Savanna Township

Savanna Township

The first settlement by white people within the territory of Carroll County, was made on the land now occupied by the village of Savanna, in the Fall of 1828. That settlement was made by George and Vance L. Davidson, Aaron Pierce and William Blundell and their families, a full history of which will be found in the first pages of this book. Commencing there, settlements extended out in every direction. For many years Savanna was as noted as Galena. Before the days of railroads, it was an important shipping point, and hundreds of the pioneer settlers in this and adjoining counties found their way from their old homes by steamboats to Savanna. After their claims and future homes were selected, it was the point from which they received their supplies, and when they began to raise a surplus of farm products, a market was found byway of Savanna and the Mississippi River. In those days, the farmers from Rockford, Freeport and other points in that direction, came here to dispose of their commodities and buy their lumber, a^d such other necessities as their wants demanded. It is one of the oldest tow ^^^s on the Upper Mississip|)i and as such has a history within itself. Much of th at history has already been written, but there are many things yet to speak about.

Until 1836, no steps were taken towards building a town at this point. In that year, however, Luther H. Bowen, having one year before bought the claim interests of George Davidson and Aaron Pierce, laid off the to<vn of Savanna, and soon after opened a general store. Other trading places soon followed, and in 1839, when Carroll County was organized, Savanna became the countyseat, a distinction it maintained until the re-location of the county seat by a vote of the people, in August, 1843, and the removal of the county offices to Mount Carroll, in September, 1844.

As the population increased, schools were commenced and church services soon followed. The first teacher was Miss Hannah Fuller, who tauj^ht a private or subscription school, as early as the Winter of 1836-7. In the Wmter of 1837-8, Dr. Elias Woodruff taught the " young idea how to shoot," and admmistered healing remedies to such of the settlers as fell victims to the diseases incident to life in a new country.

The Methodist peoole had religious services as early as 1836. These services were rendered by circuit riders - a circuit then extendmg over the territory now embraced in perhaps a half a dozen counties. Meeting-houses there were none, but the doors of the settlers' cabins were thrown open, and every body went to church. The most active members of that denominalion wrrc George Davidson and wife, and William Blundell and wife. In iS3S. the Ashby family, ardent and devoted Methodists, came in. and soon after their arriv.il. a class was formed and preaching became more frcpient. In the I-all ol i\;9. a camp meeting was held in the grove about one mile east of town, on land now owned by William L. B. Jcnks. The presiding elder was Rev Mr. w cc« Such were the beginnings of Methodism at Savanna, but the building ol

:hurch was not undertaken until 1849. In that year steps were taken lo hu.IU a house of worship, and a small frame house was erected on lot No. 6. b\ocK No. 41, which, when completed, served until a larger and belter one was commenced, in 1868, and completed in 1869. The old church passed into the ownership of the school district, and was used for a school house. In scholars increased so that a larger house was a necessity, anil it was s.' e

Catholic Society, by whom it was re-fiiled. and by whom it is used as a ho"»<: <>» worship. The first religious services held in this buildmK were c 'loy

In 1S54, the Congregational people built a house of worship on lot No. 12, block No. 28. Rev. James Hill was the pastor at the time the church was built, and to his management belongs the credit and the honor of its erection. Regular services were continued by this people until 1867, when they were abandoned. After the walls of this house were up and enclosed, it fell into the nominal control of the school district and was used as a school house. At one time the old M. E. Church Building (now the Catholic), the Congregational Church, and two other houses, were used for educational purposes. Removals, etc., rendered the Congregational people too weak to maintain a pastor, and the undertaking was given up.

The Presbyterians at one time had a small organization, and held their services in the Congregational Church. Rev. ]\Ir. Harsha was their first pastor, and Rev. Mr. Hildreth the second. Neither the Congregationalists nor the Presbyterians now attempt to maintain regular pastors, although they both have occasional preaching.

