Class
Book
/
THE
HI 8TOET
STEPHENSON COUNTY.
ILLIx\OIS,
CONTAINING
% ]| istorq; uF lip Somthj, its Stltes, Uoums, &t.,
Biographical Sketches of Citizens, War Record of its Volunteers
< in the late Rebellion, General and Local Statistics, Portraits
of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, History of the
Northwest, History of Illinois, Map of Stephenson
County, Constitution of the United States,
Miscellaneous Matters, &c, &e.
&4 $71 • &y ■
ILIiTTSTDR.A.TIEI}.
CHICAGO :
WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY,
1880.
PREFACE.
rj^HE following pages, assuming to relate a history of Stephenson County from
its earliest settlement to the present day, owe their appearance to the enter-
prise of an historical company, supplemented by the demand of a generous pub-
lic. In its preparation, sources of information have been sought and appropria-
tions freely made from presumably authentic data. No claim is made to origin-
ality, and numerous mistakes will doubtless be discovered, especially by those
disposed to be hypercritical. In a work of such magnitude, these are unavoid-
able.
The author cannot pretend to have acquitted himself to his own satisfac-
tion, though he has labored diligently to furnish a reliable, if yet an imperfect,
compilation of facts and events which are alleged to have occurred in Stephen-
son County since the days when Kellogg, Kirker, Robey, Timms and others
rejoiced to get into the wilderness. Whatever of merit or demerit the book col '
tains remains for the reader to discover, and his judgment may be unprejudiced
if he finds no word of promise on the introductory page.
In conclusion, he desires to make his acknowledgments to the Pioneers who
still survive, to the Press, the ' ; cloth," the public officers, County, State and
Federal, and other mediums of communication, not alone for " history," but for
many kind acts, and much else that may contribute to whatever of success shall
greet the succeeding pages.
A preface is generally regarded as the substitute for an apology. The
author indulges the hope that, in equaling reasonable expectations, the substi-
tute will be adopted by his readers.
M. H. Tilden.
Chicago, September, 1880.
\i
CHICAGO:
CULVER, PAGE, HOYNE & CO., PRINTERS
IIS and 120 Monroe Street.
CONTENTS.
HISTORY NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
Page.
History Northwest Territory 19
Geographical Position 19
Early Explorations 20
Discovery of the Ohio 32
English Explorations and Set-
tlements 34
American Settlements 59
Division of the Northwest Ter-
ritory , 65
Tecumseh and the War of 1812 69
Black Hawk and the Black
Hawk War 73
Page.
History of Ohio 93
French History 96
Ordinance of 1787, No. 32 105
The War of 1812 122
Banking 126
The Canal System 128
Ohio Land Tracts 129
Improvements 132
Boundary Lines 136
Organization of Counties, and
Early Events 137
Governors of Ohio 160
Page.
History of Ohio:
Ancient Works 174
Some General Characteristics...l77
Outline Geology of Ohio 179
Ohio's Rank During the War..l82
A Brief Mention of Prominent
Ohio Generals 191
Some Discussed Subjects 196
Conclusion 200
Page.
Source of the Mississippi 22
La Salle Landing on the Shore of
Green Bay 24
Buffalo Hunt 26
Trapping 28
Mouth of the Mississippi 31
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page.
High Bridge 33
Pontiac, the Ottawa Chieftain 42
Indians Attacking Frontiersmen.. 55
Present Site Lake Street Bridge,
Chicago, 1833 58
A Pioneer Dwelling 60
Lake Bluff. 62
Tecumseh, the Shawanoe Chieftain 68
Indians Attacking a Stockade 71
Black Hawk, the Sac Chieftain 74
Perry's Monument, Cleveland 91
Niagara Falls 92
/
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS
Page.
Adoption of Children 132
Bills of Exchange and Promissory
Notes 123
County Courts 127
Conveyances , 136
Church Organizations 157
Descent 123
Deeds and Mortgages 129
Drainage 135
Damages from Trespass 139
Definition of Commercial Terms....l43
Exemptions from Forced Sales 128
Estrays 129
Fences 138
Forms :
Articles of Agreement 145
Bills of Purchase 144
Bills of Sale 146
Bonds 146
Page.
Forms :
Chattel Mortgages 147
Codicil 157
Lease of Farm and Build-
ings 149
Lease of House 150
Landlord's Agreement 150
Notes 144
Notice Tenant to Quit 151
Orders 144
Quit Claim Deed 153
Receipt 144
Real Estate Mortgaged to Secure
Payment of Money 151
Release 154
Tenant's Agreement 150
Tenant's Notice of Leaving 151
Warranty Deed 152
Will 155
Page.
Game 13o
Interest 123
Jurisdiction of Courts 126
Limitation of Action 127
Landlord and Tenant 139
Liens 142
Married Women 127
Millers 131
Marks and Brands 131
Paupers 136
Roads and Bridges 133
Surveyors and Surveys 132
Suggestions to Persons Purchasing
Bunks by Subscription 168
Taxes 126
Wills and Estates 124
Weigh ts and Measures 130
Wolf Scalps 136
Page.
Map of Stephenson County Front
Constitution of the U. S 160
Electors President and Vice Pre-i-
dent 172
Practical Rules fur Every Day Use.173
U. S. Government Land Measure. ..176
Agi cultural Productions of Illinois
by Counties, 1870 186
MISCELLANEOUS.
Page.
Surveyors' Measure 177
How to Keep Accounts 177
Interest Table 178
Miscellaneous Tables 178
Names of the States of the Union
and their Signification 179
Population of Fifty Principal Cities
of the United States 180
Page.
Population of the United States 180
Population of the Principal Coun-
tries in the World 181
Population of Illinois 182-183
State Laws Relatingto Interest 184
State LawsRelating to Limitations
of Actions 185
IV
CONTENTS.
BISTORT OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
PAGE.
Topography 189
Geological Formations 191
Quaternary Deposits 193
Indian Occupation 200
Indian Troubles — Black Hawk
War 203
County Roster 217
Early Settlements 219
Mormon Meddlings 262
Wallace Suicide 267
The Boardman Murder 269
Mexican War v 272
Railroads 273
Famine of 1848 280
Township Organization 280
The Hegira to California, 1849 281
Cholera Visitations 284
Completion of the C. & G. U. R. R....285
Educational Facilities 287
The Panic of 1857 289
County Buildings 298
Stephenson County Society of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons 301
Stephenson County Farmer's Co-
operative Association 301
Stephenson County Agricultural
Society 302
Patrons of Husbandry 303
Old Settlers' Association 303
Criminal Records 304
War Record 308
Volunteer Roster 315
Soldiers' Monument 344
PAGE.
Agricultural Statistics 361
Assessment Tables 362-363
Population, 1880 364
Freeport 365
Official Roster 389
Fire Department 391
Police 393
Educational 394
Press 401
Water Power 425
Gas Works 426
Young Men's Library Associa-
tion 427
Banks 427
German Insurance Company....429
Telephone Exchange 430
Post Office 431
Cemetery 432
Parks 433
Opera House 433
Munn's Building 433
Fry's Building 434
Brewster House 434
Taylor's Driving Park 435
Religious 436
Odd Fellows 454
Masonic 456
Military 461
Temperance 462
Other Societies 463
Mills 467
Breweries 468
Manufactures 470
PAGE.
Rock Grove Township 482
Rock Grove Village 485
Rock Run Township 486
Davis 488
Rock City 492
Dakota Township 495
Dakota Village 495
Silver Creek Township 499
Loran Township 500
Jefferson Township 502
Erin Township 504
Dublin Settlement 506
Eleroy 507
Harlem Township 509
Kent Township 513
Ridott Township 515
Ridott Village 517
West Point Township 520
Lena 522
Buckeye Township 535
Cedarville 537
Buckeye Center 542
Buena Vista 543
Waddams Township 543
New Pennsylvania 544-
Winslow Township 545
Winslow 550
Oneco Township 552
Orangeville 554
Oneco 560
Florence Township 560
Lancaster Township 562
PORTRAITS.
PAGE.
John H. Addanis 277
Smith D. Atkins 403
Horatio C. Burchard 367
A. A. Babcock 385
Ross Babcock 493
L. A. Babcock 475
Thomas Hunt 547
M. Hettinger 349
PAGE.
D. A. Knowlton 295
Jacob Krohn 439
A. A. Krape 529
George W. Loveland 565
Pells Manny 241
Chancellor "Martin 189
L. L. Munn 457
George Purinton 223
PAGE.
C. H. Rosenstiel 313
V. Stoskopf 331
Jared Sheetz ...259
0. H. Wright 205
Ira Winchell 511
William Young 421
TOWNSHIPS.
PAGE.
Buckeye 741
Dakota 769
Erin 703
Freeport City 611
Florence 675
Harlem 683
PAGE.
Jefferson 701
Kent 663
Lancaster 752
Loran 695
Oneco 710
Ridott 778
PAGE.
Rock Grove 732
Rock Run 759
Silver Creek 678
Waddams 669
West Point 720
Winslow 666
*■**.
n ae i •
The Northwest Territory.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the
" New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old " Northwestern
Territory."
In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States,
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula-
tion, at the present time, of 13,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of
the entire population of the United States.
Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial vallej-s and far-
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent
on the globe.
For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North-
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United
States.
(19)
20 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
EARLY EXPLORATIONS.
In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New
World. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 35th parallel
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by
DeSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer
took advantage of these discoveries.
In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the
wild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene-
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which
run into Lake Huron ; and in 1634, two Jesuit missionaries founded the
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary,
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent
result; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes,
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude
Allouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette
founded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen-
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were
taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at
Point St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac.
During M. Talon's explorations and Marquette's residence at St.
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied
— as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come.
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 21
request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe-
dition, prepared for the undertaking.
On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist-
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voyage of
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But,
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar-
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows,
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake.
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to
Joliet, said : " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun-
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage,
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin,
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were
now upon the bosom of ths Father of Waters. The mystery was about
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of
22
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold bluffs on either hand
" reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab-
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas-
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors.
SOURCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person.
After remaining a few days they re-embarked and descended the river to
about latitude 33°, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 23
up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois,
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, " did we see
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards,
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River."
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the age, but of
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — he asked
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe,
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefully passed away while at
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been
called Marquette.
While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre-
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin.
After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific,
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind
of LaSalle received from his and his companions' stories the idea that by fol-
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to
Prontenac, Governor General of Canada, and laid before him the plan,
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un-
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis-
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized.
LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who
warmly approved of them, and made him a Chevalier. He also received
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Chev-
24
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joined
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed
on to Green Bay, the " Baie des Puans" of the French, where he found
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors,
LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN BAY.
started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard
of. He remained about these parts until early in the Winter, when, hear-
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty working
men and three monks— and started again upon his great undertaking.
By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by
the Indians, "Theakeke," wolf, because of the tribes of Indians called
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans, dwelling there. The
French pronounced it Kiakiki, which became corrupted to Kankakee.
"Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the
country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Illi-
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 25
no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstuff's,
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi-
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored,
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening,
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-i-te-wi, that
is, a place where there are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel.
He called this fort " Orevecoeur'''' (broken-heart), a name expressive of the
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship.
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered.
While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour-
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and
was successfully made, though over an almost unknown route, and in a
bad season of the year. He safely reached Cana ia, and set out again for
the object of his search.
Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecoeur on the last of February,
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen-
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy-
age they found several beautiful lakes, and " saw some charming prairies."
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony
26
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages.
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen,
BUFFALO HUNT.
headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene-
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior ; and with these fellow-
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went
to France, where he published an account of his adventures.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 27
The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring,
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander-
ings, fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers,
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them-
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called brig-
antines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba.
They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi; but,
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country,
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through.
To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1682, he and his band of
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed
the Portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February
reached the banks of the Mississippi.
On the 13th they commenced their downward course, which they
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis-
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event :
" We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de La Salle
went to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti
meanwhile examined the great middle channel. They found the main
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the eighth we reascended the river,
a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the
reach of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here about
twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to
the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription :
" Louis Le Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre, regne ; Le neuvieme April, 1682."
The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te Deum, and then, after
a salute and cries of " Vive le Hoi" the column was erected by M. de
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of
the King of France. La Salle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis-
sissippi settlements in Illinois ; thence he proceeded to France, where
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two
succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along
the shore of the gulf. On the third voyage he was killed, through the
28
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
treachery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not
accomplished until 1699, when D'Iberville, under the authority of the
crown, discovered, on the second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth
of the " Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives
" Malbouchia" and by the Spaniards, " la Palissade" from the great
^
^M^j
A/ } 9
^S^lpttwV^
TRAPPING.
number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets,
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its western
outlet, and returned to France.
An avenue of trade was now opened out which was fully improved.
In 1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colo-
nists. In 1762, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 29
the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown
open to France and the world an immense and most valuable country ;
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu-
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecceur,)
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored."
The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois,
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil-
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of
these missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest,
dated " Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de lTmmaculate Conception de
la Sainte Vierge, le 9 Noveinbre, 1712." Soon after the founding of
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort Crevecceur. This must have been
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river,
(pronounced Wa-ba, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly} was estab-
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob-
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta-
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts were being
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle-
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England
in 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law,
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and who with his
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away.
From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis-
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated
« There is considerable dispute about this date, some asserting it was founded as late as 1742. When
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all authorities on the subject were, carefully examined, and
1702 fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engraved on the corner-stone of the court house.
30 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company
did little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says: "We have here whites, negroes and
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages,
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all
told. Most of the French till the soil ; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New
Orleans." This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem-
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber,
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans,
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty -five
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas,
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river
traders. * * * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
31
work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at
Vincennes in 181 2, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada.
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large
pieces are found in the streams."
MOUTH OP THE MISSISSIPPI.
At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan,
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac,
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of
LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country,
32 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for
securing the great profits arising therefrom.
The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the
DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO.
This " Beautiful" river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La-
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet
and Marquette.
While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois.
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition.
While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state-
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream.
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to
the commerce of China and Japan.
He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov-
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant,
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro-
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul-
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition,
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money,
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the
necessary supplies for the outfit.
On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons,
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed.
The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
33
from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence.
On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving
HIGH BRIDGE, LAKE BLUFF, LAKE ' COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks.
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume
their journey ; but just as they were about to start they heard of the
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved
to be Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He
34 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
had been sent by the Canadian Government to explore the copper mines
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec.
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers,
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field.
These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian.
After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669.
The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony-
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why .the French
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec
replied : " We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley."
ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS.
When the new year of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri-
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 35
conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as
1710, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movements to
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov-
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces-
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, by that
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain
to this unexplored wilderness.
England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all her claim.
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat-
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord H oward, Gov-
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei-
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations.
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of
Virginia," for which the Indians received <£200 in gold and a like sum in
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid.
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa-
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment,
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun-
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French
36 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain
possession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud-
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel-
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and
within the memory of residents now living along the " Oyo," as the
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society,
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not,
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees,
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville,
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur-
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng-
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison.
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri-
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones
Pickaweke."
* The following is a translation of the inscription on the plate: "In the year 1749. reign of Louis XV.,
King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of Gallisoniere, com-
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, have
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoin, this twenty- ninth of July, near the river Ohio, otherwise
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all its
tributaries; inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by their arms and
treaties; especially by those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and Aix La Chapelle."
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY ' 37
This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter-
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter-
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing-
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan-
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June,
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts-
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban-
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour,
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley.
Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manceuvre
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con-
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni-
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758: " The Indians on the Ohio
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when
we wanted help, forsook us."
At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng-
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts
already begun, and would not abandon the field.
Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard-
38 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
ing the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from
them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank
of major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Monon-
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and
also heard of their determination not to come down the river till the fol-
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral.
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothing
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here
he delivered Governor Dinwiddie's letter, received his answer, took his
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one
but Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him,
notwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet
they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754.
From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications,
and gathered their forces to be in readiness.
The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 39
working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest.
" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet.,
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder-
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and
stores. * * * That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecoeur,
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men
and tools, marched up the Monongahela."
The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New-
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured*
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing-
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived.
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him-
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia.
The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755--6,
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions-
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those
40 'J-'UE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
acquainted with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. This
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle
of Monongahela, or " Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence-
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre-
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one,
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie,
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne,
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession,
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the
name to Fort Pitt.
The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor-
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13th, defeated
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor,
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal.
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain.
On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum-
moned the place to surrender. At first the commander of the post,
Beletre. refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41
French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom,
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while
on their journey home.
Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com-
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is,
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon
John's Town " on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork.
The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule.
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe-
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital.
The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as
far as Missillimacnac. Pontiac was then a great friend of the French,
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He
declared that no treaty had been made with them ; no presents sent
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation.
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies.
The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina,
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly
42
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 43
upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead.
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unite
in this enterprise.
The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 1768.
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton.
Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit.
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out,
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post.
Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764,
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark,
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went
further south, living many years among the Illinois.
He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed.
Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly
have been carried out.
It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex-
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief,
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said :
" Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not
44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these woods,
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance,
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains."
He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them,
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war.
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments.
In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre-
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon-
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question.
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to
France, and by France sold to the United States.
In the half century, from the 'building of the Fort of Crevecceur by
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set-
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia,
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St.
Louis.
By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England;
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him-
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage,
dated December 30, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath-
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen.
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that
chieftain- By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle-
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 45
ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed-
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon-
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom
he afterward lost his life.
As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga-
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing-
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts-
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort.
Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus-
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages.
He found there about sixty-five resident families, and at Cahokia only
forty-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main-
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts
Was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy
reach of Great Britain.
The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 1769 : " In the
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow."
In accordance with this policy, Gov. Gage issued a proclamation
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set-
tlements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they
46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend-
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern-
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor
that nation in the war which soon followed with the colonies ; but the
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side
of the war for independence.
In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration
to the Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealth.
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, who yet claimed
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and
driven across the Ohio.
During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies
and the perseverance of individuals, several settlements were firmly estab-
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling
themselves the " Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on
the east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer-
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes
as the agent of the association called the " Wabash Land Company." On
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com-
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th of
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the
"United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." They afterward made
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 47
strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all
signally failed.
When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor-
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders.
In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time
" Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in-
habitants — the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con-
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 " — when these observa-
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230
negroes."
From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following
extract is made :
" Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five
miles further up the river."
St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con-
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here
relate.
It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width.
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn,
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these
48 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six-
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten
to fifteen feet in width.
At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story,
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance,
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of
twenty -four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning
between nine and ten o'clock, Each furnished four sentinels, who were
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who per-
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset,
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand-
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians wer^e
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians.
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present " new "
town was laid out.
On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests,
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 49
and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway,
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state.
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. He
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes,
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British
intended to penetrate the country from the north and south, and annihi-
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel,
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives
might be easily awed into neutrality; and by spies sent for the purpose,
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on
November 5th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th,
Burgoyne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark-
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the
scene of action to be able to guide them.
Clark, having satisfied the Virginia leaders of the feasibility of his
plan, received, on the 2d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret,
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country.
With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi-
50 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
ston for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville,
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may
yet be found. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements,
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia.
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he
intended to inarch directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor-
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to
believe by the British that the " Long Knives" or Virginians, were the
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati-
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency.
The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun,
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without
the loss of a single man or by killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per-
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab-
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlooked
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom-
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 51
the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English
into the possession of Virginia.
In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession
of tke Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun-
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken.
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July,
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence
that the post on the "O^ache'' had taken the oath of allegiance to
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts,
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville,
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond.
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor,
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of
the Old Dominion through their Legislature.
In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle-
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton,
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault,
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend-
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort.
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail-
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of the
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the
force in the garrison.
Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio,
52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
and to annoy the Americans in all ways, and sat quietly down to pass the
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi-
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray.
On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back-
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind-
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement.
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him,
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General,"
by which he was ever afterward known.
Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con-
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts.
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from
the commencement, by the British.
" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might
have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed."
At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern-
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in-
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde-
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the
Ohio frontier, Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders,
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled
to sue for peace.
THE NORTHWEST TEIiKlTOKY. 53
During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian
conflicts. These laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature
sent four Virginians westward to attend to the various claims, over many
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis-
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle-
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur-
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth.
The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence,
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the
satisfaction of both nations.
The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the
"Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable
manner, they fled the country in great haste.
About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con-
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts
54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele-
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress
during the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep-
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body.
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative
measures which resulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture
and retention of that important post, the only unconquered one in the
territory.
Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun-
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establishing the Town
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of
American history as the ye&v in which occurred Arnold's treason to the
United States.
Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements.
Upon the 16th of April, 1781, the first birth north of the Ohio River of
American parentage occurred, being that of Mary Hecke welder, daughter
of the widely known Moravian missionary, whose band of Christian
Indians suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the
frontier settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of
their neighbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity,
a deed which forever afterwards cast a shade of shame upon their lives.
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and
1772 in the history of the Northwest.
During the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wyan-
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives,
many of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
55
frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers,
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky,
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destruc-
INDIANS ATTACKING FRONTIERSMEN.
tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon-
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th of
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was
56 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 3d of the next
September, the definite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ;
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi
River; down its center to the 81st parallel of latitude, then on that line
east to the head of the Appalachicola River ; down its center to its junc-
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by
the proper treaty.
To remedy this latter evil, Congress appointed commissioners to
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set-
tlement of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however,
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion.
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer-
sonville, Indiana.
While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in
appearance. He says :
" Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being
bought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila-
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 57
delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel."
Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances,
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year,
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no
entries were recorded until 1787.
The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They
held large tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the
surveys of the lands gained tliereby, as well as for those north of the
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through these much land
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. During the year 1786,
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga-
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 1783, declared
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded
between the two Governments. Before the close of the year 1786, how-
ever, it was able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con-
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without
the reservations. In addition to this, Congress afterward granted 100,000
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the
resolutions of 1739 and 1790.
58
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing
its claims before Congress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected.
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered,
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina.
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states
PRESENT SITE OE LAKE STREET BRIDGE, CHICAGO, IN 1S33.
by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the
northwest corner and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cher-
sonesus, Assenisipia, Mesopotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly-
potamia and Pelisipia.
There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of
names,— the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the resolu-
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 59
square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir-
ginia and Massachusetts,- they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved by
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was
again taken up by Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed,
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com-
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book,
and to it the reader is referred.
The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis.
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and,
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to the
New England Company. The petition was referred to the Treasury
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following-
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men,
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur-
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart-
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the od of October,
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest.
AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS.
The civil organization of the Northwest Territory was now com-
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been opened into
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled
on, and by April were all gathered on the Yohiogany, where boats had
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor.
60
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed
to administer them.
Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the
Northwest, said : " No colony in America was ever settled under
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum.
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu-
lated to promote the welfare of such a community."
A PIONEER PAVELLING.
On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new-
born city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block - houses stood
was called "Campus Martins ;" square number 19, " Capitolium ;" square
number 61, "Cecilia ;" and the great road through the covert way, " Sacra
Via." Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum,
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9,
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest,
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 61
under the first of which the whole power was invested in the hands of a
governor and three district judges. This was immediately formed upon
the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony passed on the 25th
of July. These provided for the organization of the militia, and on the
next daj r appeared the Governor's proclamation, erecting all that country
that had been ceded by the Indians east of the Scioto River into the
County of Washington. From that time forward, notwithstanding the
doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta prospered, and on the
2d of September the first court of the territory was held with imposing
ceremonies.
The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com-
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb-
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the
"Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they been
ready to receive them.
On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating
the terms of his contract and the plan of sale he intended to adopt. In
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest
in Symmes' purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which
they proposed to have a road cut from Lexington. The naming of the
town is thus narrated in the "Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that
were to inhabit it in after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being
interpreted, means : ville, the town ; anti, against or opposite to ; os, the
mouth ; L. of Licking."
Meanwhile, in July, Symmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse
teams under way for the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays-
ville) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789
caused the " Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers
removed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left
the " Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami,
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had
62
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr.
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788,
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they
were kindly treated by the Indians, but suffered greatly from the flood
of 1789.
On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inaug-
urated President of the American people, and during the next Summer,
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but
LAKE BLUFF.
The frontage of Lake Bluff Grounds on Lake Michigan, with one hundred and seventy feet of gradual ascent.
was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne,
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1795, the principal events were
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. Clair
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians ; but while
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee,
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men.
General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In August, 1794,
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th of July, the following year, the
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large
tract of country was ceded to the United States.
Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati.
Nearly all of the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 63
whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures,
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon-
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago,
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished.
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles.
The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern' boundary of
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river,
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house,
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was the best finished
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments
of the Northwestern Territory.
Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec-
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands.
These were generally discovered .in time to prevent the outrageous
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war.
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured.
No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Waj r ne, who
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head-
64 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan,
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle-
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators
began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red-
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians,
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that
part of the Northwest.
The election of representatives for the territory had taken place,
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with
a previous" ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg,
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President
of the Council.
The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of
Gen. St. Clair.
The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by
the Governor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro-
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to the
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 65
DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain,
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution.
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that :
" In the three western countries there has been but one court having
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim-
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist-
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * To
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States
and Canada."
The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri-
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these :
" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territory."
After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides :
" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the
seat of government for the Indiana Territory."
Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiara
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law
66 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year,
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province
of Louisiana.
In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char-
tered the college at Athens. From the earliest dawn of the western
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787,
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of
the "compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit-
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number,
and on the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits,
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio,
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known,
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly
within the territory of Indiana.
Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next }*ear is
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from
France by the United States for $15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode,
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest." The limits
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the
College Township in the district of Cincinnati.
Before the close of the year, Gen. Harrison obtained additional
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 67
aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in
and about Detroit.
C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri-
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post :
" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now,
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm.
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant."
During this year, Congress granted a township of land for the sup-
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also,
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the
domain of Gen. Harrison.
On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed,
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire
occurred at Detroit, which destroyed almost every building in the place.
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, .they found it in
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild-
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built.
While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian,
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest,
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life,
and his connection with this conflict.
Q$
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY,
TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. ft'j
TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812.
This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from
the site of the present City of Piqua, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa,
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum-
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age,
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of
enormous powers of endurance. His countenance was naturally pleas-
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi-
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land
could be made save by the consent of this confederation.
He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect.
Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the move-
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumseh's
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity.
During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre-
paring for the work. In that year, Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring
70 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any
lands north and west of the Ohio River.
Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict.
Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chiefs headquarters at
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten-
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatl}- exasperated at his
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans.
Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned
from the South, and was ready to visit the. President as had at one time
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never
made.
In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif-
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai-
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard.
He remained under this Government, doing effective work for the
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was,
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow-
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan-
tonly murder the captive.
In the Summer of 1813, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai-
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand-
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley oi
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen
McArthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
71
On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor,
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed.
Early in the engagement, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief-
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in
the Northwest.
INDIANS ATTACKING A STOCKADE.
Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ;
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson,
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal.
In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His
plans were frustrated by the general government, his property confiscated
and he was compelled to flee the country for safety.
72 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about
Detroit. It was also during this }^ear that Indiana and Illinois endeavored
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts,
however, all signally failed.
In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory.
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year,
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and
then began the events already narrated.
While this war was in progress, emigration to the West went on with
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its
downward trip.
The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green-
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such,
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again
restored in this part of the new world.
On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city.
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties
organized, containing about sixty -three thousand inhabitants. The first
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana),
was laid out January 1, 1825.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 73
On the 28th of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches
at different convenient points.
Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col-
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State.
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend.
In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich-
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to
navigate the bosom of that inland sea.
Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War,
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab-
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended,
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros-
perity.
BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part
of the United States.
Ma-ka T tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ;
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one
74
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
BLACK HAWK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 75
of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of
the " Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation.
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred Iowas, he waged
war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered.
Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish
Father," he declined to see any of the Americans, alleging, as a reason,
he did not want two fathers.
The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the
United States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of
the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre
h:.' 1 a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British
<o,c . eminent but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard
was defeated.
In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recog-
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life.
Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox
76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
Indians were urged to join the Iowas on the west bank of the Father of
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal,
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set-
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would
have been prevented.
Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them,
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the
Iowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were
defeated.
This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri-
can army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band,
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds.
Before this action, Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 77
Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the
Mississippi. The} r were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites.
On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con-
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi-
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons.
The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe,
"there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify
their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white
people. Everywhere they were observed by thousands, the name of the
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth-
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer.
On the next da}' after his release, he went at once to his tribe and
his lodge, His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re-
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years.
Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel-
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten-
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County,
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem.
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3.
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre-
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The
78 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it.
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons.'"
No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin,
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence.
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed,
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became
a part of the Federal Union.
The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 183(5 was
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstance?,
compelled its present division.
THE NOETHWEST TERRITORY.
79
PRESENT CONDITION OF THE NORTHWEST
Preceding chapters have brought us to the close of the Black Hawk
war, and we now turn to the contemplation of the growth and prosperity
of the Northwest under the smile of peace and the blessings of our civili-
zation. The pioneers of this region date events back to the deep snow
OLD FORT DEARBORN, 1830.
of 1831, no one arriving here since that date taking first honors. The
inciting cause of the immigration which overflowed the prairies early in
the '30s was the reports of the marvelous beauty and fertility of the
region distributed through the East by those who had participated in the
Black Hawk campaign with Gen. Scott. Chicago and Milwaukee then
had a few hundred inhabitants, and Gurdon S. Hubbard's trail from the
former city to Kaskaskia led almost through a wilderness. Vegetables
and clothing were largely distributed through the regions adjoining the
80
THE N0RTHWEST TERRITORY.
lakes by steamers from the Ohio towns. There are men now living in
Illinois who came to the state when barely an acre was in cultivation,
and a man now prominent in the business circles of Chicago looked over
the swampy, cheerless site of that metropolis in 1818 and went south
ward into civilization. Emigrants from Pennsylvania in 1880 left behind
LINCOLN MONUMENT, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS.
them but one small railway in the coal regions, thirty miles in length,
and made their way to the Northwest mostly with ox teams, finding in
Northern Illinois petty settlements scores of miles apart, although the
southern portion of the state was fairly dotted with farms. The
water courses of the lakes and rivers furnished transportation to the
second great army of immigrants, and about 1850 railroads were
pushed to that extent that, the crisis of 1837 was precipitated upon us,
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
81
from the effects of which the Western country had not fully recovered
at the outbreak of the war. Hostilities found the colonists of the prairies
fully alive to the demands of the occasion, and the honor of recruiting
u
o
S3
<A
O
3
=5
Ji
w
o
H
the vast armies of the Union fell largely to Gov. Yates, of Illinois, and
Gov. Morton, of Indiana. To recount the share of the glories of the
campaign won by our Western troops is a needless task, except to
mention the fact that Illinois gave to the nation the President who saved
82
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
it, and sent out at the head of one of its regiments tne general who led
'ts armies to the final victory at Appomattox. The struggle, on the
CO
CO
73
whole, had a marked effect for the better on the new Northwest, gi dng
it an impetus which twenty years of peace would not have produced.
In a large degree this prosperity was an inflated one, and with the rest
of the Union we have since been compelled to atone therefor by four
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 83
years of depression of values, of scarcity of employment, and loss of
fortune. To a less degree, however, than the manufacturing - or mining
regions has the West suffered during the prolonged panic now so near its
end. Agriculture, still the leading feature in our industries, has been
quite prosperous through all these dark years, and the farmers have
cleared away many incumbrances resting over them from the period of
fictitious values. The population has steadily increased, the arts and
sciences are gaining a stronger foothold, the trade area of the region is
becoming daily more extended, and we have been largely exempt from
the financial calamities which have nearly wrecked communities on the
seaboard dependent wholly on foreign commerce or domestic manufacture.
At the present period there are no great schemes broached for the
Northwest, no propositions for government subsidies or national works
of improvement, but the capital of the world is attracted hither for the
purchase of our products or the expansion of our capacity for serving the
nation at large. Anew era is dawning as to transportation, and we bid
fair to deal almost exclusively with the increasing and expanding lines
of steel rail running through every few miles of territory on the prairies.
The lake marine will no doubt continue to be useful in the warmer
season, and to serve as a regulator of freight rates; but experienced
navigators forecast the decay of the system in moving to the seaboard
the enormous crops of the West. Within the past five years it has
become quite common to see direct shipments to Europe and the West
Indies going through from the second-class towns along the Mississippi
and Missouri.
As to popular education, the standard has of late risen very greatly,
and our schools would be creditable to any section of the Union.
More and more as the events of the war pass into obscurity will the
fate of the Northwest be linked with that of the Southwest, and the
next Congressional apportionment will give the valley of the Mississippi
absolute control of the legislation of the nation, and do much toward
securing the removal of the Federal capitol to some more central location.
Our public men continue to wield the full share of influence pertain-
ing to their rank in the national autonomy, and seem not to forget that
for the past sixteen years they and their constituents have dictated the
principles which should govern the country.
In a work like this, destined to lie on the shelves of the library for
generations, and not doomed to daily destruction like a newspaper, one
can not indulge in the same glowing predictions, the sanguine statements
of actualities that fill the columns of ephemeral publications. Time may
bring grief to the pet projects of a writer, and explode castles erected on
a pedestal of facts. Yet there are unmistakable indications before us of
84 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
the same radical change in our great Northwest which characterizes its
history for the past thirty years. Our domain has a sort of natural
geographical border, save where it melts away to the southward in the
cattle raising districts of the southwest.
Our prime interest will for some years doubtless be the growth of
the food of the world, in which branch it has already outstripped all
competitors, and our great rival in this duty will naturally be the fertile
plains of Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, to say nothing of the new
empire so rapidly growing up in Texas. Over these regions there is a
continued progress in agriculture and in railway building, and we must
look to our laurels. Intelligent observers of events are fully aware of
the strides made in the way of shipments of fresh meats to Europe,
many of these ocean cargoes being actually slaughtered in the West and
transported on ice to the wharves of the seaboard cities. That this new
enterprise will continue there is no reason to doubt. There are in
Chicago several factories for the canning of prepared meats for European
consumption, and the orders for this class of goods are already immense.
English capital is becoming daily more and more dissatisfied with railway
loans and investments, and is gradually seeking mammoth outlays in
lands and live stock. The stock yards in Chicago, Indianapolis and East
St. Louis are yearly increasing their facilities, and their plant steadily
grows more valuable. Importations of blooded animals from the pro-
gressive countries of Europe are destined to greatly improve the quality
of our beef and mutton. Nowhere is there to be seen a more enticing-
display in this line than at our state and county fairs, and the interest
in the matter is on the increase.
To attempt to give statistics of our grain production for 1877 would
be useless, so far have we surpassed ourselves in the quantity and
quality of our product. We are too liable to forget that we are giving
the world its first article of necessity — its food supply. An opportunity
to learn this fact so it never can be forgotten was afforded at Chicago at
the outbreak of the great panic of 1873, when Canadian purchasers,
fearing the prostration of business might bring about an anarchical condition
of affairs, went to that city with coin in bulk and foreign drafts to secure
their supplies in their own currency at first hands. It may be justly
claimed by the agricultural community that their combined efforts gave
the nation its first impetus toward a restoration of its crippled industries,
and their labor brought the gold premium to a lower depth than the
government was able to reach by its most intense efforts of legislation
and compulsion. The hundreds of millions about to be disbursed for
farm products have already, by the anticipation common to all commercial
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
nations, set the wheels in motion, and will relieve us from the perils so
long shadowing our efforts to return to a healthy tone.
Manufacturing has attained in the chief cities a foothold which bids
fair to render the Northwest independent of the outside world. Neaiiy
HTTNTINO PRAIRIE WOLVES IN AX EARLY DAY.
our whole region has a distribution of coal measures which will in time
support the manufactures necessary to our comfort and prosperity. As
to transportation, the chief factor in the production of all articles exce]^
food, no section is so magnificently endowed, and our facilities are yearly
increasing beyond those of any other region.
86 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The period from a central point of the war to the outbreak of the
panic was marked by a tremendous growth in our railway lines, but the
depression of the times caused almost a total suspension of operations.
Now that prosperity is returning to our stricken country we witness its
anticipation by the railroad interest in a series of projects, extensions,
and leases which bid fair to largely increase our transportation facilities.
The process of foreclosure and sale of incumbered lines is another matter
to be considered. In the case of the Illinois Central road, which formerly
transferred to other lines at Cairo the vast burden of freight destined for
the Gulf region, we now see the incorporation of the tracks connecting
through to New Orleans, every mile co-operating in turning toward the
northwestern metropolis the weight of the inter-state commerce of a
thousand miles or more of fertile plantations. Three competing routes
to Texas have established in Chicago their general freight and passenger
agencies. Four or five lines compete for all Pacific freights to a point as
as far as the interior of Nebraska. Half a dozen or more splendid bridge
structures have been thrown across the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers by
the railways. The Chicago and Northwestern line has become an aggre-
gation of over two thousand miles of rail, and the Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul is its close rival in extent and importance. The three lines
running to Cairo via Vincennes form a through route for all traffic with
the states to the southward. The chief projects now under discussion
are the Chicago and Atlantic, which is to unite with lines now built to
Charleston, and the Chicago and Canada Southern, which line will con-
nect with all the various branches of that Canadian enterprise. Our
latest new road is the Chicago and Lake Huron, formed of three lines,
and entering the city from Valparaiso on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne
and Chicago track. The trunk lines being mainly in operation, the
progress made in the way of shortening tracks, making air-line branches,
and running extensions does not show to the advantage it deserves, as
this process is constantly adding new facilities to the established order
of things. The panic reduced the price of steel to a point where the
railways could hardly afford to use iron rails, and all our northwestern
lines report large relays of Bessemer track. The immense crops now
being moved have given a great rise to the value of railway stocks, and
their transportation must result in heavy pecuniary advantages.
Few are aware of the importance of the wholesale and jobbing trade
of Chicago. One leading firm has since the panic sold $24,000,000 of
dry goods in one year, and they now expect most confidently to add
seventy per cent, to the figures of their last year's business. In boots
and shoes and in clothing, twenty or more great firms from the east have
placed here their distributing agents or their factories ; and in groceries
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
87
Chicago supplies the entire Northwest at rates presenting advantages
over New York.
Chicago has stepped in between New York and the rural banks as a
financial center, and scarcely a banking institution in the grain or cattle
regions but keeps its reserve funds in the vaults of our commercial insti-
tutions. Accumulating here throughout the spring and summer months,
they are summoned home at pleasure to move the products of the
prairies. This process greatly strengthens the northwest in its financial
operations, leaving home capital to supplement local operations on
behalf of home interests.
It is impossible to forecast the destiny of this grand and growing
section of the Union. Figures and predictions made at this date might
seem ten years hence so ludicrously small as to excite only derision.
TUNZIE HOUSE.
Early History of Illinois.
The name of this beautiful Prairie State is derived from Illini, a
Delaware word signifying Superior Men. It has a French termination,
and is a symbol of how the two races — the French and the Indians —
were intermixed during the early history of the country.
The appellation was no doubt well applied to the primitive inhabit-
ants of the soil whose prowess in savage warfare long withstood the
combined attacks of the fierce Iroquois on the one side, and the no less
savage and relentless Sacs and Foxes on the other. The Illinois were
once a powerful confederacy, occupying the most beautiful and fertile
region in the great Valley of the Mississippi, which their enemies coveted
and struggled long and hard to wrest from them. By the fortunes of
war they were diminished in numbers, and finally destroyed. " Starved
Rock," on the Illinois River, according to tradition, commemorates their
last tragedy, where, it is said, the entire tribe starved rather than sur-
render.
EARLY DISCOVERIES.
The first European discoveries in Illinois date back over two hun-
dred years. They are a part of that movement which, from the begin-
ning to the middle of the seventeenth century, brought the French
Canadian missionaries and fur traders into the Valley of the Mississippi,
and which, at a later period, established the civil and ecclesiastical
authority of France from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico,
and from the foot-hills of the Alleghanies to the Rocky Mountains.
The great river of the West had been discovered by DeSoto, the
Spanish conqueror of Florida, three quarters of a century before the
French founded Quebec in 1608, but the Spanish left the country a wil-
derness, without further exploration or settlement within its borders, in
which condition it remained until the Mississippi was discovered by the
agents of the French Canadian government, Jolietand Marquette, in 1673.
These renowned explorers were not the first white visitors to Illinois.
In 1671 — two years in advance of them — came Nicholas Perrot to Chicago.
He had been sent by Talon as an agent of the Canadian government tc
tvS
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
89
90 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
call a great peace convention of Western Indians at Green Bay, prepara-
tory to the movement for the discovery of the Mississippi. It was
deemed a good stroke of policy to secure, as far as possible, the friend-
ship and co-operation of the Indians, far and near, before venturing upon
an enterprise which their hostility might render disastrous, and which
their friendship and assistance would do so much to make successful ;
and to this end Perrot was sent to call together in council the tribes
throughout the Northwest, and to promise them the commerce and pro-
tection of the French government. He accordingly arrived at Green
Bay in 1671, and procuring an escort of Pottawattamies, proceeded in a
bark canoe upon a visit to the Miamis, at Chicago. Perrot was there-
fore the first European to set foot upon the soil of Illinois.
Still there were others before Marquette. In 1672, the Jesuit mis-
sionaries, Fathers Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon, bore the standard
of the Cross from their mission at Green Bay through western Wisconsin
and northern Illinois, visiting the Foxes on Fox River, and the Masquo-
tines and Kickapoos at the mouth of the Milwaukee. These missionaries
penetrated on the route afterwards followed by Marquette as far as the
Kickapoo village at the head of Lake Winnebago, where Marquette, in
his journey, secured guides across the portage to the Wisconsin.
The oft-repeated story of Marquette and Joliet is well known.
They were the agents employed by the Canadian government to discover
the Mississippi. Marquette was a native of France, born in 1637, a
Jesuit priest by education, and a man of simple faith and of great zeal and
devotion in extending the Roman Catholic religion among the Indians.
Arriving in Canada in 1666, he was sent as a missionary to the far
Northwest, and, in 1668, founded a mission at Sault Ste. Marie. The
following year he moved to La Pointe, in Lake Superior, where he
instructed a branch of the Hurons till 1670, when he removed south, and
founded the mission at St. Ignace, on the Straits of Mackinaw. Here
he remained, devoting a portion of his time to the study of the Illinois
language under a native teacher who had accompanied him to the mission
from La Pointe, till he was joined by Joliet in the Spring of 1673. By
the way of Green Bay and the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, they entered
the Mississippi, which they explored to the mouth of the Arkansas, and
returned by the way of the Illinois and Chicago Rivers to Lake Michigan.
On his way up the Illinois, Marquette visited the great village of
the Kaskaskias, near what is now Utica, in the county of LaSalle. The
following year he returned and established among them the mission of
the Immaculate Virgin Mary, which was the first Jesuit mission founded
in Illinois and in the Mississippi Valley. The intervening winter he
had spent in a hut which his companions erected on the Chicago River, a
few leagues from its mouth. The founding of this mission was the last
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 91
act of Marquette's life. He died in Michigan, on his way back to Green
Bay, May 18, 1675.
FIRST FRENCH OCCUPATION.
The first French occupation of the territory now embraced in Illi-
nois was effected by LaSalle in 1680, seven years after the time of Mar-
quette and Joliet. LaSalle, having constructed a vessel, the " Griffin,"
above the falls of Niagara, which he sailed to Green Bay, and having
passed thence in canoes to the mouth of the St. Joseph River, by which
and the Kankakee he reached the Illinois, in January, 1680, erected Fort
Crevecceur, at the lower end of Peoria Lake, where the city of Peoria is
now situated. The place where this ancient fort stood may still be seen
just below the outlet of Peoria Lake. It was destined, however, to a
temporary existence. From this point, LaSalle determined to descend
the Mississippi to its mouth, but did not accomplish this purpose till two
years later — in 1682. Returning to Fort Frontenac for the purpose of
getting materials with which to rig his vessel, he left the fort in charge of
Touti, his lieutenant, who during his absence was driven off by the Iro-
quois Indians. These savages had made a raid upon the settlement of
the Illinois, and had left nothing in their track but ruin and desolation.
Mr. Davidson, in his History of Illinois, gives the following graphic
account of the picture that met the eyes of LaSalle and his companions
on their return :
" At the great town of the Illinois they were appalled at the scene
which opened to their view. No hunter appeared to break its death-like
silence with a salutatory whoop oi welcome. The plain on which the
town had stood was now strewn with charred fragments of lodges, which
had so recently swarmed with savage life and hilarity. To render more
hideous the picture of desolation, large numbers of *skulls had been
placed on the upper extremities of lodge-poles which had escaped the
devouring flames. In the midst of these horrors was the rude fort of
the spoilers, rendered frightful by the same ghastly relics. A near
approach showed that the graves had been robbed of their bodies, and
swarms of buzzards were discovered glutting their loathsome stomachs
on the reeking corruption. To complete the work of destruction, the
growing corn of the village had been cut down and burned, while the
pits containing the products of previous years, had been rifled and their
contents scattered with wanton waste. It was evident the suspected
blow of the Iroquois had fallen with relentless fury."
Tonti had escaped LaSalle knew not whither. Passing down the
lake in search of him and his men, LaSalle discovered that the fort had
been destroyed, but the vessel which he had partly constructed was still
92 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
on the stocks, and but slightly injured. After further fruitless search,
failing to find Tonti, he fastened to a tree a painting representing himself
and party sitting in a canoe and bearing a pipe of peace, and to the paint-
ing attached a letter addressed to Tonti.
Tonti had escaped, and, after untold privations, taken shelter among
the Pottawattamies near Green Bay. These were friendly to the French.
One of their old chiefs used to say, " There were but three great cap-
tains in the world, himself, Tonti and LaSalle."
GENIUS OF LaSALLE.
We must now return to LaSalle, whose exploits stand out in such
bold relief. He was born in Rouen, France, in 1643. His father was
wealthy, but he renounced his patrimony on entering a college of the
Jesuits, from which he separated and came to Canada a poor man in 1666.
The priests of St. Sulpice, among whom he had a brother, were then the
proprietors of Montreal, the nucleus of which was a seminary or con-
vent founded by that order. The Superior granted to LaSalle a large
tract of land at LaChine, where he established himself in the fur trade.
He was a man of daring genius, and outstripped all his competitors in
exploits of travel and commerce with the Indians. In 1669, he visited
the headquarters of the great Iroquois Confederacy, at Onondaga, in the
heart of New York, and, obtaining guides, explored the Ohio River to
the falls at Louisville.
In order to understand the genius of LaSalle, it must be remembered
that for many years prior to his time the missionaries and traders were
obliged to make their way to the Northwest by the Ottawa River (of
Canada) on account of the fierce hostility of the Iroquois along the lower
lakes and Niagara River, which entirely closed this latter route to the
Upper Lakes. They carried on their commerce chiefly by canoes, pad-
dling them through the Ottawa to Lake Nipissing, carrying them across
the portage to French River, and descending that to Lake Huron. This
being the route by which they reached the Northwest, accounts for the
fact that all the earliest Jesuit missions were established in the neighbor-
hood of the Upper Lakes. LaSalle conceived the grand idea of opening
the route by Niagara River and the Lower Lakes to Canadian commerce
by sail vessels, connecting it with the navigation of the Mississippi, and
thus opening a magnificent water communication from the Gulf of St.
Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico. This truly grand and comprehensive
purpose seems to have animated him in all his wonderful achievements
and the matchless difficulties and hardships he surmounted. As the first
step in the accomplishment of this object he established himself on Lake
Ontario, and built and garrisoned Fort Frontenac, the site of the present
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 93
city of Kingston, Canada. Here he obtained a grant of land from the
French crown and a body of troops by which he beat back the invading
Iroquois and cleared the passage to Niagara Falls. Having by this mas-
terly stroke made it safe to attempt a hitherto untried expedition, his
next step, as we have seen, was to advance to the Falls with all his
outfit for building a ship with which to sail the lakes. He was success-
ful in this undertaking, though his ultimate purpose was defeated by a
strange combination of untoward circumstances. The Jesuits evidently
hated LaSalle and plotted against him, because he had abandoned them
and co-operated with a rival order. The fur traders were also jealous of
his superior success in opening new channels of commerce. At LaChine
he had taken the trade of Lake Ontario, which but for his presence there
would have gone to Quebec. While they were plodding with their bar&
canoes through the Ottawa he was constructing sailing vessels to com-
mand the trade of the lakes and the Mississippi. These great plans
excited the jealousy and envy of the small traders, introduced treason and
revolt into the ranks of his own companions, and finally led to the foul
assassination by which his great achievements were prematurely ended.
In 1682, LaSalle, having completed his vessel at Peoria, descended
the Mississippi to its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico. Erecting a
standard on which he inscribed the arms of France, he took formal pos-
session of the whole valley of the mighty river, in the name of Louis
.XIV., then reigning, in honor of whom he named the country Louisiana.
LaSalle then went to France, was appointed Governor, and returned
with a fleet and immigrants, for the purpose of planting a colony in Illi-
nois. They arrived in due time in the Gulf of Mexico, but failing to
find the mouth of the Mississippi, up which LaSalle intended to sail, his
supply ship, with the immigrants, was driven ashore and wrecked on
Matagorda Bay. With the fragments of the vessel he constructed a
stockade and rude huts on the shore for the protection of the immigrants,
calling the post Fort St. Louis. He then made a trip into New Mexico,
in search of silver mines, but, meeting with disappointment, returned to
find his little colony reduced to forty souls. He then resolved to travel
on foot to Illinois, and, starting with his companions, had reached the
valley of the Colorado, near the mouth of Trinity river, when he was
shot by one of his men. This occurred on the 19th of March, 1687.
Dr. J. W. Foster remarks of him : " Thus fell, not far from the banks
of the Trinity, Robert Cavalier de la Salle, one of the grandest charac-
ters that ever figured in American history — a man capable of originating
the vastest schemes, and endowed with a will and a judgment capable of
carrying them to successful results. Had ample facilities been placed by
the King of France at his disposal, the result of the colonization of this
continent might have been far different from what we now behold."
94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
A temporary settlement was made at Fort St. Louis, or the old Kas-
kaskia village, on the Illinois River, in what is now LaSalle County, in
1682. In 1690, this was removed, with the mission connected with it, to
Kaskaskia, on the river of that name, emptying into the lower Mississippi
in St. Clair County. Cahokia was settled about the same time, or at
least, both of these settlements began in the year 1690, though it is now
pretty well settled that Cahokia is the older place, and ranks as the oldest
permanent settlement in Illinois, as well as in the Mississippi Valley.
The reason for the removal of the .old Kaskaskia settlement and mission,
was probably because the dangerous and difficult route by Lake Michigan
and the Chicago portage had been almost abandoned, and travelers and
traders passed down and up the Mississippi by the Fox and Wisconsin
River route. They removed to the vicinity of the Mississippi in order
to be in the line of travel from Canada to Louisiana, that is, the lower
part of it, for it was all Louisiana then south of the lakes.
During the period of French rule in Louisiana, the population prob-
ably never exceeded ten thousand, including whites and blacks. Within
that portion of it now included in Indiana, trading posts were established
at the principal Miami villages which stood on the head waters of the
Maumee, the Wea villages situated at Ouiatenon, on the Wabash, and-
the Piankeshaw villages at Post Vincennes ; all of which were probably
visited by French traders and missionaries before the close of the seven-
teenth century.
In the vast territory claimed by the French, many settlements of
considerable importance had sprung up. Biloxi, on Mobile Bay, had
been founded by DTberville, in 1699 ; Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac had
founded Detroit in 1701 ; and New Orleans had been founded by Bien-
ville, under the auspices of the Mississippi Company, in 1718. In Illi-
nois also, considerable settlements had been made, so that in 1730 they
embraced one hundred and forty French families, about six hundred " con-
verted Indians," and many traders and voyageurs. In that portion of the
country, on the east side of the Mississippi, there were five distinct set-
tlements, with their respective villages, viz. : Cahokia, near the mouth
of Cahokia Creek and about five miles below the present city of St.
Louis ; St. Philip, about forty-five miles below Cahokia, and four miles
above Fort Chartres ; Fort Chartres, twelve miles above Kaskaskia ;
Kaskaskia, situated on the Kaskaskia River, five miles above its conflu-
ence with the Mississippi ; and Prairie dn Rocher, near Fort Chartres.
To these must be added St. Genevieve and St. Louis, on the west side
of the Mississippi. These, with the exception of St. Louis, are among
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 95
the oldest French towns in the Mississippi Valley. Kaskaskia, in its best
days, was a town of some two or three thousand inhabitants. After it
passed from the crown of France its population for many years did not
exceed fifteen hundred. Under British rule, in 1773, the population had
decreased to four hundred and fifty. As early as 1721, the Jesuits had
established a college and a monastery in Kaskaskia.
Fort Chartres was first built under the direction of the Mississippi
Company, in 1718, by M. de Boisbraint, a military officer, under command
of Bienville. It stood on the east bank of the Mississippi, about eighteen
miles below Kaskaskia, and was for some time the headquarters of the
military commandants of the district of Illinois.
In the Centennial Oration of Dr. Fowler, delivered at Philadelphia,
by appointment of Gov. Beveridge, we find some interesting facts with
regard to the State of Illinois, which we appropriate in this history:
In 1682 Illin6is became a possession of the French crown, a depend-
ency of Canada, and a part of Louisiana. In 1765 the English flag was
run up on old Fort Chartres, and Illinois was counted among the treas-
ures of Great Britain.
In 1779 it was taken from the English by Col. George Rogers Clark.
This man was resolute in nature, wise in council, prudent in policy, bold
in action, and heroic in danger. Few men who have figured in the his-
tory of America are more deserving than this colonel. Nothing short of
first-class ability could have rescued Vincens and all Illinois from the
English. And it is not possible to over-estimate the influence of this
achievement upon the republic. In 1779 Illinois became a part of Vir-
ginia. It was soon known as Illinois County. In 1784 Virginia ceded
all this territory to the general government, to be cut into States, to be
republican in form, with " the same right of sovereignty, freedom, and
independence as the other States."
In 1787 it was the object of the wisest and ablest legislation found
in any merely human records. No man can study the secret history of
THE "COMPACT OF 1787,"
and not feel that Providence was guiding with sleepless eye these unborn
States. The ordinance that on July 13, 1787, finally became the incor-
porating act, has a most marvelous history. Jefferson had vainly tried
to secure a system of government for the northwestern territory. He
was an emancipationist of that day, and favored the exclusion of slavery
from the territory Virginia had ceded to the general government ; but
the South voted him down as often as it came up. In 1787, as late as
July 10, an organizing act without the anti-slavery clause was pending.
This concession to the South was expected to carry it. Congress was in
96 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
session in New York City. On July 5, Rev. Dr. Manasseh Cutler, of
Massachusetts, came into New York to lobby on the northwestern terri-
tory. Everything seemed to fall into his hands. Events were ripe.
The state of the public credit, the growing of Southern prejudice,
the basis of his mission, his personal character, all combined to complete
one of those sudden and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that
once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like the
breath of the Almighty. Cutler was a graduate of Yale — received his
A.M. from Harvard, and his D.D. from Yale. He had studied and taken
degrees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity. He
had thus America's best indorsement. He had published a scientific
examination of the plants of New England. His name stood second only
to that of Franklin as a scientist in America. He was a courtly gentle-
man of the old style, a man of commanding presence, and of inviting
face. The Southern members said they had never seen such a gentleman
in the North. He came representing a company that desired to purchase
a tract of land now included in Ohio, for the purpose of planting a colony.
It was a speculation. Government money was worth eighteen cents on
the dollar. This Massachusetts company had collected enough to pur-
chase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in New York made
Dr. Cutler their agent (lobbyist). On the 12th he represented a demand
for 5,500,000 acres. This would reduce the national debt. Jefferson
and Virginia were regarded as authority concerning the land Virginia
had just ceded. Jefferson's policy wanted to provide for the public credit,
and this was a good opportunity to do something.
Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was
crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the northwestern
region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caught the inspira-
tion, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The English minister invited him to
dine with some of the Southern gentlemen. He was the center of interest.
The entire South rallied round him. Massachusetts could not vote
against him, because many of the constituents of her members were
interested personally in the western speculation. Thus Cutler, making
friends with the South, and, doubtless, using all the arts of the lobby,
was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convictions, he
dictated one of the most compact and finished documents of wise states-
manship that has ever adorned any human law book. He borrowed from
Jefferson the term " Articles of Compact," which, preceding the federal
constitution, rose into the most sacred character. He then followed very
closely the constitution of Massachusetts, adopted three years before.
Its most marked points were :
1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever.
2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a seminary,
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 97
and every section numbered 16 in each township ; that is, one-thirty-sixth
of all the land, for public schools.
3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or the
enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts.
Be it forever remembered that this compact declared that " Religion,
morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the
happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall always
be encouraged."
Dr. Cutler planted himself on this platform and would not yield.
Giving his unqualified declaration that it was that or nothing — that unless
they could make the land desirable they did not want it — he took his
horse and buggy, and started for the constitutional convention in Phila-
delphia. On July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage, and was
unanimously adopted, every Southern member voting for it, and only one
man, Mr. Yates, of New York, voting against it. But as the States voted
as States, Yates lost his vote, and the compact was put beyond repeal.
Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wis-
consin — a vast empire, the heart of the great valley — were consecrated
to freedom, intelligence, and honesty. Thus the great heart of the nation
was prepared for a year and a day and an hour. In the light of these eighty-
nine years I affirm that this act was the salvation of the republic and the
destruction of slavery. Soon the South saw their great blunder, and
tried to repeal the compact. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee
of which John Randolph was chairman. He reported that this ordinance
was a compact, and opposed repeal. Thus it stood a rock, in the way
of the on-rushing sea of slavery.
With all this timely aid it was, after all, a most desperate and pro-
tracted struggle to keep the soil of Illinois sacred to freedom. It was
the natural battle-field for the irrepressible conflict. In the southern end
of the State slavery preceded the compact. It existed among the old
French settlers, and was hard to eradicate. The southern part of the
State was settled from the slave States, and this population brought their
laws, customs, and institutions with them. A stream of population from
the North poured into the northern part of the State. These sections
misunderstood and hated each other perfectly. The Southerners regarded
the Yankees as a skinning, tricky, penurious race of peddlers, filling the
country with tinware, brass clocks, and wooden nutmegs. The North-
erner thought of the Southerner as a lean, lank, lazy creature, burrowing
in a hut, and rioting in whisky, dirt and ignorance. These causes aided
in making the struggle long and bitter. So strong was the sympathy
with slavery that, in spite of the ordinance of 1787, and in spite of the
deed of cession, it was determined to allow the old French settlers to
retain their slaves. Planters from the slave States might bring their
98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
slaves, if they would give them a chance to choose freedom or years
of service and bondage for their children till they should become
thirty years of age. If they chose freedom they must leave the State
in sixty days or be sold as fugitives. Servants were whipped for offenses
for which white men are fined. Each lash paid forty cents of the fine. A
negro ten miles from home without a pass was whipped. These famous
laws were imported from the slave States just as they imported laws foi
the inspection of flax and wool when there was neither in the State.
These Black Laws are now wiped out. A vigorous effort was made
to protect slavery in the State Constitution of 1817. It barely failed.
It was renewed in 1825, when a convention was asked to make a new
constitution. After a hard fight the convention was defeated. But
slaves did not disappear from the census of the State until 1850. There
were mobs and murders in the interest of slavery. Lovejoy was added
to the list of martyrs — a sort of first-fruits of that long life of immortal
heroes who saw freedom as the one supreme desire of their souls, and
were so enamored of her that they preferred to die rather than survive her.
The population of 12,282 that occupied the territory in A.D. 1800,
increased to 45,000 in A.D. 1818, when the State Constitution was
adopted, and Illinois took her place in the Union, with a star on the flag
and two votes in the Senate.
Shadrach Bond was the first Governor, and in his first message he
recommended the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal.
The simple economy in those days is seen in the fact that the entire
bill for stationery for the first Legislature was only $13.50. Yet this
simple body actually enacted a very superior code.
There was no money in the territory before the war of 1812. Deer
skins and coon skins were the circulating medium. In 1821, the Legis-
lature ordained a State Bank on the credit of the State. It issued notes
in the likeness of bank bills. These notes were made a legal tender for
every thing, and the bank was ordered to loan to the people $100 on per-
sonal security, and more on mortgages. They actually passed a resolu-
tion requesting the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States to
receive these notes for land. The old French Lieutenant Governor, Col.
Menard, put the resolution as follows: " Gentlemen of the Senate : It is
moved and seconded dat de notes of dis bank be made land-office money.
All in favor of dat motion say aye ; all against it say no. It is decided
in de affirmative. Now, gentlemen, I bet you one hundred dollar he
never be land-office money ! " Hard sense, like hard money, is always
above par.
This old Frenchman presents a fine figure up against the dark back-
ground of most of his nation. They made no progress. They clung to
their earliest and simplest implements. They never wore hats or cap* 1
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 99
They pulled their blankets over their heads in the winter like the Indians,
with whom they freely intermingled.
Demagogism had an early development. One John Grammar (only
in name), elected to the Territorial and State Legislatures of 1816 and
1836, invented the policy of opposing every new thing, saying, " If it
succeeds, no one will ask who voted against it. If it proves a failure, he
could quote its record." In sharp contrast with Grammar was the char-
acter of D. P. Cook, after whom the county containing Chicago was
named. Such was his transparent integrity and remarkable ability that
his will was almost the law of the State. In Congress, a young man,
and from a poor State, he was made Chairman of the Ways and Means
Committee. He was pre-eminent for standing by Ms committee, regard-
less of consequences. It was his integrity that elected John Quincy
Adams to the Presidency. There were four candidates in 1824, Jackson,
Clay, Crawford, and John Quincy Adams. There being no choice by the
people, the election was thrown into the House. It was so balanced that
it turned on his vote, and that he cast for Adams, electing him ; then
went home to face the wrath of the Jackson party in Illinois. It cost
him all but character and greatness. It is a suggestive comment on the
times, that there was no legal interest till 1830. It often reached 150
per cent., usually 50 per cent. Then it was reduced to 12, and now to
10 per cent.
PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE PRAIRIE STATE.
In area the State has 55,410 square miles of territory. It is about
150 miles wide and 400 miles long, stretching in latitude from Maine to
North Carolina. It embraces wide variety of climate. It is tempered
on the north by the great inland, saltless, tideless sea, which keeps the
thermometer from either extreme. Being a table land, from 600 to 1,600
feet above the level of the sea, one is prepared to find on the health
maps, prepared by the general government, an almost clean and perfect
record. In freedom from fever and malarial diseases and consumptions,
the three deadly enemies of the American Saxon, Illinois, as a State,
stands without a superior. She furnishes one of the essential conditions
of a great people — sound bodies. I suspect that this fact lies back of
that old Delaware word, Illini, superior men.
The great battles of history that have been determinative of dynas-
ties and destinies have been strategical battles, chiefly the question of
position. Thermopylae has been the war-cry of freemen for twenty-four
centuries. It only tells how much there may be in position. All this
advantage belongs to Illinois. It is in the heart of the greatest valley in
the world, the vast region between the mountains — a valley that could
100 HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
feed mankind for one thousand years. It is well on toward the center of
the continent. It is in the great temperate belt, in which have been
found nearly all the aggressive civilizations of history. It has sixty-five
miles of frontage on the head of the lake. With the Mississippi forming
the western and southern boundary, with the Ohio running along the
southeastern line, with the Illinois River and Canal dividing the State
diagonally from the lake to the Lower Mississippi, and with the Rock and
Wabash Rivers furnishing altogether 2,000 miles of water-front, con-
necting with, and running through, in all about 12,000 miles of navi-
gable water.
But this is not all. These waters are made most available by the
fact that the lake and the State lie on the ridge running into the great
valley from the east. Within cannon-shot of the lake the water runs
away from the lake to the Gulf. The lake now empties at both ends,
one into the Atlantic and one into the Gulf of Mexico. The lake thus
seems to hang over the land. This makes the dockage most serviceable ;
there are no steep banks to damage it. Both lake and river are made
for use.
The climate varies from Portland to Richmond ; it favors every pro-
duct of the continent, including the tropics, with less than half a dozen
exceptions. It produces every great nutriment of the world except ban-
anas and rice. It is hardly too much to say that it is the most productive
spot known to civilization. With the soil full of bread and the earth full
of minerals ; with an upper surface of food and an under layer of fuel ;
with perfect natural drainage, and abundant springs and streams and
navigable rivers ; half way between the forests of the North and the fruits
of the South ; within a day's ride of the great deposits of iron, coal, cop-
per, lead, and zinc ; containing and controlling the great grain, cattle,
pork, and lumber markets of the world, it is not strange that Illinois has
the advantage of position.
This advantage has been supplemented by the character of the popu-
lation. In the early days when Illinois was first admitted to the Union,
her population were chiefly from Kentucky and Virginia. But, in the
conflict of ideas concerning slavery, a strong tide of emigration came in
from the East, and soon changed this composition. In 1870 her non-
native population were from colder soils. New York furnished 133,290 ;
Ohio gave 162,623; Pennsylvania sent on 98,352; the entire South gave
us only 206,734. In all her cities, and in all her German and Scandina-
vian and other foreign colognes, Illinois has only about one-fifth of her
people of foreign birth.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 1Q]
PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT.
One of the greatest elements in the early development of Illinois is
the Illinois and Michigan Canal, connecting the Illinois and Mississippi
Rivers with the lakes. It was of the utmost importance to the State.
It was recommended by Gov. Bond, the first governor, in his first message.
In 1821, the Legislature appropriated $10,000 for surveying the route.
Two bright young engineers surveyed it, and estimated the cost at
$600,000 or $700,000. It finally cost $8,000,000. In 1825, a law was
passed to incorporate the Canal Company, but no stock was sold. In
1826, upon the solicitation of Cook, Congress gave 800,000 acres of land
on the line of the work. In 1828, another law — commissioners appointed,
and work commenced with new survey and new estimates. In 1834-35,
George Farquhar made an able report on the whole matter. This was,
doubtless, the ablest report ever made to a western legislature, and it
became the model for subsequent reports and action. From this the
work went on till it was finished in 1848. It cost the State a large
amount of money ; but it gave to the industries of the State an impetus
that pushed it up into the first rank of greatness. It was not built as a
speculation any more than a doctor is employed on a speculation. But
it has paid into the Treasary of the State an average annual net sum of
over $111,000.
Pending the construction of the canal, the land and town-lot fever
broke out in the State, in 1834-35. It took on the malignant type in
Chicago, lifting the town up into a city. The disease spread over the
entire State and adjoining States. It was epidemic. It cut up men's
farms without regard to locality, and cut up the purses of the purchasers
without regard to consequences. It is estimated that building lots enough
were sold in Indiana alone to accommodate every citizen then in the
United States.
Towns and cities were exported to the Eastern market by the ship-
load. There was no lack of buyers. Every up-ship came freighted with
speculators and their money.
This distemper seized upon the Legislature in 1836-37, and left not
one to tell the tale. They enacted a system of internal improvement
without a parallel in the grandeur of its conception. They ordered the
construction of 1,300 miles of railroad, crossing the State in all direc-
tions. This was surpassed by the river and canal improvements.
There were a few counties not touched by either railroad or river or
canal, and those were to be comforted and compensated by the free dis-
tribution of $200,000 among them. To inflate this balloon beyond cre-
dence it was ordered that work should be commenced on both ends of
102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
each of these railroads and rivers, and at each river-crossing, all at the
same time. The appropriations for these vast improvements were over
812,000,000, and commissioners were appointed to borrow the money on
the credit of the State. Remember that all this was in the early days of
railroading, when railroads were luxuries ; that the State had whole
counties with scarcely a cabin ; and that the population of the State was
less than 400,000, and you can form some idea of the vigor with which
these brave men undertook the work of making a great State. In the
light of history I am compelled to say that this was only a premature
throb of the power that actually slumbered in the soil of the State. It
was Hercules in the cradle.
At this juncture the State Bank loaned its funds largely to Godfrey
Gilman & Co., and to other leading houses, for the purpose of drawing
trade from St. Louis to Alton. Soon they failed, and took down the
bank with them.
In 1840, all hope seemed gone. A population of 480,000 were loaded
with a debt of $14,000,000. It had only six small cities, really only
towns, namely : Chicago, Alton, Springfield, Quincy, Galena, Nauvoo.
This debt was to be cared for when there was not a dollar in the treas-
ury, and when the State had borrowed itself out of all credit, and when
there was not good money enough in the hands of all the people to pay
the interest of the debt for a single year. Yet, in the presence of all
these difficulties, the young State steadily refused to repudiate. Gov.
Ford took hold of the problem and solved it, bringing the State through
in triumph.
Having touched lightly upon some of the more distinctive points in
the history of the development of Illinois, let us next briefly consider the
MATERIAL RESOURCES OF THE STATE.
It is a garden four hundred miles long and one hundred and fifty
miles wide. Its soil is chiefly a black sandy loam, from six inches to
sixty feet thick. On the American bottoms it has been cultivated for
one hundred and fifty years without renewal. About the old French
towns it has yielded corn for a century and a half without rest or help.
It produces nearly everything green in the temperate and tropical zones.
She leads all other States in the number of acres actually under plow.
Her products from 25,000,000 of acres are incalculable. Her mineral
wealth is scarcely second to her agricultural power. She has coal, iron,
lead, copper, zinc, many varieties of building stone, fire clay, cuma clay,
common brick clay, sand of all kinds, gravel, mineral paint — every thing
needed for a high civilization. Left to herself, she has the elements of
all greatness. The single item of coal is too vast for an appreciative
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 103
handling in figures. We can handle it in general terms like algebraical
signs, but long before we get up into the millions and billions the human
mind drops down from comprehension to mere symbolic apprehension.
When I tell you that nearly four-fifths of the entire State is under-
laid with a deposit of coal more than forty feet thick on the average (now
estimated, by recent surveys, at seventy feet thick), you can get some
idea of its amount, as you do of the amount of the national debt. There
it is ! 41,000 square miles — one vast mine into which you could put
any of the States ; in which you could bury scores of European and
ancient empires, and have room enough all round to work without know-
ing that they had been sepulchered there.
Put this vast coal-bed down by the other great coal deposits of the
world, and its importance becomes manifest. Great Britain has 12,000
square miles of coal; Spain, 3,000; France, 1,719; Belgium, 578; Illinois
about twice as many square miles as all combined. Virginia has 20,000
square miles ; Pennsylvania, 16,000 ; Ohio, 12,000. Illinois has 41,000
square miles. One-seventh of all the known coal on this continent is in
Illinois.
Could we sell the coal in this single State for one-seventh of one cent
a ton it would pay the national debt. Converted into power, even with
the wastage in our common engines, it would do more work than could
be done by the entire race, beginning at Adam's wedding and working
ten hours a day through all the centuries till the present time, and right
on into the future at the same rate for the next 600,000 years.
Great Britain uses enough mechanical power to-day to give to each
man, woman, and child in the kingdom the help and service of nineteen
untiring servants. No wonder she has leisure and luxuries. No wonder
the home of the common artisan has in it more luxuries than could be
found in the palace of good old King Arthur. Think, if you can conceive
of it, of the vast army of servants that slumber in the soil of Illinois,
impatiently awaiting the call of Genius to come forth to minister to our
comfort.
At. the present rate of consumption England's coal supply will be
exhausted in 250 years. When this is gone she must transfer her dominion
either to the Indies, or to British America, which I would not resist ; or
to some other people, which I would regret as a loss to civilization.
COAL IS KING.
At the same rate of consumption (which far exceeds our own) the
deposit of coal in Illinois will last 120,000 years. And her kingdom shall
be an everlasting kingdom.
Let us turn now from this reserve power to the annual products of
104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
the State. We shall not be humiliated in this field. Here we strike the
secret of our national credit. Nature provides a market in the constant
appetite of the race. Men must eat, and if we can furnish the provisions
we can command the treasure. All that a man hath will he give for his
life.
According to the last census Illinois produced 30,000,000 of bushels
of wheat. That is more wheat than was raised by any other State in the
Union. She raised In 1875, 130,000,000 of bushels of corn — twice as
much as any other State, and one-sixth of all the corn raised in the United
States. She harvested 2,747,000 tons of hay, nearly one-tenth of all the
hay in the Republic. It is not generally appreciated, but it is true, that
the hay crop of the country is worth more than the cotton crop. The
hay of Illinois equals the cotton of Louisiana. Go to Charleston, S. C,
and see them peddling handfuls of hay or grass, almost as a curiosity,
as we regard Chinese gods or the cryolite of Greenland; drink your
coffee and condensed milk ; and walk back from the coast for many a
league through the sand and burs till you get up into the better atmos-
phere of the mountains, without seeing a waving meadow or a grazing
herd ; then you will begin to appreciate the meadows of the Prairie State,
where the grass often grows sixteen feet high.
The value of her farm implements is $211,000,000, and the value of
her live stock is only second to the great State of New York. in' 1875
she had 25,000,000 hogs, and packed 2,113,815, about one-half of all that
were packed in the United States. This is no insignificant item. Pork
is a growing demand of the old world. Since the laborers of Europe
have gotten a taste of our bacon, and we have learned how to pack it dry
in boxes, like dry goods, the world has become the market.
The hog is on the march into the future. His nose is ordained to
uncover the secrets of dominion, and his feet shall be guided by the star
of empire.
Illinois marketed $57,000,000 worth of slaughtered animals — more
than any other State, and a seventh of all the States.
Be patient with me, and pardon my pride, and I will give you a list
of some of the things in which Illinois excels all other States.
Depth and richness of soil ; per cent, of good ground ; acres of
improved land ; large farms — some farms contain from 40,000 to 60,000
acres of cultivated land, 40,000 acres of corn on a single farm ; number of
farmers ; amount of wheat, corn, oats and honey produced ; value of ani-
mals for slaughter ; number of hogs ; amount of pork ; number of horses
— three times as many as Kentucky, the horse State.
Illinois excels all other States in miles of railroads and in miles of
postal service, and in money orders sold per annum, and in the amount of
lumber sold in her markets.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 105
Illinois is only second in many important matters. This sample list
comprises a few of the more important : Permanent school fund (good
for a young state) ; total income for educational purposes ; number of pub-
lishers of books, maps, papers, etc.; value of farm products and imple-
ments, and of live stock ; in tons of coal mined.
The shipping of Illinois is only second to New York. Out of one
port during the business hours of the season of navigation she sends forth
a vessel every ten minutes. This does not include canal boats, which go
one every five minutes. No wonder she is only second in number of
bankers and brokers or in physicians and surgeons.
She is third in colleges, teachers and schools ; cattle, lead, hay,
flax, sorghum and beeswax.
She is fourth in population, in children enrolled in public schools, in
law schools, in butter, potatoes and carriages.
She is fifth in value of real and personal property, in theological
seminaries and colleges exclusively for women, in milk sold, and in boots
and shoes manufactured, and in book-binding.
She is only seventh in the production of wood, while she is the
twelfth in area. Surely that is well done for the Prairie State. She now
has much more wood and growing timber than she had thirty years ago.
A few leading industries will justify emphasis. She manufactures
$205,000,000 worth of goods, which places her well up toward New York
and Pennsylvania. The number of her manufacturing establishments
increased from 1860 to 1870, 300 per cent.; capital employed increased 350
per cent,, and the amount of product increased 400 per cent. She issued
5,500,000 copies of commercial and financial newspapers — only second to
New York. She has 6,759 miles of railroad, thus leading all other States,
worth $636,458,000, using 3,245 engines, and 67,712 cars, making a train
long enough to cover one-tenth of the entire roads of the State. Her
stations are only five miles apart. She carried last year 15,795,000 passen-
gers, an average of 36i miles, or equal to taking her entire population twice
across the State. More than two-thirds of her land is within five miles of
a railroad, and less than two per cent, is more than fifteen miles away.
The State has a large financial interest in the Illinois Central railroad.
The road was incorporated in 1850, and the State gave each alternate sec-
tion for six miles on each side, and doubled the price of the remaining
land, so keeping herself good. The road received 2,595,000 acres of land,
and pays to the State one-seventh of the gross receipts. The State
receives this year $350,000, and has received in all about $7,000,000. It
is practically the people's road, and it has a most able and gentlemanly
management. Add to this the annual receipts from the canal, $111,000,
and a large per cent, of the State tax is provided for.
106 HISTORY OF THE STATE OP ILLINOIS.
THE RELIGION AND MORALS
of the State keep step with her productions and growth. She was born
of the missionary spirit. It was a minister who secured for her the ordi-
nance of 1787, by which she has been saved from slavery, ignorance, and
dishonesty. Rev. Mr. Wiley, pastor of a Scotch congregation in Randolph
County, petitioned the Constitutional Convention of 1818 to recognize
Jesus Christ as king, and the Scriptures as the only necessary guide and
book of law. The convention did not act in the case, and the old Cove-
nanters refused to accept citizenship. They never voted until 1824, when
the slavery question was submitted to the people; then they all voted
against it and cast the determining votes. Conscience has predominated
whenever a great moral question has been submitted to the people.
But little mob violence has ever been felt in the State. In 1817
regulators disposed of a band of horse-thieves that infested the territory.
The Mormon indignities finally awoke the same spirit. Alton was also
the scene of a pro-slavery mob, in which Lovejoy was added to the list of
martyrs. The moral sense of the people makes the law supreme, and gives
to the State unruffled peace.
With $22,300,000 in church property, and 4,298 church organizations,
the State has that divine police, the sleepless patrol of moral ideas, that
alone is able to secure perfect safety. Conscience takes the knife from
the assassin's hand and the bludgeon from the grasp of the highwayman.
We sleep in safety, not because we are behind bolts and bars — these only
fence against the innocent ; not because a lone officer drowses on a distant
corner of a street ; not because a sheriff may call his posse from a remote
part of the county ; but because conscience guards the very portals of the
air and stirs in the deepest recesses of the public mind. This spirit issues
within the State 9,500,000 copies of religious papers annually, and receives
still more from without. Thus the crime of the State is only one-fourth
that of New York and one-half that of Pennsylvania.
Illinois never had but one duel between her own citizens. In Belle-
ville, in 1820, Alphonso Stewart and William Bennett arranged to vindi-
cate injured honor. The seconds agreed to make it a sham, and make
them shoot blanks. Stewart was in the secret. Bennett mistrusted some-
thing, and, unobserved, slipped a bullet into his gun and killed Stewart.
He then fled the State. After two years he was caught, tried, convicted,
and, in spite of friends and political aid, was hung. This fixed the code
of honor on a Christian basis, and terminated its use in Illinois.
The early preachers were ignorant men, who were accounted eloquent
according to the strength of their voices. But they set the style for all
public speakers. Lawyers and political speakers followed this rule. Gov.
HISTORY OP THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 107
Ford says: "Nevertheless, these first preachers were of incalculable
benefit to the country. They inculcated justice and morality. To them
are we indebted for the first Christian character of the Protestant portion
of the people."
In education Illinois surpasses her material resources. The ordinance
of 1787 consecrated one thirty-sixth of her soil to common schools, and
the law of 1818, the first law that went upon her statutes, gave three per
cent, of all the rest to
EDUCATION.
The old compact secures this interest forever, and by its yoking
morality and intelligence it precludes the legal interference with the Bible
in the public schools. With such a start it is natural that we should have
11,050 schools, and that our illiteracy should be less than New York or
Pennsylvania, and only about one-half of Massachusetts. We are not to
blame for not having more than one-half as many idiots as the great
States. These public schools soon made colleges inevitable. The first
college, still flourishing, was started in Lebanon in 1828, by the M. E.
church, and named after Bishop McKendree. Illinois College, at Jackson-
ville, supported by the Presbyterians, followed in 1830. In 1832 the Bap-
tists built Shurtleff College, at Alton. Then the Presbyterians built Knox
College, at Galesburg, in 1838, and the Episcopalians built Jubilee College,
at Peoria, in 1847. After these early years colleges have rained down.
A settler could hardly encamp on the prairie but a college would spring
up by his wagon. The State now has one very well endowed and equipped
university, namely, the Northwestern University, at Evanston, with six
colleges, ninety instructors, over 1,000 students, and $1,500,000 endow-
ment.
Rev. J. M. Peck was the first educated Protestant minister m tne
State. He settled at Rock Spring, in St. Clair County, 1820, and left his
impress on the State. Before 1837 only party papers were published, but
Mr. Peck published a Gazetteer of Illinois. Soon after John Russell, of
Bluffdale, published essays and tales showing genius. Judge James Hall
published The Illinois Monthly Magazine with great ability, and an annual
called The Western Souvenir, which gave him an enviable fame all over the
United States. From these beginnings Illinois has gone on till she has
more volumes in public libaaries even than Massachusetts, and of the
44,500,000 volumes in all the public libraries of the United States, she
has one-thirteenth. In newspapers she stands fourth. Her increase is
marvelous. In 1850 she issued 5,000,000 copies; in 1860, 27,590,000 ; in
1870, 113,140,000. In 1860 she had eighteen colleges and seminaries ; in
1870 she had eighty. That is a grand advance for the war decade.
This brings us to a record unsurpassed in the history of any age,
108 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
THE WAR RECORD OF ILLINOIS.
I hardly know where to begin, or how to advance, or what to say. I
can at best give you only a broken synopsis of her deeds, and you must
put them in the order of glory for yourself. Her sons have always been
foremost on fields of danger. In 1832-33, at the call of Gov. Reynolds,
her sons drove Blackhawk over the Mississippi.
When the Mexican war came, in May, 1846, 8,370 men offered them-
selves when only 3,720 could be accepted. The fields of Buena Vista and
Vera Cruz, and the storming of Cerro Gordo, will carry the glory of Illinois
soldiers along after the infamy of the cause they served has been forgotten.
But it was reserved till our day for her sons to find a field and cause and
foemen that could fitly illustrate their spirit and heroism. Illinois put
into her own regiments for the United States government 256,000 men,
and into the army through other States enough to swell the number to
290,000. This far exceeds all the soldiers of' the federal government in
all the war of the revolution. Her total years of service were over 600,000.
She enrolled men from eighteen to forty -five }^ears of age when the law
of Congress in 1864 — the test time — only asked for those from twenty to
forty-five. Her enrollment was otherwise excessive. Her people wanted
to go, and did not take the pains to correct the enrollment. Thus the
basis of fixing the quota was too great, and then the quota itself, at least
in the trying time, was far above any other State.
Thus the demand on some counties, as Monroe, for example, took every
able-bodied man in the county, and then did not have enough to fill the
quota. Moreover, Illinois sent 20,844 men for ninety or one hundred days,
for whom no credit was asked. When Mr. Lincoln's attention was called
to the inequality of the quota compared with other States, he replied,
" The country needs the sacrifice. We must put the whip on the free
horse." In spite of all these disadvantages Illinois gave to the country
73,000 years of service above all calls. With one-thirteenth of the popu-
lation of the loyal States, she sent regularly one-tenth of all the soldiers,
and in the peril of the closing calls, when patriots were few and weary,
she then sent one-eighth of all that were called for by her loved and hon-
ored son in the white house. Her mothers and daughters went into the
fields to raise the grain and keep the children together, while the fathers
and older sons went to the harvest fields of the world. I knew a father
and four sons who agreed that one of them must stay at home ; and they
pulled straws from a stack to see who might go. The father was left.
The next day he came into the camp, saying : " Mother says she can get
the crops in, and I am going, too." I know large Methodist churches
from which every male member went to the army. Do you want to know
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 109
what these heroes from Illinois did in the field ? Ask any soldier with a
good record of his own, who is thus able to judge, and he will tell you
that the Illinois men went in to win. It is common history that the greater
victories were won in the West. When everything else looked dark Illi-
nois was gaining victories all down the river, and dividing the confederacy.
Sherman took with him on his great march forty-five regiments of Illinois
infantry, three companies of artillery, and one company of cavalry. He
could not avoid
GOING TO THE SEA.
If he had been killed, I doubt not the men would have gone right on.
Lincoln answered all rumors of Sherman's defeat with, " It is impossible ;
there is a mighty sight of fight in 100,000 Western men." Illinois soldiers
brought home 300 battle-flags. The first United States flag that floated
over Richmond was an Illinois flag. She sent messengers and nurses to
every field and hospital, to care for her sick and wounded sons. She said,
" These suffering ones are my sons, and I will care for them."
When individuals had given all, then cities and towns came forward
with their credit to the extent of many millions, to aid these men and
their families.
Illinois gave the country the great general of the war — Ulysses S.
Grant — since honored with two terms of the Presidency of the United
States.
One other name from Illinois comes up in all minds, embalmed in all
hearts, that must have the supreme place in this story of our glory and
of our nation's honor ; that name is Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois.
The analysis of Mr. Lincoln's character is difficult on account of its
symmetry.
In this age we look with admiration at his uncompromising honesty.
And well we may, for this saved us. Thousands throughout the length
and breadth of our country who knew him only as " Honest Old Abe,"
voted for him on that account ; and wisely did they choose, for no other
man could have carried us through the fearful night of the war. When
his plans were too vast for our comprehension, and his faith in the cause
too sublime for our participation ; when it was all night about us, and all
dread before us, and all sad and desolate behind us ; when not one ray
shone upon our cause ; when traitors were haughty and exultant at the
South, and fierce and blasphemous at the North ; when the loyal men here
seemed almost in the minority ; when the stoutest heart quailed, the bravest
cheek paled ; when generals were defeating each other for place, and
contractors were leeching out the very heart's blood of the prostrate
republic : when every thing else had failed us, we looked at this calm,
patient man standing like a rock in the storm, and said : " Mr. Lincoln
110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
is honest, and we can trust him still." Holding to this single point with
the energy of faith and despair we held together, and, under God, he
brought us through to victory.
His practical wisdom made him the wonder of all lands. With such
certainty did Mr. Lincoln follow causes to their ultimate effects, that his
foresight of contingencies seemed almost prophetic.
He is radiant with all the great virtues, and his memory shall shed a
glory upon this age that shall fill the eyes of men as they look into his-
tory. Other men have excelled him in some point, but, taken at all
points, all in all, he stands head and shoulders above every other man of
6,000 years. An administrator, he saved the nation in the perils of
unparalleled civil war. A statesman, he justified his measures by their
success. A philanthropist, he gave liberty to one race and salvation to
another. A moralist, he bowed from the summit of human power to the
foot of the Cross, and became a Christian. A mediator, he exercised mercy
under the most absolute abeyance to law. A leader, he was no partisan.
A commander, he was untainted with blood. A ruler in desperate times,
he was unsullied with crime. A man, he has left no word of passion, no
thought of malice, no trick of craft, no act of jealousy, no purpose of
selfish ambition. Thus perfected, without a model, and without a peer,
he was dropped into these troubled years to adorn and embellish all that
is good and all that is great in our humanity, and to present to all coming
time the representative of the divine idea of free government.
It is not too much to say that away down in the future, when the
republic has fallen from its niche in the wall of time ; when the great
war itself shall have faded out in the distance like a mist on the horizon :
when the Anglo-Saxon language shall be spoken only by the tongue of
the stranger ; then the generations looking this way shall see the great
president as the supreme figure in this vortex of history
CHICAGO.
It is impossible in our brief space to give more than a meager sketch
of such a city as Chicago, which is in itself the greatest marvel of the
Prairie State. This mysterious, majestic, mighty city, born first of water,
and next of fire ; sown in weakness, and raised in power ; planted among
the willows of the marsh, and crowned with the glory of the mountains ;
sleeping on the bosom of the prairie, and rocked on the bosom of the sea ,
the youngest city of the world, and still the eye of the prairie, as Damas-
cus, the oldest city of the world, is the eye of the desert. With a com-
merce far exceeding that of Corinth on her isthmus, in the highway to
the East ; with the defenses of a continent piled around her by the thou-
sand miles, making her far safer than Rome on the banks of the Tiber ;
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Ill
with schools eclipsing Alexandria and Athens ; with liberties more con-
spicuous than those of the old republics ; with a heroism equal to the first
Carthage, and with a sanctity scarcely second to that of Jerusalem — set
your thoughts on all this, lifted into the eyes of all men by the miracle of
its growth, illuminated by the flame of its fall, and transfigured by the
divinity of its resurrection, and you will feel, as I do, the utter impossi-
bility of compassing this subject as it deserves. Some impression of her
importance is received from the shock her burning gave to the civilized
world.
When the doubt of her calamity was removed, and the horrid fact
was accepted, there went a shudder over all cities, and a quiver over all
lands. There was scarcely a town in the civilized world that did not
shake on the brink of this opening chasm. The flames of our homes red-
dened all skies. The city was set upon a hill, and could not be hid. AK
eyes were turned upon it. To have struggled and suffered amid the
scenes of its fall is as distinguishing as to have fought at Thermopylae, or
Salamis, or Hastings, or Waterloo, or Bunker Hill.
Its calamity amazed the world, because it was felt to be the common
property of mankind.
The early history of the city is full of interest, just as the early his-
tory of such a man as Washington or Lincoln becomes public property,
and is cherished by every patriot.
Starting with 560 acres in 1833, it embraced and occupied 23,000
acres in 1869, and, having now a population of more than 500,000, it com-
mands general attention.
The first settler — Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from the
West Indies — came and began trade with the Indians in 1796. John
Kinzie became his successor in 1804, in which year Fort Dearborn was
erected.
A mere trading-post was kept here from that time till about the time
of the Blackhawk war, in 1832. It was not the city. It was merely a
cock crowing at midnight. The morning was not yet. In 1833 the set-
tlement about the fort was incorporated as a town. The voters were
divided on the propriety of such corporation, twelve voting for it and one
against it. Four years later it was incorporated as a city, and embraced
560 acres.
The produce handled in this city is an indication of its power. Grain
and flour were imported from the East till as late as 1837. The first
exportation by way of experiment was in 1839. Exports exceeded imports
first in 1842. The Board of Trade was organized in 1848, but it was so
weak that it needed nursing till 1855. Grain was purchased by the
wagon-load in the street.
I remember sitting with my father on a load of wheat, in the long
112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
line of wagons along Lake street, while the buyers came and untied the
bags, and examined the grain, and made their bids. That manner of
business had to cease with the day of small things. Now our elevators
will hold 15,000,000 bushels of grain. The cash value of the produce
handled in a year is $215,000,000, and the produce weighs 7,000,000
tons or 700,000 car loads. This handles thirteen and a half ton each
minute, all the year round. One tenth of all the wheat in the United
States is handled in Chicago. Even as long ago as 1853 the receipts of
grain in Chicago exceeded those of the goodly city of St. Louis, and in
1854 the exports of grain from Chicago exceeded those of New York and
doubled those of St. Petersburg, Archangel, or Odessa, the largest grain
markets in Europe.
The manufacturing interests of the city are not contemptible. In
1873 manufactories employed 45,000 operatives ; in 1876, 60,000. The
manufactured product in 1875 was worth $177,000,000.
No estimate of the size and power of Chicago would be adequate
that did not put large emphasis on the railroads. Before they came
thundering along our streets canals were the hope of our country. But
who ever thinks now of traveling by canal packets ? In June, 1852,
there were only forty miles of railroad connected with the city. The
old Galena division of the Northwestern ran out to Elgin. But now,
who can count the trains and measure the roads that seek a terminus or
connection in this city ? The lake stretches away to the north, gathering
in to this center all the harvests that might otherwise pass to the north
of us. If you will take a map and look at the adjustment of railroads,
you will see, first, that Chicago is the great railroad center of the world,
as New York is the commercial city of this continent ; and, second, that
the railroad lines form the iron spokes of a great wheel whose hub is
this city. The lake furnishes the only break in the spokes, and this
seems simply to have pushed a few spokes together on each shore. See
the eighteen trunk lines, exclusive of eastern connections.
Pass round the circle, and view their numbers and extent. There
is the great Northwestern, with all its branches, one branch creeping
along the lake shore, and so reaching to the north, into the Lake Superior
regions, away to the right, and on to the Northern Pacific on the left,
swinging around Green Bay for iron and copper and silver, twelve months
in the year, and reaching out for the wealth of the great agricultural
belt and isothermal line traversed by the Northern Pacific. Another
branch, not so far north, feeling for the heart of the Badger State.
Another pushing lower down the Mississippi — all these make many con-
nections, and tapping all the vast wheat regions of Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, and all the regions this side of sunset. There is that elegant road,
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, running out a goodly number of
HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 113
branches, and reaping the great fields this side of the Missouri River.
I can only mention the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis, our Illinois Central,
described elsewhere, and the Chicago & Rock Island. Further around
we come to the lines connecting us with all the eastern cities. The
Chicago, Indianapolis & St. Louis, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne &
Chicago, the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and the Michigan Cen-
tral and Great Western, give us many highways to the seaboard. Thus we
reach the Mississippi at five points, from St. Paul to Cairo and the Gulf
itself by two routes. We also reach Cincinnati and Baltimore, and Pitts-
burgh and Philadelphia, and New York. North and south run the water
courses of the lakes and the rivers, broken just enough at this point to
make a pass. Through this, from east to west, run the long lines that
stretch from ocean to ocean.
