West Deerfield Township

West Deerfield Township

Deerfield is a fractional Congressional Township, and lies in the southeast corner of the county, and is bounded on the north by Shields, on the east by Lake Michigan, on the south by Cook County, and on the west by Vernon.

The name of Deerfield was given to this town by the Commissioners having the matter in charge, in accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants as expressed at a public meeting called for that purpose at the house of Michael Mehan, when a formal election was held to decide upon a name. Philemon Caldwell and Michael Yore were chosen Judges, and Edwin Caldwell, Clerk. There were seventeen votes for Deerfield, and thirteen for Erin. The former name was therefore declared to be the choice of the inhabitants of the town. The result being laid before the Commissioners, the name of Deerfield was adopted as the name of the town.

The early settlers of this town were Jacob Caldwell and his sons, Madison O., Philemon, Caleb, Hiram and Edwin ; Horace Lamb, John Mathews, Jesse Wilmot, Lyman Wilmot, Benj. Marks, Robert Dygert, John Cochran, Michael Mehan, Magnus Tait, Anthony Sullivan, John King and Francis McGovern.

Hi8Tory Of Lake County

Jacob Caldwell and sons came west from Norfolk, N. Y., in 1835, and settled in this town at what is now Deerfield Comers, in the Spring of 1836. It has been claimed that this family were the first settlers in what is now the town of Deerfield. But by some this is disputed, claiming that Horace Lamb was the first settler, and built the first house in the town, on the land now occupied by Phillip Yedder and his son Almon, and that the house was built before 1835. When we take into account the fact that the Indians remained in possession of the lands lying in Lake County by stipulation with the Government until 1836, and that occupation by settlers was not permitted before that time, except by consent of the Indians, we cannot expect to find settlers attempting to occupy the lands much before that year. It is well understood that Capt. Daniel Wright was the only settler in what is now Lake County in 1834, except, perhaps, Amos Flint, who is claimed to have settled on Fox River the latter part of this year. There are those now living who remember of hearing Capt. Wright say that he was allowed to remain in the country as a special favor of the Indians from the regard they had for him ; that no other person was alike favored. In 1835, the time in which the Indians were to leave the country being near at hand, which they seemed more to realize, they became more indifferent as to the encroachment of the whites, whereby during this year some progress was made by settlers, as has been already related in the com¬ mencement of this history. It is possible that settlers may have entered the town of Deerfield in 1835, but it is certainly not probable that any came before that time.

The first school in what is now the town of Deerfield is said to have been taught by Rosilla Caldwell, at the residence of Philemon Caldwell, in 1848. The names of the scholars attending are now forgotten, except that of Mrs. Walter H. Millen, who is still a resident of the town.

The first school house in town was built on land now occupied by Walter H. Millen, on the road near the county line on Section 33. It was after¬ ward removed from time to time from one place to another, and occupied for various purposes. It is still in existence, attached to the house of Mr. Duffy, at Deerfield Corners, and forms a part of his premises.

Mrs. Walter H. Millen, before referred to, was a daughter of John K. Clark, who lived just over the line, in Cook County, from the time of the first settlement of the country. He was better known as Indian Clark. His life was an eventful one in the pioneer history of the Northwest ; a brief reference to which would seem to be proper in this connection - at least, it may not be considered out of place. Mr. Clark was a man of a quiet nature, and never intruded himself upon the attention of others. This accounts, in some degree, for the fact that his name has been so little mentioned in the early history of the country. He was born near Fort Wayne, Indiana, in June, 1792. His mother was from Virginia, on the head waters of the Kanawha River. She was taken prisoner, when she was eight years old, by the Shawnee Indians, together with two other sisters, who were two or three years older. His grand¬ father was at the time out hunting horses, when the Indians came to the house and killed his grandmother and took these little girls prisoners. His mother was taken to Piqua, Ohio, and adopted into the family of a brother of Tecumseh. When she grew up, she married Alexander Clark, an Indian trader from Malden, Canada. He afterward established a post at Fort Wayne, where John K. was born. He was a twin. His twin brother's name was Andrew, who was an aid to Tecumseh at the battle of the Thames, and fell with him in that conflict.

After John K. grew up, he came to Detroit, and in the Fall of 1816 he came from that place with his aunt, Mrs. Kinzie, to Chicago, as a guide, knowing something of the country, and having a perfect knowledge of the Indian character and the languages spoken in that part of the country. He remained at Chicago for some time and joined .with James Kinzie in trading with the Indians.

In 1818, he went to Milwaukee, and there engaged in trading with the Indians for two years. He then went back to Virginia and brought his mother to Chicago. He cut the first wagon track from Fort Wayne to Chicago.

