Sycamore Township (part 1 of 3)

Sycamore Township

HIS is an excellent township, being well supplied with timber 'and prairie, and watered by the Kishwaukee River. The Sycamore Branch of the Chicago & Northwestern is the only railroad within its borders. The country is quite flat - even along the river banks there are no steep bluffs. The soil is a rich black loam, and highly productive. Lands here are valued from $50 to $75 per acre, according to improvement.

Lysander Darling, and Dr. Norbo, a Norwegian, for whom Norwegian Grove is named, were doubtless the first settlers here, although Mr. Chartres, a Frenchman, came about the same time. This was in the spring or summer of 1835. Peter Lamois also settled here the same year, and it is claimed for him that he broke the first ground and raised the first crop. These pioneers were followed by Elihu Wright, J. C. Kellogg, E. F. White and Zachariah Wood, who came in 1836.

During this year the New York Company, composed of Christian Sharer, Evans Wharry, Clark Wright and Mark Daniels, under the firm name of C. Sharer & Co., located a large tract of land with the intention of locating a town. They laid out a village plat north of the creek, dammed the Kishwaukee River, built a mill and made other preparations for effecting a large settlement. Eli G. Jewell opened a small store, and George Wilson began to do a little blacksmith work. Mr. Crawford, some time in 1837, opened a cabinet shop a little north of Jewell's store, and for a time engaged in the manufacture of tables and chairs, supplying the greater number of the early settlers with these useful articles.

When the New York Company began operations times were flush, and everybody had money, such as it was. But the hard times of 1837 set in, so well remembered by old settlers, and, notwithstanding they had expended a large sum of money, the company abandoned its claim, and one more embryo village was numbered with the past.

The first settlers of the township were from the East, mostly from the Green Mountain State, and; like all New Englanders, the first thing to bethought of, after becoming settled, was to look after the educational interests of the coming generation. Therefore, early in 1837, the few neighbors then here met .A /-> together and erected a log school-house about four miles north of the present city of Sycamore, and in the summer of that year Mary Wood taught a term of school. She was followed by J. C. Kellogg, who taught the winter term. To Miss Wood belongs the honor of being the first teacher in the township of Sycamore.

The County Superintendent, in his report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following information in relation to the schools of the township: There were ten school districts, three graded and nine ungraded schools. The school property was valued at $29,384. In the ten districts were five brick and seven frame school houses. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 1,843, °f whom i ,2 1 3 were of school age, 971 being enrolled. The average wages paid teachers was $37.37 per month, the highest being $140, and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $11,275.

It has been said that the first thing thought of by pioneers from the East was the educational interests of their children. This should be amended by saying, after the moral welfare of the community had been attended to. After becoming settled Mr. White and Mr. Daniels at once began to look for some one to hold religious services. Levi Lee, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was induced to make an appointment, and in May, 1836, preached the first sermon in the township. A class was soon afterwards organized.

Caroline, daughter of Edward F. and Mary White, was born Aug. i, r836. She is said to have been the first white birth in the township, though some assert a child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Wright, prior to this time. The child was born in a wagon. Another early birth was that of Emily Jane Kellogg, who was born Jan. 28, 1837.

The first marriage now remembered was that of Daniel W. Lamb and Julia Maxfield, March 16, 1838. Eli G. Jewell, J. P., performed the ceremony.

well as the township, was at the house of Ephraim Hall, in 1837. Jesse C. Kellogg read the Declaration of Independence and Levi Lee delivered the oration.

Death came among the little band of pioneers, and on the 29th of May, 1837, Lorinda (Wood) French breathed her last. She was buried near the family residence, but her body has since been removed to the Sycamore Cemetery.

The pioneers of this township experienced much difficulty in having their grain ground. The first milling remembered by Thomas H. Wood was in the fall of 1837. His father, Zachariah Wood, and a few others, clubbed together and hired a man named Graves to take some wheat to Joliet to be ground. After performing his duty, Mr. Graves provided himself with a liquid stronger than water and relumed to the settlement without wagon or flour, but gloriously drunk. Several men started to Joliet to see what had become of the team. It was found some miles away in a slough, where it had been left by the " inebriated " man.

From the abstract of assessments in the office of the County Clerk, the following facts are gleaned : In 1884 there were in this township 21,130 acres of improved land, valued at $338,595, an average of $16.02 an acre. With the exception of Somonauk, the average value was above that of any other township. The town lots were valued at $366,861 ; personal property, $347,109. A total amount of $1,052,- 565, which was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $919,285. Among the items of personal property assessed that year were the following: Horses, 1,037: cattle, 2,702; mules and asses, 2; sheep, 969; hogs, 2,028; steam engines, 12; safes, 30; billiard tables, 10; carriages and wagons, 616; watches and clocks, 822, sewing and knitting machines, 478 ; pianos, 86; melodeons and organs, 127. De Kalb Township alone exceeded Sycamore in the number of horses. In carriages and wagons, watches and clocks, sewing and knitting machines, and in pianos, Sycamore leads every other township in the county.

On the organization of the township James Harrington was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Supervisors. He was succeeded in 1856 by E. L. Mayo, who served one year, when D. B. James was elected. He was succeeded by James

Harrington in 1859, who served three years. Roswell Dow was first elected in 1862, and was twice re-elected. Samuel Alden was his successor in 1865. He served two years, when Henry Wood was elected, and served one year. N. L. Cottrell was the member for 1868, Henry Wood in 1869, and John G. Smith in 1870-1; E. B. Shurtleff, 1872-3; Nathan Lattin, 1874-7; Marshall Stark, 1878-80; William W. Marsh, assistant, 1881 : Henry C. Whittemore, 1882-4; Byron F. Wyman, assistant, 1883-4.

HIS township lies upon the south line of the county, being bounded on the south by La Salle County, on the east by Somonauk Township, on the north by Clinton, and on the west by Paw Paw. The land is exclusively prairie, rich and productive. Among the first settlers were Jeremiah Mulford, W. H. Keene, Aruna Beckwith, James Green, Newton Stearns, Peleg Sweet, Jerome Baxter, George N. Stratton, Simon Suydam, H. C. Beard and W. R. Prescott. In 1847 and 1848 some of the land of this township was taken up, and during the next five years all was entered. In 1851, on the completion of the C. B. & Q. R. R. south of the township, a large number of people came in, and soon all of the rich prairie was filled with a thrifty and industrious people. Many Germans and Irish were among the number, and also quite a colony of Norwegians.

Victor is exclusively an agricultural township, having no village within its borders. Its people trade in the village of Leland, upon the south, and Somonauk, upon the southeast. Van Buren and Victor Center postoffices were established in an early day. The first school-house is said to have been built in 1850, by Newton Stearns, on section 8. In 1855 the school section was sold. From the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884, are gleaned the following interesting facts : There were 380 persons under 2 1 years of age, of whom 275 were over six years of age. Each of the districts had a frame school-house, the total value of which was $3,750. School had been held in each district, with a total enrollment of 240. Seven male and eight female teachers had been employed, the highest monthly wages paid any being $50, and the lowest $23. The tax levy was $2,055.

Boies says: "This township gave 103 soldiers to the War of the Rebellion, and taxed itself $10,858 for war purposes. Those who lost their lives in the service were Ferdinand Vanderveer, who died at Louisville, Ky., March 30, 1865; E. T. Pierce, at Alexandria, Ya.. April 23, 1861; C. T; Bond, at Pittsburg, Pa., March 17, 1865; C. R. Suydam, at Alexandria, Va., Jan. 26, 1862."

In 1884 the assessor reported 20,913 acres of improved land, valued at $295,594; personal property, $55,128; total, $35 0,7 22. The State Board of Equalization reduced the total amount to $309,319. Among the items of personal property listed were the following: Horses, 678 ; cattle, 2,151; mules and asses, 21 ; sheep, 186; hogs, 2,864; carriages and wagons, 158; watches and clocks, 119; sewing and knitting machines, 40; melodeons and organs, 28. SUPERVISORS.

HIS is one of the. most attractive cities in Northern Illinois. With its wide streets, handsome residences and churches, the architectural beauty of which is indeed commendable, it makes a place in which one might well desire to live and enjoy the comforts of a home. Surrounded by an excellent agricultural country, within a short distance of the great metropolis of the West, and having a thrifty and enterprising population, what more could there be desired ?

Almost a half century has passed away since Captain Eli Barnes erected the first house upon the site of the present city. The historian cannot describe this building as of the usual pattern - " an unpretentious log-cabin " - for it was not, but a large twostory frame building, still in a good state of preservation, and which has been used from the beginning to the present time for hotel purposes. It stands upon the southeast corner of the Court-House square, and is truly an old landmark, worthy of veneration. It was thought by the people then living in the county a great waste of money for the Captain to erect such a large building ; but it was well for the future of Sycamore that it was done, for it doubtless was the means of obtaining and retaining the county seat.

Previous to the erection of this building by Capt. Barnes, an attempt had been made by a company from New York to locate a village north of the present site. This was in 1836, when wild-cat money was in abundance and when towns were springing up like mushrooms all over the West. When the bubble burst, when it was found that it required a pocket full of such money as was then in existence :o buy a meal of victuals, the New York company notwithstanding it had expended a large sum of money

Although Capt. Barnes erected the first house on the present site of the city, there was yet another here at the time of its erection. A small frame house had been moved from the Hamlin farm and was occupied by Dr. Basset^ the first physician in the place. This house stood until 1855 where D. B. James subsequently built a handsome residence, and was then burned down, on suspicion that it had been used for the sale of liquors.

The village slowly improved for some years. " In 1840," says Boies, in his History of De Kalb County, " the dreary little village consisted of a dozen houses, scattered over considerable land, but without fences, and with but one well."

