Saratoga Township (part 4 of 4)

Marquis, who lived at times at the month of beauty of scenery - son, - stock raising a the Mazon, and again camped during the sumpkofitable INDUSTRY - a favorite hunting mer at the mouth of the Aux Sable Creek.

TLEKS - FIRST STAGE LINE - MORE EARLY SETTLERS - first physicians - wiLD bees sought Aux Sable Township found favor with the and domesticated - Dresden past and present early settlers who were looking for a locality - dam at Dresden heights - minooka - early whore good land carried with it the two neoesbusiness enterprises - incorporation - loss sary requisites of that early day, wood and by fire - rRESE.NT business men and FIRMS - water. Perhaps the first actual settler of this population - churches - cemeteries - first locality was Salmon Rutherford, who came here rchoolhouse - fratehnities - a viktuous and in May, 1833, taking up a farm mi Section 20. contented people - ROARD OF surERVisop.s. Owing to his energy and progressive spirit, he later became a leader in township affairs, lie (By D. A. Henneberry) built the first inn, naming his settlement Dresden, and from it a stai'e line was run, but when reauty of scenery the railroads made the use of the stage line unnecessary, the importance of the hotel dimin- Of all the townships of Grundy County, Aux ished. Shortly after Mr. Rutherford located Sable possesses the most natural beauty, for its here, Henry Cryder, Zach Walley and X. II. scenery is unsurpassed by any in this portion of Tabler arrived from Delaware County, Ohio.

Another early settle]- was W. II. Perkins, who A little village grew up about the inn, before first came merely to view the land, later return- mentioned, established by Salmon Rutherford, ing to Chicago, accompanied by Levi Hills, The first stage line from there was one that was arriving there September 23, 1S33. When they operated in opposition to the established Frink reached Chicago they discovered that 5,000 In- & Walker's line. Dresden flourished for a time dians were camped there. It might he sup- and became important enough to he made a posed that this fact would have discouraged the postoflice. However, with the building of the would-be settlers, but it does not seem to have Illinois and Michigan Canal began the depreciabad any material effect upon their plans. These tion of Dresden, and the construction of the railmen, joined by James H. Collins and a Mr. Snell, roads completed its abandonment. A bright later went to Kendall County, but in 1S35, hav- future, however, is in store for this one time ing married in the meanwhile. Mr. Perkins re- center of activity. For many years a movement turned to Grundy County and secured a quarter has been on foot to erect a dam at Dresden section of Section S, Anx Sable Township, on Heights, the old site of Dresden, which lies at which he settled. the confluence of the Desplaiues and Kankakee Rodney House arrived in the spring of 1S34, rivers, the beginning of the Illinois River. This locating on Section !». and slill survives and dam, according to the proposed plans and specimakes his home at Joliet. The year 1S34 also fications, is to be four miles wide, twenty-three brought three brothers by the name of McElroy, feet deep, with a system of looks that will be who located on Section 30, and in the same year sufficient to supply the channel of the deep D. M. Thomas and Leander Goss came. William waterway if it is erected. To provide sufficient Lewis and a brother arrived soon after Mr. funds to carry out this project, an amendment Thomas, the former being a physician, the to the Constitution of Illinois was submitted first to locate in the township. Another by the General Assembly by unanimous vote in physician. Dr. I. W. Rutherford, came here in each house, to the voters of the state, on 1835, settling on Section L'li. Samuel Randall October 10, 1907, and was accepted by the people was still another early settler and married after at the general election in November of the folhis arrival. Thomas Carroll arrived about 1S36, lowing year. This project included a waterway attracted, as were many others, by the prospect from the end of the present drainage canal at of securing the rich lands along the Anx Sable Lockport, Illinois, to Utica, Illinois, which is and other streams. located on the Illinois River. It provided for The pioneers of Aux Sable Township found an issue of $20,000,000 in bonds. This project that it was easy to domesticate the wild bees was passed by the General Assembly under an which were found in countless numbers, and Act of June 10, PHI. Immediate work on the one of the sports of those early days was bee dam is rendered impossible owing to complicahunting, and dogs were trained to aid in the tion arising from the fact that a private eorposport. A man who could successfully locate the ration, known as (he Economy Light and Power bee trees was supposed to possess a kind of Company, has already done considerable conmystic influence, and one who gained local dis- struction work in throwing a dam across the tinction here was David Bunch. The wild honey stmuu at the point selected by the state, and furnished the pioneer's table with a sweet, and the C,laims of tMs wiU havo to ,,e settled the bees were afterward confined in homemade ^ tt? C°Ul'tS ,,"!u,v auy l)r°Srcss ^.madc by . . , , . , the state. With the construction of this prohives, and encouraged to produce honev under , , .,, ,n ,

