1 I B R A R. Y
OF THL
UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY
OF
STEPHENSON COUNTY
ILLINOIS
A RECORD OF ITS SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION
AND THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF PROGRESS
By ADDISON L. FULWIDER, A. M.
"•History is the accumulated experience of the race." — JUDSON
VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1910
LlfiSARY
OF THE
.•UNIVEKSI1Y OF ILLIJKMS
L. A. FUI/WIDEK
-
HISTORY OF
STEPHENSON COUNTY
ILLINOIS.
'
UNDER FOUR FLAGS.
The first people to roam over Stephenson County and Illinois were the
' Mound Builders. In various parts of Illinois there are evidences that these
early people lived here in great numbers. In Winnebago County and in White-
side County, are yet to be found interesting mounds, the homes and burial
places of this ancient people who undoubtedly at an early day occupied part of
this County. They have gone and have left little or nothing of value to the
march of civilization.
Then came the Indian. Two hundred and fifty years ago, this state, that
i • now has a population of over six million people in the height of civilization,
| was overrun by only a few thousand red men. They were Algonquins and
Dakotas, broken up into several subordinate bands, living for the most part on
wild game. The squaws engaged in a rude and primitive agriculture. The
- largest and best known Indian tribe was the "Illinois," a division of the Algon-
^,'quin, who settled along the Illinois River, occupying the state from Joliet to
Kaskaskia. To the north, and in Stephenson county, were the Winnebagoes,
a branch of the Dakotas. The state was so large and the Indian population
small, that it cannot be said that to any great extent they made use of the
land at all. Friendly, at first, to the French Traders and Missionaries, . the
Indians opposed the advance of the white settlements. The most bitter opposi-
tion came from a band of Sacs and Foxes under Black Hawk. With the de-
feat and almost extermination of this band in 1832, fourteen years after Illi-
became a state and within the memory of men yet living here, came the
of Indian occupation and resistance.
The Indian had gone west from Stephenson County to await the doom of
extinction that hangs over his head. He left this great, rich and beautiful
1^ state, no better than he found it. He added nothing to the storehouse of civiliza-
? tion. Nothing did he add to the stock of our institutions. Aside from an
interesting tradition and stories of a wild romantic life, it may be safely said
3
5s
I 1 09475
4 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
that the only lasting contribution of the Indian to the civilization of today, is
to be found in the brave, independent and sturdy character of the pioneers, made
stronger and more self-reliant by the dangers of Indian warfare — in the big,
frank, progressive spirit of the valley of the Mississippi, where there is grow-
ing up the genuine, distinctive American spirit.
The first flag of a civilized people to wave over the prairies of Illinois, was
the flag of France. The French explorations from the mouth of the St. Law-
rence, up that river, over the Great Lakes, over the portages, down the Illi-
nois, and on the waters of the Mississippi, have no rival in the history of the
world. From the discovery of the St. Lawrence in 1534 and the settlement of
Champlain, in 1608, French love of romantic daring, determined patriotism and
religious zeal never flagged till the whole of the Mississippi valley was made
known to the civilized world. The work of exploration was carried on to Lake
Michigan. It was then taken up by these wonderful men: Marquette, Joliet,
Hennepin, Allonez, Tonti and La Salle. In birch bark canoes, they went up
and down the Wisconsin, Illinois, the Rock River and the Mississippi, trading
with the Indians, preaching Christianity to them, establishing trading posts
and planting here the flag of France. La Salle built Fort Crevecoeur
near Peoria, in 1680, and in 1683, Fort St. Louis, between Ottawa and La
Salle. French settlements were established at Cahokia and at Kaskaskia.
French settlers came from France and from New Orleans. In 1720, Fort
Chartres was built on the Mississippi between Kaskaskia and Cahokia. In 1750
there were eleven hundred French in Illinois about Kaskaskia and three hun-
dred negroes and sixty red slaves. The negro slaves were brought into Illi-
nois as a result of edicts by Louis XIII and Louis XIV. The officers in Illi-
nois then were a commandant and a civil judge. There was no representative
government.
The European wars between France and England spread to America. Eng-
lad won America at the battle of Quebec, in 1759, and Illinois and Stephenson
County passed from France to England by the Treaty of Paris, 1763. The
dream of a great French empire was gone forever and the French flag gave
away the banner of Great Britain.
Illinois was under the actual rule of England from 1763 till the conquest
by Colonel Geo. Rogers Clarke in 1778-1779. The Revolutionary War came
in 1776 and the Americans were aroused against the English Forts in Illinois,
because they felt that the English were stirring up the Indians against the fron-
tier settlements. Geo. Rogers Clarke, a Virginian, who knew the value of the
west, secured a commission from Geo. Patrick Henry and in 1778 with about
one hundred and fifty men equipped largely by his own means, marched to
Pittsburg, dropped down the Ohio in flat boats, plunged through the wilds of
Southern Illinois, and captured Kaskaskia and Cahokia. In 1779, he made a
desperate march across Southern Illinois and captured Vincennes. Thus the
British flag went down forever in Illinois and the rule of Virginia, the "Old
Dominion," began with the organization of the "County of Illinois," in 1779.
The Treaty of 1763 ceded the Northwest to the thirteen United Colonies and,
Virginia, after an occupation of five years ceded Illinois and the Northwest to
the United States in 1784. Then over old Fort Chartres, and over Illinois,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 5
waved the Star Spangled Banner, the flag of the United States. The flags of
France, of England and of Virginia had passed upon Illinois and the future of
this great state was henceforth to be identified with the history of America.
The Ordinance of 1787, passed by the Old Continental Congress, organized'
the Northwest Territory and prohibited slavery. Illinois was organized as a
separate territory in 1809, including Wisconsin and a large part of Michigan.^
There were, in 1810, 12,282 white people in Illinois and about 600 negro slaves i(
indentured servants. The governor was Ninian Edwards of Kentucky. In 1812 j
tTTe~people were granted a representative assembly. Like the spirit of the west,
the government was liberal, giving the right to vote to all male taxpayers, and
providing for the direct election of both branches of the Territorial Legisla-
ture. The first meeting of the Representative Legislature was held at Kaskas-'
kia, Nov. 25, 1812.
In 1818, Illinois, through her delegate to Congress, Wm. Nathaniel Pope,
asked admission into the Union as a state. The old Northern Boundary Line,
suggested by the Ordinance of 1787, would have cut off the three northern tiers
of counties and left Illinois without a foot hold on Lake Michigan. Pope was
alive to the interests of his state and to the welfare of the nation. Seeing the
value of Lake Michigan to the state, he secured the adoption of an amendment
that fixed the boundary line at 42° 30', giving the state its present frontage on
the lake. This change, binding the state to the northern and middle states,
Pope said, "Would afford added security to the perpetuity of the Union."
Another amendment by Pope, provided that a part of the proceeds of the pub-
lic lands should be given to the support of public schools.
The first state constitution was made at Kaskaskia in 1818, and Shadrach
Band was elected the first governor of the state of Illinois, Dec. 3, 1818. Con-
gress formally voted the state into the Union and Dec. 4, Illinois was repre-
sented in both houses of Congress. Thomas and Edwards were our first sen-
ators.
Several determined attempts had been made by both Indiana and Illinois
to have Congress repeal that part of the ordinance that prohibited slavery in
Illinois, but all had failed. However, the Anti-slavery Clause of the ordi-
nance was flagrantly circumvented. Most of the population was in the southern
third of the state and had come from Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina.
They brought slaves with them and in 1820 there were about 1400 negroes in
the state, 917 of which were counted as slaves. The total population of the
state was fifty-five thousand. From 1822 to 1824, there was fought out one of
the most bitter and hotly contested campaigns known in Illinois politics. The
proslavery people who were largely a majority of the population, were fight-
ing for a new Constitutional Convention. The Anti-slavery people, led by
Edward Coles, believed that the real object was to change the constitution so
as to legalize slavery. The proslavery party made the mistake of putting two
candidates in the field and Coles was elected governor. The legislature was
pro-slavery by about two-thirds majority. A resolution to submit the prop<~>si-
tion of a new constitutional convention to the people was passed. After a vig-
orous campaign the resolution was defeated at the polls and thus was ended
the attempts to make Illinois legally, a slave state.
6 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The defeat of Tecumseh at the battle of Tippecanoe and the close of the war
of 1812, opened the way to the settlement of northern Illinois. New counties
were organized to the north. Peoria, Ottawa, Dixon and Chicago were estab-
lished and lead mining at Galena attracted settlers to the northwest corner of
the state. Kellog's Trail was blazed through Stephenson County to Galena and
Black Hawk's War was fought to a successful issue before there was a single
permanent settler in Stephenson County.
The second state constitutional convention in Illinois was convened June
7, 1847. It was in session eighty-four days. The new constitution was adopted
by the people in March, 1848, and went into effect April i, 1848. One im-
portant measure was the provision for a two mill tax to be kept separate to pay
the state debt. The state's finances were in a bad way because of the wild-
cat, internal improvements of 1837.
The new constitution fixed the salary of the governor at $1,500 a year. The
secretary of state, state auditor and state treasurer at $800; the supreme court
judges at $1,200 and the circuit judges at $1,000. From 1818 to 1848, the
governor's salary was $1,000 and the other state officials labored for $600.
The constitution of 1848 placed the salary of members of the State Legislature
at $2 per day for 42 days and $i per day thereafter, with 10 cents mileage both
ways.
SUCKER STATE.
In an address of July 4, 1876, Gen. Smith D. Atkins gave two explanations
of the sobriquet, sucker, as applied to the people of Illinois, as follows : "Many
settlers in Illinois came from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. They were
mostly poor people, unable to own slaves and many of them were in senti-
ment 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 household goods on pack
animals and themselves upon foot, depending on their trusty rifles and fishing
rods for sustenance on the way. They were emigrants from the poorer classes
of the slave states, and being unable to own slaves came to Illinois to get away
from slave domination of their wealthy neighbors. The tobacco plant has many
sprouts from the root and main stem which, if not stripped off, suck up the
nourishment and destroy the staple. These sprouts are called suckers, and are
as carefully stripped from the main plant and thrown away as 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 on the people of
wealth ; and when removed to Illinois, they were supposed to have stripped
themselves from the parent stem, and gave way 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 of the
corner, and in intelligence, morals, material prosperity and population, Illinois
has far outstripped her poor old mother, Virginia, and surpassed Kentucky
and Tennessee. The cognomen was misapplied. Slavery was the "sucker"
from which they fled and the "subtle corps of sappers and miners," that
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 7
"sucked" the life blood out of the states from which the early settlers of Illi-
nois emigrated.
But there is another generally accepted sobriquet of "suckers," the nick-
name of Illinoisans. Lead was early discovered in the vicinity of Galena, and
in 1824 Col. James Johnson, of Kentucky, had gone there with a party of
miners and opened a lead mine about a mile above the present city of Galena.
Others followed in great numbers. The southern Illinoisans ran up the Mis-
sissippi in the spring season, worked the lead mines during the warm weather,
and ran down the river again to their homes in the fall, thus establishing a
similitude between their migratory habits and the fishy tribe known as "suck-
ers," that run up a stream in the spring and down the stream in the fall. No
matter how it came about, the term "sucker" will stick to the people of Illi-
nois, while wood grows and water runs.
PHYSIOGRAPHY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
In this book, "The Government of Illinois," Prof. E. B. Green, of the Uni-
versity of Illinois, says, "The first great fact in the experience of any people is
the land on which they live." Certainly what people do is determined largely
by the streams, the soil, the latitude and the location of the section in which
they live. These conditions, in a large part, determine whether a people's
life shall be devoted wholly to agriculture, wholly to manufacturing, or that
it shall be a life of diversified industries. It is no less true, that people's in-
terests govern mainly their ideas and their ideals, and these determine their
politics, their social, moral and religious principles. It is evident that long
before a section of the country is occupied by the first civilized men much of
that section's history has been written ; written in the soil ; in the streams ; in
the hills and valleys ; in the forests and in the prairies ; in its climatic condi-
tions, and in its relation to present or future natural trade centers and trans-
portation lines.
In its location Stephenson County is a part of northern Illinois. The great
prairie state extends from latitude 37° to a latitude 42°3O', more than 380
miles. Illinois extends farther south than Richmond, Virginia, and farther
north than Boston, Massachusetts. The state has an area of more than 56,000
square miles. The Wabash, the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers bind the state,
geographically, to the south. Lake Michigan, in a like manner, ties Illinois to
the northern section of the nation. The first explorers came by way of the
St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes. The first settlers to come in numbers, came
up the Mississippi from France by way of New Orleans. Illinois geographi-
cally and politically, has been regarded as the keystone state of the arch of
the greater union of states. It has been said that the nation never could be
divided north and south without dividing Illinois.
The southern triangle of the sate between the Ohio and the Mississippi is
about three hundred feet above sea level. The highest point in the state, Charles
Mound, near the 'northern state line in Jo Daviess County, is 1,257 feet above
the level of the Gulf of Mexico, and 951 feet above low water of the Missis-
8 . HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
sippi at Cairo. The northern part of Stephenson County averages about 800
feet above sea level. Lake Michigan is about 600 feet above sea level.
Illinois is the lowest of the North Central States. Its average elevation is
about 600 feet above tide, while that of Indiana is 700 feet; Michigan, 900
feet; Wisconsin, 1,050 feet; Iowa, 1,100 feet, and Missouri, 700 feet. The bot-
tom of Lake Michigan opposite Racine, Wisconsin, it at sea level.
The altitude of the state decreases in a general way from north to south.
Four northern counties, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Boone and McHenry have
points which rise above 1,000 feet above sea level. The lowest points are in
the southernmost part of the state, near where the Ohio flows into the Missis-
sippi, slightly below 300 feet. In Illinois, only 125 square miles, less than four
townships, have an altitude above 1,000 feet. Only 10,747 square miles, or less
than one-fifth of the state, is below 500 feet. About 20,000 square miles, or
one-third of the state, is 600 to 700 feet above tide. The average thickness of
the drift in Illinois is between 100 and 130 feet. Deducting the drift, the aver-
age altitude of the state is about 525 feet or 50 feet below the surface of Lake
Michigan.
The rock surface of Illinois is marked by a few district ridges. The most
prominent ridge extends from the mouth of the Wabash to Grand Tower. This
ridge is from 700 to 1047 feet above tide and 5 to 10 miles wide, and forms the
southern limit to glacial action. The drift of the glacial period is found well
up on the northern slope but its crest was never passed by the ice fields. An-
other limestone ridge extends along the Mississippi from Grand Tower to St.
Louis. This belt separates the river valley from the coal fields. It is 5 to i»
miles wide and 650 to 750 feet above tide. The ridge is cut across by two
rivers, the Big Muddy and the Kaskaskia. Another ridge extends along the Mis-
sissippi from St. Louis to the mouth of the Illinois River. Still another lime-
stone ridge crosses from the Rock River basin into Indiana. At the Illinois-
Wisconsin line, it is 400 feet above the level of Lake Michigan, while at the
Indiana line it is only 100 to 200 feet above the lake. This limestone ridge is
cut across by the Fox, the Kankakee and the Des Plaines Rivers. Aside from
these ridges, the preglacial surface of Illinois is comparatively level, not marked
by bold relief forms.
v Stephenson County is one of the northern tier of Illinois counties, and is
the second county east of the Mississippi. It is twenty-seven miles wide,
east to west, and 21 1/$ miles, north to south. It contains an area of about 573
square miles or 366,720 acres. The Illinois Central Railroad surveys show that
the northern part of the county averages about 1,000 feet above the level of the
sea, about 723 feet above the level of the Mississippi at Cairo and about 415
feet above the level of Lake Michigan. The southern part of the county aver-
ages about 750 feet above sea level, showing a 250 foot slope to the south over
the general surface of the county.
The surface of Stephenson county is made up of gently rolling prairie land,
with here and there small groves and belts of timber along the streams. Flow-
ing across the surface of the county are a number of streams which afford
abundant natural water and drainage facilities. The Pecatonica River is the
largest and most important stream. It enters the county from Wisconsin about
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 9
seven miles from its northern corner, follows in a direction southeast to Free-
port, and then east into Winnebago county not far from the middle of the east-
ern boundary line of Stephenson County. The waters of the Pecatonica are
muddy and turbulent, following a wonderfully crooked and winding course. In
spite of a difference of level of about 200 feet, the current is slow and tortu-
ous, affording but little water power. The Indians named the River Peca-
tonica. Just what the word "Pecatonica" meant to the Indians, is not definitely
known. Some claim it meant "Muddy water" and others "Crooked stream,"
either meaning indicating unmistakable characteristics of the stream.
The Pecatonica is in process of filling and scarcely ever runs on rock bed.
This filling up is the cause of the crookedness and consequent cutting off of the
so-called "oxbows" of which the island, as it is called immediately north of
town, is now a peninsula and will shortly cease to be water-gi'rt. Many of these
''sloughs" in various stages of filling are a marked feature of the valleys of both
the Pecatonica and Yellow Creek. Immense opportunity for the reclamation of
some of the best soils of the Pecatonica valley awaits the time when through
mutual cooperation or government help and supervision the river is dyked out
of these so-called sloughs now occupying hundreds of acres of our most fertile
soil. Some efforts are being made along this line, particularly at Ridott, but lack of
cooperation very largely increases the cost and efficiency so far. Hundreds of
acres of corn were lost last year, 1909, by a rise less than a foot above the danger
line.
Yellow Creek enters Stephenson County near the middle of the western boun-
dary line, flows in a direction a little south of east, into the Pecatonica about
2}/2 miles southeast of Freeport. It is a slow flowing stream, its waters being
marked by a yellowish color. The creek cuts its way through the Cincinnati
Shales and this soft yellowish rock dissolving and mingling with the waters
gives color to the stream. Abandoned mills along its banks are evidence that
its few water powers, while they served for a time to turn the wheels in an
earlier day, were not sufficient in power to compete with steam and have long
since stood idle.
Cedar and Richland Creeks flow across the northeast part of the county.
They unite a few miles from the Pecatonica, between Cedarville and Sciota
Mills, and flow into it a few miles above Freeport. The mills still standing at
Cedarville and at Sciota, one time made good use of the light water power
at those places.
Rock Run enters the county four miles from its northeast corner. Running
southward about twelve miles, it flows into the Pecatonia il/2 miles west of
the Winnebago county line. It has but few very light water powers.
Cranes Creek is a small stream or brook, that comes into Stephenson County
near the middle of its southern boundary line and flows into Yellow Creek,
south of Freeport. Silver Creek is a small stream that flows through Silver
Creek township, into Yellow Creek. In addition to those above mentioned, there
are other brooks and creeks, and taken together they afford Stephenson county
an excellent natural water and drainage system.
Yellow Creek and the Pecatonica form a line east to west across the county.
In a large measure, these streams served as a partial barrier against the prairie
10 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
fires that swept toward the north, destroying the timbers. South of these
water courses, consequently, there is little woodland. Along Yellow Creek'
and across from Mill Grove to Eleroy and Sciota were groves of white oak.
There were white oak barrens in Loran Township. Along Cedar and Rich-
land Creeks were belts of heavy timber. The east bank of the Pecatonica was
skirted by heavy growths of timber, extending north into the township of Oneco.
The timber of Stephenson County consists, for the most part, of shell-bark
and common hickory, black walnut, sugar maple, white, black and burr oak,
pignut, butternut, elm and poplar. To a less degree are found the ash, the
wild cherry, honey locust, basswood, cottonwood and white poplar. Sumac
and hazel are found in the groves and, occasionally, red cedar, white pine and
the rarer oaks.
The timber lands of the county are special features, the general character-
istic of the county's surface being a rolling prairie land. The timber sections
have been, and are yet, of considerable economic value and by adding variety,
give the county a beautiful and interesting landscape. Everywhere in the
county there are drives through the country districts that are unrivaled for
the beauty of the groves and the grandeur of rich valleys and distant wooded
hillsides.
GEOLOGY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The most casual observer cannot fail to be interested in the geological foun-
dation upon which has grown the civilization of his time. About him is the
rich soil, producing great fields of grain, and over all a wonderful natural
drainage system of creeks and rivers — over 365,000 acres supporting in plenty
over 40,000 people, on farms, in villages, towns and the city of Freeport. Curi-
osity alone would lead the mind to some study of the structure of the earth un-
derlying the surface of the county.
In almost every community in Stephenson County, are to be seen the out-
cropping of the foundation framework of stone. On the country drives, along
the railroad cuts, along the creeks and rivers, at Eleroy Hill and at Waddams
Grove, are seen the great layers of limestone. Here and there over the
country these stony ridges come to the surface. On them the soil is very thin
or has been washed entirely away, leaving the barren rock. But the depres-
sions between these ridges and above the hills are filled in with gravel, sand,
clays and soils. Down through the lower levels of these depressions or val-
leys run the creeks and the Pecatonica River.
While the soil and clay and gravel is thin on the hills, it is found to be deeper
and deeper in the valleys, in places over 150 feet in depth. All over the county
wells have been dug and driven, showing everywhere the solid rock bed under
the masses of gravel, clays and soils. Every hillside tells its story of how the
heavy rainfall washes away the soil, cuts little gulleys through to brooks and
creeks which carry much of the soil on down to the rivers and to the sea. It
is not difficult to imagine all that sand and clay and soil which fills the valleys
and overlays the surface of Stephenson County washed away. There would
still be the 573 square miles, but no soil, no grass, no timbers, no fields of grain,
Blue Limestone Cliff
Galena Limestone Quarry, Freeport
Cincinnati Limestone Cliff at Crane's Grove
Niagara Limestone Quarry nt Watldams Wolfs Hock Along Cedar Creek
OF THE
OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 11
no villages and towns — just 573 square miles of barren rock surface. There
would still be the hills, the crags, the ridges and barren plains and valleys, the
massive, strong framework of the county.
The hillsides would show that the rock foundation is in layers, placed hori-
zontally one above the other, just as they are now observed in the quarries, along
the creeks and in the railroad cuts. The geologist would find different kinds of
limestone at Waddams, at Eleroy, at Freeport and near Dakota. But it is
all in layers or strata. At Waddams, the geologist would call the top layers
of rock, the highest in the county, Niagara limestone. It is about 23 feet deep
and found nowhere else in the county. At Eleroy and along Yellow Creek he
would call the layers, Cincinnati limestone or Cincinnati Shales. At Waddams
he would find it just beneath the Niagara layers. Lower than the Cincinnati
limestone layers, the geologist would find that part of the county not covered
by Niagara and Cincinnati layers, to be covered by the three divisions of the
Trenton limestone. First of these is the Galena limestone, which would make
up three-quarters of the surface of the barren rocky surface of the county.
On lower levels, the Galena disappears and the blue limestone covers the sur-
face. Still lower would be found, the Buff limestone. The blue limestone
flow would be found around Rock Run ; the Buff being found over a small
area around Winslow. If all the gravel, sands, clays and soils were removed,
the rock floor of the county would be made up of these five kinds of limestone
layers : Niagara, Cincinnati, Galena, Blue and Buff.
The records from an oil well bored to a depth of 608 feet near Cedarville
in 1865, give an idea of the rock still deeper than the Buff limestone. After
passing through 75 feet of Galena limestone, 10 feet of a gray limestone and
some shales, the well passed through 207 feet of a soft, white sandstone known
as St. Peter's sandstone. The bottom of St. Peter's sandstone is 375 feet be-
low the surface at Cedarville. Below that, there are no definite records of the
rocks under Stephenson County.
What is true in Stephenson County is true in a certain sense of every
county in the state; for every state in the nation; and for the entire earth. If
all the soil, sand, clays, gravel and water were removed from the earth, it
would be a great globe of barren rock ; mountains, valleys, elevated plains and
depressions. There would be the layers of limestones and sandstones. The
geology of Stephenson County is then seen to be a part of the general geology
of the earth. The geologists have studied the rock layers of all parts
of the earth. They tell of the Potsdam sandstone still below the St. Peter's
sandstone, and yet lower the Silurian and the Cambrian rocks of great thick-
ness. All these layers, from the Niagara down to and including the Cambrian
rocks, have certain common characteristics. First, they are arranged in lay-
ers or strata; second, they all contain the remains of animal life, or the evi-
dences of animal life, fossils. Below the Cambrian rock is the great mass of
rock, not in layers or stratified form and not bearing evidences of animal life,
called Archaean or "Ancient" rock. Beginning with this Archaean rock, the
geologists have made a classification of all the layers of rock above it. By
studying this table or classification, the relation of Stephenson County geology
to general geology can be understood.
12
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
GENERAL GEOLOGY CHART.
Quaternary
Drift, etc.
SOIL.
Loess, clays, sand,
gravel, etc.
11
Tertiary
Limestone
10
Cretaceous
Chalk
Limestone
Upper Greensand
9
Jurassic
Oolytlc
Bedford
Limestone
8
Upper Triassic
Middle Triassic
Lower Triassic
Triassic
Limestones
Limestones
Sandstone
7
Carboniferous
Carboniferous
Coal Layer
Shale
Coal Layer
Limestone
Coal Layer
Limestone
6
Sub-Carboniferous
Devonian
Upper
Middle
Lower
Catskill
Portage
Hamilton
Oriskany
5
Upper Silurian
Niagara
Lower Helderberg
Niagara Limestone
Cincinnati Limestone
4
Lower Silurian
Trenton Limestones
Galena Limestone
Blue Limestone
Buff Limestone
St. Peter's Sandstone
Calclferous
3
Cambrian
Stratified Sandstones
Potsdam
Sandstone
Acadian
Georgian
2
Archaean
Igneous, Unstratiflec
Rock
Archaean
1
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
13
STEPHENSON COUNTY GEOLOGICAL CHART.
Quaternary
Drift
SOIL.
Clays, sands, gravel,
etc.
11
(5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10
not found.)
Upper Silurian
Niagara
Niagara Limestone
Cincinnati Limestone
4
Lower Silurian
Trenton Rock
Galena Limestone
Blue Limestone
Buff Limestone
3
Cambrian
Stratified Sandstones
Potsdam Sandstone
Arcadian
Georgian
2
Archaean
Igneous, Unstratifled
Rock
1
SKETCH.
So we may begin with the Niagara limestone on the highest point at Wad-
dams and go down through the earth, strata after strata, layer after layer,
of limestone, shale, and sandstone till we come to the original rock, the Archaean
or Precambrian rock of the lifeless or Azoic age. The unstratified, lifeless,
original rock seems to be the foundation on which the earth's crust is built up,
layer after layer.
We may imagine the earth at a time when its surface was everywhere this
barren, unstratified mass of irregular rock. It was a rough, uneven surface cov-
ered by the seas and swept by powerful winds. The rocks were broken and
pulverized into sands by the forces of nature. The sands settled into layers,
became hardened and are called sandstones. In these early layers of sandstone
are found the forms or impressions of simple animal life, corals, worms, etc.,
but no back-boned animals. It required ages and ages for these first layers of
sandstone to be formed. These layers, or groups of layers, are called Cambrian
and Silurian by the geologists.
Sandstone is found in greater abundance on land than any other rocks.
Wind and water wash the sand into great layers or strata. These layers harden
and new layers are formed above them. The weight of a number of layers
causes a great pressure which often presses the layers of sand into solid rock.
Mud is made up of a material finer than sand. It is carried long distances
in water and covers the bottoms of seas. A sea floor may be covered several
inches thick. It is subject to pressure by layers above and becomes layers of
clay, shale or slate.
Limestone layers are made up of rock containing lime. If we look closely
at any kind of limestone rock, we find it made up of fine pieces and occasion-
ally small shells and fragments of shells. The sea contains many small ani-
mals with lime shells. These shells fall like a shower to the bottom of the
seas. After ages and ages a great layer of shells would be found at the bot-
tom of the sea. Other layers may be washed over this and by pressure the
14 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
lime and clay is made into a hard compact layer of limestone. The corals
are great limestone builders. These, together with myriads of shell animals
have been making limestone for ages and ages. In fact, the limestones form
about one-sixth of the surface of the earth. Thus we see that animal life has
been a great factor in building up the earth's crust. Occasionally there is
found an almost perfect shell. Often a cast of a shell will be found. Ordinarily
the shells and skeletons of dead animals decay and mingle with the dust and
soil. Leaves and wood, bark, skins of animals, likewise, soon decay and are
lost in the great mass of material that makes up the earth's crust. But under
certain conditions, both vegetable and animal life may be preserved. A tree
trunk falling into a pond and sinking to the bottom only partly decays. It
turns black and is often preserved for thousands of years. In the swamps
may be found preserved also the bones of animals.
SIMPLE CHARACTER OF STEPHENSON COUNTY GEOLOGY.
Comparing the geological formations of Stephenson County with the gen-
eral geology chart, the simple character of the county's strata will be readily
observed. There are just five divisions to notice. Spread over the surface of
the county, we find the Quaternary deposits, the clays, sands, gravels, silt,
loess, alluvium, surface soils, etc. The average depth of this superficial deposit
is 32 1/3 feet, according to Mr. Hershey. Below the Quaternary deposits, are
to be found in geological order :
Feet.
1. The Niagara limestone 23
2. The Cincinnati limestone 40
3. The Galena limestone 75
4. The Blue limestone 38
5. The Buff limestone 40
These thicknesses are only estimates. All of the above limestone outcrop in
some part of the county. Below the Buff limestone is the St. Peter's sand-
stone which outcrops near Winslow and comes almost to the surface at Orange-
ville. The St. Peter's layer of sandstone is more than two hundred feet in depth.
A clear idea of the geological framework of the county may be gained from
the following vertical section, made from a study of the outcroppings and deep
well borings :
Feet.
1. Surface deposits (Inaternary) soil, clays, silts, sand,
gravel, alluvium, loess, etc., average 321-3
2. Niagara limestone 23
3. Cincinnati limestone 40
4. Galena limestone 75
5. Blue limestone 38
6. Buff limestone 40
7. St. Peter's sandstone 207
8. Red sandstone ' 109
9. Yellow sand 3
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 15
10. Quicksand 4
1 1 . Slate sand 7
12. Slaty snuff colored rocks 19
13. Sharp slate colored sand 12
14. Dark colored stone 32
15. Bright red stone, oily, 22
1 6. Dark reddish slate, with impy rites 22
The above vertical section follows the outcroppings to the St. Peter's sand-
stone, and the remainder is taken from records of the borings of the rocky
well near Cedarville. Number 16 is 586 to 608 feet below the surface. The
last 100 feet, no doubt, belongs to the Potsdam sandstones.
Comparing this vertical section with the general geology chart, we find this
county low down in the scale of geological formations. Below the Potsdam
sandstones are the Cambrian rock layers and just below these, the Archaean
rocks, known as Huronian or Laurentian. It will also be observed that the
Carboniferous or coal bearing strata are above the Niagara in general geology
and therefore not to be found in Stephenson County.
THE WORK OF THE ICE PERIOD.
How came this 32 feet of clays, gravels, soils, etc. to be spread over the
limestones of Stephenson County. That interesting question has been answered
by the geologists. At an early period in the earth's history, great ice fields
spread over the northern part of North America. Snows and ice piled up for
thousands of feet about Hudson Bay, moved southward in powerful ice fields
as far as the plateau that runs from the mouth of the Wabash to the Grand
Tower. From the highlands east of Hudson Bay the great sheet of ice swept
towards the southwest, across the Great Lakes and over Illinois. The rock
surface of the limestones, sandstones and shales had ben crumbled and pul-
verized by freezing and thawing and this debris from the north was carried by
the ice floes and spread out or piled up in Illinois. This glacial action was so
powerful that it cut through and tore into fragments the great upper layers of
limestone. Geologists believe that over 400 feet of stratified rock was removed
in this way from Wisconsin. The Niagara limestone which is now found only
on the top of a few high ridges as at Waddams, once covered almost the whole
of northwestern Illinois and Wisconsin. This massive limestone was worn
away, carried southward and deposited in the form of boulders, clays, sand
and gravel, over the surface regions to the south. Great streams of water fol-
lowed up the receding ice fields and by the power of erosion, kept up the work
of denudation, sweeping out old preglacial channels and cutting new ones,
sometimes through solid rock. The old river valleys were wide and as they
narrowed with the ages, they built up the great rich, alluvial plains that now
are the richest farming lands of this county. Then later the loess, the fine,
gray, sandy sediment was blown into the bluffs. The ice field was deeper
and carried and deposited deeper drift east and south of this county. The mar-
gin is found over in Jo Daviess County, most of which county was not af-
fected by glacial action. Along the margin, as about Waddams, are to be
16 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
found great boulders carried to the shore and deposited. Stephenson County,
being near the shore of the ice field, was subject to more uneven action of the
flow, and consequently is a varied, rolling section, with many knolls, ridges and
hills alternating with stretches of level plains.
The enormous transporting power of an ice sheet is well known. It has
broken up the solid rocks, reduced them to boulders and carried and distributed
them over Illinois. The markings, or striation, on the boulders and the scratch-
ing and polishing of the hard rock surfaces are explained by the floating ice
with imbedded fragments of harder material, that cut its way through and over
whatever it came in contact with.
Dana and other geologists estimate that the glacial ice sheets were 10,000
feet deep in Canada, and several thousand feet deep as they plowed across
Wisconsin and Illinois, tearing away over 400 feet of stratified limestone. It
is almost impossible to conceive of the power of such a mass of moving ice and
the time required to do its work.
The order of geological movements in Stephenson County, and the northern
part of the United States as well, are believed to be as follows : First, the grad-
ual elevation of the surface above the ocean level at the close of the Carbon-
iferous period, followed by extensive denudation of limestones and sandstones,
and the cutting of extensive valleys. Next, in order, was the partial filling of
the valleys with clay, sand and gravel, and the formation of the lowest bed
of ancient soil beneath the boulder clays. This was followed by a partial sub- ,
mergence of the surface and the accumulation of the sands, clays, etc., which
are found below the boulder clays. The next period was a period of elevation
of the surface, during which were laid down the marshy swamp soil. Next,
follows a second submergence, and the ice sheets and water currents formed
the boulder clays. After this, there was another elevation and loess was
formed. Then came the present order of things, the rivers, alluvial deposits, etc.
SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS.
Spread over the limestone stratified rocks of Stephenson County is the
drift or Quaternary deposits, varying in depth from a thin layer of dust to
over 100 feet, averaging, over the 573 square miles of the county, a depth pi
32 1-3 feet. This drift, composed of clays, sands, gravel, boulders, alluvium,
loess, surface soils, etc., is valuable in two ways. First, these deposits have
a great economic value because they determine the character and the pro-
ductive capacity of the soil upon which all other industries are largely de-
pendent. Mainly, soil consists of pulverized rock, mingled with such organic
substances as result from the growth and decay of animal and vegetable or-
ganisms. The drift, being made up of disintegrated limestones, sandstones,
shales, etc., contains the necessary mineral ingredients to make up a soil of
great fertility.
Secondly, the drift deposits are the main source of our water supply and of
sand, clay and gravel. Every man who builds a road, digs a ditch or cellar,
drives a well or tills the soil, must deal with the drift deposits, and must be in-
terested in knowing its possibilities and its origin.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
17
The 573 square miles of drift in Stephenson County with an average depth
of 32 1-3 feet is the fact of first importance in the economic and political his-
tory of the county. Rivers, railroad cuts and wells show this drift to be made
up of several different masses. According to Hershey, fourteen feet of it
is silt (Silveria), a finely pulverized sediment carried in suspension in water
and deposited on the bottom of lakes of the ice age. Next, is the boulder clays,
usually of small size, partly derived from bed rock of adjacent region and
partly transported from distant localities. The boulder clays are frequently
underlaid by a black peaty soil, filled occasionally with twigs and branches and
sometimes with trunks of trees in a good state of preservation.
Another part of the drift is the loess deposits. This is a buff or grayish
marly sand, usually capping river bluffs and terraces. Sometimes it is a brown
silicious clay. Alluvial deposits are the deposits of fine mud formed by run-
ning water. They consist mainly of sand and fine silicious sediment. It forms
the soil of river valleys. Along with the boulder clays are great beds and
ridges of sand or gravel. On the surface is the soil, containing a large pro-
portion of decayed animal and plant life.
Vertical sections of drift would vary with the locality. The following
vertical section will give a fair idea of the drift material:
Feet.
Black soil i to 2
Yellow fine-grained clay 13
Gravel 2
Silt 6
Boulder clays 15
Blue clay , 3
Sand ii
Clay 5
A table by Leverett, showing distribution by depths, of glacial drift in Illinois
follows :
Depth of Depth if distrib-
„ drift, uted over entire
Feet. state. Feet.
300 23.50
200 41.35
150 10.04
36-32
n-57
Area,
Area,
Area,
Area,
Area,
Area,
square
square
square
square
square
square
miles 4,160
miles 10,975
miles 3,550
miles 19,275
miles 8,190
miles 6,924
100
75
50
6.52
Total 53,074
129.30
The average thickness of drift in Illinois, including everything which overlies
the rock, including glacial drift, residuary clay, loess and alluvium, must be be-
tween one hundred and one hundred and thirty feet, probably about one hun-
dred and fifteen feet.
18 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
As a result of 1,687 borings, the following proportion of drift materials has
been approximated :
Tills, including all glacial clays 69.38%
Sand, gravel and alluvium 25.25%
Loess and associated silts 4.25%
Buried soil, residuary clay, etc 1.12%
Total 100%
THE PECATONICA ESKER SYSTEM.
An esker system is a series of gravelly ridges. They are made up largely
of coarse gravel, well rounded. It contains also beds of fine gravel and sand.
Several gravelly belts or eskers in Stephenson County have been studied in
detail by Mr. Oscar Hershey, and printed in the American Geologist, Vol. XIX,
1897, PP- I97~2O9, ar>d 237-253. "The main belt follows the Pecatonica val-
ley from eastern Stephenson County westward to the mouth of Yellow Creek
about three miles east of Freeport ; thence it passes up the south side of Yellow
Creek to the village of Bolton. The length of this belt is over 20 miles and the
ridges are in places scattered over a width of two or three miles. Sometimes
there are two and sometimes three parallel ridges, traceable for a few miles.
The belt is more extensive than usual at the mouth of Yellow Creek and three
miles farther west and at the western end at Bolton." Mr. Hershey believes
the gravelly ridges are the boundary lines of glacial fields. At the western end,
the ridges are 75 to 100 feet above the surrounding plain. Beyond this there
was, no doubt, a lake.
Coarse gravel and cobble were found in the upper portion of many of the
ridges. Some of them are composed largely of sand and fine gravel. The peb-
bles are chiefly limestone and are largely derived from local rocks.
Another gravelly belt, called the Cedarville belt, begins il/2 miles east of Rock
City, and extends through Cedarville and Damascus to a point 3 miles north-
east of Lena. Southeast of Cedarville the sharp knolls rise 80 to 90 feet in
height. These ridges have so obstructed the old valley of Cedar Creek that
the stream has been compelled to cut a gorge on the north side of the village.
The well defined part of this belt is about 12 miles in length. ' It is prominent
also near the junction of Cedar and Richland Creeks, two miles west of Cedar-
ville.
The Orangeville belt is found best developed south of Orangeville and just
north of Winslow. At Winslow there is a very prominent knoll and a number
of parallel ridges.
Geologists believe that these gravelly ridges, or eskers, were formed dur-
ing a general recession of a nearly stagnant sheet of ice. The gravelly ridges
would also indicate that the drainage from the ice sheet was somewhat vigor-
ous.
TRANSPORTED ROCK LEDGES.
Leverett and Hershey report several remarkable instances of transporta-
tion of limestone ledges in Stephenson County. In some cases, they occupy
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 19
an area of several acres. They have been moved westward from the crest
of rock ridges without destroying their stratification. Hershey believes they
were swept westward by the powerful action of great glacial ice sheets. He is
confident they are not the result of landslides. He also found places where
the limestone strata were folded 10 to 30 degrees by force of glacial action.
These transported masses are numerous in Dakota Township, Stephenson
County. Within four miles west and southwest of the village of Dakota, Mr.
Hershey found at least 30 distinct, transported masses. They are usually coni-
cal or dome shaped masses a few rods in diameter, and appeared as though
embossed on the top and slope of high rock ridges. The largest transported
masses are two or three miles west of Dakota and one of them, about 75 feet
high, obstructs the valley in which it stands. The smaller one, about 30 feet
high, is composed of Galena limestone with strata dipping steeply in every
direction from the center and top. Such masses are scattered widely over Steph-
enson County, east of the meridian of Freeport.
Kettle holes are bowl shaped depressions, usually 30 to 50 feet deep and
100 to 500 feet in diameter. Geologists explain that the kettle hole was caused
by a huge mass of ice that became detached during the melting of the ice sheets.
The ice sheets piled drifts about it, after which the ice mass melted away and
left the kettle hole.
In his work in Stephenson , County, Hershey found in the drift large quan-
tites of silt, which he called Silveria Silt. This silt, it seems, was deposited
by lakes formed in glacial times in the valleys. It is found in thick beds, strati-
fied and of a nearly uniformly dark blueish-gray color, with bands often sev-
eral feet in thickness which are of a lighter tint. The upper portion Is a false
bedded, calcareous and ferruginous, light brown fine sand and silt, and ap-
pears to represent the shore deposits of an ancient lake in which this forma-
tion was apparently laid down. Wells show that this silt is found in nearly all
the valleys of the Pecatonica drainage basin. This silt deposit has considerable
bulk in Stephenson County. In a well, three miles southwest of Freeport, the
silt was penetrated a depth of 150 feet without reaching the botton. This
well is in the old valley of Yellow Creek.
Mr. Hershey estimates that this silt would make a uniform layer of four-
teen foot depth if spread out uniformly over the county. Since the average
depth of all the superficial deposits of the county is 32 1-3 feet, it is seen at
once that the Silveria silt is about one-half the total drift material. Anyone
who has observed how slowly silt forms in layers on the bottom of ponds,
can get some idea of the immensity of time required to build up layers of the
deposit or sediment to a depth of 50 to 100 feet.
Several shells and pieces of partly decayed wood have been found in the
silt. Hershey found shells in the following proportion: Succinea Avara 50;
Pupa Olandi 5 ; Pyramidula Striatella 2. These were identified by Dr. W. H.
Dall of the United States Geological Survey.
STEPHENSON COUNTY Afc
The direction of valleys and streams may be determined by preglacial con-
ditions, glacial conditions, or both. Mr. Hershey says that that part of Illi-
20 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
nois, between the Rock River and the border of the driftless area of Jo Daviess
County, the drift is so thin that the streams follow in large part the preglacial
lines. Yet, there are a large number of deflections caused by the glaciers and
the drift period. In some cases, the streams have been cut off and thrown
across a divide into another preglacial valley. These streams were forced to
cut new courses through rock ledges, forming narrow channels which, because
of their high rock cliffs on their border, are called gorges.
Mr. Hershey lists the following gorges in Stephenson County: One mile
north of Freeport is a gorge of a small stream. The length of the cut is 950
feet; depth, 30 feet; breadth, 140 feet; cubic yards removed, 140,000. An-
other^ five miles northwest of Freeport, is 850 feet long, 240 feet wide, 44 feet
deep and displaces 330,000 cubic yards. Three miles south of Freeport is a
2,050 foot gorge, 235 feet wide, 36 feet deep, having removed 640,000 cubic
yards. Three miles west of Freeport is a gorge 950 feet long, 100 feet wide,
25 feet deep, with a displacement of 88,000 cubic yards. Four miles west of
Freeport is another 1,100 feet in length, 165 feet in breadth and 30 feet deep,
with cubic contents of 202,000 cubic yards. Hershey says the Cedarville gorge
is the best illustration in Stephenson County. Just north of Cedarville, Cedar
Creek was forced out of its preglacial valley which runs around to the south,
by the sand ridges of the glacial era and was forced to cut through the Galena
limestone, a gorge 3,250 feet in length, 160 feet broad, 57 feet deep, having
cut out and removed 1,100,000 cubic yards of limestone. Mr. Hershey be-
lieves that these gorges were cut for the most part prior to the deposition of
the loess of the time of the lowan drift sheet. Near Freeport, a gorge cut out
was later* abandoned by the stream because of the large amount of loess fill-
ing in, and the stream took a new course.
These gorges in Stephenson County cut through limestone by small streams,
afford an excellent opportunity for the study of the tremendous power of ero-
sion.
The power of erosion by a stream of water or a sea is very great. One au-
thority states that Niagara Falls has cut its way back from Queenstown, seven
miles, at the rate of about one foot a year. The falls of St. Anthony cut back
five feet per annum. At Cape May, the coast is worn back at the rate of nine
feet per year. The Church of Reculver, on the coast of Kent near the mouth
of the Thames, stood at the time of Henry VIII, one mile inland. In 1804, a
portion of the church yard fell into the sea and the church was abandoned.
The Appalachian Mountains have lost as much by weathering as now remains.
Chamberlain and Leverett agree that in an early part of the glacial period,
the Rock River flowed into the Illinois River. Then came the kettle Moraine,
which filled up part of its channel and the river set to work to cut its way to
the Mississippi.
SOIL.
Soil is that part of the solid surface of the earth which supports plant life.
The basis of soil is fragments of pulverized rock, to which are added the
remains of plants and animals (organic matter) and water. The quality of
any soil may be determined by the kinds of rock from which it is produced and
Scene on Cedar Creek
Pecatonira River, Freeport
Globe Park
Globe Park
i ~> "• V
flttWVi
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 21
the amount of water and organic matter it contains. Plants affect the soil in
three ways. The roots exert a mechanical force breaking up the soil. The
roots also have a chemical action, taking out of the soil certain elements, thus
weakening it. The plant at last dies and adds something to the soil. Animals
add to the soil by their excrements and by the decay of their bodies.. Burrow-
ing animals aid in weathering and transportation. Earth worms eat earth which
when excreted contains more or less of organic matter and aids in preparing
the earth for agriculture. Decaying organic matter forms mold and is called
humus. The humus gives "heart" or "life" to soil, as its body is furnished by
pulverized rock, or the mineral elements. Humus provides plant food and also
improves the physical condition of the soil. It lessens extremes of tempera-
ture, gives greater water holding capacity, opens up air passages and aids the
chemical activity of the soil. Humus with clay, forms clay loam; with sand,
a sandy loam. Exhausted soil is the result of a lack of humus, rather than a
lack of mineral qualities. Humus is obtained (i) by crops grown for the
purpose and plowed under; (2) by roots, stubble, sdo, refuse, etc., left on the
soil; (3) by compost and stable manure directly applied.
In addition to the above elements of soil, fertile soil is infested by myriads
of microscopic organisms peculiar to it and without which its various chemical
purposes could not be carried on. Adametz has calculated that a single grain
of fertile soil contains 50,000 germs of various kinds. These germs aid in
the formation of plant foods by assisting in breaking down the soil particles
and hastening the decay of organic materials. Three factors of soil life must
be cared for if fertility is to be secured, (i) soil physics; (2) soil chemistry,
and, (3) development of germ life and germ activity.
The soil contains a vast amount of plant food. It has been calculated by
many analyses, that on average agricultural lands the surface, 8 inches on each
acre, contains over 3,000 pounds of nitrogen, almost 4,000 pounds of phos-
phoric acid, and over 1,700 pounds of potash. The farmer considers chiefly
these three elements in maintaining or increasing productivity. This plant food
is developed in proportion to the excellence of the tillage.
The soil is indeed a wonderful agency, a mixture of physical and chemical
forces and a full complete life within itself. As Mr. Bailey says, "It must no
longer be thought of as mere dirt."
THE SOIL OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The soil of this county has not as yet been worked by the Bureau of Soils,
so our knowledge of it is not so great as in the adjoining counties of Winnebago
and Jo Daviess. Its eastern half is very largely Marshall and Miami silt loam,
the former being found on prairie and the latter on timber areas. In those
localities where the surface soil is the product of the disintegration of the Cin-
cinnati shale, as in the southern part of Erin Township and the immediate vicin-
ity, we have our poorest soil. This being a locality of little glaciation, the soil
is of fine granulation and inclined to "bake," as it is technically called. This
soil is also quite badly exhausted of its humus, and needs large additions of or-
ganic matter.
22 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Most of the land in Harlem, Erin, Jefferson, and the northen part of Flor-
ence Township is rolling to a marked degree and thinly covered with glacial
material. Indeed, the northern slopes and the tops of the hills are in many
places almost entirely denuded of soil. Here weathering is producing a soil
which, if underlaid by limestone, is fairly productive, and would be exceedingly
so if it had a deeper subsoil, for it is sure to be sweet, and rich in mineral plant
food. Some of these residual soils are red in color, owing to the presence of
oxide of iron, and loose in texture, owing to the presence of sand, for
the lime has slaked away, leaving these iron silicates more abundant than
in our glacial soil. The amount of slaking resulting in the lowering of
the crest of the hill can be judged by the number of flinty fragments present.
These are the remains of the chirty layers between the former strata of the
limestone. These spots are marked by finer crop growth in the spring, owing
to their open texture and freedom from acidity, affording a favorable field for
soil bacteria, but later the crop is cut short because of want of depth in the soil.
North of Freeport, largely in Harlem and to some extent in Lancaster Town-
ship, is located a strip of sandy soil three or four square miles in area, which
is evidently a dump or out-wash of the glacier, composed of soil from the St.
Peter's formation of Wisconsin. This soil does not retain the fertilizers ap
plied as well as does most of Stephenson County land, and tends to leach out
again quickly. In the northwestern part of the county, including West Point
and Winslow, with part of Kent, is a fine fertile soil, largely prairie, and yield-
ing fine crops of corn, oats, wheat, and hay. Although lying along the western
boundary of the glacial lobe, this land is level enough to prevent heavy loss
by erosion, and in consequence is blacker than the south central part of the
county.
Along the Pecatonica River in Winslow, Waddams, Harlem, Lancaster, Sil-
ver Creek, and Ridott lie wide stretches of alluvial lands of great fertility, the
upper benches of which yield large crops of corn, while the lower levels suffer
in times of high water, both in consequence of actual overflow, and also in the
attempts of owners to farm when the land has been too wet. This has resulted
in great deterioration in the physical condition of the land. Here is a great op-
portunity for conservation of resources, for by cooperation or by government help
the water could be held out by dyking, and hundreds of acres of the best land in
the county reclaimed. The same is true in a lesser degree of the valley of the
Yellow Creek. Where there is fall enough for proper outlet, tiling has been or
is being done, to the great improvement of these lands. In the northern third
of Ridott Township is a light, gray soil on ground formerly covered by oak
timber, that is rather too thin and light for corn, as it tends to dry out in Au-
gust and September. Moderate crops of grain and hay are raised here, but the
soil washes easily and cannot be heavily manured.
As the land immediately to the north of us from which our drift material
came, had but lately emerged from the Silurian seas, and had not as yet pro-
duced terrestrial life to any large extent, our glaciation was rich in marine and
poor in animal remains. Hence, as shells produce the carbonate and bones the
phosphate of lime, the former predominates in our soil to a greater extent than
in the counties to the east of us. So the limiting factor of our soils is phos-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 23
phorus, an element which is fast being exhausted on our most productive farms.
Potash we have in abundance, as the Azoic or crystalline rocks of the Lake
Superior region as found in the drift are rich in potassium. Another peculiarity
of our drift is that it is almost wholly composed of till or stiff clay, and not
nearly so sandy and friable as farther east and north. This renders much of
the mineral plant food unavailable, and leads to washing, but these soils respond
to good treatment and are capable of great productiveness when skilfully
handled, because owing to their heaviness large amounts of straw and other
coarse organic matter can be plowed in without danger of drying out.
In the center of Lancaster and in Rock Grove Townships are bodies of silt
loam that were formerly elm, walnut, and ash timber. This land when well
farmed will equal the Marshall silts of Ridott or Silver Creek in corn and ex-
ceed them in small grain production, but require more skill to conserve the
moisture and prevent erosion. Clover, both medium and alsike, grow readily,
and offer the farmers an opportunity to replace their lost nitrogen at little ex-
pense. Experimental tracts of alfalfa do well, and will be easier to start when
the farmers understand the innoculation of the soil better. Much damage to
the soil of the county has resulted from defective methods, among which may
be mentioned shallow plowing, the burning of organic matter, as corn stalks,
straw, and leaves, fall plowing on rolling land, working land when too wet,
failure to rotate crops, failure to sow clover, hard pasturing of stubble fields,
and many others. The worst of all is the penuriousness of the absent landlord
who rents from year to year for money rent.
SOIL.
When we trace life and all its concomitants back to their origin we come to
the soil for therein grow the roots of the plants that feed the world. This soil
is comprised of several elementary substances, the principles ones of which
are oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, iron, calcium, magnesium, so-
dium, phosphorus and potassium.
The first four constitute by far the larger bulk of all plant food but the
others are equally essential. The limiting elements in all soil, that is those
that are likely to be deficient in quantity, are nitrogen, phosphorus or potas-
sium. The former, the farmer can buy at 15 cents per pound in nitrole of soda
or raise it in clover at a nominal cost of i cent per pound. Owing to the great
amount of feldspathic rock in our glaciation potassium will never give out in
the life of this generation. This reduces the limiting element to phosphorus —
which element is constantly sold off the farm in a greater degree if grain is sold
and to a lesser degree if animal products are marketed. Many of the soils of this
county are infertile because of an acidity which presents the proper development
of soil bacteria, which introduces a new feature in soil study.
Nitrogen enters into all plant food as nitrates of the other elements as sodium,
potassium, etc. This nitrifying of the crude soil elements, which in the ground
are generally oxides and silicates, is the work of certain minute plants so called
though they very strongly resemble animals in many parts, called bacteria. These
must be present in any soil in enormous number to make a soil fertile and oxl-
24 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
gen breathing. So an open loose soil is necessary to growth, hence watering on
the surface during a time of drouth without a frequent subsequent stirring of
the soil is detrimental in consequence of the fact that a crust is formed, but
if shallow plowing is done, ditches are allowed to form and hay and straw as
well as grain are sold, then the black soil grows less and finally disappears.
Then we have a soil that is unproductive and in which bacteria are helpless,
and the moisture can not be retained during the period of drouth.
Some of our soils, especially along the western side, where glaciation was
thin are formed of slaked limestone. These are never sour and although quite
red and lacking in humus are friable and very fertile but generally fail to pro-
duce as much at harvest as they promised in the spring because of the nearness
to rock and lack of a stiff subsoil. This kind of red clay with cherty flints in
it is called residua and is formed by the slaking of the limestone, leaving the
sand, iron (which oxidizing colors it red) and the flints that are the cherty
white layers that separated the strata in the rock before its disintegration.
Soils that produced walnut, elm or maple far exceed those that bore oak and
poplar in fertility. The presence of hazel on land is a good sign, while the ad-
vent of certain weeds indicate a loss of nitrogen most marked of which is the
horse sorrel (Rumex Acetosella). This plant springs up in old timothy mead-
ows when they have exhausted the nitrates.
Besides the reclamation of overflow lands, to which allusion has already been
made, other things remain to be done for the conservation of our resources
and the prevention of the loss of our present fertility, among which are : The pur-
chase of rock phosphate to replace the loss of phosphorus of which mention
has been made; better cultivation, to allow aeration of the soil and by means
of a dust mulch to conserve the moisture until it is needed ; proper rotation is
also essential, as it is evident that in the selection of plant food the plant leaves
in the soil something toxic to itself that is of no injury to other plants so the
more perfect the rotation and the oftener the return to some leguminaceus plant,
as clover, and the more thorough the cultivation before and after planting the
greater will be the return in dollars and cents to the agriculturist. And the
greater the prosperity of the farmer the greater that of everybody.
WELLS AND WATER SUPPLY.
•The rock surface of Stephenson County is for the most part covered with
glacial drift. This deposit of clays, alluvium, loess, sands, gravel and silt has
an average depth of 32 1-3 feet. The drift is not thick enough to conceal the
main preglacial valleys. In these old valleys and in ridges, eskers and knolls,
the drift is often over 100 feet in depth. In such places the drift affords a
sufficient water supply.
A large number of wells in the county reach down into Galena limestone.
A few of the deeper wells pass through Galena limestone and find their water
supply in the St. Peter's sandstone, which, at Freeport, is no to 130 feet below
the Pecatonica flood plain. The Baier and Ohlendorf well is 186 feet deep,
and draws its supply from St. Peter's sandstone. It passed through 86 feet
of drift. The Stover Manufacturing Company has a well through 100 feet of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 25
drift into St. Peter's sandstone. A well at the vinegar works penetrated 85
feet of drift. Wells in East Freeport 30 to 50 feet in depth do not reach the
Galena limestone.
The following wells will give an idea of the depth of drift and its value as
a source of water supply in different localities:
Sec. 12 T 26 R?E depth 100 feet. Drift 98 feet.
Sec. 14 T 26 R/E depth 100 feet. Drift 100 feet.
Sec 12 T 26 R7E depth 192 feet. Drift 17 feet.
Sec. 14 T 26 R;E depth 248 feet. Drift 65 feet.
Sec. 36 T 26 R/E depth 186 feet. Drift 46 feet.
St. Peter's sandstone is a good source of water supply. The principal in-
take of this formation is in southern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.
The principal source of our water supply is in the cranberry marshes of Wis-
consin where the St. Peter's and Potsdam sandstones outcrop. There in twenty
counties in large part, the water is near the surface, and is absorbed by the
sandy soil. The tilt of the sandstones is in this direction, being about 150 feet
below the surface here. The water filters its way down into this county and
rises through faults and crevices in the Trenton limestone, especially the
Galena. The quality of the water is good, and its quantity copious. The up-
per Trenton or Galena limestone is a magnesian limestone of more porous char-
acter and yields an abundance of good water, but is occasionally highly charged
with hydrogen sulphide, which renders it disagreeable to the taste and lim-
its its use as a potable water. The Freeport Water Company gets its
supply from wells in the drift along the Pecatonica and from deep wells
65 feet into St. Peter's sandstone. The wells are 201 feet deep, passing through
100 feet of the Trenton limestone, the Galena, the Blue and the Buff.
In 1895, the water of the Freeport Water Company acquired a bad taste
and odor. After considerable investigation, Supt. O. T. Smith discovered that
the cause was. a growth of floating matter in the mains, known as well thread
or Crenothix Kuhmiana. Mr. Smith also found that such growth required
about 30% per million of iron solution in the water. The only remedy was to
prohibit the growth by reducing the amount of iron in the water. The com-
pany then put in a filter plant, in which lime water, two to four grains of lime
per gallon, was used. In an address before the 24th annual meeting of the
American Water Works Association at St. Louis, June, 1904, Supt. Smith
stated that the result of the filter plant was that the iron was reduced to an
average of about .04 parts per million, while the carbonic acid gas was re-
moved and the water softened 13 to 15%. In six months the growth in the
mains had absolutely stopped.
FOSSILS OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
A fossil is any evidence of the former existence of a living being. Strati-
fied rocks are sediments accumulated in ancient seas, lakes, deltas, etc. Shells
were imbedded in the shore deposits. Leaves, logs and bones of land animals
were swept into swamps and buried in mud. Tracks were formed on muddy
26 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
shores by animals. These marks, shells logs, etc., have been preserved in
stratified rocks.
In the Niagara limestones at Waddams, are found the Cyathophyllum, two
or three species of Favosites and some imperfect Halysites. In the Cincinnati
limestones of this county, but few fossils are found. Near Loran are found the
Orthis Testitudinaria and the Orthis Occidentalis. In the Galena limestone is
found the characteristic Receptaculites Oweni, commonly called "lead blos-
som" and "Sunflower Coral." This fossil is found in large numbers at Cedar-
ville and Freeport. It crumbles readily and good specimens are difficult to
secure. Receptaculites orbicularis is also found in the Freeport quarry. The
fossils most commonly found are species of Murchisonia, Orthocera, Orthis,
Plentomaria, small Bellerophons and Ambonychia. Some of the thin shaly
strata of the blue limestone are full of small sized Orthis. Fragmentary stems
of encrinites are found. A specimen of Receptaculites Oweni was found in
the blue limestone at Rock Run bridge. Many well preserved casts of fossils
are found in the Buff limestone : Pleurotomaria subconica ; Orthoceras, five or
six inches in diameter, and some six feet long ; Oncoceras pandion ; two species
of Tellinomya.
Hershey collected the following loess fossils which were identified by Dr.
W. H. Dall of the United States Geological Survey: Vallonia Costata Mull;
Vallonia perspectiva Sterki ; Zonotoides arboreus ; Vitrea hammonis ; Indentata ;
Pyramidula Alternata ; Pyramidula Striatella ; Helicodiscus lineatus ; Polygyra
hirsita ; Strobilops virgo ; Bifidaria Contracta ; Bifidaria Corticaria ; Bifidaria Ar-
mifera; Bifidaria holzingera; Vertigo tridentata; Succinea avara; Carychium
exiguum ; Carychium exiguum ; Carychium exile. All the above are Terristial
species. The following are Fluviatile species (gill bearing) : Pleurocera subu-
late ; Campeloma decisa ; Bythinella termipes ; Armicola Cincinnattiensis ; Arn-
nicola porata ; Somatagyrus depressus ; Valvata tricarinata.
The Fluviatile bivalves (some occasionally in ponds) ; Pissidium compressum ;
Pissidium Cruciatum ; Pissidium fallax ; Pissidium punctatum ; Pissidium Vari-
able ; Pissidium risginicum ; Pissidium walkeri ; Spaerium starninaeum ; Sphaerium
striatinum; Sphaerium simile; Sphaerium solidulum. Of the pond species, ait
breathing (some Fluviatile): Planobis parous; Planobis bicarinatus ; Physa he-
terostropha ; Segmentina armigera ; Limnaea humilis ; Ancylus tardus ; Ancylus
rivularis ; Ancylus parallelus.
SUMMARY.
Quaternary Deposits. — The Quaternary deposits cover the county to an aver-
age depth of 32 1/3 feet. Along the narrow bottoms of the Pocatonica there is
a strip of Alluvium proper. In places it is two miles in width. Alluvium is also
noticeable along Yellow Creek and some of the smaller streams. Along some of
the hills and bluffs there is to be found the loess marls. The Alluvium and
the loess are found in small quantities, the main part of the superficial detritus
consisting of sands, silt, clays and gravels of the drift period.
Where the rock surface is near the top of the ground, a part of the deposit
is of the nature of the underlying rock. In such cases after passing through
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 27
the black soil, there is a clayey subsoil, then reddish brown clay, mixed with
flints and pieces of cherty limestone, then clay and limestone in regular stratifica-
tion, the limestone becoming more regular, thicker and harder in the descent till
solid rock is reached. The clays above the Cincinnati shales are of chocolate
color, finer in texture and freer from sand. These are evidently residuary soils.
The county, however, is practically overlaid by the work of the ice sheets of
the drift period. The prairies north and east of Waddams Grove are marked
by numberless boulders, some black, some flame colored and others combining
the colors of metamorphic rock. Many of these boulders are beautiful and
many colored. These boulders were torn out by the ice sheets in Wisconsin or
in Canada, and carried along, being finally deposited here. Elsewhere are to be
found the silt deposits, the eskers, and boulder clays above described.
NIAGARA LIMESTONE.
The Niagara limestone is found only in the western and southwestern part of
county. It, no doubt, at one time covered a large part of the county but was
broken up and carried southward by the great ice sheets. Waddams Grove, a
high tract of land two or three miles long and a mile or two wide, is capped by
the Niagara formation. Here quarries have been worked twenty-five feet deep,
into the Cincinnati shales. The top layers of Niagara are thick, irregular, speck-
led and porous, but the bottom layers are compact and solid. A slender, rotten
fossil, Cyathofillum, was found in these quarries.
Niagara also outcrops in the southwestern part of the county. It is the under-
lying for most of that part of the county, south of Yellow Creek and west of the
Illinois Central Railroad. Small streams flowing into Yellow Creek cut through
Niagara into the Cincinnati shales. At Big Springs, in LaShell Hollow, consid-
erable Niagara stone has been quarried. Quantities of some of the rougher
Niagara corals are found strewn over the hills about Loran. These are Favosites
and Halysites.
THE CINCINNATI LIMESTONES.
The Cincinnati limestones are found just beneath the Niagara at WaddamSj
and is about 40 feet thick. Eleroy hill is covered by the Cincinnati layers. Here
a quarry outcrop is over 40 feet deep. The Catholic church is built out of the
stone of this quarry. On the north side there is a bold and steep escapment, a
marked feature of the landscape. The hills about the village of Loran are covered
to their tops by this formation. Many quarries are opened in the face of the hills
and fair building stone is secured. Like the Niagara, a large part of the Cincin-
nati was eroded and carried away by the ice sheets. Just north of Baileyville,
Crane's Grove, occupying several sections, is underlaid by Cincinnati. Quarries
afford foundation stone. About Loran the fossils Orthis testutdinaria and Or-
this Occidentalis are found.
28 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
TRENTON LIMESTONES.
The Trenton limestones are the Galena, the Blue (Trenton proper) and the
Buff limestones. All three of the Trentons outcrop in Stephenson County. The
Galena, the upper division, is essentially a coarse grained granular, crystalline,
porous dolomite which weathers into exceedingly rough, pitted, irregular forms.
It is the underlying rock of about £4 of Stephenson County. It is found beneath
the Cincinnati limestones at Waddams and Eleroy. Quarries and lime kilns have
been operated near Lena. A heavy section of Galena is found in Freeport, in the
northwest corner of the city near the Illinois Central Railroads. Three ex-
tensive quarries have been worked, which have furnished material for lime and
building purposes. The top layers are soft and crumble in the hand. The quar-
ries are shaly towards the top but grow massive and solid as they are worked
into. These quarries are worked 30 ft. or more. Three miles southwest of
Freeport, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad cuts through Galena.
Three miles northwest of Freeport is a similar cut. A mile to the west is another
Galena cut, 1,000 feet long and 24 feet deep. Here the rock is covered by ten
feet of the usual gravelly clay. About a mile west of Rock City, is another
cut, 350 yards long and at the deepest point, 15 feet into the solid stone. Here
the rock is hard, glassy and conchoidal in Fracture and approaches the Blue or
Trenton proper. One-half mile further on and near Rock City is a 12 foot cut
through the real Blue limestone. East of Dakota at the railroad bridge is a 24
footcut through Galena, and Blue limestones. Here may be seen the Yellow
Galena, passing into the Blue. One-fourth of a mile east of Davis is cut through
Galena, 1,000 feet long and 31 feet deep, 24 feet of which is solid limestone,
slightly bluish and conchoidal in fracture.
The Pecatonica River after about five miles from the Wisconsin line, cuts
into the Galena limestone. At McConnell an outcrop has been worked. Rich-
land and Cedar Creeks expose the Galena their entire lengths, at many points
heavy outcrops and escapements stand out in bold relief. At Cedarville the out-
crop is 75 feet thick. A large quarry opened here furnished the stone for Adam's
milldam. There ^is a twenty foot quarry at Buena Vista. There are expostures
and quarries also at Scioto Mills. Crane's Creek, at the west end of Crane's
Grove, cuts into the Galena.
An interesting outcrop of Galena is observed near Burroak Grove, half way
between Lena and Winslow. Several small quarries have been opened on the hill
tops west of the grove. Southeast of Rock City a 24 foot exposure is operated.
There are outcroppings in Ridott and Oneco townships. Stephenson County, be-
tween the Pecatonica River and Yellow Creek, except a small strip east and south
of Winslow, and the Niagara at Waddams, the Cincinnati at Eleroy, Kent and
along the banks of Yellow Creek, is underlaid by Galena limestone. The south-
eastern part of the county, nearly up to the Pecatonica and almost to the Illinois
Central, is also underlaid by Galena, with the exception of a strip along the
southeastern corner and a few points in the eastern part of Silver Creek town-
ship. Galena limestone fossils found in the county are, Receptaculites Oweni ;
Receptaculites orbicularis; Nurchisonia; Orthocera; Orthis; Pleurotomania ;
Bellerophon and Ambonychia.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 29
BLUE LIMESTONE.
The Blue limestone, the middle division of the Trenton group, is not found
extensively in Stephenson County as surface rock. Rock run cuts into Blue lime-
stone soon after entering the county and along its banks until within a mile or
two of its mouth shows Blue outcroppings. Some of the rocky banks are over-
capped with Galena. At the Milwaukee railroad bridge over Rock run the Blue
is thirty-nine feet thick. The lower part is very blue. One and a half miles
below is a quarry opened in a 25 foot cut.
BUFF LIMESTONE.
The only place in the county where Buff limestone is the underlying rock
is about Winslow. The outcrop is heavier at Martin's Mill in Wisconsin. The
Winslow quarry is about 30 feet deep and the one at Martin's Mill is 38 feet.
On either side of this strip are the outcroppings of Galena. The fossils are
Pleurotomania subconica; a large Orthoceras, five or six inches in diameter, and
some six feet long; a Cypricardites ; Oncoceras pandion; two species of Telli-
nomya, and a few others.
ST. PETER'S SANDSTONE.
This is a soft, white sandstone, at places over 200 feet thick. It is found
below the buff of the Trenton series. It is 134 feet below the surface at the
Freeport Water Company's plant, 168 feet below at Cedarville and comes to
the surface near Winslow. It outcrops largely in Wisconsin and also in LaSalle
County, 111., where it is used as a glass sand.
ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY.
The chief economic value of the geological formations of Stephenson County
is in the agricultural resources of the soil. Next in value, probably, is the water
supply in the drift, the Galena limestone and St. Peter's sandstone. Certain
portions of the Galena, Blue and Buff limestones have been successfully burned
into lime of fair quality. The reddish clays over the Galena limestones make
excellent red brick. A tough, tenacious fireclay which underlies the peat marshes
has been made into a light colored brick, but this industry has not been developed.
BUILDING STONE.
The Niagara is quarried in several places and is a handsome colored, endur-
ing, building material. But it is of irregular stratification which makes it un-
shapely and unmanageable. Barn foundations, houses and bridge abutments
are made from quarries from Cincinnati rock about Eleroy and Kent. Some
of the lower strata are massive and very hard.
Galena limestone is a good material for the heavier kinds of masonry. When
dressed and well laid, it seasons into great hardness. Almost all the stone work
30 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
in Freeport is of Galena from the Freeport quarries. It is used extensively in
foundations. Several store buildings are built of it. The best example of Ga-
lena and probably the most imposing architecture in Freeport is the First Pres-
byterian church at the corner of Stephenson and Walnut Streets. The Blue and
the Buff afford as good building stone as is to be found in this part of Illinois,
but are not used extensively because of the vast amount of useless surface ma-
terials to be removed.
The day will come, no doubt, when the greatest value of Stephenson County
stone will be in road-building. Crushed stone has been used extensively in mak-
ing the bed for brick streets and in making macadam streets in Freeport. Out-
croppings of stone are well distributed over the county and in this way nature
has provided a means for making permanent hard roads.
MINERALS.
There is but little mineral wealth to be found in Stephenson County. A
little bog-iron ore is to be found in the swamps. Small pieces of float copper
have been found in the drift, having been carried down from the Lake Superior
region by the ice sheets. Small quantities of common lead ore have been taken
from the ground. Considerable prospecting has developed the fact that lead
mining is not a profitable business in the county because there is no lead. Years
ago a lead crevice was developed without success near the mouth of Yellow
Creek. Pieces as large as the fist have been taken out of quafries near Lena,
A Freeport company secured several hundred pounds in Oneco township thirty
years ago.
PEAT.
Peat is a more or less compact mass of vegatable matter formed in swamps
It is an early stage of coal formation. In Township 26, range 9, a bed of 50
acres was found by Shaw. It was 3 to 6 feet deep and underlaid by fire clay.
Almost every swamp south of Yellow Creek has some peat formations. Small
beds have been found about Lena and Ridott. The best peat bed is in the town-
ship of Florence, between section 25 and 26. It is 40 rods wide and over 100
rods long, and contains about 50 acres. It is from 6 to 9 feet deep. Peat may
be used as fuel and as fertilizer. When mixed with ashes or lime, it becomes
a good fertilizer. If peat compressing machinery is perfected, these beds may be
profitably developed.
A machine has been invented which presses 50 tons of peat a day. Recent
experiments show that where peat contains over i% of nitrogen, the value of
ammonia as a by-product will more than pay the expense of extracting the gas,
leaving the latter as clear profit. Prof. Fernald of the Geological Survey found
that Europe uses ten million tons of peat annually as fuel. In Sweden,
power plants are located in the peat bogs, and electric current transferred to
the cities. Prof. Dans, also of the United Geological Survey, says "The day is
near at hand when American cities away from the coal fields and near peat
bogs, will obtain their power and light from peat." Work has already begun
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 31
in Florida on a plant for generating electric power by producer-gas engines,
using air dried peat as a fuel. The value of peat in the United States is estimated
at $39,000,000,000. Peat also makes incomparable coke, being nearly free from
phosphorus and sulphur. It is of utmost value in metallurgical reductions —
iron-smelting, steel making and copper refining. Peat by-products are illuminat-
ing and lubricating oils, paraffin wax, phenol, asphalt, wood alcohol, acetic acid,
ammonia sulphate, and combustible gases. In Europe, great quantities of fibrous
peat are used in bedding live stock. It is superior to straw and an Indiana fac-
tory is now making a product of this kind that sells for $12.00 a ton. In
Michigan, paper is made from peat ; in Germany it is used for packing, insula-
tion, etc., and in Norway is made into ethyl alcohol.
THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
The Black Hawk War was an inevitable conflict between the advancing tide
of American civilization and a quarrelsome band of Indians. The Sacs and the
Foxes had been inependent tribes in Canada near Montreal. Both tribes were
troublesome and like other American Indians they drifted westward before the
onward moving wave of frontier settlement. In Wisconsin the remnants of Sacs
and Foxes united to form a confederation. As a confederacy, they became in-
volved in frequent wars with their neighbors. They moved southward and lo-
cated finally in the valley of the Rock River, with headquarters near the present
site of Rock Island.
At the close of the Revolutionary War, the settlers from the Thirteen Colonies
pushed their way over the Appalachian Mountains and out into the great Mis-
sissippi Valley. The Ordinance of 1787 provided civil government for the
Northwest Territory and Illinois was admitted as a state in 1818. The northern
part of the state received many new settlers after the war of 1812. Small bands
of Indians had occupied almost every part of the state. The United States
government had bought up the claims of these Indians and had moved most of
them west of the Mississippi.
The Indian lands were then open to settlement and as the scattered outposts
of hardy pioneers pushed farther north and west the inevitable conflict between
the Rock River Indians and the people of Illinois became evident. The valley of
the Rock River and its tributaries had long been the undisputed hunting ground
of the confederacy of the Sacs and the Foxes. Part of this country was occupied
by the Winnebagoes, the Kickapoos, and other small tribes, all of whom were
subordinate to the power of the Sacs and Foxes. Following the beautiful val-
leys of the Rock, the Pecatonica, and the Wisconsin, roamed unmolested, the
hunting parties of Indians in free enjoyment of the wild life of the savage.
Here and there in favored fertile spots, the squaws planted their corn and In-
dian villages prospered. Occasionally, bands of braves in war paint and feathers
went out to make war on the Sioux, the lowas, the Osages, or the Cherokees.
Too often murderous bands, many times inspired by British agents, went on
long journeys to the south and east, robbing and killing among the defenseless
outlying settlements. Traders, trappers and adventurers had brought the Sacs
and the Foxes and the Winnebagoes in touch with the skirmish line of advanc-
32 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ing settlements. But the Indian had come to regard the country as his own.
Annually the chiefs and braves went over the old "Sauk" trail which ran from
Rock Island through Joliet, to Maiden, to meet the British father from whom
they received gifts and gold. But the white man crossed the trail of the surly
Indian when settlements were made at Galena, and around Ottawa and Joliet.
Frontier difficulties soon arose that ended only with the final defeat of Black
Hawk, August 2, 1832.
The lead mines proved to be the magnet that drew the rapid advance of the
frontier line to the Rock River. The Indians had already found the lead, and
in a rude way, the squaws had worked the mines. In 1819, the first white settle-
ment was made at Galena. Others came in 1820 and soon adventurers poured
into the lead regions from all quarters of the world. Some came up the Mis-
sissippi River and some overland from Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and
Tennessee, via Vincennes and Peoria, through the unbroken wilderness. The
increasing overland travel caused O. W. Kellog to break a trail from Peoria
to Galena in the spring of 1827. "KellogY' trail crossed the Rock River at
Dixon, passed near Polo, Ogle County, through "Kellog's Grove" now "Timms
Grove," Erin Township, Stephenson County, then by way of Apple River Fort
to Galena.
In 1828, Joseph Ogee established a ferry at Dixon and this same year,
John Dixon made a contract with the United States government to carry the
mail from Peoria to Galena. In 1830, Dixon bought the ferry from Ogee, built
a house and moved his family to Dixon. He conducted the ferry, a store and
a hotel.
Along Kellog's trail came two classes of settlers into northwestern Illinois:
the soldiers from the Eastern States, released by the close of the War of 1812,
and the men from North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. They came with
their families to found permanent homes. They were schooled in the hard-
ships and dangers of the camp and the frontier, and were not likely to be over-
patient with Indians who crossed their purposes. Only the brave and the hardy
dared the perils of pioneer travel and frontier life. In 1829, many settlers occu-
pied the fertile plains about the mouth of Rock River. President Jackson
ordered a government survey which included Black Hawk's village and fields.
A proclamation was issued opening these lands to settlement. Frequent quar-
rels across between the settlers and the Indians and each in turn devastated the
fields of the other.
In April, 1830, a petition signed by thirty-seven settlers was sent to Gov-
ernor John Reynolds, asking protection from the Indians. Governor Reynolds
took up the matter with William Clark, the Federal Indian superintendent at
St. Louis, and with General Gaines, and the Indian agent at Rock Island, Felix
St. Vrain. These officials testified that every effort had been made to persuade
the Indians to move across the Mississippi into Iowa. Most of the Indian chiefs
including Keokuk, Wapello, head chief of the Foxes and Pash-e-pa-ho, of the
Sacs, had agreed to abandon the Rock River lands peaceably. They also re-
ported that the opposition arose from a brave, called Black Hawk, who had
much influence with the quarrelsome element among the Sacs and Foxes. At a
conference with General Gaines at Rock Island, Keokuk, Wapello and other
BLACK HAWK
IXPIAXS ATTACKING A STOCKADE
LIBRARY
OF THE
OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 33
chiefs advised Black Hawk to move into Iowa and to avoid trouble with the
whites. But because of his hatred for the Americans and his jealousy of Keokuk,
the warning fell on deaf ears. When General Gaines asked at that conference,
"Who is Black Hawk?" the old Indian replied: "I will tell you who I am. I
am a Sac. I am a warrior. Ask those young men who have followed me to
battle, and they will tell you who Black Hawk is ; provoke our people to war and
you will learn who Black Hawk is." So, on April 6, 1832, Black Hawk, with
five hundred braves with their women and children, crossed the Mississippi and
took possession of their old hunting grounds and cornfields along the banks of
Rock River in Illinois. Black Hawk said they had come to plant corn. That
meant war, and the Americans were to know who Black Hawk was. The gaunt-
let was thrown down to people sure to take it up.
Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-she-kia-kiak, was now sixty-five years old. He
was born in a Sac village on the Rock River, three miles from the Mississippi.
His father, Py-e-sa, was the medicine man of the tribe. Black Hawk was five
feet, eleven inches tall and weighed one hundred and forty pounds. His features
were marked by high cheek bones, a Roman nose, a sharp chin and black spark-
ling eyes. He was a typical Indian fighter, skilled in strategy and magnetic in
leadership of his braves. Even his severest critics admit that he was an excel-
lent husband and father and that he was honest with his own people. But he
was constitutionally an "Insurgent." He was ready to command and to lead, but
he was loath to obey. Fretted by restraint and envious of chiefs above him,
he was quarrelsome and a seeker of trouble. He was brave in battle but as an
organizer, he fell far short of Phillip of Pokanoket, Pontiac or Tecumseh.
Little is known of Black Hawk's -early life except what he tells in his auto-
biography. He says he was permitted to wear paint and feathers at fifteen be-
cause he wounded an enemy in battle. He always possessed a warlike spirit
and was never so happy as when leading a band of young Indians to battle.
At sixteen, he killed an Osage in battle and thereafter was permitted to join in
the scalp dances of the braves. He led frequent expeditions against the Osages,
the Cherokees, the lowas, the Sioux, the Chippewas and the Kaskaskias, almost
always returning with many scalps of his own taking, which seems to Rave been
the sole object of many of his attacks.
From the Revolutionary War to 1803, Black Hawk's warlike tendencies were
encouraged from two sources : from his Spanish father at St. Louis and from
his British father at Maiden. He received presents and money from both. From
both he drank deep of the hatred of the Americans. When St. Louis passed
to the Americans in 1803, Black Hawk was sorry because he would see his
Spanish father no more. All this time along the extended frontier of the New
Republic, British agents incited Indians to prey upon the American pioneers with
scalping knife and rifle. Black Hawk earned his share of British gold in these
murderous enterprises.
November 3d, 1804, under direction of President Jefferson, General William
Henry Harrison met the chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes at St. Louis and made a
treaty by which the confederacy ceded to the United States, all the Sac and Fox
claims east of the Mississippi, amounting to over fifty million acres. In return
the Indians were to receive lands in Jowa, $2,000.00 in supplies and a $1,000.00
34 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
annuity. Section 4 of the treaty binds the United States never to interrupt the
Sacs and Foxes in their Iowa lands. The treaty was signed by William Henry
Harrison; Layowvois, Pashepaho, the Stabber; Quashquame, the Jumping Fish;
Outchequaha, the Sun Fish; Hashequavhiqua, the Bear, in the presence of wit-
nesses and interpreters. The United States had made a treaty of friendship
with the Sacs and Foxes in 1789, and this treaty of 1804 seemed to be as fair
a treaty as Indian tribes of that day could expect from Americans or any other
nation. Besides, frequent hunting expeditions into Iowa had already proved that
that country was better fishing and hunting land than Illinois. There was no
general complaint against the treaty by the chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes.
But the surly Black Hawk did not recognize the treaty of 1804. He claimed
that the chiefs were made drunk before they signed the treaty. He said the
American, General William Henry Harrison, said one thing and put another
thing on the paper. British agents were active at this period and, no doubt, did
all in their power to foster Black Hawk's discontent and antagonism for the
Americans. In 1810, over one hundred Sacs visited the British agent at Huron
and returned with presents, stores, rifles, powder and lead. Acting on the ad-
vice of the British, Black Hawk joined Tecumseh against General Harrison
in 1811. On his return from the battle of Tippecanoe, Black Hawk attacked
Fort Madison, on the Mississippi River below Rock Island. Failing to take the
Fort by assault, he resorted to treachery and was foiled only by the exposure
of the plot by a young woman who had formed an attachment for a soldier
in the Fort.
During the War of 1812, after the surrender of Detroit by Hull, Black Hawk
with two hundred braves joined the British against the Americans. He was as-
signed as aid to Tecumseh. Evidently he did not relish general, open war on the
battlefield, for he said then that he preferred to descend the Mississippi River
and make war on the settlements. He soon found, to his sorrow, that the
Americans could fight although the British had told him they would not. Be-
cause the British met with poor success and because he received no "plunder,"
he returned to the Rock River in 1814, after the battle of the Thames, deserting
in the night.
Black Hawk now satisfied his desire to slay by inciting and leading raids
against defenseless frontiers. In 1814, he defeated Major Zachary Taylor and
again defeated the Americans in the battle of the Sink Hole in 1815. At Black
Hawk's instigation, defenseless men, women and children were murdered in their
homes and their bodies horribly mutilated.
Word that General Andrew Jackson was organizing an army to move against
the Sacs, brought the chiefs to terms in the Treaty Portage des Sioux in 1815.
This treaty ratified the treaty of 1804. Twenty chiefs signed the treaty but
Black Hawk again gave evidence of his intense bitterness toward the Americans
by refusing to affix his mark. The next year, however, 1816, he signed the
Treaty in St. Louis, thus ratifying the Treaty of Transfer of 1804. Later the
wily old malcontent said he did not know the contents of the treaty he had
signed and would not obey its terms. In 1820, he kept the British flag flying
over his village. In 1822, 24 and 25, he signed other treaties all of which recog-
nized the Cession Treaty of 1804.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 35
In 1831, Black Hawk crossed into Illinois. General Gaines and Governor
Reynolds cooperated to defend the settlements. Volunteer companies were or-
ganized and marched from Central Illinois to the Mississippi, near Rock Island.
Black Hawk quickly came to terms and with twenty-seven chiefs and warriors
representing the British band, some Kickapoos, Pottawattomies and Winne-
bagoes, and the United Sacs and Fox Nations. In this treaty Black Hawk
agreed to remain west of the Mississippi in lasting friendship with the United
States. His women and children were destitute and General Gaines and Gov.
Reynolds supplied them with provisions to last till the next harvest.
Soon after signing the treaty of June 30, 1831, Black Hawk again showed
his perfidy. He began almost at once to attempt to organize an Indian Con-
federacy to fight the whites. His emissaries, besides visiting nearby tribes, were
sent to Canada and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. One of his emissaries,
Neapope, returning from Canada, stopped at the camp of the Prophet Wa-bo-
ki-a-shiek, on Rock River, forty miles from its mouth. After going through his
incantations, the prophet saw a vision and said "If Black Hawk makes war
against the whites, he will be joined by the Great Spirit and by a great army
of worldings, and will vanquish the whites." Thus was encouraged the spirit
of resistance that would not die out in the old enemy of the advancing civilization.
Against the advice of the chiefs of both Sacs and the Foxes and in viola-
tion of treaties of his own hand, Black Hawk determined to return to Illinois
in the spring of 1832. But whatever dreams he may have had of Tjeing another
Phillip of Pokanoket, or Pontiac, or Tecumseh, vanished. No tribes rallied
about his standard. His failure as an organizer was followed by an ill-fated
error in judgment. With a few hundred of his British band, he forced the
issue against overwhelming odds and led his people to starvation, defeat and
annihilation.
This was Black Hawk's record when, in 1832, he recrossed the Mississippi
with his five hundred men, his women and children, and took possession of
lands along the Rock River. By numerous treaties, the Sacs and Foxes had
agreed to retire beyond the Mississippi. These tribes had taken up their lands
in Iowa and for the most part had remained friends of the Americans. They
had received $27,0x30.00 in supplies — Black Hawk never failing to take his share
from the hated Americans. At this time, 1832, he was advised by his own chiefs
not to go to war with the United States. He was not a chief, only a brave who
was always able to rally to his standard the discontented warriors who were bent
on plunder and murder. He was a chronic grumbler, a mercenary in the pay
of the British, fought with Tecumseh at Tippecanoe, aided the British in the
War of 1812, and was a free lance among the Sacs and Foxes whose hands
were stained with the blood of many a defenseless frontier family. The war
he chose to begin in 1832 was not a war by the confederated Sacs and Foxes, but
a personal campaign by Black Hawk and his British band. Nor is it true that
he was a patriot fighting for the possession of the villages, the hunting grounds
and the burial places of his people ; for he, himself, says he offered to give up the
Illinois land for a $10.000.00 cash payment to himself — a cheap sort of pa-
triotism. The history of the dealings of the United States government with this
Indian, taken together with his own statement, leaves no ground for emotional
36 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
sympathy of Americans who laud him and flaunt his memory before us by erect-
ing his statue in public places. It was this Black Hawk who brought about this
final inevitable conflict in 1832 and struck terror to the hearts of the families of
the pioneers of Northwestern Illinois.
FRONTIER LIFE IN 1832.
A few illustrations will give a clear portrayal of the frontier life about the
borders of Stephenson County at the opening of Black Hawk's War. The set-
tlers who had built their homes in Southern Wisconsin, in Jo Daviess County and
along the Rock River, thus bringing civilization to our doors, were not strangers
to the penalty of frontier life and the havoc of Indian warfare. The family
history of most of those men and women contained many a sad chapter that told
of murder of loved ones by marauding bands of stealthy red men. Life was a
stern reality to these people who lived, for the most part, in close proximity to
forts to which they frequently fled to escape the hatchet and the scalping knife.
in the light of the history of those days, the attitude of the men of that day
towards the Indians is not difficult to understand. General A. C. Dodge gives a
good illustration. In a public address he said: "In the settlement of Kentucky,
five of my father's brothers fell under the Indian hatchet. I saw one of my
uncles bear to the fort on horseback, the dead and bleeding body of his brother.
My own brother, Henry LaFayette Dodge, was burned to death at the stake."
In those days in Northwestern Illinois every home was a fort and the farmers
plowed the field "with a rifle lashed to the" beam." In describing the life of the
pioneers in his "Sketches of the West," James Hall says: "They left behind
them all the comforts of life. They brought but little furniture, but few farm-
ing implements and no store of provisions. At first they depended for subsist-
ence on the game of the forest. They ate fresh meat without salt, without vege-
tables and often without bread ; and they slept in cabins hastily erected, of green
logs, exposed to much of the inclemency of the weather. They found them-
selves assailed, in situations where medical assistance could not be procured, by
diseases of sudden development and fatal in character. The savage was watch-
ing, with malignant vigilance, to grasp every opportunity to harass the intruder
into the hunting grounds of his fathers. Sometimes he contented himself by seiz-
ing the horses or driving away the cattle, depriving the wretched family of the
means of support, reserving the consumation of his vengeance to a future oc-
casion; sometimes with a subtle refinement of cruelty, the Indian warrior crept
into the settlement by stealth, and created universal dismay by stealing away a
child, or robbing the family of the wife and mother; sometimes the father was
the victim and the widow and the orphans were thrown on the protection of
friends who were never deaf to the claims of the unfortunate, while as often
the yelling band surrounded the peaceful cabin at the midnight hour, applied
the fire brand to the slight fabrics and murdered the whole of its defenseless
inmates."
Not far from Ottawa occurred the "Big Indian Creek Massacre," by three
of Black Hawk's braves and seventy Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes. In 1830,
William Davis had built a cabin and set up a blacksmith shop on the creek.
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 37
Among the settlers who came later with their families, were John and J. H.
Henderson, Allen Howard, William Pettigrew and William Hall. Shabona,
a chief of the Winnebagoes, observed the plot of the Indians and on a perilous
ride, warned every settler and hastened to the fort at Ottawa. But the warning
was not heeded. At four o'clock, May 20, 1832, the savages burst into the
door yards of the settlements. Pettigrew, Hall and Norris were soon killed,
Davis fought to the end, but fell at last in a determined hand to hand struggle.
The women were slaughtered with spears and knives and tomahawks, the
Indians laughing with fiendish glee, as they afterwards said, because the women
squawked like ducks when run through with a spear or stabbed with a knife.
One Indian seized a four year old child by the feet and dashed its brains out
on a stump. Two savages held the hands of the little Davis boy while another
Indian shot him. Two boys escaped and two girls, Rachel and Sylvia Hall,
aged seventeen and fifteen respectively, were carried away by the red men.
Settlers at Ottawa returned with the boys the next day. They found some
with their hearts cut out and others mutilated beyond description. All were
buried in one grave, without coffin or box. Young Hall enlisted in a company
and marched through Stephenson County in search of his sisters, camping
at Kellog's Grove. After a terrible experience of eleven days, the girls were
rescued on June ist.
When Black Hawk returned in 1832, Rev. James Sample and his wife fled
over the old Sauk Trail, but were overtaken by the Indians. The preacher
plead in vain for them to spare his wife. Both were tied to trees, fagots were
piled about them, fire was kindled and as the victims struggled in the flames, the
red men danced with joy.
Near Gratiot's Grove, William Aubrey was shot from ambush by a party
of Sacs. He was returning from a spring with a pail of water. On June i4th,
five men — SpafFord, Searles, Spencer, Mcllwaine, and an Englishman — were
murdered and their bodies mutilated by Indians, six miles southeast of Fort
Hamilton, near the border of Stephenson County, on Spafford's farm.
Mr. Franklin Reed of Pontiac wrote in 1877 about the fear of Indian dep-
redations. His father moved to Buffalo Grove, now Polo, 111., in 1831, built a
cabin in four days, put out a garden and broke the prairie for crops. Once in
1831, the family fled to Apple River Fort in Jo Daviess County. In the spring
of 1832, Black Hawk's warriors were again prowling around, more surly than
usual and the family fled to Dixon.
Such was pioneer life in Northwestern Illinois, when Black Hawk's band in
small parties carried pillage and murder to the scattered settlements. Their
depredations extended from Rock Island to Rockford and from Ottawa to
Galena and to Mineral Point, Wisconsin. The issue was sharply drawn. The
United States and the government of Illinois must drive Black Hawk beyond
the Mississippi or the settlers must continue to be harassed and murdered by the
Indians.
When the old Indian crossed into Illinois in 1832, he sent word to General
Atkinson that his heart was bad and he would not turn back. Gov. Reynolds
again called for volunteers. Throughout Central Illinois, the men were aroused.
Companies were speedily organized and marched to Beardstown. Some were ex-
38 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
perienced Indian fighters, but many were young men anxious as they said to kill
"Injins." Many of the volunteers furnished their own horses, guns and am-
munition. The companies elected their officers and marched to Dixon. They
were the most independent men on earth but wholly lacking in discipline. Im-
petuous and headstrong, it was impossible for the Governor and the officers to
organize them into an efficient fighting force, or to restrain them from a rash
advance into the enemy's country. They fought their "Bull Run" and learned
an expensive lesson in Stillman's Defeat at Old Man's Creek in LaSalle County,
the night of the I4th of May, 1832.
Unable to hold the volunteers in check, Gov. Reynolds and Gen. White-
side gave orders for an advance up the Rock River by a detachment under
Majors Stillman and Bailey, May 12, 1832. While at supper on the I4th a few
Indians appeared, and without waiting for orders, or rather in defiance of orders;
the soldiers in twos and threes gave chase as fast as they could mount. The
camp was soon in general disorder, the officers having lost control and the .men
were straggling out over two or three miles after the red skins, each volunteer
anxious to shoot an "Injin." It was the same old story of Indian strategy — the
decoys, the ambush, and the defeat. Suddenly Black Hawk's warriors burst
upon the disorganized volunteers in force and terrifying war whoops drove the
stragglers pell mell back through the camp and stampeded the main body of
volunteers. The detachment beat a hasty and disorderly retreat to Dixon, leav-
ing eleven dead upon the field of battle. The Indians scalped the dead and cut
off some of their heads.
From this time on, it was not a question of going on a lark to kill "Injins."
After Stillman's defeat, Black Hawk's war became serious business. Gov. Rey-
nolds called for two thousand volunteers, and General Atkinson of the United
States Army took command. Three Southerners, destined to become dis-
tinguished men, entered the service and reported to Gen. Atkinson, Major
Zachary Taylor, Albert Sidney Johnston and Jefferson Davis. Lieutenant Jef-
ferson Davis marched through Stephenson County, camping at Kellog's Grove
(Timm's Grove) with a detachment to aid Colonel Strode at Galena. Major
Taylor and Albert Sidney Johnston served throughout the war and more than
once passed through Stephenson County, camping at Kellog's Grove.
May 19, 1832, Colonel Strode started a small detachment under command
of Sergeant Fred Stahl, from Galena with dispatches to General Atkinson at
Dixon. They followed Kellog's Trail through this county. At Buffalo Grove,
near Polo, they were attacked by Indians. The Indians were repulsed, but
William Durley was left dead on the field.
On May 23d, General Atkinson sent Felix St. Vrain, the Indian agent, with
despatches to Fort Armstrong, at Rock Island. St. Vrain and his party, con-
sisting of Aaron Hawley, Aquilla Floyd, William Hale, Thomas Kenney, John
Fowler and Alexander Higginbotham, were to go via Kellog's Grove to Galena
and thence down the Mississippi to Fort Armstrong. About fourteen miles
from Buffalo Grove, not far from Kellog's Grove, they met a party of Sac In-
dians under command of "Little Bear" who had been an intimate friend of St.
Vrain. Because of this friendship, the party felt they had little to fear, but to
the surprise of all the "Little Bear" and his warriors showed signs of hostility
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 39
and were evidently preparing to murder the entire party. The only chance of
the seven men against thirty braves lay in flight, and each white man put his
spurs to his horse and made an independent daring dash for life. Fowler,
Hale, Hawley and St. Vrain were killed. Floyd, Kenney and Higginbotham
escaped only to meet another band of Indians soon after. From this band they
also escaped, after an exciting chase for several miles. At Brush Creek, they
were attacked again, but hiding by day and moving by night, they made their
way finally to Galena. Felix St. Vrain was a Frenchman, whose grandfather
left France for Louisiana during the reign of terror. His father was an
officer in the French navy and his brother was one time governor of Upper
Louisiana. After the Louisiana purchase in 1803, Felix St. Vrain cast his lot
with the United States, and was a brave, tactful and trusted Indian agent for
the Sacs and Foxes at Fort Armstrong. The sullen Black Hawk had put the
death mark upon him and "Little Bear" and his party had carried it into
execution.
After killing the three men, the savages cut off the head, arms and feet of
St. Vrain. They cut out his heart and passed it around in pieces to be eaten
by the Indians who were intoxicated with joy because they had eaten the heart
of one of the bravest of Americans.
General Atkinson sent out Captain lies company July 8th to keep the way
clear from Dixon to Galena along Kellog's Trail. This company buried St.
Vrain, Fowler, Hale and Hall near the present site of the Black Hawk monu-
ment at Timm's Grove. The company reached Galena July loth. In this com-
pany, on this march through Stephenson County, was Abraham Lincoln, a pri-
vate from Old Salem, now Petersburg, 111. The mustering officer who mus-
tered the company in and out of the service was Robert Anderson, who was
later compelled to surrender Fort Sumter.
Kellog's Grove, or Timm's Grove in Stephenson County, was the central
strategic point in this war. Located on Kellog's Trail, thirty-five miles from
Galena and thirty-seven miles from Dixon, its possession meant the right of way
between the leading mine settlements about Galena and Fort Hamilton, and
the settlement about Dixon. It was a midway point between Fort Winnebago
and Fort Armstrong. If Black Hawk could hold the cabins at Kellog's Grove,
he could send out his bands on any radius, striking terror and murder into
the white settlements and getting away before the United States troops could
concentrate for attack. It was a vital part of the plans of General Atkinson
to hold Kellog's Grove and keep the trail open. The trail had been blazed by
O. W. Kellog in 1827. He built the cabins at Kellog's Grove, the first buildings
erected in Stephenson County and lived there till 1831. The cabins were built
end to end, about seven feet high and covered with basswood bark.
General Atkinson decided to make Kellog's cabins a base of operations be-
tween Galena and Dixon. For this purpose, he sent out Captain Adam Snyder's
company and two companies of regulars. They reached Kellog's Grove
June I2th. Captain Snyder pushed on to Galena on the I3th and returned to
the grove the next day. Sentinels were posted about the cabins. On the night
of the 1 5th, during a storm, Indians approached. The night was dark and an
Indian had crawled to within a few feet of a sentinel who saw the red skin
40 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
by the light of a flash of lightning. The Sentinel and the Indian clinched in a
hand to hand conflict. The white man was strong and was overcoming the
Indian. Another flash of lightning saved the brave picket, for nearby he saw
three other Indians approaching. Throwing his combatant to the ground, he
ran to the cabin and shouted the alarm. All through the night, the Indians
prowled around the cabins and all night long the men within were held in readi-
ness to ward off the attack.
The next morning, the i6th of June, the Indians had withdrawn and Captain
Snyder followed their trail in pursuit. After pursuing the Indians' trail several
miles, Captain Snyder came upon four of them in a deep ravine about three
miles from Kellog's cabins. He charged the red men, killing all four, losing one
man mortally wounded, William B. Meconson, who was shot twice in this fierce
hand to hand encounter. Captain Snyder's men now started for the camp,
carrying Meconson on a litter. The dying man begged for water and two de-
tachments were sent out to search for it. One squad, composed of Dr. Richard
Roman, Benjamin Scott, the drummer boy, Corporal Benjamin McDaniels, Dr.
Francis Jarritt and Dr. McTy Cornelius, was attacked by a large party of In-
dians concealed in bushes in a ravine at the end of a ridge which the men were
descending. Benjamin Scott and Benjamin McDaniels were instantly killed and
Dr. Cornelius was slightly wounded. Roman, Jarritt, and Cornelius beat a hasty
retreat with over fifty savages in mad pursuit. With murderous yells, they came
upon the dying Meconson and cut off his head. Snyder's men were scattered
and fought at a great disadvantage. They soon closed up and engaged the
Indians in a pitched battle, checking their pursuit. In this battle, the leader
of the Indians mounted on a white horse exhibited great skill and courage riding
to and fro among his men, directing the conflict. The aim of the pioneer soldiers
was good and the red men were repulsed. A riderless white horse, wander-
ing about the battlefield, plainly showed that the Indian leader had been killed.
Without a leader, the red men retreated and Captain Snyder held his ground.
Early in this fray, Major Thomas had volunteered to ride alone to Kellog's
Grove for reinforcements, an errand full of danger, one of many evidences of
heroism in this campaign. Just as the battle was over, he returned with rein-
forcements. Night was approaching and reluctantly Captain Snyder aban-
doned the pursuit and returned to camp at Kellog's cabins.
The next day, the i6th, Captain Snyder made a vain attempt to find the In-
dians and to continue the fight. He buried the dead, and in a few days returned
to Dixon where his company was mustered out. New levies had arrived to take
the places of the men and keep up the war.
Captain Adam Snyder was a native of Pennsylvania. He had walked to
Illinois in 1817. He was elected to congress in 1836, was presidential elector
in 1840, and was nominated for governor in 1841, and would have been elected
had he not died during the campaign. Governor Ford who took his place was
elected.
At this stage of the war, the most effective service was rendered by small
companies of "rangers," the rough riders of that day. The most distinguished
of these leaders were Colonel Henry Gratiot, Colonel Dodge, Captain J. W.
Stephenson, and Colonel Hamilton, son of the great Alexander Hamilton, first
Cedarville Bridge
Falls Above the Dam. Cedarville
Cedarville View
Near Old Settlers Grounds. Cedarville
UiiRARY
OF THE
UNIVEKSITV OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 41
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Owing to the slow movements
of the regular army and the short enlistments of the volunteers, these "rangers"
alone stood between the settlements and the murderous bands sent out by Black
Hawk. Located not far from Kellog's Grove, the crafty old Indian was strik-
ing in all directions at the settlements between the Rock River and the Wisconsin.
Simultaneous attacks in distant parts of the war zone made effective work by a
large force impossible. The marauding Indians kept the settlers well within
the forts, stole their horses, burned their cabins and waiting in ambush, shot
and scalped defenseless men.
The Winnebagoes too were restless. Black Hawk used threats and diplomacy
to drive these more peaceable Indians into the conflict on his side. In protecting
the stockade forts and the property and lives of the scattered settlements, the
fearless rangers of Dodge, Hamilton, Gratiot and Stephenson were noted for the
swiftness of forced marches and for prowess in Indian warfare. Combining di-
plomacy and daring, these men kept the Winnebagoes neutral. On one occasion
when the Winnebagoes manifested signs of flight, Colonel Dodge and Captain
J. B. Gratiot walked alone into the Indian camp and took away with them the
chief "White Crow" and five others as hostages. An illustration will show the
rapid movement of these rough riders. On the 8th of June, Colonel Dodge left
Gratiot's Grove, Wisconsin ; the gth, he was at Kellog's Grove, Stephenson
County, Illinois ; the loth, he was at Dixon ; the i ith, he was at Ottawa confer-
ring with General Atkinson and General Brady ; at midnight, he was in Dixon
again; the i2th, he camped at Kellog's Grove and the I3th, he returned to
Gratiot's Grove.
BATTLE OF THE , PECATONICA.
On the i6th of June, Henry Appel was waylaid and shot by a band of In-
dians near his cabin not far from Fort Hamilton. Colonel Dodge was soon in
hot pursuit. The Indians crossed the Pecatonica, not far from the Stephen-
son County line, about thirty minutes ahead of Dodge and his detachment
of twenty-nine men. Colonel Dodge's own account of this battle is as fol-
lows : "After crossing the Pecatonica in the open ground, I dismounted my
men, linked my horses, left four men in charge of them and sent four men
in different directions to watch for the movement of the Indians, if they
should atempt to swim the Pecatonica ; the men were placed on high points
that would give a good view of the enemy, should they attempt to retreat. I
formed my men on foot at open order and at trailed arms, and we marched
through the swamps to some timber and undergrowth, where I expected to find
the enemy. When I found their trail, I knew they were close at hand. They
had got close to the edge of a lake where the banks were about six feet high,
which was a complete breastwork for them. They commenced the fire when three
of my men fell, two dangerously wounded, one severely but not dangerously. I
instantly ordered a charge on them by my eighteen men, which was promptly
obeyed. The Indians being under the bank, our guns were brought to within
ten or fifteen feet of them before we could fire upon them. Their party con-
sisted of thirteen men. Eleven were killed on the spot and the remaining two
42 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
were killed in crossing the lake, so they were left without one to carry the news
to their friends." Bouchard says there were seventeen Indians, a French trap-
per and Colonel Hamilton having found later the bodies of four other Indians in
the swamp. This battle of the Pecatonica was a type of warfare waged by the
rangers. The slow work of the muzzle loaders and the uncertainty of the flint-
locks, caused many a battle to be decided by hand to hand encounters in which
the determination of the white men more than matched the cunning of the Indian.
If these rangers were heroic, their wives who remained in the stockades were
no less so. Mrs. Dodge was urged to go to Galena for safety, but she replied:
"My husband and sons are between me and the Indians. I am safe as long as
they live."
Black Hawk's band made a specialty of stealing horses. If the owner pur-
sued, he was ambushed, shot and scalped. On June 8th, the Indians got away
with fourteen horses near the stockade at Apple River Fort, now Elizabeth,
Illinois. A few days later, ten more were stolen. Captain J. W. Stephenson
with twenty-one men went out to chastise the Indians and recover the stolen
horses.
CAPTAIN STEPHENSON'S BATTLE.
Captain Stephenson struck the trail the morning of June i8th and overtook
the Indians on Yellow Creek about twelve miles east of Kellog's Grove in
Stephenson County. The Indians were driven in a mad chase for several miles
and finally secreted themselves in a dense thicket, northeast of Waddams Grove.
Stephenson's men fired into the thicket, but the crafty red skins refused to expose
their location by returning the fire. Stephenson left a guard for his horses and
charged with his men into the thicket, each side losing one man in the encoun-
ter. Twice more Captain Stephenson charged the hidden foe, losing a man each
time. After the first volley on the third assault, the whites and the Indians
fought at close range. Captain Stephenson finally withdrew, so severely wounded
that he could not continue in charge of his men. Stephen P. Howard, Charles
Eames and Michael Lovell were killed. The Indians lost only the one man, and
he was stabbed in the neck by Thomas Sublet. "This battle," says Governor
Ford, "equaled anything in modern warfare in daring and desperate courage."
Colonel Strode marched with two companies to the scene of the battle and
buried the dead June 2Oth. This notable struggle occurred between Waddams
and McConnell. The country later was settled up and the graves were on the
road side. The graves were opened, and the bones of the three heroes were
removed to Kellog's Grove and buried at the foot of the monument to the heroes
of the Black Hawk War. This recognition was due entirely to the zeal and pa-
triotism of Mr. J. B. Timms, the present owner of Kellog's Grove.
Hamilton, Dodge, Gratiot and Stephenson fought with the courage and ef-
fectiveness of Morgan, Wayne and Stark, and of Sumpter, Marion and Pickens
of the Revolution. They were the minute men of their day. Stephenson County
can well afford to erect in appropriate places statues in memory of the daring
leaders of the "rangers" and to the sturdy riflemen who followed them with
the old flintlock ; statues that will teach generation after generation of the heroic
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 43
spirits who stood between the settlers and the firebrand and scalping knife of a
relentless foe, and thus made possible the safe and quiet pursuits of civil life.
June 24, 1832, about two hundred Indians attacked Apple River Fort, now
Elizabeth, just over in Jo Daviess County. All the settlers got within the fort
except Frederick Dickson, who found the door barred just as he arrived. The
savages were close upon him and he fled into the forest at once. He abandoned
his horse into the darkness, dashed past the outposts of bloodthirsty Indians
safely. The Indians were hungry and made a determined attack on the fort.
Inside the fort, a brave frontier woman kept up the fighting spirit of the occu-
pants by cheering on the men. She proved a woman's usefulness by having
one squad of women mold bullets while another reloaded the rifles for the men.
The Indians were repulsed with loss at every attack. But if aid did not appear
from Galena, the fort must fall. Early that night, Kirkpatrick, a boy, determined
to run the gauntlet and ride to Galena for aid, for he feared Dixon had been
slain. The heavy gates swung out and all alone young Kirkpatrick plunged
his horse into the darkness, dashed past the outposts of blood thirsty Indians
and pushed his way through twelve miles of dark wilderness to Galena — a ride
more daring far than that of a Paul Revere. As he arrived at Galena, he met
Colonel Strode and Dixon on the march to the fort's relief. The Indians, know-
ing that Strode and Stephenson would soon be upon them, beat a sullen retreat
and next day attacked Colonel Dement at Kellog's Grove. Once more the
stealth of Black Hawk's men with scalping knife and British rifles was more
than matched by the front line of pioneers with a valor that reckoned life after
duty.
The great difficulty still was to keep open the line of communication between
Dixon and Galena. Reports from the scouts showed that Black Hawk had
moved his main army from the Rock River into Stephenson County, near
Kellog's Grove. On June 23d, Major Dement's battalion was ordered by Colonel
Zachary Taylor to march to Kellog's Grove. The battalion arrived that night
and the following day hunted about the Grove. Colonel Dement and his men
were ignorant of the fact that Black Hawk was near by, planning to capture
the army supplies, which he knew were stored in the cabins.
Only great courage and a knowledge of Indian ways and wood craft, pre-
vented a surprise and probable massacre of the party. While on a scouting trip,
men from Captain Funk's fort had discovered a heavy trail leading from Apple
River Fort in the direction of Kellog's Grove. Black Hawk had united h's
army and evidently intended to attack Kellog's Grove. But the uncertainty —
just where the wily old leader would strike, was always one of the hazards
of the war. Captain Funk was skilled in wood craft and Indian tactics. He
readily inferred that Black Hawk intended to strike unexpectedly at Kellog's
Grove, massacre the garrison and capture the stores his people so much needed.
Funk's Fort was a stockade built around a double log cabin, garrisoned by
about twenty-five men. It was located over the line in Wisconsin on the trail
from Kellog's Grove to Mineral Point. In the fort at this time was Mr. J. B.
