Silver Creek Township (part 2 of 2)

Of the original members, the following have died : the Rev. D. W. Grissinger, July 17, 1873 ; Mrs. Barbary, wife of Elias Bamberger, August 4, 1875; and Mrs. Mary A., wife of John Miller, December 25, 1878.

The Rev. E. E. Condo fell a victim to the fearful cyclone which passed over Marshfield, Mo., April 18, 1880, where he was serving as pastor, dying in two hours from the injuries received.

Emanuel Churchy of tlie Evangelical Association, is one of Freeport's substantial German churches. It was first organized as a mission in 1851. The following persons, and those only whose names can be fully identified, comprising the principal membership : John Krimbill, Frederick Asche, Joseph Miess, John Marter, Jacob Heim, H. Thomas, George Thomas, G. Mainzer, A. Brenner, L. Metzger, M. Metzger, John Mayer, Christian Mainzer, B. Mainzer, Mr. Lemberger, Catharine Stoskopf, William Ellebrecht, J. Wolf, H. Fahringer and J. Frey.

A stirring revival during this and the next succeeding year, greatly added to the number of members, and Mr. Miess having donated eighty acres of land, which was sold for $450, a church edifice of brick, 40x50, was soon in process of building, under the supervision of a building committee, composed of the following gentlemen : the Rev. H. Rohland, Joseph Miess, J. Krimbill, J. Marter and William Ellebrecht. At that time it was situated in the center of present Oak street, where it remained until 1868, when it was removed to the site of the edifice now occupied.

The latter is located on Oak street, between Exchange and Broadway. It is of brick, ornamented with a steeple, and afi'ording a seating capacity for 350 worshipers. The edifice was completed in 1874, under the pastorship of the Rev. A. Fuessle; F. Mayer, E. Vieregge, F. Heim and F. Asche, constituting the building committee ; Elias Bamberger being the architect.

The ministry of the Evangelical Association is itinerant, and years ago the term of service was usually but one year at a place, which fact will explain the number of pastors who have ofiiciated at Emanuel Church to date, as follows : H. Rohland, C. Augenstein, J. G. Escher, L. H. Eiterman, J. Riegel, Christian Kopp, E. Musselman, D. B. Byers, D. Kraemer, J. Schneider, H. Messner, A. Stahley, W. J. Walker, M. Stamm, A. Fuessle, William Schrims and A. Huelster, two of whom have served a term of three years in succession and five a term of two years.

A number of revivals of extraordinary power have been enjoyed since the organization of the church resulting in large accessions to the congregation, but the present membership is not as large as this fact would indicate. Besides the natural decrease by death, many well-to-do Christians are now living in various States of the Union, who were at some time members of Emanuel Society.

In 1868, the quarterly conference of the society petitioned for the privilege of preaching in English once in two weeks. This was denied, when a division occurred, those members preferring English preaching, being organized into Salem Mission.

Emanuel Church has accomplished a great amount of good among the Germans of Freeport, and is still endeavoring to fulfill its high mission. Though the outlook for future prosperity is not as bright as it might be, the church, nevertheless, is in good working order, and may reasonably count on a healthy development for many years to come.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel Church was founded in 1877, by the Rev. T. J. Grosse, connected at that time with the Lutheran Seminary at Addison, in Du Page County, 111., but removing to Freeport on the 23d of February, 1877. During that year, the congregation increased to thirty-seven members, and prosperity attended the efforts inaugurated to build up and sustain the association. A lot was purchased at the corner of Union and Pleasant streets the same year, whereon a small but comfortable church was erected, and a parochial school established, over which Prof. F. Gase presides, and wherein fifty pupils are educated in German and English bi^anches.

The First German Reformed Church, at the corner of Williams and Union streets, was first organized about the year 1862, by Henry Schulte, Henry H. Frank, Conrad Rodeke, Peter Belger, H. Billiker, Mr. Ode and others, who were the charter membei's, and worshiped in a hall above the drug store of F. Weise, at the corner of Galena and Exchange streets. The Rev. Mr, Seaman discharged the duties of Pastor for a brief period, when he retired, and the congregation became distributed among the various city churches. Some time after, the Rev. 0. Accola assumed pastoral relations to the divided church, re-organized the same, and secured means for the building of a modest frame edifice on the site of the present church. He labored effectively while he remained, but resigning his office, the church was again left without a head, and once more became demoralized, the members abandoning worship in the house which had been erected for that purpose. This continued until 1869, when the Rev. A. Schrader accepted the pastorate, and, by the efficient means employed for the space of five years, succeeded in placing the organization on a firm foundation, and in building up and prospering the cause in a most gratifying degree. He retired in 1874, to give place to the Rev. John Wernly, the present incumbent, under whose administration a new church has been erected. This was commenced in May, 1879, completed and dedicated September 27, following. It is 36x50, with a spire 100 feet high, and an organ, costing a total of $3,000.

Attached to the church is a parochial school, held in the old frame church, at which twenty-five pupils are taught the rudiments, as also the more advanced branches of German education.

St. Johns German Evangelical Church. - In the year 1847, the following-named persons began the organization of the present church society : H. Kochsmeier, P. Tewes, A. Mengedohd, A. Boedeker, B. Boedeker, B. Hunkemeier, F. Hanke, W. Mundhenke, C. Riesenberger, C. Lesemann, C. Beine, C. Altenberg, F. Bodmann, H. Burkhard, and E. Beine, Elder.

In 1848 E. Beine, local preacher, began the holding of regular meetings, which were continued for several years in a schoolhouse in the western part of the city. During the same year the church was duly organized according to the laws of the " Evangelical Verein of the West," and in 1850 a lot at the corner of State (now Exchange) and Union streets was purchased, and a church edifice 33x40 commenced. This was completed in 1852, under the following Trustees : Adolph Boedeker, William Mundhenke, Henry Burkhard, and August Mengedhd. A year later the Rev. J. Zimmerman became pastor of the congregation, and in 1854 the congregation united with the German Synod of the West.

