Tampico Township

Tampico Township

in so short a period, as Taiupico, and more especially if wc take into account the vicissitudes through which it has passed. Thrice the fire fiend, and once the strong winds, have Laid it low, but it quickly rose again like a Phoenix from the ashes.

The village was organized under the Act of the General Assembly to provide for the incorporation of cities and villages, in force July 1, 1872. The first election took place in February, 1875, and the following gentlemen were elected Trustees: D. McMillan, E. AV. High, Alfred Smith, J. W. Glassburn, J. H. Cain, and H. L. Denison.

The Board of Trustees met at the office of D. McMillan, on the 26th of February, 1875, and organized by electing J. W. Grlassburn, President, and J. C. Mosshart, Clerk. Trustees, E. W. High, D. McMillan, and J. H. Cain were appointed a committee on ordinances, and at the meeting held on March 12th, reported seven ordinances, all of which were passed. The ordinances were in effect those usually passed for the government of cities and villages, with the exception of the dog ordinance which provides that every owner of a male dog shall pay an annual tax of one dollar for keeping the canine, and every owner of a female dog, two dollars. At this meeting C. H. Glassburn was appointed, Police Constable, and at a subsequent meeting Eli C. Cain was appointed Street Commissioner.

The first Board of Trustees were only elected for the term between the organization of the village and the time provided by the statute for holding the annual election. This election too^ place on the third Tuesday of April, 1875, and resulted in the re-election of the first Board of Trustees. J. W. Glassburn was elected President, and B. F. Chase, Clerk. E. C. Cain was appointed Street Commissioner, and C. H. Glassburn, Police Constable. Trustees J. H. Cain, D. McMillan and A. Smith were appointed a Committee on Salaries. The first two Boards were in favor of licensing the sale of ardent spirits, and about $700 were realized from that source. The licenses were $240 each, per annum.

The second annual election was held on the 20th of April, 1876, and resulted in favor of the anti-license ticket, the following gentlemen being elected trustees: D. McMillan, John C. Aldrich, J. W. Hixon, J. F. Leonard, M. A. Myers, Jr., and J. H. Cain. At the first meeting of the Board, D. McMillan was elected President, and A. W. Bastian, Clerk. James Varian was appointed Street Commissioner; B. F. Chase, Police Magistrate; T. S. Beach, Treasurer, and Fred Smith, Police Constable. The first act of the Board was to repeal the license ordinance, and pass one that $300 be raised by general taxation. On the 2d of May the Board of Trustees declared the office of Police Magistrate vacant, and on the 15th of June ordered a special election to fill the vacancy and also to elect a Trustee in place of J. H. Cain resigned. The election was held on July 18th, 1876, and resulted in electing T. H. C. Dow, Police Magistrate, and H. L. Denison, Trustee.

At the third annual election D. McMillan, J. F. Leonard, J. W. Hi^son, J. C. Aldrich, H. L. Denison and J. W. Glassburn were elected trustees, and S. W. Sheldon, Police Magistrate. This was also an anti-license Board. At the meeting on xVpril 2-J:th, 1877, D. McMillan was elected President, and A. W, Bastian, Clerk. Robert Collins was appointed Police Constable; T. S. Beach, Treasurer; Owen Lloyd, Street Commissioner; T. 0. Steadnian. Pound Master. At the meeting on August 7th, 1877, an Ordinance was passed that $200 be raised for village expenses during the year, a decrease of $100 from the tax of the previous year.

The Postoffice in Tampico was established September 1, 1871, Mr. J. S. Kimball being commissioned as the first Postmaster. Previous to the establish- ment of the Postoffice John W. Ghassburn ran a private mail between Sterling and Yorktown for the convenience of those on the route, having secured a privilege therefor from the United States Government. In 1869, the Government established a post route between Sterling and Yorktown, and Chauncy Dow obtained the contract to carry the mail. He retained the contract for one year, and then gave it up, and Oliver McKenzie secured it. Mr. McKenzic carried the mail until the Postoffice was established at Tampico. Mr. Kimball was Postmaster only a short time, and then resigned, and was succeeded by S. B. Winters. The Postmasters since Mr. Winter's time have been J. W. Mosshart, and Albert Berry, the latter now acting for Uncle Sam. A Postoffice furnishes probably a better criterion of the growth and advancement of a place than any other agency, and judging from the increase of business at the Tampico Postoffice, one is forcibly reminded of the rapid growth of the town. At the close of the year 1871, the business of the Tampico office did not show an amount exceeding $60 per annum. Now it amounts to over $600.

The business places of the village of Tampico at present are: two elevators, , the proprietors of which deal in stock, flour, lime, coal, salt, etc.; five dry goods, grocery, and general mercantile stores; two hardware and agricultural implement stores; two drug and medicine stores, one of which deals in school books etc.; two dealers in wagons and buggies; one manufacturer and dealer in harness; one dealer in flour, feed, etc.; one dealer in furniture; one dealer in watches and jewelry; two restaurants; one barber; one livery stable; one butcher; two milliners and dressmakers; two milliners a§d dealers in fancy goods; two blacksmiths; one wagon maker; one dealer in feathers, etc.; three hotels; two attorneys at law; two physicians and surgeons; two lumber dealers; and last, though not least, one newspaper.

Probably no village of its age, since the foundation of the world, ever suffered so much from the elements, as Tampico, and it is certain that no village ever displayed such energy and promptness in rehabilitating itself and starting again in business. The ashes from her fires had hardly got cold, and the winds of her tornado hardly died away, before the plane, the hammer, and the trowel were at work. Yesterday as it were she was in ruins; to-day beautiful stores and residences cover the space, and obliterate every mark of the destroyer. Too much credit cannot be given to the people of Tampico for the courage and enterprise exhibited under the most trying circumstances. The blow that would have struck many others to the earth in a helpless condition, only staggered them for an instant. The next moment they recovered, and went on with their business avocations as though fire and tempest never had raged within their borders.

The first visitation by fire was in the spring of 1872 when the village had hardly cast off its swaddling clothes. At that time the frame hotel of Maurice Fitzgerald, and a portion of the store belonging to Mr. Cain, were burned, the former's loss alone being $4,250, and the whole loss over $5,000. Mr. Fitzgerald immediately afterwards commenced building the present Tampico House, and before the summer was half overbad it ready for the reception of guests.

The second fire occurred on the 5th of January, 1874, and destroyed E. W. High's dry goods and grocery store; P. Burke's grocery store and residence; A. W. Bastian's store building in which were Case & Davis, clothiers; and James Conroy's dry goods and grocery store. The total loss was about $35,000. In thirty days afterwards Mr. Burke had a new building erected, and goods in his store, and by the middle of the following June the, entire site of the fire was covered with buildings again.