Timms, the present owner of Kellog's Grove. He was but a child, his father
and mother having sought safety in the fort after the Indians became trouble-
some on the Apple River. In resisting an attack on Funk's Fort, his father
44 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
fought at the stockade, his mother moulded bullets and he rendered such service
as a child could.
A frontiersman, Captain Funk instinctively determined that a warning must
be rushed to Kellog's Grove. He called for volunteers for the perilous jour-
ney, for Black Hawk's band covered the trail. The risk and the necessity were
so great that Captain Funk announced that he intended to go himself and Jake
DeVall, one of his trusted scouts, stepped to his side. The pioneers of the fort
cheered the men whose courage was equal to their sense of duty.
Tomorrow would not do. No time was to be lost. All the interest in the
fort centered in the preparation of the couriers for the dangerous journey.
Mounted on the best horses and armed in the best fashion, the two heroes rode
out at sunset to carry the message to Kellog's Grove. On they rode through
the wilderness into the middle of the night. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast,
over the ridges, down through the valley, across ravines, through the thickets
and underbrush, they pushed steadily on, always aware of the danger of ambush
by a lurking foe. Or surrounded maybe by the murderous red men, they would
fire the flintlocks — then the hand to hand encounter, the tomahawk and the
scalping knife. But though dangers multiplied as they advanced, they kept
steadfastly towards the goal.
In telling of this ride with death, Captain Funk said : "The first signs we
had of Indians while on this midnight ride was not until we approached the
cabins at Kellog's Grove, while passing a thicket one mile to the west of the
grove, at about one o'clock. Here the mare I rode threw up her head and
sniffed the air. She became very much excited, snorting and becoming almost
unmanageable. I said to DeVall, "There are Indians in that thicket. This mare
will smell one half a mile away." We lost no time in reaching the top of the
hill (where Black Hawk Monument now stands), overlooking the cabins a
few rods below at the foot of the slope. I called in a loud voice but received
no answer. I shouted louder, and this time received a response from within,
which proved to be the voice of Major Dement. Making ourselves known,
we thus made it safe to approach the cabins, which we lost no time in doing.
We could not know how soon the crack of a rifle might ring out, or in what
proximity the foe was hiding. Everything pointed towards haste and vigilance
for those who had a regard for their scalps."
Captain Funk and DeVall were met at the door by Major Dement who
was at once informed of his dangerous situation. The messengers were delighted
to learn that, instead of fifteen men, the detachment consisted of over two hun-
dred with officers in charge. Although one o'clock A. M., the cabins were soon
astir with military activity. The men were in a high state of tensfon, anxious
for a clash with Black Hawk's British band. Most of the troops were fresh
recruits, mustered in only eight days before. Many were short term enlist-
ments, out on a lark fighting "Injins." Except in the minds of a few old In-
dian fighters, there was little seriousness in the camp of volunteers.
Black Hawk, the wily old strategist, had laid his plans to capture the entire
party. He was in a surly mood because he had been repulsed the day before at
Apple River Fort. His braves were stationed at every point of vantage over-
looking the camp. Dement's men were surrounded by a determined foe, crouch-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 45
ing, ready for the surprise of an unexpected assault. As Black Hawk observed
the movements of Dement's men, he did not fail to notice the weakness that
lost many a battle to the volunteers, the lack of discipline, over-confidence and
failure to estimate correctly the fighting qualities of the Indian. Many of those
lads from the farms of central Illinois, thought that they had only to march
out in line of battle to see the redskins take to their heels.
When Captain Funk told Major Dement that he was surrounded by Black
Hawk and outnumbered two to one, Dement called a council of war and the
entire command was carefully instructed in plans for defense. At daybreak,
the Major sent out a scouting party of twenty-five men to verify Funk's report.
In a short time, a messenger came in at full speed with the exciting news that
several Indians were in sight. As the scout in a loud voice shouted, "Fivi.
Indians in sight," the whole camp was at once in commotion. About this time
on the hill overlooking the camp, a group of Black Hawk's men appeared.
Everywhere was pandemonium, the anxious, undisciplined volunteers saddling
their horses in haste to be the first to get a shot at the Indians. As fast as
they could mount, disobeying orders, they set off in twos and threes in a mad
rush to get a chance at the red men before the battle was over.
It was said that Captain Funk at this point urged Dement to form his men
in line of battle, as not five Indians but Black Hawk's main army was in the
thicket below. A private, with rifle in hand, overheard that remark and sneer-
ingly said : "That scout thinks there is an Indian for every tree and stump in
the grove." Captain Funk replied, "My good fellow, I am afraid you will think
so too before night." The prophet was soon to be honored in his own country.
Kellog's Grove was a characteristic frontier battlefield. The ridge swerves
to the south about two miles west of the cabins. At that point is a ravine run-
ning to the southeast. Between the ridge and the ravine was a dense thicket,
V shaped, the point to the west.
In this V shaped thicket, Black Hawk concealed the main body of his
braves, hidden by the dense underbrush. The sixty-five year old Indian gave
final directions to his aids, and riding here and there among his men, per-
sonally directed the strategy by which he hoped to destroy Dement's troops.
The Indian warriors, bedaubed with paint and smeared with grease, with feath-
ers in their scalplocks, were stirred into a feverish valor, ready to spring uwm.
the unsuspecting battalions. It was the same old plan, Stillman's defeat over
again. The crafty old enemy of the Americans had set his trap — had then seru
out the five Indians on swift ponies, as a decoy to lure the troops of Major
Dement into the skillfully planned ambuscade.
Captain Funk says, that after he had advised Major Dement, he went to
the top of the hill where he could watch the progress of the battle. The Major
soon found that he could not keep his forces in order. In a few moments, a
large part of his men were strung out over the ridge, riding as swiftly as pos-
sible in pursuit of the decoys and into the trap. The only rule of battle was
that they who had the swiftest horses were in the lead, the others following
in small groups. As soon as the first of Dement's men approached, the In-
dian scouts had wheeled their ponies and riding like the wind trailed the in-
experienced volunteers into the ambuscade. Dement's men had followed in close
46 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
pursuit and when they were well within the enetny's lines, a heavy volley of
shot blazed from the thickets, and from every side Indians sprang upon them
with murderous yells. Two men were killed and almost in an instant Dement's
horsemen wheeled about and began a fierce race for life. The foremost rider
ran his horse through the ambuscade and back again with only a bullet through
his thigh. The rout was complete, the fun of fighting "Injins" was over and
the disorganized condition of the forces of Dement presented a sad spectacle.
Along the ridge, some of Dement's men were riding swiftly to battle, not know-
ing what had happened, while the first arrivals were riding desperately in the
other direction, back to camp. The red warriors, flushed with victory, painted
and stripped to the waist, whipped their ponies in swift pursuit. As the Indians
rode over the dead and wounded, they stopped to scalp and mutilate the bodies
of the victims.
Major Dement and Zadock Casey had tried in vain to caution the men and
form them in military order. That they had failed, was no fault of theirs.
Major Dement did the next best thing. A short distance to the west of the
Kellog cabin, he succeeded in halting a part of his command and formed them
in a line of battle across the ridge to await the attack he was sure would fol-
low. Following the rout, the Indians swept down on Dement flanking his
position on both sides and pouring upon his men a gallinng fire from safe places
behind trees and bushes. Dement fought bravely at the head of his men until
he was outnumbered and almost surrounded. Seeing that he could not hold
his position with disorganized troops, he slowly withdrew with the men who
stood by him, covering the retreat of the panicstricken volunteers who had
made the first attack. At this point, the Indians turned aside to attack three
men who had gone out early in the morning in search of their horses that had
wandered away. The three men were killed and scalped, but not until five
red men bit the dust beside them.
This gave Dement time to form his men for another stand. But he could
not hold his ground. When the yelling savages once more charged upon him,
his men abandoned him and fled to the cabins. Dement saw the folly of at-
tempting to stop the Indians in the open field and at the last moment escaped
to the cabins to make a final stand. Governor Casey's horse had been shot and
he narrowly escaped after furious fighting.
The followers of old Black Hawk now surrounded the cabins, confident
of a complete victory. From behind trees, the red men fired upon the cabins
and Dement's men returned the fire through the cracks of the log buildings.
The best marksmen were detailed to pick off the Indians who dared to show
themselves. Although the flintlocks were in bad order, Dement's men made
the Indians respect their marksmanship. The Indians shot about two dozen
horses that huddled in fright about the buildings.
The men were packed in Kellog's cabins in great confusion. It was a time
that demanded fast thinking. Dement could keep the Indians back for a time,
but unless General Posey at Dixon was notified and sent up reinforcements,
the detachment would be massacred. Dement, who was the coolest man. in
the lot, saw at once that despatches must be carried to Posey and he called for
volunteers. It was almost a hopeless task. It was hardihood, to mount swift
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 47
horses, to dash through the enemy's lines, to escape to the Yellow Creek Val-
ley and to carry the message to Posey. But there is no limit to courage on the
frontier. The higher the dangers and perils rose, the higher yet rose the valor
of heroes. Never in American history when there has gone out the call for
volunteers to risk their owns lives to save others, has that call failed to be
promptly answered. It was answered by Nathan Hale in the Revolution ; by
Captain Hobson at Santiago; by Kirkpatrick at Apple River and by Funk and
DeVall in carrying the warning to Dement. But no situation carried less chance
of life and success than this. No sooner was Dement's call for volunteers past
his lips, than Lieutenant Tramrnell Ewing limped to the front with his ban-
daged leg and said, "Major, I'll go." As another stepped to his side, he asked,
"What horses shall we take?" "Any ones you please," replied Dement, his
voice filled with emotion as he observed the heroism of the men. Lieutenant
Ewing had been the foremost rider in the morning's attack, and had ridden
through the ambuscade and back again with a bullet in his thigh.
The two scouts were not strangers to a race with death on the frontier.
Slipping quietly from the cabins, they rescued two of the best horses — animals
known for their speed, one of them the little black mare belonging to Major
Dement. They mounted quickly, and with bodies swung low over the horses'
necks, they dashed down the slope, through the enemy's lines. With a roar
of yells, the Indians turned to stop the scouts with flying tomahawks and a
terrific fire from the rifles. But on they rode with charmed lives until they
appeared into the valley below.
Black Hawk, the foxy old strategist, was rejoicing at the prospect of a com-
plete victory with its harvest of stores and scalps, when the scouts made the
dash towards Dixon. The old Indian shouted his orders in frantic despera-
tion for if the men escaped, Posey's army would soon be upon him and that
meant certain defeat. But he was too late. The swift surefooted horses of the
scouts soon left the Indian ponies far behind. Two hundred lives rested on the
success of that ride. Through the cracks of the cabin logs, the lookouts kept
a close watch on a certain spot on the side of a distant hill across the valley.
After minutes that seemed hours, they saw two horsemen ride into view. They
turned and waved a signal of triumph to their besieged comrades. The look-
out shouted that the riders were safe through Black Hawk's lines and the men
huddled in the cabins gave hurrahs that rang defiantly against the yi-yi-yip-
yah's of the redskins.
The tide of battle had turned in a few moments. The two scouts brought
hope to Dement and despair to old Black Hawk. The stakes were high for
the old Indian and he lost. This battle at Kellog's (Timms') Grove, in Stephen-
son County, broke his power and ever afterward, instead of assuming the ag-
gressive against the Americans, he bent all his energies to beat a safe retreat
across the Mississippi into Iowa.
When Black Hawk faced Dement at Kellog's Grove, his four hundred braves
and his women and children were without food. His braves fought without sup-
per or breakfast, hoping to dine sumptuously on the stores in the cabins. His
fierce onslaughts on the cabins had been repulsed and he knew that Posey
would be upon him before he could reduce the garrison. Sullen and in despair,
48 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the old leader almost immediately ordered a retreat. Captain Funk said that
within fifteen minutes there was not a sign of an Indian about the grove.
Black Hawk's women and children were not far away and as he was com-
pelled to take them with him, his movement was necessarily slow. He acted
quickly and in a short time was displaying his troops on the plain below, which
Captain Funk said was one of the prettiest sights he ever saw, the drill and
maneuvering being perfect.
When the Indians had apparently abandoned the scene, Major Dement and
another man ventured outside at the west end of the cabins. At the same time,
two Indians appeared on the hill and both fired. The balls struck the logs
immediately behind Dement and his companion. One of the balls pierced the
Major's plug hat, cutting his commission which he had placed in his hat for
safekeeping. For years, it was a great pleasure for Mr. J. B. Timrns, the
owner of the cabins, to point out these bullet marks to visitors at Kellog's Grove.'
When the roll was called at the cabins, it was found that Dement had five
men killed and two wounded. Captain Funk says five were buried. Some
writers say only four were killed. Four of the killed were William Allen,
James Black, Abner Bradford and James P. Band. The last named was the
man who had jested about Funk's alarm. He was cut off and killed near
where Dement made his first stand. The wounded were Aaron Payne and
Marcus Randolph. According to Funk and Mr. J. B. Timms, the messengers
were Aaron Payne and Stephen R. Hicks. They also say that Payne is the
man who was foremost in the morning's ride into the ambuscade. Stevens in
his history of the Black Hawk War, substitutes the name of Lieutenant Tra-m-
mell Ewing for that of Payne. Some writers say that five scouts were sent
out, but Captain Funk insists that there were but two.
General Posey arrived just as the sun went down that day, June 25, 1832.
The burden of the evidence indicates that Posey had already begun his march
from Dixon and that the scouts met him at Buffalo Grove (Polo).
After breakfast on the 26th, the dead were buried with military honors.
This sad duty performed, General Posey started out with part of his command
on Black Hawk's trail. The Indians had crossed Yellow Creek at a ford on
the farm owned by Ed Schienburg. After crossing the creek, the trail broke
into dozens of directions, baffling pursuit. As his commissary wagons had not
arrived, General Posey returned to Kellog's Grove. The next day his wagons
arrived and he set out for Fort Hamilton on the Pecatonica River.
Black Hawk's band of soldiers, women and children were almost destitute.
W. S. Harney, in an article in The Galenian, July 15, 1832, writes: "I followed
Black Hawk and his band thirty miles, passing four encampments and found
many signs of their want of provisions. I found where they had killed and
butchered horses, dug for roots and scraped the trees for bark."
Black Hawk had been forced from the Rock River Valley by the approach-
ing lines of Atkinson and Posey. He had taken refuge in Yellow Creek Val-
ley and had hoped there to win a decisive victory. But he was outplayed and
outnumbered and was forced to move into Wisconsin.
July 21, 1832, General James D. Henry, with his brigade of Illinois volun-
teers, overtook Black Hawk's band on the Wisconsin River and defeated it with
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 49
great loss to the Indians. The Indians had retreated so precipitately, that for
several miles the trail was marked by camp kettles and baggage cast aside.
General Henry fought this battle without orders from General Atkinson, his
superior, and the victory for the Illinois militia was resented by the regular
army officers. The battle of July 2ist proved that the volunteers, under a
capable leader and under rigid discipline, are as efficient soldiers as ever went to
battle.
After July 2ist, Black Hawk was not an aggressive fighter. His power was
broken and his aim was to cross the Mississippi into Iowa. General Atkinson
collected his forces and gave pursuit. He brought Black Hawk to his last
stand on the banks of the Mississippi, just below the mouth of the Bad Axe
River on August 2, 1832. General Atkinson prepared for battle and assigned
General Henry and the Illinois volunteers to protect the baggage in the rear.
It was not desired that the volunteers should win any more glory in this cam-
paign. But another opportunity was offered the Illinois soldiers to atone for
the mistakes at Stillman's defeat and Kellog's Grove.
In order to draw off General Atkinson's army so that his people might- cross
the Mississippi, Black Hawk picked out about twenty Indians and attacked At-
kinson's forces. Atkinson charged the Indians and followed them as they re-
treated, thinking he was in pursuit of Black Hawk's main army. General
Henry soon observed that the main trail followed to the south to the river.
As he was left without orders, he led his brigade over the trail and was soon
engaged in a pitched battle with Black Hawk's main army of over three hun-
dred braves. General Henry's men charged the Indians and, killing and wound-
ing many, drove the remainder into the river, many to drown and others to low,
willow covered islands.
General Atkinson heard the heavy firing of General Henry's brigade and
returned in time to order his men to charge the island, killing or capturing the
remnant of Black Hawk's British band.
Black Hawk and a few of his men escaped to the north. They were cap-
tured by friendly Sioux and Winnebagoes and turned over to Colonel Zachary
Taylor.
General Winfield Scott, who had been sent to take command of the forces
in the war against Black Hawk, arrived 'in Galena August 3d, the next day after
the final defeat of the Indians. General Scott came to Galena over the Kel-
log Trail through Stephenson County. September 21, 1832, he made a treaty
with the Sacs and Foxes again affirming the treaty of 1804.
Black Hawk was taken on a trip through the large cities of the east to
Washington City. In 1833, he returned to his people in Iowa and died at the
age of eighty, October 3, 1840.
Black Hawk's War has a manyfold significance in the history of Stephenson
County, though there was not at that time a single settler in the county. Kel-
log's Trail was the main line of communication between the settlements about
Dixon and the lead mines about Galena and Fort Hamilton. Three frontier
battles were fought in the county: Captain Snyder's Battle, the Battle of KeU
log's Grove and Captain J. W. Stephenson's Battle near Waddams. Up and
50 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
down Kellog's Trail rode these rough riders: Gratiot, Hamilton, Stephenson
and Dodge.
Many of the men who served as regulars or as volunteers, as officers or as
privates ; men who were destined to become distinguished in the nation's his-
tory crossed Stephenson County, camping on her soil at Kellog's cabins. Two
of these men, Colonel Zachary Taylor and Captain Abraham Lincoln, were
to become presidents of the United States. Albert Sidney Johnston, who kept
an accurate journal throughout the war, was to be a leading general in the
Southern Confederacy of which Lieutenant Jefferson Davis was to be president.
Besides, there were Joseph E. Johnston, Major Robert Anderson, General Win-
field Scott and many others destined to become famous in the subsequent his-
tory of the state and nation.
The greatest significance lay in the fact that the defeat of Black Hawk
opened Stephenson County to peaceable settlement. Almost immediately, per-
manent settlements were made. Strong men had conquered the Indian and
now strong men, the first generation, began a struggle equally heroic — the con-
quest of the wild and native soil to the pursuits of a civilized people.
In his address at Pearl City, Hon. Henry D. Dement, speaking of the. in-
dependent rangers said: "It required men like these, with iron nerve, incapable
of fatigue, yielding to no hardship, to pave the way for the civilization that
was to follow."
THE ORIGINAL MUSTER ROLL.
General Robert Anderson, of Fort Sumter fame, was the United States en-
rolling officer of the Black Hawk War. He kept the original muster roll of the
Illinois regiments, battalions and companies in the war. General Anderson's
widow carefully preserved the roll, and a few years ago, after a conference
with Congressman Hitt of this district, the original roll was sent to Governor
John P. Altgeld, to be placed in the archives of the State of Illinois. Early in
the list of independent companies are the companies of Captain Jacob M. Early
and Captain Elijah lies. On the former roll, the name of A. Lincoln appears
as No. 4 in the list of privates.
In a letter to Samuel Dodds, General Geo. W. Jones, who took part in the
Black Hawk War, says that during the war, Jefferson Davis visited at his
home, at Sinsinawa, frequently, and often escorted to his house a young lady
of this section. General Jones was with General Dodge when the Hall girls
were taken from the Indians. In another letter, General Jones says, "It was I
who found the body of Felix StVrain, the Indian agent, who was slain by
the Indians. General Jones was later a United States senator from Iowa.
Colonel Hitt, while engaged in a government survey in Stephenson County,
discovered a charred stake and human bones, at West Point, where, it is be-
lieved, one of the men who escaped at the time of StV rain's murder, was cap-
tured and burned at the stake.
HISTORY Ol- STEPHFNSON COUNTY 51
BLACK HAWK WAR MONUMENT.
On the site of the battle of Kellog's Grove, stands a monument erected in
1886. A marble slab on the north side of the monument bears the following
inscription :
"Black Hawk War. This monument is reared by Stephenson
County, A. D., 1886, in grateful remembrance of the heroic dead
who died that we might live."
This monument stands on one of the highest points in Illinois and overlooks
the beautiful valley of Yellow Creek. It can be seen for miles and miles in
all directions. It is built of yellowish, flinty limestone, taken from the quarry
nearby on the farm of Mr. J. B. Timms. The monument was built by Mr.
William Ascher and is eight feet square at the base, three feet square at the
top and is thirty-four feet high, surmounted by imitation cannon balls.
The credit for this monument is due to Mr. J. B. Timms, who has lived
on the site of the battlefield of Kellog's Grove since 1835. Mr. Timms' father
was a soldier in the Black Hawk War and Mr. Timms, himself, was born in
Fort Funk, and as a child witnessed the attack on the fort at Apple River by
Black Hawk in 1832. Mr. Timms has always, maintained an extreme interest
in the stirring events of the war, and it was he who presented the monument
proposition to the county commissioners of Stephenson County, 1886.
In March, 1886, Mr. J. B. Timms appeared before the county commissioners
of Stephenson County and addressed them on the events of the Black Hawk
War, about Kellog's Grove, urging the commissioners to make an appropria-
tion to build a monument there. The commissioners looked upon the proposi-
tion and appointed a special committee to investigate the matter, consisting of
H. W. Stocks, H. S. Keck and Isaac Bogenrief, of the board, and Mr. J. B.
Timms. At the April meeting the committee reported and the commissioners
voted that a site be secured and the monument built. D. W. Hays, Wm. Dively,-
Isaac Bogenrief and H. S. Keck, with Mr. Timms, were appointed a commit-
tee to draft a plan and secure estimates. At the July meeting, plans were
adopted and the committee was instructed to proceed with the work. The con-
tract for the monument complete was let to Mr. Wm. Ascher for $535. A con-
tract for an iron fence was let to Flachtemeier & Bros, for $144. Incidental
expenses, exhuming and reburying the remains of the soldiers brought teh total
costs to the county almost to $1,000. The supervisors who voted the funds
were : William Ascher, W. H. Barnds, Isaac Bogenrief, W. H. Bolender, W. I.
Brady, J. C. Briggs, Ira Crippen, William Dively, T. J. Foley, D. W. Hays,
Jacob Jeager, Joseph Kachelhoffer, Henry S. Keck, G. S. Kleckner, J. T.
Lease, James Musser, J. M. Reese, S. F. Rezner, D. F. Thompson, J. W. Stocks
and T. B. Young. The monument is the idea of Mr. J. B. Timms, who prose-
cuted it to its completion. As a boy he had walked over the battlefield and had
kept in mind the unmarked burial places of the men who fell in battle. In
1886 he pointed out these places, the bodies were taken up and buried at the
foot of the monument. Fifty-four years after the war, the remains of these
52 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
men who stood between the Indian and the frontier settlements were decently
buried and the place was marked by a suitable monument.
On the east side is inscribed on a tablet :
"Battlefield of Kellog's Grove, where was fought, June 25, 1832,
the decisive battle between the forces of the United States and the
great Indian Chief, Black Hawk."
The tablet on the west side bears the following:
"Killed on the field of battle — names as far as known — Benj.
Scott, the drummer boy; William B. Makenson and Benj. Mc-
Daniels of St. Clair County ; Wm. Durley, Charles Eames, Stephen
P. Howard and Michael Lovell, of Jo Daviess County; Felix
StVrain, the Indian agent; Messrs. Hale and Fowler, escort to
StVrain; Wm. Allen, James P. Band, James Black and Abner
Bradford of Jefferson County, and Wm. Hecklewad of Jo Daviess
County."
The remains of the soldiers who were killed in Captain Stephenson's battle at
Prairie Grove between Lena and McConnell, were taken up and interred with
the bodies of the men who fell about Kellog's Grove. The committee and Mr.
J. B. Timms, accompanied by W. H. Crotzer, Geo. Roush, S. J. Dodds, Ed.
Shoesmith, A. Jones, Wm. Dively and sons, C. Shippy and Levi Robey, found
the bodies of the three men, about eighteen inches underground. One of the
skeletons was almost intact. The soles and heels of the shoes were well pre-
served. Pieces of blankets and blue coats were found. With one skeleton
was found a bullet mould, a jack knife, part of a wooden ramrod, about thirty
bullets, the handle of a camp knife, several rifle flints, etc. Under another
body were found several bullets. One of the men killed here, Charles Eames,
was a brother-in-law of James Mitchel, of Freeport. There is a tradition that
after the battle, a white man and an Indian were found so tightly clasped in
each others arms that they could be separated only by severing the head of the
Indian. These men were Charles Eames, Stephen P. Howard, and Michael
Lovell.
The bones of the men exhumed at Kellog's Grove were fairly well preserved.
In one grave, a shattered hip and a flattened bullet were found. The bones
of fourteen victims of the Black Hawk War, scattered over the county, in
some cases a dozen miles apart, were exhumed and reburied at the base of the
monument. Although fifty years had passed, some were in a good state of
preservation. The lonely grave of Bennie Scott, the drummer boy, was marked
by his initials, B. S., cut on trees near his burial place.
The monument was publicly dedicated September 30, 1886. The services
were conducted by the William R. Goddard Post, No. 258, G. A. R. of Lena,
G. S. Roush commanding.
DEDICATION.
Two thousand people attended the dedication of the monument, September
30, 1886. At 10:30 A. M. the W. R. Goddard Post and other G. A. R. members
present fell into line at command of Commander Roush. The remains of the
BLACK HAWK MONUMENT
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 53
fourteen men as they lay in a rough box were viewed for the last time. The
pallbearers, Messrs. Peter Yeager, A. S. Crotzer, W. W. Lowis, Isaac Bogen-
rief, Henry Bryman and John Winters lifted the box and, followed by the
G. A. R. marched with solemn step, following John Van Sickle, fifer, and
F. J. Harris, snare drummer, playing a military dirge. The coffin was lowered
into its resting place and three volleys were fired over the open grave by a
squad of eight from the Lena G. A. R. Post. The post then formed a half
circle on the north side of the monument and after music by the Kent and
Ward's Grove band, the president of the day delivered over the monument irv--"
the following brief words : "Commander of William R. Goddard Post, No.
258, G. A. R., Department of Illinois : I have been authorized by the people of
Stephenson County, through their legal representatives, to invite your post to
dedicate this memorial shaft to the noble purpose for which it had been erected.
I present it to you for dedication." A guard was then placed at the four cor-
ners of the monument by Captain Sherry, the flag was raised by the color
bearer, Mr. Sisson, the army symbol consisting of a musket and accoutrements
were placed against the shaft and the beautiful dedicatory service of the Grand
Army of the Republic, appropriately revised for the occasion, was read by Com-
mander Roush, assisted by Mr. Charles Waite, representing the) navy, and
Captain W. S. Barnes, representing the army, Captain Geo. Sherry and Chap-
lain John M. Rees. At the close of the prayer, Commander Roush closed the
services as follows : "In the name of the Grand Army of the Republic and of
the people of Stephenson County, I dedicate this monument to the memory of
the brave men and true, who suffered death but not defeat, at the hands of the
red men. I dedicate it to the memory of the pioneer soldiers who fell while
valiantly serving their country in the Black Hawk War." The guard of honor
with drum, the symbols and the flag was removed ; the salute was given and
the dedication of the Black Hawk War monument was complete.
At i :3O after the basket picnic, the people assembled in the grove just
across the road, north of the monument. A stand had been erected and seats
provided. A stirring air was played by the band and Dr. Naramore, of Lena,
called the meeting to order. "America" was rendered by the Yellow Creek
Quartette, composed of J. P. Betts, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Goodrich and Mr.
John Seabold, with Mrs. Hart at the organ.
Mr. S. J. Dodds, of Lena, explained that not all of the fourteen bodies were
those of soldiers. Two were bodies of drivers; one, Rogers, dying of illness
in the cabin and the other, Hallett, being slain in a quarrel by a companion, east
of the grove, while St. Vrain was an Indian agent of the government.
Mr. J. B. Timms has frequently advocated that the State of Illinois should
buy a part, or all, of the site of the battlefield and convert it into a state park.
The people of Stephenson County, and especially the young people, may well
afford to make the trip to the battlefield and at the foot of the monument, give
serious thought to the lives of the men and women of the pioneer days, and
especially to the sacrifice of those men who drove back Black Hawk's British
band with flintlock guns, and gave up their lives on the battlefields, about
Kellog's Grove, now Timms' Grove.
54 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
REUNIONS OF SURVIVORS OF BLACK HAWK WAR.
The first reunion of the survivors of the Black Hawk War was held at
Lena, on the M. E. camp grounds, August 28, 1891, and an association was
formed. Mr. J. B. Timms, of Kent, was chairman of the committee on ar^
rangements and presided at the meeting. The following officers were elected:
President, Mr. J. B. Timms, Kent; vice president, H. S. Townsend, War-
ren; secretary, Samuel J. Dodds, Lena; treasurer, Wm. Lawhorn, Lena.
The Lena Star Band furnished, the music. Judge Andrew Hinds gave the
address of welcome. Dr. Monroe, of Monroe, Wisconsin, made a brief response.
In the afternoon, the principal address was delivered by Mr. S. J. Dodds.
Other speakers were, Hon. Peter Parkinson, of Fayette, Wisconsin, and Hon.
Robert R. Hitt, member of Congress from this district. A photograph was
taken of seventeen survivors of Black Hawk's War.
Mrs. Wm. Lawhorn, who was in Apple River Fort at the time of the Indian
attack, gave an interesting account of the event. D. S. Hawley, of Evansville,
Wisconsin, sang an Indian song and startled the audience with an Indian war-
whoop.
The second annual meeting of the survivors of the Black Hawk War was
held in Lena, June 24, 1892. The day was stormy and the exercises in the after-
noon were held in the Opera House. President J. B. Timms called the meet-
ing to order and a welcome address was given by S. J. Dodds. The officers were
elected as follows :
President, Henry Dodge Dement, Joliet, Illinois ; vice presidents, J. B.
Timms, Kent, and H. S. Townsend, Warren, Illinois ; secretary, S. J. Dodds,
Lena; treasurer, Wm. Lawhorn, Lena.
Hon. Henry Dodge Dement, of Joliet, delivered eloquently the annual ad-
dress on the battle of Kellog's Grove. A stirring address was given by Rev.
B. H. Cartright, Oregon, Illinois.
The third annual reunion was held in a grove near Pearl City, Illinois,
June 26 and 27, 1893. The Shannon Cornet Band, and the Pearl City Drum
Corps furnished the music. The address of the day was made by General Geo.
W. Jones, of Dubuque, who was an officer in the Black Hawk War. General
Jones was once senator from Iowa and at this meeting was eighty-nine years
old. An address was also given by Mr. Henry Mann, of Darlington, Wis-
consin, who was seven years old at the time of the war. He explained that St.
Vrains correct name was Savery. An interesting address was given by Gen-
eral Smith D. Atkins, of Freeport, and another by Hon. R. R. Hitt.
Officers were elected as follows :
President, Hon. Peter Parkinson, Fayette, Wisconsin; first vice president,
J. B. Timms, Kent ; second vice president, Hon. H. S. Townsend, Warren ;
secretary, S. J. Dodds, Lena; treasurer, Henry Mann, Darlington, Wisconsin.
The following survivors attended the reunions of the Black Hawk War Sur-
vivors Association in 1891, 1892, or 1893:
W. G. Nevitt, L. B. Skeel, J. M. Rees, Jacob Burbridge, Peter Parkinson,
Cyrus Lichtenberger, Geo. W. Williams, H. S. Townsend, Samuel Hathaway,
Henson Ireton, W. D. Monroe, D. S. Hawley, Mrs. Sarah Lawhorn, Mrs.
Eliza Rice, Mrs. Jacob Burbridge, Mrs. L. B. Skeel, J. B. Timms, Fred Chel-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 55
tain, Robert Hawley, Wm. Lawhorn, Henry Mann, General Geo. W. Jones,
Samuel L. Dark, D. W. C. Mallory, Samuel Paisley, M. B. Pearsons, W. H.
Lee, Colonel Daniel F. Hitt.
BLACK HAWK AN HISTORIC PLAY.
During the spring of 1910, Miss Alice Bidwell, head of the department of
English in the Freeport High School, wrote an historical play based on the
Black Hawk War. The play was given by the senior class 1910, of the high
school to crowded houses two nights.
THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS— 1833-1837.
The first permanent settlement in Stephenson County was made by Wil-
liam Waddams, in West Point Township, at Waddams Grove, in the summer
of 1833. Brewster's Ferry was established in the spring of 1834 by Lyman
Brewster, near Winslow. In the spring of 1835, James Timms and family set-
tled in the cabins at Kellog's Grove. In 1835, Miller Preston, who had evi-
dently prospected in the county in 1833, brought a drove of cattle through from
Galliopolis, Ohio, and settled in what is now Harlem Township, on section 22
near the old Galena stage road. Benjamin Goddard and family settled between
Freeport and Cedarville in December, 1835, and December 19, that year, Wil-
liam Baker came to the present site of Freeport and built a cabin before the
close of the year on the Pecatonica near the present location of the Illinois
Central Railroad station.
The first settlers came from the west. The attraction of lead mining was
too strong for the time for the simple agricultural and trading life that might
be offered in Stephenson County. The tide of settler pioneers swept around
or through this county, and went on to Apple River, Galena, Gratiot Grove
or Mineral Point.
The first man to build a cabin in Stephenson County was a man named
Kirker. It appears that he left St. Louis in 1826 and went to the lead mine
regions about Galena. Here he was in the employment of Colonel Gratiot for
a year. Then in 1827, he came into Stephenson County and built a cabin at
Buffalo Grove. His idea was to establish a trading station there. Nothing is
known of Kirker after that. He remained in his cabin less than a year and
it is very probable that he left because of impending trouble with the Indians.
As far as the definite records go, the first white man to cross Stephenson
County was Colonel E. H. Gratiot. His father had come to the lead mine district
soon after the discovery of lead there. In the fall of 1827, Colonel Gratiot with
a single companion, traveled on horseback from Jacksonville, Illinois, to Gratiot's
Grove in Wisconsin. After leaving Peoria, Colonel Gratiot and his camp did
not see a white man until they reached the Apple River district. There was
no ferry at Dixon, and they forded the Rock River at that place. They rode
on through Stephenson County by way of Kellog's Grove.
The outlying settlements of advancing civilization were approaching Steph-
enson County in all directions from 1825 to 1830. Peoria and Ottawa were set-
56 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
tied and the lead mine regions were overflowed from 1824 to 1832. It is be-
lieved that there were from seven to ten thousand people in that district in
the summer of 1827. Dixon was settled in 1827; Polo in 1831; Rockford in
1835; and Chicago in 1830.
In 1827 several men, including William Baker and the Prestons, came into
the county. Their stay was only temporary, but Baker in passing what is now
Freeport, was impressed with the value of the point as an Indian trading
station. From the discovery of lead about Galena, no doubt, many traders and
adventurers crossed the county. It is no more than likely that at times the
county was visited by those traders and trappers, a kind of Courier de bois,
which formed the skirmish line of advancing civilization. They took no
permanent possession of the land. They lived in simple log cabins and only
to a very small exten engaged in agriculture. They depended mainly
on fish and game and the Indians for a living. These were men of a
peculiar type; men who were here to enjoy the solitude of the prairie and the
forest, and were not cordial to the first permanent settlers who came near
their cabins. In fact, they were more antagonistic to the advance of civilization
than the Indians themselves. They were silent men, anti-social, by nature
constituted in such a way that they preferred life just beyond the frontier set-
tlements, between the Indian and civilization. As the line of permanent settle-
ments closed about him, he became restless and suspicious and suddenly and
quietly, he gathered together his few simple household effects and moved out
into the wilds, away from what was to him the monotonous life of permanent
civilization. The rule with them was, "When you hear the shot of your neigh-
bor's gun, it is time to move on west."
George Flower, in his "History of the English Settlements in Edwards
County, Illinois," gives us the best description of the home of one of these
men who was blazing the way for the advance guard of permanent settlements.
"Following a trail through a dense grove, I came suddenly on a worm fence
enclosing a small field of fine corn, but I could see no dwelling. Looking
closely I observed between two rows of corn a narrow path. In twenty steps,
I came in sight of a cabin. Looking in the direction of a voice calling back a
savage dog about to attack me, I saw a naked man fanning himself with a
branch of a tree. What surprised me as I approached him was the calm, self-
possession of the man. There was no surprise, no flutter, no hasty movements.
He quietly said, he had just come from mill 35 miles away and was cooling
himself.
His cabin was 14 feet long, 12 feet wide and 7 feet high. The floor was
of earth. There was a bedstead made by driving four posts in the ground.
The posts were sprouting and had buds, branches and leaves growing upon
them. A small three-legged stool and a rickety clapboard table were the only
other furniture. Two heavy puncheons made up the door. The culinary ap-
paratus for this family of seven, consisted of a rim of an old wire sieve fur-
nished with a piece of buckskin, with holes punched through it for sifting the
corn meal, a skillet and a coffee pot. There was an axe at the door and a rifle
leaned against the wall. The man and his boys wore suits of buckskin and the
wife and her three daughters wore dresses of flimsy calico, sufficiently soiled
AX OX TEAM OF THK KAIU.Y DAY;
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 57
and not without rents. The wife was a dame of some thirty years, square
built and squat, sallow and smoke-dried, with bare legs and feet. Her pride was
in her two long braids of shining black hair which hung far down her back.
Two or three slices of half dried haunch and a few corn pones made us a
relishing supper. As night advanced, my host, Captain Birk, reached up among
the clapboards and pulled down a dried hogskin for my especial comfort and re-
pose. The entire family of seven slept in the one bed and I lay my hogskin
upon the floor and myself upon it."
Such was the type of home life among these peculiar men who lived always
just beyond the borders of our civilization. Yet they served a purpose. They
broke out the trails. They were experts with the axe and aided the settlers to
build their cabins. Then, when the settlements crowded about them, they
moved on to live alone, without neighbors, without law and beyond the irksome
restraints of law and civil government. Yet in our midst we have after types
of these men, who yield grudgingly, small pittances to public good, unsocial
to the end.
The close of the War of 1812 and the crushing defeat of Tecumseh in 1811
had paved the way for the great advance. The Winnebago scare gave a slight
check to the advancing tide, and the Black Hawk's "bad heart," threats of war,
and the war itself kept back the would-be immigrants. The removal of Keokuk
and the peaceful Sacs and Foxes into Iowa and the final defeat of Black Hawk
and the restriction of his power at the battle of the Bad Axe, August 2, 1832,
removed the last formidable barriers to the permanent occupation of Stephen-
son County. The settlements followed closely on the defeat of Black Hawk.
He was defeated August 2, 1832, and in the fall of that year, William Wad-
dams came into the county and selected the site at Waddams Grove as a good
place to settle. In the spring of the next year, 1833, as stated above, he built
his house and brought his family. William Waddams moved from Jo Daviess
County into Stepljenson County. He had first lived down on the Ohio River,
then in southern Indiana, then near Peoria, Illinois, then in Galena when he
built the first water mill, Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Apple River, and White Oak
Springs. He was evidently pleased with the country at Waddams, for here
he remained till death.
The first permanent home built in Stephenson County was the typical fron-
tier log cabin. It was, in fact, hewed out of the forest. The trees were se-
lected, cut down and shaped into logs, notched near the ends. The rafters and
joints were cut and split out of the green saplings. The puncheon floor was of
the usual order. The boards were rived on the ground and the window frames
were smoothed up by use of a jack-knife. The great fireplace occupied almost
all of one end of the house. Such a house could be built, as many of them
were, with no other tools but an axe and an auger. A thatched roof log barn
was quickly built and afforded protection for grain and stock. Mr. Waddams
was a native of the State of New York and Mrs. Waddams of the State of
Vermont. There were no schools in the first years of Mr. Waddams life in
Illinois but, being interested in the education of his children, he procured the
services of a private teacher for his children. He was forty-seven years old
when he built the first permanent residence in this county on section 13, in
58 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
West Point Township. He was a man of decided opinions and in politics was
first a whig and then a republican. Mr. Waddams was the pilot who led the
way for many a family into Stephenson County. Many a settler partook of
his hospitality while on his way to select a claim here. Frequently he hitched
his team to the end of the newcomer's wagon tongue and pulled him through
mud holes or across the fords on the Pecatonica. He was for a long time
justice of the peace, and earned the title of Squire Waddams. One of his
specialties as justice was marriages. On such occasions, joy was unrestrained
and rule was "to let melody flow," and "all was as happy as the marriage
bells." The "fiddle" played an important part, and the old time "fiddler" who
knew not one note from another sawed to hearts content way into the morning
hours on "Fisher's Hornpipe," "The Devil Lookin' up the Lane," "Dan
Tucker," "The Squawking Hen," etc. The dancing if not as finely polished
as today was quite as full of glee and vigorous enthusiasm.
In the fall of 1834 the Robeys came to Stephenson County. Levi settled in
Waddams Township, February 14, 1835, and his father took up a claim near
Cedarville. Of the Robeys there were, Wm. Robey and wife, Levi Robey and
wife and John, Wm. W., Thomas L., Frances L., Elizabeth and Mary, all
children of Wm. Robey. Levi Robey's grandfather was in George Rogers
Clarke's army when it conquered the Northwest Territory in 1778-9.
With an axe and a jack-knife, Levi Robey built a log house on his claim
in 1835. With a yoke of steers, he hauled the logs over the river on the ice.
The logs were with great difficulty placed in position, but he persevered until
he had completed his frontier home.
George W. Lott had settled in a cabin between Winslow and Oneco. It is
claimed that a son was born in the Lott family in 1835. If true, this was the.
first white child born in the county. Others claim that the first white child
born in the township was Amanda Waddams, born at the Waddams home in
February, 1836. Lucy, the daughter of Dr. Bankson, was also born early in
1836, and the honor of being the first white child born in the county is also
claimed for her.
In 1835, James Timms and family moved from Jo.Daviess County into
Stephenson County and settled at Kellog's Grove. Mr. Timms bought the old
Kellog site from a man named Green, who got his title from Lafayette, a
French adventurer who was the next in possession after Kellog. Lafayette
left at the opening of the Black Hawk War. The old house stood till 1862,
when a new house was built on the site.
Mr. Timms was a native of South Carolina and his wife a native of New
York. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War and his family was pro-
tected in Funk's Fort and in the Apple River Fort during the war. One son,
James B. Timms, living at Kellog's Grove, was then a boy four years old.
Many settlers came into Stephenson County in the year of 1835. Benjamin
Goddard settled north of Freeport, stopping first with Mr. Robey. Luman and
Rodney Montague and William Tucker settled near Waddams Grove. Hubb
and Graves built a cabin near that of Levi Robey in Waddams Township.
Richard Parriott, Sr., George Trotter, Henry and William Hollenbeck located
in Buckeye Township. Nelson Waite, Charles Gappen, Alijah Warson, John
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 59
and Thomas Baker and William Willis settled in Waddams. In Winslow
Township settled Alvah Denton, Lemuel Streator, Hector W. Kneeland, and
James and W. H. Eels, Jefferson and Louis Van Metre settled in Oneco.
John B. Kaufmann in Erin; Miller Preston, to Harlem; Jesse Willett, Calvin
and Jabez Giddings, to Kent; Albert Alberson and Eli Frankenberger, and
Josiah Blackmore to Rock Grove; Thomas Grain and family to Silver Creek;
Conrad Vam Brocklin and Mason Dimmick and Otis Love and family to
Florence. Thomson Wilcoxen spent part of the year in the county and settled
permanently in Harlem the next year. Harvey P. Waters and Lyman Bennett
spent the winter near the mouth of Yellow Creek and in the spring settled in
Ridott township, where they were joined by A. J. Niles.
Probably the most important settlement in some ways in 1835, was that of
William Baker, who built a trading post and established his family in a cabin
on the banks of the Pecatonica River at the foot of Stephenson Street in the
city of Freeport. Baker had picked out the site earlier and in 1835, with his
son, Frederick, and his family, began the history of Freeport.
William Baker came from Orange County, Indiana. He first moved to
Sangamon County, Illinois, in 1823, and in the spring of 1827 came to the lead
mine region in Jo Daviess County. In 1829, they went back to Peoria, and in
1852 went to the lead mine country in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. The
Bakers had come north just in time to get into the thick of the Black Hawk
War. To escape the dangers from Indians, the family "forted" in Fort De-
fiance. Baker and his son, Fred, returned to this county and December 19,
1835, built the cabin above mentioned which was the first house built in the
city of Freeport. Mrs. Baker came the following February. Having com-
pleted a hewn log home, Baker and Benjamin Goddard with an ox team and
" wagon drove into Wisconsin to bring the family to the new home. -It was a
long and tedious journey, over unbroken, February roads. But through all the
difficulties and dangers, there was the inspiration that lifts up every family as
it moves into a new home. In due time the ox team was back again, and Mrs.
William Baker was the first white woman to live in the limits of the present"^?
city of Freeport. Mr. William Baker then entered and owned the land on
which the city of Freeport now stands. Before his wife arrived Baker, assisted
by Benjamin Goddard and George Whiteman, erected another log mansion near
the first. They were assisted in raising it by Fred Baker, Miller Preston and
Jos. Van Sevit. Baker was favorably impressed with the location and decided
to establish an Indian trading post and a hotel. A tribe of Winnebagoes was
still in the community and the tavern would be able to earn something from
immigrants who were sure to be coming through to the west. He also
established a ferry, and did a fair business bringing people across the Peca-
tonica. Mr. Baker was not here long before he became convinced that here
was a desirable location for a village. That is why he laid claim to all the land
of the present city. Besides, it cost him only the fee at the Dixon land office.
The next move was to organize a land company and Baker secured as partners,
William Kirkpatrick and W. T. Galbraith. This was the first organization in
Freeport, a real estate firm, under the title of Baker, Kirkpatrick, Galbraith
& Co. The purpose of this company was to offer inducements to immigrants.
60 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
They anticipated a large increase in westward bound settlers and were prepared
to exploit the advantages and prospects of the village to be. The town was
laid out early in 1836, in the north part of the northeast portion of section 31.
This was later removed because the Indians when they had sold their lands
had reserved certain tracts to the half-breeds, to be selected in any part of the
territory they might choose. As soon as it became known that Baker, Kirk-
patrick & Co. had laid out a town, Mary Myott located her claim on this sec-
tion and the town builders moved their stakes farther west. Later, John A.
Clark obtained title to this section and calling it Winneshiek Addition, opened
it to settlement.
In 1836, Baker & Co. put up two log cabins, one at the corner of Galena and
Chicago Streets, and one opposite the monument on Stephenson Street. Mr.
L. O. Crocker built a small hut on the banks of the river and in the fall occu-
pied it as a store. The real estate visions of the company seemed to brighten
in 1836. During the year O. H. Wright, Joel Dodds, Hiram Eads, Jacob Good-
heart, John Hinkle, James Burns, William, Samuel and Robert Smith, John
Brown, Benjamin R. Wilmot and several others came in, so that when winter
arrived there was quite a colony in the new location. F. D. Bulkley came but
settled on Silver Creek township and E. H. D. Sanborn settled in Harlem.
A few points of interest have been preserved in regard to these earliest set-
tlers. Luman Montague, above mentioned, was of English descent. He was
a native of Bennington, Vermont. He married Miss Elmira Clark in Massa-
chusetts and, soon after, with his young bride set out on a marvelous honey-
moon trip. With an ox team and wagon in 1835, they drove the entire 1,000
miles from Northampton, Massachusetts, to Stephenson County, and settled on
section 18 in West Point Township. The first Montague to come to America
was Richard, who settled in Hadley, Massachusetts, 1660. With an ax alone,
Luman Montague built his log home in this county. He set out the first nursery
and one time had an orchard of 1,200 trees.
Hubbard Graves had learned the stone cutter's trade on the Scioto, in Ohio.
He married and came first to Hennepin, Illinois. He settled in Waddams Town-
ship, 1835, and built his cabin before the land was surveyed. He sold this claim
and took two others in Rock Grove Township. He was the first sheriff of
Stephenson County and was a member of the legislature from 1842-1844.
Richard Parriott, Sr., was a native of Tyler County, West Virginia. He
came to southern Illinois in 1826, settled in Indiana a short time, and then
through Stephenson County to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1835, and not finding
anything to suit him returned to this county and settled in Buckeye township.
George Trotter, also an early settler in Buckeye was a native of Bourbon County,
Kentucky, and first came with his father's family to Springfield, Illinois. He
walked from Springfield to the lead mine region and secured employment in a
smelter at $16 a month. He enlisted for the Black Hawk War and was in the
battle of the Wisconsin River and the Bad Axe. After the war, with his wife
and two children, two horses, two oxen and a wagon, he drove to Honey
Creek, Wisconsin, but not being pleased there, returned to this county and set-
tled in Buckeye Township, 1835. Not having money to enter his land, he
held it as a claim till he secured a title. James and W. H. Eels drove from
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 61
New York to LaSalle County, Illinois, and in 1835 came on to Stephenson
County, settling in Winslow township and built a double hewed log house.
In 1836, they moved to Ransomberg and built another log house and made it
into a tavern, where was held the first election that occurred in that section.
The nearest mill in 1835 was at Gratiot, Wisconsin, and it was a poor corn
cracker. Galena was the nearest place for supplies and the nearest post office.
It often cost 25 cents to get a letter out of the office and this the settlers did
not always have, as coin was a scarce article. But a letter from the home folks
way down east was highly prized, and the good natured postmaster frequently
let the pioneers have the letters on "tick." At the age of 17, W. H. Eels pur-
chased his "time" from his father for $250. He then worked for $16 a month
on a farm and in 1838 bought a yoke of oxen. Later he bought a claim of 160
acres in Winslow Township and married in 1841. He owned the first threshing
machine in that section. He was a great reader, and was admitted to the bar
in 1872. T. J. Van Metre came west as a boy from Ohio to the lead mines.
He served in the Black Hawk War, and in 1836 came to Oneco, paying $100
for a claim of 150 acres. In 1837 ne made a horseback trip to Cincinnati.
Thus were laid the foundations for the history of Stephenson County. It
had its beginning with one family, that of William Waddams in 1833, at Wa'd-
dams Grove, 77 years ago. The next year, 1834, saw several new settlements.
The year 1835 closed with a large number of additional settlers of high quality.
These settlements formed centers scattered in every direction, around which
the county was to be built up. In addition to the those mentioned above, there
were many others whose names have not been preserved. While the popula-
tion was yet small and the settlements isolated, yet the tide of immigration had
set in strong, and the rapid occupation of the county was assured. The settlers
were pleased with the outlook and sent back east glowing reports of the climate
and the resources of the county, telling in words of praise of "The 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 the 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."
The following letter written in 1837 from Damascus to New York, affords
a good description of the county and the favor with which the new country
was looked upon by the early settlers. It was written by Nelson Martin, who
rode through from New York to Damascus on horseback. It was written to
Norman Phillips, who later that same year settled at Damascus.
Pekatonica River, Tan. 15, 18^7.
Dear Friends:
Agreeable to my promise last fall I will atempt to inform you of our journey,
healths, and situation. I believe I gave you the outlines of our journey as far
as Chicago, while I was there, we left there about the first of Dec. ; the ground
was froze just enough to make good wheeling, and we should have got here
in four days, but Rock River was impassable which detained us about four
days longer, but the journey was pleasant all the way through and we saw a
great many pleasant looking places, but I saw no place on the way that fills
62 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
my eye equal to this. I think Father has made the best choice there is on the
river for twenty miles. The land lies just as you could wish it, there is a rise
of land on the south side of the river (or rather on the west for the river runs
nearly north and south here). It extends up and down the river nearly half a
mile back fom the river, and between the river and this rise is about three hun-
dred acres of what is called River Bottom as beautiful as you ever saw. Then
across the river from this is the timber, but back of this rise I mentioned is
beautiful rolling prairie as you would wish to see and it's well watered. There
is some timber on this side of the river, and three or four miles back from us
is a grove of timber that almost surrounds us. This grove breaks off the north
and west winds and makes it quite pleasant. The timber land lies the opposite
side of the river, I think we have the best lot of timber here that I have seen
since I left York State. The timber land lies beautiful, not only so, but we have
two as good mill sites as there is in the country. I should like it much if we
had a good sawmill in operation. Lumber is very high and hard to be got, al-
most the whole country south of us depends on this river for lumber, but we
don't think of that at present. We are getting our Rail Stuff acrost to do our
fencing, we calculate to fence about two hundred acres next spring, we have
between 20 and 25 acres broke ready for corn and team enough to break as
much as we can work. Mr. Phillips, I wish you was here to help us till this
beautiful land, it looks to me as if it would work as easy as a bed of ashes and
they tell me it produces like a garden, the. whole of it, I think you can't help
but like it. I have been over the place a great deal, and the more I see of it
the better I like it. If you come here next summer you will of course come
by water to Chicago, to this place it is one hundred and twenty miles from
Chicago. There is a new road laid out from Chicago to Galena. It's much
nearer than the old road. Father thinks to meet you at Chicago if we get some
more teams, if not it would be difficult, as we shall have to make use of all we
have at that season on the farm. Write at all events what time you will be
there. Phebe Ann, I think if you come out here in less than six months you
will be as healthy as ever you was. The climate and water here is peculiarly
adapted to constitutions like yours. It never has failed to cure yet and I have
heard of a number of cases of the kind and I think you will like our neighbors.
We have but a few of them but what there is is York State People and they
are very fine respectable obliging neighbors and I am well pleased with them
and I think you must be. Tell William we have a claim for him and I think he
will be pleased with it. It lies handsome and it's well watered. Josephine was
so pleased with the place that we had to mark a claim for her about the first
thing. Tell William Stewart if he wants a farm here is the place. There is
good chances yet but the country is selling so fast that I think it will be all
taken up in less than a year where there is any chance for timber."
Respects to all.
About 1840 a newspaper man passing through the county gave the follow-
ing description in the Madison Express: "Since I have been here I have been
about the county considerably, and am well convinced that it is well deserving
of the high reputation it has attained. From Rockford to Freeport the road
passes through one continuous prairie, with the exception of a grove about a
':-c'-^r:
A. W. FORD'S JEWELRY STORE. 1855
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 63
mile in length. The prairie is quite rolling, in many places amounting to hifls
with an uncommonly rich and fertile soil. There is in this county less waste
land on account of sloughs and 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 Pecatonica River. These, I am told, originate in springs, the water always
being 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, and in
many places we find a variety of timber."
Many of the early settlers came from two sources. One was from the men
who were attracted to the lead mine regions. Many of these men passed through
Stephenson County by way of the old Kellog trail. They were impressed by
the beauty and the wealth of the agricultural resources of the county and, in
due time, when fortunes did not hastily develop in the lead regions, they
thought of necessity to return to the slower but surer road to competence —
agriculture. Remembering what they had seen of this county and its oppor-
tunities, they turned back to the eastward along the old trail and from Wad-
dams and Kellog's Groves, they took up claims along the valleys of Yellow
Creek and the Pecatonica.
Another source of settlement was the soldiers of Black Hawk's War. They
too had crossed and recrossed the county and had not failed to be impressed
by its opportunities and resources. The Indians were driven out and many of
the veterans of the war, returned here with their families to take up claims.
The land down the state was well taken and prices had advanced. But here,
they could own a quarter section, for a small payment to the land office at
Dixon. For the most part, they were progressive and courageous men and
good citizens, who were not afraid to leave a settled community to find larger
opportunities amidst the dangers and privations of life on the front wave of
civilization.
Naturally a few worthless characters drifted into the county. They had
been undesirable citizens in the east and in the older communities, and had been
compelled to go towards the west. But here they found too many people of
the better class and many of them soon moved on to the farther west. The
settlers here were devoted to industry and to orderly civil government. It
was not an enticing place for the idle or the outlaw.
Mr. Lyman Brewster settled in the county and built a ferry near Winslow
in the spring of 1834. Lyman Brewster was a native of Vermont. He settled
first in Tennessee. From Tennessee he moved his family to Peru, Illinois, and
in '1834 settled in Winslow township where he entered a claim, built a cabin,
cleared 80 acres of ground and opened Brewster's Ferry, the first on the Peca-
tonica. He soon thereafter rented the ferry to William Robey and returned
to Peru. In 1835, Lemuel W. Streator purchased the Brewster property, the
ferry and 640 acres for $4,000, which was paid to the Brewster heirs, Lyman
Brewster having died at Peru. In 1836, Stewart and McDavel opened a store
in Ransomberg. Later they moved to Oneco. George Payne also stopped at
64 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Brewster's Ferry that year, and George W. Lott built a shanty in the present
limits of Winslow. Others who settled near Winslow were Harry and Jerry
Waters and A. C. Ransom.
RANSOMBERG.
Mr. Ransom was a real-estate man, a promoter with a powerful imagina-
tion. He has the honor of having laid out the first town in Stephenson County.
Of course, it was a paper town, located about 1^/2 miles below Brewster's
Ferry. At this time, 1834, speculation in western lands was quite general
throughout the east. The good times dating from 1825 had caused a great
boom all over the United States. Abundant issues of paper money and wild-
cat banking schemes and lotteries filled the public mind with a spirit of specu-
lation. Towns were platted in the wilderness of the west and although the
location was indefinite, the circulars were so attractive and the spirit of specula-
tion so high that many men bought corner lots in these paper cities at unwar-
ranted prices. The country was passing through a period of feverish excite-
ment.
Mr. A. C. Ransom's makeup was such that he was caught up in the wild
speculation enthusiasm of the day. He entered a tract of land below Brewster's
Ferry and set his imagination to work building up a modern town in the wilder-
ness. The land was surveyed and platted. Charts and maps were drawn up
such as would induce the investor to part with his money. The map of the
proposed city was illustrated in attractive colors, and showed streets and ave-
nues in beautiful and regular arrangement. The map showed beautiful parks,
made attractive by shrubbery, fountains and statuary. Wharves extended into
the Pecatonica were shown, and on the painted river, a painted steamboat gave
signs of the commercial advantages of the wilderness. Mr. Ransom added a
touch of reality to the game by establishing a store in his city. Land agents,
however, failed to make many sales at fabulous prises, regardless of the great
inducements offered. The people were too unimaginative and too conservative,
for they seemed to invest real money in real values. Yet, it is maintained that
Mr. Ransom sold a corner lot to an eager buyer in St. Louis for $500. The
scheme failed and Mr. Ransom, disappointed, went to Texas, and a plain,
unadorned cornfield occupies the site of the once beautifully illustrated paper
city of Ransomberg.
Simon Davis, Andrew Clarno and John M. Curtis settled in Oneco town-
ship in 1834. Some claim an earlier date but this is not certain. Clarno set-
fled on Honey Creek and Davis near Oneco. In 1835, Lorin and Fred Remay
opened farms in the same section as did also Ralph Hildebrand and Jonas
Strohm. In the spring of 1835, John Goddard settled in Buckeye township,
and Jones and Lucas came in the fall. Andrew St. John, Ira, Job and Daniel
Holley in 1836. The next year besides those mentioned elsewhere, G. W.
Clingman, J. Tharp, Jackson Richart, Lazarus Snyder, Jacob Brown and Joseph
Green opened farms in Buckeye. In 1836, Andrew Jackson and Jefferson Niles
built a shanty on the east bank of the Pecatonica in Ridott Township. Others
who settled in Ridott that year were Sawyer Forbes, Daniel Wooten, Horace
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 65
Colburn, Mr. Wickham, John Reed. The Ridott settlement was strengthened
in 1837 by the arrival of Caleb Thompkins, G. A. Seth, Isaac and Eldridge Far-
well, Garrett Floyd, Norman, Levi, Isaac and Orsemus Brace. In 1835, in the
fall, Jesse Willet opened a farm near that of James Timms in Kent. Four
miles north, Calvin and Jabez Giddings settled; Gilbert Osbern joined the Kent
colony in the fall of 1836.
Levi Wilcoxen built a mill on Richard Creek on the present site of Sciota
Mills in 1836. John Lewis put in the water wheel and Mr. Wilcoxen was as-
sisted by the following: John Edwards, George Cockerell, William Goddard,
Alpheus Goddard, Peter Smith, Wesley Bradford, Homer Graves and John As-
comb. The mill began work in August of 1836. William Kirkpatrick, it is
believed by many, built a mill on Yellow Creek at Mill Grove, Loran -town-
ship in 1836. Some say the date is 1839. Kirkpatrick was a member of the
Freeport firm of Baker, Kirkpatrick, Galbraith & Co.
Benson Mcllhenny settled near Hickory Grove, Dakota township, in 1836.
Albert Alberson and Jonathan Corey settled at Rock Grove in 1836. Eli
Frankenberger came the same year, and Louisa Frankenberger was the first
white child born in Rock Grove Township.
The year 1837 stands as a milestone in the history of Stephenson County.
This year, the county was organized and civil government was established
within its present boundaries. Up to this time the settlers had been under
the jurisdiction of Jo Daviess County. The seat of government at Galena,
however, was so far away that as an old settler put it, "but few of the people
of Stephenson County knew they were under the government of Jo Daviess
County." In fact, from the settlement of William Waddams, 'at Waddams in
1833 tiM J837, there was no real civil government in Stephenson County.
That does not mean, however, that there was no government. There was
little lawlessness and anarchy did not prevail. The people who came into the
county did what the English settlers have always done. They observed a cer-
tain "unwritten" law, and when necessary organized to protect their interests
and rights. During this period, undesirables were piloted beyond the settle-
ments and warned not to return.
The State Legislature in session at Vandalia, on March 4th, 1837, passed
an act providing for the organization of Stephenson County. The act is as
follows :
"Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in the
General Assembly, that all that tract of country within the following boundaries,
to-wit: Commencing on the northern boundary of the state, where the section
line between sections three and four, in town 29 North, Range 5, east of the
principal meridian, strikes said line, and thence east on the northern boundary
line of the state, to the range line between Ranges 9 and 10 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 33 and 34, in Township 26 North, Range 5,
east to the place of beginning, shall form a county to be called Stephenson, as
a tribute of respect to the late Colonel Benjamin Stephenson.
Section 2. An election shall be held at the house of William Baker, in said
66 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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 commissioners court, who shall hold their offices till the next suc-
ceeding general elections, and until their successors are elected and qualified;
which said election shall be conducted in all respects agreeable to the law reg-
ulating 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."
THE FIRST ELECTION.
There was great rejoicing in the county over this act -of the State Legislature.
It meant much to the few struggling settlements. The fact that the county was
to be organized as a separate political unit, with a county seat and county offi-
cials would be a big advertisement for the county in the east. That would
mean that Stephenson County would get her share of immigrants who were
sure to be coming west. The next step was the election.
The Legislature had set the first Monday of May as election day and had
designated the house of William Baker as the voting place. The men selected
to act as judges of the election were Orleans Daggett, James W. Fowler and
Thomas J. Turner. They selected Benjamin Goddard and John C. Wickham-
to act as clerks. The election passed off without excitement. It was too early
for factions and party organizations to be formed. The number of votes cast
was 121. William Kirkpatrick was elected sheriff; Lorenzo Lee, coroner;
Orestes H. Wright, commissioner's clerk and recorder; Lemuel W. Streator,
Isaac S. Forbes and Julius Smith, commissioners; and Frederick D. Bukley,
county surveyor. These officials were duly qualified and took up their respect-
ive duties.
May 8, 1837, the county commissioners court held its first meeting, accord-
ing to law, and the officials previously elected were qualified. The first session,
it is maintained, was held in the residence of O. H. Wright. The court then
laid off the county in election precincts, as follows :
Freeport precinct began at the southeast corner of Central precinct, south
to the south line of the county, west to the east line of Waddams precinct,
north to the south line of Central precinct and east to he place of beginning.
Seth Scott, A. O. "Preston and L. O. Crocker were appointed judges of election.
Central precinct commenced at the northwest corner of Silver Creek pre-
cinct, south five miles, west 13 miles, north to the southwest corner of Brewster
precinct, thence east to the place of beginning. Ira Jones, Levi Lucas and
Alpheus Goddard were appointed judges.
Brewster precinct commenced at the northwest corner of Rock Grove pre-
cinct, running south 6 miles, west n miles, north to the state line and east to
the place of beginning. L. R. Hull, John M. Curtiss and N. E. Ransom were
appointed judges.
Rock Grove precinct began at the northeastern corner of the county and
ran south 6 miles, thence west 9 miles, thence north to the state line, thence
east to point of starting. J. R. Blackmore, Johnathan Cora and Eli Franken-
berger were appointed judges.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 67
Waddams precinct began at the northwest corner of Brewster precinct, south
to the south line of the county, west on the county line to the west line of the
county, north to the north line of the county, and east to the point of starting.
William Waddams, Othmiel Preston and John Garner were appointed judges of
election.
Silver Creek precinct commenced at the southeast corner of Rock Grove pre-
cinct, south to the south line of the county, 7 miles west, north to the line of
Rock Grove precinct, thence east to place of beginning.
In this manner, the county commissioners laid off the county in six large
precincts. Each one, however, contained only a small number of straggling set-
tlers. This act paved the way for local government in the subdivisions of the
county.
While this first court was in session, a man who had imbibed too freely of
"Corn juice" became boisterous and started out to paint the town red. The
fellow was arrested by the newly elected sheriff, Kirkpatrick, and locked up in
William Baker's root house till he sobered off. He was then released without
fine or trial. There was, as yet, no jail. Prior to county organization, unde-
sirables were shown the way out of the settlement, which was less expensive, at
least, than boarding them in the county bastile. Besides, in those days there was
an excellent spirit of fair play and there was little necessity for police because
every man in those frontier settlements was amply able to take care of himself.
Otherwise, he would have remained east.
The commissioners evidently were "insurgents." Today they would not
hesitate to pass laws regulating railroads and other corporations. At their first
session they undertook to regulate, in the interest of public welfare, the only
public service institution there doing business, the hotels. The court passed
an ordinance, prohibiting inn-keepers from charging more than 2>71/2 cents
for a meal, 12^4 cents for a night's lodging and 25 cents for a measure of oats
and the same price for a horse to hay over night.
LOCATING THE COUNTY SEAT.
The State Legislature had appointed three men, Vance L. Davidson, Isaac
Chambers and Miner York, to locate the county seat. This kept up consid-
erable excitemenfc among the settlers till the location was agreed upon. Propo-
sitions and petitions came in from all parts of the county where any consider-
able settlement had been made. Each section set forth its particular claims and
pressed them with great persistence. The two strongest contenders were Cedar-
ville and Freeport. Cedarville's claim was that it was near the center of the
county. Its claims were pushed by Thompson and Rezin Wilcoxen. But it
was a case of an argument of real town against a "paper" town. Cedarville,
as a village, was yet to be built. It was not surveyed or laid out. Freeport had
been surveyed and laid out, contained a half dozen houses, a store, a hotel,
trading post, a kind of ferry and a saloon. Besides, it seems, the business men
of Freeport got busy. The land company that had laid out the town, offered
to give $6,500 for the erection of county buildings and William Baker, mer-
chant, real-estate dealer and promoter, offered the additional argument that
68 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
besides donating the lot for the county buildings each of the commissioners
should receive a lot. Many, including the Rev. F. C. Winslow, claimed that
these "inducements" influenced the judgment of the three commissioners and
prejudiced their decision in locating the county seat. Whatever the truth may
be, in June, 1837, the commissioners set forth the following proclamation : We,
the commissioners appointed by the Legislature of the State of Illinois, to lo-
cate 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 principal Meridian, now occupied and
claimed by William Kirkpatrick & Co., William Baker and Smith Galbraith.
Whereunto we have set our hands and seals this I2th day of June, A. D. 1837.
(Signed.)
The real town o'f houses and business had won out against the theoretical.
Whatever the inducements may have been, if there were any at all, there have
been few people to criticise the judgment of the commissioners in locating the
county seat at Freeport.
THE NAME FREEPORT.
Until 1836 the settlement at Freeport was called "Winneshiek," after the
Winnebago chief of that name who had his village where the Illinois Central
station now stands. It is not known who named it Winneshiek, it probably
being taken up by consent. The following origin of the name "Freeport" has
been handed down by tradition and may be true. William Baker, as beiore
related, had established a tavern on the river front. Baker was a hospitable
gentlemen, largely by natural disposition, and in part because he was our first
real-estate agent. Newcomers were given the glad hand in true frontier fash-
ion, and the latchstring was always out at Baker's. Many of these strangers
were entertained by Baker without charge. This process levied heavily upon
the stock of provisions at Baker's and kept Mrs. Baker hard at work. Mrs.
Baker finally becoming tired of the business and annoyed by Baker's reck-
less hospitality, gave vent to her feelings one morning at breakfast and an-
nounced that henceforth the place should be called free port. The incident
spread immediately over the community and the citizens thereafter called the
town Freeport.
A post-office was established in 1837 in a small room on Galena Street and
B. R. Wilmot was appointed postmaster, the first in the county. Previous to
that time, Thomas Grain of Grain's Grove had received mail for Freeport and
carried it to the settlers, collecting the dues from the recipients of letters. He
got the mail from the Funk stages. Postage on a letter ran from 18% to 25
cents. Wilmot was postmaster till 1840.
The county had now been organized, named, the county seat located and
named, and officials had been elected. Much county history had been made
from the time that William Waddams made the first permanent settlement in
1833 to the first county election in 1837. Stephenson County had passed from
the "inter-regnum" of rule w;t''ort Inw into an organized civil government.
The land company had made considerable improvements in Freeport in 1837,
reaching to Stephenson Street. Wilmot and the Hollenbecks had built cabins.
STEPHEXSOX COfXTY JAIL
OLD ENGIXE IIOt'SE WHERE CITY HALL NOW STANDS
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 69
An occasional circuit rider may have held a few meetings in the county and
in 1836 it is claimed that Father McKean preached the first sermon in Free-
port. The son of Lemuel Streator died in Winslow township. In 1836 Amanda
VVaddams was born at Waddams.
The first marriage is a question of doubt. This distinction is claimed for
a Mr. Gage and Malindy Eels at Ransomberg in 1836, and by Dr. W. G. Bank-
son and Phoebe McComber in the fall of 1836. Both, it is claimed, were mar-
ried by Squire William Waddams. There is absolute evidence of the latter.
The first marriage after the organization of the county was that of Eunice
Waddams, daughter of William Waddams, to George Place, July 4, 1837.
Squire Levi Robey performed the ceremony. The wedding was a quiet af-
fair. Mrs. Place lived for years in the house built by her father in 1833.
July 24, 1837, James Blain and Kate Marsh were married at the home of James
Timms at Kellog's Grove. May 24, 1837, Harvey M. Timms was born at
Kellog's Grove, being one of the earliest births recorded in the county's his-
tory. Emma Eads died in Freeport in 1836 in a two-story frame building
used as a tavern at the foot of Stephenson Street.
Thomas Milburn and a man named Reed lost their lives in the Pecatonica
in 1837, a short distance west of Ridott. The men crossed the river in a
dugout, on their way to work. One morning accompanied by a Mr. Wooten,
a stepson of Thomas Grain, they started forth in the dugout to cross the river.
The current was swift and the clumsy boat upset. Reed and Milburn were
unable to swim and after making vain efforts to cling to the boat, both were
drowned. Wooten was a fair swimmer and after a desperate struggle, reached
the opposite shore. The settlers near by were aroused by Wooten, the river
was dragged and after many laborious hours the bodies were brought to the
shore. A large emigrant wagon served as a hearse and the men were buried on
a hillside. After the grave was dug, the bodies were laid in and covered with
hazel brush, and the grave filled up with dirt. It was a simple, plain burial,
but in those days lumber for boxes or rude caskets was not easily obtained.
Such a grave was not secure. A few days later a man passing by found that
the wolves had dug into the grave and the fustian trousers of one of the men
were exposed. The passerby threw in some dirt and securing a large block of
wood, drove it into the opening. The grave was not molested thereafter and
the place was a point of interest for years.
The winter of 1836-7 was an exceedingly hard one. The small and scat-
tered settlements in the county suffered not less than the Pilgrims who landed
at Plymouth in 1620. The cold was intense and the cabins built without foun-
dations, and left with many "chinks," were more readily ventilated than
heated. It is difficult to realize the hardships of the early settlers, and an in-
sight into their primitive lives is bound to fill this generation with pride for
the courage and perseverance of those who first settled here.
1837-
It is hardly conceivable that a person who settled in this county as one of
the pioneers in 1837 would be living today, active and vigorous, and in the
70 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
full possession of the mental faculties. Yet, it is true. In Cedarville there
lives probably the most remarkable resident of the county, Mrs. Maria Simp-
son Clingman. She was born in Scioto County, Ohio, December 12, 1809,
being now in her loist year. She lives in a pleasant home in Cedarville with
her son, William Clingman, a veteran of the Civil War. When the writer
called to see her, August 2, 1910, he found her cheerfully pulling a few
weeds in the garden. It was a rare privilege to sit and listen to her tell the
story of early days and turn the pages of seventy-three years of history.
She married Josiah Cling-man in 1830 and in 1835, with two children, the
family moved first to Putnam and then to LaSalle County, Illinois. The fam-
ily came by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and the Illinois to La-
Salle. Jack Ritchie drove the ox team and wagon across the country. Land
was well settled up about LaSalle and in 1836, on horseback, Josiah Clingman
came into Stephenson and selected a claim north of Cedarville. In 1837 he brought
his family to settle on the claim. With a horse hitched on in front of his ox
team, Mr. Clingman, his wife and three children, George, Mary and Chester,
the latter being born in LaSalle County, with the simple household goods stored
in a hogshead, a cow and calf following behind, drove into Cedarville. Mrs.
Clingman says that at that time, the only evidence of settlers in the present
village was a little log shack and a mill claim. As they drove past the present
mill site, Mr. Clingman remarked that a mill was to be built there. When
asked why he knew that he pointed out two logs that had been cut and laid
across each other near the rapids, he said it was the mark of a mill claim and
that was respected on the frontier. The rule was that the man had the right of
claim who did the first work. These logs had been placed by John Goddard,
who sold his claim to Dr. Van Valzah that same year.
Josiah Clingman had begun a log house when he took up his claim the year
before. While a roof was being put on the house, the family stayed with Levi
Lucas, whose one room was small enough but whose hospitality was unlimited.
The one-room log house was crowded and the men slept in a "potato hole," dug
out under the cabin.
When the roof was completed, the Clingmans moved into their own, just
log walls, board roof and a dirt floor. A kind of shelf, made of a slab, laid
on pins driven into the wall served as a table. While this was placed so that
it would be the right height when a board floor could be laid, it was far too high
to be convenient from the dirt floor. Mr. Clingman heard of a place on Yel-
low Creek where he could get boards for a floor, and after a laborious trip
with ox-team, he returned with a load of black walnut lumber with which a
floor was made.
In such a home housekeeping was simplified. Mrs. Clingman says she got
along five or six years without a stove. The cooking was done on a fireplace.
She had brought a few cooking utensils from Ohio, pots, skillets, spiders, etc.
She made the clothing for the family. She made their hats and caps. She
picked the wool, spun the yarn, which was fulled and made into cloth at Orange-
ville, and made for her husband his first overcoat, colored, with two capes.
All the clothing was home-made.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 71
They had brought the cow and so had milk and butter. A bee tree was sooq
found and Mrs. Clingman and her husband hived them in a barrel and al-
ways had honey thereafter. Flour could not always be had, as it was neces-
sary to go to Galena or Wolf Creek. When out of flour or meal, corn was
grated on a grater, and this coarse meal was made into "dodgers." The first
flour they got came from Galena and was made from spring wheat. Mrs.
Clingman said it made good biscuits, but would not make loaf bread. The
flour was brought to Brewster's Ferry from Galena in a wagon drawn by an
ox and a cow, and Mr. Clingman brought it from Brewster's by ox-team. Other
supplies were secured from Savannah. Mr. Clingman's father and mother,
Geo. W. and Polly Clingman, joined them in the new home before the floor
was laid. They had left an elegant home in Ohio, but after looking around
Cedarville and killing a deer, the elder Mr. Clingman said, "Polly, I would not
go back to Ohio for anything," but his wife not yet accustomed to frontier
life, rebuked him for the enthusiastic expression. Besides a few deer there
were quail, pheasants, prairie chicken, etc., which afforded a pleasing change
from salt pork. But Mrs. Clingman is impressive in her earnestness when
she tells of the generous hospitality of the earlier days. All were obliging
and there was no envy and jealousy. A splendid spirit of cooperation pre-
vailed. And however simple and plain the home and equipments; however ar-
duous the trials and difficulties of the log -cabin days, the people were happy,
she says, maybe happier than the present generation. Her children always had
plenty to eat and wear and were well dressed. In closing the interview she
said: "It was for the children that we left comfortable homes in Ohio in the
midst of relatives and friends, to make a new home here in the wilds, where
land was cheap. Here we could find homes and farms for the children and
they have all done well."
Mrs. Clingman's life in this county covers the period of 1837 to 1910; from
the year of the organization of the county to the present day. She is now the
idol of the community, always a source of inspiration to the young people who
listen at her knee to the stories of long ago.
Norman Phillips and wife came to Stephenson County from New York by
way of the Great Lakes in 1837. At Green Bay, Wisconsin, James Phillips
was born. The Phillips family settled at Damascus and has been one of the
prominent families in the county. The Phillips men have always maintained
a reputation for great height, any of them shorter than 6 feet 2 inches being
the exception. Norman Phillips' wife was Mary Stout, of Maryland, whose
ancestry runs backs to Holland and to England. Her mother was a Wolfe, in
some way related to General James Wolfe, the conqueror of Quebec in 1859.
So far the "claims" were respected only by the "unwritten law of the set-
tlers themselves." If a man selected a piece of land to his liking and "blazed" a
tree around it, or cut a furrow around it, he was secure and guaranteed in its
possession. The lands were not yet surveyed and not yet open to sale. The
settler held his claim till the government put the land on the market, and then
he alone could buy it. Many difficulties and disputes arose when the land of-
fice at Dixon opened the sale in 1843. 1° general, the rightful claimants won
out. In the absence of law, claim societies were organized by the settlers to
72 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
protect themselves against speculators and "claim jumpers." Stringent meas-
ures were sometimes resorted to and strong hints given certain disturbers and
undesirable citizens to move on to the west. In 1836 a "claim meeting" was
organized. A president, secretary and board of directors were selected. The
object of the organization was mutual protection and cooperation. If a mem-
ber's claim was encroached upon, his complaint was investigated by the officials.
The trespasser would then be notified and warned to abandon the claim in five
days. If he did not comply, he would be "carefully removed with his effects
from the premises." There was a general understanding that two sections, two
miles square, should be the extreme limit claimed by heads of families.
A man named John Barker tested the sincerity of the "claims" organiza-
tion. In 1839 he settled on one of Benjamin Goddard's claims, now a part of
Freeport, and refused to withdraw. He was brought before a committee of
which William Baker, the founder, was chairman. The committee, after hear-
ing the evidence decided that Barker was guilty and ordered him to vacate in
a certain time or receive 30 lashes. Barker was a poor student of human nature
and failed to leave on schedule time, taking a long chance with those stern
frontier men. When his time had expired, he was seized, tied up by his thumbs
and given the prescribed lashes. He had a change of heart and was willing to
obey now, but he was escorted to the county line and advised to keep forever
out of the county or he would be hanged. George Whitman had previously
been driven out of the county by the citizens because he had been held guilty
of stealing horses. This "unwritten law" had two very creditable features —
it was prompt and effective.
It was believed that a big boom was coming in Illinois in 1836 and 1837. Set-
tlers had been coming into the state in large numbers. Speculation was in-
dulged in and laws were passed by the State Legislature, providing for a sys-
tem of internal improvements, based on the faith and credit of the state. A bill
was passed, providing for the construction of railroads, canals and improve-
ment of rivers. Great results were expected to follow. Banks overreached their
resources. People went heavily in debt. The whole structure, practically, fell
down before it got started.
Hard times followed, not only in Illinois but all over the country. There
had been too much flirting with paper money, loose banking and speculation.
The bottom fell out. The hard times, no doubt, were felt here in this county,
but the main result was the check given to prospective immigration.
The year 1836 was a big year in the settlement of this county. Reports
had had time to get east and the encouraging letters to friends, telling of big
and sure opportunities here, brought out a large number of settlers. Many of
them were men of great ability and were destined to take high rank in state and
nation. For the time being, however, they served well the immediate purpose
of settling up the country and adding to its social, economic and political life.
Among the settlers this year were the following, many of whom brought
their families: Thomas J. Turner, Pells Manny, Alford and Sanford Giddings,
Washington Perkey, "Widow" Swanson and family, Thomas Flynn, E. Mul-
larkey, Henry Hulse, M. Welsh, William and Leonard Lee, Nathan Blackmore,
Aaron Baker, John Pile, Ira Job, Daniel Holly, Lydia Wart and family, Thomas
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 73
Hawkins, John Boyington, M. Phillips, John Lobdell, L. M. and Jeremiah
Griggsby, Barney Howell, Mr. Veliey Nicholas Marcellus, John Dennison, W.
P. Bankson, M. D., the first physician to settle in the county, Harmon Cogges-
hall, James Macumber, Alonzo Denio, Duke Chilton, William Kirkpatrick, Gil-
bert 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 Carnefix, Phillip Fowler, D. W. C. Mallory, Joseph Norris, Thomas
Hathaway, his mother-in-law, a Mrs. Brown, James Shinkle, and a few others
whose names have not been preserved.
Thomas Grain, who came to Grain's Grove in 1835, was an uncle of At-
torney J. A. Grain of Freeport. He was of an old English family, the first of
which came to America in 1645. One branch settled in Georgia, later removed
to Kentucky, then to Randolph County, Illinois. From there, Thomas Grain, at-
tracted into this section by the lead mines, after serving in the Black Hawk
War, settled Grain's Grove south of Freeport.
Conrad Van Brocklin came from New York to Florence township in 1835.
He was the first settler in what is now Florence Township. Harvey P. Wa-
ters was of English descent. He came to Stephenson County from New York
in 1836, and settled in Ridott township. He worked as a farm hand a year
and then entered a claim of 66 acres in Ridott township. He married Miss
Mary Lloyd, of Welsh descent, whose home was near Pecatonica and who was
educated at Mt. Morris College.
John Brown, 1836, Scotch, was born in Pennsylvania, educated in Ohio,
moved to Illinois, 1827, served in Black Hawk War, was married in 1834,
settled in Stephenson County in 1837. He had visited the county in 1834. John
Brown was a great plowman. He broke prairie land for 16 years. At one
time he owned over 1,000 acres of land and in 1888 owned 700 acres. Elliot
Lee and wife drove from Hamilton County, Indiana, to Rock Run Township
in 30 days in 1836. His father was a native of North Ireland. His wife was
Rachel Kratzer. The Lees had a family of 12 children. Mrs. Swanson and
her family had settled in Rock Run Township in 1836. Mullarkey and Thomas
Foley established a settlement in Rock Run, which has always been called Irish
Grove. In 1827, Pat Giblin, Miles O'Brien and a Mr. Corcoran joined the
Irish settlement. T. J. Turner put up a grist mill in Section 34, Rock Run.
In May, 1836, a young man from the east arrived in Stephenson County,
who was destined to be a man of deeds and influence in the history of the
county and State of Illinois. His name was T. J. Turner. He was born in
Trumbull County, Ohio, but moved with his father's family to Butler County,
Pennsylvania. He was a young man of spirit and ambition, and at the age of
18 heard the call of the great west and started for the much talked of lead mine
district of Illinois and Wisconsin. He stopped in Chicago a time
and spent three years in La Porte County, Indiana. He then went on to the
lead mines and earned a livelihood, constructing bellows for the furnaces. He
then fell in with the ebb tide that brought so many easterners back to Stephen-
son County after an experience in the lead mines. Young Turner had learned
the trade of a millwright and going into Rock Run Township, built a mill near
Farwell's Ferry on the Pecatonica near the mouth of Rock Run. Nearby with
74 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Julius Smith and B. Thatcher, he built a cabin home. His life here was not a
little like that of Lincoln, for when not busy at his work in the mill, he was
studying and laying the foundation of a self gained education.
Mr. Turner's first visit to Freeport was in search of food. Provisions were
scarce and he and his associates for days had nothing more to eat than boiled
corn. This became too monotonous a diet and Turner set out for Galena for
supplies. He traveled along the Pecatonica till he came to Baker's cabin at
Freeport. He attracted attention by the usual frontier shouts and soon a boy
appeared and ferried him across the river in a canoe. Mr. .Baker had gone on
a trip to Peoria for supplies. Mrs. Baker and the family greeted him in true
western manner and offered him the hospitality of the home. Having gone
without his regulation diet of boiled corn, Turner was hungry and asked for
food. But the larder was almost empty at the Baker home. Mrs. Baker freely
offered him what was left — two small corn dodgers, and what was left of a
catfish. Turner declined, hungry as he was, to finish the last of the family's pro-
visions and only on the assurance and insistence of Mrs. Baker that her hus-
band would return during the night with provisions from Peoria, did he sat-
isfy the gnawing of a long empty stomach. The barking of dogs during the
night signalled the return of Baker and Turner slept well with the prospect of
a good breakfast in sight. Next morning, after a hearty meal, he went on his
way to Galena, impressed by the generous hospitality of Freeport. He worked
a while at Galena and returned to the mill with supplies.
In .1841 Turner went to Freeport and his life was bound up in the history
of that city till his death. Such was the early life of a man who built the first
county courthouse, was justice of the peace, lawyer, states attorney, member of
the State Legislature and a Constitutional Convention, a member of Congress,
and a colonel in the United States army in the Civil War. If conditions were
hard, they had, at least, fashioned a great character.
The county was making headway in 1836. Farms were opened up. These
were small clearings around the cabins and that accounts for the small crops and
the scanty supply of provisions. Blacksmith shops, rude affairs indeed, were set
up. The people had come to stay. There were no roads, no bridges, few fer-
ries, and it was a long journey to Peoria or Galena for supplies. Thomas Lott
had begun the work of setting up a sawmill at Winslow, and William Kirk-
patrick had begun one on Yellow Creek, while Turner had set one up in Rock
Rin. There were no grist mills north of the Illinois River and Kirkpatrick set
up a corn-cracking machine at his mill on Yellow Creek. It was a crude mill,
doing coarse work cracking corn and wheat, but it had to serve the purpose for
a time.
A number of men settlers arrived in 1837. Dr. Van Valsah, the forerunner
of a vast concourse of Pennsylvania Dutch, came into the county and settled on
a claim near Cedarville, purchased from John Goddard. Other arrivals were Nel-
son Martin, Joseph Musser, Isaac Develey, Thomas and Samuel Chambers, Wil-
liam Wallace, a Mr. Moore, Joseph Osborn, Daniel Guyer, Pat Giblin, Miles
O'Brien, a Mr. Corcoran, Hiram Hill, John Howe, I. Forbes, John Milburn, a
Mr. Reed, Stewart Reynolds, Sanford Miles, John Tharp, Jackson Richart,
Saferns Snyder, Joseph Green, Charles MaComber, Rev. Philo Judson, Cornelius
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 75
Judson, S. F. M. Fretville, Alfred Gaylord, Rev. Asa Ballinger, Phillip and War-
ner Wells, Henry Johnson, Oliver and John R. Brewster, Isaac Kleckner, Ezra
Gillett, Joab Martin, James Turnbull, Father Ballinger, H. C. Haight, Jacob
Gable, Valorus Thomas, George W. Babbitt, John Edwards, Levi Lewis, John
Lewis, Rezin and Levi Wilcoxen, Caleb Thompkins, the Farwell Brothers, the
Brace family, Garrett 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, Major John Howe and others.
Irish Grove in Rock Run and "Dublin" in Erin townships were settled in 1837.
Both were progressive settlements and were among the first in the county to es-
tablish churches.
In 1837, Nelson Martin opened a school in Freeport. William Waddams,
Thomas Grain, James Timms and others had hired private teachers, a school
was begun in Ransomberg in 1836 and thus by 1837, education was making a
beginning in the county.
In 1837, many new arrivals of unusual worth strengthened the county's settle-
ments. Among these were Isaac Stoneman, Daniel Eobrust, Richard Earl, John
A. McDowell, Major John Howe, Michael Red, Luther and Charles Hall, Richard
Howe, Chancellor Martin, Richard Hunt, a Mr. Davis, Abraham Johnson, Wil-
liam Stewart and L. W. Guiteau settled in Freeport.
Mr. Guiteau was a native of New York. He came west and was in the mer-
cantile business at Ann Arbor. In October, 1838, he came to Freeport and en-
tered the mercantile business on the banks of the Pecatonica where the Illinois
Central depot now stands. In 1840, he was made postmaster by President Har-
rison. This office he held several years. Later he held positions as clerk of the
circuit court, cashier and one of the directors of the Second National Bank, com-
missioner of schools, and police magistrate.
June 6, 1837, the county commissioners granted Hiram Eads a license to keep
a tavern, charging him a fee of $12.00.
June 5, 1837, the county commissioners established the following tolls for
ferrying across the Pecatonica :
Four horse wagon and horses $ .75
Two horse wagon and horses 50
One horse wagon and horse 25
Three or more yoke of cattle i.oo
Wagon with one yoke of cattle or more 75
Footman o6j4
Man and horse \2l/2
Head of cattle o6l/2
Hog or sheep 02
September 5, 1837, the county commissioners voted to ask for bids on county
jail and county court house.
The contract between the commissioners and Thomas J. Turner for the county
jail reads as follows: "Said jail shall be 20 ft. x 24 ft. squair, and stand on a
stone wall, three feet thick and three feet high, and laid in lime mortar. To be
hewn oak logs, fourteen inches squair and the lower floor to be laid with sleepers
76 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
hewn on three sides, six inches thick, closely laid and covered with a floor of three
inches Plank Spiked down with large Iron Spikes. The upper floor is to be of sub-
stantial joist and a suitable distance apart and covered with inch and one-half
plank, doubled across each other, well spiked down. The second story to be nine
feet high, to be covered with good substantial roof with shingles eighteen inches
long, laid five inches to the weather. Width rafters to be of oak, not more than
two feet apart. The gable end to be studded with four inch studding and
weather-boarded with black walnut siding, an outside Stairway to be of white
oak and a door in the senter of the gable, said door to be of good oak plank
doubled and well spiked with Iron Spikes and a good strong lock attached to the
same. There are to be two window^, 14 inches squair, Barred with inch squair.
There is to be a trap-door in the upper floor, three foot squair, hung with good
substantial Iron Hinges and an Iron Bar reaching across with Strong Strap and
Lock attached. The logs are to be doweled together and the work to be done in
a neat and workman-like manner." For building the jail Mr. Turner was to re-
ceive $1,000 in good and lawful money, the jail to be completed in 18 months.
The organization of Stephenson County and the election of county officers in
$120.00. On this lot the jail was built.
Page 104 of the County Records of Stephenson County shows a contract to
build the jail according to specifications, signed by Charles Truax and H. VV. Hol-
lenbeck. Why Mr. Turner gave up the contract, has not been discovered. The
records show receipts by Truax & Hollenbeck for building the jail. William
Baker went on their bond December 22,. 1838.
STEPHENSON COUNTY— 1837-1850.
The commissioners bought the lot where the first ward school stands for
1837 began a new period of county history. The county commissioners, Lemuel
W. Streator, Isaac Forbes and Julius Smith, on December 5, 1837, contracted with
Thomas J. Turner for the erection of a frame courthouse and a log jail ; the lum-
ber and logs were prepared during the winter. The courthouse was completed
in 1840 and served its purpose till 1870 when it was torn down and the present
building erected. Twice the old courthouse was struck by lightning. The build-
ing of the courthouse was delayed because of the hard times and because county
orders were bringing only thirty cents on the dollar.
At the election held in 1838, Mr. L. O. Crocker who opened the first store
in Freeport, was elected assessor and Hubbard Graves, tax collector. Both men
were well fitted for their work. All kinds of personal property were listed for tax-
ation. Assessments were made as high as the law permitted. A cheap watch
cost its owner 6%c and three of the wealthier men in the county paid $2.00 tax
each on their watches. The rate was 45c on the $100.00 and Collector Graves col-
lected $96 and some cents which would give the assessed valuation in 1838 as
$21,333.
Election day in 1838 was a kind of holiday in the precincts over the county.
In Ridott the election was held at Daniel Wooten's home. John Hoag and Wil-
liam Everts were judges and Horatio Hunt and H. P. Waters were clerks. The
other voters were seven in number: D. W. C. Mallory, Philo Hammond, Giles
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 77
Pierce, Zebulon Dimmick, William Barlow, Pat Fronne and S. Forbes. Wooten
had a barrel of whiskey at the house and that added to the joy of the occasion.
Most of the men had a capacity for liquor that would admit frequent attacks on
the barrel without losing their equilibrium. One of the men, however, had in-
dulged beyond reason and was scarcely able to navigate. He crossed the river
safely but had trouble getting up the hillside that was made slippery by the uown-
pour of rain, the usual election day rain. Bravely the elector charged up the steep
and slippery slope, but down he tumbled again to the foot of the hill. His friends
laughed as he assaulted the hill time and again, only to roll in the mud back to
the starting point. Finally his neighbors went to his rescue, aided him up the hill
and to his home.
In the year 1838 Freeport gave its first Fourth of July celebration. Eads had
completed his hotel and invited the country around to take dinner with him. Rev.
F. C. Winslow, O. H. Wright, Benjamin Goddard, Isaac Stoneman, Allen Wiley,
William Baker and the Truax boys constituted a kind of committee on arrange-
ments. Rev. Winslow trained a singing class and they sang Revolutionary ballads
and a national ode. The class consisted of Miss Cornelia Russel (Hazlett), Eliza
Hunt, Marion Snow, Mrs. Amelia Webb (Jewell) and others. The audience was
delighted with the singing. The exercises were held in Benjamin Goddard's barn,
where the Declaration of Independence was read and O. H. Wright delivered the
address of the day. After the dinner, the exercises closed with dancing. For
years, this sane Fourth was one of the bright spots in the county's early history.
In 1837 Demison and Van Zart who had settled at McConnell and built a mill
in 1836, laid out a town there. In 1838 Robert McConnell drove a number of
cattle into the county, bought the prospective town and named the place McConnell
Grove. The place has also been called "Bobtown" and "New Pennsylvania."
H. G. Eads, in 1838, built a tavern at what is now the corner of Stephenson
and Liberty streets. The contractor was Julius Smith and the new tavern was
called the "City Hotel." In the fall Mr. Benjamin Goddard built the "Mansion
House" which was used as a hotel. It had nine rooms but was one of the won-
ders of the county at that day. The house was used for years as a pop factory
by Galloway and Shocks and stood diagonally on what is now the Y. M. C. A.
tennis court lot, on Walnut Street. The same year John Montgomery and A.
Wiley built a house on the ground now occupied by the L. L. Munn building.
This building was later used as a hotel. In 1838, the ferry which had been estab-
lished by Baker was moved to the foot of Stephenson Street and was conducted
by H. G. Eads and others till a bridge was built. The first location of the ferry
was near Goddard's Mill. A new store was opened by Elijah Barrett. Richard
Hunt erected a frame building on Van Buren Street and also one on the corner
of Van Buren and Spring Streets, and Michael Red built a house. Many farms
were opened in the county and production largely increased.
In 1838 a stage line was opened between Freeport and Chicago by J. B. Win-
ters. At Freeport connection was made with Frink and Walker's line to Galena.
The next year Winters went out of business and Frink and Walker ran the line
through from Chicago to Galena. The clumsy stage came into Freeport three
times a week. To make the trip from Chicago to Freeport required two days
and a half and the fare was $5.00. Mrs. Oscar Taylor, who came from Chicago
78 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
in the stage in 1839 says, "The stage was a commodious affair, and left Chicago at
two o'clock in the morning. There were ten passengers. At daybreak we reached
a country tavern where we breakfasted on Rio coffee, fried fat pork, potatoes and
hot saleratus biscuits. We crossed the ferry at Rockford at midnight. We had
to get out and climb the sand bank after crossing the river." The stage driver of
that day was in a class by himself. He was engineer, just as much so as the man
who holds the throttle over the Omaha Limited. He was an expert in handling
the reins, the whip and several varieties of profanity. The stage, slow as it was,
was yet an important factor in building up Stephenson County. It brought new
settlers, supplied a kind of express and carried the mail. It served its purpose
till the railroad took its place.
AN EARLY SUICIDE.
The suicide of one of the early settlers in 1838 caused considerable excitement
in the county. The unfortunate person was a member of the Lott family in what
is now Oneco Township. The man in question inherited a form of insanity and
was subject to constantly recurring moods. He was watched closely by the family
but in 1838 he evaded them. When his absence was noted, the neighbors and rela-
tives got up a searching party and set out to find the missing man, fearful of the
result. After considerable searching, he was found hanging to a tree and when
cut down by Alonzo Denio, he was almost dead. All efforts made to revive his life
ended in failure. He hanged himself about 1^2 miles from the village of Oneco,
and the spot has had about it much mystery and superstition.
What is known as the first wedding ceremony performed by a preacher oc-
curred in 1838. The contracting parties were Thomas Chambers and Rebecca
Moore of Rock Grove township. The marriage was solemnized at the home of
the bride's father, John Moore, the Rev. James McKean, officiating. The cabin
was the usual one room log house, 20 feet square, but it is said that forty guests
witnessed the ceremony. People had come 18 miles to attend the wedding.
In 1838 larger crops were cultivated. Larger fields had been cleared about
the cabins and increased production was the result. The struggle for a living was
yet a little too tense for people to indulge to any great extent in politics. The
murder of Lovejoy at Alton stirred the settlements, but otherwise the people were
inclined to be interested more in local than national affairs.
Many new settlers came in 1838. Many came from Pennsylvania following
close in the footsteps of Dr. Van Valzah who had located at Cedarville. Among
the newcomers in 1838 were: John Walsh, Robert Sisson, H. G. Davis, John and
Thomas Warren, Isaac Scott, Samuel Liebshitz, Christian Strocky and two sons,
Chauncey Stebbins, F. Rosenstiel, P. L. Wright, William Preston, Louis Preston,
Mathew Bredendall, Lewis Gitchell, David Gitchell, Philo Hammond, Ezekial and
Jacob Forsythe, John Floyd, Putnam Perley, Ezekial Brown, John Brazee, Chris-
tian Clay, J. D. Fowler, James McGhu, Adrian Lucas, Newcomb Kinney, Charles
A. Gore, Hiram Gaylord, Cornelius and Johnathan Cavan, Alex Allen, John
Bradford, Thomas Loring, Columbus and Ichabod Thompson and Elias and Ed-
ward Hunt. About this time, Thomas Carter, Isaac Rand, Samuel Bogenrief, L.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 79
L. Pitcher, a man named Lathrop and others settled in Kent. This year the first
house was built in Rock Grove village. Irish Grove in Rock Run and "Dublin"
in Erin townships were settled in 1837 an<i received several additions in 1838.
By the close of 1838, the settlements in the county had been extended and
there was general feeling that the country had a good future ahead. The value
of claims advanced with the increase of settlers and with the building of mills,
the stage line and the presence of stores. The store of O. H. Wright in Freeport
was at this time the largest and busiest in the county.
In the year 1839 the county made about the same progress as in 1838. This
year a building was put up on Lyman Montague's farm in West Point township,
to be used exclusively for school purposes. The courthouse though not entirely
completed was in service. The log jail yet unfinished was doing duty, with citizens
on guard to keep the lawbreakers within.
In the spring of 1839 a Norwegian colony came across the Atlantic and made
its way into this county, settling in Rock Run township. The location had been
selected by an advance agent of the colony, who had looked over a considerable
part of the country only to decide on Stephenson County as best of all. Many of
the Norwegians were farmers and at once set to work opening up farms. Some
were tradesmen and began to work at their trades. They were frugal and in-
dustrious and they and their countrymen who have followed have added to the
high character of the people of Stephenson County.
A man who was to influence very largely the history of Stephenson County
character. He was educated in part, at the Academy at Fredonia, New York,
arrived in Freeport in 1839. He was a native of New York state and while his
parents were poor, they gave him a training in childhood that made his a strong
where he made his own way through school by hard work. The desire to be a
merchant was strong in him. He was forced to begin in a small way, and started
west on a peddling trip in 1838, arriving in Freeport in 1839. Here he opened
up a general store and was successful. In 1842 he bought goods in New York and
established his credit in New York and Chicago. In 1843 ne bought the land
which is now known as Knowlton's Addition. He was twelve years a director in
the Chicago, Galena and Union Railroad.
Before 1840 the settlers did not understand the wealth that lay in the prairies.
The settlements had been made along the streams in the groves. This was for
the double purpose of being near the water and near the timber, to make build-
ing convenient. A drive in any direction over Stephenson County today will show
the beautiful pictures of prosperous homes in the groves that follow the winding
streams. The prairies were then unfenced and stock roamed at will, feeding on
the wild grasses of the lowlands. Breaking the tough prairie sod was a hard
proposition. It was usually done with a wheel in front and lever to gauge the
depth. Five or six yoke of oxen were necessary to pull the plow. It cut a fur-
row 20 inches wide and from 3 to 5 inches deep. The blade of the plowshare had
to be kept sharp by grinding and filing at the end of almost every row. When a
farm was once broken this way its value was greatly increased.
In 1840 Freeport contained about forty houses. The growth of the town was
slow, because largely of lack of a convenient market. There were two or three
hotels, three stores : O. H. Wright, L. W. Guiteau's, corner of Liberty and South
80 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
" Galena Avenue ; and D. A. Knowlton's at the corner of Galena and Van Buren
Streets. There were no banks. Farmers left their money with merchants who
deposited it in cities having safe deposits.
Liquor was sold at saloons conducted by James Rock, James Montgomery and
Abraham Johnson. It could also be bought at all the hotels except at Goddard's
Mansion House. Whiskey was sixpence a drink and there was little or no re-
straint placed on its sale and use. Law enforcement was not rigid and on the
whole Freeport was not very different from the average western town of that
period.
Gambling was quite as general as drinking. Faro was dealt openly and was not
interfered with. James Rock operated the game keno at his place and day and
night had a good attendance at his bar and around his gaming tables. His place
was a little room in the building then standing at the corner of Galena and Van
Buren Streets, where Moogk's drug store now stands. Drinking, it is claimed,
was almost universal among the citizens, and gambling went on openly with little
protest. Debauches and disorder were not infrequent. The rougher element was
augmented by many transients, who were going to or from the lead mine regions.
These men aided in giving the town a reputation for drinking, gambling and disor-
der which it was slow to shake off.
Yet there were a few temperance people in the county. In 1840, owing to the
increasing gambling, drinking and disorder, Rev. F. C. Winslow and John A.
Clark saw the necessity of arousing a counteracting influence and commenced
meetings in the same building where Rock's saloon was located. This was, no
doubt, the first attempt at a "revival" in the county and in the midst of conditions
far from the best the faithful few did an excellent work. "Father" McKean
and Rev. Winslow and others held meetings in the courthouse, schoolhouse and in
private rooms. /Their congregations were small but they were sincere and faith-
ful and laid the foundation for the religious and civic work in Freeportf] Speak-
ing of these early services, Mrs. Oscar Taylor says : "Every Sunday the farmers .
and the town people assembled in the building which did duty as carpetner shop
six days in a week, and served as a church on the seventh. Our religious services
were hearty in spirit, though crude in form. Rev. Mr. Morrell came from Rock-
ford to conduct services once in two weeks ; alternate Sundays Mr. O. H. Wright
•-©F Mr. Guiteau read a sermon. Mr. John Rice offered prayers; Mr. -Clark was
nominally leader of the congregational singing, but actually each one sang in the
key best adapted to his or her voice ; the effect was volume of sound rather than
harmony. But this lack of musical unity resulted in the organization of a singing
school, for which Mr. Frederick Winslow volunteered his services as leader. The
singing school was a success. We were trained until we could give with great
effect, Rochester, Dundee, St. Thomas and Dover, with 'Now be the Gospel Ban-
ner in Every Land Unfurled' and 'Come Ye Disconsolate,' for special occasions."
The best description of Freeport in 1839 and '40 is that given by Mrs. Oscar
Taylor in a paper before the Freeport Woman's Club, and published in the Free-
port Journal, August 28, 1909:
When Sunday came the big farm wagon was brought to the door and we
started for the service in the village. Farm wagons were the only conveyances in
use ; and those who drove horses instead of oxen were considered fortunate. How
Old Lena Hotel
American House
Pennsylvania House
Tremont House
HOTELS THAT WERE HEHE IX 1871
UBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 81
well I remember that first drive to Freeport, fording Yellow Creek near where
the Breweries now stand, crossing a track of low land called Rattle Snake Bot-
tom, from which I expected to hear snakes rattling their warning of poison.
From the lowlands we drove on, gradually ascending a hill and coming down the
slope on Adams Street, following the state road on a diagonal cut to Galena Street,
where church was to be held.
"I looked in vain for the expected town. An unfinished Courthouse, no sign
of a school house — no regular street — a few houses apparently dropped hap-hazard
with paths or roads taking the shortest cut from place to place. Instead of a
church spire to indicate the place of worship, a carpenter shop, where Moogk's
drug store now stands, threw wide its hospitable doors ; and the pews consisted
of boards supported by kegs. There was no sign of either minister or congrega-
tion, and a small boy announced : "Everybody has gone to a funeral and there
isn't to be any church today."
That small boy is now Mr. Wilson Guiteau, of New York City, half brother
to the honored president of our Woman's Club.
And this was Freeport! With a sudden sinking of the heart I realized the
limitations of the new civilization and felt myself worlds apart from my school
life in Troy and my social life in Rochester.
Without even being cheered by the sight of "Barr's Tavern," past which
my brother drove to console me, I turned my back on Freeport, glad to take
refuge in the farm which had, at least, no associates with society, and under the
peaceful influence of the calm wide prairie the forlorn little town was forgotten.
Freeport had apparently failed me, but it happened that one of my girl
friends from the east was living within walking distance from my father's farm.
Indeed it was the enthusiastic letters of this friend, Cornelia Russell, which had
influenced my father in the location of his farm. The day after my drive to
Freeport, I started in search of my old friend. Following the foothpath across
a wide pasture I came to the Pecatonica River, and across the water I discovered
the log house among the trees. Standing upon the bank I called "Over ! Over !
Over!" Presently from beneath the branches of a willow a boat shot out; in it
was my old friend Cornelia, using the oars as skillfully as did Ellen in the Lady
of the Lake. The delight of our meeting was mutual. It was with many mis-
givings that I mustered courage to venture into her little boat, but Cornelia in-
sisted that an upset was impossible as the thing was dug out of the round trunk
of a big tree. Once seated in this primitive craft I thought it great fun, and we
spent the morning rowing and floating up and down the muddy, crooked little
stream with its odd Indian name. Cornelia seemed to have lived on the water all
summer long, her face was nut brown from exposure to sun and wind, her hair
hung in curls down her back, her eyes were sparkling with life, health and joy.
She was wholly in touch with nature. "You are a wood nymph," I announced,
after calm scrutiny. "No, I am a fisher maiden," she replied, "for every after-
noon I go up and down the stream setting my fish nets, and every morning I
look for my catch." But all the same she had formed many a woodland intimacy
among the wild animals. Half-tamed prairie wolves came to her door and a wild
fawn always answered her call.
82 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
We took a picnic lunch on shore, cooking fish out of Cornelia's net and roast-
ing potatoes in the ashes. All the afternoon we lingered out of doors. The sense
of primeval nature was indescribable, the silence so profound, it was as if we were
under some spell of enchantment. "Is it always so? And do you never tire of
it?" I asked Cornelia. "I never tire of it because nature is never twice the same
but always lovely," she answered.
When I took the little footpath homeward through the pasture I felt that this
had been a red letter day, indeed, and looking back through nearly sixty years
it is still to me a red letter day.
The compartment store of today is the direct descendant of the general country
store of early days, for Mr. Guiteau's stock contained a little of everything and
the post office in addition. The post-master's duties were not arduous in a town
of fifty inhabitants, with mails but three times a week. It was as the guest of
Mr. and Mrs. Guiteau that I greatly changed my opinion of the resources of
Freeport. I made the acquaintance of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Knowlton, Mr. and
Mrs. Orestes H. Wright — indeed, I think I met everyone in town.
1840— AMUSEMENTS.
The people in 1840 were not without their amusements. While different
from the amusements of today, they were adapted and a part of the life
of the tissue. Skating and sleighing were common forms of invigorating ex-
ercise. Besides, there were quiltings, husking-bees, raisings and dances. Danc-
ing was more general than it is today. The music was furnished by such old-
time "fiddlers" as Daniel Wooten and "Professor" Clark. A man who under-
stood his business "called" to dance. After the day's work was done, young
people, and often times their elders, drove for miles over the snow to dance
away till the morning hours. "There was sound of revelry by night' in the old
log cabin home. It was not all privation and hard work in those days. The
pioneers earned the joy they had, and no people were ever more entitled to the
relaxation of innocent pleasures.
Mrs. Oscar Taylor's dscription of early social life of Freeport is a graphic
account by one who was without a superior in the social life of the county for
over fifty years:
The social center of the little colony was the really charming cottage built
by Mr. John A. Clark. Here were to be found a piano and a library, with many
of the refinements of an eastern home, and one would need to go far today to
find three more elegant and interesting women than Mrs. Clark and her sisters,
Mrs. Thompson Campbell and Mrs. Stephenson, for whose husband Stephenson
County was named. Brilliant and witty women of the world were all three. At
the close of my visit with the Guiteaus I spent several weeks with Mrs. Clars,
and I remember one incident of that time which illustrates the crude and incon-
gruous social conditions. A man known as Don Wooton, living at Ridott had the
frame up and the floors laid for a house. Wishing to give a ball before the par-
titions of the house were up, invitations were sent out far and near. Now Mr.
Clark as an office-holder must keep his popularity, and therefore insisted that the
ladies of the household must accept the invitation. "And mind you," he said,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 83
"no matter what turns up to amuse you, don't let the suspicion of laugh ap-
pear." Major Howe, who was dignity itself, took all our party with the Guiteau
family in his bob-sled. Preliminary to the dance we were invited into the kitchen
of the old log house where supper was given us with utter absence of formality,
our host informing us by way of apology, that his wife was "powerful weak"
and had gone to rest — before the snow had melted Mrs. Wooton had gone to
her final rest. After supper we repaired to the dancing hall and ranged our-
selves on a bench across a corner of the room. The host himself furnished
the music, twanging away upon an old fiddle, while the dance went on with
great dash and spirit. Such gyrations, such double-shuffles, such pigeon-wings
and variations in step as we witnessed that night might have rivalled a planta-
tion dance in old Virginia. During a lull in the performance a young man with
a pitcher and one tumbler circulated some beverage among the tired dancers.
