Willow Creek Township (part 4 of 4)

LEo:srAED W. Hale is one of the few early settlers yet living in Lee county. He was born in the State of New York May 25, 1806. When he was about eighteen months old his father (Jessee Hale) died and he was taken by his grandfather, who in 1812 removed to Ohio, where young Leonard was reared in the backwoods among the Indians, and well trained in all that pertains to pioneer life and hardships. At the age of twenty he began for himself by working out by the month, which he followed successfully about eight years. He then rented a dairy farm and after following that business about ten or twelve years had secured means enough to enable him to undertake to make the trip to, and start in, a new country, so accordingly he set out for Illinois in 1847, bringing w^ith him his family, a team of horses, and wagon. He first settled in the north part of Dixon township, where he worked on rented land three years, and then removed to his present home farm of 160 acres in Sec. 26, T. 21, R. 10, in China township. Here he permanently settled and has since lived, following the business of farming and stock raising. December 29, 1836, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Crawford, a sister of the Hon. Joseph Crawford, of Dixon. The}^ are the parents of six children, three of whom are living: Mariett, now Mrs. John C. Leake; Alvira, wife of Adam Mynard, and Abi, wife of Bascom Decker, When Mr. Hale began in Lee county, he hauled wheat that he had raised on shares to Chicago, and sold it for thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel.

Thomas Gilbert, Franklin, was born in England, May 1, 1760, and after growing up was engaged as a shepherd, following that business principally through life. September 29, 1783, he was married to Sarah, his wife, who was born December 31, 1761. Of their children, one they called Junia, was born in Northamptonshire, England, June 13, 1800, and like his father, was reared a shepherd. May 1, 1820, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Cobley, who was also a native of England. She was born August 16, 1797. After his marriage Mr, Gilbert engaged in teaming and timber hauling, and was also engaged as a grazier. In 1859 he set sail for America in the steamship City of Baltimore. For one year he stopped at Courtland in this state, and then came to Lee county, where he went to work on rented land near Franklin. He soon after bought land and farmed with his son George, for a number of years. He then sold out to George and came into the village of Franklin, where he now lives, at the advanced age of near eighty-two years. His wife died in 1869.

Abraham Gilbert, son of the above parents, w^as born in Northamptonshire, England, November 9, 1828, His educational advantages consisted of about one month to a day school, and the balance of a fair education was obtained by attending night and Sunday-school, the latter being taught many j'ears by his father. At the age of twentyone he enlisted in the British army, serving nearly four years, being in Russia in the early part of the Crimean war. In the summer of 1856 he was married to Miss Lucy Smith, also a native of Northamptonshire, England, and in 1858, with his wife and family, bade farewell to his native land and sailed for America in the steamship Kangaroo. He first stopped in Kane county, Illinois, but soon after came to Lee county, rented land and engaged in farming, working as a renter six years. Ho then bought his present liome farm in Sec. 23, T. 22, R. 10, in China township. To this he has kept adding till he now owns 320 acres of good land, all earned by his own hard work and the help of an industrious wife. They are the parents of eight children : Caroline E., Laura E., Junia T., Evasta A., Joseph J,, llnice L., Lucy M. and Rebecca.

Thomas Gilbert, son of James and Elizabeth Gilbert, was born in Northamptonshire, England, January 25, 1833. He was reared at a mixed business of teaming, farming, etc., and received a limited education in the common schools of his native place. In 1852 he sailed for America in the sailing ship Albert Gallatin, an American vessel. His first two years in America were spent in the wood business in the State of New York, after which he went to Chicago, and engaged in the railroad business, in the capacity of brakeman, fireman and engineer, which he followed fifteen years. Part of this time was spent in the south during the war as engineer. In 1870 he bought land in Bradford township and engaged in farming. Recently he bought a piece of land in China township, south of Franklin, where he now lives. December 5, 1861, he married Miss Ellen Gorman, a native of London, England, who was born July 12, 1847. They are the parents of ten children, and are members of the Lutheran church. The children are

George Gilbert, son of Junia and Elizabeth Gilbert, was born in Northamptonshire, England, November 13, 1839, and was reared in the villao^e of Warkton, ena^aged in attending school and teamino- till 1856. He then left his parents and native land, sailing for America in the vessel City of Washington. After landing in New York he at once went to Chicago, and soon after catne to Lee county and engaged in working out by the month. In 1859, his father coming here, they farmed together, first on rented land, but later bought a farm in Sec. 26, T. 22, R. 10, where they continued to farm together for a number of years. After this George bought his father out, and now owns and occupies the old home. He now owns over 500 acres of farming and pasture land, and is extensively engaged in stock raising, dealing in horses. He has introduced on his farm some of the best blood of Kentucky. He is also giving some attention to sheep and swnne raising.

James W. Pankhurst, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, was born in London, England, April l-l, 1841. At the age of eleven years he quit school and went to work in a wagon shop, where he remained till the age of sixteen years. He then, seeing no prospect for the future by remaining in the land of his birth, set sail in the ship City of Washington for the United States, landing in New York in June 1857. He at once came on to Lee county, and soon after hired out to work for John Leake by the month, where he remained till the outbreak of the war of the rebellion. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in the service of his adopted country- in Co. E, 75th 111. Vol. Inf. He was honorably discharged June 30, 1865. After his return home he again engaged in working out by the month till 1868, when he bought eighty acres of land in Sec. 27, T. 21, R. 10, and began farming for himself. For the four years following he lived the unenviable life of a bachelor, being his own cook and housekeeper. March 27, 1873, he married Miss Louisa, daughter of William and Ann (Wenham) Lawrence, who was born in Sussex, England, Septeml^er 15, 1849, and came to America in the fall of 1872. Mr. Pankhurst has by hard work and economy made for himself a good home of 200 acres of land, which he is now improving in good shape. The success which has crowned the efforts of Mr. Pankhurst is but an evidence of what pluck and a determined will will accomplish.

William G. Bell, farmer and stock raiser, Fi-anklin Grove, is a son of James and Jane (Brown) Bell, and was born near Perth, Canada, in the Province of Ontario, April 30, 1830. He was reared on a farm, and followed farming, lumbering and rafting on all the great rivers of that romantic region of northern Canada. In 1855 he went.

west as far as the borders of Lake Huron, where he remained till 1861, when he came on to Lee county and hired out on a farm, working faithfully for what is so much coveted by a young man having a spirit of enterprise, independence. February 1-i, 1867, he married Miss Freedom Johnson, a native of Ohio, who was born September 13, 1840, and came to Lee count}^ in 1866. They have one child, Maud, born July 5, 1880. After his marriage Mr. Bell rented land and engaged in farming, at the same time turning his attention to raising hogs, which he made a success. In 1871 he bought eighty acres of the farm where he now lives, in Sec. 23, T. 22, R. 10, to which he has since kept adding, till he now owns 200 acres of good land in this township. Success will crown the efforts of faithful industry.

LuTHEE F. Ramsdell, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, is a son of Farrington and Sarah (Fish) Ramsdell, and was born in Washington, Orange county, Yermont, September 20,1833. He was reared a farmer, and educated in the common schools of his native state. December 24, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet M., daughter of Ransom and Rebecca (Darling) Eastman, who was born in Orange county, Yermont, January 29, 1836. After his marriage Mr. Ramsdell became a partner with his father in the ownership and management of the old homestead, and followed farming till 1868, when they sold out, in view of coming to Illinois to secure a home on its beautiful prairies. In August of that year Mr. Ramsdell found himself in Lee county looking about where he might suit himself in a piece of land on which to make a future home. After a short time he decided on a 160 acres in Sec. 23, T. 21, R. 10. Here he permanently located and engaged in farming and stock raising, making the business a success. That he is a man of economy, thrift and enterprise is evidenced by the neat appearance of his farm and its surroundings. Even the wind which passes over his farm is utilized in grinding grain b}^ day and night. He has one son, Ferrie R., born in "Washington, Yermont, October 31, 1858. Mr. Ramsdell's father died here December 18, 1874, and is buried in the Pines Cemetery, on the farm, and his mother died April 14, 1867, in Yermont, and is buried in her native state. Mr. Ramsdell is a descendant of one of three brothers of that name who came from England to America about the middle of the seventeenth century.

Eeskine a. Bliss, son of Austin and Unice (Pease) Bliss, was born near Springfield, Massachusetts, November 13, 1824. His early youth was spent on a farm, receiving a common school education. Also during the years of his minority he learned the trade of carpenter. January 1, 1851, he married Miss Jane C. Ferre, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts. After his marriage Mr. Bliss worked at his trade in a sash and door shop till 1853, when he came west, stopping in Chicago five years, where he worked in the car shops of the Rock Island & Chicago and Burlington & Quincy railroads. He then, in 1858, came to Lee county and bought land in the south end of China township, and there engaged in farming and stock raising. This he followed till 1871, when he quit the farm and went to Minneapolis, where he engaged in railroading and the lumber business till 1881, when he returned to his farm. He has one son, Frank E., now at home on the farm.

