Full text of "History of McHenry County, Illinois"

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5*5 



UL HIST. Son 



HISTORY 

OF 

McHENRY COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 

BY 

SPECIAL AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS 




VOLUME I 



ILLUSTRATED 



CHICAGO 

MUNSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PtTBI.ISHF.RS 

1922 



In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the 
greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history was 
"to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of 
records would consign them." 






OUTLINE MAP OF 

McHENRY COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 



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a o£Z 




(' OOK CO 



FOREWORD 



One of the conspicuous evidences of modern progress is manifested 

in the increased interest in local and personal history. In a general 
sense, real history is the record of past events, while biography is the 
history of individual life. The close relationship of these two branches 
of history is recognized by the brilliant essayist and historian, Carlyle, 
in the statement that "History is the essence of innumerable biog- 
raphies" ami that, "in a certain sense, all men are historians," in the 
fact that they furnish the material facts which constitute true history. 

In the formative period of each new community the attention of 
iis members is largely absorbed by the present — the necessity of securing 
means for personal and family support -the study of natural resources 
and planning for future development. But as time advances and 
conditions change, there comes a change in the popular mind and an 
increased interest in the past. That such has been the condition within 
the last century in McIIeiiry county, as well as in the Middle West 
generally, is apparent to the general observer. 

These evidences of change and development are taken note of, 
and in the preparation of the forty chapters, it has been the object to 
present, in compact form and under appropriate topical headings, the 
main facts of county history from the earlier settlements and political 
organization to tin- present time. Various topics and localities have 
been treated with reasonable fulness under their appropriate chapter 
headings by contributors especially selected for that purpose. Of the 



large number of contributors to these and other departments, it i- 
nol necessary here to make special mention, a> their names are attached 
in their respective contributions in the body of the work. For the 
value "i the aid thus rendered thanks are hereby cordially expressed. 

With the feeling thai the work, as a whole, has I n prepared with 

special care, and with full appreciation of the interesl already mani- 
fested and patronage pledged by the citizens *>i McHenry county in 
it- success, it is submitted to its many patrons and the general public 
in the hope thai it will prove of permanenl and personal value to a 
large class of readers. 

THE PI BLISHERS. 



INDEX 



CHAPTER I 
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL FEATURES 

GENERAL SURFACE FOX RIVER— PISTAQUA LAKE — THE NIPPEKSIXK— ill I. 
KISHU At KLL SMALL LAKES CA1 si: (IF PRAIRIES — GEOLOGICAL FEA- 
TURES— STONE QUARRY — GOOD ('LAV — GRAVEL AND SAND — PEAT IiEDS- 
RECENT DRAINAGE 17-22 

CHAPTER II 
INDIAN OCCUPATION 

ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN ILLINOIS TRIISES — BLACK HAWK WAR -DEATH AND 
i:i RIAL OF BLACK HAWK— INDIAN IX Tins COUNTY — INFLUENCE OF THE 
INDIAN— INDIAN MOUNDS INDIAN OF TODAY 23 'J<> 

CHAPTER III 
EARLY SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS 

FRONTIERSMEN — PRIMITIVE CONDITIONS— THE NEW HOME — EARLY ROADS — 
EARLY MILLS — PASTIMES FIRST RECORDED SETTLERS — PREVENTING 
CLAIM JUMPING — PIONEER CONDITIONS — OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION — 
REUNIONS — PIONEEB SETTLERS 27-36 

CHAPTER IV 

LAND TITLES 

By George W. Lemmers 

ORIGINAL OWNERS — PECULIAR INSTANCES — ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS EARLY 
D] EDS 37 13 



CHAPTER V 

OKCAXIZATIoN .WD GOVERNMENT 

By Will. i \.M I )| SMOND 

BOUNDABIES OEIGDS OF NAME ANNEXATION TROUBLES HISTOEIC SITCA- 

'lluN ORGANIZATION OF Till: COUNT! lii N OF I "I vi'Y si 

POPULATIOM FIRST ELECTION — ROAD DISTRICTS PRECINCTS PRECINCTS 
REFORMED TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION REMOVAL OF COUNTS SKAT — 

FIRST CO! RTHOl si; SECOND COl RT -I. PRESENT cm BT 

PRESENT JAIL POOR FARM — COUNTY .Mix;:-. SUPERINTENDENT OF 

SCHOOLS — SHERIFFS COUNTY TREASURERS COUNT'S CLERKS < lid I II 

CLERKS AND RECORDERS — CORONERS — SURVEYORS- SI PERINTENDENTS OF 

POOR STATES ATTORNEYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS- BOARD OF SI PER- 

YISORS NEW ASSESSMENT I AW tl Tt 



CHAPTER VI 

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION 

By M. P. Walsh 

SEVERAL APPORTIONMENTS — EARLY REPRESENTATIVES -LATER REPRESENTS 
TIVES — A CAPABLE OFFICIAL — MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY — 
STATE SENATORS — STATE REPRESENTATIVES — POLITICAL STATISTICS — 
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE 75-80 



CHAPTER VII 

EDUCATION 
By Richard W. Bardwell 

ORIGIN OF SCHOOLS PIONEER SCHOOLHOUSE — FIRST SCHOOLS — EARLY INSTI- 
TUTES — COUNTY INSTITUTES INCREASE: IN SCHOOLS — EARLY SCHOOLS 

HV TOWNSHIPS — OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS- TEACHERS' INSIT- 

■II IES SCHOOL STATISTICS GROWTH OF COMMON AND HIGH SCHOOLS 

MC nENRY COUNTY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION — COUNTY 81 
INTENDENT OF SCHOOLS — TODD SEMINARY 81-97 



CHAPTBB VIII 
CHURCHES 

RELIGIOUS SPIRIT — LACK OF FACILITIES- FIRST SERVICES— FIRST CHURCHES 
— BAPTISTS — CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN SCIENCE! — CONGREGATIONAL — EPIS- 
COPAL — LUTHERAN METHODIST — PRESBYTERIAN — ONIVERSALIST 

98-128 

CHAPTER IX 

COURTS, BENCH AND BAK 

By Judge Charles P. Barnes 

CIRCUIT COURT- FIRST GRAND JURY — CIRCUIT JUDGES — COUNTY COMMIS- 
SIONERS — COUNTY JUDGES EARLY ATTORNEYS — STATE 's ATTORNEYS 

PRESENT ATTORNEYS — MC HENRY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION IN MEMO- 

KIAM 129-144 

CHAPTER X 

MEDICAL PROFESSION 

By Dr. C. M. Johnson 

THE HEALING ART��� EARLIEST PHYSICIANS — ALDEN — ALGONQUIN — CARY — 
CHEMUNG- -CORAL — GREENWOOD — HARMONY — HARTLAND — HARVARD — 

HEBRON — HUNTLEY — MC HENRY MARENGO RICHMOND WOODSTOCK 

COMMON DISORDERS OF EARLY YEARS SIDELIGHTS ON EARLY' PHYSI- 
CIANS—PHYSICIANS OF A LATER DATE — COTTAGE HOSPITAL AT HARVARD 

WOODSTOCK HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION — PRESENT PHYSICIANS MEDICAL 

SOCIETY 145-154 

CHAPTER XI 

JOURNALISM 
By Charles F. Renich 

FIRST NEWSPAPER — ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN WOODSTOCK DEMOCRAT WOOD- 
STOCK SENTINEL WOODSTOCK CITIZEN ANTI-MONOPOLIST NEW ERA 

— MCHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRAT WOODSTOCK AMERICAN — MCHENRY 

PLAINDEALER — MARENGO REPUBLICAN NEWS CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD 

HARVARD HERALD HARVARD INDEPENDENT HEBRON TRIBUNE — RICH- 
MOND GAZETTE 155-166 



CHAPTER XII 

BANKS AND BANKING 

Bi Fremont i I • » \ 

FIRST I NITED STATES BANK FIRST BANK OP CHICAGO- W 3TO( K BANK 

IM, INSTITUTIONS STATE BANK OF U ISTOCK AMERICAN NATIONAL 

BANK OF WOODSTOCK FARMERS' EXCHANGE STATE BANK WOODS I 

NATIONAL BANK BANKING VI CRYSTAL LAKE UNITED STATES BANK — 
SOME STATE BANK OF I RTSTAL LAKE HARVARD BANKING INSTIT1 TION8 
— HARVARD STATE BANK— FIRST STATE BANK OF HARVARD FINANCIAL 
REMLNISCENCES OF MC HENRI -FOX KIVKK STATE BANK — RINGWOOD 
STATE HANK— FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MARENGO DAIRYMAN'S STATE 
BANK OF MARENGO STATE BANK OF ONION HEBRON STATE BANK — 
STATE BANK OF III NILE'S ALGONQUIN STATE BANK WEST SIC HENRY 
STATE BANK SPRING GROVE STATE HANK- CARS STATE BANK STATE 
BANK OF RICHMOND VICTORY LOAN SUBSCRIPTIONS PATRIOTIC SERV- 
ICE ACKNOWLEDGMENT -WAR WORK EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HANK 
SUMMARY IliT 196 

CHAPTEK XIII 

AGRICULTURE AND COUNTY PAIRS 

By George A. Eunt 

[MPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE MC HENRY COUNTY FARMERS' institute — 
MC HENRY COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOYS* AND GIRLS ' CLUB WORK 
MCHENRY COUNTY HOLSTELN BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION Ml HENRI 
COUNTY HOME BUREAU — AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES — OTHER FAIRS — 
MARENGO AGRICULTURAL BOARD— KISHWAUKEE FARMERS' CLUB— FARM 
STATISTICS — REGISTERED FARM NAMES 197-216 

CHAPTER XIV 

DAIRY AND DIVE STOCK INTERESTS 

By \Y. J. Kittle 

LEADING INDUSTRY — DIFFERENCE IN METHODS EARLY AND LATER DAY IN- 
TERESTS — FORMER cheese AND BUTTER ACTIVITIES— RADICAL CHANG] 
PIONEER SHIPPERS — INTELLIGENT DAIRYING -DAIRY INTERESTS— IMPOR- 
TANCE OF DAIRY COW 'J17 12J12 



CHAPTER XV 
RAILROADS AND [NDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES 

SOI R< i- OP PR1 3] M PROSPERITY FIRST STEAM RAJLBOADS -PRESENT RAIL- 
BOADS ELECTRIC RAILROADS RAILROAD MILEALE LOCAL SHOPS — IN- 
DUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES WOODSTOCK -MARENGO HARVARD— ALGONQUIN 

— ALDEN — Mi' 1IKNKV — WEST MCHENRY — CRYSTAL LAKE SPRING 
GROVE— TERRA COTTA— RICHMOND— FARMERS* NEW ERA TELEPHONE 
COMPANY 223 238 

CHAPTER XVI 

.MILITARY 

PATRIOTISM- WAR with MEXICO QUOTA IN CIVIL war- FDJTEENTB ILLI- 
NOIS T\\ LVI'Y-TIIIKD CONSOLIDATED — TlllK'n SIXTH NINETY-FIFTH 
ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIRST — ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND ONE HUN- 
DRED FORTY-SEVENTH — ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THIRD — - ONE HUNDRED 
FIFTY-SIXTH EIGHTH (AYALRY — SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY MISCEL- 

LANEOUS— RETROSPECT — SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR — MEXICAN BORDER 
WARFARE — DEPARTING FOR MEXICAN BORDER — THIRD REGIMENT STAFF 
TRUE SPIRIT OF AMERICANISM — WORLD WAR — DECLARATION OF WAR — 
VOLUNTEERS — SELECTIVE DRAFT — REGISTRATIONS — WORLD WAR REGIS- 
TRARS - ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF CITIZENSHIP — EXEMPTION 

HOARDS — WAR WORK BY TOWNS1I IPS- e AST A I.TILS ROLL OF HONOR 

— SOLDIERS HOME-COMING WEEK — CHAIRMEN OF H0ME-C0MINU COM- 
MITTEES — Woodstock NATIONAL GUARD — GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 
— WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS — AMERICAN LEGION 239-269 

CHAPTER XVII 
DAYS OF MOURNING 

DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN — DEATH OF JAMES ABEAM GARFIELD— DEATH 

OF U. S. GRANT — DEATH OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM MC KINI.EY. . . .'270 275 

CHAPTER XVIII 

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES 

By E. E. Richards 

PREAMBLE — FIRST MEMORIES EAR] J SEARS — FREE PASTURES — THE COURTS 

COUNTY FAIRS MUSICAL EVENTS- PISHING — HUNTING — ORIGINAL 

CHARACTERS MUSICAL REMINISCENCES OF HALF A CENTURY. .276-289 



I EAPTEB XIX 
l i; A.TERNAL SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS 

FREEMASONR1 OBDEB OF THE EASTERN 8TAB INDEPENDENT OBDEB OF ODD 
FELLOWS DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAB KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS UODEBN 
WOODMEN OF AMERICA -BOYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA MYSTIC WORK- 
ERS OF THE WORLD — KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BENEVOLENT AND PRO 
i I I ti\ B ORDER OF ELKS 290-307 

CHAPTEE XX 

PUBLIC LIBRARIES 

By Ida L. Gehrig 

W iSTOCK LIBRARY- MARENGO LIBRARY DELOS F. DIGGINS LIBRARY 

308-312 

CHAPTER XXI 
WOMAN'S CLUBS 

By Mrs. \V. II. Dooi.itti.e 

iLGONQUIN- CRYSTAL LAKE— HARVARD CIVIC ASSOCIATION HARVARD FORT- 
NIGHTLY — HARVARD WOMEN'S t I.I B — HUNTLEY — LOTUS COUNTRY — MA- 

RENGO MC EENRY COUNTY FEDERATION" — RICHMOND — RISII CREEK 

SCHUMANN-SENECA ASSOCIATION OK DOMESTIC SCIENCE — WOODSTOCK 

313-332 

CHAPTER XXII 
.MISCELLANEOUS 

TAXABLE PROPERTY — EARLY RATES — GOING TO MARKET PRICES BY. PERIODS 
— VILLAGE PLATS — CEMETERIES— POPULATION — SELECTED NATIVITY- — 
INTERESTING ITEMS — TORNADO OF 1862— CYCLONE OF 1883 — UNUSUAL 
\M> UNFORTUNATE OCCURRENCES — FROZEN TO DEATH — AN EARLY TEM- 
PERANCE SOCIETY MEETING — CENTENARY DRIVE — HOME BUREAU — CIVIL 
WAR RELICS — INSTALLING A NEW TYPESETTING MACHINE -WAR WAGED 
ON CANADIAN THISTLES — WORLD'S FAIR corn EXHIBIT — SPRING GROVE 
l [SB HATCHERY 333-353 



CHAPTER Will 
A.LDEN TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES OBIOIM OF NAME TOPOGRAPHY— FIRST SETTLEMENT PIO- 
m:i.i; EVENTS BURIAL PLACES FIRST SCHOOLS IND CHURCHES POST 
OFFICE— ILDEN VH.LAGB— POPULATION— TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. .354 357 

CHAPTEK XXIV 

AJjGONQUIN TOWNSHIP 

i. .h ndaries origin of name — topography — early settlers — pioneer 
events population — algonquin village — post office — municipal 
history — public improvements — city of crystal lake post 

office: — municipal history cits officials by years— public im 

provements — village of cary — business interests -township 
officials 358-367 

CHAPTEK XXV 
BURTON TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES -EARLY SETTLEMENTS — EARLY EVENTS — SPRING GROVE VILLAGE 
— INCORPORATION— POST OFFICE — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

368-371 

CHAPTER XXVI 

CHEMUNG TOWNSHIP 

boundaries— topograph'? — origin of name — early settlers — village 

of chemung— city of harvard early events — harvard in 1876 — 

harvard in 1885 incorporation present officials — public im- 
provements — post office in'prstries — cemetery- population — 
township officials 372 378 

CHAPTER XXVII 
CORAL TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLEMENTS INDIAN VILLAGE: — PIONEER EVENTS — 

VILLAGE OF CORAL VILLAGE OF UNION- INCORPORATION POST OFFICE — 

DEFUNCT HARMONY — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 379-383 



« BAPTEB XXVII] 
DORB TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES ORIGIN OP NAM] i:\l;i.\ SETTLERS PIONEER EVENTS OEM] 
ri i;ll- iciim, i. ruu> POPULATION TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS WOODSTOCK 
— HIGHEST ALTITUDE FIRST BUSINESS INTERESTS HOTELS- PUBLIC 
SQ1 \Ki: SOLDIERS' MONUMENT POST OFFICE POSTMASTERS INCOR- 
PORATION FIRST VHjLAGE OFFICIALS MI.I.m.i. rkl.Ml u \ i - FD3S1 CIT1 
OFFICIALS MAYORS— PRESENT CHI OFFICIALS PUBLIC IMPROVEM] 
— CI ill 'At;! i IM'i STRIAL HOME FOB CHILDREN OLD PEOPLE'S BESI HOME 
COUNTRY CLUB COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY CLUB 384-393 

CHAPTER XXIX 
DUNHAM TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY SETTLERS ORIGIN <>K NAME— PIONEEB 
EVENTS CEMETERIES — SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES CYCLONE OF I s- *-"'. 
POP1 I.ATIOX — TOWNSHD? OFFICIALS '■'<'■* 1-396 

CHAPTEB XXX 
GRAFTON TOWNSHIP 

BOl NDARIES ORIGIN OF NAME- EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEEB EVENTS I 

BRA CEMETERIES — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS VOLLAGE OF HUNTLEY — 
EARL'S BUSINESS INTERESTS POST OFFICE— INCORPORATION .... 397 LO] 

CHAPTEB XXXI 

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP 

boundaries — topography — earl? settlers— cemeteries- mills — but- 
11 i: \\l> cheese factories — village ok i.ki.i nwood early inter] stb 
— post offices — harvest picnic pop1 lation townshd? officials 

402 hk; 

CHAPTER XXXII 
EARTLAND TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST SETTLERS — PIONEER INCIDENTS CEMETERIES — BROOK- 
HALE ['(1ST OFFICE— EARLY COUNTERFEITERS -POPULATION— RAILROAD — 
\ [LLAGE OF HARTLAND — TOWNSHD? OFFIC1 \l.s 407 till 



CHAPTBB XXXII] 
HEBRON TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES ORIGIN OF NAME FIRST SETTLERS — PIONEEE EVENTS C] 

TERIES EARL'S INDUSTRIES TILLAGE OF HEBRON POST OFFICE IN- 
CORPORATION EARL'S HISTORY OF HEBRON POPULATION TOWNSHIP 

<>ri ni \i.s 411-420 

CHAPTEB XXXIV 
MARENGO TOWNSHIP 

BOl NDARIES i:\KI.V SETTLERS ORIGINAL NAME— EARLS EVENTS- CEME 
TERIES- POPULATION- ■ TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS — CITY OF MARENGO — 
EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS — MUNICD7AL HISTORY — KIRK DEPARTMENT 
PLACES OF AMUSEMENT HOTELS POST OFFICE COMMUNITY CLUB — 
REMINISCENCES OF MARENGO — FIFTY SEARS AND MORE AMONG THE 
bees 4i21-4:{-J 

CHAPTEB XXXV 
McHENRE TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARL'S SETTLERS PIONEER EVENTS— CEMETERD3S INDIAN 
FORI) — VILLAGE OF MC HENRY — FACTORIES — BUSINESS FACTORS IN 1885 
— INCORPORATION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS POST OFFICIO -HOTELS — 
WEST MCHENR? -JOHNSBURG— RINGWOOD SPECIAL FEATURES POPU- 
LATION- townshd? officials 4:>:S-441 

CHAPTER XXXVI 
NTXDA TOWNSHIP 

BOl NTDARIES ORIGIN OF NAME — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — OLD 
TILLAGE OF NUNDA — BARREVILLE — TERRA COTTA- -POPULATION — TOWN- 

siiiL officials 442-445 

CHAPTER XXXVII 
RICHMOND TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST SETTLERS I'HiMiJ; EVENTS VILLACIEOF IliOIIMoNIl 
LOST OFFICE — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS -MUNICIPAL HISTORY — SOLON 



MILLS — ORIGIN OF SWEET BY Wl> l:V POPULATION TOWNSHIP 
OKI ICIALS 146 150 



• BAPTEB XXXVIH 
RILEY TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPH! EARL! SETTLERS PIONEER EVENTS CEME- 
TERIES— SOUTH RILEY — POPULATION TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. . .45] 153 



CHAPTER XXXIX 
SENECA TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES- <>l;i<;i\ or NAME — FIRST SETTLERS PIONEEB EVENTS CEME- 
TERIES — SCHOOLS AM> CHURCHES — FRANKI.1NYILLE — I'OIM LATION — 
TOW NSHTP OFFICIALS 4-". I C>7 



CHAPTER XL 

THE PART OF BIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL HISTORY — CITIZENS OF MC HENRY 
COUNTY AM) OUTLINES OF PERSONAL history — PERSONAL SKETCHES 
ARRANGED IN ENCYCLOPEDIC ORDER 459-959 



PORTRAITS 



Allen, Charles T 24 

Barni a, Charles P 32 

Bassett, Cora M 40 

t, Ebei E 40 

Buckland, John V 48 

Burnside, Thomas C4 

Burnside, Mrs. Thomas '< I 

Burton. Daniel 258 

Chase, Bartson A 582 

Cole, Alson J 72 

Cole, Thomas D. and Family 78 

••. E. Christian 102 

Coriett, Robert E 102 

Covell, Lucien B L10 

Cowan, Ellen E 118 

Cowan, Robert 118 

Davis, William II 126 

I, Mrs. William II 126 

Diener, Delia M 134 

Diener, John C 134 

Diggins, Albert B 142 

Digging, Emma 3 142 

Dike, Al.ial 150 

Dike, Olive H 130 

Dodge, NelKe L 158 

..-. William A 158 

Durkee, Harvey (i 164 

Dnrkee, Mrs. Harvey G 1G4 



Eaton, Howard D 174 

Ebel, Henry C 182 

Bhorn, Harry 1 190 

Ellsworth, Alice E 844 

Fleming, Allen Q 198 

Fleming, [sabella 198 

l'i eman, William M 206 

Gardner, Ben 258 

Garrison, Orlando 214 

Gault, Richard 222 

Gi tzelman, Benjamin C 230 

Gile, Harry D 238 

Hattie M 238 

Gile, Children of Mr. and Mrs. Harry 

D 212 

Haeger, Robert E 250 

Hanaford, Frank E 258 

Bastings, Homer M 266 

Higbee, Charles C 27 1 

Holmes, Dora 282 

Holm,-. Rilej 282 

Hoy, M. D 290 

Hubrig, Marl in 11 298 

Hull, Harry D 306 

Hunt. Carlton C 314 

Hunt, George A 322 

Johnson, Colonel M 330 

Johnson, Horai e W 330 



Kvlli % . A I. in i W 

Is n:i|i|i. Gardner A (46 

B napp, Mai tan E ;; i<; 

Kreutzer, Frank 

Kreutzer, Mrs. Frank 

Kreutzer, Kunigunda 

Kn ut. er, Paul 

Kroeger, John P :;7i; 

Cruse, Anna 

. i liarles 

Lace, Claude C 394 

LasCella, Andrew 258 

I. mil aj . Thomas 102 

Lowe, i ■ r..!- u .' i in 

Low... Jesaie Watson HO 

Lundgri n, Iran/. E H8 

Lundgren, I ■■•In- II lis 

Lundg i . n. Sirs. I 'ehr II H8 

.Mann, Willis II 

Marks. Charles E 138 

Maxi.n. Clara B I 111 

M.IMHI. Fred A III'. 

McCaffrey, Daniel .1 452 

McConnell, Elizabeth 474 

M I onnell, I leorge 466 

McConnell, Mrs. Qeorge 166 

McConnell, William A 17 I 

McDiamond, Eliza A sit 

M. Evoy, Martin .1 182 

McLaughlin, John F 190 

McLaughlin, Julia A 190 

McLaughlin, Julia 190 

McLaughlin, Mary 490 

McMillan, Benry 198 

McMillan, Mrs. Benry 198 

Mead, Cyrus 1 506 

Meger, Prankie B 1 1 

Merriam, Hamilton 514 

Merriam, Mary 1 5 I I 

Miller, John C 522 

Miller, Mary A 844 



c 

Nowak, Edward F 540 

Peak, Alonzo 8 

Peak, Emily K .-, is 

Peak, Fin, 1 .-.-,,■, 

Peter, John .-»»; 1 

M ' s. John 564 

Peters, John C 

Peterson, Anna E 582 

l.'i Inn st, Henry ,-,;in 

Rehorst, Mary 590 

Reimer, Ernes) C 598 

l.'i oil li, 1 I. ail - f 606 

l.Vnir. Phineas A 614 

1- E 622 

tus E 622 

Richardson, < tors B 630 

Richardson, Jesse B 630 

Rushton, t. -ge F 

Rushton, Jean M 638 

81 hmitt, Anton M 

Schmitt, John M. and Family . . . 654 

S. limit t, Katharine 646 

Schroeder, Fred 11 662 

Seward, Ellsworth E 670 

Slu Mini. Marvin 

Sherburne, Vernon I> 678 

Sincerbox, Hattie .1 686 

Sincerbox, William s 686 

Smith, Adolph R 694 

Smith, Barbara A 702 

.Smith. John .1 702 

Manii.nl Charles 71n 

er, Carl W 718 

\ 7l'('i 

-, Fi am A 7LV, 

Street, Benrj Q 734 

Tryon, Charles 11 712 



Turner, Benry M 

Turner, James II 758 

Uecke, Robeii C 776 

Walkup, Eva M 780 

Wnlkup, I.. W ::i 

Walsh, Michael P 788 

Webster, Carlton 798 

W ebster, Mrs. Carlton 796 

i. Ella (1 804 

Welch, William J 304 

West, Hyde 812 

Whiston, Barry E 820 

Whiston, M:i M 



Whitson, Tli as 

Whitoon, Mrs. Thomas - - 

Williams, John E 

Willis. Charles N 844 

Willis. Elmer .1 844 

Willis. Mary C 844 

Willis, William N B44 

u ingati . James W - 

Wingate, Lillian - 

Woodard, William C *<'■" 

Wright, Mary A 868 

Wright, William 868 

Zander, Josephine E 876 

Zander, William C s 7<; 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Community High School, W (stock B2 

Cottage Eospital, Harvard 152 

High School and Gymnasium, t Irystal Lake 90 

Interior of First National Bank, Marengo 424 

.Map of McHenry County Following Tith Page, Vol. I 

Masonic Temple, Harvard 372 

McHenry County Courl House, W Istock 56 

Public School, Harvard 94 

Soldiers' .Momimenl and Band Stand. Woodstock 386 

St. .Mary's School, W Istock B6 

Williams Street. Crystal Lake 360 



History of McHenry County 



CHAPTEB I 
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND NATURAL FEATURES 

GENERAL SURFACE— FOX RIVER— PISTAQUA LAKE — THE NIPPERSINK— THE 
KISHWAUl HALL LAKES CAUSE OF PRAIRIES — GEOLOGICAL FEA- 

TURES — STONE QUARR1 GOOD el. AY — GRAVEL AND SAND — FEAT BEDS — 
RECENT DRAINAGE. 

GENERAL SURFACE 

The surface of the county is varied, consisting of prairies, both level 
ami undulating, wooded ridges, and hills of considerable elevation. The 
configuration is such thai artificial drainage is rendered comparatively 
easy, while nature has provided ample water courses. The Fox River, 
rising in Wisconsin, Hows south, in Lake and McHenry counties, keeping 
near the county line. This is a noble stream, one of the finest in the 
country. Ultimately it unites with the Illinois River. The Fox enters 
McHenry County about eighl miles Erom the Wisconsin state line, flow- 
ing OUt of the Pistaqua Lake, which hotly lies in both counties, and is 
but the expansion of the river itself. A little over two miles further 
south, the river bends westward into .McHenry County, this time coming 
from Lake County. Prom this point it courses down the line until the 
southern line of the county is reached again at Alg ruin. The Nipper- 
sink, a tributary of the Fox, rises in .McHenry County and traverses the 
northeastern part of the county. This enmity is also the source of the 
Kishwaukee River, its chief branches rising in the central and western 

part of Ih unity. This stream (lows westward into Rock River. There 

are other smaller streams throughoul McHenry County. 

Small lakes ,„■ ponds, were originally quite uumerous in this county, 
bul to a greal extent these have disappeared through drainage systems 

17 



18 HISTORY OF M( IIKXKY COUNTY 

of the last half century. There are, however, several lefl yet. Son 
these arc fed by never failing springs while many are surface Bloughs and 
depend largely on Burface water and heavy rains for their existence. 

CA1 SE OF PRAIRIES 

The siat.' authorities after having caused a survey, or ratlin- a re- 
survey of tlif topography of the county after the Civil War. published in 
substance the following concerning its appi arance and condition : 

"The surface elevation very Dearly approaches the highest in the 
state (since then it is known for a certainty that the stand-pipe of the 

\V Lstock water-works is built on the highest poinl in Illinois) a fad 

which further accounts for the wholesomeness of the climate. The county 
is somewhal unequally divided into woodland and prairie the latter being 
much in excess. Good timber is quite plentiful, ami the people are sup 
plied at home with all that is. required for fuel and some Eor general 
common building purposes. In 1880 it was believed that there was fully 
as much timber in the county as when firsl settled in the thirties, 
prairies stretching their broad grassy surface between the groves present 
an interesting natural phenomenon, ami in as much more than half of 
McHenry < Jounty is composed of them, the question of their origin cannot 

fail to interest the Local reader. Much speculation has been made hi 

this subject, the results of which may be summed up in two distinct 

theories. 

"The first theory presupposes that the -oil of the prairies was formed 

by the decompositi f vegetable matter under water, with attendant 

conditions unfavorable to the growth of timber. Those who hold to this 
theory maintain that prairies arc even now forming along the rivers and 
shores of lakes. River channels are constantly ehaiiLrim_ r . by reason of 
freshets. The heaviest particles transported by the water fall nearest the 
channel, and here repeated deposits first cause hanks to he elevate, 1 above 
the Hoods. Trees spring up on the natural levies, serving to strengthen 
them and render them permanent. When an overflow takes place 1! 
harriers keep subsiding waters from returning to the river bed; and by 
frequent inundations the bottom lands become sloughs or swamps. The 
water is usually shallow and stagnant, and is thus soon invaded by mosses 
and aquatic plants, which grow beneath the surface ami contain in their 
fibers silica, alumina and lime, the constituents of clay. To thes,. plants 
mollusks and other small aquatic animals attach themselves and find in 
them their subsistence. Hence a constant decomposition, both of animal 



BISTORT OF M( I1KXKY COUNTY 19 

and vegetable matter, ensues, and finally forms a stratum of clay, like the 
underlying prairies. 

"The marshy bottoms are tints gradually buill up to the surface of 
the water; vegetable matter becomes more abundant, rushes, reeds and 
eoarse grasses being added to other forms of plant life. These plants, 
rising above the water, absorb the carbonic acid gas of the air and converl 
them into woody fiber, which by decomposition firsl forms the clay mold 
and afterward the black mold of the prairie. Sucb agencies, now operat- 
ing in the ponds which skirl river banks, originally formed all the prairies 

the Mississippi Valley. According to geologists, the surface of the 
land was submerged toward the close of the drift period, and as it slowly 
emerged afterward it was covered with extensive ponds of shallow watt r 

which finally became swamps, ami then prairies, one remarkable feature 

about the prairies, namely, the absence of trees, is accounted for first by 
the formation of ulmic acid, which is favorable to the growth of plants, 
Inn retards that of the trees; second the roots of trees require air, winch 
they cannot obtain when the surface is under water or covered by a com- 
pact sodj third, marshy Hats offer no solid points to which the trees may 
attach themselves. But when the land becomes dry, and the sod is 
broken by cultivation, almost all varieties of native woods grow and thrive 
upon the prairie. The uneven surface of some of the prairies is due to the 
Lve action of subsiding waters. The drainage following the creeks 
and rivers, finally resulted in the formation of rolling prairies. 

The foregoing t beory is based upon a large and const ant water supply; 

; ther theory, which is accepted by many, assumes a very different 

aqueous condition in accounting for the prairies. It is a well-known fact 
in physical geography that the chief continents of the globe are generally 
surrounded by belts of timber, while further inland are areas of treeless 
tracts, and centrally extensive deserts. On the eastern coast of North 
America, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Hudson P>ay, as well as on the 

Pacific sin] f the continent, timber grows thickly and spontaneously. 

These two /.ones of timber approach each other at the north and south, 
and within them lie the wide prairies of the Mississippi Valley. Farther 
west arc those arid regions which have caused them to be designated as 
the "Great American Desert." Other portions of the earth have likewise 
their areas of forest, treeless lands and barrens. In Africa, the Sahara; in 
Europe, the Steppes; iii Asia, the rainless wastes; in South America, the 
Atcama, all serve to illustrate that the operation of physical laws such as 
have caused the diversification of the United States has been general in 
all countries. 



20 HISTORY OF McHENRTf COUNTY 

"1"|hhi investigation it will be found thai this alternation of w Is, 

prairie and deserts corresponds with the variations in the amount of rain- 
fall. The ii. ■can is the great Bource of moisture, and the clouds arc tin' 
vehicles which transport it over the land. Actual investigation has 
proved thai most of the water taken from the ocean in form of vapor or 
clouds is discharged upon the rim of the continent; thai the amount of 

rainfall is much less inward the interior, until finally, almost total aridity 

is found. Upon applying this theory to the American continent, it will 
be found that in going from New York to San Francisco, the amount of 
rainfall very nearly coincides with the all. 'rations of woodland prairie 
and desert. At New York the average rainfall is forty-two inches; the 
region extending thence to Ann Arbor, Mich., where the annual rainfall 
is twenty-nine inches, is well timbered; thence to Galesburg, 111., where 
the rainfall is twenty-four inches, the country is prairie interspersed with 
occasional chimps of woodland; thence to Ft. Laramie, having only 
twenty inches of rainfall, the country rapidly changes to continuous 
praine; thence to Ft, Tbuma, having three inches, it becomes a desert; 

and then to San Francisco, where the rainfall is twenty-two inches, it 
changes back to thick forests. Illinois lies within the region of alternate 

\\ I and prairie. 

"Still further some scientists claim that the treeless tracts are due 
to the nature of the soil. It is highly probable that each of the forces 
named in these theories may have had something to do with the forma 
lion of our beautiful and productive prairies." 

GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS 

It is not the object of this chapter to go far into the detailed account 
of the geological t' on iiation of this county, but merely to give a general 
idea of the common geological formations as have been determined by 
state and other geologists, especially Prof. Worthen, former state geol- 
ogist. 

The geological formations in this county consist largely of drift. 
The bedrock, which is rarely exposed, belongs chiefly to the Niagara 
group. Along the western border of the county, is a narrow strip running 
north and south, the underlying formation belongs to the Cincinnati 
group. The drift deposits consist of clay and hardpan. with occasional 
beds of sand and gravel, and boulders frequently scattered throughout 
the mass, cover the whole surface of the county for an average depth of 
about seventy feet. The mighty agencies of nature at work during the 



BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNT'S 2] 

glacial period ground away and transformed all of the original forma 
tions above the Silurian rocks, and buried these rocks themselves beneath 
a mass of dt'liris of heterogeneous character. 

There arc no good opportunities afforded Eor observing sections of 
drift in this county. There being no natural exposures, excavations for 
wells afford aboul the only data accessible, and this is meagre. Wells 
are seldom sunk to a greater depth than forty feet, and in that distance 
little is found except blue clay, or hardpan, with an occasional pocket 
or irregular seam of quicksand and gravel. Boulders arc found both on 
the surface and in excavations. They are of varying size and of all sorts 
of material, such as granite, senite, trap, greenstone, limestone and sand- 
stone. Near the Fox River the ridges contain large quantities of rolled 

limestone boulders, evidently derived from the Niagara rocks of Wist 

sin. The mass of the drift, however, appears to be clay and hardpan, 
with occasional boulders. Logs of wood and other vegetable remains 
have frequently been found beneath the surface, at distances From fifteen 
to fifty feet . 

With the exception of the narrow belt along the western line of the 
county, already referred to as belonging to the Cincinnati group, the 
underlying formation probably belongs wholly to the Niagara group. 
The oulcrops, however, are so few as to render absolute knowledge of the 
formation impossible. In the northeastern corner, in section 17, town- 
ship 44, range !•. nearly on the county line between Lake and McIIenry. 
the limestone is exposed in an excavation by the roadside. It is unstrati- 
fied and contains no well-preserved fossils. At the Sand Hills on the 
Kishwaukee. in the southwest part of section 21, township 4 1, range 6, a 
bed of limestone was Found in an excavation, fourteen feel below the 
surface. This is probably of the Niagara group. 

The exposures of the Cincinnati formation arc limited to one locality, 
about two miles east of (iarden Prairie station, of the Galena division of 
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, about one-fourth of a mile south 
of the main wagon road between that station and Marengo. This rock 
has been quite extensively quarried here. It is a bluff limestone, thinly 
bedded, and containing considerable chert in some part of the quarry. 
Frequently it has a Blight bluish tinge. Fossils are scarce and very im- 
perfect 

The only extensive stone quarry in the county is the one just men 
tioned. The rock being thin-bedded, and containing chert, is not cal 
culated to serve all purposes of a building stone, yet it becomes very 
useful in foundation and for the rougher kinds of masonry. Along the 



22 IIIstowy OF Mi IIKXIJY COUNTY 

Fox River the boulders found in the ridges have been quarried to some 
extent, and a rough building material obtained therefrom. Lime lia.s been 
burned from the limestone boulders in some places, bu1 no extensive 
manufacture of it has ever been attempted. 

Good clay for brick-making is quite alum. lam in McHenry County, 
[ts prevailing culm-, when burned, is red, or reddish brown. At Wood- 
stock and McHenry, however, a white strati colored brick is made. The 

day for the white brick i^ obtai 1 at Woodstock, under a peal bed, and 

it was formerly supposed to be a sedimentary formation more recent than 
the drift. That at McHenry, geologists tell us. belongs to the drift period 
proper. At Woodstock the same clay used in making brick lias also been 
profitably employed in making drain tile. 

l'eat is abundant in the county, but the mosl extensive deposits are in 
the north half of the county. It is found in the sloughs or bogs, in vary- 
ing depths and of various qualities. .Many years ago it was thoroughly 
tested and found to be excellent for fuel. In 1880 it was estimated that 
there were between 4,000 and 5.000 acres of sloughs containing peat in 
the counties of Lake and McHenry. One of the largest peal sloughs was 
situated near Hebron station, in sections 7 and 8 in township 46, range 7 
This bed, with Blight exceptions, extends several miles to the southwest. 
to the Xippersink, probably covering an area of about three square miles. 
The average depth appears to be from six to ten feet. It was stated in 
the seventies, that these peat beds afforded an almost inexhaustible fuel 
supply, stored for future ages. Peat was used for fuel in Durfee's brick 
and tile works at Woodstock, where it proved very successful. But from 
the fact that coal and wood were to be had here, but little practical atten- 
tion was ever given to the ase of peat, .Many of the sloughs, where it 

exists, have been drained and are today "pastures of living green" 
more valuable to its owner than for fuel, it is believed. Hence it will 
be observed that McHenry County does not possess great mineral wealth 
and depends largely on what its rich soil will produce, rather than from 
anything to be taken from beneath its surface. 



CHAPTBB II 
INDIAN OCCUPATION 

ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN ILLINOIS TRIBES — BLACK HAWK WAR — DEATH AND 

BURIAL OF BLACK HAWK — INDIAN IN THIS COUNTY — INFLUENCE OF THE 
INDIAN — INDIAN MOUNDS — INDIAN OF TODAY. 

ORIGIN OF THE INDIAN 

Archeologista and ethnologists differ materially with reference to 

ih agin of the North American Indian, the Red .Man. Some contend 

that he is the direct descendant of the two lust tribes of Israel; others 
that he is but the climatic development from the original man; and still 
others that with the scattering of mankind at the fall of the Tower of 
Babel, Some found their way across Asia into North America at a period 
long antedating recorded history aside from the preserved parchments 
of Sacred Writ. However, no matter what is the origin, the American 
Indian was found on this continent when its wonders and possililities 
were revealed to the Old World. By right of possession, he was the 
owner of this vast country, and many believe that shame will ever rest 
on the White .Man that the Aborigine was grievously deprived of his 
birthright. 

ILLINOIS TRIBES 

The tribes found in what later hecame the State of Illinois, are 
usually grouped under the name Illini, from whence comes our name 
Illinois. The leading tribes in the Illini confederation were the Sac, 
Fox, Winnebago, Chippewa, and Pottawatomi. The latter were friendly, 
and gave little or no trouble to the white settlers, very friendly relations 
existing between the Indians and the pioneers. The government had con- 
siderable trouble with the Sac and Fox Indians, making several treaties 
with them, which were regarded by the ignorant savages as "mere hits 
of paper," something in the same manner as a once powerful nation was 
to later treat similar sacred obligations, without the extenuating excuse of 

23 



24 BISTORT OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

ignorai Black Hawk, the sagacious leader of the Sacs, resenting the 

exile of his i pie from their dearly beloved camping grounds on the 

present site of Rock Island, violated the provisions of the treaty of 1804, 
and returned to the disputed territory in 1>:n. General Gaines, with ;i 
company of regulars and 1,500 volunteers took the Indians by surprise, 
burned their village, and forced a new treaty in which they ceded all 
their lands easl of the Mississippi River to the government and agreed to 
remain west of the " Father of Waters." < >nce more the solemn agreement 
was disregarded, and Black Hawk with bis people crossed the river. 
asibly to visit the villa'.'.' known as "Prophet's Town," but evidently 
with the idea of eventually regaining the longed for land lying along 
the eastern hanks of the Mississippi. This invasion precipitated what is 
known in history as The Black Hawk War. 

BLACK HAWK WAR 

Governor Reynolds eolleeted 1.800 volunteers, placing them under the 
command of Brig. Gen. Samuel Whiteside, who joined the regular army 
under General Atchison, and two companies under .Major stillman. 
After the village of the Prophet was burned, there was a small engage- 
ment at Stillman "s Hun. There were engagements at Apple River 1- 
an expedition against Rock Island, the battle of Bad Axe. and finally 
Black Hawk was captured, together with bis son and the Prophet, and 
sent to Washington, D. C, and thence as prisoners to Portress Mon- 
roe. There Black Hawk was confined until July 4, 1833, when he was 
set at liberty by order of the President, and together with his com- 
panions returned to Rock Island, where with impressive ceremonies they 
were set at liberty, and crossed the Mississippi River for the last time. 
In 1838, Black Hawk built himself a white man's dwelling near Des 
Moines. Iowa, and there rounded out his life, engaging in hunting, fish- 
ing and agricultural pursuits. , His death occurred October 3, 1838, and 
he was buried in a grave six foot deep, in a sitting posture. The body 
of the old warrior was clothed in a uniform presented to him by the 
President of the United states; m bis right hand was a cane given him 
by Henry Clay, and thus he rested on the banks of the "Father of 
Waters.'" but in death as in life, separated by it from what was to him 
the "Promised band." About the time of the Civil War. possibly 
earlier, the Iowa State University, of Iowa City, took the mortal remains 
of old Black Hawk up and placed them in the State museum, where a 
years later, through accident, his bones were burned along with 
many other invaluable Iowa relies. 




J£>L*jl~ l'fiti~- 



HISTORY OF M« IIKXKY COUNT? 25 

THE INDIAN 1\ THIS COUNTY 

A.8 McHenry County did qoI 1" me a separate unit until after the 

Indians were filially exiled from this pari of the state, as a corporate 

body, it had no part in the Indian troubles, aor did any of its settlers 
participate in the Black Hawk War, save as residents of some other 
section. Prior to the coming of the firsl permanenl white settler in 1834, 
roving hands of Indians hunted over this territory, and camped along its 
streams. It is claimed thai Indian traders frequently came up the Fox 
[liver with their goods which they bartered in exchange for the pelts 
■in' [ndians secured from their hunts. 

INFLUENCE OK THE INDIAN 

As long as the nomenclature of the State of Illinois remains as it is, 
the Indian will not he Eorgotten. The beautiful Fox River recalls the 
powerful Pox tribe that for SO many years spelled terror to the settlers 

in s e parts of the state. Algonquin, Nippersink, Kishwaukee are also 

reminiscent of the days when the Red .Man reigned supreme. 

INDIAN MOUNDS 
No one has satisfactorily explained the origin of the mounds found 

in various parts of the country, known as Indian Mounds. They have 

been iriven the name Indian, although relies found in them prove tli.it 

they were originally built by some peoples antedating the Red .Man. 

That the Indians used them for interment purposes, and also I'm- stor- 
ing away of implements and articles of value to them, is admitted. Some 

claim that these mounds were watehtowers of the tribes, Erom which 
the advance of hostile tribes eould be watched. At any rate they are 
interesting and their value as monuments of a period in our history, 

would seem to suggesl that they be preserved for posterity by the 
government. 

INDIANS OF TODAY 

Gone is the warrior of old. His arrows with his bow. are but euri- 
OSitieS to be handed down to his children as heirlooms of the past. Few 
of the Indians now wear their tribal garb. .Many of the racial character 
isties have disappeared. The younger generations have been, ami are 



26 BISTORT OP .M< HENRY COUNTY 

being, educated at Carlisle and other government schools. .Many of the 
Indians are wealthy and honored members of several of the western 
states, where they are living on the grants of land from the government. 
In a Eevi years more the descendants of the old-time warriors will be 
as other Americans, differentiated perhaps by here anil there features 
which recall the base reliefs in the capitol at Washington, or a dusky 
pigmentation dating bach to the days when the Red .Man had do adequate 
protection from the onslaught of the cold of winter or the heat of 
summer. 



CIIAl'TER III 
EARL'S SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS 

FRONTIERSMEN PRIMITIVE CONDITIONS — THE NEW HOME — EARLY ROADS — 
EARLY MILLS — PASTIMES — FIRST RECORDED SETTLERS — PREVENTING CLAIM 

.11 \IPIN(i - PIONEER CONDITIONS OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION RE- 

DNIONS — PIONEER SETTLERS. 

FRONTIERSMEN 

The history of each comity of every state has its own distinguishing 
features, hut there are certain facts common to all of them. Before any 
permanent settlements could he made, explorations had to he set on foot 
by those fitted by nature and training for such arduous work, and 

from the reports brought back by them, those seeking new homes made 
their decisions. The hardy frontiersmen who traveled at different periods 
over the fertile prairies now included in McIIenry County, brought hack 
glowing accounts of the advantages to be had in this section of Illinois 
territory, hut owing to Indian disturbances, no permanent settlements 
were made here until 1S:!4. As soon as it was found that settlers could 
come here with impunity, others Hocked to get a title to some of the 
land the more foresiirhted saw soon would be very valuable, and the 
results prove that they knew their business thoroughly. 

PRIMITIVE CONDITIONS 

No one of this generation has any conception of the conditions pre- 
vailing when the pioneers entered what was to become one of the most 
important divisions of the state. At that time there were no railroads, 
and travel on the rivers, canals and t he lakes was slow and expensive. 
For this reason, many preferred to load 1 heir possessions into a covered 
wagon, drawn either by horses or oxen, and travel across country, driv- 
ing their stock before them. There were no conveniences then along the 
way. When oighl came, the hardy emigrants camped by the wayside, 
having to depend upon their scanty stores for food, although occasionally 

•-'7 



BISTORT? OF McHENRY COUNT'S 

the men Eolka were able to bring down birds or game of Bome kind. If 
the time could be spared, Bome nimrod sough! an addition to the food 
supply in the numerous streams, but those were times thai would bav< 

delighted Mr. Boi ainrj E I conservation was practiced, and 

there w;is no waste of any kind. It was a period when only the tit 
survived, as the records show. Many of little lit''' Manic flickered and 
went oul on the long journey Erom the old bome to the new. and more 
than cur aged person found lit''' too difficult, and bo laid <l<>\\ o its burdens, 
and made the wayside a permanent abiding place until summoned by 
the last call upon judgment day. 

the \i:\\ SOME 

When the journey was over with all it-, dangers and hardships, the 
wagon that had been the family shelter for so many weary weeks, brought 
to a standstill, and the household g Is covered with a makeshift shelter 

on the land selected for the claim, the difficulties hail ..nly commenced. 
The fund, brought in the wagon naturally ran low. and until a crop 
could he put in. the pioneers had to depend chiefly mi what could he 
garnered from the woods and streams, Fortunately nearly all of them 

knew the value of wild growths and could find palatable and nourish- 
ing foods in what their great-grandchildren would consider weeds. It 
was not lon<_', of course licfore the cnertretie settlers had crops and from 
them ground their own meal, and made their own products. The homes 
of the pioneers were crudely fashioned from rough loirs, and the furni- 
ture was homemade. Class was a luxury, and stoves unknown. Cloth- 
ing was made from cloth woven from flax and wool spun and carded 
by the women, and all of the stockings and sox were knit by them. The 
women generally planted and took care of the gardens; they made medi- 
cines from berries and roots, and in the very earliest days had to minister 
t,, and nurse the sick. The men cut down the forest growths, -rubbed 
out the stumps, and then plowed the land and planted the crops. They 
also hunted and fished, for in those days stock was too valuable to be 
killed to furnish meat, and when wild game was plentiful, the pioneers 
did not suffer. 

EARLY ROADS 

Of course at lirst there were no roads of any kind, save the dim 
Indian trails. As settlements increased, however, of course the pioneers 



BISTORT OF M( IIKXUY ( OUNTY 29 

made trails of their own, as convenience <>r preference suggested, and 
in time some of these were developed into well defined roads. In the 
early days all travel was done on horseback or in the wagons of the 
periods. Carriages and buggies were unknown, and it was many years 
after the firsl settlers of McHenry County had Located there before the 
railroads were built. 

KAKI.V MILLS 

The first settlers had to grind their own meal, bul it was nut long 
after the pioneers had assembled before one and then others, erected 
crude horse-mills, and later water ones by means of which a certain 
amount of service could be secured, although the process was tedious 
and the trip a long one Eor si. me who Lived far distant from the nearest 
of these mills. Going to mill was quite a journey in those days, and 
the grain was carried in saddle bags en horseback, and the meal taken 
back in the same way. 

PASTIMES 

It must lint he 1 thought, however, that because there was plenty of 
hard work and hardships, that the pioneers failed to enjoy themselves. 
for they had their dancing and games, their spelling matches ami 
singing schools, their barn and house raisings, their apple-parings and 
quilting bees. Whenever a religious teacher could ho found, there were 

services either in the homes or at the log schoolhouses. and 1 ause of 

their scarcity, these meetings were all the more appreciated. No weather 

was severe enough In keep any of the pioneers away fnuu a " prcach- 
ing." They were kind-hearted, generous and sympathetic, always will- 
in-- to lend a hand or listen to a tale of woe, and the advice given was 
generally sound and, always well meant. The pioneer has passed, but 
his influence lives on in the lives of the community his foresighl and 
persistent hard work established. 

FIRST RECORDED SETTLERS 

James Gillilan came to what is now Algonquin Township in No- 
vember, 1834, bringing his family with him from West Virginia, and he 
was the first to locate here permanently. .Mrs. (iillilan was the tirst 
white woman in .McHenry County. In 18.'!."). two settlements were made 



30 BISTORT OF M< IIKN1IY COUNTY 

in this county, one known as The Virginia Colony, located in wluit is 
now the eastern portion of Dorr Township; and The Pleasanl Gt 
Colony, located on the presenl site of Marengo. Those in the latter 
tlemenl were as follows: Oliver Chatfield, Calvin Spencer, Porter 
Chatfield, Rnssel Diggins, Richard Simpkins and Moody B. Bailey. 
The settlers of the Virginia Colony were as follows: James Duffield, 
Christopher Walkup, Josiah Walkup, William Hartman, John Gibson, 
John McClure and Samuel Gillian, nil of whom came in 1835. 

PREVENTING (I. AIM .11 MP1NG 

Sunn after the organization of McHenry County, immigration set 
in at a wonderful rapid rate. Men came in on foot, on horseback, with 
horse-teams and more with ox-teams. Bui as the government surveyor 
had nut yet made his appearance, each man could only choose prairie 

or timber solely, stake out his ••claim" or plow around it it' he had a 
plow to do with, put up his cabin and consider himself at home. Ae- 
din- to Benry Clay the whole mass formed "a lawless hand of 

Iters." 

The human disposition being the Bame then as qow, it became 
necessary to provide some mode of proving and recording those claims 
as a security against those disposed to "jump." A< rdingly the set- 
tlers formed themselves into an association for mutual protection organ- 
izing a sort of "court of claims." In pursuance of this object the 
territory was divided into "claim districts." 

Each district was then subdivided into subdistricts in each of 
which three commissioners were appointed to record claims and hear 
and determine all contests in that regard. These claims when recorded 
became evidence of title. It does not appear that the claim commis- 
sioners had much to do with what is now McHenry County, hut so well 
did they perform their duty in the Lake precincts that hut Little trouble 
arose and what did. was easily and quietly adjusted. The survey of 
the land comprised in the county proceeded from the Third principal 
meridian eastward reaching the west range 5 in 1838 and finishing Lake 
County four years later when these courts of claims being no longer 
needed, ceased to exist. 

These emigrants were a neighborly set. coming as they sometimes did 
in strings of from six to eighl covered wagons, the inmates of which 
were seeking to better their condition by putting to some use the im- 
mense waste of timber and prairie stretching away on every side as far 



BISTORT OF Mi IIKXKY COUNTY 31 

as the range of human vision. The trouble of choice was increased by 

the extent of inn iccupied. hea lit i fill country, still they enul.l QOt wand.-r 
<>n forever; they must have land, water and timber the last all important 

to them, as the tirst thing to be provided was shelter. The spoi having 
been selected and claim satisfactorily adjusted, they formed themselves 
into a co-operative society for the purpose of housebuilding, putting 

up the tirst house for the one who seemed to them to stand the most in 

need of shelter. Thus all in a short time were provided with surh dwell- 
ings as the materials at hand afforded. 

PIONEER CONDITIONS 

Mills, log schoolhouses and villages soon made their appearance 
and if unlike in thai respeet, to those who in December, L620, left the 
.Mayflower for the bleak coasl of New England, they brought no min- 
ister with them, that necessary element of organized society, was not 
long behind the forerunners of civilization, and preaching in barns, 
school and private houses was done to audiences more attentive, if less 
fashionable than now. These itinerant ministers found beneath every 
"shake" roof a hearty welcome to the table and a no less hearty one to 
the "shakedown" for the night, unless the host provided with that 
rarity in those days, a spare bed. 

The rate of taxation for the early settlers was one percent on the 
following schedule: slaves, or indentured, or registered negroes or 
mulatto servants, stock in trade, horses, mules, asses, and neat cattle 

above three years of age, swine, lumber, and one horse wagons, clocks, 
watches, etc.. hut none was levied on hank or railroad stock, piano or 
silverware. The tax of 1 S:;7 for this county realized $370.8(5. 

Among the curiosities of ancient legislation is a tavern license of 
1837, costing eight dollars. So that the landlord mighl not swindle 
his thirsty customers, the board established the following prices for 
liquors: brandy, rum or gin, pints. 25 cents; wine, 37i/ 2 cents; whisky, 
1 u ' - ; beer or cider the same meals, ;iiy 2 cents; lodgings, 12y 2 cents; 
while a span of horses could chew hay all night for 25 cents. 

old settler's association 

Not until 18G8 was there any successful effort at organizing an old 
settler's or pioneer's society in this part of the state. Indeed it is 
singular that with the class of American-born people who settled this 



32 BISTORT OF M< BENR? COUNTY 

county thai such a society was nol formed long before 1868. And 
thru it was combined with Lake County. The original meeting was 
at Libertyville, Lake County. The committee in charge decided thai 
there should be held in McHenry, Wednesday, September s . 1869, a 
reunion of the old settlers of the two counties. This meeting was held 
and of it the Woodstock Sentinel said the nexl week: "The largest 

assemblage of i pie thai had ever assembled in McHenry County, 

entirely exceeding the must sanguine expectations of its originators, and 

astonishing all presenl by the brilliantly si essful manner in which all 

the arrangements were conceived and carried out. 

"The officers of the meeting wen': William M. Jackson, president; 
II. \. Owen, secretary; J. II. Johnson, marshal, and George Q 
orator. Four hands of music were in attendance. The meeting was 
called tn order and a song, ' Way Out West,' very effectively sung. Hon. 
George Gage delivered an eloquenl oration, treating of the history and 
the pioneer life of the counties of Lake and McHenry. 

•'At ihr end of the oration, the audience partook of two barbecued 
oxen and other lighi refreshments. Toasts were offered and several 

short, witty and at times very pathetic s| Ins were made." 

On Oetoher II. 1875, the pioneers of these two counties held a 
reunion at McHenry. The officers that season were: William A. Mc- 
Connell, president ; Charles II. Bartlett, Nelson Landing and E. Gridley, 
vice-presidents I'm' Lake County; B. (i. Ayer, George <ia'_rr. X. Donnelly, 
vice-presidents for McHenry County. J. II. Johnson was marshal and 
that celebrated Illinois character — Hon. John Went worth. "Long John," 
delivered the address. Several hands of music were present; the crowd 
was large, hut a rain set in and this marred the occasion, 'fee exercises 
closed with a hall at the Riverside Hntel in the evening. 

No regular organization had been effected, however, until .May in. 
187(i. when at a meeting held at McHenry village the old Settlers 
Association of McHenry and Lake counties was organized and adopted 
a constitution. 

The second reunion was held at McHenry. June 14. 1^77. 

The m\t meeting was held dune 13. 1>7S, on the Fair Grounds at 
Woodstock. There were fully 5,000 people present. The reunion was 
opened by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Rev. R. K. Todd offered 
the prayer. The address was by Joel H. Johnson, hut the oration of the 
day was by Hon. John P. Pamsworth. Other speakers were B. W. Ray- 
mond and Judge Morrison of Chicago. Mrs. Margaret Gillian, the first 
white woman who came to this county, was present, and naturally re- 















1^ : 




V 1 








■Kk' ^v 





7a-u^t-6iA. f^wb*^uj(L{j 



UlsTiiUY OF MrllKXKV COUNTY 

ceived much attention. A ball game and an evening danc< nelnded 

the exercises. 

On February L'(i. ls.sii. oflicers were elected Eor the ensuing year and 
the reunion thai season was held at Wauconda. 

On September li. 1883, the reunion was held, at Melleiiry and was 

a grand success. An original poem composed £or the occasion by Peter 
(JotV, of Chicago, was presented but qo1 read on accounl of the time 
being short. 

The ninth annual reunion and picnic of the Association was held 
at Slausscr's Park, Hainesville, August 21, 1884. Hon. L. L. .Mills, 
state's Attorney from Cools County, was the chief speaker. Portions 

of his address, all so full of true sentiment, must here find space for 
they will interest the present-day reader of local history, even as it 
will those yet unborn. While it has been said that "History Repeats 
Itself," this is not true in the instance of pioneer life, for remember there 
is but one set of pioneers or first settlers in any given community, hence 
let us recall the beautiful words of the speaker as they fell from his 
lips on thai hot day in August, thirty-live years ago: 

"Fifty years ago this was a wilderness, without roads, except In- 
dian trails; with forests deep and dark; with prairies of tall grass; with 
only jealous savages to welcome, and a cabin of logs for the home of 
the immigrant. Here, then, came and began this intense history of 
development, the young pioneer. lie had journeyed from the rock- 
bound coast of New England, or neighboring places; his conveyance was 
a rude wagon; his companions, the young wife and prattling babe; 
his weapon of defense, the implement of his industry, the ax with the 
honest blade. 

"Every age has its ty] f maul d; the ancient sculptured beauty 

and the philosopher; the .Middle Ages painted the battles of rival coun- 
tries and placed their heromaking art in the gallery of time. The 
hero of the nineteenth century is the pioneer. He seeks discovery all 
round the world. He is Livingstone in Africa, the Arctic explorer, 
foolish or wise in the enthusiasm of his time, facing the freezing storm 
to find the open sea; above all. he is tin' sturdy youth who cleaves the 
forests, wins lands waiting with fertility, builds towns and cities ami 

creates States. 

"The "Id settlers of Illinois are of the class whose type is the heroism 
of the age. They laid the foundation of the State. Their spirit and toil 

in ven now can know; the Western wilds of half a century ago are 

beyond our horizon; the Indian almost seems like a figure in a romance; 



34 BISTORT? OF M< IIKXKV COUNT? 

i! log cabin is supplanted; the as and the plow arc minor implements 
compared with recenl inventions. The vicissitudes of the pioneer, his 
hardship in foresl and field, his unfailing pluck and s j > i i- i t and his in- 
domitable will and industry arc a heritage for youth and an inspiration 
for the generations hereafter. 

"It is well that we met these pioneers; they teach u< a thousand 
lessons. They were brave enough for Western wilds, persistenl enough 
to make long and wearisome and dangerous journeys through a strange 
land and to a strange destination. They had the breadth of vision to 
know the limitless possibilities of the West, the spit-it to develop them and 
the courage and persistence of success. 

■•From this beautiful place in nature they look abroad today. Every 
eye is clear to see the -rand result- great, wide-spreading farms, with 

homes of comforl ; barns Idled with cattle, and granaries accusl d to 

splendid harvests; the dark woods made beautiful for pastures; the school 
house in every hamlet and the church beckoning the hearts of men to 
higher things. , 

•"The enjoyment of the old settlers is an inspiration to the young. 
By toil and bravery and manly character they won this day and have the 
right to claim its triumph. To us the lesson comes that enterprise is the 
true spirit of the times, bravery the honoring characteristic of the Amer- 
ican, patient industry the foundation of his success, and the school and 
the church the climax of his civilization. In the atmosphere of this cele- 
bration we learn that there is no maxim higher than manhood, no adage 
superior to industry and courage, and no success greater than a emu 
munity composed of men and women who love labor, ereel homes, and in 
law and peace are friends together under the protecting guidance of re- 
ligious sentiments. 

"To Lake and McHenry counties we may say your beginnings were 
made by splendid men. your woods were hewed by their industrious for- 
estry, your fields were tilled and made fallow for the future by their 
toil, your schools and churches were builded by their sentiments. 

"And in all the story of this magnificent growth no fact is a greater 
continuation of the pioneers endeavors than the patriotism of these coun- 
ties. How many hundreds rushed to the defense of the flag in those sad 
days when the nation's life was threatened/ Regiments went forth from 
Lake and McHenry counties, and in them today there is not a graveyard 
where a soldier does not lie. dead from his country's battle. There is 
scarcely a home from Waukegan to the western limits of McHenry county 
that docs not mourn a boy or man who died for his nation. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTS 



35 



"Thus the spirit of the pioneer expressed itself in t lie heart of the 
patriotic son; ami the sentiment of the ax ami plow in the early ad- 
vances of the tirst settlers, to make the state, was proclaimed again by the 
voices ami sustained |>y the stout arms of the farmer hoys who Eoughl for 

and saved the nation." 



PIOXEEK SI. I II KKS OF Ml'llKMiV COCVTV 



From the secretary's book of the 
the subjoined list of names indicates 
with the date of their coming to this 

A. Carmack 1831 

.1. II. Giddings 1832 

Allen Sisson 1833 

.1. \Y. Salisbury 1833 

Richard Gillian 1834 

Adam Musgrove 1834 

P. Diggins 1835 

A. \V. Beardsley ■ 1835 

A II. Ilanley 1836 

Susan Ilanley 1836 

Q ge Gage 1836 

.Mrs. M. P. Gage 1836 

K. A. Beers 1836 

Esther M. Beers 1S36 

Samuel II. Walker 1836 

.Mark Ilieoek 1836 

Mrs. B. II. Ilieoek 1836 

Job Toles 1836 

Samantha Toles 1836 

W. II. Huffman 1836 

.Mary s. Huffman 1836 

Joel II. Johnson 1836 

Alvin .In.ld 1836 

H. D. Judd 1836 

Wm. A. McConneU 1836 

Neil! Donnelly 1838 

John F. Huffman 1838 

E. W. Smith 1838 

E. M. Owen 1838 



Old Settlers' Association in 1884, 
i In- county 'a firs! settlers, together 
county : 

S. T. Eldridge 1838 

C. 0. Parsons 1S38 

.John Snowden 1839 

D. E. Marrows 1839 

T. J. Richards 1839 

Rebecca Howard 1839 

('. Hastings 1839 

(>. W.Owen 1840 

William .Moore 1841 

('. Rhodes 1842 

('. M. Pendleton 1842 

Henry Drake 1843 

I.. M. Woodard 1843 

C. Ii. Brown 1844 

.Martin Metcalf 1844 

Rev. R. K. Todd 1847 

Harriet Owen 1848 

('. Kuhnert 1848 

Win. Ilntson 1849 

Peter Whitney 1849 

John M. Crane 1850 

Russell Diggins 1836 

T. s. Carr 1836 

J. M. Kimball 1837 

J. F. Moore 1837 

W. Whittemore 1837 

Lewis Hatch 1837 

S. S. Chappell 1837 

C. II. Trvon 1837 



■M BISTORT OF M< BENRY COUNTY 

James B. Church 1851 Erastus Richards 1852 

Russell Digging 18">1 Sheldon Colyer 1857 

E B Richards L852 

Of recenl years other matters seem to have crowded in upon the 
minds and actions of the old pioneer band which used to gather annually 
,it these old settlers' gatherings, and no meetings have been held, which 
is a matter of regrel to many. 



CHAPTBB IV 
I, AND TITLES 
Bv George \Y. Lemmers 

ORIGINAL OWNERS PECULIAR INSTANCES — ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS — EARL? 

HEEDS 

ORIGINAL OWNERS 

That the most of the land in McIIenry County was originally taken 
up from the government by speculators, is a statement that can easily 

be verified by the records of the county. Of course there were settlers 
who came here to find homes in obedience to the admonition of Horace 
Greeley, "Go West, young man. go West." but the large majority who 
came were either imbued with the spirit of the adventurer or those who 
saw in this new Eldorado the opportunity to acquire "easy land" at little 
expense. 

PECULIAR INSTANCES 

Again there were others who came to the county and to this then 
virgin wilderness to escape the hand of the law for some trivial mal- 
feasance in their old homes or to <ret away from matrimonial entangle- 
ments that were irksome and unpleasant. An instance of this latter kind 
is found in the case of William Walmsley, who came to McHenry County 
sometime during the year 1845, from the State of New Fork, and who 

purchased from the government and from individuals 600 acres of land. 
said land being that now owned by Helen L. Beach in section '_'!), township 
11. range !) east, in the township of Nunda; that now owned by Louvain 
A. Werden in the same section of the same township; that now owned by 
Gilbert .1. Baillergeon in section •'!_, of the same township; that now 
Owned by John Lenzen in the same section of Burton Township, now 
owned by Delbert A. Whiting and Julius D. Smith in section 16, of 
BIcHenrj Township; and that owned by Frank L. Wattles in section 28 

37 



38 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

of the same township. Walmsley died, April 24, l-7t. having in the 
meantime sold ;ill said land to various persons. During all of the years 
thai Walmsley lived in this county, near the village of McHenry, he 
posed and was accepted as a single man, and no one ever bus] ted any- 
thing to the contrary, not knowing that he had ever 1 n married; but 

September 7. 1874, twenty-nine years after Walmsley's arrival in the 
county, one Harty Walmslej tiled hill- for dower against all of the then 
owners of the land, claiming that she hail married William Walmsley 
November 5, 1828, in the town of Fariiiimj/iou, < >ntario I lounty, X. Y.. and 
that they had lived together several years after such marriage, she mad. 
out such a strong ease thai most of the parties who were sued settled with 
her by paying certain agr 1 sums of money and she gave them quit- 
claim deeds. Two of the parties, however, dragged the eases along 

through court until finally Harty Walmsley. who was then seventy-five 

years old when the rases were filed, passed away, and of course her cause 
for action died with her, as no one could inherit her dower. 

The only oi In]- thing worthy of note, or to which any romance attaches, 
iii regard to McHenry County titles is all set forth in the accompanying 
review of abstract sheets which atl'eet about 1,000 acres of land in Mc- 
Henry County and also in Boone ami Winnebago, jusl over the county 
lines. A word painter might build quite a story around the fact that 
this man. William Taylor, was sent to the country from Scotland to buy 
land and died here after many peculiar experiences. 

The language of the documents left in the recorder's office of Mc- 
Henry County coiieernin'_r this man is so peculiar and so expressive that 

it would he much more interesting to quote it in toto than for the writer 

to attempt to make a story of his own, and we uive it literally a> to spell 
i 1 1 vr. punctuation, capitalization, etc. The first document hares no date of 
execution, hut is a power-of attorney given by David Chalmers, William 

Little.jnhn. (I -ire Veates, Robert Catto, l'eter Williamson. Alex Fouler- 

tun. Alexander Smith, Charles Chalmers, and Nathaniel Fanplhar to one 
Alexander Ferguson to ad as the agent for what was known as the North 
American Investment and Loan Company, of which they were the direc 

tors. Tile said power of attorney reads as follows: 

"Whereas by a certain contract in writing, bearing date the 8th and 
10th of May A. 1). ISMIt. between (parties of the firsl part a- named 
above), and William Taylor, who has since deceased, of the other part, 
it was agreed by and between the said parties. amongSl other thini.'-, as 

follows: 'That the Directors of said company having engaged the said 
William Taylor as Manager of the Company's business in America for 



BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY 39 

the term of five years Erom and after the first day of June aerl in this 
presenl year, the said William Taylor binds and obliges himself to pro- 
ceed to the United States of America and to leave tins country for thai 
purpose on or before the tirst day of June next in this presenl year and 
tn continue in the service of said Company a1 Buch places in North 
America as the Directors may from time to time appoint for the period 
of five full and complete years Erom and after thai date, during 
which said space the said William Taylor hinds and obliges himself 
faithfully and honestly to act in the capacity of Manager aforesaid in 
conducting the business of the Company and in the following Eortfa to the 
best of his ability the whole objects thereof as expressed in this contracl 
of eo-partneiy. declaring thai the said William Taylor shall invest the 
sum of Two Thousand Pounds Sterling in the original Capital Stock of 
the Said stock Company and shall subscribe the contracl of co-partnery 
thereof with all convenient speed, it beinjjc understood that the said 
William Taylor shall he entitled to have stock of the ahove amount as- 
signed to him by the Directors out of the shares reserved by the Contract 
and placed at the disposal of the Directors and this without paying any 
premium upon the same and further declaring that as it is in the mean- 
time intended that the investment of the Company's funds in America 
are to be made in the name of the Managers and Accountant jointly and 
the survivor of them, the said William Taylor hereby hinds and obliges 
himself, his heirs, executors and successors, whomsoever, without preju- 
dice to his engagement as Manager aforesaid for the above mentioned 
period of five years instantly to divest himself of the whole or any part 
of the Company's property when required by the Directors so to do and 
to convey and transfer the same to any person or persons who may be 
appointed by the Directors of the said Company that purpose and to 
that vnd the said William Taylor hereby assigns, transfers, conveys, makes 
over to and in favor of the said Company for the time being the whole 
property of whatsoever description heritable and movable, real and per 
sonal. which he may afterwards acquire in North America as Manager 
aforesaid; and he hereby hinds and obliges himself, and his heirs and 
c\r,-utors to grant all necessary deeds for fully vesting such property 
in the said Directors or in any person they name at any time when 
required by them so to do, and further declaring that the said William 
Taylor in his capacity as Manager aforesaid, shall at all times and under 
all circumstances he bound to conform himself to the instructions of the 
Directors in the conduct of the Company's affairs as the same shall be 
notified to him through the Cashier's Agents of the Company, and further 



111 HISTORY OF MoHENBY COUNTY 

declaring thai the said William Taylor shall be bound with all convenient 
speed upon his arrival in America, to Bell and dispose of any property 
which be may at presenl possess in thai country, and thai be shall not 
be out it If. 1 tn make any fresh investments, or to enter into, or be connected 

with any transaction whatsoever in business in America, either in his 
own name or of any person or persons for his behoof and that all invest- 
ments in America which shall hereafter be made in bis nam.' or in the 

names of any other person or persons for bis behoof, shall lie understood 
and held to have been made with the funds and for behoof of Company. 

And Whereas, the said William Taylor, after tl xeciition and delivery 

of the said Contract in writing, and in the pursuance thereof, did pro- 
ceed to the United States of America and in his capacity as .Manager 
and Agent as aforesaid, and for behoof and on account of said Directors 
and with the funds of said Company, did purchase from the government 
of the United States sundry tracts or parcels of land, situated, lying and 
being in the State of Illinois, and described as follows: (Here follow 
lengthy descriptions of the lands referred to) "And whereas the titles 
to the said several tracts of land were taken by the said William 
Tayhr in his own name and so remain of record, and whereas the said 
William Taylor has since departed this life; therefore this indenture 

made and entered into this day , in the year 18-14, between 

the said (parties of the first part as named above), of the one pari and 
Alexander Ferguson of the other part. Witnesseth that in consideration 
of the premises and for the further consideration of $100.00 to the parties 
of the first pari in hand paid by the parties of the second part, the 
receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, they, the said parties of the 
first part, do by these presents grant, bargain and sell, conform and con- 
vey unto the said party of the second part, all the right, title and interest 
and claim, legral or equitable in possession, remainder or reversion of 
them, the said parties of the first part in and to the several tracts or 
parcels of land above described and every part thereof, except to such 
portion of the same as may have been sold, paid for and conveyed by 
deed to the parties so purchasing by the said William Taylor during his 
lifetime. And they, the said parties of the first part, do by these presents, 
in virtue of the authority vested in them by the Contract aforesaid, 
require and direct the executors, Administrators or Heirs at law of the 
said William Taylor, deceased, to convey to the said Alexander Ferguson 
with all convenient speed, whatever title legal or equitable, they or either 
of them shall have acquired to said lands or any pari of them from said 
William Taylor be devise, descent or otherwise: And to that end. they. 




(ZUf-r^YK. Qo^i^v6^ 



HISTORY OK McHENRY COUNT? 41 

the said parties of the firsl part, do by these presents constitute and 
appoinl tin' said Alexander Ferguson their true and lawful agenl and 
Attorney in fact, to demand, sue for and receive of and from the Adminis- 
trators, Executors, and Heirs or other legal representatives of the said 

William Tayl.u-. deceased. Hereby ratifying and fully confirming whal 
soever shall be lawfully done by the said Alexander Ferguson in the 
premises. In testimony whereof the said parties of the first pari have 
hereto set their hands and affixed their seals at the City of Aberdeen, 
in Scotland, this day of , 1844." 

Following this comes the signatures, but none of them conform to 
the full given names inscribed above, the difference easily being recog- 
nized in D. Chalmers and N'athe Karquhar. This document was acknowl- 
edged December 31, 1844, before Jno. Braihie, Provost and Chief Magis- 
trate of the City of Aberdeen, Kingdom of Great Britain (under official 
seal). • 

Then follows a conveyance by commissioner's deed which indicates 
thai some litgiation followed the strange adventures of William Taylor 
in America and we quote the same as indicating the peculiar processes 
of those early days in Northern Illinois, as well as the peculiar phrase- 
ology that prevailed in those times: 

"Deed recites that, whereas David Chalmers, William Littlejohn, 
George Yeats, Robert Catto, Peter Williamson, Alexander Fonlerton, 
Alexander Smith, Charles Chalmers and Nathan Farquhar, as Directors 
of the Aberdeen North American Investment and Loan Company lately, 
to wit : On the 8th clay of February, in the year 1845, filed their bill of 
Complaint on the Chancery side of the said Circuit Court of Winnebago 
County against Isabella Taylor, George Taylor, William Primrose, 
and Elizabeth Primrose, his wife., George Porter and Elspet, his wife. 
Alexander Ferguson and the unknown heirs and devisees of James 
Duncan, deceased, therein setting forth, among other things, that one 
William Taylor, late of the City of St Louis, deceased, did in his life- 
time, as the agent of the Complainant in said Bill of Complaint named, 
with the money and for the benefit of themselves and the said Company, 
but in his own name, purchase all the tracts and parcels of land herein- 
after mentioned and described : That after the purchase of the said 
land as aforesaid, the said William Taylor died seized of the legal title 
of said land, but as Trustee for the said Complainant as Directors of said 
Company, as in said Bill mentioned, leaving as his heirs at law Isabella 
Taylor. George Taylor, Elizabeth Primrose, wife of William Primrose, 
Elspel Porter, wife of George Porter; that said William Taylor in his 



12 HISTORY OF M« HENRY COUNTY 

life time by bis last Will and Testament, devised all liis real estate to 
Alexander Ferguson aforesaid and to James Duncan, now deceased, but 
thru i E the City of New Orleans, in said State of Louisiana; thai after 
the admission of s;i id Will to Probate the said James Duncan bad « 1 i <-• 1 
and that the names "I" his heirs and devisees were unknown to Baid Com- 
plainants; thai the Baid Complainants also therein praying that the said 

Court of Chancery would deci the said Isabella Taylor, Oeogre Taylor, 

William Primrose and Elizabeth, his wife; George Porter and Elspet, 
his wife; Alexander Ferguson and the unknown Heirs and Devisees of 
.lame- Duncan, deceased, thai each and every of them to convey and 
release by Deed the said several tracts <>f land to Alexander Ferguson, 
or to such other person or persons as the said Complainants might at 
the time of making such decree designate in trust for the said Com- 
plainants as the Directors of the said Aberdeen North American In 
ment and Lean Company, and for such other and further relief a- the 
nature of the ease might require and should be agreeable to equity as in 
and by said Bill of Complaint filed with the clerk of said Court, on the 
Chancery side thereof, afterwards to-wit: On the 21st day of April at 
the April term of said Court in the said year Is-i."), such proceedings 
were had that the said Court by its Decree in that behalf made, fully 
established the said trusts in the said William Taylor in his life time 
and after his death in the said Isabella Taylor. George Taylor. William 
Primrose and Elizabeth, his wife. George, Porter and Elspet, his wife, 

and the unknown Heirs and Devisees of James Duncan, d ased, by 

the "24th of April, aforesaid, by good and sufficient Deeds of Conveyance, 
to convey and release to the said Alexander Ferguson, in Trust for the 
said Complainants in said Bill named, all the right, title, interest, claim 
or estate which they or any of them might have had in or to the here- 
inafter mentioned and described tract of land as they were in and by 

said Decree required to do; and whereas, in [sequence of said neglect 

the said party of the first pari hereto, was afterwards, to-wit: On the 
26th day of the month of April, liy a further order and decree of said 
Courl in that behalf and in pursuance of the Statute in eases made and 

provided, appointed a Special Commissioner to make, seal and execute 
for and in behalf of the said Isabella Taylor, William Primrose, and 
Elizabeth, his wife. George Porter and Elspet, bis wife, and tin' tin- 
known Heirs and Devisees of the said -lames Duncan, deceased, all 
such releases and conveyances as might be necessary to comply with 
said Decree, and to vest in the said Alexander Ferguson, all the 
right, title and interest, or estate of the said Isabella Taylor. Wil- 



HISTORY OF .MrllKXKV COUNTY 4:; 

Ham Primrose and Elizabeth, his wife, George Porter and Elspet, his 
wife, and the unknown heirs and devisees of said James Duncan, de- 
ceased, or which they or either of them had or mighl have had to or in 
sanl hereinafter mentioned and described tracts and parcels of land as 
by the said Decrees remaining of record in the Office of the Clerk of 
said Court, reference being thereto had, will mure fully and at large 
appear. 

"Now, therefore, the said party of the first part, by virtue of the 
power and authority granted and given to him by the said Decrees of 
said Court as above mentioned, in pursuance of the Statute in such eases 
provided, and in behalf of said Isabella Taylor, George Taylor, William 
Primrose and Elizabeth, his wife, George, Porter and Elspet, his wife, 

and the unknown heirs and devisees of the said .lames Duncan, deceased, 

and I'm- and in consideration of the sum of $1.00 to him in hand paid by 
the said party, granted, hath bargained sold, alien, release and convey 
unto the said party, to him, and to his heirs and assigns, forever, all 

tle.se several tracts and parcels of land in said Bill of Complaint and in 
said Decree particularly mentioned and described, which are known, 
designated and described as follows:" (Here follows description of the 
following additional.) 

"And also all the estate, right, title, interest, trust, property, claims 
and demands whatsoever, both at law and at equity in any manner what- 
soever accruing of the said Isabella Taylor, George Taylor, William 
Primrose, Elizabeth, his wife, George Porter ami Elspet, his wife, and 

the unknown Heirs and Devisees of .lames Duncan, aforesaid deceased. 
and of each and every of them, of, in and to, or out of said lands, prem- 
ises, and hereditaments and every part and parcel thereof. Provided, 
however, upon the Trusts by the above mentioned Decree in the said 
party of the second part, fully established and declared in favor of and 
for the benefit of the aforesaid David Chalmers. William Littlejohn, 
George Yates. Robert Catto, Peter Williamson, Alexander Smith, Charles 
Chalmers, Nathaniel Parquhar and Alexander Ponlerton as Directors of 
the aforesaid Aberdeen North American Investment and Loan Company 
and upon such trusts as they shall from time to time direct and appoint." 
from the above it can be seen thai there is abundant reason for the 
numerous bills in chancery and bills to clear titles that thrice a year 
burden the columns of the newspapers of McHenry County and crowd 
the docket of the Circuit Court. 



I EAPTEB \' 

ORGANIZATION A\l) GOVERNMENT 

B\ William Dlsmond 

BOUNDARIES ORIGIN OF NAMi: ANNEXATION TROUBLES HISTORIC rfn \ 
TION ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTS SELECTION <>F COUNT"? SLAT — 
POP1 LATION — FIRST ELECTION ROAD DISTRICTS PRECINCTS — PRE( I 
REFORMED TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION- REMOVAL OF COUNTY SEAT — 
FIRST COURTHOUSE — SECOND COl RTHOl SB PRESENT COURTHOUSE — PRES- 
ENT JAIL — POOR FARM— COINTY JUDGES — SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 
SHERIFFS— COUNTS TREASURERS — COUNTS CLERKS — CIRCUIT Ml RES 
AND RECORDERS — CORONERS — SURVEYORS — SUPERINTENDEN1 - OF POOH — 
STATES ATTORNEYS — COUNTS COMMISSIONERS— BOARD OF si PERVISORS — 
NEW ASSESSMENT LAW. 

BOUNDARIES 

McHenry Comity is the second from the eastern line of the State; 
it is bounded on the north by Wisconsin; on the east by Lake County; 
on the south by Cook, DeKalb and Kane counties; and on the west by 

I'xione County. It contains seventeen civil townships, the total of which 
is 620 square miles. 

ORIGIN OF NAME 

McHenry County was named in honor of Colonel William McHenry, 
who commanded a regiment during the Black Hawk War. marching 
through the territory now comprising the county that hears his name. 
to join Genera] Atkinson at Ft. Atkinson. Wis. This territory once 
belonged to the (ireat Xort Invest Territory, established in 17S7, and 
while Wisconsin was yet a territory itself, what is now .McHenry County, 

with thirteen other Illinois counties, desired to become a part of Wis- 
consin. The account of this affair will be given, before taking up the 
real county organization ami government questions. 

44 



11ISTOKY OF .MrllKXKY COUNT'S 45 

\\M.x \Tiu\ ti;ui BLES 

For more than a dozen years before Wisconsin was admitted into 
the Union of States, many of the citizens and tax-payers living in the 
northern pari of niinois desired to be annexed to Wisconsin, it really 
amounted to a movement of secession. In Eacl this feeling bad existed 

many years back even to the date of Illinois being admitted into the 

Union in 1818. The storj of this struggle forms oi E the must interesl 

Lng stories connected with the Commonwealth. The final adjustment 
is a perpetual witness to the prophetic genius of Nathaniel Pope, the 
territorial representative of Illinois in Congress. Iii the lighl of subse 

qui nl bistory it was nothing less than genuis that enabled this man 

alone, and unchallenged to add fifty miles to the northern boundary of 
Illinois, and thus make her with her commercial metropolis on the lake- 
front the keystone of the magnificenl arch of greal western states. As 
a statesman and patriot Nathaniel Pope is worthy to be placed at the 
head of the illustrious column which includes Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, 
Y"ates and Logan. 

This movement was widespead and the feeling at times was in 

tense, and even hitter. The war cry of "til'ty-t'our forty or fight" did 
not more thoroughly arouse the enthusiastic' democracy over the Oregon 
boundary line than did this inter state controversy and kindle the sec- 
tional prejudices of the settlers in the disputed territory. The village 
of Rockford played quite a prominent part in this struggle and its in- 
fluence was fell as far east as McIIenry County, as now described. 
"There was broughl to light in this city a Eew years ago a copy of the 
official proceedings of a mass-meeting held in Rockford July 6, 1840. 
This convention was composed of delegates from the northern fourteen 
counties of the state. Its purpose was secession from Illinois and an- 
nexation to the proposed new State of Wisconsin. History has never 
fully explained the causes of this movement. Tradition alone has 
interpreted its true animus. The apparent motive was a restoration 
of the boundary line as originally established between the two states 
tliat might be formed of the territory north of an east and west line 
running through the southern bend of Lake Michigan. This line, it 
was claimed, had been arbitrarily and unfairly extended fifty miles north 
when Illinois became a State." (Winnebago County History of IsSl.i 
The real reasons for this movement were two. First, the settlers in 
tin' northern and southern portions of the state had little or no interest 
in i imoii. The northern portion was settled mostly by people from 



16 BISTORT? OF M( HENRY COl NTY 

New England and New York. They were industrious, thrifty and pro- 

■ hi'. They built low us < j 1 1 1 1 cities as it' by magic. The Bouthern 

pari of Illinois was settled by emigrants from the slave-holding states. 

They were generally poor, as the well-to-do people did nol emigrate in 

those clays in our country's history. This class of poor i pie came 

to southern Illinois from slave-holding states to escape the limitations 
of their Eormer poverty. Between the i pie of the southern and north- 
ern portions of the state was a greal gulf fixed. Each misunderstood 
the other. The Illinois and Michigan canal was opposed bj the people 
of south, 'i-ii [llinois Eor Eear Li would Hood the state with Yankees. This 
conflid of interesl and opinion was a continuation of the struggle 
tween the civilization of Plymouth and Jamestown. The Puritan and 
the class distinctions of the cavalier had entered the western arena, 
where a few years later Lincoln and Douglas fought the historic battle 
nf t In' century. 

The second reason for this sectional divorcemenl was the desire of 
the northern people 1" escape the burden of the enormous state debl winch 
had been created by the gigantic scheme of internal improvements. In 
1840 during Governor Carlin's administration, the total debt of this 

state was $14,666,562.42. The treasury was bankrupt; the revenue was 

insufficient; the | pie were unable to pay high taxes and the state had 

borrowed itself out of a good credit. The state never repudiated its 
debt, but simply could not pay it at that time. Again, the state had 
little to show for its vast expenditures. Southern Illinois dominated 

the state, and the people in the sparsely settled northern counties were 
not responsible for the creation of so greal a -tat.' debt hence naturally 
rebelled, and wished to be annexed to Wisconsin, where taxes were not 

nearly so greal a burden. 

BISTORIC SITUATION 

In order to fully understand the position at the date of the Rockford 
Convention in 1840, it is best to briefly refer to the Ordinance of the 
Northwest Territory, as adopted in 17s7. This ordinance provided Eor 
the division of this vast area for territorial purposes, which of course 
had no direct reference to present matters. It provided that not more 
than two states should bi> formed from the territory north of an easl 
and west line running through the southerly bend of Lake Michigan. 

The public record shows that in 1818 Illinois Territory petitioned 
Congress for admission into the Union on an equality with the original 



HISTORY OP Mi IIKXUY COUNTY 47 

states. The petition defined the northern boundary of the state in 
accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance of 1787. When the 

petiti ame before Congress, Mr. Pope was instructed by the i 

mittee to reporl a I > i 1 1 in pursuance of the petition. Before the bill 
became a law it was amended by the extension of the boundary line 
from the southerly bend of Lake Michigan to 42 degrees ami :;n min- 
utes. Thus was added to Illinois a territory fifty miles from north to 
south, which now includes the northern fourteen counties of the State 
of Illinois. These radical changes were proposed ami carried through 
both houses of Congress by .Mr. Pope, entirely on his own persona] 
responsibility. The territorial legislature had not even petitioned for 
them, hut the greal ami Lasting advantage was so apparenl that the 
action of .Mr. Pope received the unqualified endorsement of the people. 

When Wisconsin began to aspire to -tatehood, it was upon the lan- 
guage of the Ordinance of 1718, above quoted, which was declared a 
compact to remain in force forever unalterable, that our northern neigh- 
bor based her claim to the territory north of the original line. This 

quest] f boundary became an issue in local politics, and it was not 

until 1848, when Wisconsin became a state, that all the hope of the 
rest, nation of the original line was abandoned. 

Let it he remembered that had it not been for Nathaniel Pope, 
Congressman, succeeding in getting the boundary line, as given in the 
old Ordinance of 17S7. changed to take in these fourteen northern coun- 
ties of Illinois, this volume would necessarily be for a county within 
the State of Wisconsin. 

As has been well said by another historic writer: "The beneficent 
results arising from the policy of Nathaniel Pope and the failure of the 
separatists are incalculable. No reflections are cast upon those who 
desired separation. They acted from worthy motives, hut they failed 
to foiis,.,' the future. Time has shown their error to have been that of 
judgment rather than of heart. The people of Wisconsin, however, 
never fully became reconciled to the situation. From the standpoint 
of state pride, it may be said that in the collapse of the movement was 
the magnificenl city of Chicago, the 'Queen of the north ami west,' 
saved to Illinois. The most wealthy and populous, as well as progressive, 
counties were preserved to our own beloved Commonwealth, which has 
become the pride of the nation." 

Again, -Mr. Pope saw that none of the states in the West could ven- 
ture a dissolution of the Union without the assistance of a state which 



I- BISTOKS OF M< IILMJY COUNT? 

nature had plai d should be large and powerful. Nathaniel Pope was 

indeed a constructive statesman. 

ORGANIZATION OP THE COl NTY 

On January 16, 1836, the county of McHenry was separated by 
Art of Legislature Erom whal was then known as Cook County, includ- 
ing the present count] of Cook and the counties of Lake, DuPage, Mc- 
Benry and Will. The acl creating tl ounty read as follows: 

"Be it enacted, thai all that tract of country within the following 
boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point on Lake Michigan where the 
township line dividing townships I- and 13 strikes said lake and run- 
ning thence wesl along said line to the east line of range number 4, 
east of the third principal meridian, thence north to the boundary line 
iif the state thence east to Lake Michigan, thence east along the shore 
of said lake td place of beginning, shall constitute a new county to be 
called McHenry." The population according to the census of 1920 is 
33,164. 

SEI ECTION OF COUNTY SEAT 

The Legislature selected as a commission to locate a county seat 
the new county, M. L. Coville, of McLean County; Peter Cohen, of 
Will County; and Daniel Dunham, of Kane County. The locat 
suggested were Libertyville, Half Day. McHenry, Crystal Lake and 

Port Bill. After taking into du nsideration the advantages of each 

settlement suggested, the commissioners decided, May in. 1837, upon 
McHenry as being the best suited for the seat of justice as it was near 
the geographical center of the county, as then constituted, containing 
thirty congressional townships. 

PIRS1 ELECTION 

On Juno 1, 1837, McHenry County held it- firsl election, at the 
house of Biram Eennecott, near Balf Day. which is now in the presenl 
County of Lake. As a resull of the election, Charles II. Bartlett, Mat- 
thias Mason. Solomon Norton were elected county commissioners; Benry 

11. Steele, sherit]'; Michael ( '. McCllire. coroner; Set h Washliiini, re- 
cor.lor; and Charles E. M v. surveyor. 




/ 

■ 




I V $iu^/tz^X- 



lllsTiiuv OF M< HENRi" COUNT'S 49 

ROAD DISTRICTS 

The county was firsl divided into whal were railed Road Districts, 
this division being effected June 10, l s :i7. and as follows: Oak Pn 
cinct, which was ihat pari of the Lake road commencing a1 line of Mc- 
Eenry County and extending to the aorth line of Oak Precinct; thai 
part of the Lake road commencing at the aorth line of Oak Precincl and 
extending to the aorth line of BIcHenry County; thai pari of the road 
in Oak Precincl west of the aorth branch of the Chicago River, com 
mencing on the south line of said county, and extending to the north line 
of Oak Precinct; thai pari of the Desplaines road leading from Chicago 
to .Milwaukee, commencing at the smith boundary line of said county, 
and extending to the aorth line of Ferry Euhbard's claim; that pari 

ill' the Desplaines road eoi ncing al the north side of Ferry Hubbard's 

claim and extending to the north side of Wynkoop's claim; thai pan 

of the Desplaines road commencing at the north end of Wynkoop's claim, 
and extending north to where said river crosses the Desplaines road; 
the road commencing near Washburn's on Indian Creek, and extending 
west to Bang's Lake; and Fox Precinct. 

PRECINCTS 

A further division was made in September. 1837, when the Com- 
missioners' Court ordered. "That that tract of the country — viz.: fol- 
lowing the smith line of said county a distance of twelve miles; thence 
north twelve miles, thence east to a point two miles east of Fox River, 
thence south for two miles from the river to the place of beginning — 
shall constitute a general precinct and magistrate's district *to be called 
Virginia Precinct and .Magistrate's District." 

On June 1, 1840, "all that part of Virginia Precincl lying north 
of the north line of township 43, east of Fox River, was attached to 
BIcHenry Precinct." 

BIcHenry Precinct, which was set aside on September 4, 1837, origi- 
nally had the following boundaries, according to the following order: 
"That the following tract of country — viz.: Commencing at a point 
two miles east of Fox River, thence west following the aorth line of 
the Virginia Precinct twelve miles, thence north to the state line to a 
point two miles of Fox River, thence south following said river to place 

of beginning — shall constitute a general precinct and magistrate's dis- 
trict to be called McIIenry Precinct and Magistrate's District." 



:.() II 1ST. MI Y OF M< 1 1 KXUV COUNTY 

Nipersink Precinct, ordered on the Bame date was the third pre- 
cinct. The order separating it. read as follows: "Thai the following 
trad of country, viz.: Commencing on the north corner of McHenry 
Precincl on the state line, thence south following the west lim 
McHenrj Precincl to the southwest corner, thence west to the county 
line, thence north to the State line, thence east along said state line 
to the place of beginning shall constitute a general precincl and magis- 
trate's district, t<> be called Nipersink Precincl and Magistrate's Dis- 
trict." 

Under the same date, "Ordered by the court, thai the following 
trad of country-viz. : Commencing at the southwest corner of Virginia 
Precinct, thence west following the south line of said county <>f 
McHenry to the wesl line of said county, thence north following said 
county to the southwest corner of Nipersink Precinct, thence east to 
the northwest corner of Virginia Precinct, thence south to the county 
line to the place of beginning shall constitute a genera] precincl and 
magistrate '8 district to be called the Kishwaukee Precinct and Magis- 
trate's District." 

On October •">, 1840, the Commissioners' Court ordered, That a 
new precincl be formed from McHenry Precinct, embracing township 
16, raiiL't 1 7. township 4(i. range S, and that part of township 46, range 
!>, which belongs to McHenry County shall be known and designated 
as and by the name of Independence Precinct." 

PRECINCTS REFORMED 

With the influx of settlers, came a necessity for a change in the 
boundaries of the precincts, and on .March 1. 1841, the commissioners' 

Court ordered the following reforms: 

"Independence Precincl contains township 16, range 7. township it;. 

range 8, and the west half of township 4(i. range 9. 

"Nipersink Precinct contains range 6, township 46, and range 5, 
township 46. 

"Eagle Precinct contains township 45, range 5 and two miles off 
from Hie north part of township h, range 5." 

"Hartland Precincl contains township 4.">. range 6, and the wesl half 
of township 1."). range 7; the north half of township 44. range ti. and 
sections 4, .">, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, and is of township 44. range 7." 

"McHenry Precinct contains the east half of township 4.">. range 7; 
township 4."i. range s ; west half of township 4.">, range !'. and all that 



HISTORY OF McIIEXKY COFNTY 5] 

pari of township 11. range 9, which formerly belonged to Virginia Pre 
cinct lying on the oast side of Pox River." 

■• Virginia Precincl contains township l 1. range 8, sections 1. 2, •'!. 10, 
11. 12, 13, 14. l.">. ami also ilic south half of township II. all being 
in t"\\ nviii|i 14. range 7 ; ami township 4:!. range 7 \ township 43, range 8; 
the west half of township 43, range !'. 

"Kishwaukee Precincl contains the south half of township II. range 
(i. ami sections 13, II. 1-"-. Hi. 17, IS, 111, •_'(), 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, '27, 
28, '-'■'. 30, 31, 32, :i:i. 34, 35, 36, of township 44, range •"> ; township 43, 
range ■">. and township 43, range <>." 

On .March 29, 1841, the Commissioners' Court ordered "Thai town- 
ship 45, range 5, ho annexed ami hereafter form a part of Nepersinh 
Precinct; ami that pari of township ll. range ■">. which heretofore be- 
longed to Eagle Precinct ho attached to Kishwaukee Precinct; ami that 
Eagle Precinct I formed at the .March term of said eourl I he ami is here- 
by extinguished from the list of precincts in McHenry County; and that 
the place for holding elections in Nipersini Precinct he held at the 
schoolhouse neat Jason X. Jerome's, in said precinct; and that Joseph 
Mctcalf, Nathaniel Smith, and Welhy I")i«r«rins, he appointed judges of 
election in said precinct." 

Another precinct was added on March (i, 184:i, by an order that pro- 
vided, "That the petition of divers citizens of Independence Precinct 
be granted) that the precinct heretofore known as Independence Pre 
cinct i he divided) and that a new precinct be formed with the boun- 
daries as follows, to-wit : To consist of the whole of township 4(i, range 
'K and four miles off from the side of township 4(i, range S cast of the 
third principal meridian. That this precinct lie known and styled as 
Wentworth." 

On December •">. lsl.'l, the Commissioners' Court ordered, "That a new 
precinct be formed off from the southeast corner of Virginia with boun- 
daries as follows, viz : " ( 'ommencing at the southeast corner of McHenry 
County, running north to the line between McHenry and Lake counties 
to the northeast corner of section 5, on the south line of township II, 
range 9; thence west six miles to the northwest corner of section 4, town- 
ship 13, range 8; thence south to the Kane County line; thence east to 
the place of beginning. Said precinct shall be known by the name of 
Fox Precinct." 

In June, 1844, the boundaries of Fox Precinct were changed as fol- 
lows: "Commencing at the northeast corner of section 4, running thence 
south to the southeast corner of section Hi, thence west one mile, thence 



LIBRARY 
UKiVERSITY Of K 



52 BISTORT OF Mi IIKNUY COUNTY 

south in the countj line." Under the same date, ii waa ordered, "That 
the lines of the Fox Preeinel be changed bo as to commence al the south- 
west corner of section 9, in township t::. north, range 8 easl on the \ 
line of Pox Preeinel ; thence easl on the south side of sections 9, 10, etc., 
nil it reaches the county line." 

On June 2, 1M">. the Commis Courl ordered, "Thai a new 

preeinel be formed Erom Nipersink Preeinel with the boundaries as Eol 
lows: Including townships 45 and 46 north, of range 5 easl of the third 
principal meridian, and thai said preeinel be called Byron." 

Another preeinel was Formed on the same date, under the following 
order, "Thai a new preeinel be formed Erom the remainder of Niper- 
sink Precinct, consisting of township 46 north, range 6 east, and thai 
said preeinel be called AJden. 

on June 3, 1845, the Commissioners' Courl ordered, "That township 
16 mirth, range 7 east, and the north half of township 44 north, range 

7 east, constitute a new precinct, and thai said preeinel l" 1 called W I 

stock." 

During the June term of the Commissioners' Courl in 1846, Virginia 

Preeinel was given another name, under this order, "Thai the plai i 

holding i lections in Virginia Precinct be at the house of Benry M. Wait 
and s. King in said precinct, and thai the name id' said preeinel be 
changed to 1 'ass." 

On March 2, 1847, the following order was given: "On the petition 
of Paschal Stowell and others. Kishwaukee Preeinel was divided, and 
township 1+ north, range t> east, was constituted a preeinel to be known 
as Franklin." 

On March _. 1847, a second order is filed, towit: Denying petition 
of Ellison I). Marsh and others for the formation of a new preeinel to 
be known as ( Joral Precinct. 

On Dri-cnilin- 7. 1847, the Commissioners' Courl ordered, "Thai the 
petition nf divers citizens residing north of the center line in township 
44 north, range 8 cast of the third principal meridian and wesl of Fox 
River, asking to have thai pari of said township ahove described annexed 
to McBenry Preeinel be accepted." 

The Commissioners' Courl ordered under date of June 7. 1848, "Thai 
township 4li north, range 5 oast, be, and is herehy, constituted an election 
preeinel by the name of Chemung." 

On June 7. 1848, the Commissioners' Court ordered, "That township 

13 north, range 7 east, and the south half of township 44 north, ran'-:'- 



BISTORT OF MdlKXKY COUNTY 53 

7 east, l»'. and is hereby, constituted an election precincl under the name 
of Grafton Precinct." 

Acting on the petition of John Purdy and others, on September 5, 
1849, Independence Precincl was divided, and the western third of town- 
ship 16, range s . taken Erom Independence and attached to Cishwaukee 
Precinct. 



TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION 

On November 6, 1849, ;it a general election, the people of McHenry 
Countj vi ted 1,943 in favor of township organization, and the Commis- 
sioners' Court therefore ordered, "Thai Carlisle Hastings, Phineas W. 
Platl and Frederick W. Smith, be, and arc hereby, appointed commis- 
sioners to divide the county of McHenry into towns or townships, as is 
provided by the 5th section of the 1st article of the acl to provide for 
township and county organization. Approved Feb. 12, 1849." 

The results of the commissioners in dividing the county into town- 
ships are as follows: Benton, Richmond, Hebron. Alden, Chemung, 
Bryon, Hartland, Greenwood, .McHenry, Brooklyn, Center, Seneca. 
Marengo, Riley, Coral, Grafton, and Algonquin. During 1850, the name 
of Brooklyn was changed to Nunda, Byron to Dunham, Center to Dorr, 
and Benton to Burton. From 1850 to the present date, the affairs of the 
various townships, so far as county government has been concerned, have 
been in capable, honest hands, for only such have been elected to I lie 
board of county supervisors. A list of all members appears at the close 
of this chapter. 

REMOVAL OF COUNTY SEAT 

A review of the records of almost any county will show that at some 
time in its history, agitation has arisen over the location of the county 
seat. Frequently, as in the case of McHenry, changes in the original 

boundary lines, makes the first choice undesirable because of its location. 

When .McHenry was selected by th mmissioners. as before stated, it 

was the <:eo<:raphical center of the new county, but when Lake County 
took all of the country east of the section line running north and south 
three miles east of Fox River at McHenry; in other words, two thirds of 
range 9 east, together with all lyinf: cast of the line mentioned. McHenry 
was no longer the center of the countv. and dissatisfaction arose with it as 



54 BISTORT OF Mi IIKNIJY COUNTY 

the seal of justice. • Tin- objection was hh.it felt in the early days than 
it would be al this day, for then the settlers were so dependenl upon 
more primitive methods of travel. A few miles one way or the other 
made a vast difference to the "iirs who were forced to struggle, al 
tain periods of the year, through the mud and swollen streams, and for 
this reason, it' for no other, an effort was made to selecl a point equally 
distant from all the boundaries, ;it which to locate the county buildings. 
Petitions were Bent to the Legislature for the removal of the county 
seat from McHenry, now in the eastern part of the county, and an act 
was passed, and approved, Februarj 6, L843, authorizing the taking 
of a vote upon the subject. Crystal Lake. Walkup's Corners, four miles 

east of W Istock, and Centerville, now Woodstock, were the candidates 

for the seat of justice. Centerville was chosen, it being the southeast 
quarter of the southwest quarter of section .">. township 44, range 7. east 
of tlie third principal meridian upon which the new courthouse was to be 
erected. This selection was ratified by the election held September 1, 
1843. (>n an-., nut of trouble that Alvin Judd had in proving up his 
claim In the land required for the scat of justice, owing to the fad that 
he did not reside upon the above described land in June 1843, nor upon 

it until the fall of that year, the matter had to lie finally settled by a. 

special act of Congress, legalizing Judd's claim. On I>< mber 2, ls|t. 

the County Commissioners' Courl met for the firsl time at Centerville. 

The name Centerville not eting with the approval of the majority of 

the people of McHenry County, an appeal was made to the Legislature by 
Joel II. Johnson and others to change the name t > . Woodstock, after 
W Istock, Vermont, the old home of .Mr. Johnson and some of hi- fel- 
low citizens, and this was done by special act under date of February, 
L845. 'I'M- name has since been retained. 

In Is.",.",, another movement was inaugurated to change the location 
of the county scat to Algonquin Township, within one mile of the junc- 
tion of crossing of the Illinois and Wisconsin and Pox Valley rail- 
roads, and between that point and Crystal Lake in -aid town. The ques- 
tion was put to the people at a general election in April, with the result 
that the rote stood: for removal, 1,048; against removal, 2,095. 

FIRST mi BTHOl 

The first courthouse of th unty was buill at McHenry, th ntract 

being let to William II. Beach, and was occupied for the first time by the 

Commissioners' Court on August •">. 1840. Several contracts had 1 u let 



BISTORT OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

by tlic county, and canceled prior to the completion of this building, but 
there appears to be no definite description of it. As a new building for 
it ;hkI also for the housing of the prisoners, was soon deemed necessary, 
it doubtless was riol a very imposing structure. Had it been very valu- 
able, the public building would have hern moved to Centerville. 

-I l OND COURTHOUSE 

George C. Dean and Daniel Blair erected the second courthouse, 
which was accepted on September -1. 1844, for said county, and all 

documents of the county were ordered removed to it. This second court- 
hiiiisc was a plain. two-Story frame building, which Stood nearly in the 

center of the public square at \V Istock. The land on which it stood, 

comprising the public square, was conveyed to the county commissioners 

and their successors in office for the use of tin uuty by George C. Dean 

on September 2, 1844. Owing to the fact that the new courthouse was 
utterly inadequate for the needs of the county, an additional building was 
erected for the use of the county officers, and it was familiarly known as 
the "Rat Hole." This name was applied to it after it losl the tin roof 
with which it was covered. This roof was blown oil' in a heavy wind 
Storm, Leaving tin' officials exposed to the inclemency of the weather. As 
they hurried out, a wag exclaimed, "See the rats crawl out of their 
holes." The name stuck as Long as the building stood, although sold 
by the county on February 25, 1856, to Lindsay Joslyn for $72:5. 

PRESENT COURTHOUSE 

As can be easily seen, this county was too important a section of the 
state to remain long without proper housing of its officials, and on May 
21, IS.").'!, the board of supervisors authorized an inquiry into the probable 
cost of the erection of a proper courthouse and jail, appointing as a 
committee, C. M. Willard, A. Judd, II. T. Rice, Ira Slocumb and Daniel 
Stewart. Nothing definite was accomplished until September It. 1854, 
when the committee reported to the board in favor of securing the pas- 
sage of an act authorizing the board to levy a special tax on the assess- 
ment of the county during 1855, for the purpose of erecting a suitable 
courthouse, and such law was passed at the next session of the Legis- 
lature. 

On May .'!(). 1855, Neil Donnelly. ('. M. Goodsell and A. D. Coon 
were appointed as a special committee on securing plans and specifi- 



5G BISTORT OF M< HKXIJV COUNTY 

cations for the erection of a joint courthouse and jail. A -i i;il tax 

dt' two mills was levied, and the ground owned by Mary McMahon and 
occupied by Hill's Tavern was broughl by tin' people of Woodstock and 
donated t" the county, and the county turned over t" the town of Wood- 
stock tlir old courthouse to !"■ used for town purposes. It was later 
destroj <'<! by tin 1 . 

Attn- some changes in plans, scaled proposals were received until 
January 21, 1856, for the buildings, to be completed by October 1. 
1857. Messrs. Donnelly, Kasson and Qoodsel] were the members of the 
building committee. George Eebard and Son, of Marengo, received tin' 
.•outran for the brick, stone mason, plasterer and stone cutter work, 
their price being $18,000. Russell C. Mix and .lames A. Hind-, of 
Aurora, received the contract for the carpenter, joiner, glazier and iron 

Work, their hid also being $18,000. The entire cost of the third court- 
house was about $17.0(10. and the buildinu was completed on time. 

The third courthouse is in reality the one still in us.'. However, when 

ever it appeared to,, small to accommodate the ds of the county officers 

and the many public records, the county board of supervisors has pro- 
vided additions in either direction, which has given plenty of vault room 
and more adequate quarters for the convenience of the .judges and court 
same quality of material and stone trimmings, as well as roofiing, have 
been so added that the style of architecture has been kepi intact. It is a 
red brick structure. 

.TAILS 

Until the present jail was erected. .McIIenry provided for the in- 
carceration of its prisoners within its several eourthouses, and the barred 
windows in the basement of the present courthouse show that at one 
time the cells within were used to confine those who had offended against 
the law. Living quarters were also set aside in the courthouse for the 
sheriff, but with the expansion of the county's business it was found in- 
expedient to continue these practices anil the present jail and sheriff's 
residence uas erected adjoining the courthouse, in 1887, at a cost of *17.- 
000. It was erected under the supervision of R. J. Reck, a member of the 
board of supervisors, who had been appointed on the building committee. 
As the property now stands it has increased very considerably in value 
owing to the numerous improvements and the increase in building COStfi. 
New steelwork for the cases was put in about I'M:;, and other changes 
have been made as needed. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 57 

POOH FA KM 

I'mil L884, the county was withoul a poor farm, although i1 cared for 
its paupers from the earliest days. As early as L859, an Act of Legia 
lature was secured authorizing this county to set apart the accessary 

funds to purchase at leasl one hundred acres of land and erect the -es- 

sary buildings, bul the measure was defeated when pul before the people. 
Dp to the securing of a farm, each township cared for its own unfortu 
Date poor under a special act approved February LO, L853. 

In 1884 the hoard of county supervisors voted $25. 000 for the pur 
pose of buying the land and erecting buildings, the money to be pro 
vided by the issuance of five per cenl bonds. A committee was appointed 
to select a farm suitable, comprised sufficient acreage to care for the 
pauper element. The farm of 113 acres was finally purchased for $6,000 
from .1. ('. Allen, and is near Kishwaukee, in Ilartland Township. 

Proper buildings were erected on the farm and there the poor of the 
county have been eared for under a superintendent ever since. During 
the spring of 1919, the supervisors appropriated $9,000 for the building 
of a more roomy and modern residence on the poor farm. The contract 
was let June 9 to Andrew Lindquist of Marengo, with other contractors 
for special portions of the work. 

At a special meeting of the hoard of supervisors held in March, 1921, 
the following report was made relative to the poor farm by the committee 
having it in charge, F. A. Walters, chairman, A. H. Hale, II. M. Turner, 
I). M. Wright, R. E. Haeger, Charles H. Ackman, and E. C. Hughes. 

SUMMARY NO. 1 

Total for year $19,153.34 

Divided as follows: 

Permanent improvements $ 4,579.36 

Running expenses 12,415.34 

( llothing, boots and shoes 952.48 

Tobacco 312.40 

Medicine 252.40 

.Medical attendance 41 6.50 

Undertaking 224.80 

Total 19,153.34 



58 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Less farm products sold $ 3,062 00 

Less board of inmates L23.40 

Total 3,185.40 

Balance $15,967.94 

Supplies on band March 1. 1920 2,1 14.00 

Total $18,111.94 

Less ^i|i|ili>'s on hand March 1. 1921 2,247.73 

Balance $11,284.85 

Less permanenl improvements 4,579.36 

Total eost for one year $11,284.85 

Number of weeks — 1844. 
Number of inmates- 18. 
Cost per week $6.1 1. 

MMMAKY NO. 2 

Total expenses for one year $19,153.34 

Less following items : 

Permanenl improvements $ 4,579.36 

Clothing, 1 loots and shoes 952.48 

Tobacco 312.40 

Medicine 252.46 

Medical attendance lit;. oil 

Undertaking 224.80 

Farm products sold 3,0(i2.00 

Board of inmates 1_':;.40 

Total 9,229.49 

Supplies on hand March 1. 1!)20 2,144.00 

Total $11.::::: ''1 

Less supplies on hand March 1, 1921 2, -'47.43 

Total cost dieting one year $ 9,12o'..M 



BISTORT? OF McHENRY COUNTY 59 

Number of weeks- I s 1 1 
Number of inmates- I s 
Cos! of diel ing per week- $4.95. 

i 01 N"l V JUDGES 

The following have served as county judges: Aj y Thomas, 

elected in 1839; Andrew -I. Barnum, 1840; Joel II. Johnson, lsil l- 

I-:. .1. Smith, 1843-48; L. Joslyn, 1848-49; Joseph Golder, 1849-54 

.1. .M. Strode, 1854-57; T. I). .Murphy. 1858-61; William Kerr, 1862-66 

I. s. Church, 1867-69; B. X. Smith. 1870-82; <>. II. Gilmore, 1882-90 
C. II. Donnelly, 1890-97; <>. II. Gilmore, 1897-1906; D. 'I'. Smiley, 1906- 
20; 1920— Charles 1". Barnes. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS 

This official from the organization of tin- county down to the sixties 
was styled "school commissioner,'' bul since then the term "superin- 
tendent" has been used. Those who have held the offices of hnth com- 
missioner and superintendent are as follows: Charles Hastings, 1841-43; 
Peter Dietz. 1st:; |.v Major T. Irwin, 1845-47; Phineas W. Piatt, 1847- 
49; Rev. R. K. Todd. 1849-54; M. T. Hutchinson, 1854-55; Asa W. 
Smith, 1855-59; Alvin Brown, 1859-61; Theodore Mead, lsi;ii;:; ; 
Thomas Ereanbrack, 1863-65; A. J. Kingman, 1865-69; G. S. South- 
worth, 1869-73; William Nickle, 1873-77; A. W. Young, 1877-81; D. I). 
Baldwin, 1881-83; II. R. Baldwin, 1883-84; Lester Barber, 1884-90; 
\V. B. Wire, 1890-1902; Geo. W. Conn. 1902-10; A. M. Shelton, 1910-22. 

3KI BIFPS 

Those who have held the ot'tiee of sheriff since 1837 are as follows: 

Henry B. Steele, 1837-39; Andrew B. Cornish. 1839 10; Christopher 
Walkup, 1840 l-: Henry M. Wait, 1843-46; Thomas M. White. 1SHI-4!); 
Xeill Donnelly. 1849-51; John Brink, 1851 53; Carlisle Hastings, 1853 
55; G. W. Bentley, 18.T>-.Y7 : John Eddy. 1 s."i7-.".s : E. E. Thomas, 1858-60; 
Lew 1. Ellsworth, 1860-62; B. F. Church. lS(i'2-(i4; E. E. Thomas. 1864 
66; J. M. Southworth, 1866-69; Austin Badger, 1869 7:!: Malachi Church, 
1873-77; Daniel Stedman, 1877-81; Malachi Church, 1881-83; A. Qdell, 
1--::-:,: (ieor-e Eekert, 1886-90; A.sad Udell, 1890-94; George Eckert, 
1894-98; Henry Keys, 1898-1902; M. M. Lake, 19tr_>-()(i; Charles Wand- 



60 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

la.k. L906-10; Andrew Benderson, 1910-14; Charles Wandrack, 1914 
18; R03 J. Stewart, 1918, the present sheriff whose term expires in 
1922. 

I 01 vn TREAS1 BEBfi 

Since the organization in 1837 McHenry County's treasurers have 
been as follows: Andrew S. Wells, 1837; Lewis 0. shank-. 1838-39; 
Thomas R. Chunn, 1839-40; S. S. Qreenleaf, 1840 13; Peter La Dow, 
1843 17; Joseph Golder, 1-17 18; George W. Dana. 1848 I''; James T. 
Pierson, 1849-51; Charles McClue, 1851 53; Gilbert B. Drake, 1853-55; 
Ah. I W. Puller, 1855-56; Samuel Richardson, 1856-58; William Bart, 
Jr., 1858-62; Fred J. Mansfield, 1863-66; Alexander S. Stewart, 1867- 
74; James Nish, 1875-86; William II. Stewart, 1886-90; James B. Perry, 
1890-94; Benry Keyes, 1894-98; F. P. Axtell, 1898 1902; E. C. Jewett, 
1902-06; William S. McConnell, 1906-1910; A. A. Crissey, 1910-14; 
Lynn Richards, 1914-18; William S. McConnell, L918-22. 

COUNTY CLERKS 

Hamilton Dennison, 1837; Joseph Wood, 1837-39; Ziba S. Beardsley, 
L839 13; Joel S. Johnson, 1843-48; Enos W. Smith, 1848-53; Elam M. 
Lamb, 1853-58; William II. Stewart. 1858-61; Elam M. Lamb, 1861 65; 
M. I). Boy, 1865-72; Peter Whitney. 1872-82; William Avery. 1882 
94; » ge K. Rushton, 1894 1910; Guy E. Still, 1910, whose term ex- 
tends until 1922, have been the county clerk- of this county. 

CIRCUIT I I iERKS AND RECORDERS 

Seth Washburn, 1837; Archimedes Burr Wynkoop. ls:!s-::u : Isaac 
G. Wilson, 1839; Joel II. Johnson. 1840-56; George T. Kasson, 1856 61 . 
Charles II. Russell, 1861-64; Joseph Dwight, 1864-68; J. M. South- 
worth, 1869-72; Austin Badger, 1873-76; Brastus C. Richards, 1877 B8; 
W. P. .Morse. 1888-96; George B. Richards, 1896 1904; Theodore Bamer, 
1904-20; 1920, Charles P. Hayes, have served in the dual offices of 

circuit clerk and recorder. 

i 

CORONERS 

This county's coroners have 1 a as follows: Michael C. McGuire, 

1837; A. B. Cornish. 1838-39; B. P. Bosworth, 1840 H ; Nathaniel Smith, 



BISTORT OF M.IIKXUY COUNTY 61 

1842-43; Neil] Donnelly, 1844 15; M. L. Huffman, 1846 17 ; Jesse Slavin, 
1848-51; William Pratt, 1852-54; C. II. Shapley, 1855-57; William ti. 
Smith, 1858-59; B. A. Wade, 1860-61; P. W. Murphy, 1862-63; David 
Blair, 1864-65; 1>. P. Conklin, 1866-74; J. W. Groesbeck, 1874-76; 
W. E. Smith, 1876; John S. Cummings, 1877-78; Howard L. Pratt, 
L878; William .M . Cook, 1879-84; C. B. Cook, 1884-96; S. C. Wernham, 
L896 1904; J. S. Maxon, 1904 9, and the balance of term was held by 
c. B. Peck, who was elected and held the office until 1920 when Dr. Bmil 
Windmueller was elected. 

&VEYORS 

The county's surveyors have 1 o as follows: C. B. Moore, 1837; 

A. s. Barnam, 1838-42; John Brink, 1842-52; T. McD. Richards, 1853 
56; John Brink, 1857-84; W. X. Willis. 1884-88; C. X. Tryon, 1888- 
1908; Lester Barber, l!K),S-lL'; <i. L. Tryon. 1912 to the present time. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OP POOR 

Since the county has had a poor farm on which to care for the un- 
fortunate poor, the superintendents have been as follows: X. S. Robb, 
1884-95; Homer Brown, 1895-1902; George K. .Mills. 1902-13; Gardner 
Knapp. 1913 to the present t Line. 

STATES ATTORNEYS 

Alonzo Huntington, 1S.S7-40; Edward G. Re<*an, 1840-43; James 
Curtiss. 184:5-44; William A. Boardman, 1S45-49; Alonzo Piatt, 1850- 
51 : Amos B. Coon. 1852; M. M. Boyce, 1853-57; Edward S. Joslyn, 1857- 
61; Amos B. Coon, 1861-63; M. M. Boyce, 1864-69; Charles Kellum, 1870- 
73; Joseph V. Cheever, 1873-76; Ira K. Curtiss, 1877-84; A. B. Coon, 
1884-96; V. S. Lumley, 1896-1900; I,. D. Lowell, 1900-08; David R. 
Joslyn, 1908-16; V. S. Lumley. 1916 to the present time. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

From 1837 until the adoption of the township system in 1850, the 
following men served as members of the Commissioners' Court: 1837 — 
Charles II. Bartlett. Matthias Mason. Solomon Xorlon. Samuel Sherman; 

1>:js Solomon Xorton, Ransom Steele, William Jackson, B B. Brown, 



62 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Gideon Colby, Robert G. White; 1839 B. B. Brown, 11. Q. White, 
Daniel W. !'. Tower; 1840- B. B. Brown, K. G. White. Daniel W. P. 
Tower; 1841 K. G. White, D. W. P. Tower, II. B. Throop; 1842 I). W. 
I". Tower, II. B. Throop, Bela II. Tryon; 1843— H. B. Throop, B. II. 
Tryon, Andrew J. Hayward; 1844 Same as in 1843; 1845 II B. 
Throop, A. -I. Hayward, William A. McConnell; 1846— H. P.. Tin 
William A. McConnell, Carlisle Hastings; 1847 -William A. McConnell, 
Carlisle Hastings, Dexter Barrows; 1848- Same ;i- in 1847. 