Another early village in Aux Sable Township, election of 1914, the village wen! dry by a hand- Miuouka, was laid out in 1SD12 by Ransom some majority, and the former saloons now dis- Gardner, for whom Gardner, in Garfield Town- pense nothing but "soft" drinks. In 190G the ship, is named. Mr. Gardner owned D00 acres of waterworks were built at a cost of $11,000. and land, and platted part of il as the Village of an equipment for the lire department, costing Minooka, 1ml there was but small growth until about five hundred dollars, was provided. This 1S5S, although as early as lSoo, Christopher is manned by a volunteer company of twenty- Tucker had established a general store, lie left, men. The postmaster at Minooka is C. A. Trowhowever, in the following year, having failed in bridge, and he has four rural rentes from his bis enterprise. As the people at this time in office. While il is essentially an agricultural Aux Sable bad to go to Channahon for their region, Aux Sable Township furnishes Minecessaries, they were glad to join in and help nooka an excellent trade, and ships from it -Joseph Lewis when he rented the store of over the C., II. I. .V I'. Railroad. ]-;. .1. & K. Tucker in 1S5G. In the spring of the following Railroad and the interurban road. The farmyear Leander Smith came to Minooka and ers recognize the lad that they can have at started bis general store, in 1S5S C. V. llamil- Minooka transportation and elevator facilities ton built a number of business houses and a that make it profitable for (hem to bring in hotel, naming it for himself, but later Jt was their produce, called the Shiek Hotel.

fire in 1SGG, ami was replaced later on by an The Catholic Church of St. Mary's, which is elevator. The first elevator, however, was built very strong in numbers and influence, was orin 1808 by Knapp & Griswold, but it was burned. ganized at Dresden at an early day to accom- It was rebuilt upon a much larger scale, only modate the people of the surrounding district, to be again destroyed by lire. In 190S a now many of whom were of Irish birth or extracelevator was built. Mrs. Knapp survived her Hon. In 1SG2 the church was moved to Mihusband, living to an advanced age. dying within nooka. The Comerfords, Kinsellars and George recent years. A lumber yard was established T. Smith were among Hie early leaders in the about 1S68, and in connection with it. a planing parish. This church is written up at length mill was built, and a hay press was also put up. under the chapter on Catholic Churches of

First National Bank, the only institution of its edifice was erected. A Sunday school was estabkiml in the state, if not in the county, to bear lished early in the history of the church. The

Henry Cryder, Z. Walley and wives, John Craig and 1 >. M. Thomas. The members of this organization now are under the ministrations of the Reverend Snyder.

There are two cemeteries in An.\ Sable, in addition to early private burial grounds, namely: The Catholic Cemetery, which is treated of in another chapter, and the Aux Sable Cemetery.

In 1837 the first sehoolhouse was built on Section 8, through the instrumentality of Henry Cryder, with Miss Ashley as the first teacher. About ten years later, a second building was erected, and also served as a church as well. The present school has ten grades, and .Miss Leone Brown is in charge.

The Masonic order was established at Minoolca in 1SC7 when Minooka Lodge, No. 52S, was organized, it receiving its charter in 1SGS. The charier members were: G. Dahlem, A. K. Knapp, G. C. Griswold, John T. Van Dolfson, G. S. Correll, Samuel Adams. \V. H. Smith, E. YV. Weeso, Jacob Gedleman, .1. E. Met Mure. C. V. Hamilton. John Colleps, 1'haley Gedleman and W. A. Jordon. Other fraternal organizations are: The Modern Woodmen of America, Knights ol' Pythias, and Eastern Star.

No notorious crimes stain the records of Aux Sable Township, for its people are quiet, industrious and temperate, going along their way, content to earn honestly what they possess, and as nearly all are connected with one or other of the churches, their religion has taught them to subdue any evil tendencies they may have ever had with very noticeable results. The Village of Minooka is normally strongly republican in national and state matters, although the election of 1914 put democrats in office.

Chapter Xxiv

ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES - DISCOVERY OF COAL - FIRST SETTLERS - WEST COLONY - OTHER EARLY ARRIVALS - NAMING TIIF. TOWNSHIP - FIISST FRAME HOUSE - COAL CITY - LAID OUT IN 1S75 - TWO

Board Of Supervisors Oricinal Boundaries

Braceville Township originally included the land lying east of Mazon Township to the county boundary line, and north to Goose Lake Township, but in a later day. the western portion of it was formed into what is now Maine Township. The discovery of coal and the subsequent opening up of some veins formed an important feature of the early history of this locality.

First Settler

The first settler of Braceville Township was Rev. L. S. Robbins, a Methodist preacher, who settled at Sulphur Springs in 1S34, although he had obtained his land in 1833. He had a large family of sons who also remained in the township for a time, then left, establishing themselves in other sections. In 1S:'><>, West Colony was formed and some land developed, hut why it was so named, or what was the reason for these settlers thus styling themselves, remained a secret from the beginning.