Prominent among the early settlers of China township now living is Mr. Jacob Riddelsbaegee, who was born of true German ancestors in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1816. He was reared a farmer. He had very limited means of procuring an education, though by close observation and extensive reading he has gained a fair business education and on all subjects. Pertaining to practical business he is one of our best posted men. In the fall of 1837 he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Foreman, a daughter of Mr. Abraham Foreman, a second cousin, who is also of German ancestrj'. After his marriage Mr. Riddelsbarger engaged in a mixed business of farming, butchering and saw-milling till 1845, when he came to Lee county, justly believing that on the broad, beautiful prairies of Illinois he would find ample room to bring into practice that early training which iias characterized his principles through life. After his arrival here he at once bought a farm and engaged in farming and stock raising, living on his first farm thirty years, and then fulfilled a long-cherished desire to see settled on the old home one of his children. He sold out to his son-in-law, Mr. J. L. Miller, and built himself a residence on a little farm of eleven acres near Franklin Grove, and is now enjoying the blessings which result from a life of industry and conscientious living. His children are Catharine, wife of J. L. Miller; Susan M., wife of Peter Brechunier, and Daniel F., now an engineer in Chicago. One daughter, Mary E., died in March 1880. Mr. Riddlesbarger and family are members of the German Baptist church, an organization for which he has given liberally.

Jacob L. Mili.ee, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, is among the few young men who came to Lee county poor and without means many years ago, and have since by industry, hard work and close attention to business, become wealthy, prosperous, and comfortably established in life. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Lahman) Miller, and was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1835. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. In 1854, in company with Samuel Lahman and family, he came to Lee county and hired out to work on a farm for $12.50 per month. This and car- penter-work he followed till 1858, when he rented land of H. Hansen and engaged in farming for himself. December 18, 1860, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Foreman) Riddlesbarger, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1841. In about 1861 Mr. Miller bought his first land, and after buying and selling two farms he bought ont his father-in-law and permanently located on Sees. 35 and 29, T. 22, E,. 10, near Franklin Grove, and actively engaged in farming and stock raising. Of their four children two are living, Elmer E. and Orvil F. The parents are members of the German Baptist church.

John D. Lahman, farmer and stock grower, Franklin Grove, was born in Maryland, June 22, 1834, and is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Emmert) Lahman. In 1845 his parents emigrated to Lee county, and with their family made a start in the new country. Here young John grew up to manhood, early educated in all that pertains to the principles of industry, economy, and hard work. His first start for himself was made by working for his father by the month at his flour mill on Franklin creek. This he followed three years. He then in company with his brother, J. C. Lahman, bought the mill of their father and successfully carried on the business a number of years. 'November 11, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C, daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (Diehl) Haughtelin, a native of Adams county, Pennsylvania, who was born September 20, 1840, and came to Lee county in 1857. They are the parents of two children living, Clarence W. and Yinna A. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Lahman moved on his present home farm, where he is permanently located and engaged in farming and stock raising, making graded short-horn cattle a specialty. His farm of 160 acres is in Sec. 26, T. 22, R. 10, and indicates its owner to be a man of industry and good taste.

Charles Beackett, deceased, was born in Orange county, Vermont, May 9, 1799, where he lived till 1854, following the business of buying cattle and sheep for the Boston markets. He was first married to Armina Bowman, a native of Vermont, by whom he reared one child, who is now Mrs. Marion Bates, of Amboy. His second marriage was to Miss Julia A. Spear, also a native of Vermont, born March 7, 1816. In 1854 Mr. Brackett came to Illinois, and after looking around for some time decided to buy land near Aurora, and accordingly bought 160 acres near town, the same land on which the seminary now stands. This he sold the next spring, and on receipt of a letter informing him that the Temperance Hill farm could be bought, he came at once and made the purchase. This farm is located in the southwest part of China township, and is said to be the highest elevation in Lee county. Here Mr. Brackett actively engaged in farming and stock raising, making Spanish Merino sheep a specialty, following the business closely till within the last few years. He died August 14, 1881, and is buried in the Temperance Hill Cemetery. Besides his wife he left three children who were born to him by his last wife, Julia M,, now Mrs. Dr. Charles Gardner, who removed to Dakota in 18S1 ; Mary E., wife of Job Bates, and Charles S., who was born on the farm at Temperance Hill, July 29, 1860, and is now owner of the farm and engaged in farming and stock raising. He is an enterprising young man for whom we expect a successful future. He began for himself when about thirteen years of age by renting his father's farm. He now has what promises to be one of the leading farms in this part of the county.

EzraWithey, one of the early settlers of China township, was born in Somerset county, Maine, October 22, 1813. His parents, Isaac and Polly (Russell) Withey, went far back into the wilderness on the Kennebec river when Ezra was about twelve years old, and there followed hunting, trapping and lumbering. Here the boy was reared to the wild life of a hunter, chasing the moose and bear, always depending on his trusty rifle, and trapping the beaver, otter, sable, and other animals of the fur tribe. To him schools were institutions known by tradition, and only in later years has he seen their benign influence shed over our land. January 1, 1838, he married Miss Abigal Bradberry, who was born in Somerset county, Maine, September 15, 1811. After his marriage Mr. Withey engaged in enterprises of various kinds till he secured the means to carry him to the western prairies, green fields delightfully' beautiful, and in 18-17 left the wilderness of the Kennebec, and came by team, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, to Boston, and from there, by way of Albany, Buffalo, and the lakes, to Chicago, where he hired teams to bring himself, family and baggage to Grand Detour. Soon after his arrival Mr. Withey bought eighty acres of land on ci'edit in Sec. 22, T. 22, R. 10. This he paid for, and has kept adding till he now owns a farm of four hundred and forty acres well improved. Mr. Withey's first team here was a yoke of oxen, which, however, he soon after exchanged for horses. In 1850 he, in company with his brother-in-law, bought a Pitts threshing machine (the first of the kind in all this part of the country) and engaged in threshing, taking for toll every tenth bushel. This was hauled to Chicago and sold for 25 cents a bushel, but later, after the railroad opened up an outlet for the produce, they got cash for threshing and times became better. Mr. Withey, with his estimable lady, are now enjoying the fruits of a life of industry. They have three children : George C, on part of the farm ; Abigal, wife of J. L. Strock, of Franklin, and John, born July 12, 1850, and married Mary E, Negles, January 16, 1876. The last named

John Seebaoh, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin, was born in Germany, December 30, 1836, and is the son of John S. and Anna C. Seebach. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native country. Early in life he learned the trade of millwright, which he followed till 1855, when, in company with his brother, he set sail in the sailing vessel Republic for America. They landed in New York, but at once came on to Lee county, where he engaged in working out on a farm by the month. This he followed two years. April 22, 1858, he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Casper Weishar, who was born in Germany, April 25, 1839. They are the parents of eight children : Conrat, Fredrica C, Catharine E., John S., Christian, Charlie, Anna B. and Martha. After his marriage Mr. Seebach farmed on rented land for awhile with his brother, and then bought a farm in Bradford township, which he sold and in 1870 bought the farm he had long wished to own in Sec. 25, T. 21, R. 10. Since then he has bought another piece adjoining and now owns a fine farm of 184 acres, which with the help of a faithful wife and industrious family he has earned by hard work and careful management.

Singleton W. Riegle, farmer and stock grower, Franklin, though not one of the early settlers of the county, is one who came to the prairie without money or means, and by industry and good management has made for himself a home and a name for which any man should have just reason to be proud. He was born in Fredrick county, Maryland, ISTovember 11, 1831, and in 1837 with his parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Wilt) Riegle, removed to Adams county, Pennsylvania, During his early youth his time was spent attending school. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, which he followed in connection with attending school till twenty-four years old. In 1859 he came to Lee county, prospecting with a view of finding a place suited to his taste for farming. In the fall of the same year he returned to Pennsylvania, and on December 28, 1859, was united in marriage with Miss Caroline M., daughter of David and Margaret (Moritz) Herman, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1838. In the spring of 1860 Mr. Riegle came to Lee county, rented a farm and engaged in farming. He continued renting till 1868, when, after an extended tour of prospecting, he finally bought land and permanently settled on Sec. 10, T. 21, R. 10. In 1876 he built his fine brick residence, which adds much to improve the appearance of this part of China township. Mr. Riegle is farming strictly on the principle of feeding his produce and yearly driving it to market in live stock, thus constantly keeping his farm up to a high standard of cultivation. His home is blessed with six children : Stella M., Willis L., Charlie P., Paul S., Yergie C. and Hermione E. Mr. Riegle is a member of the Masonic and Odd-Fellows fraternities, and himself and wife are members of the Lutheran church.