In 1856 a parsonage and schoolhouse was erected on the church lot, and a teacher employed to instruct the youth of members in German and other branches. The year previous, Mr. Zimmerman was succeeded in the pastorate by the Rev. W. Kampmeier, who remained ten years. During his term of office the present church building, being of stone, 44x75, with a spire 100 feet high, and the auditorium capable of seating 600 worshipers, was completed at a cost of $5,000, contributed by members of the congregation.

In 1866 the Rev. P. H. Hoefer accepted charge of the parish, discharging the duties incident thereto until 1870, when he was succeeded by the Rev. D. M. Fotch, who remained six years, when he gave way to the Rev. C. lioffmeister, the present incumbent.

Odd Fellows

Second to no other organization of the present age stands the Odd Fellows. An institution manifesting influence, performing good, preventing evil, and increasing annually in membership and power, not only attracts public attention, but excites a laudable desire to know something of its origin, progress, aims and resources.

The origin of the order is hidden in obscurity. History relates that the order was introduced into the Spanish dominions in the fifth century, into Portugal about the sixth century, and into France in the twelfth century, whence it was extended into England. In that country the order numbers over six hundred thousand members, and from this branch originated the American organization as it exists to-day, by the name of the Inde;, endent Order of Odd Fellows, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States.

Fifty-one years ago there met in the upper room of the Seven Stars, an obscure hotel in the city of Baltimore, five men who had been brought together by a call in the public press, for the purpose of considering the organization of a lodge of Odd Fellows, the result of which was the institution of Washington Lodge No. 1. The chief promoter of this lodge was Thomas Wildey, who is the father of American Odd Fellowship.

The progress of the order was gradual until 1835, when by judicious legislation of its Grand Lodge the craft at once became prominent, drawing within its circle the educated, enterprising and refined. Odd Fellowship, as has been truly said, has met with no reverses ; its lodges are scattered all over the vast countries of Europe, and every State in the Union has its Grand Lodge, to which are attached subordinate lodges, all of which are working an honorable career.

The qualifications for admission are a belief in the Supreme Creator, sound health, good character, and an honorable trade. The teachings of the order are to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, care for the widow, and educate the orphan. This system of benefits and timely assistance in the hour of need is a feature which attracts the serious attention of every one. There are two branches of the order, the " Subordinate " and '' Encampment." At a session of the Grand Lodge of the United States held in 1851, an honorary degree, " Rebekah," was adopted. It is designed to unite the wives and widows more intimately in the workings of Odd Fellowship.

The first lodge of Odd Fellows organized in Illinois was located at Alton, in which city the same was consecrated on the 11th of August, 1836, and designated as " Western Star No. 1." Since this date the order has increased in membership and influence, and attained the rank of a first-class power in the world of morals and benevolence, possessing a vast influence throughout the entire country.

Winnesheik Lodge, No. 30, I. 0. 0. F. - On the 15th day of July, 1847, at a time when the present city was little more than a village, the Grand Lodge of Illinois granted a charter for the organization of a lodge in Freeport, the same to be known as " Winnesheik Lodge, No. 30," with the following members : Thomas J. Goodhue, E. A. Aiggins, C. G. Strohecker, A. W. Shuler, William T. McCool, H. G. Moore, S. D. Carpenter, Charles Powell and S. B. Farwell. The lodge thus organized has always prospered, including upon its roster of membership some of the most prominent citizens of the county. The garret of an old brick building, in a portion of the city then known as " Knowlton Town," was its first place of meeting, and, though unpleasant and inconvenient, the members continued in their labor of love. In time, and as the order became prosperous, its place of meeting was improved and removed, until, finally, it took quarters in the Odd Fellows' Hall, where it has since remained.

Of its charter-members not pne remains in the city ; some have removed to other scenes, and some have been removed to the Grand Lodge beyond the river. During the war its force was somewhat weakened, some of the members joining the army for the maintenance of the law and supremacy of the constituted authorities. Of these, but few returned. One of the members of this lodge served repeatedly as representative to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and was finally chosen by the fraternity as Grand Master, but, before the expiration of his term of oflice, death stepped in and put a period to his service. In addition to this, other members of the lodge have served with honor in high stations.

At the present date, Winnesheik Lodge is in a highly prosperous condition, with one hundred members, property valued at $2,500, and the following officers: W. W. Krape, D. D. G. M.; C. Knoor, N. G. ; E. L. Kaufl'man, V. G. ; George Lewis, Secretary, and E. L. Cronkrite, Treasurer. W. W. Krape, representative to the Grand Lodge.

Freeport Lodge, No. S39, L 0. 0. ^. - During the year 1857, a portion of the members of Winnesheik Lodge decided to Avithdraw from the parent Chapter and petitioned for a charter for the opening of a new lodge. The petition was granted, and Freeport Lodge, No. 239, was duly organized as a lodge, working in the German language, with the following members : D. B. Schulte, John Hoebel, Jacob Krohn, Henry Deuermeyer and William Stine.

Starting with a limited membership, its progress has been successful beyond the most sanguine anticipations ; its membership has increased from year to year, until to-day it ranks among the first lodges in this portion of the State, while its charities have been, and are, a source of pride to the fraternity and benefit to the recipients. The meetings first held were convened over the Stephenson County Bank, in comparatively uncomfortable quarters, which have since been exchanged for the commodious and handsomely furnished lodge-rooms now occupied by the fraternity in Munn's building, fitted up expressly for the accommodation of Masons and Odd Fellows, and where meetings of the Freeport Lodge are held every Monday evening.

The present officers are Rudolph Hefte, N. G. ; C. Schmidt, V. G. ; H. Kirchefer, Secretary, and J. Maurer, Treasurer. John Erfert, representative to the Grand Lodge of the State.

Western Star Encampment of Patriarchs, No. '25. - The highest branch of the order, open to all worthy brothers who have attained the Scarlet Degree in subordinate lodges, was chartered on the 14th day of October, 1857, at Belvidere, Boone County, but subsequently removed to Freeport, with the subjoined charter members : Justus B. Jones, J. K. Murphy, A. E. Jenner, Albert L. Pearsail, William Haywood, Timothy S. Clark and John Terwilliger.