The Episcopal people, of whom there are quite a number, maintain an organization, although not a legal one, and occupy the position of a missionary station. In 1872, they had a clergyman about one third of the time, as he could spare the time from his other posts of labor, and in 1876, Mr. C. Gibson, a preacher of their faith, labored among them. Bishop McLaren visited this station in May, 1877, and confirmed four persons. There are at present some twenty-five to thirty baptized members, including children.

In the Fall of 1875, the friends of this church leased from the school district the building known as the Stone School House, and put it in complete repair, putting in new windows, floors, etc.

The society now have a lease of the building for three years to come. Lay reading is kept up regularly every Sunday morning by Mr. Greenleaf, and preaching by transient clergymen, perhaps on an average of once a month.

The Catholic Church was organized November 19, 1870, and bought the building first erected for a Methodist house of worship, but subsequently used as a school house, and which, at the time they purchased it, was the property of the school district. The society numbers about forty members. The society was organized and the church propeity purchased under the ministration of Rev. P. J. Gormley. Rev. Father Kilkenny, of Fulton, is now the officiating priest, and comes about once a month to administer spiritual consolation to the Catholic residents. The society is in good condition.

Educatioial. - The present graded school building is a model of architectural beauty and convenience. It was completed and occupied in the Spring of 1869. David L. Bowen was the contractor and builder, as well as the architect and draughtsman that fashioned it. It rises three stories above the basement, is surmounted by a Mansard or French roof and heated by furnaces. It cost, including furniture, furnace, etc., about $20,000. Four thousand five hundred dollars more were expended for the grounds, fencings, etc. A school of five departments is maintained about nine months of each year. George C. Mastin is the present principal. Miss V. P. Batterton presides in the grammar department ; Daniel Stewart in the intermediate ; Miss Hattie Van Bebber in the second primary, and Miss Mary Northey in the first primary.

The City Hall Building was erected by the corporation authorities in 1873, at a cost of about $1,600. The lower story is used for a city jail and fire-engine house. The upper part is fitted up for a public hall. It will seat about 200 persons. The engine is the private property of the Germania Fire Company. This company has no legal organization. It is maintained as an independent volunteer company.

Galena, in the original charter of the Illinois Central Railroad. Work was commenced on that line between Galena and Savanna, and the grading and culverts of twenty miles of the track completed. The embankments, fills, etc., are still traceable between Galena and Apple River.

The Western Union Railroad was completed to Savanna in the Fall of 1862. A grain elevator was built by the railroad authorities in 1863, with a capacity of 80,000 bushels. It is operated by steam. This year the company has made a good many improvements on their buildings here.

Manufacturing Industries. - In 1865, Messrs. S. J. Herman and J. A. Stransky established wagon making and machine shops on a pretty large scale, and gave employment to quite a number of mechanics. Their wagons, etc., were of the best quality, and soon won for their makers a proud reputation. Their business prospered from the commencement, but mis'ortune overtook them and crippled the shops for a time. November 27, 1S73, their entire establishment was burned down, carrying into ruins the machinery and tools that had been added from time to time during the eight years they had been established. A dissolution of partnership followed this disaster to the firm's business and hopes, and Mr. Stransky succeeded to the entire control and management of a business once so prosperous and promising, and immediately commenced re-building. The new buildings cost $3,000, and, with the steady employment of seven men, he is rapidly "coming to rights" again. He could find room and facilities for the employment of twenty men, if the times would justify their engagement. These shops are devoted to the manufacture of plows, wagons, carriages, steam engines, and all kinds of agricultural machinery needed by the farmers of the adjacent country. Stransky s facilities for repairing all kinds of machinery are good, and, with his manufactures, his business reaches an aggregate of $10,000 a year.

Messrs. Morse & DeWolf have an extensive planing mill, that, in ordinary times, is well sustained. Their machinery is ample and of modern make. They are energetic, industrious, pushing men, and their mills are valuable to the community in which they are established.