JosiAH Hughes, proprietor Hughes' Hotel, Franklin Grove, was born in Otsego county, New York, February 17, 1808. His parents were William and Sallie (Dilly) Hughes, born of English ancestry. The subject of our sketch spent his early youth in a cotton factory, where he worked prior to the invention of the first power loom in the United States. January 1, 1831, he married Miss Lydia, daughter of Ephraim and Lydia (Wheaton) Barry, who was born in Madison county, ISTew York, February 16, 1809. In the summer of 181:4: he gathered up his little means and, with his family and a team, started west, arriving in Chicago September 30. He at once pushed on t(5 St. Charles, Illinois, where he bought a farm and engaged in farming. This he followed, together with teaming, selling stoves and other goods all over northern Illinois, till 1854, when he sold out his farm and removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he bought a small farm adjoining what is now the village of Franklin. Here he at once engaged in the stove and tinware business, the first of the kind ever started in Franklin. The year following he built a large stone house and engaged in hotel keeping. This business he has never abandoned, and is now the oldest landlord perhaps in Lee county, if not on the jSTorthwestern railroad between Chicago and Omaha. Of his five children one only is living, Oscar, born September 22, 1832. He is married to Mary A. Dick. They have one child, Minnie. Mr. Hughes is the right man in the right place, as his house is always an enjoyable home for all who choose to come.

Robert Hullah, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove. As an illustration of what can be accomplished by an indomitable will and a determined, persevering push-ahead character, we here give a few brief points in the life of this worthy citizen of Lee county, who was born of poor but honest parents in Yorkshire, England, February 14, 1813. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Sugdon) Hullah, also of English birth. Until the age of twelve years he was principally engaged in attending school, after which he was put to farm labor for the space of three years. At this time it was determined that he should learn the business of cloth making, and accordingly he was put to the trade, which he completed in five and a half years. He then, at the age of twenty-one, began for himself at his trade as a hired hand, and the fall following his release as an apprentice married Miss Ann, daughter of William and Sarah Pollard, also of England. By close application to his business in a few years he became a jobber, but after a time, the ti'ade becoming so poor, abandoned it and took what little money he had saved and embarked in a small mercantile business. He had followed this new enterprise but a short time when he found himself insolvent and in debt. This failure was brought on by trusting his goods to men whom he thought honest, but who never paid. Not discouraged at finding himself again at the foot of the hill, he went to work and was soon (with the help of a friend) able to buy a horse and cart. With this he went to work at odd jobs, and was after awhile able to buy another horse, and so kept on until he owned a number, and then went into the railroad business as a contractor. This he followed for a number years with great success, turning his attention (after paying his debts) to buying real estate and building houses, till he became the independent owner of twenty houses, and with a fair prospect of soon being able to retire to private life. But unfortunately for himself he again entered into the cloth manufacturing business for the purpose of teaching the trade to his sons. This time he took into the business with him two men, friends, who in a few years swindled him out of all his hard-earned money. Again he gathered together a little means and started in the old trade of cloth making for the third time. After following the business closely for a few years he was again successful, but was induced to sell his goods in India through a commission merchant, by whom he lost his all, and for the third time became bankrupt. He then, in 1866, gathered together a few shillings and, with his family, took passage on the steamship ^Etna for the United States. After seventeen days' sailing they landed in New York, and pushed on to Lee county, Illinois, where he at once rented a farm for three years. Thus he started in what was to him a new business in a strange country. Before his time expired as a renter he purchased a farm in Sec. 27, T. 21, E. 10, containing 160 acres, for the sum of $4,000; paying down $25, the balance to be paid as convenient, with 10 per cent interest. Some years later he bought 160 acres adjoining it of L. G. Fish, and now, with his son, Elijah, owns one of the finest farms in China township. His first wife died in 1853, aged forty-two years. His second marriage was with Miss Mary Appelby, a native of Leeds, England. He has five children : Elizabeth, David and Elijah by his first wife, and Ruth and Josiah by his present wife.

Adam Gkim, M.D., physician and surgeon, Franklin Grove, was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1850. His early youth was spent working on a farm and attending school, the latter occupying three or four months in the winter, till 1868. He then commenced teaching, which he followed in connection with working on the farm, handling coke, coal, mining, and attending school at every opportunity, till he graduated from Duft's College, at Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania, in 1872. He came to Newman, Douglas county, Illinois, March 1, 1876, and there commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of J. M. Wagner, M.D. He soon, however, found himself without means, and again resorted to teaching and working on a farm, keeping up his studies at night. He finally entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated February 22, 1881, and the next day came to Lee county and engaged in the practice of his profession, which has been marked with signal success.

Source changes here: from History of Lee County, Illinois, by Stevens, Frank Everett, published 1914; 9,788 words in this source stream.

Willow Creek Township

This towusMp is closely associated to this very day with Wyoming, its neighbor on the south, and all the old traditions are treasured here because many of them applied originally to Willow Creek.

The name, Willow Creek, was taken from the creek of that name, and it in turn was so named from the great numbers of willows which grew (jriginally along its banks.

This creek takes its source in section 5 of Wyoming township, crosses the line into section 32 of Willow Creek township, flows northerly through sections 29, 20, 21, 17, where it deflects northwesterly into 7 and then westerly it empties into Inlet swamp, in section 16, of Viola township.

This is a beautiful township of land. Quite unusual, it possesses unrivaled scenic beauty and lands of unsurpassed fertility at the same time. Toda,y it I'anks as one of the richest towns in Illinois. So too it may l)()ast with honest pride that there dwells within its limits one of the very first persons who came there in its trying pioneer days. His name is David Smith, and a nobler man and gentleman than David Smith is not to be found today. I am under many obligations to him. In all my researches, I have troubled many people with my inquiiies. Some have been gentle and generous; others have been too mean and slovenly to answer gentlemanly letters and on personal requests have been found still worse. But Mr. Smith has gone out of his way to assist me in my Lee comity inquiries and his information proved to be of inestimable value. He settled for me the much mooted Job Alcott question, and that of itself is of great importance to me.

ship, from whom it derived its name, Smith's Grove. Smith's Grove, located on sections 34 and 35, was the largest perhaps, of the four. John Smith, from Argyleshire, Scotland, educated for the ministry, reached Willow Creek in August, 1837, and bought from James Armour a claim in section 35. Armour had bought it from one Cameron, who squatted on it originally. A few logs had been cut and that was the extent of the improvements done on the claim when it came into the possession of Mr. John Smith. This claim included all of Dry Grove, a few scattering trees, so called because no creek ran near them.

John Smith was not the hrst settler of the township, but he was the first settler of that locality. The house, erected immediately, was the second built in the township. It was thatched with mowed grass and the house of David Smith stands today ahnost on that identical spot.

In December following, the family suffered a fearful calamity. Their house burned down and consumed all their clothing, bedding, money, and a very valuable liln'ary, the only private library of consequence in the State of Illinois. The fire caught in the roof. It was the first dwelling in the township to be consumed by fire.

With indomitable pluck and energy, characteristic of the pioneer, especially the Scotch pioneer, another log house was erected a few rods east of the first.

Fortune dealt luikindly with this worthy family at the first; just as it did with so many other families away from old home ties; surrounded by Indians; lonesome. About three weeks after settlement, John Smith, the second son died and he was laid to rest in the family burying ground. That was the first death and burial in the township. Robert and David, other sons lived and remained and grew to manhood on the old place. There John Smith died in 1860, and there David lives today. Robert moved to Dixon and there died.

When John Smith came to Lee connty he brought with him the old all-iron plow, in the firm conviction that nothing but the Scotch plow coidd turn a fui-row of vii'gin soil. But as against the wooden beam steel plow of Illinois, Mr. Smith concluded he would not care to compete and so he threw it away along with his mattress of thistles, which he thought was the only bed in which mortal man could find sound slumber.

How lovingly the Scotch regard the home! John Colvill, later of Paw Paw, came with the family from Scotland, and lived with them for some years at first.

The other groves beside Smith's Grove are Allen's Grove and Twin Groves. Allen's is located on sections 35 and 36, Twin Groves on section 17.

In the autiunn of 183G, one Peter Gonzolas, from Dutchess county. New l^'ork, said to have been a Frenchman, came and made a claim at Allen's Grove. Peter (Pierre) is a F^rench name; but Gonzolas, never. He may have been a Frenchman and probably was, but in tossing his name down the ages, it has become badly disfigured. He remained two <»r three years and then left; some say with the Indians. Before leaving, he sold his claim to Richard M. Allen, and that was the first farm in the township to receive improvements.

The grove took its name from Allen and if the speech of people and the written records are to ))e taken at par value, then that grove by any other name would smell much sweeter.

Allen lived in a log house and kept tavern. His grove was thickly grown np to hazel bushes and chaparral, making a safe retreat for the horse tllie^-es and coiuiterfeiters who were said to have rendezvoused there during his brief sojourn. Allen left. When he left is not known, liecause in all hrmian probability he did not leave upon the order of his going but left at once and was succeeded by a man named Price. Allen, however, in 1839, was still here.

In 1839 Horatio G. Howlett, who had l)een living in Dixon for a couple of years, settled at Allen's Grove and he remained here the remainder of his life.

Howlett was just the man for the nascent little settlements. He, like Town, of Paw Paw, feared nothing. He was elected con^ stable when Town was elected a justice of the peace, with the understanding that never would either take fees for services in civil cases.