He approached our group and pouring some whiskey into the tumbler offered
it to Mrs. Stephenson. Without surmising its contents she had taken the tumbler
into her hands then she looked at the young man in bewilderment as to what to
do next. Suddenly catching the amusement in Mrs. Clark's eyes, she burst into
a contagious ripple of laughter, in which, in spite of ourselves we all joined.
The man gave an angry look and with some threatening murmur left us.
Fearing some unpleasantness from the episode, Mr. Clark speedily withdrew
with his party, but nothing came of this flurry to Mr. Clark's disadvantage as
he was re-elected clerk of the circuit court.
It was in connection with the circuit court the following April that the first
dinner party was given in Freeport. The annual session of the court was looked
forward to as the festal week of the year. There were two resident lawyers in
Freeport at that time. It was the custom of the day for lawyers in the various
little towns to travel with the judge on his circuit and great preparations were
made for enertaining the strangers. During court week Mr. Clark had at his
home Mr. Thompson Campbell, exrsecretary of the state, said to be at that time,
the most brilliant man in the west, with Thomas Drummond of Chicago, after-
wards judge of the United States Court, while several other prominent men
were entertained at other private houses. I had the good fortune to be one of
the guests at a dinner given to the presiding judge, Hon. Daniel Stone, of Cin-
cinnati, and the rest of the legal lights. The dinner was not served in the dozen
courses of today. An enormous wild turkey was provided, a creature so large
that it was sent for roasting to a neighbor having an old fashioned brick oven.
The turkey made a fine appearance when placed before Mr. Clark for carving,
but upon application of the knife its power of resistance became evident. Im-
pervious and flexible, the joints baffled every effort of the carver, for only the
surface of the turkey had been cooked. "Cut the thing into steaks and let it be
broiled in the kitchen," suggested Mr. Campbell. While this suggestion was fol-
lowed the interval of waiting was delightful. Judge Stone was at his best with
anecdotes and stories. Mr. Campbell convulsed the company with brilliant wit
and sparkling sallies while Mr. Drummond, courteous and grave, added dignity
to the assembly. In due time the turkey steaks were brought in and proved a
delicious variation to the ordinary fashion of serving turkey. The rest of the
dinner gave proof of the ingenuity and skill with which our hostess utilized
84 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the extremely narrow resources of the market. As a social entertainment I
doubt if a more successful dinner was ever given in Freeport. In freedom from
formality, in the frank recognitions of limitations, in the utter absence of the
critical spirit, there was then a zest and charm and freshness in social intercourse
which seems to vanish with the development of conventionality. No one was
homesick or wished to return to the old life of the East or to the trammels of
fashion. Fashion was indeed forgotten, for each woman was her own milliner
and dressmaker.
In the very country itself one felt the buoyancy of youth. I shall never
forget my own amazement at the careless prodigality with which nature lavished
her flowers that springtime. Not only were the prairies aglow with colors,
every road and pathway bordered with flowers, but the little town itself seemed
like summer houses in the midst of a great garden. I have seen the banks of the
creek by the Adams Street brewery purple with the lovely liatris, no longer to
be found in this region, and the green swards aflame with the painted cup.
Equally generous was mother nature in meeting material needs, for game was to
be had for the seeking, venison in abundance, quail, wild turkey, prairie chicken,
fish in the streams and duck in the marshes. This sense of abounding life and
vigor was in the very air we breathed, our energy was unfailing, either in work
or in pleasure; and no one considered trouble or recognized the possibility of
failure.
It was at this time that two enterprising young men opened a dancing school ;
this was short-lived, however, as those in the town inclined to dance considered
themselves versed in the art. Mr. Bailey, the teacher, turned his energies to
the manufacture of fanning-mills, resuming his lighter profession of an evening
when dances were given and he was needed to call the changes in the quad-
rilles. For years the music of all the dances in the county was furnished by
Charlie Pratt. Charlie Pratt and his fiddle were inseparable, and supplied music
as inspiring to young feet as does the Gibler orchestra today. Genial, kind-
hearted old Charlie Pratt, with his gun and fiddle, was always a happy man, a
favorite with the men, women and children — Peace to his ashes ! I am afraid he
rests in a nameless grave.
In those early years all new comers were welcomed with cordial friend-
liness; but as young men outnumbered the maidens, the advent of each young
girl was hailed with delight ; in consequence every lassie had many a laddie.
In each man's anxiety to secure a wife before a rival stepped in, the tender
question was often popped on the briefest acquaintance and with little ceremony.
One young man was even rash enough to send a written offer of himself, his log
house and his broad acres to two girls on the same day, in order to stake his
claim, as it were, without delay. It happened that the two girls were intimate
friends and confidents. As a result the over-anxious swain received on the
same sheet of paper, replies from the two young ladies. The one demanding
first love, the other demanding constancy. Undaunted the young man, knowing
of a land in the east where maidens were plenty as strawberries in June, made
the journey on foot to Chicago, by water to Buffalo and for all I know he walked
to England; but he returned with a wife. Another young farmer was less
easy to please. Like Ceolebs of old he started in search of a wife, but he had
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 85
his ideals. He first called upon Miss Snow, then confided to a friend that she
was agreeable but too black ; the next proved fair but homely ; the third was
blonde and pretty but too stout. Sorrowing he turned homewards, but stopped
in on the way at a house where he saw a young girl who pleased him, and
straightway offering his hand he was accepted, two weeks later was married,
living happily for many years after.
Before the period of settled ministers in Freeport the marriage ceremony
was often arranged without much regard to convention, as when our leading
physician tucked his sweetheart into a crockery crate well lined with straw, seated
himself beside her and sped with her to Rockford where the nuptial knot was
tied. One young couple had the good luck to secure a bishop to officiate at the
farm house home of the bride. The lady, learning that Bishop Chase was to
form Zion Parish in the year 1842, set her wedding day accordingly. Wedding
guests assembled from Rockford and Freeport as well as from neighboring
farms. The good Bishop, in his full white robes, began the service. When he
came to the prayer and saw the company still standing he paused, then issued
the command : "Kneel down, every one of you." And down on their knees
dropped the astonished guests, some of whom seemed unaccustomed to the posi-
tion. Having concluded the marriage the bishop proceeded to the next business
in hand which happened to be a christening, for one of the guests was a young
mamma who brought her infant to the wedding in order to seize that chance
of having the baby christened by the bishop.
The social circle widened steadily, with many delightful additions. Mr. James
Mitchell had married Miss Kate Clark, establishing a home which still con-
tinues to be a center of hospitality. Pennsylvania had given us the Shaffer
family, one of the daughters being Mrs. Jesse Snyder, the other marrying Dr.
Sterns, and both so long prominent in church and social life; while later the
brothers, Wilson and William, won distinction in the Civil War. From Cen-
tral New York came the Clark Brothers, Silas and Warren, with their families ;
energetic young men they both were, adding to the prosperity of the town.
Inevitably a gradual transformation was taking place in the simple irtfor-
mality of social life. We dropped the friendly custom of speaking to a stranger
without waiting for an introduction. Innovations of fashion had crept in, as the
more ambitious women sent to Rockford for bonnets or to Chicago for patterns ;
until finally came the advent of the milliners and dressmakers. Inevitably, too,
the accent of sectarianism was heard in the religious fold. It was not enougu
that we were Christians, we must be Presbyterians, Baptists, or Methodists as
-.veil, unless we happened to be Catholics or Episcopalians. Father Brewster, a
man of sweet and saintly spirit, with Mr. Wright and Mr. Knowlton, fanned
the fires of Presbyterianism, as Elder Schofield faithfully cleared the channel for
the Baptist stream. Mrs. Russell and Father Wilcoxon cultivated the field of
Methodism, entertaining with unwearied zeal the elders and exhorters who
builded up its faith. Father Kavanaugh raised the Catholic standard, and the
German Lutherans were forming the neucleus of St. John's Church. It was
the Presbyterians who first reared their own place of worship, the brick church
of 1849, which stood for many years on the present site of the Y. M. C. A.
86 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
building. These years also gave us two weekly papers, the Prairie Democrat
and the Freeport Journal.
FIRST CIRCUIT COURT.
August 29, 1839, saw the first session of the Circuit Court convened in
Stephenson County. Hon. Daniel Stone, of the 6th Judicial Circuit was trie
judge. As there were no local attorneys at that day, the lawyers were imported.
They came mostly from Galena and Mr. Hoag, Thompson Campbell, and prob-
ably E. B. Washburne. Others, no doubt, were present who followed the Circuit
as was the custom in those days. Hubbard Graves was sheriff and John A.
Clark was clerk. John C. Robey and Wm. H. Hollenbeck were qualified ana
appointed deputies. Previously a Grand Jury was impanelled. It consisted of
John Howe, Luther F. Hall, Samuel F. Dodds, Levi Wilcoxen, Joseph Lobdell,
Pells Manny, A. B. Watson, Mason Dimmick, Levi R. Hull, Robert Barber,
Newcomb Kinney, Johnathan Corey, Phillip Fowler, Thomas Grain, Loring
Snow, Elldridge Farwell, Giles Pierce, D. W. C. Mallory, Job. S. Watson, J. K.
Blackamore, Thompson Wilcoxen, Edward Marsh and Alpheus Goddard.
The Petit Jury consisted of: Frederick D. Bulkley, John Goddard, John Va-
nepps, Rodney Montague, Mason Dimmick, J. H. Barber, James Hart, Bartholo-
meu Fletcher, Samuel Nelson, James Canfil, Thomas Earley and Joseph Green.
The first case that came up was one of Asa B. Ames vs. Jacob Stroder, on
appeal. The case was dismissed and plaintiff mulcted of costs. August 27, John
O'Connor and Jackson Buskirk were indicted for the prevailing crime of horse
stealing. As they were unable to employ the counsel, the court appointed
Thompson Campbell and John C. Kimball to defend the accused. In this case,
however, a change of venue was taken to Jo Daviess County, and the case was
tried there. Hiram Walker was also tried and convicted of horse stealing. He
was sent to prison at Alton for a term of four years. Another case was that
of the State vs. Robert Campton for riot. There being no other business, the
court adjourned on the same day it convened. On April 7th and September 7th
the court was in session again for two days in April and three in September,
with the same officials.
COURTS, LAWS, ETC.
A man who had stolen a horse in Winnebago County was arrested and brought
to trial in Freeport. The indictment was defective and on plea of his counsel, it
was apparent that the criminal would have to be released by the court. The court
evaded this, however, by adjourning court till next day. At once a man was sent
on horseback to Rockford to procure a new indictment, and take the man there for
trial. He arrived at Rockford at midnight and fording the river, came near losing
his life at the hands of a body of "Regulators" out after horse thieves. He finally
aroused a justice of the peace and securing a new indictment, again forded the
Rock River and made his way back to Freeport in time to be present at the opening
of court next morning. When court opened, the prisoner was discharged but
immediately re-arrested on the new warrant and taken to Rockford where he was
tried and convicted.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 87
Court proceedings in the early times were different from the present system.
A case of Mike Walsh is a good illustration. Mike was brought before Justice
Red on a complaint of assault and battery. A jury was duly summoned and the
case was fully tried. When the case was ready to go to the jury, Mike started a
little procedure that was not on the program, and a kind of jury "fixing," different
from that indulged in today. Just as the jury was ready to retire, Mike came in
with a tin pail of whiskey and a cup. Addressing the jury, he said, "Gentlemen,
I expect you will hang the little Irishman, but we will have a drink together first."
After the drinks had been passed around, the jury retired. They were not out long
before Mike appeared with more whiskey and tried to get into the jury room to
give the jury further "dustructions." This almost provoked a fight with the
constable which was forestalled by the appearance of the jury, which rendered a
verdict of "not guilty," and divided the costs between the parties. The money
was thus paid to the justice who in turn paid it to the witnesses and others till it
was all gone.
Claim jumping was a common crime in the early days. Worden P. Fletcher,
known as "Pony" Fletcher, was one of the guilty claim- jumpers. He came to the
county in 1830 and that year was arrested and brought to trial before Justice
Richard Hunt, at the corner of Galena and Van Buren Streets. At the close of
the trial, the justice decided "Pony" guilty and meted out to him rather stringent
punishment. Fletcher objected to the severity of the sentence, pleading that claim-
jumping was just a common crime and a nominal offense. He was an eccentric
character and, not having too much respect for the law, decided to take the affair
into his own hands and at once made an attempt to escape without having com-
plied with the conditions of the court. But in this he made a bad guess. The au-
dience, which was composed of men who had no love for claim-jumpers, at once
took a hand, became a self-appointed posse comitatus, and the guilty man was
restrained from taking sudden leave. Enraged at his plight and seeing escape
shut off, Fletcher seized his gun and fired at the justice. The aim of the pris-
oner was bad, luckily, and no injury was done except the vest of the justice was
ruined. Fletcher was pounced upon and disarmed and session of court was
resumed. Finally he gave bail to appear later. Among those present at the
time were Frederick Baker, Isaac Stoneman, Allen Wiley and others. Fletcher
then opened a farm in Rock Run township where he later married a daughter of
the Widow Swanson, and became a good citizen. The case against him was
dropped.
At the Old Settlers' Meeting at Cedarville, 1875, Mr. D. A. Knowlton, Sr.,
of Freeport, told the following story which indicates one way of collecting a bad
bill. He said : "You know that I was always called a sharp collector. One day,
a man named Charlie 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 till
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,
88 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
I would like to see you a moment outside,' and when out I gave him a very vio-
lent kick. Hall turned around and said, 'Knowlton, what is that for?' 'Accord-
ing to agreement,' said I. The sequel to the case was that in a few days Hall
brought in a load of corn to me, in payment of the debt which I received and
placed to his credit. I afterwards learned that he was trusted for the corn by a
farmer in order to avoid any further indorsements of my contract. It is un-
necessary to add that the farmer was never paid for the corn. He endeavored
to wash two hands with one and washed the farmer's."
PRAIRIE FIRES.
Prairie fires are to be added to the list of pests of the early day. In speaking
of them Mrs. Oscar Taylor says :
"Country life had also its excitements and nature her dangers as well as
repose, as I was soon to discover. During the Autumn, particularly, prairie
fires menaced the pioneers, and children were taught to be always on the lookout
for smoke along the horizon. One afternoon the smaller boys gave the startling
alarm of smoke to the south of us, and the wind was sending the fire in our direc-
tion. House and barns and stacks, the produce of the whole year, would be swept
away before nightfall unless we could break the onward rush of the flames. The
whole force of the farm, men, women and children, were set to work under my
father's direction. We must fight fire with fire and suround the farm buildings
with a belt of burned grass thus robbing the hungry enemy of fuel in that direc-
tion. To burn that strip of grass for fifteen feet in width and nearly half a mile
in length, and to keep this fire from spreading beyond control, taxed skill and
energy to the utmost. But we fought our battle ; and with torn garments, burned
hands and blackened face we watched the defeat of the enemy. It was a fear-
fully magnificent sight, that great line of flames rushing with speed of wild horses,
roaring, cracking, breathing great volumes of blackened smoke. Onward it came
until it reached the line of defense; the savage flames flung themselves forward
and then with one frantic upward flash the fire died instantly, utterly quenched
along the blackened belt. But on either side of our premises the flames pursued
their way until again deprived of fuel by the state road cutting its pathway.
This fire was spoken of for years after as the great fire of '39."
In the year 1839 tne people of Freeport were stricken with fevers of all va-
rieties. It was one of the trying times of the early days, when doctors and medi-
cines were almost a minus quantity and hospitals were not yet thought of. The
crisis, however, brought out the splendid spirit of co-operation and neighborly
kindness that happily prevailed. In regard to the "fever year," Mrs. Oscar
Taylor says : "This year of '39 was remembered also as the fever year, when
fevers, bilious, intermittent, remitting and I know not what else, visited the
new-comers without partiality.
"Dr. Martin in his green overcoat, on horse-back with his saddle-bags, rode
from farm to farm with little rest by night or day. I was the last member of my
father's family to succumb to the fever, and the last to recover. As the weather
was cold during my convalescence, and it was necessary that changes should
be made in our house, Dr. Martin kindly arranged for me to be taken to Freeport
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 89
as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Guiteau. Mr. Guiteau, the merchant of the
town, was keeping store where the Billerbeck building now stands."
Mrs. Taylor speaks as follows of the celebrating of the 4th of July, 1839:
"To celebrate the glorious 4th, a number of farm wagons were mustered and the
patriotically inclined drove off together into the country, not minding board seats
and joltings, but full of merriment in their determination to honor the day. After
the drive and return to town the Declaration of Independence was publicly read
by Mr. Clark, and Mr. M. P. Sweet, whose eloquence as a public speaker was soon
known through all this vicinity, made a stirring patriotic address. The celebration
terminated in a dinner at the Mansion House, given by the proprietor, the father
of Mr. Alpheus Goddard. This Mansion House is still standing where first
built and is known today as the pop-factory.
MORMONS INVADE THE COUNTY.
In the year 1840, Stephenson County was deeply stirred by the Mormons.
Joseph Smith and his followers having made temporary establishments in New
York, Ohio and Missouri, had found surroundings unpleasant in the last named
state and had built up a prosperous settlement at Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illi •
nois. This town of Nauvoo was headquarters from which the Mormon mission-
aries went out proselyting. They came into this county and held public meet-
ings. These meetings were entirely respectable and were attended by some of
the best people of the county, for Mormonism was not then understood. There
was not much public speaking and exhortation. The agents of Mormonism be-
lieved in individual work. They devoted their time mainly to personal interviews.
They had great success elsewhere, especially in southern Illinois, but met with
meagre result in Stephenson County. Hector C. Haight, of Jefferson township,
and a man named Shumway, from the northern part of the county, joined them
and went to Nauvoo. Haight and family followed the Mormons in the long
pilgrimage across the plains to Salt Lake City. Nothing was heard from him
for years, but finally word came back to Stephenson County that he had been
very successful. He was well to do and was one of Brigham Young's advisors.
In this matter of the Mormon invasion, this county manifested early what has
always been one of its chief characteristics, — conservatism. The county has
never been exceedingly emotional. It has not shown itself to be easily and en-
thusiastically led first this way, then that. It is rather a stable society, pursuing
the even tenor of its way, avoiding temporary and transient whims and fads.
In 1840, seven years after the first permanent settlement was made, Steph-
enson County had a population of 2,800. Freeport at that time had a population
of 49. There were then in the county, 9 saw mills and 5 grist mills. There
were 10 schools with an attendance of 170 students.
Among the settlers who came after 1839, not including those who settled in
Freeport, were the following:
Mr. Martin P. Sweet came to Freeport in 1840 and opened a law office. He
was born in New York. He came to Winnebago County in 1837, at that time
being a licensed Methodist minister. From 1840 until his death, he was a
leader in this county. He took the stump for Wm. Henry Harrison, the log
90 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
cabin campaign of 1840. He was a candidate for congress in 1844 and was de-
feated by Mr. Hoge, the Mormon from Hancock County. In 1850 he was again
the Whig candidate, and made a great fight, but lost. As a lawyer, he was re-
markably successful, and as an orator he had scarcely an equal in all tne west.
He was a self-made man. With the aid of his wife, he built his cabin-home in
Winnebago County in 1837. He had the advantage of but little education. He
made his way from the bottom to the top in his profession.
William Corning of English descent. He was a native of New Hamp-
shire and at sixteen worked on a farm for $5.00 a month. Later he drove the
stage from Londonderry and Fovel to Andover, Mars. In 1842 he caught the
western fever and went to Galena where he secured a position as stage driver
on the line from Galena to Freeport. He saved his earnings and bought a farm
in West Point township, but did not quit the stage till 1853 when it was evident
that the stage was to be replaced by the railroad.
In 1840 Oneco, in Oneco township, was platted and there were several men
who believed that here was to be built up a great town. The town was laid out
by John K. Brewster. It was the day of water power and Brewster believed
that Honey Creek had great possibilities along this line. He believed the power
sufficient to run several mills and that a town would be built around them. For
two reasons, and more no doubt, the town never materialized. One was that the
water power was not there, and the other was that Orangeville possessed good
power. Thus another good paper town went the way of Ransomberg.
The stage line to Chicago was well established in 1840. It was the only
regular means of communicating with the outside world. The arrival of each
stage from Chicago was as much an event as the arrival of a train today in the
small village. The signal of approach was the lusty notes of the stage bugler,
and they were greeted with joy by the passengers of the stage, and with antici-
pations by the town, most of which turned out to see the arrivals and to get the
mail.
In 1839 and '40 the temperance wave that swept over America in 1830 to 1840
reached Freeport. A temperance society was organized in 1842 and held meet-
ings in a room over a saloon on the corner of Chicago and Galena streets. Mr.
Alpheus Goddard was a leader in the movement. It was on his invitation that.
L. W. Guiteau went to Cedarville and made what is thought to be the first tem-
perance address in the county. When the rime arrived, Mr. Guiteau found it
necessary to ride through a terrific snow storm to Cedarville, but he meant to
keep his engagement, and went and delivered his address to a small but apprecia-
tive audience. Among the leaders of the movement were John A. Clark and
Rev. F. C. Winslow.
From 1840 to 1850 more professional men came into the county, more law-
yers and doctors, and likewise more merchants. Among the lawyers were Martin
Sweet, Thomas J. Turner, Horatio C. Buchardt, and Oscar Taylor.
In 1844, Hon. John H. Adams came to Cedarville and bought the mill.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 91
AFTER 1837.
Mathias Hettinger came to Freeport in 1841. He was a native of Keffenach,
Alsace Loraine. He came to America in 1836, working at the wagon making
trade in Williamsville, New York, for ten years. He lived a while at Canton,
Ohio, and then was three years in Portsmouth, Ohio, manufacturing plows.
After working as a journeyman at the wagon makers trade a few months in
1841, he opened a small shop, repairing and making wagons, buggies, etc. In
1865, he was influential in the organization of the German Insurance Company
and was its first president. In 1876, he entered the banking business. He was
one of the committee that erected the present courthouse. Mr. John Hoebel, of
Phenish-Bavaria, came to Freeport in 1842. For several years he was in the
shoe-making business. He served as city treasurer and was three times elected
alderman.
Thomas W. Johnson who came from England to Freeport in 1839, worked
in the store of D. A. Knowlton and received for his first year's work $50.00
and his board. He later became a well to do real estate dealer.
June n, 1838, O. H. Wright was granted a license to sell merchandise for
one year, he paying $12.00 into the county treasury.
August 16, 1838, on sworn complaint of William Kirkpatrick, Richard Hunt
and William Baker, against the county clerk, Wm. H. Hollenbeck, for want of
qualifications and neglect of official duties, the commissioners removed him from
office and appointed Richard Hunt as clerk.
The commissioners qualified in 1838 were L. W. Streator, Robert M. Mc-
Connell and John Moore.
October 25, 1838, L. W. Guiteau was granted a permit to retail merchandise
in Freeport, paying $5.00 to the county treasury.
December 4, 1838, O. H. Wright gave and took the oath of office of probate
justice of the peace.
D. A. Knowlton was granted a permit to vend a retail merchandise March 16,
1839.
In June, 1839, grocer's license fee was raised to $200.00.
Financial statement of the commissioners in March, 1839, for years 1837 and
1838 to date:
Payments :
Orders issued for service $ 448.04
Orders issued and not redeemed 154-99
Orders issued 9I-55
Orders issued 121.28
To T. J. Turner, court house contract 2,500.00
To Hollenbeck & Truax on jail 750.00
To James, extra mason work on court house 374-QO
Total $4,440.00
92 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Receipts :
For licenses $ 200.00
For taxes, 1837 214.00
For taxes, 1838 94. 50
From fines , 78.00
Taxes due for 1838 201.63^
Fines due, not collected 86.00
Bonus received from proprietors of Freeport 3,707.51
Bonus due from proprietors of Freeport 542.13^
Total $5,124.00
RICHARD HUNT, CLERK.
June 19, 1839, the commissioners passed an order: "Resolved, that it is in-
cumbent upon the commissioners as special agent of the county, to take into their
special possession the court house as it now stands, the contract having been,
by said Turner, abandoned." The court house was said to have been completed
in eighteen months, but the commissioners state, "said Turner has failed and
absolutely refused to comply with the stipulations of the contract."
June 19, 1839, the commissioners advertised for bids for the completion
of the court house.
June 19, 1839, the commissioners retained Thompson Campbell as attorney
to bring suit vs. Thomas J. Turner and William Fitzpatrick on contract to
build court house. For this service and for advice to the commissioners on other
subjects, Campbell was to receive $100.00.
July n, 1839, the commissioners entered into a contract with Richard Earl,
with L. W. Guiteau security, to complete the outside of the court house foi
$1,000.
AN EARLY HOTEL.
Mr. Horace Tarbox, of New York, came to Freeport in 1841 and engaged
in the hotel and livery business. In 1848 he completed a three-story stone hotel
building at the corner of Chicago and Stephenson Streets. This hotel was opened
to the public January i, 1849, and called the "Winneshiek House." This was
then credited with being the only first class hotel in the county. The opening
was celebrated with a grand ball and was attended by people for miles around.
The ball was one of the big social events of the decade.
Joseph B. Smith who came to Freeport in 1846, speaks of the society of the
citizens as follows :
"The good fellowship that existed among the inhabitants of the small village
in 1846 was remarkable in its social and friendly intercourse and the confidence
maintained by the integrity of each other. No breaches of the peace for crimes
of any magnitude were perpetrated. The doors of the dwellings were seldom
locked; indeed many of them contained no locks at all. The merchants, whose
stocks were limited to the necessities of the settlers, all were striving through
honest effort to better their conditions."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 93
A. T. Green, an early attorney and prominent citizen of Freeport, came in
1839. He walked from Rockford and sitting on a stump on a hill near Free-
port, he counted just forty roofs of all, that being all there were at that time.
James Hart came in 1836, his family arriving the next year. Thomas Wilcoxen,
of Georgia, made a prospecting tour through the county in 1835, following the
Indian trails. In 1837, he settled on a claim near Cedarville.
O. P. McCool came into Stephenson County with his father in 1840, settling
first in Lancaster, then in Harlem.
THE PEOPLE VERSUS SHIN-PLASTERS.
December 18, 1852, a public meeting was held at the office of William Pres-
ton to adopt measures calculated to suppress the circulation of illegal currency or
"shin-plasters." Mr. Preston was elected chairman, and John S. Emmert, secre-
tary. The following committee was appointed : John Black, John K. Brew-
ster, W. P. Hunt, E. H. Hyde, Warren Clark, S. D. Knight, J. A. W. Donahoo,
I. Stoneman, Thomas Egan, G. W. Maynard and William Sanford. Resolutions
were adopted urging the people to discountenance the circulation of all but specie
paying bank notes.
THE TOWN BELL.
In October, 1853, the Freeport Journal made a strenuous complaint because
the town bell ceased to ring. The Journal editor said he understood it had ceased
because the sexton felt that his pay was too small. "Who will take hold of the
matter," asks the Journal.
MANNY REAPER WINS OVER McCORMICK.
The Journal of December 3, 1852, expresses great joy because the Manny
Reaper won a gold medal at the annual fair of the Chicago Mechanics Institute,
over the McCormick Reaper.
In 1853, September, the following were elected town trustees: Peter B. Fos-
ter, William D. Oyler, Jacob Mayor, Frederick Baker, and William D. Smith.
April 15, 1853, the Freeport Journal says the following lawyers attended
the meeting of the circuit court : Turner, Betts, Clark, Goodhue, Bright, Mea-
cham, Burke and Kean of Freeport and Marsh, Loop, Brown and Burnap of
Rockford and Dutcher of Ogle.
THE FIRST CIRCUS.
It was in June of 1842 that Freeport had a touch of real life in the form of
a circus. The first show grounds were on the site of the old Fremont House.
Settlers for miles around came in and Freeport established a reputation as a
good circus town, a reputation that holds good with a vengeance to date. This
first circus did not come in a special train, but it was a "great success" and the
box office of Levi North, the manager, was liberally patronized.
TRIPP BOY LOST.
A boy lost in the woods in 1842 caused considerable excitement. The boy's
name was Tripp, and he had gone out to the woods along Yellow Creek to
94 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
hunt butternuts. His companions were evidently full of the "Wild West" and
sought to have some fun by frightening him. One of the boys with a buffalo
robe represented a panther and this with the cries of the other boys cause young
Tripp to take to the woods. He became separated from his companions and
soon lost his way. At night the party returned, but without young Tripp. Next
day a meeting of citizens was held and a committee on horses searched the woods
for the lost boy. The committee kept up the search for several days and nights
and finally found the lad three miles from his starting point. The boy was ex-
hausted and almost starved. He soon recovered and the affair that caused so
much commotion was soon dropped.
THE FIRST BRICK BUILDING.
The first brick building was erected in Freeport about 1842. Just where the
first one was erected and the exact date can not be definitely determined. As
usual several claims are put forward. One claim refers to a residence of David
Clay at the corner of Bridge and Van Buren streets. Another refers to a brick
residence built at the corner of Galena and Cherry streets, about 1845, by John
Perkins. Still another points to a one-story brick building at the corner of
Stephenson and Mechanic streets. In 1846 Mr. A. T. Green built a brick build-
ing at the corner of Stephenson and Chicago streets. The first three-story
brick building was that built on Stephenson street by O. H. Wright and used
as a store and warehouse. In 1848, Mr. Horace Tarbox, who came to Free-
port and established a hotel and livery business, built a large three-story stone
building at the corner of Chicago and Stephenson streets. This was used by
Mr. Tarbox as a hotel. It was torn down in 1874. By 1840 other good build-
ings were erected by D. A. Knowlton, George Purrington, E. Rosenstiel, Wil-
liam Glover, Emmert & Strohm, I. C. Stoneman and others.
In 1849 the first church building was erected in Freeport, on the present site
of the Y. M. C. A. building. The church was to be 40x65 and was built of
stone and brick and cost $460.00. Owing to difficulties, the building was not
completed until 1851. In 1851 the Second Presbyterians and the Methodists
built churches. In 1850, December 25, the First Baptist church was built where
the German Catholic church now stands. The Episcopal church was built in
1852. The first Catholic church building was erected near the present site of
St. Mary's church in 1854.
Early in the fifties Plymouth Block, at the corner of Van Buren and Steph-
enson streets was built and the people of Freeport were proud of the structure.
The building had served its purpose and gave way in 1868 to the present Wil-
coxen building. In 1852 the Union school was built at a cost of $3,000 on the
site of the present high school.
WATER POWER RIGHTS.
In 1846 O. H. Wright and E. S. Hanchett by act of the Legislature incor-
porated the Hydraulic & Manufacturing Company of Stephenson County. The
charter gave Wright & Hanchett legal right to build a dam across the Pecatonica
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 95
River. The race was built by Jacob Zimmerman under the direction of John
Lerch. The race was 900 feet wide and 6 feet deep. In 1847 Hanchett built a
saw mill on the site of the old Goddard flour mill. The mill was built of logs,
square-hewed with the ax.
ENGLISH COLONY— RIDOTT.
In 1842, Stephenson County was still one of the localities of Northern Illi-
nois that was attractive to the immigrants from the East. About this time the
unsettled political condition of Europe was the cause of considerable emigration
to America. The free public land system of America by which the landless of
the old world could easily become owners of large farms, appealed to the ten-
ants of England especially. Just as the Norwegians in 1839 had sent an agent to
look over the public lands of America and pick out a location in 1842, farmers
in England appointed a man of their own number to visit the United States
and select a favorable site for settlement. This agent crossed the United States
to Illinois, came out on the Frink and Walker stage and after making con-
siderable investigation, was especially pleased with the surroundings in Ridott
township and, writing to England, advised the colony to settle there. He ex-
plained to the English farmers the advantages of this county. The farmers began
at once to make preparations for the journey. They looked to America as the
country of opportunity and about twenty-two of them left their native land
August 28, 1842, to cross the continent of America to find new homes. They
came from that strong class of Englishmen that has always been the basis of
England's successes in war and peace. They were skilled in agriculture. The
descendants of many of these people are yet to be found in this county and,
though assimilated in the mass of our population, they have added something of
enduring value to the character of the population of Stephenson County.
An attempt was made to operate the colony on the community of interest plan.
No doubt, they were influenced by the teachings of Robert Owen, who had
brought out a colony of Englishmen and founded New Harmony, Indiana.
After two years the colony was broken up by withdrawals, some going on
farther west. The settlers came into other parts of the county in 1842, but no-
where, not even in Freeport, in such numbers as in Ridott township. In fact,
there was considerable disappointment because the population did not increase
fast enough to meet the expectations of the people.
By this time trade was turned largely to Chicago. The lead mine markets
had fallen and Chicago offered the additional inducement of newly arrived immi-
grants who wanted to be transported to this section. This was cash business and
very acceptable to farmers on the return trip.
THE WALLACE SUICIDE.
A suicide broke the even tenor of the life of the people in 1841. An old
man, William Wallace, had settled in the county in 1836. From his peculiar
actions the people who knew him regarded him as insane. Little was known
about the man and his history. In one of his melancholy moods, he hanged him-
96 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
self to a tree near the village of Rock Grove. His dead body was found swing-
ing from a limb by some boys who were out hunting for cows in the "common."
The boys carried the news to the settlers, who hastened to the place, cut down
the unfortunate man and buried him near the spot of his own execution. The
suicide caused quite a ripple of excitement over the county.
THE BOARDMAN MURDER.
The year 1843 brought the first murder in the county after its incorpora-
tion. The tragedy occurred on a farm in Rock Grove township owned then by
Daniel Noble. Boardman was a hired man employed by Noble. As the story
goes, one day in the fall of 1843, Noble and Boardman with their guns started
off on a hunt. The two were gone several days, when Noble returned without
Boardman. Noble explained that Boardman had gone in the direction of Wis-
consin, being discouraged with the prospect in Rock Grove township. Board-
man gave a watch to Noble and asked him to tell Mrs. Boardman that when
he was located in a new home he would return for his wife.
The winter and spring passed and Noble's story of Boardman's disap-
pearance was not questioned, largely because of the character of the relations
apparently existing between the two men. Early in the summer, a Mr. Marsh,
a neighbor of Noble, discovered the remains of a man in the brush. The skull
showed evidence of violence, and Marsh severing it from the body, took it to
Noble's farm and in the presence of many men exhibited the "find" to Noble.
Suspicion already under current, was strengthened against Noble because of his
appearance and conduct when confronted with the skull. It was agreed that
Noble should be arrested the following day, or just as soon as a warrant could
be secured from Justice Frankenberger. Noble took time by the forelock, how-
ever, and that night disappeared, leaving his wife with her father in Ogle County.
He was last heard of at Dixon, and was never found or arrested. Consequently
the story of the murder has never been told.
GERMAN COLONY.
A colony of Germans settled in Ridott township in 1850. Henry and Daniel
Brick had come to America in 1844 from Germany. H. Frylings came from
Hanover in 1850. John Heeren of Asuaisvaland, and Ulrich Boomgaarden from
Hanover in 1850. Balster Jelderks, Jacob Molter, Fokke Rewerts and Michael
Van Oosterloo came from Germany the same year. In 1852 among many others,
the following joined the German colony in Ridott township: Henry Borchers,
Bearnd Groveneveld, Peter Herrmann, Charles Rohkar, Henry Scheffner, John
Scheffner, Abram Schleich and Edward Weik. Niel Johnson came from Han-
over in 1853. Mathias Timms in 1854 and John Rademaker in 1855. Michael
Bardell came from Alsace in 1845, having landed in America in 1841. Adam
Fisher came from Bavaria in 1858.
1844-50.
It was not all peace and happiness in the county at this periol. The early
surveys were extremely faulty. Many corner stones were never set at all, and
Ol'It BAXI> BKFl >!{]•: TIIK WAI!
1. E. KiillutT
2. W. II. Wanner
3. J. Kiieflf
II. Baler
Mr. Johnson
J. Decider
.T. Lcecke
J. Hotzlcr
OF THE
UNIVERSE OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 97
others were incorrectly placed. The surveys were especially faulty along the
river. Claims overlapped and when the adjustments came to be made in 1844
to 1850, much strife arose among contesting claimants. Neighborhood contro-
versies in which the people took sides waxed furiously. Much bad blood was
stirred up and feuds were developed that continued long after the source of
the conditions had disappeared. As land values increased and improvements
were made, the controversies increased in fury. It is claimed to this day that
some lands along the river are still government lands, but farmed by men who
own adjacent farms.
THE WAR WITH MEXICO.
Stephenson County had not been organized ten years when the war with
Mexico began in 1846. The war grew out of the annexation of Texas, losses
of Americans by Mexican depredations, and a dispute over the boundary line
of Texas. Mexico claimed that the Nueces River was the boundary, but Presi-
dent Polk and Texas insisted that the boundary extended to the Rio Grande.
Some Americans were slain in the disputed territory and Polk sent General
Zachary Taylor with an army of about 2500 men to the Rio Grande. Folk's war
message, "American blood has been spilled on American soil !" aroused the
fighting spirit of Americans and the wave of warlike enthusiasm spread into the
sparsely settled communities of Stephenson County.
The call for volunteers included a call for three regiments from Illinois.
Enthusiasm ran high in this county and mass meetings of men from all parts
of the county was held in the court house at Freeport. Major John Howe was
chairman of the meeting. Stirring, patriotic addresses were made by S. B. Far-
well and Hon. Thomas J. Turner. Several enlistments were the result, and
these with enlistments that came in from almost every community, soon ex-
ceeded the demand. In all, about twenty-five men enlisted and went into the
war. One of these, William Goddard, won the rank of Captain. The Stephen-
son County enlistments were placed in the company of Captain McKinney of
Dixon, and it is believed formed a part of the second regiment of Illinois
soldiers, under command of J. L. D. Morrison, of St. Clair County. The regi-
ment was mustered on July 2, 1846, and after taking part in the battle of Buena
Vista and other battles returned to Springfield, June 4, 1847.
The Stephenson County volunteers then returned home and were accorded
an enthusiastic reception. Mass meetings and dinners were given in their honor,
and eloquent toasts and patriotic addresses, full of praise of the men who had
fought under "Old Rough and Ready" welcomed the returning heroes. Another
call for troops came in 1847 and met with a similar response, but the war soon
closed by Scott's capture of the City of Mexico.
The war confirmed the annexation of Texas and annexed California, New
Mexico, Arizona and part of Nevada, Colorado and Utah. Right or wrong in its
inception, the Mexican War was right in its results. It rounded out nicely the
boundary of the United States, gave us a harbor on the Pacific Coast, and gave
over to Anglo Saxon civilization a great territory, the development and govern-
ment of which was impossible under the control of the incompetent descendants
of the Spaniard.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
AFTER 1837.
Abraham Gund came to Stephenson County from Baden in 1847. Three
years later he made the trip to California and there engaged in his trade of
blacksmithing. He succeeded fairly well prospecting and returned to this county
in 1855. His California earnings were lost in a St. Louis Bank failure, but he
struggled on and soon bought the old homestead in Silver Creek township. He
served the county as a member of the board of supervisors and county treas-
urer. George and Sophia Gund, parents of Frederick and Abraham Gund came
to America in 1848 settlnng in Silver Creek township where they died of cholera
in 1850.
NEWSPAPERS.
In November, 1847, the first newspaper printed in the county came off
the press. This was the Prairie Democrat, founded by Hon. Thomas J. Turner,
and edited by Mr. S. D. Carpenter. The business of the paper was first con-
ducted in a room in the old court house. Later it was published in a frame
building at the corner of Galena and Chicago streets and then to the corner
of Stephenson and Chicago streets. J. A. P. Burnside succeeded Mr. Carpen-
ter, Mr. George P. Ordway running the paper the year of 1852. In 1853 with a
new press and new type the paper changed its name and since that date has ap-
peared as the Freeport Bulletin. For a time the bulletin was run by Bagg and
Brawley and in 1861 was sold to Giles & Scroggs. The paper, from 1847 to
1861, had enjoyed a good patronage and was of great influence on the county.
In politics, the Prairie Democrat and the Bulletin were consistently Demo-
cratic. Mr. Turner's aim in establishing the Democrat was to have an organ
which would aid him and his party in managing the politics of the county.
Democratic successes from 1847 to 1860 were very auspicious for the welfare ,
of the Democratic paper.
The Prairie Democrat of 1847 contained its own ad as follows:
PRAIRIE DEMOCRAT.
Published Weekly.
Freeport, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1848.
Terms — Single copy, if paid in advance or within two
months from the time of subscribing $ 2.00
If paid within the year 2.50
The usual rates will be charged to village subscribers who
receive their papers per carrier.
5 copies to one post office, in advance 9.10
10 copies to one post office, in advance l7-5°
20 copies to one post office, in advance 30.00
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 99
Job and Advertising Prices.
For 100 half sheet bills $ 4.0x5
For 100 half sheet bills per 100, over 100 1.50
For quarter sheet bills 2.00
For quarter sheet bills, per 100, over 300 i.oo
All bills less than quarter sheet per 100 2.00
For Blanks per quire 75 cts i.oo
For Cards, per pack i .00
For Cards per pack, each additional pack 75
Ball tickets — one, two, three and 5.00
Bills with borders and all fancy jobs charged extra.
Advertising — One square one insertion i.oo
each additional insertion 50
one month 2.00
three months , 3.50
six months 6.00
one year 10.00
Patent Medicines one column per year 50.00
Cards not exceeding six lines per year 5.00
Job and Book printing of all kinds neatly executed at this office.
All communications and advertisements should be left at the
office as early as Saturday next preceding a publication, in order
to insure a publication the next week.
N. B. Advertisements should be marked the number of inser-
tions required, or they will be continued until forbid, and charged
accordingly.
The first issue of the Freeport Journal appeared November 22, 1848. The
paper was a six column weekly folio. The Journal was founded by H. G.
Gratton and A. McFadden. The "office" was an old building at the corner of
Broadway and Beaver streets. After a year the Journal was published in a
frame building on Galena street, between Walnut and South Galena Avenue.
The next place of publication was north of the courthouse and in 1855 the Jour-
nal was housed in Martin's block on Stephenson street between Van Buren and
Chicago streets. In 1852 the Journal expanded and became a seven column
folio, and appeared in a new dress. Mr. Hiram Sheetz, who had purchased a
part interest in 1851, became sole proprietor in 1853. Mr. Sheetz sold the
paper to Judson and McClure in 1856, who conducted the paper the next ten
years.
THE ANZEIGER.
In 1853 the Deutscher Anzeiger was founded by William Wagner, Sr.,
assisted by William Wagner, Jr. From 1853 to the present time, the Anzeiger
has been the property of the Wagner family. Mr. Wagner purchased a printing
outfit at Galena and began with a four page, five column weekly. The office
was located in the third story of the Wright building on the northeast corner
of Stephenson and Adam street. In 1854 the paper was domiciled at No. 8
South Galena Avenue. The paper was printed by a hand press. For a time
100 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
on account of limited means, the paper was published by amateur type setters.
In 1855 the office was moved to the third story of the Rosenstiel building, now
93 Stephenson street. In 1859 Mr. William H. Wagner, the present publisher
and editor, became foreman of the mechanical department. As an apprentice,
he had mastered the mechanical part of the newspaper business.
The Anzeiger waxed strong because it had a hard fight for existence and
because of the ability and persistence of the Wagners. The circulation increased
rapidly and had always been a boon to the German settlers, who came out
from the Fatherland. Among these people the paper has exercised a powerful
influence which it holds to this day.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION— 1859-1860.
A different form of county government was established in 1850. From 1837.
the date of the first county organization, to 1850 the county was governed by
three commissioners. The first commissioners were Lemuel G. Streator, Isaac
Forbes and Julius Smith. Such a system was entirely adequate in the early
days. But with rapidly growing population, a different plan, better adapted to
present conditions, was to be desired.
The Constitutional Convention of 1848 provided for township organization in
case the voters of the county desired it. The Legislature of 1849 provided fur-
ther that at the next general election the counties should vote on the proposition
of township organization. There was some opposition in Stephenson County to
the proposed change. Public opinion, however, was strongly in favor of it, and
the opposition was too weak to make much of a contest. The result ofl the
election of November 5, 1849, was :
For township government 973
Against township government 99
Total votes cast 1,072
The above vote indicates the result of a one-sided contest.
At the election of 1849, Hon. George Purrington was elected county judge.
The county court met in December, Judge Purrington presiding. Levi Robey,
Robert Foster and Erastus Torrey were appointed to mark off the county into
townships. After considerable investigation the three commissioners made their
report, having provided for the following townships : Rock Grove, Oneco, Win-
slow, West Point, Waddams, Buck Eye, Rock Run, Freeport, Lancaster, Har-
lem, Erin, Loran, Florence, Silver Creek and Ridott, in all, fifteen townships.
Commissioner Torrey desired to change the name Harlem to Wayne, but the
report had been adopted and the change was not made.
November 5, 1850, the following men were elected supervisors : Lancaster,
Johnathan Reitzell; Rock Run, C. G. Edley; Rock Grove, James J. Rogers;
Oneco, George Cadwell ; Winslow, Cornelius Judson ; Waddams, Michael Law-
ver ; Buck Eye, Montelius ; West Point, Daniel Wilson ; Harlem, William M.
Buckley ; Erin, John I. F. Harmon ; Florence, Conrad Van Brocklin ; Ridott,
Gustavus A. Farwell; Silver Creek, Samuel McAffee; Freeport, E. S. Hanchett;
and Loran, Hiram Hart.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 101
Three additional townships were added later. In 1856, March 17, Kent
Township was formed by dividing Erin. The division of Erin aroused intense
feeling, says an early history, because the residents of Erin were deprived of
superior wood and water advantages. In 1859 the citizens of the west half of
Loran Township petitioned for independent organization and Jefferson Township
was formed by the commissioners, nl September, 1860, Dakota Township was
formed out of the east half of Buckeye, because of the infinite inconvenience
and vexation of spirit caused by the residents being compelled to go to a distant
place to cast the ballot.
At the first meeting of the Board of Supevisors, November n, 1850, John
I. F. Harmon was elected chairman. Hanchett of Freeport was not present and
failed to qualify. Thereupon, John K. Brewster was appointed supervisor for
Freeport Township.
FREEPORT A TOWN— 1850.
From its settlement to 1850 Freeport was governed as a village. From its
first settlement in 1835 by William Baker to 1850, Freeport had grown slowly to
a population of 1486. In 1840 the village had a population of forty-nine. In the
year 1850 there arose a general desire to have the old village organization sup-
planted by a town organization. During the summer that year the place was in-
corporated as a town under the laws of the state of Illinois. At the election
held later in the year, the following persons were elected town trustees : Thomas
J. Turner, Julius Smith, John K. Brewster, John Rice and Joseph B. Smith. The
town organization seems to have satisfied the ambitions of the pioneers of the
future city till about 1855, when the town organization gave way to city gov-
ernment under the State Charter.
CENSUS OF 1850.
December 27, 1850, Mr. Oscar Taylor published his report of the census in
the Journal:
Freeport i ,436
Buck Eye 1,271
Waddams 1,160
Rock Run i,O37
Erin 886
Oneco 882
Lancaster 835'
Rock Grove 727
Loran 654
Ridott 652
Silver Creek 603
Florence 444
Harlem w\
Winslow 384
West Point 250
Total in County in 1850 1 1,666
102 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Total in County in 1845 6,344
Total in County in 1840 2,869
The city of Galena in 1850 had a population of 5, 986, and Jo Daviess County
18,466.
The census of 1850 showed that the n,666 inhabitants of Stephenson County
were born in :
Pennsylvania 3,360
Illinois 2,826
New York 1,485
Ohio 981
Vermont 263
Indiana 177
Virginia ,. 1 1 1
Massachusetts 103
Connecticut 83
New Hampshire 68
Kentucky 68
Wisconsin ' 63
Maryland 57
Michigan 54
New Jersey ' 47
Tennessee 25
Rhode Island 24
North Carolina 19
Iowa 15
Maine 10
Delaware 6
South Carolina 5
Missouri 4
Georgia 2
Alabama I
Total 9,827
Germany 821
Ireland 409
Canada 320
England 206
Norway 37
France 23
Scotland 9
Nova Scotia 5
New Brunswick 3
Wales 3
Switzerland i
Brazil i
West Indies . '. i
Total in County 1 1 ,666
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 103
ASIATIC CHOLERA, 1850-1852.
The people of Stephenson County, and especially the people of Freeport,
suffered from an epidemic of Asiatic Cholera in 1850. People were unprepared
to fight such a plague. It made rapid inroads on the population and, though
all common remedies and specifics were applied, the patient usually died. The
physicians were not familiar with the disease and had no experience in treat-
ing it. The neighborhood of Nevada, Ridott Township, Kirkpatrick's Mills,
and Freeport suffered most. A traveler through the county at the time said
that there was hardly a family on the old state road in which there was not one
of its members down with cholera, dying or buried.
But the people stood loyally by. The sick were cared for by physicians,
and nurses and neighbors hurriedly buried the dead. Duty was stronger than
fear of the dread disease, and a splendid heroism was manifested among the
people who time and again took their lives in their hands, in caring for their
neighbors. The towns were practically abandoned and business was at a stand-
still. In 1852, the plague returned and wrought great havoc. In 1854 it again
appeared, but was soon stamped out by the physicians who had learned how
to treat it.
There was practically a decrease in the population of the county from 1850
to 1852. Emigrants went on through or around the county and settled else-
where. Many went back east and others who had prepared to come west
remained at the old homes in the east. It was a hard blow and checked* for a
time, the growth of the county.
The following by Mrs. Oscar Taylor who lived through the period gives
a better idea of actual conditions :
"With a sense of security in the present everyone was looking forward to
a time of continued prosperity when suddenly, in 1850, across the sunshine of
our hopes fell the black shadow of the terrible visitation of cholera, remembered
still with a shudder by all who can look back to it. Like a thief in the night
it came, striking first in a house near the head of the creek crossing the town.
In a home where five were living the day before, in the morning all were dead
except an infant. The woman who took this child, died two days later. A
great horror settled over the community. The paralysis of fear added greatly
to the danger from the disease, and an attack meant in most cases death. The
physicians were almost as ignorant of the treatment for cholera as were the
citizens. No nurses were to be had and the victims were dependent on friends
and neighbors for care. When quaking with fear we were often called upon to
minister to the dying, or to prepare the dead for burial. And we mothers, as
we closed for the last time the eyes of some neighbor's child, thought with
sickening dread of the morrow for our own little ones. Not often was there a
funeral service. The dead were taken quickly to the cemetery by the old
sexton, Giles Taylor. As far as business went the week days were like Sun-
days and country people were afraid to come near the infected town. When
the shadow lifted with the end of summer, one-tenth of the population of Free-
port had been taken away. The experience was not lost upon our physicians,
104 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
however, for when cholera came here again in '54 it was much more success-
fully treated."
Most of the cholera victims in Freeport were along the creek. Eighteen
deaths occurred in one day in Freeport. Among the more prominent phy-
sicians were Dr. Chancellor Martin, Dr. L. A. Mease, Dr. F. J. Hazlet, and Dr.
Robert H. Van Valzah.
Calamities seldom come singly. It is maintained that while the county was
under the ban on account of the dreadful result of the cholera, the people suf-
fered a renewal of thieving and rowdyism. An old settler told the following
story as an illustration : "A gentleman traveling from St. Louis to Buffalo,
via stage from Galena of Freeport, was taken ill with cholera at the hotel in
Freeport. It was quite well known that the stranger had money and he was
carefully watched by the proprietor of the hotel. One afternoon he walked
about the town to regain his strength. That night he had a relapse and died.
Examination of his effects showed that $6,000 had disappeared. He was buried
in the old cemetery near where Keene's Canning Factory now stands. His
relatives traced his travels and years later came to Freeport to remove the body,
but the grave had not been marked and the effort was fruitless."
The census of September, 1853, by Giles L. Taylor, for the school directors
was:
Males of all ages l,5^9
Females of all ages 1.359
Total 2,926
Children under 21 1.233
THE FORTY-NINERS— THE GOLD FEVER.
In 1849 the California gold fever struck Stephenson County. It produced
the same excitement here as elsewhere and almost one hundred left the county that
year to cross the plains to the gold fields. Old and young and men of all profes-
sions and vocations joined the mad rush for immediate wealth. Outfits and sup-
plies were loaded into wagons and those drawn by horses and ox teams joined
the caravans from other sections, and began the long and tiresome journey half
across a continent. Many men, not over-conservative, put all their eggs in this
one basket. It was a long chance at best, and fraught with difficulties, privation
and danger. Some died on the way. Others pressed on to certain failure. A
few were fortunate and some became permanent settlers in the west, and rose
to distinction in the farther west. One of them, Cameron Hunt, became gov-
ernor of Colorado. Loved ones and friends at home were compelled to wait long
for news, sometimes sad. often not reassuring and seldom good. In all, almost
200 men, mainly young men, left the county for the west. Men of means, who
did not go, furnished outfits, for others in return for an agreement to share the
profits. But the gold fields were far away and these men seldom realized on the
investment.
The purchase of supplies made business in the county good for the time, but
the ultimate effect was bad. The county could ill afford to spare at that date
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 105
so many vigorous men. Smaller crops were cultivated ; trade was slow and times
were dull.
Among the men who went to the gold fields were : John Walz, B. T. Buckley,
Charles Willet, William Vore, John Kirkpatrick, Elnus Baker, John Mease, O.
Weaver, J. W. Shaffer, Alfred Caldwell, William Patterson, Mr. Shutz, P. C.
Shaffer, Joseph Carey, Charles Bogar, S. B. Farwell, Joseph Quest, William
Young, Robert Hammond, Charles O'Neal, Horatio Hunt, Cameron Hunt and
others.
49ERS.
William Preston, who settled in the county in 1838, drove an ox team to Cali-
fornia in 1848. Walking all the way except about 250 miles. He made a stake
in California and went by steamer to the Isthmus of Panama. He walked from
Panama to the River Chagras, and went by boat down that river to Chagris,
then to Havana, then to New Orleans and up the Mississippi to Galena, arriv-
ing home by stage in 1851.
The Journal of June n, 1850, had an able editorial on the effect of the
Free-trade Tariff of 1845. It says, "Furnaces are everywhere closing, mines
are everywhere being vacated, and the course of things seems to turn towards
the abandonment of these industries. We trust that Congress will speedily set-
tle the slavery question and hasten to the relief of the manufactures, the with-
holding of which cannot much longer be endured."
In 1851 the Legislature passed an act providing for a new judicial circuit,
embracing the counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago.
About March 21, 1851, two gentlemen with a team visited farmers north of
Freeport and secured samples of wheat with the evident idea of purchasing.
While there they passed counterfeit bills.
WHIG CELEBRATION, 1849.
March 5, 1849, tne whigs of Stephenson County held a celebration of the
election of Taylor and Fillmore. Every part of the county was represented.
"The day was ushered in by a national salute of 30 guns. John A. Clark was
president of the day, and Hubbard Graves, M. M. Woodin, Dr. Cutler and Lorin
Snow were vice presidents. Hon. Martin Sweet, was the orator of the day.
After the speech "which was of great force and eloquence and charmed a de-
lighted auditory," over 100 sat down to a sumptuous dinner at the Stephenson
County Hotel. After dinner, toasts were given and letters read. Besides 13
regular toasts, 23 voluntary toasts were given among which were those by
Charles Betts, L. W. Guiteau, Hubbard Graves, Oscar Taylor, Dr. Martin,
M. P. Sweet, E. H. Hatchett, Julius Smith.
It was a big day for the whigs.
POLITICS.
In 1849, tne whig county convention, according to the Journal, laid aside
party politics, and nominated the following ticket: For county judge, Major
106 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
John Howe; associate judges, Samuel F. Dodds and Josiah Clingman; clerk
of county court, Hubbard Graves ; school commissioner, L. W. Guiteau ; sur-
veyor, Cyrus Clingman; treasurer, Asabel Rice. The democrats were success-
ful and elected the following: George Purinton, judge; William Preston, clerk;
Johnathan Reitzell, treasurer; school commissioner, L. W. Guiteau, whig. In
Freeport, Julius Smith and F. W. S. Brawley were elected justices and James
B. Barr and Frederick Baker constables.
Colonel Thomas J. Turner was a "Wilmot Proviso" democrat in Congress.
He was once stigmatised by the southern leaders as one of the "thirteen fan-
atics" for resisting the Walker amendment.
VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST.
SOCIAL.
The Journal thus describes a party held at the Freeport House, Monday,
January 14, 1850:
"This was truly a fine affair — the arrangements were all in excellent taste,
the company large and highly respectable, and an abundance of agreeable ex-
citement to render the occasion pleasant and interesting. And the music — that
was a little ahead of anything mortal ear has ever listened to before. Could
it have been surpassed? No Ole Bull could have discoursed sweeter music
than did the venerable Charley on that magic instrument of his, neither could
a Ned Kendall have immortalized himself where Leonard is with that post
horn, unsurpassed for richness and sweetness of tone. And then there was
Gitchell, the king of players, sweet, a regular triumph with his clarinet, and
last, though not least, the juvenile Dutchman, with his father of fiddles. He is
some, though we dare not attmept to tell how much."
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN FREEPORT, 185!.
Freeport celebrated the Fourth of July as follows in 1851 :
"The procession followed a band to a grove near the public square. Wash-
ington's Monument was sung by the choir in a very beautiful and impressive
style."
Prayer by Chaplain M. P. Sweet.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by H. Bright in a manner cal-
culated to awaken memories of 1776.
An eloquent, instructive and patriotic address by F. W. S. Brawley, Esq.:
the profound attention with which it was listened to is the best testimony of
its excellence; and the repeated demonstrations of applause, the best evidence
that the hearts of the American people are still susceptible to impressions from
"thoughts that breathe and words that burn."
The Union Forever, sung by the choir.
The procession then marched to the tables where a sumptuous dinner was
spread by D. B. Packer, the host of the Winneshiek House, with the choicest
viands and the luxuries of the season.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 107
The following regular toasts were then offered by the toast committee con-
sisting of John A. Clark, J. D. Turner and Charles Powell:
1. The 31 stars of our glorious Constitution — may they forever move in
harmony around one common center. •
2. The heroes of the Revolution — the heritage of their graves can not be
divided.
3. The memory of George Washington.
4. The President of the United States.
5. The Governor of the State of Illinois.
6. The Army and the Navy of the United States.
7. The Heroes of the Mexican War — we delight to honor them.
8. The Constitution and the Union.
9. Freeport, the city of the seven hills may she, like Rome, her great
prototype — be eternal.
10. The ladies — we are their servants.
Several voluntary toasts were given.
President of the day, Julius Smith ; secretary, T. E. Champion."
AGRICULTURAL MEETING.
A Stephenson County agriculture society was organized in Freeport, Feb-
ruary 23, 1854. Over 150 farmers were present. All sections of the county
were represented except Rock Grove and Winslow. The following were
elected officials: President, O. W. Brewster; vice president, Luman Montague;
secretary, John A. Davis ; treasurer, Wm. M. Buckley ; corresponding secre-
tary, Wm. Preston.
March 13, 1854, a Freeport public meeting indorsed the movement for an
Illinois industrial university and recommended Professor J. B. Turner of Jack-
sonville as the first state superintendent of schools of Illinois.
MEETING OF SOLDIERS OF WAR OF l8l2.
May 3, 1854, the veterans of the War of 1812 held a meeting at the court-
house in Freeport. The meeting was addressed by T. F. Goodhue, Wm. Baker,
and David Niles. Resolutions were passed asking for pensions in cash, instead
of land. The following old soldiers were present : David Niles, Joseph Norris,
James Van Velt, Marcus Carpenter, Jacob Klontz, Abraham Cole, Jacob Mor-
ris, Ira H. Sturtevant, George McCoy, William Baker, E. H. Shumway, John
Malone, Geo. Lattig, Jos. Van Meter, Mary Walter (widow of Aaron Walter),
Josiah Smith, Henry Shepherd and Thomas Matteson.
David Niles was chairman and Henry Shepherd secretary.
TEMPERANCE IN 1854.
One of the organizations of Freeport in 1854 was the Maine Law Alli-
ance. The purpose of this organization was to secure law enforcement and to
elevate the moral standing of the city. The Freeport Journal, January 12, 1854,
108 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
said, "The organization of the Maine Law Alliance we regard as one of the
best movements on the part of the friends of temperance, and the enemies of
the liquor traffic, that has ever been made in our community. It has instilled
new life and energy into the hearts of those who for years have been offering
but a feeble resistance to the frightful and rapid advance of this destructive
vice. That there is an urgent necessity for such an organization, few can doubt
when they contemplate the unexampled wretchedness and misery the liquor
traffic produces ; the demoralization that inseparably attends it, resulting in
the increase of our poor and county taxes, the spread of crime and debauch-
ery, and the death of its innumerable victims. We hail the Alliance, believing
that it will have a tendency to check and ultimately abolish this evil from our
midst."
January 5, 1854, the Journal had a 24 column editorial on "Home Manu-
factures," in part as follows: "The remark is sometimes made that Freeport
is not a manufacturing town, but we are certain that one branch thrives wonder-
fully among us. We mean the manufacture of drunkards and gamblers. A
license can be got to sell liquor for $50. A room with screens, gaudy painted
window curtains, lascivious pictures, and a bar set out with rows of glittering
bottles and tumblers, gives the front view. A little whiskey and some papers
of logwood and other healthy drugs, make brandy, wine, gin, rum, of the
best quality. Behind, is the gambling room. The raw material are young and
innocent boys. At first the novice is shy. He will take a cigar, then a dish
of oysters with some ale, next joins a game of euchre to see wno treats, and
becomes familiar with the tainted moral air of the place. Every step of his
downward course is encouraged by the men who profit by his ruin. A young
man in Freeport is in peril. The fact is, it is safer here to destroy a young
man's soul, than it is in Rockford to kill his body.
We should have a reading room for the boys, a lecture course. Yes, it will
take money, but is money the God for which we are made. You men of busi-
ness may hoard up your money, now, but the day will come when, if it is
locked up against such uses, it will eat like a canker of your happiness."
Freeport had a 2/3 majority vs. saloons in the spring of 1855.
A city ordinance was passed prohibiting retailing liquors and permitting only
gallon sales. The Journal urged the enforcement of the law, but the attempt
was abandoned.
REAL ESTATE.
A boosting pamphlet on Freeport issued in 1857, in speaking of the advan-
tages of northern Illinois, says : "As the traveler comes west from Chicago,
he will find but little that is inviting until he approaches Elgin on the Fox
River. When he approaches Marengo and is conveyed through the center of
Garden Prairie, he begins to see some of the loveliest portions of the western
country and as he passes through the flourishing town of Belvidere, his admira-
tion for the prairie land will be in no wise diminished. The face of the country
is a little more uneven, and the soil is allowed to be richer between the Rock
River and the Mississippi. Throughout Stephenson County the land is suffi-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 109
ciently rolling to make the prospect diversified without being detrimental to
agriculture. The soil is so rich that few farmers have begun to think of ro-
tating their crops.
Land as fertile as any in existence can be bought for $12 to $25 an acre, and
in an ordinary season will produce almost enough to pay for its cost. The
truth is, that aside from the difference in cost of transportation of its crops,
an acre of land in Stephenson County (1857) is worth just as much as an acre
of land "away down east." The eastern farmer who will canvass this matter
thoroughly, can not resist this conclustion, and he who sells his farm at the east
and comes among us and buys three acres for one and finds himself to all in-
tents and purposes (excepting in the lack of fruit, which, however, will soon
grow and is now growing) as well located as regards the comforts of civilized
society, will act the part of wisdom. We have schools and churches, as good
as can be found in the east, and we are as much "down east" so far as all
such privileges are concerned as are our friends to whose good sense we are
now appealing. Think of it, and come and give the county a visit. Take a look
at our beautiful prairies and handsome groves, view our busy and crowded
young city, the pride of our county, and we will venture that you will think
as we think. There never was a more favorable time to purchase than now.
Many of that class who always try to keep just ahead of the march of civiliza-
tion and improvements, are selling and going to Kansas. Good farms can be
had at fair rates and farms within two miles of the city can be bought for less
money than is asked for unimproved land lying near paper towns in Kansas
and Nebraska. There is no more favorable town for real estate investment
than Freeport — no place of its character and prosperity where homesteads can
be obtained on better terms."
In the history of Freeport of 1857, by Boss and Burrows, the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad has a two page spread advertisement, offering for sale 1,500,000
acres of choice farm lands, at $6 to $30 per acre, and up, on long credits and
low rates of interest. A vivid description of Illinois from Cairo to Galena is
given, picturing in brilliant colors the resources of the state, the fertile soil,,
stone, coal, lead and timber. They asked 3% interest and gave 20% discount
for cash.
The Yankee real estate man of that early day was busy. He sold corner
lots in paper towns, and many were the victims of his wiles. A story printed
in a magazine in 1839 illustrates a characteristic of the period. As the story
goes: "Major Wilkey of Mooseboro, Vermont, traded his New England farm
for the land and town of Edensburg, Illinois. The real estate man gave Mr.
Wilkey a beautiful colored plat of the city of Edensburg, with Broadway, Com-
mercial Street, College Street, the public squares, parks, etc., etc., all located.
The plot showed 300 acres that would produce 400 bushels to the acre. The
credulous major drove in a wagon with his family across New York, over the
mountains, across the great endless Mississippi Valley, building air castles
broader and higher as he approached his own town of Edensburg. Finally,
worn out and exhausted, he found Edensburg to be an uninhabitable swamp.
The city and the major's dream vanished. Hardships unnerved him and he
returned to the east with a broken down wagon, a broken winded horse, a
110 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
broken hearted wife, a broken legged dog, a broken down constitution, and
three sons, Johnathan, Jerry and Joe shaking with the ague."
BUSINESS — 1857.
The De Armit Plow Co. was well established in Freeport in 1857 and doing
a large business. The company employed 12 men and for power had installed
a 14 horse power steam engine. The year 1856-7 De Armit manufactured 300
stirring plows, 50 corn plows, 300 breaking plows, 50 shovel plows, a few drags
and cultivators. He also did a turning lathe business and his total output ex-
ceeded $10,000 worth of business. The Boss & Burrough's booklet (1857)
says that this was very gratifying because it shows that Freeport can sustain
home industries.
The F. B. Williams Threshing Machine Company began in 1851 and em-
ployed ten men in 1857. In 1856 the Company made and sold ten threshing
machines at about $1,000 apiece. The company made the Fowlersville thresher.
THE MANNY REAPER COMPANY.
Pells Manny was a pioneer manufacturer of Stehphenson County. His work
and fame and the services of his inventive genius was too great to be confined to
one county, and the world over his name stands far towards the head of the list
of early inventors and manufacturers of reapers.
It is said that he got his idea of the Manny reaper from reading a descrip-
tion of a machine used by the Gauls over 350 years ago. His first machine was
one which cut off the heads of the grain. After much experimenting, he pro-
duced the Manny reaper which soon supplanted the header. The new inven-
tion struck the rocky roads encountered by most inventions. It required time
and labor and over $20,000 to perfect the machine so that it would work suc-
cessfully. This was accomplished in 1852 and in 1853. Mr. Manny's son, J.
N. Manny, began the manufacture of reapers in Rockford. In 1856 the Mannys
established a factory in Freeport. The company found a great demand for
its product and the annual output soon rose to several thousands. In 1857 the
Freeport factory run by Mr. Manny manufactured reapers, hay presses, and the
Manny Subsoil Plow. The Freeport booklet (Boss & Burrough's) 1857, says
that the Manny Company had enough orders ahead that year to make it neces-
sary to employ from 250 to 400 men. It was believed that this company alone
would increase the population of Freeport 1,200 to 2,000.
Jacob Walkey in 1853 established a planing mill and furniture factory on
Chicago Street. In 1857 he was doing a big business and employing a large
number of men. He used a thirty horse power steam engine to run his ma-
chinery. His building was a two story, with 60 feet frontage. He had two
planing machines, scroll saw, four turning lathes, boring and mortising ma-
chines. In the Exchange Block on Stephenson Street he had a furniture sales
room, "One of the most creditable features of Freeport" in 1857, and "does
a $37,000 annual business."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 111
The Halderman & Company Steam Flour Mill started August, 1856. The
company has three run of stone and can grind 30,000 barrels a year. In 1857
J. B. Hazen's Iron Foundry was "doing quite a business in sleigh shoes and iron
kettles. In 1856, J. Riegard's Flouring Mill, which did mostly a custom busi-
ness, put in a steam engine. He had three run of stone running night and day,
and has a capacity of 392 bushels per day.
In 1857 Benjamin Goddard's Saw Mill had one upright and one buzz saw.
The company did a business of about 2,000 feet a day on the upright. Four
men were employed, and the mill "did a business of from $35,000 to $50,000 a
year."
In 1857 B. Rhode's soap and candle factory on the Galena road did a busi-
ness of $8,000 to $10,000 annually. Stiles was doing "an extensive business at
the fanning mill factory in 1857. Brown & Trowbridge were grinding corn
for export. Washburn and Randall's stone cutting and marble works were do-
ing a good business. In 1856 the Freeport Mfg. Co. completed a new brick
building on Liberty Street, three stories high, 160x60, and with room for 500
workmen. The engine room was a wing 60x30, and contained an 80 horse
power $6,000 engine to drive the machinery. The building was occupied by
the Manny Reaper Company and the Williams Threshing Machine Company.
HARD TIMES IN 1857.
Panics, like comets, seem to return at more or less regular intervals.
The history of the United States shows that Stephenson County, with its
first permanent settlement in 1833, was s^ m 'ts infancy when the panic of
1837 struck it. There were men here, however, who well remembered the panic
of 1818 to 1819 which followed the reorganization of the National Bank of
1816. There may have been men whose memories reached back to the panic
of 1783 to 1788. The first panic in America, that of 1783, followed the close
of the Revolution and the breakdown of the continental currency and state
paper money. "Rag" money had had its day. Inflation of the currency, the
boon of high prices, speculation and wildcat banking brought the inevitable
train of ruin. Out of this chaos and ruin came order and stability in 1791,
through the financial genius of Alexander Hamilton. But when the National
Bank's charter expired in 1811, the experimenters refused to charter it. Then
followed another reign of "Rag" money, wildcat banking by states and individ-
uals, followed by speculation, fictitious values and the inevitable crash. The
National Bank was re-chartered in 1816 and a return to specie payments and
sound finance was accompanied by sheriff's sales and the panic of 1816 to 1819.
These two lessons were not well learned. The bank was not re-chartered in 1836,
owing to President Jackson's mania for tinkering with the national finances.
The result was the same as in 1783 and 1816 — "rag money," irresponsible state
and corporation banking, speculation on fictitious values, high prices and ex-
travagant living, followed by inevitable redemption and resumption of specie
payments, scarcity of hard money, sheriff's sales, low prices, low wages, poor
markets and a mass of unemployed men. This panic of 1837 affected Stephen-
son County indirectly more than directly. It held back the tide of westward
112 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
immigration and expansion. Then came the panic of 1857, which affected the
county more directly. In about twenty years followed the panic of 1873, and
then the panic of 1893, and the so-called "Banker's" panic of 1907 which
seemed to be ahead of the 20 year schedule. According to schedule the next big
panic will be due about 1913 to 1916. It may be hoped that the flurry of 1907
will satisfy the demand for panics. That, however, may well be doubted, for
history is likely to repeat with a thoroughgoing panic before 1920. Judging
from the past, this is to be expected, and can be averted only by some such
financial student as the great Hamilton, who will base a financial and economic
system on real values. As yet the man has not appeared, and there is no assur-
ance of a system sound enough to withstand the popular tendency towards
speculation, overreaching credit (a new form of "rag" money) and the manip-
ulation of stock gamblers.
The effect of the panic of 1857 was direct and real. Immigration slacked,
hard money was scarce, loans were withheld, interest was high, markets were,
slow, trade declined, business and industry came to a standstill, and laborers
were thrown out of employment. Land values declined and lots and farms were
a drug on the market. There was no money to move the crops and farmers,
in many cases discouraged because of lack of a market, let much of their lands
lie idle. Merchants bought but little new stock, right glad to avoid bankruptcy
on stocks in store. All over the country, banks, corporations and individuals
failed, the doors were closed and business men who had lived in high hopes of
prosperity went into bankruptcy.
When the panic struck Stephenson County in 1857 Freeport had forty-eight
dry goods and grocery stores, ten clothing stores, five drug stores, four furni-
ture establishments, five saddle and harness shops, two book stores, three banks,
two confectioneries, four hardware stores, five bakeries, two gun shops, four
jewelry stores, four meat markets, one hat store, seven boot and shoe stores,
two cigar and tobacco stores, two paint and oil stores, twelve hotels, three sa-
loons, six millinery stores, five agricultural implement stores, two daguerreau
galleries, one brass foundry, nine jobbing houses, one sash and blind factory
and three auction and commission rooms. There were also several manufac-
turing establishments, among which were the Manny Reaper Works, the Wil-
liams Threshing Company, De Armit's Plow Company and Stiles and Grif-
fith's Fanning Mill Factory. There were also three weekly and one daily news-
papers. The daily had a short life. In a business and industrial way, Freeport
was making rapid progress and just at the time when it seemed that the city's
development might move along by leaps and bounds, the panic dampened the
ardor of enthusiasts. Money became tighter than ever and business and in-
dustry practically came to a standstill.
There was little recovery from this condition till about 1862 and 1863, when
the demands of Civil War revived a lagging business. The high tide of pros-
perity came again, only to see the nation, its lessons unlearned, march right up
to the financial chasm of 1873.
With the arrival of two railroads, Freeport began a rapid and steady growth.
In 1855 Judge Farwell put up a building on the south side of the square. Build-
ings were built by Martin & Karcher on Stephenson Street; by Mitchel &
AN OLD CEMETERY
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 113
Putnam, corner of Stephenson and Chicago ; a block by E. H. Hyde, three stories
high, the third floor being a public hall. The Hyde Block is believed to have
been the first building in Freeport heated by steam and lighted by gas. This was
old Plymouth Hall on the site of the Wilcoxen Block. The Exchange Block,
by Hoebel & Engle & Strohm was built in 1855-1856.
The great want in 1855 was hotel facilities. The city had outgrown the
hotels of the day. In March, 1855, John K. Brewster decided to build a hotel
at the corner of Stephenson and Mechanic Streets. The foundation was laid
in 1855. December 4, 1856, the Brewster Hotel was inclosed and on Tuesday,
August 27, 1857, the hotel was formally opened, and the register showed the
names of 29 guests. September 2 was the date of the opening. Celebrations
and addresses were made by Hon. Martin P. Sweet, Rev. Dr. Sunderland and
others. Music was furnished by the Great Western Band. It was a joyous
day in Freeport. The building had a 60 foot front and was four stories high.
The original cost was $75,000. In 1856, J. B. Childs built four buildings on
Stephenson Street between Chicago and Mechanic. J. P. Spitler put up a three
story building on Chicago, between Galena and Stephenson Streets.
The period of 1855 of 1860 was one in which Freeport took on the appearance
of a city because of extensive building.
CRIMINAL RECORDS.
The Crossen murder at Craine's Grove occurred Sunday, March 23, 1856.
Crossen, who was drunk, beat his wife to death. When arrested he plead
guilty but denied any intention of killing his wife as he said he had beaten her
worse than that many times and she had not died.
Peter Arnd, a German, with his wife and four children settled about five
miles north of Cedarville in 1859. July 26, 1859, he left his work because he had
hurt his hand and his wife went to the field and did his work. At noon she
got dinner and returned to the field. In the evening, accompanied by another
woman, she returned home. As she neared the house, she saw her husband
with an axe in his hand, staring at the bloody bodies of the four children whom
he had slain with the ax. Arnd was arrested and died of softening of the brain
caused by sunstroke.
June 7, 1859, a man named Lauth stabbed a William Lander, a German,
causing instant death. Lander, known as "Butcher Bill," was insisting that
Lauth pay him what he owed him. Lauth refused and with a butcher knife
stabbed Lander through the heart. Lauth was sent to the penitentiary for
a term of eight years. August 8, 1864, a soldier by the name of Walton, in the
three months' service shot and killed Mrs. George Whitney, wife of another
soldier, opposite the Stephenson House in Freeport. Both had been drinking.
Walton was acquitted on a plea of insanity.
In 1869, Henry Schmidtz, a peddler and a former resident of Freeport, was
found murdered in a slough in Lancaster Township. Suspicion pointed towards
an assistant, but the coraner's jury made no indictment.
June 7, 1872, John L. Thompson shot and killed Frank Wood at the Kraft
House. Both were drinking and were quarreling over two women of bad
114 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
character. Wood struck Thompson and the latter shot him. He was sen-
tenced to one year in the state prison.
In 1874, the county was stirred by the defalcation of George Thompson, ex-
county clerk. Thompson, by forging numerous county orders, had swindled
the people out of about $5,000. Most of the loss fell to Knowlton & Sons,
the Second National Bank, Joseph Emmert, the First National Bank, and James
Mitchell & Co. Thompson escaped to Canada and California, but returned to
Freeport, pleaded guilty in 1878, and was sent to the penitentiary. He was
pardoned after two years service and returned to California.
A. W. Hall, clerk of the circuit court, defaulted, and cost the county $1,184
and his bondsmen $2,000. He carried the case to the supreme court and losing,
left the county.
FREEPORT GETS CITY CHARTER 1855.
In 1855 there was a general sentiment for more efficient government of Free-
port. It was believed that the place had outgrown the old town organization.
The advisability of a change to a city charter was argued pro and con for
months. The more progressive were insistent on the change. These men were
not only anxious for a change because of present demands but were men who
were looking far into the future. They argued that the prospects of the town
were good, that its location was sure to draw to it an ever growing population,
and that with the general expansion sure to follow the railroad's advent in the
county would be better secured under a city form of government. The very
fact that it was a "city" would be a good advertising point, and would attract
both population and industries. Public meetings were held and speeches were
made by such men as D. A. Knowlton, O. H. Wright, Judge Farwell, A. T.
Green, C. S. Bogg, Charles Betts, J. C. Kean, Judge Purrington and others.
Business and industries were rapidly developing and it was realized that in order
to hold its place with other localities in the west, its rivals in the race for new
citizens and new industries, there must be established a more efficient govern-
ment. Many of the evils and vices too common in early western towns had
retained and some of these must be eliminated and others put under more vig-
orous control. It was the same old question of better laws and a more vig-
orous law enforcement. To meet these demands it was believed a different
form of government, with increased powers, was necessary. Such additional
powers, it was argued, could be secured only from the State Legislature in the
form of a city charter.
There were citizens, however, who held that such a change was unneces-
sary. They believed that the town trustees were able to meet the demands for
some time to come. There was some fear that the new system proposed would
bring additional burdens in the form of taxation. Opposed to the plan was
the usual reactionary element always to be found against any progressive move-
ment. They argued that drunkenness, gambling and disorder could be sup-
pressed or controlled by the town trustees who had the right to have ample
power to organize and maintain an efficient police force and fire department.
But the progressive element won out, as it always must, sooner or later.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 115
A petition was presented to the State Legislature and a charter was granted
in 1855. On April 2, 1855, an election was held and the following city officers
were elected: Mayor, Hon. Thomas J. Turner; treasurer, E. W. Salisbury;
clerk, H. N. Hibbard; marshall, W. W. Smith.
The board of aldermen consisted of the following: John A. Clark, W. G.
Waddell, Jos. B. Smith, John Barfoot, A. Cameron Hunt, John P. Byerley.
With this organization Freeport began its career as a city. It marked the
beginning of a distinct period of progress which was soon to be interrupted by
the Civil War. Under the city charter, new and greater enterprises were
launched and pushed to a successful conclusion, and Freeport soon became one
of the most prosperous points west of Chicago.
BIG FREMONT MEETING 1856.
October 16, 1856, Freeport was the scene of a great mass meeting of the fol-
lowers of John C. Fremont. The Daily Journal of October" 17, says in head
lines, "Grand Republican Mass Convention ; from thirty to fifty thousand Free-
men in Council ; Procession 5 to 7 miles long." The Journal says : "Yesterday
was a proud day in the history of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
About 10 o'clock the cars came in from Galena, and the crowd lead by "OUR"
band and the Warren band marched up Stephenson Street. Delegations came
in from all points of the compass with a profusion of banners and devices and
many with glee clubs and bands. The streets were crowded with teams and
the sidewalks were crowded with a moving mass of humanity. The main pro-
cession commenced moving about eleven o'clock from the Pennsylvania House
under the charge of Holden Putnam the marshall of the day. After parading
the principal streets, the parade headed for the fair grounds. The Carroll County
delegation, consisting of 120 wagons, arrived at 12:15. In the procession there
were 488 wagons, of which a large number were 4 horse and 6 horse. The pro-
cession was variously estimated at 5 to 7 miles in length.
The speakers stand had been erected at the head of Chicago Street, on the
rolling place just west of Judge Purinton's place. About the stands was a sea
of heads above which were waving banners and devices, presenting a scene long
to be remembered, and one which filled the hearts of all lovers of freedom and
human rights with joy and fresh courage."
At one o'clock Hon. Thomas J. Turner was elected president. There were
about 20 vice presidents and 6 secretaries. The crowd was so large that three
orators spoke simultaneously : Hon. David Moogle, of Wisconsin, at the main
stand. To the right was S. A. Hulbert of Belvidere, to the left Hon. E. B. Wash-
burn. Mr. N. P. Banks also spoke and according to the Journal it "was one of
the most eloquent speeches to which we ever listened. Hon. E. B. Washburn made
part of his addresses to the Germans in their own language. "The Galena Turn-
ers were here in a body. They were joined by the Freeport Turners and made
a fine appearance. A company of cavalry, made up of two or three hundred
young republicans, lead the parade. A large delegation came from Lee County
on the train. The good order of the day was remarked by all. No drunken
116 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
men were seen staggering about the streets and there was no rowdyism. It was
a glorious demonstration."
In the evening a mass meeting was held at the courthouse and the speakers
were McLean, Turner, Smith and others.
BANNERS.
Banners were the order of the day in political celebrations and this one
was conspicuous for its wonderful banners and devices.
Buchanan democracy was represented on one banner by a line, "Collo'd possum
chained and shackeled, on the top of the banner. The Mt. Carroll Seminary
was represented by a carriage of young ladies with the banner: "Mt. Carroll
Seminary, Liberty and Union, Fremont." Among the banners were these:
"Our Inland Seas : We want a President who knows them."
"We keep our powder dry for disunionists."
"Die Deutsches von Ridott for Fremont and Dayton."
"Freie Arbeit & Freie Kansas."
"No old bachelors in the White House. Fremont, Jessie and the Union."
"No more Slave States."
"No Compromise with Slavery."
"No Comprise with Slavery."
"Up Freeman and at em. Music. Star-spangled banner."
It was estimated the big crowd numbered 35,000 to 50,000 by some of the
newspapers. Some who attended the Fremont convention and the Lincoln-Doug-
las debate maintained that the former drew the larger crowd. The great crowd
was evidence that the newly born republican party was a lusty youngster.
CAMPAIGN OF i860.
The enthusiasm of the campaign of 1860 is shown in the headlines in the
Wide Awake, October 20, 1860 :
Republican Jubilee.
Freeport All Ablaze.
The Douglas Wake Eclipsed, Two to One.
1,500 to 2,000 Torches.
Brilliant Illuminations.
Fire Works.
Grand Procession.
Great Enthusiasm.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 117
German Mounted Rangers.
400 in Sherman Procession.
Hon. J. C. Kean Declares For Lincoln.
Innumerable Banners.
Seven Bands of Music.
Speeches by Washburne, Sweet & Shaffer.
Stephenson Good for 1,000 Majority For Old Abe.
Oh Ain't I Glad I Joined the Republicans.
ITEM, 1860.
The county gave Lincoln nearly 900 majority and Freeport gave him 205 in
1860.
THE RAILROAD— THE END OF PIONEER TIMES.
The invention of the steam engine and the building of railroads in the east
pointed the way for the rapid development of Illinois. Little progress could be
made in any large way so long as supplies and crops must be hauled to and from
such a distant market as Chicago by horse and ox teams. The interior coun-
ties had advanced about as far as they could without a better means of trans-
portation. The legislature of Illinois was possessed with the idea of internal
improvements. In 1837 the legislature appropriated ten million dollars for a
system of railroads and other improvements. The state borrowed money and
work was begun. A heavy debt was contracted, fifty miles of railroad were
built and the state rapidly approached bankruptcy. The state's credit was dam-
aged. There was some talk of repudiating the debt. This disgrace was pre-
vented largely through the foresight and ability of Governor Thomas Ford, and
the honor of Illinois was saved.
The first railroad in the United States was built in 1826, between Albany
and Schenectady in New York. Illinois jumped early into the railroad business.
A line was built from Meredosia to Springfield at a cost of $1,000,000, and later
sold for $100,000. The first locomotive to run in the Mississippi valley ran over
eight miles of this road in 1838, twelve years after the first railroad was op-
erated in the United States. But the state indebtedness of $14,666,562.42 ac-
companied by bank suspensions, a depreciated currency and talk of repudiation,
gave a decided check to the dream of state railroading. The next undertak-
ings were to be by private capital with state and national aid.
118 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
By 1850 the Chicago and Galena railroad was completed as far as Elgin.
Capital was availabe but the people held mass meetings and determined to admit
no railroads that did not make a terminus on Illinois soil.
In 1850 Congress passed the bill donating to Illinois, three million acres of
public lands to aid in railroad construction. This was a turning point and
broader and saner views of railroad building prevailed. In 1850 there were
three pieces of railroad in Illinois ; one eight miles long from Meredosia and Na-
ples to Springfield; one six miles long from the coal fields opposite St. Louis;
and one from Chicago to Elgin. The act of Congress provided for a right of
way through the public lands of Illinois two hundred feet wide. The road was
to run from a point near the junction of the Ohio and the Mississippi to the
southern terminus of Illinois and Michigan Canal, and from that point in two
branches to Galena and to Chicago. The railraad company was granted alter-
nate sections, designated by even numbers, six sections deep from the right of
way. The road was to begin simultaneously at the northern and southern ter-
mini, and was to be completed in ten years. The government's odd number sec-
tions at once rose in price from $1.25 to $2.50 an acre. The land was taken off
the market for two years and was finally sold at an average of $5 per acre.
So, although the federal government had made a great donation to Illinois, it
profited itself, because its treasury was enriched by large sales of public lands
at a higher rate.
Davidson and Strive's History of Illinois says: "The capitalists who or-
ganized the Illinois Central Railroad Company were six men from New York
and three from Boston. It was one of the most stupendous and ingenious
speculations of modern times. By means of it, a few sagacious capitalists came
into possession of a first class railroad, over 700 miles long and millions of
acres of land worth in the aggregate, perhaps, $40,000,000 without an actual
outlay of a cent of their own money. After the road is in operation the state is
to receive 5% of the gross earnings in lien of all state taxes forever. When
the road was completed the minimum value of the lands donated by the gov-
ernment was $20,000,000, or $6,000,000 more than the cost of the road. Bonds
sold readily at par and the road was built. The government realized a profit
of $9,000,000 as a result of increase in land values.
THE GALENA AND CHICAGO RAILROAD.
The railroad fever reached Freeport and Stephenson County about 1845.
The people were thoroughly aroused because now they saw a solution to the
perplexing problem of markets and transportation. Until these problems were
solved, there was no possibility of rapid progress in the county. But the rail-
road would be a panacea. Not only would it bring markets and transportation ;
it would bring new settlers by thousands. The new settlers and the accessible
markets would cause a rise in land values, and once more the conservative op-
timism of the county had dreams of a prosperous future.
There was much railroad sentiment in 1846. But it was not till January 7,
1847, tnat the movement for railroads took definite form. On that date a rail-
road convention was held at Rockford. All northern Illinois was represented.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 119
Stephenson County was instrumental in calling the meeting and was well rep-
resented at Rockford. Among the delegates from this county were John H.
Adams, Luman Montague, Jackson Richert, D. A. Knowlton, Martin P. Sweet
and Adrian P. Lucas. From Chicago came W. B. Ogden, I. N. Arnold and
Walter Newbury. Chicago parties had already received a charter and this
company proposed to go ahead and build the Galena and Chicago railroad.
Several speeches were made at Rockford and each locality was ambitious to
show why the railroad would profit by passing its way.
The railroad question soon became a question of cash. Money was scarce
and capital difficult to obtain. To construct the road, it was absolutely neces-
sary to sell stock along the right of way. The company told the Stephenson
County people that $20,000 worth of stock must be subscribed in this county.
The time had now arrived when people who wanted a railroad, could back the
desire with cash.
Solicitors traveled over the county disposing of the stock. They met with a
response that was quite generous, considering the tight money conditions of
the times. The appreciation of the necessity of the railroad was general and
women were as enthusiastic as the men. So apparent was the necessity for
the railroad that both men and women were willing to sacrifice to aid the cause
and hasten the day. It is said that women aided in many cases to pay for
stock subscribed by selling eggs, butter and provisions. Finally the $20,000 was
subscribed by Stephenson County.
The railroad was built as far as Elgin in 1850 and finally reached Belvi-
dere. At this time all the difficulties and discouragements to which such an
undertaking is susceptible, threatened to stop the progress of construction. In
the midst of the period of discouragement, an attempt was made to turn the
course of the road from the original route and send it through to Savannah.
This change would leave Stephenson County entirely without a railroad. The
county was at once thrust in gloom and almost in despair. Men who had urged
the people to subscribe for the stock were alarmed for the blame would be
fixed largely on them if it developed that the people had put $20,000 in a rail-
road for some other county. People who had sacrificed by buying stock, were
beginning to feel that they had been fleeced.
But there were aggressive leaders in Stephenson County who were deter-
mined that the county was not to be side-tracked by such a game. A com-
mittee of citizens was appointed, consisting of J. H. Adams, O. H. Wright,
D. A. Knowlton, and John A. Clark, to visit Rockford and Chicago to insist
that the original contract be carried out. The committee visited Rockford and
made a strong impression on the influential ones there and then went on to Chi-
cago. In Chicago they met the officers of the road and convinced them that the
road should come on west through Freeport to Dubuque, for which they al-
ready had the right of way. The committee was entirely successful, as it
must have been with such men working together. It was cooperation and unity
of interest and action that won the day for greater Freeport and Stephenson
County. The county owes much to these men who aided materially in bring-
ing the railroad into the county, for it was a question of ox teams or railroads.
It owes much also to every individual who cooperated by buying stock, by back-
120 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ing up his ideas with his cash, and by showing a large spirit of concerted social
activity.
Work soon began again on the road and slowly but surely it made its way
towards Freeport.
THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL.
February 10, 1851, the Illinois State Legislature passed a law providing for
the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad, according to the conditions laid
down by Congress. Considerable time was spent on a multitude of bills and
amendments, for such a great enterprise would be naturally a good subject for
cranks and grafters. Honest men had hard work to keep the transaction clear
of graft and also to secure to the state its own rights. An understanding was
entered into by which the Galena and Chicago road was to end at Freeport
and the Illinois Central was to go on to Galena. Surveys were at once begun
on the proposed lines and in 1852 made commendable progress.
To relieve the monotony of the times and to add spice to the situation, a
strike occurred while the road was being built through Silver Creek Township
near Grain's Grove. The men had made demands for higher wages, but their
demands had been passed by unheeded. Finally the gang of workmen quit
work, drank too much liquor and became disorderly. The situation was threat-
ening and the company appealed to the authorities for protection of their prop-
erty. The proper authorities took the matter up promptly and the local militia
company, under command of Captain J. W. Crane, marched to Grain's Grove,
destroyed the whiskey and suppressed the disorder. After this show of force
there was no further trouble with the strikers, and the work went merrily on.
In 1854 the Galena and Chicago line was completed, through Lena to Warren.
THE CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL.
The original company was chartered in 1852 to build a railroad from Racine
to Beloit. Racine, Elkhorn, Delevan and Beloit subscribed $490,000 worth of
stock. Many farmers along the right of way also bought stock, some mortgaging
their farms. In 1856 the road was completed to Beloit. The company failed to
meet its obligations and a new company took charge of the road. In the reor-
ganization the farmers were left out. Considerable litigation followed, but "the
holders being innocent purchasers, the courts recognized their equities and the
mortgagors were compelled to pay them." In 1858-9 the work of extension
through Stephenson County was prosecuted with vigor. A strike occurred at
"Deep Cut," but Captain Crane and his militia put a quietus on the threatened
riot and destruction of property. In 1859 the road was completed to Freeport.
Later it was extended to Savannah and Rock Island.
The following villages and towns were built up around Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul stations: Davis, Rock City, Dakota and Florence. The railroad
passes through the townships of Rock Run, Dakota, Freeport, Silver Creek and
Florence.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 121
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul thus brought steam transportation within
easy reach of a large part of the county, and added the third railroad for the
city of Freeport. It did its part after 1859 m developing the county. More
immigrants came, the county was closely settled up along the line and land values
rose.
ITEMS ON RAILROADS FREEPORT JOURNAL.
A Stephenson County railroad meeting was held in Freeport January 14,
1850, with Jared Sheetz chairman and F. W. S. Brawley, secretary. O. H.
Wright was made chairman of a committee to select delegates to the Rock-
ford Railroad Convention. The following resolution was adopted: "Resolved:
That we, the citizens of Stephenson County, are in favor of a tax of i% per
annum, for three years in succession, to aid in the constructing of the Galena
and Chicago Union Railroad, provided said road is located through this county."
Another '. mass meeting was held January 26th, with Johnathan Reitzell as
chairman.
Journal, January 14, 1850: "A plank road is to be constructed from St.
Charles to the Rock River."
The Journal, Monday, January 28, 1850: "The cars are now running to El-
gin, about % the distance from Chicago to Galena."
The railroad tax was vigorously opposed at the meeting January 26, 1850.
The chief arguments against it were: People could not stand an additional
tax ; unconstitutional, could not make the county a part of an incorporal body ;
would build up monopoly to enrich the few at the expense of the many.
The Galena Gazette, May, 1850: "On Friday morning there were ten teams
loaded with produce here from Stephenson County."
June 14, 1850, a large and enthusiastic railroad meeting was held at the
courthouse. John H. Adams was chairman and Charles Betts, secretary.
Speeches were made by Hon. W. B. Ogden, president of the Galena & Chi-
cago Union Railroad Co., and by Hon. Thomas J. Turner. By June 24th,
through the efforts of John A. Holland of Rockford and D. A. Knowlton the
stock subscription in Stephenson County reached $40,000.
The Journal, 1850, said : "It usually requires eight days and costs $24 to
make a trip with grain to Chicago and return. A farmer usually hauls 40
bushels and gets $32 for it, which leaves him $8.10. This was used as an argu-
ment for a railroad tax.
THE CARS ARE HERE.
Friday, August 26, 1853, the Freeport Journal had an article under the above
heading. The article follows : "At last after all the disappointments and diffi-
culties of reaching us, the cars have at last come. We have seen and heard
the panting of the iron horse and heard the shrill whistle of the locomotive for
the first time in Freeport.
Yesterday the construction train crossed the bridge over the Pecatonica and
today will probably reach the depot grounds at the lower end of town. Our
122 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
farmers, merchants and business men will rejoice over this event heartily and
hail with delight this new advance of wealth into our midst. Where, by the
way, is the celebration we heard so much about? Has it fizzled?"
September 16, 1853, the Journal says : "During the past two weeks our town
has been busy, consequently, upon the completion of the railroad. Meanwhile,
we want more hotels, store rooms and dwelling houses."
THE CHICAGO GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY THE "CORN BELT ROUTE."
The Chicago Great Western Railroad was completed through Stephenson
County in 1889. It was believed for a time that the road would enter Free-
port, but this hope has never been realized and the road runs through the
county south of Freeport, and along its line several important stations have
been built up, such as : Bolton, Pearl City, German Valley and South Free-
port. This is a rich grain section and elevators along the line do a big business.
The connection with Freeport is by stage and auto-bus, meeting all passenger
trains at South Freeport, three miles south of Freeport. At present, a ticket
office is maintained in the "rest room," at the northwest corner of the square.
The Great Western was at first largely in the hands of English capitalists.
In 1909, after a heroic struggle by President Stickney, it went into the hands
of a receiver and was later bought up at a low figure by the Morgan interests
of New York. This was followed by a reorganization and recapitalization. As
a consequence of ample financial backing, the road at once began extensive
improvements, the main feature of which was double tracking from Oelwein
to Chicago. Grades are being reduced and the entire line is being reballasted
with a twelve inch bed of gravel ballast under the ties. Double passing tracks
are laid five miles apart, many of which are lapped sidings, interlocked at the
lap. The ties are treated with creosote and efficient screw spikes are used.
A prospective interurban line from Freeport to Dixon, crossing the Great
Western at South Freeport, is sure to be built some day, and then the Great
Western will do considerable more passenger business from Freeport.
THE ROCKFORD & INTERURBAN RAILROAD COMPANY.
The Freeport-Rockford line of the Rockford & Interurban Railroad Co.
was completed into Freeport in the spring of 1904. The road does a large pas-
senger and freight business and has been a great advantage to the city and the
county. Local capital aided in the construction of the road, but some time ago
the company passed into the control of an eastern syndicate.
The officials are: President, H. D. Walbridge; first vice president, Emil G.
Schmidt ; second vice president, T. M. Ellis ; secretary, W. H. Lemons ; treasurer,
W. H. Bruner; general manager, Chester P. Wilson; general passenger agent,
C. C. Shockley.
The local officials are : J. J. Brereton, agent ; and Wm. Holmes, assistant.
THE MIGRATION TO STEPHENSON COUNTY.
"They builded better than they knew."
Stephenson County is five hundred, seventy-three square miles of rolling
prairie in the heart of a continent and makes an interesting theme in the study
A PIONEER SCENE
PIONEER OX TEAM
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 123
of geology. The most valuable part of the county's geology is its soil of great
fertility and variety, affording occupation and wealth for its people. Its loca-
tion too is favorable, being located near the lead region and on the great path-
way to the west, on the old trail that led from the east to the west, via Chicago
and the Great Lakes. The county's soil and natural drainage system have
made it a rich agricultural and stock raising region and its location has made
it a railroad and manufacturing center. But of more interest than the soil or
the favored location; of vastly more interest than its agriculture and its in-
dustries is the change of these five hundred, seventy-three square miles of wild
prairies and wooded hills and valleys from a land occupied only -by a few roving
savages and roamed over by the wolf and the deer, with not a white man trodding
its primeval state — the change of five hundred, seventy-three square miles,
transformed by civilization and affording homes for over 40,000 citizens of
the United States, with farms, villages, towns and cities and societies, churches,
schools and organized governments, and all in seventy-eight years.
Such a people have an interesting history. They came not from one state or
from one people. Not the Western States alone, but the old Commonwealth
of the Atlantic Coast, from Massachusetts to Georgia, sent many of their best
families to lay here the foundations of a new people. Europe, too, contributed
liberally its daring and progressive spirits. Hardly a state in the nation, or a
nation in Europe, that did not add its mite to the upbuilding of Stephenson
County's civil society.
Indeed, it is a fascinating study to trace to the east to their former homes,
the trail of the multitude that settled here, following close upon the wake of the
departing red men and in advance of the railroad. Some walked and some came
on horseback. Others drove ox or horse teams from the Atlantic seaboard plains
over the mountains and across the trackless and almost endless valley of the
Mississippi. Still others came by canal and boat around the Great Lakes, or
down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and the Illinois, and yet others by way
of New Orleans and the Father of Waters.
The old covered wagon, or "Prairie Schooner," was a home on wheels, the
family unit enroute to new lands of wider opportunity. It was not a breaking
away from the institutions and the faith of the fathers. Their strange cov-
ered wagons were loaded down with the institutional ideas of a great people
and wherever they stopped in the wild west, the family stepped from wagon to
cabin, primitive agriculture began, schools and churches and trades and civil
government sprang up round about. The wagons contained a few simple pieces
of furniture and cooking utensils, the trusty rifle and the family Bible with its
sacred pages of the family record. Sometimes alone, and sometimes in twos
and threes, these started westward from far away Vermont or Massachusetts.
Some came from New York and Pennsylvania, and yet others from Kentucky,
Virginia and North Carolina. There were weeks and weeks of tedious travel,
now resting by night at some friendly inn or with a settler, enjoying the un-
alloyed hospitality of the frontier, or frequently pitching camp under the open
sky. No road was too long, no hill too steep, no mire too deep, no dangers too
great to dampen the ardor of those heroic spirits that had heard the call of the
great west. It was a spirit that would not die out, and may be seen today, flash-
124 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ing up in its original vigor and vitality through three quarters of a century of
our history, as we listen reverently to the tales told by the few remaining heroes
and heroines of that early time.
Old Europe, too, heard the call. The revolutions of 1830 and 1848 were
sure indications of restless spirit. Stories of wide fields of opportunity were
carried cross the Atlantic and passed from the seaport towns to the interior,
and in taverns and about the firesides, in old England, Scotland, Ireland, France,
Prussia and Bavaria, plans were made to cast fortunes in the new land. Some-
times it was a desire for greater political or religious freedom and often be-
cause of a desire to seek a country of greater industrial opportunities, untram-
melled by the limiting restrictions of aristocracy and hard and fast rules of
social traditions. Many were poor, and staked all on this one great struggle to
get to the land of the free and the land of plenty. From England, France and
the German states, and later from Norway and Sweden, came hundreds of
brave, thrifty, honest souls to found families here in the county and to add vastly
to the richness and variety of our National life. Breaking home ties, they crossed
the stormy Atlantic, came west by railroad as far as railroad came, and then by
wagons they pushed on into the new country. The records show that most of
them were workmen, trained in the apprentice system of the Old World. Wher-
ever they came, shops sprang up and these shops in a generation have developed
into our factory system. They gave us lessons in honesty, frugality and industry.
They were loyal to the new country. In '61, when the flag was assailed and the
nation threatened, alongside the men from Massachusetts, Vermont, New York,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and the Carolinas, marched the men from
Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Sweden, Alsace, Prussia, Wertemburg and Old
England, the colors blended in the Star Spangled Banner.
But particulars and incidents are more valuable and more interesting than
generalizations. It is when we consider these pioneers as individuals, and not
the life and experience of each, that we come to appreciate truly the plain and
simple life, the dangers and the hardships, and the triumph in conquering the
wilderness, and, above all, the power and influence of the pioneer character
wrought in adversity.
One of the best accounts of early travel is that of George Flower, from
England to Illinois. He spent fifty days on the ocean from Liverpool to New
York. He arrived in Arnerica alone. "With an ocean behind him and a vast
continent before him." He went on horseback from Philadelphia to Pittsbuig.
He joined the Birkbeck family at Richmond, Virginia, and the party consisting
of Morris Birkbeck, Geo. Flower and Birkbeck's two daughters and another
young lady, started for Illinois. He had heard the stories of the prairies and
"shrank from the idea of settling in the midst of the wood to hew and hack
away to a little farm ever bordered by a gloomy wood." The stage broke down
and the party walked twelve miles to Pittsburg. Men and women then started
on horseback for Illinois. Each had a blanket, a saddle and well filled saddle
bags all secured by a surcingle and a great coat or cloak and an umbrella strapped
behind. They left Pittsburg and plunged into the wilderness across Ohio and
Indiana. Once, while crossing a log bridge, a horse leaped and plunged into
the river, twenty feet below. The excitement and danger of fording streams
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 125
troubled him in his dreams to his old days. Taverns were mere shanties, often
destitute of windows and doors. They slept on a blanket on the floor. At times,
they slept on the ground under the open sky. They passed Cincinnati and
after tedious travel across southern Indiana, they arrived at Vincennes. The
slow journey had some advantages for, before the journey was many days old,
Flower and Miss Andrews were frequently riding together, much to the an-
noyance of widower Birkbeck who had ambitions in that same direction. Youth
won, and at Vincennes, Flower and Miss Andrews were married. The party
often followed the dangerous "trace" that ran from Vincennes to St. Louis and
were soon past the frontier 'cabin on the wild unbroken prairies of Illinois, where
Flower says, "For once, reality came up to the picture of the imagination."
In the spring of 1831, John H. Bryant, a brother of William Cullen Bryant,
the poet, left Cummington, Mass., for Central Illinois. At Albany, he took a
boat on the Erie canal and reached Buffalo in seven days. The lake was full
of ice and he hired a team to Dunkirk and then to Warren on the Allegheny
River in Pennsylvania. There he joined an English family that was making the
trip down the river to Pittsburg in a craft called the Ark. This required seven
days. At Pittsburg he came by steamboat to St. Louis, then by boat up the
Illinois River to Naples. He then walked twenty-two miles to Jacksonville, Illi-
nois, completing his journey. From Pennsylvania to Illinois, required one
month or more of tedious travel. The journey was made by wagon, rail, canal,
stage and steamboat. On the canal, the progress was slow — no faster than a
mule could walk or trot. There was no haste and there seemed to be an
abundance of time. Mr. W. W. Davis thus describes that part of the trip to
Illinois : "On rising in the morning, a tin dipper was at hand to dip the water
from the canal into a basin for the face and hands, and towels were ready to
complete the toilet. These were limited in number and soon became saturated
with abundant and indiscriminate patronage. There was a common comb and
brush which fastidious folks hesitated to employ. The meals were substantial but
monotonous : breakfast, dinner and supper consisting mainly of tea and coffee,
bread and butter, ham and bacon, liver and sausage. Perhaps, the most ex-
citing diversion of the voyage was the gymnastics required of the passengers
when the lookout warned of the coming obstacles. "Bridge," meant the slight
ducking of the head, but "Low bridge," meant a violent contraction of the whole
anatomy to escape contact with some low roadway, crossing the canal. Night
was our worst trial in the frail bark. There was no sound of revelry. Ex-
temporaneous shelves were placed along the sides, one above the other, and a
delicate man below was in danger of being crushed by some stout fellow above.
A close curtain, swung on wire, separated the sexes. Long before day, the air
of the narrow cabin had become distressingly foul, and at the earliest streak
of dawn, there was a generous scramble for the deck and the pure air of heaven.
We came one hundred and three miles in thirty hours."
The trip down the Ohio by steamboat was interesting in many ways. Charles
Dickens made the journey on the "Messenger" in 1842. Thwaites speaks of the
river as the "Storied Ohio." At the beginning, there was old Fort Pitt, once
Fort Du Quesne, recalling the struggle for a continent between the English and
the French. Associated with Du Quesne is the name of Washington, the first
126 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
President. Below Parkersburg Blannerhassett's Island. Here, the young Irish-
man, the brilliant scholar and his accomplished wife built Castle Blannerhassett.
And here, too, Blannerhassett was entrapped by the wiles of Aaron Burr.
Below Cincinnati is North Bend where the tomb of General Harrison could
be plainly seen. At Louisville, an omnibus carried the travelers around the
rapids. Thirty miles below Shawneetown, was Cave-in-Rock, the resort of Mason,
the outlaw.
It was a three days' journey from Pittsburg to Cincinnati and seven days
f ron) Pittsburg to St. Louis. Above St. Louis was Alton, where Lovejoy was slain
while standing for the freedom of the press.
Some immigrants came on up the Mississippi in steamboats to Savannah.
Others went by stage to Springfield or Jacksonville. Still others by small
steamers came up the Illinois River to La Salle, and then by stage or wagon
struck out for the frontier settlements and the public land offices.
The poet, William Cullen Bryant, visited northern Illinois in 1832, spending
a time with his brother at Princeton. The great prairies gave him an inspiration
that made him write the following lines :
"These are the gardens of the desert, these,
The unshorn fields boundless and beautiful,
For which the speech of England has no name
The prairies, I behold them for the first,
And my heart swells, while the dilated sight
Takes in the encircling vastness : Lo ! they stretch,
In airy undulations, far away,
As if the ocean in her gentlest swell,
Stood still, with all his rounded billows fixed,
And motionless forever."
Bryant tells his own experience in frontier travel. He says, "A little before
sunset, we were about to cross the Illinois Canal. High water had carried away
the bridge and in attempting to ford, the coach wheels on one side rose upon
some stones, and on the other sank in mud, and we were overturned in an
instant. We extricated ourselves as well as we could. The men waded out;
the women were carried and nobody was drowned or hurt. A passing farm
wagon carried the female passengers to the next house. To get out the bag-
gage and set the coach on its wheels, we all had to stand waist deep in the mud.
At nine, we reached the hospitable farm house, where we passed the night in
drying ourselves and getting our baggage ready to proceed the next day."
Samuel Willard says his father went from Boston to Greene County, Illi-
nois, in 1831. He shipped his household goods by vessel to New Orleans and
then by boat to St. Louis, where they arrived months afterwards. With his
wife and three sons, he went 'by stage and steamer to Pittsburg, and then by
boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and the Illinois. Henry Holbrook's
father and mother traveled from Steuben County, New York, to northern Illi-
nois in a buggy drawn by one horse, while the family and goods came by wagon.
After five weeks of suffering from exposure, they arrived in Whiteside County.
Edward Richardson came the entire distance on foot.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 127
The difficulties of travel were great. There were no bridges over the smaller
streams and fording was a hazardous undertaking. Sloughs and swamps added
danger and delay. It took time to drive around them, and when a wagon and
team mired in the mud, it required several teams to pull them out. For that
reason several wagons usually went together. Ten to fifteen miles a day were
allowed for an ox team. A common mode was to have a yoke of oxen at the
wheel and a horse in the lead. David Hazard brought his family from Penn-
sylvania to northern Illinois, nine hundred miles in twenty-eight days, all the
way by wagon.
But Stephenson County has an abundance of incident in the account of
travel to the west to make an interesting volume in itself. One of the earliest
and best is that of Mrs. Oscar Taylor. On May 9, 1898, Mrs. Taylor read a paper
before the Freeport Woman's Club, entitled "Reminiscences of life in Free-
port, sixty years ago." At this point, nothing so well could be done as to quote
that part of her paper which dealt with her trip to Freeport in 1839. For this,
the writer is indebted to the Freeport Daily Journal, August 28, 1909.
"It was in the autumn of 1839 that I began my life in Illinois. I came west
by way of the lakes and stopped for several days in Chicago. That city
numbered some 3,000 inhabitants at that time and was proud of its two brick
buildings. Chicago River was crossed by ferry boats, bridges being things of the
future. The lake lapped the shores now occupied by the Central Railroad tracks,
while cows placidly pastured where the Art Institute now stands. Sidewalks
were an unknown luxury and Michigan Avenue was more or less of a swamp.