As times became better; and the county-seat contests were in a measure settled in favor of Sycamore, the growth of the village was more marked. In 1848 the population was 262; in 1849 it was 320; in 1850 it had further increased to 390; and in 1851 it had 435. In 1855 there were in the place six drygoods stores, two hardware stores, two cabinet-ware rooms, one drug store, four grocery and provision stores, two saloons, three taverns, one banking and exchange office, two wagon shops, one livery stable, two harness shops, two tin shops, one jewelry store, three shoe shops, four blacksmith shops, one shingle manufactory, one tailor shop, one meat market, one cooper shop, seven lawyers, four physicians, ten carpenters, four painters, three circulating libraries, three churches, and one steam saw-mill.

The original plat of Sycamore comprised 24 whole and six half blocks. The village was surveyed and platted by Capt. Eli Barnes, County Surveyor, in May, 1839, and immediately placed upon record. To the original plat many additions have since been made, the village of Sycamore assuming city proportions. There is one thing the present generation have cause to be thankful for, and to which just j praise should be awarded the projectors of the town, and that is, the wide streets. Few cities can boast of such wide and beautiful streets, now adorned with

Incorporation

In 1858, Sycamore was incorporated under the general act as a village. In 1859 a special charter was secured from the Legislature, the act being approved Feb. 2r, 1859. The provisions of the special /3s charter was thought to be more acceptable than = those of the general act, and better adapted to the

§ welfare and growth of the village. The first election held under the special charter f\- was held March 14, 1859, and all other elections were ordered held on the second Monday in March of each year. At the first election the following named were elected members of the Board of Trustees : Edward L. Mayo, H. F. Page, George Weeden, W. H. Stebbins, C. B. Beckwith. Tyler K. Waite was elected Justice of the Peace ; Daniel Pierce, Assessor; H. A. Joslyn, Constable.

The first meeting' of the Board was held March 19. E. L. Mayo was elected President of the Board and David Farnsworth, Clerk pro tem. This was all the business transacted. On the 4th of April Mr. Farnsworth was elected Clerk for the year.

For ten years the village government, under its special charter, existed, when it was thought advisable, by the people, to organize under a civil government. A special charter was secured, approved by the Governor March 4, 1869. The city was divided in four wards, and under the charter its first election was held March 15, 1869, at which time the following officers were elected : Reuben Ellwood, Mayor; Tyler K. Waite, Justice of the Peace; Aldermen - ist Ward, C. T. Stuart, C. O. Boynton; zd Ward, R. L. Divine, J. W. Hunter; 3d Ward, Charles Brown,

The first meeting of the Council was held the evening of election. W. R. Thomas was elected Clerk; G. S. Robinson, City Attorney; 'Samuel B. Middleton, Marshal. At its second meeting, after the appointment of committees, R. J. Holcomb was appointed Constable and Collector ; S. B. Middleton, Fire Warden, R. L. Divine, Treasurer. This completed the organization of the new city government. At the first election there were 385 votes cast.

The affairs of the city have generally been managed in a satisfactory way, and few cities, for the money expended, can exhibit a better record.

Commercial Interests

The first merchants in Sycamore were John C. and Charles Waterman, who commenced business in 1839. Their stock- was small, but suitable to the wants of the infant settlement. As the county increased in population and in wealth, other merchants began business, the Watermans increased their stock, and in due time almost every class of trade was represented.

This office was established in 1837, with Mark Daniels as postmaster. For that year the income of the office was $16.88. Mr. Daniels was succeeded by John R. Hamlin in 1841. The receipts of the office now amounted to $59. Jesse C. Kellogg, well-known to all the old settlers, came next. He served four years and was succeeded by Z. B. Mayo, the laywer.

J. C. Waterman was next in order. Then came William P. Dutton, who gave way to Mr. Moore. Chauncey Ellwood, J. W. Burst, D. B. James and H. L. Boies, each had it one term. In 1878 C. F. Martin was appointed, and was re-appointed in 1882. He makes a very popular and efficient postmaster. His assistant, Mr. Joslyn, is also quite popular. The duties of the office could not be better attended to than by Mr. Martin and Mr. Joslyn. A money order department was established in July, 1865. HOTELS.

The first house erected in Sycamore, as stated, was for hotel purposes, and yet stands on the southeast corner of the public square, and is yet in a good state of preservation, and still used as a hotel. That house has sheltered some of the greatest men of the State, among whom may be mentioned Gov. Ford, T. Lyle Dickey, Judge Caton, as well as a host of others. If the scenes that have transpired therein, and the stories that have been told, could be written up, what a volume it would make!

The Ward House is now the most pretentious house in the place. It is a large, three-story brick, with accommodations for 75 guests. H. A. Ward is the present proprietor.

Educational

The first school of which there is any record was taught in the old court-house, in 1840, by Dr. Bell. In the winter of 1841-2, also in the winter of 1842-3, Edward L. Mayo, Esq., taught the school in the court-house. Mr. Mayo was afterwards a prominent lawyer at the De Kalb County Bar, also County Judge. In the winter of 1 843-4, Sheldon Crossett taught in the court-house, and also in the summer of 1844. In the winter of 1844-5, William J. Hunt taught the school in the court-house. In the mer of 1845, Miss Charlotte Gates taught a school in a building which stood near the present residence of Col. A. W. Lloyd, on Main Street.

In the winter of 1845-6, a Miss Reed taught school in the court-house. In the following summer Miss Elizabeth Richards, (now Mrs. Henry Wood) taught school in a little house on the north road, about a mile from the court-house, near the residence of John Carnes.

In the winter of 1846-7, Charles Robinson taught the school in Deacon Harry Martin's house on the south side of West State Street. In the summer of

1847, there was probably no school. In the winter of 1847-8, Mr. Roswell Dow taught the school in Deacon Martin's house. Joseph Sixbury and Sparrock Wellington were two of the directors; the name of the third does not now appear. Mr. Dow asked $15 per month to teach the school. The directors, thinking this too much, offered him $12, assuring him that he would not have over 30 pupils. Mr. Dow agreed to teach the school for $12 per month, provided, that he should have pay in proportion for all over 30. School opened. The number of scholars steadily increased until the roll showed 64 names.

In the winter of 1848-9 there was no public school, but Roswell Dow had a select school in the court-house, and in the summer of 1849, Miss Elizabeth Richards had a school there, whether public or private is a matter of uncertainty.

In the fall of 1849 and winter of 1849 and 1850, Mr. Dow taught a select school in a building known as the Sons of Temperance Hall, which stood where the jail now stands.

In the summer of 1850, Miss Theresa E. Richards -(now Mrs. R. Dow) taught the school in the Universalist church, where Arthur Stark's residence now is. In the winter of 1850-1, J. A. Simmons taught the school in a house standing on the northeast corner of Main and Ottawa streets. In the summer of 1851 there was no public school as far as is now known. Mr. Dow's school continued.

In the winter of 1881-2, Ezra W. Robinson taught the school in the south end of Simon Snyder's blacksmith shop, situated where Wilkins' Block now stands.

In March, 1853, William S. Harrington taught the public school in an old drug store which had been occupied by the firm of Halsey & Ambrose. The building may have been the old court-house. After a few weeks the school became so large that it was removed to " Dow's Academy." In May following the directors hired Miss Amelia Hudson, sister of Rev. C. F. Hudson, to assist Mr. Harrington. A recitation-room was fitted up in the basement of the Academy. Thus, the graded school of Sycamore took another step forward. The school closed Oct. 14, 1853-

1854, Miss Hannah Dean taught the school in the building now occupied by Ruel Davis as a dwellinghouse. It is also quite probable that there was another district school in the village.

In 1853 steps were laken for the erection of a school-house - the first in the village. A lot was purchased on the northeast corner of California and Exchange Streets, and in 1854 a house was completed. Miss Hannah Dean was the first principal in the new house.

The population of the village increasing, it was found necessary in 1859 to erect another building, which was accordingly done, at a cost of $6,000. This building was of brick and consisted of four rooms.

In the early part of January, 1863, the schoolhouse was burned. The directors at once rented George's Block for school purposes, and after an interruption of a few days, the schools opened and continued through the school year.

The building was erected during the following summer and fall, at a cost of $15,500. It was constructed of wood. It has eight large school-rooms, the requisite cloak-rooms, recitation-rooms, apparatus-room, Superintendent's office - used also by the School Board for holding meetings - a large assembly hall, and is a handsome edifice. The schools were opened late in the fall of 1863. The number of pupils steadily increased from year to year. In 1876 the Board rented the basement of the Methodist church, and used it as a primary schoolroom. In 1877, a two-room, wooden building in the west part of the city was erected, at a cost of about $2,000, Messrs. Dunning & Cougle, contractors. The building and lot cost $2,500; it stands on the west side of Cross Street, and is known as the " West School."

In the summer of 1880 the Board of Education purchased a lot on the south side of East Elm street, and proceeded to erect thereon a two-room schoolhouse. It was completed at a cost of $4,500, Willard & McAlpine, contractors. This school is known as the " East School."

During the past three years, the old furniture, which was put in when the main building was furnished in 1863, has been removed, and replaced by that which is new and elegant; so that at the present time the furniture in all the school buildings is substantially new and in excellent condition.

In accordance with an act of the Legislature approved April i, 1872, the control of the schools was taken from the board of directors and lodged in a board of education, consisting of six members, (§j who hold office for three years each.

The following named were the first elected : P. M. Alden, George K. Hebbard, R. L. Divine, Calvin Shurtleff, Charles Brown and Henry R. Jones.