-i PERV1SORS 

After tlir abolishmenl of the County Commissioner Court came the 
present supervisor system wherein each civil township in the county is 
represented on what is termed the "board of county supervisors." The 
men holding such position since the system commenced in 1850 have 
been: 1850 — James C. Thompson, Chemung; Cyrus Allen. Byron; 
Amos D. Coon, Marengo; Ira E. Searles, Riley; Calvin Pike, Seneca; 
Olonzci Golder, Hartland; Andrew Easton, Allien; Josiah II. Giddings 
(chairman i. Hebron ; Joseph X. Barber, Greenwood; Blzaphan J. Smith, 
Centre; Blias A. Thomas, Algonquin; William Salisbury, Brooklyn; 
Charles II. Russell, Richmond; Sylvanus stillson, Benton; Charles 
Crego, Coral; Thomas s. Huntley, Grafton; Alex II. Nixon, McHenry. 

1851 — Cyrus Allen. Dunham; Horace Burton. Nunda; Amos B. Coon, 
Marengo; John Freeman, Alden; Alonzo Colder. Hartland; Oliver II. 
P. liookin, Hebron ; William Hart, Jr. Chemung ; Pliny Hayward, Grt 
wood; D. T. Hyde, Seneca; Merrit L. Joslyn, Dorr; Darius Kingsley, 
Burton; Alpheus Kenny, Grafton; Abraham Reynolds (chairman . Mc- 
Henry; Charles II. Russell, Richmond; Ira A. Searles. Riley; Elias A. 
Thomas, Algonquin; James M. White, Coral. 

1852- Cyrus Allen, Dunham; Horace Burton. Nunda; X. M. Capron, 
Allien; Wesley Diggins, Chemung ; Pliny Hayward, Greenwood; Alvin 
.ludd. Woodstock; Darius Kingsley, Burton; Joseph P. Lyon, Dorr; 
.Myron P. Potter. Algonquin; Abraham Reynolds (chairman), McHenry; 
Henry T. Rice. Hartland; Sam. Richardson. Riley; Thomas McD. Rich- 
ards, Seneca; Daniel Stewart. Merengo; Charles II. Tryon. Hebron; 
S. T. Thompson. Grafton. 

1853 Jesse Fellows. Riley ; Daniel Stewart. Marengo; II. C. Chand- 
ler. Dunham; Wesley Diggins, Chemung; Andrew Easton. Alden; Henry 
T. Rice. Hartland: T. McD. Richards, Seneca; Anson Rodgers, Coral; 
W. S. Robh, Grafton; <>. A. Hitchcock. Dorr; A. Judd (chairman , 



HISTORY OF McHENRX COUNTY 63 

Woodstock; Ira Slocumb, Greenwood; A. Coggswell, Eebron; John 
Sibley, Richmond; Alfred Stephens, Burton; A. II. Nixon, McHenry; 
H. M. Lamb, Nunda.; -I. P. .Miller. Algonquin. 

1854 — Joseph Patterson, Riley; Henry ('. Chandler, Dunham; New- 
ton M. Capron, Alden; John Eddy, Coral; George II. Griffin, Dorr; 
Charles fit Goodsell, Greenwood; William A. McConnell (chairman), 
Richmond; A. II. Nixson, McHenry; Alexander Heeler, Marengo; C. K. 
Brown, Chemung; George T. Easson, Seneca; Sanford Haight, Graf- 
ton; Enos W. Smith, Woodstock; diaries II. Tryon, Hebron; John 
Sanborn, Burton; -I. R. Mack, Nunda. Henry T. Rice, Hartland. 

L855— Samual Richardson, Riley; Amos B. Coon, Marengo; -I. Wells, 
Dunham; C. R. Brown, Chemung; Stephen Alberty, Alden; Henry T. 
Rice, Hartland; George T. Easson, Seneca; Anson Rodgers, ('oral; 
Chauncey Pendleton, Grafton; Nathan Jewett, Dorr; Neil! Donnelly, 
Woodstock; Charles M. Goodsell, Greenwood; William II. Stewart, He- 

bron;John Sibley (chairman), Richn d;John Sanborn, Burton; 1'. B. 

Cassidy, McHenry; William Salisbury, Nunda; Warren Stannard, Al- 
gonquin, 

1856 — Samuel Richardson (chairman), Riley; Jonathan Wells, Dun- 
ham; A. B. Stark, Alden; C. T. Hyde, Seneca; Charles Hubbard, Graf- 
ton; Charles M. Goodsell, Greenwood; John Sibley, Richmond; .John 
W. Smith, McHenry; Jesse P. Miller, Algonquin; William Edwards, 
Marengo; Wesley Diggins, Chemung; Mr. McFarland, Hartland; John 
Eddy, Coral; Charles M. Willard, Dorr; Josiah II. Giddings, Hebron; 
John Sanborn, Burton; J. Butler, Nunda; Neill Donnelly, Woodstock. 

1857 — Samuel Richardson, Riley; Peter W. Deitz, Marengo; John 
Wells. Dunham; Mr. Hutchinson, Chemung; Aaron D. Stark, Alden. 
died Feb. 3, 1858; Andrew Hood, Hartland; U. T. Hyde, Seneca; James 
M. White, Coral; E. P. Harden, Grafton; M. W. Hunt, Dorr; M. B. 
Baldwin, Woodstock; Stephen G. Brittain, Greenwood; Josiah Gid- 
dings, Hebron; John Sibley (chairman), Richmond; Richard Wray, 
Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; James McMillen, Nunda; Jesse F. 
Miller. Algonquin. 

1858— M. Butterfield, Riley; Peter W. Deitz, Marengo; <: ge Heb- 

bard, Marengo village; Cyrus Allen, Dunham; Thomas Paul, Chemung; 
Stephen Alberty, Alden; Andrew Hood, Hartland; Garrett W. Deitz, 
Seneca; William M. Jackson (chairman), Coral; Thomas S. Huntley, 
Grafton; William H. Murphy, Dorr; M. W. Hunt. Woodstock; S. G. 
Brittain, Greenwood; Alphonso Tyler. Hebron; C. II. Russell, Rich- 



64 BISTORT OF Mi IIKXRY COUNTY 

mond; Richard Wray, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; C. W. IIulT. 
Nunda ; Jesse K. Miller, Algonquin. 

1859 M. Butterfield, Riley; A. B. Coon, Marengo; *' Lansing 
(chairman . Marengo village; Cyrus Allen, Dunham; W. B. McArthur, 
Chemung; Stephen Alberty, Alden; Andrew Bood, Hartland; <i W. 
Deitz, Seneca; William Alden, Coral; Adam S. Buntley, Grafton; .M. W. 

Hunt. W Lstock; Pasco Austin. Dorr; II. Burton, unspecified; J. II 

Giddings, Bebron; A. 1'. Wells. Richmond; Lewis Batch, Burton; A. ('. 
Thompson, Greenwood; Richard Bishop, McHenrj ; ('. W. Hull'. Nunda; 
B. A. Thomas, Algonquin. 

1860 — A. B. Coon. Marengo; C. Lansing (chairman), Marengo vil- 
lage; Dexter Barrows, Dunham; W. B. McArthur, Chemung; S. Alberty, 
Alden; A. Bood, Bartland; 0. Turner, Seneca; S. R. Bartholomew, 
Coral; Mr. Cummings, unspecified; I. Slocum, Greenwood; X' ill Don- 
nelly, Woodstock; .Mr. Thompson; .Mr. Mead, Bebron; A. I'. Wells, 

Richn il; Lewis Hatch. Burton; Richard Bishop, McBenry; E. M. 

Lamb, Nunda; Mr. Klink, Al<roiK[iiiii ; II. Butterfield, Riley. 

1861 — II. Underwood, Riley; A. I'.. (' i, Marengo; Cos Lansing 

chairman}, Marengo village; D. Barrows, Dunham; W. B. McArthur, 
Chemung; S. Alberty, Alden; D. Sculley, Bartland; Mr. Parsons, Sen- 
eca; J. G. Templeton, Grafton; I. Slocum, unspecified; M. I.. Joslyn, 
Dorr; J. Eckert, Greenwood; A. P. Wells. Richmond; E. M. Lamb, 
Nunda; .lames Xish, Algonquin; Richard Bishop, McHenry; S. R. Bar- 
tholomew, Coral. 

1862 — H. Underwood, Riley; A. P. Coon, Marengo; Dexter liar 
mws. Dunham; W. 1!. McArthur, Chemung; Stephen Alherty, Alden; 

D. Sculley, Hartland; Mr. Parsons, Seneca; ('. W. II. Card (chairman . 
Grafton; Ira Slocum, Greenwood; -I. G. Templeton, unspecified; -I. 
Eckert, unspecified; Mr. Hopkins, unspecified; A. I*. Wells, Richmond; 
Richard Bishop, McHenry; Mr. Buck, unspecified; -lames Xish. Algon- 
quin; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; Cos Lansing, Marengo village; A. S. Hanchet, 
Woodstock. 

1863— W. 0. Nichols, Riley; Peter W. Deitz, Marengo; B. A. Wade. 
Dunham; T. B. Wakeman, Chemung; Stephen Alherty. Alden; Andrew 

II 1, Hartland; Uriah T. Hyde, Seneca; Daniel C. Thomas, (oral; 

T. S. Huntley (chairman:. Grafton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; Jacob Eckert, 
Greenwood; C. S. Adams, Bebron; Alfred P. Wells. Richmond; Lewis 
Hatch, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; Josiah Walkup, Nunda; 

E. A. Thomas. Algonquin; William Ken-. Woodstock; E. »;. Backley, 
Marengo village. 



3 
/ 




> 
/ 




EISTORY OP McHENRY COUNT'S 65 

1m)4 s. B. Bartholomew, Coral; Stephen Burton, Grafton; Bich- 
ard Wray, Burton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; Harrison C. Smith, McHenry; 
Henry Underwood, Biley; Peter W. Weitz, Marengo; Dexter Barrows, 
Dunham; Charles B. Brown, Chemung; Stephen Alberty, Alden; An- 
drew Eood, Hartland; Thomas .M. Hood, Seneca; Qeo. II. Garrison, 

Greenwood; Charles S. Adams, Hebron; -lames Bobbins, Bichm I; 

Francis Harrison, Nunda; E. A. Tl ins (chairman), Algonquin; Wil 

Ham Kerr, W Lstock; W. II. Messick, Marengo village. 

1865 Henry Underwood, Biley; Peter W. Deitz (chairman), Ma- 
rengo; Dexter Barrows, Dunham; T. B. Wakeman, Chemung; Stephen 
Alberty, Alden; Andrew Hood. Hartland; L. W. Sheldon, Seneca; S. K 
Bartholomew, Coral; Stephen Burton, Grafton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; 

George II. Garrison, Greenw I; Charles s. Adams. Hebron; A. P. 

Wells. Bichmond; Prank Cole, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; 

F. I). Patterson, Nunda; J. F. Miller. Algonquin; William Ken-, Wood- 
stock; G. B. Adams, Marengo village. 

1866- Edward II. Skinner. Biley; Peter W. Deitz, Marengo; Cyrus 
Allen, Dunham; T. B. Wakeman. Chemung; Stephen Alberty, Alden; 
Andrew Hood, Hartland ; T. Bigelow, Seneca ; S. W. Bartholomew I chair 
man), Coral; Elias Wanzer, Grafton; William Kerr, Dorr; Geo. H. 
Garrison, Greenwood; Charles S. Adams. Hebron; Alfred P. Wells, 
Bichmond; Bichard Wray, Burton; Bichard Bishop, McHenry; F. D. 
Patterson, Nunda; dames Crow, Algonquin; L. S. Church, Woodstock; 

G. B. Adams, Marengo \ illage. 

1867— E. II. Skinner, Biley; Peter W. Deitz, Marengo; Cyrus Allen, 
Dunham; J. C. Crumb, Chemung; Stephen Alberty, Alden; Andrew 
Hood, Hartland: T. Bigelow, Seneca: s. K. Bartholomew, Coral; Elias 
Wanzer, Grafton; Flam M. Lamb, Dorr; G. II. Garrison, Crccnwood; 

Charles S. Adams. Hebron; W. A. McC lell (chairman), Bichmond; 

Bobert Bichardson, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; P. I). Patter 
son, Nunda; John Gillilan, Algonquin; F. M. Lamb, Woodstock; G. B. 
Adams. Marengo village. 

1868 E. II. Skinner, Riley: Peter W. Deitz. Marengo; Dexter Bar 
rows, Dunham; J. C. Crumb, Chemung; Andrew Hood. Hartland; T. 
.Mel). Bichards, Seneca; I). C. Thomas. Coral; Elias Wanzer, Grafton; 
M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; I leorge II. Garrison, Greenwood ; I lharles S. Adams. 
Hebron ; William A. McConnell (chairman), Bichmond; Robert Bichard- 
Bon, Burton; P. J. Wheaton, Nunda; John Gillilan, Algonquin; B. N. 
Smith. W lstock; J. II. Bagley, Marengo village; E. G. Ayer, Harvard. 

1869 F. II. Skinner. Riley; Alexander I). Stewart. Marengo; \^'\- 



GC HISTORY OF M( HENRI COUNTS 

ter Barrows, Dunham; J. C. Crumb, Chemung; Andrew II I. Ei 

land; L. W. Sheldon, Seneca; S. K. Bartholomew, Coral; C. W. II 

Card, Grafton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; George II. Garrison, Greenw I; 

Charles S. Adams, Hebron; William A. McConnell (chairman), Rich- 
mond; Lewis Hatch, Burton; David Salisbury, McHenry; Josiafa Wal- 
kup, Nunda; James Nish, Algonquin; .M. I». Hoy, Woodstock; J. G 
Crumb, Harvard; G. L>. Adams, Marengo village. 

1870— W. II. Groesl k, Alden; R. I>. Cooney, Hartland; Charles 

0. I'aisiuis. Seneca; S. K. Bartholomew, ('oral; Thomas S. Huntley, 

Grafton; Merril L. Joslyn, Dorr; George II- Garrison, Greene 1; Sam 

W. Brown, Hebron; William A. McConnell (chairman . Richmond; 
Robert Richardson, Burton; P. K. Granger, McHenry; James McMil- 
len, Nunda; James (row. Algonquin; II. Underwood, Riley; A. D. 
Stewart. Marengo; G. B. Adams. Marengo village; -I. A. W 1. Dun- 
ham; R. Gardner, Harvard; B. E. Richards, W Istock. 

Isil William II. (inieslieek, Alden; R. I). Cooney, Hartland; (\ 
Parsons, Seneca; S. K. Bartholomew, Coral; T. S. Huntley, Grafton; 
M. L. .Joslyn. Don-; George II. Garrison, Greenwood; S. W. Brown, 
Hebron; W. A. McConnell (chairman), Richmond; Robert Richardson, 
Burton; P. K. Granger, McHenry; -I. McMillen, Nunda; .lames Nish, 

Algonquin; II. Undervi I. Riley; A. D. Stewart. Marengo; Seth Lewis, 

Marengo village; o. e. Diggins, Dunham: .1. ('. Crumb, Chemung; R. 
Gardner, Harvard; B. B. Richards, W [stock. 

1872— Henry Underwood, Riley; A. I). Stewart. Marengo; Orson 
('. Diggins, Dunham; -I. C. Crumb, Chemung; William II. Groesbeck, 
Alden; R. I). Cooney. Hartland; Thomas .Mid). Richards. Seneca; S. K. 

Bartholomew, Coral; James G. Templeton, Grafton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; 

George II. Garrison, Greenw 1: Sam W. Brown, Hebron; William A. 

McConnell (chairman), Richmond ; Lewis Hatch, Burton; P. R. Granger, 
McHenry; Amos D. Whiting, Nunda; M. Butterfield, Marengo village; 
L. H. Davis. Woodstock; A. E. Blake, Harvard. 

1873— Lewis Hatch, Burton; Z. E. Goodrich, Marengo; 0. C. Dig- 
gins, Dunham; Robert Gardner, Chemung; R. 0. Southmayd, Alden; 

Rodderick B. Cooney, Hartland; Charles O. Parsons, Seneca; s. K. 
Bartholomew, Coral; .lames 0. Templeton, Grafton; Blam M. Land). 
Dorr; Henry Bckert, Greenwood; Charles S. Adams, Hebron; William 
A. McConnell (chairman), Richmond; Lewis Hatch, Burton; -I. W. 
Christy, McHenry; Albert II. Colby, Nunda; Edwin II. Benson, Algon- 
quin; M. Butterfield, village; unspecified, II. W. Axtel. .1. s. Wheat. 
Is? I — II. X. Axtel. Kiley; Z. E. Goodrich. Marengo; 0. C. Diggins, 



HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY (IT 

Dunham; James Thompson, Chemung; R. <>. Southmayd, Alden; R, 1>. 
Cooney, Hartland; Orsamus Turner, Seneca; S. K. Bartholomew, Coral; 
George Van Valkenburg, Grafton; Blam M. Lamb, Dorr; George II. 
Garrison, Greenwood; Sam W. Brown, Eebron; William A. McConnell 

(chairman), Richm I; J. II. Cooley, Burton; J. W. Cristy, McHenry; 

B. I-'. Peck, Nunda; Edwin II. Benson, Algonquin; ans] ified, Benry 

Baker, M. Butterfield. 

1875 Ira B. Searles, Riley; Z. B. G Irich, Marengo; 0. C. Dig 

-in-. Dunham; James Thompson, Chemung; R. 0. Southmayd, Alden; 

R. D. Cooney, Hartland; C. 0. Parsons, Sim n ; s. K. Bartholomew, 

Curat ; George Van Valkenburg, Grafton; M. L. Joslyn, Dorr; G. IP 
Garrison, Greenwood; S. W. Brown, Hebron; William A. McConnell 
(chairman), Richmond; -Ins. II. Cooley, Burton; •). W. Cristy, Mc 
Henry; D. P. Peck, Nunda; James Nish, Algonquin; unspecified, S. S. 
i Irandall, Henry Baker. 

L876 lia K. Searles. Riley; Z. B. Goodrich, Marengo; 0. C. Di<- 
gins (chairman), Dunham; James Thompson, Chemunjr: II. 0. South 
mayd. Allien; R. 1). Cooney, Hartland; Charles <». Parsons. Seneca; Cal 

vin Gilbert, Coral; I). E. W 1. Grafton; M. I.. Joslyn, Dorr; George 

II. Garrison, Greenwood; Sam W. Brown, Hebron; Marcus Poote, Rich- 
mond; Joseph II. Cooley, Burton; John M. Smith, McHenry; B. P. 
Peek. Nunda; C. P. Dike, Algonquin; unspecified, I!. M. Patrick. 

1877 ha B. Searles, Wiley; 'A. B. Goodrich, Marengo; <>. C. Dig 
-ins (chairman), Dunham; James Thompson, Chemung; Sam Cutter, 
Ahlen; R. D. Cooney, Hartland; C. <>. Parsons. Seneca; Lester Barber, 
Coral; George Van Valkenburg, Grafton; M. P. •Joslyn, Don-; George 
II. Garrison, Greenw 1; Alfred Wilcox, Hebron; Marcus Poote, Rich- 
mond; Robert Richardson, Burton; J. W. Christy. McHenry; 15. I - '. 
Peek. Nunda; John Gillilan, Algonquin; unspecified, R. M. Patrick. 

L878 — Henry Underwood, Riley; Thomas W. Porter. Marengo; <*. C. 
Diggins, Dunham; .lames Thompson, Chemung; Sam Cutter. Ahlen; 
William Conklin, Hartland; C. 0. Parsons. Seneca; Lester Barber 
Coral; John S. Cummings, Grafton; M. P. Joslyn, Dorr; (leor-v II 
Garrison, Greenwood; A. Wilcox, Hebron; W. A. McConnell (chair 
mani, Richmond; Chauncy Sweet, Burton; J. W. Cristy, McHenry; 
P.. P. Peek, Nunda; G. S. Prary, Algonquin; unspecified, (i. P.. Adams, 
A. P. Axtell, Alfred Wilcox. 

1879— Henry Onderwood, Riley; Z. E. Goodrich, Marengo; 0. E. 
Diggins, Dunham: James Thompson, Chemung; Samuel Cutter. Alden; 
William G. Conklin, Hartland; C. 0. Parsons. Seneca; Lester Barber, 



68 BISTORT OF M< HENRY COUNTS' 

Coral; John S. Cummings, Grafton; Flam M. Lamb, Dorr; G. II. Gar- 
rison, Greenwood; Alfred Wilcox, Hebron; \V. A. McConnell (chair- 
man), Richmond; Chauncy Sweet, Burton; -I. W. Cristy, McHenry; 
1'.. F. I "•■ck. Nunda; G. F. Prary, Algonquin; unspecified, -l R Curtis, 
A. E. Axi.ll. 

L880 II. Underwood, Riley; Z. K. Goodrich, Marengo; <». c. I >i.^- 
•_ r ins. Dunham; James Thompson, Chemung; Samuel Cutter, Alden; 
liam G. Conklin, Hartland; G. W. Goodrich, Seneca; Lester Barber, 
Coral; William G. Sawyer, Grafton; Elam M. Lamb, Dorr; G. II. Gar- 
rison, Greenwood; Alfred Wilcox, Hebron; W. A. McConnell (chair- 
man), Richmond; Lewis Hatch, Burton; .1. W. Cristy, McHenry; B. I-'. 
Peck, Nunda; G. S. Prary, Algonquin; unspecified, T. R. Curtiss, B. A. 
Wade. 

1881 Amory Barber, Riley; '/.. B. Q [rich, Marengo; John Simw- 

den, Dunham; II. S. Williams, Chemung; Samuel Cutter, Alden; Daniel 
Flavin, Hartland; G. W. Goodrich, Seneca; Lester Barber, Coral; Wil- 
liam (i. Sawyer, Graf ton ; Elam M. Lamb, Dorr; George II. Garrison. 

Greene I; Alfred Wilcox, Hebron; William A. McConnell (chairman . 

Richmond; Charles Mead, Burton; -I. W. Cristy, McHenrj ; Henry Kel- 
ler, Xumla : G. S. Prary, Algonquin; unspecified, I. R. Curtis. 

1882 Amory Barber, Riley; '/.. E. Goodrich, Marengo; John Snow- 
den, Dunham; II. S. Williams. Chemung; Sam Cutter, Alden; I). II. 
Flavin. Hartland; G. W. Goodrich, Seneca; Lester Barber, Coral; W G 
Sawyer, Grafton; Elam M. Lamb, Dorr; George II. Garrison, Green- 
wood; II. W. Mra«l, Hebron; W. A. McConnell (chairman), Richmond; 
Pred Hatch, Burton; Joseph W. Cristy, McHenry; Henry Keller, 
Xumla ; C. s. Prary, Algonquin; unspecified, I. R. Curtis, Owen Mc- 

1883 — John Hadsall, Riley; Ira Ii. Curtiss (chairman), Marengo; 
John Snowden, Dunham; II. s. Williams. Chemung; W. II. Groesbeck, 
Aid. mi ; D. II. Flavin. Hartland; G. W. Goodrich, Seneca; Lester Bar- 
ber, Coral; W. <;. Sawyer, Grafton; Elam M. Lamb, Dorr; G. II. Gar 

rison, Greenti 1; II. W. Mead, Hebron; A. R. Alexander, Richmond; 

Archdale Wray, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; William Butler, 
Xumla; C P. Dike Algonquin; unspecified. I'-. S. Parker. 

1884 — John Hadsall. Riley; [ra R. Curtiss (chairman), Marei 
John Snowden. Dunham; II. S. Williams. Chemung; W. II. Groesbeck, 
Alden; 1). 11. Flavin. Hartland; (I. W. Goodrich, Seneca; Lester Bar- 
ber, Coral; W. G. Sawyer, Grafton; Flam M. Lamb, Dorr; George II 
Garrison, Greenwood; II. W. Mead, Hebron; A. R. Alexander. Rich- 



BISTORT OF .\l< IIFXUY COUNT'S 69 

nmn, I; Fred Hatch, Burton; Richard Bishop, McHenry; -I. II Palmer, 
Nunda ; C. P. Dike, Algonquin. 

1885— Amory Barber, Riley; Ira Curtiss, Marengo; R. J. Beck, Dun- 
ham; H. S. Williams. Chemung; W. II. Qroesbeck, Alden; Daniel II 
Flavin, Hartland ; G. B. Richards, Seneca; '/.. E. Goodrich, dual; \V. (i. 
Sawyer. Grafton; Elam M. Lamb, Dorr; George II Garrison, Greeri 

« I; II. W. Mead, Hebron; A. R. Alexander, Richmond; Pred Hatch, 

Burton; P. K. Granger, McHenry; .1. II. Palmer, Nunda; C. I-'. Dike, 
Algonquin. 

18S6 — Amory Barber, Riley; R. M. Patrick, Marengo; A. -I. Shurl 
leflE (chairman), Village of Marengo; R. -I. Beck, Dunham; II. S. Wil- 
liams. Chemung; M. W. Lake, Harvard village; Samuel Cutter, Alden; 

Daniel II. Flavin. Haitian. 1: George B. Richards, Seneca; '/.. K. <i I 

rich, Coral; W. G. Sawyer. Grafton; Flam M. Lamb. Dorr; George II. 
Garrison, Greenwood; II. W. Mead, Hebron; A. R. Alexander. Rich- 
mond; Fred Hatch, Burton; F. K. Granger, McHenry; -I. II. Palmer, 
Nunda ; C. P. Dike. Algonquin. 

L887 — John Hadsall, Riley; A. I'.. Coon, Marengo; Keren Woodard 
(chairman), Village Marengo; R. J. Beck, Dunham; II. S. Williams, 
Chemung; M. W. Fake, Harvard; Sam Cutter. Alden; 1). II. Flavin. 

Hartland; G. B. Richards, Seneca; T. E. Stevens. Coral; John Welt- 
zein. Grafton; Flam M. Lamb, Dorr; George IF Harrison, Greenwood; 
Henry W. .Mead. Hebron; A. R. Alexander, Richmond; Pred Hatch, 
Burton; F. K. Granger, McHenry; Joint IF Palmer, Nunda; C. P. 
Dike, Algonquin. 

1888 — John Hadsall, Riley; A. B. Coon, Marengo; Loren Woodard, 
Village of Marengo; R. J. Beck, Dunham; H. B. Williams. Chemung; 
M. W. Lake, Harvard Village; W. II. Groesbeck, Alden; Daniel II. 
Flavin, Hartland; (i. B. Richards, Seneca; I*'. E. Stevens, Coral; -John 
Weltzein. Grafton; Flam M. Lamb, Don-; Samuel F. Clark, Greenwood; 
G. W. Coon. Hebron; Fred Hatch, Burton; F. K. Granger, McHenry; 
John Gracy, Algonquin. 

L889 -Amory Barber, Riley; A.J. Shurtleff, Marengo; Loren Wood- 
ard. Village Marengo; R. -I. Beck, Dunham; II. s. Williams. Chemung; 
William II. Groesbeek, Alden; Daniel II. Flavin, Hartland; George B. 
Richards, Seneca; F. E. Stevens, Coral; John Welt/em, Grafton; F. T. 
Hoy, Dorr; Erastus Richards, City W Istock; Samuel F. Clark, Green- 
wood; C W. Conn, Hebron; A. K. Alexander. Richmond; F. W. Howe, 
Village Richmond; Fred Hatch, Burton; F. K. Granger, McHenry; 



70 BISTORT? OF MrllKMJY COUNTY 

J. II. Qracy, Nanda; Lafe Benthusen, Village Nunda; W. P. Thompi 
son, Algonquin. 

1890 A in. .i\ Barber, Riley; C. P. Wright, Marengo; Loren W 1 

ard, Corporation of Marengo; R. J. Beck, Dunham; II. S. Williams, 
Chemung; M. W. Lake, Corporation of Barvard; W. II. Groesbeck, 
Alden; Daniel II. Flavin, Bartland; Q. B. Richards, Seneca; F. E. 
Stevens, Coral; John Weltzein, Buntley; I.. 'I'. Boy, Dorr; Erastus 

Richards, Corporation of Woodstock; George II. Garrison, Greenvi 1; 

(i. W. Conn, Bebron; A. R. Alexander, Richmond; Fred Batch, Bur- 
ton; K. K. Granger, McEenry; -I. II. Gracy, Nunda; W. 1'. Thompson, 
Algonquin. 

L891 Amory Barber, Riley; C. 1'. Wright, Marengo; R. M. Pat- 
rick, Corporation of Marengo; R. -I. Beck, Dunham; II. S. Williams, 
Chemung; \V. II. Groesbeck, Alden ; William Desmond, Bartland; G. B. 
Richards, Seneca; F. E. Stevens, Coral; John Wiltzein, Grafton; I.. T. 
Boy, Dorr; George II. Garrison, Greenwood; G. W. Conn, Bebron; 
A. R. Alexander, Richmond; A. B. Stevens. Burton; P. K. Granger, 
McHenry; J. II. Gracy, Nunda; W. P. Thompson, Algonquin. 

1892 Amory Barber, Riley; C. P. Wright, Marengo; S. K. Bar 
tholomew, Corporation of Marengo; R. J. Black, Dunham; P. P. Axtell, 
Chemung; W. II. Groesbeck, Alden; William Desmond, Bartland; 
George B. Richards, Seneca; V. E. Stevens. Coral; John Wiltbzein, 
Grafton; L. F. Hoy, Dorr; S. E. Clark, Greenwood; (i. W. Conn, He- 
bron; George McConnell, Richmond; B. A. Stevens, Burton; F. K. 
Granger, McBenry; J. II. Gracy, Nunda; W. II. Thompson, Algonquin. 

1893— Nathan Brotzman, Riley; C. P. Wright, Marengo; E. D. 
Shurtlelf, Corporation of Marengo; R. J. Beck, Dunham; F. F. Axtell, 
Chemung; George Ruston, Alden; William Desmond, Bartland; G. B. 
Richards, Seneca; P. E. Stevens, Coral; John Weltzein, Grafton; L. T. 
Hoy, Dorr; S. E. Clark, Greenwood; G. W. Conn, Hebron; George .Mc- 
Connell. Richmond; J. N. Burton, Corporation of Richmond; A. M. 
Wray, Burton; William Cristy, McHenry; J. II. Gracy, Nunda; W. I'. 
Tl ipson, Algonquin. 

1894— D. A. Seanor, Riley; C. P. Wright, Marengo; A. R. Thomp- 
son, Dunham; P. P. Axtell, Chemung; J. N. Woodburry, Alden; Wil- 
liam Desmond, Bartland; F. E. Stevens. Coral; John Weltzein, Graf- 
ton; S. E. Clark, Greenwood; George .McConnell. Richmond; J. B. 
Gracy, Nunda. In 189") the practice was adopted and continued of 
electing the supervisors for a period of two years so that from thai date 



BISTORY OP McHENRY ( OUNTY 71 

on one-half of the board was composed of newly elected members each 
year. 

1895-96 X. Brotzman, Riley; Robert J. Beck, Dunham; \V. D. 
Comae, Alden; George B. Richards, Seneca; L. T. Boy, Dorr; H. F. 
Jones, Behron; A. M. Wray, Burton; W. A. Cristy, McHenry; W. P. 
Thompson, Algonquin; E. I). Shurtleff, Marengo; William Desmond, 
Bartland; P. E. Stevens. Coral; John Weltzein, Grafton; S. E. Clark, 
Greenwood; George W. McConnell, Richmond; -1. 11. Gracy, Nunda. 

1897-98— X. Brotzman, Riley; R. -I. Beck, Dunham; W. I). Cornue, 
Alden; J. S. -Mills. Seneca; I.. T. liny. Dorr: II. F. Jones, Hebron; 
Frank W. Batch, Burton; W. A. Cristy, McHenry; James Nish, Al- 
gonquin; Ed. 1). Shurtleff, Marengo; James Lake. Chemung; William 
Desmond, Bartland; J. II. Gracy, Nunda; F. E. Stevens, Coral; S. E. 
Clark. Greenwood; I.. B. Covell, Richmond; John Weltzein, Grafton. 

1899-1900— N. Brotzman, Riley; R. -I. Beck, Dunham; W. I). Cor- 
nue, Alden; J. S. Mills. Seneca; L. T. Hoy, Dorr; Henry M. Turner, 
Bebron; F. W. Batch, Burton; William A. Cristy. McHenry; L. E. 
Mentch, Algonquin; E. D. Patrick, Marengo; James Lake, Chemung; 
William Desmond, Bartland; F. E. Stevens, Coral; John Weltzein, 
Grafton; S. E. Clark, Greenwood; L. B. Covell, Richmond; -I. II. Gracy, 
Nunda, 

1901-02— X. Brotzman. Riley; C. M. Stevenson, Dunham; John Bal- 
dock, Alden; J. S. .Mills, Seneca; L. T. Hoy. Dorr; II. M. Turner, 
Bebron; Frank W. Batch, Burton; William A. Cristy, McHenry; L. E. 
Mentch, Algonquin; J. M. .Marks, Marengo; James Lake. Chemung; 
William Desmond, Bartland; J. II. Calbow, Coral; John Weltzein. 
Grafton; S. E. Clark, Greenwood; L. B. Covell, Richmond; Ben. Throop, 
Nunda. 

1903-04— II. E. Whipple, Dunham; John Baldock, Alden; F. D. 
Perkins, Seneca; William S. McConnell, Dorr; II. M. Turner. Hebron; 
Prank W. Batch, Burton; Simon Stoffel, McHenry; L. E. Mentch. Al- 
gonquin; A. A. Crissey, Marengo; James Lake. Chemung; William 
Desmond, Bartland; J. B. Calbow. Coral; John Weltzein, Grafton; 
M. Long, Greenwood; L. B. Covell, Richmond; Ben Throop, Nunda. 

1905-06- X. Brotzman, Riley; II. F. Whipple, Dunham; John Bal- 
dock, Alden; F. D. IVrkins. Seneca ; W. S. Mr( 'onnell, IWr; B. M. 

Turner, Hebron; Jesse B. Richardson, Burton; James C. Ladd, Mc- 
Henry; L. F. Weltzein, Algonquin; A. A. Cristy, Marengo; James 
Lake. Chemung; William Desmond, llartland; J. II. Calbow. Coral; 



7i' BISTORT OP M( BENRY COUNTY 

II. P, Beinemann, Grafton; C. W. Thompson, Greenwood; I.. 1'.. Covell, 
Richn 1 : Ben Throop, Nunda. 

liiiiT n- \\ Brotzman, Riley; II. B. Whipple, Dunham; John Bal- 
do I;. .\ 1 . 1 ■ -i i : F. I). Perkins, Seneca; E. <'. Jewett, Dorr; II. M Turner, 
Bebron; J. B. Richards, Burton; J. C. Ladd, McHenry; I.. B. Mentch, 
Algonquin; A. A. Crissey, Mi W. II. Ward, Chemung; William 

Desmond, Bartland; -I. B. Williams, Coral; II S. Beinnemann, Graf- 
ton; < '. W. Thompson, Greenwood; I.. B. Covell, Richmond; Ben Throop, 
Nunda. 

1!)()!)-10— X. Brotzman, Kilcy; Delos M. Wright, Marengo; II B. 
Whipple, Dunham; John Baldock, Alden; F. D. Perkins, Seneca; B ' 
Jewett, Dorr; II. M. Turner, Bebron; .1. P. Richardson, Burton; II. 
Preund, McHenry; I.. B. Mentch, Algonquin; Delos M. Wright, Ma- 
rengo; F. II. Ward, Chemung; William Desmond, Bartland; -l E 
Williams, Coral; II. P. Beinnemann, Grafton; B. C. Jewett, Dorr; 

('. W. Thompson, Greenw 1; I.. B. Covell, Richmond; Ben Throop, 

Nunda. 

1911-12— N. Brotzman, Riley; II. B. Whipple, Dunham; John Bal- 
dock, Alden; F. I). Perkins, Seneca; II. M. Turner, Bebron; .1. B. 
Richardson, Burton; S. B. Preund, McHenry; Robert E. Haider. Al- 
gonquin; I). M. Wright, Marengo; W. II. Ward. Chemung; William 
Porrest, Bartland; .1. B. Williams, Coral; John Donoahue, Grafton; 
John E. Harrison. Greenwood; L. B. Covell, Richmond; A. II. Hair. 
Nunda. 

1913-14 — X. Brotzman. Riley; II. B. Whipple, Dunham; John Bal- 
dock. Alden; P. I). Perkins, Seneca; Fred II. Walters. Dorr: II. M. 
Garner, Bebron; -I. l'». Richardson, Burton; S. II. Preund, McHenry; 
Robert B. Baeger, Algonquin; I). M. Wright, Marengo; W. II. Ward, 
Chemung; William P. Porrest, Bartland; P. A. Raenie, Coral; John 
Donahue, Grafton; John E. Harrison. Greenwood; L. B. Covell. Rich- 
mond: Alva II. Hale. Nunda. 

1915-16— N. Brotzman, Riley: II. B. Whipple, Dunham: John Bal- 
dock, Alden; Bd. P. Knecker, Seneca; F. A. Walters, Dorr; II. M. 
Turner, Bebron; W. P. Pierce. Burton; s. II. Preund, McHenry; Rob- 
ert B. Baeger, Algonquin; D. M. Wright, Marengo; W. II. Ward. Che- 
mung; W. II. Forrest. Hartlaiul ; Charles Aekman. Jr.. Coral: John 
Donahue, Greenwood; P. P. Covell, Richmond; Aha II. Hale. Nunda. 

P'17-18— H. Stanley, Riley; II. C Whipple, Dunham; II. G. Durkes, 
Aide,,; B. P. Knecker, Seneca; F. A. Walters, Dorr; II. M. Turner. 
Bebron; W. F. Pierce, Burton; S. II. Preund, McHenry; Roberl B. 



HISTORY OF Mi HENRY COUNTY 73 

Haeger, Algonquin; l>. M. Wright, Marengo; W. II. Ward, Chemung; 
Bar) C. Hughes, Hartland; Charles II. Ackman, Jr., Coral; John Con 
ley, Grafton; John B. Harrison, Greenwood; L. B. Covell, Richmond; 

A. II. Hale, Xunda. 

1919-20 II. Stanley, Riley; I). M. Wright, Marengo; II. E. Whip- 
ple, Dunham; W. II. Ward, Chemung; II. G. Durkee, Alden; E. C. 
Hughes, Hartland; E. F. Knecker, Seneca; Charles Ackerman, Jr., 
Coral; John Conley, Grafton; E. A. Walters, Dorr; J. E. Harrison, 
Greenwood; II. M. Turner, Hebron; L. 1!. Covell, Richmond; W. P. 
Pierce, Burton; Stephen II. Freund, McHenry; A. II. Hale, Nunda; 
K. F. Haeger, Algonquin. 

The presenl board is composed of the following: II. II. Barber, 
Rilej ; D. M. Wright, Marengo; II. E. Whipple, Dunham; W. II. Ward, 
Chemung; II. G. Durkee, Alden; E. C. Hughes, Hartland; E. F. Kueker, 
Seneca; Charles Ackerman, Jr., Coral; John Conley, Grafton; P. A. 
Walters, Don'; L. X. Thompson, Greenwood; II. M. Turner, Hebron; F. 

B. McConnell, Richmond; Frank .May. Burton; Stephen II. Freund, Mc- 
Henry; A. II. Hale, Nunda; R. F. Haeger, Algonquin. 

NEW ASSESSMENT LAW 

The Legislature Of Illinois in the winter of lill,S-l!l, enacted a law 
which has changed the old rati' of assessment in the State which was 
one-third of the actual value of real estate, to one-half. So that now 
where the assessor places the amount of "assessed valuation" on a given 
property to be $1,000. it signifies that such property has a supposed 
actual cash value of $2,000. 

This [aw went into immediate effect and this caused quite an extra 
burden upon the part of county officials in order to comply with the new 
enactment. In most cases the assessor's hooks had already been turned 

Over to the county clerk and now this officer is compelled In ;issis| the 
hoard of review in carrying out or extending a new column in all hooks 

relating to realty in the several townships, in order that the "valuation" 

he in accord with the provisions of the new law. This .Iocs not mean, 

necessarily, that the taxes will he any higher than heretofore. This is a 

matter of the disposition of the people in each county. The former pro- 
vision was one by which there could not lie raised at the legal amount of 

levy allowed ach dollar's worth of property, a SUfficienl amount to 

meet th. demands in some of the counties in the commonwealth. But by 



71 HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY 

giving a higher "assessed value" a larger sum can be obtained within the 
constitutional tax limit per dollar. 

In McHenry Counts- there lias in reality not been much change of 

"assessed valuations" for the last ten years. The board of review had 

complex work in adjusting the assessments to corresj I with the times 

anil with the new valuation law aliove named. 



CHAPTER VI 

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION 

By M. P. Walsh 

* 

SEVERAL APPORTIONMENTS — EARLY REPRESENTATIVES LATER REPRESENTA- 
TIVES A CAPABLE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

STATE SENATORS — STATE REPRESENTATIVES — POLITICAL STATISTICS — 
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE. 

Under the constitution of 1848 McIIenry County became a part of the 
Twenty-fourth Senatorial district with Boone and Winnebago counties, 
and with Boone County formed the Fifty-first Representative District. 
In 1854 it was associated with Lake County in a Senatorial and with 
Boone in a Representative District. In 18,sl it was made a part of the 
Twenty-third Senatorial District, with Boone, Winnebago and Lake, and 
this political unit existed until the apportionment of 1872, which ushered 
in what became known as the minority system of representation, each 
district being entitled to one senator and three representatives. 

.McIIenry and Lake counties formed the Eighth District, Boone having 
been added in 1 SS2 and this political division had made up the Eighth 
Senatorial District to the present time. 

EARLY REPRESENTATIVES 

McIIenry County obtained its first resident representative in the 
general assemhly in 184S, when John F. Gray was elected to the lower 
house. Two years later the county had two representatives al Springfield 
in the persons of A. II. Nixon and George Gage, the former being re- 
elected for the third term in 18f>4, when II 'lt (Jaire, after a service in 

the lower house, was elected to the State Senate, thus being entitled to the 
distinction of being the first state senator elected from McIIenry County. 

Wcstley Digginfl was elected to the lower house in lS,")(i and Lawrence 
S. Church in 1858, 1860 and 1862, in which year Thaddeus B. Wakeman 
was elected to the lower house. Merritt L. Joslyn was elected to the lower 

75 



7i, HISTORY OF Mi BENRY COUNTY 

house in 1864 and was succ led by T. B. Wakeman in 1866. Peter 

W. Deitz was elected in 1868, while William A. McConnell and Era B 
Curtiss were both elected in l s 7n. in whal was known as the Ninety-third 
district. 

Richard Bishop was the firs! Democral ever elected from McHenry 
County, his election taking place in 1872, in which year P. K. Granger 
was the Republican elected. Mr. Granger was re elected in l s 7 I. .Men-it t 
I.. Joslyn «as elected to the stale senate in l s 7<i and Mr. Grange] 
turned to the house in l v 7 s . 

LATER BEPRESENTATT* ES 

Orson c. Diggins, a Republican, and -lames Thompson, a Democrat, 
were both elected to the lower house in lsso. Charles II. Tryon was 
eleeteil in 1882 and Ira K. Curtiss elected state senator in l ss l. Gardner 

S. Soutbworth was elected to the house in lS.sS and Knhert J. I'.eek 
chosen at a special election to succeed B. M. Haines, deceased, July 15, 

1890. Mr. I'.eek served in two later sessions of the general assembly, hav- 
ing been elected in 1SHL' and 1>!U. John C. Donnelly was elected to the 

house iii 1890, re elected iii 1892 and 1898. 

Edward I). Shurtleff was elected in 1900 and has served continuously 

for twenty years, his firsl election to the I se taking place in the autumn 

of 1900, making ten terms he has served this county and district. James 
II. Yiekers was elected to the house in liHO, re-elected in 1914, 1916 and 
1918. 

A CAPABLE OFFICIAL 

While McHenry County has always been fortunate in the high type 
of men it has chosen as its representatives at Springfield it is not dis- 
paraging to any of them to say that to Edward I). Shurtleff belongs the 
distinction of exerting the greatest influence as a legislator and attaining 

the greatest reputation. 

For three t (Tills Mr. Shurtleff was elected speaker of the lower house 

and made an enviable record. When seeking renomination in the primary 

campaign of l!HN and w hen it appeared as if his candidacy was in danger, 
Governor Lowden, without knowledge of Mr. Shurtleff, paid the latter 
the following high tribute when a country newspaper sought the Gover- 
nor's estimate of Shurtleff: 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 77 

Springfield, 111.. Sept. I. 1918. 
Mr. W. J. Smith, 

Waukegan, 111. 
Edward D. Shurtleff was my dependence in the house of Representa- 
tives in enacting my program into law in thai general assembly. 

There will In' much important legislation for the consideration of 
the coming general assembly ami .Mi-. Shurtleff will be of more use to the 
people of ilic state ill' Illinois than a dozen ordinary men. 

I hope tli<' Eighth senatorial district will again send this useful 
veteran legislator to Springfield as one of iis representatives. 

1 would regard it a greal misfortune if, Eor any reason. Air. Shurtleff 
were not sent back to the legislature. 

Signed: Frank 0. Lowden, Governor. 

t 

MEMBERS OF Till'. GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

The following is a list of the state senators and representatives for the 
districts in which McHenry County has been located since its organization 
as a county 1838 to 1919: 

State Senators: 1838-40, Fhene/er Peek; 1840-42, John Pearson ; 
1842 17. Ira .Minard; 1846-48, Elijah Wilcox; 1S4S-.-.H, Alfred B. Ames; 
1850-54, Thomas B. Talcott; 1854-58, George Gage; 1858-62, Henry 
Blodgett; 1862-66, Cornelius Lansing; 1866-72, Allen C. Fuller; 1872- 
76, Clark W. Upton; 1876-80, Merritl 1- Joslyn; 1880-84, George Kirk; 
1884-88, Ira A. Curtiss; 1888-90, Charles B. Puller; 1890-92, Charles E. 
Fuller; 1892-94, Reuben W. Coon; 1894-96, Reuben W. Coon; 1896-98, 
Flavel K. Granger; 1898-1900, Flavel K. Granger; 1900-02, D. F. M. 
Puller; 1902-04. D. P. M. Puller; 1904-06, A. X. Tiffany; 1906-08, A. N. 
Tiffany; 1908-14, Alb. J. Olson (deceased). 

State Representatives: 1S:!S |u -Colson Kercheva, Richard Murphy 
and Joseph Naper for Cook. Will and McHenry Counties. 

1840-42 — Albert C. Peary. Richard Murphy and Plieiuv.er for Cook, 
Will and McHenry Counties. 
Kalh; Henry Madden for Boone, PeKalli, McHenry and Kendall. 

t8 12-44— William M. Jackson for Kane. McHenry, Boone and De- 
McHenry, Boone ami DeKalb. 

L844-46 — William M. Jackson, P. Jewell, James P. Poop for Kane. 

1846-48— Under the Constitution of 1848. until the next apportion- 
ment, Boone and McHenry Counties formed the fifty-seeond district, 



7^ HISTORY OF M. HENRY COUNTY 

entitled to two representatives. James Harrington, George W. Cest- 
Binger, James T. Pierson for Kane, McHenry, Boone and DcKalb, all 
served from the district in order given. 

1*48-50 — John F. Gray, McHenry; Selby Leach, Boone. 

L850-52 A. H. Nixon, McHenry; H. C. .Miller, Boone. 

L852-54— A. II. Nixon, McHenry; H. C. Miller, Boone. 

1854-56 — Under the apportionment of 1854 Boone and McHenry 
Counties constituted the forty-fourth district — S. W. Lawrence and W. 
Diggins. 

1856-58— L. 8. Church, .McHenry; Stephen A. Hurlbnt, B< s. 

1858-60— L. S. Chnrch, McHenry; Stephen A. Hurlhut, Boone. 

lsiiii-C) The apportionment of 1861 made McHenry the fifty-fourth 
district, with Thaddeus B. Wakeman as representative. 

1864-66— Merritt L. Joslyn. 

1866-68— Thaddeus B. Wakeman. 

1868-70— Peter W. Deitz. 

1870-72 — In 1870 McHenry County was made the ninety-third dis- 
trict and had two representatives — William A. McCbnnell and Ira R. 
Curtiss. 

1872-74 — By the apportionment of 1872 McHenry and Lake Coun- 
ties became the eighth district, entitled to three representatives — Richard 
Bishop, McHenry County; Plavel K. Granger, McHenry; Elisha Grid- 
ley, Lake County. 

1874-76 — Plavel K. Granger, McHenry; William A. James, Lake; 
Elijah M. Haines, Lake. 

1876-78 — Flavel K. Granger, McHenry; William A. James, Lake; 
Edward M. Dennis, Lake. 

1878-80 — Frank K. Granger, William A. James, Lake; William Price, 
Lake. 

1880-82 — Orson C. Diggins, McHenry; James Thompson, McHenry; 
James Pollock, Lake. 

1882-84 — In 1882 McHenry and Boone became the eighth district, 
entitled to three representatives — Charles H. Tryon, McHenry; E. M. 
Haines, Lake; Charles Fuller, Boone. 

1884-86 — James Pollock, Charles Fuller. 

1886-88— Charles E. E. Fuller, Charles A. Patridge and Geo. Waite. 

1888-90— Charles A. Patridge, G. S. Southworth and Elijah Haines. 

1890-92— John C. Donnelly, Charles A. Patridge, George Reed. 

1892-94 — J. C. Donnelly, Robert J. Beck, George Reed. 

1894-96— George Reed, T. J. Beck, P. II. Delaney. 




c T—pr 



cs<n<riA*sQSj-' A 1 ) ^c/lc 4- ^ 



Qsrt 




HISTORY OF .\1, IlLXWY COUNTY 79 

1896-98— D. F. M. Fuller, G. R. Lyon. 
1898-1900— Geo. M. Lyon, D. F. M. Fuller. 
1900-02— Ed D. Shurtleff, George K. Lynn, C. V. Connor. 
1902-04— Ed D. Shurtleff, George K. Lyon, William Desmond. 
1904-06— Frank R. Covey, Ed D. Shurtleff, D. E. Gibbons. 
1906-08— Frank R. Covey, Ed D. Shurtleff, D. E. Gibbons. 
1908-10— A. K. Steams, Ed D. Shurtleff, Thomas F. Burns. 
1910-12— Ed D. Shurtleff, James H. Viekers, Joseph E. Anderson. 
1912-14— Ed D. Shurtleff, Thomas E. Graham, Fayette S. Munro. 
1914-16— Ed D. Shurtleff (McHenry County). 
1916-18— Ed D. Shurtleff (McHenry County). 
1918-20— Ed D. Shurtleff (.McHenry County). 

POLITICAL STATISTICS 

At the first election held in McHenry County, June 1, 1837, the 
whole number of votes cast was 115. The election for county officers was 
held at the store of niram Kennicott, near Half Day, on the Desplaines 
River, within the present county of Lake. 

In 1838 the county chose its first representative to the State Legis- 
lature, electing Dr. Richard Murphy, Democrat, over Giles Spring, Whig, 
by a considerable majority. The convention which nominated the suc- 
cessful candidate was held the first Monday in March, 1838. About 
sixty delegates were present, among whom were the following from 
McHenry County : W T illiam M. Jackson, Proctor Smith, William Spon- 
able, Russell Diggins, C. Canfield, William A. McConnell and A. B. 
Coon. Of the entire number of delegates, only four were living in the 
early eighties, of whom Messrs. Coon and Jackson of this county were 
survivors. 

This county was solidly Democratic from its infancy until 1856, when 
the impending crisis changed the majority to the Republican side, where 
it has remained ever since. 

PRESIDENTIAL VOTE 

The vote for presidential electors from 1844 to the present is given 
below : 

1844— Polk, Democratic, 668; Clay, Whig, 4SS ; scattering, 77. 

1848— Cass, Democratic, 1,096; Taylor, Whig, 660; Van Buren, Free- 
soil, one vote. 



-ii BISTORT OF Mi IlKNKY COUNTY 

1852— Pierce, Democratic, 1,198 ; Winfield Scott, Whig, 886; Bale, 
Freesoil, 645. 

185G — John C. Fremont, Republican, 2,869; James Buchanan, Dem- 
ocratic, 945; Fillmore, Know-nothing, 13. 

1860 — Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 3,0:?:; ; Stephen A. Douglas, 
Democrat ir, 1,444. 

1864 Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 2,951; Geo. B. McClellan, Dem 
ocratic, 1,188. 

1868— U. S. Grant, Republican, 3,296; Seymour, Democratic, 1,388. 

1872— U. s. Grant, Republican, 2,895; Horace Greeley, Liberal, l,oso ; 
O'Connor, Democratic, 21. 

1876— Rutherford B. Bayes, Republican, 3,465; Samuel J. Tilden, 
Democratic, 1,874; Peter Cooper, Greenback, 34. 

1880^James A. Garfield, Republican, 3,516; W. S. Bancock, Dem- 
ocratic, 1,799; James B. Weaver, Greenback, 194. 

1884 James G. Blaine, Republican, 3,697; Grover Cleveland, Dem- 
ocratic, 2,077; St. John, Prohibitionist, 145. 

1888 — Benjamin Harrison, Republican, 3,563; Grover Cleveland, 
Democratic. 2,(K)2; Fisk, Prohibitionist, 322. 

1892 — Benjamin Harrison, Republican, 3,204; Grover Cleveland. 
Democratic, 2,317; Bidwell, Prohibitionist, 263. 

1896— William McKinley, Republican, 5,047; William Jennings 
Bryan, Democratic, 1,910; Gen. John Palmer, Gold Democrat, 18; 
Levering, Prohibitionist, 102. 

1900— William McKinley, Republican, 5,118; William Jennings 
Bryan. Democratic, 2,058; Wooley, Prohibitionist, 132. 

1904 — Theodore Koovvelt, Republican, 5,409; William Jennings 
Bryan, Democrat, 1,309. 

1908 — William Howard Taft, Republican, 5,331; Democratic, 1,887. 

I'il2 William Howard Taft, Republican, 2,370; Woodrow Wilson, 
Democratic, 1,913; Th lore Roosevelt, Progressive, 3,046. 

1916— Charles E. Bughes, Republican, 9,000; Woodrow Wilson. Dem- 
ocratic, 3,265. 

1921 Warren G. Hardin-. Republican, 9,885; James M. Cox, Demo- 
crat, 1,536. 



CHAPTER VII 
EDUCATION 

By Richard W. Bardwell 

ORIGIN OF SCHOOLS PIONEER SCHOOLHOUSE — FIRST SCHOOLS — EARLY INSTI- 
TUTES — COUNTS INSTITUTES — INCREASE IN SCHOOLS — EARLY SCHOOLS 
BY TOWNSHIPS — OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS — TEACHERS INSTI- 
TUTES — SCHOOL STATISTICS — GROWTH OF COMMON AND HIGH SCHOOLS 

MC HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION — COUNTY SUPERIN- 
TENDENT OF SCHOOLS TODD SEMINARY. 

ORIGIN OF SCHOOLS 

As the people of the world began to emerge from the chaos of the 
Bavage state, they commenced to think and plan, not entirely for them- 
selves, but for their children. Originally tillers of the soil, they recog- 
nized the fact that if they were to hope for better conditions for those 
to come after them, they must have a good soil to grow crops. That. 
after they had provided for stronger and more perfect bodies, they 
must train the minds of their offspring. Gradually they recognized 
the fact that if they handed together to hire some one to teach all of 
the children together, a much wiser person could be secured, than if 
each family tried to provide instruction. As the value of schools be- 
came recognized, the state took up the matter so as to provide the instruc- 
tion for those children who were orphans, or whose parents were QOl 
possessed of sufficient means to pay their quota into the common edu 
cational fund. Gradually, with annual improvements, the present public 
school system has come to obtain in this country. It commenced about 
1s:;;>-4(). Now, parents the world over in civilized parts, feel that 
there is no purpose, no real good in their lives, unless the miracle shall 
come to their children, that they enjoy advantages denied to the 
fathers and mothers. 

It was this spirit of sacrifice for the next generation that made the 
pioneers Struggle so earnestly to '_ r ct SO kind of educational forces 

81 



-' HISTORY OK MdlEXRY COUNTY 

at work, almost before they had grabbed oul a slump, or turned a furrow 

of their oew land. Of course, a1 firsl the scl Is bad to be beld in private 

homes or in a rude I" 1 -' cabin erected I'm- school purposes, and by 

scrimping at borne, the g 1 parents would deny themselves much in 

order to properly clothe, and furnish accessary schoolbookB, in order 
that their children might be sent to school. 

mi: PIONEER SCHOOI.1HU si: 

No matter how many times one reads of the little old lo;; school- 
house buill in the forest, or on the wild prairie's sod. where first the tiny 
tots attended schools in which their A. B, <"s were mastered, another 
description of the same old rude schoolhouse written by one seeing tlie 
hard benches and dirt floors, gives a different angle, hut the story is 
ever of deep interest to both old and young. 

Picture a small building, so small that it might easily be set down 
in the ordinary living room of today, fashioned of rough logs, fastened 
together, with mud plastered in the chinks between the logs. At one end 
was an opening, sometimes protected by a slab door, but oftentimes left 
without any cover. At the other end was a crude fireplace, which was 
liable to throw into the room as much smoke as was carried away by the 
mud and stick chimney. The floor sometimes was merely hard dirt ; again, 
it was constructed of split logs, with the bark side laid down. The fur- 
niture was all homemade, consisting of puncheon seats for the pupils, 
and a slab with longer pegs in it as a desk for the teacher. There were 
no blackboards, no globes, no scientific apparatus, no marble statues, pic- 
tures or maps. Indeed, ofttimes there were mighty few books for either 
the pupils or teacher, and yet how those children did absorb information, 
and lay in these primitive temples of learning, a lasting foundation for 
magnificent superstructures. Some of the best men this country ever 
produced, attended just such a school as the one above described. 

As the community increased in importance, so did the schools, frame 
structures gradually replacing the log buildings, and then came hand- 
some brick and stone schoolhouses of today. The early history of the 
schools of this county is similar to that of most other sections, but after 
the close of the Civil War, a radical change set in for the uplift of the 
common schools, and today every citizen worthy the name, boasts of. 
and duly appreciates, the excellent schools we are enjoying at this time. 



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a 

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IT 1 * < ■ 




HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 83 

FIRST SCHOOLS 

It appears thai the Oral schools in the county were taught in the 
year 183Q, in Burton and Dorr townships, which answered the above 
description of the log school. In 1837 another small school was opened 
in Cm-al Township; another in Algonquin, in 1838; Marengo bad one 
in 1839; Seneca, MeHenry and Chemung in 1840 ami Richmond in 
L841; A Men's first school started in either 1840 or 184] 

The firsl schoolhouse of which there appears to be any official record 
is the fine buill in section 1. township 4.">, range 9, Dunham Township, 
which was completed in June, 1839. The first official mention of the 
public schools in this county appears upon the county records under the 
date of June. 1841. Carlisle Hastings was then appointed School Land 

Commissioner, and boards of scd 1 trustees were appointed for each 

township in the county. These boards and the townships, as they are 
now named, an' given helow : 

Riley — A. E. Smith, R. Bates and Samuel Johnson ; 

.Marengo — Marcus G. White, John Foyer, Daniel Steward; 

Dunham — Jonathan Fellows, J. X. Jerome, Thomas Piney; 

Chemung — Nathaniel Smith, William Hart, Rodolphus Hutchinson; 

Coral A. F. Randall. Selah Markham, E. X. Prink; 

Seneca — William M. Jackson, Leander H. Bishop. Wm. Wattling; 

Hartland — George St ration. Appolos Hastings, George H. Guff inn ': 

Alden — Thaddeus B. Wakeman, Ransom Parrish, Orry Barrett; 

Grafton — Prescott Whittemore, John B. Oakley, Louis noldridge; 

Dorr — Allen Dufield, Solomon Keyes, Michael Best; 

Greenwood — Andrew J. Hayward, Amos Scofield, M. B. Gwinns; 

Hebron — Josiah H. Giddings, Jacob Gilbert, Bela H. Tryon ; 

Algonquin — Allen Baldwin, Hosea B. Throop, E. J. Smith; 

Xunda — Josiah Walkup. Charles Patterson, William Huffman; 

MeHenry — Aromy Thomas, Gideon Colby, Benjamin Tuttlc; 

Richmond — William A. McConnell, J. W. White, Samuel Merrick; 

Township 4:;. range 9, now a part of Algonquin — Thomas R. Chunn, 
William D. Carey, Joseph Clink; 

Township 4."), range 9, now within .MeHenry Township. Alden liar 
vey, Alfred Stone, Chauncy Beckwith. 

Township 4(i, range 9, Burton Township — S. S. Stijson, Jonathan 

Kimball. Alfred Stephens. 

From that date on schoolhouses were built and schools supported 



84 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

wherever the population was sufficiently dense to bear the expenses. Ajb 
the county grew more thickly Bettled, new districts were formed bo thai 
in ;i very few years every settler was within a shorl distance of a M-liool- 
house. It is related thai the greatest obstacle to the development of the 

schools was found in the lack of competent teachers. Many seemed 

fairly well qualified, and labored earnestly, bul others who were em- 
ployed in the absence of better material were Badly deficienl both in 
education and aptitude. The teachers, too, worked againsl hardship of 
not having suitable and uniform text-hooks, so thai real classification was 
impossible. 

In 1855, the records say that .Mr. Jewett, member of the board of 

supervisors, and on the committe lucation, presented resolutions 

declaring : 

" 1st. That there is a sad deficiency of properly and legally qualified 
teachers in and for your said county. 

"2nd. That there is a lack of interest and zeal on the part of said 

teachers to discharge those weighty responsibilities incumbent upon 
them in a becoming manner. 

"3rd. That there is a lamentable lack of uniformity in the plan of 
instruction which is so desirable in every county. 

"4th. That there have been considerable sums of money expended 
for tin' purpose of maintaining and supporting teachers' institutes, 
the object of said institutes being to remedy the difficulty above named. 

"5th. That these institutes have conic far short of the object for 
which they were established, etc. 

"To improve the then existing state of the public schools, .Mr. Jewetl 
proposed the establishment, at the county seat, of an institute to be 
called the McIIenry County Normal School; but alas, his suggestion was 
never acted upon by the board of supervisors." 

EARLY INSTITUTES 

The pioneers as a class were favorable to education ami supported 
the district schools manfully, as well as fostered and encouraged in all 
ways private educational institutions, the chief institutes being located 
at Lawrence. Marengo and Crystal Lake, though several others were 
started in other parts of the county. 

Lawrence Academy, ill the northwestern part of the county, was 
one of the earliest and most successful schools of its kind. It had 
able instructors, and many afterward prominent men were students 



HISTORY OF M< IIKXKY COUNTY 

there. It gradually waned and finally ceased to exist, better conditions 
of the public schools of the county supplying its place. 

At Crystal Lake village a flourishing seminary was maintained for 
some years under the name of Nunda College. 

COUNT* INSTITUTE 

The County Institute organized in 1856, perhaps aided more than 
any other single factor in bringing about an improved condition of the 
public school system in the county. For, it is seen by reference to public 
records, as well as to an interesting article in a former history of the 

county, that in 188") there were many valuable school libraries in the 

school districts ,,\' McIIeiiry County. A paragraph from this book may 
be useful in this connection : 

"Constant and well directed efforts have wrought their results. 
and now the people of McHenry may justly be proud of their public 
schools. It is doubtful if there can be found anywhere in the country 

.1 country no older than this which has better scl Is. While these scl Is 

are not perfect, yet in excellence of school buildings, convenience of 
arrangement, competent supervision and thorough instruction, the 
county will compare favorably with any of like age and population. The 
County superintendents, the teachers, the taxpayers and the pupils are 

all interested in their work, and the results are apparent. The county 
institutes are well attended and play an important part in keeping alive 
the interests of education in our county." 

INCREASE IX .s<IIOOLS 

In 1860 the number of schools in the county was 142; number of 
schoolhouses, 139; number of teachers, 218; number of male scholars. 
4,030; female scholars. :!,778. In 1870 the number of pupils was 
11,890, of whom 7,000 were enrolled. In 1875 the number of school- 
houses in this county was loll, but the work did not advance with other 
elements of growth in the county in the next years following those just 
named, for it is found that in 1ns4 there were only 138 schoolhouses. 
though it was saiil that 175 were badly needed. In 188:!-84 only 270 
teachers were employed, and school property was only valued at $186,- 
285. 

EARLY SCHOOLS BY TOWNSHIPS 

The first school taught in Alden Township was in 1841. by .Miss 
Clarissa Nelson, of Geneva Lake. The school •was held in the first 



86 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

schoolhouse built in the township. Ii was a log structure Located aear 
the present site of 1 1 1 * - railroad station. This building was erected in 

the spring of 1841, its dimensions being I'-'xl 1 feet, luit small as it was. 
it was plenty large enough to accommodate the little hand of nine 

pupils. A report of the schools of the township in isst ^ave tl nmll- 

ment of pupils as :!l."i of scl 1 age, and there were then nine school- 

tlOUSeS within the township. The school property was valued in 1SS2 
at $3,340. For present day school statistics the reader is referred to 
the table in this chapter, the same being extracted from the county 

superintendent's annual report. 

In the early eighties Algonquin Township was in the lead in the 
number of schoolhouses, the number being ten. valued at $12,000. The 
number of persons of school age in the township was 630. The circu- 
lating library then contained 200 volumes. The first schoolhouse in 
the township was a log building at Crystal Lake in which .Miss Hannah 
I'.cardsley taught in 18H8. 

In Burton Township a school was taught in 1846 by Miss <'ase. 
in the "red schoolhouse" in Section 8. Tt was buill by the patrons of 
the school and the teacher was paid on the subscription plan and 
usually "hoarded 'round." The first school, however, was taught in 
ISiili in a log building on Nippersink Creek, by Win. Stearns. 

In Chemung Township the first school was taught in the village of 
Chemung about INK). In 1880 the number of persons of school age in 
the township was UTS, or ninety more than any township within the 
county. It paid at that date next to the highesl wages for teachers of 
any of the townships. The school property of seven schoolhouses was 
then valued at $16,500. The first school in Harvard was taught in 
1859; -I. E. Young was the first principal, assisted by .Miss Mary Ballon. 
In the eighties the attendance was large and more building room had to 
hi' provided. The old reports show the village had C>7 pupils in school 
in 1884. 

In Coral Township the first schoolhouse was erected in 1838, on 
Section 8. William Jackson taught the first term of school and he took 
his pay in 4,000 rails for his four months' work. His patrons split 1,000 
rails a month, so that when the school ended they had paid in full, all in 
good rails. At the end of the term in a frolic, the "big boys" tore down 
thi' schoolhouse. In 1 S.s 1 this township had eleven Schoolhouses in use 
and that was more than any other township then had. There were on 
an average 409 pupils in attendance. School property was valued at 
$10,000. 



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HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 87 

In Don- Township the first school was taught by Alvira Cornish in 
the bouse of Uriah Cattle in 1836. The school consisted of seven pupils. 
In 1883 the value of Bchool property of this township was $55,200; 

the annual salaries paid were $5,677 ; number of children of sel I age 

were 880. 

In Dunham Township the first school was taught in the schoolhouse 
buill in 1838, on the farm of Mr. Jerome. It was a small Log structure 
which was also used for religious and political purposes. Miss Edna 
Jewetl was the first to teach there. A. M. Disbrow was the new teacher. 
In 1881 the township bad seven substantial school buildings, and paid 
annually about $1,800 for teachers. 

In Grafton Township a third of a century ago there were eighl 
fairly good school buildings and persons of school age upwards of 500. 
The first school here was taught in a log cabin erected in 1842 in District 
No. 7 (old number i. and the first teacher was Cynthia Thompson. 

In McHenry Township the first school was taught in 1840 by a .Miss 
McOmber, in a small log house erected on the banks of the Fox River. 
This was also the first school building in the township. In the early 
eighties reports show seven fairly well-built frame schoolhouses in the 
township which property was valued at $9,000 and there was a school 
population of 658. The township also had a small, but most excellent 
library. In the village of McHenry the first school was taught in a 
frame building on the present public square. It cost $2,000. Another 
schoolhouse was built in 1859, in the east side of town and its cost was 
$6,000. The West side building was burned in 1862. 

In Marengo Township the first school was taught by Caroline Cobb 
in 1839, but prior to this ( ). 1'. Rogers taught in a small log schoolhouse, 
marly opposite the Calvin Spencer residence in the village of Marengo. 

The school taught by the lady was held in a building erected for a si 

shop, and her pupils numbered nine the most of the term. 

In Seneca Township the first school was taught by Mrs. Roxy Stevens 
in 1840. at her home which was one mile south of Franklinville. In 
Franklinville the first schoolhouse of the township, a frame building, 
was erected in 1S45. 

In Woodstock the first school was taught in I84C, by David Rich- 
ardson, who paid $2.00 a month for the privilege of holding school in the 
old courthouse. The next year, 1846, the first school building in Wood- 
stock was erected on the same site still used for school purposes. In 
18(i() this house was deemed too small, and it was sold and a new build- 
ing provided in 1867. A new building was erected in 1906 at a cost of 



88 HISTORY OF M< HENRY COUNTY 

$25,999, and ;i four-room Bchool building was erected that same year on 
Clay street. The large building burned to the ground December 2, 
1919. In January, 1921, the Clay streel school was enlarged and im- 
proved, making it a modern, eight-room grade building. In the Bame 
year an eight-room grade huilding was erected mi the corner of Dean 
streel and Forrest avenue. 

In Richmond Township the first sc1k.h1 was taught by the daughter 
nt' Elder Pease, of Crystal Lake, in the Montelona schoolhouse. This 
was iniilt in 1841, on ii ner of William A. McConnell's farm, west 

of the village In 1>1l» a school of forty-two pupils was tamrht at 

Solon by Charles Knapp. The graded school at Richmond was first 
opened in the fall of 1861, with Dr. S. F. Bennett as its teacher. 

OTHER EARLY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 

Here in this county there have been several attempts at founding 
and maintaining religious training schools among which was the Pres- 
byterian Academy at Marengo. It had quarters in the basemenl of the 

then new church of that denomination. E. B. Conklin was its first 
principal and he was. after two years, succeeded by Professor Scudder. 
The enrollment was from eighty to 120 pupils. This academy was in 
existence some five or more years, when in the financial collapse of 1857, 
an "Educational Institute" was formed. A large five-story brick build- 
ing was erected for the purpose of carrying on the institution. It had 
scarcely been in operation for one year, when, for want of Sufficient en- 
dowment, it fell into the hands of other parties and soon was dis- 
continued. 

teachers' institutes 

Teachers' institutes and normal schools have been in existence a 
long time in this county. It is not the purpose of this article to go far 
into detail concerning these helpful adjuncts to the public schools, but 
simply to give a brief account of the establishing of such factors. That 

.\ccllent educator and grand old I'rcsliyterian clergyman, Rev. R. K. 
Todd, organized a teachers' institute in the autumn of 1849, during the 
first year of his first term as school commissioner. It was held iii the 
old courthouse, continued for one week, had an average attendance of 
150. During each succeeding fall for his term of office, a similar in- 
stitute or teacher's meeting was held, but during his successor's term, 



HISTORY OK M. 1IKXKY COUNT? 39 

the movemenl dwindled down until A. W. Smith, on assuming the 
office in 1855, had some trouble in re-awakening the teacher's dormant 
interest in this means of improvement. His institutes were held for 
two week-, ami at his third meeting, in the fall of 1856, a constitution 
was adopted and the institute began to assume a more perfect form. Mr. 
Smith was the first to go out of the county to secure instructors, he 
having at his second meeting, the state superintendent as one of them. 

School Commissioner Hutchinson was succeeded in ls~>~>. I>y Asa \V. 
Smith, who wrote as follows: 

"In the fall of 1855, 1 was elected school commissioner, and, upon 

accepting the office, found it to be one of my legal duties to visit sel is 

fifty days in a year, with a compensation of $2.00 per day. There 
were at that time somewhat over 200 schools in the county. Notwith- 
standing it was '-'big work and small pay," I resolved to undertake the 
task, which was performed by visiting two schools daily, and lecturing 
at night in the most convenient places for the patrons of the two schools 
just visited that day. 

"In October, lSoti, the present organization known as the McHenry 
County Teachers' Institute was formed. 

"In 1S.">7. we had the most successful and interesting institute of my 
time as active member thereof. It was quite generally attended by 
the best teachers of the county, among whom were Rev. R. K. Todd, 
John A. Parrish, S. F. Bennett. Thee .Mead. M. F. Ellsworth, the two 
.Misses Thomas, Miss Jcwett, .Miss Aehsee Smith, .Miss Thompson, Miss 
II. s. Corey, Mrs. C. M. Smith, and many others." 

Ill 1S77 the records show that after 1857, the institute did not meet 
regularly. Its meetings were then generally held at Woodstock, bu1 
occasionally at McHenry, Richmond and Nunda. 

A- the years passed by and state school laws made it obligatory upon 
the pari of teachers to attend these institutes, they were, of course, more 
regular in their meetings. Later the state normal schools sprang into 
existence, and many teachers were greatly benefited by such educa- 
tional institutions. 

SCHOOL STATISTICS 

The following table is made up from items found in the annual 
report of the county school superintendent for McHenry County, giving 

the name of districts and their numbers in the several townships of 1h<' 
comity, the report for the same items in the incorporated villages and 
cities of the county, and enrollment of districts: 



90 



HISTORY OF M( HENRY COUNTY 





Dist. 


Pupils 




Dist. 


1'upiL 


Number Em 


Number Enrolled 


Riley Township — 






( >ak Grove .... 


98 


11 


McGovern 






Lawrence 


1 25 


21 


1 district 


142 


11 


( !ity Harvard . . 


L25 


760 


Pay 


1 1:: 


25 


( lieinui!" 


L27 


.".1 


Driver 


144 


9 


Ilartland Towahip- 






Java 


1 18 


11 


Cooney 


65 


17 


Williamson .... 


145 


•>•> 


Delantv 


95 


12 


Riley Center 


146 
147 


33 
16 


King 


99 

100 


18 


Anthony 


Newman 


13 


Dunham Township — 




Deep Cul 


102 


19 


1 ounty Line . . . 


7 


11 


Hughes 


103 


35 


Carmack 


101 


30 


Desmond 


mi 


23 


North Dunham. . 


128 


22 


Seneca Township — 






Banows 


129 


15 


Pleasant Ridge. . 


74 


29 


Island 


133 


14 




105 


25 


Aldcn Township — 






Bayard 


106 


11 


Cash District . . 


97 


9 


Kanalav 


107 


11 


Shields 


96 


15 


Puller 


112 


14 


.Manly-Leo .... 


94 


8 


Diggins 


108 


■22 


Teeple 


93 


22 


Vermont 


109 


25 


1 [ardscrabble . . 


87 


10 


Franklinville . . 


110 


19 


Alden \'illa<?e . . 


92 


67 


Maple Hill .... 


111 


19 


Wilson 


ill 


16 


( ioral Township — 






Bordwell 


89 


13 


Harmony 


1 


30 


Kinirslev 


ss 


35 


Union Village . . 


113 


92 


Marengo Township 






Seward 


114 


7 


( Heott District . . 


134 


11 


O 'Roiirke 


115 


18 


Burr <>ak 


135 


16 


Heath 


116 


16 


McGavern 


137 


11 


Coral ( 'enter . . 


117 


10 




141 


15 


Oak Grove 


118 


7 


Poyer 


138 


20 


Brown Town . . 


119 


16 


Wilson-Pringle 


139 


26 


Burton Township- 






i lity Marengo . . 


14(1 


370 


English I'rairie. 


9 


16 


Chemung Township — 




Creek 


10 


29 


Big Foot 


90 


32 


Spring Grove . . 


11 


25 


State Line .... 


123 


24 


Greenwood Township — 




White Oak 


124 


19 


Howe District . . 


35 


12 



= 



> 



i 







4d 


■ 






i 


11 i^ yW" 




■I s * ' *«■- 

■■ j fill I) a '.' 11 jH^^^I 


■ ] »w2sm 








.1 %l *" ''*' v • ' 


f r . >-JR&f>'5 


T ' ^1 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



91 





Dist. 


Pupils 




Dist. 


Pupils 


N 


milicr 


Enrolled 


Number Enrolled 


Thaver 

Greenwood 


(i.'i 


21 


l',,rd 


52 


18 






South Prairie . . 


51 


20 


Village 


64 


71 


Munshawville . . 


49 


19 


Queen Ann . . . 


67 


12 


Crystal Lake 






Reed 


66 


14 


(City) 


47 


496 


Fosdick 


71 


14 


Cary Village . . 


26 


108 


Charles 


69 


17 


Eager 


1 


25 


fifcHenry Township 


— 




Oak Glen 


27 


12 


Harrison-Marsh 


36 


10 


Fox River Grove 


149 


4:> 


Ostend 


37 


15 


West Harmony . 


122 


16 


Sherman Hill . . 


39 


11 


Grafton Township- 






Lily Lake .... 


16 


9 


Halligus 


81 


25 


McHenry 






Huntley Village. 


85 


245 


Village 


15 


27:) 


Dorr Township — 






Johnsburg .... 


12 


141 


Oak Grove .... 


73 


35 




::i 


51 


Pleasant Valley. 


80 


25 


1. inn, In 


14 


17 


Ridgefield 






Nunda Township — 






Village 


48 


41 


Kmerald Park 






Cold Spring . . 


70 


18 


District 


17 


14 


Woodstock .... 


72 


898 


Burton 's 






( l-regory 


75 


12 


Bridge 


22 


14 


McConnell .... 


76 


8 


Clemens 


40 


10 


Walkup 


77 


13 


Cherry Valley 


41 


12 


Lucas 


76 


19 


Prairie 


42 


11 


llelnon Township- 






Holcombville . . 


43 


17 


Hebron Village. 


57 


221 


Terra Cotta ... 


44 


23 


Burgett 


56 


17 




4.") 


15 


Turner 


58 


17 


Prairie Grove . . 


46 


11 


Glass 


59 


16 


( triswold Lake. . 


19 


14 


Vanderkarr .... 


60 


17 


Algonquin Township — 




Stone's Corner. 


61 


9 


McManaman 


23 


25 


Tryon's Corner. 


(12 


20 


Wienke 


55 


15 


Richmond Township — 




Algonquin 






Richmond 






Village 


54 


129 


Village 


29 


241 


Miller 


53 


5 


Meyers- 






Silver Lake . . . 


24 


16 


Monteloma . . 


30 


10 



92 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Dirt. Pupils Dist. Pnpila 

Number Enrolled Number Enrolled 

Keystone :il 23 Solon .Mills ... 33 :« 

Sardscrabble .. 32 9 Washington ... 13 16 

The total expenditure for school purposes in the county il'.ioiii was 
$356,562.17, and of this amount $247,403.6] was spenl for paymenl Of 
teachers. 

The average length of the school year is eight and six-tenths months. 
The number of pupils enrolled in the county averages 6,245, which in- 
cludes 963 high-school pupils; and the number of children of Bchool Bge 
in the county is 8,932. 

GROWTU OF THE COMMON AND III', 11 M IIunI.s 

Iii the organization of the forces for rural education in this county, 
the succession of county school superintendents lias been a notable one. 
The high standard of educational ideals existing generally throughout the 
county was first manifested in the selection by the popular vote of the 
enmity "s chief educational officer, and sustained especially in the election 
of Prof. Lester Barber of Marengo; W. E. Wire, George \V. Conn. Jr., 
and Prof. Addison M. Shelton. 

During the terms of these four educators the rural schools progressed 
with general uniformity, and the high standards existing; at the present 
are due in a greal measure to their leadership. 

In the city school system of the county, modern methods of organi- 
zation and administration have been constantly introduced and in the 
selection of studies and methods of teaching, those in authority have con- 
stantly improved and kept abreast of the times. Buildings and grounds 
have been provided in each city as its growth warranted. Among the 
city superintendents of note who have served in this county may be men- 
tioned li. G. Jones, of Harvard, now superintendent of the Cleveland. 

Ohio, schools; C. M. Bardwell, of Marengo, now superintendent of the 

Aurora. 111., schools, and C. E. Douglas, of Woodstock, who is now super- 
intendent of the Erie. Penu., schools. The influence of these and other 
successful superintendents, is apparent in the present city school sys- 
tem of McHenry County. 

The development of the high schools of the county has been during 
the past twenty-five years, a wonderful growth. The enrollment has been 
doubled many times over, and in the present year, several of the city high 



HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 93 

schools, notably Woodstock, Harvard, and Marengo, find themselves con- 
fronted with the necessity of erecting new high school buildings to meet 
the needs of their districts. In Crystal Lake, the high school building 

ami equipment are of the tinest in the county. These improvements were 
secured though the aid of a large amount of back taxes received in the set- 
tlement of a local estate. Crystal Lake and Woodstock both have ex- 
cellent courses in nnrmal school training and domestic science. Wood- 
Mock, Harvard, Crystal Lake, Marengo, and McHenry high schools all 
give up-to-date commercial training. McHenry and Crystal Lake have 
fine hifrh-school gymnasiums for the physical training of their students. 

The only available records at hand for securing the names of the 
superintendents of schools in the various cities and villages of the county, 
are those for Woodstock, which show that the first high school was 
taught in 1878 and the superintendents since the organization of the high 
school have been: Professors Warren Wilkie, 1878; A. E. Bourne, 1880; 
S. B. Hursh, 1888; .1. A. Kelly, 1890; John R. Kello™ 1891; L. B. Eas 
ton, IS'M: (I. W. Conn, 1896; C. W. Hart, 1897; C. E. Douglas, 1907; 
B. C. Thomas, 1911; and R. W. Bardwell who took charge of the schools 
in 1!H4. 

The three public school buildings in Woodstock were built as follows: 
the first one, the old brick school, was built in 1867; the new brick one, 
attached to or adjacent to the old building, is a handsome structure 
built in 1906 at a cost of $25,000; the third one is the Clay Street build- 
ing, built in the northern portion of the city, in 1907, at a cost of $20,000, 
exclusive of the grounds. 

MC HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION 

During the past fifty years one of the most potent influences in the 
progress of education in the county has been an organization of the princi- 
pals of the city or village schools of the county, known as the McHenry 
County School Principals Association. This group of earnest educators 
has fostered in many ways the welfare of the county's public schools. 
They have met regularly at the county seat during the school term, some- 

times to i- ive inspiring messages from the eminent men from outside 

the county ; at other times to discuss the problems which confronted them 
in their schools. The membership in 1921 is: Oswell G. Treadway, Mc- 
Henry. president; A. M. Shelton, county superintendent, secretary; II. 

A. Dean, Crystal Lake; c. W. Hill. Marengo; R. W. Bardwell, W 1 

Mock; C. O. Haskell, Harvard; Frank Ben, Hebron; C. II. Duker, Hunt- 
ley; C. W. Minard, Richmond; and P. II. Willey, Alden. 



94 BISTORT OF MrllKXRY COUNTY 

cm \TV SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS 

Charles Bastings, 1841-43; Peter Diets, 1843 15; .Major T. Irwin, 
1845 17; Phineas w. Piatt, 1847-49; Rev. R K Todd, 1849-54; M. T. 
Butchinson, 1854-55; Asa W. Smith, 1856-59; Alvin Brown, 1859-61; 
Theodore Mead, 1861-63; Thomas Knanbrack, 1863-65; A. J. Kingman, 
1865-69; G. s. Southworth, 1869-73; William Nickle, 1873-77; A. W. 
Young, 1877 -1 ; I). 1). Baldwin, 1881-83; H. R. Baldwin, 1883-84; Lester 
Barber, L884-90; W. E. Wire, 1890-1902; George W. Conn, 1902-10; A. 
ML shelton, 1910 to present date. 

TODD SEMINARY 

Todd Seminary is a private school at Woodstock for boys only. Its 
early history was well written tip for a former history of McHenry 
County by its founder's son. Henry Alfred Todd, who brought out the 
following historic points, in a lengthy biography of the Todd family: 
Rev. R. K. Todd, founder of this school, was a graduate of Princeton 
College. X. J., and was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, married 
a .Miss Clover of Xew York. and. being impressed with the missionary 
spirit, started on a long trip with his young bride. This was in 1847 
and they headed for the "far West." Railroads, generally speaking, 
had not yet come into common use and so they traveled by the Erie 
Canal, and by steamer over the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, Wis. Be- 
cause of a few young friends who had located in McHenry County, 
111., he was led to conn' here. A Presbyterian Church had just been 
organized at Woodstock with thirteen members, and he was induced 
to become its pastor. He was soon selected as superintendent of the 
McHenry County public schools and held that position a number ..f 
years. Subsequently, he established a school of his own at Woodstock 

Finding it necessary at the end of a long term of years, on account 
of an affection of his throat to relinquish in a large part his public 
speaking, he threw his whole energies into the building up of an 
institution of advanced education to stimulate, as well as satisfy the 
needs of the then rapidly growing West. He had already been one of 
the prime movers in the permanent foundation of the Marengo Col- 
legiate Institute, but that institution was entirely destroyed by fire, 
from which loss it never recovered. Again a similar calamity con- 
fronted Mr. Todd in the burning of the well-equipped building erected 
by him at Woodstock. Yet despite these losses, he gathered about him, 






1: >&' 



-r 
- 
- 
- 
— 
- 

— 
: 
: 
- 




HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 95 

as president, a large and efficienl corps ol instructors, obtained from 
the Illinois Legislature a generous charter, and inaugurated a long 
and highly prosperous period of collegiate work, the annual enrollment 
ranging from 151 to 200 students, from whom the ranks of teachers 

in Northern Illinois were for many years largely recruited. Late in 

the seventies, feeling the need for rest, .Mr. Todd concluded to limit his 
efforts to the care of a classical home school for boys. The spacious 
grounds and buildings, situated at the edge of the city, afforded a 

beautiful country retreat for a family of about twenty hoys in their 
teens, nearly all of whom came from city homes. Some even came in 
from distant states. Such was the foundation of the present excellent 
institution now known as "The Todd Seminary for Hoys." Rev. Todd, 

the founder, feeling that he could no longer undertake the genera] 
management of the Bchool, called to his assistance a young, vigorous 
man from New England, the present proprietor of the institution, 
Noble Hill. l'h. IS., who came in the autumn of 1888, and in 1890 took 
complete charge. .Mrs. Todd, wife of the founder, died, and Rev. Todd 
went to California to reside with his only son. In 1892 Prof. Hill 
purchased the property and has ever since owned and conducted a 
hoys' school of a most remarkable and unique character. 

The former buildings, in fact the entire institution, has been al- 
lowed to run down until it was almost a hopeless task to place it hack 
in the class to which its founder had aspired, but Prof. Hill knew no 
such word as fail and went to work with a right good will and did 
what few other men could have accomplished in so short a time, if 
indeed ever. The old buildings were remodeled, rebuilt and converted 
to other uses from those of former days and in time new buildings 
were erected on the beautiful campus which now comprises about eleven 
acres. During the last school year there were enrolled 110 pupils, com- 
ing in from seventeen states and territories, and one was booked from 
Cuba. The average age of these boys is about twelve years, with 
several no older than seven. It is estimated that fully three-quarters 
of these boys come from homes in the City of Chicago. Ten grades are 
taught, and this course of instruction qualifies the youth to go out into 
active life a finished scholar in his class, or to enter higher institutions 
of learning. The West and Middle West furnish the greater number 
of students. Teli instructors are usually employed, at this date half 
of them being men and half women. The school year of nine months 
is between September and June. The motto of this school is "Acid l<i 
Virtue Knowledge." 



96 IIISTOKY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

This is .1 strictly non-sectarian school; moral character is nil that 
is insisted upon in taking in students. Again it is strictly a Christian 
institution, for no instructor is ever employed unless lie is a professed 
Christian, bul no Christian denomination is barred, Catholic not 
excepted. 

Thi> ideal of the faenlty is "for every Todd boy a good citizen." 
And this means what it says, a living active principle in the daily life 
of the Todd hoys. The crowning glory of this sehool is the fact that 
it is a place where prohibition positively prohibits, a place of respect 
for authority and obedience to the law, where locks and keys are un- 
known and individual and property rights are respected. 

A more healthful spot cannot be found on the continent, for its 

altitude is 1,000 feet above sea level, the highest point in all Illinois. 
During the seventy years of its existence not one death lias occurred 
among the hundreds and thousands of pupils who have been in attend- 
ance. Climate, pure air, pure water, proper exercise and observance 
of sanitary rules have all combined to briny: about this unequalled result. 

The buildings found on the superb campus are: Wallingford Hall. 
Clover Hall, Rogers Hall, Grace Hall, the Gymnasium, Headmasters 
Cottage, West Cottage, Cozy Cottage, and North Cottage, used for hos- 
pital purposes. 

The following practices are strictly prohibited: Use of cards or 
any form of gambling; use of tobacco; use of profane or vulgar lan- 
guage; us,' or possession of fire-arms; reading of trashy books or papers; 
contracting debts; going off the grounds without permission ; going down 
town unless accompanied by a teacher; and leaving the buildings after 
evening prayers. 

The instructors 1920 and 1921 are as follows: 

Principal— Noble Hill, Ph. B. 

Associate Principal — Roger Hill, A. B. 

Secretary and Treasurer — Ross Taylor. A. B. 

Headmaster — A. E. Johnson. A. B. 

History— H. A. Hunter, A. B. 

Latin— F. J. Roubal, A. B. 

Geography — S. L. Coover. 

.Music K. Crilly, A. B. 

English and Librarian — .Miss Grace Libey 

Reading and Spelling — Miss I 'carl Pidler. 

Primary Department— Miss Hazel Macdonald. 

Primary Department — Miss Edith Divilbess. 



HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY 97 

Mathematics — Sirs. P. J. Roubal. 

Art— Miss Mary B. Newman. 

Secretary to Principal — .Miss Selma Rowe. 

Dean of the Home — Mrs. Ross Taylor, A. B. 

House Mother— Miss Lillian Kauft'man. 

House Mother— Mrs. A. E. Johnson. 

Nurse— Mrs. G. C. Trevarthen. 

When Prof. Hill first came to Woodstock he was a single man, lint 
two years later he brought bis bride to the institution and to them were 
born a son and a daughter, both of whom have been educated primarily 
in this institution. The daughter, Miss Carol Hill, now Mrs. Ross Taylor, 
is the only girl who has ever attended the school. Both are now con- 
nected with their father's institution. 



CHAPTER VIII 
CHURCHES 

RELIGIOUS SPIRIT — LACK OP FACILITIES — FIRST SERVICES — F1R.-T r || I ];< IIES 
— BAPTISTS — CATHOLIC— CHRISTIAN SCIENCE — CONGREGATIONAL — EPIS- 
COPAL — LUTHERAN — METHODIST — PRESBYTERIAN — IN1\ l.lo AI.IST. 

RELIGIOUS SPIRIT 

.Man lias ever sought to draw near to his Creator, ami never does 
this tendency heroine so stronir as when lie feels the lark of something 
material in life. As loiijr as his creature comforts are assured, his happi- 
ness is intact, he appears able to exist without much thought of a future 
life, but lei trouble or misfortune visit him, and instinctively he longs 
for some assurance of a power above his own. Just as a nation is purified 
and elevated through a period »f great affliction, so are its people brought 
into proper religious frame of mind when misfortune falls upon them 
heavily. 

LACK OF FACILITIES 

Perhaps im one facility was more deeply felt, not only by individuals, 
hut the communities they formed, in pioneer days, than that which in 
the old homes afforded proper observance of religious duties. The pioneer 
had no churches, nor could they at firsl come in contact with religious 
teachers. The lack of the religious clement in the early settlements 
had much to do with the lawlessness which prevailed in some com- 
munities. It appeared impossible to properly curb this until churi 
were established and a regular religious routine installed. Therefore 
not only was it important for the peace and happiness of each individual 
that some religious services be provided, hut also for the growth of the 

neighborhood from a frontier settlement into the hon f law-abiding 

citizens to which desirable people and additional capital would be drawn. 
Because of these and many other cog< tt1 reasons, it is easy to see why the 
settlers exerted themselves to raise sufficient funds to guarantee a certain 

98 



HISTORY OP McIIEXRY COUNTY 99 

regularity of religious services, and their efforts met with ample and 

gratifying results. 

FIRST SERVICES 

it matters not upon what exact date some certain seel held services, 
in a given community. The fact thai such services were held is the im- 
portant Eact. It is found thai several Protestant and at least two Catholic 
churches were very early in the field in this county. They all had to 

hold services in some private home and put up with such accommodations 

as could be provided in a log cabin at first. Sometimes a schoolhouse 
was found in which religious services could be held. Some communities 
lacked a minister, and then a layman took charge, for they believed ill 
the promise made to the "two or three gathered together in my name," 
even though they were in the wilderness where the sound of the church- 
going hell had never yet been heard. On red-letter days in the history of 
a settlement, services were held by a traveling clergyman, at which 
time creeds and differences of doctrine were usually forgotten, and all 
gathered to drink in the words of warning and comfort which fell from 
the eloquent lips of one or another of the missionaries, soldiers of the 
('mss. who went forth, on horseback, into the wilderness and preached 
and labored for the .Master, without thought of reward other than a bare 
living and the realization that they were living up to their conception 
of their duty to their Maker and humanity. 

FIRST CUURCLIKS 

Ofttimes the log schoolhouse served as a meetinghouse in the early 
days, but finally, after much effort, in each of the new settlements, the 
little frame house of worship with its tiny bell in a wooden belfry, began 
to dot the prairies or grace the beautiful valleys midst the woodland. 

It was one of such that the ) t wrote "The Little Brown Church in the 

Vale," SO popular everywhere now-a-days. Each Lord's day. a stream 
of people, clad in the best they possessed, might have been seen wending 
their way, on foot, horseback and with ox teams, to these little country 
chapels. In time these small frame structures gave way to larger, more 
appropriate edifices with costly and attractive stained windows and a 
high steeple with a silver toned bell within its belfry. Some obtained 
pipe organs and modern furniture, but the same spirit guided them, 
the same purpose of worshiping the only true and living Cod, in both 
humble and more pretentious edifices. 



100 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

In order t" give the readers of this volume ;i clear idea of how the 
religious elemenl developed in every pari of this county, the writer has 
soughl to gather together all i »» >s.^il il<- data from all denominations here 
represented, and place such information in readable form in one chapter. 

BAPTISTS 

The Marengo Church is among the pioneer church organizations 
in northern Illinois. The first sermon ever preached in McHenry County 
was by a Baptist minister named Southworth, one Saturday evening in 
April, 1836, at the home of Calvin Spencer. The audience was composed 
of less than a dozen people. Reverend Southworth was on his way further 
west, and perished in the terrible snow storm, near Rock Island in 
December, 1836. Rev. Lyman B. King, preached ;it the home of Calvin 
Spencer iii October, 1836, and from that date on as occasion offered, 
until the autumn of 1838. In 1840, Kev. Isaac Marvin, a graduate of 
Harvard University, was sent into this region to labor in behalf of the 
Baptist Home .Missionary Society. lie ami his young wife came in a one- 
horse wagon with their trunk strapped to the rear of the vehicle. Aboul 
half-way between Coral and Marengo, a stick caught in one of the wheels 
and broke it. They stopped at the next house and remained over night. 
Their host proved to be Orson P. Rogers, who then lived, where after- 
wards resided William Boies. Through this incident was formed a 
Baptist Church in this vicinity. 

It was August 28, 1S.")2. when the Baptist Church of Marengo was 
organized by Rev. Isaac Marvin. Its charter members were as follows: 
Samuel Farnum, Beniah Parnum, Reuben Parnum, Orin Hubbard, John 
Robinson, Philander Pa<re, Jedadiah Rogers, James Andrews. Rev. Isaac 
Marvin. Sarah Marvin, Bertha De Wolf, Mary Wilbur, Wealthy Safford, 
Eliza Page, Eliza Stull, Hannah Hubbard, Sarah Robinson, Phoebe 
Perry, Nancy Richardson, Orpha Farnum, Sarah Howe. Clark Richard- 
son, Harriet E. Bates. The membership of this church is 241. The first 
church building, a frame structure, was superseded in 18H7 by the 
present building, which is valued at $1"»,000. 

The various pastors to serve here have been as follows: Revs. Isaac 
Marvin. Luther W. Lawrence. '/.. A. Bryant, David E. Halteman. T. F. 
Borchers, 0. B. Stone, A. B. White. J. K. Wheeler. R. L. Haley. A. »i. 
Dunsford, Ross Matthews, A. -I Morris, W. E. Billings, Vernon s. 
Phillips. W. M. Embree, Eutrene Xeubauer. W. F. Bostick. R. M. 
Morphett and II. P>. Stevens. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 101 

The I'i i U3ANT Gbove Church. While tliis organization does not now 

t'xist. it rightfully finds a place in this connection. This church was 
organized, December 30, 1S40. with seven members. For the first year 
in. etings were held in a log cabin and later at the schoolhouse. In l s .">l 
the Pleasant Grove Church changed its name to that of the "Coral 

Baptist Church" and continued to worship as such until July l's, is."),"), 
when pastor and members all united with the Marengo Baptist Church. 
The faithful pastors of this church were Isaac .Marvin, who after three 
years, finding it hard to exist on what was possible to be paid him, 
resigned; early in 1*44. Reverend Lawrence was made pastor, and his 
flock numbered aboul forty members. lie was a farmer-preacher and 
owned a farm on the Belvidere road, on which he lived. lie drove to 
liis appointment every Saturday and back home Monday. 

The oldest religious society at Crystal Lake was the Baptist, it having 
been formed there in 1839, by Joel Wheeler, D. D., of McHenry. They 
crcited a church in 1853 and it burned in 1864. This society is not 
active today. Among its first members were Hiram Harris, Benjamin 
Crabtree, Clarinda Crabtree, and Benjamin Crabtree, Jr. 

The First Baptist Church of Woodstock was organized May 12, 
1 847, by Elder Adams. The charter members were : Asa Churchill, Mrs. 
Louisa Churchill, Mrs. Submit Enos, Mrs. Nancy (Enos) Swartout, Bela 
D. Churchill, Freeman Churchill, Elonor Allen, Louis B. Allen, Norman 
Butts, Jane (Cranston) Stowell, Sarah L. Allen, Mrs. Polly Butts, 
Louisa Cranston. The first services were held in a hall, but in 1858 a 
church was erected. This was subsequently sold and in 1866-67 another 
church was built, costing $7,000 and it is still in good repair and in use. 
In 1893, improvements were made on the present structure, which cost 
the society $1,600. The old frame church was sold to the -Methodist 
people in 18(ii'. 

The present total membership of the church is 103. A good Sunday 
School is connected with the church and this has an enrollment of about 
150. It is believed the first pastors here were: Revs. Wheeler and 
Eldridge Whittier. The record furnished for this article by Rev. Her- 
bert H. Smith, runs as follows (since 1850) : 

Rev. Whittier— From December. ls.Mi. to November 24, 1851. 

Rev. Wheeler — From November 24, 1851, to March 31, 1855. 

Rev. Eldridge. 

Rev. s. m. Brown — From August 1. 1852. 

Rev. E. F. Guerney— From October 21, 1855, to October, 1856. 

Rev. G. W. Gates— From February 8, 1858, to July 31, 1858. 



10-2 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Rev. s. Washington Prom September 19, 1858, to December, 1859. 

Rev. N. Colver Prom January 1. 1861, to July 26, 1861. 

Rev. A. C. Bubbard Prom October 6, L861, to October 1, 1862. 

Rev. E. O'Brien Prom January, 1863, to April 12, 1803. 

Rev. Ross Prom June, 1863, to July, 181 

Rev.C B Egan PromD mber, 1863, to April, 1864. 

Rev. A. S. Freeman From October, 1804, to September, 1865. 
Rev. John Young— From December 16, 1865. 
Rev. William M. Haigh— From February 1. 1866, to April 2, 1868. 
Rev. J. Sunderland- From .May t. 1868, to July, 1S68. 

Rev. I. \". Carman- Pr .Inly 2fi. lsii>. to < tctober 3, 1869. 

Rev. Maul- From 1870. 

Rev. Horace Burchard— From April. 1870, to December 1, 1873. 

Rev. E. A. [nc< — From March 15, 1874. to August, 1874. 

Rev. II. L. Stetson — From October, 1874, to January. 1876. 

Rev. P. S. Cox Prom -May. 1876, to February. 1877. 

Rev. 1). s. McEwan— From .May 20, 1877, to June 7, 1880. 

Rev. William Ostler— From October 1, 1880, to August 3, 1881. 

Rev. J. I). McLean— From September 4, 1881, to December, 1881. 

Rev. Clark- From 1883. 

Rev. L. Parmely— From March 6, 1883, to April 27, 1884. 

Rev. Benry II; Le -From September 21, 1884, to September 1, 1886. 

Rev. Edward Met 'lain. 

Rev. O. W. Kemp. 

Rev. George P. Wright— From November I. 1888, to .May 11, 1890. 

Rev. s. E. Cady— From June 1, 1890, to May 15, 1892. 

Rev. John McCaw— From November 20, 1892, to June 28, 1896. 

Rev. C. F. Barker— From August 2. 1896, to April 25, 1897. 

Rev. E. T. Stevens— From dune 0, 1897, to October 17, 1898. 

Rev. C. C. Markham— From November 16, 1897, to October 17, 1898. 

Rev. W. E. Sawyer— From December, 1899, to December 12. 1900. 

Rev. s. I'. Morris— From December 16, 1900, to November 7. 1901. 

Rev. S. E. Sloon— From November in. 1901, to June 15, 1902. 

Rev.W. I. Powle- Prom July 11, 1902, to June 21, 1903. 

Rev. I. T. Underwood— From Augusl 9, 1903, to May 1. 1905. 

Rev. d. F. Faker— From September 6, 1905, to May 1, 1906. 

Rev. <;. ('. Crippen— From dune in. 1906, to April 17. 1908. 

Rev. L. E. M. Freeman— From October 9, 1908, to January, 1909. 

Rev. John Henry Perry — From Man h 7. 1909, i" September 1"). 1909. 

Rev. W. C Monroe— From December 7. 1909, to -March 30, 1913. 




A 







HISTORY OF McIIFXRY COUNTS 103 

Rev. Herbert II. Bmith— From April 20, 1913, and 
Rev. John L. Hess, the present pastor. 

■ CATHOLIC 

There are aumerous strong and well-directed Catholic churches within 
this county. The construction of railroads through the county brought 
many Irish and other foreign-born of this religious faith to the county 
and many of these, after finishing the railroad work, settled here and 
formed a strong nucleus which added to those who had settled in and 
near McHenry village, as early as islO, made possible the organization 
of some prosperous parishes. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Chdboh, was organized at McHenry, in 
1840 by Rev. M. St. Palais, afterwards Bishop of Yincennes. The charter 
members were: John Sutton, Michael Sutton, George Prisby and James 
Gibbs. 

There are now ISO souls in this parish. The first church was built 
in 1853 at a cost of $300; in 1872 it was rebuilt at a cost of $2,000; in 
1883 it was enlarged and valued at $3,000. The present church edifice 
and property is valued at $15,000. The rectory, which was built in 
1899, with its property is valued at $5,000. 

There is at this time an out .Mission at Richmond, this county. .Mass 
i- said at Richmond on the first and third Sundays of the month. 

The following have served as the faithful pastors of this parish: 
Rev. Fathers: M. St. Palais, Gigwan, McGorick, McMahan, Hampstead 
Brady, 1'. GafEney, .lames Moran, Andrew Eustace, James Meagher, P. 
Smith. G. Pendergrast, Peter Birch, John Kilkenny, John A. Waves, 
Peter J. Gormley, .Michael Welby, P. M. O'Neil, Paul Burke, D. Lehane, 
II. Hagen, Charles Quinn, J. Lynch, and M. J. McEvoy, who was ap- 
pointed to St. Patrick's in August, 1915, is the present pastor. 

St. Joiix's Catholic Church. The first church formed at Johns- 
burg was St. John's, in 1843, by Father Portman, there being but three 
families in the parish at that time, those of Nick Adams, Jacob Smith 
and Nick Frett. There are now 130 families, 705 souls in the parish. 
At first they worshipped in a log cabin, but soon erected a frame church, 

and in 1879 erected a stone editie sting $45,000. The present church, 

built in 1900, cost $7.".. ooo. This is one of the strong churches of the 
county. Rev. William Weber is the present pastor. 

St. Mary's Catholic Church, of YVoodstock, was organized in 1854 
by Father Mc.Mahen. who died of yellow fever in the South about live 



Hit BISTORT OF Mi BENE? COUNTY 

years afterward. Among the more prominenl members who assisted in 
organizing this Chnrch are recalled the aamea of such faithful souls 
as \eill Donnelly, who was merchant, mayor and sheriff at sundry times 
in this county; John Donnelly, Francis short, John .1. Murphy, banker 

and lawyer. 

Previous to building a church here the Catholics of this community 

worshiped at Ilartland. The first church edifice erected in \V IstiM-k 

was a brick structure iii 1856, its cost being about $4,000. In 18S1 
this building was remodeled and enlarged to meet the pressing Deeds. 
This seated over 400 persons. The property was then valued at $12,000. 
The membership of the parish was one hundred families. The present 
membership is 1,000. Among the faithful pastors of this church should 
not be overlooked: Rev. Fathers: Hugh T. Brady, who came in 1852 and 
left in 1855; Barnard OTIarra. who came in 1855 and remained until 
1858, James Meagher, who came in 1859 and continued until I860; 
Terrance Fitzsimmons, who served from I860 to 1867 and was followed 
by Rev. Lyons. All of the priests above named died prior to 1885. 
In 1868 came Rev. J. M. Ryan and following him were Rev. P. M. 
Reardon, assisted by Revs. Peter Sheedy and Rev. Eagan. Rev. T. 
Qnigley, the aexl priesl was followed by Rev. L. Lightner, D. D., who 
remained till 1870 and was succeeded by Rev. Lawrence Dunne, who 
remained till 1871, when he was followed by Rev. John Carroll, who 
arrived in 1871 and remained till November, 1877, after which came 
Rev. Thomas F. Leyden. Rev. D. J. Conway has been in charge of the 
parish for many years, and has built up a strong church and fine 
parochial school. Splendid modern-styled buildings adorn the beautiful 
grounds in the central part of the city. The present church, erected in 
1909, is valued at $75,000. Father Conway has been highly successful 
in his work and is greatly beloved by all within and without his own 
church. Public-spirited and true to American ideas, through the late 
war he proved himself worthy of the highest esteem from all classes. 

No point in the state can show a finer Catholic school building than 
St. Mary's of Woodstock. It was erected in 1916, at a cost of $50,000, 
and was dedicated in August, 1916. It has ideal lighting and heating 
arrangements and spacious play-grounds. The main structure, 85 by 
120 feet, is two stories above the fine much used basement. 

St. Joseph Catholic Church, was formed in 1866 at Harvard. 
From a beautiful Jubilee book printed on the occasion of the semi- 
centennial of this parish, the writer is able to glean considerable inter- 
esting as well as very valuable history. 



111STOHV OF MrllEXRY COUNTY 



in:, 



In lMiti. the inurrcss of the railroad and the immigration of many of 
the stalwart Bons of Ireland increased the population t<> such an extent 
thai the church authorities considered Harvard of sufficient importance 

to have a resident pastor and Father Fitzsimmons was the priest chosen. 
The little congregation rallied round its pastor and it was not long 
before they left the store building on Main street for the new h>z church. 
The building of the h"_ r church was no small task for the few that had 
it all to do. Father Fitzsimmona did not live long to enjoy the fruits 
of his labors, and in the year 1869, he passed to his eternal reward. 
For the next twenty-one years Father Dominic Egan attended 1" the 
spiritual needs of the Catholics of Harvard and there are many promin- 
ent men and women of today who received their first catechetical instruc- 
tion from Father Egan. In 1890, this good priest left Harvard for 
Chicago, to establish the parish of St. Stephens, where he now resides 
in the vigor and strength of a ripened old age, admired and loved by 
all. 

The little wooden church had now outgrown its usefulness, and 
Father .lames E. Hogan was sent to Harvard to bring about a better 
state of affairs in way of buildings. He succeeded in his work beyond 
the expectations of all and the present beautiful Gothic church stands 
as a lasting monument to his faithfulness and good judgment. In 
July, 1894 the city of Harvard was shocked by the news that Father 
Hogan was drowned in Lake Geneva and great was the sorrow expressed 
by all citizens. The sad accident happened in the late afternoon when 
a strong wind arising capsized the boat, which had contained the crew, 
Father Hogan, his sister, his brother and his brother's wife. All were 
drowned. 

For the next sixteen years St. Joseph's parish had for its pastors 
the kind and generous Father Stack and the pious and gentle Father 
Goulet. On July 12, 1912, the present pastor. Rev. Daniel A. Feely, 
assumed charge of St. Joseph's Church and the work he has accomplished 
in the last few years proves his ability. His first and uppermost thought 
was to add to the comfort of his people. He installed a fine heating 
system for the church building; he also interested himself in procuring 
temporary quarters for the parochial residence, and when the debt was 
liquidated he started that which was nearer to his heart, namely the 
parochial school. The present enrollment on the parochial school is 
about 170. It is impossible to estimate the mental as well as physical 
energy expended on this work by him. The church property is worth 
at least $150,000. It is stated that in all this work he was greatly 



Hii; HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

assisted by the work of Father BZeenan, "a man of gentle and kindly 
habits, true as steel and us constant as the grace of God." 

Oilier priests who haw had charge at Harvard in years long ago 
were: Revs. Patrick EUordan, and Thomas Ojiijrlev. In 1884 the parish 
of Harvard comprised 200 families, [t's presenl membership is about 
250 families and 1,000 communicants. 

Sacked Hi ibt Catholic Chuech was organized about 1867. In its 

early days it was a part of the I'.elvidere Parish and Father P. C. Guire 

and Dr. O 'Callahan, with their assistant priests attended it. Not until 
about 1902 did Maremro became a separate parish. Rev. Father Swanson 
becoming the firsl pastor. He was succ led by Rev. D. J. McCaffrey 

and still later by Daniel Patrick Dreusman. the present pastor. The 
first building was a frame structure once owned by the Methodist people, 
but sold to the Catholics who used it about ten years. In 1908 the church 
erected a new handsome church edifice which is valued at $40,000. 

The present membership of this cnninvL'ation is about 450 souls, or 
11(1 families. A church cemetery is located just to the north of the city 
limits of Marengo. 

St. Thomas Catholic Church is situated in the village of Crystal 
Lake. It was organized in June, 1881, by Father Leyden, and its 
charter members were as follows: John Purvey. .lames Brannen, Cor- 
nelius Malone, James Kelley. Tim Kelley, William Clark, John McGarry, 
James Gannon, John Riley, Tom Leonard, .lohn Leonard, James Burke. 
John Callahan. Patrick Bolestry. The church edifice erected in 1881 
still stands and is valued with the lot at $10,000. The membership of 
St. Thomas congregation is 400. 

The various priests who have served these people are: Revs. Fathers 
Leyden, Clancy. Quinn, Fox. Dorney, Lonergan and present pa-tor. 
Rev. Edwin McCormiek. 

St. Mary's Catholic Church. Through the kindness of Father 
Edward Pcrthold. the following facts concerning the organization and 
development of St. Mary's Church and parish at McHenry have been 
gathered : 

In the early nineties McHenry received a strong influx of Catholic 
families from Johnsburg and the surrounding villages. To enjoy the 
accommodations of an attractive river town many farmers retired and 
built homesteads in McHenry. Old St. Patrick's church was soon over- 
taxed and headed by Dr. Rogers a delegation of citizens presented the 
matter and the needs of McHenry to Most Rev. P. A. Feehan. D. D., 
at that time Archbishop of Chicago. Efforts were made by Father 






HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 107 

Mehring of Johnsburg to delay the movement, but the determined people 
of McIIenry succeeded in raising funds and obtained episcopal sanction 
to purchase the McIIcnry public school which was for sale at thai time. 
Accordingly, Rev. P. Kirsch was appointed in the summer of 1894 to 

take charge of the newly formed parish and this young divine I anie 

the lirs! resident pastor. 

The spacious I wo story brick school building accommodated the parish 
for religious services four years. At the end of that time preparation 
heiran for the erection of a pretentious Gothic church edifice, seating 
five hundred people. The parochial school gradually grew with the 
increasing parish. Today it accommodates 135 children who arc taughl 
by four experienced instructors, sisters whose mother house is in Mil- 
waukee. St. Mary's school is reputed to be a standard school today. 
teaching eight grades in four large classrooms. It is fully equipped, 
steam heated, sanitary, efficient, and abreast with the times. During 
the last few years, under the direction of the present pastor. Rev. Ed- 
ward Berthold, this private school has made a remarkable stride. 
Spacious school grounds and play ground apparatus is a notable feature 
in the physical culture of children attending the McHenry Parochial 
School. Sister Sydia is superintendent and principal since 1918. 

In 1917 larger and more modern accommodations were undertaken 
in behalf of the school sisters who had been obliged to take quarters 
in a rented frame house several blocks away. A- spacious two-story 
brick building was erected at a cost of +10,000. The school grounds 
were enlarged and the property beautified. 

During the funeral rites over the deceased Peter Scheid of Crystal 
Lake. April, 1918. a disastrous fire broke out destroying a beautiful 
Gothic structure. This church had just been paid for. On account 
of inadequate water supply a volunteer fire company was unable to 
save the edifice. .Most of the contents were saved and the parish col- 
lected $15,000 insurance. War prices made reconstruction difficult 
and expensive, but the people made signal sacrifice to float the project 
which cost $25,000. New St. Mary's, more beautiful than the old, was 
dedicated in September. 1919. It is notable for its red tile roofing, 
reinforced steel trusses, copper cupola and most especially for its ec- 
clesiastical mural d irations executed by Paul X. Klosc of .Milwaukee. 

It is now valued at $50,000. 

The church started here with a membership of sixty families and 
lias grown to 181, and 900 souls. The old public school building was 
purchased by the church for $900, in 1894. In 1895, a parsonage was 



ins HISTORY OF M< HENRY COUNTY 

built at a eosi of $-.nnii. The Gothic church edifice i-i-.-.-t<-<l in 1898 

COSt $1C,400; it was l.ur I April. 1918; rebuilt at a cost of (25,000. 

Tin- Sisters' Convent was bnilt in 1917 at a cost of $10,000. 

The pastors for this successful parish nave been as follows: Rev. 
Fathers F. Borsch, M. W. Barth, Anthony Boyer, who died October, 
1914. and present pastor, Rev. Edward Berthold, w ho took charge in 
1915. 

CHRISTIAN' SCIENCE 

first chdbcb OF chbist, scientist. Among the later religions or 
ganizations in the county is that of Christian Science, which has quite 
a following at different places, but no regular organized church society 

outside of the one at Woodstock, known as the "First Church of Christ. 
Scientist." This was the outgrowth of the christian Science Society 
there, and was incorporated January L'T, 1910. The first services here 
were held in the home of Harry Hilands, on North Hoy street, January 
5, 1908, and meetings were held there until January. 1911, when the 
followers went to the supervisors' rooms at the courthouse. There 
they held services regularly until August 30, 1914, when they moved 
to the old Belcher residence property at the corner of Dean and South 
Streets, which was purchased December, 1914, and was all paid for by 
January, 1917. The seating capacity of the building is about sixty 
persons. A Christian Science reading room was established there in 
1915. 

The Christian Science Society was organized July 30, 1912, with 
seven charter members, as follows: .Mr. and .Mrs. Harry Hilands, 
-Mrs. Carrie Hill. Mrs. Susie W. Clark, Mrs. Louise Eberwein, Mrs. 
Fmilie L. Gall and Mr. Prank Drahehn. Services are held each Sab- 
bath; a Sunday school is supported and the reading room is open several 
days each week. 

CONGREGATIONAL 

CRYSTAL lake ciifKcii. Among the oldest churches of this denomi- 
nation in this part of the c dry is the Congregational church at the 

city of Crystal Lake, which was organized June 111, 1842. The charter 
members were as follows: Reuben Jenne, Mrs. Susan Jenne, John W. 
Salisbury, Mrs. Eliza A. Salisbury. Allen Baldwin, George W. Dike ami 
James T. Pierson. The present membership of this church is ninety-five. 



HISTORY OK MclIKXKV COUNTS 109 

A frame building was erected in 1849, the cosl of which is now un- 
known. Another Erame edifice was built in 1867, opposite the Park, 
and is valued at $8,000. It was dedicated in 186S. 

The following have served as pastors in the order here noted: Revs. 
E. (!. Howe, Hiram Kellogg, Spencer Balser, John V. Downs, Isaac C. 

Beach, <i ge Langdon, Blkanah Whitney, John V. Downs, Francis L. 

Puller, Henry E. Barnes, James II. Harwood, Norman A. Willard, 

• lames II. Harwood, Samuel ('. Hay, William P. Hose, Robert Hay. 
Edwin X. Andrewa, Samuel ('. Hay, Edwin D. Bailey, Charles J. Adams. 
Reuben P.. Wright, A. B. Allaben, Henry Willard. -lames R. Kay, Eu- 
gene P. Wright, Otho M. Van Swearinger, Winfield R. Gaylord, John 
E. Evans, J. Vincent Willis, V. Greenwood, II. M. Collecod, W. T. Mc- 
Gann, A. C. Heyman, J. B. Johnston, A. .1. Saunders, W. II. Traimem, 
Theodore Kellogg, F. P. Ford, present pastor. 

THE FIHst CONGREGATIONAL CHUBCE OF RICHMOND was organized De- 
cember 23, 1843, by the following charter members: Robert W. Chap- 
man, "Walter Jones, Eliza Jones, Daniel Howe, Joshua Post, Emaline 
Post and John Brown. Rev. L. Rogers was chosen moderator. The 
present membership is forty-four. A frame church was erected in 
1859, and another built in 1896, valued at $2,000. 

The following have served as pastors for this church : Revs. I. K. 
Hart, J. V. Downs, C. C. Caldwell, Francis J. Douglas, Charles II. 
Frascr, II. W. Harbaugh, II. O. Spillman, B. C. Preston, J. B. Orr, 
H. A. Kerns, J. W. llelmoth, Frank P.. Hicks, Alex B. Cutler, S. II. 
Herbert, P. H. Barker, F. A. W T illiams, Howard Moore, Fred Squires, 
John Herring, Clay E. Palmer, Ralph T. Cass. 

Tin: ALGONQUIN Chuech was organized at the village of Algonquin, 
February 9, 1850, and had for its charter members .lames Humes and 
wife, Rosalinda; Ambrose Dodd, Mrs. Ann Kerns, John Van Buren and 
wife, Livonia; -Mrs. Abigail Smoek, .Mrs. Jane Foster, Wright Warren 
and wife, Cynthia; Samuel G. Foster. The present membership is 111. 

The original church building was dedicated January 17, 1868; it was 
remodeled, as at present, in 1913 and dedicated November 9, 1913. The 
tiist parsonage is still in use. The church is valued at $5,500. 

An effort to secure the names of the pastors upon the part of the 
compiler of this chapter has not met with success. However, from an 
old publication from church authority, the following incomplete 'list 
of pastors has been found and will be here attached: Revs. C. L. 



110 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

Ball, N. C (lark. X. shapely, E. C. Berge, J. D. Davis who rani.- in 
1867, I. B. Smith, T. Qulespie, W. W. Cutless, a Miss Newman, Rev. 
Hill of the Methodist church preached half time for this church and 
later became a Congregational minister. He was succeeded l>y Alfred 
Wray. who came in 1878; next was Rev. Andrich, followed by Rev. 
Buestis, ami be was succeeded by Rev. C. C. Campbell, who in lss.'i was 
still pastor. The presenl pastor is Rev. J. P. Bishop. 

the huntley CHURCH was organized in 1852 by the "Congrega- 
tional Church Society." The early records are not intact at this date, 
but from a former county history it is learned that the church was 
formed September 11, 1852, by two clergymen, Revs. Starr and Dicke- 
son. Up to 1865 there was no church building in which to worship, but 
under the ministration of Rev. C. S. Harrison, a commodious structure 
was provided. Among the pastors have been Revs. L. Church, Daniel 
Chapman. W. W. Curtiss, C. H. Abbott, H. W. George, A. K. Wray, 
T. L. Brown, Charles Hartley, and J. R. Smith. 