M. D'Puis' steam saw, shingle and lath mills are of long standing and successful management. They are located immediately on the banks ot the Mississippi River, and when the mill is running logs are snaked out of the water by steam machinery, carried to the carriage-way, where they arc soon made into lumber. Logs are bought in rafts or strings from lilack K'yer, Chippewa, Stillwater and Minneapolis log men. In former years, Mr. D Puis has bought and made into lumber as much as 25,000,000 feet, and until wiihin the last year the mills have been kept busy. Before the " hard times " set in, he often sold as much as $30,000 to $40,000 worth of lumber per year. In 1S52, his sales amounted to $50,000. Hut that was before the days of railroads in Northern Illinois, when ueople came all the way from Kocktord. 1-rccport. and other interior points, for lumber. In 1S53 and 1854, he had a lumber yard at Freeport, where his sales were large.

Two breweries are located here. One is owned by J. Hoguc, and the other one by Joseph Keller. The former is of small capacity. The Kr" ment is of larger capacity, and is in satisfactory operation. It was ^

The abundance of timber here affords remunerative employment to a large number of industrious wood-choppers, especially in the winter season.

Fishing - \how^ twentv-five men, whose homes arc in Savanna, are constantly engaged in this industry. They operate with semes, and ihcir employ-

Cholera. - In 1853, this fearful scourge made its appearance in Savanna. During that year the cases were only occasional, but in 1854 its presence was quite general, and a large number of citizens were attacked with it. Some twenty cases proved fatal. Its first appearance in 1854 was in the month of July, lasting through August. The cholera, says Dr. Woodruff, was connected with congestive chills, and was followed by typhoid where the victims passed the congestive form.

Newspapers. - The first newspaper was the Savanna Register. It was commenced in 1854, by Charles Allen, as printer, assisted editorially by Smith D. Atkins, now of Freeport. A few months after it was commenced, the projectors of the enterprise sold the office to Mr. Grattan, who removed the material elsewhere.

While Howlitt was publishing the Lanark newspaper, he printed a small sheet for Savanna, but it was more of an advertising sheet than newspaper.

The first issue of the Savanna Weekly Times was a seven-column folio, printed at the office of the Shannon Gazette. It was dated June 19, 1875. J. William Mastin was the publisher of the Gazette^ as also of the 'limes. The local matter and advertisements were written up at Savanna, and sent to Shannon to be put in type. This arrangement continued only ten weeks. September II, 1875, was the date of the first issue of the Times, printed in Savanna^ a six-column folio, by Greenleaf & IMastin. The material of the Shannon Gazette was purchased and brought to Savanna at that time. This arrangement continued until the following March, when Mr. Mastin retired, Mr. Greenleaf purchasing the entire office, etc., and continuing the paper as editor and proprietor. The Times has a botia fide circulation of about eight hundred copies, liberally supported by the business men of the city. The Times goes to all parts of the county, and is a creditable publication, not only to its manager and the town in which it is published, but to the county at large.

As a matter of reference, it may be said that no one of the several papers published in Carroll County is designated by the authorities as an official organ, but each of them is paid a small sum for publishing the proceedings of the board of supervisors.

Savanna was first incorporated as a town in 18 - . It remained under that government until 1874, when a city charter was obtained. The first mayor under the city charter was Medard DTuis. The present mayor is Jeremiah Wood. At the first election under the new charter, there was an animated contest between the license and anti-license people. The contest was very close, but the license ticket was elected by a small majority, which has ever since been maintained.

Alontiily Fair. - An effort is making to establish a monthly fair and market for the exhibition and sale of stock. An organization for this purpose is already lormed, with Munroe Bailey, of York Township, as president. The experiment was undertaken about six months ago, and two very creditable exhibitions have taken place.

