Saratoga Township (part 1 of 4)

Saratoga Township

WILLIAM H. AYRES, farmer, P. O. Morris, was born in New Canaan, Conn., June 17, 1811, son of Frederick and Rebecca (Seymour) Ayres. Frederick was born in New Canaan in 1781, and died in 1853. Rebecca was born in same place in 1783, and died in 1845. After obtaining his education in his native place, William learned the trade of tanner and currier. In 1834, he married Eliza J. Benedict, who was born in New Canaan October 12, 1813. She is a daughter of Caleb and Alice Benedict, natives of New Canaan. In 1846, the subject of our sketch moved to Grundy County, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church, Has been School Director in Saratoga Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ayres are the parents of six children, of whom Henry G., James S., Rebecca A. and William E. are dead. Louvica and Frederick H. are living.

JERRY COLLINS, farmer, P. 0. xMorris, was born in Albany, N. Y., in September, 1820, son of Joshua and Margaret (Row) Collins, the former born iu Rhode Island about 1776 ; was well educated, served in the war of 1812, and was one of the pioneers of this township. Margaret, his mother, a native of New York, was the mother of nine children, of whom the subject of our sketch was the fifth. His first business enterprise was the purchase of 80 acres of land in this township, which he has added to until he now owns 800 acres of good farming land, well improved. He was married in this county, in 1848, to Miss Hannah Cryder, who lived but eighteen months after her marriage. His second wife, Margaret Widney, was born about 1833, and is the mother of three children. Joshua, the eldest, is married, and a man of family ; Hannah May, the second, is dead ; Oscar, the youngest, lives with his parents. Mr. Jerr}" Collins was but thirteen years of age when brought to this township. His mother and the children came from Chicago in a wagon driven by Charlie Smith. Our subject handled the logs for the first house erected in the town of Morris, so he has been the witness and assistant of vast improvements in this part of the countrj-. His political faith is Republican.

CRYDER COLLINS, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Saratoga Township, Grundy County, Apnl 13, 1855. He is the son of Joshua and Harriet (Cryder) Collins ; his mother is still alive ; his parents had six children. Our subject received his schooling in Morris, this countj', and commenced life as a farmer. He has been and is at present engaged in stockraising. In March, 1880, he was married in this township to Lilly Nelson, who was born in Norway. They have one child - Isaac. Mr. Collins has 948 acres of laud. He is a Republican.

JOSHUA E. COLLINS, former, P. 0. Morris, was born in Grundy County, 111., October 7, 1859, and is the youngest son of Joshua Collins, Sr., and Harriet Crj^ier. He received his early education in the common schools of the country, and finished at the high school at Morris. He took charge of the home place after the death of his father, which he now owns, and from surroundings, it would impress one that he is quite energetic and practical in all his operations. He handles a great deal of stock and raises large crops of grain. His mother still lives with and keeps house for him, as he is still unmarried. Politically, a Republican. His father started quite poor and accumulated quite a large and valuable property, which his widow and children are now enjoying, and his grandfather was one among the earliest settlers of the county.

HENRY R. CONKLIN, farmer, P. O. Morris, was born in New York in 1823; son of Henrj^and Emma (Bristol) Conklin. the former was born in New York about 1793; a farmer by occupation, and was engaged in the war of 1812; he died about 1872; his wife was born in New York in 1803, and was the mother of four children, of whom our subject was the second. During his boyhood, Mr. Conklin worked on his father's farm, and attended the common countrj' schools. In 1851, he moved to this State, and settled on his first purchase of 100 acres of land. This was unimproved, and had no buildings upon it, excepting one small shanty, which would hardly warrant the name of a house. He now owns 200 acres of good tillable land, upon which he has erected good, substantial buildings of all kinds, necessary for a well-regulated farm. In New I'^ork State, in the }"ear 1848, he married Miss Mahala Westfall, a native of New York, born in June, 1821, and a daughter of John and Poll}- (Turner) Westfall; the former was born in New York in 1797; he is still living and engaged in farming. The latter was born in Massachusetts in 1799, she died in May, 1871. The subject and his wife are the parents of two living children - Etta, the oldest daughter, is married to a Mr. McGrath, and resides in Kansas; they have two children, Henry, the only son, was born in this count}- about 1857, and has one child. Mr. Conklin and his family are members of the Congregational Church.

M. H. CRYDER, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Ohio March 21, 1820, son of Henry and Mary A. (Hess) Cryder. Henry, his father, was born in Pennsylvania about 1779; was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1835. Mary, his mother, was born in Pennsylvania about 1777, and is the mother of eight living chil- dreu, the subject being the sixth. He received a good common-school education, which was commeuced in Ohio and finislied in this countj', to the latter of which- his parents came October 25, 1833. His marriage, which was one of the first on the records of this count}^ occurred March 7, 1847, when he was united to Miss Eachael Thomas, a native of Ohio, born about 1818. Her parents came to this countj* from Ohio. She is the mother of three children - Edwin T., Blariett and Eugene. The daughter is married. The sons are engaged in farming on the homo place. Mr. Cryder is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and has served the public in a number of important capacities, such as Assessor, Commissioner, Supervisor and Collector for Au Sable Township. He is influential and highly respected in the communitj- where he lives.

K. M. J. GRANVILLE, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Norway May 17, 1827, son of John and Belle (Mulster) Granville. He was born in Norway in 1804, and died in 1857; was County Clerk in his county, and followed the occupation of a farmer. His wife was born in Norway in 180G, and died in 1881. Our subject received his education in Norway, and taught school there. He there married his first wife, Carrie Kythe, b}' whom he had two children. After his removal to this country, he taught school in Kendall County, 111., where, iu 1858, he mai-ried his second wife, Martha Anderson, who was born in Norway December 16, 1840. She is the mother of nine children, viz., Caroline J., Christina, Isabella, Andrew, Edward, Albert, Malinda Ann, Franklin and Martha. Mr. Granville taught school in Grundy County, and was afterward School Director. He has been interested in the erection of churches in both Kendall and Grundy Counties, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

1823, son of William F. and Betsy (Tabor) Hunt. He was bom in Columbia County, N. Y., February 25, 1798. Was a farmer, and died March 22, 1869. His mother, Betsy, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., September 22, 1801, and died August 26, 1879. Mr. Peleg Hunt received his education in Nassau, N. Y., and began life as a farmer. In 1855, March 15, he came to Grundy. He has filled the position of School Director. His wife, Mary S. Cummings, a native of New York, was born February 9, 1827. She is the daughter of Russell D. and Sophia Cummings. Her father was born April 28, 1801, and died August 29, 1856. Her mother was born April 5, 1803, and is still living. They are both natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have four children as follows - George W., Lenora J., Fannie M. and Emma L. Mr. P. F. Hunt's paternal grandfather, William Hunt, was born in Norwich, Conn., November 5, 1768, and died October 8, 1852. His paternal grandmother, Susanna Hunt, was born at Long Point, Conn., May 9, 1768, and died August 18, 1854. Mr. Peleg Hunt is a. Republican.

GBRSHOM HUNT, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in New Lebanon, N. Y., January 18, 1828, son of William F. and Betsy (Tabor) Hunt. The former was born in New York February 25, 1798, and died March 22, 1869. The latter was born in New York September 22, 1801, and died August 26, 1879. His grandparents were William and Susanna Hunt. The former was born in Norwich, Conn., November 5, 1768, and died October 8, 1852. The latter was born at Long Point, Conn., May 9, 1768, and died August 18, 1854. Gershom Hunt obtained his education in Rensselaer Count}-, N. Y. Began to till the soil in New York, which occupation he continues in Illinois, to which latter State he came in February, 1856. He was married in Columbia County, N. Y., September 15, 1855, to Miss Hannah Smith, born in Columbia County, N.

Y., April 30, 1826. She is the daughter of Frederick and Catharine Smith, natives of Cohimhia Count}-, N. Y. Her fatlier was born in 1790, and her mother in 1799. Our subject has, since his residence here, held the positions of Township Supervisor, Township Clerk and School Director, He belongs to the Republican part}-.

JAMES A. HUNT, farmer, P, 0. Morris, was born in New Lebanon, Columbia Co,, N. Y., September 10, 1838, and is the son of William F. and Betsey (Tabor) Hunt. He was born in Columbia County, N. Y., February 25, 1798, and died March 22, 1869 ; his occupation was farming. The mother of our subject was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., September 22, 1801, and died August 26, 1879. Mr. James Hunt's grandfather, William Hunt, was born in Norwich, Conn., November 5, 1768, and died October 8, 1852. His grandmother, Susanna Hunt, was born at Long Point, Conn., May 9, 1768. and died August 18, 1854. Mr, Hunt obtained his schooling in New York State, and there commenced farming. He removed to Illinois in April, 1 859, and in Morris on August 20, 1862, was married to Laura Bristol, a native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., born February 2, 1838, Her parents, Asa and ]Maria Bristol, are both natives of New York, Mr. and Mrs, Hunt have one child, William E., born June 14, 1864. Mr. Hunt has been School Director and Township Trustee. In politics, he is a Republican.

