Sterling Township (part 1 of 5)

Sterling Township

Sterling are three large flouring mills, and nearly a dozen manufactories which derive the motive power for their machinery from this source, and these take only a portion of the power, the Rock Falls mills and manufactories dividing it with them. Most of these manufactories have been built within the past few years, and the number is still steadily on the increase. How many there will be in a score of years from now, human ken cannot foretell. The stately and capacious structures which have already been erected, and the almost ceaseless whirl and hum of their machinery, indicate a constant and growing business in the manufacture of the diiferent kinds of implements and goods carried on within their walls. This must beget competition, as well as induce manufacturers of other staples, and not unlikely luxuries, to seek this favored locality, and erect other and even more pretentious buildings, containing the most powerful and improved machinery, side by side with those which now send forth to all of the States and Territories, and even to many of the foreign lands, articles which equal any of their kind in excellence of make, and beauty of finish. It is not in the nature of things for a power like that at Sterling to keep in motion only the running gear of a limited number of works. It will keep grasping continually for additional wheels, and pulleys, and spindles, and engines, until it is enabled to use all its vast propelling force. 'Sterling, therefore, possessing this power, cannot fail of becoming one of the largest and most important inland manufacturing points in the great West. The next decade may see the smoke arising from the tall chimnies of an hundred factories, and the citizens of the city daily hear the clang and clamor, the hum and the whirl, that issue from, and witness if they choose the hurry and the bustle that abound in, these hundred temples of manufacturing thrift and enterprise. The rich and prolific agricultural country which surrounds Sterling can easily furnish subsistence for the hundreds, or thousands, of mechanics and operatives whose services these factories will require, and the railroad facilities will always be made sufiicient to meet the demand for the import of the raw material, not furnished by home supply, and the export of the manufactured article.

The present city of Sterling took its rise from the combination of two towns or villages, known as Harrisburgh and Chatham. Harrisburgh was settled first, the pioneer being Hezekiah Brink, who in early June, 1834, put up a house of logs and rifted lumber in what is now the First Ward of Sterling. This primitive building was the first one erected in the now populous city. Mr. Brink's nearest neighbor at that time was Mr. McClure, who had made a claim on Rock river, near the present village of Prophetstown. Close to his habitation rolled the beautiful Rock river, the Siunissippi of the Indians, and all around him was the boundless prairie, the only variation in the landscape being here and there along the river bank a narrow belt of timber. The place was desolate enough, and illy portended the growth in a comparatively few years of a large and wealthy city. Mr. Brink was soon afterwards joined by others, as mentioned in the history of the township, and the settlement began its career. In the summer of 1836, Capt. D. S. Harris, of the steamer Pioneer, came up the river with a load of provisions, and landed above the rapids, the settlers assisting with their ox teams in towing the boat over them to the landing point. A quantity of these provisions were sold to the settlers, and for payment the Captain took a one half interest in the town, which was then, in his honor, named Harrisburgh. Immediately afterwards Capt. Harris, Elijah Worthington, Hezekiah Brink, and others, had the town surveyed, laid out, and platted, the survey being made by Israel Mitchell, of Jo Daviess county, and the plat recorded in Ogle county. The town was bounded on the east and north by the city limits; on the west by what is now Vine street, in the city of Sterling, and on the south by Rock river. A meeting was held by Capt. Harris and the leading settlers on board the steamer while it was being taken over the rapids, and among other matters discussed was that of establishing a Postoffice in the new town, and it was finally decided that a petition asking for one should be forwarded to Washington, as soon as some other preliminary matters had been settled. This petition was sent on in due time to the Postoffice Pepartment, with a request that the name of the Postoffice be Rock River Rapids, and the Postmaster Hezekiah Brink. The Department immediately acted upon it, and granted both requests, but Mr. Brink declined to accept the position, and the Postoffice was abandoned. Some error having been discovered in the first survey, the town of Hai-risburgh was re-surveyed and re-platted in 1837, by Joseph Crawford, now President of the First National Bank at Dixon. Mr. Swan, an agent of Capt. Harris, built a store that season on the bank of the river, known afterwards as the Richardson House, which was occupied by Worthington & Brink, with a stock of goods. Several dwelling houses were also erected in 1836 and 1837.

In the spring of 1835, William Kirkpatrick, a resident of Sangamon county, Illinois, made a claim and built a cabin in what was afterwards known as Chatham. He was then the owner of a mill and a large claim on Yellow creek, near Freeport, Stephenson county, and the few inhabitants who had made permanent settlements in and around the territory now comprising the city of Sterling, were suspicious that Kirkpatrick was a land shark, basing their opinion upon the fact that the owner of so large a mill claim needed all his means to take care of and improve it, and whatever else he obtained would be merely for speculative purposes. The views entertained by the settlers were soon made known to him, and he invited a conference. Several meetings were held, which finally resulted in a compromise, Kirkpatrick agreeing to enter into abend in the penal sum of $1,000, conditioned that he should lay out a town at the rapids of Rock river, the next year. The bond was made and executed on the lOth of November, 1835, to Isaac H. Albertson, Simeon M. Coe, Wyatt Cantrell, Solomon Whitman, Ward Storer, Nathaniel Morehouse, John J. Albertson, Harvey Morgan, and John Simonson. In the spring of 183(5, Kirkpatrick carried out his agreement, had the town laid out and platted, and gave to it the name of Chatham. During the summer he built a frame house in the town, hauling his lum- .ber from his mill at Yellow creek, a distance of forty miles. This was the first frame house erected in what is now the city of Sterling, and stood on the bank of the river, occupying the site of Col. Boyden's present residence. The original settlers of Chatham were: Nelson Mason, John D. Barnett, D. C. Cushman, D. F. Batcheller, John Enderton, A. McMoore, Robert C. Andrews, John Mason, and Hugh Wallace. Messrs. Mason and Barnett purchased the interest of Kirkpatrick in the town, put some improvements to the frame house, and filled it with an assortment of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, clothing, etc., making the stock the first assorted one opened in Whiteside county. The settlers in Buifalo, Elkhorn, and Genesee Groves, and also fi*om Lyndon, Prophetstown and Portland, as well as many Indians then remaining in the Winnebago swamps, did their trading at this store. The original survey and plat of Chatham was made by Joseph Crawford, but in the spring of 1837 it was found that they were incorrect, and that re-surveying and re-platting was necessary, which was done by Charles R. Rood, now of Garden Plain. About five hundred lots were then platted. The plats of both Chatham and Harrisburgh were made and recorded before any of the townships were surveyed and divided into sections by the Government surveyors, and several years before the land was placed into market by the Government, Chatham was bounded on the east by the street now known as Cherry street, in the city of Sterling; on the north by the city limits; on the west originally by what is now A street, and on the south by the river. The tier of blocks between Locust and A, and part of B streets, were afterwards vacated by act of the General Assembly, upon petition of Hugh Wallace, and made a part of his farm. Mason & Barnett were succeeded in 1841 in the general mercantile line, by William and George Adams, who erected a store building for their trade on Third street, the site being now occupied by the residence of Mr. Summy. Some other buildings were put up, but the growth of both Chatham and Harrisburgh at that time was very slow.

Lying between Vine street, or the west line of Harrisburgh, and Cherry street, or the east line of Chatham, was a space of ground which remained for some time as neutral territory. This space now covers over six blocks of the present city of Sterling. A survey and plat of this ground was made by Charles R. Rood, his assistants in making the survey being Col. Ezekiel Kilgour, Nelson Mason, John Mason, Samuel Barnett, Andrew Oliver, and Col. W. M. Kilgour, then a boy. The survey was made some time after that of Harrisburgh and Chatham, but before the township was surveyed and divided into sections by the Government surveyors. Mr. Rood had, therefore, to make his starting points at the northwest and southeast corners of the Congressional township, and make his calculations in running his lines therefrom as to what section, or part of sections, this particular piece of ground would be on when the Government surveyors located the sections in the township. The survey was accurately made, and the land afterwards found to be on section 22. The plat was recorded in Whiteside county.

The towns of Harrisburgh and Chatham, being in such proximity, were rivals, until a common interest demanded the throwing aside of all personal feeling, and uniting to promote the general good. In one thing, however, the people of both towns agreed perfectly from the start, and that was that Rock river would continue to be a navigable stream, and become the great thoroughfare for the exportation of their products, and the importation of such goods as would be demanded in the market. They looked to St. Louis, and other southern ports, as the points at which they must buy and sell. There was no thought then that the water in Rock river would ever he reduced to such an extent as to preclude navigation, or that the iron horse would monopolize the carrying trade, and divert the channel of transportation from the southern cities to the great city on the Lake. Aside from the river, the only method of transportation was the slow and toilsome one, by team. It is no wonder, then, they looked with pride upon the noble river, and hailed the arrival of a steamer with every demonstration of delight. To meet this steamboat traffic the streets running from the river were laid out one hundred feet wide, while those running parallel with it were made much narrower, an order which the people would now prefer to have reversed. The first dwellings, as well as business houses, were also erected on the bank of the river, so as to be near the center of trade. Rock river was navigable at that time, and Congress had so declared, which latter fact, of itself, was undoubtedly sufiicient to remove all doubts, if any had been permitted to exist. The steamer Pioneer, commanded by Capt. Harris, came puffing up the river as early as 1836, and the people of the upper town, in the exuberance of their joy, named the place Harrisburgh, in his honor. Other steamers followed, and the prospect was that an era of uninterrupted river navigation had commenced, the vessels to ply at least as far north as Harrisburgh and Chatham. The rapids opposed a farther ascent of the river, but these could be easily avoided by digging a canal, and in 1839 a contract was let to construct one which would shun them entirely. But '* the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee." The canal was never finished; Rock river threw up the sponge as a navigable stream, and the locomotive came in as the propelling power for transportation.