History Of The Village Of Tampico

destructive agency ciimo whirling through the town, leaving ruin in its path. This was the dreadful tornado of June 6, 1874, which struck the place about eleven o'clock in the evening of that day (Saturday). It raged but a short time, but within that space thousands of dollars worth of property was destroyed, and many persons injured. Such a tornado had not visited this section of the country since the terrible one of June 3, 1860. The following were the losses of property as given at the time, and published in the Whiteside Sentinel: " The large grain warehouse and elevator of Glassburn & Bryant, containing 20,000 bushels of grain, completely wrecked, loss $10,000; T. S. Beach's elevator, then recently erected at a cost of $3,000, and having two thousand bushels of grain in store, entirely demolished; Gr. T. Piersol, damage to dwelling, loss $500; J. Gr. Banes, dwelling house wrecked, loss $1,000; Ira Humphrey, damage to dwelling house, loss $1,000; T. H. C. Dow, damage to dwelling house and furniture, loss $200; Timothy Guegnian, dwelling house demolished, loss $1,000; Milton Hixon, shoe shop wrecked, loss $200; Payson Williams, saloon damaged, loss $100; Geo. Dee, store and Tampico Hall damaged, loss $1,500; Crampton & Kemp, carpenter shop demolished, loss $300; Col. Crampton, dwelling house destroyed, loss $500; D. McMillan, two dwelling houses destroyed, loss $1,500; Frank Williams, damage to dwelling house, $1,000; John Van Valkenburg, damage to dwelling, $1,500; Eli Cain, damage to dwelling, $1,500; Peter Burke, damage to dwelling, $1,000; James Cain, damage to paint and wagon shop, $700; Chas. Luther, damage to dwelling, $100; S. B. Winters, damage to store, $50; Messrs. Robert Collins, M. R. Jones, James Varian, H. H. Seymour, and several others, sustained damages ranging from $25 to $200. The M. ¥j. Church, built about two years before, at a cost of $1,300, was blown to fragments, the organ being carried a distance of one hundred and fifty feet. The railroad buildings were also damaged to the extent of $500." Although the storm came as a breath of destruction, and in a few moments was gone, yet scores of hairbreadth escapes were made, and many are the thrilling narratives yet related by the citizens. Chas. Glassburn had a sleeping room in the oflace of Glassburn & Brj^ant's elevator, and when he heard the storm approaching, closed the window, just as several pieces of scantling came crashing through the windows opposite. In another moment the office was filled with flying debris from the elevator adjoining. Young Glassburn clung to the safe, and was saved as by a miracle. Wilbur Piersol sprang into a cellar when the gale came, and cut his leg badly. The building was carried a distance of over fifty feet, but Mr. Piersol happily did not sustain any other damage. Mrs. D. Olmstead, who was confined to her bed by sickness, leaped to the floor when she heard the roaring of the approaching storm; her husband forced her into the bed again, and by enveloping her with the bed coverings, protected her from the timbers that crashed through the building. The most remarkable incident of the scene was narrated at the timeby Mr. Dow and Mr. Olmstead. Eleven persons, composing two families, were residing in the same building, and all the members, soon after the blow, were found, with the exception of an infant child of Mr. Dow. The neighbors finally tore away the ruins of the edifice, and amid the rubbish, protected from the timbers by a large box and a sewing machine, the little one was found, uninjured. Altogether, eight persons were injured seriously, and a much larger number slightly bruised. The following are the names of the persons most dangerously injured, with the nature of their injuries: Mrs. Maria Banes, head dangerously wounded; T. H. C. Dow, injured in the breast; Wilber Piersol, leg and face badly hurt; Mrs. J. B. Gates, collar bone broken; J. G. Banes, serious wounds of the side and foot; Mrs. J. G. Banes, leg broken; Mrs. W. Piersol, face and breast badly bruised; Granville Connor, head and i3reast badly hurt.

Geo. Banes was struck with a piece of flying timber, but escaped serious injury; Luther Piersol was considerably bruised. That no lives were lost seems almost miraculous, considering the widespread destruction and the great number of buildings blown down, all occupied. During the prevalence of the tornado the groans of the wounded, and the cries of those almost bereft of reason by fright, gave a touch of horror to the picture, revealed as it was by the flashes of lightning which followed each other in rapid succession. The storm came from a southwesterly direction, following the railroad, and veered in its course slightly to the northeast. The damage outside of the village was slight. The scene on Sunday morning, June 7, 1874, was one which the people of the village of Tampico do not desire to look upon again. As soon as possible after the storm, a committee, consisting of E. W. High, T. M. AViley, A. Smith, Wm. Camper, and J. S. Kimball, was appointed to receive all moneys and supplies for the suiferers, and it is but due to the people of the county to say that the appeal made to them for this purpose was promptly and generously responded to. It was not long before stores and residences again sprang up, and all evidence of the awful tempest was blotted from sight.

Scarce two years, however, had passed away, before fire again desolated Tampico. This time it came early on Wednesday morning of May 17, 187G. The flames were first discovered between the stores of Peter Burke and E. W. High, and the Tampico Tornado at that time describes them as leaping up the sides of the buildings, as if kerosene or other inflammable substance had been used to facilitate their spread. Six buildings fell a prey to the devouring element before it could be subdued. The first building on the south side limits of the fire was owned by James Conroy, and used as a residence and grocery store; loss $2,000. Nelson Maxson's store came next; loss on goods and building estimated at $6,600. Next in line northward was Peter Burke's grocery store; loss on building and goods, 83,600. Adjoining was the building owned by Geo. Dee, the lower part of which was occupied by E. W. High as a store, and the upper part by the Tornndo ofiice, and J. H. Melvin, as a law oflice; the building was valued at $2,500. Mr. High had about $8,000 worth of goods on hand, a portion of which were saved, but in a badly damaged condition; Mr. Melvin lost his entire law library and ofiice furniture, valued at $600, a large number of book accounts, notes and mortgages being also destroyed; the press and type of the Tornndo were not in the office at that time, so the loss was confined to books, papers, etc. John Paice's building, used as a residence and butcher shop, stood next; loss on the whole, $2,300. Case & Adams' billiard hall was the last building on the block destroyed; loss $1,500. Piersol 's blacksmith shop, standing in the alley between Case & Adams' and Taggart & Fitzgerald's, was torn down, and the store of the latter was severely scorched. The fire spread so rapidly 'that the store keepers on the opposite side of the street from where it was raging, removed their goods. It was a severe blow to the business iuen who suffered by it, as most of them had been suff'erers by the other fires, as well as by the tornado. Their courage, however, did not desert them, some immediately renting other buildings in which to open their business, and others commencing the erection of new buildings. Peter Burke at once laid the foundation for a brick building, which he hastened rapidly to completion, and soon had the present fine store of Burke & Forward stocked with goods, ready for his customers; among the active business men of Tampico, Mr. Burke stands prominent. Since this fire Tampico has not been disturbed by the elements, and she is rapidly progressing in all that adds to the growth, wealth, and prosperity of a town. Newspapers.

Churches And Other Organizations 459

Charles F. Gifford, the firm being known as Hill & GifFord. During the first year the paper was printed at Prophetstown, and at its close the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Gifford becoming the entire owner. He at once purchased a new press, new type, etc., and since that time has both published and printed the paper at Tampico. At the time the paper was started it was thought to be considerable of an undertaking, but Mr. Gifford being a practical printer of long experience, and a gentleman of tact and energy, the enterprise was pushed forward until it has now reached a firm footing. Its circulation is 350, and it is receiving a good support, both in its advertising and jobbing departments, from the people of Tampico and vicinity. Mr. Gifford is adding new material to his ofiice as his demands recjuire.