FRANK HUNT, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Nassau County, N. Y., November 12, 1843, son of William F. and Betsy (Tabor) Hunt. The former was born in Columbia County, N. Y., February 25, 1798, and died March 22, 1809 ; was a farmer by occupation, Betsy Hunt, his mother, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., September 22, 1801, and died \ugust 26, 1879. His grandfather, William Hunt, was born in Norwich, Conn., November 5, 1768, and died October 8, 1852. His grandmother, Susanna Hunt, was born at Long Point, Conn., May 9, 1708, and died August 18, 1854, Mr. Frank Hunt received his education in Nassau County, N. Y. While in New York, he followed the occupation of farming, which he has continued to gootl advantage since his settlement in Illinois, January 16, 1868, he married Frances A. Waterbury, boru in Nassau County, N, Y., August 26, 1846. Her parents, Sylvester and Permelia Waterbury, are natives of the same place. From this marriage, there are two children - William W,, born May 18, 1872, and Alice M., Septem her 10, 1876, Mr. Hunt has filled the position of School Director. He is a Republican.

John JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Norway in 1806, son of John and Sarah (Benson) Johnson. His father, who was a farmer, was born in Norway, and died there in 1849. Sarah, his mother, was born in Norway in 1783, and died in 1879, Our subject availed himself of such educational privileges as were at hand and worked at farming while in Norway, He tliere married his first wife Gustie Nutson, who died before he came to this country. By her he had two children - Sarah, deceased, and John, who still survives. He nest married Annie Larson, a native of Norway, born in 1807, Her parents, Lewis and Tena Larson, were also natives of Norway. As a result of this second union, there are four children - Lewis, Gostey, Tena and John, Since his residence in this country, Mr. Johnson has continued his occupation of farming. He is a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church.

ADMOND JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Morris, was born in Norway June 24, 1818, son of John and Sarah (Benson) Johnson. The former was a native of Norway, where he died in 1849. The latter, also a native of Norway, was born in 1783, and died in 1879. Our subject received his education in the common schools of his native countrv, and worked at farming until he came to America. In 1858, at Lisbon, III, he was married to Sarah Halgeson, a native of Norway, born in 1837. She is the daughter of Henrj- and Carrie Halgeson, both natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had eight children, of whom Carrie is dead. Sarah, Henry, John, Carrie, Halver, Thomas A. and Anna H. are living. The subject of this sketch lias acted in the capacity of School Director. He is a Republican in political tenets, and a member of the Lutheran Church.

ERIK JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Norway July 24, 1828, the youngest of three children, son of John and Anna (Swensen) Olston. He was born in Norway about 1788, and died about 1830. His mother, a native of Norway, was born in 1786, and died in 1862. Mr. Johnson was educated in the common schools of his native country ; worked for a time at shoemaking. He came to this country when twenty-six years of age ; landed first at Quebec ; remained there a short time and then came to this county. Settled first in Nettle Creek Township, where he worked on a farm eighteen months. He then moved to Saratoga Township and continued farming a few 3-ears. Although he commenced without a dollar, he had sufficient means to purchase sixty-six acres of unimproved land, a part of his present homestead. This he has added to and improved until now he has a fine farm of one hundred and thirtj--two acres. In 1852, in Norway, he was married to Tennie Michleson, who was born in that countr}' January 1, 1829. Her father and mother were natives of the same place. By this union, there were seven children. Mr. Johnson, in 1864, joined the Thirty-sixth Illinois Regiment, Company A, and was in the battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn, During the war, he received a wound from which he has never recovered, being now unable to work. He contributes toward the support of the Gospel, is a faithful Christian and respected citizen. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and is a Republican,

GUNNER JOHNSON, farmer, P, 0, Morris, was born in Norwaj' December 19, 1835, son of John Peterson and Annie Gunderson, both of Norwaj', The former was born about 1790, and was a farmer until his death, which occurred in 18G5, The mother of our subject was born in 1794, and died in 1876, In Morris, III,, August 16, 1870, Mr, Johnson married Caroline Johnson, a native of Norway, born in 1850, She is the daughter of John and Julia Peterson, and the mother of four children, viz., John 0, and Annie, deceased ; George and Annie J, still living, Mr, Johnson is a member of the Lutheran Church and a Republican,

STORY MATTESON, farmer, P, 0, Morris, was born in Michigan February 15, 1838, and is the second son of Beriah H. a,nd Susan (Jones) Matteson. Beriah, who resides at Morris, Grundy County, was born in New York in 1812. Susan was born in New York in 1812, and is the mother of nine children, our subject being the second. Our subject attended the country schools and worked at farming until he became twenty-two, when he started for Illinois, He arrived here without friends or money, but was soon employed by a farmer named Bartlett, for whom he worked industriously three years. His employer then allowed him to work on shares, which opportunity he eagerly improved. As he cleared $1,200 the first year, this enabled him to do business for himself His first purchase was 160 of land, for which he gave $40 per acre ; he now owns 1,500 acres of finely improved land. In 1866, he married Miss Virginia Collins, who was born in this county September 3, 1846, and is the daughter of Joshua and Harriet (Cryder) Collins. The former was born in New York September 19, 1802, died June 19, 1879, The latter was born in Ohio August 4, 1822, and is the mother of six children, of whom Mrs, Mat- teson is the eldest. >Ir. and Mrs. Matteson are the parents of six children, viz., TVilli.ain, Story, Gracie, Cora, Cryder and Hattie. Mr. Matteson is a Republican.

HALVER OSMONSEN, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Norway Ma}' 26, 1825. his parents being natives of that countrj-. In his youth, he assisted on the home farm, and attended the common schools. In 1849, he emigrated to this country, arriving in New York July 3. He first went to Morris, where he remained but a short time, soon settling near Lisbon, wliere he engaged iu farming for a period of eight years, although he started without a dollar, he now had sufficient means to purchase sixt}' acres of land ; after adding one hundred acres to this, and improving the whole, he sold it for a good profit. He then came to Grundy Count}' and purchased lauds about three miles north of Morris, here he resided about ten j'ears, making great improvements. He next bought land a few miles further north, where he now resides; owns in all, 924 acres of well-improved land. He is a large grain-raiser and dealer, also raises some stock. In the fall of 1849, in Kendall County, he married Miss Engeri Olsen, a native of Norway, born in 1822, her parents being natives of the same country. There are two children by this marriage, viz., Halver Osmonseu, Jr., and Ole 11. Osmonsen, both married. Mr. Osmonsen and family are members of the Lutheran Church, he being one of the leading men who raised funds for the erection of the fine structure of that denomination which they attend. He espouses the Republican cause.

OLIVER H. OSMONSON, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Lisbon, Kendall Co., Ill, January 14, 1850. His parents had two children, of whom he was the elder. He received his education in the schools of Saratoga Township, and began life as a farmer. Mr. Osraouson is a School Director. He was married in Saratoga Township, March 1, 1870, to Susan

A. Johnson, who was born Juno 10, 1852. She is the daughter of Oscar and Annie Johnson. Mr. and Mrs Osmonson have had six children - Halver, Oscar, Annie, Severt, .Joseph (deceased), and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Osmonson are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Osmonson belongs to no secret societies. He votes the Republican ticket.

OLIE OS.MONSON, farmer, P. 0. Morris, was born in Otter Creek Township, La Salle Co., Ill, December 1, 1852. His parents had two children, of whom he was the younger. Mr. Osmonson received his education in the normal school at Morris, 111. He was married in Saratoga Township January 27, 1878, to Maggie E. Craig, wlio was born June 25, 1858, in Lisbon, Kendall County. Mrs. Osmonson's father, Samuel Craig, was born November 7, 1824, in County Antrim, Ireland. Her mother was born in Oneida County, N. Y., May 22, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Osmonson are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Osmonson votes the Republican ticket.

Source changes here: from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois /cedited by Newton Bateman, Paul Selby,; and History of Grundy County (historical and Biographical) by Special Authors and Contributors .., by Selby, Paul, published 1914; 52,056 words in this source stream.

Chapter Xxxix

Surface and Drainage - Soil - Hard Work Faced Early Settlers - First, Pioneers - Came by Way of Illinois and Michigan Canal - A List of Early Settlers - Earliest Schools - Religious Organizations - Corn is King Fine. Showing of Stock - Little Fruit Grown - Villages - Verona - Supervisors- -Present Township Officials 745-74S

Chapter Xl Wauponsee To Wnsh 1. P.

Location and Name - Rich Soil - Natural Timber Growth - Corn the Staple Crop - First Settler - Other Settlers - First .Mill and Store- Prairie Fires a Menace - First Death - Religious Efforts - Schools - Supervisors from 1 850 to 1913 748-750

Chapter Xli Biographical

The Part of Biography in General History - Citizens of Grundy County and Outlines of Personal History - Personal Sketches Arranged in Encyclopedic Order ' 751-920

Modern Along Every Line

HISTORY WAS WRITTEN JN ILLINOIS - A FAVORITE INDIAN HUNTING GROUND - SHABBONA Ul LOVED IN GRUNDY COUNTY - INDIAN TRAILS - HIE COMING OF THE PIONEERS - STORIES TOED OF -mill! STRUGGLES AND ACHIEVEMENTS - LIFE MODERN ALONG EVERY LINE.

Before History Was Written In Illinois

More than eighty years ago, when Illinois was not much more than entering her second decade as a Slate; when the United States was still on the sunny side of her half century of individual history, the sun smiled down and the rain- shed their grateful moisture upon that hwtion of land later to he known as Grundy County, just as today. Then, however, there was hut little to differentiate it from other hunting lands of the Indians, except, that within the warm bosom of Dame Nature lay potent riches to he acq n'red in later years by those venturesome enough to first brave the dangers of the wilderness, and in modern times to apply science and machinery to their work. Here, in this section roamed the Indians, one of whom will ever he held in affectionate remembrance in Grundy County because of ins humanity and generosity, the deeply wronged, and yet much beloved Shabbona.