In June, 1837, a Postoffice was established in Chatham, called Rock River Rapids, and John D. Barnett appointed Postmaster. The mail was brought from Dixon by Nelson Mason, who had secured the contract, by horse during the summer, and in the winter in what was called a "jumper. " The mail then was taken no farther west than the Rapids Postoffice, Mr. Mason carrying it for a consideration of eight cents per mile. It came tri-monthly. and was received at Dixon from the general mail carried by coach from Peoria to Galena, the route being by way of Dixon's ferry. This mail was carried for a long time by James Dixon, a son of the late well known Father Dixon. The Postoffice was kept in Mason & Barnett's store, a small frame building standing on the river bank, a little south of where Dr. Royer now resides. Previous to the establishment of this Postoffice, the settlers in and around Harrisburgh and Chatham were compelled to go to Dixon for their mail. The letters and papers would be directed to Rock River Rapids, but as there was no office at that point, they would be detained at Dixon until called for, and the silver quarter paid for each letter. Mr. Barnett was Postmaster for about a year, when Daniel D. Guiles received the appointment, and moved the office to Harrisburgh, keeping it in a frame building which is still standing south of Lincoln Park, and not far from where John Dunmore now lives. This was a victory for Harrisburgh, and she wore the escutcheon for some time. In 18-11, Eliphalet B. Worthington was appointed Postmaster, and kept the office for quite a time in his house, on Main street, in Harrisburgh, the site of which is now occupied by the residence of R. L. Mangan. Mr. Worthington afterwards bought some lots on the intermediate space between Harrisburgh and Chatham, and situated on the street now known as Broadway, upon which he built a house, and upon its completion moved the Postoffice into it. This, was considered a good stroke of policy on the part of Mr. Worthington, as it allayed all feeling between the rival towns as to which should have the honor of possessing Uncle Sam's depository for the mail, besides strengthening his tenure of office. Being on neutral ground, and about midway between the points contending for the supremacy, the combatants laid down their armor, and shook hands over the verdant chasm. At this time Harrisburgh was familiarly known as Tinkertown; the neutral territory where the Postoffice was located, Tylertown; and Chatham, Muncey. Simeon M. Coe is said to have been the author of these names. But whether that be so, or not, each had its significance, as every old settler is well aware. These names clung to the localities for some time after the consolidation of the towns.

In the early part of 1840 Sterling was without a store. Mason & Barnett having gone out of business. Happer & Mcllvaine soon afterwards started one, but remained only about six months when they moved their stock of goods to Albany, on the Mississippi river, where they continued in trade for a long time, Mr. Happer being still in business there. Theodore and Elijah Winn then opened a small stock in the upper town, and continued in business until 1843 when they sold to Blanchard & Fuller, but as they did not increase the stock the people of Sterling procured their supplies from Dixon and Albany, the former place being ten miles to the east, and the latter thirty miles to the west. Happer & Mcllvaine, at Albany, secured a large share of the trade. Albany and Fulton were the principal shipping points for the products of the county. Wheat was mainly the article of production, and the demand was then at the South. Sometimes there was a surplus of stock over the home consumption, a market for which was found at the Galena lead mines.

History Of The City Of Sterling

When Whiteside county became fully organized, and the question of the location of the County Seat arose, the people of Harrisburgh and Chatham began discussing the propriety of securing the boon. Neither of them could expect to get it in the face of the opposition of the other, and yet neither would yield. It was well known that the one which secured the prize would be the town, and the other would lose its name and identity. Local pride rebelled against such an emergency as the latter, and hence strenuous efforts were made to avert it. The towns had been rivals for several years, and each had put forth its best efforts for the supremacy. The location of the Postoffice had given them the first opportunity for a trial of influence and strength, but owing to the office being moved to neutral territory, neither gained any advantage. That was but a slight matter, however, compared to the county seat of such a county as Whiteside even then promised to become. The people of Harrisburgh reasoned that if the court house, jail, and other county buildings could be located within its bailiwick, the town would speedily become the most important in the county, and but a few years elapse before it would grow to be a large and populous city, and those of Chatham followed the same ratiocination. The inhabitants outside the limits of these towns were equally anxious as those within them, to get the county seat in that locality, believing it would add an impetus to the growth of the town securing it, and thus afford an improved market for their products. Contentions among themselves, and a heavy pressure from without, rendered the state of things anything but pleasant to the citizens of both towns. " What shall we do?" was the question the Harrisburghers and Chathamites asked among themselves. "What will you do ?" was the one propounded without; but what to do remained a mooted point. Finally the proprietors of the two towns seeing that discretion was the better part of valor, agreed to have a meeting and hold a friendly discussion over the important matter. The first convocation did not result in an agreement; neither did several other ones subsequently held. Eventually, early in 1839, it was decided to unite the towns, and then came the question of the name for 'the consolidated town. On this point Worthington and Brink represented Harrisburgh, and Wallace and Mason, Chatham. Mr. Brink strongly urged the name of Pipsissiway, but the others considered that cognomen way out of the way, and wanted one more civilized in its character, even if it should not be so euphonious. To end the debate a proposition was offered to make Broadway the dividing line, and have coppers tossed as to which side of that street the county buildings should be situated in the event of the county seat being located in the consolidated town, the winners also to have the right of naming the future city. The gentlemen mentioned above were selected as the tossing parties, and upon examination of the coin of the realm as it fell to the floor after exhausting the evolutions given to it by their dextrous hands, it was found that Wallace and Mason had won. These gentlemen then agreed upon the name of Sterling, and the new town was ready to enter the field as a competitor for the seat of justice of Whiteside county. The elections held in 1839, under an act of the General Assembly, to locate the county seat, and other matters pertaining to the subject, will be found under the head of "County Seat Affairs, " Chapter IV, pages 71-76, of this volume. The court house in Sterling was ordered by the County Commissioners' Court to be located on Block 57, west of Broadway, and the work upon it commenced in 1842, Luther Bush receiving the contract for the brick and stone work, and plastering; and D. F. Batcheller, A. McMoore, and William Oliver, for the wood work. Court was first held in the building in 1844. At the time of the removal of the county seat to Sterling, Hugh Wallace was the only lawyer residing in the place. Mr. Smith, from Vermont, settled soon afterwards, but was drowned on the 4th day of July, 1843, while attempting to cross Rock river during a fierce gust of wind. Maj. M. S. Henry came in 1844. Now there are fifteen disciples of Coke and Blackstone in the city. The old court house is still standing, although its uses as a seat of justice ceased at the removal of the county seat to Morrison in 1858.

We have mentioned the fact that as early as 1839 an appropriation was made under the the internal improvement act of the General Assembly, to construct a canal around the rapids on the Rock Falls eide of the river, which would enable steamboats and other river craft to go farther up the stream, and the untimely fate of the scheme by reason of the crash which followed the reckless and extravagant system of finance of the State at that time. This failure, however, did not deter those who considered Rock river a navigable stream from soliciting other appropriations, and entering into other undertakings, to remove or avoid obstructions to navigation. They therefore petitioned the General Assembly of the State to pass an act for the improvement of Rock river, under which a tax could be levied for the purpose. In compliance with this request the General Assembly passed an act on the 25th of February, 1845, entitled " An act for the improvement of the navigation of Rock river. " By the provisions of this act the County Commissioners of the counties lying on the river, were authorized to levy a tax in their respective counties to secure the removal of all obstructions from the rapids at Sterling to the mouth of the river, the work to be done under the superintendence of a Board of Commissioners. The report of these Commissioners, made December 6, 1847, and signed by John Dixon, President, states as follows in regard to the improvement of the rapids : "The contract made with Thomas McCabe to excavate a channel through the rapids at Sterling, having been given up by him, the Board employed William Pollock, one of our members, to superintend the work on said rapids, with authority to employ the necessary workmen, and procure the necessary tools and implements. Mr. Pollock reports that he found it very difficult to get suitable workmen, but with the small number he succeeded in taising, he has made considerable improvement in that part of the channel that remained to be excavated, by removing the more prominent obstructions in the channel, by which means the passage of flat and keel boats will be much facilitated. The Board expended for the work upon said rapids under Mr. Pollock's superintendence, and for the services of Mr. Pollock, connected with it, the sum of four hundred and fifty-two dollars, and fifty-three cents. There had been previously paid to Mr. McCabe for excavation on said rapids under his contract, in the years 1845 and 1846, the sum of five hundred and sixty-five dollars and seventy-eight cents, making with the amount paid during the last season, the sum of ten hundred and eighteen dollars and thirty-one cents, which has been expended by authority of this Board for the excavation on the rapids at Sterling. And although the channel has not been completed through the rapids, such as was contracted for with Mr. McCabe, yet the Board is of the opinion that by the work already done, the passing up and down said channel for boats, rafts and other craft, will be found to be materially improved and expedited, and that persons who have occasion to pass up or down said rapids will be satisfied that the money expended thereon by this Board, as above stated, has not been misapplied." The Board made a further report, December 23, 1848, in which they state that "since their last report made in December, 1847, the Board has held but one meeting, which was in August last, at which they appropriated of the tax assessed for the improvement of the navigation of Rock river, a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars to be expended under the superintendence of William Pollock, in removing obstructions to the navigation of Rock river from the rapids at Sterling to the mouth of the river; of which sum Mr. Pollock has expended eighty dollars and fifty cents in procuring the removal of the most prominent obstructions." It will be seen by these reports that the commissioners appointed under the act of the General Assembly, for the improvement of the navigation of Rock river, entertained the most positive assurance that by the removal of the obstructions then known to exist, the stream would be rendered .navigable for the future for "boats, rafts and other craft." This idea prevailed for some years later, but was finally abandoned as we have mentioned elsewhere, and the water of the river put to a use at Sterling, Rock Falls, Lyndon, and other places, which has proved of much greater financial advantage.