Other Early Arrivals

John Cragg came to Braceville in 1S34-5, and continued to make this his home until his death. In the little log cabin he erected, he kept the first, tavern .of this pioneer district, although those stopping with him were treated as members of the family, and not as paying guests.

the first supervisor from the township, and had Coal City lias among its 2, 500 population the the honor of naming it. Having lived at Brace- following business houses and professional men: ville, Ohio, he called his new home after the old The Anderson Lumber Company, Peter Baudino, one. This has often occurred in the history of buffet; Charles Boggio, general store; F. L. new regions. The homesick pioneer yearns for Boner, livery and undertaking; Martin Borello, the old associations and connections, and feels buffet; Anton Bruno, groceries; William Campso tenderly towards them that he naturally bell, banker; Thomas Campbell, coal dealer; wants to call the new home after what has he- Anton Carosotti, buffet; Joseph Chvatal, meat come so dear in recollection. Thomas Martin market; Coal City Clothing Company; Coal and Robert Huston arrived in 1SJ9. The latter City Printing Office; Coalfield Company of Coal had a soldier's warrant and bought land on the City, general store; Dr. C. Earl dimming, prairie, bringing lumber for the purpose from dentist; John Davito, grocery; Charles Gioa- Chicago. His was the first frame house erected netti, Italian bakery; Haeger Brick & Tile Co.: in the township. Several other early settlers \Y. E. Hart, physician; /. Kaplan, dry goods; were B. A. Crisler and II. Cassingham and their Ant Kauzlaric, blacksmith; Peter Maddaleno, families. - general merchandise; Dr. J. C. Major, physician; B. ft. Mill, hardware and implements; COAL city O. A. Miller, druggist ; John Smith, confectionery and ice cream; John i'alvis. buffet; Anton

Coal City is the leading village of Braceville Pastore, buffet; .loin, Pavlis, buffet; Peter Township and at one time had what was thought Piagno, general merchandise; Giacomo Savant, to be a brilliant future before it. when large buffet; Frank Schmandle, pianos and sewing coal interests centered here, and thousands of machines; James Smolik, buffet; Dr. F. A. tons of coal were shipped to distant markets. Stockdale, physician; .lames Swart!!, buffet; Even now, with but two coal companies work- Thorn Hardware Company; Benjamin Trotter, ing, the village is a nourishing one. with some general merchandise; John Trotter, meat marlive, progressive men forwarding its interests, ket ; John Trotter & Sons, elevator; Robert and through their efforts there is every prospect Trotter, general merchandise; Anton Turhliatto, of the place eventually being developed into one general merchandise; Joseph Turgliatto, groof the manufacturing centers of the county. ceries; Charles Valerie, representative Pabst With the magnificent transportation facilities Brewing Company ; Louis Veronda, buffet; John here offered, the place is an ideal one for nianu- Vidano, general merchandise; Wilmington facturing plants, and negotiations are being Foundry and Machinery Co., and Wilmington carried on with several concerns by the Com- Star Mining Co. mereial Club of Coal City, with the purpose of

Company, of which II. X. Taylor is president. In 1905 nine mines were being worked, but it was discovered that while the coal here was of excellent quality, the vein was not of sufficient thickness to pay for the installation of T)l0 fil-0 department owns an equipment machinery, and hand work was too costly for valued at $2,500, and the water supply is obtlie mine owners to enter into opposition with tained from a well dug about twenty-two years

There are about five miles of concrete walks in the city, and further improvements are in contemplation. Electric light is obtained from the Public Service Company, according to the same plan followed by Morris, Mazon, Gardner and other villages in the county.

For sixteen years Hugh Bennett served Coal City as postmaster, but with the change in administration, a Democrat was appointed, and William Baskerville is the present incumbent of the office. There is one rural route from the Coal City office. Coal City has two hotels, the Coalfield Hotel, which is operated by the Coalfield Company, and the McKinley House, of which Frederick Hintze is proprietor.

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the Chicago & Alton, the Elgin, and Joliet & Eastern Railroad all center here, making it, as before stated, one of the best centers with regard to transportation facilities iu the county.

The Roman Catholic, the Presbyterian, the Methodist, and the German Lutheran churches, and the German Brethren congregation, and several other religious denominations, arc represented at Coal City. The population is largely Italian and Bohemian, although there are also a number of English and Scotch residents. When the mines promised continuous work, miners were attracted here from all over the world. With the closing of the mines, many left, but those who remained have developed into excellent workmen along other lines, and arc reliable citizens.

There are a number of fraternities represented at Coal City, including Odd Follows, No. 519; Knights of Pythias. Pythian Sisters, Modern Woodmen, Eastern Star, Owls, Knights of Columbus, and several Italian benefit orders. A number of these societies have been depleted in membership with the departure from Coal City of so many of its people, but interest is manifested by those who remain.

The Village of Braceville was laid out by X. Cotton in 1SG1. Those residing in it were at one time largely interested in the coal industry, but in later years they have turned their attention to developing of enterprises in other directions. Some of the business and professional men of Braceville are: Peoples Bank of Braceville; D. J. F. Carey, physician; Mainwaring & Alexander, general merchandise; Fred

Malsky, livery and feed stable; James Mellisb, public telephone; John A. Protlit, grocery. The city ball, a substantial brick building, was erected in 190S.

The Chicago & Alton Railroad runs through Braceville. giving it an excellent market for its farm products. Many of the best residences, however, have been moved to South Wilmington and other points since the closing of the mines. With the opening of the coal mines, a number of coal villages spmng up, among them, Diamond, situated in Braceville Township, which is now largely utilized for farming purposes. Central City was another one of these settlements clustered about the mines, which in popular belief were to bring so much prosperity to the community. At present there are but three families residing at Central City.