Methodist Episcopal Church: - At the time the Grand Trunk Railroad, now the Mendota branch of the C. B. & Q. Railroad, was built, and Tampico became a village, the society now known as the Tampico M. E. Church and Society, belonged to the Spring Hill and Yorktown Circuit, Rev. G. W. Carr being pastor. In the fall of that year, 1871, the members residing in Tampico concluded to establish a church of their own. Previous to that time meetings had been held only once a fortnight in the old town house, a mile south of the present village. After removing to the village the first meetings were held in Sheldon's Hall, on Main street, the Society employing their own pastor, the Rev. L. A. Sanford, of Sterling. The membership then numbered about thirty. Mr. Sanford remained with them until the meeting of the next Annual Conference in the fall of 1872. The Conference sent Rev. H. T. Scoville to take charge, who remained for one year. During the fall of 1872 the Society built a church edifice at a cost of $1,300. The building was 30 by 44 feet, and 18 feet high. The next pastor was Rev. J. P. Morris, who remained until the fall of 1874. On the 6th of June in this year the meeting house was completely destroyed by the tornado which then swept over the place. There were no regular services held during the balance of that year, as the pastor was engaged for most of the time in soliciting subscriptions for the erection of a new edifice. When there were services they were held in the school house. The present building was commenced in the fall of 1874, and the main part completed that year, the balance, with the steeple, being finished in 1875. Its size is 32 by 62 feet, and 20 feet in height. The height of steeple from the ground is 100 feet. The whole cost of the building was $2,500. In the fall of 1874, Rev. C. H. Huffman was sent as pastor, and remained until the fall of 1876. The next pastor was Rev. A. B. Mettler, who was succeeded the present fall (1877) by Rev. F. Pomeroy, who has charge of the Tampico and Spring Hill churches. The first Board of Trustees, consisting of J. P. Badgley, A. M. Smith, John W. Glassburn, Joseph Jacobs, John Miller, Thomas Passmore, and T. M. Wylie, was elected April 17th, 1871. T. M. Wylie was chosen Clerk. The present Trustees are, J. P. Badgley, A. M. Smith, George W. Apley, G. A. Stilson, and T. M. Wylie, the latter still retaining his position as Clerk. A Sabbath School has been connected with the church ever since its organization, Mr. T. M. Wylie filling the position as Superintendent from the commencement until the fall of 1876, when Rev. A. B. Mettler succeeded him. The present membership of the church is about sixty.

St. Mary s Roman. Catholic Church: - St. Mary's Church, of Tampico, was first organized in April, 1875, by a Committee of four, consisting of Maurice Fitzgerald, George Dee, Thomas Burden, and Peter Burke. The officers of the Committee were: Maurice Fitzgerald, President; George Dee, Vice President;

Peter Burke, Secretary, and Thomas Burden, Treasurer. On the 20th of May, 1875, Eight Rev. Bishop Foley, of Chicago, granted a charter to the Committee authorizing them to raise subscriptions to build a church edifice. The Committee went immediately at work, and in a comparatively short time raised an amount sufficient to erect and complete it in its present form. A part of the amount was raised by notes from parties in that section of the county, and the other part, amounting to $2,520, by a Fair held at Tampico. At the Fair a teaset was put up, two young ladies, one the daughter of Mr. Thomas Burden, and the other a daughter of Mr. John Gaffey, to be the contestants therefor. The tickets were one dollar each, and parties could buy one 'or more as they chose, each ticket being a ballot for one or the other of t"h§ young ladies. At the close of the Fair it was found that Miss Burden received 1,518 votes, and Miss Gafi'ey, 1,002. The prize was therefore awarded to Miss Burden. The church building was commenced on the 2Gth of June, 1875, and completed on the 18th of September following, an incredibly short space of time, when we consider the size and finish of the building. The edifice is 40 by 99 feet, and 30 feet high, giving ample space for all interior arrangements required, besides sufficient room to seat the large congregation. The height of the spire from the ground is 112 feet,makingitthehighestinthetown. Great creditis due to the Committee for their indefatigable efforts in raising the funds necessary to erect and properly furnish the edifice. Father O'Gara McShean was the first pastor of the parish, and was succeeded by Father P. J. Gormley, who still continues in the position. The church has retained the same Committee through whose efforts it was established. The parish is made up of a part of the northern portion of Bureau county contiguous to Whiteside, and the towns of Tampico, Hume, Prophetstown, Hahnaman, and Montmorency. There are now 963 members of the church, old and young, throughout the parish. The land upon which the church edifice stands was very generously donated by John W. Glassburn, Esq., and is 100 feet front by 150 feet deep.

tSwedish Evangelical Lutheran Church : - The church society known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tampico, was organized in May, 1874, with a membership of forty-five persons, heads of families. The first pastor was Rev. H. T. Sanstrum, and the first trustees Oliver D. Olson, Thomas Pearson, and Lewis Wilson. In 1875, the same pastor and the same trustees were continued. During that year the church edifice was built at a cost of $2,500. The building is 40 by 60 feet, and 20 feet high. The steeple reaches a heighth of 110 feet from the ground, and is a landmark which can be seen for miles and miles around. The church is of a capacity capable of holding a congregation of over five hundred people. In 1876 the church had no stated clerical supply, the puljjit being temporarily filled by John Elandcr, a student of the Augustana College and Theological Seminary, at Rock Island. This College is under the supervision of the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod of the United States, the special object of its founders being to provide means for the education of young men to become pastors and teachers among the Scandinavian population of the Northwest. Mr. Elander is still officiating as pastor. The Trustees of the church for 1877 are: Oliver D. Olson^ Thomas Pearson, and O. B. Kelsen. The membership now consists of fifty-five heads of families, besides the younger members. At present services are held every mouth, although it is expected that regular services will be held every Sabbath within a short period.

Pahlic hicltnoh: - The township of Tampico from the commencement has been beneficent in the care, encouragement, and sustenance of its public schools. From the time Orlando McNickle taught the first school in the Aldrich district in the winter of 1856-'57, until the present, its inhabitants have kept fully abreast the times in all matters pertaining to the education of their children. Each of the school districts is provided with a good, commodious school house, and great care is taken in the selection of teachers. The public school building in the village of Tampico is an admirable one. The first school house in that district was built in 1869, and stood one mile south of the present village, but when the railroad was laid through the town, it was moved to the village. So rapid was the increase of scholars that during the next summer ninety-three crowded its walls seeking instruction. In the following winter the second floor of George Gruffey's brick store was fitted up for the primary scholars, and Miss Rosa Laughlin engaged to assist Mr. A. W. Bastian in teaching. The wants of the district soon called for n^ora room, and in 1874 the Board of Directors, composed of J. W. Glassburn, Alfred Smith, and H. L. Denison, contracted for the erection of the present building. Its size is 32 by 56 feet, two stories in heighth with a wing for halls and stairways. It has four comfortable, well lighted rooms, twelve feet in heighth, and furnished with seats of the Sterling School Furniture Company's manufacture. Each room is capable of accommodating desks for forty-eight scholars. The cost of the building was $4,000. The teachers who have been engaged in the various departments since the erection of the building are as follows: Mr. A. W. Bastian, and Misses Rosa Laughlin, Katie Fuller, Jennie Maxfield, Mary Glassburn, Maria Banes, and Sadie Glassburn. The present teachers are: A. W. Bastian, Principal; Miss Maria Banes, Intermediate Department, and Miss Sadie Glassburn, Primary Department. The number of pupils enrolled for 1877 was 148. The school has been successfully managed by Mr. Bastian, who has been Principal for three years. So well has it been conducted that there now more applications from pupils outside of the district than can be accommodated. No less than fifteen of the scholars have been engaged in teaching during the present year (1877). The Board of Directors now consists of H. L. Denison, Alfred Smith and A. M. Smith.

Hook and Ladder Company : - The village of Tampico has a fine Hook and Ladder Company of thirty members, and officered as follows : Robert Collins, Foreman; Ed. Forward, First Assistant; H. H. Seymour, Second Assistant; A. W. Bastian, Secretary; and J. F. Leonard, Treasurer. The Company have a good truck, with complete equipments, and have their house in the rear of Burke & Forward's store. Their organization dates the 24th of 3Iay, 1877. It was first formed for an Engine Company, with Maurice Fitzgerald as Captain, but was afterwards turned into a Hook and Ladder Company.