The membership of the church today is about 156. The same frame 
edifice erected in 1864-5 is still doing service. It is valued at $19,000. 

the first congregational church at Woodstock. From the pres- 
ent church clerk, Archie W. Hill, and from other sources, it is learned 
that this church was organized in 186"), with charter members as fol- 
lows: Caleb Williams, Cordelia B. Williams, Nelson Diggins, Katy M. 
Diggins, Orvis Gage, Fannie Page, Timothy B. Bidwell, Abner Bidwell, 
I twin K. Bidwell, Hattie Baldwin, J. H. Branson. Margarel Kelly, John 

C. Williams, L. A. Barrows, Emily S. Barrows. The membership today 
is about 116. The property of the society is valued at $17,000 and 
consists of a brick church and a frame parsonage. The first church 
building was a frame one, erected in 1866. The present church was 
built in 1907. The pastors have included the following, in the order 
given: Revs. J. J. A. T. Dixon, J. R. Danforth, A. L. Riggs, A. P. 
Johnson, L. V. Price, T. C. Northcutt, M. A. Stevens, E. J. Alden. .1. 

D. Wells, W. A. Evans, E. B. Boggers, I. N. Adrian, Harry B. Long, C. 

E. Enlow, W. R. Gaylord, Roy B. Guild, John W. Moore, C. H. Bente, 
William Kilbourne, V. P. Welch, John W. Herring, and Ira D. Stone. 

EPISCOPAL 

Christ Episcopal Church. The Episcopalians at one time had more 
active parishes within this county than at this date. Woodstock, Ma- 










£M> 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 111 

rengo and numerous places had mission churches planted, but the only 
really active Episcopal Church in Mdlenry County now is Christ Epis- 
copal Church at Harvard. The planting of the church here "Was the 
accomplishment of an effort begun under very unpromising circum- 
stances, as there were already three Protestant churches here, there 
did not seem to be any other call for additional work in a religious 
line. Hut there were a lew families, of the Angelican communion, who 
felt a desire to see an Episcopal church established here, and by their 
united and zealous efforts, the end was attained. The initial steps were 
begun by Rev. Peter Arvedson, who had built a church at Algonquin. 
Appointed missionary-at-large for some northern counties in this state, 
he became especially interested in numbers of old-country people settled 
on farms in McHenry County, and by occasional friendly visits among 
them won their confidence and esteem. Their Dumber was not large, 
but they became the nucleus of what afterwards became Christ's Epis- 
copal Church of Harvard. On a petition being signed and sent to 
Bishop McLaren, asking for a resident priest to hold regular services, 
Rev. A. A. Fiske was induced to accept the position and serve the little 
band of believers, beginning his work in the Congregational Church 
building which was leased for that purpose. The first services were 
held by Mr. Fiske in January, 1877 ; the last in May, 1880. 

Meanwhile measures hail been ripening among the members to build 
a house of worship of their own. A lot was secured and ground broken 
for the foundation of the present church, upon which the carpenters 
began their work in November. 1SS0, ami finished it in the summer of 
1881. The new edifice was opened for divine worship in September 
that year and on Sunday. .May 8, 1885, the church was consecrated by 
Bishop McLaren. The churcb property, comprising all of the build- 
ings, is valued at $30,000. 

In 1886 Rev. Fiske resigned his charge on a call being sent him 
from the churcb at Austin, 111., and other rectors followed him, until 
Reverend Fiske was called again to his old charge, and continued its 
faithful pastor until his health failed a few years ago, since which time 
he lias lived a quiet, retired life among the people of other days, when 
he built up one of the strongest churches of his denomination in this 
part of Illinois. 

The present membership is 153. The church school has a member- 
ship of about forty-five pupils, with Mrs. C. J. Hendricks as super- 
intendent. 

The following is a list of rectors for this church : Revs. A. A. Fiske, 



112 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

Francis J. Hall, E. R. Sweetland, J. I'.. Williams, F. E. Brandt, R. S. 

Hannah, I'.. E. Chapman, H. A. Lepper, William Henry I! I. the pres 

flit incumbent. 

The rectory was purchased in 1908 ami in 1913 a parish bouse was 
erected of brick. St. Mary's Guild is presided ever by .Mrs. .Mary A 
Fiskc; st. Catherine's Guild, by Mrs. »'. M. Johnson; St. Martin's 
Guild Acolytes, Harry Hosier. Master of Ceremonies Christ Church 

.Men's ciuh. with ins mbers, was organized bj Rev. K. E. Brandt in 

1907. Hon. J. 11. Viekers was elected its tirst president. The clubrooms 
of this club "ere recently built especially with this objeel in view ami are 
in all ways modern in appointment, having line reading rooms, billiard 
parlor and many conveniences. It should here be added in conclusion 
that whatever success has come to this church has been largely due 
to the devout men who have been its rectors — men of scholarship and 
advanced ideas in church work. 

At Spriii<_' drove. St. Mary's Episcopal church was formed May 5, 
1873, by Rev. Peter Avidson and flourished as long as the English 
resided in that vicinity. 

The first services held in Algonquin township was by the Episcopal 
people who assembled at the home of Samuel Gillilan, in 1836. St. 
John's Protestant Episcopal church was organized at Algonquin in 1844. 
A church was built in 1864 and was clear of debt in 1871. Rev. Avidson, 
rector, died there in November, 1880. Other denominations have virtu- 
ally crowded this church out of the field. 

LUTHERAN 

Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church was or 
ganized at Crystal Lake in 1S69-70, by Rev. h'ichmann. then located at 
Elgin, HI. The constitution was signed by thirty-six constituent mem- 
bers, only one of whom still survives, John Hold of Crystal Lake. John 
Berg, F. T. Reddersdorf, John Han-. F. Wen. It. John Ritt, Fred West 
l>hal, Karl Kruse. Carl Kniebuseh, William Kniebusch, John Sund, Mr. 
Zimmerman were also members. The present membership of this con- 
gregation is (100. 

The first building erected in 187") by the congregation, was a frame 
schoolhouse 20x36 feet. John Sund contractor, at a cost of $575. This 
building is now a part of John Rudder's store at Crystal Lake. In 
1877 a church standing near Crystal Lake Park was purchased for $400 
and moved to the lot on McHenry Avenue. This was next to the school- 



BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 



11.; 



house. In l s !»."i this building was taken down and the presenl edifice 
built. Ii is 86x44 feet, with two steeples 160 feet, and cosl £6,000. It 
is valued al $10,000. The children of the congregation attend the day 
schools, bul for strangers there is maintained a Sunday school, having 
both German and English departments thai is now attended bj aboul 
twenty-nine children. The daj school is attended bj 111 pupils. 

The following pastors have served this congregation: Revs. II. 
Schmidt, located al Dundee; Rev. Richmann, Elgin, Rev. Adam Betzer, 
of Desplaines, supplied. The firsl residenl pastor was Rev. Eenry 
Schmidt, 1875-80. He was followed by: Rev. M. Heyer, 1880-83; Karl 

Schmidt, 1883 97; G. Bertram, 1897-1904; and Rev. P. G. Kuehnerl ci 

in 1904 and is the present pastor. 

Trinity Evangelical Li theran Chxtrch was organized at Huntley, 
March 1, 1871, by Rev. P. \V. Richmann, <>i' Elgin. The charter mem 
bers were as follows: John Schrader, Henry Heuer, John Prost, John 
Gutshow, Charles Gruitzmacher, Pred Miller, Fred Zimmerman and 
Henry Heinemann, Sr., who died at the advanced age id' ninety-five 
years, in 1917. The presenl membership is :;7."> souls. 

In 1872 they built a fine, large church in which to worship. Willi 
alterations and additions the properly is valued at $23,000. Ill 1878, 
under Rev. -I. E. Baumgartner, a steeple was added to the church, the 
same boiut; Id") feel hiidi, and the hell weighs 545 pounds. The con- 
gregation owns a beautiful school property near the church, creeled ill 
1912, a brick structure 46x28 feet, is equipped with all modern improve- 
ments and is really an honor and credit to the village of Huntley, lis 
value is $5,000. The present pastor. Reverend Baumgartner, organized 
a Sunday school of aboul seventy-live pupils. He also ha- charge of 
the parochial school of the congregation where the Bible and common 
school branches are taught, and from here pupils are fitted for the 
seventh or eighth grades in the public schools. As pastor, superintendent 
and instructor. 1 he presenl faithful pastor is kept very busy. Besides 
his congregation at Huntley he also cares for a church at Gilberts, where 
he holds services monthly. 

The following is a list of pastors who have served this congregation: 
Revs. !■'. W. Richmann, 1^71-7:1; C. Steinrauf, 1873-75; John E. Baum- 
gartner, L875-87; -I. I.. Cramer. 1877-89; <!. Guelker. 1SS9-1903; Daniel 

Pollott, 1903-10; and Rev. Louis Baumgartner, who assu I charge in 

1910, is the presenl pastor and under whose Leadership the congregation 
is constantly increasing. 

St. .John 's EvANGELK IL Ll tiii.i; \.\ ( IhURCH is situated at tin rner 



11 I HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

of Calhoun and Jefferson Btreets, Woodstock. It was organized in April, 
1874, under direction of Rev. Carl Schmidt, lis charter members were 
as follows: Ji tin Reiber, William Scharnau, Carl Etiedel, Joachim Zierk, 
John Kindt, Car] Wienks, William Kindt, Fred Albrecht, Chrisl Vogt, 
Fred Jiervitz, John Wellner, Carl Sahs, Fred Kindt, William Knei 
busch, John Schuett, Sr., Louis barchmann, John Schuett, Jr., John 
Niemann, Carl Nagel. The membership in 1875 was twenty-five fami- 
lies, The presenl membership of this church is about 329 souls, divided 
as follows: seventy-six voting members, and 253 communicants. 

The school connected with this church is as follows: Christian day 
school, seven grades, U. Q. Ernst, teacher ; membership thirty-nine pupils. 
Sunday school, sixtj two pupil--: R. G. Ernst, teacher. Rev. 11. A. Laufer 
is superintendenl of both schools. The Sunday school is conducted 
entirely in English. 

The pastors serving tliis church bave been in the following order: 
Revs. M. Heyer, Carl Schmidt and II. G. Schmidt, who were aonresidi 

c ing from various plan's. The first resident pastor was Rev. II. 

Engelbrecht, L894-96; Rev. II. Dannenfeldt, L897-02; Rev. J. Bertram, 
l!ii>2 12; presenl pastor, Rev. II. A. Laufer, came in L912 and is doing 
excellenl work in both the church and school. 

As to the places in which tins congregation bas worshiped it may 
be -tatcd that for almut the first nine years services were held in the 
lecture room of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Woodstock. Later 
the congregation purchased a vacant church, a frame building, on the 
corner of Calhoun and Jefferson streets for $1,700, which in later years 
was destroyed by fire. In 1898 a brick veneered church was built for 

l 00, which today is valued a1 $9,000 with all improvements made since 
it was first in use. A parsonage and barn erected on the three lots pur- 
chased in June. I!)ii7. are valued at $4,000. 

Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed in 1876 at West 
.Mellenry. under the direction of Rev. II. G. Schmidt, and in 1884 it 
had a membership of twenty-five. At presenl it has about twenty-one 
voting members and seventy-six communicant members. The Sunday 
school is conducted bj Rev. II. A. Laufer. 

The various pastors who have served this congregation are: Revs. 
Carl Schmidt, M. Heyer and Carl Schneider, up to L894. Since 1894 the 

pastors have l n : Revs. II. Engelbrecht, 1894-96; II. Dannenfeldt, 

1897-1902; J. I'-ertrain, 1902-12. and II. A. Laufer, who eommen 
Ins Labors here in 1912. 

At first this congregation held services in the Baptisl church, later 



BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 



11.". 



in the Methodisl Episcopal church. In 189] the congregation built ;i 
frame church costing ill i $S00. It is valued a1 aboul $3,000. 

St. John 's Bvangj li< w. Li theran Church a1 the village of Algon 
quin, this county, was formed March 11. 1876, and its firsl pastor was 
Rev. .1. II. C. sir, ■-,■ of Dundee, who preached in various schoolhouses 
easl of Algonquin. The seventeen original mi mbers of this congregation 
were as follows: Fred Richards, Fred Duensing, Sr., Christian Patsche, 
William Wodrich, John Colbow, Christian Duehn, Carl Buerkle, Benry 
Rogm'an, Benrj AJbrecht, Benrj Benk, Christian Pinnow, John Zorn, 
Carl Schoening, J. Wienke, Pred Ahrens, Pred Pruess, Car] Gehr. 

Shortly after organizing a congregation the members decided to 

build a church, which was 32 bj 50 feel in size, besides a vestry r a 16 

by 24 feet. Thai was also used as a parochial schoolroom. 

Rev. Benry Fuss was the firsl ordained minister, bul he remained 
only cmc year. Rev. Ludwig von Schenk, who broughl uew life to the 
church, faithfully served for three j ears and was then called to Rockford, 
III. Walter von Schenk was next called, and be proved an able minister 
and teacher. Be was installed dune 13, 1882. All debts of the church 
were paid during his pastorate, also a fine bell was placed in the church 
tower. On December 6, 1891, Rev. Schenk received a call Prom a congre 
gation in St. Paul and accepted, Rev. J. Steffen was called to Algonquin 
in 1892. Be was an able man. but much of the time be was an invalid 
and died after he arrived at Algonquin in about one year. It was during 
his illness thai the parsonage was destroyed by fire and the congregation 

ini, liately erected another. The next pastor was Rev. Paul von Tome. 

who remained until July, 1900, when be resigned. Nexl came Rev. II 
Moldenhaver from Banson Park, who was installed September 30, 1900. 
Be it was who wisely saw the need of keeping the children in the church 
and iit once gathered them into his school. 

The old schoolroom being too small th igregation soon provided 

a new and better building in which to hold the school. In 1902 he had 
seventy-six pupils. The pastor was unable to teach and attend to the 
parish as minister, hence a teacher was employed in the autumn of 1902. 
Ernsl Milizer of Arlington Beights, was called for thai position and 
served well until he met with accidental death by drowning in Pox 
River, April 8, 1!U7. Various instructors have been employed since 
; hat date. 

In 1914 the congregation decided to build a modern church building. 
Tic committee finally awarded a contract for the building to Henry 
Markhoff, of Elgin. The church is valued at *2."),OO0. The present con 



Hi; HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNT"? 

gregation is made up of ion members. The presenl pastor is Henry 
Moldenhauer. 

Zion Lutheran Churcb was organized at Marengo, April 'J.'). 1880, 
L\ Rev. J. E. Baumgaertner, with the Eollowing charter membership: 
Carl Guse, Karl Krause, William Qehrke, Ferdinand Trebes, Herman 
Trebes, Gottfried Treebles, William Treebes, Carl Zizkuhr, Ernesl Kam- 

holz, William Eickstadt, Tl Schmidt, William Fiebranz, Carl Fei- 

bran . Fred Luehring. The presenl congregation has a total o 
820 souls, with 340 communicants. The church edifice is of brick and 
eosl $19,000; the Erame school building cosl $3,200; the frame parson 
is valued al $1,800. This fine property is all located on Jackson street. 
Ii is uow valued at .$:J0,000. 

'I lie pastors have from time to time (in the order given been as 
follows: Revs. -I. B. Baumgaertner, L880-86; -1. Craemer, 1886-88; < >. 

I derlein. lsss-iH ; I'. Dooderlein, L891 1904, and A. C. Staats, who 

came in L905. 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Chi rch. This is one of the strong- 
est church organizations in the county. Its history reaches hark to 1884, 
when work was begun by Reverend Schenk, who held the firsl services 
in a rented building belonging to the Presbyterian denomination at 
Harvard. The mission was really established in February, 1884, when 
Harvard had hut aboul 1,700 population. No1 until May, 1889, was this 
congregation fully organized into a church. A goodly number of fami- 
lies «erc immigrants from Germany, these numbering certainly as many 
as thirty families who helped forward the new church movemenl at 
Harvard. . 

The firsl baptismal ceremony was performed January 27. 1884, the 
subjeel being the daughter of Mr. and .Mrs. Fred Nolz. 

The first confirmation was on April 20. 1884, when four girls were 
confirmed at one time. 

The first communion was administered Augusl 26, 1884, when twenty- 
seven communed at the Lord's Supper. 

The first funeral service was that had in June, 1884. The first wed- 
ding was .March 31, 1884. 

The first regular pastor was Rev. F. Caemmerer, under whose admin- 
istration th. stitution of the church was signed by thirty-nine voting 

members of the congregation. 

In the month of August, L885, an attempt was made to start building 
operations, hut nothing materialized along this line until April. 1892, 
when the present frame church edifice was .reeled. It is a large build- 



BISTORT? OF .\!rll i:\KY COl XTY 117 

iiiir with a spire surmounting it which is fully Kin feel high. This build- 
ing was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, October, 1892. It 
is valued al $45,000. 

The parsonage is also a frame building standing on the same grounds 
av the church, the premises being a full city block of land in a very 
sightly pari of the city of Harvard. Its streel location is East Diggins. 

The various pastors who have faithfully served this congregation 
have been in the order bere named as follows: Rev, P. Caemmerer, who 
served until -May (>. 1899, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. A. Behrens, 
of New York; he continued here five years and six months. Dnder bis 
administration the influential Ladies Aid Society, with about 150 mem- 
bers was formed. In all, this societj has raised $(>,">( it) fur church im- 
provements and for deeds of charity and mercy. The third pastor was 
Rev. Carl <>. Salzmann, of St. Louis, Mo., who served three years and 
-i ven months. Dnder him was built the addition to the church building, 
used for school purposes. Next came Rev. E. O. Giesel, of Platteville, 

Wis., who arrived Trinity Sunday, 11I0S. and served faithfully and 

well until called by death. December .">. 1912. Dnder his guidance was 
added to the parsonage more room and other needed improvements, 
amounting to an expense of about $1,200, including the splendid base 
ment, hot -water heating plant, the cement sidewalks, etc. Be it was who 
started the pipe organ fund with which later the present sweet-toned 
pipe organ was purchased, and it is highly prized by the congregation 
and well-trained choir of about twenty voices. Following Rev. E. O. 
Giesel, Rev. E. A. Giesel, his son. responded to a call from this con 
gregation December 11, 1!H'J. He came from South Haven, Mich. It 
was he who lirst introduced the English language in church services 
here and also in the Sunday school work and Bible classes. Be is a 
strong believer in the use of the English language by all American citi- 
zen-, whether native or foreign horn. 

I'nder this energetic pastor there was organized a Luther League of 
100 members, commencing with the modest number of only twenty-four. 
This noble band of church workers has been busy in season and out, 
and have raised and paid into the treasury of this church over $1,589, 
which has aided a score of needed improvements. The total amount 
in improvements made under Reverend Giesel is $7,000. The present 
pastor is John M. Schedler. 

The "envelope system" of making collections is employed and was 
introduced and urged upon the people by the present pastor. The 
church books and records in general of this congregation show great 



118 BISTORY OF M< BENRY COUNTY 

pains upon the pastor's part, whose every hour is filled with pre 
duties as he circs for both the spiritual and material interests of his 
large and constantly increasing congregation, yel he seems to be given 

time and strength, thus far, to keep all of the details of his flock in g i 

record Eorm, and has indeed an exceptionally clear church record. 

When Rev. Giesel came to Harvard he found a church ahoul one- 
half its present size. There is a membership of 600. The church held 
us twenty-fifth jubilee anniversary commemorating the dedication of 

r church edifice in 1917, an illustration of which appears in this 
volume. At thai great gathering Rev. II. K. Doermann, I). I)., of St. 
Paul, was present and delivered the sermon. Up to the date of this 
jubilee twenty-five years after the dedication, there had been officiated 
at !.\ pastors here 1,008 baptisms; couples married, 233; persons buried, 

278, and received into the ehlireh. 7112 persons. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at the vil- 
lage of Union and was organized there November 10, 1887, with charter 
members as follows: Fred Schneidewind, Charles Miller, Benry Young, 
Fred Bloedorn, August Kunkle, Fred Martens, Fred Miller, August 
Kamholz, M. Kolberg, John Bopp, Charles Pries, Fred Selchow, Gust 
E. Binz, Charles Hasten, John Tornow, Alb Gehrke, F. Pries, Charles 
Winkelmann, F. Dahelke. The present membership is about 103 families 
with seventy-six voting members. The presenl buildings of this con 

gregation are the veneered brick church, built in 1901, valued at about 
$20,000, a parochial school built in 1901. and a parsonage built in 
1!)()S. 

The pastors who have had charge of this congregation are: Revs. 

Otto D lerlein, Paul Dneder'oin, (!eor<re Lienhardt, August Lobitz and 

the present pastor Rev. Benry Traub, who came to this church May 1, 
1913. 

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized at Crys- 
tal Lake in is'tfi, and reorganized in 1906. It was organized by Rev. 
E. Rahn, reorganized by Rev. II. Wagner. Under the reorganization 
the members were: Fr. Mackeben, II. Walther, F. Schulz, II. Dunker, 
E. Schubbe, K. Tegtmeier, Fr. Kempfert, William Schwarz, Fr. Dreyer, 
Karl Lange. The present membership includes about thirty families 
and 600 souls. The Sunday school has four teachers and about thirty 
children. The Ladies Aid Society has relatively twenty-five members. 

The church building is at North Crystal Lake and is a cement 
structure valued at $10,000. The following have been pastors in the 
order here given: Revs. II. Wagner, William Ereis, II. Wagner, II. 




2j 







BISTORT OF McHENBY COUNTY 119 

Tietke, F. Ernst, Blum J. Beinrich, and P. G. Kuehnert, the presenl 

pastor. 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church a1 Barvard, was organized by Re\ 
R. Reinke aboul L904, and now lias a membership of relatively 107, 
with sixty-six communicants. Carj was organized by Rev. Kuehnerl in 
1911, ami dow lias fori y-nine members and twenty-four communicants. 
Rev. Kuehnerl lias charge of the church at Barvard as well as at Cary. 

Boli Cross Luthebah Church. The Lutheran Church at Cary 
Btation was organized in 1910, and has a presenl membership of thirty 
souls. There is no church property. Rev. P. <i. Kuehnerl is the pastor. 

(ikack KvAMiMi.ic.M. Litheram Churcb is a rather recenl religious 
organization of Woodstock. The church building they now own and 
occupy is in! far t'rnin the Catholic Church in the northwestern pari of 
the city. It was built bj the old German Presbyterians who disbanded 
a few years since, in 1919 a large addition was made to the edifice to 

ommodate the greatly increasing congregation. The church is valued 
at $20,000. There is a membership of 600 souls. Rev. Roger C. Kauf- 
man is the present pastor. 

METHODIST 

Tin. First Methodist Episcopal Churcb of Marengo was among 

the tifst pioneer ehureli organizations in this county. It was organized 
in 1837 by Rev. John ('lark and Leander S. Walker. It was during 
1837 that the conference formed the Sycamore circuit which embraced 
all the territory from Sycamore north to the Wisconsin line, running 
cast as far as the Fox River and west to the Rock River. The regular 
appointed places for holding services were Sycamore, Rockford, Belvi- 
dere. Round Prairie. Garden Prairie, -Marengo, Harmony, Ridgefield 
and McHenry, besides many isolated places where occasional services 
were held. In all this vast region there was not a single church house 
at that date, private homes being made into '•meeting houses." In 
the autumn of 1837, Rev. William Gaddis preached his firsl sermon at 
the house of Dr. Eli Smith, in Riley Township. The audience did not 
i sceed eight persons besides the doctor's family. Sometime in 1838 
the minister in charge funned a class at .Marengo, holding meetings in 
the house of Calvin Spencer. Tin' following were the firsl members of 
the [limner society: Eli Smith, elassdeader ; Asenith Smith. Samuel and 
Polly Smith, and Eunice Cobb. A few days later the names of 0. P. 
Rogers, Mary S. Rogers and Chester Williams were added to the list. 



120 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNT? 

In consequence of this circnil being 300 miles in circumference, 
requiring nearly one year for a pastor to make the round, it was sub- 
divided. In 1838 Rev. F. s. Walker and Nathaniel Jewetl were senl 
to the Marengo "appointment." Al the firsl quarterly meeting held 
at Bound Prairie, the following stewards were elected: We&lej Dig- 
gins, <>. p. Rogers. Revs. Walker and Jewetl received for their sit-. 
aboul $100 a year, and their duties were to preach one sermon each 
weekday and three <m Sunday. 

In the never-to-be-forgotten winter of 1856-57, one <>f the mosl re- 
markable revivals of religion ever known in this county, was held at 
Marengo. It commenced in the fall and continued till spring with do 
decrease in interest. People came from far and oear, and the result 
was lint people were soundly converted. It was in 1855 the church 

ted its handsome edifice, the same being dedicated in the spring by 
Rev. John Demster. A Sabbath school was organized in 1840 with nine 
pupils, bul in 1885 the school had over 100 pupils. 

The present beautiful brick edifice was built in 1897 and cosl 
$20,000, while the parsonage cosl $3,500. The membership is »'J". 
Thi' ministers who have faithfully discharged their duty as pastor of 
the church at Marengo are as follows: Revs. William Geddis, Nathan 
Jewett, D. A. Walker. P. Ferry. X. Smith. William Geddis, Charles 
McClure, B. Brown, A. Hammond. I). Fellows, -I. X. Hinman, James 

McLane, G. W. .Murphy. .John Hodges, E. Ransom, E. G. W 1. A. 

McWright, A. B. Call. William Skelton, J. P. Nanco, 1). Cassady, -I. R. 
Goodrich. P. S. Walker, David Peed. A. I'. Mead, B. W. Adam-. Charles* 
Hartley, George Richardson, X. I). Lanning, Alonzo Newton, IP J. 
Huston. A. Schoemaker. J. IP Peever. J. M. Clendenning, W. II 
Smith, J. C. Bigelow, s. IP Wells, C. W. Thornton, E. J. Rose, P. IP 
Gardner. C. A. Bunker. Wilmer Jaygard, X. J. Harknes, E. G. Schutz, 
A. L. Fisher, C. J. Bready. William Bwing, K. E. Buckey. W. IP Tope, 
ami ('has. J. Dickey. 

Tin: Richmond Church is one of the county's oldest religious socie- 
ties, p was organized November 3. 1838, by Rev. L. S. Lewis, who 
preached two years. At that date this formed a part id' Crystal Pake 
Circuit which comprised about thirty preaching appointments. Among 
the earlier ministers here were the following: Revs. Walker. Jewett. 
Nathaniel White. Dr. Decker, Whipple. Amos Wiley. P. S. Walker. 
John Rhodes, B. P. Jacobs. Calvin Brookins, Edwin Brown, J. H. 
.Moore. Thomas Corwin, P. M. Battis, G. S. Wiley. Nathan Critchett, 
Samuel Earngey, P. C. Steere, W. F. DeLap, Grover C. Clark, and 



BISTORT OF Mi HENRY COUNTY 121 

many more who came a1 ;i later date. At firsl a schoolhouse was used 
for a house of worship, bul in L855 the society dedicated its own church 
building on Main street, a frame edifice seating 250 and costing aboul 
$2,500. In 1880 the total membership was aboul forty. The presenl 
membership is fifty-three. The Sundaj school attendance is aboul 112. 
The church property erected in 1902 is valued at $10,500. The presenl 
pastor is P. \V. Polej . 

'I'm McHenri Chi rch is also numbered among the pioi r religious 

socii'tics of this county. It was organized in 1840 and its first members 
were [ra and Mrs. .Mary Colby, Darius Reynolds and wife, Alden and 
.Mrs. M. Harvey, Freeman Harvey, and .Mrs. Abigail Harvey, with Free 
man Harvey as class-leader. The county seat was then at McHenry and 
services were held in the courthouse once in four weeks, and also at 
times in private homes. The circuil then consisted of seven appoint- 
ments. In 1850 this church, in connection with the Free-Will Bap 
tists. 1 > n ill a brick church and used it alternately. The Methodists 
built a church for their own use aboul 1870 and a parsonage in 1S79. 
The church property is valued a1 $7,300. Rev. Raymond Sanger is 
the present pastor. 

Tin: Woodstock Church. Methodism in Woodstock was estab- 
lished in 1850 by Reverend Morehouse. The charter members were 
as follows: Mr. Cotting and wife, .Mrs. ('. Ramsey, Mrs. Dr. Rose, 
Miss .Mary Sherwood, George Starr and wife, Silas Wilson and wife. 
William Montgomery and wife. The first officers were: George Starr, 
elass-Ieadcr : S. ( ). (iregory, William II. Murphy, Silas Wilson, -lames 
Murphy, .John Reider, Andrew Murphy, Owen Murphy were stewards; 
and Charles McClure and I. II. Fairchilds were local preachers. Serv- 
ices at first were held in the schoolhouse, then in Excelsior Hall, and 
two years later in Phoenix Hall. The church was organized twelve years 
before a church edifice was owned. In 1862 they purchased the old Bap- 
tist church building for the sum of $1,500. For many years this build- 
ing served as a place of worship, but finally it was too small to accom- 
modate the increasing congregation and the presenl frame edifice was 
erected in 1N70 at an expense of $8.01111. It seats about 401) persons 
but is fast going to decay and is soon to be replaced by a larger and 
more modern building at a cost of $60,000. 

The presenl membership is :!.")(). Franklinville, a country station to 
the West, belongs to this church. 

The pastors who have faithfully served this church are: Revs. More- 
house, Guyer, E. Drown, Joseph Hartwell, Burlingame, D. W. Lynn, 



122 BISTORT? OP McEENRY COUNTY 

Lyon, W. A Smith, W. A. Cross, Q. S. EufE, M. B. Cleveland, C. 
Brookins, S. T. Show, M. II. TriggB, X. I). Panning, E. .M. Boring, I 
Eartman, A. Newton, S. Earngey, John Adams, Geo. K. Eoover, 1884; 
M. II. Plumb, 1886; Benry Lea, 1888; J. J. Walter, 1889; Prank Mc- 
Namra, 1891; N. A. Sunderland, 1895; Thomas A Q. Cox, 1904; J. W. 
Ha, -klin-. 1906; T. K. Greene, 1909; Charles D. Wilson, 1913; J. A. 
Matlack, 1917, and P. A. Graham, 1918, the present pastor. 

Tin Greenwood Churcb was organized .it the village of Green 
wood in 1850, bul Lapsed in 1875 and was reorganized in 1884, the last 
organization being made l>y (.'. \V. Jayeox, with charter members as 
follows: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Parker, Alphonso Newman, Mr, and Mrs. 
Owen Murphy, .Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. 
The presenl membership is about ninety. This church was one of the 
nine appointments comprising the old McEenry Circuil which included 
in 1852, Eighland Prairie, North Bebron, Richmond, Ringwood, Green- 
wood, Easl Greenwood, Queen Ann. English Prairie and McEenry. 

The firsl church used by this congregation was the old Presbyterian 
building. This was torn down and a new church provided in 1909. A 
frame parsonage was buill in 1904. The church is valued at $8,500 
ami the parsonage at $2,500. 

The following is a list of pastors who have served at Greenwood: 
Revs. Leander S. Walker, Rev. Shepherd, Christopher Lazenby, T. R. 
Satterfield, Rev. Stewart, 1863; Rev. Bundoe, M. II. Triggs, Rev. Wil- 
son, 1866; S. II. Adams. 1 s ( 1 7 ; L. K. Davis, 1869; Rev. Brookins, 1871; 
Byron Alden, 1872-75 (no pastor for some time ; Rev. Adams. l,sso ; 
Rev. Elkins, 1881; William Nickle, 1881-1884; C. W. Jaycox, 1884; 

Rev. William Nickle, 1887; Berberl J. Cocknell, 1897; Eomer I 1898; 

William Nickle, 1899; Charles E. Coon, 1901; W. II. Whitlock, 1903; 
Charles E. Butterfield, 1904; Warren Jones, 1906; J. E. UeLoiig, 1906; 
C. J. Bready, 1908; II. J. Collins, 1910; Seth Baker, 1913; Harry Cul- 
bertson, 1917; and C. J. Hewitt. 

Tm, Rinqwood Church was organized in the village of Ringwood 
in 1855 as a Union church, made up of Methodist and Congregational 
church people. Iii lS(iS i he ( 'oiifrrc^at ionalists withdrew. The charter 
members of this church were as follows: Mr. and -Mrs. Samuel Simmons, 
Mr. and .Mrs. William Mead, Jane Vasey, John Vasey, Richard Vasey, 
William Vasey, Prank Vasey, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carr, Mr. and Mrs. 

Matthews Carr. William Porth, William M ly and wife. The present 

membership is fiftj one. The presenl value of church property is $5,000. 
Pasters w ho have served here are as follows : Revs. Nathan Jewett, < Ihris- 



BISTOEY OF McHENEY COUNTY 123 

topher Lazenby, Matthew Triggs, T. R. Satterfield, [lev. Bundock, Simon 
Bewes, Simon Lock, Andrew Adrian, Wycoff, William Clark, W. P. .). 
•Ionian. Cormack, Beal, C. J. Bready, II. J. Collins, Seth Baker, Barry 
Culbertson, Barrison, and l>. II. Eloss, tin- present pastor. 

'I'm: Alma ('in kcii. Methodism began in tins pari of McHenry 
County verj earlj — in the '"thirties" anil the work in the section now 
known as Alden belonged wiili a very extensive circuit ami so con- 
tinued until about 1856, when it was detached from the old field ami 
since that date the pastors who have served are as follows: Five or sis 
whose names do qoI appear of record, bul after that they appear in 
the pastor's record to l" 1 : Revs. -I. .\l. Clendenning, Robert Beatty, Wil- 
liam Adron, J. C. Bigelow, 1883-85; B. 0. Burch, 1887; T. R. Satter- 

l, 1887-8-90; C. II. Hoffman. 1890-93; J. 1'. Davies, 1893-95; X. M. 
Stokes, 1895-98; John Adams, 1898-02; E. II. Beal, 1892; Geo. K. Geof 
fivy. 1904; John E. Robison, 1908 10; Floyd L. Blewfield, 1910; W. M. 

Eauffman, 1911 ; G -ge Wilson, 1913-14; S. R. Smith. 1914, who served 

until the station was placed in with that at Bebron (see Bebron church 
for other history . This society 1ms now a membership of aboul fifty, 
and a Sunday school enrollment of aliout eighty. 

'I'm: Bebron Church was organized not far from 1857, when Rev, 
Calvin Brookins became pastor in charge. There is no record of this 
church for many years. It now has a membership of about 170, with a 
Sunday school enrollment of about ninety; the superintendent is .Miss 
Anna Douglas. <>n this same circuil is Alden village, above mentioned. 

The church at Bebron is a small frame Structure erected in 1861 and 

dedicated in September, 1862, by Elder Jewett. On October 29, 1896, 

was dedicated the present comfortable parsonage which had been SO 
generously donated by Benry W. Mead. 

Until 1891) Bebron was with Richmond on one circuit, when Rev. 
William B. Tuttle was appointed to the Richmond-Hebron charge and 

the following have served as pastors at this point: Revs. W. II. Tuttle. 
four years; J. B. Robinson, who came in 1900 and remained till 1901: 
William Ashlield. 1901; G. T. Nesmith, 19i>'2-06; C. S. Clay. 1906-08; 
A. T. Stevenson. 1908-10; X. 1'. Tedrick, 1910-14; Bnos Holt. 1911 17: 
W. II. Locke, who came in 1917, and W. E. Royston. 

Tin: BABVABD CHURCH. During the winter id' 1857-58, the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Harvard was organized with five charter members. 
In I860 they erected their first church, the first church edifice to be 
erected at Harvard. The hoard of stewards were: William II. Culler. 

E. J. Sanford, L. B. Wyant, and I.. M. Stephenson. Among the pastors 



124 BISTORT OF Mi IIKXKY COUNTY 

who have served here are the following: Revs. \V. II. Reynolds, I860; 

J. II. M v. s. K. Detaining, 1863; C. R. Ford, 1865-67; G. L. Wiley, 

L. Anderson, 1868-70; I.. Bawkins, L870-71; Samnel Coats, R. II. Wil- 
kinson, Win. ('lark. John Bichock, Moses G. Sheldon, L875; C. R. Cry- 
der, J. W. Scott, 1878-81; Samuel Swartz, John II. Reeves, A s. Max 
ham, Grover C. Clark, W. C. Boward, X. A. Sunderlin, E. I). Hull. 
T. R. Strowbridge, E. K. D. Bester, -I. A. Matlack, E. I Lumsden, 
C. S. M ''', James Potter, and C. II. Xcwham. 

The church has a membership of aboul 425, with a Sunday school 
enrollment of about 225. The presenl brick church edifice nn> con- 
structed ii"i manj years ago at an expense of $30,000. 

Tim Free Methodist Church was established in 1860 at North 

Crystal Lake and istheoldesl in t In unty. The early records are nol in 

existence. The congregation buill a frame church at old Crystal Lake. 
also a parsonage. In 1898 the church was removed u> North Crystal 
Lake ami remodeled. A new frame parsonage was erected at a cost 
of $2,000. This branch, like others in the county, has virtually failed 
to maintain itself. Its present membership in regular standing is only 
five, of the pastors who have served this church these are recalled: 
Revs. ('. B. Bbey, F. 1>. Brooke, -I. D. Kelsey, C. S. Spaulding, I'. W. 
Newcomer, John Harvey. .1. F. Bill. II. Lenz, W. ('. .MeXeil, .1. G. Rock- 
enbach, -I. II. Polly, .1. W. Hill, A. L. Wright, W. (i. Bamner, .1. (i. 
Rockenbach, W. M. Kelsey. II. W. Hills ami .1. E. Parry. 

Tin: Crystal Lake Churcb was organized as early as 1861. pos- 
sibly earlier, the records are not clear as to the very early events of 
this society. It is shown, however, that S. II. Hamilton, E. Owen and 
W. A. Smith are named as among the officers. The minister in charge 
was Rev. ('. Lazenby, with Presiding Elder -I. W. Agard. The presenl 
membership is 200. The presenl value of the church with lot is $18,000, 
recent improvements having been made in it. The parsonage is valued at 
$8,000. 

The list of pastors who have served at Crystal Lake are: Revs. c. 
Lazenbey, C. Hamilton, A. <!. Burlingame, W. S. Barrington, W. J. 
Rider, I. I'.. Bansey, S. T. Shaw, R. II. Wilkinson. S. Bemes, B. Brown, 

.1. s. Xorris. A. .1. Scott, L. Clifford, E. M. Boring, S. He 8 , G. L. 

Wilsy, <>. E. Lurch. .1. II. Bacon, -I. T. Huhert. .1. M. Conlee, < >. II. 
Cessna, G. II. Wells, W. II. Pierce, J. R. Hamilton. M. II. Plumb, A. H. 
Kistler. W. II. Locke, W. 11. Smith. W. B. Doble, II. -I. Cockerill, R. 
II. Late. T. A Brewster, W. E. Cras,-. H. P. Larnes. and Manley J. 
Mumford, the presenl pastor. 



BISTORT OF .\1. IIKXWY COUNTY 125 

Tin Kki i Methodist Chi rch al Algonquin was organized as a local 
branch of the "Free Methodisi Church of North America," bj Rev. I>. P. 
Baker in 1 N 7I Among the Brsl members here were: R. B, McKee, Em- 
meline McKee, William Head, Mr. Dunn, olive Dunn, William William--. 
Ann Williams. Henry Chandler, Mrs. Chandler, and Sarah Hubbard. 
The church a1 one time flourished in ihis community, bu1 of late aol so 
much ami there are now bul two members lefl of ihis organization. A 
frame church was erected in l s 77 costing $1,400, ami a parsonage was 
built in 1884 costing about $1,500. 

Pastors who faithfully served this church were: Revs. D. I'. Baker, 
.M. !>. Vorheis, C. 1'. Miller, W. W. Kelley, ('. W. Prink, !•". A. .Miller, 
I' A. Haley. ('. II. Rawson, W. 1'. Ferris, David Seymour, 1*. W. New- 
comer, Daniel Sinclair, Julius Buss, William Wilson, II. W. Pish, 1'. C. 
Burhars, John Spencer, s. c. Spaulding, R. I-'. Brouthers, J. -I. Hales. 
p. Al. Pish, -1. II. Wortendyke, Peter Zeller, E. G. Cryer, 0. V. Ketels, 
P. .M. ('ami. hell, I). M. Smashey, !>. W. Pinch, -I. W. Hill, 1'. W. New 
eomer, »'. W. Scalf, John Klein. T. B. Webb, P. II. Stiefkin, II. W. Hills 
ami John E. Parry. 

Tut: Cart. Station Pbee Methodist Church was organized at the 
same time as the one al Crystal Hake in 1874, by Rev. I). 1*. Baker, with 
charter members as follows: M. S. W. West and wife. D. D. and Mariah 

Harback, Abraham n Iwin, Margarel Goodwin, A. L. Weaver ami 

Edwin Crabtree 

This church membership has been decreased by death and removals 

until today only live members are reported. A church was erected in 
1877 costing $1,200. At present there is a Sunday school which has an 
enrollment of about thirty-one pupils. 

As a general rule the same pastor who has had charge at Algonquin 

has alSO attended to the affairs of the Cary elmreh, henee it is needless 

to give the names of pasi,,rs in this connection. 

Tut: c.\kv Church was organized about I^ns. with charter members 
as follows: .Mrs. George Siebert, .Mr. and .Mrs. Wallace Burton, .Miss 

Edith Crabtree, and a few others whose names are not now recalled by 
church officers. It is not a strong church, for today it only numbers sev 
enteen souls. The church edifice was erected in 1875 for school purposes 
but since 1889 has been used for religious worship. The church proper 
including the comfortable parsonage is valued at $5,750. 

The pastors who have served here include the following: Ixevs. I. \. 
Goodell, L. A. Johnson. William Nickle, Charles Went worth, P. J. Milnes, 



126 BISTORT OF M< BENRY COUNTY 

I P. Greaser, i: S. Holm. Greaser, G. II. Tyler, W. A. Cross, I . I '. Bang, 
C. B. Spaulding, J. G. \ ance, E. E. Veri R, li. Pemell, L. <;. Daws 

II P. Barnes, and Dean Swift, the presenl pastor. 

PRESBYTERIAN 

The Bebron Church was formed September 14. 1M4 in a school- 
house near the home of David Prime, and Rei I.. Ball was ehi 

moderator. Tl riginal members were as follows: John A. Ehle and 

wife and three daughters, Ann Van Alstine, Alfred II. Earling, John 
and Lydia Adams, John Sawyer and wife, Daniel, .Maria, Jane and 
Elisha Cornue, William F. and olive Peake, Charolette Streator, 
Catherine Weaver, .lane Meyers, David Prime and wife, David Shaw, 
and Adam Phillips. A substantial church was erected in 1868, in the 
village nf Bebron, and in 1882 the parsonage was built. This was 
replaced in 1909 by the presenl edifice, valued at $1,500. The presenl 
membership is 110. The presenl pastor is Rev. F. B. McDowell. 

Woodstcx k Church was organized in 1846 by Rev. J. B. Plumstead, 
with the following members : M. B. Given, Elizabeth Given, Allen Dufield, 
Jesse Sloan, Anna Slavin, Margarel J. S'avin, Naomi C. Slavin, Charles 
Dufield, Andrew Scott, .lames Sn.it, Sarah Scott, Caleb Williams, Cor 
delia Williams, John Givins, J. S. Glvenk, Thomas Lindsay, Marj A 
Lindsay, William Gilbert, Catherine Gilbert, William D. Given, and 
Rachel Given. 

This church was the outgrowth of the church at Ridgefield, then 
called the Virginia Settlement. Rev. ii. K. Todd commenced to preach 
at Woodstock for the new church in 1847, continuing until 1865. Be 
was followed by Rev. Blood as above noted. 

The following pastors have served this church: Revs. R. K. Todd. 
Blood, John Thomas, Kirkwood, E. J. Fisher. John I>. McCain, S. C. 
Bay, who came as pastor in 1883. Revs. Beck, Peck, McDermott and 
R. B. Guthrie. 

At first services were hold in tl Id court-house for a year previous 

to building which was ace plished in l s !>. This was a small fn 

structure capable of seating two hundred. .Most of the material was 
donated. The present church building was erected in l sx _ at an ex- 
pense of $4,500. It is situated on the corner of Calhoun and Tryon 
streets. This is a frame building accommodating about 350 poison-. A 
manse was built the same year as the church. The church property 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY L27 

including the pipe organ and manse, is valued at $15,000. Rev. K. 15. 
Guthrie ol' Arkansas, a former supply, is the present pastor. 

Tin Marengo Church was formed in 1850 by Rev. George K. Good- 

' i iii*'. The societj is in a flourishing c lition, has a good church edifice 

ami parsonag 

The Greenwood Chubcb was formed in 1850, with I A. Hal] as 
tiist pastor. 

The Harvard Churcb was organized in 1868, with .Messrs. II. C. 
Blackman, Lewis Beaner, and C. Brown as trustees. Rev. Thomas C. 
Easton being first pastor. Soon the Presbyterians united with the Con 
gregationalists, the two societies using the hitter's building. In 1880, the 
two denominations separated. During the winter of 18U8-9, the Pres- 
byterians erected a building of their own a1 a cosl of $3,000. This was 
replaced in 1912 with the present church which is valued at $20,000. The 

present mbership is '■'<:','■', souls, and the pastor in charge is Rev. Owen 

W. Pratt. 

The Germ \.\ Presbyter] \.\ < 'in bch. There is uo such denomination 
in Germany, but in some of the localities in this country where Germans 
settled whose belief was nearer the religious faith of the Presbyterians 
than any other denomination, hence they organized what was termed the 
"German Presbyterian Church." One such society was organized firs! 
in Greenwood Town-hip, on Queen Ann Prairie, .May 1, 1853, by Rev. 
Weitzel. The society has long since been abandoned and many of its 
members took their letter- and united with the Presbyterian church of 
Woodstock. As the charter members will bring up by association many 
old time names among the devoul German families, the list of the firs! 
members of this church will be given. With the exception of two or 
three Swiss families, including the Renics', these members were all 
Germans: Peter Weidrich, George Herdklotz, Peter Sonnedruecker, 

.Michael Herdklotz, Henry Ilarinann. Henry Sonnedruecker, Jacob 

Senger, Peter Frey, Sr., Henry Sonnedueeker, ()eorge s ledrueeker, 

Peter Prey, Jr., Peter Herdklotz, Henry Dietrich, christian Mueller, 

Henry Sdmider, Henry Schmidt. Jr., George Weidrich. Michael Schmidt, 
Henry Herdklotz, Mike Frey, Peter Senger, Henry Harmann, Jr., Fred 
Bertchey, Jacob Werner, Fred St off ell. Louisa Mueller. Margaretta 
Weidrich. Saloma Herdklotz, Eva Harmann, Catherine Herdklota, 



L28 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Magdelena Schmidt, Barbara Prey, Margaretta Senger, Charlotta Sonde 
drueeker, Eve Eekerd, Barbara Berdklotz, Magdelana Schaaf, Mar- 
garetta Barmann, Benrietta Bugler, Louisa Mueller, M. Dietrich, Bar- 
bara Weidrich, Magdelena Bertchey, Barbar Dcllenbach and Eve Knhn. 
In 1856 these people secured a church in which to worship and it served 
the congregation many yens, h was purchased by the American P 
byterians in Woodstock, taken aparl and hauled to Queen Ann Prairie, 
ami there buill into a church edifice. In 1878 the Dame of the church 
was changed to Queen Ann Church of Woodstock. Services were held 
there until 1881, when they buill a bouse of worship on Chemung 
street, Woodstock. This was a frame structure and seated 250 pers 
It stood "ii the presenl site of i trace Evangelical church, near the < Oliver 
Typewriter shops. 

This congregation bung together as a church 1 >« >« 1 \ as long as possible, 
Init times changed and finalh the property was sold and the members 
went elsewhere. Among the long to be remembered pastors were Rev. 
Weitzel, Selmell. Phillip Host-i- and .laeoh Kalb. As late as 1885 the 
church was in a prosperous condition and bad sixty-six members. 

UNIVERSALIST 

In earlier times the CJniversalisI society had numerous organizations 
in McHenry County, lml none are active today. Harvard. Marengo, 

W Istoek and other places were the homes of Universalis! societies 

which no longer are in existence. 

A society was formed al Marengo in 1864, with forty members, but 
before l ss i> the\ had dwindled down to not over a half dozen. At one 
time they supported regular pastors, bul only for a few years. 

A church of this faith was established at Woodstock in 1855 by Rev. 
Livermore, who for many years edited the Nt w Cow nant in < Ihicago. At 
the time of organization there was a membership of twenty-seven. In 

lss."> they estimated their property to he worth $L\ .">()(). For many years 
this chureh has not existed. .Many of the NVu Englanders who came in 
and settled in this eonnty were of this religious faith. 

A CJniversalisI society was formed at McHenry, in January. 1853, 
with Rev. .lames R. .Mack as the first pastor. A building was erected in 
1854. The tirst members included these: R Bishop and wife, l>. Brown 
and wife, Francis Harrison and wife, C. B. Curtis and wife, Christopher 
Seeber and wife, George Gage and A. II. Nanly. 



CHAPTER IX 
COURTS, BENCH AND BAR 
l'.\ Judge Charles P. Barnes 

, He i rr COURT- FIRST GRAND JURY — CIRCUIT JUDGES COUNTS COMMIS- 
SIONERS COl NTY JUDGES — BARI/X ATTORNEYS — STATE'S ATTORNEYS — 
PRESEN1 ATTORNEYS MCHENRY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION — IN MEMO- 
EtlAM. 

CIRC1 IT COURT 

Under date of .May 10, 1838, pleas were heard before Judge Pear- 
son, judge of the Seventh Judicial District, in and for the County of 
Mc 'Henry, presiding ai a courl held at McHenry, in McHenry County, 
those present being Judge John Pearson, Alonzo Euntington, state's 
attorney, and Henry B. Steele, sheriff of McHenry County. 

The men composing the first grand jury of the circuil courl Eor this 
county were as follows: Andrew S. Wells. .lames II. Lloyd, Charles II. 
Bartlett, Jeremiah Porter, Willard Jones, Thomas McClure, Daniel 
Winters. Richard Steele, Samuel L. Wood. Alden Harvey. Christy G. 
Wheeler, Luke Hale. Amos Desmond. Moody B. Bailey, Aaron Randall. 
Christopher Walkup, William E. Keyes, John McCollom, and from their 
number Charles II. Bartletl was chosen foreman. Of the nineteen eases 
brought before this court the firsl day. three were for trespass, and one 

for slander. On the second day the grand jury returned three indict 

ments for Larceny and one for assaulting an officer in the discharge 
of his duty. 

CIRCUIT .l!T>UES 

The following is a list of the circuit judges who have served Mc- 
I [enry County since its organization : John Pearson, 1837-41 ; Theopilus 
W. Smith. 1841 13; Richard M. Foung, 1843-47; Jesse B. Thomas. 1847 
1-: Eugh Benderson, 1848-51; [ssac G. Williams. 1851-61; Allen C. 

129 



130 HISTORY OF .M« HENRY COUNTY 

Puller, 1861-62; T. D. Murphy, 1862-78; Clark W. Upton, 1878-82; 
Charles Kellum, 1882; C. E. Puller, 1897; Charles II. Donnelly, 1897; 
A. II. Frosl (deceased . 1903; Roberi W. Wright, 1903; Charles Whit- 
ney, 1911; Claire C. Edwards (to fill vacancj ; Robert K. Welch; 
E D. Shurtleff, 1920. 

JURISDICTION OK COl 

Justices of the peace have jurisdiction in all civil cases where the 

damages soughl do no1 ex id $300. They also have jurisdiction in 

all cases Eor violation of the ordinances of cities, towns and \ ill;i_r'~-. 

County courts have jurisdiction in all matters of probate, settlement 
of estates of deceased persons; also in proceedings of executors, ad- 
ministrators, guardians Eor the Bale of real estate. In law cases they 
have concurrenl jurisdiction with circuil mints and in all criminal 
offenses where the punishment is not imprisonment in the penitentiary 
or death, but oo appeal is allowed from justices of the peace to county 

court 

COUNT! COMMISSIONERS 

From 1 s.!7 until Isl'.i. when township organization was adopted 
ami put into force in McHenry County, when supervisors assumed 
their office the county's affairs were conducted by what was termed 
the County Commissioners Court to which three commissioners were 
elected. These commissioners were as follows: 1837 — Charles II. Bart- 
lett (resigned September term, 1837), .Matthias Mason, Solomon Norton; 
Samuel Sherman. December. 1n">7; l.^!> -Solomon Norton. Ransom 
Steele. William Jackson; 1839— B. B. Brown, Gideon Colby, Eloberl 
G. White; 1840— B. P.. Brown. R. C. White-. Daniel W. P. Tower; 1-H 
— R. <i. White D. W. 1'. Tower, Eosea B. Throop; 1843— D. W. P. 
Tower. II. I'.. Th.oop. l'.ela II. Tryon; 1843— H. B. Throop, B. II. 
Tryon, Andrew .1. Hayward; 1844— Same as in 1843; 1845— H. B. 
Throop, A. .1. Hayward, William A. McConnell; 1846— H. B. Throop, 
William A. .McConnell, Carlisle Hastings; 1847— William A. McConnell. 
Carlisle Hastings, Dexter Barrows; l>)s The same as in l>47. 

COUNTY JUDGES 

Amory Thomas, elected in 1839; Andrew J. Barnum, 1840; Joel 
II. Johnson, 1841-42; E. .1. Smith, 1843-48; L. Joslyn. ^48-49; Joseph 



BISTORT OP M< HKNUY COUNTY 131 

Golden, 1849-54; J. M. Strode, 1854-57; T. I). Murphy, L858-61; Wil- 
liam Kerr, L866-67; I.. S. Church, 1867-69; B. X. Smith, 1870-82; 0. 
II. Qilmore, 1882-90; C. II. Donnelly, 1890-97; 0. II. Qilmore, 1897 
L906; D. T. Smiley, 1906-1918; Charles P. Barnes. 

KAUI.Y ATTORNEYS 

li is generally admitted thai the first attorney to practice law in 

Mil I in i \ County was Amory E. Thomas, who came here in 1839, and 
continued his practice until 1844. The same year saw the advenl here 
of Calvin Searl, who located at Crystal Lake and remained there until 
L845 

Ilosea <;. Wilson located at McHenry in 1842, and died in that village 
about 18 17. Charles .MeClure was admitted to the bar of McHenry 
county in 1840, bul lefl ii soon thereafter. Be returned to the county 

in IS.")] and located permanently at Woodstock. Solomon IJaird was 
another pioneer lawyer who spent two years in active practice at .Mc- 
Henry, which lie left in 184"). 

The following lawyers were ene.av.ed in practice in the county be 
tween its tirst settlement and 1S44, and some of these continued in 
practice for many years succeeding the latter date: .Milton Xixon. 
D. C. Bush, William Bloom, Col. Laurence S. Church, Amos B. Coon, 
Henry W. McLean, Anson Sperry, Phineas W. Piatt, Col. Alonzo Piatt, 
Amos Cogswell, Col. danics M. Strode, lion. Theodore I). .Murphy. Charles 
M. Willard, Preman Van Wickle, Hon. M. 1.. Joslyn, Hon. William 
Ken-. II. s. Banchett, 1'. B. Enos, S. R. Paynter, George A. Parrish, 
William Jackson, Bon. Ira Rozel Curtis, lion. B. X. Smith, M. L. 
Ellsworth, .lames II. Slavin, Hon. O. II. Gilmore, dames M. Southworth, 
Hon. Richard Bishop, C. II. Donnelly. A. B. Coon, Jr., Albert E. Boone. 
C. 1'. Barnes, and .1. I''. Casey. 

It doubtless will he of interest to many to learn some special facts 

concerning the lawyers who have practiced in tl urts of McHenry 

County in the days that are past. A former historical work of the 
county, as well as other books treating of the Bench and its members 

in Northern Illinois, have 1 n largely drawn upon for the facts given 

below : 

Hon. Richard Bisbop, a native of New York state, was born in 1824 
His father was killed by the falling of a tree when he was but seven 
years old. He soon became his mother's sole support, and worked for 
ten cents a day, at threshing grain with a Hail, and he also cut cord 



L32 BISTORT OF M< HENRY COUNTY 

wood, when a little older and rtronger, for which latter work he 

ceived from twenty to twenty-five cents per -d. When he reached 

the age of twelve years, he was bound oul to a physician who owned 
;i large "sugar bush," for whirl, the boy was obliged to provide all 
the accessary wood, gather the sap from sixty five trees and carry the 
sugar home by means of a yoke suspended from his Bhoulders. He 
subsequently learned the blacksmithing trade, receiving $105 for three 
years' work while mastering Ins trade, tn the spring of 1844, having 
completed his apprenticeship, he bade farewell to his mother, and set 
oul to seek his fortune in the much-heard-of west. After many ex- 
periences and some privations, he landed on fool al McHenry village, 
having waded through swamps for miles on Ins journey. The date of 
his arrival was 1844, and he found plenty of employment, working until 
the subsequenl spring, first al harvesting during the season, and then 
during the remainder of the time cutting cord wood at fifty cents per 
cord. In the spring of 1845 he began working at his trade of black- 
smithing, and during the first year earned enough money to buy of the 
government, eighty acres of land, for w hich he paid the entry fee of $1 25 

per acre. He kept on adding to his holdings until at one time he owned 

1,000 acres of McHenry County land, and he was also the owner of a 
large wagon factory and grist-mill. Tn 1874 he embarked in the bank- 
ing business in Woodstock, and followed it for two years, when he 
bought a $1,000 law library, began studying law, and was later admitted 
to the bar. In 1874 he was elected to the State Assembly of Illinois. 
and he also served as county supervisor for fifteen or more years. 

Albert E. Bourne, horn at Kenosha, Wis., in 1849, was educated in 
the Wisconsin State University at .Madison. Wis., from which he was 
graduated* in 1872. He was then engaged in teaching school for several 
terms, when he became a law student, and in L880 was admitted to 
the bar. At one time he served as captain in the Illinois National 
Guard. He was a well-known Mason, and in polities was a radical 
Republican. 

I). ('. Bush was the first lawyer to locate at Woodstock. He came 
here in the autumn of 1844, and remained until in December, 1852, 
when he removed to .Madison. Wis. Possessing average legal ability, 
id a fair practice for his day and generation. 

Solomon Baird ca from Kentucky to tin' village of McHenry in 

1843, hut after two years of practice, returned to Kentucky. 

Col. Lawrence S. Church, who died many years ago, was among 
the strong and capable lawyers and Statesmen of this county. He was 



BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY 133 

bora ;ii Nunda, N. Y., in 1820, and passed bis early years on a farm. 
Poss ssing strong ambitions, he studied until be fitted himself to be a 
teacher, and daring the winter months taughl school, and with the 
money thus earned was able to attend institutions of higher Learning 
during the other months of the year. Deciding upon the profession of 
law, he studied to thai end, was admitted to the bar, and in 1843 came 
Wist, iii Mi Henrj County, Locating in the village of McHeury. Colonel 
Church made the long trip in a leisurely manner, riding by stage 
coach a pari of the way and walking the remainder. To defray the 
expenses of his differenl rides, he frequently stopped long enough in 
the various communities through which he passed, to lecture on the 
Constitution of the United stairs. Soon after his arrival at McHenry, 
.lit to Springfield, Ills., was there admitted to the bar of tins state 
and at once began to practice law at McHenry. When the seal of 
justice was moved to Woodstock, he went with it, and continued in 
active practice during the remainder of his life. During his earlier 
years lie was ;i radical Whig, and so had no chance in this county for 
political preferment until 1856, when he, with so many of the former 

Whigs, gave his supporl to John C. Fremont, the firsl man to he can- 
didate t'<>r the presidency, of the Republican party. McHenry County 
went strongly Republican, and Colonel Church was sent as a candidate 
of his party to tin- State Assembly. He at once became a noted repre- 
sentative of the people, was reelected, and was made a leader in tin' 
stormy -es^ion which followed. Later he was a candidate for Congress, 
but was defeated at the polls by lion. E. 1!. Washburn. Once more 
he was returned to the Legislature, and was made chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he dis- 
played "Teat zeal in support of the Union, and aided in organizing the 
Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry of which he was made colonel, 
but his health failed, and he resigned. The strenuous exertions he had 
made in behalf of the cause had so undermined his health that he 
never recovered, and died in isiiii. He was a man of sterling integrity 

and possessed of a clear, brilliant intellect. 

A. B. Coon of Marengo, who in 1883, was accounted tin' oldest 
attorney then engaged in active practice in the county, was horn in 
Pennsylvania, in 1815, the youngesl of twenty-one children horn to his 
parents. In Is:;.") he came t,, .M, •Henry County, opening his law office 
at the village of Marengo. For a number of years he was a surveyor, 
as well as lawyer, and from IS HI to 1862, was inaster-in-rhancery in 
this county. During 185] 52 and 1860-64, he was state's attorney for 



L34 HISTORY ()F McIIENBY COUNTY 

the circuit is which this county was then included. During 1863-65 he 
served as provost marshal for his congressional district, and at ;i later 
date was registrar-in-banknrptcy. 

.1. I'. Cheever practised law at Harvard, this county, I'm- a period 
of twelve years, but in 1883 left this neighborhood for Dakota. 

Ira Rozel Curtiss was born in New York state in 1836, of New Eng- 
land stork. His father died when he was <mly two years old, and his 

early life was a hard i .ami spent on the farm trying to make a living 

for- the rest of the family. At the age of sixteen years he rented a 

farm in the Genesee Plats, N. Y.. ami in this eon -tion earned enough 

money to take him through a three-years' course in Antiocfa College, 
where he was under the preceptorship of Horace Mann. Subsequently 
he entered Union College, ami was graduated therefrom in I860, with 
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In February, 1861 he located in Mc- 
Henry County, taking up his residence at Marengo, where he continued 
to reside, becoming one of the honored citizens, successful lawyers and 
prominent business men of that place. During the Civil War he en- 
tered the Union Army, served for a year, but had to resign on account 
■ if poor health. Debarred from aetive service, he entered the provost 
marshal's office and remained there until the close of the war. Study- 
ing law, in June, ISIiii, lie was admitted to the bar, began active practice, 
and was admitted to he an excellent lawyer. He developed into one of 
the Strong political factors of his day. and in 1870 was elected as a 
representative from McHenry County to the State Assembly, on the 
Republican ticket. The same party sent him to the upper lions.' of 
the Legislature, in 1884, and in 1876 and 1880 elected him state's at- 
torney. He was a zealous .Mason, a leader in the Grand Army of the 
Republic, ami one of the best citizens of his day in McHenry County. 

M. F. Ellsworth, formerly one of the lawyers of Xunda. was born 
at Rochester, New York, in 1838. His parents moved to .McHenry Coun- 
ty in 1843, and her,' the father became an extensive stockdealer. Operating 
until his death which occurred in Isjsl. The mother died in 1851. 
M. F. Ellsworth came of distinguished ancestry, he being a direct des- 
cendant of Supreme Judge Ellsworth, who served under General Wash- 
ington while he was president; ami his maternal grandfather, a soldier 
of the American Revolution, was wounded seven times during that 

war. ami lived to tl xtrenie old age of Ids years. Growing up in 

.McHenry County M. F. Ellsworth here r ived his educational train- 

ing but. after reaching manhood went to Kentucky, and was there mk- 
eessfully engaged in school-teaching until tl utbreak of tin' civil War, 




fe 

k 




HISTORY OF M< HENRY COl XTY L35 

;it which time he enlisted in the Union army, and held various official 
positions until iis termination. After his return home from military 

service, he studied law with Church & Kerr of W Istock, and in the 

fall of 1866 entered the law department of the state University at Ann 
Arlnii'. Mich., in 'in which he was graduated in 1868, and was admitted 
to the bar. For a short period thereafter, he was engaged in practice 

at New Hampton, Iowa, and at Crete, Nebr., and then located per 
manently at X inula, now Crystal Lake, this county. 

O. II. Gillmore, formerly county judge of McHenry County, was 
born in St. Lawrence County, X. V., in 1S4S. The family moved to 

this county in 1854, and here he attended the common schools, later 

entering the law department of the University of Michigan, after pre- 
paring himself by study under A. 1".. Coon and Ira I\. Curtiss. He 
was graduated therefrom in 1ST.'!, and commenced practice that same 
year at Woodstock. He was elevated to the bench of McHenry County 
in 1882. 

Charles M. Willard located at Woodstock in 1851, and formed a 
partnership with Col. L. S. Church. This connection soon terminated 
by mutual consent, and Mr. Willard practiced alone for a time. Still 
later he formed a partnership with .lames II. Slavin, severing it in 
1857, to locate permanently at Chicago, III. He was an able lawyer. 

Amos Cogswell first was engaged in legal practice at Hebron, where 

he settled in 1S47. hut three years later came to Woodstock, where he 
forme, I a partnership with Charles McClure, and 1 hey enjoyed a large 
practice for several years. Later he moved away, he and Mr. .McClure 
going to Minnesota in 1859, and in the eighties he was known to he 
practicing his profession in Clark County, Dak. lie was a man of dis- 
tinction, who. having Studied law with Franklin Pierce, was by that 
-.talesman, after he was elevated to the presidency, appointed to a 

govern nt position at Washington. 

Col. -lames M. Strode was well known as one of the ablest lawyers 
of Northern Illinois during earlier years. He located at Woodstock 
in either 1850 or 1851, and at that time had already won his reputa- 
tion at the har in both Galena ami Chicago. From 1854 to 1857 he served 
as county j mitre of McHenry County, hut during the later year he 
moved to Missouri, ami from thence to Kentucky, where he died. His 
was a logical and legal mind, and he was forceful in argument. It is 

claimed that as a Story-teller he hail hut one rival in the state of Illi- 
nois. Abraham Lincoln. 

Theodore I). Murphy, formerly circuit judge of this district, was 



136 HISTORY OF Mi HENRY COUNTY 

born in Virginia, in 1826. He came i" McHenry County in L845, and 
settled ;it Woodstock in January, 1851, where he entered upon the prac- 
tice of the law. He \\ ;i -■ subsequently elevated t<> the bench, and served 

as a judg ■ for twenty years. For Eour year- he »;h county judge, 

and then Erom 1862 until W'.i he was circuil judge. During the lasl 
three years he was chief justice of the appellate courl of Cook County, 
District No. 1. It was be who formed the appellate court of thai dis- 
trict, designed the seal, procured the books and completed all the ar- 
range nts for opening it. In each and everj position to which he 

was called. Judge Murphy bore himself with dignified capability, and 
will Ion- lie remembered as one of the naosl distinguished men of this 
part of the commonwealth of Illinois. 

Henry McLean, lawyer and politician and earlj settler of HcHenry 
County, was horn in Columbia County, X. V.. in 1M>*. a sou of a 
hnian who came to America when a young man. and became a 
soldier of the American Revolution. Henry \V. .McLean was reared 
on a farm. Init when he was twenty-two years old he began the study 
of law. and was admitted to the bar of bis native state, in 1834, and 
lie was there engaged in an active practice for two year-. He then 

hit Xew York fur Illinois, and settled at McHenry. In 1842 he was 

admitted to the bar of Illinois. With the formation of the Republican 

party, he became one Of its zealous supporters, and attained distinc- 
tion as a campaign worker. Mr. McLean stood high among his fellow 
citizens and was recognized as an excellent ami well-balanced lawyer. 

Charles McClure was admitted to the McHenry County bar in 
1S40. and for a few i i1 lis thereafter was engaged in practice at Mc- 
Henry. hut left that village for La Porte, End. still later la' became a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal faith, hut returned to the law. 
and coming hack to McHenry County, for about seven years was en- 
gaged in practice at W Istock in partnership with Amos Co-swell. 

He then moved to Minnesota. An earnest, purposeful man. he attained 
to success ill the law. 

Calvin Searl, who was the fourth attorney to engage iii practice 
iii McHenry County, settled at Crystal Lake in 1839, remained there 
until 1845, ami then moved io Wisconsin. 

Hamilton Nixon, a native of Vermont, was among the firsl of the 

attorneys of McHenry County. He was possessed of brilliant intellect, 
but died when but a little over thirty years of age. 

Phineas W. Piatt came to Woodstock in .March. 1845. He was a 
native of Pennsylvania, who studied law in Indiana, and commenced 



HISToKY OF M( HENRY COUNT'S 137 

his practice al Woodstock. It is said thai he was one of the best lawyers 
who ever tried a case in McHenry County. His strength lay in his 

logical mind and forceful mi er, rather than in his eloquence, and 

his evidenl sincerity was very convincing to a jury. He formed a 
partnership with Aionzo Piatt and thej operated as Platl & 1'latt and 
did a large business. Although possessed of the same surname, there 
was no relationship between them. AJonzo Platl wenl to California 
during the period of the firs! gold excitement, bul Phineas W. I'lalt 
remained in Woodstock until 1851, when he went to Texas, and there 
died several j ears later. 

Col. Alonzo I'latt was engaged in the practice of law in McHenry 
County in partnership with Phineas W. Piatt, they having their offices 
in the historic "Ral Hole" Building on the Square. Going to Cali- 
fornia in 1850, he had many experiences, and died at Virginia city. 
New. in 1862. lie was an excellent lawyer, a strong Democrat, and 
tine campaigner. His birth took place at Danbury, Conn., in 1816, 
from whence he later went to Wisconsin, where he served in the State 
Assembly in 1844. Studying law. he was admitted to the liar, and 
began the practice of his profession at Woodstock. During the time 
he lived here he served as state's attorney, and was accounted an ex- 
cellent lawyer and able man. 

Ansun Sperry, who practiced law at Marengo, was born in Ver- 
mont in 1824. His father was an attorney, who, at an early daj ved 

to Plattsburg, X. Y. In 1841 Anson Sperry came to Illinois, and In' 
■/an the study of law under Judge Skinner, and was admitted to the 
liar in 1 > 4 A . lie continued with Judge Skinner for two years, and 
then. May 7, 1S47, arrived at Marengo, being the second lawyer to 
locate there. In the autumn of 1848 lie was elected magistrate in a 

political contest between the northern and southern part of Marengo 
Township. About the same time he was appointed postmaster of Ma- 
rengo, and held that position until 1861. In 1853, in company with 
Cornelius Lansing, he opened a banking house at Marengo, and carried 
it on until 1863, when he was appointed paymaster in the Army of the 
Cumberland, during the Civil War. In lSii.'i he was transferred to 
Chk-ago, 111. He was still a resident of McHenry County late in the 
eigbl ies. 

Freeman Van Wickle came from New York to McHenry County 

about 1852, and for about nine years was one of the lawyers i f this 

i ■ei'_'hborh 1. Fur a time he was associated in a legal partnership 



138 BISTORT? OF M< IIKXIIY COUNTY 

with m. I.. Joslyn. During the period of tin' Civil War he moved to 
Michigan. 

Merritl I.. Joslyii, Eor many years one "I' the Eoremosl lawyers of 
Northern [llinois, was lmrn in New Fork, Livingston County, in 1827, 
and resided in thai county until after 1839. II.' was a Democrat, ami 
an elector I'm- James Buchanan Eor tin' presidency. Later on lie united 

with the Republican Eorces, and became a i ognized leader among 

tlic stalwarts of this party. During the civil War be Berved as cap- 
tain of the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. During 1864-65 
ho represented the districl of which McHenry County was a part, in 
the state Assembly, and in 1876 was elected to the State Senate by a 

majority of ..vcr 3.000. II.' was recognized as a man capable of hold- 
ing high ami important positions. In the eighties this appreciation 
took still more practical form in his appointment to the office of as- 
sistanl secretary of the interior department at Washington, by Presi- 
dent Arthur. July, 1882. 

William Kerr, now deceased, was horn in Delaware County, Ohio, 

in 1819. In 1839 he came to Illinois, and for a time resided in 1'. 

County. Always Erom his youth, he had evinced a Likhlg ami aptitude 
for legal matters, and while still in his teens helped t.. settle many a 
neighborhood dispute, without charge. In 1857 his friend, L. S. Church, 

induced him to come t0 Woodstock, and l.e.'oliie his partner in his law 

business. -Mr. Kerr made an excellent lawyer, and was serving his 
second term as county judge, when, duly 26, 1866, he died very sud- 
denly, his demise being a great shock to the community, for not only 
the members of the bar, hut the people at large, had great faith ami 

esteem in and for this truly excellent man. 

II. S. Ilanchett, a lawyer of fair ahility, came to Woodstock in 1857, 
and was a partner of M. 1.. Joslyn until 1862, when he went int.. the 
Union army, during the Civil War. ami being subsequently captured 
and confined at Andersonville, there met his death, it i^ claimed from 
starvation. 

Flavcl K. Granger, of McHenry, was another early attorney, although 
he was even better known as a husiness man. He was horn in Wayne 
County. X. V.. in 1832, and remained on a farm until he was fifteen 
years old. at which time he entered the Wesleyan Academy at Lima. 

X. Y. At the age of eighteen years he commenced teaching scl 1. and 

in the spring of 1S.">3. migrated westward, and immediately began the 
study of law after reaching Waukegan, Wis. In the fall of 1855 he was 

admitted to the har, hut ..win- to ill health did not at oiiee begin practic- 



BISTORT OF .M.IIKXKY COUNTY 139 

Lng his profession, for some years thereafter being engaged in stockbuy- 
ing and farming in and aboul McBenry. As the years passed and he 
regained Ins health, he began to put to practical use the Legal knowledge 
he had gained, bu1 continued to look after his other interests as well. 
In 1870 he was elected county supervisor from Ids township, and was 
the firsl Republican to be circled from it. In 1S7'J lie was elected as a 
representative to the Illinois state Assembly, and was re elected for three 
terms without opposition. During the last two terms he was made 

speaker of the BoUSe, being the lil'st to preside in tile new state hOUSe. 
T. B. Wakeman located in what was then the Little hamlet of Alden. 

in 1839, and is the only member of his profession to make it his place 

of residence. In In>!I he moved to Harvard, and after a few years went 
to Chicago, where he died in 1882. In 1868 Mr. Wakeman 's son, 
Thaddeus Wakeman, a graduate of the University of Michigan, became 
associated with him in his law business. 

John A. Parrish, horn in New York in 1825, was a member of a well- 
educated and highly-Cultured family. He attended the New York Nor- 
mal School at Albany, X. Y., and then became a scl I teacher, following 

that calling until his health failed him, in 1859. He had conn' to Illi- 
nois and attained distinction in scholastic circles at Aurora and \Y I 

Stock, and at the same time had studied law. Soon thereafter he was 

admitted to the bar ami was engaged in a general Legal practice at Mc- 

Ilenry until his death in 1882. He was highly esteemed at the bar. but 
mi account of his weak lungs, was not a successful jury lawyer, but as 
an office attorney was excellent. Ml-. Parrish was also very successful 
as a pension agent and as an attorney in insurance cases. He amassed 

considerable property. 

William Jackson was born in Connecticut in 1S0S. He accompanied 
his family to Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1832. In L843 his father came to 
Melleuiy County, 111., where he lived until his death at the age of 
seventy-seven years. After obtaining an excellent education in the com- 
mon schools. William Jackson engaged in Lumbering, but in 1828 began 
reading law with .Indue Pisbie, but was not admitted to the bar until 
1859. First locating at Algonquin, in 1838, he lived in that village until 
he moved to Xiinda, now Crystal hake, where he was engaged in a gen- 
eral practice, and for sixteen years served as a justice of the peace. Twice 
he was elected associate judge, and later was appointed judge vice .Indue 
Carr, deceased. Politically he was a Democrat, and for fifty years he 
was a consistent member of the Christian Church. 

Benjamin X. Smith, a native of McBenry County, was born in is:{s, 



1 in BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNT? 

a son of Nathaniel Smith, one of the pioneers of the county. He received 
an academic education ;ii various educational Institutions of Illinois and 
Wisconsin. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, and continued to serve until 
the termination of the conflict. In April, 1866, he was graduated from 
the law departmenl of the University of Michigan, ;it Ann Arbor, .Mich., 
and immediately thereafter opened a law office al Woodstock, and was 
there engaged in practice for many years. In 1869 he was elected county 
judge, ami held that office for more than a dozen years, and for four 
years was a master-in-chancery. He was a zealous Mason, belonged 
tn the Methodisl Episcopal Church, the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and the Ancienl Order of United Workmen, and lived up to the ideals 
of all these organizations. 

John M. Southworth, another practicing attorney at Woodstock dur- 
ing its earlier period, was born in Vermont in 1M!!>. settled in McHenry 

County in 1858, and becan ne of its useful citizens. In April. 1861, 

five days after Port Sumter was fired upon by the Confederates, en 
listed in the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Later he re-enlisted 
in another infantry regiment, serving for a period of over five years. 

and leaving the service with the rank of major. He was elected sheriff 

of McHenry County in ISOli, and clerk of the circuit court, in 1868. 
In 1873 lie began the practice of law at Woodstock, hut during the 
eighties was an attorney of Chicago. In August, )>-'■'<. he was appointed 
e dssioner of the Illinois penitentiary. 

■ I.' s 11. Slavin ranked among the best lawyers of his day and 

generation. He was horn and reared in McHenry County, and after 
practicing here for fifteen years, on February (i, 1875, he passed away, 
aged thirty-eight years, lie was a self-made man. and rose to a high 
position among his fellow men. He had a Logical mind, a tine discrimi- 
nating power, ami a most excellent memory. Although interested in 
state and national affairs, he kept out of polities, and oftentimes refused 
nomination for office, preferring to devote all of his time and energy 

1<< t he law. 

state's attorneys 

Alonzo Huntington, 1837-40; Edward G. Regan, L840 13; James Cur- 
tiss. 1843-44; William A. Boardman, 1845-49; Alonzo Piatt, 1850-51; 
Ami,, p.. Coon, 1852; .M. M. Boyce, 1853-57; Edward S. Joslyn, 1>-">7- 
61; Amos B. Coon. 1861 63; M. M. Boyce, 1864-69; Charles Helium. 



BISTORY OF M. BENRY COUNT'S 1 II 

1870-73; Joseph 1'. Cheever, 1873-76; Ira R. Curtiss, 1877-84; A. B. 

c ,. 1884 96; V. S. Lumley, 1896-1900; L. D. Lowell, 1900 1908; David 

I; Joslyn, 1908 L916; V. S. Lumley, 1916. 

PRESENT ITTORNETS 

The present members of the bar of McHenry County are as follows: 

Allen, C. T., Woodstock; Barnes, C. P. (county judge), W Istock; 

Barnes, C. Percy, W Istock; Bennett, P. B., Woodstock; Cairns, W. R., 

Woodstock; Carmark. M. A.. \V Istock; Carroll, William .M., Wood- 
stock; Donovan, Paul J., Barvard; Donovan, Ruperl 1)., Woodstock; 
Eckert, Ployd B., Woodstock; Field, George W., Woodstock; Francis, 

Charles II.. Woodstock; Boy, E. R., Woodstock; Joslyn, D. K.. W I 

stuck; Joslyn, I). R., Jr., Woodstock; Lumley. V. S. (stale's attorney), 
Woodstock; Lowell, L. D.. Crystal Lake; .Mauley. B. P., Harvard; .Mul- 
len. A. .1. (master-in-chancery), Woodstock; Marshall, R. P., Harvard; 
McCauley, James J., Woodstock; McConnell, W. S., Woodstock; North- 
rop, Charles S., Woodstock; Palmer, L. I'... Barvard; Pouse, Alfred H., 
West McHenry; Smiley. I). T.. Harvard; shurtletV. E. 1). (circuil 
judge), Marengo; Whittemore, C. B., Marengo; and Waite, E. II.. 
W Istock. 

MC HENRI COUNTY BAB ASSOCIATION 

The McHenry County Bar Association was organized February Li, 

1915, and elected officers who are still Serving, as follows: President. 

Bon. Charles II. Donnelly; vice president, B. P. Manley; and Paul J. 
Donovan, secretary and treasurer. Nearly every member of the county 
bar belongs to this association. As it is still a somewhat new organiza- 
tion, there is hut little history connected with it. The judges and law- 
yers throughoul the entire portion of the state, acknowledge thai Mc- 
Benry County has an exceedingly strong bar and that no better trial 
lawyers ran be found in the entire state than some of the members of 
the small bar of McHenry County. They are often spoken of as "the 
figb.1 bag bar of McHenrj I !ounty." 

CIRCUIT COURT OFFICERS 

The officers of the McHenry County Circuit Court, which is a pari 
of the Seventeenth Judicial District, together with Boone, Lake and 



1 pj HISTORY OF M, HENRY COUNTY 

Winnebago counties, are as follows: Edward 1>. Shurtleff, Claire C. 
Edwards and Robert K. Welch, judges; Arthur J. Mullen, master-in- 
chancery; V. S. Lumley, state's attorney; Charles P. Hayes, clerk; and 
Roy T. Stewart, sheriff. 

IN UEMORIAM 

The McHenry County Bar passed and caused to be spread upon the 
court records of this county the following resolutions on the death of 
Judge Frost, and a number of his fellow lawyers, the same being exe- 
cuted by attorney J. P. Casey, and the committee of which he was 
chairman : 

"He it resolved, By the members of the McHenry County Bar, and 
each of us, that with sail hearts, reverence and esteem, we assemble to- 
day, to pay a tribute, just and fitting to the memory of our departed 
professional brothers, citizens and beloved friends. Calvin J. Hendricks. 
John <!. Cooney and Joseph I. Land, each of whom have been taken 

from us by the will and deer E God; and yet we no less deplore their 

loss to their families, friends and professional brothers, each being 
(■ailed to answer the Divine summons of death in the power and vigor 

of his young manhood, at a time in life when most useful to all the 
duties, work and obligations to society ami the world. 

"Be it further resolved. I'.y the members of the .McHenry County 
Bar, thai each of our above mentioned professional brothers possessed 
excellent personality, good ambition and a trustworthy character, that 
each loved the law for its own sake, and practiced it with a true intent 
toward justice and the righl in all cases which came to them for con- 
sideration and adjustment. 

"Be it further resolved, That each was successful in the great pro- 
fession of the law, and that the same could not have been obtained with- 
out superior intelligence, energy and a high sense of duty, which each 
possessed in no small degree. 

"lie it further resolved. That in the death of Calvin -I. Hendricks. 

John •). Cooney and Joseph I.. Lang, that the .McHenry County Bar 
has been deprived of three of its most valuable and efficient lawyers, 

whom we had admired, confided in and whose companionship we all 
enjoyed in life. 

"Whereas it has pleased God to remove from our midst our late 
In-other, citizen and jurist, Arthur II. Prost, of Rockford, III., and. 

"Whereas, Be it resolved by the members of the McHenry County 
Bar, that while we how with humble submission to the will of the most 



to 

ST 




^ 







BISTORT? OF McHENRY COUNTY I 13 

1 1 ili. we do doI the less mourn for our distinguished brother, citizen 

and jurist, who has been taken IV us. 

"Be it further resolved, Thai in the death of Judge Frost, the 
members of the McHenry County Bar and each of us lamenl the loss 
of a brother whose heart ami hand were ever ready in assist in bring- 
ing aboul our welfare and prosperity; a friend and companion who was 

deal- tu us all: a citizen of whose upright and noble life was a standard 

to he followed by his fellow citizens; a lawyer of excellent ability and 
integrity, possessing a high sense of professional duty and ever striving 
to do it ; a judge who in the trial of the eases before him endeavored 
to recognize only the law and the evidence and rendered his derisions 
accordingly. 

"Be it further resolved. That the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of 
the state of Illinois has suffered the li 3 of a jurist whose services on 
the bencb did much to promote justice, and give confidence to our courts 

and to elevate the legal profession." 

On the death of Attorney John 1'.. Lyon, of Harvard, in .July. 1915, 
Judge Donnelly paid the following fine tribute to the deceased: 

"1 regarded Mr. Lyon as a very aide lawyer. He was the oldest 
member of the McHenry County Bar at the time of his death: had a 
varied and extensive practice and combined with his legal knowledge, 
he possessed a wonderful fund of common sense. He was a careful 
advisor, a <_ r ood and resourceful fighter, a legal adversary to lie feared, 
and better than all, always fair and honorable witli the court. The mem- 
bers of the bar as well as the courts will miss him as he was always a 
source of assistance to each." 

After thirty years of continuous service mi the Circuit Court bench, 
on account of ill health. Judge Charles II. Donnelly, of Woodstock, 

resigned in the month of December 1920, and Attorney Edward I). Shurt- 
leff, of Marengo, was immediately appointed by Governor Lowden to 

serve out Judge Donnelly's unexpired term. 

At the January term of the Circuit Court of McHenry County a 
large gathering of the lawyers and Judges of the Circuit was held at the 
Circuit Court room in the City of Woodstock to pay their respects to 
Judge Donnelly on his retirement from the Circuit Court bench. 

A large number of the Rockford, Waukegan and Belvidere lawyers 
and court officials were in attendance as well as other lawyers from Kane 
anil adjoining counties, and on the occasion the following resolution was 
passed and ordered spread of record in the court over which Judge 
Donnelly had been tic presiding Judge for so many years: 



1 II HISTORY OF McIIENBY COUNTY 

"WHEREAS, the Bonorable Charles II. Dm, nelly, of Woodstock, 
Illinois, after a service of thirty years od the Bench, has voluntarily 
retired as one of the presiding Judges of the Seventeenth Judicial <ir- 

Cllil of tin' Stale of Illinois; 

AND WHEREAS, we, the presenl presiding Judges of the said 
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit and the members of the Bar thereof, have 
today assembled lot- the purpose of paying a jusl tribute of respect and 
Honor to Judge Donnelly upon his retirement; 

AND WHEREAS, it is just that a proper recognition of his long 
ami faithful service ami a fitting acknowledgment of his many virtues 
should be publicly made; 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the present presiding Judg< - 
ami the members of the Bar of tin' Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of the 
State of Illinois, that in the retirement of Judge Donnelly we ami each 
of us regret the loss to the Bench of this Judicial < lircuit of a Judge who 
possessed legal qualifications of a high order, a true sense of professional 
honor and integrity, ami who. while ever tempering justice with mercy, 

performed the duties of his office fearlessly and fairly, yet with a kind- 
ness of heart that has endeared him to all whose duties or profession 
brought them in contact with his Court throughout his long years of 
public service. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the retirement of Judge 
Donnelly the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois has 
suffered a loss of a jurist of signal aliility. scrupulous honesty and in- 
tegrity, whose service on the Bench did much to promote justice, increase 
confidence in our courts and elevate the legal profession. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the presenl Judges and mem- 
bers of the Bar of said Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, that our sincere 
and heartfelt thanks he atnl they are hereby extended to Judge Donnelly 
a- a private citizen for the many professional and personal court. 
received by us and (he kindly services rendered to us in the past with 
further assurance thai our love, esteem and lies! wishes go with him in 

hi- retirement, together with the hope thai he may he spared for many 
years to enjoy tin- confidence and respect of his f ellowmen for his long 
ami faithful services in their behalf, ami that his twilight years he bright- 
ened by tin' consciousness of duties well done. 

RESOLVED, that this resolution he spread upon the records of the 
Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial I lircuit of the State of I Ilium-, 
and an engrossed copy thereof presented to the Honorable Charles II. 
Dmmellv." 



CHAPTER X 

MEDICAL PROFESSION 

By Dr. C. M. Johnson 

Tilt; HEALING ART — EARLIEST PHYSICIANS ALDEN ALGONQUIN CARY 

CHEMUNG CORAL GREENWOOD HARMONY HARTLAND HARVARD 

HEBRON HUNTLEY MC HENRY — MARENGO RICHMOND WOODSTOCK 

COMMON DISORDERS OF EARLY YEARS SIDELIGHTS ON EARLY PHYSI- 
CIANS PHYSICIANS OF A LATER DATE — COTTAGE HOSPITAL AT HARVARD 

WOODSTOCK HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION PRESENT PHYSICIANS MEDICAL 

SOCIETY. 

THE HEALING ART • 

From the earliest ages until the present, the art of healing has been 
recognized as one of the most important agencies in the life of the people 
of any country, and even the savage tribes pay honor to their ' ' Medicine 
.Men." From the days when his prototype wa9 the only recourse for 
the sick, until these enlightened days when the physician and surgeon 
is able, through his science and knowledge, to work what but a few years 
ago would have seemed an impossibility. But yesterday in the World 
War, in the midst of the thunder of mighty guns, when every device for 
the destruction of mankind was employed, it is the triumph for the 
medical fraternity that the percentage of fatalities at the front was not 
so measurably higher than those of normal existence, because of the skill 
of the men who have risen to undreamed of heights in the healing art. 

This county has contributed its quota to the noble band of men en- 
gaged in the work of counterbalancing the horrors of modern warfare, 
and from the beginning of its history it has been the boast of the county 
that its physicians and surgeons have ranked with the best of the country. 

EARLIEST PHYSICIANS 

It is believed that the first doctor to locate within McHenry County 
was Dr. Christy G. Wheeler, who settled at McHenry about 1837 ; he was 

14.". 



146 BISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

soon followed, however, by Dp. A. B. Cornish. In order to give the 
reader a clearer account ol the semes of physicians who have from time 
to time practiced in this COUnty, thej will be treated hy towns, villages 
and cities in which they liave resided, or are now practicing. 

ALDEN 

Dr. I). S. McOonigle was the first to practice medicine in Alden, he 
locating: there in 1^4"). Dr. Allen C. Bingham was in practice here from 
1S57 to 1S65, and was very successful. Dr. D. C. Gilbert Located here 
in 1868, and Dr. Woodworth in 1870. From 1874 to 1881, Dr. A. S. 
Munson was engaged in practice at Alden. and sold his practice to Dr. 
G. Ballanger. Other physicians have come and gone from this section 
of the county, some of whom are mentioned in the biographical section 
of this work. 

ALGOXQIIX 

The first physician of Algonquin was Dr. David Burton, who located 
here in 1844, and continued to practice until his death, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. H. C. Tenvilliger. Dr. Reed came in 1850 and remained 
five years, when Dr. A. Hedger succeeded him. Drs. Winslow, Hunt, 
Johnston, William "Winchester, Bentley and Hait were all engaged in 
practice at Algonquin for short periods each. Dr. Young was another 
early practitioner. Drs. William A. Nason, Robinson, Hill and D. H. 
Merrill were also physicians who located in Algonquin during the 
seventies. 

CARY 

But little can be learned of the early doctors of this locality. P. J. 
Theobold is the only physician practicing in this village today. 

CHEMUNG 

Doctor Miller was the first physician to locate at Chemung ; he came 
in 1848 and remained until 1856. His successor was Dr. H. W. Johnson, 
who only remained a short time, and then removed to Harvard. In 1853 
Dr. B. A. Wade came to Chemung, hut in 1863 he, too, moved to Harvard. 
Dr. Devine came in 1862, but in 1867 moved away. In 1875 Dr. Chase 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 147 

established himself here, continuing in practice for many years. The 
medical practice of this community is now attended to chiefly by physi- 
cians of Harvard. 

CORAL 

Doctor Hungerford came to Coral in IS.".:!, moving to I'nioii, the rail- 
road station, after about three and one-half years. Dr. A. McWright 
came in 18")."); Dr. Suiter in IS.'ili, and Dr. Snow in 1S.">S. Dr. Klvin 
Briggs practiced medicine here from 1S40 to 1881. Dr. E. L. Sheldon 
ami Dr. Griffith were also among the pioneer doctors. 

CRYSTAL LAKE 

The first physician to practice at Crystal Lake was Dr. Erwin, who 
came in 1842 and remained until 18">7. The second doctor was a man 
named Smith; he died while engaged in practice at Crystal Lake. Drs. 
Beers, Ballou, Lowell, Graves, Hayes, Hall and Crandall were all among 
the physicians who practiced here prior to and just after 1884. 

GREENWOOD 

The first doctor to locate at the village of Greenwood was Doctor 
McCay, who was succeeded by Doctor White, who died while in practice. 
Doctor Ballinger was the third physician; he remained until about 1884 
and was succeeded by Doctor Hart and the latter remained here for 
many years and was well and favorably known and recognized as an 
excellent doctor. 

HARMONY 

Harmony was never a village, simply a country cross-roads com- 
munity. Here several physicians have practiced, but usually were resi- 
dents of some near-by village. 

HARTLAND 

Doctor Bennett was the earliest doctor in this place, and as the years 
have come and gone, others have cared for the ill of the community 
usually from Woodstock or Harvard. 



lis BISTORT OF .M. IIKXUY COUNTT 

HARVARD 

Dr. II. W. Johnson was the first to practice medicine in Harvard. 
He arrived in 1856, and continued in active practice until his death, about 
twelve years later. The second physician there was Dr. H. W. Richard- 
son, hut after a very few years lie moved to Marengo, where he died. 
Dr. C. A. Bingham was third to enter tins field for the purpose of prac- 
ticing medicine. About the same time Dr. B. A. Wade, Dr. A. C. Bing- 
ham. II. T. Woodward, ('. .M. .Johnson and Charles Goddard arrived, and 
some of them remained for many years. 

HEBROX 

« 

Dr. Royal Sykes came from Vermont and located in Hebron in 1848. 
lie was successfully engaged in medical practice until 1876, when he 
moved to Chicago, Dr. J. H. Giddings came here in 1858, and practiced 
until the beginning of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the Union army. 
His health failed under exposure, and he returned to Hebron, but re- 
mained but a short time. In the autumn of 1865, Dr. E. 0. Gratton of 
New York, settled in Hebron, and here he was engaged in a successful 
practice for many years. Dr. J. M. Mansfield, Dr. H. R. Chesboro, Dr. 
Alfred Turner and Dr. Catherine Slater all practiced medicine in Hebron 
prior to, and some of them after, 1883. 

HUNTLEY 

The first physician to locate for the practice of his profession in 
Huntley, was Doctor Ainsworth who came in 1S5"_', but died a few years 
thereafter of cholera, contracted while attending upon a stranger who 
had just arrived in the village. His successor was Dr. John Garrison and 
his partner Doctor Trough, both of whom died soon after coming to the 
place. Drs. Cale, Perry, Rodman, R. Turner, A. Griffith, Charles E. 
Cook and a number of others all practiced medicine at Hebron. 

MC HENRY 

Being the first county seat and among the first settlements in this 
county, naturally a physician was found among the pioneer band at Mc- 
Henry. He was also the first to practice medicine in the county. We 
refer to Dr. Christy G. Wheeler, who soon left the practice of his pro- 



BISTORT OF Mi llKMJV COUNTY 1 19 

fession ami embarked in mercantile business here. Dr. Luke Hale was 
his successor and he in turn was followed by Doetor Bosworth, who later 
developed into a merchant. It is said he was a highly educated man and 
an excellent physician, but for some reason preferred a business to ;i 
professional career. The fourth to practice medicine in McHenry was 

Doctor McAllister. He continued for four years, and then moved to 
Oshkosh, Wis. Doetor Coleman remained at McHenry four years, and 
was soon followed by Doetor Flavel, and Doetor Ballon, who were here 
for the same length of time. Doetor Mellendy practiced for ten years and 
went to California where he died. Drs. H. T. Brown, Polly, Cavens, 
Beers, Brown, Fegers, Howard and Childs were all well-known physi- 
cians at McHenry prior to the nineties, as well as Doctor Anderson now 
of Woodstock. .Many changes have been wrought out in McHenry, 
doctors have come and gone, leaving the present practice in the hands of 
Drs. A. I. Froehlieh, D. G. Wells, and X. .1. Nye. 

MARENGO 

Dr. T. W. Stull was the first medical practitioner of Marengo. Other 
early and later physicians there have been : Drs. J. W. Green, S. C. 
YVeinham, Edward L. Sheldon, Frederick L. Nutt, and C. C. Miller. 

RICHMOND 

The first physician to locate at Richmond was Dr. S. Fillmore Bennett 
who wrote the song "Sweet By and By." Physicians have practiced 
here whose names are now not readily recalled by the present generation 
However, it is known that Dr. Samuel R. Ward and Dr. Josiah Hyde 
were here many years, and both were excellent men and skilful physicians. 

WOODSTOCK 

Dr. Almon King, who settled at Woodstock soon after the founding 
of the village, was its first physician. Following him came Dr. Luke 
Coon, who arrived and entered the practice of medicine in 1849, and 
remained for two years. Dr. A. F. Hedger came to Woodstock from 
Algonquin about 1851, and in 1853 Dr. A. F. Merritt settled at the 
county seat. Drs. George E. Stone, D. C. Green, W. H. Buck, V. B. 
Anderson and William W. Cook were among the earlier physicians of 
Woodstock. 



150 BISTORT OF .M« IlKNUY COUNTY 

COMMON DISORDERS OF KAHI.Y YEARS 

Fever and ague was the chief complaint in the homes of pioneers in 
McHenry, as in almost all the other western counties. Especially was 
this true along the valley of the Pox River. Aside from this disease, 
there was but little sickness. The early settlers were usually men and 
women of strong, robust bodies and had plenty of outdoor exercise and 
not much rich food, hence were seldom ill enough to call in a physician. 
When anyone was very ill they sometimes feared to trust the local doctor, 
who was usually not the best kind of a medical man to say the least, 
hence they would send into other counties to physicians on the east side 
of the Fox River. However, as soon as the county settled up and drains 
were excavated so that standing pools of filthy water could escape, the 
fever and ague was not seen to any great extent, but this condition 
lasted at least until 1S"«0, giving the real pioneer band plenty of genuine 
"shakes." The doctors who visited the homes of Mellenry County after 
the fifties were' of a superior type of physicians. They were schooled in 
reputable colleges of medicine and were competent to do both doctoring 
and also act as surgeons. 

SIDELIGHTS ON EARLY PHYSICIANS 

Dr. Christy 0. Wheeler, although not strictly speaking a physician. 
was the first who bore the title of "Dr." at the old county seat of Mc- 
Henry. He was born in Dunbarton, N. H., in 1811. His health was 
failing in his native state, so he decided to move with his family to the 
West, and did so in the fall of 1836, his family being the first white 
family to locate at McHenry. The following May, the decision was made 
fixing McHenry as the county seat. Mr. Wheeler paid $100 for survey- 
ing the town site. He purchased a small store and had general mer- 
chandise, and was also postmaster, keeping the fust post office in McHenry 
County. Subsequently, he was recorder of deeds, which office he held 
until the time of his death, March 28, 1842. 

Dr. V. B. Anderson was born in Girard, Penn., in 1847, and accom- 
panied his parents to Woodstock, 111., in 1854. lie attended the public 
schools, read medicine under Dr. J. Xortkrup, and then entered Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 
1871. For two years he was engaged in practice in Ford County, this 
state; three years more were spent in Buchanan County, Iowa, and he 
then located at the village of McHenry. this county and here remained 





pp* 



& 



fc* 




HISTORY OF MiHFXRY COUNTY 151 

in practice till 1883, when he removed to Woodstock, where he is still 
practicing medicine. 

Dr. S. Fillmore Bennett, of Richmond, was bom in Erie County. 
X. Y., in 1836, and was brought to Illinois when two years of age, by his 
parents. At the age of eighteen years, he commenced teaching school 
at Wauconda, and in 1858, entered the University of Michigan, from 
whence he came to Richmond, this county, to accept a position as teacher 
in the Richmond public schools. He was connected with the newspaper 
business and served as a soldier in the Union army in the Civil War. 
Subsequently he was graduated at Rush .Medical College, Chicago, in 
1 s? i, and at once commenced the practice of his profession at Richmond. 
Por years he was United States pension examiner and surgeon. At one 
time he was consul to Hamilton. Canada. It was at Elkhorn, Wis., 
that lie became associated with J. P. Webster, author of that famous song 
book "The Signet Ring." He was publisher of hundreds of excellent 
Bongs and hymns. Doctor Bennett composed "The Sweet Bye and 
Bye," and Mr. Webster set the words to music and since then it has been 
translated into many foreign languages. Doubtless Doctor Bennett will 
be remembered more as a musical composer than as a medical man, ex- 
cellent physician though he was. 

Dr. Horace W. Johnson, deceased, was the first physician at Harvard, 
and came to the county in 1856, when a cornfield marked the present site 
of Harvard and John Avers was the only man living in the vicinity. Dr. 
Johnson was born in Xew York City, December 16, 1810. He was grad- 
uated at Rutgers College, Xew Brunswick, X. J., and became an excellent 
physician, practicing first in the City of Xew York. In 1836 he came 
West, locating at Kenosha. Wis., and there he remained until he came 
to Harvard where he continued to practice medicine until his death, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1871. He was the leading physician in this county of his day. 
His son, Dr. C. M. Johnson, is a medical practitioner and conducts a 
hospital at Harvard. 

PHYSICIANS OF A LATER DATE 

Of the regular-school practitioners since 1884 may be mentioned : Dr. 
H. T. Woodruff, who practiced until his death, at Harvard ; Dr. A. C. 
Bingham, who also practiced at Harvard, and died there a few years 
ago; Dr. B. A. Wade, who practiced until his death, at Hot Springs, S. D. 



L52 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

COTTAUK Hosl'ITAI. AT HARVARD 

Cottage Hospital, the firs! established in the county, was of humble 

Origin, and by many was not looked upon with favor, hut its founder, 
Dr. C. M. Johnson, one of the oldest and leading physicians of the city 
of Harvard, thought differently, and by his sagacity and skill he gained 

recognition for it. and now no one in, or outside of Harvard, has anything 
but words of praise for this local hospital. 

The present buildings are modern in all fittings, supplied with steam 
heat, electric lights, electric call hells, bed-side telephones, with well 
lighted, airy rooms and wards, beautiful private rooms and baths, suites 
with bath; and has an efficient corps of cheerful trained nurses, unsur- 
passed by those of any institution. Registered nurses are contantly in 
charge, A well-equipped operating room done in tile, glass and enamel, 
with wash and private rooms in connection, is equal to that of any large 
city hospital. The real homelike air and the genuine courtesy and con- 
sideration accorded near relatives of the sick, have added materially to 
the hosts of friends of this institution. 

The founder and present proprietor, Doctor Johnson, is a son of the 
first physician who practiced medicine in Harvard, and he himself has 
practiced here for more than forty years. In eases where the patients 
are too poor to pay for services, necessary aid is given them if they are 
certified to by proper people in their home towns. 

A nurses' "training school" is also connected with the hospital. 
Any reputable physician may bring his patients here for treatment or 
operation, and have complete charge of his own cases. The attending 
physicians are: N. M. Percy, M. D., Chicago; E. E. Irons, M. D., 
Chicago; W. II. .McDonald. M. D, Lake Geneva. Wis.; II. D. Hull. M. D. ; 
W. C. Richardson, M. D.; Charles C. Peek, M. D.; H. D. Eaton, M. D.; 
G. W. Curless, M. D. The attending physicians are: C. M. Johnson, 
M. I)., surgeon-in-chief j G. W. Foddard, M. D., surgeon C. & X. W. 
Railroad Company; X. L. Seelye. M. D., ear, eye, nose and throat. Helen 
E. Johnson, 1\. M., is superintendent, and Emma Fraase, R. X., is super- 
intendent of nurses. 

WOODSTOCK HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION 

In 1906 there was a private hospital established in the city of Wood- 
stock by Dr. J. E. Guy, and he continued to operate it until 1912, when 
it was taken over by Dr. Hyde West, who also conducted it as a private 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 153 

hospital until 1914, when the Woodstock Public Hospital Association 
was formed and incorporated. This association took over the manage- 
incut ami converted this private hospital into a public hospital. It was 
originally on Clay Street, but in 1915 was moved to West South Street, 
where the old homestead of the late Judge Murphy was purchased and 
remodeled for modern hospital work. 

This hospital accommodates fifteen patients and the present officers 
of the association arc: Kcv. Roger Kaufman, president; Dr. G. E. 
Wright, vice-president ; Dr. ('. F. Baccus, secretary; Dr. E. Windmueller, 
treasurer; and the board of directors is as follows: Floyd E. Eckerl 
(attorney). Dr. B. Windmueller, Dr. W. M. Freeman, Dr. C. F. Baccus, 
Dr. N. L. Seelye, Dr. II. M. Francis, L. T. Hoy, and Mayor S. E. Olm- 
stead. The superintendent is Miss Ethel Hunt, R. N. 

This hospital is a great accommodation for all surgical and medical 
cases in the vicinity of Woodstock. It is located in a beautiful, quiet and 
attractive part of the city, away from the noise and unpleasant sur- 
roundings found nearer the city's center. 

PRESENT PHYSICIANS 

The following is a list of the physicians practicing in McIIenry 
County : 

Algonquin — Martin II. Hubrig. 

Crystal Lake— Harry I). Hull, George H. Pflueger, William II. 
Rupert. 

Harvard — Charles W. (ioddard, Howard D. Eaton, J. W. Groesbeck, 
C. M. Johnson, Charles C. Peck, Henry J. Schmid, Norman L. Seelye, 
Jesse G. Maxon. 

Woodstock— C. F. Baccus, H. C. Than, William Hyde West, Glen 
Will Wright, Emil Windmueller, William M. Freeman, E. V. Anderson, 
A. F. King. 

Marengo — Rozel M. Curtis. Walter s. Eshbaugh, G. Watson Fowler. 
William V. Gooder, Spencer C. Wernham, W. J. C. Casely. 

Richmond— Walter E. Foster, Samuel R. Ward, C. W. Klontz. 

Heliron— Edward V. Brown, C. W. Bailey. 

Huntley— Oliver I. Statler. Arthur W. DeVry. 

.McIIenry — Charles H. Fegers, A. J. J. Froelich, N. J. Nye, David 
C. Wells. 

Ringwood — W. Hepburn. 

Spring Grove — John C. Furlong. 



i;,i BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Can- Station— Frank John Theobald. 
Johnsburg — Arnold P. Mueller. 
Union — Phineas Renie. 

MEDICAL SOCIETY 

The McHenry County Medical Society was organized at Woodstock in 
1910. Its first officers were: president, Dr. C. M. Johnson, Hanard; 
secretary and treasurer, Dr. John F. Guy, "Woodstock. The present 
officers are: president, Dr. E. Windmueller, Woodstock; secretary and 
treasurer, Dr. Howard D. Eaton, Han-ard. 

There are at present about forty-two physicians in the county, and 
of this number all but seven are members of this society. This society 
meets at various places within the county, each month, and at times has 
open meetings to which anyone is welcome. 



CHAPTER XI 
JOURNALISM 

By Charles F. Renich 

FIRST NEWSPAPER — ILLINOIS RE1MHLICAN — WOODSTOCK hi Mm I; \T — WOOD- 
STOCK SENTINEL Woodstock CITIZEN — ANTI-MONOPOLIST— NEW BRA 
— MC HENRY COUNTY DEMOCRAT — Woodstock AMERICAN — MC HENRY 
PLAINDEALER — MARENGO REPUBLICAN MEWS — CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD 
— HARVARD HERALD — HARVARD INDEPENDENT -HEBRON TRIBUNE — RICH 
MOXD GAZETTE. 

FIRST NEWSPAPER 

The 6rsl newspaper to be issued in this county was the Illinois Re 
publican, published al Woodstock, in 184G, by Josiah Dwight. This 
paper was continued under various aames and with several suspensions 
for ten years, Mr. Dwight continuing as its editor, but in 1856 the name 
was changed to the Woodstock Sentinel. Jn 1854 the paper was called 
t he Republican Free-Press. 

OTHER EARLY Woodstock PUBLICATIONS 

The Woodstock Democrat was the second paper started in the county. 
It was issued until 185(5, in the interests of the Democratic party, its 
editor being V. I). Austin, a vm-v able editorial writer. 

M. I., -loslyu and E. W. Smith founded the Woodstock Argus in the 
spring of 1856, and with its entrance into the field of journalism, the 
Democrat passed out of existence, the stock being bought op by the new 
firm. The Argus was later absorbed by the Free-Press, hut in turn it 
was ahsorhed hy the Woodstock Sentinel, in July, 1857, a .Mr. EdBOD 
then being its proprietor. 

Mi-. Austin, after the purchase of the Argus, revived the Woodstock 
Democrat, and published it from August, 1S5S, to July. 185!), when it 
again fell by the wayside, thus leaving McIIenry County with but one 

155 



156 HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

newspaper. The Democrats, however, desiring an organ during the 

campaign of lMiO, revived the journal, and ii was continued until L862, 
James L. .Martin becoming its editor in October, 1860. With its passage 
from the history of journalism in McHenry County in 1862, its demise 
was final. 

WOODSTOCK si.vriM l. 

The firsl editors of the Sentinel were Q. L. Wehb, and T. K. Johnson, 

and the first issue bore the date of July 17, 1856. The owners were an 
association of Republicans who recognized the necessity of a Btrong 

organ of their party to educate the people in the principles of their plat- 
form. Mr. Webb sold his interest in the paper October 9, 1856, and 
Mr. Johnson was the sole proprietor. Be made Josiah Dwighl his editor, 
and the paper was intensely partisan. Iii April, 1857, J. W. Franks 
iV. Son became the proprietors hut .Mr. Dwighl continued as editor in 
charge. Another change was effected with the purchase of the paper in 
November, Ls.'iS, by Abraham K. and William E. Smith, who edited it as 
well. In lMiL'. the junior member of the firm went into the ranks of the 
Union Army, leaving Abraham E. Smith in sole charge. The Sentinel 
obtained possession on December 1, 1862, of the KfcBJenry County Union 

thai had been published for about a year, and was owned by J. II. Holder. 
Iii January, lMili, Mr. Smith sold to Frank M. Sapp and George B. 
Richardson, and in February of that year the size was changed from 
a seven-column folio to nine columns. Once more the paper changed 
hands, William E. Smith becoming its proprietor and editor. (!. S. 
Southworth bought the paper April 1st. 1*72, and enlarged it to a seven- 
column quarto, with "patent insides." In May. 1 .^7:{. the paper was 
changed to a six-column quarto, J. Van Slyke being then associate editor 
for five years. On June 5, 1879, B. T. Glennon purchased a half in- 
terest, and the firm became Southworth & Glennon. Prom that date on 
the various changes have been as follows: 

On January 1. 1891. a corporation was formed which purchased the 
paper. This corporation was called the Woodstock Sentinel Company; 
L. T. Hoy, president and manager ; Judge ('. II. Donnelly, vice-president; 
E. ('. Jewett, treasurer, and E. T. Glennon, since a prominent capitalist 
of Chicago. Charles A. Lemmers was local editor and foreman of the 
office. The active management of the plant continued under Mr. Hoy 
as manager and Mr. Lemmers as local editor for about twelve years until 
November. 1902. 



HISTORY OF McIIEXKY COUNTY 157 

After .Mr. Lemmers lefl the Sentinel in 190'J, the paper had various 
editors daring the aea) few years, among the number being Walter T. 
Wl ler and I. C. Wells. 

In 1906 the Sentinel Company purchased the local German paper 
<ailr,l Das Volkshlatt, which was established in Woodstock in 1885 by 
Fred Kenieli. After the deatb of Mr. Renich in 1890, the publication 
was continued by bis sons, Charles P. and Pred L. Renich. Later, Ernest 
P. I-'ues. now assistant cashier of the American National Hank, became 

the editor and manager, lint the ownership remained with the Renich 
estate, until its sale to the Sentinel Company. The Volkshlatt was a 
prosperous newspaper Eor many years and at one time had a circulation 
of 1 ">(>() subscribers. With the acquiring of the plant and business of 
Das Volkshlatt, Charles P. Renich, then postmaster at Woodstock, he- 
came editor and manager of botli the Sentinel and Volkshlatt, hut the 
latter publication was discontinued in August, 1916. 

With the purchase of the German paper by the Sentinel Company, 
the capital of the corporation was increased from $6,000 to $12,000. The 
stock was widely distributed by sale among the prominent men of the 
community, the records of the company showing the following names as 
stockholders, on January 1. 1906: L. T. Hoy, Judge C. II. Donnelly, 
E. C. Jewett, E. T. Glennon (Chicago), Charles F. Renich, G. E. Still. 
R. J. Beatty, E5. B. Losee, G. F. Rushton, Fred G. Schuett, A. K. 
Bunker, F. A. Walters, W. S. Thorne, A. S. Wright, E. J. Heimerdinger, 
J. M. Hoy, S. L. Hart, The... llamer, W. S. McConnell, G. W. Conn, Jr., 
I Mto E. Seiler, .lames p. ( 'asey, Judge D. T. Smiley, Emil Arnold, George 
L. Murphy, 1). P. Quinlan, A. J. Dietz, W. T. Wheeler. L. T. Hoy, was 
elected president, Judge Donnelly vice-president, Theo. EEamer, Secre 
tary, E. C. Jewett treasurer and Charles P. Renich, editor and manager. 
With the passing of years the above stockholders all sold their stock to 
Mr. Renich, the editor. 

In 1916 Editor Renich and others associated with him purchased tie' 
Woodstock Republican, ami in 1917 the subscription list and hiisiiicss 
of the Republican was merged with the Sentinel. 

Woodstock Daily Sentinel. McIIcnry County's first daily newspaper, 
was established by Charles P. Renich. as editor and publisher, August 

l':;, 1921. The Dailj Sentinel started as the little brother to Hi,' weekly 
Sentinel, which has been published continuously since 1S56. From the 
very beginning the daily received a hearty welcome by the people of 
Woodstock and vicinity, present indications are that the daily will soon 
_■ brother eventually outstripping-the weekly in size. 



158 BISTORT OF M. BENRY COUNTY 

J. \V. Dyer, Formerly of Mount Carmel, Illinois, an experienced daily 
aewspaper man. is city editor and with the hearty co-operation of the 
publisher and the entire organization of the Sentinel plant, ia putting 
(nit a newspaper with which the people of Woodstock and McHenry 
County are well pleased. The Daily is receiving libera] support from 
the merchants, is filled cacti day with the day's news, and bids certain to 
l ii ii success. 

On April 1. 1919. the capital stock of the \V Istoek Sentinel Com 

pany was increased from +1 JJHIO to $l>.u()i>. The irross husiness trans- 
acted for 1920 was $34,000. The equipmenl of the plant consists of two 

linotypes. ids .") ami 8, two two-revolution presses, two jobbers, one 

equipped with .Miller automatic self -f Ii <r) stitching machine and 

punching machine, dust-proof type cabinets, large quantities of new job 
and advertising type, and everything else needed or useful in an up-to- 
date country newspaper office. Although only printing a twelve-page 
weekly paper, the company is mechanically prepared to launch a daily 
paper at any time the company consider the field will warrant such a 
venture. The property is under the personal management of Charles 
P. Kenieli. president of the company and editor. 

In 1916 editor Renich received the award and prize money for the 
best "first-page" newspaper in Illinois, the same being given by the 
department of Journalism in the Illinois University. 

until! NEWSPAPERS 

The Woodstock Citizen was issued in 1873, hut it was published only 
a part of a year. 

The Franklin Printing Company of Chicago founded a paper issued 
in the interest of the Orange movement, at Woodstock, and named it the 
Anti-Monopolist. Its first issue bore date of October, 1873. and on 
November 6, 187:5, the Sentinel made notice of its demise. 

Another Orange organ was the New Era, founded on Thanksgiving 
Day. is?:!, under the management of Ringland & Price, the latter a 
clergyman, being the chief organizer. In a short time he left the manage- 
ment, and in February, 1874, W. 1). Ringland became its sole proprietor. 
Later, it embraced the doctrines of the Greenback party, and still later, 
like all of that class of mushroom newspapers, espoused the cause of 
the then dominant political party, and the "loaves and fishes" there 
might be in it, thus it became a Republican paper. In 1876, it suspended 
publication, for a time, hut was resumed later in the year. In October. 



£> 







&a 







HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 



159 



1878, .Mr. Ringland mqved the plant to Elgin, 111., and soon thereafter 

suspended publication. Again he resumed publication al W Istock, 

Inn in March, 1880, the planl was destroyed by fire. The subscription 
lisl was then sold to the Sentinel. 



\H in \i;\ COUNTS DEMOCR VI 



lii April, \>11. the McHenry County Democral came into existence, 
being established by A. K. Bradbury, and it passed into the hand's of 
John A. and M. C. Dufield, in October of thai year. On Augusl 12, 1882, 
.M. c. Dufield retired, Leaving -1(11111 A. Dufield as sole proprietor. Among 
ilir early employes of the Democrat under Mr. Dufield were M. P. Walsh, 
who in December, 1877, founded the Harvard Herald and whose career 
i> covered in another paragraph. Another employe was Charles A. 
Lemmers, who for many years afterwards, was destined to play an 
important pari in the newspaper activities of the community. Mr. 
Lemmers became local editor of the Democrat, which at thai time was 
an influential factor in the political affairs of its party in the northeastern 
counties of Illinois. On .January 1, 1891, Mr. Lemmers left the Demo- 
crat, taking up a similar position with the Sentinel, the opposing 
Republican newspaper. The Democrat continued under Mr. Dufield 's 
ownership, with several changes among its editors, until Mr. Dufield 's 
appointment as postmaster at Woodstock, under President Cleveland's 
second administration. At aboul that time John W. Metzger took charge 
of the paper and conducted it successfully until 1902. At the present 
time .Mr. Metzger is employed with the Sentinel. 

In November, 1902, Charles A. Lemmers left the Sentinel and asso- 
ciated himself with seven other men: C. P. Barnes, P. B. Bennett, P. R. 
Jackman, V. S. Lumley, -lames P. Casey, D. R. Joslyn and George L. 
.Murphy, in the purchase of the Democrat from John A. Dufield. They 
changed the name to the Woodstock Republican. With this change the 
Democratic party l">-t its only newspaper in this part of Illinois. .Mr. 
Lemmer's co-partners gradually sold out until the ownership of the 
paper was virtually in his hands. In 1913 Mr. Lemmers was compelled 
to relinquish the management mi account of ill health and removed to 
Colorado where he has since resided, and is now secretary to Governor 
Shoop. W. IP Simpson took charge of the Republican when .Mr. Lemmers 
left it. and a year later the paper was sold to George W. Conn, Jr., Mr. 
Simpson continuing as manager. 

In December, 1916, the property was purchased by Charles P. 



160 HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

Renicfa and Theo. Earner and April 1, 1 * * 1 T. the Sentinel and the 
Republican were combined under one management by the Sentinel 
Company, both papers being continued for a number of months until 
January 1, 1919, when the uame Republican was dropped. 

WiHiliSTuCK AMERICAS 

This is the latest newspaper publication in the county. It was 
established in 1918 by Al K. Bock, of Random Lake, Wis., and James 
E. Brown, of Sauk Center. .Minn., assisted by prominent Woodstock 
men. It is a well-printed, ably-edited weekly paper which seeks to 
gather and print all of the important news of the county. Its up-to-date 
office is opposite the City Building. Its first issue was run from the 
presses -May 31, 1918. In October of that year Mr. IJrown withdrew 
and is now publishing a weekly paper at Walker, Minn. The American's 
plant is equipped with excellent and thoroughly up-to-date machinery. 
The subscription rate is $2.00 per year iu advance. Al S. Hock is the 
present editor and manager. This newspaper is of the seven-column 
eight page quarto class. 

lie HENRY JOURNALISM 

The McHenry Plaindealer was established August 4. 1S7:>. by J. Van 
Slyke, an early-day newspaper man of this county. It was launched in 
the interest of the Republican party, and was later purchased and con- 
ducted by a company which had for its president the now retired banker. 
James B. Perry. This company sold the plant to the present owner, 
November 1, 1906, and since thai date the Plaindealer has been published 
and edited by F. (!. Schreiner. In size and form it is an eight-page paper 
and is half home and half "patent" print and is published in a leased 
building. Its circulation is largely in McHenry, Johnsburg, Ringwood, 
Volo, Spring Grove, Solon Mills and Terra Cotta. It has a subscription 
rate of +'_>.iiil per year in advance. Its publication day is Thursday. The 
equipment of the office, newspaper 1 and job department, is a lit by 15 
Chandler & Price jobber ; a 24 inch paper cutter, hand stapler. Cranston 
cylinder press, a No. 1") Mergenthaler linotype and the whole is operated 

by electric motor. Let it be said of the Plaindealer that its name 
indicates its style. It is a clean local paper which strives m every 

possible way to build up the interest of the community in which it is 
published. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 163 

m w;i NGO i;i:itiii.!ca.\-m;\vs 

The only newspaper now published a1 the thriving city of Marengo is 
the Republican-News. This paper is a combination of the old Republican 
ami the News and has in brief the following history ■ In lsiiT the Repub- 
lican was established by J. B. Babcock, an able writer and publisher and 
a veteran of the Civil War. The same continued until 1!I0(J when both 
the News and the Republican were purchased by the Republican-News 
Company, with Charles Scofield as editor and principal owner. Charles 
Scofield purchased the News in 1896 from M. C. Dufield. 