This is the neck of the glass, and the golden sands of commerce
must pass into our hands. Altogether we have more than 10,000 miles
of railroad, directly tributary to this city, seeking to unload their wealth
in our coffers. All these roads have come themselves by the infallible
instinct of capital. Not a dollar was ever given by the city to secure
one of them, and only a small per cent, of stock taken originally by her
citizens, and that taken simply as an investment. Coming in the natural
order of events, they will not be easily diverted.
There is still another showing to all this. The connection between
New York and San Francisco is by the middle route. This passes inevit-
ably through Chicago. St. Louis wants the Southern Pacific or Kansas
Pacific, and pushes it out through Denver, and so on up to Cheyenne.
But before the road is fairly under way, the Chicago roads shove out to
Kansas City, making even the Kansas Pacific a feeder, and actually leav-
ing St. Louis out in the cold. It is not too much to expect that Dakota,
Montana, and Washington Territory will find their great market in Chi-
cago.
But these are not all. Perhaps I had better notice here the ten or
fifteen new roads that have just entered, or are just entering, our city.
Their names are all that is necessary to give. Chicago & St. Paul, look-
ing up the Red River country to the British possessions ; the Chicago,
Atlantic & Pacific ; the Chicago, Decatur & State Line ; the Baltimore &
Ohio ; the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes ; the Chicago & LaSalle Rail-
road ; the Chicago, Pittsburgh & Cincinnati ; the Chicago and Canada
Southern ; the Chicago and Illinois River Railroad. These, with their
connections, and with the new connections of the old roads, already in
process of erection, give to Chicago not less than 10,000 miles of new
tributaries from the richest land on the continent. Thus there will be
added to the reserve power, to the capital within reach of this city, not
less than $1,000,000,000.
114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
Add to all this transporting power the ships that sail one every nine
minutes of the business hours of the season of navigation ; add, also, the
canal boats that leave one every five minutes during the same time — and
you will see something of the business of the city.
THE COMMERCE OF THIS CITY
has been leaping along to keep pace with the growth of the country
around us. In 1852, our commerce reached the hopeful sum oi
$20,000,000. In 1870 it reached $400,000,000. In 1871 it was pushed
up above $450,000,000. And in 1875 it touched nearly double that.
One-half of our imported goods come directly to Chicago. Grain
enough is exported directly from our docks to the old world to employ a
semi-weekly line of steamers of 3,000 tons capacity. This branch is
not likely to be greatly developed. Even after the great Welland Canal
is completed we shall have only fourteen feet of water. The great ocean
vessels will continue to control the trade.
The banking capital of Chicago is $24,431,000. Total exchange in
1875, $659,000,000. Her wholesale business in 1875 was $294,000,000.
The rate of taxes is less than in any other great city.
The schools of Chicago are unsurpassed in America. Out of a popu-
lation of 300,000 there were only 186 persons between the ages of six
and twenty-one unable to read. This is the best known record.
In 1831 the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who went
on foot to Niles, Mich., once in two weeks, and brought back what papers
and news he could find. As late as 1846 there was often only one mail
a week. A post-office was established in Chicago in 1833, and the post-
master nailed up old boot-legs on one side of his shop to serve as boxes
for the nabobs and literary men.
It is an interesting fact in the growth of the young city that in the
active life of the business men of that day the mail matter has grown to
a daily average of over 6,500 pounds. It speaks equally well for the
intelligence of the people and the commercial importance of the place,
that the mail matter distributed to the territory immediately tributary to
Chicago is seven times greater than that distributed to the territory
immediately tributary to St. Louis.
The improvements that have characterized the city are as startling
as the city itself. In 1831, Mark Beaubien established a ferry over the
river, and put himself under bonds to carry all the citizens free for the
privilege of charging strangers. Now there are twenty-four large bridges
and two tunnels.
In 1833 the government expended $30,000 on the harbor. Then
commenced that series of manoeuvers with the river that has made it one
HISTORY OF THE STATE OP ILLINOIS. 115
of the world's curiosities. It used to wind around in the lower end of
the town, and make its way rippling over the sand into the lake at the
foot of Madison street. They took it up and put it down where it now
is. It was a narrow stream, so narrow that even moderately small crafts
had to go up through the willows and cat's tails to the point near Lake
street bridge, and back up one of the branches to get room enough in
which to turn around.
In 1844 the quagmires in the streets were first pontooned by plank
roads, which acted in wet weather as public squirt-guns. Keeping you
out of the mud, they compromised by squirting the mud over you. The
wooden-block pavements came to Chicago in 1857. In 1840 water was
delivered by peddlers in carts or by hand. Then a twenty-five horse-
power engine pushed it through hollow or bored logs along the streets
till 1854, when it was introduced into the houses by new works. The
first fire-engine was used in 1835, and the first steam fire-engine in 1859.
Gas was utilized for lighting the city in 1850. The Young Men's Chris-
tian Association was organized in 1858, and horse railroads carried them
to their work in 1859. The museum was opened in 1863. The alarm
telegraph adopted in 1864. The opera-house built in 1865. The city
grew from 560 acres in 1833 to 23,000 in 1869. In 1834, the taxes
amounted to $48.90, and the trustees of the town borrowed $60 more for
opening and improving streets. In 1835, the legislature authorized a loan
of $2,000, and the treasurer and street commissioners resigned rather than
plunge the town into such a gulf.
Now the city embraces 36 square miles of territory, and has 30 miles
of water front, besides the outside harbor of refuge, of 400 acres, inclosed
by a crib sea-wall. One-third of the city has been raised up an average
of eight feet, giving good pitch to the 263 miles of sewerage. The water
of the city is above all competition. It is received through two tunnels
extending to a crib in the lake two miles from shore. The closest analy-
sis fails to detect any impurities, and, received 35 feet below the surface,
it is always clear and cold. The first tunnel is five feet two inches in
diameter and two miles long, and can deliver 50,000,000 of gallons per
day. The second tunnel is seven feet in diameter and six miles long,
running four miles under the city, and can deliver 100,000,000 of gal-
lons per day. This water is distributed through 410 miles of water-
mains.
The three grand engineering exploits of the city are : First, lifting
the city up on jack-screws, whole squares at a time, without interrupting
the business, thus giving us good drainage ; second, running the tunnels
under the lake, giving us the best water in the world ; and third, the
turning the current of the river in its own channel, delivering us from the
old abominations, and making decency possible. They redound about
116 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
equally to the credit of the engineering, to the energy of the people, and
to the health of the city.
That which really constitutes the city, its indescribable spirit, its soul,
the way it lights up in every feature in the hour of action, has not been
touched. In meeting strangers, one is often surprised how some homely
women marry so well. Their forms are bad, their gait uneven and awk-
ward, their complexion is dull, their features are misshapen and mismatch-
ed, and when we see them there is no beauty that we should desire them.
But when once they are aroused on some subject, they put on new pro-
portions. They light up into great power. The real person comes out
from its unseemly ambush, and captures us at will. They have power.
They have ability to cause things to come to pass. We no longer wonder
why they are in such high demand. So it is with our city.
There is no grand scenery except the two seas, one of water, the
other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about it, a push, a breadth,
a power, that soon makes it a place never to be forsaken. One soon
ceases to believe in impossibilities. Balaams are the only prophets that are
disappointed. The bottom that has been on the point of falling out has
been there so long that it has grown fast. It can not fall out. It has all
the capital of the world itching to get inside the corporation.
The two great laws that govern the growth and size of cities are,
first, the amount of territory for which they are the distributing and
receiving points ; second, the numb'er of medium or moderate dealers that
do this distributing. Monopolists build up themselves, not the cities.
They neither eat, wear, nor live in proportion to their business. Both
these laws help Chicago.
The tide of trade is eastward — not up or down the map, but across
the map. The lake runs up a wingdam for 500 miles to gather in the
business. Commerce can not ferry up there for seven months in the year,
and the facilities for seven months can do the work for twelve. Then the
great region west of us is nearly all good, productive land. Dropping
south into the trail of St. Louis, you fall into vast deserts and rocky dis-
tricts, useful in holding the world together. St. Louis and Cincinnati,
instead of rivaling and hurting Chicago, are her greatest sureties of
dominion. They are far enough away to give sea-room, — farther off than
Paris is from London, — and yet they are near enough to prevent the
springing up of any other great city between them.
St. Louis will be helped by the opening of the Mississippi, but also
hurt. That will put New Orleans on her feet, and with a railroad running
over into Texas and so West, she will tap the streams that now crawl up
the Texas and Missouri road. The current is East, not North, and a sea-
port at New Orleans can not permanently help St. Louis.
Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the wealth of one-
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 117
fourth of the territory of this great republic. This strip of seacoast
divides its margins between Portland, Boston, New York, Philadelphia,
Baltimore and Savannah, or some other great port to be created for the
South in the next decade. But Chicago has a dozen empires casting their
treasures into her lap. On a bed of coal that can run all the machinery
of the world for 500 centuries ; in a garden that can feed the race by the
thousand years; at the head of the lakes that give her a temperature as a
summer resort equaled by no great city in the land ; with a climate that
insures the health of her citizens ; surrounded by all the great deposits
of natural wealth in mines aud forests and herds, Chicago is the wonder
of to-day, and will be the city of the future.
MASSACRE AT FORT DEARBORN.
During the war of 1812, Fort Dearborn became the theater of stirring
events. The garrison consisted of fifty-four men under command of
Captain Nathan Heald, assisted by Lieutenant Helm (son-in-law of Mrs.
Kinzie) and Ensign Ronan. Dr. Voorhees was surgeon. The only resi-
dents at the post at that time were the wives of Captain Heald and Lieu-
tenant Helm, and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his family, and
a few Canadian voyageurs, with their wives and children. The soldiers
and Mr. Kinzie were on most friendly terms with the Pottawattamies
and Winnebagos, the principal tribes around them, but they could not
win them from their attachment to the British.
One evening in April, 1812, Mr. Kinzie sat playing on his violin and
his children were dancing to the music, when Mrs. Kinzie came rushing
into the house, pale with terror, and exclaiming : " The Indians ! the
Indians!" "What? Where?" eagerly inquired Mr. Kinzie. "Up
at Lee's, killing and scalping," answered the frightened mother, who,
when the alarm was given, was attending Mrs. Barnes (just confined)
living not far off. Mr. Kinzie and his family crossed the river and took
refuge in the fort, to which place Mrs. Barnes and her infant not a day
old were safely conveyed. The rest of the inhabitants took shelter in the
fort. This alarm was caused by a scalping party of Winnebagos, who
hovered about the fort several days, when they disappeared, and for several
weeks the inhabitants were undisturbed.
On the 7th of August, 1812, General Hull, at Detroit, sent orders to
Captain Heald to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and to distribute all the United
States property to the Indians in the neighborhood — a most insane order.
The Pottawattamie chief, who brought the dispatch, had more wisdom
than the commanding general. He advised Captain Heald not to make
the distribution. Said he : " Leave the fort and stores as they are, and
let the Indians make distribution for themselves ; and while they are
engaged in the business, the white people may escape to Fort Wayne."
118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
Captain Heald held a council with the Indians on the afternoon ot
the 12th, in which his officers refused to join, for they had been informed
that treachery was designed — that the Indians intended to murder the
white people in the council, and then destroy those in the fort. Captain
Heald, however, took the precaution to open a port-hole displaying a
cannon pointing directly upon the council, and by that means saved
his life.
Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Captain Heald not
to confide in their promises, nor distribute the arms and munitions among
them, for it would only put power into their hands to destroy the whites.
Ac tine upon this advice, Heald resolved to withhold the munitions of
war ; and on the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other
property had been made, the powder, ball and liquors were thrown into
the river, the muskets broken up and destroyed.
Black Partridge, a friendly chief, came to Captain Heald, and said :
" Linden birds have been singing in my ears to-day: be careful on the
march you are going to take." On that dark night vigilant Indians had
crept near the fort and discovered the destruction of their promised booty
going on within. The next morning the powder was seen floating on the
surface of the river. The savages were exasperated and made loud com-
plaints and threats.
On the following day when preparations were making to leave the
fort, and all the inmates were deeply impressed with a sense of impend-
ing danger, Capt. Wells, an uncle of Mrs. Heald, was discovered upon
the Indian trail among the sand-hills on the borders of the lake, not far
distant, with a band of mounted Miamis, of whose tribe he was chief,
having been adopted by the famous Miami warrior, Little Turtle. When
news of Hull's surrender reached Fort Wayne, he had started with this
force to assist Heald in defending Fort Dearborn. He was too late.
Every means for its defense had been destroyed the night before, and
arrangements were made for leaving the fort on the morning of the 15th.
It was a warm bright morning in the middle of August. Indications
were positive that the savages intended to murder the white people ; and
when they moved out of the southern gate of the fort, the march was
like a funeral procession. The band, feeling the solemnity of the occa-
sion, struck up the Dead March in Saul.
Capt. Wells, who had blackened his face with gun-powder in token
of his fate, took the lead with his band of Miamis, followed by Capt.
Heald, with his wife by his side on horseback. Mr. Kinzie hoped by his
personal influence to avert the impending blow, and therefore accompanied
them, leaving his family in a boat in charge of a friendly Indian, to be
taken to his trading station at the site of Niles, Michigan, in the event ot
his death.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 110
The procession moved slowly along the lake shore till they reached
the sand-hills between the prairie and the beach, when the Pottawattamie
escort, under the leadership of Blackbird, filed to the right, placing those
hills between them and the white people. Wells, with his Miamis, had
kept in the advance. They suddenly came rushing back, Wells exclaim-
ing, " They are about to attack us ; form instantly." These words were
quickly followed by a storm of bullets, which came whistling over the
little hills which the treacherous savages had made the covert for their
murderous attack. The white troops charged upon the Indians, drove
them back to the prairie, and then the battle was waged between fifty-
four soldiers, twelve civilians and three or four women (the cowardly
Miamis having fled at the outset) against five hundred Indian warriors.
The white people, hopeless, resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible.
Ensign Ronan wielded his weapon vigorously, even after falling upon his
knees weak from the loss of blood. Capt. Wells, who was by the side of
his niece, Mrs. Heald, when the conflict began, behaved with the greatest
coolness and courage. He said to her, " We have not the slightest chance
for life. We must part to meet no more in this world. God bless you."
And then he dashed forward. Seeing a young warrior, painted like a
demon, climb into a wagon in which were twelve children, and tomahawk
them all, he cried out, unmindful of his personal danger, " If that is your
game, butchering women and children, I will kill too." He spurred his
horse towards the Indian camp, where they had left their squaws and
papooses, hotly pursued by swift-footed young warriors, who sent bullets
whistling after him. One of these killed his horse and wounded him
severely in the leg. With a yell the young braves rushed to make him
their prisoner and reserve him for torture. He resolved not to be made
a captive, and by the use of the most provoking epithets tried to induce
them to kill him instantly. He called a fiery young chief a squaw, when
the enraged warrior killed Wells instantly with his tomahawk, jumped
upon his body, cut out his heart, and ate a portion of the warm morsel
with savage delight !
In this fearful combat women bore a conspicuous part. Mrs. Heald
was an excellent equestrian and an expert in the use of the rifle. She
fought the savages bravely, receiving several severe wounds. Though
faint from the loss of blood, she managed to keep her saddle. A savage
raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full in the face,
and with a sweet smile and in a gentle voice said, in his own language,
" Surely you will not kill a squaw ! " The arm of the savage fell, and
the life of the heroic woman was saved.
Mrs. Helm, the step-daughter of Mr. Kinzie, had an encounter with
a stout Indian, who attempted to tomahawk her. Springing to one side,
she received the glancing blow on her shoulder, and at the same instant
120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
seized the savage round the neck with her arms and endeavored to get
hold of his scalping knife, which hung in a sheath at his breast. While
she was thus struggling she was dragged from her antagonist by anothei
powerful Indian, who bore her, in spite of her struggles, to the margin
of the lake and plunged her in. To her astonishment she was held by
him so that she would not drown, and she soon perceived that she was
in the hands of the friendly Black Partridge, who had saved her life.
The wife of Sergeant Holt, a large and powerful woman, behaved as
bravely as an Amazon. She rode a fine, high-spirited horse, which the
Indians coveted, and several of them attacked her with the butts of their
guns, for the purpose of dismounting her ; but she used the sword which
she had snatched from her disabled husband so skillfully that she foiled
them ; and, suddenly wheeling her horse, she dashed over the prairie,
followed by the savages shouting, " The brave woman ! the brave woman !
Don't hurt her ! " They finally overtook her, and while she was fighting
them in front, a powerful savage came up behind her, seized her by the
neck and dragged her to the ground. Horse and woman were made
captives. Mrs. Holt was a long time a captive among the Indians, but
was afterwards ransomed.
In this sharp conflict two-thirds of the white people were slain and
wounded, and all their horses, baggage and provision were lost. Only
twenty-eight straggling men now remained to fight five hundred Indians
rendered furious by the sight of blood. They succeeded in breaking
through the ranks of the murderers and gaining a slight eminence on the
prairie near the Oak Woods. The Indians did not pursue, but gathered
on their flanks, while the chiefs held a consultation on the sand-hills, and
showed signs of willingness to parley. It would have been madness on
the part of the whites to renew the fight ; and so Capt. Heald went for-
ward and met Blackbird on the open prairie, where terms of surrender
were soon agreed upon. It was arranged that the white people should
give up their arms to Blackbird, and that the survivors should become
prisoners of war, to be exchanged for ransoms as soon as practicable.
With this understanding captives and captors started for the Indian
camp near the fort, to which Mrs. Helm had been taken bleeding and
suffering by Black Partridge, and had met her step-father and learned
that her husband was safe.
A new scene of horror was now opened at the Indian camp. The
wounded, not being included in the terms of surrender, as it was inter-
preted by the Indians, and the British general, Proctor, having offered a
liberal bounty for American scalps, delivered at Maiden, nearly all the
wounded men were killed and scalped, and the price of the trophies was
afterwards paid by the British government.
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
121
SHABBONA.
[This was engraved from a daguerreotype, taken when Shabbona was 83 years old.]
This celebrated Indian chief, whose portrait appears in this work, deserves
more than a passing notice. Although Shabbona was not so conspicuous as
Tecumseh or Black Hawk, yet in point of merit he was superior to either
of them.
Shabbona was born at an Indian village on the Kankakee River, now in
Will County, about the year 1775. While young he was made chief of the
band, and went to Shabbona Grove, now DeKalb County, where they were
found in the early settlement of the county.
In the war of 1812, Shabbona, with his warriors, joined Tecumseh, was
122 HISTOftY OF THF STATE OF ILLINOIS.
aid to that great chief, and stood by his side when he fell at the battle of
the Thames. At the time of the Winnebago war, in 1827, he visited almost
every village among the Pottawatomies, and by his persuasive arguments
prevented them from taking part in the war. By request of the citizens
of Chicago, Shabbona, accompanied by Billy Caldwell (Sauganash), visited
Big Foot's village at Geneva Lake, in order to pacify the warriors, as fears
were entertained that they were about to raise the tomahawk against the
whites. Here Shabbona was taken prisoner by Big Foot, and his life
threatened, but on the following day was set at liberty. From that time
the Indians (through reproach) styled him " the white man's friend,"
and many times his life was endangered.
Before the Black Hawk war, Shabbona met in council at two differ-
ent times, and by his influence prevented his people from taking part with
the Sacs and Foxes. After the death of Black Partridge and Senachwine,
no chief among the Pottawatomies exerted so much influence as Shabbona.
Black Hawk, aware of this influence, visited him at two different times, in
order to enlist him in his cause, but was unsuccessful. While Black Hawk
was a prisoner at Jefferson Barracks, he said, had it not been for Shabbona
the whole Pottawatomie nation would have joined his standard, and he
could have continued the war for years.
To Shabbona many of the early settlers of Illinois owe the pres-
ervation of their lives, for it is a well-known fact, had he not notified the
people of their danger, a large portion of them would have fallen victims
to the tomahawk of savages. By saving the lives of whites he endangered
his own, for the Sacs and Foxes threatened to kill him, and made two
attempts to execute their threats. They killed Pypeogee, his son, and
Pyps, his nephew, and hunted him down as though he was a wild beast.
Shabbona had a reservation of two sections of land at his Grove, but
by leaving it and going west for a short time, the Government declared
the reservation forfeited, and sold it the same as other vacant land. On
Shabbona's return, and finding his possessions gone, he was very sad and
broken down in spirit, and left the Grove for ever. The citizens of Ottawa
raised money and bought him a tract of land on the Illinois River, above
Seneca, in Grundy County, on which they built a house, and supplied
him with means to live on. He lived here until his death, which occurred
on the 17th of July, 1859, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, and was
buried with great pomp in the cemetery at Morris. His squaw, Pokanoka,
was drowned in Mazen Creek, Grundy County, on the 30th of November,
1864, and was buried by his side.
In 1861 subscriptions were taken up in many of the river towns, to
erect a monument over the remains of Shabbona, but the war breaking
out, the enterprise was abandoned. Only a plain marble slab marks the
resting-place of this friend of the white man.
Abstract of Illinois State Laws.
BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES.
No promissory note, check, draft, bill of exchange, order, or note, nego-
tiable instrument payable at sight, or on demand, or on presentment, shall
be entitled to days of grace. All other bills of exchange, drafts or notes are
entitled to three days of grace. All the above mentioned paper falling
due on Sunday, New Years' Day, the Fourth of July, Christmas, or any
day appointed or recommended by the President of the United States or
the Governor of the State as a day of fast or thanksgiving, shall be deemed
as due on the day previous, and should two or more of these days come
together, then such instrument shall be treated as due on the day previous
to the first of said days. No defense can be made against a negotiable
instrument (assigned before due*) in the hands of the assignee without
notice, except fraud was used in obtaining the same. To hold an indorser,
due diligence must be used by suit, in collecting of the maker, unless suit
would have been unavailing. Notes payable to person named or to order,
in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payee. Notes
payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when so payable
every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of payment unless otherwise
expressed.
In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a month
shall be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, and for less
than a month, a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of a month. Notes
only bear interest when so expressed, but after due they draw the legal
interest, even if not stated.
INTEREST.
The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree in writing
on a rate not exceeding eight per cent. If a rate of interest greater than
eight per cent is contracted for, it works a forfeiture of the whole of said
interest, and only the principal can be recovered.
DESCENT.
When no will is made, the property of a deceased person is distrib-
uted as follows :
123
124 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
First. To his or her children and their descendants in equal parts ;
the descendants of the deceased child or grandchild taking the share of
their deceased parents in equal parts among them.
Second. Where there is no child, nor descendant of such child, and
no widow or surviving husband, then to the parents, brothers and sisters
of the deceased, and their descendants, in equal parts, the surviving
parent, if either be dead, taking a double portion ; and if there is no
parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of the intestate and their
descendants.
Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no child or
children, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the real estate and
the whole of the personal estate shall descend to such widow or surviving
husband, absolutely, and the other half of the real estate shall descend as
in other cases where there is no child or children or descendants of the
same.
Fourth. When there is a widow or surviving husband and also a child
or children, or descendants of the latter, then one third of all the personal
estate to the widow or surviving husband absolutely.
Fifth. If there is no child, parent, brother or sister, or descendants of
either of them, and no widow or surviving husband, then in equal parts
to the next of kin to the intestate in equal degree. Collaterals shall not
be represented except with the descendants of brothers and sisters of the
intestate, and there shall be no distinction between kindred of the whole
and the half blood.
Sixth. If any intestate leaves a widow or surviving husband and no
kindred, then to such widow or surviving husband ; and if there is no such
widow or surviving husband, it shall escheat to and vest in the county
where the same, or the greater portion thereof, is situated.
WILLS AND ESTATES OF DECEASED PERSONS.
No exact form of words are necessary in order to make a will good at
law. Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every female
of the age of eighteen years, of sound mind and memory, can make a valid
will ; it must be in tvriting, signed by the testator or by some one in his
or her presence and by his or her direction, and attested by two or more
credible witnesses. Care should be taken that the witnesses are not inter-
ested in the will. Persons knowing themselves to have been named in the
will or appointed executor, must within thirty days of the death of
deceased cause the will to be proved and recorded in the proper county,
or present it, and refuse to accept; on failure to do so are liable to forfeit
the sum of twenty dollars per month. Inventory to be made by executor
or administrator within three months from date of letters testamentary or
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 125
of administration. Executors' and administrators' compensation not to
exceed six per cent, on amount of personal estate, and three per cent.
on money realized from real estate, with such additional allowance a?
shall be reasonable for extra services. Appraisers'' compensation $2 pei
day.
Notice requiring all claims to be presented against the estate shall btf
given by the executor or administrator within six ■months of being - quali-
fied. Any person having a claim and not presenting it at the time fixed
by said notice is required to have summons issued notifying the executor
or administrator of his having filed his claim in court ; in such cases the
costs have to be paid by the claimant. Claims should be filed within two
years from the time administration is granted on an estate, as after that
time they are forever barred, unless other estate is found that was not in-
ventoried. Married women, infants, persons insane, imprisoned or without
the United States, in the employment of the United States, or of this
State, have two years after their disabilities are removed to file claims.
Claims are classified and paid out of the estate in the following manner :
First. Funeral expenses.
Second. The widow's aivard, if there is a widow ; or children if there
are children, and no widow.
Third. Expenses attending the last illness, not including physician's
bill.
Fourth. Debts due the common school or township fund .
Fifth. All expenses of proving the will and taking out letters testa-
mentary or administration, and settlement of the estate, and the physi-
cian s bill in the last illness of deceased.
Sixth. Where the deceased has received money in trust for any pur-
pose, his executor or administrator shall pay out of his estate the amount
received and not accounted for.
Seventh. All other debts and demands of whatsoever kind, without
regard to quality or dignity, which shall be exhibited to the court within
two years from the granting of letters.
Award to Widow and Children, exclusive of debts and legacies or be-
quests, except funeral expenses :
First. The family pictures and wearing apparel, jewels and ornaments
of herself and minor children.
Second. School books and the family library of the value of $100.
Third. One sewing machine.
Fourth. Necessary beds, bedsteads and bedding for herself and family.
Fifth. The stoves and pipe used in the family, with the necessary
cooking utensils, or in case they have none, $50 in money.
Sixth. Household and kitchen furniture to the value of $100.
Seventh. One milch cow and calf for every four members of her family.
126 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
Eighth. Two sheep for each member of her family, and the fleeces
taken from the same, and one horse, saddle and bridle.
Ninth. Provisions for herself and family for one year.
Tenth. Food for the stock above specified for six months.
Eleventh. Fuel for herself and family for three months.
Twelfth. One hundred dollars worth of other property suited to her
condition in life, to be selected by the widow.
The widow if she elects may have in lieu of the said award, the same
personal property or money in place thereof as is or may be exempt from
execution or attachment against the head of a family.
TAXES.
The owners of real and personal property, on the first day of May in
each year, are liable for the taxes thereon.
Assessments should be completed before the fourth Monday in June>
at which time the town board of review meets to examine assessments,
hear objections, and make such changes as ought to be made. The county
board have also power to correct or change assessments.
The tax books are placed in the hands of the town collector on or
before t) e tenth day of December, who retains them until the tenth day
of March following, when he is required to return them to the county
treasurer, who then collects all delinquent taxes.
No costs accrue on real estate taxes till advertised, which takes place
the first day of April, when three weeks' notice is required before judg-
ment. Cost of advertising, twenty cents each tract of land, and ten cents
each lot.
Judgment is usually obtained at May term of County Court. Costs
six cents each tract of land, and five cents each lot. Sale takes place in
June. Costs in addition to those before mentioned, twenty-eight cents
each tract of land, and twenty-seven cents each town lot.
Real estate sold for taxes may be redeemed any time before the expi-
ration of two years from the date of sale, by payment to the County Clerk
of the amount for which it was sold and twenty-five per cent, thereon if
redeemed within six months, fifty per cent, if between six and twelve
months, if between twelve and eighteen months seventy-five per cent.,
and if between eighteen months and two years one hundred per cent.,
and in addition, all subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser, with ten per
cent, interest thereon, also one dollar each tract if notice is given by the
purchaser of the sale, and a fee of twenty-five cents to the clerk for his
certificate.
JURISDICTION OF COURTS.
Justices have jurisdiction in all civil cases on contracts for the recovery
of moneys for damages for injury to real property, or taking, detaining, or
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 127
injuring personal property ; for rent; for all cases to recover damages done
real or personal property by railroad companies, in actions of replevin, and
in actions for damages for fraud in the sale, purchase, or exchange of per-
sonal property, when the amount claimed as due is not over $200. They
have also jurisdiction in all cases for violation of the ordinances of cities,
towns or villages. A justice of the peace may orally order an officer or a
private person to arrest any one committing or attempting to commit a
criminal offense. He also upon complaint can issue his warrant for the
arrest of any person accused of having committed a crime, and have him
brought before him for examination.
COUNTY COURTS
Have jurisdiction in all matters of probate (except in counties having a
population of one hundred thousand or over), settlement of estates of
deceased persons, appointment of guardians and conservators, and settle-
ment of their accounts ; all matters relating to apprentices ; proceedings
for the collection of taxes and assessments, and in proceedings of executors,
administrators, guardians and conservators for the sale of real estate. In
law cases they have concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts in all
cases where justices of the peace now have, or hereafter may have,
jurisdiction when the amount claimed shall not exceed $1,000, and in all
criminal offenses where the punishment is not imprisonment in the peni-
tentiary, or death, and in all cases of appeals from justices of the peace
and police magistrates; excepting when the county judge is sitting as a
justice of the peace. Circuit Courts have unlimited jurisdiction.
LIMITATION OF ACTION.
Accounts five years. Notes and written contracts ten years. Judg-
ments twenty years. Partial payments or new promise in writing, within
or after said period, will revive the debt. Absence from the State deducted,
and when the cause of action is barred by the law of another State, it has
the same effect here. Slander and libel, one year. Personal injuries, two
years. To recover land or make entry thereon, twenty years. Action to
foreclose mortgage or trust deed, or make a sale, within ten years.
All persons in possession of land, and paying taxes for seven consecu-
tive years, with color of title, and all persons paying taxes for seven con-
secutive years, with color of title, on vacant land, shall be held to be the
legal owners to the extent of their 'paper title.
MARRIED WOMEN
May sue and be sued. Husband and wife not liable for each other s debts,
either before or after marriage, but both are liable for expenses and edu-
cation of the family.
128 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
She may contract the same as if unmarried, except that in a partner-
ship business she can not, without consent of her husband, unless he has
abandoned or deserted her, or is idiotic or insane, or confined in peniten-
tiary ; she is entitled and can recover her own earnings, but neither hus-
band nor wife is entitled to compensation for any services rendered for the
other. At the death of the husband, in addition to widow's award, a
married woman has a dower interest (one-third) in all real estate owned
by her husband after their marriage, and which has not been released by
her, and the husband has the same interest in the real estate of the wife
at her death.
EXEMPTIONS FROM FORCED SALE.
Home worth $1,000, and the following Personal Property : Lot of ground
and buildings thereon, occupied as a residence by the debtor, being a house-
holder and having a family, to the value of $1,000. Exemption continues
after the death of the householder for the benefit of widow and family, some
one of them occupying the homestead until youngest child shall become
twenty-one years of age, and until death of widoiv. There is no exemption
from sale for taxes, assessments, debt or liability incurred for the purchase
or improvement of said homestead. No release or waiver of exemption is
valid, unless in writing, and subscribed by such householder and wife (if
he have one), and acknowledged as conveyances of real estate are required
to be acknowledged. The following articles of personal property owned
by the debtor, are exempt from execution, writ of attachment, and distress
for rent : The necessary wearing apparel, Bibles, school books and family
pictures of every person ; and, 2d, one hundred dollars worth of other
property to be selected by the debtor, and, in addition, when the debtor
is the head of a family and resides with the same, three hundred dollars
worth of other property to be selected by the debtor ; provided that such
selection and exemption shall not be made by the debtor or allowed to
him or her from any money, salary or wages due him or her from any
person or persons or corporations whatever.
When the head of a family shall die, desert or not reside with the
same, the family shall be entitled to and receive all the benefit and priv-
ileges which are by this act conferred upon the head of a family residing
with the same. No personal property is exempt from execution when
judgment is obtained for the wages of laborers or servants. Wages of a
laborer who is the head of a family can not be garnisheed, except the sum
due him be in excess of $25.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 129
DEEDS AND MORTGAGES.
To be valid there must be a valid consideration. Special care should
be taken to have them signed, sealed, delivered, and properly acknowl-
edged, with the proper seal attached. Witnesses are not required. The
acknoivledgement must be made in this state, before Master in Chancery,
Notary Public, United States Commissioner, Circuit or County Clerk, Justice
of Peace, or any Court of Record having a seal, or any Judge, Justice, or
Clerk of any such Court. When taken before a Notary Public, or United
States Commissioner, the same shall be attested by his official seal, when
taken before a Court or the Clerk thereof, the same shall be attested by
the seal of such Court, and when taken before a Justice of the Peace resid-
ing out of the county where the real estate to be conveyed lies, there shall
be added a certificate of the County Clerk under his seal of office, that he
was a Justice of the Peace in the county at the time of taking the same.
A deed is good without such certificate attached, but can not be used in
evidence unless such a certificate is produced or other competent evidence
introduced. Acknowledgements made out of the state must either be
executed according to the laws of this state, or there should be attached
a certificate that it is in conformity with the laws of the state or country
where executed. Where this is not done the same may be proved by any
other legal way. Acknowledgments where the Homestead rights are to
be waived must state as follows : " Including the release and waiver of
the right of homestead."
Notaries Public can take acknowledgements any where in the state.
Sheriffs, if authorized by the mortgagor of real or personal property
in his mortgage, may sell the property mortgaged.
In the case of the death of grantor or holder of the equity of redemp-
tion of real estate mortgaged, or conveyed by deed of trust where equity
of redemption is waived, and it contains power of sale, must be foreclosed
in the same manner as a common mortgage in court.
ESTRAYS.
Horses, mules, asses, neat cattle, swine, sheep, or goats found straying
at any time during the year, in counties where such animals are not allowed
to run at large, or between the last day of October and the 15th day of
April in other counties, the oivner thereof being unknown, may be taken up
as estrays.
No person not a householder in the county where estray is found can
lawfully take up an estray, and then only upon or about his farm or place
of residence. Estrays should not be used before advertised, except animals
giving milk, which may be milked for their benefit.
130 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
Notices must be posted up within five (5) days in three (3) of the
most public places in the town or precinct in which estray was found, giv-
ing the residence of the taker up, and a particular description of the
estray, its age, color, and marks natural and artificial, and stating before
what justice of the peace in such town or precinct, and at what time, not
less than ten (10) nor more than fifteen (15) days from the time of post-
ing such notices, he will apply to have the estray appraised.
A copy of such notice should be filed by the taker up with the town
clerk, whose duty it is to enter the same at large, in a book kept by him
for that purpose.
If the owner of estray shall not have appeared and proved ownership,
and taken the same away, first paying the taker up his reasonable charges
for taking up, keeping, and advertising the same, the taker up shall appear
before the justice of the peace mentioned in above mentioned notice, and
make an affidavit as required by law.
As the affidavit has to be made before the justice, and all other steps as
to appraisement, etc., are before him, who is familiar therewith, they are
therefore omitted here.
Any person taking up an estray at any other place than about or
upon his farm or residence, or without complying with the law, shall forfeit
and pay a fine of ten dollars with costs.
Ordinary diligence is required in taking care of estrays, but in case
they die or get away the taker is not liable for the same.
GAME.
It is unlawful for any person to kill, or attempt to kill or destroy, in
any manner, any prairie hen or chicken or woodcock between the loth day
of January and the 1st day of September ; or any deer, faivn, wild-turkey,
partridge or pheasant between the 1st day of February and the 1st day
of October ; or any quail between the 1st day of February and 1st day of
November ; or any wild goose, duck, snipe, brant or other water fowl
between the 1st day of May and 15th day of August in each year.
Penalty : Fine not less than $5 nor more than $25, for each bird or
animal, and costs of suit, and stand committed to county jail until fine is
paid, but not exceeding ten days. It is unlawful to hunt with gun, dog
or net within the inclosed grounds or lands of another without permission.
Penalty: Fine not less than $3 nor more than $100, to be paid into
school fund.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for, or
sold or delivered, and no special contract or agreement shall be made to
the contrary, the weight per bushel shall be as follows, to-wit :
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 131
Pounds.
Pounds.
Stone Coal, -
- 80
Buckwheat, -
- 52
Unslacked Lime,
- 80
Coarse Salt,
- 50
Corn in the ear,
- 70
Barley, -
- 48
Wheat,
- 60
Corn Meal,
- 48
Irish Potatoes,
- 60
Castor Beans,
- 46
White Beans,
- 60
Timothy Seed, -
- 45
Clover Seed, -
- 60
Hemp Seed, -
- 44
Onions, -
- 57
Malt, -
- 38
Shelled Corn,
- 56
Dried Peaches,
- 33
Rye, -
- 56
Oats, -
- 32
Flax Seed,
- 56
Dried Apples,
- 24
Sweet Potatoes, -
- 55
Bran, -
- 20
Turnips,
- 55
Blue Grass Seed, -
- 14
Fine Salt, -
- 55
Hair (plastering),
8
Penalty for giving less than the above standard is double the amount
of property wrongfully not given, and ten dollars addition thereto.
MILLERS.
The owner or occupant of every public grist mill in this state shall
grind all grain brought to his mill in its turn. The toll for both steam
and water mills, is, for grinding and bolting wheat, rye, or other grain, one
eighth part; for grinding Indian corn, oats, barley and buckwheat not
required to be bolted, one seventh part ; for grinding malt, and chopping all
kinds of grain, one eighth part. It is the duty of every miller when his
mill is in repair, to aid and assist in loading and unloading all grain brought
to him to be ground, and he is also required to keep an accurate half
bushel measure, and an accurate set of toll dishes or scales for weishino-
the grain. The penalty for neglect or refusal to comply with the law is
§5, to the use of any person to sue for the same, to be recovered before
any justice of the peace of the county where penalty is incurred. Millers
are accountable for the safe keeping of all grain left in his mill for the
purpose of being ground, with bags or casks containing same (except it
results from unavoidable accidents), provided that such bags or casks are
distinctly marked with the initial letters of the owner's name.
MARKS AND BRANDS.
Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats may have one ear mark
and one brand, but which shall be different from his neighbor's, and may
be recorded by the county clerk of the county in which such property is
kept. Th.e fee for such record is fifteen cents. The record of such shall
be open to examination free of charge. In cases of disputes as to marks
or brands, such record is prima facie evidence. Owners of cattle, horses,
hogs, sheep or goats that may have been branded by the former oioner,
132 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
may be re-branded in presence of one or more of his neighbors, who shall
certify to the facts of the marking or branding being done, when done,
and in what brand or mark they were re-branded or re-marked, which
certificate may also be recorded as before stated.^
ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Children may be adopted by any resident of this state, by filing a
petition in the Circuit or County Court of the county in which he resides,
asking leave to do so, and if desired may ask that the name of the child
be changed. Such petition, if made by a person having a husband or
wife, will not be granted, unless the husband or wife joins therein, as the
adoption must be by them jointly.
The petition shall state name, sex, and age of the child, and the new
name, if it is desired to change the name. Also the name and residence
of the parents of the child, if known, and of the guardian, if any, and
whether the parents or guardians consent to the adoption.
The court must find, before granting decree, that the parents of the
child, or the survivors of them, have deserted his or her family or such
child for one year next preceding the application, or if neither are living,
the guardian ; if no guardian, the next of kin in this state capable of giving
consent, has had notice of the presentation of the petition and consents
to such adoption. If the child is of the age of fourteen years or upwards,
the adoption can not be made without its consent.
SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS.
There is in every county elected a surveyor known as county sur-
veyor, who has power to appoint deputies, for whose official acts he is
responsible. It is the duty of the county surveyor, either by himself or
his deputy, to make all surveys that he may be called upon to make within
his county as soon as may be after application is made. The necessary
chainmen and other assistance must be employed by the person requiring
the same to be done, and to be by him paid, unless otherwise agreed ; but
the chainmen must be disinterested persons and approved by the surveyor
and sworn by him to measure justly and impartially.
The County Board in each county is required by law to provide a copy
of the United States field notes and plats of their surveys of the lands
in the county to be kept in the recorder's office subject to examination
by the public, and the county surveyor is required to make his surveys
in conformity to said notes, plats and the laws of the United States gov-
erning such matters. The surveyor is also required to keep a record
of all surveys made by him, which shall be subject to inspection by any
one interested, and shall be delivered up to his successor in office. A.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 133
certified copy of the said surveyor's record shall be prima facie evidence
of its contents.
The fees of county surveyors are six dollars per day. The county
surveyor is also ex officio inspector of mines, and as such, assisted by some
practical miner selected by him, shall once each year inspect all the
mines in the county, for which they shall each receive such compensa-
tion as may be fixed by the County Board, not exceeding $5 a day, to
be paid out of the county treasury.
ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Where practicable from the nature of the ground, persons traveling
in any kind of vehicle, must turn to the right of the center of the road, so
as to permit each carriage to pass without interfering with each other.
The penalty for a violation of this provision is $5 for every offense, to
be recovered by the party injured; but to recover, there must have
occurred some injury to person or property resulting from the violation.
The owners of any carriage traveling upon any road in this State for the
conveyance of passengers who shall employ or continue in his employment
as driver any person who is addicted to drunkenness, or the excessive use of
spiritous liquors, after he has had notice of the same, shall forfeit, at the
rate of $5 per day, and if any driver while actually engaged in driving
any such carriage, shall be guilty of intoxication to such a degree as to
endanger the safety of passengers, it shall be the duty of the owner, on
receiving written notice of the fact, signed by one of the passengers, and
certified by him on oath, forthwith to discharge such driver. If such owner
shall have such driver in his employ within three months after such notice,
he is liable for $5 per day for the time he shall keep said driver in his
employment after receiving such notice.
Persons driving any carriage on any public highway are prohibited
from running their horses upon any occasion under a penalty of a fine not
exceeding $10, or imprisonment not exceeding sixty days, at the discre-
tion of the court. Horses attached to any carriage used to convey passen-
gers for hire must be properly hitched or the lines placed in the hands of
some other person before the driver leaves them for any purpose. For
violation of this provision each driver shall forfeit twenty dollars, to be
recovered by action, to be commenced within six months. It is under-
stood by the term carriage herein to mean any carriage or vehicle used
for the transportation of passengers or goods or either of them.
The commissioners of highways in the different towns have the care
and superintendence of highways and bridges therein. They have all
the powers necessary to lay out, vacate, regulate and repair all roads*
build and repair bridges. In addition to the above, it is their duty to
erect and keep in repair at the forks or crossing-place of the most
134 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
important roads post and guide boards with plain inscriptions, giving
directions and distances to the most noted places to which such road may
lead ; also to make provisions to prevent thistles, burdock, and cockle
burrs, mustard, yellow dock, Indian mallow and jimson weed from
seeding, and to extirpate the same as far as practicable, and to prevent
all rank growth of vegetation on the public highways so far as the same
may obstruct public travel, and it is in their discretion to erect watering
places for public use for watering teams at such points as may be deemed
advisable.
The Commissioners, on or before the 1st day of May of each year,
shall make out and deliver to their treasurer a list of all able-bodied men
in their town, excepting paupers, idiots, lunatics, and such others as are
exempt by law, and assess against each the sum of two dollars as a poll
tax for highway purposes. Within thirty days after such list is delivered
they shall cause a written or printed notice to be given to each person so
assessed, notifying him of the time when and place where such tax must
be paid, or its equivalent in labor performed ; they may contract with
persons owing such poll tax to perform a certain amount of labor on any
road or bridge in payment of the same, and if such tax is not paid nor
labor performed by the first Monday of July of such year, or within ten
days after notice is given after that time, they shall bring suit therefor
against such person before a justice of the peace, who shall hear and
determine the case according to law for the offense complained of, and
shall forthwith issue an execution, directed to any constable of the county
where the delinquent shall reside, who shall forthwith collect the moneys
therein mentioned.
The Commissioners of Highways of each town shall annually ascer-
tain, as near as practicable, how much money must be raised by tax on real
and personal property for the making and repairing of roads, only, to any
amount they may deem necessary, not exceeding forty cents on each one
hundred dollars' worth, as valued on the assessment roll of the previous
year. The tax so levied on property lying within an incorporated village,
town or city, shall be paid over to the corporate authorities of such town,
village or city. Commissioners shall receive $1.50 for each day neces-
sarily employed in the discharge of their duty.
Overseers. At the first meeting the Commissioners shall choose one
of their number to act General Overseer of Highways in their township,
whose duty it shall be to take charge of and safely keep all tools, imple-
ments and machinery belonging to said town, and shall, by the direction
of the Board, have general supervision of all roads and bridges in their
town.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 135
As all township and county officers are familiar with their duties, it
is only intended to give the points of the law that the public should he
familiar with. The manner of laying out, altering or vacating roads, etc.,
will not be here stated, as it would require more space than is contem-
plated in a work of this kind. It is sufficient to state that, the first step
is by petition, addressed to the Commissioners, setting out what is prayed
for, giving the names of the owners of lands if known, if not known so
state, over which the road is to pass, giving the general course, its place
of beginning, and where it terminates. It requires not less than twelve
freeholders residing within three miles of the road who shall sign the
petition. Public roads must not be less than fifty feet wide, nor more
than sixty feet wide. Roads not exceeding two miles in length, if peti-
tioned for, may be laid out, not less than forty feet. Private roads
for private and public use, may be laid out of the width of three rods, on
petition of the person directly interested ; the damage occasioned thereby
shall be paid by the premises benefited thereby, and before the road is
opened. If not opened in two years, the order shall be considered
rescinded. Commissioners in their discretion may permit persons who
live on or have private roads, to work out their road tax thereon. Public
roads must be opened in five days from date of filing order of location,
or be deemed vacated.
DRAINAGE.
Whenever one or more owners or occupants of land desire to construct
i drain or ditch across the land of others for agricultural, sanitary or
mining purposes, the proceedings are as follows :
File a petition in the Circuit or County Court of the county in which
the proposed ditch or drain is to be constructed, setting forth the neces-
sity for the same, with a description of its proposed starting point, route
and terminus, and if it shall be necessary for the drainage of the land or
coal mines or for sanitary purposes, that a drain, ditch, levee or similar
work be constructed, a description of the same. It shall also set forth
the names of all persons owning the land over which such drain or ditch
shall be constructed, or if unknown stating that fact.
No private property shall be taken or damaged for the purpose of
constructing a ditch, drain or levee, without compensation, if claimed by
the owner, the same to be ascertained by a jury ; but if the construction
of such ditch, drain or levee shall be a benefit to the owner, the same
shall be a set off against such compensation.
If the proceedings seek to affect the property of a minor, lunatic or
married woman, the guardian, conservator or husband of the same shall
be made party defendant. The petition may be amended and parties
made defendants at any time when it is necessary to a fair trial.
136 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
When the petition is presented to the judge, he shall note there m
when he will hear the same, and order the issuance of summonses a*id
the publication of notice to each non-resident or unknown defendant.
The petition may be heard by such judge in vacation as well as in
term time. Upon the trial, the jury shall ascertain the just compensation
to each owner of the property sought to be damaged by the construction
of such ditch, drain or levee, and truly report the same.
As it is only contemplated in a work of this kind to give an abstract
of the laws, and as the parties who have in charge the execution of the
further proceedings are likely to be familiar with the requirements of the
statute, the necessary details are not here inserted.
WOLF SCALPS.
The County Board of any county in this State may hereafter alluw
such bounty on ivolf scalps as the board may deem reasonable.
Any person claiming a bounty shall produce the scalp or scalps with
the ears thereon, within sixty days after the wolf or wolves shall have
been caught, to the Clerk of the County Board, who shall administer to
said person the following oath or affirmation, to-wit: "You do solemnly
swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that the scalp or scalps here pro-
duced by you was taken from a wolf or wolves killed and first captured
by yourself within the limits of this county, and within the sixty days
last past."
CONVEYANCES.
When the reversion expectant on a lease of any tenements or here-
ditaments of any tenure shall be surrendered or merged, the estate which
shall for the time being confer as against the tenant under the same lease
the next vested right to the same tenements or hereditaments, shall, to
the extent and for the purpose of preserving such incidents to and obli-
gations on the same reversion, as but for the surrender or merger thereof,
would have subsisted, be deemed the reversion expectant on the same
lease.
PAUPERS.
Every poor person who shall be unable to earn a livelihood in conse-
quence of any bodily infirmity, idiocy, lunacy or unavoidable cause, shall
be supported by the father, grand-father, mother, grand-mother, children,
grand-children, brothers or sisters of such poor person, if they or either
of them be of sufficient ability ; but if any of such dependent class shall
have become so from intemperance or other bad conduct, they shall not be
entitled to support from any relation except parent or child.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 137
The children shall first be called on to support their parents, if they
are able ; but if not, the parents of such poor person shall then be called
on, if of sufficient ability ; and if there be no parents or children able,
then the brothers and sisters of such dependent person shall be called
upon ; and if there be no brothers or sisters of sufficient ability, the
grand-children of such person shall next be called on ; and if they are
not able, then the grand-parents. Married females, while their husbands
live, shall not be liable to contribute for the support of their poor relations
except out of their separate property. It is the duty of the state's
(county) attorney, to make complaint to the County Court of his county
against all the relatives of such paupers in this state liable to his support
and prosecute the same. In case the state's attorney neglects, or refuses, to
complain in such cases, then it is the duty of the overseer of the poor to
do so. The person called upon to contribute shall have at least ten days'
notice of such application by summons. The court has the power to
determine the kind of support, depending upon the circumstances of the
parties, and may also order two or more of the different degrees to main-
tain such poor person, and prescribe the proportion of each, according to
their ability. The court may specify the time for which the relative shall
contribute — in fact has control over the entire subject matter, with power
to enforce its orders. Every county (except those in which the poor are
supported by the towns, and in such cases the towns are liable) is required
to relieve and support all poor and indigent persons lawfully resident
therein. Residence means the actual residence of the party, or the place
where he was employed ; or in case he was in no employment, then it
shall be the place where he made his home. When any person becomes
chargeable as a pauper in any county or town who did not reside at the
commencement of six months' immediately preceding his becoming so,
but did at that time reside in some other county or town in this state,
then the county or town, as the case may be, becomes liable for the expense
of taking care of such person until removed, and it is the duty of the
overseer to notify the proper authorities of the fact. If any person shall
bring and leave any pauper in any county in this state where such pauper
had no legal residence, knowing him to be such, he is liable to a fine of
$100. In counties under township organization, the supervisors in each
town are ex-ofncio overseers of the poor. The overseers of the poor act
under the directions of the County Board in taking care of the poor and
granting of temporary relief ; also, providing for non-resident persons not
paupers who may be taken sick and not able to pay their way, and in case
of death cause such person to be decently buried.
The residence of the inmates of poorhouses and other charitable
institutions for voting purposes is their former place of abode.
138 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
FENCES.
In counties under township organization, the town assessor and com-
missioner of highways are the fence-viewers in their respective towns.
In other counties the County Board appoints three in each precinct annu-
ally. A lawful fence is four and one-half feet high, in good repair, con-
sisting of rails, timber, boards, stone, hedges, or whatever the fence-
viewers of the town or precinct where the same shall lie, shall consider
equivalent thereto, but in counties under township organization the annual
town meeting may establish any other kind of fence as such, or the County
Board in other counties may do the same. Division fences shall be made
and maintained in just proportion by the adjoining owners, except when
the owner shall choose to let his land lie open, but after a division fence is
built by agreement or otherwise, neither party can remove his part of such
fence so long as he may crop or use such land for farm purposes, or without
giving the other party one year's notice in writing of his intention to remove
his portion. When any person shall enclose his land upon the enclosure
of another, he shall refund the owner of the adjoining lands a just pro-
portion of the value at that time of such fence. The value of fence and
the just proportion to be paid or built and maintained by each is to be
ascertained by two fence-viewers in the town or precinct. Such fence-
viewers have power to settle all disputes between different owners as to
fences built or to be built, as well as to repairs to be made. Each party
chooses one of the viewers, but if the other party neglects, after eight
days' notice in writing, to make his choice, then the other party may
select both. It is sufficient to notify the tenant or party in possession,
when the owner is not a resident of the town or precinct. The two
fence-viewers chosen, after viewing the premises, shall hear the state-
ments of the parties , in case they can't agree, they shall select another
fence-viewer to act with them, and the decision of any two of them is
final. The decision must be reduced to writing, and should plainly set
out description of fence and all matters settled by them, and must be
filed in the office of the town clerk in counties under township organiza-
tion, and in other counties with the county clerk.
Where any person is liable to contribute to the erection or the
repairing of a division fence, neglects or refuses so to do, the party
injured, after giving sixty days notice in writing when a fence is to be
erected, or ten days when it is only repairs, may proceed to have the
work done at the expense of the party whose duty it is to do it, to be
recovered from him with costs of suit, and the party so neglecting shall
also be liable to the party injured for all damages accruing from such
neglect or refusal, to be determined by any two fence-viewers selected
as before provided, the appraisement to be reduced to writing and signed.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 139
Where a person shall conclude to remove his part of a division fence,
and let his land lie open, and having given the year's notice required, the
adjoining owner may cause the value of said fence to be ascertained by
fence-viewers as before provided, and on payment or tender of the
amount of such valuation to the owner, it shall prevent the removal. A
party removing a division fence without notice is liable for the damages
accruing thereby.
Where a fence has been built on the land of another through mis-
take, the owner may enter upon such premises and remove his fence and
material within oix months after the division line has been ascertained.
Where the material to build such a fence has been taken from the land
on which it was built, then before it can be removed, the person claiming
must first pay for such material to the owner of the land from which it
was taken, nor shall such a fence be removed at a time when the removal
will throw open or expose the crops of the other party ; a reasonable
time must be given beyond the .six months to remove crops.
The compensation <)f fence-viewers is one dollar and fifty cents a
day each, to be paid in the first instance by the party calling them, but
in the end all expenses, including amount charged by the fence-viewers,
must be paid equally by the parties, except in cases where a party neglects
or refuses to make or maintain a just proportion of a division fence, when
the party in default shall pay them.
DAMAGES FROM TRESPASS.
Where stock of any kind breaks into any person's enclosure, the
fence being good and sufficient, the owner is liable for the damage done ;
but where the damage is done by stock running at large, contrary to laiv,
the owner is liable where there is not such a fence. Where stock ia
found trespassing on the enclosure of another as aforesaid, the owner 01
occupier of the premises may take possession of such stock and keep the
same until damages, with reasonable charges for keeping and feeding and
all costs of suit, are paid. Any person taking or rescuing such stock so
held without his consent, shall be liable to a fine of not less than three
nor more than five dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered by
suit before a justice of the peace for the use of the school fund. Within
twenty-four hours after taking such animal into his possession, the per-
son taking it up must give notice of the fact to the owner, if known, or
if unknown, notices must be posted in some public place near the premises.
LANDLORD AND TENANT.
The owner of lands, or his legal representatives, can sue for and
recover rent therefor, in any of the following cases :
First. When rent is due and in arrears on a lease for life or lives.
140 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
Second. When lands are held and occupied by any person without
any special agreement for rent.
Third. When possession is obtained under an agreement, written
or verbal, for the purchase of the premises and before deed given, the
right to possession is terminated by forfeiture on con-compliance with the
agreement, and possession is wrongfully refused or neglected to be giver,
upon demand made in writing by the party entitled thereto. Provided
that all payments made by the vendee or his representatives or assigns,
may be set off against the rent.
Fourth. When land has been sold upon a judgment or a decree of
court, when the party to such judgment or decree, or person holding under
him, wrongfully refuses, or neglects, to surrender possession of the same,
after demand in writing by the person entitled to the possession.
Fifth. When the lands have been sold upon a mortgage or trust
deed, and the mortgagor or grantor or person holding under him, wrong-
fully refuses or neglects to surrender possession of the same, after demand
in writing by the person entitled to the possession.
If any tenant, or any person who shall come into possession from or
under or by collusion with such tenant, shall willfully hold over any lands,
etc., after the expiration the term of their lease, and after demand made
in writing for the possession thereof, is liable to pay double rent. A
tenancy from year to year requires sixty days notice in writing, to termi-
nate the same at the end of the year ; such notice can be given at any
time within four months preceding the last sixty days of the year.
A tenancy by the month, or less than a year, where the tenant holds
over without any special agreement, the landlord may terminate the
tenancy, by thirty days notice in writing.
When rent is due, the landlord may serve a notice upon the tenant,
stating that unless the rent is paid within not less than five days, his lease
will be terminated ; if the rent is not paid, the landlord may consider the
lease ended. When default is made in any of the terms of a lease, it
shall not be necessary to give more than ten days notice to quit or of the
termination of such tenancy ; and the same may be terminated on giving
such notice to quit, at any time after such default in any of the terms of
such lease ; which notice may be substantially in the following form, viz :
To , You are hereby notified that, in consequence of your default
in (here insert the character of the default), of the premises now occupied
by you, being etc. (here describe the premises), I have elected to deter-
mine your lease, and you are hereby notified to quit and deliver up pos-
session of the same to me within ten days of this date (dated, etc.)
The above to be signed by the lessor or his agent, and no other notice
or demand of possession or termination of such tenancy is necessary.
Demand may be made, or notice served, by delivering a written or
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 141
printed, or partly either, copy thereof to the tenant, or leaving the same
with some person above the .age of twelve years residing on or in posses-
sion of the premises ; and in case no one is in the actual possession of the
said premises, then by posting the same on the premises. When the
tenancy is for a certain time, and the term expires by the terms of the
lease, the tenant is then bound to surrender possession, and no notice
to quit or demand of possession is necessary.
Distress for rent. — In all cases of distress for rent, the landlord, by
himself, his agent or attorney, may seize for rent any personal property of
his tenant that may be found in the county where the tenant resides ; the
property of any other person, even if found on the premises, is not
liable.
An inventory of the property levied upon, with a statement of the
amount of rent claimed, should be at once filed with some justice of the
peace, if not over $200 ; and if above that sum, with the clerk of a court
of record of competent jurisdiction. Property may be released, by the
party executing a satisfactory bond for double the amount.
The landlord may distrain for rent, any time within six months after
the expiration of the term of the lease, or when terminated.
In all cases where the premises rented shall be sub-let, or the lease
assigned, the landlord shall have the same right to enforce lien against
such lessee or assignee, that he has against the tenant to whom the pre-
mises were rented.
When a tenant abandons or removes from the premises or any part
thereof, the landlord, or his agent or attorney, may seize upon any grain
or other crops grown or growing upon the premises, or part thereof so
abandoned, whether the rent is due or not. If such grain, or other crops,
or any part thereof, is not fully grown or matured, the landlord, or his
agent or attorney, shall cause the same to be properly cultivated, harvested
or gathered, and may sell the same, and from the proceeds pay all his
labor, expenses and rent. The tenant may, before the sale of such pro-
perty, redeem the same by tendering the rent and reasonable compensation
for work done, or he may replevy the same.
Exemption. — The same articles of personal property which are bylaw
exempt from execution, except the crops as above stated, is also exempt
from distress for rent.
If any tenant is about to or shall permit or attempt to sell and
remove from the premises, without the consent of his landlord, such
portion of the crops raised thereon as will endanger the lien of the land-
lord upon such crops, for the rent, it shall be lawful for the landlord to
distress before rent is due.
142 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
LIENS.
Any person who shall by contract, express or implied, or partly both,,
with the owner of any lot or tract of land, furnish labor or material, or
services as an architect or superintendent, in building, altering, repairing
or ornamenting any house or other building or appurtenance thereto on.
such lot, or upon any street or alley, and connected with such improve-
ments, shall have a lien upon the whole of such lot or tract of land, and
upon such house or building and appurtenances, for the amount due to
him for such labor, material or services. If the contract is expressed, and
the time for the completion of the work is beyond three years from the com-
mencement thereof ; or, if the time of payment is beyond one year from
the time stipulated for the completion of the work, then no lien exists.
If the contract is implied, then no lien exists, unless the work be done or
material is furnished within one year from the commencement of the work
or delivery of the materials. As between different creditors having liens,
no preference is given to the one whose contract was first made ; but each
shares pro-rata. Incumbrances existing on the lot or tract of the land at
the time the contract is made, do not operate on the improvements, and
are only preferred to the extent of the value of the land at the time of
making the contract. The above lien can not be enforced unless suit is
commenced within six months after the last payment for labor or materials
shall have become due and payable. Sub-contractors, mechanics, workmen
and other persons furnishing any material, or performing any labor for a
contractor as before specified, have a lien to the extent of the amount due
the contractor at the time the following notice is served upon the owner
of the land who made the contract:
To , You are hereby notified, that I have been employed by-
(here state whether to labor or furnish material, and substantially the
nature of the demand) upon your (here state in general terms description
and situation of building), and that I shall hold the (building, or as the
case may be), and your interest in the ground, liable for the amount that
may (is or may become) due me on account thereof. Signature,
Date,
If there is a contract in writing between contractor and sub-contractor,
a copy of it should be served with above notice, and said notice must be
served within forty days from the completion of such sub-contract, if there
is one ; if not, then from the time payment should have been made to the
person performing the labor or furnishing the material. If the owner is
not a resident of the county, or can not be found therein, then the above
notice must be filed with the clerk of the Circuit Court, with his fee, fifty
cents, and a copy of said notice must be published in a newspaper pub-
lished in the county, for four successive weeks.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 143
"When the owner or agent is notified as above, he can retain any
money due the contractor sufficient to pay such claim ; if more than one
claim, and not enough to pay all, they are to be paid pro rata.
The owner has the right to demand in writing, a statement of the
contractor, of what he owes for labor, etc., from time to time as the work
progresses, and on his failure to comply, forfeits to the owner $50 for
every offense.
The liens referred to cover any and all estates, whether in fee for
life, for years, or any other interest which the owner may have.
To enforce the lien of sub-contractors, suit must be commenced within
three months from the time of the performance of the sub-contract, or
during the work or furnishing materials.
Hotel, inn and boarding-house keepers, have a lien upon the baggage
and other valuables of their guests or boarders, brought into such hotel,
inn or boarding-house, by their guests or boarders, for the proper charges
due from such guests or boarders for their accommodation, board and
lodgings, and such extras as are furnished at their request.
Stable-keepers and other persons have a lien upon the horses, car-
riages and harness kept by them, for the proper charges due for the keep-
ing thereof and expenses bestowed thereon at the request of the owner
or the person having the possession of the same.
Agisters (persons who take care of cattle belonging to others), and
persons keeping, yarding, feeding or pasturing domestic animals, shall
have a lien upon the animals agistered, kept, yarded or fed, for the proper
charges due for such service.
All persons who may furnish any railroad corporation in this state
with fuel, ties, material, supplies or any other article or thing necessary
for the construction, maintenance, operation or repair of its road by con-
tract, or may perform work or labor on the same, is entitled to be paid as
part of the current expenses of the road, and have a lien upon all its pro-
perty. Sub-contractors or laborers have also a lien. The conditions and
limitations both as to contractors and sub-contractors, are about the same
as herein stated as to general liens.
DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL TERMS.
$ means dollars, being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly
placed before any denomination of money, and meant, as it means now,
United States Currency.
£ means pounds, English money.
@ stands for at or to. lb for pound, and bbl. for barrel; ^ for per or
by the. Thus, Butter sells at 20@30c f lb, and Flour at $8@12 f bbl.
fo for per cent and # for number.
May 1. — Wheat sells at $1.20@1.25, "seller June." Seller June
144 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
means that the person who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering
it at any time during the month of June.
Selling short, is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or
stock, at a fixed price, within a certain length of time, when the seller
has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest of the person selling
"short," to depress the market as much as possible, in order that he may
buy and fill his contract at a profit. Hence the " shorts " are termed
" bears."
Buying long, is to contract to purchase a certain amount of grain or
shares of stock at a fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time,
expecting to make a profit by the rise of prices.. The "longs" are
termed "bulls," as it is for their interest to " operate " so as to "toss"
the prices upward as much as possible.
NOTES.
Form of note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that the
amount and time of payment are mentioned.
1100. Chicago, 111., Sept. 15, 1876.
Sixty days from date I promise to pay to E. F. Brown,
or order, One Hundred dollars, for value received.
L. D. Lowry.
A note to be payable in any thing else than money needs only the
facts substituted for money in the above form.
ORDERS.
Orders should be worded simply, thus :
Mr. F. H. Coats: Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876.
Please pay to H. Birdsall, Twenty-five dollars, and charge to
F. D. Silva.
RECEIPTS.
Receipts should always state when received and what for, thus:
$100. Chicago, Sept. 15, 1876.
Received of J. W. Davis, One Hundred dollars, for services
rendered in grading his lot in Fort Madison, on account.
Thomas Brady.
If receipt is in full it should be so stated.
SILLS OF PURCHASE.
W. N. Mason, Salem, Illinois, Sept. 15, 1876.
Bought of A. A. Graham.
4 Bushels of Seed Wheat, at $1.50 - - - $6.00
2 Seamless Sacks " .30 - - .60
Received payment, $6.60
A. A. Graham.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 145
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
An agreement is where one party promises to another to do a certain
thing in a certain time for a stipulated sum. Good business men always
reduce an agreement to writing, which nearly always saves misunder-
standings and trouble. No particular form is necessary, but the facts must
be clearly and explicitly stated, and there must, to make it valid, be a
reasonable consideration.
GENERAL FORM OF AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, made the Second day of October, 1876, between
John Jones, of Aurora, County of Kane, State of Illinois, of the first part,
and Thomas Whiteside, of the same place, of the second part —
Witnesseth, that the said John Jones, in consideration of the agree-
ment of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained, contracts and
agrees to and with the said Thomas Whiteside, that he will deliver, in
good and marketable condition, at the Village of Batavia, 111., during the
month of November, of this year, One Hundred Tons of Prairie Hay, in
the following lots, and at the following specified times ; namely, twenty-
five tons by the seventh of November, twenty-five tons additional by the
fourteenth of the month, twenty-five tons more by the twenty -first, and
the entire one hundred tons to be all delivered by the thirtieth of
November.
And the said Thomas Whiteside, in consideration of the prompt
fulfillment of this contract, on the part of the party of the first part,
contracts to and agrees with the said John Jones, to pay for said hay five
dollars per ton, for each ton as soon as delivered.
In case of failure of agreement by either of the parties hereto, it is
hereby stipulated and agreed that the party so failing shall pay to the
other, One Hundred Dollars, as fixed and settled damages.
Id witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands the day and
year first above written. John Jones,
Thomas Whiteside.
AGREEMENT WITH CLERK FOR SERVICES.
This Agreement, made the first day of May, one thousand eight
hundred and seventy-six, between Reuben Stone, of Chicago, County
of Cook, State of Illinois, party of the first part, and George Barclay, of
Englewood, County of Cook, State of Illinois, party of the second part —
Witnesseth, that said George Barclay agrees faithfully and dili-
gently to work as clerk and salesman for the said Reuben Stone, for
and during the space of one year from the date hereof, should both
live such length of time, without absenting himself from his occupation ;
146 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
during which time he, the said Barclay, in the store of said Stone, of
Chicago, will carefully and honestly attend, doing and performing all
duties as clerk and salesman aforesaid, in accordance and in all respects
as directed and desired by the said Stone.
In consideration of which services, so to be rendered by the said
Barclay, the said Stone agrees to pay to said Barclay the annual sum of
one thousand dollars, payable in twelve equal monthly payments, each
upon the last day of each month ; provided that all dues for days of
absence from business by said Barclay, shall be deducted from the sum
otherwise by the agreement due and payable by the said Stone to the said
Barclay.
Witness our hands. Reuben Stone.
George Barclay.
BILLS OF SALE.
A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party, for a consider-
ation to convey his right and interest in the personal property. The
purchaser must take actual possession of the property. Juries have
power to determine upon the fairness or unfairness of a bill of sale.
COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE.
"Know all Men by this instrument, that I, Louis Clay, of Princeton,
Illinois, of the first part, for and in consideration of Five Hundred
and Ten dollars, to me paid by John Floyd, of the same place, of the
second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have sold, and
by this instrument do convey unto the said Floyd, party of the second
part, his executors, administrators, and assigns, my undivided half of
ten acres of corn, now growing on the farm of Thomas Tyrrell, in the
town above mentioned ; one pair of horses, sixteen sheep, and five cows,
belonging to me, and in my possession at the farm aforesaid ; to have and
to hold the same unto the party of the second part, his executors and
assigns, forever. And I do, for myself and legal representatives, agree
with the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives, to
warrant and defend the sale of the afore-mentioned property and chattels
unto the said party of the second part, and his legal representatives,
against all and every person whatsoever.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand, this tenth day
of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
Louis Clay.
BONOS.
A bond is a written admission on the part of the maker in which he
pledges a certain sum to another, at a certain time.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 147
COMMON FORM OF BOND.
Know all Men by this instrument, that I, George Edgerton, of
Watseka, Iroquois County, State of Illinois, am firmly bound unto Peter
Kirch off, of the place aforesaid, in the sum of five hundred dollars, to be
paid to the said Peter Kirchoff, or his legal representatives ; to which
payment, to be made, I bind myself, or my legal representatives, by this
instrument.
Sealed with my seal, and dated this second day of November, one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
The condition of this bond is such that if I, George Edgerton, my
heirs, administrators, or executors, shall promptly pay the sum of two
hundred and fifty dollars in three equal annual payments from the date
hereof, with annual interest, then the above obligation to be of no effect ;
otherwise to be in full force and valid.
Sealed and delivered in
presence of George Edgerton. [l.s.]
William Turner.
CHATTEL MORTGAGES.
A chattel mortgage is a mortgage on personal property for payment
of a certain sum of money, to hold the property against debts of other
creditors. The mortgage must describe the property, and must be
acknowledged before a justice of the peace in the township or precinct
where the mortgagee resides, and entered upon his docket, and must be
recorded in the recorder's office of the county.
GENERAL FORM OF CHATTEL MORTGAGE.
This Indenture, made and entered into this first day of January,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five,
between Theodore Lottinville, of the town of Geneseo in the County
of Henry, and State of Illinois, party of the first part, and Paul Henshaw,
of the same town, county, and State, party of the second part.
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consider-
ation of the sum of one thousand dollars, in hand paid, the receipt whereof
is hereby acknowledged, does hereby grant, sell, convey, and confirm unto
the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever, all and
singular the following described goods and chattels, to wit :
Two three-year old roan-colored horses, one Burdett organ, No. 987,
one Brussels carpet, 15x20 feet in size, one marble-top center table, one
Home Comfort cooking stove, No. 8, one black walnut bureau with mirror
attached, one set of parlor chairs (six in number), upholstered in green
rep, with lounge corresponding with same in style and color of upholstery.-
now in possession of said Lottinville, at No. 4 Prairie Ave., Geneseo, 111. ;
148 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
Together with all and singular, the appurtenances thereunto belong-
ing, or in any wise appertaining ; to have and to hold the above described
goods and chattels, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and
assigns, forever.
Provided, always, and these presents are upon this express condition,
that if the said Theodore Lottinville, his heirs, executors, administrators,
or assigns, shall, on or before the first day of January, A.D., one thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six, pay, or cause to be paid, to the said Paul
Ranslow, or his lawful attorney or attorneys, heirs, executors, adminis-
trators, or assigns, the sum of One Thousand dollars, together with the
interest that may accrue thereon, at the rate of ten per cent, per annum,
from the first day of January, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
seventy-five, until paid, according to the tenor of one promissory note
bearing even date herewith for the payment of said sum of money, that
then and from thenceforth, these presents, and everything herein con-
tained, shall cease, and be null and void, anything herein contained to the
contrary notwithstanding.
Provided, also, that the said Theodore Lottinville may retain the
possession of and have the use of said goods and chattels until the day
of payment aforesaid ; and also, at his own expense, shall keep said goods
and chattels; and also at the expiration of said time of payment, if said
sum of money, together with the interest as aforesaid, shall not be paid,
shall deliver up said goods and chattels, in good condition, to said Paul
Ranslow, or his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns.
And provided, also, that if default in payment as aforesaid, by said
party of the first part, shall be made, or if said party of the second part
shall at any time before said promissory note becomes due, feel himself
unsafe or insecure, that then the said party of the second part, or his
attorney, agent, assigns, or heirs, executors, or administrators, shall have
the right to take possession of said goods and chattels, wherever they
may or can be found, and sell the same at public or private sale, to the
highest bidder for cash in hand, after giving ten days' notice of the time
and place of said sale, together with a description of the goods and chat-
tels to be sold, by at least four advertisements, posted up in public places
in the vicinity where said sale is to take place, and proceed to make the
sum of money and interest promised as aforesaid, together with all reason-
able costs, charges, and expenses in so doing ; and if there shall be any
overplus, shall pay the same without delay to the said party of the first
part, or his legal representatives.
In testimony whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto
set his hand and affixed his seal, the day and year first above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered in
presence of Theodore Lottinville. [l.s.]
Samuel J. Tilden.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 149
LEASE OF FARM AND BUILDINGS THEREON.
This Indenture, made this second day of June, 1875, between David
Patton of the Town of Bisbee, State of Illinois, of the first part, and John
Doyle of the same place, of the second part,
Witnesseth, that the said David Patton, for and in consideration of
the covenants hereinafter mentioned and reserved, on the part of the said
John Doyle, his executors, administrators, and assigns, to be paid, kept,
and performed, hath let, and by these presents doth grant, demise, and
let, unto the said John Doyle, his executors, administrators, and assigns,
all that parcel of land situate in Bisbee aforesaid, bounded and described
as follows, to wit :
\Sere describe the land.~\
Together with all the appurtenances appertaining thereto. To have
and to hold the said premises, with appurtenances thereto belonging, unto
the said Doyle, his executors, administrators, and assigns, for the term of
five years, from the first day of October next following, at a yearly rent
of Six Hundred dollars, to be paid in equal payments, semi-annually, as
long as said buildings are in good tenantable condition.
And the said Doyle, by these presents, covenants and agrees to pay
all taxes and assessments, and keep in repair all hedges, ditches, rail, and
other fences ; (the said David Patton, his heirs, assigns and administra-
tors, to furnish all timber, brick, tile, and other materials necessary for
such repairs.)
Said Doyle further covenants and agrees to apply to said land, in a
farmer-like manner, all manure and compost accumulating upon said
farm, and cultivate all the arable land in a husbandlike manner, accord-
ing to the usual custom among farmers in the neighborhood ; he also
agrees to trim the hedges at a seasonable time, preventing injury from
cattle to such hedges, and to all fruit and other trees on the said premises.
That he will seed down with clover and timothy seed twenty acres yearly
of arable land, ploughing the same number of acres each Spring of land
now in grass, and hitherto unbroken.
It is further agreed, that if the said Doyle shall fail to perform the
whole or any one of the above mentioned covenants, then and in that
case the said David Patton may declare this lease terminated, by giving
three months' notice of the same, prior to the first of October of any
year, and may distrain any part of the stock, goods, or chattels, or other
property in possession of said Doyle, for sufficient to compensate for the
non-performance of the above written covenants, the same to be deter-
mined, and amounts so to be paid to be determined, by three arbitrators,
chosen as follows : Each of the parties to this instrument to choose one,
150 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
and the two so chosen to select a third ; the decision of said arbitrators
to be final.
In witness whereof, we have hereto set our hands and seals.
Signed, sealed, and delivered
in presence of David Patton. [l.s.]
James Waldron. John Doyle. [l.s.]
FORM OF LEASE OF A HOUSE.
This Instrument, made the first day of October, 1875, witnesseth
that Amos Griest of Yorkville, County of Kendall, State of Illinois, hath
rented from Aaron Young of Logansport aforesaid, the dwelling and lot
No. 13 Ohio Street, situated in said City of Yorkville, for five years
from the above date, at the yearly rental of Three Hundred dollars, pay-
able monthly, on the first day of each month, in advance, at the residence
of said Aaron Young.
At the expiration of said above mentioned term, the said Griest
agrees to give the said Young peaceable possession of the said dwelling,
in as good condition as when taken, ordinary wear and casualties excepted.
In witness whereof, we place our hands and seals the day and year
aforesaid.
Signed, sealed and delivered Amos Griest. [l.s.]
in presence of
NlCKOLAS SCHUTZ, AARON YOUNG. [L.S.]
Notary Public.
LANDLORD'S AGREEMENT.
This certifies that I have let and raited, this first day of January,
1876, unto Jacob Schmidt, my house and lot, No. 15 Erie Street, in the
City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and its appurtenances ; he to have the
free and uninterrupted occupation thereof for one year from this date, at
the yearly rental of Two Hundred dollars, to be paid monthly in advance ;
tent to cease if destroyed by fire, or otherwise made untenantable.
Peter Funk.
TENANT'S AGREEMENT.
This certifies that I have hired and taken from Peter Funk, his
house and lot, No. 15 Erie Street, in the City of Chicago, State of Illi-
nois, with appurtenances thereto belonging, for one year, to commence
this day, at a yearly rental of Two Hundred dollars, to be paid monthly
in advance ; unless said house becomes untenantable from fire or other
causes, in which case rent ceases ; and I further agree to give and yield
said premises one year from this first day of January 1876, in as good
oondition as now, ordinary wear and damage by the elements excepted.
Given under my hand this day. Jacob Schmidt.
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 15 1
NOTICE TO QUIT.
To F. W. Arlen,
Sir : Please observe that the term of one year, for which the house
and land, situated at No. 6 Indiana Street, and now occupied by you,
were rented to you, expired on the first day of October, 1875, and as I
desire to repossess said premises, you are hereby requested and required
to vacate the same. Respectfully Yours,
P. T. Barnum.
Lincoln, Neb., October 4, 1875.
TENANT'S NOTICE OF LEAVING.
Dear Sir:
The premises I now occupy as your tenant, at No. 6 Indiana Street,
I shall vacate on the first day of November, 1875. You will please take
notice accordingly.
Dated this tenth day of October, 1875. F. W. Arlen.
To P. T. Barnum, Esq.
REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE TO SECURE PAYMENT OF MONEY.
This Indenture, made this sixteenth day of May, in the year of
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, between William
Stocker, of Peoria, County of Peoria, and State of Illinois, and 011a, his
wife, party of the first part, and Edward Singer, party of the second part.
Whereas, the said party of the first part is justly indebted to the said
party of the second part, in the sum of Two Thousand dollars, secured
to be paid by two certain promissory notes (bearing even date herewith)
the one due and payable at the Second National Bank in Peoria, Illinois,
with interest, on the sixteenth day of May, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and seventy-three ; the other due and payable at the Second
National Bank at Peoria, 111., with interest, on the sixteenth day of May,
in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventj^-four.
Now, therefore, this indenture witnesseth, that the said party of the
first part, for the better securing the payment of the money aforesaid,
with interest thereon, according to the tenor and effect of the said two
promissory notes above mentioned ; and, also in consideration of the fur-
ther sum of one dollar to them in hand paid by the said party of the sec-
ond part, at the delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold, and conveyed, and by these
presents do grant, bargain, sell, and convey, unto the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns, forever, all that certain parcel of land,
situate, etc.
[Describing the premises.]
To have and to hold the same, together with all and singular the
Tenements, Hereditaments, Privileges and Appurtenances thereunto
152 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
belonging or in any wise appertaining. And also, all the estate, interest,
and claim whatsoever, in law as well as in equity which the party of
the first part have in and to the premises hereby conveyed unto the said
party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, and to their only proper
use, benefit and behoof. And the said William Stocker, and Olla, his
wife, party of the first part, hereby expressly waive, relinquish, release,
and conve} 7, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs, executors,
administrators, and assigns, all right, title, claim, interest, and benefit
whatever, in and to the above described premises, and each and every
part thereof, which is given bj r or results from all laws of this state per-
taining to the exemption of homesteads.
Provided always, and these presents are upon this express condition,
that if the said party of the first part, their heirs, executors, or adminis-
trators, shall well and truly pay, or cause to be paid, to the said party of
the second part, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, the afore-
said sums of money, with such interest thereon, at the time and in the
manner specified in the above mentioned promissory notes, according to
the true intent and meaning thereof, then in that case, these presents and
every thing herein expressed, shall be absolutely null and void.
In witness whereof, the said party of the first part hereunto set their
hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
James Whitehead, William Stocker. [l.s.]
Fred. Samuels. Olla Stocker. [l.s.]
WARRANTY DEED WITH COVENANTS.
This Indenture, made this sixth day of April, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, between Henry Best
of Lawrence, County of Lawrence, State of Illinois, and Belle, his wife,
of the first part, and Charles Pearson of the same place, of the second part,
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration
of the sum of Six Thousand dollars in hand paid by the said party of the
second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted,
bargained, and sold, and by these presents do grant, bargain, and sell,
unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, all the fol-
lowing described lot, piece, or parcel of land, situated in the City of Law-
rence, in the County of Lawrence, and State of Illinois, to wit :
[Here describe the property.']
Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances
thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion and
reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits thereof;
and all the estate, rignt, title, interest, claim, and demand whatsoever, of
the said party of the nrst part, either in law or equity, of, in, and to tht»
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 153
above bargained premises, with the hereditaments and appurtenances.
To have and to hold the said premises above bargained and described,
with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs
and assigns, forever. And the said Henry Best, and Belle, his wife, par-
ties of the first part, hereby expressly waive, release, and relinquish unto
the said party of the second part, his heirs, executors, administrators, and
assigns, all right, title, claim, interest, and benefit whatever, in and to the
above described premises, and each and every part thereof, which is given
by or results from all laws of this state pertaining to the exemption of
homesteads.
And the said Henry Best, and Belle, his wife, party of the first
part, for themselves and their heirs, executors, and administrators, do
covenant, grant, bargain, and agree, to and with the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns, that at the time of the ensealing and
delivery of these presents they were well seized of the premises above
conveyed, as of a good, sure, perfect, absolute, and indefeasible estate of
inheritance in law, and in fee simple, and have good right, full power,
and lawful authority to grant, bargain, sell, and convey the same, in
manner and form aforesaid, and that the same are free and clear from all
former and other grants, bargains, sales, liens, taxes, assessments, and
encumbrances of what kind or nature soever ; and the above bargained
premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns, against all and every person or persons
lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part thereof, the said party
of the first part shall and will warrant and forever defend.
In testimony whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto
set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered
in presence of Henry Best, [l.s.]
Jerry Linklater. Belle Best. [l.s.]
QUIT-CLAIM DEED.
This Indenture, made the eighth day of June, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, between David Tour,
of Piano, County of Kendall, State of Illinois, party of the first part,
and Larry O'Brien, of the same place, party of the second part,
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in considera-
tion of Nine Hundred dollars in hand paid by the said party of the sec-
ond part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and the said party
of the second part forever released and discharged therefrom, has remised,
released, sold, conveyed, and quit-claimed, and by these presents does
remise, release, sell, convey, and quit-claim, unto the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns, forever, all the right, title, interest,
154 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
claim, and demand, which the said party of the first part has in and to
the following described lot, piece, or parcel of land, to wit :
[Here describe the land .]
To have and to hold the same, together with all and singular the
appurtenances and privileges thereunto belonging, or in any wise there-
unto appertaining, and all the estate, right, title, interest, and claim
whatever, of the said party of the first part, either in law or equity, to
the only proper use, benefit, and behoof of the said party of the second
part, his heirs and assigns forever.
In witness whereof the said party of the first part hereunto set his
hand and seal the day and year above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered David Tour, [l.s.]
in presence of
Thomas Ashley.
The above forms of Deeds and Mortgage are such as have heretofore
been generally used, but the following are much shorter, and are made
equally valid by the laws of this state.
WARRANTY DEED.
The grantor (here insert name or names and place of residence), for
and in consideration of (here insert consideration) in hand paid, conveys
and warrants to (here insert the grantee's name or names) the following-
described real estate (here insert description), situated in the County of
in the State of Illinois.
Dated this day of A. D. 18 .
QUIT CLAIM DEED.
The grantor (here insert grantor's name or names and place of resi-
dence), for the consideration of (here insert consideration) convey and
quit-claim to (here insert grantee's name or names) all interest in the
following described real estate (here insert description), situated in the
County of in the State of Illinois.
Dated this day of A. D. 18' .
MORTGAGE.
The mortgagor (here insert name or names) mortgages and warrants
to (here insert name or names of mortgagee or mortgagees), to secure the
payment of (here recite the nature and amount of indebtedness, showing
when due and the rate of interest, and whether secured by note or other-
wise), the following described real estate (here insert description thereof),
situated in the County of in the State of Illinois.
Dated this day of A. D. 18 .
RELEASE.
Know all Men by these presents, that I, Peter Ahlund, of Chicago,
of the County of Cook, and State of Illinois, for and in consideration of
One dollar, to me in hand paid, and for other gooc] and valuable considera-
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 15. r >
tions, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed, do hereby grant, bargain,
remise, convey, release, and quit-claim unto Joseph Carlin of Chicago,
of the County of Cook, and State of Illinois, all the right, title, interest,
claim, or demand whatsoever, I may have acquired in, through, or by a
certain Indenture or Mortgage Deed, bearing date the second day of Jan-
uary, A. D. 1871, and recorded in the Recorder's office of said county,
in book A of Deeds, page 46, to the premises therein described, and which
said Deed was made to secure one certain promissory note, bearing even
date with said deed, for the sum of Three Hundred dollars.
Witness my hand and seal, this second day of November, A. D. 1874.
Peter Ahlund. [l.s.]
State of Illinois, )
Cook County. \ I, George Saxton, a Notary Public in
and for said county, in the state aforesaid, do hereby
certify that Peter Ahlund, personally known to me
as the same person whose name is subscribed to the
foregoing Release, appeared before me this day in
[ vt ^BAL. Xi ] person, and acknowledged that he signed, sealed, and
delivered the said instrument of writing as his free
and voluntary act, for the uses and purposes therein
set forth.
Giv*m under my hand and seal, this second day of
November, A. D. 1874.
George Saxton, N. P.
GENERAL FOJrM OF WILL FOR REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY.
I, Charles Mansfield, of the Town of Salem, County of Jackson,
Scate of Illinois, being aware of the uncertainty of life, and in failing
health, but of sound mind and memory, do make and declare this to be
my last will and testament, in manner following, to wit:
First. I give, devise and bequeath unto my oldest son, Sidney H.
Mansfield, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, cf bank stock, now in the
Third National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the farm owned by myself
in the Town of Buskirk, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, with
all the houses, tenements, and improvements thereunto belonging ; to
have and to hold unto my said son, his heirs and assign^, forever.
Second. I give, devise and bequeath to each of my daughters, Anna
Louise Mansfield and Ida Clara Mansfield, each Two Thousand dollars in
bank stock, in the Third National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, and also each
one quarter section of land, owned by myself, situated in the Town of
Lake, Illinois, and recorded in my name in the Recorder's office in the
county where such land is located. The north one hundred and sixty
acres of said half section is devised to mv eldest daughter, Anna Louise.
156 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
Third. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Frank Alfred Mans-
field, Five shares of Railroad stock in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,
and my one hundred and sixty acres of land and saw mill thereon, situ-
ated in Manistee, Michigan, with all the improvements and appurtenances
thereunto belonging, which said real estate is recorded in my name in the
county where situated.
Fourth. I give to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, all my
household furniture, goods, chattels, and personal property, about my
home, not hitherto disposed of, including Eight Thousand dollars of bank
stock in the Third National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio, Fifteen shares in
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the free and unrestricted use, pos-
session, and benefit of the home farm, so long as she may live, in lieu of
dower, to which she is entitled by law ; said farm being my present place
of residence.
Fifth. I bequeath to ray invalid father, Elijah H. Mansfield, the
income from rents of my store building at 145 Jackson Street, Chicago,
Illinois, during the term of his natural life. Said building and land there-
with to revert to my said sons and daughters in equal proportion, upon
the demise of my said father.
Sixth. It is also my will and desire that, at the death of my wife,
Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, or at any time when she may arrange to
relinquish her life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same
may revert to my above named children, or to the lawful heirs of each.
And lastly. I nominate and appoint as executors of this my last will
and testament, my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield, and my eldest son,
Sidney H. Mansfield.
I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses shad
be paid from moneys now on deposit in the Savings Bank of Salem, the
residue of such moneys to revert to my wife, Victoria Elizabeth Mansfield,
for her use forever.
In witness whereof, I, Charles Mansfield, to this my last will and
testament, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fourth day of April,
eighteen hundred and seventy-two.
Signed, sealed, and declared by Charles
Mansfield, as and for his last will and
testament, in the presence of us, who,
at his request, and in his presence, and
in the presence of each other, have sub- )>
scribed our names hereunto as witnesses
thereof.
Peter A. Schenck, Sycamore, Ills.
Frank E. Dent, Salem, Ills.
Charles Mansfield, [l.s.]
Charles Mansfield, [l.s.]
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 157
CODICIL
Whereas I, Charles Mansfield, did, on the fourth day of April, one
thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, make my last will and testa-
ment, I do now, by this writing, add this codicil to my said will, to be
taken as a part thereof.
Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter, Anna
Louise, has deceased November fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy-three,
and whereas, a son has been born to me, which son is now christened
Richard Albert Mansfield, I give and bequeath unto him my gold watch,
and all right, interest, and title in lands and bank stock and chattels
bequeathed to my deceased daughter, Anna Louise, in the body of this will.
In witness whereof, I hereunto place my hand and seal, this tenth
day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-five.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared to N
us by the testator, Charles Mansfield, as
and for a codicil to be annexed to his
last will and testament. And we, at
his request, and in his presence, and in
the presence of each other, have sub-
scribed our names as witnesses thereto,
at the date hereof.
Frank E. Dent, Salem, Ills.
John C. Shay, Salem, Ills.
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
May be legally made by electing or appointing, according to the usages
or customs of the body of which it is a part, at any meeting held for that
purpose, two or more of its nfembers as trustees, wardens or vestrymen, and
may adopt a corporate name. The chairman or secretary of such meeting
shall, as soon as possible, make and file in the office of the recorder of
deeds of the county, an affidavit substantially in the following form :
State of Illinois,
>
Countv
I, , do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be),
that at a meeting of the members of the (here insert the name of the
church, society or congregation as known before organization), held at
(here insert place of meeting), in the County of , and State of
Illinois, on the day of , A.D. 18 — , for that purpose, the fol-
lowing persons were elected (or appointed) [here insert their names]
trustees, wardens, vestrymen, (or officers by whatever name they may
choose to adopt, with powers similar to trustees) according to the rules
and usages of such (church, society or congregation), and said
158 ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS.
adopted as its corporate name (here insert name), and at said meeting
this affiant acted as (chairman or secretary, as the case may be).
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this day of , A.D.
18—. ■ Name of Affiant"
which affidavit must be recorded by the recorder, and shall be, or a certi-
fied copy made by the recorder, received as evidence of such an incorpo-
ration.
No certificate of election after the first need be filed for record.
The term of office of the trustees and the general government of the
society can be determined by the rules or by-laws adopted. Failure to
elect trustees at the time provided does not work a dissolution, but the
old trustees hold over. A trustee or trustees may be removed, in the
same manner by the society as elections are held by a meeting called for
that purpose. The property of the society vests in the corporation. The
corporation may hold, or acquire by purchase or otherwise, land not
exceeding ten acres, for the purpose of the society. The trustees have
the care, custody and control of the property of the corporation, and can,
ivhen directed by the society, erect houses or improvements, and repair
and alter the same, and may also when so directed by the society,
mortgage, encumber, sell and convey any real or personal estate belonging
to the corporation, and make all proper contracts in the name of such
corporation. But they are prohibited by law from encumbering or inter-
fering with any property so as to destroy the effect of any gift, grant,
devise or bequest to the corporation ; but such gifts, grants, devises of
bequests, must in all cases be used so as to carry out the object intended
by the pe'rsons making the same. Existing societies may organize in the
manner herein set forth, and have all the advantages thereof.
SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIPTION.
The business of publishing books by subscription having so often been
brought into disrepute by agents making representations and declarations
not authorized by the publisher ; in order to prevent that as much as possi-
ble, and that there may be more general knowledge of the relation such
agents bear to their principal, and the law governing such cases, the fol-
lowing statement is made :
A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by
which the subscriber agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described ;
the consideration is concurrent that the publisher shall publish the book
named, and deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price
named. The nature and character of the work is described in the prospectus
and by the sample shown. These should be carefully examined before sub-
scribing, as they are the basis and consideration of the promise to pay,
ABSTRACT OF ILLINOIS STATE LAWS. 159
and not the too often exaggerated statements of tithe agent, who is merely
employed to solicit subscriptions, for which he is usually paid a commission
for each subscriber, and has no authority to change or alter the conditions
upon which the subscriptions are authorized to be made by the publisher.