Masonic Lodge : - A dispensation was obtained fi-oni the Grand Master to organize Yorktown Lodge No. 655, A. F. and A. M., at Yorktown, Bureau county, Illinois, June 4, 1870. The charter bears date October 4, 1870. The following are the first officers of the Lodge and its charter members: John L. Marvel, W. M.; William W. Craddock, S. W.; Merritt Hopkins, J. W.; Jacob J. Winchell, Treasurer; Philo D. Morse, Secretary; James E. Bunker, S. D.; Edward Forward, J. D.; E. A. Ladue, Tyler; V. S. Bastian, S. M. Green, Stewards. July 24, 1875, the Lodge was moved to Tampico, and now has a membership of fifty-five. Its present officers are: William W. Craddock, W. M.; Job E. Greenman, S. W.; T. M. Wylie, J. W.; J. F. Leonard, Treasurer; A. W. Bastian, Secretary; D. McMillen, S. D.; Samuel Johnson, J. D.; Eli Cain, Tyler. The Past Masters of the Lodge are: John L. Marvel, William W. Craddock, James H. Cain, George W. Gufi"ey.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois : Containing Full-page Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Illinois, and of the Presidents of the United States, by Chapman Brothers, published 1885; 3,156 words in this source stream.

Tampico Township

j1 HIS township lies on the south line of the county, with Bureau County forming its southern boundary. It is exclusively a 3* prairie township, a portion of it being rolling and well drained, while the remainder is flat, and much of it originally covered with water. The big slough, north of the village of Tampico, was for years almost impassable. For a large portion of the year it was covered with water from one to two miles in width. In 1862 the slough was piked, and in 1863-4 the county ditch was dug, draining this land to a considerable extent.

Being prairie land, and much of it covered with water, prevented the early settlement of the township. The first to make this section their home were Hiram Tompkins, John and Nicholas Lutyens, and Jacob Barney, in 1852. A beginning having been made, others came in from time to time: among those denominated as pioneers were Geo. W. Curtis, Aaron S. Miller, Rev. Wm. Gray, Wm. Aldrich, Rufus Aldrich, James Conroy, Daniel Foy, J. C. Aldrich, John W. and T. A. Glassburn, J. P. Badgley and A. M. Smith.

Nicholas Lutyens doubtless erected the first house in 1852, on section 27. John Lutyens located on section 28. They were from the State of New York, but of German descent. John long since moved away, but Nicholas yet resides on the old homestead. See page 705 for sketch and portrait of Mr. Lutyens.

Hiram Tompkins was also from New York. He located on section 33, where he remained until about 1857, when he moved away and his whereabouts are unknown.

Jacob Barney came from Canada and located on section 26. He remained in the township some years and then moved to Sheffield, Bureau Co., 111., where he has since died.

Geo. W. Curtis came to this township from the Fox River Valley, but was originally from New York. After remaining here some years he moved into Hume Township, where he yet resides.

Daniel Foy was originally from Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., but came to this county from McDonough Co., 111., locating first in Prophetstown, but moving into Tampico in 1855, and locating on section 29. He was Supervisor several years, and also held the office of Justice of the Peace some years. In 1884 he moved to Kansas.

John W. and T. A. Glassburn were brothers from Ohio. They are yet well-known, enterprising citizens of the township, biographical sketches of whom are given elsewhere in this volume.

The first marriage was that of Eleary C. Brown and Susan Gray, in 1857, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Wm. H. Gray, the father of the bride.

In 1866, when there were but few people yet residing here, a school-house was erected in the Aidrich neighborhood, in which Orlando McNickel taught the first term of school. The township was subsequently divided into districts and school-houses were erected at various points. There are now six whole and three joint districts, with seven good school-houses in the township, the estimated value of which are $8,900. For the year ending June 30, 1884, there were 348 persons of school age, with an enrollment of 264. During the year $2,672 were paid out to teachers. The highest wages paid was $70 per month, and the lowest $22.50. The tax levy was $2,550. School is held in each district from seven to nine months in the year. The township fund amounts to $14,480.88.

Rev. Mr. Pinkney, a Methodist Episcopal minister, was the first to preach the gospel in this township. The first services were held in the Aldrich School-house shortly after its erection. Rev. Wm. H. Gray, a Protestant Methodist, came next. There are now three Church organizations, all in the village of Tampico.

Tampico was behind no other in sending her sons forth to fight in the War of the Rebellion. Every call was responded to and its quota promptly filled.

The township in 1870 voted to subscribe for stock in the Grand Trunk Railway, to the amount of $20,- ooo. Bonds were issued in March, 1871, and of the amount $4,000 was to be paid in five years, the remainder in equal installments annually thereafter, the whole to be paid in ten years. The amount was

When the township organization law was adopted Tampico was given its name, but the eastern half was attached to Hopkins and the west half to Prophetstown until such time as it would have a sufficient number of inhabitants to organize a separate government. This was not until 1861. The first election was held April 2, 1861, resulting in the election of the following named : Daniel Foy, Supervisor; E. C. Brown, Clerk; Rufus Aldrich, Assessor; John P. Badgley, Collector ; Joseph Rainer, Justice of the Peace.

HEN the Grand Trunk, now the Mendota -Branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, was surveyed through the township, it was decided to locate a station upon the farm of John W. Glassburn. The first building erected on the site of the present village after the station was determined on, was that of S. B. Winter, in the fall of 1870. This building was used by him as a store and dwelling. The second was that of Levi Renner, and used by him as a saloon. Fisher, Thompson & Bryant, during the same fall, erected scales, put up an office and built cribs for storing corn until the railroad should be completed. Tampico thus had its beginning.

The railroad was completed in the spring of 1871, and few towns grew more rapidly than Tampico. Almost every line of business was soon represented, and a bright future for the village seemed assured. While the first business interests were being secured, in the spring of 1871, a fire occurred, destroying the hotel of Maurice Fitzgerald, which then stood where the building of the Tampico Bank now stands, and the store of J. H. Cain, entailing a loss of over $5,000. Mr. Fitzgerald at once commenced the

But this was not the only fire. On the 5th of January, 1874, the second fire occurred, destroying property to the amount of $35,000, including the general merchandise stores of James Conroy and E. W. High, the grocery store and dwelling of P. Burke, and the store building of A. W. Bastian, occupied by Case & Davis, clothiers.

On the night of Saturday, June 6, 1874, the village was visited by a most destructive tornado, totally destroying 21 buildings, severely injuring a number of persons, and causing a loss of many thousands of dollars. During the day there were indications of a storm approaching, though nothing serious was anticipated. About half-past ten o'clock p. m., some who had not retired noticed the rising of the wind and endeavored to prepare for it. The wind at this time was from the southwest, and increased in velocity until about 1 1 o'clock, when a heavy black cloud was seen coming from an oppo- -'- site direction. Within ten minutes the two clouds met just above the devoted village, and in their contact hurled down to the earth a terrible current, striking the village on the western side, sweeping \f through it, utterly ruining everything found in its path, and then rebounding into the air. The whole destruction was done in an instant. In the track of the storm, half a mile long by 40 rods wide, 21 buildings were totally destroyed and 20 others badly injured, and, at the highest estimate, the storm did not extend over a minute of time. The greater number of the buildings destroyed were dwellinghouses, and that so many were destroyed and no lives lost, seems almost miraculous.

In the house of Mr. Banes were six persons, two being in the upper story. These escaped without injury. Mrs. Banes had a limb broken, and one of her daughters had her face badly bruised. Mr. Banes and another daughter received slight bruises. They were blown out of the house they occupied, and covered with the debris of another building.

In the house of Mr. Dow were 1 1 persons, all of whom escaped uninjured. A little child of Mr. Dow's was buried in the ruins, and was not found for half an hour after the storm, when its cries revealed its position. A pump on the side of his house was left standing, the house being blown over the top of it.

Mr. Gates' house was completely demolished. In it were eight persons. Mrs. Gates was found some 50 feet from the house, with a fractured shoulder. Mr. Gates was buried in the ruins of the house, but was little injured. Two of his children were buried in the ruins and two were blown some distance away, but escaped uninjured !