One day Justice Town sent Constable Howlett a warrant to serve on a man named Lovelin (or Loveland), charged with horsestealing. As the most likel,y place to find a horse thief, he went to Allen's and was told the party wanted was plowing out in the field.

The stolen horse, in the stable, was tied and a companion was placed in charge of it, with instructions to take certain aim at Lovelin and fire, should he, Howlett, give the order. It was Howlett 's expectation that he and Lovelin would return to the stable together.

Hewlett read the warrant aud deuumded that Luvelin go with him to Paw Paw. Lovelin refused. Undisturbed, Howlett then said he j)resumed Lovelin was armed while he was not ; that Lovelin might do as he pleased about submitting ; but he, Howlett, proposed to take the horse and restore it to its owner. Lovelin fell into the traj) and went to the stable to prevent the return of the horse, stating that only over his dead body could that horse pass. The instant the two men reached the stable, the guard daiied into sight aud drew a bead on Lo^'elin's heart. Howlett demanded a surrender and again instructed the guard to shoot when ordered.

Lovelin surrendered, Allen gave bail and the man was released. A bowie knife and two pistols were taken from him. Soon thereafter he requited Allen's kindness in harboring him, by running away with the wife and a horse of his friend, Allen. With Allen's assistance he was caught ; lodged in the Sycamore jail ; he escaj^ed ; lay in a stream of water until nearly dead ; was retaken, and sent to the Galena jail.

One day while confined there, when the jailer's little son brought him his meal, he caught the boy in his arms, escaped, ran to the brow of a hill or cliff near by, and when the sheriff made for him, he held the child aloft between them and threatened to dash him to death below if not permitted to escape. Without a word of remonstrance he was permitted to go his way in peace. Later the fellow was lodged in jail in St. Louis, charged with horse stealing.

Judges Caton and Drunnnond, who traveled the trail through Allen's (ii'ove from Ottawa to the liunting grounds of Wisconsin, told Mr. Hdwiett of the Galena incident.

Speaking of this trail - a state road was laid subsequently, along that trail from Ottawa to Rockford, and for southeastern travel it was used very largely. It has been said that many times twent}' and thirty teams in pi'ficcssion passed Allen's Grove.

Twin Groves were named first, Moore's, from William Moore, the earliest settler there, wlio liegan his improvements in 1837 at the more southei'ly grove.

James Thompson and Lt'vi Tjatlu'op came together as early as 1842, and together they l)ought Moore's claim, on which the latter had thirty acres of plowing. For the timber claim, Moore was paid fhc northwest quarter of southeast quartei" of section 17. A short while afterwards Thompson l)ought out Lathi'dji's interest, and there Mr. Th(uni)son reniniued the remainder of his days.

Robert Blair, brotliei-iii-law to 'Mrs. Thoinpsoii, eanu' at the same time from Melugin's Grove and bought a claim north of the grove, but he never took title from the (ioverument. Aljout 1850 he returned to Mekigin's Grove. In 1881, he died at the house of Mrs. Thompson. The tirst l)irtli at Twin Groves was that of a son to Mr. Blair, named Robert. This was in 184(i.

Mr. Thompson's tirst house was no more nor less than a pen built with rails and covered with straw. A log cabin, not nnieh better than the pen, follo^wed.

For quite a while after this there was a lull in the advent of settlers. George Wise and Isaac Gardner, brothers-in-law, started improvements at the north grove, but very soon sold to INlark R. Averill. and left the country ; Wise went to California and Gardner to Florida. Neither did Averill remain long. In the winter of 1853-54, he moved to Paw Paw, after selling his land to Jacob P.. Fisher in the fall of 1853.

About 1846 Cummings Xoe came to Twin Groves and settled. His tirst residence, like Thompson's, was a pen. He, Mr. Thompson and J ames Smith entered from the Government all of the south grove when it came into mai'ket.

The first white man's I'oad marked out, though never surveyed, was staked ont by Erastiis Noe, from Twin Groves to Hickory Grove, and used many years. Hogs, running wild, estrays probably, were found in the tinibci- ))efore the settlers made their homes there.

James Smitli and Xatlian Koons reached there in 1847. Koons settled in the southwest ctjrner, while vSmith took up a 300-acre claim or more at Twin Groves. Joseph Barnhardt came in company with them.

Smith carried to his new home a willow cane Avhich, when starting, he had resolved to plant when he reached his new home. After cutting it into four pieces, he ]>lanted them and in time he had four trees from which other cuttings w^ere taken by thousands, thus realizing a prophecy that he should realize from his cane thousands of dollars, and which prophecy, by the way, was ridiculed.

During the war a man from Galesburg, named Piatt, bought those trees growing in the region, and shipped cuttings in carload lots to all parts of the West, to be used in planting, for hedge fences.

Jesse Koons from Ohio and A. N. Dow settled here in 1847. Sanmel Reese and James Stulj))s came in this year or next. A married brother of Stuljbs came too, but he died soon after and James moved to JNIendota. Al:>out the same time Cyi'us and John Goff came and tarried a few years.

Lewis H. Durin and Gilbert Durin, brothers, came from Vermont in 1849, and these two men have left an imprint for good on Willow Creek, which never can be effaced. The L. H. Durin and Jacob Fisher estates own the north grove to this day. Later, Gilbert Durin removed U> Steward. The Durins always were doing good while living and it is the same today v^ith their children. Miss Ida Durin of Scarlioro, in this township, in the year 1913, built for the school district what is regarded as the only perfect school room and attributes in Lee coiinty. The dedicatory exercises m the sunnner of 1913 attracted attention from all parts of the state.

Wesson Holton, from Vermont, located northwest of the groves in 1852 and he was another strong man intellectually and ev^ery way; one of the grand old kind.

William L. Smith arrived in 1853 and James A. Harp in 1854. In 1853 the Byrds, from Virginia, settled on the north side of the groves. Louis P. Braithwaite came in 1853 and Louis P. Smith in 1854. This brings Twin Groves down to recent years, comparatively.

About 1840 Doctor Basswood came to the southeast corner and remained four or iive years. Nathaniel Allen and his family came in 1845. His sons were named Harrison, Nathaniel, Chandler, Ephraim and Alonzo. He had four daughters. Benjamin Nettleton came in about the same time. Isaac C. Ellsworth, from Vermont, settled here in 1846. The year previous his son, Benjamin, drove a herd of stock out from Ohio.

Christopher Vaudeventer, from New York, came in 1848, with a two-horse team and a drove of sheep and cattle. He settled on the southeast quarter of section 24, and at that time there was not a house between his own and the notorious Brodie\s Grove in Ogle county, seventeen miles northerly.

Between 1846 and 1855 there came to this part of the to-RTiship Mathew, Perry and Amos Atkinson. McNabb, Richard R. Walker, Andrew Stubbs, Freeman Crockei-, Daniel Max^'ell. Sylvanus Staples. Prince Stevens, Hugh Wells. George Clark, Richard Clark,

The Ck'rinans, as in tSublette and Bradford, were conspicuous in tlie early settlements of Willow Creek, although they were not among the verv early settlers.

The first to come was Gottlieb Hochstrasser, in 1851. About the same time came Joseijh Ilei'rmann. In 1856, Frank Bates, Frank Herrmann, John Herrmann, and in 1857, a second Frank Bates and Erhart Hochstrasser. John Yetter came in 1859 and in 1860 George Erbes came.

Today, dotted all ovei' Willow Creek, you will see farms owned by the descendants and relatives of these men, especially the Herrmanns. There are in Willow Creek, Joseph M., August, Henry, Edward, F. C., and F. X. TIcirmanu, all splendid farmers and all l^rosperous.

But by far the nidst niuncrous are the Xorwegians of Willow Creek and neighboring towns, which make up one of the very largest Norwegian settlements in the United States. It is aboi;t eight or ten miles long and aboiit six miles wide.

As stated in another chapter concerning the Norwegians of Lee county, SuUette got many Norwegians first. Subsequently they left and most of them came to Willow Ch-eek. The first was Amimd Hilleson. who as a single man went to Sublette in 1851. F^rom his first year's wages he liouglit from the Government, in

1852, the northeast quarter of 15. In the spring of 1855, after liaving saved some more money, he settled on that land. In the eai'ly ]iart of 1856, Lars Larson Risetter. who too had gone to Su1)lette, followed Hilleson into Willow Creek and settled on the southwest quarter of 15. When he died, he was one of the richest men in L<'e county. He bought land extensively, chea}), and it rose rapidly, and of him it was said, "No man made so ]'a])idly and so fairly as ^Ir. Risetter."