Should the agent assume to agree to make the subscription conditional or
modify or change the agreement of the publisher, as set out by prospectus
and sample, in order to bind the principal, the subscriber should see that
such conditions or changes are stated over or in connection with his signa-
ture, so that the publisher may have notice of the same.
All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or
any other business, should remember that the law as to written contracts is,
that they can not be varied, altered or rescinded verbally, but if done at all,
must be done in writing. It is therefore important that all persons contem-
plating subscribing should distinctly understand that all talk before or after
the subscription is made, is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of the
contract.
Persons employed to solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as
canvassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in a
prescribed mode, and have no authority to do it in any other way to the
prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal in any other
matter. They can not collect money, or agree that payment may be made
in anything else but money. They can not extend the time of payment
beyond the time of delivery, nor bind their principal for the payment of
expenses incurred in their buisness.
It would save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons,
before signing their names to any subscription book, or any written instru-
ment, would examine carefully what it is ; if they can not read themselves,
should call on some one disinterested who can.
1(50 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND ITS AMENDMENTS.
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common
defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America.
Article I.
Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and
House of Representatives.
Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem-
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of
the most numerous branch of the State Legislature.
No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the
age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in
which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev-
eral states which may be included within this Union, according to their
respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole
number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons.
The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first
meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse-
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand,
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan-
tations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylva-
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina. five,
and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the
Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such
vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment.
Sec. 3. The Senate of the United Stafes shall be composed of two
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ;
and each Senator shall have one vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes.
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira-
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 161
tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state,
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.
No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he
shall be chosen.
The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro
tempore, in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise
the office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside.
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds
of the members present.
Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of
honor, trust, or profit under the United States ; but the party convicted
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment,
and punishment according to law.
Sec. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen-
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis-
lature thereof ; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by
law appoint a different day.
Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute
a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide.
Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds,
expel a member.
Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment,
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered
on the journal.
Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other
place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.
Sec. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen-
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the
treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason.
162 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house
they shall not be questioned in any other place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his
continuance in office.
Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments
as on other bills.
Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President
. the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi-
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec-
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays,
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered
on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its
return, in which case it shall not be a law.
Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the
United States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim-
itations prescribed in the case of a bill.
Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power —
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts,
and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United
.States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout
the United States ;
To borrow money on the credit of the United States ;
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several
States, and with the Indian tribes ;
To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ;
To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and
fix the standard of weights and measures ;
To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and
current coin of the United States ;
To establish post offices and post roads ;
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 163
To promote the progress of sciences and useful arts, by securing,
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their
respective writings and discoveries ;
To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ;
To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high
seas, and offenses against the law of nations ;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules
concerning captures on land and water ;
To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that
use shall be for a longer term than two years ;
To provide and maintain a navy ;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and
naval forces ;
To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ;
To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci-
pline prescribed by Congress ;
To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United
States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful
buildings ; and
To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying
intc execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart-
ment or officer thereof.
Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight,
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten
dollars for each person.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended,
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may
require it.
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.
No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken.
No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state.
No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev-
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in
another.
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of
appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account of
the receipts and expeditures of all public money shall be published from
time to time.
1(34 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.
Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder-
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of
credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the
revision and control of the Congress.
No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will
not admit of delay.
Article II.
Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same
term, be elected as follows :
Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress ;
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
[*The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres-
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President,
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ;
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma-
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President,
* This clause between, brackets has been superseded and annulled by the Twelfth.amendment.
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 165
the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi-
dent.]
The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and
the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same
throughout the United States.
No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible
to the office of President ; neither shall any person be eligible to that
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been
fourteen years a resident within the United States.
In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death,
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-Pnesident, and the Congress
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil-
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall
then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the dis-
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com-
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive
within that period any other emolument from the United States or any of
them.
Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol-
, lowing oath or affirmation :
" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability,
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when
called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective
offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con-
cur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate,
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.
The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which
shall expire at the end of their next session.
Sec 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea-
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary
166 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
occasions convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree-
ment between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive
ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United
States.
Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con-
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Article III.
Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and
inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be
diminished during their continuance in office.
Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states ;
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ-
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign
states, citizens, or subjects.
In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls,
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have
original jurisdiction.
In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make.
The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall
have been committed ; but when not committed within an}' state, the
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have
directed.
Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy-
ing war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes-
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open
court.
The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason,
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture,
except during the life of the person attainted.
Article IV.
Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 167
the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.
Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges
and immunities of citizens in the several states.
A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime,
who shall flee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand
of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered
up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime.
No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered
up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.
Sec. 3. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ;
but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any-
other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states,,
or parts of states, without the consent of the Legislatures of the states
concerned, as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful,
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging,
to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state.
Sec. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this.
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu-
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened), against domestic vio-
lence.
Article V.
The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap-
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call
a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati-
fied by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by con-
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi-
cation may be proposed by the Congress. Provided that no amendment
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth
section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI.
All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop-
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under
this Constitution as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made,
under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the
land ; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem-
168
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
bers of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi-
cers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution ; but no religious test
shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under
the United States.
Article VII.
The ratification of the Conventions of nine states shall be sufficient
for the establishment of this Constitution between the states so ratifying
the same.
Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence of the
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have
hereunto subscribed our names.
GEO. WASHINGTON,
President and Deputy from Virginia.
New Hampshire.
John Langdon,
Nicholas Gilman.
Massachusetts.
Nathaniel Gorham,
Rufus King.
Connecticut.
Wm. Sam'l Johnson,
Roger, Sherman.
Delaware.
Geo. Read,
John Dickinson,
Jaco. Broom,
Gunning Bedford, Jr.,
Richard Bassett.
Maryland.
James M'Henry,
Danl. Carroll,
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer.
New York.
Alexander Hamilton.
New Jersey.
Wil. Livingston,
Wm. Paterson,
David Brearley,
Jona. Dayton.
Virginia.
John Blair,
James Madison, Jr.
North Carolina.
Wm. Blount,
Hu. Williamson,
Rich'd Dobbs Spaight.
Pennsylvania.
B. Franklin,
Robt. Morris,
Thos. Fitzsimons,
James Wilson,
Thos. Mifflin,
Geo. Clymer,
Jared Ingersoll,
Gouv. Morris.
South Carolina.
j. rutledge,
Charles Pinckney,
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney,
Pierce Butler.
Ceorgia.
William Few,
Abr. Baldwin.
WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary.
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 169
Articles in Addition to and Amendatory of the Constitution
of the United States of America.
Proposed by Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of the several states,
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution.
Article I.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article II.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Article III.
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre-
scribed by law.
Article IV.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio-
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched
and the persons or things to be seized.
Article V.
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law ; nor
shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Article VI.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ;
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to
have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Article VII.
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact
170 CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United
States than according to the rules of the common law.
Article VIII.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Article IX.
The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Article X.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution,
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively,
or to the people.
Article XI.
The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub-
jects of any foreign state.
Article XII.
The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name in their
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives,
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President,
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ;
and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the
highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-
thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi-
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major-
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 171
ity / then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose
the Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the
United States.
Article XIII.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted,
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris-
diction.
Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro-
priate legislation.
Article XIV.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United
States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property,
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction
the equal protection of the laws.
Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per-
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice-
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu-
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num-
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens
twenty-one years of age in such state.
Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress,
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previ-
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu-
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress mav
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability.
Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author-
ized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and boun-
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques-
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts,
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void.
172
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
Sec. 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate
legislation, the provisions of this act.
Article XV.
Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall
not be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any state, on
account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro-
priate legislation.
ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT.
November 7, 1876.
COUNTIES.
■a .
"SO
s*g2
<ox
o g
c
03 q;
^■5
a« °
OS
BO
<o.z.
X o
J)J3 3
» - S3
|5
5
COUNTIES.
^ t- z
m 0J43
*^S
S3«2
o H
~ = =
3 ©
~X4
Adams
Alexander
Bond
Boone
Brown
Bureau
Calhoun
Carroll
Cass
Champaign...
Christian
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Coles
Cook
Crawford
Cumberland..
DeKalb
DeWitt
Douglas
DuPage
Edgar
Edwards
Effingham
Fayette
Foru
Franklin
Fulton
Gallatin
Greene
Grundy
Hamilton
Hancock
Hardin
Henderson
Henry
Iroquois
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson
Jersey
Jo Daviess
Johnson
Kane
Kankakee
Kendall
Knox
Lake
La Salle
Lawrence
Lee
4953
1219
1520
1965
944
3719
441
2231
1209
4530
2501
1814
1416
1329
2957
36548
1355
1145
3679
1928
1631
2129
2715
970
1145
1881
1601
966
4187
703
1695
1996
627
3496
330
1315
41
3768
2040
1346
1345
2907
136
5398
26 ""
1869
5-i:;r.
2619
62
1198
308'
6308
1280
1142
363
1495
2218
900
918
1618
3103
3287
2197
1541
1989
2822
3924H
1643
1407
1413
1174
1357
1276
2883
466
2265
2421
742
1302
4669
1140
3160
1142
1433
4207
611
1015
1928
2578
2071
17
43
183
145
111
74
604
207
236
112
132
102
277
38
129
65
746
94
25
161
61
43
57
204
391
89
282
1
108
770
134
1
340
249
106
1667
2166
2276
893
2850
1363
524
2632
1647
6001
1329
2080
647
140
61
172
26
309
141
55
514
27
100
Livingston...
Logan
Macon
Macoupin
Madison
Marion
Marshall
Mason
Massac
McDonough .
McHeury....
McLean ......
Menard
Mercer
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Moultrie
Ogle
Peoria
Pope
Perry
Piatt
Pike
Pulaski
Putnam
Randolph
Richland
Rock Island..
Saline
Sangamon ...
Schuyler
Scott
Shelby
Stark
St. Clair
Stephenson..
Tazewell
Union
Vermilion...
Wabash
Warren
Washington.
Wayne
White
Whiteside
Will
Williamson..
Winnebago..
Woodford ...
Total
2134
2595
27S2
4076
4730
2444
1430
1939
793
2811
1874
4410
1657
1428
1651
3013
3174
1672
1921
5443
800
1383
1316
4040
772
459
2589
1552
2838
1081
5847
1804
1269
3553
786
5891
2758
3171
2155
3031
936
1984
1671
1751
2066
2131
3999
1644
1568
2105
275958 257099 16951 130 15
1170
37
268
114
39
209
135
86
20
347
34
518
10
90
7
201
109
28
104
95
5
48
117
35
14
2
55
27
641
29
115
182
341
96
99
26
44
3
288
207
138
39
482
469
133
677
41
70
237
16
Practical Rules for Every Day Use.
How to find the gain or loss per cent, when the cost and selling price
are given.
Rule. — Find the difference between the cost and selling price, which
will be the gain or loss.
Annex two ciphers to the gain or loss, and divide it by the cost
price ; the result will be the gain or loss per cent.
Hoiv to change gold into currency.
Rule. — Multiply the given sum of gold by the price of gold.
Sow to change currency into gold.
Divide the amount in currency by the price of gold.
Hoiv to find each partner s share of the gain or loss in a copartnership
business.
Rule. — Divide the whole gain or loss by the entire stock, the quo-
tient will be the gain or loss per cent.
Multiply each partner's stock by this per cent., the result will be
each one's share of the gain or loss. •
Hoiv to find gross and net weight and price of hogs.
A short and simple method for finding the net weight, or price of hogs,
when the gross weight or price is given, and vice versa.
Note.— It is generally assumed that the gross weight of Hogs diminished by 1-5 or 20 per cent
of itself gives the net weight, and the net weight increased by K or 25 per cent, of itself equals the
gross weight.
To find the net weight or gross price.
Multiply the given number by .8 (tenths.)
To find the gross weight or net price.
Divide the given number by .8 (tenths.)
Hoiv to find the capacity of a granary, bin, or luagon-bed.
Rule. — Multiply (by short method) the number of cubic feet by
6308, and point off one decimal place — the result will be the correct
answer in bushels and tenths of a bushel.
For only an approximate answer, multiply the cubic feet by 8, and
point off one decimal place.
How to find the contents of a corn-crib.
Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 54, short method, or
(173)
174 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
by 4£ ordinary method, and point off one decimal place — the result will
be the answer in bushels.
Notk.— In estimating corn in the ear, the quality and the time it has been cribbed must he taken
into consideration, since corn will shrink considerably during the Winter and Spring. This rule generally holds
good for corn measured at the time it is cribbed, provided it is sound and clean.
How to find the contents of a cistern or tank.
Rule. — Multiply the square of the mean diameter by the depth (all
in feet) and this product by 5681 (short method), and point off one
decimal place — the result will be the contents in barrels of 31£ gallons.
How to find the contents of a barrel or cask.
Rule. — Under the square of the mean diameter, write the length
(all in inches) in reversed order, so that its units will fall under the
tens ; multiply by short method, and this product again by 430 ; point
off one decimal place, and the result will be the answer in wine gallons.
How to measure boards.
Rule. — Multiply the length (in feet) by the width (in inches) and
divide the product by 12 — the result will be the contents in square feet.
How to measure scantlings, joists, planks, sills, etc.
Rule. — Multiply the width, the thickness, and the length together
(the width and thickness in inches, and the length in feet), and divide
the product by 12 — the result will be square feet.
How to find the number of acres in a body of land.
Rule. — Multiply the length by the width (in rods), and divide the
product by 160 (carrying the division to 2 decimal places if there is a
remainder) ; the result will be the answer in acres and hundredths.
When the opposite sides of a piece of land are of unequal length,
add them together and take one-half for the mean length or width.
Hoiv to find the number of square yards in a floor or wall.
Rule. — Multiply the length by the width or height (in feet), and
divide the product by 9, the result will be square yards.
Hoiv to find the number of bricks required in a building.
Rule. — Multiply the number of cubic feet by 22f.
The number of cubic feet is found by multiplying the length, height
and thickness (in feet) together.
Bricks are usually made 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and two inches
thick ; hence, it requires 27 bricks to make a cubic foot without mortar,
but it is generally assumed that the mortar fills 1-6 of the space.
Hoiv to find the number of shingles required in a roof.
Rule. — Multiply the number of square feet in the roof by 8, if the
shingles are exposed 4£ inches, or by 7 1-5 if exposed 5 inches.
To find the number of square feet, multiply the length of the roof by
twice the lensrth of the rafters.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 175
To find the length of the rafters, at one-fourth pitch, multiply the
width of the building by .56 (hundredths) ; at one-third pitch, by .6
(tenths) ; at two-fifths pitch, by .64 (hundredths) ; at one-half
pitch, by .71 (hundredths). This gives the length of the rafters from
the apex to the end of the wall, and whatever they are to project must be
taken into consideration.
Note.— By a or K pitch is meant that the apex or comb of the roof is to be X or M the width of the
building higher than the walls or base of the rafters.
How to reckon the cost of hay.
Rule. — Multiply the number of pounds by half the price per ton,
and remove the decimal point three places to the left.
How to measure grain.
Rule. — Level the grain ; ascertain the space it occupies in cubic
feet ; multiply the number of cubic feet by 8, and point off one place to
the left.
Note.— Exactness requires the addition to every three hundred bushels of one extra bushel.
The foregoing rule may be used for finding the number of gallons, by
multiplying the number of bushels by 8.
If the corn in the box is in the ear, divide the answer by 2, to find
the number of bushels of shelled corn, because it requires 2 bushels of eai
corn to make 1 of shelled corn.
Rapid rules for measuring land ivithout instruments.
In measuring land, the first thing to ascertain is the contents of any
given plot in square yards ; then, given the number of yards, find out the
number of rods and acres.
The most ancient and simplest measure of distance is a step. Now,
an ordinary-sized man can train himself to cover one yard at a stride, on
the average, with sufficient accuracy for ordinary purposes.
To make use of this means of measuring distances, it is essential to
walk in a straight line ; to do this, fix the eye on two objects in a line
straight ahead, one comparatively near, the other remote ; and, in walk-
ing, keep these objects constantly in line.
Farmers and others by adopting the following simple and ingenious con-
trivance, may always carry with them the scale to construct a correct yard
measure.
Take a foot rule, and commencing at the base of the little finger of
the left hand, mark the quarters of the foot on the outer borders of the
left arm, pricking in the marks with indelible ink.
To find how many rods in length tvill make an acre, the width being given.
Rule. — Divide 160 by the width, and the quotient will be the answer.
176
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
Hoiv to find the number of acres in any plot of land, the number of rods
being given.
Rule. — Divide the number of rods by 8, multiply the quotient by 5,
and remove the decimal point two places to the left.
The diameter being given, to find the circumference.
Rule. — Multiply the diameter by 3 1-7.
Hoiv to find the diameter, ivhen the circumference is given.
Rule. — Divide the circumference by 3 1-7.
To find hoiv many solid feet a round stick of timber of the same thick-
ness throughout ivill contain when squared.
Rule. — Square half the diameter in inches, multiply by 2, multiply
by the length in feet, and divide the product by 144.
General rule for measuring timber, to find the solid contents in feet.
Rule. — Multiply the depth in inches by the breadth in inches, and
then multiply by the length in feet, and divide by 144.
To find the number of feet of timber in trees with the bark on.
Rule. — Multiply the square of one-fifth of the circumference in
inches, by twice the length, in feet, and divide by 144. Deduct 1-10 to
1-15 according to the thickness of the bark.
Hoivard's neiv rule for computing interest.
Rule. — The reciprocal of the rate is the time for which the interest
on any sum of money will be shown by simply removing the decimal
point two places to the left ; for ten times that time, remove the point
one place to the left; for 1-10 of the same time, remove the point three
places to the left.
Increase or diminish the results to suit the time given.
Note.— The reciprocal of the rate is found by inverting the rate ; thus 3 per cent, per month, in-
verted, becomes % of a month, or 10 days.
When the rate is expressed by one figure, always write it thus: 3-1,
three ones.
Rule for converting English into American currency.
Multiply the pounds, with the shillings and pence stated in decimals,
by 400 plus the premium in fourths, and divide the product by 90.
U. S. GOVERNMENT LAND MEASURE.
A township — 36 sections each a mile square.
A section — 640 acres.
A quarter section, half a mile square — 160 acres.
An eighth section, half a mile long, north and south, and a quarter
of a mile wide — 80 acres.
A sixteenth section, a quarter of a mile square — 40 acres.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 177
The sections are all numbered 1 to 36, commencing at the north-east
corner.
The sections are divided into quarters, which are named by the
cardinal points. The quarters are divided in the same way. The de-
scription of a forty acre lot would read : The south half of the west half of
the south-west quarter of section 1 in township 24, north of range 7 west,
or as the case might be ; and sometimes will fall short and sometimes
overrun the number of acres it is supposed to contain.
The nautical mile is 795 4-5 feet longer than the common mile.
SURVEYORS' MEASURE.
7 92-100 inches make 1 link.
25 links " 1 rod.
4rods .'. " 1 chain.
80 chains " 1 mile.
Note. — A chain is 100 links, equal to 4 rods or 66 feet.
Shoemakers formerly used a subdivision of the inch called a barley-
corn ; three of which made an inch.
Horses are measured directly over the fore feet, and the standard of
measure is four inches — called a hand.
In Biblical and other old measurements, the term span is sometimes
used, which is a length of nine inches.
The sacred cubit of the Jews was 24.024 inches in length.
The common cubit of the Jews was 21.704 inches in length.
A pace is equal to a yard or 36 inches.
A fathom is equal to 6 feet.
A league is three miles, but its length is variable, for it is strictly
speaking a nautical term, and should be three geographical miles, equal
to 3.45 statute miles, but when used on land, three statute miles are said
to be a league.
In cloth measure an aune is equal to li yards, or 45 inches.
An Amsterdam ell is equal to 26.796 inches.
A Trieste ell is equal to 25.284 inches.
A Brabant ell is equal to 27.116 inches.
HOW TO KEEP ACCOUNTS.
Every farmer and mechanic, whether he does much or little business,
should keep a record of his transactions in a clear and systematic man-
ner. For the benefit of those who have not had the opportunhVy of ac-
quiring a primary knowledge of the principles of book-keeping, we here
present a simple form of keeping accounts which is easily comprehended,
and well adapted to record the business transactions of farmers, mechanics
and laborers.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
1875.
A. H. JACKSON.
Dr.
Cr.
Jan 10
To 7 bushels Wheat
at $1.25
$8
6
1
48
G
17
75
30
25
0(1
25
50
♦2
18
2
25
4
35
" 17
By shoeino- span of Horses „
50
Feb. 4
" 4
March 8
To 14 bushels Oats
To 5 lbs. Butter
... at $ .45
..at .25
00
" 8
Bv sharneninsr 2 Plows . . .
40
" 13
By new Double-Tree.
25
" 27
To Cow and Calf _ . .
April 9
" 9
To half ton of Hay
By Cash
00
May 6
" 24
By repairino- Corn-Planter ...
75
To one Sow with Pigs _ .
July 4
By Cash, to balance account
15
$88
05
$88
05
1875.
CASS A MASON.
Dr.
Cr.
March 21
" 21
" 23
1
1
19
26
10
2 It
12
"" 12
Sept. 1
May
u
June
u
July
a
Aug:.
By 3 days' labor .at $1.25
To 2 Shoats at 3.00
To 18 bushels Corn at .45
By 1 month's Labor
To Cash
By 8 days' Mowing at $1.50
To 50 lbs. Flour.
To 27 lbs. Meat at $ .10
By 9 days' Harvesting ...at 2.00
By 6 days' Labor at 1.50
To Cash...
To Cash to balance account
S3
$6
00
8
10
25
10
00
12
2
75
2
70
18
9
20
00
18
20
$67
75
$67
00
00
00
00
15
INTEREST TABLE.
A Simple Rule for accurately Computing Interest at Any Given Per Cent, for Any
Length of Time.
Multiply the principal (amount of money at interest) by the time reduced to days; then divide this product
the quotient obtained by dividing 360 (the number of days in the interest year) by the per cent, of interest,
by the quotient _
andt/ie quotient thus obtained will be the required interest
ILLUSTRATION.
Require the interest of 8462.50 for one month and eighteen days at 6 per cent. An
interest month is 30 days; one month and eighteen days equal 48 days. $462.50 multi-
$462.50
.48
(because 360 divided by 12" gives 30); "if 4 percent., we would divide by 90; if 8 per
cent., by 45; and In like manner for any other per cent,
> 6)360 \ 185000
60/ $222.0000( $3.70
180
420
420
~00
MISCELLANEOUS TABLE.
12 units, or things, 1 Dozen.
12 dozen, 1 Gross.
30 things, 1 Score.
196 pounds, 1 Barrel of Flour. I 24 sheets of paper. 1 Quire.
200 pounds, 1 Barrel of Pork. 20 quires paper 1 Ream. ,„,,„.
56 pounds, 1 Firkin of Butter. | 4 ft. wide, 4 ft. high, and 8 ft. long, 1 Cord V\ ooa.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 179
NAMES OF THE STATES OF THE UNION, AND THEIR SIGNIFICATIONS.
Virginia. — The oldest of the States, was so called in honor of Queen
Elizabeth, the "Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made
his first attempt to colonize that region.
Florida. — Ponce de Leon landed on the coast of Florida on Easter
Sunday, and called the country in commemoration of the day, which was
the Pasqua Florida of the Spaniards, or " Feast of Flowers."
Louisiana was called after Louis the Fourteenth, who at one time
owned that section of the country.
Alabama was so named by the Indians, and signifies " Here we Rest."
Mississippi is likewise an Indian name, meaning " Long River."
Arkansas, from Kansas, the Indian word for " smoky water." Its
prefix was really arc, the French word for " bow."
The Carolinas were originally one tract, and were called "Carolana,"
after Charles the Ninth of France.
Georgia owes its name to George the Second of England, who first
established a colony there in 1732.
Tennessee is the Indian name for the " River of the Bend," i. e., the
Mississippi which forms its western boundary.
Kentucky is the Indian name for " at the head of the river."
Ohio means " beautiful ; " Iowa, " drowsy ones ; " Minnesota, " cloudy
water," and Wisconsin, '"wild-rushing channel."
Illinois is derived from the Indian word illini, men, and the French
suffix ois, together signifying " tribe of men."
Michigan was called by the name given the lake, fish-iv eir, which was
so styled from its fancied resemblance to a fish trap.
Missouri is from the Indian word "muddy," which more properly
applies to the river that flows through it.
Oregon owes its Indian name also to its principal river.
Cortes named California.
Massachusetts is the Indian for " The country around the great hills."
Connecticut, from the Indian Quon-ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long
River."
Maryland, after Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles the First, of
England.
New York was named by the Duke of York.
Pennsylvania means " Penn's woods," and was so called after Williarp
Penn, its orignal owner.
180
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
Delaware after Lord De La Ware.
New Jersey, so called in honor of Sir George Carteret, who was
Governor of the Island of Jersey, in the British Channel.
Maine was called after the province of Maine in France, in compli-
ment of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned that province.
Vermont, from the French word Vert Mont, signifying Green
Mountain.
Neiv Hampshire, from Hampshire county in England. It was
formerly called Laconia.
The little State of Rhode Island owes its name to the Island of
Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said to greatly
resemble.
Texas is the American word for the Mexican name by which all that
section of the country was called before it was ceded to the United States.
POPULATION OF THE
UNITED STATES.
States asd Territories.
Alabama
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina ..
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina...
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Total States.
Arizona
Colorada
Dakota
District of Columbia.
Idaho
Montana
New Mexlqo
Utah ...
Washington
Wyoming
Total Territories...
Total United States
Total
Population.
996.
4S4.
50o.
53 ~.
125,
187,
184,
5;i9,
680,
191,
364,
,321,
726.
626.
7so,
,457,
,184,
439,
827.
,721,
122,
42,
318,
906,
3S2,
071.
66.-,.
90,
521.
217,
705
25S,
Sis
330,
225
442
05 1
992
471
247
454
015
74 8
109
891
637
792
399
Oil
915
915
894
351
059
06
922
295
993
491
300
096
759
361
260
923
791
353
606
520
579
551
163
,014
670
38,113,253
9,658
39,864
14,181
131.700
14,999
20,595
91,874
86.786
23,955
9,118
442,730
38,555,983
POPULATION OF FIFTY
PRINCIPAL CITIES.
New York, N. Y
Philadelphia, Pa....
Brooklyn, N. Y
St. Louis, Mo
Chicago, 111
Baltimore, Md
Boston, Mass
Cincinnati, Ohio
New Orleans, La. ..
San Francisco, cal..
Buffalo, N. Y
Washington, D. C...
Newark, N. J
Louisville, Ky
Cleveland, Ohio
Pittsburg, Pa
Jersey City, N. J ...
Detroit, Mich
Milwaukee, Wis —
Albany, N. Y
Providence, R. I
Rochester, N. Y
Allegheny, Pa
Richmond, Va
New Haven, Conn..
Charleston, S. C
Indianapolis, Ind...
Troy, N. Y
Syracuse, N. Y
Worcester, Mass....
Lowell, Mass
Memphis, Tenn
Cambridge, Mass...
Hartford, Conn
Scranton, Pa
Reading, Pa
Paterson, N.J
Kansas City, Mo
Mobile, Ala
Toledo. Ohio
Portland, Me
Columbus, Ohio
Wilmington, Del...
Dayton, Ohio
Lawrence, Mass
Utica, N. Y
Charlestown, Mass
Savannah, Ga
Lvnn. Mass
Fall River, Mass...
Aggregate
Population.
942,
674,
396.
310.
298,
267,
250,
216,
191,
149.
117,
109,
105,
100.
92,
86,
82,
79,
71,
69,
68.
62,
53.
51.
50
48,
48.
46,
43
41
40.
40,
39,
37,
35,
33
33
32
32
31
31
31
30
30
28
28
28,
28,
28,
26
292
022
099
864
977
354
526
239
418
473
714
199
059
753
829
076
546
577
440
422
904
386
180
038
840
956
244
465
051
105
928
226
634
180
092
930
579
260
034
584
,413
,274
841
473
,921
,804
323
235
233
766
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
181
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
States and
Territories.
States.
Alabama
Arkansas..
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts...
Michigan*
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina..
Ohio
Oregon
47,
50,
39,
95,
Last Census of
Area in
square
Miles. 1870
Population.
1,350,544
528,349
857,039
996,992
484,471
560,247
537,454
125,015
187,748
1,184,109
2,539,891
1,680,637
1.191.792
364,399
1,321.011
726,915
626,915
780,894
1,457,351
1,184,059
439,706
827,922
1,721,295
123,993
42,491
318.300
906,096
4,382,759
1,071,361
2,665,260
90,923
Michigan taken in 1874
1875.
1,651,912
1,334,031
598,429
246,280
52,540
1,026,502
4,705,208
Miles
R. R.
1872.
States and
Territories.
States.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina...
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Total States
Territories.
Arizona
Colorado
Dakota
Dist. of Columbia
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Utah
Washington ,
Wyoming
Total Territories
Area in
square
Miles.
46,000
1,306
29,385
45,600
237,504
10,212
40,904
23,000
53,924
1,950,171
113,916
104,500
147,490
60
90,932
143,776
121,201
80,056
69,944
93,107
965,032
Population.
1870.
3,521,
21~
705,
1,258,
818,
330,
1,225
442,
1,054
38,113,253
9,658
39,864
14,181
131,700
14,999
20,595
91.874
86,786
23,955
9,118
442,730
1875.
258,239
925,145
1,236,729
Miles
R. R.
1872.
5,113
136
1,201
1,520
865
675
1,490
485
1,725
59,587
375
'498
1,265
Aggregate of U. S.. 2,915,203 38,555,983 60,852
* Included in the Railroad Mileage of Maryland.
PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD;
Population and Area.
Countries.
Population.
Date of
Census.
Area in
Square
Miles.
Inhabitants
to Square
Mile.
Population.
China
British Empire
Russia
United States with Alaska
Prance
Austria and Hungary
Japan
Great Britain and Ireland
German Empire
Italy
Spain
Brazil
Turkey
Mexico
Sweden and Norway
Persia
Belgium
Bavaria
Portugal
Holland
New Grenada
Chili
Switzerland
Peru
Bolivia
Argentine Republic
Wurtemburg
Denmark
Venezuela
Baden
Greece
Guatemala
Ecuador
Paraguay
Hesse
Liberia
San Salvador
Hayti
Nicaragua
Uruguay
Honduras
San Domingo
Costa Rica
Hawaii
446,
226,
81,
38,
36,
35,
34,
31,
29,
27
16
10,
16,
9,
5;
5,
5,
4,
3,
3
3,
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
500.000
817,108
925,400
925,600
469,800
904,400
785,300
817,100
906,092
439,921
642,000
000.000
463,000
173.000
921.500
000,000
021,300
861.400
995,200
688,300
000.000
000.000
669.100
500,000
,000,000
812,000
,818,500
,784.700
500,000
,461,400
,457.900
180,000
.300,000
,000,000
823,138
718,000
600,000
572,000
350,001)
300.000
350,000
136,000
165.000
62.950
1871
1871
1871
1870
1866
1869
1871
1871
1871
1871
1867
1869
1870
1870
1869
1871
1868
1870
1870
1869
1870
1871
1869
1871
1870
'1871
1870
1871
'1871
1871
1871
1871
1871
1871
'1870
3,741,846
4,677,432
8,003,778
2,603,884
204,091
240.348
149,399
121,315
160,207
118,847
195,775
3,253,029
672,621
761.526
292,871
635,964
11,373
29,292
34,494
12,680
357,157
132.616
15,992
471.838
497.321
871,848
7,533
14,753
368.238
5,912
19,353
40,879
218,928
63,787
2,969
9,576
7,335
10,205
58,171
66,722
47.092
17,827
21,505
7.633
119.3
48.6
10.2
7.78
178.7
149.4
232.8
262.3
187.
230.9
85.
3.07
24.4
20.
7.8
441.5
165.9
115.8
290.9
8.4
15.1
166.9
5.3
4.
2.1
241.4
120.9
4.2
247.
75.3
28.9
5.9
15.6
277.
74.9
81.8
56.
6.
6.5
7.4
7.6
80!'
Pekin ,
London
St. Petersburg.
Washington ...
Paris
Vienna
Yeddo
London
Berlin
Rome
Madrid
Rio Janeiro
Constantinople
Mexico
Stockholm
Teheran
Brussels
Munich
Lisbon
Hague
Bogota
Santiago
Berne
Lima
Chuquisaca
Buenos Ayres..
Stuttgart
Copenhagen
Caraccas
Carlsruhe
Athens
Guatemala
Quito
Asuncion
Darmstadt
Monrovia
Sal Salvador...
Port au Prince
Managua
Monte Video...
Comayagua
San Domingo...
San Jose
Honolulu
1,648,800
3,251.800
667,000
109,199
1.825.300
833,900
1.554,900
3,251,800
825,400
244,484
332,000
420,000
1,075,000
210.300
136,900
120,000
314,100
169.500
224,063
90,100
45.000
115,400
36.000
160,100
25.000
177.800
91.600
162,042
47,000
36,600
43,400
40,000
70,000
48,000
30.000
3,000
15.000
20,000
10,000
44.500
12,000
20,000
2.000
7,633
182
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
POPULATION OF ILLINOIS,
By Counties.
COUNTIES.
Adams
Alexander. .
Bond
Boone
Brown
Bureau
Calhoun
Carroll
Cass
Champaign.
Christian ..
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Coles
Cook
Crawford
Cumberland
De Kalb...
De Witt...
Douglas
Du Page
Edgar
Edwards
Effingham. .
Fayette
Ford
Franklin
Fulton
Gallatin
Greene
Grundy
Hamilton ..
Hancock
Hardin
Henderson .
Henry
Iroquois ...
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson...
Jersey
Jo Daviess.
Johnson
Kane
Kankakee. .
Kendall ...
Knox
Lake
La Salle
Lawrence..
Lee
Livingston .
Logan
AGGREGATE.
1870. 1860. 1850. 1840. 1830. 1820
56362
10564
I3I52
12942
12205
32415
6562
16705
II580
32737
20363
1S719
15875
16285
25235
349966
13889
12223
23265
14768
13484
16685
21450
7565
15653
19638
9103
12652
38291
I"34
20277
14938
13014
35935
5113
12582
355o6
25782
19634
11234
17S64
15054
27S20
1 1 248
39091
24352
12399
39522
21014
60792
12533
27171
3M7I
23053
41323
4707
9815
11678
9938
26426
5M4
H733
11325
14629
10492
14987
9336
1 094 1
14203
144954
II55I
8311
19086
10820
7140
14701
16925
5454
7816
11189
1979
9393
33338
8055
16093
10379
99 x 5
29061
3759
950i
20660
12325
9589
8364
12965
1 205 1
27325
9342
30062
15412
13074
28663
18257
48332
9214
17651
11637
14272
26508
2484
6i44
7624
7198
8841
3231
4586
7253
2649
3203
9532
4289
5139
9335
43385
7135
37i8
7540
5002
9290
10692
3524
3799
8075
5681
22508
5448
12429
3023
6362
14652
2887
4612
3807
4149
5862
3220
8109
7354
18604
4114
16703
7730
13279
14226
17S15
6121
5-292
1553
5128
14476
3313
5060
1705
4183
3067
1741
1023
2981
1475
1878
7453
3228
3718
9616
10201
4422
1697
3247
3535
8225
3070
1675
6328
3682
13142
10760
II95I
3945
9946
1378
1260
1695
3566
1472
5762
4535
6180
3626
6501
7060
2634
9348
7092
2035
759
2333
2186
1390
3124
1090
3940
755
2330
3"7
4071
1649
2704
4083
1841
7405
7674
2616
483
4i
1828
2555
2111
1596
274
"3668
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
183
POPULATION OF ILLINOIS— Concluded.
COUNTIES.
Macon
Macoupin..
Madison
Marion
Marshall
Mason
Massac
McDonough
McHenry ..
McLean —
Menard
Mercer
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Moultrie
Ogle
Peoria
Perry
Piatt
Pike
Pope
Pulaski
Putnam
Randolph
Richland ...
Rock Island
Saline
Sangamon ..
Schuyler
Scott
Shelby
Stark
St. Clair
Stephenson..
Tazewell
Union
Vermilion
Wabash ....
Warren
Washington.
Wayne .
White
Whitesides ..
Will
Williamson..
Winnebago..
Woodford...
Total...
AGGREGATE.
1870. 1860. 1850. 1840. 1830. 1820
26481
32726
44131
20622
16950
16184
9581
26509
23762
53938
"735
18769
12982
253M
20463
10385
27492
47540
13723
10953
30708
"437
8752
6280
20859
12803
29783
12714
46352
17419
10530
25476
10751
51068
30608
27903
1651S
30388
8841
23174
17599
19758
16S46
27503
43013
17329
29301
18956
I373S
24602
31251
12739
13437
10931
6213
20069
22c
28772
9584
15042
12832
13979
22112
6385
2288S
36601
9552
6127
27249
6742
3943
5587
17205
97"
21005
933i
32274
14684
9069
14613
9004
37694
25112
21470
11181
19800
7313
18336
I373I
12223
12403
18737
29321
12205
24491
13282
12355
20441
6720
5180
5921
4092
7616
14978
10163
6349
5246
7679
6277
16064
3234
10020
17547
5278
1606
18819
3975
2265
3924
1 1079
4012
6937
5588
19228
10573
7914
7807
37io
20180
11666
12052
7615
1 1492
4690
8176
6953
6825
8925
536i
16703
7216
"773
4415
2539891I 1711951) 851470
3039
7926
14433
4742
1849
5308
2578
6565
4431
2352
4481
4490
19547
3479
6i53
3222
11728
4094
2131
7944
2610
14716
6972
6215
6659
1573
13631
2800
7221
5524
9303
4240
6739
4810
5133
7919
25M
10167
4457
4609
476183
1122
1990
6221
2125
w
26
2000
2953
12714
1215
2396
3316
/-I3IO
4429
12960
£2959
2972
7078
4716
3239
5836
2710
308
1675
2553
6091
13550
*2I
1516
2610
3492
*5
5 2 43
2362
1517
1 1 14
482&
1574-15
*49
55i6a
184
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
STATE LAWS
Relating to Rates of Interest and Penalties for Usury.
States and Territories.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Dakota
Delaware
District of Columbia ..,
Florida
Georgia •
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi ....
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Ontario, Canada
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Quebec, Canada
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington Territory
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming ,
Legal
Rate of
Interest.
per cent
8
10
6
io
IO
7
7
6
6
8
7
io
6
6
6
5
6
6
6
7
7
6
6
io
io
IO
6
7
6
7
6
6
6
io
6
6
6
7
6
8
io
6
6
io
6
7
12
Rate al-
lowed by
Contract.
Penalties for Usury.
per cent.
8
Any rate
io
Any rate
Any rate
7
12
6
IO
Any rate.
12
24
8
io
IO
12
8
8
Any rate.
6
Any rate.
io
12
io
io
Any rate
12
Any rate
6
7
Any rate
7
Any rate.
12
Any rate.
Any rate.
Any rate.
Any rate,
io
12
Ary rate.
6
6*
Any rate
6*
io
Any rate
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of principal and interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of principal.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Fine and imprisonment.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of ex. of in. above 12 per cent.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of ex. of in. above 7 per cent.
No Usury Law in this State.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of thrice the excess and costs.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of contract.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of excess above 6 per cent.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interest.
Forfeiture of entire interest.
Forfeiture of excess of interes -
Forfeiture of entire interest.
* Except in cases d :fin<:d by statutes of the State.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
185
STATE LAWS
Relating to Limitations op Actions : Showing Limit of Time in which
Action may be Brought on the following :
States and Tereitories.
Alabama
Arkansas
California,
Colorado
Connecticut
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District ot Columbia .
Florida
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Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
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Michigan
Minnesota
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Missouri...
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
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Ohio
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Oregon
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Rhode Island
South Carolina
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Texas
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Vermont
Virginia
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West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wy omi ng
Assault
slander,
&c.
Open
Accts.
Notes.
Judg-
ments.
Sealed and
witnessed
Instru-
ments.
Years.
I
Years.
3
Years.
6
Years.
20
Years.
IO
I
3
5
IO
IO
I
I
3
2
2
6
6
6
4
6
6
6
5
3
20
20
5
3
17
20
I
3
6
20
20
I
2
I
3
4
4
5
6
12
20
7
12
20
20
2
I
2
2
5
6
4
IO
20
5
20
2o
5
10
20
2
5
IO
20
10
I
I
I
2
3
2
3
6
5
15
5
20
5
15
10
20
15
15
20
20
I
2
2
3
6
6
3
20
6
12
20
6
12
20
10
2
6
6
10
6
I
2
3
5
6
10
7
20
7
10
2
5
10
10
10
I
2
2
2
4
2
6
6
5
4
6
6
5
5
20
20
10
4
20
16
I
6
10
10
IO
2
6
6
20
20
3
i
2
3
6
6
3
15
6
10
15
20
10
15
20
2
6
6
IO
20
I
6
6
20
20
I
I
5
6
5
6
30
20
30
20
2
I
6
6
6
6
20
IO
20
6
I
2
4
IO
5
I
2
2
6
4
4
5
8
7
8
I
2
5
3
5
6
10
6
20
6
I
5
10
10
10
2
6
6
20
20
I
6
IS
15
*5
PRODUCTIONS OF AGRICULTURE, STATE OF ILLINOIS, BY C0UNTIES.-I870.
JOUNTIES
Total
Adams
Alexander
Bond
Boone
Brown
Bureau
Calhoun
Carroll
Cass
Champaign
Christian
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Coles
Cook
Crawford
Cumberland
DeKalb
DeWitt
Douglas
DuPage
Edgar
Edwards
Effingham
Fayette
Ford
Franklin
Fulton
Gallatin
Greene
Grundy..
Hamilton
Hancock ,
Hardin
Henderson
Henry
Iroquois... — .
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson
Jersey
JoDaviess
■Johnson
Kane
Kankakee
Kendall
Knox
Z^ake
LaSalle
Lawrence
Lee..
Livingston
Logan
Macon
Macoupin
Madison
Marion
Marshall .
Mason
Massac
McDonough
McHenry
McLean
Menard
Mercer
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan .'
Moultrie
Ogle
Peoria
Perry
Piatt
Pike
Pope
Pulaski
Putnam
Randolph
Richland
Rock Island
Saline
Sangamon
Schuyler
Scott
Shelby
Stark
St. Clair
Stephenson
Tazewell
Union
Vermilion
Wabash
AVarren
Washington
Wayne
White
Whitesides
Will
Williamson
Winnebago
Woodford
Improved
Land.
Number.
19.329,95a
N umbel
5,061.57
other un-
improved
Number.
1.491.331
287,
13,
145,
137.
57,
398,
37,
186,
92.
419,
241,
118,
146.
150,
208,
348,
105,
75,
334,
168,
147,
164,
^65,
58,
120,
187,
141,
80,
228,
49,
175,
193,
88,
311,
28,
140,
265,
322,
78,
90,
118,
94,
156,
57,
240,
312,
164.
330,
207,
533,
87,
322,
377,
321,
205,
231,
257,
173
166
209,
25,
261,
230.
494,
134,
222
92
276
293,
144,
316
170,
93,
94,
233
55
19,
37.
140
75,
155
72
421,
96,
85.
310,
138,
231,
254,
229.
75,
360,
54.
266.
177
147,
92,
289,
419
128
241,
225,
926
830
111.-,
307
062
611
OS 4
HOI
0O2
:;io
4
59 1
922
177
33
S21
505
34
502
539
633
874
458
912
313
196
228
7 19
132
57:
-108
999
996
517
117
95 1
90 1
510
548
867
951
1 4 7
51
820
120
182
001
829
779
724
S2>
212
505
709
259
059
032
OSl
(157
4 53
151
63.i
5li6
97s
173
809
810
6S2
4 50
220
883
29
54
454
85
980
:;19
271
764
079
14
309
74S
195
331
179
129
117
857
126
832
251
063
187
592
352
398
809
4 12
448
3 73
50 1
112,576
17.761
42,613
29,886
35,491
41,866
63.443
29,793
33,493
16,789
19,803
102,201
80,612
48.868
45,214
19,635
78,350
40,334
17,722
29,548
11,89:
17,243
66,803
57,585
56,330
93,460
2,996
3,994
123,823
68,750
93.242
6,256
93,878
43,385
44,771
34,705
12,620
22,478
87,642
67,023
94,888
51,427
82,076
3
34,646
10,978
14,244
41,566
21,072
48, 117
72,738
12,071
12,462
17,394
18,153
81,224
89,450
61,579
>'8,26o
31,739
33,39b
52,547
53,293
40,36b
34.931
45,977
83,369
47,804
60,217
24,783
43,643
48,666
68,470
5,978
128,953
87,754
12,516
17,184
162,274
50,618
31,239
70.393
51,085
62.477
44,633
74,908
12,375
76,591
43.167
45,268
83.606
53.078
37.558
27,294
55,852
146,794
78,167
21.823
24,261
116,949
37,238
25,217
19,370
1.915
2,658
25.608
15,803
2,754
33,302
6,604
58,502
19,173
5,420
5,225
8,722
3,274
17,337
27,185
5,604
6,551
17,633
7,316
3.851
14,282
830
26,206
16,786
63,9" '
86,710
4,076
2,565
29.653
4,505
3,343
i8/r
107
14,243
31,459
63,498
5,991
12,250
778
1,363
45,779
.79,141
399
10,598
2,283
25,155
24,399
2,356
3,273
7,409
41,788
408
9,115
7,343
13,675
4.142
2,976
31,013
30
14,035
57,998
49,087
13,952
22,588
666
8,495
1,376
13,112
14,913
2,516
220
13,897
9,302
4.174
1.170
2 025
20,755
809
19,932
21.294
1,610
9,314
2,783
2,016
13,701
14,846
5,300
31,122
509
14,583
1,931
10,486
869
37.310
6,335
1,648
15.237
23,135
Spring
Wheat.
Bushels.
10.133.207
Winter
Wheat.
Rye.
Bushels.
19.995,198
Bushels.
2.456.578
Indian
Corn.
Bushels.
129.921.395
16.191
700
241,042
13,2
465,236
75
418,073
12,165
102,577
18,360
1,894
500
2,651
144,296
60
550
398,059
106,493
7,683
106,096
13,283
77
42,571
365
193,669
21,700
129
181,378
13
161,112
462,379
57,160
890
282,758
188,826
103,466
90,681
267,764
168,914
271,181
450,793
120,206
198,056
55,239
160
550
106,129
73,261
273,871
401,790
211,801
36,152
289,291
59
18,196
17,128
497,038
92,361
26,382
130
28,137
450
243,541
200
■ 89,304
56,221
18
15,526
124,630
2,550
527,394
132,417
44,806
'186)890
266
457,455
195,286
176
408,606
178,139
947,616
42,658
368.625
599
117.502
724
221,298
260
127,054
123,091
504,041
195.118
85,73
610.888
154,485
4,904
212,924
84,697
190
11,695
65,461
693
247,360
122,703
195,716
351,310
1,008
111,324
223,930
83,093
577,400
150
92,34
232,750
32,306
69,062
44
10,480
329,036
87.808
100,553
558,367
555
92.191
325
480
1,249
7,654
221
2,193
264,134
2,260
1,339
40,963
196,613
861,398
1,207,181
173,652
900
125,628
72.316
36,146
270
10,955
45,793
13,203
651,767
744,891
357,523
196,436
5,580
31.843
350.446
39.762
1,057,497
70,457
44,922
796
1,031,022
150.268
2.279
83.011
247,658
165,721
266,105
452,015
1,562.621
2,118
72,410
180,231
249,558
202.201
5,712
672,486
164,689
184,321
264
1,996
170.787
2,468
108,307
20,989
30
6,240
35,871
4,742
43,811
1
25,721
2.772
45,75:
10.722
7,308
3,221
1,619
8,825
20,171
15,49
14,798
21,018
11 540
9,011
7.53S
37,508
528
19,759
25,328
11,57
5.195
131,711
512
415
4,930
11,672
133,533
865
96,430
35,766
23,259
524
9,165
5,934
7.185
2,468
23.618
12,935
5,163
113,547
5,870
48,308
1,121
14,829
26,163
37.232
29,223
2.404
3.685
1'4,517
36,135
49,182
544
52,401
29,264
39,824
4,283
40.778
1,425
3,29b
5,535
6,670
157,504
99,502
1,01b
9,248
25,303
2,309
222
7,707
3,235
3.401
20,003
568
23,073
20,841
930
23.686
30.534
1,008
135,362
59,027
1,737
52,476
72,212
2,576
8,665
418
31,658
8,030
6.228
137,985
20,426
1,452,905
244,220
1,064.052
466,985
337.769
3,030,404
234,041
1,367.965
1,146,980
3,924,720
1,883,336
614,582
1,019,994
813.25"
2,133.111
570.4X
581,964
403,075
1,023,849
1,311,635
1,680,225
331,981
2,107,615
352,371
620,24
962,525
565,671
653,209
1,508,763
509,491
1,051,313
295,971
735,252
1,510,401
172.651
1, VS. Mil
2,541,683
799,810
611,951
461,345
887,981
519,120
1,286,326
343,298
674,333
637.39<.
681,267
2,708,319
517,353
3,077.028
656,363
1,656,978
1,182,696
4,221,640
2,214,468
1,051,544
2.127,549
1,034,057
1,182,903
2,648,72b
133,126
1,362,490
1,145.005
3,723,379
1,973,880
2,054,962
543,718
1,527,898
3,198,835
1,753.141
1,787,066
969,224
384.446
1.029.725
1,399,188
315,958
195,735
334,259
510,080
482,594
1,459,653
531,516
4,388,763
440,975
752,771
2,082,578
1,149878
1,423.121
1.615,679
2,062,053
679,753
2,818,027
421,361
2,982,853
836,115
1,179,291
870.521
2,162,943
1.131,458
655.710
1.237.406
2,154.185
V- c^^k^TZt^i
(DECEAS ED.)
FREEPORT.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
TOPOGRAPHY.
Is bounded on the east by Winnebago, on the south by Ogle and Carroll,
on the west by Jo Daviess, and on the north by Green County, Wis. It
thus lies in the northern tier of counties in the State, and is the second county
eastward from the Mississippi River. It is twenty-seven miles wide from east
to west, and about twenty-one from its northern to its southern boundary line,
containing 573 square miles. The northern part of the county, according to
surveys made by the Illinois Central Railroad Company, averages about 723
feet above the level of the Mississippi River at Cairo, about 415 feet above the
level of Lake Michigan, and about 1,000 feet above the level of the sea. The
southern part of the county averages some 250 feet lower than these averages.
The general level of the country, it will thus be seen, presents a gentle slope to
southern sunny skies. The general surface, or face of the country, is composed
of gently undulating and rather rolling prairie land, interspersed with small
groves and narrow belts of timber lands skirting the streams. A small portion
of the county is made up of barrens and oak orchards or openings. The prairie
soil is of unsurpassed fertility, and under a high state of cultivation and improve-
ment. It is not so black and deep as the prairie soil further south ; but is
drier, sandier, lighter or more chocolate colored, producing in great perfection
all the staple crops of the northern part of the State. The oak openings and
other poorer portions of the county produce the best wheat and other cereal
grains, the best potatoes raised in the State, very excellent apples, and pears'
of the hardier varieties, and with proper care and cultivation will nourish the
vine and ripen its fruitage to a greater extent than is now dreamed of by the
grape-growers and wine-makers of the West. Indeed, the day is coming, when
its gravelly hills and loess clay will not only blush with the purple clusters of
such vines as best endure the cold climate, but will also become sources of profit
to their cultivators, and of exquisite pleasure to those who delight in using
healthful, invigorating, pure wines. The soil of this county, as of all these
northern counties, also produces and ripens in great perfection the currant,
gooseberry, strawberry, raspberry and other garden fruits.
The county is reasonably well watered with streams, which flow in various
directions over its surface- Of these, the Pecatonica is the largest and most
important. It enters the county about seven miles from its northwest corner,
flows in a course a little south of east to Freeport, bends round to the westward
at this latter place, and enters the county of Winnebago, not far from the
center of its western boundary lines. Its waters are turbid and muddy as the
"Yellow Tiber;" its course is serpentine and crooked beyond comparison,
winding and doubling upon itself in the most capricious manner ; its current
slow-flowing, treacherous and silent, notwithstanding the general difference in
190 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
level between the northern and southern portions of the county, affording few
water powers, and they of limited fall, but heavy and constant in their action.
This is pre-eminently true of the six feet fall at Freeport, but hardly so true of
the power at Martin's mill, just across the northern line of the county. Indeed,
so far as a description of the stream is concerned, the dispute as to the Indian
significance of the name " Pecatonica," "Muddy Water" and "Crooked
Stream," might be well reconciled by adopting both meanings, and applying
them with much truth to this tortuous body of flowing mud. Along portions
of its course, its oozy banks and stagnant waters might breed miasms and
fevers, were its influences not counteracted by the general healthfulness and
salubrity of the climate of Northern Illinois. Yellow Creek enters the county
almost at the center of its western boundary line, and flows into the Pecatonica
two or three miles below and east of Freeport, its general course being a little
south of east. Its waters have a yellowish, somewhat creamy color, and are
slow floating like the Pecatonica. The color of its waters is derived from the
Cincinnati shales along its banks, which dissolve and mingle with the water
like yellow cream with muddy coffee. Its course is not so crooked as the
Pecatonica. It wanders about in long, undulating swerves, instead of short,
abrupt doublings. It affords few water powers, and they of limited extent.
Cedar and Richland Creeks rise almost entirely within the county toward its-
northern and central parts, flow southward, mingle their waters together within
a few miles of the Pecatonica, and empty into the latter stream a few miles
above Freeport. Both these streams afford light but constant water powers.
They are not mountain born, but are fed by prairie and woodland springs,
almost entirely within the boundaries of the county lines. Rock Run enters
the county about four miles from its northeast corner, and empties, after run-
ning about four miles on an air line, into the Pecatonica, about one and a half
miles west of where it crosses the western line of Winnebago County. This is
a beautiful little stream, affording a few light water powers. It goes babbling
and murmuring along through rich prairie farms and woodland groves, until
within a half a dozen miles of its mouth. Here the banks rise to precipitous,
brush-covered, timber-covered hills, and in a few miles further, the low alluvial
bottom of the Pecatonica is entered, through which it seeks its way with less
haste into the dirty waters of the latter stream. Cranes Creek is a small and
short prairie stream or brook, flowing into the Yellow Creek nearly south of
Freeport, coming in from near the center of the southern boundarv line of the
county. Besides these, there are many brooks, rivulets and little streams in
various parts of the county, watering it reasonably well, both for agricultural
and stock purp< ses. Nor should the mention of the bright, flashing, singing
little Silver Creek be omitted ; this runs through the town of the same name,
and finds its way into Yellow Creek not far from its mouth.
In comparison with most northern counties, Stephenson might be said to be
well timbered. The Pecatonica is skirted, more especially along its eastern
bank, with a body of rather heavy timber, spreading out northward into the
town of Oneco, for a considerable distance. Yellow Creek is fringed, for a
part of its course, with a scattering growth of white oak-groves and clumps
spreading across from Mill Grove to Eleroy and Sciota mills, into oak openings
and a somewhat rough soil. Part of the town of Loran, in the southwest portion
of the county, is a regular white-oak barren, with scattering trees and some
brush-wood. Crane's Grove, lying south of Freeport, is about three miles long
and more than a mile wide. Lynn and walnut groves dot the broad expanse of
prairie in the northeastern part of the county, with a grateful exchange in
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 191
the monotony of the prairie view. Cedar Creek has some good timber along
its course. Richland Creek is shadowed by the heaviest body of good timber
perhaps in the whole county.
The prevailing timber consists of white, black and burr oak, sugar maple,
black walnut, butternut, pignut, shellbark and common hickory, slippery and
water elm, yellow poplar, with occasional laurel, red cedar, white pine, paw-
paw, and some of the rarer oaks interspersed ; sumach and hazel also abound
in and around all the groves ; wild cherry, honey locust, linden or basswood,
ash, cotton-wood sycamore and some other varieties of timber are more or less
to be noticed, and in some particular localities are found in considerable abun-
dance.
Such, in brief, are the topographical features of Stephenson County — a
county whose agricultural resources are not surpassed by those of any county
in Northern Illinois. Indeed, it would be hard to find an equal area anywhere
in the State whose soil is so universally good, productive and teeming in every
bountiful gift to the industrious tillers of the earth. No mineral wealth or
peculiar manufacturing facilities will attract to this county the attention of the
adventurous, but for those resources which are derived from a rich soil and
abundant agricultural capabilities, this favored county may well claim a last-
ing pre-eminence.
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS.
The geology of Stephenson County is of a very simple character. After-
leaving the surface geology, the first formation met in a descending order is the
Niagara limestone, succeeded in regular order by the Cincinnati shales, and
the three divisions of the Trenton period, namely, the Galena, Blue and Buff
limestones of the old Trenton seas. The following sections show the actual
worked exposures of these rocks as measured in the quarries by the Hon.
James Shaw, of Mt. Carroll, from whose writings on the subject the preced-
ing and following have been taken :
SECTION OF WORKED OUTCROPS.
Quaternary deposits, consisting of clays, sands, gravels, etc 10 to 65 feet.
Niagara limestone 23 "
Cincinnati group 40 "
Galena limestone 75 "
Blue limestone 38 "
Bluff limestone 40 "
Each of these groups or formations outcrops at some place or places in the
county. Some of them are the immediate underlying rocks over large portions
of the same.
As further illustrating the geological formations of this county, and more
especially those which lie deep down in the earth, an imperfect section, obtained
from the borings of the Rocky Farm oil well, is given. This well was com-
menced in 18t54, and continued on through a great part of the year 1865. At
that time the oil fever was prevailing extensively. Some surface indications
were noticed in a small brook running through the north part of Section 6, in
the town of Lancaster. A company was formed, an engine obtained, and a
hole six inches in diameter drilled into the earth for over 800 feet. No oil
was obtained, no indications of oil noticed, after leaving the surface, and the
enterprise was finally abandoned. Although very unprofitable to the company,
this boring was not devoid of scientific interest. After boring about eight feet
through the overlying soil and clays, the Galena limstone was struck. No
192 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
very accurate record of the material passed through for the first 120 fee c
was kept, but from the fact that the Galena limestone outcrops heavily at
Cedarville, only a mile or two distant, being there seventy-five or eighty feet
thick in the exposure on Cedar Creek, it is believed the well in this 120 feet
passed out of the Galena limestone, and reached perhaps a considerable dis-
tance into the blue limestones, immediately underlying. Commencing at 120
feet beneath the surface, a section of strata and materials bored through is
o-iven, until the depth of 608 feet was reached, as indicated by the detritus
brought to the surface by the auger. No record of the last 250 feet seems to
have been kept.
SECTION OF OIL WELL ON ROCKY FARM.
120 to 130 feet, blue limestone and mud veins 10 feet.
130 '■ 146 " gray limestone, containing crevices 16 "
146 " 168 " shales of various kinds 22 "
168 " 375 " St. Peter's sandstone, soft and very white 207 "
375 " 484 " red sandstone, with tough, paint-like mud veins 109 "
484 " 487 " yellow, sand-like surface sand 3 "
487 " 491 " quicksand and salty water 4 ' ;
491 " 494 '.' bright yellow, fine salty sand 3 "
494 " 501 " slate of chalky color and nature 7 '•
501 " 520 " snuif-colored, slaty rocks 19 "
520 " 532 " sharp, slate-colored sand 12 "
532 " 564 " dark red stone, like soapstone, with thin, flinty strata and
iron pyrites 32 "
564 " 586 " bright red stone, slightly only 22 '•
586 " 608 " dark reddish slate, with iron pyrites 22 "
At the depth of about 60 feet from the surface, some dark-colored carbon-
ferous shales were struck. These must have belonged to the Blue limestone
underlying the Galena, and, perhaps, are near the dividing line between the two.
From thence to the depth of 168 feet the blue and buff limestones of the Tren-
ton period were undoubtedly the rocks passed through. The next 207 feet
was the St. Peter sandstone. There could be no mistake as to this ; the auger
brought it up pure, white and crumbly. The next 109 feet, although it strongly
resembled the St. Peter's sandstone, was stained by water holding iron in
solution, and belongs, perhaps, to the calciferous sandstone, or lower magnesian
limestone of the Northwest. The next 121 feet almost loses its identity, but,
perhaps belongs to the lower calciferous sandstones, and to the Potsdam sand-
stone. Chemical analysis of the materials brought to the surface, aided by a
strong magnifying glass, may show these surmises to be partially untrue.
Some importance is to be attached to the above section, because it is a
matter of much interest to the citizens of Stephenson County, and because
it aiforded an opportunity for making even a partial examination of the deep
underlying foundations. It also settled another question for a long time agitat-
ing the public mind in this part of the State. Before this experiment, geologi-
cal science had foretold that no productive oil deposits-could or would be found
in this part of the country. It had predicted this from knowledge of the under-
lying strata, and their inability to collect and preserve the oily treasures of the
earth. But capitalists lacked faith in the teachings of science, and acquired in
the school of experience the lessons which they would nowhere else learn. The
experiment of this well had a wonderful influence in allaying the oil fever in
this region.
The following is a description of the out cropping geological formations, for
which the heartiest acknowledgments are also tendered ex-Speaker Shaw :
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 193
QUATERNARY DEPOSITS.
The deposits cover unconformably the underlying rocks to a varying depth.
At some places they are five or ten feet thick ; at others, they perhaps extend in
thickness to sixty or seventy feet. To say that they average twenty-five or
thirty feet all over the county, would, perhaps, be placing the figures safely
within the bounds of truth. If all this accumulation of deposited materials
could be removed, the surface of the underlying rocks would present a very
rough and uneven surface, scooped-out depressions, extending through over-
lying formations, and over large portions of the country, presenting, if
filled with water, the phenomena of broad shallow lakes. The mounds,
rising like watch-towers, over these prairies (resisting, on account of some
local cause or hardness, the denuding agencies that carried away the rest
of the formation), would appear like islands in the surrounding waste of
waters. The rocky surface thus left, so far as can be judged by limited exam-
inations, would be unsmoothed by water current and unscratched by glacier,
but would be everywhere uneven, rough and covered with unworn fragments of
stone.
Along the narrow bottoms of the Pecatonica may be noticed a strip of
alluvium proper. At some places it is very narrow; at others, it extends to
one or two miles in width. The same deposit may be observed at a few local-
ities along the Yellow Creek bottom, and also along the narrow bottoms of some
of the smaller streams. The deposit, however, is of limited extent ; it is rich,
fat and heavy as an agricultural and timber soil. Along some of these streams
the low, bold hills are found to be composed of the loess marls and clays ; but
this deposit is also of quite limited extent in the country. All the rest of these
superficial deposits belong to the sands, clays and gravels of the drifts proper.
These clays, and clayey sands, however, do not very strongly furnish the evidences
of deposition or transportation. They seem to partake, in part at least, of the
nature and character of the rock formations lying immediately below them.
Where the Galena limestone is the underlying rock, the appearance seemed,
upon examination, to have been somewhat as follows : First, there was the
prairie soil and clayey sub-soil, at most only a few feet in thickness ; this was
succeeded by a reddish-brown clay, mixed with flints and pieces of cherty
Galena limestone. Then came the clay and pieces of limestone, preserving
their regular stratification, the limestone becoming more abundant in the
descent until the solid rock strata were reached. In a few instances, this over-
lying clay is creamy in color, and almost limey in texture ; but the prevail-
ing color is reddish-brown or red, and in many cases it is more or less mixed
with sand. The clays overlying the Cincinnati shades also bear a resem-
blance to this formation, from which they are doubtless in part derived.
They are of a creamy or more chocolate color finer in texture and freer from
sand. These superficial clays and loams certainly have the appearance of
being the residuem left after frost and water had pulverized and, by percolation,
removed, the more soluble portions of the uppermost parts of the formaftions
below.
But, aside from these deposits, the gravel beds and bowlders of the true
drift period are not wanting in this county. That part lying west of the
Illinois Central Railroad and south of Yellow Creek, being mostly low, level,
prairie, underlaid mostly by the Cincinnati shales, and also that low, rich,
level part between Waddam's Mound and the range of mounds running from
the neighborhood of Warren toward the southwest, and underlaid by the
194 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Galena limestone, may almost be denominated a driftless region. Few
bowlders are seen over it, and few or no real gravel deposits can be found.
The prairies north and east of Waddams' Grove have strewed over them num-
berless bowlders, some black, some flame-colored, and some combining the vari-
ous colors of the metamorphic rocks. At one place, about halfway between
Waddams' Grove and Winslow, they are rolled into windrows along the road,
and used in part for the lane fences. Many of these are exceedingly beautiful
and many colored. They are the real "lost rocks," and must have been
dropped from the slow-moving icebergs, as they drifted along toward the south-
west. All that part of the country north and east of the Pecatonica is char-
acterized by these bowlders, and many deposits of gravel and gravelly clay are
to be met with in almost any of the low ridges of land. The same may be said
of the eastern portion of the county, excepting that the deposits are not so
extensive.
Some other formations belonging to the surface geology, such as fire clay,
peat, bog-iron ore, muck and the like, will be referred to in the economical geol-
ogy of the county.
THE NIAGARA LIMESTONE.
The superficial extent of the county covered by this formation is quite
small. Waddams' Grove, quite a high elevation of land, two or three miles
long and a mile or two wide, and located a little northwest of Lena, is capped
by the Niagara limestone. At French's quarry, near the top end of this eleva-
tion facing toward Lena, there is an exposure worked to the depth of about
fifteen feet. French's well, near the same spot, is forty -five feet deep, the
upper twenty feet being sunk through this formation, and the lower twenty-
five feet sinking through the underlying Cincinnati shales. At Blakesly's
quarry, twenty-five feet of the same formation is worked into. This is about
one mile west of French's, on the north face of the hill. Here they have
worked down to the Cincinnati shales. The bottom layers in both these quar-
ries are compact and solid ; the top layers are thick, irregular, speckled and
porous. A species of slender, rotten Oynthophyllum was the only fossil observed
in these quarries. From the latter quarry the prospect toward the north and
west is beautiful beyond description. The low, level, rich prairie, with its
fields and meadows, barns and farm-houses, skirted in the distance by the range
of mounds, bending around like a distant amphitheater into Jo Daviess County,
presents as fine a scene beneath a glowing June sun, as can be observed in any
State.
Leaving this elevation, the Niagara is next found outcropping in the south-
western part of the county. Its extent can be indicated by a line which should
enter the county from the west in the town of Kent, some three miles south of
Simmons' Mound, then following the general course of Yellow Creek, keeping
distant from that stream two to five miles, until nearly opposite to Crane's Grove,
then southward until the south boundary line of the county is reached, near it,
bi-section with the Illinois Central Railroad track. This line would cut off that
portion of the county underlaid by the Niagara rocks. And even in this, some
of the small streams which come into Yellow Creek through this section cut into
the Cincinnati group; and a band of the Cincinnati group along Lashell's Hol-
low, where the little village of Loharn is located, also discloses the shales and
quarries of this group. ******
This formation is not much marred in this portion of the county. At Big
Springs in Lashell Hollow, quite a quantity of stone has been taken out. Few
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 195
fossils were to be observed, except that great quantities of some of the rougher
Niagara corals lie strewnover the hills about Loharn, consistiug of two or three
species of Favosites and some imperfect Halysites.
Cincinnati Group. — The rocks and shales of this group cover but a lim-
ited extent of this county. All that part of Waddam's Grove, between the level
of the surrounding prairie and the capping Niagara, is composed of the shales
and rocks of this group. The gentle slopes of the ascent, and the creamy, col-
ored waters of the springs, are an unfailing index of this formation. No quar-
ries are opened in it, but it is here, perhaps, forty feet thick. The broad belt
south of Yellow Creek, crossing this stream in the township of Kent, extending
up into the southwest corner of the township of West Point, as indicated on the
general map, has been referred to sufficiently, perhaps, in speaking of the pre-
vious formation. About the village of Loharn, the hills on either side of the
creek, to their top, are composed of the Cincinnati rocks and shales. Many
quarries are opened in the face of the hills, and fair building stone is obtained.
The worked outcrops are here fifteen or twenty feet thick. Following the creek
to the northward from here a few miles, the Cincinnati formation runs under,
and the Niagara takes its place. In the half-township of Erie, just west of the
village of Eleroy, there is quite an elevation of land, covering several sections,
and crowned with a scattering grove, which is made up exclusively of the Cin-
cinnati formation. On the west end of the village of New Dublin, there is a
quarried outcrop some forty feet deep. A Catholic chapel is built out of the
stones of this quarry.
The Trenton Limestone. — This formation as now recognized by geolo-
gists embraces the Galena. The Trenton proper, or blue, and the buff lime-
stones — these formations are well-marked and easily distinguishable, and will
be referred to under their appropriate heads.
The Galena Limestone. — Nearly three-fourths of Stephenson County is
underlaid by this well-known division of the Trenton rocks. And, inasmuch as
the railroad cuts and the streams afford the best facilities to study the geologic
formations of this county, they will be considered. The Illinois Central enters
the county at Warren, near its northwest corner. It passes over a low, smooth
prairie, without outcrop or stone quarry, to Lena. Waddam's Grove, which
stands in this prairie, shows that the Galena limestone underlies it. At Lena,
there is a quarry and a limekiln within a short distance of the town, reposing
some fifteen feet in thickness. About two miles farther, there is another; both
on a little stream toward the north. Passing on toward the southeast, the
railroads exhibit several small sections in the top of the Galena beds, but do
not afford any heavy section until Freeport is reached. Just west of the city,
along the track of the railroad, and near the banks of the Pecatonica River, in
a low range of hills, three extensive quarries are worked, furnishing stone for
lime and for the large amount of building material needed. The first nearest
the city is worked about eighteen feet deep. The rock obtained here is very
soft, yellow, sandy and full of cavities the size of a walnut. Where heaps of it
have been removed, a considerable amount of sand is left scattered on the
ground. The top layers of this quarry are so friable and crumbling, that hand
specimens will hardly remain in shape. The second quarry exposes an outcrop
of about twenty -four feet. The third is exactly similar to the second. Both
of them are somewhat shaly toward the top. but rapidly grow massive and
solid as they are worked into. The Western Union Railroad enters the county
on a line almost exactly south of Freeport, and passes out of it four miles south
of its northeast corner. Three miles southwest of Freeport, it cuts through the
196 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
top of the rock under consideration, exposing the usual red clay, and over this
a gravelly subsoil. About three miles northwest of Freeport, there is an exactly
similar cut. About a mile further on toward the northwest is another, which
measures 1,000 feet long and twenty-four feet deep in the middle. Further
on, and a little over a mile west of Rock City, is another cut 350 yards long
and fifteen feet deep in the solid stone at the deepest place, and the stone
covered by about ten feet of the usual gravelly clay. Here the stone is hard,
glassy, conchoidal in fracture, and begins to assume the characteristics of the
blue or Trenton proper. One-half a mile further on and nearer Rock City,
there is a cut about twelve feet deep, the lowest part exposing the real blue
limestone. Further on, and one mile east of Dacotah, there is another cut in
the yellow Galena. Further on, at the railroad bridge over Rock Run, there
is a cut about twenty-two feet deep. The first four feet is the usual reddish
clay, the next twelve feet is Galena limestone, assuming characteristics of the
blue, and the last five feet is into the blue itself. The union of the Galena and
blue, passing into each other almost perceptibly, may be satisfactorily examined
here. The next and last cut is about one-fourth of a mile east of Davis, almost
on the county line. It is over 1,000 feet long and thirty-one feet deep ; the
upper seven feet is the usual clay, with some gravel in it : the lower twenty-
four feet is Galena limestone, solid, a little bluish in color and of a somewhat
conchoidal fracture. In fact, all these exposures along the eastern part of the
county, in their blue color, conchoidal fracture and hardness, differ consider-
ably from the Freeport quarries. They are lower down in the series, and
assimilate somewhat into the character of the blue below. So true is this that
in some of the exposures it is hard to fix upon the line of separation between
the two.
From Freeport, south along the railroad track, no other exposures of the
Galena limestone are visible.
Leaving the railroad cuts, the streams present the next best opportunities
to trace the superficial area, thickness and phenomena of this deposit. The
Pecatonica River, about four or five miles after entering the county, strikes the
Galena limestone, and for its whole distance in the county, exposes this forma-
tion where any rocks are exposed along its banks. There are no very good
exposures, however, on this stream, except those at Freeport, already referred
to. At Bobtown, or New Pennsylvania, an outcrop is worked near the river,
and at or near the mouth of Yellow Creek the formation is dug into in an old
crevice lead mine. Richland Creek and Cedar Creek both expose the Galena
rocks for their entire length. Both these streams have cut deep into the solid
rocks, and at many places along their banks heavy outcrops and escarpments
stand out in bold relief. At Buena Vista, on the former stream, there is an out-
crop of twenty feet, quarried into for its full depth. At Cedarville, on the lat-
ter stream, the outcrop is seventy feet thick. A large quarry is here opened,
out of which the stone in Adclams' mill-dam have been taken. At the Scioto
mills, below the confluence of the two streams, and in many places in that
neighborhood, the same rocks are exposed and quarried. Crane's Creek, where
it washes the west end of Crane's Grove, exposes the Galena limestone, and the
the same limestone is worked into at Rosensteel's quarry, near Freeport, to a
depth of twenty-two feet.
Leaving the streams, reference will next be made to other portions of the
county examined. Burr Oak Grove, half-way between Lena and Winslow, has
near its eastern limits an interesting outcrop. About two and a half miles west
of the latter place, almost every little prairie hill-top is dug into, and several
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 197
small quarries opened. An exposure of twenty-four feet was also examined at
the limekiln, a little southeast of Rock City. The top of this quarry is Galena
limestone, but it gradually changes into the blue before the bottom is reached.
In the township of Ridott, the Galena is the underlying stone, changing into
the blue toward the eastern and southeastern part. In the township of Oneco
the formation is heavily developed. In short, the outcrop of this well-known
formation, or division of the Trenton rocks, are so numerous that it is not neces-
sary to particularize more fully than to briefly state their superficial boundaries
and area.
All that part of the country between the Pecatonica River and Yellow Creek,
except a small strip east and south of Winslow, and except the developments
of the Cincinnati group at Waddam's Grove, New Dublin, Kent and along the
banks of the Yellow Creek, is underlaid by the Galena rocks. All that part
of the county north and east of the Pecatonica River, except in the bed and
along either side of Rock Run, is underlaid by the same. The southeastern
part of the county, nearly up to the Pecatonica River, and nearly to the track
of the Illinois Central Railroad, with the exception of a strip along the south-
eastern corner and a few isolated patches in the eastern part of the township
of Silver Creek, is also underlaid by these same rocks.
Fossils. — Few fossils are found in the Galena limestone in Stephenson Co.
The characteristic Heceptaculites sulcata, called by the miners and quarrymen
" lead blossom " and " sunflower coral," is found at Freeport and Cedarville in
great abundance, but good specimens are hard to obtain on account of the fri-
able nature of the stone in which it is found. At the former place, a specimen
of Heceptaculites orbicularis was noticed. Two or three species of Murchi-
sonia, fragments of several species of Orthocera, one or two well-known
Orthis, two species of Pleurotomaria, a small Bellerophon, and a rather well-
defined Ambonychia, were the fossils most usually observed. They all exist in
the form of casts, and perfect specimens are hard to find.
THE BLUE LIMESTONE.
This, the middle division of the Trenton, is of limited extent in this
county. Of course, in many places marked on the map with the color indi-
cating the Galena, a shaft sunk down a short distance would strike the blue
limestone, but it is described as the surface rock. Rock Run cuts into the blue
limestone soon after entering the county, and all along its banks on both sides,
until within a mile or two of its confluence with the Pecatonica, this rock out-
crops and shows itself. Some of the high, rocky banks, are overcapped with
the Galena, but the usual rock is the blue. At the railroad bridge of the
Western Union Railroad Company, over Rock Run, the railroad track is about
six feet below the junction of the Galena and the blue. Stepping west out of
the railroad cut, there is a perpendicular descent of thirty-three feet from the
track down to the water level, making the whole thickness of the blue, at this
place, about thirty-nine feet. The lower part of this outcrop is very blue, the
upper part yellowish, with thin strata, and gradually changing in lithological
character, until the overlying Galena just east of the bridge is reached. This
is a very interesting section. One and a half miles below this locality is a quarry,
opened in the west bluff of the stream. The outcrop is twenty-five feet thick.
The top part is shaly and yellowish and the bottom becomes heavier and bluer
in color. Some of the thin shaly strata are full of small-sized orthis. These
two outcrops are fair representations of all the others along the stream. Some
198 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
indications of underlying blue limestones prophesy its existence in the south-
eastern part of the county, and have so been marked on the county map.
Some slabs with fossils similar to those found in the Dixon marble were
picked up ; these with the fragmentary stems of Eucrinites, were the only fos-
sils found. A small specimen of the " sunflower coral " was found in the blue
limestone, at Rock Run railroad bridge, the only one ever found by the party
making the examinations in this rock.
The Buff Limestone. — The only place where this, the lower division of
the Trenton, is developed in this county, is at Winslow. It is doubtless the
underlying rock for a few miles below this place and on both sides of the Pec-
atonica River for this distance. Here it presents very much the appearance of
a quarry in the blue. The top is shaly, thin bedded, and of a yellowish choc-
olate color. At Martin's mill in Wisconsin, one mile above, the outcrop is
much heavier, the bottom layers more massive and very blue. Professor Whit-
ney pronounces these exposures of the buff, and the fossils seem to indicate
that he is correct in this. The lithological character of the quarries would
indicate the same thing, but in a less satisfactory manner. On either side of
this strip of buff, and within a short distance of its outcrops, the Galena lime-
stone comes to the surface, so that the latter seems to rest uncomfortably upon
the former; but in following the stream to the northward, a few miles above the
mill, the St. Peters sandstone begins to show its outliers. The quarry at
Winslow is worked twenty-three feet deep, and at Martin's mill thirty-five feet,
and at both places it is some ten feet from the bottom of the quarries to the
surface of the water. Geologically, the locality is one of the most interesting
in this part of the State.
FOSSILS.
Many well-preserved casts of fossils were found here. Among them the
most characteristic were Pleurotomaria subconica; a large Orthoeera, five or
six inches in diameter and six feet long, with a part of the shell still wanting ;
a Cypricardites Niota; Oncoceras pandion; some two species of Tellinomya,
etc., etc.
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY.
The chief sources of wealth in Stephenson County are to be found in the
richness and productiveness of its soil, and in its abundant agricultural resources.
It is as less waste land, and is regarded as the best agricultural county in
the State. In her fat, rich soil, therefore, is contained the first and chiefest
source of wealth in the county — that which nourishes all the rest, and fostering
and building up the city of Freeport in a wonderful manner. But, aside from
this, there are other sources of wealth and industry demanding attention.
CLAYS AND SANDS.
Almost everywhere beneath the soils and sub-soils may be found clay beds,
out of which an excellent article of common red brick can be manufactured,
This is more especially true of the reddish clays overlying the Galena limestone.
Beds of sand are also found, sufficiently pure for mortars and plastering pur-
poses, but they are far less numerous than the clay beds. A tough, tenacious,
dark-colored fire-clay also underlies some of the peat marshes, which has been
dried and baked into a tenacious, light-colored brick, as an experiment, but this
is not, perhaps, of much economic value.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 199
QUICKLIME.
The more solid portions of the Galena limestone burns into a quicklime of
excellent quality, and there are many limekilns in the county. Certain portions of
the blue limestone also burn into a good lime, and at Martin's mill certain por-
tions of the buff are being successfully made into lime of fair quality.
BUILDING STONE.
All the rocks hitherto described furnish building stone of better or worse
qualities. The Niagara is quarried in several places. It furnishes a handsome-
colored, enduring building material, but is unshapely and unmanageable on
account of its irregular stratification. The Cincinnati group, although con-
sidered an invaluable building material, is much quarried about New Dublin
and in that region. It comes out of the quarry in good shape for light work,
and does not crumble and decay when exposed to the weather, as it has been
known to do farther west. Farm foundations, houses, bridge abutments, and
such other work may be seen built out of the Cincinnati group, at many places
in the western part of the county. The Catholic chapel before alluded to is
built out of this material, and does not, as yet, exhibit much signs of decay.
Indeed, some of the bottom strata are massive, very blue and excessively hard ;
but yet the Cincinnati group would not furnish stone suitable for massive and
solid masonry, or for long-continued resistance to the action of the elements.
The Galena limestone furnishes a good material for the heavier kinds of masonry .
It is a rough, unshapely stone, requiring much labor to lay it, but when well
dressed and laid, it seasons into great hardness, and takes a beautiful cream
or chocolate color. Nearly all the stone work in the city of Freeport is built
of this stone. The blue and buff both afford a good stone for building purposes.
The upper strata are too thin and irregular, but the lower blue strata afford the
most beautiful building stone to be found in this part of the State. The only
difficulty seems to be the great labor in quarrying, on account of the great
amount of worthless materials to be removed upon reaching the handsome and
valuable portions of the quarries.
MINERALS.
Some bog-iron ore may be found in some of the marshes, but it is of little
value and limited extent. Pieces of flat copper have been picked up in the
gravel beds, but they are of rare occurrence, and come from regions far remote.
Galena, or common lead ore, is and has been mined for to some extent. There
is an old crevice mine near the mouth of Yellow Creek that has often engaged
attention in years past, but no heavy amounts of mineral have ever been taken
from it. From the quarries near Lena, " chunks " as large as the fist have
been taken. In the township of Oneco a company of Freeport men prospected
to a considerable extent, and obtained several hundred pounds of mineral.
Near Weitzel's Mill some "prospecting" has been carried on. Along the
banks of Yellow Creek some "float mineral" has been picked up; and in
almost any of the quarries small bits of ore may be detected. But none of
these localities have shown heavy bodies of lead. Indeed, the Galena lime-
stone, notwithstanding its general prevalence in this county, seems to be very
unproductive of rich bodie3 of mineral wealth. The probabilities are that no
rich, or even good-paying, diggings will ever be discovered, for the simple rea-
son that they do not exist within the borders of the county. Small deposits
200 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
undoubtedly do exist, and will occasionally create some excitement, and invite
the expenditure of mining capital, but, in the opinion of many, capital thus
expended will never make remunerative returns.
PEAT.
At several localities peat-beds of some value have been discovered. On the
farm of a Mr. White, in Township 26, Range 9, a bed of about fifty acres
was discovered. It was from three to six feet, and underlaid by a tough,
tenacious, dark-colored fire-clay. The peat is of a rather poor quality, and is
probably of no great value as fuel. Near Lena and Burr Oak Grove the same
indications exist. On the low, level prairies south of Yellow Creek, and rang-
ing between Florence and Crane's Grove, almost every swale and marsh has
more or less peat in it. One of these beds is quite extensive, and will become
valuable as soon as the peat experiment succeeds. It is found in the township
of Florence, between Sections 25 and 26, the section line running along near
its middle. Careful borings show a depth of from six to nine feet of peat.
The peat experiment is not yet fully solved, but its solution will not only
enrich the experimentalist, but confer great blessings upon the inhabitants of
these northern prairie counties.
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
In prefacing what it seems worth while to say upon the Indian occupation
of Stephenson County, the publisher desires to acknowledge his obligations to
the judicious and very valuable compilations on the subject made by Gen. S. D.
Atkins, and contained in his address of July 4, 1876, from which the following,
in that behalf, is appropriated. After detailing the history of Illinois from its
earliest settlements to the close of the war for Independence, he says :
"After the Revolutionary war, emigration pushed rapidly over the Alle-
ghanies into the magnificient country watered by the Ohio and Mississippi and
their tributaries. Many settlers in Illinois came from Virginia, Kentucky and
Tennessee. They were mostly poor people, unable to own slaves, and many
were in sentiment opposed to slavery, and were seeking a new country where
slavery did not exist. Southern Illinois was principally settled by these
people who, with their families, penetrated the wilderness, with all their house-
hold goods upon pack animals and themselves upon foot, depending upon their
trusty rifles and fishing-rods for sustenance by the way. Some trace the sobri-
quet of ' Suckers, ' universally applied to Illinois, to these poor settlers from
the South ; they were emigrants from the 'poorer classes of the Slave States,
where the tobacco plant was already extensively cultivated by slave labor, and
they, not being able to own slaves in the Slave States, came to Illinois to get
away from the imperious domination of their wealthy neighbors. The tobacco
plant (now so extensively cultivated in Stephenson County) has many sprouts
from the root and main stem, which, if not stripped off, suck up its nutriment
and destroy the staple. These sprouts are called 'suckers. ' and are as care-
fully stripped off from the plant and thrown away as is the tobacco worm itself.
These poor emigrants from the Slave States were jeeringly and derisively called
' Suckers, ' because they were asserted to be a burden upon the people of
wealth ; and when they removed to Illinois they were supposed to have stripped
themselves off from the parent stem, and gone away to perish in the wilderness
like the ' suckers ' stripped from the tobacco plant. But we wear the title
proudly now, for the 'stone rejected by the builders has become the chief stone
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 201
of the corner, ' and in intelligence, morals, material prosperity and population,
Illinois has far outstripped her poor old mother, Virginia, and surpassed Ken-
tucky and Tennessee. The cognomen was misapplied. Slavery was the
'sucker' from which they fled, and the ' Subtle corps of sappers and miners "
that 'sucked' the life-blood out of the States from which the early settlers of
Illinois emigrated. But there is another generally accepted explanation of this
sobriquet of 'Suckers, ' the nickname of the Illinoisans. Lead was early dis-
covered in the vicinity of Galena, and in 1824, Col. James Johnson, of Ken-
tucky, had gone there with a party of miners and opened a lead mine, about one
mile above the present city of Galena. His great success drew others there in
1825, and in 1826 and 1827 hundreds, and even thousands, from Kentucky
and Missouri and Southern Illinois went to that section to work the lead mines.
It was estimated that in the summer of 1827 the number of miners in the min-
ing region about Galena was between seven and ren thousand. The Southern
Illinoisans ran up the Mississippi in the spring season, worked the lead mines
during the warm weather, and ran down the river again to their homes in the fall
season, thus establishing a similitude between their migratory habits and the
fishy tribe known as 'Suckers, ' that run up stream in the spring and down
stream in the fall. No matter how it came about, the term ' Suckers ' will
stick to the Illinoisans 'while wood grows and water runs.' At that time.
1824 and 1825, there was not a white settler within the bounds of what now
constitutes Stephenson County, and not a white settlement anywhere in North-
ern Illinois, between Chicago and Galena. This broad expanse of magnificent
country, Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, surpassing, in the estimation
of the writer, any country he has ever visited ; and, in the estimation of at least
one gentleman who has traveled extensively and circumnavigated the globe,
surpassing in climate, soil and productions any other spot on the globe's sur-
face, was in the peaceful possession of the red man. So far as the writer
knows, or has been able to learn within the few days he has devoted to the sub-
ject, bo white man had then looked upon its beautiful prairies, grand old
groves or sparkling streams. It is possible that under the treaty of 1804, the
white man, the European and their descendants, might have had a right to
visit this country, but, so far as the writer knows, no one ever did. It was the
home of, and in the undisturbed possession of, the powerful Indian tribes known
in history as the Sacs and Foxes. A subordinate Indian tribe, the Winne-
bagoes, occupied Stephenson County and vast tracts besides along the Pecaton-
ica, Wasemon and Rock Rivers. The chief of this subordinate tribe was
Winneshiek, whose principal village was situated on the banks of the Pecatonica,
at the mouth of the Spring Run, along Spring street, through the present densely
inhabited portion of the city of Freeport. This Indian chieftain, Winneshiek,
was a short, stubbed, powerful man, temperate in his habits, and peaceable and
well-disposed toward the whites. In fact, the Winnebagoes were so well dis-
posed toward the whites that they have gone down in history as pusillanimous
and cowardly. Their lodges were on the grounds now occupied by the Illinois
Central and Northwestern Railway Companies. Their corn-fields, where the
dusky squaws and dark-eyed maidens of the Winnebagoes planted and raised
their corn, were in the immediate vicinity of Taylor's Driving Park, and the
writer has often traced their corn-hills, laboriously thrown up by these matron
and maiden 'grangers,' with no better 'agricultural implements' than clam
shells, where the park now is, and no doubt traces of these corn-hills might
yet be found by the curious in that vicinity. The burial-ground of the tribe
was where the Illinois Central Railway freight house now stands, and, in
202 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
excavating for the foundation of that structure, in 1853, many skeletons of the
Indians buried there were exhumed by the workmen.
" Col. E. H. Gratiot, so far as the writer knows, was one of the first white
people who looked upon the beautiful country of Stephenson County before a
plow had broken its virgin soil. Col. Gratiot is a son of the founder of
Gratiot's Grove, Wis. His grandfather emigrated to America with John Jacob-
Astor, of New York, and his father came to the lead mines, in the vicinity of
Galena, immediately after the first discovery of lead in that region. Col.
Gratiot remembers distinctly this peculiar mode of burial of the Winnebagoes —
' burial in the air.' It is an interesting query, ' Who was the first white person
in Stephenson County ?' I cannot answer the query. Southern Illinois was
settled immediately at the close of the Revolutionary war, but Northwestern
Illinois had no settlers until lead was discovered near Galena, about 1823-24.
Illinois was admitted into the Union as a State in 1818, but, so far as the writer
knows, no white man had yet visited the valley of the Pecatonica. Col. Gratiot
traveled on horseback, in company with a single companion, in the fall of 1827,
from Jacksonville, 111., to Gratiot's Grove, Wis., passing through from Dixon
to Buffalo Grove, and Burr Oak Grove to the Apple River country, and, with
the exception of a man named Kirker, who settled in 1826 in Burr Oak Grove
and built a cabin — which he abandoned within the year — Col. Gratiot and his
companion were, so far as the writer knows, the first. Col. Gratiot and com-
panion stopped at Kirker's deserted cabin for 'nooning ' when on their way
through this region in 1827. Col. Gratiot crossed Rock River at Dixon before
any ferry was established there, fording streams, following an ' Indian trail '
afterward known, we believe, as the ' Sucker trail;' at any rate, he struck the
'Sucker trail' at that point; and he met no white man in his journey after
leaving Peoria until he reached Gratiot's Grove. Kirker may have, and
probably did, abandon his claim at Burr Oak Grove on account of the Winne-
bago difficulty that occurred in 1827. Some of the lead miners had gone
beyond what the Indians regarded as their proper bounds, and trespassed upon
the lands of the Indians, and, in addition to that, there was another cause of
difficulty. In the month of July, 1827, a boat left Galena for Fort Snelling,
in Minnesota, and on the way up, the crew stopped at an Indian encampment
on the bank of the river. Some of the Indians went on board of the boat, and
were forcibly detained and not permitted to land until they had gone about
twelve miles farther up the stream. The Indians highly resented the insult,
and watched the return of the boat. As soon as the party were discovered
descending the river, the Indians attacked them from the bank, and severely
wounded several on board; but the party reached Galena and spread the alarm,
when the miners built small forts, or log block-houses, and flocked to them for
safety. A fort was built at Elizabeth, another at Apple River, and another at
Hamilton's Diggings, near Wyota, on the northwest branch of the Pecatonica,
about sixteen miles northwest of Winslow, on the road to Mineral Point.
William Hamilton, the founder of Hamilton's Diggings, was a son of the great
Alexander Hamilton, Washington's first Secretary of the Treasury. Gen.
Dodge who, about that time, came to the lead-mining region from Missouri,
raised irregular volunteers among the miners, and began scouting the country
for the hostile red-skins. Probably late in the fall of 1827, while Dodge and
his irregulars were in the vicinity of Mineral Point, they espied a young Indian
lad a short distance from them. Gen. Dodge ordered the guide and Indian
interpreter, Jesse W. Shull, the founder of Shullsburg. to go up to the Indian
boy and ascertain the tribe to which he belonged, and where his people were
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 203
encamped. The Indian boy ran, but Shull hailed him in the Winnebago tongue
and induced him to halt and surrender. When brought into the presence of
Gen. Dodge, the brave Indian boy refused to give up his gun, and was disarmed
by force. He informed Gen. Dodge that he was a son of ' Winneshiek,' or
'Coming Thunder,' whose village was on the Pecatonica, and who, with his
braves, was hunting in that vicinity. Dodge and his volunteers moved to the
Indian encampment, but the Indians fled. Gen. Dodge directed the Indian boy to
go into the neighborhood of some thickets, where the Indians were, and call them
out, as he wished to have a talk with them; but the suspicious Winnebagoes
paid no heed to the captive Indian boy. Gen. Dodge retained his captive, and
soon started with him down the Pecatonica to ascertain if Winneshiek and the
bands of Winnebagoes had gone to attend a council of the hostile Indians, at
that time reported to be in council on the Wisconsin River. Gen. Dodge and
his volunteers, guided by Winneshiek's son, came to Winneshiek's principal
village, where Freeport now stands, but found the village deserted, and concluded
that Winnesheik and his warriors were attending the great Indian pow-wow on
the Wisconsin.