The schools of Sycamore have been thoroughly graded, and since 1875 classes have been graduated each year. Since that time graduates have been sent out from the high school, many of whom are now occupying prominent positions before the public. Since August, 1877, Prof. A. J. Blanchard has occupied the office of Superintendent of Schools of the city, and to him much of the credit is due for their efficiency. The following named comprise the list of teachers for 1884-5 : Superintendent, Prof. A. J. Blanchard; high school, Agnes I. Love; 8th grade, Claire L. Lattin ; 7th grade, Mary H. Alden ; 6th grade, Mary A. Shurtleff; 5th grade, Mary F. Gilson; 4th grade, Lizzie A. Langhorn; 3d grade, Jennie B. Anderson; ad grade, Amy H. Luther; ist and 2d grade, Estella L. Tifft. In the East Ward School are, 3d grade, Ida L. Bannister; ist and ad grades, Florence Harkness. West Ward School, 3d grade, Elizabeth J. Walker; ist and 2d grades, ) Anna Maxfield.

Religious

The Sycamore Select School was first opened by Roswell Dow, in September, 1848, in the old courthouse. The following year it was held in Temperance Hall. In 1850 Mr. Dow erected a brick building for his school, the first school building erected in Sycamore. It was on the corner of Main and Ottawa Streets. Roswell Dow was principal of the school, with Rev. C. C. Hudson, Pastor of the Congregational Church, and Miss Theresa E. Richards, who afterward became the wife of the principal. This school, while called by Mr. Dow a ? select school," was usually called " Dow's Academy." Philosophy, algebra, geometry, chemistry, astronomy, Latin and Greek were taught in this school. The school was discontinued in 1853, partly on account of the ill health of the principal and on account, of the establishment of the public-school system. RELIGIOUS.

than Sycamore. This may be regarded as an evidence that the moral and religious welfare of the people are well attended to. The Ix>rd's house should at least equal that of His people.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in June, 1836, by Revs. Mr. Royal and Samuel Pillsbury. The first services, however, were held in May, 1836, at the house of Mark Daniels, by Levi Lee. These were the first religious services in the township. The class organized was also the first in all this region of country. The following named composed the class : Edward F. White, leader ; Mary White, Mark Daniels, Mrs. Daniels, Peter Walrod and Mary Walrod. In September, 1836, the first quarterly meeting was held, Rev. S. R. Beggs supplying the place of the presiding elder. At the annual conference held in the fall of 1836, Sycamore was made to form a part of the St. Charles Circuit, which embraced all the country between the Fox and Rock Rivers from Somonauk to Rockford. Rev. Wm. Gaddis was assigned to this circuit. The class in Sycamore, increasing in numbers and strength, determined to erect a house of worship ; accordingly a plain frame edifice was buit in 1874 and dedicated to the service of Almighty God. It was 37 x 45 feet. Becoming too small, in 1865 a larger and better building was erected at a cost of $13,000, which is an honor to the Church and to the city. Rev. R. M. Hatfield preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev. W. D. Atchison is the pastor. The Church is in a flourising condition, with a membership of 200. In 1874 a parsonage was built, at a cost of $3,100. Dr. Nitterauer is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The First Congregational Church. - On the i ith of April, 1840, this Church was organized in the old court-house. The council called to assist in the organization consisted of Rev. James Mackie, Rev. Ebenezer Brown and Rev. N. Clark, with one delegate from the Church at Byron. Twelve persons entered into the organization. The congregation met for worship in the old court-house and in the private dwellings of some of its members until the erection of its first church edifice. Rev. William Mackie preached occasionally during 1840. In July, 1841, a Presbyterian minister from New York, Rev. David I. Perry, began labor here and continued with the Church until August, 1843. There were sixteen added to the Church during his ministry. In the fall of

1843 Rev. E. E. Wells took the care of the Church, remaining three years. During his ministry 45 were added to the Church. In the spring of 1846 the first move was made towards the erection of a house of worship. Captain Eli Barnes donated the site on the east side of the square. On account of prevailing sickness in the community, but little was done till the following year, when the contract was let to frame and enclose the building. Rev. Oliver W. Norton was now pastor of the Church. He remained one year, but on account of sickness of the mechanics and a lack of funds he did not see the house finished. In September, 1848, Rev. C. F. Hudson became pastor, and nine were added to the Church, during his ministry of five years. Rev. D. Gore followed him in 1853 and served until 1860. The additions in this time were 112. Rev. E. J. Allen then served three years, and 19 were added. Rev. J. T. Cook served two years with 37 additions. Rev. William Windsor served six years, with 44 additions. Rev. O. W. Fay served three years, with 83 additions. Rev. William Gallagher followed for one year, and was succeeded by Rev. T. G. Grassie, and he by Dr. Burton. Rev. F. J. Brobst is the present pastor. Early in 1884 the erection of a new and handsome church edifice was commenced on Somonauk Street, which when completed will cost about $20,000. The officers of theChurch in January, 1885, were: Rev. Flavius J. Brobst, pastor; Harry Martin, J. H. Rogers, Samuel Alden, deacons; Daniel Dustin, clerk and treasurer; David A. Syme, superintendent of Sabbath-school ; Elthom Rogers, assistant superintendent. The present membership is 178. Universalist Church. - Services were held as early as 1845, by those holding views of the Universalist Church, in the old court-house. The first to preach that faith here was probably Rev. Roundsville. The first who engaged his services for any stated time was Rev. Van Olstine. He was engaged for one-fourth his time for one year. Rev. J. M. Day was also one of the first to preach this faith. In 1853 Rev. D. J. Carney located here and organized the society. Among those composing the organization, were the following named, with their families : Phineas Joslyn, John Waterman, George Weeden, Curtis Smith, Hosea Willard, H. A. Joslyn, H. H. Gandy, L. F. Dow, Kimball Dow and George G. Spring. The society soon undertook the erection of a church buildig, which was completed in 1854, at a cost of

$r,6oo. At the time of building the following named were the trustees : Curtis Smith, George G. Spring, George Weeden, N. H. Peck and Sylvanus Holcomb. In 1856 a Church' organization was formed. The church building not being such as was demanded by -the age, it was disposed of for a dwelling, and in 1875 a handsome brick structure was erected, on State Street, at a cost of $13,500. TheChurch and society is now in a flourishing condition, being out of debt and with a surplus in the treasury. Among those who have labored for the society have been Revs. D. J. Carney, R. S. Sanborn, A. J. Fishback, B. N. Wiles, S. F. Gibbs, N. S. Sage, H. V. Chase and W. S. Ralph. There are about 100 members of the Church and society.

Episcopal Church. - In the summer of 1855 Rev. Julius Waterbury visited Sycamore and held a weekday service in the Congregational Church. The prospect for an organization seemed good and, Rt. Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, being notified, he resolved on a visit to the place. In August of the .same year, he came and also held service in the Congregational church. In September Rev. Julius Waterbury was sent to effect an organization, which was accomplished, and Isaac Johnson, of Cortland, was»elected senior warden and Mr. Glass, of Genoa, junior warden. The vestrymen elected were Dr. Page, J. R. Hamlin, Ben Page, Joseph Morse, J. C. Waterman and J. S. Waterman. Steps were at once taken to raise funds for building a church, and nearly $1,000 was raised in a few hours. J. S. Waterman donated a lot on which to build. The ladies of the parish organized a social for active work. In August, 1856, the corner-stone of the building was laid, and in 1857 the building was completed, and July i consecrated to the service of Almighty God, by Bishop Whitehouse, of Illinois. Its cost was something over $2,000. Rev. Julius Waterbury was called to the rectorship in September, 1857, and served until January, 1858, when he resigned. In March, 1858, Rev. Warren Roberts was chosen rector. During this year the parish became self-sustaining. The congregations had increased in number, a flourishing Sunday-school was in existence and a Bible class was formed and taught by the rector. In 1859 the communicants had increased from 7 to 30. In February, 1863, Mr. Roberts resigned, and during the summer following Rev. Mr. Cooper, of Chicago, occasionally officiated. Early in the fall of 1864, Rev.

Mr. Foster was called to the rectorship. On account of ill health, he resigned Easter, 1865. In June, of this year, the Bishop sent Rev. Mr. Hendley to minister to the parish. In August following, he was called to the rectorship, but only served until March, 1866, when he resigned. Rev. D. Cushman was at once called to fill the vacancy, accepted, and entered upon his dusties as rector the first Sunday in May. During this year the church building was improved and enlarged and a new pipe organ purchased. On Easter Monday, in 1869, Dr. Cushman resigned, and only occasional services were held until October, when Rev. Mr. Hume accepted a call. He served but six months. In April, 1871, Rev. M. F. Sounson visited the parish, and in June became rector. Some funds were raised for building a rectory and J. S. Waterman donated a lot for the purpose. When built it was pronounced by the Bishop the most finished in his diocese. In 1872 the rector lost his wife and four children by death. In 1873 Mr. Sounson resigned, and June 7, 1874, Rev. W. E. Toll entered upon his duties as rector, having been called to the parish. He served for seven years, during which time the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of $17,000, and consecrated by Bishop W. E. McLaun in 1879. During the rectorship 5 2 persons were confirmed and 133 baptized. In October, 1881, Rev. William Elmer was called to the rectorship, since which time many improvements have been made in the interior of the church. On the death of J. S. Waterman it was found that sufficient property had been left by him on the death of his wife to partially endow the parish forever. The Church is in a most prosperous condition, with a membership of 70 communicants and an organization of 250.