The one object of interest was old Fort Dearborn, at the mouth of the river,
then the military post under the command of Lieutenant Leavenworth. But
Chicago was not my ultimate destination, and at 2 o'clock one September morn-
ing, in a Frink and Walker stage-coach, I left the lakeside town for my future
home in Stephenson County. The stage was a commodious affair, and I found
ten fellow-passengers, all young men westward bound, as eager fortune seek-
ers as those who are today rushing to Alaska.
In the darkness of the early morning I could see nothing; but the con-
tinued splashing caused by the four horses gave the impression of low land
nearly under water.
At daybreak we reached a country tavern where we breakfasted on the
Rio coffee, fried fat pork, potatoes boiled with their jackets on, with hot sal-
eratus biscuits, the color and odor of which warned us what to expect in flavor.
But the gay spirits and vigorous appetites of jny traveling companions added
piquant sauce to the emigrant fare.
On emerging from the stuffy little breakfast room into the fresh air of the
morning, there before me lay the great prairies of the west, seen for the first
time in the full splendor of a magnificent sunrise, the sea of green stretching
unbounded in every direction, the vast expanse unbroken by any sign of habi-
tation.
The curtains of our stage were rolled up, as we drove on through the beau-
tiful morning, I was perfectly entranced. I had heard of the western prairies,
I had imagined them, I had read of them with Cooper, my father had written
of them, but I had not formed the slightest conception of the actual vision of
128 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
this country which was then almost as it had been a century before, when the
red man roamed over it at will. Gradually the flat levels changed to a more
billowy surface, and small groves of oak appeared. Sometimes we passed
through what seemed veritable gardens, so gorgeous were the fields of yellow
golden-rod, broken by the deep purple and snowy white of the wild aster. And
the gentians, blue and purple, fringed and closed, bloomed in bewildering beauty,
while the great cloud-shadows floating across the scene continually altered the
face of the landscape. I looked to see deer or wolf or some other wild crea-
ture start up as we passed, but in that I was disappointed.
Our late lunch had been a repetition of breakfast and I, tired and hungry,
fell asleep as darkness gathered, to be aroused by a shout from the driver:
"Rockford, Rockford! Here you can get a good Yankee supper." Most wel-
come news! It wasn't a Yankee supper after all, but a most delicious supper
of native prairie chickens, cooked, however, with the skill of the traditional
eastern housewife. At midnight we left Rockford, crossing the river by ferry,
to me a frightful experience in the black darkness. Hardly were we on solid
earth before the driver announced that the passengers must leave the stage and
climb the sand bank just ahead, as the horses could not pull the load up the
bank. I think I should have been buried in the sand had not one of the young
men gallantly assisted me.
After reentering the stage my journey was unbroken until in the early dawn
I reached my new home on a farm four miles east of Freeport. What was my
first home in Illinois? It was one of the low log houses in general use among
the early settlers, soon to be supplanted by the regulation frame farm house.
In the joyful excitement of meeting my family, and in the novelty of all
my surroundings, there was at first no chance for homesickness; but the
realization of all I had left behind came with my first introduction to Free-
port. My father had spoken of Freeport as the town of importance, the
county seat, the centre of interest in the farming community, and I had pic-
tured an eastern village nestling among trees, with church spires pointing
heavenward and homes ranged side by side along the streets."
One of the most interesting records and one that will have increasing value
and interest as time goes by, is that of Luman Montague, who settled West
Point Township. He married a Miss Elmira Clark in Massachusetts, and
soon after began one of the most remarkable honeymoon trips on record, the
trio driving an ox team from Northampton, Massachusetts, over one thousand
miles to Stephenson County, Illinois, sleeping in the wagon and camping by
the way. Only a high hope and a tremendous will set out on such a tedious
journey of innumerable hardships and faltered not till the goal was reached
in triumph. Such was the spirit of the men and women who laid the foun-
dations of this county.
James H. Eels and family drove through from New York. The Reitzels
came to this county by two different routes, from Center County, Pennsyl-
vania. John Reitzel, father of Captain W. H. Reitzel, partly by canal and
partly by Incline Railroad, came over the Allegheny Mountains to Pittsburg.
From Pittsburg with his family, household goods and a set of blacksmith tools,
he traveled by steamer down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi to Sa-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 129
vannah. The trip from Savannah to this county was made by wagon. At
Waddams, Pells Manny volunteered to take his team and help pull the Reit-
zels across the Pecatonica River, one of the many evidences of whole-souled
frontier generosity. Mr. Reitzel settled on a claim at Buena Vista, June 22,
1840. Phillip Reitzel accompanied by John Wolford, rode horseback from
Center County, Pennsylvania, to Stephenson County, via Chicago. Wolford
was offered eighty acres of land on State Street, Chicago, for his horse, saddle
and bridle. He declined. It seems that when people start for Stephenson
County they will not be turned aside even by the offer of a future million. Of
course, at that time Chicago did not give much evidence of becoming a great
city.
John Turneaure came from near Meadeville, Crawford County, Pennsyl-
vania, in two covered wagons, one drawn by two horses and the other by
three. He brought with him some simple household furniture, a trunk full of
victuals, his wife and eight children. They drove ocress Ohio to Cleveland and
across Indiana to Chicago. Owing to the muddy sloughs in Chicago, he drove
around to the south and avoided the city. Just out of Chicago, his wagons
mired down to the axles and he had to unhitch his teams and lead the horses
out to solid ground. He then proved that necessity is the mother of invention,
by taking off the bed cord, fastening it to the end of the wagon tongue, hitch-
ing his team to the cord and pulling his wagons out of the mire. A set of
modern bed springs would have been of little value in such an emergency. Mrs.
Amanda Head, Mr. Turneaure's daughter, was a girl of twelve, and remem-
bers how delighted the children were with the prospect of a trip to the west.
She says the people along the way were always generous and hospitable. At
the close of a day's drive they would stop at some farm house. Beds were
made on the floor and her mother cooked the breakfast on the host's stove.
There were no charges — the traveler paying what he pleased. In 1842, Mr.
Turneaure made the trip to Belvidere in three weeks. Later, in 1848, he bought
160 acres near Van Brocklyn at $1.50 per acre.
William Baker, the first resident of Freeport, drove a wagon with his fam-
ily from Orange County, Indiana, to Sangamon County, Illinois, in 1823. In
1827, the Bakers moved over the Sucker trail, via Peoria and Dixon, through
Stephenson County to the lead regions in Jo Daviess County. In 1829 they
moved to Peoria and in 1832 they came back over the trail to the lead mines of
Wisconsin. During Black Hawk's War they "forted" in Fort Defiance. After
the war, the family spent two years in Dubuque and moved to Freeport De-
cember 19, 1835. Two years after his marriage to Miss Harriett Price, in
Cortland County, New York, Mr. Auson S. Babcock and his wife drove in a
one horse sleigh from New York across Ohio and Michigan to Chicago, and then
on to Stephenson County, settling first in Ridott Township. They left New
York February 12, 1859, and arrived here after a four weeks' journey.
Mr. Charles Baumgarten came to America from Lorraine, France, in 1833.
He lived in Detroit three years and walked to Chicago in 1835, coming to
Freeport in 1850. W. L. Beebe and wife, formerly of New York, drove from
Michigan to Ogle County in 1840, bringing with them all their worldly posses-
sions in a wagon. Mr. Beebe found that he had just $30 when he reached his
130 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
destination. They came to Stephenson County in 1862. Benjamin Goddard
was born in Graf ton County, New Hampshire, 1804; moved with parents to
Vermont in 1806; moved to St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1825; drove
in wagon with his wife, family and household effects from New York to Steph-
enson County in 1835 and settled three miles from Freeport. Thomas F.
Goodhue, born in Belfast, Maine; educated in New England; studied law at
Troy, New York, and after practicing law in New York City four years, came
to Freeport in 1842. Hon. A. T. Green came to Stephenson County from New
York in October, 1839, walking from Rockford to Freeport. He stopped on a
hill and resting on a stump counted in all, forty roofs in the village of Free-
port. From the Grand Duchy of Baden, came Fred Gund, Sr., in 1848. Cap-
tain J. R. Harding arrived here from Oxfordshire, England, in 1857.
Mathias Hettinger, a native of Keffenach, Alsace-Lorraine, came to New
York with his brother in 1836. He worked at the wagon maker's trade in
New York and at Canton and Portsmouth, Ohio, driving overland to Stephen-
son County in 1841 and started a shop in Freeport. John Hoebel, a boy of
fourteen, came alone to America from Phenish, Bavaria, in 1825. He came
west and drove to Freeport in 1842. Mr. Hollis Jewell, born in St. Albans,
Vermont, left home with only $50 at the age of 18; learned the carpenter's trade
in Albion, New York; in 1835 worked at his trade in Cleveland, Ohio; in
1837 he built a viaduct in Chillicothe, Ohio, and came to Freeport by wagon
in 1840. Thomas W. Johnson was born in England, 1825. He landed in
New Orleans at the age of fourteen, came up the Mississippi River to Galena
and walked from Galena to Freeport in 1839, and became a successful mer-
chant. F. E. Josel, once city engineer of Freeport, came in 1866 from Austria,
where he studied engineering in Vienna. Mr. Louis Jungkunz, Sr., came to
Freeport in 1854 from Bavaria. In 1856 he married Miss Caroline Lucke of
Prussia.
Mr. Dexter A. Knowlton started west from Chautauqua County, New York,
on a peddling trip in 1838. The next year he made his way into Stephenson
County and settled in Freeport, opening up a general store. Mr. Jacob Krohn,
a prominent business man, came to America from Prussia and located in Free-
port in 1855. D. Kuehner came from Germany to Ohio in 1851 and moved to
this county in 1856. Daniel Kunz, baker, came from Hesse Darmstadt, Ger-
many. Michael Lawver drove from Pennsylvania to Stephenson County in a
wagon, arriving at Lena after a seven weeks' trip, May 26, 1846. The parents
of George and Henry Lichtenberger came from Bavaria to New Orleans in
1847 and to Freeport the next year. C. H. Little came from Massachusetts in
1855. John Loos came to America in 1852. He was born in the County Rhei-
nich, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, and his wife in Eblington, Groshertzogtum
Boxburg, Baden. Rev. Thomas F. Mangan, of St. Mary's Catholic Church,
was born in County Clare, Ireland, and came to Freeport in 1858. Pells Manny
came from Montgomery County, New York, in 1836, and settled near Wad-
dams. Edmund Merck is a native of Alsace. Charles E. Meyer came from
Hanover, Germany, in 1853 and movec? to Freeport in 1855. George Milner
and Joseph Milner came to Freeport in 1855. They were natives of England.
James Mitchell came to the Galena lead mines in 1827, took part in the Black
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 131
Hawk War and settled, first in Rockford and then in Freeport. Elias Perkins,
of Derbyshire, England, arrived in this county in 1849 and began his work
as brick mason and contractor. J. J. Piers, a native of Hunterdon County,
N. J., arrived in Freeport and began his trade as blacksmith. Hon. George
Purinton, a native of Maine, a graduate of Bowdoin College, a professor of
Baltimore College, heard the call of the western prairies and opened up a law
office in Freport in 1840. A. V. Richards with his parents moved from Mor-
gan County, Illinois, to Wisconsin in 1847, later moved to Galena and then to
this county. Henry Rohkar came from Hanover, Germany, 1856, and entered
the baking business. C. H. Rosenstiel came from Hanover to Waddams Grove,
1842. D. B. Schulte, who came to Freeport in 1854, was a native of West Pla-
lon, Prussia. Charles Seyfarth, of Saxony, came to America in 1849 and to
Stephenson County, 1852. The parents of J. A. Sheetz drove from Pennsyl-
vania in 1839. Mr. Leonard Stoskopf came here with his parents from Canada
in 1842. Valentine Stoskopf came from Strasburg to New Jersey, then to
Canada and then to Freeport. D. H. Sunderland, who came here in 1845, was
a native of Vermont. D. C. Stover was a native of Franklin County, Penn-
sylvania. Geo. F. Swarts came from Center County, Pennsylvania, in 1841.
Horace Tarbox catne here from New York State. Mr. Oscar Taylor drove from
Saratoga, New York, to Joliet, Illinois, in 1838, settled in Rockford later, and
came to Freeport in 1842. Mr. William Walton of Birmingham, England, be-
gan business in Freeport in 1858. John M. Walz, of Germany, started the
cooper's trade here in 1856.
Thomas Wilcoxen was born in Milledgeville, Georgia. The family moved
to Portsmouth, Ohio, where produce was shipped to New Orleans. With a
brother, on horseback he came over the Indian trails to the northwest. In 1837,
he settled near Cedarville.
Mr. Chas. Berhenke came from Lippe Detmold, Germany in 1853. Bryan
Duffy came from Ireland in 1846 and located in Kent Township. James A. Hughes
of Kent came to Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1851 and to Kent in 1853. Edward
Hunt came to Winslow from Norfolk County, Mass., in 1838. Charles Sheard
of Yorkshire, England, came to New York in 1832; to Canada in 1836; to Jo
Daviess County in 1849 and in 1858 to his farm in Winslow Township. James
Turnbull came from Jedburg, Scotland, to New York City in 1833 ; in 1834 to
North Carolina; in 1835 back to New York; in 1837 to Chicago; and in 1838,
to Stephenson County. James Coxen came from Desleyshire, England, to Cin-
cinnati in 1849, and to Waddams Township in 1850. Charles P. Guenther
was born in Frankfort-on-the-Maine ; came to Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1836;
1839 to Buffalo, N. Y. ; 1847, to Allegheny County, Pa., and in 1853, to Stephen-
son County. Alonzo Lusk, of Hartford County, Conn., came to Waddams
County in 1840. William Shippee came from Bergen County, Pa., in 1839 and
to Waddams in 1852. In 1843 Robert Sisson came from Cambridgeshire, Eng-
land, to Waddams township.
Michael Bastian came from Alsace in 1858, to Florence Township. August
Fronning, who came to Florence in 1857, is a native of Prussia. August Hoefer,
also of Prussia, came to this county in 1856. Henry Kruse came to Silver Creek
Township from Ostsfriesland in 1853. Dr. Van Valseh, and a party, Henry S.
132 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Barber, Joseph Green, C. Miller, John Fisher, John Glover, Nathan and Isreal
Sheet, left Union County, Pa., April 18, 1837. They came via Pittsburg,
Wheeling, followed the National road through Janesville and Columbus, Ohio,
and through Richmond and Indianapolis, Indiana, crossed the Wabash at Coving-
ton and then passed through Danville, Peoria, over the Kellog trail, through
Buffalo Grove, then through Crane's Grove and Freeport, to Cedarville and
Rock Grove. The party was seven weeks on the road. In 1839, Henry S. Barber
brought out fourteen teams from Pennsylvania. George J. Bentley, father of
C. N. Bentley, was born in Massachusetts, moved to New York in 1829 and came
to Shannon, this county, in 1853. He moved to Winslow and made a trip to
Des Moines, Iowa, returning with a yoke of oxen and one horse. Mr. E. Bentley
of Eleroy came from Somerset County, England, to America in May, 1824, and
worked on farms and in factories in various parts of the east, finally locating in
Harlem Township. Henry Burkhard, a farmer in Harlem Township, was born
in Baden, Germany, and came to America at the age of ten. He went on vari-
ous trips to Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee, but at last settled in
Stephenson County. Mr. Henry Hill is a native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin,
Germany. Martin Lawless, Damascus, was born seven miles from the City of
Dublin, Ireland, in 1822. He came to New York in 1848 and worked his way
west, arriving in Freeport in 1853 and located on a farm in Harlem in 1865.
Mr. Joseph McCool, a native of Virginia and father of O. P. McCool, came
to Stephenson County in 1840. The family came by boat from Pittsburg, Pa.,
and located first at Kiethsbury and then at Lancaster and later in Harlem. John
Martin came to Harlem from England. In 1849 with his family he drove in a
wagon from the east, through Chicago, to this county. Smith W. Pickard, born
in New York in 1795, served in the War of 1812, and came to Stephenson
County in 1838 with his son Jonas L. Pickard.
John H. Stout, whose grandfather came from Holland, was born in New
Jersey and came to this county in 1846. Frederick Watson left Nottinghamshire,
England, at the age of thirteen and worked his way west to this county in 1845.
Sometimes people came to Stephenson County in large groups. In 1843, a
party of about sixty started from Union County, Pa. In this party were Samuel
Barber's family of five ; John Barber's family of ten ; James W. Barber's family
of ten ; John Van Dyke and sons family of eleven ; Samuel Wright's family of
five ; Jacob Gables family of six ; Robert Badger's family of seven, William and
John Wright. They drove through Mercer County, Pa., crossed the Allegheny
River at Franklin, through Warren and Cleveland, Ohio, through Adrian and
Janesville, Michigan, through South Bend, Indiana, Chicago and Rock ford to
Freeport, arriving here after an arduous journey of five and a half weeks.
The party had divided at Rockford, one division coming on to Freeport, July 4,
1843. They stopped at the Main Hotel which then stood on the site of the old
Pop Factory, now the out-door grounds on Walnut Street.
Frederick Wagner came from Sondershausen, Germany, in 1862, locating
on a farm in Kent in 1871. Charles Waterman of Herkimer County, N. Y.,
came west and with his brother laid out Sycamore, 111., in 1838. He was a
prominent leader in doing away with the "Driscolls," the notorious band of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 133
horsethieves of that day. In 1840, he came to Freeport and in 1844 to Loran
Township.
Robert Baker left Yorkshire, England, in 1830 and located in Canada. In
1860, he moved to Jefferson Township, Stephenson County. Peter Kerch, born
in Wurtemburg, Germany, came to New York in 1846; to Pittsburg in 1848
and to Jefferson Township in 1855. Simon Tollmeier, Simon Schester, Jacob
Offenhiser and John Koch, all of Germany, settled in Jefferson Township.
George D. Babbitt is a typical representative of the westward migration.
He was born in Goshen, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, 1799; in 1802, the
family moved to Otsego County, New York; to Susquehanna County in 1820,
where he learned the trimmers trade; to Pike, Allegheny County in 1825, where
he was married and had five children ; to Centerville, five years ; to Niagara
County; to Canada; to Branch County, Michigan; to Ogle County, Illinois; to
Sugar River, Winnebago County, Illinois ; and settled at last in Erin Township
in 1854. Daniel Gilman moved from Center County, Pennsylvania, to Eleroy in
1840.
From Old Virginia came Aaron Griggsby. He moved first into Kentucky
and then to Indiana. Then he moved on into Edgar County, Illinois, in 1829; to
Iroquois County in 1835 ; and to Stephenson County in 1836. John Manlove, of
Montgomery County, England, came to Canada in 1841 ; to Chicago in 1845
and then on to Stephenson County, buying a farm of Thomas Hotchkiss, a
leader of a band of horsethieves. Dr. E. H. Plasch left Germany because of
revolutionary troubles in 1845 an<i after teaching and practicing medicine in
Jo Daviess County, settled in Eleroy.
B. P. Bellknap, born in Vermont in 1811, came west in 1839, walking from
Milwaukee to Monroe, Wisconsin, and to Gratiot. In 1841, he settled in Oneco
Township, where he taught the first school in that township. Michael Bolender
came from Union County, Pennsylvania, to Orangeville in 1840, with John
Kleckner, Michael Gift, and George Mowry. The Clarnos of Oneco Township
came from France to Virginia, from Virginia to Ohio, then to Tazewell County,
Illinois, and to Stephenson County in 1838. Jacob Fye drove from Center County,
Pennsylvania, to Oneco Township in 1839. Lewis Gibler was born in Shenandoah
County, Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1802, came west and worked in the mines
and settled in Oneco Township in 1839. Emanuel Musser came from Center
County, Pennsylvania, to Oneco Township in 1857. William Raymond came
from Canada in 1843. Daniel Sandoe came from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,
in 1847. L. D. Van Metre came from Jo Daviess County to Oneco Township
in 1836. Wm. Wagenhalls, of Wurtemburg, Germany, came to America in 1836
and to Orangeville in 1847. Ifa Winchell of Erie County, New York, settled in
Oneco in 1843.
C. T. Barnes, born in Prussia, followed the seas as a sailor four years and
settled in West Point Township in 1852. Mr. R. Baysinger was born in Ken-
tucky, came to Edgar County, Illinois, in 1833 and to Stephenson County, Illi-
nois, in 1846, settling in West Point. Jacob Burbridge, born in Butler County,
Pennsylvania, lived a while in Kentucky, coming to Springfield, Illinois, in 1829
and to Stephenson County in 1837. William Corning, born in Rockingham
County, New Hampshire; moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, 1836; to Jo Daviess
134 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
County in 1842; to West Point Township in 1848. Thomas Davis came from
Sussex, England, in 1844; Frederick Damert from Prussia; George W. Delgate
from Maine; Samuel Dodds from Logansport, Indiana; Anthony Doll from
Canada; B. Doll from Baden; A. F. Foil from Bedfordshire, England; J. D.
Fowler from Rutland County, Vermont, in 1838, coming by way of canal and
lake, being 21 days on the way; D. W. Frisby from New York City; John Har-
rington from Ireland in 1846 ; Joseph Hicks from Ashtabula County, New York,
in 1840; Hon. Andrew Hinds from New York; Adam Krape from Center
County, Pennsylvania, in 1846; H. Loomis from Litchfield County, Connecticut,
in 1840; W. W. Lowis from Lincolnshire, England; John Masters from Mary-
land in 1857; Dr. W. P. Naramore, Seneca County, New York; John Reeder
from Frankfort-on-the-Maine, 1856; Captain John Schermerhorn from Fulton-
ville, New York; A. H. Stahl from Perry County, Pennsylvania, to Ogle County
in 1859 and to Lena in 1863; Jo Daviess, Waddams from Galena; Charles Walz
from Kaiserslantern, Germany; and William Yeager from Germany.
Edward Barker came from Franklin County, Vermont, to Rock Grove Town-
ship in 1842. Samuel Chambers and Thomas Chambers rode through on horse-
back from Union County, Pennsylvania, to Jo Daviess County in 1835 and set-
tled in Rock Grove in 1836. C. J. Cooper, born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
moved to Clark County, Illinois, came through Stephenson County as a soldier
during Black Hawk's War in 1832, and lived in Crawford County till he moved
to Rock Grove in 1844. W. L. Cooper came from Delaware by way of Pennsyl-
vania and Crawford County, Illinois. Jacob Fisher came here from; Pennsyl-
vania in 1839 and entered a claim. Ole O. Gardner, born ninety miles from
Christiana, Norway, in 1815, came to New York in 1842, then to Wisconsin and
to Rock Grove Township in 1848; C. T. Kleckner, from Northampton County,
Pennsylvania, in 1840; Henry Kloepping from Prussia in 1852; George Maurer
from Pennsylvania in 1840; Edward Pratt, stage driver for Fink and Walker,
from New York; Lewis and L. W. Schradermaeier from Lippe-Detmold, Ger-
mony, in 1852; Col. Geo. Walker, made the wagon trip from Pennsylvania to
Rock Grove with his family, in five weeks in 1849, and Geo. Zimmerman came
from Union County, Pennsylvania, in 1849.
J. B. Angle came from Franklin County, Pennsylvania, to buck Eye Town-
ship, in 1844, settling first on Richland Creek. John Bender came from Baden,
Germany, and John Boals from Donegal County, Ireland ; John Heser from Ba-
varia ; Robert Jones from Kent County England ; Ensebius Schadle from Wurtem-
burg, Germany, and William Stewart, Andrew and John Wilson from Donegal
county, Ireland. Josiah Clingman and family came to Illinois in 1835, settling in
Peoria and La Salle Counties and moving to Stephenson near Cedarville in 1837.
Rev. Geo. J. Donmeyer, a graduate of Pennsylvania College, drove through to Ste-
phenson County, enduring all the hardships incident to pioneer travel and
preached his first sermon May 12, 1850, in a school house, three miles North
of Lena. The father of James Folgate, with a family of ten children, made
the trip from Pennsylvania to Stephenson County and settled in Buck Eye
Township in 1841. Jacob Jones came from Maryland, Daniel Kostenbader from
Pennsylvania by flat boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Savannah,
then on foot to Cedarville, and John and Thomas Pollock from Ohio. George
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 135
Trotter, born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, came to Sangamon County, Illinois,
in 1826, passed back and forth through Stephenson County, during Black Hawk's
War and took a claim in Buck Eye Township, in 1836.
In 1843, Thomas and Robert Bell rode on horseback from Pennsylvania to
Stephenson County, settling in Lancaster Township. Corad Dambman came
from Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, without a dollar and in a few years owned
over 250 acres in Lancaster. I. N. Mallory of Belmont County, Ohio, settled
in Lancaster in 1836, and William Smith of Canton, Ohio, in 1835.
A. O. Anderson left his native home in Norway and settled in Rock Run
Township in 1839. Michael Blinn came from Bavaria in 1854. Uriah Boyden
came from New York in 1839. Frederick Buticofer, a carriage maker, came
from Switzerland in 1854 to Rock Run Township. Louis Germain is a native
of France; Martin Gillen and John Glynn from Ireland; C. B. Johnson from
Norway ; Charles Haas and John M. Kaufman from Germany ; Charles J
Lilliquist came from Sweden and Halleck and Thueston Kundson from Norway.
S. B. Leach was a native of Maine and John Long of New York. Alexander
Niblo of Glasgow was an early settler in Rock Run Township. S. Olsen came
to Rock Run from Norway in 1842. Jacob Orth came from Hesse Darmstadt.
John Weber came from France in 1844. A large number of settlers in Rock
Run came from Pennsylvania.
One of the early settlers of Dakota Township was W. R. Auman, who came
here from Pennsylvania in 1839. Jacob Dubs and family came to Dakota in 1852.
His wife died on the journey from Europe. Martin S. Lapp came from Canada
in 1842. William McElhiney came from Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1829,
settling first in Edgar County, 111. In 1837, the family moved into Stephenson
County. Robert F. Mitchel, of Center County, Pennsylvania, came into the
county in 1842. In 1844, John Nelson and his wife, Mary Nelson, emigrated to
Dakota Township from the north part of Ireland to Dakota Township. Mr. B.
Schmeltzer, of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, made a year's trip through Illi-
nois and Iowa in 1850 and settled in Dakota Township in 1866. Colonel Geo.
Walker made the journey from Center County, Pennsylvania, in wagons in 1849,
being five weeks on the road. Charles Wilson from Ireland and John Wirth
from Wittenburg, Germany, came to Dakota in 1852.
The parents of G. S. Babcock came to Ridott Township in 1836. Michael
Bardell came from Alsace to America in 1841 and in 1845 to Ridott Township.
Mrs. Bardell was a native of Reubier, Germany. Ulrich Boomgarten came from
Hanover, Germany, in 1850. Henry Borchers came from Hanover, in 1852.
Seth Cable came from Ohio in 1844, and Asa Carey from New York
in 1852. Christian Clay came from Stark County, Ohio, in 1839. Bearnd
Groeneveld came from Hanover in 1852. Philo Hammond, born in Vermont,
went to New York, then to Chicago and settled in Silver Creek in 1837 and to
Ridott in 1848. John Heeren, born in Aswaisraland, Germany, and settled in
Ridott in 1849. Peter Hermann, born in Baden Baden in 1836 and came to
America, settling in Ridott in 1852.
Mr. Thomas Hunt came from Nottingham, England, in 1842. He settled
in Silver Creek and later in Ridott Township. Jacob Molter came from Baden
in 1850; John Rademaker from Germany in 1855; Henry Scheffner and John
136 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Scheffner from Baden in 1852. In the same year Charles Rohkar came over
from Hanover; Michael Van losterloo came from Hanover in 1849; H. P.
Waters settled at the mouth of Yellow Creek in 1836. He came from New
York. David Wilter came from Maryland in 1853. W. G. Woodruff, of
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, went to Connecticut, to New York, to Car-
roll County, Illinois, to Rockford, and finally settled in Ridott Township.
Mr. Fred Bohlender, in 1844, came overland from Union County, Penn-
sylvania. It was a journey of six weeks, with four horses, two wagons and
buggy with provisions and cooking utensils for camping by the wayside. They
brought with them their household furniture. The family of Alpheus God-
dard drove through this county from the Green Mountain State. They were
six weeks on the journey, enlivened by many interesting incidents. John Baum-
gartner and wife and four children drove in a one horse wagon from Columbia
County, Pennsylvania, to northern Illinois, often through a country unmarked
by wagon tracks. They sold some of the bedding on the way to raise funds
for immediate use. He gave the horse as a first payment on a tract of land
in Loran Township. Martin Doll, wife and six children, with three horses,
a yoke of oxen and two wagons, drove to this county from Canada. They
brought household goods and provisions for camping by the wayside, sleeping
in the wagons. They were seven weeks on the way and arrived in Stephenson
County with a cash capital of 50 cents. Isaac Dively and family came by way
of Ohio, Mississippi and Fever Rivers in 1837. From Galena they came in
wagons to the Pecatonica, where he built a cabin, the first in that section to have
the luxury of a floor of sawed lumber. Wm. Dively, his son, hauled oats and
barley to Galena and returned with lumber. Samuel and John A. Wright came
overland from Pennsylvania to Buckeye Township in 1843. Fourteen teams
with several families came out together. Thomas Jonas, was born in Paris,
France, in 1801. He came to America and learned the blacksmith trade in
Buffalo. In 1839, with wife and four children, he came to Milwaukee by way
of the Great Lakes and hired two teams to haul his family to Freeport. He
settled in Waddams Township. Levi Robey, one of the earliest settlers at the
age of four, came from Maryland over the Appalachian Mountains on pack
horses with his father's family. They settled on the Sciota River, Ohio. They
came on west to Brewster's Ferry in 1834. At Dixon, the Indians freightened
the oxen and one broke away from the wagon. He settled on a claim in Wad-
dams Township, Section I, in 1835, February 14. While in Ohio, he taught
school and peddled clocks. His father located near Cedarville after running
Brewster's Ferry for two years.
Frederick Gassmann, wife and child left North Germany in 1843. They
crossed the Atlantic in a small sailing vessel in eighteen weeks, and landed
at Baltimore. They then went to 'Wheeling, West Virginia, and from there
by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Louis. At St. Louis, in
company with Charles, John, Henry, Christian and Frederick Rosenstiel, they
started overland to Freeport. They hired a team to bring them through for
$40, but when half way the driver struck and demanded $40 more which, ow-
ing to the conditions, they had to pay.
A TYPICAL LOO CABIN
LIBRABY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF tLUNOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 137
Silas Gage came from Pennsylvania. He came down the Allegheny and the
Ohio on a raft and by steamer on to Galena. He walked finally into the county
and settled at Winslow in 1836.
Ezra B. Gillett of Brooklyn, New York, was an early settler of the county.
In 1827, at the age of 21, he came to the lead mine regions. He was success-
ful, but took the cholera which was epidemic in the lead mine country in 1832.
When he had recovered, he traded his mine for flour and sold the flour, and
bought a pony on which he intended to start to his home in New York. Black
Hawk War was on, and he felt that he had little chance to get through. He
placed his money in the bottom of his powder horn, and with an old 'musket
across his saddle, he started on his pony across the country to his home. He
arrived safe, and having married, returned to Stephenson County to take a
claim in 1834. His first stop was at Reitzell's now Buena Vista, where he built
a mill on Richland Creek. He then built a mill at Bowertown, now Orange-
ville, and in 1837 built a board cabin on his claim in Section 20.
Mr. John Rotzler, at the age of eleven, came with his parents in 1852, and
landed in Savannah, Georgia. Not liking the climate, the family came to Free-
port in 1854, by boat from Savannah to Albany, New York, and by railroad to
Freeport. The Rotzlers came from the same part of Germany as the Wagners.
Mr. John Rotzler, Sr., met Mr. William Wagner, who had returned for his
family, and it was Mr. Wagner's praise of America that led the Rotzlers to
come out in 1852.
In the fall of 1839, George S. Cadwell, Alfred Cadwell and Z. U. Harding
came to Oneco from Orange County, New York. They walked from Detroit,
Michigan, through Chicago and Freeport. After taking a claim in Section 32,
they walked to Milwaukee and took a boat for New York. In 1841, George S.
Cadwell married and came west to settle on his claim.
In a measure the above sketches give an idea of the racial elements of the
people of Stephenson County, and afford some conception of the courage neces-
sary for men and women to brave the hardships of pioneer travel.
FRONTIER CONDITIONS.
THE LOG CABIN INDIANS — POISONOUS SNAKES FISH AND GAME MURDER.
THE LOG CABIN.
It was the day of the log cabin. The carpenter's tools were usually no more
than an ax and auger. Some may have possessed an adz and a fro, for hewing
the logs and riving and splitting the clapboards. The earliest cabins were built
of rough unhewn logs. The cracks were filled with clay mud. The roof was
covered with thatch or clapboards held in place by poles laid on top. Nails were
unknown. The floor was laid with puncheons (split logs) or with bark. Augers
bored holes into the log walls and into these pins were driven. On the pins,
bark or split logs ewre placed and these served as shelves for kitchen utensils,
clothing, bedding, etc. Bunks were often constructed in the same way. Home-
made bedsteads, and chairs were common. The settlers were skilled in prepar-
138 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ing elm and hickory bark which they wove into chair seats. In the same way
they made their baskets, and muzzles for horses to prevent them from eating
the corn while plowing. The fireplace was occassionally made by laying slabs
of rock. Chimneys were often built by using sticks instead of bricks. Clay
filled the chinks and held the sticks together. The inside of the chimney was
then daubed with clay. Fireplaces were made unusually large and in winter
a great roaring fire was a necessary and cheerful part of the pioneer life. A
door made of puncheons, hung on wooden, home-made hinges, until replaced
by a door of sawed lumber. Windows were small. At first there was but
one window, sometimes none, and that one admitted light through greased
paper. Glass was a luxury that came later. Blocks of wood set against the
wall were used for chairs, and a slab or two of these made a settee. Tables
were made of slabs supported by pegs, driven into auger holes.
These first homes were one room homes. There was often to be found a
loft, where things were stored and where members of the family slept. Snow
and rain could not be kept out and many a morning when the pioneer and
his family awoke, they found their bed clothing covered with snow. The
cabin was usually about 12 or 14 feet long and 10 or 12 feet wide and about
7 feet high. In the earliest cabins, cooking was done on the fireplace. The
cooking utensils consisted of heavy iron tea-kettle and skillet, a coffee pot and
maybe a boiling or stew pot. These with contents were placed over red coals
of the fireplace, supported by pieces of stone or andirons and occasionally a
crane would be found swinging a steaming pot over the fire. Simple and
plain? Ah, yes, but what savory meals were thus prepared and set on the
rude table ! Food for strong men and women who had the world's work to
do. Venison, pork, squirrel or wild turkey, potatoes baked in the ashes, corn
pones, and coffee, We breakfast food eaters must envy them.
The one room home presents a beautiful picture. Here, porch, parlor, sit-
ting room, library, bed room and kitchen were crowded into one. It is all seen
at a glance. The rough-hewed logs, clap-board roof, the plain furniture, bed,
cooking utensils, provisions, pieces of half dried venison and pork, and seed,
corn hanging from the loft ; the beds, ax and rifle and powder-horn ; the mother
knitting or darning; the father mending chairs or repairing his flintlock and
about them children, usually six or more, and all lighted up by the roaring
blaze of the great fireplace, throwing upon the sometimes beautiful white-
washed walls a warmth of color and good cheer that make homelife devoted
and happy. Life then, as now, had its lights as well as its shadows.
At first, provisions were scarce. Markets were 40 and 50 miles away at
best and money was scarce. A patient industry cleared away a little patch
about the house and planted it in grain and garden. The hoe was much in use.
The farmer made his own plow and drag; in fact, all his farming implements.
Grain was threshed out with flails, or clubs, or tramped out by horses. The
grain was cut with sickles, scythes and cradles. There were no mills in the
county, and have the grain ground into flour and meal meant a long, tiresome
and dangerous journey over unbroken roads to Gratiot, Dixon or Galena or
Peoria. At times this was out of the question and the settlers prepared meals
in most rude and primitive ways, to meet with immediate necessities. One
Brown's Mill in Early D;iys
Scioto Mills
Enleyanna Mills, Rock Run
\
ESS
Brown's Mill at present
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UNIVERSITY OF IUJNOIS
HISTORY OF STEFHENSON COUNTY 139
method was to cut down a large oak tree and build a fire on the center of the
stump to burn out the heart of the wood. A hole was then chopped into the
top of the stump, making a simple mortar, which would hold about a peck of
grain. An ax or an iron wedge was used as a pestle to crush the corn. Occa-
sionally a "sweep" similar to the old well sweep would be prepared and the
iron wedge fastened in the end of the rod made a simple crusher. The coarse
broken grain was sifted in wire or deer-skin sieves, the chaff was blown out,
and a coarse meal was prepared which made the famous corn pommes that
were baked in the ashes. Another method was to scrape the corn on "grit-
ters," which were pieces of tin with holes punched in it. Scraping the corn
over the rough edges produced a coarse meal which was baked in "dodgers"
or "pones."
The farmer made his coat and pants and shirt from the skins of deer shot
in the vicinity and tanned at home. Coon and fox furnished ample material
for his caps. Tea and coffee often ran low in supply and peas, wheat and
barley were used as substitutes. There were periods when game was scarce
and a bare existence was all that was to be had. Often the hunter would
be out all day and return empty handed. There are reports that in times when
meat was scarce, men were glad to get pork enough to grease a griddle. One
man made a hearty meal on meat rinds that had done service in this way.
The same man said he had worked hard for weeks at a time on no other
food than corn meal mixed with water.
Mr. William Waddam's first farm in this county really consisted of four
acres, located in the timbers, which he cleared with the ax, fenced, and planted
in corn and potatoes without the assistance of teams. Some built stables and
out houses for hogs, cattle and horses, from the tough prairie sod. Wild
prairie grass afforded an abundance of hay.
"GOING TO MILL."
"Going to Mill" was a hard task before 1838. It was a long trip to Peoria
or Galena. Travel by ox teams was extremely slow, and there were no roads,
bridges and but few ferries. Such travel was dangerous in rainy seasons and
in early spring. Many a pioneer found his way blocked by a raging river and
was compelled to change his course. For wagon and team to get mired in a
swamp was a frequent and sad experience. After a disheartening journey, the
traveler found that he had to get in line and take his "turn." "Going to Mill"
was especially trying because the father never could be sure that all was well
with his family left at home, in a wild western region with Indians lurking about
and desperadoes plentiful enough. It was a day of great rejoicing when mills
were established in the county. History and tradition threads many an inter-
esting story about the ruins of the old water mills of Stephenson County. They
served their purpose. They made the county attractive to immigrants and has-
tened the closer settlement of the county. The county owes much to those
pioneer mill-builders, Kirkpatrick, Turner, Van Valzah, Wilcoxen and Reitzell.
William E. Ilgen who came to the county in 1842 said that when the mills
at Cedarville were inaccessible the corn was dried in a stove and ground in a
140 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
coffee mill. In this tedious way meal was prepared. Reuben Tower ground
twenty bushels of buckwheat in a coffee mill one winter.
RAISINGS.
The barn or house "raisings" were as much a social affair as a matter of in-
dustry. When a citizen had his logs and timbers ready and on the ground, he
sent out word to the neighbors that he would "raise" his building on a certain
day. The preparation meant hard work. The owner had "homesteaded" or
had bought a "claim" and maybe with his family lived in a shanty while getting
out the logs. There was zest in the work of the settler as from morning till
night he swung the ax, felling trees in the grove. He was building a home.
The trees were chopped into logs and sometimes the only other work was notch-
ing the ends. Later, men used both axe and adz and hewed the logs on all
sides. This additional labor made a closer, warmer and more beautiful house.
Early on the day of the "raising" the settlers for miles around drove in to
lend a hand and enjoy the day. The women and children came also, and for
them it was a kind of a holiday. The men set lustily to work, laying the heavy
foundation logs, placing the puncheon floor and cutting the logs for window
and door. The older men prepared the clay or mud and with sticks and mud
they daubed full the cracks between the logs. Others, with sticks and clay, and
rock sometimes, began the building of the great fireplace.
At the noon hour all hands stopped to enjoy the feast, an informal banquet.
The women and girls had work to do and did it with as much spirit and joy as
the men put into theirs, and none can say that the work of one was more impor-
tant than the other. The men sat down to a heavily laden table, under the shade
of some friendly tree and their delight was equaled only by the conscious pleas-
ure of the women who had prepared the dinner. And such a dinner ! Cabbage,
potatoes, beans, corn in the ear, corn pommes from the Dutch oven, wheat
bread, and meat — prairie chicken, turkey, venison, fresh pork or beef and always
coffee, genuine coffee. (There was no necessity for pure food laws.) It was
a social hour, eating, visiting, joking, story-telling, reports of letters from the
east, and getting acquainted with new settlers. How the women and the girls
passed around everything time and again and urged and insisted that the men
and boys eat and eat and eat. It goes without saying that under such conditions
the men ate heartily, partly because of the demands of the frontier appetite and
in part because a wincing, skimpy eater would lose friends among the ladies. A
frequent figure at these raisings was the circuit rider, who was treated as a
guest of honor.
After dinner the men brought forth their pipes and smoked the home-grown
tobacco to their hearts' content. They talked, told yarns, wrestled and had a
good time. Then, while the women ate their dinners and "did the dishes" the
men set to work again, completing the house, roof, door and all. The plain
household furniture was moved in and a happy family, happier likely than their
descendants in modern palaces, took possession of a new, clean western home.
Orangeville ilill
Hess' Mill
Addams' Mill, Cedarville
Mill near Fnnvell's Bridge
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 141
QUILTINGS AND CORN HUSKINGS.
A feature of early socal life was the corn husking and quilting party com-
bined. For days before the word was passed around that a certain citizen was
to have a big corn husking and quilting party. It was not an exclusive affair
and all looked forward with eager anxiety to having a "big time." If sleighing
was good, so much the merrier. The home "chores" were early done, and at
nightfall the great sled loads with happy and large families drove over the
winding trail to the appointed place. Some of the young people went in sleighs
conveniently built for two. Host and hostess met all comers with a joyous "how
do you do?" The teams were cared for and when the merry crowd had gath-
ered and unrestrained greetings were passed around, the program of the evening
began. The women with needles and thread attacked the quilts cheerfully and
found that quilting and conversation went well together. The men found at
the barn a great heap of snapped corn ready for the huskers. Lanterns and
candles lighted up the scene. Some of the women joined the huskers and were
good "hands." Girls also found the husking party more interesting than the
quilting and, just naturally, a young man and young lady would be found husk-
ing together, both pleased in the extreme. Little children played in the great pile
of husks, the merry laughter of the little ones adding music to the joyous occa-
sion. To find a red ear of corn was sure to bring a shout from the busker, for
• it seemed to mean. an extra drink of cider or — whatever else was in stock. Husk-
ing races added excitement to the general course of events.
At 10.30 the barn floor was cleared of husks. The women joined the men at
the barn and pumpkin pie and apples, sweet milk, coffee and cider were served.
When the lunch was over, all were happier than before. The old fiddler had
already started to tune up, and began to saw away as only the old time fiddler
can, on the familiar quadrilles and hornpipes of the day. After more or less
"natural selections" of partners, based on attachments formed at the huskings,
or of longer standing, the young people and the older people all together joined
in the "grand promenade," and danced merrily away till the approach of the
morning hours. Many a woman of fifty was a good dancer in those days and a
feature now, all but lost, sadly lost, was the dancing of old and young together.
Of necessity, the social spirit was strongly pervaded by a spirit of co-operation.
Sociability was free and natural — spontaneous as the great democratic life the
people lived. Social distinctions, narrow-minded exclusiveness, deadening forms
studied with mathematical precision, artificial social relations, were foreign to
the pioneers, being reserved for the cold, spiritless manufactured society of a
later day.
CUTTING GRAIN.
Small crops were a necessity, not only because of the small clearing, but also
because of the primitive means of harvesting. For several years the scythe and
the cradle were the only means of cutting the wheat. The first cradle was a
straight-handled affair, called the "Turkey-wing." When the "Grapevine" cra-
dle was first introduced men who were accustomed to the "Turkey-wing" thought
they could not use the "innovation."
142 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Captain W. J. Reitzell, who settled Buena Vista June, 1840, says that two
acres a day was good cradling. Some men cradled two and one-half to three
and one-half. One dollar a day paid for cradling. Occasionally the life of
the community was enlivened by a race between two or more "champion" cra-
dlers. After the cradle came the mower, which was a great improvement be-
cause horse power was used. Then the "drop" was added to the mower and
the machine cut the wheat and by foot power the driver dropped it in bunches.
It kept three or four men busy, usually four, binding the business with the straw
and throwing the bundles out of the way of the machine on the next round.
To take his turn and keep out of the way of the machine was one of the tests
of manhood, strength and endurance, and when a boy could take his place and
do his part along with the man, he was graduated into a man's work and felt
the importance of the occasion. Besides a driver and four binders, two men
were required to shock the grain. Six to ten acres a day was good work.
After the "drop" came the table rake. This machine had a platform on
which the grain fell, and a revolving rake swept the bunches to one side out of
the way of the machine on the next round. The next step was the Marsh Har-
vester, with an elevated platform upon which the grain was placed by an end-
less canvas. Two men stood by the platform and bound the grain with straw
as it came up to them. This was supposed to be the height of man's invention,
but it was not long till a greater invention followed. This was the self-
binder. As soon as the Marsh Harvester was set to work, inventors' minds be-
came busy with the idea of bringing the bundles of grain by machinery. This
was the most complicated step of all. Machinery had to gather up the straw,
metal arms had to squeeze it into a tight bundle and a threaded needle had to
reach around the bundle and tie it tight with wire or twine, making a firm knot.
It was several years before the knotter was perfected, but it did the work after
a while better than it was done by human hands. It was only a few more years
till a "muncher" was added to the machine. With this contrivance the driver
could drop several bundles at the same spot, and the labor of setting the bundles
up in shocks was greatly lessened. Now with the self-binder three men can
cut and shock ten to fifteen acres a day and do it better than seven or eight
men with the old drop machine. In some communities, laborers were antago-
nistic to the binder. They felt that soon there would not be a demand for labor
and what would they do for a living? In places men set out as a kind of "night
riders" and burned the machines in the field. Time has proved that invention
and machinery has increased the demand for labor till it is more difficult now
than ever before to get enough men to do the work.
Captain Reitzell says that most farm hands worked for $8.00 a month. Some
of the best got $10.00. Hired girls got SQC a week. Now farm hands get $25.00
and $40.00 a month, and often keep a horse and buggy and get Saturday after-
noons off. Hired girls get $3.00 to $5.00 a week. Even at these prices it is
difficult to get men and girls to work on the farm.
THRESHING GRAIN.
From the time that the early settlers threshed grain with a flail to the
traction engine and modern thresher is a long road of history, but it has all been
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 143
seen in Stephenson County from 1833 to 1910. The flail was a simple thresh-
ing machine. It consisted usually of a stick about like a pitch fork handle,
with a rope about a yard long to the end of which were attached two slats
about the same length. Seizing the handle, a man would swing it through
the air bringing it down on the straws, the slats striking with great force, shat-
tering out the grain. Sometimes a limb of a tree with branches on it was used.
Frequently horses were used to tramp it out, walking over the piled up straw.
The straw was then lifted away, the grain and chaff was gathered up and
"winded," separating the grain from the chaff. Like most primitive agricul-
tural processes these were slow and tedious methods. However, in one sea-
son, W. L. Beebe threshed 2,200 bushel with a flail. Later screens were used
to separate grain and chaff. Then the old "fanning" was invented. The old
horse-power thresher invaded the county in 1839. The cylinder for beating
out the grain was the essential element. At first the "teeth" were made of
wood, which were soon replaced by metal. The grain dropped through screens
and the straw was carried on, while a fan blew out the chaff/ When the first
rude thresher on wheels threshed William Waddam's grain in 1839, it aroused
considerable criticism and was looked upon by some with suspicion. The pow^r
was furnished by horses driven around a cylinder, which gained speed by
means of cog wheels. The cog wheel turned an iron rod which turned the
cylinder and other machinery of the separator by means of another cog wheel.
These simple outfits, while made almost entirely in a small shop, contained the
essential elements of the modern threshing outfit. The traction steam and gaso-
line engine has taken the place of the horse power; a belt replaces the rod
cylinder and screens have been perfected ; a "blower" removes the straw instead
of the endless canvas, and the grain is weighed into sacks or wagons. Until
about 1890 two men stood on the platform and cut the bands with pocket
knives and the bundles were thrown from the wagon to the table. Another
man stood between them and "fed" the machine, reaching to right and left
and shoveling the wheat or barley into the cylinder. It was hard work, dusty
and dangerous. He had a chance to get cut with the knives of band cutters,
to get an arm torn out in the cylinder, or to get killed by flying cylinder teeth
broken by a rock caught up in a bundle. About 1890 the band cutters and feed-
ers were replaced by machinery.
Stacking the straw was another hard and dusty task. Before the day of
the blower, several men were required to stack the straw. The worst position
was at the "tail end" of the machine. A man had to stand there under
an August sun and, smothered in clouds of straw and chaff keep back the straw
with a pitchfork. This was a position at which many men "shied" and all
were glad when the "blower" or "cyclone" thresher stacked the straw without
the use of men. The traction engine, the self band cutters and feeders, the
automatic weigher and the cyclone stacker have reduced the number of men
employed by half.
Threshing was a hard proposition for the women. Thirty years ago it was
not uncommon for the farmer's wife to feed thirty or forty men while thresh-
ing. The neighbors joined forces, made a schedule and went through the
neighborhood threshing. The women co-operated in feeding the men.
144 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
And such threshing dinners as they used to get up. To attempt adequate
description would be futile. There was a rivalry to some extent among the
women to see who would get up the best and most elaborate meals. Quanti-
ties of bread and pies were baked a day or two before. Great fresh beef roasts
were procured, sometimes mutton, and added to this chicken with soup and
dumplings. Then there were great pots of string beans, roasting-ears, peas,
tomatoes, sliced in vinegar, and stewed, baked sweet potatoes and Irish pota-
toes creamed, mashed and baked. These substantials were heaped into great
bowls, dishes or tureens and set on a long table, often under the shade of a
tree. Around the substantials were glasses and dishes of jellies, preserves and
honey, molasses and stewed fruit. Copius supplies of milk and coffee were
served, and then came stacks of pies and cake of all makes and descriptions.
Withal, it was one grand glorious time. When the whistle blew for din-
ner, the men made a grand stampede for that table. Faces and hands were
soused in tubs of water, and without ceremony all hands "fell to" with ap-
petites to be envied. The men joked and laughed and ate. The farmer's wife
with a half dozen neighbor's wives on her staff superintended the dinner. The
young girls of the neighborhood, dressed in their best, "waited" on the table,
and lingered here and there to say a word to some blushing boy who was
glad to be present. Happy days for them all !
It was hard, dirty, dusty work for men and boys, and nerve-wracking labor
for the women, but it was a grand feature of country life, because an entire
neighborhood were working together in a common cause. It added unity, in-
terest and joy to county life. But it has practically passed away and if the
rural communities do not devise some way of bringing the people of neigh-
borhood and township in a happy enthusiastic unity, it shall have a lost a re-
deeming feature of country life.
MARKETS AND PRICES.
Before the railroad came into the county there could be no large town
The absence of the railroad and towns deprived the people of home and foreign
markets. Most of the people were farmers. There were but few professional
men. Consequently the people produced more than they consumed. There
was no market for the surplus products nearer than Galena, Dixon, Savannah,
Mineral Point and Chicago.
Prices were extremely low. Mr. Charles Graves of McConnell says his
father hauled beef and pork to Galena and sold it dressed at $1.25 a hundred.
Hogs were so cheap that on one occasion when one jumped out of a wagon on
the way to market the owner told a man driving on the road he could have it, as
he did not have time to bother with it. From all points in the county pork was
hauled to distant markets and sold at $1.25 to $2.00 a hundred. Grain was
hauled to Savannah, and shipped to New Orleans on flat boats. When the cargo
was sold the boat was sold for lumber and the owner began his slow and tedious
return journey. The lead mine region markets soon became over-stocked and
prices fell to almost nothing. Chicago then was a better market, but over a
hundred miles through mire and swamp with ox teams to market was not likely
.
nil
'i WOOLEN HILLS
111
FREErORT WOOLEN MILLS IN 1871
RESIDENCE OF C. AND C. J. RKITZELL, BUENA VISTA, IN 1STI
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 145
to be relished by farmers. Yet the early farmers did it. With four or five
yoke of oxen hitched to a lumber wagon, pastured by night about the wayside
camp, the pioneer farmer drove through dangerous sloughs and over unbroken
roads to Chicago, right glad to be able to sell his wheat at 500 a bushel. He
occasionally made some money by bringing out settlers from Chicago or hauling
out supplies for the merchants. Usually he received his pay from the merchants
in goods from the store. Hauling immigrants, however, was a delight, because
that usually gave the farmer some much to be desired coin of the realm.
The one thing that was eventually a great aid to the thrifty settler was the
price of land. Homesteads could be entered and claims partly or wholly
proved up could be bought from $5.00 to $10.00 an acre. Many men got pos-
session of good land between 1840 and 1850 at almost nothing and held to it,
till with the advent of the railroad, the tide towards high prices set in, and the
log cabin settler found himself a wealthy man. He appropriated the unearned
increment, which Henry George maintained should belong to society.
Eggs were sold at 5c a dozen. Often people did not gather them up. Chick-
ens had no market and farmers gave them little attention, leaving them to roost
in trees and take care of themselves. Hogs were sometimes as high as $2.00 to
$3.00 per hundred. Mr. Wm. Waddams sold dressed pork at il/2c a pound.
He hauled his produce to Galena or to Chicago.
In driving to market at Galena, Dixon or Chicago the farmers would join
together and go in considerable numbers. They took provisions and cooking
utensils to camp at night, sleeping under the wagons protected by blankets. The
roads were bad and in places the men joined teams to pull one another through
the mud holes.
When Mr. Fred Bohlender came to this county in 1844 he built the usual log
house. Several years later when he decided to build a frame house, he hauled
the lumber from Chicago, over too miles. Wm. Dively hauled lumber from
Galena. John A. Wright says wheat was worth 3oc and corn roc and i2c, and
was hauled to Chicago. Henry Wohlford hauled his first crops to Chicago by
horse and ox teams. One trip required eleven days and his receipts were not
enough to pay expenses. Zacharia Gage, of Lena, came from England, and
landed in Middleport, New York, with $15.00. He and his wife both worked
for a farmer for $16.00 per month. He cut cord wood at 310 a cord and har-
vested for $1.25 a day. Levi Robey is authority for the statement that postage
on a letter cost 25c. The worst of it was that 25c was hard to find, specie being
a negligible quantity in a frontier community. Richard Parriott, Sr., of Buckeye
township, made many round trips to Chicago often requiring seven to ten days.
Anson A. Babcock, who came from New York to Stephenson County in a
sleigh in 1839, carted three hundred bushels of wheat to Chicago one winter by
team. W. L. Beebe hauled grain with his team for SQC a day. Benjamin God-
dard saw wheat sold at 25c a bushel. He has told of a man named Hill who
carted a load of wheat to Chicago whose expenses amounted to $9.00 more than
he got for his wheat. John Wright bought land at $1.25 an acre in 1843. ^n
1839 Lewis Grigsby plowed where Freeport now stands and in 1835 rafted
100,000 ponunds of lead down the river from Hamilton's Diggings. Reuben
Tower, of Massachusetts, settled near Lena in 1844. He ground twenty bushels
146 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
of buckwheat in a coffee mill. Joseph Kramer paid $9.00 an acre for land in
Rock Grove township in 1846.
William E. Ilgen, Dakota township, hauled wheat to Chicago and sold it at
35c a bushel. Joseph Lamm, Silver Creek township, assisted his father to haul
to Chicago. Their usual load was about 100 bushels, driving five to six yoke
of oxen. Powell Colby marketed hay at $1.25 a ton.
The pioneer surroundings had many redeeming features. Wild flowers were
abundant and of great variety and beauty. There were also hickory nuts, but-
ternuts, black walnuts, and hazel nuts. For fruits the people had crabapples,
wild-plums, thorn apples, blackberries, grapes and raspberries. Game was plen-
tiful. There was an abundance of deer, wolves, wildcats, coon, muskrats, squir-
rels, woodchucks, wild geese, ducks, quail, loon, gull, pigeons, wild turkeys and
prairie chickens. Wild honey was found in ample quantities. The streams were
well stocked with fish and these were readily procured from the Indians. In
the midst of such surroundings in addition to the garden produce and corn
bread the pioneer's table was not likely to be lightly laden. However, it is said
that many a man went to a hard day's work on a breakfast of "suckers fried in
water."
One of John Tureaure's sons trapped $50.00 worth of prairie chickens and,
being musically inclined, sent to Buffalo and got a melodion. John A. Wright
in his diary says game was plentiful in early days and often a settler had only
to go a few steps from his door, level his gun at deer or turkey. Henry Wohl-
ford found game plentiful and said that the settlers were never without the
luxury of fresh, sweet meat. It is told that while some pioneers were attending
church, pioneer sportsmen shot deer on the site of the courthouse in Freeport.
George Trotter, a settler in Buckeye, 1835, found game plentiful. He once
killed two deer with a shot. Herds of deer and flocks of prairie chickens were
found in abundance about Cedarville and the inhabitants depended mainly on
the gun for meat.
In 1836 Silas Gage found deer, turkey, bear, wolves and other wild game so
plentiful about Winslow that they were almost troublesome. Mr. A. C. Martin,
who has lived near McConnell since 1854, says that many a time he has seen a
herd of deer come out of a grove opposite his father's house. Wolves were
numerous and played havoc with many a flock of sheep. Mr. Charles Graves,
the McConnell postmaster, says game was plentiful in the early days. The last
bear that appeared in the community around McConnell, came from the hog-
back up the river and went on his way across towards the Waddams settle-
ment.
POISONOUS SNAKES.
Next to horsethieves, poisonous snakes caused as much trouble as any other
one factor in the new settlements. Here were the moccasin, the black rattlesnake,
racers and the massasauga or yellow rattlesnake. The bite of poisonous reptiles
was fatal if known remedies were not promptly applied. This was not always
possible and many a boy and man gave up his life on the frontier because of the
venomous sting of a poisonous reptile. There was some excitement and hus-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 147
tling when a farmer picked up a sheaf of oats and found a rattlesnake m it.
With his family and friends a man in Rock Run one day started fishing. One
of the lads suddenly cried out with great pain, thinking he had stubbed his toe.
An investigation showed plainly that the boy had been bitten by a venomous
snake. The father hurried the boy home as fast as possible while another
summoned a physician, but it was too late. The poison spread through the boy's
system, and he died before night.
Another incident related is in regard to an Irishman near Rock City. He
was plowing in a field and was bitten in the calf of the leg by a rattlesnake.
Being far away from any medicinal remedy, he "whipped out his knife and
cutting a piece out of that portion of his leg, continued his plowing." It was a
radical remedy but saved his life.
FRONTIER LIFE.
Mr. Franklin Reed of Pontiac, Illinois, wrote in 1877 as follows: "April 29,
1831, I arrived with my father's family at Buffalo Grove (Polo, Illinois). May
a we had our cabin ready to move into. It was the typical log cabin cut out of
the green trees. The floor was laid of bark with the smooth side down. Large
flat stones were set up against a side of the house in which we could build a
fire till we had time to make a chimney.
About the cabin was a wild wilderness of grass-burned prairie as far as the eye
could see. We made a garden and broke 14 acres and planted it in corn. The
Indians were lingering around their old hunting grounds. Once we fled by way
of Kellog's Grove to Apple River Fort for safety. Game was plentiful. I
have seen twenty or thirty deer in a grove at once. In the spring of 1832 we
fled again, this time to Dixon on account of the Black Hawk War. In 1833 we
we forted again.
Mrs. Jacob Burbridge of Lena, a daughter of William Waddams, who was
the first permanent settler in Stephenson County, told the following in regard
to frontier life, in 1891 at the age of 75: "I was born in 1816. My father was
William Waddams, the founder of Waddams Grove. Our family numbered
13, but I don't know as we had any particular bad luck because of that.
We moved to Indiana when I was a year and a half old. There my father owned
a grist mill and a distillery. Those two went together in early days, for when
with him some good old rye. The people then always believed in keeping it in
the farmer brought his maize and wheat to be ground he must needs take back
the house in case of sickness, you know.
"Of course we had to move with the tide. I believe some of the people
never got tired of going West. We settled next near Peoria, Illinois. On our
journey west, we came across an Indian camp, ran them all out and scared
them to death. We stayed at Peoria a twelvemonth, and then came northward.
I rode a horse during the journey and with my brother, who walked, drove the
family cow towards the promised land. They claimed that milk and honey
flowed there and I guess they were about right.
"I went to school at Galena for a time. There were about fifty scholars and
the Presbyterian minister, a goodly sort of man, instructed us in 'reading', ritin'
148 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
and 'rithmetic' and licking. Being a minister of the Gospel, he thought it not
becoming for him to do the whipping, so he had someone do it for him. It al-
ways seemed to me that he picked out the biggest, stoutest, most terrible man in
the settlement. It appeared, too, that, being paid for his work, he would not
have it said that he was not worthy of his hire. I always escaped the terrible
ordeal, but I saw others go through it and that satisfied me.
"Father dug lead ore in Galena for awhile, and then moved out of town and
had a vegetable garden and kept bees. One night the Indians came and stole
all our garden stuff and honey. Then we went to Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where
father worked in the mines. We lived there two years. We also lived at Apple
River and at White Oak Springs, keeping a hotel at the latter place. It was
twelve miles to the nearest neighbor. Mother and I were in the fort when Sylvia
and Rachel Hall were brought in from the Indian camp, during the Black Hawk
War. They had no clothes fit to wear and we went to work and made them
some clothes. During the war people crowded into the fort till about all of them
were sick. We stayed only one night, as father said he would just as soon be
killed by the Indians as to go there and get sick and die. My father had some
exciting encounters with the redskins previous to the war. At one time there
were three of them in the house. They became angry at him and were going to
strike him down. He grabbed up a rolling pin and struck three of them to the
floor.
"My father built the first cabin at Waddams Grove. He had seven hundred
acres of ground where he settled. Our neighbors were all Indians and we
learned to talk their language as well as our own. I wish I could talk German as
well as I can Winnebago.
"One day a party of Indians came to our door-yard and demanded of father
that we surrender or they would kill us. He made reply that they should come
on, and that he would pay them well in lead for every step they took. They
soon after filed off without as much as firing at us.
"One evening father called us to the door. When we looked out we were
surprised to see everything as light as day. The heavens were so light you
could pick up a pin from the ground. From the east and west there arose two
balls of fire and slowly moved across the heavens towards each other. When
they had come together the sky darkened as before. This was in the closing
days of the war and father said it was a sign that the war was over and we
would have peace.
XI remember a terrible storm that occurred while we lived in Galena. One
fellow living near us was flooded out and came over to our house. We had no
bed for him so he climbed up in the cone of the roof and slept on the cross
pieces. When morning dawned, he spread out his arms and crowed like a
rooster. This goes to show that we took things as we found them in those days.
"The keel boat that brought vegetables up to us from St. Louis was attacked
at one time by the redskins and all but one man was killed. He took up the dead
men's gun and kept shooting till he routed the Indians. He reached our settle-
ment in safety but his hat and coat were riddled with bullets.
"In the early days we found the skeletons of Indians scattered over the prai-
ries. You see, they never buried their dead in the ground, but put them on plat-
Old French Hotel Where Mac-kny Building
Now Stands
The Hunt Home — an Old Stage Tavern
Stage Tavern at Eleroy
Stage Barn at Waddams
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 149
forms supported by poles, which in the course of time would decay, topple down
and leave the bones bleaching in the sun.
"The children used to take the skulls of Indians, and using the jaw-bones
for runners, make sleds of them. In winter time it was a peculiar sight to see
the children spinning down the hillside, sitting triumphantly on the skulls of
departed braves."
Mrs. Matilda Boyle, in a letter read at a meeting of the survivors of the Black
Hawk war says she was born in Lexington, Kentucky, 1802, and came to Illi-
nois in 1825. She married Mr. Boyle and settled in the northern part of the
state. They lived in a one room log cabin, the only light of which came through
a greased paper. She often left the bread-dough unbaked and rushed to a
near by fort at the alarm of marauding Indians. "I once remember when
alone in our cabin in 1831, an armed Indian with hideously painted face, bounded
in at the open door. So stealthily had he come, that the dog which was asleep
at the door sill never awakened. The Indian warmed his hands at the fire,
stared around but said nothing. His face was painted red, striped with black,
with white about the eyes. We supposed he belonged to Black Hawk's band."
LARGE FAMILIES OF THE PIONEER TIMES.
Seventy-seven years have wrought a wonderful change in Stephenson
County. Conditions that surrounded the people of the first generation afford
many sharp contrasts with conditions as they are today. One of the character-
istics of the early day was the large family. Small families were the exception.
It was not uncommon before 1860 to find families of ten to fifteen children.
From six to eight was an average family. Four children were called a small
family.
There are many reasons, no doubt, that explains the marked contrast with
the present tendencies toward "race suicide." The early settlers who came
from the older States or from Europe were a vigorous lot of people. The
weaker element had not the courage or the initiative to face the dangers and
trials of frontier travel and settlement. The people here lived largely the out-
door life. Fortunately they lived in a day in which insipid breakfast foods, cold
storage eatables, and destructive delicacies were unknown. Their clothing was
as simple and plain as their log cabin life. The cost of rearing children was not
great. There was an abundance of work at hand and children were a good
investment. Besides, land was plentiful and cheap and the chances for children
to acquire farms and a competence were good. Industrial/ life was developed
only along a few lines, and the intricate and complicated specialization of today
was unknown. In fact, parents could look forward to the rearing of large
families with far less anxiety than in such a social and industrial system as
now prevails. But generalization is too easy, and too indefinite. A few in-
stances of large families of the pioneer times, with the observation at hand
today, will enable the reader to arrive at his own conclusion. Whether the
old system of large families is a better means of building up a progressive
civilization, as Mr. Roosevelt seems -to think, or whether a smaller family, with
150 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
more attention paid to the education and training of the children, is the panacea,
each individual must judge for himself.
Mr. Frederick Baker, whose father was the first settler in Freeport, had
eight children. Fred Bauch, florist, a native of Prussia, had ten children;
Charles Baumgarten's family consisted of six children; W. L. Beebe, eight chil-
dren, six boys and two girls; Robert Bell, five children; M. D. Chamberlain,
six children ; Powell Colby, six children ; Albertus Collman, six ; C. O. Collman,
nine ; John Erf ert, seven ; E. C. Fitch, six ; D. Franz, five sons and four daugh-
ters; S. B. Harris, seven; E. Heller, six; C. M. Hillebrand, six; Jacob Hime,
eight ; C. M. Hineline, nine ; John Hoebel, seven ; Daniel Hoover, seven ; M.
Huber, six ; I. Klein, nine ; Dexter A. Knowlton, six ; John Koehler, six ; Jacob
Krohn, eight; D. Kuehner, five; Michael Lawver, eleven, five sons and six
daughters; Henry Lichtenberger, six; John Loos, eight; M. Marvin, seven;
James Mitchell, seven ; Jacob Molter, seven ; Edwin Perkins, ten ; Elias Per-
kins, five; J. J. Piersol, seven; Henry Rohkar, eight; C. H. Rosentiel, five; D. B.
Schulte, five; John Snich, six; Charles P. Snow, nine; J. H. Snyder, six; J. H.
Stover, six; Valentine Stoskoff, eight; Oscar Taylor, six; John M. Walz, seven;
L. A. Warner, five ; George Wolf, six ; Charles Berhenke, Kent, eleven chil-
dren, four sons and seven daughters ; Bryan Duffy, seven ; Henry Faringer,
six sons ; Jacob Gable, eleven ; William Heyer, six ; James A. Hughes, seven ;
Peter Kleckner, nine; O. H. Phillips, six; J. W. Rush, seven; David Shearer,
ten, three daughters and seven sons.
In Winslow Township, Henry Chawgo had five children; LeGrand M. Cox,
six ; Silas Gage, eleven ; Barnabus Hinds, six ; George M. Kennedy, seven ; D. B
Packer, six ; Jeptha Pronty, ten, seven sons and three daughters ; Thomas Rode-
baugh, six; Charles Sheard, eight; J. M. Staver, six; Thomas P. Steere, seven;
Orrin Vaughn, eight ; John Wales, seven.
James Ault, of Waddams Township, had eight children, five boys and three
girls; W. K. Bechtold, seven; L. B. Churchill, five; J. C. Conaby, five; Trumon
Cross, six; Martin Fogel, eight; Hiram Fuller, five; J. B. Gates, ten; Hubbard
Graves, first county sheriff, eleven children ; S. W. Grissinger, seven ; Charles
P. Guenther, seven ; W. H. Holmes, five ; Thomas Jonas, ten, four sons and
six daughters ; B. Kleckner, eight ; Alonzo Lush, eleven, six boys and five girls ;
John Price, six ; James Price, five ; Levi Robey, five ; Sanford S. Sherman, six ;
William Shippee, thirteen, six sons and seven daughters ; Robert Sisson, six
sons and five daughters; Andrew St. John, six; Henry Wohlford, ten, four
sons and six daughters.
In Florence Township John Q. Adams' family consisted of eight children,
four boys and four girls; John Aspinwall, seven children; Patrick Barron, five;
Michael Bastian, five; Andrew Black, seven; John Burchhardt, eight; August
Froning, seven; George Hamm, ten, fire boys and five girls; Jacob Hoffman,
seven; Christopher Mayer, eight; Geo. A. Moore, eleven, three girls and eight
boys; Jacob Pfeil, six; Nathan Sheetz, ten; Conrad VanBrocklyn, eight; Wil-
helm Wilhelms, five.
In the township of Silver Creek, Michael Bangasser had eight children,
four boys and four girls ; Christopher Bennett, fourteen children ; Fred Brock-
maier, six ; William Brockhausen, ten, five boys and five girls ; Henry C. Brown,
HISTORY OF STEFHFNSON COUNTY 151
eight; Henry Dubbert, ten, four sons and six daughters; Andrew Fiest, seven;
John Fosha, eight; Johann Fuls, five; S. M. Grier, five; Jacob Hoebel, six;
M. W. Hollingsworth, five; F. P. Koehler, eleven; Henry Kruse, six; Joseph
Lamm, six ; J. S. Reisinger, seven ; Charles Schoettle, eight ; S. J. Stebbins,
seven; Nicholas Steffen, ten, four boys and six girls; George Stoenzhorn, five;
Mene Vanloh, six; William Young, six.
In Harlem Township, Charles W. Barber, six ; George J. Bentley, eight ;
E. Bennett, five ; Ludwig Broend, six ; Henry Burkard, six ; Thomas Ewing,
six ; C. H. Furry, six ; Phillip Herrbrick, nine ; Joseph Hutmacher, twelve chil-
dren, six boys and six girls ; Aaron Kostenbader, eight ; Levi Law, six ; Martin
Lawless, six; Oliver P. McCool, eight; Joseph McCool, nine; Edward Mar-
tin, eleven, nine girls and two boys; John Martin, nine; William Meads, seven;
Thomas Metz, five ; Lewis Meyers, seven ; E. R. Mulnix, six ; A. B. Munn, six ;
Joseph Murdock, ten; Frank Pickard, six; R. C. Shofield, seven; George
Seyler, six; John Steffen, five; John H. Stout, five; Frederick Watson, fifteen,
six girls and nine boys ; Rezin Wilcoxin, six.
In Loran Township, John Apgar, eleven children, six girls and five boys;
Reuben Babb, five; H. M. Barnes, six; Jacob Behringer, eleven; Ira S. Bying-
ton, seven; John C. Ditzer, six; Mathias J. Ditzler, eleven; Ira Kinman, twelve;
Charles Kloepping, five ; D. C. Lamm, ten ; William Lahre, nine ; Jacob S.
Studebaker, fourteen, seven boys and seven girls; Levi Thomas, eleven.
Isaac Bogenrief, of Jefferson Township, had nine children, six sons and
three daughters; Samuel Hayes, six; Peter Kerch, six; John Koch, six; G. D.
Babbit, five; Charles Boeke, five; Francis Boeke, six; Conrad Fautzmeier, ten;
Conrad Fye, ten; Valentine Gilman, seven; Charles Grossman, five; H. S.
Jones, six ; Herman Klass, six ; Card Terica, five ; Ludwig Niemeier, five ; Dr.
E. H. Plasch, eight; August Raders, eleven; John M. Rees, seven; Henry
Rosenstiel, seven ; Frank R. Tower, nine ; John Winters had a family of seven
children and his father a family of fourteen.
D. L. Bear, Oneco Township, had six children ; Willoughby Bear, six ; B. P.
Belknap, eight ; Franklin Bolender, five ; Aaron Bower, five ; John Bower, eight ;
W. H. Clarno, nine; J. C. Dorn, eight; George Erb, twelve; David Fye, eight;
Jacob Fye, nine ; Lewis Gibler, thirteen children ; Charles Lestikow, five ; Daniel
Moore, nine; E. T. Moore, six; Emanuel Musser, five; Hiram Shons, six; E. S.
Wagner, five; Ira Winchell, eight; Daniel Woodring, twelve children.
Jacob Acker, of West Point Township, nine children; H. W. Allen, six;
C. T. Barnes, seven ; Allen Boyer, eleven ; Jacob Burbridge, eleven ; William.
Corning, five; Daniel Davis, seven; Thomas Davis, thirteen; Samuel J. Dodds,
five ; J. T. H. Dobler, eight ; Anthony Doll, six ; A. M. Durkie, five ; J. D. Fow-
ler, eight ; Thomas S. French, eight ; W. W. Hall, five ; John Herrington, eleven ;
Andrew Hinds, eleven, six sons and five daughters ; G. L. Howard, six ; Martin
Howard, five ; George Hoyman, six ; J. T. Leaman, ten ; Jacob Leckington, ten ;
J. C. Lohr, five ; John McCullough, seven ; John Mahon, seven ; John Metz, five ;
J. H. Ozburn, five ; John Reeder, eight ; William A. Rice, seven ; Spencer Ris-
ing, six; J. M. Schermerhorn, five; A. H. Stahl, ten; A. Weaver, five; Moses
Weaver, seven; Miles White, six.
152 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
N. J. Barrimore, of Rock Grove Township, had nine children ; Hugh Benne-
hoff, seven ; H. H. Bolender, eleven ; Samuel Chambers, eight ; C. J. Cooper,
eight; W. L. Cooper, seven; Jacob Fisher, ten; H. O. Frankeberger, twelve;
Solomon Fisher, eight ; Ole O. Gardner, eight ; Lemuel Goodrich, nine ; George
Hassenger, ten ; Solomon Hoy, nine ; Harvey Kiester, six ; Levi Kiester, six ;
Dr. D. H. Kleckner, six; L. L. Marsh, seven; George Maurer, five; Frederich
Pothast, six; Edward Pratt, six; Calvin Preston, nine; David Zimmerman,
eight; J. H. Zimmerman, five.
James H. Adams, of Buckeye Township, had ten children ; J. B. Angle, six ;
John F. Bender, eight ; John Boals, twelve ; Frederick Bolender, six ; Dr. Chas.
Brundage, seven; J. B. Clingman, eleven; Josiah Gingtnan, ten; Rev. George
J. Donmeyer, nine ; John Epley, five ; Jacob Folgate, five ; John Fox, six ; Daniel
Grimm, seven ; William D. Hartman, six ; John Hartzell, six ; William Herman,
five; Solomon Hixson, six; William Hoff, five; Thomas Hutchinson, nine;
Joseph F. Jackson, seven ; Jacob Jones, nine ; Robert Jones, seven ; Daniel Keck,
six; William K. Kryder, seven; Edwin Lied, seven; John Pollock, eight;
Thomas Pollock, ten; William Ritzman, twenty-two; Ensebius Schadle, five;
William Stewart, five; George Trotter, eleven; Phillip Windecker, nine; Jerit
Wohlford, six.
In Lancaster Township, Rudolph K. Brubaker's family consisted of nine
children, seven boys and two girls; Conrad Dambman, five; Samuel Daughen-
baugh, ten ; Tobias Engle, eleven ; D. G. Fager, eight ; Levi Fahs, nine ; William
Glasser, eight; George W. Lattig, seventeen, five sons and twelve daughters;
J. T. McKibbin, eight ; I. N. Mallory, eleven ; Reuben Meyers, six ; Jacob P.
Mitchel, six; William B. Mitchell, eight; Joseph Myers, five; Jacob W. Rut-
ter, eleven; R. F. Rezner, seven; William W. Smith, four; Benjamin Snyder,
thirteen; C. Yarger, five sons and five daughters.
Joseph Afflerbaugh of Rock Run Township, a blacksmith, had twelve chil-
dren, six sons and six daughters; A. O. Anderson, eight; D. Bellman, eleven;
Joseph Binker, seven ; Michael Blimm, thirteen ; David Cable, twelve, five daugh-
ters and seven sons; Jacob Cable, eight; H. D. Cole, nine; John S. Daughen-
baugh, six; Christ Feeney, nine; S. R. Foster, five; Louis Germain, nine; Mar-
tin Gillen, nine ; John Glynn, eight children ; Aaron Gold, ten ; J. H. Graham,
eleven; John Hoag, nine; C. B. Johnson, six; John F. Kaufman, six; Jacob.
Keehan, five; Halleck Kundson, seven; Thurston Kundson, nine; M. W. Kurtz,
seven; J. Lanek, eighteen; S. B. Leach, nine; Henry Maeir, eleven; Alexander
Niblo, ten ; S. Olsen, seventeen ; Jacob Orth, six ; Henry Schleiter, nine ; Samuel
Strong, eight; John Weber, eleven; Joseph H. Weir, eight; Michael Wolf,
twelve; Peter Wolf, twelve; Luther Angle, of Dakota township, had nine chil-
dren; John Brown, eleven; William E. Ilgen, fifteen; John Kryder, nine; Mar-
tin S. Lapp, ten ; Robert Nelson, ten ; Samuel Otto, five ; John S. Smith, eight ;
James A. Templeton, ten; George Walker, eight; O. D. Weaver, eight; John
Wirth, eight ; Solomon Wise, seven.
Daniel Brick, in the township of Ridott, had a family of twelve children,
six boys and six girls ; Ulrich Boomgarten, eight ; Michael Bardell, seven ; Asa
Carey, seven; Christian Clay, eleven; H. H. De Groot, eleven; L. S. Freeman,
six; Philo Hammond, five; John Heeren, nine; Thomas Hunt, twelve; Neil
mSTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 153
Johnson, six; Wesley John, six; Jacob Molter, six; A. J. Niles, eight; Henry
Scheffner, eight; Michael Von Osterloo, ten, four daughters and six sons;
H. P. Waters, eight; Edward Weik, six; David J. Witter, five; Samuel Mover,
seventeen.
LARGE FAMILIES.
The above meagre sketch of a few of the large families of pioneer times is
ample evidence that there were then no strong tendencies towards "race suicide."
That there has been a remarkable change since the early days is also very evi-
dent. In 1862 the number of children of school age enumerated in the county
was 10,609; m l%72> 11,229; m 1882, 10,483; in 1890, 9,867; in 1910, 9,039.
There were thirty less enumerated in Freeport in 1910 than in 1906. A large
increase in the population of both Freeport and Stephenson County is accom-
panied by a decline in the number of children of school age. This chapter sets
forth some facts that afford food for speculation.
INDIANS— THE WHITE MAN'S BURDEN.
The annihilation of Black Hawk's army, August 2, 1832, was the end of
serious Indian troubles. When the first white settlers came into the county in
1833, 1834 and 1835, a few bands of disorganized Indians still roamed about.
They were remnants of the Winnebagoes and the fight had all been taken out
of them. Small hunting parties roamed about and occasionally annoyed the
settlers by carrying off the garden truck or by rifling an unguarded house.
Petty thefts and trespassing were the more common misdemeanors of the red
men.
A small party at one time drove away an entire drove of hogs belonging to
William Waddams. Another squad entered the bachelor cabin of Robert Jones
and Levi Lucas near Cedarville and among other things carried away razors,
game, wild honey and tobacco. The owners returned as the redskins were
sneaking away from the cabin. The men followed the Indian's trail and over-
took him in the act of shooting a wild turkey. Jones rushed upon him, seized
his gun and threatened instant death unless he immediately restored the stolen
property. After some demurring and pleas in confession and avoidance, the
Indian offered to restore the articles if the men would go with him to his wig-
wam. Consenting to do this, they were led through the) wilderness and were
brought suddenly into the presence of about thirty braves who, with their wo-
men at once realized their danger, but put up a bold front, entered the circle of
savages and sat down. There followed a prolonged parley without anger, after
which the Indian who had stolen the property disappeared in the wilderness.
Not long after he returned with the tobacco, but assured the men that the razors
and provisions were in the possession of a band of Winnebagoes on Yellow
Creek. The old Indian then told his people how Jones and Lucas had assaulted
him in the forest, how they had taken his rifle away and had prevented him
from shooting a wild turkey. There were vigorous grunts of displeasure from
the circle of braves and they became loud and threatening. But Jones was a
diplomat. He was not prepared to fight thirty armed Indians. He became
suddenly generous and courteous. He succeeded in calming the enraged redskins
154 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
by dividing his tobacco among the braves and restored tranquility by "tickling
the Indian maidens under the chin and indulging in other harmless pleasantries
with them," Jones afterwards said his gallantry was severely taxed in making
love to the greasy beauties of the Winnebagoes, but he was willing to make the
sacrifice rather than to take a chance of losing his scalp.
Jones and Lucas spent the night at the home of Benjamin Goddard, south of
Cedarville. The next morning they and Mr. Goddard went to the claim of Wil-
liam Baker and aided the latter in raising his house. While at work here, a
party of Yellow Creek Indians came up, to hang around and get same of the
"fire water" usually an article to be found at "raisings" in these days. Jones
at once accosted the Indians and demanded the return of his stolen property, and
threatened death if his demands were not complied with. This argument was
convincing and the Indians pointed to the sky, indicating that at noon they
would turn over the stolen goods. Promptly at twelve, the band returned and
gave the razors to the rightful owners.
Indians were still around the county and subjected the settlers to many petty
annoyances. On a blustering winter day five redskins came to the cabin of F.
D. Bulkley and sought shelter. "Wigwams all gone; Indian got no wigwam,"
they said, as they pointed to the naked poles that marked the site of the old
Winnebago village. They were permitted to dry their clothes about the fireside
of the paleface and as a mark of gratitude offered Mr. Bulkley some whiskey.
In the absence of a funnel they had an, Indian boy transfer it from a large jug
to a small one by means of his mouth.
A Mr. Kent, the first settler at Rockford, had experience with Indians. Re-
turning from a visit to his brother at Galena, he had secured a canoe and, laden
with potatoes ; paddled down the Pecatonica to Baker's cabin, now Freeport. Here
he tied up his canoe and went ashore. When he returned to his canoe he found
it surrounded by a mob of squaws and young Indians, who were busy as squir-
rels carrying away his potatoes. What remained he took with him to Rockford
and planted some of them, raising a good crop. More hard luck was in store
for Mr. Kent and his potatoes, for one night the Indians came to his clearing
and dug up and carried away all of his potatoes.
On one occasion Indians entered the cabin of a "Widow" Brown and carried
away her stock of provisions. A party of "Freeporters," William Baker, M.
Brown, Jake Goodheart and "Wild Gunner" Murphy set out after the thieving
redskins with William Baker, who had acquired a certain mastery of the Winne-
bago tongue, as interpreter. The party came up .with the Indians in camp in
Rock Run Township. The Indians were intoxicated and their fury frightened
away the first one of the pursuers who came upon them suddenly and alone.
Baker and the remainder of the party then came up. The Indians asked Baker
why the white man ran away. Baker's diplomacy again saved the day as he
replied that the man was running to bring up a party of one hundred whites
not far away. He made a bold stand and told the Indians that if they did not
turn over the widow's property at once, the entire party of Indians would be
killed and scalped. After a parley, the matter was adjusted. The Indians agreed
to restore what had not been consumed of Mrs. Brown's stores, and gave Baker
a horse to guide them out of the community and away from the "hundred volun-
HISTORY Ol- STEPHENSON COUNTY 155
teers" who were bent on destruction of the Indians. Fred Baker was also paid
four coon skins for his services as interpreter — one instance of the practical value
of the study of a foreign language.
Mr. Charles Graves, the venerable postmaster at McConnell, remembers the
wigwams left along the Pecatonica by the Winnebagoes. He and other children
used them as playhouses. They played Indian just as children do today who
read Indian stories. The early children had the advantage of seeing real Indians,
war paints and feathers and heard stories told at first hand. The wigwams were
ideal "playhouses," and the children added a touch of realism by painting their
faces and dressing in Indian fashion. They divided into squads, Indians in one
and whites in the other, and fought sham battles in which warwhoop and
hatchet were put into play.
Chief Winneshiek, or "Coming Thunder," had his village on the Pecatonica,
at the foot of Stephenson Street, Freeport, where the Illinois Central Station
now stands. Here were the wigwams of his braves and squaws. Here about
their campfires they held their pow-wows and war dances. While not a trouble-
some band, yet they looked with distrust upon the steady approach of the white
settlements. In what is now Taylor's Park, the squaws in a rude way cultiavted
the cornfields with clam shells. The first settlers saw the peculiar burial methods
of the Winnebagoes. Four strong poles were planted in the ground on which
a platform was constructed. The body of a dead Indian with his bow and ar-
rows and trinkets was placed upon the platform, with such savage rites as were
customary among the Winnebagoes. When the first settlers built their cabins
in Freeport these burial grounds still held many of the skeletons of departed
red men, whose spirits had gone to the happy hunting grounds and whose bodies
had been destroyed by exposure to the elements.
While the Indians were not exceedingly troublesome during the earlier pi-
oneer days, yet their presence, their strange manners and dress and withal the
everpresent uncertainty of their attitude, added a certain touch of daring and"
romance that always accompanies dangerous situations to the life of the first
settlers. People from the east who knew the Indian only from books could
not fail to be impressed by the presence of real red men. It was no place for
"mollycoddles." Girls and women were trained in the use of the rifle, the un-
failing arbiter of early disputes. Neither were these girls and women ignorant.
Many of them had been educated in eastern academies and colleges and had
come from homes of plenty and culture and refinement. They were a brave and
noble band of women, inspired by the spirit of the great west, enlivened by ro-
mance of danger and made strong by the hardships and privations of the fron-
tier.
A MURDER— TRADITION OR FACT.
Whatever the truth may be, tradition has persistently maintained a story
of a murder at Kellog's Grove during the summer of 1833. It seems that two
young men of Virginia had heard glowing reports of the wealth of the lead
mine district about Galena. They decided to leave the Old Dominion to seek
their fortunes in the great West. A "Prairie Schooner" was fitted out in
156 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
elaborate style, fully equipped to make the long journey over the Virginia hills,
across Kentucky, over the Ohio, and finally to Peoria when they struck the
Kellog Trail for Galena. After a long and tiresome journey with an ox team,
the young planters encamped for the night in the cabins at Kellog's Grove.
Tired from the hard trip they ate supper, secured the oxen for the night and
retired to enjoy the sound sleep that comes to him who has journeyed long in
the open air.
When the young adventurers awoke in the morning, they found that their
oxen had broken loose and had wandered away from the camp. It was
mutually agreed that one was to prepare the breakfast while the other was to
find the missing oxen and return them to camp.
Evidently the long journey from Virginia had for come reason made the
men quarrelsome. After several hours, the one who had gone in search of the
oxen returned with them to camp. The other had, however, made no headway
in the task of the preparation of the breakfast. The delay led to a quarrel and
finally the blows. During the fight, one of the men seized an ox yoke or some
other weapon and struck his antagonist over the head causing almost instant
death.
But the victor quickly realized the awfulness of his crime. They had started
out from the old home in full harmony and high spirits. Fortunes and a bright
future awaited them, gaining which, they no doubt hoped to return prosperous
and happy to the homes they had left behind. But now one lay dead at the
hands of the other. The survivor at once felt the sting of the conscience stricken
murderer. To get away from the scene of this crime he punged at once into
the trackless forests. But he found that even in the wilds of a western wilder-
ness, he could not lose the consciousness of guilt. It haunted him at every
turn, till driven to desperation, he returned to the scene of his crime and looked
with horrified soul upon the dead body of his comrade. Joy had gone from his
life and hope fled, as with heavy heart he made a grave in the hillside and laid
away as best he could the remains of his victim.
In about a week the dejected traveler arrived at Apple River and sadly
told the settlers the above story. The settlers placed no restraint upon the man
but not long after, haunted still by a remorseless conscience, he again plunged
into the wilds in a vain attempt to find relief.
He was heard from no more by the settlers of Apple River. Years later,
in the woods of Jo Daviess County there was found the skeleton of a human
being whose identity could not be fixed. However, it may be, the Apple River
settlers believed this to be the body of the conscience stricken Virginian, who,
they believed, finding he could not gain peace of mind in life, sought relief in
death at his own hands.
THE PRAIRIE PIRATES.
Stephenson County did not suffer as much as the surrounding counties from
the Prairie Pirates, or the "Banditta of the Prairies." This was because the
settlement was held back till the close of the War with Black Hawk, after
which it was rapidly settled up. Yet many a fine horse was swiftly ridden
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 157
out of the county to the secret headquarters of the gang of thieves that preyed
upon the unorganized community. No less dreaded than the Indians were these
Pirates, whose organizations spread out all over the frontier settlements of
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. They worked in no fear of the law. They were
the overflow of the criminal class of the East which, driven from the older
settlements by organized law, hovered over the sparsely settled new communi-
ties, to live without working, by stealing from their more industrious neighbors.
Stables were doubly locked and good horses were not to be left unguarded,
unless a faithful watch dog slept in the barn. Most men never thought of going
to the stable or to the wood pile after night without his gun. A man often
slept with the horses with his trusty rifle at his side.
The leaders about Rock River were John Driscoll, John Brodie, Samuel Ai-
kens and their sons. They had a secret society and had stations scattered about
the country. Signals and pass-words perfected the organization of plunderers
which operated from Wisconsin to Texas, preying on the means of honest
toilers.
John Driscoll came from Ohio in 1835 and settled on Killbuck Creek in Ogle
County. It is said that he came from the Columbus Penitentiary. In physique,
courage and intellect he was a remarkable man. He was upwards of six feet
and weighed 200 pounds. Part of his nose had been bitten off in a fight with a
human ghoul. His hair was iron gray and coarse. He did many acts of kind-
ness, once finishing the crop of a woman whose husband had died. The Dris-
colls were sly, secretive, cunning and revengeful.
John Brodie settled in Dement township, Ogle County, at Brodie's Grove.
He was a small man, with a low forehead, stiff black hair and deep set eyes, — a
typical prairie pirate. His sons were dare-devils both despised and feared.
The Log Tavern at Inlet Grove, Lee County, was the distributing point for
counterfeiters, and a directing point from which the movements of stolen horses
were controlled as they passed from station to station. The "Pirates" when ap-
prehended always got bail and were always able to prove an alibi.
The Ogle County Regulators organized in a school house determined to fight
the pirates. They numbered from 15 to several hundred and determined to
do what they law could not do. They called on John Hurd, a horse thief, at
night, ordered him to strip, tied his hands behind his back and gave him thirty-
six lashes with a rawhide. He stood the ordeal without flinching. When the
flogging ceased, he said, "Now, to prove that I am an honest man, I will join
your company."
A former Baptist preacher had stolen four horses between Freeport and
Rockford. He was "tried" by the Regulators, found guilty, and sentenced to re-
ceive 50 lashes on the bare back. The trial was held at his house, and he was
stripped for the ordeal, when his daughter, a prepossessing girl of 16, rushed
to his side and plead with the Regulators to spare her father. With much mur-
muring, the majority decided to let the preacher off on his promise to flee the
country. Several hours later, a part of the band returned, tied the reverend horse-
thief to a Burroak tree and gave him ninety-six lashes on the bare back.
Driscoll's meanness ran deep. At one time, having decided to burn an enemy's
barn, he determined at the same time to square off an old account with his own
158 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
son. He secretly took his son's horse from his stable, rode to the barn and set
fire to it, riding the horse back and tieing it in his son's barn. The young man
was sent to the penitentiary.
When Driscoll's son murdered Campbell, a leader of the Regulators, the
frontier was thoroughly aroused. One hundred and eleven stern men tried the
Driscolls and sentenced them to die like dogs. The notorious thieves made only
one request, and that was to be shot, and not to be hanged. They were given one
hour to prepare for death. Some of the Regulators begged that the Driscolls be
turned over to the courts, but hot speeches, recounting the losses sustained by the
surrounding counties and casting doubt on the proposition of leaving the fate of
the men to the courts, prevailed. Death squads, fifty-five and fifty-six, were de-
tailed to shoot the men. Old John Driscoll was the first to kneel and fifty-six
bullets riddled his body. A tradition is handed down that William Driscoll's hair
turned almost white as fifty-five rifles ended the life of a man who had confessed
to seven murders. Aikens died from sickness while hiding day and night from
the "Regulators."
One leader of the horse thieves who operated in Clinton County, Iowa, and
through Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties, was a special terror to
horse owners. After stealing a fine animal, he would knock some of his teeth
out, paint him a different color and in this way make sure his escape. He had
a secret hiding place, where he kept his stolen horses till the hunt subsided when
he would take them into market. This leader, whose name was Warren, was
finally rounded up by the Regulators and hanged. His wife took the event calmly
saying that that was the third husband of hers that had been hung.
Charles Graves, the present postmaster at McConnell, remembers several in-
cidents of pioneer life that occurred while his father was the first Sheriff of
Stephenson County. A report came to him one day that some horses had been
stolen. Sheriff Graves followed their trail all day. Finally he came upon them
in camp and captured them. About dark that evening he returned with them
in a wagon. They were not hand-cuffed. It was then too late to take them to
Freeport, and Mr. Graves said to the men, after supper had been prepared by
Mrs. Graves, "Boys, I don't know what to do with you fellows but shut you up
in my root house," "Allright," said the men, and supplying them with bedding Mr.
Graves locked them up in the temporary jail. Next morning they were still
there, and the Sheriff took them in a wagon to Freeport where they were placed
in the old log jail. The old log bastile in Freeport was not very secure and
they soon escaped.
An old history of Stephenson County, in the possession of Mr. A. C.
Martin, of McConnell, tells a good story of the horsethief pest and how relentless
the pioneer was in dealing with it. A farmer awoke one morning to find one
of his horses stolen. He immediately mounted another horse and armed with
his rifle set out on the trail. When he had about lost hope and was riding along
the river, he suddenly saw a horseman riding along the opposite bank of the
stream. He saw at once that it was his horse and without ceremony or chal-
lenge he leveled his rifle at the thief and fired, the rogue tumbling off the stolen
mount dead. The horse ridden by the owner in pursuit neighed, and the stolen
horse, recognizing his mate, plunged into the river and swam across to its owner.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 159
It was necessary to take up the pursuit of a stolen horse at once, because if they
ever crossed the Mississippi there was no chance for recovery. Besides, there
was such a perfect organization among the thieves that concealment in caves and
other out of the way places would soon put the stolen, animals beyond the reach
of- the owner.
Horse stealing was a profitable "business." Escape was not difficult and
the property could usually be converted into cash. But if caught, the thieves
were summarily dealt with. The trials were brief and the criminals were either
sent to Alton or driven out of the county with death as a reward if they returned.
At times, the Block House which stood where the First Ward School now is
was filled with rioters and horse thieves.
Horse thieves were particularly active in 1838 to 40. The gang of thieves
was so well organized that it was difficult to catch1 or to recapture the stolen
animals. An early experience of Conrad Van Brocklin in Florence Township
gives an idea of the excitement and dangers connected with the operation of the
band 01 thieves. During an afternoon, he suddenly saw thieves making away
with two of his blooded horses. Assisted by Mason Dimmick, he gave pursuit.
The thieves had a good start and the chase was desperate. The thieves had
no bridles and were getting away with the booty easily when they suddenly came
upon a stream of water. One of the horses had a dread of crossing water and
could not be forced to enter it by the thieves. While the pirates were making
heroic afforts to get the horse across, Van Brocklin and Dimmick came up sud-
denly and the men ran into a nearby swamp. The horses were regained but the
thieves escaped.
About the same time, thieves secured the horses of Samuel Smith in Lan-
caster township and piloted them safely across the Mississippi and sold them.
Mutual Aid Societies, Regulators and Vigilance Committees were the most ef-
fective means of fighting the horse thieves in the earlier years. Later, vigorous
prosecution by such fearless men as States Attorney Thomas J. Turner, broke up
the operations of the band. Thomas Hotchkiss, Erin Township, was connected
with the band. He sold his farm to John Manlove in 1845.
PRAIRIE PIRATES.
Charles Waterman who came to Freeport in 1840, later settled in Loran
Township, where he built a mill and a distillery. He first lived in De Kalb
County and aided in putting an end to the "Driscolls." Bill Driscoll had sworn
to kill Waterman. Later Waterman overtook Driscoll on the road on horse-
back, both being heavily armed. Waterman watched the notorious bandit and
was prepared to shoot at any instant if attacked. While they were riding- along,
a body of settlers came up and captured Driscoll.
PIONEER ADVERTISING, NEWS, AND BUSINESS.
The following advertisements, news items and business statements give an
idea of business and advertising of the period 1847 to 1855 :
160 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
A copy of the Prairie Democrat, Vol. I, No. 10, Jan. 26, 1848, is the earliest
copy of this paper extant. No files were preserved and this copy and a few
later ones are highly valued. Below the title line was printed the paper's
motto, "Be Sure You're Right— Then Go— Ahead." The first item in the
paper was a suggestion, in rhyme, to subscribers to pay up. The last para-
graph follows :
"Your other bills you promptly pay,
Wherever you do go, sir —
The butcher for his meat is paid,
For sundries is the grocer,
The tailor and the shoemaker
The hatter and the vinter,
All get their pay, — then why neglect
To settle with the printer."
The poem was introduced by the editor with the pertinent remark, "A hint
to the wise is sufficient."
Almost all the front page was given over to a continued story, entitled,
"The Three Festivals." About four columns of the second page contained a
letter by Hon. Lewis Cass, explaining his sentiments in regard to the Wilmot
Proviso.
The paper has an editorial on Thomas J. Turner, the member of Con-
gress from this district, speaking of him as "One who was the artificer of his
own fortune. Who is equally at home in Congress or at the plow." A letter
from Washington praises Mr. Turner and says the best speech of the session
was made by Mr. Lincoln, who heretofore had been perfectly mute and took
Congress by surprise. An editorial lashes the whigs for being "in eternal hostility
to slavery and willing to nominate a man (General Zachary Taylor) who
owns the flesh and blood of hundreds of human beings ! Beautiful Consist-
ency !" "Henry Clay and Tom Cornin," an editorial says, "are in fact the
greatest of all Mexican heroes." Page 4 with the exception of one column "The
Farmer's Column," is devoted to advertising. In the Farmer's column is an
article on "Rotation of Crops," recommending the following order: Corn, oats,
barley or both with three parts of clover to one of timothy; third and fourth
years ; mow and pasture ; fourth year wheat, then corn again.
The paper contained a notice of the meeting of the literary association
which met at the Red Schoolhouse every Tuesday evening. The subject for de-
bate was, "Resolved: That war is justifiable." The disputants were T. F. Good-
hue, M. P. Sweet, C. A. Clark and others. There was also to be a lecture by
Dr. Hazlit on Phreno-Magnetism.
The editor inserted the following ad: "Wanted immediately at the office of
the Prairie Democrat, wood, 5,000 subscribers, grain, butter, lard, potatoes,
eggs, flour, honey, cash, etc.
The winter of 1847-8 is described as follows: "This is a curious winter.
To see a prairie on fire every night, the dust flying in the streets, the boys on
the common playing ball and clear beautiful days and nights, with a smoky at-
mosphere resembling the most exquisite Indian summer, is not what we have
been accustomed to."
O. II. W
George Purinton
P. Manny
.Tared Sheet/.
John II. Adda ins
M. Hettlnger A. A. Krape Horatio C. Burchard
PROMINENT CITIZENS OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 161
PIONEER ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS.
The advertising pages of the early paper are as interesting and significant
as the news and editorial columns. There was little display advertising. Most
of the ads were written full, with much rhyme and humor.
Mr. O. H. Wright advertised : Wanted, in exchange for goods, 100,000 feet
of lumber, 10,000 bushels oats and corn, 20,000 bushels wheat, hides, furs and
skins. He also advised delinquents to pay up at once if they wished to save the
"costs." Leonard, the jeweler, next door south of O. H. Wright's store, had
a half column ad with four paragraphs of "poetry" of which the following is
a sample.
"Yet for my bounty and your sake,
Good bank notes in pay I'll take,
So bring your clocks and watches too,
And I'll make them run, as well as you."
Jacob Smith wanted 35,000 barrel staves at once, $6 per thousand for pork
barrel staves and $4 per thousand for flour barrel staves. D. A. Knowlton's
ad states that no great battle or poetry is necessary to inform the citizens of
Stephenson County that his store is filled with dry goods, groceries, crockery,
hardware, etc. O. H. Wright lists groceries, hardware, crockery, queensware,
foreign and domestic dry goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, ready-made coats,
drugs, medicines, paints, oils, iron, steel, etc., and all kinds of produce wanted.
He thanks the public for trade for the past eleven years.
J. M. Baker advertised the ''Eagle Saloon" opposite courthouse. Besides
all kinds of wines, liquors and tobacco, he offered for sale fresh oysters, sar-
dines and "various articles in the grocery line." Mr. L. W. Guiteau, then
school commissioner, advertised a sale of school lands.
The following tailors advertised : Smith and Johnson, one door east of
Knowlton's old store; M. L. Shook, northeast of postoffice; Geo. W. New-
comer, opposite Jackson's grocery ; John F. Baker, first door northwest of O.
Taylor's store; S. Sweeley, over Knowlton's new store.
Mr. Knowlton advertised tea, warranted good, at 75 cents a pound, and
tea, warranted not good, at 12^/2 cents. He offered 65 cents for good winter
wheat and 60 cents for spring wheat. He states that good men owe him over
$15,000, and if they do not pay up he will leave the accounts with Major Howe
for collection. E. H. Hyde advertised to sell sugar at 9 to 12^/2 pounds for $i.
Mr. Oscar Taylor's ad of patent medicines is interesting as an ad and as
history. It is as follows:
t
PATENT MEDICINES.
Allen's Balsam of Hoarhound, for consumption and liver complaints ; Nerve
and Bone Liniment, and Indian Vegetable Elixir, for rheumatic affections, Dr.
Lin's Strengthening Plaster and Comstock & Co.'s Liquid Extract of Sarsa-
parilla; Oldridge's Balm of Columbia, a restorative of the hair; Hay's Lini-
ment ; Expectorant Syrup ; Dr. Spohn's Headache Remedy, either nervous or
162 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
bilious; Kline's Tooth Drops; Dr. McNair's Accoustic Oil for Deafness; Long-
ley's Great Western Indian Panacea, the best family cathartic, and the best
remedy for asthma, dyspepsia, liver complaints, and all bilious obstructions
which the combination of medicine affords. Bed Bug Bane; Indian Hair Dye,
warranted to color the hair brown or black without injury to it or coloring the
skin; Kolnstock's Vermifuge for worms; stove varnish; cough lozenges; Thomp-
son's Eyewater; Mother's Relief, which richly deserves its name; Mack Ken-
zie's Tonic Febrifuge, the best remedy for fever and ague extant. Oil of
Tannan, unequaled as a preserver and restorer of leather; Liquid Opodeldoc;
Elmore's, Wright's & Soule's Pills; together with divers other articles in that
line can be found genuine, and at the lowest prices, at the "Stephenson County
Cash Store," corner of Exchange and Galena streets. Freeport, January, '47.
OSCAR TAYLOR.
The following ad for Barrett's store will give a good idea of the strenuous
business of the times and also the nature of the early store, which was, in
fact, a "department store:"
A HASTY PLATE OF SOUP
Highway robbery, murder, treason, codfish, Loco Foco
matches, and 4 cent Calico ! !
GOODS ! ! !
Of fine and noble selections —
All colors, kinds and complexions —
Cheap as the cheapest at that,
Are being sold now-a-days — at
BARRETT'S :
Going off hourly, in boxes and sacks,
The richest, finest and best of nic-nacks
The clerks are busy early and late —
Using the yard stick as well as the slate.
HAIL COLUMBIA ! !
Groceries — of all kinds; (such as)
Gimps, and window blinds.
Teas, sugars, and cassimeres;
Oils, candies, and cashmeres ;
Indigo, trace chains, and nails;
Fulled cloths, satinetts and pails.
Raisins, ribbons and rice;
Molasses, gimlets and spice.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 163
NUTMEGS AND RAT TRAPS.
Tin-ware, and baby's socks;
Eggs, boots and brass clocks;
Ginger, candles and cradles;
Glauber salts, tobacco and ladles.
Lanterns, real estate and glues ;
Lead, shot, spices and shoes.
Tweedles, brooms and madder red;
Basins, log chains, red and black lead.
NOTIONS AND FIXINS !
Razors, perfumery and glass;
Hand saws, white satin — first class!
Paints, saw-files and silk;
Butter and cheese made of skim-milk!
LADY'S BONNETS AND DYE-STUFFS.
Mill saws, K. jeans, and spades;
Calicoes, caps and sun shades —
Garden seeds, shovels and forks ;
Last year's almanacs and corks ;
Hard times, cotton yarn and files ;
Silk and woolen goods — all styles.
French goods, "tunnels," buttons ;
Knives, forks — for steak or mutton !
CINNAMON AND CROCKERY.'
Mulls, muslins, laces and tar,
Cheap — as cheapest and cheaper by far
Clay pipes, whips, shovels and tongs;
Bonnet strings — ballads and songs.
Lamp oil, lamp-black and black lead;
Fiddle strings, marbles, greyish and red
Bleached, unbleached shirting and sheetings
Songs for whig and democrat meetings.
JEW'S HARPS, SCISSORS AND SCHOOL BOOKS !
Bed cords, ticking, powder and shot,
Kettles, hair oil, combs and pots;
Flannels, tin ware, and lady's fans
Hair combs, loaf sugar and moll-cans
Mittens, griddles — black and blue ink;
And other things of which I can't think
Promissory notes, and duns quite stale
Warranted now due — or no sale.
164 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
For all, or any of the above articles, and thousands of others,
just call at the cheapest store in Freeport — directly opposite the
Stephenson County Hotel — don't forget the place, but keep con-
stantly in your mind that interesting word — cheap.
Freeport, January 15, 1848.
A. A. Pollock, barber at I Stoneman's inn, says his prices are : Shaving 6*4
cents, hair-cutting 12^ cents, and adds "These prices will be kept up till some
barber comes along who will do the business for nothing." In one of his ads
O. Taylor says: "We have been told that opposition is the life of business,
therefore, I will pay 65 cents for winter wheat and 60 cents for spring wheat,
in goods at lower prices than any other store in Freeport. F. A. Stricky had
a big ad for his Pennsylvania store. Mr. D. A. Knowlton in his ad offered
great bargains, as he had decided to dispose of his entire stock. His explana-
tion follows:
GREAT BARGAINS! !
Having spent the last eight years in hard toil and taxed my mind
day and night with the cares of business, until I have impaired
my health and broken my constitution, and having been blessed by
Divine Providence with a reasonable compensation for my labors,
and now feeling a desire of changing my business, so as to place
myself more at ease, knowing that all I can get in this world is
what I can eat, drink and wear. I would now say to the citizens
of Stephenson County and the public in general that I have re-
solved to dispose of my entire STOCK OF GOODS. Therefore
I will pay 65 cents for good Winter Wheat and 60 cents for good
Spring Wheat, in exchange for goods; and I will pay the highest
price of Oats, Corn, Hides, Furs, Butter, Cheese, Beeswax, Ginseng
and most kinds of Country Produce in exchange for goods. There-
fore, all persons wishing to buy goods will find it much to their
advantage to call at D. A. KNOWLTON'S well known WHOLE-
SALE & RETAIL STORE, as Great Bargains will be offered
there and goods will be sold a little cheaper than the cheapest.
Also, that I will now sell my Entire Stock of Goods to any Mer-
chant wishing to locate in Freeport, at a Great Bargain and Rent
my Store, for a year or a term of years. D. A. KNOWLTON.
An ad with some evidence of literary genius is the following by Abel Smith
of Winslow :
WONDERFUL DEATH BY CONSUMPTION.
After consuming thousands, Mr. Credit has laid down and died,
at the "Rough & Ready Store," in Winslow. Call on Abel Smith
and he will preach his funeral sermon over a lot of choice YANKEE
NOTIONS, and a fine lot of Groceries, and a smart sprinkling
of DRY-GOODS, together with White fish, paints, tin-ware, boots
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 165
and shoes, thoroughly made, to order. Bring out your produce ,and
I will do your work cheaper, or sell you a pile of goods cheap.
,,r , ABEL SMITH.
Wmslow, January i.
L. W. Guiteau advertised his new store and stock at the southeast corner
of the Public Square.
One of the unique and significant ads of 1847 was that of J. Howe, the
hotel man. It follows :
A few travellers can be quietly entertained at Howe's Cottage —
with poor fare, at high prices if they come sober and remain so.
N. B. I want it should be distinctly understood, of all the living
beings, a drunkard, to me is the most detestable ! I can bear with i
snakes, toads, hedge-hogs and skunks ; because they are as they were
created ; but an intelligent human being that will make a brute of him
or herself, by intoxicating drink — or those who furnish it to a fel-
low being, until he or she is intoxicated, and then turn them into
the streets to the exposure of the frost, and gaping multitude — I
say to such, I have no shelter. J. HOWE.
Freeport, December, 1847.
F. A. Strocky's notice to delinquents is a type of the method of asking cred-
itors to pay up :
NOTICE. — All persons indebted to me buy note, book account, or
otherwise, are respectfully requested to call and liquidate their in-
debtedness, on or before the loth of January next, or I shall be
compelled to assist them by legal process. Gentlemen, I wish to pay
my debts at maturity, and only ask you to do the same — That's
all! F. A. STROCKY.
Freeport, December 27, 1847.
E. H. Hyde's half column ad is similar to that of Barrett's in the long list
of articles to be found in his store.
ITEMS.
The Journal, December 6, 1848, said, "No more bandits to be sent from
our country to revolutionize other countries and annex them to our country."