" The Winnebago difficulty resulted in a great scare to the miners, but in
nothing more, except the building of forts and block -houses, which were after-
ward found very handy to have in the family. The Winnebagoes made a treaty
with the whites, by which the whites were allowed to occupy a part of the
mineral region, and the Indians were paid $20,000 in goods and trinkets,
at enormous prices, for the damages sustained by mining on their lands
and a much larger strip of mineral-bearing land opened up to the miners.
About a year afterward, two large strips of country were purchased from the
Winnebagoes, one extending along the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers from the east
to the west, giving a passage across the country from Lake Michigan to the
Mississippi, and the other reaching from Rock Island to the Wisconsin, including
Stephenson County."
INDIAN TROUBLES. — THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
" A treaty had been made with the Sacs and Foxes, by General Harrison
at St. Louis, in September, 1804, by which those powerful Indian nations had
ceded to the United States all their lands on Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, and
much more elsewhere. That treaty was confirmed by another treaty with part
of those Indians in 1815 and by another part in 1816. Under these various
treaties the Indians had principally removed to the west side of the Mississippi,
and the United States had caused some of these lands situated at the mouth of
the Rock River to be surveyed and sold.
" But there was one old chief of the Sacs, called Mucata Muhicatah, or
Black Hawk, who always denied the validity of these treaties. Black Hawk
was now an old man. He had been a warrior from his youth ; he had led many
a war party on the trail of an enemy, and had never been defeated. He had
been in the service of England in the war of 1812, and had been aide-de-camp
to the great Tecumseh. At the close of the war of 1812 he had not joined in
making peace with the United States, but he and his band long kept up a con-
nection with Canada, and the voice of Black Hawk was always for war upon
the Americans. Black Hawk's ownaccount of the treaty of 1804 is as follows:
He says that some Indians of his tribe were arrested and imprisoned in St.
Louis for murder, and that some of the chiefs were sent down to provide for
their defense ; that while there, and without the consent of the nation, those
204 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
chiefs were induced to sell the Indian country ; that when they came home it
appeared that they had been drunk most of the time while absent, and could
give no account of what they had done, except that they had sold some land to
the white people, and had come home loaded with presents and Indian finery.
This, said Black Hawk, was all the nation ever heard or knew about the treaty
of 1804.
" Under the pretence that the treaty of 1804 was void, he made some resist-
ance to the order of the Government for the removal of his tribes west of the
Mississippi, but had at length consented, and with his people took up a resi-
dence on the west side of the ' Father of Waters.' In the spring of 1831 Black
Hawk re-crossed the river with his women and children and three hundred war-
riors of the British band, together with some allies from the Pottawatomie and
Kickapoo nations, to establish himself upon his ancient hunting-grounds and in
the principal village of his nation, on the banks of Rock River, in what is now
Whiteside County. Many white settlers were there, but he ordered them away,
threw down their fences, unroofed their log cabins, cut up their grain, drove oft*
and killed their cattle, and threatened the people with death if they remained.
The settlers complained to Gov. Reynolds, who called out the militia, which
,was placed under the command of Gen. Gaines, of the regular army, who, after
many delays, marched against Black Hawk, but only to find that he and his
dusky warriors and dusky maidens and squaws and pappooses had quickly re-
crossed the Mississippi. But Gaines, more bent upon devastation than the In-
dians had been, gave the ancient Indian village to the flames, and proposed to
follow Black Hawk across the river and chastise him there. Black Hawk sued
for peace and ratified the treaty of 1804, by which the Indian lands, including
Stephenson County, had been sold to the whites.
"But, notwithstanding Black Hawk and his followers had, in 1831, ratified
the treaty of 1804, the wily chieftain and the disaffected Indians prepared to
again cross to the east side of the Mississippi, and re-assert their claim to the
country on Rock River and Pecatonica and their tributaries.
"The united Sac and Fox nations were divided into two parties. Black
Hawk commanded the warlike band, and Keokuk, another chief, headed the
band which was in favor of peace. But nearly all the bold, turbulent spirits,
who delighted in mischief, arranged themselves under the banner of Black
Hawk, and with the chivalry of his nation he re-crossed the Mississippi early
in the spring of 1832, and marched directly to the Rock River country. Gov.
Reynolds made another call for volunteers, and four regiments and a spy
battalion were soon organized. Col. Dewitt commanded the First Regiment,
Col. Fry the Second, Col. Thomas the Third, Col. Thompson the Fourth and
Col. James D. Henry commanded the spy battalion, and the whole was placed
under the command of Brig. Gen. Samuel Whiteside, of the State Militia,
after whom Whiteside County was afterward named. Gen. Atkinson, of the
regular army, commanded the regulars, and had general command. The force
marched to Dixon, and was there joined by two battalions of mounted volun-
teers from Central Illinois, under Ma's. Stillman and Bailey, who were pushed
up Rock River, in the advance, about thirty miles above Dixon, to White Rock
Grove, in Ogle County, where he encamped just befoi'e night, on the 12th of
May, 1832, and in a short time a party of Indians were discovered on some
rising ground about a mile further up the river. A party of Stillman's volun-
teers, without orders, mounted and pursued, stringing along in disorder. The
Indians retreated, but were overtaken, and three of them slain. Black Hawk
was just over the hill with his main force, amounting to about seven hundred
(DECEAS ED)
FREEPORT
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 207
warriors, and with his dusky warriors, he moved down on Maj. Stillman's
camp, driving his whole force helter-skelter before him, and, it is said, that
not a man of them stopped until they had safely reached the camp at Dixon,
or been halted by an Indian rifle or tomahawk. The writer recently visited
that locality, and it is known to this day as 'Stillman's Run.' Eleven of
Stillman's men were killed, among them Maj. Perkins and Capt. Adams. As
is usual in a disastrous retreat, every man who escaped reported all his com-
rades killed. One badly frightened Kentuckian made a report to Gen. White-
side, of Dixon, and his speech has come down to us in history. Here it is,
for it is too good to be lost: 'Sirs,' said he to Gen. Whiteside and the soldiers
gathered near, 'our detatchment was encamped among some scattered timber,
on the north side of Old Man's Creek, with the prairie from the north gently
sloping down to our encampment. It was just after twilight, in the gloaming
of the evening, when we discovered Black Hawk's army coming down upon
us in solid column ; they displayed in the form of a crescent upon the brow of
the prairie, and such accuracy and precision of military movements were never
witnessed by man ; they were equal to the best troops of Wellington in Spain.
I have said that the Indians came down in solid column, and displayed in the
form of a crescent ; and, what was most wonderful, there were large squares of
cavalry resting upon the points of the curve, which squares were supported
again by other columns fifteen deep, extending back through the woods and
over a swamp three-quarters of a mile, which again rested upon the main body
of Black Hawk's arm} 7 , bivouacked upon the banks of the Kishwakee. It was
a terrible and glorious sight to see the tawny warriors as they rode along our
flanks attempting to outflank us, with the glittering moonbeams glistening
from their polished blades and burnished spears. It was a sight well calcu-
lated to strike consternation into the stoutest and boldest heart, and accord-
ingly, our men soon began to break in small squads, for tall timber. In a very
little time the route became general ; the Indians were upon our flanks, and
threatened the destruction of the entire detachment. About this time Maj.
Stillman,Col. Stephenson, Maj. Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Hackelton and myself,
with some others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and pro-
tect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions fell, bravely fighting
hand to hand with the savage enemy, and I alone was left upon the field of
battle. About this time I discovered, not far to the left, a corp3 of horsemen
which seemed to be in tolerable order. I immediately deployed to the left,
when, leaning down and placing my body in a recumbent position upon the
mane of my horse, so as to bring the heads of the horsemen between my eye
and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the moon that they were gentle-
men who did not wear hats, by which token I knew they were no friends of
mine. I therefore made a retrograde movement and recovered my former
position, where I remained some time meditating what further I could do in the
service of my country, when a random ball came whistling by my ear, and
plainly whispered to me, "Stranger, you have no further business here." Upon
hearing this, I followed the example of my companions in arms, and broke for
tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little, and quit.'
" The Kentuckian was a lawyer, just returning from the circuit, with a
slight wardrobe and Chitty's pleadings packed in his saddle-bags, all of which
were captured by the Indians. He afterward related, with much vexation,
that Black Hawk had decked himself out in his finery, appearing in the wild
woods, among his savage companions, dressed in one of the Kentuckian ruffled
208 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
shirts drawn over his deerskin leggings, with a volume of Chitty's Plead-
ings under each arm.
" But the trumpet sounded a" council of war at the tent of Gen. Whiteside,
in Dixon, and it was resolved to march to the fatal field. The volunteers
marched, but the Indians had gone — some further up Rock River, and many
had scattered out in smaller parties all over the country to attack the nearest
settlements of white people.
" One party of about seventy Indians made a descent upon a settlement of
whites at Indian Creek, and massacred fifteen persons, men, women and chil-
dren, of the families of Messrs. Hall, Davis and Pettigrew, and took two young
women prisoners — Silvia and Rachel Hall, one about seventeen, the other about
fifteen years of age. To describe this massacre is only to repeat what has been
written hundreds of times. The Indians in broad daylight entered the homes
of the settlers, quietly and apparently peacefully ; some of the inmates were
immediately shot down with rifles, others pierced through with spears or dis-
patched with the tomahawk. The Indians afterward related with an infernal
glee, how the women had squeaked like geese when they were run through the
body with spears, or felt the sharp tomahawk entering their heads. All the
victims were scalped; their bodies were mutilated and mangled; the little chil-
dren were chopped to pieces with axes, and the women were tied up by their
heels to the walls of the houses. The young women prisoners were hurried
away, by forced marches, from this horrid scene, beyond the reach of pursuit.
After a long and fatiguing journey through the wilderness in charge of their
Indian conductors, they were at last ransomed by Major Gratiot, founder of
Gratiot's Grove, on the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, by the payment of
two thousand dollars in horses, wampum and trinkets, and returned to their
friends.
" General Whiteside gathered up the mutilated remains of the eleven white
men slain by the Indians and buried them at Stillman's Run, and then returned
to Dixon, where he met General Atkinson and the regulars with supplies. The
volunteers, who had expected to have grand sport killing Indians, began to
realize that the boot might be on the other leg, and the Indians have grand
sport killing them ; and so they grumbled and demanded to be mustered out,
their term of enlistment being about to expire, and on the 27th and 28th of
May they were mustered out by Gov. Reynolds, at Ottawa. Meanwhile a
new regiment of volunteers was mustered in at Beardstown, with Jacob Fry as
Colonel, James D. Henry as Lieutenant Colonel, and John Thomas as Major.
Gen. Whiteside, the late commanding general, volunteered as a private. The
different companies of this regiment were so posted as toguard the frontiers,
Capt. Adam W. Snyder was sent to scout the country between Rock River
and Galena, and while he was encamped near Burr Oak Grove, in what is now
the township of Erin, in Stephenson County, on the night of the 17th of June.
1832, his company was fired upon by the Indians. The next morning he pur-
sued them, four in number, and drove them into a sink-hole in the ground,
when he charged upon and killed the Indians, losing one man mortally wounded..
As he returned to camp, bearing his wounded soldier, his men, suffering from
thirst, scattered in search of water, when they were sharply attacked by about
seventy Indians, who had been secretly watching their motions, and awaiting
a good opportunity. Captain Snyder called upon General Whiteside, then a
private in his company, to assist him in forming his men. General Whiteside
proclaimed in a loud voice that he would shoot the first man who attempted to
run. The men were soon formed. Both parties took position behind trees..
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 209
Gen. Whiteside, an old Indian fighter and a capital marksman with a rifle,
shot the commander of the Indians, and they, from that moment, began to
retreat. As they were not pursued, the Indian loss was never ascertained.
Capt. Snyder lost two men killed and one wounded.
" On the 15th of June, 1832, the new levies of volunteers were in camp,
and were formed in three brigades. Gen. Alexander Posey commanded the
first ; General Milton K. Alexander, the second, and Gen. James D. Henry
the third brigade."
" Before the new army could be brought into the field, the scattered war
parties of the Indians had killed several white men ; one was killed on Bureau
Creek, one in Buffalo Grove, in Ogle County, another on Fox River, and two
east of Fox River. On the 22d of May, 1882, Gen. Atkinson had dispatched
Mr. St. Vrain, the Indian Agent for the Sacs and Foxes at Rock Island, with
a few men, as an express to Fort Armstrong. On their way they fell in with
a party of Indians led by a Chief well known to St. Vrain, a particular friend
of his, named 'Little Bear,' who had adopted St. Vrain as his brother. Mr.
St. Vrain felt no fear of one who was his friend, who had been an inmate of
his house, and had adopted him as his brother, and approached him in the
greatest security ; but ' Little Bear ' no sooner got St. Vrain in his power
than he murdered and scalped him and all his party."
" About the middle of June, 1832, some strolling Indians had captured
horses near Elizabeth, in Jd Daviess County. Shortly after the animals
were missed, Capt. J. W. Stevenson, a son of Col. Benjamin Stevenson, in honor
of whom this county is named, went from Galena to Elizabeth, with a few of
his men, and set out in pursuit of the savages. As the grass was long at that
season of the year, it was not difficult to keep the Indians' trail, and they soon
came up to them at a point a little northeast of what is now known as Waddam's
Grove, in Stevenson County. The Indians immediately ran into a thicket
close by, and, concealing themselves amid the thick brush and fallen timber,
waited for Stevenson to make the attack, which Capt. Stevenson did with
admirable gallantry, although it may appear at this distance that his zeal and
gallantry outran his discretion. Capt. Stevenson, who had with him only about
a dozen men, ordered his party to dismount, and, leaving the horses, in charge of
one or two men, led the rest to the charge, intending, probably, to drive the Indians
from their place of concealment. The Indians reserved their fire until the white
men approached quite close, when they fired from th^ir concealment, the whites
returned the fire without effect upon their concealed foe, and turned back upon
the prairie out of range to re-load; and again, with admirable courage, marched
toward the thicket, and, before entering it, again received the cool fire of the
Indians. Three of Capt. Stevenson's men were killed, and others, including
himself, wounded. Capt. Stevenson then retreated, leaving the bodies of his
dead companions, Stephen Howard, George Eames, and a man named Lovell,
who were buried the next morning after the Indians had departed. Governor
Ford says : ' This attack of Capt. Stevenson was unsuccessful, and may have
been imprudent ; but it equaled any thing in modern warfare in daring and
desperate courage.'
"About a week after the above occurrence, Black Hawk selected about one
hundred and fifty of his very choicest braves and marched across the country
from Rock River, and made an attack on Apple River Fort, erected by the
miners, just north of the present village of Elizabeth, in Jo Daviess County. It
was a fearful struggle by the handful of miners and their wives — the women
molded bullets while the men, in the absence of Moody and Sankey, proceeded
210 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
most gallantly to ' Hold the Fort ' — and Black Hawk and his band were
defeated.
"About the same time, another party of Indians made an attack on three
men near Fort Hamilton, on the Pecatonica, killing two of them, the third
escaping to the fort. General Dodge soon after arrived at Fort Hamilton,
with twenty men, and made quick pursuit of the Indians, and chased them to
the Pecatonica, where they took shelter under the high bank of the river.
Dodpe and his party charged up on them in their place of concealment and
shelter, and killed the whole party of Indians, eleven in number, losing four
whites wounded, three of them mortally.
"On the 25th of June, 1832, Major John Dement, of Dixon, in command
of a detachment of Posey's Brigade, was camped near Burr Oak Grove, in what
is now the township of Kent, in this county, and, learning from Captain Funk
that a fresh trail of a large body of Indians leading south had been seen within
five miles of his camp the day before, undoubtedly the trail of Black Hawk
and his band falling back from Apple River Fort, after his unsuccessful attack,
his whole command rushed out in pursuit of the enemy and discovered seven
Indians, who were as intent on spying out the situation as was Major Dement.
Some of Dement's men immediately made pursuit of the Iudians, but their
commander, fearing an ambuscade, endeavored to call them back. In this
manner Major Dement had proceeded about a mile, pursuing the seven Indians
first discovered, and he had scarcely entered the grove before he perceived
about three hundred of Black Hawk's band issuing from the timber to
attack him. The Indians came on firing, hallooing and yelling to make them-
selves more terrific, after the Indian fashion, when Major Dement, seeing him-
self in great danger of being surrounded by a superior force, retired to
his camp, closely pursued by the yelling savages. Here his whole force took
possession of the log buildings erected by Kirker and Kellogg, which answered
the purpose of a fort, and here Major Dement and his command were
vigorously attacked by the Indians. They shot sixty-seven of the horses
and narrowly escaped killing the commander himself. Major Dement and Duvall
were standing in the door of one of the log houses together, when two of the
Indians came out in sight, and before Duvall, who perceived them, could draw
the attention of Major Dement to their movements, the Indians fired. One of
the bullets whizzed past Duvall's ear and lodged in the timbers of the house ;
the other bullet cut Major Dement's commission, which he carried in the
crown of his hat. Major Dement mounted two of his men on his swiftest
horses, as an express to General Posey, at Buffalo Grove, for reinforcements,
who eluded the Indians, but who, doubtless, were observed by the Indians, who
divined the object of the flying couriers, and Black Hawk formed his braves
into column and started for Rock River. Major Dement lost nine men killed
and the Indians left upon the field nine of their dusky warriors, and
probably had twice as many wounded. General Posey hastened with his
entire brigade to the relief of Major Dement, but did not reach the Grove, until
two hours after Black Hawk had retreated. The next day General Posey
marched a little to the north in search of the Indians, then marched back to
the Grove to await the arrival of his baggage wagons ; and then nwched to
Fort Hamilton, on the Pecatonica.
"When the news of the battle reached Dixon, where the volunteers and
regulars were then assembled, under the command of General Atkinson of the
regular army, Alexander's Brigade was ordered in the direction of Plum River
to intercept Black Hawk, if possible, but did not succeed. General Atkinson
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 211
remained with the infantry at Dixon two days, then marched, accompanied by
the brigade of General Henry, toward the country of the Four Lakes, higher
up Rock River, in Wisconsin.
"General Atkinson., having heard that Black Hawk had concentrated his
forces at the Four Lakes and fortified his position with the intention of decid-
ing the fate of the war by a grand battle, marched with as much haste as pru-
dence would warrant when invading a hostile and wilderness country with
undisciplined forces, where there was no means of procuring reliable intelligence
of the number or whereabouts of the enemy.
"On the 30th of June, 1832, he passed through Turtle Village, a consid-
erable town of the Winnebagoes, then deserted, and camped one mile beyond
it on the open prairie. He believed that the hostile Indians were in that
immediate neighborhood, and prepared to resist their attack, if made. That
night the Indians were prowling abput his encampment. Continual alarms
were given by the sentinels during the night, and the whole command was fre-
quently called out in order of battle. The march was continued the next day,
and nothing occurred until the army arrived at Lake Koshkanong, except the
discovery of trails and signs of the recent presence of Indians, the occasional
sight of an Indian scout, and the usual camp rumors. Here General Atkinson
was joined by General Alexander's brigade, and after Major Ewing and Colonel
Fry, with the battalion of the one and the regiment of the other, had thoroughly
examined the whole country round about and had ascertained that no enemy
was near, the whole force again continued its march up Rock River, on the east
side, to the Burnt Village, on the White River, in Wisconsin, where General
Atkinson was joined by the brigade of General Posey, from Fort Hamilton on
the Pecatonica, and a battalion of a hundred men from Wisconsin, commanded
by Major Dodge.
"Eight weeks had now been wasted, with scarcely the sight of a red-skin
since the battle of Kellogg's Grove, and the commanding general seemed further
from the attainment of his object than when the second requisition of troops
was organized. At that time Posey and Alexander commanded each 1,000
men. General Henry took the field with 1,262, and the regulars, under the
immediate command of Colonel Zachary Taylor, amounted to 450 more. At
this time there was not more than four days' rations in the hands of the com-
missary; the enemy might be weeks in advance; the volunteers were fast
melting away from various causes, although the regulars had not lost a man.
General Atkinson therefore found it necessary to disperse his command for the
purpose of procuring supplies.
" According to previous arrangements, on the 10th of July, 1832, the sev-
eral brigades took up their lines of march for their several destinations. Col.
Ewing's regiment was sent back to Dixon ; Gen. Posey marched to Fort Ham-
ilton, on the Pecatonica ; Gen. Henry, with Col. Alexander and Maj. Dodge,
was sent to Fort Winnebago, situated at the Portage, between the Fox and
Wisconsin Rivers ; while Gen. Atkinson, with Col. Taylor and the regulars,
fell back to Lake Koshkonong, and there erected a fort, named after the lake,
where he Avas to remain until the volunteers returned with supplies. Gen.
Henry marched to Fort Winnebago in three days. Two days were occupied
by Gen. Henry, at Fort Winnebago, in obtaining provisions, on the last of
which the Winnebago chiefs there reported that Black Hawk and his forces
were encamped at Manitou Village, thirty-five miles above Gen. Atkinson, on
Rock River. In a council held by Gen. Henry, Col. Alexander, and Maj.
Dodge, it was determined to violate orders by marching directly to the enemy,
212 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
with the hope of taking him by surprise, or at least putting Black Hawk be-
tween them and Gen. Atkinson, thus cutting off his further retreat to the
north. Twelve o'clock, noon, July 15, 1832, was the hour appointed to com-
mench the march. Gen. Henry proceeded at once to reorganize his command,
with a view to disincumber himself of his sick and dismounted men, that as
little as possible might impede the celerity of his march. Gen. Henry was a
complete soldier. He was gifted with uncommon talent of commanding with
sternness without giving offense; of forcing his men to obey, without degrading
them in their own estimation ; he was brave without rashness, and gave his orders
with firmness and authority, without any appearance of bluster. In his mere
person he looked the commander, in a word, he was one of those very rare men
who are gifted by nature with the power to command militia ; to be at the same
time feared and loved, and with the capacity of inspiring his soldiers with the
ardor, impetuosity, and honorable impulses of their commander. Col. Alex-
ander, with his brigade, was sent back to Gen. Atkinson, and at noon, July 15,
1832, Gen. Henry, with his brigade, the battalion of one hundred Wisconsin
volunteers, under Maj. Dodge, and a spy battalion under command of Maj.
William Lee D. Ewing, set out on his march from Fort Winnebago to attack
Black Hawk, accompanied by Poquette, a half-breed, and the 'White Pawnee,'
a Winnebago chief, as guides. On the route to the head-waters of Rock River
he was thrown from a direct line by intervening swamps extending for miles.
Reaching Rock River, three Winnebagoes gave intelligence that Black Hawk
was encamped at Cranberry Lake, further up the river. Relying on this in-
formation, it was decided by Gen. Henry to make a forced march in that direc-
tion. Dr. Merryman, of Springfield, 111., and W. W. Woodbridge, of Wis-
consin, were sent as an express to Gen. Atkinson to advise him of Henry's
movements. They were accompanied by a chief called ' Little Thunder,' as a
guide, and, having started about dark, and proceeded on their perilous journey
about eight miles to the southwest, they came upon the fresh main trail of
Black Hawk and his people, endeavoring to escape by way of the Four Lakes
across the Wisconsin River. At the sight of the broad, fresh trail, the Indian
guide was struck with terror, and, without permission, retreated back to the
camp. Merryman and Woodbridge retreated also, but not until the treacher-
ous ' Little Thunder ' had announced his discovery in the Indian tongue to the
Winnebagoes, his countrymen, who were in the very act of makiag their
escape, when they were stopped by Maj. Murray McConnell, and taken to the
tent of Gen. Henry, to whom they confessed that they had come into his camp
only to give false information, and favor the retreat of Black Hawk and his
dusky warriors, and then, to make amends for their perfidy, and, perhaps, as
they were led to believe, to avoid immediate death, they disclosed all they knew
of Black Hawk's movements. Gen. Henry prudently kept the treachery of
these Indians a secret from his men, for it would have required the influence
of himself and all his officers to have saved their lives, had their perfidious
conduct been known throughout the camp. The next morning, July 19, 1832,
by daylight, everything was ready for a forced march ; but first another express
was dispatched to Gen. Atkinson. All cumbrous baggage was thrown away.
The tents and most of the camp equipage were left in a pile in the wilderness.
Many of the men left their blankets and all their clothing, except the suits
they wore. Those who had lost their horses took nothing but their guns and
ammunition and slight rations on their backs, and traveled over mountain and
plain, swamp and thicket, and kept up with the men on horseback. All the
men now marched with a better spirit than usual. The sight of the broad,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 213
fresh trail of Black Hawk's retreating people inspired every one with a lively
hope of bringing the war to a speedy end. There was no murmuring, there
was no excuse or complaining, and none on the sick report. The first day, in
the afternoon, they were overtaken by one of those storms common on the
prairies, black and terific, accompanied by torrents of rain, and the most fear-
ful lightning and thunder ; but the men dashed on through thickets almost im-
penetrable, and swamps almost impassable, and that day marched upward of
fifty miles. During the day's march, Gen. Henry, Maj. Murray McConnell,
and the members of the General's staff, often dismounted and marched on foot,
giving their horses to the weary, dismounted men. The storm raged until two
o'clock the next morning. The men, exhausted with fatigue, threw themselves
supperless upon the rain-drenched earth — for the rain was so continuous that
they could not kindle fires with which to prepare supper. The next morning,
July 20, 1832, the storm had abated, and all were on the march by daylight,
and after a march as fatiguing as the day before, the army encamped upon the
banks of the Four Lakes forming the source of the Catfish River in Wisconsin,
and near where Black Hawk had encamped the night previous. The men
kindled their fires for supper with a hearty good will, for they had marched
nearly a hundred miles without cooked food or a spark of fire. All were in
fine spirits and high expectation of overtaking the Indians next day, and put-
ting an end to the war by a general battle.
"At daylight, July 21, 1832, the march was resumed with unabated ardor.
The men were hurried forward by the continual order, ' Close up, close up.'
The day's march was harder than the two preceding days. The men on foot
were forced into a run to keep up with the column, the men on horseback
carrying for them their arms and rations. Maj. William Lee D. Ewing com-
manded the spy battalion and with him was joined the battalion of one hundred
men under the command of Maj. Dodge, of Wisconsin. These two officers with
their commands were in the advance, but the main body was always in sight.
About noon the advance guard came close upon the rear guard of the retreating
red-skins. It is to be regretted that we have no account of the management and
perils of Hawk Black in conducting his retreat. All that we know is that for
many miles before they were overtaken their broad trail was strewn with camp
kettles baggage of various kinds, which they had thrown away in the hurry of
their flight. The sight of those articles encouraged Gen. Henry's men to press
forward. About noon the scouts in the advance came suddenly upon two
Indians, and as the Indians were attempting to escape, one of them was killed
and left dead upon the field. Dr. Addison Philleo, editor of the G-alenian, a
newspaper published at Galena, and the only paper published in the North-
west at that time, scalped the dead Indian, and for a long time afterward
exhibited the scalp as an evidence of his valor. He may not have been as
eloquent as the Kentucky lawyer who distinguished himself in reporting to
Gen. Whiteside the battle of Stillman's Run ; but the writer is induced to re-
mark that lawyers and editors are not, in his opinion, successful Indian fighters.
Early in the afternoon the rear guard of Black Hawk's army began to make
feint stands, merely to gain time to enable the main body to take up a more
advantageous position. A few shots would be exchanged, and then the Indians
would push ahead; but with so wily a foe to fight, caution had to be observed,
troops deployed, and the thickets scoured, to be certain of no lurking foes. In this
manner the Indians gained time to reach the broken grounds on the bluffs of
the Wisconsin river. Near the middle of the afternoon, July 21, 1832, while
Gen. Henry's advance guard was passing some uneven ground, covered with
214 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
low timber and high grass, they were suddenly fired upon by a body of secreted
Indians. In an instant Maj. Ewing's command was dismounted and formed in
front, sending their horses to the rear. The Indians kept up a fire from behind
fallen trees, and none of them could be discovered except by the flash and report
of their guns. In a few minutes Gen. Henry arrived with the main body, and
formed instantly his order of battle. Col. Jones' regiment was placed on the
right, Col. Collins' regiment on the left, and Col. Fry's regiment in the rear as
a reserve; Maj. Ewing's battalion was placed in front of the line; Maj. Dodge's
battalion of one hundred men, from Wisconsin, on the extreme right, all dis-
mounted, and in this order Gen. Henry's little army moved forward into battle.
Gen. Henry gave the order to charge with the whole line, and his order was
eagerly and handsomely executed by Ewing's battalion, and by Col. Jones' and
Col. Collins' regiments.
" The Indians retreated before this charge obliquely to the right, and con-
centrated their main force in front of Dodge's battalion, evidencing a design to
turn his right flank. Gen. Henry sent an order by Major Murray^ McConnell
to Major Dodge to charge with his battalion ; but Major Dodge being of the
opinion that the enemy was too strong for him, requested a reinforcement. Gen.
Henry ordered Col. Fry's regiment, his only reserve, to the aid of Major Dodge,
and formed it on his right, and Major Dodge and Col. Fry charged upon the In-
dians. In front of Col. Fry's regiment were bushes and high grass where the In-
dians lay concealed, and Fry's regiment received the fire of nearly the whole body
of Black Hawk's warriors. But their fire was briskly returned by the regiment
of Col. Fry and by Dodge's batalion, and the whole line steadily advanced
until within almost bayonet reach of the red-skins, when Black Hawk fell back
to the west along the high, broken bluffs of the Wisconsin, and took up a new
position in the thickest timber and tall grass at the head of a hollow leading to
the Wisconsin river, where Black Hawk appeared determined to make a firm
stand ; but he was gallantly charged upon in his new position by the battalion
of Major Ewing and the regiments of Col. Collins and Col. Jones, and the
Indians put to rout, some of them being pursued down the hollow, and others
again to the west along the high bluffs of the river, until they descended the
bluffs to the Wisconsin bottom, nearly a mile wide and very swampy, covered
with thick, tall grass above the heads of men on horseback. Night came on ;
further pursuit was stopped, and Gen. Henry and his victorious little army lay
upon the field of battle.
" That night Gen. Henry's camp was disturbed by the voice of an Indian,
loudly sounding from a distant hill, as if giving orders or desiring conference.
It afterward appeared that it was a voice of an Indian chief, speaking in the
Winnebago language, stating that the Indians had their squaws and families
with them, that they were starving for provisions, and were not able to fight
the white people ; that if they were permitted to pass peacefully over the Mis-
sissippi, they would do no more mischief. He spoke in the Winnebago tongue
in the hope that some of the Winnebago Indians were with Gen. Henry and
would act as his interpreters. No Winnebagoes were present, they having ran
at the commencement of the action, and so his language was never explained
until after the close of the war.
"Next morning early > Gen. Henry advanced his forces to the Wisconsin
River, and ascertained that the Indians had all crossed it, and made their
escape to the hills between the Wisconsin and the Mississippi, It was ascer-
tained after the battle that Black Hawk's loss amounted to sixty-eight left dead
upon the field, and a large number of wounded, of whom twenty-five were after-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 215
ward found along the Indian trail leading to the Mississippi. Gen. Henry
lost one man killed and eight wounded. It appeared that the Indians, knowing
that they were to fight a mounted force had been trained to fire at an elevation
to hit men on horseback; but as Gen. Henry had dismounted his forces, and
sent his horses into the rear, the Indians had overshot their foes, which
accounted for the small loss in Gen. Henry's command.
" This gallant action, July 21, 1832, an Illinoisan, and a volunteer, fought
against orders, but with a true soldier's ardor to serve his country, and with a sol-
dier's care to notify his commanding general by frequent expresses of his actions
and intentions ; and this battle of the Wisconsin really and virtually ended the
famous Black Hawk War, and opened up Stephenson County to permanent
settlement by the whites. But Gen. Henry received no credit for it then. The
valorous Doctor Philleo, editor of The Gralenian, wrote up an account of it,
in the interest of Maj. Dodge, calling Dodge a general, and not mentioning
Gen. Henry at all, and his account of the battle was printed in all the news-
papers ofthe United States, and has gone into many of its histories, filching Gen.
Henry's fame for the benefit of Maj. Dodge. Besides, the gallant conduct and
splendid generalship of Gen. Henry, gave mortal offence to all the regular army
officers — for then, as in our late war, West Pointers were determined that mere
volunteers should win no laurels. Gen. Henry was as modest as he was brave
and skillful, and went to his death without the just praise that prosterity will
award him.
" The next day after the battle of the Wisconsin, on July 22, 1832, for
want of provisions, Gen. Henry determined to fall back to the Blue Mounds.
The Winnebagoes who accompanied Gen. Henry during his forced march, at the
very commencement of the action, had deserted, and made a bee-line for ' tall
timber.' No one with Gen. Henry knew enough of the country to act as a
guide. Gen. Henry had marched 130 miles through an unknown and unex-
plored country, without roads or landmarks, simply pushing hard upon Black
Hawk's trail, and now found himself in a position in which no one with him
could direct his way to the settlements. He was without rations or forage,
men and animals fatigued, and he might be a week blundering through the
wilderness finding his way out. A council was called to consider these diffi-
culties ; and whilst he was debating the course to be pursued, some Indians
approached with a white flag, who were ascertained to be friendly Winneba-
goes. They acted as guides for Gen. Henry, and in two days he had arrived
at Blue mounds, where he met Gen. Atkinson with the regulars and
Alexander's brigade, from Fort Koskonong, where they had been 'bottled up'
while Gen. Henry achieved his splendid victory over Black Hawk ; also Posey's
brigade from Fort Hamilton, on the Pecatonica. It was soon apparent to
Gen. Henry, and to all his officers, that Gen. Atkinson, and all the regular
officers, were deeply mortified at the success of Gen. Henry and the Illinois
militia. They did not intend that non-professionals and mere volunteers should
have any of the credit in the war. Volunteers were good enough for fighting,
good enough to enrich the soil with their blood, but the harvest of fame that
sprang from their sprinkled blood must be garnered by West Pointers.
"Gen. Henry had virtually ended the war, but Gen. Atkinson soon put
his army in motion after Black Hawk and his dispirited braves. On the 2d of
August, 1832, the battle of Bad Axe was fought by Gen. Atkinson. He put
the gallant Gen. Henry and his command virtually into disgrace by detail-
ing him and his brigade as train guard in the rear. But circumstances occurred
that gave Gen. Henry and his gallant Illinois volunteers the front again,
216 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
without the orders and against the wish of Gen. Atkinson. The Indians were
encamped on the banks of the Mississippi, some distance below the mouth of
the Bad Axe River. They were aware that Gen. Atkinson was in close pur-
suit ; and to mislead Gen. Atkinson and gain time for crossing into the
Indian country, west of the Mississippi, Black Hawk in person went back with
about twenty Indians, to meet Gen. Atkinson's advance, attack, and retreat to
the river several miles above his regular camp. Accordingly, Gen. Atkinson's
advance was suddenly fired upon by Biack Hawk and his litt4e band from
behind trees and fallen timber. Gen. Atkinson rode immediately to the front
and, in person, directed a charge. The wily Indians gave way, and were
pursued by Gen. Atkinson and his regulars, and all the army except the
brigade of the gallant Gen. Henry, that was in the rear acting as train guard,
and in the hurry of the pursuit of the Indians, Gen. Henry was left without
orders. When Gen. Henry came up to the place where the attack had
first been made by the Indians, he saw clearly that the wily stratagem of
the untutored savage had triumphed over the science of a veteran General.
The main trail of the Indians was plain to be seen leading to the river
lower down, and Gen. Henry marched his brigade right forward upon the
main trail. At the foot of the high bluff bordering the river valley, on the
edge of a swamp covered with timber, drift-wood and underbrush, through
which the Indian trail led fresh and broad, Gen. Henry dismounted his troops
and left his horses. He formed his men on foot and advanced to the attack,
preceded by an advance guard of eight men, who advanced until they came in
sight of the river, where they were fired upon by about fifty Indians, and five
out of eight in the advance guard instantly fell wounded or dead. The other
three, behind trees, stood their ground until Gen. Henry came up with the matin
body, which deployed to the right and left from the center, rushed forward, and
the battle became general along the whole line. The fifty Indians first met
retreated upon the main body, amounting to about 800 warriors ; but the Indians
were taken by surprise. They fought bravely and desperately, but their leader,
Black Hawk, was not with them — he had led the small party in the first attack
upon Gen. Atkinson, and was now misleading the veteran regular General away
from his own camp — and the Indians in front of Henry fought without plan or
concert. Gen. Henry, with his gallant Illinois volunteers, charged steadily
forward, driving the foe from tree to tree, and from hiding place to hiding place,
and crowded them steadily to the river's bank, where a desperate struggle
ensued ; but the deadly bayonet in the hands of Gen. Henry's charging
brigade drove them into the river, some to swim it, some to drown, and some
to take temporary shelter on a small willow-covered island near the shore.
" Gen. Atkinson heard the music of Henry's rifles, and returned with
his army, but the work was mainly accomplished. It had been determined that
Gen. Henry and his Illinois volunteers should have no share in that day's
glory, but the fates — taking advantage of a blunder by Gen. Atkinson — had
otherwise directed. After the Indians had retreated into the Mississippi River
and on to the willow-covered island, Gen. Henry sent Maj. Murray McConnel
to give intelligence of his movements to Gen. Atkinson, who, while being mis-
led by Black Hawk and his little band of twenty chosen warriors, had heard the
firing where Gen. Henry was engaged. Gen. Atkinson left the pursuit of
the twenty Indians and hastened to share in the general engagement. He w as
met by Gen. Henry's messenger, Maj. Murray McConnell, near the scene of
action, in passing through which, the dead and dying Indians lying around, bore
frightful evidence of the stern work done before his arrival. Gen. Atkinson,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 217
however, lost no time in forming his regulars, and Major Dodge's battalion,
Maj. Ewing's battalion, and Col. Fry's regiment, for a descent upon the wil-
low-covered island, where lay concealed the last remnant of Black Hawk's
army. They gallantly charged through the water up to their arm-pits on to the
island and swept it clean of the lurking foe. The twenty Indians who first
made the attack on Gen. Atkinson, and misled him, who were led by Black
Hawk in person, escaped up the river to the Dalles, on the Wisconsin, where
some friendly Sioux and Winnebagoes pursued the broken and defeated chief,
captured him and turned him over to Col. Zachary Taylor, of the regular army.
He was taken to Jefferson Barracks, where Gen. Winfield Scott and Gov.
Reynolds made another ' treaty,' and again the Sacs and Foxes relinquished
to the whites all claim upon the territory now known as Stephenson County,
111., including, of course, vast tracts besides. Black Hawk was taken to
Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Albany, etc., and dined and wined, and
eventually returned to his people west of the Mississippi, on June 4, 1833.
Black Hawk never went upon the warpath again, and died at the age of eighty,
October 3, 1840.
COUNTY ROSTER.
Stephenson County was created by an act of the Legislature, promulgated
March 4, 1837, its organization provided for, and the seat of justice established
at Freeport, by a Board of Commissioners, composed of Minor York, of Ogle,
and Vance L. Davidson and Isaac Chambers, of Jo Daviess Counties. A meeting
of the Commissioners was held at the house of William Baker, on the first
Monday of May following, whereat the organization was perfected, and an
election held for the following county officers : Sheriff, Coroner, Surveyor,
three County Commissioners and one Clerk of the County Commissioners'
Court, who were to hold their offices until the next succeeding general elections,
and until their successors are elected and qualified.
The subjoined is a list of the first county officers, together with those who
succeeded the subsequent vacancies :
Sheriffs.— William Kirkpatrick, 1837; Hubbard Graves, 1838; Oliver
W. Brewster, 1840; Joseph McCool, 1842; 0. W. Brewster, 1844-46; F A.
Strockey, 1848.
Coroner.— Lorenzo Lee. 1837 ; B. R. Wilmot, 1838 ; Lorain Snow, 1840 ;
Henry W. Hollenbeck, 1841 ; Isaac S. Forbes, 1842 ; W. Patterson, 1844 ;
Henry W. Foster, 1846 ; Abel Smith, 1848.
Surveyor. — Frederick D. Bulkley, from 1837 to 1842 ; A. Chamberlain,
1843 ; no record in 1844, 1845, 1846 ; M. Montelius, 1847.
Commissioners. — L. W. Streator, Isaac S. Forbes and Julius Smith, 1837 ;
L. W. Streator, Robert McConnell and John Moore, 1838 ; Thomas Van Valzah,
1839 ; J. Cory and B. R. Wilmot, 1840 ; Hubbard Graves and Alfred Cad-
well, 1841; James T. Smith and George Reitzell, 1842; Joseph Musser, 1843;
Ezekiel Brown, 1844 ; Samuel F. Dodds. 1845 ; Abner B. Clingman, 1846 ;
John Bradford, 1847 ; Gustavus A. Farwell, 1848.
County Clerk.— O. H. Wright, 1837 ; no returns for 1838 ; O. H. Wright,
from 1839 to 1846.
Assessor and Treasurer. — L. O. Crocker, 1837-40.
Assessors.— 0. W. Brewster, 1841-42; Chancellor Martin, 1843 ; A. W.
Rice, 1844-47.
Probate Judges.— 0. H. Wright, 1838-41 ; Thomas J. Turner, 1842-45 ;
Seth B. Farwell, 1846 ; C. W. Williams, 1847.
218 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Clerks County Commissioners Court. — W. H. Hollenbeck, 1837 ; W. P.
Hunt, 1838: W. H. Hollenbeck, 1839-42; William Preston, from 1843
to 1847.
Collectors.— John R. Howe, 1838 ; John Gordon, 1840 ; 0. W. Brewster,
1841-47 ; F. A. Strockey, 1848.
State Senators.— George W . Harrison, 1838; J. A. Mitchell, 1842; L.
P. Sanger, 1846-48.
Mouse of Representatives. — Germanicus Kent, 1838 ; Thomas Drummond,
1840; William Preston, 1842 ; G. Purinton, 1844 ; L. H. Bowen, 1846 ; L. H.
Bowen, 1847 ; A. Eads, 1848.
School Commissioners.— John Rice, 1841 ; Jared Sheetz, 1843 ; L. W. Guit-
eau. 1845-47.
Treasurer.— L. 0. Crocker, 1841—42 ; Chancellor Martin, 1843 ; A. W.
Rice. 1844-7.
Recorder.— J. W. Bulkley, 1843 ; John A. Clark, 1845-47.
It should be stated that prior to the election, of November, 1849, the county
was under what is known as " the county organization." Thereafter it came
under township organization, and the following is the list of officers who have
served :
County Judge.— George Purinton, 1849 ; John Coates, 1853 ; W. M. Buck-
ley. 1857;Talcott Ormsbee, 1861; Charles B. Wright, 1863—65; Andrew
Hinds 1869; Henry C. Hyde, 1873-77.
County Clerk. — W. Preston, 1849; J. J. Rogers, 1853 — died in office, and
David H. Sunderland, elected to the vacancy at a special election, holden June
4. 1855. David H. Sunderland 1857-61; George Thompson, 1865; George
Thompson, 1869; I. F. Kleekner. 1873-77.
County Justices of the Peace. — L. Gibler and G. W. Andrews, 1850.
County Treasurer. — Jonathan Reitzell, 1849; W. M. Buckley, 1853;
Andrew Hinds, 1855; W. S. Gray, 1857-61; William Young, 1863-65;
Robert T. Cooper, 1869-71; Oliver P. McCool, 1873-75; Charles F. Goodhue,
1877 — removed in October, 1878, and Wallace W. Hutchison succeeded to the
vacancy at a special election held in November of the same year ; re-elected at
the general election for county officers, holden Nov. 4, 1879.
County Surveyor. — Marcus Carter, 1849; B. Dornblazer, 1853-57; C.
T. Dunham, 1859; William 0. Saxton, to fill vacancy, 1860; W. Peters,
1861-63; Christopher T. Dunham, 1865-69 ; Samuel J. Dodds, 1871 ; F.
E. Josel, 1875; Hiram Shons, 1879.
School Commissioners. — J. B. Smith, 1849 ; John Barfoot, 1852 ; F. W.
5. Brawley, 1853-55; Henry Freeman, 1857; H. C. Burchard, 1859; A.
A. Crary, 1861-63.
The title to the office changed to County Superintendent of Schools — A.
A. Crary, 1865; Isaac F. Kleckner, 1869; Johnson Potter, 1873; Adam
A. Krape, 1877.
Senators. — The Senatorial District was originally composed of the counties
of Stephenson, Carroll and Jo Daviess, with one Senator'and three Representa-
tives — one from each county. This continued until the adoption of the consti-
tution in 1870. The Senators were Hugh Wallace, 1850; John H. Adams;
1854, re-elected, 1858-62 and 1866 ; James M. Hunter and Dr. Little, 1870,
Henry Green, 1872; R. H. McClellan, 1876.
Representatives.— B. B. Howard, 1850; C. B. Denio, 1852; T. J. Turner,
1854; J. A. Davis, 1856; J. A. Davis, 1858; John F. Ankeney, 1860; Ho-
ratio C. Burchard, 1862-64; Joseph M. Bailey, 1866-68; Thomas J. Tur-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 219
ner and William Massenberg, 1870; E. L. Cronkrite and J. S. Taggart,
1872-74 ; E. L. Cronkrite, 1876 ; J. I. Neff and Andrew Hinds, 1878.
Sheriffs. — Peter D. Fisher, 1850; George Reitzell, 1852; Isaac Kleckner,
1854 ; J. W. Shaffer, 1856: C. F. Taggart, 1858: J. W. Shaffer, 1860; W. W.
Robey. 1862; Jeremiah J. Piersol, 1864; W. W. Robey, 1866; John R.
Hayes, 1868 ; John R. Haves, 1870 ; J. J. Piersol, 1872-74 ; Jesse R. Leigh,
1876-78.
Coroner. — Isaac Bechtol, 1850; George H. Hartsough, 1852; Abel Smith,
1854 ; Samuel McAfee, 1856 : B. P. Belknap, 1857, to fill vacancy ; John
Washburn, 1858 ; Levi A. Mease, 1862 ; W. W. Robey, 1864 ; F. A. Darling,
1866: Caspar Schultz, 1868 ; Christian M. Hillebrand, 1869; Jeremiah J.
Dean, 1870-78.
Circuit Judges. — The Circuit Court first held its sessions on the 26th day
of August, 1839, the Hon. Daniel Stone presiding. In the winter of 1840, an
act was passed by the General Assembly, abolishing the Circuit Court system,
and providing that the duties incident thereto should be discharged by the
Judges of the Supreme Court. This was continued until the fall of 1848,
when the Circuit Court system was revived, and has since obtained with the
following Justices: Daniel Stone, 1839; Thomas C. Brown, 1841; Benja-
min R. Sheldon, 1849 to March, 1870; William Brown, the present incumbent.
In 1877, Stephenson County was included in the Thirteenth Circuit, the same
consisting of the counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll,
Ogle, Whiteside and Lee. For this circuit three Judges were elected — J. M.
Bailey, William Brown and John V. Eustace. Bailey was appointed Justice of
the Appellate Court, and the duties of his circuit are discharged by Justices
Brown and Eustace, though Judge Bailey assists when not engaged on the
Appellate bench.
Clerks Circuit Court. — John A. Clark, from 1839 to 1852; Joseph B.
Smith, to 1856 ; Luther W. Guiteau, to 1860 ; John W. Shaffer, to Novem-
ber 9, 1863, resigned and Edward P. Hodges appointed to the vacancy ; sub-
sequently elected to the office for four years from 1864 : William Polk, to 18 T2 ;
Aaron W. Hall, 1876 ; D. S. Brewster, present incumbent.
States .Attorney.— Sheldon L. Hall, 1839 ; Thomas J. Turner, 1846 ; H.
B. Stillman, 1847-50; Orrin S. Miller, 1851-52; William Brown, to 1860;
S. D. Atkins, to 1864; F. C. Ingalls, to 1868 ; D. W. Jackson, to 1872 ; J.
S. Cochran, the pesent incumbent.
EARLY SETTLEMEiNTS.
With the close of the Black Hawk war, the Indians as a rule disappeared
from their hunting grounds, and returned no more to plague the inventors of a
new line of life in future Stephenson County. The few who remained were
dispirited, subdued and awed into defenseless apathy by the whites, whom they
rarely interfered with or in any way, save through minor thefts and annoyances
proceeding therefrom, recognized as the existing power. The relics of their
barbaric life, however, were noticed by the settlers at intervals, and recalled the
days when Winneshiek occupied the country without restraint. Near the City of
Freeport,where are to be seen their corn-fields, council houses, cabins and cemeter-
ies wherein they labored, consulted, lived, died and were buried — not committed to
mother earth, there to await the dawning of the resurrection morn, but laid to
rest in the air, if so anomalous a condition of affairs can be conceived. Four
strong poles were planted in the ground, on which a platform was constructed,
and the body of the dead with his bow and arrows, together with various trinkets
220 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
placed thereon and left to the storms, the sunshine, and the future. Some
of these antique "burial-grounds " were to be observed by the early settlers in
the West, when the skeleton of deceased was all that remained to recall the liv-
ing, who once rejoiced in health and strength, whose tribe doubtless mourned
the deep damnation of his takings-off, as its representatives shrived him for his
pursuit of game and foemen in the happy hunting-grounds. But these senti-
nels of death, against whom the advance of progressing civilization long since
prevailed, disappeared with their discovery, and no monument remains to mark
the spot where once they were endured.
Years have elapsed since the first settlers visited Stephenson County, whence
they went the way of all flesh, and the music of their rejoicings became fainter
and fainter until it was stilled. In the hurry and bustle of life, in the burdens
which mankind has borne, made heavier with each succeeding cycle, in the
changes which have followed each other so rapidly, and the active advance-
ment in the perfected places of life, — the historic associations connected with
these pioneers, have lost some of their freshness, but none of the value to which
they are justly entitled. Once their corn-fields decked the river bottoms and
fringed the hillsides and ravines with a wealth of foliage, bespeeking a plen-
teous harvest against the hour of need. In the russet days of the present, when
the tanned reaper in brief moments of ease vouchsafed him, the fields lying
brown and bare, contemplates his possessions as they dot the landscape, and
are lost in the horizon, he scarcely reflects upon the times long since gone out
in age, and consigned to the tomb of oblivion, where others who preceded him
toiled as he toiled in fields of grain ripe for the harvest, rejoiced as he rejoiced,
unmindful of the coming of age and infirmities, or of another generation by
whom his acres should be appropriated and himself not unfrequently left to
wander an Ishmaelite in almost undiscovered lands. But many of them have
gone, and with them many a glorious throng of happy dreams. Yet if there is
a pious mansion for the blest, if the soul is not extinguished with the body,
may they not return in spring, or with the harvest in autumn, or with winter
and his aged locks, and view the regions they once knew so familiarly, or sit
and muse upon the changes that have been wrought and have survived the
injuries of time, since they went hence. They kept their patient vigil in their
day, faced the storm of penury and wre3tled with the strong hand of adversity,
but the seed sown amid trials, and sorrows and weepings, has yielded sheaves
of wealth to the present days which are bound to the melodies of harvest songs
and stored with prayers of thanksgiving. Those days were dark, indeed, with
no silver lining to the clouds that impended over the future. But none were
disheartened. Their hearts were high with hope. They believed the horizon
would dawn into the morning of which prophets spoke and minstrels sang, of
which poets dreamed and painters sketched. They believed the time would be
when the fir-tree would come up instead of the thorn, the myrtle-tree instead of
the brier, when the mountains and hills should break forth into singing, and
the trees of the wood should clap their hands.
And these confidences have been more than realized. The thorn has given
place to the fir-tree, and the myrtle-tree has usurped the place of the briar.
The voices of the husbandmen are heard throughout the land, and their songs
of thanksgiving are echoed from each hillside. Peace, plenty, felicity and con-
tentment are to be witnessed on every side ; the heritages of those who came
into this unbroken wilderness fifty years ago, buo} T ant, elastic, laughing at tem-
porary misfortune, shedding a genial warmth on those they met while passing
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 221
through life, and, departing, leaving behind not only a kindly and gentle mem-
ory, but an example for those who came after.
The collation of facts concerning events occurring at a date within the
memory of inhabitants by no means comparatively ancient, would appear to the
uninitiated in the character of a task presenting but limited difficulties. By
some, the labor has been regarded as one of the necessary incidents of life to be
endured; some have regarded it with indifference, while others have paused
not in their fierce career to concede a superficial consideration of the premises.
From these indispositions, coupled with the failure among those possessed
of the incidents, to record the same for future reference and adaptation, the
record of early settlements contains but scant materials from which to weave an
acceptable history. Patient industry and careful research, however, have not
been without results, but have aided the laborers employed in that behalf.
From all that can be learned in this connection, it appears that a man named
Kirker left St. Louis some time during the year 1826, and, removing to the
vicinity of Galena, established himself as a lead miner in the employ of
Col. Gratiot, founder of Gratiot's Grove, Wis. Here he remained about a
year, doubtless encountering many of the vicissitudes, enduring many of the
trials and participating in some of the triumphs peculiar to lead mining and
the life thereof, when he dissolved partnership with the business, bade good-bye
to Col Gratiot and his associates, and, venturing into Stephenson County, built
a cabin in Burr Oak Grove, and set himself up as an Indian trader. The
success which attended his commercial undertaking is not of record, but the
fact that he retired from active operations and left his habitation to the posses-
sion of savages within a year after his advent into its vicinity, would argue the
conclusion that his ambition was not properly recognized, which conclusion is
further strengthened by the fact that he was heard of no more after his year's
sojourn at Burr Oak. Whither he went or what he did are beyond the ken
of the living, the suggestion of rumor or the range of probabilities, to determine.
He was never seen again in the vicinity nor elsewhere, according to the chron-
icles.
For a year following, future Stephenson County was remitted to the
possession of the Indians, and whomsoever may have been sufficiently
adventurous to enter its territorial limits, without leaving any trail behind him
to guide posterity or enterprise in their pursuits of his name and local habita-
tion.
During 1827, when, according to all accounts, the summer's sun had
vanished and autumn winds were whistling through the leafless trees, a native
of New York by the name of Oliver W. Kellogg, crossed the river at Dixon,
and, pursuing the uneven tenor of an emigrant's way in those days, worried
gradually through the eastern portion of the present county, and tarried not
until he reached the improvements made by Kirker, his predecessor, near Burr
Oak Grove, in the vicinity of which he pitched his camp, and before the coming
of spring erected a house. The domicile was in many respects a pretentious
edifice for the days, and enjoyed an experience as varied as it has been at
times, exciting. Within its protecting and hospitable walls John Dement, of
Dixon, and his troops, took shelter from the Indians, and, in the spring of 1835,
it became the home of James Timms, one of the first permanent settlers in the
county, he purchasing the domain from a man named Green, of Galena, who
derived a title from Lafayette, a French adventurer who succeeded Kellogg in
its possession, but fled when the Black Hawk war rendered residence in Burr
0;ik Grove an exceedingly hazardous undertaking. The old house remained
222 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
comparatively intact until 1862, when it was torn down and the frame appro-
priated to other uses. A new house was built on the site, but no more like
the Kellogg improvement, it is said, than Hecuba resembled Hamlet. Nothing
remains of these pioneer premises but an orchard, old and fruitless, that was
planted by Kellogg, the first in Stephenson County. It has served its purpose,
and, decrepit with age, is permitted to survive the rush of matter for the good
it has been the means of accomplishing in the flush of its youth and strength.
During the summer of 1833, the " barren" opposite this house was the
scene of a tragedy as fatal as it was singular, by which two lives were sacrificed,
two families shrouded in woe, and the soil of Stephenson County first drenched
with the blood of murdered innocence.
It seems that two young men, en route to the lead mines, had halted at the
point indicated, and encamped for the night. Their establishment consisted
of a wagon and two yoke of cattle, together with the equipments usual to the
completely furnished " prairie schooner," and of a quality superior to that
ordinarily taken into the lead mines at the period mentioned. As was afterward
ascertained, they were the sons of Virginia planters, who became impressed
with the glowing accounts they had heard of the wealth of the lead country,
and, provided with every accessory that could contribute to their comfort or
prosperity, started in pursuit of fortune. After a laborious trip, the adven-
turous twain reached Kellogg's cabin, as the shades of night were obscuring
the landscape, and having, as they thought, secured their cattle and eaten
their supper, lay down to dreams. In the morning, they awoke to discover
that their oxen had strayed off, and while one of them prepared breakfast the
other started out in search of the missing stock. After a delay of several hours
the oxen were recovered, and driven to camp. Upon their arrival, the young
man who had been left in charge, was found to have made no progress in the
duties assigned him, and a dispute arose between himself and his companion as
to the cause. This discussion was carried on, it is said, with much acrimony,
and finally ended in blows, during which one of the contestants seized a pin,
connected with the tongue of the wagon, or an ox-yoke, and, striking a blow
upon the head of his antagonist, crushed the skull, and inflicted a wound that
caused almost instant death. Paralyzed with horror at the lengths to which,
in an unguarded moment, he had permitted his anger to carry him, he was
powerless for the time to attempt any concealment of his crime, and sought a
relief from the woe, to which he had committed his peace of mind, by flight.
But wanderings through the forest afforded no release from the pangs of con-
science, and he returned to the scene of the tragedy, where his victim had
fallen by the wayside, cold and stiff, grim and ghastly, a horrible spectacle to
those inured to scenes of strife and bloodshed, and doubly so to him, with whom
he had embarked so short a time before, with high hopes and pleasurable antici-
pations on the voyage of life that terminated in death and eternal desolation.
With the implements included in the invoice of tools, he digged a grave, and,
laying his companion therein, the survivor hooked up the oxen and pursued his
journey west, arriving at Apple River within a week after the sad occurrence,
where he related the facts, as are herein stated, to the amazed settlers, who
placed no restraint upon his liberty, however, when he disappeared from view,
and was never seen or heard of thereafter. Many years subsequent, the skeleton
of a human being was found in the woods of Jo Daviess County, of whose
identity no one could be found to testify, and the impression obtained that it
was the remains of him who had murdered his comrade in the ik barren " oppo-
site the Kellogg cabin.
FREEPORT.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 225
There were others who came into Stephenson County about this time besides
Kellogg, including William Baker, one of the Prestons, and, possibly, a few
more ; but their stay was only temporary, after which they returned whence
they came, reserving a permanent settlement until some years subsequent. In
1832 (during the fall), William Waddams, with his two sons, made his advent
into Stephenson County, and, canvassing the country round about, formally
staked out a claim at a point in West Point Township about three miles north-
west of the present town of Lena. Here, in the summer of 1833, he erected
a small log house, on the present site of Jo Daviess Waddams' house, and locat-
ing his family therein, carried off the honors to which the first permanent set-
tler in Stephenson County can legally and equitably lay claim. This was the
second house, it is alleged in the county, but, unlike its predecessor, " Kellogg's
Mansion," it now stands on the Waddams place, opposite where it first stood,
and is occupied by Mrs. Eunice Place, daughter of its architect and builder.
The " Cabin " is of the most limited dimensions, presenting none of the attract-
ive features for which farmhouses are to-day noticeable, yet it is as comfortable
and cozy as when first raised in the wilderness, and bears its age without any
of the marks of weakness or "discouragement" peculiar to manufactures of
that "beatific" period. The logs remain as sound as when first placed in posi-
tion, and the window frames, fashioned by Mr. Waddams with his jack-knife,
are untouched by decay ; but the puncheon floor has yielded place to material more
adapted to that purpose, and the huge fire-place which formerly occupied one
end of the apartment has been vacated, its uses being appropriated by more
modern inventions. If the walls could but speak, what a tale of the pleasures
and pains experienced in that old-fashioned, one-roomed house, they would
unfold. What mournful cadences they would sigh of the troubled visions that
have swept over the breast of breathing sorrow for those who went out from its
portals, chilled in the embrace of death, to sleep beneath the daisies which car-
essed their graves as the breezes tossed them into rippling eddies. Or how
joyfully they would detail the marriage fete, the social, quilting and what-not
of pleasure that has passed within its confines. The old home is still treasured
as a relic of heroic days, when men possessed less of the superficial and more
of those characteristics which raise mortals to the skies, than is apparent to the
casual observer of to-day. It possesses a charm for those who have survived
the death of Mr. Waddams which can never be dissipated, and promises to be
preserved for years to come, when Stephenson County shall have attained a pro-
minence and influence, in comparison with which that enjoyed to-day is but
nominal.
The close of the Black Hawk war, and dispersion of the soldiers who aided
in subduing that fierce and seemingly unconquerable foe of the white race,
called the attention of the country more generally to the natural advantages to
be found in Northern Illinois, and particularly in the country bordering upon
the Pecatonica and its tributaries. The volunteers regarded the homes of
Winneshiek and his tribe found along the streams and creeks, and in the bar-
rens and wilderness of Stephenson County, as veritable gardens of Babylon, and
many of them, acting upon this conclusion, came in as settlers among the first
who arrived, where they entered claims and have since remained. The
majority, having reached the Biblical limits of human life, have departed in
peace ; but a few still remain residents of Stephenson County, where they have
witnessed the fullest fruition of their predictions regarding the country and
amassed a comfortable competence. Among these are John Waddams, Robert
226 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Brightendall, Jacob Burbridge, George Trotter and, perhaps, one or two more.
About the same time, as will be remembered, the Galena mines were the
objective points for soldiers of fortune from every State, and those at Dubuque,
the restraints to emigration thither having been removed, but imperfectly
developing. As a consequent, thousands of prospectors, adventurers, specu-
lators and the hoi polloi journeyed in those directions, intent on putting money
in their individual purses, by mining, luck or agencies they hoped would favor
their efforts without entailing too great a draft on their physical or financial
resources. They were composed of men from Ohio, Missouri and elsewhere,
with a sprinkling of lllinoisans. The route to Galena in those days was by
St. Louis or by some other point on the Mississippi ; another route was to
cross the river at Dixon, strike what is known as " Sucker Trail," entering
Stephenson County in the southwestern part of Loran Township, and Jo
Daviess County, from Kent Township, thence to Galena and Dubuque.
This route was patronized quite freely by emigrants, on their trips to those
points, to whom the fertility of the soil, salubrity of the climate and other
advantages patent to all who passed through Stephenson County, became
as familiar as they are to-day to the manor born. Many who visited the
lead mines returned without testing the value of their claims — many returned
after encountering failure, and many returned only when they had attained
the object for which they went in pursuit. The inducements held out by the
agricultural resources of the county, persuaded representatives of every class
cited to enter claims hereabouts and in time become farmers. Those who
did so, have, as a rule, succeeded, and laid up treasures upon earth, at least.
Added to the volunteers and miners were the natives and residents of Eastern
States, who, impatient at the limited extent of their hereditaments, and ambi-
tious to identify themselves with enterprise in an enlarged field of action, where
legitimate business, if conducted with the industry and integrity indispensable
to a living at home, would be attended with better results, sought to test their
judgment in the West. Illinois was then an almost undiscovered bourne to
many of them, and Stephenson County was an absolute wilderness. But the
knowledge of these facts, instead of appalling, rather influenced their coming
hither, and to-day, the history of the county is largely a record of what has
been accomplished by those who came from the East, notably from Pennsyl-
vania, Ohio and New York.
Such, then, were the influences employed to attract emigration, and such was
the character of those who responded. As a matter of course, there were
numberless worthless characters who came in with the "flood," but the same
causes which admonished them to leave their native heaths exerted a similar
influence here and urged them to seek elsewhere for what they were restrained
from appropriating on the banks of the Pecatonica. This country, then await-
ing the claims ofr the industrious and enterprising, but holding out the promise
of prosperity to all, was scarcely a comfortable locality for the outlaw or one of
felonious propensities. If they came "born again" they were accepted as
valuable additions. But if the new dispensations duplicated their acts com-
mitted elsewhere, they were no longer tolerated, but banished. The conse-
quence was, and is, that crime has never been an important factor of the civili-
zation established in Stephenson County. Indeed, the record of the criminal
court in this county is comparatively free from the various crimes entailing
capital punishment or prolonged imprisonment. This is due entirely to the
sturdy character and unflinching integrity of the early settlers, whose virtues
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 227
have been visited upon their descendants, and exempted the county from many
calamities their neighbors elsewhere have been called upon to endure.
During the seasons of 1832-33, the settlement quoted above was the only
one made in the county. William Waddams was the pioneer who paved the
way for the coming of the army of occupation which speedily followed in his
wake — the sapper and miner who effected a successful advance into the enemy's
territory, maintaining a line of communication with his base of supplies, and
holding the fort until the forces in reserve had been brought forward to his
support. Civilization with its germinal forces thereafter persistently pushed
its way into the territory like the march of a conquering army, and to-day the
casual observer of events that have passed into history, stands amazed at the
foot-prints of development and progress it has left in its luminous trail. The
remote sections have been united by railroads and canals ; the modern insti-
tutions of learning, the methods of human industry, the churches and schools,
the telegraph and telephone, and other indications of progress and perfection,
have gradually developed from the rude and imperfect accommodations of
those early days. The broad prairies are born anew with each succeeding
decade in the westward march of empire, and populous cities and villages
are becoming the centers and gateways of trade and commerce. Agriculture
bn scientific principles has drained and rejuvenated the lands, making them to
blossom with annually increasing harvests, and the wealth born of their prod-
ucts, coupled with enterprise and architectural skill, has builded where
once the forest disputed possession with the plain. These are the works of
those who rest from their labors, and the beneficiaries for whom these trusts
were created daily rise up to call them blessed.
The winter of 1833-34 passed without the happening of any event which
has left its impress on the times to guide the historian in his search therefor. Mr.
Waddams. with his family comfortably housed, dreamed the hours away in a
solitude unbroken by aught that savored of civilization. Gathered about the
winter log, himself and famiiy doubtless engaged in perfecting plans for
future operations, when the dawn of spring announced the coming of more per-
fect days. The resident of Stephenson County of to-day would hardly reconcile
the appearance of that county then with what greets his vision on all sides in
1880. The country now covered with highly cultivated farms, imposing
residences and expensive improvements, was almost a trackless waste of prairie
and timber. There was nothing to enthuse, little to encourage. Occasional
bands of predatory Indians demurred to the title of the solitary settler, and
not unfrequently levied upon his meager stores for supplies. But the long
and inhospitable season dragged tediously to its close, and the flowers and
shrubbery of the year before, which had yielded to the winter's blasts, warmed
into new life and ran wild in the sunshine, hi'ding the trees and blooming
foliage, with leaf and flower. Undismayed by the prospect, Mr. Waddams, as
soon as the ground was fit to work, began the labor of preparing the soil about
him for crops that would last him when autumn should have yielded place to
the winters' winds, and with this beginning sowed the seeds for future
prosperity.
It should here be observed that a claim is made, that Lyman Brewster, ac-
companied by one Joe Abeno, came into Stephenson County during 1833, and
established a ferry near Winslow, which was the first in the county, and
survived its owner many years. This, however, is disputed, as also is the
coming of Simeon Davis into Oneco, and the conclusion seems irresistible that
Mr. Brewster did not settle in the county until the spring of 1834. That year
228 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
was noticeable not only for the number but the sterling character of the
additions made to the population. Among them were George Payne, who
halted at Brewster's ferry, George W. Lott, who built a shanty in the present
limits of Winslow Village, Harry and Jerry Waters, and A. 0. Ransom. To
this latter gentleman belongs the honor of laying out the first town in the
county. It was located about one and a half miles below Brewster's ferry, on
the Pecatonica River, and derived its name in part from that of its founder, be-
ing called " Ransomburg." It was regularly surveyed and platted, and on the
map offered inducements of a character calculated to inspire the credulous with
a desire to become identified with the town by investments, which proved to be
permanent if not profitable. The map of the proposed city was illustrated in
colors in the highest style of the lithographer's art. Streets and avenues
intersected each other at measured distances; parks were laid out, and
ornamented with shrubbery, fountains and statuary ; wharves were built and
extended into the river, upon which a floating palace, under full head of steam,
was to be seen suppositiously approaching the landing. Ransomburg, it was
thought, would become the center of trade for the county, and the shipping-
point for the surrounding country. It does not appear, however, that these
considerations influenced purchasers, although the ubiquitous land-agent was
doubtless abroad seeking whom he might devour, but his insatiable maw for
profits probably remained unsatisfied, for the number of purchasers and the
prices paid have remained in obscurity. Mr. Ransom established a store at the
place, as did a Mr. Stewart, who disposed of his lot in the town for $500, dur-
ing a visit to St. Louis when that city was in its infancy, and Miss Jane
Goodhue opened a school there, the first in the county, which, with other im-
provements, promised to confirm the predictions made respecting its rapid
growth. But none of these predictions were ever, even in part, realized. The
unappreciative public, for whose benefit the plans were projected, failed to avail
themselves of the disinterested labors in their behalf, and the town lapsed, and
finally became as a tale that is told. Mr. Ransom removed to Texas, where
he afterward died, the improvements were left to decay, and a corn-field now
occupies the site that once indicated the existence of Ransomburg.
The impetus given to emigration by the pioneers mentioned gathered
strength, however, and manifested itself through that entire year. Though the
number who came and remained in Stephenson County was limited, they were
men of brains and brawn, fully alive to the demands of the times, and equal to
every emergency they were called upon to encounter. Some of those who have
left no trace of their coming went further west; or, dismayed by the difficulties
which met them on every hand, returned whence they came to enjoy the rather
questionable honors accorded a prophet in his own land. The fall of 1834 wit-
nessed the advent of 3ome who are still here, having grown up with the country
and witnessed its transformation from an almost inaccessible wilderness to its
present prosperous and cultivated condition. Among these were Jacob Amos,
William Robey and family, which consisted of his wife, Levi Robey and wife, John,
William W., Thomas L., Francis L., Elizabeth and Mary Robey, children of Will-
iam Robey. The latter reached Brewster's ferry on the 21st of November. Mr.
Robey, some time later, became lessee of the ferry, which he conducted for a num-
ber of years, though at the time he made a claim on which he subsequently settled,
near Cedarville, in Lancaster Township. At that time, the lands along the
Pecatonica were heavily timbered, and filled with Indians. He came from Scioto
County, Ohio, and journeyed via Dixon, Buffalo Grove, in Ogle County,
thence to Brewster's Ferry, to the cabin of Simeon Davis, in Oneco, to Monroe,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 229
Wis., and back to Brewster's Ferry, from which vantage-ground Levi Robey
was accustomed to start forth in search of an available point to make a claim
and settle. Finally, he found a place that would suit, and on St. Valentine's
day, 1835, he removed to the present town of Waddams, locating at a point on
the bank of the Pecatonica, half a mile northeast of his present residence. Here
he built a house, with an ax and a jack-knife to shape the logs, which were cut
in the woods and hauled over the ice to the site of his future home. He was
chary at first, he relates, about trusting the ice to bear the bui'den of his ox team,
and the load they hauled. In the country whence he came, " ice bridges " were
unknown mediums of communication. When he first went on the ice, that
brittle and deceptive substance cracked ominously, and he apprehended that
himself with his yoke of steers and house frame would go to the bottom instead
of the place appointed for their reception. But he and his portables were pre-
served from accident to find new difficulties staring him in the face when he
considered the practicability of raising his ' ; frame " into position. These
were overcome, however, and himself and family were in a brief time ensconced
in their new home, without neighbors, mail facilities, access to supplies, or any
of the absolute necessities which ar.e to-day obtained without the least exertion.
The claim is made that during this year occurred the first birth in the
county, the new-comer being a son to George W. Lott, who was born in the
cabin of his father, then located in the present Winslow Township, between the
villages of Winslow and Oneco. The Waddams family, however, opine that the
birth of Amanda Waddams, in February, 1836, at the Waddams farm, on the
road from Nora to Bobtown, was the pioneer birth in the county, and the same
claim is also made for Lucy, daughter of Dr. Bankson, who was brought forth
early in the latter year.
From 1832 until 1835, the above constituted the settlements made in this
immediate section. As already stated, there were a number who passed through
the county en route to the lead mines, and tarried only long enough to rest and
recuperate their energies sufficiently to continue their trip. But between the
dates mentioned no settlements of a permanent character, other than those
cited, were made. Indeed, it required an almost unlimited complement of
courage and manhood to reconcile men to remove from the old homesteads, dis-
solve old associations, and, cutting loose from the humanizing influences with
which they had been surrounded from youth, turn their faces toward new fields
wherein the foot of man never trod. Yet those who opened the way for the
advance of civilization in the West were possessed of these qualities in a re-
markable degree. They were the modern crusaders who fought against
barbarism and savage occupation, with all the courage, gallantry and steadfast-
ness of purpose that characterized their prototypes in the age of religious'
enthusiasm and chivalry centuries ago. They were the counterparts of a
grenadier of the old regime, who never in any sudden storm or rally, desperate
melee or sorrowful encounter, forgot to doff his plumed hat to an adversary and
cry out through his gray mustache as he shortened his sword arm, u En garde."
They made the beginning of the present gratifying prosperity in the West, and
dedicated themselves to promoting the happiness, gladdening the hearts and
smoothing the pathway of those who came with them and after them to journey
down the chequered aisles of Time. Thrice blessed are these brave men who
never yielded up the chase even when afflictions and disappointment seemed to
wail a requiem over their hopes and the dark clouds of adversity settled like a
pall.
230 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The lives they led were far from being luxurious. No crops of consequence
were raised, and even those who had money experienced difficulty in procuring
the necessaries of life. The condition of families in indigent circumstances, at
a time when wheat cost $4 a bushel, and a journey of forty or fifty miles was
required before it could be ground, can be readily imagined. The nearest base
of supplies was on the Mississippi, at Savannah and Galena, and in those days
the arrival of a steamboat at either place was regarded as an event of so vital
importance that it became the talk of the neighborhood. Some of the settlers
obtained food for their families by hunting, but this was a precarious recourse,
as game, excepting deer, was by no means plentiful. Often the hunter would
go out in the morning to procure something for breakfast, but was compelled to
pass the entire day without a mouthful to satisfy his hunger. It is related by one
of the men who occupied a shanty, that himself and his companion were often
glad, in days when meat was scarce, to procure pork sufficient to grease a grid-
dle, and that upon one occasion his comrade and another young man made a
hearty meal on rinds that had done service in this way, and were hard and
green with mold. The same party stated that he has often worked hard for
weeks together improving his land, on no better fare than Indian meal mixed
with water. These were extreme cases, it is true, but those who for a moment
imagine they led a life of ease and contentment are disposed to listen to the
whisperings of fancy and not the truths of fact. Their lives were by no means
enveloped in a halo of romance, but led in the midst of experiences the modern
hero would shrink from.
Very few of the present inhabitants of Stephenson County can realize the
hardships to which the early settlers were subjected. Their houses were built
of rough, unhewed logs, the cracks filled with mud, the roof composed of
clapboards split from the timber, and secured by poles laid on the top, nails
being an unknown article of trade. These rude habitations rarely contained
windows or floors, or, if provided with the latter, they were composed of pun-
cheons split from logs, and rendered comparatively smooth by hewing. If they
left their cabins for any length of time, they might expect on their return to
find that they had been visited during their absence by the Indians, who had
relieved them of all the provisions they had in store. The farmer manufac-
tured his own plows, fashioned his own drag, or utilized a young sapling in
lieu thereof, and constructed his own wagon, and other farming implements,
and, in nearly every case, without iron. The fur of the raccoon, fox, or
wolf, furnished them with caps, the deer's hide, tanned at home, with
pants, coat and shirt. Tea and coffee were luxuries, to be had at rare inter-
vals, and used only upon special occasions ; as a substitute therefor the set-
tlers provided peas, wheat and barley. When Mr. Waddams made his farm it
contained but four acres, located in the timber, which he cleared, fenced and
planted in corn and potatoes without the assistance of teams. When the iron
plow was first introduced into the county it was regarded as a curiosity, con-
demned as an innovation upon established custom, and as worthless for the
objects for which it~was designed. The grain was threshed with flails, or by
horses, and, when Hiram Waddams thrashed his wheat for the first time, in
1839, with a traveling thrasher mounted upon wheels, the curiosity of his
neighbors found expression in similar criticisms, that were in no degree abated
when, in 1848, Pells Manny introduced a new era in harvesting by construct-
ing the first harvester in this part of the country. It was termed a header,
cutting the heads from off the grain eight inches below the hulls. This was
an improvement upon the cradle where the grain stood up, but when down its
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 231
success was not so gratifying. It was a cumbersome concern, and lasting but a
short time, led the way to other experiments, until finally they brought forth
the reaper which Mr. Manny subsequently invented and patented. Improve-
ments, however, succeeded improvements in this invaluable farming implement,
and the reapers of those days have long since become incidents of the past, and
recurred to now only as illustrating the features of pioneer life with distinctness.
It might be added in this connection that Mr. Manny still lives in the enjoy-
ment of a hale old age, his home in the city of Freeport, surrounded by all that
can smooth the decline of a life that has not been altogether uncheckered.
The spring of 1835 is represented as having been a season of unparalleled
beauty and bright promise. The forests were early decked with foliage, the
prairies shone with the colors of the rainbow in the flowers and shrubberies
that grew upon the surface, and all nature seemed to combine to lend enchant-
ment to a scene no artist's hand can trace. Nothing was lacking to complete
this unrivaled landscape represented in the territory of subsequent Stephenson
County, which a resident of that day asserts rivaled in its magnificence the
fabled beauties of Araby the blest. Crops were put in by the measured num-
ber of agriculturists who then owned clearings, with confidence that the harvest
would be plenteous; and improvements were made, which in a measure accom-
modated the influx of immigration that year witnessed. An advance was also
accomplished in other material interests, and wants were supplied which had
previously been sorely experienced. With these blessings at the threshold, it is
scarcely to be wondered at that settlers began to come in much more numerously
than during previous years. The first who came were few, 'tis true, but before
the year had gone, leaving behind it marks and pleasant memories, joys and
shadows, the additions to the population had been increased by the arrival of
representatives and families, who have been instrumental in building up and
developing the latent wealth which lay hidden in the woods and plains of North-
ern Illinois.
Prominent among those who settled in Stephenson County that year were
John and Benjamin Goddard, Henry and William Hollenbeck, George Trotter,
Richard Parriott, Sr., and family, Levi Lucas, Robert Jones, Andrew St. John
and others, who made claims in what has since been called Buckeye Township;
Nelson Wait, Hubbard Graves and wife, Charles Gappen, Abijah Watson, John
and Thomas Baker and William Willis established homes in Waddams ; James
and W. H. Eels, Alvah Denton, Lemuel W. Streator and Hector P. Kneeland
became identified with Winslow Township, and aided in the progress anticipated
for Ransomburg ; Jefferson and Lewis Van Matre came to Oneco ; John B.
Kaufman to present Erin : Miller Preston to Harlem ; James Timms, Jesse
Willett, and Calvin and Jabez Giddings to Kent ; Albert Alberson, Eli Frank-
eberger, and possibly Josiah Blackamore, to Rock Grove; Thomas Crain and
family to Silver Creek ; Conrad Van Brocklin and Mason Dimmick, also Otis
Love and family, to Florence ; Luman and Rodney Montague and William Tucker
to West point, etc., etc. In addition to these, William Baker — who, it will be
remembered, came into the county first in 1832 — returned to settle, after a
temporary absence in Wisconsin, and laid the foundation for the present city of
Freeport ; Thompson Wilcoxon also came in and staid a short time in Harlem,
wherein he finally settled during the following year; Harvey P. Waters and
Lyman Bennett arrived at the mouth of Yellow Creek in the fall, where they
remained until the spring of 1836, when they removed to Ridott and, with A.
J. Niles, formed the nucleus of settlements subsequently made in that township.
232 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
James Timms, who came that year, as already stated, took possession of the
Kellogg house, wherein he resided for many years, and raised a family, members
of which are to-day living, prominently identified with the agricultural resources
of the county. Benjamin Goddard stopped first with Mr. Robey, which was
fifteen miles from any road traveled by wagon. The Montagues settled near
Waddam's Grove, where they built a house of logs, the floors of which were
made of bass-wood. And so on. Hubbard Graves settled near Levi Robey's,
and the remainder of those mentioned found abiding places which, if they were
attended with an absence of privileges and immunities from care, possessed
comforts which were, in those times, of priceless value.
The settlers experienced the same difficulties, in a measure, while providing
themselves with homes that those who came in the year previous had encount-
ered.
The Winnebago Indians, in vagrant squads, yet remained in the county,
and not unfrequently annoyed the settlers by petty thefts or trespasses upon
their hospitality. Among other losses sustained through their felonious acts,
was the loss of an entire drove of hogs, which they stole from William Wad-
dams. Robert Jones and Levi Lucas maintained a bachelors' retreat about
this time on their claim, near the present village of Cedarville, and during their
absence upon one occasion the Indians effected an entrance into the cabin left
tenantless, which they robbed of a number of articles, including razors, game,
wild honey and tobacco. Upon the return of the owners, an Indian was
observed stealing out of the cabin. When they ascertained that their house-
hold goods had been levied upon, it was decided that the savage had partici-
pated in the robbery, and they concluded to follow him up, to, if possible,
recover their valuables or ascertain where they could be obtained. Acting upon
this conclusion, they started in pursuit of the fugitive, whom they overtook in
the woods while he was in the act of shooting a wild turkey. Before he had
time to comprehend the object of pursuit, Jones rushed up to him and, seizing
his gun, threatened to inflict capital punishment in the case if he did not imme
diately restore what had been taken. After some demurring and pleas in
confession and avoidance, he offered to restore the articles missed if Jones and
Lucas would accompany him to his wigwam. This they consented to do, and
were conducted several miles through the woods, coming suddenly into an
encampment of about thirty braves who, with their families, were quietly rest-
ing after the fatigues of the day. They comprehended the critical situation in
which they had permitted themselves to be placed at a glance, and, though
apprehensive of results, calmed their fears, and putting on a bold front, entered
the circle of encamping savages and sat down. After a prolonged parley,
devoid of anger, the Indian who had conducted them thither disappeared, and
after a brief absence, returned with their tobacco, which was restored, but
assured them that the razors and provisions were in posession of a branch of the
tribe residing on Yellow Creek. When these preliminaries had been con-
cluded, the old Indian related his interview with Jones and Lucas in the forest,
how his rifle had been taken from him, and he had thereby been prevented
from bagging a wild turkey ; embellished with exaggeration and emphasized
with gesticulations that enforced conviction in the savage breast more persua-
sively than the charm of exquisite music possesses for the aesthetic admirer
of the divine art. As a result, his eloquence did not fall upon barren
ground, but was responded to by loud murmurs of dissatisfaction from the
assembled council, and excited the Indians to a degree unprecedented, who
expressed their opinions in language both loud and threatening. Upon behold-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 233
ing this unexpected storm, Jones sought to placate their anger by a show of
generosity, and dividing his tobacco among the thievish gang, waited for their
anger to subside. A calm succeeded the fierce outburst which the settlers had
witnessed, and Jones succeeded in effacing any remembrance of his accusation
for the time being at least by tickling the Indian maidens, gathered there, under
the chin and indulging in other harmless pleasantries with them, which cemented
the reconciliation, though, as Mr. Jones related to the writer, his gallantry was
never more severely taxed than when making love to the greasy beauties of the
Winnebagoes to save his possessions and, possibly, preserve the capillary inte-
guments which constituted his scalp. After "swinging on the gate " for a brief
period with their hostesses, Jones and Lucas departed, and passed the night at
Benjamin Goddard's cabin, south of Cedarville. The following morning they
accompanied Mr. Goddard to William Baker's claim, to assist the latter in
raising his cabin. During that trying period, and while the cabin frame hung
in the balance, so to speak, a party of the Yellow Creek branch of the tribe
hove in sight, doubtless attracted thither in the hope that they would be invited
to partake of the supply of metheglin, the attendant concomitant of similar
undertakings in the times that more than tried men's souls, patience and tem-
per. When they came on to the ground, Mr. Jones, reinforced by the reserve
at his back, informed them that he was entirely familiar with their depredations
on his property, and demanded the return of his stolen razors, in default of
which they would receive the punishment of death, without benefit of clergy.
Thus admonished, they agreed to the alternative, and pointing to the sky, indi-
cated that when the sun reached the meridian they would restore his property,
and, starting off, as if pursued by the Evil Spirit of Indian theology, for their
camp, returned at the appointed hour with the razors.
After this time the Indians were no longer factors in the county. Accord-
ing to the statement contained in a publication of the times, " Tradition still
points to a place near the foot of Stephenson street where Winnesheik, after
vainly resisting the power of the white people until hope had perished, and
being hemmed in by hostile pursuers, leaped into the swollen Pecatonica and
swimming to the opposite shore escaped from his enemies, never to return."
In this instance tradition is not to be relied upon for the facts, for " Coming
Thunder " did return, after many days, and beheld with astonishment the
advances made by the white race in the domain over which himself and his race
once exercised exclusive control. During one of his visits to Freeport, a
daughter of Mrs. Oscar Taylor who had been named " Winnesheik," in compli-
ment to the old chief, was presented to him. But he failed to appreciate the
distinguished honor conferred, and expressed his 'disgust in words of unintelli-
gible patois, accompanied by contemptuous shrugs of his shoulders.
Among those who are noted as having settled in Stephenson County during
the year William Baker, Benjamin Goddard, Levi Robey and others are
remembered with feelings of pleasure by those of their neighbors still living, as
also by the thousand and one prominent citizens who have grown up with the
county, or come into and become part of it since it was incorporated, and
assumed a front place in the northern tier of Illinois counties. As already
mentioned, Baker came into the county proper at a daylong since recorded among
the events that have been, and remained only a sufficient length of time to
establish his claim, when he returned to his family. In December, 1835,
accompanied by his son Frederick, who still lives a citizen of Freeport, and
others, he re-visited his claim and so directed his campaign in the wilderness
that the present flourishing city of Freeport was the result. They were men,
234 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
it is said, of wonderful inventive genius, possessed of much of that nature which
makes the whole world kin, persons of infinite wit and endless resource. They
possessed the happy faculty of so adapting themselves to circumstance, as that
they were not only always in a good humor themselves, but prevailed against
afflictions in others, and resolved gloom into sunshine. They were men of
unbounded hospitality, impulsive, of quick sensibilities and warm sympathies,
and so constituted that without the presence of men of their kind, the world
would be less humane, and new settlements less advanced with the departure
of each season. Baker has left the city of Freeport. and the remainder of the
county as monuments for posterity to learn of them, and their multitude of
friends throughout the great West recall their lives with smiles of pleasure
when reflecting upon the many cheerful hours they have passed in their
company.
During the balance of the year 1835, there was nothing of interest occur-
ring which can be ascertained, either effected a change in the situation as
already described, or proposed a different outlook for the future. Those who
had come in during the year, with others, doubtless, whose names have not
been preserved, extended the settlements to various parts of the county, where
claims were perfected by possession and occupation, and their improvement
settled down to. There were no amusements in those days, as one of the
old settlers remarked upon being interrogated on that subject. " Why, bless
you man, we worked ; and when we finished the chores at night," he continued,
"we were ready to smoke and go to bed." Their amusements were such as
aided them in preparing amusements for the future. Up with the dawn, whence
they labored constantly, with a brief intermission at noon for lunch, until
sunset ; they indeed earned their bread in the sweat of their brows, and sank
down to rest at nightfall with the consciousness that some headway had been
made by them on the great highway of life, and that if fortune refused to smile
upon their efforts, she would not embargo their advance.
As with amusements, so it was with schools and churches. The absence of
the former was duplicated in the latter respect. There were none of either.
The schoolmaster was not abroad in Stephenson County that year, and beyond
the solitary circuit rider, who came at long intervals, if he came at all in the
days of this period, there was no representative of the Church to be seen or
heard of. And, if the truth be told, as [conservators of morals, there was no
call for their presence. The settlers had no spare time to listen to the charm-
ings of Satan, and, if they had, they were so distant removed from the base of
supplies that no mischief could have been provided for idle hands to do. From
these alleged facts, it would- seem that nothing -remained for them but the
development of the country and the providing of homes for days when age
could not supply the deficiencies of youth, arid the promise of yesterday
remained unfulfilled. Such was the case without exaggeration ; they knew no
avoidance of duty, sought no means that would aid them in violating their
obligations, but toiled on and persevered in the path of duty until the dawn of
perfect days, and the triumph of mind over matter enabled them to rest from
their labors and partake of that reward reserved for those who " drag up
drowned honor from the locks."
The winter of 1835 was, according to general report, as inhospitable and
cheerless as the spring previous had been ''childlike and bland." Breaking
the prairie was continued until late in the fall, when the frost congealed
earth's moisture so effectually as to forbid the husbandman from further
labors in that behalf. Their efforts were then transferred to the timber,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 235
and through the eager and nipping air of December trees were felled and timber
hewn for houses, stables, mills and other conveniences requiring time and
material to provide. There were no mills in the county at the date men-
tioned, and, when meal or flour was required, a lengthy and fatiguing trip was
necessary before either could be obtained. No supplies of this or a kindred
character could be obtained nearer than Galena, Dixon, Peoria and other
distant points. In the straits these circumstances placed the settlers, occasion-
all} they improvised mills and inaugurated schemes that materially aided in
relieving their immediate necessities. When they were at a loss for meal or
flour, yet possessed the grain to grind, the settler would cut down a large oak
tree, smooth off the stump and build a fire in the center to burn out the heart
of the wood. When the interior was sufficiently charred, the part thus rendered
easy to chop was chopped out with an axe until a rude mortar, capable of
containing a peck or more of corn, was provided. When these preparations
were concluded, the self-constituted miller would rig up a sweep, similar, in
some respects, if not in power and dimensions, to the old-fashioned well-sweep,
in one end of which he drove an iron wedge, and, using this as a pestle, he
pounded the corn. When it was reduced to the consistency of the coarsest
quality of meal, he would toss the product up and winnow it with his breath, after
which it was ready for use, and the corn-dodgers mixed therefrom and baked
in the ashes are said to have been sweeter than the honey of Hymettus.
Although the acreage of timber was in some places nearly equal to the area
of prairie, the former was, as a rule, employed only in the building of cabins
wherein to reside. If the settler had a drove of cattle or hogs, and there were
those who did boast such possessions, they were allowed to range at will without
protection from the elements. In some instances, however, the farmer secured
comfortables stables, built of sods, which were to be obtained in every furrow of
the virgin prairie turned up. And these, it is said, formed better bricks than
the Hebrews could have furnished Pharaoh before he denied them straw. Out
of this prairie quarry the laborer was enabled to obtain sufficient sod to com-
plete an outhouse large enough to accommodate his horse and cow, when the
bleak winds of November chilled them to the marrow, and materially interfered
with their usefulness and capacity to sustain burdens.
One peculiar feature of life here in those days was the entire absence of
homesickness among the settlers. Inquiries in that direction failed to elicit
any response tending to prove the existence of this much dreaded malady in
the settlement. On the contrary, all were full of heart and hope, assured of
becoming lords of the land and looking forward to a day when this assurance
should be made doubly sure by possession. But 7 the absence of the complaint
suggested was doubtless due to the same causes which denied them amusements
and other privileges mentioned. In addition to these, it might be stated that
in temporal affairs the settlers were as innocent of that which distracted the
brain of those nearer the centers of trade, as was Evangeline's father of the
wiles of the world. Politics then caused them no concern ; there were no office-
holders or office-seekers, and the poetry and pleasure of their lives was undis-
turbed by promises from the former, or appeals from the latter, until long after
civil government was established. Yet, notwithstanding the many advantages and
privileges vouchsafed them, there were no markets for the surplus harvests raised,
if such there should be, and little to mitigate the severity of disease or secure its
prevention or cure. A writer of the times details that " they led happy lives,
satisfied that they would live and die on their own estate. When the land
should come into market, they would obtain title thereto and own it from the
236 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
surface to the stars, and from their cabin floors all the way down to the center
of the globe." These claims, which have been referred to so frequently, was
the "unwritten law of the settlers themselves." It guaranteed possession to
him who first picked out a spot as his own and "blazed" a tree around it, or
marked it with a furrow in the sod through the prairie. To this he had an
undoubted right, an indisputable "claim" against all comers, save the Govern-
ment, whence he expected to buy when the lands were offered for sale in the
market. They were generally 640 acres, and occasionally included much more,
while some speculators, assuming to be settlers, were disposed to claim the
country around for the purpose of holding the same and disposing of it at
advanced rates to those who came after them. But they did not always succeed
in the ungenerous undertakings, and were almost invariably left in the vocatire.
When the sales of land were made at Dixon, in 1848, the contest between pur-
chasers thereat and those who held possession under this "unwritten law" were
numerous and prolonged. Not unfrequentiy harsh measures were deemed
necessary to quiet title, and the claim societies organized years before in antici-
pation of these difficulties, to express it in the language of one of their mem-
bers, "had their hands full." But time at last, which sets all things even,
dissipated the bickerings born of these events, and the legal claimants were,
as a general rule, protected in their rights.