Other Norwegians coming to Willow Creek were Jacob ImIwards, Haakon Risetter, Newton Boyd. S. i\I. Maakestad, T. T. Eide. Thomas Nelson, and Ole J. Prestegaard, the richest Noi-- wegian in northern Illinois, who as a poor sailor came to I^ee ni 1864. Without a possible exception, these Norwegians came fr(-in Hardanger. Norway. Last summer, 1913. over twc* thousand, from all ])arts of the United States, assembled at Lee. in this townshi]). to hold their second annual fest. Tt was one of the not(-d events in the history of Lee eoimty. For two days those Hardangei's A'isited and sang, and in the great tent just northwest of town, they assembled to bear tidings from one to another and arrange ft»r attendance of the Hardangers at the home coming, back at the old childhood haunts in the fatherland. Without the slightest inconvenience, that vast multitude was cared for in and aroimd the little village of Lee. During the two days' session not one boisterous word was uttered. Not a single police officer was detailed to care for the crowd. It was the best l>ehaved crowd that ever met in Lee county.

These Norwegians are industrious, frugal and hard-working. Without exception they are people of means. Not a saloon can be found in this township. At one time a blind pig attempted to foist itself upon the eomnumit_y, Init by the time those Norwegians got through with the proprietors, a lesson had been taught wliich has not been forgotten to this da_y.

In 1866 the Norwegian parochial school was established as a l^art of the Lutheran church system, having for its object the teaching of the catechism in the native tongue. The Norwegians all teach the children the mother tongue.

First, sessions were held in private houses ; next in various schoolhouses during the vacati<m periods. Alto and Willow Creek townships wei'e divided l)y the Lutheran church into three districts for select school purposes. Six months' school were held each year, three of them in the spring and three in the fall.

Those in Alto and part of those in the north end of Willow Creek - nine families - constituted the Alto district and held their school in Union District, No. 10.

The third or south district occupied the schoolhouses of distiicts 5 and 7 and the one in Lee. The school was organized b,y Rev. C. G. Peterson and while waiting for a teacher, Rasnms Rasmussen taught for a month. Then Thomas Nelson, the first regular teacher, came. Sulisequent teachers have been Messrs. Hendricksen, Cliristo])liersou. .1. (lossendel. Iver Fanebust, E. Teffre, S. W. Weeks, J. J. Maakestad, and another, a student, S. V. Tveit, of Rochester, Minnesota, president of the Hardanger Society, was another teacher. These same scholars are i)resumed to attend the English public schools.

The present cttuneil of Lee is composed of the following members: S. M. Maakestad, president, or mayor; Barney Jacobsen, George Beels, Sr., Marshall Edwards, L. A. Plant, Oliver Halsne and Robert G. Nowe. Kiunie Ostewig is clerk and F. A. Bach is treasurer.

hee has its own electric lighting and power plant which gives an all-night service. This independent plant is owned by J. E. Malmsberg. Pow-er is generated by a 20-liorsepower engine and I am told live gallons of kerosene wnll run the plant fifteen hours.

S. M. Maakestad has a ver,y large general store, a handsome two-story hiirk of two rooms and filled with a very large stock of goods. Mr. ^Liakestad enjoys one of the largest business incomes in Lee county.

The opera house is a very conmiodious room, (iO ))y 90 feet I should judge. It is well lighted, well ventilated and surrounded by ample exits in case of fire. During the winter season a course of entertainments is always maintained. The merchants guarantee the amounts needed t() support them and invariably the people patronize them liberally. In this auditorium the Norwegians held their banquet last September 18th, at their Hardanger Lagets, at which nearly one thousand were fed. This is called the Nelson opera house.

The garage and machine shops of Swan Ostewig & Co. are the largest of the kind in Lee coimty. In all the coimtry round, this is the oidy shop in which welding can be done and in vulcanizing, Mr. Ostewdg does all of it for neighboring cities and villages. His welding apjiaratus generates 6,300° of heat. In the immediate vicinity of Lee, over 150 automobiles are owned by farmers and citizens.

The Lee State Bank runs its deposits up over $200,000. It was organized Nov. H, 1903. Its capital stock is $25,000 and its loans now aggregate $175,000. The officers are Henry Johnson, president; O. A. Johnson, vice president: F. A. Bach, cashier. The directors are Ole J. Prestegaard. O. A. Johnson, H. W. Johnson,

Wilhani Brown, Okxf C. Brown and Thomas Gr. Brown coml^ose the firm Brown Decorating Company, which does a heavy business for twenty miles arouiid.

Robert G. Nowe has one of the largest hardware stores in Lee county. I doubt if there is a larger one in the county. He issues handsome aimual catalogues and does a large mail order business.

Lee does an enormous grain business and the men who in the past have bought grain in Lee had made independent fortimes. Six hundred thousand bushels were marketed this year of short crops by the Neola elevator and that of Mr. J. E. Johnson. This Mr. Johnson Iniys live stock extensively, too. William Miunehan runs the local meat market.

A. R. Rogde, now eighty-five years old, is the only member left of the old first guai'd of Norwegians who came to Willow Creek in the '50s. He lives today on the same farm on which he settled. It lies partly within the village of Lee.

The Norwegians of this big Norwegian settlement educate their children. The public schools of Lee are of the very best and after the children have finished the high school, they are sent to the university. In one family, three brothers are professors: one at Yale, one at Northwestern, and another in the East, I have forgotten where.

The Lutheran church called the Southwest, has a pipe organ which cost nearly two thousand dollars. Rev. D. J. Borge is the ])astor. Twenty A'oices comprise the choii', out of which a glee chd) has been organized. This church has a membership of 300. The Lutheran Church Northwest, though not quite so large as the othei', exerts just as commanding an infli;ence in the commimity and its musical exoi'cises command the same talent and the same numerical strength. The Norwegians of this colony are a temperate, happy, industrious and pros])orous ])eople and the settlement is said to be tlie largest in tlie United. States. Gradually extending, it has readied over into Sliabboua and Milan townships of DeKalb county and over into Alto and Wyoming of Lee county.

And only think ! A few 3^ears before, these Norwegians were so scattered that no more tban four church services couhl he iield in the year !

The first school of the towaiship was hehl at Allen's Grove in 1848 and was taught by JMiss Martha \'andeventer, sister of Christopher Vandeventer, in one of Israel Shoudy's log houses. Shoudy had several log houses and was a tavern keeper at the time. A little later Miss Nettleton and Miss Laura Brace kept school in the same place.

In the spring of 38I9, a frame schoolhouse was built liy subscription on nearly the site of a later one - Shoudy donated the land - and the next winter Miss Clara Price taught there. Miss Smith of Shabbona Grove was an early teacher in this school and so was John Colvill, later of Paw Paw.

Over at Twin Groves the first school ever taught was in a log cabin belonging to James Thompson. The first teacher is thought to have been a widow named j\Ii's. Stubljs, who was an early teacher in those parts. Miss Maria A. Holton, later. Mrs. B. F. Ellsworth, taught here in the summer of 1853. The Twin Groves schoolhouse was built in 1854, by suljsci'iption, and in the fall of 1857 was bought by the district at auction. In the winter of 1863-64, it was bni'ned down ; another was Innlt the following summer and Miss Mary J. Fisher taught in it the first term. Now the beautiful school building liinlt l)y Miss Ida Durin is used at this point, - Scarboro.

The Ellsworth school was Imilt in the s])ring of 1855, and Mrs. Ellsworth taught the same that summer. The finished lumber and shingles used in its construction were hauled from Earlville by Joseph McCoy. Religious exercises were held here regularly.

Allusion has been inade once or twice to the beautiful schoolhouse binlt at Scarboro by Miss Ida Durin. Whil(> upon the subject of Willow Creek schools, I might just as w^ell tell all aboTit this famous school. At this moment, it is the only school denonunated "perfect" or. technically speaking, "superior," in the county, and at its dedication it was the third in the state to receive from the state educational department a diploma. On Saturday, the 17th day of May, last, with a splendid program, this beautiful buikliug was dedicated by Mr. U. J. Hoffman, a representative from tlie state superintendent's office. Mr. L. W. Miller, superintendent of Lee county's schools, was present too, and it may be said in this connection that he has done a vast amount of work in bringing to their present high standard the schools of Lee county.

This Scarboro school cost $2,200. It contains a distinct library room, and it is filled with useful books. Its lavatory is conveniently arranged with reference to the two wardrooms and its moimtiugs are of the best nickel.

The schoolroom is about 25 b.y 40. The seats are graduated with reference to the size and ages of children from the primary to the eighth grades. Cement sidewalks lead from the street to the doors of the school opening to the east. The verj^ latest model of heating apparatus has been placed on the first floor. Mrs. Maria Ellsworth, the first teacher to teach school in that district, in 1852, was present and told the story of the first school already mentioned, and for her services she received the sum of $1.25 per week and boarded 'round. How beautifully she contrasted the perfect school in which she was seated to the little affair way back in the fifties !

The program for this momentous occasion was as follows: Vocal duet, Misses Mishler and McCosh; male quartette; invocation. Reverend Schweitzer ; vocal solo. Misses Mishler and McCosh, Miss Newcomer, pianist; reading, Miss Olive Yetter; address of welcome. Prof. L. W. Miller, county superintendent; vocal solo. Misses Mishler and MeCosh, Miss Newcomer, pianist ; address and presentation of tablet and diploma, U. J. Hoffman; vocal tluet, Misses Mishler and McCosh, Miss Newcomer, pianist; History of the School District, George T. Noe; Experiences of an Early Teacher, Mrs. Maria Ellsworth. And this was a rare treat.