1848, December 13, J. G. Bedee had taken charge of the Stephenson County
Hotel. A large addition had been made and fitted up in good style.
Ad : "Winneshiek House, corner Stephenson and Chicago streets, M. M.
Woodin."
County finances April 4, 1849:
Appropriation and expenses $2,727.76
Revenue for 1848 2,256.75
Fines and licenses 328.25
Rent of court house 25-6s
County indebtedness 1,527.05
1848, J. A. Grain and James Schofield were appointed West Point cadets
from the 6th district.
166 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
January 24, 1849, J- H. and P. Manny advertised the Manny Harvester in
the Freeport Journal. The shop was then conducted at Waddams Grove. "The
machine will cut a level swath at any height the man at the wheel may desire.
He adjusts the machine to suit the height of the grain. The grain is conveyed
by the machine directly to the wagon from the knives as it is cut, or it will leave
the grain in the — ? — to be bound by hand. Two horses will draw the ma-
chine. Fifteen acres can be cut in a day, the machine cutting five feet. It will
pass over stumps not over two feet high. The price of a machine is $250."
Threshing cost 5 cents a bushel in 1848.
The following ad explains itself : "Cash paid for hauling wheat to Chicago.
60 teams wanted immediately, for which the highest price will be paid. D. A.
Knowlton."
"Last Call. All persons indebted to Emmert & Strohm must pay up im-
mediately, or "Fred" or the constable will be after an introduction."
In 1852, the circuit court indicted William Peoples and W. M. Denton for
passing counterfeit money and they were sentenced to years imprisonment. Later
they were granted a new trial.
Norton's Book Store established a circulating library in 1852.
A large addition to Stephenson County Hotel completed, August, 1849.
A public dinner was served to Hon. Thomas J. Turner, at the Eagle Hotel,
April 19, 1849. All were invited. Music was furnished by the Freeport Brass
Band. S. D. Carpenter, editor of the Democrat was orator of the day. Mr.
Turner responded with an able speech. It was a non-partisan affair. The com-
mittee on arrangements were: A. T. Green, Charles Beth, D. A. Knowlton, F.
A. Strocky, M. M. Woodin and Nelson Martin. Mr. E. Torrey was president
of the day. Eleven regular toasts were given, after the dinner at the Eagle
Hotel and seven volunteer toasts followed.
The day was in honor of Mr. Turner as the district's congressman, 1846-
1848.
The Journal, May 23, 1849: "Whig Postmaster at Freeport! It gives us
great pleasure to announce the appointment of that staunch and reliable whig,
George Reitzell, to the office of postmaster in this village."
In the Journal, November 30, 1848, S. D. Knight calls attention to his store
by the following head-lines :
"Revolution in Freeport,
Vive La Republique."
Emmert & Strohm's ad in 1848, December 13, appealed to young ladies with
tendencies toward matrimony. It said : "O, Ladies ! Call at Emmert & Strohm's
and examine those beautiful toilet articles. Purchase some of those perfumes
that tickle so finely the noses of the sterner sex. Heed this advice if you are
after a beau, and if you have caught one, heed that you may keep him."
The "Sons of Temperance" held a public meeting in the Presbyterian church,
December 15, 1848. Mr. James Turner and Mr. C. A. Clark addressed the
meetings.
The third issue of the Freeport Journal, November 30, 1848, made a strong
appeal for the establishment of factories. It argued that a county and a city
could not be built up without factories.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 167
The Journal of 1852, September 25, goes hard after Thompson Campbell.
It appears that Campbell had pledged 700 abolitionists that he was in favor of
prohibiting slavery in the territories, abolishing slavery in the District of Col-
umbia, opposed to admission of Slave States to be made out of Texas or other
territory, favors the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law and urges all constitutional
means to restrict the slave trade.
Speaking of the old cemetery the Journal said, June 3, 1850: "A great por-
tion of the grounds are unprotected. Not a single tree is there to spread its quiet
shades around. There is no fence (except in a few cases) to shield the dust of
departed friends from being trampled and torn by the beasts of the field."
The edition then urged the building of an iron fence at a cost of $200.00.
Mr. Pells Manny advertised his new self-raker, drop reaper and clipper
February, 1850. The drop became the usual reaper till the binder was per-
fected many years later.
Dr. J. V. H. Judd located permanetly in Freeport in 1850.
Journal, April 29, 1850 : "Wanted, a quantity of wood at this office to apply
on account."
MORE ADVERTISING IN 1850.
Great excitement at the post office ;
New goods and new prices ! !
In this way John Black called attention to the "largest and best stock of
goods ever offered to the citizens of the county." He stood ready to prove that
goods were selling cheaper than the high tariff prices of previous years.
Folloch, the barber, advertised in 1850, "That ladies could have their heads
shampooed at home if they wished and that gentlemen who were being shaved
by the month or quarter would be furnished with a lather box and brush ex-
clusively for their own use."
January 10, 1851, D. A. Knowlton advertised that he would receive "Span-
ish quarters" at 25 cents in trade or on debts. He scored merchants who
were allowing only 20 cents for them.
John L. Burgers, a son of W. L. Burgers of Rock Run, was bitten by a
poisonous snake, June 15, 1850. The poison spread rapidly through his sys-
tem and he died in eleven hours.
Godey's Lady's Book was the "Ladies Home Journal" of 1850.
Raymond Co.'s extenstive menagerie, being the largest and rarest collec-
tion of wild beasts, birds and reptiles, will exhibit at Freeport, Saturday, July
13, 1850. Admission 25 cents.
Journal, August 23, 1850: "Our town has been honored the past week by
a 'traveling theatre company,' with its usual attendants, viz. : rowdyism and
intemperance. It will be well for good citizens of neighboring towns not to be
taken in by the boastful pretensions of the 'Robinson Family.' "
In 1850, Rev. Parker for the Presbyterian and Rev. DeVore for the Metho-
dists held big revival meetings in Freeport.
The Messrs. Stowell of Waddams Grove, invented and manufactured a sod
fence machine. They claimed it would be possible to build a mile of fence per
day. The machine was drawn by oxen and cut the sod in strips and laid it up
168 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
in a durable fence. Four men and five yoke of oxen were required to operate
the machine.
ADVERTISING 1852.
The advertisers in 1852 continued the style of 1847. Block & Lowenthal,
corner of Stephenson and Adams streets, called attention to their goods as
follows :
Look Out, Clear the Track,
Freeport Railroad
Clothing Depot.
Block & Lowenthal — Just Arrived, etc.
J. S. Emmert & Co. attracted attention by: "Spirit Rappings! call and ex-
amine and if you are not pleased with the elephant, we will charge you nothing
for the sight."
Excelsior! in big type announces G. G. Norton's book store bargains. Stib-
gen & Engle have a big ad for the Stephenson County Hardware Co. A pic-
ture of a loaded freight train calls attention to D. A. Knowlton's new and up-
to-date stock of goods.
"Kossuth in Freeport" — In order to procure his arrival you must call at
the third house below the Winneshiek, for the woodwork of wagons and car-
riages, by R. Moorland.
S. Sutherland has a big ad for his "new merchant and grist mill," on Rich-
land Creek near Wilcoxen's Mill. "The mill will be known as Sciota Mill,
Pennsylvanians, this is the mill for you! We will only toll a tenth; Buckeyes,
Yankees, or the hardy sons of Ireland's Isle, you shall be used alike and have
your turn. Jackson Bower, an experienced miller, will receive your grist in
English or Dutch. We want our mill enrolled in the memory of the dear
people of the county who care for the body as well as the soul."
"Smith O'Brien Escaped! and the Freeport Cabinet Warerooms refitted! is
the head of a long ad by Snyder & Wade, below the Winneshiek.
The "Jenny Lind" livery stable, run by Chas. Butler and Daniel Powell, made
a bid for business but added poetically:
Don't ride till you're able
When you ride be sure to pay,
Credit won't buy oats or hay !
There were numerous ads for hair dyes, snuff and "segars."
INTERESTING ITEMS— 1850-2.
Mr. Crouse of Ohio took charge of the Winneshiek House in July, 1852.
Barna T. Stowell, Esq., of Waddams Grove, invented a self-loading and
dumping cart, which he exhibited, July 19, 1852. The machine worked ad-
mirably and fulfilled the most sanguine expectations of the inventor.
Spalding and Roger's North America Circus showed in Freeport, August
24, 1852.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 169
The Journal of June 10, 1850, says, "Last year (1849) tne population of
Freeport was 1,020. This year a census has been taken and shows an increase
of 480, making the population 1,500. Sixty new dwelling houses have been
begun this spring."
The Journal's circulation in 1851 was 323 and that of the Prairie Demo-
crat was 348, both weeklies.
In July, 1851, both the Democrat and the Journal had long discussions on
the short dress and "bloomer costume" that were then trying to become the
vogue.
The Freeport Temperance Society was organized at the Baptist church,
July ii, 1851.
In 1851, a movement was under way to build a plank road from Freeport
to Monroe, Wisconsin. That would bring the trade of southern Wisconsin
to Freeport and then to Chicago, via the coming railroad.
Brewster & Wheeler's nursery had 150,000 trees in 1851.
In J. H. Manny's ad for his reapers and mowers, September 12, 1851, were
the endorsements of almost 100 citizens of Stephenson County.
Journal, October 3, 1851: "Psychology. — A fellow calling himself Dr. Den^
nis, has been endeavoring to lecture to some of our citizens for several evenings
on this humbug Science."
A. H. Wise advertised the "Kossuth Hack" from Freeport to the railroad
in 1852.
March 19, 1852, there was held in Freeport an Irish patriot mass meeting.
The meeting was held in the courthouse for the purpose of making a demon-
stration in behalf of Smith O'Brien, John Mitchel and other Irish exiles and
prisoners. Thomas Egan was chairman and Phillip Hogan, vice president; and
Edward Burke, secretary. A committee on resolutions was appointed and H.
Bright addressed the meeting.
In June, 1852, Mease & Ely opened a new steam flouring mill in Freeport.
A terrific storm passed through Oneco Township in June, 1852, blowing
down John Sheckard's barn, tore up trees, scattered grain and killed hogs,
sheep and calves.
ADVERTISING.
J. S. Emmert endeavored to do a little advertising by telegraphy, the line
being expected from Rockford any day in 1851. His ad was headed:
BY TELEGRAPH.
The news came by telegraph this morning. The man who
catches lightning from the wires, was dazzled by its brightness.
When he recovered his vision, he saw "in characters of living light"
that the customers of J. S. Emmert will do well, etc.
^ October 22, 1851, George W. Oyler advertised his Tontine, eating saloon,
nearly opposite to the Winneshiek House. He served oysters, pig feet, veni-
son, tripe, beefsteak, quail, ducks, fish, etc., "in short, everything calculated
170 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
to make a person laugh and grow fat." He adds this : P. S. "Buckwheat cakes
at all hours. Persons attending court, call and try my fixin's."
Emmert & Burrell ran a soda fountain in 1854-5.
A Mr. Walker who quarreled with his wife and step-son suicided April,
1855, by jumping into the Pecatonica River.
W. C. Clark took charge of the Clark House June, 1855. It was the old
Stephenson House remodeled.
Journal, 1855, June 7: "Freeport receives and sells more merchandise than
Rockford and does a better railroad business than Rockford." Our love for
Rockford began early.
Shipments from Freeport in 1855 were:
Wheat shipped bu. 347,012
Pork shipped Ib. 3,206,808
Potatoes shipped bu. 34,000
Corn shipped bu. 378,758
Oats shipped bu. 113,029
Rye shipped bu. 181,323
Butter shipped Ib. 90,000
Wool shipped Ib. 16,900
The Freeport Union Chorus Society gave a concert at Plymouth Hall De-
cember 31, 1855.
Hugh Jones was found frozen to death in Silver Creek Township, January
2, 1856. He was intoxicated and lost his way while returning from Freeport.
The following were elected supervisors, April, 1854:
Harlem William Buckley.
West Point M. Lawyer.
Silver Creek M. Hettinger.
Lancaster V. Hemmenway.
Buckeye F. Bolender.
Loran G. W. Andrews.
Florence L. Lee.
Rock Grove John Voght.
Waddams Levi Robey.
Rock Run J. A. Davis.
Oneco Andrew Hines.
Ridott G. A. Farwell.
Erin Wm. Goddard.
Winslow P. Sweeley.
Freeport A. W. Rice.
In 1854 the following erected new buildings in Freeport: Judge Farwell, Mar-
tin & Karcher, Mitchell & Putnam and E. H. Hyde. The building of the last
named gentleman included a public hall.
In February, 1855, a deep snow fell. The Journal says that only four mails
were received from the east in two weeks.
The assessed valuation of property in Freeport in 1853 was:
Real estate $1,789,904
Personal property 982,096
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 171
Rymal & Wilmot employed about 25 men in 1854, manufacturing plows.
The annual output was 1,000 plows.
Horace Mann gave two lectures in Freeport under the auspices of the Liter-
ary Institute, March 21, 1854.
In 1855, N. W. Edwards, the first superintendent of schools, made a tour of
inspection of schools in Stephenson County.
The Journal, September 2, 1852, gives great praise to the Teacher's Insti-
tute held at the Union school.
The Journal, 1855, October 25, announces the law partnership formed by
T. J. Turner and H. C. Burchard, "the late popular principal of the Union
school." The Journal paid Mr. Burchard a high compliment and prophesied
his success at the bar.
ADVERTISING.
Emmert & Bastress employed literary genius in placing before the public
their new cleaning preparation in October, 1859, as follows:
"Awake snakes and come to judgment,
Glad tidings of great joy !"
Bring on your dirty clothes and have the filthy scum of human impurities
rinsed and soaked out of them with one half the usual labor. Old worn-out
superannuated washer-woman : Ye wives of dirty husbands ! Yes, even those
beautiful and simpering creatures whose pretty fingers are altogether unac-
customed to the drudgery of cleansing dirty clothes. Wake up and rejoice in
the hour of your deliverance from servile drudgery. Emmert & Bastress have
on hand and for sale what they call "Renovating Mixture," etc., etc.
December 5, 1849, Journal ad :
"The Hewes of Buena Vista ! !
Adam Franz and Old Jack 1 ! !
Have entered into a copartnership to do
Blacksmithing business on Galena street."
In the October loth issue of the Journal, 1849, the following ad was in-
serted :
TEACHER WANTED.
A person well qualified to teach in the common school will find employment
for the coming winter by applying soon. Inquire of Jared Sheetz, James Hart
or George Miller. Directors of District No. 2, five miles west of Freeport.
In October, 1849, J- H. Schlott and Jacob Stibgen began the manufacture of
the J. C. Miller & Co. grain drills at Freeport. The drill was a two horse simple
affair and sowed five rows.
Crane & Co.'s circus exhibited in town last Tuesday, said the Journal, August
8, 1849.
Journal, August 15, 1849: "Somebody has sheared the mane and tail of Mr.
Jones' horse, whereas. Friend Carpenter comes down on the whigs like thou-
sand brick. If true it is contemptible, but not half as contemptible as trying to
make a neighborhood quarrel out of politics."
172 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
PIONEER EDUCATION.
With the pioneers of northern Illinois, the establishment of schools was a
natural process. A large number of the settlers of Stephenson County from
1833 to 1835, were from New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Many
of them were graduates of academies and seminaries of the east. They came
west because of the greater opportunities. Cheap land meant to them large
farms and a competence. But they brought with them the wilds of Stephenson
County, that which could not be lost, the culture and inspiration of those east-
ern schools. No sooner were the log cabin homes built and a small clearing
made, than these people set to work with willing hands, to build the log- school
house. It was by studied plan or new thought that public schools sprang up in
the county — it was the natural spontaneous activity of a people who themselves
had had the advantages of an education. Like the church, the school was brought
here and established by the settlers.
Many of the settlers came from Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Some for a time had remained in Southern Indiana and Illinois. These set-
tlers, while they had not been so familiar with the free public school idea, yet
had had the benefit of the system of private instruction prevailing in the South.
So they, too, were in favor of education. All over the county were a number
of strong families from Old England, and large colonies of German people from
the Fatherland. These people in different ways modified the educational spirit
sentiment of the county.
With such a population from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and
the South, from Old England and Germany, education could not fail to make
progress.
The sparsely settled country, panics and the "Internal Improvement" blunder
that almost bankrupted the state and made necessary heavy taxes, hindered edu-
cational progress. In 1844, the legislature made a start in the right direction and
passed additional legislation in 1847, 1849 and 1851. In 1855, an educational
measure was passed that comprised all the essential features of former measures
and included new features among which was "the sovereign rights of the state
to levy and collect a sufficient tax from real estate and personal property to be
expended in providing its youth a common school education."
In a state that squandered millions on wildcat internal improvements, there
was strong opposition to this measure for public taxation for schools. A vig-
orous attempt was made to have the law repealed, but all attempts failed. These
state laws marked the beginning of the end of the "subscription school." A
voluntary subscription school was not broad enough in its foundation for the
basis of a school system of a great state. Such a system taxed the well to do, if
they had children, heavier than the present scheme, and made education pro-
hibitive to the children of the poor. Besides, in a school maintained by volun-
tary subscription month by month, the very existence of the school often de-
pended on the "catering" of the teacher to the whims and prejudices and jeal-
ousies of the subscribers who withdrew support if the school was not run to
suit them. This happened occasionally and school stopped in the middle of the
FIRST STONE SCIIOOLHOUSE, LENA
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 173
term. The whole scheme was a mere makeshift, the best that could be done
for the time, and passed into history with first rude shacks built in the wilds of
early Illinois. It was not a system at all.
Today it is generally recognized as the duty of the state to provide free
public schools for its children. Most men even concede that such a system is an
economic necessity — that it is cheaper in the end to tax all the people for the edu-
cation of all the state's children, than it is to support them in ignorance and
crime. A century ago, the old idea that education was a private rather than
a public interest, was breaking down. The ordinance of 1787, voiced the idea of
public education when it said : "Religion, morality and knowledge being nec-
essary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the
means of education shall forever be encouraged." Besides, as the state is the
agency through which all the people act, the state is the best means fog es-
tablishing a state-wide educational system.
In 1785, the Congress of the Confederation passed an ordinance establishing
for the northwest territory, the present system of land surveys, laying off the
county in townships six miles square. This ordinance also decreed that the i6th
section, or 1 736 of each township, should be set apart for maintaining public
schools in that township. In 1818, when Illinois became a state, congress gave
these lands to the new state for the purpose of aiding education. At the same
time, 1818, congress also promised 3% of the net proceeds of the sale of all
public lands in Illinois after January i, 1819, to be appropriated by the leg-
islature for the encouragement of learning. So, indeed, the beginning of the
great public school system of Illinois is to be found in the foresight and in the
generous provision of the congress of the United States.
The state was slow to take advantage of its opportunities. In 1825, a law
was passed by the state legislature providing for a system of free schools which
might be supported partly by public taxation. This law was ahead of public
sentiment and was soon repealed. Persistent agitation was necessary to arouse
the people and bring public sentiment up to the point of maintaining a system
of public schools by general taxation. Among the pioneers of this period were
Newton Bateman and Professor W. J. Turner of Illinois College. Provision was
made for school township and school district officials. The office of county
superintendent of schools was created and the secretary of the state was made
ex-officio state superintendent of schools. In 1854, the office of state superin-
tendent was created separate from that of secretary of state. Finally, in 1855,
37 years after Illinois became a state, a general school law was adopted which
became the foundation of the present school system of the state. The new law
provided for free schools by local taxation and aided by the state school funds.
This act made it possible for districts to proceed to build and maintain schools.
In 1870, a step farther was taken in the new state constitution, which required
the legislature to "provide a thorough and efficient system of public schools
whereby the children of this state may receive a good common school education.
The constitution requires a school system "whereby all the children of the
state may receive a good common school education." The school board in
each district must keep a sufficient number of free schools to accommodate all
174 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the children of the district and "secure to all such children the right and oppor-
tunities to an equal education in such schools."
The first school in Stephenson County was taught by Jane Goodhue in Ran-
somville, a mile or so below Winslow, in 1834. In 1836, Thomas Grain, at
Grain's Grove, employed Charles Walker to teach his children. Walker was
to give them the plain 3 R's, the limited rudiments of an education. Walker
received $25.00 a month, and was not a reliable character. He remained several
months teaching the children and later developed penchant for stealing horses.
He kept this up till 1838, when he was caught and sent to the state prison at
Alton. In the summer of 1837, William Ensign conducted a school at the resi-
dence of James Timms at Kellog's Grove. During the same year, Nelson Mar-
tin, brother of Dr. Chancellor Martin, opened a school in the old log store
building on the Pecatonica River, Freeport, not far from the foot of Galena
street. This school building was a small log cabin, 14 x 10, seven foot to the
eaves, puncheon floor and one window. As the storg goes, the cabin was hauled
up town in 1839 and located on Galena street.
Mr. Martin's reputation as a disciplinarian has come down to us in a tradi-
tional way. He was exacting and had forbidden skating on the Pecatonica,
the penalty being a flogging. A student, John Thatcher, forgot and was caught
in the act of violating the Professor's commandment. Mr. Martin gave young
Thatcher the extreme penalty, and the boy received such a flogging, that the
students all quit school except the children of two families, Davis and Hunt.
As it was a subscription school, the teacher's income was thus largely cut off and
in a short time the school stopped. Among the students of this school were
Frederick, John, Elmus and Thomas Baker ; John, Ellen and Elizabeth Thatcher ;
Chloe, Ann, Rebecca, Jane, O. P. and W. W. Smith; A. C, Eliza, Sara and
Hamilton Hunt; Polly Strockey; Enos and Salome Fowler; Michael Reed and
Levi, William and Olive Davis. In the winter of 1838-9, a Mr. Everett reopened
the school. Besides the students who had started under Dr. Martin there were
Rivers Fowler, W. H. and H. W. Hollenbeck, A. P. Goddard and others. The
winter of 1839-40, Frederick Buckley taught the school. The next school was
opened by a Miss Wright, in a frame building at the corner of Galena and Chi-
cago streets, the present site of Moogk's drug store. Rothilda Buck and Lucinda
and Marilla Williams also taught in this house. For a time William Buckley
taught a school in Knowlton's addition.
By 1843, tne increase in population made a demand for a large and better
school house. There was, as yet, no taxation for school purposes and a build-
ing was built by popular subscription. It was a frame structure, painted red
and cost about $300. It was located on Van Buren street, a short distance north
from the court house.
This one story, one room building 18 x 30, was Freeport's school house till
1850 when the Union school was built on the present site of the High school.
SCHOOLS.
The following from the "Illustrated Freeport, by the Journal, 1896, should
be preserved in the history of education in Freeport:
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 175
"In April, 1843, a s^e f°r a school house on the north end of the lot on Van
Buren street, next north of the present postoffice, was purchased of, and deeded
by Philip Fowler to the township trustees of schools. Upon this ground was
erected the same year
THE LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE,
a picture of which, as it appeared in 1850, and of the teachen in charge and
fifty-five of the scholars attending, appears on the following page. It was
reproduced from a daguerreotype Mr. John A. Clark, then clerk of the circuit
court, paid $5.00 to have taken, and which he presented to the teacher, Miss
Louisa Burchard. This was the only school house owned by the Freeport school
district until the erection upon the site of the present high school' building of a
large two-story brick school house calld the Union school building. Having
purchased this new site and levied taxes to build the Union school house, the di-
rectors of the district proceeded to organize the Freeport schools upon the graded
system. They rented the basements of two of the churches and created three
departments — a higher, intermediate and primary. Mr. A. B. Campbell, who
had previously taught a private school in Freeport, was employed as principal
and given the general supervision of all the departments. The schools were
opened April 12, 1850. His assistants in the higher departments with him at
first were Miss Emily Jackson, who married John K. Brewster, and later Miss
Mary Burchard, sister of the Hon. H. C. Burchard; in the intermediate, a Mr.
Lutz and Miss Delia Hyde ; in the primary, Miss Louisa Burchard, now Mrs. H.
D. Converse, who lives at Maryville, Missouri. The primary department was
located in "the little red school house."
It must be difficult to distinguish, and after a lapse of forty-five years, name
each pupil in the group, but Mrs. Converse recognizes nearly all, and among
them point out several, now men and women grown, who are well known to our
citizens. In front of the window, the second boy from the farther end of the
row on her right, stands Dexter A. Knowlton, Esq., barefooted, shoes and
stockings in his hands. The middle boy of the three sitting in the front row is
Steuben Stoneman. On his left, third boy from the end, is John Black, in the
rear of whom is Urias Mayer, now deceased. In the same second row, next to
Mayer, and on his left, a dark-haired boy with broadf forehead, is the Hon.
Michael Stoskopf, and on the right stands Charles Green, who became a mem-
ber of the Freeport bar, and died two years ago. In the rear, between Green
and Mayer, is Fred Norton, afterwards a lieutenant in the United States navy.
In the same row, to the left of Stoskopf, the boy with the white shirt front and
turn down collar is Peter Lerch, now living in Chicago, and the large boy stand-
ing on the steps between him and the teacher is John Rice, a nephew of Asahel
W. Rice, then living in Freeport, now in Iowa. The boy standing in the front row,
with the belt about his waist, was George Carter, a brother of Mrs. E. L.
Cronkrite. Of the four small boys sitting on the steps, the first next to him
is Charles Smith ; the second, Chancellor Martin, who became a West Point
graduate, a lieutenant in the United States army and now lives in New York
City; the third is the Rev. David Burrell, the eloquent pastor of one of the
176 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
leading churches of the metropolis; the fourth is Charles Sweet, a brother of
Mrs. J. A. Grain ; not long afterwards he was drowned in the Pecatonica River.
Among the girls on the extreme left is Julia Sweet. The third from her,
dressed in White, is Ellen Clark, a daughter of John A. Clark. On her right,
just behind her standing between the window and the corner of the school house,
is Ellen Carter, the mother of Corporation Counsel William N. Cronkrite. The
girl on her right, her face near and below the corner of the window, was Charles
H. Rosenstiel's oldest daughter Matilda, who married Dr. Carey, of Beloit, Wis.,
and died there several years ago. The two taller girls on her right, next to
and in front of the window, are Ellen and Josephine Krinbill, now living in
Freeport. The girl holding in front of her the large bouquet was Amanda Black,
now Mrs. William McHenry, of this city. On her left, next to her, stood W.
W. Smith's daughter Mary, who died at her father's home in Freeport a few
years later. A glimpse of the face of Mrs. C. H. Chapman (Anna Stibgen) is
seen, partly hidden by the boy with folded arms on the left of the door. The
girl standing next to the left, her dark hair covering a portion of her forehead,
was Eva Tarbox, who afterwards became the wife of the Hon. J. S. Cochran,
and who died at Freeport in 1777.
Among the pupils were others who grew up and continued to reside in Free-
port, and can be pointed out by Mrs. Converse.
PIONEER EDUCATION.
"The first school in Freeport was held in 1839," says Thomas J. Turner, in
1866 in the "Northwest," "in an unfinished building on Galena street. The pro-
prietor needed his room and the school, about a dozen children, moved to the
log store on the river. Later, a breaking team hauled the building up town and
located it where the Wilcoxen block now stands. The last use of this build-
ing was as a cow stable in a dirty alley." A similar fate awaited the old red
school house which was moved away and used as a livery stable. Later, both
were burned.
SCHOOLS.
In the "Northwest," April 5, 1866, Hon. T. J. Turner said: "It required
great labor to get up an interest in schools and education in Freeport. For
many years all efforts to create a school fund by taxation were successfully re-
sisted. It was painful and amusing, at elections called for that purpose, to see
large numbers of poor people who were rich in nothing but children, and who had
no property to tax, march up and vote against raising any revenue for school
purposes ; while those who bore the burden generally voted the other way. The
enemies of taxation for school purposes hoped to win at one election by put-
ting out a ticket in favor of an enormous tax, so as to divide the friends of
public schools. They were detected, and those who were in favor of a reason-
able tax adopted the exhorbitant ticket and it carried."
Mr. Turner also says, "We have been providentially spared the necessity of
having academies." He adds, "We were fairly cheated out of the female branch
of the Wisconsin & Illinois College of Beloit.
KLOCK SCHOOLHOI'SK BUILT IN 1847 BY WILLIAM KRAPE
TIIF. I.ITTI.K KKD S( '1 1< )( )l.l K IfSK
LIBRARY
OF 1HE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEFHENSON COUNTY 177
The winter of 1845-6, the teacher was D. H. Sutherland. He received $20.00
a month and "boarded round." While the pay seems small, yet in proportion to
the times it was quite equal to the pay of the teachers of most one room schools
of today. One of the students was a negro boy "Black Abe" employed in the
Brewster family. Race feeling was aroused when the Professor seated "Abe"
by a white boy, whose mother at once read the "riot act" to the teacher. The
teacher found it convenient to change "Abe" and a race war was averted. Abe,
however, remained in school. One of the students who attended during Pro-
fessor Sutherlands instruction later won distinction as General James M.
Schofield.
The first school in Oneco Township was taught by Mr. Bissell P. Bellknapp,
a native of Vermont. He came to Oneco in 1839. In 1840, at the house of Anson
Denio in the village of Oneco, taught the first school in the township of Oneco.
The first school in Winslow was held in Edward Hunt's wagon shop in 1840.
In this primitive school, instruction was given in the rudiments of an education.
A wagon shop for a school would not seem so out of place today when schools
are paying special attention to industrial training. After a short time a school
house was. built on a hill southwest of the city, which was used till 1872, when
a larger building, a frame structure, was erected. Paul Chandler is supposed to
have taught the first school in Rock Grove about 1841. A permanent school
was established in section 36, in 1846. About Rock City, the first school was
located on the Carnefix farm, but when a village was laid out, a stone school
house was built and was opened by a teacher named Searles. The first teacher
in Silver Creek Township was Charles Walker who was employed at $75.00
a quarter to teach the children of Thomas Craine. History is uncertain in
regard to the first school in Loran Township. It is claimed that the first school
was taught at Kirkpatrick's in 1840. Others claim that the first school was es-
tablished in 1841, in section 2, near Babb's church, where a Mr. Allison was
employed by Reuben Babb, Willian Kirkpatrick and Anson Andrews. Two early
pedagogues of Jefferson Township were George Truckenmiller and a Mr. Bonne-
man. The first permanent school was in a log school house near the village
of Loran. The school at Eleroy was built in 1855. One of the first schools in
Ridott ownship was the Select school taught in a log house on the farm of
Horace Colburn. In 1855, a frame school was built on the Harvey P. Water's
farm and "served 14 years as school, church, lecture room and house of enter-
tainment."
In West Point Township, William Waddams first employed a private teacher
for his children. In 1840, a log school was built on Luman Montague's farm.
In 1849, a log house on the Samuel F. Dodd's farm, near Lena, served as school,
with Miss Maria Pickard as teacher. In 1850, a log school was built in what
is now Lena, and served till 1854 when the old stone school was built. In 1836,
a school was opened three miles north of Cedarville in Buckeye Township. This
was a typical log school, no window, puncheon floor and board roof, and in 1840
a one-story frame school was built in Cedarville. One of the early teachers was
Isaac Allen of New York, who is still remembered by Capt. Reitzell, one of his
students, as a teacher of great force of character. Other early teachers were
Miss Julia Putnam and a Mr. Chadwick. In 1853, a school was conducted in the
178 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
basement of the Lutheran church and in 1855 a two-story brick building was
erected by taxation. From 1857 to 1865, a Miss Gorham conducted a private
school in Cedarville. Among the early teachers in Waddams township were
Fayette Goddard and Adeline Hulbert. In Florence Township, the first school
was taught in 1840 by Miss Flavilla Forbes in what was known as the "Academy,"
James Hart's old log house.
"CORNSTALK COLLEGE," DISTRICT NO. i.
The well known "Cornstalk College," sometimes called the "Block School,"
and one now known as Eldorado school, was one of the early schools of Stephen-
son County. It was located in Township 29, north Range 8, and was in Dis-
trict No. i. This school district has always been noted for its progressive en-
thusiasm and loyalty. In 1907, at Gift's Grove, a home coming celebration
was held, attended by former students, teachers and patrons from far and
near. At this meeting, C. A. Cadwell read a history of the district, compiled
after great industry and with commendable accuracy. This history was pub-
lished and contains pictures of school buildings, teachers and students and citi-
zens. In this work the district has set an example that should be followed by
every district in the country. The "History of Eldorado," in its 116 pages con-
tains a compilation of the history of the district.
The earliest settler was Ezra B. Gillett in 1837. Joab Marton came the
same year. A little later came Isaac Kleckner, Mr. Daggett, Mr. Kitchell,
Mr. Hoffman and a Mr. Loomis. In 1839, Alfred Cadwell and Walter Bel-
knap entered claims, also B. P. Belknap, G. S. Cadwell, Mr. Strader and Mr.
Starr. In 1841 Michael Bolender and John Bear entered claims. Ira Winchell
came in 1843; Andrew Swarts in 1844; and Wm. Krape in 1840. From this
date the neighborhood was settled up by two classes of people, the Yankee and
the Dutch. Because of different customs and ideas and more because of a
difference of language, the two classes were a trifle slow in mixing properly.
In 1841 a subscription school was opened on the D. C. Gillett claim later pur-
chased by Mr. Hoffman. The schoolhouse was a quarter mile south and a quar-
ter mile east of the Rocky residence. The first teacher was E. B. Gillett. The
following attended the first school : The children of Phillip Wells, Addison,
Ottis, Judson, Mellissa, Maria and Jane; the children of Warner Wells, George
Paulina and Sopronia ; Cornelia Wells ; Lorriston and Caleb Roberts ; Levi and
Matilda Youngs ; Edwin and Mary Gillett ; Cuyler Gillett ; Louis and Frank
Bolender; John D. and D. L. Bear. Other teachers were Mr. Hudson, Hirarri
Lilly and a Mr. Jones who taught the last term in that building in 1846. The
summer of 1847, a Miss Hawley taught a school in Mr. Bolender's cabin.
In 1847, the settlers decided to build a new schoolhouse. They elected Ezra
B. Gillett, Joseph Baumgartner and Michael Bolender, directors. Each free-
holder agreed to furnish the logs round, while others, who were able to use the
broad axe, hewed them on two sides. William Krape had charge of the building
and on the day of the "raisin," Michael Gift, Michael Bolender, B. P. Belknap
and John Bear, Sr., were stationed one on each corner to receive and notch the
logs as they were skidded up by the others. After the walls were up, Mr.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 179
Krape finished the building. It was 22x28 feet, with two windows on each side
and two in each end. To 'make desks, holes were bored in the wall, strong pins
driven in them and hewn slabs placed on the pins. The seats were of the same
kind of slabs without backs. In this building school was kept for nine years.
Cyrus Howe was the first teacher. He began December 24, 1847, and closed
March 22, 1848. It was a subscription school till 1849, when on the 5th of May,
an election was held and the citizens voted a 50 cent tax to maintain a school. Oc-
tober 6, 1849, G. S. Cad well, Solomon Kleckner and John Hoffman were elected
directors. Asa G. Hemenway was the first teacher supported by taxation. In
1856 the walls were sided with lumber, the room was plastered and green blinds
were hung at the windows. The slab desks were taken out and black walnut
desks were substituted.
One of the teachers, Dr. E. W. Byers, of Monroe, Wisconsin, it is said, put
the bad boys up the hole into a dark attic for punishment. It is also maintained
that Dr. W. W. Krape of Freeport would be able to explain the appearance of the
attic. At another time while wrestling, one of the big boys, F. C. Belknap.
spoiled the teacher's trousers and the professor was compelled to borrow a long
coat for the afternoon. Mr. J. C. Potts, a fastidious teacher, kept a bottle
of Lyons Catharian for the hair, on his desk. At an opportune time, some of
the young lads complicated the oil and used it on their own heads, thinking, no
doubt, that this would make the brain wheels run smoothly. Then, so the pro-
fessor might not be disappointed, they filled the bottle with molasses and water.
When the professor blandly applied the new mixture, the process aroused con-
siderable amusement among the mischief makers. The old students still remem-
ber the exciting times at the "spelling matches," and declare that several Corn-
stalk College students knew Sander's speller from cover to cover. Two of the
sharks were William Etzler and Addie Cadwell. For years J. H. Stover kept
a singing school every Saturday night. Occasionally the farmers would come in
sleds and cutters and haul teacher and school several miles over the snow to
visit another school. Thus, besides the learning that was acquired, the school
was the center of the social life of the community. In 1867, a special tax was
voted to build a new schoolhouse. H. W. Bolender built the structure, which
was 28x36 and 12 feet high. The first teacher in the new school was H. W.
Bolender, who built it. In the spring of 1869, the Annual County Institute was
held in the new school. The patrons of the district furnished gratuitous board
and lodging for the visiting members. Among the later teachers of the school
are found the familiar names of C. A. Cadwell, I. E. Kiester, Henry Collier,'
Cyrus Grove, Carrie A. Musser and M. M. Baumgartner. This school has been
running for 63 years. The lowest salary paid was $20 a month and the highest
$55. The largest number of pupils enrolled was 63 and the smallest number 12.
The law requiring the United States flag to wave over every school build-
ing was passed in 1893. W. W. Krape, of Freeport, had not forgotten his old
school, and early on the day the law was to go into effect, he procured a
beautiful 10 foot flag, drove to the school and aided by F. C. Bejknap, erected
a flag staff and floated Old Glory over "Cornstalk College."
The public school was the "melting pot," that brought together the Dutch
from Pennsylvania and the Yankees from New England and New York. Dif-
180 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
rences that were at first marked and emphatic diminished with time and asso-
ciation and common interests soon bound all together in mutual cooperation.
It was not long till Yankees were selecting Dutch wives and the Pennsylvanians
were marrying into Yankee families.
The material of the history of the Block school, or Cornstalk College, is
taken almost entirely from Mr. C. A. Cadwell's excellent sketch of District No.
I, published in 1907. It is given here at length because it is a type of the edu-
cational progress of the rural districts of the county. Every one of the steps
of advancement were much the same. First, there were private instructions
or subscription schools in the cabins of the settlers. A little later a log school
was built and a teacher employed, both by voluntary subscription. The next?
step was district taxation to build and maintain a school.
It was the custom in the earlier day to engage the teacher at so much a
month and "found," that is, a teacher was paid, say $20 a month and "boarded
round," getting his meals and lodging at the homes of the "subscribers" by
turns. This simple system had its disadvantages and yet had some advantage*..
Of necessity, the teacher became better acquainted with the parents and the
children. The school and the home were brought close together.
The "log school" education of the early days was in harmony with its sur-
roundings. Children went gladly from plain log homes to log schools. The edu-
cation offered was highly prized by parents and students. With all its limita-
tions, the log school, with slab desks, puncheon seats with no backs, puncheon
floor, board roof and greased paper windows, if window at all, had some dis-
tinct advantages. There was lacking an elaborate course of study, but there
was present the free, unfettered individuality of a strong teacher who was his
own county and state superintendent and made his own course of studies and
program. He taught a few things but taught those few well. Few subjects
were studied, but they were mastered. The children knew what they knew.
Books were rare and highly appreciated. Like the boy Lincoln, the children
were fortunate in that they were not subjected to the temptation of tons of
light fiction to be read rapidly and superficially. A few stories of great char-
acters took deep hold on their lives, and made strong characters that did the
work of the second generation of Stephenson County.
State Superintendent Blair says of the log schools of Illinois:
"An interesting chapter in the history of education in Illinois, is the story
of the log school house. Illinois, like most of the western states, was earliest
settled in the wooded regions. The log cabin and the log schoolhouse met the
need of the conditions of those early times. As late as 1860 there were 1,447
of these log school buildings in Illinois. In 1890 the number had decreased to
114. In 1909, there were reported to this office only u of such schoolhouses
remaining. Whatever of convenience and improved facilities the modern school
building has brought will not make us forget the great good which was ac-
complished in the log schoolhouses of Illinois."
November 30, 1848, Mr. George Scoville advertised the opening of the Free-
port high school, a select school, in the basement of the Presbyterian church.
Tuition for 12 weeks : in spelling, reading, grammar, arithmetic and geography,
$2.50; in algebra, philosophy, etc., $3; languages, including English studies, $3.50.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 181
The Freeport Seminary for Young Ladies opened the building erected by
A. H. Wright for that purpose, July 30, 1849. The ad of the seminary con-
ducted by Rev. James Bentley, stated that special attention would be given to
moral and religious instruction, and in addition to the usual studies instruction
would be given in drawing, music, painting, embroidery, etc. French, Latin and
Greek were also taught. Board with the principal and teachers, $1.25 a week.
Mr. A. B. Campbell of the Galena Institute, began as principal of Mr. Sco-
ville's select school, November 19, 1849.
In 1850 Jas. Schofield, F. W. S. Brawley and J. K. Brewster were elected
school directors for Freeport.
June 3, 1850, the directors of the Freeport schools made an arrangement with
Professor A. B. Campbell, who was conducting the private school in the base-
ment of the Presbyterian church, to take charge of the Union school. He still
maintained his classes in the church but had the use of both district schoolhouses,
where competent teachers were employed. The Journal of that date said, "By
this arrangement a proper division of students can be made so that the advance-
ment of one grade will not conflict with the other; while the higher branches
can be pursued with equal facility to any of the best regulated academies. If
this system receives proper encouragement from our citizens, it will render the
terms of tuition so low that it will be within the reach of everyone to confer a
liberal education on their children."
April, 1850, a "citizen" published a column and a quarter article in the Jour-
nal in favor of a Union school. He said he was not against Select schools, but
that they were not suitable for a small town.
The next week a town meeting was held, Julius Smith as chairman. Rev.
Schofield moved that a location for a Union school be selected. The motion
carried and it was voted unanimously to select the site of the present High
school. A motion by D. A. Knowlton and seconded by T. F. Goodhue was
passed, empowering the directors to secure plans for the building.
Every issue of the Democrat and the Journal had articles by the citizens fav-
oring the Union school. One signed "A Friend," was an able article over one
column in length and made an urgent plea for the tax-payers to vote the tax. He
gave a vigorous reply to "Close-fistedness."
The Journal editor remarked that the "Wind Work" had been well done and
urged the voters to go to the polls and vote the tax.
The election in Freeport to tax the people to build a Union school was held
June 8, 1850, and carried by a vote of 125 to 9. Five hundred dollars, the amount
limited by law, was voted.
Tuition in the Freeport schools in 1851 was: $1.59 for 60 days.
The Freeport school directors, John Rice, D. A. Knowlton and E. W. Sals-
bury advertised for bids for the Union school house, June 13, 1851.
May 7, 1852, the Journal published an announcement from the school di-
rectors that the Union school building was completed, teachers selected and
the school ready to begin. The directors say that it is designed to combine an
English and Common school education, with a course of instruction in the
higher branches and languages equal to any of the academies and seminaries.
Mr. W. J. Johnson, a teacher of acknowledged reputation, is principal, and he
182 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
is assisted by the Misses Pickard, Beckwith and Horder, all teachers of ex-
perience. The tuition for the term was $1.25 per scholar. L. W. Guiteau, E.
W. Salsbury and C. Martin were school directors. In 1852, May 28, there were
over 200 scholars. The Journal Editor, after a visit to the school, said editorially :
"The citizens can point with pride to the Union school as the noblest and most
useful of the many public buildings of Freeport, and can boast of having the
best public school building in the state."
The Freeport Journal, October 15, 1852, gave an account of the close of the
first year of the Union school in Freeport. The Journal praised the idea of a
Union graded school that had been so successful in the east and indicated that
the first year of the idea had been entirely successful in Freeport. "We have
witnessed many exhibitions but never a more laudable one than that at the
close of the first term of the Freeport Union school. The crowd was immense,
numbering some four or five hundred, and all appeared gratified."
The school directors were L. W. Guiteau, C. Martin and Julius Smith. On
October 9, 1852, the directors gave the public the following announcement
through the Journal : "The fall term will open October 18, under Mr. Wm.
Johnson, principal, assisted by Mr. James S. Oliver and Miss Maria M. Packard
in the higher department, and Clara Beckwith and Lydia Orcutt in the primary
department.The course of instruction will be equal to that of the best academies."
UNION SCHOOL EXHIBIT.
The Journal of March I, 1855, praises highly the Union school exhibit by
Professor H. C. Burchard and his classes. The program consisted of dialogues,
essays and declamations. The Journal says, "Mr. Burchard is earning for
himself a reputation, by his zeal and industry by making the Union school what
it is. In spite of the incubus which has always rested upon it. The receipts of
the exhibition amounted to $28.00 which will be expended for a library."
SHORT ITEMS OF INTEREST.
Coon and Dickey conducted the Freeport Academy in 1855. The same year
the Freeport Seminary was conducted by Waldenmeyer and Myers, both of
the New York State Normal school.
FREEPORT SEMINARY EXHIBITION 1854.
March 16, 1854, Mr. Bentley of the Freeport Seminary gave an exhibition in
Concert Hall with his school. "The hall was densely crowded and badly ven-
tilated," says the Freeport Journal, of March 30, 1854. A large part of the
program was dispensed with on account of the noise and confusion of a crowded
house. Mr. Bentley has succeeded in keeping up a school for many years in
Freeport.
The Lena School, taught by Miss Hyde, also gave an exhibition in March,
1854. The editor of the Journal said, "The essays showed more originality and
common sense than is usually shown in such programs."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 183
In 1857, the booklet "Present Advantages and Future Prospects of the City
of Freeport" gave the following description of the city schools: "If there is
any one thing of which the City of Freeport may justly boast as her chief orna-
ment, it is her schools. In 1856, the first system of graded instruction was put
in practice. The whole city and its environs is a single school district. The
schools are free to all and supported by general taxation. Three school com-
missioners are elected who have supervision of the whole, hire all the teachers,
and direct the standard of promotion to higher classes. The commissioners are
(1857) H. N. Hibbard, William Buckley and F. G. Winslow. There are three
grades : The primary, or ward schools ; the middle schools, and the high school.
The high school is the upper room of the Union school building. The middle
schools are in the lower rooms and the primary schools, four in number, are
scattered about the city.
The primary schools are open to all without examination. At stated times the
commissioners name such as they think capable of entering the middle schools.
All scholars pass to the high school by a thorough examination. In the high
school all the advantages are presented which can be found in the academies of
the east, all the higher English branches as well as the Classics being taught there.
The system has worked admirably and the schools at this time are in popular
favor.
The report of the committee of examination (1857) says: "These results, no
doubt, have cost earnest, persevering effort, together with a large expenditure of
money, but the effort has been successful, promising, if continued, to give us
schools of the highest excellence; and as for the expenditure, no| citizen, we
think, who attended the examinations, could have wished that a dollar less had
been expended. We are sure that every dollar expended in this enterprise, is
so much added to the value of real estate, and helps to make our city more at-
tractive and desirable as a place of residence. Good schools can not fail to at-
tract immigrants of the first class to make valuable additions to our population,
to promote general intelligence and morality, while promising ultimately large
returns in money."
Henry Freeman, A. M., was principal of the High school with Mary Noble
as assistant.
At this time (1857) there were three other schools. The Female Seminary,
located in Plymouth Hall conducted by Miss Mary A. Potter of New York, a
lady of thorough education. The booklet says that several gentlemen propose
to assist in the purchase of a building.
Miss F. B. Burchard had a Select school for Misses in successful operation
in the Pennsylvania Block.
At this time (1857) a Freeport Commercial College was running in the Bank
Block. L. D. White was proprietor and teacher of bookkeeping. J. G. Cross,
teacher of commercial calculations. Hon. T. J. Turner and Hon. M. P. Sweet
lectured on Commercial Law.
Friday, October 7, 1853, Rev. J. Coon, assisted by Rev. J. S. Dickson, and
Miss H. Cornelia Bail opened the Freeport Academy. Tuition, $6.00 for 6
months in the English branches and $10.00 in Latin and Greek. The school
was started in the basement of the Second Presbyterian church.
184 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
In 1852, a genius opened a school in a frame building where later stood F.
Bues stone block. He was a reformer and had a new system of teaching geog-
raphy in 12 lessons by singing the capes, rivers, mountains, etc., around the world.
Freeport, strange to say, did not wax enthusiastic over this reformer, and after
a term he left. His successor was a Mr. Chandler, a good teacher and an up-
right man, but exceedingly sensitive. One evening a number of young men,
including Chandler, met at Mr. Knowlton's store to discuss a barrel of cider
which had just arrived. The temperance people were against cider drinking
and when it was noised around what they had used for a drinking cup, the
thing appeared ridiculous and Chandler, who could not stand the laugh, left the
city in disgrace, as he supposed.
PIONEER PREACHERS.
The pioneer preacher was a product of pioneer conditions, and he adapteJ
himself, unconsciously no doubt, to the life of the people about him. He was,
first of all, an exhorter. Seldom was he a scholar or a logician. He appealed
directly to their emotions and lived and worked on the level with his people
because usually he was one of them. His strongest point, no doubt, was to point
vividly beautiful pictures of heaven and the awful scenes of hell.
One author says of them : "Sometimes their sermons would turn upon mat-
ters of controversy, arguing, with little learning but much fervor, on free grace,
baptism, free-will, election, faith, good works, justification, sanctification, ot the
final perseverance of the saints. Vivid, indeed, were the startling word pic-
tures drawn of the hereafter, and imagination never failed them in describing
the bliss of heaven, and the awful terrors of hell." At any rate they were
sincere.
They were long-distance speakers. A simple theme would require a sermon
of i l/2 or 2 hours. Mr. Parrish says that the sermons were tested in three
ways, by their length, by flowery, ornate language, and by vigor of action in
delivery. Oratorical gymnastics played a vital part. But by such preaching the
people were interested, they were deeply moved and their lives were markedly
influenced.
Among the pioneer preachers of Illinois were Peter Acres, Zadoc Casey and
Peter Cartwright.
THE PIONEER PHYSICIAN.
The treatment of disease in the pioneer days was as primitive as the life
of the people itself. In the earliest days among the outlying settlements there
were no regular doctors often for fifty or a hundred miles. In this respect,
as in all others, the early settlers cultivated a spirit of self-reliance. Home-
made remedies were the vogue and many men and especially the women were
skilled in their application.
While the pioneer times always had their characteristic diseases and ail-
ments, yet the people were fairly free from disease. Of necessity, they lived
much in the open air. Houses were well ventilated. The log house with its
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 185
crack and poorly fitted doors and windows and the loosely laid clap-board roof
and puncheon floors, were admirably adapted to the inlet of fresh air. Men and
women worked much in the fields and gardens, and lived on plain and whole-
some food. Such a life naturally built up strong constitutions, and strong con-
stitutions, in the absence of the trained physician, fought the battles with disease
with probably a better chance for victory than the weaker physical body of this
day aided by all the science and skill of the physician.
The settlements were well scattered and the population was not congested.
For this reason there were few epidemics. Any contagious or infectuous dis-
eases soon ran their course and disappeared. Neighborly cooperation was the
prevailing spirit. When any family was stricken, it was an unwritten law that
the neighbors took turns in sitting up and caring for the afflicted. While there
were a few known to be especially "good in sickness," the unselfish spirit was
quite general.
The bites of poisonous snakes was one difficulty to be encountered. There
were numerous "cures" for this affliction. Everybody knew them, even the
children. When a person was biten by a rattle snake or other venomous reptile,
some simple remedy was at hand and applied at once. One remedy was to
suck out the poison from the wound and spit it out. A plaster of clay was then
applied. A more common remedy was the "whiskey" cure. Any person suffer-
ing a rattle snake bite was given a large quantity of whiskey and made dead
drunk. This was an effective cure and as liquor was commonly kept! in the
homes by the gallon, it was always at hand.
The early community was almost always subject to the "chills," or ague.
This ailment afflicted the new communities till the swamps were drained out.
There were numerous remedies for the "chills." It was believed that a person
must not be permitted to keep still. When at the worst in a sinking chill, they
would be beaten, rubbed and walked around. The idea was that if not kept
thoroughly active they would die. The persons "sitting up" with the victim,
took turns in exercising their patient. The treatment, in some cases, was worse
than the disease. By means of a strong constitution, many survived both.
Families did their own work of vaccination. Mrs. Amanda Head, a daugh-
ter of John Turneaure, tells how, as a girl of fifteen, she vaccinated the children
in the family. The vaccine was put on a silk thread. She then pinched up a
place on the arm with her finger nails, and ran a piece of the silk thread through.
Sore arms were often to be found, but this system long prevailed and served
its purpose.
Remedies and specifies were usually at hand. The merchants carried these
in stock as there were no drug stores. Besides others, two well-known cures for
"chills" were "Roman's Tonic Mixture" and "Indian Chocalogue." Senna salts,
quinine and calomel were standard articles and were kept in bulk by the store
keepers.
THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER.
The pioneer newspaper was just as broad and just as narrow as pioneer
times. The press suffered from the same limitations that affected other insti-
186 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
tutions of that day. The equipment of a printing plant was limited to a small
hand press, and to type matter set by hand. The slow and tedious process,
thus made necessary, restricted the amount of matter printed and made daily
issues impossible. While there were a few expert typesetters, yet a large part
of the work was done by amateurs. It was difficult to get paper in quantities
and still more difficult to get it when wanted. It was before the day of mammoth
paper mills and corporations. Paper was secured at Rockton and at other
small water mills which had their own difficulties. It was before the railroad
and paper had to be delivered by ox team or horses, and an issue was some-
times delayed several days because floods made the fording of streams im-
possible. The process of gathering news was limited. The telegraph had not
yet reached its fingers out into the new sections, and when it came the cost of
its privileges to any great extent was almost prohibitive. Besides, at that time,
there was not in existence those world-wide news gathering organizations to
furnish a mass of news each day or each week at a reasonable cost to the pub-
lisher. The "patent inside" came later as did also the "boiler plate," both of
which have made it easier and cheaper at later day for newspapers in sparsely
settled communities to put out a paper containing much news and general
reading matter.
The lack of prompt and cheap postal facilities was another limitation. Poor
roads, the stage that connected with only a few points in the county kept back
news from districts beyond the immediate vicinity. It was practically impos-
sible for the early Democrat and Journal to be much more than Freeport news-
papers. News comes from Europe to Freeport more readily now than then
it came from Winslow or Lena, or Yellow Creek Village.
Consequently, the predominating feature of the Democrat and the Journal
and Anzeiger was not news. An examination of these papers shows that
from 1847 to 1860, usually 24 columns, apportioned about as follows : Adver-
tising, 14 columns ; story, 5 columns ; political and editorial discussions, 3 col-
umns, news, 2 columns. If there is any error in the above apportionment it
is in allowing as much as two columns for news. Frequently less than one
column, and often not more than a half column, was given to county news in
the early weeklies. Much of the news columns was filled with news items from
the east, often a month late. The story occupied the front page, or most of
it. On the second page came the columns of political discussions, editorials
and local news. The politics discussed was usually national politics. This
might be letters or speeches. Here great national issues were set forth, such
as the Mexican War, the Wilmot Proviso, the Nebraska Bill, etc.
The editor of the Journal December 15, 1853, thus paid his regards to J.
O. P. Burnside of the Bulletin : "In point of silly childless bluster, printless
blatant nonsense, and low contemptible falsehood, His Sapiency James Oliver
Perry Burnside ! ! ! the addlepated scribbler of the Bulletin, can take the hats
of the whole editorial fraternity."
STEPHENSON COUNTY COURT AND BAR IN PIONEER DAYS.
Stephenson County was organized as a county under the laws of Illinois in
1837. The Legislature provided for the election of county officials, which oc-
Thomas J. Turner
Martin P. Sweet
Joseph B. Smith
Thomas P. Goodhue
PROMINENT ATTORNEYS OF FREEPORT
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 187
curred in May of that year. The same year the courthouse site was selected.
The new county was a part of the 6th judicial circuit while a part of Jo
Daviess County, and continued to be a part of that circuit by act of the legisla-
ture, February 22, 1839. The circuit then included Jo Daviess, Stephenson,
Boone, Winnebago, Whiteside, Rock Island and Carroll Counties. The first ses-
sion of the court in this county was held at a special term August 27, 1839.
Daniel Stone was the first judge of the circuit to preside in Stephenson
County. Hubbard Graves, father of the present venerable postmaster at Mc-
Connell, was sheriff and John A. Clark was clerk of the court. This first ses-
sion lasted three days. Judge Stone presided over the two succeeding terms of
court in this county when the law was changed. The new law of February
23, 1841, abolished the offices of circuit judges, and appointed additional su-
preme court judges and rearranged the districts. Mercer and Henry Counties
were added to the 6th district and Judge Thomas C. Brown was appointed to
preside over the district courts. Judge Brown was circuit judge of this county
till 1846. A new law passed by the State Legislature made the circuit judge-
ship an elective office, and Benjamin R. Sheldon was elected to the bench.
In 1848, the adoption of a new state constitution was followed by a reor-
ganization of the judicial districts. The new fourteenth circuit was made up of
the counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Winnebago. Judge Sheldon was a
candidate for the position of circuit judge in the new I4th district, and was
elected. This position he held from 1848 to 1870, over twenty years, when
he was elected as one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Illi-
nois.
Hon. H. C. Burchard thus describes the old courtroom: "It was a two story
frame building with plain clapboard sides and shingle roof, surrounded by a
rough board fence. The courtroom where Judge Sheldon presided in 1855, sit-
ting on a raised platform behind a pine desk, had on its right two tier of seats
for the jury. Fronting the judge and beyond the railing that inclosed the table
and chairs for the privileged lawyers, were rows of pine benches, ruthlessly
disfigured by witnesses and spectators whose incessant whittling was only tem-
porarily checked by the warning of the judge not to mar the courtroom. In
the winter a hot stove occupied the center of the room. The windows had to
be raised frequently for ventilation and again lowered to exclude the cold air,
and bench and bar were alternately roasted and frozen. I can yet hear Judge
Sheldon give his order, "Mr. Sheriff, raise the window," or "Mr. Sheriff, lower
the window," as he feared suffocation from odors or dreaded cold chills from
the sharp winter air. The dilapidated appearance of the building was felt to
be a discredit to the city and the county. In 1854, the loosened clapboards were
shaking in the wind and the sky was visible through the broken plastering.
The room was at that time procured for the use of Fred Douglas, the colored
orator, to make an abolition speech. Although accustomed to plantation life
and to uncomfortable and unsightly audience rooms, he said in his opening
remarks, "I have spoken in England in the finest halls, and in this country
in churches and where no better accommodations could be had, in barns, but,
of all the God- forsaken places, this beats them all!"
188 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
One evening at Plymouth Hall, (where the Wilcoxen block now stands)
while Hon. Martin P. Sweet was making a speech, the cry of "Fire" was
heard on the streets. It was reported that the courthouse was burning. Mr.
Sweet paused and said, "It is the old courthouse, let it burn." The audience
cheered and remained seated, but the fire was extinguished. It was a great
relief to the members of the bar as well as to the citizens of Freeport, when
the building was removed in 1870 and the attractive and commodious structure
that now occupies its site was built."
At the first session of court in 1839, according to the records, the following
attorneys were present and connected with cases: Seth B. Farwell, Martin P.
Sweet, Thomas J. Turner, Campbell, Drummond, Tonlin and Kemble. Mr.
Sweet still lived in Winnebago County and as Mr. Turner had not yet been
admitted to practice, Mr. Farwell was the only member of the Freeport bar.
Mr. Purinton arrived four months later. At that day it was the custom of the
lawyers to follow the judge around the circuit, and a few were here in 1839
from other counties.
There were 35 cases in the docket in 1835, seventeen of which were appeals
for justice courts. Thirteen were dismissed for want of jurisdiction, because
the cases had been improperly brought to that court. According to Mr. Bur-
chards' report, "In the short three days session, the grand jury returned four in-
dictments, two criminal trials were had, six judgments were taken by default
and one judgment rendered in an appeal case for $3.18^ and costs.
The second term of court lasted two days. The attorneys present and be-
fore the court were Martin P. Sweet and George Purinton of Freeport. States
Attorney F. S. Hall, and Jason Marsh, of Rockford, and Campbell and Drum-
mond, of Jo Daviess County. Writing of these early attorneys, Mr. H. C.
Burchard, in 1896, said, "People who heard Thompson Campbell and E. D. Baker
in the noted trials at the old courtroom still speak of their wit, readiness in
repartee, and wonderful power in addressing a jury. Eloquence in those early
days, as in these later ones, must have exercised its magic influence when
E. D. Baker, fresh from Springfield, had but to unstrap his trunk at a Galena
Hotel, and without the aid of patronage or local friends to start his boom,
could by voice and speech, win as he did his nomination and election to Con-
gress from this district. It is not more surprising that afterwards a brief so-
journ on the Pacific coast sent him to the United States Senate, and that he
there acquired a national reputation as an orator and statesman.
Thereupon, Campbell became states attorney for the judicial circuit and was
elected to Congress in 1850. Later he served as secretary of state and moved to
California. Mr. Drummond must have then exhibited that legal knowledge,
sound judgment and argumentative ability which later characterized his rul-
ings as a federal judge. James S.,Loop was able to state his client's case more
clearly and to present its salient points more concisely than any other advocate
at the bar. Marsh, Burnop, and Night, considered the ablest chancery lawyers
in the circuit, attended from term to term. E. B. Washburn prosecuted a suit
with the same zeal and tenacity that he displayed in after years in political life."
With such associates and antagonists, it is not surprising that Martin P.
Sweet and Thomas J. Turner grew to become and ranked among the foremost
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 189
advocates and most successful lawyers in northern Illinois. Their selection as
candidates of their parties for Congress — Sweet in 1844 and again in 1850,
and Turner in 1846 — shows the popularity they attained at this period and
the high estimation of their abilities.
By 1850, in addition to Sweet, Turner, Farwell and Purinton and other
distinguished men joined the Freeport bar. Among these were: Thomas F.
Goodhue, Charles Betts, F. W. S. Brawley, Charles F. Bagg, John A. Clark,
John Coates and Charles Clark. Before 1857, they were joined by Hiram
Bright, U. D. Meacham, J. B. Smith, Samuel Saukey, J. C. Kean, E. P. nar-
ton, J. M. Bailey and H. C. Burchard.
At the December term of court in 1857, there were 302 cases at common
law on the docket and 49 in chancery. At the April term 1858, there were 392
at common law and chancery cases reached 183 the next year. Many of the
chancery cases were mortgage foreclosures. These hard times with numerous
financial entanglements made 1857-1858 the golden period of the bar. Mr.
Burchard said in 1896: "Although the number of lawyers has considerably in-
creased, scarcely one-fourth as many cases are now entered upon the docket
as in 1857 and 1858. It is claimed that there is much less legal business and
litigation in Stephenson County than in adjourning counties. While this is
injurious to the profession it is no loss to the community. The discourage-
ment and the decrease of litigation is beneficial. Many who formerly practiced
at our bar were noted for compromising and dismissing suits which they com-
menced. The lawyers deserve the blessing of peacemakers, because they were
successful in efforts to adjust and settle, rather than litigate conflicting claims."
Mr. Burchard adds, "The lawyers of Freeport, and especially those who came
here at an early day and grew up with the county, have always taken a leading
part in matters that concerned the prosperity of the city. Scarcely one of our
business enterprises has been planned and consummated without their counsel
and assistance giving it legal shape. They were associated with business men
and often selected as spokesmen for them in all efforts to secure the location
of public buildings, institutions, railroads to be built and manufactories to be
established."
Brief sketches should here be given of the early leaders of the Freeport
bar: Thomas J. Turner, born in Ohio, in 1815, lived on a farm in Pennsylvania
for a while and came west at the age of 18. After spending short periods in
Chicago, La Porte County, Indiana, and in the lead mine county about Galena,
he came into Stephenson County in 1836, building a mill in Rock Run. In
1837, he secured the contract to build the Stephenson County courthouse, and
it is thought that litgation arising from this contract induced him to take up
the study of law. He studied law in much the same way as Patrick Henry and
Abraham Lincoln did, becoming, in fact, a self-made lawyer. Mr. Burchard
says of him: "He was tall, erect, athletic and graceful. He was most effective
as a jury lawyer. In 1845 Governor Ford appointed him states attorney for
the 6th judicial circuit. He managed, or assisted, in the trial at Rock Island,
of the murderers of Colonel Davenport. His ability and fearlessness in prose-
cuting the gang of murderers and horse thieves that then infested northern
Illinois made him hosts of friends in this congressional district. His nomina-
190 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
tion and election to Congress in 1846 was a natural consequence. Upon the
organization of the town of Freeport in 1850. Mr. Turner was elected presi-
dent of the board of trustees. In 1854, he became an active opponent of those
who supported the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas and
Nebraska Bill. He replied briefly to a four hours' speech in its justification
made by Stephen A. Douglas in front of the old Pennsylvania House, then
standing on the present site of Munn's building. He was sent the following
fall to the Legislature as an Anti-Nebraska democrat, and voted first for Lin-
coln and then for Trumbull for senator. He procured the passage of a bill
introduced by him to create the city of Freeport by special charter, and was
afterwards elected the city's first mayor. Early in 1861, he was a member
of the Peace Conference at Washington, and later was elected and commissioned
colonel of the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteers. He resigned the service in 1862
on account of ill health. He was chairman of the republican state central
committee in 1864, a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1870,
and in the Legislature in 1871. He died on the third day of April, 1874, at
Hot Springs, where hopeless of other relief, he had gone for the purpose of
regaining health. He will always be remembered as one of the pioneers in
the early settlements of Stephenson County, and as contributing, by his per-
sonal efforts, as much, or more, than any other citizen of the prosperity and
permanent growth of Freeport."
COURT.
Hon. Martin P. Sweet was one of the early leaders of the Stephenson County
Bar. He was a native of New York and after farming and preaching, he began
the practice of law in Freeport in 1840. He was a noted whig leader and twice
was honored by his party as its candidate for Congress. The best summary of
his career as a lawyer is that given by his centemporary, Hon. Thomas J. Turner,
at a meeting of the Stephenson County Bar Association, after Mr. Sweets
death: "It is difficult for me to find words to express what we all feel on this
solemn occasion. Hon. Martin P. Sweet is dead. We shall not again hear
from his lips the burning eloquence that in times past has thrilled the court and
the bar, as he held up to view the enormities of crimes which he had been called
on to prosecute ; or, the melting pathos with, which he captivated the sympathies
of jury and people, while defending those he regarded innocent. Few men
ever possessed that magnetic power which chains an audience in a greater degree
than did our departed friend. It is not alone at the bar that he has left his
impress as a leading mind. In the arena of politics, and in the sacred desk, he
was alike conspicuous. Logical in argument, terrible in invective and quick in
repartee, he carried the judgments of a jury or an audience; or, failing here,
his quick sympathies and deep pathos led them along against the conviction of
judgment. Such was Martin P. Sweet as an orator and an advocate. A self-
made man, he surmounted difficulties which would discourage and defeat others
and reach a position at the bar. Second to none, and established a reputation as
an orator of which any men among us might feel proud.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 191
On opening an office in Freeport, he soon secured a remunerative practice,
and took a first rank at the bar throughout the circuit. His services were sought
whenever important cases were to be tried, or legal ability was required. Among
the traits of character which endeared Mr. Sweet to the members of his pro-
fession, were his urbane manners, his nice sense of professional honor and his
kind and cautious bearing toward those who were opposed to him. In these re-
spects, he has done much to raise the standard of professional ethics.
In private life, he was generous and urbane and had many friends, with few,
if any, enemies. In death, the bar has lost one of its brightest ornaments, the
city a good citizen and a zealous friend, and the county and the state an able
defender of their rights. There is still another circle that mourns him with
a deeper grief — the charmed circle of the home.
Let us, my brethren of the bar, while our eyes are suffused with tears, and
our hearts bowed with sorrow over his grave, resolve to emulate his virtues, to
follow his example and avoid and forget his faults, if he had any, so that when
our work on earth is done and when our names may be mentioned, as the name
of our departed friend is mentioned today, with baled breath and choked ut-
terance, it may be said of us, our work is finished ; it is well done."
At the close of Mrs. Turner's eulogy, the judge of the circuit court said:
"As an effective speaker and legal orator, he had no superior, and at times he
was the leading genius, outstripping all others in the circuit. It is probable,
we may never look upon his like again."
COURT AND BAR.
Hon. Horatio C. Burchard was one of the distinguished members of the Ste-
phenson County bar for over fifty-two years. He was born in Marshall, Oneida
County, New York, in 1825. His father came west to Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1840.
Mr. Burchard was graduated from Hamilton College, New York, in 1850. He
was admitted to the bar in 1852, and began practice in Monroe, Wisconsin. In
1854, he came to Freeport and was principal of the Union school. In 1855 he
resumed the practice of law, the firm being Turner and Burchard, his partner
being Thomas J. Turner. In 1856, the firm was Turner, Burchard & Barton.
From 1864 to 1874, the firm was Burchard, Barton & Barnum. In 1857, Mr.
Burchard was county school commissioner; in 1862, and 1864, he was elected
to the legislature. For four years he was a trustee of the Illinois Industrial Uni-
versity, now the University of Illinois.
In 1869, when Hon. E. B. Washburn was given a post in the Cabinet, Mr.
Burchard was elected to Congress. The speaker, James G. Elaine, appointed
him a member of the Committee on Banking and Currency, of which James
A. Garfield was chairman. Later, for eight years he served on the committee
on ways and means. For ten years, 1869 to 1879, Mr. Burchard was recognized
as one of the able men in Congress.
In 1879, Mr. Burchard was appointed director of the United States Mints
by President Hayes. In this department he distinguished himself by his thor-
ough mastery of the finances of the United States, and by his five elaborate re-
ports to Congress. As director of the United States Mints, Mr. Burchard served
192 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
from 1879 to 1885; when a democratic president made a change in the appoint-
ment. In 1886 he was appointed by Governor Oglesby on a commission to re-
vise the revenue laws of Illinois. He was elected to the membership in the
International Statistical Institute in 1837.
In 1886 Mr. Burchard resumed his law practice in Freeport. In — ? — , he
formed a partnership with Hon. Louis H. Burrell, the firm name being Burchard
& Burrell. Mr. Burchard continued his law business till his death in — ? — .
He was a man of whom Stephenson County was always proud, having won
distinction as a teacher, as a lawyer, as a statesman and an administrator.
Judge Charles Belts was an active member of the Freeport bar from 1848 to
1880 when he retired. Born in Batavia, New York, in 1824. He was ad-
mitted to the bar in that state in 1847. He came to Freeport in 1848 and was
successful from the start. In 1852 he was the nominee of the whig party for
State Auditor. During the political revolution of 1856-1858, when many dem-
ocrats became republicans, Mr. Betts, being a great admirer of Stephen A. Doug-
las, became a democrat. In 1870 he was the democratic candidate for Congress
in the district and reduced the republican majority from 10,000 to 5,000
H. M. Barnum, a native of Vermont, has graduated from Middlebury Col-
lege in 1858, came to Freeport in 1859 and was admitted to the bar in 1861.
From 1861 to 1864 he was a teacher in the city schools, part of that time principal
of the high school. In 1864 he entered the law firm of Burchard & Barton. In
1867 he was city attorney, was a member of the board of education and the
library board.
Hon. James S. Cochran, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1834, educated at
Bethany College, Virginia, Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and the law school of
Judge Brockenbaugh at Lexington, Kentucky, was admitted to the bar in Pitts-
burg, in 1858, and that year came to Freeport. He entered upon the practice of
his profession here at once and was eminently successful. He was state's at-
torney for the county from 1872 to 1884, when he was elected to the state senate
from the district of Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. Eight of
his nineteen bills became laws during the 35th session of the legislature. One
law established "Arbor Day" and another provided that teachers could attend
institutes without the deduction of pay. He was one of the ablest men this dis-
trict ever sent to the state legislature. He was distinguished as a lawyer and as
a legislator.
Judge John Coates came to Stephenson County in 1847 and entered the law
office of Hon. T. J. Turner. He was elected county judge in 1853. He aided
in the organization of the Second Presbyterian church. Throughout his long
legal career, he was recognized as an able and conscientious attorney.
THE LYCEUM OF EARLY DAYS.
The first generation in Stephenson County had time for things intellectual.
Through all the turmoil and hardships with Indians and wild animals, rude
equipment and simple homes, the struggle with a wild soil and the dangers and
perils of distant mills and markets, burst the spirit of culture from the old
academies of the east. The education of the old academy of the east was the
STEI'IIEXSOX COUNTY'S FIRST COURTHOUSE, ERECTED IX 1838
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 193
leaven that lifted up the frontier society from the lower levels of "mere" busi-
ness and the struggle for daily bread. It was this irrepressible spirit that brought
organized local lecture course committees, and brought to early the greatest
stars of the American platform, musicians, lecturers, poets, reformers and states-
men. Old Plymouth Hall audiences saw and heard, Ole Bull and Patti ; Starr
King and Bayard Taylor; E. P. Willett, Lowell and Emerson, and Giddings,
Chase, Horace Greeley and Horace Mann. It is to be regretted that no later
period has even approached to decade of 1850 to 1860 in the matter of Lyceum
talent in this county. This is in part because the first generation contained that
element of culture and the spirit of intellectualism that had been stimulated by
a contact in the academies and colleges of the older states.
THE LECTURE COURSES.
Mrs. Oscar Taylor's explanation of Freeport's early lecture courses is full
of interest and should serve as an inspiration to the people of today. "Where
the Wilcoxen opera house now stands Mr. E. H. Hyde had erected a three
story brick building, the upper story of which was intended for lectures, con-
certs and other public gatherings. This was old Plymouth Hall, of which the
town was justly proud. It was here that the Lombard brothers and the Baker
family gave their musical entertainment as they traveled through this region
season after season ; and always welcome were the Hutchinson family, who
came almost every year, bringing with them their old melodeon, opening every
performance with "We're a band of brothers from the old Granite State."
Strong anti-slavery men were all of them, and when they sang "There's a
Good Time Coming Boys," there was a ring of faith and feeling in their voices
that stirred the enthusiasm of their hearers, and in humorous parts the drollery
of the brother Judson was irresistible. Dr. and Mrs. Beaumont, both sincere
lovers of music, assisted in many of the home concerts of those days. The
walls of Plymouth Hall, one never-to-be forgotten night, echoed to the tunes
of Ole Bull's violin, and to the supremely beautiful voice of Adelina Patti,
when that voice was the voice of a young girl of fourteen, even then so won-
derful that her future world-wide fame seemed already assured. She was a
lovely picture as she stood before the audience in a low-necked gown of light
blue silk, ruffled from waist line to hem. Her great Italian eyes were velvety
in their soft blackness and her black hair was worn in thick braids, while her
features were of that delicate clear-cut beauty so familiar to us all in later
years. The "Little Patti," as she was then called, was most friendly with
her audience all the evening, and at the close of the concert she invited two
young girls, whom she joined as the audience was dispering, to visit her at
the Pennsylvania House next day. The invitation was, of course, joyfully
accepted, but the unsophisticated western girls were amazed by the young prima
donna's desperate flirtation with the handsome pianist who played her accom-
paniments.
In the autumn of 1854 the Young Men's Association secured for us a
course of lectures from some of the most eminent literary men of the country.
As the hotel accommodations were not above criticism, it was thought desirable
194 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
that the lecturers should be entertained at private houses, and as Mr. Taylor
was a member of the association he was among the first to proffer this hospi-
tality. It so happened that when Horace Mann opened this lecture course he
was for three days a guest in our old home on Adams street. I must own to
being in quite a flurry over the thought of entertaining so distinguished a per-
son, but well I remember how I was at once put at ease by the kindly smile and
winning tones with which the stranger greeted me. There was something
saint-like in his appearance, so frail was his health, so snowy his hair, and so
gentle his whole bearing. His heart was in the educational work, which formed
the subject of his lecture; but even more interesting to me was his quiet con-
versation during the two following days. I almost felt myself one of the Con-
cord circle as Mr. Mann shared with me his intimate acquaintance with Emer-
son, Thoreau, Margaret Fuller and Hawthorne. Hawthorne's wife and Mrs.
Mann were sisters, and Mr. Mann told me of Hawthorne's excessive shyness,
how he would seldom join in conversation, but liked to sit apart, sometimes even
getting behind a door.
Thoreau and his new book "Walden," then in press, received enthusiastic
praise, as did Mr. Howe, the philanthropist, whom Mr. Mann dearly loved.
He thought Mrs. Howe, who had been greatly admired as a society belle in
New York, not altogether in sympathy with her husband's work for the blind,
but has she not really proved herself a fitting wife for her noble husband?
The Saturday Club of Boston, where the literary lights of New England
gathered weekly for informal discussions, was also opened to me for the first
time, so vividly that I seemed to know personally Longfellow, Whittier and
Holmes, with other men whose names are now historic, but whose biographies
had not then been lived.
Following Horace Mann came Bayard Taylor, who drew a crowded au-
dience, and gave a most graphic and entertaining lecture upon his travels in
Europe. There was great charm in his picturesque and magnetic personality,
and pure cosmopolitan as he was, he seemed to bring his whole audience in
touch with the great world. He was also a delightful guest, genial and witty,
instantly at home with the friends whom I had asked to the house to meet him.
A little girl to whom he seemed the most wonderful man in the world, had
listened with wide open eyes to all that he was relating of far-away lands, when,
thinking it time that Freeport was heard from, she remarked : "Mr. Taylor,
I don't believes you saw in Europe anything prettier than the egg my chicken
laid." With quick responsiveness, Mr. Taylor admitted that an egg was really
more wonderful than anything the art of man could produce.
When Horace Greeley came the farmers flocked to hear the man who ad-
vised everyone to go west. Plymouth Hall could not hold the crowd that
gathered. To my mind, the disappointed ones did not lose much. Socially,
Greeley was brusque and repellent, receiving with evident indifference the young
men who called upon him. "What did those men come here for?" he asked
when they left. "They came to see the great mogul," I answered which seemed
to please him, as he laughed heartily. After his stay with us, and I had seen
him carefully turn his necktie awry before sitting for his daguerrotype, I con-
cluded that his reputed accentricities were but affectations.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 195
Later in the season we had George Sumner, of Boston, brother to Charles
Sumner. For many years a resident in Dresden and Paris, he had the cap-
tivating polish of manner acquired in continental cities but his lecture, upon the
political conditions of Europe, did not particularly appeal to his audience. Be-
fore the lecture I had called Mr. Sumner's attention to an article in Putnam's
Magazine on the Crimean war, giving a most vivid description of the battle of
Sebastopol. "Is not that article wonderfully written," I asked him. "I did not
find it so," he replied. In the dash to my enthusiasm I thought him over-critical,
not dreaming, until he laughingly told me so the following year, that he was the
writer of the brilliant article.
The lecture course of 1855 was opened by Starr King, who was entertained
by Mr. Taylor and myself. I remember that Mr. King surprised me early in
our conversation by the question, "How old do you think I am?" "From your
appearance I should judge you to be a boy in your teens, but, of course, I know
you must be older or you could not have achieved your reputation," I replied.
"I am a long way of my teens," he said, "but my youthful aspect affords me
great fun, as I had today when your husband walked through the car looking
on either side but evidently seeing no one whom he could believe was the ex-
pected individual. When I asked if he was looking for Mr. King you should
have seen his look of surprise."
The editor of the Journal, in speaking of Ralph Waldo Emerson's lecture at
Plymouth Hall, Freeport, said : "What we understood of it was excellent, and
what we did not understand we suppose was excellent."
ADDAMS INSTITUTE.
The Addams Institute, an association of young men, was organized in 1852,
and held its first meeting November 25, that year in the basement of the First
Presbyterian church. J. C. Howells, president of the club, gave an inaugural
address in "Danger and Weakness of Ignorance." At the second meeting the
following question was discussed : "Resolved ; that the intervention policy ad-
vocated by Kossuth, is just and should be adopted by the United States."
The officers were: President, W. J. Johnston; Vice President, J. Burrell;
Secretary, J. S. Oliver. J. S. Oliver and W. J. Johnston debated against H. M.
Sheetz and J. C. Howells. J. Burrell gave a declamation. Professor1 Daniels
gave a series of lectures on Geology. The Journal says, "The efforts of the
Addams Institute to introduce these lectures deserves credit."
FREEPORT LITERARY INSTITUTE.
The Freeport Literary Institute was organized at Hon. T. J. Turner's office
January n, 1853. Mr U. D. Meacham was chairman of the meeting. The
following officers were elected for one year : President, Judge Coats ; Vice Presi-
dent, P. D. Fisher ; Secretary, S. D. Knight ; Treasurer, John Barfoot ; Librarian,
Dr. O. E. Stearns. The business committee consisted of John K. Brewster, Dr.
C. Bartin, and D. C. Wilmot, part of whose duties were the employment of
lecturers, and purchase of books, papers and scientific apparatus. The mem-
196 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
bership fee was one dollar. Mr. F. W. S. Brawley was to deliver the first lec-
ture. The Journal says, "Mr. Brawley is an easy and beautiful writer and a
ripe scholar." Mr. Brawley being absent, Hon. T. J. Turner gave one of his
characteristic speeches. Mr. C. A. Clark also addressed the meeting.
LECTURES.
PUBLIC LECTURES.
In 1853, the following citizens volunteered to deliver public lectures : F. W.
S. Brawley, T. J. Turner, Rev. A. J. Warner, D. E. Markle, C. A. Clark, Rev.
J. Coon, U. D. Meacham, Dr. C. Martin, J. C. Howells, Rev. James Bentley, H.
M. Sheetz, Dr. R. Van Valzah, E. Hunt, Dr. O. E. Stearns and C. E. Berry.
Cassius M. Clay spoke in Freeport in 1854, for the whigs, before an audience
of 2,000 to 3,yco people. Later came Joshua R. Giddings, the Anti-Slavery war
horse of the Western Reserve, Salmon P. Chase, George W. Julian, followed by
Stephen A. Douglas.
LECTURE COURSE, 1855-6.
Wm. Stark New Hampshire.
E. P. Whipple ._ Boston.
Park Benjamin New York.
Parke Goodwin New York.
T. Starr King Boston.
R. W. Emerson Concord.
John G. Saxe Vermont.
B. F. Taylor Chicago.
J. K. Doolittle Racine.
E. H. Chapin New York.
THE LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE— 1858.
The greatest political event in Stephenson County was the Lincoln and
Douglas Debate at Freeport, August 27, 1858. Both Lincoln and Douglas were
candidates for the United States Senate. Douglas had been in the senate since
1847 and his second term would expire in 1859. In order to be elected in 1858,
Douglas knew he must control the election to the state legislature. Douglas had
broken with Buchanan in the Kansas troubles and found that he had a hard fight
before him in Illinois. When Buchanan threatened Douglas, the "Little Giant"
told the president that Andrew Jackson was dead. This meant that Douglas
would take his own course on his idea of 'Popular Sovereignty.' "
Mr. Lincoln, as a candidate, however, found that Douglas was a strong op-
ponent, for in over eleven years Douglas had planted an army of federal
officials, postmasters, revenue collectors, etc., over the state. He had back of him
an interested organization, composed of the old wheelhorses of his party. As
Lincoln said of Douglas : "All anxious politicians have seen in his round, jolly,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN .
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 197
fruitful face, post-offices, land-offices, marshall-ships, cabinet appointments,
charge-ships and foreign missions, bursting and sprouting out in wonderful
exuberance, ready to be laid hold of by their greedy hands. On the contrary,
nobody ever expected me to be president. In my poor lean, lank face nobody has
ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting out. We have to fight this battle
upon principle, and principle alone."
Some claimed that John Wentworth of Chicago was the real republican can-
didate and that Lincoln was just a stalking-horse to beat Douglas in the leg-
islative elections.
Douglas received the indorsement of the Democratic State Convention April
21, 1858. A number of democrats bolted, held a "rump" convention on June gth
and denounced Douglas. The Republican Convention was held June 16, at
Springfield. Lincoln was unanimously nominated with wild applause. Chicago
took the lead in securing Lincoln's nomination.
It was Lincoln's carefully written speech of acceptance that brought him
at once into national prominence. It was in this speech that he broke away
from the old compromise idea and said, "The Government cannot exist half
salve and half free ; it must become all one thing or all the other." Future events
justified the wisdom of Lincoln going to the root of the whole slavery question.
But the politicians of his own party felt that he had made a mistake. Truly
enough, from the standpoint of immediate politics, he lost, for Douglas beat
him in the race for the senate. But Lincoln was looking far into the muture.
He grasped the great fundamentals and essentials of the slavery question, and
in 1860 he became the logical candidate for the presidency of the United States.
The campaign really opened in Chicago, where Douglas was given a great
oration. Democratic newspapers said 30,000 people heard him. Republican
papers said 12,000. In this speech Douglas attacked Lincoln's Springfield speech.
Lincoln then went to Chicago and replied to Douglas. The Illinois Journal then
said : "The war has begun. In sound manly argument Lincoln is too much for
Douglas. While the former shakes his black locks vaingloriously, and ex-
plodes in mere fustion of sound and smoke, the latter, quietly, unassumingly but
effectively, drives home argument after argument, heavy as cannon balls and
sharp as two-edged swords, until his adversary is so thoroughly riddled, cut up
and used up, that in the view of discriminating men, nothing remains of him but
a ghastly appearance." The Louisville Democrat said : "The debate in Illinois
is the ablest and most important that has ever taken place in any of the states,
on the great question which has so .long agitated the country, elected and de-
feated presidential candidates, built up and broken down parties. It is the
opening for the question of 1860. In Illinois the real battle has begun, by broad-
sides too, from the heaviest artillery. Douglas is matchless in debate and stands
upon the only national platform. Lincoln is able and does full justice to the
cause he advocates." The New York Tribune commented on the fact that Douglas
was born in Free Vermont and Lincoln in slave-holding Kentucky, and observes
that these gentlemen would seem respectively to have "conquered their preju-
dices" found in early impressions. The Philadelphian North America said
August 25, 1858, "The administration of Buchanan has been at work with all
its power and influence to prevent the election of Douglas to the Senate. Mr.
198 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Lincoln follows Douglas wherever he goes, and has the best of the argument."
Trumbull also stumped the state against Douglas and Mr. Edwin Ensle Sparks
says : "Without a formal nomination or indorsement by the people of Illinois,
ridiculed as a "My party" candidate, and facing the loss of Federal patronage,
Douglas entered on the greatest of his many battles for supremacy, — a contest
surpassing that waged two years later for the presidency. Alone and un-
aided he forced in the lists Trumbull and Lincoln, the best debaters afforded
by the Republicans in the West and probably equaled by Seward in the East."
The Quincy Whig had an idea that Douglas was done for. It said, "Judge
Douglas has left the Democratic party or it has left him. He sees that his
fate is sealed, but he is determined to die hard." The Pittsfield Democrat took
up Lincoln's statement that he would rather be a live dog than a dead lion. The
Democrat said, "Abe Lincoln who compared himself to a living dog and Doug-
las to a dead lion will rapidly discover that instead of 'living,' he is one of the
smallest of defunct puppies. His comparison in some degree was true — it is
very much like a puppy-dog fighting a lion."
Douglas began a tour of the state after his oration in Chicago. He had a
special train, and a flat car at the rear on which was a small cannon. It was
reported that Douglas mortgaged his Chicago home and borrowed funds in New
York to carry on his campaign. Republicans said he carried a cannon so as to
announce his entrance to a city, provided there was no reception for him. On
the baggage car in large letters were the words, "S. A. Douglas, the Champion
of Popular Sovereignty." At Bloomington Douglas attacked Lincoln's ideas.
He said Lincoln was in favor of negro equality. That he defied the Supreme
Court in opposing the Dred Scott Decision and that Lincoln's "House Divided
Against Itself" speech beautiful the spirit of disunion.
July 19, 1858, Douglas spoke in Springfield in the afternoon and Lincoln
replied at night. Lincoln also had an invitation to go to Bloomington and reply
to Douglas. Douglas made out a schedule of speeches indicating his itinerary,
after his Springfield speech. Lincoln's friends made a corresponding schedule
closely following that of Douglas, sometimes at the same place on the same date,
but more often a day or so following. Douglas' friends claimed that Lincoln
was violating the ethics of campaigning by following Douglas. The Illinois
State Journal approved, saying: "We hope that Mr. Lincoln will continue to
follow up Mr. Douglas with a sharp stick, even if it does make his organ (the
Chicago Times) howl with rage." Another paper said: "Wherever the Little
Giant happens to be, Abe is sure to turn up and be a thorn in his side." The
Chicago Times said Lincoln's Chicago and Springfield meetings were failures.
"The cringing, crawling creature is hanging at the outskirts of Douglas' meet-
ings, begging the people to come and hear him. He rode to Monticello yesterday
on Douglas' train ; poor deseperate creature, he wants an audience ! The people
won't turn out and hear him, and he must do something, even if it is mean,
sneaking and disreputable! We suggest that Lincoln's managers make an ar-
rangement with a Circus Company now touring the State, to include a speech
by Lincoln in the program. In this way Lincoln could get good audiences." In
reply the Chicago Journal said : "We suppose Douglas owns neither the railroad
trains he travels on nor the people whom he addresses." The Chicago Times said :
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 199
"Lincoln attended the Douglas Meeting at Clinton screened behind a man in
green goggles, whom he used as a shield and cover. When Douglas was through,
Lincoln gradually lengthened out his long lank proportions till he stood upon his
feet, and with a desperate attempt to look pleasant, said that he would not take
advantage of Judge Douglas' crowd but would address 'sich' as like to hear him
in the evening at the Courthouse."
LINCOLN'S CHALLENGE TO DOUGLAS.
In his speeches Douglas was paying particular attention to Trumbull's
speeches. Lincoln's friends feared that in this way he would be a minor attrac-
tion in the campaign and would lose force as a candidate. Lincoln was anxious
for a series of joint debates with Douglas and after consulting the Republican
leaders, he sent the following challenge to Douglas :
Hon. S. A. Douglas. ' D1"
My Dear Sir: Will it be agreeable to you to make an arrangement for you
and myself to divide time, and address the same audiences the present canvas?
Mr. Judd, who will hand you this, is authorized to receive your answer; and if
agreeable to you, to enter into terms of such agreement.
Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
That very day Douglas answered the challenge, accepting it and suggesting
places where the debates were to be held. Mr. Douglas expressed surprise that
Lincoln had delayed so long in sending the challenge as he had already made out
his schedule and had arranged with candidates for Congress and State offices
to speak from the same platform. "However," Mr. Douglas said, "I will take
the responsibility of making an arrangement with you for a discussion between
us at one prominent point in each Congressional District except the second and
the sixth where both have spoken and you had the last speech. If agreeable to
you, I will indicate to you the following places as those most suitable in the sev-
eral congressional districts in which we should speak, to wit : Freeport, Ottawa,
Galesburg, Quincy, Alton, Jonesboro, and Charleston. I will confer with you
at the earliest opportunity in regard to the mode of conducting the debate.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
S. A. DOUGLAS.
Republican papers claimed that Douglas evaded the conflict in limiting the
number of debates and that he lacked courtesy when he selected the places
where the debates were to be held, if any were to be held. The Chicago Daily
Journal, July 27, says : "Every canvass for the last twenty years has found these
two champions of their respective parties side by side with each other, and often
addressing the same audience, and Mr. Lincoln never asked any favor of his
adversary. He does not now. Douglas shows the white feather and, like a
trembling Felix, skulks behind the appointments of the emasculate Democratic
State Central Committee!" The Chicago Times believed, or pretended to be-
lieve that Lincoln's challenge was due to the fact that Lincoln could not get
audiences to come out to hear him. It expressed the opinion that about two
200 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
joint discussions would satisfy Mr. Lincoln's ambitions along this line. The
paper doubted Mr. Lincoln's acceptance, but stated that if he did he would get
enough of debate and discomfiture to last him a life-time. The Peoria Tran-
script and other papers took the position that Lincoln's delay in issuing the chal-
lenge was due to the fact that out of courtesy, in accordance with a western cus-
tom, Lincoln expected and hoped that Judge Douglas would challenge him to
stump the state.
FREEPORT JOURNAL, JULY 2g, 1858.
In discussing the debate the Freeport Journal said, "Mr. Lincoln having
challenged Senator Douglas to meet him on the stump all over the state. The
latter . declines the general invitation, but agrees to meet him at seven different
places as follows: Freeport, Galesburg, Ottawa, Quincy, Jonesboro, Alton and
Charleston, provided Lincoln will come at the time Douglas' friends may have
chosen, if any. Though this is a half-way evasion of the challenge, we are
glad that we in Freeport, at least, will have an opportunity to hear these two
champions from the same stand. We bespeak for them the largest gathering
ever known here, and are willing to let the people judge for themselves who
shall be their choice after a fair hearing of them both in person."
The Illinois State register defended Douglas and hoots at the idea that
Douglas is afraid to meet Lincoln. It said, "The idea that a man who has
crossed blades in the Senate with the strongest intellects of the country, who
has as the champion of Democratic principles in the senatorial arena, routed
all opposition — that such a man dreads encounter with A. Lincoln is an ab-
surdity that can be uttered by Lincoln's organs only with a ghastly phiz. If
Lincoln was good for fifty or a hundred encounters, he ought to be good for
seven."
On July 29, Lincoln met Douglas near Monticello, Illinois, and offered him
his answer to Douglas' reply to the challenge. A St. Louis paper gives the
following account of that meeting on a prairie road. It is needless to say the
account was written by a Douglas reporter. "On the way to the railroad, the
judge's procession was met by Abe, who in a kind of nervous, excited manner
tumbled out of his carriage, his legs appearing sadly in the way or out of
place. He got to the judge's carriage with a kind of hop, skip and a jump,
and then with considerable bowing and scraping, he told the judge he had the
answer to the judge's letter; that it was long, that he had not compared it
with the original letter, and could the judge just wait that the comparison
might be made by the roadside. Just think of staying out in the middle of a
vast prairie to compare notes. Douglas, of course, declined, requesting Mr.
Lincoln to compare to his own satisfaction, and then forward the communica-
tion." Lincoln's reply is dated Springfield, July 29. In it, Mr. Lincoln an-
swers several insinuations in Mr. Douglas' letter. Concluding Mr. Lincoln
says, "I agree to an arrangement for us to speak at the seven places you men-
tion, and at your own times, provided you name the times at once, so that I,
as well as you, can have to myself the time not covered by the arrangement.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 201
As to the other details, I wish perfect reciprocity and no more. I wish as
much time as you and that conclusions shall alternate. That is all.
Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
P. S. As matters now stand, I shall be at no more of your exclusive meet-
ings. A. L.
Douglas received Lincoln's letter at Bement, and replied the next day, July
30, 1858, as follows:
Dear Sir: Your letter dated yesterday, accepting my proposition for a joint
discussion at one prominent point in each district except, as stated in my pre-
vious letter, was received this morning. The times and places designated are
as follows: Ottawa, LaSalle County, August 21, 1858; Freeport, Stephenson
County, August 2j, 1858; Jonesboro, Union County, September 15, 1858;
Charleston, Coles County, September 18, 1858; Galesburg, Knox County, Octo-
ber 7, 1858; Quincy, Adams County, October 13, 1858; Alton, Madison County,
October 15, 1858.
I agree to your suggestion that to alternately open and close the discussion,
I will speak at Ottawa one hour, you can reply, occupying one hour and a half,
and I will then follow for one-half hour. We will alternate in like manner at
each successive place.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. A. DOUGLAS.
On July 31, Lincoln replied: "Yours of yesterday, naming places, times and
terms for joint discussions between us was received this morning. Although
by the terms, as you propose, you take four openings and closes to my three, I
accede, and thus close the arrangement. I direct this to you at Hillsboro, and
shall try to have both your letter and this appear in the Journal and Register
Monday morning.
Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
The Springfield Journal said on July 31, "It is clear that Senator Douglas
is not fond of Mr. Lincoln's rough-handling and is anxious to get out of an ugly
scrape on any terms. He had to run away from Lincoln in 1854 and dares not
stand his broadsides now."
Thus on July 31, the last word had been written between these two great sons
of Illinois, and a series of joint debates arranged that have no parallel in the
history of the United States. The whole state was aroused and all looked for-
ward eagerly to the opening of the series at Ottawa, August 21, 1858.
THE OTTAWA DEBATE.
The special Chicago train of 14 cars, leaving at 8:00, arrived at Ottawa with
Lincoln at 1 1 145. The railroad gave a half-fare rate. Twenty thousand people
assembled to hear the contest. Douglas was met at Peru and brought to Ottawa
in a carriage drawn by four horses. He was escorted into the city by shouts
of the thousands, the booming of cannons and the music of brass bands, says
one of the reporters, while the Lincoln delegation made a sorrowful appear-
ance. Another paper said that Lincoln was met at the depot by an immense
crowd with flying banners, while Douglas' turnout was less noisy.
202 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
At Ottawa the surging crowd two or three times almost drove the reporters
off the platform. People climbed to the roof of the speakers stand and it broke
through on the heads of the reception committee. The Chicago Press and the
Tribune said, "Fully two-thirds of the crowd were with Lincoln and cheered
him wildly all through his speech." It says, "When Lincoln had finished his
speech, Douglas sprang to his feet to reply. His face was lined with passion and
excitement. We have never seen a human face so distorted with rage. He re-
sembled a wild beast in looks and gesture, and a maniac in language and argu-
ment. He called everybody liars who believed the charges Lincoln made against
him. He boasted that he had won the victory and threatened what awful things
he would do to Lincoln at Freeport."
The Missouri Republican's reporter wrote in his paper that Douglas' speech
was received calmly, but "Lincoln in one of his characteristic efforts, inter-
larding his address with funny anecdotes, droll expressions and frequent witti-
cisms, soon brought outbursts of applause which his clever hits brought forth.
He punched the Little Giant right and left and dealt him many a well aimed
thrust of keen satire. But the aforesaid Giant did not seem to be otherwise af-
fected than as a young bull by an attack of gad flies. Douglas was aroused, and
when it came his turn to reply, "perhaps" he didn't make the "hair" "fly." The
Peoria Transcript said "Douglas" whole speech was delivered in a coarse, vulgar,
boisterous style. Lincoln's speech was high-toned and honorable, bold pungent
and powerful." The Illinois State Register, Springfield, said, "Compared with
the hearty welcome of Douglas the efforts of the Republicans to make a show
for Lincoln was a sickly affair. Lincoln did not 'face the music.' He only blun-
dered and broke down lacking fifteen minutes of making out the time al-
lotted to him. Lincoln withered before the bold, lucid, eloquent argumentation,
and writhed under the sharp invective of Douglas." The Chicago Times said
"Lincoln broke down, his heart, his legs, his tongue, his arms failed him, and
he failed all over." The Chicago Journal : "Since the flailing Senator Douglas
got at Ottawa on Saturday we suggest that his friends address him as the late
Mr. Douglas." The Quincy Whig: "Among other equally eloquent expressions,
Douglas said he intended to bring Lincoln to his milk, that Lincoln advocated
that 'niggers' were equal to white men and that he was going to 'trot' Lincoln
down to Egypt. Isn't this beautiful language for a United States senator?"
The newspapers gave such conflicting reports of the debate at Ottawa that
the only way to form an unbiased opinion is to read the speeches.
THE FREEPORT DEBATE.
Friday, August 2.7, at Freeport was a chilly day, threatening rain. But the
crowds came from all directions to hear the great debate, the second of the
series between Lincoln and Douglas. At 9 o'clock the Carroll County delegations
arrived with a brass band and banners. An hour later a special train of twelve
crowded cars came in from Dixon. Mr. Lincoln arrived on this train and was
met at the station by two thousand citizens of Stephenson County. They met
him with tremendous cheering and the multitude, headed by a band, marched'
to the Brewster Hotel where Hon. Thomas J. Turner delivered the welcome ad-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 203
dress. A special train of sixteen cars, carrying over one thousand persons,
came in from Rockford, with a banner "Winnebago County for Old Abe."
They swept up Stephenson Street to the hotel and yelled till Lincoln came out
and made a brief speech. A train of eight cars brought a crowd from Galena
and Lincoln again had to appear on the balcony at the Brewster. Douglas
reached Freeport Thursday evening and was escorted to the Brewster by a
torchlight procession. The New York Evening Post's special correspondent
said the crowd was larger than at Ottawa. "All prairiedom lias broken loose.
Everywhere are banners, cotton mottoes and small flags. The streets are black
with people. The weather is cool and cloudy. Mr. Douglas was greeted last
evening by a turnout of torches, salutes of artillery and a stunning illumination
of the hotel." A Republican Chicago newspaper said there were seventy-five in
the torchlight procession and the Missouri Republican (Democratic) said there
were one thousand.
The Freeport Journal (September 21, 1858) said: "The people began coming
the day before. The crowd was estimated at from ten thousand to twenty
thousand. Douglas was met at the depot Thursday evening and made a brief
speech at the Brewster Hotel. Lincoln arrived from the South at ten o'clock
and was met at the train by an immense assemblage of Republicans. All away
along the procession to the Brewster Hotel he was received with the most un-
bounded enthusiasm. It was plainly evident that the great majority of the peo-
ple had no sympathy with the party that endorsed the Dred Scott Decision or
its unprincipled leader."
WHERE THE DEBATE WAS HELD.
The Lincoln-Douglas debate in Freeport was held not far from the Brewster
Hotel, the site being marked by a large boulder. The platform was three or
four feet high and had room on it for about a dozen people. The crowd formed
a vast semi-circle about the stand.
It had been planned to take Douglas to the speaking place in a handsome
carriage. Lincoln's men, hearing of this, decided to produce a contrast, explained
as follows from the recollection of General Smith D. Atkins: "Laming that it
was the intention to convey the Democratic champion in a splendid equipage from
Mr. Brawley's residence to the place of speaking, the Republican Committee sent
out into Lancaster township for Uncle John Long to come to Freeport with his
splendid team of six enormous horses and his conestoga wagon in which he had
recently driven from Pennsylavnia. Lincoln stoutly protested against the plan,
but finally consented. Amid the cheers of Republicans and Democrats alike, he
climbed into the wagon, followed by a dozen of his enthusiastic supporters from
the farming contingent and was drawn to the place of speaking. The driver of
the teams sat on the nigh wheel horse and drove the six horses with a single
rein." When Douglas was informed of Lincoln's conveyance, he decided to
abandon the fine carriage and the dapple grays and walked to the speaker's plat-
form Vvith Colonel Mitchel.
The New York Evening Post has the following from its special correspond-
ent on the method of handling the crowd at Freeport: "After dinner the crowd
204 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
hurried to a grove near the hotel, where the speakers' stand and seats for listen-
ers had been arranged. Here also was confusion and disorder. They have a
wretched way in Illinois of leaving the platform unguarded and exposed to the
forcible entry of the mob, who seize upon it an hour before the notabilities ar-
rive and turn a deaf ear to all urgent appeals to evacuation. Hence, orators,
committee of reception, invited guests and last, but not least, the newspaper
gentry have to fight a hand to hand conflict for even the meagerest chance for
standing room. This consumes a half hour or so, during which the crowd tak-
ing their cue from those of high places, improvise a few scuffles for position
among themselves."
DESCRIPTION OF DOUGLAS AND LINCOLN.
The correspondent of the New York Evening Post gave the following de-
scription of Douglas and Lincoln :
"Two men presenting wider contrasts could hardly be found as representa-
tives of the two great political parties. Everybody knows Douglas, a short,
thick-set, burly man, with large round head, heavy hair, dark complexion, and
fierce bull-dog bark. Strong in his own real power, and skilled in a thousand
conflicts in all the strategy of a hand to hand or a general fight. Of towering
ambition, restless in his desire for notoriety: proud, defiant, arrogant, unscrupu-
lous, 'Little Doug' ascended the platform and looked out impudently and care-
lessly on the immense throng which surged and struggled before him. A native
of Vermont, reared on soil where no slave ever trod, trained to hard manual
labor and schooled in hardships, he came to Illinois a teacher, and from one
post to another had arisen to his present eminence.
"The other, Lincoln, is a native of Kentucky, and of poor white parentage
and from his cradle he has felt the blighting influence and cruel shadow which
rendered labor dishonorable. Reared in poverty and the humblest aspirations,
he came to Illinois and began his career of honorable toil. At first a laborer,
splitting rails for a living, deficient in education, and applying himself even to the
rudiments of knowledge he, too, felt the expanding power of manhood and be-
gan to achieve the greatness to which he has succeeded. With great difficulty,
struggling through the tedious formularies of legal lore, he was admitted to the
bar and rapidly made his way to the front ranks of his profession. He has
been always, in every relation of life, the pure and honest man. Built on the
Kentucky type, he is very tall, slender and angular, awkward, even in gait and
attitude. His face is sharp, large featured and unprepossessing. His eyes are
deep set, under heavy brows ; his forehead is high and retreating and his hair is
dark and heavy. In repose, 'Long Abe's' appearance is not comely. But stir him
up and the fire of his genius plays on every feature. His eye glows and sparkles,
every lineament, now so ill-formed, grows radiant and expressive, and you have
before you a man of rare power and of strong magnetic influence. He is clear,
concise, and logical ; his language is eloquent and at perfect command. He is
altogether a more fluent speaker than Douglas, and in all the arts of debate fully
his equal."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 205
A description of Lincoln in the Vincennes Sun, July 3, 1858, is as follows:
"Lincoln is popular, — the strongest man the opposition have, is nearly fifty
years old, six feet two, slightly stoop-shouldered, very muscular and powerful,
dark eyes, a quizzical, pleasant, raw-boned face, tells a story better than anybody
else, is a good lawyer, and is what the world calls a devilish good fellow. He
would have been Senator before had not Trumbull's superior cunning over-
reached him. But in dignity, intellect and majesty of mind, it is not pretended
that he is Douglas's equal." Douglas said that he considered Lincoln "a kind,
amiable, kindhearted gentleman, a good citizen, and an honorable opponent," but
that he took exception to his principles.
An eye witness of the Freeport debate gives the following description of the
"two men : "Lincoln was tall and ungainly, with a lean face. Homely and sor-
rowful looking, while Douglas was short and fat, easy of manner and his full
face seemed to be that of a man whose life had been one of success and sun-
shine. Douglas was dressed in what might have been called plantation style.
He was richly dressed. He wore a ruffled shirt, a dark blue coat closed with
shiny buttons, light trousers and shiny shoes, with a wide-brimmed soft hat, like
that still worn by the prosperous politicians of Southern Illinois. He made a
picture fitted for the stage.
Lincoln wore an old stove-pipe hat with a coarse looking coat with sleeves
far too short, and baggy trousers, so short that they showed his rough boots.
To tell the truth, the Lincoln men couldn't brag much on their man for exhibi-
tion purposes.
The correspondent of the New York Tribune criticised Douglas for his
abuse of opponents. It says, "Trumbull in particular came in for a good share
of these compliments. Douglas is rather more cautious how he talks about Lin-
coln, 'Long Abe' being a man of Kentucky raising, and one who might fight and
'Little Doug' is well known to be a bully who insults only peaceable men." The
Tribune reporter also sent his paper the following story about Lincoln's good
looks. The story goes as follows : "Lincoln was out hunting in the woods when
he fell in with a most truculent looking hunter who immediately took a sight
on Lincoln with a rifle. 'Halloo!' says Lincoln, 'whatever you going to do
stranger?' 'See here, friend, the folks in my settlement told me if I ever saw a
man uglier than I was, then I must shoot him ; and I've found him at last.'
'Well,' says Lincoln, after a good look at the man, 'Shoot away, for if I am
really uglier than you are, I don't want to live any longer.' "
The Chicago Times said, October i, 1858: "It will be remembered that
after Lincoln had been listened to attentively, and when Douglas went upon
the stand, some villian threw at Douglas a melon, hitting him upon one shoulder.
Nor was that the only indecent act perpetrated by the enemies of Democracy at
that place. From that day to this the ruffianism of black Republicanism has
steadily increased."
Mr. Ingalls Carleton, one of the pioneers of Freeport who witnessed the
great debate, says that on Friday A. M. the people crowded the street in front
of the Brewster Hotel and yelled for both Douglas and Lincoln. Finally both
Lincoln and Douglas appeared on the balcony, arm in arm, and bowed to the
206 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
people again and again. At the debate each side thought its man did the best,
but a majority thought Lincoln had Douglas on the hip."
William Askey says Hon. Martin P. Sweet had a vantage position on a box
car when Lincoln's train came into Freeport and shouted, "Make the welkin ring
when the train arrives." He adds, "they cheered as though bedlam had an
outing."
LINCOLN'S QUESTIONS AND DOUGLAS' REPLY.
During the Ottawa debate Douglas put several question to Mr. Lincoln. At
Freeport, Lincoln answered these questions and then said that he had a few
questions he wanted to put to Judge Douglas. At Freeport, he confined himself
to four questions, as follows :
1. If the people of Kansas shall, by means entirely unobjectionable in all
other respects, adopt a state constitution and ask admission into the Union under
it, before they have the requisite number of inhabitants according to the English
bill — same 93,000, will you vote to admit them? (Applause.)
2. Can the people of a United States territory in a lawful way, against the
wish of any citizen of the United States, exclude slavery from its limits prior
to the formation of a state constitution? (Applause.)
3. If the supreme court of the United States shall decree that states cannot
exclude slavery from their limits, are you in favor of aquiescing in, adopting
and following such decision as a rule of political action? (Loud applause.)
4. Are you in favor of acquiring additional territory in disregard of how
such acquisition may affect the nation on the slavery question? (Cries of good!
good!)
Judge Douglas answered the questions as follows:
i. I, therefore, answer at once that it having been decided that Kansas has
people enough for a slave state, it has enough for a free state.
' 2. In my opinion the people of a territory can, by lawful means, exclude
slavery from their limits, prior to the formation of a state constitution. It mat-
ters not what way the supreme court may hereafter decide as the abstract ques-
tion whether slavery may go into the territory under the constitution, the people
have the lawful means to introduce it or exclude it as they please, for the reason
that slavery cannot exist a day or an hour anywhere unless it is supported by
local police regulations.
3. I tell him that such a thing is not possible.
4. I answer that whenever it becomes necessary, in our growth and progress,
to acquire more territory, that I am in favor of it without reference to the ques-
tion of slavery ; and when we have acquired it, I will leave the people free to
do as they please, either to make it slave or a free territory as they prefer.
It was the second question that caused so much comment before and after the
debate. It seemed to put Douglas in a dilemma because if he answered yes,
he .would seem to be denying the principle of the Dred Scott decision which he
supported. If he answered no, then he shattered his own creation, popular
sovereignty. However, that may be, Douglas answered the question, yes, and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 207
lost the votes of the southern delegation in the Democratic National Convention
of 1860.
That Lincoln's advisors were against his asking this second question is
clear. Joseph Medill, of the Chicago Tribune, was with Lincoln from Ottawa
to Freeport. Between the two debates Lincoln addressed three or four meetings.