He was in Maj. Bailey's battalion, in Fort Dearborn, at Chicago, in the Blackhawk war, in 1832, and subsequently went as an express from Gen. Scott to Gen. Atkinson at the Four Lakes, in Wisconsin.

He possessed a thorough knowledge of the geography of the country in the Northwest, which he acquired by actual observation long before its settlement by the whites. He died, a few years Since, at his home in Northfield, Cook County, much respected by all who knew him.

The first town meeting in this town was held at the Green Bay House, a tavern situated upon the old military road, a short distance south of Port Clin¬ ton, on the first Tuesday in April, 1850. Lyman Wilmot was chosen Moder¬ ator, and Edwin Caldwell, Clerk. The following were chosen the first officers : Supervisor, Caleb Caldwell; Town Clerk, F. A. Goodbody ; Assessor, John Millen ; Collector, James Duffy; Overseer of the Poor, Philemon Caldwell; Com¬ missioners of Highways, Benjamin Raudenbusch, Michael Mehan and Francis McGovern; Justice of the Peace, John Denker; Constable, H. J. Kollar. The number of votes cast for town officers at this meeting was 71.

The total assessed value of property in this town for 1850, including both real and personal, was $56,740. The amount of tax computed on the eame for collection was $753.40. The total assessed value of property for the year 1877 was $596,621.

Deerfield Corners, on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; Revinia, Highland Park and Highwood, on the Milwaukee line of the Northwestern

Railway. At an early day, something over thirty years ago, a town plat waa laid oat on the lake, east of what is now Highwood, called St. John's. Some progress was made in building here, with the prospect of making it quite a place; but the title to the land becoming involved in litigation, its further progress became impeded, and the enterprise was finally abandoned, and the town plat became vacated. About the year 1850, Jacob C. Bloom, William Steele and others laid out a town plat on the lake, immediately on the south of St. John's, called Port Clinton. A post office was established here in April, 1850. A steam saw-mill was erected, followed by the erection of dwelling houses and other buildings for various purposes. A plank road was projected from this place to Half Day, and considerable progress was made in grading it, but about this time it was discovered that plank roads were a failure, when the enterprise was abandoned.

After the construction of the Chicago k Milwaukee Railroad, a station was established at Highland Park and a town plat was laid oat and the work of building up a town at this point commenced. This was done by a company organized and known as the Port Clinton Land Company. Among the stock¬ holders of this company were some of the most substantial men of the country at that day, mostly residents of Chicago. They were Francis C. Sherman, Dr. C. V. Dyer, M. D. Ogden, Elisha S. Wadsworth, Ezra L. Sherman, Walter S. Gurnee and Hiram A. Tucker.

At the session of the General Assembly in 1867. a special charter was granted to the Highland Park Building Company, and a corporation under that style was duly organized. To this company Mr. Gurnee sold the entire prop¬ erty of the Port Clinton Land Company. The principal stockholders of the Highland Park Building Company were mostly citizens of Chicago and were as follows: James E. Tyler, Judge Henry Booth, Jesse 0. Norton, Rev. W. W. Evarts, R. E. Goodell, H. B. Hurd, Frank P. Hawkins, C. R. Field, John H. Wrenn, W. H. Lunt and Rev. G. L. Wrenn. The first President of the company was W. H. Lunt, and C. R. Field was the first Secretary and Treas¬ urer. Frank P. Hawkins was appointed General Agent and Manager. The capital stock of the company is $500,000.

The property of the Highland Park Building Company, acquired from the source before mentioned, and which originally included that upon which the city of Highland Park is situated, is a tract of land of great natural beauty and adaptability to the purposes for which it was purchased - the building of a suburban town. It was bought at what was considered at that time a very low figure, the suburban idea at that day not having been at all developed in Chi¬ cago. Highland Park was among the pioneers in this new, popular movement for creating beautiful homes in the suburbs.

The Highland Park Building Company claim that, while they were among the first to go extensively into the real business of building and creating an at¬ tractive and first-class suburban town, they can show a greater growth and greater prosperity than any of its competitors in the same line of business, and that they have constructed more miles of good streets and drives, built more houses and sidewalks, than any suburban company.

It is claimed for this company that its affairs have been conducted and han¬ dled in a broad, liberal and progressive manner, and that its management points with pride to the beautiful town that has been created under their care, with its high-toned population, its churches and schools, its elegant residences and beautiful drives, for which they feel a commendable satisfaction. Highland Park is situated on a high bluff, traversed with deep, picturesque ravines. It is about eighty feet above the Lake. The whole property is covered with a vig¬ orous growth of young trees, which have been carefully preserved in the midst of the residences, and properly trained. The undulations of the ground afford excellent natural drainage, which has been well and suitably improved.