Those who have served Braceville Township on the Board of Supervisors have been as follows: I). It. Daud. 1850 ; John Craig, 1S51- S3 ; John Augustine. 1S54-57; Henry Cassingluiin, 1858-59; John Augustine, 1SG0-G1 ; Henry Cassingham, 18C2; E. R. Booth, 1SG3; Henry Cassiugham. 1SG4; Theodore Hyatt, 1SG5; r. j. Cunningham. 1SGG-G7; Henry Cassiugham, 1SGS ; J. F. Augustine, 1SG9; George W. Booth, 1870-77; G. R. Evans. 1S7S: S. F. Dunleavy, 1879; David Dunleavy, 1SS0 ; John T. Dunleavy, 1SS1 ; Elijah Cotton, 1S82; John Mathias, 1SS3-S4 ; William J. Malcomb, 1SS5-SS; Eli Stocker, William Malcomb, and John McKinley, assistants, 1SS9 ; Eli Stocker, William Malcomb, and A. Constantine, assistants, 1S90; Eli Stocker and William Malcomb, assistants, 1S91 ; Eli Stocker and Ben Peterson, assistants, 1S92-1S93 ; Eli Stocker and John Mathias-. assistants. 1S04-1S05 ; Eli Stocker and George Bodgers. assistants, 1S9G-1S97; Eli Stocker and William J. Malcomb, assistants, 1S9S-1S09; F. W. Francis and Arthur Green, assistants, 1900-1901 ; George A. Trotter and Arthur Green, assistants, 1902-190.1; Montgomery Sharp and Arthur Green, 1901-1905; Percival Clark and Gustav Swan, assistants, 190G- 1907; Bert Waters and J. II. Green, assistants, 190S-1909; C. G. Anderson and J. Willis, assistants, 1910-1911; John A. Bed ami Adam Brook, assistants, 1912-191o; John A. Red and Thomas Reed, assistants, 1914.

Chapteii Xxv

township, iii the spring of 1836, and founded what was known as Castle Danger, one of the very firs! hotels of this region, lie also kept, the stage line station, ami the stable in which he housed the horses stood for many years, although the hotel did not outlive the period of its usefulness. Considerable interest has been shown in trying to discover the reason for giving the hotel that name. Some hold to the theory that it was so called because sonic of the prairie bandits, who infested the region in the early days, found here a safe refuge, but no authentic confirmation of this can be gained.

Other Early Settlers Well Watered

The Illinois; River divides Erienna Township into two almost equal portions, entering somewhat north of the middle point of the eastern boundary, and flowing to the southwest. The township is Congressional Township -"..'! North, Range G East of the P. M. It is bounded on the north by Nettle Creek and Saratoga Townships, on the east by Morris Township, and on the south by Wauponsee and Norman Townships. In addition to the Illinois River, Long Creek. Xcttle Creek and other smaller streams drain it. The remainder of the township, aside from the high plateau in the northwest which descends abruptly to a rich alluvial bottom, is flat with sandy soil, underlaid with valuable coal deposits. "Walnut and other natural growth trees are still to be found, although what was once heavy timber has been practically cleared away. Corn is the heaviest crop raised, although stock is also produced, and some of the farmers are engaged in dairying.

Earliest Settlers

One of the earliqpt settlers in Grundy County was Isaac Iloge, who came to Erienna Township and took up land along Nettle Creek. Probably the only other one was William Marquis, who preceded him by a short time. Finding it possible to make a comfortable home here, Mr. Iloge married, settled on his first selection of land and later bought extensively, becoming one of the very large landowners of this section.

O. Cone came here in 1S40, making the trip by wagon, and rented land from Isaac Iloge, but later bought property of his own on Section 2. The year ls-12 brought Messrs. Kennedy and Hendricks, who came with the idea of working on the canal, but they were so pleased with the locality that they settled on Section 7. Abraham Holderman arrived in ]<S4r> or 1S46. Charles Moody came in 184S, becoming one of the early developers of the township.

Permanent 'Land Owners

Among those who have owned land in Erienna Township at a later dale, the families of many of whom still retain their holdings, were: John Rooney, Mrs. Cecelia Boyd, Simon O'Donnell, A. II. Holderman. S. 1 >. Holderman. P. McNeills, Dan O'Connelly, Jr., Nellie Brady, M. E. Holderman, Robert Callaghan, M. Parry, Aug. Perrett, Joseph Dawson, M. P.. Wilson, William llerlihy, M. P. Wilson, E. M. Mulligan. C. E. Hatcher. John Connea. J. F. Hatcher, Joshua Iloge. Jr.. Mrs. Patrick Moran, <i. II. Weitz. Jr., James Reardon, E. A. Peacock, William Reardon, George Iloge, Joshua Iloge. Jr.. James Reardon, Ben Jacobson, John TJnderhill, Halver Johnson. Nels Nelson, Hans Sampon, A. D. Walper, C. E. Munson, Ole N. Xelson. Albert Iloge. Alciuda Ridgeway, Clara Gore, Knnte Rasmunson, Halver Johnson, O. M. Johnson, John More, Morton Osmundson, Pen Benson, J. A. Johnson. Joseph Oswood, Nels Nelson, Halver Salverson, James Ashtoii, Lars Thomson, P. S. Stephen, P. Cakes, Thomas Puck, Ed F. Peterson, Weir Peterson, John A. Taylor, Sampson Everson, M. J. Grarville, J. P. McEvilly.