Indian Trails

in the trails which for years were the only roads the "pale faces" bad after coming to Grundy County, '.these trails were clearly defined paths about 12 to IS inches wide, cut into the sod of the prairie. One of these was found on the property that came into the possession of Jacob Claypool. These trails were found following the general course of the county, terminating at what is now Chicago, whore the Indians loved to congregate. One was along the north side of the Illinois river, between it and what later became ,the Illinois & Michigan Canal, as far as the five-mile bridge, where it passed north of the line of the canal, but south of the Catholic cemetery, crossing the branches of Nettle Creek near the stone bridge, thence recrossing the canal line near the Peacock bridge, and. passing on the ridge through to the Protestant cemetery, it crossed the Aux Sable below and thence through Dresden, and took its course over Ihe bluffs towards Channahon. Another of these trails was in the bottoms, south of the river, crossing the Waupocan creek at the quarter corner of the east line of section IS, in Wauponsee Township, thence running nearly in a straight line, passing 20 rods north of the center of section 17, continuing to Spring Creek, crossing it at its mouth, and thence across the Mazon, on section 10, and up the river to Kankakee, where it crossed that river one half mile above its mouth. There was a trail that skirted the timber on the south side of the Illinois river, passing north of sections 4, 32 and G, entering Wauponsee Township al»out the center of the west line of the southeast quarter of section 20. continuing thence in a direct line and intersecting the first trail at the crossing of the Mazon river. A "high prairie trail" passed through Ilolderman's Grove, north of Grundy County, that developed into a very important line of travel.

tiny that propelled it, brought into this favored section men and women who were to be the formers of the Grundy County of today. Their work and achievements, their hardships and enjoyments, and the intimate particulars of the lives of many, follow in the pages to come. The descendants of some of those pioneers have endeavored t<> give here a true, although necessarily somewhat brief, history of Grundy County from tin.' day when the first pioneer felled Die trees for his cabin, until today, in the Hush of twentieth century advancement, when the residents of the county vie with those of every other neighborhood in rendering the world better for their stay in it; their associates happier and their business connections mure valuable.

Life Modern Along Every Line

The primitive ox-cart of the pioneer has given way to the high-power 1915 automobile. Scientific methods make agriculture profitable, and the farmers the must important class of men in the country. Xo longer is it necessary to stumble about with a homemade candle, or even its later substitutes, for Grundy County is lighted by electricity. Steam and electric power carry the products of the fertile fields to the markets of the world, and natural resources are being transmuted into the gold of the realm.

It is not necessary to say much in an opening chapter where those following have been handled so thoroughly and accurately. The editors have all labored with patriotic love to produce a hook that would reflect credit upon their county, and if some have differed in their ideas relative to earlier events, it is because much of the pioneer records of any locality are written only in the hearts and memories of those taking part in the events from day to day. and handed down by "word of mouth," to their descendants.

Welcome Extended Joliet And Marquette

ERATION IN GRUNDY COUNTY - THE "ILLINI" - WELCOME EXTENDED JOLIET AND MARQUETTE INDIAN DISTRUST AROUSED - KIRS'] CESSION OF TERRITORY IiV INDIANS IN ILLINOIS - TREATIES

Original American

The American Indian is the original American. His name was bestowed by Columbus upon the copper-colored natives who eagerly greeted him upon his arrival on the shores of the new world. Of what momentous importance was this first invasion. For countless years the Indian had roamed the great country upon which as far as is known no white foot had been set. His kind possessed the land from the Arctic Ocean on the North to Terra del Fuogo on the South, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Xo other race ever possessed so mighty an empire, undisturbed by conflicting contestants. Many tribes fought among themselves, but until 1J92 they were not disturbed by the invasion of the dominant race.

In that fateful year, three small vessels bore to the shores of the new world the white men, and from then on until today, the Indian has been under subjection. From time to time- savage tribes and nations have taken cruel and effective revenge for what, they have considered their wrongs, but where once there were hundreds of thousands of them in the United States of America now there are probably not more than a quarter of a million. The annual cost of their maintenance in the United States averages about $9,000,000. There have been some eight or nine regular wars with the Indians in addition to countless local uprisings which have cost heavily in human life and money, but now the Indian seems doomed. A century more of civilization and he will, perhaps, have passed from the face of the globe, living only on the pages of history as a much wronged and misunderstood race.

Indian Ch Ah Sci Eristics

The physical characteristics of the Indian are the same wherever he is found. All of them have the same long, lank hair, black as to color and coarse as to texture. The skin is brown or copper-colored shading in some caws t<> almost white. The brows are heavy, while the eyes are dull and sleepy, seldom expressing any emotion. The lips are full, but (.-(impressed, with a salienl ami dilated nose above. Tlie head is square or rounded, flat-boned with high cheek bones. Tin- Indian is haughty, taciturn and stoical, but cunning and brave, as well as ferocious in war aud the most dreaded of all enemies, [n temperament he i~ poetic aud imag- I, nti e, rind main of the chiefs liave been noted f,,r flu-ir eloquence and the beauty of their df< I - i

.- but Grundy Countj is only immediately con- vi. -;--,! with the tribes of the Illinois Confederation. Belonging to it were the Tamaroas, Michijsunies, Kaskaskias. Cahokias and Peoria s. Tlie name. Illinois, with its French termination, was taken from the Indian one meaning superior men, and was written - "Leni" and "Illini." This tribe met Marquette, the Jesuit explorer, with the cry: "'We are Illini, we are men," iu contradistinction to their estimate of their enemy, the Iroquois, whom they regarded as savage beasts. Thus came the name of the great Commonwealth in which Grundy County is found.

The Indians forming this strong confederation nil belonged to the Algonquins, who, while not so ferocious in warfare, were brave and skillful, and were often victors when the conditions were in any way equal. They made a courageous resistance and showed remarkable savage strategy and diplomacy during the various Indian wars. Those of the Algonquins composing the Illinois Confederation were forced from their earlier location in the neighborhood of Lake .Michigan, and settled west of the Mississippi River and from there, about 1G70-73, they came to the valley of the Illinois River. Their worst enemies of their own race were the terrible Iroquois from whom they fled in dismay for they had proven by many conflicts that the bitter could defeat them.

A.s long as the whites were friendly, the Illinois Confederation showed a like spirit, and as I'.irly as KI70 the Jesuit missionaries were received kindly, and. when Joliet and Marquette " turned from exploring the Mississippi in 1073, they were hailed with joy by the Indians who from that day were firm allies of the French. In K.;7o Marquette established the mission of the immaculate Conception near the present site of I'tica, and in December, 1G79, La Salic found a town of nearly 500 lodges, and on the present site of Peoria, one of about eighty lodges. In that vicinity, La Salle built Fort Crevecoeur. As time went on, however, the hitherto friendly Indians found that the white men were not to he entirely trusted. While many of the leaders were men of high principles, those under them were willing to resort to any means to defraud the simple red men of their furs, and many uprisings occurred that leave horrible shadows of fire and blood upon the pages of those times. With the driving out of the French, came English rule, and in turn, American, and all (he while the Indian was used as a cat's-paw in the strife between the whit" nations.

With the American Revolution came many changes. Tlie Americans began to come into contact with the Indians of what was then termed the "far west." and the Indians, quick to sense infringement upon their territory, viewed with alarm the advent of the whites into what is now Ohio, and the tribes united to endeavor to prevent further encroachments. In the meanwhile Fort S't. Louis was abandoned, the Kaskaskias were removed and Fort Chartres was erected, so that the Illinois Confederation was drawn to tlie southern part of the state, and the Sacs, Foxes and Pottawattomies flocked in to occupy their deserted lands. In 1795, the tribes made their first cession of territory in Illinois, by the Treaty of Greenville, Ohio, of "one piece of land, six miles square, at the mouth of Chicago River, emptying into the southwest end of Lake Michigan, where a fort formerly stood ; one piece twelve miles square near the mouth of the Illinois River; and one piece six miles square, at the old Peoria fort and village, near the south end of the Illinois Lake on the said Illinois River." The Government later erected forts at all the points to defend them and preserve the rights secured by this treaty.

In 1803, the Illinois Confederation ceded by the Vincennes treaty, nearly all of southern Illinois to the Government, and a year later the Sacs and Foxes by the St. Louis treaty ceded a vast tract of land lying on both sides uf the Mississippi River, extending on the east side from the mouth of the Illinois River to the head of that river and thence to the Wisconsin Paver. During the year 1S1G a treaty was signed with the "united tribes of Ottawas, Chipyewas and Pottawatomies" at St. Louis, in which the following appears: -

"Whereas, a serious dispute has for some time existed between the contracting parties relative to the right to a part of the lands ceded to the United States by the tribes of Sacs and Foxes, on the third of November, 1S04, and both parties being desirous of preserving a harmonious and friendly intercourse, and of establishing permanent peace and friendship, have for the purpose of removing all difficulties, agreed to the following terms, etc."

The boundaries which were established by these important treaties are the only ones that have found a place upon the published county maps of the State. This territory thus ceded is marked by lines which are drawn from a point on Lake Michigan ten miles both north and south of the mouth of the Chicago Liver, and follow the general direction of the Desplaines River to a point on Fox River, teu miles from its mouth, and north of 1 lie Illinois River, and in a similar manner on the Kankakee Liver to the south. It will be easily seen from the above that only that part of Grundy County that lies north of the Illinois Liver is included in this treaty. The remaining portion was obtained from the Pottawatomies by a treaty made in ISIS in which they ceded the greater portion of their remaining possessions in Illinois. Although this territory passed into the hands of the Government the same year that Illinois was made a State, the Indians did not leave at once, but remained for some years, peacefully fishing and hunting, and being on frieudly terms with the incoming whites.