Baptist Church. - A Baptist Church was organized in the township of Franklin in 1852, with the following named constituent members : A. L. Warner, Deacon ; Andrew Chapman, Clerk ; Adam Miller, Jane Miller, Martin Barringer, Mary A. Barringer, Caroline Mason, A. L. Warner, Andrew Chapman' John Bean, Jane Bean, Susan Reddell, Hiram Hudson. Rev. Adam Miller was ordained pastor. In 1856 the Church was transferred to Sycamore. Rev. A. C. Kingsley was the first pastor. Until the completion of their house of worship in 1858-9, services were held in the school and court-house. Among those who have served the Church as regular pastor or supply were, Revs. J. Moxom, W. W. Webb, G. D. Summers, John Young, M. E. Arkills, L. L. Gage, Alvah Sabin, S. Cornelius, R. A. Shattuck, G. H. Brown, A. C. Keene, F. M. Williams. There are now 105 enrolled in list of members.

The Evangelical Lutheran Salem Church, of Sycamore, was organized in 1870 and a house of worship erected in 1872, on Charles Street. In 1873 a parsonage was erected on Somonauk Street. The pastors have been Rev. A. Halt, who was instrumental in the organization of the Church, Revs. N. Nordgren and S. G. Larson, the latter the present pastor. There are now 323 communicants.

Secret And Benevolent Organizations

Masons. - The first lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Sycamore was Blue Lodge No. 134, which received its charter Oct. 4, 1853. Its first officers were, Robert Dott, W. M. ; H. H. Rowe, S. W.; D. B. James, J. W. This lodge now has 112 members. Its present officers are, W. B. Spain, W. M.; J. E. Parker, S. W. ; H. T. Lawrence, J. W. The Masonic Order here is divided into three bodies : First, Blue Lodge, three degrees ; second, the Chapter, four degrees ; third, the Commandery, two orders. In the order of St. John is Knights Templars.

The Commandery was chartered Oct. 24, 1865, and its present membership is 123. Its officers are : A. W. Sawyer, Em. Com. ; E. C. Lott, Gen. ; G. B. Wiseman, Cap. Gen.; Daniel Dustin, Prelate; M. S. Timmerman, S. W. ; W. B. Spain, J. W. ; Charles T. Stuart, Treas. ; George B. Morris, Rec. Past Commanders : A. W. Sawyer, Dan'l Dustin, Frank Smith, S. O. Vaughn, G. B. Wiseman.

Odd Fellows - The Lodge of I. O. O. F. was first organized in 1852. In 1861 so many of its members enlisted and entered the army it was obliged to surrender its charter. It was re-organized in 1872 and now has 150 members. Since 1852 it has initiated 307 into its Lodge. The Sycamore Lodge has furnished one Grand Master of the State, in the person of Mr. Alonzo Ellwood, who has also been Grand Representative all but two years when the Lodge has been running. The present officers are, A. C. Sivwright, N. G. ; Philip Webber, V. G. ; A. J. Thompson, R. S. ; E. M. Phelps, P. S.; John Tucker, Treasurer. Its regular meetings are on Tuesday nights.

The Circle, an order distinct from the I. O. O. F., yet composed of its members, has a membership of 44 and meets on the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

Potter Post, No. 12, G. A. R., was chartered July 14, 1874, and the Post mustered Aug. 4, of the same year. The following named comprised the first officers : J. W. Burst, Com. ; H. W. Atwood, S. V. C. ; G. M. Bell, J. V. C.; Jefferson Stark, O. D. The Post was mustered and officers installed by Gen. H. <^j> Milliard, Department Commander. The Post, in the i r years of its existence, has had its seasons of prosperity and adversity. When organized, it was regarded as a semi-political organization, and many old soldiers therefore held aloof. For some years it hovered between life and death, but through the untiring zeal of Capt. J. W. Burst, it was kept alive, and to-day it is one of the strongest posts in the State, with an active membership of 86. During its existence it has mustered 152 persons. In 1881 one of its members, Capt. Burst, was elected Department Commander of the State, and in 1882 he was Inspector General of the United States. The present officers are, A. J. Blanchard, Com. ; R. C. Brown, S. V. C.; W. F. Peters, J. V. C. ; Daniel Dustin, Adj.; W. U. E. Sivwright, Q. ; Dr. O. M. Bryan, Surg. The past commanders are J. W. Burst, R. A. Smith, W. H. Allen, William Graham, A. J. Driver and A. J. Blanchard. The Post was named in honor of Dr. Horace S. Potter, surgeon of the icsth regiment, killed near New Hope Church, Ga.

Insurance Lodge, No. 43, I. O. M. A., was organ- _ ized May 26, 1879, with 27 charter members. The KR present membership of the Lodge is 24. The following are the present officers : C. H. Hoyt, Pres. ; J. N. Brunson, V. P. ; Walter Waterman, Treas. ; H. T. Lawrence, Sec. Those who have held the position of President are, G. B. Wise, F. W. Lott, H. T. Lawrence, L. M. Currier, A. L. Draper and C. H. Hoyt.

Sycamore Camp, No. 47, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized Aug. 6, 1884, with 25 charter members. The present officers of the Camp are, Charles C. Brown, Consul; S. H. Townsend, Adviser; C. G. Meeker, Banker; Charles C. Pond, Clerk. The Camp meets the second and fourth Monday evenings each month, in G. A. R. Hall. The present membership is 28.

Fire Department

It was not until 1876 that Sycamore had a regularly organized fire department. The City Council, February 17, 1876, passed an ordinance providing for the organization of the department, which was to consist of one superintendent, one fire marshal, and two volunteer companies, each to be composed of twenty-two " able-bodied and respectable residents " of the city. Bonds to the amount of $12,400 were at once issued, the proceeds of which were applied to aid the department. Ground was procured, a well sunk, mains were laid, and other necessary arrangements were made. A. W. Sawyer was the first fire marshal.

The City Council has always been liberal in its appropriations in aid of the department, and the department has sought to be worthy of the confidence placed in it. The fire companies have always been composed of good men, many of them in active business. At the present time there are three companies, with the following named captains: No. i, John Schnit ; No. 2, Theodore Weitzel : No. 3, Charles Anderson. N. R. Harrington is superintendent and P. K. Jones marshal. There is now three-fourths of a mile of main, with ten hydrants, and the department has three hose carriages, 1,500 feet of hose, and all other necessary appliances for extinguishing fires.

Since its organization in 1876 there have been several fires, and a number of alarms responded to by the department. Among the fires have been the following: Levi Hodges' dwelling, partly destroyed; Freidman's clothing store, inside and rear end of building and stock totally destroyed ; S. P. Partridge's dwelling, with loss of $3,000 ; Spain's tailor-shop, partly destroyed, with loss of stock; Hansgrohn's dwelling, with small loss ; Shrader's planing-mill, total loss; Ellwood's warehouse, with loss on building of $4,000 and grain $5,000. Had it not been for the efficiency of the department many of these fires would have extended, with large loss to the property owners.

Banking

The first banking business was inaugurated by James S. Waterman in 1852. For some years he ran the business in connection with his mercantile trade, but in 1857 he turned his attention exclusively to banking, continuing the same until 1864. About this time steps were taken to open a national bank, but were soon abandoned.

Edwin T. Hunt and John R. Hamlin commenced the banking business about 1860 under the firm name of Hunt & Hamlin. Early in 1861 Mr. Hamlin retired and James H. Beveridge became a partner, and the business was continued under the firm name of E. T. Hunt & Co. After operating about two years the firm organized under the general banking law as a bank of issue. James H. Beveridge was President ; Wm. J. Hunt, Vice-President ; Edwin T. Hunt, Cashier. The bank suspended business in 1866.

Early in 1867 Daniel Pierce, Moses Dean and R. L. Divine formed a company under the firm name of Pierce, Dean & Co., bought the building aud fixtures used by the Bank of Sycamore, and commenced the banking business, with Emmett Clements as cashier. At the expiration of four years Mr. Divine withdrew, and the business was continued by Pierce & Dean until March, 1883, when Mr. Dean withdrew, the business being transferred to Daniel Pierce & Co. The bank has always been regarded as a substantial one, each of the partners being wealthy, and personally responsible for all of the liabilities of the concern.

On withdrawing from the firm of Pierce, Dean & Co., R. L. Divine immediately formed a partnership with C. O. Boynton, and under the firm name of Divine & Boynton opened another banking house, erecting the building now used by the Sycamore National Bank for that purpose. Mr. Boynton some time afterwards withdrawing, the business was continued by R. L. Divine & Co. till his death in 1883.

The Sycamore National Bank was organized in 1871, its charter bearing date November n of that year. The capital stock was $50,000. J. S. Waterman was elected President, H. H. Mason Vice-President and P. M. Alden Cashier. The first Directors were J. S. Waterman, H. H. Mason, C. W. Marsh, C. H. Cowper and P. M. Alden. Mr. Waterman continued to act as President until his death in July, 1883, when E. F. Dutton was elected, and continues to serve as such. Mr. Alden has been the only cashier. Its present directors are E. F. Dutton, P. M. Alden, I. N. Perry, J. P. Van Voorhis and Albert Sawyer. The business was conducted in the Waterman Block until January i, 1884, when the bank was removed to its present location, the building formerly used by R. L. Divine & Co. The bank has had a very successful career, and, in addition to being a safe depository, has been profitable to its stockholders. At present there is $33,000 surplus and undivided profits.

Manufacturing Interests

Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company. - Sycamore has long been noted for its manufactories, and among those none have a wider reputation than that of the Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company, originally the, Marsh Harvester Manufacturing Company. Aug. 17, 1858, while residing as farmers in Shabbona Township, C. W. and W. W. Marsh obtained a patent for an entirely new method of harvesting by machinery. Their first machine was substantially the same as all harvesters made to this day. From the time the Marsh Brothers built their first machine in 1858 to 1871, no other harvester was put upon the market, but thousands of their machines were manufactured and sold by them and their associates, beginning in a small way in a little shop on their farm, then founding the Piano shops and thereafter the extensive shops in Sycamore, which latter were established in 1869. It can be said without fear of contradiction that C. W. and W. W. Marsh were the inventors of harvesters. After the success of the harvesters had been secured, inventors began to turn their attention to the manufacture of self-binders.