If I rememlier rightly. Mrs. Ellsworth said that her first school, taught in L852, Ijurned down in 1868 or 1869. About two years afterwards a more pretentious affair replaced it, which by the bye. is used to this day in the village of Scarboro in the form of a store. The ])resent is the third. I had almost forgotten to mention that the lighting arrangements proceed from the rear and left of the

Miss Eunice Fisher, daughter of Jacob Fisher, is the present teacher in charge. Besides manual training wdiich Miss Fisher teaches, sewing is taught by her.

Willow Creek had two country postoffices before Lee and Scarboro were platted. The first was the Willow Creek postoffice called by the people "Twin Grove," where it was established about 1849. The early maps, however, designate this as Willow Creek postoffice. Robert Blair w^as the first postmaster. He moved away, however, at the time aud never handled any mail. It was actually established at the house of one of tlie Coffs, who had it for a short while, and until Blair removed in 1850. Clilljert E. Durin took it then and kept it until 1853, when it passed into the hands of William L. Smith. After keeping it for a while, he deputized a man named Beekwith to run it, who went wa-ong and then Mr. Smith took it back to his own house. James Harp followed and Ira Durin followed him. William Moore, B. F. Ellsworth, A. H. Knapp and Adam Miller successively followed.

The South Willow Creek postoffice w\as established in the sixties sometime, on section 34, and was kept until about 1873, by Hiram J. Abrams, when it was aljolislied.

The first preacher we can locate wais Elder Baker, an itinerant Presbyterian, who held meetings at Allen's Grove in the Slioudy house. Reverend Canfield and Elder Wood from Earhille came occasionally. An exhorter named Olnistead is said to have preached in the various settlements of Willow Creek even before Baker preached there. Rev. James Price also ju-eached there in the early day.

The first sermon at Twin Groves was preached by a Methodist minister from Rochelle. Rev. Richard Haney was the first circuit rider Avho came there with any sort of regularity. It has been said of Mr. Haney that he delighted to join in the wolf hamts and that upon one occasion he dug from the gromid seven wolves. Reverends Davids and Roberts also preached there prior to 1860.

The first annual town meeting was held at Twin Groves schoolhouse. District 3, on April 3, ]855. Ira S. Durin w^as made chairman of the meeting; A. N". Dow was made moderator, and G. Bishop, clerk; and E. Woodbridge, justice of the peaee, swore them in.

Until 1860, the elections were held at the Twin Groves schoolhouse. The next two or three meetings, including two special meetings, were held at the Vroman schoolhouse. After that they were held at Allen's Grove. In 1865, they were moved back to Twin Groves. In 1867 and 1868 the Vroman house was used for the polling place and in 1869, the Center schoolhouse ; for the next two }'ears, the p<:)lling place went Knack to Vroman place and in 1872, to the Center house. In 1874, the election was held at the red schoolhouse and the next year at Adam Miller's. At the town meeting in 1871, C. M. Bacon presented a resolution instructing the town board to take initiatory steps towards l^uying a lot in the center of the township and building thereon a town hall. It was ado^jted. John Yetter, supervisor, L. G. Durin, assessor, Dwight Davenport, town clerk, and Robert Thompson and H. G. Howlett, justices of the peace, reported that one acre in the southeast corner of section 16 could be bought for $150 and that a building 24x34, with 12-foot posts, woidd cost about eight lunidred dollars. A vote on the proposal to build was carried, fifty to forty-seven. That same season the building was erected and the total cost was about one thousand, one hundred dollars.

On Oct. 16, 1869, a vote Avas taken on the proposition to l^ond the township to aid the proposed Rock River railroad, but it was voted down, twenty-four to one. On March 26, 1870, another election was held to vote on the proposal of bonding the township in aid of the Chicago & loAva railroad, for $50,000, on condition the company should run within one mile of the center of the township, and that was carried by seventy-five to fifty-one. But the I'oad ran through the corner of the town in 1871, and so no bonds were issued.

Tlie first supervisor was Roliert Smith ; the first town clerk was G. E. Durin; first assessor. Prince Stevens; first collector, William Byrd.

When during the Civil war it was feared Illinois might be invaded, a Union League was organized with a memliei'ship of about seventy, of which Nathaniel Nettleton was captain-president, and Andi-ew Stubbs was marslial. The organization met at Allen's Gi'ove and the Vroman schoolhouse and was drilled by John Edwards, of Paw Paw, a Mexican war veteran.

In 1868, a Methodist Episcopal church was erected on the southwest corner of section 16, jointly by the Methodist, Congregationalist and United Brethren societies, and today is called the Twin Groves Methodist church. James and Amanda Thompson donated the ground. The trustees for the Methodist church were James Thompson. L. G. Durin, Henry Lewis. Aaron Smith and INI. A. Rice. The building was 30x40 with a higli s])ire, and it cost $3,500. Besides the lot donated, James Thompson gave .fl.OOO and his wife, Amanda, gave $630 towards l)uilding. It was dedicated Nov. 9, 1868; Revs. F. A. Hardin and A. P. Beach conducted the services.

it was agreed to permit each utlier deuoiuinatiun to use it ; that if at any time the Metliodists desired to control it exclusively, they might do so by returning to the donors of other societies the money these members had contributed.

The first regular Methodist preacher to occupy this pulpit was C. C Combs, wlule Reverend Brewer officiated for the Congregationalists. Reverend NW'ndcll was the first preacher for the United Brethren.

Among those who have followed are Reverends Yoiing, Bender, two Lewises, for the United Brethren. Following Combs, are Curtis, Farmiloe, Stoddard, Davis, Hoffman, Tibbals, Record (1879;.

In the winter of 1869, a protracted meeting was held liere, lasting seven weeks, during which 130 conversions were made. Reverend Combs conducted it. 0\-er one hundred united with his society. When he reached tliis circuit, the Methodists had only nine members, all women.

The Congregational Society was formed about 1859. Among those who were original members were Ephraim Burin, Mrs. Durin, Mr. and Mrs. Harper B. Davenj^ort, Woodbridge, Rev. and Mrs. James Brewer, Mr. and Mrs. Simon (or Simeon) Cole. Calel:) M. Bacon became a member later. Reverend Brewer was the fiist preacher. Rev. Henry Buss the second, and the third and last was Reverend Breed. A salary of $200 was paid the pi'eacher and the services were lield in the Twin Grove schoolhouse until the erection of the church.

In the spring of 18G4, Rev. Jacob Fowler revived the Episcopal church, which had Ijeen in existence formerly, and he brought together about fifteen comnnmicants. Under the fostering care of this gentleman, the church grew and jn'ospered until aljout forty conununicants attended regulai'ly in the Ellsworth and Beemerville sclioolhouses. Among the numl)er of conimiuiicants were Winfield Argraves and Mrs. Argra\-es, Adam Miller, Mi-, and Mrs. Samuel Argraves, Mv. and j\Irs. Abi'am R(isenki'ans, Lydia INIiller. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCoy, Henry Abrams, Jephtha ^littan, Mr. and Mi's. Nathan Koons and Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Beemer. This mission was attached t(i the Shal)l)(nia mission. In 18G6, the vestry, with some ontside help, l)uilt a church, 30x40. for $2,600. This was dedicated Sunday, Aug. (>, 1866. Rev. IMadison Handy became the second minister and he continued to keep the flock together. But wheu Rev. A. C. Wallace came along, the beginniug of the end appeared. He lost his congregation. When it owed hini, in arrears, $500 for salary, he obtained jiidgiiient against the church, sold the place to make his debt, bid it in himself and when the redemption ran out, he sold it to the United Brethren Society. As a matter of fact the church stands over the line into W^yoming townshij) on the northwest of section 6. This society, which lived exclusively in Willow Creek, was organized in 1857 with twelve original members. The tirst pastor was Reverend Adams ; the first class leader, Cummings Noe, and the first trustees were R. Hall, Cummings Noe and H. Lewis.

A German Lutheran church was oi'ganized in Willow Creek township at the Byrd schoolhonse by Rev. William Halleberg, in 1870. The families of the following persons became members: George Erbes, Ehrhard Hochstrasser, George Hochstrasser, Godfried Gehrig, Louis Gehrig, AVilliam Hackman, Henry Schultz, Jacob Rubel, Jacob Schoeuholz and John Schoenholz.

A society of Dimkards was organized in the Byrd schoolhouse in 1863, after meetings had ))een held around at various houses. The original members were John and Margaret Toft, Alva R. and Amanda Harp, William and Elizabeth A^roman and D. C. and Catherine Vroman. Rev. John Fillmore settled in the township soon after and he held services around at the Beemerville, Byrd and Twin Groves schoolhouses.

Allen's Grove had preaching of some kind from 184-1. Al)out 1848, the Presbyterians organized a society and maintained an existence for several years. Reverends Bakei', Breed and another were the preachers.