Its removal being accomplished, the encampment attained a high degree of prosperity, owing to the efibrts of the members, as also the intrinsic worth of the organization. On its roll of membership is found some of Freeport's most worthy citizens, who have the principles and interest of the order at heart, and stand ready at all times to demonstrate the virtues suppositiously a prime factor in the composition of the fraternity.

Stephen A. Douglas Encampment, No. 100, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered October 12, 1869, Jacob Krohn, John Hoebel, William Wagner, Sr., Henry Rohker, Gabriel Lampert and Mathias Hettinger being the charter members, and is consequently the youngest organization of Odd Fellows in the city. Notwithstanding this, the lodge has prospered in a gratifying manner, having fifty-one members, and a healthy balance to its credit in the hands of the Treasurer.

Masonic

A visitor to the halls of the Masonic fraternity in Freeport, while gazing upon the beautiful works of art peculiar to the craft which line its interior, would scarcely credit the fact that but a few years previous there was no city, nothing to break the silence of the illimitable wilds that extended in every direction around the solitary cabin which, in the year 1835, stood where Freeport now stands. Lightly had Time, with sunny smiles, whispered adieu to these primitive days, before successors appeared ripe with improvement, a more perfect civilization and all the attributes thereof, upon scenes that but a few years before were the homes of savages and savage sports.

The history of Masonry in Freeport is as the history of individuals. Her most prominent citizens have been identified with the craft, and the craft has selected her prominent officers throughout the State from the inhabitants of the city. Among these were the Hon. Thomas J. Turner, Grand Master of Illinois; N. F. Prentice, M. D., Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State ; L. L. Munn, Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons ; Jacob Krohn, District Deputy Grand Master ; M. D. Chamberlin, Official Instructor of Illinois, and others, whose eloquent voices are hushed in death, but whose eloquent lives speak still, and are heard throughout all the land. They tell of the power of the human soul when armed in right, and speak of the force of principle when it becomes the weapon of determined manhood. To the examples thus furnished is due, in a great measure, the success which has attended the fraternity since it obtained a local prominence in the village of Freeport thirty years ago. Previous to that date, the members of the order were few in number and without sufficient enterprise to organize a lodge ; but in 1850 a lodge was established, and from that day to the present the fraternity has increased in numbers, influence and wealth. At first, meetings were convened in Fisher's building, at the corner of Galena and Exchange streets, where they remained for some time, and then removed to buildings over the Stephenson County Bank, thence to rooms over Cronkrite's store, adjoining the bank, thence to Munn's building, and finally to Fry's building, where they still remain, in the occupation of quarters the most complete, elegant and attractive in the State outside of Chicago. The craft has come up to the present from a former generation, bringing with it the experience of years and the lessons taught in the schools of hardship and affliction ; but to-day perfect prosperity is its attendant concomitant, and the peace of mind which Cometh from this knowledge is least prominent among the rewards reserved for its acceptance.

Excelsior Lodge^ No. 97^ was the first lodge organized in Freeport. Its first meeting was held on February 22, 1850, by authority of a dispensation granted for that purpose by the Grand Master of the State at that time Erastus Torry, Julius Smith, Thomas J. Turner, Gershom Rice and Oscar Taylor, of Freeport, were in attendance, together with S. B. Farwell, John Jackson and S. H. Fitger, visiting brethren. The lodge continued to work under dispensation until Nov. 6, 1851, when a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State, and at the first installation of officers, on January 8, 1852, the following were selected: Julius Smith, W. M.; T. J. Turner, S. W. ; Oscar Taylor, J. W.; J. A. W. Donahoo, Treasurer; A. W. Rawson, Secretary ; William Scott, S. D. ; Reuben Ruble, J. D ; James Wright, Steward, and Giles Taylor, Tiler.

Immediately upon the organization of the lodge. Masonry made rapid strides in the neighborhood, which necessarily produced its effect upon the organization and formation of the society in this community. To the success achieved by the Excelsior may be attributed, the organization of the two other lodges in the city, Evergreen and Moses R. Thompson, both of which are strong and prosperous at the present time.

The present membership of Excelsior Lodge, is stated at 100, This lodge occupy rooms in the Masonic Hall, Fry's block, which were fitted up by the order when taking possession, at a cost of about ^7,000; the several lodges, chapters, etc., contributing a pro rata therefor, and entitled to the use of the same.

Moses R. Thompson Lodge, No. 381. - The first meeting of thi^s lodge under dispensation was convened at Masonic Hall, December 31, 1862, with the following charter members and officers, appointed by the Grand Master of the State: Nathan Fay Prentice, Charles L. Currier, L. L. Munn. H. H.

The lodge continued work under this dispensation until October, 1868, when a charter was granted, and the lodge constituted thereunder in due and ancient form, by Thomas J. Turner, under the name and style it still bears.

The lodge is at present in a flourishing condition, with a roster of membership including seventy names, and meets for work semi-monthly, on the first and third Fridays.

Freeport Chapter, No. 23., of the R. A. M. was chartered on September, 29, 1854, to a limited number of members, with A. W. Rawson, High Priest ; Erastus Torry, King, and Julius Smith, Scribe. Since that date, notwithstanding the chapter has run the gauntlet of experience apportioned to nearly every undertaking in a race against the field, members have been added to it& roster yearly, and to-day it is financially one of the most prosperous chapters in Northern Illinois.