In the year 1870 Charles Whitney and his brother, John H., built two original and complete machines for cutting and automatically binding grain with wire at the Sycamore Marsh Harvester Company's works. These worked very well and were being perfected from year to year, but the lingering sickness and death finally of John H. Whitney interrupted and for a time put a stop to further progress in this direction. Meanwhile Charles Whitney had conceived a plan for a very simple platform binder, and in February, 1878, he made arrangements with C. W. and W. W. Marsh for building and perfecting the same. Their first machine was used in the harvest following. In 1879 considerable further advance had been made and several machines were put out with general satisfaction. In 1880 about 40 of them were introduced, but all these were wire binders, and meantime it had been demonstrated that twine was better material and cheaper than wire for the purpose ; hence it became necessary to throw aside the wire-binding machines which had taken several years of hard study and work, besides a large outlay of money to develop and perfect. The new circumstances were met promptly and vigorously and operations upon a new twine binder were immediately begun. It was completed and tested, and from it 10 more made in time for the harvest of 1881. From the first acre cut, the success of the machine was assured. It gave such extraordinary promise that when its proprietors proposed to organize a company for its manufacture, $300,000 of capital stock was subscribed in a few days. The new company, entitled the Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company, bought the works of the Sycamore Marsh Harvester Manufacturing Company, and immediately began to manufacture the new binder in quantity for the general trade.

The R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company was organized in 1876, with the Hon. Reuben Ellwood at its head and general manager. The capital stock of the company was $25,000, and the business of that year was confined to the manufacture of the Ellwood Riding Cultivator, of which 600 were made. At the close of the year i88r, owing to the rapidly increasing demand for the goods made by this company, the capital stock was again increased to $i n,ooo.

The buildings are large and handsomely arranged to expedite the work, erected with the recent additions, at an expense of $40,000, and with facilities of turning out 50 complete cultivators every day, in addition to the other goods.

The sales of the riding cultivators, sulky plows, harrows and dumping rakes have largely increased, and these, together with the line of hardware goods, such as barn-door hinges, track stay rollers, barrel cases, churns, horse-powers, etc., etc., have established a reputation for the firm that is a sufficient guarantee of the quality of their goods.

The Sycamore Preserve Works is one of the beneficent industrial establishments of the city, giving employment during the active season of work to a large force of men, women and children. It has been in active operation since 1881, and the results have been gratifying to those financially interested and to the people of the place generally. The number of cases of goods put up in 1884 were as follows: 10,- ooo of corn, 7,000 of tomatoes, 1,500 of pumpkins, 800 of squash, i ,000 of peas, 1,000 of beans, and 300 of apples; making in all something over 500,000 cans. The establishment is under the active agement of A. F. Mason, a man of large experience and thoroughly competent in every respect. The original stockholders were R. Ellwood, J. H. Rogers, D. A. Syme and William Byers. Mr. Mason has now an interest in the works, also George and William Rogers. The company is a strong one financially.

The Sycamore Soap Factory is also one of the leading industries of the place. The present proprietor is E. B. Shurtleff. A superior quality of laundry soap is manufactured.

The Tuerk Hydraulic Power C0. commenced business in this city in 1883, removing here from Chicago. A joint-stock company was formed, with a capital stock of $60,000. The company manufacture the Tuerk Water Motor, one of the most useful inventions of the day. W. W. Marsh is superintendent of the works.

Flax Mills - Loomis & Luther are proprietors of the flax mills. But little flax now being raised in this vicinity, the mill is not run on full time. Reuben Ellwood was the pioneer in this branch of business. Dr. Bryan and Chauncey Ellwood were also interested in the work for a time after the close of the war.

The Sycamore Roller Flour Mills do a fine business. The mill was erected in 1854, by A. S. Cox and Mr. Powers, and known as the Citizens' Mill. It contained two run of buhrs. In the spring of 1859 Powers sold his interest to Cox, who subsequently sold to John Black and Charles T. Pierce a one-third interest each. In 1863 Ralph Wyman bought out the interest of Mr. Pierce, and in the same year William C. Black bought out Cox. The mill, in the meantime, had been improved and one run of buhrs added. John C. S. and William C. Black were each interested in the mill during the succeeding 20 years. In 1882 John Black bought the interest of William C. Black and also that of the Wyman heirs, and is now the sole proprietor of the mill. In 1883 he commenced its improvement, enlarging it to a dimension of 48x52 feet, with engine-room attached. The mill now has four run of buhrs, nine sets of rollers, and all modern machinery for making first-class flour. The capacity is 100 barrels per day. Mr. Black has also a roller for making buckwheat flour equal to the New York make.

HE enterprising city of De Kalb furnishes an excellent field for the pen of the historian. From a mere hamlet early in the " fifties," it has grown to a bustling, thriving city of about 3,000 inhabitants, and is known far and wide as the " Barb City," a name given it from the fact that it is the great depot for the manufacture of barb wire, which is the leading industry of the place.

In 1836, Russell Huntley made claim to a large tract of land in this vicinity, including a part of the site of the city. The selection was made with a view of locating here a town, which he had ardent hopes would occupy a leading position among the many which were springing up in the West. He erected upon his claim a large log house, which was used for many years and was known as Huntley 's tavern. Here the weary traveler found rest and Huntley dreamed of the future that was in store for him.

The tavern was all alone in its glory for many years. It was not until 1849 that any further steps were taken to locate here a village. At that time John M. Goodell and Dr. Ruby started a small store on the north side of what is now Main Street, near First Street. Their stock was of a miscellaneous character, including " wet groceries," for which there seemed to be a demand, as a preventive to chills and snake bites. In 1850 Ruby sold his interest to his partner, and having erected a house upon the opposite side of the street he opened another store for the

The next addition to the prospective village was the erection of a shop and its occupation by P. W. T. Vaughan, the '' village blacksmith." This was in 1850, and the shop was located on the site of the Glidden House, northeast corner of Main and Second Streets.

In 1852 Cartwriglit & Hayden opened a stock of general merchandise ; and, now having three stores, a tavern and a blacksmith shop, the village of Buena Vista, as it was then called, began to put on airs. A village was platted about this time, but never put upon record. When the survey was made by the railroad company in 1851, Dr. Ruby took the census of the village and found 29 persons, old and young.

Before the location here of any mercantile interests, a postoffice had been established, with Russell Huntley as Postmaster. The office was supposed to be at his tavern, but the old settlers say it was kept either in his hat or pocket handkerchief, and was what might be termed a traveling office, which was very convenient to those receiving mail at Buena Vista. Russell Huntley continued to act as postmaster for some years, when Jackson Hiland received the appointment and the office was removed to Ruby &' Hiland's store, where it remained some years. Mr. Hiland having disposed of his interest in the store, retired from business, leaving the office in charge of Dr. Ruby, whom he had made deputy. The doctor being a strong Free-soil man, it was displeasing to the Democrats who were then in power ; therefore Mr. Hiland was removed and the commission given to J. W. Small. This was about 1858. On the advent of the Republican party, Hiram Ellwood was appointed, and held the office some years. His successor was Matilda Sickles, the widow of a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. Mrs. Sickles served until 1873, when Lucien H. Post was appointed. Mr. Post served until 1883, when he resigned and A. S. Jackson was appointed.

In 1850 a small house was erected on what is now block 4, of the city in which Jonathan Stone taught a term of school in the winter of 1850-1, at a salary of$i6 per month, teaching alternately five and six days per week. This was the beginning of the educational history of De Kalb. The salary of the teacher was raised by subscription.

When the village of De Kalb was platted steps were at once taken for the erection of a better school building. A small tax was levied and the house now used by the Congregationalists as a church edifice was erected. There was not money enough raised to complete the building, so a couple of dances were held in the house to secure the remainder of the sum required. Thus it was dedicated to the cause of education. Timothy J. Lyon was the first teacher in this house. The village increasing largely in numbers, this building soon became too small to accommodate the attendance; so in 1856 it was sold to George Wood and others for the use of the Congregational society, and a third school building was erected near the present Catholic church. It was a two-story frame structure, 24x42 feet in size. By the end of four years this also became too small to accommodate the number desiring admission into the school, and it was therefore sold, T. C. Needham becoming the owner and using it as a dwelling-house.

In 1860 the present fine brick school building was erected on the corner of Third and Prospect Streets. In the fall of that year it was occupied, the schools then being under the supervision of Prof. Crandall. For a quarter of a century this building has been used for educational purposes, and many of the most intelligent young men and women in De Kalb received therein their first lessons of instruction and graduated thereat. Not alone are they confined to De Kalb, but in a number of the Western States

In r884 another building was erected on the north side of the railroad on Fifth Street. It is a frame structure and used by the primary and intermediate departments.

Platting The Village

In November, 1853, Daniel W. Lamb, County Surveyor, at the instance of John M. and Caroline F. Goodell, Russell, Lewis and Diantha Huntley, platted a portion of sections 22 and 23 of the township of De Kalb for a village, to Which was given the name of De Kalb. Since that date various additions have been made.

To secure the location of the railroad, Mr. Huntley donated the right of way to the company and also land for the depot. He also assigned an interest in the town site, to Robinson, Van Nortwick and Holland, who were largely interested in the railroad.

On the completion of the railroad, the village rapidly increased in population, and continued to increase until the hard times of 1857-8, which put a stop to the improvement of so many towns throughout the land. The war following also retraded its growth.