Chief Wauponsee

The pioneers who came to Grundy County found members of the Pottawatomie tribe under the supervision of their chiefs, Wauponsee and Shabbona. Quoting from a contemporary historian, a description of these warriors is obtained.

they moved to Paw Paw Grove. Wauponsee is represented as a large, muscular man, fully six fret and three indies iu height. His head presented an unusual feature for an Indian, being entirely bald save a small scalp lock at the crown. In manner he was markedly reserved and gave frequenl evidences of an untamed savage disposition that needed only an opportunity to lapse into the cruel barbarity of earlier years. He was a war-chief and claimed to be one hundred years old, though this statement was but little credited by the whites. With the rest of his nation he was engaged in the battle of Tippecanoe and other Indian demonstrations in the following years, lb- is credited by some as being the Waubansee who befriended the family of John Kinzie alter the massacre at Fort Dearborn, but while such action, inconsistent as it is with the part he would naturally take ill the attack upon the retrea ing garrison, it is not without parallel in Indian history. However, the strong impression is that these are two individuals, lie moved with his band to the government reservations in the 'far west' in 1S39, sig nalizing his departure with a deed of barbarous cruelty that, characterizes his memory here. This occurred in Octobi r, 1S39, and is descril I by L. W. Claypool who had ample facilities for learning the truth as 1

"'James McKeen, r aiding on the north bank of the Kankakee Liver, a mile above the mouth, with a hired man, John Dyers, had been burning leys in the afternoon. Some Indians asked the privilege of camping there for the night, which was readily granted. In the evening tiny gathered into the camp to the number of some fifty. bringing a supply of whiskey. Soon Wauponsee and his family came, having camped the night before near our place (S. W. y2 See. 20, 33, 7). My father and I visited his camp as he was leaving in the morning, and curiously observed their preparations for moving. His family consisted of one wife, of middle age, very attentive to his wants, adjusting pillows on his pack-saddle and assisting him on a stump to mount his pony; an old squaw, a wife evidently not in favor; a son, sixteen or eighteen years old; a son-inlaw with wife and two or three children ; and two slave squaws, poor, miserable, forlornlooking wretches in every respect. After supper McKeen and Byers went out to the fires whore the Indians- were having a drunken frolic. On approaching the Indians, they found a crowd of savages about a log heap, with one of the slave squaws lying on the ground near the fire, W'iiu ponsee stooping over her and talking in a low voice. Immediately after, he gave a signal, when the other slave came up, and buried a s'Hia\v-n\- in the brains of the unfortunate victim. Tin- body was removed to a pile of rails lying near. Being joined by other Indians the orgle was continued far into the night. In the morning the Indians broke camp and went on their way, when McKeen and Byers buried the unfortunate squaw on the banks of the I . kw.

...,| :hat of the Winnebagos, to which tribe ipjaw originally belonged, retired that her relatives mighl be moved to avenge her ill treatment received at his hands, so ordered her execution, and thus took a 'bond of fate.' Wauponsee is said to have been killed by a party of the Sacs and Foxes for opposing them in the Black Hawk War. His scalp was taken off. the body mutilated, and left on the prairie to be devoured by wolves."

Chief Shabboxa

"Slial.bona. who shares with Shakespeare (he d ;t taction of having his named spelled in an Hess number of ways, was born of Ottawa I :«n tits, on the Kankakee River in Will County, about 177.'.. In his youth he married the daughter of a Pottawatomie chief, who had his village on the Illinois River, a short distance above the mouth of the Fox River. Here, at the death of Spotka, his father-in-law, be succeeded to the chieftainship of the band, which soon sought a more salubrious spot, and settled in Do Kalb County, where he was found by the early settlers. Shabhona seems to have lacked none of those qualities which were required to command the respect and confidence of his band and yet he was possessed of rare discernment and decision of character, -which led him early to see that war with the whites was hopeless, and that the only hope of the savage was to make the host terms possible with the inevitable. To this policy, he was one of the first of his people to give earnest support, and once

"He was easily influenced by the eloquence of Tecumseh, and became an ardent admirer and devoted personal attendant, of that celebrated warrior. He was absent from the battle of Tippecanoe with Tecumseh, and returned only to hear of the massacre at Fort Dearborn, and to assist in the defense of Kinx.ie the following night. Believing that his nation would join the British in the War of 1S12 he joined his hero warrior and acted as aid to Tecumseh until the latter was killed. In the general pacification of the tribes after this war, Shabhona seems to have imbibed his peace policy, to which he ever afterward adhered. While not gifted as an orator, bis reputation for honesty, fidelity to his nation and good judgment, gave him a wide influence among the more warlike of his people, and in 3S27, be rendered valuable service to the whites in dissuading the Pottawatomie nation from joining the Winnebago war. In 3S32, when Black Hawk strove to unite the Indian nations in a combined attack upon the whites, be met a fatal obstacle in the influence of Shabhona for peace. Notwithstanding every influence and inducement brought to bear upon him, the 'white man's friend' stood firm, and was largely influential in bringing the aid of the Pottawatomies to the white forces. Subsequently, when Black Hawk was betrayed into hostilities, and the news of the Indians' first blow and success reached him, be sent his son and nephew in different, directions, while he went in still another, to warn the settlers of the impending danger, thus saving the lives of many in the isolated settlements, a service for which he suffered the loss of bis son and nephew at the bands of the enraged Sacs and Foxes years afterwards. In the military operations which followed, with Wau|>onsee, 'Billy Caldwell' and a considerable number of warriors, he enlisted with the army under General Atkinson, who at once placed him in command of the. Indian contingent. After performing, valued service, he retired with his band at the close of the war, to his village in De Kalb County, where they remained to the date of their removal to the West in lc3fi.

"In consideration of his services the National Government, beside many other tokens of esteem, reserved a tract of land for his use at Shabhona Grove, and granted him a pension of $200 per annum. In (he summer of 1S3G, however, the Indian agent notified him that his hand must go to the lands assigned them in the West, as none but himself and family could remain on the reservation. Much as he regretted to leave the scenes of his manhood, ahout which gathered his dearest memories, he could not consent to a separation from his band, so in September, the Whole band eaine to Main Bureau Creek, and camping at the crossing of the Peoria and Galena road, they remained here ahout six weeks hunting and fishing. The Government proposed to bear the expense of their removal as in tin' case of other tribes, but Shabona, rejecting the offer, set out one October day with his band of about 1)2 souls and l<in ponies for their lands in western Kansas. Not long after this the. Government moved the Sacs and foxes from the reservations in Iowa to lands adjoining the Pottawatomies. These tribes entertained the bitterest hostility against Shnbbona for the pan he took in (lie Black Hawk War. ami Xeopope, a chief of these tribes, had sworn to accomplish the destruction of the 'white man's friend' together with Ids son and nephew.

"In the fall of 1S37, Shahhona. with his son and nephew and a few hunters, went out on the plains to hunt buffalo, when, without the slightest apprehension of danger they found themselves attached by a band of the Sacs. Shabona, with his son Smoke and four hunters escaped, but knowing that a relentless Nemesis was on his track. Ik- left his band and returned with his family to his reservation in De Kalb County: this consisted of 1,2S0 acres, most of which was fine timherland. A clause of the treaty conveyed this, and other reservations granted them in fee simple, but the U. S. Senate struck out this clause making the property only a reservation. This fact escaped the notice of Shahbona, and in 1S45 he sold the larger part of his land and returned to Kansas to visit his band. It was soon discovered by designing persons that this transfer was illegal, and on the strength of representations made at Washington, the authorities declared the reservation vacant and the transfer void. On his return in 1S51, he found his whole property sequestered and himself homeless. This grove had been his home for nearly fifty years; here he had made the grave of his first squaw and two panoses, and here he had expected to lay his own bones. It was natural that he should feel a deep sense of injury at this ungrateful requital of devotion to the white race; but this was a new generation, the reservation had been technically abandoned, and none were greatly wronged save the Indian, who had not yet excited the romantic or humanitarian interest of a later day, and broken-hearted he went out to a retired place to implore the Great Spirit, after I he fashion of Ids tribe.

"The case excited the interest of bis early friends, who purchased a small tract of improved land, with house, outbuildings and fencing, situated on the bank of the Illinois near Seneca in Grundy County. Here he lived in a wigwam, hi-- family occupying the house until his death at (he age <>f eighty-four, on July 17, 1859. His remains wcr^ laid to rest in lot 29, block 7. in tin- Morris Cemetery with elaborate ceremony and grateful regard of the whole couuty. Mere rest also eight of his family, live of whom were his children or grand-children. Shortly after his death his family removed to their nation in the West, and while his land is held by the County Court in (nisi for the benefit of his heirs there is no monument to marl; the memory of one whom General Cass once introduced to a distinguished audience at Washington as, 'Shahhona, the greatest rod man of the West.' His grandson Smoke is supposed to be acting chief of his nation."

Portrait Of Shahhona

Although no monument had yet been raised to the memory of this Indian chief, there is a fine, life size portrait of him in the Court House at Morris, 111., representing him standing, arrayed in ;i dress coat which was presented him at Washington. With it he wears characteristic Indian finery, which adds to his imposing appearance.