The Freeport Consistory, or lodge, belonging to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, was originally established at Decalf, whence it was removed to Freeport, May 14, 1869, where it still continues. The consistory is composed of the following :

Freeport Consistory. - Convocations semi-monthly, on Wednesdays ; one hundred members and the following officers : E. C. Warner, 32°, Commander in Chief; James A. Grimes, 32°, First Lieut. Commander ; W- D. Rowell, 33°, Second Lieut. Commander ; I. S. Montgomery, 32°, Grand Orator ; G. A. Smith, 32°, Grand Chancellor; J. W. Childs, 32°, Grand Secretary ; M. D. Chamberlin, 32°, Grand Secretary, pro tern ; Jacob Krohn, 32°, Grand Treasurer; W. 0. Wright, 32°, Architect and Engineer; L. L. Munn, 33°, Grand M. C; J. S. Gates, 32°, Grand S. B., and Levi Martin, 32°,Grand Sentinel

Freeport Gommandery, No. 7, K. T., was organized under dispensation from Grand Encampment of the United States, August 19, 1857, A. 0. 739; chartered by the Grand Encampment of the United States at its Triennial Conclave held in Chicago September 3, A. D, 1859, A. 0, 741. This charter, however, was surrendered to the Grand Commandery of the State of Illinois October 26, A. D. 1859, A. 0. 741, which granted a perpetual charter on the same date, with the following members : Sirs Moses R. Thompson, Homer N. Hibbard, Loyal L. Munn, Henry H. Taylor, N. F. Prentice, Galon G. Norton, James F. Kingsley, H. Richardson and John M. Way.

Sir Moses R. Thompson was appointed the first Commander, and followed by Nathan F. Prentice, who was elected in 1859, continuing in that capacity for four consecutive years. He has since been succeeded by Henry H. Tavlor, in 1863; L. L. Munn, 1864-65; M. D. Chamberlin, 1866 to 1871. In the latter year, E. L". Cronkrite was honored with an election to the command of the lodge, followed by W. J. McKim, in 1872 ; George Thompson, in 1873-74 ; James S. McCall, in 1875 ; Edwin C. Warner, in 1876 ; Leonard T. Lemon, in 1877; Henry Cyrus Hutchison, 1878, E. L. Cronkrite, 1879, and is the present Commander.

The Freeport Commandery has enjoyed an excellent reputation from its organization, and ever been regarded as one of the strongest in the State ; it has furnished Sir Nathan F. Prentice as Grand Commander of the State in 1864, and Sir Loyal L. Munn, who is at present Grand Generalissimo of that body, to the State in leading capacities.

Evergreen Lodge, No. 170, A., F. ^ A. M., was organized in April, 1855, under a dispensation granted by the Most Worthy Grand Master of the State of Illinois to the following brethren : A. T. Green, H. R. Wheeler, Charles Butler. Erastus Torry, James F. Kingsley, William Swanzey, J. F. Ankeney, E. W. Schumway and G. G. Norton.

The first meeting of the Lodge was convened in the Masonic Hall, at the corner of Stephenson and Chicago streets, on Monday evening, August 16, A. L. 5855, A. D, 1855, since when regular communications have been held on the first and third Mondays of each month.

The charter officers were J. A. W. Donahoo, W. M.; A. T. Green, S. W.; J. F. Kingsley, J. W.; H. R. Wheeler, Treasurer; Charles Butler, Secretary; J. Crow, S. D.; J. Thomas, J. D.; and J. C. Walton, Tiler. The present ofiicers are: Edwin C. Warner, W. M.; James A. Grimes, S. W.; Martin V. Brown, J. W.; Nathan Yount, S. D.; John H. Porter, J. D.; W. H. Cronkrite, Secretary ; Daniel Adamson, Treasurer ; William Swanzey, Chaplain, and Levi Martin, Tiler.

HICHAEL BAXOASSER, farmer, and proprietor Stephenson County Creamery, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Freeport; born April 2, 1819, in Alsace, France ; in 1835, he came to Buffalo, N. Y., worked at the ship-carpenter's trade there about three years ; in 18J0, came to Chicago, thence to Ogle Co. ; in 1843, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 2325 acres of land ; he entered 40 acres ; the balance of this land cost from $20 to $30 per acre ; he owns the only creamery in this county, and his entire time is devoted to this business ; his sons manage the farm ; he has been School Director about eighteen years. Married Mary Stable, May 16, 1843; she was born in Alsace; they have eight children - Cornelia, Elizabeth, Frank, Mathias, Kate, Michael, Fred and Ellen.

JOHN BARDEIi, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Freeport; born Aug. 19, 1816, in Alsace, France ; in 1834, he came to Canada, and at that time he was in debt $15 ; he then commenced working on a farm, and in 1839, he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived ; he now owns about 500 acres of land and a store on Stephenson street. No. 81, and this large property he has accumulated since coming here. Married Philipena Gross in 1850 ; she was born in Prussia in 1824 ; they have three children, two living - Phillip and Margaret J., now Mrs. Kakelhoffer ; lost John in 1872, aged 22 years.

CHRISTOPHER BEXXETT, farmer, Sec. 29; P. 0. Baileyville; born Jan. 28, 1819, in Cornwall, England ; when a boy he commenced working in the copper mines, and continued in this business till 1842, when he came to Galena, 111. ; there he engaged in mining; about 1845, he came to Stephenson Co., and entered his land, which he owns, now consisting of 2371 acres; in about 1850, he went to California ; returned the following year, where he has lived since. Married Mary Emmons in 1852; she was born in Ohio; they had fourteen children, eleven living, five sons and six daughters.

FRED BROCKHAIER, farmer, Sec. 26; P. 0. Baileyville ; born Nov. 19, 1824, in G-ermany ; in 1848, he came, with his parents, to Ogle Co. ; in 1867 he came to his present locality ; he has been one of the most successful, and is now the largest farmer in this township ; he owns 1,078 acres of land in this township, also 18 acres in Ogle Co. ; his farm is well provided with good and substantial buildings ; his house cost about |3,000, his barn $3,500, and granary about $1,000 ; this large property he has accumulated since coming here. Married Angeline Borchers in 1854 : she was born in Germany in 1833 ; they have six children - Fred L., Deborah, Henry W., John F., Elizabeth and Angeline.