Lincoln showed his four questions to Medill on the train coming up from Dixon,
and asked Medill's opinion of them. Medill objected to the second question,
because, as he said, it would give Douglas a chance to square himself on his popu-
lar sovereignty idea. Lincoln replied, "I won't change it, and I intend to spear
it at Judge Douglas this afternoon." Medill told E. B. Washburn and Norman
B. Judd, the former the congressman from the Freeport district and the latter,
chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, about Lincoln's questions
and they decided to attempt to convince Lincoln that the celebrated question
should be left out. They made the attempt and failed to change his purpose.
After Lincoln had been elected president of the United States, he asked
Medill if he remembered that question he asked Douglas at Freeport? Medill,
of course, remembered it and replied that, while it hurt Douglas for the presi-
dency, it elected him to the senate. Lincoln replied with a smile, "Now, I have
won the place he was playing for."
Hon. Clark E. Carr, who knew Lincoln and Douglas well, in speech before
the Bar Association, July n, 1907, denied that Lincoln drove Douglas into a cor-
ner by his question. He stated that Douglas had taken the same ground on that
point at Bloomington six weeks before, and that Lincoln heard that speech. Mr.
Carr adds : "Senator Douglas has never been driven into a corner. In all his de-
bates with the greatest American, he was never driven into a corner. His views
on slavery were wrong, but there was no concealment about them. He was
always outspoken, and it is an unwarrantable and an outrageous imputation
against him to say that he was forced to take a position through being driven
into a corner." However, the Bloomington speech by Douglas received little at-
tention, while the Freeport debates were read and discussed all over the nation,
and the wide publicity of that idea expressed in the answer by Douglas made it
impossible for him to be the candidate of the United Democracy for the presi-
dency of the United States in 1860. The division thus caused, made Lincoln's
election both possible and probable.
Rhodes quotes Horace Greeley as authority for the statements of the cost
of the campaign to the two candidates. "Lincoln," Greeley said, in the Century
Magazine, July, 1891, p. 375, "spent less than $1,000, while Douglas spent no
less than $80,000, and incurred a debt which weighed him down to the grave."
When the legislature met to elect a senator, Douglas had a majority of eight
votes. But the Republican state ticket was elected by a majority of almost four
thousand votes. In 1854 Lincoln lacked only four votes of being elected to the
senate.
After the contest of 1858 was over Douglas paid Lincoln the compliment in
Washington by saying that there was not a man in the senate he would not
rather meet in debate than Lincoln and that included such men as Seward, Sum-
ner and Chase.
208 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
SECOND JOINT DEBATE.
Freeport, August 27, 1858.
Mr. Lincoln was introduced by Hon. Thomas J. Turner, and was greeted
with loud cheers. When the applause had subsided he said:
MR. LINCOLN'S SPEECH.
Ladies and Gentlemen : On Saturday last, Judge Douglas and myself first
met in public discussion. He spoke one hour, I an hour and a half, and he
replied for half an hour. The order is now reversed. I am to speak an hour,
he an hour and a half, and then I am to reply for half an hour. I propose to
devote myself during the first hour to the scope of what was brought within the
range of his half-hour speech at Ottawa. Of course there was brought within
the scope of1 that half-hour's speech something of his own opening speech.
In the course of that opening argument Judge Douglas proposed to me seven
distinct interrogatories. In my speech of an hour and a half, I attended to some
other parts of his speech, and incidentally, as I thought, answered one of the
interrogatories then. I then distinctly intimated to him that I would answer the
rest of his interrogatories. He made no intimation at the time of the proposi-
tion, nor did he in his reply allude at all to that suggestion of mine. I do him no
injustice in saying that he occupied at least half of his reply in dealing with me
as though I had refused to answer his interrogatories. I now propose that I
will answer any of the interrogatories upon condition that he will answer ques-
tions from me not. exceeding the same number. I give him an opportunity to
respond. The judge remains silent. I now say2 that I will answer his interrog-
atories whether he answers mine or not; (applause) and after that I have done
so, I shall propound mine to him. (Applause.)
(Owing to the press of people against the platform our reporter did not
reach the stand until Mr. Lincoln had spoken to this point. The previous re-
marks were taken by a gentleman in Freeport, who has politely furnished them
to us.)
I have supposed myself, since the organization of the Republican party at
Bloomington, in May, 1856, bound as a party man by the platform of the party,
then and since. If in any interrogatories which I shall answer I go beyond the
scope of what is within these platforms, it will be perceived that no one is re-
sponsible but myself.
Having said thus much, I will take up the judge's interrogatories as I find
them printed in the Chicago Times, and answer them seriatim. In order that
there may be no mistake about it, I have copied the interrogatories in writing,
and also my answers to it.3 The first otic of these interrogatories is in these
words : —
Question I. "I desire to know whether Lincoln today stands as he did in
1854, in favor of the unconditional repeal of the Fugitive- Slave law?"
i Reads : "in1' for 'of."
- Inserts : "to you" after "say."
s Reads : "them" for "it."
THE LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DERATE MONUMENT
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 209
Answer. I do not now, nor ever did, stand in favor of the unconditional
repeal of the Fugitive-Slave law. (Cries of "Good! Good!")
Q. 2. "I desire him to answer whether he stands pledged today, as he did
in 1854, against the admission of any more slave states into the Union, even if
the people want them?"
A. I do not now, nor ever did, stand pledged against the admission of any
more slave states into the Union.
Q. 3. "I want to know whether he stands pledged against the admission of
a new state into the Union with such a constitution as the people of that state
may see fit to make ?"
A. I do not stand pledged against the admission of a new state into the
Union, with such a constitution as the people of that state may see fit to make.
(Cries of "Good! Good!")
Q. 4. "I want to know whether he stands today pledged to the abolition of
slavery in the District of Columbia?"
A. I do not stand today pledged to the abolition of slavery in the District
of Columbia.
Q. 5. "I desire him to answer whether he stands pledged to the prohibition
of the slave trade between the different states?"
A. I do not stand pledged to the prohibition of the slave trade between the
different states. ,
Q. 6. "I desire to know whether he stands pledged to prohibit slavery in
all the territories of the United States, north as well as south of the Missouri
Compromise Line?"
A. I am impliedly, if not expressly, pledged to a belief in the right and
duty of Congress to prohibit slavery in all the United States territories. (Great
applause.)
Q. 7. "I desire him to answer whether he is opposed to the acquisition of
any new territory unless slavery is first prohibited therein?"
A. I am not generally opposed to honest acquisition of territory ; and, in
any given case, I would or would not oppose such acquisition, accordingly as I
might think such acquisition would or would not aggravate1 the slavery question
among ourselves. (Cries of "Good! Good!")
Now, my friends, it will be perceived, upon an examination of these questions
and answers that, so far, I have only answered that I was not pledged to this
or the other. The judge has not framed his interrogatories to ask me anything
more than this, and I have answered in strict accordance with the interrogatories
and have answered truly, that I am not pledged at all upon any of the points to
to which I have answered. But I am not disposed to hang upon the exact form
of his interrogatory. I am rather disposed to take up at least some off these
questions and state what I really think upon them.
As to the first one, in regard to the Fugitive- Slave Law, I have never hesi-
tated to say, and I do not now hesitate to say, that I think, under the Constitution
of the United States, the people of the southern states are entitled to a congres-
sional fugitive-slave law. Having said that, I have had nothing to say in regard
to the existing Fugitive- Slave Law, further than that I think it should have been
framed so as to be free from some of the objections that pertain to it, without
i Reads : "them" for "it"
210 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
lessening its efficiency. And inasmuch as we are not now in an agitation in re-
gard to an altercation or modification of that law, I would not be the man to
introduce it as a new subject of agitation upon the general question of slavery.
In regard to the other question, of whether I am pledged to the admission of
any more slave states into the Union, I state to you very frankly that I would
be exceedingly sorry ever to be put in a position of having to pass upon that
question. I should be exceedingly glad to know that there would never be an-
other slave state admitted into the Union; (applause) but I must add that if
slavery shall be kept out of the territories during the territorial existence of any
one given territory and then the people shall, having a fair chance and a clear
field, when they come to adopt the constitution do such an extraordinary thing
as to adopt a slave constitution, uninfluenced by the actual presence of the insti-
tution among them, I see no alternative, if we own the country, but to admit
them into the Union. (Applause.)
The third interrogatory is answered by the answer to the second, it being,
as I conceive, the same as the second.
The fourth one is in regard to the abolition of slavery in the District of Co-
lumbia. In relation to that, I have my mind very distinctly made up. I should
be exceedingly glad to see slavery abolished in the District of Columbia. (Cries
of "Good! Good!") I believe that Congress possesses the constitutional power
to abolish it. Yet as a member of Congress I should not, with my present views,
be in favor of endeavoring to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, unless
it would be upon these conditions : First, that the abolition should be gradual ,
second, that it should be on a vote of the majority of qualified voters in the
district ; and third, that compensation should be made to unwilling owners. With
these three conditions, I confess I would be exceedingly glad to see Congress
abolish slavery in the District of Columbia and, in the language of Henry Clay,
"sweep from our capital that foul blot upon our nation." (Loud applause.)
In regard to the fifth interrogatory, I must say here, that as to the question
of the abolition of the slave trade between the different states, I can truly an-
swer, as I have, that I am pledged to nothing about) it. It is a subject to which
I have not given that mature consideration that would make me feel authorized
to state a position so as to hold myself entirely bound by it. In other words, that
question has never been prominently enough before me to induce me to investi-
gate whether we really have the constitutional power to do it. I could investi-
gate it if I had sufficient time to bring myself to a conclusion upon that subject;
but I have not done so, and I say so frankly to you here, and to Judge Douglas.
I must say, however, that if I should be of opinion that Congress does pos-
sess the constitutional power to abolish the slave-trade1 among the different
states, I should still not be in favor of the exercise of that power unless
upon some conservative principle as I conceive it, akin to what I have said
in relation to the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.
My answer as to whether I desire that slavery should be prohibited in all
the territories of the United States, is full and explicit within itself, and cannot
be made clearer by any comments of mine. So I suppose in regard to the ques-
tion whether I am opposed to the acquisition of any more territory unless slavery
i Reads : "slavery" for "the slave trade."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 211
is first prohibited therein, my answer is such that I could add nothing by way
of illustration, or making myself better understood, than the answer which I
have placed in writing.
Now in all this the judge has me, and he has me on the record. I suppose
he had flattered himself that I was really entertaining one set of opinions for
one place, and another set for another place; that I was afarid to say at one
place what I uttered at another. What I am saying here I suppose I say to a
vast audience as strongly tending to abolitionism as any audience in the State
of Illinois, and I believe I am saying that which, if it would be offensive2 to any
persons and render them enemies to myself, would be offensive to persons in
this audience.
I now proceed to propound to the judge the interrogatories, so far as I have
framed them. I will bring forward a new installment when I get them ready.
(Laughter.) I will bring them forward now, only reaching to number fcur.
The first one is : —
Question I. If the people of Kansas shall, by means entirely unobjection-
able in all other respects, adopt a state constitution and ask admission into the
Union under it, before they have the requisite number of inhabitants according
to the English bill, — some ninety-three thousand,— will you vote to admit them?
(Applause).
Q. 2. Can the people of a United States Territory in any lawful way,
against the wish of any citizen of the United States, exclude slavery from its
limits prior to the formation of a State constitution ? ( Renewed applause. )
Q. 3. If the Supreme Court of the United States shall decree that states
cannot exclude slavery from their limits, are you in favor of acquiescing in,
adopting and following such decision as a rule of political action? (Loud
applause. )
Q. 4. Are you in favor of acquiring additional territory, in disregard of
how such acquisition may affect the nation on the slavery question? (Cries of
"Good! Good!")
As introductory to these interrogatories which Judge Douglas propounded to
me at Ottawa, he read a set of resolutions which he said Judge Trumbull and
myself had participated in adopting, in the first Republican State Convention,
held at Springfield in October, 1854. He insisted that I and Judge Trumbull,
and perhaps the entire Republican party, were responsible for the doctrines con-
tained in the set of resolutions which he read, and I understand that it was from
that set of resolutions that he deduced the interrogatories which he propounded
to me, using these resolutions as a sort of authority for propounding those
questions to me. Now, I say here to-day that I do not answer his interrogatories
because of their springing at all from that set of resolutions which he read. I
answered them because Judge Douglas thought fit to ask them. (Applause.) I
do not now, nor never did, recognize any responsibility upon myself in that set
of resolutions. When I replied to him on that occasion. I assured him that I
never had anything to do with them. I repeat here to-day that I never in any
possible form had anything to do with that set of resolutions.
- Reads : "affirmed" for "offensive."
212 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
It turns out, I believe, that those resolutions were never passed in any con-
vention held in Springfield. (Cheers and laughter.) It turns out that they were
never passed at any convention or any public meeting that I had any part in. I
believe it turns out, in addition to all this, that there was not, in the fall of 1854,
any convention holding a session in Springfield, calling itself a Republican State
Convention ; yet it is true there was a convention or assemblage of men calling
themselves a convention, at Springfield, that did pass some resolutions. But so
little did I really know of the proceedings of that convention, or what set or reso-
lutions they had passed, though having a general knowledge that there had been
such an assemblage of men there, that when Judge Douglass read the resolutions,
I really did not know but they had been the resolutions passed then and there
I did not question that they were the resolutions adopted. For I could not
bring myself to suppose that Judge Douglas could say what he did upon this
subject with out knoimng that it was true. (Cheers and laughter.) I contented
myself, on that occasion, with denying, as I truly could, all connection with them,
not denying or affirming whether they were passed at Springfield. Now, it
turns out that he had got hold of some resolutions passed at some convention or
public meeting in Kane County. (Renewed laughter.) I wish to say here, that
I don't conceive that in any fair and just mind this discovery relieves me at all.
I had just as much to do with the convention in Kane County as that at Spring-
field. I am just as much responsible for the resolutions at Kane County as
those at Springfield, — the amount of the responsibility being exactly nothing in
either case ; no more than there would be in regard to a set of resolutions passed
in the moon. (Laughter and loud cheers.)
I allude to this extraordinary matter in this canvass for some further pur-
pose than anything yet advanced. Judge Douglas did not make his statement
upon that occasion as matters that he believed to be true, but he stated them
roundly as being true, in such form as to pledge his veracity for their truth.
When the whole matter turns out as it does, and when we consider who Judge
Douglas is, — that he is a distinguished Senator of the United States ; that he has
served nearly twelve years as such ; that his character is not at all limited as an
ordinary Senator of the United States, but that his name has become of world-
wide renown, — it is most extraordinary that he should so far forget all the sug-
gestions of justice to an adversary, or of prudence to himself, as to venture
upon the assertion of that which the slightest investigation would have shown
him to be wholly false. (Cheers.) I can only account for his having done so
upon the supposition that that evil genius which has attended him through his
life, giving to him an apparent astonishing prosperity, such as to lead very many
good men to doubt there being any advantage in virtue over vice. (Cheers and
laughter.) I say I can only account for it on the supposition that that evil genius
has at last made up its mind to forsake him. (Continued cheers and laughter. )
And I may add that another extraordinary feature of the Judge's conduct
in this canvass — made more extraordinary by this incident — is, that he is in
the habit, in almost all the speeches he makes, of charging falsehood upon his
adversaries, myself and others. I now ask whether he is able to find in any-
thing that Judge Trumbull, for instance, has said, or in anything that I have
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 213
said, a justification at all compared with what we have, in this instance, for that
sort of vulgarity. (Cries of "Good! Good!")
I have been in the habit of charging as a matter of belief on my part that,
in the introduction of the Nebraska bill into Congress, there was a conspiracy to
make slavery perpetual and national. I have arranged from time to time the
evidence which establishes and proves the truth of this charge. I recurred to
this charge at Ottawa. I shall not now have time to dwell upon it at very great
length ; but inasmuch as Judge Douglas, in his reply of half an hour, made some
points upon me in relation to it, I propose noticing a few of them.
The Judge insists, that, in the first speech I made, in which I very distinctly
made that charge, he thought for a good while I was in fun ; that I was playful ;
that I was not sincere about it; and that he only grew angry and somewhat ex-
cited when he found that I insisted upon it as a matter of earnestness. He says
he characterized it as a falsehood as far as I implicated his moral character in
that transaction. Well, I did not know, till he presented that view, that I had
implicated his moral character. He is very much in the habit, when he argues
me up into a position I never thought of occupying, of very cosily saying he has
no doubt Lincoln is "conscientious" in saying so. He should remember that I
did not know but what he was ALTOGETHER "CONSCIENTIOUS" in the
matter. (Great laughter.) I can conceive it was possible for men to conspire
to do a good thing, and I really find nothing in Judge Douglas' course or argu-
ments that is contrary to, or inconsistent with, his belief of a conspiracy to
nationalize and spread slavery as being a good and blessed thing; (continued
laughter) and so I hope he will understand that I do not at all question but that
in all this matter he is entirely "conscientious." (More laughter and cheers.)
But to draw your attention to one of the points I made in this case, beginning
at the beginning. When the Nebraska bill was introduced, or a short time after-
ward, by an amendment, I believe, it was provided that it must be considered
"the true intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery into any state or
territory, or to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly
free to form and regulate their own domestic institutions in their own way, sub-
ject only to the constitution of the United States." I have called his attention
to the fact that when he and some others began arguing that they were giving
an increased degree of liberty to the people of the territories over and above
what they formerly had on the question of slavery, a question was raised whether
the law was enacted to give such unconditional liberty, to the people ; and to
test the sincerity of this mode of argument, Mr. Chase, of Ohio, introduced an
amendment in which he made the law — if the amendment were adopted — ex-
pressly declare that the people of the territory should have the power to exclude
slavery if they saw fit.
I have asked attention also to the fact that Judge Douglas and those who
acted with him voted that amendment down, notwithstanding it expressed ex-
actly the thing they said was the true intent and meaning of the law. I have
called attention to the fact that in subsequent times a decision of the Supreme
Court has been made, in which it has been declared that a territorial legislature
has no constitutional right to exclude slavery. And I have argued and said that
for men who did intend that the people of the territory should have the right to
214 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
exclude slavery absolutely and unconditionally, the voting down of Chase's
amendment is wholly inexplicable. It is a puzzle, a riddle. But I have said that
with men who did look forward to such a decision, or who had it in contempla-
tion that such a decision of the Supreme Court would or might be made, the
voting down of that amendment would be perfectly rational and intelligible. It
would keep Congress from coming in collision with the decision when it was
made.
Anybody can conceive that if there was an intention or expectation that such
a decision was to follow, it would not be a very desirable party attitude to get
into, for the Supreme Court — all or nearly all its members belonging to the same
party — to decide one way, when the party in Congress had decided the other
way. Hence it would be very rational for men expecting such a decision to keep
the niche in that law clear for it. After pointing this out, I tell Judge Douglas
that it looks to me as though here was the reason why Chase's amendment was
voted down. I tell him that, 'as he did it, and knows why he did it, if it was,
done for a reason different from this, he knows what that reason was, and can
tell us what it zvas. I tell him, also, it will be vastly more satisfactory to the
country for him to give some other plausible, intelligible, reason why it was
voted down than to stand upon his dignity and call people liars. (Loud cheers.)
Well, on Saturday he did make his answer; and what do you think it was?
He says if I had only taken upon myself to tell the whole truth about that
amendment of Chase's no explanation would have been necessary on his part — -
or words to that effect. Now, I say here that I am quite unconscious of having
suppressed anything material to the case, and I am very frank to admit if there
is any sound reason other than that which appeared to one national, it is quite
fair for him to present it. What reason does he propose? That when Chase
came forward with his amendment expressly authorizing the people to exclude
slavery from the limits of every territory, General Cass proposed to Chase, if
he (Chase) would add to his amendment that the people should have the power
to introduce or exclude, they would let it go. (That is substantially all of his
reply.) And because Chase would not do that, they voted his amendment down.
Well, it turns out, I believe, upon examination, that General Cass took some
part in the little running debate upon that amendment, and then ran away and
did not vote on it at all. (Laughter.) Is not that the fact? So confident, as
1 think, was General Cass, that there was a snake somewhere about, he chose to
run away from the whole thing. This is an inference I draw from the fact
that, though he took part in the debate, his name does not appear in the ayes
and noes. But does Judge Douglas's reply amount to a satisfactory answer?
(Cries of "Yes, Yes," and "No, No.") There is some little difference of
opinion here. (Laughter.)
But I ask attention to a few more views bearing on the question of whether
it amounts to a satisfactory answer. The men who were determined that that
amendment should not get into the bill and spoil the place where the Dred Scott
decision was to come in, sought an excuse to get rid of it somewhere. One of
these ways — one of these excuses — was to ask Chase to add to his proposed
amendment a provision that the people might introduce slavery if they wanted
to. They very well knew Chase would do no such thing, that Mr. Chase was one
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 215
of the men differing from them on the broad principle of his insisting that free-
dom was -better than slavery, — a man who would not consent to enact a law,
penned with his own hand, by which he was made to recognize slavery on the
one hand and liberty on the other, as precisely equal; and when they insisted on
his doing this, they very well knew they insisted on that which he would not for
a moment think of doing, and that they were only bluffing him. I believe (I
have not, since he made his answer, had a chance to examine the journals or
Congressional Globe and therefore speak from memory) I believe the state of the
bill at that time, according to parliamentary rules, was such that no member could
propose an additional amendment to Chase's amendment. I rather think this is
the truth, — the Judge shakes his head. Very well. I would like to know, then,
if they wanted Close's amendment fixed over, why somebody else could not have
offered to do it? If they wanted it amended, why did they not offer the amend-
ment? Why did they stand there taunting and quibbling at Chase? (Laughter.)
Why did they not put it in themselves?
But to put it on the other ground : Suppose that there was such an amend-
ment offered, and Chase's was an amendment to an amendment; until one is
disposed of, by parliamentary law you cannot pile another on. Then all these
gentlemen had to do was to vote Chase's on, and then, in the amended form in
which the whole stood, add their own amendment to it, if they wanted to put it
in that shape. This was all they were obliged to do, and the ayes and noes
show that there were thirty-six who voted it down, against ten who voted in
favor of it. The thirty-six held entire sway and control. They could in some
form or other have put that bill in the exact shape they wanted. If there was a
rule preventing their amending it at the time, they could pass that, and then,
Chase's amendment being merged, put it in the shape they wanted. They did
not choose to do so, but they went into a quibble with Chase to get him to add
what they knew he would not add, and because he would not, they stand upon
that flimsy pretext for voting down what they argued was the meaning and in-
tent of their own bill. They left room thereby for this Dred Scott decision,
which goes very far to make slavery national throughtuot the United States.
I pass one or two points I have, because my time will very soon expire; but
I must be allowed to say that Judge Douglas recurs again as he did upon one
or two other occasions, to the enormity of Lincoln, — an insignificant individual
like Lincoln — upon his ipse dixit charging a conspiracy upon a large number of
members of Congress, the Supreme Court and two presidents, to nationalize
slavery. I want to say that, in the first place, I have made no charge of this sort
upon my ipse dixit. I have only arrayed the evidence tending to prove it, and
presented it to the understanding of others, saying what I think it proves, but
giving you the means of judging whether it proves it or not. This is precisely
what I have done. I have not placed it upon my ipse dixit at all.
On this occasion, I wish to recall his attention to a piece of evidence which
I brought forward at Ottawa on Saturday, showing that he had made substan-
tially the same charge against substantially same persons, excluding his dear self
from the category. I ask him to give some attention to the evidence which I
brought forward that he himself had discovered a "fatal blow being struck"
against the right of the people to exclude slavery from their limits, which fatal
216 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
blow he assumed as in evidence in an article in the Washington Union, pub-
lished "by authority." I ask by whose authority? He discovers a similar or
identical provision in the Lecompton constitution. Made by whom? The
f ramers of that constitution. Advocated by whom ? By all the members of the
party in the nation, who advocated the introduction of Kansas into the Union
under the Lecompton constitution.
I have asked his attention to the evidence that he arrayed to prove that
such a fatal blow was being struck, and to the facts which he brought forward in
support of that charge, — being identical with the one which he thinks so vil-
lainous1 in me. He pointed it, not at a newspaper editor merely, but at the
president and his cabinet and the members of Congress advocating the Lecomp-
ton constitution and those framing that instrument. I must again be permitted
to remind him that although my ipse dixit may not be as great as his, yet it some-
what reduces the force of his calling my attention to the enormity of my making
a like charge against him. (Loud applause.)
Go on, Judge Douglas.
MR. DOUGLAS'S REPLY.
Ladies and Gentlemen: The silence with which you have listened to Mr.
Lincoln during his hour is creditable to this vast audience, composed of men of
various political parties. Nothing is more honorable to any large mass of peo-
ple assembled for the purpose of a fair discussion than that kind and respectful
attention that is yielded, not only to your political friends, but to those who are
opposed to you in politics.
I am glad that at last I have brought Mr. Lincoln to the conclusion that he
had better define his position on certain political questions to which I called his
attention at Ottawa. He there showed no disposition, no inclination, to answer
them. I did not present idle questions for him to answer, merely for my grati-
fication. I laid the foundation for those interrogatories by showing that they
constituted the platform of the party whose nominee he is for the senate. I
did not presume that I had the right to chatechise him as I saw proper, unless
I showed that his party, or a majority of it, stood upon the platform
and were in favor of the proposition, upon which my questions were based.
I desired simply to know, inasmuch as he had been nominated as the first,
last, and only choice of his party, whether he concurred in the platform
which that party had adopted for its government. In a few moments I
will proceed to review the answers which he has given to these interrogatories ;
but, in order to relieve his anxiety, I will first respond to these2 which he has
presented to me. Mark you, he has not presented interrogatories which have
ever received the sanction of the party with which I am acting, and hence he
has no other foundation for them than his own curiosity. ("That's a fact.")
First, he desired to know if the people of Kansas shall form a constitution
by means entirely proper and objectionable, and ask admission into the Union as
a state, before they have the requisite population for a member of Congress,
1 Reads : "Villainous."
2 Reads : "those" for "these."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 217
whether I will vote for that admission. Well, now, I regret exceedingly that he
did not answer that interrogatory himself before he put it to me, in order that
we might understand, and not be left to infer, on which side he is. ("Good,
good.") Mr. Trumbull, during the last session of Congress, voted from the
beginning to the end against the admission of Oregon, although a free state,
because she had not the requisite population for a member of Congress. ("That's
it.") Mr. Trumbull would not consent, under any circumstances, to let a
state, free or slave, come into the Union until it had the requisite population.
As Mr. Trumbull is in the field, fighting for Mr. Lincoln, I would like to have
Mr. Lincoln answer his own question, and tell me whether he is fighting Trum-
bull on that issue or not. ("Good, put it to him," and cheers.)
But I will answer his question. In reference to Kansas, it is my opinion
that as she has population enough to constitute a slave state, she has people
enough for a free state. (Cheers.) I will not make Kansas an exceptional case
to the other states of the Union. ("Sound," and "Hear, hear.") I hold it
to be a sound rule, of universal application, to require a territory to contain the
requisite population for a member of Congress before it is admitted as a state
into the Union. I made that proposition in the senate in 1856, and I renewed
it during the last session, in a bill providing that no territory of the United
States should form a constitution and apply for admission until it had the requi-
site population. On another occasion I proposed that neither Kansas nor1 any
other territory should be admitted until it had the requisite population. Congress
did not adopt any of my propositions containing this general rule, but did make
an exception of Kansas. I will stand by that exception. (Cheers.) Either
Kansas must come in as a free state, with whatever population she may have,
or the rule must be applied to all the other territories alike. (Cheers.) I
therefore answer at once, that, it having been decided that Kansas has people
enough for a slave state, I hold that she has enough for a free state. ("Good,"
and applause.)
I hope Mr. Lincoln is satisfied with my answer; ("He ought to be/' and
cheers.) and now I would like to get his answer to his own interrogatory —
whether or not he will vote to admit Kansas before she has the requisite popu-
lation. ("Hit him again.") I want to know whether he will vote to admit
Oregon before that territory has the requisite population. Mr. Trumbull will
not, and the same reason that commits Mr. Trumbull against the admission of
Oregon, commits him against Kansas, even if she should apply for admission
as a free state. ("You've got him," and cheers.) If there is any sincerity, any
truth, in the argument of Mr. Trumbull in the senate against the admission
of Oregon because she had not ninety-three thousand, four hundred and twenty
people, although her population was larger than that of Kansas, he stands
pledged against the admission of both Oregon and Kansas until they have
ninety-three thousand, four hundred and twenty inhabitants. I would like Mr.
Lincoln to answer this question. I would like him to take his own medicine.
(Laughter.) If he differs with Mr. Trumbull, let him answer his argument
against the admission of Oregon, instead of poking questions at me. ("Right,
good, good," laughter and cheers.)
i Reads : "or" for "i:or."
218 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The next question propounded to me by Mr. Lincoln is : Can the people of,
a territory in any lawful way, against the wishes of any citizen of the United
States exclude slavery from their limits prior to the formation of a state con-
stitution? I answer emphatically, as Mr. Lincoln has heard me answer a hun-
dred times, from every stump in Illinois, that in my opinion the people of a
territory can, by lawful means, exclude slavery from their limits prior to the
formation of a state constitution. (Enthusiastic applause.) Mr. Lincoln knew
that I had answered that question over and over again. He heard me argue the
Nebraska Bill on that principle all over the state in 1854, in 1855, and in 1856,
and he has no excuse for pretending to be in doubt as to my position on that
question. It matters not what way the supreme court may hereafter decide as
to the abstract question whether slavery may or may not go into a territory
under the constitution, the people have the lawful means to introduce it or exclude
it as they please, for the reason that slavery cannot exist a day or an hour any-
where, unless it is supported by local police regulations. ("Right, right.") Those
police regulations can only be established by the local legislature; and if the people
are opposed to slavery, they will elect representatives to that body who will by
unfriendly legislation effectually prevent the introduction of it into their midst.
If, on the contrary, they are for it, their legislation will favor its extension.
Hence, no matter what the decision of the supreme court may be on that ab-
stract question, still the right of the people to make a slave territory or a free
territory is perfect and complete under the Nebraska Bill. I hope Mr. Lin-
coln deems my answer satisfactory on that point.
In this connection I will notice the charge which he has introduced in rela-
tion to Mr. Chase's amendment. I thought that I had chased that amendment
out of Mr. Lincoln's brain, at Ottawa; (laughter) but it seems that it still haunts
his imagination, and he is not yet satisfied. I had supposed that he would be
ashamed to press that question further. He is a lawyer, and has been a member
of Congress, and has occupied his time and amused you by telling you about
parliamentary proceedings. He ought to have known better than to try to palm
off his miserable impositions upon this intelligent audience. ("Good," and
cheers.) The Nebraska Bill provided that the legislative power and authority
of the said territory should extend to all rightful subjects of legislation consistent
with the organic act and the Constitution of the United States. It did not
make any exception as to slavery, but gave all the power that it was possible
for Congress to give, without violating the constitution to the territorial legis-
lature, with no exception or limitation on the subject of slavery at all. The lan-
guage of that bill which I have quoted, gave full power and the full authority
over the subject of slavery, affirmatively and negatively, to introduce it or ex-
clude it, so far as the Constitution of the United States would permit. What
more would Mr. Chase give by his amendment? Nothing. He offered his
amendment for the identical purpose for which Mr. Lincoln is using it — to en-
able demagogues in the country to try and deceive the people. ("Good, hit him
again," and cheers.)
(Deacon Bross spoke.)
His amendment was to this effect. It provided that the legislature should
have the power to exclude slavery and General Cass suggested : "'Why not
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 219
give the power to introduce as well as exclude?" The answer was: "They have
the power already in the bill to do both." Chase was afraid his amendment
would be adopted if he put the alternative proposition, and so make it fair both
ways, but would not yield. He offered it for the purpose of having it rejected.
He offered it, as he has himself avowed over and over again, simply to make
capital out of it for the stump. He expected that it would be capital for small
politicians in the country, and that they would make an effort to deceive the
people with it ; and he was not mistaken, for Lincoln is carrying out the plan
admirably. ("Good, good.") Lincoln knows that the Nebraska Bill, without
Chase's amendment, gave all the power which the constitution would permit.
Could Congress confer any more? ("No, no.") Could Congress go beyond
the constitution of the country ? We gave all a full grant, with no exception in
regard to slavery one way or the other. We left that question as we left all
others, to be decided by the people for themselves, just as they pleased. I will
not occupy my time on this question. I have argued it before, all over Illinois.
I have argued it in this beautiful city of Freeport ; I have argued it in the north,
the south, the east and the west, avowing the same sentiments and the same
principles. I have not been afraid to avow my sentiments up here for fear I
would be trotted down into Egypt. (Cheers and laughter.)
The third question which Mr. Lincoln presented is, If the supreme court of
the United States shall decide that a state of this Union cannot exclude slavery
from its own limits will I submit to it? I am amazed that Lincoln should ask
such a question. ("A schoolboy knows better.") Yes, a schoolboy knows bet-
ter. Mr. Lincoln's object is to cast an imputation upon the supreme court. He
knows that there never was but one man in America, claiming any degree of
intelligence or decency, who ever for a moment pretended such a thing. It is
true that the Washington Union, in an article published on the i7th of last De-
cember, did put forth that doctrine, and I denounced the article on the floor of
the senate, in a speech which Mr. Lincoln now pretends was against the presi-
dent. The Union had claimed that slavery had a right to go into the free states,
and that any provision in the constitution or laws of the laws of the free states
to the contrary were null and void. I denounced it in the senate, as I said
before, and I was the first man who did. Lincoln's friends, Trumbull, and
Seward, and Hale, and Wilson, and the whole Black Republican side of the
senate, were silent. They left it to me to denounce it. (Cheers.)
And what was the reply made to me on that occasion? Mr. Toombs, of
Georgia, got up and undertook to lecture me on the ground that I ought not to
have deemed the article worthy of notice, and ought not to have replied to it;
that there was not one man, woman or child south of the Potomac, in any slave
state, who did not repudiate any such pretension. Mr. Lincoln knows that
that reply was made on the spot, and yet now he asks this question. He might
as well ask me, Suppose Mr. Lincoln should steal a horse, would I sanction it.
(Laugher.) And it would be as genteel in me to ask him, in the event he stole
a horse, what ought to be done with him. He casts an imputation upon the su-
preme court of the United States, by supposing that they would violate the
Constitution of the United States. I tell him that such a thing is not possible.
(Cheers.) It would be an act of moral treason that no man on the bench could
220 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ever descend to. Mr. Lincoln himself would never in his partisan feelings so
far forget what was right as to be guilty of such an act. (Good, good.")
The fourth question of Mr. Lincoln is, Are you in favor of acquiring addi-
tional territory, in disregard as to how such acquisition may affect the Union on
the slavery question ? J This question is very ingeniously and cunningly put.
(Deacon Bross here spoke, sotto voce — the reporter understood him to
say, "Now we've got him/')
The Black Republican creed lays it down expressly that under no circum-
stances shall we acquire any more territory, unless slavery is first prohibited in
the country. I ask Mr. Lincoln whether he is in favor of that proposition.
Are you (addressing Mr. Lincoln) opposed to the acquisition of any more ter-
ritory, under any circumstances, unless slavery is prohibited in it? That he
does not like to answer. When I ask him whether he stands up to that article in
the platform of his party, he turns, Yankee-fashion, and without answering it,
asks me whether I am in favor of acquiring territory without regard to how it
may affect the Union on the slavery' question.1 ("Good.") I answer that when-
ever it becomes necessary, in our growth and progress, to acquire more territory,
that I am in favor of it, without reference to the question of slavery ; and when
we have acquired it, I will leave the people free to do as they please, either to
make it slave or free territory as they prefer. (Hear Deacon Bross spoke;
the reporter believes that he said, "That's bold." It was said solemnly.) It
is idle to tell me or you that we have territory enough. Our fathers supposed
that we had enough when our territory extended to the Mississippi River; but
a few years' growth and expansion satisfied them that we needed more, and
the Louisiana Territory, from the west branch of the Mississippi to the British
possessions, was acquired. Then we acquired Oregon, then California and New
Mexico. We have enough now for the present; but this is a young and grow-
ing nation. It swarms as often as a hive of bees; and as new swarms are
turned out each year, there must be hives in which they can gather and make
their honey. ("Good.")
In less than fifteen years, if the same progress that has distinguished this
country for the last fifteen years continues, every foot of vacant land between
this and the Pacific Ocean, owned by the United States, will be occupied. Will
you not continue to increase at the end of fifteen years as well as now? I tell
you, increase, and multiply, and expand, is the law of this nation's existence.
("Good.") You cannot limit this great republic by mere boundary lines, saying,
"Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther." Any one of you gentlemen might
as well say to a son twelve years old that he is big enough, and must not grow
any larger; and in order to prevent his growth, put a hoop around him to keep
him to his present size. What would be the result ? Either the hoop must burst
and -be rent asunder, or the child must die. So it would be with this great na-
tion. With our natural increase, growing with a rapidity unknown in any other
part of the globe, with the tide of emigration that is fleeing from despotism in
the old world to seek refuge2 in our own, there is a constant torrent pouring
into this country that requires more land, more territory upon which to settle;
1 Reads : "(iwestioiis" for "question."
2 Reads "Peek a refuge."
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 221
and just as fast as our interests and our destiny require additional territory in
the north, in the south, or on the islands of the ocean, I am for it ; and when we
acquire it, will leave the people, according to the Nebraska Bill, free to do as
they please on the subject of slavery and every other question. ("Good, good;"
"Hurrah for Douglas.")
I trust now that Mr. Lincoln will deem himself answered on his four points.
He racked his brain so much in devising these four questions that he exhausted
himself, and had not strength enough to invent the others. (Laughter.) As
soon as he is able to hold a council with his advisers, Lovejoy, Farnsworth and
Fred Douglass, he will frame and propound others. ("Good, good." Renewed
laughter, in which. Mr. Lincoln feebly joined, saying that he hoped with their
aid to get seven questions, the number asked him by Judge Douglas, and to
make conclusions even.) You Black Republicans who say good, I have no
doubt think that they are all good men. ("White, white.")
I have reason to recollect that some people in this country think that Fred
Douglas is a very good man. The last time I came here to make a speech, while
talking from the stand to you, people of Freeport, as I am doing today, I saw
a carriage — and a magnificent one it was — drive up and take a position on the
outside of the crowd ; a beautiful young lady was sitting on the box-seat, whilst
Fred Douglas and her mother reclined inside, and the owner of the carriage
acted as driver. (Laughter, cheers, cries of "right," "what have you to say
against it," etc.) I saw this in your own town. ("What of it?") All I have
to say of it is this, that if you, Black Republicans, think that the negro ought
to be on a social equality with your wives and daughters, and ride in a carriage
with your wife, whilst you drive the team, you have a perfect right to do so.
("Good, good," and cheers, mingled with hooting and cries of "white, white.")
I am told that one of Fred Douglas' kinsmen, another rich black negro is
now traveling in this part of the state, making speeches for his friend Lincoln,
as the champion of black men. ("White men, white men," and "What have
you to say against it? "That's right, etc). All I have to say on that sub-
ject is, that those of you who believe that the negro is your equal and ought
to be on an equality with you socially, politically, and legally, have a right to
entertain those opinions, and of course will vote for Mr. Lincoln. ("Down with
the negro," "no, no," etc.)
I have a word to say on Mr. Lincoln's answer to the interrogatories con-
tained in my speech at Ottawa, and which he has pretended to reply to here
today. Mr. Lincoln makes a great parade of the fact that I quoted a platform
as having been adopted by the Black Republican party at Springfield in 1854,
which, it turns out, was adopted at another place. Mr. Lincoln loses sight
of the thing itself in his ecstasies over the mistake I made in stating the place
where it was done. He thinks that that platform was not adopted on the right
"spot."
When I put the direct question to Mr. Lincoln to ascertain whether he now
stands pledged to that creed- — to the unconditional repeal of the Fugitive-Slave
Law, a refusal to admit any more slave states into the Union, even if the people
want them, a determination to apply the Wilmot proviso, not only to all the
territory we now have, but all that we may hereafter acquire — he refused to
222 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
answer; and his followers say, in excuse, that the resolutions upon which I
based my interrogatories were not adopted at the "right spot." (Laughter and
applause.) Lincoln and his political friends are great on "spots." (Renewed
laughter.) In Congress, as a representative of this state, he declared the Mexi-
can War to be unjust and infamous, and would not support it, or acknowledge
his own country to be right in the contest, because he said that American blood
was not shed on American soil in the "right spot." ("Lay on to him.") And
now he cannot answer the questions I put to him at Ottawa because the reso-
lutions I read were not adopted at the "right spot." It may be possible that I
was led into an error as to the spot on which the resolutions I then read were
proclaimed, but I was not, and am not, in error as to the fact of their forming
the basis of the creed of the Republican party when that party was1 first organ-
ized. (Cheers.)
I will state to you the evidence I had, and upon which I relied for my
statement that the resolutions in question were adopted at Springfield on the
5th of October, 1854. Although I was aware that such resolutions had been
passed in this district, and nearly all the northern congressional districts and
county conventions, I had not noticed whether or not they had been adopted
by any state convention. In 1856, a debate arose in Congress between Major
Thomas L. Harris, of the Springfield District, and Mr. Norton, of the Joliet
District, on political matters connected with our state, in the course of which
Major Harris quoted those resolutions as having been passed by the first Re-
publican state convention that ever assembled in Illinois. I knew that Major
Harris was remarkable for his accuracy, that he was a very conscientious and
sincere man, and I also noticed that Norton did not question the accuracy of
this statement. I therefore took it for granted that it was so; and the other
day when I concluded to use the resolutions at Ottawa, I wrote to Charles L.
Lanphier, editor of the State Register, at Springfield, calling his attention to
them, telling him that I had been informed that Major Harris was lying sick
at Springfield, and desiring him to call upon him and ascertain all the facts con-
cerning the resolutions, the time and place where they were adopted In reply,
Mr. Lanphier sent me two copies of his paper, which I have here. The first
is a copy of the State Register, published at Springfield, Mr. Lincoln's own
town, on the i6th of October, 1854, only eleven days after the adjournment
of the convention, from which I desire to read the following:
The material of this was gathered from a variety of sources, including the
files of the Freeport Journal, the Woodburn's Orations ; the Illinois Historical
Society's Volume by Sparks and Rhodes' History of the United States.
"During the late discussion in this city, Lincoln made a speech, to which
Judge Douglas replied. In Lincoln's speech he took the broad ground that, ac-
cording to the Declaration of Independence, the whites and blacks are equal.
From this he drew the conclusion, which he several times repeated, that the
white man had no right to pass laws for the government of the black man with-
out the nigger's consent. This speech of Lincoln's was heard and applauded by
all the Abolitionists assembled in Springfield. So soon as Mr. Lincoln was
done speaking, Mr. Codding arose, and requested all the delegates to the Black
Republican Convention to withdraw into the senate chamber. They did so; and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 223
after long deliberation, they laid down the following Abolition platform on
which they stood. We call the particular attention of all our readers to it."
Then follows the identical platform, word for word, which I read at Ottawa.
(Cheers.) Now, that was published in Mr. Lincoln's own town, eleven days
after the convention was held, and has remained on record up to this day
never contradicted.
When I quoted the resolutions at Ottawa and questioned Mr. Lincoln in re-
lation to them, he said that his name was on the committee that reported them,
but he did not serve, nor did he think he served, because he was, or thought he
was, in Tazewell County at the time the convention was in session. He did not
deny that the resolutions were passed by the Springfield Convention. He did
not know better, and evidently thought that they were; but afterwards his
friends declared that they had discovered that they varied in some respects
from the resolutions passed by the convention. I have shown you that I had
good evidence for believing that the resolutions had been passed at Springfield.
Mr. Lincoln ought to have known better; but not a word is said about his
ignorance on the subject, whilst I, notwithstanding the circumstances, am ac-
cused of forgery.
Now, I will show you that if I have made a mistake as to the place where
these resolutions were adopted — and when I get down to Springfield I will in-
vestigate the matter, and see whether or not I have — that the principles they
enunciate were adopted as the Black Republican platform, ("White, white.")
in the various counties and congressional districts throughout the north end
of the state in 1854. This platform was adopted in nearly every county that
gave a Black Republican majority for the Legislature in that year, and here
is a man (pointing to Mr. Denio, who sat on the stand near Deacon Bross)
who knows as well as any living man that it was the creed of the Black Re-
publican party at that time. I would be willing to call Denio as a witness, or
any other honest man belonging to that party. I will now read the resolution
adopted at the Rockford Convention on the 3Oth of August, 1854, which nomi-
nated Washburne for Congress. You elected him on the following platform :
"Resolved, That the continued and increasing aggressions of slavery in our
country are destructive of the best rights of .a free people, and that such ag-
gressions cannot be successfully resisted without the united political action of
all good men.
"Resolved, That the citizens of the United States hold in their hands peace-
ful, constitutional, and efficient remedy against the encroachments of the slave
power — the ballot-box ; and if that remedy is boldly and wisely applied, the
principles of liberty and eternal justice will be established.
"Resolved, That we accept this issue forced upon us by the slave power,
and, in defense of freedom, will cooperate and be known as Republicans,
pledged to the accomplishment of the following purposes:
"To bring the administration of the government back to the control of
first principles; to restore Kansas and Nebraska to the position of free terri-
tories ; to repeal and entirely abrogate the Fugitive-Slave Law ; to restrict sla-
very to those states in which it exists ; to prohibit the admission of any more
slave states into the Union ; to exclude slavery from all the territories over which
224 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the general government has exclusive jurisdiction; and to resist the acquisi-
tion of any more territories, unless the introduction of slavery therein forever
shall have been prohibited.
"Resolved, That in furtherance of these principles we will use such condi-
tional and lawful means as shall seem best adapted to their accomplishment,
and that we will support no man for office under the general or state govern-
ment who is not positively committed to the support of these principles, and
whose personal character and conduct is not a guarantee that he is reliable,
and shall abjure all party allegiance and ties.
"Resolved, That we cordially invite persons of all former political parties
whatever, in favor of the object expressed in the a'bove resolutions to unite
with us in carrying them into effect." (Senator Douglas was frequently in-
terrupted in reading these resolutions by loud cries of "Good, good," "that's
the doctrine," and vociferous applause.)
Well, you think that is a very good platform, do you not? ("Yes, yes,
all right," and cheers.) If you do, if you approve it now, and think it is all
right, you will not join with those men who say that I libel you by calling these
your principles, will you1 ("Good, good, hit him again," and great laughter
and cheers.) Now, Mr. Lincoln complains; Mr. Lincoln charges that I did
you and him injustice by saying that this was the platform of your party. (Re-
newed laughter.) I am told that Washburne made a speech in Galena last night,
in which he abused me awfully in bringing to light this platform, on which he
was elected to Congress. He thought that you had forgotten it, as he and Mr.
Lincoln desires to. (Laughter.) He did not deny but that you had adopted
it, and that he had subscribed to and was pledged by it, but he did not think
it was fair to call it up and remind the people that it was their platform. ( Here
Deacon Bross spoke.)
But I am glad to find that you are more honest in your abolitionism than
your leaders, by avowing that it is your platform, and right in your opinion.
(Laughter, "You have them, good, good.")
In the adoption of that platform, you not only declared that you would re-
sist the admission of any more slave state, and work for the repeal of the Fugi-
tive-Slave Law, but you pledged yourselves not to vote for any men for state
or federal offices who was not committed to these principles. ("Exactly so,
exactly so," cheers.) You were thus committed. Similar resolutions to those
were adopted in your county convention here, and now with your admissions
that they are your platform and embody your sentiments now as they did
then, what do you think of Mr. Lincoln, your candidate for the United States
Senate, who is attempting to dodge the responsibility of this platform, because
it was not adopted in the right spot. ( Shouts of laughter, "Hurrah for Doug-
las.") I thought that it was adopted in Springfield, but it turns out it was
not, that it was adopted at Rockford, and in the various counties which com-
prise this congressional district. When I get into the next district, I will
show that the same platform was adopted there, and so on through the state,
until I nail the responsibility of it upon the back of the Black Republican party
throughout the state. ("White, white," "Three cheers for Douglas.")
A voice. — Couldn't you modify, and call it brown? (Laughter.)
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 225
Mr. Douglas. — Not a bit. I thought that you were becoming a little brown
when your members in Congress voted for the Crittenden-Montgomery bill;
but since you have backed out from that position and gone back to Abolition-
ists, you are black, and not brown. (Shouts of laughter, and a voice, "Can't
you ask him another question?)
Gentlemen, I have shown you what your platform was in 1854. You still
adhere to it. The same platform was adopted by nearly all the counties where
the Black Republican party had a majority in 1854. I wish now to call your
attention to the action of your representatives in the Legislature when they
assembled together at Springfield. In the first place, you must remember that
this was the organization of a new party. It so declared in the resolutions
themselves, which say that you are going to dissolve all old party ties and call
the new party Republican. The old Whig party was to have its throat cut
from ear to ear, and the Democratic party was to be annihilated and blotted
out of existence, whilst in lieu of these parties the Black Republican party
was to be organized on this Abolition platform. You know who the chief lead-
ers were in breaking up and destroying these two great parties. Lincoln on the
one hand and Trumbull on the other, being disappointed politicians, (laughter)
and having retired or been driven to obscurity by an outraged constitutency
because o.f their political sins, formed a scheme to ' abolitionize the two par-
ties, and lead the old Line Whigs and old Line Democrats captive, bound hand
and foot, into the Abolition camp. Giddings, Chase, Fred Douglass, and Love-
joy were here to christen them whenever they were brought in. (Great laugh-
ter.) Lincoln went to work to dissolve the Old Line Whig party. Clay was
dead ; and although the sod was not yet green on his grave, this 'man undertook
to bring into disrepute those great compromise measures of 1850, with which
Clay and Webster were identified.
Up to 1854 the Old Whig party and the Democratic party had stood on a
common platform so far as this slavery question was concerned. You Whigs
and we Democrats differed about the bank, the tariff, distribution, the specie
circular, and the sub-treasury, but we agreed on this slavery question, and
the true mode of preserving the peace and harmony of the Union. The com-
promise measures of 1850 were introduced by Clay, were ' defended by Web-
ster, and supported by Cass, and were approved by Fillmore, and sanctioned
by the national men of both parties. They constituted a common plank upon
which both Whigs and Democrats stood. In 1852 the Whig party, in its last
national convention at Baltimore, indorsed and approved these measures of
Clay, and so did the national convention of the Democratic party held that
same year. Thus the Old Line Whigs and the Old Line Democrats stood
pledged to the great principle of self-government, which guarantees to the peo-
ple of each territory the right to decide the slavery question for themselves. In
1854, after the death of Clay and Webster, Mr. Lincoln, on the part of the
Whigs, undertook to abolitionize the Whig party by dissolving it, transfer-
ring the members into the Abolition camp, and making them train under Gid-
dings, Fred Douglass, Lovejoy, Chase, Farnsworth, and other Abolition lead-
ers. Trumbull undertook to dissolve the Democratic party by taking old Demo-
crats into the Abolition camp. Mr. Lincoln was aided in his efforts by many
leading Whigs throughout the state, your member of Congress, Mr. Washburne,
226 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
being one of the most active. (Good fellow.) Trumbull was aided by many
renegades from the Democratic party, among whom were John Wentworth,
(laughter) Tom Turner, and others, with whom you are familiar.
(Mr. Turner, who was one of the moderators, here interposed, and said that
he had drawn the resolutions which Senator Douglas had read.)
Mr. Douglas. — Yes, and Turner says that he drew these resolutions. ("Hur-
rah for Turner," "Hurrah for Douglas.") That is right; give Turner cheers for
drawing the resolutions if you approve them. If he drew those resolutions, he
will not deny that they are the creed of the Black Republican party.
Mr. Turner. — They are our creed exactly. (Cheers.)
Mr. Douglas. — And yet Lincoln denies that he stands on them. ("Good,
good," and laughter.) Mr. Turner says that the creed of the Black Republican
party is the admission of no more slave states, and yet Mr. Lincoln declares that
he would not like to be placed in a position where he would have to vote for
them. All I have to say to frie.nd Lincoln is, that I do not think that there is
much danger of his being placed in such a position. (More laughter.) As Mr.
Lincoln would be very sorry to be placed in such an embarrassing position as
to be obliged to vote on the admission of any more slave states, I propose, out
of mere kindness, to relieve him from any such necessity. (Renewed laughter
and cheers.)
When the bargain began Lincoln and Trumbull was completed for abolition-
izing the Whig and Democratic parties, they "spread" over the state, Lincoln
still pretending to be an Old Line Whig, in order to "rope in" the Whigs, and
Trumbull pretending to be as good a Democrat as he ever was, in order to coax
the Democrats over into the Abolition ranks. ("That's exactly what we want.")
They played the part that "decoy ducks" play down on the Potomac River. In
that part of the country they make artificial ducks, and put them on the water
where the wild ducks are to be found, for the purpose of decoying them. Well,
Lincoln and Trumbull played the part of these "decoy ducks" and deceived
enough Old Line Whigs and Old Line Democrats to elect a Black Republican
Legislature. When that Legislature met, the first thing it did was to elect as
speaker of the House the very man who is now boasting that he wrote the
Abolition platform on which Lincoln will not stand. ("Good, hit him again,"
and cheers.) I want to know of Mr. Turner whether or not, when he was
elected he was a good embodiment of Republican principles.
Mr. Turner. — I hope I was then, and am now.
Mr. Douglas. — He swears that he hopes he was then, and is now. He wrote
that Black Republican platform, and is satisfied with it now. ("Hurrah for
Turner," "Good," etc.) I admire and acknowledge Turner's honesty. Every
man of you knows that what he says about these resolutions being the plat-
form of the Black Republican party is true, and you also know that each one
of these men who are shuffling and trying to deny it are only trying to cheat
the people out of their votes for the purpose of deceiving them still more after
the election. ("Good," and cheers.) I propose to trace this thing a little
further, in order that you can see what additional evidence there is to fasten
this revolutionary platform upon the Black Republican party. When the Legis-
lature assembled there was a United States Senator to elect in the place of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 227
General Shields, and before they proceeded to ballot, Lovejoy insisted on lay-
ing down certain principles by which to govern the party.
It has been published to the world and satisfactorily proven that there was,
at the time the alliance was made between Trumbull and Lincoln to abolitionize
the two parties, an agreement that Lincoln should take Shields' place in the
United States Senate, and Trumbull should have mine so soon as they could
conveniently get rid of me. When Lincoln was beaten for Shields' place, in a
manner I will refer to in a few minutes, he felt very sore and restive ; his friends
grumbled, and some of them came out and charged that the most infamous
treachery had been practiced against him; that the bargain was that Lincoln
was to have had Shields' place, and Trumbull was to have waited for mine, but
that Trumbull, having the control of a few Abolitionized Democrats, he pre-
vented them from voting for Lincoln, thus keeping him within a few votes of an
election until he succeeded in forcing the party to drop him and elect Trumbull.
Well, Trumbull having cheated Lincoln, his friends made a fuss, and in order
to keep them and Lincoln quiet, the party were obliged to come forward, in ad-
vance, at the last state election, and make a pledge that they would go for Lin-
coln and nobody else. Lincoln could not be silenced in any other way.
Now, there are a great many Black Republicans of you who do not know this
thing was done. ("White, white," and great clamor.) I wish to remind you
that while Mr. Lincoln was speaking there was not a Democrat vulgar and
blackguard enough to interrupt him. (Great applause and cries of, "Hurrah
for Douglas.") But I know that the shoe is pinching you. I am clinching Lin-
coln now, and you are scared to death for the result. (Cheers.) I have seen
this thing before. I have seen men make appointments for joint discussions,
and the moment their man has been heard, try to interrupt and prevent a fair
hearing of the other side. I have seen your mobs before, and defy your wrath.
(Tremendous applause.) My friends, do not cheer, for I need my whole time.
The object of the opposition is to occupy my attention in order to prevent me
from giving the whole evidence and nailing this double dealing on the Black
Republican party.
As I have before said, Lovejoy demanded a declaration of principles on
the part of the Black Republicans of the Legislature before going into election
for United States Senator. He offered the following preamble and resolutions
which I hold in my hand :
"Whereas, Human slavery is a violation of the principles of natural
and revealed right ; and whereas the fathers of the Revolution, fully imbued with
the spirit of these principles, declared freedom to be the inalienable birthright
of all men ; and whereas the preamble to the Constitution of the United States
avers that that instrument was ordained to establish justice, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity ; and whereas, in furtherance
of the above principles, slavery was forever prohibited in the old Northwest
Territory, and more recently in all that territory lying west and north cf the
state of Missouri, by the act of the federal govenment; and whereas the re-
peal of the prohibition last referred to was contrary to the wishes of
the people of Illinois, a violation of an implied compact long deemed sa-
cred by the citizens of the United States, and a wide departure from the uni-
228 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
form action of the general government in relation to the extension of slavery;
therefore,
"Resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring therein,
That our senators in Congress be instructed, and our representatives requested
to introduce, if not otherwise introduced, and to vote for, a bill to restore such
prohibition to the aforesaid territories, and also to extend a similar prohibition
to all territory which now belongs to the United States, or which may here-
after come under their jurisdiction.
"Resolved, That our senators in Congress be instructed, and our represen-
tatives requested, to vote against the admission of any state into the Union,
the Constitution of which does not prohibit slavery, whether the territory out
of which such state may have been formed shall have been acquired by con-
quest, treaty, purchase, or from original territory of the United States.
"Resolved, That our senators in Congress be instructed, and our represen-
tatives requested to introduce and vote for, a bill to repeal an act entitled 'an
act respecting fugitives from justice and persons escaping from the service of
their masters ;' and, failing in that, for such a modification of it as shall secure
the right of habeas corpus and trial by jury before the regularly constituted
authorities of the state, to all persons claimed as owing service or labor."
(Cries of "good," "good," and cheers.) Yes, you say "good," "good,"
and I have no doubt you think so.
Those resolutions were introduced by Mr. Lovejoy immediately preceding
the election of senator. They declared, first that the Wilmot Proviso must be
applied to all territory north of 36 degrees 30 minutes. Secondly, that it must
be applied to all territory south of 36 degrees 30 minutes. Thirdly, that it must
be applied to all territory now owned by the United States; and finally, that
it must be applied to all territory hereafter to be acquired by the United States.
The next resolution declares that no more slave states shall be admitted into
this Union under any circumstances whatever, no matter whether they are
formed out of territory now owned by us or that we may hereafter acquire, by
treaty, by Congress or in any other manner whatever. (A voice, "That is
right.") You say that is right. We will see in a moment. The next resolu-
tion demands the unconstitutional repeal of the Fugitive-Slave Law, although
its unconstitutional repeal would leave no provision for carrying out that clause
of the Constitution of the United States which guarantees the surrender of
fugitives. If they could not get an unconstitutional repeal they demanded
that that law should be so modified as to make it as nearly useless as possible.
Now, I want to show you who voted for these resolutions. When the vote
was taken on the first resolution it was decided in the affirmative — yeas, 41,
nays, 32. You will find that this is a strict party vote, between the Democrats
on the one hand, and the Black Republicans on the other. (Cries of "White,
white," and clamor.) I know your name and always call things by their right
name. The point I wish to call your attention to is this : that these resolutions
were adopted on the 7th day of February, and that on the 8th they went into
an election for a United States senator, and that day every man who voted for
these resolutions, with but two exceptions, voted for Lincoln for the United
States Senate. (Cries of "Good, good," and cheers. "Give us their names.")
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 229
I will read the names over to you if you want them, but I believe your object
is to occupy my time. (Cries of "That is it")
On the next resolution the vote stood — yeas 33, nays 40; and on the third
resolution — yeas 35, nays 47. I wish to impress it upon you that every nation
who voted for those' resolutions, with but two exceptions, voted on the next
day for Lincoln for United States senator. Bear in mind that the members who
thus voted for Lincoln were elected to the Legislature pledged to vote for no
man for office under the state or federal government who was not committed
to this Black Republican platform. (Cries of "White, white," and "good for
you.") They were all so pledged. Mr. Turner who stands by me, and who
then represented you, and who says that he wrote those resolutions, voted
for Lincoln when he was pledged not to do so unless Lincoln was in favor of
those resolutions. I now ask Mr. Turner (turning to Mr. Turner), did you
violate your pledge in voting for Mr. Lincoln, or did he commit himself to your
platform before you cast your vote for him? (Mr. Lincoln here started for
ward and grasping Mr. Turner shook him nervously and said, "Don't answer,
Turner, you have no right to answer.")
I could go through the whole list of names here, and show you that all the
Black Republicans in the Legislature, ("White, white.") who voted for Mr.
Lincoln, had voted on the day previous for these resolutions. For instance,
here are the names of Sargent, and Little, of Jo Daviess and Carroll ; Thomas
J. Turner of Stephenson ; Lawrence, of Boone and McHenry ; Swan, of Lake ;
Pinckney, of Ogle County; and Lyman, of Winnebago. Thus you see every
member from your congressional district voted for Mr. Lincoln, and they were
pledged not to vote for him unless he was committed to the doctrine of no more
slave states, the prohibition of slavery in the territories, and the repeal of the
Fugitive-Slave Law. Mr. Lincoln tells you today that he is not pledged to any
such doctrine. Either Mr. Lincoln was then committed to these propositions,
or Mr. Turner violated his pledges to you when he voted for him. Either Lin-
coln was pledged to each one of these propositions, or .else every Black Re-
publican (cries of "\Vhite, white") representative from this congressional
district violated his pledge of honor to his constituents by voting for him.
I ask you which horn of the dilemma will you take? Will you hold Lin-
coln up to the platform of his party, or will you accuse every representative
you had in the Legislature of violating his pledge of honor to his constituents?
(Voices: "We go for Turner," We go for Lincoln," "Hurrah for Douglas,"
"Hurrah for Turner.") There is no escape for you. Either Mr. Lincoln was
committed to those propositions, or your members violated their faith. Take
either horn of the dilemma you choose. There is no dodging the question ; I
want Lincoln's answer. He says he was not pledged to repeal the Fugitive-
Slave Law, that he does not quite like to do it; he will not introduce a law
to repeal it, but thinks there ought to be some law; he does not tell what it
ought to be; upon the whole he is altogether undecided, and don't know what
to think or do. That is the substance of his answer upon the repeal of the
Fugitive-Slave Law. I put the question to him distinctly, whether he indorsed
that part of the Black Republican platform which calls for the entire abrogation
and repeal of the Fugitive-Slave Law. He answers, No! that he does not in-
230 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
dorse that ; but he does not tell what he is for, or what he will vote for. His
answer is, in fact, no answer at all. Why cannot he speak out, and say what
he is for, and what he will do? (Cries of "That's right")
In regard to there being no more slave states, he is not pledged to that. He
would not like, he says, to be put in a position where he would have to vote
one way or another upon that question. I pray you, do not put him in a posi-
tion that would embarrass him so much. (Laughter.) Gentlemen, if he goes
to the Senate, he may be put in that position, and then which way will he
vote?
A voice. — How will you vote?
Mr. Douglas. — I will vote for the admission of just such a state as by
the form of their constitution the people show they want ; if they want slavery,
they shall have it; if they prohibit slavery, it shall be prohibited. They can
form their institutions to please themselves, subject only to the Constitution;
and I, for one, stand ready to receive them into the Union. ("Three cheers
for Douglas.") Why cannot your Black Republican candiates talk out as
plain as that when they are questioned? (Cries of "Good, good.")
(Here Deacon Bross spoke.)
I do not want to cheat any man out of his vote. No man is deceived in
regard to my principles if I have the power to express myself in terms ex-
plicit enough to convey my ideas.
Mr. Lincoln made a speech when he was nominated for the United States
Senate which covers all these Abolition platforms. He there lays down a
proposition so broad in its Abolitionism as to cover the whole ground.
"In my opinion the slavery agitation will not cease until -a crisis shall have
been reached and passed. 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' I
believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.
I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It
will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery
will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall
rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates
will push it forward till it shall become alike lawful in all the states — old as
well as new, north as well as south."
There you find that Mr. Lincoln lays down the doctrine that this Union can-
not endure divided as our fathers made it, with free and slave state. He says
they must all become one thing, or all the other; that they must all be free
or all slave, or else the Union cannot continue to exist; it being his opinion
that to admit any more slave states, to continue to divide the Union into free
and slave states will dissolve it. I want to know of Mr. Lincoln whether he
will vote for the admission of another slave state. (Cries of "Bring him out.")
He tells you that the Union cannot exist unless the states are all free or all
slave; he tells you that he is opposed to making them all slave and hence he is
for making them all free, in order that the Union may exist; and yet he will
not vote against another slave state, knowing that the union must be dissolved if
he votes for it. (Great laughter.) I ask you if that is fair dealing? The true
intent and inevitable conclusion to be drawn from his first Springfield speech
is, that he is opposed to the admission of any more slave states under any
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 231
circumstances. If so opposed, why not say so? If he believes this Union
cannot endure divided into free and slave states, that they must all become free
in order to save the Union, he is bound as an honest man to vote against any
more slave states. If he believes it, he is bound to do it. Show me that it
is my duty in order to save the Union, to do a particular act, and I will do
it if the Constitution does not prohibit it. (Applause.) I am not for the dis-
solution of the Union under any circumstances. (Renewed applause.) I will
pursue no course of conduct that will give just cause for the dissolution of the
Union. The hope of the friends of freedom throughout the world rests upon
the perpetuity of this Union. The down-trodden and oppressed people who are
suffering under European despotism all look with hope and anxiety to the Ameri-
can Union as the only resting place and permanent home of freedom and self-
government.
Mr. Lincoln says that he believes that this Union cannot continue to endure
with slave states in it, and yet he will not tell you distinctly whether he will
vote for or against the admission of any more slave states but says he would
not like to be put to the test. (Renewed laughter.) I do not think that the
people of Illinois desire a man to represent them who would not like to be put
to the test on the performance of a high constitutional duty. (Cries of "Good.")
I will retire in shame from the Senate of the United States when I am not will-
ing to be put to the test in the performance of my duty. I have been put to
severe tests. ("That is so.") I have stood by my principles in fair weather and
in foul, in the sunshine and in the rain. I have defended the great principles of
self-government here among you when northern sentiment ran in a torrent
against me, (A voice, "That is so.") and I have defended that same great prin-
ciple when southern sentiment came down like an avalanche upon me. I was
not afraid of any test they put to me. I knew I was right; I knew my prin-
ciples were sound; I knew that the people would see in the end that I had
done right, and I knew that the God of heaven would smile upon me if I was
faithful in the performance of my duty. (Cries of "Good," cheers and 'laugh-
ten)
Mr. Lincoln makes a charge of corruption against the supreme court of
the United States and two presidents of the United States, and attempts to bol-
ster it up by saying that I did the same against the Washington Union. Suppose
I did make that charge of corruption against the Washington Union, when it
was true, does that justify him in making a false charge against me and others?
That is the question I would put. He says that at the time the Nebraska Bill
was introduced, and before it was passed, there was a conspiracy between the
judges of the supreme court, President Pierce, President Buchanan, and myself,
by that bill and the decision of the court, to break down the barrier and estab-
lish slavery all over the Union.
Does he not know that that charge is historically false as against President
Buchanan? He knows that Mr. Buchanan was at that time in England, repre-
senting this country with distinguished ability at the court of St. James, that
he was there for a long time before, and did not return for a year or more
after. He knows that to be true, and that fact proves his charge to be false
as against Mr. Buchanan. (Cheers.) Then, again, I wish to call his atten-
232 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
tion to the fact that at the time the Nebraska Bill was passed, the Dred Scott
case was not before the supreme court at all ! it was not upon the docket of the
supreme court; it had not been brought there; and the judges in all probability
knew nothing of it. Thus the history of the country proves the charge to be
false as against them.
As to President Pierce, his high character as a man of integrity and honor
is enough to vindicate him from such a charge; (laughter and applause) and
as to myself, I pronounce the charge an infamous lie, whenever and wherever
made, and by whomsoever made. I am willing that Mr. Lincoln should go
and rake up every public act of mine, every measure I have introduced, report
I have made, speech delivered, and criticise them ; but when he charges upon me
a corrupt conspiracy for the purpose of perverting the institutions of the coun-
try, I brand it as it deserves. I say the history of the country proves it to be
false ; and that it could not have been possible at the time.
But now he tries to protect himself in this charge, because I made a charge,
against the Washington Union. My speech in the Senate against the Wash-
ington Union was made because it advocated a revolutionary doctrine, by de-
claring that the free states had not the right to prohibit slavery within their own
limits. Because I made the charge against the Washington Union Mr. Lincoln
says it was a charge against Mr. Buchanan. Suppose it was ; is Mr. Lincoln
the peculiar defender of Mr. Buchanan ? Is he so interested in the federal admin-
istration, and so bound to it that he must jump to the rescue and defend it from
every attack that I may make against it? (Great laughter and cheers.) I
understand the whole thing. Ihe Washington Union, under that most corrupt
of all men, Cornelius Wendell, is advocating Mr. Lincoln's claim to the Senate.
Wendell was the printer of the last Black Republican House of Representatives ;
he was a candidate before the present Democratic House, but was ignomini-
ously kicked out; and then he took the money which he had made out of the
public printing by means of the Black Republicans, bought the Washington
Union, and is now publishing it in the name of the Democratic party, and advo-
cating Mr. Lincoln's election to the Senate. Mr. Lincoln therefore considers an
attack upon Wendell and his corrupt gang as a personal attack upon him.
(Immense cheering and laughter.) This only proves what I have charged —
that there is an alliance between Lincoln and his supporters, and the federal
office-holders of this state, and presidential aspirants out of it, to break me down
at home. (A voice — "That is impossible," and cheering.)
Mr. Lincoln feels bound to come in to the rescue of the Washington Union.
In that speech which I delivered in answer to the Washington Union, I made
it distinctly against the Union, and against the Union alone. I did not choose
to go beyond that. If I have occasion to attack the President's conduct. I will
do it in a language that will not misunderstood. When I differed with the
President, I spoke out so that you all heard me. ("That you did," and cheers.)
That question passed away ; it resulted in the triumph of my principle, by al-
lowing the people to do as they please ; and there is an end of the controversy.
("Hear, hear.") Whenever the great principle of self-government — the right
of the people to make their own Constitution, and come into the Union with
slavery or without it, as they see proper — shall again arise, you will find me
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 233
standing firm in the defense of that principle, and fighting whoever fights it.
("Right, right," "Good, good" and cheers.) If Buchanan stands, I doubt not
he will, by the recommendation contained in his message, that hereafter all
state constitutions ought to be submitted to the people before the admission
of the state into the Union, he will find me standing by him firmly shoulder to
shoulder, in carrying it out. I know Mr. Lincoln's object; he wants to di-
vide the Democratic party, in order that he may defeat me and get to the
Senate.
Mr. Douglas' time here expired, and he stopped on the moment.
MR. LINCOLN'S REJOINDER.
As Mr. Lincoln arose he was greeted with vociferous cheers. He said :
My Friends : It will readily occur to you that I cannot, in half an hour,
notice all the things that so able a man as Judge Douglas can say in an hour
and a half ; and I hope, therefore, if there be anything he has said upon which
you would like to hear something from me, but which I omit to comment upon,
you will bear in mind that it would be expecting an impossibility for me to
go over his whole ground. I can but take up some of the points that he has
dwelt upon, and employ my half hour especially upon them.
The first thing I have to say to you is a word in regard to Judge Douglas'
declaration about the "vulgarity and blackguardism" in the audience — that no
such thing, as he says, was shown by any Democrat while I was speaking.
Now, I only wish, by way of reply on this subject, to say that while I was
speaking, I used no "vulgarity or blackguardism" toward any Democrat. (Laugh-
ter and applause.)
Now, my friends, I come to all this long portion of the judge's speech —
perhaps half of it— which he has devoted to the various resolutions and plat-
forms that have been adopted in the different counties in the different congres-
sional districts, and in the Illinois Legislature, which he supposes are at vari-
ance with the positions I have assumed before you today. It is true that many
of these resolutions are at variance with the positions I have here assumed.
All I have to ask is that we talk reasonably and rationally about it. I happen
to know, the judge's opinion to the contrary notwithstanding, that I have never
tried to conceal my opinions, nor tried to deceive any one in reference to them.
He may go and examine all the members who voted for me for the United
States Senator in 1855, after the election in 1854. They were pledged to cer-
tain things here at home, and were determined to have pledges from me ; and if
he will find any of these persons who will tell him anything inconsistent with
what I say now, I will resign, or rather retire from the race, and give him no
more trouble. (Applause.)
The plain truth is this : At the introduction of the Nebraska policy, we be-
lieved there was a new era being introduced in the history of the Republic,
which tended to the spread and perpetuation of slavery. But in our opposi-
tion to that measure we did not agree with one another in everything. The
people in the north end of the state were for stronger measures of opposition
than we of the central and southern portions of the state, but we were all op-
234 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
posed to the Nebraska doctrine. We had that one feeling and that one senti-
ment in common. You at the north end met in your conventions and passed
your resolutions. We in the middle of the state and further south did not
hold such conventions and pass the same resolutions, although we had in gen-
eral a common view and a common sentiment. So that these meetings which
the judge has alluded to, and the resolutions he has read from, were local, and
did not spread over the whole state. We at last met together in 1850, from all
parts of the state, and we agreed upon a common platform. You who held
more extreme notions, either yielded those notions, or, if not wholly yielding
them, agreed to yield them practically, for the sake of embodying the oppo-
sition to the measures which the opposite party were pushing forward at that
time. We met you then and if there was anything yielded, it was for practical
purposes. We agreed then upon a platform for the party throughout the entire
state of Illinois, and now we are all bound, as a party to that platform. And.
I say here to you, if anyone expects of me — in the case of my election — that
I will do anything not signified by our Republican platform and my answers
here today, I tell you very frankly that person will be deceived.
I do not ask for the vote of any one who supposes that I have secret pur-
poses or pledges that I dare not speak out. Cannot the judge be satisfied? If
he fears, in the unfortunate case of my election (laughter) that my going to
Washington will enable me to advocate sentiments contrary to those which I
expressed when you voted for and elected me, I assure him that his fears are
wholly needless and groundless. Is the judge really afraid of any such
thing? (Laughter.) I'll tell you what he is afraid of. He is afraid
we'll all pull together. (Applause and cries of "We will! we will!")
This is what alarms him more than anything else. (Laughter.) For my part,
I do hope that all of us, entertaining a common sentiment in opposition to
what appears to us a design to nationalize and perpetuate slavery, will waive
minor differences on questions which either belong to the dead past or the dis-
tant future, and all pull together in this struggle. What are your sentiments?
("We will! we will!" Loud cheers.) If it be true that on the ground which I
cupy, ground which I occupy as frankly and boldly as Judge Douglas does his —
my views, though partly coinciding with yours, are not as perfectly in accord-
ance with your feelings as his are, I do say to you in all candor, go for him, and
not for me. I hope to deal in all things fairly with Judge Douglas, and with
the people of the state, in this contest. And if I should never be elected to any
office, I trust I may go down with no stain of falsehood upon my reputation,
notwithstanding the hard opinions Judge Douglas chooses to entertain of me.
(Laughter.)
The judge has again addressed himself to the Abolition tendencies of a
speech of mine made at Springfield in June last. I have so often tried to answer
what he is always saying on that melancholy theme that I almost turn with
disgust from the discussion — from the repetition of an answer to it. I trust
that nearly all of this intelligent audience have read that speech. ("We have! we
have.") If you have, I may venture to leave it to you to inspect it closely, and
see whether it contains any of those "bugaboos" which frighten Judge Douglas.
(Laughter.)
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 235
The judge complains that I did not fully answer his questions. If I have
the sense to comprehend and answer those questions, I have done so fairly.
If it can be pointed out to me how I can more fully and fairly answer him, I
will do it ; but I aver I have not the sense to see how it is to be done. He says I
do not declare I would in any event vote for the admission of a slave state into
the Union. If I have been fairly reported, he will see that I did give explicit
answer to his interrogatories ; I did not merely say that I would dislike to be
put to the test, but I said clearly, if I were put to the test, and a territory from
which slavery has been excluded should present herself with a state consti-
tution, sanctioning slavery — a most extraordinary thing, and wholly unlikely
to happen — I did not see how I could avoid voting for her admission. But he
refuses to understand that I said so and he "wants this audience to understand
that I did not say so. Yet it will be so reported in the printed speech that he
cannot help seeing it.
He says if I should vote for the admission of a slave state I would be vot-
ing for a dissolution of the Union, because I hold that the Union cannot per-
manently exist half slave and half free. I repeat that I do not believe this
government can endure permanently half slave and half free; yet I do not
admit, nor does it at all follow, that the admission of a single slave state will
permanently fix the character and establish this as a universal slave nation.
The judge is very happy indeed at working up these quibbles. (Laughter and
cheers.) Before leaving the subject of answering questions, I aver as my
confident belief, when you come to see our speeches in print, that you will
find every question which he has asked me more fairly and boldly and fully
answered than he has answered those which I put to him. Is not that so?
(Cries of "Yes, Yes.") The two speeches may be placed side by side, and I
will venture to leave it to impartial judges whether his questions have not
been more directly and circumstantially answered than mine. Judge Douglas
says he made a charge upon the editor of the Washington Union, alone, of
entertaining a purpose to rob the states of their power to exclude slavery from
their limits. I undertake to say, and I make the direct issue, that he did not
make his charge against the editor of the Union alone. (Applause.) I will
undertake to prove by the record here that he made the charge against more
and higher dignitaries than the editor of the Washmington Union. I am quite
aware that he was shirking and dodging around the form in which he put it,
but I can make it manifest that he levelled his "fatal blow" against more per-
sons than this Washington editor. Will he dodge it now by alleging that I
am trying to defend Mr. Buchanan against the charge? Not at all. Am I
not making the same charge myself? (Laughter and applause.) I am try-
ing to show that you, Judge Douglas, are a witness on my side. (Renewed
laughter.) I am not defending Buchanan, and I will tell Judge Douglas that
in my opinion, when he made that charge, he had an eye farther north than
he has today. He was then fighting against people who called him a Black
Republican and an Abolitionist. It is mixed all through his speech, and it is
tolerably manifest that his eye was a great deal farther north than it is today.
(Cheers and laughter.) The judge says that though he made this charge,
Toombs got up and declared there was not a man in the United States, except
236 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the editor of the Union, who was in favor of the doctrines put forth in that
article. And thereupon I understand that the judge withdrew the charge. Al-
though he had taken extracts from the newspaper, and then from the Lecomp-
ton Constitution, to show the existence of a conspiracy to bring about a "fatal
blow," by which the states were to be deprived of the right of excluding sla-
very, it all went to pot as soon as Toombs got up and told him it was not
true. (Laughter.)
It reminds me of the story that John Phoenix, the California railroad sur-
veyor, tells. • He says they started out from the Plaza to the Mission of Do-
lores. They had two ways of determining distances. One was by a chain and
pins-taken over the ground. The other was by a "go-it-ometer" — an invention
of his own — a three-legged instrument, with which he computed a series of
triangles between the points. At night he turned to the chain-man to ascertain
what distance they had come, and found that by some mistake he had merely
dragged the chain over the ground without keeping any record. By the "go-
it-ometer" he found he had made ten miles. Being skeptical about this, he
asked a drayman who was passing how far it was to the Plaza. The drayman
replied it was just half a mile; and the surveyor put it down in his book — just
as Judge Douglas says, after he had made his calculations and computations,
he took Toomb's statement. (Great laughter.) I have no doubt that after
Judge Douglas had made his charge, he was as easily satisfied about its truth
as the surveyor was of the drayman's statement of the distance to the Plaza.
( Renewed - laughter. ) Yet it is a fact that the man who put forth all that
matter which Douglas deemed a "fatal blow" at state sovereignty, was elected
by the Democrats as public printer.
Now, gentlemen, you may take Judge Douglas' speech of March 22, 1858,1
beginning about the middle of page twenty-one, and reading to the bottom of
page twenty-four, and you will find the evidence on which I say that he did
not make his charge against the editor of the Union alone. I cannot stop to
read it, but I will give it to the reporters. Judge Douglas said :
"Mr. President, you here find several distinct propositions advanced boldly
by the Washington Union editorially, and apparently authoritatively, and every
man who questions any of them is denounced as an Abolitionist, a free-soiler,
a fanatic. The propositions are, first that the primary object of all govern-
ment at its original institution is the protection of persons and property; sec-
ond, that the Constitution of the United States declares that the citizens of
each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in
the several states; and that, therefore, thirdly, all state laws, whether organic
or otherwise, which prohibit the citizens of one state from settling in another
with their slave property, and especially declaring it forfeited, are direct viola-
tions of the original intention of the government and Constitution of the
United States ; and fourth, that the emancipation of the slaves of the northern
states was a gross outrage on the rights of property, inasmuch as it was invol-
untarily done on the part of the owner.
"Remember that this article was published in the Union on the iyth of No-
vember, and on the i8th appeared the first article, giving the adhesion of the
Union to the Lecompton Constitution. It was in these words:
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 237
" 'Kansas and Her Constitution. — The vexed question is settled. The prob-
lem is solved. The dead point of danger is passed. All serious trouble to Kan-
sas affairs is over and gone — '
"And a column, nearly, of the same sort. Then, when you come to look
into the Lecompton Constitution, you find the same doctrine incorporated in it
which was put forth editorially in the Union. What is it?
" 'Article J, Section i. The right of property is before and higher than any
constitutional sanction ; and the right of the owner to a slave to such slave and
its increase is the same and as invariable as the right of the owner of any
property whatever.'
"Then in the schedule is a provision that the Constitution may be amended
after 1864 by a two-thirds vote.
" 'But no alteration shall be made to affect the right of property in the owner-
ship of slaves.'
"It will be seen by these clauses in the Lecompton Constitution that they are
identical in spirit with this authoritative article in the Washington Union of the
day previous to its indorsement of this Constitution.
"When I saw that artcle in the Union of the I7th of November, followed by the
glorification of the Lecompton Constitution on the i8th of November, and this
clause in the Constitution asserting the doctrine that a state has no right to pro-
hibit slavery within its limits, I saw that there was a fatal blow being struck at
the sovereignty of the states of the Union."
Here, he says, "Mr. President, you here find several distinct propositions ad-
vanced boldly, and apparently authoritatively." By whose authority, Judge
Douglas? (Great cheers and laughter.) Again, he says in another place, "It
will be seen by these clauses in the Lecompton Constitution that they are identi-
cal with this authoritative article." By whose authority? (Renewed cheers.)
Who do you mean to say authorized the publication of these articles ? He knows
that the Washington Union is considered the organ of the Administration. I
demand of Judge Douglas by whose authority he meant to say those articles were
published, if not by the authority of the President of the United States and his
Cabinet? I defy him to show whom he referred to, if not to these high func-
tionaries in the Federal Government. More than this, he says the articles in that
paper and the provisions of the Lecompton Constitution are "identical" and, be-
ing identical, he argues that the authors are co-operating and conspiring together.
He does not use the word "conspiring" but what other construction can you put
upon it ? He winds up with this : —
"When I saw that article in the Union of the I7th of November, followed
by the glorification of the Lecompton Constitution on the i8th of November,
and this clause in the Constitution asserting the doctrine that a state has no right
to prohibit slavery within its limits, I saw there was a fatal blow being struck
at the sovereignty of the states of this Union."
I ask him if all this fuss was made over the editor of this newspaper.
(Laughter.) It would be a terribly "fatal blow" indeed which a single man
could strike, when no President, no Cabinet officer, no member of Congress, was
giving strength and efficiency to the movement. Out of respect to Judge Doug-
las' good sense I must believe he did not manufacture his idea of the "fatal"
238 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
character of that blow out of such a miserable scapegrace as he represents that
editor to be. But the judge's eye is farther south now. (Laughter and cheers.)
Then, it was very peculiarly and decidedly north. His hope rested on the idea
of enlisting the great "Black Republican" party, and making it the tail of his
new kite. (Great laughter.) He knows he was then expecting from day to
day to turn Republican, and place himself at the head of our organization. He
has found that these despised "Black Republicans" estimated him by a standard
which he has taught them only too well. Hence he is crawling back into his old
camp, and you will find him eventually installed in full fellowship among those
whom he was then battling, and with whom he now pretends to be at such fear-
ful variance. (Loud applause and cries of "Go on, go on,") I cannot, gentle-
men, my time has expired.
THE CIVIL WAR.
The firing upon Fort Sumter and the overt attempt to break up the Union
in 1861, was not a surprise to the people of Stephenson County. Since 1848,
there had been a great amount of public discussion on the slavery question ; in
the two newspapers, on the stump and in great public meetings, culminating in
the debate between Lincoln and Douglas in 1858. The lines were sharply
drawn between Whigs and Democrats and later between Democrats and Re-
publicans. In the press and on the stump, each side assailed the policy of the
other as leading toward disunion. Both sides were honest and sincere. Each
believed the policy of the other to lead to disunion. On the question of per-
petuity of the Union, there was no difference of opinion in this county.
Events followed fast upon each other, — the repeal of the Missouri Com-
promise in the Kansas-Nebraska bill, the Civil war in Kansas, the Lincoln-
Douglas debates, John Brown's raid, the Dred Scott decision, the nomination of
Lincoln and the split in the Democratic party in 1860, — all of which prepared
the public mind for the approaching struggle. The conflict had raged for twenty
years, and its intensity had raised up a mass of men of powerful conviction.
The issues had passed from the abstract to the concrete and by 1860, the line of
demarcation was geographical.
The firing on Fort Sumter, while not a surprise, presented a new situation.
The issue was no longer slavery, it was the preservation of the National Union.
While Stephenson County had been sharply divided on the various issues aris-
ing out of the slavery question, her people stood almost a unit on the greater
question of the preservation of the Union, and how well they did their part in
the greatest crisis of the nation, is written in the history of her fighting men on
the battlefield. Party lines were practically obliterated and Democrats and Re-
publicans went to the front side by side, not to free the negroes, but to save a
nation.
Douglas, in his Chicago speech, revealed his true greatness by coming out
strongly on the side of Lincoln and the Union.
Old Plymouth Hall, where the Wilcoxen building now stands, was Free-
port's Fanueil Hall. April 18, Thursday evening, 1861, a mass meeting was
called for Plymouth Hall. The people rallied to the hall in great numbers and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 239
in feverish excitement and with a spirit of determination. Hon. F. W. S.
Brawley was elected chairman ; J. R. Scroggs and C. K. Judson, secretaries.
On motion of J. W. Shaffer, Thomas Wilcoxen, J. M. Smith, W. P. Malburn,
H. H. Taylor, Capt. Crane and Dr. Martin were elected vice presidents. A com-
mitee on resolutions was appointed. It consisted of J. W. Shaffer, James Mit-
chell, C. K. Judson, J. R. Scroggs and A. H. Stone. Stirring speeches were
made by Smith D. Atkins, Charles Betts, C. S. Bagg and William Wagner of
the Anzeiger. Resolutions straight to the point, declaring love for the Union
and for the enforcement of the law, were adopted.
When a telegram came, April 17, 1861, that Lincoln had issued his first call
for troops, Mr. Smith D. Atkins, then state's attorney for the district, at once
drafted an enlistment roll and wrote his own name at the head of the list, the
first to enlist from the county. Largely through his efforts a company was
raised, a company organization perfected. Mr. Atkins was elected captain;
M. E. Newcomer, first lieutenant; S. W. Field, second lieutenant; E. T. Good-
rich, H. A. Sheetz, William Polk and R. W. Hulbert, sergeants; C. T. Dunham,
J. O. Churchill, R. H. Rodearmel and W. W. Lott, corporals; C. E. Cotton,
drummer; and J. R. Harding, fifer.
The officers and the following privates took the oath April 20, 1861 : W. W.
Allen, J. W. Brewster, 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. Eshel-
man, William 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. Fanner, O. F. Lamb,
T. H. Loveland, S. Lindeman, S. Lebkicker, J. H. McGee, U. B. McDowell,
W. T. McLaughlin, F. Murphy, D. McCormick, J. M. Miller, F. R. McLaugh-
lin, J. P. Owen, J. Pratt, A. Patterson, G. L. Piersol, N. Smith, L. Strong,
J. S. Stout, O. F. Smith, M. Slough, C. Sched, J. S. Sills, C. G. Stafford, T.
Wishart, W. P. Waggoner, M. S. Weaver, J. Walton, Stephens Waterbury, J.
Walkey and J. Work.
May i, 1861, the company left for Springfield. It was a stirring day in old
Freeport. Three thousand people were out to see the first company of Stephen-
son county boys leave for the front. The company was escorted to the station
by the Union Cornet Band and by Capt. W. B. Mills Company. At Springfield,
Capt. Atkins' Company was assigned as Company A, the Eleventh Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers.
A second company was soon organized, with W. J. McKimm, captain ; Henry
Settlee and Philip Arno, lieutenants; Carl F. Wagner, Jacob Hoebel, D. A.
Golpin and Theodore Grove, sergeants. The company included : Joseph Meyer,
Jacob Fiscus, E. Wike, John Bauscher, L. Lehman, Amos D. Hemming, Joseph
Boni, George Moggly, Dietrich Sweden, John Kruse, Meinhard 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 Oln-
hausen, E. Neese, David French, J. M. Maynard, A. Borches, Jacob Doll, John
A. Raymer, Jacob Ernst, Leonard Sherman, Frederick Deusing, John T.
240 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Palmer, John Wheeler, Martin Aikey, R. Harberts, A. V. L. Roosa, Emanuel
Evee, C. F. A. Kellogg, John Niemeyer, Thomas Willan, James Vore, August
Temple, Jacob Rohrback, Henry Spies, Charles Entorff, Isaac Kephart, James
Barron, Herman Froning, Daniel F. Shirk, James Kenneg, Albert J. Miller,
William H. Hennich, John Wiefenbach, William Morris, Henry Kasper, Mar-
tin 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, Garrison Haines and Max
Lamprecht, privates.
A company organized at Lena went to the front in the Fifteenth Illinois.
Camp Scott had been opened on what is now Taylor's Park and to this company
came volunteers from all points of the compass. Hon. Thomas J. Turner was
colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment recruited at Camp Scott, and the regiment
left for Alton, June 19, 1861. An immense crowd gathered at the railroad sta-
tion to see the regiment leave for the war. Such a scene beggars description, —
the parting of friends, relatives and loved ones, the martial music of fife and
drum, and through all a deep stirred patriotism and loyalty.
At the close of the three months' service, Capt. Atkins and his company re-
enlisted, as Company A, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Birds Point.
At least three regiments containing Stephenson County volunteers were in
the battle at the capture of Fort Donelson. In September, 1862, the Ninety-
second Illinois was organized, with volunteers from Lancaster, Kent, Erin,
Buckeye and Jefferson townships. In June, 1862, a company of three months'
men was organized under Capt. James !W. Crane; lieutenants, Stephen Allen
and Lorenzo Williard ; sergeants, John Stine, James R. Bake, Charles A. Dodge,
John D. Lamb and Harrison W. Sigworth ; and corporals, C. D. Bentley, Am-
brose Martin, Sidney Robins, H. S. Ritz, W. H. Heyt and W. H. Battle. In
1862, an enrollment of the county showed 3,000 men able for duty.
War meetings were held at Freeport, Lena, Cedarville, Winslow and other
places in the county in 1862 and 1863.
Besides sending a large percentage to the fighting line, the people of the
county loyally aided the needy at the front and at home. Fairs were held and
money was donated to support families whose heads had gone to war. Dr.
W. P. Narramore, of Lena, and other physicians gave their services freely to
the families of soldiers. Through all there was a magnificent spirit of co-
operation born of necessity.
The draft was enforced but once, and during the war this county furnished
3,168 soldiers.
CEDARVILLE IN THE CIVIL WAR.
Mr. Luther B. Angle wrote the following article which was published in the
Freeport Daily Journal, May 31, 1910. It is a good explanation of the part
Cedarville played in the Civil War :
"Cedarville was represented in thirteen different regiments during the Civil
War. The village had men in the Third and Seventh Illinois Cavalry ; the Elev-
enth, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-second, Forty-sixth, Ninety-sec-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 241
ond (mounted), Ninety-third, One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred
and Forty-sixth and One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiments of Illinois
Volunteer Infantry and in one battery.
We would like to mention all of the families, but will mention only a few
notable large ones.
Aikey — Three brothers.
Hiram Clingman — Five brothers.
John Clingman — Four brothers.
Josiah Clingman — Three brothers.
Carman — Father and three sons.
Humphrey — Three brothers.
Haines — Three brothers.
Helm — Three brothers.
Ilgen — Two brothers and one brother-in-law.
Kostenbader — Three brothers.
Kahley — Three brothers.
Piersol — Father and two sons.
Rutter — Father and two sons.
Vore — Father and three sons.
Diemer — Three brothers.
Patten — Three brothers.
From the little stream south and east of the village in a distance of one mile,
there came thirteen soldiers; one family (Heck) furnished three sons and one
son-in-law; another family (Kryder) three sons and two sons-in-law and one
brother-in-law. So we think we have a record hard to beat at any time or place,
or in any war. Eighteen families furnished sixty-three soldiers.
In Company G, Captain Joseph Reel's company of the Ninety-third, fifty of
the company went from Cedarville, including the other captain, Samuel Daugh-
enbaugh, and the two first lieutenants, Jerimiah Piersol, who was succeeded by
his son, George Piersol.
The Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry was represented by more than sixty mem-
bers : one field officer, Major Joseph Clingman ; twelve members of Company K,
including Captain William Stewart and First Lieutenant J. Wilson ; twenty-one
members of Company G, including Captain Samuel Buchanan, First Lieutenant
Thomas B. Jones of Company B, and six members of his company.
Cedarville also furnished First Lieutenant Jason Clingman of the Tenth
Iowa Infantry.
Thus we have a total of ten commissioned officers from Cedarville, one
major, four captains and five first lieutenants.
A few years ago Major General Nelson A. Miles, in a speech in Freeport, said
that after consulting the census reports of Stephenson County, he found that
this county sent 72 per cent of the adult male population into the army.
CAMP LIFE OF THE FORTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS.
In the History of the Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the author,
Lieutenant T. B. Jones, writing of the life of the volunteers in camp, says: "We
242 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
were put to drill at once, and toes and heels were soon sore from the treading
of the men before and kicks of those behind, as we marched by file, by flank and
in line. Not having any arms at first we held our hands at our sides, directing
our mental faculties to the task of keeping our little fingers on the seams of our
trouser legs and the more difficult requirements of keeping step. As duty was
then impressed upon us, the salutation of the Union seemed to depend on our
fidelity in just covering the seams and keeping step with our front rank men or
file leaders, eyes fifteen paces to front on the ground. The men were a motley
host, mostly between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, full of animal life,
light hearted, disposed to see fun in everything, and what witty things one did
not think of some one else did. There were men of all trades and professions.
There were athletes, who could "do" all the feats of the circus ring. There were
clowns, too, full of a waggery that kept the camp in a roar. Tailors, barbers,
expert clerks, to keep company records, teamsters, lumbermen, skilled with the
axe; in short, the regiment could find in its ranks men adapted to any service,
from running or repairing a locomotive to butchering an ox. Only a few were
slaves of drink. They became frequent tenants of the guard house and soon, in
one way or another, got out of the service. Their pranks and stratagems to get
liquor were many and witty; amusing to men and annoying to officers. One
scape-grace would make shoulder straps out of orange peel, pin them on his coat
and stride out of the guard house, past the innocent sentry with the consequen-
tial air of a major general, only to turn up a little later roaring drunk in camp.
Life in camp was very regular. At five o'clock the reveille sounded and all
must rise at once and bound from the little A tent in which six men slept in
straw and blankets. As soon as straw and chaff could be combed from the hair
and the soldier properly clad, the line was formed in each company street for roll
call. A half hour was then spent in "policing" camp, that is, in cleaning up the
streets, airing tents, blankets, etc. At half past six the companies formed to
march to breakfast, each man armed with a knife, fork and tin cup. Thus they
marched to the mess table, opened files to surround the table ; the command "in-
ward face" brought the company in line of battle in front of rations. "Touch
hats" — "Seats," was next ordered and executed. The rattle of knives, forks,
cups and tin plates and the roar of a thousand voices calling in every key for
"bread," "coffee," "water," presented a scene of very active service.
At half past seven a tap of the drum called for squad drill. For an hour
squads of men, nearly all the regiment, marched, filed, faced, turned, double-
quicked, invariably holding on to the seam of the trouser legs, and soon became fa-
miliar with the simple movements in the schools of the soldier. At nine the guard
mount, a pompous ceremony in which the sergeant-major and adjutant figured
as great dignitaries. At eleven battalion drill for an hour gave all an insight
into how much our company commanders did not know about war. Then dinner
and some lolling about in the heat of the day ; but two o'clock found the battalion
again formed and executing many movements, the command and executions of
which are long forgotten. We drilled in Hardee's tactics, then thought to be
the perfection of simple direct evolution. We formed line, advanced and re-
treated, changed front forward and to the rear. We marched in close column,
formed square; we charged at double-quick and retreated slowly as if yielding
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 243
the field inch by inch, and we kept the little finger on the seam of our trousers,
though the sweat tickled our faces and the flies tortured our noses. A grateful
country never fully appreciates the services and sufferings of the raw recruit.
Company drill of one hour was one of the most important of all, for here the
commanding officers were supposed to impart to their men complete instructions,
according to Hardee, in all the maneuvers in military instruction. This was
not always done, for the officers, most of them, were only beginners in their
military education, and after they had acquired some knowledge, the putting into
practice the different evolutions was in many case a difficult task. Diligent
application to this work, with the aid of a few instructors, soon gave them the
necessary knowledge and with practice the most of them became well informed.
Some of them made the best commanders of the army and made their mark
in after-time in all the duties of army life.
Dress parade came off at five o'clock. The guard ceremonial of the day, de-
scribed by one of the wags of the regiment as a "hard job o' standing still." At
six o'clock supper and then the play spell of the day. Usually a circus was or-
ganized and the athletes of the regiment vied with each other, while the wags
made the welkin ring with their drolleries. As darkness stole on the noise sub-
sided into a hum of conversation in the tents, or the singing of plaintive songs,
for the hallowing influence of eve steals over the rough soldier as well as the
sentimental poet.
At nine o'clock the tattoo was beaten, the evening roll called, then camp was
in slumber. Boots and shoes for pillows, straw and a blanket, worse than a
white horse in coat-shedding time, made us comfortable beds, whatever our opin-
ion may have been of them in those days of our callow experience.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
The regiment was called into service under proclamation of the president,
April 16, 1861 ; organized at Springfield, and mustered into serivce April 30,
1 86 1, by Capt. Pope, for three months.
During this term of service, the regiment was stationed at Villa Ridge,
Illinois, to June 2Oth, then removed to Bird's Point, Missouri, where it re-
mained, performing garrison and field duty, until July 3Oth, when the regiment
was mustered out, and re-enlisted for three years' service. During the three
months' term, the lowest aggregate was eight hundred and eighty-two and the
highest nine hundred and thirty-three, and at the muster-out was nine hundred
and sixteen.
Upon the re-muster, July I3th, the aggregate was two hundred and eighty-
eight. During the months of August, September, October and November, the
regiment was recruited to an aggregate of eight hundred and one. In the mean-
time were doing garrison and field duty, participating in the following expedi-
tions : September gth to I ith, expedition toward New Madrid ; October 6th to
nth, to Charleston, Missouri; November 3rd to i2th, to Bloomfield, Missouri,
via Commerce, returning via Cape Girardeau ; January 7th and 8th, expedition
to Charleston, Missouri, skirmished with a portion of the command of Jeff
Thompson; January I3th to 2Oth, reconnoissance of Columbus, Kentucky, under
244 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Gen. Grant; January 25th to 28th, to Sikestown, Missouri, February 2nd em-
barked on transports to Fort Henry, participating in campaign against that
place, February nth moved toward Fort Donelson; February I2th, I3th and
I4th occupied in investing that place, 1 2th heavily engaged with the enemy about
five hours, losing three hundred and twenty-nine killed, wounded and missing,
out of about five hundred engaged, of whom seventy-five was killed and one
hundred and eighty-two wounded ; March 4th and 5th, en route to Fort Henry ;
5th to 1 3th en rounte to Savannah, Tennessee, in transports; 23d to 25th, en
route for Savannah to Pittsburg landing; April 6th and 7th, engaged in battle
of Shiloh, losing twenty-seven killed and wounded, out of one hundred and fifty
engaged ; April 24th to June 4th, participated in siege of Corinth, thence marched
to Jackson, Tennessee, making headquarters here to August 2d, participating
in two engagements; July ist and 2d toward Trenton, Tennessee; July 23rd to
28th, to Lexington, Tennessee ; August 2d moved to Cairo, Illinois, for purpose
of recruiting; remained at that point until August 23d, thence to Puducah,
Kentucky, remaining there until November 2Oth ; in the meantime engaged in
two expeditions ; August 23rd to September i6th, to Clarksville, Tennessee, via
Forts Henry and Donelson; October 3ist to November i3th, expeditions to
Hopkinsville, Kentucky; November 2Oth to I4th, en route to La Grange, Ten-
nessee, where the regiment reported and was assigned to Brig. Gen. McArthur's
Division, Left Wing, I3th Army Corps. From this time to January I2th, 1863,
participated in campaign in Northern Mississippi, marching via Tallahatchie
(where the regiment was engaged in a sharp skirmish) ; from thence to Abbe-
ville ; thence seven miles below Oxford ; thence to Holly Springs, Moscow and
Memphis, Tenn., remaining in Memphis until the i/th, when it embarked on
transport and en route to Young's Point until 24th, remaining there until Feb-
ruary nth, then moved to Lake Providence, and assigned to the seventeenth
Army Corps, making headquarters there until April 2oth, participating in ex-
pedition to American Bend, from March I7th to 28th. April 23, 1863, the One
Hundred and Ninth Illinois Infantry was transferred to the Eleventh, five hun-
dred and eighty-nine being the aggregate gained by the transfer. April 26th,
regiment moved with column to rear to Vicksburg, via Richmond, Perkins
Landing, Grand Gulf, Raymond and Black River, arriving before the works
May i8th; May igth and 22d engaged in assaults on the enemy's works; then
in the advance siege works to July 4th, at time of surrender; the regiment los-
ing in the siege and assault and field officer (Col. Garrett Nevins) killed; three
line officers wounded, and forty men killed and wounded; July I7th moved with
expedition to Natchez, Mississippi, participating in expedition to Woodville,
Mississippi, making headquarters there to July 29, 1864; in the meantime en-
gaged in the following expeditions: February ist to March 8th, up Yazoo River
to Greenwood, Mississippi, having a skirmish at Liverpool Heights, February
5th, losing four killed and nine wounded ; action at Yazoo City March 5th, los-
ing one line officer killed, eight men killed, twenty-four wounded and twelve
missing; April 6th to 28th, at Black River Bridge; May 4th to 2ist, expedition
to Yazoo City, Benton and Vaughn's Station, Mississippi, taking a prominent
part in three important skirmishes; July ist to 7th, with an expedition to Jack-
son, Mississippi, under Maj. Gen. Slocum, engaged with the enemy three times;
SURVIVORS OF COMPANY A, ELEVENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
LIBHARf
OF THE
UNIVERSITY 01- ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 245
July agth, moved to Morganza and was assigned to nineteenth Army Corps,
staying there to September 3d ; in the meantime participating in an expedition to
Clinton, Louisiana, August 24th to 2Qth ; September 3d moved to mouth of White
River, Arkansas ; October 8th moved to Memphis, Tennessee, returning to
White River October 2/th; November 6th and 7th, expedition to Games' Land-
ing ; November the 8th, moved to Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas ; November 3Oth to
December 4th, en route to Memphis, Tennessee; December 2Oth to 3ist, ex-
pedition to Moscow, Tennessee; January ist to 5th, en route to Kenner, Louis-
iana ; February 4th to 7th, en route to Dauphine Island, via Lake Pontchartrain ;
March i7th to April i2th, engaged in operations against Mobile, Alabama,
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 1 2th 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 Pont-
chartrain to New Orleans, from thence to Alexandria, Louisiana, remaining
there until June 22d ; thence to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be mustered out of
service; mustered out July 14, 1865, and left for Springfield, Illinois, for pay-
ment and final discharge.
Killed in the field and died of wounds 149
Aggregate three-months' service 933
Aggregate three-years' service I>&79
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 regiments were members of- this regU
ment : 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 D. Atkins, Com. Capt. Co. A, May 14, 1861, prmtd. Maj. Feb.
15, 1862, prmtd. Col. 92nd Regt.
Quartermaster Guyan J. Davis, com. ist. lieut. Co. A. July 4, 1860, prmtd.
quartermaster Aug. 31, 1861, term exp. July 29, 1864.
Quartermaster Joseph W. Brewester, e. as private Co. A, July 30, 1862,
prmtd. 2nd lieut. Oct. 31, 1863, prmtd quartermaster 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. Fileds, com. May 14, 1861.
First Sergt. Richardson W. Hurlburt, e. July 30, 1861, prmtd. second lieut.
Sergt. James O. Churchill, e. July 30, 1861, prmtd. 2nd lieut.
Sergt. Orton Ingersol, e. July 30, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut.
Sergt. F. T. Goodrich, e. July 30, 1861, kid. bat. Shiloh.
Sergt. F. R. Bellman, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Corp. Hugh Q. Staver, e. July 30, 1861, disd. for promotion.
Corp. John R. Hayes, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 24, 1862, disab.
246 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Corp. O. F. Lamb, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 3, 1862, disab.
Corp. John D. Waggner, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Corp. H. B. Springer, e. July 30, 1861, died July 14, 1863, wd.
Corp. William N. Blakeman, e. July 30, 1861, disd. July 30, 1864, term ex-
pired.
Corp. John Cronemiller, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Corp. Jason Clingman, e. July 30, 1861, disd. for promotion June 6, 1863.
Musician C. E. Cotton, e. July 30, 1861, trans, to noncom. 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 August 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, John W., e. July 30, 1861, trans, to non-com, staff.
Brooks, E. L., e. July 30, 1861.
Bobb, Isaac, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Dec. 25, 1862.
Brace, S. N., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Bamberger, E., e. July 30, 1861, disd. for promotion, Oct. 20, 1863.
Chown, Joseph N., e. July 30, 1861.
Cross, Levi, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 30, 1862, disab.
Clingman, William, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Cramer, D. N., e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Cradler, Joseph, e. July 30, 1861, as vet.
Dersham, David, e. Dec. n, 1861, trans, from 109 111. Inf., disd. May 5,
1863, disab.
Dunham, Christopher, e. July 30, 1861, trans, to cav.
Frain, William, e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Fry, John W., e. July 30, 1861, died Oct. 17, 1862.
French, D. H., e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
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. Donelson.
Gillet, John, e. July 30, 1861.
Gillap, Henry, e. July 30, 1861, disd. July 18, 1862, disab.
Gravenwold, Henry, e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Hurlburt, E. D., e. July 30, 1861, as vet.
Hayes, Russell, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 9, 1862, disab.
Hall, Luther, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sept. 22, 1864, term expired.
Hay, Jonathan, e. July 30, 1861, disci. 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, 1863, disab.
Hays, Samuel P., e. Jan. 26, 1865, trans, to 46th 111. Inf.
Hayes, William, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Haight, Samuel, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Feb. 9, 1864.
Ingham, Samuel H., e. July 30, 1861, trans.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 247
Inman, Seth, e. July 30, 1861.
Kassell, Nicholas, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 14, 1862, disab.
Kearney, Francis, e. July 30, 1861, m. o. Nov. 4, 1861, term expired.
Kline, Eli, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 21, 1862, disab.
Kailey, Jos., e. July 30, 1861, kid. at Ft. Donelson.
Lamb, John, e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. May 17, 1863.
Loveland, J. H., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Lambert, F., e. July 30, 1861, kid. Vicksburg, May 22, 1863.
Lamb, Thomas, e. July 30, 1861.
Lutz, Charles H., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Lied, Edwin, e. July 30, 1861, disd. Nov. 20, 1862, disab.
Lyon, George W., e. July 30, 1861.
Lynch, Jos. J., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sept. 14, 1864, term expired.'
McGhee, James J., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
McCormick, D., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Aug. 14, 1862, disab.
McGlouthling, R., e. July 30, 1861, disd. Sept. 30, 1862, disab.
Marion, Jacob, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Pratt, Joseph, e. July 30, 1861.
Patterson, Arthur, e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Parker, H. M., e. July 31, 1861, disd. for promotion.
Pope, H. H., e. July 30, 1861, disd. May 17, 1862.
Roe, John M., e. July 30, 1861, vet.
Ross, Isaac M., e. July 30, 1861, kid. Ft. Donelson.
Smith, O. F., e. July 30, 1861, m. o. July 29, 1864, term expired.
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, 1861, disd. July 30, 1864, term expired.
Syphep, Annias, e. Sept. 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. July 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 ,1861.
Wohlfort, Geo., e. July 30, 1861, prmpt. Corp., died Aug. 29, 1863.
Wohlford, Jos., e. July 30, 1861, prmptd. Corp.
Wenz, James, e. July 30, 1861.
Williams, F. J., e. Sept. 27, 1861, disd. Oct. 14, 1862, disab.
COMPANY D.
Clement, Louis, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died July 27, 1864, wd.
248 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
FIFTEENTH INFANTRY.
The Fifteenth Regiment Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Free-
port, Illinois, and mustered into the United States service May 24, 1861, being
the first regiment organized for the state for the three-year service. It then
proceeded to Alton, Illinois, remaining there six weeks for instruction. Left
Alton for St. Charles, Missouri, thence by rail to Mexico, Missouri. Marched
to Hannibal, Missouri ; thence by steamboat to Jefferson Barracks ; then by rail
to Rolla, Missouri. Arrived in time to cover Gen. Siegel's retreat for Wilson's
Creek; thence to Tipton, Missouri, and thence joined Gen. Fremont's army.
Marched from there to Springfield, Missouri ; thence back to Tipton ; then to
Sedalia, with Gen. Pope, and assisted in the capture of one thousand three hun-
dred of the enemy a few miles from the latter place ; then marched to Otterville,
Missouri, where it went into winter quarters December 26, 1861. Remained
there until February i, 1862, then marched to Jefferson City; thence to St. Louis
by rail; embarked on transports for Fort Donelson, arriving there the day of
the surrender.