The Zion church of the Evangelical Association was organized by Rev. John F. Sclmee, who continued as the first pastor. Some of his successors have been Revs. G. AL Young, John Schweitzer, A. Gotschel, A. Strickfaden, C. Ghestatter, J. K. Schultz, and J. J. Lintner.

At first, for six yeai'S prior to the organization in 1868, at the Byrd schoolhonse, regular preaching was had every two weeks by Rev. J. M. Sindlinger, Henry Messner or L. B. Tobias.

Mr. and Mrs. Philip l^etter, Mr. and Mrs. Gotlieb Hoclistrasser, George Hoclistrasser, Julia Yetter and Mary Hoclistrasser. William Duukelberger was first class leader. The first trustees were John Yetter, William Duukelljerger and J. L. Lutz. John Yetter was superintendent of the Sunday school for many j^ears before his removal to Steward and later to Mount Morris.

On the southeast corner of section 5 a church building was erected in 1875 at a cost of $3,000. Its dimensions are 32x46 and the same was dedicated by Bishop Jacob J. Escher.

The first services of the Catholic church were held at the house of Peter Kimbler about 1863. Father Westkam said mass. The first conmiuuicants were Peter Buchholz, Peter Schneider, John Herrmann, Joseph M. Heri'mann, Frank Herrmann, F^rank Bates, Thomas Down, F^rank Bates, Jr., Peter Kimbler and six other families.

Father Westkam, who came over from Mendota, advised the building immediately of a church and almost $2,000 was subscribed at once. The next year a church was built on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 16. The main building was 26x40, with an addition which at times has been used as a parochial school. John Herrmann donated four acres of ground for cemetery purposes. The first priest wh<j celebrated mass in the new church was Father Xigg of Mendota. Fathers Goldsmith , Gobbles, Antlion Butter, F'rank Schreiber, Fralich, Joseph Baenak, and Charles Hahn have been subsequently installed in this jjarish.

This church was organized in the autumn of 1858, by the Reverend Didrikson, who made one visit to Bradford township. At first, the meml)ers were scattered widely apart; some in Sublette, others in Bradford, Lee Center and Willow Creek and meetings were held four times a year, around in the four different townships. After the church had been i)ut into good working order. Rev. A. C. Preus, came and meetings were held more frequently and the members assembled at the Byrd and Twin Gro^'es schoolhouses. After a little while, the Norwegians left their old settlements in the other townships and came to Willow Creek and Alto to live, and in 1864, over twenty families had gathered here to live. Among those who were first worshipers in this church were Aimmd Hillison, T^ars Larson Risetter, Lars Salmonson. Jacob Oleson, Haldor Nelson, Jacob Peterson, Holden Peterson, Lars Oleson, William Oleson,

C Cliristopher, Edwin Wiutertou, Lars Hillison, Haakon Risetter, Thomas Hillison, Christian Hillison Sexer, Auiund Oleson Cragvick and the Boyds. Reverend Prens remained a year or two when he was siicceeded by C. J. P. Peterson, under whose charge the church was built and the parochial school was established.

This beautiful church building, located in the northeast of section 11, arrests the eye from a long distance. It cost $3,500. It is 35x60 with a fine spire. A parsonage with twenty acres of ground surrounding belongs to the church and is located on the northwest quarter of section 2. In 1870 it was l^ought for $10 per acre. This latter building cost about -$1,700 and was built in 3S75. A barn has been added.

First, Chicago, was the market for Willow Creek farmers. With the completion of the canal to LaSalle and Peru, the latter places were pati'onized. Seven days were ctmsumed in the Chi(iago trip Avith horses.

In Willow Creek Iniffalo bones were especially thick over the ground when the earliest settlers came in. It was thought that inasmuch as they were more numerous in low places, the animals must have been driven thei'o for forage during the cold winter of 1830-31, and unable to get ont of the blinding storms, were frozen to death in great nmnbers. This, however, is not true. In 1825 no iDuffaloes were seen in Xorthern Illinois by the settlers or the suckers going to and from the mines at Galena.

"The tornado of Sunday, June 3, 1860, struck this township aboTit 9 o'clock at night, midway of the west line of section 18. William Cutts was within eighty rods of it when it left the township; he says the noise was not unlike the rattle and clatter of a freight train when standing close to it, except that the former was more tremendous in volume. Boards, plows, harrows, timbers, reapers, stoves, furniture, earth, stones, animals, - everything that it could gather in its way, was whirling, dashing and crashing with a thiuidering roar and force that filled the ear with a sound of picturesque terror as much as if heaven and earth were battling for the same space at once. Andrew Stubbs, standing out of its range, as it went by, saw it first, several miles west and describes its appearance as it approached and passed.

"The night was moonlit, and from where he watched the tempest, the moon was visible throughout. Massive pillars of flaming cloud were piled from earth to sky: the to]» was a sheet of flame; shafts of electricity as large to the view as a stovepix)e, poured in hideous currents doAvn the seethiug mass of inky blackness, presenting a sight of sublime horror.

"The first house in Willow Creek which reeei^'ed its fury was Abram Miller's near the township line. It was unroofed, then taken u^j, carried over the well and the stable, but failing to clear a straw stack, was ovei'turned and scattered in all directions. The occupants wei-e Mr. Miller and two children. The mother lay some time under a part of the roof in an insensible condition, having sustained considerable injuries. Xone of the others were much harmed. The children, sound asleep in their beds when the shock occurred, were thrown twenty-five rods into a wheat field, where one of the little fellows was found shouting lustily that all the windows were broken out. A tin l)oil('r standing beside the house, full of water, was not disturjjed; and a book of receipts, brought from Iowa, Avas picked up on the farm. Gilbert E. Durin's place was the second reached. His house stood nearly out (tf the path of the electric monster, but a small addition was snatched away and dashed into fragments. James Nealis and another man were l)lown into the tops of some locusts in the dooryard, and the former was cut so badly in the thigh on a scythe hanging u])on a limb, that he bled nearly to death. A. N. Dow's premises were the next to suffer. His house was seized as if it had lieen a toy, carried into the air and turned I'oof downward, going to pieces in utter wreck. Eight persons composed this family, and all were more or less hurt, one child having an arm broken.

"The moving column raised slightly at Twin Groves, through the south one of which it tore a gap ten to twenty rods wide, leaving the undergrowth but little disturbed, while twisting, splintering and interlacing the taller trees, mostly stalwart Idack Avalnuts, in the wildest disorder. The damage to the timber fell chiefly on William Smith. Thompson's house, a very heavy structure, was unroofed, and the large building moved on its foundation. His strong corncrib and two log stalilcs shared the general ruin. A man named Scheiler, living on Thompson's land, had his house demolished, and all seven of the family were severely injiured, and horribly begrimed, as if violently rolled and dragged in fine dirt.

"From this point to section 14, lay a stretch of prairie, and no injury to life and little damage to property was done; but ther(> a house belonging to William Bacon, occupied by Allen Johnson and his sister, Norwegians, was wrecked. The inmates, on the first

"The county line was reached midway of section 13, and here at Allen McConeky's the most painful destruction was accomplished. It was now between 9 and 10, and the family had retired. Rain had been falling hard 1)ut calmly Ix'forc tlic crasli came, and Mrs. McConeky arose to attend to keeping tlie rain out of the windows. The wind began to rise, and in a few moments so increased that she remarked to her Imsliand that the house would blow away. He si)rang to her side at the window, and at that instant, she relates, she saw the east side of tfie house coming in upon them, but can rememl)er nothing moi'e, save that she was conscious of lying on the ground Avith a heavy weight resting upon her body. The house was shivered to atoms. Mr. ^McConeky was killed outright, also tlic eldest and the youngest l)oys. Another little son was terribly bruised and all hoi)e of his recovery was for some time abandoned. ^Irs. ^IcConeky had an arm broken. Horses and cattle were killed here as elsewhere in the path of the destroyer.

"In the vicinity a boulder weighing half a ton was lifted from the ground and carried some distance; but the most curious exhibition of power was at the point where the stoi'ui ended its work, three-fourths of a mile east of the county line. At this place was a piece of newly broken prairie. The furrows lay parallel with the direction of the tornado, and the tough s<:)ds were lapped u]), twirled into a close body, and de|)osited forward in a pile of ten or twelve wagon loads. As if glutted with disaster, the stoi-m now raised, and carrying en its dismal and solitary energies high u]) in the air, moved on to Lake Michigan, where it lost its identity."

Besides churchyards and several private burying grounds in Willow Creek township, there are two l)eautiful cemeteries, Ijoth kept beautifully. One is the Ellsworth cemetery and the other is the Twin Groves cemetery. Tlie tii'st named is located on the south side of the public road in section 34 and took its name from Isaac C. Ellsworth on whose farm it was laid out. The other is located on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17, adjoining the pul)lic road on a gentle rise of ground which sets oft" nicely the handsome monnments which have been erected there.

counties iims north and south through the middle of the princii^al street in Lee although the major part of Lee is located in Lee county, including the postoffice.