Incorpor A Tion

was held to ascertain the wishes of the legal voters in reference to incorporation as a city. A majority of the votes being in favor of such organization the first election for city officers was held on the third Tuesday in April. All officers are elected for a term of two years, except the Police Magistrate, who is elected for four years. In the list of officers appended, one-half the Aldermen were elected for one year in order that an equal number should be elected annually thereafter. The following comprises the list :

1879 - A. S. Jackson, Mayor; T. A. Luney, Treasurer; L. M. McEwen, Attorney; S. O. Vaughan, Clerk. Aldermen - ist ward, E. L. Mayo; 2d ward,

The affairs of the city have generally been prudently and economically managed, comparatively little complaint being made. The average appropriation for the expenses of the city is between $11,000 and $12,000 annually. For 1884-5 it was $[1,060.

First And Present Things

The first hotel, as already stated, was the one run for so many years by Russell Huntley and which formed the nucleus of the present village. It was on the State roads which ran from St. Charles to Dixon, east and west, and from Ottawa to Belvidere, north and south. There was considerable travel and Huntley's tavern became well-known. The house was built of logs, covered with shakes, and was an unpretentious structure. A part of the old Huntley tavern now forms a part of the Eagle Hotel on the corner of Second and Main Streets. The Eagle has continued uninterruptedly for a third of a century, and is now run by Hiram Jones.

The Central House, now Barb City House, on the corner of Main and Fourth Streets, was the second hotel in the village. It is now run by Mr. Rector. When first erected it was a small building, and was subsequently enlarged to its present size.

The Glidden is the most pretentious house in the city, and is an ebject of pride among its citizens. It was erected in 1876 by J. F. Glidden.

Peter Johnson, a tinner, commenced business here in 1852. He was the pioneer in this line of trade. The business is now represented by J. M. Rodman & Bro., John Dunn, William Clifford, Eber Lake.

John Smith and Peter Wagner commenced the furniture business in 1855. They were both workmen at the cabinet trade. Mr. Wagner still continues the business and is the only representative in that line.

Dr. Ruby started the first grocery store in 1853. Many changes have since been made, the trade early in 1881; being represented by Olson & Wilder, Horan & Henaughan, Calvin Shurtleff, Reed & De Long, Roberts & Tyler, John H. Lewis, John Cheasebro, Frank Flusch.

In 1858 John R. Hamlin and E. T. Hunt commenced the banking business in this place, being the pioneers in this line of business. Some time afterward Mr. Hamlin disposed of his interest to Dr. Rufus Hopkins, the firm assuming the name of Hopkins, Hunt & Co. By a subsequent change E. P. Young became a partner, Mr. Hunt retiring. The firm name was R. Hopkins & Co. This partnership continued until the death of Dr. Hopkins, in 1874. Lott & Baird then commenced a general banking business and continued the same until January, 1881, when Mr. Baird retired. Mr. Luney then became partner and the firm name of J. D. Lott & Co. was adopted. The partnership continued until May, i882, when it was dissolved and the De Kalb National Bank was founded with a paid up capital of $50,000. H. P. Taylor was chosen president ; T. A. Luney, cashier. The firm of Lott & Baird erected the present bank building in 1876. The De Kalb National Bank is ranked among the sound institutions of the county. The officers for 1885 are J. D. Lott, Pres.; T. A. Luney, cashier. The directors were J. D. Lott, P. G. Young, Jacob Haish, Martin Dodge and J. F. Glidden.

Water Works

In 1874 the city commenced the erection of water works, expending in the beginning about $20,000. Additions were made from time to time, new wells sunk, and other improvements entered into, until the expenditure has reached the sum of $45,000. Three wells have been sunk, to the depth of 2,400, 1,000 and 827 feet respectively. The two latter only are now used. A 4o-horse power steam engine is used for pumping the water. The city has now three /"S miles of main, extending through all the busi- 3 ness portions of the city and reaching many private x»x residences. There are 18 double hydrants. About i 100 subscribers are now served with water, private ? families paying an annual tax of $6, while livery stables are required to pay $30. The Glidden House pays $50 per year.

The first steps taken toward the organization of a fire department was in 1870, when a hook and ladder company was organized. In 1874 a hose company was organized, and in 1884 the second company was formed. The department has now two hose carts, with 1,000 feet of hose, and is well supplied with appliances for the extinguishment of fire. W. H. Miller is the present fire marshal; James Hulser, captain of the hook and ladder company: J. R. Waldron, captain of the hose company. RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services within the present limits of the city of De Kalb were probably held at the house of Dr. Ruby, in 1850. On the completion of the school-house soon afterward, services were held therein, and a Sabbath-school was established, conducted by J. Willard Glidden and Dr. Ruby, with Miss Earl as one of the teachers. There are now eight Church organizations in the city.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first meetings of those holding the views of the Methodist Episcopal Church were held in the house of Dr. Basil Ruby in the year 1850. The preacher was from Sycamore and came here on the invitation of Dr. Ruby. About 1852 a class was organized in the log house of Rev. Brown. Dr. Basil Ruby and wife and George Harrison and wife were among the number. The minister led the class. Meetings were held once in two weeks for a time. In 1855 a small frame building was erected, but the class increased in numbers and in 1856 that church was sold to the Adventists and a larger house was built, which was in use until 1879, when the present house was built. It is a fine brick structure, costing $10,000. There is now a membership of 230. The trustees are : Andrew Bradt, Abner Wood, Morris Willey, Daniel B. Lattin, Calvin Shurtleff, William Barr, C. H. Salisbury, E. O. Wood, Thomas Dodge. Stewards - C. Shurtleff, S. W. Patten, C. H. Salisbury, M. D. Shipman, J. O. Olsen, J.

The Congregational Church was organized Dec. 2, 1854, by Rev. H. N. Norton, with Michael Flynn, Hannah Flynn, Joseph Hiland, Hannah Hiland, Sarah Hopkins, Almira Simonds, George Flynn and Olivia Flynn comprising its original membership. The first officers were, Lucius .Wood, Deacon and Clerk; Sidney H. Wright, Deacon. The present church edifice was purchased from the school district in 1856. Among those who have served the Church either as pastor or supply have been Revs. R. C. Bristol, F. L. Fuller, J. D. Parker, S. P. Putnam, Mr. Buss, L. P. Atwood, John Bennett, John Bradshaw, A. P. Peake, S. I. McKee,

F. D. Rood and J. P. Hutchinson. The latter began his pastorate Oct. 19, 1884. The Clvirch has now a membership of 72, and is looking forward to the time when it shall occupy a new house of worship, better adapted to their wants and to the flourishing city in which it is located.

The Baptist Church was probably organized in 1854. Unfortunately, the early records are lost, and the first members have either died or removed from the place; therefore it is difficult to ohtain facts. Elders King, Estey and Moxom were among the earliest to minister to the spiritual welfare of the Church, though the first named never served as a regular pastor. In r864 Rev. B. S. Williams was with the Church. He was succeeded by Revs. John Couch, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Fish, James M. Berry, L. H. Holt, F. W. Foster and H. A. Delano. A house of worship was erected by the Church within four or five years after the platting of the village, which continued to be used till the fall of 1884. As this work goes to press a new and handsomer church edifice is being erected. Present membership, 78.

The Adventist Church was organized in 1857 at the Methodist Church building, by Rev. McCulloch. The membership at first was small. Among the first members were George Houghton and wife and John Bennett. In 1861 they erected the present church building.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1859. The first meetings were held in the old school-house in 1858. Rev. E. Carlson was the first preacher and organized the Church. The congregation met for worship in the old school-nouse and elsewhere until 1861, when a frame church was built, at a cost of $1,600. Some years later, a parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church. There are now about 340 communicants. The deacons are F. C. Colson, E. Anderson, Peter Lindberg, J. A. Backstrom, A. Anderson and F. Bergquist. The present pastor is Rev. C. J. Malmberg.

The Episcopal Church was organized in 1875. Meetings of this denomination were held at intervals from an early day, but no organization was effected until the date mentioned, when Rev. W. E. Toll, of Sycamore, organized a mission society. Among the members joining at that time were Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Conant, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnson, Dr. P. I. Cromwell, Mrs. J. E. Atwood. Mrs. Helen Winship, Mrs. M. A. Davy and Mrs. Rufus Chandler. This society was organized and met for worship for a time in the Congregational chapel; then erected their present church building on Second Street. The society is small but flourishing and out of debt. Rev. J. H. Edwards is the present pastor ; Alfred Johnson, warden ; Dr. P. I. Cromwell, secretary and treasurer.

7 he Swedish Evangelical Mission Chtirch was organized in 1883, and a frame building was erected the same year as a house of worship. Rev. Christenson was the first preacher. Rev. Gustavson is the present pastor. Charles Aspengren is the oniy deacon.

DeKalb Lodge, -No. 144, A. F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation July 13, 1854, with T. C. Wetmore, W. M.; E. B. Gilbert, S. W.; J. H. Burghardt, J. W. A charter was granted October 3, 1854. The officers under dispensation were continued under charter. T. C. Wetmore was the first Master, and W. F. Pierce fills that position at present. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of 86, meeting the first and third Monday of each month. J. Dunn is the present Secretary.

A dispensation was granted for the organization of a Chapter of R. A. M. October 24, 1858, with S. O. Vaughan, H. P.; F. J. Helmer, King; J. R. Hamlin, Scribe. A charter was granted by the G. R. A. Chapter Octobers, 1859. The Chapter has flourished from the beginning, and now has a membership of 79. It was honored by the selection of one of its members - S. O. Vaughan - in 1880 for the position of Grand High Priest of the Grand R. A. C. of Illinois. E. C. Lott is the present High Priest. The regular meetings are on the first and third Fridays of each month. J. Dunn is the present Secretary.