John Gralt opened a store in Sterling in 1844, and the next year James L. Crawford became a partner, the firm name being Gait & Crawford. Afterwards John B. Crawford entered as a partner, and the firm name was changed to Gait, Crawford & Co. In 1847, J. H. Boynton and James C. Woodburn formed a partnership under the name of Boynton & Woodburn, and opened an assorted stock. of goods. Mr. Woodburn died in 1848, and Mr. Boynton continued the business. The latter was in the peddling trade previous to 1847. His wagon ' was labelled "Western Trader," and was known by all the settlers in Northern Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin. It has been rightfully said of him that he was a Napoleon in that branch of trade. M. S. Henry commenced a private bank in 1852, and in 1854 formed a pai'tnership with Lorenzo Hapgood, the firm name being M. S. Henry & Co. This bank was continued until 1861. H. A Munson also opened a bank during that time, in connection with an insurance company, and ran it for a short time. A. H. Buckwalter started a store about the same time as Boynton & Woodburn, and after conducting it awhile, received Edward Jameison as a partner. The house closed about 1858. Feather & Hoover followed, and when the latter retired, E. G. Allen became a member of the firm, and remained so until the firm was dissolved in 1859. The firm of Patterson & Witmer commenced business in 1855, and had a heavy trade for about ten years, when the Pattersons retired. The firm of David M. Crawford &Co., came into existence after the dissolution of that of Gait, Crawford & Co. Mr. Crawford has continued in business ever since, his partners, however, having been changed several times. These were among the oldest and largest of the early business houses of Sterling, after the removal of Happer & Mcllvaine to Albany. The stores of Mason & Barnett, and others, were in existence before the consolidation of Harrisburgh and Chatham.

The excitement in regard to the Postoffice ran high again in 1856. When E. B. Worthington retired, Lewis D. Crandall received the appointment as Postmaster, and located the ofiice soon afterwards in a building on the north side of Third street not far from where Maj. M. S. Henry now lives. There was not much objection made to the removal to that place, and had the office remained there until the demands of the people as the town increased required a difi'erent location, everything relating to the mail and its delivery would have been serene. But by some means not generally understood, Mr. Crandall was removed and Joseph Hutchinson appointed. This change was enough of itself, as it appeared, to arouse the indignation of the people. They wanted to be consulted in so important a matter. It was probably not so much because they desired Mr. Crandall retained, as it was to have a voice in the appointment of his successor in case of his removal, the great object being to have an incumbent in the position who would keep the office at a point convenient to the business district. The announcement, therefore, of the removal of Crandall, and the appointment of Hutchinson, created the greatest excitement among the citizens and business men generally, as they knew it portended a change of base as to the Postoffice location, and sure enough the change was made. Hutchinson kept a store in what was then known as Wallacetown, some distance west of the business part of Sterling, and there he established the Postoffice. To get to it the merchant, lawyer, doctor, mechanic, and the "rest of mankind and womankind'" in Sterling proper, would be compelled to travel greatly out of their way, and in rainy weather to wade through thick mud. To shcfw how deeply they resented this movement on the part of the government and its new appointee, they refused to mail their letters at Sterling, and directed all their correspondents to send their mail to Gait or Nelson. Some even went so far as to refuse to take their mail out of the Sterling Postoffice, preferring to suflFer the inconvenience occasioned by the delay rather than in any manner patronize the Hutchinson institution. This inconvenience caused considerable trouble in business matters, but it was cheerfully submitted to. Meetings were held by the indignant citizens to devise means to secure the removal of Hutchinson, or if he must be kept in office to get an order from the Postoffice Department causing a return of the office to a locality within the business part of the town. On one occasion a large number gathered at one of the stores just after a very heavy rain, and as usual the Postoffice was the theme of discussion. It did not take long to excite the already intense feeling of the crowd, and to make them ripe for any movement which could be used as a means of retaliation for the great wrong perpetrated upon them. The suggestion soon came that they all march down to Hutchinsons's store through the deep mud, and carry with them on their boots as much of the article as could be made to adhere, and when they had entered the place todeposititby thorough stamping upon the floor or any otherconvenient place. The chronicles of the times do not state the result. Relief, however, came afterwards in the removal of Hutchinson, and the appointment of L. King Hawthorne, who moved the office to Third street, between Mulberry and Spruce. This brought it again within gunshot of the stores and other business places, and the people once more calmly returned to their various pursuits. The stirring times during Hutchinson's incumbency are still fresh in the remembrance of many of the citizens of Sterling.

The growth of Sterling was slow until the railroad era. Up to that time it was considerably behind Fulton, Albany and Dixon. Its prospects for the future were often so dark and gloomy that neighboring towns looked upon it as a doubtful enterprise. The citizens, however, were not dismayed. They felt assured that the vast water power would be utilized at no distant day, and that the fertile agricultural country surrounding it would soon be populated by enterprising and thrifty farmers. It needed only some avenue more speedy than the common highway to take the products of the machinery at the water power, and the surplus products of the soil, to a general distributing market, to make available the advantages which nature had so lavishly bestowed upon it. Railroads were being constructed through diiferent parts of the State, and the people felt assured that the beautiful valley of Rock river would not remain long as a region unknown to the iron horse. Chicago was sending out tracks in different directions; and it would be strange if one did not find its way through the Rock river country. The more sagacious predicted that the time would soon come when an air line railroad would run from the Lakes to the Mississippi. They saw the great markets at the East reaching out even then for the products of the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the way to grasp them could only be afforded by the locomotive and the car. In these predictions they were correct, and the air line railroad came.

The project of constructing a railroad from Chicago directly west to the Mississippi river was brought forward as early as 1851. Previous to that time, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad had been completed to Rockford, and shortly afterwards to Freeport. But that road did not answer the purpose for Rock river valley, neither did it look toward a consummation of the project of a direct line from the Lakes to the Mississippi river, and as a consecjuence the St. Charles Air line, the Dixon Air Line, and the Mississippi & Rock River Junction Railroads were projected, and work upon them commenced. In 1853 the Michigan Central, and the Galena & Chicago Union Companies came forward and assisted these newly organized companies, and eventually they all passed into the hands of the latter, and the name of the Chicago & Galena Union Railway was assumed. This company immediately pushed forward the work of completing the present road from Chicago to Fulton, and in 1856 the first train entered Sterling. The people had been watching and waiting for this event so long, that when it did occur their joy was unbounded, and to give vent to it, in part at least, an old fashioned barbacue was decided upon. This long to be remembered occasion was held in the summer. Over three thousand jubilant people assembled under an awning composed of branches of trees in full leaf, erected just south of the present artesian well. A large, fat ox had been donated by S. Miles Coe, and roasted whole, and after partaking of it, and the numerous other viands and luxuries furnished by the grateful citizens, the vast concourse listened to an eloquent oration delivered by Benjamin F. Taylor, the then literary editor of the Chicago Evening Joxirnal. At its conclusion the "little giant of the West," Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, came forward and made one of those happy addresses for which he was so famous. Those who heard it, say it was superior in matter and delivery to anything of the kind they ever heard. The ceremonies and festivities of the occasion concluded with a ball in the evening, which was largely attended, Mr. Douglas being among the gayest of the gay throng which, inspired by the best of music, threaded the mazy intricacies of the dance. From that day Sterling has been rapidly marching on to wealth and greatness.

Unlike most other towns. Sterling did not organize as a village previous to its incorporation as a city. There were probably valid reasons why this was not done, yet in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred the people of so large a town as it had grown to be, would not have been content to have remained under township organization simply for so many years. Local pride alone would have induced many to organize as a municipality. The citizens of Sterling, however, were undoubtedly looking forward to the day when they could jump into the harness as a full fledged city, without the preparatory schooling as a village. Such at any rate was the case.