In the summer of 1919 Mr. Scofield sold the paper to Albert I.. 
Johnson, who had previously been associated with the Sentinel at Wood- 
stock, as manager of the job printing department. -Mrs. Albert L. 
Johnson has personal charge of the editorial and news department, while 
.Mr. Johnson looks after the business ami mechanical department. Mrs. 
Johnson is a gifted writer, ami had seven years' experience in newspaper 
work as associate editor of the Sentinel. 

This is a Republican newspaper of the seven-column quarto style. It 
has six page home and two pages of "patent" print. Its circulation is 
largely in the southwestern part of the county. Its subscription rate is 
$2.00 per year; its publication day is Thursday: the power for running 
the machinery of the printery is electric. The equipment includes a 
Model 8 Linotype, Potter and Gordon presses, folder, etc. The Repub- 
lican-News is a bright, snappy and clean home paper, giving all the news 
id' the community in which it is published, that is suitable for insertion 
in a high class local newspaper. 

Marengo had a newspaper as carls- as ISo'J, in which year the 
Marengo Journal was established. It was continued for five years by 
Edward Burnside, and suspended in 1857. It was succeeded by the 
Marengo Weekly Press, but it too. passed out of existence in a few years. 

In 1S67 (one account states) the Marengo Republican was first 
published, although the plant was located at Iielvidere. being moved 
to Marengo in May. lSfiS, when 1). ('. Potter was its editor. In the same 
year J. B. Babcock became its editor, and continued to hold that position 
for many years. A large job office was opened when the paper was 
moved to Marengo. The subsequent history id' this paper has already 
been shown above. 

NUNDA NEW8PAPJ Bfi 

Before Crystal Lake had taken the field of journalism in the south- 
eastern part of McIIenry County, the town was styled Xunda and had 



162 HISTORY OF McIIKNRY COUNTY 

Beveral experiences with newspapers and among these early journals 
are: the Nunda Berald, established in July, 1880, by I. M. Mallqry; the 
Weekly Advocate, established in November, 1883, by .M. C. Dufield, as a 
neutral organ, bul in 1884 il became the advocate o£ the principles of 
the Prohibition party, ami Rev. ('eorge K. Hoover of W'ooilstock assumed 
the editorial duties. It was not many years before these newspapers 
ceased to exist, doubtless having partly tilled the high mission for which 

they wen- established. 

NEWSPAPER OP HARVARD 

The city of Harvard, has been the home of excellent local aewspapers 
from its earliest days. The Harvard Herald was founded December 23, 
1 s.sT, !>y M. K. Walsh. It has been owned and published continuously 
by -Mr. Walsh and P. E. Whittleton ever since it was established about 
a third of a eentury ago! At present its form and size is that of an eighl 
and ten page, seven column paper. It is handsomely printed on electric 
motor power propelled presses and is issued each Thursday at a sub- 
scription rate of $2.00 a year, strictly in advance. It has a g I circula- 
tion iii Harvard and surrounding territory. It was the first newspaper 

within McHenry County to discard the use of "patent"* print and has 

long sine.' been an all-home-print newspaper. Its equipment is strictly 
modern as its pages testify. The office is within a handsome building 
erected by .Mr. Walsh expressly for a newspaper office. With Mr. Walsh 
as its founder and present editor, it noes almost without saying that the 
Herald is a Republican newspaper. 

"One star differeth from another," and the same is true of news- 
papers whether published in the city or country towns. The Herald 
is an exceptionally well edited, well managed, mechanically perfect and 
clean local newspaper of which any community may well he proud. Not 
alone does it stand bigh in McHenry County as a lirst class journal, hut 

abroad it is appreciated as will he seen by the following production of 

an article which appeared in the organ of the Department of Journalism 
for the Ohio University, the same being a photo-letter: 

HARVARD INDEPENDENT , 

The Independent at Harvard was established in 1866, just at the end 
of the great Civil War. by Rev. II. V. Reed and Don McLaughlin. It had 
many owners within a decade from 1S70 to 1SMI. Among those who 
owned and conducted it were J. C. I'dake. George H. White. A. M. Leland 



BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 163 



AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF JOURNALISM 



Juu*nr 23. \9\->. 

Mr. -. F. laden, 

President. Harvard Herald Coapany, 

Harvard, 111. 

leer Kr. Vftlah: 

Tbs Harvard Herald la the best country newspaper X hare 
ever ciulntd. 1 can eay that without any quel If icatlen. By a 
country newepeper 1 aeen on* that X* published but once a week 
in a comparatively email coamunlty. 

At one tin* I edited a country newspaper In western 
weeblngton which is today regarded as eoe of the noet creditable 
weekly newepapere In the weet. Because of Its clean typographical 
appearanoe. our newspaper gained national recognition. X shall 
be glad to obtain a copy of this paper for you. 

The Harvard Herald appeals to Be because of Its clean, 
typographical appearance, Its splendid makeup. Ite excellent 
ad makeup and lastly beoauee of the high quality and clean 
character of your advertisements. If the people of Harvard 
are cot giving you their unqualified aupport-.a study of your 
advertising columns would le*d A to believe that they are--then 
there Is indeed something wrong somewhere. A newspaper euoh 
as yours ought to be regarded as the town's principal asset. 

I am going to send the copies of the Herald which you 
sent to as. to friends of mine who are teaching classes in 
country Journalism in some of the state universities. 

1 would be indebted to you if at some time you would 
write to me and let as know something about your town. Its 
population, what opposition you have, how far are you from a 
large city, do city newspapers oome into your town, how many men 
do you employ and how large a plant have you. 

Vith all £cod wishes. 

Tours cordially. 



teX&. 



164 BISTORY OF .\|. HKXKY COUNTY 

N. B. Burtch, G. W. Hanna & Son, < ». M. Eastman, Emerson and Saund 
era, and M. J. Emerson. 

It is 1 1 1 1 w ;i seven-column quarto, all home-print. It is run from 
presses propelled by an electric motor. Its publication day is on Thurs- 
day ol each week, and the yearlj subscription rate is $2.00. Its circu- 
lation is mostly in Harvard ami surrounding towns and country. 

Politically, the Independenl is Republican. Tl See is fully equipped 

with modern machinery, such as a two-revolution Potter job and news- 
paper press; three Chandler & Price Gordon printing presses, cadi 
equipped with the Kimble motors; a 33-inch Chandler & Price paper 
cutter, riewesl style stapling machine, etc. In every detail the Inde- 
pendenl is fitted i" 'In almosl any kind of job work thai may come to its 
office. 

Concerning some of the men who have helped to make the Independent 
what it is today the following may be recalled bj the older men of the 
community : 

George II. White, now a Chicago lawyer, was city prosecutor during 
the administration of .Mayor Fred Busse; A. M. Leland, was an old 
time printer who passed away iii Woodstock a few years ago; N. B. 
Burtch, who was a Civil War soldier and deeply interested in politics, 
died in recent years; O. M. Eastman, an eastern printer, learned his 
trade in Boston and formerly edited a paper in Fairbury. 111.; Rev. 
II. V. Reed, founder of the Independent, was father of the late .Myrtle 
Reed McCulloch, the poet and writer: Lon McLaughlin, who was prom- 
inent iii state polities; and J. C. Blake, who was a manufacturer and 
real-estate man. 

CRYSTAL LAKE JOURNALISM 

The Crystal Lake Herald was established in 1876 as the Nunda 
Herald, by I. M. Mallory, who conducted it till 1898. The next proprietor 
was .1. V. Beatty who owned and operated the plant until his death. 
June 11. 1912, after which it was edited and managed by Frank LaTulip, 
for the widow until July. 1913, when it was purchased by L. W. Cobb 
and A. M. Shelton who ran the paper until August, 1915, after which 
.Mr. Cobb continued alone until the Herald Publishing Company was 

incorporated with I.. W. Cobb as presidenl and general manager. 

It is a Republican organ, runs eight pages, seven columns to the page, 
22-inch column. The plant is equipped with a CottereU cylinder. 
Chandler and Price jobber; also a Pearl paper cutter and best of all the 




yrc^nre^xJ. «6W^£e l/^Jfa&/ 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 165 

Mergenthaler linotype. The office also has a practical Colder and oilier 
machinery of an up-to-date character. 

The Herald circulates In Crystal Lake, Cary, Algonquin and through- 
out all southeastern McHenry County. Its subscription rate is $2 per 
year. It is published each Thursday. Prom six to eight pages of this 
paper are home print. 

It ni.i \ be stated thai the Herald was one of the first papers, if not 
the Hist in McHenry County to cast aside self-interest and devote its 
entire energies to the interest of the country during the World War, 
regardless of the consequences tii itself from a business standpoint. The 
Herald was an American newspaper, first, last and all the time during 
the war, having one aim, to stand by our country and devote its energies 
to the winning of the war. 

HEBRON TRIBUNE 

This loeal newspaper was established at the village of Hebron, 
September 1, lS'tti. by James II. Turner and Hurley B. Begun. I toe 
year later .Mr. Begun purchased the interest held by .Mr. Turner and 
conducted it five years; he passing away in aliout L897, one year later; 
(ieorge S. Houghton and Dr. E. V. Brown bought the Tribune and eon- 
ducted the paper for one year, then selling it to Orson Houghton. 
<J. ('. Lemmers boughl the paper of .Mr. Houghton, in 190:J, and operated 
it until 19H). The publication has had a continuous issue, save for a 
few months in 1913 just before the purchase of the pfant by its present 
owner, Arthur D. Wiseman, in August, 1913. 

It has an excellent circulation in' Hebron, Alden. Richmond. Green- 
wood, Dorr. Chemung, Burton townships, and in Walworth County. 
Wis. Its publication day is Thursday and its subscription rate is $2.00 
per year. It is a four-page i sometimes increased to six i journal of home 
print, and four pages "patent." Its machinery is propelled by electricity 
and includes a Prouty newspaper press, Gordon Jobbers and power 

paper-CUtter. This is the only newspaper ever established ill Hebron 
and the present business is annually increasing. 

RICH. MUM) GAZETTE 

The Richmond Gazette was established in 1876 by II. B. Begun. 
Among the numerous owners ,,t' this local news-sheet may be recalled 
<; -ge liter. .1. Nethercut, P. K. Wright, Fred E. Holmes, Roy E. 



1G6 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Scott, John II. Brill, and present publisher Eomer B. Gaston who pur- 
chased the planl in 1918. 

It U a seven column, eighl to twelve page paper, issued every Thurs 
day ;it a subscription rate of $2.00 per year in advance. It lias a good 
circulation in this county and also in Walworth County, Wis. Four 
pages of this journal are "patent" print ami the remainder is set np al 
borne. The equipmenl consists of modern machinery including a linotype 
and up-to-date presses, both in the newspaper and job departments. 
Politically, the Gazette is Republican. It- machinery is operated by 
means of an electric tor. 

The Gazette lias, with the passing years, bad many excellenl editorials 

and well-selected local news columns and lias I □ greeted at many a 

fire-side as a welcome guest. 



CHAPTEB XII 

BANKS AND BANKING 

By Fremont Hoy 

pibst onited states hank first hank of chicago — woodstock bank- 
ing institutions— state hank op woodstock — american national 
bank of woodstock — farmers' exchange state hank — woodstock 
national hank — banking vi crystal lake — united states bank — 
home state hank of crystal lake — harvard banking institutions 

— harvard state hank — first state hank op harvard financial 

reminiscences of ml' henry— fox river state hank — rinowood 
state hank — first national hank of marengo — dairyman 's state 
bank of marengo — state hank of union — hebron state hank — 

state hank of huntley algonquin state bank west me henry 

state hank — spring grove state hank — cary state hank — state 
hank of richmond — victory loan subscriptions — patriotic ser1 
ice acknowledgment — war work executive committee — hank 

SUMMARY. 

A bank is an indispensable ad j unci in any community. The wealth- 
iest men in the country have I'm' years followed a practice now being 
adopted by the majority of their fellow citizens, of carrying mi their 
business transactions by means of checks, drawing against their accounts 
with the bank of their choice, instead of carrying Large amounts of money 
on their person. The hanks of the country, however, play a much more 
important part in the commercial and industrial life than merely to 
afford accommodation for the personal needs of their customers. They 
determine the stability of every undertaking; stand hack of all industry 

from the agriculturalist who produces the raw material to the retail 

merchant who sell it direct to the consumer. Through their medium 
foreign trade is stimulated ami encouraged; intries, as well as indi- 
viduals and corporations, are financed, and the future of a nation often 
times lies in the hands of the capable and astute financiers. Therefore 

in dealing with the hanks and banking interests of any community, the 

H.7 



L68 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

historian i- handling one of the mosl importanl subjects of his record, 
and too much emphasis cannol be accorded to the value to the people 
of all classes, of the services rendered by these institutions within Its 
confines. 

FIRST UNITKD STATKs BANKS 

The Wall Street Journal, N. Y.. is the authority for the state ol 

that the Bank of New York is the oldesl bank in this country, its clear- 
ing house number being "1." while the Hank of Manhattan is number 
"2" and the Merchant's National Bank is number "3." There are now 

nine hanks in the United States reaching hark into the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Of these, two arc in .Massachusetts, two in Connecticut, one in 
Pennsylvania, one in Delaware, one in .Maryland, and two in New 
York. The Bank of Manhattan was organized by Aaron Burr in 17''''. 
and the Merchant's National Bank of New York, was organized hy Alex- 
ander Hamilton in 1803. 

Corporate banking in New York began with the organization of the 
Bank of New York hy Alexander Hamilton in 17S4. It obtained its 
first charter in 1792, and for fifteen years this hank, together with the 
New York branch of the Firsl Bank of the I'nited States, were the only 
banks doing business in either the city or state of New York. With 
General Hamilton and the Federal party in control of the New York 
State Assembly, new hank charters were not obtainable hy outside par- 
ties, and this gave rise to contentions on the part of the Anti-Federali-K 
led by Aaron Burr. By 1800. however, the I'nited States had in opera 
tion twenty-seven hanks, and a decade later the number had increased 
to one hundred. 

Chicago's first bank 

The city of Chicago had no regular banking facilities prior to 1 835, 

but during December of that year, a branch of the State Bank of Illi- 
nois was located in that city. It was opened for business in a four- 
story building at the corner of LaSalle and Washington streets, where 
it was continued until 1843. 

BANKS AND BANKING 

Cinder the above caption, the late Lyman .1. Gage, one of the most 
distinguished bankers of Chicago, wrote in pari as follows for a con- 
temporary history : 



. 



HISTORY OF .M. IIKXliV COUNTY 169 

"The hank does not come to an embryo town perfectly organized 
and fully capitalized. It does not come on the firel boat, nor build 

up its solid walls in a Betl lenient of cabins and tents. There must pre 

cede it some degree of maturity in husiness, some considerable accumu- 
lation of wealth, and an active commerce with distant regions. 

"So long as a man uses his own wealth he is a capitalist ; it is only 
when he begins to employ money belonging to others and [nits forth 
an organized systt DO of credit that he becomes a hanker. 

"The different banking functions of deposit, discount, exchange 
and circulation do not arise simultaneously, hut are put in operation 
successfully as the operations of husiness become diversified, and its 

ic, is pass beyond the facilities employed in ordinary transactions. 

"An accumulation of money hey 1 the need of the present and 

which may he required at some unexpected moment, calls for a place 
of deposit where it may he kept safely and withdrawn at a moment 
when it can he profitably employed. A growth of manufactures call- 
ing for a temporary use of capital, or an enlargement of trade, giving 
occasion for the employment id' money, while products arc transported 
from point of production to that of consumption, give occasion for 
discount; the need to realize at one point, the avails of sales at a dis- 
tant place, or the transmission of funds for the purchase of the raw- 
material of manufactures or the supply of trade, furnish a demand 
for exchange; while the requirements of daily transactions of traffic 
in the store, the simp, the farm, at home and abroad, call for a circu- 
lating medium less ponderous than the precious metals, and yet eon 
vertible at once into them. 

"As the husiness of hanking is the outcome of the need of its facili- 
ties, so the men who assume control of its operations are usually those 
not trained by a long course of apprenticeship at the counter or desk, 
but such as happen, by reason of natural aptitude and the circumstances 
surrounding them, to he drawn into the vocation. Thus, the first hankers 
in a community are usually drawn from other callings — successful 
merchants, lawyers and men of versatility and ready adaption. 

"As a community passes out of its embryo, and assumes a more 
stable condition, when the frontier settlement becomes the metropolis of 
a great and productive region, these conditions change, and there arises 
a call for banking institutions, with large capital, carefully regulated 
by law; and for managers learned in the principles of monetary science. 
and trained in the intricate business of the bank. 



lTii HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

"Prom 1843 until tl uactmenl of the general banking law of 1851, 

there existed no chartered bank with full powers, in Chicago. 

"Daring this period, a most heterogeneous mixture of paper had 
greater or less circulation. There were banknotes issued by Eastern and 
Southern hanks. ><><1 and others ranging through all degrees of 

depreciation to utter worthlessness. The city issued scripl which had 
local use as money, as it was receivable in payment of taxes, ('anal 
scripl constituted a considerable part of the local circulation. There 
was also State Auditor's script, and St. Louis script, and the scripl issued 

by the small tradesmen 'good Eor groceries,' 'g 1 for merchandise' and 

even it is reported 'good for a drink," 

Such, then, was the condition of money affairs, nol only at Chicago, 
hut throughout the state, including McHenry County, until the enact- 
ment of the national banking system which went into effect in March, 
18b:?. after which "greenbacks" and banknotes were circulated as a 
medium. 

MCHENRY COUNT! BANKING 

Before 1852 this county had no regular hanks in organized form. 
Such transactions as usually go through the local banks had to be 
executed in some outside city where there was a hank. Much of the 
trade prior to the civil War was carried on by barter, one commodity 

being exchanged for another. The farmer trailed his butter. eggS, meat 
and potatoes to the home merchant for their value in sugar, coffee, 
tobaCCO, cloth and similar commodities, for use by himself and his 

family. In ease he needed to borrow a certain amount of money, he 
applied to one of the few men throughout the county, who fortunately 

fur themselves and their neighbors, had possessed considerable ready 

cash when they settled in the locality. In emergencies, a ". 1 eiti/.eu 

could obtain from such a man what he needed by paying the prevailing 
rate of interest which until about 1880, amounted to from ten to fifteen 
percent per annum. The amount in excess of the legal state interest was 

known as "commission." Doubtless as late as 1876, the average of 

interest paid in this eounty on approved mites, ranged as high as twelve 
and one-half percent per annum. 

According to state nts made by several of the older residents of 

th]* county, the following conditions prevailed prior, to the establish- 
ment of regular banking institutions in the county. S. R. Ward of 
Richmond recalls Judge William A. McConnell, commonly known as 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 171 

"Squire" McConnell, and Col. G. II. Gibbs, as gentlemen bo circum- 
stanced as to lie able In render service to their fellnw citizens in the 
matter of making leans to them. 

"Squire" McConnell lived in a grove a considerable distance north- 
west of the village of Richmond, and used to keep his money in a small 
iron safe, hut his neighbors, including Doctor Ward, told him thai he 

was imprudent in nut providing a better repository for his wealth, and 

insisted that lie establish a hank at Richmond. This he finally did, bul 

whether mi account of the advice proffered him so freely, or hecause of 
his own excellent business sense, is only a matter of conjecture, lie nih 
for many years a justice of the peace, and for sixteen years was an asso- 

e judge of the county. Col. C. II. Gibbs was proprietor of the 

Richmond House, and both of these gentlemen loaned thousands of 
dollars on short and longer loans, to people in the vicinity of Richmond 
and Hebron. 

T. ( '. Schroeder, a general dealer at Richmond, in connection with 

his merchandising, also loaned money, even long after a hank had been 

established in the village. .Many of the laboring men would leave their 

in y with him for safe keeping, receiving from him a small rate of 

interest. This money he loaned to farmers in the surrounding regions. 

J. C. Crumb carried on a banking business in a small way at Harvard, 
in the general merchandise store of A. E. Axtell, during 1866, 1ml the 
following year he erected a bank on the corner still occupied by the 
banking institution in which the Crumb family is represented by the 
third generation as a stockholder. Before that date money had to be 
borrowed of individuals, or from some distant bank. 

At Cary, the firsl banking was carried on by L. E. Mentch, who. 
in October, 1902. organized the Cary Exchange Bank. It was his 
practice to keep about $3,000 in his safe, which was in a small frame 
building. At midnight, in .July, 1903, his safe was blown open and his 
capital stolen. The criminals were never brought to justice. While his 
losses amounted to $5,555, he was insured, and was able to continue his 
business. He erected the present brick bank building, and continued in 
the banking business until in April. 1914, when he sold his interest to 
thirty-seven stockholders, who organized the present Cary State Bank. 
.Mr. .Mentch then turned his attention to the real-estate business at Cary. 

Joseph W. Christy, general merchant and postmaster at RingW 1. 

sometime in the seventies, began to loan money in small amounts on 
short time, to his neighbors and other patrons. He usually received 

about fifteen percenl interest. A number of the laborers in his neighbor- 



17l> HISTORY OF McHENRT county 

hood, deposited their wages with him, and this money, on which he paid 
.1 -i i i;i 11 rate of interest, enabled bin to enlarge his operations. 

WOODSTOCK BANKING tNSTITDTIONS 

Dr. C. B. Durfee began the bankin<: business ;it Woodstock in 1S.V2, 
and carried it on for about two years, when he failed and was succeeded 
by the firm of Puller & Johnson Co., at firs! composed of A. \V. Fuller. 
C. B. Durfee, L. S. Church, Neil] Donnelly, -J. II. Johnson and W. G. 
Bentley. This firm of private hankers was re-organized under the 

national banking act. and heeame the Fir-t National Bank of W I 

-lock, hut. in 1869, C. B. Durfee & Co. again commenced business and 
continued as bankers lor several years thereafter. In May. 1ST."). T. I). 
Murphy and Richard Bishop opened a private bank, which was continued 

for about three years. The First National Hank of \V lstoek was 

established in lHi-4. with a capital of $•">(). IIIKI. L. S. Church was presi- 
dent; ('. B. Durfee, cashier, ami X. Donnelly, M. F. Irwin. I., s. Church. 
c. B. Durfee, A. M. Fuller and J. II. Johnson, directors. 

STATE BANS OF \VOODSTO( K 

The state Bank of Woodstock was established December 19, 1889, by 
B. E. Richards. E. C. Jewett, A. P.. McConnell, (i. K. Hunker. A. K. 
Bunker, M. L. Joslyn, William II. Stewart, B. S. Austin. <; -ge McCon- 
nell ami F. W. Buell. The original officials were: F. F. Richards, presi- 
dent; VV. II. Stewart, vice president, and F. C. Jewett, cashier. The 
Original capital of $25,000 has been increased to $50,000, and there is 
a surplus of $50,000, with undivided profits of upwards of $8,0011. A 
recent statement -hows the following condition: 

RESOURCE^ 

Loans ami Discounts ■ $:i**i.l"i4.ii(i 

Overdrafts 170.:::. 

F. s. Government Investments 45,184.00 

i >ther Bonds and stock- 87,477.56 

Banking House. Furniture and Fixtures 21.600.00 

other Real Estate 2,007.94 

Hue from Banks, ( 'ash. Exchanges, Checks & Collections 114.4.">3.81 

Total Resources $657,050.32 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 173 

LIABILITIES 

Capita] Stock * 50,000.00 

Surplus 50,000.00 

Undivided Profits ( Nel I 8,307.4 l 

Deposits 546,604.26 

Rem rve 2,138.62 

Total Liabilities $657,050.32 

In 1910 tliis banking house purchased the Sherman business block, 
which has greatly increased in value, and is located on one of the 

finest business corners in the city, anil this has been made into oi I' 

the most modern financial institutions in this part of the state. 

The following men have served the bank as presidents: B. E. Rich 
ards, and E. ('. Jewett, and the two cashiers have been E. ('. Jewett and 
II. T. Cooney. The present officials are: E. ('. Jewett, president. \Y. 
s. McConnell, vice president and II. T. Cooney. cashier. 

AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK OF WOODSTOCK 

The American National Hank of Woodstock was organized •June 'I 
1903. It was founded by John J. Murphy and George L. Murphy. The 
former was president of the First National Bank of Woodstock until 
ISSit when that institution was liquidated. The first officials of the 
American National Hank were: George L. Murphy, president; Charles 
II. Donnelly, vice president, and \Y. C. Eichelberger, cashier. The pres- 
ent officials are: George E. Murphy, president; Charles H. Donnelly. 
vice president; George F. Rushton, vice president; Charles E. Quinlan, 
cashier; E. F. Fness and Eyron D. Cheasbro, assistant cashiers. George 
L. Murphy has been president of the institution ever since it was estab- 
lished in 1903. Charles L. Quinlan succeeded W. C. Eichelberger as 
cashier in 1908. 

The present capital is $30, 1 )( )l ) ; the surplus is $30,000. Added to 
ibis amount are the undivided profits of over $13,000. The deposits 
are about $700, 000. The latest statement shows the following condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans, Bonds and Securities $687,120. Hi 

Stock in Federal Reserve Bank 3,000.00 



174 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

r. s. Bonds to Secure Circulation 25,000.00 

Duo from United States Treasurer 1,250.00 

Interest Earned but not Collected 11,223.25 

( laafa on hand anil due from Hanks 141,656.49 

Total $869,258.93 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital Stock and Surplus $100.0011. 00 

Undivided Profits 15,697.87 

Circulation 24,300.00 



> 



Reserved for Interest 11,223. 

Reserved for Taxes 2.297.97 

Interest Collected but not Earned 2,165.71 

DEPOSITS 713,574.13 

Total $869,258.93 

FARMERS EXCHANGE STATE HANK 

Originally a private bank, established in 1887, the Farmers Ex- 
change State Bank was re-organized under its present name in January. 
1916. It was founded by M. I). Boy and George H. Hoy, under the 
name of the Farmers Exchange Bank, M. D. Hoy & Son, proprietors. 
The original capital was $25,000, but this has been increased until it 
is today $75,000, with surplus and profits shown of $26,000. The 
private hank did not require officials by title, but all papers were 

Signed M. D. Hoy & Son. Several years later Fremont Hoy. John M. 
Hoy and William P. Hoy were admitted into partnership under the name 
of -M. I>. Hoy it Suns. Fremont Hoy disposed of his interest in the 
firm of M. I). Hoy & Sons, in 1915, and retired from banking in both 

W [stock and Huntley. 

The present officials of the hank are: George H. Hoy, president; 
I.. T. liny and Geo. F. Eckcrt. vice presidents; John M. liny, cashier. 

and ('. \V. Whiting and F. Y. (iieselhrocht assistant cashiers. <! ge 

II. Hoy, the present presiding official has held this position since the 

concern was made a state institution, and has been connected with 
the bank since its inception. 

The business block in which this hank is operated is owned by the 
Hoy Hrot hers. The bank has a surplus of $20,000; undivided profits 




W<n<rtiA<^/j.&aA^x_ 7W, jj. 



HISTORY OP McHENBY COUNTY 175 

of over $6,000. Its deposits in .March, 1921, wire $586,759.55; their 

•.Toss assets $693,073.21. 

The following condensed statemenl was made by this bank March 
31, 1921 : 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $548,227.4:) 

( Jverdrafts 259.33 

United States Liberty Loan Bonds 9,700.00 

Furniture and Fixtures 2,000.00 

Due from Banks 98,245.38 

( lasl hand 27,669.76 

Checks and Cash items 6,971.29 

Total $693,073.21 

LIABILITIES 
Capita] * 75,000.00 

Surplus 20.000.00 

Undivided Profits 6,284.77 

Savin- Deposits 218,638.67 

Checking Deposits 37<U2(»s 

< lerl ificates, ete 

Reserved for taxes and Bond Department 3,028.89 

T.,tal $693,073.21 

WOODSTOCK NATIONAL BANK 

The McHenry County State Bank, now the Woodstock National 
Bank, located on Benton street. Woodstock, was organized in October, 

1901, with a capital of $25,000; which has 1 n increased to $50,000; 

with a surplus of $10,000, and undivided profits of $7,000. Its officials 

were .1. I). Donovan, president; M. II. Fitzsiinmons. vice president; and 
Walter V. Conway, cashier. The above named hank was converted and 
became the Woodstock National Bank in 1920, the former officials being 
placed in charge. 

The building* in which the hank is operated is owned by the insti- 
tution. Mr. Donovan has been president since the inception of the 

hank, while the cashiers have been E. B, Bower and W. V. Conway. 



17(1 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

successively. Wellrknown business men of the county are members of 
the board of directors, they l>< big : Theo. Hamer, B. C. Hughts, II 
A. Stone, M II. Fitzsimmons, William Zimmerman, J. I). Donovan, ami 
.1. T. Bower. 

'I'ht' following statemenl was made by this bank March 17. 192] . 

RESOl R< i - 

Loans, Discounts, Securities $343,731.95 

Banking house, Furniture ami Fixtures 22,300.00 

Federal Reserve Bank Stock 1,800.00 

Cash ami due from banks 99,276.24 

Checks ami cash items 2,164.37 

Interest earned bul not collected 7.7:il.o4 

Total $477,006.60 

LIABILITIES 

( iapital ! $ 50,000.00 

Surplus 10,000.00 

Undivided Profits 7,168.03 

Reserve for taxes and Interest 10.07:! s."i 

Deposits 399,638.72 

Dividends unpaid P26.0O 

Total $477,006.60 

BANKING AT CRYSTAL LAKE 

Prior to 1891 Crystal Lake, or Xumla. had uo banking institutions; 
only being accommodated in the matter of exchanges through the mer- 
cantile establishments operating there during that period. 

UNITED STATE HANK 

In 1891 Qebrge E. Hallock, concerning whom very little, if any- 
thing, was known by the citizens of that community, opened a bank- 
ing house which operated for about two years, and without much sup- 
port from the public. No bank existed subsequent to the discontinuance 
of the Hallock Hank, until 1S95, when George K. Bunker, Burton 
Wright, Emery E. Richards, Emilus ('. Jewett and Charles B. Wright, 
all of Woodstock, recognized the necessity, and the favorable oppor- 



BISTORT OF MrllKNKY COUNTY 177 

tunity, for ;i bank al that place, and associating themselves in a co- 
partnership for that purpose, opened the Citizens Bank of Nunda, 

with ;i capita] of $10,000; E. E. Richards acting as president; Q ■•_••■ 

K. Bunker as vice president, and E. C. Jewett as cashier. <*n Octoher 
29, 1901, this bank was incorporated as the Citizens state Bank of 
N'miila. and the capital increased to $25,000. Charles B. Wrighl became 
cashier, of the re-organized bank. On November •_'. 1908, the title of the 
bank was changed to the Citizens State Rank of Crystal Lake, and sub- 
sequently, Augusl L2, L910, the capital was increased to $50,000. The 
bank continued under practically the same management up to July, 1915, 
excepting that !•'. C. Jewetl bad disposed of his interest in 1908, and 
therefore was ao longer connected with it. George K. Bunker had 

I ii deceased tot a Dumber of years. 

Certain large investments having been made, which the board of 
directors and the majority of the stockholders believed would result 
in heavy losses, the hank was closed July 8, 101."), and the state auditor 
took charge. The hank remained closed for about a month, during 
which time the stockholders and directors arranged to make good the 
impairment claimed, taking out of the bank all paper that had been 
questioned. At ihis juncture, fearing that liquidation of the hank 
through a receivership was imminent, which would lie up more than 

*:;( >().()( Ill of the depositors' funds, and entail greal loss and hardship 
through delay, Fremont Hoy anil Clarence F. Hoy, his son, who had 

I n president and vice president, respectively of the competing state 

Bank of Crystal Lake, acquired a majority of tin' stock of the Citizens 
State Bank, and its management was assumed by them. Clarence !•'. 
Hoy was made its president and Fremont Hoy its temporary cashier and 
vice president. W. H. Wilbur became cashier in September of that 
same year. 

Through the succeeding year the State Bank of Crystal Lake ami 
the Citizens state Bank were operated under the direction of Fremont 
Hoy and Clarence F. Hoy. with the able assistance of .Messrs. Lynn 

Richards and \V. II. Wilbur, as cashiers of the respective hanks, with 

the result that the depositors of the citizens stale Bank were saved 
from the loss of money, and the community from shock to iis honor 
and reputation as a banking center, and most of all the confidence of 
the people in banking integrity was retained. The Citizens state Hank 

.'iid the State Hank of Crystal Lake were consolidated AiejiiM 14, 
L916, becoming the United State Bank of Crystal Lake, capitalized at 
$75,000; by this consolidation the hank at once look rank among the 



17- BISTORT <»K M( BENKY COUNTY 

more important banks of the county. It is boused in it- own fine build- 
ing, equipped in a modern manner. The Messrs. Eoy disposed of their 
banking interests ;it Crystal Lake in January, 1919, to W. II. Wilbur 
ami Lynn Richards, thus terminating their successful banking ex- 
perience of >-ix years at CrystaJ Lake. 

The State Bank of Crystal Lake, qow consolidated with the citi- 
zens state Bank, under the name of the United state Hank of Crystal 

Lake, was founded and opened for business by .James K. Jaeknian. 
t (ctoher 20, 1910, with a capital of $'J5.( Mltl. Mr. Jaekman was president ; 
.1. ('. Nonllin<r. cashier, and F. L. Colby was vice president. Lynn Rich- 
ards, former deputy circuit clerk, became cashier, January 1, 1911. In 
October, 1915, Fremont Boy, having acquired control of the majority 
of the stock of the hank, became its president, and his son, Clarence F. 
Hoy. its vice president. Mr. Richards was continued as cashier. Under 
this management the hank had quite a gratifying growth, having depo- 
sits of about $210,000 at the time of its consolidation with the Citizens 
state Hank in August, lfllli. The strength of this bank was never ques- 
tioned, and was amply proven when in July, 1915, it was found di 
sary for it to provide for the financial requirements of the entire com- 
munity. The bank and its officials proved able to cope with the stiuation 
in a capable and satisfactory manner, and without any discrimination. 
The following is the statement made by the bank March 31, 1921 : 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $490,126.24 

I tverdrafts 830.46 

U. S. Government Investments 58.034.00 

Other Bonds and Stocks 5,262.40 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 33,17:1.00 

Other Heal Estate 16,044.55 

Due from Banks, Cash, Exchanges, Cheeks and Collections . . 73,903.91 

Total Resources $677,374.56 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock Paid In $ 50,000.00 

Surplus Fund 7,500.00 

Undivided Profits (net) 5,653 62 

Deposits 571 ,296.27 



BISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 179 

Reserve 2,824.67 

Bills payable and Rediscounts 40,000.00 

Total Liabilities $677,374.56 

HOME STATE HANK OP CRYSTAL LAKE 

lii 1915 the Borne State Bank of Crystal Lake was organized with 
its presenl capital of $25,000. Its firsl officials were William Pinnow, 
president ; Edward Malone, and J. II. Parks, vice presidents, and A. II. 
Benderson, cashier. These same gentlemen arc still holding the positions 
of responsibility they entered when the bank was opened, excepl that J. 
W. WiiiL'at is now second vice president, vice J. II. Parks, deceased. 

The building in which the bank is operated is owned by the bank, and 
was erected for banking purposes, of terra cotta material, at a cost of 
$13,500. 

On March 31, 1921, the following report was issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $193,18!). 19 

( Overdrafts None 

1'. S. Government Investments 28,600.00 

Other Bonds and Stocks 35,797.50 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 18,030.00 

Due from Banks, Cash, Exchanges, Cheeks and Collections. . 95,621.37 

Total Resources $371,238.06 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock Paid In $ 25,000.00 

Surplus Fund 5,000.00 

I'ndivided Profits (net) 3,155.77 

Deposits 338,082.29 

Total Liabilities $371,238.06 

HARVARD BANKING INSTITUTIONS 

What was known as the Harvard Bank (now the Harvard State 
Bank) was established in the store of A. E. Axtell, by J. C. Crumb. The 



L80 HISTORY OF M< HENS'! COUNTY 

following year he boughl a building at the corner of Brainard and Ayer 
streets and removed to it. He came through successfully the panic days 
of I s "-'!. and kept pace with the growth and prosperity of his county, 
and in 1880 had deposits with the Fifth National Bank of Chii 
amounting to $500,000. In 1881 his deposits with the Importers and 
Traders Bank of New York City amounted to $46,755. The bank ha^ 
been conducted by representatives of three generations of the Crumb 
family, namely: Joseph <'.. the founder; Berber! D., Ids son. and 
Edward A. Crumb, his grandson, who is now assistant cashier. This 
hank occupies the largest banking room in McHenry County. The build- 
ing is at the corner of Ayers and Brainard streets, and was rebuilt in 
1904 i" conform to modern banking ideas. It was a private institution, 
until converted into a state bank in 1920, and has bad a very successful 
history. The statemenl of March 31, 1921, shows the following condition : 

RESOl RCES 

Loans and Dicounts $601,675.00 

Overdrafts 146.55 

U. s. Government Investments 4,132.72 

other Bonds and xtoeks 33,603.02 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 35,887. I s 

Due from Banks, ('ash. Exchanges, Cheeks and Collections.. 94,602.33 

other Resources 134,814.16 

Total Resources $1,204,861.26 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock $ inn. 

Surplus 15,000.00 

Undivided Profits— Nel 7,120.12 

I >eposits 630,842.27 

Reserve 5,139.01 

Bills Payable 20,000.00 

ether Liabilities 126,759.86 

Total Liabilities $1,204,861.26 

FIRST STATE BANK OF HARVARD 

In 1>77 A. I'",. Axtell established a private hank and operated it under 
his own name in connection with other lines of business. In April, l^ys 



II1STOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY 181 

he commenced taking deposits and prospered so thai by 1880 his depo 
were $40,000. On Maj 20, 1909 the Axtell Bank was taken over by the 
Pirsl State Bank of Harvard, which had been established, and re-organ- 
ized with a rap it a I stock of $50,000, which with the surplus and undivided 
profits, of '>\rr $97,000, 'jives the bank a working fund of $147,000, and 
greater than thai of any other bank in McHenry County. In 1!)'_'l in 
deposits were $1,432,549.69. 

The tiist officers were F. P. Axtell, president ; W. 1). Hall, vice presi 
dent ; E. I.. Axtell, cashier, ami P. 1'.. I'helps. assistant cashier. The 
present officers are: P. P. Axtell. president; \V. I). Hall, vice president ; 
B. I.. Axtell. cashier, and P. B. I'helps. assistant cashier. The hoard 
of directors is composed of the following : P. P. Axtell, 10. L. Axtell. \V. 
I). Hall. ('. E. Hunt. K. S. Smith ami I.. M. Lillibridge 

Tin' statemenl issued on .March 31, 1921, sh,,us the following con- 
dition : 

RESOl la I - 

Loans and Discounts $1,028,787.98 

Overdrafts 284.29 

l '. s. Government Investments 120,089.65 

Other Bonds and stock 121,823.00 

Banking House furniture and Fixtures 52,383.24 

Mne from Hanks, ( 'ash. Exchanges, ( 'hecks and Collections. . 256,009.76 

Other Resources olT.OS 

Total Resources $1,579,895.00 

I - 1 \ 1 : 1 1 [TIES 

Capital Stock paid in * 50,000.00 

Surplus Fund 50,000.00 

Undivided Profits i 17,345.31 

Deposits 1,432,549.69 

Total Liabilities $1,579,895.00 

FINANCIAL REMINISI I \< ES OF MC lll\i;v 

•lames B. Perry, who came to McHenry in 1864, ami i- still residing 
here, furnishes the following interesting data relative to the banking 
history of McHenry. 

Some of the more prominent financiers of the earlier period mi this 



182 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

vicinity were Samuel II. Walker and Freeman Whiting, who were ac 
customed to make loans. The firm of Owen Brothers, composed of 
Herman X. and Edward .M. Owen, located at McHenry, to which they 
ramr prior in 1850, firsl being engaged in general merchandising and 
dealing in grain, but later branched out and built and operated a mill 
which they used for flouring and saw-milling. In connection with other 
business transactions they sold Borne exchange, hut, as far as is known. 

did not accept deposits. The iron safe used by them about seventy years 

ago is still in McHenry and in use. only, however, for the purpose of 
protecting hooks and papers against a possible fire. The mercantile 
business of Owen Brothers was continued hy them until 1874, when 
it was purchased hy .lames B. Perry and Alfred A. Martin, and they, 
too. issued exchange. About ISSlMi .Mr. .Martin disposed of his holdings 
to Oliver X. Owen, and the (inn of Perry and Owen was formed, and 
in 1SSS hetran doing a regular banking business, under the name of the 
Bank of McHenry, with a capital of $15,000, and deposits in 1913 of 
£1. ">().( 100. The bank was operated in a substantial brick bank building, 
erected by the firm in 1901. 

This bank, with dames T. Perry at its head, did a conservative and 
satisfactory business. Mr. Terry lived in the community for so long a 
period that he was intimately acquainted with all of the people, and they 
relied upon him for advice in financial matters. Among the substantial 
early hankers of this county Mr. Perry is an excellent example. 

In 1913 Messrs. Terry and Owen, desiring to retire from active busi- 
ness, negotiated a sale to Fremont Hoy and Clarence P. Hoy. who took 
control of the bank, November 1, 1913. 

FOX RIVER VALLEY STATE HANK 

The Hoy Banking Company succeeded the Tank of McHenry, the 
name being changed in 1914 when the capital was increased from $15,000 
to $25,000. That same year the bank building was remodeled. In Octo- 
ber, 1920 a charter was granted to the Pox River Valley State Tank. Mc- 
Henry, Illinois, for the purpose of taking over the business of the Hoy 
Banking Company, with a capital of $50,000. Fremont Hoy became its 
president; dames B. Perry and Clarence P. Hoy, vice presidents, and 

.Joseph < '. Holly, cashier. 

Mr. Fremont Hoy belongs to a family of bankers in McHenry County, 

and is well known through Illinois as an astute financier. lie has been 

variously connected with banking in this county for main- years, and 



HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY ls:i 

is riM-(i'_Miizi'il as an authority on finance. This bank lias for years special- 
ized "ii real-estate securities. 

The following recent statement discloses the following condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $248,40*. 19 

( tvcnlrafts 184.14 

1'. s. Governmenl Investments 200.00 

Other Bonds and stocks 14,600.00 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 21,505.47 

Due from Banks, ('ash. Exchanges, Checks and Collections.. 39,494.69 

Total Resources $324,392.79 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital Stock $ 50,000.00 

Undivided Profits (net) 1,176.66 

1 teposits 253,216.13 

Bills Payable and Re-discounts 20,000.00 

Total Liabilities $324,392.79 

RINGWOOD STATE BANK 

The Lank of Ringwood was established February 3, 1916, by Fremont 
Hoy and Clarennce F. Hoy. The first officials were: Fremont Hoy, 
president; Clarence F. Hoy, manager, and Henry F. Wharton, cashier. 
Mr Wharton died in October, 1918, of influenza, which was then 
epidemic. His place was tilled by George H. Johnson for several months, 
the other officials remaining the same. 

The bank started with a capital of $10,000. In 1920 the business was 

taken over by the Rin«rw 1 State Bank, organized for that purpose, with 

a capital of $25,000. Clarence F. Hoy became president; Fremont Hoy, 
vice president; and Kenneth O. Hoy, cashier, all of whom, together 
with a board of seven directors, now manage the affairs of the bank. 
This bank now receives, as it always has, a good patronage, as is shown 
by its statement which appears herewith: 



)-l BISTORT OF M< BENRY COUNTY 

iiemiiij 

Loans $ B2,516.54 

Overdrafts 65.1] 

l". s. Gov. [nvestmenta 1,750.00 

Bonds 33,500.00 

Banking Bouse, Furniture and Fixtures 9,500.00 

I >ue from Banks, < 'ash and t 'ash [terns 9,738.20 

Totals $137,069.85 

LIABILITIES 

Capital $ 25,000.00 

Undivided Profits 129.26 

Deposits 101,640.59 

Bills Payable and Re Discounts 10,000.00 

Totals $137,069.85 

The building used by the bank for banking purposes, was buill by 
the Ringwood Bank in 1916 following the erection of the large milk 

bottling plant at Ringwood, and this is now owned by the Ringrw 1 

State Bank. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MARENGO 

On A.ugus1 8, 1871, Richard M. Patrick and <:. V. Wells organized 
the First National Bank of Marengo to succeed the private banking 
house of R. M. Patrick. <■. V. Wells was the firsl president, and be was 
succeeded by the following: R. M. Patrick and E. I>. Patrick; while 
R. M. Patrick, the original cashier, has been succeeded by X. V. Wi 
ben, E. I). Patrick and A. C. Smith. The present assistant cashiers 

R I- 1 senberry and ('. II. Woleben; C. B. Whittemort and E. C. 

Robb are the vice presidents. 

Tl riginal capital remains at $50,000, bu1 the surplus is $50,000, 

and undivided profits over $10,000. In 1921 the deposits were slightly 
upwards of $700,000. 

On February 21, 1921, the following statement was issued: 






BISTORY OP M< BENRY COUNTY 185 

RESOURCES 

Loans $467,208 

Overdrafts 3,022.20 

l'. s. Bonds 44.00(1 00 

Other Bonds 154,071.96 

Collateral Trusl Notes 22,975.00 

Stock Federal Reserve Bank 3,000.00 

Furniture and Fixtures 12,500.00 

Due from Hanks, Cash and Exchange on Hand 116,628.65 

Redemption Fund with and Due from U. S. Treasury 625.00 

interest Earned bul Nol < Collected 1 1,750.5] 

Credit Reports 76.25 

Total Resources $,s:;s..s:>7>7 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock $ 50,000.00 

Surplus 50,000.00 

Undivided Profits (Net) 10,341.60 

Unearned interest Collected 26.76 

Reserved for interest, Accrued 14,723.75 

Circulating Notes Outstanding 12^200.00 

Deposits — All Kinds 701,565.76 

Total Liabilities $838,857.87 

DAIRYMAN'S STATE BANK of MARENGO 

In 1890 '/.. E. Goodrich, Loren Woodard, William Dougherty, C. S 
Robb, I. If. Curtiss, I. X. Muzzy, X. Buck, A. A. Ryder, R. Dalby, a 
Bopkins, G. B. Richards, A. \V. Kelley, Will Pringle, C. Buchte, C. E. 
Eelley, 1". B. Smith, I,. Barber, A. s. Norton, A. J. Shurtleff, John Cray. 
c. B. Kimball, E. 1". Sperry, A. II. Penny. George Samter and T. M. 
Bager organized the Dairyman's state Dank of Marengo with a capital 
of $25,000. This has remained the same bul there are now undivided 
profits and a surplus f $50,244.96. The officials were: '/.. E. Goodrich, 
president; Da R. Curtiss, vice president; I. ester Barber, cashier; and 

A. s. Norton, assistanl cashier. The original chief executive, .Mi-. G I 

rich, ha- been Succeeded in turn by Ira R. Curtiss. E. B. Seward ami 



L86 IllsToKV OF McHENRY COUNTY 

G. \V. Redpath, while Mr. Norton and C. J. Coarson, have more recently 
filled the place of Mr. Barber, as cashier. J. E. Williams acted as vice 
presidenl for a time; however, C. J. Coarson is now the present \ ice pres 
ident, and Carleton S. Robb and B. J. Eintz are the assistant cashiers. 
The !>;mk building occupied by this bank was erected in 1915 of brick 
and stone. 

On March 31, 1921, the following statement was issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $:;.">s,ni;:!.'.n 

Overdrafts 333 .62 

V. s. Governmenl Investments 28,150.00 

Other Bonds and Stocks 17.tion.22 

r.ankini: House, Furniture and Fixtures 26,866.00 

other Real Estate 3,000.00 

Due from Ranks. Cash, Exchanges, Checks and Collections. . 60,595.52 

Total Resources $494,807.34 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock Paid In $ 25,000.00 

Surplus Fund 25,000.00 

In divided Profits (Net) 25,244.96 

Deposits 419,322.38 

Dividends Unpaid 240.00 

Total Liabilities $494,807.34 

» STATE BANK OF UNION 

Iii 1911 O. E. Schuette, H. E. Pranzen and A. F. Pottratz organized 
the State Bank of Onion with a capital of $25,000, which remains the 
same, to which lias been added $9,819.53 in surplus and undivided profits. 
The resources and liabilities of the bank in March, 1921, were $301,825.14, 
and its deposits were $247,005.61. The building in which this bank is 
operating is a brick structure erected in 1911. II. A. Stoxen and YV. II. 
Deneen have been its presidents, and O. II. Schuette lias continued its 
cashier. George L. Torrenee is the vice president, and C. M. Siems 
is the assistant cashier. 

The banks recent statement follows: 



HISTORY OF MrllHXRY COUNTY 187 

EU -"i BCES 

Loans and Dicounts $169,569.18 

( >verdrafts 105.35 

Bonds 41,619.00 

Banking House and Fixtures ~>,800.0() 

Due from Banks and Cash 84,731.6] 

Total Resources $301,825.1 I 

LIABILITIES 

I iapital stork * 25.000.00 

Surplus 9,000.00 

Undivided Profits 81!)..".:; 

I (eposits 247,00.-). 6] 

Hills Payable 20,000.00 

Total Liabilities $301,82.-). 14 

I'uioii had a bank al a slightly earlier date which only operated for 
a short time. Some loss sustained through its closing. 

HEBRON STATE BANK 
The Bank of Hebron was established in 1897 by G. W. Conn. Sr., 

(i. W. Conn. Jr., and F. X. Torrence, with a capital of $7,500. These 
gentlemen operated the bank quite successfully for a short time, when 
the ownership passed to a syndicate composed of W. B. Wite and four 
other prominent local men. Mr. Wite, who has served as county 
superintendent of schools of McHenry County for several terms, became 
cashier and A, J. Cole, president. Those five gentlemen '.rave to the 
bank a prestige which was a great factor in its steady growth. 

In 1920 this lucrative business passed to the present Hebron State 
Hank which, to conform to the present law, had been organized to take 
over and continue the business. The present officers are: A. J. Cole. 
president; F. C. Slavin, vice president ; J. W. Smith, cashier; and \Y. R. 
Giddings and Lora C. Mead, assistant cashiers. 

The follow ing is the statement issued by the bank under date of .March 
31, 1921: 



L88 BISTORT OP M< HENRY COUNT? 

resui acea 

Loans and Discounts $422,087.62 

Overdrafts 1,117.29 

I '. S. ' lovernmenl [nvestments 27,000.00 

Other Bonds and Stocks 2,000.00 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 7,444.75 

Due from Banks, Cash. Exchanges, Checks and Collections.. 52,805.88 

Total Resources $512, 155.5 1 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stuck $ 50,000.00 

Surplus 25, .tin 

Undivided Profits (net) 5,445.63 

Deposits 407,009.9] 

Bills Payable and Re discounts 25,000.00 

Total Liabilities $512,455.54 

STATE HANK OF HUNT] EH 

On March 12, 1913, the State Bank of Huntley was established with 

John M. Hoy as president; A. P>. Brinkerhoff, vice president; William 
P. Hoy. cashier; and W. F. Bartlett, assistant cashier. The presenl 
officials are: John M. Hoy, president; John T. Kelley, vice president; 

William P. Hoy. cashier, and W. F. Bartletl and ('. II. Marsh, assistant 
cashiers. 

This hank is the outgrowth of the Hank of Huntley, founded May 
1. 1901 by M. 1). Hoy & Sons, successors to a banking business conducted 
for a few years as the Farmers Exchange Bank, by Charles E. Cook, 
and B. II. Cook, who sold to M. I). Hoy & Sons. 

The original capital of the state Hank of Huntley, of $50,000, is 
unchanged, but there is a surplus of $30,000, and undivided profits of 

600. The resources and liabilities are $518,558.60, deposits are $390,- 
670.68. I' stands for all that represents the highest banking standards. 
This hank was equipped with i lern new fixtures a few years since. 

The following is their showing on March 31, 1921 : 



BISTORT OF M. IIF.XUV COUNTY L89 

BBSOUBCES 

Loans and Discounts $379,579.0] 

Overdrafts L80.22 

l s. Government Investments 51,550.00 

other Bonds and Stock 21,100.00 

Banking Bouse, Furniture and Fixtures 2,700.00 

Other Real Estate 5,000.00 

Due from Banks, Cash, Exchanges, Checks and Collections .. 58,449.37 

Total Resources $518,558.60 

LIABILITIES 

Capital stock $ 50,000.00 

surplus 30,000.00 

Undivided Profits I Del I 5,602.5] 

Deposits 390,670.68 

Dividends unpaid 1 "iU.00 

Reserve 'J.D{.">.41 

Dills Payable and Re-discounts 40,000.00 

Total Liabilities $518,558.60 

ALGONQUIN STATE BANK 

En June, 1913 B. C. Getzelman established the Algonquin state 
Bank, and has always been its president. E. C. Peter is vice president. 
This bank succeeded the Dank of Algonquin. The present cashier. 
George D. Keyes has always held his present position since the hank 
became a state bank. The capital is $25,000, surplus and undivided 
profits $16,625.70. 

In March 192] the following statement was issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $167,738.97 

Overdrafts 13.79 

U. s. Government Investments 7,136.50 

other Bonds and stock 33,610.97 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 2,289.20 

Due from Banks, Cash, Exchanges, ('hecks and Collections . . 18,201.95 

Total Resources $258,991.38 



190 HISTORY OK M« IIEXR* COUNTS 

i.iAiui.rni s 

( lapital Stock Paid In $ 25,000.00 

Surplus Fund in. 1.00 

Undivided Profits (net) 6,625.70 

Deposits -1 1,238.67 

Reserve 3,127.01 

Total Liabilities $258,991.38 

WEST Mi HENRY STATE HANK 

On September 10, 1906, the West McHenry State Bank was estab- 
lished by P. S. Webster with a capital of $25,000, which lias since been 
increased to $50,000. This thoroughly modern banking institution is 
the fust bank of West McHenry, and its only one. B. L. Wagner and 
C. II. Pegers have served in turn as its presidents, and Carl W. Stenger 
has always been its cashier. The present vice president of the bank is 
Parker S. Webster and the second vice president is Simon Stoffel. 

A statement made on .March 31, 1921, show's the following: condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $336,270.33 

( i\ erdrafts 75.92 

1'. s. Government Investments 63,538.00 

Other Bonds and Stocks 22,050.44 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 18,645.00 

Due from Banks, Cash, Exchanges, Checks and Collections. . . 43,752.01 

Total Resources $484,331.70 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital Stock $ 50,000.00 

Surplus Fund 10,000.00 

Undivided Profits (net) 9,873.12 

Deposits 414,'241.70 

( 'ontingent Fund 216.88 

Total Liabilities $484,331.70 




<r/aAA^f \t > ^r^o^U^y^ 



HISTORY OF M< IIKXRY COUNTY I'M 

SPRING GROVE STATE BANS 

On December ■'!. 1914, the Spring Grove Hank was organized by 
.1. I-;. Meredith, J. II. Gerbrachl ami Anion Sahaefer. The presenl 
officials are: Anton Sahaefer, president and cashier; ami M. A. Sahaefer, 

assistant cashier. 

This bank was started with a capital iif $3,000, anil in 1 * ► 1 * » had 

resources amounting to $53,153. Its deposits amounted to $48,946 in 
the same year, ami it carried a surplus fund of $1,207. It was Located 

in a small village, and, in the past has had ample facilities I'm- trans- 
acting all necessary business in its line I'm- the surrounding neighbor- 
hood, ami its management have had the good will of the people of this 
vicinity. 

About the commencement of 1920 an organization was brought into 

existence under the Illinois Banking Act. with a capital of $25,000, 

having I'm- its title the Spring Grove state Bank. This organization 
purchased the business, assets and good will of the Spring Grove Bank, 

and since that time has conducted a banking business at that place, 
with considerable success. Joseph 0. Wagner is the president; -John ('. 
Furlong, vice president ; and Arthur II. Pranzen, cashier. Mr. H. II. 
Franzen of Du Page County, Illinois, a banker of considerable expe- 
rience in several localities, is financially interested and is a director of 
this bank. 

The most recent available statement, of March 31, 1021, shows the 
condition of the bank to be as follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $ 81,882.75 

Other Bonds and Stocks 7,0.")5.00 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 1,786.26 

Other Real Estate 1,250.00 

Due from Banks, Cash Exchanges, Checks and Collections. . . 18,222.26 

Total Resources $110,191). 27 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock $ 25,000.00 

Undivided Profits (net) 4,452.21 

Deposits 80,544.0<> 

Other Liabilities 200.00 

Total Liabilities $110,lil(i.27 



192 BISTORT? OF M< HENRY COUNTY 

CAR? SI \ 1 1 BANE 

The Cary State Bank is located in the village of Cary and was 
organized April 3, 1914, with T. II. WultV as president; C. W. Stenger, 
\ ice president; and Joseph J. Sutton, cashier. It- original capital of 
$25,000 has in it been increased, bul it has surplus and undivided profits 

$12,430.26. In March, L921, its deposits were $193,001.62. The 
Cary State Bank owns its own banking building, erected at a cosl of 
$6,000, This bank has transacted its affairs from the Btart in an honor- 
able and upright manner, and its officials have the confidence of the 
surrounding country. 

According to a statemenl made under date of March 31, L921, the 
condition of the bank is as follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $150,627.75 

Bonds and stocks ::s.:::!7.oii 

Cash on Hand 8,2 18.76 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 8,532.00 

War Savings Stamps 840.80 

( >verdrafts 7.37 

Total Resources $230,441.88 

LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock $ 25,000.00 

Surplus 7,500.00 

Undivided Profits I nel I 4,930.26 

Individual Deposits 75,712.66 

Other Deposits 10,350.80 

Time Deposits 28,254.35 

Savings Deposits 78,683.8] 

Unpaid Dividends 10.00 

Total Liabilities $230,441.88 

The present officers are: T. II. WultV. president; C. W. Stenger, 
vice president ; and Joseph A. Stenger, cashier. The board of directors 



HISTORY OF MoHBNRY COUNTY 1!":: 

i- composed of: T. II. WultV. C. \V. Stenger, II. Newbold, E. I.. Wag 
ner and X. B. Kith. 

A banking business was formerly conducted by L. E. Mentcb under 
the title of the Cary Exchange Bank, but after several years went out 
of existence. 

STATE BANS OK RICHMOND 

'I'lie Bank of Richmond was organized in 18(10 by George and John 
McConnell, who associated with them John W. Eaythorn. The original 
officials were: George McConnell, president; John McConnell, vice 
president; and John W. llaythorn. eashiur. The officials immediately 
prior to its organization as a state hank in 1920, were: Susan Mc- 
Connell, president: Cora II. Covell, vice president; May L. Parsons, 
vice president; Prank B. McConnell, cashier; and William A. McCon 
nell. assistant cashier. The present officials are: Prank B. McConnell. 

president; Charles Kruse, first vice president; M. K. Cole, second vice 
president; and W. A. .McConnell. cashier. 

The original capital of $10,000 had not been increased np to 1920, 
but the bank had a surplus of *4.">.< 153. 7(i. On March 31, 1921, shortly 
after re-organizing, its resources and liabilities were $399,280.76, and 
at the same date its deposits were $349.2*0.76. In September, 1890, 
the present substantial bank building was erected at a cost of $5,000, 
by George and John McConnell. It is our understanding that the presenl 
State Hank of Richmond will occupy the building under lease. 

The newly-incorporated state bank has a larire number of the most 
influential and substantial citizens for stockholders, together with the 
former owners, and it is our belief that the institution will continue 
to enjoy, to the fullest extent, the confidence of the community. The 
present capital is $50,000. 

The official statement of March 31, 1921. follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts $251,157.13 

( Iverdrafts 122. 1 1 

C. S. Government Investments 12,768.47 

I (ther Bonds and Stocks 53,758.6s 

Banking House, Furniture and Fixtures 1,633.57 

Due from Banks, Cash. Exchanges and Collections 79,840.47 

Total Resources $399,280.76 



194 



HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY 



LIABILITIES 

Capital Stock $ 50,000.00 

Deposits 349,280.76 

Total Liabilities $399,280.76 

VICTORY LOAN SUBSCRIPTIONS 

The following: is a complete list of the subscriptions received from 
each bank in McHenry County for the Victory Loan issued by the gov- 
ernment, which drive was on during April, 1919. These subscriptions 
foot up to 110.25 per cent of the county's quota. This list is given 
in full to prove that no section of the county failed in doing its full 
patriotic duty at a time when the country had need of real Americanism. 



Bank Subscribers Amount 

Algonquin State, Algonquin 282 $ 68,000 

Cary State, Cary Station 174 36,300 

Home State, Crystal Lake 144 40,300 

United State, Crystal Lake 378 61,750 

First State, Harvard 846 160,600 

Harvard State, Harvard 377 63,450 

Bank of Hebron, Hebron 300 89,900 

State Bank, Huntley 350 72,250 

Dairyman's State, Marengo 298 79,300 

First National, Marengo 234 54,550 

Hoy Banking Co., McHenry 154 27.600 

Bank of Richmond, Richmond 191 74.200 

Bank of Ringwood, Ringwood 139 29,150 

Spring Grove Bank. Spring Grove 120 22,400 

State Bank, Union 186 56,350 

West McHenry State, West McHenry 306 74,250 

American National, Woodstock 520 95,000 

Farmers' Exchange State. Woodstock 629 82,000 

McHenry Co. State, Woodstock 376 63,050 

State Bank, Woodstock 675 97.35(1 

Total 6,679 $1,347,850 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 195 

It has been carefully estimated that the total amount subscribed in 
this county during the several drives of the World War amounted to 
over $5,000,000. 

PATRIOTIC SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

"Woodstock, 111., May^ 24, 1919. 
"We, the undersigned banks of Woodstock, desire to take this means 
of extending our thanks to the committee, which handled the drives of 
the Third, Fourth and Fifth Liberty Loans, of which Charles F. Renich 
was chairman, for the manner in which they conducted the solicitations 
for subscriptions. The entire amounts were taken by the patriotic 
people of this community, thus relieving the banks from subscribing 
and carrying the bonds. 

"We believe that this was only made possible through the efforts 
of Chairman Renich and his committee, who worked continuously in 
the interest of the loans, many times at the expense of their own private 
business. 

"Woodstock and vicinity has 'gone over the top' on every Liberty 
Loan, and this 100-per-eent-reeord was made by the hearty co-opera- 
tion extended to the banks by the above-mentioned committee. We 
feel that public acknowledgment of all due credit to these loyal workers 
should be made, now that the war is over and the government has an- 
nounced the Victory Loan to be the last issue of Liberty Bonds. 
"Signed, 

"The State Bank of Woodstock, E. C. Jewett, president. 
"The American National Bank, G. L. Murphy, president. 
"McHenry County State Bank, J. D. Donovan, president, 
"Farmers' Exchange State Bank, G. H. Hoy, president." 

WAR WORK EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

The executive committee which had charge of these various campaigns 
in Woodstock, working always under the direction, leadership and in- 
spiration of national, state and county direction, were Charles F. Renich, 
chairman, D. R. Joslyn, O. G. Mead, F. J. Green, F. A. Walters, F. B. 
Bennett, A. J. Mullen, G. E. Still, C. Percy Barnes, F. E. Howe and 
F. W. Hartman. Carl W. Stenger, of West McHenry, was county chair- 
man of the four campaigns, while D. R. Joslyn was chairman of the 
Fifth or Victory campaign. 



196 HISTORY OF .\k HENRY COUNTY 

All the subscriptions were made cheerfully by the people, even when 

the making of them entailed heavy personal sacrifices and the assuming 
df obligations through the borrowing of money to meet the payments. 

BANK SUMMARY 

The following summary of the banking interests as shown below 

gives a very creditable report on the financial conditions in McHenry 
County. From statements of March 31, 1921. 

Capital, Surplus & Un- 

Xnme Established divided Profits Deposits 

State Bank of Woodstock 1889 $108,307.44 £546,604.26 

Farmers' Exchange State Bank. 1S87 101,284.77 586,759.55 

American National Hank 1903 115,697.87 713,574.13 

Woodstock National Banak 1901 67,168.02 399,638.72 

First State Bank of Harvard... 1877 147.345.31 1.432.549.69 

Harvard State Bank 1866 122,120.12 630,842.27 

Home State Bk. of Crystal Lake. 1915 33,155.77 33S.0S2.2H 

U. S. State Bank of Crystal Lake 1895 63,153.62 571,296.27 

First National Bk. of Marengo. . 1871 110,341.60 701.565.7U 

Dairyman's State Bank 1890 75.244.96 419,322.38 

State Bank of Huntley 1901 85,602.51 390,670.68 

Algonquin State Bank 1913 41,625.70 214.238.67 

West McHenry State Bank 1906 69,873.12 414.241.70 

Sp. Grove State Bank 29,452.21 80,544.06 

Cary State Bank 1914 37,430.26 193,001.62 

Hebron State Bank 1897 80,445.63 407,009.91 

Ringwood State Bank 1916 25,429.26 101,640.59 

state Bank of Union 1911 34,819.53 247,005.61 

Pox River Valley State Bank. . . 1888 51.176.66 253.216.]:; 

State Bank of Richmond 1890 50.000.00 21ii.2S0.76 



Total $1,449.(174.36 $8,991,085.(15 

Total Capital. Surplus and Undivided Profits $ 1,449,674.36 

Total of All Deposits 8,991,085.(15 



Total of All Banking Assets Employed $10,440,759.41 



CHAPTER XIII 
AGRICULTURE AND COUNTY FAIRS 
By George A. Hunt 

IMPORTANCE OP AGRICULTURE MC HENRY COUNTY FARMERS' INSTITUTE} — 

MC HENRY COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOYS' AND GIRLS' CLUB WORK — 

MC HENRY COUNTY HOLSTEIN BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION MC HENRY 

COUNTY HOME BUREAU AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES OTHER FAIRS — 

MARENGO AGRICULTURAL BOARD KISHWAUKEE FARMERS' CLUB FARM 

STATISTICS REGISTERED FARM NAMES. 

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE 

When the pioneer settlers who came to McHenry County during the 
years 1834 to 1838, inclusive, secured their original farms, they were able 
to obtain the land from the government for the entry fee of $1.25 per 
acre. The settlers who followed a little later bought many acres of 
fertile land at prices but a little in advance of the government fee. 
Oftentimes they were able to purchase farms upon which considerable 
improvements had been made for sums so small as to seem incredible in 
these days of high prices. While they were engaged in tilling the soil, 
the importance and dignity of agricultural labor had not been recog- 
nized, aud the farmer operated his farm to obtain a living, not as a 
business proposition. For this reason, and the facts that land was 
plenty and transportation poor, the best acreage sold at low figures, and 
there was no special inducement to anyone who had the inclination to go 
into farming on an extensive scale. 

With the building of the great railroad systems, thus bringing the 
farmer into closer touch with the centers of demand ; the installation of 
cars built upon the cold storage plan; the invention of labor-saving 
machinery, and the appliance of motor power, a complete revolution 
occurred,' and the man who owned farm land began to realize that he 
had a plant which, if properly conducted, would yield him a handsome 

197 



198 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 

income, and give him a prominent place among the producers of the 
country. 

Many men who had been born and reared on farms, but later left 
them, lured to the cities by ambition and hope of riches easily obtained 
without the strenuous labor of the rural districts, returned to the soil, 
and put to practical use the lessons they had learned many years before. 
Those who had been sensible enough to remain on the farm expanded 
in every way, buying more land, put in modern equipment, and took 
advantage of the opportunities offered by federal and state government 
experimental stations. In fact, although somewhat late, the agriculturist 
came into his own. 

With this expansion came an appreciable advance in land values. 
Twenty years ago the prophecj' that Illinois farm land would sell for at 
least $200 per acre, was laughed at. Now many McHenry County 
farmers are refusing $250 per aci'e and over for their holdings. 

Within the past few years new conditions have arisen which will 
make the agriculturist still more important, for upon his shoulders 
rests the burden of feeding the world. It will be many years before the 
war-devastated area can be brought back to its former productiveness 
and it is to the United States that the rest of the world is looking, and 
will have to look for some years to come, for its very subsistence. 

No manufacturer, banker, merchant, or professional man is today 
of more actual value to his generation than is the farmer who under- 
stands his work and takes an interest in it, and in rendering to humanity 
the service that lies in his power. Organization of the agricultural 
forces of the state and nation have, during the past few years, exerted 
a very marked and powerful influence upon the country's development. 
Granges, Farmers' Institutes, Agricultural Fairs, Farm Bureaus, 
Farmers' Elevators, Shipping Associations and other farmer organiza- 
tions have all had much to do in placing agriculture in the higher 
position which it now holds in relation to the other industries. 

MC HENRY COUNTY FARMERS' INSTITUTE 

The Farmers' Institute of McHenry County is a potent factor in 
progressive agriculture in the county. It holds one or more successful 
meetings each winter. The speakers engaged to address these meetings 
are men and women of recognized authority on the subjects they present 
and much good has been accomplished through the inspiration and 
enthusiasm engendered. In arranging excursions to the agricultural 








\L 




HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 199 

colleges, securing agricultural scholarships for the boys and girls, in 
encouraging improved methods and in many other ways the Farmers' 
Institute has been an influence for good to the agricultural interests 
of the county. 

The Officers of the McHenry County Farmers' Institute since 1896 
were as follows: 

1896-1897 — President, M. Zimpelman, Marengo; vice-president, 0. 
M. Hale, Nunda; secretary, Frank T. Barnes, Woodstock; treasurer, 
Thomas Ocock, Union. 

1897-1898 — President, M. Zimpelman, Marengo; vice-president, 
George A. Hunt, Greenwood; secretary, F. T. Barnes, "Woodstock; treas- 
urer, E. H. Cook, Huntley. 

1898-1899 — President, George A. Hunt, Greenwood; vice-president, 
William A. Saylor, "West McHenry ; secretary, George L. Murphy, "Wood- 
stock; treasurer, E. H. Cook, Huntley. 

1899-1900 — President, George A. Hunt, Greenwood; secretary, M. 
Zimpelman, Marengo; treasurer, H. T. Thompson, Huntley. 

1900-1901 — President, George A. Hunt, Greenwood; secretary, M. 
Zimpelman, Marengo; treasurer, H. T. Thompson, Huntley. 

1901-1902 — President, H. T. Thompson, Marengo; secretary, J. H. 
Turner, Hebron; treasurer, F. C. "Wells, Harvard. 

1902-1903— President, H. T. Thompson, Marengo; secretary, J. H. 
Turner, Hebron ; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1903-1904 — President, H. T. Thompson, Marengo; secretary, J. H. 
Turner, Hebron; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1904-1905 — President, M. Zimpelman, Marengo; secretary, J. H. 
Turner, Hebron; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1905-1906 — President, M. Zimpelman, Marengo; secretary, J. H. 
Turner, Hebron ; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1906-1907— President, M. Long, Woodstock ; secretary, F. E. Thayer, 
Woodstock; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1907-1908— President, F. E. Thayer, Woodstock; secretary, J. F. 
Westphall, Alden; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1908-1909— President, F. E. Thayer, Woodstock; secretary, J. F. 
Westphall, Alden ; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1909-1910 — President, F. E. Thayer, Woodstock; secretary-treasurer, 
F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1910-1911 — President, George A. Hunt, Woodstock; secretary, E. F. 
Booth, Woodstock; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 



200 HISTORY OP McHENKY COUNTS 

1911-1912 — President, George A. Hunt, Woodstock; secretary, E. F. 
Booth, Woodstock ; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1H12-1913— President, M. J. Wright, Woodstock; secretary, Elmer 
Standish, Marengo; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1913-1914 — President. M. J. Wright, Woodstock; secretary, Elmer 
Standish, Marengo; treasurer, F. C. Wells, Harvard. 

1914-1915- — President, M. J. Wright, Woodstock; secretary-treasurer, 
C. W. Colton, Woodstock. 

1915-1916 — President, M. J. Wright, Woodstock ; secretary-treasurer, 
C. W. Colton, Woodstock. 

1916-1917 — President, M. J. Wright, Woodstock; secretary-treasurer, 
C. W. Colton, Woodstock. 

1917-1918 — President, M. J. Wright, Woodstock; secretary-treasurer, 
H. E. Whipple, Harvard. 

1918-1919- — President, B. L. Thomas, Ringwood; secretary-treasurer. 
H. F. Echternach, Marengo. 

1919-1920 — President, B. L. Thomas, Ringwood; secretary-treasurer, 
H. F. Echternach, Marengo. 

1920-1921 — President, B. L. Thomas, Ringwood; secretary-treasurer, 
H. F. Echternach, Marengo. 

1921-1922 — President, B. L. Thomas, Ringwood; secretary -treasurer, 
Clarence H. Ocock, Union. 

MC HENRY COUNTY FARM BUREAU 

McHenry County was the third county in Illinois and among the 
first twenty in the United States to organize a Soil Improvement Asso- 
ciation, or Farm Bureau, as it is called in many of the counties. This 
organization in McHenry County, which is a unit of the state and 
national associations, has had a very important part in the agricultural 
development of the state. A great many marked changes have taken 
place in the agricultural conditions in this county during the time which 
has intervened since the organization of the McHenry County Soil Im- 
provement Association. This association was organized in February, 
1913. Several members of the County Farmers Institute were instru- 
mental in perfecting this organization. Among those most active in 
promoting this movement may be mentioned M. J. Wright and C. W. 
Hart of Woodstock, J. H. Turner of Hebron, H. E. Whipple, F. C. 
Wells, R. F. Marshall and T. H. Murray of Harvard, and Bert Thomas 
of Ringwood. Funds for the support of this organization have been 
received from the following sources: 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 201 

For the year 

1913 U. S. Dept. of Agriculture $ 400.00 

County Board of Supervisors 2,000.00 2,400.00 

1914— U. S. Dept. of Agriculture $ 400.00 

Board of Supervisors 2,000.00 

Comity Bankers Association 2,000.00 4,400.00 

1915— Smith-Lever Fund $ 400.00 

Board of Supervisors 1,500.00 1,900.00 

1916— Smith-Lever Fund $1,200.00 

Board of Supervisors 2,000.00 3,200.00 

1917— Smith-Lever Fund $1,200.00 

Board of Supervisors 2,200.00 3,400.00 

1918— Smith-Lever Fund $1,200.00 

Board of Supervisors 2,200.00 3,400.00 

1919— Smith-Lever Fund $1,150.00 

State Appropriation 872.86 

Board of Supervisors 2,200.00 4,222.86 

1920— Smith-Lever Fund $ 975.00 

State Appropriation 1,187.00 

Board of Supervisors 1,666.66 3,828.66 



Total of appropriations above sources $26,751.52 

For the year 1920 the supervisors appropriated $5,000 to be divided 
equally between the Soil Improvement Association, the Home Bureau 
and the Boys' and Girls' Club work. Additional funds for the work 
of the association are received from the membership fees. This fee was 
first placed at $5 per year, and afterward increased to $10 per year, 
one-half of the fee being paid for membership in the Illinois Agricultural 
Association. The membership fee was again increased at the beginning 
of the special drive for members in July, 1919, to $15. This fee of $15 
also included membership in the state association, and in the American 



202 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

Farm Bureau Federation. During this drive a membership of 1,350 
was obtained. 

Soon after the organization was formed, Delos L. James, a resident 
of the county and a graduate of the Illinois College of Agriculture, was 
employed as advisor for the association. He served in this capacity for 
three years. At the beginning of 1916 he left to accept the position of 
superintendent on ex-Gov. Frank 0. Lowden's Sinnissippi Farm at 
Oregon, 111. He was succeeded by Arthur J. Gafke, of Crow Wing 
County, Minnesota. Mr. Gafke is a graduate of the "Wisconsin College 
of Agriculture, 1910, and was agricultural advisor in Crow Wing 
County, Minnesota, several years. He came to McHenry County in 
1916 and is still advisor for the county at the present writing. 

Before this organization was formed not over five percent of the 
grain sown in the county was treated for smut. At the present time 
probably not five percent is untreated. This treatment has resulted in 
a gain of approximately 500,000 bushels of grain per year for the past 
two or three years, showing a good gain each year. The number of 
pure-bred sires used in the county is four times as great as were used 
five years ago. In one cow testing association only fifty percent of the 
members were using pure-bred sires at the beginning of the work. At 
the close of the year's work in 1917 all but one of the members had 
pure-bred sires. 

The census of 1910 showed an acreage in the county of ten times as 
much timothy as alfalfa. The assessor's book for 1920 showed more than 
5,000 acres seeded to alfalfa, the wonder crop, in McHenry County. 
More than 1,000 acres of this acreage being reported from McHenry 
Township. The wisdom of this is very apparent this season of 1921 
when the first cutting of alfalfa is yielding one and one-half tons or 
more to the acre, while clover right beside in the same fields is yielding 
not over half a ton to the acre. This first cutting on some farms is being 
sold standing at prices ranging from $15 to $25 per acre. Along with 
alfalfa culture was begun the use of limestone. 

In 1917 between 30 and 40 cars of limestone were used to correct the 
acidity of the soil and to permit the growth of bacteria on the roots of 
the legumes, the function of which is to draw nitrogen from the air and 
make it available for the use of the plants. Excellent results have also 
been obtained by the judicious use of i*ock phosphate,' of which nearly 
three thousand tons have been used in the county during the past five 
years. 

During the same period nearly 5,000 tons of limestone have been 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 203 

applied to McHenry County soils. As a result of the use of lime and 
phosphate a much better quality of small grain, clover and corn has 
been produced. The yields have also been greatly increased. In some 
instances the yields have nearly doubled those of five and six years 
ago. Herbert Kiltz just doubled the yield of alfalfa on his farm south 
of Woodstock by the use of lime and rock phosphate. Good results have 
also been brought about by the proper spraying of orchards. Where 
it has been done thoroughly the codling moth, curculio and apple scab 
have been practically destroyed. This is particularly true in the 
orchards of Henry Street, Homer Whipple, Jacob Olbrich, R. E. Cor- 
lett, Bert Thomas, Wm. George, Frank Gustafson, E. G. Turner, and 
others. 

Two standard varieties of corn adapted to the soil and climate have 
been established in the county, namely Murdock (yellow) and Wis- 
consin No. 7 (white), known also as Silver King. This is the outgrowth 
of the Boys' and Girls' Club work which was started in 1917 with 190 
plats. The boys and girls sold 800 bushels of seed corn from these plats. 
The yield, even in 1917, a very poor corn year, were as high as forty 
bushels per acre of dry corn. This corn was acknowledged to be the 
best corn raised in the county that year. In the spring of 1918, when 
good seed was very scarce, the Farm Bureau distributed 2,800 bushels 
of seed corn among the farmers of the county at cost plus the actual 
expense of handling the corn. This project was financed by the Amer- 
ican National Bank of Woodstock, the corn being selected from sections 
where it would be best adapted to McHenry County conditions. Much 
improvement has been made in the general yield of farm crops by the 
increased use of improved seed. 

boys' and girls' club work 

Much interest was manifested in the Boys' and Girls' Club work. 
In 1917 135 girls canned between 8,000 and 9,000 quarts mostly vege- 
tables, a large part of which would otherwise have been wasted. The 
girls did this work themselves. The Boys' and Girls' Club work in- 
creased to such an extent that it became necessary to have a special man 
to take charge of it. T. H. Murray, of Harvard, Illinois, was selected 
for the club work in which he has been very successful. In 1918 
there were 210 boys and girls growing Murdock corn ; 350 boys and girls 
in canning clubs; 125 boys and girls raising pigs, most of them being 
pure-breds and being raised for breeding purposes. In 1918 an exhibit 



l'ii I HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

of the McHenry County Club work was made at the Illinois State Fair. 
This exhibit won a number of the best prizes, including first on Corn 
Club Demonstration work by Chemung Township Team. Second, on 
canning demonstration work by the Ringwood team ; fourth place by the 
McHenry County Club in the pageant representing the different phases 
of the work ; first on canned fruit, exhibit by the Chemung club ; fourth 
on canned vegetables by the Ringwood team. In 1920 more than 700 
boys and girls were enrolled in the club work which included Calf Club, 
Pig Club, Tractor Club, Corn Club, Potato Club, Cow Testing and 
Judging Club, and Garment and Canning Club. The major work with the 
boys consisted of the dairy problems, the object being to teach them how 
to select, judge, buy, feed and care for the cows. There were thirty- 
eight entrants in the judging contest at the county fair. Then prizes were 
awarded. A later contest was held at Waleowis Farms, Lake Geneva, 
Wisconsin. Five of the best in this contest were sent to the University 
of Illinois for three days' training. Four of these were selected to repre- 
sent the state at the National Dairy Show against nineteen other states. 
The boys in this team were from ten to fifteen years of age. This team 
won first on judging Holsteins; second on all breeds; third on Guernseys. 
One of the boys, Edward Schutt, of Harvard, won sixth on Holsteins; 
Carl Anderson, McHenry, third on Holsteins; Clarence Doran, Harvard, 
won first on Holsteins; second on Ayrshires, third on all breeds. The 
team representing McHenry County won more places than any other 
team at the show. Clarence Doran won more places than any other boy 
in the contest. The major work with the girls was sewing. The Corn 
Club raised over 2,000 bushels of corn and sold 387 bushels for seed. 
The Pig Club produced 5,000 pounds of pork. The Potato Club raised 
760 bushels of potatoes. The Canning Club canned 6,103 quarts of fruits 
and vegetables. The Garment Club made 631 garments. The Dairy 
Club kept records on feed and milk production on 437 cows. The club 
work of McHenry County ranks first in Illinois. This has been splendid 
training for the boys and girls and Mr. Murray is entitled to great credit 
for the success of the club work. 

McHenry County now has a Farm Bureau, a Home Bureau, a County 
Holstein Breeders Association, and nine subsidiary organizations as fol- 
lows : A Federal Farm Loan Association ; A Cow Testing Association ; 
A Farmer's Co-operative Association, and six Livestock Shipping Asso- 
ciations. Twenty-one farmers have availed themselves of the privilege of 
the Federal Farm Loan to date. $150,000 was loaned to farmers of the 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 205 

county during the first eight months. Application for over $100,000 more 
was refused pending the recent court decision. 

The managers of the Livestock Shipping Associations at the various 
points are as follows : Marengo, Max Wilson ; Harvard, Adam Weaver ; 
Woodstock, Fern Rogers; Hebron, Henry Mickle; Spring Grove, John 
Kattner ; Pleasant Valley, F. J. Sleezer. 

Mr. E. A. Carncross, graduate of the Wisconsin College of Agricul- 
ture, 1912, and later agricultural advisor at Green Bay, Wis., was em- 
ployed as Assistant Advisor in October, 1919. He had charge of the cow 
testing, shipping associations and other livestock work which he handled 
in a satisfactory manner. Mr. Carncross resigned early in 1921 to accept 
the position of agricultural advisor in Du Page County, 111. The officers 
of the McHenry County Farm Bureau since its organization are as fol- 
lows: 1913, H. E. Whipple, Pres.; T. H. Murray, Vice Pres.; A. M. Shel- 
ton, Secy. ; Fremont Hoy, Treas. 1914, H. E. Whipple, Pres. ; T. H. Mur- 
ray, Vice Pres. ; A. M. Shelton, Secy. ; Fremont Hoy, Treas. 1915, H. E. 
Whipple, Pres. ; T. H. Murray, Vice Pres. ; A. M. Shelton, Secy. ; Fremont 
Hoy, Treas. 1916, H. E. Whipple, Pres.; T. H. Murray, Vice Pres.; 
A. M. Shelton, Secy. ; Fremont Hoy, Treas. 1917, H. E. Whipple, Pres. ; 
Wm. Bonslett, Vice Pres.; A. M. Shelton, Secy.; Fremont Hoy, Treas. 
1918, H. E. Whipple, Pres.; John R. Wells, Vice Pres.; D. T. Smiley, 
Secy. ; Fremont Hoy, Treas. 1919, H. E. Whipple, Pres. ; John R. Wells, 
Vice Pres.; D. T. Smiley, Secy.; John M. Hoy, Treas. 1920, H. E. 
Whipple, Pres.; John R. Wells, Vice Pres.; C. W. Gibbs, Secy.; Jacob 
Olbrich, Treas. 1921, John R. Wells, Pres. ; H. C. Gilkerson, Vice Pres. ; 
C. W. Gibbs, Secy. ; Jacob Olbrich, Treas. 

THE MC HENRY COUNTY HOLSTEIN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION 

A county Holstein Breeders Association was formed about ten years 
ago, and in 1914 this association put out an advertising booklet that was 
not surpassed by any other at that time, and the association had a good 
start but for some reason it was allowed to go down. However, in the 
spring of 1919 through the efforts of Advisor Gafke the association was 
reorganized and as a result of the work fifteen or more of the members 
have placed their herds under Federal supervision. It is the determina- 
tion of the members to have their herds placed on the accredited list as 
being free from tuberculosis. Among the herds so tested may be men- 
tioned F. M. Barber, B. L. Thomas, J. O. Tupper and Henry Eppel, 
Woodstock; W. H. Gardner, Solon Mills; R. W. Stewart and A. D. 



206 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY 

Cornue, Hebron; H. C. LaBrec and R. E. Corlett, Harvard; and C. W. 
Gibbs, West McHenry. The officers ofi the Association are as follows: 
President, C. W. Gibbs, West McHenry; Vice President, Don Geyer, 
Crystal Lake; Second Vice President, R. E. Corlett, Harvard; Secretary, 
R. W. Stewart, Hebron ; Treasurer, B. L. Thomas, Ringwood. 

MC HENRY COUNTY HOME BUREAU 

After a short preliminary organization work the Home Bureau of 
McHenry County was organized in June, 1918, for the purpose of put- 
ting homemaking on a sounder basis. The officers elected the first year 
were, President, Mrs. E. E. Seward, Marengo; Vice President, Mrs. G. 
A. Miller, Woodstock; Secretary, Mrs. Fred B. McConnell, Woodstock; 
Treasurer, Mrs. Will Hoy, Huntley. Executive Committee: Mrs. D. T. 
Smiley, Woodstock; Mrs. E. G. Turner, Richmond; Mrs. Jack Walsh, 
McHenry ; Mrs. J. C. Furlong, Spring Grove ; Mrs. A. J. Gaf ke, Wood- 
stock, and Mrs. W. E. Doyle, Harvard. Miss Eva Blair, of Sullivan, 111., 
was employed July 1, 1918, as Home Advisor. She gave lectures and 
demonstrations in the organized townships on such subjects as canning, 
household equipment, gardening and poultry raising. Under her direc- 
tion special schools in poultry raising and clothing conservation were 
carried on with the help of specialists from the university of Illinois. 
During the war the problems of the Home Bureau were mostly those of 
conservation of food and clothing. After the war its activities were 
broadened to assist in the development of all sides of home life and to 
cooperate with all organizations intended to benefit the community. In 
July, 1919, Miss Blair left to become Assistant State Leader in Extension 
Work in West Virginia, and Mrs. Mary B. Dalbey was employed as Home 
Advisor. Special effort has since been put upon beautifying home 
grounds, home management, and child welfare. As a result of the child 
welfare work hundreds of children have been weighed and measured, and 
the hot school lunch has been established in many of the rural and town 
schools. The Home Bureau office was combined with the Woman's Club 
Rest Room in the courthouse at Woodstock, making a convenient place to 
come for help in Home Economic. The officers for the year beginning 
July, 1920, are as follows : President, Mrs. Henry Echternach, Marengo ; 
Vice President, Mrs. G. A. Miller, Woodstock; Secretary, Mrs. L. A. 
Stockwell, Marengo; Treasurer, Mrs. E. G. Turner, Richmond; The 
Executive Committee, Mrs. Jack Walsh, McHenry; Mrs. B. C. Bottum, 
Woodstock; Mrs. M. G. Shipton, Woodstock; Miss Mary Stevens, Ma- 
rengo; Mrs. Frank Silliman, Woodstock. 




,, x ., ■>.-■■• 





ip 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 207 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES 

The McHenry County Agricultural Society was organized in 1852. 
Capt. William H. Stewart and Colonel J. M. Strode were appointed on 
the organizing committee, but most of the work devolved on Captain 
Stewart, who drafted the constitution and by-laws and was the prime 
mover in a laudable enterprise. He became the society's first secretary 
and treasurer. William Jackson was elected the first president. This 
organization remained as an agricultural society until 1874, when it 
availed itself of the offer made by the State, and then was under the 
name of the "Agricultural Board of McHenry County." For several 
years after organizing the society held its fairs in the streets of various 
villages of the county. Rail pens were built to hold the live stock, and 
rooms were rented in which to exhibit the "fine arts." By 1859 the 
society with the county had grown materially so that this society pur- 
chased ten acres of land, which formed a part of the later fair grounds 
so much appreciated by the county — just to the east of the city of Wood- 
stock. There they built better shedding for the stock and held their 
annual fairs until 1866, when they organized a life membership, with an 
admittance fee of $20. Over one hundred names were added to this list, 
and this allowed the society to afford better accommodations, to enlarge 
its grounds which was carried out by purchasing five acres to the south 
of the first tract. They also then erected an agricultural hall, observa- 
tory, ticket office, etc. In about 1868 the society bought seven acres more 
to the north, making twenty-two acres in all. Here one finds a good half- 
mile track and here have been held some of the largest fairs in Illinois. 
Other improvements have been made with the passing years and much 
interest has been manifested and doubtless much of the present high 
standard of farm-life in the "Kingdom of McHenry" has been due to the 
efforts of those who have kept the county fairs alive, until the younger 
generation has caught the spirit of the age, and are not satisfied with 
less than the best in everything pertaining to county fairs. 

Under the first society, the last executive board was composed of the 
following: D. E. Peck, Thomas McD. Richards, J. A. Wood, E. H. 
Seward, Robert Stewart, Richard Wray, E. Buck and J. E. Beckley. 
This was in 1872 when the old society changed to the new order of things 
and was thereafter known as the McHenry County Agricultural Board. 

The amounts paid in premiums in the early years of the fair were 
very liberal considering the fact that very little encouragement was given 
county fairs through state appropriation. Prior to 1907 $200 was the 



208 HISTORY OP McIIEXRY COUNTY 

largest appropriation any county or district fair could receive from the 
state and all received the same amount regardless of merit. In 1907 
McHenry County started the organization known as The Illinois Asso- 
ciation of Agricultural Fairs. This organization secured a state appro- 
priation for each fair of a sum equal to forty percent of the amount paid 
in premiums. This was afterward increased to sixty percent on the 
first $1,000 ; fifty percent on the second $1,000 j fort}' percent on the third 
$1,000 ; and thirty percent on the fourth $1,000 paid out in premiums. In 
1867 the amount paid for premiums at the McHenry County Fair was 
$866.50; in 1868 it was $637.39; in 1875 it was $1,180.79; in the period 
from 1895 to 1901 from $1,400 to $1,600 was paid out for premiums not 
counting the money expended for speed. From 1903 to 1910, George A. 
Hunt, Secretary, the premiums were increased from $1,800 to $3,100 per 
year. In 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1914, Theodore Hamer, Secretary, the 
premiums were $3,014, $3,028, $3,746 and $3,654. In 1915, P. R. Forman, 
Secretary, $3,019 was paid in premiums; in 1916, W. C. Bartelt, Secre- 
tary, $1,948 was the amount paid. In 1917, P. R. Forman, Secretary, 
$1,696.50 was paid in premiums. In 1918, Guy E. Still, Secretary, 
$1,110.70 was paid in premiums. In the years 1919 and 1920, Hoyt E. 
Morris, Secretary, $2,255 and $3,427.75 were the amounts paid. 

During the years 1903 to 1910, inclusive, improvements to the value 
of over $10,000 were placed on the grounds of the society. The names of 
the presidents and secretaries of the McHenry County Fair since 1867, 
are as follows : 

1867, William M. Jackson, Pres. ; C. H. Russell, Secy. 1868, James 
Crow, Pres.; E. E. Richards, Secy. 1869, James Crow, Pres.; E. E. 
Richards, Secy. 1870, James Crow, Pres.; E. E. Richards, Seey. 1871, 
James Crow, Pres.; E. E. Richards, Secy. 1872, James Crow, Pres.; 
W. H. Stewart, Secy. 1873, James Crow, Pres. ; W. H. Stewart, Secy. 
1874, James Crow, Pres. ; Asa W. Smith, Secy. 1875, James Crow, Pres. ; 
Asa W. Smith, Seey. 1876, L. Woodard, Pres.; E. E. Richards, Secy. 
1877, James Crow, Pres.; Andrew Bourne, Secy. 1878, James Crow. 
Pres.; Andrew Bourne, Secy. 1879, J. S. Wheat, Pres.; L. J. Gates, 
Secy. 1880, Thos. McD. Richards, Pres. ; W. H. Stewart, Secy. 1881, 
Thos. McD. Richards, Pres.; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1882, Thos. McD. 
Richards, Pres. ; A. S. Wright, Sec. 1883, Thos. McD. Richards, Pres. ; 
A. S. Wright, Seey. 1884, Thos. McD. Richards, Pres.; A. S. Wright, 
Seey. 1885, James Crow, Pres.; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1886, Thos. McD. 
Richards, Pres.; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1887. Thos. McD. Richards, 
Pres.; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1888, Thos. McD. Richards, Pres.; A. S. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 209 

Wright, Secy. 1889, Fred Hatch, Pres.; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1890, 
Fred Hatch, Pres. ; A. F. Field, Secy. 1891, Fred Hatch, Pres. ; A. F. 
Field, Secy. 1892, Fred Hatch, Pres. ; A. F. Field, Secy. 1893, Andrew 
Bourne, Pres. ; T. D. McRichards, Secy. 1894, R. J. Beck, Pres. ; G. B. 
Richards, Secy. 1895, R. J. Beck, Pres. ; G. B. Richards, Secy. 1896, 
R. J. Beck, Pres. ; G. B. Richards, Secy. 1897, R. J. Beck. Pres. ; D. T. 
Smiley, Secy. 1898, M. Zimpelinann, Pres. ; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1899, 
M. Zimpelmann, Pres. ; A. S. Wright, Secy. 1900, M. Zimpelinann, Pres. ; 
A. S. Wright, Secy. 1901, Fred Hatch, Pres. ; F. G. Arnold, Secy. 1902, 
Fred Hatch, Pres. ; F. G. Arnold, Secy. 1903, Fred Hatch, Pres. ; Geo. A. 
Hunt, Secy. 1904, William Desmond, Pres. ; Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1905, 
William Desmond, Pres. ; Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1906, William Desmond, 
Pres. ; Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1907, William Desmond, Pres. ; Geo. A. Hunt, 
Secy. 1908, William Desmond, Pres. ; Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1909, William 
Desmond, Pres.; Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1910, William Desmond, Pres.; 
Geo. A. Hunt, Secy. 1911, Ben Throop, Pres. ; Theo. Hamer, Secy. 1912, 
Ben Throop, Pres. ; Theo. Hamer, Secy. 1913, Ben Throop, Pres. ; Theo. 
Ilamer, Secy. 1914, Ben Throop, Pres.; Theo. Hamer, Secy. 1915, 

D. L. James,. Pres. ; P. R. Fornian, Secy. 1916, Frank J. Green, Pres.; 
W. C. Bartelt, Secy. 1917, Frank J. Green, Pres. ; P. R. Forman, Secy. 
1918, Frank J. Green, Pres.; Guy E. Still, Secy. 1919, C. W. Harrison, 
Pres.; Hoyt E. Morris, Secy. 1920, F. A. Walters, Pres.; Hoyt E. 
Morris, Secy. 1921, F. A. Walters, Pres. ; Hoyt E. Morris, Secy. 

To A. S. Wright belongs the distinction of having served the society 
as secretary longer than any other incumbent of the office. He was first 
elected in 1880 and served for the years 1881 to 1889 inclusive, making 
nine consecutive years, and again in 1898, 1899 and 1900, making twelve 
years of service for the association. Mr. Wright made an ideal secretary 
and was a persistent advertiser. During the years in which he officiated 
as secretary, and by his invitation the association had the honor of enter- 
taining many noted men. In 1882 General Oglesby, General Black, 
Gen. J. C. Smith, General Raum, General Chetlain, General Beem, and 
the French Consul, Edmond Bruevaert, were guests of the fair. In 1883 
General Longstreet, Governor Hamilton, Hon. David Littler, Gen. Clark 

E. Carr, and ex-minister Washburn were the association's guests. In 
1884 Gen. John A. Logan, General Black, General Torrance, General 
Beem and Governor Fairchild were the guests of honor. In 1886 Hon. 
A. J. Hopkins, and in 1887 Hon. Samuel Randall of Pennsylvania, Hon. 
A. E. Stevenson, Vice President of the United States from 1893 to 1897, 
Congressman William Springer, Congressman Joseph G. Cannon, and 



.'1(1 



BISTORT? OF McHENRY COUNTY 



Hon. Joseph Fifer were the county's guests. In 1889 Gen. Russel A. 
Alger, and Lt, Gov. Lyman Kay visited the fair. Senator Shelby M. 
Cullom, of Illinois, and Senator "Long" .lours of Wisconsin, visited the 
fair in 1899 and gave addresses to the old Bettlers of whom more than 
300 registered their names at the Secretary's office. Gov. Frank 0. 
Low den visited the fair in 1917. Gov. John M. Palmer of Illinois, 
Governor St. John of Kansas, Gov. Richard Yates and many other noted 
nun have visited McHenry County at various times as guests of the 
county fair. 

There is a strong probability that the Fair Association will be incor- 
porated as a stock company in the near future. If this is clone it will 
undoubtedly result in a better business organization and with the strong 
movement under way for road improvement, and the increasing use of 
automobiles the future success of the fair should be assured. 

MC BENRY COUNTY MEN WHO HAVE SERVED AS OFFICERS AT STATE AND 

OTHER FAIRS 



M. Zimpelman of Marengo was Vice President of the Illinois State 
Fair from the Eleventh District and Superintendent of Machinery for 
the years 1889 and 1900. He was succeeded the following year by C. F. 
Dike of Crystal Lake who served as Vice President from this District and 
served as Superintendent of Machinery for sixteen consecutive years, or 
until his death which occurred March 6, 1916. Charles Gilkerson, of 
Marengo was Assistant Superintendent of Dairy Products at the Illinois 
State Fair for the years 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1911. He was also Super- 
intendent of Dairy Products at the National Dairy Show at Chicago for 
several years, also at Springfield, Massachusetts and Columbus, Ohio. 
George A. Hunt, of Woodstock, made exhibits of agricultural products 
for McHenry County at the Illinois State Fair in 1901 and 1902, winning 
first premium for the county both years. The exhibit for 1902 consisted 
of six tons of products. A reproduction of this exhibit was made at the 
McHenry County Fair in 1903. The grains and grasses and the samples 
of wood from this exhibit wei-e selected by the Illinois Commission to show 
at the World's Fair at St. Louis, 1904. Mr. Hunt was appointed Super- 
intendent of Illinois Dairy Products for the World's Fair at St. Louis, 
1904. The spectacular feature of this exhibit was the bust statues of 
President Grant and President Lincoln, made with pure creamery butter. 
Mr. Hunt secured the services of the well known sculptor, Leonard 
Crunelle, for this work. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 211 

MARENGO AGRICULTURAL BOARD 

111 1872 a Driving Park Association was formed in the village of 
Marengo, consisting of J. M. Anderson, R. M. Patrick, T. II. St. John, 
L. W. Sheldon, A. H. Vail, Calvin Gilbert, S. K. Bartholomew, W. A. 
Boice, Calvin Spencer and a few others. The association leased of Cal- 
vin Spencer for a term of years; also went to considerable expense in 
grading the track and erecting an amphitheatre, but after holding two 
exhibitions found it to be a financial failure. The association dissolved, 
and the property and lease fell into the hands of a few of the former 
members, who tried to run it for a time, hoping that foreign horsemen 
might come in and take it off their hands. Failing in this they turned 
the property over to an Agricultural Board which was soon formed at 
Marengo, consisting of A. Jones, R. M. Patrick, E. H. Seward and Calvin 
Spencer. These gentleman ran the grounds three seasons longer, when 
a state charter was secured and 220 shares of stock were issued at $10 
per share. Under this plan Marengo held several excellent annual 
fairs, but between 1885 and 1890 the enterprise was discontinued. Their 
mile track was the wonder of horsemen everywhere. They had an amphi- 
theatre holding 1,000 people, and ninety box stalls. 

KISHWAUKEB FARMERS' CLUB 

This was the name given to a club formed in March, 1875, in Marengo 
Township, through the efforts of Messrs. Israel Boice, T. McD. Richards 
and Patterson Pringle, who met at the house of Mr. Richards early that 
spring, and after discussing the feasibility of the matter among them- 
selves, selected fifteen of the best neighboring farmers to join them. 
Their plans were heartily accepted by all, and it was not long before 
the club had a membership of more than fifty farmers. They held their 
meetings once a month, at the residence of some of their members, where 
they discussed in a friendly manner various modes of farming, in all 
branches of agriculture, horticulture, stockraising, dairy business, etc. 

Some member was appointed at a previous date to prepare or secure 
a lecture on some given topic and this was read at the next meeting. The 
wives and daughters of the members had a part in the work, as well 
as the men, for they, it was supposed, would furnish the "eats" for as 
many as might be present, and this they did with cheerfulness. The 
first one to act as president of this early farmers' club was Thomas McD. 
Richards, and he held the position for six years, and was succeeded by 



212 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



It. M. Patrick. Great good among the fanners of southwestern McHenry 
County was the result of this early club. 

FAK.M STATISTICS 



George A. Hunt, who had charge of the county agricultural exhibits 
at the Illinois State Fair in 1901 and 1902, and Director of Farm 
Institutes fur the Eleventh Congressional District published a neat 
booklet which accompanied the exhibit from McHenry County, and that 
publication contained many facts, including the following: 

"The area of McHenry County is G12 square miles. Its population 
is about 30,000. (The present population of McHenry County, as shown 
by the Federal Census of 1920, is 33,164.) The chief industries are 
agriculture, dairying and stockraising, nevertheless there arc a large 
number of manufacturing establishments in this county, where many 
persons are employed. The soil over a large portion of the county is 
a deep dark loam with clay sub-soil admirably adapted to retain mois- 
ture. There is very little untillable land and a crop failure has never 
been known." 

In speaking of crops, Mr. Hunt remarks that "Corn is the staple 
one, 100,000 acres being devoted to it ; average per acre from forty to 
fifty bushels, making a total of from four to five million bushels per 
year. The oats crop is second in importance, the acreage being 50,000 
acres with an average yield of from thirty-five to forty-five bushels per 
acre. The total crop is usually about 2,000,000 bushels of oats." 

"About 2,000 acres are devoted to Irish potatoes which go as high 
as 300 bushels per acre and sell at an average price of from forty to 
eighty cents per bushel" (remember, this was written in 1901). 

At the time this booklet was written there were more creameries in 
McHenry County than in any other county in the United States. At 
the present writing there is not a creamery in active operation in the 
county. 

The wages paid farm hands are twenty per cent higher than in cen- 
tral Illinois and thirty-five per cent higher than in southern Illinois. 

McHenry County has about 75,000 head of cattle; 10,000 head of 
sheep; 17,000 horses; 100,000 hogs; poultry and eggs sold to fully 
$100,000 besides all that are consumed in the farmers' homes. 

This county is in the center of the dairy region of the world. The 
county has over 50,000 cows, from which comes 200. 000, 000 pounds of 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 213 

milk annually, bringing a revenue to the farmers of between $3,500,000 
and $4,000,000 annually for this product alone. 

Again in 1914, in a book prepared for the Holstein Breeders' Asso- 
ciation, he states: "McIIeijry County, Illinois, is in the center of the 
greatest dairy region of the world. This county contains more than 
50,000 cows, producing over 200,000 tons of milk annually, a large por- 
tion of which finds its way to the Chicago market." 

"registered" farm names 

Under a recent-time legislative provision any farmer who pays a 
recording fee of $1 is entitled to have his landed estate given a select 
name — no two to be alike in the same county — and the same property 
recorded in the book made on purpose and kept in the county recorder's 
office. Also he is entitled to a printed certificate of the same, showing 
name, name of farm, and location of same. Many of the landowners 
here have taken out such certificates and had them neatly framed and 
hung upon their home walls. Up to this date (1921) the following is a 
list of such registered farms, the numerals refer to section, township and 
range of such tracts of land : 

Hill Crest— 20-44-6— Ben LeRoy Andrews. 

Oak Lawn— 20-44-6— Philip W. Andrews. 

Spring Brook— 32-43-9— Charles W. Albright. 

Meadow Park— 9-45-7— O. H. Aavang. 

Twin Oak Farm— 13-46-8— W. J. Aylward. 

Hillside— 27-46-8— Carl Anderson. 

Maple View— 9-45-8— Herbert W. Allen. 

Arbor Lodge— 10-45-8— Herbert W. Allen. 

Walnut Knoll Stock Farm — 22-44-5 — George D. Beldin. 

Silver Spring Farm — 6-43-9 — Darwin E. Brown. 

Spring Lake Daily Farm — 23-43-9 — C. L. Bratzler. 

Spring Hill Farm— 11-45-7 — Frank M. Barber. 

Evergreen Farm — 31-44-6 — P. R. Boies. 

.Maple Shade Farm— 6 and 7-43-6— W. A. Boies. 

Olenburg Farm — 13-44-7 — Alfred Bergquist. 

Theoforda— 27-45-5— Raymond Brickley. 

Hill Crest Poultry Farm— 25-44-9— C. E. Behan. 

Woodlands Dairy Farm— 6-44-8— J. F. Claxton. 

Nippersink Farm— 30-46-9— Estate of Franklin M. Cole. 

Highwood — 7-44-8 — M. Conley. 



214 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

Maplehurst — 11-4;")-.") — Minnie E. Carmack. 

Near Brook Farm — 15-45-5 — Minnie E. Carmack. 

Elmhurst — 1-44-9— H. E. Clemens. 

Maywood Farm — 1-46-6 — Arthur D. Connie. 

The Four Oaks— 35-45-8— R. G. Chamberlain. 

Lakewood Farm- 22-45-8- Fred J. Colby. 

Meadowmere — 2-45-5 — Russell and Blanche Diggins. 

Greenwood Farm — 10-45-7 — Guy Dygert. 

Kishwaukee Stock Farm — 26-44-5 — Ethel M. Echternach. 

Crystal Springs Farm — 32-45-8 — Elmer J. Fellows. 

Lake View Farm— 21-45-8— E. P. Flanders. 

Oak Glen Farm— 16-44-8— Turner Flanders. 

Riverside Dairy Farm — 26-45-8 — Stephen H. Freund. 

Twin Pine Farm— 23-46-6— Roy R. Fink. 

Bur Oak — 30-44-7 — John Ferguson. 

The Gardner Farm— 27-46-8— Willis H. Gardner. 

Silver Crest — 24-44-8 — George J. Garrison. 

Pleasant View — 7-44-7 — Christian Gasser. 

Gayland Farm— 22-45-5— G. A. Gay. 

Pleasant Grove Farm — 6-43-6 — Charles Gilkerson. 

Oak Ridge — 17-45-8 — George H. Harrison. 

Oak Mound — 5-45-8 — George H. Harrison. 

Meadow Lawn — 5-45-8 — Charles N. Harrison. 

Three Oaks— 9-45-8— Ora D. Harrison. 

West View— 35-45-6— Emery J. Heaton. 

Hermonsou Dairy Farm — 9-45-5 — Andrew A. Hermonson. 

Riverside Farm— 33-44-5— G. W. Hamlin. 

Inter Prairie Farm— 27-43-7. 

Griswold Lake Farm— 27-43-7— A. H. Hale. 

Cloverland Farm— 33-44-8— Mary L. Hale. 

The Pines— 20-44-8— G. H. Hillebrand. 

Oak Grove Farm— 36-46-7— C. C. Hunt. 

Crystal Brook Farm— 20-43-8— Edwin Hall Estate. 

Shadow Lawn — 1-45-5 — D. I. Hine. 

Emerald Court— 36-46-5— Mrs. A. J. Hoban. 

Cozy Nook— 29-46-8— Charles F. Krohm. 

Cloverdale — 22-44-7 — James B. Loomis. 

Sunny View Poultry Place— Wilber H. Levey. (In Ridgefield.) 

Grand View— 22-46-8— Earl E. Monear. 

Cold Springs— 12-44-7— Cora L. Mason. 




4 



tLAA^t^^z^ 



■ 



HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 215 

Ardmore— 24-44-8— George L. Murphy. 

Bellevue— 14-45-6— George L. Murphy. 

Rosedale— 15-45-6— George L. Murphy. 

Sorek— 29-45-7— George L. Murphy. 

Lismore— 19-45-7— George L. Murphy. 

Carmel— 32-45-7— George L. Murphy. 

Brookfield— 7-45-7— George L. Murphy. 

Oakwood Farm— 21-45-8— Clinton E. Martin. 

Walnut Grove Dairy Farm— 25-43-6— J. M. Marsh. 

The Lindens— 2-43-5— Dr. CO Miller. 

Hillside View Farm— 12-44-5— John L. Madison. 

The Maples— 31-45-6— Robert F. Marshall. 

Oakside Farm— 17-44-7— Charles E. Marks. 

Elm Lawn— 20-43-8— Mrs. F. E. Martin. 

Frary Dale— township 43, range 8— Laura E. Munshaw. 

Merrilldale— 23-45-5— F. S. Merrill. 

Windham Farm — 25-46-5— James H. Moore. 

Sunny Crest— 8-45-8 — Burton McCannon. 

Fairview — 4-45-8 — Grace McCannon. 

North View— 24-44-8— James W. McNish. 

Walnut Hill Stock Farm— 10-45-7— M. W. Newman. 

Highland Park Dairy Farm— 28-46-8— C. L. Osborn. 

Lilac Hill— 9-46-5— Jacob Olbrich. 

Silver Spring Dairy Farm— 14-43-5— S. P. Olesen. 

Sunnyside— 34-45-8— Chas. L. Page. 

Shady Lawn Farm— 31-46-5— Mrs. M. J. Paul. 

Cozy Dale Farm— 33-45-7— Frank Piska. 

Evergreen Acres — 31-44-5 — Frederick Pulse. 

Lakeside — 22-45-8 — Caroline M. Petersen. 

Clover Brook Farm— 24-46-8— H. G. Reading. 

Meadow Brook Farm— 24-46-8— H. G. Reading. 

Menoken Stock Farm— 16-46-6— John C. Ross. 

Crystal Brook Farm— 20-43-8— David Reid. 

Hickory Grove— 14-43-6— Charles W. Rugh. 

Meadow Brook Dairy Farm— 13-43-6— The Riley Est. 

Prairie View — 5-45-8 — Lncella A. Stephenson. 

Seebert's Caryview Dairy Farm— 13-43-8— Mrs. Georgia C. Seebert. 

Oak Hill Farm— 13-46-5— Fred N. Smith. 

Mayflower Farm— 20-44-6— E. B. Standish. 

Garden of Eden— 17-46-9— J. W. Sanborn. 



216 HISTORY OF MrHEXRY COFXTY 

West I, awn Farm — 25-45-5 — Alice B. Stevenson. 

Waveland Farm- 6-45-5 — Ole A. Stalheim. 

Florintine— 18-46-7— J. N. Turner. 

Ingleside — 12-4.">-7 — B. L. Thomas. 

Glen View Farm— 27-46-8— Reuben R. Turner. 

Maple Dale— 36-46-7— Charles H. Thompson. 

Hazel Ridgi — 24-46-8— E. G. Turner. 

(lover Hill Farm— 30-45-8— F. 15. Thompson. 

Waverly Stock Farm— 22-46-6— W D. Thompson. 

.Maple Lawn— 32-46-6— Milo M. Wakeley. 

Grovelaud Stock Farm— 10-44-7— Frank White & Son. 

Hill Crest Stock Farm — 4-44-8— W. E. Whiting. 

Willobrook Farm— 12-45-8— William Walkington. 

Bighland Stock Farm— 2-44-8— Walter .1. Walsh. 

Fairholme Farm — 11-45-5 — Flora E. Whipple. 

Overlook— 13-45-5— H. E. Whipple. 

The Spring— 16-46-6-^J. F. Westphall. 

Improvement — 23-43-5 — W. H. Weaver. 

Oakland Farm— 33-44-8— John M. Walkup. 

Orchard Knob— 13-46-8— Walter E. Winn. 

East Acres— 36-46-6— Randall D. Weitzel. 

Level Acres — 33-45-6 — John C. Widmayer. 



CHAPTER XIV 

DAIRY AND LIVE STOCK INTERESTS 

By W. J. Kittle 

LEADING INDUSTRY DIFFERENCE IN METHODS EARLY AND LATER DAY IN- 
TERESTS FORMER CHEESE AND BUTTER ACTIVITIES — RADICAL CHANGE 

PIONEER SHIPPERS — INTELLIGENT DAIRYING DAIRY INTERESTS — IMPOR- 
TANCE OF DAIRY COW. 

LEADING INDUSTRY 

The leading industry of this county is dairying, which gives it a 
commanding position. Dairying is carried on so extensively that the 
county is said to have more cows per acre than any other county in the 
United States. While since its early days the farmers of the county 
have been engaged in dairying, and marketed their product direct, at 
present they are disposing of their milk to the large city dealers and 
condensaries. The city dealers have many bottling and receiving plants 
located throughout the county. These, with two condensing plants, 
furnish the points at which the dairymen deliver their milk daily, and 
at these plants the milk is prepared for the city consumers, or is manu- 
factured into condensed and evaporated products. 

DIFFERENCES IN METHODS 

There is a great difference between modern methods of handling milk, 
and those which prevailed many years ago, owing in part to state regula- 
tions, and also to the education of the farmer who has learned how to 
care for his stock and milk according to sanitary ideas. Some of the 
finest equipped dairy farms in the country are in McIIenry County, and 
several of them are rated as model agricultural plants. As long ago 
as 1885 the attention of the public was called to the dairy interests of 
this county, and from then on to the present day, they have been the 
subject of many articles in different journals, extracts from several of 
which being given below. 

217 



218 IllsToKY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

EARLY AND LATER DAY INTERESTS 

From an old publication issued in 1> S "> the subjoined is quoted: 

"The sinrk and dairy business of this county are fasl assuming an 
importance which bids fair to transcend all others. The very best of 
pasturage and excellent water supplies abound every where in the 
county. The famous blue grass, so common in the South, is here in- 
digenous and thrives luxuriantly. These facts have led the farmers to 
turn their attention largely to stockraising and dairying, while at the 
same time they continue to give a good share of their time to the pro- 
duction of hay. cereals, fruit ami vegetables. The dairy interests are 

discussed more in detail, but in this eon tion it may he added that 

the importance of improving our stock of late years has become almosl 
universal, until now choice herds of Holsteins. Alderneys and Herefords 
can be seen in all parts of this county. The combining of stock and dairy 
interests has been attended with the most satisfactory results. 

"Until within the last quarter of the century I 1860) cheese making 
in Illinois was a small industry. No cheese was made for export, except 
in the larger dairies. Factories were unknown, and the markets of the 
state were supplied with Eastern cheese products. The Western farmer 
had the best farming and grazing land in the country, as well as every 
facility for raising stock at less expense than the Eastern farmers; still 
dairying received little or no attention. Cattle were kept in great num- 
bers, but they were driven or shipped East for beef purposes. Butter 
was made and shipped to a small extent, but so little care and skill were 
displayed in the manufacture of butter that Western butter acquired 
an unenviable reputation in the world's markets. Most of the farmers 
were in debt and gave their attention to stock, considering that the 
speediesl means of raising funds. As in all new-settled countries, grains 
and stock received almost exclusive attention and manufacturers were 
discouraged. As to cheese, it was urged that only an inferior quality 
could be made in the West ; that the milk did not contain the necessary 
ingredients; that the grass, soil and climate were not suitable. But 
all these false theories have been long since exploded, since the farmers 
went to work in an intelligent manner and understanding, and gave the 
dairy industry the attention its importance demanded. 

"Before 1866 there was not a cheese factory in McHenry County. 
In 1866 and 1867 there were eight in operation, and the number con- 
tinually increased. At first the business met with considerable opposi- 
tion. There was a lack of confidence among stockholders as to profits. 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 219 

There was also great difficulty in obtaining employes possessing qualifi- 
cations of experience and adaptation to the work. The cheese were 
generally made for those furnishing the milk, at a stipulated price per 
pound, either two and a half or three cents. The factory proprietors 
furnished all other materials, making and storing for a specified time. 
At the expiration of the time agreed upon the owners of the eheese either 
took it away or allowed the manufacturer to sell for them on commission. 
In 1867 the cheese factories in operation in this county were: 

"The Hebron factory, built in the spring of 1866 by R. W. Stewart 
and W. II. Stewart ; a two-story frame building, 30x55 feet, enlarged the 
second year. 

•'The Huntley factory, started in 1866 by A. A. Blanchard and A. 
Woodworth. 

"The Marengo factory, started in 1867 by Anson Sperry and R. M. 
Patrick. 

"The Greenwnod factory, in 1867; A. C. Thompson and George 
Abbott, proprietors. 

"The Union factory, 1867; Hunderford & Durkee, proprietors. 

"The Woodstock factory, 1867; C. De Cleroq, proprietor. 

"The Riley factory, built in 1867 by P. B. Merrill, E. Graves and 
Leonard Parker." 

The amount of milk used and the number of pounds of cheese pro- 
duced by the above mentioned factories during 1867 is thus given in the 
Woodstock Sentinel : 

Name of Factory Pounds Milk Pounds Cheese 

Richmond (six months run) 1,830,423 134,471 

Hebron (five months run) 1,000,000 112,000 

Huntley (four and three-fourths).. 597,905 64,07S 

.Marengo (four months run) 

Greenwood (four months run) 542,365 54,236 

Union (four months run) 429,000 43,000 

Woodstock (four months run) 243,000 22,223 

Riley (four months run) 40,000 

"In addition to the above," says the same authority "there were a 
great many farmers in the county in 1867 who had dairies of from 
twenty to fifty cows and made cheese at home. 

"The dairy interests have grown rapidly from the beginning. The 
county now (1885) contains fifty-three cheese factories and creameries. 



220 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Also large dairies. The shipping of milk to Chicago is carried on <xten- 
sively and with greal profil to the dairyman. This branch of the dairy 

business is also comparatively new. hut its growth has been very rapid, 
and it is now one of the chief industries of McHenry County. Every 
railroad station in the county sends its quota of milk to feed the great 
city. 

"At the Philadelphia I lentennial Exposition in hsTG, J. S. "Watrous of 
the town of Xnnda. placed on exhibition samples of butter made at his 
factory, the Edgefield Crystal Springs Factory. This exhibit was 
awarded a gold medal tor its superior quality, a result particularly 
gratifying to McHenry County dairymen, when it is considered that not 
only the old states of the East were competitors for the honor, but also 
of sections in this country and Canada. 

"The dairy statistics of 1S77 together with those of 1883, are given 
below, and fully illustrate the rapid growth of this industry in this 
county : 

1877 1883 

■•Number of cows kept 18,378 28,179 

• • Pounds of butter sold 805,832 757,935 

••Pounds cheese sold 969,229 2,213,0U2 

■■Callous milk sold 2,331,007 7,917,321 

A RADICAL CHANGE 

The radical change from butter ami cheese making in this county to 
the present plan of bottling and shipping the milk produce of the farmers 
of the county was brought about in 1889-90. since which time little 
butter ami cheese have been made here and sent to the markets of the 
world. The milk has been daily bottled, or sent in large cans to I ihicago 
where it supplies that great and constantly growing city, less than fifty 
miles distant. 

In the days when cheese making was one of the leading industries of 
the county, the product was of excellent quality, but because of the 
making of what was known as "filled cheese," really a skim-milk cheese 
filled with lard, and the throwing of it on the market, the good name 
of all McHenry County cheese was damaged, and all of Illinois suffered. 

Cyrus L. .Mead, one of the pioneers of the county, when in his ninety- 
third year, then being a resident of Hebron, stated that the first cheese 
factory in the vicinity of Hebron was Imilt by William and Robert 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 221 

Stewart in 1865. He says that in 1868 Harry W. Mead built a factory 
just north of the townsite of Hebron, it being on his farm. 

The earliest bottling plant in the county was that established at 
Crystal Lake. 

Several large corporations have established themselves in the milk- 
bottling business within this county, including the Borden and Bow- 
man concerns. The present condensed milk plants in the county are 
located at Union and Chemung. 

There are the following bottling plants : those of the Borden Com- 
pany at MeHenry, Algonquin, Richmond, Hebron, Alden, Chemung, 
Woodstock, Ridgeficld and Marengo; those of the Bowman Company at 
Crystal Lake. Cary, Hartlend, Harvard, Greenwood and Ringwood; a 
country plant near Crystal Lake and at Greenwood ; the John P. Jelke 
plant at Huntley ; the plant of Victor Mey at Huntley ; that of the 
American Milk Company at Union ; The Western Dairy Company plant 
at Belden ; and that of the Weiland Company at Spring Grove. 