- Of public buildings in Highland Park there are three churches and two public schools. There is, also, a commodious hotel. About four years ago, a fine building was erected in this place for a hotel, and which was occupied as such until something over a year ago, when it was transferred to Prof. Weston, to be occupied as an educational institution for young ladies, as will be hereafter mentioned. This building is, indeed, a very fine structure. Its length is 300 feet, with a corresponding width. It is three stories in height, and the eleva¬ tion to the roof is 50 feet, above which is a beautiful look-out tower, affording a view of Lake Michigan and the country for miles around. The structure is surrounded by verandas, affording 1,000 feet of promenade. The building is divided into rooms of convenient dimensions, each having a door leading both to a veranda on the outside and a hall on the inside. The halls run clear through the building, with large windows at each end, giving ^excellent ventila¬ tion. It is surrounded by handsome grounds, from which numerous graveled drives lead to' all parts of the town.

Among the original owners of property and residents of this place - most of whom still remain - were the following prominent citizens : Thomas R. Willard, Col. William A. James, Maj. J. S. Curtiss, J. B. Preston, Thomas H. Beebe, C. R. Field, A. K. Allen, J. M. Fisher, J. M. Smith, Frank P. Haw¬ kins, Thomas H. Spencer, F. S. French, George G. Leslie, William H. Boyington, C. G. Hammond, George L. Wrenn, Samuel S. Streeter, Van Buren

Highland Park was incorporated as a city nnder a special act of the Legis¬ lature, approved March 11, 1869. The charter was accepted by a vote of the people thereof March 27, 1869. The first city election was on the 12th of April of the same year. The following were the first city officers : Mayor, Frank P. Hawkins ; City Clerk, Geo. W. Williams ; Treasurer, A. 0. Fay ; Marshal, J. W. Ayers ; Assessor, Jonas Steers ; Police Magistrate, Lucius Field ; Street Comm'r, P. Hoffman ; Surveyor, Milton H. Baker. Aldermen - First Ward, Geo. N. Hammer, Thos. S. Dickerson ; Second Ward, Milton H. Baker, Henry Mowers ; Third Ward, George Grossing, William Osterman ; Fourth Ward, Jacob S. Curtis, A. 0. Fay.

At the present time, the city contains but three wards, with the following eity officers: Mayor, John Middleton; Clerk, W. H. Plummer; Treasurer, Geo. B. Cumming ; Attorney, Edward H. Beebe ; Marshal, J. H. Hinckle ; Aldermen - First Ward, 0. H. Morgan, A. H. Winslow ; Second Ward, Pat¬ rick Dooley, Edwid R. Hall ; Third Ward, Martin L. Burdick, Thos. Willard.

At Highland Park is located a preparatory and collegiate institution, for the education of young ladies, styled Highland Hall. The building occupied for this purpose was originally designed for a hotel, as hereinbefore stated.

The location of this school is well chosen. About fifteen minutes' walk from the lake shore, in the midst of picturesque scenery and surrounded by the residences of cultured and wealthy families, quiet and healthful - these natural advantages, combined with its nearness to the city, which enables students to have the benefit of the best concerts and lectures, altogether render it one of the most fortunately located schools in the West. The doors of this institution were opened for the accommodation of pupils, for the first time, in September, 1876. The school is under the control of Prof. Edward P. Weston, a gentleman of rare ability and enthusiasm, who has had a wide experience as an educator to prepare him for this, which he hopes to make the crowning work of his life. For thirteen years he had charge of the Maine Female College, after which he, for a number of years, filled the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in the same State, from which he was called to the presi¬ dency of Ferry Hall, at Lake Forest, where he remained until he resigned his position to undertake this more congenial work at Highland Park.

The aim of this institution is to provide opportunities for the most advanced as well as the elementary studies. Thus, there is a preparatory department, a collegiate or classical course, one of music and arts, besides which provision is made for a graduating course of English studies, upon the satisfactory com¬ pletion of which a diploma is awarded. In connection with the different studies, and supplementary thereto, are numerous historical, literary, scientific

The corps of instructors is large, and is composed of ladies and gentlemen who have won distinction as teachers. A fine library, cabinet and other appli¬ ances are already provided, and if Highland Hall has not a successful future, then I am a false prophet.

The building in which this institution is conducted is of elegant and impos¬ ing architectural appearance - not a wooden barn, after the fashion in vogue at many of the so-called watering places, but a building intended to stand the wear and tear both of the elements and of criticism. The cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of #75, 000, and nearly an equal sum was expended in the furniture and fixtures, which are of a very superior character.

It is the policy of this institution not to burden young ladies with arbitrary rules and useless restraints, but to adopt only such regulations as are needed to securedue attention to study and the formation of correct habits and worthy characters. Pupils are expected to yield a cheerful obedience to these regula¬ tions, under the promptings of conscience and their better judgment, with the least possible resort to penalties.