Sterling was organized as a city under a special charter granted by the General Assembly of the State, and approved February 16, 1857. The first election under the charter was held in April of that year, and resulted in the choice of Lorenzo Hapgood for Mayor; John Pettigrew and David H. Myers, as Aldermen for the First Ward; Henrv Bush and D. R. Beck, for the Second Ward; and James Gait and B. G. Wheeler, for the Third Ward. The City Council met for organization at Boynton's Hall, on the evening of April 23, 1857. William Cafi'rey was appointed Clerk j^ro tern, after which 3Iayor Hapgood delivered his inaugural address. Some preliminary business was transacted, - and the Council adjourned to meet at the same place on the evening of April 25th. At that meeting L. King Hawthorne was elected City Clerk; Edward N. Kirk, City Attorney; and Winfield S. Wilkinson, City Surveyor, Mayor Hapgood appointed the following committees: 0)i Finance, Aid. Gait, Beck, and Pettigrew; On Claims, Aid. Beck, Wheeler, and Myers; On Judiciary, Aid Wheeler, Bush, and Pettigrew; On Printing, Aid. Myers, Gait, and Beck;

On Streets and Alleys, Aid. Pettigrew, Bush, and Gralt; On Ordinances, Aid. Bush, Gait, and Pettigrew. The first ordinance was passed by the Council, and approved by the Mayor, May 2, 1857, and related to the duties and salary of the City Surveyor. The second, relating to shows and exhibitions, was also passed and approved at the same meeting. Something of a contest arose over the selection of an official newspaper organ, there being two newspapers published in the city at the time, known as the Sterling Times, and the Sterling Republican. To ascertain which one was entitled to the honor, the Committee on Printing required both to furnish sworn lists of their subscribers, and when these verified lists were handed in, it was found that the Times had 187 subscribers, and the Rejmhlican 186, the former therefore winning the prize by a single name. This did not satisfy Mr. Cafi'rey, publisher of the Republican, and at the next meeting of the Council he sent in a petition asking for a reconsideration of the vote which gave his rival the coveted honor of calling his paper the official organ. A special committee consisting of Aid. Bush, Pettigrew, and Gait was appointed to consider the matter, but before they reported a compromise was effected by which each paper agreed to publish the proceedings of the Council gratis, and charge the same rates for publishing ordinances and notices as had been before charged by the Repuhlican. Aid. Myers resigned his seat in June, 1857, and on the 30th of that month a special election was held, at which Asa F. K Emmons was chosen to fill the vacancy. Sterling Aldermen were fined at that day, one dollar and costs, for every time they were absent from a meeting of the Board. At the meeting of the Council held on the 6th of August, 1857, Hezekiah Windom, and two hundred and forty-five other residents of the Second Ward, presented a petition praying the Council not to grant any license for the sale of spirituous liquors in that Ward. The petition was referred to a special committee who reported on the 13th of the same month, adversely to the prayer it contained. The report stated that some eleven weeks previous to the presentation of the petition, the City Council had adopted the policy of refusing to grant license for the sale of liquor in any part of the city, and passed an ordinance strictly forbidding its sale within the city limits, but that no effort had been made to enforce the ordinance, and in consequence parties sold openly in each Ward. Under such a state of affairs the Council had thought it best to repeal the prohibitoiy ordinance, and license a limited number of houses to sell spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors, in the respective Wards. The Committee did not, therefore, deem it policy to discriminate as to license in favor of any Ward. The report was adopted by the Council. This was the first attempt on the part of any of the citizens of Sterling, as such simply, to secure the interdiction of the sale of intoxicating liquors in any part of the city limits. The principle, however, had taken root, and finally triumphed.

The charter was amended by an act of the General Assembly in 1869, and the city has been working under the amended charter since that time. XJnder this charter. the corporate limits of the city are described to be "all that district embraced in the platted town of Sterling, including the several additions thereto, as now platted and recorded in the office of the Recorder of Whiteside county; also all that part of the Southwest quarter of section twenty-two, in said town, which lies north of Rock river, and all that part of the said town of Sterling lying between the said platted town and the central line of Rock river, and bounded on the east by the section line running between sections twentytwo and twenty-three, in said town, and on the west by the line of G street, in Wallace's addition to the said city of Sterling, extended southerly to the middle of Rock river." Section three provides that whenever any tract of land adjoining the city shall be laid off into town lots, and duly recorded, the same shall be annexed and form a part of the city. Section four divides the city into Wards as follows: " All that part of the city lying east of the center line of Broadway, extending to the north and south boundaries of the city, to constitute the First Ward; all that part lying west of First Ward and east of the center line of Locust street, extending to the north and south boundaries of the city, to constitute the Second Ward: and all that part of the city lying west of the center line of Locust street, to constitute the Third Ward." The Mayor or any two Aldermen may call special meetings of the city Council. City elections are held on the first Monday in March, in each year.

The following are the names of the different Mayors, Aldermen, and City Clerks of the city of Sterling from the organization of the city in 1857, up to and including the year 1877, with the date of their election :

The city of Sterling is one hundred and ten miles west of Chicago, and twenty-six miles east of the Mississippi river. Its location is sixty-three and six one hundredths feet above low water in Lake Michigan, and six hundred and forty-six feet above the level of the sea, taking the Chicago & Northwestern Kailroad track as the point of elevation. It is in latitude 40 degrees, 50 minutes north, and longitude 90 degrees, 5 minutes west, from Greenwich. The railway facilities are excellent to all points, as it is situated on the air line of the Galena Division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, which affords speedy transportation accommodations east and west, and is the northern terminus of the Eockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, opening communication with the south. On the Rock Falls side is the terminus of the Rock River branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

In 1852 the property holders of Sterling by common consent deeded to John Gait one-half of their unimproved lots, in trust, to be conveyed by him as such trustee to a company that would duly organize under the laws of the State, and construct a dam across Rock river, opposite the town, together with a suitable head race. A company known as the Sterling Hydraulic Company, with John A. Holland then at its head, was accordingly organized in 1854, and the work on the dam and race commenced. The dam was finished in September, 1855, at a cost of about seven thousand dollars, and is one thousand feet in length, and fourteen feet wide, the power being under a six foot head of water. The present officers of the Hydraulic Company are: Lorenzo Hapgood, President, and James M. Wallace, Secretary and Treasurer. ;

The first bridge connecting Sterling and Rock Falls was erected in 1856-'57, but was washed away by a freshet soon after its completion. The present bridge was built in 1863 by the Sterling Bridge Company, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. It is a toll bridge, and has been extensively used since its construction. In 1868 a part of the bridge was carried away, but the loss was soon replaced. The officers of this Company are: William L. Patterson, President, and William A. Sanborn, Secretary and Treasurer. During the session of tlje last General Assembly an act was passed to allow the construction of bridges over the waters within the State, according to the provisions therein contained, and under it the electors of Sterling held an election in August last to decide whether or not a free bridge should be built across the river connecting Sterling and Rock Falls. The project had been discussed for some time previously, and the contestants for quite a period were supposed to be pretty evenly divided, but as the election approached the friends of the bridge increased in numerical force, and finally carried the day by a large majority. The bridge will extend from the foot of Mulberry street in Sterling, to Bridge street, a little east of the Industrial Building, in Rock Falls. Work has already commenced on the structure on the south side. The entire cost will be borne by the city of Sterling, which has voted $40,000 for its construction. It will be built of iron, and made throughout a substantial structure. After the destruction of the first bridge in 1857, B. G. Wheeler, a banker in Sterling, and one of its first Aldermen, started a ferry above the rapids, but it got so frequently out of repair that it was comparatively useless. When that was abandoned James A. Patterson ran one for a time below the rapids, but stern fate decreed that it should not be a success, and it was also abandoned. In 1874, George W. Barr purchased a steam tug of some parties in Lyons, Iowa, fitted it for a ferry boat, and conveyed it to Sterling where he launched it upon the river above the dam, and commenced the ferry business. The little steamer was christened the White Swan, and from the start has done a good business, making one hundred and fifty trips daily during the season. It has passed through several hands since it was launched by Capt. Barr, but in 1876 came into the possession of James A. DeGroff, who is the present owner. Mr. DeGroff is one of the solid men of Sterling, and although not taking charge of the boat himself, sees that every comfort and convenience are afforded to those who patronize it.

Sterling is lighted with gas furnished by the Sterling Gas Light Company, which was incorporated in 1874. The works, which are quite extensive, were erected during the same year, at a cost of forty thousand dollars. Between three and four miles of mains have been laid, and a large number of lamp posts erected throughout the city. The business streets, and many of those on which private residences are exclusively situated, are finely lighted. The hotels, public halls, and many of the stores and dwellings are also lighted by gas furnished by these works. The officers of the Company are: Joseph M. Patterson, President; William L. Patterson, Secretary; and John Charter, Treasurer.

The Fire Department of Sterling is composed of one engine company, three hose companies, and one hook and ladder company. It is in excellent condition, and the members number about one hundred and fifty in all, active, energetic, experienced men, ready at any time when duty calls them. The companies are as follows: Columbia Engine and Hose Company, No. 1, located on Market street, north of Third street; Niagara Hose Company, No. 2, located at the foot of Locust street, on the water power; Hose Company, No. 3, located on the corner of B and Third streets; and Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, located on Market street, north of Third. The latter company carries six ladders, four Babcock Fire Extinguishers, as well as all other necessary appliances. The city has the Holly system of pumps for fire purposes. These are located on the water power at the foot of Locust street, the wheel and power furnished by the Hydraulic Company. Pipes extend from this point to different parts of the city, and at all necessary corners of streets fire plugs are situated so that in case of conflagration a good supply of water can be obtained. An abundant supply can also be furnished by the artesian well belonging to the estate of the late Joel Harvey, and in time it will undoubtedly be utilized for fire, and largely for domestic and other purposes. This well is situated in the northeastern part of the city, and is 1,665 feet deep, having a flow of fourteen feet. The power furnished by it is sufficient to reach the upper story of any building in the city.