Indian Relics

"An Indian relic which has given rise to many conjectures, is a cedar pole about six inches in diameter at the base, and from twenty to twenty-five feet in height standing in the center of the largest of the ancient mounds found in Morris. Tie> iK)le stands at (he lower end of Wauponsee Sheet, its base protected by a close fitting' piece of flagging, and surrounded by an iron fence. The universal respect, on (he part of the citizens for this monument of the past is, however, its surest protection. None of the In- that the fight began at Blue Island. The Illitlians with whom the early settlers came in cop- uois tribe retreated, and again had a fight three tion (indeed they did not claim to know), until hank of Hickory Creek, where Oakwood Cemetlie engineers who surveyed the line of the canal tcry now is, a retreat and a hard fight at Nettle explorations, am were rewarded by the dis- far as Starved Rock, where Clark save a decovery of soir teresting Indian remains. The scription of tlie siege ami the daring conduct of was very old. full of curious cuts and marks, J went hack with them to see (he order exegiving in a rude way. as Chirk said, the exploits cuted. ami it was. We had no trouble with the

"'I had found a curious mound at the west (he Indian Clark confused tin- history of Nueside of a small grove, north of the old river quette with (he campaign of the Pottawatomies ami spit upon it, showing their utter contempt been leveled to make way for encroaching civilifor his want of good taste while living." zation. Other mounds were found along the yielded implements of stone, metal and pottery, and evidently wen- raised by that mysterious people known as the Mound Builders. As to who these people were, and from whence they came, or where they have .cone, no really satisfactory answers have boon given, athough antiquarians have advanced many plausible theories.

By the time the pioneers were fairly locate'] in Grundy County, however, the Indians had ceased to he a serious menace. Many lingered for some years and became annoying because of their insistence upon being fed. Some amusing stories are told of demands made by the Red Men upon food stores, especially those cooked by the "white squaws," and more than one settler was amazed and indignant at receiving an offer of a string of jinnies for his "squaw" who could prepare particularly toothsome dainties. The Indian has passed from Grundy County. Finis has been written at the close of his history, as soon it will appear to the page given over to his race. His influence remains hi the many musical and expressive names to be found all oxer the county, as elsewhere in the country, and the treaties he and his people made with the whites appear on all land transfers.

The passing of the Indian in the United States is nearly accomplished. But a little more than three centuries have passed since the Red Men bowed before his white invader, and yet in that interval, a mighty people have been practically wiped out, and their lands turned over to the conqueror. It is one of the most remarkable instances of the survival of the Attest, the world has ever, known. Brave to a fault, proud and autocratic, men impatient of restraint, the Indians have not been able to live when deprived of their natural surroundings. Their best chararteristics have been lost in their years of dependency, and they are no longer capable of directing their own affairs.

The Indians belong to a different class from some other wards of the Government. Many of the proudest families of the country boast of Indian blood in their veins. Intermarriages between the whites and Indians have not been infrequent, and the results are often satisfactory. Thus it is that while as a race the Indians have almost entirely disappeared, the spirit of the old warriors still lives in descendants whose skins are as white as those who drove out the Bed Men from their ancestral hunting grounds, and who are accepted as members of the dominant race. Time works wonders, and softens all prejudices. Looking back upon the records of those bloody times indicated by Indian warfare, the liberal-minded reader can comprehend that there was blame on each side, although not always in individual cases, and that even if the Indian was bloodthirsty, he was actiug according to a deep-rooted belief in his right to resist "paleface" invasion, and support his rights as he understood them. Peace to the ashes of these Indian warriors, whether they rest in pleasant cemeteries like those of Shabbona, or have been given bark- to the earth from which they sprung by the wild winds of heaven; forgiveness of the wrongs of both sides, and a better understanding of the principles that actuated these old time enemies; and above all, knowledge and power to resist the temptation to repeat history by oppressing the down trodden, in the twentieth century, or to treat unworthily those- who resist wrongs which grind into the soul.

Chapter Iii Lands. Early Titles, Development

OLD INDIAN TERRITORY - CEDED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY TREATY - GRUNDY COUNTY INDIANS WERE POTTAW ATOMIES - FIRST LOTS OF 1 AND OFFERED IN 1S30 - PUBLIC AUCTION OF IMPROVED LANDSPECULATORS A MENACE TO PERMANENT SETTLERS - FIRST LAM) ENTRIES IN THE COUNTY - REMARKABLE INCREASE IN VALUES - LIST OF SURVEYORS FROM 1S11 TO J 91-1. ' '

Old Indian Territory

Grundy County lands were a portion of the tract bought by the Government from the Indians. The first cession of lands from the Red Man included a section, six miles square, at the and one, six miles square, at the old Peoria fort early settlers worked hard to improve their propanil village. This abandonment was ratified by erty, and when, in 1-S33, they found that the which ceded territory marked by lines drawn The sale of land took place at Chicago, and from. a point on Pake Michigan ten miles north for the first couple of days the sales were conand south of the mouth of the Chicago River, ducted from the steps leading into a store on and following the Desplaines to a point ten Lake Street. As the mud was deep around this miles north of the Illinois on the Fox River, and point, the auction was later moved to Garrett's the same distance on the south to the Kankakee new auction rooms, near South Water Street. River. By this treaty only the northern half So many attended that the above structure broke of Grundy County was ceded to the Govern- down, and the sale was completed on South ment. the remaining portion remaining the prop- Water Street. The reason for trouble arose erty of the Pottawatomies, who, however, ceded from the fact that outside speculators had thai also in 3 SIS. Although the Indians had flocked to Chicago, intending to bid in the paribus parted with their land, they continued to tially improved lands and hold them for high live in Grundy County, hunting and fishing, for prices. The acumen and activity of the actual years afterward. Those found in Grundy Conn- owners largely frustrated this nefarious scheme, i 1 eh tilled to the Pottawatomie tribe, and their hut it is stated that as much as s.",oo,ooo was uritativo representatives were Shahbona and taken out of the city, an immense amount in With the coming of the white men, those days. In August, lS3o, the books were in ls::n some lots wore brought into the market, Richard Lamb, William Scully, Lewis T. Jamibut William Hodge was the only one to pur- son. M. G. and J. W. Ilaymond. John McNellis,

Remarkable Increase Ix Values

The first lands were sold for $1.25 per acre. This was the usual price for government lands in early days, and while it now seems to have been low, it must lie remembered that the property was entirely unimproved, was generally remote from highways and was thus difficult to reach from the outside world. The majority <if the settlers commenced at once to develop the property thus secured and their sons continued the work when the fathers retired, and at present much of the Grundy County farm land is held at $200 per acre, while that situated in the towns and cities has reached an almost prohibitive price.

And Churches

EARLY DAYS IN GRUNDY C Ol N*TY' - PIONEER CABINS - HOMEMADE FURNITURE - FIREPLACE COOKING - MANY EXPEDIENTS SHOWING RESOURCE] ULNESS - 1 \CK OF PIIY'SICIANS - DIFFICULT LAND (II VRING - PRACTICALLY NO ROADS - LOW PRICES FOR PRODUCE - SCARCITY OF MONEY - BARTER AND EXCIIANG1 - PIONEER HONESTY - EARLY SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

So much has been written of pioneer life, of its healthful effects, its simple demands, ils sincere hospitality and ils commendable lack of society conventions until (here are doubtless those of a later generation beginning to wonder if they have not been defrauded of much that ought to he their birthright. If those who thus lament, however, should be brought into direct contact with pioneer life as their forefathers and mothers experienced it. it is doubtful if they would find much enjoyment, or be able to long endure the frightful dangers and constant privations which daily met the frontiersman and his family.

Even those who now go forward to the outposts of civilization confront no such conditions as prevailed when Grundy Countj was being settled. Modern inventions and manufactures make it possible for the pioneer to enjoy a fair amount of comfort. Even the explorers of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, or of other remote parts of the eartth, can now have in their stores canned goods which will provide a pleasant varient in food, while they include as nece sary equipments, scientific instruments and modern tools. The pioneer of Crundy 'County had nothing of this kind upon which be could depend. If his little store of home cured meats, meal and dried fruit and vegetables gave out before he had his tields planted, he had to depend upon his skill as a hunter or fisherman to keep the wolf of hunger from his door. Unfortunately in the early days there was a real wolf which was not backward about making his presence known, the gray timber wolf, which, during the long winters

OLDEST HOUSE IX GRUNDY COUNTY, LOCATED IN MAIN TOWNSHIP, IilTL' KY JOHN CRAGG IN 1833. IT WAS ONE OF THK STATIONS OF THE "UNDEH G HOUND RAILWAY" IN SLAVERY DAYS. AND WAS. FOR SEVERAL YEARft '111: POLLING PLACE (JF THE SECOND DISTRICT OF THE COUNTY.