Teachers and pupils constitute one family, eating at the same tables and sharing the same social life ; thus securing, as far as consistent with the disci¬ pline of the school, the advantages of the home circle. Social, aesthetic and religious culture are carefully combined with physical exercise and mental training.

Every pupil is required to take proper exercise in the open air, when the weather is suitable, either in walking, riding, skating, croquet or other games, while the light gymnastics, calisthenics and the parlor graces receive their appropriate attention. Great care is taken to guard the young ladies against sickness, and to furnish them needed attention when not well. In case of serious illness, parents will be promptly notified, and the treatment of their daughters made subject to their wishes. As a matter of fact, no such cases have occurred since the opening of the school at Highland Hall, the location proving to be eminently healthful. This is to be attributed to its elevated site, its spacious and airy rooms, its careful ventilation, proper heating, abundant pure water, well-regulated diet, good personal habits and careful physical training.

The instructors of this institution are as follows : Edward P. Weston, A. M., President, Mental Science and Civil Government ; Nathaniel Butler, A. M., Latin and Greek Languages; Edward B. Weston, A. M., M. D., Natural Sciences ; W. S. B. Mathews, Piano and Organ; Mrs.Edw. P. Weston, General Charge; Miss Fannie E. Marsh, Ethics and Literature ; Miss Anna Stoecklein, Modern Lan¬ guages ; Miss Martha E. Weston, Piano Forte ; Mrs. Grace A. Hall, Drawing and Painting ; Miss Clara E. Munger, Individual Vocal Training ; Miss Eliz-

The first Protestant religions organization in Highland Park was an associ¬ ation of the different evangelical denominations of the place, called the High¬ land Park Religious Association, organized in October, 1869, of which Rev. 0.

A meeting was held at the residence of C. R. Field, Esq., for the purpose of organizing a Church of the Baptists of Highland Park and vicinity, May 13th, 1871. There were preisent Jonas Steers, C. R. Field, Rev. George L. Wrenn, Mrs. Pickard, Mrs. C. R. Field, Mrs. C. R. Huntington, Mrs. S. S. Streeter, Mrs. S. S. Dickerson, Charles R. Huntington, Samuel Jeffrey and wife, Mrs. G. V. Orton, Miss Grace Dickerson, Simeon Mears, E. Ashley Mears, C. G. Hammond, Henry Evarts, Mr. and Mrs. Seelye.

Rev. George L. Wrenn and wife, C. R. Field and wife, Mrs. S. S. Streeter, Mrs. S S. Dickerson, Clarence Dickerson, Miss Grace Dickerson, Charles R. Huntington and wife, Miss Eva C. Huntington, Miss Kittie J. Huntington, E. Ashley Mears and wife, V. B. Denslow and wife, Miss Mary H. Henderson, Samuel Jeffrey and wife, Henry H. Evarts and wife. Miss Mary Mooney, Mrs.

M. E. Dykeman, Mathias Mason and wife, Samuel Mitchell and wife, William E. Cutting, James Warren. C. G. Hammond and wife united in July following.

A church building or house of worship was erected in 187 2, and dedicated October 20th of that year. The total cost of the building was #10,000.

Rev. G. L. Wrenn was the first Pastor of the church, and still continues in that relation. The church has at this time eighty-eight members.

Messrs. S. M. Allen, S. B. Williams, Lucius Field and E. H. Denison were elected and ordained as Elders, and Messrs. J. S. Curtiss, J. C. Dean, T. R. Willard. T. H. Spencer and Edward B. Rambo, Trustees.

For some time, the church members worshiped with the Highland Park Re¬ ligious Association, a union church, composed of the members of all denomina-

In 1873, the church undertook the erection of a building, which was com¬ pleted and dedicated early in 1874. It was placed at the disposal of the Re¬ ligious Association, and services held there by that body for some months.

The Baptist portion of the association organized as a separate church in 1871, and the Episcopalian members also did so in 1874. By general consent of the remaining members, the Association was then disbanded, and the Pres¬ byterian Church took possession of the building, and called the Rev. E. L. Hurd, the Pastor of the Association, to its pulpit.

In June, 1875, Dr. Hurd resigned, and the church remained without a Pastor until August, 1877, when the services of Mr. F. T. Lee, late of Kenosha, were secured.

The church has as present about ninety members, and numbers among its most valued attendants and supporters several members of other denominations who have not united with it.

Its present officers are : Elders - Messrs. S. R. Bingham, Elisha Gray and E. H. Denison ; Trustees - Elisha Gray, S. R. Bingham, E. H. Denison, H. C. Caun and S. M. Coe ; Pastor - F. H. Lee ; Superintendent of Sunday School - T. H. Spencer.