Business^ etc. - All told, there are about fifty business houses in Savanna. There was a time, anterior to the building of railroads, when there were many more. In thos- days, people came from Winnebago, Stephenson. Ogle and other counties to Savanna for their supplies - groceries, flour, etc. - and the merchants and traders drove a thriving and prosperous business. In the years 1837-8, especially, Savanna was a kind of general depot, a grand trading point, and those interested there planned great things for the future, and expected to see their village become a city of tens of thousands ; but the building of railm

ATKIXS JAS. Grocer and Confectiouer; Savanna; born in Madison Co., III., March 15, 1838; came to this Co. in 1845, and was among the earliest settlers; married Miss M. C. Oman, of Janesville, Wis., Feb. 17, 1864; they have one son, Henry O. ; Mr. A. served about two vears in the late Rebellion, Co. C, 45th I. V. I. ; he was wounded at Ft. Donelson.

B01VKN D. L,. Contractor and Builder; Savanna; horn in Herkimer (>)., N.Y., Oct. 20, 1«1(); left tiiere at tiie age of 17; moved to 111., to Carroll Co., in 1835; was one of the earliest settlers, there 1)eing but three families in the neighborhood when he came - Aaron Pierce, Geo. Davidson and Wm. Blundlc, none of whom aie living in the Co.; lias made his lionu; at Savanna for over 42 years, and tlicrc an' very few persons now living in this Co. who were here when became; he married Miss Sila, daughter of Aaron Pierce, slie now being the oldest settler in Carroll Co., coming here with lier jiarenls in 1H2H; Mr. Bowen is the architect and Imildcr of the beautiful High School IJnildini; of this town, also of the .Methodist and Con. gregational Churches, and many otlier buihlings; he owns and runs planingniill, across the river, at Sabula, Iowa; was on the first jury ever empaneled in Carroll Co.; has held the ollice of Comity Commissioner and other otlices of trust; they have four children, tiiree sons and one daughter: L. W., Emma L., A. P. and Frank.

BOWMAX JOHX S. Farmer; Sec. 14; P. O. Savanna; born in Lebanon Co., Pa., May 9, 1849; came to this Co. in 1861 ; owns 80 acres land, valued at ^1,000; married Miss Salenna, daughter of W. L. B. Jenks; she was born in this Co., in March, 1849; they were married Jan. 29, 1872; have two children: Wm. D. and Annie Bell.

and owner of the Chambers House, Savanna; was born in Kent Co., Eug., Dec. 10, 1820, and with his parents emigrated to Mina, Chatauqua Co., N. Y., when quite young; when about 20 years old. he started West, landing in Chicago in May, 1840, Galena, III., being his destination; for want ot conveyance, lie left Chicago on toot, and on the way stopped overnight at the Pierce House, Savanna; next morning he chanced to see the landlaily chopping wood to prepare breakfast, and, volunteering his services. acci(U'ntally aliiu>st cut his foot entirely oil; by this he was disabled for three months from furtiier puisuit of his journey, and wa- fixed for the future a.s a |)ermaneiil resident of Savanna, "in Dee., 18 KJ. he married Miss Laura M. Strong, a native of Crawford Co., Pa.; they have two sons and tliree daughters living: Jessie E., Fred A., William E., Mabel and Kinina; after laboring for some time as a day hand, he embarked in business as a luereiiant, grain buyer, and also in the iiianufa»-turc of powiler; while in tiiis latter hu-iiness. liis powiler mill blew np three liuie-*, and his e>iap«' fmui being Mown up witli it was narrow.

ing here, he has been engaged in grain, stock and butcher business; married Miss Frances, daughter of Henry B. Harmon, one of the oldest settlers of the Co. ; she was born in Mass., April 26, 1837 ; they were married Jan. 6, lSo5; they have five children living, having lost two: Henry E., John A., Elmer, and Charles A. and MaiT E. (twins); deceased, Clara and Galley ;'was School Director four years. Commissioner of Highways two years, and School Trustee two years.

TOET, Retired; Savanna; born in Chatauqua Co.. N. Y., July 9, 1822; he removed to Ohio in 1840; remained there about four years ; came to tliis Co. in 1851 ; was engaged in steamboating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers about 11 years; was captain on the " W. F. Curtis;" also built the steamboat "Tensas;" married Miss Clara Maj-, Oct. 18, 1842; she was born in Washington Co., Pa. ; thej^ have five sons: W. W., now captain of the " Tensas," navigating the Mississippi and tributaries; R. Emmett, engineer on "Tensas;" L. v., clerk on "Tensas;" Stoughton and Gilbert, attending school.