The Postoffice is located at No. 90 Mulberry street, a few doors south of Third street, to which place it was removed by Mrs. EmHy J. C. Bushnell, now Mrs. M. S. Henry, shortly after she received her appointment as Postmistress. Upon her resignation in 1871, Mrs. Electa E. Smith, the present Postmistress, was appointed. The business of the office has increased rapidly in the past few years, and as a consequence it has been enlarged from time to time as the public needs' demanded. It now contains eight hundred and eighty-two boxes, and one hundred and twenty-five drawers. During the fiscal year of 1876, the office paid to the Government six thousand dollars, besides defraying all expenses. The money order department during the same year transacted a business of two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

The charter election in Sterling for several years has turned almost wholly upon the question of licensing the sale of spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors. Since 1873 the no-license party has been largely in the majority, and not only carried the entire city ticket at each election, but nearly every Alderman. At the in-coming of the anti-license party in 1874, a stringent ordinance was passed prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors, ale, wine and beer, in less quantities than five gallons. The ordinance provides that "every person or corporation who shall, by himself or herself, or by agent, employe, servant, or otherwise, within the limits of said city of Sterling, or within one mile of said limits north of Rock river, sell or barter, in any manner, any wine, rum, gin, brandy, whisky, malt liquors, strong beer, ale, porter, mixed liquors, or any intoxicating liquors whatever, in less quantities than five gallons, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than ten dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars." For the sale or barter on Sunday, within the limits mentioned, the penalty is not less than twenty dollars, nor more than one hundred dollars. The ordinance further provides that the giving away of liquors, or other shift or device to evade its provisions, shall be deemed and held to be unlawful selling within its intent and meaning. The city authorities have been very active in discovering every violation of the ordinance, and when once ascertained the violators are prosecute'^ to its full extent. The result is that liquor is not sold openly, and probably but comparatively little in secret dives or dark corners. The example set by Sterling has been followed by several other towns and villages in the county.

A large number oi business houses and private residences have been erected in the city within the past few years, and notably so during the years 1876 and 1877. During the latter year several large blocks of stores, mainly on Third and Locust streets, besides over one hundred private residences in diff'erent parts of the town, have been built. Additions and improvements have also been made to the various manufacturing establishments. The Gralt house, one of the finest hotels west of Chicago, was erected in 1876-'77, and formally opened to the public on the 21st of August, of the latter year. Over five hundred guests participated in the complimentary banquet given in its honor, under the management of Messrs. A. A. Terrell, Joseph 5l. Patterson, and E. W. Edson, an executive committee on the part of the citizens. The hotel is situated on the southwest corner of Locust and Fourth streets, with a front of one hundred and twenty feet on the former street, and one hundred on the latter. It is four stories high, with a basement, and has all the room, convenience, and elegance of the modern first class hotel. It is owned by Thomas A. Gait. The Wallace House, long known as a capital hotel, has been greatly enlarged and improved during the past year, by its enterprising owners, and ranks with the best in the country. The Boynton House is also a fine hotel, and has been kept for many years by its owner, J. H. Boynton.

The city of Sterling in 1877 contains ten dry goods houses, fourteen groceries, six hardware, stove, and tin stores, seven drug stores, seven clothing stores, eight boot and shoe stores, four jewelry establishments, three musical instrument establishments, four agricultural implement establishments, two hat and cap dealers, three furniture dealers, one wholesale and retail harness and saddle manufacturer and dealer, throe harness shops, four milliners, five dressmakers, two stationers, two marble and granite works, three cigar manufactories, five tobacconists, three bakeries, one feed store, one auction store, one paint store, three photographers, seven coal dealers, four barber shops, three plumb- ing establishments, four meat markets, two wholesale liquor dealers, two live stock dealers, three butter dealers, three lumber dealers, two ice dealers, two brick makers, two tanneries, three confectionery stores, three eating houses, one laundry, one packing house, two grain dealers, one brewery, three livery stables, four cooper establishments, seven blacksmith shops, seventeen lawyers, twelve physicians, three dentists, three newspapers, six hotels. The manufactories, mills and distillery are mentioned under the appropriate head.

The following extract from an article published in the Western Manufacturer, of Chicago, shows the light in which Sterling is regarded by non-residents, and is a fair expression of the estimation entertained by all_^who have visited it:

" It is a cib' presenting advantages to the business man and manufacturer second to none in the country. Possessed of an ahnost unUmited water power, with the rapid growth of the industrial interests of the West its future grand possibilities cannot be over estimated. It abounds in an educated and industrious population, unexcelled public schools, numerous well appointed and well united churches, live newspapers, and everv essential element which characterizes a city. Sterling offers to capitalists opportunities for the most profitable investment of their money in manufacturing and business enterprises, as well as the refinements and comforts of a pleasant home "

When the Dixon branch of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad was finished as far west as the former place, the people of Sterling saw that its terminus would not remain there if proper efforts were made by the towns between that point and the Mississippi river. Iowa had been admitted into the Union; the country between Sterling and the great river was steadily settling up, while that on the other side also showed signs of rapid groAvth. It was a matter of interest, therefore, for the people west of Dixon to hasten the construction of a road which would pass through this country, and eventually reach far toward the Pacific coast. One of the great aids in securing the consummation of all great projects is the newspaper, and it was not long before the citizens of Sterling determined to call to their assistance this aid in procuring the construction of a railway line so deeply vital to their interests. Several meetings were held at the Court House to devise means for the establishment of a newspaper organ, the matter finally terminating by the employment of Charles Boynton, who had recently published a paper at Albany, to edit and publish it. Every business citizen in Sterling agreed to furnish assistance and patronage. Mr. Boynton brought his press and what material he had, from Albany, and upon adding additional type, etc., commenced the publication of the Sterling Times, the first number being issued on the 7th of December, 1854. There was considerable diversity of opinion as to the name of the paper, previous to its publication, but at the suggestion of Col. W. M. Kilgour, the name of the Times was finally adopted. Mr. Boynton, in his introductory, said: " Our paper is small, but it is young; and if it is so fortunate as to meet with its proper nourishment, we see no reason why it will not very shortly be able to stand in the same crowd with its more portly neighbors. The location is one of the best of the best counties in the best State, with immense undeveloped agricultural resources. Within the range of our vision lies the dormant water power which would put in motion as many factories as now stud the Merrimac, and a virgin soil that will yield twice as much as would feed the operatives. We have waited long for the slow and gradual development of the resources of this country; have grated corn on a lantern for our daily bread, and more than once followed the trail to the Garden City, sounding the depths of every slough, and wading through miles of water."

This was a true picture of the country at that time. The land between Sterling and Chicago, where some of the best farms are now located, was in many places covered with water in wet seasons, and the settlements along the way were long distances apart. Among the first advertisements published in the Times, were the following: Mrs. D. R. Beck, millinery goods; Hall & Blakesley, hardware; Gait & Crawford, dry goods, groceries, etc.; Ilapper & Mcllvaine, dealers in general merchandise and produce, Albany, Illinois; R.. L. Wilson, insurance agent, and lands, lots, cattle, and horses for sale; Alfred Bush, oysters, and bottled porter; A. McMoore, confectioneries, and paper hangings; Bixby & Shannon, booksellers and stationers; Samuel Emmons and A. McMoore, administrators of the estate of Daniel L. Smith, deceased, notice to creditors to file claims against the estate in the Probate Court, at the February term, 1855; B. L. Wilson, Clerk of Circuit Court, and recorder of deeds, oflSce in the Court House; Edward N. Kirk, attorney at law, office in the Court House; 31. S. Henry, attorney at law, exchange broker, notary public, and Commissioner of deeds for Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; Stillman & Sackett, attorneys at law; Dr. M. C. Auld, physician and surgeon; Dr. A. S. Hudson, physician and surgeon, office in the Court House; Dr. A. P. Holt, homeopathic physician, Lyndon, Illinois; Eagle Hotel, Albany, W. S. Barnes, proprietor. The Times was neutral in politics under Mr. Boynton's administration, but upon its purchase by Messrs. G-rattan & Norwood, in 1855, became a Republican paper. In the spring of 1856 Grattan & Norwood sold to L. D. Crandall,and the I^t'mes hoisted the Democratic banner, and supported James Buchanan .for the Presidency, the editor being Wm. Hyde, afterwards managing editor of the >S'^. Louis Republican. In the winter of 1856-'57 the paper was purchased by Worthington & Biggart, and conducted by them until the publication was discontinued.

In July, 1856, William Caffrey commenced the publication of the Sterling HejmhUcan, and strongly advocated the election of John C. Fremont as President. In the winter of 1857-'58 H.G. Grattan, who had previously purchased the press and material of the defunct Times, started the Sterling Gazette. The proprietors of these two papers afterwards united them under the name of the Republican and Gazette, and continued joint publishers and editors until Mr. Grattan sold his interest to Walter Nimocks. The partnership of Cafl^rey & Nimocks continued only a short time, when it was dissolved, and the material divided, Mr. Cafi'rey continuing the publication of the paper, and Mr. Nimocks taking his share to Kansas, where he established an office. Soon after this the name of Republican was dropped, and the paper was called the Sterling Gazette. In 1861 the paper came into the hands of C. M. Worthington & Co., and shortly afterwards Mr. Worthington purchased the entire interest, and remained editor and proprietor until he sold the paper, and the entire office, to George Terwilliger. During Mr. Worthington's administration the paper increased rapidly in circulation and influence, and took a leading position among the newspapers of Northwestern Illinois. Mr. Terwilliger took possession of the office on the 3d day of September, 1870. He brought to his position a good deal of experience as a newspaper man, having been for several years editor of the Syracuse (N. Y.) Daily Journal, and also connected with the editorial staff of other papers. The Gazette continued to thrive under his charge, but being desirous of locating on the Mississippi river, at which point he had intended to settle when coming West, sold the office back to Mr. Worthington, and purchased the Fulton Journnl. In January, 1873, Mr. Worthington sold a half interest in the establishment to W. F. Eastman, and the firm became C. M. Worthington & Co. In March, 1876, Mr. Eastman became the sole editor and proprietor, and so remained until July of that year, when D. J. Jenne purchased a half interest, and the present firm of Eastman & Jenne was established. Under the able management of these gentlemen the Gazette has continued to thrive, and it is now the largest paper in the county, having a circulation second to none in this section of the country. Its politics have always been Republican.