Pioneee Cabins

Nevertheless pioneering had many interesting f,.,iui.'< together with its hardships, and lino chii meters were developed. The pioneer and bis fitnilly lived during their first years in the new - inty, in a log cabin, crudely put together from !...:-; felled in the nearby forest. Oftentimes these lo-s came from trees which were hewn down to make a place for the cabin. There, in deep woods, with the lonesome soughing of I .. -,. Ind through the wide spaces to remind them if their isolated situation, the wife and her children anxiously waited the coming back of »:.-- husband and father when he ventured further into the forest in search of game with which to make more nourishing their scanty store "f meal. More often than not, especially .: : ( at first, the floors of these cabins were made of dirt, and practically all of the furniture was of home manufacture. Railroads were not then built, and transportation at'ross the country in wawns, or by menus of the natural waterways, v a< tiresome and expensive. Therefore as litl ,. i . possible w:is brought from the old home t" I new, and consequently all that was needed, from what had formed the household goods t by such labor and expense, had to be the premises. Few of the pioneers had iltude for cabinetmaking, so that their

at furniture were of necessity rude - \. I'll they were thankfully accepted, and »:-.<- g»«x1 housewives did the best they could witJi i ho chairs, made from tree trunks, tables, of hewn logs, and beds constructed in the following primitive fashion. Two Iocs were driven in Ihe ground six feet apart and six feet from - h.- wall. From them to the opposite wall a Web was woven of grasses, or in rare instances, roj-o. upon which the straw "ticks" were spread, and on top of them the feather bed. Oftentimes a second bed was made above the first, both belli- curtained off, or a trundle bed for the children was made to shove in beneath the larger one during the day time. Some families not so thrifty or resourceful, contented themselves with lying wrapped in a blanket before the lire, but they were not considered by the better class as Ing. proper care of their households, when,

Dishes and crockery wore often lacking, and the housewife of those days was pretty sure to utilize everything she could put her hands on in order to have sufficient articles with which to set her table, she it. was who originated the first planked dishes, the same that are nowconsidered a luxury in the most fashionable restaurants in I he bind. Needing her few kettles for baking bread, as she oftentimees was without an oven, she learned to put her meat and fish as well as her johnny-cake upon slabs of wood and bake in the ashes or before the flames in her fireplace. When she started to bake bread, and what quantities those hardy pioneers could consume, she could not run to the grocer, ami there buying a cake of yeast, begin her operations. Her bread making had commenced way back in the old homo when she had carefully dried for future consumption some of the airy, beautiful green hop blooms. After her arrival in the new place, her first, thought was to commence making her yeast, a little or which when properly fermented sufficed t<> make a light sponge with either rye, barley or cornmeal, rarely at first of wheal flour. When her loaves were ready for baking she had to place them in open kettles and set them by the tire, piling on the lids glowing coals of wood which had to be replaced every few moments. Some very fortunate women had what was called a Dutch oven, a sheet-iron affair, which could be set in the fireplace and thus heated. Still others acquired in time brick ovens, which were heated thoroughly and (he loaves of bread baked on this hof surface cannot he excelled by the latest baking devices of today. The modern housewife with all her many culinary improvements should pause a moment and think of all the back-breaking stooping that was involved in every household operation. No wonder that women of thirty looked old. or that those of forty were ready to retire to the chimney corner.

Lack Of Physicians

When sickness fell upon the pioneer family, which it did with terrifying frequency, it was almost impossible to secure a physician, unless one possibly had become a pioneer neighbor him- self, and even then his remedial agent? an'- appliances were wholly inadequate to grapple with disease. We are told that the pioneer was healthy ami lived through somehow, but did he? Co into any country churchyard where Ho those who wore the pioneers and read their simple headstones. How many of the little baud of brave. men and women lived to good old age? How many of their children passed through infancy to eliildlio.nl and (hen on into middle age? True more children were born in those days, hut there was terrible mortality among infants. Epidemics swept through all (hose pioneer communities, often wiping out whole families. Cholera, smallpox and the various diseases (o which children are particularly prone, were all too frequent visitors. And the Great White Plague! What family was without one or other of its victims? With no real understanding of sanitary requirements, net knowing even of the dangers that lurked in their streams or their surface wells, although in that they were no more ignorant than the rest of the world, the pioneer was not able to protect himself or his loved ones from the ravages of disease, while the exposed conditions of their lives led to the contraction of colds which oftentimes resulted fatally. There were other misfortunes they had to endure, largely from lack of knowledge. When Grundy County was a pioneer region, people in general had not learned how to care for and preserve their teeth, and spectacles for failing sight were but poor affairs, and costly at that. It can he recalled that comparatively few people retained either their teeth or good eyesight after forty, and many failed to retain them after they had passed the quarter of a century milestone.

Thus these pioneers of ours had much to contend with in addition to clearing oil the land and making it valuable. Too much honor cannot be paid them and their heroic struggles, all the more because the majority of them went about their tasks cheerfully and happily, and were glad to sacrifice as they did that their children might profit.

Difficult Land Clearing

However, it was no light task they assumed. this clearing of the land. The present generation knows nothing of this back-breaking, heartwearing work. In the first place none of the pioneers had proper tools or sufficient stock, and from the beginning were thus hampered. They were anxious to get enough seed in as soon as possible so as to provide food, and in order to do this, oftentimes plowed about the stumps of the trees they had felled, not waiting to grub out the stumps. Sometimes these stumps remained in until they rotted away, owing to the farmer's lack of time and strength to get them tint. While the decaying wood eventually enriched the land, no satisfactory cultivating could hi> done as long as the plow was continually blocked by the stumps, yet crops were put in and harvested, because these pioneers had to get along somehow so as (o live and provide for their children.

All of the land was not timberland, however; much, especially in Grundy County was prairie, and one who knows nothing of conditions in those days wonders why the prairie land was not always chosen. There were a number of reasons. In the first place the pioneer had to secure a place that would give him timber not only for his house, barn and fences, hut Cor fuel as well, and (hen. too, the timber usually bordered the streams and water was another necessity. However there was another cogent reason. Difficult as it was to put timberland under cultivation, it was even more so to plow up tinprairie sod. It has been proven by scientists who have studied these matters carefully that the prairies are great forest spaces whose upper growth has been destroyed by (ire or other causes so that only the roots remain, but these are very old, antedating sometimes the mighty forest trees in point of age. Beneath the tough prairie grass of these level spaces is a growth that makes it necessary to use plows specially designed for (hat purpose. Few of the pioneers had such plows, ami for this and other reasons the prairies were developed at. a later date than the timberland. When, after countless setback-, and constant work, the pioneer managed to get enough of his land under cultivation to he able to sell some of his produce, he was confronted by two difficulties: he had no local market, and practically no transportation to that of the larger communities. Of course he could haul his grain or drive bis stock, but when the state of the roads in those early days is remembered some comprehension may he had of what it meant, to sell at Peoria or Chicago.

Patrick Hynds

low :is to scarcely pay for the* hauling, let alone the raisin?-. Grains were all low and vegetables brought no prices, for everyone had a garden and there could be no export on perishable goods bec.inso this was long before the refrigerator car. Chickens and olt^s were sold for any price offered, no matter how low. Butter was traded for groceries at the coiner store, as were eggs, no money changing hands. Fortunately the pioneer could raise much that lie required, and went without about all else. The housewife made candles from tallow, cured her own meats, rendered her lard and made her butter. The men folks in spare times hunted for came and honey, the latter furnishing sweetening at a time when sugar was almost priceless. Soap was made at home, as were all the clothing, stockings and caps. Traveling shoemakers went through the country, remaining at a cabin a week to outfit the family with shoes, but oftentimes the pioneer, in the earliest days, managed with moccasins made by deft hands. Money was something so scarce that it was not in general circulation during pioneer days. Barter and exchange prevailed. One pioneer traded his surplus of honey for his neighbor's abundance of "garden sass." A housewife who had turned out more soap than she required, exchanged with her neighbor for candles, of which she had a scanty store. Cheating was unknown, although some were "better hands at a trade" than others. Even in those days when each man ought to have had an equal chance, there we're those who knew how to get along, while others who appeared to work as hard fell behind, and oftentimes lost all they had. It has always been this way, and probably will continue to be as long as human nature remains as it is.

Early Schools And Churches

As soon as possible the typical pioneer sought to provide better conditions for his children. He was willing to work, do without and make his own way without educational advantages, hut he would not permit his children to do the same. In every community throughout Grundy County long before the county was organized, when everything was still in an unsettled state, there were to he found certain persons a little -'iter educated than their neighbors, Leathering -'>o children about them and imparting what knowledge they possessed. These were usually the people who managed to have a religious service held in their cabins at odd intervals and from them sprung up the two mighty factors in the development of Grundy County - school and church. In time the fireside schools gave way to one held in a tiny cabin, presided over probably by a young man struggling to secure better educational advantages himself, and in this way eking out existence until he had completed his studies, or by a girl, who. coming from a more settled community to join a relative, taught until some enterprising unmarried pioneer bore her ..if us his bride. These primitive schools have all passed away. So have the people who once were nobly responsible for them. Many who attended them have also left this world, but out from their simple teachings many a great man developed whose country had to lean upon his wisdom in time of dire peril.

The pioneers of Grundy County suffered much, endured long and prospered in no proportion to their merits, but they laid the foundation of a mighty superstructure that will endure through the ages, from them have sprung those now living who, in turn, will transmit the virtues inculcated by their forebears, and will) this all in view, who dare say that the pioneers lived in vain, or that pioneer life was not productive of much that was good and noble although it tried men's souls as by fire.

Pioneeb Women

SCANT MENTION IN HISTORY - BUSY AND USEFUL LIVES - THEIR MANY ACTIVITIES - THEIR NOBLE VIRTUES - THEIR WORK FOR CHURCH AND SCHOOL - THEIR INFLUENCE IN THE CAUSE OF TEMPERANCE WORTHY DESCENDANTS IN GRUNDY

County Scant Mention In History

Indian to make secure the right to the land they had chosen as a home, but much less is said of the struggles of (heir women, and yet it was the women who suffered most. Many of those who became pioneers in Grundy County were of gentle blood and had left homes where they had been tenderly cherished and surrounded by comforts and luxuries and thus were but illy prepared for the stem realities which confronted them on the frontier. Although rugged toil and wearying daily routine, aside from positive danger, was their portion, after accompanying their men to the "far west"' they were singularly uncomplaining. Their housekeeping was done well although with the most primitive of appliances; they were often hard put to find a variety for their table; they here their many children without proper medical attention and brought them up wisely and well even when neither school nor church were- near enough to lend influence. Where stands a monument of stone to call attention to Pioneer Women?