DAXIEI. JACKSOX C. Retired; Savanna; borij in Wilson Co., Tenn., ]\Iarch 15, 1815 ; moved to Jo Daviess Co. in 1846, and to this Co. in Feb., 1870; is Justice of the Peace ; married Mrs. X ancy Turner,widow of Georire, June 26.1829 ; she was born in Adair Co., Ky., March 22, 1814; they have tliree daughters : Sarah A. (now Mrs. John AVestfall); Amanda V. now Mrs. Clias. Morse); Lucy M. (now Mrs. Thos. Jenks.)

DEW^OLF FRANK V. Proprietor Planins: Mill; Savanna; born in Moline, Rock Island Co.. Nov. 19, 1849; came to this Co. in 1851 ; has remained here ever since; married Miss Frances Rose, who was born in this Co. ; they were married March 22, 1874; have one son, Charles R., born March 5, 1875.

DITFUIS M. Lumber Dealer; Savanna; born in Canada, Nov. 3, 1813; left there and went to Gratiot Grove. Wis., in 1832; remained tliere about one year, and then removed to Galena, 111.; Mr. D. served in the Black Hawk War; came to this Co. in May, 1845, and has remained here ever since; has been engaged in the lumber business at Savanna since 1847, and is one of the oldest settlers ; married Miss Sarah A. Woodruff, from ]\Iarlborough, Mass.; they were married ]March 29, 1851 ; have four sons and three daughters: Thos. F., M. W., Sarah Denise, Eber, Jeannette, IVIary S. and Newton; Mr. D. was the first Mayor of Savanna ; was Supervisor three terms, Town Clerk one term, and School Director three terms.

FFXK MlIiTOX. Farmer; Sec. 24; P.O. Savanna; born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, May 18, 1835; came to this Co. in Aug., 1861 ; owns 80 acres land, valued at $1,600; married Mary Corney, who was born in Mifliin Co., Pa., March 22, 1842; they were married Dec. 24, 1863; they have five children: Ellen, Robert, Viola, Mina and Walter.

FlXIvER JXO. Retired; Savanna; born in Kennebec Co., Maine, Nov. 21, 1812; came to 111., to Tazewell Co., in Dec, 1836, and to this Co. in March, 1837; has remained here ever since, and is one of the oldest settlers; married ]\Iiss Sarali Ashby; she was born in Canada, Sept. 20, 1823; they were married in Jan., 1840; have seven children living: Angeline, JohnW., Franklin, George, Orrin, Minnie, and Alice; Mr. F. is Trustee of the M. E. Church at Savanna, and has been for about ten years.

GEIGUS .JOHX X. Merchant; Savanna; born in Switzerland, Nov. 26, 1830; came to the V. S. and toN. Y. in 1853; to this Co. in 1856; carried the U. S. mail between Savanna and Freeport two years; married Miss Caroline Washmund, "Aug. 31, 1858; she was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July 24, 1841; have two daughters : Mary ancl Clarabell.

OREEXIiBAF SIlIO:X, Editor and Proprietor of Savanna Timen; Savanna; born in Penobscot Co., Me., May 3, 1823; came West in 1851, and located in Shakopie, Minn.; remained there until 1803, and then removed to Davenport, Iowa; removed to Racine, Wis., in 1865, and remained there until 1807; then came to Savanna; he took charge of the Times in 1875 ; has been Justice of the Peace and School Director about si.K years; in 1840, he married Miss Frances J. Foss; she is a native of N. H., born Aug. 13, 1824; they have five sons and one daughter : Frederick W., Henry H., Ada E., Oliver W., Frank S. and Edward P.