PIONEER SHIPPERS 

Among the early shippers of milk to the Chicago market was L. W. 
Walkup who milked fifty cows, and finding that the commissions paid in 
Chicago left him but little profit, he, together with his brother, who later 
died as a missionary in a foreign land, undertook to peddle milk in 
Chicago, but after two months' trial became convinced that this plan was 
not practical, and so abandoned their project. Mr. Walkup is still a 
resident of Crystal Lake, states that while he was able to dispose of his 
milk as above stated because he was accessible to the railroad, others less 
fortunately situated, including the elder James Kittle, who had forty 
cows in his herd, were forced to make their milk up into butter or cheese 
and ship the same. The butter was usually packed in sixty pound ash 
or spruce tubs. 

INTELLIGENT DAIRYING, 1921 

Perhaps no better exposition of present-day dairy conditions can be 
given than that taken from the Harvard Independent, as follows: 

"John C. Olbrich, one of the well-known Marengo farmers, was a 
business caller in Harvard Monday evening, and told us a few interesting 
things in regard to his work. He is working 600 acres of land, there 
are four cement silos on his place, and he is milking about fifty cows. 



BISTORT OF McBENRY COUNTY 

Bis milk is delivered to the Borden plant at Marengo, and at present it is 
averaging abonl 1.400 pounds daily, his monthly milk check being in the 
neighborhood of -+1.400. Mr. Olbrieh is a greal worker and uses his 

brains as well as his hands. In conversation with us he told us that he 
experienced more difficulty in securing help fur the house than the 
ordinary male help on the farm. His practice in farming is to raise the 
aecessarj feed for the stock on his own farm, for there is no money to be 
made if one pays it all out for expensive \'r<'A. By making use of the 
four silos on his farm, Mr. Olbrieh can gel along if there is a failure 
of the corn crop. There's the secret of the whole thing. Some men make 
a lot of milk and pull in big milk checks, but they spend so much for feed 
that they are very little ahead at the end of the year. The successful 
farmers, the men who make the money, are those who raise their own 
feed and are prepared for the emergency when the crop failure comes 
along." 

DAIRY INTERESTS 

Capital invested nearly $1,500,000 

Men employed in different plants throughout the 

county 500 

Herds 2,500 

Total milk production, pounds daily 655,000 

Milk bottled, quarts daily 267,500 

Milk condensed, pounds daily 120,000 

IMPORTANCE OF DAIRY COW 

The dairy cow has been the redeemer and builder of McIIenry 
County. Under the present reconstruction period she has kept the bank 
accounts of McHenry County farmers on the right side of the ledger. 



■^^^RS&'V^ 












3 iuHa| 1 19 hJ3nEk 






CHAPTER XV 
RAILROADS AND INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES 

SOURCES OP PRESENT PROSPERITY — FIRST STEAM RAILROADS — PRESENT RAIL- 
ROADS — ELECTRIC RAILROADS — RAILROAD MILEAGE — LOCAL SHOPS — IN- 
DUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES — WOODSTOCK — MARENGO — HARVARD ALGONQUIN 

ALDEN — MCHENRY — WEST MCHENRY — CRYSTAL LAKE SPRING GROVE 

— TERRA COTTA — RICHMOND — FARMERS' NEW ERA TELEPHONE COMPANY. 

SOURCE OF PRESENT PROSPERITY 

This county owes much of its present prosperity to the railroads 
whose network traverse its entire area. These railroads were among the 
first to be built in Northern Illinois, which today has one of the finest 
railroad systems in the world. Every village in McHenry County has 
its railroad station, thus being afforded excellent shipping facilities. 
Each township, with the exception of Riley in the extreme southwestern 
portion of the county, has a railroad crossing some portion of its terri- 
tory. By these roads the dairyman and farmer are brought into close 
touch with Chicago and other industrial centers. Milk is shipped every 
morning from practically every station in the county to Chicago, and 
milk trains are as common on the roads passing through McHenry 
County, as are the fruit trains on those of the Pacific Coast. 

FIRST STEAM RAILROADS 

The first railroad which was constructed through McHenry County 
was the old Galena division of the present Northwestern system, then 
known as the Galena & Chicago Union Railway. Completed in 1854. it 
had stations at Huntley, Union and Marengo, which are still maintained. 

In June, 1855, the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad reached 
Woodstock, the following year was extended as far as Harvard, and was 
then rapidly pushed on to its terminus. This road is now the Wisconsin 
division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and maintains stations 

223 



224 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



at Cary, Crystal Lake, Ridgefield, Woodstock, Eartland, Harvard and 

Lawrence, all in this county. 

About 1855 the construction work on the Fox River Valley Railroad 
was begun in the eastern part of the county, crossing it from north to 
south. This road was subsequently purchased by the Chicago & North- 
western system, and is operated under the name of the Elgin & State Line 
Division of the Northwestern. It has stations in this county at Algon- 
quin, Crystal Rake. Mc -Henry. Terra Cotta, Ringwood and Richmond. 

In RS61-62 The Kenosha & Rockford Railroad was built in the 
northern part, and this is now also a part of the Northwestern system 
with stations at Hebron, Alden, Harvard and Chemung, with ''sidings" 
at other places in the county. 

The last railroad to be built in McHenry County was the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paid, which enters the county in the southeastern part 
of Burton Township and runs in a northwesterly direction through 
Richmond and Hebron townships, with stations at Spring Grove, Solon 
Mills, and at a junction point where this road crosses Kenosha & Rock- 
ford division on section 11, Hebron Township. The Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St, Paul Railroad was built through this county in 1900 and fur- 
nishes an additional outlet for the freight of the county. Through 
the merging of the several railroads into one or more of the great sys- 
tems, the people of McHenry County are now afforded the best of train 
service and the finest of accommodations, and all of the traffic is handled 
by the two great systems, the Chicago & Northwestern and the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul. 

ELECTRIC RAILWAYS 



In addition to the many miles of steam railroads in the county, there 
are also two electric roads, one of which in the southwestern part, with 
stations at Union and Marengo, is operated as the Elgin and Belvidere; 
and one between Harvard and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is operated as 
the Chicago, Harvard & Lake Geneva. These two lines afford much 
satisfaction and accommodation to the people adjacent to them, for they 
can hoard a car for distant trading points at almost any hour of the 
day or night, and return within a few hours. The one between Harvard 
and Lake Geneva carries many passengers to the great summer resort 
in Wisconsin. Other lines have been projected, and one company graded 
a road between Marengo and Harvard over twenty years ago, but none 
of these enterprises reached fruition. 



HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 225 

RAILROAD MILEAGE 

The steam railroads have the following mileage: the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul, twelve and one-third miles, and the Chicago & North- 
western, IIS 1 /,-, miles. 

The electric lines have the following mileage : the Chicago, Harvard 
& Lake Geneva, five and one-half miles; and the Elgin & Belvidere, 
twenty-one and three-tenths miles, making a total of 173Vio miles of 
steam and electric roads in the county. 

LOCAL SHOPS 

When the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built to Harvard. 
a roundhouse and repair shop were erected there, but in the latter part 
of the last century were removed to Janesville. Woodstock also had 
a two-stall roundhouse for many years to house a special Chicago pas- 
senger train which ran as an accommodation, but when that was dis- 
continued, the roundhouse was abandoned. 

INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES 

While there are a number of flourishing industrial concerns in the 
county whose products are shipped to far-distant points and some all 
over the world, the staple industry is of course dairying. However, it 
is with interest that the historian records the achievements in an in- 
dustrial line during the past and present in the different communities of 
MeHenry County. 

WOODSTOCK 

Prior to 1854 several mills were operated at Woodstock and produced 
much of the flour and rough lumber required by the community. The 
first saw-mill was constructed in 1852, although a flax-mill had been built 
in 1846, and this was subsequently converted into a planing mill in the 
early fifties. 

In 1854 EosweU Enos opened his small but excellent tannery, but 
not long thereafter it was burned, and he did not replace it. 

In 1856 Gilbert B. Drake and Cornelius Quinlan built a grist-mill at 
Woodstock, which they operated by steam power. After several years of 
operation it was abandoned. 



i'l><; 



HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY 



J. 0. Teeple and Eenry Eckerl established a machine shop, which 
was of greal value to the early settlers of this pari of the county, and 
also carried on a foundry and made many castings. This plant was 
finally owned by D. II. S. Barrows. 

In 18(18 Dr. ( '. 15. Durfee began tin- manufacture of drain tile. This 
plant Later became the property of the Woodstock Brick, Drain. Tile 
and Peat Company, which used native peat for the fuel needed. This 
business closed in 1873. 

The pickle factory of Squire Dingee & Company was first established 
by a stock company, formed in 1873, with a capital stock of $.70,000. 
The building was elected in 1874, and E. T. Hopkins was placed in 
charge. The business after a time was leased to Heintz, Noble & Com- 
pany for five years, and this concern packed in large (plant ities. but 
after a long trial went out of existence as a producer of vinegar, although 
pickles were still packed. In 1880. under the ownership of Squire Dingee, 
the annual output was 55,000 bushels of cucumbers. The plant had 
fifty-five large salting vats, and employment was given to about twenty 
men. During the shipping season from eight to ten carloads were usually 
shipped per week. 

Another early pickle factory was that operated by Norman frame 
& Company, and it was undoubtedly the largest one in the county at 
that time. Norman Frame and Judge T. D. Murphy entered into partner- 
ship in 1881, under the above name, and carried on an extensive pickle 
and vinegar plant at "Woodstock until they leased their plant to Squire 
Dingee, and the business was by him carried on until he went out of 
this line, a number of years thereafter. 

The Pickle Growers' Union was formed in 1881, and had 100 mem- 
bers, at whose head was Edward Short. Associated with him were other 
representative pickle growers, whose object was to store the pickles pro- 
duced by the members of the union so as to be able to take advantage of 
the better prices later in the season. During 1883, 1884 and 1885 this 
organization did a business of $40,000 annually in salted pickles. Their 
building was located near the depot, and had a capacity of 25.000. 
In 1884 the association had increased its membership, and had for its 
officers the following: T. McD. Richards, president ; Mark Hicock, treas- 
urer; and Edward Short, secretary. As the years went on, however, the 
farmers changed their crops, and, no longer raising pickles, the business 
was discontinued. 

In 1858 a brewery was established a mile and one-half west of Wood- 
stock by John Bertchey. It was a small plant making common beer 



HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 227 

Later it was owned by Arnold, Zimmer & Company, which purchased 
the founder's rights in 1868. The new firm was continued many years 
and operated a large plant, the original one having been expanded, until 
the mammoth brewing companies at Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities 
monopolized the brewing industry. A never-failing spring supplied the 
water used by the Woodstock brewery, and ice was produced in an 
artificial pond nearby. In 1885 the brewery was using 25,000 bushels 
of malt ; had three immense icehouses, fermenting rooms, cooling rooms, 
bottling rooms, stables and sheds for the large number of horses and 
wagons used in carrying on what was the largest brewing plant in this 
part of Illinois. Twenty-live men were employed for twelve hours a 
day, and 800 barrels of beer were produced monthly, including standard 
brands of Bohemian and export beer. This beer was sold at Woodstock, 
Harvard, Janesville, Rockford, Clinton, Elgin and Dundee. The brew- 
ing company also owned and farmed 180 acres of land on which they 
fed cattle for the markets. This brewery was destroyed by fire in 1902. 

In 1897 Mrs. Edith Kingman Poyer established what was known as 
the "Northwestern Rabbitry" for the production of rabbits for their 
meat and skins, and was principally managed by Mrs. Poyer 's brother, 
C. F. Kingman. It was expanded and in 1901 was said to be the largest 
plant of its kind in America, and yielded good returns. The plant was 
located at the end of Washington street, and in the frame building there 
were 275 cages, usually filled with fine specimens of imported hares and 
rabbits. One animal, "Fiery Fox," took prizes all over the country, 
and his owner was offered .+2,000 for him. The Be'gian hares were 
especially valuable, and thousands of pounds of these animals were 
chipped in refrigerator cars to Eastern markets, where fancy prices were 
received. A fire destroyed the plant and it was never rebuilt. 

It is as a center for the manufacture of typewriters that Woodstock 
has become known all over the civilized world, the plants of two of the 
leading machines being located in this city. They form the chief in- 
dustrial factor of Woodstock, and are of great importance to the people 
here and throughout the county. 

The Oliver Typewriter Company, the pioneer in this industry, has its 
plant near the railroad station, and it manufactures the Oliver type- 
writer. This machine is the direct materialization of a dream held for 
years by Rev. Thomas Oliver, a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. A natural mechanic, with a genius for inventing, he long 
worked over his ideas for improving the primitive "writing" machines. 
Probably because of his interest in them, he pursued his idea in his 



228 



HISTORY OF McIIKNRY COUNTY 



dreams, and one night had what he felt was a vision, and the following 
day put his recollection of it on paper. Prom this he worked oul through 
days of experimenting what was the firsi Oliver typewriter. He eon- 
structed several models before he was able to reach the fundamental 
principle of the now famous machine thai bears his name. His was the 
firsi visible typewriter known. He made his experimental type-bars of 
two strips of common tin, but his model worked well, and lie typed his 
sermons with it. 

Doctor Oliver commenced making his typewriters while living at 
Epsworth, Iowa, a short distance west of Dubuque. His first shop was 
on the second floor of a wooden building, the lower floor of which was 
used for a restaurant. Here he made twelve experimental machines, 
placed them on trial, thereby gaining a full dozen recommendations, and 
he was then able to organize a stock company with a paid-up capital of 
$20,000, or its equivalent. His fellow-townsmen so appreciated the value 
of Doctor Oliver's invention and its importance to their community that 
they built him a brick shop, and employment was given to sixteen em- 
ployes including: Charles Fay, who accompanied him to Woodstock. The 
business so increased that it was deemed expedient to look for a per- 
manent location near Chicago, and in December, 1S96, the business was 
moved to Woodstock and the plant established in the quarters formerly 
occupied by the Wheeler and Tappan Pump Company. With the un- 
derstanding that the plant was to remain at Woodstock for a period of 
five years, the city donated the buildings above referred to. Many years 
have elapsed since then, and the plant is still at Woodstock, and em- 
ployment is now given to about 1,400 persons, the output being 325 
machines daily. This contrasts vividly with the 100 machines which 
were the sole output of the first eight months' work of the company after 
coming to Woodstock. Six of the original employes came from Iowa to 
Woodstock with the company, namely: A. C. Peavey, Irving Greenlee, 
Robert Edwards, S. Horr, Charles Fay and Lester Carr. The Oliver 
Building at No. 159 North Dearborn street is the Chicago headquarters 
of the company. 

The present officers are: Henry K. Gilbert, president : Delevan Smith, 
vice president; William B. Stewart, Jr.. vice president; John Whitcomb, 
vice president, who is in charge of sales: E. II. Smith, secretary and 
treasurer, who is in charge of production: and Frank M. Farnsworth, 
auditor. 

The Woodstock Typewriter Company was organized under the laws 
of Illinois, under the name of the Emerson Typewriter Company. Sep- 



HISTOEY OF McHENEY COUNTY 229 

tember 14. 19(19, and its plant was at Momence, 111., and the Emerson 
typewriter was manufactured. Until the plant was moved to Woodstock 
in 1910, George M. A. Fecke was president of the company. 

In December, 1910, the company was reorganized, and in June, 1911, 
discontinued manufacturing the Emerson typewriter, scrapping the 
tools, and commenced the production of the Woodstock typewriter 
according to the designs of Alvah C. Boebuck, the inventor. This ma- 
chine was first placed on the market in 1915 and has proved to be very 
popular. The company erected a spacious brick building in the eastern 
part of Woodstock, which contains 44,270 square feet of floor space, and 
additional space will soon be afforded. About 350 persons are employed 
and the output is about fifty-five machines per day. Approximately 
fifty percent of these machines are sold in the United States, the re- 
mainder being shipped to foreign countries. 

The present officers of this company are as follows : L. W. Meck- 
stroth, president ; Arnold J. Lethen, treasurer ; N. W. Keating, secre- 
tary ; J. F. Swahlstedt, assistant treasurer ; 0. Hokanson, chief engineer ; 
N. W. Marsilius, superintendent; Mack Marsilius, assistant superinten- 
dent ; and E. Lowe, purchasing agent. 

MARENGO 

In 1861 a flour-mill was built at Marengo by Butsford, Howe & Spen- 
cer at a cost of .$10,000. It was operated by steam, and an excellent 
custom business was carried on. In the eighties it was still operated, 
being then owned by S. K. Bartholomew, who, however, only produced 
feed. With changes in methods of production and the growth of the 
great flour and feed corporations, this mill, with similar ones, went out 
of existence. 

A foundry and machine shop was established at Marengo in 186S, 
by Henry Deitz, but it later became the property of C. E. Kelley who 
enlarged the plant, added much modern machinery, including small 
engines and a line of pumps. About fifteen men were usually employed. 

A cheese-box factory at Marengo was the outgrowth of a sash and 
blind factory which was started about 1878. It did not pay and so was 
converted into a coopering shop. After two years this coopering business 
was purchased by Wood & Sherwin, of Elgin, who began manufacturing 
cheese boxes. When butter and cheese were no longer produced by the 
farmers who found it more profitable to sell their milk, this factory 
ceased making butter tubs and cheese boxes for which there was no 
longer a local market. 



230 



HISTORY OP McIIEXKY COFXTY 



A canning factory was established at Marengo in 1875 by E. F. and 
K. L. McKinney. It was started in a small way. bul was expanded as 
the volume of business warranted, and here for years were manufactured 

jellies anil jams; all kinds of vegetables ami fruits were canned, ami 
several changes were made in location. All of the products were sold 
to Chicago grocers at excellent prices. From twenty to sixty persons 
were employed according to the season. At one time the output was sold 
direct to the United States government for use in the army. This 
factory has not been in operation for many years. 

The L. Woodard Pickle Company was founded in l!SSL> by Loren 
Woodard, uncle of W. P. Woodard, the present executive head. This 
company is incorporated, and the present officials are: W. C. Woodard. 
president; M. R. Woodard, secretary; and A. B. Woodard, treasurer. 
The L. Woodard Company are packers of salt pickles and fancy dill 
pickles, and in addition to the plant at Marengo, have plants at Harvard, 
III., and Covert, Hartford, Kingsley and Beulah, Mich. 



HARVARD 



In 1 S7l2 Burbank & Law erected at Harvard a malthouse which 
stood about twenty rods north of the depot, and its capacity was about 
100 bushels per day. The product was sold at Chicago, Milwaukee and 
in Pennsylvania. On only a $5,000 capital the firm did an excellent 
business, exceeding 45,000 bushels of malt in their sales, but after three 
years closed down, and the building' was converted into a grain ware- 
house. 

Another malthouse was established about the same date by the Har- 
vard Malting Company, and it had a capacity of 250 bushels daily, and 
the business was under the management of E. E. Ayer. Three years later 
the malthouse was closed, but was soon afterwards sold to a Kenosha firm 
who made a number of improvements on the plant, erecting buildings 
costing .+25,000. At one time this firm had on hand 60,000 bushels of 
malt. 

A pickle factory was started at Harvard in the spring of 1883, which 
had a capacity of 30,000 bushels of pickles. That same season Clark 
& Brainard built a factory of about the same size as the Sawyer factory, 
and for some years both concerns did a large business. 

The Harvard Flouring Mills were erected in 1857, by Jonathan W T ells, 
and in 1860 the building was sold to Colonel Blandin, and in 1870 he 
.sold to (i. II. Wood, A. S. Gournee and P. C. Farnum who enlarged it 



HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 231 

and converted it into a flouring mill of the old millstone type. Early in 
the eighties it was changed to a modern roller process mill where 
"patent" flour was made. 

The Hunt, Helm & Ferris Company was established in 1883 and 
incorporated in 1902. The original founders were C. E. Hunt and 
N. B. Helm, and II. L. Harris was the inventor and designor. The com- 
pany manufactures barn equipment and builders' hardware of the "Star 
Line*' brand. During busy seasons employment is given to about 300 
men. Shipments are made all over the United States and to South 
America and Europe. The present officials are: C. E. Hunt, president; 
H. L. Ferris, vice president; H. J. Ferris, vice president; B. B. Bell, 
secretary and treasurer; H. B. Megran, assistant secretary; and W. J. 
Heatley, assistant treasurer. The company has a branch at Albany, N. Y. 

The Church I lay Barrier "Manufacturing Company manufactured a 
hay carrier, invented by E. L. Church, and patented in 1874. He was 
then living in Wisconsin, and was not much more than a lad, but was 
a born inventor. His first carriers were manufactured at Rockford, 111., 
but in 1880 he came to Harvard, bought a building at the corner of 
Ayer and Church streets, enlarged it, and increased his production to 
about 4,000 carriers annually. He had traveling men in all parts of the 
country and he did a big business, his sales extending even as far west 
as California. Subsequently this business was merged with the Hunt, 
Helm & Ferris Company. 

In 1914 H. C. Beardsley founded what is now the Beardsley Candy 
Company, manufacturers and jobbers of the "Fern-Bee" confections, 
the latter name having been assumed in 1919. In the busy season em- 
ployment is given to thirty people. Sales are made to jobbers and re- 
tailers. The present officials are : II. C. Beardsley, president, and E. G. 
Fernholz, secretary and treasurer. 

The Harvard Garment Company was established in 1920 by F. W. 
Banning. This concern manufactures dolls and doll dresses, and sells to 
jobbers and retailers over the United States and Canada. About 200 
dozen dolls are produced weekly, and employment is given to about 
thirty-four people. 

ALGONQUIN 

Benjamin Douglas and Colonel Hoffman built the first saw-mill in 
Algonquin Township in 1839, and it was located on Crystal Lake. In 
1842 A. Dawson built a mill in the village of Algonquin. Another mill 



2: 12 



HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 



was also built on Cliunn Creek in 1840 by Oliunii & Toles. These men, 
with Mr. Northrop, erected a grist-mill on the same creek in 1862. 
Burgess iSc Cornish built a mill, on the Cornish farm, in 1848, which 
was propelled by the water from the outlet of Crystal Lake. The grist- 
mill on the east side of the river at Algonquin was commenced by 
A. Dawson, and completed by Henry I'etrie. in 1849. In 1850 Doctor 
Plumleigh built a brick grist-mil] at Algonquin village on the lake outlet, 
and it carried on an excellent business way into the eighties. 

The American Ironing Machine Company was founded in 1906, and 
they manufacture ironing machines, skirt boards, safety tapping at- 
tachments, abrasion metal cutters and clothes extractors. When running 
full capacity they employ about 250 men. and make about 200 ironing 
machines a day. They have branch offices in New York; Chicago; Pitts- 
burgh; .Minneapolis; Omaha; Denver; San Francisco; St.. Louis; 
Rochester, N. Y. : Woodstock, Ontario ; and have dealers in nearly every 
state in the United States. The present officers are: Herman G. Groose, 
president; Edward C. Peter, vice president; Joseph W. Taft, secretary 
and treasurer; and the board of directors is composed of the following: 
Herman G. Groose, Edward C, Peter, Joseph W. Taft, Willis T. Peter, 
and W. W. Armstrong. The trade mark of this company is "Simplex." 

ALDEN 

As late as 1885 the butter and cheese industry was active at Alden, 
and there were four factories for the production of butter and cheese in 
Alden Township. The first one was built at Alden Station in 1869, and 
during its most flourishing period it used as much as 15,000 pounds of 
milk daily. The second of these factories was built in 1877, and was 
subsequently consolidated with the first. In 1879 F. Ferris & Company 
built a factory several miles beyond the town limits, and it had a daily 
consumption, in 1885, of 8,000 pounds of milk. When a change came 
in the milk industry, these factories went out of. existence, the milk now 
being shipped to Chicago through the several milk companies operating 
in the county. 

MC HENRY 



The first saw-mill was built in the village of McHenry in 1S37, by a 
Mr. Barnum, who later sold it to James Salisbury and several associates. 
James Salisbury was instantly killed, while beneath the mill looking 



HISTORY OF McHENKY COUNTY 233 

after the machinery, at which time the water was accidentally turned 
on, and this was said to be the first death in the county of a person to 
whom a regular Christian burial was given. Rev. Joel Wheeler w<is 
the officiating clergyman. 

The first grist-mill in McHenry was erected in 1851, by Owen 
Brothers, and they operated it until 1858. At that time E. M. Owen 
bought his brother's share. Changes were made until in 1885 it was a 
first-class, roller-process mill, with a capacity of fifty barrels daily, em- 
ployment being given to twenty-five men. 

In 1882 Richard Bishop established a pickle factory at McHenry. 
Its capacity was 30,000 bushels, and employment was given twenty per- 
sons during the season. Richard Bishop also established, and for many 
years operated, a wagon factory, but his plant was totally destroyed by 
fire July 31, 1874. His loss was $30,000, and he had no insurance. In 
1878, however, this plant was rebuilt upon a much larger scale, and 
for many years thereafter Mr. Bishop carried on an excellent business 
in making wagons. 

George Gribbler built a brewery at McHenry, but did not long re- 
main the owner, and after several changes, G. Boley bought the plant 
for $1,400, and at once rebuilt it to a capacity of 1,200 barrels annually. 
He also had a malthouse in which he made his own malt. Until within 
recent years this business was a large and profitable one. 

WEST MC HENRY 

West McHenry, formerly known as Georgetown, had several factories 
in the past, and also a grist-mill, the latter having been erected in 1872 
by William Hanley. For years it was operated as a custom mill, and 
frequently took in 500 bushels of wheat a day. 

A butter and cheese factory was started in 1881 by Oatman & Sons, 
at a cost of $5,000, being when completed the finest plant of its kind in 
McHenry County. Its location, near Hanley Mills, was a convenient one 
for the farmers, and 12,000 pounds of milk were used a day in the making 
of butter and cheese. 

The brick-making industry had its commencement at West McHenry 
in 1882 when 900,000 brick were made. The following year 1,800,000 
brick were burned and sold, and employment was given to twenty-five 
hands. 

In 1874 a large pickle factory was established at West McHenry by 
a union company composed of farmers. For years it was operated under 



234 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

the name of Cristy, Walker & Company. The plant made its own 
vinegar, and the total value of it was placed at $40,000. 

CRYSTAL LAKE 

At present the importance of the iee industry at Crystal Lake does 
not compare with what it was in former years, when an immense business 
was carried on, "Crystal Lake Ice" being then a household term with 
Chicago and McHenry County people. For many years Crystal Lake 
was the great natural source of the ire supply I'm- this portion of the 
state. In 1855 the Crystal Lake Ice Company was organized and its 
members comprised Messrs. Joy and Frisbie and several others. During 
that year the company stored about 8,000 tons of iee which Mr. Joy 
sold at Chicago. The ensuing year Joy & Frisbie became the sole 
proprietors ami from then on they shipped annually to Chicago about 
10,000 tons of ice. until 1860, when their warehouses were destroyed by 
lire. These gentlemen then organized another iee company, and for six 
years more carried on extensive operations, and then again were burned 
out. 

Prom 1869 to 1873 there were no iee companies operating at Crystal 
Lake, with the exception of one small, private concern, whose total 
annual output did not exceed 2,000 tons shipped to Chicago. About 
1873-4 C. S. and J. II. Dole put up and filled six mammoth icehouses, 
each having a capacity of about 1,250 tons, or a total capacity of 7,500 
tons. In addition they shipped out 3,000 tons. The next year the 
capacity was increased to eight icehouses with a total capacity of 19,000 
tons. During the winter of 1875-6 the partners filled their icehouses 
and shipped 1.20(1 carloads, a total output of 24,400 tons. In 1877 they 
erected a number of large icehouses, and placed in operation a twenty- 
five horse-power steam engine for use in the various branches of the ice 
industry. These great icehouses were located on the south end of Crystal 
Lake, in a beautiful grove near the outlet, and were fenced in with a 
tight board fence, eight feet high. Employment was given to many men 
who were occupied in the winter with [Hitting up the ice, anil in the 
summer, with shipping it to outside points. 

There came a time, however, when the question arose as to the legal 
title to the waters of the lake, and court proceedings were instituted. 
Thereafter smaller, more shallow and marshy lakes, or ponds in the 
vicinity of Crystal Lake, were utilized for ice-getting purposes, and the 
1 roduct was sold in Chicago for a number of years, but as soon as it 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 235 

became generally known that the ice was not from Crystal Lake, the con- 
sumers in Chicago and elsewhere sought and easily found places from 
which pure ice could be obtained. 

Much enthusiasm was shown in 1879-80 over the proposed manu- 
facture of sugar from sorghum. The government commission of agricul- 
ture came to Crystal Lake from Washington City, and encouraged the 
enterprise. A sugar refinery was erected at Nunda, now Crystal Lake, 
and was owned by F. A. Waidner & Company, under the supervision 
of J. B. Thomas, of Baltimore, Md. The first year's results were indeed 
encouraging. A barrel of this sugar was sent to President Hayes, and 
after he had tested it, and given some of it to his friends, he wrote a 
very nattering letter to the company. For some unknown reason this 
project was discontinued. 

A clover and fruit dryer was another project of the earlier history, 
but like the ones above mentioned, is not represented in the business life 
of Crystal Lake today. 

In 1916 the Express Body Corporation started business at Crystal 
Lake. They make commercial bodies for automobiles, porch swings and 
pergolas, and sell in the United States and Europe. During the busy 
season employment is given to from fifty to sixty men. The present 
officers are : 0. C. George, president ; M. B. George, vice president ; and 
J. K. Seifert, secretary and treasurer. 

SPRING GROVE 

Large amounts of washed sand and pebbles are produced at an ex- 
tensive plant at Spring Grove, on the Milwaukee Railroad. This product 
is used in ornamenting walks, lawns and residences in the larger cities. 
All foreign matter, dirt, grass, moss and roots, is washed out by a process 
requiring skill. The product is shipped in trainloads over a wide area. 

TERRA COTTA 

The American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Company was founded by 
William D. Gates about 1885, and incorporated in 1887, and manu- 
factures architectural Terra Cotta and Teco pottery. The product is 
shipped throughout the United States and Canada, the greater portion 
within the Middle West. The number of employes of these works is 
from 200 to 400, with an average of about 300. This is the largest plant 
of its kind in the United States. The company has another factory at 



236 BISTORT OP -M< IIKXKV COUNTY 

Indianapolis, [nd. The presenl officials arc: William D. Gates, presi- 
dent; M. K. Gates, assistanl general manager; Neil II. Gates, treasurer; 
A. II. Sheffield, secretary; and Fritz Wagner, Jr., sales manager. 

RICHMOND 

The first cheese factory in the county was started a1 Richmond, in 
1S6G, by Dr. B. R, Stone and Hon. William A. McConnell. 

The Nippersink Valley Creamery and Cheese Pactorj was built in 
1880, at a cost of $1,800, and conducted by J. S. Overton & Sen. In 1885, 
its capacity having in the meanwhile been greatly enlarged, this factory 
was producing 15,000 pounds of butter and 60,000 pounds of cheese. 

The Wheeler Cheese Factory was opened in .June. 1884. It was built 
at a cost of $3,500, and its capacity was 15,000 pounds of milk daily. 

G. W. Eldridge and John McConnell established a pickle factory at 
Richmond in 1872, erecting their plant at a cost of $5,000. Its capacity 
was 25,000 bushels. This plant, or a similar one, is still in operation, 
and its product of many cars of salted cucumbers is shipped to large 
pickle factories at different points. 

The Richmond Flour Mills were the outgrowth of a mill built in 1844 
by Cotting & Purdy, and subsequently acquired by W. K. Bacon, who, 
in 1871 sold to Cole, Cooley & Company. At that time the property 
was valued at $15,000, having been enlarged and improved. For a 
number of years this was the principal industry of the village. 

THE FARMERS NEW ERA TELEPHONE COMPANY 

By George A. Hunt 

On the evening of April 23, 1904, a small company of farmers met at 
the home of J. H. Turner in Hebron Township and organized a telephone 
company. This company was christened The Farmers New Era Tele- 
phone Company, and was incorporated under the laws of Illinois May 
25, lf»04. This company had a very small beginning in everything except 
its name which covered quite a territory and proved to be in keeping 
with the later developments of its lines. 

The first directors of the company were as follows: H. R. Hatch, 
J. J. Stewart, J. II. Turner, F. N. Torrance, C. C. Hunt. P. J. Weter, 
George A. Hunt, I). M. Weter, H. F. Jones. At the first annual meet- 
ing J. T. Bower, Richmond, S. C. Johnston and J. II. Turner were elected, 
the first two succeeding H. R. Hatch and J. J. Stewart. At the second 



HISTORY OF McHENET COUNTY 237 

annual meeting P. N. Torrance, C. C. Hunt, Hebron, and Charles Kruse, 
Richmond, were elected, the latter taking the place of P. J. Weter. At 
the third animal meeting George A. Hunt, H. F. Jones and Gustav 
Miller of Richmond were elected, D. M. Weter retiring. The fourth 
year J. II. MeYey of Silver Lake took the place of S. C. Johnston, J. T. 
Bower and J. H. Turner being reelected. The fifth year M. R. Cole of 
Richmond took the place of F. N. Torrance and C. C. Hunt and Charles 
Kruse were reelected. The sixth year George A. Hunt, F. N. Torrance 
and F. E. Holmes of Dundee were elected on the board, Gustav Miller 
aud H. F. Jones retiring. Since that time no changes were made ou the 
board until the annual meeting in February, 1921, when Dr. C. "W. 
Bailey was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of F. N. 
Torrance. 

Since the company was incorporated George A. Hunt, now of Wood- 
stock, has been the president and C. C. Hunt, general manager of the 
company. The first vice president, D. M. Weter of Hebron, served three 
years or until 1907 when he was succeeded by J. T. Bower of Richmond 
who has served continuously since that time. P. J. Weter was elected 
secretary of the company at the first meeting and served in that capacity 
two years. He was succeeded by W. I). Cornue who served four years, 
and he in turn was succeeded by F. N. Torrance who served as secretary 
and treasurer from February, 1910, to July, 1920, when lie resigned and 
moved with his family to Minnesota. E. H. Lines, who succeeded Mr. 
Torrance, entered upon his duties as secretary August 1, 1920, and is the 
present incumbent of the office. 

The original capital stock of the company was only #5,000, distributed 
among forty stockholders. This capital was increased, December 20 of 
the same year to $15,000. May 5 of the following year it was again 
increased to $30,000 ; again July 10, 1906, to $50,000, and since February 

6, 1907, the company has had an authorized capital stock of $100,000. 

Among the first activities of the company was the purchase, July 

7, 1904, from The Citizens Telephone Company, of the Hebron Telephone 
Exchange with seventeen subscribers and the farmer lines extending from 
Greenwood to Hebron and Bissel. A second purchase from The Citizens 
Company March 1, 1905, included the toll lines extending from Hebron 
to Alden, Harvard, Woodstock, McHenry, Richmond, Solon Mills and 
Spring Grove. 

A temporary agreement for the interchange of business was made 
with The Chicago Telephone Company, August 19, 1904. A more com- 
plete agreement was concluded with the Chicago Company (now The 



238 HISTORY OP McHENEY COUNTY 

Illinois Bell) July 19, 1905. A similar agreemenl was made with the 
Wisconsin Company September 26, 1905. These agreements, in addition 
to nt her considerations, provided an opportunity for long distance con- 
nection between New Era subscribers and all outside points. 

The initial directory of the company issued November 23, 1904, con- 
tained the names of seventy-three subscribers. In September, 1906, there 
were 380 subscribers. In February, 11)07. the number of subscribers had 
increased to 480 in the two exchanges, 200 at Richmond and 280 at 
Eebron, and the Qumber of stockholders had increased from forty to 
129. 

The territory around Wilmot, Wisconsin, was acquired during the 
spring of 1907, and an exchange established at that point. During the 
same year the company erected a brick building at Richmond at a cost 
• ■I' ^S.1'00. The local office was established on the second floor, the main 
floor bringing in a good revenue from rentals. A building lot was pur- 
chased in Hebron -Ian. l.">. 1916, on which it is proposed to some day 
build a home office for the company. The central office being now lo- 
cated in the building used for the local exchange. The number of sub- 
scribers have increased since July 7, 1904, from seventeen to 1,117. These 
subscribers are now being served through the exchanges at Hebron, Rich- 
mond and Wilmot. 

The Farmers New Era Telephone Company has been beset by many 
storms and difficulties. Especially during its early history was its hori- 
zon clouded with dire forebodings and prophesies of misfortune and 
ultimate disaster. The clouds have blown away however after every 
storm leaving no sign of calamity or of reverses excepting losses of sev- 
eral thousands of dollars occasioned by sleet storms, and the company 
has continued to grow ami prosper during the seventeen years of its 
existence until it now owns, in addition to the lot in Hebron and the 
building in Richmond, 325 miles of poles, 1,500 miles of wire. 38.000 feet 
of cable and 1,132 telephones. Service is being furnished subscribers 
of the company through these telephones and over lines of the company 
extending from the Hebron Exchange four miles to the north, eight miles 
to the south, six miles to the west and eighteen miles to the east and 
reaching patrons of the company in and adjacent to the following towns: 
Alden, Hebron, Greenwood, Richmond, Ringwood, Solon Mills and 
Spring Grove, 111., and Basset, Camp Lake, Wilmot, Silver Lake, Twin 
Lakes, Trevor and Zenda, Wis. 



CHAPTER XVI 
MILITARY 

PATRIOTISM — WAR WITH MEXICO QUOTA IN CIVIL WAR — FIFTEENTH ILLI- 
NOIS — TWENTY-THIRD CONSOLIDATED THIRTY-SIXTH NINETY-FIFTH 

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIRST ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND ONE HUN- 
DRED FORTY-SEVENTH ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THIRD ONE HUNDRED 

FIFTY-SIXTH EIGHTH CAVALRY SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY MISCEL- 
LANEOUS RETROSPECT — SPANISH -AMERICAN WAR MEXICAN BORDER 

WARFARE DEPARTING FOR MEXICAN BORDER THIRD REGIMENT STAFF 

TRUE SPIRIT OF AMERICANISM WORLD WAR DECLARATION OF WAR 

VOLUNTEERS SELECTIVE DRAFT REGISTRATIONS — WORLD WAR REGIS- 
TRARS ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF CITIZENSHIP EXEMPTION 

BOARDS WAR WORK BY TOWNSHD?S CASUALTIES — ROLL OF HONOR 

SOLDIERS HOME-COMING WEEK CHAIRMEN OF HOME-COMING COMMIT- 
TEES WOODSTOCK NATIONAL GUARD GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 

WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS AMERICAN LEGION. 

PATRIOTISM 

In 1917 the people of the United States awoke from the deep lethargy 
years of prosperity had brought upon them and began to define in their 
hearts and actions the real meaning of patriotism. They soon began to 
realize that the time had passed when standing at the playing of the 
national anthem or cheering the passing troops through the streets, 
constituted the full measure of true Americanism. In the hard, dark 
days to follow they were to come through the bitterest sacrifices to ap- 
preciate what our forefathers won for us in their struggles to secure 
freedom, and bring about an era of peace and prosperity. Thus awaken- 
ing, it was natural that all should take a renewed interest in the exploits 
of the heroes of past wars, and to demand that some account of them 
be included together with those of the present-day soldiers and sailors. 
Thus the latest History of McHenry County would in no sense be com- 
plete without showing what the people of the county performed in a 
military line, beginning with the Indian warfare, the Mexican war, the 

239 



240 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Civil war. the Spanish-American war. as well as to give all thai ran be 
obtained ai this date concerning "cur own boys," who, animated by 
the same spirit as prompted their forefathers and grandsires, leaving 
their homes and business associations to engage in the same kind of a 
war as has always interested this country — one for the oppressed againsl 
the oppressor. The part taken iii the Indian war was necessarily small 
in this county. Hut this chapter will treat especially on the deeds of 
Mexican, Civil war. Spanish-American and World war soldiery. All 
are given with due respect and reverence as well as the tenderest of 
feelings — the tear falls from the young life sacrificed, whether it was ter- 
minated in the sixties, the nineties or in the World war jusl closed, 
victorious for Liberty and Democracy, practically the world over. 

WAR WITH MEXICO 

Only the aged men of these times will recall the excitement that 
prevailed in this country when war was declared against .Mexico in 
1846. The volunteers from Illinois performed such an aggressive, con- 
spicuous part in the war with Mexico that it is necessary to give an 
epitome of the war, to be able to understand and appreciate the nature 
and value of their services, and render them due credit which their 
importance demands. The records in the State Adjutant General's 
office give the following information: 

"On the 11th day of May, 1846, Congre-s passed an act, declaring 
that 'By the act of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war exists between 
that Government and the United States.' At the same time that body 
made an appropriation of $10,000,000 to cany on the war, and au- 
thorized the President to accept 50,000 volunteers. 

"This force, for convenience sake, to save transportation, and be- 
cause of their already well-known ability and familiarity with firearms, 
was drawn principally from the Southern and Western States. Illi- 
nois was called upon for three regiments of infantry or riflemen, and 
the pay, with all allowances, placed at $15.50 per month to the private 
soldier. The militia of the state being then in an unorganized condition. 
Governor Ford issued a call for thirty full companies of volunteers of 
a maximum of eighty men, to serve for twelve months, and with the 
privilege of electing their own officers for their regiment." 

The response to this call was indeed enthusiastic. Within ten days 
thirty-five full companies had organized and reported. By the time 
the place of rendezvous had been selected (Alton), there had been 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 241 

seventy-five companies recruited — each furious to get to the front, and 
from this number Governor Ford was compelled to select thirty com- 
panies. Of these thirty companies, were organized the First Regiment, 
Col. John J. Hardin; the Second Regiment, Col. William H. Bissell ; 
and the Third Regiment, Col. Ferris Foreman, which were recruited 
during the months of April, May and June, and mustered into service 
of the United States at Alton, Illinois, July 2, 1846. 

Hon. E. D. Baker, then in Congress from Illinois, induced the Presi- 
dent to let him recruit the Fourth Regiment, which was mustered in 
July 18, 1846. These four Illinois regiments served through the war 
and were mustered out together. 

On account of the many failures upon the part of Illinois, at Wash- 
ington, to get an accurate list of Mexican War soldiers' names, even 
as far back as when Robert T. Lincoln was Secretary of War, it will be 
impossible to give a roster of such soldiers as served from this county. 
While it is true that McHenry County was thinly settled at that date, 
yet there were pioneers of this county who served in that war and it 
is to be regretted that such lists cannot be compiled and given to the 
department at Springfield. Suffice to say the men who went from here 
wexe men who feared not the yell of the Mexican. 

QUOTA IN CIVIL WAR 

McHenry 's men have always been loyal, there is no question about 
that. It furnished 2,533 men during the Civil war, within three of its 
quota, and there was no need of any draft there. It must be remem- 
bered that the drafted service had another meaning during the Civil 
war than it has today. Owing to the much smaller army raised, until 
the latter part of the war there were plenty of volunteers, and the draft 
was not made until a community showed that its men were actively 
disloyal. With the opening up of our participation as a country, in 
the greatest w y ar the world has ever known, it was necessary to follow 
entirely new methods, and after due consideration of the subject, Con- 
gress decided to place under a universal draft all men between the ages 
of twenty-one and thirty-one years at the very outset of the formation of 
the new army, and from that draft thus secured 10,000,000 men in the 
very prime of manhood, from which has -been developed an army that 
commands the enthusiastic respect and admiration of the seasoned troops 
of countries which have always kept large standing armies, and incul- 
cated military training of all classes. 



242 



HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 



FIFTEENTH ILLINOIS 

Companies A, D and F, of the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Int'anlry, 
during the Civil war, were composed chiefly of McHenry County men. 
ami these were the first companies raised in McHenry County for this 
war. Captain Lewis D. Kelly, of Company A, was from "Woodstock; 
First Lieutenants Daniel C. Joslyn, Lawrence' H. Jones, Frederick W. 
Smith and William H. Sherman, were all from AVoodstock. Second 
Lieutenants Mark Hathaway, Frederick W. Smith, William H. Sher- 
man and George A. Austin, were also from Woodstock. Company D 
had as its captain, Harley Wayne, of Union, while its first lieutenants 
were Frank S. Cnrtis, Marengo; Frederick A. Smith of Genoa; Calvin 
H. Shapely of Harmony; John Waldock of Marengo; and its second 
lieutenants were Fred A. Smith of Genoa; Peter J. Labaugh, Marengo; 
John Waldock, Marengo ; and Michael Schoonmaker, Marengo. In Com- 
pany F, the captain was John Paddock, who resigned, and he was fol- 
lowed by William Henry of Algonquin, and Frank D. Patterson of 
Nunda. McHenry County was represented in this company by first 
lieutenants as follows: William Henry of Algonquin; John J. Sears 
of Algonquin; and Frank D. Patterson of Nunda; and Simeon L. Eells 
of Algonquin ; while all of the second lieutenants at the time of organi- 
zation were McHenry County men, promoted to a first lieutenancy as 
given above. The regiment was mustered into service May 21, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted veterans in 1864 ; re-organized in March, 1865, and mustered 
out September 20, 1865. 

TWENTY-THIRD CONSOLIDATED 

The Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, known as the "Irish 
Brigade," was mustered into the service, June 15, 1861; re-enlisted men 
in August, 1864, and was mustered out at Richmond, Va., July 24, 1865. 
McHenry County had men in Companies F, G, H and K. The captain 
of Company F, Hiram C. Edison, was from Chemung; the captain of 
Company H, Edwin R. Cross, w r as from Chemung; the captain of Com- 
pany K, Henry Seigel, was from Chemung; and its first lieutenant, 
Daniel Morgan, was from Nunda. 

THIRTY-SIXTH 



About thirty-six of Company A, and nearly all of Company H of 
the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry were from McHenry County, 







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HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 243 

among the officers being George L. Lyon, chaplain, from Woodstock; 
William Mitchell, captain of Company A, from Crystal Lake ; Franklin 
J. Thwing, first lieutenant, from Crystal Lake; George L. Peeler, first 
lieutenant, from Crystal Lake; Merritt L. Joslyn, captain of Company 
II, from Woodstock; Theodore L. Griffin, captain, from Woodstock; 
Horace N. Crittenden, captain, from Crystal Lake; Alfred H. Sellers, 
first lieutenant, from Woodstock; Charles F. Dyle, first lieutenant, from 
Crystal Lake; Morris Briggs, first lieutenant, from Algonquin. This 
regiment was mustered into the service September 23, 1861, and mustered 
out at New Orleans, La., October 8, 1865. 

NINETY-FIFTH 

The Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry had in it 673 men from 
this county. In Company A, commanded by Capt. William Avery, there 
were ninety-nine men; in Company C, commanded by Capt. John B. 
Manzer, there were 100 men; in Company D, commanded by Capt. Ed- 
ward J. Cook, there were eighty-four men ; in Company E, commanded 
by Capt. John Eddy, there were ninety-six men; in Company F, com- 
manded by Capt. William H. Stewart, there were ninety-nine men; 
in Company H, commanded by Capt. Charles H. Tryon, there were 
ninety-nine men; and in Company I, commanded by Capt. James Nish, 
there were ninety-six men, making the total from McHenry County of 
673 in these seven companies. This regiment was mustered into the 
service September 4, 1862; recruited in August, 1864; and mustered 
out August 8, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIRST 

Among the commissioned officers of the One Hundred and Forty- 
first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, a 100-day regiment, were Jacob D. 
Lansing, Marengo, lieutenant-colonel; Harmon A. Buck, Marengo, sur- 
geon; F. W. Watson, Marengo, second assistant surgeon; Charles W. 
Ingersol, Marengo, first lieutenant, Company F. Company A contained 
one McHenry County man; Company F, twenty-six; and Company K, 
twenty-one. 

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SEVENTH 

In Company I of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illinois Volun- 
teer Infantry (one year's service), there were twenty-five men from this 



244 



HISTORY OP McHEXRY COUNTY 



county. This regiment was mustered into service February is, 1864, 
and -was mustered out January 120, 1866. 

ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SECOND 

About twenty McHenry County men served in Company C. One Hun- 
dred and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was a 100- 
day regiment, mustered in June 18, 1S64. and mustered out October 
26, 1864. 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-THIRD 

The One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry had 
the following men in it from- this county: Company A, seventeen; 
Company B, thirty-three; Company C, twenty-one; Company F, two; 
Company K, eighty-five. The commissioned officers of this regiment 
from McHenry County were as follows: Capt. Charles H. Hickcock, 
Hartland; First Lieutenants John H. Payne, Hartland, and William R. 
Colburn, Richmond. This company was mustered into the service Feb- 
ruary 18, 180."), for one year, and was mustered out September 15, 
1865*. 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIXTH 

There were no privates from this county in the One Hundred and 
Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, hut the following commissioned 
officers were from this county: Erwin B. Messer, Chemung, lieutenant- 
colonel; Mortimor P. Bundy, Hebron, captain, Company C: Chester M. 
Stewart, Hebron, second lieutenant, Company C; Emanuel Engelsted, 
first lieutenant, Company C ; Thomas S. Sexton, Chemung, captain. 
Company E; David G. Hudson, first lieutenant, Company E; Martin 
Dalwy, Chemung, second lieutenant, Company E; Nelson W. Clark, 
Hebron, captain, Company K; John W. S. Bergman, Hebron, second 
lieutenant, Company K. This regiment was mustered into the service 
March 9, 1865, and mustered out September 20, 1865. 

EIGHTH CAVALRY 



The Eighth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry had several companies re- 
■ruited from McHenry County. Company II being composed almost en- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 245 

tirely of men from here. In Company G there were twenty-six men 
from McHenry County; in Company H, about 150; in Company I, 
about thirty-three, and there were about thirty more scattered through- 
out the regiment. This regiment was mustered into the service Septem- 
ber 18, 1861, and was mustered out July 17, 1865. Its commissioned 
officers from McHenry County were as follows: Edward 1). Dowd, 
captain, Company II ; -first lieutenants, Company H, Isaac F. Russell, 
Crystal Lake, and Isaac M. Brooks, McHenry. 

SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY 

About twenty men from McHenry County served in Company B 
of the above regiment. Company G was made up almost entirely 
of them. Its commissioned officers were as follows: Louis D. Kelly, 
Dorr, and Cyrus Hutchinson, Benton, captains; Christopher D. Kelly, 
Dorr, and Albert A. Amet, Evanston, first lieutenants; and Ebenezer 
Knapp, Richmond, and William H. Austin, Richmond, second lieu- 
tenants. This regiment was mustered in January 22, 1864, and was 
mustered out in November and December of 1865. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Thirty-two men from McHenry County served in Company I, Fifty- 
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and about twelve in Company G 
of that regiment. Twenty-six from McHenry County served in Com- 
pany E, Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In the Sixteenth 
Cavalry about twenty-five of the McHenry County men served, prin- 
cipally in Company H. Among its officers were Captain Hiram M. 
Planchett, "Woodstock, Company M ; and First Lieutenant Henry D. 
Stocker, of McHenry, Company M. 

RETROSPECT 

Many years have passed since the "boys in blue" came marching 
home. The majority of them settled down into private life, and were 
spared to rovmd out a long and useful life. 

In looking over the records at the McHenry County courthouse, it 
is discovered that this county issued bounty orders amounting to 
$260,000, of which $90,000 were outstanding in 187o\ These orders 
drew eight and ten per cent interest, but were about that date made 



246 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

uniformly eight per cent interest. This debt has long since been wiped 
out. 

The old camp-ground is silent now. 

All hushed the martial tread; 
The night winds cannot soothe their brow, 

They slumber with the dead. 
"Tenting tonight" they will not sing: 

Ah, boys, the camps are still; 
The battle's and the cannons' ring 

Is silent on the hill. 

You will not march again; 

God bless your rest tonight. 
Your suffering and pain 

Have clothed your soul in white. 
The battle-call is ended, 

The bugle notes are still, 
'Tis silent on the hill. 

(The last line refers to the National Cemetery on Arlington Heights, 
near Washington, D. C.) 

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 

Not since 1846 and 1848 had the United States been forced to meas- 
ure strength with a foreign foe. Not since the Mexican War had it 
been necessary to pit the courage and military ability of the United 
States soldier and sailor against those of a foreign power. It remained 
for Spain to rouse the ire and just resentment of "Uncle Sam" and 
bring on a conflict which, for short, sharp, and incisive action cannot be 
paralleled in the history of nations. 

The tragedy of the "Maine" in the friendly harbor of Havana, Cuba, 
electrified the people of the globe with horror and indignation. In the 
United States amidst the cries for just revenge could be heard the sobs 
of anguish and distress from the lips of the bereaved parents, wives 
and sweethearts. The thunders of a nation's resentment filled the air 
while millions demanded that full punishment should be meted out to 
those guilty of this wholesale murder. 

On February 17, 1898, while the General Assembly of Illinois was 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 247 

convened in an extra session, one foresaw the conflict that was to come 
and sent to the House of Representatives the following message : 

"To the Honorable House of Representatives: 

"The news of the calamity which has overtaken the United States 
battleship 'Maine' and its ill-fated crew, fills me with grief and horror 
and I assume that the General Assembly will by joint-resolution ex- 
press the sympathy of the people of this State for the gallant dead and 
wounded of our Navy and their surviving relatives. 

"I am unwilling to believe that the loss of the 'Maine' was the re- 
sult of intention, and trust that the official investigation ordered by 
our government may demonstrate that it was due to accidental causes. 
In view of the uncertainty which exists, as to this point, it would seem 
that before the Legislature adjourns sine die it would authorize the 
executive to tender to the President of the United States, on behalf of 
the State of Illinois, whatever moral and material support may be 
necessary in this emergency to maintain the honor of the American flag 
and prevent or punish any attempt at hostile invasion of our common 
country. 

John R. Tanner, Governor." 

All that was requested by the governor was granted by the Illinois 
Legislature. 

In this war with Spain in 1898, and the subsequent campaign in 
the Philippines, McHenry County did her part loyally, promptly 
and well. The most of the men from this county were members of the 
Third Regiment of Illinois Infantry Volunteers. The regiment was 
enrolled April 26, 1898, and mustered into the service for two years, 
May 7, 1898, at Camp Tanner, Springfield, 111. The regiment left Camp 
Tanner, and arrived at Chickamauga Park May 16, 1898 ; arrived at 
Newport News, July 24, 1898; sailed on the "St. Louis" for Porto Rico, 
July 25, 1898 ; arrived Ponce, P. R., July 31, 1898 ; landed at Arroyo, 
August 2, 1898, under slight resistance of Spanish. They participated 
in engagements at Guayama, August 5, 1898, north of Guayama, August 
8 and 13, 1898; did outpost duty north of Guayama till October 1, 1898; 
were in camp east of Guayama until November 2, 1898; embai-ked on 
"Roumania" for New York, November 2, 1898, and sailed November 
3, 1898, arriving, November 9, 1898. The men were ordered to home 
stations via railroad, arriving November 11, 1898. The regiment was 
finally mustered out at Joliet, 111., January 24, 1899. 

The soldiers from McHenry County were mostly members of Com- 






248 HISTORY OP McHENKY COUNTY 

pany G, Third Regiment, and their names, according to the adjutant's 

report for Illinois are as follows: 

Captain — William ('. Eichelberger, Woodstock. First lieutenant- 
Horatio W. Wright, W Istoek. Second lieutenant — Frank C. Hana- 

fnrd. Woodstock. First sergeant — Joseph S. Kline, Woodstock. Sergeants 
— James Sullivan, Woodstock*; Conute Lee, Woodstock, promoted to firsl 
sergeant; William T. Charles, Woodstock, discharged for disability, 
July 18, 1898. Corporals — Thomas 0. Cowlin, Woodstock, promoted 
sergeanl May 7. 1898, and mustered out, January. 1899; John II. Bur- 
hank. Woodstock, promoted sergeant. May, 1898; Augustus W. Wagner, 
Woodstock; Alex G. Darrall, Woodstock. Artificer — George H. Wood, 
Woodstock. Musician — John W. Metzger, Woodstock, promoted cor- 
poral June 24, 1898. Privates — Aspholm, Herman, Woodstock; Ander- 
son, Charles, Woodstock ; Bachman, Emil, Woodstock ; Brown, Henry, 
Woodstock; Brass, Ernest F., Woodstock; Charles, Clayton, Woodstock, 
transferred to general hospital corps, June 13, 1898; Vonover, Howard 
L., Huntley ; Carr, Owen, Woodstock ; Durenberger, A. H., Woodstock, 
promoted to corporal; Fay, Charles S., Woodstock; Fleming, Jesse L., 
Woodstock, promoted sergeant; Fritz, William F., Woodstock; Frazier, 
William H., Woodstock; Gilbert, Noah L., Harvard; Hanson, Louis F .. 
Woodstock; Hanver, Louis L., Woodstock; Hanson. Walter, Woodstock; 
Houdson, Isaac W., Woodstock ; Hohn, John, Woodstock ; Jensen, Nels, 
Woodstock; Jensen, Christian, Woodstock, died, November 11, 1898; 
Jensen, Anders P., Woodstock; Keating. Michael G., Huntley; Larson, 
Peter, Woodstock; Merwin, Thomas P., Woodstock, promoted musician. 
June, 1898; Mortenson, Jens P.. Huntley; Matterson, Win L., Har- 
vard; Mountain, Henry E., Woodstock, promoted corporal, June, 1898; 
Miner, Clyde C, Woodstock, promoted corporal, July. 1898; McCarthy. 
Charles E., Woodstock; McCauley, Simon B.. Woodstock; Peterson, 
Frank, Woodstock; Peterson, Michael M., Woodstock; Parsons, Wil- 
liam L.. Woodstock; Pierson, James W.. Woodstock; Bouning, Charles 
A., Woodstock; Roach, Arthur I:. Harvard, discharged, June, 1898; 
Siebel, August F. W., Woodstock; Smith, Paid, Woodstock; Smith. 
E. D. J., Woodstock; Smith. Charles M.. Woodstock; Stevens, Oliver 
L., Harvard, died in Porto Rico, his remains being brought back for 
burial; Stratton, William L., Woodstock; Sullivan, Alva A., Wood- 
stock; Snitkey, William A., Harvard; Tranto, Charles. Woodstock; 
Tweed, Robert G., Woodstock; Wurtzinger. John J.. Woodstock, pro- 
moted to corporal, June, 1898; Woodward, A.. Woodstock, died, No- 
vember I'!'. 1S9S; Windt. Herman J.. Woodstock; Windt. Carl P., 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 249 

Woodstock; Walton, Frank, Woodstock; Woodard, Arthur E., Harvard; 
Williams, Charles E., Hartland, discharged, May 22, 1898; Allworden, 
William C, Woodstock; Averill, Fred H., Hebron; Bennett, Frank W., 
McHenry; Bennett, Herbert L., McHenry; Brown, Thomas L., Ma- 
rengo; Colby, Nye W., McHenry; Corrigan, Joseph J., Woodstock; 
Delaunty, Richard F., Woodstock; Deitz, Frank A., Woodstock; En- 
geln, George, McHenry; Grace, Thomas R., Woodstock, died, October 
1, 1898, on board ship hospital, "Missouri"; Hall, Guy C, Ringwood; 
Holly, Albert, McHenry ; Murphy, Burt R., Greenwood ; Nichel, Charles, 
.Marengo; Rothermel, William, McHenry; Selby, Alex C, Marengo; 
Smith, Edward, Woodstock; Stoddard, William P., Hebron; Swadish, 
Charles, McHenry; Theln, Martin, McHenry; Theln, Michael J.. -Mc- 
Henry ; VanSlyke, Jesse M., McHenry. 

MEXICAN BORDER WARFARE 

During 1916 trouble fomented, as is well recognized now. by the 
enemies abroad and at home of this country, the republic across the 
Rio Grande began to question the integrity of the good faith of the 
government of the United States. The various disturbances which had 
arisen from time to time along the border, had been handled with the 
same open-handed and generous policy which has always characterized 
this nation, but with the internal troubles the recognized government 
were having with Villa, decided this government to send into Mexico 
an expedition to assist the Mexican government in capturing the rebel. 
When the Mexican government signified that it was able to resume full 
control, our troops were withdrawn as they were at no time regarded, 
nor were they meant to be regarded, as an invading force sent into 
Mexico to interfere with that country's home government. The Na- 
tional Guards were mobilized from all over the countiy, and sent into 
Texas, where those who did not participate in the trip into the interior 
of Mexico had the benefit of some months of training on the border, 
which prepared them for the more strenuous life in the training camps 
after the United States had declared war upon Germany. Never be- 
fore in the history of any country was so large a force of men assembled, 
with so peaceful a purpose, under the name of war, and the President 
of the United States reiterated his assertions as to the good faith of 
this government to the Mexican representatives when they met with 
him in the spring of 1918. At that time the rebel Villa was still at 
large, the Mexican government having not been able as yet to that 



250 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

date, to capture liini in spite of declining the help of the United States 
to do so. 

DEPARTING FOR MEXICAN BORDER 

When the Mexican Border War commenced in the spring of 1916, 

the National Guards were at once called to the colors, and on the evening 
of June 22, Company G, of Woodstock, left for Springfield, Illinois, 
at the command of the Governor. This company saw service in the hot 
sands of a far southern eliine — real soldier hardships they endured, and 
in a year from that time they were sworn in as soldiers to "go over 
seas." It is befitting in this chapter that a roster of these men be given 
in this, a History of their home county : 

THIRD REGIMENT STAFF 

Colonel — Charles Greene, Aurora. Lieutenant Colonel — Frank 
Bacon, Am-ora. Adjutant Captain — W. H. Brogunier, Rockford. 
Quartermaster Captain — Richard Boyer, Rockford. Commissary 
Captain — Wilbur Thornton, Pontiac. Chaplain — Captain A. R. Clinch, 
Rockford. Medical Department — Major Robert Bourland, Rock- 
ford; Captain J. A. McCaughey, Hoopeston; Captain A. E. Lord, 
Piano ; Major Sergeant Emil Rhutishauser, Aurora. Battalion Majors 
— C. C. Miner, Woodstock; Edward Leonard, Rockford; L. F. 
Strawn, Pontiac. Battalion Adjutant — James Sanders, Aurora. Bat- 
talion Quartermaster — Second Lieutenant Paul Ritt, Woodstock. Com- 
panies^ — A, DeKalb, Captain H. Goodeson; B, Hoopeston, Captain Earl 
Thornton; C, Ottawa, Captain Ralph C. Woodard; D, Aurora, Captain 
Charles Harkison; E, Elgin, Captain William Peck; F, Pontiac, Cap- 
tain Fred Dewey; G, Woodstock, Captain 0. H. Corr; H, Rockford, 
Captain A. R. Tetlow ; I, Aurora, Captain John H. Newman ; K, Rock- 
ford, Captain Charles Sowel; L, Kankakee. Being organized and new 
officers elected — M, Belvidere, Captain Harry Haskins. 

COMPANY G 

Officers: Captain — 0. H. Corr. First Lieutenant — William Thomp- 
son. Second Lieutenant — Jjester Edinger. First Sergeant — C. Halde- 
man. Sergeants — William Donnelly, Ralph Thayer, Earl Clement, 
Fred Brewer, Harry Francisco, Henry Schmitt. Corporals — George 







iijjWfr/. W/W2Z ; ;-y/ 




<rv~<yCc ~~C^ 




HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 251 

Brahy, John Long, Louis Thayer, Charles Woodard, William Stewart, 
Alderson Dove. Cook — Martin Olson. Musicians — Leo Sehryver, An- 
drew Grafmueller. 

Privates — Anderson, Theodore; Bartlett, Porter; Bennett, Bert; Ben- 
nett, James; Bergthal, Joseph; Berners, John; Berry, William; Bill, 
Ransom; Boone, Lester; Botts, Charles; Bowman, Herbert; Brahy, 
Harry; Brown, Henry; Burbriclge, Richard; Buxton, Bernard; Carl- 
son, Henry; Carvey, Harley; Churchill, Ralph; Clark, Leo; Clark, 
Everett; Clark, LeRoy ; Clyde, Teddy; Dunker, Herman; Emanuel, 
Fred; Fairmount, William; Feffer, Albert; Fish, Isaac; Fish, Warren; 
Fitzek, Joseph; Floyd, Dale; Foss, Merle; Fredendall, Elmer.; Garri- 
son, George; Geske, Charles; Geske, Walter; Gruidl, Joseph; Haase, 
William; Hansmann, Clarence; Hayward, Ed.; Hildebrandt, Ralph; 
Hinderlider, Ernest; Hoffmeyer, Walter; Hoke, William; Howell, John; 
Howell, Ogle; Jessen, Chris; Kilburne, William; Knapp, Grey; Kohls, 
William ; Kramer, Rudolph ; Kretchmer, Lloyd ; Larson, Eugene ; 
Leighty, Wedge; Long, Ray; McCarthy, Brace; Mackey, Leo; McGee, 
Raymond; McLaughlin, Lester; Miller, William; Nohr, William; 
O'Brien, Jesse; Ogden, Glenn; Paepke, Rudolph; Rasmussen, Edmund; 
Redman, Mark ; Reese, Roy ; Richards, Clifton ; Risting, John ; Roderick, 
Chester ; Roderick, Ray ; Sandf ord, Cyrus ; Schneider, Harry ; Schmulle, 
William; Schutt, Albert; Sheehy, Frank; Sponholtz, William; Som- 
mers, Adolph; Stephenson, Frank; Stott, James; Strubbe, Roy; Ten- 
nyson, Joyce; Terwilliger, Everett; Tuite, John C; Umathum, Michael; 
Umathum, Peter; Walker, Benjamin; Warner, Edward; Wendt, Fred; 
Williams, Burns; Winegar, Ralph; Woods, Raymond; Wright, Armour. 

TRUE SPIRIT OF AMERICANISM 

On the same day that this company left for Mexico, the Sentinel, 
of Woodstock, had the following call which was freely responded to, 
and the same is entitled to a place in the history of the community 
which has always been "over the top" in such matters, even from away 
back in Civil war days. 

Will you do your duty? 

Company G is called to the colors. 

Eighteen years ago the call to arms rang out over this free land, 
and Company G responded, just as Company G is responding today. 
Down in Chickamauga Park and in Porto Rico our boys from home 
learned the meaning of need, of sickness, of suffering. There were many 



252 HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 

things necessary — emergencies arose demanding immediate attention, 
quick action. 

Somebody bark in Woodstock, with the love of Christ and humanity 
in his heart, had foreseen all this and started a relief fund for Company 
6. That relief fund brought comforts and necessities for the Wood- 
stock boy who lay ill under the hot Porto Rican sun. Had it not been 
for that fund he might now be lying in a narrow green bed, which you 
and I would strew with flowers on even- thirtieth of May. Or the wasted 
form might have found its last resting place under the tropic skies, or 
in the still waters to the far South. 

Again Company G is called to the colors. 

Perhaps our boys will go to the border or into Mexico. There is au 
arid region, a burning sun, water unfit to drink. 

There may be battles, weary marches — there may be fever and pes- 
tilence. All of these things the boys of Company G bravely risk, and 
in most cases they are giving up remunerative employment to shoulder 
the responsibility of your community and my community, for the mag- 
nificent return of fifty cents per day. 

Not all of us can go to war. But all of us can be patriotic. Each 
one of us can do his share in one way or another. 

Who is there among us who cannot donate something toward a fund 
for Company G? 

The Sentinel is starting a movement to establish a relief fund to 
be used for the boys of Company G in case of need, of sickness, 
of suffering. Such a fund may prove the saving of one life, or of many 
lives — if but one of our boys from home is rescued out of the shadow 
of death because you and I had forethought for his comfort, will it not 
all have been worth while? 

We devoutly pray that none of the hardships cited may befall our 
lads, but all are possibilities for which it is our duty to be prepared. 
Will you do your share to alleviate suffering, should suffering come .' 

Subscription blanks are being prepared and will be placed in all 
of the stores and business houses about town. These provide that all 
money donated in the cause shall be placed in any of the banks of Wood- 
stock to the credit of Company G, to be used for the company as its 
commanding officer may deem best. 

Will you help? 

A number of the business men of Woodstock are holding a meeting 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 253 

in the association rooms this afternoon for the purpose of raising a purse 
to send with the boys tonight. This is to be only a starter, and the ap- 
peal is to be general. Residents, not only of Woodstock, but of Mc- 
Henry County, and any others who may be interested in Company G, are 
invited to make contributions to the fund. A list of all contributions 
will be kept and acknowledgment made through the newspapers of Wood- 
stock. Donations can be sent to The Sentinel if desired. 

The road of the soldier is not strewn with flowers. Veterans of the 
Civil and Spanish wars can tell you what the camp, the march, the bat- 
tle bring. If your boy, or that neighbor's boy whom you have known 
since childhood, goes out of Woodstock, tonight into unknown dangers, 
into the strife of battle, into the weary, painful monotony of the field 
hospital, wouldn't you like to feel that YOU are helping to ease his pain, 
comfort his loneliness and nourish his body .' 

What will you give to Company G? 

THE WORLD WAR 

At the beginning this was a war between numerous European coun- 
tries, the cause of which will not here be discussed. From August, 1914, 
to April 6, 1917, it was fought without the aid of America, but on that 
date the United States declared war against the German Empire. The 
war terminated in the signal defeat and overthrow of the Germans and 
their long boasted military power. 

DECLARATION OF WAR 

Although the people had foreseen that war was inevitable, the actual 
declaration of it on April 6, 1917, brought a realization home to the 
country that now would the mettle of the populace be tried as in a fiery 
furnace. Aside from chronic objectors, and uninformed pacificists, no 
one not in active sympathy with Germany had any criticism to offer, 
and the majority were fired with wild enthusiasm. Many schemes were 
put forth, ideas were exchanged, and advice offered, but acting de- 
liberately and systematically, studying the question from all angles, 
and in the light of the experience of our allies, the President and his 
advisors laid out a plan of conduct for war which placed practically a 
million trained men in France before July 4, 1918, and had American 
soldiers fighting long before that date. 



254 HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COl'STY 

voi.rXTEERS 

This country has always called for volunteers when making war 
against another country, or a section of this one, and so following this 
old custom, the Government first issued the call. And McHenry County 
responded with about 530 enlisted men, in various departments, at va- 
rious recruiting stations, from .Maine to California, hence no accurate 
record of these men will be had until an adjutant-general's report is 
published some years hence. The same is true concerning the drafted 
men, no -complete roster is now obtainable, as no true record was retained 
by the local board, but all records were sent to either the state or na- 
tional capital. It is known, however, from memoranda kept, that there 
was between 1,450 and 1,500 men served in all departments of the serv- 
ice, wlm went from, and in the end will be credited to McHenry County. 
Of this number 760 were accepted under the drafts; 153 in Company (i 
National Guards from Woodstock, while the remainder were enlisted in 
the army and navy and in other branches of the service, making in round 
numbers about 1,475 men, of whom fifty-seven lost their lives. 

SELECTIVE DRAFT 

No better explanation for passing of the legislation and the levying 
of the selective draft can be given than by publishing the following 
letter written by President Wilson in reply to one written to him by 
Representative Guy T. Helvering of Kansas, a Democrat, which Mr. 
Wilson made public April 19, 1917. 

"I welcome the inquiry of your letter of April 19, because I have 
realized the truth of what you say from my own observations — namely, 
that what is meant to be understood by the selective draft is not gen- 
erally understood throughout the country. 

"The process of the draft is, I think, very clearly set forth in the 
bill drafted by the war department and which I so earnestly hope the 
congress will adopt, but it is worth while to state the idea which under- 
lies the bill a little more fully. 

"I took occasion the other day in an address to the people of the 
country to point out the many forms of patriotic service that were 
open to them and to emphasize the fact that the military part of the 
service was by no means the only part, and perhaps, all things con- 
sidered, not the most vital part. 

"Our object is a mobilization of all the productive and active forces 



HISTOKY OP McHENRY COUNTY 255 

of the nation, and their development to the highest point of co-opera- 
tion and efficiency, and the idea of the selective draft is that those 
should be chosen for service in the army who can be most readily spared 
from the prosecution of the other activities the country must engage 
in and to which it must devote a great deal of its best energy and 
capacity. 

"The volunteer system does not do this. When men choose them- 
selves they sometimes choose without due regard to their other responsi- 
bilities. Men may come from the farms or the mines or from the fac- 
tories or centers of business who oVtght not to come, but ought to stand 
back of the armies in the field and see that they get everything that 
they need and that the people of the country are sustained in the mean- 
while." 

There was great opposition to the passing of this selective draft 
bill, but the Emergency AVar Bill, which had, among its provisions the 
selective draft measure, was passed April 18, 1917, and immediately 
signed by the President. 

By this bill all male citizens between the ages of twenty-one and 
thirty-one years were required to register, June 5 later being set aside 
for this purpose. McHenry County men within these ages obeyed the 
call, and to their credit, be it said, that they did so cheerfully and 
promptly, and those appointed to look after the slackers had little or 
nothing to do, for this county has never shirked its duty, or failed to 
respond to all the calls the country has made upon its people. 

REGISTRATIONS 

At the first registration there were 3,016 men between the ages 
of twenty-one and thirty-one, who registered in McHenry County in 
the first draft. The quota for this county was then easily filled. Com- 
pany G National Guard at Woodstock, belonging to the Third Illinois 
Regiment, was increased on registration day by enlistment of twenty- 
three men, making a total in the company of 153, and the required 
number was only 150. 

WORLD WAR REGISTRARS 

The following is a list of those who were appointed and served 
as registrars during the late World war, in and for McHenry County, 
and it was under these persons that the several registers of the county 



256 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

were made to determine the number of available able bodied men in 
the county. These registrars were appointed by the sheriff and were 
f i-oni the several townships: 

Riley Township— R. W. Metcalf; Marengo, 1st, F. W. Benjamin, 
A. D. Allison; 2nd, D. M. Wright, Charles Scofield ; Dunham — Homer 
E. "Whipple; Chemung — 1st, Charles J. Vierck, Eugene Saunders; 2nd, 
Frank E. Beck, Hugh Houston Megran ; 3rd, Edwin J. Barr; Alden — 
E. L. Kingsley; Hartland — W. H. Forrest; Seneca — E. F. Kuecker; 
Coral — Charles H. Ackman, Jr., and Clarence Siems; Grafton — .John 
Hawley, F. R. Ferris; Dorr — 1st, Clftrles F. Renich, G. W. Lemmers; 
2nd, Fred A. Walters, L. J. Young; 3rd, N. A.' Sunderlin, A. E. 
Schroeder; 4th, Fred W. Hartman; Greenwood — M. Dassaw; Hebron — 
Henry W. Turner, Clifton H. Merry; Richmond— J. T. Bower, G. W. 
Eldridge; McHenry— 1st, J. C. Ladd, R, B. Bradley; 2nd, Ed. L. 
Hayes, Albert H. Pause; Nunda — 1st, James A. Nish; 2nd, Harry H. 
McCollum, L. W. Cobb; Algonquin — 1st, Henry Keyes, John Peter; 
2nd, Thomas F. Leonard, John Buehler; 3rd, T. H. Wulff; Burton— 
V. S. Esh, W. F. Pierce. 

ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF CITIZENSHIP 

Many years hence the following item will be read with much in- 
terest, no doubt, throwing light on what was considei'ed by the courts 
of today "good citizenship." Judge Donnelly, before administering 
the oath to many foreign-born, seeking citizenship here, during the 
first part of the World war, spoke to the subjects as follows ; 

"You are about to become citizens of the United States. In taking 
this step you are assuming certain duties and obligations in return 
for which you will receive certain rights and privileges from this gov- 
ernment with which you are affiliating yourself. Our country is now 
at war and it may be that you will be called upon to sacrifice your 
lives if need be. If you are so called upon, I trust that you will not 
hesitate to respond willingly. 

"We have the best government on the face of the earth. That 
flag before you (pointing to the flag hanging in the courtroom), is 
the emblem of freedom. Ever respect it and be ready to defend it. 
If there is any reason why you cannot from now on fight for that flag. 
do not take the solemn oath of allegiance which you are about to take. 
There is nothing in your obligation to this government which requires 
you to forget the tender feelings von have for your Fatherland. 



HISTORY OP McHBNRY COUNTY 257 

"It is human for a man to have reverence and high regard for his 
Fatherland, and if you did not have that reverence in your breast, we 
could not expect that you would have a high regard for our country. 
But from now on you will be citizens of the United States and it will 
devolve upon you to place the interests of this country above all* others. 
Your country's welfare means your own welfare, and if need be, you 
must sacrifice your property or your life in its defense. 

• ' The oath of allegiance you are about to take is full of significance ; 
listen attentively to every word of it and let its meaning make upon you 
a deep impression." 

EXEMPTION BOARDS 

The Exemption Board for McHenry County during this great con- 
flict was as follows : Dr. E. V. Anderson, Woodstock ; William Desmond, 
Woodstock; and F. F. Axtell, of Harvard. These men faithfully per- 
formed their duty which was no small task. It took men of sound 
judgment, decision of character, knowledge of human nature and 
withal men of undoubted integrity and loyalty to from week to week 
and month to month pass on the hundreds of individual cases that 
came before them for adjustment. 

WAR WORK 

While men eligible for military service were preparing to do a 
man's part in the world, those who were left behind, of both sexes, 
were not idle. Active co-operation was immediately accorded the Gov- 
ernment in all of the suggestions relative to food conservation, and 
later fuel conservation, as well as the further extension of cultivated 
lands then vacant. When the first Liberty Loan was floated, McHenry 
County people subscribed until "over the top," and kept on doing so 
with each of the successive loans till the last loan was asked for in the 
spring of 1919. This was true in each of all of the war measures, the 
Red Cross, the War Savings Stamps, the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation and Knights of Columbus calls, each and all "went over the 
top," signifying of course, that this county went beyond her allot- 
ment or quota in these war calls for funds and supplies. In round 
numbers the amount of War Bonds subscribed and paid for by the 
people of McHenry County was $5,180,000. 

Bv interviewing the various treasurers and secretaries who had to 



258 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

do with the collection of funds for the various societies, the following 
statement has been compiled : 

Amount raised by the Red ( 'ross Chapters $ 76,000 

Amount raised for the Young Men's Christian Association. . . 17,431 

Amount raised by the Knights of Columbus 7 . 7 •"> 7 

Amount raised for Salvation Army purposes 4,500 

Amount raised in United Victory "Drive" 63,7.'!0 

Grand total raised during war $ 169,424 

First Liberty Loan Bonds (About) $ 200,000 

Second Liberty Loan Bonds 938,760 

Third Liberty Loan Bonds 1,042,950 

Fourth Liberty Loan Bonds 1,665,100 

Fifth or "Victory" Bonds 1,333,200 

Total amount sold in county $5,180,010 

The county over-subscribed in this "drive" fifty per cent of her 
quota as first designated and this was accomplished without fuss or 
excitement. All seemed to realize the emergency was great and buckled 
on the full armor and .went forth to supply the demands of the men at 
the fighting front. 

The total amount subscribed in McHenry County was $63,079.57, 
according to Treasurer Charles F. Renich, and Chairman Hon. E. D. 
Shurtleff. At first it seemed that such an amount could not be raised 
after all that had been subscribed in way of Government War Bonds, 
but taking the Illinois slogan • "Salute and go to it," all ended well. 

Not all of the towns in this county did equally well, although only 
two out of the seventeen, Coral and Grafton, failed to subscribe the 
minimum quota assigned to them. Richmond Township led with mure 
than 200 per cent, Hartland, Dorr and Dunham exceeded 150 per cent. 
while Seneca, Algonquin, Burton, Riley, Cary, Hebron, Chemung. 
Greenwood, Alden and Nunda exceeded their original quotas, some of 
these precincts approaching well toward the 150 per cent mark. 

By townships the reports showed : 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 



259 



Quota Subscribed 

Hartland $ 1,200 $ 1,820.75 

Seneca 1,000 1,262.00 

Algonquin 2,100 2,471.50 

Burton 600 698.50 

Dorr 8,500 13,555.85 

Greenwood 1,000 1,044.25 

McHenry 3,700 7,295.95 

Coral 2,100 1,697.35 

Riley 1,000 1,129.00 

Grafton 2,100 1,936.00 

Marengo 4,500 6,440.40 

Cary 1,500 1,539.00 

Chemung 6,200 7,848.50 

Dunham 1,000 1,502.50 

Hebron 2,100 2,423.75 

Richmond 2,100 4,357.00 

Alden 1,200 1,204.25 

Nunda and Crystal Lake. . . 4,200 4,948.02 

Total $46,000 $63,079.57 

The Woodstock Sentinel in speaking of this great "drive" said: "Of 
interest is the fact that of the $63,000 subscribed, over $42,000 was 
paid in spot cash. In some towns almost the entire subscription was 
made in cash, notably Cary, turning in $1,514 in cash, leaving only $25 
unpaid, while Burton Township had only $8.00 remaining unpaid. 
At Algonquin only $225 remained outstanding, and in Coral the chair- 
man turned in all in cash except $133. Huntley turned in all cash but 
$150. In Dorr, including Woodstock, the amount of cash turned in at 
first was about one-half of the large sum of $13,555.85, but daily there- 
after the outstanding amounts kept coming into the various banks of 
the city." 

Treasurer Renich's report shows that the "Victory Boys and Girls" 
in McHenry County subscribed $8,305.95 — a remarkable contribution 
from such a source as that. 

CASUALTIES 



If the heartfelt wish of all the loyal people of the county could ma- 
terialize, there would be no names written beneath this caption by the 



260 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY * 

mosl relentless of all historians, Time, hut as no really great reform 
was ever effected without heavy sacrifice, so do the people of McHenry 
County have to pay their quota for patriotism, and in recording the 

names of the hemes who lived up to the highest conception of Ameri- 
can manhood, in the midst of their tears, they must also rejoice that 
when the need arose, there was no lack of hrave young soldiers to carry 
the American flag; and principles to victory. The gold stars in Mc- 
Henry County's "service flag" are set in the subjoined Roll of Honor: 

ROLL OF HONOR 

The subjoined is a list of the honored dead from McHenry County, 
who made the "supreme sacrifice" in the late World War, while march- 
ing- and fighting in the trenches, midst shot, shell and deadly gas: 

Alexander P. C. Rassmussen, Arthur Dollman, Ernst Kalbow, Walter 
Lind, Arthur Duuker, Fred Boyle, W. J. Henshaw, Arthur J. Shultz, 
Horace Bratzman, Herman Steinke, William J. Metzen, Claude Mc- 
Comb, Geo. F. Raltzlaff, August Klaman, Ray A. Howard, John Janow- 
ski, Maurice Blake, Ed Killeen, Paul Gehrke, Carl J. Dittman, Clark 
Hall, Henry F. Miller, Frank Helwig-, A. C. Graupner, Eugene P. 
Griebel, Ralph P. Wells, Peter Umathum, Carl H. Bartelt, William 
Ward, William C. Peterson, Victor E. Peterson, Harold Beebe, John 
Farrell, Richard Japp, Eugene Drill, Frank Wien, Paul C. Hoffman, 
Henry Stevenson, Edward Tonyan, George Schreiner, Jack Mitchell,* 
Charles Geske, Joseph Meyers, Robert Martin, Ernest W. Blank, Harry 
G. Fulton, Albert Moritz, Bert Randau, Walter W. Pederson, Harry 
L. Carlson, David Brown, Chas. Bartumis, Gus Swanson, Burdett A. 
Briggs, Roy H. Randel, Phil J. Anderson, Charles Knutson. 

SOLDIER'S HOME-COMING WEEK 

While the Armistice was signed in November, 1018. the McHenry 
County soldiers did not return to their homes until the first week in 
June, 1919, and a public "Welcome" or reception was tendered them 
in Woodstock for the whole county, at first, and later Harvard, Ma- 
rengo and Algonquin received the men who went from their precincts. 
The big celebration, however, was naturally the first one, as it was held 
at the county seat from which the men had enlisted or been called to 
service. The day, June 10, 1919, will long be a red-letter day in the 
minds of those residing in McHenry County at that time, whether sol- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 261 

dier or civilian. The glad and alas the sad scenes at the home-coming 
of the men from Camp Grant, at Rockford, from which point the Mr- 
Henry County men were transported by from fifty to sixty automobiles, 
just at the close of a hot day. Upon arriving at the city park thou- 
sands of "fathers and mothers, lovers and friends" were waiting there 
to meet them for the first time since going "overseas." An hour was 
passed in smiles and tears and tears and smiles. Joy reigned supreme 
about the park that June evening, save for the relatives and friends 
of the fifty-seven men who in the prime of their young manhood had 
died in France. 

Between 15,000 and 20,000 people gathered in and around the park 
in Woodstock that perfect day in June to welcome the soldiers home. 
The city had spent many thousands of dollars during the two weeks 
preparation made in decorating every business place in the city and 
hundreds of residences were displaying the colors. A triumphal Arch 
spanned the street at the north entrance of the park, enroute from the 
depot, with the words "Welcome Home" in brilliant colors across the 
face of the archway. At night, it was lighted by electric bulbs, pre- 
senting a most beautiful sight. 

The soldiers, to the number of about 700, marched in uniforms to 
band music to various parts of the city where lodges and societies galore 
were there to welcome them. The soldiers had the keys to Woodstock, 
as they did later at Harvard and other places in McHenry County. 
They all acquitted themselves manfully. Each one was provided with 
a carnation at the Armory in the morning as they marched. The va- 
rious churches and societies furnished the soldiers with all they could 
eat and smoke that day and night. A street dance was on during the 
evening. The brick pavement had been nicely coated witli paraffine 
and hundreds danced in front of the city building till a late hour. 

A solemn service was held at the southeast corner of the park where 
there had been constructed a miniature "Flanders Field," with fifty- 
seven white crosses in rows and between them were poppies. The num- 
ber fifty-seven indicated the gold stars on the Roll of Honor which stood 
near by. 

In Flanders fields, the poppies grow 
Between the crosses, row on row. 
That mark our place ; and in the sky 
The larks, still bravely singing, fly, 
Since heard amid the guns below. 



262 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

We are the dead. Short days ago 
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 
Loved and were loved ; but now we lie 
In Flanders fields. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe! 
To you, from failing hands, we throw 
The torch — Be yours to bear it high ! 
If ye break faith with us who die 
We shall not sleep, though puppies blow- 
In Flanders field. 

Eloquent remarks were made by both Father Conway of the Cath- 
olic church of Woodstock and a returned Y. M. C. A. worker. Rev. 
Kilbourne. Few if any more impressive scenes were ever noted in any 
community than those of that Home-Coming Day. 

The seventeen remaining members of the Grand Army Post of 
Woodstock with many Spanish-American soldiers, were present at the 
reviewing stand. These represented three great conflicts, all wars waged 
for right and justice, and in defense of the country's honor. 

Not only did McHenry County and Woodstock "go over the top" 
in all of its Liberty and Victory Loan undertakings, but in this Home- 
Coming affair the subscriptions amounted to about $1,100 more than 
was expended for giving the returning soldiers a hearty welcome. This 
additional amount was used to "Welcome" home the remainder of 
the men later on. 

CHAIRMEN' OP "HOME-COMING" COMMITTEES 

No event in the county ever had the large number of committee- 
men and all were active factors in bringing about the complete success 
which crowned this long-to-be-remembered event. In all there were 
thirty committees and in this connection it is only practical to give the 
names of their chairmen. 

Executive Committee — F. J. Green; Finance Committee, F. A. 
Walters; Memorial Committee — G. E. Still; Publicity Committee — 
A. H. Mosher; Pavement Dance Committee — Lester Fish and Howard 
Conn, supervisors ; Decoration Committee — 0. G. Mead, to erect Vic- 
tory Arch — A. M. Clark; Armory Decorations — T. B. Owens; Deco- 
rating Residences — D. G. Olmstead ; To Welcome Soldiers — George Eck- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 263 

ert; Woman's Relief Corps — Mrs. H. L. Eddy; To Welcome Soldiers 
at Camp Grant — B. C. Young; To Welcome Soldiers in New York 
City — W. T. Charles; Registration Committee — Henry G. Fisher; Em- 
ployment Committee — John Whitworth ; Reception Committee — Judge 
Donnelly; Parade Review Committee — F. J. Green; Receiving Visitors 
— G. W. Lemmers; Inviting Neighboring Cities — J. P. Alt; For Wid- 
owed Mothers — A. J. Deitz; Community War Service — Mrs. Mary 
Shipton ; Parade Committee — R. W. Bardwell ; To Build Review Stand 
— G. F. Knaack; First Aid Red Cross — Dr. W. Freeman; Music Com- 
mittee — W. F. Weldon; Booths Committee — E. F. Meyer; Cafeteria 
Lunch — E. A. Judd; Ladies' Aid Executive — Mrs. George W. Field; 
Committee Dinner Arrangements — Mrs. E. C. Thomas; Assistant Wom- 
en's Committee — J. C. Miller. 

These various chairmen had under them 371 persons, all fitting in 
where they were most efficient in the matter of properly "Welcoming 
Home" the returned soldiery of McHenry County, June 10, 1919. 

WOODSTOCK NATIONAL GUARDS 

Woodstock has been the headquarters of a company of National 
Guards since early in 1880, when so many of the Illinois National Guard 
companies were organized under the State Military Department. Com- 
pany G, Third Infantry, was organized at that date. Fifty-three young 
men were mustered into service in the courthouse, on February 24, 
1880, by Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Noble, who had been detailed for 
that purpose. The company commenced drilling at old Phoenix Hall 
and used the same for an armory for about one year. March 1, 1888, 
they moved into the old Universalist Church. They were provided 
with old muzzle-loading Springfield muskets, caliber fifty, which they 
used until the summer of 1882, when they were furnished with the 
new breech-loading Springfield rifles, caliber forty-five, direct from 
the United States Arsenal at Rock Island, Illinois, at the expense of 
the state with new accoutrements to correspond. A small supply of 
metallic cartridges was furnished by the State and kept constantly 'on 
hand. Fatigue uniforms were also soon furnished for non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. Commissioned officers furnished their 
own uniforms. The members of the company were each furnished with 
a full-dress uniform at their own expense. The citizens of Woodstock 
presented the company with a fine silk flag in 1882. They attended 
the encampment at Rockford in 1880; at Aurora in 1882; at Lake 



264 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Geneva, Wis., in 1883; at Rockford in 1884, and many later encamp- 
ments. They were called to do duty at various times and places within 
Illinois as the years went by, aiding in putting down strikes and riots. 

They entered many contests, the first being in a prize drill at the 
McHenry County Fair in the autumn of 188.'i. taking third money. 

When the Spanish-American war broke out the National Guards 
were called to arms, and gladly tendered their services, and went wher- 
ever ordered, as is shown in the "Military History of the State." 
They were mustered in May 7, 1898, and mustered out at Joliet. No- 
vember 3, 1898. From that time on until the late World War this 
company of Guards kept intact until President Wilson, through Act 
of Congress declared a state of war existed between this country and 
Germany, when the full strength of the National Guard system was 
thrust into that terrible conflict. Other parts of this chapter tell the 
later story of how well and nobly this company and regiment performed 
their duty. 

It should be stated in passing, that the original guard company 
here was organized through the efforts of Prof. A. E. Bourne, then 
principal in the High Schools of Woodstock. He was elected its first 
captain, served several years and was succeeded by George Eckert, 
Charles H. Donnelly, and John H. Higgins. The latter resigned, and 
in 1893, W. C. Eicherberger was elected captain in his place. In 1901, 
he resigned when George W. Field was made captain of the company. 
They served in the Spanish-American war under Gen. Fred Grant, 
in Porto Rico. 

For manj- years a frame armory which stood on the south side of 
Calhoun street, near Jefferson street was leased by the State for the 
use of this company, but it was finally burned and for a few years the 
Guard was without a home, but in about 1913 a brick Arniory building 
was built by the State, in the eastern part of the city, and so planned 
that additions could easily be made to the original structure which 
was effected in 1915-16. 

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 

Not long after the close of the Civil War, Dr. B. F. Stephenson, 
who had been a surgeon in a volunteer regiment, suggested an organiza- 
tion of Union veterans into a national association for mutual assistance. 
Through his efforts the first post was established at Decatur, 111., April 
6, 1866, and it was not long before the national organization was com- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 265 

pleted, Gen. John A. Logan being one of the most enthusiastic advo- 
cates of it. The first commander-in-chief was Stephen A. Hurlbnrt, 
elected in 1866, and General Logan was elected in 1868. The com- 
mander-in-chief for 1921-22 is Lewis S. Pilcher, of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

The history of the Grand Army of the Republic in McHenry County 
is as follows : 

Harley Wayne Post, No. 169 at Marengo was organized December 
29, 1882, by T. G. Lawler, Department Commander. Its charter members 
were: I. W. Green, R. Miller, C. L. Strickland, C. A. White, J. Casley, 
W. H. Sanders, B. Parker, J. B. Babcock, J. Q. Adams, D. A. Stedman, 
S. Rowland, A. J. Boyington, A. London, W. A. Mallory, ('. W. Mallory, 
Henry Fillmore, John Kennedy, W. C. Sullivan. This post was named 
in honor of Capt. Harley Wayne, killed at the battle of Shiloh. 

At one time the Marengo Post had 150 names enrolled, but it has now 
decreased to eighteen of those who once were the loyal blue and fought 
to preserve the Union of States. The first officers of this post were : 
Ira S. Curtiss, Commander; John Kennedy, Senior Vice Commander; 
E. S. Parker, Junior Vice Commander; W. H. Sanders, Quartermaster; 
I. W. Green, Surgeon; I. B. Babcock, Chaplain; D. A. Stedman, Officer 
of the Day ; A. J. Boyington, Officer of the Guard ; and G. L. Strickland, 
Adjutant. 

The present officers are: F. S. Loomis, Commander; G. C. Clark, 
Senior Vice Commander; A. Schwager, Junior Vice Commander; F. 
J. Pray, Chaplain; W. C. Sullivan, Adjutant; W. H. Havens, Officer 
of the Day ; John Backes, Officer of the Guard. 

The following is a list of the past Commanders and adju- 
tants: Commanders: Ira R. Curtiss, J. B. Babcock, A. J. Boyington, 
E. R. Morris, J. W. Green, W. C. Sullivan, Joseph Schneider, John 
Kennedy, W. W. Ocock, F. S. Loomis. The Adjutants have been : C. L. 
Strickland, A. J. Boyington, W. C. Sullivan, A. L. London, C. G. Teeple, 
John Kennedy, Ira S. Curtiss. 

J. B. Manzer Post No. 215, was organized at Harvard, April 7, 1883, 
with the followin<r charter members : Joseph La Brec, John Forby, 
Edwin Rector, J. W. Groesbeck, C. W. Onthank, James White, R. J. 
Whittleson, R. Wheeler, Samuel Cole, H. W. Grovenstein, Wm. Hollister, 
J. W. Seaverns, N. B. Burtch, Edward Hancock, Burt Adderman, W. H. 
Gillis, Thomas Welch, D. E. Pixley, W. T. Hill, George King, Willard 
J. Scott, H. H. Paynter and H. T. Woodruff. The last named was 
selected Commander of the original post. 

The present membership of this post is twenty-five. A very successful 



'266 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Woman's Relief Corps of 118 members is a valuable aid to this post. 

The present officers of this post include these : S. M. Butts, Com- 
mander; E. Y. Phelps, Senior Vice-commander ; S. Cole, Junior Vice- 
commander; W. J. Fox, Adjutant; J. L. Anderson, Quartermaster; J. 
W. Groesbeck, Surgeon; W. Perrell, Officer of Day; and H. W. Butts, 
Officer of the Guard. 

Woodstock Post No. 108, was organized August 24, 1881, With the 
following- list of members, all being honored and honorably discharged 
Civil-War veterans: E. E. Richards, A. F. McGee, I. R. Curtiss, Allen 
Giles, L. H. Jones, W. H. Cowlin, G. S. Southworth, E. W. Blossom, 
George Eckert, A. W. Anderson, M. L. Joslyn, James Dufield, L. D. 
Kelly, Asbad Udell, William Avery, J. Q. Adams, F. W. Smith, D. A. 
Stedman, W. H. Sanders, M. M. Clothier, W. H. Sherman, Joseph Hill, 
James Nish, W. V. Walker, J. W. Green, Amos Boyington, L. P. Carver, 
John Kennedy, W. H. Stewart, S. Vail Curan, L. H. S. Barrows. The 
first commander was William Avery; Senior Vice-Commander — L. D. 
Kelly; E. E. Richards, Adjutant. During the year of organization this 
post had more than one hundred names enrolled. Now there are but 
fifteen members. 

George Eckert is the present Commander; and A. S. Wright is the 
present Adjutant. 

Nunda Post No. 226, was organized at the old village of Nunda, now 
Crystal Lake, April 21, 1883, with charter members as follows : John 
E. Beckley, William H. Huffman, J. J. Adams, L. E. Warner, D. B. 
Warner, N. M. Paine, William St. Clair, William Shales, M. F. Ells- 
worth, H. W. Beardsley, I. N. Powell, M. Battershall, Charles Wilson, 
C. C. Pettibone, J. H. Cox, Frank Grimes, L. McGee, J. M. Mallory, 
Henry Keys, John H. Paddock, L. Beckley, M. F. Richards, W. P. 
Morse, William Butler. 

The first Commander was W. H. Huffman; first Adjutant, J. M. 
Mallory. In 1884 this Post had a membership of fifty and at one date, 
it was still larger. Today there are only eight enrolled members, and 
J. II. Shuler, Quartermaster, is the only one now residing at Crystal 
Lake. 

WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS 

Harley Wayne Relief Corps No. 52. auxiliary to Grand Army 
Post No. 169 at Marengo, was organized June 19, 1886, by Julie G. Sine. 
The subjoined is a list of charter members: Louisa Green, Emilv Sted- 




J^ovitML t TpZ , Jy<zA-^Z^ 



T 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 267 

man, Minnie Dietz, Bertha Robbins, L. R. Tyler, Margaret Galloway, 
Nancy Scougall, Mary Ward, Jennie Strickland, Mary Henry, Mary 
Belden, Elinira Griffin, Jennie Chandler, Polly Tyler, Mary Ford, Hattie 
Southern, Minerva Ryder, Sarah Morris, Lou London, Nancy Betts, 
Ursula Hewitt, Josephine Curtiss, Hulda Lewis, Maggie Ford, Harriet 
Hart, Caroline Spragg, L. Colwell, Jane Metcalf, Delia Buck, Emma 
Miller, Sylvia Lewis, Lenora Nickerson, Lucy Carver, Amy Hendrickson, 
Hattie Loomis, Harriet Bailey, Jane Swager, Mabel Griffin, Richard 
Harris, Louisa Randall, Emma Patrick, Hannah Miller, Sadie Dimon, 
Carrie Broughton, Anna Kennedy, Maria Mclntyre. 

The first officers were as follows : Louisa Green, President ; Minervia 
Ryder, Senior Vice President ; Emily Stedman, Jr. Vice President ; 
Sarah Morris, Secretary; Lucy Carver, Treasurer; Minnie Dietz, Chap- 
lain; Lou London, Conductor; Amy Hendrickson, Assistant Conductor; 
Bertha Robbins, Guard ; Nancy Betts, Assistant Guard. The following 
have served as presidents of the Corps : Louisa Green, Minervia Ryder, 
Sarah Moms, Anna Patrick, Mary Belden, Hattie Bailey, Hattie Loomis, 
Anna Bushaw, Ella Rowland, Lillie Pringle, Ada Wegite, Mary Johnson, 
Hattie Read, Kate Wilson. The membership is fifty -two. Its officers are :. 
Kate Wilson, President; Martha Rose, Senior Vice President; Jessie 
Jobe, Junior Vice President ; Emma Worf , Secretary ; Gertrude Kennedy, 
Treasurer. 

AMERICAN LEGION 

The American Legion was organized during a convention at St. Louis, 
Missouri, May 8-10, 1919, and a regular convention was held at Minne- 
apolis, Minn., November 10-12, 1919, when national officers were elected 
and the organization completed. All who were in the military, naval or 
marine service during the World War, between April 6, 1917, and Novem- 
ber 11, 1918, are eligible to membership. The Legion was incorporated by 
an Act of Congress approved September 16, 1919. 

The Legion is represented in MeHenry County by the following 
posts : 

Peter Umathum Post No. 412, Woodstock, was organized in August, 
1919, and has a membership of 207. The commander for 1921 is D. R. 
Joslyn, Junior, and the other officers are : Warren Fish, vice commander ; 
Glenn Shales, adjutant; Raymond Woods, chaplain; Cy Sanford, ser- 
geant-at-arms; Walter Conway, finance officer; and George More, his- 
torian. In March, 1021, this post won the second prize of $90 offered 



268 HISTORY OP McHEXRY COUNTY 

by the Chicago Evening Journal in the membership campaign, and was 
given a banquet at the Hotel La Salle. Chicago. The money was used in 
purchasing the post "colors." The post has lost by death Simon Febber 
and Adelbert Sullivan. 

The post at Algonquin was organized duly 27, 1920, and has a mem- 
bership of thirty-five. The officers for 1921 are as follows: John R. 
Heidihger, commander; Benjamin Pflaum, vice commander; Joseph J. 
Pitzeck, adjutant; Clarence Ehel, chaplain; Edward Janak, sergeant-at- 
arms; Arnold Duensing, finance officer; and William J. O'Connor, his- 
torian. 

The Crystal Lake Post was organized in December, 1919, and has a 
membership of sixty-six. The present officers are : Harry D. Hull, com- 
mander; Walter McCollum, adjutant; Warren Swenson, chaplain; Fred 
Morgan, sergeant-at-arms ; and Elton Huffman, finance officer. 

The William J. Metzen Post No. 265, of Harvard, was organized in 
September, 1919, with a membership of 130. The officers for 192] are: 
James J. McCauley, commander; Thomas King, vice commander; George 
Brown, adjutant; Reverend Newham. chaplain; Lester Peacock, sergeant- 
at-arms; James Davidson, finance officer. The following members have 
died: Clev Thompson, Daniel Harden and Ernest Kelljstrom. This 
post has held military funerals for the following returned overseas 
bodies: Edward Kileen, George Ratzloff and Raymond Howard. 

The post at Hebron was organized August 1, 1920, and has a mem- 
bership of thirty-three. The officers for 1921 are: Clarence Judson, 
commander; Herman Peterson, vice commander; Miles Koblentz. ad- 
jutant; Charles Bailey, chaplain; Clarence Grabbert, sergeant-at-arms; 
and Clyde Arp, finance officer. 

The Huntley Post No. 673 was organized in August, 1920, with a mem- 
bership of thirty-five. The officers for 1921 are as follows: Dr. Oliver 
I. Statler, commander; William Amos, vice commander; Clyde Clanton, 
adjutant ; Edwin Hener, sergeant-at-arms; and William Bartlett, finance 
officer. 

Paul C. Hoffman Post No. 253, of Richmond, made application for a 
charter in November, 1919. It has a membership of fifty-three. The 
officers for 1921 are: Richard G. Richardson, commander; Ernest 
Snyder, vice commander; Charles Golden, adjutant; Dr. Foster, chap- 
lain; Floyd Perkins, sergeant-at-arms ; Hugh Howden, historian; Dr. 
John Ducey, finance officer. 

McHenry Post No. 491, was organized January 22, 1920. It now has 
a membership of seventy. The officers for 1921 include Alfred H. 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 269 

Pouse, commander; Charles J. Reihansperger, adjutant; and Gerald J. 
Casey, finance officer. 

Kiswaukee Post No. 192, at Marengo, was organized September 24. 
1919. It now has a membership of seventy-nine. The officers for 1921 
include Harry C. Patrick, commander; Carlton S. Robb, adjutant; and 
B. P. Duzenberry, finance officer. 






CHAPTER XVII 
DAYS OP MOURNING 

DEATH OP ABRAHAM LINCOLN DEATH OF JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD DEATH 

OF U. S. GRANT DEATH OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM MC KINLEY. 

Every country has its days of bereavement and deep sorrow over 
the death of some great ruler, friend or benefactor. In a kingdom, 
when the king dies, great is the mourning. In a republic, when a presi- 
dent dies, even greater is the sorrow, for being of a democratic govern- 
ment, the feeling is much closer between the head of the government and 
the common people, who have chosen such person to rule for them. 

The United States has been called upon to mourn at the fall of three 
of their greatest presidents, Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. On the 
occasion of each one of these sad blows the loyal men and women of 
every section of the land have congregated at a set time and place, to 
publicly show their deep sorrow for their departed dead. 

THE DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

President Lincoln had just guided the ship of State through an awful 
civil conflict, when he was suddenly shot down by the hand of an 
assassin. As most of the able-bodied men from McHenry County were 
at that time in the Union army, the war having just ended the week in 
which Mr. Lincoln was killed, there was no large turnout at a set day 
of mourning. The churches did, however, all have memorial sermons. The 
editor of the Woodstock Sentinel, Abraham E. Smith, in his issue of 
April 26, 1865, the week after the assassination, wrote an editorial which 
has never been heralded abroad like other gems of oratory and eloquence, 
because of its appearance in so small a town and a paper, but indeed 
those who have read it, see new beauty in it as the years roll by. It 
shall, therefore, find a place in the annals of this county. 

"Abler pens than ours have written eulogies and touching tributes 
to the worth of the dead statesman whose loss the nation now deplores. 
We shall not attempt it. The genial kindness of his nature, the marvel- 

270 



history of Mchenry county 271 

ous aeuteness of his intellect, his plain, simple, and yet apt manner of 
addressing himself to the people, his wonderful sagacity and practical 
common sense, the versatility of his genius — and above all, the never 
failing amiability of the man; are all written on memory's page, seared 
in by the fearful death he died, and will never be erased from the hearts 
of American citizens while liberty is enjoyed. 

"Personally, Abraham Lincoln had no enemies. He died through no 
personal malice. He fell because he represented his country, as no other 
man ever did. He died a martyr on the altar of liberty — of his country's 
unity and glory ! Let us then do honor to his name. In honoring him, 
we honor ourselves. In him were the virtues of the American Nation 
combined. Peace to his ashes! Honor to his memory. With him life's 
fitful fever is over; and what an eventful life he lived. Thousands upon 
thousands yet unborn will hail him as their Father and Liberator. Fare- 
well, noble Lincoln. Good Night to thy form, but Good Morn to thy 
Fame!" 

It should be remembered that this was penned on the spur of the 
moment, "press-day" in Woodstock fifty-four years ago. And still the 
name LINCOLN stands out among the untarnished stars of the American 
Republic. 

In common with other parts of the country, houses were draped in 
appropriate emblems of mourning in Woodstock and other towns of this 
county. All places surrounding the public square were tastily draped 
and decorated by tender and skilful hands. 

The local paper had a notice inviting all who could to join the com- 
mittee appointed to attend the great funeral gathering which was held in 
Chicago, where but little more than five years before, he had been nomi- 
nated in the "Wigwam" as the standard-bearer of the then new Repub- 
lican party. Many responded to this call. This was McHenry County's 
first public mourning day. 

DEATH OP JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD 

Iii sixteen years after Lincoln fell, the people of this county wore the 
emblems of mourning again, this time, for President Garfield, who was 
elected in the autumn of 1880. In July, 1881, he was shot in the back, 
while walking arm-in-arm with James G. Blaine, in the Potomac depot at 
Washington, while waiting for a train. The beloved president lingered 
on, a great sufferer, until in September of that year, when he passed 
from earth's shining circle, and this was another stinging blow to the 



272 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

loyal hearts of all American people. President Lincoln had been killed 

in heat (if war days, hut President Garfield was cut down ill the <lays of 
supreme national peace. 

I 'pun the news being flashed that "Garfield was dead." Mayor Joslyn, 
of Woodstock, made a proclamation which was, in common with all cities 
and hamlets from ocean to ocean, obeyed to the letter. On the day of 
the great soldier-statesman's burial at Cleveland. Ohio, memorial serv- 
ices were held in the Woodstock Park at the afternoon hours — two to 
four. All business houses were closed from noon for the remainder of 
that day. There had been appropriate staging, platform and seats 
placed in the center of the park. At the four entrances to the enclosure 
of the park were seen arches mounted by drapery and a portrait of the 
dead executive. Long before the hour for the exercises, the park was 
filled with sorrowing people from town and country, to pay homage to 
the great departed one. Shortly after two o'clock the Guards appeared 
at the square, marching to muffled drum and reversed arms, the left arm 
of each soldier bearing the badge of mourning. The Grand Army of the 
Republic soon left their hall and when these military organizations 
passed to the stand, Mayor Joslyn called the meeting to order and quickly 
introduced Hon. Neill Donnelly as president. The first number on the 
program was singing of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" rendered by a choir, 
followed by scripture reading by Rev. J. Adams and prayer by Rev. 
J. D. Wells. Then came the address by Rev. J. D. McLean, of the Pres- 
byterian Church. Fully 3,000 people were packed in the park grounds 
that day, and all listened with marked attention. The speaker dwelt 
on the noble traits of General Garfield's manhood, as soldier, scholar and 
president; this took him from the humble log cabin to the White House. 

Another address was made by Rev. Father Leydon of the Catholic 
Church, who also paid a glowing tribute to the departed. It is said by 
those who still survive, that "Woodstock had never listened to such periods 
of true eloquence before. 

At Marengo, on Sunday, the churches were befittingly draped and 
memorial services were had. Roekford furnished their chief speaker. For 
many days the half-mast flags and drapery were seen fluttering in the 
breeze along Main street in Marengo. The colors used were black and 
white. 

At Algonquin, on the day and hour which Garfield's body was being 
lowered into the tomb in Cleveland, services- truly befitting were being 
held. All business was suspended for the day. Services were held in 
St. John's Episcopal Church at 11 A. M. At 2 P. M. a large congrega- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 273 

tion assembled in the German Lutheran and also one at the Free .Method- 
ist churches. The bells of the church and schools tolled mournfully and 
slow, striking forty-nine times, representing Garfield's age. 

At Richmond, this county, all business was closed for the day. The 
Garfield Guards from Grand Junction marched through the streets 
in funeral step. 

Thus it will be seen that all McHenry County mourned for him whom 
they had cause to respect and love. 

DEATH OF U. S. GRANT 

While not a tragic death, that of t he great Civil War commander, and 
ex-president, F. S. Grant, which took place in July, 1885, caused an 
almost world-wide sorrow. He died of a cancer in his throat, after being 
a patient sufferer for many weary months, and it is recorded that no 
murmur of complaint fell from his lips during all that period. 

The Woodstock Sentinel on July 30, that year, devoted six and one- 
half columns to his obituary notes and a review of his wonderful career. 
At the memorial services in Woodstock, the order of exercises was about 
as follows : The line formed at 1 :30 p. m. and marched around the public 
square to the east entrance, the order being, the marshal, Col. William 
Avery; the McHenry military band; Company "G" of the National 
Guards, Capt. A. E. Bourne; Woodstock Legion Select Knights, George 
Eckert, commander; and others including the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, Judge B. N. Smith, commander, followed by citizens. Over 2,000 
people attended this memorial for the "Silent Soldier." The services 
were under the auspices of the Grand Army Post. Mayor Bunker was 
president of the day. Adjutant Wright read the orders; scriptures 
were read by Rev. D. S. McEwan of Kansas City; Rev. Hoover offered 
prayer. The music was in charge of E. E. Richards. Hon. Frank Crosby 
delivered a beautiful and truly appropriate address and reviewed in 
detail the deeds of the great hero. Rev. S. C. Hoy pronounced the bene- 
diction. The decorations and emblems of military and civic mourning 
were never more impressive than those furnished at the park on that 
occasion. Each of the four corners of the park entrances were draped 
and each had a portrait of the deceased soldier-president, he who suc- 
ceeded in bringing a great rebellion to its close where many others bad 
failed, and he who was twice elected to the presidential chair of his 
country. About the portrait thus suspended were the simple words: 



274 HISTORY OF McIIKXKY COUNTY 

"The Nation's Loss." On the reverse of these words were the names of 
the many battles in which Genera] Grant bad fought. 

All business of the county seat and other places in McHenry County 
were closed for thai solemn day. Nunda Grand Army Post was up to 
Woodstock and took part in the exercises. The ladies, unaided by the 
men, furnished the entire decoration and drapery of the grounds at the 
park. 

The exercises included music by the McHenry hand, reading of the 
orders, music by the band, prayer, music by the ehoir, the address, 
music by the choir, music by the band, short address by Rev. Hoover 
and others. The vice presidents of the day were: T. M. Cook, Seneca 
Township; Burton "Wright, Greenwood; William Walkup, Ridgefield; 
Win. G. Conklin, Hartford; II. M. .Mead. Hebron; R. Bishop, McHenry. 

It should be stated that all preparations had been made to hold 
these exercises on Saturday hut on account of a rain storm on that date 
it was postponed until Sunday afternoon. 

DEATH OF PRESIDENT WILLIAM m'kINLEY 

Again the hand of an assassin cut down a dearly -beloved president, 
causing universal sorrow to prevail throughout the land, when "William 
MeKinley was shot by Louis Czolgosz, while attending the Pan-Ameri- 
can Exposition at Buffalo, X. Y., September (J, 1901), and from such 
wounds, died on the 14th of that month and year. He had just com- 
menced his second term as president. 

Thirty minutes after the telephone message to Woodstock from Chi- 
cago that "McKinley is dead," the Sentinel had out extras, nine by 
twelve inches, and was scattering them broadcast throughout the city. 
This was 5:35 P. M. and it was 8 o'clock that night before the Chicago 
papers readied McHenry County. The following Thursday an immense 
audience gathered at the city hall at - P. M. to pay a fitting homage to 
the third president killed by an assassin within thirty-six years. The 
hall was not large enough to hold one-half of the people who wanted en- 
trance. All business was suspended and evidences of great sorrow were 
seen on every face and in all places. Men of strong wills and sturdy 
frame would meet and glancing at one another, pass without speaking 
for fear that they would break down and cry. Every flag in the city 
was flying at half-mast and the pictures of the dead president were to 
be seen everywhere, at the city building and at the near-by park. At the 
corner entrances of the public square might have been seen draped arches 















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HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 275 

and portraits of McKinley whom all had honored in life, and truly 
monmed in death. Xo Sunday was ever more quiet in Woodstock than 
this week-day of mourning. The decorations at the hall were never so 
tine and bore mute testimony to the skillful hands who had tenderly 
fashioned them. The Oliver Typewriter band headed the procession 
made up of the local Grand Army Post and Women's Relief Corps, with 
members of Company "G," Illinois National Guard. They marched 
once around the park and then entered the city hall auditorium, which 
was almost filled before this procession reached the building. At the 
rear of the stage were seated fifty of the older citizens of the county 
and just in front of them were twenty-four singers and at the front of 
the platform were the ministers and speakers, members of the McHenry 
County bar, etc. Mayor E. C. Jewett presided in a most dignified man- 
ner. The band played Handel's "Dead March in Said," and Rev. 
S. II. Hay of the Presbyterian church read the scripture lesson, after 
which the quartette sang "Soldier Rest in Peace." At just 2:30 P. M. 
(the exact hour that the body of the lamented president was being low- 
ered to the tomb at Canton, Ohio), the chairman requested the entire 
audience to rise and stand five minutes with heads bowed. In silence 
of death this was carried out and at the close, the band broke the long 
silence by striking up "Nearer, My God, to Thee," and all who could con- 
trol their feelings joined in the singing of that hymn now made immortal 
as Major McKinley's favorite. 

The address was made by Attorney Lumley, and after him a personal 
friend of the deceased president, Rev. Sunderlin of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, spoke feelingly. 

At the Methodist Episcopal Church in the evening of the same memo- 
rial occasion, A. S. Wright spoke of his several meetings with Major Mc- 
Kinley, as governor and president. 

More was printed in the secular and religious press concerning Major 
McKinley than of any other deceased president. After the memorial 
services were over and the addresses made, all in which the Woodstock 
and McHenry County people participated, were printed in a neat book- 
let and sold at five cents each, and 1,000 were thus disposed of, and many 
are yet in existence throughout the county. The addresses are given in 
full in this booklet. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES 

By E. E. Richards 

PREAMBLE FIRST MEMORIES EARLY YEARS FREE PASTURES THE COURTS 

— COUNTY FAIRS MUSICAL EVENTS FISHING HUNTING — ORIGINAL 

CHARACTERS — MUSICAL REMINISCENCES OF HALF A CENTURY. 

PREAMBLE 

Having assumed the position of historian of my personal reminis- 
cences, I enter upon my task with some misgivings as to whether I shall 
make my story of sufficient interest to pay for a perusal thereof. If 
there be any criticism that my own personality be unduly in evidence, 
I ask you to remember that this is my story of what has happened to 
myself and others during the years from 1852 to 1918, and that I must 
necessarily be present, either as< an auditor, a participant, or a looker 
on. It has been the custom of some writers to introduce their subject with 
a long erudite disquisition of the philosophical aspects of the subjects, 
and with tedious, elaboration, allow their pen to run away from their 
subject, thereby inducing but little further interest in the story. I shall 
take the more modern plan of giving this short prelude and then at once 
start on my "Story." 

FIRST MEMORIES 

My birthplace was Sharon, Massachusetts, the date of my birth being 
February 12, 1838. On June 10, 1852, we arrived in the village of 
Woodstock, father, mother and six children. Our trip was from Boston 
to Buffalo, New York, by rail, thence by steamboat by way of Lake Erie 
to Monroe, Michigan, and from that place to Chicago, by the railroad. 
We stopped at the City Hotel on Lake street one night. The next day 
we extracted ourselves from the mud of Chicago streets and via Chicago 
& Galena Railroad arrived at Marengo, and from there by stage to 

276 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 277 

Woodstock. One of the passengers on the stage was a young lawyer, 
Theodore D. Murphy, afterwards Judge of the Circuit Court, and also of 
the Appellate Court. He was very pleasant and was enthusiastic about 
the country and its possibilities in the future, possibilities that became 
actualities. 

Our home was on the farm of my uncle Joel II. Johnson, opposite 
the residence of the Rev. R. K. Todd, now the site of the Todd Seminary. 

I remember that I thought Mr. Todd was the finest gentleman I had 
ever seen and that Mrs. Todd was his fitting mate. Mr. and Mrs. Todd 
were exceedingly kind to us and during the years that soon passed, we 
became greatly attached to them. Mr. and Mrs. Todd had musical eve- 
nings, frequently, at which my brothers and sisters and I assisted. In 
the year 1864 the students at the seminary, under the direction of 
Mr. and Mrs. Todd, gave a spectacular representation of the great Re- 
bellion, which was ably gotten up. I had charge of the music. I after- 
ward led the Presbyterian choir for several years. Mrs. Fidelia Belcher 
Hamilton was organist. 

The question of water supply was one of a serious nature, as the 
wells were, most of them, only from fourteen to twenty feet deep and 
became dry if the seasons were dry ones. I remember of going to the 
well in front of the courthouse for a pail of water after nine o'clock in 
the evening many a time. If the season was a wet one, many cattle got 
mired and men' would have to get them out, or the cattle would have 
perished as they were helpless. 

There were many rattlesnakes (Massaugers) around the sloughs. 
We killed eleven in one summer during haying time. While threshing 
on the Olson farm, as now known, some hunters over near the Pair 
grounds set fire to the slough grass, and we barely saved the grain 
stacks and threshing machine, by fighting the fire with brush and 
plowing furrows between the fire and the stacks. The roads were poorly 
built. In low places logs from the woods were laid and brush cut, and 
laid on the logs, and then earth laid on the brush. After driving over 
these roads a few times and after a good hard rain the earth was sifted 
and washed into and through the brush, leaving but little but logs to 
ride on. This caused cramps and bruises as well as blasphemy. But 
to be truthful, some of our roads at the present time are as bad as they 
were sixty years ago, and the torrents of profanity are let loose with 
more justice and reason than in the olden time, because machinery and 
methods are greatly improved and only need to be put to use intelli- 
gently to have good roads. 



278 HISTORY OF McHBNEY COUNTY 

IN EARLY YEARS 

The only brick buildings on the public square were the store now 
owned by Mr. Lyman T. Hoy, and then used by himself as a drug store, 
and the old Rat Hole building, wood being the usual material for build- 
ings until later years. In after years these old wooden buildings were 
destroyed by fires and replaced by brick structures. These fires will 
doubtless be written up in this work, hence are only referred to here. 
The burning of the old courthouse in the square on the evening- of July 
4, 1858, was an event of much importance. The bank had purchased the 
old building and for a long time had neglected to remove it, which had 
caused some feeling as it was not pleasant to look at. After one attempt 
to burn the building a young attorney whose libations pouring at the 
shrine of Bacchus were frequent and copious, told a friend during the 
day that, although he had made a previous attempt to burn the old 
courthouse, there would be no failure this time, as he had hired a first 
class incendiary from Chicago. He would make no mistake ! The bank 
being suspicious of the attempt to thus summarily remove the old 
courthouse, a watchman to foil any attempt of the kind was engaged. 
A friend of the watchman, desiring, no doubt, somewhat to relieve the 
tedious lonely hours of the night, asked the watchman across the street 
to quench his thirst, and during the absence of this guardian of the 
building the first class incendiary got in his work ! 