WILLIAM BROKHA VISEN, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born July 8, 1825, in Germany ; his father being a weaver, he learned this trade and worked at it about three years ; in 1848 he came to Chicago ; when he landed here he was not worth a dollar ; he then went to Elgin and worked on a farm ; in 1851 he returned to Chicago and commenced to learn the distilling business ; he followed this about sixteen years; he then came to Stephenson Co., and has since been engaged in farming; he now owns about 500 acres of land, with large improvements. Married Hermena Korf, in 1854; she was born in 1831, in Germany; they have ten children - Flora, Dora, Edward, Fred, Louisa, Mena, Emma, Charles, Benjamin and George.

J. J. BURCKHARDT, farmer, Sec. 3; P. 0. Freeport; born April 14, 1846, in Baden ; in 1847, he came, with his parents, to Silver Creek Township, where he has since lived ; he owns 145 acres of land. Married Bertha Watcke, in 1873 ; she was born in Wisconsin.

HENRY C. BROWN, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Nov. 22, 1827, in Joliet, 111. ; in the spring of 1836, he came, with his parents, to his present locality ; he is the earliest settler in this township ; he owns 95 acres of land, entered by his mother. He married Lavina Gregory, in 1849 ; she was born in Nashville, Tenn. ; they have eight children - Cordelia, Jesse, Elizabeth, Charles, George, Frank, William and Nellie.

A. H. COLBY, farmer, Sec. 15; P. 0. Freeport; born Sept. 3, 1842, in Rochester, N. Y.; when a child, he came, with his parents, to Ashtabula Co., Ohio ; in 1850 they came to Stephensen Co. ; he owns 80 acres of land, valued at $5,000, deeded to him by his father, with these remarks : " You have always been honest, upright and faithful in all your dealings with me, and have ne^er told me a falsehood or deceived me in any manner whatever, and, as a mark of appreciation, I deed you this property." He has been eight years Director and Clerk of the School Board, and is Justice of the Peace. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. F, 92d I. V. I., and served to the end of the war ; a part of this time he was Clerk in the Provost Marshal's office at Chicago. Married Miss Ella Kendall, in 1877 ; she was born in Harlem Township ; they have one son; he has also a son by a former marriage - Emery B.

OEORGE B. DIDDENS, farmer. Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Dec. 26, 1855, in Silver Creek Township; his father died in 1865, aged 61 years; his mother lives with her son on this farm; she was born in 1813. He is School Director. He owns 160 acres of land.

LLOYD G. DRAKE, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Freeport; born Dec. 19, 1818, in Tioga Co., N. Y. ; in 1857, he came to Belvidere, 111. ; April, 1859, he removed to Stephenson Co. ; Mrs. D. owns 186 acres of land. He married Mrs. Stebbins in 1859 ; she was born in Madison Co., N. Y., April 10, 1819; came to Stephenson Co. in 1840 ; she has three children by a former marriage - Charles J., Anna A., now Mrs. Freeman, and Frances R., now Mrs. Shirk.

HENRY DUBBERT, farmer. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born March 27, 1826, in Germany; in 1848, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 160 acres of land, well improved, has a very fine house, cost about $2,000, and other improvements, he also owns 92 acres in Ogle Co. ; he has been School Director the past fifteen years. Married Mena Rennaberg, March 2, 1855 ; she was born in Germany ; they have ten children - four sons and six daughters.

WILLIAM EATOl^, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born June 29, 1806, in Otsego Co., N. Y. ; in 1841 he came to Carroll Co., and about ten years later he came to his present farm ; he owns 80 acres land. Married Emiline Wilcox, in 1828 ; she was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1808 ; died in 1851 ; have four children - Nelson, W. H., Melissa and Clara. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Wheat ; she has three children by a former marriage.

HEXRY EDER, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0 Freeport; born Jan. 22, 1844, in Baden ; in 1847, he came with his parents to Silver Creek Township ; he now owns 136 acres land, with the homestead ; he enlisted in 64th Co. B, 8th I. V. I. ; served to the end of the war. Married Margaret Richter, in 1867 ; she was born in Germany, in 1844; died in 1877; have two children - John and Jacob. Second marriage to Christina Schlampp, Jan. 1, 1879 ; she was born in Baden; they have one child - William.

ANDREW FIEST, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Dec. 2, 1825, in Germany ; in 1853, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 322 acres of land. He married Magdeline Hooup in 1860; she was born in Germany; they have seven children - Josephine, Sophia, William, Mary, Joseph, John and Theressa.

JOHN FOSHA, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born Jan. 12, 1833, in Germany ; in 1835, he came to Maryland with his parents, in 1838, to Virginia, and in 1847, to Ogle Co.; in 1860, he came to his present farm, consisting of 320 acres, and 40 acres in Ogle Co., also 638 acres in Kansas. He married Minna Schuenman in 1855 ; she was born in Hanover ; they have eight children - four sons and four daughters.

JOHANN FULS, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Jan. 14, 1800, in Germany ; in 1853, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he and his sons own 320 acres of land. He married Fannie Albers in 1826 ; she was born in May, 1801, in Germany ; they have five children - Sleffentje, Dirk, Tjke, Albert and Swantje.

S. M. GRIER, farmer. Sec. 18; P. 0. Freepr.rt ; born Aug. 6, 1817, in Lycoming Co., Penn. ; in 1865, he came to his present farm, consisting of 253 acres of land. He married Miss F. 0. Stewart in 1840; she was born June, 1815, in Lycoming Co., Penn. ; they have five children-Stewart, Alexander and James (twins), Mary A. and William ; John H. enlisted in the 5th Penn. Reserve, and was killed at Gaines Hill, June, 1863. A daughter, Mrs. Mabley, died in 1879, aged 24 years.

1827, in Baden; in 1852, he came to Stephenson Co.; he first worked for the railroad company at $1 per day ; he now owns 260 acres of land, with a good brick house and barn and other improvements. He married Miss M. Roth, in 1859 ; she was born in Baden; they had three children, one living - Charles.