Ilorrom, for whom it was named. It existed chiefly on pai>ei'. A stage line which lived but a short time pastil near it, but as this did not pay, the place was really nothing but a name, and except in records of this name, it is forgotten.

Clarkson grew up about Castle Danger, and it was hoped by its projectors that it might become the county seat, but they were disappointed. During the time that work was done on the canal, a few little cabins were built here, but with the completion of that work, the people drifted away, and Clark son is another village that lives but in memory.

Stock Dale

Stockdale is a station in Erieuna Township on thi' Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Although it practically consists of nothing but the railroad station and stock sheds, it is a place of great importance. Here immense consignments of cattle and sheep from western shippers are unloaded and Kept until sufficiently recovered from the hardship of the long trip across country, and restored to their original weight by careful feeding and watering. From Stoekuale these consignments, when in proper coudi.ion, are forwarded to the Chicago stock yard?.

Two cemeteries are found in this township, one on Section 5, known as Hatcher's Cemetery, anci the other known as lloge Cemetery which is located on Section 7.

The schools of Erienua are conducted under the magnificent system that prevails throughout Grundy County, and pupils and teachers are united in their efforts to bring the work of the township up to standard and maintain it at that high point.

Chapter Xxvi Felix Towxship And Villages

SOU. FLOODS - FIRST DISCOVERER OF COAL - EARLIEST SETTLERS - OLDEST RESIDENT - FIRST DEATH - KIND OFFICES OF SHABBONA OLD SETTLEMENTS - JUGTOWN - KANKAKEE CITY - AN AGRICULTURAL SECTION - THE COAL INDUSTRY - THE DIAMOND MINE DISASTER - SEVERE HAILSTORMDESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE - SUPERVISORS.

Felix Township was given the Christian name of Felix Grundy, for whom the county was named. This township lies south of the Illinois River, with Will County on the east, Braceville Township on the south, and the Mazon River and Wauponsec Township on the west. The surface of Felix Township is generally low. although in the northeastern part there is some high land along the river. Goose Lake is drained by Claypool Pun into the Mazon River, and by other streams into the Kankakee River. The soil is a low, wet clay, a deposit of which near the western end of Goose Lake is suitable for pottery purposes, hut the grade is of common quality. Felix Township is particularly adapted for grazing purposes, and some excellent stool; is raised within its confines.

Felix Township has always been subject to Hoods, and some of them have been very destructive, that of 1837 having been the worst. The pioneers were ill prepared to stand the loss entailed, and much suffering ensued.

First Discoverer Of Coal

Peter Lamsett was one of the men whose name is associated with the early history of this township. As early as 1S20 he went through this locality on foot, and was known among his associates as "Specie" because he refused the paper money of the day. This name clung to him until his real name was forgotten, and Specie Grove, in De Kalb County, was called

Jeremiah Collins

Abram llolderman bought much land in 1S35, ho personally warned them of danger, have enbut soon turned his claim over to his son Henry, deared his memory to Grundy County people, son-in-law, James McKean, settled on the Kan- what they are today in Grundy County, the hiskakee, and they put up a large sawmill. tory of this industry might have been dift 'tent,

Simpson, James Preston, Samuel Suffern, Joel advanced to prohibitive prices, and they subsi - Campbell, Henry F. Robison, Jacob Hoyer. ' quently fell equally fast. The proposed citj t He stockraisers have won many medals at the Grundy County Agricultural Fair, and other stock shows. Dairying is also carried on con siderahly, and those engaged in tins lino of

. A strictly nival community, Felix K today, one of the most prosperous ol Grundy divisions. In its early history, as mentioned hefore, the people suffered much from the disadrantages arising from the low lands, and during the late summers and early falls nearly a'.! were sick from malaria, although fairly healthy during the winters. Much of (he land could not be tilled, and that which was fertile, was subject to overflow. This is, of course, now changed, and Felix Township is ns desiral -- a section as can be found in this part of the state.

The Coal Industry

After 1875, the coal industry was devcloj>cd very rapidly. Mines were sunk in large numbers in the southeastern portion of (':.- township, and villages sprung up and tin-re are now four located in the vicinity of these mines, namely: Diamond, Eileen, Suffernville and Carbon Hill. Good schools and churches arc still to he found at Suffernville and Carbon Hill. The former has united with Coal City an. I Felix Township in' establishing a high school, whh-h was opened in the fall of 1914. It whs mainly through the largely increasing population of the southeast portion of the township, that (he lnrja; landowners of the northwest portion 1 iitno dissatisfied because they had not the controlling vote. They circulated a petition and in September, 1S97, were set off twelve sections of laud.