The regiment was then assigned to the fourth division, General Hurlbut
commanding and marched to Fort Henry. Then embarked on transports for
Pittsburg' Landing. Participated in the battles of the 6th and 7th of April, los-
ing two hundred and fifty-two men killed and wounded. Among the former
were Lieutenant Colonel E. T. W. Ellis, Major Goddard, Captains Brownell and
Wayne, and Lieutenant John W. Puterbaugh. Captain Adam Nase, wounded
and taken prisoner. The regiment then marched to Corinth, participating in
various 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 remaining there until September
6th. Then marched to Bolivar; thence to the Hatchie River. Lost, fifty killed
and wounded in that engagement. Then returned to Bolivar; from thence to
La Grange; thence with General Grant down through Mississippi to Coffeeville,
returning to La Grange and Memphis ; thence to Vicksburg, marched with Sher-
man to Jackson, Mississippi, then returned to Vicksburg and embarked for
Natchez. Marched thence to Kingston ; returned to Natchez ; then to Harrison-
burg, Louisiana, capturing Fort Beauregard, on the Washita River. Returned
to Natchez, remained there until November 10, 1863. Proceeded to Vicksburg
and went into winter quarters. Here the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, re-
maining until February i, 1864, when it moved with General 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 Illinois on veteran furlough. On expiration of furlough-,
joined seventeenth army corps, and proceeded up the Tennessee River to Clin-
ton ; thence to Huntsville. Alabama ; thence to Decatur and Rome, Georgia ;
thence to Kingston, and joined General Sherman's army, marching to Atlanta.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 249
At Allatoona Pass, the fifteenth and the fourteenth infantry was consolidated,
and the organization was known as the Veteran Battalion Fourteenth and Fif-
teenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and numbering six hundred and twenty-five
men. From Allatoona Pass it proceeded to Ackworth and was then assigned to
duty, guarding the Chattanooga & Atlanta Railroad. While engaged in this
duty the regiment being scattered along the line of road, the rebel General Hood,
marched north struck the road at Big Shanty and Ackworth, and captured about
three hundred of the command. The remainder retreated to Marietta, were
mounted and acted as scouts for General Vandever. They were afterward trans-
ferred to General F. P. Blair, and marched with General Sherman through
Georgia.
After the capture of Savannah, the regiment proceeded to Beaufort, South
Carolina; thence to Salkahatchie River, participating in the various skirmishes
in that vicinity — Columbia, South Carolina, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 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 discontinued, and the fifteenth re-organ-
ized. The campaign of General Sherman ended by the surrender of General
Johnston, The regiment then marched with the army to Washington, D. C.,
via Richmond and Fredericksburg, and participated in the grand review of
Washington, May 24, 1865; remained there two weeks. Proceeded by rail and
steamboat to Louisville, Kentucky; remained at Louisville two weeks. The regi-
ment was then detached from the Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and
proceeded by steamer to St. Louis; from thence to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,
arriving there July i, 1865. Joined the army serving on the plains. Arrived
at Fort Kearney August i4th ; then ordered to return to Fort Leavenworth
September i, 1865, where the regiment was mustered out of the service and
placed en route for Springfield, Illinois, for final payment and discharge, having
served four years and four months.
Number of miles marched 4,299
Number of miles by rail 2,403
Number of miles by steamer 4,310
Total miles traveled 11,012
Number of men joined for organization 1,963
Number of men at date of muster out 640
Colonel Thomas J. Turner, com. May 14, 1861, res. Nov. 2, 1862.
Maj. William R. Goddard, com. June 26, 1861, kid. Pittsburg Landing.
Maj. Rufus C. McEathorn, com. ist 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 u, 1862, died about Au-
gust 9, 1863.
Fife Maj. John H. Griffith, e. Dec. 21, 1863.
Hospital Steward, H, H. McAfee.
Assistant Surgeon, J. iN. DeWitt.
250 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
COMPANY A.
Henry Williams, Warren W. Armstrong, John S. Smith, George W. Whit-
ney, James Hodges and Charles S. Page.
COMPANY B.
Samuel Aikey, Joseph H. Fleaury, Patrick McNichols.
COMPANY c.
Alfred Broadee, Joseph Clark.
COMPANY D.
Hotchkiss, W. N., e. may 24, 1861, vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Barnes, William G., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. 24, 1864, Co. E.
Deye, Emanuel, e. May 24, 1861, died May 25, 1862, wd.
Freman, Alfred, e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Smith, William H., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Giltner, Conrad, e. May 26, 1862, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Hyortas, Julius O., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Aug. n, 1862, disab.
Hawkins, John H., March 26, 1862, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Protexter, Christian, e. May 26, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 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. i, 1864.
Miers, Oscar, e. June 3, 1861.
Prouse, William H., e. Sept. 12, 1861.
Wilson, Robert B., e. June 3, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
COMPANY F.
Sweden, Dietrich, e. May 24, 1861.
Luttig, Henry, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Jordan, Frank A., e. Nov. 2, 1861, disd. Nov. 14, 1863, disab.
COMPANY G.
Capt. James O. P. Burnside, com. May 15, 1861, m. o. April 2, 1862.
Capt. Albert Bliss, Jr., com. 2d lieut. April 24, 1861, prmtd. ist lieut. April
2, 1862; prmtd. capt. July 7, 1863; m. o. at Consolidation.
First Lieut. Hubbard P. Sweet, e. as First 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. 27, 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 24, 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. i. 1862, disab.
Corp. Albert 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. Kelley, e. May 24, 1861.
Allen, William E. Dec. i, 1863, trans, to Co. B, Vet. Bat.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 251
Auk, Jacob, e. May 24, 1861.
Addis, Jacob R., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Jan. i, 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 21, 1861, disd. Jan. n, 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, Borroughs W., e. Sept. 23, 1861, disd. Aug. 15, 1862, disab.
Burrell, Henry, e. Sept. 30, 1861.
COMPANY G.
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, 1861, vet. trans, to Go. B, vet. bat.
Brien, B. O., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Brown, Alex., e. May 24, 1861, disd. May i, 1863, disab.
Cox, James H., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Christenson, Claus, e. May 24, 1861.
Cassidy, William J., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Nov. i, 1862, wd.
Calhoun, John P., e. May 24, 1861, disd, Jan. i, 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, 1861, vet. prmtd. hospital steward.
Davenport, Lucius, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Oct. 17, 1861.
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, 1861, kid. at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Ehrman, Florence, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Feb. 4, 1863, 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, 1861, disd April 17, 1863, disab.
Gardner, Jerome, e. Oct. I, 1861, disd. Oct. 19, 1862.
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, disd. Feb. 7, 1862, disab.
Hayes, Charles G., e. May 24, 1861.
Heiser, William H., e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864, trans, to Co. B, vet.
bat.
Hoag, Leonard H., e. May 24, 1861.
Hoffe, John, e. Dec. i, 1863, vet. trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Hackman, John W., e. May 24, 1861.
252 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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, 1861, disd. Jan. i, 1862, disab.
Kline, M. V., e. May 24, 1861, died Nov. 8, 1861.
Kinsman, Richard, e. May 24, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 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, 1862, wd.
Moll, Wm. R, e. May 24, 1861, 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, disd. Dec. 16, 1862, disab.
Maloney, Michael, e. April 23, 1864, 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, disd. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Noble, Geo. W., e. May 24, 1862, vet.
Niemeyer, John, e. May 24, 1861, kid. at Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Philips, Hugh, e. May 24, 1861, died Jan. 6, 1862.
Pickel, Henry, e. May 24, 1861, vet., trans, to vet. bat., Co. B.
Patton, Wm. P., e. May 24, 1861, disd. Dec. 10, 1862, disab.
Preston, George 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. Sept. 2, 1862.
Ross, 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., e. 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. i, 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. Oct. 17, 1861, disab.
Snyder, Egbert, e. Sept. 30, 1861, disd. Dec. 18, 1862, disab.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 253
Shinkle, E. R., e. May 24, 1861.
Stull, James, e. Sept. i, 1862, trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Shrove, Daniel, e. May 24, 1861, disd. Feb., 1862, disab.
Sturn, Henry, e. May 31, 1864, trans, to Co. B, vet. bat.
Solace, E. D., e. May 24, 1861, died April 28, 1862, wd.
Savidge, Robt. S., e., May 24, 1861, disd. July 28, 1862, wd.
Tull, Chas. H., e. Sept. 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 23, 1861.
Wite, John E., e., March 30, 1864, trans, to vet. bat.
Wheeler, John S., e. May 24, 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Yoder, John B., e. May 24, 1861.
FOURTEENTH (REORGANIZED) INFANTRY.
COMPANY K.
Blankenship, John,.e. March 9, 1865.
Rollins, Solomon W., e. March 9, 1865.
FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH BATTALION.
Maj. Rufus O. McEathorn, com. July 7, 1863, m. o. Aug. i, 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. i, 1864.
Sergt. William F. Mall, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Corp. John D. F. Garner, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Corp. Erastus Denton, e. Jan. i, 1864, vet.
Musician Oliver Seymour, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Allen, William, e. Dec. i, 1863.
Beham, John, e. March i, 1864.
Barden, Geo. R., e. March 31, 1864.
Barber, Geo. E., e. March 31, 1864.
Foreman, Alfred, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Huffee, John, e. Dec. i, 1863.
Hayes, Martin, e. March 19, 1864.
Heiser, Henry, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Kinsman, Richard, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Lawyer, M. A., e. March 31, 1864.
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, Samuel.
Shuler, Thomas.
254 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Stull, James, e. Sept. i, 1862.
Starn, Henry, e. March 31, 1864.
Trepus, Daniel, e. Sept. 26, 1862.
White, John E., e. March 31, 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 i, 1862.
COMPANY E.
Armstrong, W. W., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Hawkins, John H., e. March 26, 1864, died Sept. 14, 1864.
Luttig, Henry, e. Jan. I, 1864.
Protexter, Chris., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Prouse, William H., e. Sept. 12, 1861, m. o. Sept. 23, 1864.
Page, Chas. S., e. April 27, 1864.
Pabst, Charles H. C., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Steekle, Ruben, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Smith, William H., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Steves, Thomas M., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Smith, John H., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Whitney, George W., e. Jan. i, 1864, disd. March 27, 1865.
COMPANY G.
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, Illinois, August 31, 1861,
and were ordered to Quincy, Illinois, for the protection of that place. Not hav-
ing 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 — Colonel John Mason Loomis
commanding post at Hannibal. Prior to January i, 1862, three more companies
were raised, completing the organization. February 19, 1862, they left Han-
nibal, Missouri, for the south, stopping at Commerce, where the regiment was
assigned to Brigadier General J. B. Plummer's brigade, Brigadier General
Schuyler Hamilton's division, Major General John Pope's corps. They arrived
in 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 flying enemy
from island number ten, and assisted in capturing many prisoners. After re-
HISTORY OF STErHFNSON COUNTY 255
maining some time at New Madrid, joined an expedition against Fort Pillow;
returning, proceeded up the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers to Hamburg Landing;
took part in the siege at Corinth ; May 8th and gth were engaged at Farmington,
the regiment losing five killed and thirty wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Charles
J. Tinkham was among the wounded ; Colonel Loomis commanded the bri-
gade, and General Stanley the division. May 28th, engaged the enemy one
mile from Corinth, the regiment losing four killed and twenty-five wounded ;
Major Gilmore was wounded. Company G of the Twenty-sixth was the first
to enter Corinth on evacuation by the enemy ; engaged in the pursuit to Boone-
ville, and returned to Clear Creek, four miles from Corinth. June 23d, ordered
to Danville, Mississippi, where we remained until August 18, 1862, at which
time we joined the brigade commanded by Colonel R. C. Murphy, Eighth Wis-
consin, and marched for Tuscumbia, arrived 2ist; September 8th, with Forty-
seventh and Twenty-sixth, Lieutenant Colonel Tinkham commanding, marched to
Clear Creek; September i8th, marched for luka; igth, were engaged with the
enemy in a brigade commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. A. Mower, of the Elev-
enth Missouri ; the enemy evacuating in the night, we joined in the pursuit, arriv-
ing at Corinth October 3d, and participating in the battle of Corinth ; after the
battle followed the retreating enemy as far as Ripley. Ten days afterward, ar-
rived again at Corinth, where we stayed' until November 2d. Marched via Holly
Junction, Holly Springs and Lumpkin's Mill toward Tallahatchie River, the
enemy being fortified on the south side of the river. The regiment was here
detailed to guard a commissary train to Hudsonville, during the trip, losing two
men killed and two wounded by guerrillas ; ordered to Holly Springs for guard
duty; thence to Oxford, Mississippi, where we remained until December 2Oth;
ordered to Holly Springs, to prevent the capture of that place; on the 2ist
reached that place, the enemy having fled ; remained here during the year, Colo-
nel Loomis commanding the post, and Lieutenant Colonel Gilmore as chief of
outposts.
In the beginning of the year 1863, the post of Holly Springs was broken
up and the army fell back to La Grange, Tennessee, where the regiment was
assigned to duty as provost guard, Colonel Loomis commanding the post. Here
it remained until March 8th.
March 3d the regiment was brigaded with the Ninetieth Illinois, Twelfth and
One Hundredth Indiana, Colonel Loomis commanding. March 9th the bri-
gade marched from La Grange to Collierville, Tennessee, where they remained
three months, engaged in fortifying the place and defending the railroad against
guerrillas and bushwhackers. June Jth, left Colliersville 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 Vicks-
burg. On the afternoon of July 4th, started in pursuit of the retreating forces
of General Johnston. The siege of Jackson was marked by severe skirmishing
in one of which Captain 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
256 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
embarked for Memphis, where it arrived on the 7th of October. Here a
few days were given for the purpose of outfitting the men, preparatory for the
long march across the country from Memphis to Chattanooga, to relieve the
besieged army of the Cumberland. The march began at 8 A. M., October nth;
arrived at Bridgeport November i5th, 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 Lieutenant
Colonel Gilmore, Captain James P. Davis, Company B. ; Adjutant Edward A.
Tucker and Lieutenant William Polk, Company B. The next morning, started
before daylight, in pursuit of the defeated and flying enemy ; followed them to
Ringgold, Georgia, burnt the bridges and destroyed the railroad; then turned to
make the march of two hundred miles, without supplies, cooking utensils, camp
equipage, or change of clothing, to the relief of General Burnside, at Knox-
ville; returned to Bridgeport in the latter part of December; were reclothed,
paid off, and marched to Scottsboro, Alabama, and went into winter quarters.
January i, 1864, there were five hundred and fifteen men present for duty
of whom four hundred and sixty- three re-enlisted as veterans. Of sixty-
one men present in Company K, sixty re-enlisted.
January i2th, started home on veteran furlough. At the expiration of fur-
lough, returned to the field with ranks well filled with recruits. Arrived at old
camp at Scottsboro, March 3d, and remained there until May ist, 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 on
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 Illinois, a stout
active fellow, outrun 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 commissioned officer. He drew up his musket and told them to "fight or
run, and that d d 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 General Logan, he
retained the officer's sword and a fine Whitney rifle, found in the pit, and now
has them at home as mementoes of his gallantry. After the fall of Atlanta
most of the old officers were mustered out at the expiration of their term of
service. Only two of the original officers remained, one of whom, Captain Ira
J. Bloomfield, 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 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, following Hood up toward Chatta-
nooga, and off into northern Alabama ; then returned to Atlanta ; were paid and
reclothed, preparatory to "marching through Georgia."
The twenty-sixth were engaged in the action of Griswoldville, siege of Sa-
vannah, and capture of Fort McAlister. A short time after the fall of Sa-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 257
vannah, the regiment was ordered to Beaufort, South Carolina, and remained
on duty there and at Port Royal Ferry until the commencement of the north-
ward march through the Carolinas ; were among the first regiments into Colum-
bia, and were hotly engaged in the battle of Bentonville. Here the regiment
was ordered 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. Sergeant Smith of Company 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 Lieutenant Webster, with
Company E, charged, drove them back and saved the colors. Colonel Bloom-
field had his horse shot under him, and narrowly escaped himself.
Remained at Goldsboro, North Carolina, a few days, and April 10, began
to march against Raleigh. Left Raleigh May I for Washington, via Richmond ;
participated in the grand review at Washington ; transported by rail to Parkers-
burg, Virginia; thence by boat to Louisville, Kentucky, where it remained in
camp until July 20, 1865, when it was mustered out of service and started for
Springfield, Illinois, for final payment and discharge. July 28th 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, besides
innumerable skirmishes. They were permitted by the order of the commanding
general to place upon their banners "New Madrid," "Island No. 10," "Farming-
ton," "Siege of Corinth," "luka," "Corinth 3d and 4th October, 1862," "Holly
Springs," "Vicksburg," "Jackson, Miss.," "Mission Ridge," "Reseca," "Kene-
saw", "Ezra Church," "Atlanta," "Jonesboro," "Griswoldville," "McAllister,"
"Savannah," "Columbia," "Bentonville.'
Lieut. Col. George H. Reed, com. ist lieut. Co. B, August 28, 1861 ; prmtd.
capt. May 17, 1864; prmtd. Maj. June 6, 1865.
COMPANY B.
Capt. James P. Davis, com. May 28, 1861, hon. disd. March 30, 1864.
Capt. Theodore Schernerhorn, e. as ( ?) corp. Aug. 15, 1861 ; prmtd. ist
lieut. May 14, 1863; res. May 14, 1864.
First Lieut. David Layser, e. as corp. Aug. 15, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; prmtd.
ist lieut. June 6, 1865.
Sergt. William Quinn, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Oct. 31, 1862, disab.
Sergt. William P. Dursk, e. Aug. 15, 1861 ; prmtd. Q. M. Sergt. vet.
Sergt. William J. Irvin, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet.
Sergt. Jonas Andrew, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Corporal James P. Winters, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died Oct. 10, 1862.
Addams, C. H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 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, 1864.
Bentley, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. July 16, 1862.
Blake, F. W., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. L.
Bear, F. H., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
258 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Burns, Francis, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. L.
Butcher, James, e. Aug. 15, 1861, prmtd. corp. ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; died Oct.
31, 1864.
Burk, John J., e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 18, 1864, term expired.
Baker, Philip, e. Aug. 15, 1861, kid. Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862.
Bokof, Harmon, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. 15, 1864; m. o. as corp.
Cornelius, Samuel, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Cawley, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Choppy, Charles, died May 31, 1864, wds.
Derling, Isreal, e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 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. i, 1864.
Frisby, Julius, e. Aug. 15, 1861, died April 2, 1862.
Forbs, Nathan, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Aug. 28, 1864; term expired.
Foster, R. J., vet. Jan. i, 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. i, 1864; m. o. as sergt.
Hunt, A. B., e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. H.
Heise, John, vet. Jan. i, 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, 1864, 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. i, 1864 m. o. as corp.
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. i, 1864; disd. July 2, 1865.
Kummerrer, Tieghman, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. March 6, 1863, disab.
Kraymer, William H., e. Aug. 15, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 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. i, 1864; m. o. as corp
Kouth, Micheal, e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Leonard, Arthur, e. Aug. 15, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Lilley, William E., e. Nov. 17, 1863.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 259
Long, William, e. Aug. 15, 1861 ; died at luka Aug. 28, 1862.
Long, John, e. Aug. 15, 1861, disd. Oct. 13, 1864; term expired.
Long, Jacob H.
Mieley, Samuel P., e. Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864; m. o. 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. 18, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; kid. April 30, 1864.
Morris, D., e. Aug. 18, 1861 ; died May 29, 1864; wd.
Mallick, Franklin, e. Feb. 13, 1864.
Miller, Bernard, e. Sept. 28, 1861, trans, to V. R. C. May i, 1864.
Miller, A. J., e. Jan. i, 1864; trans, to i47th inf. as ist. lieut. Co. G.
Melody, Thomas, e. Sept. 28, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Needham, Dennison, Sept. 8, 1861, trans, to Co. I.
Needham, Thomas, Sept. 8, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Nicholas, Thomas, Aug. 15, kid. at Cornith, Miss., Oct. 4, 1862.
Paul, V. A., Aug. 15, 1861, vet. Jan. i, 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, Chas., e. Feb. 3, 1864; m. o. July 20, 1865.
Reardon, John, e. Sept. 8, 1861.
Ryan, James, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Smith, Peter E., Sept. 8, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 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. i, 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.
Schreader, Frederick, e. Sept. 12, 1862.
Sturdevant, Jacob, Jan. i, 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 a
First Lieut. John Irvin, com. Aug. 31, 1862; died Oct. 6, 1863.
COMPANY H.
Capt. Chas. F. Wertz, com. 2d lieut. Jan. i, 1862; prmtd, ist lieut. Feb. 16,
1862; prmtd. capt. Aug. 22, 1863.
260 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Capt. Win. W. Allen, e. as sergt. Aug. 15, 1861 ; prmtd. ist lieut. Feb. 16,
1863; prmtd, ist lieut. Aug. 22, 1863; prmtd, capt., delined commission.
Capt. Robt. Salisbury, e. as corpl. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; prmtd.
sergt., then capt. May 19, 1865.
Sergt. Chas. H. Edmonds, e. Nov. i, 1861.
Buckley, John, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Beaury, Albert, e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Black, John F., e. Jan. i, 1864, died Sept. 11, 1864, wd.
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, 1862, disab.
Cross, Hiram A., e. Nov. i, 1861, m. o. Oct. 31, 1864; term expired.
Deagon, Jos., e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Fye, Daniel, e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Fye, J. D., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Fye, David.
Grey, Robt, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Heintz, Micheal, e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Hunt, A. B., e. Aug. 15, 1861.
Mayer, John, e. Nov. i, 1861, m. o. Oct. 31, 1864; term expired.
Rice, A. L., e. Nov. i, 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. i, 1861, wd. ; m. o. Dec. 2, 1864.
Winters, Abraham, e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864.
Winters, Cyrus, e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; absent, wd. at m. o. of
regiment.
Wagoner, Geo., e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; absent sick at m. o. of
regiment.
COMPANY i.
Eastland, A. J., died Aug., 1863.
Blake, F. W., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Keegan, James, e. March 12, 1864; kid. July 22, 1864.
Leonard, Arthur, e. Jan. i, 1864; absent sick at m. o. of regiment.
Ruff, F. C., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Reider, Jos., e. Jan. i, 1864.
COMPANY K.
Allison, W. W.
Cooper, Wm. e. Jan. i, 1864.
Sheppard, Charles.
FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
The Washburne Lead Mine Regiment was organized at Chicago, Illinois,
December 25, 1861, by Colonel John E. Smith, and mustered into the United
States service as the Forty-fifth Infantry Illinois Volunteers, January 15, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 261
Moved to Cairo, Illinois, February i, assigned to brigade of Colonel W. H. L.
Wallace division of Brigadier General McClernand. February 4 landed below
Fort Henry, on the Tennessee, and on the 6th marched into the fort, it having
been surrendered to the gun-boats. February nth 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,
two killed and twenty-six wounded. March 4th moved to the Tennessee River,
and nth arrived at Savannah. Was engaged in the expedition to Pine Hook.
March 2$th moved to Pittsburg Landing, and encamped near Shiloh Church.
The Forty-fifth took a conspicuous and honorable part in the two days'
battle of Shiloh, losing twenty-six killed and one hundred and ninety-nine
wounded and missing, nearly one-half of the regiment. April I2th, Colonel
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 4th, the regiment was assigned to Third Brigade, and moved
toward Purdy, fifteen miles. On the 5th, marched to Bethel ; 7th, to Monte-
zuma, and on the 8th, to Jackson, Tennessee, the enemy flying on its approach.
During the months of June and July, engaged in garrison and guard duty.
August nth, assigned to guarding railroad, near Toon's Station. On the 3ist,
after much desperate fighting, Companies C and D were captured. The re-
mainder of the regiment, concentrating at Toon's Station, were able to resist
the attack of largely outnumbering forces. Loss, three killed, thirteen wounded
and forty-three taken prisoners. September i/th, moved to Jackson; November
2d, 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; December 3d, to Waterford; 4th, Abbeville; 5th, to Oxford, to
Yocano River, near Spring Dale.
Communications with the north having been cut off, foraged on the country
for supplies. December I7th, notice received of the promotion of Colonel
John E. Smith to Brigadier General, ranking from November 29th ; December
22d, returned to Oxford ; 24th moved to a camp three miles north of Abbeville,
on the Tallahatchie River, where the regiment remained during the month.
Mustered out July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, and arrived at Chicago,
July 15, 1865, for final payment and discharge.
COMPANY B.
Capt. Thomas J. Prouty, e. as private; Aug. 30, 1861, prmtd. sergt; prmtd.
2d lieut. Nov. 29, 1862; prmtd ist 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. i, i86i,-m. o. Dec. 24, 1864; term expired.
Corp. Ephraim Percy, e. Oct. 2, 1861.
Beaumont, H. E., e. Oct. 7, 1861.
262 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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. Sept. 20, 1861, reported dead.
Morrison, John H., e. Oct. i, 1861, m. o. Nov. 20, 1864.
Mitchell, Robert M., e. Oct. 7, 1861.
Mugley, Geo., e. Oct. 8, 1861.
McGrath, Patrick, e. Oct. i, 1861, trans, to V. R. C.
Stocks, Jos. 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, 1861, disd. April 23, 1863, diseb.
COMPANY E.
Second Lieut. Chas. F. Dube, e. as sergt. Sept. 14, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d. lieut.
May 22, 1863; term expired Dec. 25, 1864.
Corp. Samuel R. 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, Wm., e. Sept. 18, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Flickenger, E. O., e. Sept. 14, 1861, vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Kiester, Chris., e. Sept. 18, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
Miller, Henry, e. Sept. 7, 1861, vet. March i, 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-six Infantry Illinois volunteers was organized at Camp Butler,
Illinois, December 28, 1861, by Colonel John A. Davis, ordered to Cairo, Illinois,
February n, 1862; from thence proceeded via the Cumberland River to Fort
Donelson, Tennessee, arriving on the 141)1 and was assigned to the command of
General Lew. Wallace ; on the 1 5th lost one man killed and two wounded ;
i6th, moved through the works and to Dover; igth, moved to Fort Henry.
March 6th, embarked to Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived on the i8th. The
regiment was now in Second Brigade, Fourth Division, and Fourteenth and
Fifteenth and Forty-sixth Illinois, and Twenty-fifth Indiana, Colonel James C.
Veatch, Twenty-fifth, Indiana, commanding brigade, and Brigadier General
S. A. Hurlbut, of Illinois, commanding division. In the battle of Shiloh the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 263
46th took a most conspicuous and honorable part, losing over half of its offi-
cers and men in killed and wounded and receiving the thanks of the commanding
generals. Among the wounded were Colonel John A. Davis, Major Dorn-
blasser, Captains Musser, Stephens, Marble and McCracken; Lieutenants Hood,
Barr, Arnold, Ingraham and Howell. In this action the "Fighting Fourth Divis-
ion" of General 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 loth marched to the Hatchie River; isth, past through Grand
Junction, and camped three miles from town; 24th moved to Collarbone Hill,
near La Grange; on the 3Oth moved to Old Lamer Church. July i, marched to
Cold 'Water, and returned on the 6th; on the i/th, moved toward Memphis,
marching via Moscow, Lafayette, Germantown and White's Station, and camp-
ing two miles south of Memphis on the 2ist of July. August 27th, engaged in
the scout to Pigeon Roost. September the 6th, moved from Memphis towards
Brownsville ; 7th, marched through Raleigh and Union Stations ; 9th, marched
to Big Muddy River; nth, via Hampton Station, to Danville; I2th, via White-
ville to Pleasant Creek; I4th, via Bolivar to Hatchie River. September 27, all
the troops on the river at this place, were reviewed by General. McPherson.
October 4, moved toward Corinth ; 5th, met the enemy at Metamore. The forty-
sixth was in position at the right of second brigade supporting Bolton's Battery.
After an hour of shelling by the batteries, the infantry was ordered forward,
and at a double quick, advanced, driving the enemy across the river. The First
Brigade coming up, "Hurlbut's Fighting Fourth Division" advanced and drove the
enemy from the field, compelling their fight. Colonel John A. Davis, of the forty-
sixth was mortally wounded in this action, and Lieutenant M. R. Thompson
also both dying on the roth. After the battle returned to Bolivar. November
3, marched to La Grange ; 28th, -moved to Holly Springs ; 3Oth, toward Talla-
hatchie River, and camped near Waterford, Miss., where splendid winter quar-
ters with mud chimneys and bake ovens complete, were fitted up in time to
move away from them. December the nth, to Hurricane Creek, and I2th, to
Yocona Station, where it remained until December 22, when it marched to Tay-
lor'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. January 6, 1863, moved to Holly Springs; loth, Fifteenth and Forty-
sixth Illinois were escorted to ammunition train to La Grange; I3th, 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 batteries ; and the
garrison of Lafayette the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois and one battery,
Colonel Cyrus Hall commanding. After rejoining brigade at Lafayette, marched
on the gth of March, via Collierville and Germantown, to Memphis. April 2-,
1863, engaged in the expedition to Hernando, and returned on the 24th. May
13, embarked for Vicksburg, and on the i5th, landed at Young's Point; i8th,
marched to Bower's landing; ipth moved to Sherman's landing; 2Oth moved
264 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
by steamer up Yazoo to Chickasaw Bayou ; disembarked and moved across the
swamp to the bluff. May 21, proceeded to the right of General 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 de-
tailed on picket duty, and during the night the outpost, consisting of five com-
panies of the regiment, were captured by the enemy ; 104 men and 7 officers
were captured, 70 escaping. The remainder of the regiment took an active part
in the siege of Vicksburg ; July 5th, moved to Clear Creek ; 6th, to Bolton Sta-
tion; 8th, to Clinton; gth, to Dickens' Plantation, where it remained guarding
train; I2th, moved into position on the extreme right of the line near Pearl
River; engaged in the siege until the i6th, when the enemy evacuated Jackson,
after which the regiment returned to Vicksburg. The division was now trans-
ferred to the I7th corps, and Brigadier General M. M. Crocker assigned to com-
mand. August 12, moved to Natchez. September i, went on an expedition into
Louisiana, returning on the 8th. September the i6th, moved to Vicksburg. No-
vember 28, moved to Camp Cowan, on Clear Creek. January 4, 1863, the Forty-
sixth was mustered as a veteran regiment; i2th, started north for veteran
furlough ; 23, arrived at Freeport, Illinois ; and on the 27th, the regiment was
furloughed.
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. n, 1861, prmtd. Major Feb. 8, 1862,
prmtd. col. Oct. n, 1862, brevt. brig, gen, Feb. 20, 1865.
Maj. John M. McCracken, com. capt. Co. K, Dec. 30, 1861, prmtd. maj. Oct.
n, 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 James B. Wright, com. Oct. 5, 1864.
Sergt. Elias C. De Puy, com. Sept. 23, 1861, res. Nov. i, 1864.
First Asst. Sergt. Julius N. DeWitt, com. 2d. asst. sergt. March 5, 1864,
prmtd. ist asst. sergt. Nov. i, 1864.
Chaplain David Teed, com. Oct. 11, 1861, res. Sept. i, 1862.
Sergt. Maj. Wm. Swanzey, e. Dec. 1861, disd. May 29, 1862, disab.
Sergt. Maj. Henry A. Ewing, disd. Oct. 25, 1863, for promotion.
Sergt. Maj. John E. Hershey, disd. Sept. i, 1864, disab.
Sergt. Maj. Edgar Butterfield, vet., m. o. Sept. 20, 1866.
Sergt. Maj. F. H. Whipple, trans, from nth inf., m. o. July 8, 1865.
Quarter Master Sergt. James Duncan, e. Sept. 14, 1861, disd. May 29, 1862,
disab.
Quarter Master Sergt. Julius T. Weld, m. o. June 20, 1866.
Comsy. Sergt. E. R. Gillett, e. Sept. 14, 1861, disd. for promotion as regi-
mental quartermaster.
Comsy, Sergt, W. H. Barnds, vet., m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Hospital Steward Thos. Walcott, vet.
Hospital Steward Jos. Chambers, e. Sept. 14, 1861, disd. August, 1862, disab.
Hospital Steward James Steels, disd. March i, 1864, for promotion.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 265
Hospital Steward Thos. J. Allen, vet., m. o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Principal Musician Geo. W. Trotter, vet., reported dead Oct.(?), 1865.
COMPANY A.
Capt. John Musser, com. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 24, 1862.
Capt. Isaac A. Arnold, com. 2d lieut. Sept. 10, 1861. prmtd., ist lieut. April
i, 1862. prmtd. capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Wm. O. Saxton, com. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. 2d lieut. Oct. 15,
1861 ; prmtd. ist lieut. Dec. 23, 1864.
Wm. Reynolds, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. 2d. lieut. Oct. 15, 1861,
prmtd. ist lieut. Dec. 23, 1864.
Second Lieut. Geo. S. Dickey, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861, prmtd. 2d. lieut.
April i, 1862, res. Oct. 15, 1864.
Second Lieut. Wm. M. Moore, prmtd. ist. lieut. Dec. 23, 1864.
Sergt. Horace D. Purinton, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Dec. 12, 1863.
Corp. Daniel M. Hart, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. July 8, 1862, disab.
Corp. Thomas S. Clingman, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Aug. 2, 1862, wds.
Corp. Andrew M. Fellows, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died May 2, 1862.
Corp. Albert M. Lull, e. Sept. 10, 1861, kid. at Shiloh.
Corp. Benj. Musser, e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 24, 1862, disab.
Corp Wesley J. Best, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet.
Corp. Q. E. Pollack, e. Sept. 10, 1861, as ist lieut, died at Mound City April
9, 1862, wds.
Arnold, A. F., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Sept. 4, 1862, disab.
Andrew Wm., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, died at Duvall's Bluff,
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, 1864, as corpl., died Oct. 6, 1864.
Barrett, Edw., e. Jan. 25, 1864, died Aug. 12, 1864.
Babcock, James, M., e. Aug. 10, 1862, disd. Nov. 25, 1863, for promotion.
Best, Hiram C., e. Jan. 24, 1865, disd. June 19, 1865.
Bolander, H. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Aug. 25, 1862, disab.
Bates, A. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. 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, disd. Aug. 13, 1862, wd.
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, 1862, kid. battle of Shiloh.
Clingman, George R., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
266 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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, 1867.
Clow, 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. January 5, 1854.
Ellis, Elias, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Faurer, Robert A., e. Oct. 10, 1062, vet.
French, D. H., e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Ford, William D., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Fellows, George E., e. Feb. 27, 1864; m. o. May 15, 1865.
French, S. A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, ( ?) m. o. as sergt.
Garrison, D. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Gibbons, Thomas, e Sept. 10, 1861.
Galpin, Daniel A., e. Sept. 10, 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.
Carman, 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.
Hart, Joseph E., e. Jan 31, 1865.
Hill, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hills, H. M., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hoot, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861; kid. at Shiloh.
Hunting, Charles H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863 ; disd. July 14, 1864.
Hollenbeck, H. W., me. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 3, 1862; wd.
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 I, 1862.
Hoyman, Henry, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Hadsell, N. A., e. ( ?) ; disd. March 9, 1866.
Hadsell, A. C.,— — '- — .
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.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 267
Jefferies, Jos. G., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 10, 1863 ; absent at m. o.
Kemper, Adam, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; ist sergt., disd. for promotion.
Krape, Wm. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Law, John H., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Lee, L. H., e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Miller, I., e. Dec. 23, 1863; absent at m. o.
Moore, George W., e. Jan. 25, 1863.
Moser. Wm., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
McAfee, R. L. H., e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Musser, Chas., 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. i, 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, 1862.
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.
Rogers, H. G., e. Oct. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Reiniger, Samuel J., e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Rice, M. A., e. Feb. i, 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.
Rogers, D. F., 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. 10, 1861, died June 29, 1862.
Smith, C. H., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Solomon, John C., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. May 8, 1862, disab.
Sheckler, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Scovill, Daniel A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, vet. Dec. 22, 1863, m. o. as corps.
268 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Sleight, Samuel A., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. May 8, 1862, disab.
Smith, E. W., Sept. 10, 1861, trans, to inv. corps.
Scovill, Nelson, e. Sept. 10, 1861, died April 18, 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.
Shellenberger, 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 i, 1862.
Van Brocklin, James M., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. December 22, 1863.
Vincen, Thomas, e. Sept. to, 1861 ; vet. December 22, 1863.
Walker, John /W., e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Winchell, H. P., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Wieland, John M., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Nov. 2, 1862.
Woodring, John M., e. Sept. 10, 1861, disd. Nov. 22, 1862, disab.
Wilson, Benjamin F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Dec. 30, 1861.
Whisler John B., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Dec. 30, 1861.
Wilson, R. P., 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, 1865.
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. ist lieut. July 10, 1862; prmtd, capt Jan. i, 1863; term expired
Dec. 23, 1864.
Capt. Robert F. Cooper, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut. Jan. i,
1863; prmtd. ist lieut. Sept. 27, 1864; prmtd. capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Henry Roush, com. Sept. 14, 1861 ; res. April 18, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 269
First Lieut. Emanuel Faust, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
July 10, 1862; prmtd. 1st lieut. Jan. i, 1863; res. Sept. 27, 1864.
First Lieut. George S. Rousch, e. as corp. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d. lieut.
Sept. 27, 1864; prmtd ist. 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. first 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. Robt. Smith, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G.
Corp. George Cox, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died October 9, 1862, wds.
Corp. Leonard 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, 1865; 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 Casper 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. December 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.
Ansberger, 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. i, 1864; m. o. as corp.
Barker, A. J., e. Sept. 10, 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, 1864.
Bowen, John T., e. Sept. 10. 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Bolender, Jackson, e. Feb. i, 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. i, 1864.
Bovver, Charles F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died April 23, 1862; wds.
Butterfield, Edgar, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 1863 : prmtd. sergt. maj.
Collins, Thomas, e. ? ; trans, from ggth 111.
Crawford, Franklin, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; m. o. Sept. 9. 1864.
Carroll, Henry, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
270 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Chambers, Joseph, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. hospital steward.
Cooper, George W., e. Feb. i, 1864.
Cantrell, Joseph T., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Decmber 23, 1863; trans, to Co. K.
Clark, Siias W., 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, O. P. e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Duncan, James. — ? — .
Daniels, Willis, m. o. Jan. 8, 1866.
Dougherty, Geo., e. Jan. 2, 1864; disd. 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. December 7, 1863; m. o. as corp.
Frankeberger, Aaron, e. Feb. 22, 1864,
Forbes, A. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Foster, Geo., e. Feb. i, 1864.
Frankeberger, E. B., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
From, James, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Prize, Henry, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died March 31, 1862.
Gallagher, H. C, e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Guiter, Adam, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
George, Wm., 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; wd.
Henrich, Cornelius, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Hinies, Jos., e. Feb. 19, 1864.
Hay, John, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863 ; 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, 1861 ; disd. April 23, 1862; 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. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Henderson, Francis, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863 ; m. o. as sergt.
Hathaway, Phillip, e. Jan. 30, 1864; disd. Dec. 31, 1866.
Hoag, Chas., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 271
Howe, James, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hinds, Erastus, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. July 30, 1862; disab.
Inman, H. L., e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Johnson, Wm. T. e. Dec. 27, 1863; died June 17, 1865.
Kaup, Geo. S., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. July 30, 1862; disab.
Kryder, Jacob N., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
King, Edwin, e. Feb. 3, 1864.
King, Robt., e. Feb. i, 1864.
Kerr, Wm. e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at battle of Shiloh.
Kellog, E. V., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. December 23, 1863; died Oct. 4, 1864.
Lauck, Jacob, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Mingle, D. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
McKee, Robert, e. Oct. 21, 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 ; disd. April 4, 1862.
Mogle, Samuel, e. Feb. 2, 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, George, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863.
Mogle, L. W., e. Feb. i, 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 May 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 ; vet. December 23, 1863 ; prmtd. serg. maj.
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. n, 1862; disab.
Rockwell, Charles W., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 14, 1862.
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. i, 1864; died July 10, 1864.
Seibold, Calhoun, e. Feb. i, 1864.
Stottler, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May, 1862; wd.
Skinner, W. W., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
272 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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. i, 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, I. 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. 19, 1861 ; disd. July 7, 1862; disab.
Vocht, Levi S., e. Jan. 24, 1864.
Vinson, George, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 7, 1863; trans, to Co. H.
Vinson, John, e. Jan. 8, 1864; died Aug. 12, 1864.
Wilson, George, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died April 30, 1862.
Wunshel, George, e. Feb. i, 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. ist lieut. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. capt. April 23, 1862;
term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
Capt. Edward Wilke, e. as sergt. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd, 2d lieut. Sept. 29,
1862; prmtd. ist lieut. Dec. 17, 1863; prmtd, capt. Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Harbcrt 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; ;---.ntd. ist lieut. Dec. 23, 1864.
Second Lieut. Ad< ;> iiorchers, com. Sept. 10, 1861 ; res. Sept. 29, 1862.
Second Lieut. En ! Neese, e. as corp. Sept. 10, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut. March
30, 1865.
Sergt. Adolph Wa!';recht, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disa. for promotion in U. S. C.
H. art.
Sergt. Carl H. G e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 9, 1864; term expired.
Sergt. Ferdinand ' e tz, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; m. o. Sept. 16, 1864.
Corp. Albert Koch e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 15, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 273
Corp. Arnold Rader, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 22, 1862; disab.
Corp. Carl Lipinski, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. March 19, 1864.
Corp. John Ochxle, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Corp. Peter Steinmetz, e. Sept. 19, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863; died Oct. 15, 1864.
Corp. C. Michealson, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Feb. 21, 1864.
Musician Conrad Kahn, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 15, 1862.
Musician Albert Stacker, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. July 3, 1862 ; disab.
Arens, Peter, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Altmann, Henry, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Abels, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. September 14, 1864; term expired.
Adams, Geo. W., trans, from gyih 111.
Bauer, Anton, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Burkhart, John, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Berg, Alfred, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Burkhardt, A., e. died July 24, 1865.
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, F., e. Feb. 26, 1865.
Baker, Jacob.
Bagger, Heinrich, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Oct. 15, 1862.
Burkhardt, A., e. died July 22, 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 n, 1864.
Diller, Michael, e. Dec. 25, 1861 ; trans, to V. R. C.
Durken, N. H. Van., e. Sept. to, 1861 ; died April 25, 1862.
Davis, Philip.
Dobble, W., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Dede, Henry, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Duitsman, W., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; Dec. 22, 1863.
Dennis, Thomas, died Oct. 7, 1865.
Denzing, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd, September 9, 1864; term expired.
Dillin, Michael, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Egnsen, B. W., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 19, 1862.
Eickle, Anton, e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Esch, J. J., e. Sept. 10, 1861.
Friday, Philip, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Froning, Herman, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Oct. 14, 1863; disab.
Farley, Thomas, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co. K.
Friedman, Valentine, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Freivert, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Jan. 12, 1863 ; disab.
274 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Franz, Safrin, e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Foster, John, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Frey, Johann, e. Jan. i, 1862; died at Vicksburg, July 5, 1862.
Frewart, Charles, e. Nov. 26, 1863; died Dec. 19, 1864.
Giboni, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Bat. Shiloh.
Getz, Andrew, e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Gretzley, Gottleib, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died April 26, 1862; wds.
Gasteger, A., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Heeron, W., e. Sept. 10, 1864; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Hoebel, Jacob, e. Jan. 29, 1864.
Hasselmann, Fred, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Battle of Shiloh.
Hofwimer, Jos., e. Jan. 18, 1864.
Harberts, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Feb. 4, 1863 ; disab.
Held, Frederick.
Hencke, W., e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Heine, Frederick, Feb. 29, 1864; kid. July 8, 1864.
Husenger, O., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 5, 1862.
Jaeger, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Roller, Johann, e. Sept 10, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 9, 1864 ; term expired.
Roller, William, e. Nov. 25, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Ruhlmeier, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 13, 1864; term expired.
Rohle, Jacob, e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Rraemer, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died July 19, 1862.
KJock, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died July 4, 1862.
Rrueger, Rlaas, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Feb. 5, 1863 ; disab.
Rrumme, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G.
Rnock, Harm, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. September 13, 1864; term expired.
Rraemer, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 26, 1862.
Rnock, Andreas, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Shiloh.
Rnoeller, George, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Rauner, Christ, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. June 19, 1862; disab.
Rohle, Jos., e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Raemer, George, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Rastler, Nicholas, e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Ruhler, August, e. Jan. 29, 1864.
Raubenberger, P. G., e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Rnecht, Philip, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Rom, Lewis, e. Jan. i, 1864.
Royn, Frederick, e. Feb. 12, 1864.
Roehler, Fred, e. Jan. 30, 1864.
Roller, Fred, e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Raemer, George N.
Rleger, George, e. March 2, 1865.
Retlerer, John, e. Jan. 1864; died Sept. 18, 1864.
Rrueger, Carl, e. Jan. 5, 1864 ; died Nov. 29, 1864.
Latour, Charles, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Lapp, Aaron, e. Sept. 10, 1862 ; died May 4, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 275
Ludicke, Henry, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Lahre, John, e. Dec. 18, 1863.
Lahre, Isaac, e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Lahre, Elias, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Long, Charles M., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Long, Jacob, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Leter, Nicholas, e. Oct. 6, 1864; m. o. Oct. 4, 1865.
March, James, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to V. R. C.
Mueller. Gottfried, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Metzger, Richard, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Nov. 7, 1862; disab.
Metzen, Nielaus, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to V. R. C.
Marbeth, Leons, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Shiloh.
Marks, J. F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. at Shiloh.
Marks, Marius, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. June 19, 1862; wd.
Meisencamp, C., Feb. 15, 1864; m. o. as corp.
Miller, R. Wm., e. Dec. 16, 1863.
Miller, Wm., e. Dec. 18, 1863.
Meise, Comrad, 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, 1861 ; m. o. Nov. 12, 1864.
O'Konas, Cornelius, e. Jan. 27, 1865.
O'Konas, Peter, e. Jan. 27, 1865; died June 12, 1865.
Otto, Charles, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Olthoff, William, e. Oct. 29, 1861 ; disd. Oct. 20, 1864; term expired.
Olnhausen, Andreas, e. Oct. 29, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Plumer, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Penning, Wiard, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Sept. 31, 1861.
Perstin, F., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 13, 1864; term expired.
Polmann, Albert, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Oct. 19, 1862, as corp.
Prince, Jacob, e. Jan. 24, 1865 ; m. o. June 20, 1865.
Peppering, Chris, e. Oct. 29, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Raden, John Van, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Rebel, Johan, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; kid. bat. Shiloh.
Reichemeier, C., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died January r, 1862; wds.
Rader, Arnold, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Romelfauger, Jacob, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Borback, Jacob, e. Feb. 26, 1864.
Rach, Ernest, e. Jan. 28, 1864.
Rippberger, John, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Reinecke, Joseph, e
Restine, George, e
Schneider, H., e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Dec. n, 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, 1861 ; died Jan. 25, 1862.
276 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Stober, William, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. December 22, 1863 ; m. o. as sergt.
Steinhauer, Jacob, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. May 24, 1862 ; disab.
Sclimidt, Johann, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Schvenstein, Burkhardt, e. Feb. 9, 1864; 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, 1865.
Seiferman, L., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Saur, Julius, e. Feb. i, 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, 1865, as corp.
Seidenburg, Frederick, e. Oct. 29, 1861 ; disd. Feb. 7, 1862.
Stoehr, John, e , disd. May 31, 1865.
Steffer, Michael, e. Feb. 4, 1864; m. o. June 7, 1865.
Schroeder, Charles, e ; m, o. June 7, 1865.
Schweitzer, John Geo., e. Oct. 29, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Thei, Fredrich, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; died May 9, 1863.
Trivel, W., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Vacopp, Philip, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863; died May 21, 1864.
Vollmer, Gottleib, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; drowned May 14, 1863.
Weifenbach, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. July 10, 1862 ; disab.
Wolff, Johann, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Weggenhausen, Max, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Wagner, H. L., e. Jan. i, 1864,
Weik, Louis, e. Jan. 26, 1864.
Wagner, W., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
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, 1865.
Zeibrich, Paulus, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; disd. Nov. 23, 1862; disab.
COMPANY D.
(New Company.)
Capt. James W. Crane, com. Feb. 3, 1864; disd. March 25, 1865.
Capt. Francis O. Miller, com. ist lieut. Feb. 3, 1864; prmtd, capt. June 6,
1865.
First Lieut. Isaac Bobb, com. 2d lieut. Jan. 30, 1864; prmtd, ist lieut. June
6, 1865.
Second Lieut. Benjamin F. Hayhurst, e. as private, Dec. 24, 1863; prmtd.
first sergt; prmtd. second lieut. June 6, 1865.
Aurand, John J., e. Dec. 17, 1863; m. o. June 22, 1865.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 277
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. Oct. 9, 1865.
Brown, William W., 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. n, 1863; m. o. July 3, 1865.
Bates, A. J., e. Dec. n, 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.
Bentley, William, e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Bentley, Lewis D., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Beck, John, e. Dec. 20, 1863.
Branard, Benjamin, e. Dec. 30, 1863; died July 20, 1864.
Bundy, Ambrose A., e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Bundy, Christopher, e. Jan. 18, 1864.
Bistine, Daniel, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Qade, 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, 1863.
Culling, H. 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, 1863 ; 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, 1862; 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. n, 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. n, 1863.
Gardner, Brayton, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Grimmel, Wm. D., e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Hurlburt, R. W.. e. Dec. 29. 1863.
278 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Hayden, Luther ., e. Dec. 25, 1863; died Jan. 5, 1865.
Hammond, Marion, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Hayhurst, B. F.
Jones, Robert A., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Johnson, James W., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Kleckner, John P., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Kaley, Jos., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Keller, Henry, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Keohler, John, e. Feb. 24, 1865.
King Henry, e. Dec. 31, 1863; m. o. June 26, 1865.
Knight, H. R., e. Jan. 2, 1864; died June 3, 1864.
Kleckner, Jacob, e. Dec. 15, 1863.
Keeler, Chris., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Lincoln, Albert, e. Dec. 9, 1863 ; disd. July 7, 1864.
Lightheart, Warren, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Lee, Samuel, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Leverton, Isaac, e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Luts, Wm., e. Jan. 14, 1864.
Lenart, Elias, e. Dec. 30, 1863.
Melton, L. L., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Minnick, N., e. Dec. 26, 1863.
Musser, J. W., e. Dec. 28, 1863.
Moorehouse, W. E., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
McGilligan, Wm. K. P., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Maxwell, Jos. W., e. Dec. 31 ; died Aug. 23, 1864.
Mattingley, James, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Messinger, George, e. Dec. 31, 1863; disd. May 31, 1865.
Messinger, Wm., e. Dec. 21, 1863.
Mudy, Geo. W., e. Jan. 4, 1864; died Oct. 9, 1864.
Musser, Raymond, e. Jan. 2, 1864.
Mechamer, A. E., e. Jan. 2, 1864.
McGilligan, Jos. N., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Pangborn, Geo. E., e. Jan. i, 1864.
Parker, Wm., e. Dec. 31, 1864.
Rush, Jos., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Rush, Emanuel, 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.
Simcox, A. R., e. Jan. 24, 1865 ; died Aug. 6, 1865.
Stine, 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.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 279
Spofford, Ghas. 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, O. O., e. Dec. 12, 1863.
Verguson, John S., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Vance, O. 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. Jan. i, 1864; disd. Oct. 7, 1865.
Wittenmeyer, J. H.
Young, Wm., e. Dec. n, 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, 1865.
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.
Trotter, James, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Waddell, W. W.
COMPANY F.
First Lieut. John W. Barr, com. Oct. 15, 1861 ; m. o. for promotion 2d
Miss. Nov. 22, 1863.
Hays, 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.
280 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Gross, Josiah, 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, 1864.
Mallory, James C., e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; died Aug. 10, 1862.
Messenger, Theo.
Petty, Stephen, e. Jan. 4, 1864.
Stoll, Frederick, e. Feb. 27, 1864.
COMPANY G.
Capt. William Young, com. Oct. 15, 1861 ; res. April 12, 1863.
Capt. Robert Smith, e. as ist sergt, Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut. April 7, 1862;
prmtd. ist lieut. Oct. 6, 1862; prmtd. capt. April 12, 1863; term expired Dec. 23,
1864.
Capt. Samuel Buchanan, e. as private, Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut. Aug n,
1863; prmtd. ist lieut. June 24, 1864; prmtd. capt. Dec. 28, 1864; res. July 21,
1865.
Capt. Daniel D. Diffenbaugh, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
June 24, 1864; prmtd. ist lieut. Dec. 28, 1864; 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. ist
lieut. April 7, 1862 ; kid. Bat. Hatchie.
First Lieut. Robert Smith.
First Lieut. Thomas Allen, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut. Oct.
6, 1862; prmtd. ist lieut. April 12, 1863; res. Aug. n, 1863.
First Lieut. Michael J. Cooper, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
April 12, 1863; prmtd. ist lieut. Aug. n, 1863; res. June 24, 1864.
First Lieut. Thomas C. Laird, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
March 30, 1865; prmtd. ist lieut. Sept. 5, 1865.
Second Lieut. Thomas E. Joiner, e. as private Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Sept. 5, 1865.
Sergt. Swauzery, e. Oct. 8, 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. Jos. S. Brown, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died April 28, 1862 ; wds.
Corp. Thomas Snyder, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Dec. n, 1862; disab.
Corp. John W. Rowrey, 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. 21, 1864.
Aikey, Abram, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Angle, Luther, e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Aikey, Robert, e. Feb. i, 1862; kid. bat. Shiloh.
Albright Jacob, e. Feb. I, 1862; vet. Jan. 5, 1864.
Allison, D., e. Feb. I, 1862; vet. Dec. 23, 1863; m. o. as sergt.
Auman, John, e. Feb. i, 1862; vet. Jan 5, 1864; disd. March 12, 1865; for
promotion.
Butler, E. M., e. Jan. 9, 1865 ; trans, from 99th Inf.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 281
Bush, William, e. Dec. 15, 1861.
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, 1864.
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.
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 ; killed Battle Shiloh.
Brown, Win., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. June 30, 1863.
Benton, George, e., Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Dec. n, 1861 ; disab.
Bradshaw, B. H., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 12, 1862, to accept promo-
tion 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, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Cable, David, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; m. o. Oct. 19, 1864.
Clubine, 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. 21, 1864.
Chambers, James S., e. Jan. 27, 1864.
Campbell, Richard, e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Curtis, H. H., e. Nov. 30, 1861 ; disd. Nov. n, 1862; disab.
Christman, F., m. o. May 22, 1865.
Correl, Daniel, e. March 9, 1865 ; m. o. June 9, 1865.
Driesbach, Daniel, e. Sept. 10, 1864; died March 12, 1865.
Drake, Edward, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; m, o. Nov. 12, 1864.
Daughenbaugh, S. A., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863 ; 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.
Fehr, Aaron, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863.
Foster, Harry, e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Gage, Isaac, e. Oct. 8, 1862.
Groken, S. H.. e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died April 6, 1862.
Groff, John, e. Feb. i, 1864.
German, H. C., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
282 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Carman, Wm. A., e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Gardner, John, e. Dec. 9, 1863.
Goodrich, Jerome, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Hathaway, Earl, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Jan. 4, 1863.
Hulet, Henry, e. Oct. 8, 1861.
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. 24, 1863.
Hood, Thomas J., e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Haughey, Jas. H., e. Feb. 24, 1864.
Hathaway, Robert, e. Feb. 27, 1864; m. o. July i, 1865.
Hains, John H., e. Dec. 7, 1863.
Haughey, Samuel J., e. Feb. 22, 1864.
Haines, Wm., e. Sept. 18, 1863; died Feb. 16, 1865.
Hay, Jonathan, e. Feb. 29, 1864; disd. March 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- °- Juty *5> 1865-
Kancke, R., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Klonez, Peter, e. Feb. 19, 1864; disd. May 15, 1865; disab.
Krumme, Henry, e. Sept. 10, 1861 ; m, o. Sept. 13, 1864.
Lee, Ion, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Lee, Isaac S., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863.
Larne, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861.
Linsley, Newton, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 22, 1863 ; m. o. as corp.
Long, Casper, 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. i, 1865.
Lahay, James, e. Dec. 25, 1861 ; trans, to Co. K. ,
Loehle, F., e. Jan. i, 1862; vet. Jan. i, 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, 1865.
Maker, J., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 23, 1863; sick at m. o. of regt.
McClintic, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March 17, 1863; disab.
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 ; corp.
McMurry, Chambers, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. May 20, 1863; corp.
McMurray, George, e. Feb. I, 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.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 283
Paul, William, e. Feb. i, 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, to 99th Inf.
Raymer, John A., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Raymer, Wm. H., e. Feb. 27, 1865.
Reirmeyer, Henry, e. Dec. 15, 1861.
Reatt, Ed., e. Sept. 13, 1862; m. o. Aug. 8, 1865.
Risshell, Elias, e. Feb. 10, 1864; m. o. Aug. 8, 1865.
Steel, James, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; prmtd. hospital steward.
Shively, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; died April 23, 1863.
Smith, Wm., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864; m, o. Jan. 20, 1866.
Smith, August L., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Dec. 11, 1862.
Sindlinger, Wm. M., e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. July 9, 1862 ; disab.
Schawb, Thomas, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; disd. Nov. 26, 1862; disab.
Smith, Martin, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Jan. 5, 1864; died March 21, 1864.
Sheffer, Jacob, e. 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.
Seely, Orin, e. Jan. 26, 1865.
Shinkle, John T., e. Jan. 28, 1864; died Aug. 28, 1864.
Stamm, William D., e. Dec. i, 1863; died at Vicksburg, Sept. 24, 1864.
Shippy, Joseph, e. Jan. 28, 1864; died Nov. 28, 1864.
Shearer, John, e. Feb. 29, 1864; died Sept. 26, 1864.
Shirk, Daniel F., e. Feb. 5, 1862 ; vet. Feb. 6, 1864.
Stamm, Amos A., e. Oct. 4, 1864; m. o. July i, 1865.
Spooner, Charles, e. Nov. i, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 24, 1863.
Smith, E. O. W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Thomas, William H., e. Feb. 23, 1865.
Tool, Eugene T., Oct. n, 1864.
Tool, A. S., e. Oct. 11, 1864; m. o. Oct. 10, 1865.
Thombleson, Silas W., e. Oct. 4, 1864; m. o. Oct. 5, 1865.
Vore, John, e. Oct. 8, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 24, 1865.
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.
284 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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., e. Feb. i, 1862; vet. Feb. 6, 1864; disd.
Weaver, William, e. Dec. 15, 1861 ; m. o. Dec. 5, 1864.
Wike, Peter, trans. Ind. corps.
Young, D. D., e. Feb. i, 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. ist lieut. Oct. 15, 1861 ; prmtd. capt. Oct. n, 1862;
term expired Dec. 28, 1864.
First Lieut. Jos. M. McKibben, e. as - — , prmtd. 2d lieut. July 16, 1862;
prmtd. ist lieut. Oct. n, 1862; term expired Dec. 23, 1864.
First Lieut. Louis E. Butler, e. as sergt. Nov. 7, 1861 ; vet. prmtd. ist 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. ist 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 ; disd. July 27, 1862; disab.
Sergt. George Barton, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. Nov. 21, 1863; disab.
Corp. Walter G. Barnes, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. May 31, 1862; disab.
Corp. Benj. R. Feisbie, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; m. o. Dec. 29, 1864.
Corp. T. S. Felton, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; died March 17, 1862.
Corp. R. C. Hardy, e. Oct. 4, 1861 ; disd. Nov. 7, 1863; disab.
Corp. E. H. Gardner, e. Oct. 7, 1862; died June 18, 1864.
Corp. Thos. Woodcock, e. Dec. 26; vet.
Musician Thos. Slade, e. Oct. 4, 1861 ; vet.
Apker, John, e. Jan. 2, 1865 ; died May 8, 1865.
Artley, A., e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Artley, Charles, e. Jan. 28, 1865.
Allen, Thomas H., e. Feb. 10, 1864; prmtd. hospital steward.
Butler, James A., e. Oct. 4, 1861 ; died July 13, 1862.
Berns, Moses, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. May 25, 1862; disab.
Brown, Geo. F., e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. May 25, 1862; disab.
Brid, Geo. H., e. Feb. 2, 1865.
Barker, Dudley, e. Feb. 2, 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.
Butterfield, Chas. W., e. Feb. 26. 1865 ; absent, sick at m. o. of regt.
Cramton, Aaron, e. Oct. 4, 1861 ; disd. Sept. 9, 1862.
Curran, John, e. Nov. 20, 1861 ; trans, to inv. corps.
Carter, S. E., e. Dec. 26; trans, to Co. A.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 285
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; disd. Oct. 5, 1864; wds.
Carroll, Patrick, e. Feb. 23, 1864.
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 i, 1862.
Dillon, George W., e. Feb. 19, 1864.
Dillon, Zachariah, e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Decker, Z., e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Devore, Espy, e. Jan. 16, 1864; disd. Aug. 23, 1865.
Dinsmore, 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. i, 1864; died May 28, 1864.
Dobson, Jacob, e. Feb. i, 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, I. 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. 13, 1861 ; disd. Feb. n, 1863, as sergt; disab.
Heiter, Monroe, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Hartman, Amon, e. Jan. 13, 1865 ; m. o. July 17, 1865.
Hand, Barney, e. Nov. 30, 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. No. 7, 1861 ; vet.
Latour, Charles, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; trans, to Co. C.
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.
286 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
Linscott, Abram, 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.
Muffly, Charles T., e. Jan. 28, 1865.
McKibben, James H., e. Jan. 27, 1865.
Myron, Thomas, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; 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.
McKinsom, John S., e. Jan. i, 1862; m. o. Dec. 31, 1864.
Miller, A., Feb. 2, 1865; m. o. June 24, 1865.
Mallory, D. C., e. Jan. 24, 1865 ; m. o. June 23, 1865.
McGuirk, James, e. Jan. i, 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, O. H., e. Jan. 30, 1864.
Patten, Lawrence, e. Dec. n, 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, Willam D., e. Jan. 30, 1865.
Richards, Levi, e. Jan. 30, 1865.
Segin, Theo, e. Dec. 26, 1861 ; disd. August 27, 1862; disab.
Shook, Robert, e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. Aug. 26, 1862 ; disab.
Snow, A. L. F. M., e. Nov. 7, 1861 ; disd. Aug. 29, 1862; disab.
Scott, George W., e. Feb. 29, 1864.
Star, F. H., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Scott, Isaac, e. Feb. 20, 1864.
Shefry, 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, 1865.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 287
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 crop.
Zeigler, Miller, e. Feb. 2, 1864.
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.
Grossman, George W., e. March 9, 1865; m. o. June 29, 1865.
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., March n, 1865; m. o. May 23, 1865.
Getlish, Adison.
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. i, 1863.
Sprader, Charles, e. Jan. 31, 1865.
Tegar, or Yeager, John, e. Jan. 24, 1865.
Umphreys, A. R., e. Jan. 24, .1865.
Van Buren, 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.
288 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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. O. 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, i86e.
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.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 289
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. ]., e. June 2, 1862.
Maher, Ed., e. June 2, 1862.
Mullen, John, e. June 2, 1862.
Mock, Henry, 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, Syrus, 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 Sickles, 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.
Wulliams, L., e. June 2, 1862.
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
(Three Months.)
COMPANY B.
Capt. Luther W. Black, com. July 22, 1862.
Sergt. W. 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, George W., e. July 2, 1862.
Bunce, Danforth, e. July n, 1862.
Barrott, Marion.
DeFrain, Samuel, e. July 5, 1862.
Durkee, D. M.
Ells, Wm. A., e. July 15, 1862.
Gettig, Aaron M., e. July 5, 1862.
290 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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, George W., e. July 10, 1862.
Shippy, Charles, e. July 7, 1862.
Shinkle, John, e. July 10, 1862.
Snyder, William 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.
Stands, 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 Sep-
tember 6, 1862. Companies G. and I. were from Ogle and Stephenson Coun-
ties; all the rest were from Winnebago County. Left Rockford September 27
for Jeffersonville, Indiana. Arrived there October i, and moved to Louisville,
Kentucky, immediately. Assigned to Army of the Cumberland, First Brigade,
Second Division, under General Buell. Moved from Louisville, October 7,
and was in the battle of Chaplain Hills, Kentucky, October 13, from there to
Crab Orchard, Kentucky, pursuing Bragg, participating in many skirmishes. Re-
turned from Lebanon, Kentucky, October 25 ; from there it went to Nashville,
Tennessee, where a re-organization was effected, under General Rosecrans, De-
cember 25, received marching orders, with three days' rations. Participated in
the battle of Stone River, December 30-31, 1862, and January i, 1863, the regi-
ment losing sixteen men killed and wounded. Went into winter quarters at
Camp Little, south of Murfreesboro, and were engaged in numerous raids in
the surrounding country. Moved from winter quarters July 15, was in the
battle of Liberty Gap, July 20, one man killed ; was engaged at Tullahoma,
Tennessee; from here it was ordered to Winchester, Tennessee, where it en-
camped. Moved August 20, to Stevenson, Alabama. Engaged at Chickamauga,
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, Tennessee, Sep-
tember 22. While here it had very short allowances until November 22, when
they participated in the fight of Mission Ridge, November 25, their colors be-
ing the first to pass over the rebel lines, capturing a battery of four pieces at
Bragg's headquarters ; loss to regiment, six privates, Colonel Jason Marsh,
wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Kerr wounded in the arm.
Returned to Chattanooga on the 26th, and marched to Knoxville, Tennessee,
to relieve General 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
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 291
battle of Rocky Face, or Buzzard Roost, Georgia; was at Resaca, Georgia, May
14 and 15; Calhoun, May 17; Adairsville, Georgia, May 18; Dallas, Georgia,
May 25 to June 5 ; Lost Mountain, Georgia, June 16 ; was in the battle at Kene-
saw Mountain, Georgia, June 20 and June 27 ; lost fifty-two men and six com-
missioned officers, Lieutenant Colonel J. B. Kerr being among the number.
Battle of Smyrna ; Camp Ground, Georgia, July 4, lost sixteen men ; was also
at Peach Tree Creek, July 20; Atlanta, July 22, and was continually engaged
until the battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, September i, 1864, and Lovejoy Station,
September 2; then returned to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it was assigned
to the army of the Tennessee. Engaged the enemy November the 28th at Col-
umbia, Tennessee; Spring Hill, Nov. 29; Franklin, Tennessee, November 30;
Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and 16, following Hood to Huntsville, Ala-
bama, 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, Tennessee,
to intercept Lee, leaving there April 17, for Nashville, Tennessee, where the
regiment was mustered out June 20, 1865. Returned to Rockford with one
hundred and fifty-seven enlisted men and thirteen officers. Colonel Jason Marsh
was at the head of the regiment until about January i, 1865, when Lieutenant
Colonel Thomas J. Bryan took command.
First Asst. Surg. Chesseldon Fisher, com. 2d asst, surg. Sept. 28, 1862;
prmtd. March 24, 1863, surg. 75th reg.
COMPANY i.
Capt. Wm. Irvin, com. Sept. 4, 1862; res. Jan. 28, 1863.
Capt. Frederick W. Stegner, com ist lieut. Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd. capt. Jan.
28, 1863 ; killed in battle June 27, 1864.
Capt. Daniel Cronemiller, com. 2d lieut. Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd. ist lieut. Jan.
28, 1863; prmtd. capt. June 27, 1864.
First Lieut. Edgar Warner, e. as sergt. August n, 1862; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Jan. 28, 1863; prmtd. ist lieut. June 27, 1864; disd. Sept. i, 1864.
First Lieut. Robert P. Gift, e. as sergt. Aug. 14, 1862; prmtd. ist lieut.
June 27, 1864.
Sergt. Johnson Porter, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. June 17, 1863.
Sergt. John A. Mullarky, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died June 28, 1864; wd.
Corp. James B. Rowray, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. for disab.
Corp. J. Steward, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to V. R. C.
Corp. Charles Hunt, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; m. o. June 10, 1865.
Corp. Uriah Boyden, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Dec. 20, 1862; disab.
Corp. Jacob Kehm, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. for disab.
Hensey, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862, disd. June 16, 1864; wd.
Wagoner, Wm. Vere, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March 4, 1863; disab.
Andrews, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; m. o. as corp.
Anderson, Ole, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March 31, 1863; disab.
Ashenfelter, Franklin, e.'Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Dec. 6, 1862; disab.
Bellman, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Dec. 14, 1862.
Bener, Jos., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died March n, 1865.
Benning, Gottleib, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Bingman, Robert, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died May 16, 1864.
292 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Boos, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862; missing in action.
Bokhoff, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Boughton, George W., e. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to V. R. C.
Boughthampt, Jacob, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March n, 1863, disab.
Bramin, Edwin, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disd. June 27, 1863 ; 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.
Hensey, Fred, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died in battle June 27, 1864; corp.
Henderson, O. P., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. July 18, 1863; disab.
Hultz, Benj., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Dec. 27, 1862; disab.
Inman, Austin, e. Aug. 15, 1862; died June 27, 1864.
Jennewine, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Jan. 2, 1864, wd.
Keagle, Wm. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Dec. 13, 1862.
Keagle, James G., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died May 22, 1865.
Keagle, F. B., e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to U. S. Engs.
Keller, Adam, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Knudson, Nels, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Nov. 26, 1862.
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". June 27, 1863; disab.
Miller, Fredk., e. Sept. 25, 1862.
McGrane, Peter, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Dec. 18, 1862; disab.
Mullarkey, 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, 1863 ; disab.
Peterson, Elias E., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Feb. 2, 1863; 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, 1862; disd. Jan. 27, 1863; disab.
Snyder, Perry, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; m. o. as corp.
Snyder, Jackson, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March 26, 1863; disab.
Stinson, E. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to 36th Inf.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 293
Spaulding, D. G., e. Aug. g, 1862; trans, to V. R. C.
Spaulding, A. C., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Feb. 10, 1865; disab.
Tunks, Alfred, e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. July 6, 1863; disab.
Van Valkenburg, L. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862; kid. June 27, 1864.
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, O. B., e. Sept. 30, 1864.
NINETIETH INFANTRY.
The Ninetieth Infantry Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Chicago, Illi-
nois, in August, September and October, 1862, by Colonel Timothy O'Meara.
Moved to Cairo November 27, and to Columbus, Kentucky, on the 3Oth. From
thence, proceeded to La Grange, Tennessee, where the regiment arrived De-
cember 2. On the 4th, ordered to Cold Water, Mississippi, where it relieved
the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry. On the morning of December 20, a
detachment of Second Illinois Cavalry arrived at Cold Water, having cut 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 withdrew. The regiment was mustered out of
service June 6, 1865, 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 i, 1865; disab.
Broderick, David, e. Aug. 5, 1862; kid. July 12, 1863, at Jackson, Mississippi.
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 G.
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. I, 1863.
Sergt. John Doogan, e. Aug. 16, 1862; died Sept. 2, 1864; wd.
Sergt. William Brice, e. Aug. 14, 1862; prmtd. lieut.
Sergt. Neil O'Garrey, Aug. 16, 1862; died Jan. 22, 1863.
Corp. William Con well, e. Aug. 16, 1862; m. o. as sergt.
Corp. Thomas B. Eagan, e. Aug. 17, 1862.
Corp. Elisha N. Strong, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disd. Sept. 4, 1863.
294 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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. g, 1862.
Chichester, Merit, e. Aug. 7, 1862; disd. March 13, 1864; disab.
Enright, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Flanningham, M., e. Aug. 8, 1862; trans, to V. R. C.
Frost, H. O., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Gallaher, Charles, e. Aug. 16, 1862.
Griffin, Patrick, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Laughran, James, e. Aug. n, 1862; died Aug. 21, 1864.
McAndrews, M., e. Aug. 12, 1862; disd. April 16, 1864; disab.
McSweeney, E., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Mclntyre, Timothy, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Moynahan, Anthony, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Mooney, Thomas, e. Aug. 17, 1862.
Moonahan, John, e. Aug. 18, 1862.
Moynahan, John, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Mulhgan, James, e. Aug. 17, 1862; m. o. as musician.
O'Connell, Daniel, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
O'Conner, Charles, e. Aug. 18, 1862; died Sept. 16, 1863.
O'Brien, Bernard, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Powers, James, e. Aug. 16, 1862; died Sept. 14, 1863.
Ryan, John, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Wilkinson, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Whalen, M., e. Aug. 16, 1862; died Aug. 21, 1864.
NINETY-SECOND INFANTRY.
The Ninety-second Regiment Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organized at
Rockford, Illinois, and mustered into the United States service September 4,
1862. It was composed of five companies from Ogle County, three from Ste-
phenson County, and two from Carroll County. The regiment left Rockford,
October n, 1862, with orders to report to General Wright, at Cincinnati, where
it was assigned to General Baird's Division, army of Kentucky. It marched
immediately into the interior of the state and during the latter part of October
was stationed at Mount Sterling, to guard that place against rebel raids, and
afterward at Danville, Kentucky. On the 26th of January, 1863, the regi-
ment with General Baird's Division, was ordered to the army of the Cum-
berland. Arriving at Nashville the command moved to Franklin, Tennessee,
and was engaged in the pursuit of the rebel General Van Dorn. Advanced to
Murfreesboro, and occupied Shelbyville June 27. On July the 25th, the regi-
ment was engaged in re-building a wagon-bridge, over Duck River; July 6
was ordered by General Rosecrans to be mounted and armed with the Spencer
rifle, and attached to Colonel Wilder's Brigade of General Thomas' Corps, where
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 295
it remained while General Rosecrans had command. The regiment crossed the
mountains at Dechard, Tennessee, and took part in the movements opposite and
above Chattanooga, when it recrossed the mountains and joined General Thomas
at Trenton, Alabama. On the morning of the gth of September, it was in the
advance to Chattanooga, and participated in driving the rebels from Point Look-
out, and entered the rebel stronghold, unfolding the Union banner on the Crutch-
field House, and kept in pursuit of the rebels. At Ringgold, Georgia, was at-
tacked by a brigade of cavalry, under command of General Forrest, and drove
them from the town, killing and wounding a large number. During the Chicka-
mauga battle, the regiment took part in General Reynolds' Division of General
Thomas' Corps. In April, 1864, it was again at Ringgold, Georgia, doing picket
duty. April 23, Captain Scovil, with twenty-one men, was captured at Nicka-
jack 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 was 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 campaign, and
was assigned to General Kilpatrick's command, and participated in the battles
of Resaca, raid around Atlanta, Bethesda, Fleet River Bridge and Jonesboro,
one-fifth of the men engaged. From Mount Gilead Church, west of Atlanta,
October i, the regiment moved and took an active part in the operations against
Hood's army. At Power 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 Sherman's march
to the sea. At Swift Creek, North Carolina, Captain Hawk, of Company C,
was severely wounded, losing a leg. The regiment, during its term of service,
was in some forty battle and skirmishes. It was mustered out at Concord,
North Carolina, and paid and discharged from the service, at Chicago, Illinois,
July 10, 1865.
In July, 1862, President Lincoln called for 300, troops. In August, the
same year, he directed a draft of 300,000 more. In speaking of the recruiting
of the Ninety-second Illinois, General Smith D. Atkins in the History of the
Ninety-second, says:
"Then the people with an impulse that was grand took hold of the work in
earnest. In every schoolhouse in the three counties from which the Ninety-sec-
ond was recruited meetings were held; the fife sent out its shrill notes and the
drum its roll, and the old flag was displayed ; the harvest hands gathered at the
meetings after their days of toil. Patriotic songs were sung: "We will rally
round the flag, boys, rally once again, shouting the battle-cry of freedom," and
patriotism took up the refrain and answered it, "We are coming, Father Abra-
ham, six hundred thousand more." Gray haired fathers who had already sent
one or more sons to battle, attended the meetings and saw their remaining sons
enlist. Many who went only to hear the speeches and songs were touched with
the prevailing spirit of patriotism, and signed their names to the msuter rolls.
Eloquent speakers, many of whom did not say, "Go, boys," but "Come boys,"
told the story of the nation's peril. Many who had seen the battle's terrible car-
nage and were not dismayed, were ready to go again to the front, and elo-
296 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
quently plead with the people to "fill up the ranks of their brothers gone be-
fore." The sacred fires of liberty were kindled in those meetings and the
people lifted up to the high resolve of demonstrating to the world the strength
of republican government, that a free people of their own will, with courage
sublime, would not halt in a battle for the nation's existence, but march forward,
filling the battle-broken ranks of the army in the field. It was in these meet-
ings that "party was sunk in patriotism." No one who witnessed the recruit-
ing in the summer of 1862 in northern Illinois, will ever forget it; the people ral-
lying from the harvest fields, leaving the ripened grain ungathered, to fill the
ranks of the new regiments. It was grand, beyond all powers of our to tell. It
was thought at first that one regiment might be raised in the counties of Stephen-
son, Ogle, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Winnebago, Lake, McHenry and Boone. But it
was found that four regiments and three companies were ready to muster when
finally put into camp at Rockford."
Major Smith D. Atkins had charge of the enlistments in Stephenson, Jo
Daviess, Carroll and Ogle Counties, and Major Atkins was elected colonel of one
regiment and was appointed by Governor Richard Yates, the War Governor.
Col. Smith D. Atkins, com. Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd, brvt. brig. gen.
Lieut. Col. Christopher T. Dunham, com. capt. Co. F, Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd.
maj. April 21, 1864; com. declined.
Adjt. Isan C. Lawver, com. Sept. 6, 1862; res. Oct. i, 1864.
Adjt. Charles C. Treeguard, prmtd. ist lieut. Co. G, Feb. 14, 1863; prmtd.
adjt. Oct. i, 1864.
Quartermaster Phillip Sweeley, e. as private Sept. 3, 1861 ; prmtd. quarter-
master 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. Bellinger, com. Sept. 4, 1862; res. Dec. 25, 1862.
Capt. Harvey W. Timms, com. ist lieut. Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd. capt. Dec.
25, 1862; trans, to Co. I. Sixty-fifth inf.
First Lieut. William Cox, com. 3d. lieut. Sept. 4, 1862; prmtd, ist lieut.
Dec. 25, 1862; hon. disd. May 15, 1865.
Second Lieut. William H. Frost, e. as ist sergt. August 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. n, 1862; died Nov. 7, 1862.
Sergt. Jesse R. Leigh, e. Aug. 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. n, 1862; died July 27, 1863.
Corp. William W. Smith, e. Aug. 11, 1862; died Feb. 17, 1863.
Sergt. George Metcalf, e. Aug. 12, 1862; died March 3, 1863.
Corp. H. Dusenbury, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. April 3, 1864; disab.
Corp. Roswell Eldrige, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Corp. Daniel Deneere, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Musician George Boop, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 297
Musician John L. Lower, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Wagoner George C. Mack, e. Aug. 13, 1862; kid. Feb. n, 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 Sixty-fifth inf.
Balliett, Henry, e. Oct. 7, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Buchanan, Charles, e. Jan. 20, 1865 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Baker, Lambert, e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. April 13, 1863; disab.
Basinger, W. H., e. Aug. 15, 1862; disd. Aug. 29, 1863; disab.
Beverly, 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. S.. 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. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disd. Aug. 9, 1863.
Denure, W. J., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Demons, John, Aug. 9, 1862; died Sept. 23, 1864; wds.
Dunn, Joseph I., e. Aug. n, 1862; died Sept. 23, 1864; wd.
Egleston, Charles W., e. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disd. May 26, 1865 ; disab.
Erb, William, e. Aug. 9, 1863; kid. Dec. 4, 1864.
Gaylord, D. C., e. Aug. 13, 1862; disd. Sept. 9, 1863; disab.
Gaylord, F. H., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Gunsaul, Joseph, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Giddings, H. M., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Gossman, Charles, e. Aug. 13, 1864.
Gelz, Leonard, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Harshbarger, Samuel, e. Feb. 8, 1864; trans, to 65th inf.
Hatch, Wellington, e. Aug. n, 1862; died Dec. 23, 1862.
Hoppe, Ernst, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Havnes, W. E., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Judson, Cha?. O., e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. May 26, 1863; disab.
Johnson, Geo., e. Aug. n, 1862; died Feb. 27, 1863.
Knox, H. B., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Mack, H. B., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Miller, M. R., e. Aug. n, 1862; died Sept. 26, 1864.
Moothart, Wm. P., e. Feb. 29, 1864; trans, to 6sth inf.
Miller, G. D., e. Feb. 8, 1864; died May 26, 1865.
McCarty, Thomas, e. Jan. 20, 1865; trans, to 65th inf.
Merrill, E. A., e .Aug. 13, 1862; disd. March 31, 1863; disab.
298 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
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 enlist in naval
service.
Plase, R. R., e. Aug. 11, 1862; disd. March i, 1863; disab.
Pencil, Wm. L., e. Aug. 11, 1862; disd. Sept. u, 1863.
Rand, N. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Reeder, John P., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Robbins, Henry, e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. April 28, 1863; disab.
Richardson, George W., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Robins, S. L., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Stocks, H. W., e. Feb. 12, 1864.
Stover, S. G., Aug. 13, 1862; sick at m. o.
Sweeley, Philip.
Thompson, John R., e. Aug. 9, 1862 ; trans, to inv. corps.
Tyler, Dolphus, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. March 20, 1863; disab.
Tyler, N. C, e. Aug. 21, 1862; m. o. June 14, 1866.
Taylor, James, e. Aug. n, 1862; sick at m. o.
Tumbleson, John K., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Welden, L. A., e. Aug. 13, 1862.
Wright, W. W., e. Aug. n, 1862, sick at m. o.
Wickwire, W. H., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Wire, Valson, e. Aug. 13, 1862; disd. Feb. 8, 1863; disab.
Wire, Jasper A., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Withey, Wm. F., e. Aug. n, 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 ist 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. Chas. 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. 2nd lieut
April 21, 1864; m. o. as sergt. June 21, 1865.
Sergt. Samuel G. Trine, e. Aug. 12, 1862; disd.
Sergt. George Acker, e. Aug. 6, 1862; disd. March 20, 1863.
Corp. Charles Purinton, e. Aug. 15, 1862; died Feb. 10, 1863.
Corp. E. C. Winslow, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Corp. Harvey 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. Ferman, e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. April 27, 1864.
Corp. D. R. Voight, e. Aug. 10, 1862; died Feb. 6, 1863.
Musician Jacob M, Turneaure, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 299
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. n, 1862.
Anderson, Charles A., e. Aug. 15, 1862; disd. March 23, 1864; disab.
Adams, B. F., e. Aug. n, 1862; died Aug. 25, 1863.
Allard, M., e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Allard, 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. n, 1862.
Burgess, D. R., e. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to Elliet'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 Sixty-fifth inf.
Bentley, N. S., e. Jan. 29, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Colby, A. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; sick at m. o.
Colton, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862; disd. Feb. 14, 1864.
Cuff, John, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Clark, Thomas, e. Aug. 14, 1862; sick at m. o.
Clark, S. J., e. Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Countryman, Adam, e. Feb. 29, 1864; kid. Oct. 28, 1864.
Dummal, H., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Engleman, Solomon, e. Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Engleman, Jacob, e. Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Eaton, Urias 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 Sixty-fifth inf.
Grier, David C.
Giddlings, Luther, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Gregory, John, e. Feb. 8, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth 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. II, 1862; 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. 14, 1862; 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.
300 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Miller, A. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Mowry, John, e. Feb. 3, 1864, trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Morris, Wellington, e. Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Metz, L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Marl, George E., e, Aug. 10, 1862.
McNeal, Thomas, e. Oct. 10, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Owen, Henry, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Pope, Wm. W., e. 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. n, 1862.
Petermire, Fred, e. Aug. 21, 1862.
Reese, A. G., e. Feb. 18, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Reese, W. H. S., e. Feb. 24, 1865; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Rodgers, Edw., e. Oct. 10, 1862 ; died Feb. 28, 1863.
Sanders, James, e. Aug. 30, 1862.
Sager, Conrad, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Sedam, L. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Small wood, James, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Schlott, John H., e. Jan. 23, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Sweet, Noah, e. Oct. 10, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Sweet, M. A., e. Dec. 24, 1863 ; disd.
Truckemiller, E. G., e. Aug. 19, 1862.
Thompson, George, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Oct. n, 1863.
Tarbert, Andrew, e. Aug. 15, 1862; died June 18, 1863.
Thomas, E., e. Aug. 29, 1863 ; m. o. as sergt.
Ventevier, George W., e. Feb. 26, 1864,
Wilson, John A., e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Work, W., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Wilcoxen, 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, 1863.
Whiting, Warren, e. Aug 12, 1862.
Wright, William, e. Aug. 6, 1862; died Feb. 21, 1863.
Young, Elias, e. Aug. 15, 1863.
COMPANY G.
Capt. John M. Schermerhorne, com. Sept. 4, 1862.
First Lieut. John Gishwiller, com. Sept. 4, 1862; res. Feb .14, 1863.
First Lieut. Harry G. Fowler, e. as sergt. Aug. 9, 1862; prmtd ist lieut. May
10, 1865.
Second Lieut. Justin N. Parker, com. Sept. 4, 1862; res. Feb. 6, 1863.
Second Lieut. W. McCammon, e. as sergt. Aug. 9, 1862; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Feb. 6, 1863.
Sergt. Noah Perrin.
First Sergt. Charles C. Fragard, e. Aug. 9, 1862 ; prmtd. lieut.
Sergt. G. G. Manny, e. Aug. 9, 1862; m. o. as sergt.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 301
Corp. George 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.
Corp. 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 i, 1863; disab.
Austin, H. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Andrews, Silas, e. Oct. 10, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Armagast, A., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Feb. 13, 1865.
Beine, Carl F., e. Aug. 9, 1863; disd. Aug. 26, 1864; wds.
Bunker, Hollis M., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Bennett, Thomas J.; e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Baysinger, Alex., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Bunker, Hiram, e. Jan. 29, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Betz, Jacob, e. Feb. 29, 1864; kid. June 22, 1864.
Burbridge, W. M., e. Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Butler, Wm. H., e. Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Best, Jacob, e. Feb. 8, 1864; died Feb. 22, 1865.
Bennett, M. L., e. Feb. 11, 1865; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Bartholomew, W., e. Feb. 24, 1865 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth 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 Sixty-fifth inf.
Colton, John C, e. Dec. 19, 1863 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Chambers, John B., trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Delong, A., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Dalrymple, S. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Nov. 8, 1864; disab.
Dall, Chas. A., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Feb. 3, 1863; disab.
Drew, Jos., e. Aug. 9, 1863 ; m. o. as corp.
Dickhomer, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862; died June, 30, 1863.
Empfield, Wm. J., e. Aug. 9, 1862; died March 14, 1863.
Feeley, D. M., e. ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Fisk, 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.
302 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Fair, H. L., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Gates, H. H., e. Dec. 19, 1863; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Glanz, Chris, e. Dec. 26, 1863; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Grinnel, P. L., e. Oct. 7, 1864, trans, to Sixty-fifth 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.
Gailgraith, William, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Dec. 28, 1864.
Honser, Chris, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Hillard, 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 Sixty-fifth inf.
Houston, William T., e. Dec. 30, 1863; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Hays, S. E. e. Dec. 19, 1863; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Henderson, Joseph, e. Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Harrington, John, e. Feb. 5, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Hampugh, Gustav, e.
Isaacson, Isaac, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Keeler, N. F., e. Aug., 9, 1862.
Kena, Charles, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Koller, Earnest, e, Aug. 9, 1862.
Klass, August, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Kliplinger, James E., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Keiser, Charles, N., e. Aug. 9, 1862; died Oct. 14, 1863.
Ladd, John, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Lawver, George, e. Jan. 29, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth 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.
Mahany, William G., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. June 2, 1863; disab.
Mathews, John G., e. Dec. 23, 1863 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
McEathron, M., e. Dec. 30, 1863 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Mathews, S. R., e. Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Nunn, Thomas, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Phillips, Jas. M., e. Aug. 9, 1862; m. o. as corp.
Playford, H. R., e. Feb. 4, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Phillips, P. A., e. Feb. 13, 1865; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Rees, George W., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Reber, Jacob A., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Jan. 31, 1863, to re-e.
Rathbun, Parris, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Richardson, L., e. Dec. 19, 1863 ; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
i HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 303
Royer, Isaac, e. Jan. 29, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Rea, Geo. W., e. Feb. 13, 1865; trans, to Sixty-fifth 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. .
Seizhorn, H., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Sisson, 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, Edward, e. Aug. 9, 1862; died Jan. 23, 1863.
Simpson, John M., e. Aug. 9, 1862. <
Skeels, A. S., e. Feb. 8, 1864, trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Sindlinger, Geo. W., e. Oct. 28, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
Tomlinson, Geo. H., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. April i, 1863; disab.
Train, Samuel S., e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Feb. 3, 1863; disab.
. Vanalstine, D. W., e. Aug. 9, 1862 ; sick at m. o.
Verbee, Benj. E., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Wales, Thomas, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
West, Philip, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Sept. 30, 1863; disab.
West, Ezra, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Workheiser, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862; died Oct. 6, 1864.
Workheiser, E., e. Aug. 2, 1862; disd. Aug. 5, 1865; disab.
Walter, A. B., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Wyckoff, E., e. Aug. 9, 1862; died April 14, 1863.
Westcott, John, e. Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to Sixty-fifth inf.
NINETY-THIRD INFANTRY.
The Ninety-third Infantry Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Chicago, Illi-
nois, in September, 1862, by Colonel Holden Putnam, and mustered in October,
13, nine hundred and ninety-eight strong. Was ordered to Memphis, Tennes-
see, November 9, and, arriving on the I4th, moved with General Grant's army,
in the northern Mississippi campaign, to Yocona Creek, and thence via Lump-
kin's Mills, to Memphis, arriving December 30. Marched again immediately
to La Fayette, Tennessee, and returned to Ridgeway where the regiment re-
mained during January and February, 1863. Embarked to Lake Providence,
March 3, and from there moved to Helena on the loth. 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. Participated in the advance, losing three
killed and four wounded. Remained at Jackson until the I5th, and then moved
toward Vicksburg. On the i6th was engaged in the battle of Champion Hills.
304 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Ninety-third was in the Third Brigade, Seventh Division, Seventeenth
Army Corps. At 2 P. M., Brigadier General 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 officer and thirty-
seven men killed, six officers and one hundred and seven men wounded, and
one officer and ten men missing. On the i7th, again moved towards Vicks-
burg. At noon of the igth, 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 after-
noon was ordered to reenforce General McClernand's command, near the rail-
road. At 4 o'clock P. M., charged the enemy. Loss in this charge, five enlisted
men killed, and one officer and forty-nine enlisted men wounded. June 22,
moved to the rear and on July 4, was stationed at McCalFs 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, Arkansas,
and on the 3Oth, to Memphis. Moved to Glendale, October 3, marched to
Burnsville, Mississippi, October 8. On the igth marched toward Chattanooga,
via luka ; Florence, Alabama ; Winchester, Tennessee, and Bridgeport, Alabama ;
arriving November 19. November 24, the regiment crossed the Tennessee
River ,and threw up a tete de pont, occupying the works until the pontoon
bridge was built. November 25, was heavily engaged at Mission Ridge, losing
Colonel Holden Putnam and nineteen men killed, one officer and forty-four
enlisted men wounded, and two officers and twenty-five men missing. Pur-
sued the enemy, November 26 and 27, to Grayson, and returned to Chatta-
nooga. Moved toward Bridgeport, Alabama, December 3. On the 22d moved
toward Larkinsville, Alabama, and January 17, 1864, to Huntsville. Febru-
ary I2th, 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 Decatur, Alabama, and, June 14, marched via Huntsville,
and Larkinsville, to Stephenson, Alabama, 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 uptrain, and one officer and thirty men were wounded.
July 2, moved to Etowah to guard crossings until the i ith, when the regiment
returned to Kingston. August 2 and 3, marched to Allatoona. On the eve-
ning of the 1 5th, moved by rail to Resaca, and on the I7th, marched to Spring
Place; but, Wheeler's cavalry 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 General French's rebel division of 7,000 men. At
I 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 its first charge, and after des-
perate fighting succeeded in pressing 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
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 305
lost twenty-one killed, three officers and forty-nine men wounded, and ten
missing. November 12, 1864, the regiment started on "the march 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 nth, skirmished with the enemy at
Ogeechee Canal, losing one killed and two wounded. On the i2th, moved to
"Station i" on the Gulf Railroad, and remained till the 2ist, when it marched
into the city, and there remained until January 19, 1865. Commenced the cam-
paign of the Carolinas on January 19. Marched across the Savannah River,
and two miles into the swamp. On the 2Oth, returned to Savannah, and on
the 23d, embarked for Beaufort, S. C. Landed on the 24th, and on the 29th,
marched northward, via McPhersonville, Hickory Hill, Owens' Cross Roads,
Baneburg, Graham (destroying one and one-half miles of railroad), Binnaker's
Bridge, Orangeburg, Bates' Ferry, on the Congaree (where skirmished with
the enemy, February 15) and to Columbia arriving on the I7th. While here
one man was mortally wounded by the accidental explosion 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 cavalry) to
Cheraw, S. C., thence, via Laurel Hill, Big Raft Swamp, Fayetteville, Jack-
son's Cross Roads, Cox's Bridge and Bentonville, arriving at Goldsboro, March
24. April 10, moved to Raleigh, arriving on the I4th. After the surrender of
Johnston's army, marched, via Petersburg and Richmond, Va., to Washing-
ton City. Participated in the grand review May 24, and on the 3ist, moved
to Louisville, Kentucky. June 23, 1865, was mustered out of service, and on
the 25th, arrived at Chicago, Illinois. Received final payment and discharge
July 7, 1865. During two years and seven months' service, the casualties in
battle of the Ninety-third were four hundred and forty-six, and one officer and
thirty-one men accidentally wounded. The regiment has marched two thou-
sand, five hundred and fifty-four miles, traveled by water two thousand, two
hundred and ninety-six miles, and by railroad one thousand, two hundred and
thirty-seven miles. Total, six thousand and eighty-seven miles.
Col. Holden Putnam, com. Oct. 13, 1862; kid. Nov. 25, 1863.
Adjt. Henry G. Hicks, com. Nov. 15, 1862; hon, disd. Feb. 26, 1864.
COMPANY D.
Capt. Charles F. Taggart, com. Oct. 13, 1862; hon. disd. Jan. 10, 1865.
Capt. George S. Kleckner, com. 2d lieut. Oct. 13, 1862; prmtd. ist lieut.
Feb. 9, 1864; prmtd. capt. April n, 1865.
First Lieut. Alphens P. Goddard, com. Oct. 13, 1862; res. Feb. 9, 1864.
First Lieut. James W. Newcomer, e. as private Aug. 7, 1862; prmtd. ist
Heut. June 6, 1865; m. o. as Q. M. sergt.
Sergt. Lansing Ells, e. July 28, 1862 ; disd. May 31, 1863 ; disab.
Sergt. Edward P. Renolds, e. Aug. 7, 1862; died March 12, 1863.
Sergt. John B. Newcomer, e. Aug. 2, 1862; died June 21, 1862; wds.
Sergt. Benjamin E. Goddard, e. Aug. 12, 1862; trans, to Fortieth inf.
Corp. Samuel Shriver, e. Aug. 6, 1862; disd. Aug. n, 1865; disab.
Corp. James Hickey, e. Aug. 5, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Corp. George Lills, e. Aug. 6, 1862; died May 22, 1863.
306 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Corp. John Rima, e. Aug. 5, 1862; kid. Nov. 25, 1863.
Corp. Walker Templeton, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Musician M. W. Lyman, e. Aug. 7, 1862; trans, to brigade band.
Musician George B. Turneaure, e. Aug. 6, 1862; prmtd. principal musician.
Wagoner Silas Andrews, e. Aug. 7, 1862, disd. Aug. 5, 1863; disab.
Andrews, Charles J., e. Aug. 6, 1862; trans, to Fortieth inf.
Brandt, Benjamin F., e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Brillhart, William F., e. Aug. 9, 1862; trans, to inv. corps.
Bender, Charles, e. Aug. 9, 1862; died Feb. 27, 1863.
Brown, E. S., e. Aug. 6, 1862; disd. Aug. 5, 1863; disab.
Brewer, E. B., e. Aug. 6, 1862; died April 17, 1863.
Brillhart, Henry, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Aug. 5, 1863; disab.
Bergstresser, James, e. Aug. 9, 1862; m. o. as corp.
Birtlin, Balser, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Bender, Chris, e. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to V. R. C.
Bogenreif, David, e. Aug. 7, 1862; disd. Feb. i, 1864; disab.
Cornville, M. L., e. Aug. 7, 1862; disd. May 25, 1864; disab.
Davis, George, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Devore, Samuel F., e. Aug. 8, 1862; died July 27, 1863.
Erwin, Rudy, e. Aug. 10, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Frey, George W., e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Fry, Isaac, e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Garrett, James, e. Oct. 3, 1864; trans.
Giddings, Calvin, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Goodwill, Frederick, e. July 26, 1862; disd. Jan. 10, 1863; disab.
Gable, Jacob, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Hopkins, H. L. e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Hahn, Isaac, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Hahn, Jacob, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
High, H. W., e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Hood, E. E., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd, term expired.
Jewell, John G., e. Aug. 13, 1862; died July 12, 1863.
Kiester, David, e. Aug. 9, 1862; sick at m. o.
Klotz, John, e. Oct. 3, 1864; trans.
Kaufman, Adam E., Aug. 14, 1862; sick at m. o.
Knedler, Samuel, e. Aug. 6, 1862; died Sept. i, 1863.
Kleuhner, Geo. W., e. Aug. 5, 1862; died Oct. 13, 1864.
Lansing, Ezra, e. Aug. 8, 1862; disd. for disab.
Liscomb, N., e. Aug. 10, 1862 ; died Aug. 3, 1863.
Lenhart, George C., e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disd. Jan. 5, 1863, disab.
Lusk, George F., e. Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans, to the 4Oth inf.
Lusk, Franklin.
Lahr, Paul, Aug. 7, 1862; m. o. as corp.
Metz, Henry, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Feb. 23, 1863, disab.
McKibben, Foster B., e. Aug. 7, 1862.
McKibben, R., e. Aug. 15, 1862; m. o. as sergt.
Plush, Thomas, e. Aug. 6, 1862; sick at m. o.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 307
Pattern, T. M. C, e. Aug. 6, 1862; m. o. as corp.
Phillips, Thomas, e. Aug. 7, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Pittinger, William, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Robert, Cyrus A., e. Aug. 5, 1862; disd. June 8, 1865, disab.
Reeder, Peter, Oct. 3, 1864; trans.
Rotzler, John, e. Aug. 6, 1862; trans, to brigade band.
Solace, C. S., e. Aug. 5, 1862; disd. Feb. 5, 1865, disab.
Sprague, Carson, e. Aug. 9, 1862; disd. Aug. 15, 1863, disab.
Shearer, Peter, e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Shearer, David, e. Aug. 5, 1862; died April 18, 1865.
Shearer, Andrew, e. Aug. 7, 1862; absent at m. o.
Shippey, Hiram, e. Aug. 10, 1862; sick at m. o.
Templeton, D. H., e. Aug. 15, 1862; died Oct. 30, 1862.
Thomas, George, e. Aug. 9, 1862 ; captd. at Champlain Hills.
Unangust, Franklin, e. Aug. 6, 1862.
Whitehorn, John, e. July 28, 1862; disd. March 7, 1865, disab.
Washburn, C., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Ward, Wm. B., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died June 29, 1863.
White, John D., e. Aug. 8, 1862; disd. May 28, 1864, disab.
Yordy, Chris., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Young, John, e. Aug. u, 1862; m. o. March n, 1863.
Young, Henry, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
Young, Simon, e. Aug. 5, 1862.
COMPANY G.
Capt. Jos. P. Reel, com. Oct. 13, 1862; res. July 20, 1864.
Capt. Samuel M. Daughenbaugh, e. as sergt. Aug. n, 1862; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Jan. 24, 1864; prmtd. ist lieut. Jan. 5, 1864; prmtd. capt. July 20, 1864.
First. Lieut. George W. Hartsough, com. Oct. 13, 1862; res. Jan. 24, 1863.
First Lieut. Jeremiah J. Piersol, com. 2d lieut. Oct. 13, 1862; prmtd. ist
lieut. Jan. 24, 1863; hon. disd. Jan. 5, 1864.
First Lieut. George L. Piersol, e. as private Aug. n, 1862; prmtd. ist lieut.
July 20, 1864.
Sergt. Abner H. Howe, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Sergt. Elias Castenbader, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Sergt. Hugh Moser, e. Aug. 21, 1862; absent at m. o.
Sergt. Chas. Yunt, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Corp. Daniel I. Cobb, e. Aug. 12, 1862; disd. Aug. n, 1863, disab.
Corp. N. Wartman, e. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disd. Aug. 16, 1863, wd.
Corp. Daniel Keiser, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Corp. Henry Shoemaker, e. Aug. 11, 1862.
Corp. John B. Bollman, e. Aug. 2, 1862; kid at Champion Hills.
Corp. D. W. Jones.
Corp. Luther Hays.
Corp. O. M. Broughter.
Musician Wm. Ware, e. Aug. 12, 1862; trans, to inv. corps.
Musician Edward Owen, e. Aug. 6, 1862 ; disd. March 2, 1863.
Wag. John Templeton, e. Aug. 4, 1862; died Feb. 25, 1865, wd.
308 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Addams, Alvin, e. Aug. 11, 1862; died May 24, 1863, wd.
Andre, John J., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Brown, John, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Bordner, D. M., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Bennethine, John G., e. Aug. II, 1862.
Cade, Levi, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Clams, Jos., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Cari, H. C, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Oct. 22, 1864, wd.
Collier, Wm. H., e. Aug. 15, 1862; died March 30, 1864.
Diemar, Ames, e. Aug. 15, 1862; disd. Sept. n, 1863, disab.
Dinges, Adam K., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Duhart, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Danber, Daniel, e. Aug. 22, 1862.
Eastman, H. C., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Erb, Isaac, e. Aug. u, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Erb, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Eisenhour, Wm. H., Aug. n, 1862; died May 19, 1863, wd.
Frank, Wm., e. Aug. 9, 1862; sick at m. o.
Forney, David, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died June 27, 1864.
Fogel, Robert, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Dec. 26, 1862.
Fogel, Jos. W., Aug. 14, 1862.
Folgate, Thomas, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Graham, George W., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Garman, J. P., e. Oct. 14, 1862.
Carman, Wm., e. Oct. 15, 1864.
Grane, Jos. F., e. Aug. 9, 1862.
Greenwalt, Benj., e. Aug n, 1862; sick at m. o.
Grissinger, F. B., Aug. 12, 1862.
Granzo, Aug., e. Aug. n, 1862; sick at m. o
Hockman, Henry, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Humphrey, Charles, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Humphrey, John M., e. Aug. n, 1863.
Hulbert, Lyman, e. Aug. 10, 1862; kid. Oct. 15, 1864.
Helm, Tobias, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died May i, 1863.
Hartsell, Samuel, e. Aug. 20, 1862.
Haas, W. G., e. Aug. 19, 1862; kid. May 23, 1865.
Ilgen, Daniel G., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Ilgen, David M., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Kostenbader, S. S., e. Aug. n, 1862.
Kahlj, Henry, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Kryder, John J., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Kahli, Emanuel, e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. March 28, 1865, disab.
Klapp, Chas. B., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Knock, Jas. E., e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Krise, Wm., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Sept. 27, 1863.
Logan, Jas. N., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Logan, S. W.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 309
Lott, Geo. W., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. March 31, 1865, disab.
Law, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died May 29, 1864.
Lattig, Geo. M., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Leibe, D., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Myers, Reuben, e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Matteo, Moses, e. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to inv. corps.
McHolt, Oliver, e. Aug. n, 1862; died Nov. 30, 1863.
Morse, Jefferson, e. Aug. 12, 1862.
McConnell, John P., e. Aug. 12, 1862; died Oct. 4, 1863.
Nickles, Lester, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Nicklas, A. M., e. Aug. n, 1862; disd. April 2, 1863, disab.
Nickles, Geo. W., e. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to inv. corps.
Reiser, Conrad, e. Aug. n, 1862; died March 28, 1863.
Rosweiler, Henry, e. Aug. 14, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Reubendall, R. R., e. Aug. n, 1862; trans, to inv. corps.
Sindlinger, John W., e. Aug. 12, 1862; dis. July 23, 1863, disab.
Stewart, Jas. C, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Shockley, Benj., e. Aug. 12, 1862; died May 19, 1863.
St. John, Thomas K., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Oct. 22, 1862.
Seigley, D. Y., e. Aug. 15, 1862; trans, to inv. corps.
Smith, Sanford, e. Aug. 15, 1862; sick at m. o.
Sands, Wm., e. Aug. 15, 1862.
Shekler, Levi, e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Vantilburg, T., e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Aug. 14, 1862.
Vantilburg, N. H., e. Aug. 14, 1862; disd. Feb. 15, 1863, disab.
Werkheiser, John H., e. Aug. 14, 1862.
Wolf, Daniel, e. Aug. 10, 1862; kid. May 16, 1863.
Wetzel, Peter, e. Aug. n, 1862.
Wilson, Wm. J., e. Aug. 12, 1862; died May 25, 1863, wd.
Wertman, Jos., e. Aug. 12, 1862.
Wickwire, F. M., e. Aug. 12, 1862; died Aug. 17, 1863.
Wagner, J. R., Aug. 12, 1861 ; m. o. as corp.
Wagner, Joel, e. Aug. 14, 1862; died Nov. 29, 1863, wds.
Wardlow, Robt, e. Aug. 21, 1862; dis. for wds.
Zerle, Geo., e. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to V. R. C.
Zerle, Wm., e. Aug. 10, 1862.
Youndt, Albert, e. Dec. 29, 1863 ; trans, to 4Oth inf.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND INFANTRY.
(One Hundred Days.)
The One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry Illinois Volunteers was or-
ganized at Freeport, Illinois, by Colonel Rollin V. Ankeney, as a battalion, of
eight companies, and ordered to Camp Butler, Illinois, where two companies
were added and the regiment mustered June 18, 1864, for one hundred days.
310 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
On June 21 the regiment moved to Memphis, via Cairo, and the Mississippi
River, and arrived on the 24th; on the 26th, moved to White's Station, eleven
miles from Memphis, on the Memphis & Charleston railroad, where it was as-
signed to guarding railroad.
Mustered out of the United States service October 27, 1864, at Chicago.
Col. Rollins V. Ankeney, com. June 18, 1864.
Adjt. Albert W. Brewster, com. June 9, 1864.
Sergt. Asa E. Shephard, com. June 18, 1864.
COMPANY A.
First Lieut. Denison C. Frisbie, com. June 18, 1864.
Sergt. John McEathron, e. May i, 1864; m. o. as ist sergt.
Corp. Herbert W. Allen, e. May 2, 1864; m. o. as sergt.
Corp. Dennis H. Reynolds, e. May i, 1864.
Corp. Lewis P. Clingman, e. May 10, 1864.
Corp. Ira Peckard, e. May 4, 1864.
Boyer, John, e. May i, 1864.
Baum, Samuel, e. June i, 1862.
Bailey, Horace, e. May i, 1864.
Barklow, Frederick, e. May 5, 1864.
Biehl, Frank, e. June 16, 1864; died Sept. n, 1864.
Cosier, Ammon, May 16, 1864.
Clingman, W.
Draws, George, e. June i, 1864.
Hill, Eugene, O., e. May 25, 1864.
Ludeke, Charles, e. May 21, 1864; died Sept. 26, 1864.
McGloughlin, Joseph, e. May 10, 1864.
Williams, John, e. May 10, 1864.
COMPANY E.
Second Lieut. James R. Baker, com. June 18, 1864.
First Sergt. William Trude, e. May i, 1864.
Musician William H. Baker, e. May 10, 1864.
Buisman, John, e. May 14, 1864; died Sept. 9, 1864.
Cobie, John, e. May 12, 1864.
Dean, Israel, e. May 30, 1864; died Sept. 12, 1864.
Gifford, Henry.
Heddens, Roelf, e. May 14, 1864.
Higgins, Frank, e. May 28, 1864.
Kohl, George, e. May i, 1864.
Lizer, Andrew, e. May 30, 1864.
Long, David, e. May 2, 1864.
Seibels, D. B., e. May 16, 1864; died Aug. 12, 1864.
Turbett, Thomas M., e. May 25, 1864.
Wepel, Bertus, e. May 14, 1864.
Wepel, H., e. Aug. 14, 1864.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 311
COMPANY F.
Capt. Henry Burrell, com. June 18, 1864.
First Lieut. Francis A. Darling, com. June 18, 1864.
Second Lieut. Josiah D. Fye, com. June 18, 1864.
First Sergt. Graham M. Woods, e. May 5, 1864.
Sergt. John H. Tandy, e. May 5, 1864.
Sergt. Dolphus Tyler, e. May 6, 1864.
Sergt. Thomas M. Bradshaw, e. May 5, 1864.
Corp. Charles F. Bulkley, e. May 6, 1864.
Corp. Henry Brillhart, e. May 12, 1864.
Corp. William Liebhart, e. May 12, 1864.
Corp. Josiah F. May, e, May 9, 1864.
Corp. George B. Stephens, e. May 5, 1864.
Corp. Edward P. Johnson, e. May 5, 1864.
Corp. Thomas C. Strunk, e. May 13, 1864.
Corp. John L. French, e. May 12, 1864.
Wagoner Daniel W. Jennings, e. May 24, 1862.
Adair, George, e. May 25, 1864; died Sept. i, 1864.
Ballinger, Aquilla, e. May 25, 1864.
Brownley, H., e. May 6, 1864.
Brown, George W., e. May 25, 1864.
Buchanan, John H., e. May 9, 1864.
Burrell, Daniel, e. May 5, 1864.
Dilly, Jacob, e. May 11,1864.
Ells, William A., e. May 9, 1864.
Eyre, John H., e. May 24, 1864.
Freese, I. T., e. May 24, 1864.
Frisbie, William D., e. May 9, 1864.
Fuller, Lorenzo, e. May 9, 1864.
Galpin, William C., e. May 10, 1864.
Gates, Norman, e. May 20, 1864.