The year 1836 was characterized by a still larger immigration than that of
either of the preceding years. According to the opinions of many who were
on the ground and competent to judge, the history of the county properly
commences with that annual Those who had become msmbers of the body
politic by residence and improvement, sent back to the homes whence they
came glowing accounts of this beautiful land, with her broad, billowy prairies,
replete with buds and blossoms, with her wooded fastnesses, in which the deer
and smaller game roamed at pleasure; of the water-power that her streams
would afford, and many other items of interest, which conspired to render the
country not only fascinating to the traveler, but productive under the horny
hand of toil. Why remain at the East, circumscribed in their possessions,
when they could obtain domains of unlimited extent and fertility by joining
fortunes with those already here, was asked of those at home who had been
vouchsafed a "New Dispensation " in Illinois. The descriptions sent thither,
and the queries propounded, produced their natural results. They induced
reflection and a comparison of advantages enjoyed at home with those that
could be secured in other fields. These reflections begat a feeling of discontent
and unhappiness in the breasts of the toilers by whom they were indulged, and
this discontent and unhappiness culminated in their decision to " pull up
stakes " and find in the West, if not the Fountain of Youth, the rock of end-
less resources, which needed only to be smote that abundant streams of reve-
nue might gush forth. Adopting the lang'uage of one who has discoursed most
eloquently on the subject, " The spring of 1836" witnessed an unprecedented
flow of immigration from all quarters into the county. Farms were opened,
cabins built, blacksmith and other shops improvised ; beside the stumps of trees
men began to talk and plan for the future, women made calls and visits, and
submitted to all the trials, privations and hardships of their frontier life with a
heroism and faith that cheered the hearts and nerved the arms of the sterner
sex in many a season of gloom and despondency."
Among those who settled in the county this year was a young man who, by
the force of his real merit, indomitable energy and personal character, elevated
himself to one of the most prominent and honorable positions within the power
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 237
of the people to confer. Beginning life amid discouraging surroundings,
restrained from choice in the adoption of a pursuit by the iron hand of penury,
Thomas J. Turner found his way into Stephenson County in May, 1836, and.
having made a claim in the eastern part thereof, erected a mill near Farwell's
ferry on the Pecatonica, at the mouth of Rock Run, where he began the battle
of life with none of the auxiliaries that attend modern youth in their wrestles
with fate. In company with Julius Smith and B. Thatcher, he built a cabin
for his protection, and, when not occupied in discharging his duties at the mill,
was storing his mind with knowledge that laid the foundation for future
eminence on the hustings, at the bar, and in the councils of the nation. Pro-
visions at the time spoken of were scarce, and for several days, as he subsequently
stated, himself and his companions had nothing whatever but boiled corn to
eat. Not relishing this unpalatable edible, however, as a steady diet, he started
for Galena in order that he might supply the larder with corn that had been
eaten up. About dark on the first day of his journeying, he reached a cabin
on the opposite side of the Pecatonica, and announced his presence by repeated
hallooings. After a season a lad manned a canoe, and ferried him across the
river, where he was introduced into the cabin of Mr. William Baker. The
head of the house was absent, as he learned upon inquiry, having gone to Peoria
for a stock of supplies, but he received a hospitable welcome from the lady of
the house and her houseful of children. After an exchange of compliments,
he asked for food and the good woman said he should have some, but all she
had to offer were two small "corndodgers" and the remains of a catfish. The
visitor was nearly famished, he had even gone without his usual meal of boiled
corn, but he refused to take the scanty supply in the house and declined her ten-
der, after properly acknowledging its proffer. She insisted, and assured
him that her husband would return in time to prevent them from starving,
besides the boys had got the line out and would have another catfish before
morning. He retired to sleep with an exalted opinion of frontier hospitality,
and during the night his slumbers were disturbed by the barking of dogs and an
unusual commotion out of doors. Upon rising to investigate, he ascertained
that the disturbance arose by reason of the return of Mr. Baker, accom-
panied by an abundant store of provisions, upon part of which he feasted in the
morning, and continued his trip to Galena. Here he obtained work, and pro-
curing a stock of supplies, he returned to his claim in the county, to meet and
dispose of new embarassments, endure other hardships and privations, until he
amassed sufficient means to enable him to live without the constant apprehen-
sion of want uppermost in his mind.
His was not a remote instance of the privations that were suffered by the
early settlers of Stephenson County, to be recurred to in after years when the
struggle, the strife, the pain, the turmoil of life were nearly over, as experiences
that were gained in adversity to be handed down to their children when the tale
is told, is finished and ended. As these facts are recited, there are many whose
lives Avere duplicates of that led by Col. Turner, who survive him, and can
attest their truth ; there be many too upon whose lips the seal of death has
been set. No' word can reach the ears of these dead sleepers, but departing they
have left behind them the stories of lives that shall be told and oft repeated in
the "evening tent," by the household hearth, and wherever the memory of the
brave and true is venerated and revered.
This scarcity of provisions mentioned as existing as late as 1836, is in part
accounted for by the fact that the area of cultivation was not measurably increased
by that time. There were no roads, no bridges and few ferries, and the means
238 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
of communicating with points at which supplies could be obtained were
exceedingly meager. Three saw-mills had been commenced — one at Winslow
by Thomas Lott, the second on Yellow Creek by William Kirkpatrick, and
Turner's Mill at the mouth of Rock Run, but none of them were completed
until late in the season. There were no grist-mills north of the Illinois River;
during the year William Kirkpatrick erected a corn cracking machine on
Yellow Creek, which was also used as a grist-mill, but it was a poor substitute,
and was employed to crack wheat as well as corn. The houses were nearly all
built of logs, and as the settler was unable to build his cabin single-handed,
"raisings" were cheerfully assisted at by neighbors for miles around.
In this vear a " claim meeting " was organized, being among the first of the
kind in the county. Its object was to defend each member in the possession of
his respective claim. The officers consisted of a President, Secretary and Board
of Directors. If the claim of any member was encroached upon the party suffer-
ing was to notify the officers, who were authorized to make an investigation ;
if it be found that the cause of complaint is just, the trespasser was to be
warned to abandon the claim within five days. If he remained delinquent at
the expiration of that period he was to be "carefully removed with his effects
from the premises." These were the chief provisions of the constitution as
adopted, supplemented by a general understanding that two sections, two miles
square, should constitute the extreme limit that heads of families might
"claim."
The previous year, William Baker had erected an "Indian trading post" at
the mouth of the creek which now empties into Pecatonica River within the
limits of Freeport, thus practically beginning the building of that city. In the
following year, he built a house in the future city, of hewn logs, the first pre-
tentious establishment in Stephenson County, as also the first hotel in the
section. Soon after, the town was laid out, and a company formed for the sale
of lots, composed of Mr. Baker, William Kirkpatrick and W. T. Galbraith. A
limited emigration drifted hither during the year, including L. 0. Crocker, 0.
H. Wright, Joel Dodds, Jacob Goodheart, Hiram G. Eads, John Hinkle, James
Burns, Robert Smith, Benjamin R. Wilmot, John Brown and others. The
improvements made elsewhere in the county were meager, though in Freeport
a comparative number of houses went up under the direction of the company
and those who came there as a result of their labors. Ransomburg was still in
existence and, with Freeport, made up the sum total of settlements that bore
the appearance of villages in the county.
The remainder of the vast territory was, when occupied, devoted to farming
purposes, with all that the term implies, and though agriculture had just com-
menced to be a factor in the new country, it was attended with abundant returns.
The exact number who settled in Stephenson County that year cannot be deter-
mined with any degree of accuracy. Their name was not legion, however, as they
can almost be counted without an extended knowledge of mathematics. Har-
mony existed between them in all the departments of life that became the
outgrowth of their coming. No bickerings disturbed the friendly relations
which existed ; a commendable absence of disorder was apparent, all combined
their best efforts to bring order out of chaos and redeem the country from
unproductiveness, or the production that benefited no man. And this was as
it should be. The advance of civilization in the world, as illustrated in the
origin and consolidation of empires, monarchies and republics, from the days of
Romulus and Remus to the present, is measured by the limits of public tran-
quility, during which nations gain their highest elevation, weakening and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY, 239
lamentable antagonisms and international strifes causing them to sink below
the level of obscurity.
In addition to those already cited as having settled in the vicinity of Free-
port, the following persons, some of them with their families, came in and made
claims at dhTerent points in the county: Pells Manny, Alfred and San-
ford Giddings, Washington Perkey, " Widow " Swanson and family, Thomas
Flynn, E. Mullarkey, Henry Hulse, M. Welsh. William and Leonard Lee,
Nathan Blackamore, Aaron Baker, Jehu Pile, Ira Job, Daniel Holly, Lydia
Wait and family, Thomas Hawkins, John Boyington, N. Phillips, John Lobdell,
L. M. and Jeremiah Grigsby, Barney Stowell, a man named Velie, Nicholas
Marcellus, John Dennison, W. P. Bankson, M. D., the first physician to settle in
the county, Harmon Coggeshall, James Macomber, Alonzo Denio, Duke Chilton,
William Kirkpatrick, Gilbert Osborn, A. J. Niles, Sanford Niles, Sawyer
Forbes, Daniel Wooten, John Reed, E. H. D. Sanborn, the Ostranders, Garrett
Lloyd, Asa Nichols, Lorenzo Lee, Madison Carnefex, Phillip Fowler, D. W. C.
Mailory, Joseph Norris, Thomas Hathaway, with his mother-in-law, a Mrs.
Brown, James Shinkle, and perhaps two or three others whose names not having
been preserved are unintentionally omitted.
From this record it will be seen that the population of the county, owing to
the attractions held out per se, as also to the favorable reports which had been
carried back East by the videttes of the army of civilization which afterwards
followed and took possession, was materially augmented.
The winter of 1836-37 was a repetition of that of 1834-35. The cold was
intense, and its severity to-day is quoted as one among the wonderful mys-
teries of nature revealed at long intervals to the curious, if not entirely grate-
ful human family. There was, as a result, very little done in the way of build-
ing, or improving the land. A happy-go-lucky sort of a life was led, as most
of the settlers had become comparatively comfortable, and remaining generally
in their cabins, took scarcely any thought of the morrow, content to wait until
the icy fetters of winter were permanently severed before arranging for future
campaigns. During the fall, lands to a large amount were entered in the State
of Illinois, of which a reasonable proportion was located in Stephenson County.
From this, it was not unreasonable to conclude that an extraordinary tide of
emigration would set in with the spring of 1837. This fired the ideas of
farmers and business men with the hope of attaining fortunes suddenly, and
caused almost unlimited investments ; to prevent them from becoming a drug
upon the hands of purchasers, as also to invite immigration to the State, a
system of internal improvements was formulated, based on the faith and credit
of the State. A bill providing for the construction of railroads, the building
of canals and improvement of rivers was adopted by the Legislature, and great
results were expected. But these expectations were never realized. The
internal improvement system collapsed entirely almost before it had been tested,
the suspension of banks became frequent and hard times obtained wherever two
or three had gathered together in one place. The effect of this in the State
was to retard immigration for a brief period, and although Stephenson County
escaped its direct effects, there is no doubt but that its growth and development
was temporarily checked. Merchandising during this period was made up of the
retailing of a, few groceries and necessaries, and the money received, where
the trade was not a barter, was sent abroad for the payment of goods, which
drained the country of anything like a sufficient currency and added to the
inconveniences experienced, as also aggravated the panic of that year. This
calamity, however, was not felt to any appreciable extent in Stephenson
°240 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
County, say those who were here in those days, but reserved for their benefit
twenty years later, when the East and West were threatened with financial ruin
by the monetary difficulties which overran the country in 1857.
A cursory review of the situation in the county, from the day when William
Waddams came into what was then a part of Jo Daviess County, to the organi-
zation of the county by legislative enactment, not five years after, reveals a
condition of affairs as changed as they were singularly wonderful and encour-
aging. During that period the number of inhabitants had increased in a
remarkable degree. Wild and untrodden prairies had been resolved into farms
under a comparatively high state of cultivation. Houses had been built of a
more imposing character than Mr. Waddams believed would appear in the
ensuing decade, forests had been felled, roads surveyed and towns laid out ; the
water power applied to beneficial uses and "internal improvements" contem-
plated, which should appreciate the value of property, increase the attractions
offered immigrants and accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number.
This was the situation when spring opened in 1837, and active operations were
begun by the people.
The first marriage to occur in the county is a question involved in doubt.
Some maintain that the ceremony took place in Ransomburg during the year
1836, while others assert it was postponed until a year later. The couple
united at Ransomburg is said to have been a Mr. Gage and Melindy Eels. The
fact, however, is claimed by old settlers about Winslow, that the marriage
of Dr. W. G. Bankson to Phoebe Macomber took place in the fall of 1836, and
if any wedding had preceded that in the county they are unfamiliar with the
contracting parties. A colporteur or Squire Waddams officiated upon this latter
occasion, but who attended in a similar capacity at the marriage of Mr. Gage
and Miss Eels, is not susceptible of proof.
The first death is quoted as occurring the same year, also the first birth.
The former was a son of Lemuel Streator, in the township of Winslow, and
the latter, as already referred to, was Amanda Waddams, the date of her com-
ing being during the month of February.
All of these events came to pass prior to the separation of the county
from Jo Daviess, to which they properly belong, and are only mentioned in
this connection as evidence of the fact that life, marriage and death visited the
homes of settlers, and that grief and joy, pleasure and sorrow, were as freely
distributed as in the days which have followed.
With the advance that had been made in the five years mentioned, the peo-
ple were proud. Though few in number they thanked God for it ; they
thanked Him that their lives were cast in such pleasant places ; they felt that
their homes were established, whence they would not depart from until the
summons came to join the innumerable throng marching to that mysterious
realm in the dim land of dreams, and, with quiet, genial, loving promptings,
united in a common cause, they contemplated the future, not as children con-
template the darkness of the night, but full of hope for the days that were yet
hidden in its unfathomable depth.
Up to the spring of 1837 there was no civil organization among the settlers.
the territory, as has been stated, being under the jurisdiction of Jo Daviess
County, though, as one of the chroniclers details, but few of them knew it.
The differences arising between them, when any occurred, proceeding from the
disputes engendered regarding the boundaries of claims. How these were dis-
posed of when arbitration failed of adjustment is known, sometimes summarily
but without litigation. Industry, frugality and hospitality were the ruling
rD
f -7
tfsHA-Z
FREEPORT.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 243
maxims among them, and they lived together in peace. Though without many
of the accessories of civilization, or the comforts of life, many live to-day who
regret that those days of trial and adventure are past, and the rude cabin with
the rifle hanging above the entrance, possess a charm for them unspeakable.
On the 4th of March, 1837, the Legislature, then in session at Vandalia,
passed an act providing for the organization of the county, as follows :
Section 1. — Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General
Assembly, That all tract of that country within the following boundaries, to wit : commencing on the
northern boundery of the State where the section line between sections three and four, in town
twenty-nine north, range five, east of the fourth principal meridian strikes said line, and thence
east on the northern boundary of the State, to the range line between ranges nine and ten east,
thence south on said range line to the northern boundary of Ogle County, thence west on the
northern boundary of Ogle County to and passing the northeast corner of the county, to the
line between sections thirty-three and thirty-four, in township twenty-six north, range five east
to the place of beginning, shall form a county to be called Stephenson, as a tribute of respect to
the late Col. Benjamin Stephenson.
Sec. 2 — An election shall be held at the house of .William Baker, in said county, on the first
Monday of May next, for one Sheriff, one Coroner, one Recorder, one County Surveyor, three
County Commissioners, and one Clerk of the County Commissioner's Court, who shall hold their
offices until the next succeeding general elections, and until their successors are elected and
qualified ; which said election shall be conducted in all respects agreeable to the provisions of
the law regulating elections. Provided, That the qualified voters present may elect from their own
number three qualified voters to act as judges of said election, who shall appoint two qualified
voters to act as clerks.
By a further provision of this act, the counties of Stephenson and Boone
contrived to form a part of the county of Jo Daviess until their organization,
and they were also afterwards to be attached to Jo Daviess in all general elec-
tions, until otherwise provided for by law.
In pursuance of this act, an election was accordingly held at the house of
William Baker on the first Monday of May, 1837, at which James W. Fowler,
Thomas J. Turner and Orleans Daggett were selected as judges, with Benjamin
Goddard and John C. Wickham as Clerks. The total number of votes cast
was 121. William Kirkpatrick was elected Sheriff; Lorenzo Lee, Coroner ;
Oestes H. Wright, Commissioner's Clerk and Recorder ; Lemuel W. Streator,
Isaac S. Forbes and Julius Smith, Commissioners, and Frederick D. Bukley,
County Surveyor. Of these, the first officers of Stephenson County, Fred-
rick D. Bukley alone survives, the remainder, it is believed, having crossed
over the river, are resting beneath the trees that line its banks. On the 8th
of May, the County Commissioners' Court convened according to law, at which
the officers elected the week previous qualified, after which the Court proceeded
to lay off the county into election precincts and dispose of other business de-
manding its attention. During the session of the Court, a drunken man who
was noisy and pugnacious was arrested by Sheriff Kirkpatrick and locked up in
William Baker's root house, where he was kept until the liquor had spent its
force, when he was discharged. If to-day an inebriated warrior in pursuit of
trouble and gore should collide with an officer of the law, he would be furnished
with quarters in the calaboose, and when sober charged for his accommodations
at rates that would astonish the economical tipstaff of 1837.
Among other orders entered on the Commissioners' book upon that memor-
able occasion, was one prohibiting inn-keepers from charging more than 37^
cents for a meal, 12J cents for a night's lodging, 25 cents for a measure of oats,
and the same price for a horse to hay over night. That order, it is believed,
has never been repealed, but is never enforced and has become a dead letter.
The electoral precincts, as then laid off, were as follows: —
Rock Grove Precinct began at the northeast corner of the county and ran
south six miles, thence west nine miles, thence north to the State line, thence
244 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
on the line to the place of beginning. Jonathan Cora, J. R. Blackamore and
Eli Frankeberger were appointed Judges.
Silver Creek Precinct commenced at the southeast corner of Rock Grove
Precinct and ran south to the south line of the county, thence seven miles
west, thence north, striking the line of Rock Grove Precinct, thence east to
the place of beginning. Horace Colburn, N. Salsbury and Philo Hammond,
Judges.
Brewster Precinct commenced at the northwest corner of Rock Grove Pre-
cinct, running south six miles, west eleven miles, north to the State line and
east to the place of beginning. L. R. Hull, John M. Curtiss and N. C. Ran-
som, Judges.
Central Precinct commenced at the northwest corner of Silver Creek Pre-
cinct, ran south five miles, west thirteen miles, north to the southwest corner
of Brewster Precinct, thence east to the place of beginning. Ira Jones, Levi
Lucas and Alpheus Goddard, Judges.
Waddams Precinct commenced at the northwest corner of Brewster Precinct,
ran south to the south line of the county, thence west on the county line to the
west line, north on the line to the north line of the county, and east to the place
of beginning. John Garner, William Waddams and Othniel Preston were
appointed Judges.
Freeport Precinct began at the southeast corner of Central Precinct, ran
south to the south line of the county, west to the east line of Waddams Pre-
cinct, north to the south line of Central Precinct, and east to the place of begin-
ning, with Seth Scott, A. M. Preston and L. 0. Crocker, Judges.
The act creating the county also authorized Vance L. Davidson, Isaac Cham-
bers and Miner York to locate the county seat, appointing them Commissioners
for that purpose; and as soon as their appointment, together with the object, was
promulgated, the fun began in earnest as to where the court house should be
located. Propositions for the county seat were submitted from all parts of the
county where any approach to a settlement had been made, and the advantages
offered by the several claimants were no doubt urged with a pertinacity that
equalled eloquence. The principal rivalry, however, existed between Cedarville,
then in futuro, and Freeport, which by this time contained as many as half a
dozen houses, a store, saloon, hotel and other adjuncts of progress. On behalf
of the former place its locality was urged as one of the principal arguments.
It would, when built up, occupy the center of the county, within easy reach of
the most distant citizen. In addition to this, there were other features of excel-
lence which were not presented by Freeport or any other mooted point. But
the claims of the latter place carried the day, the argument advanced by
William Baker being that the site for the court-house should be donated, sup-
plemented by the assurance that each of the Commissioners should receive a
lot. This inducement, the Rev. F. C. Winslow thought, influenced the judgment
of the Commissioners, and biased their decision in making the award. At all
events, they concluded upon Freeport as the most available site, and in June,
1837, issued the following proclamation as the result of their deliberations:
We, the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature of the State of Illinois, to locate the
county seat of Stephenson County and State aforesaid, have located said Seat of Justice, on
the northwest quarter of Section 31, in Township 27, north, Range 8, east of the Fourth Prin-
cipal Meridian, now occupied and claimed by William Kirkpatrick & Co., William Baker and
Smith Galbraith.
Whereunto we have set our hands and seals this 12th day of June, A. D. 1837.
(Signed,) V. L. DAVIDSON.
ISAAC CHAMBERS.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 245
When the agony was over the people returned to their usual avocations, and
though it was alleged that the Commissioners had acted inequitably in the
premises, no one has been found, in the light of subsequent events, to condemn
the policy adopted on that occasion.
The next most important event in the -history of the times, was the first
marriage solemnized according to law after the county was organized, and
requiring the issue of a licence to make it legally binding.
The parties to the contract were Eunice, daughter of William Waddams,
and George Place. The happy couple selected the anniversary of American In-
dependance, 1837, for the celebration of their nuptials, and enlisted the services
of Levi Robey, Esq., then acting as a Justice of the Peace. He tied the knot
presumably with neatness and despatch, and Mrs. Place yet lives to relate the
fact. She says there were no jollifications had upon this memorable occasion ;
that she and her consort continued on the even tenor of their way, and never
regretted the benediction which made them one. She now lives in the house
her father built forty-eight years ago, on the road from Nora to McConnell's
Grove, enjoying a ripe old age and all the comforts to which she was then a
stranger. On the 24th of the same month James Blair was married to
Kate Marsh at the residence of James Timms. William Ensign opened a
school in Mr. Timms' residence the same summer — probably the first school
taught in the county after it was laid off. On May 24, of this year, Harvey
M. Timms came to light in his father's cabin, and is generally distinguished as
the first birth. The first deaths reported were those of Thomas Milburn and a
man named Reed, who had but recently come into the county, and their tragic
ending caused feelings of sympathy and gloom to prevail in the neighborhood
where the accident by which they met their fate occurred.
It seems that they were employed in cultivating a corn patch a short dis-
tance west of the present village of Ridott, on the opposite side of the Pecaton-
ica, which they were accustomed to cross when proceeding to work, by means of
a " dug out." One morning, in the spring of 1837, the men, accompanied by a
step-son of Thomas Crain, embarked in their treacherous ferry and shoved out
into the stream. During the passage the unwieldy barque capsized, precipitat-
ing the unfortunate trio into the swollen waters. Reed and Milburn were una-
ble to swim and sank to the bottom, while Wooten, the young man who started
with them, reached the opposite shore, narrowly escaping the end which attended
his companions. The survivor hurried to arouse the settlers, who hastened to
the scene of the accident, and, after dragging the river without results for sev-
eral hours, finally recovered the bodies. The only hearse procurable was a
large emigrant wagon, in which, drawn by a yoke of oxen, they were taken to
the highest and dry est spot near by, a grave dug, and they laid reverently in.
Hazel brush was placed on. the bodies, and the grave filled up. A few days
after, one who had assisted at the burial, on going to the grave, found that
prairie wolves had dug in so far as to bring up a portion of the fustian pants
in which one of them was dressed. He procured a block of wood, which he
drove into the opening, after which it remained undisturbed, and is remembered
as a landmark, visible for a long distance, by travelers on the prairie.
On the 5th of December, 1837, a contract was concluded between the County
Commissioners and Thomas J. Turner for the erection of a frame court house
and a jail of hewn logs. The timbers were gotten out during the winter, under
the direction of Julius Smith, and the premises in part completed the following
summer. From 1838 to 1870 the old "justice shop " stood in the square on
Stephenson street, and served the purpose for which it was erected, without
246 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
decay. Twice it was struck by lightning, which splintered some of its timbers,
but in each instance repairs restored its safety and left it without a scar. The
old building passed through a world of experience in its day, but was finally
removed to give place to the splendid structure which now ornaments its site.
An impetus was added to immigration this year, and all the material
interests of the county prospered, notwithstanding the dark and troublesome
times which were being experienced in more populated communities, where
wealth and happiness had given place to actual want, and anticipations yielded
place to discouraging realities. These were the effects of the panic.
Indeed, it may be safely said, that in spite of the numerous drawbacks which
new corporations inevitably encounter, the year 1837, in many respects, yielded
the first intimations received by settlers that good would come out of Stephen-
son County in a future not too distant to discourage. A prosperous period it
was insisted upon was dawning. The farmers closed their year's labors with a
consciousness that these labors had not been altogether vain, and determined to
so improve the opportunities offered by the ensuing season that their profits
should be liberal. To this portion of the community, at least, the prospect was
cheering. The location of the county seat but confirmed to their minds the
predictions regarding the future they had ventured. The contracts let for
public buildings would create a demand for labor, attract emigration, cause
money te be disbursed, create a larger demand for their products and cheapen
the price of necessaries. Nor was this all. The county, then devoid of roads,
would in a short time be supplied, and farmers would be able to market their com-
modities with some assurance that they could go there and return home without
exhausting the proceeds of their sales. Nor was this all. The value of lands
appreciated, and the sales of claims effected, if so desired, at prices which seemed
extravagant ; mail facilities would be improved, and means of communication
increased. The accomplishment of these desideratums would do much to dissi-
pate the feeling of solitude and desire which come upon the most courageous
for temporary change.
Freeport began to assume the appearance of a village, and New Pennsylva-
nia, known as Bobtown, but of late years as McConnell's Grove, had been laid
out by Dennison and Vanzant. At the former place a number of houses had
been put up, and considerable trading carried on at the village store of 0. H.
Wright. Business there was generally concluded while it was light; when
night spread its wings over the scene, merchant and customer, factor and
planter, were usually at home, and the "city " was left to darkness and vacancy.
Amusements were not indulged. The necessity for labor to provide the staff
of life precluded pleasantries of any but a kind seemingly indigenous to new
countries — including raisings, quiltings and the like. Schools, with sparse
attendance and the most ordinary curriculum, had been established in some
portions of the county, and services were held by traveling preachers whenever
an opportunity was afforded. Their edifices were frequently " God's first
temples," and the congregation made up of residents within a circuit of many
miles from the point of occupation. The Rev. Father McKean, it is believed,
preached in Freeport, this year, the first sermon by a regularly ordained min-
ister, in the village, and some say that Judge Stone convened court in 0. H.
Wright's residence, which was in the rear of his store. When the court house
was partly finished, it was devoted to religious as well as judicial purposes, its
occupation being divided between the various sects then seeking converts, on
the ground, and was so appropriated until the several denominations were
domiciled in quarters of their own.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 247
Among the large number who came into this section that year, there were
some who have left the impress of their labors and characteristics so pronounc-
edly that they are distinctly remembered after the lapse of nearly half a cen-
tury. Prominent among these was Dr. Thomas Van Valzah, who came from
Pennsylvania, the pioneer of a class of people, the "Pennsylvania Dutch,"
who followed in his footsteps, and, purchasing large tracts of land in the
county, have attained to wealth and importance by their indefatigable industry,
keen foresight, economy and perseverance. As farmers, speculators making
investments, heads of corporations, bank presidents, and citizens, they have
everywhere commanded the public confidence and a decided success.
Dr. Van Valzah settled on a claim within the present site of the village of
Cedarville, which he purchased of John Goddard, and at once began the erec-
tion of a saw and grist mill. These were completed in November, 1837, and
were the first of the kind put up in the county. The latter was supplied with
one run of stone and a " chopper." The mill was at first operated by hand-
power, but within a year of its completion water-power was substituted. The
establishment has been conducted since, though the old mill building long since
yielded precedence to a handsome structure, at present owned by Hon. John H.
Addams.
During the summer, Nelson Martin opened a school in Freeport, and some
of his pupils still remember the "deportment " he enforced, more particularly
that attending their disobedience of an order issued by him prohibiting the
scholars from testing the supporting qualities of the ice upon the Pecatonica
when that stream was frozen over in the following winter.
In other portions of the county an imperfect system of education had been
introduced, and was attended with beneficial results. In short, this year, as al-
ready remarked, was a year in which rapid strides were made in the direction
of an independence that only required time to develop fully. In addition to
Freeport and McConnell's Grove, there were other settlements which sought the
felicity of villages. " Irish Grove," in Rock Run Township, and " Dublin,"
in the Township of Erin, were sprouting into significance as the Celtic residents
of both places made improvements and cultivated the graces of peace, supple-
mented by a moderate degree of prosperity. Too much cannot be said of the
Irish residents of Stephenson County. None are dependent, while many of
them own and cultivate large farms, and all are industrious, law-abiding and
reputable citizens. A temperance organization exists in Dublin, which enjoys a
generous membership, and wherever this nationality predominates it exerts an
influence for good. The sons and daughters are educated to fit them for the
duties of life. As one of the early settlers of that race stated to the writer, he
was determined that his children should not be deprived of the advantages that
were denied him in his youth. Two of the oldest churches in the county were
built and supported by them, and the religious influence exerted by the congre-
gations is not surpassed by that of any other organization in the county.
The arrivals this year included, among others : Joseph Musser, Isaac Dev-
eley, Thomas and Samuel Chambers, William Wallace, a Mr. Moore, Joseph
Osborn, Daniel Guyer, Pat Giblin, Miles O'Brien, a man named Corcoran,
Hiram Hill, John Howe, I. Forbes, John Milburn and — Reed, whose deaths
by drowning in Pecatonica River are related above, Stewart Reynolds, Sanford
Niles, John Tharp, Jackson Richart, Saferus Snyder, Joseph Green, Charles
Macomber, the Rev. Philo Judson, Cornelius Judson, S. F. M. Fretville, Alfred
Gaylord, the Rev. Asa Ballinger, Phillip and Warner Wells, Henry Johnson,
Oliver and John R. Brewster, Isaac Kleckner, Ezra Gillett, Joab Morton, James
248 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Turnbull, " Father " Ballinger, Hector C. Haight, who became a Mormon, Jacob
Gable, Valorus Thomas, George W. Babbitt, John Edwards, Levi Lewis, John
Lewis, Rezin and Levi Wilcoxon, Caleb Tompkins, the Farwell Brothers, the
Brace family, Garett Lloyd, Harvey and Jeremiah Webster, Sybil Ann Price,
Samuel F. Dodds, Robert T. Perry, Robert and Wm. Lashell, James and Oliver
Thompson, Jacob Burbridge, Samuel and Marshall Bailey, Martin Howard,
John Harmon, a Mr. Graham, Alonzo Fowler, and some few others. Marriages,
births and deaths were more numerous, owing to this increase in the population,
there being several of each recorded in the county that year. But there was
much to mitigate the inconveniences experienced by those who had come two
years before, whose comfort was augmented by those who came after, and com-
pensated in a measure for the trials they had been called upon to previously
endure.
The old year floated away into the past, leaving behind it pleasant mem-
ories of hopes realized by a people who had been more than prospered during
its career. The new year bended above the prostrate form of 1837, cast dead
flowers over what had passed to nothingness, and, gliding in through the open
door scattering blossoms in its way, renewed unto the people the pledges
which had already been recorded, but lay buried in the ashes of years.
Among those who came in 1837, Maj. John Howe should not be forgotten.
He had been a member of the New York Legislature, and came West with the
close of his official term. His influence in Stephenson County was wide-spread,
and he was regarded as a man of the most brilliant attainments. After filling
the offices of County Commissioner, County Judge, etc., he emigrated to Wis-
consin, where he died. His daughter married L. W. Guiteau, long a prominent
resident of Freeport, where he died during the month of July, 1880.
With the opening of spring in 1838 the tide of emigration again began to
flow in slowly, tis true, but of a character, as the sequel proved, the reverse of
transient ; for those who came, settled, and contributed their efforts toward
building up the country. Commercial interests increased in Freeport, which
by this time bore evidences in its buildings and increase in population of possi-
bilities in the future. The uncertainties born of the financial crisis of the pre-
ceding year had been dissipated, and were succeeded by a feeling of confidence
which found expression in investments made not only in the future city but the
surrounding country, while improvements were projected and completed at a
number of points. These were the reverse of ornamental as a rule, architect-
urally speaking, yet they relieved the primitive surroundings of tiresome monot-
ony and added the spice of variety to scenes otherwise characterized by too
much sameness. No change was made in municipal or county affairs, and
schools were sustained by private subscription to the absence of legal assess-
ments for their support. Religious services continued to be held, and the num-
ber of worshipers visibly increased. Good order was the rule, though in Free-
port, which was made the rendezvous of that class of men who direct their steps
to communities of recent date, the law officers were often compelled to enforce
the statutes by arrest and confinement in jail. But the innumerable trials to
which the pioneers were subjected were by this time lessened, and the cases of
actual suffering more remote. The men were strengthened by the experience
through which they had passed, and timid women became brave through combats
with dangers that had been real. The constant struggle for the means to sus-
tain life had brought with it some incidents of ease and luxury, and it was not
until many years after, when the distance to market and the cost of transporta-
tion absorbed the proceeds of the crops, that settlers were reminded of the days
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 249
that had once been dark. Mills were accessible, and, instead of resorting to
"gritters" or the improvised pestle and mortar for an unsatisfactory quality of
meal, or obtaining a modicum thereof for home consumption at the expense of
a fatiguing journey, meal such as is prized to-day for its purity and health-giv-
ing properties was easily secured at the Van Valzah, Kirkpatrick and other
mills that had been completed meanwhile. In the olden time of the settlement
of Stephenson County, heads of families were obliged to visit the mills at Galena,
na, Peoria and elsewhere for their grinding. The slow mode of travel by ox
teams was rendered still more prolonged by the utter absence of roads, bridges
and ferries. In dry weather these embargoes were sufficiently discouraging, but
when the rainy season was at its height, or during the breaking up of winter,
these troubles became dangers. To get mired in a slough was no uncommon
occurrence, and often a swollen stream would blockade the way, when if the
traveler was unable to cross, he was obliged to have recourse for his object
at other points. In dry weather they got along better, but in winter progress
was next to impossible. The utmost economy of time, too, was necessary, for
often, when the goal was reached after a week or more of toilsome travel with many
exposures and risks, and where the applicant was anxious to return to his fam-
ily with the least possible delay, he was not unfrequently disheartened with the
information that his turn might come in a week. When his "turn" came he
must be on hand or miss his " turn, " and, when the anxious soul was ready to
endure the trials of a trip back, his heart was heavy with the thoughts of how
affairs had been at home.
It is interesting to trace the relation between the present condition of the
county and the first acts of its first settlers. The beauty of the landscape to-
day, proceeding from the industry of a later generation, has its seminal princi-
ple in the events of the first years of the county's settlement. The ambition
that their children should be educated, for which they permitted themselves to
be assessed, was a fit prelude to the zeal for the adoption of a system that has
since obtained. The persistence of Father McKean, the Revs. Winslow, Bol-
linger and others, in maintaining religious services under difficulties, was the
germ from which have sprung the churches, and promoted public morals and
order. To these agencies, more than all others combined, is due, not only the
production of material wealth, but the thrift and refinement for which Ste-
phenson County and her inhabitants are characterized.
The difficulties referred to were in a degree banished with the approach
of 1838 ; their benediction was pronounced with the close of 1837. The
country was no longer a frontier. Business was an established fact. Farms
were in a high state of cultivation, and all that would aid in hastening the
advent of days of prosperity was combined to that end. What a metamor-
phosis ten years had wrought ! What a contrast between 1827, when Kellogg
came timorously into the country, and 1838, when that country, freed from
Indian occupation, was comparatively thickly settled.
This year elections were held, and the first Assessor, L. 0. Crocker, inducted
into office. He was a most excellent man, who came into Freeport among the
first to locate there, and engaged in merchandising. Well fitted to discharge
the duties of life in whatever position he might be assigned, he was intrusted
with many important duties and generous enterprises, and found faithful in all.
He died many years ago, but not until he had witnessed the growth and
advancement of the city from infancy and penury to age and wealth.
During the early administrations Of the Assessor, every species of taxable
personal property was listed. The cradle and the winding-sheet and the
250 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
coffiin were doubtless excepted, but nearly every other necessity, not to say
luxury, from a prairie-breaking team to a $12 watch, was made to pay tribute,
and that, too, as high as the law permitted. The man who carried a time-
piece of measured value, was compelled to pay 6J cents for the privilege, and
three of the richest men in the county contributed $2 each to the support of
the county on the watches they owned. Hubbard Graves was Collector, and
the total amount paid him in his official capacity footed up $96 and some
cents, the rate being about 45 cents on each $100 assessed value, which would
give the assessed value of personal property in the county in 1838, about
$21,333.
At the election this year the voters were more numerous than had par-
ticipated in that held when the county was organized. For example, in Ridott
Township, the election was held at Daniel Wooton's house, with the host. John
Hoag and William Everts, Judges ; Horatio Hunt and Harvey Waters, Clerks ;
who, with D. W. C. Mallory, Philo Hammond, Giles Pierce, Zebulon Dimmick,
William Barlow, Pat Frame and S. Forbes, constituted the number who were
entitled to exercise the privileges of the elective franchise. The day there,
as elsewhere, was made one of rejoicing. At Wooton's house a barrel of
whisky was provided, and frequent resorts to its contents had a tendency to
elevate, if not inebriate the company. All maintained a commendable condi-
tion of sobriety, however, save one, whose capacity to resist the effects was
disproportioned to his appetite for the beverage. As a consequence, when
night came, the gentleman was oblivious to passing events, and scarcely able to
maintain his equilibrium. During the day — an inseparable incident of all
elections — the rain fell in torrents, and, when it came time to disperse, the route
home was over shallows and/ull of difficulties, aggravated by the semi-incapacity
of some to travel, and particularly the merry little gentleman under considera-
tion. He crossed the river in safety, where a hill, the sides of which had
attained the consistency of thin mortar by the action of the rain, opposed his
advance. Like as a war-horse, while cavorting in peaceful solitudes hears the
strains of marshal music, pricks up his ears and snorts and paws and kindles
at the sound, so did the intoxicated citizen joy in the knowledge of his powers
to overcome the difficulty. But he counted without carrying the fractions, for
a trial was concluded with the subject on his back in the mud, the object of
merriment to those who witnessed his fall. But he was a man of heroic mold,
and, like Antseus, renewing his ambition with defeat, he raised up, a most laugh-
able spectacle, and tried it again. The second attempt was attended with
similar results, as was the third, until some of his neighbors crossed over to
where he was and assisted him home, where he was tucked into bed and left
to sleep oif the effects of his too frequent absorbings.
It was in 1838 that the first house was built in the present village of Rock
Grove ; a schoolhouse was put up in Freeport, and Hiram Eads built a hotel in
the same town, and, on the Fourth of July of that year, invited the entire country
for miles around to take dinner therein.
The celebration here indulged in 1838 was the first of the series since
celebrated in the county. Preparations were made for a proper observance of
the occasion weeks prior to its arrival. The Rev. F. C. Winslow was quite
active in perfecting arrangements, as, also, were Benjamin Goddard, Isaac
Stoneman, 0. H. Wright, Allen Wiley, William Baker, the Truax boys, Abe
Johnson, and, in fact, the patriotic citizens generally. For days before the
Fourth, the Rev. Mr. Winslow had a class in training to sing ballads of Revo-
lutionary memory and a national ode, believed to have been specially composed
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 251
in honor of the event. This class was composed of Miss Cornelia Russell, now
Mrs. T. J. Hazlett. and residing^in Freeport, Eliza Hunt, Marion Snow, Mrs.
Amelia Webb, who subsequently married Hollis Jewell, and others, and it would
be no exaggerated statement of the case to inform modern choristers that their
efforts, including the Ode to Columbia, were received with pronounced mani-
festations of pleasure. Benjamin Goddard's barn was selected as the forum,
where the Declaration was read with proper emphasis upon each syllabic
reference to liberty. 0. H. Wright, it is believed, delivered an oration, after
which, dinner, dancing and the pursuit of happiness as each particular celebrant
individually inclined.
The year 1838 is remembered by the settlers of that day in connection
with the tragedy which occurred in what is now Oneco Township, resulting in
the suicide of one of the Lott family while laboring under a fit of temporary
insanity. The cause of this diseased mind could not be ascertained, nor could
any but the most meager particulars be obtained from presumably reliable
sources. At all events, according to the drift of these statements, it appears
that Lott, while invested with one of the constantly-recurring paroxysms
manifested, left his home unbeknown to any of the family, who were cognizant
that he had inherited the malady, and maintained a watch upon his movements,
and, proceeding in the direction of Jonas Strohm's farm, in Section 27, disap-
peared from view. He had not been gone long before his absence was noted,
and a general search made for his whereabouts by members of the household,
assisted by Alonzo Denio and others of the neighbors, who happened to be
in the vicinity. After some delay, he was overtaken, but not until he had
hanged himself to a tree, and was almost dead when found. He was cut
down, it is said, by Alonzo Denio, and every effort made to resuscitate him,
but without accomplishing the desired object. The spark of life was too feeble
to be restored by the means improvised or the remedies employed. The scene
of his immolation is almost in sight of the present home of Duke Chilton, half
a mile distant from the village of Oneco, and was regarded with curiosity not
unmingled with superstition for many years after. His tragic taking-off caused
a feeling of gloom to pervade the vicinity, from the effects of which recovery
was not immediate.
The first marriage ceremony by a minister of the gospel was celebrated
early in February of this year, the happy pair submitting their affections for
community purposes being Thomas Chambers and Rebecca Moore. The Rev.
James McKean, better known as "Father McKean," officiated, and pronounced
them man and wife at John Moore's cabin, in Rock Grove, on property now
owned by Levi Kiester. The cabin was but twenty feet square, yet in these
contracted limits not less than forty guests were gathered as witnesses. The
event was considered as of distinguished importance, and was attended by resi-
dents in the county whose homes were some of them at a distance of eighteen
miles from the scene of festivities. At the close of the services, cake, wine and
music were dispensed with, and the couple settled down to the realities of life
without any of the memories that chaperone brides of to-day when they launch
their barques on the tempestuous waves of matrimony, hoping to float with the
tide and escape all hidden obstructions.
These are some of the incidents of the times, but, while they were occur-
ring, labor was not suspended by the architects who were engaged in those days
laying the foundation for that magnificent superstructure which was to rise
therefrom. The sublime promise ventured by its prophetic infancy was being
gloriously realized unto Stephenson County, as day succeeded day, and months
252 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
cycled into years. The hours of travail and despondency in which that infancy
was passed were gone — glimmering phantoms, school-boy dreams — to yield
place to days of rejoicings, when hope's most generous fruitions were fully
realized to the confidences that had been reposed.
But improvements were not entirely confined to Freeport, as would be
naturally imagined, though that municipality was particularly favored in this
respect. The court house was in progress of completion there, the company of
Kirkpatrick, Galbraith & Co., had been nearly constantly occupied in putting
up buildings or providing for future operations. Benjamin Goddard was occu-
pying the position of Boniface at the Mansion House, erected by himself.
There were three stores in the town, to which an addition was made in the fall
of 1838 by L. W. Guiteau, etc., etc. The country tributary was proportion-
ately fortunate, and as proportionately benefited. The area of cultivation was
increased and its quality improved by the introduction of valuable aids.
While the labor of preparing and laying by the crop was thereby diminished,
plans were incubating that should revolutionize the machinery employed at
harvest, and found expression a year later, when a four-horse threshing machine
was first used in the county.
Hamlets came into being, and towns, which had been heretofore laid out
were platted and divided up into lots. Ransomburg, the first of the list which
became flourishing cities in imagination, but finally sank into oblivion, was
approaching that period of decay when its lease of life could be extended no
further. A half-dozen residences, Way's school, Stewart's and Ransom's stores,
and probably a blacksmith shop, made up the aggregate of improvements, and
less than half a score of inhabitants were enumerated in the bills of mortality.
But its decay and final dismemberment, and the ultimate reduction of its site
to agricultural purposes, produced no effect upon the army of enterprising men
who had settled in the county, and were ambitious of distinction as the found-
ers of towns. If anything, hope was stimulated and lived upon the almost
certain results of the future. Robert McConnell, who drove a herd of cattle
into the county about this time, purchased the title of Dennison & Vanzant
to the town laid out by them in Waddams, which he named " McConnell's
Grove," erected a store for trading purposes, and as a means of attracting
settlers, which he stocked with goods purchased at Galena and hauled them to
their final destination, over hills and sloughs, and remained in charge until the
hopes he had nursed for days to come had become resolved into disappoint-
ments.
Immigration in 1838 was, as it should be, greater than ever before. The
flattering inducements held out for honest toil were not passed by unavailed of.
The men who composed the incomers were, as those who came in before them,
bred to the business of farming in the quiet old homes of New England, and the
precedent established by Dr. Van Valzah encouraged a liberal quota of citizens
of Pennsylvania to come hither. In addition, the number of foreigners was
visibly increased, and what is claimed as the first Catholic Church in the county
was that year erected in Irish Grove, though this is disputed by the commu-
nicants of the Catholic Church in Dublin. But those were days of romance in
church affairs, and a decision of the truth in the premises is remitted to the dis-
putants.
The political views of the people then were not as pronounced or generally
expressed as in later years. Indeed, politics and political manipulations did
not concern them to any but a very limited extent. Among the pioneers of any
new country, there will always be found a class of political adventurers who
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 253
seek in new fields the life of ease and accumulation of property they were un-
able to secure in commonwealths established and indebted to the efforts of others
for their independence, and there were no great political questions which, up to
this time, divided the people. Politics was consequently more personal,
and suffrage was bestowed more as a favor than to promote the public weal.
The candidates represented the Whig and Locofoco parties, and, though the
people almost to a man voted, it was not until 1837, when the murder of Eli-
jah P. Lovejoy, at Alton, created the first impressions of the antagonism that
were felt. This feeling grew apace with advancing time, and, though the democ-
racy were often triumphant, and the party contained some of its ablest repre-
sentatives from Stephenson County, an expression of the general opinion was
delayed until the repeal of the Wilmot Proviso and the dissolution of the Whig
party gave birth to the Republican party, which has obtained in Illinois for
nearly a quarter of a century. But at the time we speak, politics was a most
insignificant factor in the daily walks of life, and in 1838, at least, bore no ap-
pearance to what it is to-day.
The arrivals that year included Robert Sisson, H. G. Davis, John
Walsh, John and Thomas Warren. Isaac Scott, Samuel Liebshitz, Christian
Strockey, with two sons, Chauncey Stebbins. F. Rosenstiel, P. L. Wright,
William Preston, Louis Preston, Matthew Bredendall (Thomas Carter, Isaac
Rand, Samuel Bogenruff, L. L. Pitcher, a man named Lathrop and some
others settled about this time in Kent), Lewis Gitchell, David Gitchell, Philo
Hammond, Ezekiel and Jacob Forsythe, John Lloyd, Putnam Perley, Ezekiel
Brown, John Brazee, Christian Clay, J. D. Fowler, James McGhu, Adrian
Lucas, Newcomb Kinney, Charles A. Gore, Hiram Gaylord, Cornelius and
Jonathan Cowan, Alexander Allen, John Bradford, Thomas Loring, Columbus
and Ichabod Thompson, Elias and Edward Hunt, and some others, doubtless,
but lack of memory prevented the securing of their names.
Taken for its all in all, the year 1838, was one of success for Stephenson
County, paving the way for the important events which followed in the years
that succeeded.
The season of 1839 was, in very many respects, regarding settlements and
improvements, a duplicate of 1838. The machinery of government moved noise-
lessly and effectively, and among the improvements put up was a building on Luman
Montague's farm, in West Point Township, to be devoted exclusively to school
purposes, the first of the kind appropriated to that object in the county. The
building was long since torn down, but the site is there, visible to the passer-by
from Nora to Bobtown, on the farm now owned by H. C. Montague. The
court house had been made ready for use, and the log jail, when necessary,
was guarded by citizens, the same not having been sufficiently completed at
this time to safely house prisoners. At one time this calaboose was filled with
prisoners, received the addition of a man arrested for horse-stealing in
Winnebago, and bringing his stolen property to Freeport. He was ar-
raigned and called upon to plead, when his counsel moved to quash the
indictment and discharge his client. The motion was demurred to, but with-
out avail, as the document was defective, and no other course was left to
the Judge but direct the issue of an order providing for the prisoner's
release. At this critical juncture his Honor adjourned court without tak-
ing action in the case, and a young man hastened to Rockford for the pur-
pose of procuring a warrant for his return thither. Arriving at Rock-
ford about midnight, he forded the river for the purpose of finding a Justice
of the Peace, but just as he came out of the water he was met by a vigilance
254 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
committee on the look out for horse-thieves, and narrowly escaped the punish"
ment usually administered to one of that gentry. He was able to convince
them of his identity in time to avoid the impending penalty, and, hurrying to
the residence of a Justice, procured the document he was after. With this
he returned to Freeport, in time for the opening of court in the morning,
when the defective indictment was quashed and the prisoner discharged, but at
once re-arrested and taken to Rockford, where he was tried, with the usual
results.
It might be here observed that horse-thieves and rattlesnakes were among
the most dangerous foes settlers had to contend with. The former were cunning
in attack ; the latter fatal. Horse-thieves might be prevented from operating,
but the bite of the rattlesnake was instant death in comparison. Every effort
was made to kill off both, but without much satisfaction until the country
became more generally settled, and the land-owners were, by associations and
mutual-aid organizations, enabled to control one of these classes of cormorants.
The horse- thieves infested every part of the country that promised returns,
and counties bordering on the northern line of the State were particularly
annoyed. The gang carried on their felonies so deftly that it was difficult to
catch them in the act, and by the time discovery was made they were too far in
the lead to induce pursuit. If, however, they were pursued, it was rare to over-
take them, or, if captured, it was after they had disposed of the booty to an
accomplice, who pushed across the Mississippi and sold him to a purchaser in
the mines or one about to visit the interior.
A pair of these scoundrels visited the farm of Conrad Van Brocklin, in
the town of Florence, upon one occasion, and came remarkably near getting
away with a pair of fine blooded horses Mr. V. B. greatly prized. It was
during the afternoon, and the horses were quietly feeding in the pasture. Sud-
denly Mr. V. B.'s attention was attracted to the efforts of the thieves, and,
comprehending the situation, he started to prevent them from executing their
designs. But they succeeded in eluding his pursuit for the time being, and,
procuring the assistance of Mason Dimmick, Van Brocklin started in their
wake. The villains, however, had gotten considerably in advance, and but for
one circumstance would easily have escaped. One of the horses had a peculiar
dread of crossing a stream of water, and could not be made to enter a stream.
The thieves had no bridles for the horses, and this rendered their escape the
more difficult. At the first stream, the stolen steeds came to a dead halt, and
no amount of persuasion or severity could influence them to budge. When
Van Brocklin and Dimmick came in sight, both horses were abandoned, and
the scoundrels sought security in the fastnesses of the swamp. In the mean
time it began to grow dark, and both escaped.
Samuel Smith, of Lancaster, was depredated upon in this manner, and
never recovered his stock, as they were transported to the Mississippi and were
never more heard of. These are individual cases, and fairly illustrate the actual
state of affairs existing at the time.
The moccasin and American rattlesnake were found in every part of the
county — in the fields, the woods, barns, etc., even taking refuge in sheaves of
grain. Their bite was fatal, though remedies abounded, which, if taken in
time, occasionally postponed the coming of the Man on the Pale Horse ; but
if they were neglected a brief time, the victim was condemned. One day a
settler in Rock Run started off fishing, accompanied by a neighbor and mem-
bers of his family. While perambulating the banks of the Pecatonica, one of
the lads, as he thought, stubbed his toe, and uttering cries of pain, his father
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 255
hurried to examine the extent of his injuries. He saw, at a glance, that the
boy had been stung by a " racer," and, returning home as rapidly as possible,
summoned a physician in the vain hope that immediate treatment would coun-
teract the effects of the poison before his system became impregnated with it.
But efforts were useless ; the life of the lad set with the sun.
On another occasion, an Irishman was plowing in a field near Rock City,
and while so occupied was bitten in the calf of his leg. At a distance from
medical supplies, and realizing the danger encountered by delay, he whipped
out his knife, and, cutting a piece out of that portion of his limb affected,
continued his labors, and lived many years after without experiencing any
serious effects from his collision with the reptile.
These instances will index some of the many dangers that crossed the path-
way of early settlers, and left their several marks. To-day, snakes and horse-
thieves have become dead issues. At times they indicate their presence, but are
speedily suppressed without loss or injury.
In the spring of this year, a Norwegian colony came from across the sea.
and, landing in America, pursued their journey to Illinois, settling in Rock
Run Township, of Stephenson County, the first representatives of that
nationality who came to the United States to remain. Some months before, an
agent of these people visited the States and making a general canvass of the ad-
vantages offered in the South and West, returned, after deciding upon the
section subsequently occupied. A portion were husbandmen, and at once took
up claims ; a few were mechanics, and worked at their respective trades. All
were industrious, thrifty, economical, and soon conquered a competency, which
descended to their children, who, in professional, mechanical and agricultural
lines of life, have not only done well, but deserved confidence.
The character of the men who became identified with the county in 1839,
was in keeping with that of the best who seek the extended field of operations
afforded by a new country, where they can, by the exercise of diligence,
industry and careful management, control their own destiny more acceptably
than in regions which are already established, and revere the memory of men
who are afterward regarded as the marks and models of the times in which
they lived.
Such a man was D. A. Knowlton, Sr., who settled in Freeport at this
period. From small beginnings he amassed wealth and became an influential
man, not alone in the county and State, but in the Northwest. The following
story, indexing the quality of customers he occasionally had to deal with while
engaged in merchandising, he related himself at the Old Settlers' meeting, which
convened at Cedarville, in August, 1875 :
"You know, " he began, " that I was always called a sharp collector. One
day, a man by the name of Charley Hall came into my store with an order for
goods, but he wanted more goods than the order called for. I said, ' Charley,
I cannot trust you; and "no" is a word I can always say in business matters. '
'But,' pleaded Hall, 'let me have them, Mr. Knowlton, and I will pay you
next week. ' I then made the following bargain with him : 'If you do not pay
me the balance as per agreement, I shall have the privilege of kicking you
every time I see you until the debt is paid.' For several weeks the countenance
of Hall did not grace my store ; but after a while he appeared, and, walking into
my store, I said : ' Charles, I would like to see you a moment outside, ' and
when out I gave him a very violent kick. Hall turned around and said.
' Knowlton, what's that for ?' ' According to agreement, ' says I. The sequel
to the case was that Charley a few days afterward brought a load of corn to me
256 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
in payment of the debt, which I received and placed to his credit. I afterward
learned that he was trusted for the corn by the farmer, in order to avoid any
further indorsements of my contract. It is unnecessary to add that the farmer
was never paid for the corn. He endeavored to wash two hands with one, and
washed the farmer's. "
Mr. Knowlton, during the latter years of his life, was the head of a banking
house in Freeport, which, since his death, has been conducted by his sons.
On the 29th of August, 1839. affairs had become settled, and the machinery
of government in the county to operate without friction or jar. Among other
evidences of civilization and the desire to emulate the example set by older
places, was the convening of the Circuit Court for the disposition of routine
and litigious business. But this latter, beyond actions instituted on behalf of
the people, was confined to making orders relating to appeals from sub-
ordinate courts.
On the date above indicated, the first session of the Circuit Court of
Stephenson County was commenced, the Hon. Daniel Stone, Justice of the
Sixth Judicial District, presiding; Hubbard Graves, Sheriff; John A. Clark,
Clerk. The bar was occupied with attorneys from distant points, there being
none of the profession at that time resident in the county, and none came until
the Hon. George Purinton arrived, on the last day of the old year 1839. The
lawyers in attendance were mostly from Galena, and included Mr. Hoag,
Thompson Campbell, probably E. B. Washburne, with one or two others, who
traveled the circuit, making but a precarious livelihood, but establishing a
practice which, in after years, was more than remunerative.
At the same term of court, John C. Robey and William H. Hollenbeck
appeared in open court to be qualified, and their appointment as deputies were
duly entered upon the Court Records. Previous to this a Grand Jury was
impaneled, consisting of John Howe, Luther F. Hall, Samuel F. Dodds, Levi
Wilcoxon, Joseph Lobdell, Pells Manny, A. B. Watson, Mason Dimmick,
Levi R. Hull, Robert Barber, Newcomb Kinney, Jonathan Corey, Phillip
Fowler, Thomas Crain, Loring Snow, Eldridge Farwell, Giles Pierce, D. W.
C. Mallory, Job S. Watson, J. K. Blackamore, Thompson Wilcoxon, Edward
Marsh, and Alpheus Goddard.
The petit jury was composed of Frederick D. Bulkley, John Goddard,
John Vanepps, Rodney Montague, Mason Dimmick, J. H. Barber, James
Hart, Bartholomew Fletcher, Samuel Nelson, James Canfil, Thomas Early,
and Joseph Green.
The first case submitted for adjudication was that of Asa B. Ames vs.
Jacob Stroder, on appeal ; but as the appeal had been taken before Stephenson
County was judicially organized, an order dismissing the same was entered, and
plaintiff mulcted in costs.
On the 27th of August, John O'Connor and Jackson Bushkirk were in-
dicted for the crime yet prevalent, horse stealing, and, being unable to fee coun-
sel, Thompson Campbell, assisted by John C. Kimball, was appointed by the
court to conduct their defense. But a change of venue was taken by the ac-
cused to Jo Daviess County, and the readers are denied the privilege of infor-
mation as to what measure of punishment was awarded them.
Other cases were called at this session, and more satisfactorily disposed of,
among which was the case of the State vs Robert Compton et al., for riot ; also
against Hiram Walker, for horse stealing. The defendants in both cases were
convicted, and Walker was sentenced to the penitentiary for four years. He
was escorted to Alton and served out his term.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 257
The court adjourned on the same day it was convened, until the next court
in course. On April 7 and September 7, 1840, it sat again in Freeport with
the same Judge and officers, remaining in session two days during April and
three days in September, after which the court was abolished.
It might here be observed, speaking retrospectively, that settlements made
in the county as late as 1839 were exclusively confined to timber belts, the
settlers using prairies, which were beautiful beyond description, for pastures
and ranges for cattle. They were almost universally of the opinion that these
broad plains would never be cultivated, but be used almost exclusively for the
purposes to which at this time they were devoted. When a change came over
the spirit of their drean s, and compelled the conclusion that the prairie was a
natural garden, which only required " breaking " and harrowing to " blossom like
the rose," farmers had recourse to them for cultivation, and a repetition of
hardships, though of a different character from those described in an earlier
portion of this narrative was remarked. The sod of the prairie was exceed-
ingly tenacious and hard to break up the first time, testing the capacity of the
cattle employed for that purpose not more than the patience and endurance of
the farmer. The usual method was with a breaking plow, provided with a
wheel in front and a lever to gauge the depth of the furrow, so that the cumber-
some contrivance needed no guiding hand to control its direction. To this five
or six yoke of oxen were hooked, and, urged on by the gad, completed consider-
able work during the day. The plow generally cut a furrow from twenty to
twenty-two inches in width by from three to five inches in depth through the
wiry roots of grass, and turned it over like a long black ribbon, without a break
for rods, unless the "shear " was thrown out by striking a root. This rarely
happened, for the blade of the plow-shear was kept sharp by grinding and
re-filing at the end of nearly every row. When the " breaking " up was concluded,
the soil was harrowed until it became mellow, when it was ready for cultivation
and planting. These fields have grown into unfailing springs of wealth, owing
to the close observance of their needs by the farmers, their constant application
of systems of cultivation, and the employment of other means essential to their
development and liberal yield.
The year 1839 concluded the decade in which the settlement of Stephenson
County was accomplished, and its woods and broad prairies transformed into
acres of productive land. The wigwam of the Indian had been exchanged for
the rude cabin of the settler, and that, in the brief space of time recorded, for
the more comfortable and commodious farmhouse. Acres had been put to seed,
forests cut down, roads laid out, and towns built supplied with every auxilary that
in the times whereof mention is made, could aid to render life endurable. From
arbitration and the decision of disputed points by agencies, recognized as extra-
judicial, courts had been established to which appeal was had. Schools had
succeeded the primitive methods adopted for an equally primitive education,
and in the minor affairs of the day a change had been wrought as wonderful as
it was complete.
The settlers who came in during the year 1839, were : Joseph R. Berry,
W. P. Cox, A. A. Mallory, Lewis Gibler, William Van Matre, Joseph Van
Matre, Jr., Henry Corwith, Allen Curry, Sylvester Langdon, Thompson
Cockerell, Charles H. Babcock, George H. Watson, William B. Hawkins, Ross
and Anson Babcock, John Karcher, Lewis Woodruff, Solomon and Jacob
Fisher, a man from the lead mines by the name of Drummond, Peter D.,
George and John Fisher, Calvin Preston, J. S. Patten, John Kleckner, Conrad
Epley, Edward Pratt, M. Flower, M. Smith, Uriah Boy den, Thomas Bree,.
258 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Martin Muller, Patrick Flynn, Patrick Flynn second, Michael Flynn, Thomas
Hawley, William Marlowe, probably Benson McElheney, Henry and Jacob
Bordner, John Brown, Robin McGee, James McKee, Samuel Templeton, John
Price, Peter Fair, Daniel Zimmerman, Robert Price, Jacob Hoebel, A. Gund,
Valentine Stoskopf, Jacob Shoup, Jacob Bardell, D. E. Pattee, " Jock "
Pattee, M. L. Howard, a man named Judkins, who settled in Silver Creek,
0. Stabeck, Ole Anderson, Canute Canutson, Covert Oleson, Ole Covertson,
and a noble army of enterprising martyrs, whose names and records have been
forgotten in the whirl of events.
In 1840, the population of Stephenson County was quoted at 2,800, of
which 49, resided within the corporate limits of Freeport. The county contained
ten schools, with an aggregate number of 170 scholars ; five grist and nine saw-
mills ; five professional residents and other agencies of progress, religious, edu-
cational and material, though there was no church and it was not until nine
years later that a house especially devoted to the service of God was erected
in the city.
In all the departments of life, however, with but one exception, a healthy
feeling was to be observed. The county was measurably improved by the open-
ing and cultivation of farms, and Freeport was to enter upon a prosperous period,
during which it would become a formidable rival of similar organizations in the
State. Permanent buildings of architectural excellence were to grace the
streets. Schools, churches, academies and other aids to the development and
accretion of wealth were to lend their presence, and flattering prospects attend
the efforts improvised in these connections. The stream of population would
continue to flow in a resistless tide into this favored land, and business, to use a
Westernism, would be " booming " before the decade had run its course.
There were some who might have thought that it would be difficult to
carry out these schemes, and were inclined to assert they were Utopian — to
express astonishment that men, presumably so wise in worldly matters, should
have attempted to combine so many projects. But they were not heeded when
they gave expression to the reflections of their prophetic souls, and uttered
prophecies of Cassandra import. The men who had undertaken the execution of
these designs possessed unceasing, restless activity, unbounded curiosity, a craving
for new knowledge, ever incubating plans that should develop into startling and
original results from their stores of experience and observation, with patience,
industry and power of endless labor were the marks of that beauty of the mind
which many inherited, and to which the name of genius is given. These were
the indexes, when judged by the standard of modern times, which marked dar-
ing reformers, as they were. They were victorious over hardships, yet the
victories won were only means to an end, the perfect conservation of all forces
so completely that the highest order of progress would be brought forth, gather
strength and mold the character of the people. The travels of Herodotus,
the expedition of Xenophon through Asia Minor, the conquests of Alexander,
and the discoveries of Columbus opened up Asia, Egypt and America not more
freely than did the master minds and muscular brawn of the early settlers open
up the wealth and resources of the Northwest.
Morally, the towns and surrounding country were in a reasonably satis-
factory condition. The lawlessness and violence peculiar to other sections
were nowhere visible, or, if at any time previous pronounced, had been softened
through the benign influences that had been exerted in later days. Courts in
1839, irregular and "new to the business," became regular in their sittings
and dignified and expeditious in the dispatch of business. The laws were more
(DECEASED.)
FR E EPO RT
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 261
rigidly enforced, and penalties more unflinchingly imposed. Outlaws and
bandits, however, occasionally indicated their presence at intervals, and sought
to disturb the law and order which prevailed, by the assumption of prerogatives
in harmony with their inclinations and characters. This class was, as a rule
composed of adventurers and gamblers, who, with horse-thieves and vagrants
generally, had been run out of the lead mines, and, halting long enough at a
safe distance from the scene of banishment, endeavored to defy opposition to
their practices, but failed ignominiously, and received the extreme penalty of
the law as a testimony against them.
From 1840 until 1846, indeed up to the building of railroads, the growth
of the county, as compared with earlier years, was slow. Other portions of the
West were sought by settlers, particularly the lead mines, and received accessions
more rapidly. One cause of this was the absence of markets. The population
was engaged almost exclusively in agriculture, and after farms were opened
there was but a moderate sale of their products for this reason. Settlers have
been known to take a load of pork to Mineral Point, where it was disposed of
with difficulty at $1.25 per hundred weight, and occasional shipments of grain
were made down the Mississippi from Savannah, which practice continued up
to the very period, when railroads were operated in the country. These flat-
boats were laden with produce and floated down the river to New Orleans, unless
a market was found en route, and disposed of. The cargo being disposed of, the
flat was sold for the lumber it contained, when the merchant who had shipped
the venture, together with his supercargo or clerk and laborers, beo-an his
wearisome journey homeward. A partial market was found in the lead region,
but as productions increased that market became overstocked, and prices
decreased so that the transportation of commodities thither could not be made to
pay. The same can be said of the Chicago market, though for a different
reason — the distance. Chicago was at that early day beginning to be an
important factor in the building up of the West. It was the point at which
settlers procured their final outfits, and the market to which farmers transported
their grain for sale. The means of conveyance was a lumber wagon drawn by
four or five yoke of oxen, the driver pasturing his cattle at night by the
wayside, himself camping out and cooking his meals. If he succeeded in
progressing over horrible roads, or surviving the crossing of seemingly impassable
sloughs and reaching his long journey's end, he was extremely fortunate. Not
more so, however, if he was able to find a customer to whom a sale of the grain
could be effected at 50 cents per bushel. Whenever he was able to control
their patronage, he returned with a load of merchandise for the merchants of
Freeport, for which he received a nominal consideration of store goods.
Occasionally he found a family of emigrants, who, having reached Chicago by
way of the lake, were waiting for the means of conveyance to continue then-
trip. In such cases the household goods of this -'lucky find," together with
the emigrant and his wife and little ones, were laden on the wagon for the
return trip. Such a cargo was a bonanza to the teamster, for passage was
invariably cash. With such difficulties to encounter, and the low prices paid
for commodities, together with the extravagant charge made for many of the
necessaries of life, it is not surprising that wealth was not rapidly amassed.
As a compensation for these disadvantages, land was cheap. The broad prairies,
which proved to be the finest farming land in the State, were held at a price
within reach of the most impecunious. The suggestion is frequently made to
some who came at an early day and are yet comparatively the reverse of
independent, as to the reason why they failed to invest and wait for a rise ;
262 • HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Why it was that they were not possessed of the colossal fortune which might
now have been theirs had they but invested their moderate resources in land.
The answer to both these interrogatives invariably has been that they came here
in search of moderate resources and didn't bring it with them.
Among those who came subsequent to 1839, not including those who
settled in Freeport, there were : John, Reuben, Levi, Adam and Michael
Bolander, George and Jacob Maurer, VV. P. Naramore, Joseph Barber, Andrew
Hinds, D. A. Baldwin, Captain Knese, Thomas and Adam Wilson, Christian
Bennett, John Flynn, the Babb family, Mathias Ditzler, George House, John
Lamb, Warren and Anson Andrews, Horace Post, Truman Lovdell, William
Barkalow, Thomas Foster, Joseph Rush, Samuel Shiveley, Henry Loyer,
Reuben Tower, William Schermerhorne, Frederick Gossmann, John Hammond,
Nathan Ferry, Charles W. and Robert Barber, Frank Maginnis, Benjamin
Illingworth, J. B. Clingman, George and Philip Reitzell, Henry Wohlford r
John Frybarger, Richard Parriott, Jr., Franklin Scott, George Ilgen, Eddy,
Cyrus Woodman, Isaac Miller, Lyman, William and Nelson Hulburt, John
Clarke, Joseph Norris, Seth Schockley, Henry Rybolt, with numberless-
others.
MORMON MEDDLINGS.
In the spring of this year the Mormons, or Latter-Day Saints, a religious
sect with which the world has since become familiar, made their advent for the
first time into the State of Illinois. The representatives of the doctrines taught
by Joseph and Hyrum Smith had been guilty of crimes in Missouri of a charac-
er different from that included in the polygamous tenets expounded from their
pulpits, in consequence of which the indignation of the warlike Missourians had
been excited to a degree that compelled their leaders to flee to Illinois, where
they took refuge in Hancock County and commenced the building of Nauvoo.
The accounts furnished by the saints of the cruel treatment they received at the
hands of their enemies excited feelings of sympathy for what was then thought
to be a Christian body of men and women, suffering in the cause of religion.
This sympathy found expression in various ways ; among others, by the pass-
age of a bill providing for the incorporation of the city of Nauvoo and confer-
ring extraordinary powers upon its municipal officers, including the military and
constabulary.
Thus protected, the Mormons began in Illinois a career of missionary work
which has attracted thousands to their fold at the sacrifice of every sentiment of
self-respect and the regard of all mankind. The emissaries of the sect were dis-
tributed throughout Illinois and States contiguous thereto, with results that
were made apparent by the annual increase of population in Nauvoo. The
proselytes were by no means the ignorant classes represented as the converted
of late years, but educated, reasoning men, with their families. The meetings,
it is said, held in Stephenson County, were quite respectable, but conversion was
accomplished by means entirely dissimilar to those adopted by other denomina-
tions. There was little public speaking, the missionaries having recourse to-
private interviews and personal solicitation to accomplish their miracles. The
result of their labors was not, if report in that behalf is predicated upon fact, pro-
portioned to the means used or the diligence and energy exercised. The saints
were thick as lice in Egypt, according to report, but were unable to perform
miracles as was Moses, and departed from Stephenson County, wise in their expe-
rience, but. impoverished as to results. True, there were some who accompanied
them, notably Hector C. Haight, of Jefferson Township, and a settler named
Shumway, residing in the northern part of the county.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 263
Both Haight and his wife became charmed with the teachings of Joe
Smith's agents, if the sermons of this religion can possess any charm for a
man above mediocrity, as Haight is represented to have been, and disposing of
his possessions in Jefferson, he with his family crossed the Mississippi and made
one of the number of martyrs, who, a few years after, suffered all the pangs of
the inquisition in their weary pilgrimage across the plains to Salt Lake. For
years nothing Avas heard of him, and the pioneer settler in Jefferson Township
was forgotten in the hurry of life at home. But after a season, reports came
of his success, which, upon being investigated, were found to be far more than
the baseless fabric of a vision. He had prospered in temporal affairs, and
spiritually he was above the vainglory of this world. He was one of Young's
trusted advisers by the "Salt Lake's sad waves," and his wife had become a
leading spirit in the revivals and meetings held in Zion. Both had increased
the number of " sealings " to be found in Brigham's domain, but not without
money or price. A short time back they re-visited the locality of their early
residence in Stephenson County, upon which occasion they expressed an unal-
terable and abiding faith in the religion they embraced, and, though it is said
they pictured the lives led by the elect of Salt Lake citizens in glowing colors,
none were influenced thereby or persuaded to return with them.
********
In the history of Haight's apostasy to the cause of morality and good
government, the writer had forgotten Shumway and his less prominent com-
panions. Well, so much the better. He was never heard of, however, after
being " led astray " by Latter-Day Saints.
In this year the town of Oneco, in Oneco Township, was laid out under
the direction of John K. Brewster, and Orangeville, within sight of Oneco, was
also surveyed about this period by John M. Curtis, though its platting and
building up were delayed until 1846, when John Bowers came in and estab-
lished the place.
But it was to Oneco that the sanguine hopes of Mr. Brewster, Mr. Corwith
and others, were turned in lively anticipation of what that town would become.
These hopes, as is known by the world and the flesh resident in Stephenson
County, were doomed to disappointment. The eligible site was never improved
to its utmost capacity, and the water privileges that it was thought would
become unexhaustible and invaluable, were never availed of. A church,
schoolhouse, post office, one or two stores, and other indications of life, survive
the flight of time, and the proud man's contumely, to illustrate to a later gener-
ation the beginnings of what might have been.
Before the year 1840 had run the race set before it, the county was com-
mencing to show good results of the years of labor that had been expended upon
its improvement, and it promised, upon its advent into the fourth year of its
existence, to do more than had been done during the years that had rolled into
the past. "Let there be light," was the first word of the Creative Power, and
"Let there be light" must remain the motto of every future development.
The year was remarkable for many improvements, and an increase in the num-
ber of farms that were occupied and cultivated. Very little can be said con-
cerning the emigration hither, for, beyond the fact that some come in, its meas-
ure was not in any ratio with what it should have been. This was due to the
causes cited, more than the absence of large numbers who were only waiting
for the sign that was to move them to change their several camps. The popu-
lation was increased very slightly, as will be inferred, and did not, during the
entire year, receive accessions of more than two hundred to the number already
264 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
there. The post office, which was established at Freeport a year before, was
not an unfruitful source of comfort and convenience to citizens throughout the
county, as they were by its means enabled to communicate with their friends
more frequently than when Thomas Craine was accustomed to carry the mail
once or twice a month to Freeport. A stage line had been in operation for some
time at this period, and the inspirations of delight that were felt when the
bugle was sounded, need but to be referred to to be recalled. The notes
brought back a consciousness that its auditors were not altogether beyond the
pale of civilization ; that a trip of two days and two nights, and the expend-
iture of a round sum of money, would carry one to the heart of the city,
where he might be brought directly in communication with scenes and incidents
to which he had been theretofore a stranger. And no doubt there will be many
who read these lines to echo their truth and be carried back to days when they
made their first trip to Chicago, arriving in the city and stopping at the old
frame tavern on Lake street, near the river, as the day was declining into
evening.
The fact that there was no material increase in the population during
1840 would argue the conclusion that there were, comparatively, no improve-
ments. This was generally the case outside of towns, but not altogether so in
Freeport, and other less pretentious but more ambitious bailiwicks. Freeport
then had about sixty houses, divided into stores, saloons and residences, the
major part being, of course, devoted to the latter purpose, with a population,
within the present city limits, of about fifty families. With this meas-
ured showing, the town aped the manners of a city. Saloons were maintained,
and gambling was indulged without limit. John Barleycorn reigned in those
days more generally in proportion to the number of the inhabitants, than he
does now, while the Tiger of Pharaoh was a beast that roamed abroad freely,
and, though no one was ever known to fear him, there were many who retired
wounded after encounters with his strength and skill.
Secret societies and granges had not at this time become objects either of
curiosity or interest to the people, and the square and level were as yet in the
unborn future. Temperance societies, were in existence, though, and had been
for two years. Not that there was a vital necessity for their existence, for the
early settlers were not topers. But they came into being as the settlers came
into the county, doubtless, for the enjoyment of life, liberty and pursuit of hap-
piness, in which trinity of objects they were aided by patrons and admirers.
Along in 1838, L. W. Guiteau made a pilgrimage to the present town of
Cedarville, where he was to deliver a temperance address, at the invitation of
A. Goddard and others. At the time appointed, a snow storm was prevail-
ing, and, though Mr. Guiteau disliked to go there, he went, and was confronted
by an audience of fifteen or twenty, to whom he spoke with reference to the
advantages to be derived from a practical application of the doctrine of total
abstinence. This was the first speech ever delivered in the county on the sub-
ject, but the work of reform begun upon that night, amid the storm and sur-
rounded by many, very many, discouraging circumstances, has grown in
strength, and, stretching out its sympathetic arms, has since gathered into its
folds many of the loved and lost of Stephenson County. Two years later, the
Rev. F. C. Winslow and John A. Clark headed a temperance movement in
Freeport, holding sessions of an order of Crusaders in a little room over a saloon,
at the corner of Galena and Chicago streets. From these insignificant
commencements, the cause of temperance has increased each year, until
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 265
to-day it is a power for good in the county, including among the members of its
organizations some of the most capable, intelligent and educated influences in
this portion of the State.
The amusements of the people, for by this time amusements had become
more general, were naturally, by reason of the limited resources in their behalf,
confined to a class of entertainments requiring preparations and expenditures
by no means elaborate or extravagant. With some, dancing was a species of
pleasure, indulged upon appropriate occasions, and there are a number of ladies
residing in the county to-day, married years ago, who well remember the sharp,
frosty nights, upon which they mounted a horse and galloped off" through
the brisk air to attend a dance in some distant log cabin to the inspiriting notes
of a fiddle manipulated by Daniel Wooton, "Professor" Clark, or musicians
of equal skill and repute. Sleigh-riding became a favorite amusement in time,
as did skating, while the elegant accomplishments were made up of the house-
hold duties with which the girl of the period, to whom gilt is gold, and curb-
stone wit philosophy, is entirely unfamiliar.
To those who regarded dancing as an evil to be avoided, quiltings and
sociables were substituted, and no doubt contributed a fund of humor to the
company attracted. The circus was never known in the county until along
about 1842, and it was years after that, before the lecturer or facial contortionist
came along and paved a way for the building of a theater to accommodate
tragedians very much crushed, limp disciples of Comus, the ballet, the minstrels
or Little Buttercup and Pinafore.
The public health was never quoted in those days, and sanitary commis-
sioners, harmless as doves, but without the wisdom of serpents, were reserved
for the future to delineate. Physicians were somewhat of a rarity, too, and,
when sickness prostrated settler after settler, these indispensable adjuncts to com-
fort and consequent happiness were without leisure. The complaints suffered
from in those days were generally of a kind indigenous to a new country, being
made up of chills, ague, intermittent and other fevers that most always yielded
temporarily to remedies. Senna, salts, quinine and calomel were staple com-
modities kept by storekeepers, and it was a rare occurrence when they were
without all of these articles. The patient was most generally charged with
compounds of which the constituent parts were as above indicated. While his
system remained thus impregnated he was free from ailment, but let him sus-
pend a dose and the last stage of his disease was worse than the first. This
liability to attack remained until the lands were drained and cultivated, the
forests cut down, and pure air substituted for the miasmatic vapors that proceeded
from rank vegetation and the swamps. When these improvements were gradu-
ally completed, they brought health to the frames that were palsied by sickness
and bloom to cheeks from which the color had long since fled. The waste
places were built up and the lands were made to bud and blossom again.
Society, it might be here observed, was such as is peculiar to a new
country, and, while there were many marriages, there were also many
bachelors, living by themselves, and, with fewer women to reverence than in
older settled constituencies, there may have been a lack of reverence for women.
But there was an absence of scandal, either of a private nature or of the
weakness of public characters, which cannot be otherwise regarded than as
a compensation. For the absence of agencies, which, while they may conduce
to enjoyment yet promote infelicities, is to be desired and commended. This
condition of affairs is not only natural but inevitable, in new countries where
the first fight is for life, and the masculine quality predominates. But with the
266 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
progress made, and the civilizing influences that come with Time, the feminine
nature increased. It crept in everywhere, in men and women alike, in intel-
lectual culture, in art and social intercourse, refining and hallowing the atmos-
phere of every-day life. In affairs of public morals, of education and religion,
it created a healthy progress. The New England element was largely repre-
sented, their Puritan habits softened by association with the free life of a young
settlement and its cosmopolitan inhabitants, though preserving the best quali-
ties of decency, order, justice and constant progress upward in morality and
virtue. As the ratio of production increased, the ratio of comfort and pros-
perity grew, and as productive enterprises were ventured, the country was
benefited by an increase in the amount of capital seeking investment. Coun-
tries, like individuals, are great only as they are teachers, and the history of
early settlements in the Northwest shows that they are great because they
have taught that there are mines of treasure to be gained by industry and per-
severance, and that rich gems of blessing will be laid bare to the toiler.
With the progress made, as cited, the history of Stephenson County enters
upon another year of its existence. This year would contain many new
features, it was thought, and be an improvement upon the one that had closed.
The people had met discouragements in years gone by, in opposition from
sections possessing greater inducements for settlers, but were never overcome by
them. They had encountered difficulties which are always strewn in the walks
of life. In place of being vanquished, these awoke their sleeping energies and
set them to working with increased determination. Their resources were
tested, and the metal of their composition tried in the fire. They realized that
the earth was not a Paradise, but put forth thorns at every season. They also
realized that labor and perseverance conquer every opposition, surmount every
difficulty and overcome misfortune. They were taught these lessons in the
schools of experience, and guided in the future by the admonitions they
impressed.
During 1841, there was absolutely nothing to discourage the people or
make them to rejoice with exceeding joy. No event of importance, it is
believed, occurred to startle the nation or paralyze the public. If human
agencies were lacking of contributions toward perfection, Dame Nature continued
to act in her blandest, most beneficial mood, lavishing her gifts to promote the
welfare of all, the productive soil yielding abundantly of every farm staple
intrusted to its keeping, and the forests giving up their choicest growth for
building, fencing and other purposes. The falling-off in the number of emi-
grants, begun the previous year, was continued, and improvements were, as a
rule, confined to the villages. The professions began to be more freely repre-
sented this year, and some who have since left the impress of their characters
upon the years that followed, identified themselves with the county from 1889
to 1842. But few remain to recount the difficulties that met them at every
turn, or how dangerous a thing to them the "little learning" they possessed
often proved to be; but they survived opposition, and became powerful advocates
and accomplished scientists in after days.
One of these gentlemen, who has since occupied distinguished positions on
the bench and at the bar, related to the writer a scrap of his experience when first
landing in Freeport. It was almost at the close of the year, and the wintry sky hung
lowering and repellant. With ten shillings in his purse, a few books, and a still
less generous wardrobe, he dismounted from the "jumper" at Mr. Goddard's
Mansion House, and contemplated the immediate future, as may be imagined,
with no very cheerful conclusions. As a matter of course, he began to climb the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY, 267
hill, and it was many days before he halted for the rest and encouragement occu-
pation begets. But the day came wjien forensic eloquence was demanded, when,
to express it in the spirit of the day, the present Judge was in town, where he
has since remained, honored and enriched by the practice which he obtained.
He long since attained the summit of professional prosperity, but in his days of
retirement he often recurs to his entry into Freeport as among the most event-
ful, if not the happiest, of a life that has been passed amid scenes as varied with
sunshine and shadow as a day in June.
During the early period of 1842 there were no changes, either in the tem-
poral or spiritual surroundings of the situation in Stephenson County to report.
But, as the days came and went, they were characterized by events out of the
ordinary channel in which the lives of settlers and citizens had previously
•drifted. The payment of interest on the public debt had been abandoned, and
the financial embarrassments of the State began to be felt. To add to the dis-
tress of the people, State banks were beginning to grow " shaky," and finally
to collapse. There was no trade, and business stagnation was complete.
Values declined, and the agricultural portion of the community were unable to
dispose of their crops, except at prices that entailed a loss on the cost of pro-
duction. In this crisis, the farmers of Stephenson County, and merchants of
towns located within her boundaries, though not entirely unscathed, suffered
less than points more thickly settled, and from other causes susceptible to its
influences. But there is no doubt that emigration hither was lessened, though
some of the choicest spirits ever associated with the county's history came in
during this period.
WALLACE SUICIDE.
During the summer of this year, an old settler named William Wallace,
who had settled in the county five years before, suicided by hanging at the
edge of Rock Grove, and died before he was discovered. His neighbors
regarded him as insane from infelicities, with the exact import of which no one
could be found who was familiar, and, while thus oppressed, he had sought in
the unknown world that peace of mind denied him here. He was discovered,
it is said, by some lads traveling in pursuit of cows, who advertised the fact
to the few settlers in the vicinity, by whom he was cut down and buried
almost in sight of the tree under which his troubles were dissipated with his life.
Notwithstanding the tight times made mention of, the county was regarded
as a terminal point of great excellence by residents of the Eastern States and
elsewhere, and agents from communities contemplating emigration to the
West were to be found here prospecting and making examinations of the
resources, with a view to submit reports that should be acted upon by those
who had commissioned them. This was not confined to the Eastern States
alone, but extended to foreign parts. It will be remembered that the Nor-
wegians, who settled in Rock Run about 1839, adopted this policy before deter-
mining upon settlement, and their judgment obtained in other countries of
Europe — for example, in England. In the spring of 1842, the inhabitants of
farming shires there empowered an agent to visit America and select a location
where they could secure land at reasonable rates, that, by the employment of
the same means which at home gave them only a tolerable income, they might
be enabled to amass a competency. Acting upon these instructions, he visited
Illinois, and was so impressed with the inducements offered in present Ridott
Township, that he advised the colony to settle there as possessing every advan-
tage that could be had at home, in addition to many inaccessible in England, even
268 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
to those in easy circumstances. The communication containing this ultimatum
was received, and, after some delay devoted to deliberation, its adoption was
decided upon, and preparations were inaugurated for the journey. These
completed, sail was set, and a colony, consisting of about twenty-two, landed at
their future home in Ridott Township, on the 28th of August, 1842, and
established themselves in the timber near the present village. They were
composed of the sturdy class of English yeomanry, under whose watchful care
and taste Devonshire, Sussex and other vicinages have prospered, to-day
abounding in scenes of exquisite beauty, with groves, gardens and residences
that charm the beholder, inspiring him with emotions of the sublime and beau-
tiful, and educating the heart to reverence the gifts of Nature and Nature's
God. The settlement made here was inhabited by this character of people,
who have aided most liberally in the improvements of that portion of the
county, some of whom reside there still. In many cases, they are the propri-
etors of vast estates, which are highly cultivated, and stocked with the choicest
specimens of improved breeds. Their houses are commodious, substantially
built, provided with libraries and centers of comfort. Industrious, with much
of that geniality and bonhomie recognized as characteristics of cultivators of
the soil, they have done a great deal to develop the section in which they settled,
by the appropriation of improved systems of agriculture, the large crops they
have laid by, and the air of independent comfort made manifest in their sur-
roundings.
The original settlement remained intact for about one year, when the com-
munity of interest which prevailed was interrupted and never afterward
resumed. Death visited the home of one and left his mark upon its posts. A
wife who came to the new world sickened and died before she scarcely realized
the change, but, amid strangers and scenes unlike those she had come from,
closed her eyes in death. May it not be, however, that in her cabin in the
wilderness, where she may have lingered through the night unconscious of
friends around her, she heard a strain of the mysterious harmony from afar,
in the midst of dreams of England, the long path across the ocean and friends
and home ?
This event, with others of a similar character that followed in its wake,
bred a feeling of discontent and loneliness that comes when frail mortality has
run its race and the golden ripple comes back no more, which precipitated a
dissolution of the band and distributed its members over the West. The separa-
tion came gradually, however, and it was not until two years after their coming
that the surviving members left the rendezvous rendered sacred by associations
and mournful memories. Many remained in Stephenson County with results
already quoted, whose worth and standing are as pronounced as they are the
fulfillment of a promise always pledged to industry and enterprise.
The English colony was the largest addition to the inhabitants at any point
in the county this year, it is believed, Freeport included. Settlers visited other
portions of Stephenson, it is true, and some remained, but the large proportion
that it was a few years before expected would make the county an abiding
place, failed to materialize either in numbers or frequency of arrivals. The
reasons for this were doubtless due to hard times and bad roads, though, as
before remarked, the hard times did not produce that distress in this as in other
counties and States. This was owing to the fact that the people, as also the
county, having been accustomed to pay as they went, were comparatively free
from debt. The failure of fresh arrivals, however, disturbed no one ; the farm-
ers continued to labor for the development of this "beautiful land. " Schools,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 269
to cultivate the intellect of the growing generation to educate its uses, and
religion to inculcate a respect for morals not less than for self. The merchants
increased somewhat in number, as did their business, and they looked forward
to a time, in the near future, when their days of probation would be over.
Mechanical industries, though, had by this year, begun to assume a prominence in
keeping with the times- Wagon and carriage shops were accessible, and that
class of work obtained without resorting to lengthy trips and submitting to
scores of inconveniences. Blacksmith shops had been established where once
they were unknown, and agricultural implements were substituted where a few
years before their use had been ridiculed.
The season of 1843 was, in point of material prosperity, an improvement
over the previous year. Additions were made to the population, farms became
more productive, though markets were as far beyond reach as they had been,
farmers being still compelled to draw their wheat to Chicago and receive a price
per bushel totally disproportionate to the cost of raising, thrashing and trans-
portation. Yet the opportunities to obtain loads on the return trip were more
favorable and paid better, for building in Freeport and at other localities was
becoming more general, and not unfrequently the material was procured at
Chicago. The lead mines were still visited occasionally, when the settler was
in a hurry to dispose of his crops, but as markets they ceased to bear so impor-
tant a relation to the county as had existed in earlier years. The spring was
passed amid bustle and some disorders incident to the resumption of business
and farming, and summer came and went without any apparent diminution in
these particulars — not disorders involving violations of law, for this was not
permitted by the orderly residents, but the hurry and carelessness evidenced
where business is paramount to all other considerations. The composition of
the emigrants who came in this year was remarked as gratifying. They were
as a rule substantial men, untainted by association with adventurers, who seek
to conquer adversity without reference to the means employed in that behalf.
In the fall, when the crops had been gathered and stacked, and an account was
taken of the season's profits, if a very small balance remained to the credit of
the producer, it was gratify ingly exceptional and encouraging.
THE BOARDMAN MURDER.
This year witnessed the first murder reported in the annals of Stephen-
son County, that is, after the county was incorporated as such. The scene of
the tragedy was a farm in Rock Grove Township, at that time owned by Daniel
Noble. It seems, according to report, that Noble employed a man to assist him
about the farm, by the name of Boardman. The relations existing between them
were of a character that, when the latter mysteriously disappeared, Noble's state-
ments were received without dispute. One day in the fall of the year, Noble and
Boardman took their guns and started off on a hunt, remaining absent for a day
or so without exciting distrust. One afternoon Noble turned up without his
companion, and, upon being interrogated as to his absence, stated that, hav-
ing tired of the point at which he resided, he had made up his mind to seek a
location elsewhere. He had departed in the direction of, and asserted that he
was going to, Wisconsin. Previous to separating, the missing man handed a
watch to Noble and requested that he would deliver it to Mrs. Boardman, with
the assurance that when he was established he would send for her. The gun,
it was said, he had carried off. The winter passed without hearing from the
absent one, and, though anxiety was expressed among the settlers as to the cause,
no suspicion was directed toward Noble. The spring came and went without
270 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
aught happening or being done to solve the mystery of Boardman's continued
and prolonged silence. As summer appeared, with the dawn of June, a query
was addressed to many in this connection, calculated to assail the innocence of
Noble, and put him upon the defensive. One afternoon, Mr. Marsh, a neigh-
bor, was engaged in the discharge of his farm duties, when his sense of smell
was assailed by the stench of corruption, and he hastened to ascertain the cause.
After a brief search, his efforts were rewarded by the finding of a human skel-
eton in the brush, so decayed that it was beyond recognition, yet bearing
marks indicating that he had met death by violence. Mr. Marsh detached the
skull from its connection with the body, and, proceeding to Noble's premises,
exhibited his "find" to the latter, who was engaged in threshing in his barn.
His appearance upon being confronted with the spectacle was calculated to con-
firm previous suspicions, and after consultation it was decided to arrest him on
the following day, or as soon thereafter as a warrant could be obtained therefor
from Justice Frank eberger. In the mean time, Noble directed his wife to get
ready, and that night he quietly disappeared. Mrs. Noble he left at her fathers,
in Ogle County, while he proceeded to Dixon, where he left his team, thence
to parts unknown. He was never arrested, and the death of Boardman, in all
probability a victim to the unsettled condition of affairs at that day, or the turbu-
lent passions of man, has always been involved in mystery.
A correspondent of the Madison (Wis.) Express, traveling through this
country about that time, gives his impressions of portions of the county
through which he passed, as follows :
" Since I have been here I have been about the county considerably, and
have become well convinced that it is well deserving of the high reputation it
has attained, of being one of the very best counties in the State. From Rock-
ford to this place (Freeport), the road passes through one continuous prairie,
with the exception of a grove about one mile in length. The prairie is quite
rolling, in many places amounting to hills, with an uncommonly rich and fertile
soil. There is in this county less waste land on account of sloughs or marshy
places than in most prairie countries with which I am acquainted. Yet the
land is admirably well watered, there being a clear creek nearly every
mile, wending its way through the prairie to the Pecatonioa. These, I am told,
originate in springs, the water being always clear and pure, and the streams
never dry. The banks of the creeks are usually high, and the land, on either
side of the water's edge, is perfectly dry. A heavy body of timber is to be
found on the north side of the Pecatonica River, the best growth I have ever
found in the State. It is mainly oak, but in many places we find a great
variety of heavy timber."