A wagon shop containing three carriages and several hundred dollars' worth of stock, was blown away, not a vestige of it remaining, and little of the stock was ever recovered.

The Methodist Church was lifted from its foundations and utterly destroyed, everything in and about it being torn into kindling wood, yet within six rods of where it stood not enough could be collected to build a fire. Four rods to the north of it there was no disturbance, not even the lightest thing being moved from its place.

The two elevators were entirely destroyed. The sills of the larger one, 12 inches in diameter, were torn into splinters. In this elevator were two horses, one of which was buried in the ruins, yet when extricated not a bruise could be found on it !

A 2 x 4 scantling was blown through a window of Mr. Glassburn's residence, through the head of a bed on which his two children were sleeping, and into the partition on the opposite side of the room. The children were not injured !

Among others injured, Mrs. Piersall was badly bruised; Mr. O'Conner, hurt by flying timber; Luther Piersall, bruised ; many others were slightly hurt. The storm was a terrible one, indeed, and those witnessing it will have a distinct recollection of it till their dying hour.

A committee, consisting of E. W. High, A. Smith, T. M. Wylie, J. S. Kimball and William Camper, was appointed to receive aid for the sufferers. The response to their appeals was promptly made by the citizens of the county, and soon store buildings and dwelling-houses were erected, and all signs of the terrible tornado disappeared.

But the village was not yet left to continue uninterruptedly its career. On the lyth of May, 1876, another fire occurred, which was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. Six buildings were destroyed. One was James Conroy 's store and dwelling ; loss,

The postoffice was established here in 1871, J. S. Kimball being the first Postmaster. He was succeeded in a short time by S. B. Winters. The latter was succeeded in turn by J. W. Mosshart, Albert Berry and F. H. Richardson, the incumbent. Mr. Richardson has been Postmaster now for about eight years, and has given satisfaction to the patrons of the office.

Tampico was incorporated as a village in 1875, its first election being held Feb. 26. D. McMillan, E. W. High, Alfred Smith, J. W. Glassburn, J. H. Cain and H. L. Denison were elected Trustees. The present officers are : Board of Trustees - President, G. A. Stilson ; Trustees - Geo. Forward, Frank M. Palmer, W. H. Harrison, Fred W. Smith, Joseph Pinkley ; Clerk, Herman Sheldon ; Treasurer, A. E. Jacobs; Attorney J. W. White; Street Commissioner, H. Cummings; Constable, T. A. Sanders; Police Magistrate, T. Hogue ; Pound Master, Geo. Breckinridge; School Directors - Alf. Smith, J. F. Leonard and Charles R. Aldrich.

Storms and fires could not destroy the interest of the citizens of Tampico in the cause of education, and the public schools of the place are the pride of all. The school-house in the district of which the village forms a part, was first built in 1869, one mile south, but when the railroad was built through the place, in r87i, it was removed here. In less than one year the building became too small to accommodate the increased attendance. A room over Geo. Guffey's store was rented and the primary department moved thereto. In 1874 the present school building was erected. It is a two-story frame structure, 32 x 56 feet in size, with a wing for halls and stairway, and with four comfortable school-rooms. The cost of the building was $4,000. A. W. Bastian, now of the Fulton Journal, was the first Principal in this building, continuing in charge until the spring of r88o. He made an excellent teacher, and under his administration the Tampico school took rank second to none in the county. G. S. Lowe succeeded Mr. Bastian as Principal, and served one year. Abram Myers then served two years and was succeeded by F. S. Johnson, in the fall of 1883. Mr. Johnson is still the Principal. Few schools have turned out as many teachers as that of Tampico.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the village in 1871. Previous to this time, meetings were held one mile south, once a fortnight. On removing to the]village, meetings were first held in Sheldon's Hall, Rev. L. A. Sanford, of Sterling, officiating. During the fall of 1872, the society erected a house of worship, at a cost of $1,300. On the 6th of June, 1874, the house was totally destroyed by the great tornado. No regular services were "held during the remainder of the year, the pastor being engaged in soliciting aid in rebuilding. The present building was commenced in the fall of 1874 and completed in 1875, at a cost of $2,500. The church has had a fairly prosperous condition, but has been much weakened in the past two years by removal of many of its members. In 1879 a parsonage was purchased. Rev. J. A. J. Whipple is the present pastor, with T. M. Wylie, J. P. Badgley, L. K. Brainard and A. T. Glassburn, Class-leaders. T. M. Wylie is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was organized in 1875, by a committee of four, consisting of Maurice Fitzgerald, Geo. Dee, Thomas Burden and Peter Burke. They were authorized by Rt. Rev. Bishop Foley to raise subscriptions to build a church. In a short time an amount sufficient for the purpose was secured, $2,520 of which was raised by a fair held in the village. The church edifice was commenced June 26, 1875, and completed Sept. 18, 1875. Rev. O'Gara Shean was the first pastor of the parish. Rev. R. H. McGuire is now in charge.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in May, 1874, with a membership of 45 heads of families. In 1875 a house of worship was erected, at a cost of $2,500. After struggling along for some years, the organization disbanded, the members residing in this neighborhood taking membership with other societies in neighboring towns.

1877, at which time some 26 persons covenanted together to observe the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. The first Deacons were E. A. Hovey, R. M. Bullock, Samuel Johnson and Alfred Smith. The society rented for five years the Lutheran church building in which to hold its services, but in January, 1880, purchased the same for $1,200. Rev. H. A. Smith was the first pastor of the Church, serving four years, and being succeeded by Rev. F. M. Smith, who remained until December, 1884. During the winter of 1878-9 a revival was experiencd in which there were 100 conversions and baptisms. A Sunday-school was organized at the same time with the Church. Alfred Smith is the present Superintendent. It has an average attendance of 60. The Church numbers about 100 active members.

Yorktown Lodge, No. 633, was organized at Yorktown, Bureau Co., 111., by dispensation of the Grand Master, June 4, 1870, and a charter was granted Oct. 4, of the same year. On the 24th day of July, 1875, the lodge was removed to this place. Here it has a well furnished hall and is meeting with a reasonable degree of success, having a membership of 32. The officers in 1885 are Job E. Greenman, W. M. ; J. W. White, S. W. ; A. E. Jacobs, J. W.; J. F. Leonard, Treas. ; Jesse Van Bibber, Sec.

Tampico Camp, No. p, Modern Woodmen of America, was instituted June 15, 1883, with ten charter members. E. E. Wheelock was the first Consul, and C. R. Aldrich, Clerk. The camp has been very successful, now having a membership of 32. Since its existence it has lost none by death. E. E. Wheelock is the present Consul, and C. F. Gilford, Clerk.

organized in December, 1884, with 23 charter members. T. M. Wylie was the first Commander; Abram Myers, V. Com.; Joseph Reeves, Adj. The Post now has a membership of 30. Samuel G. Steadman, for whom the Post is named, was a private in Co. D, 75111 111. Inf., now deceased. He lived in Prophetstown and was highly esteemed by all.

The Press

The Tampico Tornado was established in the centennial year, the first issue bearing date May 4, 1876. A. D. Hill and Charles F. Gifford were the publishers and proprietors. During the first year the paper was printed at Prophetstown. Mr. Gifford at the expiration of that time became sole proprietor, purchased an outfit and commenced its publication at Tampico. The paper met with good success from its commencement, securing a good paying list of subscribers and being well patronized by the business men of the place. While probably not being able to destroy with its breath like the physical manifestation of the tornado, it is yet a power in the community in which it exists, Mr. Gifford being a born newspaper man.