Diamond Mink Disastkr

With the terrible Diamond disaster, when the water from the top broke thrmisrh and Hooded the mine, causing the loss of 100 men, then at work, came the practical end of Diamond a* a village. In memory of this disaster and the miners who lost their lives on this occasion, a very handsome monument has been erected near the shaft.

On July 27, 1904, a very severe halNtonn \l ited Felix Township, demolishing nil ol tiegrowing crops, and on April L'l, 191-'. a ey<!< swept through a portion of the lowmdiip, riBST SIDEWALK LAID - FIRST FLOWER BED - IN- (Kl VSED GROWTH IN 1864 - FIRE LOSS AND PROrECl ION - OTHER ENTERPRISES - RELIABLE BUSINESS HOUSES - CONCRETE SIDEWALKS AND ELEC-

Grundy County, it is itself the youngest township of the seventeen which form the county organization, having been created in 1902. It is hounded on the north by Maine Township, on the east by Greenfield Township, on the south by Livingston County and on the west by Good Farm Township. Xo important stream waters this township, although a draw, which runs to the Mazon Creek, flows through the southeastern part and small creeks are found in other portions of it. With the exception of the Village of Gardner, Garfield Township is a strictly farming district. The Chicago & Alton Kailroad, which passes almost through its center from a northeasterly to a southwesterly direction, and the K. & D., owned by the Big Four System, passing through the northwestern part, carry its products to Chicago. The early history of Garfield Township is so interwoven with that of Greenfield that it is almost impossible to separate one from the other, although many names mentioned in pioneer times of Greenfield Township belong equally to Garfield, for the latter was a part of the older township.

The history of Gardner begins with the building of the Chicago & Alton Railroad through the site on which it was later to stand, in 1854. This land was the property of Henry A. Gardner, J. C. Spencer and C. IT. Goold, the firstnamed of whom was the chief engineer of the newly completed road and did the surveying of the primal town, which was named after him. The original town was divided into twenty-seven blocks, hut later additions were added, known as Price's First and Second addition, Peck's addition, Hyatt's addition, Finley's addition, Augustine addition. Clover addition, Spiller addition, and Willis addition, Shotwell subdivision and Lovejoy's subdivision.

Gardner was incorporated in February, 18fi7, under special act of Legislature, when it had a jxtpulation of about four hundred, the first trustees being : John II. Coles, Amos Clover, W. W. McMann, F. Lathrop and Louis Germain. This form of government continued until 1013 when a general election was called to vote on its incorporation under the general law of the state, and upon the measure being carried, it was immediately incorporated. The present population is about one thousand, while that of the township is about twelve hundred.

First Houses

The first house of Gardner was that of the section boss, east of the tracks, and the second one was known as "the barracks" Inning been built by the first postmaster, Absalom Gleason. This building held the first posfollice, the first store, was the dwelling of the family, and also a paint shop, and was one of the most useful buildings over put up at Gardner.

The first hotel bearing the imposing name of "The Eagle," was on a lot 18 by 30 feet, was one story and one-half in height, and was built by G. R. Taxis and Scott Armitage in 1855. It sheltered the traveling public and was first conducted by George Allen, who was succeeded by J. W. Hull, who was bought out by Charles Royal, and later S. X. Underwood assumed charge. With all these changes in ownership the hotel changed, too. being practically rebuilt, enlarged and the name of the "Gardner House" given it. It burned down January 15. 1909.

The Commercial House was built in 1ST0, and R. I!. Stone was its first proprietor, being followed by William Smith, John Southcomb, A. K. Stiles. Roland Price, James Wilson, J. C. Ralph Richards, William Gebhard, and Battista Vignochi, and it is now conducted by Mrs. Frances B. Plumley. It is a substantial building, well equipped for hotel purposes, and the hostess not only understands her business, but takes pride in catering liberally and appetizingly to the requirements of her guests. This hotel is the only one at Gardner, but no other is needed, owing to the fact that nearly all of the residents of the village have their own homes. The traveling public is well cared for at the Commercial House.

Early Improvements

Charles and William Royal opened a store in 1855, and were succeeded by Charles E. Gardner. The first warehouse was built in 1S57, but later was converted into a grist mill, and still later changed into an elevator. Later it was sold and converted into a barn.

To Charles Johnson, a tinner, must he given the credit for laying the first sidewalk in Gardner, which was located on the north end of Liberty Street. The first garden fence in the village was put up by Joseph Hall. Virginia M. Hawley planted the first flowers among the many which now help to beautify the place. She married Dr. J. B. Taxis and still survives, living with her daughter, Mrs. Lindhohu, at Joliet.

In spite of the location along the Chicago & Alton Railroad, Gardner did not show much material growth until 18G4, when the Gardner coal shaft, was sunk, and from that time on its growth was rapid. The first brick building was constructed in I860, for the purpose of housing Doctor McMann's drug store. A building called the City Hall, which had a store below and a dance hall above, was built in 1SGS, by A. S. Martin and Louis Germain. Later it was removed, and a one-story brick building was erected in its place. The present village hall is a one-story building.