An Episcopal Church was organized in Highland Park in 1874. The first minister was Rev. F. 0. Osborne, who continued until the Spring of 1875, since which Mr. J. C. Cushman has acted as lay reader. . A church edifice was erected in 1875.

Deerfield, or Deerfield Corners, as commonly called, is a place of some local importance, but not incorporated, situated in the southwest part of the township, on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. A post office was established here in May, 1850, and Caleb Caldwell appointed Postmaster. It contains stores and mechanics of various kinds, and is a point of trade for the country around.

The first Presbyterian Church of Deerfield was organized at Deerfield Cor¬ ners in May, 1876, by the Rev. Dr. E. S. Hurd, who was the first Pastor. The first members were Lyman Wilmot, Clarissa Wilmot, Philip Gutzler, Adelia Gutzler, Louis Todd, Caroline Todd, Mrs. Lizzie Hall, Mrs. Mary S. Muhlke, Lyman Wilmot, Jr.

The Evangelical Methodist Association was organized here about the year 1845. In 1868, they built a house of worship at Deerfield Corners. It was dedicated October 11, 1868, having at that time forty-five members. It now has about eighty members. The minister at that time was Rev. W. Goessele. The present minister is Rev. Samuel Dickover.

About two miles south of Highland Park, in this township, on the line of the Northwestern Railroad, is the village of Ravinia. The name originally intended to be given to this place was South Highland ; but from its numerous ravines, the name of Ravinia was suggested and adopted. This place is situated midway between Glencoe in Cook County and Highland Park, and just twenty miles from Chicago. The plat of the town was laid out in April, 1872, and contains between five hundred and six hundred acres of land, extending from Lake Michigan westward for about half a mile beyond the railroad. The streets are mostly irregular, conforming to the natural surface of the land and irregular course of the ravines. Roger Williams avenue is straight from the railroad passenger station house to the lake, and is very beautiful. Bridges are built over the ravines at the crossing of the streets, and a beautiful drive connects with Highland Park.

Highwood is a village in the township of Deerfield, on the railroad, adjoin¬ ing the town plat of Highland Park on the north, but the depot or station house at this place is about a mile from that at Highland Park. The town plat of this place was laid out in April, 1871. It is about three miles south of Lake Forest. It is connected with Highland Park by broad avenues, on some of which the buildings are scattered along, so that the dividing point between the two places is not discernible. The streets and avenues were first laid out by Rev. Dr. Evarts. Directly east of the railroad depot he secured a handsome bluff of nine acres of land for his homestead. He afterward parted with a por¬ tion of the same to his friend and parishioner, W. W. Boyington, the wellknown architect of Chicago, who built a fine residence thereon.

Soon thereafter, E. Ashley Mears purchased several tracts of land adjoin¬ ing and in the vicinity, making in all about 160 acres, and subdivided the same into lots as a part of the town plat, on which he erected a large number of dwelling houses and other buildings, including a fine and attractive residence for himself. The dwellings and buildings he erected were designed for sale to

The policy of Mr. Mears of building houses of style and price to suit all, and selling them on terms to bring them within the reach of all, has done much to build up this place and add to its population.

Among the original proprietors of property in this place were the following : John Churchill, E. Ashley Mears, Samuel Burkwell, H. Salyard, Henry Evart8, John Skidmore, William A. Baldwin, Louis Wood, Jonas Samson, F. F. Pratt, G. W. Eakle, Rev. Dr. Evarts, George Rose, James Quackenbush, J. J. Way, William H. Hoyner, James D. Robertson, James De Burges, S. C. Culps, Harry Pryke, John Fletcher, James E. Tyler, F. R. Wilson, Jirah D. Cole, Jr., B. F. Jacobs, J. E. Burchill, A. H. Walker, Lucius Willard, Thomas Foster and Simeon Mears.

This, as a Congressional Township, is known as Township 43, north Range 10 east. The settlement of the town was commenced in the Fall of 1835. Among the early settlers were George Ela, John Robertson, S. A. Shephard, John E. Deil, George Cook, Leonard Loomis and Richard Archer.

The town takes its name from Hon. George Ela, one of the first settlers. He came in the Fall of 1835, and made a claim of land at Deer Grove, in the southern part of the town, and built a house there the following Spring, where he continued to reside until a few years ago, when he removed to Barrington Station, on the Cook County side of the line, where he still resides.

When the Commissioners divided the county into towns for township organ¬ ization, there was no expression of the inhabitants of this township concerning their wishes as to a name, presented to them. They were, therefore, left to select such name as they thought proper. Mr. Ela being one of the first settlers of the town, and being a prominent citizen, having served as a Representative of the county in the State Legislature, the name of Ela was considered by the Commissioners as highly appropriate ; they accordingly selected and fixed this as the name of the town.