An alarm of fire was heard and the watchman, rushing back to assist 
in quenching the fire, saw what he supposed was a pail of water (it 
really was a lot of camphene, a most inflammable fluid), caught up the 
pail and threw the contents upon the flames, which act with the prelimi- 
nary work of the first class incendiary, made a complete and successful 
conflagration. 

FREE PASTURES 

In those early days the pastures were the commons, the forest ex- 
tending from the village to the prairie. The cows would stray away 
through the woods and usually come home at night to be milked and 
fed. Sometimes our bossy would not come up. A hunt would ensue, 
an extended one sometimes, aud end by finding the recreant cow feeding 
demurely, near a thicket, greeting us with an assumption of surprise 
at our presence. However, when we began to explore that thicket of 
bushes, bossy at once became intensely interested and also our close 



HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY 279 

companion in our exploration, which would end in the discovery of a 
calf (her baby). "We would drive the cow and calf home. The mother 
of the calf did not stray far from home for a number of days, she being 
duly impressed with the importance of her duties as a good mother. 

I remember one thicket where we found a newly-born calf, and where 
there were several wild plum trees loaded with yellow, dead ripe plums 
which were delicious indeed. 

THE COURTS 

My experience in the courts of this county began when I was about 
nineteen years of age. Many amusing and interesting episodes occurred 
during the years that followed. I was deputy circuit clerk under my 
uncle Joel H. Johnson. Then followed many years as deputy county 
clerk under Elam M. Lamb, William H. Stewart, M. D. Hoy, all grand, 
good men who honored the position they held. November, 1876, I was 
elected clerk of the Circuit Court and held that office for three terms, 
twelve years. I met men of fine abilities. The judges were Isaac G. 
Wilson, a distinguished, dignified, scholarly man ; Allen C. Fuller, 
Charles Fuller and Robert Wright, of Belvidere; Charles Kellum, of 
Sycamore ; Clark W. Upton, of Waukegan ; Theo. D. Murphy, of Wood- 
stock ; Charles H. Donnelly, also of Woodstock. 

Among the attorneys who practiced in the courts were: Lawrence 
S. Church, William Kerr, Charles M. Willard, A. B. Coon, Merritt L. 
Joslyn, James H. Slavin, John B. Lyer, T. B. Workman, Frank Crosby, 
and many more. 

The famous Jim Dacy murder trial was heard. Dacy was convicted 
and hung in the courtyard. 

There were many lively verbal passages between attorneys; some- 
times approaching physical encounters. One day there was a tilt between 
A. B. Coon and Frank Crosby, which showed great quickness of retort. 
Mr. Crosby had accused Mr. Coon of conduct that was not strictly in 
accord with the ethics that should obtain within the sacred precincts 
of the courtroom. Mr. Coon replied: "Well, Mr. Crosby, I never get 

drunk and roll in the mud and gutter and made a d fool of myself 

as you did." The retort came from Mr. Crosby instantly: "No, Mr. 

Coon, you did not make a d fool of yourself, nature anticipated 

you." 

At one time a decree of divorce had been granted to the wife. As 
certain real estate was involved, it was deemed necessary to formally 



280 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

default the defendanl ( the husband). Be was hustled into a side room 
adjoining the courtroom and told to stay there. The sheriff therefore 
began calling the defendant's name. Richard Roe, Richard Roe, where- 
upon defendanl opened the door and came into the courtroom, saying: 
"I'm here." The attorneys began shouting to him in whispers: "Go 
back, go back! Go back, you darned fool, you!" A bailiff caught the 
defendant by the collar and yanked him back into the room. The judge 
was busy writing the order for default of the defendant. 

COUNTY PAIRS 

The county fairs held a half century ago, were primitive, unsatisfac- 
tory and discouraging. The cattle, sheep and swine were exhibited along 
the streets. Store rooms were rented and exhibits were placed there. 
Later on the grounds now in use were secured. 

Col. Horace Capren of Alden exhibited his herd of Devons. Xo finer 
animals were ever shown. E. A. Seward of .Marengo had a fine herd of 
Durhams. Elsworth was on hand with Poland-Chinas and David Crink- 
law, of Riley, with his Berkshires. The Morgan and Black Hawk horses 
were the favorite breeds at that time. Charles 8. Dole, of Crystal Lake, 
had a stable of fine-bred horses. "Lakeland," a direct son of "Hamilton 
10," "Brigand," the sire of Maud S. ; "Patchen" and many others were 
on exhibition. Dan Duffy, with his grinning Old Barney, w 7 as always a 
favorite in the races. It is a discouraging thing to make a county fair 
a success financially. 

MUSICAL EVENTS 

In the years from 1858 and afterwards, musical conventions were 
held. William B. Bradbury of New York, George F. Root, Everitt L. 
Baker of Buffalo, Prof. Fargo, Dr. Palmer, Prof. Wheeler of Boston 
were engaged to instruct and conduct. As many as 200 persons would 
attend. Our Woodstock people opened their homes to them and after 
a week's instruction, a grand concert would close the convention. Great 
enthusiasm prevailed. In 1861, Prof. Wheeler was drilling a large 
children's chorus. A telegram came, stating that Ft. Sumter had been 
fired on by rebels. I took the telegram to Prof. Wheeler. He read it 
and then turned to the children and said: "The rebels have fired on 
Ft. Sumter, on the flag, our flag, and I want you to sing the 'Star Span- 
gled Banner' as you never sang it before." They sang it at him. they 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 281 

just screamed at him as he stood before them with the tears running 
down his face. I never knew the National Hymn sung as those children 
sang it. As it ought to be sung now with every fibre of our being 
vibrating with love and devotion for our flag, for our country. 

These musical conventions were productive of a great interest in 
music. Among the persons who contributed their time and their talents 
for the promoting of further interest in music in the early years I would 
name Harvey Denfee, Mrs. Fidelia B. Hamilton, Mrs. Ball McEwan, 
Mrs. Olive Wright, Miss Agnes Quinlan, Mrs. Sadie Murphy, Mr. Alvois 
Dryer, Charles D. Lemmon, A. R. Murphy and others. The cantata of 
Esther, the Oratoria of Daniel and other cantatas were given. My 
operetta of ' ' The Reception ' ' was given and was accorded a kind recep- 
tion by the audience filling the city hall and netting $210 for the public 
library. The Oliver Typewriter Band was an organization of which we 
were justly proud. 

FISHING 

Fishing, like hunting, "is not what it used to be." Duffield's Lake, 
near Woodstock, Fox Lake, Pistaqua Lake, Crystal Lake, Fox River, all 
furnished good fishing. Pickerel, pike, black bass, river bass, rock bass, 
silver bass and muskalonge were abundant in those days. I saw a forty- 
two-pound muskalonge that was caught in Pistakee Bay thirty years 
ago. And this reminds me of a letter and a Christmas present received 
from a cousin of ours, a conductor on the Northern Pacific Railroad, 
residing at St. Paul, Minn., a splendid good fellow, albeit he is given 
to the perpetrating of practical jokes upon his friends. Last Christmas 
he sent me a Christmas present. It was in a red box, marked "Fishing 
Twine," and a two-pound fish would break that twine the first lunge 
after being hooked. It was an insinuation that that fishing twine was 
good enough for any fish I would catch down here. To show proper 
resentment, I wrote him a letter, as follows : 

"Dear Dock— 

I give you my thanks for the fishing twine 

You send to me for the fishing line 

You use for the minnows and such up there, 

Which, with pride in your skill, you safely snare. 



HISTORY OF .M< HENRY COUNTY 

l'.nl say, Dock, up in Pistaqua Ray, 

When the shout poos up: "Give the righl away!" 

When the boat starts with a surge and a plunge, 

You know you have hooked a Muskalonge — 

He is at least a forty-pounder; 

5Tou've a fight on hand for an hour or more, 

And to land this whale, you steer for the shore. 

When the beast you've landed the fight is o'er. 

You've had fight enough — don't want any more. 

I in I say. Dock, when you're making such a race, 
With a forty-pound muskie to make the pace; 
When through the water, with a rush and a roar, 
The boat sends waves rushing from shore to shore, 
And everything's going nice and fine, 
Say. Dork: What would happen to that fishing twine.' 
Yours thankfully and sincerely, 
Dee. 27, 1916. E. E. Richards. 

Among my earliest recollections was a fishing party consisting of nine 
persons, among whom were Charles Crawford, James Tappan, John M. 
Harper, myself and a few others whose names I have forgotten. The 
place was Fox River, near Burton's Bridge. We had a seine sixteen 
rods long. My share was a two-bushel grain sack full. The number of 
fishes taken was great. It is a crime to draw a seine now, and should 
have been then or at any time. 

Spearing fish in Fox River was an exciting sport. "With a torch 
attached to the bow of the boat, the spearman with his spear poised, 
awaited the swiftly darting red horse and other fish. When the fish 
was near enough a sudden lunge impaled the fish and it was lifted 
struggling into the boat. Red horse- usually weighed from six to twelve 
pounds. 

Trolling with a spoon-hook was one way to capture fish and many 
were taken in that manner. The stocking the waters of the State with 
German carp was a mistake. They destroy the breeding places of the 
game fish and are a nuisance. 

HUNTING 

The game found in the years from 1852 to 1870 was abundant as com- 
pared with the present time. Jack snipe, sandpiper, yellow legs, plover, 








^ ! 





HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 283 

woodcock, quail, prairie chickens in clouds, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, 
woodchucks, gophers, to say nothing of the tens of thousands of ducks, 
wild geese, wild pigeons, etc. Hunters lived on the fat of the land. The 
slaughter of wild pigeons was as bad as seining fish, and consequently 
these pigeons are extinct. I will relate one instance to show the possi- 
bilities in hunting in the early days. An uncle of mine, living near 
Boston, paid us a visit. He had never been west of New York City. 
So one morning we called the liver-colored pointer dog and said to him: 
"we propose to hunt prairie chickens." The dog manifested his delight 
by rolling over and over. We hunted over the farms of the Hartlets and 
others of Greenwood Township for about three hours and bagged eleven 
prairie chickens, which gave my uncle great pleasure, not only the shoot- 
ing, but the wonderful intelligence of the dog. The broiled prairie 
chicken for breakfast next morning furnished a fitting climax to the hunt- 
ing trip. The spring and fall gave the hunters fine sport in hunting 
ducks and geese. Burney Sherman was our guide and advisor in the 
hunting field in the early days, and is still with us hale and hearty. 

ORIGINAL CHARACTERS 

In every small town and village there are persons, men and women, 
who have peculiar characteristics and are denominated "characters." 
One man in Woodstock whose name was John Metcalf was supposed to be 
possessed of Indian lore, and who was perfectly willing to be considered 
such. He had the shuffle or walk peculiar to the Indian (assumed I 
think). He claimed to be able to locate bee trees, and to be familiar with 
the habits of the birds of the woods and fields, the wolves, the foxes, wild- 
cats and the fishes whose habitat was the river and lake. He could and 
did make excellent fish lines of horse hair, and of course was by the 
youngsters considered a wonderful man. 

Col. James M. Strode, a tall Kentuckian, who had seen service in the 
Black Hawk war, and was for one term Judge of this county, was a man 
of some peculiar characteristics. After the old courthouse was burned, 
courts were held in the halls of the brick blocks on the public square. 
One morning soon after opening court, Judge Strode, who doubtless felt 
the need of a stimulant to fit him for the arduous duties of the day, said 
to Mr. M. L. Joslyn, then a young lawyer, "Mr. Joslyn I wish to step 
down stairs for a few moments, will you preside in my absence until I 
return?" Thereupon Judge Strode retired and Mr. Joslyn assumed the 
position of County Judge pro tem. for a span of about two minutes, when 



284 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

he said, "Mr. Sheriff adjourn this court until nine o'clock tomorrow 
morning." Whereupon the sheriff: "Hear ye, hear ye, hoar ye, this 
honorable court is now adjourned until tomorrow morning." The judge 
pro tern, then confirmed the proclamation of the sheriff. Judge Joslyn 
put on his hat, and proceeded down stairs from the court room, at the 
head of a hilarious crowd. Meeting Judge Strode at the foot of the stairs 
descending the stairs, he said. "Mr. Joslyn, what does this mean .' I left 
you to preside during my absence." Joslyn replied — "You did Judge 
Strode and 1 adjourned court until tomorrow morning at nine o'clock." 
Of course Judge Strode was furious. His wrath was appeased upon an 
invitation to come and have "something" and he came! Judge Strode 
was an orator and indeed eloquent and pleasing. He repeated himself 
in his perorations, and frequently concluded his remarks thus: "But 
ladies and gentlemen I will not elaborate further. The few remarks I 
have made have been entirely without premeditation, and thanking you 
for your kind attention I will conclude." 

('apt. Charles G. Tryon was the owner of a large farm in the south- 
west corner of Richland Township. The Tryon home was a hospitable 
one and a social center. The captain relates an incident showing the 
lawless condition of the country at that time (about 1840). One day as 
the family and some neighbors were in the front yard, Henry M. Wait 
the sheriff of McHenry County, rode in on horseback. A horse saddled 
was standing in the yard. "One of you men get onto that horse and 
follow me," was the sheriff's order, which was obeyed and they rode out 
to the highway, where a short distance ahead was a man on horseback 
riding towards the Wisconsin line. They galloped up to the man and 
Mr. Wait, the sheriff caught him by the collar, turning him around and 
headed for Woodstock. This man was a horse thief, caught with the 
goods ! 

Captain Tryon had one old Irishman working for him named Pat 
Dooley. One day in returning from the village of Richmond five or six 
miles distant, he was met by Pat who said: "Mr. Tryon there were 
siveral gintlemin from Woodstock here to see you." "Oh, probably a 
lot of politicians," said the captain. "No sir, they were not," said Pat. 
"they were perfect gintlemin." 

In the year 1852, Mr. George Gage of West McHenry was a candidate 
for state senator and was duly elected to that honorable position. During 
his canvass, in company with Hank McLean, he held a meeting at the 
village of Alden. At the conclusion of their speeches they were invited 
to spend the night with a wealthy farmer, Mr. Asahel Disbrow, which 



HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 285 

invitation was accepted. The wife of the farmer provided a good 
luncheon. An hour was engaged in pleasant conversation. Their host 
then said: "Gentlemen, we usually retire at this hour, after having 
prayers and reading a portion of the scriptures. You may retire now 
if you wish to, or we would be happy to have you join us in our devo- 
tions." An invitation which they were glad to accept. There was a son 
in the family who was not quite right mentally. However he certainly 
had a brain of some use as will presently be observed. The good farmer 
knelt down in prayer and among his requests prayed the Lord to remem- 
ber the strangers who sojourned within their gates, temporarily for a 
season, and especially him who would soon represent us in the Legislature 
and make laws for our government. "And Lord, we pray that thou will 
give him wisdom, make him honest, Amen." "Dad, that's what he needs, 
make him honest, make him honest," shouted the young man who was 
supposed to be mentally deficient. 

Dan Sweeney was a good hearted Irishman, who never in his life 
harmed anyone. He unfortunately was addicted and wedded to the use 
of the "ardent," and didn't believe in divorces. He evidently adhered 
to the advice given by Timothy (1-5-23) "Drink no longer water, but use 
a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. " Dan 
was taking care of an old hermit who lived in a little hut in Hartland and 
was very ill. Doctor Windmuller was sent for. Answering the call he 
went to the hut and going in saw at once that the man was dying. He 
sat down and in a few minutes the old hermit died. At that moment 
a woman opened the door, looked in and said, "Dan Sweeney, how's the 
mons?" "Well, Madame by the grace of God and the help of Doctor 
Windmuller, he's dead," was Dan's reply. 

MUSICAL REMINISCENCES OF HALF A CENTURY 

No better index of the musical talent that has been displayed in Mr- 
Henry County can be given here than to insert portions of a lengthy, 
and highly interesting "paper" read before the Woman's Club in Wood- 
stock, in the winter of 1918-19, the same being by pioneer E. E. Richards, 
the gifted composer, director and tenor singer, who has been at the head 
of music as leader since the days of the Civil War : 

"Mrs. Kathryn M. Fields, Chairman of Committee of Music and Art 
of the Woodstock Woman's Club — 

"My Dear Mrs. Fields: I must thank you for the compliment paid 
me in this assignment. It is a task worthy of one more competent than 



286 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

myself. Therefore I have called to my aid some musical friends to wit: 
.Miss Agnes Quinlan, .Mrs. Olive Wright, Mrs. Jessie diaries. Mrs. Mary 
Buck. Mrs. Fidelia B. Hamilton would, I know, have joined me as a 
collaborator in this work had her bodily health permitted. 

"If tins write-up reads like an autobiography and if the personal 
pronoun, 1, obtrudes itself too persistently, please remember that I am 
writing of what I have seen and what I have heard and many times have 
had a part in the performances of the years long ago. 

"In this history, we begin at the years 1853-4-5, when the only 
Protestant church here was a small wood building where Dacy's lumber 
yard now is. The Presbyterian Church, and I remember the Catholic 
Church nearly on the site of the present splendid edifice now owned 
by that society. Other societies held their services iu halls. 

"In 1852-3-4-5 musical instruments were not numerous. Churches 
did not have organs. I remember that Fidelia Belcher (now Hamilton) 
had a melodion that was played in the lap of the performer. The Bap- 
tist Church at a later date secured a bass viol, presented to them by the 
Baptist Church of Sharon, Massachusetts, where my father played it. 

"When I was fifteen or sixteen years old, I began playing the violin 
in the choir of the Baptist Church. One old lady, a member, objected, 
saying, if she saw a fiddle in church, she didn't know but she would want 
to dance. My mother, also a member of the Baptist Church, and a worthy 
one, said to this disciple of terpsichore, that if her thoughts were on 
sacred things, she would not be thinking of dancing. 

"It was not many years before the church organ was introduced, then 
the pipe organs. 

"Professor Tower of Greenwood was the singing teacher, and taught 
us rurals to sing do, re, me, fa, sol, etc. and then hymns and anthems 
and choruses. A revival of old fashioned singing schools would be of 
value to many who now become members of church choirs, knowing little 
or nothing of pitch, rhythm, the value of notes, whole, half, quarter, etc., 
but gifted by dynamics especially in the fortissimos, and who demoralize 
choirs, and suggest bad language to the leader of the choir. 

".Mrs. Martha Clover Todd, wife of Rev. Richard K. Todd, was a 
gifted woman and did much for the advancement of music in those early 
days. Dr. C. B. Durfee and Harvey Durfee were prominent in musical 
affairs. Harvey Durfee was a gifted musician and had a voice of great 
sweetness and power. He did mitch for church music. Mrs. Fidelia B. 
Hamilton and the writer of this paper were in charge of the Presbyterian 
choir at this period, and labored early and late in the attempt to furnish 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 287 

acceptable music, sometimes with very poor material, but usually with 
satisfactory results. 

"In those days of fifty and sixty years ago, the choir of the Catholic 
Church was composed of singers, most of whom have since joined the 
heavenly choir above. Among those singers were Mary Quinlan, now 
deceased, Mrs. Elizabeth Murphy, and a tenor, a brother of Mrs. Quinlan. 
The daughters of these noble women have since that time taken the 
places of their mothers in the musical services of the church and it has 
been wonderfully blessed by the talents and ability of their daughters, 
given willingly and with sincerity and fidelity. 

"Miss Agnes Quinlan for many years had charge of the music of her 
church and was an able and faithful director of the musical services. 
Miss Eveline Murphy, a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Murphy, was a lovely 
young woman. Her musical education was thorough. Her compositions 
for the piano were of great merit and were portrayals of the fineness and 
loveliness of her character. 

' ' It was the custom in the years prior to the Civil War to hold musical 
conventions, singers coming to Woodstock from all parts of the county, 
sometimes to the number of 200 and hold their conventions for a whole 
week, the citizens of Woodstock taking the singers into their homes 
willingly. 

"Eminent musicians were engaged to conduct the meetings. Such 
men as William B. Bradbury, George F. Root, Everett L. Baker, Mr. 
Wheeler of Boston, Dr. Fargo and Dr. Palmer came and under the direc- 
tion and instruction we sang the musical compositions of Mozart, Beeth- 
oven, Franz Abt. Also those of William Bradbury, George F. Root, 
Lowell Mason and many others, thereby becoming familiar with better 
music than we had known and being greatly benefitted thereby. 

"The cantata of Esther, composed by Mr. Bradbury was sung under 
his direction and instruction, my sister Mrs. Harper, taking the part of 
Esther. George F. Root was with us at Marengo, and a most interesting 
meeting was held. At Marengo a quartette composed of Mrs. Fidelia B. 
Hamilton, Mrs. Lorietta Harper (my sister), John Harper, her husband, 
and myself sang for George F. Root, he playing our accompaniments. In 
the midst of one of our pieces Mr. Root stopped playing, stood up and 
said: 'Young ladies and gentlemen you sing splendidly.' Of course we 
were proud of such a compliment from such a man. 

"Professor Fargo and Dr. H. L. Palmer were here, also Professor 
Wheeler of Boston. Everett L. Baker of Buffalo, a fine pianist and singer 
was also here. Professor Tower of Greenwood was here and acted as 



288 BISTORY OF M. II KXUY COUNTY 

mast it of ceremonies. As was his usual custom he called on some of 
the lawyers to make remarks, knowing that they would say something 
complimentary about our singing. Among those called was Rev. Adoni- 
soni Joslyn, brother of M. L. Joslyn, who referred to the chorus we sang, 

'Hail, Hail, This Happy Day,' and said that he didn't quite understand 
the allusion to happy and sappy days. Mr. Baker was always ready at 
repartee, quickly replied that the reverend gentleman must admit there 
was some sap and some snap in the singing of the chorus, that no one 
would go to sleep while the chorus was sung, and that lie was very well 
satisfied with the singing. 

"The cantata of Queen Esther was given here several times, including 
one when A. R. Murphy acted as king, .Mrs. Belle McEwen as Queen 
Esther. Mrs. ('hollar as Zeresh, James R. Reynolds as Hainan, E. B. 
Richards as Mordecai the Jew, and with other officers personated and 
with a fine chorus we gave three representations of the cantata, which 
netted us $400. After paying our expenses, however, we had the princely 
sum of $75 left. We rented costumes in Chicago which were valued at 
$700. 

"The Oratorio of Belshazzar's Feast was sung at Greenwood, under 
the direction of Professor Tower. Mrs. Mary Buck and Mrs. George 
Hunt took solo parts. 

"The brothers Frank and Jule Lumhard were heard in concerts here. 
The celebrated Baker family, with George Baker as lion bass, often gave 
concerts in Woodstock, and these were great musical events." 

Among the musicians of this place Mr. Richards mentioned in detail, 
in his paper above quoted from, the following : 

"Mrs. Bell McEwen and her daughter Mrs. Winnie Curtis; Mrs. 
Olive Wright, for years organizer in the Congregational Church; Mrs. 
Fidelia B. Hamilton, organist in the Presbyterian Church for many 
years: Mrs. Sadie Murphy, pianist and organist; Mrs. Ethel Greenleaf, 
pianist has studied under eminent instructors; Mrs. Florence Sherwood 
once prominent here was a fine pianist and harpist. Alois Dryer, leader 
of the choir at the Presbyterian Church many years, had a beautiful tenor 
voice. Charles W. Lammers, basso, was always public spirited and ready 
to do his part in music. Walter T. Wheeler and his wife Fanny, have at 
all times contributed of their talent. Mrs. Bessie Allen and Mrs. Jessie 
Charles, and Anderson Murphy have all been faithful workers in the 
interest of good music. A. Dwight Hoy is a fine pianist as well as 
organist. Mrs. Rollo Andrews Southworth has on more than one occasion 
delighted Woodstock audiences." 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 289 

On April 25, 1895, the Operetta, "The Reception," the libretto and 
music being composed by E. E. Richards of Woodstock, was given before 
a large audience in the opera house, under direction of the composer. 
This was a musical success with all home talent and was greatly appre- 
ciated. 

The Oliver Typewriter band organized by E. E. Richards, we believe, 
has always been one of musical features of Woodstock. Mr. Richards 
retired from active part in musicals several years ago hence he leaves 
the history of music in this county at the point where he quit, but certain 
it is, he has had wonderful experiences in McHenry County along the line 
of voice culture, and instrumental music, both as composer and per- 
former. But few communicants can point to so great a number of excel- 
lent musicians, some of whom are still living while many of the earlier 
ones have gone beyond. 



CHAPTER XIX 
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS 

FREEMASONRY — ORDER (IP THE EASTERN STAR — INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD 

FELLOWS — DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH — KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS MODERN 

WOODMEN (IF AMERICA — ROYAL NEIGHBORS (IF AMERICA — MYSTIC WORK- 
ERS OF THE WORLD KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS — BENEVOLENT AND PRO- 
TECTIVE ORDER OP ELKS. 

TEMPERANCE UNION 

During the early days of this county's history, only two fraternities 
flourished, and they have come down to us today, the .Masons and the 
Odd Fellows. Several others came into existence but were in existence 
for only a brief period and were not worthy of a permanent place in the 
community. New secret and semi-secret societies have been organized, 
generally along the lines of temperance workers or mutual beneficiary 
societies oi' lodges. These have found many supporters and are doin^ 
excellent work today. 

FREEMASONRY 

Saint Mark's Lodge at Woodstock was organized under dispensation 
September 20, 1847, by John F. Gray, Worshipful Master; with Luke 
Coon senior warden; Calvin Serl, junior warden, as appointed by the 
Grand Master. This lodge was instituted under charter by R. W. Card- 
ing Jackson, D.D. CM., November 23, 1848. The charter members were 
as follows : John F. Gray, A. Reynolds, Jonathan Kimball, Benjamin B. 
Brown, Sidney Condit, I). W. P. Tower, Joseph F. Blevin, Derrick C. 
Bush, Patrick T. McMahon, Enos W. Smith, Edward I. Peckham, 
Andrew J. Haywood, Henry M. Wait, E. I. Smith, Alexander II. Nixon, 
Elias E. Wightman, Alex S. Lansing, C. Eggleston, Z. W. Burnham, 
James R. Mock, Levi Sherwood, James McCanna, Thomas M. White, 
Parker H. Pierson, Calvin Searl, Luke Coon, J. Bliss, Henry Petrie, and 
Geo. W. Dana. The first officers were : John F. Gray, worshipful master ; 

290 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 291 

Luke Coon, senior warden; Calvin Serl, junior warden; Elzaphan I. 
Smith, treasurer; I). ('. Bush, secretary. The present officers are: Edwin 
F. Meyer, worshipful master; Elmer E. Carlson, senior warden; Henry 

F. Bennewies, junior warden ; Edward A. Rogers, treasurer; and Walter 
T. Wheeler, secretary. The membership of this lodge is 110. 

Among the past masters of this lodge may be mentioned the fol- 
lowing: John F. Gray, 1848; Derrick C. Bush, 1819-51; Enos W. Smith, 
1852; Z. W. Burnham, 1853: H. T. Rice, 1854-55-57; C. M. Willard, 
1856; II. M. Wait, 1858-62; Leander Church, 1859-60-63-64-71-72-73; 
John S. Pierce, 1861 ; W. N. Willis, 1865; B. F. Church, 1866-67-69-74; 
E. E. Thomas, 1868-75-76; E. E. Richards, 1870; George L. Sherwood, 
1877-78-79; Alex L. Salisbury, 1880-81; Asa W. Smith, 1882-88-89; 
C. N. Kendall, 1883-84 ; W. E. Hughes, 1885-86 ; E. C. Jewctt, 1887-90 ; 
L. T. Hoy. 1891-92-93; L. C. Waters, 1894; J. S. Andrews. 1895; D. T. 
Smiley. 1896; George B. Richards, 1897-98-99; F. W. Buell, 1900; H. J. 
Dygert, 1901-02-03-04; Theo. Hamer, 1905-06; C. F. Renich, 1907; E. J. 
Heimerdinger, 1908-09; L. W. Richards, 1910-11; J. R. Kingsley, 
1912-13; H. R. Buckley, 1914-15; C. H. Buckley, 1916; W. S. Blanchard, 
1917; F. D. Wynkoop, 1918. 

Woodstock Chapter No. 36 was chartered October 6, 1856, with char- 
ter members as follows : John D. Pence, Ephraim I. Smith, Benjamin 
Carter, G. W. Pooler, L. S. Church, R. G. Schryver, E. W. Smith, and 

G. A. Austin. The first officers were: John D. Pence, high priest; 
Ephraim I. Smith, king; Benjamin Carter, scribe; G. W. Pooler, L. S. 

The present officers are : Guy E. Still, high priest ; Elmer E. Carlson, 
king; Byron D. Chesbro, scribe; Emilus C. Jewett, treasurer, and Walter 
T. Wheeler, secretary. • 

Cavalry Commandery No. 25 was organized October 27, 1867, and 
adopted in November. The charter members were: Enos Smith, John 
J. Murphy, Holbert Nickerson, John S. Wheat, Benj. F. Church, Edwin 
E. Thomas, James Northrup, J. S. Miller, Alex. L. Salisbury, Leander 
Church. The present membership is 189, and its officers are: Chester 
I. Nelson, commander ; Henry T. Bennewies, generalissimo ; William 
Hyde West, captain general: Edward Albert Rogeurs, senior warden; 
B. D. Chesbro, junior warden; James S. Andrews, prelate; Erastus E. 
Richards, treasurer ; Guy E. Still, recorder. 

The past commanders have been as follows : Sir Knights, Erastus 
Emery Richards, Luman Thomas Hoy, Emilus Clark Jewett, Ed. Vernon 



I 



292 BISTORT OF M< BENRY COUNTY 

Anderson, David Templeton Smiley, Hiram JiuIm.h Dygert, James 
stcj.lirii-.nn Andrews, Fred Burl Bennett, George Albert Cutteridge, 
Augustus Will. in- Wagner, Geo. William [jammers, Bugh Bouston 
Mr-ran. James Becht. 

II \i;\ \iii. Lodge No. 309 was allowed to work under dispensation from 
March 15, 1859 to October 5, 1859, when ii was granted a charter. The 
following were the charter members: Benry T. Rice, Elbridge G. Aver, 
Alonzo E. Axtell, Benj. Lowell. Thaddeus B. Wakeman, Henry B. Minier, 
Biram Jackson, Enos Kellogg, Lyman Backus and a few others. The 
tirst officers were: master. Henry T. Rice; senior warden. Elbridge G. 
Ayer; junior warden. Alonzo E. Axetell. The present membership of 
this lodge is 277. Its present officers include W. B. Coburn, worshipful 
master : Ray E. Lush, senior warden ; Raymond G. Orcutt, junior warden ; 
Thomas P. Marshall, treasurer: Hugh H. Megran, secretary; John C. 
Diener, chaplain; George B. Lake, senior deacon: Frederick L. Fisher, 
junior deacon; Albert Whaples, senior steward; Edward D. Fuller. 
junior steward; James D. Clark, marshal: John P. Lang, tyler. 

The following is a list of all presiding officers — worshipful masters: 
Henry T. Rice, Thaddeus B. "Wakeman. Abraham Carmack, James M. 
Nichols, Alonzo E. Axtell, Horatio B. Coe, J. B. Rosenkrantz, Herbert 
S. Williams. Lot P. Smith, Remus Coventry. Albert W. Young, "Wallace 
C. Wellington, Hugh H. Megran, Silas H. Callender, Herbert D. Crumb, 
David Davidson, Austin L. Darling, John H. Crawford, John C. Diener, 
Ploney E. Whittleton, Judson E. Hancock. Frank E. Beck, William R. 
Ferrier. William A. Mueller. John C. Harris. 

The Masonic Order at Harvard recently erected a Masonic Temple 
costing about $50,000. 

Harvard Chapter No. 91 was organized at Harvard October 5, 1866. 
The first officers were as follows: J. G. Callender, high priest; H. B. 
Minier, king; Holland Norton, scribe. During all these years since the 
close of the Civil War, this degree of Masonry has flourished at Harvard 
and is today in an excellent condition. Many of the Masons at Harvard 
and immediate vicinity hold membership in the Commandery at 
Woodstoek. 

The present membership is 230 and the officials are: R. E. Lush, 
high priest: W. II. Coburn. king; C. B. Lake, scribe: G. A. Burney, 
captain of the hosl ; II. W. Lanning, principal sojourner: H. E. Olson, 
royal arch captain; S. M. Kirshner, master of the third vail: R. G. 



HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 293 

Orcutt, master of the second vail; W. R. Diener, master of the first vail ; 
W. II. Ward, sentinel; J. II. Diener, chaplain; J. C. Diener, secretary; 
C. F. Barker, steward. 

Hebron Lodge No. 604 was organized October 6, 1868, by Jerome R. 
Gorian and had the following as its charter members : James P. Eran- 
brack, M. S. Goodsell, P. Eranbrack, ('. Branson, Crandall F. Thayer, 
William T. Eranbrack, David Rowe, Henry Rowe, D. A. Clary, W. H. 
Groesbeek, C. H. Prouth, G. W. DeGraw, R. Regan and George Colborn. 

The present membership of the lodge is 110. Its present officers are : 
G. M. Honsholder, worshipful master; M. B. Spooner, senior warden; 
James Anderson, junior warden; J. W. Smith, treasurer; W. M. Millar, 
secretary; diet Button, senior deacon; II. P. Padske, junior deacon; 
John Sumner, tyler. The order leases its hall. 

.Marengo Lodge No. 138 was organized at the village of Marengo 
October 5, 1853, by John W. Green, Clinton D. Connor and Amos B. 
Coon. There is now a total membership of 135. Among the present 
officers are: J. C. Tanner, worshipful master; E. C. Robb, treasurer; 
C. H. Woleben, secretary. 

Richmond Lodge No. 143 was organized by the Grand Lodge of 
Illinois October 2, 1854, and was the second Masonic lodge instituted 
within this county. The records from 1854 to 1862 were destroyed by 
fire, and all that is known locally of this lodge is that among the first 
officers and charter members were the following: Charles G. Cotting, 
Robert F. Bennett, George M. Leach and a few others. The lodge now 
has a membership of eighty. The Order leases its hall. The past pre- 
siding officers were : Masters Charles G. Cotting, 1854-56 ; R. F. Bennett, 
1857 and 1873 ; Alonzo Ransom, 1858-1870 ; George P. Wadell, 1871-72 ; 
and 1877 to 1880: William Smaites, 1874; G. B. Carpenter, 1875-76 and 
in 1S83 ; Josiah R. Hyde, 1881-82 ; James V. Aldrich, 1884-86 ; and in 
1888, 1902, 1904; Henry J. Christian, 1887; William McGaw, 1889-91; 
G. W. Eldridge, 1892-96 ; R. W. Overton, 1897-98 ; J. T. Bower, 1899-90 ; 
also in 1903 and 1906 to 1908; F. E. Holmes, 1901; G. E. Miller, 1905; 
A. M. Gibbs, 1909-12; F. W. Sanford, 1913-14; Fred Arp, 1915-16; 
J. B. Richardson, 1917-18 ; L. E. Sweet, 1919. The secretaries have been : 
A. F. Bennett, 1854-62 ; Charles G. Cotting 1863-70 ; and 1872 to 1883 ; 
J. G. Darling, 1871; A. R. Alexander, 1884-88; and in 1892; L. B. Rice, 
1889; J. T. Bower, 1890-91; also 1896 and 1910 to 1919; F. E. Holmes, 



294 HISTORY OK McIIKXRY COUNTY 

L893 to L895; P. K. Wright, 1899-1901; G. E. .Miller, 1902-3-9: S. A. 
Ward, 1904 to 1908. 

The present membership is eighty-nine, and the officers are: W. G. 
Sandgren, worshipful master: K. 6. Richardson, senior warden; P. G. 
Buchert, junior warden; \Y. P. Stevens, treasurer; .1. T. Mower, secre- 
tary : Fred Ark. senior deacon; W. A. Austin, junior deacon; William 
Elfers, tyler. 

Algonquin Lodge No. 256 was organized and a charter granted in 
October, 1858. The first officers were: Samuel A. French, worshipful 
master; William Henry, senior warden; Thomas Plumleigh, junior 
warden; A. S. Thomas, treasurer; S. D. Pease, secretary: James Philip, 
senior deacon; J. J. Sears, junior deacon; R. R. Sherwood, tyler. This 
lodge has a membership of seventy-three. Among the present officers 
are: Peter Serres, worshipful master; Z. A. Susted, senior warden; 
E. W. Pedersen, junior warden; George E. Bailey, secretary. 

.Me Henry Lodge No. 158 was organized in 1854, with officers as fol- 
lows: Z. W. Burnham, worshipful master; J. R. Mack, senior warden; 
II. X. Owen, junior warden; George Gage, treasurer; Horace Burton. 
secretary; A. H. Nixon, senior deacon; G. W. Burnham, junior deacon; 
Abner Mack, tyler. With the passing years this lodge has been active 
in the work of Masonry and now enjoys a fair membership. 

Pull Moon Lodge No. 341 was organized in the fall of 1858, with 
charter members as follows: A. J. Rodman, Asa Xorthway. William S. 
Rabb, Charles Jones, James Ferguson, John Wales, William Renwick, 
John Cole, S. C. Rowell, William Tyson, Homer Whitney and William 
Wright. The first worshipful master was William Wright. 

The present membership of Full Moon Lodge is ninety-eight, and its 
officers are as follows: E. H. Calhoun, worshipful master; R. S. Meysen- 
burg, senior warden; Rosco Baxter, junior warden: J. W. Xewland. 
treasurer; G. II. Larsen. secretary; Fred Spat/., senior deacon; Clinton 
Cape, junior deacon; L. Foster, tyler. 

Orion Lodge No. 358, at Union, was organized by a charter granted 
October 1, 1861, with a membership as follows: Samuel A. Randall, 
William M. Jackson, W. Tompkins. P. M. Prisbie, H. W. Belden, X. C. 
Gardner, Harley Wayne. Cyrus Ladd, John Eddy, Philip B. Smith. 
George Gorlis, E. W. Fillmore. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY '29.3 

The officers of Orion Lodge are as follows: W. P. Groth, worshipful 
master; W. D. Force, senior warden; E. Bush, junior warden; W. C. 
Nulle, senior deacon ; W. H. Johansen, junior deacon ; Glen Noble, 
senior steward; Henry Poppe, junior steward; Charles Ackman, treas- 
urer; Eugene Shaw, secretary; Frank Ballard, chaplain; G. W. Shaw. 
tyler. 

EASTERN STAR 

Richmond Chapter No. 267 was instituted .March 26, 1894, by Mrs. 
Lydia Eldredge, and was composed of the following charter members : 
Mrs. E. J. Rose, Rev. E. J. Rose, Mrs. Mary E. Rehorst, Mr. H. E. 
Boutelle, -Mrs. Kate Boutelle, Mrs. L. B. Rice, Mrs. Fannie Overton, 
Mr. Richard Overton, Mrs. Sylvia Vogel, Mrs. Mary Ransom, Mrs. 

F. E. Holmes, Mrs. J. V. Aldrich, Mrs. Susan McConnell, Mrs. Bertha 
.Mathers, Mrs. P. K. Allen, Miss Hannah Cotting, Mrs. M. C. Haught, 

G. W. Eldredge, Robert Hunter. Albert Wright, L. B. Rice, F. E. Holmes 
and P. K. Allen. 

The present officers are: Mrs. May Parsons, worthy matron; William 
Westmont, worthy patron; Mrs. Ivy Marzahl, secretary. The lodge now 
has a membership of 145. 

Haven Chapter No. 727, at Marengo, was organized January 29, 1913, 
by Cassie Gregory Orr, worthy grand matron ; Samuel W. Fitch, worthy 
grand patron; Vivian Scott, grand secretary; and other Grand Lodge 
officers. The charter members were as follows: Harriet Barber Keeling, 
Lester Barber, Mrs. Mary Barber, Mrs. Nora Bright, Miss Gertrude 
Smith, Mrs. Minnie Hartman. Mrs. Anna Fry, Mrs. Emma Hoof, Mrs. 
Leora Dunbar, John B. Hoof, Miss Emma Lanning, Mrs. Nellie Loomis, 
Glenne Ilaugens, Mrs. Blanche Scofield, Charles Scofield, William C. 
Woodard. Mis. Mary Woodard, Clarence J. Coarson and Harry H. 
Dunbar. 

The first officers were: Harriet E. Barber, worthy matron; William 
C. Woodaid. worthy patron; Anna D. Fry, associate matron; Nora 

Bright, secretary; Clarence Coarson, treasurer; Mary , conductress; 

Nellie Tanner, assistant conductress. The present officers are: Mrs. 
Mabel Johnson, worthy matron; William C. Woodard, worthy patron; 
Mrs. Florence Miller, associate matron; Mrs. Minnie Heath, secretary; 
Mrs. Maude Olesen, treasurer; Mrs. Vina Poyer, conductress; Mrs. Ella 
Mead, assistant conductress. The chapter has a membership of 126. 



296 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 

Algonquin Chapter No. 752 was organized at the village of Algon- 
quin, April ti. 1 !»14, by Florence Lowell, worthy matron; Fred Lowell, 
worthy patron; Anna Van Dyne, associate matron; Charles Van Dyne, 
secretary; Louis Lehky, treasurer; Amelia Lehky, conductress; Nettie 
Van Dyne, assistant conductress. This chapter now has a membership 
of sixty-eight. Its past presiding: nt'tieers have been as follows: Anna 
Van Dyne, worthy matron, Charles Vau Dyne, worthy patron, in 1915; 
Amelia Lehky, worthy matron, Louis Lehky, worthy patron, 1916; 
Nettie Vanderane, worthy matron, Michael Griffin, worthy patron. P)17: 
Florence Hunter, worthy matron, George Hunter, worthy patron, 1918. 

The present officers are as follows: Mrs. Alma Bond, worthy matron ; 
Stewart \Y. Bond, worthy patron: Amelia Lehky, secretary. 

Habvard Chapter No. 362 was organized February 4, 1897, and had 
for its charter members the following persons: Adelvia V. Clark, Grace 
Harris, Augusta Rogers, Christina Ward, Mary E. Blake, Addie Stuart, 
L. B. Jordon, Ella M. Hogan, Jennie Astrup, Fanny Wellington, Grace 
Carpenter, Jennie Wakely, Addie Beardsley, W. II. Ward, F. H. Wheel- 
wright, Julia Miles, Glenn Wheelwright, Emma Lake, Rosa E. Marshall, 
Robert J. Marshall, Lucy G. Young, Daisy Goodsell, Harriet Towne, 
Mabel H. Mauley, Belle Purington. The present membership is about 
275. The following are the past worthy matrons : Adelvia V. Clark, 
Belle Purington, Catherine Brewer, Delia Diener, Agnes Andrews, May 
Cortney, Fannie Lillibridge, Carrie North. Besse Ileatley, Julia L. Peck, 
Anna Bushnell and Olive K. Ford. The worthy past patrons have been : 
F. S. Brainard, F. II. Wheelwright, W. A. Hoschild, C. A. Stone, J. H. 
Vickers, W. C. Wellington, J. II. Crawford, II. II. Megran, S. E. Betzer 
and Harold S. Cash. 

McHenbt Chapter No. 547 was organized April 1, 1905. by William 
H. Bridger, and had a charter membership as follows: Mrs. Maude 
Cormack, Miss Eolia Buyer, Mrs. Julia Gallaher, Mrs. Ethel Fisher, Miss 
Kate F. Howe, Mrs. Ella Branson, Mrs. Violet Petesch, Miss Elsie Howe, 
.Miss Florence Howe, .Miss Mildred Stevens, .Miss Viletta Stevens, Mrs. 
Petra Grot. Mrs. Luella Lodtz, Mrs. Fannie Chamberlin. Nettie Parks, 
Miss Alice Waite, J. M. Carmack, F. A. Holly and E. C. Fisher. The 
membership is now about eighty-five. The past presiding officers have 
been: Maude Cormack, worthy matron, Eolia Boyer, Julia Gallaher, 
Dora Price, Florence Wray, Alice Waite, Flora Ott, Clara Stan-it, 
M.utha Page and Fannie Chamberlain, and Martha Page. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 297 

ODD FELLOWS 

Mabengo Lodge No. 175 was organized at Marengo, August 21, 1886, 
with charter members as follows: H. W. Richardson, C. P. Corbey, 
A. P. Marquis, A. P. Sisou and F. W. Hovey. The first elective officers 
were: H. W. Richardson, noble grand: C. P. Corby, vice grand; A. P. 
Sison, secretary, and F. W. Hovey, treasurer, taking all of the members 
to hold what offices were needed to receive their charter from the Grand 
Lodge. 

The present officers are: Ben Dietzen, noble grand; Walford Carlson, 
vice grand; B. 0. Mead, secretary. The present membership is ninety- 
four. 

Harvard Lodge No. 1013 was organized at Harvard, January 1, 1912, 
by Guardian Lodge No. 60, of Woodstock. The charter members were 
Charles W. Short, Peter T. Rowe, Elmer Rector, Winn L. Matteson, 
Charles Stein, James H. Yickers, William C. Gaye, W. A. Dilley and 
J. G. Maxon. 

The present membership of the Lodge is 177. A hall is leased by 
the order at present. The following have served as noble grands since 
the organization took place: J. H. Vickers, Charles W. Short, Elmer 
Rector, P. T. Rowe, Otto Fick, S. E. Betzer, A. N. Dullam, George B. 
Adams, H. B. Kline, Walter Johnson, William Olbrich, William Ilinkley, 
C. E. Wittmns and F. A. Clark. The present officers are : J. 0. McClure, 
noble grand ; William Halliday, vice grand ; W. A. Dilley, secretary, and 
William Sweatman, treasurer. 

Crystal Lake Lodge No. 451 was organized June 12, 1914, by Cary 
Lodge No. 360, R. H. Grantham acting as special deputy grand. The 
petition for a charter was signed by George Joseph Garrison, Eugene 
Cos, J. A. Gilbert, E. J. King, Eugene Mathews, and Jacob Horwitz. 
The first officers were as follows: E. J. King, noble grand; George J. 
Garrison, vice grand; J. A. Gilbert, secretary, and Eugene Mathews, 
treasurer. The present officers are : Eugene Cox, noble grand ; Eugene 
Matthews, vice grand, J. M. Walkup, recording secretary. There is a 
membership at present of 163. 

The noble grands of Crystal Lodge, according to their seniority, are 
as follows: E. J. King, George J. Garrison, John McWhorter, II. F. 
Gray, P. R. Frederich, Phil Huffman, E. T. Bryant, Herman Steinbach, 
and J. A. Peterson. This lodge owns its own hall ; it is located on 



298 HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

Railroad street, near the depot, and is expressly fitted up for lodge uses. 
The building contains a spacious Lodge hall, reception room, outer room, 
stage, dre sing rooms, two toilets, a banquel room, kitchen, furnace room, 
property room and regalia and paraphernalia closets. 

The deceased members of the lodge are: John Miller, William Fer- 
guson and Tin. mas Miller. During the recent World war this lodge was 
represented in the army as follows: Charles Jolly, Nels Greer, Otto 
Kammin. Bert Randan. William Eiekhoff, Arthur Adamack, Walter 
Beidel, •lames Bowell, Herald Mathews, George Johnston, Mark Redman. 
Arthur Nelson. Rev. Then. Kellogg, S. Pearson, Paul Rosell, E. Huffman, 
.Martin Ekeland, Arthur F. Ilamden, H. M. Warner. One brother odd 
Fellow, Berl Randan, made the "supreme sacrifice" and another was 
severely wounded during the World war. 

Hi \Ti.iv Lodge was organized November 18, 1897, with the following 
charter members: E. II. Cook, C. W. Rugh, John Torry, B. F. Ellis 
and W. S. Cummings. The lodge now has a membership of fifty-one 
with officers as follows: Noble grand, O. H. Schmaltz; vice grand, Clay 
.Marsh : secretary, Theo. Frederick. 

IIkhrox Lodge No. 767 was organized October 15, 1889, with charter 
members as follows: Hurley B. Begun, George A. Finch, D. McKenzie. 
John Galis, E. E. Taylor, M. B. Manor, P.eal Finch, L. Z. Peirce, W. E. 
Wire, I). A. Clary, Peter Robertson. A. .J. Cole, H. D. Walling and Fred 
Barragon. There are now about eighty members. They lease a hall for 
a meeting place. 

The present elective officers are as follows: John Peterson, noble 
grand ; Andy Judson, vice grand ; Will Clark, secretary ; Frank Holmes, 
treasurer; Civile Frow, conductor, and Fred Buchte. chaplain. 

Among the past noble grands are: Charles Smith, A. J. Cole. Arthur 
Alexander, Harry Alexander, L. Z. Peirce. Will Clark. E. F. Hewes, 
II. F. -lones. E. L. Phillips, Frank Rowe, M. A. Chandler. Frank Holmes. 
Guy C. Lemmers, S. Holder. John Cairns. W. S. Stewart, H. B. Begun 
and W. I. Torboss. 

Guardian Lodge No. 60 was organized at Woodstock in 1849, during 
the month of December, by Grand .Master Isaac J. Wilson. The charter 
members were as follows: J. H. Johnson, Alonzo Piatt. John B. Piatt, 
Phineas W. Piatt, and Hiram Hathaway. J. II. Johnson was the first 
noble grand and Alonzo Piatt, secretary. The first meetings were held 




y%^z^Z^^/^ 




%$) 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 289 

in a hall over Donnelly's store. As early as 1852 this lodge had as many 
as 100 active members. But interest, for some reason was lost, and in 
1S.")7 the lodge gave up its charter, which was, however, renewed by the 
present lodge in 1872. Noble Grand J. C. Choate re-organized the lodge, 
with only five members. In 1884 the lodge room, records, regalia and 
other property was lost by fire February 22, involving a heavy loss to 
both lodge and encampment. The latter was organized in 1883. 

The present membership of this lodge is 303, and its home since 
1907 has been in Odd Fellows Hall, a large three-story brick block in 
which the post office is now located, the same costing $30,000 including 
the lot. Prior to that date it had been in Joslyn building until burned 
out. This made the third disastrous fire to visit the Odd Fellows' 
lodge rooms in Woodstock, each time it lost most of the valuable records. 
The present officers are : G. F. Burnstedt, noble grand ; W. 15. Brown, 
vice grand; A. E. Erickson, recording secretary; E. A. Gregory, finan- 
cial secretary. 

ENCAMPMENT 

Besides the Subordinate lodge the Order of Odd Fellows here have 
an Encampment and the only Canton within McHenry County, has a 
membership of about 151. The Canton, organized January 19, 1916, has 
a membership of forty-two. Its officers at first were: T. B. Merwin, 
captain ; Charles P. Caldwell, lieutenant: A. II. Hill, ensign. 

REBEKAHS 

Crystal Lake Lodge No. 784 was organized October 15, 1914, and 
was instituted by Elgin Rebekah Lodge, and when one year old had a 
membership of one hundred. The first officers were as follows : Gertrude 
Barber, noble grand ; Anna Gray, vice grand ; Etta Convers, recording 
secretaiy; Alice Cole, treasurer; and Isabella King, chaplain. 

The list of past noble grands is as follows : Gertrude Barber, Anna 
Graj', Ella Bryant, Alice Cole, Lillian Cox, Dora Messenger, Grace 
Howell, Gertrude Bryant, Hattie Mair. The present officers are as fol- 
lows : Ada Walkuk, noble grand ; Addie Bold, vice grand ; Jane Can- 
non, recording secretary; Josephine Nelson, financial secretary; Em- 
ma Peterson, conductress. The present membership is fifty-seven. 

The order has its hall accommodation with the brother Odd Fellows. 
There is also a degree staff for putting on their own work and an 
installing team. 



300 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

Crystal Lake Lodge No. 793 was instituted March 29, 1916, by 
Flora Smythe of Elgin, 111., Fox River Lodge putting on the degree 
work for the seventy-two charter members namely: E. ■). King, P. K. 
Hunt. Q. .1. Garrison, E. G. Mathews, A. W. .Mink. C. II. Paine, Awry 
Holmes. R. 11. Grantham, .1. Horwitz, 11. Steinback, J. D. Howell. Claude 
Mathews, Louis Pinnow, Prank Mathews, Ethel Rowley, Mayme 
Huffman, .Minnie Nelson, Rose Sturbans, Vera Shales, G. II. 
Dike. .Mae Dike. Lena Peterson, Luna Mentch, Lola Mentch, .Martha 
Osgood, Julius Brown, Barbara Smith. \Y. I). Marshall, Ella Wilson, 
Fannie Pederson, Mabel Gray, Mary Wingate, Franc Dye, E. M. Dyr, 
Clara Wilson. E. Pinnow, Louis Pinnow, Jr., Caroline Henk, John 
Smith, J. A. Peterson, Harry Mathews, Phillip Huffman, Theressa Huff- 
man, Perdetta Mink. Anna Shuman, .Mary Hanson, Minnie Steinback, 
Lena Holmes, Nellie Grantham, E. Pinnow, Si\, Hildah Pinnow, Clara 
Frederik. Carrie Miller, Anna Mathews. .Margaret Hanson, J. R. Mc- 
Whorten, E. 0. Rowley, Dan Brandt, R. F. Gray, Isabelle King, Ella 
Hunt, Emma Gerlaek, Elsie McWhorter, Anna Gray, Flora Paine and 
Minnie Burton. 

The elective officers were: Sadie Garrison, Noble Grand; Perdetta 
Mink, vice grand: Carrie Miller, recording secretary; Minnie Nelson, 
financial secretary: and Ella Hunt, treasurer. 

The past noble grands have been: Sadie Garrison, Perdetta Mink. 
Minnie Nelson, Minnie Steinback and Ethel Rowley. 

The principal duty of Crystal Lake Lodge is to help the brothers 
and sisters when in trouble and need, and to extend sympathy to the 
bereaved. Each year the lodge sends goodly amounts of money to the 
Old Folk's Home at Mattoon, as well as to the Children's Home at 
Lincoln. III. During the recent World War, the lodge gave an enter- 
tainment and social, the proceeds of which were equally divided between 
the Rebekah Ambulance Fund and the local Red Cross. The total proceeds 
of this social was $90. The Rebekah Sisters met each alternate Friday and 
sewed for the Belgian Relief, and knitted for the soldiers. A large 
number of hospital shirts were also made. Crystal Lake Lodge had 
eight brothers in the service. They were; Paul Roeselle. served with the 
famous Black Hawk division in France; .Mark Redmond, enlisted at the 
outbreak of the war and became a member of the 129th Infantry, 
serving near Luxemburg with the Army of Occupation; Harry Mathews, 
James Howell: Arthur Ilarnden. served in Siberia; Rev. Kellogg, Chap- 
lain, was in France; Sture Pierson was in France; J. C. Jolly was also 
in France. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 301 

The lodge thinks very highly of their patriotic brothers, and a record 
of their comings and goings was kept. 

The present officers are as follows: Mildred Babcock, noble grand; 
Christena Grantham, vice grand; Alta Nish, recording secretary. 

On January 11th, 1919, the lodge moved into its hall in the new 
Odd Fellows building, located on Railroad street. It, is thoroughly 
modern and a great credit to the fraternity of "three links." The 
present membership is 157. 

Harvard Lodge No. 795 was organized May 19, 1916, by Special 
Deputy Grand Master Ida E. G. Sherman of Chicago, assisted by 
Degree Team from Woodstock Rebekah Lodge No. 205. The charter 
members were: George B. Adams, Bert R. Cone, Otto Fiek, H. B. Kline, 
H. W. Eastman, William Sweatman, II. J. Rolls, A. M. Dullam, Fred 
R, Goddard, F. A'. Clark, Peter T. Rowe, Walter Johnson, Carl E. 
Wittmus, William J. Vierek, Walter F. Searle, Frank A. Scott, Abner 
McWithey, Leslie Douglas, Herman Frederidh, William A. Dilley, 
Nellie Cone, Bertha Fiek, May Kline, Abbie Price, Bessie Searle, Alice 
Kicskowski, Ida L. Kolls, Olga 0. Kieskowski, Kate Huckstadt, Jessie 
Sweatman, Gertrude Dullam, Emma Adams, Lula Clark, Etta E. Rowe, 
Alice Johnson. 

The membership is 117. The Past Noble Grands have been: Mary 
Kline, Gertrude Dullam, Jessie Sweatman, Emma Adams, Jessie Shepard, 
Lyclia Talone. The present officials are : Ida Kolls, noble grand ; Grace 
Rodd, vice grand; Jessie Sweatman, recording secretary; Gertrude 
Dullam, financial secretary; Nellie Betzer, treasurer. The lodge leases 
its hall rights of the Odd Fellows Order. 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Kishwaukee Lodge at Marengo, was organized October 14, 1909, by 
Walter Hays. It now has a membership of eighteen. The present 
officers are: Herman Abraham, chancellor commander; Charles Higbee, 
vice chancellor; D. E. Erbaugh, prelate; B. O. Mead, keeper of records 
and seals. 

THE MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA 

« 

Piskasaw Camp No. 865 was organized at the village of Chemung, 
March 13, 1889, and had as its charter members: F. A. Bosworth, W 



302 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 

J. Barth, J. Chilson, "William Dawson, 0. A. Hill, .T. \V. Lampart, 
Robert Myriek, J. J. .Marvin, G. J. Sinderson, J. \V. Eing and II. II. 
Ladd, Tlu' present membership is fifty-two. The presenl elective 
officers are: .7. R. Dawson, Consul; John Eaire, advisor; Ray Bosworth, 
banker; John I!. Beek, clerk; Henry .Junes, escort; Ernesl Palmer, 
watchman ; Don Shufeldt, sen! inel. 

When this cam]) was first instituted, a pari of the officers were: 
.1. .1. Marvin, consul; Clerk. J. W. Lampart; escort. (!. -I. Sinderson, 
ami J. W. King, banker. The camp was unfortunate in having its hall 
with all its valuable records burned. This tire occurred in 1914. The 
property of the order at this point is now in charge of the following 
trustees: William Douglas, J. J. Kennedy and H. M. Esmond. 

RincEFiELD Camp No. 7o9 was organized at the village of Ridgefield, 
November (i. 1888, by J. II. Fulton. The charter members were: G. R. 
Truax. P. D. Castle, E. Roderick, Wiiliam H. Jones. Ben Throop, 
Delmer Duffield, L. T. Wade, S. M. Simmons, C. E. Lockwood, J. M. 
Harden and Clark Jacobs. The present membership is fifty-three. They 
assemble in Hartman's Hall. The present officers are: Ira Burdick, 
venerable consul ; Frank Wilkns, worthy advisor; A. H. Skinner, banker; 
H. I). Kinlans. clerk ; S. A. Merchant, escort ; Erland Burman, watchman ; 
S. Reed, sentry. 

Richmond Camp No. 1268 was organized, November 26, 1886, with 
charter members as follows: L. B. Rice, L. W. Howe, C S. Miller, 
E. R. Bennett, E. W. Weeks, William Besteder, C. N. Culver, W. W. 
Bogart, J. II. Alexander, C. F. Smith, Robert Hunter, H. J. Christian. 

This camp now enjoys a membership of seventy-eight. They as- 
semble in Osmond's Hall. The present officers are: J. T. Bower, vener- 
able consul; George A. Osmond, banker; R. F. Parsons, worthy advisor; 
H. L. Chevillon, clerk; Fred Arp, escort; C. II. Beck, watchman; II. II. 
Reed, sentry ; and W. E. Foster, physician. 

Ringwood Camp No. 597 was organized May 9, 1888, with charter 
members as follows: James M. Carr, E. J. Hopper, C. N. Thompson, 
Ed. Dates, John Pint, C. H. Stephenson, J. W. Gi-inoldby, R. D. Carr. 
The first officers were as follows: E. J. Hopper, venerable consul; 
J. W. Grinoldby, worthy advisor; Ed. Dates, clerk; C. N. Thompson, 
banker; C. II. Stephenson, escort: E. J. Hopper, watchman; John Pint, 
sentry. The present membership of this camp is seventy-three. They 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 303 

assemble at the Modem Woodmen Hall in Ringwood. For the past ten 
years the following have been in office : E. J. Hopper, venerable consul ; 
J. V. Buckland, banker ; C. W. Harrison, clerk. 

The presiding officers have been : James M. Carr, 1888-93 ; C. W. 
Harrison, 1893-1908; J. L. Conway, 1908-09: E. J. Hopper, 1909-1921. 

Lone Tree Camp No. 195 was organized at the village of Hebron, 
.May 7, 1886, with charter members as follows: Henry Earle, E. L. 
Herrick, Herman Ilonson, N. B. Manor, E. E. Taylor, John Reynolds, 
P. N. Torrance. The membership is seventy-one. 

W. E. Wire is venerable consul and E. A. Mead, clerk. 

Valley Camp No. 97 was organized at West McHenry, December 
31, 1885, with charter members as follows: A. S. Childs, John Evanson, 
H. H. King, F. A. Parker, Freeman Petley, I. N. Mead, H. E. Colby, 
C. A. Hutson, H. C. Mead, Will H. Mead, Jacob Hetzel, E. J. Handy. 
The camp has a membership of 121. 

The past presiding officers are as follows: H. C. Mead, J. Van Slykc, 
C. C. Colby, Robert Howard, W. P. Stevens, T. P. Walsh, J. H. Kimball, 
Charles L. Page, W. D. Wentworth, E. E. Bassett, Joseph C. Holly, 
John Stoffel, A. M. Brown, Alford H. Ponse, James N. Sayler. The 
following are the present officials: W. J. Welch, vice consul; James 
N. Sayler, past consul; Frank Thurhoell, Sr., advisor;' P. M. Joslen, 
banker; E. E. Bassett, clerk; R. Gehamberlin, escort; M. A. Conway, 
watchman; Walter Warner, sentry; Drs. D. G. Wells, A. F. Mueller, 
and A. I. Froehlick, physicians; John W. Schaffer, A. M. Brown and 
John Stoffel, trustees. 

Boxwood Camp No. 86 was organized at Harvard March 27, 1885, 
by S. L. Lincoln. The charter members were as follows : L. J. Camron, 
Francis M. Drake, John Foley, Charles Goddard, H. Gray, T. Hallisey, 
S. L. Lincoln, A. Parlet, F. M. Martin, George W. Parmely, R. E. 
Tooker, M. M. McMahon, J. C. Sorenson, O. Carpenter, T. Condon, II. 
Senger, J. B. Stevens, 0. Powers, W. L. Collins, E. C. Hammond, M. 
Howard, M. A. F. Ottman, Dr. Cole and C. H. Adams. The lodge now 
has a membership of 209. Its first officers were : S. L. Lincoln, consul ; 
H. Gray, advisor; Dr. Goddard, banker; Geroge Parmely, clerk. The 
officers now serving are: Charles Kath, vice consul; William Watson, 
worthy advisor; W. A. Dilley, clerk; and F. H. Dobson, banker. 

The presiding officers have been : S. L. Lincoln, W. H. Conway, 
F. H. Dobson, J. C. Diever, E. C. Hammond, Ed Smith, J. H. Diener. 



304 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

\>.w Tree Camp No. 574 was organized a few years ago at Allien, 
and now enjoys a membership of sixty-two. This camp lost all records 
in a fire and was re-organized in 1918. The present officers are: W. 
]>. Thompson, consul; E. ('. Hammond, advisor, N. B. Clawson, banker; 
T. 0. Bungard, clerk, 

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OP AMERICA 

This order is the Woman's Auxiliary of the .Modern Woodmen of 
America, and has several Camps in this county. 

BOXWOOD Camp No. 298, at Harvard, was organized in 1896 by Mary 
A. Scott. The first officers were: Hattie Hancock, oracle; .Mary A. 
Scott, vice oracle; Clara Stedge, recorder; and .Mary Powers, receiver. 

The present membership is 289. The following have served as Oracles 
at this point: Hattie Hancock, three years; .Mary Scott Lanning, 
eighteen years; Mabel A. Borchvell for four years and is still in office. 
Matie E. Stafford is the recorder. This order has lodges in nearly 
every place the Woodmen have lodges in this county. 

Fox River Valley Camp was organized at West McHenry in April, 
1906, with charter members as follows: Eli B. Brink, Alfred M. Brown, 
Dr. Harry Beebe, Anna Byrd, Polly Brink, Bernice Kimball, Henry C. 
Mead, Anna Mollohan, Amy L. Mead, Laura Xellis, Martha Page, Alice 
Simpson, Nina Sherman, Benson Sherman, Etta E. Wattles, D. Went- 
worth, D. G. Nellis, A. Matthews, Calla Loomis. It now has a member- 
ship of 94. The past presiding officers are: Anna Byrd, Agnes Went- 
worth, Etta E. Wattles, Cora Bassett, Laura Nellis, Etta E. Wattles. 

Mlverva Spring Camp was organized at Cary, February 4, 1896. 
It was formed by Mrs. B. Prickett of Summit Camp. The charter 
members consisted of twenty-two ladies and eleven Woodmen brothers. 
There are nineteen beneficial members and one social member. The 
present members are: Nellie Grantham, oracle; Julia Brown, reeoi'der; 
Lila Mentch, receiver; Nettie Trout, chancellor; Martha Osgood, marshal ; 
Sophronia Lindsey and Amy Rowsen, sentinels. 

Progressive Camp No. 5,300 was organized at Woodstock April 1, 
1908, by District Deputy Minnie Dillon. The charter members were as 
follows: Lawrence Gillispie. Rachael Gillispie, C. A. Lammers, Alice 
Lemmers, Ellen Jacobs, Emma Joorfritz, William Rushton, Ella Hakes, 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 305 

Anna Liehty, William M. Liehty. Blanche Dietz, Beatrice Dewey, Harry 
Dewey, Mary Gaulke, Clara Wicks, Lillian Rose, Lewis Dean, H. T. 
Brown, Rosa Brown, E. E. Stevens, Lon Stevens, Lizzie Walson, Clyde 
Miner, May Miner, Prank. Heine and Reka Waller. 

The first officers were: Past oracle, William Liehty; oracle, Ellen 
Jacobs ; vice oracle, Rosa Brown ; chancellor, Ella Hakes ; recorder, 
Alice Lemmers ; receiver, Anna Liehty ; marshal, Emma Joorfritz ; inner 
sentinel, Lewis Dean; and outer sentinel, William Rushton. The past 
presiding- officers have been: Ellen Jacobs, Niobe Griffiths, Dora Johns- 
ton, William Liehty. The present officers are : Past oracle, Deborah 
Ilaldeman; oracle, Brookie Fosdick; vice oracle, Elsie Smith; chancellor, 
Lovina Thomas ; recorder, Jennie Ellsworth ; receiver, Mary Baker. 

The membership of this prosperous camp of Royal Neighbors is 213. 

MYSTIC WORKERS OF THE WORLD 

Harvard Lodge No. 21 was organized April 4, 1899 by Joanna E. 
Downes and commenced with charter members as follows : William 
Bombard, Pearl Bombard, Edwin Briekley, Sarah Brickley, William 
Brickley, Cora Butts, Edgar Butts, Mary Burk, Patrick Burk, James 
Burk, Walter Bowman, Albert Brown, Michael Breen, William Budde, 
Charles Cramer, Celia Donovan, George Diggins, Ernest Diggins, Carrie 
Diggins, Judson Davis, Catherine Donovan, Herbert Emerson, Frank 
Ellis, Otto Fick, Bertha Fick, Julia Gleason, August Hochrath, Albert 
Hammerstead, William Jenkins, Mary Jenkins, Joseph Jones, Henrietta 
Kiskoski, Henry Lembsky, Lewis Leverenz, Mathew McRoberts, Mar- 
garet MeCabe, Rose McGee, William Maguire, Emma Ottman, Edward 
O'Brien, James Phinney, Jennie Phinney, August Rogers, Melvin Smith, 
John Sweeney, Kate Sullivan, Nellie Sullivan, Herman Stroede, John 
Waters, Daniel Waters, Kate Waters and Riley Whitmarsh. There are 
now 471 adult and thirteen juvenile members in this nourishing bene- 
ficiary lodge. They meet in Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Their elective officers included these: Joanna E. Downes, prefect; 
Earl Dowens, moderator; John A. Sweeney, banker; Ernest Downes, 
secretary. The officers now serving are: John Dacy, prefect; Robert 
Kolls, monitor ; Agnes Sweeney, secretary ; Margaret Hayden, banker ; 
Cora Goodwish, marshal ; George Jones, warder ; Mary Hubble, sentinel : 
Charles Helmke and Anna Beherns, supervisors. The past presiding 
officers have been: Joanna E. Downes, Catherine Nihan, Catherine 
Lyons, Frances Powers. 



306 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Nunda Lodge 382 was instituted at < Irystal Lake, December 20, 1900, 
by Worthy Downes of Harvard. The charter members were as follows : 
J. P. Sughrua, Mary Sughrua, Charles Klilier, Herman Freye, Ilattie 
Preye, .Mary Klilier. Dr. II. D. Hull, Harrison Sargeant, Nellie Sar- 
geant, Charles Vermilya, Louisa Vennilya, Amelia Sehultz, Fred Schultz, 
Cora E. Dickinson, Charles L. Curphey, Anna Curphey, Gillard Frost, 
Josehena Westphal, Mary Buford, Edwin Bissell, Floyd Terwilliger, 
and Lena Frost. 

The present officers are as follows: J. D. Blackmail, prefect; Esther 
Allen, monitor; Alice Cole, secretary; Lunn Richards, banker; Lenore 
Schneider, marshal; J. P. Sughrua, warder; George Bryant, sentinel. • 

The lodge now has a membership of 190. They assemble at Wood- 
man Hall at Crystal Lake. The presiding officers have been inclusive 
of these to date: J. P. Sughrua, who was prefect for thirteen years 
without a break, and is known as "Old Stand-by," Earl Bryant, 
E. M. Bissell, Dr. H. D. Hull, and John Mair. 

The Juvenile Department is rapidly growing in numbers. Dancing 
and refreshments frequently occur at their meetings which are held the 
first Thursday in every month. 

Prosperity Lodge No. 1030 was organized April 15, 1911, with char- 
ter members as follows: Prefect, Carlton D. Ross; monitor, Helena M. 
Stoffel ; secretary, Adah A. Casey ; banker, John I. Sutton ; physician, 
Dr. Wells ; marshal, Florence Howe ; warder, Phillip Aylwood ; sentinel, 
Glenn Barker; supervisors, Katheryn Heiner, Frank E. Cobb and Rose 
Justen. 

The present membership is 438. A. W. Hill is the prefect, and Nino 
Conn is secretary. 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 

Mc Henry Council No. 1288 was organized in 1908, at the village 
of McHenry and now enjoys a membership of 320. The present officers 
include : Grand knight, E. R. McGee ; deputy grand knight, J. H. Miller ; 
secretary, M. P. Freund. 

The following have served as presiding officers: Joseph W. Freund. 
C. W. Stenger, M. J. Walsh, Thomas Bolger, Walter J. Walsh, Casper 
Bickler, Ed. L. Hayes and A. E. Nye, Casper M. Bickler. 

Harvard Council No. 1204 was organized February 24, 1907, with 
charter members as follows: Thomas C. Carey, R. J. Starr, A. C. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 307 

Strain, P. T. Brickley, B. P. Brickley, J. P. Burke, Frank Clarke, Bert 
Clarke, F. J. Condon, J. W. Conway, J. J. Crowley, E. J. Field, J. J. 
Flanneiy, J. Googley, B. J. Gregory, C. S. Hanson, W. J. Hereley, P. H. 
Howard, J. M. Iserman, C. P. Regan, F. J. Shepard, W. J. Sheahau, F. 
Sheahan, R. V. Sloey, E. C. Strain, W. T. Strain, J. H. Vrooman, W. H. 
Ashley, F. Behringer, E. M. Brickley, W. H. Boyle, R. P. Boodle, W. H. 
Sweeney, D. B. Waters, John Clarke, Thomas Burke, W. C. Crowley, W. 
H. Daly, E. J. Dolau, W. E. Doyle, E. N. Fernholz, G. Fitzgerald, M. F. 
Haley, P. J. Hayes, F. Hereley, M. Hereley, C. A. Madden, G. F. Massey, 
J. J. McGuire, A. J. McCarthy, C. E. McCarthy, H. E. Munger, T. J. 
Murphy, M. J. Nolan, John T. O'Brien, William H. Phillips, Richard 
Phalen, J. P. O'Connor, M. B. O'Connor, Joseph D. O'Brien, John W. 
Phalen, W. H. Powers, T. G. Ruffle, M. P. Sullivan, Dan Sullivan, J. 
A. Sweeney, M. J. Breen, D. T. Phalen. The present total number of 
members is about 206. The total amount raised for the war fund by 
Harvard Council of K. of C. was $2,757. 

The following have served as presiding officers since the organization 
of the council in 1907: A. C. Strain, 1907-08; Thomas C. Carey, 1908- 
13; John P. O'Connor, 1913-15; James P. Burke, 1915-17; John T. 
O'Brien, 1917-20. 

ELKS 

Woodstock Lodge No. 1043 was organized October 24, 1906, with 
forty-three charter members. At present the lodge has a membership 
of 400. The original officers were as follows : John C. Donnelly, exalted 
ruler ; John J. Cooney, esteemed leading knight ; J. P. Alt, esteemed 
loyal knight ; V. E. Brown, esteemed lecturing knight ; George W. 
Lemmers, secretary; R. A. Pratt, treasurer; Fred Derrenberger, tyler; 
Garry R. Austin, trustee (one year) ; D. J. Omstead, trustee (two years) ; 
George A. Darmer, trustee (three years). 

The order first met in Waverly Hall on Main street and from there 
moved to its present home in Odd Fellows' Building. 

The chief presiding officers have been : John C. Donnelly, E. C. 
Jewett, George. A. Cutteridge, Dell J. Omstead, E. D. Hannaford, 
C. C. Harting, J. E. Guy, D. J. Omstead, J. C. Rowe, J. L. 
Brown, George W. Lemmers, C. F. Baccus. T. L. Griffing is the pres- 
ent exalted ruler; and Edwin M. Kemerling is the present secretary. 



CHAPTER XX 
PUBLIC LIBRARIES 
Br Ida L. Gehrig 

WOODSTOCK LIBRARY — MAREXGO LIBRARY — DELOS F. DIGGIXS LIBRARY. 

In a number of the school districts in McHenry County, there have 
been for many years, small school libraries, some even with quite a goodly 
number of valuable books. The county has a fair law library for the use 
of practicing attorneys, and the high schools of the county have excellent 
collections of books, but the three real public libraries, well established, 
and now supported by a tax or endowment fund, are those located at 
Woodstock, Harvard and Marengo. To the ladies of these communities 
must be given chief praise for the hard work they performed during for- 
mer years, trying to get together a suitable collection of library books. 
7ear after year this work went forward, until finally the public generally 
took an interest, and as a result these public libraries were established. 

WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY 

The Wnodstock library had its origin some time in 1856, when through 
the efforts of a number of citizens in and near Woodstock contributions 
of books were made, and money secured from Judge Church, Doctor 
Perry. W. Murphy, C. H. Russell, Elmer Lamb, E. E. Richards, R. G. 
Shryver, M. P. Irving, J. A. Parrish and others, and in this way was 
started a library. This library was not free to the public, but was kept 
up by subscription for many years. When the Woodstock Literary and 
Library Association was formed, December 10, 1877, it had as one of its 
aims the accumulation and maintenance of a library and the books left 
in the old library collection were put with the new ones. These books 
were sometimes kept in stores, but were free only to members of the club 
or association; others paid $1 a year, or ten cents a book, for their use. 

On March ■">. 1880. a new bydaw was added providing for the election 
of a librarian and A. R. Murphy was the first one to hold that office. In 

308 






HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 309 

a report made by him in 188], he gave the number of books on hand as 
148. In May, 1882, the books owned by the Young Men's Association 
were purchased for $20. In 1886 A. S. Wright, the druggist, was made 
Mr. Murphy \s successor and the library was removed to the Wright drug 
store on the south side of the square, where a room was provided. For 
the year 1887 he reported the number of volumes to be 678. Verne 
Wright succeeded his father as librarian in 1888, and he in turn was fol- 
lowed in 1890 by C. D. Parsons. Through these years the Woodstock 
Library Association gradually gathered together a library of standard 
books and the present library is greatly indebted to those progressive and 
intellectual members who had the forethought and energy to build as 
they did. Mrs. Mary Joslyn and J. C. Choate were especially untiring 
and inspiring leaders. 

At a meeting of the association, held June 23, 1890, it was voted to 
move the books to a room in the city hall and January 26, 1891, it was 
decided to transfer the library to the City of Woodstock, to be the nucleus 
of the Woodstock Public Library. The books were now made free to all 
the people residing within the corporate city. The mayor and council 
appointed the first directors : J. C. Choate, L. T. Hoy, C. A. Lemmers, 
A. Dreyer, Mrs. Mary R. Joslyn, Mrs. Frank Spitzer, V. S. Lumley, Dr. 
W. C. Cook, and Miss Mary F. Murphy. The librarian appointed was 
Erastus Richards, who was followed in turn by II. B. Rogers and Miss 
Winifred Hall (now Mrs. C. Curtis) from 1893 to July 10, 1911, when 
the present librarian, Lura Wandrack was chosen. On the evening of 
March 12, 1814, there was a fire in the city hall which caused the total 
loss of 1,906 books and necessitated the removal of the library to the 
Rest Room in the courthouse until the latter part of May. 

The library reports show number of books on shelves to be 6,912. 
The present directors are : R. C. Kaufman, J. S. Andrews. Miss Pauline 
McMannis. .Mrs. J. R. Kellogg, Mrs. J. J. Stafford, Mrs. W. H. Shipton, 
C. R. Belcher, N. A. Sunderlin, and V. S. Lumley. 

MARENGO PUBLIC LIBRARY 

A collection of books were left to the city of Marengo by a former 
resident, Mrs. M. J. Harrington, for the purpose of starting a public 
library. A number of members of the Woman's Club formed a Library 
Carnival Aid Society to finance the library until taken over as a city 
library on June 19, 1907. A room was rented in the old Green homestead, 
but later the books were removed to Doctor Nutt's office building where 



310 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

the library remained until .May 1, 1917. when two suites of rooms in the 
Community Club Building became the home of the library. Miss Mabel 
Fay was the first librarian and she was succeeded by Miss Anna Blair. 
The present librarian is Nellie Fillmore 

This library has 38,000 volumes, seventeen magazines and papers on 
the reading tables, winch are accessible to any one in Marengo or vicinity. 
The library is supported by a tax levied by the city. The present trusters 
are: Mrs. C. B. Whittemore, X. V. Woleben, Mrs. A. W. Kellcy. .Mis. 
A. A. Crissey, -Miss Mildred Burke, J. V. Patterson, E. D. Patrick and 
C. H. Bremer. 

DELOS P. DIGGINS LIBRARY OF HARVARD 

What is known as The Delos F. Diggins Library in the city of Har- 
vard, was first established through the generosity of Mr. Delos F. Dig- 
gins, a man born and reared in this community. During his later years. 
Mr. Diggins resided in Cadillac, Michigan, but -wishing to be remembered 
by his home townspeople he gave a fund sufficient to build the present 
beautiful structure situated near the central part of the city; also plac- 
ing an endowment fund in the care of library trustees whom he appointed 
.to fill that position for their lifetime or residence in Harvard. In case 
of death or removal from the city of any of the trustees the vacancy thus 
formed was to be filled by the remaining trustees. Mr. Diggins' idea in 
'having one continuous board of trustees was principally to keep the" 
library affairs strictly free from politics. 

The following named gentlemen comprised the first board of trustees 
of the library: A. B. Diggins, president; R. A. Nugent, vice president: 
M. F. Walsh, secretary: F. F. Axtell, treasurer: and H. D. Crumb, W. 
I). Hall, and James Lake. 

On May 7th, 1909, the library, which is a perfect structure with all 
modern appointments and conveniences and as near fireproof as a build- 
ing can well be constructed, was dedicated to the public with appropriate 
exercises. W. II. Ward, of Harvard, 111., was the contractor; Mr. Wat- 
terman, of Chicago, was the architect. 

Miss Elizabeth E. Wilson was the first librarian appointed, and on 
the second day of August, 1909, the library was open to the public for the 
issue of books for home use. The collection consisted of 1,794 volumes 
on the shelves ready for use. The first annual report shows a book cir- 
culation for home use, 11,627. Subsequent librarians were as follows: 
.Miss B. Hamilton, Mss Cleo Lichtenberger, Miss V. K. Gher. In Septem- 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 311 

ber, 1917, Miss I. L. Gehrig was appointed librarian, and she was suc- 
ceeded by the present librarian, Mrs. I. L. G. Dickson. 

One of the notable events of the year 1917-18 was the reorganization 
of the library according to more modern methods. In October, 1917, 
through the efforts of Miss Anna May Price, secretary of The Illinois 
Library Extension Commission, Miss Marie Hammond and the librarian 
began the work of reclassifying and cataloguing the books according to 
the decimal classification and completed the work in February, 1918, 
and the valuable dictionary card catalogue for public use was placed in 
the delivery room. In this card catalogue are entered all books contained 
in the library arranged according to author, title and subject. 

In the spring of 1919, at a Roosevelt Memorial, the Womans Club 
of Harvard presented the library with a fine etching of the late ex-presi- 
dent. Theodore Roosevelt ; Father Lepper of the Episcopal Church, Har- 
vard, 111., making the presentation speech. 

The present board of trustees are as follows : R. C. Uecke, president ; 
H. D. Crumb, M. F. Walsh, F. F. Axtell, B. B. Bell, W. D. Hall, James 
Lake. 

The first tax levy appropriating money for the public library of Har- 
vard was passed September 21, 1916, when the sum of $900 was given 
for the further maintenance of the library. For the year 1917 the same 
amount was received and since then the appropriation has been $1,000. 
This annual income, together with the interest from the endowment fund, 
maintains the library in a fitting manner. 

Following board of directors was appointed by the mayor to govern 
tlic expenditures of the city's annual appropriation; six of the board 
being library trustees: B. B. Bell, president; Mrs. A. C. McCarty, Mrs. 
Robert Hall, F. F. Axtell, H. D. Crumb, W. D. Hall, James Lake, Mrs. H. 
A. Towne, M. F. Walsh. 

For a small library, there is a strong reference collection, which has 
been recently strengthened through many purchases and some gifts. The 
collection of bound magazines is especially valuable, suitable shelves hav- 
ing been built for them in the main reading and reference room. 

The reference use made of the library by the high school pupils and 
general public has been wholly satisfactory, though there is room for 
still greater use of the library in the future. The juvenile department 
has been materially strengthened by the purchase of many books and 
subscriptions to the popular and scientific magazines. The library has 



312 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

the permanent loan of the valuable ami most attractive collection of but- 
terflies owned by Mrs. II. A. Towne. 

There lias always lieen a hearty cooperation and assistance of the 
prominent clubs of Harvard and the community and for several years of 
•"The Library Carnival Association." There are 6,900 volumes on the 
shelves. 






CHAPTER XXI 

WOMAN'S CLUBS 

By Mrs. W. H. Doolittle 

ALGONQUIN — CRYSTAL LAKE HARVARD CIVIC ASSOCIATION — HARVARD FORT- 
NIGHTLY — HARVARD WOMEN'S CLUB — HUNTLEY — LOTUS COUNTRY — MA- 
RENGO M 'HENRY COUNTY FEDERATION RICHMOND RUSH CREEK 

SCHUMANN-SENECA ASSOCIATION OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE — WOODSTOCK. 

Until recent years the women of the country had little opportunity 
to give expression to their individuality outside their home and church 
circles. Any public appearance of a woman, unless she were an actress 
or singer, was discouraged, and the present desirable freedom of the 
sex with relation to their mental development, has been brought about 
through the untiring zeal and hard work of the pioneers in the move- 
ment. Today, small is the community that does not have one or more 
clubs of earnest, sincere women, whose efforts are concentrated upon not 
only expanding their own horizons, but the education of others to bring 
them to a similar condition ; the betterment of civic conditions ; and the 
inauguration of much needed reforms of all kinds. The original 
prejudice harbored by the narrow-minded against these clubs, has passed, 
being wiped out by the record made by these organizations, and the time 
is not far distant when every woman of any intelligence will realize that 
it is her duty to herself, her family and her community, to avail herself 
of the privilege of club membership. 

ALGONQUIN WOMAN'S CLUB 

The Algonquin Woman's Club was organized in June, 1915, with 
forty members, Mrs. Whittemore of Marengo aiding in the organization. 
Mrs. B. C. Getzelman, who was also very active in securing these forty 
charter members and organizing them into a club, was elected the club's 
first president. During the first year the club affiliated with the county, 
district and state organizations. There is a present membership of fifty. 

313 



314 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

The club motto is: " Who Btays in the valley never gets over the bill." 

Prom October, 1915, to April, 1916, the Algonquin Woman's Club 
was instrumental in securing a park for the town. The members of the 
club prepared a petition asking the town hoard to pureha.se a park site. 
An entertainment course given by the International Entertainment 
Bureau was sponsored by the club. The McHenry County Federation 
meeting was held at the Congregational Church, Algonquin, May 6, 1916. 

During the summer of 1916 the elub had the mineral spring at the 
park cemented, and also had a cement bench made at the park. In the 
fall of 1917, the club gave a children's course of special moving pictures. 

During the period of the World War, the Algonquin Woman's Club 
was active in the Thrift Stamp campaigns, the Liberty Loan drives. Red 
Cross work and the sale of Red Cross Seals. 

Flower seeds were distributed to school children by the club in -Maw 
1918. 

Work done by the Home Improvement Club was under the super- 
vision of the Woman's Club. On February 11, 1918, the Woman's Club 
gave a cafeteria supper. It sent several boxes of old clothing, toj s, 
canned fruit and apples to the Home for Destitute Children, to Erie 
Chapel Institute, Samaritan House Settlement and the Daily News 
Sanitarium. The elub also sent contributions to the Illinois Cottage at 
Park Ridge, the Library Extension Fund, Country War Fund, Benefit 
Fund for Soldiers and Sailors stationed in Illinois, and to the district 
work of the state federation. 

The Philanthropy and Reform department in April, 1918, turned 
over to the club $25 to start a library fund. 

The president of the club is Miss Ella Kee. 

Mrs. George Keyes 

crystal lake woman' 's cub 

The first Woman's Club at Crystal Lake was organized May 26, 1914, 
although previous to that date the women of the town had banded them- 
selves together, choosing Mrs. C. L. Teckler as president of the organiza- 
tion which was known as the Woman's Voting Club. Their chief aim 
at that time was to become familiar with the voting system, to post them- 
selves on parliamentary law, and matters pertaining to town, county and 
state work. 

Early in the spring of 1914, the elub held a moek election at the 
town hall and nearly every woman in the town went to the polls and 




^ 



■ 



~& 'W ?Yn^i^ 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 315 

voted correctly. This paved the way for the spring election at which 
time women were to vote on the question of local option. The votes 
polled by the women placed Crystal Lake in the dry section of the map. 
After this victory was gained, it was suggested, by the president of the 
voting club, that, the organization merge into a Woman's Club for im- 
provement, and broaden their lines of work, which met with the approval 
of all, and a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and 
by-laws. 

Sixty-eight charter members were enrolled, and the following officers 
were elected : Mrs. Bertha Dolle, president ; Mrs. Ella Freeman, vice 
president; Mrs. Mae Dike, recording secretary; Miss Edythe Leach, cor- 
responding secretary; and Mrs. Carrie Teckler, treasurer. During 1914 
and 1915 meetings were held every second and fourth Tuesday in the 
month, the usual summer vacations being omitted. Great interest con- 
tinued to be manifested, and at the end of the year 1915, the club had 
an enrollment of ninety-four members. 

The lines of work taken up by the club have been various, and as 
many similar organizations, the members have worked for the improve- 
ment of their town, taking up the cleaning of the streets and alleys, dis- 
posing of rubbish and garbage, placing of flowers and shrubs in the 
park and on high school grounds, making annual donations to the public 
library, establishing a charity fund, looking after those in need, visiting 
the Chicago Tribune Camp at Algonquin and donating to same, send- 
ing barrels of clothing and groceries to the Children's Home at Wood- 
stock, contributing $20 to the Girls' Home at Park Ridge, observing 
National Baby Week, giving showers to the Domestic Science room at 
the high school, and sending delegates to the county, district and state 
conventions. 

During 1917 and 1918 the club members gave a large portion of their 
time to the Red Cross and Council of Defense work, beside selling Lib- 
erty Bonds and War Savings Stamps. During the past five years the 
club has been giving fine entertainments, engaging many speakers and 
artists of rare ability. Believing that education and thrift go hand in 
hand and that in community work there is strength, the club has been 
working to establish a community center at the high school. 

The graduating class of 1919 of the high school has given the school 
a Motiograph De Luxe, which has been installed in the gymnasium by 
Superintendent H. A. Dean, of the Crystal Lake schools, and a co- 
worker with the Woman's Improvement Club, helping to build a solid 



316 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

foundation on which the rising generation may stand high above all 
that is worthless and unstable. 

The club is looking forward to many community gatherings for the 
purpose of enjoying the educational and government films which are 
already being shown. 

Dr. .Mary King has been engaged by the club to examine the teeth 
of the grade pupils, and send a chart of same to the parents for inspec- 
tion. This movement in connection with the health crusade that is 
awakening so much interest among pupils and parents, will be another 
step forward in teaching the children to care for their bodies and pre- 
serve their health. 

The Woman's Improvement Club is always ready to take up new 
lines of work that will be beneficial or improve the town and build rip 
the country, so that we may all be called true American citizens. 

.Mrs. Carrie D. Teckler, 

Crystal Lake, 111. 

HARVARD CIVIC ASSOCIATION 

The Harvard Civic Association was organized April i, 1906, with 
the following officers: Mrs. J. W. Groesbeck, president; Mrs. C. W. 
Goddard, secretary ; and Mrs. H. B. Minier, treasurer. Several vice 
presidents were appointed, and later an advisory board drew into line 
many energetic workers from all sections of the city. 

The aim of the organization was to do its utmost along all lines bene- 
ficial to the city; to co-operate with the mayor and city council, and 
the then recently formed Business Men's Association, and to assist in 
every possible wa\- to promote the welfare of Harvard. 

The first objective of the club was "the city beautiful ;" special clean- 
liness of the home and home surroundings was advocated ; the anti- 
spitting ordinance was to be enforced; a general paintup, cleanup and 
keep clean policy was to be undertaken, and always Harvard was to 
be "boosted." 

Every woman resident above the age of sixteen was personally in- 
vited to join the club and take an active interest in its efforts. No mem- 
bership fee was imposed. Funds were secured as needs arose by various 
methods, such as tag days, card games, food sales, which latter proved 
wonderfully successful, considerable sums being secured by the sales of 
homemade bread, pies, doughnuts, cakes and other homemade bakery 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 317 

goods. Also, later, movie benefit picture shows were extremely profit- 
able. 

For our first cleanup day we planned a grand roundup of workers 
with rakes and hoes and other necessaiy tools, who were to start promptly 
at nine A. M., when all bells would ring and whistles blow. And such 
a scurrying and cleaning of corners was never before seen and such a 
merry army of men and women, boys and girls, responded as made a 
clean Harvard a surety. Papers and tin cans and all rubbish in the 
streets were raked into convenient piles and later teams were sent to 
gather up and cart awaj r the refuse. The alleys presented a problem 
by themselves, and as we had no laws to enforce clean alleys, we hired a 
man with a team to go certain daj - s through the alleys back of the stores 
and cart away all collections ready. The result was immediate im- 
provement in the looks of the alleys, and the cleaning out of spaces that 
had been for years untouched, besides the hauling away of immense 
wagon loads every week. Later this work led to the city garbage col- 
lection system which has been very successfully carried on under the 
supervision of the city health officer for several years, and incidentally, 
has removed to a remarkable extent that deadly pest, the house fly, thus 
proving a wonderful gain in sanitation. 

As early as 1908 we originated a plan for districting our city, and 
appointed chairmen of streets, each chairman to appoint assistants, who 
would have not to exceed two blocks or squares under her supervision. 
In this simple way, every house could be quickly reached with the least 
effort of time or labor. The plan commended itself in many ways. It 
fostered neighborhood pride and spurred to individual effort and brought 
about splendid results. 

At the early meetings considerable study and discussion were car- 
ried on relative to the ornamental planting of gardens and home grounds, 
and resulted in 'an enthusiastic planting of flowers, shrubs and vines, 
that changed the city as if by magic. Special care was urged in the 
cutting of parkings or spaces outside the sidewalks, with the result that 
a wonderful improvement was soon seen, the grass being cut way to 
the wheel tracks in the center of the streets, which were then unpaved, 
producing a park effect which was extremely effective even in the hum- 
blest neighborhoods, no unsightly fringe of tall grasses and unsightly 
weeds being left to mar the beauty of the smooth, green lawn. The last 
plan of street cutting was quickly acted upon by the up-to-date farmers 
in Ihe vicinity, and their homes have attracted universal attention and 
praise, being singled out as models of the progressive farm home. 



318 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Much credit is due in the officers and members of the advisory boards 
in which lists, in addition to those already mentioned, will be found the 
following dependable members: .Mrs. John King, Mrs. A. J. McCarthy. 
.Mrs. W. II. Cobb, Mrs. K. B. Titcomb, Mrs. W. 1). Hall, .Mrs. .lames 
Shehan, Mrs. M. P. Walsh, Mrs. -J. B. Lyon, Mrs. Lucy Young, .Mrs. 
Mart Stafford, Mrs. W. C. Wellington, .Airs. Fannie Webster, Mrs. 0. 
L. Putnam, .Mrs. John Boodle, .Mrs. I,. A. Gardner, .Mrs. F. C. Peters, 
-Mrs. II. L. Ferris, Mrs. Rev. Giesel, Mi's. Carrie North, Mrs. Aubrey 
(dc.k. Mrs. Asad Udell, -Mrs. .1. M. Harris, .Mrs. Harry Beardsley, .Mrs. 
Harriet Eastman, Mrs. M. J. Emerson, .Mrs. H. (J. Jones, Mrs. Gilbert 
Wagar, .Mrs. J. II. Yiekers, Mrs. E. Carpenter, Mrs. Frank Bordwell, 
Mrs. Alex. Diggins, Mrs. Robert Minshull, Mrs. M. M. Towue, Mrs. 
Robert Nihan, Mrs. C. J. Hendricks. Mrs. Bert Ford, Mrs. Frank Phelps, 
Mrs. Albert Whaples, Mrs. James Lake, Mrs. A. C. Manley, Mrs. F. H. 
Dobson, ilrs. George Martin, Mrs. Helen Johnson, Mrs. George Walker, 
Mrs. Ora Stewart, .Mrs. Richard Engle, .Mrs. Robert Hall, Mrs. William 
Doyle, .Mrs. A. C. Strain, Airs. J. Keeler, Mrs. Eugene Ferris, Mrs. 
Howard Ferris, Mrs. Anna Fountain, Miss Florence Crumb, Miss Carrie 
Wyant, Miss Minnie Breitenfeldt, Miss Alda Wilbur, Miss Ella Miller, 
Miss Nell Richardson and Miss Fannie Powers. Every enterprise entered 
upon for the good of the city has been splendidly upheld and all possible 
assistance has been given. Cemetery sidewalk building, as well as other 
cement sidewalk construction demanded by city standards, received full 
support, as well as the oiling of streets and the planting of vines and 
shrubs on school grounds and in numbers of vacant spaces. 

Community clubrooms have been continued through the support and 
efforts of the Civic Club. In fact every movement for the city's benefit 
or improvement has been actively sustained and furthered by this asso- 
ciation and through all these years the interest and work has grown 
until Harvard stands today, largely through the work of this club, in 
the front ranks of attractively planted and beautifully cared for small 
towns of northern Illinois, if not of the entire state. 

Mrs. C. W. Goddard, Pres. 

The following letter belongs to the above article : 

: 'Dear Mrs. Doolittle: — 

"I have heard the history of the Harvard Civic Association read, 
and find it pleasing in every way save one. The writer has given herself 
no credit for all the good work she has done for our organization, and 
I feel that it is unjust. 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 319 

"I was president for three years through the hard work of estab- 
lishing a permanent association, and know that it was her persistent 
efforts that brought success to us, for although .she had good help, she 
was, and is, the backbone of the Harvard Civic Association. 

•"I have written the above from my own sense of right, and hope 
it will be kindly considered by the party credited. 

"One of the presidents of the 

"Harvard Civic Association." 

In 1919 this organization was merged with the civic department of 
the Harvard Woman's Club with Mrs. Charles W. Goddard as chairman. 

HARVARD FORTNIGHTLY CLUB 

In the summer of 1898 the Up-To-Date Club and the Honor Club 
united to become the present Harvard Fortnightly Club. 

The Up-To-Date kept posted on the Spanish- American War; also 
general current events. The Honor represented Hope, Faith, Charity 
and Progression. 

The new organization was named the Harvard Fortnightly Club by 
unanimous vote, forty members being the maximum, though the mem- 
bership has since been increased to fifty. 

Mrs. J. W. Groesbeck was chosen president and held the office from 
October, 1898, to October, 1904. Mrs. Harriet Eastman, Mrs. Fannie 
Wellington, Mrs. A. C. Manley, Mrs. H. W. Blodgett and Mrs. J. H. 
Deaner have each served three years. The present president is Mrs. 
Daisy Goodsell. 

The club federated with the state in 1906, and with the county the 
same year; in 1913, with the eleventh district. 

For several years the work was for higher social and moral condi- 
tions but as interest increased local educational work was taken up and 
the public library, the schools and the Red Cross received benefits from 
the organization. For a number of years a lecture course has been 
sponsored and food sales and the movies have played their part toward 
charitable earnings. A Chautauqua, beginning August 1, was added to 
the list of 1919 work. 

All moneys gained by club effort are used to help the needy or for 
local improvement, so in April, 1919, fifty trees were set out along the 
cemetery road in honor of our Harvard soldier boys. A Parent-Teacher 
Association was formulated in January, 1919, with a membership of 



320 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY 

ninety-six. Last, but not least, the French and Belgian orphans have 
received a portion of the II. F. C.'s earnings. 

Since organization seven members have died, eight moved from Har- 
vard and eleven resigned, lint the waiting lisi was large enough to fill 
these vacancies without delay. 

The names of charter members are: Mrs. J. ( '. Blake, -Miss Daisy 
I Slake, Mrs. J. S. Brasier, Miss Florence Bowman, -Miss Edna Blanchard, 
Mrs. II. 1). Crumb, Mrs. Elmer Carpenter, Mrs. E. L. Church, Miss G. 
Carlson, Mrs. D. Davidson, Mrs. J. ('. Diener, Miss W. Diener, Mrs. II. 
Eastman, Mrs. G. T. Griswold, Mrs. J. W. Groesbeck, Miss Mayme Groes- 
beck, Mrs. J. M. Harris, Mrs. R. W. Hall, Mrs. W. D. Hall, Mrs. F. J. 
Hubbell, Mrs. E. Krotzer, Mrs. James Lake, Mrs. M. W. Lake, Miss Gene- 
vieve Lake, Mrs. Frank Mason, Mrs. H. B. Minier, Mrs. V. McKinstry, 
Miss J. Marshall, Mrs. J. J. Rountain, Mrs. P. E. Saunders, Mrs. Stewart 
Saunders, Mrs. M. A. Stafford, Mrs. W. C. Wellington, Mrs. P. E. Whit- 
tleton, Mrs. Fannie "Webster, Mrs. Freeman Wilson, Miss Hattie Wilsou, 
Mrs. H. S. Williams, Miss Nellie Williams, Mrs. H. T. Woodruff and 
Mrs. A. W. Young. — By President's Committee. 

HARVARD WOMAN'S CLUB 

The Harvard Woman's Club was the outgrowth of an idea. Many 
years ago a number of Harvard ladies were invited for a social after- 
noon when a fine lecture or a good story was read by the hostess or 
one of the guests. The time was so happily and profitably spent, the 
plan of entertainment met with enthusiastic appreciation and other 
ladies followed with like entertainment. It is from the influence of 
these afternoons that our club undoubtedly received its origin, being 
organized October 19, 1891. Mrs. W. ( '. Wellington and Mrs. R. W. 
Hall, having it in mind for some time, had carefully worked out a plan 
for a club beginning. That the selection of members was most satis- 
factory, although in several instances those brought together were mere 
acquaintances, the years have proved by uniting all into a wonder- 
fully intimate friendship which has greatly enriched and blessed our 
lives. 

The following is the list of charter members: Mrs. Fannie Kinnie 
Wellington, Mrs. Anna Bagley Hall, Mrs. Harriet Nims Binnie, Mrs. 
Julia Aver Minier, Mrs. Harriet Watson, Mrs. Lucelia Hunt, Mrs. Harriet 
.Miles Eastman, Mrs. Mary Crumb, Mrs. Clara Curts, and Mrs. Caroline 
I '.lake Goddard. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 321 

The rules and by-laws first formulated have practically remained 
unchanged. The club is not a study club, but a reading and social 
club. The season opens in October. Meetings are held every Monday 
afternoon, reading from 2 :30 to 4 :30, followed by refreshments at five 
o'clock, closing with post prandial. 

Reading entertainment and post prandial are furnished by members 
in turn, the reader selecting any subject or matter she chooses. Each 
member invites one guest so that each week a company of twenty enjoys 
the reading and very informal discussions in which both guests and mem- 
bers are urged to participate, in addition to the dinner and the delightful 
post prandial which latter has always seemed especially helpful and 
inspiring. 

No change in membership has occurred in the past twenty-three 
years until our loss, by death, of our youngest member, Mrs. Crumb. 
Several removals from Harvard and one withdrawal, added the names 
of Mrs. Mary Bagley Nims, who also moved away after one year, Mrs. 
Harriet Aver Towne, Mrs. Lucy Gardner Young, Mrs. Mary Young Wil- 
liams, and Mrs. Leretha Austin Axtell. 

The officers being elected annually by ballot, it has necessarily some- 
what of a rotation from vice president to president, most of the mem- 
bers serving many seasons. The office of secretary and treasurer, how- 
ever, has not been so changeable, the present incumbent, Mrs. Goddard, 
having held the office since the close of the first year. 

The club has secured for Harvard several noted lecturers including 
Prof. David Swing, Newel Dwight Hillis, Rev. Frank Gunsaulus, and 
Jenkin Lloyd Jones. Also one season a lecture course of several numbers 
was held, the proceeds of $95.00 being given to the library. The club 
has held many delightful receptions for out-of-town guests, some for 
teachers of our public schools, one colonial reception when the members 
were dressed to represent historic dames, and a large number for the 
husbands of the members at which other guests were included. Several 
receptions were also held in celebration of important club events, such 
as the one hundredth meeting when one hundred guests were served with 
special refreshments, a program, toasts and a general good time. The 
400th meeting was celebrated as a New Year's-day book reception at the 
public library. This added 400 books to our new library collection. 

To the Harvard Woman's Club the library is deeply indebted in that 
through its efforts, under the leadership of the library committee of the 
club, Mrs. Hall, watchful supervision has been maintained and invalu- 
able assistance given. It is also largely due to this club that the constant 



322 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

stream of new books, accessary to carry on, has been supplied. One of the 
club's "library memorials" was our "Pay Shelf Fund" started in the 
fall of 1913 by our gift of $10.00, this to launch a perpetual fund for 
the purchase of the latest fiction, which should be on a special shelf, 
and all books drawn from it were to be paid for by a small charge per 
week, all money so received to be re-invested in more "new books." 

Our 500th celebration, November 2, 1915, consisted in a trip to the 
library in a body, where our president, .Mrs. Hunt, presented our 
anniversary gift of an additional $20.00 to the pay shelf. During 1918 
this fund has accumulated $150.00 for the purchase of new live liter- 
ature for circulation, and as the years follow must roll up larger and 
larger sums annually. Another club gift to the library was a good, 
serviceable clock. Through the efforts of our club, a library tax has for 
some time yearly been secured, in 1918 amounting to $1,000.00. Besides 
Mrs. Towne's gifts of hundreds of books either purchased expressly for 
the library, or taken from her private library, she presented to the 
library her very valuable and exquisite collection of butterflies, mounted 
in plaster or cotton placques, together with the cabinet in which they are 
housed. This gift is of great beauty and will ever be a source of delight 
and education. 

A fine picture of President Lincoln was given to our high school. 
To the activities of the Woman's Club, the Harvard Red Cross directly 
owes its origin. An initial membership of about fifty was secured by 
them after reading and discussion of the Red Cross and its work at a 
regular meeting of the Woman's Club, when our secretary volunteered 
to receive the names and dues to be forwarded to Washington. Later 
through the club's agitation and insistence, a leader was secured, IMiss 
Florence Crumb, and her splendid perseverance resulted in the establish- 
ment of the Harvard branch of the Red Cross. Every member of the 
Woman's Club has been an active worker in the Red Cross either as head 
of some department, or a contributor of funds, or knitting. For tw T o years 
the club has supported a French Orphan. 

The Woman's Club has been an active force in assisting every move- 
ment for the benefit of Harvard and the uplift of her citizens. Over 
8,00<l persons have been dined and entertained by it, the largest number 
recorded in one year being 650. Approximately 1,500 of the choicest 
magazine stories and articles by the most brilliant writers of all ages 
have been read and freely discussed, all of which must have broadened 
and deepened the community thoughts and lives as surely as they have 
broadened and deepened ours. 





Jbo. 




HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 323 

HUNTLEY WOMAN 's CLUB 

A company of women met on the afternoon of August 11, 1911, and 
were addressed by Mrs. Minnie Starr Granger, then state president of 
the Federated Clubs of Illinois. The subject considered was the organi- 
zation of a Woman's Club in Huntley. After the address discussion 
resulted in a vote by those present to form a club and become federated 
with the state at once. 

Mrs. Belle Hoy was elected president, and committees were appointed 
to draft a constitution and prepare the work for the coming year. The 
name of the organization was to be The Huntley Woman's Club and the 
object, intellectual advancement, interchange of ideas and the promotion 
of the best interests of our community. The charter members were as 
follows : Mrs. Meda L. Smith, Mrs. Sarah Hadley, Mrs. Jennie L. Mason, 
Miss Catherine Donahue, Mrs. Myrtle S. Cook, Mrs. Claribel Hoy, Mrs. 
Beatrice Hoy, Miss Etta Sheehan, Mrs. Minnie C. Devine, Miss Georgiana 
Hadley, Mrs. R. Donahue, Mrs. Neva Hawley Van Ness, Mrs. Bessie 
Cook Butler, Miss Elizabeth Keating, Mrs. Harriet Crowley, Mrs. Rose 
Safford, Mrs. Abigail Richardson, Mrs. Ella Hart, Mrs. Theodore Fred- 
ericks, Mrs. Minnie Keating, Mrs. Anna Hadley, Mrs. Hester Disbrow, 
Mrs. Catherine Ober, Mrs. J. A. Sinnett, Miss Helen Grace Randall, 
Miss Lida Eleanor Randall, Mrs. Mae Statler, Miss Edith Hooker, Miss 
Gertrude Mason, Miss Alma Pabst, Mrs. Mabel Cruikshank, Mrs. Rene 
Marks, Mrs. Arietta Yarwood, Mrs Lora Harvey. 

The first year the club had but two departments, a study class which 
met in the afternoon, and evening meetings once a month. The next 
year four departments were created, as follows: home and education, 
history and travel, civics, and literature and music. 

The presidents of the clubs have been as follows: Mrs. Belle Hoy. 
Mrs. Beatrice Hoy, Miss Gertrude Mason, Miss Lida Randall, Mrs. 
Arietta Yarwood, Mrs. Neva Hawley Van Ness, Mrs. Mary Barthol- 
omew, Mrs. Arietta Yarwood, Mrs. 0. W. Mason, Mrs. J. W. Burns, and 
Mrs. F. R. Liddil. 

The charter members of the club of Huntley should feel proud of 
the record of their work. There have been mistakes without doubt, 
but it has always been the purpose of the club to keep their object in 
view, even if at times it might seem far off. It has been the purpose 
of the club to bring all the good things into the community within its 
power and as we look back we can feel that the efforts have not been 
fruitless. There is a present membership of forty-five. 



324 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

In February, 1915, a public library was started by the members of the 
club, and bas been in active operation ever since When our country 
became involved in the Greal War, the club set aside its routine work 
as all other loyal clubs did, ami gave preference to the Council of 
Defense ami Red Cross. Our active dub members took up this broader 
work as capably and intelligently as they bad previously done the regular 
club work. I bus proving the value of their training, and their loyalty 
In I heir count r\ . 

The Huntley Woman's Club affiliated with the District Federation in 
1911, the State Federation in 1911, and the County Federation in 1917. 

Gertrude Mason. 

lotus country woman 's club 

The Lotus Country Woman's Club of Spring Grove was organized 
December 9, 1911, at the home of Mrs. Fred H. Hatch. Nine women met 
to discuss the possibilities of a study club. Those present were as follows ; 
Mrs. Fred L. Hatch, .Mrs. F. W. Hatch, Mrs. B. A. Steven, Mrs. T. D. 
Cole, Mrs. G. E. Wieland, Mrs. J. P. Vidward, Miss Julia Vidward, 
.Mrs. Robert Currier, and Mrs. G. B. Hardy. It was decided to form a 
club and the following officers were elected: Mrs. Fred L. Hatch, 
president ; .Mrs. B. A. Stevens, vice president ; Mrs. F. W. Hatch, corre- 
sponding secretary; Mrs. G. E. Wieland, recording secretary: and Miss 
Julia Vidward, treasurer. The directors were as follows: Mrs. W. E. 
Colby, Mrs. T. D. Cole, and Mrs. G. B. Hardy. The chairman of the 
constitution and by-laws committee was Mrs. G. B. Hardy. The program 
committee was as follows: Mrs. G. 1>. Hardy. Mrs. 0. ('. Wieland, and 
the chairman of social committee was T. D. Cole. It was decided the 
did) was to be a literary and social organization, with meetings on the 
first and third Saturdays in the mouth at two, p. m., at the homes of 
the members, refreshments to be limited to tea or coffee and wafers or 
cookies. 

The club was named after the beautiful Lotus beds in Grass Lake. 
A few years later the word "Country" was added, making it the Lotus 
Country Woman's Club. The club affiliated with the State federation, 
the District federation, and the Federation for Country Life. 

The progress of the club in 1912 was as follows: 

Flower. Lotus. Colors, yellow and green. Motto, "Not for ourselves 
alone. " 

The following women have acted as presidents: Mrs. F. L. Hatch. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 325 

Mrs. B. A. Stevens, Mrs. J. C. Furlong, Mrs. G. C. Wieland, Mrs. 
J. C. Furlong. 

At the sixth meeting of the club, held at the home of Mrs. F. W. 
Hatch, March 2, 1912, it was suggested that as the old officers were the 
originators of the club, it would be proper and fair that they be re- 
elected to their respective offices the ensuing year, thus giving an 
officer the privilege of holding office for two years. With a little change 
the following were elected: Mrs. F. L. Hatch, president; Mrs. B. A. 
Stevens, first vice president; Mrs. Lynn Overton, second vice president; 
.Mrs. G. C. Wieland, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. F. L. Hatch, corre- 
sponding secretary ; directors, Mrs. E. G. Turner and Mrs. J. ('. Furlong. 

At this time the club had about twenty members, but it grew until at 
the present time there are forty members, not including the Music 
Club of fifteen girls which is an auxiliary to our club. 

A farm festival and children's flower and vegetable show was held 
September 15 to 20, 1913. Among the speakers were Joseph E. Wing, 
Mrs. H. M. Dunlap and Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins. 

During 1918-19, it was voted to hold the meetings in Schramn's 
Hall, which the club had just rented. All of the members belong to the 
Red Cross, and the club has given generously toward its support. 

There is a library connected with this club, which was started by 
the donation by each member of a book to be read by the members. 
Now there are over 100 volumes in the library, besides the use of a 
traveling library from Springfield. 

A French orphan was adopted through our club, by the four schools 
representing members in our club, Spring Grove, Creek, English Prai- 
rie, and Solon Mills schools. 

It has been the aim of the club to provide entertainment for the 
young people of the community, and many are the good times they 
have had. A study course was decided upon for 1919 and 1920. .Mrs. 
J. C. Furlong is the present president; G. Turner, recording secretary; 
.Mis. R. R. Turner, corresponding secretary; Miss Mary Swenson, treas- 
urer; Mrs. Reed Carr, auditor; directors, Mrs. F. W. Hatch and Mrs. 
G. J. Richardson. 

We have had two deaths in the club, Mrs. Elizabeth Pinney of Solon 

Mills, dying May 14, 1917; and Mrs. Catherine Wt>stlake of Spring 

Grove, dying January 6, 1919. 

Mrs. E. G. Turner. 



326 HISTOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

MARENGO WOMAN'S CLUB 

Iii 1S94 eight ladies met at the home of -Miss Nellie Fillmore to form 
a conversation club, so unpretentious as to have no rules or regulations. 
The object of the club was for the members to become easy and proficient 
conversationalists. At each meeting on Monday afternoon, every mem- 
ber was obliged to relate a short and select story. It was such a success 
that by the end of the first year the most retiring and unassuming 
member gave a review of J. M. Barrie's "Little Minister" like a gifted 
reader. 

The charter members of this club were as follows: Mrs. Helen 
Busted, .Mrs. Caroline Coon, Mrs. Harris G. Otis. .Mis. M. G. Haekley, 
.Mrs. Elizabeth Shurtleff, Miss Jean Stanford, Miss Elizabeth Sperry, 
and Miss Nellie Filmore. It was thought best for us to broaden out 
and enlarge the membership of our club to twenty-five members, who 
appointed Mrs. -John Parkhurst, Mrs. Caroline Coon and Mrs. Harris 
G. Otis, assisted by a most able lawyer, Mr. A. B. Coon, to draw up a 
constitution and some by-laws. Mrs. Gertrude Dorman gave instruction 
in parliamentary law. The object of the club was to study art and 
literature for mutual benefit. We reviewed the art and literature of 
Italy. France, England, Germany, Japan, Egypt and the United States. 
oftentimes spending months and even a year on one country. We met 
in private homes, but after the Community Hall was completed iu 1916, 
we again changed our plan, increasing our membership to nearly one 
hundred, and began meeting in the new hall. The club now meets in 
the hall the first and third Friday from October to May 1. There are 
five departments of the club: civics, philanthropy, reform, science and 
education, literature and art and music. The club now has a member- 
ship of ninety-eight. 

Before the war, each department held meetings outside the club for 
study. At the regular meetings we have had outside talent, being ad- 
dressed by ministers, lawyers, physicians, philanthropists and educators, 
and otherwise entertained by opera singers, bands, cartoonists, clay mod- 
elers and artists. Ross Crane brought a fine exhibit from the Art Insti- 
tute and give us several lectures. Bonnie Snow brought a wonderful 
collection of art and crafts from public schools all over the United States, 
and gave us two or more lectures on the subject. 

The club eared for the public library for fifteen years, and its de- 
mands from that day to this keep growing, and now through the aid 
of C. B. Whittemore, we have a two mill tax and the library now requires 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 327 

no further aid from the club. Mrs. C. B. Whittemore, one of our mem- 
bers, is president of the library board. At different times the club has 
given teas, luncheons, banquets and garden parties, for great social 
features. 

Among those who have served the club as president, are the following : 
Mrs. Harris G. Otis, Marengo ; Mrs. Gertrude Dornian, Colorado ; Mrs. 
James Ingersoll, New Haven, Conn. ; Mrs. C. W. Hart, Seattle, Ore. ; 
Mrs. Henry Rehbock, Fort Worth, Tex. ; Mrs. Ellsworth Seward, Maren- 
go; Mrs. Caroline Coon, Marengo; Mrs. C. L. Lundgren, Ann Harbor, 
Mich.; Mrs. C. B. Whittemore, Marengo; Miss Nellie Fillmore, 5918 W. 
Erie Street, Chicago, 111. ; Mrs. A. A. Crissey, Marengo; Miss Kate Blood- 
good, Marengo; Mrs. Frank Hackley, Marengo; Mrs. Charles Talbott, 
Duluth, Minn.; Mrs. Jarvis Heath, Marengo; Mrs. J. M. Patterson, 
Marengo; Mrs. C. Dyke, Crystal Lake, and Mrs. A. W. Kelley, the pres- 
ent incumbent. Mrs. H. G. Otis. 

MC HENRY COUNTY FEDERATION OF WOMAN 's CLUBS 

An invitation was extended to the different woman's clubs of Mc- 
Ilenry County, by the Woman's Club of Woodstock, to meet on their 
regular da}-, February 6, 1906, to discuss the forming of a county 
federation. Other county federations were explained by Mrs. A. S. 
Wright of Woodstock, and after careful consideration, the president 
of each club retired and formulated the resolution, on which to federate. 

"Resolved to federate as a county federation; our aims being a 
higher social, moral and intellectual influence in the county." 

Signed by the Marengo, Harvard, Hebron and Woodstock clubs. 

The first officers elected were as follows : Mrs. King of Hebron, presi- 
dent ; Mrs. McEwan of Woodstock, vice president ; Mrs. Wellington of 
Harvard, recording secretary ; Miss Groesbeck of Hebron, corresponding 
secretary ; and Mrs. Whittemore of Marengo, treasurer. 

On May 12, 1906, the constitution was adopted. The federation meets 
every June in the city which invites it. 

After the business of the meeting is transacted, a literary program 
is given. We have heard the following speakers : Mrs. Harriet Vittum, 
"Civics;" Clifford Roe, "White Slave;" Miss Brooks of the Illinois 
University, "Home Care of the Sick;" Carl Wentz, president of the 
Academy of Fine Arts, ' ' Line and Color in Dress ; ' ' Minnie Starr Gran- 
ger, state president, and Jessie Spafford, Illinois president, federated 
clubs and Christine Tomlin, "War Work." 



328 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 

The clubs now belonging to the federation are: Harvard Woman's 
Club, Harvard Fortnightly Club, Harvard civic Club. Woodstock 
Woman's Club, Marengo Woman's Club, Hebron Woman's Club, Rush 
Creek Woman's Club, Crystal Lake Woman's Club, Algonquin Woman's 
Club, Buntley Woman's Club, and the Se :a Domestic Science Club. 

Tl (Beers are: Mrs. Frank Tanner of Harvard, president; Mrs. 

Watkins of Marengo, vice president ; .Mrs. Cameron of Hebron, recording 
secretary; .Mis. Seelye of Harvard, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Flora 
Richards of Woodstock, treasurer. Mrs. E. C. Robb. 

RICHMOND WOMAN'S CIiUB 

In the fall of 1911 a group of the Richmond women organized, in 
order to study domestic science. The following year they voted to 
become a woman's club, at the same time increasing the membership of 
the original organization. The charter members were as follows: Mis. 
M. R. Cole, Mrs. J. U. Benton, Mrs. F. H. McAssey, Mrs. F. B. Mc- 
Connell, Mrs. E. M. Stewart, Mrs. W. C. Heek, Mrs. C. Otto, Mrs. Nellie 
Phillips, Mrs. Ella Lang, Misses Nellie Rehorat, Clare Ilobart, Elizabeth 
Ward. There are now twenty members. The following have held the 
office of president : Mrs. M. R. Cole, 1912-1914; Mrs. Gertrude Burgerzei. 
1IU4-1916; and Mrs. F. B. McConnell, 1916-1919. Elizabeth C. Ward 
is now serving as president. 

The Richmond woman's club has always taken an active part in 
promoting progressive movements along civic, educational and patriotic 
lines. Among other things, the club has co-operated with the University 
of Illinois in two public demonstrations, the first a five day domestic 
science school, with two instructors; the second, a wheel of lectures on 
household science illustrated by practical demonstrations in the state 
demonstration car. 

The most enterprising undertaking was the exhibition of paintings 
by the Chicago Water Color Club and curious local collections, which 
lasted for five days, with entertainments each evening. The proceeds. 
amounting to $400.00, were expended for pictures and books for the 
schools. 

Two civic tag days have been held at Richmond, the ultimate result 
being a keener interest in bird protection and shrub planting around 
the town ball. One winter a successful lecture course was directed by 
the club. During 1918-1919, the club activities have centered upon the 
work of the Woman's National Council of Defense. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 329 

From the first it has been the policy of the club to hold several open 
meetings each year, on various subjects of interest to the community. 

Miss Elizabeth Ward. 