The Whiteside Chronicle was established by Theodore H. and Charles M. Mack, in the spring of 1868, and was edited and published by them jointly for sometime, when the former purchased the interest of the latter. Theodore H. continued the publication of the paper under the name of the Chronicle until 1870, when he changed it to that of the Sterling Standard, which title has since been retained. The Standard, is an outspoken Independent Republican paper, a strong and fearless advocate of the temperance cause, and enjoys a Steadily increasing patronage.

The Sterling Clear Grit issued its first number on the 13th of October, 1877, its editor and publisher being Ralph W. Norwood, a son of A. A. Norwood long connected with the newspaper press of Sterling. The Clear Grit has so far confined itself almost purely to local matters, but the ability it has already displayed, shows that it is capable of entering a wider field. It deserves the gratifying encouragement it is receiving.

Manufacturing Establishments. The present Sterling School Furniture Company was organized as a stock company, April 3, 1869, by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the State, granted the March previous. The Company was then known as the Novelty Iron Works Manufacturing Company. The first buildings were erected, and the land, and water power purchased by A. J. Hull and F. T. June, in the summer of 1868, their object being to make sewing machines, and other castings. Their attention was drawn to the feasibility of manufacturing school furniture, by making some castings for that kind of furniture for a Chicago firm, and the result was the placing of the "Sterling Seat" upon the market. The seat at once became popular, and very soon the factory was over-run with work, necessitating more land, buildings, and capital. These were secured, and A. J. Hull elected President of the Company; F. T. June, Secretary, and A. J. Hull, F. T. June, Charles H. Presbrey, W. A. Sanborn, and Edward Thomas, Directors. The capital stock was then $16,000. In 1871 this was increased to $50,000, and upon the resignation of Mr. Hull as President, F. T. June was elected in his place, and A. A. Ten-ell, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1873, the name of the Company was changed to the Sterling School Furniture Company, so as to better represent the business. The capital stock was also increased to $100,000, at which amount it still continues, with a large amount of surplus fund. In the spring of 1873, Mr. June severed his connection with the Company, and W. L. Patterson, who had become a large stockholder, was elected President. In 1874 the Company made the Secretary the General Manager of the works, and business, and since that time A. A. Terrell has had full charge of both. The present officers are : H. G. Harper, President; and A. A. Terrell, Secretary and General Manager. The buildings and land of the Company are located on the north bank of the river, are convenient to the depots of the Northwestern Railroad, and cover over thirty-five thousand square feet of ground. The goods manufactured consist of school, church, office, and lodge furniture, porcelain work of all kinds, stove pipe registers, pump cylinders, stove reservoirs, gray enameled ware, and small castings of every description. The material purchased by this Company is the best that can be obtained, and is thoroughly prepared before being used. The work in every department is done by skillful and experienced hands, and when once turned out is uneq^ualled for strength, durability, and beauty of finish. The reputation of the Sterling School Furniture Company is already National, and the amount of manufactured articles turned out by them simply immense. They have a branch honse at Albany, New York, and one at San Francisco. California, where their goods are kept.

The Williams & Orton Manufacturing Company was organized in June, 1871. with a capital stock of $100,000. The basis of the organization were the foundry and machine shops of Williams & Orton, which were situated where the present manufactory stands. At the organization of the Company Mr. Williams was elected President, and Mr. Orton, Secretary. Present officers : John Charter. President and Treasurer, and G. M.Robinson, Sec'y. The buildings of the Company are situated on the water power, and are four in number. The main building, which is the largest used for manufacturing purposes on the Sterling side of the river, is 60 by 150 feet in size, and three stories high; the second building is 30 by 50 feet, and one story high; the third is 40 by 150 feet in size, and also one story high, and the fourth, 40 by 50 feet in size, and two stoi'ies high. The articles manufactured are, mill machinery, and general machinists goods. The manufacture of these is very heavy, and the goods are sold all over the country, giving the utmost satisfaction. The Company is also preparing to make the celebrated Williams' Reaper and Mower, and will have them in the market next season (1878). These machines are the invention of Dyer Williams, and for the past ten years have been manufactured at Syracuse, New York. They are exten.sively used in that State, and cannot fail of becoming so here now that the manufactory will be in the West. The Company have a large frontage on the river, and sufficient water power to more than double their capacity for manufacturing purposes.

The Empire Feed' JMill Company was organized in 1870. The buildings of this Company are^ situated on the river bank on the opposite side of the race from the Sterling School Furniture Works and are large and conveniently arranged for all classes of work manufactured. They are built of limestone and are three stories high. The machine shop connected with the works is a wooden structure next west of the main building, and is two stories high, with basement. The principal work of the Company is the manufacture of feed mills, and shellers, and the power attached. The feed mill, which was originally designed for shelling and grinding corn, was afterwards so constructed that it will grind other grain equally as well, and as now made is the most economical mill ever invented. The capacity of the double mill is from thirty to forty bushels per hour. The others are of various capacities according to their size. Three kinds of shellers are made, a one, and a two hole, besides one attached to the feed mill. These mills and shellers are sold all over the United States. Every class of job work, and repairs, both in wood and iron, is also largely carried on by the Company. Lorenzo Hapgood is President, and Samuel C. Harvey, Secretary .

The Sterling Pump Works are situated on the water power, and originated from a private enterprise of Mr. M. C. Bowers, who commenced making pumps for the retail tuade in Sterling, in 1863. In 1871 a stock company was organized, with a capital of $50,000, the following gentlemen being the first officers: Aaron J. Hull, founder of the Sterling School Furniture Company, President and Treasurer; and M. C. Bowers, Secretary. Immediately after the organization of this company, the manufacture of pumps for the wholesale trade was commenced, the retail trade being also kept up. During the first year of the company's existence sixteen hundred pumps were sold, but so rapidly did the trade increase that over seven thousand were sold in 1877. The company has improved their pumps from time to time until they are recognized as the best. The gales extend principally through the Northwestern and Western States.

Manufacturing Establishments

The company also manufacture Hull's Patent Double Surface Wash-board to a large extent, over five hundred being made a day, and yet this number no more than fills their orders. The manufacture of these wash-boards commenced two years ago. They are shipped to all the Western States and Territories, and through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana. The present oflUcers of the company are: Aaron J. Hull, President; William A. McCune, Secretary and Treasurer; and William McCune, Superintendent.

The Sterling Mineral Paint Company was established in 1871. Sidney T. Osmer, Charles M. Worthington, and John A. Ladd, being the principal incorporators. The works of the company are located on the river at the foot of Mulberry street. The main building is four stories high, each story being over eighty feet deep. The mineral is obtained from a bed on the farm of Grove Wright, in Coloma township, although a stratum underlies the country in and around Sterling and Kock Falls. Joel Harvey found one several feet thick while digging his artesian well in Sterling. The mineral is dug out in the summer, and thrown upon the ground, where it is partially dried. In the winter it is brought over the river to the works, and placed in large heaps, where the action of the frost breaks up the large lumps. It is then taken to the dry house, and from thence passes through the several processes, until the paint is ready for the market. The color of the paint as it comes from the mill is a dark brown, and for some time this was the only color made. The company manufacture a red paint in addition, which retains all the painting qualities of the brown. The advantage of this paint over the other so-called mineral paints, is that the latter are merely dirt or clay paints, while this is mineral. The analysis of Prof. Mariner, of Chicago, shows that it contains a large per centage of peroxide of iron, which gives it color, body, and durability. Nearly all the railroad companies now use it to paint their freight cars, shops, and depots, and it is also extensively used for general painting throughout the country, being sold as far east as New York, and to the west as far as the Pacific States. It bears heat better than any other known paint. The pi-esent officers of the company are: Sidney T. Osmer, President and Superintendent; and J. D. Penrose, Secretary and Treasurer.

The Sterling Manufacturing Company use steam for their motive power. The business now carried on by them, was in part commenced as early as 1855, but the company was not incorporated until 1870. The capital stock is $30,000, and it is the oldest manufacturing establishment in the city. The company manufacture sash, doors, blinds, church seats, butter tubs and boxes, stair rails, newel posts, harrows, clothes line rods, and sell hard and soft wood lumber by the car load, or in smaller quantities. They turn out about twenty-five hundred butter tubs in a week, and seven hundred harrows in a year. They also do scroll sawing, and planing, having improved machinery of the best designs, and engage extensively as builders and contractors. The present officers are: John D. Tracy, President and Treasurer; and James F. Piatt, Vice President and Superintendent. Besides these gentlemen there are experienced and well-educated mechanics in every department.

The Anchor Works are the outgrowth of a small shop run by Mr. A. B. Spies, situated first just back of the present National Bank building. He commenced business there in 1868. and did wagon work and repairing exclusively. In 1868 he commenced the manufacture of a walking corn plow, an invention of his own. The plow proved a success, and the business increased so rapidly that in 1871 he was obliged to leave that location, and erect a large building near the river. This building is thirty-two feet front, and three stories high, with everything so arranged as to do the greatest possible amount of work with the least expenditure of force. In 1872, Mr. Spies also invented and commenced the manufacture of a harrow, of which he sold one hundred in 1873; one hundred and sixty the next year, and the gain since then has been in an increased ratio. Besides these corn plows, and harrows, carriages, buggies, wagons, sleighs, etc., are made by the company in great numbers. The firm name is Spies, Zendt & Co., and is composed of A B. Spies, Henry Zendt, and Justus Becker.