Tampico Bank

The Tampico Bank was organized May 28, 1882, with John W. Glassburn as President ; W. W. Craddock, V. P.; Delos Craddock, Cashier. The present bank building was erected at this time by the company. This was the first regular banking institution, though previous to this time Mr. Glassburn kept an account with a bank in Chicago and accommodated merchants and others with exchange. In January, 1885, A. T. Glassburn purchased the interests of the Craddocks, the bank now being conducted by J. W. Glassburn, President, and A. T. Glassburn, Cashier. A satisfactory business has been done since the establishment of the bank. The Glassburns are pleasant and accommodating men and the bank is regarded as a safe institution.

Cemetery

The Tampico Cemetery Association was organized in 1 883. Land was purchased a few rods north cf the village and a cemetery laid out, which is rapidly being improved by planting evergreen trees, flowers and shrubs. Previous to this time, the remains of those who died in the village were interred in the burying-ground one mile south.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 4,453 words in this source stream.

Tampico Township

Tampico sounds like Mexico, and calls up suggestions of dates and palms, but it is not so far south, although on the southernmost tier of our townships. If you leave Sterling in the morning at seven on the Burlington, change at Denrock, and take the train on the Mendota branch, you will reach Tampico at nine. As you alight at the station, the first object that catches the eye is the soldiers' monument on a small triangular plaza in Spanish. It is made of granite, seventeen feet to the head of the infantry soldier on the summit. On each of the four sides, these stirring names, Pea Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, Gettysburg. Below, El Caney, Guayama, of the Spanish-American War. Also, the inscription, This stone is a reminder of the cost and value of the Union of the States, 1861-1865. Erected by the G. A. R., W. R. C., and loyal citizens. It cost about $700. A handsome ornament, and in a place where it appeals to the traveler to pause and think.

Every place has its great name that shades all others. In Chicago it was Marshall Field, in Philadelphia it is John Wanamaker. In Tampico it is John W. Glassburn. Theodore Parker once asked a stranger visiting in Boston if he had seen George Ticknor, the Spanish historian. "No," replied the man. "Well," said Parker, "you might as well visit hell, and not see the devil, as come to Boston, and miss Ticknor." Mr. Glassburn is called the father of Tampico, and is today its prominent citizen. He came to Whiteside in 1856, and laid out his farm in 1861 where the town now stands. He paid $7.50 per acre for -the land. He is a man of solid frame, and a hopeful expression that promises many more years of activity.

On the Main street which runs north and south, and Market street, east and west, there are forty business houses, stores, restaurants, shops. On a corner is the Tampico Bank, established in 1882. J. W. Glassburn is president,. A. T. Glassburn vice-pres., and A. C. Glassburn and T. A. Curnow, assistant cashiers. Chicago, New York an'd foreign exchange bought and sold. The Pitney House is kept by 0. D. Pitney, an old timer, who came in 1863 when there were more frogs and wild ducks than good citizens in Tampico. He came originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, and has reminiscences of Joshua R. Giddings, James A. Garfield, and the worthies of that heroic district. He is "mine host" of the novels, who sits down in the common room, and chats with his guests.

Simpson's lumber yard is the largest of that business, one of twenty or thirty branches in different cities, and near is Legg's poultry house, shipping chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, chiefly to Boston market. A good point for fowls, Tampico in this respect ranking second in the list, Polo standing first, and Sterling third for the supply of barnyard roasts.

Tampico Tornado is the name of the forceful journal that faithfully carries forward the various interests of the community. George Isherwood, a practical printer, an aggressive and intelligent young man, is editor and proprietor. For the benefit of foreign advertisers, he has a standing bulletin at the head of a column that sets forth the claims of the town at a glance :

Tampico, Illinois

Tampico is located in southern Whiteside County, on the Burlington Ry., 24 miles southeast of Morrison, the county seat, in one of the best farming sections of Illinois. It has a population of 1,500 and is a model little city of neat, comfortable homes and is a very desirable residence place. The citizens are progressive and alive to the signs of the times. Its religious interests are well cared for by the Methodist, Catholic, Christian and Baptist churches, while the public schools are excellent, well conducted and largely attended. It is lighted by electricity and is one of the best grain and live stock markets in this latitude. Tampico has a bank, two elevators, two lumber yards, cement works, feed mill, two poultry and egg houses, newspaper, and two hotels. All other lines of business are represented by wide-awake business men and it is a fine trading point.

The Tornado was established in 1876 by C. F. Gifford, who published it until seven years ago, when it was sold to A. D. Hill, who in turn transferred to Mr. Isherwood. One of the oldest weeklies in the county.

The Churches

The Baptist was organized about 30 years ago, and has a membership of one hundred and a Sunday school of 120. Numerous societies, The Young People, Ladies' Aid, Cradle Roll, and two stirring associations, the Baracas and Philatheas, who planned a program to solemnize the leave-taking of Rev. Mr. Wright and family, whose ministrations during eight years closing in 1908 were productive of so much pleasure and profit. The public reception at the church called out a large audience of parishioners and friends. F. B. Thomas presented the retiring pastor and wife a box of silverware, which was accepted by Mr. Wright in a feeling speech, alluding to the cordial relations about to be severed.

The Christian church has had a rapid growth as it was organized only in October, 1900. There is a membership of 98, a Sunday school of one hundred, a Young People's Union of 43, with Ladies' Aid and other societies. Rev. Guy L. Zerby is pastor, and occasionally fills engagements in evangelistic work.

The Methodist is doubtless the largest church in the place, with 250 members, a Sunday school of 150. two Ladies' Aid, Epworth League, Junior League, Men's Club. Rev. James Potter, pastor, has had charges at Walnut and Albany. He pursued his studies at the Northwestern University. At one time, Tampico was on the Spring Hill and Yorktown circuit, but in 1871, the members decided to be independent, and in 1872 erected a building. This was destroyed by the tornado of June, 1874, and in 1875 the present building was completed, at a cost of $2.500.

St. Mary's Catholic church is the most costly and imposing in Tampico, perhaps in the county. Only completed in October, 1907. It is constructed of a beautiful brick, with a lofty spire containing two bells, the interior richly finished in hard wood, stained glass windows and paintings in the highest style of art, heated by hot water. The parish was organized in 1875, and at first in connection with Sheffield had the ministrations of the same priest. But for nearly thirty years Tampico has supported its own rector. McGuire was first resident priest, followed by Weber, Sullivan, and others. The present pastor, Rev. L. X. Du Four, in his fourth year, is popular with all classes, Catholic and Protestant. A saintly name. X stands for Xavier, the devoted apostle to the Indies. Du Four was ordained at Philadelphia in 1882, and has been professor and preacher. The membership of St. Mary's consists of one hundred families. The parsonage is a neat frame, south of the church. A short distance to the north is the cemetery. In the center on a high wooden cross hangs the body of the Savior.

As may be expected, the names on the tombstones speak of the Emerald Isle: Sheehan, Murphy, Leahy, McGuire, Tierman, Conroy, Power, Curran. Any relative of Tyrone Power, the Irish comedian, lost in the steamship President 1840? Any relative of John Philpot Curran, the noted Irish orator? Let us keep track of our great kindred. Here is the monument of Mary A. Ford, 1816-1896. "May her soul rest in peace. Amen." On the same is the name of Peter Ford, her husband, laid by her side in 1907, the oldest man who ever lived in the county, an account of whose life will be found in Deer Grove. The memorials are chiefly granite, and display good taste.

St. Mary'S Largest Class

On Sunday morning in January, 1908, a class of over ninety children were confirmed by Archbishop Quigley of Chicago, the confirmation occurring at the 8 o'clock mass. The services were extremely solemn and impressive and were witnessed by a very large congregation, there being many who were unable to gain admission to the church. A throne was erected at the right of the sanctuary for the bishop. The altar was prettily decorated with flowers and plants and presented a very pretty appearance.