1828, ill Franklin Co. Penn. ; at about the age of 15 years he came West ; in about 1854, he .settled in Ogle Co., where he resided till 1877, when he came to his present residence ; he is proprietor and owner of the Farmers and Traders Bank, Foreston, Ogle Co. ; he also owns the largest elevator there, and has been engaged there in merchandising about twenty-five years. He owns about 1,500 acres improved land in Carroll, Ogle and Stephenson Counties, also about 6,000 acres in Iowa. Married Susan M. Emerick in 1858 ; she was born in 1831, in Franklin Co. Penn.; died in 1862; have two children - Grace, now Mrs. Rosensteil, and Theodore ; lost Benjamin E. in 1879, aged 21 years. Second marriage, to Martha E. Hutchinson, Dec. 1872 ; she was born in Penn.; have two children - Beulah and Ethel. RepubHcan in politics,

^ JACOB HOEBEL, farmer, See. 12 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Sept. 29, 1821, in Germany. In about 1844 he came, with his father, to Logansport, Ind.; thence to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived. He worked for his father about fifteen years ; and since this time he has accumulated his present property, consisting of 160 acres of land, improved, with a good house, built in 1879, cost about Sl,500; his barn cost about $600, and other good improvements ; has been School Director. Married Eliza-

M. W. HOL.LINGSWORTH, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Feb. 7, 1817, in Hartford, Md,; there he learned the carpenter's trade; worked at it about twenty years ; in 1836 he came to Galena; thence to Savannah ; in 1839 he came to Carroll Co., where he made and improved four farms; in 1865, he came to his present farm. He owns 191 acres of land; has been School Director, Township Superintendent, and Commissioner, in Carroll Co. Married Ophelia Foote in 1 840 ; she was born in Chittenden Co., Vt. ; have five children - Mary, Hiram, Ellen, Charles and Alice.

ALEX JOHXSTON, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Dec. 8, 1836, near Glasgow, Scotland ; when a child he came, with his parents, to Berks Co., Penn.; was employed by Atkins Bros, as traveling agent and prospecting, opening mines, etc.^ he held this position till 1878, when he came to his present farm, consisting of 73 acres of land. Married Emma Ramsey in 1868 ; she was born in Lancaster Co., Penn.; they have three children - James T., I vie and Elsie.

JOSEPH KACHELHOFFER, farmer. Sec. 15; P. 0. Freeport; born Nov. 19, 1846, in BuflPalo N. Y. ; in 1852 he came, with his parents, to Stephenson Co.; his father died July 2, 1880 ; he had been one of the most successful business men in this township, acquiring a property, which he owned at the time of his death, of 828 acres of improved land in this township, also 400 acres in Iowa ; on coming to this county he first engaged in the brewing business, and carried on a wagon and blacksmith shop; this he sold out, and engaged in farming. His mother died in 1876, aged 60 years and 4 months. He married Mary M. Able in 1875; she was born in Bufi"alo N. Y., in 1851 ; they have four children - John W., Emma R., Charles J. and Edward L.

C. M. KNAPP, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born Aug. 9, 1812, in Luzerne Co., Pa.; in 1857, he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 170 acres of land. Married Amy Cole in 1835 ; she was born in Bradford Co., Pa.. Oct. 2, 1807 ; they kad three children, two living - Samuel H. and Laura (now Mrs. Carpenter). Charles M. enlisted in 1862, in the 92d I. V. L; died, Jan., 1864, from a wound received when riding ahorse. Samuel H. enlisted in 1863, in the 61st I. V. I.; was discharged on account of sickness.

F. P. KOEHIiER, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Freeport; born May 18, 1817, in Bavaria; he followed butchering till 1833, when he came to Seneca Co., Ohio, and continued the butcher business in Tiffin, Ohio; in 1837, he came to Ft. Wayne, Ind.; in 1839, to Joliet, 111.; in 1841, he came to Freeport and commenced the livery and butcher business ; carried on this till 1849 ; he then opened a hotel, run it till 1853, then returned to butchering; continued in this business till 1863, when he came to his present farm ; he owns 130 acres of land, also property in Freeport. Married Margaret Boyer in 1844; she was born in 1826, in Bavaria; they have eight children - Fred, Jacob B., Herman L., Louisa, Hannah, Albert D., William H. and Edward H.; lost three children in infancy.

HENRY KRUSE, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Baileyville; born March 9, 1827, in Ostsfriesland, Germany ; in 1853, he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 280 acres of land, improved, with a fine brick house, built in 1876, cost, $3,200, and other fine improvements. Married Miss Tjakemina Collmann in 1855 ; she was born in Ostsfriesland, Germany, in 1831 ; they have six children - EUna, Sarah D., Tebbo, William, Emma and Nettie.

BERNHARD L.AMM, fiirmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Freeport; born July 28, 1835, in Baden, Germany ; in 1854, he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 100 acres of land ; he learned the trade of wagon-making, and has worked at his business about twenty years ; has been Township Assessor. Married Theresa Lamm in 1871 ; she was born in Stephenson Co.; they have four children - Verika, Julia, Helena and Ida.

JOSEPH LAMM, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born May 12, 1835, in Erie Co., Buffalo, N. Y.; in about 1837, he came with his parents to Stephenson Co.; soon after coming, his father purchased several yoke of oxen and engaged in teaming ; he hauled grain from Dubuque, Galena and Freeport, to Chicago, bringing merchandise in return ; he and his brother Godfrey assisted their father at this business ; their usual load was about 100 bushels, driving from five to six yoke of oxen ; the time occupied would be from ten days to three weeks; his father died December, 1879, aged 77 years ; he owns 160 acres of land, well-improved, also a steam thrashing machine, which cost about $1,400, the first in the township, his business being farming and thrashing. He ried Louisa Dilly in 1857 ; she was born in Germany ; have six children - George, John Theresa, Amelia, Augusta and Albert.

