the male members, and Mrs. John Kinney and Mrs. John O'j^eal, of the female members of the association had passed away since the last meeting.

The reading of the biographical sketch of the life of Luther H. Bowen was then called for and ordered to be spread upon the minutes, after which the reports of seven of the vice presidents of the early incidents in their several townships were presented and ordei'ed to be recorded.

Treaaurer^s Iiepo7't. - Nelson Fletcher, treasurer of the association, presented an itemized statement of money received and paid out, as follows:

The association then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, alter which the meeting adjourned until theiirst Thursday in Septem ber, 1877.

Fourth Axntal Meetixo, - September 13, 1877, the association met in the Fine Art Hall on the lair grounds, and was called to oixler bv the president, I). McJvay, Esq., at whose request Uev. George S. Young engaged the assembly in ])rayer.

A reading of the names of tlie Old Settlers elicited the fact that Dr. John L. Hostetter had died since the last meeting, and death's mark was affixed opposite his name.

Upon the announcement of this fiict, D. W. Dame was called upon and paid a very complimentary eulogy to the many good qualities of "the deceased.

A 2:)a])er on the trials of pioneer settlers, based upon the experiences of Mrs. Kancy Bennett, of York Township, and written by that lady herself, and covering her residence at Grand de Teur, Ogle County, in 1834 and 1835, was read and ordered to be recorded.

Speeches were made by Hon. D. W. Dame, of Rock Creek ; Joseph Cushman, Esq., of York, and Rev. Mr. Yourg, the latter of whom said that " he had attended old settlers' meetings in other counties in the Northwest, but had come to the conclusion, after a three years' residence in Carroll County, that it was the very centre of the Northwest, and that the Northwest was the centre of civilization." He paid a graceful tribute to labor and capital, saying there e.hould be no war between them - that the same door was open for the laborer to become a capitalist to-day as when the pioneers who sat before him commenced converting these prairies and forests into capital, and where they had l)ecome rich, respected and happy.

Secretary Preston stated (by request) that in February, 1836, his father and himself made a claim in Mount Carroll Township, and that on the 20th of December following, while moving the family up from near Princeton, Bureau Count}-, with ox teams, they encountered the most sudden and severe change from warm rain to exceeding cold that ever swept over the State of Illinois. The historian of Sangamon County had chronicled it as the " Great Storm." He gave a very vivid description of the families' sufferings from the sudden change in the temperature of the atmosphere, as well as of the sufferings of the first settlers hereabouts in early times from fever, ague, etc.

The election of officers followed in order, after which Samuel Preston, Monroe Bailey, Joseph Cushman, D. W. Dame and Simon Greenleaf were appointed a committee to revise the constitution, with instructions to i'eport at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned subject to the call of the executive committee.

When the tifth annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association of Carroll County shall have met and organized, it will be the duty of its presiding officer to announce the sudden and sad death of another one of their members - Captain David Becker, who died on the evening of the 26th of December, 1877, the ^particulars of which are gathered from the Carroll Count3' Herald of the 2Sth December:

Yesterday morninc: our city was startled by the intelligence that the lifeless body of Captain David Beclcer had been found in the street, in the eastern suburb of the city, at a late hour Wednesday night.

Wednesdaj' alternoon the deceased went to his home from the city about four o'clock, and soon after ate (juite a hearty supper. When he arose from the table he told Iiis wife that he was going to hunt his cow, and tiuit he would return soon. This was about five o'clock. He did not return, and liis absence at dark alarmed his family, who went to Mr. Joseph Forbes, late business partner of the deceased, and told him of their fears, and he at once commenced to search for him, but being unable to find him, he came to the home of Capt.

E. T. E. Becker, on Clay Street, and informed him of the fears entertained concerning his fatlier. The son, accompanied by several others, joined in the search, but it was not until half-past ten o'clock, after a large number of men and boys had continued looking for him for some hours, that tlie lifeless body of the old gentleman was found lying near the residence of Adam Nelson, at the corner of Broad and Halderman Streets, only two or three blocks awaj- from his own liome. Tlie body was discovered Ijy some boys. Dr. G. R. Moore and Sherili' Sutton were the first men upon the spot. Dr. Moore tells us that the body was prostrate upon tlie ground, face downwards, the forehead and upper part of the face slightly imbedded in tlie mud, and the limbs drawn up under the body as though deceased had settled down while reaching to the fence for support. From appearances it is judged tliat be had expired instantly without a struggle. The body was cold and stiff, and had probably laid from four to five hours. The remains were taken up and removed to the late home of the deceased and tenderly prepared lor burial. For some time back, deceased had complained of dizzy spells, and had been gradually failing in health, l)Ut as he kept about his usual duties his condition e.xcited no alarm in the minds of his friends. Medical men are of the opinion that the cause of his sudden death was rupture of the heart, which was brought about by fatty degeneration of that organ.

Captain David Becker was the first wliite settler in Rock Creek Township, where he settled about 1844, and made a claim of the land now owned by Daniel Belding, and was the first postmaster in that township. He lived there until 1850, when he removed to Salem Township, and remained there until 1866, when he sold out his farm interests and moved to Mount Carroll. His funeral obsequies took place Friday, December 28, 1877, from the Mount Carroll M.E. Church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by Rev. D. M. Reed, of Rockford.

One by one the " Old Settlers" are going home, but their lives here have been such as to warrant the belief that they go to a haven of rest and everlasting happiness beyond the skies - the sure reward of well-spent, honest, useful lives.

Many others yet remain, nearly all of whom are surrounded with homes of comfort and contentment, the accumulations of their own industries and economy. The ])rairie and forest wilds long since gave way before their well-directed energies and industries. Many of them saw the last of the native red men as they disappeared silently and sadly towards the setting sun. On their favorite cam{)ing places they have seen villages, towns and cities, schools, colleges and churches spring up as if by the touch of magic. In tlie midst of these accumulating accomplishments, these ])atriarchal pi(jneers have grown in the respect and confidence of increasing