HAAJ«i GEO. Furniture Dealer; Savanna; born in Lohigli Co., Pa., Nov. 13, 1832; he came to Jo Daviess Co., 111., in 1843, and to this Co. in 1805; lias been in the furniture business iiere for the past 12 years; his wife's maiden name was PhfEbe A. Miller; she was born in Jo Daviess Co., 111., July 19, 1H46; they were married July 19, 1805; helias twocliildren by former marriage, and three children by present marriage.

ll.\MMOXI> ROniOirr, Farmer; Sec. 30; P. O. Savanna; born in Monaghan Co., Ireland, In 1815; came to tlie U. S. and to St. Louis in llic Fall of 184H; remained llicre until the Spring of 1849, and tli(;n rfmoveil to Galena, 111., and to this Co. in ISO! ; he owns 648 acres, valued at ^10,200; lie married Miss Sarali M('Kniglit, Sept. 7, 1848; .she was !>orn in the same Co., in IH27; they liav(! six sons and one daui^liter; John, born .luJv 29, 1M4!); Robert. May 0,

Ilanuiiond R., Jr. ; farMi;S.30; P.O.Savanna. Hankerson Geo. farmer; P. O. Savanna. Ilarkins Patrick, railrosul laborer; Savanna. Ilartsaugh (iilbcrt, teamster; Savanna. Hart.saugh Henry, teanusU-r; Saviinnn. Hartsaugh Joseph, tcam.ster; Savanna Haitsaugb Willi im, teamster; Savanua

P. (). Savanna; bora in London Co., Va., Jan. 19, 1824; came to this state, to Hancock Co., in 1840; to this Co. in August, 1848; owns 176 acres, valued at $4,300; married Miss Sarah Bostwick, who was born in Orleans Co., N. Y.. May 29, 1828; they were married .March 27, 1847; have a fiimily of si.\ children, two .sons and four daughters: Julia V., Leona I.. William V. Louella, Minnie G. and Douglass.

KEL.LER JOS. Proprietor Eagle Brewery ; Savanna ; born in Prussia, Germany, in 1812; came to the U. S. in 1842; his brewery was started in 1868; he manufactures about 2,000 barrels of beer per 3'ear; lie ships his beer principall}^ to Mt. Carroll, Shannon, Lanark, Thompson, Hanover, Elizabeth, and a considerable amount to Iowa.

liA^V \VM. B. Proprietor Blue Glass Billiard Hall; Savanna; born in the Co. Fermanaugh, Ireland ; came to the U.S. and to this Co.in 1869 ; married Miss Sarah J. Law; she was born in this Co.; they were married in Feb., 1871 ; they have one son, William George, born Nov. 25, 1871.

LiAW W. T. Merchant; Savanna; born in Carroll Co., 111., Sept. 12, 1848; has been engaged in the grocery business here for the "past 7 years; married Miss Elizabeth E. Irwin, Sept. 14, 1871 ; she was born July 12, 1852 ; have three children, two sons and one daughter : Irwin H., Annie, and baby not yet named.

LORD GEORGE W. Farmer; Sec. 11; P.O. Savanna; born in Savanna Tp., Sept. 9, 1845 ; his fa.ther, Nathan K., came to Savanna, Oct. 15, 1835 ; he entered the land they now live on, and was driven twice from Savanna to Galena by Indians, and always lived here until his death, which occurred Oct. 22, 1875; born in Crawford Co., Pa., and came out on the first boat ever run on the Erie Canal; George W. served eight months in the late iRebellion, in Co. D, 153d I.V. I.; he married Cordelia M. Humphrey, Nov. 4, 1869 ; they have four sous : Charles, born Auii. 25, 1870; John, July 31, 1872; William H., Sept. 28, 1874; George W., .Jr., Sept. 4, 1876.

McGrail Jos. railroad machinist; Savanna. McGrath Jno. railroad switchman; Savanna. McRae Daniel, teamster; Savanna. McRae John, barber; Savanna. McRae Wm. railroad car repairer; Savanna. Maberly E. H. painter; Savanna. Machen George N. merchant ; Savanna. Machen Wm. farmer; P. O. Savanna. Mahood Geo. schoolteacher and town officer ;

MORSE CHAS. Proprietor Sash and Blind Factory; Savanna; born in Broom Co., N. Y., June 9, 1851 ; came to this Co. in May, 1873; married Miss Amanda Daniel ; she was born in the town of Stockton, Jo Daviess Co., 111., Nov. 12, 1852; they were married March 22, 187(i; has one son, De Forrest, born Jan. 22, 1877.