The Sterling Burial Case Company was organized in 1873, with a capital of $40,000, the works occupying an area of thirty-oight thousand two hundred and forty feet, at Nos. 413 to 423 inclusive, on Third street. The company manufacture coffins, caskets, and burial cases, the business amounting to one hundred thousand dollars annually.

Gait & Emmitt's Carriage and Wagon Factory occupies five fronts on the east and west sides of Mulberry street, the firm turning out annually a large number of fine, well made, and durable vehicles. George Newton has large shops, and manufactures carriages, wagons, cutters, harrows, etc, very extensively. William Hess, in the eastern part of the city; the Novelty Works, on Second street; Amos Daveler, 511 Second sti-eet; and Amos Vandemark, corner of Third and B streets, also manufacture carriages, wagons, sleighs, etc., to quite an extent.

J. R. Deyo makes the manufacture of an animal power churn, a specialty. These churns have attracted universal attention, and the demand for them is very large.

Todd's Factory manufactures pruning shears, and hedge trimmers. It was started a number of years ago in the frame building erected in 1856 for a planing mill by some parties from Cincinnati. This business did not prove a success, and the building was afterwards used for different purposes until it fell into the hands of Mr. Todd. The pruning shears, and hedge trimmers, are of excellent design and make, and their manufacture now one of the well established industries of Sterling.

William W. Perkins & Co., manufacture the Perkins' improved fire proof iron door and shutter, refrigerators, etc., and A. F. Spooner makes an improved baby jumper.

Immediately upon the finishing of the dam and race in 1853, Messrs. Joshua V. and William McKinney built the stone mill, it being the first erected on the water power for the manufacture of flour. It is now owned by Church & Patterson, and makes two hundred barrels of flour per day. A little later Lukens & Bye built the one now run by G. T. Elliott, and known as the Commercial Mills, which also manufactures two hundred barrels of flour per day. The Pacific Mills were afterwards erected, and make one hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day; Dillon & Bowers, the proprietors, also do custom work, and grind feed, the mills being the only ones at which custom work is done in Sterling.

The Sterling Distillery was started in 1864 by the late John S. Miller, and is the second largest distillery in the United States. The buildings consist of the distillery proper, malt house, bonded warehouse, cooper shops, corn bins, and cattle slieds, and an office in a central position, and are all situated on the bank of the river just east of the Fair Grounds. The cattle sheds are of sufficient size to feed two thousand head, and that number is fattened by the proprietors each year. The buildings cover over five acres of ground. The capital employed in the business is three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Two thousand bushels of grain are used each day, making an aggregate of six hundred and forty thousand bushels annually, All of this grain is ground previous to being used. Eight thousand five hundred gallons of alcohol are made daily, aggregating about three million gallons yearly, upon which a government tax of over five thousand dollars is paid per day, making the sum annually paid to the United States Kevcnue Department nearly two million dollars. One hundredand seventeen men are employedin and around the distillery, to wHom an aggregate sum of six thousand dollars are paid weekly, making an annual outlay to the operatives of three hundred and twelve thousand dollars, nearly all of which is placed in circulation in Sterling. The alcohol made is shipped principally to Europe, and South America. Shipments are made directly to Genoa, in Italy, Geneva, Switzerland, and Constantinople, Turkey, in Europe, and to Buenos Ayres, Brazil, and other ports in South America. The price paid for the grain used at this distillery is nearly always somewhat in advance of that paid by other parties, and hence furnishes not only a sure, but good market for the farmer. The requisite number of United States officials are engaged here. Messi-s John S. and William A. Miller, are the present proprietors.

Broadway M. E. ChureJi: - This is the oldest church organization in Sterling, having been formed as early as 18.38, by Rev. Barton H. Cartwright, in the cabin of Hezekiah Brink. The membership then consisted of only Mr. and Mrs. Luther Bush, Mr. and 3lrs. Hezekiah Brink, Mrs. Geer, and Mrs. Pratt. With this nucleus it advanced with the growth of the population, until it became an extensive and influential church. Mr. Cartwright was one of those brave, untiring, zealous Methodist missionary preachers of the AVest to whose presence and exertions many a pioneer settlement was indebted for the privileges of the gospel, and the formation of church societies which not only tended to unite the few faithful christians into religious organizations in accordance with their early teachings, but brought them together as friends and neighbors. To such men all honor is due, and their services should be gratefully remembered. Mr. CaTtwright is yet a circuit preacher and is located at Hampshire, in the Dixon District of the Rock River Conference, having been a faithful minister for nearly half a century. Men like Barton H. Cartwright die with their harness on. The first quarterly meeting of the new Society was held by Rev. Thomas Hitt, in 1839. The church edifice was built in 1855, when Rev. S. F. Denning was pastor. Previous to that time services were held in the old stone school house, and the old Court House. Luther Bush, Samuel Hoover, Hezekiah Brink, J. E. Cobby, and Smith Conklin were the trustees. Rev. S. F. Denning was the first pastor sent to Sterling. Previous to 1855 the church belonged to Buffalo Grove Circuit, and we have been unable to ascertain the names of ministers who supplied it while it was attached to that circuit. The successors of Mr. Denning have been Revs. Z. D. Paddock, S. G. Havermale, C. C. Best, Benjamin Close, J. Hartwell, A. H. Schoonmaker, S. F. Denning, a second time, M. , H. Plumb, J. Borbidge, Jas. Bush, Thos. Chipperfield, and J. B. McGuffin, the present pastor. The following are the present Trustees : Elias Burkholder, Geo. Newton, J. R. Deyo, Wm. Hess, R. L. Mangan, Charles Roberts, Henry Bush, J. D. Lamb, aud M. M. Royer. The Sunday School belonging to the church numbers one hundred scholars, with J. D. Lamb as Superintendent. The Fourth Street M. E. Church was formed from it in 1867. The present membership is now one hundred and thirty-one.

Congregational Church : - In 1856 the Congregational element in Sterling began to consider the propriety of organizing a church of that denomination, and the first formal meeting for that purpose was held at the school house in the Second Ward, on the 15th of April, 1857. Mr. L. B. Wetherbee acted as chair- man. After a full expression of views, encouraging in their nature, a committee was appointed to invite all those interested in such a movement to attend an adjourned meeting at the Boynton House, April 17, 1857. At this meeting it was unanimously voted by those present to organize themselves into a Congregational church. The following paper was then drawn up and signed: "We, the subscribers, moved and guided as we hope by the Provide»ce and Spirit of God, do hereby express our desire to form ourselves into a Christian Church, to be known and called by the name of the First Congregational Church of Sterling, Illinois. Signed, L. B. Wetherbee, A. McMoore, M. H. Hinsdale, William Mc- Kinney, Francis Macey, Joel S. Wilcox, David Holbrook, Abel Holbrook, Joshua V. McKinney, Nathan Williams, Jr." On the 21st of June following the church was publicly organized with thirty members. The organization ceremonies took place in the Presbyterian church. Rev. H. M. Goodwin, of Rockford, Illinois, preaching the sermon. In the autumn of this year Commercial Hall was obtained for the services of the church, and used until May, 1859, when a room on the second floor of Central Block was engaged. During this time preaching was had with much irregularity, Mr. Blacke, of the Chicago Theological Seminary, supplying the pulpit a few weeks; Rev. Mr. Foster officiating during the summer of 1858; and Rev. H. C. Parker for two or three months during the succeeding fall and winter. On the 8th of May, 1859, the church voted to give Rev. U. W. Small a call to become pastor at a salary of $800 per annum. The call was accepted, and Mr. Small duly ordained and installed September 22, 1859. The church continued to increase so rapidly in numbers that in about two years a more commodious room had to be sought, and the large hall on the third floor of Central Block was engaged and occupied until it had a building of its own. The lot now occupied by the church was purchased July 1, 18G3, and the work of erecting a building pushed vigorously forward, so that by early spring in 1864 it was completed, with an indebtedness of only three hundredand sixty-three dollars. This amount was soon paid, and when the edifice was dedicated the society was free from debt. During 1864 an Ecclesiastical Society was oi-ganized in connection with the church. In the summer of 1870 the house of worship was raised and enlarged by adding twenty-four feet to its length, by which its seating capacity was increased to five hundred and fifty. The basement was also fitted up for Sabbath School purposes. These improvements cost about three thousand dollars. In 1872 the two lots north of and adjoining the one owned by the church, were purchased for two thousand five hundred dollars, and are now entirely paid for. In December, 1875, about twenty members were dismissed from the church for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church at Rock Falls. The succession of ministers of the church has been as follows: Rev. U. W. Small, from May 29, 1859 to June 1, 1864; Rev. Dr. Plumb, from November, 1864, to April 1,1866; Rev. Martin Post, from April, 1866, to April, 1872; Rev. E. W. Clark, from September 1, 1872, to December, 1873; Rev. S. D. Belt from January 20,. 1874, to October 1, 1875. Rev. Albert Bushnell, the present pastor, commenced his labors February 1, 1876. The deacons of the church since its organization have been as follows: Joshua V. McKinney, Nelson Mason, Joseph Golder, Brainard Orton, Richard Arey, R. B. Witmer, J. K. Chester, J. L. Davis. The church now numbers about two hundred members. A flourishing Sunday School is attached to the church, numbering two hundred scholars, with R. B. Witmer as Superintendent, assisted by twenty teachers.