The first post office in this town was established in 1844, at the house ot George Ela, who was appointed Postmaster. The name of the office was Surryse. This name was afterward changed to Ela.

Historv Of Lake Cou5Ty

The groves of this town are Long Grove, Deer Grove and Russell's Grove. The woodland and prairie of this town are not so equally divided as in most of the other towns of the county; there being by far a greater portion of the latter. The prairies are dry and undulating and easy of cultivation.

There is a beautiful lake in the western part of this town, called Lake Zu¬ rich, covering about 500 acres, lying in Sections 17, 18, 19 and 20. This lake was first visited by persons exploring for locations in 1835, and became known at first as Cedar Lake, from the large number of cedar trees around its banks.

In the summer of 1836, Seth Paine, of Chicago, visited the locality of this lake while exploring the country around in search of a place suited to his taste for a farm and rural home. Being forcibly struck with the beauty of this lake and the country in the vicinity, he decided to locate here and purchased a claim which had been made by some one on the south and east side of the lake.

Mr. Paine, being a man of taste and withal much ideality, desired that this lake should have a more attractive name ; having in mind the reported beauties of Lake Zurich, of Switzerland, he gave that as the name of this lake.

Mr. Paine was at this time a merchant in Chicago. . He was the junior partner of the firm of Taylor, Breese & Co., dealers in dry goods. He after¬ ward became a man of note for his eccentricities, and was indeed a remarkable man. Soon after the purchase of this claim, he commenced to put up buildings and improve the land. He occupied the place at first by tenants and hired help. He took up his residence there about 1841. Up to this time he had always ranked as a very snug business man, devoting himself exclusively to his busi¬ ness affairs, abstaining especially from the subjects of both religion and politics. This marked his character as peculiar, because at that day men were rare who were not zealous on either one or the other of these subjects. In his demeanor, Mr. Paine was morose, indulging in few words, giving attention to that only which was in the line of business.

Some two or three years after Mr. Paine took up his residence at Lake Zurich, he suddenly plunged into the Abolition movement, and commenced to advocate the abolition of slavery in the United States. He became promi¬ nent and exceedingly zealous in this movement. This was at a time when the agitation of this subject was very unpopular. Those who engaged in it were ridiculed by their neighbors and in the public prints without reserve. Paine now became loquacious, and was ready for a confab on the subject of abolition with any one. Among his neighbors he had one sympathizer and co-worker in this movement, in the person of Thomas Haggerty, who lived about three miles north, also in what is now the town of Ela ; who is likewise remembered for his zeal, and as a pioneer in this movement.

As the Abolition movement grew in strength and proportions, and became a popular subject, Seth Paine suddenly became a lukewarm adherent. His specialty in the interest of the African slave gave way to a general sentiment in his mind that the whole human race was in a conditinn of moral slavery more terrible than slavery in other forms. His theory was that all restraint upon human conduct was in violation of natural law, and that the institution of civil government should be abolished. In this connection he considered the institution of marriage under our system as one equally oppressive with Afri¬ can slavery He would state the case something like this : By the relation of husband and wife, under our laws and customs, a man owns a woman, and she is subject to his absolute control as much so as the slave would be to his master. He would neither vote nor take part in administering the government in any manner. He refused to give countenance to judicial proceedings, either as a party litigant, or as a witness. If his testimony in court was needed, however, he held it to be his duty to aid his neighbor by stating on any occasion required what might be within his knowledge, but he would not give countenance to judicial proceedings by being sworn or taking an oath, no matter what penalty might be imposed for refusal.

He was the owner of considerable property, but he refused to pay the taxes assessed upon it. Payment of taxes he considered would also be a recognition of civil government, which he could not consent to.

He believed that people in communities should assemble often together for social intercourse and free discussion of subjects relating to their welfare. For this purpose he erected a commodious building in what is now the village of Lake Zurich, having a large hall for public meetings, which he called the Hall of Humanity.

He finally obtained some printing material, and had a paper printed for a time at Lake Zurich, called the Christian Banker , one or two numbers of which had some time before been issued in Chicago, where he for a time conducted a banking scheme, as he alleged, on Christian principles. After the paper was removed to Lake Zurich, however, its financial character was dropped, and it became devoted to the general subject of oppressed humanity.

Paine afterward removed to Chicago, and became interested in establishing a home for women who were unable to provide for themselves. In this he la¬ bored earnestly for several years. He obtained the co-operation of P. W. Gates, and other, philanthropic individuals, and caused the erection of a very comfortable and good-sized building on the West Side, called the Woman's Home. It is well managed and has done much for many worthy women in indigent circumstances. Paine labored zealously for the benefit of this institu¬ tion until his death, a few years ago. Of him it may be justly said, as the Latinist would express it, Requiescat in pace .