Although very many of these women paid heavily for their sacrifices, in broken health and in shortened lives, bow cheerfully and bravely were these sacrifices made. Not lacking in any of the qualities or talents that make the noble women of Grundy County noticeable today, they gaveTso lavishly and unselfishly of themselves that their descendants can never rise to greater heights of womanhood, for they were actuated by the spirit of helpfulness that made ministering to others a chosen duty in which there was no thought of any earthly reward. In many almost forgotten burial places stand simple stones on which the inscriptions tell the story of the brief span of life of young wife and mother and the stranger reads of these long ago domestic tragedies with a haunting feeling of injustice done and of pity that pioneering had to claim so many innocent victims. Fortunately there were those of stronger mold who were able to live through the struggles of those early days even into old age. All soldiers of a war do not jterisb on the battlefield, but enough are stricken to make the sacrifice pitiable.

Busy And Useful I.Ives

We know that these pioneer women were not idle a moment of their lives. Here indeed were they true helpmeets, and no one was more to be pitied in those early days than the man who did not have either mother, wife or sister to assist him in his work and with helpfulness unfailing give him strength. Industries tor the comfort and health of the family were entirely in her hands. She not only attended to her household duties, hut she spun and wove both flax and wool, made the cloth thus manufactured into clothes. Stockings, "comforters" and mittens were knit by the busy fingers of the women during the long evenings, their onlyjight oftentimes the flickering lire, or at best that given forth by a home-made tallow "dip." When sickness came into the home circle, it was the housewife who ministered her home-brewed medicines and sat up until cither death or returning health made such service unnecessary. The pioneer woman not only ministered to her own. but to neighbors, and her hands prepared the body of the dead for burial, or that of the new-born for living. Had it not been for the energy and devotional zeal of the pioneer women churches would not have been established as early hy a number of years. In the beginning, services were held in the cabins of the pioneers and the women made welcome, not only the neighbors who, for miles around, came to attend the religious exercises, but the preachers as well, taking pride in entertaining them with toothsome meals, the preparation of which, with their tew utensils, was a task that would be almost beyond the ordinary present day housewives. When the pioneer women <>f Grundy County likewise felt that it was necessary for their children to have schools they saw that they were established, working through their less observant men folks for this purpose. With tin? beginning of agitation against the liquor tratlie, these women came solidly to the front, and have ever since been mighty forces against this evil.

Worthy Descendants

In the successors and descendants of these heroic women of Grundy County are found those self reliant, purposeful and effective women of the present day, who are so ably working along progressive lines for the betterment of humanity. Changing conditions have made it unnecessary for them to labor just as their forebears did. but the same uplifting spirit actuates them, and they are fighting the good fight, and will triumph eventually, for they have right on their side, and morality as their watchword.

Chapter Vi Recollections Of Fifty Years

than to cloud the sunlight of the present. There is a touch of sadness in such a retrosi>ect, in the rcmombrance that so few of the early settlers remain and that even once prominent old family names have no present representatives; but they are not forgotten, and it is a part of a history like the present to perpetuate them.

CANAL - THE OLD COURTHOUSE - THE OLD LOG BASTILE - NEWSPAPER AMENITIES - A FIST FIGHT - THE ROUGH WIT OF THE TIMES - PRACTICAL JOKES - FIRST RAILROAD TRAIN - THE PROFESSIONS - JUSTICE COURTS - A FEW SERIOUS CRIMES - RELIGIOUS INTEREST - EARNEST MINISTERS- -A SIMPLE MARRIAGE CEREMONY - A NOTED

Outward Changes But The Core Of The Apple Is The Same

PAIGN BARNSTORMERS - CIVIL WAT! VETERANS - SHREWD MERCHANTS - RECREA1 IONS - SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS - OLD PRAIRIE TIMES PLEASURAELY RECALLED - MANY AUTOMOBILES OWNED - MANY OUTWARD CHANGES BUT THE CORE OF THE APPLE IS THE SAME.

The writer finds names and events swarming to memory as personal recollections during a somewhat busy and varied life, and perhaps his earliest memories concern themselves with stories of the famous Indian chief, Shabhona, who was justly known as "the white man's friend." This old chieftain was oue of the aids of chief Tecumseh during the battle of the Thames, and certain incidents of that engagement made him a lib Ion- friend of bis white brothers, whom he frequently saved from death in after years. Probably every resident of the comity is familiar with his famous ride, and the Shabhona Memorial Association erected a handsome and massive monument at Morris, that the memory of the famous Indian might not die.

(The following article is largely a compilation secured through interviews with many of the older residents of Grundy County, and aims, through comment, jest and story, to tell of former days and to tincture the present with a little of the life of the past.)

To recall events covering a period of fifty years - a half century in the life of Grundy County, and to make the narrative true as well as interesting; is no easy nor inconsequent task. It must touch the days of our pioneer grandfathers, as sound and stanch a body of men as ever crossed the border line of Illinois; it must recall the days of the fading Indian race here; it will bring sad recollections of the war cloud of 1SG1, and then will lead into the present paths of peace and plenteousness. There has been much in the unwritten history of old Grundy that, if told, would stir the heart and arouse the enthusiasm of the people in admira- 'i"ii for her quiet hemes, but many of these lives have been so entwined with others that '"11 justice may never be done and it were best l" leave undrawn the curtain of the past rather

Canal Traffic

During the days of passenger traffic on th^ Illinois & Michigan Canal, by packet boats, the coming and going of these vessels always excited much interest, and were attended by the blowing of an old tin horn, whose raucous voice offended the ears of every one within a mile, or the shooting off of the historic cannon. There was also the old ferry, although, as has been said before, "it didn't always ferry," depending upon the state of the river and of the ferryman. At that time the people had no idea that the Illinois liner would become the outlet for the drainage canal, and it. is possible, and highly probable, that if they had been asked their opinion they would have objected strenuously to it. That the people of this vicinity now take the great enterprise good-naturedly is shown in the following story, as related by O. .1. Nelson. According to Mr. Nelson, during the meeting held by the State Board of Supervisors at Morris, in 1913, Charles F. Hanson, who for twelve years was states attorney for Grundy County, in speaking of Morris. and its surroundings, said: "And to the west of you is the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, and west in the early days, and the old log jail where- practical jokes the sheriff was compelled to barricade the entrance by piling rails and other obstacles against Numerous incidents might be related to show the door to keep westward movers from break- how high local feeling ran. The uncertainty in" in and using the jail for a camping place of the times made men frequently behave like during cool nights! Although the jail was not the veriest boys, and practical joking was often often used, newspaper controversy and bad indulged in. In the spring of 1S33, one Samuel whisky often combined to arouse the fighting 1'. Burgess, who was then head clerk in (he blond of some of the more turbulent spirits. II- Bishop store, was elected town clerk on the lustrative of this I may relate the following: democratic ticket after a very close contest. The late T. W. Hopkins is said to have com- Tie' Yeoman at that time was published by one posed many of the caustic articles printed m Walters, locally known as "The Singed Cat." th old Yeoman, while Doctor LcRoy was sup- Burgess and his friends celebrated in a manner posed to he (lie chief editorial writer of the fitting the occasion, and ended Up by carrying a Gazette. Mr. Hopkins conducted a department disgraceful old outbuilding from the rear of store at Morris, on the lot just west of the the <>ld courthouse and placing it snug up Commercial Hotel, and, like other merchants "f against the only outside door of (he Yeoman the time, sold whisky by the gallon. It may be office, which was also Walters' bona'. The said, in passing, that they were credited with "Singed Cat" happened to be awake, as he genselling the twenty-five cent, fifty cent, and orally was. and peeping out through the little one dollar liquor out of the same barrel. Mr. dingy window saw (he whole performance and Hopkins had some local reputation as a sports- those connected with it. When the midnight man, and had the finest shotgun in (own. said marauders had gone, he crawled out of the to have cost $l(in, which, in those days, was window, summoned his friends, and carried (he considered a vast sum. Serious trouble started building into the middle of the sire, t. Then when some verses were printed in the Gazette. he go! busy at his hide old press, and got out They ran in some such style as this: some bills about a foot square, which he posted

Feeling ran high, and the trouble culminated in front of the Yeoman office." in a fist" fight between Hopkins and LcRoy, in Great excitement was caused by the arrival

The publisher of the Gazette, Mr. Ashton, cross the river by ferry, but then a large subsprang into prominence at the time of the Brady stantial toll bridge was completed, this row and show, d himself an excellent sprinter created a free bridge April J. ISM), and was rewhe'n he captured the man Finlin, who was placed by the present modem steel structure. running for his life. At that time the telegraph The professions, during the early days t that Kellogg Nichols, the express ;.^-.r. had been beaten and shot to death BMl rite safe rubbed of thousands of dollars. The r.bU-rs made good their escape and $10,000 reward was offered for their capture. A year !i*d utmost gone by when the police arrested «:- Henry Schwartz, a brakeman on that train, h- was brought to Morris January 20, 1SS7. ' uext month Watts, the baggageman, was *'-- nrrested. These two men were charged :' i1"' crime and after a trial of nearly two were convicted and sent to the penitentiary for life. After a year's confinement Watts died, and Schwartz was pardoned by Governor Altgeld.