DeKalb Lodge, No. 155, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1853. Among the charter members were Clark L. Barber, Smith Baldwin, Rufus Hopkins, Gideon Wolcot. The present officers are Peter Larson, N. G.; Alonzo Cheney, V. G.; Eugene Knappenberger, Sec.; N. Goodsell, Treas. There are 54 members in good standing. The lodge meets every Monday evening in their lodge-room in Haish's block.

The " city of the dead," where the loved ones are laid away to rest, has always been a place of interest to the fair sex. Women were first at the tomb of the crucified Savior, and her tears have hallowed the ground wherever mankind have been interred. Death comes to all, and provisions should be made for the disposal of the remains of those whose spirits have been called away to other worlds. The ladies of De Kalb realized this fact, and on the 9th day of September, 1854, met 'and organized the De Kalb Cen-

^ ter Sewing Society, having for its object the procur- $ ing of means for the purchase and care of grounds *- for burial purposes. At their first meeting they elected Mrs. S. G. Nichols, President ; Mrs. Susan ^f Flynn, Secretary; Mrs. O. C. Flynn, Treasurer ; Mrs. Cynthia Hiatt and Miss Harriet Earl, Directors. About four and a half acres of ground were purchased in the southeast part of the city, and provisions made for its care. The first interment therein were the remains of Mrs. Norris Sweet. After the lapse of ten years it became evident that more ground must be ^Vp secured, and being unable to obtain any land adjoining, another location was determined on. In i865,"'having accumulated money enough for the purpose, five acres of land were purchased north of the city and platted for a second cemetery. With the exception 'of a. short period of time, but long enough to run the society into debt, the ladies have had entire charge of the two cemeteries. Their f management has been excellent, having, in January, $5, as accumulations from the sale of lots and from * mites contributed from time to time, a surplus of *i over $600, which has been loaned on interest. In i 1 88 1 the society organized, under the State laws, as £ the De Kalb Cemetery Association. Its present offi- , cers are Mrs. Charles G. Bodman, President; Mrs. , Burt, Vice-President ; Mrs. R. H. Roberts, Secretary ; Mrs. H. H. Wagner, Treasurer ; Mrs. J. F. Glidden, Mrs. D. D. Brown, Mrs. M. A. Randall, Directors. For some years after the organization of the society it met once in two weeks, engaged in sewing and preparing articles for sale, and held, now and then, , a fair for their disposal. Of late they meet for a so- , ciable, having a picnic dinner, each member paying a ' fee of ten cents. Like the one who wept at the feet ' of Jesus, and anointed him with costly ointment, it will be written of these ladies of De Kalb : " They have done what they could."

7. L. Ellwood &- Co. - The citizens of De Kalb i have a just pride in their manufactories, the largest of which is that of I. L. Ellwood & Co., for the manufacture of the Glidden Barb Wire. At the present everything seems perfect about the works, but in the beginning the process of manufacture was crude in the extreme. The barbs were cut by hand, and first a pair of flyers, and afterwards the parts of an old DfTee mill were extemporized as a machine for coilj® ing them about the wire. When a piece 20 or 30 feet long had been barbed, a smooth wire was placed beside it and one pair of ends fastened to a tree, and the others attached to the axle of a grindstone, which by turning with a crank gave it the twist. About this time, Mr. I. L. Ellwood became associated with Mr. Glidden and began the manufacture and introduction of the fence. The " factory " was moved from the farm over to the village, and here the improvement was made of using horse-power for doing the twisting, the barbs being slipped OB to one end of the wire and then placed the proper distance apart by hand. By this method 100 pounds per day was a good average to the workman.

The first year the sales of barb wire were meager and confined to the vicinity of De Kalb, where the proprietors would go out themselves and put up fence, guaranteeing satisfaction or no pay.

In 1875 the company built the first part of the old brick shop, put in a small steam engine, which was made to do the twisting, and Mr. Glidden and P. W. C. Vaughan obtained a patent for some devices for barbing and spooling, that were used for some time and proved an efficient aid to the workmen.

In 1876 the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company, of Worcester, Mass., noticing an increasing demand for a size of wire not heretofore called for to any great extent, began to investigate the cause of it, and subsequently purchased Mr. Glidden's half interest in the patents and business, and formed the present co-partnership with Mr. Ellwood. The business rapidly increased and soon the old shop became too small, so in 1881 new buildings were erected. The main building is now 600 feet long by 60 feet in width, and two stories high. This building is occupied by 202 automatic machines for making their " Glidden " barb wire. These machines manufacture finished fencing at the rate of a car-load an hour, which is at the rate of a mile a minute of complete fencing. This would aggregate in one year 3,130 cars of 20,000 pounds each, or 62,600,000 pounds of fencing, which would extend in a straight line 187,- 800 miles, o'r enough to encircle the earth seven and one half times. The number of men employed by this firm varies from 200 to 400, according to their necessities and the season.

patentee. Early in 1874 Mr. Haish began the manufacture in a small way, and has increased his works from time to time until he has one of the largest manufactories in the country, with a capacity of 50 tons or more per day. In 1881 a building 300 feet in length and too feet in width was erected, to which additions have since been made. One hundred men are now employed. There are 75 machines in the building.

The Superior Barbed- Wire Company was organized in 1880. President, Reuben Ellwood; Directors, Reuben Ellwood, J. B. Lott, I. L. Ellwood, J. F. Glidden, and Hiram Ellwood. The latter was elected secretary and general manager. The company purchased of I. L. Ellwood the building they now occupy. It is a brick building 48 x 144 feet, two stories in height, with 35 machines, having a capacity of 20 tons of wire per day. Eighty men are employed.

The Samson Novelty Works, owned by Bradt & Shipman is located in the east part of the city. Here is manufactured the Samson barn-door hanger and the Samson wire-stretcher. They also do a general repairing business. Their foundry and machine shop

The De Kalb Creamery was established in 1882 by Gurler Brothers - Henry B. and George H. Gurler. They erected a frame building 32 x7o, two stories in height, with boiler room 16 x 24 and an ice-house 20 x 40. The building was furnished with all the machinery in use at that time. This building was burned Sept. 25, 1884. The present building was erected and ready for work the 26th of October following. The main building is the same size as the one burned, while the ice-room and boiler-house are larger. In 1883 they sent out teams to gather cream, and the products of the factory for that year were $52,422. In 1884 the cream gathered was taken to their other creameries, and thus the total receipts were not so great, but amounted to $49,358. They have all machinery, including five centrifugal cream separators. The Gurler Brothers rented the South Grove Creamery in 1884; the products there amounted to $7,178. In 1884 they bought the Malta Creamery. The products there, in 1884, amounted to $13,367.

N October, 1853, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company completed its road through this place. At that time Almon Gage, Jacob M. Hall, Joseph Weeks, Wm. Davis, Harvey Joles and the Grover - estate were the owners of all the land upon which the city is now located. The railroad company did not design to locate a station at this point, having decided upon one at what is now the village of Somonauk and another at what is now the village of Piano. The citizens of Newark, a village lying a few miles south, were interested in having one here, and, together with the citizens living in this vicinity, appealed to the railroad company to establish it. After a few months' delay the company consented to establish a flag station, stopping the trains only when signaled. The business here increasing rapidly, it yielded to the inevitable, and in the fall of 1854 erected the necessary buildings for the transactions of its business, and the future of the village which was rapidly springing up was secured.

The original survey of the village was made in the winter of 1853-4, but for some cause, doubtless for the reason the railroad company had not consented to establish a regular station, it was not acknowledged until Dec. 5, 1854, and filed Jan. i, 1855. Almon Gage was the owner of the original plat, other portions being additions.

When the survey was made, with the design of platting, a name had not been decided upon for the prospective village. It was proposed by some to call it Almon, in honor of Almon Gage, but that gentleman would not consent. The deed given by Jacob M. Hall to the trustees of the Baptist Church described the lots as being in block 3 of the village of Almon, and was so entered upon record. A postoffice having been established here under the name of Sandwich, it was finally determined to give that name to the village, and Sandwich it was called. The railroad company, however, was probably not consulted with reference to the name and called the station Newark Station, the village of Newark, as already stated, being instrumental in securing its location. By this name was it known until 1856, when the railroad company again yielded to the wishes of the people and adopted the name of Sandwich.

During the years from 1854 to 1857 there was a regular and constant increase in the number of inhabitants and in the business of the village. In the second issue of the People 's Press, under date of Sept. 17, 1857, a correspondent thus speaks of the place as it then existed :

" Sandwich is a stirring business village. Its settlement and growth were greatly retarded at first by designing men, who slandered and misrepresented it to the railroad company, so that the cars did not stop here for several months after they began to run on the track. Nor was it without much delay and great difficulty that the company was prevailed upon to construct a switch and erect buildings, although they obtained land for such purpose at the time of surveying the road. The cars began to run by Sandwich about the last of October, 1853, but did not stop here till the spring of 1854, and then the number of cars that could be obtained for freight was quite too small, the stopping irregular, and the hindrances and annoyances so very great and prolonged as to throw back the settlement and improvements of the village at least one year.

" Besides the railroad buildings, Sandwich three churches - Baptist, Methodist and Congregational. The Presbyterians worship in a large school-room, but are preparing to build a church. Each of these denominations have a Sunday-school. The German Baptists have one service in the Baptist house every alternate Sabbath. The Seceders occupy the Methodist church the same proportion of lime.

"A large and commodious two-story building erected for an academy, and occupied as such for two years, is now used for a district school, and during a term of 17 weeks, just ended, 153 scholars attended, under two teachers; besides which there is a small private school.