AARON liOT^fG, farmer. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Freeport; born July 10, 1845, in Dauphin Co., Penn.; in 1849, he came with his parents, to Stephenson Co.; he owns 120 acres of land; has been School Director. His father died Sept. 21, 1874, aged 56 years. Married Miss F. Kuenneth, Jan. 1, 1871 ; she was born in Germany; they have four children - A. E., Mary A., Frances R. and Emma C.

XATHANIEIi liONG, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born Jan. 12, 1849, in Dauphin Co., Penn. ; when an infant, he came with his parents to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived. His father died Sept. 18, 1874, aged 57 years ; they own 180 acres of land. Married Mary A. Ambrewster, March 30, 1880; she was born in Canada.

J. S. REISINGER, farmer. Superintendent of County Poor Farm, Sec. 7; P. 0. Freeport ; born Feb. 20, 1836, in Trumbull Co., Ohio ; in 1855, he came West, with his parents, and has since lived in Carroll, Ogle and Stephenson Cos. He was elected to his present position in 1876. Married Rebecca Hulse, in 1858 ; she was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio; they had seven children; four are living - Clara A., Lizzie E., Sarah A. and Lydia A. Republican in polities.

JACOB RICE, farmer. See. 17 ; P. 0. Freeport; born March 23, 1819, in Indiana Co., Penn. ; in 1845, he came to Galena, thence to Wisconsin ; in 1851, he came to Freeport, where he has lived till 1876, when he removed to his present farm ; he learned the carpenter's trade, and has worked at it about forty years ; he owns 40 acres of land. Married Mary Walton in 1853 ; she was born in Ohio ; they have four children - Ida, Adella, John and Theressa ; he has one son by a former marriage - Charles E.

CHARLES SCHOETTIiE, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Freeport; born Oct. 6, 1807 in Baden, Germany; June, 1833, he came to New York City and carried on the tailoring trade there about ten years ; he then removed to Rensselaer Co., N. Y.; carried on tailoring till 1852, when he came to Freeport ; here he carried on this business till 1854, when he came to his present farm ; he owns 170 acres of land, well improved. Married Catharine Butz, October, 1833 ; she was born in Baden, March, 1813 ; they have eight children - Catharine, Mary A., Emeline, Charles, Josephine, Frank A., Antoinette and Theo.

S. J. STEBBINS, farmer, Sec. 2; P. 0. Freeport; born Sept. 21, 1813, in Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y. ; in 1836, he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived ; he is one of the oldest settlers in this township ; he owns 354 acres of land, which he entered ; he has held about all the township offices. Married Jane Stearns, in 1838 ; she was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 22, 1817 ; they had seven children, four living - Abbie, Adelbert, Homer F. and Warren ; Joel died Sept. 28, 1863, aged 23 years; Emma J. died Oct. 7, 1863, aged 15 years, and James H. died in September, 1876, aged 21 years.

NICHOLAS STEFFEX, farmer, See. 21 ; P. 0. Freeport; born March 10, 1836, in Prussia ; in 1840, he came with his parents to Chicago ; his father started a store here ; he assisted in the store till about the age of 14, when he commenced to learn the printer's trade; he worked at it about three years; in 1853, he came to Freeport and commenced manufacturing cigars ; this he continued till 1872, when he came to this locality ; he works 220 acres of land, owned by his father-in-law's estate. Married Magdalena Kachelhoffer, in 1859 ; she was born in Buffalo, N. Y. ; they have ten children - Nicholas M., Augustus, Eleanor, Emma, Matilda, Charles, Rosa, Edward, Clara and Cecelia.

STEXZHORX, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Freeport; born April 2, 1831, in Germany; in 1850 he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 150 acres of land, well improved ; has been School Director. Married Kosa Lippman in 1854 ; she was born in 1837, in Germany; they have five children - George, Peter, Rosena, Kate and Elizabeth ; Margaret died in 1872, aged 17 years ; Henry died in 1876, aged 9 years.

MENE VAlfliOH, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Bailey ville ; born March, 1829, in Germany; in 1855 he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 295 acres of land. Married Catherine Bohen, in 1855 ; she was born in Germany; they have six children - Lizzie, Jennie, John, George, Katie and Tillie.

CAPT. WIIililAM YOrXC}, farmer. Sec. 6; P. 0. Freeport; born Feb. 9, 1820, in Union Co., Penn. ; in 1839 he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived : on coming to this county he entered about 400 acres ; he now owns about 600 acres of land. He raised a company and was commissioned Captain in 1862, in Co. G, 46th I. V. I. ; was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, for which he receives a pension ; he was elected County Treasurer in 1863, held this office one term ; he has also been Supervisor of Lancaster Township. Married Miss Ann Reitzell, in 1857 ; she was born in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; they have six children - James H., John C., Jonathan R., Sarah, Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Young is a Republican in politics.

Source changes here: from History of Stephenson County, Illinois : a Record of Its Settlement, Organization, and Three-quarters of a Century of Progress, by Fulwider, Addison L, published 1910; 1,446 words in this source stream.

Silver Creek Township

Silver Creek township is adjacent to the city of Freeport, and is consequently a section of considerable importance from every standpoint. It is bounded on the north by the Pecatonica River, on the east by Ridott township, on the west by Florence township, and on the south by Ogle county. The township is somewhat larger than the surveyors' customary thirty-six square miles, owing to the extensive curves of the Pecatonica River. All told the township embraces twenty-two thousand and sixty-nine acres of land, or about thirty-seven and a half square miles.

The township is well supplied with water. Yellow Creek courses across the northwestern corner of Silver Creek and flows into the Pecatonica two or three miles east of Freeport. Yellow Creek is joined on its way by three smaller creeks, all of which rise within Silver Creek township, and the Pecatonica is joined by one inconsiderable stream which rises in the southern part of Ridott township, flows into Silver Creek, and thence north through the eastern part of the township to the river.

Three railroads cross Silver Creek township: the Illinois Central, with two branches, the main line crossing the extreme northern portion from west to east, and the south branch traversing the town from north to south, from Freeport to Baileyville; the Chicago and Great Western which crosses the central part of the township from east to west ; and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul, which crosses the northwestern corner and then proceeds into Florence township.