The population of the county was then supposed to be somewhere between
five and ten thousand, and was "rapidly increasing." The amount of wheat
raised in the county, that year, was upward of fifty thousand bushels, which
talked well for a county that had been settled a little less than ten years. It was
but ten years since Mr. Waddams erected the first cabin, and what vast changes
time had wrought ! Since that day, though, the progress of the county has
been far more rapid — far beyond the wildest expectations of the most hopeful
enthusiast. The five thousand inhabitants have increased to nearly ten times
that number. The prairies, with scarcely a cabin to vary the monotony of the
landscape, now present unbroken chains of the finest farms in the country,
ornamented with mansions and buildings. The dirt roads and corduroy tracks,
with their lumber wagons and " prairie schooners," have given place to the
railways and palace cars.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 271
The following year, 1844, was characterized by the arrival of a class of
settlers who were possessed of some means, and desirous of investing a portion
of what they brought with them in lands, to hold the same until it appreciated
in value, when sales could be eifected with profit. At that time, F. D. Bulk-
ley was Recorder of the county, and, in the discharge of his official duties
appertaining to the position, he was sometimes assisted by his daughter and
niece. These young ladies, though almost constantly occupied, were ever ready
to assist the pursuit of knowledge by strangers who were endeavoring to trace
a chain of title, and generally had little time to devote to anything else. These
visitors were quite numerous, and many of those who came in at that time and
became real-estate speculators have remained, and are now large land-owners.
About this period, the troubles arising between purchasers and claimants
first found open expression, and sometimes reached a state of affairs that could
only be likened to a combat between the cats of Kilkenny, or worse. As will
be remembered, these troubles grew out of the land sales at Dixon, and were
pursued until one of the contesting parties had reached the end of his worsted.
In these sales, the doctrine caveat emptor should have obtained, but did not
apply. The purchaser of a claim by no means secured possession of his
property by the payment of the purchase money. If its location impinged upon
the claim of an old campaigner, or rather one who had come in at an early day
and borne the heat of the battle, he was decided in his refusal to yield the
coign of vantage to one who came on to the field when the victory was won.
In many of the townships the fight between claimants and purchasers was
prolonged and bitter. If the purchaser insisted upon maintaining his title to
the property, he was met by opposition which endangered his remaining, and in
all cases realizing this fact, he generally abandoned the field of occupation to his
foe, and departed for other scenes. There is no recorded case of homicide grow-
ing out of these disturbances, but these may have been avoided by the surrender
of him whose alleged right was disputed. An instance of this is to be found in
the case of a resident of Rock Run, who innocently became a trespasser, though
he claimed title to lands purchased at Dixon. His neighbors, including the
Seeleys, Carnefex, Webb, Davis and others, so interfered with his occupation
that he was compelled finally to abandon the land and go elsewhere. These
troubles, however, were finally compromised, and long since ceased to exist ;
but, while they were active, nothing short of civil war, say those familiar with
its ramifications, could equal the land contests for bitterness and refusal to yield.
There were many other annoyances to which these same people were
subjected, long after the introduction of civil process, and the establishment of
courts ; but they have not occurred during late years, and need only be
referred to as among the incidents of life in the West at an early day.
Among those who came in 1844, was the Hon. John H. Addams, President
of the Second National Bank, and as prominently identified with landed as
monetary affairs. He settled in Cedarville, where he purchased the mill built,
in 1837, by Dr. Van Valzah. He has represented the district, in which
Stephenson County is included, in the State Senate, is the father of railroad
enterprise in Stephenson County, and of the extension of lines to points that
were thereby benefited. In all the departments of life he has sustained a
character above criticism, and is esteemed not more for his unimpeachable
integrity than his enterprise and public spirit.
The year 1845 was not different from 1844, in any of its salient features.
The prospects were no more discouraging than had been those of that year, and
the improvements had kept pace with the times, though the rush of emigration
272 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
and the influx of money was not by any means proportioned to the wishes of
the people. Farmers were yet obliged to market their products in Chicago,
and put up with treatment that enforced a belief that their lives were not nearly
so independent as they were considered by men who contemplated them from a
distance. Little had been done even at this late day, to render the roads
passable, and, when teamsters en route to Chicago or other distant points found
them to be in a condition that forbade their attempting to proceed, they unloaded,
and, returning to Freeport, waited until the weather and improvement of the
highways permitted them to renew the attempt. This entailed a second loss in
the depreciated value of the quality, which, with that estimated by the purchaser
in Chicago, had a tendency to diminish the area of cultivation, and turn atten-
tion to other sources of revenue which would not be so severely assessed.
The coming of railroads, however, a few years later, rather equalized the
necessities of both planter and factor, and removed this embargo to progress
and wealth.
MEXICAN WAR.
Before the close of 1845, the dispute with Mexico, consequent upon the
admission of Texas, became so open and apparently beyond the powers of
diplomatic agents to adjust, that war between that nation and the United
States was only a question of time. This was what came, as all remember, after
robberies and outrages had been perpetrated under the cloak of official sanction,
involving the loss of millions of dollars' worth of property to Americans resi-
dent in Mexico and upon the border.
When hostilities were begun, a call was made for volunteers, apportioned
mostly to the Western and Southern States, and the requisition from Illinois
embraced three regiments. When this proclamation was promulgated, and
reached Stephenson County, it created an excitement and enthusiasm only
equaled by that precipitated by the firing upon Sumter. Age forgot its
crutch and labor its task ; and youth, rank and genius rushed into the lists,
anxious to be of the number who should follow the eagles of another Cortes and
camp in the halls of the Montezumas. Nor was this spirit of ardent patriotism
confined to the men. It was manifested by ladies, who formed sewing societies and
aided in the fashioning of uniforms for the soldiers, and flags for the regiments.
Public meetings were convened and the situation discussed by men who hurled
oratorical thunderbolts against the pugnacious foe. Volunteers were enlisted
without bounty or effort, and, after imperfect preparation, hurried to the field
of battle, thirsting for reputation and gore.
In Freeport, a public meeting was called, which convened at the court
house, during the continuance of this excitement, and was largely attended by
representatives from all portions of the county. Maj. John Howe officiated as
Chairman ; addresses of patriotic import were made by Thomas J. Turner.
S. B. Farwell and others, and some enlistments were secured that evening,
What is true in this connection regarding the feeling at Freeport, applies to
other portions of the county. Wherever a settlement existed, the utmost enthu-
siasm was manifested, and volunteers were greatly in excess of the demand.
About twenty-five recruits were obtained in Stephenson County, including
William Goddard, of West Point, who was promoted to a Captaincy, and survived
the contest to fall at Shiloh ; the Pattee boys, George and Jason, from Lancaster
and Silver Creek ; Foster Hart, from Florence, with others representing the
remaining townships. They were apportioned to the company commanded by
Captain McKinney, of Dixon, it is said, and formed part of the Second Regiment
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 273
of Illinois troops, of which J. L. D. Morrison, of St. Clair County, but latterly
a resident of St. Louis, was appointed Colonel. The regiment was mustered
in July 2, 1846, and, after a brief sojourn in camp, crossed the Rio Grande and
entered the city of Santa Rosa, thence proceeding to the base of the Sierra
Gorda. This regiment participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and other
engagements, being finally disbanded at Camargo, whence they returned home,
arriving in Springfield, June 4, 1847, thence to their several places of enlist-
ment.
The soldiers on their reaching home were received with marks of affection,
and tendered, as they deserved, the enthusiastic welcomes of the people.
Dinners, addresses, toasts and speeches greeted their arrival ; newspapers in
the vicinity lauded their patriotism, while, as candidates for office, civilians were
obliged to yield precedence to the victorious warrior. Those who had fallen
on the battle-field, or died in the hospital, were held in sacred remembrance,
while the wounded who bore the marks of strife, were regarded with an awe
and veneration passing comparative comprehension.
In April, 1847, the Government issued another call for troops, that was
responded to with equal readiness, and the lists of volunteers, it is believed,
were made up in part of residents of Stephenson County, mustered into the
Sixth Regiment. However, the fall of the City of Mexico virtually ended the
war, and, beyond investing Vera Cruz, and the engagement at Tampico, the
duties of the two battalions into which this regiment was divided, were confined
to garrisons, returning home when peace was declared, to again take part in the
duties which had been temporarily abandoned to engage in the pursuit of arms.
RAILROADS.
In the fall of 1846, according to the record, the people began to appreci-
ate the necessity of an outlet and a market for their crops, and a strong feeling
in favor of railroads began to manifest itself. This was the beginning of an
era in the progress of the State, county and city. The farmers had long before
realized how utterly hopeless any approach to independence could be made
under the existing condition of affairs. The labor employed in cultivating the
soil and laying by the crops, together with the expense of conveying them to
market, left but a small margin when high prices were paid for their products.
But the rates received by them, per bushel for their grain, and other expenses
incurred in its delivery, left them no margin for present necessities or future
operations. They must either obtain more remunerative prices, less expensive
means of transportation, or engage in occupations that would not only afford a
living, but a surplus upon which to live when age incapacitated them from the
active duties of life. With these sentiments, the project of securing a railway,
accessible to farmers in the county, was canvassed, and met with a hearty
response from those interested. Scheming brains, with an eye to the future,
endeavored to formulate a plan by which this inestimable desideratum might
be attained, and its powerful aid secured to develop the country, as also to
educate, civilize, and Christianize the people. People talked about the influences
it would exert, and it became a topic of general conversation on the streets, or
in the hotels, in the commercial marts, and by the fireside. However, nothing
came of the efforts made in that connection during the year 1846 but plans
which did not crystallize into acts, and it was not until the following year that
practical work commenced.
On January 7, 1847, quoting from the recollections of John H. Addams,
who was prominently instrumental in agitating the subject until it was "egarded
274 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
feasible, the first railroad convention ever held in the Western country was con-
vened at Rockford. The attendance was very large, and included representa-
tives from all portions of the country. Among those who attended from Ste-
phenson County, the residents of which, by the way, were instrumental in call-
ing the meeting, were John H. Addams, Luman Montague, Jackson Richart, D.
A. Knowlton, Martin P. Sweet and Adrian Lucas. W. B. Ogden, Walter
Newberry and I. N. Arnold were present from Chicago, and, after the disposi-
tion of preliminary business, the questions at issue were very generally dis-
cussed. The Chicago party proposed to commence the building of a road under
a charter previously obtained, and this led to the organization of a company
under which the Galena & Chicago road was constructed.
Though there was scarcely any money in the country, and it was indis-
pensable to the success of the corporation that $20,000 of stock be taken in the
county, the people subscribed as liberally as their limited means would permit,
and succeeded in raising this amount. Railroad meetings were not frequent in
those days, the settlers residing so far apart that they could not assemble at a
moment's notice, and those interested in placing the stock were obliged to travel
the county to secure its taking. Wherever they went the residents were found
willing to co-operate, the ladies vieing with the sterner sex in their readiness to
render assistance. They appreciated how necessary it was to have the road
built, and were prepared to make any personal sacrifice to further the under-
taking. Many of them helped pay for the stock subscribed for at their solicita-
tion from the profits derived by the sales of butter, cheese and other house-
hold productions, even depriving themselves of the means necessary to educate
their children that a railroad might be built for the good of that and future
generations. The stock sales were but incidents connected with an enterprise
the establishment of which is always attended with difficulties. The road was
finally completed to Belvidere, when the management was called upon to
encounter greater vexations than any it had been able to dispose of up to that
time. At this point an effort was made to divert the road from its original route
to Savannah, which would leave Stephenson County without the benefits her peo-
ple had so industriously labored for and liberally contributed to obtaining.
Those who had urged the taking of stock were discouraged at the apparent
failure of the scheme, while those who had subscribed were bitter in their
expressions of disappointment.
Finally, a committee of gentlemen from Freeport, composed of J. H.
Addams, D. A. Knowlton, 0. H. Wright and John A. Clark, visited Rockford
to endeavor to procure the execution of the original contract, and secured the
indorsement of the people that so far as they could influence a decision it
should be done. The trip was continued to Chicago, and after labors that were
effectual as were the laborers deserving of the public thanks, the project of divert-
ing the road was abandoned. Labor was continued on the route, and in August,
1853, the iron horse entered Freeport amid the rejoicings that such an
occasion would bring forth. After many days, the trials of the people had
become resolved into a triumph both pronounced and valuable. Those days
have long since glided into the past, and the pioneer, who then acted his part in
the struggle for improvement, realizes in the present days, always bright and
clear with the glad sunshine and the song of birds, that " God will remember
the world."
The building of the Illinois Central was begun almost with the building
of the Galena & Chicago, and its entry into Freeport was made almost
at the same time. The grand scheme of connecting Lake Michigan with the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 275
Mississippi had long been a desideratum with the people of Illinois, and when,
in 1850, an act was passed by Congress granting 3,000,000 acres to the State
to aid in its construction, the completion of the road was regarded almost as a
foregone conclusion.
The act granted a right of way- for the railroad through the public lands
the width of two hundred feet from the southern terminus of the Illinois
and Michigan Canal to a point at or near the junction of the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi Rivers, and for branches to Chicago and Galena. The construction of
the road was to be commenced at its northern and southern termini simul-
taneously, and when completed, the branches were to be built.
With the passage of this bill, it became the duty of the Legislature of Illi-
nois to make a disposition of this grant, which should be not only prudent and
wise, but satisfactory. After no inconsiderable delay, caused by the efforts
necessary to defeat peculation and the appropriation of the franchise by other
parties, a bill was passed by the Legislature, and became a law February 10,
1851, providing for its survey, construction and equipment.
When the bill passed, or rather prior thereto, an understanding existed
between the agent of the English capitalists, who were to furnish the money to
build the road, and the Galena & Chicago management, that the former
would proceed to Galena and the Mississippi River via Freeport. In consider-
ation of this, the Galena road was to terminate at Freeport, and assign the right
of way thence to Galena to the Illinois Central. This was the outgrowth of
the efforts made during the construction of that road to divert its route in the
direction of Savannah. When that question was under consideration, as will
be remembered, a committee representing Stephenson County visited Rock-
ford and Chicago, and labored for the prevention of so great a violation of the
contract under which stock was subscribed to its building. The labors of this
committee produced a restraining effect, as would appear in the light of subse-
quent events, upon the influences exerted, and brought the road, as was prom-
ised it should come, direct to Freeport.
Surveys were at once commenced, and by the spring of 1852, had made
such progress that grading and track-laying were succeeding each other with
gratifying rapidity, and the road completed to Freeport in 1853, with but little
interruption. While the work was progressing in Silver Creek Township,
near Crain's Grove, an emeute was caused among the laborers by the dissatis-
faction expressed by strikers for higher wages. At first no attention was paid
to the demands or complaints by the contractors. Emboldened by the admis-
sions this silence was construed into conceding, the "gang" suddenly aban-
doned work, with the significant assurance that it would not be resumed until
they had a surfeit of leisure. Soon after their pugnacity became excited with
drafts of liquor, which was on tap in the camp, and for a brief period it seemed
as if a reign of terror would be substituted for peace and order, so difficult to
maintain. At this juncture, the railroad authorities appealed to the law for
protection, whereupon Capt. J. W. Crane marshaled his militiamen and,
marching to the scene of disorder, distributed the whisky among the woods
and creeks, dispersed the rebels, suppressed the disorder and came marching
home with a consciousness of duty well performed.
The road was completed to Dubuque, Iowa, in May 1855, and on July 18,
of that year, was formally opened with a celebration, attended by many who had
been instrumental in procuring its construction and equipment. Stephenson
County sent her prominent men to the city of Julien Dubuque, to grace with
their presence an occasion so felicitous with the results of labors in which they
276 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
had been " wheel-horses." Stephen A. Douglas orated, and the predictions
he ventured regarding the future of Illinois, many have lived to see realized.
The Illinois Central enters the county in the southern portion of Silver
Creek Township, passing through Silver Creek, Harlem, Erin and West Point,
a distance of about fifteen miles. The Northwestern or Galena and Chicago,
passes through Ridott and Silver Creek, to Freeport, its western terminus.
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line, entering the county near Davis,
in Rock Run Township, was formerly operated under the name of the " Racine
& Mississippi Railroad." It passes through Rock Run, Dakota, Lancaster, Silver
Creek and Florence Townships, and does a large way business. The company
was chartered in 1852, to build a road from Racine to Beloit, and was organized
the same year. The city of Racine and the towns of Racine, Elkhorn, Dela-
van and Beloit subscribed an aggregate of $490,000 for that amount of stock,
while farmers along the line of the road took considerable of the same, for the
payment of which they mortgaged their farms. The road was completed to
Beloit in 1856, but, failing to pay interest on its bonds and maturing indebted-
ness, a new company took possession of the property and refused to recognize
the rights of the farmers who had hypothecated their realty for stock. Almost
endless litigation followed the transfer of the corporation, but, the holders being
innocent purchasers, the courts recognized their equities, and the mortgagors
were compelled to pay them.
Along in 1858-59, the extension of the road to Freeport was commenced
and prosecuted with vigor. The labors thereon were continuous and uninter-
rupted, save by an experience similar to that encountered by the Illinois Cen-
tral in Silver Creek Township, i. e., a strike instigated by a number of unruly
laborers who attempted to compete successfully with capital, but failed of
achieving results. The affair occurred at " Deep Cut," and was participated
in by a majority of those employed ; but Capt. Crane's company, with their arms
at a "right-shoulder shift," hurried to the scene and suppressed the mutiny
without loss.
The road was completed to Freeport in 1859, and afterward extended to
the Mississippi River at Savannah, thence to Rock Island.
These enterprises stimulated industry and improvements, attracted
increased emigration, appreciated the price of lands and increased the pros-
pects of markets so instantly, that landholders became feverish with expectations
of suddenly acquired wealth and were happy in contemplating the cheerful out-
look.
Nothing could have happened since the coming of the first settlers to add
so pronounced an impetus to the agencies of civilization, which had been for
years, it might be said, falling behind, as these undertakings. Towns were sur-
veyed and laid off along the routes of these roads; manufacturing, educational,
religious and other interests were cultivated, lots sold for city prices, buildings
were erected, the area of cultivation increased, and when the roads were com-
pleted a bound was experienced in prices that repaid the toilers for all the suf-
ferings and privations they had previously undergone. Since then, with these
arteries of wealth and commerce coursing the territory in nearly every
direction, Stephenson County has enjoyed unrivaled facilities for its com-
plete development and thrift and prosperity, barring the panics of 1857, and
that precipitated by " Black Friday," continuous and unfailing.
Freeport was not less benefited than the surrounding country. Thence
onward the history of the city is not marked by any of the great trials, troubles
or vexations of spirit which have been the lot of other corporations. The
db£c 'MAlsL
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CEDARViLLE.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 279
jealousies which had previously been indulged by rivals in the county, yielded
to the logic of events and were dissipated. Strange contrast with the closing
month of 1835, when William Baker erected his ''Indian Trading Post" and
Ransomburg was coming to the front in its race for prominence. But the
inhabitants who came into the future city, disregarding opposition, struggled
manfully in the contest with results which not only attested their wisdom and
pluck, but fully confirmed the truth of the premise, that excellence in any un-
dertaking invariably follows in the wake of patience, perseverance and industry.
The tide of emigration which tended in the direction of Stephenson County, at
or about this period, left many who had come with it, residents of the town.
Commercial interests increased, Freeport began to be regarded as by no
means the least promising municipality west of Chicago, and farming was prose-
cuted constantly and successfully. The uncertainties that succeeded the panic
of 1837 were settled, and in their stead a feeling of confidence was substituted,
which found expression in permanent and remunerative investments. Some
improvements were projected, and a limited number completed. The water-
power of Pecatonica River had been utilized, and mills and factories were com-
pleted or contemplated. In short, the aggregate of business in city and county
would be far in excess of previous years. These predictions were surely real-
ized. The business portion of the town was limited to Galena and Stephenson
streets, and, though carried on in establishments by no means epitomes of
architectural skill or elegance, answered the purposes for which they had been
erected. The residence part of the town was not a prominent feature, either.
Some of the merchants not only "traded," but lived, moved and had their being
in their stores. The court house was the most elaborate structure, and contin-
ued to do duty for a variety of purposes, as of yore. The log schoolhouse on
the bank of the river had been abandoned for school purposes, and the "old
red schoolhouse" had become its successor. Religious classes were formed,
and congregations organized, though it was not until two years later that the
Presbyterians erected the first church edifice in the town.
Politics had by this time assumed some degree of prominence, if not
regarded as a staple commodity, and leaders were found, representing opposing
sentiments, who attracted a generous following and support. The Whigs con-
tended for superiority, and the Democrats felicitated themselves in the belief
that they were the sole possessors of an air-line route to future success.
The towns tributary to Freeport were equally fortunate, though to a more
limited extent. Those who, for reasons satisfactory to themselves, preferred to
identify themselves with those of similar ambition without its growth, " skipped "
the county seat, and wended their several ways to Winslow, Orangeville and
other points advertising advantages of location and promise of future eminence.
Both these places were building up, having been laid out, as already mentioned,
in anticipation of that dawn of prosperity which came gradually but surely.
The New England Land Company, through agents in one and private enter-
prise in the other, had employed capital and labor in behalf of each with happy
results. The history of neither of these points has ever been fruitful of events
that would either immortalize the names of their founders or startle the nation ;
but both offer the inducements of quiet, social, educational and refining influen-
ces to the professional and mechanical representative, for homes afar from the
busy haunts of trade, where the sunshine of days unborn may be reflected,
beautifying the present and lighting up the future with rays of purity.
280 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
FAMINE OF 1848.
Such was the outlook, as it appeared to citizens and settlers in the fall of
1847, and was prorogued into 1848. These encouraging signs gave birth to a
new condition of things, and elicited the most enthusiastic expressions among
men who reason correctly. The spring of 1848 opened with a revival
of business, and some settlers came with its dawn. Trade and commerce,
which had so short a time before only survived, were large, and agriculturists,
who had previously been dependent upon purchasers at other points for the
sales of their products and stores of supplies, found accessible markets at home.
This year, it will be remembered, the great famine prevailed in Ireland, and
America responded to the calls of their famishing brethren over the sea. Ste-
phenson County then contained a large number of Irishmen, who contributed
of their abundance to the relief necessitated by the afflictions at home. And
this was not confined to that nationality, either. Though there does not seem
to have been any concert of action throughout the county, or the convening of
meetings for the purpose of inaugurating united action, the sympathies of the
people were not backward of expressing themselves, in liberal donations to the
needy and afflicted in Ireland. Charity, generosity and sympathy, a trinity of
virtues that grace the composition of true manhood, were not then, nor have
they ever been, found wanting among settlers in new countries, and those who
created Stephenson County proved no exception to the rule.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
From 1837, the year during which Stephenson County was set apart from
Jo Daviess, and civil government inaugurated, until the adoption of township
organization, the county government was composed of three Commissioners,
the first of which were Lemuel G. Streator, Isaac G. Forbes, and Julius Smith.
This form of municipal government was maintained until 1850.
The Constitution of Illinois, adopted March 6, 1848, and in force from
and after April 1 of that year, declared that " the General Assembly shall
provide, by a general law, for a township organization, under which any
county may organize whenever a majority of the voters of such county, at any
general election, shall so determine."
At the session of the Legislature of 1849, the following act, providing for
the proper organization of a township, by way of supplement to that quoted,
was adopted :
" Art. 1. Section 1. * * * * That at the next gen-
eral election to be held in the several counties in this State, the qualified voters
of each county may vote, for or against ' township organization ' in their
respective counties," etc.
Acting in obedience to these enactments, the constituted authorities issued
a proclamation directing the holding of an election in Stephenson County, on
the 5th day of November, 1849, for the purpose of indicating their adoption of
the organization, provided for by the act cited. The opposition to this change
in the form of government was neither numerous nor intense. There were some
few, however, who were antagonistic to the proposed new order of affairs, but
their votes of discord were drowned in the general acclamations which greeted
its introduction, and at the election holden according to law, township organi-
zation was accepted by a vote of 973 to 99. At the same election, George
Purinton was elected County Judge, with George W. Andrews and Lewis
Gibler, Associates; William Preston, County Clerk, and J. B. Smith, School
Commissioner.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 281
These preliminaries having been disposed of, the county entered at once
upon its changed plan of government, and little delay was experienced in
adapting the same to immediate and successful practice.
The officers elected under the law qualified, and the County Court was con-
vened in December, the Hon. George Purinton presiding. At its first session,
Levi Robey, Robert Foster and Erastus Torrey were appointed Commissioners
to lay off and subdivide the county into townships, pursuant to the statute in
such case made and provided, and proceeded to organize and discharge the
duties imposed without the exercise of unnecessary delay.
After some time employed in laying off the township boundaries, adjusting
disputes and completing their work, the Commissioners appointed by the court
submitted a report, detailing the result of their labors to have been the sub-
division of the county as provided by law, into the following townships : Rock
Grove, Oneco, Wislow, West Point, Waddams, Buckeye, Rock Run, Freeport,
Lancaster, Harlem, Erin, Loran, Florence, Silver Creek and Ridott. The
township of Harlem was subsequently changed to Wayne by Commissioner
Torrey, but the change, having been made after the submission of the report,
and being without authority, was never confirmed.
This report was accepted, and on the 5th of November, 1850, the follow-
ing-named persons were elected Supervisors for their respective towns : Jonathan
Reitzell, Lancaster; C. G. Epley, Rock Run; James J. Rogers, Rock Grove;
George Cadwell, Oneco ; Cornelius Judson, Winslow ; Michael Lawver, Wad-
dams ; John Montelius, Buckeye ; Daniel Wilson, West Point ; William M.
Buckley, Harlem ; John I. F. Harman, Erin ; Conrad Van Brocklin, Flor-
ence ; Gustavus A. Farwell, Ridott ; Samuel McAfee, Silver Creek ; Hiram
Hart, Loran, and E. S. Hanchett, Freeport.
The first meeting of the board was convened on November 11, 1850, and
its organization perfected by the election of John I. F. Harman as Chairman.
The members of the board were all present except Hanchett, of Freeport, who
was absent, and failing to qualify, John K. Brewster was appointed in his
stead, and took his seat as Supervisor from Freeport.
The number of townships in the county was afterward increased by the
formation of new townships out of those created as follows, and the representa-
tion augmented: On the 17th of March, 1856, the township of Kent was
formed out of a part of Erin ; at the September meeting of the board for the
same year, the township of Loran was subdivided, the western portion being
organized into Jefferson, and, in 1860, the township of Dakota was formed by
the appropriation of the eastern portion of Buckeye to its name and posses-
sion.
From this on the organization has been preserved, and found to answer
every expectation ventured in its behalf.
THE HEGIRA TO CALIFORNIA, 1849.
During this year, as will be inferred by reference to the tally lists kept at
the election held in November, the population had become "numerous" through-
out the county. The towns had grown, as every one who watched the progress
of events admitted. Mills had become fixtures, and supplied the markets with
lumber, flour and meal. Farmers disposed of their crops, and merchants and
speculators made investments that the rust of age would not corrupt, and held
them for the " boom " that came in after years.
About this time the California gold fever, which had been of an " intermit-
tent " character since 1847, attacked Stephenson County residents with a
282 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
violence that brooked no mitigation, and there were quite a number who pro-
cured outfits and proceeded across the plains to the Sutter discoveries. The
excitement was not confined to any particular portion, but distributed itself
quite generally ; wherever a settler had established his claim the "fever" put
in an appearance, and, unless immediately checked, most generally added to the
number of its victims. The list who wandered into that comparatively undis-
covered land, numbered nearly a hundred this year, among whom were many
young men who could be ill spared from the fields, or the commercial and
professional walks in which they had become familiar to the public. Many of
fchose who went thither returned with a surfeit of experience and poverty. A
number remained in the West and rose to prominence, occupying positions of
executive, as also legislative and judicial honor, in the Territories. Several that
were well known in the town of Freeport, where, for the times, they were prosper-
ously engaged, dropped the certainty of future preferment for the uncertainties
of success in this new field, and became residents of that city beside the blue
waves of the bay which rolls outward through the Golden Gate to the Pacific.
Here they seemed to fail of realizing their too sanguine hopes, and fled to the
interior, where they might be able to acquire in the mines that denied them in
the city by arduous toil. Finally, they disappeared from these scenes, and,
emigrating to Mexico, as some have it, or to Nicaragua, as others insist, joined
the filibusters and went down with Walker, the "gray-eyed man of destiny," in
his hopeless campaigns.
Among the rest, there went from Stephenson County, John Mease, Elmus
Baker, B. T. Buckley, Charles Willet, John Kirkpatrick, William Vore,
Onesimus Weaver, — Shutz, William Patterson, Alfred Cadwell, J. W. Shaffer,
P. C. Shaffer, Joseph Carey, S. B. Farwell, Charles Bogar, Joseph Quest,
William Young, Robert Hammond, Charles O'Neil, Horatio Hunt (about
this time), Cameron Hunt, who became Governor of Colorado, and many others
whose names cannot be recalled, and whose fate is not of record.
The crusaders in pursuit of gold usually went in parties, but rendezvoused
at Freeport to lay in their stock of supplies, reserving organization until they
had departed from the last habitable location previous to entering the Indian
country. When they had secured what their necessities called for, pending
departure, they left homes and friends, and, " striking out " over the prairie,
crossed Iowa and encamped at Omaha, where final arrangements were concluded,
and the long, weary trip to this promising El Dorado entered upon. For a few
years next succeeding, reports of their success and condition came at intervals,
and in some cases were the opposite of rose-colored. Sometimes the friends
of those who had gone were shocked at the news received, sometimes they were hope-
ful ; at no time were they enthusiastic. Gradually, and in shreds and patches,
the story of their lives, and, in some instances, the death that had befallen
them, their trials and their triumphs, were detailed and combined to weave a
story from the warp and woof of real life as pathetic as it had been disastrous,
as discouraging as it was pitiful, with bright chapters of success and happiness
interspersed among its somber pages like a glint of sunshine on a day in
December.
There were citizens of Stephenson County also who went to California
through another — that is, they invested in outfits for others' benefits, and pro-
vided the ways and means to enable them to reach the land of promise, with a
specific understanding that they should participate in the profits ; but in nearly
every instance this confidence was found to be misplaced, and the investment made
by the too confiding capitalist became permanent, with all that the term implies.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 283
The effects of this emigration, while not discouraging to those who remained
behind willing to labor and to wait, were not specially calculated to promote an
extravagant enthusiasm. Large sums, comparatively, had been expended by
the adventurers in the purchase of outfits, which created an increased volume of
trade ; but this diminished with the departure of the purchasers, and a seeming
paralysis affected the commercial and agricultural branches. Indeed, business
was carelessly prosecuted, and there was an absence of spirit that was not pre-
viously visible. The area of cultivation was measurably reduced in consequence
of this exodus to California ; trade dragged, values were lowered, money
became inconveniently scarce, and other evils followed in their wake. In fact,
the effects that would naturally be produced on any settlement of substantially
recent date by the withdrawal from its territory of fully one or two hundred
residents, all young and able-bodied, was duplicated in Stephenson County.
The fall gave place to winter, and that most inhospitable season of the
year remained undisturbed by the happening of any accident or incident out of
the sluggish current of events. Settlers drifted in during its course, and united
with those already there in expressing confidence that the temporary dull times
would give way to prosperous days with the return of spring, and the doubts
and uncertainties, in the midst of which they then suffered, would be dissipated
by the "logic of events." Buoyed up by such hopes, this dreary, inactive win-
ter passed, and, as predicted, the county and its municipalities were granted a
new lease of life. When spring blossoms came once more forth, the California
fever had spent its force, and the county was rapidly convalescing' from the vio-
lence of its attacks. Emigration was resumed, the new arrivals hailing from
Pennsylvania and the Eastern States, and bringing with them, to supply the
absence of material resources, the thrift, industry, and other characteristics of
a people reared in a sterile section, where man's daily bread is indeed obtained
in the sweat of his brow.
In 1850, when the United States census was taken, the population of the
county was quoted at 11,658, an increase of over 9,000 in ten years. Fifty
private schools, with an average daily attendance of 2,000 scholars, had suc-
ceeded to ten schools and 170 scholars in 1840. The improved lands in the
county were estimated at 76,343 acres; lands unimproved aggregated upward
of 280,000 acres. Farms in the county represented a valuation of $1,689,550,
and farming implements, $108,000. There were four church edifices in the
county, the most prominent being the brick Presbyterian Church, at the corner
of Walnut and Stephenson streets, Freeport, and other improvements which
might be included under the head of "public." This year there were 764,814
bushels of grain of all kinds raised in the county, and the cultivation of fruit
had assumed a reasonably gratifying prominence.
During this decade, experiences similar to those which had previously
greeted the county and its inhabitants, as also those of other sections, were
endured and enjoyed. In 1850, a colony of Germans settled in Ridott Town-
ship, and others who came at the same time, of the same race, became residents
of townships immediately contiguous to and distant from the "tenting places"
of their friends and countrymen, on the old State road, in the southeasternmost
township of the county.
The construction of the Galena & Chicago Railroad was progressing slowly,
and that of the Illinois Central only awaited legislation before commencing.
During the earlier years of the decade, beginning with 1850, pilgrims to
California had, in some cases, given up their pursuit of gold, and returned
home ; others, on whom the fickle goddess had smiled benignantly, evidenced
284 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
the fruit of their labors by remittances to families and friends. In truth, there
was a small per centage of liabilities incurred, and long since charged to P. and
L., liquidated with the profits accruing from labor in the mines.
In the city and county new faces were seen daily, and new arrivals for
business noted in the weekly record of current events, which was then published
by S. D. Carpenter, and known as the Prairie Democrat. Property, again,
was regarded as increasing in value, new buildings were put up, both of brick
and frame, commodious, substantial and appropriate to the purposes for which
they were designed, was it either residence or business. In addition to these
evidences of reviving prosperity, societies, both religious and secular, were
organized ; associations, financial, commercial and social, were improvised and
perfected. Thirteen years only had been required to accomplish what in days
more remote had required, one might say, ages. In that period a wilderness
had been converted into a garden. The iron age, in which man had been
heated in the flames of adversity, and molded into form to combat opposition,
had been converted into a golden age, when farms and factories resounded with
the songs of rejoicing, when merchants were successful, and the cry of penury
was silent in the land ; when schoolhouses were filled with ambitious youth, and
churches with consistent worshipers. Law, science, ethics, politics and eloquence
had their exponents among the inhabitants, and refinement and Christian
humanity were possessions to which they held an indisputable title.
There was nothing of moment worthy of perpetuation during this year ;
business remained flourishing, and enterprises born of the encouraging season
were ushered into being, with some confidence in the results. Migration began
to resume somewhat of its former importance, and improved facilities for
marketing products more than roused business men from the apathy of a
former day.
CHOLERA VISITATIONS.
As is intimated, this decade dawned upon the county rich in fruition
and promise. They were accepted and utilized, and that at a time when the
inhabitants were on the eve of a calamity, in comparison with which war and
famine can scarcely be mentioned.
The Asiatic cholera made its first visitation to Stephenson County in 1850,
again in 1852, and once more two years later. The first "epidemic" was
limited to a few sporadic cases, and disappeared late in the season, without
creating more than passing alarm. But it left its mark in the families from
which members had laid down the burden of life and slept beneath the sod.
When it repeated its calls in 1852, the people, immersed in business and agri-
cultural pursuits, without taking thought of the morrow, not having been admon-
ished by the hints dropped two years previous, were ill prepared for its advent.
The health of the county was regarded as perfect, there being an exceptional
freedom from the miasmatic maladies that had in early times prevailed, as sin-
gular as it was gratifying. Nature smiled upon the landscape, and all the ele-
ments combined to cultivate hope in the breasts of the people, who had for
years toiled as the children of Israel, without reward or prospects. As the
summer came, bringing with it the climatic excesses peculiar to the season, the
disease began to manifest its presence in localities ordinarily healthful, as also
subject to disease. The cases received prompt attention, but in the majority
of instances terminated fatally. Remedies regarded as specifics for the malady
produced no effect, the attack generally proving so violent that the system
would become exhausted under its influence before the medicine could operate
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 285
and induce reaction. Its origin could not be traced to any authentic cause,
and its dissipation defied the efforts of physicians. Freeport was greatly
afflicted, the deaths there reaching as high as eighteen in one day. Ridott
Township, in the vicinity of Nevada, suffered grievously under the calls of the
scourge, as did Kirkpatrick's Mills, and other points accessible to its approach.
One gentleman, who was here in those days of tribulation, stated that there
was scarcely a family on the old State road in which there was not one of its
members down with the disease, dying or buried. Indeed, he represents the
state of affairs as deplorable in the last degree. It may be imagined that dur-
ing the existence of the plague, the inhabitants, terror-stricken at its approach
and subsequent presence, with one accord fled from the wrath to come or when
it rapped at his neighbor's door. This was not the case. Physicians and
nm-ses for the sick were procurable at nearly all hours, and men and women
attended to the calls of the dying and buried the dead with a tenderness and
heroism which fully attested their Christian charity and spirit of self-sacrifice.
Along in the fall, having run its course, the disease abated, and nothing of its
visitation remained but the vacancies it had made in the home and by the fire-
side, and the fresh-turned graves to be seen in the village churchyard. It
looked in upon the people again in 1854, but left without repeating its observa-
tions of 1852, and has since remained at an enchanting distance from this
vicinity.
During the prevalence of the epidemic, business came to a standstill both in
towns and the county. The streets of the former evidenced the blight that had
fallen upon the surroundings, and the highways of the latter bore confirmation
thereof. As a result, some who had come into the county with bright hopes and
brighter prospects, died or fled before its approach ; others en route or contem-
plating coming, turned back or abandoned the trip and remained at home. The
population thus practically diminished, and an apprehension of the return of
the disease with many dismayed the coming of those who would have been here
the following spring.
COMPLETION OF THE C. & G. U. R. R.
The building of the railroads was continued, however, notwithstanding
these afflictions, and rapid progress was made on the lines having Freeport for
their objective point. Early in the following year (1853) the Galena & Chicago
Union had made such headway that contractors began laying the rails, and the
people anticipated the whistle of the locomotive as an event of the near future.
On the 23d of August a construction train crossed the Pecatonica and arrived
in Freeport. This was the signal for enthusiastic rejoicings among merchants,
farmers, and all, for all were interested in its success. These manifestations oi
rejoicings but prefaced those evinced by the people when, on September 1
following, passenger and freight trains were placed on the road, and the public
were afforded means of communication they had longed for, prayed for, and
extorted from soulless corporations and municipalities.
The fight had been fought, the victory won, but not without the employ-
ment of every available means and every accessible aid that could be invoked.
The people saw everything that was made ; and behold, it was good. Those who
had been instrumental in its procuration and completion, saw that it was good,
and rejoiced also. A new era in the history of the county was born indeed.
Thenceforward her career was upward and onward, without one interposing
obstacle or one element that would prevail to prevent its advance.
286 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The benefits which accrued by the completion of this improvement were
not altogether gradual nor insubstantial, but rather instant and permanent. The
road was made the channel for an influx of emigration, in comparison with which
the number who had come previously were as visitors. Lands increased in
value beyond all precedent, and no one could escape the conclusion that Ste-
phenson County, both from its geographical position and physical resources,
would become one of the most populous and wealthy counties in the State. It
is an interesting fact, and one beyond dispute, that no inland county in the
State increased in population in a larger ratio during the ten years previous to
the census taken in 1850. This was due to the causes cited; i. e., the supe-
rior qualities of the soil for agricultural purposes, the abundance of timber,
beautiful rolling prairies, excellent water, abundant water-power for manufact-
uring purposes, and, general good health ; and, when the county and its towns
became intimately connected with the rest of mankind, it was an event of no
ordinary importance.
For many years the citizens had been subjected to all the inconveniences
of an imperfect business connection with the East, and had borne them patiently.
The merchants had been compelled to transport their purchases made from
farmers a distance of 120 miles over imperfect roads, and often met with loss in
the sales effected. The farmers submitted to the same trials, intensified in some
cases by the poverty of the victim. This state of things was now over, and the
merchant and farmer were placed on an equal footing with contemporaries at
the East.
With increased facilities for business, men of capital visited the county,
who invested and expended money in opening to the world and utilizing the
almost inexhaustible resources that had remained undeveloped. This great
agent of civilization and reform bound together distant portions of the country,
made neighbors of those who would otherwise have remained strangers, harmo-
nizing and mutualizing conflicting interests, and blending into one universal and
harmonious effort, the desire and action of countries and communities for the
realization of their highest and noblest hopes and aspirations.
The Illinois Central was completed to Freeport early in September, and
extended three miles beyond within a month. This was an additional incentive
for rejoicing, and the people made much of it. As the county was benefited,
so were the towns, and particularly the county seat. Freeport had been keeping
pace with the time, growing with its growth, and strengthening with its strength.
With no false excitement, calculated to throw her prosperity into the hands of
speculators, the town had kept steadily on from a half a dozen houses, a few
business men and a " gang of loafers," until her population at this period had
increased from 1,036, in 1849, and 1,500, in 1850, to 3,000. This growth
was not confined to an increase of inhabitants, but affected business and business
accommodations. Instead of small store-rooms, with a peddler's pack of notions
for stock, the town contained between thirty and forty large stores, some of
them doing a business of between $30,000 and $40,000 per annum. In addition,
there were churches and schools, not to mention saloons and kindred resorts,
which, if they failed to testify to the quality of civilization encouraged, at least
indicated its existence.
Since the scream of the iron horse was first heard in the land, treasures of
wealth and industry have been poured into the county, pointing out a present
of usefulness and a future of greatness and prosperity.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 287
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.
The year 1855 marked the turning point in the history of common-school
education in the State. The first school established in the county had been
commenced nearly twenty years previous, when a very small class assembled at
Ransomburg, and Miss Jane Goodhue sought the instruction of its members in
a knowledge of the alphabet and words of two syllables. During the interven-
ing period, labors in the cause of education had been constant and profitable.
From this solitary class as a beginning, schools had been established all over
the county, and were doing the work allotted them, as civilizers, effectively.
The influence created by their existence and efforts had been of the most ben-
eficent and extended character, and was enlisted without regard to minor details.
But this was not brought about save by the indefatigable labors of zealous men.
The schools in Stephenson County were at first supported by private subscrip-
tion, and so continued for many years, or until the expenses incident thereto
were provided for by legislative enactment. The Legislature of 1844 made
some imperfect provision for maintaining the schools, which were supplemented
by amendments in 1847, again in 1849, once more in 1851, and finally in 1855,
when a law embracing all the essential principles of previous enactments was
adopted. Among these was the sovereign right of the State to levy and collect
a sufficient tax from the real and personal property within its jurisdiction, to
be expended in furnishing its youth a common-school education. The tax, how-
ever, proved oppressive to some counties, and this portion of the law was sought
to be repealed, without results, for it remains the vital principle of that law
to-day. As a consequence of this course, there is not a township in the county
but what is supplied with one or more schools, in which scholars between the
ages of six and twenty-one years can avail themselves of the privileges therein
proffered.
There were many causes, at first, to retard the progress of the present
system, which, however, proceeding, as a rule, from a class of persons who are
never found in the van of reform and are always opposed to experiment, because
experiment involves change, was neither pronounced nor prolonged. An
unfriendly disposition was manifested by some, who apprehended that the system
was prematurely inaugurated, and the ability of the people too limited to pro-
vide for its support. The fear of an annual assessment operated to restrain
others from its enthusiastic support — the tax would be onerous and oppressive ;
other opposition, it is said, existed, proceeding from caste; and the rebellion
added materially to attracting from the system which, nevertheless, has obtained
in Stephenson County not more satisfactorily than elsewhere. It has not
accomplished everything that could be desired, yet, in view of the hindrances
with which it has been beset, it has accomplished much, and as a public agency
for the dissemination of knowledge, intelligence and virtue, it has commended
its merit to opponents and supporters indiscriminately.
The support of the schools, according to the act of 1855, and subsequent
amendments, is derived, first, from the State fund created and maintained by
the levy of certain assessments for educational purposes, upon the real and
personal property listed in the State, which is paid out to schools pro rata,
according to the number of children in each district less than twenty-one years
old ; second, by a distribution of the interest of a township fund, derived from
the sale of the sixteenth section in the township, the proceeds of which have
been invested for this purpose. The amount necessary to the support of the
schools, over and above that provided as above set forth, is made up by the
Directors of the school district to be benefited, bv whom it is certified to
288 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
the Township Treasurer, thence to the County Clerk, by whom the amount
certified is levied upon the real and personal property of the district.
The following statistical summary, for the year 1879, shows the result of
common-school efforts in the county for that year :
CENSUS OF MINORS.
Number of males under twenty-one years of age 8,033
Number of females under twenty-one years of age 8,021
Whole number under twenty-one years of age 16,054
SCHOOL CENSUS.
Number of males between six and twenty-one 5,547
Number of females between six and twenty-one 5,606
Total 11,153
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Whole number of school districts 148
Average number of months school sustained 6.88
PUPILS IN ATTENDANCE.
Number male pupils enrolled 4,363
Number female pupils enrolled 4,329
Total number enrolled 8,692
TEACHERS.
Total number male teachers 125
Total number female teachers 166
Total of teachers .' 291
GRADED AND HIGH SCHOOLS.
Number of graded schools 11
Number of high schools 3
Number of ungraded schools 141
Number of private schools 5
Total schools 160
SCHOOLHOUSES.
Number of stone schoolhouses 24
Number of brick schoolhouses 31
Number of frame schoolhouses 98
Total number of schoolhouses 153
ILLITEBACY.
Whole number between the ages of twelve and twenty-one unable to read and
write 10
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand October 1, 1878 $21,237 45
Amount of State and county funds received 13,460 54
Amount of interest on township fund 2,797 64
Amount of special district taxes 33,476 44
Amount from sale of school property 77 75
Amount from sale of district bonds 101 00
Amount of railroad and other taxes 1,688 47
Amount for tuition 183 71
Amount from all other sources 200 00
Total $73,223 00
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 289
EXPENDITURES.
Amount paid male teachers $18,976 07
Amount paid female teachers 11,348 79
Amount paid for new schoolhouses 966 27
Amount paid for school sites and grounds 77 00
Amount paid for furniture 352 32
Amount paid for apparatus 62 45
Amount paid for fuel and incidentals 4,599 10
Amount paid Township Treasurers 1,214 76
Amount paid interest on notes 97 33
Amount paid principal of notes 655 66
Amount paid for repairs and improvements 2,729 14
Amount paid for other expenses 4,299 04
Total $45,377 93
Highest monthly wages paid male teacher $160 00
Highest monthly wages paid female teacher 60 00
Lowest monthly wages paid male teacher 18 00
Lowest monthly wages paid female teacher 8 00
Average monthly wages paid male teachers 39 65
Average monthly wages paid female teachers 23 47
Whole number of examinations for certificates held during the year 15
Male applicants for first grade 15
Male applicants for second grade f 141
Female applicants for first grade 7
Female applicants for second grade 209
First-grade certificates issued 14
Second-grade certificates issued 199
Number of schools visited by Superintendent 141
Grand total number of drays' attendance of pupils 750,295
No course of study for the schools has been adopted, but much attention
has been given to proper classification. While the schools are by n<3 means
graded, yet there is a tendency on the part of teachers to systematize their
work. There is almost a uniformity in text-books used in the different schools,
which does much toward taking the place of a course of study.
Instruction in most of the schools is confined to the common-school
branches. Teachers are becoming more skilled in the use of text-books, and
have abandoned that slavish system which consists in memorizing the text-books
only. The aim in all work done is to make the pupil master of the elements of
an education that will benefit him the most, and prepare him for the duties of
■after life. In these efforts the teacher is yearly becoming more successful.
During the past twenty years, county institutes have been held in various
parts of the country. These have been faithfully conducted, and are among the
most useful means employed for the teachers' improvement. They have ordi-
narily continued one week, and the ablest talent to be found in the State has been
usually called in to assist, and, though the attendance of teachers has never been
made compulsory, the number present has varied from 100 to 160 at each session.
This system was not deemed sufficient, and, in 1879, a Normal Institute was
established, holding one term of four weeks, from July 14 of each year. The
enrollment reached 128, and was attended with the most satisfactory results to
all concerned. Township institutes have been conducted in a number of places
in the county, all tending toward one great object— better teachers, and with
them better schools.
THE PANIC OF 1857.
Such was the condition of affairs when the spring of 1857 aroused the
inhabitants of the county from their season of hibernation to renewed labor,
and a faith in the future intensified by experience. As spring graduated into
summer and the heated term was drawing to its close, appearances failed to
290 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
indicate the coming of the storm that threatened to involve the entire country in ruin.
During the latter part of August, the suspension of the Life Insurance and
Trust Company at Cincinnati, with liabilities quoted at five millions, came with
unexpected suddenness, and created a havoc in financial ranks from which
recovery has only been accomplished after years of industry, pluck and unmeas-
ured confidence. This crash was succeeded by others, as is well known, with
similar depressing and ruinous results. These warnings preceded the advance
of the foe into the West, and caused people to reflect on what might be in store
for them. There were many, doubtless, admonished by their prophetic souls of
what was coming ; but, a majority, flattering their peace of mind with the
thought that the city and county would escape unscathed, declined to outline
their connections regarding impending troubles until too late to provide any
remedy to mitigate their severity. There were some, however, who saw the
horizon dark and portentous with the coming storm, and put their house in
order to resist its violence. When it came, as a consequence, if not protected
entirely, they were sufficiently so as to escape permanent paralysis.
Its immediate presence was first manifested by the falling-off in trade, the
absence of new arrivals, the depreciation in property values, and other insignias
of coming calamities which, though strange to the West and her people, carried
with them a dread of what was to follow in their wake. Soon after, more pro-
nounced symptoms were to be observed. Lots and lands were without markets,
and none but the choicest of either was worth the cost of assessment. Vision-
aries, who had dwelt in castles constructed by fancy, fled from the scene of
their creations, appalled at the storm which they had aided in provoking. Sub-
stantial merchants, who heard the muttering, hastily, and in every instance
when it*was too late, sought to take their latitude and ascertain how far they could
be driven from their true course and yet survive. Nearer and nearer approached
the crisis, closer and closer came the advance of that intangible agency, which
was to wreck so many hopes, strand so many enterprises and commit the fruits
of years of labor to an adversity both remediless and hopeless.
The crash succeeded these premonitions of its coming, and carried all
before it. Hundreds were irretrievably ruined in an hour, and men who felic-
itated themselves upon the possession of resources, ascertained, when beyond
salvation, that these resources were unavailable. Some survived, but the
majority went down in the storm, and were heard of no more.
The events which followed this crisis are familiar to many who are alive
to-day. Gloom and discouragement usurped the places of hope and prosperity.
Farm lands were cultivated only that the necessaries of life might be harvested.
In some remote instances they lay idle. There was no money in the country,
and this absence of a circulating medium prevented the sale of the crops. Mer-
chants, for similar reasons, were unable to buy or sell commodities, and the
most terrible distresses followed, threatening almost permanent poverty, if
not complete annihilation. In 1861, when the war broke out, there was a
brief revival of business and exchange for a season, which gave a temporary
impetus to trade, but in a brief time business resumed its sluggish channel.
Thus were cast the lines of life in Stephenson County — not in pleasant places,
truly.
Inquiry was instituted to discover, if possible, the cause of these unfor-
tunate effects, and the endeavor made to ascertain if their recurrence could be
prevented. In all former revulsions, it was reasoned, the blame might be fairly
attributed to a variety of co-operating causes, but not in the case under con-
sideration. There were no patent reasons for the failures, of which that of the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 291
trust company was the beginning, a failure unequaled in its extent and dis-
astrous results since the collapse of the United States Bank. Reasonings in-
duced the conclusion that the ruin which at one time hung over the country
and the people, was due almost entirely to the system of paper currency and
bank credits, exciting wild speculations and gambling in stocks. So long as
the amount of the paper currency, bank loans and discounts of the country
should be left to the discretion of irresponsible banking institutions, which, from
the very law of their nature, consult the interests of the stockholders rather
than the public, a repetition of these experiences would come at intervals.
This had been the financial history of the country for years. It had been a
history of extravagant expansions followed by ruinous contractions. At suc-
cessive intervals the most enterprising men had been tempted to their ruin by
bank loans of mere paper credit, exciting them to speculations and ruinous and
demoralizing stock operations. In a vain endeavor to redeem their liabilities
in specie, they were compelled to contract their loans and their issues, and when
their assistance was most needed, they and their debtors sank into insolvency.
Deplorable, however, as were the prospects, the people indulged in bright
hopes for the future. No other nation ever existed which could have endured
such violent expansions and contractions of the currency, and live. But the
buoyancy of youth, the energies of the people, and the spirit which never quails
before difficulties, enabled the country to recover from this financial embarrass-
ment. Its coming was long delayed, but it came at last and dissipated the
troubles existent, without permitting the people to forget the lesson these
troubles inculcated.
The wheat crop of 1861 was sold for gold and silver, and, though the price
paid was comparatively less than was expected, it was the beginning of the end of
the crisis. As the war continued, and fresh levies were made upon the State
and county, the demand for supplies increased proportionately, and necessitated
their production. The demand augmented almost with every month, until in
1863 it had become so generous that it seemed as if the denials and privations
of the people were about to yield precedence to days of plenty. The crops were
constantly on the move, money became easier, and merchants experienced diffi-
culty in keeping pace with the wants of their customers. Lands increased in
value, and the area upon which cultivation had been wholly or in part aban-
doned, was replanted and harvested with profit. The towns also revived under
these benign influences, and that better days had come indeed, was a conclusion
both cheerful and universal.
The experiences through which this people passed in these years of woe,
were not, however, without results to the county and city, which have proved
advantageous and beneficial. Speculators, adventurers, soldiers of fortune and
visionaries were weeded out. The dross was separated from the pure gold ; the
country was shorn of its superficial inhabitants, and men only remained, consoling
compensations for the ruin that had been wrought, who are motive powers
by which communities are sustained and characters for manhood and integrity
created.
The decade in which were included occurrences of which mention has been
made, consisted of a series of years, characterized by events, as has been
seen, which tended to the civilization of the age, the education of the world by
example, and the discipline of humanity by experience. Commencing at a
period in the history of Stephenson County, when the days of trial were yield-
ing place to more auspicious seasons, running the gauntlet of an experience both
varied and checkered, and closing amid surroundings calculated both to encourage
292 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
and approve, illustrates how nations, peoples and communities, like indi-
viduals, are subject to causes and motions, to results and promises, as unex-
pected as they are gratifying, and as incomprehensible as they are irresistible.
The ensuing ten years were passed in war and rumors of war by the nation,
in which the county, through its volunteers, enacted the role assigned them in
this drama for real life, with a fidelity that has commanded perpetual applause.
When the war began its initial struggles with peace, not a few of those who
subsequently became identified with the contest, hoped for a peaceable solution
of the difficulties that threatened to result in separation, and discouraged the
expectation of war. The maintenance of the Union and enforcement of the
laws was urged without dissent, but many believed that these objects cculd be
better accomplished by the employment of influences other than those sought
to be invoked.
During these inaugural struggles a temporal prosperity was shadowed in
the near future, and, notwithstanding the signs of depression apparent in every
department of local progress, this promise was not without a prospect of realiza-
tion at an early day. Business to some extent was restored, but it was up-hill
work, and enterprises hesitated before development, with more of apprehension
than had ever before been felt. Emigration had come in with the railroads years
previous, and the county was generally settled ; yet increased facilities for trade
and an extended territory only partially roused business men from their coma
condition of despondency, and but partially revived corporations that had
become lifeless through inactivity and embarrassments. What a contrast to
ten years before ! " 'Twas Greece, but living Greece no more." The contrast
struck a chill into many a saddened heart, and not a few, still revolving the
changed condition of affairs, turned themselves adrift, " the wide world before
them where to choose."
When the surrender of Sumter cut off all hope of compromising the exist-
ing differences and compelled a decision as to what side should command their
support, the people of Stephenson County, like the rushing of a mighty wind,
became united in their tender of support to the Federal authorities. There was
no half-way sympathy and love manifested for the Union ; it was united and
complete. Treason was made odious ; its toleration not permitted. The war
brought with it, at home and in the field, the same features witnessed elsewhere.
The lives of the citizens were cast in patriotic grooves ; pronounced in the sup-
port of the cause, in procuring the enlistment of troops ; and all that loyal
impulse prompted or could accomplish was done to remind the volunteers that
those who remained behind were waiting and watching on their return. The
soldiers who left their lives on the field of battle, in the hospitals or prisons, in
putting off the corruptible and assuming the immortal, are not forgotten, but
remembered as their forms seem to fade away through the gloaming when the
sunlight filters through green leaves and hazy clouds.
'Tis now a score of years since a war for the perpetuation of a nation
" conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created
free and equal," was commenced and fought to the end. The lessons taught
have been as varied as the races which mingled in the contest. They are not
confined in their benefits to States, districts or counties; but every locality
inhabited by Americans is vested with the admonitions they embody. The
people and the army, in which Illinois, Stephenson County and the towns within
her borders, were prominent integers, are truly celebrated, less so for the sup-
pression of war equally disastrous as the invasion of foreign levies, than for exter-
minating in America the causes which precipitated its advent and continuance.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 293
The effects of the war were to increase the volume of business in this
vicinity, creating demands for future consignments, and supplying resources for
the revival and conducting of business. There was no immigration into the
county worthy of mention immediately after the close of the last act in the
bloody drama at Appomattox Court House, where the Confederate Government
became a thing of the past, and for years the places of soldiers who came not
back were left unfilled. Emigrants and speculators passed by on the roads
which pass through the county, but, instead of halting, pushed onward to the
gold fields of Colorado, deeming the uncertainties of a life amid the surroundings
of wealth, the procurement of which was a " lottery," with associations which are
measured by their excesses rather than their absence, far preferable to comfort,
contentment, and a moderate income on the borders of civilization.
When peace resumed dominion over the entire country, many of the
evils that follow in the wake of war were far from dissipated, and if not miti-
gated by the influences its coming exerted, were at least tempered. There were
towns in the county which had sprung into existence with the railroads ; in these,
the breaking out of the war caused the suspension of operations. If none of
these retrograded, none improved to any appreciable extent ; and, if none
amassed wealth, none contracted liabilities which involved them in bankruptcy.
After the war, building was resumed and trade increased. Elevators were
erected, banks established, operators from abroad came in, and these, with other
combinations, laid the foundation for shipments of cereals and live-stock, that
have grown into a magnitude and importance that can scarcely be approxi-
mated.
Freeport, more benefited by the war in limine, experienced more sensibly
the effects of the reaction when the "flush " of trade was over. The drain
upon its resources, as a result of the panic, had not been fully balanced, and
the " spurt" in business the war excited, though temporary, was sufficient to, in
a measure, compensate for the long season of dullness and inactivity, then at
its height. From thence on trade gradually revived, until it boomed in 1865
when soldiers returned with money. Considerable was put in circulation by them,
and a suspicion that hard times had gone away to return no more was generally
indulged.
Improvements were made all over the county between 1860 and 1870, and
of a superior order in every particular. The houses are patterns of comfort,
being composed of brick and frame, and the beauty and finish of the surround-
ings are only surpassed by the domestic felicities found within doors.
The system of agriculture had undergone great changes since the days
when the farmer cultivated four acres of ground and harvested his crop for
home consumption, and these changes are not completed in this day, either.
Mechanical skill and genius had conspired to place the farmer in as independ-
ent an attitude with regard to the cost of labor and, consequently, productions, as
the manufacturer. He ploughed, sowed, cultivated, reaped, bound, stacked and
thrashed with machinery. Money that was paid to hands for performing these
various duties ten years before, was then appropriated to the cultivation of the
farm and supplying it with superior strains of blood for the improvement of
stock, for the erection and furnishing of commodious homes, the education of
the young idea, and the many other purposes which for years had been denied
the people by reason of their inability to pay therefor.
Throughout the county, while private enterprise had not been delayed,
public improvements became equally as numerous and valuable. Roads were
opened, graded and made available, streams "dammed" or drained as the
294 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
necessities of trade or health demanded, railroad enterprises inaugurated and
carried to a finality, and other advances made along the line of progress.
The system of education adopted in 1855, was working with benefits to all
who came within the circle of its influence, and the cause of religion was ably
sustained, both in the city and county.
Politically, the county became more pronouncedly Republican with each
succeeding year. In early days, as has been noted, the Whig and Democratic
parties were the rival organizations, under whose direction the political affairs
of the county were manipulated. This continued without change until 1856,.
when the birth of the Republican party absorbed a majority of the Whig element,
together with a limited number of anti-slavery Democrats. These successors
to the organizations of the old regime flourished up to the breaking out of the
war with varying success. During the continuance of that struggle the Repub-
lican party gained a very decided ascendancy, notwithstanding the Democrats
maintained strict party lines. Some opposition was manifested by the latter
while the contest lasted, but it never-became organized, and obtained no decided
prominence in the community. Since the war the Republicans have remained
in the ascendant, and to-day control the offices, influence and patronage in the
county, by a majority estimated at 500.
The inhabitants of the county are composed of the best classes of all
nationalities. The farmers are intelligent, scientific workers, as a rule inde-
pendent, with many of them wealthy, cultivating from 160 to 700 acres of
land, and raising crops which command ready sale and at the best market rates.
The merchants are enterprising, substantial, responsible and honorable men,
who add to the character of the population not less than to the wealth of the
communities in which they reside. The professions are represented by men of
dignity, capacity and intelligence, many of whom have won distinction on the
bench, where their opinions have shed a luster upon the pages of jurisprudence in
Illinois, and at the bar, where their reasoning power and superior judgment have
commanded admiration ; as physicians, whose advice and opinions have been
accepted as authority on the subject-matter to which they relate; as ministers
of the gospel, whose charity illustrates the greatest of virtues ; as editors, the
conservators of public opinion and public morality ; and in the less prominent
walks of life, her citizens have evinced the possession of those characteristics
which constitute the composition of men who make a State.
During the past ten years the new court house has been completed and
occupied, and improvements of great value and utility supplied the place of
imperfect machinery. Railroads and highways afford easy access to the East,
West, North and South, and all things have combined to render the happiness
and prosperity of the people universal.
One can hardly realize the changes that have been wrought in this section
of Northern Illinois in less than a half-century. A brief interval has elapsed
since the county was a wilderness inhabited by the Indians; where the county
seat now stands was located the village of Winneshiek and his tribe. A
remarkable, indeed miraculous, change has come since then, due in part to the
careful and laborious thrift of the people, as also to the broad-gauge principle
upon which business is conducted. The golden-clad fields, laden at this season
of the year with plenteous harvests, indicate the fertility of the soil, and how
Nature has endowed these broad prairies. Nor has she been sparing in her con-
tributions of beautiful scenery; a more exquisite panorama than is to be seen
from eligible points in Stephenson County, the eye never rested upon. From
elevations in West Point Township a more delightful landscape can scarcely be
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. . 297
imagined; stretching away to the south and west are a range of mounds, cross-
ing Apple River to Galena; in the extreme west Sinsiniwa Mound lifts its head,
crowned with age ; to the northwest a range of hills, in which the glistening
ore of commerce is said to lie imbedded ; away to the north a line of mounds
greets the gaze, while off toward Mineral Point lies a belt of woodland, defining
the course of the Pecatonica.
With railroad facilities for communication with the East and North and
South, the county is placed in direct connection with markets and places of
resort, as also in a position with refei'ence to the future that admits of no mis-
understanding. Banks and commercial establishments flourish where once the
Indian met in council, and farms are cultivated where once he pursued the
fleeing game.
So, too, in moral, intellectual and educational improvements, the people
have kept pace with the times. Churches, schools, libraries and other avenues
of improvement are open to the admission of all who may seek their portals, acces-
sible to whomsoever may apply for permission to avail himself of the privileges.
The old settlers of to-day are scarcely able to realize the changes that
have been made and the improvements completed since they first came into this
new country, when they were younger than they are now. The past rises up
before them in characters of life-like fidelity, reminding them of days long since
moldering with the dead, and of friends years ago entombed in Mother Earth.
Again they are at their place of birth, the home of their nativity, sanctified by
a mother's presence and a mother's love. They are carried back to the dav,
when, cutting loose from that home and its sacred associations, they took up the
burden of life and began their weary pilgrimage across its sands and drifts.
They recall the day when, weary and footsore, but exuberant with youth and
hope and determination, they came upon the scene, and, gazing out upon the
landscape, rejoiced at the spectacle which greeted their vision. The scene
itself is pictured to them as they saw it then, in all the exquisite beautv of its
rural simplicity; immense forests, wherein the foot of man ne'er left its im-
press; boundless prairies, flowing in the colors of variegated blossoms. No
genial spirit welcomed them to the hospitalities of a home, no cheerful notes of
gladness were sounded at their approach. The stillness of solitude, and soli-
tude itself, alone awaited their acceptance and guarded them against the advance
of human foes.
But the wand of progress touches the wilderness, and it falls never to hop e
more. It touches the rolling prairies, and they are changed into fruitful fields ;
it touches the solitudes and peoples them with a race whose career has been
marked with success at every mile-stone on the route. What a change, what
a wonderful change, has been worked by the ingenuity and industry of man !
The forest has yielded precedence, and the wilderness become sources of wealth.
The rolling prairie has been converted into productive fields, and the harvest
song is heard where once the war-cries of the savages resounded.
The past ten years have been years of profit to the county and its inhab-
itants. Buildings have gone up, improvements concluded and much been accom-
plished. The county has had little to discourage its advance during the past
ten years less to prevent a full and complete fruition in the future. The
county is completely out of debt, with resources almost unlimited, and of an
excellence beyond comparison. The prosperity that came with time was accom-
panied by refining influences also ; and the county, having passed that period
in the history of great endeavors when failure is to be apprehended, is drawing
nearer and nearer unto a perfect day.
298 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
Court House. — On the 6th of December, 1837, Hon. Thomas J. Turner,,
since deceased, at that time a carpenter and joiner, concluded a contract with
Lemuel W. Streeter, Isaac G. Forbesand Julius Smith, County Commissioners,
to build a court house and jail on the site of the present edifice, in the square
bounded by Stephenson street, Galena avenue, Bridge and Van Buren streets.
During the winter of 1837-38, the timbers for the old court house were hewn in>
the woods, under the immediate supervision of Julius Smith. These completed,
the same were " framed " and erected, standing from 1838 to 1870, and, with
the exception of the sill beneath the front door, which had long been exposed to-
the weather, not a timber decayed. That plain old temple of justice, when
built, surpassed in size and elegance all other buildings west of Detroit and
north of St. Louis, but long since the county outgrew it, and, like some of the
old settlers, it was obliged to take up the line of march to humbler quarters.
Within its bar, in early times, gathered men whose names have become histori-
cal, including Thomas Drummond. Joseph L. Hoge, Thompson Campbell,
Joseph Knox, James L. Loop, Jason Marsh, Martin P. Sweet, Sefch B. Farwell,
Benjamin R. Sheldon and others, the latter presiding therein as Circuit Judge
for the space of twenty years.
This old building served its purpose well until advancing civilization,
increased prosperity and population demanded that the abode of justice should
be somewhat in harmony with the surroundings, when steps were inaugurated
which were concluded with the erection of the present edifice.
On the 27th of April, 1869, the first practicable movement was made
toward the object in hand. The Board of Supervisors at that time was made
up of Ralph Sabin, A. A. Babcock, Charles H. Rosenstiel, John M. Williams,.
George Osterhout, J. A. Grimes, John Burrell, C. F. Mayer, H. H. Becker,
Francis Boeke, James McFatrick, S. K. Fisher, Peter Marlin, James A. Tem-
pleton, H. 0. Frankeberger, Andrew Hinds and Samuel Wilber, and, on
motion, the committee appointed to receive plans and specifications was con-
tinued, with instructions to procure the same for a new court house at an
expense not to exceed $80,000.
At the next session of the board, the plans and specifications of E. E.
Myers were adopted, and on February 22, 1870, the committee reported that it
had closed a contract to erect the new court house with A. Walbaum & Co. t
which was also adopted, and the chairman authorized to execute the contract
on behalf of the people. On the 23d of April following, S. K. Fisher, Ralph
Sabin, George Osterhout, A. P. Goddard, Peter Marlin and Andrew Hinds
were appointed the Building Committee, and arrangements were completed for
the laying of the corner-stone, which occurred during the summer of the same
year. From that event no delay in the building was experienced, the same
being labored upon uninterruptedly until its dedication on the 22d of February,
1873, after which the undertaking was delivered into the hands of the county
authorities complete in every particular, and costing a total for building and
furnishing, of $130,413.56.
The design was furnished by E. E. Myers, of Springfield, 111. The style
of architecture should properly be called American, and the artist has dis-
played an exquisite taste in blending the different styles to combine the useful
and ornamental, and to give the whole the appearance of grandeur both simple
and bold. The building is of stone, from the crystalline marble quarries,
99x80, four stories high, including basement, which is six feet above grade
line, the upper story being known as the Mansard or French style.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 299
The entrance fronting on Stephenson street, is reached by a flight of marble
steps, and opens into a lobby, thence to corridors, leading to the Clerk's,
Recorder's, Sheriff's and Treasurer's offices, County Court room and Board of
Supervisors. A broad, open flight of stairs leads to the next floors above, on
which are located the State's Attorney's, Surveyor's and other offices, together
with the Circuit Court room. The style adopted in the interior finish of the
building is Corinthian, the wood finish being walnut with white ash inlaid.
The Circuit Court room is 56x76 and 28 feet high, frescoed in oil, and finished
in the highest style of the art. From this floor two flights of stairs lead to
the upper story, which comprehends six rooms, designed for consultation and
jury rooms, and from this floor the dome is reached, containing the clock, and
affording to visitors an unsurpassed view of the surrounding country.
The clock was placed in the tower by A. W. Ford immediately upon its
completion, and is conveniently accessible to those who desire to see it in
motion. It weighs 2,000 pounds, with a pendulum eight and a half feet
long, and weights necessary to running the clock aggregating 950 pounds.
It was built by Seth Thomas & Sons, of Connecticut, and is famous not only
for its beauty and finish, but also for its regularity and accurate time.
The bell was also furnished by A. W. Ford, from the foundry of E. A. & G. R.
Meneley, of Troy, N. Y. ; weighs 1850 pounds,, and is of superior tone.
The old court house still remains intact, occupying the northwest cor-
ner of Clay and Adams streets, where it is used as a tobacco warehouse. The
new court house is a source of admiration to strangers as well as citizens, and
is in truth and in deed a temple of justice, where the rights of the widow and
orphan are guarded, and the heritage left them by the dead is saved from the
avarice of the living. No bonds were ever issued, and no debt hangs over the
county for the cost of its erection. No law-suits or entanglements have grown
out of the work, and none can or will, as everything was fully settled and
adjusted on the day when its formal dedication took place.
County Jail. — The first jail erected in the county was that, doubtless,
built under the supervision of Thomas J. Turner, under his contract made with
the County Commissioners in 1839. The building was commenced during the
same year, but remained incomplete and so uninhabitable for some time that
the citizens were often obliged to shoulder their guns and stand guard, to pre-
vent the escape of prisoners. It was built of logs, after the most primitive, not
to say original, style of architecture, and occupied the present site of the high
school, where it remained until the actual necessities of the case compelled the
authorities to seek more commodious and secure quarters. In early days,
counterfeiters, horse-thieves and the felonious scum, it might be said, indige-
nous to a new settlement, were here in force, and, as a consequence, the little
log jail was almost constantly filled to repletion with these classes of citizens,
awaiting trial or transportation. The jail was the reverse of secure, and its
occupants the opposite of obtuse, and upon every occasion they made it apparent
to the freeholders about Freeport that, unless extraordinary diligence was prac-
ticed, the building could not be held responsible for the retention of those incar-
cerated. This knowledge led to the organization of a " night watch," it is
said, who paced their beats about the jail at an hour when graveyards yawn, as
a security against being revisited and depredated upon by those who were tem-
porarily immured in its Chillon-like dungeons. In time, this was relieved of
that spice of variety it added to frontier life, and the decision was made to
remove into a stone jail, to the rear of the present structure, corner of Bridge
street and Galena avenue. Possession was taken thereof as soon as the
300 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
premises could be adapted to the occupation of criminals, and, as it was deemed
impossible to escape from, no thought was taken of the possible repetition of
experiences suffered in the log jail. For some years this flattering unction
was enjoyed, when a lapse in the habits of the officers, or inability of the prem-
ises to longer retain the prisoner panting for liberty, caused a ripple of excite-
ment, and induced a conclusion in the minds of citizens that in the jail con-
struction things were not entirely as they seemed. Some fault existed which
demanded immediate correction. Whatever this may have been, it was, pre-
sumably, corrected, for no more complaints proceeding from similar causes arose,
until recent years, when drafts upon the confidence of people in the stability
and reliability of the "little stone jug" became so numerous and heavy that
they were finally dishonored, in 1875. During the fall of that year, an exodus
from the jail prompted the Supervisors to act decisively, at a meeting of that
body convened on November 4, of that year, when a resolution for the build-
ing of a new jail, to cost a sum not exceeding $35,000, was adopted nem con.
This being passed, a committee, consisting of Andrew Hinds, F. A. Darling,
John Erfert and J. H. Pierce, were appointed to procure specifications, and
authorized to visit Rockford, Joliet, Dixon and a superior structure at Monroe,
Wis., and, from their observations at these points, formulate plans to be
employed in the construction of a jail that should be absolutely proof against
the attempts of inmates. The visits were extended and the observations made,
but the committee's report was without recommendation.
Thereupon a contract was made with W. H. Myers, of Fort Wayne, Ind.,
for the building of the jail, which was undertaken, completed and occupied
during 1876. The building is erected from plans furnished by T. J. Tolan &
Son, architects, also of Fort Wayne, and is certainly as handsome, architect-
urally, as it is represented as being substantial. It is built of brick and stone,
contains the Sheriff's home and County Jail, and is an ornament to the city,
as also an honor to the taste and skill of the builders. The jail proper is com-
pleted in stone, containing accommodations for fourteen prisoners, and is every
way comfortable and secure. The premises cost, completed, $40,553, and a
glance at their arrangements will preclude a suspicion as to their strength,
durability and security.
The County Poor- House. — One of the first matters disposed of after the
county of Stephenson had been set apart and organized, was provision for the
poor and afflicted. At an early day a home was established for mendicants, in
what now is Silver Creek Township, about two miles south of the city, which
was occupied by paupers and the insane until February, 1859.
On the night of Friday, February 28, of that year, the poor house was
burned to the ground, and Lavina Kohn, one of the inmates, met a horrible
death, while Elizabeth Smiley, also a pauper, was badly burned. The fire, it
seems, originated in the room occupied by Lavina Kohn, who, on account of the
impossibility of restraining, was placed in an apartment by herself, under lock
and key. The evening of the fire, Mrs. Wilson, the Matron, made her rounds of
the building, previous to retiring, and found everything secure. Some time
after, the alarm was sounded, and being without effective means for subduing
the flames, the building was destroyed, entailing a loss of $3,523.95, upon which
there was no insurance.
The Board of Supervisors convened on March 1, and adopted a resolu-
tion providing for the issue of $4,000 in bonds, to be appropriated to the
rebuilding of the premises. The same were begun at once, completed in time,
and are still used. The almshouse proper is a large two-story stone structure,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 301
containg seven rooms and a dining-hall on the first floor, with ten apartments
on the floor above. To the rear of this is the insane department, being con-
structed of brick, 30x45, one story high, and containing ten cells. In 1872 the
board caused the erection of a commodious dwelling house, to the north of the
main building, which is used for residence purposes by the Superintendent.
The whole are located on a farm of 160 acres, forty of which are cultivated for
the benefit of the corporation, the balance being rented out, the rental being
one-third of that produced thereon.
The charity is supported by the townships, which are charged the actual
(jost of support of those sent them by the Supervisor thereof. The expenses
incident to maintaining the poor house, including a salary of $750 paid Jacob S.
Reisinger, Superintedent, are estimated at $3,500 per annum.
STEPHENSON COUNTY SOCIETY OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS
was organized on the 10th day of July, 1878, the lineal descendant of the
Stephenson County Medical Society. The latter was established in 1865, and
for some few years its affairs were conducted regularly. In time, the attendance
became small, duties were neglected, and the society, being unable to rally suf-
ficient members to constitute a quorum, lapsed into forgetfulness.
In June, 1878, the question of reviving the old society or creating a new
organization from its wreck, was generally canvassed among the profession
throughout the county, which ended in the convening of meetings to take meas-
ures looking to the latter object. At the date above mentioned, a meeting
was held in the Supervisor's office, court house building, Dr. C. M. Hillebrand
presiding, Louis Stoskopf officiating as Secretary, when a constitution and
by-laws were adopted after debate, and the following officers elected and mem-
bers signed the roster of membership : F. W. Hance, M. D., President ; L. A.
Mease, M. D., Vice President ; Louis Stoskopf, M. D., Secretary and Treas-
urer ; Drs. Claries Brundage, Buena Vista; L. A. Mease, F. W. Hance,
and Louis Stoskopf, Freeport ; I. P. Fishburn and S. K. Martin, Dakota ; E.
A. Carpenter, Baileyville ; C. B. Wright Florence, and T. L. Carey, Lena.
The present officers are : Louis Stoskopf, M. D., President ; L. G. Voigt,
M. D., Vice President and B. H. Bradshaw, M. D., Secretary and Treasurer.
The membership is now stated at fifteen, and meetings are held quarterly,
at such place as the President shall designate.
STEPHENSON COUNTY FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
was organized at a meeting of agriculturists, held at the court house on
August 3, 1875, and incorporated soon after under an act of the Legislature
providing therefor. The objects of the association are stated to be those of buy-
ing, manufacturing and selling such articles and implements as are used or
needed by the farmer ; also to sell, ship or exchange their products in the mar-
kets of the world. The capital stock was placed at $6,000, represented by six
hundred shares, and the duration of the corporate existence was limited to
ninety-nine years.
At the first election of officers, Ira Crippen was chosen President, H. S.
Blakeway, Treasurer, and J. M. Chambers, Secretary, with Ira Crippen, H. S.
Blakeway, W. P. Miller, J. F. Strunk, and Hiram Snyder as the Board of
Directors, and at a meeting convened October 6, 1875, the business of the
county Grange, similar in character, was purchased by the Farmers' Associa-
tion. The latter 's officers took possession of the Grange warehouse, at the
southwest corner of Adams and Stephenson streets, obtained a complete supply
302: HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
of agricultural implements, and opened business with a flattering promise of
success.
So abundantly was this promise realized, that the capital stock was increased
to $16,000, and other steps taken to accommodate the increase of business.
About this time, the owners of the premises occupied insisted on an advance in
the rent. The association declined to accede to this demand, and decided to
erect a building adapted to the uses of its trade. Accordingly, a lot on the
southeast corner of Adams and Stephenson streets was purchased of J. H.
Haines for $5,000, and the erection of the present edifice commenced early in
the spring of 1877. Before its completion, however, their lease expired, and'
the business of the society was transferred to the " curb," where it continued
until May, when possession of the new quarters was taken, and where the farm-
ers, co-operatively inclined, have sold and purchased from that date to the
present time.
The building is a substantial three-story brick, 60x110, finished in a neat
but inexpensive manner, and cost an aggregate of $11,000. The ground floor
is occupied as an office and warehouse, the upper floors by an agricultural
implement exhibition hall, 40x50, also a society hall of the same dimensions,
equipped and furnished, and a commercial school.
The present officers are : Ira Crippen, President ; Daniel Musser, Vice
President ; J. M. Chambers, Secretary ; William Bear, Treasurer, and John '
Hart, Agent. Annual meetings are held in January, when the election of offi-
cers is had, also meetings of the Board of Directors, which are convened quarterly.
The corporation own property worth $20,000, carry stock valued at
$25,000, and hol,d stock of the organization representing a valuation of
$30,000.
STEPHENSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,
an association which, up to very recent date, has been prominent in the
county, was organized as a private corporation, in 1852, by a number of agri-
culturists and horticulturists, who believed in the encouragement of their sev-
eral arts. Immediately preparations were concluded for the holding of a county
fair, which was held and attended with so gratifying a success that the experi-
ment was repeated annually until 1861. That year, and in 1862, its grounds
were occupied for the quartering of troops, which monopoly prevented exhibi-
tions being given, and the society remained quiescent. These were resumed,
however, in 1863, and have been continued with varying success until the
present season.
In 1871, the society became incorporated under the State laws, changed
its title to the "Stephenson County Agricultural Board," and received sub-
scriptions of stock to the amount of $8,000. The grounds were enlarged and
improved, the buildings thereon located being reconstructed and redecorated,
and every effort made to conquer a success of the undertaking. Regular
exhibits were given until 1877, when the grounds were appropriated to the uses
of the State Fair Expositions, and again in 1878.
In 1879, a fair was held on the Taylor Driving Park, and, though begun
under the most favorable auspices, was so seriously interfered with by rain that
the society was unable to liquidate the demands of exhibitors entitled to premi-
ums. In addition to this, an indebtedness had been created by improvements
made in 1875, and, being without funds, the grounds, consisting of about thirty
acres, located in the southwestern portion of the city, were disposed of by sale,
Jere Pattison and Capt. William Young becoming the purchasers.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 303
The society to-day, is without a home of its own, but, as soon as the
•circumstances will warrant their doing so, the stockholders design effecting a
re-organization.
The present officers are William Young, President ; Godfrey Vought,
Vice-President ; Jacob Krohn, Treasurer, and William Trembor, Secretary.
STEPHENSON COUNTY PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This association of agriculturists, for mutual protection and improvement,
was formally organized about the 20th of February, 1874, though granges now
"tributary, had been in active operation previous to that date. The charter offi-
cers were Daniel Musser, President ; W. P. Miller, Treasurer, and J. M.
Chambers, Secretary.
At present the grange consists of thirteen working lodges, with a total
membership of 260, and the following officers : Daniel Musser, President ; F.
B. Walker, Treasurer, and A. A. Stamm, Secretary. The initiation fee is $3
for males, and 50 cents for females, with annual fees of $1.20.
The headquarters of the grange are at Freeport. The subordinate lodges
meet monthly, the County Grange quarterly and annually.
OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
On Thursday, December 16, 1869, a meeting of old settlers was held at
the court house in Freeport, to take measures for the organization of a society
of old settlers residing in Stephenson County, and to provide ways and means
for a social re-union of those who became citizens of Stephenson County prior
to 1850.
D. A. Knowlton was called to preside, and L. W. Guiteau officiated as
Secretary. After a general interchange of views, a committee, consisting of the
following gentlemen, was appointed to make arrangements for the re-union, as
also to further the object for which the meeting had been convened, after which,
an adjournment until Saturday evening following, was carried : James Turn-
bull and Samuel Gunsaul, Winslow ; Levi Robey and Samuel K. Fisher,
Waddams ; Luman Montague and Thomas French, West Point ; Williard P.
Naramore and Jacob Gable, Kent ; Andrew Hinds and Bissell P. Belknap,
Oneco ; John H. Addams and James M. Smith, Buckeye ; Robert Bell and
William B. Mitchell, Lancaster ; Calvin Preston and Samuel Chambers, Rock
Grove ; S. E. M. Carnefex and Stephen Seeley, Rock Run ; John Brown and
Harrison Diemer, Dakota ; A. J. Niles and D. W. C. Mallory, Ridott ; Charles
H. Rosenstiel and Fred Baker, Silver Creek ; Conrad Van Brocklin and Anson
A. Babcock, Florence ; Ralph Sabin and John Lamb, Loran ; Samuel Hayes,
Jefferson ; Pascal L. Wright and Perez A. Tisdel, Harlem ; Thomas Kaufman
and Alanson Bacon, Erin ; E. Ordway, William Smith, W. G. Waddell, Thomas
C. Gatliff, Benjamin Goddard, O. W. Brewster, Jere Pattison, George Purinton
and Isaac C. Stoneman, Freeport.
At the meeting on Saturday evening thereafter, a committee, consisting of
George Purinton, L. W. Guiteau, M. Hettinger, D. A. Knowlton and W. S.
Gray, was appointed to make permanent the organization, draft a constitution
and by-laws, and arrange for future meetings.
Finally, the society was organized on the 1st of January, 1870, at a meet-
ing held on that day, and the following officers elected : Levi Robev, Presi-
dent; W. H. Eels, B. P. Belknap, Charles T. Kleckner, John Brown, William B.
Mitchell, A. W. Lucas, H. P. Waters, F. Baker, Benjamin Goddard, Pascal
Wright, C. Van Brocklin, Luman Montague, Hubbard Graves, Jacob Gable,
304 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Samuel Hayes and Alanson Bacon, Vice-Presidents ; George Purinton and
D. H. Sunderland, Secretaries, and L. W. Guiteau, Treasurer.
Since that date the society has been in active existence, meeting annually
on the last Wednesday in August, and numbering upon its roster of members
all who have been identified with the early settlement and subsequent building
up of Stephenson County.
The officers elected at the meeting convened in 1879, were : Levi Robey,
President ; S. Chambers, Rock Grove ; M. Gift, Oneco ; H. Eels, Winslow ;
R. Baysinger, West Point ; W. Dively, Waddams ; John H. Addams, Buck-
eye ; George Walker, Dakota ; Elijah Clark, Rock Run ; Thomas Bell, Lan-
caster ; Aaron Kostenbader, Harlem ; J. W. Pickard, Erin ; L. W. Mogle,
Kent; S. Hayes, Jefferson ; Reuben Babb, Loran ; John Aspinwall, Florence;
Fred Baker, Silver Creek ; W. G. Woodruff, Ridott, and J. B. Smith, Free-
port, Vice-Presidents ; W. Wright, Treasurer, and Jackson Richart, Secretary.
CRIMINAL RECORDS.
The Qrossen Murder. — A horrible murder was committed on Sunday ?
March 23, 1856, at Craine's Grove, by an Irishman, named John Crossen, the
victim being his helpless wife. It seems that Crossen had been celebrating the
holiday (Easter Sunday), and became intoxicated. Immediately upon the
departure of a companion who bad indulged a similar weakness and left the
premises, Crossen began a brutal attack upon his wife, beating her most unmer-
cifully with a poker, and inflicting wounds from the effects of which she died
before assistance could reach the scene of the tragedy. When the officers who
were summoned reached the spot, they found the poor woman dead, her back
and limbs beaten to a jelly, and her arm horribly fractured by the blows she
had endeavored to prevent reaching her head. Crossen was at once arrested
and confined in jail in Freeport, utterly indifferent to his fate; he admitted he
beat his wife, but denied that his intention was to kill her, having frequently
beaten her much more severely without serious results.
The records are silent as to the disposition of the case.
The Lauber Murder. — About three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, June 7,
1859, a German named William Lauber was stabbed by a man named Lauth,
of Elkhorn Grove, and died almost instantly. The affair happened near where
the "Branch " crosses the railroad track, just below the machine shop. The
deceased, commonly known as " Butcher Bill," claimed that Lauth owed him,
and for some time previous had been persistently dunning him. During the
forenoon of the day upon which the homicide occurred, Lauth had made threats
and exhibited a butcher-knife which he carried, as was inferred from his
remarks, to aid in his attack upon deceased. When first noticed, the latter
was demanding his pay from Lauth, to which reply was made " Keep away,
and leave me alone." The dispute waxed warm, until finally Lauth drew a
knife and plunged it into the heart of his antagonist. Lauber died instantly,
and Lauth was arrested and held on a charge of murder.
The accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the September term, 1859,
of the Circuit Court, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for eight years.
The Arnd Tragedy. — During the summer of 1859, a German named Peter
Arnd, accompanied by his family, consisting of a wife and four children, settled
in this county on a place belonging to George Boardman, five miles above
Cedarville. He was employed by Boardman as a field-hand, and generally
regarded as a capable, responsible man. No attention was paid to his domestic
affairs, nor was it believed that any difficulty existed in that quarter, his wife
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 305
being an industrious woman, and his children, though all of tender age, requir-
ing but little care.
On Tuesday morning, July 26, 1859, he proceeded to work, but returned
about ten o'clock on account of a sore hand, and sent his wife to do the work
assigned him. She worked until noon, when she returned to the house to care
for the children and provide dinner, remaining but a short time ere she
resumed work in the field. When night came on she ceased from her labors,
and once more returned in the direction of her home, another woman accom-
panying her thither. As they reached the house and were passing an open win-
dow a most horrible sight met their gaze, transfixing them with terror, and for
the time incapacitating either of them from sounding an alarm. Her four
children lay upon the floor weltering in their blood, and manifesting no sign of
life. The father stood by, an ax in his hand, with which he had done the deed,
gazing in a senseless manner upon the upturned faces of his dying sons and
daughters, but making no efforts to escape. By this time the witnesses of this
dread result made an outcry and caused the murderer's apprehension. He was
committed to jail, after an inquest had been held, at which a verdict in accord-
ance with the facts was rendered, and held for trial.
During his confinement he exhibited signs of mental weakness, and within
two weeks from the- date of his incarceration died from softening of the brain,
superinduced by sunstroke, and confirming the belief that he was not respon-
sible for his acts when he committed the deed.
Three children were killed outright ; the fourth survived his injuries sev-
eral days.
The Shooting of Mrs. George Whitney. — About 11 o'clock on the morn-
ing of Saturday, August 8, 1866. Dakalb Walton, a soldier in the three-
months service attached to Capt. Crane's company, shot and instantly killed
Mrs. George Whitney, wife of a soldier in the Fifteenth Regiment. The affair
occurred directly opposite the Stephenson House, and Walton, after he had
inflicted the fatal wound upon his victim, attempted suicide by shooting himself.
According to the evidence elicited at the coroner's inquest, deceased and
her would-be assassin had been living together at Oneco for some time prior to
the tragedy, or since her husband, who was Sergeant of Company A, Fifteenth
Regiment, had enlisted. On the Saturday of the killing, Walton and Mrs. Whit-
ney had visited the brewery and drank beer, after which the former disclaimed
his ignorance of what had passed until he realized consciousness in jail. The
jury directed his imprisonment on a charge of murder, to await the action of
the Grand Jury.
The defendant was tried at the April term, of 1864, of the Circuit Court,
and acquitted on the ground of insanity.
The Schmidtz Mystery. — About the 30th of April, 1869, thebody of a man
named Henry Schmidtz, a former resident of Freeport, was found lying by the
side of a slough in the town of Lancaster, in an advanced state of decompo-
sition, and bearing marks indicating that he had met his death by violence.
The body was recovered by Thomas S. Leach and William Peters, and taken to
Freeport, where an inquest was held and evidence elicited tending to show that
he had received $300 a short time previous to the discovery of the body, and
when last seen was in the company of a man by the name of Casper Stoffels,.
whom he had employed to assist him in his business, being that of peddling.
A verdict of murder at the hands of persons unknown to the jury, was-
returned.
306 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The Wood Murder. — Between the hours of 1 and 2 o'clock, on the morn-
ing of June 7, 1872, a shooting affray took place at the Kraft House, opposite
the Western Union Depot, resulting in the death of Frank Wood, at the hands
of John L. Thompson. Both had been together since the Thursday previous and
up to the time of the affray, consorting with a pair of disreputable women named
Rosa Bell and Flora Kennedy, and all drinking to excess. The quarrel began
about these women, both of whom accompanied Thompson to the hotel a short
time prior to the tragedy, followed by Wood. An altercation succeeded Wood's
arrival at the house, during which the latter struck Thompson in the face, at
the same time accompanying his blow with threats and insulting epithets.
Thereupon Thompson drew a revolver and fired at his assailant, inflicting
wounds from which death resulted immediately. Thompson was arrested.
He was placed on trial, at the December term, 1872, of the Circuit Court,
convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year.
The Thompson Defalcation. — During the month of May, 1874, rumors
were rife throughout Stephenson County that George Thompson, ex-County
Clerk, had, while in office, falsified the records, forged numerous county orders,
and re-issued others that had already been redeemed by the County Treasurer.
The facts which led to the discovery of these frauds first came to the sur-
face on Saturday, May 7, 1874, when Thompson called upon Aaron Wolfe and
offered for sale an order dated September 14, 1871, payable to himself, for
$1,220.05. The order bore an indorsement by the County Treasurer that the
same had been "presented for payment and registered by me, this May 2, 1874
— 0. P. McCool, County Treasurer," misleading Wolfe, who purchased the
security. Subsequent reflection induced the holder to investigate the facts,
tending to trace the paper into the possession of Thompson. After an exami-
nation, it was ascertained that an order of a similar tenor and date had been paid
in 1872, and so reported to the County Clerk for cancellation by the Finance
Committee. As the investigation progressed, the fraud and decepti on practiced
by Thompson became more apparent, and his victim impressed with the position
in which he had been placed.
In the mean time, Thompson left the city and proceeded to Chicago, whence
he returned to Freeport, however, and redeemed the order purchased by Mr.
Wolfe. After the discovery of his frauds, others, who had become the holders
of similar property as collaterals, repaired to the records and found that spu-
rious orders, representing a face valuation of about $4,000, had been disposed
of as collaterals and by transfer of ownership, to Knowlton & Sons, the Second
National Bank, Joseph Emmert, First National Bank, James Mitchell & Co.,
and others. The public were naturally exercised at these discoveries, and con-
siderable excitement prevailed throughout the county. Thompson had enjoyed
universal confidence in the political, social, financial and Christian circles, had
been a leading spirit in Sabbath-schools and church organizations, and was gen-,
erally regarded as one whose daily life had commended him to general respect.
The Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors made an investigation into
the charges alleged against Thompson, and found that, imposing on the credulity
of the public, he had been able to swindle that too confiding unknown quantity
out of about $5,000. A warrant was at once issued for his arrest, but before
he could be apprehended the accused absconded and its service was prevented.
He fled to Canada, thence to California, where he established a ranche, mean-
time paying off the liabilities he had left unsettled in Freeport, and remaining
absent until the fall of 1878, at which time he returned to the scene of his
crime, pleaded guilty to one of the number of indictments that had been returned
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 307
against him, and was sentenced to the penitentiary. He remained in Joliet
two years and was pardoned, returning to California, where he now is.
Hall's Haul. — The defalcation of A. W. Hall should not be forgotten,
either. He was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was inducted into office
the first in the county under the provision of the constitution abolishing fees
and substituting therefor a salary.
Hall refused to recognize the equity of this change, insisting upon it that
"he was entitled to the fees accruing, and declining to pay them over according
to law. The Supervisors instituted suit against him to test the points held by
both parties, and obtained judgment. An appeal was taken by Hall, but the
Supreme Court affirmed the judgment, and by this time, his term of office
"having expired, Hall disappeared, defaulter to the extent of $3,184, and has
never been heard of since. He was indicted, and his bondsmen liquidated $2,000
of his liability, leaving $1,184 with interest unpaid, which was lost by the county.
The Goodhue Defalcation. — Charles. F. Goodhue, Treasurer of Stephen-
son County, was indicted at the December (1878) term of the Circuit Court for
embezzlement, as County Treasurer, of the sum of $5,000 of moneys in his
possession by virtue of his official position. A change of venue was taken by
Goodhue to the Circuit Court of Rockfo'rd, Winnebago County, and at the
January (1879) term, he was tried, convicted and sentenced to four years in
the penitentiary. His attorney, J. A. Crain, appealed the case, by writ of
error, to the Supreme Court, and at the September term, 1879, of that tribunal,
the judgment was reversed, and the case remanded for a new trial. ' At the
January term, 1880, just one year from the first trial, Goodhue, after laying
thirteen months behind the bars of Winnebago County Jail, was again tried,
and, under the rulings of the Supreme Court, as applied to his case, acquitted.
At the December term 1879, of the Stephenson County Court, two additional
indictments were found against him, one for the embezzlement and another fbr
larceny of jail orders, amounting to $22.12 ; these, with two other indictments
which had been found, one for the embezzlement of $100, and the other for
falsifying a public record, came up for hearing in the Stephenson County Circuit
Court at the April term, 1880, and Goodhue's attorney took a change of venue
on all four of the cases to DeKalb County. At this stage of the proceedings,
the Board of Supervisors of Stephenson County met and passed a resolution,
instructing the Finance Committee to employ the ablest legal assistance, in their
judgment, in the State of Illinois, to assist J. S. Cochran in the prosecution of
the case. Clothed with this authority, Mr. H. Lichtenberger, Chairman of the
Finance Committee, retained Charles H. Reed, of Chicago, who had been for
twelve years the State's Attorney of Cook County, to assist in the prosecution.
The case came to trial on Friday, June 25, the indictment on which the test
was based being the embezzlement of the jail orders. The defense proved by
Mr. Lichtenberger. one of the witnesses against Goodhue, that he (Lichtenber-
ger) had ordered Goodhue to draw the money on the orders, which he did, and
placed $600 in each of three Banks of Freeport, and the balance, $412,
in the safe of the Treasurer's office. They also proved by Miss Kate Goodhue,
who was acting in the capacity of clerk in the Treasurer's office at that time,
that Goodhue had paid out every dollar of this money to liquidate authorized
claims against the county, thus showing there was no ca6e against Goodhue
from a legal standpoint, and on the 1st day of July, 1880, after a week's pro-
traction, the trial ended, and the jury rendered a verdict fully acquitting him,
and, the other indictments having been abandoned, Charles F. Goodhue once
more breathed the pure air of freedom.
308 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
WAR RECORD.
A traveler sailing up the Bay of Athens sees, while yet afar off, the shin-
ing splendors of the " Eye of Greece, Mother of Arts and Eloquence." " There
are marble palaces and columns, rising white against the vineries and olive
groves which deck the mountain landscape with a foliage of endless green. The
hum of early traffic mingles with the shoutings of the crews of Alexandrian corn
ships hoisting the anchors. Sheer and rugged in the foreground rises the
Acropolis. On its summit the citadel, and crowning that the colossal statue of
Minerva, her golden shield catching the morning light and flashing it back in
brightness that dazzles while still enchanting the eye."
In a like manner, as one approaches the theme The Union, and the contest
for its preservation, does he find himself encompassed with glories born of the
most perfect civilization. Art, science and literature were in the enjoyment of a
golden age, and the roll-call of names of those who excelled in each was sur-
rounded by the glories of America, as were the names of Homer, Herodotus,
Plato, Euclid, Praxiteles, Demosthenes and others, around whom the glories of
Athens have gathered for thousands of years.
Twenty eventful annuals have become merged into the sounding past since
the coming of the days which are now consecrated to the memories of the sad,
triumphant period in the nation's history, with which the world is familiar.
Those were perfect days. It seemed as if science, art, the laws, the people and
God aided at their birth and development. Peace and happiness went hand in
hand ; the laws were observed, and their violation was visited with the severest
penalties. Each section contributed to the wealth of the opposite portion of the
Union ; in fact, nothing was wanted to complete the picture of universal pros-
perity then exhibited to the world by the United States. Such, imperfectly,
was the condition of affairs as they existed upon the dawn of 1861 in both sec-
tions of the country, which rivaled in all that tended to complete a make-up of
brilliancy and wealth, emeralds and rubies set in burnished gold. But the
notes of the impending storm were heard before the advancing winter was
ushered in with the New Year, and the people had begun to conclude that the
summer of the nation, with all its glories, had gone to belaid in the great store-
house of the past.
Finally, the rebellion reached a stage when the crisis was at hand — a
crisis which compelled every man to side either with law and order or with mob
rule and sectional despotism. No rights of the South were endangered by the
Union, or could be enforced by rebellion. The assumption that the ascendency
of the party in power threatened danger to the rights and peace of the South
was regarded as entirely without force by the people of the North, and as
importing anarchy against law and order. Upon such a question, which vitally
concerned every man's safety in business as it concerned the existence of the
Government, decisive expressions of opinion were heard all over the North.
There was little disposition to talk, but a determined purpose to act developed;
a purpose equal to the emergency. There was but one Government and one
system of laws, to which every man should be compelled to feel there was alle-
giance. Acting upon this conclusion, a demand was made for respect for the
laws by men who had no thought of flinching, and who expressed the matured
judgment of a majority. That the law was resisted was a calamity, but greater
calamities would attend the general anarchy which must follow if a rigorous
execution of the laws was prevented or restrained.
Such were the views of the citizens of Stephenson County, when the sur-
render of Fort Sumter and the call for troops were promulgated. On the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 309
evening of Thursday, April 18, 1861, Plymouth Hall was crowded by an eager,
anxious multitude, assembled in response to a call issued at noon of that day,
appealing to the lovers of the stars and stripes to rally and; rally they did, in
numbers overwhelming, made up of Republicans and Democrats, for all were
Americans.
The Hon. F. W. S. Brawley presided, with J. R. Scroggs and C. K.
Judson acting as Secretaries, and, on motion of J. W. Shaffer, T. Wilcoxon, J.
M. Smith, W. P. Malburn, H. H. Taylor, Capt. Crane and Dr. Martin were
appointed Vice Presidents.
During the absence of the Committee on Resolutions, composed of J. W.
Shaffer, James Mitchell, C. K. Judson, J. R. Scroggs and A. H. Stone, speeches
were made by S. D. Atkins, C. Betts, C. S. Bagg and Mr. Wagner, editor of
the Anzeiger, the latter in German. Resolutions were adopted declaratory of
the love for the Union felt by citizens of Freeport, and their determination to
aid, so far as lay within their power, the General Government in its enforce-
ment of the laws. The meeting was then adjourned, but the spirit manifested
became intensified as time progressed. The following day recruiting was begun,
and on Saturday, April 20, 1861, the first company enlisted in the county was
filled and the oath administered to the following officers and privates: S. D.
Atkins, Captain; M. E. Newcomer, First, and S. W. Field, Second Lieutenant;
F. T. Goodrich, H. A. Sheetz, William Polk and R. W. Hulburt, Sergeants ;
C. T. Dunham, J. 0. Churchill, R. H. Rodearmel and W. W. Lott, Corporals ;
C. E. Cotton, drummer, and J. R. Harding, fifer; W. W. Allen, J. W. Brew-
ster, Robert Brennan, W. N. Blakeman. A. S. Best, H. P. Parker, W. H.
Brown, Frank Bellman, J. S. Chambers, J. M. Chown, Thomas Chattaway,
A. Coppersmith, F. Dreener. J. W. Duncan, J. P. Davis, M. Eshelman, Will-
iam Eddy, J. Geiser, J. R. Hayes, E. J. Hurlburt, W. J. Hoover, L. Hall, T.
J. Hathaway, J. E. Hershey, J. F. Harnish, F. M. DeArmit, W. W. Hunt,
W. J. Irvin, S. H. Ingham, Nicholas Kassel, D. L. Farmer, 0. F. Lamb, J.
H. Loveland, S. Lindeman, S. Lebkicker, J. H. McGee, U. B. McDowell, W.
T. McLaughlin, F. Murphy, D. McCormick, J. M. Miller, F. R. McLaughlin,
J. P. Owen, J. Pratt, A. Patterson, G. L. Piersol, N. Smith, L. Strong, J. S.
Stout, 0. F. Smith, M. Slough, 0. Sched, J. S. Sills, C. G. Stafford, T.
Wishart, W. P. Waggoner, M. S. Weaver, J. Walton, Stephens Waterbury, J.
Walkey and J. Work.
The company left Freeport for Springfield on Wednesday morning. May
1, 1861, escorted to the depot by Capt. M. B. Mills' company and the Union
Cornet Band, and cheered by the presence of not less than 3,000 people, who
were there to bid them good-bye, and implore God's blessing upon the efforts
inaugurated in behalf of their country. Upon arriving in camp, the " boys " were
assigned to the Eleventh Regiment, making up the roster of Company A.
Soon after the departure of the volunteers under the command of Capt.
Atkins, W. J. McKim enlisted a second company, the following being the
roster : W. J. McKim, Captain ; Henry Setley and Philip Arno, Lieutenants ;
Carl F. Wagner, Jacob Hoebel, D. A. Galpin and Theodore Grove, Sergeants ;
Joseph Meyer, Jacob Fiscus, E. Wike, John Bauscher, L. Lehman, Amos D.
Hemmig, Joseph Boni, George Moggly, Dietrich Sweden, John Kruse, Mein-
hard Herren, C. H. Gramp, Jacob Steinhauer, Mat Allard, John Berry, Peter
E. Smith, James Holmes, Henry Groenewald, Albert Kocher, Thomas Burling,
C. Protexter, David Stocks, Henry Luttig, Thomas Shuler, Adam Haiser,
Andrew Olnhausen, E. Neese, David French, J. H. Maynard, A. Borches,
Jacob Doll, John A. Raymer, Jacob Ernst, Leonard Sherman, Frederick
310 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Deusing, John T. Palmer, John Wheeler, Martin Aikey, R. Harberts, A. V. L.
Roosa, Emanuel Evee, C. F. A. Kellogg, John Niemeyer, Thomas Willan y
James Vore, August Temple, Jacob Rohrback, Henry Spies, Charles Entorff,
Isaac Kephart, James Barron, Herman Froning, Daniel F. Shirk, James Ken-
neg, Albert J. Miller, William H. Hennich, John Wiefenbach, William Morris,
Henry Kasper, Martin D. Rollison, Henry D. Black, John F. Black, Henry
Rubald, Bernard O'Brien, George Philbrick, William Quinn, John B. Yoder,
John Ginther, M. D. Miller, John Yordy, Moses Burns, Gotlieb Vollmer, Gar-
rison Haines and Max Lamprecht, privates.
From this, beginning the work went bravely on. Lena furnished a compnay
which was attached to the Fifteenth Regiment, and rendezvoused at Camp
Scott, a camp established on the grounds of the Stephenson County Agricul-
tural Association, near Freeport, and recruits were drawn from every township
to swell the contributions of the county to the suppression of treason. Those
who were unable to proceed to the front remained at home to aid the efforts-
inaugurated there for the preservation of the Union and the enforcement of the
laws. Relief and aid societies were formed, sanitary associations organized, and
every agency that could aid in promoting the comfort of the soldiers was suc-
cessfully invoked in that behalf.
On the morning of June 19, 1861, the Fifteenth Regiment, commanded
by Col. T. J. Turner, one of the oldest and most promient residents of Stephenson
County, left Camp Scott and proceeded to Alton. The day was one of the
most exciting and memorable in the history of the present city. When the
huge train moved out it bore with it the earnest prayers of assembled thous-
ands, that those who were passengers, may-hap for the opposite shore, might be
returned to their homes in safety.
As all are familiar with, the three-months service of volunteers concluded
with the battle of Manassas. The defeat sustained in that engagement in no-
manner disheartened the men of the North. The sad intelligence spread a
general gloom over the country, and carried sorrow and mourning into many a
household, whence some loved member had gone forth to return no more. Yet
the people faltered not in this dark hour of trial, but were spurred on to renewed
efforts in behalf of the Government. The public mind was roused to a keener
appreciation of the dangers that threatened and the difficulties that surrounded
the country, and this call upon the people's patriotism was responded to by
thousands, who pledged themselves to the defense of the old flag. Capt. Atkins'
company was re-organized and re-enlisted for the war. Recruits were also
furnished from Stephenson County to the formation of Company " B," of the
Twenty-sixth Regiment, and Companies A, B, C, D, G, and K, of the Forty-
sixth Regiment, these latter coming from Buckeye, Oneco, Rock Grove, Lan-
caster and Florence Townships, being organized for service on the 28th of
December, 1861. Truly, the spirit was not yet dead. Patriotism and patriotic
impulse found as earnest expression in Stephenson County with the dawn of
1862, as was witnessed when the first call to arms was sounded. Like strains
of martial music will the story of their patriotism roll down through listless
ages, till Time shall pause in his career* and the race of man is run. The
patriotic spirit burned in every breast, flashed from every eye, thrilled every
nerve and quivered in every muscle, and the arm of him who fought for home
proved mightier far than the mad ambition of him who fought for treason.
Though 1861 had gone, leaving its mark upon each brow, and shadow in each
heart, the nation pursued the object of its contest, and waited trustfully, but
with hushed hearts and tear-filled eyes, for the shining of the bow of promise.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY. 311
The year 1862, as all know, opened discouraginlgy, and it was not until the
capture of Fort Donelson, in February of that year, that the gleam of promise,
set by God among the clouds, first began to flicker in the horizon of the future.
The regiments, in which volunteers from Stephenson County were enrolled,
participating in that engagement, were the Eleventh, Forty-fifth, " Forty-sixth "
and perhaps more. Many there were, from these organizations, who yielded up
their lives, a holocaust at their country's call, and, though history may never
record their humble names or chronicle their deeds, yet they belong to the
nobility of earth, and in that kingdom which comes after earth, each one is
crowned with more than Olympic laurels.
In September, 1862, the Ninety-second Regiment was enlisted, organized
and mustered into service. The thought indulged, with the first call for troops,
that three months only would be required to conquer the South, had by this
time been thoroughly dissipated. The people were ignorant of war, and it was
not until the return of the sick, the wounded and the dead, the latter in rough
pine boxes, with their soldiers' coats about them, that the " folks at home "
began to realize that war was abroad. The frequent calls for men, the repeated
repulses, not to say defeats, intensified this reality ; and when it became necessary
to have recourse to the draft to restore the shattered regiments ; to somewhat of
a resemblance to their former appearance, then was the conviction forced
without demurrer. The Ninety-second contained soldiers enlisted in Lancas-
ter, Buckeye, Erin, Kent and Jefferson Townships, of Stephenson County, and
the fidelity they exhibited to the cause in which they embarked is found in the
killed, wounded and missing that depleted its ranks.
During the same year, about June, a company of three-months troops was
partially made up of volunteers from Stephenson County, and entered the service
at Camp Douglas. It was commanded by James W. Crane, with Stephen Allen
and Lorenzo Willard as Lieutenants ; John Stine, James R. Bake, Charles A.
Dodge, John D. Lamb and Harrison W. Sigworth, Sergeants ; C. D. Bently,
Theodore A. Cronk, Oliver T. Steinmetz, Ambrose Martin, Sidney Robins, H.
S. Ritz, W. H. Heyt and W. H. Battle, Corporals. The Ninety-second was
raised for three years or the war, in response to a requisition made by the
Government for nine regiments from the State of Illinois, to fill up the ranks
depleted in the five-days fight about Richmond, but the three-months troops
were appropriated mostly to provost duty. Notwithstanding the liberality with
which the county responded, it was feared that a draft would become neces-
sary to supply Governmental demands, and during the same year the Ninety-
second was mustered into service (1862), an enrollment of the county was made,
and 3,000 residents reported as liable to duty under the provisions of an act
amending Chapter 70, Revised Statutes. About this time, war meetings were
convened at various points, notably at Freeport, Lena, Cedarville and else-
where, which were addressed by E. B. Washburne, T. J. Turner, Adjutant
General Fuller and others. These meetings had the effect of increasing enlist-
ments, which were assigned to companies in the Eleventh, Twenty-sixth and
other regiments, and of postponing the draft, which was delayed for two years.
In October following, Capt. Irvin enlisted a company about Freeport, which
was assigned to the Seventy-fourth Regiment, and included upon the roster of
that organization as Company I. The year 1862 passed without much more
being done than is cited. The defeat at Fredericksburg increased the surround-
ing gloom, and the campaign in the valley, early in 1863, rather aggravated
than lessened the gravity of the situation. With each call for troops succeed-
ing calamities gave birth to, Stephenson County responded cheerfully, though
312 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
available material had been comparatively exhausted by the drafts made on her
resources. The season of 1863 was a repetition of those which had preceded
its advent. Meetings were convened to further enlistments, and provide for
the soldiers. Money was subscribed for the support of families whose heads
were at the front, and the payment of bounties. Fairs were held, and other
mediums employed that would remotely aid in the gigantic undertaking. But
little occurred to encourage the people, or bind up the broken hearts that pul-
sated with grief for the loss of those who perished in Virginia and the South-
west. Among the most prominent killed during this year was Holden Putnam,
Colonel of the Ninety-third Regiment, which had been in existence about one
year. But many of those who went out from Stephenson County with high
hopes and creditable ambitions, passed away before 1863 was included among
the years that have gone. Grievous, sore and terrible were the blows that fell
upon the North that year, and many a lonely wife and fatherless little one
looked to God for fresh hope and courage, and to help them to remember that
this life is but the vestibule to a glorious hereafter. The principal events,,
notably the capture of Vicksburg, the issue of the emancipation proclamation,
battle of Gettysburg, etc., served to temporarily dispel the clouds which sur-
rounded the cause, and inspire new plans for the closing year of the war. Early in
January, 1864, the Forty- sixth regiment re-enlisted, and returned to Freeport,
where they met with a hearty welcome. But these were days when the finality
of that contest which had been raging for nearly four years was drawing nigh ;
when the surrender of the rebel forces had resolved itself into a question of
certainty, the time of that event being in the near future. Day was breaking
to the watchers in the tower of American liberty, and the coming dawn
announced its presence through the mist and clouds, sublime with the glories of
the breaking morn, when error should decay, truth be, strengthened and right
rule supreme o'er vanquished wrong; when jealousies and hate should give
way to joy and peace and brotherhood. And, although the advent of the
smiling stranger was prolonged another year, it came at last. Peace shed its
gentle rays over the scenes of war and desolation, and a rosy radiance, gleam-
ing from afar, melted in the dawning of the perfect day. " Well done, watch-
ers on the lonely tower." Broad daylight finally broke upon the plain, and
to-day soars unfettered, as its God designed.
With the peace at Appomattox, the soldiers for the Union returned to
their homes in Stephenson County, where they were welcomed as the defend-
ers of faith in that form of government which must not perish from off the face
of the earth.
In addition to the enlistments quoted, Stephenson County had represent-
atives in every branch of the service, and her citizens remember the names of
those who fought the good fight unto the end, and returned to receive the
reward of faithful stewards.
But there were many who did not return, and many still who were returned
in the arms of Death. Some sleep the sleep of the just in the village church-
yard, where their little white headstones dispute for prominence with the daisies
and white-topped clovers. Their lives and death are shrined in the Pantheon of
patriotic hearts to an immortal memory. Some sleep in the land of the jasmine
and orange blossom. Neither are forgotten. Both are remembered as they
slumber, "each in his windowless cell," the slumbers of sanctified rest.
During the war, Stephenson County furnished a total of 3,168 soldiers,
and bounties, subscriptions and supplies aggregating upward of half a million
of dollars. The draft was enforced but once.
rv
■;^i|lii
FREEPORT.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
315
VOLUNTEER ROSTER.
TAKEN PRINCIPALLY FROM ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORTS.
.a.EBEaE-vx.A-'rxoars
Adjt Adjutant
Art Artillery
Bat Battle or Battalion
Col Colonel
Capt Captain
Corp Corporal
Comsy Commissary
com commissioned
cav cavalry
captd captured
disab disabled
disd discharged
e enlisted
excd -exchanged
hon. disd honorably discharged
inv invalid
inf
I. V. I.
kid
iufantr-
.Iowa Volunteer Infantry
.killed
Lieut Lieutenant
Ma J Major
m - ° mustered out
prmtd promoted
P nsr prisoner
Re S t Regiment
re "^ re-enlisted
re8t * resigned
Sergt Sergeant
trans transferred
*j? *"•" veteran
v - B - c Veteran Reserve Corps
w( * wounded
ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
The regiment was called into service under
proclamation of the President, April 16, 1861 ;
organized at Springfield, and mustered into
service April 30, 1861, by Capt. Pope, for
three months.
During this term of service, the regiment
was stationed at Villa Ridge, 111., to June 20th,
then removed to Bird's Point, Mo., where it
remained, performing garrison and field duty,
until July 80th, when the regiment was mus-
tered out, and re-enlisted for three-years
serviee. During the three-months term, the
lowest aggregate was 882, and the highest 933,
and at the muster-out was 916.
Upon the re-muster, July 13th, the aggre-
gate was 288. During the months of August,
September, October aud November, the regi-
ment was recruited to an aggregate of 801. In
the mean time were doing garrison and field
duty, participating in the following expedi-
tions: September 9th to 11th, expedition
toward New Madrid ; October 6th to 11th, to
Charleston, Mo.; November 3d to 12th, to
Bloomfield, Mo., via Commerce, returning via
Cape Girardeau; January 7th and 8th, expe-
dition to Charleston, Mo., skirmished with a
portion of the command of Jeff Thompson ;
January 13th to 20th, reconnoissance of Colum-
bus, Ky., under Gen. Grant ; January 25th to
28th, to Sikestown, Mo.; February 2d, em-
barked on transports to Fort Henry, partici-
pating in campaign against that place ; Feb-
ruary 11th, moved toward Fort Donelson ;
February 12th, 13th and 14th, occupied in
investing that place, 12th heavily engaged
with the enemy about five hours, losing 329
killed, wounded and missing, out of about 500
engaged, of whom 72 were killed and 182
wounded ; March 4th and 5th. en route to Fort
Henry ; 5th to 13th, en route to Savannah,
Xenn., in transports ; 23d to 25th, en route
from Savannah to Pittsburg Landing ; April
6th and 7th, engaged in battle of Shiloh, losing
27 killed and wounded, out of 150 engaged ;
April 24th to June 4th, participated in siege
of Corinth, thence marched to Jackson, Tenn.,
making headquarters there to August 2d ; par-
ticipated in two engagements. July 1st and 2d,
toward Trenton, Tenn. ; July 23d to 28th,
to Lexington, Tenn. ; August 2d, moved to
Cairo, 111., for purpose of recruiting ; remained
at that point until August 23 ; thence to Pa-
ducah, Ky., remaining there until November
20th ; in the mean time engaged in two expedi-
tions — August 24th to September 16th, to
Clarksville, Tenn,, via Forts Henry and Don-
elson— October 31st to November 13th, expedi-
tion to Hopkinsville, Ky. ; November 20th to
14th, en route to La Grange, Tenn., where the
regiment reported and was assigned to Brig.
Gen. McArthur's Division, Left Wing, 13th
Army Corps. From this time to Jan. 12, 1863,
participated in campaign in Northern Missis-
sippi, marching via Tallahatchie (where the
regiment was engaged in a sharp skirmish) ;
from thence to Abbeville ; thence seven miles
below Oxford ; thence to Holly Springs, Mos-
cow and Memphis, Tenn. Remained in Mem-
phis until the 17th, when it embarked on
transport and en route to Young's Point until
24th, remaining there until February 11th;
then moved to Lake Providence, and assigned
to the Seventeenth Army Corps, making head-
quarters there until April 20th, participating
in expedition to American Bend, from March
17th to 28th. April 23, 1863, the One Hun-
dred and Ninth Illinois Infantry was trans-
ferred to the Eleventh, 589 being the aggregate
gained by the transfer. April 26th, regiment
moved with column to rear of Vicksburg, via
Richmond, Perkins' Landing, Grand Gulf,
Raymond and Black River, arriving before the
works May 18th ; May 19th and 22d, engaged
in assaults on the enemy's works ; then in the
316
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
advance siege works to July 4th, at time of
surrender ; the regiment losing in the siege
and assault one field officer (Col. Garrett Nev-
ins) killed : three line officers wounded, and
forty men killed and wounded. July 17th,
moved with expedition to Natchez, Miss., par-
ticipating in expedition to Woodville, Miss.
October 12th, returned to Vickshurg, Miss.,
making headquarters there to July 29, 1864;
in the mean time engaged in the following expe-
ditions : February 1st to March 8th, up Yazoo
River to Greenwood, Miss., having a skirmish
at Liverpool Heights, February 5th, losing four
killed and nine wounded ; action at Yazoo
City, March 5th, losing one line officer killed,
eight men killed, twenty-four wounded and
twelve missing; April 6th to 28th, at Black
River Bridge : May 4th to 21st, expedition to
Yazoo City, Benton, and Vaughn's Station,
Miss., taking a prominent part in three impor-
tant skirmishes ; July 1st to 7th, with an expe-
dition to Jackson. Miss., under Maj Gen.
Slocum, engaged with the enemy three times ;
July 29th, moved to Morganza, and was
assigned to Nineteenth Army Corps, Maying
there to September 3d ; in the mean time par-
ticipating in an expedition to Clinton, La.,
August 24th to 29th ; September 3d, moved to
mouth of White River, Ark.; October 8th,
moved to Memphis, Tenn., returning to White
River October 27th ; November 6th and 7th,
expedition to Gaines' Landing; November 8th,
moved to Duvall's Bluff, Ark.; November 30th
to December 4th, en route to Memphis, Tenn.;
December 20th to 31st, expedition to Moscow,
Tenu.; January 1st to 5th, en route to Kenner,
La.; February 4th to 7th, en route to Dauphine
Island, via Lake Pontchartrain ; March 17th to
April 12th, engaged in operations against
Mobile, Ala., marching from Fort Morgan,
participating in the investment and siege, and
final capture of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely,
and in the assault on the latter ; April 12th,
marched into and took possession of the city
of Mobile, staying there until the 27th of May,
when embarked in transport and moved via
Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans; from
thence to Alexandria, La., remaining there
until June 22d ; thence to Baton Rouge, La.,
to be mustered oat of service ; mustered out
July 14, 1865, and left for Springfield, 111., for
payment and final discharge.
Killed in the field and died of wounds, 149
Aggregate three-months service 933
Aggregate three-years service 1879
Field and staff, three years' service... 53
The following general officers have been in
the regiment: Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, Gen. T.
E. G. Ransom, Gen. Smith D. Atkins.
The following field officers of other regi-
ments were members of this regiment : Col.
Hotchkiss, Col. Hopeman, Col. H. H. Dean,
Col. G. L. Fort, Lieut. Col. McCalb, Maj. S. B.
Dean, Maj. Widmer.
Line officers from this regiment to other
regiments, thirty-three (33).
Maj. Smith I>. Atkins, com. Capt Co. A, May 14, 1861,
prmtd maj. Feb. 15, 1862 prmtd Col. 92nd Regt.
Quartermaster Guyan J. Davis, com. 1st lieut. Co. A,
July 4. 1860, p>mtd. Quartermaster Aug. 31, 1861,
term exp. July 29, 1864.
Quartermaster Joseph W. Brewster, e. as private Co. A.
July 30, 1862, prmtd 2nd Lieut. Oct. 31, 1863, prmtd!
Quartermasier July 29, 1864.
Company A.
Capt. Smith D. Atkins, com. May 14, 1861.
First Lieut. Martin E. Newcomer, com. May 14, 1861.
Second Lieut. Silas W. Fields, com. May 14, 1861.
First Sergt. Richar.son W. Hurlburt, e. July 30, 1861,
prmtd 2d lieut.
Sergt. James 0. Churchill, e. July 30, 1861, prmtd. 2d
lieut.
Sertg. Orton Ingersol, e. July 30, 1861, prmtd. 2nd lieut.
Sergt. F. T. Goodrich, e. July 30, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Sergt. F. R. Bellman, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donel-
son.
Corp. Hugh Q. Staver, e. July 30, '61, disd. for promotion.
Corp. JohnR. Hayes, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 24, 1862.
disab.
Corp. O. F. Lamb, e. July 30, '61, disd. Aug. 3, '62, disab.
Corp. John D. Waggoner, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17,
1862.
Corp. H. B. Springer, e. July 30, '61, died July 14, '63, wd.
Corp. William N. Blakeman, e. July 30, 1861, disd. July
30, 1864, term expired.
Corp. John Cronemiller, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Don-
elson.
Corp. Jason Clingman, e. July 30, 1861, disd. foi promo
tion, June 6, 1863.
Musician C. E. Cotton, e. July 30, 1861, trans, to hon-
com. staff.
Musician John R. Harding, e. July 30, 1861, disd. for
promotion, June 6, 1863.
Addams, S. J., e. July 30, 1861, disd. April, 1862, disab.
Alexander, Joseph, e. July 30, 1861, died Aug 3, 1862.
Adams, John H., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 20, 1862, wd.
Bradford, John, e. Dec. 15, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Brewster, Joseph W., e. July 30, 1861, trans, to non-com -
staff.
| Brooks, E. L., e. July 30, 1861.
Bobb, Isaac, e. July 30, 1801, disd. Dec. 25, 1862.
| Brace, S. N., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Bamberger, E., e. July 30, 1861, disd. for promotion, Oct.
20, 1863.
I Chown, Joseph N., e. July 30, 1861.
! Cross, Levi, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 13, 1862, disab.
! Clingman, William, e. July 30, '61, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
. Cramer, D. N., e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
! Cradler, Joseph, e. July 30, 1861, as vet.
! Dereham, David, e. Dec. 11, 1861, trans, from 109 111. Inf..
disd. May 5, 1863, disab.
| Dunham, Christopher, e. July 30, 1861, trans, to cav.
i Frain, William, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
! Fry, John W., e. July 30, 1861, died Oct. 17, 1862.
i French, D. H., e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
i Figely. William, e. July 30, 1861.
Ferrin, Harvey, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Forbes, John, e. July 30, 1861.
Graham, D. F., e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donnlson.
Gillet, John, e. July 30, 1861.
Gillapp, Henry, e. July 30, 1861, disd. July 18, '62, disab.
Gravenwold, Henry, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Hurlburt, E. D., e. July 30, 1861, as vet.
Hayes, Russell A., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 9, '62, disab.
Hail, Luther, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sept. 22, 1864, term-
expired.
Hay, Jonathan, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Oct. 13, 1861.
Hanman, John M.. e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Hartman, F. D., e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Hile, Samuel, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 20, 1868, disab.
Hays, Samuel P., e. Jan. 26, 1865, trans, to 46th 111. Inf.
Hayes Win., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Haight Samuel, e. July 30, 1861, dis. Feb. 9, 1864.
Ingham Samuel H., e. July 30, 1861, trans.
Inian Seth, e. July 30, 1861.
Kassell Nicholas, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 14, '62, disab.
Kearney Francis, e. July 30,1861, m. o. Nov. 4,1864, terra
expired.
Kline Eli, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 21, 1862, disab.
Kailey Jos., e. July 30, 1861, kid. Ft. Donelson.
Lamb John, e. Sep. 27, 1x61, disd. May 17, 1863.
Loveland J. H., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Lambert F., e. July 30, 1861, kid. Vicksburg, May 22, '63.
Lamb Thomas, e. July 30, 1861.
Lutz Chas. H., e. July 30, 1801, vet.
Lied Edwin, e. July 30. 1861, disd. Nov. 20, 1862, disab.
Lyon George W., e. Juiy 30, 1861.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
317
Lynch Jcs. J., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sept. 14, 1864, term
expired.
McGhee James J., July 30, 1861, vet.
McCormick D., July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 14, 1862, disab.
McGlouthling R., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sep. 30, '62bisab.
Marian Jacob, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Pratt Joseph, e. July 30, 1861.
Patterson Arthur, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Parker II. M., e. July 31, 1861, disd. for promotion.
Pope H. H., e. July 30, 1801, disd. May 17, 1862.
Roe John M., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Koss Isaac M., e. July 30, 1861, kid. Ft. Donelson.
Smith 0. F., e. July 30, 1861, m. o. July 29, 1864, term ex-
pired.
Slough M., e. July 30, 1861, trans, to corps.
Stoner H. C, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Stoner Saul, e. July 30, 1861.
Shoemaker Anson, e. July 30. 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Smith Benj. e. July 30, 1861, disd Feb. 1862, disab.
Sidle John, e. July 30, "61, disd. July 30, '64, term expired.
Svphep Annias, e. Sep. 27, 1861, disd. Nov. 24, 1861, disab.
Thompson John A., e. July 30. 1861, kid. Ft. Donelson.
Templeton David, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Trimper John, e. July 30, 1861, kid. Ft. Donelson.
Taylor John B., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 30, 1863, disab.
Weaver M. S., e. July 30, 1861, died Sept. 2, 1861.
Woodring Uriah, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Wohlford Aaron, e. July 30, 1861.
Wohlford Jerit, e. July 30, 186U
Wohlford Geo., e. July, 30, 1861, promtd. Corp., died Aug.
29 1863
Wohlford Jos., e. July 30, 1861, promtl. Corpl.
Wentz James, e. July 30, 1861.
Williams F. J., e. Sep. 27, 1861, disd. Oct. 14, 1862, disab.
Company D.
Clement, Louis e. Aug. 15, 1861, died July 27, 1864, wd.
FIFTEENTH INFANTRY.
The Fifteenth Regiment Infantry, Illinois
Volunteers, was organized at Freeport, 111., and
mustered into the United States service May
24, 1861 — being the first regiment organized
from the State for the three-years service. It
then proceeded to Alton, 111., remaining there
six weeks for instruction. Left Alton for St.
Charles, Mo.; thence by rail to Mexico, Mo.
Marched to Hannibal, Mo.; thence by steam-
boat to Jefferson Barracks ; then by rail to
Rolla, Mo. Arrived in time to cover Gen. Sie-
gel's retreat from Wilson's Creek ; thence to
Tipton, Mo., and thence joined Gen. Fremont's
army. Marched from there to Springfield, Mo.;
thence back to Tipton ; then to Sedalia, with
Gen. Pope, and assisted in the capture of 1,300
of the enemy a few miles from the latter place ;
then marched to Otterville, Mo., where it went
into winter quarters December 26, 1861. Re-
mained there until Februarv 1, 1862. Then
marched to Jefferson City : thence to St. Louis
by rail ; embarked on transports for Fort Don-
elson, arriving there the day of the surrender.
The regiment was then assigned to the Fourth
Division, Gen. Hurlbut commanding, and
marched to Fort Henry. Then embarked on
transports for Pittsburg Landing. Partici-
pated in the battles of the 6th and 7th of April,
losing 252 men killed and wounded. Among
the former were Lieut. Col. E. T. W. Ellis. Maj.
Goddard, Capts. Brownell and Wayne, and
Lieut. John W. I'uterbaugh. ('apt. Adam Nase,
wounded and taken prisoner. The regiment
then marched to Corinth, participating in var-
ious skirmishes and the siege of that place,
losing a number of men killed and wounded.
After the evacuation of Corinth, the regiment
marched to Grand Junction ; thence to Holly
Springs ; back to Grand Junction ; thence to
La Grange ; thence to Memphis, arriving there
July 21, 1862, and remained there until Sep-
tember 6. Then marched to Bolivar; thence
to the Hatchie River, and participated in the
battle of the Hatchie. Lost fifty killed and
wounded in that engagement. Then returned
to Bolivar; frora thence to La Grange; thence,
with Gen. Grant, down through Mississippi to
Coffeeville. returning to La Grange and Mem-
phis ; thence to Vicksburg, taking an active part
in the siege of that place. After the surrender
of Vicksburg, marched with Sherman to Jack-
son, Miss.; then returned to Vicksburg and
embarked for Natchez. Marched thence to
Kingston ; returned to Natchez ; then to Har-
risonburg, La., capturing Fort Beauregard, on
the Washita River. Returned to Natchez, re-
mained there until November 10, 1863. Pro-
ceeded to Vicksburg and went into winter
quarters. Here the regiment re-enlisted as
veterans, remaining until February 1, 1864,
when it moved with Gen. Sherman through
Mississippi. On Champion Hills had a severe
engagement with rebel Carney. Marched to
Meridian ; thence south to Enterprise ; thence
back to Vicksburg. Was then ordered to Illi-
nois on veteran furlough. On expiration of
furlough joined Seventeenth Army Corps, and
proceeded up the Tennessee River to Clifton ;
thence to Huntsville, Ala.; thence to Decatur
and Rome, Ga.; thence to Kingston, and joined
Gen. Sherman's Army, marching on Atlanta.
At Allatoona Pass, the Fifteenth and the
Fourteenth Infantry were consolidated, and the
organization was known as the Veteran Battal-
ion Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry
Volunteers, and numbering 625 men. From
Allatoona Pass it proceeded to Ackworth, and
was then assigned to duty, guarding the Chat-
tanooga & Atlanta Railroad. While engaged
in this duty, the regiment being scattered along
the line of road, the rebel Gen. Hood, march-
ing north, struck the road at Big Shanty and
Ackworth, and captured about 300 of the com-
mand. The remainder retreated to Marietta,
were mounted, and acted as scouts for Gen.
Vandever. They were afterward transferred
to Gen. F. P. Blair, and marched with Gen.
Sherman through Georgia.
After the capture of Savannah, the regi.i.ent
proceeded to Beaufort, S. C; thence to Salka-
hatchie River, participating in the various
skirmishes in that vicinity — Columbia, S. C.j
Fayetteville, N. C; battle of Bentonville —
losing a number wounded ; thence to Goldsboro
and Raleigh. At Raleigh, recruits sufficient to
fill up both regiments were received, and the
organization of the Veteran Battalion discon-
tinued, and the Fifteenth re-organized. The
campaign of Gen. Sherman euded by the sur-
render of Gen. Johnston. The regiment then
marched with the army to Washington, D. C,
via Richmond and Fredericksburg, and partici-
pated in the grand review at Washington, May
24, 1865; remain 2, there two weeks. Pro-
ceeded, by rail and steamboat, to Louisville,
318
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY,
Ky.; remained at Louisville two weeks. The
regiment was then detached from the Fourth
Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and pro-
ceeded by steamer to St. Louis ; from thence to
Fort Leavenworth, K;in., arriving there July 1,
1865. Joined the army serving on the plains.
Arrived at Fort Kearney August 14 ; then
ordered to return to Fort Leavenworth Septem-
1, 1865, where the regiment was mustered out
of the service and placed en route for Spring-
field, 111., for final payment and discharge-
having served four years and four months.
Number of miles marched 4,290
Number of miles by rail 2,403
Number of miles by steamer 4,310
Total miles traveled 11,012
Number of men joined from organization. 1,963
Number of men at date of muster-out.... 640
Col. Thomas J.Turner com. May 14, 1861, res. Nov. 2,
1862.
Maj. William R. Goddard, com. June 26, 1861, kid. Pitts-
burg Landing.
Mai. Rufus C. McEathorn, com. 1st lieut. Co. G., April
24, 1861, prmtd. capt. April 2, 1862, prmtd. maj. July
7, 1863.
Surgeon William J. McKim, com. May 14, 1861, hon.
disd. March 21, 1865.
First Asst. Surg. John W. Van Valzah, com. April 11,
1862, died about August 9, 1863.
Fife Maj. John H. Griffith, e. Dec. 21, 1863
Hospital Stewart, H. H. McAfee
Assisiant Surgeon, J. N. DeWitt.
Company A.
Henry Williams, Warren W. Armstrong, John S. Smith,
George W.' Whitney, James Hodges and Charles S-
Page.
Company B.
Samuel Aikey, Joseph H. Fleaury, Patrick McNicholas.
Company C.
Alfred Broadee, Joseph Clark
Company D
Hotchkiss, W. N, e. May 24, 1861, vet. Dec. 3, 1863.
Barnes, William G., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864,
Co. E.
Deye, Emanuel, e. May 24, 1861, died May 5, 1862, wds.
Freman, Alfred, e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Smith, William H., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Giltner, Conrad, e. May 26, 1862, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Hyortas, Julius 0., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Aug. 11, 1862,
dsab.
Hawkins, John H , e. March 26, 1862, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Protexter, Christian, e. May 26, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1862.
Shattuck, Abner, e. May 26, 1861, disd. Dec. 15, 1862,
disab.
Smith, Charles, e. May 26, 1861, died April 22, 1862.
Krink, Jonas, e. June 3, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Miere, Oscar, e June 3, 1861.
Prjuse, William H., e. Sept. 12, 1861.
Wilson, Robert B., e. June 3, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Company F.
Sweden, Dietrich, e. May 24, 1861.
Luttig, Henry, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Jordan, Frank A., e. Nov. 2, 1861, disd. Nov. 14, 1863,
disab.
Company C.
Capt. James 0. P. Burnside, com. May 15, 1861, m. o. April
2, 1862.
Capt. Albert Bliss, Jr., com. 2d lieut. April 24, 1861,
prmtd. 1st lieut. April 2, 1862, prmtd. capt. July 7,
1863, m. o. at Consolidation.
First Lieut. Hubbard P. Sweet, e. as 1st sergt. May 24,
1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. April 2, 1862, prmtd 1st lieut.
July 7, 1863, m. o. at Consolidation.
Sergt. Robert Reeder, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861,
disab.
Sergt. Waterman Ells, e. May 24, 1861, vet., trans, to Co.
B, Vet. Bat.
Sergt. John W. Foil, e. May 24, 1861, disd. May 1, 1863,
disab.
Sergt. Lansing Ells, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861,
disab.
Corp. William T. House, e. May 24, 1861.
Corp James Aurand, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. 1, 1862,
disab.
Corp. Albeit V. S. Butler, e. May 24, 1861, died Jan. 4,
1864.
Corp. Thomas J. Kaufman, e. May 24, 1861.
Corp. George L. Stevens, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 19,
1862, disab.
Corp. Hood Hazlett, e. May 24, 1861.
Corp. Daniel J. Keeley, e. May 24, 1861.
Allen, William, e. Dec. 1, 1863, trans to Co. B, Vet. Bat.
Auk, Jacob, e. May 24, 1861.
Addis, Jacob R., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. 1, 1862, disab.
Aikey, Martin, e. May 24, 1861.
Aurand, George C, e. May 24, 1861.
Bailey, R. B., e. May 24, 1861, kid. at Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Brigham, Lewis D., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. 11, 1862,
disab.
Braham, August, e. May 24, 1861, died Dec. 19, 1863.
Bowker, Homer H., e. May 24, 1861. *>
Bowker, James M., e. May 24, 1861, died Aug. 17, 1861.
Barnes, William G., e. May 24, 1861, trans, to Co. E.
Ballinger, Burroughs W., e. Sept. 23, 1861, disd. Aug. 15,
1862, disab.
Burrell Henry, e. Sept. 30, 1861.
Company C.
Barden. George R.,e. March 31, 1864.
Barber Geo. E., e. March 31, 1864.
Buswell Wm. J., e. May 24, died Oct. 14, 1863.
Bahan John, e. May 24, '61, vet., trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Brien B. 0., e. May 24,1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Brown Alex., e. May 24, 1861, disd May 1, 1863, disab.
Cox James H., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Christenson Claus, e. May 24, 1861.
Cassidy Wm. J., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Nov. 1, 1862, wd.
Calhoun John P., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. 1, 1862, disab.
Cair Geo., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Aug. 20, 1862, disab.
Callen John, e. May 24, 1861.
DeWitt N. J., e. June 23, '61, v"t., prmtd. hospital steward.
Davenport Lucius, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct.17, 1861, disab.
Denton E S., e. May 24, 1861, vet., trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Denton Chas. E., e. May 24, 1861.
Doyle Mathew, e. May 24, 1S61, kid. at Shiloh, April 6,'62.
Ehrman, Florence, e. May 24,1861, disd.|Keb.4, '63, disab.
Ferguson, N. M., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. 17, 1862.
French, Geo. W., e. May 24, 1861.
Fox, John C, e. May 24, 1861, disd. May 18, 1862, disab.
Feely, Duncan MacD., e. May 24,"61, disd.April 17,'63, disab.
Gardner, Jerome, e. Oct. 1, 1861, disd. Oct. 19, 1862, disab.
Garner, John D. F., e. May 24, 1861, vet. trans, to vet. bat.
Co. B.
Gittner, John C, e. May 24, 1861.
Gittner, R. D., e. May 24, 1861, disd. July 28, 1862, disab.
Girton, John W., e. May 24, 1861.
Gintter. John, e. May 24, 1861, dis. Feb. 7, 1862, disab.
Hayes, Charles G., e. May 24, 1861.
Heiser, Wm. H., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, trans .
to Co. B, vet. bat.
Hoag, Leonard H., e. May 24, 1861.
Hofte, John, e. Dec. 1, 1863, vet. trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Hackman, John W., e. May 24, 1861.
Hays, A. A., e. May 24, 1861, m. o. May 24, 1864.
Hays, Martin, e. May 19, 1864, trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Hayes. Wm., e. May 24, 1861, trans, to invalid corps.
Illingsworth, Jos., e. June 17, '61, disd. Jan. 1. '62, disab.
Kline, M. V., e. May 24, 1861, died Nov. 8, 1861.
Kinsman, Richard, e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,1864, trans.
to Co. B, vet. bat.
Lawver, M. A,, e. March 31, 1861, trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Laurer, Lewis, e. May 24, 1861, disd. April 8, 1862, disab.
Landon, Lyman, e. May 24, 1861.
Ling, E. W., e. May 24, 1861, died Aug. 15, 1862.
Lambrecht, Max, e. May 24, 1861.
Milhollin, Daniel, e. Oct. 4, 1861, died June 24, '62, wds.
Moll, Wm. F., e. May 24, '61, vet. trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Mack, John, e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Minns, Chas., e. May 24, 1861.
Mack, Samuel, e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Murphy, Thomas, e. May 24, 1861.
Moist, E., e. Dec. 24, 1863, trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Morley, Marshall, e. May 24, 1861, dis. Dec. 16, '62, disab.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
319
Maloney, Michael, e. April 23, '64, trans, to Co. B.vet.bat.
Mullen, James, e. May 24, 1861.
Mathison, Alex., e. May 24, 1861, vet. trans, to Co. B, vet.
bat.
McAfee, Henry H., e. May 24, 1861, prmtd. to hospital
steward.
Miller, John H., e. May 24, 1861, dis. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Noble, Geo. W., e. May 24, 1862, vet.
Niemeyer, John, e. May 24, '61, kid. at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Philips, Hugh, e. May 24, 1861, died Jan. 6, 1862.
Pickel, Henry, e. May 24, '61, vet. trans, to vet. bat. Co. B.
Patton, Wm. P., e. May 24, 1861, dis. Dec. 10, 1862, disab.
Preston, Geo. L., March 31, 1864, trans, to Co. B. vet. bat.
Palmer, John T., e. May 24, 1861,disd. Oct 17,1861, disab.
Reeder, John, disd. June 14, 1862, disab.
Randall, Geo. H., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Sep. 2, 1862, wd.
Roes, Walter J., e. May 24, 1861.
Rush, Peter, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Rishel, John G., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861.
Rees, Daniel J., e. May 24, 1861.
Rohback, Jacob, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Aug. 20, 1862, disab.
Seymour, Oliver, e. May 31, 1861.
Sasman, D. W., May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 18, 1862.
Sigler, John B., e. May 24, 1861.
Shiney, Sylvester, e. May 24, 1861, vet. trans, to Co. B. Vet.
Bat.
Shinkle, Geo. W., e. May 24, 1861, vet., Jan. 1, 1864, trans.
to Co. B. Vet. Bat.
Stites, David R. P., e. Sept. 23, 1861, kid. at Shiloh, April
6, 1862.
Shrove, Wm. H., e. May 24, 1861, disd. 0ctJ7, '61, disab.
Snyder, Egbert, e. Sep. 30, 1861, disd. Dec. 1?, 1862, disab.
Shinkle, E. R., e. May 24, 1861.
Stull, James, e. Sep. 1, 1862, trans, to Co. B vet. bat.
Shrove, Daniel, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Feb. 1862, disab.
Sturm, Henry, e. May 31, 1864, trans, to Co. B. vet. bat.
Solace, E. D., e. May 24, 1861, died April 8, 1862, wd.
Savidge, Robt. S., e. May 24, 1861, disd. July 28, 1862, wd.
Tull, Chas. H., e. Sep. 23, 1861, vet.
Tenant, Owen, May 24, 1861, died April, 1862, wd.
Trepus, Daniel, Sept. 2, 1862, trans to vet. bat.
Twogood, Luther J., e. May 24, 1861.
Wite, John E., e. March 30, 1864, trans to vet. bat.
Wheeler, John S., e. May 24. 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Toder, John B., e. May 24, 1861.
FOURTEENTH (REORGANIZED)
INFANTRY.
Company K.
Blankenehip, John, e. March 9, 1865.
Rollins, Solomon W., e. March 9, 1865.
FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH
BATTALION.
Maj Rufus McEathorn, com. July 7, 1863, m. o. Aug'
1,1864.
Surg. Wm. J. McKim, com. May 14, 1861.
FIFTEENTH (REORGANIZED)
INFANTRY.
Surg. Wm. J. McKim, com. May 14, 1861, hon. disd. Dec.
22, 1864.
Company B.
Sergt. Waterman Ells, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Sergt. William F. Mall, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Corp. John D. F. Garner, e. Jan. 1. 1864.
Corp. Erastus Denton, e Jan. 1, 1864, vet.
Musician Oliver Seymour, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Allen, William, e. Dec. 1, 1863.
Beham, John, e. March 1, 1864.
Barden, George, R., e. March 31, 1864.
Barber, Geo. E., e. March 31, 1864.
Foreman, Alfred, Jan. 1, 1864.
Huffee, John, e. Dec. 1, 1863.
Hayes, Martin, e March 19, 1864.
Heiser, Henry, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Kinsman, Richard, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Lawver, M. A., e. March 31, 18(i4.
Maloney, Michael, e. April 23, 1864.
Mook, Samuel, e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Moist, Ephraim, e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Noble, George W.
Preston, Geo.L.,e. March 31 , 1864.
Potter, Sanuel.
Shuler, Thomas.
Stull, James, e. Sept. 1, 1862.
Starn, Henry, e. Mrrch 31, 1864.
Trepus, Daniel, e. Sept. 26, 1862.
White, John E., e. March 30 1864.
Company C.
Hotchkiss, W. N., e. Dec. 16, 1863.
Perry, James H., e. March 17, 1862.
Price, William, e. Dec. 18, 1863.
Staplin, George W., e. April 1, 1862.
Company E.
Armstrong, W. W., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Hawkins, John H.. e. March 26, 1864, died Sept. 14, 1864.
Luttig, Henry, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Protexter, Chris, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Prouse, William H., e. Sept. 12, 1861, m. o. Sept. 23, 1864.
Page, Charles S., e. April 27, 1864.
Pabst, Charles H. C, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Steekle, Reuben, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Smith, William H., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Steves, Thomas M., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Smith, John H., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Whitney, George W., e. Jan. 1, 1864, disd. March 27, 1865.
Company C.
Fessenden, E. A., e. March 2, 1865.
Gill, Richard H., e. March 2, 1865.
Company H.
Fowler, William, e. March 2, 1865.
TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
The Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry
was mustered into the United States service,
with seven companies, at Camp Butler, Illi-
nois, August 31, 1861, and were ordered to
Quincy, 111., for the protection of that place.
Not having been armed, the regiment did
guard duty with hickory clubs. During the
autumn, the regiment did guard duty on the
Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and were
armed with old English Tower muskets — Col.
John Mason Loomis commanding post at Han-
nibal. Prior to January 1, }862, three more
companies were raised, completing the organi-
zation. February 19, 1862, they left Hanni-
bal, Mo., for the South, stopping at Commerce,
where the regiment was assigned to Brig. Gen.
J. B. Plummer's Brigade, Brig. Gen. Schuyler
Hamilton's Division, Maj. Gen. John Pope's
Corps. They arrived at New Madrid March
3, and were engaged in action there ; marched
to Point Pleasant, and, arriving on the 6th,
engaged rebel gunboats with sharp-shooters
and prevented the landing of the enemy;
marched to intercept the flyiDg enemy from
Island Number 10, and assisted in capturing
many prisoners. After remaining some time at
New Madrid, joined an expedition against Fort
Pillow ; returning, proceeded up the Ohio and
Tennessee Puvers. to Hamburg Landing ; took
part in the eiege of Corinth ; May 8 and 9, were
engaged at Farmington, the regiment losing five
killed and thirty wounded, Lieut. Col. Charles J.
Tinkham was among the wounded ; Col. Loomis
commanded the brigade, and Gen. Stanley the
division. May 28, engaged the enemy one
mile from Corinth, the regiment losing four
killed and twenty-five wounded ; Maj. Gilmore
320
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
was wounded. Company G-, of the Twenty-
sixth, was the first to enter Corinth on evacua-
tion by the enemy; engaged in the pursuit to
Booneville, and returned to Clear Creek, four
miles from Corinth. June 23, ordered to Dan-
ville, Miss., where we remained till August 18,
1862, at which time we joined the brigade
commanded by Col. R. C. Murphy, Eighth Wis-
consin, and marched for Tuscumbia ; arrived
21st; September 8, with Forty-seventh and
Twenty-sixth, Lieut. Col. Tinkham command-
ing, marched to Clear Creek; September 18,
marched for Iuka ; 19th, were engaged with
the enemy, in a brigade commanded by Lieut.
Col. J. A. Mower, of the Eleventh Aiissouri;
the enemy evacuating in the night, we joined
in the pursuit, arriving at Corinth October 3,
and participating in the battle of Corinth ;
after the battle, followed the retreating enemy
as far as Ripley. Ten days afterward, arrived
again at Corinth, where we stayed until Novem-
ber 2. Marched, via Holly Junction, Holly
Springs and Lumpkin's Mill toward Tallahatch-
ie River, the enemy being fortified on the south
side of the river. The regiment was here de-
tailed to guard a commissary train to Hudson-
viile, during the trip, losing two men killed
and two wounded by guerrillas ; ordered to
Holly Springs for guard duty ; thence to Ox-
ford, Miss., where we remained until December
20; ordered to Holly Springs, to prevent the
capture of that place: on the 21st, reached
that place, the enemy having fled ; remained
here during the year, Col. Loomis command-
ing the post, and Lieut. Col. Gilmore as chief
of outposts.
In the beginning of the year 1863, the post
at Holly Springs was broken up and the army
fell back to La Grange, Tenn., where the regi-
ment was assigned to duty as provost guard,
Col. Loomis commanding the post. Here it
remained until March 8.
March 3, the regiment was brigaded with
the Ninetieth Illinois, Twelfth and One Hun-
dredth Indiana, Col. Loomis commanding.
March 8, the brigade marched from La Grange
to Collierville, Teun., where they remained
three months, engaged in fortifying the place
and defending the railroad against guerrillas
and bushwhackers. June 7, left Collierville
for Memphis. The following day they embarked
for Haines' Bluff. The regiment subsequently
went into camp at Oak Ridge, where it remained
until after the fall of Vicksburg. On the aft-
ernoon of July 4, started in pursuit of the
retreating forces of Gen. Johnson. The siege
of Jackson was marked by severe skirmishing,
in one of which ('apt. James A. Dugger, of
Company C, was instantly killed by a round
shot through the breast, and a number of men
were killed and wounded. About the 22d of
July, began the march back to Vicksburg, and
when the troops crossed Black River they went
into camp for the summer. September 28, the
encampment was broken up and the regiment
marched into Vicksburg, and there embarked
for Memphis, where it arrived on the 7th of
October. Here a few days were given for the
purpose oi outfitting the men, preparatory for
the long march across the country from Mem-
phis to Chattanooga, to relieve the besieged
Army of the Cumberland. The march began
at 8 A. M.. October 11 ; arrived at Bridgeport
November 15, and. on the 24th and 25th, took
an active part in the battle of Mission Ridge,
losing, in killed and wounded, one hundred
and one officers and men. Among the officers
severely wounded were Lieut. Col. Gilmore,
Capt. James P. Davis, Company B, Adjutant
Edward A. Tucker and Lieut. William Polk,
Company B. The next morning, started before
daylight, in pursuit of the defeated and flying
enemy ; followed them to Ringgold, Ga.; burnt
the bridges and destroyed the railroad ; then
turned to make the march of two hundred miles,
without supplies, cooking utensils, camp equip-
age, or change of clothing, to the relief of Gen.
Burnside, at Knoxville ; returned to Br.dge-
port in the latter part of December ; were re-
clothed, paid off, and marched to Scottsboro,
Ala., and went into winter quarters.
January 1, 1864, there were five hundred
and fifteen men present for duty, of whom four
hundred and sixty-three" re-enlisted as vete-
rans. Of sixty-one men present in Company
K, sixty re-enlisted.
January 12, started home on veteran fur-
lough. At the expiration of furlough, returned
to the field with ranks well filled with recruits.
Arrived at old camp at Scottsboro, March
3, and remained there until May 1, when it
started on the great Atlanta campaign. The
regiment was actively engaged in all the
marches, skirmishes and battles which finally
resulted in the capture of Atlanta. On the 3d
of August, a detail of nine hundred men was
made from the division, to charge the enemy's
skirmish line. The charge was to be made
over an old field, covered with high grass, a
distance of about four hundred yards. When
the signal was given, the men started on a
keen run for the rebel works. Private John
S. Wilson, of Company D, Twenty-sixth Illi-
nois, a stout, active fellow, outran the rest,
and suddenly found himself alone in front of a
rebel pit, which had been concealed by the tall
grass, filled with seventeen men and a commis-
sioned officer. He drew up his musket and
told them to " fight or run, and that d 1
quick." All surrendered except the officer,
who started to run, and he shot him. It was
laughable to see " Buck," as he was called,
marching back with his seventeen prisoners.
By order of Gen. Logan, he retained the offi-
cer's sword and a fine Whitney rifle, found in
the pit, and now has them at home, as memen-
toes of his gallantry. After the fall of Atlanta,
most of the old officers were mustered out of
the expiration of their term of service. Only
two of the original officers remained, one at
whom, Capt. Ira J. Bloorafield, Company K,
was made Colonel of the regiment. About the
same time, the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army
Corps, was broken up, and the regiment was
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
321
transferred to the First Division of the same
corps, with which it remained until the close
•of the war.
The regiment did some hard marching, fol-
lowing Hood up toward Chattanooga, and off
into Northern Alabama; then returned to At-
lanta; were paid and reclothed, preparatory
to " marching through Georgia.''
The Twenty-sixth was engaged in the action
of Griswoldville, siege 'of Savannah, and cap-
ture of Fort McAlister. A short time after the
fall of Savannah, the regiment was ordered to
Beaufort, S. C, and remained on duty there
and at Port Royal Ferry until the commence-
ment of the northward march through the Car-
olinas ; were among the first regiments into
Columbia, and were hotly engaged in the bat-
tle of Bentonville. Here the regiment was or-
dered to carry the bridge across Mill Creek,
which was strongly guarded by the enemy.
The regiment charged and carried it, but lost a
number of good men. Sergt. Smith, of Com-
pany K.. color bearer, was charging at the
head of the column, across the bridge, and was
shot, the colors falling into the stream. The
enemy rushed forward to secure them, but
Lieut. Webster, with Company E, charged, drove
them back, and saved the colors. Col. Bloom-
field had his horse shot under him, and nar-
rowly escaped himself.
Remained at Goldsboro, N. C, a few days,
and, April 10, began the march against Ra-
leigh. Left Raleigh May 1, for Washington,
via Richmond; participated in the grand review
at Washington ; transported by rail to Parkers-
burg, Va.; thence by boat to Louisville, Ky.,
where it remained in camp until July 20, 1865,
when it was mustered out of service and started
for Springfield, 111., for final payment and dis-
charge. July 28, the regiment was paid off
and disbanded.
The regiment had marched, during its four
years of service, six thousand nine hundred
and thirty-one miles, fought twenty-eight hard
battles, beside innumerable skirmishes. They
were permitted, by the orders of the command-
ing General, to place upon their banners " New
Madrid," " Island No. 10," " Farmington,"
'•Siege of Corinth,' "Iuka," " Corinth, 3d
and 4th October, 1862," " Holly Springs,"
" Yicksburg," " Jackson, Miss.," "Mission
Ridge," " Resaca," " Kenesaw," " Ezra
Church," " Atlanta," "Jonesboro," "Gris-
woldville," "McAllister," "Savannah," "Co-
lumbia," "Bentonville.'"
Lieut. Col. George H. Eeed, com. 1st Lieut. Co. B Aug.
28, 1861, prmtd. Capt. Mav 17, 1864, prmtd. Maj. June
6, 1865.
Company B.
Capt. James P. Davis, com. May 28, 1861. hon. died. March
30, 1864.
Capt. Theodore Schermerhorn, e. as (? | corp. Aug. 15, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. March 5, 1864, prmtd. 1st lieut. May
14, 1864, prmtd. capt. June 6, 1865.
First Lieut. William Polk, com. 2d lieut. Aug. 28, 1861,
prmtd. 1st lieut. May 4, 1863, res. May 14, 1864.
First Lieut. David Layser, e. as corp. Aug. 15, 1861, vet.
Jan. 1, 1864, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 6, 1865.
Sergt. William Quinn, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Oct. 31,
1862, disab.
Sergt. James P. Dursk, e. Aug. 15, 1861, prmtd Q. M-
sergt., vet.
Sergt. William J. Irvin, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet.
Sergt. Jonas Andrew, e. August 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Corporal James P. Winters, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died Oct. 10,
1862.
Addams, C. H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Buckley, Daniel, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. H.
Buckley, Patrick, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. H.
Buckley, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. H.
Berry, Edwin, e. Feb. 12, 1S64.
Bentley, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. July 16, 1862.
Blake, F. W., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Bear, F. H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Burns, Francis, e. Aug. 15. 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Butcher, James, e. Aug. 15, 1861, prmtd. corp., vet. Jan.
1, 1864, died Oct. 31, 1864.
Burk, John J., e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864, term
expired.
Baker, Philip, e. Aug. 15, 1861, kid. Farmington, Miss.,
May 9, 1862.
Bokof, Harmon, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, m. o.
as corp.
Cornelius, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Cawley, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Choppy, Charles, died May 31, 1864, wds.
Derliug, Israel, e. Aug. 15,1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, m. o. as
corp.
Dow, Edward, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Doll, Dogebert, e. Sept. 18, 1862.
Fehr, William, e. Oct. 10, 1864.
Fleekson, Peter, e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Fannon, Andrew, e. Nov. 3, 1862.
Eastland, A. J., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I. ,
Eshlerman, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died July 27. 1862.
Eaton, N. H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet., Jan. 1, 1864.
Frisby, Julius, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died April 2, 1862.
Forbs, Nathan, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864, term
expired.
Foster, K. J., vet. Jan. 1, 1864, m. o. corp.
Gold Charles, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died Jan. 9, 1864, wd.
Gartman, Nicholas, e. Aug. 31, 1864.
Gates Simon, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died Sept. 17, 1863.
Geiser, John, e. Aug. 20, 1862, died Jan. 2, 1864, wd.
Garrison, Freeborn, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864,
term expired.
Greer, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Oct. 13, 1864.
Hennick, William H., vet. Jan. 1, 1864, m. o. as sergt.
Hunt, A. B., e. Aug 15, 1861, trans, to Co. H.
Heise, John, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, died Aug. 19, 1864, wd.
Henry, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Hoag, Theodore G. e. Feb. 22. 1864, disd. Nov. 12, '64 disab.
Hanson Christopher, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. July 12, 1862,
disab.
Heise, Aaron, e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Haines, Howard, e. Aug. 15, 1861, Jan. 1, 1864, m. o. as
as corp.
Heise, Moses, e. Feb. 22, 1864, died March 22, 1864.
Haines, Garrison, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864,
term expired.
Heller, Jacob, e. Jan. 29, 1864.
Hiatt, William W., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Kane, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, disd. July
2, 1865.
Kumnierrer, Tieghman, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. March 6,
1863, disab.
Kraymer, William H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864,
Keegan, James, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Kramer, Benj. F., e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Kruntzler, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, re-e. vet. Jan. 1,
1864, m. o. as corp.
Kouth. Michael, e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Leonard, Arthur, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Lilley, William E., e. Nov. 17, 1863.
Long, William, e. Aug. 15,'61, died at Iuka' Aug. 28, '62.
Long, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Oct. 13, 1864, term ex-
pired.
Long, Jacob H.
Mieley, Samuel P., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, m.
0. as drummer.
McCoy, Lemuel, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died July 22, 1864, wd.
Messenger, J. C, e. Aug. 15, 1861, prmtd. corp. vet.
Montague, Patrick F., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864,
kid. April 30, 1864.
Morris, D., e. Aug. 15, 1861, died May 29, 1864, wd.
Mallick, Franklin, e. Feb. 13, 1864.
Miller, Bernard, e. Sept. 28, 1861, trans, to V. R. C. May
1, 1864.
Miller, A. J., e. vet. Jan. 1 1864, trans, to 147th Inf. as
1st lieut., Co. G.
322
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Melody, Thomas, e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan 1, 1864.
Needham, Denaison, Sept. 8, 1861, trans to Co. I.
Needham, Thomas, Sept. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Nicholas, Thomas, Aug. 15, kid. at Corinth, Miss., Oct.
4, 1862.
Paul, V. A., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Robnett, James, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Jan. 13, 1863.
Rice, Frank, e. Feb. 3, 1864, m. o. May 26, 1865, wd.
Robinold, S. J., e. Aug. 15, 1861, died May 22, 1862.
Raymer, Charles, e. Feb. 3, 1864, m. o. July 20, 1865.
Reardon, John, e. Sept. 8, 1861.
Ryan, James, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Smith, Peter E., e. Sept. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, kid.
May 13, 1864.
Smith, Jesse L., e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Stage, Theo., e. Sept. 8, 1861, vet. March 9, 1864.
Sting, Rasper, e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Sigman, Wilson, e. Sept. 8, 1861, prmtd. corp. vet. Jan. 1,
1864, m. o. as corp.
Sumner, James R., e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Seiferman, B., e. Sept. 8, 1861, died Sept. 12, 1862, wd.
Schmidt, John, e. Aug. 29, 1862, kid. Nov. 25, 1863.
Sharp, Harwood, e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Schraeder, Frederick, e. Sept. 2, 1862.
Sturdevant, Jacob, Jan. 1, 1862.
Thompson, John F., e. Sept. 8, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864,
term expired.
Thompson, Loren, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Thompson, Joseph D., Sept. 8, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864,
term expired.
Wishart, Thomas, e Aug. 15, 1861, died Nov. 27, 1863.
Walkey, Joseph, e. Aug. 15, 1861 , died March 22, 1862.
Wright, N. F., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. D.
Walton, John, e. Aug. 30. 1862, kid. March 7, 1865.
Wertz, C. F.
Company G.
First Lieut. John Irvin, com. Aug. 31, '62, died Oct. 6, '63.
Company H.
Capt. Chas. F. Wertz, com. 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 1862, prmtd.
1st lieut. Feb. 16, 1862, prmtd. capt. Aug. 22, 1863.
Capt. Wm. W. Allen, e. as sergt. Aug. 15, 1861, prmtd. 2d
lieut. Feb. 16, 1863, prmtd. 1st lieut. Aug. 22, 1863,
prmtd. capt.. declined commission.
Capt. Robt. Salisbury, e. as corpl. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1,
1864, prmtd. sergt., then capt. May 19, 1865.
Sergt. Chas. H. Edmonds, e. Nov. 1, 1861.
Buckley, John, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Beaury, Albert, e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Black, John F., e. Jan. 1, 1864, died Sept. 11, 1864, wds.
Black, H. L., e. Feb. 3, 1864.
Buckley, Daniel, e. Aug. 15, 1861, m. o. Sept. 3, 1864, term
expired.
Buckley, Patrick, e. Aug. 15,1861, dis. July 11, '62, disab.
Cross, Hiram A., e. Nov. 1, 1861, m. o. Oct. 31, 1864, term
expired.
Deagon, Jos., e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Fye, Daniel, e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Fye, J. D., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Fye, David.
Grey, Robt, e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Heintz, Michael, e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Hunt, A. B., e. Aug. 15, 1861.
Mayer, John, e Nov. 1, 1S61, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Michner, C. W., e. Nov. 1, 1861, m. o. Oct. 31, 1864, term
expired.
Rice, A. L.. e. Nov. 1, 1861, died Oct. 15, 1864, wds.
Reef, Jos. S., e. March 23, 1864, m. o. corpl.
Rees, Enos S., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Rees. John M., e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Wertz, Jacob, e. Nov. 1, 1861, wd., m. o. Dec. 2, 1864.
Winters, Abraham, e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Winters. Cyrus, e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, absent,
wd. at m. o. of regiment.
Wagoner, Geo., e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Jan. 1, 1864, absent
sick at m. o. of regiment.
Company I.
Eastland, A. J., , died August, 1863.
Blake, F. W., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Keegan, James, e. March 12, 1864. kid. July 22, 1864.
Leonard, Arthur, e. Jan. 1, 1864, absent sick at m. o. of
regiment.
Ruff, F. O, e. Jan. l, 1864.
Reider, Jos., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Company K.
Allison, W. W.
Cooper, Wm., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Sheppard, Charles.
FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
The Washburne Lead Mine Regiment was or-
ganized at Chicago, 111., December 25, 1861, by
Col. John E. Smith, and mustered into the
United States service as the Forty-fifth In-
fantry Illinois Volunteers. January 15, 1862,
moved to Cairo, 111. February 1, assigned
to brigade of Col. W. H. L. Wallace, division
of Brig. Gen. McClernand. February 4,
landed below Fort Henry, on the Tennessee,
and on the 6th marched into the fort, it hav-
ing been surrendered to the gun-boats. Feb-
ruary 11, moved toward Fort Donelson, and
during the succeeding days bore its part of
the suffering and of the battle. The flag of
the Forty-fifth was the first planted on the
enemy's works. Loss — 2 killed and 26
wounded. March 4, moved to the Tennes-
see River, and 11th, arrived at Savannah.
AVas engaged in the expedition to Pin Hook.
March 25' moved to Pittsburg Landing, and
encamped near Shiloh Church.
The Forty-fifth took a conspicuous and hon-
orable part in the two days' battle of Shiloh,
losing 26 killed and 199 wounded and miss-
ing — nearlv one-half of the regiment. April
12, Col. John E. Smith, of the Forty-fifth,
took command of the brigade. During the
siege of Corinth, the regiment was in the First
Brigade, Third Division, Reserve Army of the
Tennessee, and bore its full share of the labors
and dangers of the campaign. June 4, the
regiment was assigned to Third Brigade, and
moved toward Purdy, fifteen miles. On the
5th, marched to Bethel ; 7th, fro Montezuma,
and on the 8th, to Jackson, Tenn., the enemy
flying on its approach.
During the months of June and July, en-
gaged in garrison and guard duty. August
11, assigned to guarding railroad, near Toon's
Station. On the 31st, after much desper-
ate fighting, Companies C and D were cap-
tured. The remainder of the regiment, con-
centrating at Toon's Station, were able to
resist the attack of largely outnumbering
forces. Loss — 3 killed, 13 wounded, and 43
taken prisoners. September 17, moved to
Jackson ; November 2, to Bolivar, and was
assigned to First Brigade, Third Division, Right
Wing, Thirteenth Army Corps. November 3,
1862, marched from Bolivar to Van Buren ;
4th, to La Grange, and was assigned to Provost
duty ; 28th, marched to Holly Springs ; De-
cember 3, to Waterford ; 4th, Abbeville ; 5th,
to Oxford, to Yocono River, near Spring Dale.
Communications with the north having been
cut off, foraged on the country for supplies.
December 17; notice received of the promo-
tion of Col. John E. Smith to Brigadier Gen-
eral, ranking from November 29 ; December
22, returned to Oxford ; 24th, moved to a
camp three miles north of Abbeville, on the
Tallahatchie River, where the regiment re-
mained during the month. Mustered out
July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., and arrived
at Chicago July 15, 1865, for final payment,
and discharged.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
323
Company B.
Capt. Thomas J. Prouty, e. as private, Aug. 30, 1861 ;
pmtd. sergt.; prmtd. 2d lieut. Nov. 29, 1862 ; pmtd.
1st lieut. Dec. 25, 1864 ; prmtd. capt. July 9, 1865.
Hollenbeck, Chas. H., e. Aug. 30, 1861, disd. April 16, 1863,
wd.
Prouty, Elijah, e. Aug. 30, 1861, vet. Dec 19, 1863.
Cressler, Alfred, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Company C.
Sergt. Orrin L. Williams, e. Oct. 1, 1861, m. o. Dec. 24
1864, term expired.
Corp. Ephraim Percy, e. Oct. 2, 1861.
Beaumont, H. E., e. Oct. 7, 1861.
Foley, Michael, e. Oct. 3, 1861.
Green, James M., e. Oct. 5, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Jordan, James, e. Oct. 3, 1861, disd. March 2, 1862.
Kepheart, Isaac, e. Oct. 3, 1861, disd. for disab.
Lasier, Silas D., e. Dec. 20, 1861.
Mourn, Andrew, e. S«p. 20, 1861, reported dead.
Morrison, John H., e. Oct. 1, 1861, m. o. Nov. 20, 1864.
Mitchell, Robert M., e. Oct. 7, 1861.
Mugley, Geo-., e. Oct. 8, 1861.
McGrath, Patrick, e. Oct. 1, 1861, trans, to V. B. C.
Stocks, Job., e. Oct. 9, 1861.
Verly, John, e. Oct. 5, 1861, disd. Jan. 31, 1863, disab.
Company D.
McLaughlin, Thos. W., e. Oct. 19, 1861, vet. Dec. 19, 1863-
m o. July 12, 1865.
McLoughlin, W. T.
Wilder, Albert A., e. Oct. 19, '61, disd. April 23, '63, disab,
Company E.
Second lieut. Chas. F. Dube, e. as sergt. Sept. 14, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. May 22, 1863, term expired Dec. 25,
1864.
Oorp. Samuel E. Machamer, e. Sept. 14, 1861, disd. May
2, 1862.
Boop, Wm. H., e. March 30, 1864
Brandt, Abraham, e. Sept. 18, 1861, vet. Dec. 19, 1863, m.
o. as Corp.
Boop, Jacob, e. March 30, 1864.
Bowersox, Chas., e. Sept. 18, 1861, disd May 2, 1862.
Dubs, Henry, e. March 24, 1864.
Frasher, Win., e. Sept. 18, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Flickenger, E. 0., e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Keister, Chris., e. Sept. 18, 1861, trans, to inv corps.
Miiler, Henry, e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. March 1, 1864.
Spellman, Thomas, e. Sept. 24, 1861, m. o. Sept. 29, 1864,
term expired.
Wingard, Jacob, e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
FORTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
The Forty-sixth Infantry Illinois Volunteers
was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, Decem-
ber 28, 1861, by Col. John A. Davis. Ordered
to Cairo, 111., February 11, 1862; from there,
proceeded, via the Cumberland River, to Fort
Donelson, Tenn., arriving on the 14th, and was
assigned to the command of Gen. Lew Wallace ;
on the 15th, lost one man killed and two
wounded; 16th, moved through the works and
to Dover; 19th, moved to Fort Henry. March
6, embarked for Pittsburg Landing, where it
arrived on the 18th. The regiment was now
in Second Brigade, Fourth Division, with Four-
teenth. Fifteenth and Forty-sixth Illinois, and
Twenty-fifth Indiana, Col. James C. Veatch,
Twenty-fifth Indiana, commanding brigade,
and Brig. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, of Illinois, com-
manding division. In the battle of Shiloh, the
Forty-sixth took a most conspicuous and hon-
orable part, losing over half of its officers and
men in killed and wounded, and receiving the
thanks of the commanding Generals. Among
the wounded were Col. John A. Davis, Maj.
Dornblasser, Capts. Musser, Stephens, Marble
and McCracken ; Lieuts. Hood, Barr, Arnold,
Ingraham and Howell. In this action, the
"Fighting Fourth Division" of Gen. Hurlbut
achieved a reputation for bravery, to which it
added on every field in which it was engaged
until the close of the war. Was engaged in
the siege of Corinth, in the month of May.
June 2, camped six miles west of Corinth ; on
the 10th, marched to the Hatchie River; loth,
passed through Grand Junction, and camped
three miles from town ; 24th, moved to Collar-
bone Hill, near La Grange; on the 30th, moved
to Old Lamar Church. July 1, marched to
Cold Water, and returned on the 6th ; on the
17th, moved toward Memphis, marching via
Moscow, Lafayette, Germantown and White's
Station, and camping two miles south of Mem-
phis, on the 21st of July. August 27, engaged
in the scout to Pigeon Roost. September 6,
moved from Memphis toward Brownsville; 7th,
marched through Raleigh and Union Stations ;
9th, marched to Big Muddy River; 11th, via
Hampton Station, to Danville ; 12th, via White-
ville, to Pleasant Creek ; 14th, via Bolivar, to
Hatchie River. September 27, all the troops
on the river, at this place, were reviewed by
Gen. McPherson. October 4, moved toward
Corinth ; 5th, met the enemy at Metamora.
The Forty-sixth was in position on the right of
Second Brigade, supporting Bolton's Battery.
After an hour of shelling by the batteries, the
infantry were ordered forward, and at a double
quick, advanced, driving the enemy across the
river. The First Brigade coming up, " Hurl-
but's Fighting Fourth Division" advanced and
drove the enemy from the field, compelling
their flight. Col. John A. Davis, of the Forty-
sixth, was mortally wounded in this action, and
Lieut. M. R. Thompson also, both dying on the
10th. After the battle, returned to Bolivar.
November 3, marched to La Grange ; 28th,
moved to Holly Springs ; 30th, toward Talla-
hatchie Paver, and camped near Waterford,
Miss., where splendid winter quarters, with
mud chimneys and ba'ie ovens complete, were
fitted up in time to move away from them.
December 11, to Hurricane Creek, and 12th, to
Yocona Station, where it remained until Decem-
ber 22, when it marched to Taylor's Station.
Van Dorn, having captured Holly Springs,
marched on the 23d, .via Oxford, to Hurricane
Creek ; 24th, the Forty-sixth Illinois and
Thirty. third Wisconsin moved, as train guard,
to north side of Tallahatchie River ; 26th,
moved camp four miles nearer Holly Springs,
between Waterford and Wyatt Stations. Jan-
uary 6, 1863, moved to Holly Springs; 10th,
Fifteenth and Forty-sixth Illinois were escort
to ammunition train to La Grange ; 13th,
marched to Moscow, where it remained until
February 5, when it moved to Lafayette. The
garrison of Moscow was First Brigade, Fourth
Division, the Forty-sixth and Seventy-sixth
Illinois of the Second Brigade, and two batter-
ies : and the garrison of Lafayette the Four-
teenth and Fifteenth Illinois and one battery,
Col. Cyrus Hall commanding. After rejoining
brigade at Lafayette, marched on the 9th of
324
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
March, via Collierville and Germantown, to
Memphis. April 21, 1863, engaged in the ex-
pedition to Hernando, and returned on the
'J4th. May 13, embarked for Vicksburg, and
on the 15th, landed at Young's Point; 18th,
marched to Bower's Landing ; 19th, moved to
Sherman's Landing ; 20th. moved by steamer
up Yazoo to Chickasaw Bayou ; disembarked,
and moved across the swamp to the bluff. May
21. proceeded to the right of Gen. Grant's
Army, and were then ordered to Snyder's
Bluff; 24th, marched in the direction of Vicks-
burg ; 25th, marched to the extreme left of the
line. The regiment was detailed on picket
duty, and during the night the outpost, con-
sisting of five companies of the regiment, were
captured by the enemy ; 101 men and 7 officers
were captured, 70 escaping. The remainder of
the regiment took an active part in the siege of
Vicksburg; July 5, moved to Clear Creek; 6th,
to Bolton Station ; 8th, to Clinton ; 9th, to
Dickens' Plantation, where it remained guard-
ing train : 12th, moved into position on the
extreme right of the line near Pearl River ;
engaged in the siege until the 16th, when the
enemy evacuated Jackson, after which the reg-
iment returned to Vicksburg. The division
was now transferred to the Seventeenth Corp3,
and Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker assigned to com-
mand. August 12, moved to Natchez. Sep-
tember 1, went on an expedition into Louisiana,
returning on the 8th. September 16, moved
to Vicksburg. November 28, moved to Camp
. Cowan, on Clear Creek. January 4, 1863, the
Forty-sixth was mustered as a veteran regi-
ment ; 12th, started north for veteran furlough ;
23d, arrived at Freeport. 111., and on the 27th,
the regiment was furlougheu.
Col. John A. Davis, com. Sept. 12, 1861, died at Bolivar,
Tenn., Oct. 10, 1862, of wounds received at battle of
Hatchie.
Col. Benj. Dornblazer, com. adjt. Oct. 11, 1861, prmtd.
Major Feb. 8, 1862, prmtd col. Oct. 11, 1862, brevt.
brig. gen. Feb. 20, 1865.
Maj. John M. McCracken, com. capt. Co. K Dec. 30, 1861,
prmtd. maj. Oct. 11, 1862, term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
Maj. Jos. Clingman, com. capt. April 24, 1862, prmtd.
maj. Dec. 23, 1864.
Quarter Master Edwin R. Gillett, com. September, 1862,
res. Oct. 5, 1864.
Quarter Master Jas. B. Wright, com. Oct. 5, 1864.
Sergt. Elias C. De Puy, com. Sept. 23, '61, res. Nov. 1, '64.
Sergt. Benj. H. Bradshaw, com. 1st asst. sergt. Sept. 12,
1862, prmtd. sergt. Nov. 1, 1864.
First Asst. Sergt. Julius N. DeWitt, com. 2d asst. sergt.
March 5, 1864, prmtd. 1st. asst. sergt. Nov. 1, 1864.
Chaplain David Teed, com. Oct. 11, 1861, res. Sept. 1,1862.
Sergt. Maj. Wm. Swanzey, e. Dec. 7, 1861, dis. May 29,
1862, disab.
Sergt. Maj. Henry A. Ewing, dis. Oct. 25, 1863, for pro-
motion.
S>T£t. Maj. John E. Hersheydis. Sept. 1, 1864, disab.
Sergt. Maj. Edgar Buttei field, vet., m. o. Sept. 20, 1866.
Sergt. Maj. F. H. Whipple, trans, from 11th inf., m. o.
July 8, 1865.
Quarter Master Sergt. James Duncan, e. Sept. 14, 1861,
dis. May 29, 1862, disab.
Quarter Master Sergt. Julius T. Weld, in. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
'Comsy. Sergt. E. R. Gillett, e. Sept. 14, 1861, dis. for pro-
motion as regimental quarter master.
Comsy. Sergt. W. H. Barnds, vet., m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Hospital Steward Thos. Wolcott, vet.
Hospital Steward Jos. Chambers, e. Sept. 14, 1861, dis.
August, 1862, disab.
Hospital Steward James Steele, dis. March 1, 1864, for
promotion.
Hospital Steward Thos. J. Allen, vet., m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Principal Musician Geo. W. Trotter, vet., reported died
Oct. — , 1865.
Company A.
Capt. John Musser, com. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 24, '62. i
Capt. Isaac A. Arnold, com. 2d lieut. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd.
1st lieut. April 1, 1862, prmtd. capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
^irst Lieut. Wm. O. Saxton, com. Sept. 10, 1861, res.
April 1, 1862.
Wm. Reynolds, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut.
Oct. 15, 1861, prmtd. 1 lieut l'ec.23, 1864.
Second Lieut. Geo. S. Dickey, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. April 1, 1862, res. Oct. 15, 1864.
Second Lieut. Wm. M. Moore, prmtd. 1st. lieut. Dec. 23,'64.
Sergt. Horace D. Purinton, e. Sept. 10, '61, dis. Dec.12,'63.
Corp. Daniel M. Hart. e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 8, 1862,
disab.
Corp. Thos. S. Clingman, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Aug. 2,
1862, wds.
Corp. Andrew M. Fellows, e. Sept. 10, '61, died May 2,'62.
Corp. Albert M. Lull, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid at Shiloh.
Corp. Benj. Musser, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Nov. 24, 1862,
disab.
Corp. Wesley J. Best, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet.
Corp. Q. E. Pollock, e. Sept. 10, 1861, as 1st lieut. died
at Mound City, April 9, 1862, wds.
Arnold, A. F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Sept. 4, 1862, disabi
Andre, Wm., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died at
Duvall's Blufi, Dec. 10, 1864.
Andrea Jacob D., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd.
Ambrose, Dewitt C, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Allen, John A.
Allison, Wm. W., e. Oct. 10, 1861, died March 16, 1863.
Belknap, C. A., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Bruner, Robt. D., e. Jan. 5, '64, as corpl., died Oct. 6, '64.
Barrett, Edw., e. Jan. 25, 1864, died Aug. 12, 1864.
Babcock, James M., e. Aug. 10, 1862, dis. Nov. 25, 1863,
for promotion.
Best, Hiram C, e. Jan. 24, 1865, dis. June 19, 1865.
Bolander, H. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Aug. 25, '62, disab.
Bates, A. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis July 9, 1862, disab.
Bolander, Geo. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, m.
o. as corpl.
Best, Robt. T., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Nov. 7, 1861.
Barrett, Chas., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Aug. 13, 1862, wds.
Best Wesley J., e. Dec. 22, 1863, died Aug. 19, 1864, wds.
Benter, Martin, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 14, 1862, wds.
Buss, Hillery, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, m. o. as
Corp.
Cearn, William, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
Clingman, Abner, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, m. o.
July 14,1865.
Clingman, Hiram, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Clingman, George R., e. Sept. lo, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Clouse, Charles, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Sept. 7, 1862.
Clingman, Charles, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Clingman, John T., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Clingman, William M., e. Jan. 24. 1865.
Cadwell, Horace, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Olow, Benjamin, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Clause, William, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Deriges, John P., e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Daughenbaugh. C, e. Oct. 15, 1864, m. o. Oct. 8, 1865.
Derrick, James E., e. Sept, 10, 1861, disd. May 28, 1862,
disab.
Descaven, D. P., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Sept. 22, 1862.
Davidson, George W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. April 28, 1863,
disab.
Elliott, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Erley, William F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Evans, Thomas W., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Ellis, Elias, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Faurer, Robert A., e. Oct. 10, 1862, vet.
Faurer, Amos, e Dec. 12, 1863.
French, D. H., e. Jan. 28, 1864.
F<ird, William D., e. Jan. 27. 1865.
Fellows, George E., e. Feb. 27, 1864, m. o. May 15, 1865.
French, S. A., o. Sept. 10, 1861, — m. o. as sergt.
Garrison, D. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
GibbOIlS, Thomas, e. Sept. Ill, 1861.
Galpin, Daniel A., e. Sept. lo, 1861, term expired.
Gibbens, William, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Garrard, W., e. Jan. 24, 1865, absent sick at m. o.
Glynn, James, e Jan. 25, 1864,
Garman, Lawrence G., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Green, Chris, e. Oct. 10, 1861.
Hunting, George H., e. Jan. 5, 1864, disd. for promotion in
U. S. C. H. Art.
Hartzel, William, e. Dec. 30, 1863, vet. absent at m. o.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
325
Hart, Joseph E., e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Hill, John, e. Jan. 24, 1805.
Hills, H. M., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hoot, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Hunting, Charles H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863,
disd. July 14, 1864.
Hollenbeck, H. \V., e.Sept. 10, 1861, died May3, 1862, was.
Hunting, William A., e. Sept. 10, 1861
Hart, James H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, Vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Holsinger, William H ,e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 1,1862.
Hoyman, Henry, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Hadsell, N. A., e. , disd. March 9, 1866.
Hadsell, A. C, e. .
Hart, John, e. Aug. 30, 1862, m. o. June 19, 1865 as sergt.
Hart, Thomas J., e. Aug. 30, 1862, m. o. June 19, 1865.
Hathaway, Homer H., e. .
Joy, Benedict, e. Feb. 20. 1864.
Jefferies, Jos. G., e. Sept. 10, 1861. vet. Dec. 7, 1863, absent
at m. o.
Kemper, Adam, e. Sept. 10, 1861, 1st. sergt., disd. for pro-
motion.
Krape, Wm. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Law, John H., e. Feb. 6, 1865
Lee, L. H., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Miller, I., e. Dec. 23, 1863, absent at m. o.
Moore, Geo. W., e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Moser, Wm., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
McAfee, R. L. H., e. Jan 4, 1864.
Musser. Obas., e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Moser, E. A., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Morgan, H. A. e. Jan. 24, 1865.
May, Willard, e. Feb. 24, 1864, died May 18, 1864.
McCarthey, James C, e. Feb. 1, 1864, vet.
Moore, Wm. R., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, disd.
March 19, 1865, sergt.
Miller, H. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet.
Musser, James, e, Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
McHoes, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
More, Chas. F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 2, 1863.
Mason, John H., e. Sept 10, 1861, disd Nov. 24, 1862, wd
Mack, James H., e. Sept 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Neil, Wm. R., e. Feb. 20, 1864.
Peck, Theo., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Jan. 8, 1862.
Patten, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. Shiloh.
Plowman, Charles, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Patten, Robert, e. Sept. 10. 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, m. o.
as Corp.
Parrish, Pleasant, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. B.
Peck, A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Nov. 12, 1864.
Parker, John, e. Feb. 18, 1864, absent (sick) at m. o.
Rodgers, H. G , e. Oct. 10, 1861, kid at Shiloh April 6, '62.
Beiniger, Samuel J., e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Rice, M. A., e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Ritzman, John, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Rubendall, D. R., e. Jan. 4, 1864, m. o. June 10, 1865.
Rudy, John, e. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o. May 22, 1865
Quiggle, Robert H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, m.
o. July 14, 1865.
Ritzman, Robert D., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Riem, James, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died
March 22, 1864.
Rush, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd Aug. 16, 1862, disab.
Rodgers, D. E., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died
Dec. 12, 1864.
Rodimer, Wm. H., e Sept. 10, 1861, kid. at bat. Shiloh.
Rollins, E. W., e Sept. In, 1861, died June 29, 1862.
Smith, C. H., e Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Solomou, John C, e. Sept. 10, '61, disd. May 8, '62, disab.
Sheckler, John, e. Sept. 10,1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Scovill, Daniel A., e. Sept. 10, 861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863,
m. o. as Corp.
Sleight, Samuti A., e. Sept. 10, '61, disd. May 8, '62, disab.
Smith, E. W , e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
Scovill, Nelson, e Sept. 10, 1861, died April, is, 1862, wd,
Stephens, James N., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died May 9, 1862.
Smith, James C , e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Scovill, Alfred B„ e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Shadell, Samuel P., e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Shadell, A. C, e. Oct. 30, 1863
Swartz, John L , e. Oct 30, 1863.
Sheltenberger, John, e. Jan 8, 1864
Sheets, George W., e. Jan 25, 1864.
Sanborn, Charles G., e. Feb 6, 1865.
Sills, Thomas, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Seidle, Charles H., e. Dec. 23, 1863, died Nov. 20, 1864.
Sherman, Leonard.
Tomlins, John W., Dec. 16, 1863.
Taft, Jos. A., e. March 4, 1865.
Thompson, L. B., e. Oct. 8, 1864.