'- The people of Sandwich and vicinity must be a reading people, if we judge of them by the amount of reading matter received at the postoffice. The following facts were taken by the writer of this article from the official documents of the office for the quarter ending June 30, 1857. More than 4,500 newspapers, 195 pamphlets and other periodicals were received. The postage on letters received amounted to $i 10.67 '. postage on letters sent, $130. The deputy postmaster assured the writer it was not quite an average quarter. . .

"The following items will give some idea of the business done in the village, and of the progress made in improving it. There is one steam grist and flouring mill, one iron foundry, machine shop and planing mill, two lumber yards, one of which received from April i, to September 3, 1857, the following: 570,000 feet of lumber, 100,000 shingles, 112,000 lath, 1,600 posts. The other yard received about 300,000 of all kinds, from July 10 to Sept. 3, 1857. There are n stores, all doing a good and some a heavy business, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one livery stable, one bakery, one hotel, one jeweler, two cabinet and furniture shops, two shoe shops, two merchant tailors, 20 or 30 carpenters and joiners, most of whom have convenient work shops, 16 or more masons, and four painters. There are several buildings for storage, one of which is large, and provided with apparatus propelled by steam for elevating grain, and about 20 others in course of erection."

Some years prior to the advent of the railroad steps were taken to secure the location here of a postoffice. A petition was circulated, largely signed, and forwarded to Hon. John Wentworth to present to the Postoffice Department. In order to secure the active co-operation of Mr. Wentworth, it was proposed to give the office the name of Sandwich, in honor of his native town in New Hampshire. The Department acceded to the request, and established the office, with Dr. Merriam as postmaster. While he remained in the country he managed the office. Dr. Renton, his successor in medical practice, was the next postmaster. He remained here but a short time. When he left the Department ordered C. B. Rhodes, of Buck Branch postoffice, to take charge of the property of the office. When the railroad was completed, and the Carrs had begun business here, Dr. Griswold was appointed postmaster. The office was kept for a time in the store of J. H. & L. H. Carr. Dr. Griswold did not long retain the office, and was succeeded by Robert Patten. The office was removed to Patten & Culver's store, where it remained for some years. George Hollenbach was Mr. Patten's successor, and was, in turn, succeeded by F. W. Partridge. On the first call for 300,000 men to aid in suppressing the Rebellion, Mr. Partridge sent in his resignation, and raised a company, of which he was made captain, and which became a part of the i3th Infantry. Jonathan Able was his successor, and served until Grant's first term, when Frank A. Munson received the appointment, and served twelve years. He was succeeded by G. H. Robertson, the present postmaster. The office is of the third class, the postmaster receiving a salary of $1,700 per year. The receipts of the office amount to $450 per month

On the 1 8th of February, 1860, an election was held for the purpose of voting on the question of incorporation. There were cast at that election for incorporation 83 votes; against incorporation, 63 votes. A majority being in favor of incorporation, an election was held March 5 for town officers. The following were elected: Augustus Adams, Almaron Gage, George W. Culver, W. Walker, Wm. G. Morris, Trustees ; S. B. Stinson, Clerk, W. W. Sedgwick, J. P.; H. F. Winchester, Assessor; James B. Burt, Police Constable.

The Board met and elected Augustus Adams President. From that time until its incorporation as a city, annual elections were held. The following named comprise a complete list of trustees :

A petition was presented to the Board of Trustees on the 7th day of October, 1872, praying the Board to submit to a vote of the people whether the town should be incorporated as a city under the general act of the Legislature. Acting upon the petition, the Board submitted the question to a vote on Tuesday, November 19,1872; they also submitted to a vote the question of minority representation in the Council. At the election there were 287 votes cast on incorporation, of which 177 were for and no against. For minority representation, i ; against, 285.

The first election for city officers was held in December, 1872, and the first meeting of the council was held Jan. 2, 1873. The first officers were as follows : W. W. Sedgwick, Mayor; H. A. Adams, A. A. Marcy, Henry C. and M. R. Jones, John Woodward, O. S. Hendee.

1884 - The following is a list of all the officers Mayor - W. L.Simmons; Aldermen - ist ward, A. L. Gilchrist, H. N. Woodward; 2d ward, J. Ledoyt, AO - :3«J5£_ «*Sig>J

George Kleinsmid ; ad ward, L. D. Woodruff. C. A. Reed resigned and M. Dickinson elected to fill vacancy; City Clerk, S. P. Sedgwick; City Att'y, W. W. Sedgwick; City Treas., W. C. Phelps; City Marshal, J. N. Shatter; City Supt. of Streets, W. Leacock ; Police Magistrate, W. R. Low; Board of Health, N. E. Ballou, Theron Potter, Jacob Burkhart, Jr.

The issue presented to the voters has usually been that of licensing saloons for the sale of alcoholic Jiquors. The license party has generally been successful, and there have usually been from two to four licensed saloons in the place. For a number of years the license fee has been $500 per year.

In 1878 the city 'erected a fine building on Railroad Street, to be used for city offices and as an opera house. On the evening of Jan. 2, 1879, the hall was duly dedicated.

Business Interests

The pioneer merchants of Sandwich are J. H. & L. H. Carr, who commenced business here in the fall of 1853, purchasing from A. Gage an old building used by him as a granary and fitting it up for the purpose. As stated, the railroad company refused to locate a station here, so the Carrs were compelled to haul their first stock from Somonauk. The stock was of a miscellaneous kind, suitable to the wants of a farming community.

In the summer of 1854 A. R. Patten commenced the erection of a store building, in which Patten & Culver opened a stock of general merchandise.

Other dealers came in from time to time, and various changes were made. In the spring of 1885 there were six firms engaged in the trade of general merchandise - C. Corlinskey, Goodman & Weir, Pratt Bros., Crofoot & Manchester, J. N. Culver, E. I. Barker.

The first grocery store was established in the winter of 1853-4 by James Kennard. His stock consisted of "eatables and drinkables," the latter, it is said, being the greater part of the stock. Perley Stone came soon after. In connection with Benjamin Latham he continued in the business for some time. Burt & Treat commenced in the spring of 1857. There are now six firms engaged in this line of trade - S. Abbey, Van Fleet & Smith, E. Thompson, N. Maginnis, E. F. West, R. G. Kirtland.

George W. Culver and Robert Patten were the first lumber dealers. They commenced business in the summer of 1854. Within the next three years H. F. Winchester, White & Potter, and M. B. Castle engaged in the same line, though not all at one time. In the spring of 1057 Alexander White sold out to Hoagland & Shepard. The present dealers are E. Doan, Castle & Mosher.

The pioneer tailor was George P. Hay. He came from Bristol in the fall of 1854. In the summer of 1855 he erected a building and opened a regular clothing store. Frederick Tummell was the next tailor and dealer in ready-made clothing. He opened his shop in 1856. D. B. Stewart commenced in the summer, and John W. Dobbin in the fall, of 1857. In the spring of 1885 the following named firms were in the business : M. Nathan, H. Fox & Co., James Warner, C. Blomquist, M. Dickinson.

S. J. Smith, in the summer of 1 855, erected a building, and in November following opened the first drug and bookstore. J. H. Miller & Co., A. H. Ramey, T. Potter monopolized the trade in the spring of 1885. Mr. Ramey was also a news dealer. E. Ledoyt was also in the latter business.

Alanson Fairbanks, in the fall of 1854, sold his farm in Little Rock and established the first livery stable in Sandwich. I. M. Arnold, Ed. Bark, S. Dickson were in the business in the spring of 1885.

David Nixon opened the first furniture store in the spring of 1856. He soon after received into partnership Jacob Burkhart, and the firm continued until the fall of 1856, when they sold to John W. Dobbin, who, in the spring of 1857, sold to Burkhart & Collett. The former, in connection with his son, yet engages in the trade. In the spring of 1857 Winans & Stratton commenced in the same line of trade. In the spring of 1885, in addition to Burkhart & Son, the trade was represented by C. F. Walters.

E. S. Johnson was the first jeweler, beginning business here in the spring of 1857. In 1885 there were in the trade, in addition to Mr. Johnson, B. Wilsey, Charles Tiede.

In the fall of 1855 Henry Roberts opened the first permanent meat-market. There are three shops at present - P. W. Wallace, Stockholm & Jones, Aug. West.

In the spring of 1856 Richard Bassett established the first tinshop. G. L. Ismon & Co. next opened a shop in connection with their hardware store, with J. M. Sanders as foreman. R. S. Laird was the third tinsmith.

G. L. Ismon & Co. opened the first store for the exclusive sale of hardware in the spring of 1856. George Kleinsmid and Winchell & Abbott are the only dealers at present.

The first permanent daguerrean artist in Sandwich was M. F. Howard, in 1856. Miss A. B. Bassett was the second, in 1857. The daguerrean picture is now a thing of the past. C. E. Orr and A. Satterlee are photographers, doing business here at present.

J. H. & L. H. Carr bought and shipped the first grain from this station in the fall of 1853. Robert Patten and George W. Culver were also engaged for a time in the business. In the spring of 1855 S. Fuller located here and engaged in the same line. Follansbee & Wormwood were next, and in the fall of 1855 commenced the erection of a warehouse and elevator, which they completed in the spring of 1856. M. F. Howard commenced in the winter of 1856-7, and W. L. Simmons in the summer of 1857. The latter is still in the trade, and is the sole representative.

Shortly after J. H. & L. H. Carr started in business, James Clark commenced the erection of a low, rambling building, one part of which he used for a store and the other for hotel purposes, it being the first hotel in the place. He ran it for a time and was succeeded by Mr. Van Olinda. It usually went by the name of the Donegana House, after the latter became the proprietor, and very soon ceased to exist.