The School

Like our other towns, Tampico takes pride in the education of her children. In the two-story building there are eleven grades under the direction of the following efficient corps of teachers : Miss Edna Allen, first primary ; Miss Grace Booth, second primary; Mrs. Jennie Maxwell, intermediate; Mr. L. W. Denison, grammar; Mr. T. J. Haney, high school. Mr. Denison, one of the most successful and efficient teachers in Whiteside, is now filling his thirteenth year in the school. He is a capable supervisor of grade work, and a useful citizen everywhere. The principal, T. J. Haney, is a Hoosier, and after teaching country schools for seven years, studied two years at Eureka college, and after graduating at State Normal at Carbondale, took post-graduate work at Indiana State Normal and University of Illinois. After eight years as principal in various towns, he assumed his present position in 1903. In 1900 he passed the state examination, and holds a life certificate. The members of the school board are Frank Davis, president, 0. D. Olson, clerk, and Bert Meredith. There is a three years' high school course adopted upon the recommendation of the state university. In the first year, English, arithmetic and algebra, physiology and Latin. In the second year, English, algebra, English history and Latin. In the third, English, geometry, physics, civics, and American history. English, as will be noted, runs through the whole course.' This is sensible, as readiness to speak and write correctly is of the first importance.

Before Tampico was started, the first school in the district was a half mile south, 1869, but when the railroad was made in 1871, the schoolhouse was moved to town. When this became too small, an upper room of Guff'ey's building, now part of Burden's opera house, was rented, and another teacher hired. The present structure was built in 1874. A long list of teachers have wielded the birch since A. W. Bastian, who, after attaining fame and fortune, is now educating his countrymen through the columns of the Fulton Journal.

Recollections Of Mrs. Charles West

Eli Cain was one of the earliest landlords of the old Tampico House, one of the first buildings in town. James Cain was one of the earliest merchants, and still owns two buildings on west side of Main street. Alfred -and Fred Smith have been hardware dealers for nearly 35 years. The old store is beside the new implement building. The first store and postoffice building occupied by S. B. Winter, now 84, living in New Jersey, was replaced a year ago by a brick. A part of the home of Delos Craddock belonged to a structure which occupied the site of Union hall, and was used by Dr. Taggart, the earliest physician, and later as a millinery shop. William Kilroy has the house which was occupied for many years by C. F. Gifford, the first editor of the Tampico Tornado. The tornado destroyed the back part, and left the front open to the weather until it was repaired. Thomas Dow occupied the first schoolhouse, moved to town from the prairie where it was originally built. It was used for town elections. The teacher was George Apley, now 79, and living in Nebraska. Charles Burden built an addition to an old brick, and with his brother, William, conducts a store. Above the two is Burden's opera house. I think it was in the spring of 1874 that A. W. Bastian took charge of the school. That winter the upper part of Guffey's building was rented, and the younger pupils placed in charge of Miss Rose Laughlin, a lovely girl, sister-in-law of Fred Smith. Mr. Bastian was an exceptionally good teacher. At the dedication of the new building in 1874 a fine program was given. The music was by Isaac West and his son, De Witt, and daughter Lovina. It was the earliest orchestra I can remember. Afterwards a big supper was served in the unfinished room. It was a very pleasant occasion.

The Boys In Blue

The Grand Army here was organized in 1884, and is called the S. G. Steadman Post, 491. There are 27 members. It was the privilege of the writer to visit some of the veterans. Thomas 0. Steadman, born in Ohio, came to Illinois in 1855, enlisted in Co. D, 75th Illinois, 1862, serving until 1865, when he was discharged by general order. He was in Perryville, Stone River, Nashville, and never a scratch. Health somewhat impaired of late.

Robert Collins was born in Ireland, Queens county, coming to Elgin in 1854. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Illinois Cavalry, re-enlisted in Co. B, 36th 111. Cavalry, and again re-enlisted in Co. K, 10th 111. Cavalry. He fought at Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chickamauga, Kenesaw, Atlanta, and Bentonville, North Carolina. Served to the close of the war, and never wounded.

Barney McGrady came from New York, enlisting at Leta, 1862, in Co. D, 75th 111., Infantry, then at Prophetstown, re-enlisting in Co. B, 34th Illinois in 1864. He met the enemy at Perryville, Nashville, Atlanta, Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain, Dallas, Raleigh, North Carolina, He served to the end of the conflict, and passed every battle unhurt.

John H. Milligan, born m Ohio, enlisted in Co. B, 85th Ohio Infantry,' 1862, re-enlisted 1863 in Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and faced bullets at Knoxville and Franklin, Tennessee. Came through safe and sound.

Jesse Van Bibber, another Ohio hero, enlisted in Co. H, 87th Ohio Infantry, then in Co. G, 116th Ohio Infantry. The regiment was so badly cut to pieces towards the close of the war that it was consolidated with the 62nd Ohio Infantry, and later with the 67th Ohio. When discharged from service he was in this regiment. Comrade Van Bibber faced the foe in dozens of battles, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Piedmont, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, Appomattox. He was wounded and captured at Harper's Ferry, wounded at Newmarket, at Winchester, and at Fisher's Hill. Appomattox shows that he was in at the death of the Confederacy. Most of the old boys are in good health, and are met on the streets every day, and always ready to recall the bloody fight and the tented field. They face the setting sun, but like they faced the southern foe, with a heart that feels no fear. These five soldiers were all past commanders of the post.

The veterans were very much surprised and gratified with the action of a comrade, Henry Giles, an old soldier and a familiar character, who resided in Tampico for the past thirty years or more, made a will, bequeathing to Mrs. DeWitt West $200, also left $200 for a monument, $100 at interest to care for his grave and the remainder, about $1,000, to the G. A. R. post in Tampico. He had no relatives living so far as he knew. He did not know the date of his birth, but thought it was about 1833. He came to Prophetstown when about fourteen years old. He enlisted in Company B 'of the Thirty-fourth Illinois and was wounded at Corinth by being shot in the arm which left the arm stiff at the elbow.

Robert Collins, by the way, was a scout for Gen. 0. 0. Howard under Captain Duncan from Atlanta to Goldboro and he was one of the party of eight scouts under this same captain who captured Milledgeville, the town that then was the capital of Georgia, thirty miles in advance of Sherman's army. He was with Lieut. John A. McQueen's scouts from Buford to Goldboro and was in the night engagement at Darlington, S. C., where Lieut. McQueen was wounded.

Tampico As A Phenix

In the Greek fable the phenix was a bird that burned itself to death, and from the ashes a young bird arose. This is Tampico. Like a plucky pugilist coming up smiling after a desperate round. In 1872 the frame hotel of Maurice Fitzgerald, and part of Cain's store were destroyed. In 1874 High's grocery and dry goods, Burke's grocery and residence, Case and Davis, Clothiers, and Conroy's dry goods and grocery, were burned out. This was in January, and by the following June the site was built up. Then came the fearful tornado of June 6, 1874, which fell upon the devoted village on the evening of Saturday. The worst since 1860. The Whiteside Sentinel gave a full account of the damage. The warehouse and elevator of Glassburn & Bryant, T. S. Beach's elevator, stores, shops, dozens of dwellings, the Methodist church, were wrecked by the tempest, and all the dreadful ruin in a few seconds. No live* lost, but many persons more or less injured. The storm came from the southwest. A committee appointed to receive aid for the sufferers met a generous response. But the cup of calamity was not yet full. In 1876, early on Wednesday, May 17, 1876, a fire was discovered between the stores of Burke anc High, and six buildings were consumed before the flames were under control The grocery and residence of James Conroy, Nelson Maxson's store, Petei Burke's grocery, High's store, the Tornado office, Melvin's law office, Paice'; residence and butcher shop, Case & Adams' Billiard hall. Many of these wen at once rebuilt. The courage of the citizen always rose to the occasion.