The roads are good and the school and church facilities of Silver Creek are particularly excellent. The proximity of the township to Freeport has made the growth of any large town an impossibility, and the section is devoid of settlements except for a tiny one at South Freeport, a station at Dunbar, and the outlying sections of Baileyville, whose post-office is in Ogle county.

The first permanent settlement in Silver Creek township was made in August, Z835, by Thomas Craine, who took up a claim in the southwest corner of the township, built a log cabin, and made a home for his family, which consisted of a wife and three children. In the fall of the same year, Augustus Bonner settled on section 34, near the mouth of Yellow Creek. However the land did not belong to him, and, during the winter of 1836, he relinquished the claim and the cabin which he built upon it to the rightful owner, Thomas Covel. He himself went on farther west.

In the spring of 1836, a large number of new settlers arrived, Charles Walker, F. D. Bulkeley, a Mr. Hammand, and, in the fall of the same year, Sidney Stebbins, Joel Baker, Loran Snow and a Mrs. Brown. Of these, Charles Walker was a notorious character, and his subsequent history was particularly interesting. It seems that he was employed by Thomas Craine, the pioneer settler, to tutor his children, at the salary of $75 a quarter. It was a mere pittance, of course, and evidently Walker did not think that it was enough to meet his needs, for he began to employ his spare moments in the profitable enterprise of horse stealing. Unfortunately, his career was short lived. He was soon caught, and sent to the penitentiary at Alton.

The next year was a fallow period in Silver Creek's development. Settlers came in large numbers to other portions of Stephenson County, but very few to Silver Creek. In 1837 Seth Scott settled here, near Craine's Grove, Hiram Hill, at a point on Yellow Creek, Major John Howe, west of Craine's Grove, I. Forbes, in the extreme eastern portion, on the old Stage Road near the Ridott town line. Two deaths occurred in 1837, those of Thomas Milburn and a man named Reed, who were drowned while attempting to cross the Pecatonica River. These were the first recorded deaths in Silver Creek Township. Reed, according to tradition, had only arrived in the township a few months previous.

John Milburn arrived in 1837, and in 1838 John Walsh, John and Thomas Warren, the latter of whom settled northeast of Craine's Grove, Isaac Scott, Samuel Liebshitz, Christian Strockey, Christian Strockey, Jr. Frederick Strockey, Chauncey Stebbins, and others, all of whom made their claims in the extreme eastern part of the township. And so it continued for about five years more. ' No one ventured into the western part of the township, whether from ignorance of the fertility of the land or from some other motive will probably never be known. In 1839 another delegation arrived.

The '39-ers included Jacob Hoebel, A. Gund, Valentine Stoskopf, Jacob Shoup, Jacob Bartell, D. E. Pattee, "Jock" Pattee, and others, among them a man named Judkins. Shortly after the arrival of this delegation, Mrs. "Jock" Pattee committed suicide by hanging herself to a tree in the eastern part of the township on Gallows Hill.

In the summer of 1838 the first birth in the township occurred. The distinguished infant was Jacob Thompson, the son of William and Lucinda Thompson. Nearly three years later the first marriage in Silver Creek was solemnized, that of Frederick Baker and Miss A. Craine. Miss Craine was a daughter of Thomas Craine, and the wedding ceremony was performed at her father's residence by Squire Thomas. The date is said to have been February n, 1841.

From that time forward the township began to settle up. Two years later, in 1843, a large number of settlements were made in the western part of Silver Creek, that hitherto neglected portion of Stephenson County. Ever since, Silver Creek has been one of the wealthiest and most populous townships of the county. Many of the early settlers were Germans, a thritfy and desirable class of citizens, who have ever since predominated in the annals of Silver Creek.

South Freeport

South Freeport, formerly known as Dunbar, is the Freeport station of the Chicago & Great Western Railroad. It is located at the point where the railroad approaches nearest to Freeport, and consists merely of railroad buildings - the passenger and freight offices, with their atached buildings. A few houses have sprung up in the vicinity, formerly a tiny settlement, but there is no store or post-office, and the population of the whole village, if it can be called a village, does not exceed twenty or twenty-five inhabitants.

When the Great Western originally surveyed its line through Stephenson County, much dissatisfaction was felt because the railroad did not intend to enter Freeport. The directors of the line received a great many petitions from Free- port people, but nothing served to alter their course. When the line was finished, however, they did condescend to build the old "Dunbar" station near the point where their tracks crossed the south branch of the Illinois Central. The name was subsequently changed to "South Freeport." The station is connected with Freeport by a stage line. Stages leave the Rest Room, at the corner of Van Buren and Exchange Streets, in time to connect with the various Great Western trains. A short time ago automobiles were substituted for the stages, but they are now doing service elsewhere, and the South Freeport traffic is again via stage line.

Dunbar is no longer a village. At one time there were prospects for the establishment and building of a prosperous country village, but the proximity of the place to Freeport, and the unsatisfactory nature of the site precluded any such possibility. There is now only a railway platform along the side of the tracks and a sign-board to denote the place where Dunbar might have been. A declining spur connects the Illinois Central tracks with those of the Great Western. A few hundred feet south of Dunbar is the Oakdale Campmeeting Ground of the Evangelical Association.

Baileyville proper is not in Stephenson County, but is located for the greater part in Ogle County. A northern addition, however, known as Knapp's Addition, extends into Silver Creek Township. It is said that plans were once made to remove the Baileyville post-office from Ogle to Stephenson County, and transfer the business section of the town thither. Extensive plans were immediately made for the establishment of a village, but for some reason none of them ever materialized. Obviously it was altogether impossible to try to found a village where there was no natural reason for its existence, and where no settlers wished to take up their abode. Thus the experiment was a gloomy failure, and Stephenson County suffered the loss of a possible additional village to its already large quota of settlements. The village of Baileyville today embraces about one hundred inhabitants, a dozen or more of whom live in Silver Creek Township.