RUSH CREEK WOMAN'S CLUB 

On October 24, 1901, the ladies of the Rush Creek neighborhood me1 
at the home of .Mrs. Horace Porter and organized the Rush Creek Aid 
Society to promote charity and sociability, realizing that by united ef- 
fort a great deal of good could be accomplished. The first officers were 
as follows: Mrs. T. Graves, president; Mrs. Fred Tanner, vice presi- 
dent: and Mrs. Clark Porter, secretary and treasurer. The charter 
membership was fifty, and great enthusiasm was aroused. 

Many changes have taken place since the organization of that first 
society. Eight of the charter members have passed on, and only six 
now remain active in the club work. 

The day of October 26, 1911, marked the beginning of a new epoch 
for the Rush Creek ladies, when the Rush Creek Aid Society was re- 
organized into a full-fledged Woman's Club, under the guidance of 
Mrs. Charles Talbot of Marengo, as the Rush Creek Woman's Club, and 
federated with the state, district and county Woman's clubs, in Novem- 
ber, 1911. 

The following are among those who have served as presidents of 
the club : Mrs. Ira Puis, Mrs. C. A. Porter, Mrs. F. C. Curtis, Mrs. F. J. 
Miller, Mrs. Earl Swan and Mrs. Fred Watkins, and they have kept the 
various activities of the club very much alive. During 1917 and 1918, 
with a membership of thirty-two, the departments of the club united in 
doing w-ar work. The sum of $500.00 was raised and expended for 
urgent calls for money. The club's war orphans have been cared for. 
The club sent to France 599 articles of clothing for the use of refugees. 
Seven barrels of clothing and food were sent to Chicago. Individual 
members bought generously of Liberty bonds and thrift stamps, and all 
in every way assisted in the war work. 

At the beginning of a new year and a new era of peace, the members 
of the club realize the many blessings God has bestowed upon them, and 
pledge themselves to be in the future, as in the past, worthy of the trust 
reposed in them. 

Mrs. F. J. Miller, Historian. 



330 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 

SCHUMANN CLUB 

On February 12, 1906, six music Lovers of Harvard. 111., met to 
organize a club "to promote interest in the study of and cultivate a 
taste for the better class of music." These six ladies, who named their 
organization The Schumann Club, were Mesdames Aubrey Cook, Law- 
rence Norton, Robert Minshull, James Keeler and .Misses Nella Williams 
and Lora Waters. 

The Schumann Club has grown in numbers and power until it has 
won for itself a distinctive place in the city*s life and has become 
federated with both the state and national Federations of Music Clubs. 
The club now has twenty active members. It meets fortnightly and the 
afternoon is divided into study and choral practice. 

This club has given numerous musicales and has furnished music for 
many of the other clubs' programs. It has also brought to the community 
many musicians of note in lectures and concerts, among whom were the 
following: William L. Tomlins. .Maude Fenlon Bolman, Mabel Corlew 
Schmid, Day Williams, Helen Brown Read, Jessie Daggett, Helena 
Bingham and Alberto Salvi. 

During the two years when the members have been devoting them- 
selves to war activities of various kinds, the outside work of the club 
was largely the sponsoring of many community sings, which have been 
such a potent factor at Harvard, as elsewhere, in winning the war. 

The latest activity of the club has been the collections of victrola 
records, nearly one hundred of which have been sent to the military hos- 
pital at Ft. Bayard, N. M. 

During the years of the club's life, the following members have served 
in the capacity of president : Mrs. Aubrey Conk. Miss Adeline Brainard, 
Mrs. Howard Ferris, Mrs. F. A. Barter. .Mrs. Robert Minshull. Miss 
Frances Kees, Mrs. Howard Eaton and Mrs. H. B. Megran. 

Katherixe I. Eatox. 

SEXECA ASSOCIATION OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE 

The Seneca Association of Domestic Science was organized in the fall 
of 190S. The first president was Mrs. Kate Andrews, and the first 
secretary was .Airs. Frances Greene. The charter members were as 
follows : Mrs. Kate Andrews. Mrs. R. M. Bean. .Mrs. Charles Brock, Miss 
Ella Bookman, Mrs. Delos Diggins. Mrs. Henry Echternach, Mrs. Frances 
Greene, Miss .Mabel Greene, Mrs. L. Hand. Mrs. Fred Hill. Miss Mary 
Purvis. Miss Aggie Purvis, Miss Grace Redpath, Mrs. Elizabeth Standish. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 331 

Mrs. Charles Standish, Mrs. G. Stewart, Mrs. Henry Torman, Mrs. A. G. 
Waterman and Mrs. Charles Weiss. 

The club was first a social organization, and as such it always met 
the needs of the community. Among the customs was that of holding 
monthly an all day meeting at the homes of the members. A dinner, to 
which all contributed, was served at noon. The families of the members 
were entertained formally four times a year, and visitors were always 
welcome. Picnics, socials, suppers, etc., contributed to the neighborhood 
enjoyment. 

The motto of the club is that of the State Household Association, 
"For Better Health, Better Homes and Better Schools." The work of 
the club is expressed in the motto, and might be classified as social, educa- 
tional and charitable. The social activities are outlined above. Under the 
head of educational, may be mentioned the frequent public meetings, 
addressed by speakers and demonstrators from both the University at 
Urbana, and the State Institute, and also by local speakers, including 
doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professional people who have a 
message for the club members. The organization has alwaj-s encouraged 
all work in the schools which comes under the aims of the society. Among 
them may be mentioned school gardens, hot lunches for rural school 
children, sewing in the school, and special attention to health study. The 
election of at least one woman on the board of directors for country 
schools has been urged. 

The charitable work of the club consists of contributing both money 
and supplies to needy persons or causes, and sewing for those in need. 
During the war the members have worked collectively and individually in 
the Red Cross and also for the Woman's Committee of National Defense. 
Money has been contributed to war work and two French orphans have 
been adopted. 

The club has affiliated with the Household Science Department of 
the State Farmer's Institute, and also with the county and district 
federation of woman's clubs. 

The present membership numbers eighteen. The officers are as 
follows : Mrs. Mary Witson, president ; Mrs. Verna Bockman, vice presi- 
dent ; Mrs. Helen Wright, secretary ; and Mrs. Nettie Standish, treasurer. 

Mrs. H. F. Echternach. 

WOODSTOCK WOMAN'S CLUB 

Two years before the actual organization of the Woodstock Woman's 
Club, the idea of such a club was born in the mind of the first president, 



332 HISTORY OK McHENBY COUNTY 

Mrs. A. S. Wright; and it found fruition on the afternoon of the first 
Tuesday of October, 1905, which saw an organized club of four depart- 
ments, a membership of fifty-seven and a printed calendar. 

The Woodstock Woman's Club was incorporated in 191)."); joined 
the state federation in 190b', the McHenry County federation in 1906, 
and the Eleventh district federation in 1909. 

During the first three years the club secured the erection of a shelter 
at the Woodstock depot; the adoption of manual training in the public 
schools, and the gift of pictures and statuary to the schools; the passage 
id' the anti-spitting ordinance; and began the agitation for the establish- 
ment of a hospital for Woodstock which paved the way for the building 
of the one now standing. In 1908, the club secured the installing of 
the rest room in the courthouse, which during the Great War was used 
for Red Cross headquarters for the county, but following the close of 
hostilities, was returned to the public for its original purpose. The 
club in 1910 issued a cook book, which in 1917. was revised, although 
the original name of The Woodstock Woman's Club Cook Book, was not 
changed. The establishment of a nursery in the Industrial Home, the 
adoption of domestic science in the public schools, and an addition to 
the public school library, are among the organization's recent activities. 

The members of the Woodstock Woman's Club took upon themselves 
the work of assisting during the World War, in addition to the regular 
routine, beginning in 1914, with the Belgium Relief activities, and 
continuing as long as there was any need of their assistance. Among 
other things, the club assisted in securing the Soldier's rest room at 
Camp Grant; Furlough Home in France, and finding homes for the 
fatherless children of France. 

The scope of the club work was broadened continuously. The mem- 
bership average seventy-eight. The best to be obtained has been fur- 
nished in the programs, and other cultural opportunities have been 
afforded by the Shakespeare Study Class, organized at the very beginning, 
and later an Opera Study Class, and during one year. The Modern Drama 
Class. With the organization of the club, came a club chorus. Recrea- 
tions and hospitality have not been neglected. Reaching out into un- 
selfish service, the club is moving on to enlarge and better its already 
important function in the community, and its influence is such as cannot 
be ignored. Its proposed service will include the agitation for a new 
public library building and community house. 

Pauline Mc Manus. 



CHAPTER XXII 
MISCELLANEOUS 

TAXABLE PROPERTY EARLY RATES — GOING TO MARKET — PRICES BY PERIODS 

— VILLAGE PLATS — CEMETERIES — POPULATION SELECTED NATIVITY" IN- 
TERESTING ITEMS TORNADO OP 1862 CYCLONE OP 1883 — UNUSUAL AND 

UNFORTUNATE OCCURRENCES —FROZEN TO DEATH AN EARLY TEMPERANCE 

SOCIETY MEETING! CENTENARY' DRIVE — HOME BUREAU CIVIL WAR RELICS 

— INSTALLING A NEW TYPESETTING MACHINE WAR WAGED ON CANADIAN 

THISTLES — WORLD'S FAIR CORN EXHIBIT — SPRING GROVE FISH HATCHERY. 

In this chapter will be found many items of historic interest, which 
in and of themselves, would scarce make a chapter, but when coupled 
together make one replete with interest to almost all classes of readers. 

TAXABLE PROPERTY 

When this county was first organized its rate of taxation was one 
per cent, on the following schedule : slaves or indentured or registered 
negro or mulatto servants, stock in trade, horses, mules, asses, and 
meat cattle above three years of age, swine, lumber, and one-horse 
wagons, clocks, watches, etc, but no revenue was raised on bank or rail- 
road stock, pianos or silverware. The tax of 1837 realized $370.86. 

EARLY RATES 

Among the curiosities of ancient legislation is a tavern license of 1837, 
for which the fee was $8. There was a provision that the landlord 
should not overcharge his "dry" customer for the price asked for drinks. 
The license stipulated the rate he might charge, which was as follows : 
brandy, rum or gin, twenty-five cents a pint ; wine, thirty -seven and one- 
half cents a pint; whisky, twelve and one-half cents per pint; beer or 
cider the same rate last mentioned. Meals were not to exceed thirty- 
seven and one-half cents each ; lodging, twelve and one-half cents each ; 
while a span of horses might chew hay all night for twenty-five cents. 

333 



334 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

But be it remembered that the shillings charged then were harder to 
obtain than at this date, if commodities were cheaper. 

GOING TO MARKET 

In the thirties and forties the nearest market was Chicago, and the 
only means of reaching there was by wading through mud in warm 
weather, and riding over frozen trails in winter. The wagons were 
for the most part drawn by oxen, the trip taking at least three full days, 
and the prices received for all kinds of produce was what farmers today 
and even for the last thirty years, would regard as not worth consider- 
ing. The seed, sowing, cultivating, harvesting and marketing cost more 
than the amount received in many cases. Thirty to forty cents a bushel 
for wheat, and that was the only article the farmer was certain he could 
sell at all for cash, after he had hauled it to the lake, camping out on 
his trip to and from the market place. The great yield of the early 
wheat crops was all that helped the pioneer out. He many years realized 
as high as forty-five bushels per acre for his spring wheat. Twenty 
teams in a line, thus going to market with their only staple product, 
was no uncommon sight. 

PRICES BY PERIODS 

Beginning with the year 1885, taken from the Republican Free- 
Press of Woodstock of January that year, and winding up with quo- 
tations from the successor of that newspaper the Sentinel of the pres- 
ent day, may be had the following quotations: 

1855 — brown sheeting, five to nine cents per yard ; bleached shirt- 
ing, six to fifteen cents; linen pants from sixty-two cents up; linen 
coats, $1 to $1.50; sugar, twenty pounds for ninety-nine cents; coffee, 
thirteen to eighteen cents; teas, three to five shillings per pound; 
molasses, forty cents per gallon; salaratus, eight cents; salt, $6 per 
barrel. 

1862 — No. 1 spring wheat, eighty-eight cents; corn, thirty cents; 
oats, thirty-four cents; barley, seventy-eight cents; green hides, seven 
cents per pound; dry hides, fourteen cents; lard, seven cents; eggs, 
per dozen, thirteen cents; chickens, per pound, nine cents; turkey, 
six cents ; butter, twelve cents ; potatoes, fifty-five cents, per bushel ; 
onions, sixty cents, per bushel. 

April 26, 1865 — spring wheat, $1.08; winter wheat, ninety-five 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 335 

cents to $1 ; oats, thirty-five cents ; ear corn, fifty-five cents ; shelled 
corn, sixty cents; clover seed, $14.50; beans, choice dull at seventy-five 
cents to $1 ; live chickens, $4 per dozen ; hides, four and five cents per 
pound ; eggs, per dozen, fourteen and fifteen cents ; butter, good roll, 
twenty-five cents; firkin, fifteen to twenty cents. 

September, 1881 — cattle, extra choice, $5.90 to $6.20; butcher stock, 
$2.75 to $3.75; hogs, $6 to $7; sheep, $3.50 to $4.25; creamery butter, 
twenty to thirty-three cents; fine dairy butter, twenty-one to twenty- 
eight cents; eggs, twenty cents per dozen; No. 2 spring wheat, $1.31; 
corn, sixty-eight cents; oats, forty-one cents; barley, $1.13; lumber, 
(common boards) $15 to $17 per M; fencing, $13 to $15 per M. 

Fall of 1885— cattle, $5; hogs, $4.50; mess pork, $9.40; lard, seven 
cents per pound; cheese, five to eight cents; wool, twenty-seven to 
thirty-six cents; creamery butter, nineteen cents; dairy butter, fifteen 
cents; eggs, fifteen cents; No. 2 wheat, seventy-nine cents; corn, forty- 
three cents; potatoes, forty cents; lumber (common boards), $12.50 to 
$13.00; fencing, $10.50. 

1893 — World's Fair Year shipping steers, $3.50 to $5.24; cows, 
$1.25 to $3.10; hogs, $5 to $6 per cwt. ; sheep, $2 to $4; butter, cream- 
ery, eighteen cents; dairy, fifteen cents; eggs, twelve cents; lard, ten 
cents; wheat, sixty-seven cents; corn, forty cents; oats, twenty-eight. 

In the month of July, 1919 — cattle, prime steers, $16.40; medium, 
$14.25; prime cows for beef, $10; hogs, choice light butcher's stock, 
$22.50 ; heavy weight butchers, $22 ; butter, forty-four to forty-eight 
cents for best ; eggs, thirty-six to forty-one cents per dozen ; cheese, 
thirty-one to thirty-four cents; poultry, thirty to thirty -one cents per 
pound ; beans, hand picked $7 to $7.50 per bushel ; sugar, ten cents ; 
wheat No. 1 Red, $2.28; No. 2 hard, $2.32; corn (Chicago), $1.80 to 
$1.90; oats, sixty to seventy cents; gasoline twenty-three cents per 
gallon (small lots) ; Milk, $2.13 per cwt. 

A Northern Illinois local newspaper spoke of prices in June, 1919, 
in language as follows: 

" The hog is king. Long live the hog ! " Prices quoted now are $22.50 
a hundred pounds and still "going strong." Bacon and eggs will 
soon be on the menus of millionaires only ! The 1919 model hog is 
silver-lined and gold-plated. Who wouldn't be a farmer if he could? 

VILLAGE PLATS 

Since the organization of this county the following village plats have 
been executed, and nearly all are still in existence, though some are 
long since defunct. 



336 HISTORY OF McIIFXRY CoFXTY 

Algonquin was surveyed by -I. Brink, county surveyor, September 26. 
1844, in the northwest of the oorthwesl lit' section 34 and the southwest 
of section 27. bounded by Fox River on the east, anil on the south by 
Crystal Fake outlet, all in township 4:!, range 8 east. The proprietors 
were Eli Henderson and Alexander Dawson. Its original name was 
"Osceola." 

Alden was platted September, 1849, by Prances Wedgewood, in 
Alden Township. 

Cary was platted in section 13, township 4.'i, range 8 by John 
Brink county surveyor June 4 to 7 in 1856, and filed tor record February 
23, 1859. The proprietor was William D. Cary. 

Chemung was platted in the southwest quarter of section 33, town- 
ship 46, range 5, by Lorenzo D. Dana. 

Coral was platted July 16, 1866, in sections (i and 7 in township 43, 
range 8. 

Crystal Lake was platted by Benjamin Douglas and several others, 
in August, 1837, but was not really recorded until March 31, 1840. 

Greenwood, see Troy. 

Gatesville was platted near Crystal Lake in section 13, township 43, 
range 8, by Simon Gates, June 16, 1855. 

Harvard was platted in sections 35 and 36 of township 46, range 

5, on November 25, 1856, by Amos Page, proprietor. 

Hartland was platted in the southwest of section 13 and the south- 
east of section 14, township 45, range 6. The date was July 26, 1878. 

Huntley was platted as "Huntley station" in sections 28 and 33, in 
township 43, range 7, by Thomas S. Huntley. The date was April 14, 
1853. 

Hebron was platted in May, I860, in the northwest quarter of section 
16, township 46, range 7, by Henry W. Meno. 

Johnsburg was platted in section 13, township 43, range 8, by a 
company of men, the work of surveying being executed on June 4, 5, 

6, 1868. 

Lawrence w-as platted March 9, 1841 in section 30, township 46, 
range 9, by C. C. Taylor. 

Marengo was platted July 21, 1846, by proprietors Amos Daman and 
Calvin Spencer, September 14, 1846. 

McHenry was platted in section 26, township 45, range 8, in May. 
1837. The platters were Messrs. White, Colby and Brown. 

Nunda was platted by land speculators and filed for record August 
13, 1868. It was platted in the southeast quarter of section 32, town- 
ship 44, range 8. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 337 

Ridgefield was platted in section 25, township 44, range 7, January 8, 
1855, by William Hartman. 

Richmond was platted in the west half of the southeast quarter and 
the east half of the southwest quarter of section 9, township 46, range 
8, by Charles G. Cotting, September 2, 1844. 

Ringwood was platted in section 9, township 45, range 8, July 2, 1878, 
by John Huermann. 

Solon was platted by Henry White, proprietor, November 13, 1840, 
the tract being situated in section 26, township 46, range 8. 

Spring Grove was platted May 3, 1855, by John E. and Emily J. 
Mann. This village is located in section 30, township 46, range 9 east. 

Troy was platted by Lewis Boon, September 1, 1847, in the south- 
west quarter of section 12, township 45, range 7. This is now Greenwood. 

Woodstock was platted in the south half of the southwest quarter of 
section 5, township 44, range 7 east. It was at first named by the county 
commissioners who laid it out, "Centerville" as it was near the exact 
geographical center of the county. The plat was executed April 10, 1844, 
by County Commissioners — Messrs. Troop, Hayward and Tryan, and was 
received for record June 10, 1844, by Recorder William H. Beach. 

Union was platted October, 1851, in the east half of the northwest 
quarter of section 4, township 43, range 6 east. 

CEMETERIES 

The burying grounds of the county are numerous, and many of 
them are well improved and cared for by tender hands. Of course there 
are several of the older ones" that were used in pioneer times which have 
not been used of later years, and hence have run down and are not 
cared for as well as the others. The record for severalof the cemeteries 
is not to be found in the county books, but the tombstones speak louder 
than printed record that the departed dead are within such sacred en- 
closures. 

The principal cemeteries in the county are listed as follows : 

Algonquin Township, in sections 27 and 19. 

Alden Township, in the northeast quarter of section 23-46-6, and in 
sections 14 and 15. 

Burton Township, one in section 17, one in section 18, one in section 
23. 

Chemung Township, Mt. Auburn Cemetery in section 1, township 45, 
range 5, and one in each of sections 27 and 33. 

Dunham Township, Oakland Cemetery, and one in each of sections 
7, 19 and 35. 



338 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Greenwood Township, Greenwood Cemetery, and one in each of sec- 
tions 20, 22 ;md 35. 

Hebron Township, Parkers Cemetery; and one in section 26. 

Marengo Township, Stewart's burying ground, and Marengo Ceme- 
tery. 

Nunda Township, Mosgrove Cemetery. 

Riley Township, Riley Center Cemetery. 

Richmond Township, one in the village of Richmond; and one in 
each of sections 4, 11, 20 and 26, the last being known as Cedar Vale. 

Dorr Township, one at "Oakland" and the Catholic Cemetery. "Cal- 
vary." 

Harvard Township, Jit. Auburn, principal one used now. 

McHenry Township, those found in sections 8, 9 and 20. 

Grafton Township, one in each of sections 10 and 23. 

Coral Township, one in section 5 at the village of Union. 

Seneca Township, one in section 24. 

Hartland Township, one at the village; and one in section (i. 

POPULATION 

The population of this county at different periods has been as 

follows : in 1840, 2,578 ; in 1850, 14,978 ; in 1860, 22,089 ; in 1870, 23,762 ; 
in 1880, 24,908 ; in 1910, 32,509, and in 1920, 33,164. 

By townships the population for the years 1890, 1900, 1910 and 
1920 was as follows: 

1890 1900 1910 1920 

Alden Township 1,026 1,015 1,014 964 

Algonquin Township 3,675 ;),043 2,512 3,528 

Algonquin Village 550 642 693 

Burton Township 296 400 451 441 

Chemung Township 3,057 3,814 4,101 4.421 

Harvard City 1,967 2,602 3,008 3,296 

Coral Township 1,354 1,451 1,432 1,296 

Union Village 322 406 399 

Dorr Township 2,796 3,470 5,335 6,408 

Woodstock City 1,683 2,502 4,331 :>.f)23 

Dunham Township 919 859 849 857 

Grafton Township 1,437 1,484 1,589 1,475 

Huntley Village 550 606 773 




' 




■' 



1900 


1910 


1920 


901 


908 


858 


874 


905 


860 


1,430 


1,430 


1,363 


611 


644 


631 


2,859 


2,702 


2,442 


2,005 


1,936 


1,758 


2,673 


2,679 


2,825 


1,013 


1,031 


1,146 


1,963 


2,110 


2,321 


1,554 


1,932 


2,449 


1,498 


1,472 


1,448 


776 


554 


533 




203 


363 


915 


822 


717 


1,105 


1,023 


940 


322 


432 


399 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 339 

1890 

Greenwood Township 889 

Hartland Township 960 

Hebron Township 1,167 

Hebron Village 

Marengo Township 2,255 

Marengo City 1,445 

McHenry Township 2,555 

McIIenry Village 979 

Nunda Township 1,805 

Crystal Lake 1,219 

Richmond Township 1,212 

Richmond Village 415 

Spring Grove 

Riley Township 830 

Seneca Township 1,046 

Union Village 

SELECTED NATIVITY 1860 

Native. Foreign. 

Born in this State 10,214 British America 382 

Ohio 448 England and Wales 713 

New York 4,790 Ireland 1,661 

Pennsylvania 560 Scotland 207 

Indiana 96 Germany 1,187 

Kentucky 24 France 160 

Sweden and Norway 172 

Total 16,132 Switzerland 11 

Bohemia 90 

Holland ..' 11 

Denmark 23 

Total 4,617 

INTERESTING ITEMS 

In 1837 McHenry County paid its assessor $2 per day ; county com- 
missioners received $2.50 per day. 



340 



HISTORY OF McIIKXRY COUNTY 



In the summer of 1838 the commissioners fixed the rate of compen- 
sation for jurors, both grand and petit, al seventy-five cents per day. 

In 1838 the total tax in the county, which then included what is 
now Lake County, was $564.41. 

It cost this county in 1842 $102 for assessing the property. In 1843 
the county revenue amounted to $793.14. 

The first justices of the peace in Fox precinct, and consequently 
Hist iii the county, were William H. Buck, and William L. Way, elected 
July 3, 1837. 

In 1918 McHenry County had assessed 381,521, 38/100 acres of land, 
valued at, for assessment purposes, $18,388,027. The value of improve- 
ments on these lands was $6,762,569. 

Number of automobiles in county in 1918 were 3.096 

Carriages and wagons 7,067 

The automobiles were assessed at $259.06 each, while the wagons 
were assessed at $16.37 each. 

Of diamonds and jewelry there was $5,227.00 

Horses of all ages 13,890 

Cattle of all ages 56,888 

Mules and asses 122 

Hogs and sheep 9,675 

TORNADO OF 1862 



From newspaper and personal accounts the following is gleaned : 
"On Monday, August 4, 1862, a tornado, which was very destruc- 
tive to both life and property, passed through the southwestern part 
of McHenry County. The storm began at three o'clock in the after- 
noon, with sheets of rain, heavy thunder and extremely sharp lightning. 
At the Deitz school house in Seneca Township, school was in session. 
and about eighteen scholars and the teacher, Mary E. Goodrich, were 
present. The house standing directly in the track of the storm was 
taken from its foundation and carried several feet, turned half around 
and torn to pieces leaving only the front end of the building standing. 
Strange to say. not a single scholar was seriously injured, though all 
were badly frightened. 

"Fences, buildings, stacks and bundles of grain — everything that 
stood in the way of the terrible storm — was madly seized and torn to 
pieces. The residence of John E. Green, in Marengo, was blown down. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 341 

Mr. Green's mother, wife and daughter were in it at the time. The old 
lady was so badly hurt that she died the next day, and the wife and 
daughter were seriously injured. Robert Smith's son, John, aged fif- 
teen years, took shelter in a shock of wheat in the harvest field. He 
was struck in the side by a board, blown from a neighboring structure, 
and so injured that he died the next hour. The wife of G. H. Sumner, 
a tailor, w T as found among the ruins of' the barn, with her neck broken. 
Edwin Morris was so badly wounded that he died soon afterward. This 
storm was closely estimated to have caused a loss of .$30,000 worth 
of property in this county." 

CYCLONE OF 1883 

McHenry County has been quite fortunate in not being located in 
the natural zones of periodical wind-storms, especially the ever-to-be- 
dreaded cyclone. However, one did pass through the townships of Che- 
mung and Alden, Friday, May 18, 1883. Three lives were sacrificed in 
this terrible storm, and an immense amount of damage done to prop- ■ 
erty all along its pathway. Strange to relate, its direction was from 
the southeast moving northwest, and every building in its pathway was 
removed and swept out of existence. An account given by the local 
press says that near the Village of Chemung the farm buildings of 
Henry Baker, occupied by George Conn were utterly demolished. Seven 
persons were in the house at the time the storm struck. They fled to 
the cellar for protection. Patrick Corrigan, a hired man, was killed, 
and Mr. Conn injured by a falling timber. Just across the way the 
buildings of Mr. Downs were also destroyed, the owner rendered un- 
conscious, and several members of the family injured. A near neighbor 
of Mr. Downs, R. J. Williams, lost his barn and a portion of his house. 
Owen McGee's buildings were destroyed and large oak trees were up- 
rooted as if but mere saplings. 

The railroad depot at Lawrence, and other buildings were damaged. 
Patrick Kennedy lost all of his buildings, and his hired man, John Mc- 
Guirk, was killed. J. W. Rogers lost all of his buildings, except his 
house ; also his horses, sheep, fences, carriages and farming implements. 

In Alden Township the barns of James Vick and Mr. Campbell were 
destroyed, the residence of Fred Bombard damaged and his outbuild- 
ings ruined. 

The Alden Sentinel correspondent, at the date of the storm wrote 
as follows: "A few minutes after six o'clock the storm struck the 



342 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

residence of Fred Bottlemy. The family consisted of himself and wife, 

and four small children and one hired man. Mr. Bottlemy says they 
did net even have time to descend into the cellar; lie reached for the 
two children to take them below, and the next he remembers anything 
abont, he was lying upon the ground. The building was strewn to the 

four winds, the house in atoms, not one stick left upon another, even 
the stones composing the foundation were scattered for rods around. 
The scene beggars description. Parts of bedding ami other clothing 
were found in the tops of tall trees fully a quarter of a mile away. 
Huge oaks were torn up by the roots and carried along for many rods 
to be lodged against the house where were the family. The hired man. 
a German named Soule, thirty-two years of age, was found dead in 
front of the house; he seems to have been killed by being thrown violently 
against some sharp pointed grubs that were sticking out of the ground 
at that spot. His skull was pierced in several places; the body was 
removed to the residence of Casper Bottlemy, one mile distant. 

"Mr. Bottlemy was seriously injured across the lungs and bruised 
about the head. The small children were unhurt. Mrs. Bottlemy was 
found with her back firmly planted against a tree, her left arm broken 
below the elbow, her right arm dislocated at the shoulder. Her ease 
is very critical. The oldest child, a girl of twelve summers, was badly 
bruised about the head and shoulders. These were all taken to the 
residence of Fred Bombard where they were kindly eared for. Dr. 
Barringer, of Alden, was sent for as soon as possible and arrived on 
the terrible scene about 6 :30 P. M. Dr. Brigham arrived about mid- 
night. The sufferers were all properly eared for. An inquest was 
held Saturday on the body of the hired man, and a verdict rendered 
in accordance with the above facts. 

"Mr. Bottlemy 's sheds and barns were leveled to the earth, one 
horse being killed. The next building struck was the sehoolhouse, a 
good frame structure which was actually swept from existence, not 
a single vistage remaining. The storm happily occurred two hours 
after school closed for the day, or the consequences would have been 
terrible indeed. 

"A few rods east is the residence of C. L. Kingsley, a large square 
house with a cupola. The whole roof was torn off and carried away. 
The barn, over sixty feet long, in which twenty-five cattle were stand- 
ing, was flattened to the earth, the fragments were strewn for a mile 
around. There were also three persons in the barn at the time it was 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 343 

struck, none of whom were seriously injured. That they escaped seems 
almost incredible. A cow and horse were killed, and one double buggy 
and a single carriage are entirely missing. The next place visited was 
that of Fred Mode, a quarter of a mile further on. The barns were all 
destroyed ; the houses were saved, although the porch was torn off. 
Still further to the east, the barn belonging to Mrs. M. A. Weter was 
destroyed. The storm was very severe further along toward the east, 
and much damage was done. 

"From Alden, the cyclone passed over the line into Wisconsin, 
and just north of Hebron station, destroyed Levi Nichol's house, barn, 
etc. His hired man was killed outright. His father's barn was also 
wrecked. At Racine, eight persons were killed, a large number in- 
jured, and one hundred and fifty buildings destroyed." 

UNUSUAL AND UNFORTUNATE OCCURRENCES 

These peculiar and unfortunate incidents have all taken place within 
this couuty : 

A snow storm in December, 1856, blocked up roads and the new 
railroad so effectually that travel by any method was impossible for 
days at a time. On the railroad running through Woodstock several 
trains were snowed in between stations. 

In the Fremont political campaign in 1856, this county was won 
by the Republicans, and in ratifying the news what was styled as the 
"Woodstock Cannon" was used. By some mismanagement it was pre- 
maturely discharged, thereby badly injuring Orson Bates so as to re- 
quire the amputation of his right arm, and the left hand above the 
wrist. 

Sunday, August 28, 1859, James Ashe, a prisoner confined in the 
jail for beating his wife, probably through remorse, hung himself and 
he was found dead. 

In the spring of 1859 a young man named Deming, son of Jedediah 
Deming, of Harvard, started for Pike's Peak as a gold seeker. When 
near there he was taken ill and being almost overcome by hardship 
and exposure, he turned back; but being joined on the Missouri River 
by his brother John, concluded to start for California. He was sick 
enroute most of the trip, but upon getting through was much improved. 
On January 20, 1860, he went out hunting, and not returning when 
expected, his brother went out to search for him. Seeing tracks of 



344 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Indians he at once concluded that John had been foully dealt with, 
and went to the neighboring miners for aid. The body was found 
Shol through the head. While the brother of the murdered man was 

absent from his cabin, the Indians raided it, carrying off whatever 
they fancied. They were not pursued. 

On October 22, 1859, William Dalzell, while bricking up a thirty- 
foot well, on a farm a mile or so northeast of McHenry, was buried 
alive by being covered by the caving in of the walls to a depth of 
eighteen feet. When his body was recovered it was found that his head 
and face had been horribly mangled and that probably he met death 
instantly. A man named Babeock was drowned in the Nippersink, 
near Spring Grove, while fishing with a seine. May 10, 1860. He was 
thirty-five years of age and had recently come from the East. 

A. ('. Wilson, twenty years old, was killed at Harvard. July 20, 
1860, while attending to his duties as a railroad employe, in trying to 
get ears on the track that had accidentally backed off. 

In July, 1861, Andrew Austin, a young farmer, of Greenwood, was 
killed by being thrown from a horse. 

At Harvard, June 6, 1862, a man named Cutter, a railway employe, 
was instantly killed by the ears. 

.March 7, 1862, Solomon West, in Seneca, committed suicide by tak- 
ing poison. He was comparatively a stranger. 

On Monday, May 5, 1862, John E. Burr, of Greenwood, met his 
death by accidentally falling from a tree. He was twenty-three years 
of age. 

On October, 1863, Mrs. Bridget Lee was killed while attempting 
to cross in front of a freight train. 

Adam Schneider, a very worthy farmer, was killed near Green- 
wood, October, 1863, while at work in his field. His team became 
frightened and ran over him. 

John Steffer. working near Ringwood, April, 1863, ate wild parsnips 
and was killed by the same. 

In March, 1S64, Willard Joslyn, was killed on the farm near Har- 
vard, while trying to turn a somersault over a pole. 

In April, 1865, while celebrating the fall of Richmond, an anvil 
which they were fixing exploded, and a large piece struck H. G. Otis, 
who died two hours later. 

On June 16, 1865, John Dolan, of Woodstock, nineteen years old, 
was shot and killed while trying to enter the house of Kutledge Harris, 
near Crystal Lake, He with a companion, both drunk, went to Harris's 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 345 

house to see a girl and were denied admission. "While trying to force 
an entrance Dolan was killed. 

In June, 1865, while boating at Crystal Lake, two young ladies, 
Addie Deitz and Lucy Adams, both of prominent families, were drowned. 

In August, 1867, Michael Dwyer, of Woodstock, aged seventeen, 
was accidentally drowned while bathing in Crystal Lake. The next day 
efforts were made to recover his body and the old cannon from Wood- 
stock was brought into use. The second time it was discharged, it 
exploded and so injured the drowned boy's father that it was thought 
he would die; it also injured several others. 

In May, 18G8, a boy named Ira Clason, eighteen years old, was 
struck by lightning, while plowing on a farm six miles south of 
Marengo. The team he was driving at the time were also killed. 

Henry Jackson, twenty-three years of age, was drowned in Crystal 
Lake while fishing, August 15, 1869. 

T. J. Hobart was instantly killed in October, 1869, by the falling in 
upon him as he was digging, a cellar under a building. This was on 
the McIIenry road six miles east of Woodstock. 

In October, 1869, a four year old girl belonging to Patrick Crowley, 
of Marengo, was so badly burned by her clothes catching fire, that 
she died ten days later. 

In August, 1870, at Woodstock, while moving a building, a timber 
fell in such a manner, that Bela Darrell was strangled to death. 

Jeremiah Halesley was killed near Harvard by a railroad train. 
He was riding a horse and had crossed the track, but the horse had become 
frightened and ran back with its rider, who was thrown in front of 
the oncoming train and killed. 

In January, 1873, a boiler exploded in the steam mill at Huntley, 
killing the engineer and injuring others about the flouring mill. 

In August, 1873, Watson Heath, of Dunham, had both legs and an 
arm cut off in a mowing machine, and died soon after. He had lived 
in this county sixty-four years, and was a popular man and a good 
citizen. 

On December 7, 1872, the night watchman, Jacob Hurst, at the 
Woodstock brewery, met his death in a singular manner. A bin of 
malt above him broke through the floor, and he was buried in it and 
smothered to death. 

On June 9, 1874, a very sweeping storm caused heavy damage in 
this county as well as adjoining counties. Trees, houses, barns and 
fences suffered severely. The damage was especially great at Harvard, 



346 BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY 

McHenry, Union and Richmond. At Harvard the new engine house 
of the Chicago & North Western Railroad was destroyed and much 
other property damaged. 

On August 24, l s 7 1, the ten-months' old child of Wm. II. Eowe and 

wife was drowned in a pail of milk. 

On Oetober l'_\ 1S74, a ten-year old son of lssae Mussey, of Seneca, 
went to the pasture to eateh a horse. While returning home his hands 
got eold, and to warm them he tied the rope by which he was leading 
the horse, about his body. The horse, taking fright at something, ran, 
and the boy was dragged until killed. 

On December 15, 1874, on the farm of J. E. Xourse, two miles west of 
McHenry, William Grant, aged twenty-four years, was buried in a 
well, sixty feet deep. Eleven feet of earth caved in from the top and 
fell upon him. It required the work of two men for a day to recover 
his body. 

On Oetober 30, 1875, two miles from Woodstock, on the Austin 
Frame farm, George Schneider was struck by lightning and instantly 
killed. He and his wife were sorting potatoes in the cellar at the time, 
and she was uninjured. 

In March, 1876, a man named Sweet, at Harvard, while sawing 
wood with a horse-power, was caught by the coat in the machinery 
and killed by being drawn into the saw frame. 

In August, 1878, a German named Christian Beir, six miles west 
of Huntley, was standing on top of a threshing machine and slipped 
down into the cylinder while it was at full speed. His body was 
horribly mangled, too shocking for description. He lived an hour, 
being conscious to the end. 

FROZEN TO DEATH 

Under the above heading the Woodstock Sentinel of January 18, 
1877, has the following: 

"On last Sabbath afternoon the lifeless form of John Burk, of the 
town of Greenwood, was found in McHenry Township, near the old 
residence of Hon. H. McLean. The circumstances connected with this 
sad affair are substantially as follows: Mr. Burk left his house on 
Friday morning for McHenry with a load of oats, and not returning 
that night, his mother, who lived with him, notified his brothers of 
the fact on Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning they started 
out to find him. They went directly to McHenry and were informed 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 347 

that John was there Friday afternoon and left for home in the evening. 
They also learned that there was a sleigh, from which the horses were 
detached, near the railroad track north of the village. On examination, 
it was soon found that on leaving McHenry Mr. Burk took the rail- 
road track instead of the wagon road, driving over cattle-guards, etc., 
until he came to the outlet of Lake McCollum; and at this point it 
seems the horses refused to cross the bridge, left the track and undertook 
to cross the stream on the ice, but it gave way, precipitating horses 
and sleigh into the water. It appears that Mr. Burk left the sleigh 
and succeeded in detaching the horses therefrom, removed the fence 
and started to cross the slough, but ran into a soft place or spring and 
here the horses left him, he traveling in one direction and they in 
another. Mr. Burk went but a short distance from where the team 
left him, took shelter under some bushes on the shores of the lake, 
where he was found by his brothers, frozen to death. His clothes 
were wet nearly to his waist, which proves he had been in the water. 
John has been in the habit of drinking strong drink too freely for 
several years, and no doubt but this was the case on Friday night, 
causing him to lose his way and bringing about his untimely death." 

AN EARLY TEMPERANCE SOCIETY MEETING 

It is not the province of this work to discuss the Prohibition and 
liquor questions of the long ago years in this county, as doubtless it 
is best to cover old John Barleycorn's putrid corpse with a mantle of 
charity. He no longer lives here, enough mean things have been 
spoken and written of him in the last seventy-five years to damn him 
for ever and a day, and we cannot find a record of authority showing that 
he had any saving traits of character, so let him rest where he fell, at 
tin' hand of the people of America in 1919. 

But it may not be out of place to give the reader of this volume 
an account of a meeting of the "Ladies Temperance Association of 
McHenry County," held at Marengo in 1855. We give it as written 
up by a delegate from Elgin, who attended it and wrote her report in 
the Elgin Palladium of January 18, 1855 : 

"First in the order of events, after leaving Elgin depot, was the de- 
mand by the conductor for our fare, and we were greatly surprised at 
his unwillingness to accord to our party the courtesy, which in every in- 
stance heretofore has been shown ladies of this Association, in their 
frequent interchange of kindly regard and sympathy by attending the 



348 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 

meetings of the differenl societies; by allowing them passage at the 
half fare usual rate Ami still more were we surprised when upon repre- 
sentation of these Eacts to the superintendent, who chanced to be on 
board, be also refused the customary tribute to the cause of temperance. 
Sorry we arc to record such an ungallanl act. We Eel1 indignanl at such 
ungentlemanly treatment, but not sufficient to disturb our equanimity, 
and we arrived at Marengo in good spirits were received by the ladies 
of that place with great eordiality— partook of their cheer and repaired 
to the Presbyterian meeting-house, where after the transaction of busi- 
ness, we listened to an entertaining address from .Mrs. Randall of Bel- 
videre; after this resolutions were discussed, one being with regard to 
the rightfulness of mob force if necessary, for the restraint of the traf- 
fic in ardent spirits. It elicited a spirited discussion from Mrs. Safford, 
Mrs. Lindsey, and Mrs. Misick of Marengo, -Mrs. Randall of Belvidere, 
Mrs. Hubbard of Huntley, and Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Waldron and Mrs. 
Tefft of Elgin, and was put to the house and lost. A number of resolu- 
tions to the effect that the rumseller is equally izuilty and alike deserv- 
ing of condemnation with the rum-drinker; and that they withdraw all 
patronage from all those who deal in intoxicating drinks we adopted 
unanimously. If lived up to this cannot fail to be of great good and 
it should enlist the energies and zeal of all temperance people. Thi 
seems to be a great amount of talent among the ladies of Marengo, com- 
pared to their numbers, some few noble-minded women, who are willing 
to hazard much in the cause they have espoused, and to 'hope on and 
hope ever,' until they see that accomplished for which they have been 
swelling the number of petitions to our state legislature, a prohibitory 
law similar to the Maine Law." 

(Signed.) Oxe of the Ladies. 

CEXTEXARY DRIVE 

The Centenary Celebration, or the 100th anniversary of the sending 
the first church missionary from the Methodist Episcopal church, was 
celebrated in 1919, and among other plans in this great movement, 
started by the Methodist denomination, and carried out by most of the 
Protestant denominations, for the betterment of the world's people, was 
the raising of an immense fund to carry on the missionary, home and 
foreign, cause. The Methodist Church alone asked for subscriptions 
for $105,000,000, to be paid in five equal annual payments. A stagger- 
ing amount, seemingly, to confront a war-ridden people who have been 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 349 

subscribing such large sums to support the government in time of war, 

and to help European countries. Yet, through the force of g 1 financial 

management on the part of the leaders of the church, this amount was 
subscribed and considerable more, too. 

McHenry County "went over the top" in this, as well as in Liberty 
Loans. The exact figures are not at hand, but in the single case of 
the local Methodist Episcopal Church at Woodstock, it may be stated 
that its allotment was $15,850 for the five year period, and this amount 
was oversubscribed by about $1,000, enough to make up all shrinkage. 

Among the logical arguments used in appealing to the church-going 
people here was one, that Woodstock expended on an average of $20,000 
a year for picture shows, and only $25,000 for all her churches. And 
going outside, it was shown that the United States spends $320,000,000 
a year for soda and other light drinks and $1,000,000,000 for tobacco. 
These and like arguments, properly presented, brought the subscribers 
to see that it was only their Christian duty to spend, at least $105,000- 
000 for trying to help answer the Lord's Prayer "Thy Kingdom Come." 

In this county the "drive" was on only from May 18 to May 25. 

HOME BUREAU 

During the late World War the women of this county organized 
what is styled the Home Bureau, the aim of which is to better look 
after the domestic and home side of life. In a meeting held in the City 
School building in Woodstock, July 7, 1919, the women from all parts 
of the county were present with reports of the work accomplished during 
the past year. Miss Bunch, of the University of Illinois, and Mrs. Dunlap, 
of Champaign, were present and made addresses. The following officers 
were re-elected for the ensuing year: Mrs. A. E. Seward, Marengo, 
president; Mrs. G. A. Miller, Pleasant Valley, vice-president; Mrs. 
Fred McConnell, Woodstock, secretary ; Mrs. Will Hoy, Huntley, treas- 
urer. The executive committee consisted of the following: Mrs. E. G. 
Turner, Richmond; Mrs. Fred Baier, Harvard; Mrs. Will Dyke, Crystal 
Lake; Mrs. J. C. Furlong, Spring Grove; Mrs. A. J. Gafke, Woodstock. 

Work was begun by this society in July, 1918, with 272 members 
enrolled. During the year work was carried on to the best interests 
of housekeeping and home-making; how to use better methods, and adopt 
better equipment to save time and energy in daily household tasks. 

During the year, 129 meetings were held in McHenry County ; 
eighty-seven of which were demonstrations at which the women were 



350 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



taughl the preparation of war foods, canning of fruits, vegetables and 
meats and the remodeling of old clothing, forty-two Lectures were given 
on better kitchen arrangement, labor-saving devices, poultry-raising, 
gardening, planning of meals ami feeding of children. The total 
attendance at these meetings was 11,956. .Miss Blair, in charge of the 
work, travelled during the year 2,7;!7 miles by rail and 1,457 by ear. 
holding meetings in every township in the county. As a result of the 
work, hoi lunches were installed in three country schools. Twenty-four 
women are making a special study of the planning of meals, keeping rec- 
ords of the time, expense and amount of food used. Twenty-nine women 
are keeping records of their gardens; thirty-seven are making special 
study of the poultry business. Six townships are studying the care 
and feeding of children. A week's sewing school has been conducted. 
Three days' instruction in poultry raising were given by a specialist 
with an attendance of 153. Besides all this much food was canned and 
dried, especially vegetables and meats and much wool saved by the 
re-making of clothes. This is an excellent innovation. 

civn. WAR RELICS 

In the summer of 1919, at Woodstock, druggist A. S. Wright had 
on exhibition in his show-window on the south side of the public square, 
a collection of valuable and highly interesting Civil War relics belong- 
ing to Col. William Avery. Colonel Avery's daughter. M. Ella Avery, 
in disposing of her household goods, tendered these war relics of her 
father's as trophies to the Memorial Hall in Chicago, which offer was 
accepted. This consists of revolver, saber, box of bullets; the bullet 
which wounded the colonel ; shoulder straps from the rank of captain 
to colonel; well preserved piece of "hard-tack"' (soldier's bread) now 
over fifty years old, still in good condition. Colonel Avery was county 
clerk of McHenry County for a period of twelve years. The Grand 
Army men took special delight in looking at these relics which reminded 
them of the days of their young manhood. 

INSTALLING A NEW TYPESETTING MACHINE 



Editor Seott, of the Richmond local newspaper, had troubles of 
his own according to the following paragraphs written by him after 
the battle was over in the month of August, 1915. It appears he had 
purchased a new linotype machine and upon unpacking it found it 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 351 

had been smashed up badly in a railroad wreck and a new one had to 
be sent for: 

"Anyhow the expert linotype man, who knows bushels of things about 
printing machines, looked with some sconi on the mashed up machine 
and declared the "thing" was no good at all. Another was ordered 
and there was indigo atmosphere which lingered in the print shop all 
last week. The chief editor wouldn't even go fishing! 

"The news editor was going tramping over the hills; going fishing 
and listening to the wind-waves in the trees and watch the shadows 
grow long when the sun was low. 

"It rained there; there was no sunshine; there was no wind; and 
the fish wouldn't bite. The news editor was obliged to spend part of 
the time in a darkened room because of a vacation head ache, which was 
doubtless a just penance for planning to be a genuine gypsy for a whole 
week." 

"There are several other chapters to this vacation story, but they 
are of the same color as those already described, hence we decline to 
enter further details. What's the use? The perfect linotype has ar- 
rived and is beiug installed and the glint of sunshine fills the office 
all around and back again." 

WAR WAGED ON CANADA THISTLES 

The state law concerning Canada thistles and other objectionable 
weeds is being rigidly enforced in the county at this time. The en- 
croachment of late of the Canada thistle is something fearful to behold. 
The county has its regular thistle commissioners and they in turn have 
been authorized to engage scores of assistants to aid in doing away 
with these pests. June, July and August are the three available months 
in which to try to annihilate the thistles. The report shows that there 
were 743 different strips of Canada thistles on farms in Dunham 
Township alone, of which twenty-four were in the highways. The com- 
missioners are provided with an outline map which they are supposed 
to fill in as fast as the thistle sections are discovered. When a farmer 
claims his farm is not in the thistle belt, the commissioner simply pulls 
out his map or plat and shows him that he is mistaken and that unless 
he gets busy and removes the pests at once that the county will hire 
a person to remove the same and add the expense, which is usually 
from $3 to $4 per day, to his next tax bill. 

In Hartland Township there is a ten-acre tract, where the pests 



352 EISTOEY OF McHENRT COUNTY 

have grown to an alarming extent. Mowing machines have been em- 
ployed to cul them down. 

Many of the worst tracts are on farms which are rented out and 
the owners live so far away that they seldom visit the place, hence 
the thistles have grown almost beyond control of anyone. 

In Chemung Township, the commissioner declared, "There is one farm 
in my district in this township that has sufficient Canada thistles, if 
permitted to ripen, to supply enough seed to cover all of the great State 
of Texas." One commissioner, Mr. Dacy, walks over his territory, going 
many days as much as twenty miles. 

There is no escape from assuming the thistle obligation. If the 
land owner refuses to cut them down at the lawful time, the commis- 
sioner simply hires a man to do the work and reports the transaction 
and makes a bill which is placed against the land at the coming tax 
paying season. 

world's fair corn exhibits 

During the great Columbian Fair at Chicago, in 1893, McHenry 
County had a large and complete assortment of corn grown from her 
rich soil. The men who under director James Crow, of Crystal Lake, 
furnished such corn exhibit were worthy a record in the annals of their 
county, hence find the list here annexed. 

Smith Brothers, Ringwood; George Lewis, Cary Station; James 
Stewart, Cary Station; F. B. Peek, McHenry; Dr. Warren Chase, 
Chemung; S. M. Wardlow, Hebron; C. Lockwood, Ridgefield; Prentice 
Smith, Cary Station; James Brennon, Huntley; Henry Leesberg, Al- 
gonquin; C. Techier, Algonquin; Calvin Davis, Ridgefield; James R 
Jaekman, Crystal Lake; C. Pinnow, Crystal Lake; Xels Aekerson, 
Crystal Lake; Louis Cammine, Crystal Lake; William Peet, Crystal 
Lake; E. D. Barnard, Greenwood; 0. McCollum, Xunda; O. N. Brass, 
Seneca; John Duggan, Hartland; A. Walkup, Xunda; George L. Bryant, 
Nunda; Peter Berger, Hebron; M. C. Morris, Crystal Lake; R. Rowley. 
Xunda; Chet Burgett, Richmond; James Burgett, Richmond; Fred Ker- 
now. Riley; C. X. Webber, Seneca; Franklin Morris. Crystal Lake: 
James Whiston, Ridgefield. 

SPRING GROVE FISH HATCHERY 

The State has a fish-hatchery located at the village of Spring Grove 
in Burton Township, this county, and reports show that in May, 1916, 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 353 

many visitors present saw 50,000 rainbow trout, all four months old 
and at the same date there were 30,000,000 pike eggs just hatching 
out, also 25,000 brook trout two months old. Most of these young trout 
were to be planted in the spring-fed streams of McHenry County. In 
1915, 350,000 black bass and 12,000,000 pike-perch were planted in the 
water courses and lakes of the county by the State Fish Commission. 



CHAPTER XXIII 
ALDEN TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN OF NAME — TOPOGRAPHY — FIRST SETTLEMENT — PIO- 
NEER EVENTS — BURIAL PLACES — FIRST SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES — POST 
OFFICE — ALDEN VILLAGE — POPULATION — OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Alden Township is bounded on the north by the State of Wisconsin; 
on the east by Hebron Township: on the smith by Hartland Township; 
and on the west by Chemung Township. It comprises all of congressional 
township 46, range 6. 

ORIGIN OF NAME 

Like many other townships, Alden took its name from its first post 
office. Originally, the post office was named Wedgewood, but on account 
of another in Illinois by the same name it was changed to Alden after 
Alden, N. Y., from which place several early settlers to this township 
had emigrated. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT 

The very first settlers in Alden Township were Nathan and Darius 
Disbrow, who came here in the fall of 1836, and built cabins in the 
following spring. They located on section 15, which later was destined 
to become the site of the village of Alden. Miles Booty, a native of 
England, was the third to locate in Alden Township, he arriving during 
the summer of 1837, settling on what later became the Capron farm, east 
of the village. Ashael Disbrow, with his wife and eleven children, came 
here from Greene County, N. Y., about the same time. Another settler, 
John Alberty, from the same location, came in 1838, and Dennis Ryder 
of York State arrived about that same year. 

354 



> 
2j 








HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 355 

TOPOGRAPHY 

Alden Township is a prairie township, although originally some 
tracts of very fine timber were found growing within its borders. There 
are to be seen considerable artificial timber planted by the hands of the 
hard}- pioneers, which trees have come to tower up some twenty, thirty 
and even forty feet, providing shade in the heated seasons and a wind- 
break in winter. Nippersink Creek is the principal water course, it 
rising from Mud Creek, and from it flow Kiswaukee Creek and Piskasaw 
Creek. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

Timothy M. Eller and Esther Disbrow were married on January 7, 
1839, by Wesley Diggins, a justice of the peace, and this was the first 
wedding celebrated in the township, although in 1838, Darius Disbrow, 
who lived in Alden Township, was married in Milwaukee, to Sarah Cross. 
a resident of Hebron Township. Their child, Lorain J. Disbrow was 
the first white child born in the township, the date of his birth being 
in 1839. Twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Fuller, were the 
next white children born in the township. 

BURIAL PLACES 

The first burial in Alden Township took place near Mud Lake, it being 
that of a child who died at the home of Ashael Disbrow. This infant 
belonged to the family who were going on further west to settle. The 
lirst cemetery, however, was that located in 1846, and A. Broughton was 
I he first to be buried there. This tract originally had two acres set off 
as a cemetery. In 1847 a graveyard was platted to the east of the village 
of Alden, and there repose the remains of scores of pioneers, but later 
this tract was abandoned, and the bodies were transferred to other 
cemeteries, chiefly to the one originally laid out as above noted. 

FIRST SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES 

Miss Clarissa Nelson of Geneva Lake taught the first school in Alden 
Township, in the spring of 1841, in the first schoolhouse which was built 
of logs. 

Rev. Leander Walker held the first religious services in the township 



356 BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY 

in the fall of 1 >.*!>. at the home of Ashael Disbrow, and there he organized 
a Methodist society, which held meetings until 1845, when it was dis- 
banded. 

POST OFFICES 

The firsl posl office was established in 184:? at the home of Francis 
Wedgewood, and he continued as postmaster until 1847, when the of 
was transferred to the railroad station. In 1849, P. W. Lake was made 
postmaster, and he was followed by X. -M. ('apron in 1850. In 1858 Mr. 
Capron died, and he was succeeded by George B. Andrews, and in 1881, 
E. S. Smith was appointed. The later postmasters are generally well 
recalled by the present patrons of the office. 

ALDEN VILLAGE 

The village of Alden was laid out in 1848 by Francis Wedgewood, 
and John Brink of Crystal Lake made the survey. Xathan Disbrow 
built the first house at that point; and the first store was opened by 
P. W. Lake, in 1847, prior to the platting of the village. The first wagon 
shop was run by C. X. Jiles ; J. Wood was the first blacksmith and M. D. 
Hoy was the first shoemaker. Other early business and professional men 
included these: J. C. Brewer, barber; Ferris & Son and Julian Brothers, 
butter and cheese factory ; Copeland & Manning, operators of a creamery ; 
John Snell, wagon maker; Edward Wright, carpenter; C. II. Bennett. 
harness maker ; T. J. Disbrow proprietor of the hotel ; Thomas Rushton, 
lawyer; E. S. Smith, merchant: and Dr. G. R. Barringer. physician. 

The village has never grown to any considerable extent, and now 
there are a few stores and small shops for the accommodation of 1 la- 
surrounding rich farming community. Alden Township has many beauti- 
ful and valuable farms and fine herds of excellent milch cows, the milk 
from which is sold at the station of Alden where a large collecting 
station is conducted by one of the great milk companies mentioned in the 
chapter (in dairying. In 1877 Alden had a cheese factory, built in 1870, 
and used the milk of 500 cows, but it has been long discontinued. 

The early settlers from Xew York being great fruit lovers demanded 
fruit trees in this new country and a Mr. Easton in 1848 planted out a 
good sized nursery from which the farmers were soon able to get trees. 
The first apple seeds were planted by Sidney Disbrow. in 1838, and 
these trees thus started, come to be excellent bearing trees within a 
few years. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 357 

The Alden Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized at the 
village of Alden, in 1874, but since then it has enlarged its scope and 
takes in the townships of Alden, Hebron, Richmond, Burton and Mc- 
Henry. 

It now has in force 500 policies, with insurance amounting to 
$1,800,000. The rate for insurance is a trifle more than one per cent for 
a five year period. 

The officers are : James H. Turner, Hebron, President ; Arthur D. 
Cornue, of Alden, Vice-President ; A. G. Dickerson, Hebron, Secretary ; 
The board of directors are: H. E. Street, Hebron, Arthur D. Cornue, 
E. G. Kingsley, H. G. Durkee, Alden; E. G. Turner, Spring Grove; J. 
B. Richardson, Richmond. 

This mutual fire insurance company has been of great benefit to the 
farming community of North McHenry County. 

POPULATION 

The population of Alden Township in 1890 was 1,026 ; in 1900 it was 
1,015 ; in 1910, 1,014 and in 1920, 964. 

OFFICIALS 

The following are serving as the township officials of Alden Town- 
ship : supervisor, H. G. Durkee; assessor, J. L. Baldock; clerk, E. M. 
Fink; highway commissioner, E. C. Hammond; justices of the peace, 
A. L. Disbrow and William W. Fleming; constable, J. H. Carbrey. 



CHAPTER XXIV 
ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP 

Bill NDARIES — ORIGIN" OF NAME TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER 

i;\ ENTS — POPULATION — ALGONQUIN VILLAGE — POST OFFICE — MUNICIPAL 
HISTORY — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS — CITY OF CRYSTAL LAKE — l'OST OFFICE 
— MUNICIPAL HISTORY — CITY OFFICIALS BY YEARS — PUBLIC IMPROVJ 
MENTS — VILLAGE OP CARY — BUSINESS INTERESTS — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Iii the southeastern part of McHenry County is found Algonquin 
Township; it is bounded on the north by Nunda Township; on the east by 
Lake County; on the south by Kane County, and on the west by Grafton 
Township. 

ORIGIN' OF NAME 

Before the adoption of the township organization, this section of the 
county was known as Fox Township. When a name was required for 
this new township, Samuel Edwards, formerly of Philadelphia, suggested 
the name Algonquin. In his youth he had been a sailor on a boat by 
that name, and he desired to thus commemorate a happy period of his 
life. The name met with the approval of all who had charge of such 
naming, and it was adopted. 

TOPOGRAPHY 



Algonquin Township is more broken than any other township within 
the county, there being many bluffs and hills in the region of Algonquin 
village and in fact all along the Fox River. The land is about equally 
divided between prairie and timber. It is adapted to both small grain 
and pasture lands and is used for such purposes. Crystal Lake lies in 
section 6 of this township, and runs over into a portion of Grafton 
Township. From it flows the outlet of the lake thai joins the Fox River 

358 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 359 

at the village of Algonquin. Big Spring Creek is another water course 
found within the township. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

The first settler to locate in this county chose Algonquin Township 
for his new home. He was Samuel Gillian, and he located in section 23, 
on the west bank of Fox River, November 18, 1834. John Gillian came 
soon thereafter, and he settled on the east bank of Pox River. Levi 
Seebert arrived in 1837 ; Hosea Throop was a settler of 1839 ; and New- 
man Crabtree, Simon Chandler, Thomas Chunn, Beman Crandall, 
William King, Isaac Denney, Edwin Powell, Major Beardsley, John 
Kern, Isaac King, Wesley Hiekox, Dr. Plumleigh, Dr. Cornish and John 
Brink with possibly others made up the first, settlements. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first white child to be born in this township was William Beards- 
ley, son of Abner Beardsley and wife, who came into the world in 1837. 
Franklin Wallace and Hannah S. Beardsley were married by Benjamin 
( 'randall, a justice of the peace, in 1839, and theirs was the first marriage 
in Algonquin township. The first person to die in the township was 
Delia, daughter of Samuel Gillian and wife, when she was about fifteen 
years old, August 26, 1835. 

The first saw-mill was built on Crystal Lake outlet by Benjamin 
Douglas and Colonel Hoffman in 1839; and the second one was built in 
1842, by A. Dawson, who located at Algonquin in 1848. This last was 
completed in 1849 by Henry Petrie. A brick-mill was built in the 
village in 1850 by Dr. Plumleigh. 

The schools and churches are all treated in special chapters on these 
topics in this volume. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 the population of this township was 3,675; in 1900 it was 
3,043; in 1910 it was 2,512; and in 1920 it was 3,528. 

ALGONQUIN VILLAGE 

This is the oldest village in this county, having been first laid out 
in 1836 by Dawson & Powell, the platting being accepted and recorded 



360 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

in 1844. Prior to the hiving out of the place Mr. Powell had erected a 
residence on the present site of the village. The first store was eon- 
ducted in L837 by Dr. Cornish. Henry Tubbs was the first wagonmaker; 

Henry lienl husean. was the first blacksmith; and < >. Leach the first shoe- 
maker, while William Clark was the first tailor. At one time William 
Powell owned all of the original site of Algonquin and he built the first 
hotel in 1840. It was a log structure, to which he added a frame build- 
ing, in 1850. In 1858, the whole building was torn down and a new one 
erected by James Dixon and John Gillian, and later it became the prop- 
erty of Charles Pingree. 

POST OFFICE 

A post office was established at this point in 1836, and it was the 
first in the township. Dr. Cornish was the first to serve as postmaster. 
He was succeeded by the following: Isaac Denney, John Peter (deputy), 
John Sears, Charles Chunn, Eli Henderson, Peter Potter, Samuel Finch, 
Col. William Henry, C. C. Chunn, John Adamak, C. C. Chunn, John T. 
Kalahan, Nettie Threadgold (many years) with present postmaster John 
T. Kalahan. 

This is a third-class post office and has one rural free delivery route 
extending to the surrounding country. To show that this is an early 
post office it only need be stated that the office was established under 
President Andrew Jackson. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of Algonquin : president, Willis 
T. Peter; clerk, George Dewitt Keyes; treasurer, Louis J. Lehky; 
magistrate, Harvey J. Weir ; marshal, John Dvorak, Jr. ; attorney, 
Charles T. Allen ; trustees, Clarence Franke, Frank Dvorak, Ernest 
Reimer, Fred Duensing, Albert Wilbrandt and Herman Mertens. 

The enterprising little city in 1907 erected a fine two-story brick city 
building at a cost of $10,000. This provides a home and protection for 
all the city property, fire department, city offices and jail. In the western 
portion of the village is found a nice public park. Nature has made the 
spot charming and a gushing spring of pure water offers an appreciated 
refreshment. 

PUBL"IC IMPROVEMENTS 

In 18D6 the city installed its first and really its present system of 
water works which consists of piping from the business part of the town 



v. 






O 

c 



3 



y- 

o 






EC 




HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 361 

to a distance of seventy-three feet above the river-bed, to a point on 
the hillside when' was discovered a strong spring of the best drinking 
water to be had anywhere in Illinois. For fire purposes other lines of 
piping extend further on up the hill to a distance of 147 feet, where 
was erected a basin in which sufficient water is forced to meet any de- 
mand in case of tire. This whole system is "natural direct pressure"' 
and affords a splendid water system, such as is seldom found in prairie 
sections. The common pressure is about eighty pounds per square inch. 
The fire company is the ordinary volunteer company of fifteen men, 
with Peter Serrs as present chief. The city has two hose carts, each 
having 800 feet of good hose ; a chemical engine holding forty-five gal- 
lons ; hook and ladders, and other appliances. 

CITY OP CRYSTAL LAKE 

What was first known as the village of Crystal Lake is now a city 
and governed by a board of aldermen and a mayor. This place was 
platted by Benjamin Douglas and others in August, 1837, but not 
recorded until 1840. From an old county directory it is learned thai 
in 1877 the village then had three general stores. Hill, Fitch & Marlow 
,and Buckholtz & Dj-deman were early business firms. T. G. Ashton con- 
ducted a hotel. It will be understood that a part of present Crystal Lake 
city was once within the incorporation of Nunda village and its early 
history will be treated in the history of Nunda Township. 

Aside from the above named business interests it should be stated in 
this connection that for many years the ice taken from the lake near 
Crystal Lake has been cut and shipped to Chicago, where the name 
sells the product, while it is said, however, that much sold under this 
catchy name came from some dirty pond much nearer Chicago. The 
land containing this beautiful lake has been the subject of much recent 
litigation, and the question of ownership is still in the courts. 

Three miles distant from the city of Crystal Lake is located the 
celebrated Terra Cotta plant, where sometimes 300 men are employed, 
although during the World War the number was cut down materially. 
Where this plant stands is known on railroad maps as Terra Cotta. 

The great bottling plant of the Bowman Dairy Company is located 
right in the town and handles all the vast amount of milk produced in 
the surrounding country, instead of it being shipped direct to the city. 
At this plant are bottled and shipped to Chicago four carloads of bottled 
milk daily. 



362 



HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 



POST OFFH i: 

An exact list of postmasters at this office cannot be now obtained 
with any degree of certainty, but it is known to be an old post office 
and Mrs. De Grushe was in charge of the office many years ago. It was 
probably about 1840 when the office was established. Among the post- 
masters recalled by present settlers were: Mrs. De Grushe. E. G. 
McCollum, A. s. Corl, John McWhorter and present postmaster, Henry 
shales. The office is now of the third class. At one time it had three 
rural free deliveries hut of late only two routes are provided by the 
department. 

MUNICIPAL HISTORY 



From the revised ordinance book of the City of Crystal Lake, pub- 
lished in 191o the following historic facts have been gleaned. The 
history of certain incorporations, under the name of Xunda.. North 
Crystal Lake and Crystal Lake, make the understanding to present-day 
people quite difficult, but the following will serve to make all clear. The 
names and dates can be relied upon, coming from authority of mayor 
and councilmen. 

North Crystal Lake was originally incorporated as the village of 
Xunda. January 24, 1>74. under a legislative act dated April 10. 1>7_ 
The petition fur incorporation was filed in the County Court of McHenry 
County by Josiah Walkup and others December 30. 1873. and January 
5, 1874. County Judge B. X. Smith ordered an election to be held Janu- 
ary 24. that year, and appointed as judges of such election 0. M. Peck. 
Edgar Beckley and Amos Pettibone. and as clerks. Xajah Beardsley and 
W. K. Hale. The records show that sixty-two votes were cast thereat, 
all of said voters being in favor of such incorporation. On February 17. 
the same year, C. E. Warner. X. Beardsley. W. S. DeWolf, R. Rowley. < ». 
Mansfield and A. A. Pettibone were elected trustees of the incorporation. 
The name of the village of Xunda was changed to Xorth Crystal Lake 

in 1908. 

The village of Crystal Lake was organized under the general pro- 
vision passed April 10. 1572. James (row. T. II. Ashton and J. B. 
Robinson having been appointed by the court of McHenry County as 
judges of an election to decide by ballot the question whether or not they 
would incorporate as a village under said law: an election was held 
Jamiarv 10. 1874. The returns showed that there had been cast forty- 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 363 

nine votes for such incorporation and six against the measure. The 
court then ordered an election of officers which resulted in the election 
of trustees as follows: William Miller, John Brink, Thomas Leonard, 
B. Carpenter, II. II. Ford, and L. D. Lowell. Hence it will be seen that 
two incorporated villages existed side by side for a considerable number 
of years. It was not until 1914 that the villages of North Crystal Lake 
and Crystal Lake were consolidated under the name of Crystal Lake. 
II was on April 21, 1914, that this was legally brought about, and in 
September, the same year, the place adopted a city form of government. 
The first officers were elected December 14, 1914, to hold office until April. 
1915. The first set of officers were as follows: William Pinnow, mayor; 
John C. Flotow, city clerk; James B. Ford, city treasurer; Herman P. 
Hasse, city attorney and William M. Freeman, Henry Meyer, A. M. 
Shelton, W. J. Buchholz, Andrew Pierson and Henry Breudigam, alder- 
men. 

The officers elected in the spring of 1915 were: William Pinnow, 
mayor; John C. Floto, city clerk; Jennie H. Ford, city treasurer; 
Herman P. Hasse, city attorney; and Andrew Pierson, Henry Meir, 
A. M. Shelton, W. J. Bruedigam, Martin Xaslund, Addison M. Shelton. 
William M. Freeman, Henry Meier, aldermen. 

February 2, 1915, the city census returns was taken showing a popu- 
lation of the city of Crystal Lake to be 2,364 and the city was thereupon 
divided into three wards, two aldermen to be elected annually for each 
ward. May 4, 1915, the aldermen by lot decided to hold office the 
following terms : First ward, Henry Bruedigam, one year ; Andrew Pier- 
son, two years; second ward, A. M. Shelton, one year; Martin Naslund, 
two years: third ward, Henry Meier, one year; William M. Freeman, 
t wo years. 

CITY OFFICIALS 

1887— J. H. Sheldon, president; I. M. Mallory, clerk. 
1888— W. T. Hamilton, president; I. M. Mallory, clerk. 
1.SS9— 0. C. Colby, president ; ( '. E. Warner, clerk. 
1890-91— W. T. Hamilton, president; T. Huffman, clerk. 
1892—0. C. Colby, president ; T. Huffman, clerk. 
1S93— D. L. Borney, president ; A. S. Cool, clerk. 
1894— D. L. Borney, president ; B. W. Colby, clerk. 
1895— C. C. Watson, president ; I. M. Mallory, clerk. 
1896 — C. C. Watson, president ; D, L. Borney, clerk. 



364 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

1897 — I'. A. England, president; D. L. Borney, clerk. 
L898 P. A. England, president ; W. 'I'. Huffman, clerk. 
L899 -('. ('. Watson, president; W. T. Huffman, clerk. 
1900 — ('. ('. Watson, presidenl ; A. .1. Thompson, clerk. 
1901 — 1'. A. England, president; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1902 — Robt. Philips, president; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1903 — Robt. Philips, president; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1904 — Kohl . Philips, president; A. .J. Thompson, clerk. 
1905 — Robt. Philips, president; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1906 — Robt. Philips, president ; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1907 — Robt. Philips, presidenl ; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 
1908 — Robt. Philips, president; A. J. Thompson, clerk. 

NAME CHANGED TO NORTH CRYSTAL LAKE 

1909-10— H. D. Hull, president; H. II. McCollum, clerk. 
1911— F. W. Covalt, president; II. II. .McCollum, clerk. 
1912— F. W. Covalt, president ; A. E. Kiest, clerk. 
II. D. Hull, president; John C. Flotow, clerk. 

The village of North Crystal Lake was annexed to Crystal Lake in 
the spring of 1914. The subjoined is a list of officers serving in Crystal 
Lake from its organization to the time it was united with North Crystal 
Lake, as well as present consolidated incorporation officials: 

1882— J. W. Marlow, president ; Thomas Ford, clerk. 
1883— William Hill, president ; Thomas Ford, clerk. 
1884 — E. Pease, president ; L. L. Smith, clerk. 
1885 — E. Pease, president; J. B. Robinson, clerk. 
1886— Geo. W. Davis, president; J. P. Smith, clerk. 
1887— C. M. Pendleton, president; J. P. Smith, clerk. 
1888— W. A. Rollins, president ; J. B. Ford, clmk. 
18S9— F. E. Cox, president ; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1890— Thomas Whittaker, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1891— Thomas Whittaker, president ; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1892— H. H. Ford, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1893— H. T. Jones, president ; A. II. Hale, clerk. 
1894 — Thomas Whittaker, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1895 — J. B. Robinson, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1896— C. F. Dike, president ; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1897— II. T. Jones, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 3G5 

1898 — S. M. Grimes, president; G. Peterson, clerk. 
1899— J. B. Moore, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1900 — J. B. Robinson, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1901— C. F. Dike, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1902— C, F. Dike, president ; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1903— A. M. Hale, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1904 — O. M. Hale, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1905-7— C. F. Dike, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1907-8— R, G. Smith, president ; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1909-13— C. F. Dike, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 
1914— P. w. Ranhut, president; J. B. Ford, clerk. 

September, 1914, the city form of government was adopted through 
an election and officers held over until December, 1914, when the first 
city officers were elected and took office. The same held only until the 
ensuing spring election. 

1914 — William Pinnow, mayor; John C. Flotow, clerk. 
1915-16 — Wm. Pinnow, mayor; John C. Flotow, clerk. 
1917-18 — W. A. Goodwin, mayor; John C. Flotow, clerk. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of the city of Crystal Lake : 
mayor, W. A. Goodwin ; clerk, John C. Flotow ; health commissioner, 
H. D. Hull ; treasurer, Carl Ortman ; magistrate, C. H. Schlottman ; 
attorney, L. D. Lowell ; aldermen, Fred Peterson, Henry Bruedigam, 
Henry Meier, G. D. Crabtree, Mort Ritt and J. B. Kitchen. 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 

In 1906-07 a city building was constructed of brick. It cost $8,000. 
The second floor is leased out to various lodges, while the ground floor 
is used by the councilmen and for other municipal purposes. 

A public park comprising a full city block has been improved, trees 
have been planted, seats furnished, and a band-stand erected, so that it 
is an attractive resort for the people of this region. 

The water supply was furnished in both the old village of Nunda in 
1903 and in the other part of the city in 1912. Deep wells are used and 
water is forced from the same by electric pumps, giving a direct pressure. 
There are now two stand-pipes. 



366 HISTORY OF M< IIKXRY COUNTY 

The city has a volunteer fire company of a dozen men and in 1913 
purchased at a cost of $4,800 a fine auto-fire truck. 

Light is furnished by the Public Service Company, which supplies so 
many small towns in this portion of Northern Illinois. 

VILLAGE OF CARY 

Cary in the northeast quarter of section 13 of Algonquin Township 
is a station point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad and the first 
southeast of Crystal Lake. It was laid out June 7, 1856, by William D. 
Cary and became a post office in 1856, with James Nish as first post- 
master. He was succeeded, when he entered the Civil War. by his brother 
John Nish. who served until relieved by II. M. Burton, who was post- 
master for two years and was followed by Robert Burk, and he by James 
Nish. who had returned from war with the rank of captain, and he 
served until his death, when his daughter, Miss Ann J. Nish, was ap- 
pointed and served until in the Democratic administration of President 
Wilson. Mary H. Hrdlioka was appointed, the date of her appointment 
being December 8, 1913. This is a fourth class post office and from it 
runs one rural delivery route. 

Cary became an incorporated village, January 9, 1893, and the follow- 
ing have been among its presidents: L. E. Mentch, G. A. Ellingson, 
Theodore H. Wulff, J. F. Pichen, F. M. Abbott, aud in 1909 L. E. Mentch 
was elected again, and he was followed by Ralph B. Powers. From an 
ordinance hook kept by the trustees the following is found : At the first 
election for incorporation, ordered by Judge C. H. Donnelly, February 
27. 1893, to be held March 4. 1893, the following were elected: L. E. 
.Mentch. president; Ed. Kerns. Joe Dunn. Z. L. Blaisdell, E. J. King, 
J. C. Lemkee and S. B. McNett, trustees : II. P. Hoagland, clerk. 

The village has a deep well water-works system ; water is forced by 
electricity to a large reservoir and a stand-pipe is maintained so that 
plenty of water is had at all times. This plant was placed in operation 
about 1910, and for it the village was bonded for the sum of $20,000. 
The electric lighting of the place is done by a private corporation. In 
1915 the village built a fine, solid village hall of brick and cement. It is 
two-story high and has a basement. Ample room is afforded for council 
room, fire department, etc. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the village officials of Cary Station : president, 
R. B. Powers: clerk, C. W. Meyer; treasurer, P. J. Bloner; marshal, 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 367 

J. A. Parsley ; attorney, Charles T. Allen ; trustees, R. II. Grantham, 
A. E. Baheman, A. 0. Hack, F. D. Smith, F. Krenz and 0. J. Synek. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Algonquin Township : 
supervisor, R. E. Haeger ; assessor, Henry Breudigam ; clerk, V. N. Ford ; 
highway commissioner, Ed Wallace; justices of the peace, L. E. Mentch, 
John Buehler and Henry Keyes ; constable, John Purvey. 



CHAPTER XXV 
BURTON TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLEMENTS — EARLY EVENTS — SPRING GROVE VILLAGE 
— INCORPORATION — POST OFFICE — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Burton Township lias the least area of any township in this county. 
It contains one-third of congressional township 46, range 9 and lies in the 
extreme northeastern part of the county. It is bounded on the north 
by the State of Wisconsin; on the east by Lake Count} - , 111.; on the south 
by McHenry Township; and on the west by Richmond Township. It is 
drained by Nippersink Creek, and is well situated and by nature adapted 
to high-class agriculture and stockraising. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT 

Burton Township was among the first to be settled. It was first set- 
tled by Englishmen, and the name English Prairie was given it. The 
original settler was Jonathan Imeson, who came here from England in 
1836 and located in section 18 of this township, and in 18S5, when sev- 
enty-five years old, was still residing on this land. A year or two later 
Richard Wray settled on sections 17 and 18; Stephen Lawson on section 
18 ; and Martin Hoffman, William Fowles, Richard Upston, Joseph Rice, 
John A. Mann, and Joseph Blivin, all located in section 30. 

In an account published concerning the settlement in this township, 
the following appears and is too good to be lost in the annals of the 
county: "The English settlers, after their arrival staked out their 
claims and then went on further west thinking to find more eligible 
lands. But. not succeeding in this, they returned to their first choice 
only to find that a Yankee named John Sanborn had arrived and was 
occupying their claims. They asked him to quit. He would not. Words 
multiplied, but with this result : Sanborn stayed and the Englishmen 
stayed. One day when Sanborn was mowing, a dozen or more of his 

368 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 369 

neighbors came to him and ordered him to leave; he turned upon them 
with his scythe and drove the whole crowd away. In the excitement 
Sanborn lost his hat. One of the visitors found it and kept it. Sanborn 
went bareheaded for several months until he could find time to go to 
town and purchase another. There was a long time that an unfriendly 
feeling obtained against the Englishmen living upon the "English 
Prairie" and any other class who might come in to settle there. John 
Sanborn completed his days in the spot he had chosen for his home." 

EARLY EVENTS 

The township was first called Kenton by Jackson Wray, but upon 
it being learned that there was already a post office and township of 
Benton in Illinois, the name was changed to Burton. 

The first religious services within the township were held at the resi- 
dence of Jonathan Imeson in 1843. The minister came from Kenosha, 
then called Southport, to conduct them. 

Cemeteries were early located at Spring Grove, English Prairie. 
Stevens, Cole's, Sanborn's and Wray's. 

Soon after the settlement was made William Stearns taught a term 
of school having fifteen pupils. The building in which it was taught 
was a log one on the Nippersink Creek. 

The first death known among white people here was that of Mrs. 
Frank Richardson, who passed away in the autumn of 1837. 

The first marriage was that uniting Jonathan Imeson and Mary 
Wray, November 30, 1837. The minister who performed the ceremony 
was Rev. Joel Wheeler. Their first son, Robert T. Imerson, was the first 
child born within the township. 

The first post office was called Blivin's Mills. It was established in 
1851, with Joseph Rice as postmaster. Rice held the office during his 
lifetime. The name was changed to Spring Grove, January 24, 1883. 
English Prairie post office was established about 1854. Here it is known 
that the postmasters were : Gideon B. Cooley, Harvey Wilson and Carl 
C. Mead. 

SPRING GROVE VILLAGE 

This little village takes its name, evidently, from the spring, and the 
beautiful grove that once surrounded it, which was viewed by the pioneer 
band who first located here. It was laid out in 1845 by Mr. Barnum. 



370 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

William Fowles and Richard Robinson built a log house east of the 
grove, and these constituted the first cabins in the place. John E. .Mann 
opened the first store in 1845. 

A grist-mill and cheese factory were among the early industries at 
this point. Here Joseph Rice built and conducted a hotel in 1848, con- 
tinuing it until 1868. 

INCORPORATION 

This place was legally incorporated October 6, 1902. The following 
is a list of the various presidents and clerks to the present date: Wil- 
liam Seaver, president November, 1902, to May, 1903 ; William B. Johon- 
note, village clerk, November, 1902, to May, 1903 ; Charles G. Andrews, 
president, May 1, 1903, to May 1, 1904; D. W. Lichty, clerk, May 1, 
1903, to May 1, 1904; Anton Schoefer, president, May, 1904, to May, 
1905; Nick N. Weber, clerk, May, 1904, to May, 1905; Joseph Meredith, 
president. May, 1905, to May, 1906 ; Nick N. Weber, clerk, May, 1905, to 
May, 1906 ; John Wagner, president, May, 1906, to May, 1907 ; Nick N. 
Weber, clerk, May, 1906, to May, 1907; John Wagner, president from 
May 1, 1907, to January, 1908; Otto Hasse filled out unexpired term to 
May, 1909; John Karls, clerk, 1907-08; Herbert R. Peacock appointed 
to fill term out to May, 1909; Anton Schoefer, president, May, 1909, 
to 1910; Howard Westlake, clerk, 1909 to 1910; William Rauen, clerk 
from May, 1910 to 1912 ; Anton Schoefer, president, 1911 to 1913 ; Wil- 
liam Rauen, clerk, May, 1912, to May, 1913, resigned, Albert Pepping 
appointed to fill vacancy to May 1, 1914; John Karls, president, May, 
1913, to May, 1914; Glen Esh, clerk, from May, 1916, to May, 1918; 
John Karls, president, May, 1917, to May, 1919 ; Glen Esh, clerk, May, 
1918, to May, 1920; Joseph Wagner, president, May, 1919, to May, 1921. 

The following are the present officials of the village of Spring Grove : 
president, Joseph G. Wagner; clerk, Glen A. Esh; treasurer, Paul F. 
Siegler ; trustees, John Rauen, Anton May, Frank May, Frank Wagner, 
Nick Freund and Henry Sweet. 

POST OFFICE 

The first post office in this township was known as Blivin's Mills, 
and was established in 1851, with Joseph Rice as postmaster. He was 
succeeded by R. J. Osmann, Mrs. Rice, widow of former postmaster, 
and Robert Tweed, who held the office until at least 1885, since which 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 371 

time the postmasters have been: John Hendricks, Andrew Neish, Robert 
Esh, Andrew Neish, J. 0. McLeon, Herbert Peacock, Mrs. Sarah Free- 
man, who was appointed in 1915. It is a fourth class post office, with 
one rural free delivery route, the length of which is about twenty-eight 
miles ; covers a ten mile square area and accommodates ninety-six fam- 
ilies and a population of nearly 300. It was established October 7, 1905. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 Burton Township had a population of 296 ; in 1900 it had 
400 ; in 1910 it had 451 ; and in 1920 it had 441. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Burton Township : Super- 
visor, Frank May ; assessor, Henry C. Sweet ; clerk, Joseph Brown ; 
highway commissioner, Howard Siedschlag; justice of the peace, Robert 
Esh ; constable, Michael Rauen. 






CHAPTER XXVI 
CHEMUNG TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY ORIGIN' OF NAME — EARLY SETTLERS VILLAGE 

OF CHEMUNG CITY OF HARVARD EARLY EVENTS — HARVARD IN 1876 

HARVARD IN 1885 INCORPORATION — PRESENT OFFICIALS — PUBLIC IM- 
PROVEMENTS — POST OFFICE — INDUSTRIES — CEMETERY — POPULATION — 
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Chemung Township is located in the extreme northwestern portion 
of this county, and is bounded on the north by Wisconsin, on the east 
by Ahlen Township, on the south by Dunham Township, and on the west 
by Boone County. It comprises all of congressional township 45, range 5. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

This township originally had more low wet land than any of the 
other townships, but through a course of scientific draining this land 
has come to be very valuable, having as it does the richest of soil. Piska- 
saw Creek and its three branches, are its principal water courses. 

ORIGIN" OF NAME 

The name Chemung was given the village of Chemung before the 
township was organized, by a Mr. Steward who came from Chemung 
County. X. V., and he desired to name the place after his old home. 
The township was organized in 1850, and took on the name of the 
village. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

Between 1836 and 1S38 the following came into the township for 
the purpose of making permanent settlement: George Trumbull. M. 

372 



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V. 

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O 

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W 

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HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 373 

Wheeler, Wesley Digging, Alonzo Riley, and William Hart, and these 
were the first to effect the settlement, although it has been claimed that 
the two brothers, David and Ransley Shaw lived here for a brief time. 
David Smith, T. B. Wakeinan and Daniel and Adolphus Hutchinson 
came here several years later. 

Between 1840 and 1845 William Sewer built a saw-mill which finally 
became a flour-mill, and in 1853 Mr. Myer built the stone-mill in the 
village of Chemung, later owned by the Sandersons. In the seventies 
and eighties this mill was doing a large business in grinding buckwheat 
flour for the Chicago markets. 

The settlement of the township was about the palmy days of Jack- 
sonian Democracy, and Whigs were not very numerous, but the five of 
them including W. G. Hillings; who later was made internal revenue 
collector, Hayden Hutchinson, and C. R. Brown, just enough for a 
caucus, kept up the party organization till tlTey finally carried the county. 

The first church in the township was erected by the Presbyterians, 
at Chemung village. This original church was replaced in 1873 by a 
new structure. 

David Baker and S. L. Puffer were the first general merchants at 
Chemung village. 

LAWRENCE 

The old village of Lawrence, sections 22 and 27. was settled in 
1855, the railroad depot being built in 1856. Bixby & Cnnklin first 
offered goods for sale, but ere long three others went into trade, be- 
lieving that the depot at that point would eventually kill Chemuug. 
G. F. Kasson and G. Blakeslee next began business, but it was not long 
before the store was burned. This village was named for Lawrence 
Bixby, its first merchant. In 1857 a steam flouring mill was operated, 
but did not pay and was soon abandoned. 

Lawrence had a post office several years, but when the railroad shops 
were located at Harvard all business drifted to that village and since then 
Lawrence has not progressed commercially. 

Among the pioneer dealers in Lawrence may be recalled by the 
older citizens of the county, W. L. Boyd, R. Gillis, F. Beidt, E. S. Bowen. 
H. S. Gould, C. Palmer, S. Clark, A. Thompson and J. L. Anderson. The 
business of the village has long since disappeared entirely. 



374 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

VILLAGE OF CHEMUNG 

Chemung was laid out in 1844, but like Lawrence has suffered from 
being too near to Harvard, also within this township. The first house 
in Chemung was erected by a Mir. Lewis and was built of logs. Burge 
& Aisles kept the first store; Mr. Baker the second. Other business men 
were: Jacob A. Wood, B. F. Carey, A. J. DeGraw, Peter Fitzer, Henry 
M unger. Householder Brothers, J. P. Kennedy, E. D. Maxon, S. L. 
Puffer, J. A. Little. John Alexander, G. I. Sinderson, "Warren Chase. 
James Potts and X. Crane. With a store and shop or two Chemung has 
kept its name and place on the map but has never been able to increase 
in commercial interest. 

CITY OF HARVARD 

This city is sixty-three miles northwest of Chicago, on the Chicago 
& Northwestern railroad, and is beautifully situated in section 35 of 
Chemung Township. It was platted November 25, 1856 by Amos Page, 
proprietor! Abraham Carmack and Jacob A. Davis were the original 
owners of the town site of Harvard, having obtained it from the govern- 
ment in 1845. They sold it to Gilbert Brainard, and after his death the 
land was secured by a company of railroad men, who laid out the town 
in 1856. E. G. Aver, a member of the company named the place Har- 
vard in honor of Harvard, Mass. Many additions have been made to the 
place with the growth of recent years. 

EARLY EVENTS 

In 1856 the first stock of merchandise was placed on the shelves in the 
new town of Harvard, the owner of these goods was Charles Crawford. 
His store was in reality a railroad shanty. Soon after Hull & Julius 
opened their store in a one-story log cabin. The first frame building was 
erected by J. C. Crum on the corner of the railroad right-of-way and 
the crossing of Aver street; it was used for a lumber yard office. Mr. 
Crum was engaged in the lumber trade before the coming of the railroad. 
He used to purchase his stock of lumber in Kenosha, Wis., shipping it 
to Chicago by rail, and thence back to Woodstock by rail, and from 
there freighted it. The first frame store was built in the spring of 1857 
by John Diggins. The earliest blacksmith was H. Norton ; the first 
wagonmaker was J. Flemming; the first shoemaker was Daniel Carpenter. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 375 

The first hotel of note was that erected by David Smith in 1856. 
Its many landlords included these: J. E. Sanford, Milton Stevenson, 
William Parker, Lewis Thompson, Schuyler Higgins and Everton Walker 
who called the property the "Walker House." 

The Ayer Hotel, still standing and used as a commercial traveler's 
stopping place, was erected by Wesley Diggins in 1859, and H. C. Black- 
man became proprietor. At first it backed up to the tracks and depot 
but later it was turned around and now faces the main street of the city ; 
also a part of it faces the depot. 

HARVARD IN 1876 

Fr.om a directory of McHenry County published in 1876, the fol- 
lowing facts concerning Harvard have been obtained, and when con- 
trasted with the city of Harvard of today, are indeed interesting. 

"Harvard is the junior town of Chemung, and, like rnanj- other jun- 
iors, it has absorbed the substance of the seniors till it almost rivals the 
county seat in size, containing five dry goods stores, four grocery stores, 
one boot and shoe store, two mixed stores, such as clothing, boots and 
shoes, two drug stores, two hardwares, eight saloons, two livery stables, 
two bakeries, three confectioneries, two clothing stores, two jewelry 
stores, two furniture stores, one photograph gallery, three hotels, one 
bank, five doctors, two lawyers, two harness shops, one flouring mill, one 
planing-mill, sash and blind factory, three millinery stores, one dentist, 
one news depot, two barber shops, two malt houses, one cheese factory, 
four blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, one car repair shop, three 
meat shops, one agricultural implement warehouse, three churches and 
a schoolhouse. " 

A steam flouring mill was built here in -1865 by Mr. Wood, and its 
total cost was $15,000. 

The first store was that opened by Holden Julius in 1857. The first 
school building was erected in 1859 of brick. 

The first church was the Methodist Episcopal one erected in 1859. 
The Presbyterian, built in 1867 and Congregationalist, in 1870. 

Another description of Harvard in 1877 reads thus: "All trains of 
cars shipped from Minnesota or Baraboo to Milwaukee have to be made 
up here. In one month last year (1876) there were 9,918 cars left 
here to be made up into trains. Some days as many as thirty trains are 
received here and it is no uncommon sight to see thirty engines in town 
at one time. Harvard is the headquarters for all division men to Bara- 



:J76 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

boo. About 125 railroad men work here constantly, the coal sheds alone 
employing thirty men: the engines coming here consume 1,500 tuns of 
coal a month, and the company pays out about $8,000 here each month; 
no small item for so small a town." 

lint the coming and going of years make changes, especially in rail- 
mad affairs. Divisions and shops are liable to be removed at anytime, ;is 
the railroad system extends on to greater distance, so it has been in 
Harvard, but the advantage of its early day boom has left its mark for 
good and other enterprises have made up for the loss of what was once 
supposed would lie still larger railroad interests. 

HARVARD ix 1885 

The following is a list of business and professional men at Harvard 
prior to 1885 and during that year: 

Eugene O'Connor, Sterns & Peters, Joseph C. Crumb, A. E. Axtell, 
B. J. Smith, J. II. O'Connor, W. II. Milligan, John Cullen, Thomas 
Collins, Albert Haffner, Edward Haffner. George Haffner, Elmer Car- 
penter, N. L. Jackson, Aliles Munger, Haven Bros., Thompson & Hodkins. 
Henry Sewger, John Plemming, E. X. Blake & Son, Lewis Whitmar, 
Gault Bros, Dr. M. A. Adams, Samuel Richardson. Groesbeek & Wilkin- 
son, Stafford & Gardner, Edward Rector, J. M. O'Neil, J. Sullivan, W. C. 
Wellington, L. Van Wie & Co., Hubbard Bros., M. J. Powers, Matthew 
Ottman, II. B. Miner, W. B. Walker, Hunt & Helm, Megraw ly. Wakley. 
Marshal & Saunders, E. D. Beardsley, H. Wellstein, L. R. Lines. Lake & 
Logue, D. C. Downs, Lake & Crumb. W. D. Hall, A. W. Young, G. R. 
Wager, Telcomb & Co., William Fay & Bro., George Dueker, Rupert 
Church, J. H. Callender, H. W. Binnie, Williams Bros., Rogers & Stevens, 
William George & Co., Seott & Walfrom, T. G. Spriggs, Dr. C. M. 
Johnson, B. H. Wade, M. D., A. C. Bingham, II. T. Woodruff, G. W. 
Parmley, Clark & Brainard, G. T. Barrows. Win. I. Wooster, Elmer 
Simons. Simon Hill, Richard Powers, Thomas O'Brien, Wallen & Sloey, 
William McGee, John L. Hayes, E. D. Hayes, Henry Zyschach. 

IXCORPORATIOX 

Harvard became an incorporated village February 28, 1867, and the 
following were the first officials: H. G. Aver, president: William Mar- 
shall, clerk. The trustees were: J. C. Crumb, Frank Cobb, Owen McGee, 
B. F. Groesbeek. In 1891 Harvard became an incorporated city and its 




J^^T^l^^^^^^ 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 377 

affairs have usually been well administered to the best interests of its 
population. The mayors and clerks have been as follows : mayors, N. B. 
Helm, P. E. Saunders, M. W. Lake, L. A. Gardner, James Logue, John 
A. Sweeney, W. D. Hall, Richard Phalen, J. H. Viekers, C. J. Hendricks, 
F. O. Thompson. 

The clerks have been few in number but very efficient. From about 
the date of the city's beginning P. E. Saunders was clerk until his 
death in 1913, when his son, Eugene Saunders, the present clerk, took the 
office and has attended to it ever since. No finer set of city records (mostly 
reduced to typewriting) can be seen in the state than those found at 
Harvard. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the officials of the city of Harvard: mayor, J. (i. 
Maxon ; clerk, Eugene Saunders ; health official, Dr. 0. W. Goddard ; 
magistrate, H. S. Williams; treasurer, E. A. Crumb; attorney, R. F. 
Marshall ; aldermen, Jerome Crowley, J. M. Harris, Benjamin Hagar, 
H. A. Jordan, Amos G. Smith, and F. O. Thompson. 

pubuc improvement 

The waterworks were established at Harvard in 1891, for which the 
city has been variously bonded, and for which some bonds are still un- 
paid. Water is obtained from two deep wells, one 900 and one 1,800 
feet, and these furnish an abundant supply of pure water. A volunteer 
fire company of sixteen members looks after the fire department. In 1918 
a +3.000 auto-fire-truck was purchased by the city. 

The city receives its electric lighting from the Illinois Northern 
Utility Company and has since 1911; prior to that private concerns fur- 
nished the lights of Harvard. 

A full scpiare in the center of the city is devoted to public park pur- 
poses, however it has not been much improved. 

The two story brick city hall was erected in 1895. 

post office 

Harvard secured a post office in 1851. Its first postmaster was 
William Randall; he was succeeded by the following persons: R. W. M. 
De Lee, A. E. Axtell, J. W. Groesbeck who was appointed in 1880 and 



378 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



he in turn by Messrs. J. A. Sweeney, Dr. Woodruff, J. A. Sweeney, M. F. 
Walsh and M. P. O'Connor. 

There are numerous rural free delivery routes out from Harvard; the 
office in Harvard is well managed by competent help and general satis- 
faction is had by the patrons of the offiee. 

INDUSTRIES 

The various factory interests of Harvard include the branch of the 
famous "Black Cat" Hosiery Company of Kenosha, Wis., the Bowman 
Milk Bottling Works and the Hunt, Helm & Ferris factory which are 
treated in another chapter of this work. 

CEMETERY 

Just to the south and east of Harvard is found the beautiful, though 
silent city, the cemetery which was laid out about the time the village 
of Harvard was platted. In all northern Illinois one can find none so 
beautiful and well cared for. It can be seen from incoming trains, as 
having been originally planned, and is annually kept up to a high state 
of perfection. The shade trees and flowers in season are indexes to the 
passerby of a people of religious and cultivated tastes. This is indeed 
a true index of Christian civilization, proper care for the departed. The 
monuments erected here are in keeping with the grounds wherein repose 
hundreds of Harvard's deceased pioneers and later citizens. 

POPULATION' 

The 1910 Federal census reports gave Chemung Township, including 
Harvard city, a population of 4,101; and in 1920 it was 4,421. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 



The following are the township officials of Chemung Township : super- 
visor, W. H. Ward ; assessor, John Dean ; clerk, F. 0. Thompson ; high- 
way commissioner, W. D. Cornwell ; justices of the peace, John T. 
O'Brien and Charles J. Yierek; constables, R. W. Hall, James Hagen 
and Fred Dean. 



CHAPTER XXVII 
CORAL TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLEMENTS INDIAN VILLAGE — PIONEER EVENTS — 

VILLAGE OF CORAL VILLAGE OF UNION — INCORPORATION — POST OFFICE — 

DEFUNCT HARMONY — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

In the southwestern part of the county is found the civil township 
of Coral, which comprises all of congressional township 43, range 6, 
east, hence is six miles square. It is south of Seneca Township, west of 
Grafton Township, north of Kane County, and east of Riley Township. 
Its soil is fertile and especially well adapted for dairy purposes. The 
territory is well watered by Kiswaukee Creek and its small tributaries. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT 

The records show that Coral was among the first townships in the 
county to be settled. Its first settler was William Hamilton, who 
located near the present site of Coral Village, in November, 1835, but 
he did not long survive his migration here from Ohio, as he died in the 
following spring from injuries sustained assisting Calvin Spencer of 
Marengo, to raise a log cabin. The next to locate were Benjamin Van 
Vleet and his father, and they built a cabin near the old Indian camping 
ground, but they were not permanent settlers, for in 1836 they sold to 
William Jackson and moved to Pecatonica, where both later passed 
away. 0. P. Rogers settled here March, 1836, upon a claim entered for 
him by J. Rogers in 1835, and his wife was the first white woman in 
the township. At that time the Rogers' home was the only one between 
Dundee and a residence three miles west of Elgin. For many years 
Mr. Rogers lived in Coral Township, but finally removed to Marengo. 
Frank Diggins and Enos A. Pease came to this township in 1836, to 
settle on a claim made for them the preceding year. Other settlers of 
1836 were: L. Thompson, Clark P. Thompson, Joseph Bullard and 

379 



380 



HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 



Proctor Smith. A. Thompson came in 1837, as did John Jab, Robert 
Eddy, A. F. Randall, Sebas Frisbie, John Denison and Ira Nichols. 

INDIAN VILLAGE 

Prior to the white settlement in Coral Township, there stood near 
the present site of the village of Coral, a scattering village of Indian 
wigwams. From one of the earliest publications on McHenry County, 
the following, bearing on this Indian village, is quoted: 

"Among these wigwams of various architectural descriptions, stood 
one of peculiar formation, being conical in form. This round building 
was about fourteen feet in diameter. Inside were placed seats which 
were about thirty inches wide, and formed of split sticks. It is believed 
that these were used during the daytime at council meetings as places 
to sit on. and at nighttime as bedsteads, upon which they spread skins 
of animals. The walls presented a picture gallery of a one-idea artist. 
Here was presented the picture of an Indian in full rig, on a march, 
followed by a squaw on a pony and a dog in the rear. This trio was 
produced over and over again till the walls were literally covered with 
its production. Though these lands had been purchased of the Indians, 
the time for giving possession had not arrived when the aggressive white 
man put in his appearance. Those who settled in Coral Township in 
the autumn of 1835, were visited the following spring by the inhab- 
itants of this Indian village. They had spent the winter elsewhere and 
had returned to take up their abode and stay the balance of the time 
allotted them. Upon their return they found that much of the material 
comprising their wigwams had been taken by the white men and made 
a part of their shanties. They called upon Mr. Hamilton and secured 
their copper cooking pots, which he had found and was preserving as 
curiosities. They then opened up a pit of corn, which they had buried 
the year before, and commenced housekeeping in their way. These In- 
dians only knew enough of our language to swear." 

PIONEER EVENTS 



The first marriage in Coral Township was that uniting Samuel II. 
Bullard and Samantha Dunham, by Beman Crandall, a justice of the 
peace, on August 25, 1839. 

The first white child born here was Mary Eddy, a daughter of Robert 
Eddy and his wife, who was born in 1837. 



HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 381 

John Hamilton, who died within this township in the spring of 1836, 
was the first white person to die in the township. The first cemetery 
was not laid out till 1838, hence he was buried in private grounds. A 
little later a cemetery was provided in Harmony; also another one at 
Union, after the latter became a fair sized village. 

VILLAGE OP CORAL 

Coral was the first village in Coral Township. It was laid out or 
rather settled on in the northwest quarter of section 8, by Fillmore & 
Anderson who opened a store there, which was burned and never rebuilt. 
The post office, which was the first established between Chicago and 
Galena, was given to the township in 1837, and kept at first at the house 
of William Jackson, who was its first postmaster. He was succeeded 
by a Mr. Smith, and he was followed by Harriet Dunham. W. J. Fill- 
more then secured the appointment and moved the office to Coral vil- 
lage. Other postmasters at Coral were "William Ross, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. 
Valentine Alstine, Mr. Morris and Henry Stoddard. A large nursery 
was started at Coral, but it was later removed to Marengo. J. H. Ocock, 
William Boiee, T. Ross and W. L. Morse were among the first dealers 
at Coral. With the coming of the railroad, other towns were laid out and 
Coral never grew much more. 

July 16, 1866, was the date on which Coral village was platted in 
regular and legal form. 

VILLAGE OF UNION 

Union village is located on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, 
in section 4, township 43, range 6, east. It was platted in 1851 by Wil- 
liam Jackson, with the idea of having it made a station point on the 
proposed railway when it should be constructed through the county. 
He really hit it nearer than men seldom do, for he secured a station. 
The first house was erected in 1851 by F. M. Mead, and it was later 
occupied by the station agent. The first store in Union was opened in 
1852 by one Hathaway who acted as agent for Mr. Kimble of Elgin. 
Hungerford & Smith had the first drug store in Union, opening it in 
1857. Cutler & Van Pelt and J. A. Crandall were among early mer- 
chants there. 

INCORPORATION 

Union has been an incorporated village since August, 1897, and the 
following is a list of names of those who have served as presidents : C. 



382 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

L. Kremer, II. W. Kittenger, I. X. Muzzy, P. A. Kanie, II. W. Kittenger, 
K. II. Eggert, William D. Mallett, J. H. Calbow, P. A. Ranie, E. H. 
Eggert, P. A. Ranie, John Bnchte. 

PRESENT OFFICIAL 

The following are the present officials of the village of Union: Presi- 
dent, .John Buehte; elerk, H. J. Miller; treasurer, H. P. Luhring; magis- 
trate, P. A. Renie; marshal, L. F. Nulle; attorney, C. B. Whittemore; 
trustees, ('. E. Guse, Fred Miller, August Kunke, Frank Trebes, Herman 
Treb.es and William Clasen. 

The village bonded itself in 1912 for a waterwork system. Good 
well water is their supply. A gasoline engine pumps the water to a 
pressure tank. The village maintains a volunteer fire brigade. The 
village is without debts at this date. Several years ago they purchased 
in conjunction with the Odd Fellows order, the old Universalist Church, 
a two-story stone structure built at a very early date. The Odd Fellows 
have the upper story, while the village has the first floor for its offices 
and meeting place. 

POST OFFICE 

The post office at Union dates back to the autumn of 1852 when its 
postmaster was a Mr. Cannon, who was succeeded in a year by S. A. 
Randall. Other postmasters have been: F. M. Read, Mr. Sheldon, S. 
A. Randall, William H. Alden, William M. Baldwin, J. D. Bliss, N. C. 
Gardner, Homer Darling, L. D. Fillmore, Mrs. E. E. Fillmore, and 
present postmaster, W. C. Null, who was appointed in February, 1915. 
This is a fourth-class office; has one rural route of thirty miles in length, 
with John Schneider as carrier. 

DEFUNCT HARMONY 

Harmony was the name given a little community in this township. 
It was never dignified by being platted, but it was an early community 
center where church and school privileges might be had by the pioneers. 
Here was built the first church within the township. In 1885 a store, 
a cheese factory, a school and church constituted the hamlet. It now 
exists in memory largely, for its commercial days are forever gone. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 383 

POPULATION 

The population of Coral Township for four United States census 
periods have been as follows: In 1890 it had 1,432; in 1900 it reached 
1,451; in 1910 its population was 1,354; and in 1920 it was 1,296. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Coral Township : Super- 
visor, Charles Ackman, Jr. ; assessor, Herman Trebes ; clerk, C. M. Siems ; 
highway commissioner, Chris Fritz; justices of the peace, A. S. Peak 
and William Wertz; constables, L. F. Wilde and C. T. Can. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 
DORR TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDABIES — ORIGIN OF NAME — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — CEME- 
TERIES — RIDGEFIELD POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS— WOODSTOCK 

— HIGHEST ALTITUDE — FIRST BUSINESS INTERESTS — HOTELS — PUBLIC 

SQUARE — SOLDIERS ' MONUMENT — POST OFFICE POSTMASTERS INCORPO- 

R VTION — FIRST VILLAGE OFFICIALS — VILLAGE PRESIDENTS — FIRST CITY 

OFFICIALS MAY'ORS — PRESENT CITY OFFICIALS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 

— CHICAGO INDUSTRIAL HOME FOR CHILDREN — OLD PEOPLE'S REST HOME 
COUNTRY CLUB — COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY CUB. 

BOUNDARDZS 

Dorr Township is bounded on the north by Greenwood Township, 
a portion of which is included in the city of Woodstock; on the east by 
Xunda Township ; on the south by Grafton Township, and on the west 
by Seneca Township. Originally this township contained some very 
fine timber, but no prairie land, although it is level. It is watered by 
Hanley Creek, and a branch of the Kishwaukee. 

ORIGIN OF NAME 

The township was named in honor of Governor Dorr, of Rhode Island, 
who opposed the English laws governing that state. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

The first white man to settle in Dorr Township was Uriah Cattle, 
who came here from Virginia in the fall of 1834, and made his claim, 
after which he returned to his old home. The following spring he came 
back to this region, accompanied by William Hartman, Charles and 
John McCIure, and John Walkup. who composed what was known in 
the early days as the "Virginia Settlement." These pioneers showed 
such energy after their arrival on Monday morning, that by the end of 

384 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 385 

the week they had their log shanties up and roofed, although there were 
no floors for a number of months. Mr. Cattle continued to reside in the 
township until his death, either late in the seventies, or early in the 
eighties. Charles McClure died in the township in 184-i. These original 
settlers were later joined by Christopher Walkup, John L. Gibson, James 
Dufield, and William Hartman. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first death in this township was that of the three-year-old 
daughter of Uriah Cattle, in September, 1836. In the fall of that same 
year, a little daughter of James Dufield also died. 

•Martha McClure was born in the fall of 1835, and she is conceded 
to have been the first white child born in the township. She died at 
the age of seventeen years. 

The first wedding was that solemnized between Oscar H. Douglass 
and Sarah Gaff by Rev. Joel Wheeler, May 13, 1839. 

CEMETERIES 

Ridgefield Cemetery, the oldest burial ground in the township, was 
laid out in 1835 by Charles McClure as a private cemetery, but later 
he permitted the interment of outsiders. It is divided by the eastern 
line of Dorr Township, and the greater part of it lies in Nunda Town- 
ship. Originally it comprised only two acres, but subsequently was 
increased to the present size. 

Oakland Cemetery, located at the western limits of Woodstock, was 
purchased by the corporation, December 20, 1859, of M. T. Bryan, and 
then comprised ten acres. Two additional acres were added for a Pot- 
ters' Field, and other additions have since been made, as increasing 
space was needed. The Catholic Cemetery, known as "Calvary, " is 
located just south of Oakland, across the highway, and both are kept 
in beautiful condition. 

RIDGEFIELD 

Ridgefield is located on section 25, township 44, range 7, and was 
platted by William Hartman, January 8, 1855, and it occupies the lands 
originally owned by members of the Virginia settlement. It came into 
being as a result of a station being located at this point, when the rail- 



386 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 

road was built through the county. Lots were sold so low by Mr. Hart- 
man, in order to induce outsiders to come here, that he failed to realize 
any profit. He erected the first building, in which a store was estab- 
lished by George K. Bunker. J. (1. Ilartman opened a wagonmaking 
shop; Miles Graff was the first blacksmith; Daniel Root was the first 
shoemaker, and David Graff opened a hotel, but soon thereafter sold to 
a Mr. Holmes. Ridgefield is now the center of one of the large milk 
plants of t he county. 

Ridgefield post office was established in 1837, and was located a mile 
and a half west of the present village, at the residence of Christopher 
Walkup, who was the first postmaster. After the building of the rail- 
road the office was moved to Ridgefield, and Isaac Hamilton was ap- 
pointed postmaster. He was succeeded by A. F. Davis. During the 
subsequent years the post office has been kept by the owner of one or 
other of the stores at this point, and is now located in the Economy store. 

POPULATION 

According to the United States census the population of Dorr Town- 
ship has been as follows: In 1890, 1,113; in 1900, 968; in 1910, 1,004, 
which was exclusive of Woodstock, which in the latter year had a popu- 
lation of 4,331; and in 1920, 6,408, including a portion of the city of 
Woodstock, the remainder of the city, with its population of 5,523, lying 
in Greenwood Township. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials: Supervisor, F. A. Walters; 
assessor, A. .1. Murphy; clerk, J. C. Pierce; highway commissioner, Fred 
Menges: justices of the peace, T. J. Rushton and C. E. Lockwood ; con- 
stables, F. G. Behringer, William Conney and P. W. Murphy. 

WOODSTOCK 

Woodstock, county seat of McHenry County, and one of the most 
beautiful of the smaller cities of Illinois, was laid out by Alvin Judd, 
in 1844. 'After the plat had been executed, Mr. Judd sold his interests 
to George C. Dean, who, in June, 1844, had the plat recorded. At that 
time the village was named Centerville because of its geographical posi- 
tion in almost the center of the county, but in February, 1845, through 






o 

Q 

go 




HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 387 

the influence of Joel H. Johnson, the name was changed to Woodstock 
by Act of Legislature. This name was selected because Woodstock, Vt., 
was the birthplace of Mr. Johnson and other prominent men of the 
county, who sought to perpetuate pleasant memories of their old home, 
in their new one. 

HIGHEST ALTITUDE 

Woodstock has the highest altitude of any place in the state, the sur- 
vey, made many years ago, giving it at 373 feet above the waters of 
Lake Michigan, and 954 feet above the sea level of the Atlantic Ocean. 
An inscription on the face of the basestones of the courthouse testifies 
to this interesting fact. 

FIRST BUSINESS INTERESTS 

Bradford Burbank built the first log house in 1843, and the first 
frame one was put up by Alvin Judd in 1844. The latter was opened 
as a tavern. During the winter of 1844-5, Mr. Judd built another frame 
house. The first store was opened in 1845 by Josiah Dwight and Oscar 
L. Beach. Henry Petrie opened another store that same year. In 1848 

A. W. Puller established his general store, and the fourth mercantile 
establishment was conducted by William Dunning and Alfred Dufield. 

Other very early business men were as follows : Neill Donnelly, John 
Donnell}', Ira C. Trowbridge, Leonard Burtchy, Jr., A. W. Tappan, L. 

B. Converse, Joseph Hatch, L. T. Salisbury, John Bunker, J. J. Murphy, 
George W. Bentley, J. C. Choate, F. C. Joslyn, C. B. Duffee, Joseph 
Golder, L. T. Hoy, J. S. Wheat, A. S. Wright, George F. Mills, George 
Sylvester, M. Sherman, E. W. Blossom, Eddy Brothers, H. P. Norton, 
and Ira C. Trobridge. 

The commercial and industrial growth of Woodstock has been in 
keeping with the expansion throughout the county, and a history of its 
industrial interests, past and present, is given in the chapter devoted 
to this subject. 

HOTELS 

As above stated, the first tavern, or hotel, at Woodstock was the one 
put up by Alvin Judd in 1844. Others were the Exchange Hotel, kept 
for a long period by Mr. Trail ; the American House, located on the 



388 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 

wesl side of the Square, k^-pt by Messrs. (i. II. Griffing, White and.Mc- 
Masters; the Waverly, built by Roswell Bnos, in 1856, on two lots which 
eosl him *7 each; the Woodstock House, built by Alonzo Anderson in 
1852-3; and the Richmond House, built by E. H. Richmond, in 1874. 
which was conducted for some years by Mr. Richmond. 

PUBLIC SQtJABE 

Woodstock is beautifully laid out, many of its business houses being 
located on the streets surrounding the City Park, at the head of which 
stands the courthouse. To the right is the city hall. On the hottest of 
days, the delightful shade afforded by the little park is never lessened, 
and the drinking fountain furnishes artesian water and a mineral water. 
In (he center of the park is the monument erected in honor of the 
soldiers of the Civil War, through the efforts of the Woman's Relief 
Corps, No. 223, of Woodstock. It is about twenty-five feet in height, 
and hears these inscriptions: 

"Auxiliary to Woodstock Post No. 108, Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic," on the north front; "Erected to the Soldiers of 1861-6."),'" on the 
east front; "Erected in 1909 by the Woodstock Woman's Relief Corps 
No. 223," on the south front; while on the west front is "In Honor of 
Our National Defenders." 

Surmounting this shaft is a granite statue of heroic size, represent 
ing a private soldier holding the Civil-War type of musket. The mon- 
ument is guarded by four large brass cannon, secured from the war 
department, one being placed near each corner of the base of the monu- 
ment, hut there is a wide walk between the cannon and the monument. 
A little to the west of the center of the park is the band stand, and in 
the eastern part of the park is the drinking fountain. The trees in the 
park and throughout the city are principally elm, and were planted 
more than sixty years ago, -when the public square was graded by the 
civil engineer of the Northwestern Railroad in 1856-7, and it was in 
accordance with his suggestion that these trees were set out promiscu- 
ously, instead of in rows. Many of these trees are now over sixty feet 
in height and afford a delightful shade. 

POST OFFICE 

The Woodstock post office was established in 1844. and Alvin -Tudd 
was the first postmaster. When he resigned in 1845, he was succeeded 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 389 

by Martin Thrall. Joseph Dwight succeeded him and remained in office 
until 1853, when F. D. Austin was made postmaster. Since then the 
following have served as postmasters of Woodstock: Dr. 0. S. Johnson, 
1857-61; A. E. Smith, 1861-66; William E. Smith, 1866; Mr. Crandall, 
1866-67; Mr. Irwin, 1867-69; William E. Smith, 1869-75; Asa W. Smith, 
1875-79 ; 6. S. Southworth, 1879-87 ; Joel H. Johnson, 1887-91 ; Simon 
Brink, 1891-96; John A. Dufield, 1896-1900; C. F. Renich. 1900-1911; 
W. S. MeConnell, 1911-15; G. G. Frame, 1915 to the present time. 

The Woodstock post office belongs to the second class, and nineteen 
smaller post offices in the county are required to make their reports to 
this office, and purchase their supplies from it. On October 15, 1909, 
the Woodstock office was made a free delivery office. There are six rural 
free delivery routes out from Woodstock, the length of each one being 
thirty miles. 

Since 1866 the Woodstock office has been a money order office, and 
the first order issued through it was on August 21, 1866, by E. Barton 
to A. A. Kelly & Co., of Chicago, for $9. The first order paid was on 
August 7, 1866, to John D. Short for $40, and it was issued by Dr. Asa 
Horn, of Dubuque, Iowa. 

INCORPORATION 

On June 22, 1852, Woodstock was incorporated as a village under 
Act of Legislature, and the governing power vested in a president and 
board of trustees. The original charter was amended several times, as 
needed. From 1852 until 1873 when Woodstock became a city, the fol- 
lowing served it as village president: Alvin Judd, 1852-3; Enos W. 
Smith, 1854; Neill Donnelly, 1855-6; Melvin W. Baldwin. 1857; M. W. 
Hunt, 1858; H. B. Burton, 1859; Neill Donnelly, I860; M. L. Joslyn, 
1861; H. S. Hanchett, 1862; William Kerr, 1863-4-5: M. L. Joslyn, 1866; 
John S. Wheat, 1867; B. N. Smith, 1868; M. D. Hoy, 1869; E. E. 
Richards, 1870-71 ; and L. H. Davis, 1872-3. 

The original village officials were: Alvin Judd, president; and 
Joseph Golder. L. S. Church, C. B. Durfee, J. C. Trowbridge, and George 
11. Griffin, trustees; Charles Fitch, clerk; John Brink, surveyor: L. W. 
McMasters, constable; and Charles Fitch, treasurer. 

The last to hold position as village officials were : L. H. Davis, presi- 
dent ; John A. Rarrish, assessor and treasurer; S. Van Curan, constable; 
S. Brink, clerk; and T. J. Dacy, J. S. Wheat, George L. Sherwood, M. 
I). Hoy, G. K. Bunker and E. E. Thomas, trustees. 






390 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



An election was held March 24, 1873, to decide relative to city incor- 
poration, and the vote stood 109 in favor, none against the proposition. 

The first city officials were: John S. Wheat, mayor; T. L. Maher, 
clerk; .1. .1. Murphy, treasurer; M. C. Johnson, attorney; and W. II. 
Stewart, <i. K. Bunker, A. Badger, E. E. Richards, T. J. Dacy, P. Arnold, 
aldermen; S. Van Curan, marshal; A. J. Murphy, street commissioner. 

The following have served as mayor of Woodstock: John S. Wheat, 
1873; Neil! Donnelly, 1874; R. C. Jefferson, 1875; Xeill Donnelly, 1876; 
L. II. Davis, 1877-78; John J. Murphy, 1879-80; M. L. Joslyn, 1881-82; 
George II. Bunker, 1883-88; Erastus E. Richards, 1888-94; John D. 
Donovan, 1894-97; E. C. Jewett, 1897; E. E. Richards, 1899; E. C. 
Jewett, 1900-03; F. A. Walter, 1903-07; George II. Hoy, 1907-09; J. 
I). Donovan, 1909-10; A. J. Olson, 1912-14; he died in office, and Alder- 
man II. J. Dygert completed his term ; S. E. Olmsted was elected in 1916. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of the city of Woodstock : 
Frank J. Green, mayor; H. G. Fisher, clerk; William Freeman, health 
commissioner; Walter E. Conway, treasurer; T. H. Brown, magistrate; 
David Joslyn, Jr., attorney; and Frank Brown, Joseph Peacock, Henry 
Johanson, Lester Nogle, F. J. Wienke, T. B. Merwin, W. H. Hohbs, and 
T. B. Owens, aldermen. 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 



The first steps to secure public water works for Woodstock were 
taken in 1894 when a bond issue of $10,000 was made to secure funds; 
and another bond issue was made for $25,000 in 1902 for the improve- 
ment of the system already installed. The high water-tower tank in the 
western part of the city gives direct pressure and thus affords proper 
protection to the city in case of fire. The water is drawn from wells 
of the purest water, dug by the city for this purpose. The system of 
mains and street hydrants is complete throughout the city. A complete 
sewer system was not constructed until 1907-8. 

Electric lights were installed in the city in 1904, bonds having been 
floated for this purpose to the amount of $3,000. Again in 1910 another 
bond issue was made for $8,000 for the extension of the service. Since 
then other improvements have been made as required. 

The city of Woodstock granted the Western United Gas & Electric 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 391 

Company a franchise to lay gas pipes and supply the city with gas in 
1909. 

The history of the telephone development is given elsewhere, in the 
chapter devoted to industrial activities. 

The city hall was built in 1889-90, under Mayor E. E. Richard's 
supervision, and it is a three-story and basement, brick structure. It 
has an opera hall on the top floor, and contains the city offices, council 
chamber, fire department, public library and reading room. 

CHICAGO INDUSTRIAL HOME FOR CHILDREN 

The Chicago Industrial Home for Children is located on Seminary 
avenue, Woodstock, and is one of the ornaments of this progressive city. 
The institution was established here in 1894, when Mrs. Roxy D. Stevens, 
a widow, without children, seeing the importance of the work being done 
by the home, which had been incorporated March 4, 1889, and was being 
conducted in the private residence of its founder, Rev. Thomas B. 
Arnold, of Chicago, under great difficulties, offered her owu pleasant 
and commodious home for the purpose. This residence was styled by 
the builder and original owner, Mr. Galister, an English villa. Mrs. 
Stevens offered this property to the institution, only stipulating that she 
be given a home to dwell in and an annuity until her death. Upon these 
conditions the property was transferred to the institution, and has con- 
tinued to be the home of the undertaking ever since. 