Lodges And Orders

No, Cowper was nighty, he ought to have wished for a pleasant town where people are neighborly. Tampico is nothing if not sociable. Most of the orders, and all flourishing. There are 220 Woodmen, and 100 Royal Neighbors, and when they have drills and suppers, no end of solid satisfaction. Burden's opera house is the favorite resort for these functions. It will seat 500 persons. The Woman's Relief Corps have 52 members, and are active in every direction. There are 25 ladies in the W. C. T. U. who meet every two weeks. The president is Mrs. DeWitt West. After the late installation, 225 persons sat at tables groaning with chicken and angel's food. The rooms -of the Masonic lodge are over Glassburn's bank, and are nicely fitted with every equipment for business and festivity. About eighty in the blue lodge. T. A. Curnow, of the bank, is master. The Fraternal Reserves have 155 members. The Mystic Workers are rolling up a good membership. Every installation of the officers of these orders is followed by a banquet, and no Venetian carnival ever called forth so much happy entertainment. The churches, too, have their bazars. It is a community of good fellowship.

Pioneer Hogeboom

Noah J. Hogeboom died at the home of his son John at Denrock, Jan. 13, 1908, in his 93rd year. Mr. Hogeboom came from Vermont in 1855 and located on a farm south of Tampico, which was his home for nearly 50 years. A few years ago he went to Missouri and stayed about three years and on his return made his home with his son at Denrock. The deceased was born in Manchester, Vt., Nov. 22, 1815. He married Miss Sara Estabrook Sept. 14, 1842. They were the parents of four children, two of whom survive, John N., and Highland. The funeral was held at Tampico Thursday, with burial in the cemetery.

His early home in Vermont was near Bennington, where General Stark defeated the Hessians in 1777. The writer saw the old gentleman at Denrock a month before his death, and his tottering step showed that the pilgrim would soon pass to the other shore.

In the cemetery in the northern section of town we find the names of well known citizens, Glassburns, Allen, Leonard, Wylie, Hewlett, Ferris, Brown, Craddock, McMillen, Hughes, Morse, Vandemark, Dean, Muray. Isaac W. Hayes, a soldier, 1861, aged 21, a flag on his tomb. J. F. Leonard, G. A. R., 1838-1905. This stanza on one brave boy's stone :

Besides Dr. A. P. McMillan, dentist, there are four physicians, Homer,. Terry, Newton, and E. W. Wahl, here since 1895. He is a graduate of the medical department of University of Illinois, Chicago, and has his office and residence On Main street.

One of the earlier doctors was Taggart, succeeded by Dr. A. C. Smith, of Kentucky, graduate of Long Island Hospital College, 1874. For over twenty years he was a medical Good Samaritan to Tampico and the whole outlying district, traversing the \A~innebago swamps when bridges were scarce, and horses had to swim. His father in Kentucky was a disciple of Henry Clay. A few years ago Dr. Smith removed to Sterling, and soon acquired a fine practice.

In a cozy cottage sitting in an arm tihair, the writer found the dean of early settlers, .Tampico's grand old man, Rufus Aldrich. He was born in Bradford county, Pa., in 1817, emigrated to Whiteside in 1855, and purchased the farm on which he spent most of his life for five dollars an acre. Of seven children, four are living. His youngest daughter, Mrs. Steadman, was the first child born in the township. Sparsely settled then. Only two houses between his place and Sterling. Mr. Aldrich is the picture of a patriarch, who, with his bright eye, genial smile, snowy hair and beard, has welcomed the advancing years gracefully.

The Tampico Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company, which now has in active operation about three hundred phones and has miles of wire reaching out on nearly every country road, was the direct outgrowth of the work of one man, A. A. Shere, who resides southwest of Tampico in Bureau county. Tired of riding for doctors and threshing hailds, Mr. Shere thought that he and a few neighbors could erect a telephone line along their highway and let it do the work. A dozen farmers responded to his request to buy phones,, put up poles and have a line. Other farmers then clamored for admission as they saw the benefits of the service, and the Company repeatedly outgrew its lines, central stations and reached a magnitude beyond the wildest dreams of the organizers. At first a president and secretary attended to what little business was transacted but as the volume of traffic grew the company was incorporated with a capital stock of $6,000, all shares subscribed and paid for and at this date the capital stock will have to be increased. The company maintains a central office in Tampico and also has a central office in Rock Falls. Its lines reach Prophetstown and all other neighboring villages either over its own lines or that of several other mutual lines that are connected with the Tampico central. E. A. Enimons is one of the pioneer founders of the company and virtually the ''Father" of the Telephone Co.

A Soldier Pioneer

His family was shocked by the sudden death of Elbert E. Wheelock in February, 1908. He was born in Massachusetts in 1847, came to Whiteside in 1854, and 35 years ago moved to the north of Tampico, where he lived ever since. Mr. Wheelock served as a private in Co. G, 147th 111., Vol. Inf., and on his enlistment in Feb. 18, 1865, moved with his regiment right into the thick of the war around Dalton, Ga., and until mustered out at Savannah in Jan. 1866, was engaged in the perilous work of scouting and fighting the numerous guerrilla bands that infested northern Georgia, and protecting the Union's interests among the people. He always took a very great interest in the Grand Army Post and was the founder of Samuel G. Steadman Post, located here. He also was instrumental in securing the large cannon that decorates the park and was active in the formation of the Tampico Relief Corps. He was Commander of tlio post for several terms and wras also the first consul of the Tampico Woodmen camp, being a member of that order and also the Knights of the Globe, holding insurance in each order for $2,000.

A Pioneer Minister

His son, Rev. William Pinkney, now residing in Sterling, has given the writer some account of his father, Rev. John Pinkney, Wesleyan clergyman, who seemed to be pastor at large for the whole lower section of the county, from Tampico to Hume, preaching in schoolhouses and homes. He labored in season and out of season, and his devotion was duly appreciated by the people who otherwise would have had no gospel privileges. He came from Yorkshire, England, in 1841, and died in 1870. Pleasant to relate, his son, William, continues the work in some of the old neighborhoods.

A good stock market. Farmers buy, feed, and sell. Ralph McGrady this winter shipped a carload of hogs to Chicago, which averaged 283 pounds.

C. F. Gifford, former editor of the Tornado, is one of the retired oracles of the town, to drop into offices, and regulate the policies of the nation. He spent some years in California.

The road leading from Sterling to Green River and Yorktown was the first main highway, with branches at Glassburn's farm, one to Yorktown, the other to Green River.

A natural curiosity west of town called the '"Blow-Out." Over a space of seven acres is an immense basin, the sand blown away to the depth of sixty

Before the land was drained by ditching, the sloughs in spring and winter were terrible, and many narrow escapes are related of teamsters from drowning and freezing.

The Tornado is now printed on a large new cylinder press recently installed. It is so large that it nearly reaches the ceiling, and the press feeder has to mount four steps to reach his position.

The Baptist church, vacant for a time, has a new pastor in Rev. Mr. Mayhew. He was born in Wisconsin, and after attendance at various schools, and attaining the degree of A. B., he studied in the graduate schools of the University of Chicago from 1902 to 1905, specializing in public speaking. Later teaching public speaking at Illinois Wesleyan college and serving pastorates at Albany, Wisconsin ; Barrington, Illinois, and later at Silvas, from which place he came to Tampico.

The following is the ticket elected in 1908, April. Trustees: P. A. Mc- Millan, 79; A. J. Glassburn, 67; J. M. Jacobs, 73; Clerk, Frank Linder, 67.

Of these the longest in practice are W. H. Allen, Walter Stager, C. L. Sheldon, H. C. Ward, C. C. Johnson. Several brilliant young advocates are coming on who may in time take the place of Judge Marshall on the bench and Daniel Webster in the Senate. ,