But to offset any tendency toward crime, Grundy County has cvr had a force for education, religion, morality and good citizenship of which it may well be proud. The history of the churches and schools here has been one of steady and consistent advancement. During the early years the gathering together of families to form a religious association was a difficult matter, as the settlements were so widely scattered, but with the growth of population religious denominations began to be well represented. The pioneer ministers, bravely treading the unknown frails, were for the greater part men of homely education and address, but their lack in this way was more than offset by their self-denying labor and intense earnestness. Familiar names among these worthy ministers of God are Adam and Aaron Payne, William Royal, Stephen Beggs and rsaac Scarrett, of whom the last named, a Methodist divine like fho others, was the one to solemnize the first marriage ceremony ever conducted in Grundy County - that of James Galloway with Martha Matilda Stype. at the house of Mr. Isaac Iloge. We have here an incident fo relate which the reader may find illustrative of the simple and confident faith in which these strong men labored. It was upon the occasion of the first marriage in Greenfield Township, this in June or July. ISol. The worker in the vineyard asked: --Henry, do you love Amanda?" The answer was readily and surely given : "Yes, sir!" Came the next question: "Amanda, do you love Henry?" And the answer came no less steadily and securely: "Yes!" "Then," said this sincere apostle of his Master, "I pronounce yon man and wife by God." Which, we feel confident in suiting, made that contract binding.

A Noted Preacher Of Morris

Brought face to face with difficulties, obstacles and perils, these men .proved time and again their judgment, capability and courage. Witness the success gained (as well as converts to the faith) by the Rev. W. S. Strong, who came to the then scoffing and practically lawless village of Morris and through the sheer force of his own personality and logic brought his audience1 to a slate of piety and reverence. As related by the Hon. P. A. Armstrong: "A

Moses of a new dispensation - i lead, and well did 1 I encouraged by the pioneer Morris paper, and other early papers of the day in Illinois. Like M of old, Abrahau I f the across the Jordan, and while a remains in our banner - while a sins blazoned on the field of blue - so long will the deeds, the heroism, and the loyalty of Abraham Lincoln be told to generations yet to come!"

First Newspaper

The first newspaper published in Grundy County. The Grundy Yeoman, dated Morris, 111., Saturday. August 14. 1^52. contains among its first page articles a facetious reference to the nomination of Gen. Franklin Tierce, and also mentions the names of such prominent political notables as John Van P.uren. James K. Polk, Gen. Winfield Scott and others. Brilliant writers were not wanting in that day. but their work would probably be s II of the present craft, who. whatever their | ':- tics, would undoubtedly take exception to such an article as appeared under the title of "Loco- Foco Candy-date,-' in the same number, which lacking, resources were frequently - in fact, fl^«ent and were a welcome addition to such more than frequently, and the wit and capa- social affairs as the pioneers were able to debility of the early business ventures here were ate. This tended to establish a custom among largely the mediums through which they worked the people which has been ingrained in their out their success. During the fall of 1S45 - the descendants. Hunting and fishing, of course, same year that Col. William L. Perce and Adam were anion- the chief recreations of the early Lamb had each located a small stock of mer- days, and those fortunate in securing the prize chandise for the needs of their canal hands - a trophies wen.' liberally rewarded. Log cabin general store was located in what had been the bar-room of the old Grundy Hotel, which then stood on the site biter occupied by the Hopkins House, at Morris. The proprietor was P. A. Armstrong, who purchased his goods from Colonel Perce and Mr. Lamb, and, finding himself cramped for room, built a small store, in which he also conducted the postoffice. Succeedin raisings always attracted a goodly concourse, the Saturday afternoon "scrub'' horse race and wrestling match brought its devotees, and the pioneer women indulged in carpet rag, quilting and spinning bees, which generally ended in a dance, and there were some famous "fiddlers." With the growt I: and development of the county with relating one. Like those hardy commer- Chicago furnished a market for the early setcial ventures in other sections. Mr. Armstrong tiers, but transportation facilities were decidtook the greater part of his pay in produce, and. ed]y ]ilnp;t.(1- aml the men of early Grundy were that one of his customers was possessed of a team, which Mr. Armstrong coveted greatly. On one of this customer's trips to the merchant's store, Mr. Armstrong succeeded in making him so interested in some goods that he had lately received that the purchaser finally agreed to trade his livestock and wagon for a large amount of merchandise, and after the deal had been consummated, found out that he had nothing with which to haul them back to his homein-. With the acquisition of wealth and more leisure, however, Chicago very frequently sees and welcomes Grunrij people and probably sells more automobiles to them than to any other section in the state.

The passing years! They have wrought great changes and have brought great accomplishments. They have obliterated old landmarks and in their stead have furnished the creations of modern ingenuity. They have taken away owned, from Mr. Armstrong. We are informed, however, that Mr. Armstrong was lenient in this matter, thus displaying himself possessed of the traits of sterling fellowship which were men of strength, force and capability to meet the conditions which confront the world's workers of today. Cue thing, however, they have not changed, nor is it reasonable to supjwse the county proud of the region in which their forebears lived their lives, and to the best in- The hospitality, generosity and general, good- terests of whirl, they continue to devote themfellowship exhibited by Grundy people have selves.

seemed almost impossible that this la ml should ever become the productive section of the present day. COUNT! ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT CHICAGO SETTLEMENT location of county seat - board o! (ommis- then frontier station. .Many failed to recognize sionehs - first election - grundy county or- the advantages ottered at this point, and paganized - hoard of SUPERVISORS - selection of neers coming west at that time, as well as later county ska i - -first courthouse - second on, passed through and went beyond, locating

1FFS - CORONERS - STATE'S ATTORNEY'S - SURVEYORS - county superintendents of schools - The first settler of what is n. iw Grundy supervisors of morris, afx sable, mazon. ( 'ouuty was William Marquis, and with his wauponsee. Greenfield, nR.vcEVii.LE. felix. coming began the history of tins section treated Saratoga, XKiTi.K creek, ERiENNA, nor.max, of at length individually in this work. He was vienna. highland, good farm, goose lake and followed by others until, by 18.°>9, there were a garfield. - ' sufficient number nf settlers to make it seem settlement hail been effected in the northern centered upon the building of what was bepnrt. - lieved would be one of the big highways of <-om- assembly. That nil that tract of country, lying and being in the county of La Salle, in Township 31, 32, 33 and 3!. north of Ranges <i. 7 and S, oast of the third principal meridian, shall constitute and form a new county, to be called Grundy.

Sec. 2. An election shall be held at the home of Columbus Pinney on the fourth Monday of May, 1841, for the purpose of electing one sheriff, one recorder, 'me county surveyor, one probate justice, one county treasurer, and three county commissioners, and one county commissioners' cleric, whn shall hold their offices until the next general election or until their successors in ollice shall be elected and qualified; said election shall be conducted according to the laws regulating elections in this stale. Perry A. ('laypool. Robert Walker, and John Beard, Si\, shall be the judges of said election, and shall make the returns within five days after such election to the county commissioners' clerk of La Salle County, and the said clerk of said county shall give certificates of election, as in other cases -for county officers, and the said county of Grundy shall be organized so soon as the said officers shall be elected and qualified.

Sec. 3. Ward P.. Burnett, Rulief S. Duryea and William E. Armstrong he appointed in conjunction with the Commissi oners of the Illinois and Michigan Canal to locate the seat of justice of the said County of Grundy.

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the said commissioners to locate the said seat of justice on the line of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, on canal lands, and they shall set apart for this purpose any-quantity of the canal lands not exceeding ten acres, and after doing so shall proceed to lay off the said land as a town site, embracing lots, streets, alleys and a public square, in such manner as they shall deem proper.

Sec. 5. They shall divide the said lots in equal numbers between the state and the said county, and shall allot to the state and the county alternate lots of equal value, or as nearly so as may be practicable.

Sec. (5. It shall be the duty of the Canal Commissioners to require that the said county, and the inhabitants thereof, in their corporate capacity, shall be liable to them for the payment of a sum equal to ten dollars per acre for one half of the whole quantity of land to be located as aforesaid, upon the payment of which sum the Canal Commissioners shall certify the fact to the Governor, who shall thereupon issue a patent to the county commissioners of said county and their successors in ollice, for the use of the said county, for that port ion of the lots, by number, which shall he allotted to the county: Provided always, That the monies to be received by the Canal Commissioners by virtue cf this section of this act, shall he applied in aid of the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

Sec 7. The county commissioners shall meet on tiie second Monday of June next, and appoint one assessor and one collector, and such assessor and collector shall proceed to levy and collect said tax from the taxable inhabitants of said county according to the laws of this state, and said assessment shall be as legal as if (he County of Grundy had been organized previous to (he first Monday of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.

Sec. S. The county commissioners shall prepare a place for holding courts in said county until there shall be public buildings erected. The County of Grundy shall be attached to the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and the different times of holding courts shall be appointed by the judge on the above named circuit, so as to bold two terms in each year; all suits commenced in La Salle Circuit Court shall he determined there, although the parties may reside in Grundy County until after the passage of this act, and the election of officers takes place as provided for in this act.

Sec. 0. It shall be the duty of the school commissioners of La Salle County to pay over and cause to be paid over to the school commissioners of Grundy County, as soon as there may be one appointed, all monies, papers, vouchers, etc., that be or they may have belonging to the said County of Grundy.

A Board of Commissioners was appointed, comprising lion. Newton Cloud and Generals Thorton and Cry, and William E. Armstrong, It. S. Duryea and Gen. W. 15. Burnett. As the central point was objectionable to the canal commissioners, and as the only other site at all