ORR JOHX, Police Magistrate; Savanna; born in Franklin Co., Mass., Feb. 27,1814; came to this town and Co. in Oct., 1836, and is one of the oldest settlers now living; married Miss Susan Bennet; she was born in Franklin Co., Vt., in. Sept., 1816 ; they were married in Feb., 1835, at her home in Vt. ; they have no family; lost one daughter.

Savanna Townstttp Uinn Patrick

vanna; born in Columbus Co., O., in Nov., 1817; came to Savanna in July, 1S41, where he first engaged as a clerk in the store of J. W. White, with whom lie remained seventeen months and a half, or until about March 1, 1843; then engaged in the sheep trade - going to Ohio and bringing out a large drove; after disposing of his sheep interest, upon which he made a reasonaljjy fair profit, he re-engaged as a clerk for eight months, with W^hite's successor in business, and then b','came a partner; the partnership continued one year, wiien Captain Rhodes bougiitout the interests of iiis partners and became sole projirietor for six years; selling out at the end of tiiat time, he remained out of business two years, and then formed a jiartncrship with W. L. H. Jinks, with wiioni lie remaiiu'd in business until 18.")3, wlieii he sold out and engaged in steamboating, buying an interest in the steamboat " .Martlia No. 2," and has remained in that business ever since; during these years. Captain liliodes was called twice to serve the pcojilcr of the Co. in an ollicial capacity, being eU'ctcil Sheritr in 1840, and again in lMH;>inee his settlement here ui ISJl, lie has lieen closely identified witli tlio interests of the town of his honu! and tlie Co. at hiri;e; in Marcli, lS4(i, married Miss Mary Jane Pierce, the liist wliile ( liihl born in the territory now emld'aeeij in Carroll Co., who was born in the old Indian comieil liouse; Mrs. Rhode- died Nov, 14, 1H77.

Savanna. Rieli.irdson Robert, libu-ksmith ; Savninia. Kiekard J. railroad engineer; Savjmna. Ritchey William, ialiorer; Savanna. Robinson.!. R. steamboat clerk ; Savanna.

and iiilliard Hall; Savanna; born in Switzerland ; came to the U. S. ami to Xi-w Orleans in 1849; to tiiis Co. in July. 18.VJ; has been married twiee; Ills pre.sent wife was Lyda Kelil; she wius born in PoItAvilie, Pa., March 17, 18^11 ; they were niarried in Oct., 180H.

one daughter, Rosa. St. John S. S. saloon keeper ; Savanna. Stemmer James H., R. R. painter; Savanna. Stoddard G. H. merchant and P.M ; Savanna. Stransky A. J. machinist ; Savanna.

STRAXSKY J<>HN A. Wagonmaking, Blacksmithing and Repairing, Savanna; born in Boliemia, March 28, 1841 ; came to the U. S. and to Racine, Wis., in Nov., 1854, and to this Co., April 28, 1865 ; has been in business here ever since; married Miss Margaret Krodell, Nov. 11, 1872 ; she was born in Jo Daviess Co., 111., they have two children, twins: Julia I and Annie M.

\1^00I>RUFF DR. E. Physician; Savanna; born in Montgomery, Orange Co., N.Y., Feb. 1, 1815; commenced the study of medicine when about 18 years of age, with Dr. Eager, of Montgomery, N. Y., and graduated at the age of 21, at Jefferson Medical College, "of Philadelphia; left N. Y. in Sept., 1836, and located at Joliet, Will Co., 111., where he remained one year, and then came here, and has made Savanna his home ever since; in 1842, he married Miss Emma Eddowes, a native of Pa.