Grace Church : - The Parish of Grace church. Episcopal, was organized in May, 1864, the Rev. John Foster being the officiating minister at the time. The Parish or Society is a district organization from the church. The follow- ing persons were present and voted at the organization of the Parish: D. F. Batcheller, B. C. Coblentz, Henry Moore, Charles Smitli, Nelson Maxson, Sidney T. Osnier, Lorenzo Hapgood, W. C. Henderson, John G. Price, B. Fluelling, G. L. Taintor, G. B. Fitch. The first Rector was Rev. 0. B. Thayer. The first Wardens were William Muir and D. F. Batcheller, and the Vestrymen, B. C. Coblentz, Henry Moore, Charles Smith, Nelson Maxson, Sidney T. Osmer, Lorenzo Hapgood, W. C. Henderson, and John G. Price. Lorenzo Hapgood was chosen Secretary, and Henry Moore, Treasurer. Messrs. Muir and Batcheller were succeeded as Wardens by Gabriel Davis and Lorenzo Hapgood. The present officers of the Parish are: Senior Warden, Lorenzo Hapgood; Junior Warden, Charles Smith; Vestrymen, W. A. Sanborn, W. H. Merrill, M. S.Henry, J. A. Ingersoll, D. F. Batcheller. The first Rector, Rev. 0. B. Thayer, was succeeded by Rev. J. Grierlow, and since the resignation of the latter the following have been successively Rectors: Rev. J. E. Goodhue, Rev. W. F. Lloyd, Rev. H. Root. The present Rector, Rev. J. E. Goodhue, is now on his second term of service. The church edifice was erected in 1864 - '65 at an original cost of fourteen thousand dollars, but has never been fully completed, and at this date, November, 1877, has not been consecrated. At the organization of the Parish there were only seven communicants; now the number is seventy-five, representing about fifty families. The Sunday School has seventy-six scholars, with Sidney T. Osmer as Superintendent, assisted by six teachers. The church building is situated on the southeast corner of Mulberry and Fourth Streets.

Fourth Street M. E. Church : - The Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in October, 18G7, with the following members: John Barnes, Betsey N. Barnes, M. C. Bowers, Elizabeth Bowers, J. R. Bell, Salome Bell, M. S. Bowman, Amelia Bowman, Elizabeth Brewer, Delia Bonner, Edwin S. Clow, Margaret Clow, Hannah E. Cubit, Henry Farwell, Nancy Farwell, Rachel Harvey, Rachel S. Hyde, Robert H. Jenkins, Betsey Jenkins, Mary Lukens, John B. Myers, Lydia Myers, J. T. McKibbon, Miranda McKibbon, Mary A. Payson, James G. Search, Mary Search, Patience Shepherd, and Jane Smith. The congregation first worshipped in LTnion Hall, but afterwards rented Wallace Hall which they occupied until January, 1869, when the basement of the present church edifice was dedicated, and afterwards used until January 8, 1871, when the building was fully completed, and formally .opened and dedicated. The cost of the edifice was twelve thousand dollai*. ^ Before the formal organization of the Society by a pastor sent from the Annual Conference, the Rev. Mr. Best, from Freeport, preached and ministered to them for several months. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. J. H. Ailing, AVilliam H. Smith, the army chaplain of the 75th Illinois Volunteers, and to whom the Society is greatly indebted for the completion of their church building, J. H. More, and Lewis Meredith. The latter is the present pastor, and has been the incumbent since October, 1875. The present trustees are: J. B. Mvers, M. C. Bowers, Jacob Zollinger, J. C. Oliver, James A. De Groff, E. W. Edson, J. H. Woodburn, M. S. Bowman, and L. A. Sanford. The present membership of the church is one hundred and eighty-three; probationers, nine. The Sunday School numbers over one hundred scholars, with M. S. Bowman, Superintendent, assisted by ten teachers. The church edifice is located on the southwest corner of Fourth and A Street.

First Preshyterian Church: - The First Presbyterian Church of Sterling was organized November 4, 1844, by a committee of the Presbytery of Schuyler, consisting of Rev. Samuel Cleland, Rev. George Stebbins, and Elder Charles A. Spring. The following persons were enrolled as members: Mr. John Gait, Mrs. Maria Gait, Mrs. Mary Wallace, Mrs. Eliza J. Wilson, Mr. James C. Woodburn,

Mrs. Mary Woodburn, Mrs. Jane Woodburn, Mr. William H. Cole, Mr. Carlisle Mason and Mrs. Jane Mason. Of these, Mr. John Gait was eliosen Ruling Elder, the duties of which office he performed with fidelity until his death, August 25, 18G6. The church edifice was erected hi 1848, but not fully completed until 1852. Since that time it has been greatly enlarged and improved, and is now one of the finest church edifices in this section of the country. The first pastor of the church was Eev. George Stebbins, who remained from 1844 until 1856. Mr. Stebbins was succeeded by Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, who held the pastorate until 1865, when Rev. Mead C. Williams was called. Mr. Williams continued as pastor until 1873, when Rev. N. H. G. Fife was chosen pastor, who is still in charge. The church has now a membership of two hundred and fortyfive. The present Board of Ruling Elders is as follows: Decius 0. Coe, elected October 8, 1854; Thomas A. Gait, and John Buyers, elected March 25, 1860; Abram Hempstead, and J. Morris Golder, elected December 30, 1866; and Martin H. Kreider, and John G. Manahan, elected September 1, 1872. The following compose the Board of Trustees: Smith Barrett, President; D. M. Crawford, Secretary; B. C Church, William L. Patterson, Moses Dillon, Robert Laurie. The Sunday School has a scholarship of one hundred and fifty, with Thomas A. Slaymaker, Superintendent, assisted by eighteen teachers.

First Baptist Church: - The First Baptist Church of Sterling was organized June 1. 1856, with eleven members. Services were first held in the school room in the First Presbyterian church, for two months. Rev. H. H. Hoff, a missionary, being the supply during that time. Rev. J. T. Mason became the first regular pastor, taking charge November 1, 1856, and continuing since that time. The Society held services after November 1, 1856, in Crandall's Hall, and after that in Boynton's Hall, until a church edifice was built. The membership grew rapidly, and in 1865 the building was enlarged. It was soon, however, apparent that it was too small even with the enlargement, and in 1873 the present edifice was erected at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. This building is now the largest church building in Sterling, being eighty-two feet long, and fortyfive feet wide. The Sunday School attached to the church numbers over two hundred scholars, with A. S. Todd, Superintendent, assisted by twenty teachers. The church roll shows two hundred and eighty-two members. Mr. Mason has been pastor of the church for twenty-one years, and is not only highly regarded as a faithful and successful minister, buf as one of Sterling's oldest and most valued citizens.

Reformed Mennonite Church: - The Reformed Mennonite Society was organized in 1868. with a membership of sixty-five, and their church edifice built the same year. The members are settled as near to their meeting house as suitable locations can be procured, and are governed by purely democratic principles. All are on an equality socially, the difi'erences of wealth and intellectual culture being entirely ignored. Their religious services are held in the forenoon, the afternoon being spent in social intercourse of a semi-religious character. If any brother or sister is found to be sick, or in want, or has been unfortunate, the situation is fully reviewed, and assistance promptly rendered. The present preachers of this church are: John Weaver and John Weckessee, although others are frequently selected from the male members. All preach without fee or reward, or the hope or promise of the same. One of their peculiar tenets consists in baptizing none but adults, and that by sprinkling. They do not have any Sunday Schools, or prayer or camp meetings, nor protracted or revival meetings, and no instruments are used with their church music. Neither do they vote at elections, or take any part in politics, but submit quietly to the laws and rules imposed upon them. They do no military duty, are opposed to war, and never go to law. DiflFerences between the members are settled by the church, and business matters with outsiders are arranged amicably, or abandoned. At sacramental seasons they wash each other's feet. The theater, circus, menagerie, or exposition, is never patronized. The present deacons of this church are: John Hoover, Abram Shultz, and K2)hraim Hendricks.

St. FafricJcs {Roman Catholic) Church: - St. Patrick's Church was organized in 1854, with one hundred and fifty members. Since then the membership has increased to over live hundred, representing a large number of families. The church edifice and parsonage cost seven thousand dollars. In addition to these, there is a school building situated close to the church, at which a finished education can be obtained. The present pastor is Rev. Father Byrne. Attached to the church is a Sunday School numbering over two hundred scholars, with Father Byrne as Superintendent, assisted by a number of sisters as teachers.

Church of the Sacred Heart {German Catholic): - This church was organized in 1870, and is situated in the northern part of the city. The buildings belonging to the church consist of the church edifice, parsonage, and school house. The membership of the church now numbers something over fifty. The Sunday School has about fifty scholars, and is under the charge of the pastor, Eev. Father Allgayer, assisted by the sisters. The day school is also under the charge of the pastor, with a number of the sisters as teachers. Father Allgajer has had charge of the church and parish about a year.

Lutheran Church: - This church is English, and was organized in 1854, with twenty members, but has increased to a membership at present of over one hundred and fifty. The church edifice is a neatly constructed and arranged building, as is also the parsonage belonging to the Society. Rev. E. Brown is the present pastor. The Sunday School attached to the church numbers two hundred and fifty scholars, under the charge of R. J. Lipe as Superintendent, assisted by eighteen teachers.