It has been before noticed, in a preceding portion of this history, that Seth Paine built a steam saw-mill at Lake Zurich, in 1843. He afterward added a grist-mill, but both have long since disappeared.

What is now known as the town of Ela in early days contained a tavern* or house of entertainment for travelers, of considerable note. It was in the north part of the town, on the road from Half Day to McHenry. It was built by Erastus Houghton, who came from Vermont in the Fall of 1836, and soon thereafter built this house. He called it the " Yankee Tavern," which words he had painted on a sign board and put up in a conspicuous place. Quite a large business was done at this place for many years, and to this day the local¬ ity is remembered by the older inhabitants as the " Yankee Tavern."

It has been mentioned that John Robertson was one of the early settlers of this town. He commenced in moderate circumstances, but in time acquired a large property and became a prominent and influential citizen.

On the 8th of September, 1877, a circumstance occurred which resulted in his death by a pistol shot. He was one of the Commissioners of Highways of the town, and had met with the other two at the premises of Peter Davison, in the western part of the town, for the purpose of opening what they claimed was a public road. Besides the Commissioners, there were present a Mr. Allen, who seemed to have been quite conspicuous, Peter Davison, his son Charles and one or two others.

Mr. Davison appeared on the ground to resist the acts of the Commissioners in their attempt to open the road. During the affair Mr. Robertson was shot by a pistol, as is alleged, at the hands of Peter Davison. But as a trial has not been had at the time of this writing, an attempt at a statement of the facts might be considered unjust, or at least premature ; and as a work of this kind will be expected to contain some extended account of a matter of the impor¬ tance of this, from the prominence of the parties, there is here subjoined, with¬ out comment, a statement of the witnesses, as given in evidence before the examining magistrate, before whom Peter Davison was brought on the charge of murder, as the fairest statement of the facts that can be given :

Dr. Charles Butterfield was sworn and testified substantially as follows : " I am a practicing physician and surgeon, and was summoned at the time of the wounding. Death was caused by a ball which entered the lower jaw just under the right of the chin. After entering the chin, it went backward through the center of the so-called Adam's apple, through the gullet, and then to the bone back of the same. The ball struck several vital parts, and caused hemorrhage, which filled the lungs. It was about an hour and a half after the shooting that I reached him, and I found him already black in the face and apparently in the first stages of suffocation. I found that no artery had been severed, only a vein, but the flow of blood was great and impossible to stop. I raised him almost to a standing posture, as he breathed even then with difficulty when in a prostrate condition. I never treated, and have never read or heard of, an exactly similar case before, but I am confident that no treatment could have saved him. The ball had taken a fatal course, and the rushing blood excluded the air. He died about 6 o'clock in the evening."

Mr. Jacob Bees, who gave as evidence : "I aroa Road Commissioner of Lake County, and have lived in the town of Ela for the last twenty-two years. I was well acquainted with John Robertson a good part of this time. With Mr. Kuikke and one or two others, on last Saturday morning, I went over to Davison's farm on a little road business. When we came to the place where the shooting took place, we saw the son, who, at our bidding, called his father. We had to wait some time for the arrival of the two, and after they did come a discussion arose about the opening of the road through his place. We said we had to open it, and then a long time was wasted in talk about the two roads. We could come to no agreement, and finally started to take down the obstruc¬ tion, which was a crooked rail fence. There were three fences across the road. On the middle one there sat Mr. Davison, his wife, son and hired man. He was told that we would put a fence through on the south road if time would be given until January 1st, but it was no go. A break was made for the second fence. One of the men approached Charlie, who swung a club at him. This was soon taken away, and then both the old man and boy drew revolvers. Mr. Robertson immediately said to the former : 4 Mr. Davison, we don't want any fuss. We don't want any fighting. If we do not act right, then use the law.' He was answered : * If you go on, I'll use force enough to stop you.'

" At this time, Mr. Davison was standing on the fence with a club in his left hand and a revolver in his right. Mr. Robertson, Mr. Kuikke and a hired man stood near. I was a little way off, beside a buggy. Mr. Davison pointed the revolver at the thre? men and fired. Mr. Robertson immediately turned around and bent over, and I saw blood dripping. I soon noticed that he was gradually falling to the ground. Mr. Davison immediately walked off toward the barn, while the other three he was with ran toward the orchard near the house. I did not see Mr. Robertson have any weapon, or attempt in any way to strike Mr. Davison during the day. They always seemed to be on good terms. Mr. Allen was not very friendly with Davison, and he was with us a part of the time. He was sent for to obtain his consent to open the road, as he was one of the Commissioners. Allen said, i Look here, gentlemen ; you have a legal right to the road and you ought to use and hold it.' We decided to go through. We all went in together, but Allen sort of took the lead. He was about four feet from the fence at the time.