Fire Loss And Protection

A very destructive fire occurred on Christmas night. 1S7S, and almost wiped out the business portion of Gardner, but the buildings destroyed were subsequently replaced by better and more modern ones. While Gardner has no water works, it has a competent volunteer fire department which works as a bucket brigade, and it has rendered efficient service when occasion demanded.

Other Enterprises

A fine grain elevator was built in front of the Commercial House in 1S69, by E. W. Cole of Chicago, and it is still standing, now being owned by J. W. Thornton & Son. Another grain elevator was built in 1894 by the Fuller Grain Co., and is now owned by Hargraves & Drew.

In 1S05, the Joliet Coal Mining Company of -Gardner was organized, and commenced sinking a shaft, but only reached a depth of forty feet, when water was found in such quantity that the hole was abandoned. The coal history of Gardner, at one time very important, is taken up at great length by an expert upon the subject in another chapter.

Reliable Business Houses Concrete Sidewalks And Ei.Ectricitt

The Village of Gardner has laid about ten miles of concrete sidewalks, and these add much to the good looks of the village. It is lighted by electricity, furnished by the Public Service Company. Other improvements are contemplated, and the' people take pride in the place and in maintaining its prestige.

The Thess

The press of Gardner is represented by the Chronicle, a weekly organ, which was purchased about thirty years ago by Mr. and Mrs. Parks, the present owners. Tliix journal was founded September 20, 1SS1, under the name of the Gardner Weekly .News, by C, M. Kins at a time when the people were excited over (he coal prospects which appeared to promise a remarkable "boom" to this part of the county. Mr. King published editions of his paper also for Essex, Reddick and Braceville. With the changing fortunes of the coal interests, the Gardner Weekly News declined somewhat, until new blood was infused by Mr. and Mrs. Parks, and the name was changed to the Chronicle. The latter is issued as an independent paper, and has an excellent circulation.

School Development

Like so many of the villages of Grundy County, Gardner has given especial attention to its school system. The first schoolhouse at Gardner was built in 1S57, and J. II. Armitage was its tirst teacher, but prior to that Lizzie Russel taught school in a shanty east of the section house, and another little school was kept by a Mrs. Brown in her residence. Several other early teachers of the public school in addition to Mr. Armitage were: David Bookwalter and Virginia M. Hawley, who later became Mrs. Dr. J. 15. Taxis, and has already been mentioned in this article. In l.stj", a new schoolhouse was built, and this was enlarged in 1871', but was destroyed in 1S75, to lie replaced, in 1S76, by a more substantial one which still stands. The present high school faculty comprises Prof. E. F. Booth and two assistants. In the grade schools, there are six teachers. For some years, the high school course comprised three years, about 1S07 a fourth year was added, but was later dropped, but in 1913, this additional year was again added to the course, so that the high school now has the full four years. The board of directors of the Gardner schools is comprised of the following representative men : Wade O. Allison, president: T. S. Green, James A. Smale, Dr. A. J. Harper, R. II. Woodward. Mrs. Sadie II. Spiller and Mrs. .Matilda Cobb.

Fraternal Organizations

desire for fraternal organizations, and on May 24, 1SGG, Gardner Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. \0. 573, was organized, receiving its charter October G, 1SGS, the first members being: l. F. Benson, W. II. Schoomaker, Ed Crane, J. W. Hart. A. DeXormandia, Henry Elliott, and II. Y. Whalen. The present officials of this lodge are: William R. Ferguson, \V. M. ; Daniel Green, S. W. ; .1. B. Allison. J. W. ; D. R. Keepers, treasurer, and Harry J. Hansen, secretary.

On October 15, 1st:;, the Odd Fellows organized Gardner Lodge. Xo. 515, but later it was disbanded, the members associating themselves with lodges more convenient to their place of residence, as the majority of the Gardner lodge moved from the village with the passage of t ime.

Kellogg Chapter, Xo. 210, O. E. S., was organized at Gardner, April 30, 1S92. Its present officials are: Mis. C. B. Booth, W. M. ; T. S. Green, W. P., and Mrs. Grace Booth, secretary.

The Knights of Pythias organized Colfax Chapter at Gardner, but eventually moved the lodge |(, South Wilmington, as it was found that the majority of the members had located at the latter village.

The Modem Woodmen of America organized a camp at Gardner, known as Sycamore Camp, Xo. 154G, and this order, together with the Royal Neighbors, known at Gardner as Holly Camp, Xo. 232, lease the old Gardner Opera House as a lodge hall.

Some other fraternal organizations at Gardner are: Gardner Council, Xo. 50, of the Yeomen, which is now inactive, with Mrs. Elma Wheeler as secretary and treasurer; the Gleaners, an agricultural organization, which has representation in almost all of the townships of the county, and exerts considerable influence, considers topics interesting to the farmers and their wives, and the Danish Brotherhood, an order formed by the Danes of the community.