Taylor, John W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, disd.
for prom. 53d U. S. C. I.
Thompson, James M., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 1, 1862.
Van Brocklin, James M., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec 22
1863.
Vincen, Thomas, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Walker, John \V\, e. Sept .0, 1861.
Winchell, H. P., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Wieland, John M., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Nov. 2, 1861.
Woodring, John M., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 24, 1862,
disab.
Wilson, Benjamin F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Dec. 30, 1861.
Whisler, John B., e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Wilson, R. P., e. Sept. in, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Windecker, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Waddell, John R., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Woodring, U., e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Wall, Thomas, e. March 21, 1865, disd.
Winters, Darius, e. Aug. 10, 1862, m. o. July 7, 1865.
Wetzol, F. F., e. Feb. 17, 1864.
Windecker. William, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Waddell, William W., e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Woodring, John M., e. Feb. 7, 1805.
Company B.
Capt. Rollin V. Ankeny, com. Sept. 14, 1861, res. Dec. 31,
1862.
Capt. William J. Reitzell, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd.
2d lieut. June 10,1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. July 10, 1862,
prmtd. capt. Jan. 1, 1863. term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
Capt. Robert F. Cooper, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd.
2d lieut. Jan. 1, 1863, prmtd 1st lieut. Sept. 27, 1864,
prmtd. capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Henry Roush, com. Sept. 14, 1861, res. April
18, 1862.
First Lieut. Emanuel Faust, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. July 10, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Jan.
1, 1863, res. Sept. 27, 1864.
First Lieut. George S. Rousch, e. as corp. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut, Sept. 27, 1864, prmtd 1st lieut. Dec.
23, 1864, res. June 19, 1865.
First Lieut. Thomas B. Jones, e. as corp. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. Dec. 23, 1864, prmtd. 1st lieut. July
31, 1865.
Second Lieut. Thomas J. Hathaway, com. Sept. 14, 1861,
res. June 10, 1862.
Second Lieut, Aaron McCaley, e. as private Sept. 10,
1861, vet. prmtd 2d lieut. July 31, 1865.
First Sergt. Thomas J. Hood, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to
Co. G.
Sergt. Robert Smith, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. G.
Corp. George Cox, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Oct. 9, 1862, wds.
Corp. Leopold Shook, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 10, 1862,
as sergt., disab.
Corp. John E. Hershey, e. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. sergt. maj.
Corp. John Y. Haughey, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864,
m. o. May 30, 1865.
Corp. J. W. Barker, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Feb. 12, 1863
as private, disab.
Corp. Isaac F. Kleckner, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. June 14,
1862, disab.
Musician Isaac Bolander, e. Sept. 10,1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Musician Caspar Long, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. G.
Wagoner Isaac N. Mallory, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Aug. 12,
1862, disab.
Ashenfelter, Cyrus, e. Sept. 10, 1861. died Dec. 6, 1861.
Arnold, Adam, e. Sept. 10, 1861. vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Askey, Samuel, e. Feb. 5, 1864.
Arnold, Charles, e.Sept. 10, 1861, vet Dec. 23, 1863.
Askey, John, e. Feb. 5, 1864.
Andre, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, trans.
to Co. A.
Artley, Abram, e.'Feb. 15, 1864, trans, to Co. K.
Alshouse, Jacob, e.Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 21, 1862, disab.
Ansl.erger, S., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Barr, John W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. sergt. maj.
Boyd, Franklin, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Brenizer, J. K., e. Feb. 1, 1864, no. o. as corp.
Barker, A. J., e. Sept. In, 1861, disd. Dec. 28, 1863, disab.
Brayman, E. P., e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Barker, S. S., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Bloss, Joseph L., e. Feb. 8, 1861.
Bowen, John T., e. Sept. 10. 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Bolender, Jackson, e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Bolander, Aaron, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1864, m. o.
June 19, 1865.
Burgess, Solon S., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. June 30, 1863,
disab.
Bolander, John P., e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Bower, Charles F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 23, 1862,
wds.
326
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Butterfield, Edgar, e. Sept 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863,
prmtd. sergt. maj.
Collins, Thomas, e. , traDS. from 99th 111.
Crawford, Franklin, e. Sept. Id, 1861, in. o. Sept. 9, 1864.
Carroll, Henry, «. Feb. 2, 1864.
Chambers, Joseph, e. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. hospital stew-
ard.
Cooper, George W., e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Cantrell, Joseph T., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863,
trans, to Co. K.
Clark, Silas \\\, e. Dec. 16, 1863.
Cooper, A. J., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Cade, Charles, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Aug. 12, 1862, disab.
Chase, L. W., trans, from 99th 111.
Dubois, William W., e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Duncan, 0. P., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Duncan, James.
Daniels, Willis, m. o. Jan. 8, 1866.
Dougherty, Geo., e. Jan. 2, 1864, dis. Sept. 17, 1864, disab.
Ernst, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Eli, Marion, e. Dec. 18, 1863, trans, to Co. K.
Erb, Ira, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, m. o. as corpl.
Frankeberger, Aaron, e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Forbes, A. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Foster, Geo., e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Frankeberger, E. B., e Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
From, James, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Frize, Henry, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died March 31, 1862.
Gallagher, H. C, e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Guitt-r, Adam, e. Sept. 10, 1861. vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
George, Wm. A., e. Feb. 12, 1864, died Sept. 10, 1864
Gibler, Hiram, e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Sept. 9, 1864.
Gibler, Jos. H., e. Sept. 10, 1864.
Hess, Andrew, e. Feb. 4, 1865, died April 24, 1865, wds.
Henrich. Cornelius, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Hinies, Jos., e. Feb. 19, 1864.
Hay, John, e. Sept. 10, '61, vet. Dec. 23, '63, m. o. as sergt.
Hartman, H. J., e. Jan. 28. 1865.
Hathaway, H. H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. A.
Hartman, Jos. W., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hathaway, J. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863-.
Hinds, Erastus, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hathaway, Jas. B., e. Sept. 10,'61, disd. April 23,'62, disab.
Hamilton, Thos., trans, from 99th 111.
Hess, Andrew, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Hofmerster, Aug. W\, m. o. Oct. 9, 1865.
Hill, Langford, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Feb. 15, 1864.
Hendrickson, A., m. o. Oct. 9, 1865.
Henderson, W. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, m. o.
July 15, 1865.
Hartzel, John, e. Oct. 13, 1864, m. o. Oct. 12, 1865.
Henderson, Francis, e. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Hathaway, Earl, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. G.
Henderson, U. H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, m.
o. as sergt.
Hathaway, Phillip, e. Jan. 30, 1864, dis. Dec. 31, 1866.
Hoag, Chas., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet.
Howe, James, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hinds, Erastus, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Dec. 10, 1862, disab.
Inman, H. L., e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Kaup, Geo. S., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 30, 1862, disab.
Johnson, Wm. T., e. Dec. 27, 1863, died June 17, 1865.
Kryder, Jacob N., e.Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
King, Edwin, e. Feb. 3, 1864.
King, Robert, e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Kerr, Wm., e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Dec. 20, 1864.
Kellog, E. V., e. Sept, 10, 1861, kid. at battle of Shiloh.
Lobdell, Daniel, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, died
Oct. 4, 1864.
Lauck, Jacob, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Mingle, D. J., e. Sept. Pi, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
McKee, Robert, e. Oct. 25, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Mather A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
McKee, David, e. Nov. 13, 1863.
McElhaney, Wm., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. April 4, 1S62.
Mogle, Samuel, e. Feb. -A, 1864.
McCurdy, Francis, e. Sept, 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Mogle. Jacob, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Mitchell, Norton, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
McCauley, Isaac, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Moses, John N., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Mitchell, C, trans, from 99th 111.
Mclenahan, Geo., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Mogle, L. W., e. Feb. 1, 1864, m. o. Oct, 21, 1865.
Malory, Daniel, e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Sept. 9, 1864.
Mack, Harry A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died June 15, 1862.
Mallory, John W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Mav 17, 1862.
McGinnis, Jos., e. Sept 10, 1861, died Sept. 28, 1862.
Mingle, John H.. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Nicholas, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd Nov. 7, 1862, disab.
Pentecoff, Levi, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Oct. 19, 1862.
Parrish, P. P., disd. Feb. 3, 1863, disab.
Pieter, John, e Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Pierce, James, e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Potter, Francis, e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Potter, Julius, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Feb. 6, 1862.
Pierce, James, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 11, 1862, disab.
Rockwell, Charles W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died May 14, '62.
Rishel, Daniel L.
Reed, W. D., e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Reed, John P., e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Runkle, John H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Roush, Henry, e. Feb. 1, 1864, died July 10, 1864.
Seibold, Calhoun, e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Stottler, Jacob, e, Sept. 10, 1861, died May, 1862, wd.
Skinner, W. W., e. Feb. 8, 1S64.
Segin, Theo., e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Snyder, F. M., e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Shaffer, W. F., e Jan. 24, 1865, m. o. June 20, 1865.
Stanley, John, e. Feb. 1, 1864. m. o. Sept. 8, 1865.
Shane, Charles N., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died July 26, 1863.
Stone, E. L., e. Feb. 9, 1864, died Nov. 27, 1864.
Shane, Thomas, J., e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Sept. 9, 1864,
corp.
Smith, Henry, trans, from 99th 111.
Sprague, George D., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Feb. 28, 1863,
disab.
Taft, H. C, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Turrinzo, Anson, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Thompson, 1. E., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Tyler, Dayton D, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863,
trans, to Co. D.
Thompson, Robert S.. e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Tomlins, J. W.
Van Meter, John C, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 7, 1862,
disab.
Vocht, Levi S., e. Jan. 22, 1864.
Vinson. George, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863, trans.
to Co. H.
Vinson, John, e. Jan. 8, 1864, died Aug. 12, 1S64.
Wilson, George, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 30, 1862.
Wunshel, George, e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Wright, Charles F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Wohlford, Franklin, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Webb, Oliver P., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Wagner, P. R., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Wilson, Henry, m. o. Oct. 9, 1865.
Yoder, Andrew B., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Zigler, Miller, e. Feb. 2, 1864, trans, to Co. K.
Company C.
Capt. Frederick Khrumme, com. Sept. 10, 1861, res. April
23, 1862.
Capt. Philip Arno, com. 1st lieut., Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd.
capt. April 23, 1862, term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
Capt. Edward Wike, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861,'prmtd. 2d
lieut. Sept. 29, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Dec. 17, 1863,
prmtd. capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Harbert Harberts, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861,
prmtd. 1st lieut. April 23, 1862, m. o. for promotion
2d Miss Dec. 17, 1863.
First Lieut, Andrew Ohlenheusen, e. as private Dec. 22,
1863, prmtd. 2d lieut. Dec. 17, 1863, prmptd. 1st
lieut. Dec. 23, 1864.
Second Lieut. Addo Borchers, com. Sept. 10, 1861, res.
Sept. 29, 1862.
Second Lieut. Emil Neese. e. as corp. Sept 10, '61, prmtd.
2d Lieut. March 20, 1865.
Sergt. Adolph Walbrecht, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. for pro
motion in U. S. C. H. art.
Sergt. Carl H. Gramp, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 9, 1864,
term expired.
Sergt. Ferdinand Beutz, e. Sept. 10, '61, m. o. Sept. 16,'64.
Corp. Albert Kocher, e. Sept, 10, 1861, died May 15, '62.
Corp. Arnold Rader, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 22, 1862,
disab.
Corp. Carl. Lipinski, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. March 19, '64.
Corp. John Ochxle, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Corp. Peter Steinmetz, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22,
1863, died Oct. 15, 1864.
Corp. C. Michaelson, e. Sept 10, 1861, vet. Feb. 21, 1864.
Musician Conrad Kahn, e. Sept. 10,1861, died May 15, '62.
Musician Albert Stacker, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 3,
1862, disab.
Arena, Peter, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet, Dec. 22, 1863.
Altmann, Henry, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
327
Abels, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Sept. 14, 1864, term
expired.
Adams, Geo. W., trans, from 99th 111.
Bauer Anton, e. Sept. 10, 1801, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Burkhart, John, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Berg, Alfred, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Backes, Jacob, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Benton, John L., e. Feb. 29, 1864, m. o. May 22, 1865.
Bonn, Jos., e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Byrne, Martin e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Barmington, i ., e. Feb. 26, 1865.
Baker, Jacob.
Bagger, Heinrich, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Oct. 15, 1862.
Burkhardt, A., died July 24, 1865.
Bles, Jacob, e. Dec. 20, 1863, dis. May 27, 1865.
Cruse, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Cohlstedt, Henry, e. Jan. 15, 1864.
Christian, John.
Crueger, Henry, e. Jan. 15, 1864.
Dreesman Ubbo, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 11, 1864.
Diller, Michael, e. Dec. 25, 1861, trans, to V. R. C.
Durken, N. H. Van., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 25, 1862.
Davis, Philip.
Dobbie, W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Dede, Henry, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Duitsman, W., e. Sept. 10, 1801, Dec. 22, 1863.
Dennis, Thomas, died Oct. 7, 1865.
Deuzing, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 9, 1864, term ex-
pired.
Dillin. Michael, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Egnsen, B. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died May 19, 1862.
Eickle, Anton, e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Each, J. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Froning, Herman, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Oct. 14, '63, disab.
Friday, Philip, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Farley, Thomas, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. K.
Friedman, Valentine, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Freivert, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Jan. 12, 1803, disab.
Franz, Safrin, e. Feb. 9, 1804.
Foster, John, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Frey, Johann, e. Jan. 1,'02, died at Vicksburg, July 5,'62.
Frewart, Charles, e. Nov. 26, 1863, died Dec. 19, 1864.
Giboni, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. at battle of Shiloh.
Getz, Andrew, e. Feb. 3, 1805.
Gretzly Gottleib, e. Sept. 10, 1801, died April 20, '62, wds.
Gasteger, A., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Heeron, W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Hoebel, Jacob, e. Jan. 29, 1864.
Hasselmann, Fred., e. Sept. 10. 1801, kid. at battle of
Shiloh.
Hofwimer, Jos., e. Jan. 18, 1804.
Harberts, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861, dis. Feb. 4, '63, disab.
Held, Frederick.
Hencke, W., e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Heine, Frederick, Feb. 29, 1864, kid. July 8, 1864.
Husenger, 0., e. Sept. 10, 1801, died May 5, 1862.
Jaegar, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Koller, Johann, e. Sept 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 9, 1804, term
expired.
Koller, William, e. Nov. 25, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1804.
Kuhlmeier H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 13, 1804, term
expired.
Kohle, Jacob, e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Kraemer, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died July 19, 1862.
Klock, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died July 4, 1862.
Krueger, Klaas, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Feb. 5, 1863, disab.
Krumme, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. G.
Kuock, Harm, e. Sept. lo, 1861, disd. Sept. 13, 1864, term
expired.
Kraemer, F., e. Sept. 10, 1863, died May 26, 1862.
Knock, Andreas, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Knoeller, George, e. Sept. 10, 1801, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Kauner, Christ, e. Sept. 10, 1801, disd. June 19, 1862, disab.
Kohle, Jos., e. Jan. 4, 1864
Kaenier, George, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Kastler, Nicholas, e. Jan., 26, 1864.
Kuhler, August, e. Jan. 29, 1S64.
Kaubenberger, P. G., e. Jan. 26, 1364.
Knecht, Philip, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Korn, Lewis, e Jan. 1, 1864.
Koyn, Frederick, e. Feb. 12, 1864.
Koehler, Fred, e. Jan. 30, 1864.
Koller, Fred, e. Jan 27, 1864.
Kaenier, George N.
Klefer, George, e. March 2, 1865.
Ketlerer, John, e. Jan. 1864, died Sept. 18, 1804.
Krueger, Carl, e. Jan. 5, 1864, died Nov. 29, 1864.
Lttour, Charles, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Lapp Aaron, e. Sept. 10, 1862, died May 4, 1862.
Ludicke, Henry, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Lahre, John, e. Dec. 18, 1803.
Lahre, Isaac, e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Lahre, Elias, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Long, Charles M.,e. Jan. 27, 1805.
Long, Jacob, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Leter, Nicholas, e. Oct. 6, 1804, m. o. Oct. 4, 1805.
March, James, e. Sept. 10, 1801, trans, to V. R. C.
Mueller, Gottfried, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Metzger, Richard, e. Sept. 10, '61, disd. Nov. 7, '62, disab.
Metzen, Nielaus, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to V. R. C.
Marbeth, Leons, e. Sept. 10, 1801, kid. at Shiloh.
Marks, J. F., e. Sept. 10, 1801, kid. at Shiloh.
Marks, Marius, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. June 19, 1802, wd„
Meisencamp, C, Feb. 15, 1804, m. o. as corp.
Miller, R. Tm., e. Dec. 16, 1803.
Miller, Wm., e. Dec. 18, 1863.
Meise, Conrad, e. Feb. 10, 1864, drowned Aug. 24, 1864.
Miller, Frederick, e. Feb. 7, 1862, vet. Feb. 12, 1864, 46th
I. V. I., Co. C.
Neef, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 4, 1862, disab.
Neef, Hermann, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 13, 1864, term
expired.
Nurgen, Jacob Van, e. Oct. 29, 1801, m. o. Nov. 12, 1804.
O'Konas, Cornelius, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
O'Konas, Peter, e. Jan. 27, 1865 died June 12, 1865.
Ot)x>, Charles, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Olthoff, William, e. Oct. 29, 1801, disd. Oct. 20, 1804, term
expired.
Olnhausen, Andreas, e. Oct. 29, 1801, vet. Dec. 22, 1803.
Plumer, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1801, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Penning, Wiard, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Dec. 31, 1861.
Perstin, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 13, 1864, term
expired.
Polmann, Albert, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Oct. 13, 1862 as
corp.
Prince, Jacob, e. Jan. 24, 1865, m. o. Jan. 20, 1865.
Peppering, Christ, e. Oct. 29, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Raden, Johu Van, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Rebel, Joham, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Reichemeier, C, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died Jan. 1, 1862, wjs.
Rader, Arnold, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Romelfauger, Jacob, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Rorback, Jacob, e. Feb. 26, 1804.
Rach. Ernest, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Rippberger, John, e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Reinecke, Joseph, e. .
Restine, George, e. .
Schneider, H., e. Sept. 10, 1801, disd. Dec. 11, 1862, disab.
Stohr, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 13, 1862. disab.
Schmaltzhaf, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 24, 1862, wds.
Steifenhofer, M., e. Sept. 10, 1801, died Jan. 25, 1802.
Stober, William, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, m. o.
as sergt.
Steinhauer, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. May 24, 1802,
disab.
Schmidt, Johann, e. Feb. 2, 1804.
Schvenstein, Burkhardt, e. Feb. 9, 1804, m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Streeger, Peter, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Stork, Henry, e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Schwartz, H., e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Schneider, A. C, e Feb. 4, 1805.
Seiferman, L., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Saur, Julius, e. Feb. 1, 1865.
Spies, Jacob, e. Oct. 29, 1861, kid. Oct. 5, 1862.
Schlueker, H. A., e. Feb. 4, 1864, drowned Aug. 26, 1864.
Schneider, Joseph, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Schroeder, Frank, e. Dec. 29, 1863, m. o. Oct. 3, 1805 as
corp.
Seidenburg, Frederick, e. Oct. 29, 1861. disd. Feb. 7, 1862
Stoehr, John, e. , disd. May 31, 1865.
Steffer, Michael, e. Feb. 4. 1804, m. o. June 7, 1865.
Schroeder, Charles, e. , m. o. June 7, 1865.
Schweitzer, John Geo, e. Oct. 29, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1804.
Trei, Friedrich, e. Sept. lo, 1861, died May 9, 1863.
Trivel, W., e. Feb. 8, 1804.
Vacopp, Philip, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1803, died
May 21, 1804.
Vollmer, Gottleib, e. Sept. 10, 1801, drowned May 14, 1803.
Weifenbach, e. Sept. 10. 1801, disd. July 10, 1802, disab.
Wolff, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1801, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Weggenhausen, Max, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1803.
Wagner, H. L„ e. Jan 1, 1864,
Weik, Louis, e. Jan. 26, 1804.
Wagner, W., e. Feb. 0, 1805.
Wernick, H. A., e. Jan. 18, 1864.
Werner, Jacob, e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Wepel, H., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Wyarda, Theodore, e. Feb. 13, 1864.
Wunderlin, Saver, e. Feb. 2, 1864. m. o. May 22, 1805.
Zeibrich, Paulus, e. Sept. 10, 1801, disd. Nov. 23, 1862,
disab.
828
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Company D.
(New Company.)
Capt. James W. Crane, com. Feb. 3, 18G4, disd. March 25,
1865.
Capt. Francis 0. Miller, com. 1st lieut. Feb. 3, '64, prmtd.
capt. June G, 1865.
First Lieut. Isaac liobb, com. 2d lieut. Jan. 30, 1864,
prmtd. 1st lieut. June C, 1865.
Second Lieut. Benjamin F. Hayhurst, e. as private, Dec.
24, 1863, prmtd. 1st sergt., prmtd. 2d lieut. June 6,
1865.
Aurand, John J., e. Dec 17. 1863. in. o. June 22, 1865.
Adams, John H., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Atkins, Lewis E., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Avery, William N., e. Nov. 30, 1863.
Brady, Frederick, e. Oct. 10, 1864, m. o. Ocf. 9, 1865.
Brown, William \V., e. Feb. 26, 1865.
Brown, John W., e. Oct. 25, 1864.
Beswick, A. W., e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Bolick, Henry, e. Dec. 26. 1863.
Benton, Levi, e. Dec. 11,1863, m. o. July 3, 1865.
Bates, A. J., e. Dec. 11, 1863, disd. Feb. 14, 1865, sergt.
disab.
Brown, James E., e. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o. as corp.
Boyer, George, e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Belden, Arthur, e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Benth v, William, e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Bentlev, Lewis D., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Beck, John, e. Dec. 20, 1863.
Branard, Benjamin, e. Dec. 30, 1863, died July 2, 1864.
Bundy, Ambrose A., e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Bundy, Christopher, e. Jan. 18, 1864.
Bistline, Daniel, e. Jan. 2. 1864.
Clade, Levi, Jan. 24, 1865.
Clark, William A., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Clark, Charles B., e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Clade, Charles, e. Dec. 18, 1863.
Cook, S. M., e. Dec. 28, 1S63.
Culting, n. P., e. Dec. 25, 1863, trans, to V. R. C.
Cross, Levi, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Clark, John, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Daugenbaugh, John N., e. Dec. 5,' 63, absent sick, at m. o.
Denton, Levi A., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Demer, Levi, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Edgars, William, e. Dec. 12, 1863.
Eister, Daniel W., e. Dec. 22, 1863.
Ells, Lansing, e. Jan. 22, 1863, died May 14, 1864, wds.
Eshelmann, M. N., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Furray, William, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Fiss, Thomas J., e. Dec. 30, 1863, absent sick at m. o.
Fogel, John D., e. Dec. 11, 1863, disd. Sept. 28, 1864, wd.
Fry, Joel. e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Felt, William W., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Feltzer, Christopher, e. Jan. 28, 1863.
Flory, John, e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Gross. Theo., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Grissinger, Wm. B. e. Dec. 11, 1863.
Gardner, Bray ton, e. Dec. 29, 1-63.
Grimmel, Wm. D., e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Hurlburt, K. W., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Hayden, Luther H., e. Dec. 28, 1863, died Jan. 5, 1865.
Hammond, Marion, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Havhurst, B. F.
Jon'e», Robert A., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Johnson, James W., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Kleckner, John P., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Kalev, Jos., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Keller, Henry, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Keohler, John, e. Feb. 24, 1865.
King, Henry, e. Dee. 31, 1863, m. o. June 26, 1865.
Knigut, H. B., e. Jan. 2, 1864, died June 3, 1864.
Kleckner, Jacob, e. Dec. 15, 1863.
Keeler. Chris., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Lincoln, Albert, e. Dec. 29, 1863, dis. July 7, 1863.
Lightheart, Warren, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Lee, Samuel, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Leverton, Isaac, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Lults, Wm., e. Jan. 14, 1864
Lenart, Elias, e. Dec. 30, 186::.
Melton, L. L.,.e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Minnick, N., e. Dec. 26, 186:',.
Musser, J. W., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Moorehouse, W. E„ e. Dec. 29, 1863.
McGilligan, Win. K. P., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Maxwell, Job. W.. e. Dec. 31, died Aug. 23, 1864.
Mattingley, James, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Messinger, George, e. Dec. 31. 1863, dis. May 31, 1865.
Mespinger, Wm., e. Dec. 21, 1863.
Mudy, Gto. W., e. Jan. 4, 1S64, died Oct. 9, 1864.
Musser, Raymond, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Machamer/A. E., e. Jan. 2, 1864.
McGilligan, Jos. N., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Pangborn, Geo. E., e. Jan. 1, 1864.
Parker, Wm., e. Dec. 31, 1863.
RuBh, Jos., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Rush, Emanu-1, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Reed, James H., e. Dec. 30, 1863, trans, to Co. E.
Rogers, M., e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Reed, S. A., e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Randal, James, e. Dec. 24, 1863, absent at m. o. of regt.
Shumaker, John A., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Simc#x, A. R., e. Jan. 24. 1865, died Aug. 6, 1865.
Stiue, John, e. Dec. 28, 1863, m. o. as sergt.
Spitler, W. H., e. Dec. 30, 1863, m. o. as corpl.
Solace, C. L., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Shumaker, George, e. Dec. 19, 1863.
Scrambling, Wm. H., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Spofford, Chas. F., e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Tyler, D. D., e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Sept. 22, 1865.
Towl, Henry E., e. Dec. 12, 1863.
Vaughan, 0. 0., e. Dec. 12, 1863.
Verguson, John S., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Vance, 0. C, e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Wagnor, J. P., e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Williams, Edward, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Warren, Wm., e. Dec. 29, 1863, m. o. June 26, 1865.
Winner, Jacob, e. JaD. 1, 1864, dis. Oct. 7, 1865.
Wittenmever, J. H.
Young, Wm., e. Dec. 11, 1863.
Zerby, Jacob, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Company E.
Cassady, John, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Demuth, Fred, e. Jan 28, 1865, m. o. Aug. 9, 1865.
Hammond, A. J., e. Feb. 24, 1865.
O'Neal, Patrick, e. Feb. 16. 1864.
Koin, John W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Law, John W., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Long, Isaac, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Leslie Edw., e. Jan. 28, 1S65.
Marion, Jos.
Moses, Lewis.
Moshier, Lorenzo, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Peaslie, Cornelius, e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Phillips, Chris.
Reed, I. W., e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Reed, James H.
Runkle, John D., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Rishel. John G., e. Jan. 31, 1865, m. o. May 27, 1865.
Shane Wm. E., e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Syler Peter, e. Feb. 6. 1865.
Saxby, Wm. R., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Sidles, Charles, e. Feb. 24, 1865.
Springer, David S.. e. Jan 26, 1865, m. o. May 27, 1865.
Shaw, John W.
TrotW James, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Waddell, W. W.
Company F-
First Lieut. John W. Barr. com. Oct. 15, 1861, m. o. fo
promotion 2d Miss. Nov. 22, 18G3.
Havs, Thomas, e. Oct, 4, 1861, m. o. Dec. 29, 1864.
Hays, James, e. Oct. 4, 1861.
Otto, Simon, e. Oct. 4, 1861.
Gettich, Aaron, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Gross, J siah, e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Hellman, M., e. Sept. 13, 1863, trans, to V. R. C.
Little, Ira G., e. Sept. 8, 1863, disd. Sept. 5, 1S63.
Mallory, James C, e. Nov. 7, 1861, died Aug. 10, 1862.
Messenger, Theo.
Petty, Stephen, e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Stolf, Frederick, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Company C.
Cftpt. William Young, com. Oct, 15,1861, res. April 12,1863.
('apt. Robert Smith, e. as 1st sergt. Oct. 8, 1861, prmtd. 2d
lieut April 7, 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. Oct. 6, 1862, prmtd.
capt. April 12, 1S63, term expired Dec, 23, 1864.
<'apt. Samuel Buchanan, e. as private Oct. 8. 1861, prmtd.
2d lieut. Aug. 11, 1863, prmtd. 1st lieut. June 24,1864,
prmtd. capt. Dec, 28. 1864, res. July 21, 1865.
Capt, Dani-1 D. Diffeobaugh, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861, /
prmtd. 2d lieut. June 24, 1864, prmtd 1st lieut, Dec. 28,
1S64, prmtd. capt. Sept. 5, 1865.
First Lieut. Thomas M. Hood, com. Oct. 15, 1861, killed
at Shiloh.
First Lieut. Moses R. Thompson, com. 2d lieut. Oct. 15,
1861, prmtd. 1st lieut. April 7,1862, kid. bat. Hatchie.
First Lieut. Robert Smi'h.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
329
First Lieut. Thomas Allen, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. Oct. 6. 1862, prmtd. 1st lieut. April
12, 1863, res. Aug. 11, 1863.
First Lieut. Michael J. Cooper, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. April 12, 1863, prmtd. 1st lieut. Aug.
11, 1863, res. June 24, 1864.
First Lieut. Thomas C. Laird, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861.
prmtd. 2d lieut. March 20. 1865, prmtd. 1st lieut. Sept,
5, 1865.
Second Lieut. Thomas E. Joiner, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861,
prmtd. 2d lieut. Sept. 5, 1865.
Sergt. W. Swauzry, e. Oct. S, 1861.
Sergt. Joseph McKibben, e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Sergt. Joseph Stamp, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died June 16, 1862.
Sergt. James B. Smith, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Aug. 22, 1862,
private.
Corp. S. E. Hershey, e. Oct. 8, 1861, trans, to Inv. Corps.
Corp. Joseph S. Brown, e. Oct. 8,1861, died April 28, 1862,
wds.
Corp. Thomas Snyder, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Dec. 11, 1862,
disab.
Corp. John W. Rowray, e. Oct, 8, 1861, disd. June 21, 1862,
disab.
Musician James Cole, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Aug. 18, 1862,
disab.
Albright, William, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Aikev, Abram, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Angle, Luther, e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Aikev, Robert, e. Feb. 1, 1862, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Albright. Jacob, e. Feb. 1, 1862, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Allison, D., e. Feb. 1, 1862, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o. as sergt.
Auman, John, e. Feb. 1, 1862, vet. Jan. 5, 1864, disd.
March 12, 1865, for prmtn.
Butler, E. M„ e. Jan. 9. 1865, trans, from 99th inf.
Bush, William, e. Dec. 15, 1861, disd. Nov. 9, 1863, disab.
Baker, John M., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Baker, Joseph, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Brubacker, William H., e. Feb. 26, 1864.
Beedy, E. K., e. Feb. 27, 1861.
Benton, George, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Barfoot, F. R,, e. Feb. 24, 1865.
Bordner, Henry, e. Feb. 28, 1865.
Bren. Ferdinand, e. Feb. 27, 1865.
Bellman, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Boyer, Owen, e. Feb. 23, 1865.
Baker, E. H., e. Aug. 30, 1862, m. o. June 19, 1865.
Baker, Solomon S., e. Feb. 26, 1864, m. o. May 23, 1865.
Brubacker, Reuben, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died May 9, 1862.
Beeler, George D., e. Oct. 8, 1861, kldbat. Shiloh.
Brown, Wm., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. June 30,1863.
Benton, George, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Dec. 11, 1862, disab.
Bradshaw, B. H., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Sept. 12, 1862, to
accept promotion to asst. sergt.
Baker, Elias, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Bates, B. L., e. Oct. 8, 1861, died July 12, 1862.
Craig, E. W., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. June 21, 1862, disab.
Cable Seth, e. Oct. 8, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Cable, David, e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Oct. 19, 1864.
Clubiue,D., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. June 30, 1863.
Clark, Ezekiel S., e. Dec. 7, 1863, m. o. as corp.
Cable, Wm., e. Feb. 26. 1864.
Cole, John, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Chambers, James S., e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Campbell, Richard, e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Curtis, H. H., e. Nov. 30, 1861, dis. Nov. 11, 1862, disab.
Christman, F.. m. o. May 22, 1865.
Correl, Daniel, e. March 9, 1865, m. o. June 9, 1865.
Driesbach, Daniel, e. Sept. 4, 1862, died March 12, 1863.
Drake, Edward, e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Nov. 12, 1864.
Daughenbaugh, S. A., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, '63,
disab.
Dunn, Thomas, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Davis, Alfred, e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Fiscus, D. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Frisbie, C. G., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Frisbie, Wm. D., e. Jan. 24, 1865, dis. Dec. 31, 1866.
Fehr. Aaron, e. Oct. 8. 1861, vet. Dec. '.3, 1863.
Foster, Hanv. e. Oct. S, 1861.
Gage, Isaac, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Groken, S. H., e. Oct. 8, 1861, died April 6, 1862.
Groff, John, e. Feb. 1,1864.
Garman, H. ('., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Garman, Wm. A., e. Feb. 1U. 1864.
Gardner, John, e. Dec. 9. I
Goodrich, Jerome, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hathaway, Earl, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Jan. 4, 1864.
Hulet, Henry, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died May 30, 1862.
Hickle, Elias, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Helm, Wm., e. Oct. 8, 1861, died June 26, 1863.
Hood, Jos. R., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Hood, Thomas J., e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Haughey, Jas. H., e. Feb. 24, 1864.
Hathaway, Robert, e. Feb. 27, 1864, m. o. July 1, 1865.
Hains, John H., e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Haughey, Samuel J., e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Haines, Wm., e. Sept. 18, 1863, died Feb. 15, 1865.
Hay, Jonathan, e. Feb. 29, 1864, dis. Match 30, 1865, for
promotion in United States Army.
Hall, Thomas W., m. o.Oct. 10, 1865.
Howard, Wm., e. Dec. 7, 1861, trans, to Co. K.
Kittner, George, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died April 12, 1862, wd.
Klontz, George, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o
July 15, 1865.
Kancke, R., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet Dec. 24, 1863.
Klonez, Peter, e. Feb. 19, 1864, disd. May 5, 1865, disab.
Krumme, Henry, e. Sept. 10, 1861, m. o. Sept, 13, 1804
Lee, Ion, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec 22, 1863.
Lee, Isaac S., e. Oct. S, i861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Larne John, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died June 27, 1862.
Linsley, Newton, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet, Dec. 22, 1863, m. o.
as corp.
Long, Caspar, e. Oct, 8, 1861, disd. July 9, 1862, disab.
LaBell, Peter, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died June 2, 1862.
Law, Rolandus, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Lowe, Thomas A., e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Lapp, Joseph, e. Feb. 1, 1866.
Lahay, James, e. Dec. 25, 1861, trans, to Co. K.
Loehle F., e. Jan. 1, 1862, vet. Jan. 1, 1864.
Mayer, Isaac, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Moothart, P., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. May 9, 1862.
Moothart John F., e. Oct. 8, 1861, died Feb. 9, 1864.
McLeese, Robert, e. Jan. 21, 1805.
Malter, J., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, sick at m. o.
of regt.
McClintic. John, e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. March 17, '63disab.
Meinert, C, e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Nov. 12, 1861.
McLaughlin, Thomas, e. Dec. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. K.
McMurry, J., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. May 20, 1863, corpl.
McMurry, Chambers, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863,
m. o. July 15, 1865.
McMurray, George, e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Preising, George, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864, kid.
July 7, 1864.
Petrick, Paul, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Paul, William, e. Feb. 1, 1865, m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Redinger, Francis, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Richards, William D., e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Oct. 21, 1864.
Richards, Uriah, e. Oct. 8. 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863, m. o.
as corp.
Richmond, Lewis B., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Rubold, Henry, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, disd.
March 8, 1865.
Reiter, W., e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Nov. 12, 1864.
Rutter, Jacob, e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Riddle, Samuel, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Riddle, Wm., e. March 18, 1865, trans. 99th inf.
Raymer, John A., e. Jan 27, 1865.
Raymer, Wm. H., e. Feb. 27, 1865.
Reirmeyer, Henry, e. Dec. 15, 1861, died July 10, 1864.
Reatt, Ed., e. Sept. 13, 1862, m. o. Aug. 8, 1865.
Risshell, Elias, e. Feb. 10, 1864, m. o. Aug. 8, 1865.
Steel, James W., e. Oct. 8, 1861, prmtd. hospital steward.
Shively, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861, died April 23, 1862.
Smith, Wm., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864, m. o. Jan.
20, 1866.
Smith, Aug. L., e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. Dec. 11, 1862.
Sindlinger, Wm. M., e. Oct. 8, '61, disd. Julv 9, '62 disab.
Schawb, Thomas, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd, Nov. 26, '62, diBab.
Smith, Martin, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864, died March
21, 1864.
Shelter, Jacob, Oct. 8, 1861, died July 17, 1862.
Sausman. John L., e. Dec. 12, 1863.
Springman, Adam, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
Sherman, Leonard, e. March 4, 1865.
Sindlinger, William M., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Sindlinger, Samuel, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Seely, Orin, e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Shinkle, John T . e. Jan. 28, 1864, died Aug. 28, 1864.
Stamm, William D., e. Dec. 1, 1863, died at Vicksburg,
Sept. 24, 1864.
Shippy, Joseph, e. Jan. 28, 1864, died Nov. 28, 1864.
Shearer, John, e. Feb. 2!l, 1861. died Sept. 20, 1864.
Shirk, Daniel F., e. Feb. 5, 1862, vet. Feb. 6, 1864.
Stamm, Amos A., e. Oct. 4, 1864, m. o. July 1, 1865.
Bpoonar, Charles, e. Nov. 1, 1861, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Smith, E. 0. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Thomas, William H., e. Feb. 23, 180"..
Tool, Eugene T., Oct. 11, 1864.
Tool, A. 8., e. Oct. 11, 1864, m. o. Oct. 10, 1865.
Tonibleson. Silas \\ '., e. Oct. 4, 1864, m. o. Oct. 5, 1865.
Vore. John. e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
330
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Ward, Sidney, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died July
8, 1864.
Williams, Peter, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died
March 5, 1865.
Wilson, F. T., e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Wyre, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861, disd. April 26, 1863, disab.
Wilson, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Wentz, Philip, e. Oct. 8, 1861, vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Walters, Samuel, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Williams, William, e. Jan. 28, 1864, died Dec. 14, 1864.
Wolfanger, Aaron, e. Jan. 24, 1865, died July 19, 1865.
Wootan, James E., o. Feb. 1, 1862, vet. Feb. 6, '64, disd.
Weaver, William, e. Dec. 15, 1861, m. o. Dec. 5, 1864.
Wike, Peter, trans. Ind. Corps.
Young, D. D., e. Feb. 1, 1864.
Young, Robert C, e. Oct. 8, 1861, m. o. Nov. 12, 1864.
Young, F. M., e. Oct, 8, 1861, m. o. Oct. 19, 1864.
Company I.
Carter, S. E., e. Oct. 16, 1861.
Company K.
Capt. Wm. Stewart, com. 1st lieut. Oct. 15, 1861, prmtd.
capt. Oct. 11, 1862. term expired Dec. 28, 1864
First Lieut. Jos. M. McKibben, e. as , prmtd. 2d
lieut. July 16, 1862, prmtd 1st. lieut. Oct. 11, 1862,
term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Louis E. Butler, e. as sergt. Nov. 7, 1861,
vet. prmtd. 1st lieut. Dec. 23, 1864, died at Salubrity
Springs, La., Oct. 5, 1865.
First Lieut. John Wilson, e. as Corp. Nov. 7, 1861,' vet.
prmtd. 2d lieut. March 20, 1865, prmtd. 1st. lieut.
Oct. 26, 1865.
First Sergt. James C. Mallory, e. Nov. 7, 1861, trans, to
Co. F.
Sergt. Oscar H. Osborne, e. Nov. 7, 1861, dis. July 27,
1862, disab.
Sergt. Geo. Barton, e. Nov. 7, '61, dis. Nov. 21, '63, disab.
Corp. Walter G. Barnes, e. Nov. 7, 1861, dis. May 31,
1862, disab.
Corp. Benj. R. Frisbie, e. Nov. 7, 1861, m. o. Dec. 29, '64.
Corp. T. S. Felton, e. Nov. 7, 1861, died March 17, 1862.
Corp. R. C. Hardy, e. Oct. 4, 1861, dis. Nov. 7, '63, disab.
Corp. E. H. Gardner, e. Nov. 7, 1861, died June 18, 1862.
Corp. Thos. Woodcock, e. Dec. 26, vet.
Musician Thos. Slade, e. Oct. 4, 1861, vet.
Apker, John, e. Jan. 26, 1865, died May 8, 1865.
Artley, A., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Artley, Charles, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Allen, Thomas H., e. Feb. 10,'64, prmtd. hospital steward.
Butler, James A., e. Oct. 4, 1861, died July 13, 1862.
Berns, Moses, e. Nov. 7, 1861, dis. May 25, 1862, disab.
Brown, Geo. F., e. Nov. 7, 1861, died May 18, 1862.
Brid, Geo. H., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Barker, Dudley, e. Feb. 7, 1865, died June 17, 1865.
Brace, John, e. Jan. 13, 1862, died May 22, 1862, wds.
Boyle, L., e. Jan. 21. 1862, trans, to inv. corps.
Baker, John, e. Oct, 4, 1864, m. o. Oct. 3, 1865.
Babb, A. W., e. Feb. 27, 1865.
Butterneld, Chas. W., e. Feb. 26, 1865, absent sick at m.
o. of regt.
Cramton, Aaron, e. Oct. 4, 1861, dis. Sept. 9, 1862.
Curran, John, e. Nov. 20, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
Carter, S. E., e. Dec. 26, trans, to. Co. A.
Cantrill, J. T., e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Cosier, Ammon, e, Jan. 25, 1865.
Canvill, Calvin, e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Coolidge, Nelson, e. Jan. 25, 1864, dis. Oct. 5, '64, wds.
Carroll, Patrick, e. Feb. 23, 18G4.
Cade, Alfred, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Daughenbaugh, Wm. J., e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Diemar, Josiah, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Dodson, Thomas H., e. Nov. 15, 1861, died June 1, 1862.
Dillon, Geo. W., e. Feb. 19, 1864.
Dillon, Zachariah, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Decker, Z., e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Devore, Espy, e. Jan. 16, 1864, dis. Aug. 23, 1865.
Dinsruore Wm., e. March 27, 1865, sick at m.o. of regt.
Diller, Michael, e. Dec. 25, 1861, trans, to Co. C.
Doan, Jos., e. Feb. 1, 1864, died May 28, 1864.
Dobson, Jacob, e. Feb. 1, 1864, died Oct. 30, 1864.
Dolan, John, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Ely, Marion, e. Oct. 18, 1863.
Flood, Bartholomew, e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Farley, Thomas, e. Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to Inv. Corps.
Fry, Conrad, e. Jan. 5. 1864, m. o. June 19, 1865.
Gibler, H., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Gregsby, Uriah, e. Feb. 13, 1864.
Garrison, 1. T., e. Dec. 5, 1863.
Gillespie, P., e. Nov. 5, 1861, disd. May 22, 1865, disab.
Gregsby, W. C, e. Feb. 13, 1864, m. o. June 12, 1865.
Gregsby, Samuel, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Hays, Thomas J., e. Nov. 7, 1861, trans, to Inv. Corps.
Hills, E. P., e. Dec. 26, 1861.
Hiatt, John, e. Nov. 15, 1861, disd. Feb. 11, 1863, as sergt.,
disab.
Heiter, Monroe, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Hartman, Anion, e. Jan. 31, 1865, m. o. July 17, 1865.
Hand, Barney, e. Nov. 20, 1861, died Dec. 23, 1861.
Kinney, Daniel, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Kessling or Keeling, William, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Kamrar, David, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Kraft, Jacob, e. Feb. 5, 1864.
Kelly, Zebedee, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Keck, H. S., e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Kamrar, Saul H., e. Jan. 13, 1862, vet.
Lamb, Samuel F., e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Latour, Charles, e. Nov. 7, 1861, trans, to Co. 0.
Lahay, James, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Lamb, Samuel D., e. Jan. 22, 1865.
Leibhart, Henry, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Lower, Reuben, e. Jan. 26. 1865.
Linscott, Abrani, e. Feb. 29, 1864, m. o. May 31, 1865.
Logan, William, e. Jan. 21, 1864.
Mishler, Barton, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Miller, John H, e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Mullin, D., e. Feb. 16, 1864.
McCay, George, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Mufrly, Charles T., e. Jan. 28, 1865.
McKibben, James H., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Myron, Thomas, e. Nov. 7, lt61, died June 12, 1862.
Miller, Aaron, e. Dec. 26, 1861, died June 6, 1862.
Martin, William H., e. Dec. 26, 1861.
McLaughlin, Thomas, e. Dec. 6, 1861, vet.
McKee, Robert, e. Nov. 7, 1861, trans, to Co. B.
McKimsom, John S., e. Jan. 1, 1862, m. o. Dec. 31, 1864.
Miller, A., e. Feb. 2, 1865, m. o. June 24, 1865.
Mallory, D. C, e. Jan. 24, 1865, m. o. May 23, 1865.
McGuirk, James, e. Jan. 1, 1862, vet.
Needham, R. N., e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Nicholas, Charles H., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Owen, A. R.. e. Jan. 22, 1864.
Osborn, 0. H., e. Jan. 30, 1864.
Patten, Lawrence, e. Dec. 1, 1861, disd. March 7, 1862,
disab.
Plotner, Frank, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Quinn, William, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Reber, Levi M., e. Dec. 30, 1861, vet.
Reber, M. V. B., e. Nov. 7, 1861.
Reagle, Jacob, e. Nov. 7, 1861, died Oct. 26, 1862.
Rutter, W. H.
Rudel, L.
Read, James H., e. Nov. 7, 1861, disd. Aug. 31, 1863 for
promotion in U. S. C. T.
Runner, Z. T. F., Jan. 25, 1865.
Richards, William D., e. Jan. 30, 1865.
Richards, Levi, e. Jan. 30, 1865.
begin, Theo., e. Dec. 26, 1861, disd. Aug. 27, 1862, disab.
Shook, Robert, e. Nov. 7, 1861, disd. Aug. 26, 1862, disab.
Snow, A. L. F. M. e. Nov. 7, '61, disd. Aug. 29, '62, disab.
Scott, George W., e. Feb 29, 1864.
Star, F. H., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Scott, Isaac, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Sheffy, Levi W., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Sloan, Thomas, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Shane, Mathias, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Smith, Charles, e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Shane, John W , e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Sneely, Lewis Z., e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Shaffer, Thomas J., e. Feb. 3, 1805.
Sponage, William, e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Train, L. R., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Winney, Daniel, e. Nov. 7, 1861, m. o. Dec. 29, 1864.
Thomas, William, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Wagner, William N , e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Wood, Thomas, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Wardwell, William G., e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Warner, D. J., e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Walbridge. Thomas, e. Dec. 26, 1861, vet.
Woodruff, Isaac, e. Nov. 7, 1861, vet.
Warner, William W., e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Willy, Andrew, e Dec. 10, 1861, trans, to Co. A.
Withneck, William, e. Feb. 7, 1862, died May 17,1862.
Winne, Abraham, e. Jan. 26, 1865, died June 16, 1865.
Watson, Henry, e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Zweifel, Albert, e. Feb 19, 1864, m. o. as Corp.
Zeigler, Miller, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
FREEPORT
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
333
UNASSIGNED RECRUITS.
Barker, Jack. e. Feb. 27, 1865.
Brown, Charles M., e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Butler, B. F., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Cable, L. M., e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Crossman, George W., e. March 9, 1865, m. o. June 29, '65.
Cochran, D., e. March 29, 1865, m. o. May 21, 1865.
Davis, Philip, e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Driggs, John A., e. March 4, 1865, m. o. May 21, 1865.
Frund, Julius L., e. March 11, 1865, in. o. May 23, 1865.
Getlish, Addison.
Harkell, William, e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Helder, John W., e. Oct. 3, 1864.
Mareau, Joseph, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Phillips, C. Y.
Prain, L. R.
Richardson, James, e. March 9, 1865, m. o. June 8, 1865.
Richardson. Joshua, e. March 9, 1865.
Rishel, Daniel L., e. Dec. 1, 1863.
Sprader, Charles, e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Tegar or Yeager, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Umphreys, A. R., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Van BureD, George E., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Weldon, Sidney, e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Wendecker, William.
William, Thomas, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
SIXTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
(Three Months.)
Company H.
Capt. James W. Crane, com. June 13, 1862.
First Lieut. Stephen Allen, com. June 13, 1862.
Second Lieut. Alonzo Hilliard, com. June 13, 1862.
First Sergt. John Stine, e. June 2, 1862.
Sergt. James R. Baker, e. June 2, 1862.
Sergt. Charles A. Dodge, e. June 2, 1862.
Sergt. John D. Lamb, e. June 2, 1862.
Sergt. H. W. Sigworth, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. 0. T. P. Steinmetz, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. Ambrose Martin, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. Sidney Robins, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. Hazilas S. Ritz, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. William H. Hoyt, e. June 2, 1862.
Corp. William H. Butler, e. June 2, 1862.
Wagoner Jacob W. Pells, e. June 2, 1862.
Armstrong, John T., e. June 2, 1862.
Allen, T. M., e. June 2, 1862.
Allen, N., e. June 2, 1862.
Albright, Harrison, e. June 2, 1862.
Adams, Taylor, e. June 2, 1862.
Bitts, Jacob, e. June 2, 1862.
Bollman, George.
Clark, C. H., e. June 2, 1862.
Cross, T. L. e. June 2, 1862.
Carpenter, Horace, e. June 2, 1862.
Denure, W., e. June 2, 1862.
Dryer, Edward, e. June 2, 1862.
Davenport, Lucius, e. June 2, 1862.
Denton, Levi, e. June 2, 1862.
Evans, L. A., e. June 2, 1862.
Farley, James, e. June 2, 1862.
Fain, John P., e. June 2, 1862.
Friedman, V., e. June 2, 1862.
Fye. Benjamin, e. June 2, 1862.
Fye. Josiah. e. June 2, 1862.
Griffing, D. J., e. June 2, 1862.
Gilmore, George, e. June 2, 1862.
Gafney, Michael.
Gundy, A. M., e. June 2, 1862.
Gates, H. H., e. June 2, 1862.
George. John E., e. June 2, 1862.
Grant, Smith H., e. June 2, 1862.
Grant, R. C, e. June 2, 1862.
Hagart, Sidney, e. June 2, 1862.
Hagart, William, e. June 2, 1862.
Hustin, William T., e. June 2, 1862.
Hersey, Daniel, e. June 2, 1862.
Jones, Robert, e. June 2, 1862.
Kelly, Mathew, e. June 2, 1862.
Layr, M., e. June 2, 1862.
Lauver, George, e. June 2, 1862.
Leverton, Isaac, e. June 2, 1862.
Lee, Samuel, e. June 2, 1862.
Lunt, A. M., e. June 2, 1862.
Linderman, S., e. June 2, 1862.
Martin, W. H., e. June 2, 1862.
Martin, A. J., e. June 2, 1862.
Maher, Ed. e. June 2, 1862.
Mullen, John, e. June 2, 1862.
Mock, Henrv, e. June 2, 1862.
Miller, John H., e. June 2, 1862.
McEathron, John S., e.June 2, 1862.
Miller, J. C, e. June 2, 1862.
Messinger, George, e. June 2, 1862.
Miller, Zeri, e. June 2, 1862.
Pickard, John S., e. June 2, 1862.
Price, William, e. June 2, 1862.
Phillips, Reuben, e. June 2, 1862.
Rice, David E., e. June 2, 1862.
Stout, Cyrus, e. June 2, 1862.
Solace, Chester L., e. June 2, 1862.
Stewart, Thomas M., e. June 2, 1862.
Steckler, Daniel, e. June 2, 1862.
Shoemaker, George, e. June 2, 1862.
Van Sicklas, John, e. June 2, 1862.
Walsh, F. A., e. June 2, 1862.
Williams, George, e. June 2, 1862.
Warner, Henry, e. June 2, 1862.
Walton, A. D., e. June 2, 1862.
Williams, L., e. June 2, 1862
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
(Three Months.)
Company B.
Capt. Luther W. Black, com. July 22, 1862.
Sergt. Wm. A. St. John, e. July 7, 1862.
Sergt. John J. M. Brown, e. July 7, 1862.
Corp. Jas. H. Cox, e. July 10, 1862.
Andre, Geo. W., e. July 2, 1862.
Bunce, Danforth, e. July 11, 1862.
Barrott, Marion.
DeFrain, Samuel, e. July 5, 1862.
Durkee, D. M.
Eells, Wm. A., e. July 15, 1862.
Gettig, Aaron M., e. July 5, 1862.
Hicks, James R.
Hoflinger, Jacob, e. July 15, 1862.
Klecker, John P., e. July 14, 1862.
Klouts, John, e. July 7, 1862.
Mitchell, Levi.
Ritzman, Martin, e. July 8, 1862.
Stites, Geo. W., e. July 10, 1862.
Shippy, Chas., e. July 7, 1862.
Shinkle, John, e. July 10, 1862.
Snyder, Wm. H., e. July 14, 1862.
Smith, Ellis, e. July 14, 1862.
Snyder, John, e. July 12, 1862.
Smith, James C, e. July 10, 1862.
Stace, J. E. W , e. July 14, 1862.
Sands, Jos. H., e. July 5, 1862.
Soliday, Hy.
Wilson, Henry, e. July 14, 1862.
SEVENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Organized at Rockford and mustered into
the United States service September 6, 1862.
Companies G and I were from Ogle and Ste-
phenson Counties ; all the rest were from Win-
nebago County. Left Rockford September 27
for Jeffersonville, Ind. Arrived there October
1, and moved to Louisville, Ky., immediately.
Assigned to Army of the Cumberland, First
Brigade, Second Division, under Gen. Buell.
Moved from Louisville October 7, and was in the
battle of Chaplain Hills, Ky., October 13 ; from
there to Crab Orchard, Ky., pursuing Bragg,
participating in many skirmishes. Returned
from Lebanon, Ky., October 25 ; from there it
went to Nashville, Tenn., where a re-organiza-
tion was effected, under Gen. Rosecrans. De-
cember 25, received marching orders, with
three days' rations. Participated in the battle
of Stone River, December 30, 31, 1862, and Jan-
uary 1, 1863, the regiment losing sixteen men
killed and wounded. Went into winter quarters
at Camp Little, south of Murfreesboro,and were
334
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
engaged in numerous raids in the surrounding
country. Moved from winter quarters July
15; was in battle of Liberty Gap, July 20;
one man killed ; was engaged at Tullahoma,
Tenn. ; from here it was ordered to Winches-
ter, Tenn., where it encamped. Moved August
20, to Stevenson, Ala. Engaged at Chicka-
mauga, September 18, 19 and 20; lost five
men. The regiment on the latter date was in
charge of hospital and supply trains, arriving
at Chattanooga, Tenn., September 22. While
here it had very short allowances until Novem-
ber 22, when they participated in the fight of
Mission Ridge, November 25, their colors being
the first to pass over the rebel lines, capturing
a battery of four pieces at Bragg' s headquar-
ters ; loss to regiment, six privates. Col. Jason
Marsh wounded, Lieut. Col. Kerr wounded in
the arm.
Returned to Chattanooga on the 26th, and
marched to Knoxville, Tenn., to relieve Gen.
Burnside, and then went into winter quarters
about December 13. May 2, 1864, it joined the
main army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga,
where it arrived on the 3d ; on the 5th, marched
under orders, and was in the battle of Rocky
Face, or Buzzard Roost, Ga. ; was at Resaca,
Ga., May 14 and 15; Calhoun, May 17;
Adairsville, Ga., May 18; Dallas, Ga., May
25 to June 5; Lost Mountain, Ga., June 16 ;
was in the battle at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga.,
June 20 and June 27 ; lost fifty-two men and
six commissioned officers, Lieut. Col. J. B.
Kerr being among the number. Battle of
Smyrna; Camp Ground, Ga., July 4, lost six-
teen men ; was also at Peach Tree Creek, July
20 ; Atlanta. July 22, and was continually
engaged until the battle of Jonesboro, Ga.,
Sept. 1,1864, aud Lovejoy Station, Sept. 2;
then returned to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it
was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee.
Engaged the enemy, November 28, at Colum-
bia, Tenn. ; Spring Hill, November 29; Frank-
lin, Tenn., November 30; Nashville, Tenn,
December 15 and 16, following Hood to Hunts-
ville, Ala., fighting him all the time until he
crossed the Little Tennessee and then went
into winter quarters. March 26, 1865. it
marched to Bull's Gap, Tenn., to intercept
Lee, leaving there April 17, for Nashville,
Tenn., where the regiment was mustered out
June 20, 1865. Returned to Rockford with
157 enlisted men and thirteen officers. Col.
Jason Marsh was at the head of the regiment
until about Jan. 1, 1865, when Lieut. Col.
Thomas J. Bryan took command.
First Asst. Surg. Chesseldon Fisher, com. 2d asst. surg.
Sept. 28, 1862, prmtd. March 24, 1863, surg. 75th regt.
Company 1.
C'apt. Wm, Irvin, com. Sept. 4, 1862, res. Jan. 28, 1863.
Cap*. Frederick W. Stegner, com. 1st lieut. Sept. 4, 1862,
prmtd. Capt. Jan. 28, 1863, kid. in battle June 27, '64.
Capt. Daniel Cronemillur, com. 2d lieut. Sept. 4, 1862,
prmtd 1st lieut. Jan. 28, 1863, prmtd. capt. June 27,
1864.
First Lieut. Edgar W Warner, e. as sergt. Aug. 11, 1862,
prmtd 2d lieut. Jan. 28, 1863, prmtd. 1st lteut. June
27, 1864, disd. Sept. 1, 1864.
First Lieut. Robert P. Gift, e. as sergt. Aug. 14, 1862,
prmtd. 1st lieut. June 27, 1864.
Sergt. Johnson Porter, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. June 17, '63.
Sergt. John A. Mullarkey, e. Aug. 14 1862, died June 28,
1864, wd.
Corp. James B. Rowray, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. for disab.
I k>rp. J. Steward, e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans to V. R. ('.
Corp. Charles Hunt, e. Aug. 14, 1862, m. o. June 10, 1865.
Corp. Uriah Boyden, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Dec. 20, 1862,
dlsab.
Corp. Jacob Kehm, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. for disab.
Hi-nsey, John. e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. June 16, 1864, wd.
Wagoner Wm. Vore, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March 4 '63,
disab.
Andrews, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Anderson, Ole, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March 31, '63, disab.
Ashenfelter, Moses, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Ashenfelter, Franklin, e. Aug. 14. 1862, disd. Dec. 6, 1862,
disab.
Bellman, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Dec. 4, 1862.
Bener, Jos., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died March 11, 1865.
Benning, Gottleib, e. Aug 14. 1862.
Bingman, Robert, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died May 16, 1864.
Boos, Wm , e. A tig. 14, 1862, missing in action.
Bokhoff, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Boughton, George W., e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to V. R. O.
Bough thampt, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March 11,
1863, disab.
Bramin. Edwin, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. June 27, '63, disab
Burrell, Robert, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Clark, Orla, e. Aug. 14, 1862, missing in action.
Cole, Sidney, e. Aug 14, 1862, died Nov. 5, 1862.
Ebling, Peter, e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to V. R. C.
Englot, Gregory, e. Aug. 14 1862, m. o. June 10, 1866
Feeny, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to V. R. C.
Feeney, Henry.
Ferico, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862 .died March 22, 1863.
Flinn, Jos., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Fuoss, Daniel, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd March 7, 1865, disab.
Hensev, Fred., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died in battle June 27,
1864, corp.
Henderson, O. P., e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. July 18, '63, disab.
Hultz, Benj., e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. December 27, '62, disab.
Inman Austin, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died June 27, 1864.
Jennewine, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Jan. 2, '63, wd.
Keagle, Wm. H , e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Dec. 13, 1862.
Keagle, James G., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. May 22, 1865.
Keagle, F. B., e. Aug 14, 1862. trans, to U. S. EngB.
Keller, Adam, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Knudson, Nels, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Nov. 26, 1S62.
Laber. Levi, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March, 15, 1863, disab.
Lapp, Samuel, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Jan. 5, 1863.
Masmin, Fred, e. Aug. 14, 1862, kid. June 18, 1864.
McCarty, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Jan. 27, 1863,
disab.
Miller, Fredk., e. Sept. 25, 1862.
McGrane, Peter, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Dec. 18, '62, disab.
Mullarkev, Chas., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Nov. 5, 1862, disab.
Mullarkey, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862,disd. Nov. 5, 1862, disab.
Neidle, Rudolph, e. Aug. 14, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Miller, Frederick.
O'Mealy, Patrick, e. Aug. 14, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Oleson, Talliff, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March 22, '63, disab.
Peterson, Elias E., e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. Feb. 2, '63, disab.
Richardson, Henry, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. March 26, 1863.
Schoolcraft, Whitney, e. Aug. 15. 1862, trans, to V. R. C.
Seward, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862, prmtd. corp., then sergt.
pris., m. o. June 27, 1866.
Sheckler. James W., e. Aug. 21, 1862, disd. Feb. 12, 1863,
disab.
Sheckler. Thomas, e, Aug. 14, '62, disd. Jan. 27, '63, disab.
Snyder, Perry, e. Aug. 14, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Snyder, Jackson, e. Aug. 14, '62, disd. March 26, '63, disab.
Stinson, E. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to 36th inf.
Spaulding, D. G., e. Aug. 9, 1862, trans, to V. R. C.
Spaulding, A. C, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Feb. 10, '65, disab.
Tunks, Alfred, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd July 6, 1863, disab.
Van Valkenburg L. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862, kid. June 27,'64.
Waggoner, Jacob, e. Aug. 15. 1862. m. o. as sergt.
Webb, E. Boone, e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to. V. R. C.
Winkle, Fredk., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. June 10, 1865.
Webster, 0. B., e. Sept. 30, 1864.
NINETIETH INFANTRY.
The Ninetieth Infantry, Illinois Volunteers,
was organized at Chicago, 111., in August, Sep-
tember and -October, 1862, by Col. Timothy
O'Meara. Moved to Cairo November 27, and
to Columbus, Ky., on the 30th. From thence,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
385
proceeded to La Grange. Tenn., where the reg-
iment arrived December 2. On the 4th, or-
dered to Cold Water, Miss., where it relieved
the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry. On the
morning of December 20, a detachment of Sec-
ond Illinois Cavalry arrived at Cold Water,
havingcut their way through Van Dorn's forces,
out of Holly Springs. Soon after, four com-
panies of the One Hundred and First Illinois
came in. and were followed by the enemy to
our lines. The demonstrations made by the
Ninetieth deterred the enemy from making any
severe attack, although he was 4,000 or 5,000
strong, and after some skirmishing, he with-
drew. The regiment was mustered out of
service June 6, 18G5, at Washington, D. C, and
arrived at Chicago. June 12, 1865, where it
received final pay and discharge.
Company A.
Barrett, Patrick, Aug. 5, 1862.
Barn, Michael, Sr., e. Aug. 5, 1862, disd. March 1, 1865,
disab.
Broderick, David, e. Aug. 5, 1862, kid. July 12, 1863, at
Jackson, Miss.
Carroll, John, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Caton, Wm., e. Aug. 5, 1862, kid. Nov. 25, 1863.
Cranney, Patrick, e. Aug. 5,1862. died March 28, 1863.
Crawley, John, e. Aug. 5, 1862, died May 18, 1863.
Foley, James, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Kennelly, Edward, e. Aug. 5, 1862, absent at m. o. of
regt. wd.
McCormick, J., e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Company C.
McCarty, Dennis, e. Aug. 15, 1862, kid. Nov. 25, 1863.
Company I.
First Lieut. William Brice, com. April 7, 1865, m. o. June
6, 1865.
Second Lieut. John J. O'Leary, com. Oct. 31, 1862, res.
Feb. 1,1863.
Sergt. John Doogan, e. Aug. 16, 1862, died Sept. 2, '64, wd.
Sergt. Willia m Brice, e. Aug. 14, 1862, prmtd. lieut.
Sergt. Neil. O'Garrey, Aug. 16, 1862, died Jan. 21, 1863.
Corp. William Con well, e. Aug. 16, 1862, m. o. as sergt.
Coip. Thomas B. Eagan, e. Aug. 17, 1862.
Corp. Elisha N. Strong, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. Sept. 4, '63.
Brennan, Edw., e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Burns, Cornelius, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Coughlin, John, e. Aug. 8, 1862.
Cooney, Francis, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Crawford. John, e. Aug. 16, 1862, died June 18, 1864.
Cane, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Chichester, Merit, e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. March 13, 1864,
disab.
Enright, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Flannighan, M., e, Aug. 8, 1862, trans, to V. E. *'.
Frost, H. 0., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Gallaher, Charles, e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Griffin Patrick, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Laughran, James, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Aug. 21, 1864.
McAndrews, M., e. Aug. 12, 1862, disd. April 16, 1864,
disab.
McSweenev, E., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
JVlcIntyre, Timothy, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Moynahan, Anthony, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Moonev, Thomas, e. Aug. 17, 1862.
Meena'han, John. e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Moynahan, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Mulligan, James, e. Aug. 17, 1S62, m. o. as musician.
O'Connell, Daniel, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
O'Connor, Charles, e. Aug. 18, 1862, died Sept. 16, 1863.
O'Brien B-rnarrt, e. Aug 9, 1862.
Powers, James, e. Aug. Hi. 1862. died Sept. 14, 1863.
Ryan, John, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Wilkinson, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Whalen, M., e. Aug. 10, 1862, died Aug. 21, 1864.
NINETY-SECOND INFANTRY.
The Ninety-second Regiment Infantry Illi-
nois Volunteers was organized at Rockford,
[ 111., and mustered into the United States serv-
| ice September 4, 1862. It was composed of five
{ compares from Ogle County, three from Ste-
phenson ' ounty, and two from Carroll County.
j The regiment left Rockford, October 11, 1862,
with orders to report to Gen. Wright, at Cin-
! cinnati. where it was assigned to Gen. Baird's
Division. Army of Kentucky. It inarched
immediately into the interior of the State, and
during the latter part of October was stationed
at Mt. Sterling, to guard that place against
rebel raids, and afterward at Danville, Ky.
On the 26th of January, 1863, the regiment,
with Gen. Baird's Division, was ordered to the
Army of the Cumberland. Arriving at Nash-
ville, the command moved to Franklin, Tenn.,
and was engaged in the pursuit of the rebel
Gen. Van Dorn. Advanced to Murfreesboro,
and occupied Shelbyville, June 27. On July
5, the regiment was engaged in rebuilding a
wagon-bridge over Duck River ; July 6, was
ordered by Gen. Rosecrans to be mounted and
armed with ^he Spencer rifle, and attached to
Col. Wilder' s Brigade of Gen. Thomas' Corps,
where it remained while Gen. Rosecrans had
command. The regiment crossed the moun-
tains at Dechard, Tenn., and took part in the
movements opposite and above Chattanooga,
when it recrossed the mountains and joined
Gen. Thomas at Trenton, Ala. On the morning
of the 9th of September, it was in the advance
to Chattanooga, and participated in driving the
rebels from Point Lookout, and entered the
rebel stronghold, unfolding the Union banner
on the Crutchfield House, and kept in pursuit
of the rebels. At Ringgold, Ga., was attacked
by a brigade of cavalry, under command of
Gen. Forrest, and drove them from the town,
killing and wounding a large number. During
the Chickamauga battle, the regiment took
part in Gen. Reynolds' Division of Gen.
Thomas' Corps. In April, 1864, it was again
at Ringgold, Ga., doing picket duty. April
23, Capt. Scovil, with twenty-one men, was
captured at Nickajack Gap, nine miles from
Ringgold, and one man killed. Of the men
thus taken prisoners, twelve were shot down,
and six died of wounds, after being taken
prisoners. The remainder were taken to
Andersonville; and very few ever left that
place, having died from the cruel treatment
received there. From Ringgold, May 7, 1864,
the regiment entered upon the Atlanta cam-
paign, and was assigned to Gen. Kilpatrick's
command, and participated in the battles of
Resaca, raid around Atlanta. Bethesda, Fleet
River Bridge, and Jouesboro. The regiment
lost, at Jonesboro, one-fifth of the men
engaged. From Mount Gilead Church, west of
Atlanta, October 1, the regiment moved, and
took an aciive part in the operations against
Hood's army. At Powder Springs it had a
severe engagement, losing a large number of
men, killed and wounded. The regiment then
returned to Marietta, and participated in the
various engagements and skirmishes in Slier-
man's march to the sea. At Swift Creek, N.
ft, Capt. Hawk, of Co. C, was severely
336
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
wounded, losing a ieg. The regiment, during
its term of service, was in some forty battles
and skirmishes. It was mustered out at Con-
cord, N. C, and paid and discharged from the
service, at Chicago, 111., July 10. 1865.
Col. Smith D. Atkins, com. Sept. 4, 1862, prmtd. brvt. brig.
gen.
Lieut. Col. Christopher T. Dunham, com. capt. Co. F.
Sept. 4, 18<)2, prmtd. maj. April 21,1804, com. declined.
Adjt. Isan C. Lawver, com. Sept. 6, 1862, res. Oct. 1, 1864.
Adjt. Charles C. Tret-guard, prmtd. 1st lieut. Co. G Feb.
14, 1863, prmtd. nd.jt. Oct. 1, 1864.
Quartermaster Phillip Sweeley, e. as private Sept. 3, 1861,
prmtd. quartermaster June 4, 1864.
Sergt. Maj. Noah Perrin, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Feb. 25,
1863.
Hospital Steward David C. Grier, disd. Dec. 6, 1862.
Company A.
Capt. William J. Bollinger, com. Sept. 4, 1862, res. Dec.
25, 1862.
Capt. Harvey W. Timms, com. 1st lieut. Sept. 4. 1862,
prmtd. capt. Dec. 25, 1862, trans, to Co. I, 65th inf.
First Lieut. William Cox. com. 2d lieut. Sept. 4, 1862,
prmtd. 1st lieut. Dec. 25, 1862, hon. disd. May 15, 1865.
Second Lieut. William H. Frost, e. as 1st sergt. Aug.
9, 1862, prmtd. 2d lieut. Dec. 25, 1862.
Sergt. Legrand M. Cox, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Jan. 27,1865,
disab.
Sergt. W. C. Goddard, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Nov. 7, 1862.
Sergt. Jesse R. Leigh, e. August 9, 1862.
Corp. Charles S. Vincent, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Corp. M. P. Eldridge, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. April 12, 1863,
disab.
Corp. Henry Rudy, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died July 27, 1863.
Corp. William W. Smith, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Feb. 17,
1863.
Sergt. George Metcalf, e. August 12, 1862, died March 3,
1863.
Corp. H. Dusenbury, e. August 9, 1862, disd. April 3,
1864, disab.
Corp. Roswell Eldridge, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Corp. Daniel Deneere, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Musician George Boop, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Musician John J. Lower, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Wagoner George C. Mack, e. Aug. 13, 1862, kid. Feb. 11,
1865.
Armagast, Hugh S., e. Aug 15, 1862, died Nov. 20. 1862.
Armagast, James C, e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Butler, D. W., e. Aug 9, 1862, disd. April 8, 1865, disab.
Beach, Jay A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Boddy, William, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Baker, William H. H., e. Aug. 26, 1862, disd. April 13,
1863, disab.
Balliett, D. M., e. Oct. 17, 1864. trans, to 65th inf.
Balliett, Henry, e. Oct. 7, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Buchanan, Charles, e. Jan. 20, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Baker, Lambert, e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. April 13, 1863, disab.
Basinger, W. H., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. Aug. 29, 1863,
disab.
Beverley, William H., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Babcock, John S., e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. March 13, 1863,
disab.
Babbitt, C. W., e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Baum, S. Y., e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd. March 23, 1865, as corp.
Churchill, E. 8., e. March 22, 1864.
Caldwell, J., e. Aug. 15, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Churchill, George W., e. Sept. 20, 1862.
Cheney, Chester, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Cheney, M., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Cole, W. D., e. Auk. 14, 1862, disd. Aug. 9, 1863.
Denure, W. J , e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Demons, John, Aug. 9, 1862, died Sept. 23, 1S64, wds.
Dunn, Joseph I., e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. Feb. 2, 1863, disab.
Egleston, Charles W., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. May 26, 1865,
disab.
Erb, William, e. Aug. 9, 1862, kid. Dec. 4, 1864.
Gaylord, D. C, e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd. Sept. 9, 1863, disab.
Gaylord, F. H., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Gunsaul, Joseph, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Giddings, H. M., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Gossman, Charles, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Gelz, Leonard, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Haishbarger, Sam'l, e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Hatch, Wellington, e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Dec. 23, 1862.
Hoppe, Ernst, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Haynes, W. E., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Judson, Chas. 0., e. Aug. 11, 1862, dis. May 26, 1863, disab.
Johnson, Geo., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Feb. 27, 1863.
Knox, H. B., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Mack, H. B. e. Aug- 11, 1862.
Miller, M. R., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Sept. 26, 1864.
Moothart, Wm. P., e. Feb. 29, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
McCarty, Thomas, e. Jan. 20, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Merrill, E. A., e. Aug. 13, 1862, disd. March 31, '63, disab.
Miller, G. D., e. Feb. 8, 1864, disd. May 26, 1865.
Marshall, Chas. F., e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
McCracken, John H., e. Aug. 14, 1862, sick at m. o.
Newman, R., e. Jan. 18, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Pickard, Luther, e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Prouty, Jas. N, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. March 30, 1863, to en-
list in naval service.
Place, R. R., e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. March 1, 1863, disab.
Pencil, Wm. L., e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. Sept. 11, 1863.
Rand, N. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Reeder, John P., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Robbins, Henry, e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. April 28, '63, disab.
Richardson, Geo. W., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Robins, S. L., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Stocks, H. W., e. Feb. 12, 1S64.
Stover, S. G., Aug. 13, 1862, sick at in. o.
Sweeley, Phillip.
Stocks, H. W.
Thompson, John R., e. Aug. 9, 1S62, trans, to inv. corps.
Tyler, Dolphns, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. March 20, '63, disab.
Tyler, N. (!., e. Aug. 21, 1862, m. o. June 4, 1866.
Taylor, James, e. Aug. 11, 1862, sick at m. o.
Tumbleson.John K., e. Aug. 11,1862.
Welden, L. A., e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Wright, W. W., e. Aug. 11, 1862, sick at ni. o.
Wickwire, W. H, e. Aug. 11,1862.
Wire, Valson, e. Aug. 13, 1862, dis. Feb. 5, 1863, disab.
Wire, Jasper A., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Withey, Wm. F., e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. Feb. 23, 1863, disab.
Williams, A. R.,e. Aug. 15, 1862, died March 13, 1863.
Wendling, M., e. Sept. 20, 1862, sick at m. o.
Company F.
Capt. William B. Mayer, e. as 1st sergt. Aug. 2, 1862,
prmtd. 2d lieut. Dec. 24, 1862, prmtd. capt. April 21,
1864, m. o. as 2d lieut.
Second Lieut. William C. Dove, com. Sept. 4, 1862, res.
Dec. 24, 1862.
Second Lieut. Charles M. Knapp, e. as sergt. Aug. 10,
1862, prmtd. to 2d lieut. April 21, 1864, commission
canceled.
Second Lieut. James M. Work, e. as sergt. Aug. 12, 1862,
prmtd. 2d lieut. April 21, 1864, m. o. as sergt. June
21, 1865.
Sergt. Samuel G. Trine, e. Aug. 12, 1862, disd.
bergt. George Acker, e. Aug. 6, 1862, disd. March 20,1863.
Corp. Charles Purinton, e. Aug, 15, '62, died Feb. 10, '63.
Corp. E. C. Winslow, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Harvev Ferrin, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Corp. J. C. Bigger, e. Aug. 10, 1862, disd. Dec. 29, 1863.
Corp. A. Hemmenway, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Corp. A. H. Furman, e. Aug. 11, 1862, disd. April 27, '64.
Corp. D. R. Voight, e. Aug. 10, 1862, died Feb. 6, 1863.
Musician Jacob M. Turneaure, e. Aug. 10, 1862,
Musician William H. H. Turneaure, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Aurand, Thomas J., e. Aug. 6, 1862, kid. Oct. 6, 1864.
Aurand, Joel, e. Aug. 6, 1862, sick at m. o.
Allen, Hiram, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Anderson, Charles A., e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. March 23,
1864, disab.
Adams, B. F., e. Aug. 11, 1862, died Aug. 25, 1863.
Allard, M., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Allan!, Stephen, e. Aug. 21,1862.
Atkins, John C, e. Feb. 8, 1864, disd. March 30, 1865.
Atkins, George G., disd. Feb. 3, 1863.
Baker, P. G., e. Aug. 9, 1862, captd. June 22, 1864.
Buckman, Z. S., e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Burgess, D. R., e. Aug. 14, 1862, trans, to Ellet's Ram
Fleet.
Branenger, D., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Babb, D. P., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Berry, John, e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Baker, Elmus, e. Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
Bentley, N. S., e. Jan. 29, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
Colby, A. H, e. Aug. 14, 1862, sick at m. o.
Colton, John, e. Aug. 15, 18o2, disd. Feb. 14, 1864.
Cuff, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Clark, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1S62, sick at m. o.
Clark, S. J., e. Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
Countryman, Adam, e. Feb. 29, 1864, kid. Oct. 26, 1864.
Dummal, H, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Engleman, Solomon, e. Feb. 12, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Engleman, Jacob, e. Feb. 12, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
337
Eaton, Unas H., e. Aug. 10, 1862, disd. March 29, 1863.
Fox, James, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Friery, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862, died Dec. 29, 1863.
Fox, Henry, e. Oct. 10, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
Grier, David C.
Giddings, Luther, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Gregory, John, e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to 65th Inf.
Holmes, Spencer, e. Aug. 2, 1862, disd. Feb. 23, 1863.
Hoy, Henry, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Hetherton, James, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Haum, Valentine, e. Aug. 11, 18G2, died Jan. 10, 1863.
Hodgess, James P., e. Jan. 5, 1864, m. o. Oct. 9, 1864, for
promotion.
Krotzer, Jacob, e. Aug. 2, 1862, sick at m. o.
Kester, Asa, e. Aug. 13, 1802, died Feb. 28, 1863.
Lambert, E., e. Aug. 14, 1862. died Nov. 13, 1863.
Lambert, Jere, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Long, Benj. F., e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Jan. 30, 1863.
Long, Jonathan, e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Lamme, Jacob, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Mitchell, O. J., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Feb. 17, 1863.
Miller, A. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Mo wry, John, e. Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to 65 th inf.
Morris, Willington, Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Metz, L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Marl, George E., e. Aug. 10, 1862.
McNeal, Thomas, e. Oct. 10, 1 864, trans, to 65th inf.
Owen, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Pope, Wm. W., Aug. 12, 1862.
Preston, Charles A., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Penticoff, Daniel, e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Penticoff, Samuel, e. Aug. 10, 1862, trans, to inv.
Pope, Abraham, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Petermire, Fred, e. Aug. 21, 1862.
Reese, A. G., e. Feb. 18, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Reese, W. H. S., Feb. 24, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Rodgers, Edw., e. Oct. 10, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Rodgers, L. W., e. Aug. 10, 1862, died Feb. 28, 1863.
Sanders, James, e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Sager, Conrad, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Sedam, L. H., e. Aug. 14, 186.*.
Srn^llwood, James, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Schlott, John H., e. Jan. 23, 1864, trans, to 05th inf.
Sweet, Noah, e. Oct. 10, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Sweet, M. A., e. Dec. 24, 1863, disd.
Truckemiller, E. G., e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Thompson, George, e. Aug. 14, 1862, died Oct. 11, 1863.
Tarbert, Andrew, e. Aug. 15, 1862, disd. June 18, 1863.
Thomas, E., e. Aug. 29, 1862, m. o. as sergt.
Ventevier, George W., e. Feb. 26, 1864.
Wilson, John A., e. Aug. 10,' 1862.
Work, VV., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Wilcoxon, O. D., e. Feb. 12, 1864, died June 5, 1865.
Williams, F. J., e. Feb. 3, 1864.
Whiteside, Thomas F., e. Aug. 12, 1862, died Feb. 20, '63.
Whiting, Warren, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Wright, William, e. Aug. 6, 1862, died Feb. 21, 1863.
Young, Elias, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Company C.
Capt. John M. Schermerhorne, com. Sept 4, 1862.
First Lieut. John Gish wilier, com. Sept. 4, 1862, res. Feb.
14, 1863.
First Lieut. Harry G. Fowler, e.' as sergt. Aug. 9, 1862,
prmtd. 1st lieut. May 10, 1865.
Second Lieut. Justin N. Parker, com. Sept. 4, 1862, res. Feb.
6, 1863.
Second Lieut. Wm. McCammon, e. as sergt. Aug. 9, 1862,
prmtd. 2d lieut. Feb. 6, 1863.
Sergt. Noah Perrin.
First Sergt. Chas. C. Fragard, e. Aug. 9, 1862, prmtd. lieut.
Sergt. G. G. Manny, e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as sergt.
Corp. Geo. Byrum, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died April 22, 1863.
Corp. J. L. Doxsee, e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as sergt.
Corp. Albert Van Epps, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Corp. Wallace R. Giddings, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Aug. 30,
1864.
Corp. Joseph B. Train, e. Aug. 9, 1862, trans, to inv. corps.
<V>rp. Wm. Back, e. Aug. 9, 1862, missing in action.
Corp. Wm. E Stewart, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Wagoner Thomas Fleming, e. Aug. 8 1862, disd. March 1,
1863, disab.
Austin, H. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Andrews Silas, e. Oct. 10, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Armagast, A., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Feb. 13, 1865.
Beine,Carl F.,e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Aug. 26, 1864, wds.
Bunker. Hollis M., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Bennett, Thos. J., e. Aug. 9, lsi,j.
Baysinger, Alex., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Bunker, Hiram, e. Jan. 29, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Betz, Jacob, e. Feb. 29, 1864, kid. June 22, 1864.
Burbridge, W. M., e. Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Butler, Wm. H.. e. Feb. 12, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Best, Jacob, e. Feb. 8, 1864, disd. Feb. 26, 1865.
Bennett, M. L., e. Feb. 11, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Bartholomew, W., e. Feb. 24, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Best, Jacob S.
Bartlett, Thomas H.
Clark, Henry H., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Cornforth, John, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died May 18, 1865, wds.
Curtis, Wm. U., e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
Clark. R. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862, trans, to inv. corps.
Cox, H., e. Aug. 9, 1862, trans, to inv. corps.
Corning, N, e. Aug. 9, 1862, kid. Sept. 19, 1863.
Clair, Davis B., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Feb. 18, 1863, disab.
Crouch, J., e. Dec. 26, 1863, died Feb. 13, 1865.
Cox, Jas. H., e. Dec. 21, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Colton, John C, e. Dec. 19, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Chambers, John B., trans, to 65th inf.
Delong, A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Dalrymple, S. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862, dis. Nov. 8, 1864, disab.
Dall, Chas. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862, dis. Feb. 3, 1863, disab.
Drew, Jos., e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Dickhomer, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died June 30, 1863.
Empfleld, Wm. J., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died March 14, 1863.
Feeley D. M., e. , trans, to 65th inf.
FiBk, Amos, e. Aug. 9, 1862, died June 13, 1863.
Ford, L. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Jan. 2, 1863.
Foreman, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
Fair, L. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Foley, Patrick, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. June 24, 1863, disab.
Fair, H. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Gates, H. H., e. Dec. 19, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Glanz, Chris, e. Dec. 26, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Grinnel, P. L., e. Oct. 7, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Giltner, James W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Grossman, D., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Graves, C. S., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Galbraith, Joseph, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Galbraith, William, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Dec. 28, 1864.
Honser, Chris, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Hilliard, William J., e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
Hawkins, William, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Hawkins, George S., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Houser, Samuel, e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Haggart, Darius, e. Aug. 9, 1862, corp. sick at m. o.
Houser, Abram, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Haggart, William H., e. Dec. 30, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Huston, William T., e. Dec. 30, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Hays, S. E., e. Dec. 19, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Henderson, Joseph, e. Feb. 12, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Harrington, John, e. Feb. 5, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Hampugh, Gustav, e. .
Isaacson, Isaac, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Keeler, N. F., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Kena, Charles, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Roller, Earnest, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Klaas, August, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Kiplinger, James E., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Reiser, Charles N., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Oct. 14, 1863.
Ladd, John, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Lawver, George, e. Jan. 29, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Moor, Emanuel, e. Aug., 1862, sick at m. o.
Mahony, D. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
McCausland, A. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
McStay, Edward, e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Sept. 8, 1864, disab.
Maliany, William G., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. June 2, 1863,
disab.
Mathews, John G., e. Dec. 23, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
McEathron, M.. e. Dec. 30, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Mathews, S. R,, e. Feb. 12, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Nunn, Thomas, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Phillips, Jas. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Playford, H. R., e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Phillips, P. A., e. Feb. 13, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Rees, Geo. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Reber, Jacob A., e. Aug. 9, 1862, disd. Jan. 31, '63, to re-e.
Rathbun, Parris, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Richardson, L., e. Dec. 19, 1863, trans, to 65th inf.
Royer, Isaac, e. Jan. 29, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Rea, Geo. W., e. Feb. 13, 1865, trans, to 65th inf.
Rea, John W., e. Feb. 13, 1865, died April 13,1865.
Shligel, Julius, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Smith, Thomas A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Smith, John I., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died April 22, 1865.
Selzhorn, H, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Siason, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
Smith, Robt. D., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Seabury, Jerome, e. Aug. 9, 1862, m. o. as corp.
Stout, Thomas U.. e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Shearer, Edw., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Jan. 23, 1863.
338
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Simpson, John M., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Skeels, A. S., e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Sindliogc-r, Geo. W., e. Oct. 28, 1864, trans, to 65th inf.
Tonilinson,Geo. H., e. Aug. 0, 1862, dis<l. April l,'63,disab.
Train, Samuel S., e. Aug. 0, 1862, diad. Feb. 3, 1863, diaab.
Vanalstine, D. W.,e. Aug. 9, 1862, sick at m. o.
Verbee, Benj. E., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Wales, Thomas, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
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West, Ezra, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Werkheiser, Wni., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died Oct. 6, 1864.
Werkheiser, E., e. Aug. 2, 1862, diad. Aug. 5, 1865, disab.
Walter, A. B., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Wyckoff, E., e. Aug. 9, 1862, died April 14, 1863.
Wf stcott, John, e. Feb. 3, 1864. trans, to 65th inf.
NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY.
The Ninety-third Infantry, Illinois Volun-
teers, was organized at Chicago, 111., in Sep-
tember, 1862, by Col. Holden Putnam, and
mustered in October 13, 998 strong. Was
ordered to Memphis, Tenn., November 9, and,
arriving on the 14th, moved with Gen. Grant's
army, in the Northern Mississippi campaign,
to Yocona Creek, and thence, via Lumpkin's
Mills, to Memphis, arriving December 30.
Marched again, immediately, to La Fayette,
Tenn., and returned to Ridgew:»y, where the
regiment remained during January and Febru-
ary, 1863. Embarked for Lake Providence,
March 3, and from there moved to Helena on
the 10th. From there, moved down the river
on the Yazoo Pass expedition. Entered Moon
Lake on the 22d, and landed near Greenwood.
After reconnoitering the enemy's position, re-
embarked and returned to Helena. April 13,
moved to Milliken's Bend, and on the 25th,
commenced the Vicksburg campaign. Marched,
via Bruinsburg, Port Gibson, Raymond and
Clinton, and arrived at Jackson, May 14. The
Ninety-third was first under fire here. Par-
ticipated in the advance, losing three killed
and four wounded. Remained at Jackson until
the 15th, and then moved toward Vicksburg.
On the 16th, was engaged in the battle of
Champion Hills. The Ninety-third was in the
Third Brigade, Seventh Division, Seventeenth
Army Corps. At 2 P. M., Brig. Gen. Hovey's
Division being severely pressed, the brigade
was ordered forward and placed on the extreme
left. After twenty minutes' fighting, it was
flanked on the left, and, retiring steadily,
changed front to the left. Being again flanked,
it again retired, and in this position held its
ground against a most furious attack, after
which the enemy retreated to Black River
Bridge. The loss of the regiment was one offi-
cer and thirty-seven men killed, six officers
and one hundred and seven men wounded, and
one officer and ten men missing. On the 17th,
again moved toward Vicksburg. At noon of
the 19th, came on the enemy's line, about three
miles from the city. May 22, was engaged in
the assault on the enemy's works, on the left
of Fort Fisher, losing ten or twelve men killed
and wounded. In the afternoon, was ordered
to re-enforce Gen. McClernand's command,
near the railroad. At 4 o'clock P. M., charged
the enemy. Loss in this charge, five enlisted
men killed, and one officer and forty-nine en-
listed men wounded. June 22, moved to the
rear, and on July 4, was stationed at McCali's
plantation. July 13, 1863, started for Jackson.
Arrived on the 15th. and immediately moved
to Vicksburg arriving on the 25th. September
12, moved to Helena, Ark., and on the 30th,
to Memphis. Moved to Glendale, October 3.
Marched to Burnsville, Miss.. October 8. On
the 19th, marched toward Chattanooga, via
Iuka, Florence, Ala., Winchester, Tenn., and
Bridgeport, Ala., arriving November 19. No-
vember 24, the regiment crossed the Tennessee
River, and threw up a tete de pont, occupying
the works until the ponton bridge was built.
November 25, was heavily engaged at Mission
Ridge, losing Col. Holden Putnam and nineteen
men killed one officer and forty-four enlisted
men wounded, and two officers and twenty-five
men missing. Pursued the enemy, November
26 and 27, to Grayson, and returned to Chatta-
nooga. Moved toward Bridgeport, Ala., De-
cember 3. On the 22d, moved to Larkinsville,
Ala., and January 17th, 1864, to Huntsville.
February 12, participated in the reconnaissance
to Dalton. On the 24th and 25th, lay in line
of battle all day, near Dalton. Returned to
Huntsville, March 6. Moved by rail to Deca-
tur, Ala., and, June 14, marched, via Huntsville
and Larkinsville, to Stephenson, Ala., arriving
on the 25th. On the 27th, moved by rail to
Chattanooga, and 28th, to Kingston. One mile
north of Dalton, the train collided with an up-
train, and one officer and thirty men were
wounded. July 2, moved to Etowah to guard
crossings until the 11th, when the regiment re-
turned to Kingston. August 2 and 3, marched
to Allatoona. On the evening of the 15th,
moved by rail to Resaca, and on the 17th,
marched to Spring Place ; but, Wheeler's cav-
alry having retreated, the command returned
to Resaca and to Allatoona. On September 3,
ten men were captured while out foraging. On
October 5, the Ninety-third was a part of the
force, 2,100 strong, which so signally defeated
Gen. French's rebel division of 7,000 men. At
1 o'clock A. M., the picket firing commenced.
At 7 A. M., the artillery on both sides opened,
and at 9 A. M., the enemy made his first charge,
and after desperate fighting succeeded in press-
ing the Union forces back, from the outer line
of works, into the forts. Until 3 P. M., the
battle raged with intense fury, when the enemy
hastily withdrew in the direction of Dallas.
The Ninety-third lost twenty-one killed, three
officers and forty-nine men wounded, and ten
missing. November 12, 1864, the regiment
started on "the inarch to the sea," and marched,
via Atlanta, McDonough, Jackson, Planter's
Factory, Hillsboro, Clinton, Gordon, Irwinton,
Summerville and Eden, reaching the enemy's
lines around Savannah, December 10. On the
11th, skirmished with the enemy at Ogeechee
Canal, losing one killed and two wounded. On
the 12th, moved to "Station 1" on the Gulf
Railroad, and remained till the 21st, when it
marched into the city, and there remained until
January 19, 1865. Commenced the campaign
of the Carolinas on January 19. Marched
across the Savannah River, and two miles into
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
339
the swamp. On the 20th, returned to Savan-
nah, and on the 23d, embarked for Beaufort. S.
C. Landed on the 24th, and on the 29th,
marched northward, via Mcl'hersonville, Hick-
ory Hill, Owens' Cross Roads. Baneburg, Gra-
ham (destroying one and a half miles of rail-
road), Binnaker's Bridge, Orangeburg, Bates'
Ferry, on the Congaree (where skirmished with
the enemy, February 15), and to Columbia,
arriving on the 17th. While here, one man
was mortally wounded by the accidental explo-
sion of shells. From Columbia, marched, via
Muddy Springs, Peay's Ferry on the Wateree,
Liberty Hill, West's Corner (here had one man
wounded by enemy's cav 
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