It is built on the southeast quarter of section 1, which brings it right up in the northeast corner ^>t the town of Willow Creek. Norwegians today dominate its affairs just as they did when the place was platted. The first little building put up was by Christopher & Jorgens and was used for a grain office and grocery. At aJDOut the same time J. Cheasebro built an office and began buying gTaiu and dealing in coal, and lumber. Both offices were completed l^efore snow fell, ])ut they did no Imsiness until after New Years day. R. J. White built the first store in the spring of 1872 on the northeast corner of Main and B streets, and soon after, when the postoffice was estalilished, he was appointed postmaster. He had a partner named Knight who sold out his interest to one A. B. Trask, who sold out to Henry Moore and he in turn sold out to W. H. Bryant. The new firm then added a line of farm machinery to their stock. Fu 1H74 White retired and Bryant received the appointment of postmaster. After three years of trade he sold out the store and thereafter dealt only in agricultural implements.

Next after White, J. Johnson started a general store on the west side on Main street, Ijetween A and B streets. In July, 1872, the railroad switch was finished and freight began to move in and out and Lee began to l)oom. Abel Downer opened the third general store which included a stock of drugs, on the southwest corner of Main and B streets. During the same season, Ostewig and Tjcyder stai'ted a hardware store.

James Minnehan Innlt the first dwelling in 1872. The next March W. H. Emmett erected the second, and in 1874, others went up ra])idly, including that of Mr. Christopher, east of the track.

Frank Bacon biult a hotel on B street in the early winter of 1872-73. In 1874 A. B. Trask l)uilt the second which has outlived the first one. Trask's was called the Clifton House.

The North elevator was biult by J. Cheasebro in the fall of 1872, and iimnediately following, Christopher & Jorgens erected another to the south. The first l)utcher shop was opened on B street east of the track, in 1872. Next year, William Finton moved it over onto Main street, noi'th of B.

Ill 1873 N. 1). kSeliociiholz built a harness shop, Lars Larsou Risetter built a store and dwelling on the southeast corner of Main and B streets, Lars Midnes a notion store, Knudt Tyler started a photograiih studio and Trask, a store and dwelling, first occupied by C. H. Rathbun.

Stevens & Prestegaard built a hardware store on Main street in 1875. In the same year, B. H. Skoyles began the erection of a gristmill which was finished next year. In 1879 Christophei' & Jorgens enlarged their elevator, put in a stationary engine and added wood- working works. On the northeast corner of Main and B streets, Sardis Vosliurgh built in 1881, a handsome brick store, the first one built in Lee.

In 1874 the village was incorporated and the first board of trustees were James G. Boardman, Arthur Meljanc, William R. Baumbach, A. B. Trask and W. H. Bryant. On Aug. lltli tliey held their first meeting. McLane was chosen president and John Johnson clerk of the lioard.

The first school in Lee was opened in the Dyas building in December, 1874, with W. H. Emmett as teacher. In the summer of 1875, Miss Eva Bryant taught the school in the Midnes building. In the spring of 1876, Miss Margaret Edsall taught it in the shop she had occupied formeily as her millinei'y and dressmaking establishment. In that summer the schoolhouse was built. In this new schocil building, ^liss Hampton taught the first school or term. J. L. Johnson, Miss i\Iary Oriffin. J. W. Shanks, William H. Hallet and Mrs. (Jcorge Lattin followed. Henry E. Daniels, Charles Childs and A. B. Trask were the first directors.

The first public talk made in Lee was given by a Jew, who liad changed his name to Professor Ryder, - in the Dyas building. On the same day a union Sunday school was organized in the same room. This room had formerly been used for saloon ]>ur])oses and when Ryder spoke, planks were placed across the heads of some beer kegs which never had been removed, and right across those same seats this first and very successful Sunday school was organized. At this same time, preaching was begun in Lee by Reverend Nicholson of Shabbona for the Methodists and Reverend Clouse from the same place for the Baptists. The next summer the religious meetings and the Sunday schools were removed to the Midnes building and there they remained until the schoolhouse was erected in 1876. There the two denominations, Methodists and

The Methodist church was built in 1877 and was dedicated Dec. 30th, of that year. Its cost was about two thousand dollars. It is a building, Cfothic in style, 28x42, with a spire. It stands on the DeKalb county side of the village.

Before this church was liuilt. Twin Groves to the west was the only |)lace at all near-by, where services were had and there they were held l)ut once a month. At Rochelle, thirteen miles north; at DeKalb, eighteen miles to the northeast, and at Sandwich, twenty miles to the east, were the nearest Catholic churches. In the spring of 1878, M. P. Harris, John Kenned3% James Kirby and Bernard Malloy began an active campaign for building a church suitable f(ir the many conununicants of the neighborhood. Kirby was designated to act as treasurer and Harris as secretary, to see the Catholics and enlist their co-operation. Cash in those days was not plentiful, l)ut those who desired a church, were financially good in every way. In three days $3,000 iu good notes l)earing 10 per cent interest, were secured. Jolm Kennedy, James Kirby and Stephen Kirby divided these notes e(iually as collateral and each advanced the sum of $1,000. Then the men first named went forward and built the church. John Kennedy gave one acre of ground and $500 in money which constituted the largest contribution made hy any one individual. The church cost $3,200. In the fall of 1878, it was dedicated by Rev. Father Verdin, vice president of St. Ignatius College, Chicago. Father Edwards was tlie first priest in charge. At first, services were held there l)ut every other Sunday. Now the ](arish lias a resident i)riest and regular ser^sices are held and the congregation is a very large one.

Six years ago, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, desiring to enter the coal fields to the southwest, in order to su].]ily tlie needs of the com]);niy, determined to lun a line (^f road through Ia'C county for the purpose. Under a leasing agreement with the Burlington, they were permitted to run over the Bui'lington line from Steward to Rochelle. From Steward southerly, the

St. Paul I'uad dii'ccted its course. It has bceu said that the promoters of the road desired to jjenetrate Ooinptoii and we are told that overtures were made to that village with a view to secure the right of way.

Like so mauy other places, contented with the present and under the impression that they are secure in their trade without other roads to esta1)lish other villages near and thus divide trade, those citizens, so the story runs, declined to assist the road. On the contrary, some resistance was manifested to the i)lans of the company. Just how true thest' rumors are, I cannot state. But they are so characteristically human and have been repeated unprotitably so many times in history that color at least may lie given them.

At all events, the company went in its course just a))out a mile and a half to the east and estaldished the station of Roxbury where grain is bought and shi^tped in large quantities, and all at the expense of Compton. I nmst say, however, in justice to Compton, that the company also established a station alxiut six miles north of Roxbury, called Scarljoro and this little station has picked up an enormous trade, especially in grain and coal. Topographically, Scarboro, in Willow Creek, is so situated that from the east at least, it is so easy to haul down hill to Scarljoro, that farmers almost from the doors of the Lee elevators hring grain to Scarboro to market. From the rich Viola country to the west, of course, it attracts all the grain raised there and Stew^ard, for so many years a million ])ushel point, has decreased at least -10 per cent on account of the inroads made by Scarboro. And this charming little village now markets something like half a million bushels of grain every year.

P. J. Schoenholz operates the first and oldest store, a general one, and Carl C. Fisher, the other. My genial old friend, H. I). Riley presides at tlie anvil and forge of Scarl)oro's solitary blacksmith shoj) and it pleases me to note that he is doing a prosperous business.

The freight receipts at this station are said to be as large as those of any other village in the county of twice its size. Mr. "William H. Webher, one of Viola's biggest farmers, tells me that as a live st*ick shipping point, it does a splendid business. Two large elevators here care for the grain. Shearer Brothers of Steward, forseeing the inroads Scaii^oro was likely to make in their Steward business, promptly built an elevator in Scarboro. The Neola people have the other.

The Evangelical cliurcli about wliieli we have read in other pages found itself located right in the midst of the village when Scarboro was laid out. This is a beautiful church, built with every arrangement for comfort. A perfect kitchen has been built in the basement which also includes the added features of a dining room and in this admirable room supjjers are given frequently. Last Fourth of July, when the Scarboro folks held a big celebration, the ladies of the church fed large mmibers and did it in a manner altogether astonishing. And a better dinner never was served. The Scarboro school stands just to the south. About half a mile, farther to the south, one of the beautiful Twin Groves stands. Through it Willow creek runs and there picnics and gatherings just like the one on the last Fourth, are held. It is an ideal spot.

In this beautiful little bit of a village, you will find the very highest siJecimens of the builder's art, improved with every modern convenience. Electricity, steam heat, baths, hot and cold water, in the houses; cement sidewalks; and all the village surrounded with lands which can hardly be valued. Only a little while ago, Mr. Henry B. Cobb, of Viola, living just a little way to the west, leai'nod that a certain farm might be bought. It lay near his big tract of Viola land and he bought it without regard to price. Three hundred dollars per acre was the price ; over fifty thousand dollars and the money, cash in hand, was paid down. Verily prosperity dw^ells around Scarboro, possibly the smallest village in the county. At all events, the youngest, yet one of the richest and prettiest. And it is located in Willow Creek township ; old Twin Groves !