" Davison stood on the second board of the fence. Someone raised a plank and struck the fence, and then he fired. Allen was just then standing a few feet distant, and Robertson was near him, neither doing nor saying anything as far as I can remember. If there was any fuss going on, it was between Allen, his hired man, and Davison, but I am not sure that there was any at all." a Road Commissioner, and was at the fuss. I went over with Mr. Robertson and others to put through a road that had been talked about a great deal. It was an old road that we wanted to open for use. Davison had all along op- posed the move. I live near, and am a farmer, and have been acquainted with Mr. Robertson for several years. I saw Mr. Davison reach out his arm and shoot, but there was no previous quarrel between these men to my knowledge. I saw Mr. Allen's hired man strike the fence with a board endwise, and then step back a foot or two, just before the report occurred. At the time, I stood on the east side of the fence and about three feet in front of Mr. Robertson. We were standing back from Mr. Davison, and let the hired man of Mr. Allen begin the tearing down of the fence. Mr. Davison had not said a word to Mr. Robertson during the time, to my knowledge. I told the hired man to tackle a board separate from the one Mr. Davison was sitting upon, and he did so. I saw Charlie Davison sitting on the fence holding a revolver and club. Robert¬ son's hired man walked toward him with an axe, but I happened to look else¬ where just then and did not see whether or not the axe was drawn threateningly on Charlie. I do not think Charlie offered to shoot, or do anything else. There were present with the Davison party Mr. and Mrs. Davison, Charlie, and a hired man called Robertson."

August Randolph, the hired man, under questioning, said : w I was present at the shooting, and saw Mr. Davison shoot Mr. Robertson. He was standing on the fence, on the second board from the bottom, and was holding out his right arm, with a pistol in his hand. Charlie drew a revolver on me, because I took a club from Kim. That was all I had to do with the fuss. I do not remember whether there was any discussion or not. I went over because Mr. Robertson and Mr. Allen told me to go along with them, and I did not know what they did want with me until 1 got there. I did not say anything that I can remember."

Joseph C. Whitney stated that he lived in Lake County, and had known Mr. Davison more or less for the last twenty-seven years, and was on friendly terms with him. He heard Mr. Davison say, last winter, that he could shoot John Robertson and enjoy the best night's sleep he had ever had. This oc¬ curred last January, and at his house. He did not know what he was there for now, but that he was at his house. Being asked if he remembered anything else said at the time, he said he did not, but there was some talking done in regard to the road. He did not think at the time that Davison meant any¬ thing. There was no quarrel between the two men, that he had any knowledge of, and in fact he knew little at the time about the new road trouble. He had not told any one this, except a few who had questioned him on the subject. He tried to keep ignorant in regard to the road trouble.

The testimony closed with this statement, and, as nothing had been ad¬ duced to show that Charles Davison, the son who had been arrested with the father, was a participant in the fatal shooting, he was discharged from custody. The father, Peter Davison, was recommitted to await criminal trial.

The first town meeting in this town was held at the house of Charles S. Williams, at Russell's Grove, on the first Tuesday in April, 1850. J. A.

Halleck was chosen Moderator, and Timothy Bartles, Clerk. The following were the town officers elected: Supervisor, Stephen Bennett; Town Clerk, J. A. Halleck ; Justices of the Peace, Elisha Lake and Oren Ott ; Commis¬ sioners of Highways, E. Hubbard, A. Morse and C. R. Logan; Assessor, Henry Morse; Collector, Daniel Walters; Constables, Daniel Walters and George Proutz ; Overseer of the Poor, John Clark. The number of votes cast at this town meeting for town officers was 114.

The total assessed value of property in this town for 1850, including both real and personal, was $78,503. The amount of tax computed on the same was $1,026.11. The total assessed value of property for the year 1877 was $405,328.

The first school house built in this town was on land now occupied by Peter Davison, about the year 1838, the work being done mostly by his father, who then lived near by. The first school taught in the town was in this house, soon after it was completed, by Lucretia Freeman.

The first religious organization in this town was a class of the Methodist Church, in 1843, with the following members : Charles Fletcher and wife, Al¬ exander Russell, James Millard, Capt. Turner, William Wenbum, John Clark, Thomas Haggerty and wife, James Haggerty, Jane Haggerty, Cyrus Haggerty and Harvey Haggerty.

The first regular preacher in the town was the Rev. J. Nason. A church edifice or house of worship, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was built at Russell's Grove, in 1850. This was known, to some extent, as the Fairfield Church. Before this church was built, the meetings for religious worship were held at the house of Thomas Haggerty and at the house of Alexander Russell. There is also a German Lutheran Church in this town, having a house of worship near Russell's Grove, which was built in 1864. It has a large con¬ gregation. There is, likewise, a German Methodist Church in the southern part of the town, in the vicinity of Long Grove.