From this center have gone out many children who were born to a 
spring without flowers, a summer without sunshine, and an autumn of 
early frosts, with naught but a harvest of poverty, shame and disgrace 
before them, to homes of affluence, comfort and refinement, to become 
good citizens, noble men and women, and useful members of society. 
The acquisition of this property gave the institution an excellent start 
in its good work. Not having been built for institutional work, this 
home was not suited to the ever-increasing demands. In 1912 it was 
practically rebuilt, and made into a modern building, so that it is now 
well adapted to and ecpiipped for the purposes of its incorporate demand, 
and which its charter sets forth to be: "To provide a home for home- 
less, orphaned, deserted, destitute and dependent children ; to educate 
them and instruct them in industrial pursuits; also to aid such children 
in obtaining suitable Christian family homes." 

The scope of the work of the home is two-fold, home saving and home 
finding. 



392 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

"Home Saving. If the home is of the right character, it is better to 
extend temporary ;iiil and preserve it than to suffer it to be broken up. 
In many cases by reason of sickness, death, the desertion of a parent, 
<>(• some other cause, it is impossible for the home to continue. In such 
cases if we extend temporary aid to the children by bridging over the 
emergency, the home may be rebuilt, and the children have the rights 
and privileges that belong to every child, the right of home life and 
living. 

"Home Finding. Through this department the institution rinds 
homes in Christian families, for such children as are surrendered to it 
by parents, guardians, or by the courts. Hundreds of children have 
been given tender care, comfortable sustenance, good educational advan- 
tages, excellent training, wholesome moral and religious instruction, and 
many have been placed in Christian family homes for adoption, and by 
these means have been saved from becoming subject to those circum- 
stances which are almost sure to result in vieiousness and criminality." 

The management of the home is vested in a board of eleven directors, 
and its offices are in Chicago. The institution is supported principally 
by voluntary contributions of charitably disposed people. Its accounts 
are audited by a public accountant at the close of each fiscal year. Its 
work is important and is measured by the amount of its contributions. 

OLD PEOPLE'S REST HOME 

The Old People's Rest Home occupies a site adjoining the grounds 
of the Chicago Industrial Home for Children, at Woodstock, and both 
are under the care of Rev. J. D. Kelsey. In 1903 Samuel K. J. Ches- 
boro, Burton R. Jones, James D. .Marsh. Thomas B. Arnold, John I). 
Kelsey. William P. Ferries, John E. Coleman, Esmond E. Hall, William 
E. Bardell, Freeborn U. Brooke incorporated the Old People's Rest 
Home, and opened it for occupancy that same year. 

The object of this institution is to provide and maintain a home for 
aged people of both sexes, who are in a measure dependent, where they 
may have the advantages of good accommodations, agreeable associa- 
tions, pleasant surroundings, comfortable sustenance and tender minis- 
trations when needed, amid which to spend the closing years of life. 
( Yrtainly its objects are both philanthropic and Christian, and as such 
can but appeal to the sympathies and aid of generous people everywhere. 

The doors of the Rest Home are ever open to aged people, who need 
-ii<h a place of rest and care, without respect of nationality, race, creed, 
or religion. Many have already found shelter, care and comfort in their 



HISTORY OF ilcHEXRY COUNTY 393 

la>t years within its enclosure, and the managers are only sorry that 
their limited room does not admit of their taking in many more. The 
home inmates usually number in the neighborhood of twenty, which 
with the matron and other helpers constitutes quite a large family to 
be maintained. The capacity of the home is for about twenty-four in- 
mates. 

Rev. J. D. Kelsey has had charge of the home since it was established, 
and his wife was its matron until her health failed, the position now 
being held by Florence Walcott. 

WOODSTOCK COUNTRY CLUB 

The Woodstock Country Club was organized in 1915, and its mem- 
bership has steadily increased. A tract of about fifty-seven acres was 
purchased by the club. These grounds, formerly the farm of the late 
Mr. McNulty, lie about two miles east of the courthouse, and are beauti- 
fully situated. There is considerable timber, and an artesian well over 
1.000 feet deep. This well was sunk and suitable frame buildings have 
been erected. A golf course has been laid out, and other improvements 
are projected. 

WOODSTOCK COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY CLUB 

On February 26, 1§13, the Woodstock Business Men's Association 
was founded, and in the spring of 1918, to meet conditions arising out 
of the war, a new constitution, by-laws and name _were given the club, 
which has since been known as the Woodstock Commercial and Com- 
munity Club. This was incorporated under the laws of Illinois, October 
11, 1918. This organization has two objects, the promotion of business 
interests, and the furnishing of social diversions, or to use their own 
definition: ''the furtherance of the social, civic, mercantile and indus- 
trial advancement of the city of Woodstock and the surrounding com- 
munity." 

The club is placed under the charge of a board of directors num- 
bering fifteen, five of whom are elected annually. Among other benefits 
accruing from membership is the issuance of weekly reports showing 
the judgments given at the courthouse each week, in printed form. Re- 
tailers are also given a credit-rating book for the city of Woodstock and 
environments. This club takes in all honorable professional and busi- 
ness men of the community, and plans in the near future to become a 
still greater factor in advancing the best commercial and social interests 
of this section. 



CHAPTER XXIX 
DUNHAM TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY EARLY SETTLERS ORIGIN OF NAME PIONEER 

EVENTS — CEMETERIES — SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES CYCLONE OF 1883 — 

POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Dunham Township is bounded on the north by Chemung Township ; 
on the east by Hartland Township ; on the south by Marengo Township, 
and on the west by Boone County. It comprises all of congressional 
township 45, range 5. This township is about equally divided between 
timber and prairie land, or at least was when the county was first set- 
tled. It is naturally adapted to stock raising and many are the fine 
herds that have been grazing from its sweet grasses in the decades that 
have passed since its surface was first used by the white race. It is well 
watered and reasonably drained by Rush and Piskasaw creeks, with their 
several small tributaries. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

Rush Creek, a branch of the Kishwaukee, crosses the township from 
northeast to southwest, passing out from section 34. and the Piskasaw 
courses through the northwest corner. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

The first white man to locate in this township, with a view of becom- 
ing a permanent settler, was John Diggins. who came here in 1836, 
locating in section 10 and section 11, a farm later owned and occupied 
by 0. C. Diggins. The latter named came to the township in March, 
1837, and his family joined him as soon as he had a cabin prepared for 
them. While N. K. Jerome made a claim in 1837, he did not take up 
his residence upon it until 183S. Two unmarried men. Baker and Dun- 

394 




Ehq tt, EC 



C^fa^c^t^ (. *ui*^ 



" 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 395 

ham, were the next two to arrive, and they were followed by Joseph 
and James Metcalf. Before 1841, the following had taken up residence 
in Dunham Township : A. Joslyn, R. Latham, Joseph Diggins, J. F. 
Moore, Dexter Barrows, J. Snowden, R. and D. Linton, and W. R. Heath. 

ORIGIN OP NAME 

The original name of this township was Byron, but when the post 
office was established, it was discovered that another "Byron" existed 
within the state, hence the name was changed to Dunham, in honor of 
pioneer Solomon J. Dunham, a very prominent resident, then serving 
as a justice of the peace. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

Josephine Diggins was the first white child born in this township. 
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Diggins, and she died when 
aged seventeen years. 

In 1839 occurred the first death in Dunham Township, when Walter 
Walton passed away, and was buried in section 3 of this township. 

The earliest marriage was that uniting Jacob A. Davis and Miss 
Helen M. Diggins, on New Year's day, 1839. 

In 1840 a log schoolhouse was built by School District No. 1, in sec- 
tion 1, and a school was immediately opened. 

The only church ever erected in this township was that of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal denomination known as the County Line Church. This 
building cost $2,000. Rev. P. M. Huffman was the first to serve as 
pastor. 

There are about two miles of railroad in this township, the Chicago 
& Northwestern line running through Harvard from the southeast. 

In 1874, a cheese factory was built in section 35, and was still being 
successfully operated in 1885. At one time Latham Corners had a gen- 
eral store, but its existence was brief. 

Sheep raising as far back as 1870 was a large industry among the 
farmers of this township. The land it was believed then, was better 
adapted to stock than grain. There were more sheep killed by dogs in 
this township, along in the seventies, than in any other part of the 
county. 

CEMETERIES 

The first cemetery in this township was laid out either in 1841 or 
1842, near the old Jerome log schoolhouse. 



396 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY 

In the western part of the township around the .Methodist Church, 
is another early burying ground. 

Ml. Auburn Cemetery was laid out late in the seventies. It is about 
three-quarters of a mile southeast of the city of Harvard, taking the 
place of the old Harvard Cemetery, abandoned on account of low ground, 
the bodies being transferred to the new burial place. 

SCHOOL AND CHURCHES 

The first sehoolhouse in Dunham Township was built in 1838 on the 
farm of Mr. -Jerome. Here schools were kept and here the elections 
were held many years during the pioneer days. Here it was that the 
first term of school in the township was taught by -Miss Edna Jewett. 

The first religious services in this township were held in the Jerome 
sehoolhouse in 1838 or 1839, and were conducted by Elder White and 
Rev. Jewett. 

CYCLONE OF 1883 

On June 11, 1883, Dunham Township had the misfortune to be visited 
by a cyclone, which first struck the residence of Richard Downs. The 
Moore sehoolhouse was literally blown into splinters. Benjamin Phelps, 
Josiah Goodsell, Proctor Russell, I). R. Wyant, Arthur Thompson, .Mr. 
Jerome, \. A. Clark, John .Mohelus and Michael Sullivan, all suffered 
from the fury of the storm. 

Being near to Harvard, with the county seat not far distant, there 
never has sprung up a village within this township. Neither has it a 
railway station nor has there been a post office in recent years, but a 
good rural mail route service delivers the mail for this section of the 
county. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 Dunham Township had a population of 919: in 1900 it had 
85*9; in 1910 it had 849; and in 1920 it had 857. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Dunham Township : Super- 
visor, II. E. Whipple; assessor, D. A. Barrows; clerk, Herbert Kieskow- 
ski : highway commissioner, Thomas Green: justices of the peace, D. A. 
Barrows and L. < >. Higgins ; constables, C. M. Downs and David Fitch. 



CHAPTER XXX 
GRAFTON TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN OP NAME — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — CHOL- 
ERA CEMETERIES TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS — VILLAGE OF HUNTLEY — EARLY 

BUSINESS INTERESTS — POST OFFICE — INCORPORATION. 

BOUNDARIES 

Grafton Township is in the southern tier of townships in this county, 
and is bounded on the north by Dorr Township ; on the east by Algon- 
quin Township ; on the south by Kane County, and on the west by Coral 
Township, and is described in surveys as congressional township 43, 
range 7, east. 

When first settled this township was very wet and swampy, and by 
many the land was believed to be next to worthless, the lowest point 
being in its center; but modern and more scientific methods have come 
to the rescue and drained out most of these lands, which are now among 
the finest, most productive of any in the country. Here one sees many 
beautiful, well improved and highly valuable farms. Crystal Lake covers 
one-fourth of section 1, and the Kishwaukee Creek and its branches 
drain the land and furnish ample water supply at all times of the year. 

ORIGIN OF THE NAME 

The name Grafton was given to this township by Prescott Whitte- 
more who thus honored his old home back in New Hampshire, w-hich was 
also called Grafton Township. - 

EARLY SETTLERS 
J 

The first settler was a Mr. Grinnell, who only remained a short time, 
and then sold his land to Lewis Holdridge, the second man to select 
Grafton Township as a place of residence. The third settler was Pres- 
cott Whittemore, who arrived in 1838, from New York state, and he 

397 



398 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



lived here for more than twenty years. Another pioneer was Mr. 
Stowell, from Massachusetts, who made Grafton Township his home 
for ahont fifteen years, and then went to California, where he died in 
1870. William Robb was a settler of 1839, coming from New Haven, 
Connecticut, locating in section 30, where he died many years ago. For 
a time .John Curren lived in this township, but finally sold to Thomas 
Huntley and moved to Iowa. Richard Hadley came to Grafton Town- 
ship about 1839-40, and James Winney and John Conover were here 
about the same date last mentioned. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first white child born in Grafton Township was Marion, son of 
William Robb and wife. He was born in 1839. 

Death first invaded the home of Charles Stowell and wife and claimed 
a two-year-old daughter, and she was laid away beneath the prairie sod 
in the eastern edge of the village of Huntley. 

The first to unite in marriage in this township were Sanford Haight 
and Miss Mary A. Sprague. They were made man and wife by Beman 
Crandall, a justice of the peace of this township. 

The first hotel in Grafton was kept by Prescott Whittemore. It was 
in fact his residence, but he had to care for the land and home-seekers 
as they flocked into the county. He carried this on for ten years, more 
for accommodation than for profit. When the village of Huntley was 
established Mr. Whittemore sought to retire, but it was well known that 
his "latch-string" always hung outside and anyone who desired might 
here find a welcome hand and something good to eat. 

CHOLERA 

While Grafton was still in its infancy as a settlement, three soldiers 
traveled on their way to territory further west, having been with Gen- 
eral Winficld Scott in the War with Mexico. They were stricken with 
that dread disease, cholera, and died, and were buried in the vicinity 
where later stood the Free Methodist Church, at the north side of the 
Township of Grafton. 

CEMETERIES 



In the early fifties the Protestants, of Huntley village laid out a 
cemetery south of the place, the same being originally two acres. In 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 399 

1882 the Catholics laid out their cemetery just to the south of the one 
just named above. 

POPULATION 

Grafton Township had a population iu 1890 of 1,589; in 1900, 1,484; 
in 1910, 1,437; and in 1920, 1,475. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following' are the township officials of Grafton Township : Super- 
visor, John Conley; assessor, W. S. Conover; clerk, E. H. Cook; high- 
way commissioner, John F. Weltzien ; justices of the peace, John Dona- 
hue and Emil Arnold ; constable, John French. 

VILLAGE OF HUNTLEY 

In 1851 Thomas S. Huntley laid out the village which bears his name. 
This was the same year the railroad went through the township and 
this village was made a station on the line, and thus it soon began to be 
known abroad, and commenced to thrive as a small, but very enterpris- 
ing place. Mr. Huntley built the first house and used it as dry-goods 
store. This building stood for many years as a monument of pioneer 
days in the village so well known now. Later it was used as a drug 
store, but at last disappeared from the village as a thing of the past. 
The first hotel was erected by Sanford Haight, and later the structure 
went into the construction of Glazier Hall. The first hotel was aban- 
doned soon after it was built, and a second one put up by Lewis Hold- 
ridge, and conducted by a Mr. Johnson, then by Mr. Fletcher, who sold 
it to Byron Thornton, in whose hands it ceased as a hotel. H. B. Brown 
built the third hotel, and after two years sold it to Peter Ferris. Finally 
the property was burned. The next hotel was built by George Scheler 
in 1878 ; it was sold to Cummings Brothers and Haight, who hired O. 
P. Mason to run it. After going into many other hands it finally became 
a storehouse. The well known Ellis House was established by B. F. 
Ellis who conducted a model modem American plan hotel many years. 

EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS 

The first general store in Huntley was opened by T. S. Huntley, who 
after one year sold it to Hoyt & Brown, who enlarged the building and 



too 



HISTORY OF McHBNEY COUNTY 



greatly added to the size of the stuck. Henry Dunn opened tin' second 
store in the village, and a Mr. Grisl the third business place. A Mr. 
Hill was also engaged in mercantile pursuits here for a shorl time. In 
1862, the first hardware store was ope 1 by Mr. Marshall, who con- 
tinued three years and sold to William Schemerhorn, and he conducted 
it five years, and then turned it over to his son. Theodore. About 1867 
a grist mill was operated at this point. It was a steam plant liuilt by 
the Jewells, in the southeastern part of the village. Subsequently, it 
became the property of a Mr. Schaffler, and under his proprietorship, 
in 1871, there was a serious accident which resulted in the killing of the 
engineer, William Benedict. Mr. Schaffler was also injured, but not so 
seriously. He rebuilt the mill and sold to a Mr. Spanieling, who eon- 
ducted it till 1876, when it was burned.- Spaulding rebuilt it and sold 
it to David Williams, who conducted it as a iced mill. 

The first harness shop in this village was started by F. J. Glazier, 
and the first shoe shop in 1856 by Brown & Van Hoozen. A wagon shop 
was opened in 1857, and Dwight Ramsdell was the first blacksmith. 

John S. Cummings shipped the first car of hogs from Huntley, and as 
there was no weighing scales in the place he "guessed" them oft', paying 
three cents a pound, but when he reached Chicago with his load, he 
found his estimate a little too high. He also shipped the first car of 
cattle from Huntley to Chicago, and received only from $10 to $15 per 
head. 

The Huntley Cheese Factory was an important factor in the com- 
munity in its day, during the eighties. It was built by D. E. Wood & 
Co.. in 1876-7. At the same time D. E. Wood and John Weltzine owned 
four other factories of this kind in McHenfy County. When this cheese 
industry flourished at Huntley, some of the business men were: William 
Haekett, S. Haight, George Van Valkenburg, F. 0. Dain, Patrick Duffy, 
Thomas Fenwick, J. G. Keller, P. McNinney, Wood & Waltzine, A. Dis- 
brow, T. R, Ferris, W. G. Sawyer, A. Oakley, 15. F. Ellis, M. D. Hadley. 
Smith & Oakley, Teeple & Co., Devine & Skells, Hawley & Tappen, Ellis 
& Ballard, M. J. Kelley, D. M. Williams, Dr. 0. K. Griffith and Otto 
Gaupner. 

POST OFFICE 



The post office was first established here in 1851. before which time 
people in this neighborhood went to Coral post office for their mail. 
Stewart Cummings was the first postmaster at Huntley and following 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 401 

him were Peter Miller, John Wales, Miss Izanna Bridge, H. B. Williams, 
John S. Cuinmings, Edward Haiglit, T. R. Ferris, John Donahue, T. R. 
Ferris, E. H. Cook and J. F. Wendt. This is a third class post office and 
has two rural routes going out into the surrounding district. Route 
No. 1 has as its present carrier, J. M. Venard; for Route No. 2 Thomas 
Frederick. 

INCORPORATION 

Huntley was incorporated as a village under the state laws in 1872 
with officers as follows : John S. Cummings, president ; John P. Skells, 
clerk; H. B. Brown, treasurer; F. J. Glazier, city marshal; D. E. Wood, 
Charles Bruckman, and S. S. Sprague, trustees. Since that date the 
various presidents have been : Thomas Grimley, Jackson Wood, 0. K. 
Griffith, A.'W. Nash, Henry Sinnett, W. G. Sawyer, Henry Sinnett, John 
Wiltzien, James Sheldon, D. M. Williams, John Wiltzien, John Donahue, 
John Wiltzien, John Donahue, F. A. Fisher, John Donahue, Henry 
Maekaben, J. F. Wiltzien. 

The following are the officials of the village of Huntley : President, 
John F. Wiltzien ; clerk, Frank McNeeney ; treasurer, W. F. Barlett ; 
magistrate, W. P. Whittemore; marshal, John C. French; attorney, F. B. 
Bennett ; trustees, T. R. Ferris, Henry Williams, Claud Williams, James 
Marsh, Walter Butler and E. H. Cook. 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 

In 1910 the village bonded itself for water works. They now have 
three deep wells; an eighty foot steel tower; a twenty-foot tank sur- 
mounting the tower. Pumping is effected by means of an electric motor. 
The fire department is ecpiipped with two hose carts, 1,000 feet of hose, 
and a hook and ladder outfit. The village owns a small frame hall, with 
a jail in the rear of it. A small, neat park adorns the opposite side of 
the chief business street, and good paving obtains throughout several 
streets. 



CHAPTER XXXI 
GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY SETTLERS — CEMETERIES — MILLS — BUT- 
TER AND CHEESE FACTORIES — VILLAGE OP GREENWOOD EARLY INTEREST? 

— POST OFFICES — HARVEST PICNIC — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Greenwood Township is bounded on the north by Hebron Township; 
on the east by McHenry Township; on the south by Dorr Township; 
and on the west by Ilartland Township. It comprises all of congres- 
sional township 45, range 7. It was named by C. M. Goodsall, and this 
name was confirmed by township trustee, J. N. Barber. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

This township is gently rolling land, the soil is extremely fertile and 
well cultivated, and the farms are exceedingly valuable. At at early 
day. the valley of Nippersink Creek was heavily timbered hut this growth 
has long since largely disappeared at the hands of the settlers who have 
cut it down for fuel and fencing. The main stream of the township is 
the Nippersink Creek which has several branches. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

Probably Henry Weston was the first white man to settle permanently 
in what is now Greenwood Township. He came in 1833, Queen Ann 
Prairie was named in honor of his wife, who was the first white woman 
in the township, and she was the first person to die in this township. 
Soon after her death, Mr. Weston was married (second) to a Miss 
Watson, and this was the first marriage in the township, although the 
first recorded marriage is that between Charles Frame and Mary Dufield 
on February 1, 1838, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Joel 
Wheeler. 

402 




THOMAS LINDSAY 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 403 

Following Mr. Weston the settlers were : Alden, Almon and William 
Stone, Lewis Boone, Henry Westerman, Elijah Slaflon and James Wat- 
son, all of whom made claim to their land in 1837. 

Lewis Boone took up many acres of both timber and prairie land, 
and a Mr. McCollum laid claim to a portion of this land and built a 
cabin on it. This action was resented by Mr. Boone, who tore down the 
cabin and cut the logs in two, accusing McCollum of jumping his claim. 
Finally, the two men resorted to a personal encounter, in which Mr. 
Boone was the conqueror. McCollum and his friends then attacked the 
Boones and drove them from the land. A lawsuit resulted, the same 
being the first filed on the McHenry County docket. Lewis Boone re- 
mained in the township until his death, and was buried in Greenwood 
cemetery. His son, Eldridge Boone, was the first white child born in 
the township, and when he died in 1838, he was buried in Greenwood 
Cemetery, his being the first body to be interred there. 

George Weller, *A.mos Scofield, Daniel Cattle, Nathan Dufield, Jacob 
Eckert, Michael J. and Peter J. Herdklotz and their father Eldod Taylor, 
Scpiire Baldwin, and 0. J. and A. P. Murphy, all of whom came prior 
to 1839. These settlers all located in the eastern portion of Greenwood 
Township. Another very early settler was Neill Donnelly who came 
in 1838. 

CEMETERIES 

About one-half mile south of the village of Greenwood lies Green- 
wood cemetery. It is the oldest burying place in Greenwood Township. 
Here repose many of the pioneers of the township. 

Another cemetery was early laid out near the Methodist Church in 
southern part of the township. 

What is known as the Soldiers' Monument Cemetery in this town- 
ship, originally contained one acre of land, but was subsequently en- 
larged. In its midst stands the monument erected in memory of the 
soldiers and sailors who lost their lives during the Civil War. This was 
dedicated July 4, 1880. 

Near the center of the township there was platted a small cemetery 
by the German settlers, and surrounding the Norwegian Church the 
people of that faith laid their dead to rest. 

MILLS 

In 1841, Lake & Scofield built a saw-mill on section 11, it being run 
by the waters of the Nippersink Creek. For more than a quarter of a 



nil HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

century this mill was active, or until late in tin' seventies, when it was 
torn down and today no trace of a millsite can be seen. 

The second mill of this kind was built by Toles >v Brown, a mile 
below the tirsi one just named. It was also a water-mill. In 1845 they 
also erected a grist-mill at an expense of $5.0(10. but this mill was 
destroyed l>y a tire in lMi:!. Job Toles buili a grist-mill in the village 
of Greenwood at a little later date. The flour-milling industry has long 
since been left to the great milling centers, near to the supply of 
northern wheat and the farmers all buy their Hour. 

BUTTER AND CHEESE FACTORIES 

It is of no little interest in these days of high-priced butter and 
cheese, almost prohibitive on account of prices, to read of* the many early 
creamery and butter and cheese stations and factories in this county, 
including the plant of Abbott & Thompson, who built the first cheese 
factory in the township in 1848, and its capacity was more than 100,000 
pounds of cheese annually. The second cheese factory in the township 
was built in 1S70, by Job Toles. in the village of Greenwood. These arc 
all obsolete industries, for today all of the surplus milk is bottled and 
shipped to Chicago and other great cities for direct consumption, while 
other sections of the United States manufacture the butter and cheese 
which McHenry County farmers used to make in such quantities. 

VILLAGE OP GREENWOOD 

Greenwood is an inland village which was surveyed in 1842, and 
platted into lots by Job Toles. He made an addition to the place in 
1S45. It is finely situated on the south branch of Xippersink Creek on 
section 11. The first residences here were erected by Lake & Scofield. 
The first store was started by C. M. Goodsell. who carried a very large 
stock for so early a time. Burr & Co. started a wagon shop about as 
soon as the place was established. 

Greenwood contended for the county seat when it was removed from 
McHenry to Woodstock in 1843. Nol succeeding in that the village has 
not grown commercially as have the railroad towns of the county, but 
is a beautiful place of residence. 

EVRLY INTERESTS 

In 1854-55, Weller & Hamilton planted several acres of apple trees. 
and Greenwood had a nursery which was continued for a number of 
years, but Hamilton finally sold and moved to Ridgefield, while Weller 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 405 

closed out the business at Greenwood. Later Garrison Bros, conducted 

a business in furnishing fruit and ornamental trees, garden seeds and 
flowers. The first orchard in the township was set by Andrew .Murphy, 
on Queen Ann Prairie, in 1842, the trees coming from Will County, this 
state. 

The first store was opened in Greenwood Township, at Boone's Mill, 
in 1847, by a Mr. Lock wood who soon moved away, being succeeded by 
C. M. Goodsell, at the village of Greenwood. 

Since the days of rural mail delivery, and near-by railroad stations. 
the trade of Greenwood has not even held its own, there now being but 
a small country store trade there. 

Near Greenwood and in section 10 there are several Indian Mounds 
in which early excavations revealed the presence of numerous human 
skulls and other remains and instruments of domestic use. supposed to 
be the work of Mound Builders. 

The first post office in either township or village of Greenwood was 
established in 1850, and was kept in the store of C. M. Goodsell, the 
first postmaster. Other postmasters were : Messrs. Bobbins, Martin, 
John M. Barber, J. H. Garrison and D. W. Soper. Postal matters have 
all been changed of later years, for nearly every farmer has his mail 
dropped at his door every week-day morning, hence has little use for 
post offices. 

HARVEST PICNIC 

During the summer of 1877 the people of Queen Ann Prairie and the 
surrounding neighborhood inaugurated an annual outing which became 
for many years very interesting and attractive. It was known as the 
"Harvest Picnic." The first one occurred August 23, 1877, in the fine 
grove owned by Michael Senger. A big dinner and excellent literary 
program was enjoyed by a large gathering. It seems too bad that this 
custom was not kept up perpetually. 

POPULATION 

The census reports show that this township had in 1890 a population 
of 899; in 1910, 90S; and in 1920, 858. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of the village of Greenwood : 
president, L. AY. Thompson; clerk, M. C. Doolittle; treasurer, L. W. 
Thompson ; magistrate, J. N. Barber. 



406 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Greenwood Township: 
supervisor, L. W. Thompson ; assessor, M. Dassow ; clerk, N. C. Doolittle ; 
highway commissioner, 0. II. Aavang; justice of the peace, John N. 
Barber; constable, Oscar Anderson. 



CHAPTER XXXII 
HARTLAND TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST SETTLERS — PIONEER INCIDENTS— CEMETERIES BROOK- 
DALE POST OFFICE — EARLY COUNTERFEITERS POPULATION — RAILROAD 

VILLAGE OF HARTLAND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Ilartland is the second township from the northern line of the county 
as well as the second from the west. It is bounded on the north by 
Alden Township ; on the east by Greenwood Township ; on the south by 
Seneca Township and on the west by Dunham Township, and comprises 
all of congressional township 45, range 6, east. When it was first settled 
by white men, its surface was nearly all covered with good timber, but 
by the time of the Civil War all of the heaviest first growth had been cut 
off. Grain and stock raising are callings largely followed by the land- 
owners in this township. The name Hartland was given the township 
in 1840, in honor of a town in New York by that name. The name 
"Antrim" was proposed by the many Irish settlers, but was not adopted 
by those in authority. 

FIRST SETTLERS 

It matters not, but here is a conflict in history, three factions of 
pioneers contending, one claims that the first to locate within this town- 
ship was P. Griffin ; another set up a claim that the honor belongs to 
George Stafton, and still a third faction is sanguine that to such honor 
should be attached the name of John Quinlan. It is certain that all 
three came here at about the same date. Right on their heels was P. W. 
Tower, and a Mr. Smith, who gained the nick-name of "Whisky" Smith, 
arrived not long thereafter. P. M. Dunn, William Fanning, Alvin Judd, 
Andrew J. Haywood, Appolos Hastings, and Alonzo Golder were among 
the pioneer band in Hartland Township. 

This township was settled almost entirely by Irish Catholic people, 

407 



408 



HISTORY OF .AI( IIKXliV COFNTY 



who. strong in their faith, have made excellenl citizens and built up 
thrifty and large congregations. Here, as in other townships in t he 
county, a few of the settlers made their claims before the land had been 
surveyed by the government. Such claims gave rise to many disputes 
as in rights and titles, to settle which, meetings were held, attended by 
men with arms in hands, ready, if necessary, to maintain their rights 
by force. All sm-h disagreements were finally adjusted without the 
spilling of blood, or creating of feuds, as has often been the case in 
other sections of the country. 

PIONEER OCCIDENTS 

John Short, later known as "squire" in Woodstock for many years. 
a son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Short, was the first white child born in 
this township. The date of his birth was sometime in 1836. His father 
lived in Ilartland Township until his removal, early in the eighties, to 
Woodstock. 

Mrs. Debbit, who died in 1840. was the first white person to die within 
Ilartland Township, and her remains were buried in Ilartland Cemetery. 

The earliest marriage in the township, celebrated at the residence of 
a Catholic priest, was that of Walter Gibbs and the widowed ^Irs. 
Sutton, but the first recorded marriage was that uniting William Fan- 
ning and Catherine Donnelly, the ceremony being performed by Father 
J. Gregory, a Catholic priest, on February 4, 1842. 

CEMETERIES 

Dp to 1844, a rail or pole pen surrounded a single grave, and this 
constituted the only cemetery in Ilartland Township, but during that 
year Mr. Brocken gave to the township a piece of land in section 13 to 
be used for burial purposes, and about it is now located Ilartland 
Cemetery. There have been other small burying plots within the 
township. 

BROOKDALE 



During the year 1840. Wesley Diggins built a saw-mill on the banks 
of Kishwaukee Creek, and for a number of years a flourishing business 
was carried on at that point. About it grew up a tiny community, 
known as Brookdale, and for a time it was believed by some that here 
was the nucleus of a citv. but with the clearing off of the timber, and 



HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 409 

the end of the immense lumbering business, the trade was drawn away 
to Harvard and Woodstock, and this generation knows of "Brookdale" 
only by hearsay. A store was maintained there for several years, as 
was one also at Oliver's Corners, but it too died a natural death. Other 
little communities of Hartland Township prospered for a time but soon 
fell into that "dreamless sleep that knows no waking." The little ham- 
let of Hartland is the only village now within the township. 

POST OFFICE 

For some years after Hartland Township was settled the people had 
to go to McClure's Grove, a distance of twenty-five miles, for mail. 
Later they received their mail at Crystal Lake, and finally a post office 
was established at the residence of Alvin Judd, about the center of the 
township. Eden post office was established in the eastern part of the 
township, with Henry Oliver as its first postmaster, and Peter McFar- 
land was its second. At Deep Cut a post office was established in 1855, 
and there maintained until 1865. From 1865 to 1879 the people had 
to go to either Woodstock or Harvard for mail, but in the latter year a 
post office was established at Kishwaukee, and Philip Gafner was post- 
master for many years. The people of the township, outside of the 
circuit around Hartland village, are furnished their mail by the rural 
free delivery system, daily, except Sundays. 

EARLY COUNTERFEITERS 

At an early day Hartland Township harbored a gang of counter- 
feiters. These daring men had their outfit in a kind of natural cave in 
the timber, which was covered with planks and sod. In it the counter- 
feiters were found to be entering into competition with the government 
in the production of silver coins. A mile away was a shanty in which 
the men spent their time when not working at their unlawful task. The 
excellent citizens were not backward in expressing their disapproval of 
these methods, and the gang, taking the hint so openly expressed, dis- 
appeared and were never again seen in this county. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 Hartland Township had a population of 960; in 1900, 874: 
in 1910, 905; and in 1920, 860. 



410 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

RAILROAD 

The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad traverses this township from 
the southeastern to the northwestern part, through the central portion. 
In 1877 a depot established near Deep Cut was first called Kiswaukee, 
now is called Hartland. 

VILLAGE OF HARTLAND 

Hartland was platted in the southwest part of section 13 and in the 
southeast of section 14, township 45, range 6, July 26, 1878. It is the 
only railroad station within the township. It is a small shipping point 
and in the midst of a very fertile agricultural section. A few stores 
and shops comprise the business interests of this place. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are serving Hartland in an official position : president 
and treasurer, Earl C. Hughes; clerk, John H. Haley; and magistrate, 
Daniel H. Desmond. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Hartland Township : super- 
visor, E. C. Hughes ; assessor, Frank Sullivan ; clerk, J. H. Haley ; high- 
way commissioner, C. R, Cooney ; justice of the peace, D. H. Desmond. 



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CHAPTER XXXIII 
HEBRON TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN OF NAME — FIRST SETTLERS PIONEER EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES — EARLY INDUSTRIES — VILLAGE OF HEBRON POST OFFICE — IN- 
CORPORATION — EARLY HISTORY OF HEBRON — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP 
OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Hebron Township lies along the northern line of the county, and is 
bounded on the north by Wisconsin ; on the east by Richmond Township ; 
on the south by Greenwood Township ; and the west by Alden Town- 
ship. It comprises congressional township 46, range 7, east. It is one 
of the best watered and drained townships in this county. Nippersink 
creek and its tributaries, with Goose Lake form a magnificent natural 
drainage system and supply unlimited water at all seasons of the year. 
While the greater part is prairie land, considerable timber was originally 
found growing along the streams. Grain, stock raising and dairying are 
profitablj- carried on here. Verily he who owns a farm home in this 
township is an independent man. 

ORIGIN OF NAME 

The story surrounding the naming of Hebron Township is so interest- 
ing and unusual that it is here given at length. The first white woman 
to live in Hebron Township was Mrs. Bela H. Tryon, and as is usual in 
such cases her home was the gathering place for lonely pioneers who 
came from far and near to her for motherly advice, and help in their 
affairs. It was the custom for them to engage in singing during the 
Sunday afternoons and evenings, and upon one occasion after they had 
finished singing Old Hebron, she suggested that Hebron would be a 
good name for the new township. Her selection was approved and the 
name adopted. On the Sunday following the adoption, the settlers 
gathered at her home, and to prove her pleasure, she fried a bushel of 

411 



Ill 1 



BISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 



cakes for il i. ;ill of which were eagerly consumed by the hungry men.' 

tired of their own efforts at culinary operations. This is the only in- 
stance in McHenry County of the name being given by a woman to a 
township division. 

FIRST -I II I.ERS 

The honor of being the firsl settler in this township belongs to 

E. W. Brigham, who made his original claim in 1836, and built the 
first house in the township, constructing it of poles. Be was a native 

of Vermont, as was Josiah II. Giddings, the s ml settler, who erected 

the first frame house, and long continued to occupy it. although he 
later added to its original proportions. Bela B. Tryon was the third 
settler, coming here in 1836, and residing here until his death in 184s. 
Be was from New York state. From that same state also came in to 
this town-hip. K. W. Stuart. A. II. Parker, and John Sawyer, very early 
settlers. G. W. Giddings and C. S. and John Adams were settlers of 
1836. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first white child born in Hebron Township was -Mary Roblee, 
who lived many years in her native township. Arabel Hibbard died in 
September, 1852. when eighteen years old. and hers was the first death 
in the township. She was a daughter of William and Julia Hibbard. 
On September 7. 1840. was celebrated the first marriage of the township, 
when Rev. Samuel Hall united George ('. Hopkins aud Rebecca Tuttle 
in marriage. 

CEMETERIES 



The first burying plaee within Hebron Township was -•■) apart in 
1S44, two miles northwest of the village of Hebron, at the Presbyterian 
Church, and a .Mr. Duncan, a Scotchman, was the first person to be 
buried in it. Another early cemetery was in the eastern part of the 
township, ami there several burials were made before the place was 
abandoned. This was really a private burying ground on the farm of 
Hubert Stuart. 

During the sixties, the cemetery at the village of Hebron was laid 
out and has since been used. This is Located righl south of the main 
village and is handsomely cared for. 



HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 413 

EARLY INDUSTRIES 

In the sixties and early seventies cheese factories sprung up here 
and there all over this county, including those in and near the village of 
Ilehroii. The leading ones were those of II. W. Mead, George Conn, 
Robert Stuart, a Mr. Perrin and a Mr. MeGraw. 

VILLAGE OF HEBRON 

Hebron village is situated in Hebron Township, in sections 16 and 
17, township 46, range 7, east. It is situated on the line of the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railroad running from Rockford to Kenosha, and now 
has a population of more than 700. Its churches are the Methodist, 
Presbyterian, Baptist and the German Lutheran. The village has fra- 
ternal societies — the Masons, Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of 
America. 

At first Hebron was named Mead Station from the fact that Henry 
W. Mead had been appointed depot agent at this point when the road 
first went through. The place was platted on the Mead lands, they hav- 
ing been the first settlers to locate here. 

POST OFFICE 

Prior to the building of the railroad the township of Hebron had two 
country post offices, one of which was situated at the house of Bela H. 
Tryon, who was the postmaster, the date of establishment being 1839. 
Mail was brought from Chicago and thence to Jaynesville, Wis. The 
mail was carried on horseback. Another office was established in 1842 
in the west part of the township, and kept at John Adam's place, he 
being postmaster. The list of postmasters at Hebron office established 
in 1856, is as foUows: J. II. Giddings, Munson Goodsell, Frank Rowe, 
John Pettibone, Frank Row^e, George Boughton, M. W. Merry, who held 
it three full terms; Dr. E. A. Mead, Henry Earl, who was commissioned 
in 1913. This is a third-class post office and has two rural free delivery 
mail routes going out from it six days each week. Route No. 1 is now 
in charge of carrier Ed Hawthorne, while No. 2 is under Clyde Trow. 

INCORPORATION 

Hebron was not incorporated as a village until October 21, 1895. 
The presidents of the village council since the first have been : G. W. 



414 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

Conn, W. C. Hyde. G. W. Conn, Prank Rovve, Z. II. Young, L. A. 
Nichols and F. C. Slavin, and M. B. Spooner. 

In the month of June, 1906, a system of waterworks had been in- 
stalled and were on that date accepted by the Council. Bonds were sold 
to provide this needful internal improvement. 

I'RESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the officials of the village of Hebron: president, 
.M. I!. Spooner; clerk, C. E. Bieren ; treasurer. Wilder E. Smith; magis- 
trate, K. Woods; attorney, D. R. Joslyn, Sr. ; trustees, J. M. Trueson, 
M. C. Clark, G. Phillips, Frank Holmes, M. B. Brooks and A. G. 
Dickerson. 

EARLY COMMERCIAL INTERESTS 

The first store built in Hebron was opened by M. S. Goodsell, and 
the first wagon shop was that conducted by George Colburn. The first 
"village blacksmith" was a Mr. Hisden, while the first shoemaker was 
James Rowe. Among the dealers who came in a little later were: 
William 0. Broughton, J. 0. Reynolds, Lund & Johnson, C. F. Prouty, 
D. S. Blodgett, J. W. Webster, E. F. Hews, II. W. Mead, Frank Rowe, 
G. L. Phillips and Taylor Bros. 

EARLY HISTORY OF HEBRON 

By Cyrus L. Mead 

Recollections of one of the oldest residents, dating from 1853 up to 
the early sixties. 

It is with pleasure that we present to the readers of The Tribune 
a brief history of reminiscence of the early days before Hebron became 
a town. This information is given us by Mr. C. L. Mead, of our village, 
who has been a resident of this section since 1853. Although in his 
ninety-second year, his memory is very keen and his physical condition 
most wonderfully preserved. Following is the story dating from that 
time on until recent years, just as it was dictated to the editor by Mr. 
Mead. 

"On the fifteenth day of March, 1853, I came to Woodstock, Illinois, 
from Oswego County, New York, town of Sand} - Creek. My early arrival 
in that then small and unattractive place was made on that memorable 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 415 

day and well do I remember the weather. The sun shone brightly and 
the roads were as dry as in mid-summer. 

"Not being favorably impressed with the village of Woodstock, I 
decided to walk to Richmond, a distance of some sixteen or seventeen 
miles. I carried a large satchel or carpet bag in which I carried my 
wearing apparel. Show me today the young man not yet in his twenty- 
sixth year who would attempt to walk this distance and carry a heavy 
parcel. 

"I arrived in Richmond about the noon hour and took dinner at the 
hotel then owned and operated by Colonel Gibbs. In the afternoon 1 
walked to the house of Barney Burdiek, about a half a mile northeast 
of Richmond and there spent the time until the next day. 

"On the following day I journeyed on foot to the neighborhood of 
Gena Junction, northeast of where my brother, Henry W. Mead, was 
then employed as teacher in the Gibbs district or Mound Prairie. 

"Myself and brother had purchased the 400-acre tract of land now 
lying north of the Hebron townsite, which we came into possession of in 
the fall of 1853. After taking possession of our newly acquired farm, 
my brother Henry again resumed the teaching of school and I busied 
myself with the arranging of the buildings, there being a fair-sized house 
already built. This is the first house that was built in Hebron and stands 
today, except for some remodeling, with many characteristics of its 
original outlines. In later years it was moved and now stands as a part 
of the home in which James Roan lives. 

"In the year 1854 together with my brother, we broke forty acres 
iif sod, using seven or eight yoke of oxen to draw the plow. We sowed 
wheat and barley and had a fairly good crop. The harvesting was done 
with an old style cradle and grass scythe. 

"Our sister, Mrs. Emily Conklin, kept house for us and together we 
toiled to gain a footing in this new country. 

"In the fall of 1854 we purchased some twelve or fifteen head of 
hogs which we began feeding and by December were ready for the 
market. We killed and dressed them and haided the meat to Milwaukee 
by wagon. We received $3.25 per hundred for the dressed meat. 

"About the sixteenth of January, 1855, I concluded to return to New- 
York, and although we had experienced a very open and mild winter 
the snow began to fall as I left and we had the heaviest snow and most 
severe winter weather up until April. 

"I reached my destination and was united in marriage to Miss Finett 
Carman, in Wayne County, N. Y., on the 29th of January. We spent 



416 HISTORY OF .M. II BNE V COUNTY 

the nr\i few weeks iii New fork, when we came to our new home in 
Hebron, arriving here about the middle of March. The snow was yet 
on the ground and the weather verj severe. 

"That spring we prepared our forty acres of new broken ground and 

put in wheat. In the harvest time we r< ived thirty-five bushels to the 

acre. This occurred in the time of the Crimean war and we received all 
the way from seventy-live cents to .+ 1.1'.") per bushel for the grain. Other 
crops were of a fairly good yield and times were very good. 

"In the year 1856, April 1st, we sowed wheat, which looked like a 
promising yield, but a late frost occurred about the first of June, and 
although the grain was of good height it only yielded an average of 
nine bushels of poor wheat to the acre. 

"Here I wish to speak of some of the early pioneers and neighbors 
who resided in this country and helped to subdue the vast prairies of 
this fertile township. To the east were: Eden Wallin, Alphonso Tyler. 
Fred Smith, L. D. Seaman and a man by the name of Farman. who 
owned the Simes place at that time. To the west we had 'Pappy' or 
Zenus Pierce, Colonel Ehle, John Adams. Whitney Brigham, Deacon 
Tower, Sheldon Sperry, Deacon Sawyer, Wm. Woodbury, ('apt. Stone, 
• has. Wright, Squire Giddings, Volney Phillips. To the south were 
Rowel Carney, John and Peter O'Dell, living on the farms now owned 
by A. J. Cole. We had no neighbors within two miles to the north, 
there being no road in that direction. 

"The first post office was at the home of John Adams located where 
the present home of Charles Nichols, Sr., now stands, two miles west of 
town. We received mail twice a week from McHenry to Big Foot, the 
trip being covered by a mule team conveyance which also hauled freight, 
etc. 

"Dr. Giddings built a residence on the present site of the R. D. Sill 
residence, which has also undergone many alterations and repairs, al- 
though the original part of the structure is still standing. This was the 
first house built in Hebron after my coming here. 

"After Dr. Giddings built this house, the post office was moved to 
his home and even after the post office was moved to the Goodsell store 
in 1861, it still went under the name of Giddings and all business of 
the government was done through his name. 

"At that early time there was no envelopes, although they were soon 
adopted, but at that time we simply folded our letter and placed some 
sealing wax on the fold to hold it securely. The postage at that time 
was five cents and we didn't send very many letters. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 417 

"In the year 1S55 the first sehoolhouse was built and is the building 
now occupied by the Hebron bakery. David Rowe was the carpenter 
who done the building. Miss Rebecca Lord taught the first school in 
the summer of 1S55 in a granary on the Rowel Carney (George Fran- 
cisco) farm and in the fall the school was resumed in the new building. 

"The first board of directors were C. L. Mead, Henry Ehle and 
Rowel Carney. I served on the school board continuously from 1855 
until 1880, except one year. 

"In the year 1855 there was no road leading either north or south, 
all travel being done in an easterly and westerly direction. 

"In the fall of 1855 I purchased the eighty-acre farm which I now 
own, for $22.50 per acre. 

"In 1856 we purchased fourteen head of steers and fed them on 
meal and corn fodder. The meal was secured by taking corn to Rich- 
mond to the mill and having it ground. I had no previous experience 
witli cattle feeding, notwithstanding I had very good success and by 
April 18, 1857, we sold these steers for $3.25 per hundred. Eggs and 
butter at that time sold at a low price. Butter was twelve and one-half 
cents to fifteen cents per pound and eggs were five cents and six cents 
per dozen, which was taken in trade at the stores. 

"The crops in 1856 were just fair for a new country and we did not 
have much money. 

"In the summer of 1857 we purchased some steers and a few head 
of sheep and began dealing in stock to some extent, also putting in our 
usual crop of wheat, oats and barley and some corn. 

"By October we had selected about fifteen head of steers which we 
had intended to feed, we also had a good drove of seventy-five or eighty 
fat sheep. About the 29th of October, a cattle dealer came along, a Jew, 
and wanted to buy our herds. My brother had purchased a carload of 
hogs and together with the sheep and steers, we sold the entire lot to 
the Jew and did not feed any stock that winter, delivering our stock to 
Richmond, where they were loaded onto the trains. 

"In the year 1858 the regular farm work was done and crops raised 
were not extra good, prices were also very low. In November I drove 
seventeen head of steers to Milwaukee, walking the whole distance and 
without the aid of help. I marketed the bunch for $3.00 per hundred 
and came home by rail as far as Springfield, Wis., thence by stage to 
Lake Geneva, and walked the balance of the way home. 

"About the first of the month of December I again drove a herd of 
one hundred head of sheep to Milwaukee, this time covering the distance 



us 



HISTORY OF McIIEXKY COUNTY 



on foot and alone as before, receiving in the neighborhood of $3.00 per 
hundred. 

"About the 10th of January, 1859, I drove some fourteen head of 
cattle to Milwaukee, which I had purchased of different farmers. These 
steers were in good condition and made the trip as well as our previous 
herds. In about two weeks I again made the trip on foot to Milwaukee, 
with some nine or ten head of fat steers. The country was new and it 
was difficult to find a place to shelter myself and stock for the night. 
About the first of March, I went for the fifth time with a herd of sheep, 
which were in very poor condition and my experience was very costly, 
realizing very little if anything on this trip. During my whole business 
transactions I was never held up or robbed, although forced to carry the 
proceeds of my herds home in money, checks were unheard of at that 
time. The five trips to .Milwaukee covered over 300 miles and would be 
considered an impossibility or a rare undertaking on foot in the winter 
months at least. 

"Our farming activities had so increased that we employed two men, 
my brothei' teaching school in the winter months, and in the following 
year of 1859 and 1860 we were very actively engaged. The steers we 
sold this year brought a better price and were sold to a Mr. Knowles, 
of Marengo. 

"In the year of 1860 my brother went with a shipment of cattle to 
the Chicago market, then situated about six miles west of Chicago known 
as 'Bull Head Market.' At that time there were also a market and 
slaughter house located at Twenty-second Street. The Merrick Yards, 
near Cottage Grove, was the third yards and slaughter pens. 

"The Methodist Church was built in the year 1861 and dedicated in 
the year 1862, in September. Elder Jewett w-as the promoter and be- 
sides being a good organizer, his ability as a horse trader is also recalled. 

"In the year I860 I raised and fattened a carload of hogs and had 
them read}' for shipment over the new railroad, which reached Hebron 
in 1861. About the last of May the hogs were loaded onto a flat car and 
shipped to Milwaukee. This was the first car of stock out of Hebron. 
The railroad was of light construction and very little stock was shipped 
at that time. 

"Henry W. Mead was appointed agent of the local station and the 
first station was built at that time. My brother continued to be the agent 
until after years, when the road installed telegraphy. The station was 
known as Mead's Station, but was changed to Hebron. 

"In the vear 1867 the Linn-Hebron Church was built and is still 



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M 
W 



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HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 419 

standing as first erected. Elder Lord was the first minister and previous 
to the building of the new church, held services in the residence now 
occupied by Willis Brown, which was then the Elder's home. 

"The Baptist Church was built in 1876 and cost about $3,000. The 
Presbyterian Church was built in 1877. The cemetery in Hebron was 
laid out. in 1860. Volney Phillips being one of the promoters and to 
my recollection, the first man buried in the new place. The German 
Lutheran Church was constructed in 1900. 

"In the year 1862, Henry W. Mead was married to Miss Anna Turner, 
and myself and family moved from the north side of Hebron to the 
eighty-acre tract which I still own, my brother occupying the original 
farm, thereby dividing our interests and embarking separately. 

"In going along I failed to mention the fact that in 1853 the only- 
persons owning a buggy with steel springs were B. Tryon and Colonel 
Ehle. Buggies were just coming into use in this section at that time. 

"The first cheese factory was built by William and Robert Stewart 
on the farm now owned by John J. Stewart in the year, as I recollect, 
1865. In 1868 Henry W. Mead built a factory just north of the town 
site on his farm. 

"The first schoolhouse was moved from the original site to Main 
Street in the year 1878, and is now occupied by the bakery. A brick 
building was erected which was the first half of the original building 
which was discarded for the new modern structure which now adorns 
the site. The first brick structure was built by Beck and Strowler. The 
board at that time were: E. R. Phillips, C. L. Mead and D. A. Clary. 

"The only man now living who was here at that time is George W. 
Seamon, we being the two oldest residents. 

"Our wheat crop in 1860 went thirty bushels per acre and with the 
1855 crop of thirty-five bushels per acre were the only two which paid 
us for the raising. 

"The first teachers in the new brick schoolhouse were: Friendly 
Strong and Miss Mary Brigham, the latter being a resident of Hebron 
at this time. ' ' 

POPULATION ' 

The census gives the population of this township in 1890 as 1,430 ; 
in 1900 it was the same number; in 1910 it was 1,167; and in 1920 it 
was 1,363. 



420 



HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 



The following are the township officials of Hebron Township: super 
visors, II. -M. Turner; assessor, Charles Hawthorne; clerk. L. K. Rowe; 
highway commissioner, Fred Peterson; justices of the peace, Carlton 
Hunt and F. B. Woods; constables, <i. M. Honsholder and Dyle Pierce. 



CHAPTER XXXIV 
MARENGO TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLERS — ORIGINAL NAME — EARLY EVENTS CEM- 
ETERIES — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS CITY OF MARENGO 

EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS MUNICIPAL HISTORY — FIRE DEPARTMENT 

PLACES OF AMUSEMENT HOTELS POST OFFICE — COMMUNITY CLUB 

REMINISCENCES OF MARENGO FIFTY YEARS AND MORE AMONG THE BEES. 

BOUNDARIES 

Marengo Township is bounded on the north by Dunham Township ; 
on the east by Seneca Township ; on the south by Riley Township ; on 
the west by Boone County, and it is described as congressional township 
44, range 5. The Kiswaukee and Rush creeks together with their numer- 
ous small tributaries furnish abundant water and drainage. Originally, 
this township was almost entirely a prairie section, the soil is of a rich, 
fertile character, and the farms of today are among the highest priced 
and most valuable of any within this county. This is the only township 
in MeHenry County that has a stone quarry of any considerable im- 
portance ; and it is located on section 31. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

Calvin Spencer came here from Seneca County, Ohio, in the spring 
of 1835, and made his claim in what later became Marengo Township. 
He was accompanied by his sister, and she was the first white woman 
to keep house in the township. Soon after locating here Mr. Spencer 
was married to Miss Mary Hance, and they became the parents of eight 
children. He lived until 1875, when he died in Marengo Township. In 
the autumn of 1835, Moses Spencer, father of Calvin Spencer, joined 
his son and daughter, and in November that year his wife died, hers 
being the first death in the township. 

During the winter of 1835-36 Ward Burlej T located in Marengo Town- 
ship, and he was the third settler. His claim was the present site of the 

421 



4'2'2 



HISTORY OF MellKXRY OOfXTY 



city of Marengo, and ii is interesting to note that he traded his now 
extremely valuable land to Prank Stafford for a stock of dry goods, and 
dealt in merchandise for a time, and practiced medicine. He was the 
first doctor to locate within the township, and was actively engaged in 
medical practice until his death in 1 S47. John Sponsable located here 
in 1836, coming in from Garden Prairie, Boone County. 111., where he 
had made a claim, but only remained there a short time, then located in 
.Marengo, and (lure died in 1846. His brother, William Sponsable, came 
in the fall of 1835. His claim had formerly been taken by Richard M. 
Simpkins, but the latter removed to Coral Township. William Spon- 
sable, after buying the Simpkins claim, later sold it to another settler, 
and moved to Seneca Township. In the fall of 1835, I. Bache came in 
from Pennsylvania, and purchased a claim upon which he resided until 
1840. Amos B. Coon came to Marengo Township October, 1835, from 
Bradford. Penn., but after a short stay went to some one of the Southern 
states. In 1837, however, he returned and for very many years was 
engaged in an active practice as an attorney. Theophilus Renwick was 
another settler of 1836, and in 1837, M. B. Bailey arrived in Marengo, 
and opened a small store in the village of Marengo, which he conducted 
for a short time. He lived here until 1882, when he died. George R. 
Page, George Bennett, J. A. Davis, William and Charles Barnes, Tim- 
othy McNamara, and H. H. Chapman were all pioneers of Marengo 
Township. 

ORIGINAL NAME 

Originally this township was called Pleasant Grove, but when the 
post office was established it was called Marengo, and when the township 
was organized by the county board, for convenience sake, the same name 
was given it as the post office held: hence the civil township, the village 
and its [lost office arc all known by one and the same name, Marengo. 

PIONEER EVENTS 



Dr. Ward Burley and wife had a son born to them soon after coming 
to the township, and it is believed that he was the first white child born 
within Marengo Township. This child only lived two years. 

The first marriage ceremony performed was that by Justice of the 
Peace M. B. Spencer. January 14. 1838, when he united in wedlock 
M. B. Bailey and Miss Lydia Ilance. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 423 

The earliest grist-mill, built in 1846, was located one and one-half 
miles northwest of Marengo. No traces of this mill have been seen for 
more than thirty-five years. 

CEMETERIES 

A little burial ground lying north of the village of Marengo was 
platted by the Scotch people living in that vicinity, and used by them. 

The Catholic cemetery of Marengo lies in the northern part of the 
place and was laid out late in the seventies. 

The Marengo Cemetery proper is directly north of the railroad, and 
was laid out in 1861. It originally comprised ten acres, but later was 
expanded. There are other small burying grounds in various parts of 
the township. 

POPULATION 

The census for 1890, 1900, 1910 and 1920 gave the following as the 
population of Marengo Township: In 1890, 2,702; in 1900, 2,859; in 
1910, 2,250, and in 1920, 2,442. The corporation of Marengo had in 
1900 as high as 2,005 inhabitants. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Marengo Township : 
supervisor, D. M. Wright; assessor, J. G. Kitchen; clerk, J. T. Beldin ; 
highway commissioner, J. F. Wilson ; justices of the peace, J. C. Tanner 
and A. G. Beath ; constables, Willis Jobe and M. M. Wilson. 

CITY OF MARENGO 

Marengo was platted in 1846 by Damon & Spencer, and at a time 
when there was a small community settlement. The surveyor was A. B. 
Coon. It is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the Township 
of Marengo, in sections 25, 26, 35, 36. It is described as being all within 
congressional township 43, range 5, east. 

The first house erected on the townsite of Marengo was that of 
Joseph Bryton, which was built in 1835. Moody Bailey opened the first 
store in 1837 ; A. M. Canon opened the first wagon shop, and Mr. Blakes- 
lev was the first blacksmith. 



424 HISTORY OF MoHENRY COUNTY 

i:ai;i,v BUSINESS INTERESTS 

Among the men arid concerns to be engaged in business at .Marengo 
later than 1SSII may be recalled with certainty the following: P. G. 
Vail, Skinner & Treat, Farmers & Drovers Bank, B. S. Parker, First 
National Hank, C. V. Wells, William Dougherty, P. T. Parkhurst, Wil- 
liam Blood, Alexander Walling, John Celley, .John Arlington & Co., 
Tillman Gallaway, Reuben Miller, N. D. Jackson, Gady, York & Thomp- 
son, John Miles, ('. II. Ilanee, K. W. Alderman, Arthur Wilbur, C. I. 
I.oyington, M. A. Webb, William Stewart, Asa Wood, P. W. Patrick 
& Co., William F. Abbott, Casely & Fillmore, Vail, Otis & Co., A. S. 
Norton & Co., Gilbert Metcalf, C. W. Ingersoll, W. II. Sanders, Pacific 
Eotel, D. G. Buck, Almon & Ryder, C. F. Renwick, W. A. Treat, S. A. 
Srissey, G. W. Saunders, J. II. Bulard, Almon & Ryder, Henry Under- 
wood, George Crego, Rodgers Brothers, Teeple & Co., E. P. Persons, 
A. R. Coon, Ira R. Curtiss, George Sampter, J. A. Read, H. E. & F. A. 
Patrick, P. B. Smith, A. P. Abbott, David Johnson, W. P. Pringle, 
Metcalf & Brown, A. L. Derry, George Stanford, Bartholomew & Co., 
AY. II. Mesick, S. C. Wernham, L. C. Nutt, J. W. Green, C. N. Clark, 
0. L. Sherman, Marengo Pickle Manufacturing Company, J. J. Wilson, 
C. Fraidrieh, J. Griffin, H. D. Storms, Frank Gaskell. 

MUNICIPAL HISTORY 

Marengo was incorporated as a village February 24, 1857. The first 
officers were as follows: F. Stafford, president; Calvin Spencer, Fletcher 
Lindsley, A. R. Parkhurst, I. P. Warner, trustees, and J. B. Babcock, 
clerk. 

The village history extended down to September. l,s!t:5, when it be- 
came a city incorporation. The first officers under city incorporation 
were — E. D. Shurtlcff, mayor; C. P. Fillmore, clerk; A. S. Norton, 
treasurer; J. M. Marks, attorney: aldermen — II. II. Blair, N. L. Jackson, 
IT. G. Otis, E. P. Vail, J. H. Patterson, S. C. Wernham. 

The present city officers are — C. B. Whittemore, mayor; Clifford 
Woeben, clerk; A. C. Smith, treasurer; E. D. Shurtleff, attorney: 
councilmen — Fred Dunker, A. E. Thompson, J. E. Heath, C. W. Wilke, 
Willis Job, C. J. Coarson. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of the city of Marengo : mayor, 
W. C. Woodward; clerk, C. A. Woleben ; treasurer, Carlton S. Robb; 



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HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 425 

health official, W. S. Eshbaugh ; magistrate, J. II. Kitchen; marshal, 
Byron Miller; attorney, R. D. Donovan; aldermen, J. E. Heath, W. S. 
Seronguer, F. R. Ocock, A. E. Thompson, F. U. Piper and C. E. Kelley. 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 

A system of waterworks was installed in 1894. Wells were sunk and 
a good supply of pure water was obtained and this system continues to 
the present. It was piped throughout the city, a standpipe erected 
and has been a blessing to the place ever since. The city bonded itself 
for this and other improvements, but all such debts are paid off, and the 
city government, aside from a few small bills, is free of any debt. In 
1905 a sewer system was commenced and later completed; paving fol- 
lowed in 1908, and now one sees and appreciates a beautiful, even brick 
paving instead of former black dirt roads. A volunteer fire company 
keeps the city safe from the fire ravages of former years. They have 
an auto-truck and hose wagons, bought at an expense of $2,000. At 
present the lights of the city are provided by a private corporation. 
Before 1908 electric lights were furnished by a local municipally owned 
plant. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT 

The Marengo Fire Corps was organized October 29, 1883, by H. B. 
Smith, J. Teeple and A. W. Kelley, with a charter membership of fifty- 
two. The need of such an association of men was felt on many former 
occasions, but never more than on March 5, 1876, when the Ryder House 
and adjoining stores were destroyed. There was also a large fire 
January 4, 1867. When this fire corps was organized A. S. Gormon was 
made its secretary; E. A. Vandevere, treasurer; and H. D. Otis, Charles 
Ingersoll and J. Teeple, directors. For a number of years this company 
was maintained and did fine work, but as the place grew and times 
changed, it was finally superseded by other organizations. It is now 
the ordinary volunteer fire company, named above. 

PLACES OP AMUSEMENT 

It was in April, 1883, that the Marengo Opera House was built by 
R. M. Patrick at a cost of $30,000. At that day it was among the finest 
playhouses in all Northern Illinois. 



426 



HISTORY OF MeHEXRY COUNTY 



At present the places of amusement consist of occasional home talent 
plays, and the moving picture entertainments. 

HOTELS 

The first hotel at Marengo was built by Calvin Spencer in 1835, at 
the corner of State and Main streets. This was constructed of logs from 
the nearby forests, and was but sixteen feet square. When it was erected 
it was not with the intention of using it for a hotel, hut Mr. Spencer soon 
found that he could not turn away the stranger, so engaged in the hotel 
business. In the spring of 1836 he built two more log houses about 18x26 
feet in size; these served until 1838, when he added a frame structure 
1 fix IS feet. Mr. Spencer continued in the hotel business until 1842. 

In 1841 David Hammer built a log hotel, and conducted it a short 
time. In 1842 a Mr. Basford bought the Spencer Hotel, and took David 
Hammer as a partner. The firm of Basford & Hammer subsequently 
ereeted a frame hotel of considerable proportions, and it was used many 
years for hotel purposes by various persons. Later it passed into the 
hands of D. Johnson who converted it into a private residence. 

About 1853, or possibly a year later, Jacob A. Davis built a hotel on 
the site later occupied by the Ryder House, and this was used as a hotel 
until 1876, when it was destroyed by fire. At that time it was the prop- 
erty of A. Ryder, who immediately rebuilt and gave the new structure 
his own name. This and other hotels have been built, served a good 
purpose and been abandoned, while other more modern hotels have taken 
their place and serve the traveling public today. 

POST OFFICE 



The first post office in the vicinity of Marengo was established in 
1841, and was kept by Alfred King, at his residence, one mile west of 
the present city of Marengo. David Hammer succeeded King, although 
for a time the post office was kept at the home of Joseph Deitz, but was 
then removed to the corner of State and Main streets. Colonel Cornelius 
Lansing was the third postmaster, and William F. Combs was the fourth, 
he keeping the office in a store on the site later occupied by the Free 
Methodist Church. The office was then moved to the southwest corner 
of State and Main streets, where the postmaster was L. L. Crandall. As 
the fifth postmaster, Anson Sperry was appointed in 1853, and held the 
office until 1861, it being in the meanwhile moved to the site later 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 427 

occupied by the Marengo Opera House. From 1861 to 1873 Dr. 0. S. 
Jenks was postmaster and he had his office in a building later used by 
William C. Stewart as a dry goods store. Mr. Stewart succeeded to the 
office, was postmaster from 1873 to 1882, and kept the office in the same 
building as did his predecessor. In 1882 J. Q. Adams was appointed 
postmaster, and he removed the office to the southwest corner of State 
and Washington streets. From that date to now it will hardly be of 
interest to trace the many homes had by this post office. The postmasters 
since the administration of the above named men have been : J. Q. Adams 
from 1882 to 1894, F. M. Mead from 1894 to 1898, then he was succeeded 
by J. Q. Adams, and he in turn in 1902 by Charles Scofield. In 1915 
came James Cleary and in 1919 Charles Gilkerson. This newly appointed 
postmaster wisely kept the old clerks, who had been efficient in their 
places. They are as follows: Miss Bertha Rowe, assistant postmaster, 
and Miss Lucretia Marshall, clerk. The rural carriers are: L. D. Shel- 
don, route 1 ; Mrs. Ina Coonradt, route 2 ; Lee Grover, route 3 ; D. E. 
Echternach, route 4. 

The Marengo office sold Thrift Stamps during 1917 to the amount of 
$31,204.36. 

The Marengo office was a second class office up to about 1917 when it 
was set back to a third class, when the general cry at Washington was 
''retrenchment." 

COMMUNITY CLUB 

111 the summer of 1916 E. D. Patrick remodeled the Marengo Opera 
House Building, and at that time submitted a plan to furnish and fit up 
on the third floor of this building a hall and clubrooms consisting of a 
hall 48 by 70 feet with 20-foot ceilings, billiard room, reception rooms, 
kitchen and dressing rooms with lavatory and toilet fittings, install lights 
and heat the same for an annual rental of $360.00. 

Accordingly, a committee was appointed to organize the Community 
Club of Marengo, and they perfected such an organization, whose pur- 
pose it was to furnish clean and healthful entertainment and physical 
training and exercise to the members and families of the Community 
Club. The membership fee was fixed at $5 and $6 per year in advance. 

The club is managed by a president, vice president, secretary and 
treasurer and five trustees. Monthly meetings are held by the officers, 
at which all matters pertaining to the management of the club are sub- 
mitted and disposed of. The detail management is carried out through 
several committees, as: House Committee, Athletic Committee, Educa- 



128 



BISTORT OP M< EENEY COUNTY 



tional, Entertainment and Membership Committees, all reporting to 
business meetings each month, for council and advice, as well as giving 
suggestions for the betterment of the club. The membership age limit 
is eighteen years and over. .Men are admitted only, however, the ladies 
use the Ealland Gym one nighl each week. The Boy Srouts also are 
given a place one night each week, at a nominal fee. This club has no 
connection, whatever, with any religious sect or creed, and holds no 
religious services in their hall. The members rather seek to demonstrate 
the true spirit of Christianity and democracy, in a practical, everyday 
way. It certainly has tilled a common community need in the place, 
and is growing stronger each month. Members of this club work in per- 
fect harmony with the various women's clubs, public school management 
and other societies of the city of Marengo. " WE" is the big word with 
this club. No cliques or anything of the kind, or politics is allowed to 
obtain within the club. 

It has come to make the place a better, safer, pleasanter one in which 
to live and labor for the higher uplift of the general community. 

KEMIXISCENCES ACCOUNT OF ilAKEXGO 



The subjoined is a sketch made up from recollections of that sturdy 
pioneer, Calvin Spencer, who dictated these "early-day notes" to his 
daughter who wrote them down at the time he gave them, hence may 
be relied upon as authentic history : 

The first settler in what is now known as Marengo was Calvin Spencer 
who arrived here with his ox-teams November 17, 1835. The previous 
year he had Keen here and cut logs for a cabin, also cut and put up stacks 
of hay with a scythe. The scythe needing grinding he walked about 
eighteen miles further west to Big Thunder Mills on the trail to Galena. 
Mr. Spencer recalled seeing the body of Big Thunder sitting upright, 
facing the east in a pen built by the Indians to keep the animals away. 
It so remained there until the skull dropped off. 

.Mr. Si>encer built on present site of the Gault Building, where he 
conducted a public house or tavern as then called. A large part of land 
was included in what is now the city of Marengo. The first post office 
was kept by Alfred King, who kept the office one mile west of the 
Spencer tavern. The post office was called Pleasant Grove, but finding 
another post office by that name, it was changed to Marengo, so named by 
Thomas Thome. The first store was by Moody Bailey, on the site of 
the present Ellison garage. Fink & Walker Stage line covered the road 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 429 

to Galena up to the building of the railroad in 1851. It was the Galena 
& Chicago Union Railroad. Miss Spencer, daughter of Calvin Spencer, 
now has a way-bill dated Chicago, March 11, 1852, for lumber shipped 
to her father and which was used in enlarging her present house, which 
he had erected iu 1844. This building stands some three blocks east of 
the central corners, on the road to Chicago. 

The first justice of the peace was Moses Spencer, father of Calvin, 
who died in 1SC1 in his eighty-first year. 

The first marriage was that of William Sponsable and Raehael Chat- 
field, both of whom were life-long residents of Marengo. 

The first sermon was preached at the Calvin Spencer home in 1836, 
by Elder Southworth, an itinerant, the text being: "And he sat down 
and talked to the people." 

The first medical doctor of Marengo was Dr. Burley Mason. 

The first birth was Dr. Mason's son William, who died an infant. 

The first school was taught in the summer of 1837 by Caroline Cobb, 
who became the wife of Spencer Flanders and she spent her life near 
Franklinville. The school in the fall of 1838 was taught by 0. P. Rogers, 
who died only a few years ago. For many years he was a partner of 
L. Woodward in the nursery business. 

The first newspaper at Marengo was the Marengo Journal in 1856, 
owned by Edw T ard Burnside. The issues for the first few years ending in 
1861 are now in possession of Miss Spencer in a bound volume. 

The first water-mill was the Kishwaukee mill — it being on that 
stream ; it was conducted by Smith Bros. 

The first cemetery was a part of the present one which was later 
enlarged to the north side of the railroad. The first body buried there 
in the new part being George House, who died June, 1861. 

The first Sunday school was conducted in the present Spencer 
residence. 

Botsford & Howe operated the first steam-mill. Early merchants were 
Mr. Vawter, Kasson & Saft'ord, Mr. Hyde and others. 

Mr. Spencer was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., October 6, 1807, 
and died April 17, 1898. He was the son of Moses and Esther (Albee) 
Spencer. Calvin Spencer arrived at Marengo, with ox teams November 
17, 1835. His parents also came west about that date, but the mother 
Mas taken ill en route and died the tenth of that month before reaching 
their destination. His brother-in-law Joseph Brayton, and wife, and a 
couple of young men came at the same time. The fear of Indians so 



430 HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY 

worked on the mind of Mrs. Brayton that tliey could not be induced 
to remain in the country and they went back to La Porte, hid. 

Air. Spencer was always an active man till well passed eighty years 
and retained his mentality and physical vigor up to near his death. 
His wife was born in 1810 and died in 1875. 

Politically, he was identified with the Republican party. Originally 
he voted with the Whig party, and cast his first vote in 1828 against 
Andrew Jackson. He never missed an election. He heard the great 
debate between Lincoln and Douglas in Chicago, in 1856. In church 
affiliations he was of the Baptist denomination. 

Of the seven children of Air. and Mrs. Spencer, the survivors are : 
Orson, of Washington County, 111., and Alary, widow of John Lambden, 
who was born February 25, 1841, in the old tavern at Marengo, still 
lives at the old homestead ; and Edna Sophronia, born in the present 
Spencer house, May 27, 1849. She is known as a great lover of home 
and a zealous worker in the Baptist Church, and a liberal contributor 
to benevolent causes. 

FIFTY YEARS AM) MOKE AMONG THE BEES 

"As busy as a bee" certainly applies to Dr. C. C. Miller, the vener- 
able gentleman of Marengo, who is now eighty-six years of age, and 
who has had to do with honey bees and flowers for almost three score 
years and has been associate editor of the well-known publication the 
"American Bee Journal" for many years. Doctor Aliller was among 
the pioneer physicians of Marengo and vicinity, but about Civil war 
days abandoned his medical practice, and since then has been an active 
student and busy worker among the honey-bee hives, and occupied in 
imparting his knowledge by tongue and pen concerning the keeping of 
bees and the best methods of producing honey. His is no small, stinted 
knowledge of that most ingenious and wonderful of God's creatures, 
the honey bee. To be brief, in the introduction of this talented and 
universally respected veteran of the bee and honey industry, we will 
simply quote a short biography of him found a few years since in the 
biographical dictionary of notable persons in the United States, " Who's 
Who in America." 

Aliller, Charles O, apiarist, writer; born in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, 
June 10, 1831, son of Johnson J. and Phoebe Aliller; A. B., Union Col- 
lege, Schenectady, N. Y., 1853 ; M. D., Medical Department University 
of Michigan, 1856 ; married Miss Helen M. White of Marengo, Illinois, 




/HSHr1l( 



(M^OC- 



<-v 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 431 

August 12, 1857 (died 1880) ; married Miss Sidney J. Wilson of Marengo, 
Illinois, November 15, 1881. Began keeping bees at Marengo, 1861; 
and at one time four hundred colonies of bees, now fourteen, and pro- 
duced many tons of honey; extensive writer for bee and agricultural 
journals; department editor of Gleanings in Bee Culture, 1890; associate 
editor American Bee Journal, 1894 ; Prohibitionist, Presbyterian, Mem- 
ber National Bee Keepers Union (twice president). Member Beta 
Kappa. Author: "A Book by P. Benson," 1874; "A Year Among 
Bees," 1886, "Forty Years Among the Bees," 1902; "Fifty Years 
Among the Bees," 1911. Editor "Apiary Terms" in Standard 
Dictionary ; home, Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois. 

His chosen profession, medical doctor, was too trying on his sensitive 
nature; it worried and chafed him, and for this reason he was content 
in withdrawing from that profession for which he had well fitted him- 
self, and for a time he was a musical instructor in the old "Marengo 
Collegiate Institute" whose existence is now but a faint memory among 
the older members of McHenry County society. He has knowingly re- 
marked in recent years that his "chair" there netted him $50 and some 
old lumber. 

For a time Doctor Miller taught school and gave piano lessons and 
conducted singing school. He is full of music and at one time was a 
regular contributor of both words and music to the famous "Song 
Messenger." He was the efficient chorister in the Moody Church of 
Chicago and even in his old age still may be classed among the "sweet 
singers." 

His great achievements have been in that of an expert apiarist. 
At one time he had 400 colonies of bees and a careful estimate places 
the amount of honey he caused to be produced by these bees to be in 
round numbers 100 tons. 

His writings on the honey bee, its habits, customs, and value have 
found their way into the Country Gentleman, Youth's Companion, 
Gleanings In Bee Culture, and every book of importance on bees in 
this country, and he has drawn from his knowledge of bees in his 
productions. He' was editor of the department on bees in the Standard 
Dictionary, and his writings have been translated into the French, 
German, Swiss, Italian, Russian and Japanese publications. Doctor 
Miller is known far and wide, and by the bee publications in Texas, he 
is styled the ' ' Sage of Marengo. ' ' 

Doctor Miller is a religious man, and has been a ruling elder in the 
Presbyterian Church of Marengo since 1857. Through his religion, 



432 HISTORY OF II, IIKXRY COUNTY 

lie si'.'s (lie hand of the Creator in Nature. The sunshine, wind, rain, 
ihf grass and the flowers all appeal to Ins religious nature and in these 
elements he recognizes sublime beauty, liven the modest daisj is qoI 
too insignificant to be noticed, examined and talked about. So well 
is he acquainted with flowers thai he was elected secretary of the 
Northern Illinois Horticultural Society, and still later was its presi- 
dent. Be is truly a many-sided man. Whether one views him from 
i he standpoint of scholarship, science, art, composition, Christian manly 
virtues, a home-lover and home-maker, or as the plain, everyday, hard- 
working enthusiast over bees and the production of the extract of all 
sweetness --"honey ami the honey-comb, " it matters not, he stands out 
ill the open, high above and far removed, from but few. if any, in the 
various roles in life, in which he has been so conspicuous a figure for 
more than a half century in one place. Mc Henry County, 111. 



CHAPTER XXXV 
McHENRY TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — CEMETERIES — INDIAN 

F0 RD VILLAGE OF MC HENRY — FACTORIES BUSINESS FACTORS IN 1885 

INCORPORATION — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS POST OFFICF — HOTELS WEST 

MC HENRY — JOHNSBURG — RINGWOOD — SPECIAL FEATURES — POPULATION 
— TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

MeHenry Township is bounded on the north by Richmond and 
Burton Townships ; on the east by Lake County ; on the south by Nunda 
Township : and on the west by Greenwood Township, and it is congres- 
sional township 45, range 8. The Fox River traverses it from north 
to south, and it contains halt' of Pistaqua Lake, which is in the north- 
eastern part; one-half of Lilly Lake, which is in the southeastern part; 
and McCollum 's Lake, which is near the center of the township ; while 
two branches of Boone Creek which is the main stream of the Nipper- 
sink, as well as many smaller water courses supply ample water and 
drainage. It is one of the most fertile and productive townships of Me- 
Henry County, which has long had the reputation of being one of the 
leading agricultural sections of the state. MeHenry County is one of the 
oldest settled townships in the county, and in it the county seat was 
located not only before Lake County was separated from MeHenry, but 
for some time thereafter, as is given in another chapter. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

The first settler of MeHenry Township was Dr. Christy G. Wheeler, 
who came here in 1836, and opened a small store. He was a brother 
of Elder Wheeler, who lived to attain the distinction of being the oldest 
living pioneer of MeHenry Township. Dr. Wheeler was a medical prac- 
titioner and also a local preacher, and alternated between his mercan- 
tile pursuits and his two professions. His health was very frail, he 

433 



4:!4 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

in fact having come to Illinois in the hope that the change would prove 
beneficial, but he did not improve, and at Length died only a few years 
after his settlement here. Some of the other pioneers were as follows : 
Henry and John McLean; Louis and John Boone, William and David 
McCuUum, Wesley Ladd. Samuel Walker, Allen and Freeman Harvey, 
B. B. Brown, Jonathan and Mike Sutton. Rev. Joel Wheeler, William II. 
llankins. and his aunt Mr*. Valentine and her son, and also a man by 
the name of Teabout. The Harkins party came to McHenry Township 
in September, 1837, having made the journey in an emigrant wagon, 
which they used as a shelter until their cabin was erected. In December, 
1837, Young Valentine fell from a tree and was instantly killed. Mr. 
Teabout lost his life while hunting not long thereafter through the 
accidental discharge of his gun. 



PIONEER EVENTS 

Rev. Joel Wheeler performed the first marriage ceremony in McHenry 
Township in November, 1839, when he united Joseph Fellows and Christ- 
iana Robinault, that is recorded. The first child born in the township 
was Christy Wheeler. 

The first death was that of William Herrick. He was crossing the 
Fox River on the ice, his horse broke through, and in some way his 
rifle was accidentally discharged, causing his death. His body was 
interred on the banks of the river, and there remained for many years. 
but in the early eighties, when a cellar was being dug on the site of hi* 
grave, his remains were disinterred and laid to a final rest in the Mr- 
Henry Cemetery. 

CEMETERIES 

The ''silent cities" of the township, the cemeteries, are numerous. 

At first the dead were buried near the old mill-dam, one mile to 
the north of the village of McHenry, but as other cemeteries were 
opened up, the bodies were removed from it and placed where the grave* 
would receive better attention. Among the township's burying grounds 
are these: Thompson's Burying Ground, the Ringwood Cemetery; one 
located just west of Ringwood ; and others both public, and church- 
burying grounds. The Catholics have a large cemetery near their church 
at Johnsburg: the Woodland Cemeterv is at McHenry village. This 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 435 

last named was laid out in 1S58, and is a Protestant cemetery, while the 
Catholics have another one located near the village of McHenry also. 

INDIAN FORD 

At the point on the Fox River where the city of McHenry now 
stands, in the days long before the white man set his foot on McHenry 
County soil, the Indians built a ford of broad, flat, square-cut stones 
of sandstone, which were regularly laid and secured by other stones 
in such manner that the swift current of the stream would not dislodge 
them. The pioneer white men removed these stones and used them for 
hearth-stones, and some of them are still to be found. It has never been 
ascertained the source from which the Indians obtained these stones, 
as no similar formation has been found anywhere in this locality. 

THE VILLAGE OF MC HENRY 

The Village of McHenry is distinguished as having been the county 
seat for so many years, and also as being the first town that was organ- 
ized in McHenry County. It was laid out by a Chicago surveyor, named 
Bradley, in 1837, through the efforts of Henry McLean, and the latter 
built the first house in the place, a log one, 12x16, near the site of what 
later was known as the Riverside House. For several months after 
this little building was erected it served as a gathering place for the 
settlers and a wayside tavern. Dr. Christy Wheeler opened and con- 
ducted the first store. The first wagonmaker was Richard Bishop, who 
opened his shop in 1840. Nathan Haight was the first blacksmith. The 
first saw-mill was built in 1837 by a man named Barnum, who later 
sold it to H. 0. Owen and James Salisbury who completed the work 
of construction, John MeOmber doing the actual work. Mr. McOmber 
afterwards built himself a house from the first lumber sawed by this 
mill. Not long after this mill was completed, James Salisbury went 
below to correct some error with reference to its action, and not having 
notified the millman, he had scarcely placed himself in the machinery, 
than the gate was hoisted, the mill put in motion, and Mr. Salisbury 
was crushed and killed almost instantly. He was buried by Rev. Joel 
Wheeler in the first cemetery by the mill dam. 

In 1851 E. M. Owen and his brothers H. A. and 0. W. Owen, built 
a grist-mill at McHenry that was for a long time the best in the county. 
They ran it in partnership until 1858, when E. M. Owen bought the 



436 



HISTORY OF McIIKXRY COUNTY 



interests of his brothers, and sold it to R. Bishop for $20,000.00. Mr. 
Bishop immediately added the roller process at a cost of $10,000.00) and 
for a Dumber of years tins mill was one of the leading industries of Mc- 
Henry. 

The old mill site is pointed out by the old settler as one of the impor- 
tant land-marks of by-gone days. The race that conveys the water to 
the mill is still overflowing and the water wastes itself away from day to 
day, hut its utility seems forever gone for milling purposes. In fact 
there are but few of the early mills in use anywhere, on account of the 
milling center for Hour making has long since changed and it is conducted 
on a different plan, perhaps a better plan, at least the farmer sells his 
wheat and buys his supply of flour now! 

FACTORIES 



There was a day when McHenry bid fair to become a place of much 
manufacturing interest, in fact it is related that the village had an 
opportunity during the early sixties to secure what is now known the 
world over, as the Elgin Watch Factory, but business men did not pull 
together in harmony, and they let the prize slip away to Elgin, which 
made concessions and some sacrifices, in order to build up that great 
plant when its stock holders most needed aid. 

In the early eighties a pickle factory was established at McHenry. 
It was founded by that well-remembered pioneer and excellent citizen, 
Richard Bishop, who for many years operated this factory with profit to 
himself and the surrounding country, but in time this business shifted 
to large city centers, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago, etc., and the small 
town plants were put out of commission. However at this time there 
are hundreds of acres of land in and around McHenry, Richmond, 
Spring Grove and other eastern McHenry County points which pro- 
duce cucumbers which are placed in salting plants near where they 
are grown and later in the season, are shipped to Chicago, where they 
are made into pickles. It has come to be a large industry. 

In 1868 George Gribbler built a brewery at McHenry. He com- 
menced in a small way but eventually possessed a large paying plant 
where lager beer was produced in great quantities. It had a large local 
and a fairly large shipping sale. 

One of McHenry's earliest industries was the wagon factory of Rich- 
ard Bishop, whose well equipped plant was totally destroyed by fire 
in 1878, but was rebuilt upon a much larger scale, with improved 



HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 437 

machinery for turning out farm and light wagons. But this, too, like 
other small town factory interests, had to succumb to the inevitable and 
in time gave way to the great wagon factories in the country, with 
which small places were unable to compete, hence had to close down. 

BUSINESS FACTORS IN 1885 

By reference to old publications, paper files, etc., it is learned that the 
following constituted the majority of business men, firms and professions 
in McHenry from 1880 to 1885: 

Richard Hishop, E. M. Owen & Son, Amos D. Whiting, Francis A. 
Herbard, Isaac Wentworth, Charles B. Curtiss, Gottlieb Boley, Nord- 
quist & Weber, Barbeau Brothers, L. D. Lincoln, John B. Blake, Henry 
Madden, William M. Yager, E. M. Howe, Mathias Englen, 0. W. Owen, 
J. P. Smith, II. E. Wrightman, Perry & Owen, Mayers & Bartlett, Edwin 
Lawless, Henry Colby, Dr. II. T. Brown, Dr. 0. II. Fegers, I. E. Bennett, 
John Karges, E. G. Smith, George Dimmel, Anton Engelen, J. J. Gillis, 
John Heimer and Thomas Knox. Many of the above named business 
factors had been residents of McHenry prior to and during the Civil 
war period, and bore well their part in sustaining the Union at that 
time. 

INCORPORATION 

It was incorporated August 10, 1872, with the following officers: 
Richard Bishop, president ; J. P. Perry, J. M. McComber, II. C. Smith, 
John King, and Frank K. Granger, trustees; and Michel Keller, clerk. 

The subjoined have served as presidents of McHenry village from 
date of its incorporation: 1872 — R. Bishop, 1873— J. B. Perry, 1874— 
C. B. Curtis, R. Bishop, F. K. Granger, R. Bishop. Smith Searles. 
R. Bishop, Anthony Webber, Rollin Howard, R, Bishop, B. Gilbert, F. K. 
Granger, Rollin Howard, J. Van Slyke, Simon Stoffel, J. Van Slyke, 
(1891), (No record for several years), 1897— John I. Story, 1898— W. A. 
Christy, John Evanson, P. J. Freund, F. J. Wattles, John H. Miller, 
Simon Stoffel, D. J. Wells, R. G. Chamberlain, John Olson, and Simon 
Stoffel. 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the present officials of the village of McHenry : 
president, Simon Stoffel ; clerk, W. G. Schram ; treasurer, J. C. Holly ; 



438 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

magistrate, John W. Kimball; marshal, John Walsh; attorney, A. H. 
Pouse; trustees, Peter Doherty, Louis Erickson, John R. Knox, Albert 
Erause, R. I. Oaten and Frank Wetten. 



PUBLIC IMPROVEM ENTS 

The village voted to issue bonds and construct a system of water 
works in August, 1897, and this was carried out, and today the village 
has a fine system of waterworks, including a deep artesian well from 
which is ever flowing a large stream of health-giving water. The w r ater 
is pumped to a ninety-foot steel water tower which has a large holding 
capacity as reserve in case of fire or other emergencies. The water is dis- 
tributed through the scattered village, and most all neighborhoods will 
soon have water in front of their very door. 

At the pumping station, a combined water plant building with its 
gasoline pump and other fixtures, are housed within one building 
together with the "City Hall," as the briek structure, near the center 
of the village is known. Here the council meets, and here, in a large 
lin proof safe, is kept a good set of public municipal records. 

An ordinance was passed the village board March 9, 1908, by which 
a Chicago electric company was granted a franchise to distribute electric- 
ity throughout the village for a term of twenty years. This was carried 
out, and thus it was that McHenry was soon illuminated by the brightest 
of modern lights. 

POST OFFICE 

McHenry has two post offices. One at the old original village and 
another near the depot, in what is styled West McHenry, about one 
mile apart. The original McHenry post office was established in 1837, 
with Christy Wheeler as postmaster. When West McHenry sprang 
into existence, at the time the railroad was built, there was soon a bitter 
rivalry between the two town sites and indeed the spirit has not alto- 
gether died out, however generally speaking peace obtains between the 
two sections. It was during one of these hard-fought rivalry battles that 
by some "hook or crook" the office was moved from the old to the newer 
part of town. So, for more than a year, the people at the old village 
had no postoffiee, but through Congressman Elwood, a man came from 
the department at Washington, and looked the field over and as a result 
a new post office was established, since which date, 1883, the two parts 




I 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 439 

of McHenry have each had a post office, one mile apart. Certainly Uncle 
Sam is a peace maker! The postmasters names for the earliest years 
are not a matter of record, save in the Department at Washington, 
hence only those of a later period can be given. At the original Mc- 
Henry they have been in the order given: J. B. Perry, Captain Snow, 
Rollin Waite, J. C. Holly, T. J. Walsh, who was commissioned in 1915. 
This is a third class postoffice ; has three rural routes cared for as fol- 
lows: No. 1 by carrier II. H. Pay; No. 2, D. I. Granger; No. 3, Joe N. 
Miller. The U. S. leases the brick building in which this postoffice has 
been kept several years. 

The West McHenry post office has had for its postmasters: C. V. 
Stevens, J. W. Kimball, Simon Stoffel, H. C. Mead, E. E. Bassett, who 
was commissioned in 1914. This is a third-class post office and sends 
forth one rural delivery or mail on a twenty-nine mile route, the carrier 
being James N. Sayler. 

"West McHenry" is the direct result of the building of the Chicago 
& Northwestern railroad through this section. The place was laid 
out by George Gage and it was largely through his influence that West 
McHenry was made a station on the road. At first the village was called 
"Gatetown," but soon took the name of West McHenry. Some of the 
second lot of business men at this point were : William Hanley, Oatmau 
& Sons, Amos D. Whiting, Smith & Snyder, Curtis & Walker, W. A. 
Cristy and W. H. Wiswell. 

EARLY HOTELS 

The first hotel in the township was built in 1837, by B. B. Brown, 
at McHenry. It was a rude, although very comfortable log house, and 
served as a hotel more than twenty years. The second hotel was the 
Mansion House, at McHenry, built by Horace Long, and used for the old 
courthouse until the county seat was removed to Woodstock. It was 
built in 1838, was a frame structure 40x60 feet, and two stories in height. 
Early in the eighties it went out of commission as a hotel. 

The Fremont House was erected in 1851, but was burned about 
seven years later. 

The old Riverside Hotel was built in 1864 by John W. and David 
Smith. This was counted a fine structure in those days. It was built 
of brick and was three stories high, with dimensions 40x60 feet. It 
served its day and generation and passed out of use. 

The Parker Hotel of West McHenry was built in 1858 by George 



440 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Gage, and tor a time bore the owner's name. Its first landlord was Mr. 
Van Doo/.cn, who Opened it New Year's Day with a grand ball. He 
was succeeded by William Murray, and lie in turn by a -Mr. Holme-. 
Later, eanie Landlord Edson, who after two years was followed by W. 
Parker and L. D. Lincoln. On August 4. 1881, P. A. Parker, son of W. 
Parker, took charge of the hotel, hut, in bss-}. resigned in favor of his 
father. 

The principal commercial hotel of the village is now known as the 

Park Hotel, ; Id building, but the hotel is conducted on modern plans, 

as far as possible in so small a place where the customers stop but for an 
occasional meal, and possibly over night. 

. JOHXSBIRG 

This is a small hamlet situated on the northeast corner of section 13. 
<>f McHenry Township, three miles southeast of Ringwood, a station on 
the railroad in this township; and it is also about two miles northeast 
from McHenry village. This hamlet was settled by the Germans in 1852, 
and was named in honor of their leader, for the settlement was really 
a colony. His Christian name being John the place was called Johns- 
burg. It has ever been known almost exclusively as a German settlement. 
St. John's Roman Catholic Church was established here by Father Port- 
man in 184."), when the membership consisted of but three families, but 
today it is among the largest churches of any denomination within Me- 
llenry County. About 1880 a $45,000 stone edifice was constructed here, 
and then its membership i 1880 to 1885) was 275 families. The present 
business interests are not large, this hamlet being away from any rail- 
way, and the greater number of the people trade at larger places in and 
out of this county. A large parochial school is conducted here, by the 
Catholics. 

There are doubtless many of the present day citizens of Johnsburg 
who are >ons and daughters of pioneers whose names here follow, and who 
were in the early vanguard and among the settlers, later thrifty Germans 
who claimed as their heritage this portion of McHenry County, in the 
fifties and sixties. Henry Hatterman. Martin May, Charles Mathew. 
Peter Rothermel, John Weber, Peter Werfs, Charles E. Buchanan, Theo- 
dore Mayer, Charles Kuhnert, Ley & Adams, Simon Nichols, Mathias 
Hohlman, Henry Miller, .Mathew Heimer, Frank Miller, William Akt- 
hoff, Joseph Palmer, Steffen Thelen, Peter Adams, Martin Boughner. 
L. N. Preund, John Molitur and John Thelen, were the most prominent. 



HISTORY OF MeHENRY COUNTY 441 

KINGWOOD 

This village is a station on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, in 
sections 9 and 10 of Me Henry Township. It was settled in 1837 by Dr. 
Luke Hale and William II. Beach. Doctor Hale was a physician en- 
gaged in active practice at Ringwood for many years. Both of these 
men came from Vermont, bringing their families with them. The vil- 
lage was platted and recorded in 1844. Owing to the fact that the 
entire plat was surrounded by a ring of woods, the appropriate name 
"Ringwood" was given to it by its proprietors. Elder Wheeler held 
the first religious services in what is now McHenry Township, in a log 
house erected by H. W. McLean. 

The first school was taught in this township in a log building which 
stood on the banks of Fox River. 

SPECIAL FEATURES 

Every Township has its own peculiar features, distinct from all 
others. Here in McHenry Township it may be said of its special 
characteristics that it is the oldest organized settlement of the county ; 
it was the home of the original county seat when Lake and Mc- 
Henry were all in one large sub-division of Illinois. The old land-marks 
which to the older generations presented hourly reminders of an honor 
this division of the county once possessed, hut today these reminders 
are mostly gone and the story is handed down from father to son. 
But this township and her beautiful villages and hamlets may well 
boast of the progress they have made with the passing years. 

POPULATION 

McHenry Township had a population in 1890 of 2,555 ; in 1900, 2,673 ; 
in 1910, 2,679: and in 1920, 2,825. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are serving as the township officials of McHenry Town- 
ship : Supervisor, Stephen II. Freund ; assessor, John W. Kimball ; clerk, 
Charles B. Harmsen ; highway commissioner, William B. Tonyan ; justices 
of the peace, W. J. Welch and E. ( '. Hawley ; constables, W. H. Kelley 
and John Walsh. 



CHAPTER XXXVI 
NUNDA TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES ORIGIN OF NAME — EARLY SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS OLD 

VILLAGE OP NUNDA — BARREVILLE — TERRA COTTA — POPULATION — TOWN- 
SHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Nunda Township comprises congressional township 44. range 8 and 
one third of range 9. It is bounded on the north by McHenry Township ; 
on the east by Lake County ; on the south by Algonquin Township ; on the 
west by Door Township. This subdivision of McHenry County is among 
the finest agricultural sections of the northern portion of Illinois. Dairy- 
ing is now the chief industry of the farms. The Fox River courses 
through the township. As originally known Lilly and Clear Lakes were 
in the center of its territory, but these lakes are gradually disappearing. 
Ilanley's Creek crosses the northern portion, and Stiekney's Run, with 
lesser streams make Nunda one of the best watered in MeHenrv County. 



ORIGIN OF NAME 

For a short period after Nunda Township was settled, it was known 
as Brooklyn, it being so named by "William and C. Goff. But when a 
post office was petitioned for, it was discovered that another Brooklyn 
was already in existence in Illinois. A public meeting was called, and 
the name was changed to Nunda in honor of the birthplace of Col. 
William Huffman, a leading man in the community, who was born in 
Nunda, N. Y. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

The first white man to invade the confines of what is now Nunda 
Township was George Stickney, who came in December, 1835, locating 
on section 6, where he erected the first house in the township. This 

442 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 443 

primitive cabin contained no iron of any description, wooden pegs 
being used instead of nails. Benjamin McOmber, who arrived a short 
time after Mr. Stickney, lived in his log house. Samuel Terwilliger, 
came in June, 1836 and was the third settler. Cameron Goff was the 
fourth, and he arrived in October, 1837. 

Prior to 1840 these made Nunda their permanent settlement : George 
T. Beckley, Abram Vincent, De Witt Brady, Joseph Walkup, Charles 
Patterson and his four sons, William Huffman and his four sons, Win. St. 
Clair, Fred Bryant, J. Gracy, G. A. Palmer, John Fitzsimmons, J. E. 
Beckley, A. Colby, D. Ellsworth and W. Musgrave. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first plowing in this township was executed by Samuel Ter- 
williger. 

John Terwilliger, son of Samuel Terwilliger and wife, was the first 
white child born in Nunda Township. He lived on the same farm on 
which he was born, until he passed from earth in 1876. 

An infant son of the Terwilligers was the first child to die in the 
township. His remains were laid away in the Holcombville burying 
ground. 

In 1845 James and Samuel McMillen erected a saw-mill on section 
22, which was the first in the township. After 1863, at considerable 
expense it was fitted over into a grist-mill and as such used many years. 
A carding-mill was constructed there in 1846, bj- Mr. Truesdell, but two 
years later it was abandoned as it would not pay. The first real grist-mill 
was built at Barryville by T. J. Ferguson, at a cost of $6,000; this was 
used many years. McHenry Count}' paid the large sum of $15 for every 
wolf scalp which was taken within the limits of the county. This 
custom obtained until 1850. It is related that certain hunters of Nunda 
Township distinguished themselves by capturing cubs and caring for 
them until they were six months old, at which time they killed and 
scalped them, and then claimed the bounty. 

OLD VILLAGE OP NUNDA 

What is now within the incorporation of the city of Crystal Lake, 
but was originally known as the village of Nunda, was platted in August, 
1868. It was situated on section 32, township 44, range 8. A man named 
Reed conducted a general store there as early as 1855. The first depot 



444 HISTORY OK MdlKXRY COUNTY 

for the railroad at tliis point (Chicago & Northwestern system now) was 
shipped out from Chicago on flat cars. That was in 1856. It was set 
down carefully, just where the old Fox River Valley crossed the "North- 
western. - " Then, Xunda the village had not even been thought of. This 
station house was for the accommodation of the workmen, and being fear- 
ful of the high winds, it was staked down to the right-of-way. Finally 
Nunda sprung up and flourished under that name many years, and was 
finally incorporated as a village, but with the several Crystal Lake corpo- 
rations it was decided at an election not long since that Nunda should 
be merged with the Crystal Lake villages, and so it is today. 

barrevii.i.i: 

This was the name given to a eolleetion of houses or hamlet in this 
township. Thomas Combs built a store there, and about it grew the small 
place. A mill was built in 1857 and carried on successfully by its 
proprietor, Mr. Ferguson, until his death in 1865. Patterson Bros, 
owned the mill later, and still later it was owned by Messrs. McCord and 
J. F. Thompson. It was finally owned by Louis Munch, who in 1884 
remodeled it and made "'patent flour" there. 

Iu the spring of 1881, a butter and cheese factory was built at Barre- 
ville by E. F. Matthews at a cost of $3,000. 

In 1854 a post office was established on Silver Lake Prairie, and the 
first postmaster was Russell Stanton. About 1864 the offiee was moved 
to Barreville, with Fred Bryant as postmaster. 

The early business and professional men of Nunda included the fol- 
lowing: Crystal Lake Pickling and Canning Co., G. H. Clayson, Nunda 
Flour Mills, Gilbert & St. Clair, E. Beckley, J. Goodwin. Philip Roberts. 
J. A. Sheldon, Piatt & Pinney, C. II. Stone, Smith Bros., Dr. George 
Horn, G. E. Dickinson, M. M. Hulburt, W. T. Hamilton, Ilartman & 
Barnes. Edgar Beckley & Son, A. M. Clark, D. W. Wattlers, P. W. 
Stark, 0. C. Colby, J. X. Powell, P. A. England, D. Williams, J. F. 
Whefiton & Son., Dr. E. Ballou, Dr. C. C. Watson, and Robert Rowley. 

The history of the village corporation is included in that of Crystal 
Lake and will be found in the township history of Algonquin. Of the 
post offiee, it may be stated in this connection that one was established 
at Nunda Center about three miles north of the village, and James Mc- 
Millen was the postmaster. The office was moved to the village in 1855, 
and called Dearborn, but the name was later changed to Nunda. 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 445 

TERRA COTTA 

Terra Cotta, a station (in the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, located 
on section 21 of Nunda Township, is home of the third largest terra 
cotta plant in the United States. This plant is the principal interest of 
the settlement, employment here being given to an average of 300 people. 
An account of this industry and the American Terra Cotta and Ceramic 
Company, is given in the chapter on Railroads and Industrial Enter- 
prises. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 Nunda Township had a population of 1,805 ; in 1900 it was 
1,965, in 1910 it was at 2,110, including parts of Crystal Lake and North 
Crystal Lake corporations, and in 1920 it was 2,321. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Nunda Township : Super- 
visor, A. H. Hale; assessor, George L. Bryant; clerk, H. A. Rowley; 
highway commissioner, John Pierson : justice of the peace, P. F. Hunt ; 
constable, George J. Chlert. 



CHAPTER XXXVII 
RICHMOND TOWNSHIP 



BOUNDARIES — FIRST SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — VILLAGE OF RICHMOXI 

POST OFFICE — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS MUNICIPAL HISTORY SOLON 

MILLS — ORIGIN OF SWEET BY AND BY — POPULATION TOWNSHIP OF- 
FICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Richmond Township in the northeastern part of McHenry County, 
is bounded on the north by the State of Wisconsin ; on the east by Burton 
Township ; on the south by McHenry Township ; and on the west by 
Hebron Township. It is a well-watered township, its streams being the 
North and South Branches whose waters find their way into the Fox 
river. Twin Lakes have a small outlet which flows into the Nippersink. 
The surface of this portion of McHenry County is nearly level and is 
well adapted to general agriculture. Where needed, there has been con- 
siderable tile drain put into the land and this is annually being carried 
on. 

FIRST SETTLERS 

To Hon. William A. McConnell belongs the distinction of having 
been the first pioneer to invade the prairie wilds of this township. He 
located here in 1837 and built a log cabin 16x18 feet. Following him 
came Charles A. Noyes, John Purdy, Todd Francis, Daniel Newcombe, 
William and Alexander Gardner, Stephen Pardee and R. R. Crosby, the 
majority of whom arrived in 1838. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first white person to die in this township was Francis Purdy. 
who passed away in August, 1839, and was buried in the Richmond Cem- 
etery. One week later, Hannah Thomas passed from earth. She was 
the daughter of Briggs and Amy Thomas. 

446 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 447 

The first white child born in the township was Sarah, daughter of 
John and Pamelia Purdy ; the date of her birth was July 4, 1839. 

The earliest marriage of parties living within this township was that 
of Andrew Kennedy and Laura "Warner, in 1844. 

Alexander and David Williams commenced erecting a sawmill in 1838, 
on the Nippersink Creek. Later this mill became the property of Henry 
and John W. White. The last two mentioned built a gristmill at Solon in 
1840, the first of its kind in the county. 

The oldest burying ground in this township is the one at the village 
of Richmond. Another cemetery was established at Solon very soon after 
the one at Richmond. Another in the White schoolhouse district, was 
among the first to be in general use. 

VILLAGE OF RICHMOND 

Richmond was platted in 1844 by Charles Cotting and Theodore 
Purdy. It is situated on sections 9 and 16, and is on the banks of Nip- 
persink Creek. The same year that the village was platted, Messrs. Cot- 
ting and Purdy built a gristmill, and at its frame raising (a great 
event those days) the offer was made by its owners that whoever climbed 
to the top of the building could have the naming of the new village. 
Isaac M. Reed reached the top of the building and named the place 
Richmond, after a favorite town of his in Vermont. At first this township 
was named Montelona, but later it took that of Richmond. 

Charles Noyes erected the first house in the village of Richmond. 
This was built of logs and was 20x24 feet in size. Ralph Andrews was 
the pioneer wagonmaker, and David C. Andrews was the first black- 
smith ; the first lawyer was ( '. K. Young and the pioneer physician was 
Dr. Hessett. 

Of a somewhat later date, the business and professional factors in 
Richmond were as follows: F. W. Mead, George Alfs, Robert Johnnott, 
H. Chevillin, A. P. Gray, Dr. I. B. Rice, A. R. Alexander, Downing & 
Dennison, John West, C. E. Culver, H. F. Boutell, Milan Hicks, C. F. 
Paxton, Aldrich & Burton, C. F. Hall & Co., D. A. Potter, Smith & Hay- 
thorn, John Billings, Cropper & Co. With the many changes in the 
passing of multiplied years down to the present, the village has never 
ceased to progress with other parts of the county. 

A fine modern public school building was erected in 1910. It is a 
two-story and basement structure. It has six main rooms and there are 
seven teachers. Its first session was held, commencing January 1, 1911. 



Us HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

This bunding was built at the cost of $25,000, but it is stated that $40,000 
would not build such a structure today. 

POST OFFICE 

The post office here is a third-class one and has two rural free delivery 
routes connected with it — No. 1 in charge of Clyde Wilson; No. 2 in 
charge of F. G. Motley. These routes are about twenty-nine miles in 
length. The postmasters, since the establishment of the office, have been : 
William McGonnell, appointed 1838, who was succeeded by William 
Adams, D. Bennett, Luther Emmons, Dr. Stone, Allen Potter, J. V. 
Aldrich, D. A. Potter, Marcus Foot, J. V. Aldrich. J. T. Bower, J. V. 
Aldrich and W. P. Stevens, who was commissioned in 1914. 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS 

The village erected a large town hall for general public purposes in 
1900 at a cost of $15,000, and it is known as '"Memorial Hall." It was 
named for Charles DeWitt McConnell who donated $10,000 toward its 
building. 

MUNICIPAL HISTORY 

Richmond is an incorporated village and has been so ever since 1872, 
when its first officials were elected as follows: Dr. F. S. Bennett, presi- 
dent; A. R. Alexander, clerk; J. V. Aldrich, treasurer; D. A. Potter, 
magistrate ; Alanson Brown, constable ; and Dr. S. F. Bennett, John 
Haythorn, George Purdy, William Purdy, John Halian and J. R. Hyde, 
trustees. 

The presidents and clerks for the village from 1884 (no record prior 
to that date) have been as follows: 

Presidents G. W. Eldridge 1898-01 

,,. , 1W 1S o, E. C. Covell 1902-19 

Richard Wray 1884 

J. W. Haythorn 1885-86 

Daniel Dennison 1887 

L. W. Howe 1888-89 F. W. Mead . . . 1884 

P. K. Wright 1890 Charles S. Green 1885-86 

F. E. Holmes 1891 E. R. Bennett 1887 

•I. T. Bower 1892-1900 William Sherman 1888 

George McConnel 1894-98 L. W. Nichols 1889-90 



Clerks 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 449 

Clerks— Continued F. B. McConnell 1902-07 

G. E. Eldridge 1891 R. G. Scott 1908-15 

John Holian 1892-97 R. F. Parsons 1917 

II. J. Kimball 1894-96 J. T. Bower 1918-19 

II. W. Aldrich 1898-16 E. C. Covell 

PRESENT OFFICIALS 

The following are the village officials of Richmond : president, E. C. 
Covell; clerk, J. T. Bower; treasurer, J. N. Burton; magistrate, J. F. 
Brown; marshal, W. H. Reed; trustees, J. B. Richardson, Fred Arp, 
\Y. A. McConnell, F. H. Bell, Robert Walkington. 

SOLON MILLS 

Solon Mills was among the first settled communities in this county. 
1 1 is situated on section 26 and 27. A flour mill was built there at a 
very early date, but the property became entangled in endless litigation 
and was of little value to the community. The old mill still stands a 
monument to legal folly and poor business judgment. The property 
and twenty acres of land on which it stands are now held bj' Chicago 
parties. It is on the bank of Nippersink Creek. With the failure of 
the milling interests, and the springing up of other villages near by, 
Solon has never taken on much commercial importance, but has a few 
business interests. It is in a splendid farm and stock country. Lands 
are selling for high prices and the demand for substantial commodities 
is steady. 

ORIGIN OF ' ' IN THE SWEET BY-AND-BY ' ' 

To but very tew who have heard since childhood's happiest hour that 
now immortal song, "In the Sweet By-and-By," is it known that this 
popular song was composed and set to music in Richmond, but such is 
the fact. Dr. S. E. Bennett, for so many years one of Richmond's fore- 
most citizens, is the author. He located here in 1859 at the age of 
twenty-three years, taking charge of the public schools as principal, 
and held that position for two years, then going to Elkhorn, but 
returned in 1871 and again took charge of the school work for one year. 
He then attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was 
graduated in 1874, when he began the practice of medicine, continuing 
it for more than twenty-five years or until his death in 1898. During 



450 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 

his residence in Richmond he became associated with J. P. Webster, a 
musical composer. They were associated together for several years, dur- 
ing which time they published a number of hymns, the leading one being 
that immortal one, "In the Sweet By and By," now translated in 
all languages of the civilized world. 

1 1 appears from writings of Mr. Richards, in his Woodstock Reminis- 
cences, that "Doctor Bennett and Professor Webster, a musician, were 
in a corner store at Richmond and that .something was said in desponding 
mood. Someone said, 'Oh, that will be all right in the sweet by and by,' 
whereat Doctor Bennett turned to his desk and in a few minutes handed 
the poem to Professor Webster, saying 'how will that do?' Professor 
Webster took his violin and in a little time composed the music. It was 
then sung and approved by those present, and given to the world." 

POPULATION 

Richmond Township had a population in 1890 of 1,212; in 1900, 
1.49S; in 1910 its population was 1,472; and in 1920, 1,448. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Richmond Township: 
supervisor, P. B. McConnell ; assessor, John Collison ; clerk, J. T. Bower : 
highway commissioner. Henry Yogel ; justice of the peace, William H. 
Rotnour; constables, John Collison and W. H. Reed. 






CHAPTER XXXVIII 
RILEY TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY SETTLERS PIONEER EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES SOUTH RILEY POPULATION TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY 

Riley Township is the southwestern subdivision of the county, and 
comprises congressional township 43, range 5. It is bounded on the 
north by Marengo Township ; on the east by Coral Township ; on the 
south by Kane County, and on the west by Boone County. Coon Creek, 
with two of its tributaries, furnishes the water courses for the territory 
within the township. The streams are small and not as numerous as in 
other parts of the county, but the township is among the best agricultural 
sections. It is almost exclusively prairie land and even as long ago as 
fifty years, the farms were spoken of as being among the best in Northern 
Illinois. 

EARLY SETTLERS 

This township was first settled by T. W. Cobb, Roswell Bates, N. E. 
Barnes, Jenkins Underwood and Osborn Underwood. These persons 
came in between 1836 and 1843. Whitman Cobb arrived here in 1836, 
and possibly several more of the men just named were pioneers of the 
same year. Cobb continued a resident of the township until 1874, when 
he moved to Warren, 111. Three years later, however, he returned to 
Riley Township, and died here soon afterwards. Samuel Smith came 
in 1837, and Russell Baily in 1838. All of these men made permanent 
homes within the township. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

The first white child born within this township was Ezra 0. Knapp, 
a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knapp. 

The first death was that of Samuel Smith in 1837. 

451 



452 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 

Spencer Flanders and Caroline Cobb were united in marriage by 
Ward Burley, a justice of the peace, August 19, 1841, this being the 
firsl wedding in the township. 

Dr. Alberl E. Smith was the township's first physician. He settled 
here in 1837, remained several years, and was followed by Dr. John 
Wentworth, who was in active practice until his death. 

It was said of this township in 1*77: "Having plenty of facilities in 
adjoining townships, they have erected no church buildings within its 
limits. The population for many years was about evenly divided between 
the Congregationalists and the Methodists. Meetings were frequently 
held in nearby schoolhouses. " 

From the start, this township has been alive to the value of a good 
common school system and has improved every opportunity given it 
along this line. 

The township was among, if not the very first in the county to pro- 
vide itself with a good town hall, centrally located, where it held its 
elections and transacted all business, while other townships put up with 
the schoolhouse that happened to be situated nearest by for all such 
affairs. 

It had a cheese factory in the early seventies. It also was early 
among the townships of the county to set out fruit trees and reaped the 
reward of such action by later harvesting large crops of luscious apples 
and cherries. 

CEMETERIES 

The earliest cemetery was laid out at a very early date, nearly in 
the center of the township. 

Another small burying ground was laid out close to the Kane County 
line. 

SOUTH RILEY 

What was known as South Riley post office was established very early 
in the southwest quarter of section 27. A store and blacksmith shop 
were maintained there for a time. With the coming of the free rural 
mail delivery system the post office was discontinued, since which time 
the people of the township have traded at Marengo or other nearby 
points. 

POPULATIi i.N 

Iii 1890 Riley Township had a population of 830: in 1900, 915; in 
1910, 822; and in 1920. 717. 








V £? 




a H^7/ 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 453 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Riley Township: super- 
visor, H. H. Barber; assessor, C. Macke\-; clerk, Cleo Anthony; highway 
commissioner, H. H. Dunbar; justices of the peace, Roy Griebel and 
R. W. Metealf ; constables, A. Stockwell and Frank Griebel. 



CHAPTER XXXIX 
SENECA TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN OF NAME — FIRST SETTLERS — PIONEER EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES — SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES — FRANKLINVILLE POPULATH >.\" — 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Seneca Township is one of the central subdivisions of the county, 
being composed of all of congressional township 44, range 6, and is 
bounded on the north by Hartland Township; on the east by Dorr Town- 
ship: on the south by Coral Township, and on the west by Marengo 
Township. As an agricultural section it has no superior in all this part 
of Illinois. The fertile, gentle rolling land has been put in a high state 
of cultivation. Originally, this township was heavily timbered on the 
west side of its domain, and nearly all of the houses of the early times 
were built of excellent varieties of solid oak cut from the nearby forests. 

ORIGIN OF NAME 

Seneca was the name of a powerful Indian tribe in western New 
York, from which many of the first settlers to this township came, hence 
they named the township to which they moved after that Indian tribe 
of the far away Empire State. 

FIRST SETTLERS 

It is stated on good authority that the first white man to invade what 
is now known as Seneca Township was E. Pettitt, who came in 1835. 
His selection of land was subsequently known as the Sponsable farm. 
John Belder also arrived that year from La Porte, Ind., and he lived 
here for many years. Jedediah Rogers, a Vermont Yankee, was another 
settler of 1835. In 1836 Russell Diggins moved from St. Lawrence 
County, X. Y., to Seneca Township, and his wife died soon after their 
arrival in this township. Her death was the first known within the 

454 



HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 455 

township. A claim was taken up by a Mr. Woodard in 1836, but he left 
it before the Civil War period. Another permanent settler was Robert 
G. White, who came in 1836 and remained until his death in 1871. It 
was he who built the first saw-mill in the township. Eli Craig came in 
1836, and in 1838 was elected a constable. During the latter year came 
to the township as settlers the following: Amos Damon, Captain Silas 
Chatfield, Joseph Hanna, Solomon Baldwin, Christopher Sponsable, 
Whitman Cobb and Ephriam Rogers. The next season the arrivals to 
the township were: M. Dickenson, John Ackerson, Peter Deitz, Clark 
Wix and Spencer Flanders. In 1840 the permanent settlers were: 
Leander Bishop, John White, William Sponsable and Salem Stowell. 
Another account given of the township's settlement says that the first 
band of settlers included Jasper Havens, Levi Morsey and Joseph Hanna, 
all of whom came from Virginia in 1835-36. A Mr. Albro was the first 
settler at Franklinville, coming there in the autumn of 1836. 

PIONEER EVENTS 

A Mr. White and his family came into the township in about 1836, 
settling in section 29, where soon after White & Son put up a saw-mill 
at the junction of the Middle and North branches of the Kishwaukee. 
A little later George Smith & Co. erected a flour-mill on the same stream 
on section 30, and this was doing a good business late in the eighties. 
The township had another saw-mill, built by Anderson & Graves in 1844. 
From quite an early day the principal business of the township was its 
dairy industry. A cheese factory was erected at Franklinville in 1868. 
Later this was bought by Doctor Stone and moved to a site not far 
distant, and was there used as a feed store. Still later it w-as converted 
into a feed-mill and butter and cheese factory. The next year Mr. 
Bigelow put up a second factory on his farm a mile to the west of the 
village of Franklinville. Subsequently this was sold to I. Boies of 
Marengo. 

In literary affairs Seneca Township, from a very early time, has been 
second to none in the county. A literary society was organized and met 
semi-monthly, its object being largely to procure good books as cheaply 
as possible. When the books had been well read by the community they 
were auctioned off and more new»ones provided. 

As to the market prices in this township between 1836 and 1850, let 
it be stated for a fact that those who dealt at Franklinville (known a 
long time as "Snarltown") sold their eggs at five cents a dozen and 



456 



HISTORY OF MtHKNRY COUNTY 



their butter al ten cents a pound, in trade. Corn brought a shilling a 
bushel, in barter. 

In putting down the rebellion in the Civil War, Seneca took an 
active part, one family named Penman, within the limits of the township, 

sending every member, to wit: father, mother, four sons, daughter and 
son-in-law. And what is still more wonderful, every member of that 
household returned in safety. 

Perhaps the crowning glory of the township took place on Fourth of 
July, 1876, Centennial Year, at which time Mayor Donnelly, having 
offered a flag to the township bringing the biggest delegation to the 
Woodstock celebration, Seneca brought in nearly eight hundred people, 
and carried away the coveted prize. 

CEMETERIES 

The first burial place was between Woodstock and Franklinville. 

Franklinville Cemetery was laid out in 1839 by the common consent 
of the pioneer settlers, but especially by the members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mrs. Lazarus was the first to be buried at that place. 

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES 

The first school in Seneca Township was taught by Mrs. Stevens, 
the wife of G. B. Stevens, at their residence, one mile south of Franklin- 
ville, in 1840. The first sehoolhouse was erected in Pranklinville. 

The earliest religious meetings were held at the home of G. B. Stevens 
in 1839, by Rev. Leander Walker, and he and Rev. Nathaniel Jewett 
preached alternately every four weeks at private residences until 1849, 
when the Methodists built their church at Franklinville. 



FRANKLINVILLE 

This is a little community or hamlet, situated in section 22, about 
four miles southwest of Woodstock. It was first known as Snarltown. 
but the name was later changed to Franklinville in honor of Franklin 
Stringer, a spirited, highly enterprising citizen of the township. The 
reason assigned for the first and peculiar name of this hamlet is said to 
have been on account of a man named George Albrow. who immigrated 
hither from New York State. He possessed so contrary a nature that 
had he lived in later days he probably would have been termed a 
"grouch." In those days, his habit of snarling at everyone gained for 
him the name "Snarl"' Albrow. Hence the village that grew up around 



HISTORY OF McHBNRT COUNTY 457 

him was railed after him, but fortunately this nomenclature was soon 
abandoned in favor of one given in honor of a much worthier personage. 

A Mr. Lockwood opened a store on section 22, and began trading with 
the neighboring farmers, and after one year he exchanged his store for 
one owned by a -Mr. Robinson of Geneva, 111. Robinson was in time 
succeeded by Ilarley Wayne, who in 1843 took in George T. Kasson as 
a partner. Kasson bought out Wayne and formed a partnership with 
l'. T. Hyde, and they opened a second store. Norman Brebhall was the 
Hist blacksmith to kindle his glowing forge in the hamlet. In 1843, 
through the efforts of ' ' Long ' ' John Wentworth, then congressman from 
this district, a post office was established at Franklinville, which at first 
was called Belden, and Sylvester Mead was appointed postmaster. He 
was followed by H. Wayne, and he by G. T. Kasson. The office was 
abandoned in 1866, and for six years there was no post office, but in 
1872 Carrie Deitz was appointed as postmistress. Franklinville is now 
served by rural free delivery. 

The community still known as Franklinville has a Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, a charge out from Woodstock ; a store and blacksmith 
shop. In its early days it had high hopes of becoming the seat of justice 
and ranking among the best places of the county, but time changes the 
best laid plans of men. 

The Seneca Ladies' Literary Society of this hamlet was organized in 
1855, and has been in continuous service ever since. The first work 
undertaken was to help raise funds at a charge of five cents each two 
weeks, for the Mount Vernon Association. It early established a library 
and exerted an influence for good in various ways. It has now adopted 
and is supporting a French orphan. Mrs. Martha Rose, now of Marengo, 
was an early librarian there and is still an honorary member on its rolls. 

POPULATION 

In 1890 Seneca Township had a population of 1,046, including a 
part of Union village in Coral Township; in 1900, 1,105; in 1910, 1,023, 
and in 1920, 940. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS 

The following are the township officials of Seneca Township: super- 
visor, E. F. Kuecker ; assessor, R. M. Bean; clerk, Roy Andrews; highway 
commissioner, Henry A. Russell ; justice of the peace, Philip Andrews ; 
constable, James Welch. 



J