The Methodist Church held service in what is now Garfield Township, coining here prior to any other denomination, the first clergyman being Rev. Charles line. He conducted meetings at his own house and also at those of his neighbors. Another early Methodist preacher was the Rev." Daniel Abbott. Aside from these early gatherings, there were no religious serv- ices of tlii> denomination until 1SJ3S, when the Gardner .Methodist Episcopal society was organized and attached to the Mazon Circuit. with the Rev. Thomas Watson in charge. The Gardner Circuit was organized in 1SG7. The first members of the little society of 1S5S were: William B. Royal and wife, J. 11. Coles and wile, William Hart and wile, Robert <ilass and wife, Joseph Hall and wife, and .Mrs. Cynthia W. Hastings. The first church building was erected in IS513, at the corner of Jackson Street and Washington Avenue. A new one was built in 1870', which still stands. Some of the pastors of tliis church have been : Revs. John Grundy, .1. P. Dillie, A. E. Days, John Cosier, Samuel Hart, II. Tiffany, William II. Collins, 1). II. Cridlcr, A. C. Trice, Matthew Evans, P.. F. Wonder. .1. W. Denning, A. D. Moore, M. C. Eignus, A. Bower, D. W. Brown, T. R. McNair, S. S. Langdoc, C. W. Green. I, 0. Mallory, A. R. Morgan, .1. F. James. W. W. Howard.' The present incumbent is Rev. John Rogers.

The church next organized in what is now Garfield Township, was the Presbyterian, its' birth taking place in 1S5S. with the Hevs. L. II. Loss and S. II. Waldo in charge. The church was started by six women : Mrs. Ahhie LaForce, Mrs. Phebe Ann Wheeler. Mrs. Sarah M. Wright, Mrs. Susan Sawyer, Mrs. E. C. Benson, and Miss Virginia M. Haw ley. At first service's were held in the schoolhouse, but later the society used the Methodist Church. anil in 1S71 put up an edifice of its own. Some of the pastors of this church have been : Revs. Walso, Alvah Hay. E. G. Moore, Sextus E. Smith, F. P.. Margraves, J. G. Lyle, Joel Kennedy, S. II. Stevenson, Robert Watt, II. W. Berger, Rolla G. Sbafer. Gamble, Chrisman, William Vance. The present pastor is the Rev. B. P. Holt. The membership is about eighty-nine.

Under Rev. W. II. Card, seven persons. W. II. Card, Philip Spaulding, Albert W. Willard, David M. Griswold, Mrs. L. E. Taxis, Robert Huston and II. J. Edmunds, organized the Baptist Church of what is now Garfield Township, in 1S04. The first structure of this denomination was erected in 1S71, and in the following year a new brick one was built, but for a number of years it has been closed, although the organization still holds, and the Ladies' Aid Society carries on its charitable work, but no services are held. Seune of the pastors in charge of this church in the past

Between forty and fifty years ago the Norwegian Lutherans started a society at Garden Prairie, in what is now Garfield Township, and services are still held in the little church of that organization, upon alternate Sundays. Within the past thirty years, the Norwegians id' the Lutheran faith at Gardner decided to organize a society of their own, and had as their first pastors substitutes from other churches. Some twenty-live years ago, under the Lev. Remertsen, the society built its present church, and it has grown until it now numbers 100 members. The present pastor is the Lev. K. J. Wang, who officiates on alternate Sundays at Gardner, and at Garden Prairie. The Ladies' Aid Society for the older members, and the Sunshine Circle for the young ladies, are doing excellent work along charitable and social lines in connection with the church.

An Important Manufacturing Industry

At one time in its history, as mentioned before, Gardner looked forward to a long and prosperous history as the center of vast coal mining industries. When those hopes died, its men turned their attention in other directions. Some have devoted themselves to banking and insurance; others attend to the large shipping interests here. Still others find excellent business opportunities in meeting the demands of local and contiguous trade. The attending to the requirements of automobilists is an important feature of the business life of Gardner. One business house of the village that is destined to play an important part in its growth and prosperity is that of J. 11. Holmes, manufacturer, seller and builder of the Playford Cement Stave Silo. By means of the silo, the agriculturist is able to preserve the green fodder for his stock, and feed it to them during the winter months when otherwise he would have to depend entirely upon dried foods, thus increasing very materially the value of his product, and increasing the price he can demand. The intelligent fanner of today i^ looking for the best silo made, and according to the claims of the people of Gardner, one of their residents is putting just that kind of a silo on the market. Demonstrations of silos at the

The Chicago & Alton Railroad, which passes through Gardner, was built in 1853-4, the people of Gardner and the vicinity, contributing $3,000 for right of way. The first ticket agent at Gardner was (\ K. Snyder, and it is interesting to know that as he had no station house at the time, he carried all his papers in a tin trunk. The "Big Four" railroad trains also stop at Gardner, although its station is not in the center of the village as is that of the Chicago & Alton. Gardner's business houses are centered in a compact area so that it is not difficult to attend to very important affairs, for a few blocks hold the concerns mentioned above. There are some very comfortable homes at Gardner, and the people themselves are alive, wide awake and progressive, eager to take advantage of improvements, and utilize advantages offered.

Supervisor

Ever since its creation, in 1002, Garfield Township has been represented on the County Board of Supervisors by Chris Anderson, the present incumbent.