Getteg, Aaron, e. May 19, 1864.
Goldin, John A., e. May 9, 1864.
Hall, Archer, e. May 9, 1864.
Hawkins, Wesley, e. May 29, 1864.
Hazen, Gustavus E., e. May 9, 1864.
Heinsler, Frederick, e. May 17, 1864; died Aug. 26, 1864.
Hitchcock, F., e. May 23, 1864.
Jones, August D., e. May 5, 1864.
Kanawell, William, e. May n, 1864.
Kuley, William, e. May u, 1864.
Lapp, Isaac, e. May 24, 1864.
Madden, William, e. May 5, 1864.
Martin, William A., e. May 24, 1864.
McAffe, Torrance, e. May 18, 1864.
312 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
McLees, William, e. May 5, 1864.
Merely, Robert, e. May 15, 1864.
Murdaugh, Thomas, e. May i, 1864; died Oct. 9, 1864.
Nesbit, Alexander, e. May 31, 1864.
Ochk, Alpha, e. May 10, 1864.
Ochk, Omega, e. May 14, 1864.
Otto, Charles, e. May 17, 1864.
Packard, Eleroy, e. May 6, 1864.
Pender, Thomas, e. May 4, 1864.
Raudecker, James C., e. May 9, 1864.
Rippbarger, John, e. May 8, 1864.
Shane, William, e. May 12, 1864.
Sheldon, C. D., e. May 9, 1864.
Stunk, Peter, May 16, 1864.
Sterling, Robert, e. May 10, 1864.
Sullivan, (Patrick, e. May n, 1864.
Turneaure, Charles H., e. May 12, 1864.
Thomas, William H., e. May 20, 1864.
Townes, Edw., e. May 6, 1864.
Vanalst, Martin, e. May 4, 1864.
Wagner, William H., e. May 24, 1864.
Wallace, William, e. May 31, 1864.
Warner, A. J., e. May 14, 1864.
Warner, C. F., e. May 12, 1864.
Warner, John, e. May 28, 1864.
White, Wallace, e. May 10, 1864.
Wilson, Charles M., e. May 20, 1864.
Winters, John C., e. May 14, 1864.
Winters, William, e. May 25, 1864.
Young, Thomas B., e. May 18, 1864.
Zimmerman, H. O., e. May 7, 1864.
COMPANY G.
Sergt. John F. Whitley, e. June i, 1864.
Brownley, S., e. June 2, 1864.
Bessinger, John, e. May 27, 1864.
Barry, John, e. May 16, 1864.
Davidson, Joseph, e. May 21, 1864.
George, Lawson E., e. June i, 1864.
Kenneson, T. E., e. March 9, 1864.
Kanrai, David, e. May 10, 1864.
Mooney, Edw., e. June i, 1864.
McGlaughlin, James, e. May 10, 1864.
Wood, Cyrus A., e. June 2, 1864; m. o. for re-enlistment.
Wilson, Charles, e. May 16, 1864.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 313
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
(One Year.)
The One Hundred and Forty-sixth Infantry Illinois Volunteers was organ-
ized at Camp Butler, Illinois, September 18, 1864, for one year, and Henry H.
Dean appointed colonel. Companies C and B were ordered to Brighton, Illi-
nois, Companies D and H to Quincy, Illinois, and Company F to Jacksonville,
Illinois, and were assigned to duty guarding drafted men and substitutes. The
remaining companies were assigned to similar duty at Camp Butler, Illinois.
On the 5th of July, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of service at Camp
Butler, Illinois.
Adjt. James P. Hodges, com. Oct. 10, 1864.
COMPANY E.
Capt. John R. Jones, com. Sept. 19, 1864; res. April 7, 1865.
Capt. Russell A. Hays, com. ist lieut. Sept. 19, 1864; prmtd. capt. May 10,
1865.
Second Lieut. John L. Kamrar, com. Sept. 19, 1864; disd. March 9, 1865.
Second Lieut. Lewis D. Brigham, e. as ist sergt. Sept. 2, 1864; prmtd. 2d
lieut. May 10, 1865.
Sergt. James Frost, e. Sept. 2, 1864; disab.
Sergt. Samuel Hayes, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Sergt. David Schreiak, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Sergt. Edw. L. Bruce, e. Sept. 2, 1862.
Corp. Jerome A. Butts, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Corp. Samuel Whitemeyer, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Corp. Stephen Clingman, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Corp. John Boyer, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Corp. Lewis Lawyer, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Corp. Thomas McGhee, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Musician Edw. Owen, e. Sept. 5, 1864.
Wagoner Andrew Harnish, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Andrews, Isaac F., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Auman, Edw., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Burd, Benjamin F., e. Sept. 3, 1864; m. o. as corp.
Burd, George W., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Bogenreif, Samuel, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Briel, Reuben C., e. Sept. 5, 1864; disd. May 12, 1865, disab.
Bowen, Samuel, e. Sept. 5, 1864.
Bortzfield, John, e. Sept. 5, 1864; died Sept. 13, 1864.
Bollman, George, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Childs, Lewis C., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Cornville, M. L., e. Sept. 3, 1864; died Oct. 7, 1864.
Clingman, H. C., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Foster, Robert, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Graham, E. W., e. Sept. 3. 1864.
314 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Haggart, Sydney, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Hutchison, Samuel, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Ingraham, Orlin, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Keagan, Nicholas, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Kleckner, William, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Knoll, Thomas, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Kryder, William H., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Kuns, N., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Kailey, George W., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Kenison, Thomas J., e. Sept. 3, 1864; disd. May 20, 1865, disab.
Kearn, Richard, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Larkins, M., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Wendenhall, William, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Murray, James S., e. Sept. 3, 1864; died Feb. i, 1865.
McDowell, E. R., e. Sept. 5, 1864; prmtd. principal musician.
Rees, John, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Patten, Lawrence, e. Sept. 5, 1864; disd. April 4, 1865, disab.
Rath, A. B., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Springer, Nathan, e. Sept. 3, 1864; died Oct. 19, 1864.
Schroeder, H., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Stoeger, Adam, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Stiles, R. A., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Sheckler, O. P., e. Sept. 5, 1864.
Twogood, Daniel, e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Vocht, John L., e. Sept. 5, 1864.
Williams, F. E., e. Sept. 2, 1864.
Wells, Orsen, e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Yeaman, Thomas J., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
Yeager, Peter, e. Sept. 5, 1864.
Yarger, William A., e. Sept. 3, 1864.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
(One Year.)
The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Infantry Illinois Volunteers was or-
ganized at Camp Fry, Illinois, by Colonel Hiram F. Sickles, and mustered in
for one year on the i8th and igth of February, 1865. On the 2ist of Febru-
ary moved, via Louisville, Kentucky, to Nashville, Tennessee, arriving on the
25th. On the 28th moved to Chattanooga, and thence to Dalton, Georgia, Col-
onel Sickles commanding post. On March I3th went on an expedition to Mill
Creek, on Cleveland Road, and broke up a nest of guerrillas. On the 2Oth
under command of Major Bush, went on an expedition to Spring Place. March
I5th the regiment was assigned to First Brigade, Second Division, Army of the
Cumberland, Brigadier General H. M. Judah commanding. On March 28th
went on an expedition to Ringgold. On April 23d moved to Pullen's Ferry,
on Coosawhatchie River, and had several skirmishes with the enemy, killing
Major Edmeston, their commander, and several officers and men. On May 2d
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 315
the regiment moved to Resaca, Georgia, and were engaged in repairing the
railroad. On May i2th Wofford, commanding rebel forces in Northern Georgia,
surrendered his forces to General Judah. May I4th Colonel Sickles took com-
mand of the brigade. Marched to Calhoun June 26th, and July 27th moved to
Marietta. From there ordered to Macon, Georgia, and to Albany, Georgia, ar-
riving July 3 1 st. October i6th brigade organization dissolved. October 28th
ordered to Hawkinsville, Georgia. November 25th the regiment was ordered
to Savannah, Georgia, via Macon, Atlanta and Augusta, where it remained
until December 31, 1865. Mustered out January 20, 1866, at Savannah, Georgia,
and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, where it received final pay and discharge.
COMPANY E.
Capt. Francis A. Darling, com. Feb. 18, 1865.
First Lieut. Denison C. Frisbie, com. Feb. 18, 1865; res. Sept. 2, 1865.
First Lieut. Jacob M. Martin, com. 2d lieut. Feb. 18, 1865; prmtd. st
lieut. Oct. 4, 1865.
Second Lieut. Daniel J. Kelley, e. as ist sergt. Feb. 9, 1865; prmtd. 2d
lieut. Oct. 4, 1865.
Sergt. Richard M. Rockey, e. Feb. 10, 1865; m. o. as ist. sergt.
Sergt. John J. Thomas, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Sergt. C. B. White, e. Feb. 4, 1865 ; dis. Dec. 16, 1865, disab.
Sergt. Jonathan Small, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Corp. N. M. Ferguson, e. Feb. 10, 1865.
Corp. Peter Slear, e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Corp. John L. Rockey, e. Feb. 10, 1865.
Corp. Henry Phelps, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Corp. A. W. Kaup, e. Feb. 8, 1865.
Corp. Alfred F. Miller, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Corp. Charles Wilson, e. Feb. 9, 1865.
Musician William H. Baker, e. Feb. 7, 1865.
Wagoner D. W. Jennings, e. Feb. 3, 1865.
Allen, John S., e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Allen, T. M., e. Feb. 8, 1865.
Boyer, Isaac, e. Feb. 17, 1865.
Buss, Thankful, e. Feb. 15, 1865.
Buss, Isaac, e. Feb. 13, 1865.
Buffington, C. H., e. Feb. 13, 1865.
Beegle, A. H., e. Feb. u, 1865; m. o. Sept. 21, 1865.
Baker, Lewis, e. Feb. 9, 1865.
Boyer, Joseph L., e. Feb. 8, 1865.
Baniger, Peter, e. Feb. 9, 1865.
Burnham, N. S., e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Bangs, M., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Bobb, Cyrus, e. Feb. 10, 1865.
Blake. William, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Bolinger, D., e. Feb. 8, 1865.
316 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Caffee, James L., e. Feb. 6, 1865.
Carter, L. H., e. Feb. 4, 1865.
Cooper, B. G., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Carpenter, D., e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Davenport, Lucius, e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Durfee, R. S., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Darling, Francis S.
Frisbie, D. C.
Farrell, Charles, e. Feb. 17, 1864; disd. Aug. 30, 1865, disab.
Folgate, Daniel, e. Feb. 10, 1864; disd. Dec. 26, 1865, disab.
French, George, e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Frank, John W., e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Fisher, George, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Fischer, Charles, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Flickinger, Wm., e. Aug. 10, 1864.
Foster, Fred, e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Galbraith, Benj., e. Feb. 17, 1864.
Gearry, John, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Hallensleben, H, W., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Harwood, Wm. N., e. Feb. 6, 1864; died Aug. 5, 1865.
Hkk, H. V., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Harris, Charles B., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
In man, John, e. Feb. 17, 1864.
Kibner, Wm., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Keyser, John E., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Kelly, John, e. Feb. 10, 1864; died May 2, 1865.
Kahl, Thomas J., e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Lims, Jos., e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Lashell, H. F., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Leigh, Wm. H. e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Lower, Solomon, e. Feb. 15, 1864.
McLain, Isaac, e. Feb. 9, 1864.
Moore, John T., e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Price, David, e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Patterson, Arthur, e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Rhoades, I. P., e. Feb. 17, 1864.
Reed, Hugh, e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Smith, Charles A., e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Stickney, H. J., e. Feb. 6, 1864.
Sisson, James R., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Snyder, John S., e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Small, Samuel, e. Feb. 8, 1864.
Tyler, Andrew, e. Feb. 17, 1864.
Van Epps, James W., e. Feb. 7, 1864.
Wood, Wm. H., e. Feb. 4, 1864.
Carpenter, H., e. Feb. 9, 1865.
Cox, Abel, e. Feb. 6, 1865.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 317
SEVENTH CAVALRY.
Lieut. Col. Henry C. Forbes, com. ist lieut. Co. B, Aug. n, 1861 ; prmtd.
capt. Nov. 18, 1861 ; prmtd. maj. Feb. 10, 1863; prmtd. lieut. col. March i, 1865.
COMPANY B.
Capt. Henry C. Forbes.
Capt. William McCausland, e. as (?) sergt. Sept. 5, 1861 ; prmtd. ist lieut.
Nov. 18, 1861 ; prmtd. capt. Feb. 10, 1863; died Dec. 25, 1864.
Capt. Stephen A. Forbes, e. as ( ?1 private Sept. 5, 1861 ; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Feb. 10, 1863; prmtd. capt. March 28, 1865.
First Sergt. Josiah T. Noyes, e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; prmtd. bat. Q. M.
Addler, Charles, e. Sept. 5, i86i;-disd. Oct. 23, 1864.
Barnes, George H., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; died June 15,, 1862.
Clark, John W., e. March 4, 1865 ; m. o. Nov. 4, 1865.
Combs, H. D., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; m. o. April 21, 1865.
Cuff, Thomas, e. Feb. 10, 1864.
Davis, T. H., e.-Sept. 5, 1861 ; m. o. Oct. 15, 1864, as corp.
Goddard, S. N., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; disd. April 9, 1862, disab.
Hill, Thomas, e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; died Nov. 15, 1863.
Jenkins, George I., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; disd. April 25, 1863, disab.
McCausland, S. A., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; m. o. Oct. 15, 1864.
Myers, Charles, e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; vet. Feb. 10, 1864; m. o. Nov. 4, 1865.
Noyes, Lucius A., e. Sept. 5, 1861 ; disd. Oct. 28, 1862, ist sergt.
(Unassigned)
Kleckner, Aaron, e. Jan. 25, 1865.
Long, Caspar, e. Oct. n, 1862; disd. May 23, 1865.
Massler, David D., e. March 2, 1865.
Nolan, Thomas, e. Feb. 20, 1865.
Sherman, Leonard.
EIGHTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY G.
Sergt. Chalmers Ingersoll, e. Sept. 14, 1862; vet.
Coppersmith, A., e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; kid. in action Sept., 1863.
Chambers, James S., e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; prmtd. regt. comsy. sergt.
Daniel, Joseph, e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; vet.
Diffenbaugh, David, e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; kid. July i, 1863.
Hollenbeck, A., e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; m. June 19, 1865.
Langdon, D. L., e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; vet. Jan. i, 1864; trans, to Co. K; m. o.
July 17, 1865.
Miller, S. H., e. Sept. 14, 1861 ; m. o. Sept. 28, 1864.
COMPANY i.
High, Samuel, e. Sept. 30, 1864; m. o. July 17, 1865.
COMPANY K.
Langdon, David.
Margritz, George O., e. Oct. 3, 1864; m. o. July 17, 1865.
318 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
COMPANY M.
Woodcock, D. R., e. Dec. 5, 1863; m. o. July 17, 1865.
TWELFTH CAVALRY.
(Unassigned.)
Brooks, R. H., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Bronsum, John H., e. Dec. n, 1863.
Calvin, Francis M., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Corns tock, George R., e. Dec. 17, 1863.
Erlewine, Samuel, e. Dec. 22, 1863.
Fitzpatrick, William, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Fuller, Eli C, Jan. 5, 1864.
Green, Charles, e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Gardner, Ed., e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Giltner, R. D., e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Hyde, D., e. Jan. 15, 1864.
Martzall, S., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Mclaughlin, R., e. Jan. 15, 1864.
McGill, William, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Mullarkey, John, e. Dec. 31, 1863.
Peterson, John, e. Dec. n, 1863.
Ryan, Henry, e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Shaffer, George J., e. Dec. u, 1863.
THIRTEENTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY E.
Gardner, Brayton, e. Oct. 7, 1861 ; disd. in 1862.
Smallwood, Jr., Charles, e. Sept. 25, 1861.
COMPANY I.
High, Henry A., e. Dec. 21, 1863; died Oct. 31, 1864.
Johnson, R. W.
Kleckner, H. C., e. Dec. 31, 1863; m. o. Aug. 31, 1865.
Kleckner, J. M.
Lamb, O. F., e. March 17, 1864.
Lamb, J. D.
Lamb, D. C.
Miller, H. G., e. Dec. 31, 1863; disd. June 13, 1865.
Smith, John G., e. Dec. 21, 1863; sick at m. o.
Shrove, Daniel, e. Dec. 21, 1863; sick at m. o.
Sindlinger, John, e. Jan. 29, 1864; died July 8, 1864.
Sheldon, O. D., e. Feb. 2, 1864.
Studebaker, Henry.
Strange, W.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 319
FOURTEENTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY I.
Capt. Francis M. Hagaman, com. Jan. 7, 1863; res. May 25, 1864.
Capt. Francis Boeke, com. ist lieut. Jan. 7, 1863; prmtd. capt. May 25, 1864.
First Lieut. Wm. H. Puckett, e. as private Oct. 14, 1862; prmtd. 2d lieut.
Oct. 19 1864; prmtd. ist lieut. March 28, 1865.
Addis, Mattenly, e. Aug. 6, 1862; disd. Oct. 3, 1864, disab.
Allen, Nelson, e. Oct. 22, 1862.
Bardin, John, e. Oct. 4, 1862; disd. July 21, 1863.
Butterfield, Wm. D., e. Nov. 4, 1862; disd. July 21, 1863.
Berininger, B., e. Dec. i, 1862; missing in action.
Clare, David S., e. Oct. 14, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865, as sergt.
Clair, Wm., Oct. 4, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Chapin, K. W., e. Nov. 18, 1862; missing in action.
Donahoo, Wm. J., e. Feb. 18, 1864; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Donahoo, Robert, e. March 31, 1864; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Eby, Richard R., e. Oct. 20, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Elliott, D. M., e. Nov. 7, 1862; died Dec. 8, 1863.
Fouke, R. R., e. Jan. 16, 1863; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Gogan, John, e. Oct. 18, 1862; missing in action.
Gregsby, James M., e. Nov. 5, 1862.
Gandy, Alex M., e. Nov. 10, 1862; died Oct. 9, 1864.
Glass, Henry, e. Nov. 25, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Ginther, John, e. Nov. 22, 1862; m. o. June 21, 1865.
Humphrey, A., e. Sept. 27, 1862 ; trans, to Co. E.
Haggart, Charles, e. Nov. 5, 1862; tn. o. July 31, 1865.
Hollenbeck, H. W., e. Oct. i, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865, as corp.
Lenan, M., e. Sept. 15, 1862; died Jan. 12, 1863.
Martin, Robert L., e. Feb. 12, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865.
Miller, A. C., e. Oct. 14, 1862.
Martin, A. W., e. Feb. 18, 1864; m. o. Aug. 4, 1865.
Miller, Anton, e. Aug. 4, 1862; disd. April 5, 1865.
Morris, Wm. F., e. Oct. 17, 1862; disd. May 18, 1865.
Mellois, John, e. Sept. 15, 1862; missing in action.
Miller, John H., e. Oct. 14, 1862; disd. June 21, 1865.
McNicholas, James, e. Dec. 2, 1862; missing in action.
O'Brien, James, e. Oct. 17, 1862; m. o. July 31, 1865, as sergt.
Pardee, A. W., e. Feb. 18, 1862; disd. June 23, 1865.
Pickard, John S., e. Nov. 6, 1862; died March 29, 1863.
Rollinson, M. D., e. Oct. 14, 1862; missing in action.
Stewart, Wm. H., e. Sept. 24, 1862; died Aug. 10, 1863.
Strange, John W., e. Nov. 24, 1862; disd. Sept. 17, 1863.
Schlimmer, K., e. Dec. 13, 1862; died May 23, 1863.
Strange, Wm., e. Dec. 24, 1864; disd.
Scott, Alfred M., e. Feb. 18, 1864; disd. March 28, 1865.
320 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Thompson, Alex., e. Dec. i, 1864.
Vandeburg, H., e. Oct. i, 1864; missing in action.
FIFTEENTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY L.
Newcomer, A. C., e. Feb. 14, 1862; disd. March 16, 1863, disah
Sinclair, George S., e. Feb. 15, 1862.
SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY.
COMPANY F.
Black, E. O., e. Feb. 5, 1864; m. o. Dec. 18, 1865.
Bowden, Hiram, e. Dec. 10, 1863; drowned July 3, 1864.
Clark, H. R., e. Jan. 25, 1864.
Delate, L. W., e. Dec. 25, 1863; died July 26, 1864.
Davis, E. H., e. Dec. 15, 1864; m. o. Dec. 18, 1865.
Delate, William D., e. Dec. 15, 1864; m. o. June 12, 1865, disab.
Horton, Geo. E., e. Jan. 23, 1864; m. o. Dec. 18, 1865.
Hall, James H., e. Jan. 4, 1864; trans, to inv. corps.
Justice, Charles T., e. Jan. 23, 1864.
Luke, Moses H., e. Jan. 25, 1864; m. o. Dec. 18, 1865.
Mapes, William, e. Jan. 4, 1864; m. o. Dec. 18, 1865.
Phifer, John W., e. Dec. 15, 1863; m. o. Dec. 18, 1863.
COMPANY H.
Redder, Bernard, e. Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. May 23, 1865.
COMPANY M.
Bolster, William A., e. Feb. 5, 1864 ; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
Brooks, R, H., e. Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
Carver, Mellen.
Calvin, F. M., e. Jan. 5, 1864.
Fitzpatrick, William, e. Dec. 31, 1863; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
Fuller, E. C., e. Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. May 25, 1864.
Green, Charles, e. Jan. 5, 1864; disd. July 14, 1864.
Gardner, Edw., e. Dec. 31, 1863; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
Giltner, R. D., e. Dec. 24, 1863.
Hyde, Daniel, e. Jan. 15, 1864.
Harmon, William, e. Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
Harvey, Albert.
McLaughlin, Richard, e. Jan. 15, 1864.
Martzall, Solomon, e. Jan. 5, 1864; m. o. July 18, 1865.
McGill, William, e. Dec. 31, 1863; m. o. Nov. 23, 1865.
FIRST ARTILLERY.
(Unassigned.)
Adams, John H., e. Dec. 29, 1863.
Lynds, H., e. Sept. 28, 1864.
Reuter, Peter, e. Aug. 24, 1864.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 321
SECOND ARTILLERY.
COMPANY E.
Burkhard, Casper, e. Aug. 31, 1862.
Shillibg, Frederick, e. Aug. 31, 1862; died March 20, 1863.
MISCELLANEOUS.
EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Adjt. Leander A. Sheetz, com. March 20, 1865; m. o. May 4, 1866.
Second Lieut. Daniel A. Sheetz, com. Sept., 1861 ; kid. in bat.
EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY.
(Consolidated.)
Capt. Urias H. Eaton, com. ist lieut. March 18, 1865, prmtd. capt. July 17,
1865; res. Oct. 12, 1865.
FIFTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
Forbes, Edwin, e. Dec. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 27, 1863 ; m. o. July 7, 1865.
Rodmire, Joseph, e. Dec. 10, 1861 ; vet. Dec. 27, 1863; m. o. July 7, 1865.
FIFTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Bauer, Peter, e. Nov. 30, 1861 ; supposed to be dead.
James, Phillip, e. Nov. 20, 1861 ; died Feb., 1862, wds.
Koller, Jacob, e. Nov. 28, 1861.
SIXTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.
Reisch, Chris, e. Dec. i, 1861.
SEVENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.
SEVENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.
Stoddard, Farrell, e. ; died Sept. 4, 1864.
Surg. Chesseldon Fisher, com. July 28, 1863; res. Nov. 22, 1864.
EIGHTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Ayers, John, e. Nov. 28, 1863 ; trans, to 39th. inf.
Koym, William, e. Oct. 26, 1863 ; kid. June 22, 1864.
Creschance, Case, e. Aug. 7, 1862; m. o. June 10, 1865.
Conner, Michael, e. July 31, 1862; disd. Jan. 29, 1865, disab.
Roe, Chas. E., e. Aug. 14, 1862; prmtd. Q. M. Sergt.
Snyder, Chris, e. Aug. 7, 1862.
Wadsworth, O. T., e. July 31, 1862; m. o. June 10, 1865.
Stitle, Henry, e.
STEPHENSON COUNTY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
Soon after the close of the war for the Union, there was considerable dis-
cussion among the leading citizens of Stephenson County, "without regard to
party affiliations, as to the propriety of erecting a suitable monument to com-
memorate the heroism of the noble sons of Stephenson County who had vol-
untarily laid down their lives upon the altar of their country, and the opinion
322 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
was universal that the living owed such a lasting memento to the memory of
their gallant dead." No steps were taken, however, until the winter of 1868,
when a mass meeting was called on Saturday, February 19, 1868, at the hall of
the Grand Army of the Republic, in Freeport. The meeting was well attended.
General Smith D. Atkins was elected chairman, and C. C. Shuler, Esq., secretary.
A constitution for forming the Stephenson County Soldiers' Monument Asso-
ciation was reported and unanimously adopted, of which Articles I and II read
as follows:
ARTICLE I. NAME.
Section i. This Association shall be known as "The Stephenson County
Soldiers' Monument Association."
ARTICLE II. OBJECT.
Section i. The object of this association shall be the erection of a suitable
monument, or memorial, to the memory of the gallant dead of Stephenson
County, who have laid down their lives while serving in the armies of the
United States during the rebellion, in order to rescue their names from forget-
fulness, and suitably honor their heroic devotion to country and liberty, when
country and liberty were in peril.
Articles III and IV provided for the proper officers of the association, and
minutely defined their duties, which were those usual to such associations, and
we omit them here.
On motion, the following officers were elected as provided for by the con-
stitution ; President, Hon. John H. Addatns, of Cedarville ; vice presidents, Gen-
eral Wilson Shaffer, of Freeport; Ross Babcock, of Ridott; Major J. W. Mc-
Kim, of Freeport, and Captain J. P. Reel, of Buckeye; recording secretary-,
General Smith D. Atkins, of Freeport; corresponding secretary, James S. Mc-
Call, of Freeport; treasurer, Captain William Young, of Silver Creek. Execu-
tive committee: C. C. Shuler, Freeport; Captain William Cox, Winslow; B.
P. Belknap, Oneco; Daniel Bellman, Rock Grove; Captain J. M. Schermerhorn,
West Point ; Levi Robey, Waddams ; Captain William Stewart, Buckeye ; Cap-
tain Robert T. Cooper, Rock Run; Captain George S. Kleckner, Kent; Captain
F. A. Darling, Erin ; Perez A. Tisdell, Harlem ; Captain W. J. Reitzel, Lancas-
ter; Hon. James S. Taggart, Ridott; Frederick Baker, Silver Creek; Conrad
Van Brocklin, Florence; Major H. M. Timms, Loran; John R. Hayes, Jeffer-
son, and Harrison Diemer, Dakota.
Immediately thereafter, a meeting of the executive committee was called
in the parlors of the Second National Bank in Freeport, which was fully at-
tended, and an address was prepared and published to the citizens of the county
inviting them to subscribe to the fund for building the monument. It was de-
cided to have a membership certificate engraved, with correct likenesses of
Colonel Holden Putnam, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteers, Colonel John A. Da-
vis, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, and Major William R. Goddard. Fifteenth
Illinois Volunteers, engraved thereon, they being the only field officers from
Stephenson County who had given their lives in the war; such membership
certificate to be issued to each subscriber of $1.00 or more. A meeting was ap-
pointed for each township in the county to urge the citizens to take hold of the
work, all of which meetings were addressed by the secretary of the association,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 323
General S. D. Atkins, and at many of the meetings he was accompanied by Hon,
J. M. Bailey and Major I. C. Lawver. In the newspaper report of one of
these meetings held at Ridott, we find the following pleasant reference: "At
Ridott, a small audience subscribed a little upward of $100. The meeting was
addressed by General Atkins and Major Lawver. The Major referred to the
fact that before the war he was a Democrat in sentiment, while General Atkins
was a Republican. They went to war in the same regiment and fought side
by side ; neither has changed his political sentiments, and now they are side by
side in honoring their dead comrades. So it should be with Democrats and
Republicans. The soldiers lost their lives for their country, and all parties
should join in erecting a monument to their heroism." The meetings held in
the townships resulted in a very thorough organization in all parts of the county,
but, after pretty thorough canvassing, only $3,500 had been pledged on the va-
rious township subscriptions. The officers of the association therefore resolved
to ask the Board of Supervisors to make an appropriation to be added to the
voluntary subscriptions that altogether would be sufficient for the completion
of a suitable soldiers' monument in commemoration of the heroic dead of the
entire county. On Tuesday, June 29, 1869, the Board of Supervisors being
in special session, Hon. John H. Addams, the president of the association, Cap-
tain William Young, treasurer, and General S. D. Atkins, secretary, as a com-
mittee on the part of the Soldiers' Monument Association, waited upon the
Board of Supervisors and requested from them permission to erect the monu-
ment on the Court House Square in the city of Freeport, and also a suitable
donation to aid in its erection. Permission was granted by the Board to erect
the monument on the public square as requested, and the sum of $6,000 voted to
aid in the erection of the monument by an almost unanimous vote, only one dis-
senting, and from that hour the completion of the Stephenson County soldiers'
monument was assured. The following members of the Board of Supervisors
were added to the execvitive committee of the monument association : S. K.
Fisher, of Waddams; James McFatrich, of West Point, and James A. Grimes,
of Lancaster.
The funds for erecting the monument having been provided, the secretary
was instructed to advertise in the New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Chi-
cago papers for designs and plans for a monument to be submitted at a meeting
of the association on July 28, 1869, at which time there were artists present
with plans from all the cities named. General Atkins also submitted a plan
designed by himself, for a monument of Joliet marble, 12 x 12 at base, eighty-
three feet high, to be surmounted on the top with a statue of "Victory" in
bronze, thirteen feet high, making the monument ninety-six feet from the base
to the top of the statue of "Victory," with life-size soldiers on the four corners
of the lower base of the monument, in bronze, representing the four arms of
the service — infantry, cavalry, artillery and navy. After full discussion of the
various plans submitted, on motion of Daniel Bellman, of Rock Grove, the de-
sign prepared and submitted by General S. D. Atkins was adopted. H. H. Upp
was appointed superintendent of the building of the monument, with authority to
make all contracts. Hon. John H. Addams, James A. Grimes, Samuel K. Fisher,
Dr. W. J. McKim, Captain William Young and Gen. Smith D. Atkins were
324 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
appointed a sub-building committee, to approve all contracts before they should
be in force.
The contracts were immediately let and the erection of the monument pro-
ceeded with. Under the superintendence of Mr. H. H. Upp, Mr. Adolph Beo-
diker prepared the foundation; Elias Perkins contracted to lay up the Joliet
stone and the Chicago Terra Cotta Company contracted to furnish the statue
of "Victory" and the four soldiers, which were especially prepared by the cele-
brated artist, Sig. Giovanni Meli. The Terra Cotta Company contracted to
furnish the statuary in bronze, but, hoping to do better, covered them with
copper by an electric bath, and failed to make the deposit of copper sufficiently
heavy, so that the copper cracked and scaled off, and the statuary was after-
ward painted by Mr. Daniel Adamson in imitation of Joliet marble, the material
out of which the monument was constructed. The colossal statue of "Victory"
surmounting the monument, designed by the celebrated artist, Sig. Giovanni
Meli, is an original conception of the artist, and is a work of very great artistic
merit. The Chicago Republican of Friday, December 17, 1869, thus refers to
it: "But the last great work of this artist is the colossal statue of 'Victory,'
which he has made from an original design and which is intended to render in
terra cotta for the soldiers' monument at Freeport. The 'Victory' is the largest
sculptural work ever composed in America, being thirteen feet high. It is, even
to the minutest detail, finished as perfectly as the finest marble statue. While
the imposing dignity and majestic pose of the figure at once impress the be-
holder, yet the proportions are so nicely observed and such is the careful and
artistic handling of the drapery, which sweeps in broad, massive folds to the feet
of the figure, that its colossal height and great size do not at once appear. The
figure stands in a strong and confident, though not bold, posture, with its right
foot slightly advanced, and a portion of the weight of the body thrown upon
the right hand, which rests on the staff of a large flag. The flag is gathered up
in large folds by the sweep of the right arm, while, as if caught by some passing
breeze, the fluttering ends swell out behind in broad waves of graceful drapery,
so light and silken that they seem almost to apple in the air. The left hand
hangs by the side with an easy grace and holds the symbolic olive. The head —
ah ! there is the imposing dignity which, like an atmosphere, is rather felt than
seen in the figure. Set on a neck which suggests rather than impresses power,
is the grand head which crowns the statue, and which in its benignant dignity
blends the imperial justice of the conqueror with the melting mercy of an in-
jured though pardoning ruler. The head is thrown back as if a glorious sense
of triumph thrilled it through with joy; and, though the eyes are raised as if a
gleam of the battle fire still lit them with a glorious passion, yet the lips are
parted with a smile of calm, satisfied peace that softens the sternness of the
upper face. There is a curious interblending of the ancient and modern in the
face, which, though at first sight incongruous, has been made by the artist to
secure an effect that could not otherwise have been produced. The eyes and
forehead are purely Grecian, and have an imperious, almost a hard boldness
of expression, while the cheek, chin and mouth are rounded with a sweet and
tender grace that relieves the face from that otherwise stern and strong look,
and gives to it a modern type or cast of countenance seldom before introduced
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 325
in sculpture. Thus, while the full face view gives to the beholder the impres-
sion of an imperious and proud queen, calm in her self-poised dignity, and
strong in her self-reliant nature, the profile — contrary to all precedent — seems
melted with the sunshine of a happy spirit, which suffuses the whole face with
a smile. Usually the character is shown by the profile, which is more pro-
nounced than the open face, but the artist says that the subject demanded the
blending of Grecian features with American, and the happy effect produced by
this combination has united dignity with grace, and sweetness with strength."
On Tuesday, October 19, 1869, the corner-stone was laid with great cere-
mony, under the auspices of the Masonic bodies of Freeport, participated in
by the Odd Fellows, Turnvereins, Fire Department and Citizens. Dr. W. J.
McKim was Grand Marshal. After the Masonic ceremonies were concluded,
the Freeport Journal says : "The Senior Grand Warden introduced Sir Knight
General Smith D. Atkins, who, owing to the absence of Sir Knight Colonel
Thomas J. Turner, orator of the day, was invited and delivered an effective
and eloquent address of some twenty minutes' duration." The lower base of
the monument is 12x12 feet and twelve feet high. On each of the four sides
are two niches, in which a panel of white marble is inserted, on which are cut
the names of those soldiers of Stephenson County who are known to have given
their lives for their country, as follows :
Eighth Regiment, I. V. I.— F. Benglesdorff, Co. E; A. A. Berryhill, Co. F,
killed at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863 ; Joseph Berger, Co. I, died at Marshall,
Texas, September 12, 1865; Lieutenant H. A. Sheets, Co. — , killed at Fort
Donelson, February 15, 1862.
Eleventh Regiment, I. V. I. — J. Alexander, Co. A, died August 31, 1861 ;
F. R. Bellman, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862; John Brad-
ford, Co. A, died of disease contracted in service, ; John
Cronemiller, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862; William ding-
man, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862; Louis Clement, Co.
D, died of wounds, July 27, 1864; Thomas Chattaway, Co. A, drowned at
Bird's Point, Missouri, - — ; William Eddy, Co. A, died at Camp
Hardin ; Captain Silas W. Field, Co. A, died of wounds, May 9, 1862 ; John W.
Fry, Co. A, died October 17, 1862; Franklin T. Goodrich, Co. A, killed at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862; David F. Graham, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, Febru-
ary 15, 1862; Henry Greenwold, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15,
1862; John M. Hauman, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Franklin -D.
Hartman, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; B. N. Kramer, Co. A; Joseph
Kailey, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862; Franklin D. Lambert,
Co. A, killed at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863; S. McGinnis, Co. A; R. Clothin,
Co. A ; David McCormick, Co. A, died of wounds, - ; Isaac
N. Ross, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson, February 15, 1862; Hial B. Springer,
Co. A, died of wounds, July 14, 1862; John A. Thompson, Co. A, killed at Fort
Donelson, February 15, 1862; John Trimper, Co. A, killed at Fort Donelson,
February 15, 1862; Milton S. Weaver, Co. A, died September 2, 1861 ; George
Wohlford, Co. A, died August 26, 1863 ; James Wentz, Co. A, died of wounds,
May 19, 1862.
Twelfth Regiment — G. Smith.
326 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Fifteenth Regiment, I. V. I. — B. W. Ballenger, Co. G; George A. Barton,
Co. A, died February 27, 1862; A. V. S. Butler, Co. G, died January 4, 1864;
R B. Bailey, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; A. Brahm, Co. G, died De-
cember 15, 1862; J. H. Bowker, Co. G, died August 17, 1861 ; W. J. Buswell,
Co. G, died October 14, 1863; E. S. Denton, Co. G; J. Clingman, Co. G; E. A.
V. S. Butler, Co. G ; R. B. Bailey, Co. G ; A. Brahm, Co. G ; J. H. Bowker, Co.
G; J. Clingman, Co. G; Deye, Co. E, died of wounds, May 5,
1862; M. Doyle, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Major William R. God-
dard, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; W. Ells, Co. G; J. H. Hawkins, Co. E;
J. Illingworth, Co. G; M. V. Kline, Co. G, died November 8, 1861 ; F. Kline,
Co. E, died at Andersonville, September 10, 1864; E. W. Ling, Co. G, died
August 15, 1863 ; C. Lashell, Co. H, died July 12, 1865 ; J. Mook, Co. G; S. Mook,
Co. G; J. Murphy, Co. G; D. Milholin, Co. G, died'of wounds, June 24, 1862;
John Niemeyer, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862 ; Hugh Phillips, Co. G, died
June 6, 1862; H. Stamm, Co. G; J. H. Ross, Co. I; Charles Smith, Co. E, died
April 22, 1862; David Stocks, Co. I, died of wounds, June 24, 1869; E. D. Solace,
Co. I, died of wounds, April 8, 1862 ; D. R. P. Stites, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April
6, 1862; O. Tenant, Co. G, died of wounds, April 6, 1862; J. S. Weeler, Co. G,
killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862 ; J. W. Van Valzah, assistant surgeon, died Au-
gust 9, 1863; J. Wier, Co. B,
Eighteenth Regiment, I. V. I. — Cyrus Paden, Co. G, died at Camp Butler,
April 6, 1865; J. Maxwell, Co. I.
Twenty-sixth Regiment, I. V. I. — Philip Baker, Co. B, killed at Farmington,
May 9, 1862; Jans. Butcher, Co. B, died at Chattanooga, October 13, 1864;
John F. Black, Co. H, died of wounds at Marietta, September n, 1863; Aaron
Clay, Co. B, died at Danville, Mississippi, July n, 1862; Charles Choppy, Co.
B, died of wounds at Chattanooga, May 3, 1864; J. P. Ditty, Co. B, died at
Keokuk, August 17, 1863; William Eshelman, Co. B, died July 27, 1862; William
A. Eggert, Co. B, died June 14, 1862; A. J. Eastland, Co. I, died at Camp Sher-
man, August 18, 1863 ; Julius Frisbee, Co. B, died at Point Pleasant, April 2,
1862; Charles Gold, Co. B, died of wounds, January 9, 1864; Simon Gates, Co.
B. died September 17, 1863 ; John Geiser, Co. B, died of wounds at Chattanooga,
January 2, 1864; Aaron Heise, Sr., Co. B, died at Scottsboro, March 24, 1864;
John Heise, Co. B, died of wounds at Marietta, August 9, 1864; Moses Heise,
Co. B, died at Scottsboro, March 22, 1864; George H. Hettle, Co. B, killed at
Scottsboro, May i, 1864; Lieutenant John Irvin, Co. G, died October 6, 1863;
C. D. Jinks, Co. B, died at Scottsboro, March 20, 1864; W. Knauss, Co. G,
died at Resaca, August 13, 1864; J. Kinney, Co. B, died at Atlanta, July 22,
1864; J. Keigan, Co. I; Wm. Long, Co. E, died at luka, August 28, 1862; D.
Morris, Co. B, died of wounds at Dallas, May 29, 1864; P. E. Montague, Co. B,
killed at Scottsboro, April 30, 1864; L. McCoy, Co. B, died of wounds, Chat-
tanooga, July 22, 1864; Thomas Nicholas, Co. B, died at Corinth, October 4,
1862; John J. Nigg, Co. B, died of wounds at Danville, July 7, 1862; William
Quinn, Co. B, died - .; S. J. Robinold, Co. B, died at Farmington,
May 22, 1862; A. L. Rice, Co. H, died of wounds at Marietta, October 14,
1864; P. E. Smith, Co. B, killed at Reseca, May 13, 1864; John Schmidt, Co.
B, killed at Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863 ; Egbert Snyder, Co. B, died at
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 327
Scottsboro, March 17, 1864; J. P. Winters, Co. B, died at Corinth, October 10,
1862 ; Thomas Wishart, Co. B, died at Memphis, November 27, 1863 ; J.
Walkey, Co. B, died at New Madrid, March 22, 1862; John Walton, Co. B,
killed March 7, 1865.
Thirty-second Regiment, I. V. I. — J. P. Walker, Co. C, died at Annapolis,
March 10, 1865 ; F. J. Erickson, Co. A.
Thirty-fourth Regiment, I. V. I. — J. H. Brown, Co. H, died of wounds,
May n, 1862.
SOLDIERS NAMES ON STEPHENSON COUNTY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
Thirty-seventh Regiment, I. V. I.— N. G. Wire, Co. D, killed at Pea Ridge,
March 7, 1862; A. W. Tarbert, Co. .
Thirty-ninth Regiment, I. V. I. — W. Agney, Co. G, killed in Virginia, Octo-
ber 13, 1864.
Forty-second Regiment, I. V. I. — Samuel Kohl, Co. G, died of wounds,
December , 1864; L. Mossman, Co. G, died at Andersonville, March i,
1865; L. Warner, Co. G, died of wounds, January n, 1865; W. Bunte, Jr.
Forty-fifth Regiment, I. V. I. — J. Jordan, Co. C; Andrew Mourn, Co. C,
killed - -; W. T. McClothlin, Co. B; J. Watterson, Co. G, killed
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Forty-sixth Regiment, I. V. I. — A. F. Arnold, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April
6, 1862; William Andre, Co. A, died at Duval's Bluff, December 10, 1864;
William W. Allison, Co. A, died at Memphis, March 16, 1863; A. E. Arnold,
Co. A, died at ; Cyrus Ashenfelter, Co. B, died at Camp Butler,
December 6, 1861 ; F. Ashenfelter, Co. D; Robert G. Aikey, Co. G, killed at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862; John Apker, Co. K, died at Mobile, May 6, 1865; Robert
T. Best, Co. A, died at Camp Butler, November 7, 1861 ; Wesley J. Best, Co.
A, died of wounds at Vicksburg, August 19, 1864; R. D. Bruner, Co. A, died
at Cairo, October 6, 1864; Edward Barrett, Co. A, died at Vicksburg, August
12, 1864; Charles F. Bower, Co. B, died of wounds, April 23, 1862; A. Bauer,
Co. C, died - ; H. Bagger, Co. C, died at Bolivar, October 15, 1862;
A. Buckhardt, Co. C, died at Salubriety Springs, July 24, 1865 ; J. S. Brown,
Co. G, died of wounds, April 28, 1862; R. Brubaker, Co. G, died of wounds,
August 9, 1862; George D. Beeler, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; B. L.
Bates, Co. G, died at La Grange, July 12, 1862; L. C. Butler, Co. K, died ;
James A. Butler, Co. K, died at La Grange, July 12, 1862; George F. Brown,
Co. K, died at St. Louis, May 18, 1862 ; Dudley Barker, Co. K, died in Shreve-
port, June 17, 1865 ; A. Barker, Co. B ; John Brace, Co. K, died of wounds,
May 22, 1862 ; Lieutenant Louis E. Butler, Co. K, died at Salubriety Springs,
October 5, 1865; J. Backus, Co. K; Hiram Clingman, Co. A, killed at Shiloh,
April 6, 1862; Charles Clouse, Co. A, died at Mound City, September 7, 1862;
George Cox, Co. B, died of wounds, October 9, 1862; Henry Cruger, Co. B,
died at Big Black, April n, 1864; Thomas A. Clingman, Co. F, died of wounds,
— ; W. Cramer, Co. K; J. Chambers, Co. B; Colonel John A. Davis,
died of wounds, Bolivar, October 10, 1862; D. P. DeHaven, Co. A, died at
Memphis, September 22, 1862; Daniel Dreisbach, Co. G, died at Memphis, May
328 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
12, 1863; Thomas H. Dodson, Co. K, died June i, 1862; Joseph Doan, Co. K,
died at Vicksburg, May 28, 1864; Jacob Dobson, Co. K, died October 30, 1864;
J. E. Derrick, Co. A; John Elliott, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; B. W.
Eghusen, Co. C, died at St. Louis, May 19, 1864; Lansing Ells, Co. D, died of
wounds, May 14, 1864; Marion Ely, Co. K, died at Vicksburg, August 8, 1864;
Johann J. Esh, Co. C, died - -; W. Elliott, Co. A; A. M. Fellows, Co.
A, died of wounds, Quincy, May 2, 1862; R. A. Fawver, Co. A, drowned Au-
gust 20, 1864; Henry Prize, Co. B, died May 31, 1862; C. Frewart, Co. C, died
at Duval's Bluff, December 19, 1864; T. S. Felton, Co. K, died at Freeport,
March 17, 1862; J. D. Fogle, Co. D; Charles H. Gramp, Co. C, died - ;
Hiram C. Galpin, Co. A, died July 8, 1862; William A. George, Co. B, died at
New Orleans, September 10, 1864; H. Giboni, Co. C, killed at Shiloh, April 6,
1862; Gotlieb Greetzley, Co. C, died of wounds at Louisville, April 26, 1862;
Samuel H. Groken, Co. G, died about April 6, 1862; E. H. Gardener, Co. K,
died at Corinth, June 18, 1862; John Hoot, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April 6,
1862 ; H. W. Hollenbeck, Co. A, died of wounds, May 3, 1862 ; W. H. Holsinger,
Co. A, died at Pittsburg Landing, April i, 1862; Sergeant Major J. E. Hershey,
died ; Langford Hill, Co. B, died ; Lieu-
tenant H. Harbert, Co. C, died ; Andrew Hess, Co. B, died
of wounds at New Orleans, April 24, 1865 ; F. Hasselman, Co. C, killed
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; F. Heine, Co. C, killed near Jackson, July 8, 1864;
O. Husinga, Co. C, died at Pittsburg Landing, May 5, 1862; H. H. Hay-
den, Co. D, died at Memphis, January 6, 1865 ; Henry H. Hulet, Co. G, died at
Hamburg, May 30, 1862; William Helm,- Co. G, died at Vicksburg, June 26,
1863; William Haines, Co. G, died in Stephenson County, February 16, 1863;
Barney Hand, Co. K, died at Camp Butler, December 26, 1861 ; Lieutenant
Thomas M. Hood, Co. G, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Samuel E. Hershey,
Co. B, died -; O. Kittleson, Co. K; W. T. Johnson and J. Y.
Haughney, Co. B; Eugene V. Kellogg, Co. B, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862;
Albert Kocher, Co. C, died at Louisville, May 15, 1862; C. Kahn, Co. C, died
at St. Louis, May 15, 1862; Jacob Kramer, Co. C, died at St. Louis, July 19,
1862; H. Klock, Co. C, died in Kentucky, July 4, 1862; F. Kraemer, Co. C, died
at Corinth, May 26, 1862; A. Knock, Co. C, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862;
John Katlerer, Co. C, died at New Orleans, September 18, 1864; Carl Krueger,
Co. C, died at Duval's Bluff, November 29, 1864; Hiram R. Knight, Co. D,
died at Vicksburg, June 3, 1864; George Kettner, Co. G, died of wounds,
April 12, 1862; F. J. LeFevre, Co. C, died of wounds, April 9, 1862; Daniel
Lobdell, Co. B, died at Cairo, October 3, 1864; Aaron Lapp, Co. C, died at
Fort Henry, May 4, 1862; John Larve, Co. G, died at Vicksburg, June 27, 1863;
Peter LaBell, Co. G, died at Louisville, June 2, 1862; James LaHay, Co. K, died
at New Orleans, February 19, 1865; Captain John Musser, Co. A, died of
wounds, April 24, 1862; Charles F. More, Co. A, died of wounds at Memphis,
April 2, 1863 ; J. C. McCarthy, Co. A, died at Freeport, March 9, 1865 ; D. J.
Mingle, Co. B, died - - ; J. H. Mingle, Co. B, died - - ;
Willard F. May, Co. A, died at Vicksburg, May 18, 1864; Harry A. Mack, Co.
B, died at Winslow, June 15, 1862; John W. Mallory, Co. B, died in Corinth,
May 17, 1862; Joseph McGinnis, Co. B, died at Camp Butler, October 9, 1861 ;
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 329
Leons Marbeth, Co. C, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; J. F. Marks, Co. C,
killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; C. Meise, Co. C; J. W. Maxwell, Co. D, died at
Morganzia, August 23, 1864; G. W. Mudy, Co. D, died at Mound City, Septem-
ber 9, 1864; James C. Mallory, Co. F, died at St. Louis, August 10, 1862; John
F. Moothart, Co. G, died in Stephenson County, February 9, 1864; Thomas
Myron, Co. K, died at Corinth, June 12, 1862; Aaron Miller, Co. K, died at Cor-
inth, June 12, 1862; E. Mueller, Co. C; Peter O'Konas, Co. C, died at Shreve-
port, June 12, 1865 ; Q. E. Pollock, Co. A, died January 6, 1862; Theodore Peck,
Co. A, died at Camp Butler, January 8, 1862; John Patten, Co. A, killed at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Levi Penticoff, Co. B, died at Evansville, October 19,
1862 ; Julius Potter, Co. B, died at Camp Butler, February 6, 1861 ; W. Pen-
ning, Co. C, died at Camp Butler, December 31, 1861 ; George Preising, Co. G,
killed near Jackson, July 7, 1864; W. Quinn, Co. K; W. H. Rodimer, Co. A,
killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862 ; E. W. Rollins, Co. A, died at Corinth, June 29,
1862; James Riem, Co. A, died at home, March 22, 1864; D. E. Rogers, Co. A,
died at Baileyville, December 12, 1864; H. G. Rogers, Co. A, killed at Shiloh,
April 6, 1862; Charles W. Rockwell, Co. B, died at Quincy, May 14, 1862;
Henry Roush, Co. B, died at Freeport, May 10, 1864; J. Rebel, Co. C, killed
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; C. Reismayer, Co. C, died of wounds at Savannah,
January i, 1862; Jacob Rudel, Co. D, died ; H. Reismayer, Co.
G, died of wounds, July 10, 1864; Jacob Reagel, Co. K, died at Bolivar, October
22, 1862 ; R. P. Ritzman, Co. A ; Nelson A. Scoville, Co. A, died at Savannah,
April 18, 1862; J. M. Stephens, Co. A, died at Corinth, May 9, 1862; Charles
H. Seidle, Co. A, died at Mound City, November 20, 1864; A. J. Steele, Co. A,
died at St. Louis, July 24, 1863 ; Jacob Stottler, Co. B, died at St. Louis, May
— — •, 1862; Charles N. Shane, Co. B, died at St. Louis, July 26, 1863; Edwin
L. Stone, Co. B, died at New Madrid, November 27, 1864; H. Schmeitzhaf,
Co. C, died of wounds at St. Louis, April 24, 1862; M. Steinhofer, Co. C, died
at Corinth, January 25, 1862; Peter Steinmetz, Co. C, died at White River,
October 15, 1864; Jacob Spies, Co. C, killed near Hatchie, October 5, 1862;
H. Schlieker, Co. C, drowned in Mississippi, August 26, 1864; A. R. Simcox,
Co. D, died at Salubriety Springs, August 6, 1865 ; Joseph Stamp, Co. G, died
in Stephenson County, June 15, 1862; John Shiveley, Co. G, died of wounds,
April 23, 1863; Jacob Sheffer, Co. G, died at Jacksonville, July 7, 1862; Martin
Smith, Co. G, died at Vicksburg, March 21, 1864; John T. Shinkle, Co. G, died
at Morganzia, August 28, 1864; William G. Stamm, Co. G, died at Vicksburg,
September 24, 1864; Joseph Shippy, Co. G, died in Stephenson County, Novem-
ber 28, 1864; John Shearer, Co. G, died in Chicago, September 26, 1864; T.
Shaub, Co. G; J. M. Thompson, Co. A, died at Pittsburg Landing, April i, 1862;
George W. Trotter, Co: A, died October , 1865 ; Friederich Trei, Co. C,
died at Monterey, May 9, 1862; Lieutenant M. R. Thompson, Co. G, killed at
Hatchie, October 10, 1862; Neil Thompson, Co. K, died May 13, 1862; John
Vinson, Co. B, died at Morganzia, August 12, 1864; N. H. Van Jurken, Co.
C, died at Pittsburg Landing, April 25, 1862 ; Philip Van Copp, Co. C, died at
Camp Hebron, May 21, 1864; B. F. Wilson, Co. A, died at Camp Butler, De-
cember 30, 1861; J. Weiland, Co. A; S. Ward, Co. - -; W. Weaver, Co. G;
John B. Wishler, Co. A, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; George Wilson, Co.
330 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
B, died at Pittsburg Landing, April 30, 1862; Martin Wales, Co. D, killed at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862; Peter Williams, Co. G, died at Dauphin Island, March
5, 1865; William Williams, Co. G, died at Duval's Bluff, December 14, 1864;
A. Wolfanger, Co. G, died at Shreveport, July 19, 1865; Thomas Walbridge,
Co. K, drowned November 28, 1864; William Withneck, Co. K, died at St.
Louis, May 17, 1862; Abram E. Winnie, Co. K, died at Shreveport, June 13,
1865.
Fifty-first Regiment I. V. I. — Dennis Cook, Co. K, died at .
Fifty-third Regiment I. V. I. — W. H. Shean, Co. E, died at Chicago, March
31, 1862.
Fifty-fifth Regiment I. V. I. — George W. Crocker, Co. I, died of wounds at
Marietta, September 20, 1864.
Fifty-seventh Regiment I. V. I. — Thomas Millerky, Co. E, died at Freeport,
March 13, 1864.
Fifty-eighth Regiment I. V. I. — Peter Bauer, Co. D, died of wounds at
Shiloh, — — ; P. Janus.
Sixty-fourth Regiment I. V. I. — Josiah Capps, Co. C, died at Chatta-
nooga, May 10, 1864.
Seventy-first Regiment I. V. I. — E. Sherbondy, Co. D; J, Snyder, Co. D.
Seventy-fourth Regiment I. V. I. — F. Ashenfelter, Co. I; William Bellman,
Co. I, died at Bowling Green, December 4, 1864; Joseph Biehner, Co. I, died at
Annapolis, Marcrh n, 1865; T. T. Borden, Co. I; Robert Bingham, Co. I, died
of wounds, May 16, 1864; Orla Clark, Co. I, died ; Sidney Cole, Co. I,
died at Bowling Green, November 5, 1862; John Ferico, Co. I, died at Mur-
freesboro, March 24, 1863 ; Amos Haskins, Co. A, died at Huntsville, March 27,
1865; John Henze, Co. I, died of wounds, June 16, 1864; Frederick Henze, Co.
I, killed at Kenesaw, June 27, 1864; Austin Innman, Co. I, killed at Kenesaw,
June 27, 1864; Thos. Jennewine, Co. I, died of wounds, January 2, 1863; Wm.
H. Keagle, Co. I, died at Nashville, December 13, 1862; Ells Knudson, Co. I,
died at Nashville, November 26, 1862 ; Samuel Lapp, Co. I, died at Nashville,
January 5, 1863; John A. Mullarkey, Co. I, died of wounds, June 28, 1864;
Fred Masmin, Co. I, killed at Lost Mountain, June 18, 1864; M. G. McCue,
Co. I, killed at Kenesaw, June 27, 1864; Capt. F. W. Stegner, Co. I, killed in
battle at Kenesaw, June. 27, 1864; L. H. Van Valkenburg, Co. I, killed in bat-
tle at Kenesaw, June 27, 1864.
Eightieth Regiment I. V. I.- — J. Frantz, Co. F.
Eighty-ninth Regiment I. V. I — W. Koym and W. W. Snyder, both of Co. L
Ninetieth Regiment I. V. I. — D. A. Broderick, Co. A, killed at Jackson, July
20, 1863; Wm. Caston, Co. A, killed at Chattanooga, November 25, 1863; Pat-
rick Cranney, Co. A, died at Lafayette, Tennessee, March 28, 1863 ; John Craw-
ley, Co. A, died at Lafayette, Tennessee, May 18, 1863 ; John Crawford, Co. I,
died at Nashville, June 18, 1864; John Doogan, Co. I, died of wounds at At-
lanta, September 23, 1864; B. Donahue, Co. A; James Laughran, Co. I, died at
Marietta, August 23, 1864 ; Dennis McCarty, Co. G, killed November 25, 1863 ;
Neil O'Garry, Co. I, died at La Grange, January 21, 1863; Charles O'Connor,
Co. I, died at Camp Sherman, September 16, 1863 ; John Powers, Co. I, died of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 331
wounds, February — , 1862; G. Van Valkenburg, Co. I; Michael Whalen, Co.
I, died of wounds at Camp Sherman, August 21, 1864.
Ninety-second Regiment I. V. I. — H. S. Armagost, Co. A, died at Mount
Sterling, November 20, 1862; Thomas J. Aurand, Co. F, killed at Powder
Springs, October 6, 1864; Benjamin F. Adams, Co. F, died at New Albany,
August 25, 1863; Robert Best, Co. E, died at Danville, June 24, 1863; Gaston
C. Best, Co. E, died at Florence, S. C., February 14, 1865; George Byrum, Co.
F, died at Nashville, April 21, 1863; William Back, Co. G, killed February n,
1865; Jacob Bits, Co. G, killed at Kingston, June 22, 1864; W. Boeke, Co. G;
A. Baysinger, Co. G; Adam Countryman, Co. F, killed at Steelsboro, October 26,
1864; John Cornforth, Co. G, died of wounds, May 18, 1865; Nathan Corning,
Co. G, killed at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863 ; J. Crouch, Co. G, died of
wounds at Davis Mills, S. C., February 13, 1865; John Denious, Co. A, died of
wounds at Atlanta, September 23, 1864; William Dickhorner, Co. G, died at
Danville, Kentucky, January 30, 1863 ; William Erb, Co. A, killed at Waynes-
boro, Georgia, December 4, 1864; William* Wmpneld, Co. G, died at Danville,
March 14, 1863 ; William M. Flack, Co. A, died at Lexington, Kentucky, No-
vember 22, 1862; John Friery, Co. F, died at Danville, Kentucky, December
29, 1862 ; Amos Fisk, Co. G, died at Nashville, June 30, 1863 ; Lyman A. Ford,
Co. G, died at Danville, January 2, 1863 ; Warren C. Goddard, Co. A, died at
Lexington, November 7, 1862; Charles H. Giles, Co. E, killed at Catlett's Gap,
Georgia, September 17, 1863; W. R. Giddings, Co. G, died at Sand Lowe, Au-
gust 30, 1864; C. S. Graves, Co. G; W. A. Hatch, Co. A, died at Nicholasville,
December 23, 1862; Valentine Haum, Co. A, died at Danville, January 10,
1863; G. Hicks, Co. A; W. H. Haggart, Co. G; George Johnson, Co. A, died at
Nashville, February 22, 1863 ; Charles M. Knapp, Co. F, died at Baileyville,
January 31, 1864; Asa Kaster, Co. F, died at Nashville, February 25, 1863; G
N. Keiser, Co. G, died at Louisville, Oct. 14, 1863; Ephraim Lambert, Co. F,
died at Nashville, November 13, 1863 ; Benjamin F. Long, Co. F, died at Dan-
ville, January 30, 1863; Orin J. Mitchell, Co. F, died at Nashville, February 17,
1863; George Metcall, Co. A, died at Danville, May 3, 1863; George C. Mack,
Co. A, killed at Aiken, S. C., February n, 1865; M. Miller, Co. A, died at An-
dersonville, September 26, 1864; Emmet A, Merrill, Co. A, killed at Waynes-
boro, Georgia, December 4, 1864; Henry Miller, Co. F, died at Andersonville,
July 10, 1864; Charles H. Purinton, Co. F, died at Danville, February n, 1863;
J. A. Reber, Co. F ; E. R. Rogers, Co. F ; L. W. Rogers, Co. F ; Henry Rudy,
Co. A, died at Murfreesboro, July 21, 1863 ; John W. Rea, Co. G, died of wounds,
April 13, 1865; W. W. Smith, Co. A, died at Nashville, February 17, 1863; Ed-
ward Shearer, Co. G, died at Danville, January 23, 1863; George Thompson,
Co. F, died at Danville, October n, 1863; J. R. Thompson, Co. A; Daniel R,
Vought, Co. F, died at Danville, February 6, 1863 ; Albert R. Williams, Co. A,
died at Nashville, March 13, 1863; Coates L. Wilson, Co. E, died at Chatta-
nooga, October 19, 1863 ; Thomas F. Whiteside, Co. F, died at Danville, Feb-
ruary 20, 1863; William Wright, Co. F, died at Danville, February 21, 1863;
Oscar D. Wilcoxon, Co. F, died at Concord, N. C., June 5, 1865 ; William
Werkheiser, Co. G, died of wounds, October 6, 1864; Ephraim Wykoff, Co. G,
332 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
died at Nashville, April 14, 1863 ; David C. Wingart, Co. K, died at Nashville,
October 9, 1864; E. Werkheiser, Co. G.
Ninety-third Regiment I. V. I — Alvin Addams, Co. G, died of wounds at
Vicksburg, May 24, 1863; James Blue, Co. D, died at Ridgeway, January 17,
1863; Isaac Brandt, Co. D, killed at Altoona, October 5, 1864; Charles Bender,
Co. D, died at Memphis, February 27, 1863; E. B. Brewer, Co. D, died at Mem-
phis, April 17, 1863; J. B. Bollman, Co. G, killed at Champion Hills, May 16,
1863; A. M. Broughler, Co. G, killed at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Henry
C. Carl, Co. G, died of wounds, October 22, 1864; William H. Collier, Co. G, died
at Andersonville, March 30, 1864; D. S. Coble, Co. G; Samuel F. Devore, Co.
D, died at Nashville, July 27, 1863 ; E. W. Derrick, Co. D ; Rudy Erwin, Co. D,
killed at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Isaac Erb, Co. G, killed at Champion
Hills, May 16, 1863; H. Erb, Co. G; W. H. Eisenhour, Co. G, died of wounds,
May 19, 1863; David Forney, Co. G, died at Andersonville, January 27, 1864;
W. Frank, Co. G; Robert Fogle, Co. G, died at Memphis, December 26, 1862;
James Hickey, Co. D, killed at Champion Hills, May 13, 1863; Lyman Hulbert,
Co. G, killed at Altoona, October 5, 1864; Tobias Helm, Co. G, died at Milli-
ken's Bend, May 16, 1863; Willis G, Haas, Co. G, killed at Vicksburg, May 2,
1863; S. R. Hutchinson, Co. G; W. Irvin, Co. D; John J. Jewell, Co. D, died at
Memphis, July 12, 1863; Daniel W. Jones, Co. G, died at Cairo, September 7,
1863; Samuel Knodle, Co. D, died at Vicksburg, September i, 1863; G. W.
Kleckner, Co. D, died of wounds at Rome, Georgia, October 3, 1864; William
Krise, Co. G, died at St. Louis, September 7, 1863; J. Leonard, Co. D, died of
wounds at Vicksburg, May 23, 1863; Nathan Liscom, Co. D, died at Vicksburg,
August 3, 1863; S. W. Logan, Co. G, killed at Mission Ridge, November 25,
1863; Henry Law, Co. G, died May 29, 1863; D. Leible, Co. G, died at Mem-
phis, February 22, 1863 ; Oliver McHoes, Co. G, died at St. Louis, November
30, 1863; J. P. McConnell, Co. G, died at Chicago, October 9, 1864; J. B. New-
comer, Co. D, died of wounds, June 21, 1862; Thomas Phillips, Co. D, killed
at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863; Holden Putnam (Colonel), killed at Mission
Ridge, November 25, 1863; T. Plush, Co. D; P. E. Reynolds, Co. D, died at
Memphis, March 12, 1863 ; John Rima, Co. D, killed at Mission Ridge, Novem-
ber 25, 1863 ; C. Reiser, Co. G, died at Jacksonville, March 28, 1863 ; H. Ross-
weller, Co. G, killed at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863 ; George Sills, Co. D, died
of wounds at Champion Hills, May 22, 1863; J. W. Sidlinger, Co. G; David
Shearer, Co. D, died at New York Harbor, April 18, 1865 ; Benjamin F. Shock-
ley, Co. G, died of wounds, May 19, 1863; G. Sprague, Co. D; Thomas R. St.
John, Co. G, died at Camp Douglas, October 22, 1862 ; D. H. Templeton, Co. D,
died at home, October 3, 1862; George Thomas, Co. D, killed at Champion
Hills, May 16, 1863 ; John Templeton, Co. G, died of wounds at South Caro-
lina, February 25, 1865 ; T. K. Vantilburg, Co. G, died at St. Louis, August 4,
1863 ; William B. Ward, Co. D, died at Vicksburg, June 29, 1863 ; Daniel Wolf,
Co. G, killed at Champion Hills, May 19, 1863 ; William J. Wilson, Co. G, died of
wounds, May 25, 1863; F. M. Wickwire, Co. G, died at Vicksburg, August 17,
1863 ; Joel Wagner, Co. G, died of wounds at Chattanooga, November 29, 1863 ;
G. Zerbe, Co. G.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 333
One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment I. V. I. — William H. Wallace, Co.
C, died at New Orleans, December 6, 1863.
One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment I. V. I. — George Adair, Co. F,
died at White Station, September i, 1864; Frank Biehl, Co. A, died at M,em-
phis, September n, 1864; John Buisman, Co. G, died at White Station, Septem-
ber 9, 1864; Israel Dean, Co. G, died at Memphis, September 12, 1864; C. H.
French, Co. F; F. Haeuss, Co. F, died at White Station, August 26, 1864;
Charles Ludeke, Co. A, died September 26, 1864; T. Murdaugh, Co. F, died at
Chicago, October 9, 1864; D. B. Seibels, Co. E, died at Memphis, August 12,
1864.
One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment I. V. I. — John Bortsfield, Co. E,
died at Camp Butler, December 13, 1864; M. L. Cornville, Co. E, died at Chi-
cago, October 7, 1864; S. Haggart, Co. E; J. S. Murray, Co. E, died at Camp
Butler, February i, 1865; Nathan Springer, Co. E, died at Chicago, October
9, 1864.
One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment I. V. I. — John Kelly, Co. E,
died at Dalton, Georgia, May 7, 1865 ; W. N. Harwood, Co. E ; W. L. Seyler,
Co. E.
One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment I. V. L— A. Shaffer, Co. D.
Fourth Regiment, I. V. C.— W. Hurlburt, Co. .
First Regiment Colored Cavalry — Capt. J. R. Shaffer, Co. A.
Twelfth Iowa V. I.— D. D. Warner, Co. G.
Third Missouri Cavalry— J. W. Shively, Co. G; M. Shotts, Co. G; W. D.
Thompson, Co. I.
Seventh Iowa Cavalry — J. Barron, J. Antes, A. W. Lucas, N. Kohl, D. M.
Mage.
Fifth United States Cavalry — Lieutenant J. J. Sweet, Co. E.
Seventh Regiment, I. V. C. — George H. Barnes, Co. B, died at Savannah,
Tennessee, June 6, 1862; Thomas Hill, Co. B, died at Memphis, November 15,
1863 ; J. T. Noyes, Co. B ; Capt. W. McCausland, Co. B ; D. C. Stone, Co. G,
died at luka, July 20, 1865.
Eighth Regiment I. V. C. — Anthony Coppersmith, Co. G, killed September
12, 1863; Samuel Crane, Co. I, prisoner of war, dead; D. Dieffenbaugh, Co. G,
killed at Gettysburg, July i, 1863; Charles Mularkey, Co. M, killed at Manassas,
November 11, 1864.
Thirteenth Regiment, I. V. C. — Samuel B. Deitzler, Co. I, died March 29,
1864; Henry A. High, Co. I, died at Memphis, Tennessee, ; Henry
Studebaker, Co. I, died at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, October 23, 1864; William
Strange, Co. I, died at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, September 3, 1864; John Send-
linger, Co. I, died at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, July 8, 1864.
Fourteenth Regiment I. V. C. — B. Breninger, Co. I, missing in action, July
13, 1864; K. W. Chapin, Co. I, missing in action, August 3, 1864; D. M. Elliott,
Co. I, died at Gallipolis, December 8, 1863; John Gogan, Co. I, missing in ac-
tion, July 31, 1864; A. M. Gandy, Co. I, died at Bowling Green, Kentucky,
October 9, 1864; Michael Lenan, Co. I, died at Peoria, January 12, 1863; J.
McNichols, Co. I, missing in action, July 31, 1864; John S. Pickard, Co. I, died
at Peoria, March 29, 1863; M. D. Rollison, Co. I, missing in action, July 31,
334 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
1864; William H. Stewart,. Co. I, died at Louisville, August 10, 1863; H. Van-
deburg, Co. I, missing in action, July 31, 1864.
Seventeenth Regiment I. V. C. — H. Bowden, Co. F, drowned at Alton,
July 3, 1864; George R. Comstock, Co. M, died at Lena, July 19, 1864; J.
Peterson, Co. I, accidentally killed, December 12, 1864.
Second Regiment I. V. A. — F. Shilling, Co. E, died at Memphis, March 20,
1863; Henry Williams, Co. K, died at Memphis, April 26, 1865.
Company and Regiment Unknown — Jasper Clingman, died — ;
Captain James R. Shaffer, died at Freeport, — .
The second, or upper base, is 9 x 9 feet and nine feet high, and on each side.
is a niche in which is inserted a massive slab of white marble. On the south
side, facing Stephenson street, is engraved the following, in large raised letters:
To The
HEROIC DEAD
of
STEPHENSON COUNTY.
1861-1865.
On each of the three remaining slabs in the upper base are engraved in
raised letters some of the battles in which it is known that some of the soldiers
of Stephenson County laid down their lives, as follows: Fort Donelson, Pitts-
burg Landing, Siege of Corinth, Jackson, Siege of Vicksburg, Chickamauga,
Missionary Ridge, Altoona Pass, Resaca, Pea Ridge, Nashville, Kenesaw
Mountain, Stone River, Waynesboro, Cattlet's Gap, luka, Aiken, Franklin,
Nickajack Gap, Siege of Knoxville, Champion Hills, Farmington, Bentonville,
Hatchie, Mobile.
The shaft, 7x7 feet at base, rises sixty-two feet gracefully from the second
base, tapering to three feet at the top, surmounted by a molded cap-stone, four
feet six inches by four feet six inches, on which is poised the statue of "Victory"
above described, thirteen feet high, making the top of the statue ninety-six feet
from the ground.
Early in June, 1871, the last finishing touches were given, and the Stephen-
son County Soldiers' Monument, beautiful in its proportions, and as enduring
as the solid marble of which it is constructed, stood forth completed, an endur-
ing evidence of the patriotism of the entire population of Stephenson County,
by whom it was erected. It was resolved to dedicate the monument on July
4, 1871, and great preparations were made for the event. General. John M.
Palmer Governor of Illinois, agreed to deliver the dedicatory address, but at the
last hour, he sent a telegram that he could not come, and General Smith D.
Atkins, of Freeport, reluctantly consented to supply his place. General Atkins
spoke as follows :
Fellow-citizens : I have been admonished by friends, and the conflicting
-emotions of my heart, to which I cannot give utterance, admonish me now,
that it is no easy task, under the peculiar circumstances which have induced me
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 335
to appear before you, to address such an assemblage on such an occasion. But
I have come, not because I had any hope of doing justice to my subject, but
because I know that you will do more than justice to me — you will be generous.
Kneeling this day around the altar of American liberty, your hearts will throb
responsive to the lightest touch.
We do well to come here today on this anniversary of our national inde-
pendence, remembering the fathers who have "gone before." We are indebted
for all the liberties that we enjoy to those who have long since entered the "dark
valley and shadow of death ;" those who shall come after us, in the sure flight of
years, will be indebted to us for the civil and religious liberties which they will
enjoy.
If we were to seek the fountain whence our liberties flow, we should be com-
pelled to go far back to 1776; the Declaration of American Independence was
the result of a prior moving cause ; on the Mayflower came the germ of liberty ;
not alone to the Continental Congress, but to the Pilgrim Fathers are we in-
debted for the glories of the day we celebrate. Ideas are the moving causes of
revolutions; the clash of arms, the sullen roar of artillery, are but the means
employed to an end; deeper than that, below all that, like disembodied spirits,
He the ideas for which revolutions are fought. The idea, the great underlying
thought upon which the American Revolutionary War was fought, was em-
bodied in the Declaration of American Independence in these words : "We hold
these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights ; that among these are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights govern-
ments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent
of the governed."
No grander enunciation of the rights of man had ever been put forth by
any people, and around it crystallized the hopes of the three millions and a half
of people composing the thirteen American Colonies. I wish it were in my power
to draw a picture of the American Continental Congress, convened in the plain
little red-brick building in Philadelphia, called at that time the State House,
on the morning of July 4, 1776, when Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benja-
min Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston, the Committee on the
Declaration of Independence, brought in their report. With what breathless
attention did the members of the Continental Congress listen to the reading of
it. With what emotion must that Congress have swayed, every one of them
knowing that if they failed in their unequal struggle with England, the most
powerful nation on the globe, the declaration would prove the death-warrant
of every one of them upon the scaffold. But they faltered not, John Hancock
wrote his name
"Dashing and bold, as if the writer meant
A double daring in his mind's intent."
Stephen Hopkins, with a palsied hand, but with a fearless and patriotic
heart, wrote his name plain enough for the minions of King George to read it;
and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Franklin and Adams, and Gerry, and
Rutledge, and Jefferson, and Sherman, and Morris, and Witherspoon — "there
were giants in those days" — and relying upon the intrinsic justice of their cause,
336 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
and the self-evident truths of the rights of human nature that they were de-
claring, to their maintenance they mutually pledged "their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor." Well might the old bellman, who sat anxiously in the
steeple of the old State House, waiting for the word, joyfully ring out the glad
tidings, when the Declaration of Independence passed, on the old bell cast many
years before in England, and bearing, as if by inspiration, this inscription, in
solid metal letters: PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO ALL THE LAND, AND TO
ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF. Aye, Liberty! That old bell is ring-
ing yet, and millions hear it. The last of all those who were there have long
since been "gathered to their fathers," but their work lives after them and yet
shall live. Time shall not dim it. The glories of the Cross of Cavalry shall pale
away and fade from the remembrance of men as soon as the mortal grandeur
and sublimity of that declaration shall be dimmed. While the memories of Wash-
ington and Warren survive, while there is one man to honor the memories of
John Hampden and Algernon Sydney, while there is one human heart groaning
beneath oppression and throbbing with the love of freedom, the Declaration of
American Independence will stand a beacon light to beckon on to liberty.
In February, 1861, Abraham Lincoln, after his election by the people as
President of the Republic, stood upon the steps of the old State House in Phil-
adelphia, on the very spot where liberty was proclaimed by our Revolutionary
Fathers in 1776, and uttered these memorable words:
"I have often inquired of myself what idea or principle it was that kept the
Confederacy so long together. It was something in the Declaration of Inde-
pendence giving liberty, not only to the people of this country, but hope to the
world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that, in due time,
the weight should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should
have an equal chance. Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon this
basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world
if I can help to save it. But if this country cannot be saved without giving up
that principle, I was about to say, I would rather be assassinated upon the
spot than to surrender it."
They are memorable words. Great, noble Lincoln, how tenaciously Tie clung
to the idea of liberty — which inspired the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower;
to which our fathers clung throughout all their colonial history ; the one idea
and single thought of the Continental Congress of 1776; the heart, the soul,
the life, of the Declaration of American Independence, looking forward to the
future, the clouds of civil war gathering in the South, as if inspired with a
foresight to see the bloody ending of his self-sacrificing devotion to the cause
of liberty, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed himself the willing sacrifice! But
could the nation have seen the bitter dregs of the cup that he was destined to
quaff, with what agony would every face have been turned heavenward, and mil-
lions of supplications gone to the great throne on high : "Father, if it be pos-
sible, let this cup pass." But — thank God — before the idol of the nation was
called upon to drink that bitter cup, before the foreshadowed prophesy was
fulfilled, the idea of liberty had triumphed • over slavery, and the blood of the
martyred Lincoln sealed the deed of freedom forever. Toll, solemn bells;
weep, ye worshipers around Liberty's Altar; the disciple, the prophet, Abraham
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 337
Lincoln, of the people and by the people best beloved, amid the nation's tears,
even on the top wave of the nation's victory, has gone from earth, called by the
Great Jehovah to "come up higher."
In that terrible struggle, foreshadowed by Abraham Lincoln as he stood
upon the steps of the old State House in Philadelphia, have gone down into the
"dark valley and shadow of death" the immortal heroes in whose honor the
patriotism of the people of Stephenson County has erected that marble col-
umn. Honoring, as we ought and do, the Revolutionary heroes, never can we
forget those brave men who, in the late war, have died that their country might
live. At the story of their heroism our hearts swell with pride, and at the
story of their sufferings our hearts melt into tears. Sometimes I wonder if
the American people will ever forget what they felt when the news was flashed
over the wires that the South Carolinas had fired upon Fort Sumter. I won-
der if all the people of the good old Northland will forget that great up-
rising, party ties broken, party sunk in patriotism, when President Lincoln called
for troops, and the voice of the mighty Douglas rang through the land, declar-
ing that he who was not for his country in such an hour was against his coun-
try, and all the people resolved that the stars and stripes should again float
over Sumter — aye, should "greet the morning sunlight and kiss the last rays
of the setting sun," not alone above the brick and mortar of that old fort, but
everywhere throughout all this broad land, should unfold its bright stripes and
gleaming stars — the symbol of liberty, and the shield and protection of Ameri-
can citizenship. Have the citizens of Freeport forgotten the Sabbath-day meet-
ing for enlisting soldiers, held here on our public square? Have you for-
gotten the meetings held in all your schoolhouses, when the prairies were all
alive with patriotic ardor, and the fife and drum were beating up recruits?
Have you forgotten how a free people, living in a government "of the people, and
by the people, and for the people," with a common impulse, rallied to the de-
fense of their imperiled country? How grand it was — something to be remem-
bered always, and to be proud of always. How like a mighty dream it all ap-
pears to us now, as we look back upon the past. And afterwards, when the
three-year troops were called for, how the heroes of the Republic came pouring
into the camps — the farmer from his plow, the mechanic from his shop, the
merchant from his store, the lawyer from his office — by ones, by dozens, by fif-
ties and by hundred, until companies, and regiments, and brigades, and divi-
sions, and corps, with banners flying, and bugles blaring, and drums beating,
were marching to the front, singing as they went,
"We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before,
Shouting the battle-cry of Freedom;
And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more,
Shouting the battle-cry of Freedom;
Grand and glorious as was the great uprising of the north in the early
summer of 1861, grander still was the swelling and growing volume of the
nation's patriotism, as it swelled and rose higher with the nation's need.
Our good president called for three hundred thousand more, and the patriotic
people answered back to the president,
338 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
"We are coming, Father Abraham,
Six hundred thousand strong."
It is an accepted doctrine of the Christian church that "God gives strength ac-
cording to its need," and in His wise providence battalion after battalion
poured into the camps, until the maxim of Napoleon, "God is on the side of
the heaviest battalions, "did not seem so irreverent as it is usually regarded ;
and the apothegm of the ancients, "Whom God would destroy he first makes
mad," appeared to be exemplified in the mad-cap South. I believe that it is
ever true that "God is on the side of the right," and while we give those sol-
diers who have died for their country more praise than tongue of mine can
tell, we ought still to raise our hearts in thankfulness and praise to the "God
of battles," without whose blessing no cause can long prosper, and who can
hold an army with the hollow of His hand.
I cannot dwell upon the history of the late war; time will not permit me
to pronounce the fitting words of praise due our dead heroes for their heroic
deeds upon all the battlefields for the Union; the people of Stephenson County
and the northwest need not be told of them — they know of them already, and
they cherish the memories of them in their hearts.
When will the American people forget Washington and the Revolutionary
heroes, who upheld the starry banner of the Republic that was born in revo-
lution and baptized in blood? When will we forget those whose names are
graven on yonder tablets, the "boys in blue;" who, in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864
and 1865, enlisted in our army to bear that standard sheet on high? Side by
side with the heroes of the Revolution will their names go down in history,
never more to be forgotten.
To whom do we owe it that we have a country today? To whom but those
who, with heart and brain and stalwart arm, upheld the flag? To the loyal
men and women of America, to those who went to the front and to those who
remained at home, are we this day indebted for the security and peacefulness.
of our firesides and for the liberty we enjoy; but most of all to those gallant
heroes, in memory of whom that marble monument has been erected ; who,
standing "between their loved homes and war's desolations," have died for
their country. Do air that we may or can, we never shall be able to repay more
than a trifling moiety of the great debt of gratitude and love we owe to those
heroes who have gone to that
"Undiscovered country
From whose bourne no traveler returns."
Build them monuments of marble, surmounted with statues of "Victory ;"
cut their names in enduring tablets of stone ; tell of their heroic deeds in story,
and sing of them in song; keep their memories green in our hearts forever-
more, and yet we will not pay one-half of the great debt of gratitude and love
we owe. The liberties secured to their country by the sacrifice of their lives,
they themselves cannot enjoy ; for you and for me, and for those who will come
after us, they have died. Long after that massive marble monument has mold-
ered into dust, their memories will live ; the generations to follow us will honor
them even more than we honor them now. Think you that while there remains
one human heart that loves liberty their memories will perish? No. Hun-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 339
dreds of years ago, Leonidas and his band of Spartan soldiers went down in
the defense of the Pass of Thermopylae, but, forevermore, among every people
in whose language there can be found a word to express liberty, those dead
heroes will be remembered. Those whose memories we seek to perpetuate by
that marble pile were the defenders of our Thermopylae, not like Leonidas
and his Spartan soldiers, doomed to defeat in honorable death, but victory,
overwhelming and complete, has crowned their heroism. Fitly do we place
the statue of "Victory" on the monument the grateful patriotism of all the
people of Stephenson County has erected to their memory. Never on earth
can they answer roll call again.
"On Fame's eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards with solemn round,
The bivouac of the dead."
Engraven deeply on those marble tablets are the names of nearly seven
hundred of the gallant heroes of Stephenson County, who went out to the de-
fense of their country, and came not back again. And yet they were but a
handful in the great sacrificial offering that liberty demanded and received.
"Four hundred thousand men,
The brave, the good, the true,
On battle plain, in prison pen,
Have died for me and you.
Four hundred thousand of the brave,
Have made our loyal soil their grave,
For me and you ;
Kind friend for me and you."
Dedicating this day that colossal marble monument to the memories of the
gallant dead of Stephenson County, let us thank God for the glowing patriotism
that gave to the nation its heroic defenders, and reverently ask His blessing
upon the work which they have accomplished.
The following are buried in the cemeteries about Freeport: General J. W.
Shaffer; Colonels H. Putnam, T. J. Turner, C. T. Dunham, and John A. Davis;
Captains S. W. Field, James R. Shaffer and James W. Crane; Majors Wil-
liam McKim and Elisha Schofield; Lieutenants M. R. Thompson, H. A.
Sheets, T. M. Hood and Emil Neese, Elias Diffenbaugh, Joseph Degon, Sam-
uel Ailey, R. C. Swain, M. D., H. Broadie, Mortimer Snow, Joseph Cavanagh,
Eli M. Ketchum, James Daniels, Max Lambrecht, Lawrence Fisher, Anton
Bauer, James Jordan, L. Bently, J. W. Sinlinger, David McCormick, James C.
McCarthy, William Haggart, Sidney Haggart, William Eddy, John Bortsfield,
Charles Gramp, Joseph Maxwell, Jacob Backers, Van Reason, Fred Shilling,
Aaron S. Best, Milton S. Weaver, Thomas Mullarkey, Lary Paten and Andrew
Bartlett.
"Winds of summer, Oh! whisper low,
Over the graves where the daisies grow,
Blossoming flowers and songs of bees,
Sweet ferns tossed in the summer breeze —
Floating shadows and golden lights,
340 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Dewy mornings and radiant nights —
All the bright and beautiful things
That gracious and bountiful summer brings,
Fairest and sweetest that earth can bestow
Brighten the graves where the daisies grow."
BUCKEYE TOWNSHIP.
Buckeye Township is located in the north central part of the county, and is
second to no other township of the county either in fertility of soil or in polit-
ical importance. It is traversed from north to south by Richland Creek, one of
the swiftest streams of the county, and second in size only to the Pecatonica
River. Richland Creek flows through the villages of Buena Vista and Red Oak,
and has in the past afforded excellent water power for turning a number of
mills. Most of the mills are now abandoned, and those which are still operated
in various portions of the county are doing only a meagre business, hardly
sufficient to warrant their continuance. Cedar Creek, which rises in Dakota
Township, pursues an uneven and eccentric course in a general westerly direc-
tion, and joins Richland Creek a short distance south of Red Oak. It is itself
joined by Coon Creek, a very small stream, which rises in the northern part of
Buckeye Township, is joined by a multitude of little brooklets, and flows into
Cedar Creek just east of Cedarville.
As far as can be learned, John Goddard was the first permanent white set-
tler in Buckeye Township. He came to these regions in 1835, and settled in the
southern part of Buckeye Township, near the present site of Cedarville. This
was in the spring of the year. Before fall, David Jones and Levi Lucas came
and settled near him, the former making claim to a large tract of land surround-
ing the present village of Buckeye Center. Here he built a log cabin and began
housekeeping. In time the population was increased by the arrival of George
Trotter, Richard Parriott, and William Hollenback.
In 1835, William Robey had made a claim in Buckeye Township, but did
not come to take possession until the following year. In 1836 there came also
Jehu Pile, Andrew St. John, Ira Holly, Job Holly, Daniel Holly, and a num-
ber of others. Jehu Pile and Richard Parrioft settled near the present town of
Cedarville, while the others for the most part laid their claims in the north-
eastern part of the township.
In 1837, a large number of families came to settle. In that year also, in the
month of May, occurred the first death in the township, that of Richard Par-
riott, Sr. Among the settlers of '37 were Dr. Thomas Van Valzah, who bought
the mill claim of John Goddard and Barton Jones, built what was afterward
known as the Cedar Creek Mills, and afterward put up a log cabin for his fam-
ily. This mill continued in operation, under the management of one John Fisher,
from November, 1837, to January I, 1838. That year Cedar Creek overflowed
its bank and the dam was destroyed. Since that the present dam has been con-
structed. At the time of Dr. Van Valzah's immigration a large company came,
including J. Tharp, G. W. Clingman, Jackson Richart, Lazarus Snyder, Jacob
S. Brown, Joseph Green, arid others.
William II. Wagner
William Wagner
Gen. Smith D. Atkins
Hon. Stephen Rigney
O. B. Bithvell
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OF THE
UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 341
In 1838 occurred the first marriage solemnized in Buckeye Township. Rob-
ert Jones and Mary Harlacher were united by the Rev. Mr. McKean, the first
Methodist preacher of the county, the ceremony being performed all the resi-
dence of Dr. Van Valzah. The bridegroom built a rude log cabin for his new
bride, and thither he escorted her, without the preliminary convention of a bridal
tour. On the 23rd of June following, David Jones was born to the couple, the
first recorded birth of the township. Among the arrivals of the year were Ben-
jamin Bennett, John Murdaugh, Adrian Lucas, and James McGhee.
In 1840 the increase of population still continued, in spite of the fact that
Indian camps in the district menaced the settlers. Life was hard, and the
Pottawatomies and Winnebagpes were near by with their settlement at the mouth
of Richland Creek, on the banks of the Pecatonica. But from 1840 dates the
prosperity of the Buckeye settlers. In that year came J. B. Clingman, Philip
Reitzell, George Reitzell, who settled near the present site of Buena Vista,
Henry Wohlford, John Fryebarger, Richard Parriott, Jr., Franklin Scott, George
Ilgen, who afterward became the founder of Cedarville, and a number of others.
After 1840, farms were opened and cultivated, new homes were built, and the
old log cabin began to disappear. For a time it was hard to make a living. The
early Buckeye settlers depended mainly on their guns for meat, and created
great havoc among the flocks of prairie chickens and herds of deer which were
to be found in the timber. Flour was difficult to obtain until the various mills
were started, but from 1840 on, the conveniences of life became more accessible.
Previous to 1838, Buckeye Township was a portion of the district known
as Central Precinct, which comprised the present towns of Buckeye, Dakota,
Harlem, and Lancaster. About that time the present division was made. Within
the next ten or twenty years, the various villages of the township were estab-
lished. There are today in Buckeye a larger number of' villages than in any
other township of the county. In 1849, Cedarville was founded and laid out by
George Ilgen, and in the same year Buckeye Center came into existence. Buena
Vista was platted and settled on September 19, 1852. Later on Afolkey was
settled in the northeastern portion of the township on the town line. Buckeye
Township is today one of the most prosperous sections of the county. It has a
population of about 3,000 inhabitants, most of them located on the farms of the
the township. Buckeye is one of the larger townships of the county, containing
thirty-six square miles. It is traversed by the Madison and Dodgeville branches
of the Illinois Central Railroad, which pass through Red Oak, formerly known
as Cedarville Junction, and Buena Vista.
BUCKEYE CENTER.
Buckeye Center is no longer a postoffice, and since the removal of that in-
stitution there is nothing at the cross roads to attract the attention of the pass-
ing traveller. Formerly a large number of farmers came to Buckeye Center
for their mail, and the settlement which sprang up about the postoffice sup-
ported a general store. However, the advent of the Rural Free Delivery system
put Buckeye Center postoffice out of service, as it did so many others. With the
withdrawal of the postoffice the store discontinued its business and the village
is now merely a group of farm houses.
342 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Buckeye Center does, however, contain the town hall of Buckeye Township,
where the township meetings are held. There is also an Evangelical church,
the oldest now in existence in the county. It is the same building which was
originally built, and presents an exceedingly dilapidated appearance, many of the
windows being broken in, and the whole property abandoned and out of re-
pair. Services have long since been discontinued in the church, and the build-
ing is now of interest only to the lover of the antique.
While Buckeye Center is hardly a village in the strict sense of the word since
the removal of the postoffice, the settlement is most picturesque, being located
in a wooded hollow at the foot of a considerable hill. The main buildings of
the settlement are occupied by the Maple Spring Dairy, whose trim dwelling-
house and outbuildings, and neat, well-kept, sweet-scented dairy bespeak a
prosperous and well conducted business.
RED OAK.
Red Oak is the newest town in Buckeye Township. It was not a natural
settlement, but sprang into existence at the time of the building of the rail-
road to Madison and Dodgeville., In 1888, the two northern branches of the
Illinois Central were put through. They ran over the same tracks from Free-
port to Scioto Mills, and thence to a point in the southern part of Buckeye
Township. Here they divided and the Madison branch went north through
Buena Vista and Orangeville, while the Dodgeville line ran in a northwesterly
direction through the towns of McConnell and Winslow.
At the point of divergence in the southern part of Buckeye, there was orig-
inally no town, but a tiny settlement quickly grew up about the railroad sta-
tion. The station was originally named Cedarville Junction, from its proximity
to that village, but the postoffice which was presently established, assumed the
name of Red Oak, and the railroad name of the village was also changed.
The first settler of Red Oak was W. R. Bender, who founded the village in
1888. He opened a grocery, and general store, and became the first postmaster.
The settlement grew slowly for a time, when the influx of several farmers raised
the population to about one hundred, which it still remains. For thirteen years,
Mr. Bender conducted his grocery and general store, until the advent of an-
other grocery in 1901. At that time he closed the doors of his general store,
and reopened soon after with a hardware and farmers' supplies establishment.
In addition to its two stores, Red Oak also boasts of a creamery, which is
one of the oldest institutions of the town. It was built and organized in 1892,
four years after the coming of the railroad. The Red Oak Creamery is now
in the hands of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and is operated by
William Waite. It is doing a large business, and is one of the most prosperous
of its kind in the county.
Red Oak possesses two lodges, one a camp of the Modern Woodmen of
America, and the other an organization of the Mystic Workers. There is one
church, a Methodist organization, which was founded soon after the building
of the town. The church edifice, which is a handsome brick structure, was
erected in 1891. The pastor now in charge is the Rev. W. M. Kaufman, of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 343
Orangeville, who has Red Oak as part of his circuit. The several church so-
cieties are all active organizations in their various lines of activity, but aside
from them, the social life of the community is necessarily limited. The last
census numbered the population of Red Oak at about 125, and the village has
grown little, if any at all, within the past ten years.
BUENA VISTA.
A typical village of the prairie is Buena Vista, located on Richland Creek
in the northwestern corner of Buckeye Township. The site has been appro-
priately named Buena Vista, for it is located on a slight natural eminence, the
prospect from which is most beautiful. Outside of the natural beauty of the
surroundings, there is little within the town to attract the visitor or speculator.
Buena Vista was platted and laid out September 19, 1852, by Marcus Mon-
telius, who acted as surveyor. Philip Reitzell was the real founder of the town,
inasmuch as he contributed forty acres for the town site, and took charge of
selling them. But Buena Vista never grew very rapidly. When the railroad
came through in 1888 there was an influx of population, which, however,
never amounted to a "boom." Unfortunately, Buena Vista has never offered any
inducements to settlers. There is no church in the village, and has never been
one. Bellevue church, one and one-half miles east of the city is a Lutheran
church, and offers facilities to the members of that church. Aside from the
Bellevue church, the places of worship are, in general, at a considerable dis-
tance from Buena Vista. As far as schools are concerned, the village is fairly
well provided for. There is a very satisfactory district school, but no high
school opportunities are offered, and the aspiring youth is obliged to journey
either to Orangeville, or, as is usually the case, to Freeport.
Buena Vista possesses a creamery, which was established about thirty years
ago, and has been in operation almost constantly since that time. It is oper-
ated by a Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and is managed by B. Jonely,
who has been in charge for the last four years. There is also a large lumber '
business, which, however, is not a home industry, but is conducted by Meyers
Brothers, of Scioto Mills.
The old Whitehall Mills, long since burned to the ground, were for a long
time the only mills of the vicinity, and enjoyed a large business. In 1839 or
1840 the old mills were erected by Philip Reitzell and Ezra Gillett, the former
building the grist-mill and the latter the saw-mill. Mr. Reitzell purchased the
saw-mill from Mr. Gillett, and operated the business until his death, when his
sons succeeded to the business. They continued in possession until 1869, when
the venture failed and the mill was sold under foreclosure proceedings to the
Northwestern Life Insurance Company for $22,000. In 1870 Jacob Schaet-
zell and Jacob Rumel bought the business and sold it to Samuel Wagner.
Mr. Wagner disposed of the business to Jerry Wohlford, for $18,090, and
the latter continued in operation until the burning of his mill. After a
short season on operation, Mr. Wohlford discontinued the grist-mill and con-
tinued to operate the saw-mill alone. In 1887, the place was visited by fire, and
344 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the mill burned to the ground. No attempts were ever made to rebuild the
structure.
At the present time, Buena Vista patronizes one store, which carries a
general stock of groceries, dry goods, hardware, books, drugs, etc. W. M. Gift
who is proprietor of the store has only owned the venture for a few years. Mr.
Gift is also postmaster at Buena Vista. The last census gave Buena Vista a
population of 30 inhabitants, and there are small prospects for further growth
or development.
CEDARVILLE.
Cedarville is a beautiful village six miles south of Freeport in the valley of
Cedar Creek. About the village along the creek that cuts its way through the
outcropping Galena limestone, are some of the most picturesque scenes in the
County of Stephenson. The absence of railroad or trolley gives the village
many characteristics peculiar to the towns of earlier days.
The first settlements were made in 1837. That year Dr. Van Valzah, the
pioneer of that long train of immigrants from Pennsylvania, built a cabin
and bought the claim to the mill site. The same year came the Chicagoans.
Josiah Clingman had visited the vicinity and picked out a claim in 1836, and
then brought his family in 1837. His wife, Mrs. Maria Clingman, is still liv-
ing in Cedarville having passed the century mark, Dec. 12, 1909. She says
there was just one log shack in the present limits of Cedarville when her family
arrived in 1837. Levi Lucas had a log house north of the village, and here the
Clingmans stayed until Mr. Clingman put a roof on his log house. John God-
dard and Barton Jones had marked the mill claim which they sold to Dr. Van
Valzah.
The village was laid out in 1849 by George Ilgen, the surveying being done
by Marcus Montelius. About 1850, James Canfield set up a brick kiln about
two miles west of the village. The present store and postoffice building was
built about the same time by Samuel Sutherland. Other houses were built
around 1851 by Francis Knauss, James Benson, David Clements and Dr.
Bucher. John H. Adams built a handsome residence in 1854, and put up the
mill in 1858.
The village grew slowly until it reached a population of 400 or 500. Its
citizens of the early days were among the most progressive people of Stephen-
son County. Schools and churches have been maintained and in all the greater
movements of the county, Cedarville has been represented by earnest and able
men and women.
John C. Pepperman is president of the village board and Henry Richert is
clerk.
Mr. Frank W. Clingman is president of the board of school directors, and
Geo. Kryder and Clinton Fink are members. The first school was three miles
north of the present village in 1836. In 1846, through the influence of Hon.
John H. Adams and the Clingmans, a one-story frame building was put up by
subscription, near the old cemetery. A. Mr. Chadwick and a Julia Putnam were
the first teachers.
Lutheran Reform Church
Looking North on Stephenson Street
Public School
Presbyterian Church
Methodist Episcopal Church
Evangelical Church
CEDARYILLE SCENES
LIBRARY
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UNWLKSI1Y Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 345
In 1853 the basement of the Lutheran church was used as a school room,
till a two-story brick building was completed in 1855. The lower room was
for school purposes while the upper room was a public hall. In 1857, a Miss
Gorham conducted a private school in the upstairs room. This school was
conducted by Colonel H. C. Forbes till 1865. In 1880 the directors were John
H. Adams, Joseph P. Reel and Jacob Sill. The present school building was
erected later and is now being equipped with a steam heating plant. Many
students have gone out of the Cedarville schools to achieve success and fame
in the world.
Cedarville has four church buildings, the old Methodist church being built
of brick in 1849; the German Reformed and Lutheran in 1854; the Evangelical
in 1859 and the Presbyterian in 1876.
The first Methodist meetings were held in the log schoolhouse and at the
Jiomes of Methodists and were conducted by the occasional circuit riders. The
present pastor is Rev. B. C. Hollowell.
The Evangelical church at first worshipped at the schoolhouse and in the
homes of the members. The church was built in 1856 at a cost of $3,000. Prom-
inent among the founders of the church were the families of Benjamin Hess,
Christine Auman, David Neidigh, Benjamin Levan, Robert Sedam, William
Vore, Henry Mark, Jacob Sills, etc. It is claimed that the first services were
held by Rev. Levi Tobias.
The Lutherans organization has been abandoned. Among its pastors were
Rev. G. J. Donmeyer, E. Miller, J. Stoll, A. B. Niddlesworth, B. F. Pugh and
Rev. Mr. Shimpf.
The following is the history of the Presbyterian church of Cedarville taken
from the Historic Manual published in 1906: The first meeting that we have
any record of was one held in what was known as the Richland schoolhouse,
situated midway between Cedarville and Buena Vista, now known as the Belle-
view schoolhouse.
An affidavit setting forth what was done at the meeting was found by John
G. Bruce, December 13, 1893, amongst the papers of Adrian W. Lucas in his
possession, to-wit:
"State of Illinois, Stephenson County, ss: — We, the undersigned, do hereby
certify that on the twenty-ninth day of December, A. D., 1845, the German
Presbyterian Society of Richland, in said county, met at the Richland school-
house and elected viva voce the following named persons for the term of one
year from the first Saturday in January, A. D., 1846; Adrian W. Lucas for
the term of two years from the same time; and John H. Addams for the term
of three years from the same date. That the name and style of said church
or corporation is and shall be "The German Presbyterian Society of Richland,"
in said county.
"In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this sec-
ond day of January, A. D., 1846.
"HENRY AULT, (SEAL)
"ADRIAN W. LUCAS, (SEAL)
"JOHN H. ADDAMS. (SEAL)
346 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
"State of Illinois, Stephenson County, ss: — Henry Ault, one of the above
named trustees, after being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that
the facts set forth in the foregoing certificate are true.
"HENRY AULT
"Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of January, A. D., 1846.
"JOHN A. CLARK.
"Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County.
"Filed and entered for record this 5th day of January, A. D., 1846, at half
after 1 1 o'clock a. m. Liber B, pages 437 and 438.
"JOHN A. CLARK, Recorder.
"Members — Henry Ault, Adrian W. Lucas and wife, Elizabeth Lucas (Mr.
Lucas' mother), Levi Lucas, Thos. Pollock and John Pollock."
How long this organization lasted or who were members other than the
above named, we have no way of finding out. We have another record of later
date that was also found with Mr. Lucas' papers, which reads as follows:
"BUCKEYE, ILL., January 27, 1851.
"At a meeting held pursuant to public notice for the purpose of organizing
a Church of Christ, a sermon was preached by Rev. J. C. Downer, of Freeport,
from Acts 20 -.24, after which Rev. A. Kent, of the Presbytery of Galena, was
appointed moderator and Rev. J. C. Downer, clerk, Adrian W. Lucas and wife
and grandmother, Elizabeth Lucas, Levi Lucas, Robert Boals, Mrs. Margaret
Boal, Thomas Boal, Mrs. Catharine Jenkins, Miss Jennie Boal, Miss Sarah
Boal, John Wilson, Mrs. Rosana Wynkoop, and Mrs. Sarah Young presented a
joint letter of dismission from the First Presbyterian church of Freeport, and
requested to be formed in the church."
The following resolutions were passed unanimously, viz :
"Resolved, that we now form a Church of Christ, which shall be called the
First Presbyterian church of Cedarville, and be under the care of Presbytery .
of Galena, etc.
The session met after adjournment, with the following as members: A. W.
Lucas, elder; Rev. A. Kent, moderator; and Rev. J. C. Downer and John N.
Powell, of the Galena Presbytery, as members.
At this meeting the following members presented themselves and were ad-
mitted on profession of faith, viz: Andrew Wilson, Mrs. Mary Boal and Miss
Letitia Boal.
July 12, 1851. — At a meeting of the session held after preparatory services,
the following members were received into the church, viz :
A. W. Lucas, Henry Ault, Levi Lucas, Thomas Pollock and John Pollock
The services of the congregation were held in the Reformed church during
the years 1867 to 1875 inclusive, and during the year 1876 in the M. E. church.
At a congregational meeting held January 21, 1876, it was decided to buy
lots from Charles Duth and build on them a church. With this end in view,
Jacob Latshaw, John Wright and J. Weber Addams were elected as a building
committee, with full power to act.
At this time Mr. W. Lucas (familiarly known in this community as Aunt
Betty Lucas) offered to give $1,000 toward the erection of a church. With
this splendid offer the committee went to work and built a fine church, 36x56
MARIA SIMI'SOX CLIXOMAX, CEDARVILLB
One Hundred Years Old December 12, 1909
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 347
feet, gothic in style, with a 98-foot spire (a part of the spire was taken off)
costing $3,400. The church was dedicated free of debt on Sunday, October 29,
1876. Rev. T. C. Easton, of Belleville, Illinois, assisted the pastor, Rev. L. H.
Mitchell in the services. Many were turned away who could not find even
standing room in the church during the service.
It was decided to celebrate the sixth anniversary of our church on December
29, 1905, and, with this object in view, a committee, consisting of Rev. R. Nex-
womb, Mrs. J. K. Benson and C. W. Frank was elected, with power to act.
The committee went to work with a will, and prepared a fine program.
The committee to build a parsonage reported to the congregation that Morgan
Gandy was the lowest responsible bidder. On motion the contract was awarded
to him, and a building committee consisting of Jacob Latshaw, John H. Addams
and John Wright was appointed. All the buildings were completed, costing
$1,022,000, and committee discharged April 10, 1880. The following named
are the present officers of the, church :
Minister — Rev. A. W. McClurkin.
Elders — F. W. Clingman, C. W. Frank Elias D. Baker, Henry Richart.
Trustees— J. K. Benson, Mrs. S. B. Barber, Jr., Alma Richart, Oliver P.
Cromley, T. Hutchinson Rutherford, E. D. Baker.
Supply Pastors — Calvin Waterbury, 1845; J- C. Downer, 1851; John N.
Powell, 1851; A. Kent, 1851; Robert Colston, 1853; Matthew B. Patterson,
1866; B. Roberts, 1867.
Pastors — John M. Linn, 1867-1871; Louis H. Mitchell, 1874-1878; John C.
Irwin, 1879-1882; James McFarland, 1883-1884; J. W. Parkhill, 1884-1885;
J. H. Dillingham, 1886-1889; Thomas Hickling, 1890-1892; Henry Cullen, 1892-
1900; Emmett W. Rankin, 1900-1901; Charles P. Bates, 1901-1902; James T.
Ford, 1902-1904; Ozro R. Newcomb, 1905-1907; A. W. McClurkin, 1907.
The Cedarville Cemetery Association was organized in 1855 by John H.
Addams, Marcus Montelius, Josiah Clingman, Peter Wooding and John Wilson.
Josiah Clingman was elected president and John H. Addams secretary and
treasurer.
The Cedarville Library was established in 1846. The first board of trustees
consisted of John H. Addams, A. W. Lucas, Josiah Clingman and William Irwin.
For years the library was located in the home of John H. Addams and was ac-
cessible to all. This library probably contained a higher proportion of books
of real value than the libraries of today.
The Independent Band of Cedarville was organized in 1873. In 1880 the
officers were : President, Henry Richert ; Secretary, J. B. McCammon ; Treasurer,
W. B. Clingman, and George W. Barber, leader.
At present, Cedarville maintains one of the best bands in northern Illinois
and is in great demand to play at public gatherings.
The first postmaster was George Reitzell. He was followed by William
Irwin, Robert Sedam and Johnathan Sills. Jackson Richart began in 1856 and
the present postmaster is Henry Richart.
From 1835 to 1855 the people of Cedarville had faith that the village was to
grow to be a city. Mills and factories were established, many of which did a
348 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
big business for that day. But a few factors which the people could not control
determined otherwise and the place is a village still. One factor was the per-
fection of steam power. Another was the decline of the available water power,
with its intervals of uncertainty. Another was the failure of the village to
secure a railroad, and the fourth is that modern phase of industrial life that
has gathered up the little shops and factories into great corporations with almost
unlimited capital. One by one these irresistible forces undermined the pros-
pective industries of the village until the last dream of a city has been dissipated,
and left Cedarville with the great opportunity to be a model village. In this
it may still easily become great. Among the early business enterprises were
Reel & Syler's Purifier Manufactory, which did a $30,000 business in 1880;
J. B. McCammon's Carriage Factory, a $10,000 business in 1880; John Shaffer's
Carriage Factory, established in 1859 ; the J. W. Henny Carriage Factory, which
moved to Freeport; and the Cedarville Mills. The first mill was a God-send to
that portion of the county. Dr. Van Valzah conducted it until 1840 when it was
sold to David Neidigh. Conrad Epley and John W. Shuey bought it of Neidigh
and sold it to Hon. J. H. Addams in 1844 Ior $4,4°°- In J846 Mr. Addams re-
built the mill and in 1858 built the mill that now stands as one of the land marks
of the county. It was three stories high, 36x54, had three run of stones, and
cost $10,000. Its capacity in 1880 was 100 barrels of flour daily.
ROCK GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Rock Grove Township is the home of a group of the most thrifty and pros-
perous farmers that can be found anywhere in Stephenson County. The farms
are under high cultivation, and each and every one is provided with the most
up-to-date machinery and farm appurtenances. The number of new circular
barns which have been erected within the last few years in and about Rock
Grove exceeds that of any other township of the county. Corn, wheat, oats,
rye, and barley are grown in abundance, and hogs, sheep, and cattle are raised
in large numbers, and the whole township from one corner to another presents
an appearance of thrift, peace, and plenty, which is exceedingly beautiful to
the eye.
There are two townships in the county which are not entered by any rail-
road, and Rock Grove is one of them. There has been talk at various times of
connecting Freeport and the village of Rock Grove by an electric line. Such a
line would possibly prove a paying venture as it would supply the long felt
want of transportation facilities to the dwellers in the village and especially the
farmers of the surrounding country. The prospects of an immediate com-
pletion of the venture are, however, exceedingly vague.
Rock Grove is traversed by a number of small creeks, notably Rock Creek,
which flows south to join Rock Run in Rock Run Township. There are also
a number of other small streams which have their sources in this township and
flow down to swell the tide of the Pecatonica. The ground is slightly rolling,
and the surface of the township is well wooded. There are large groves of
CUEAMBKY AT CEDARVILLE
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 349
valuable timber at Walnut, Linn, and Rock Groves, suitable for building and
other mechanical purposes. The water supply is admirable; there are a num-
ber of artesian wells of delicious drinking water scattered throughout the
region.
No permanent settlement was made in Rock Grove Township earlier than
1835, although many transients and prospectors had passed through on their
way westward long before that date. In the summer of 1835, Albert Albert-
son, accompanied by Johnathan Corey, came to the township, and, having pitched
their tents in the vicinity of the present village of Rock Grove, they were so
delighted with the aspect of the country that they decided to remain perma-
nently. They entered their claims in Section 36 of the present township and
there took up their permanent abode. In December of the same year, Albert-
son and Corey were joined by Eli Frankeberger, who came with his family
from Champaign County, Ohio, and settled in the present village of Rock
Grove. In the same month of their arrival, the first white child born in the
township, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frankeberger, and straightway christened
"Louisa Frankeberger."
The following winter was one of sore trial to the new settlers, owing to
insufficiency of food and supplies. In the course of the winter they were joined
by Josiah Blackamore, and later by one or two others. But the recruits were
few, and it was only the enthusiasm and courage of the new settlers that kept
them from a disgraceful retreat. That they did remain in their chosen habi-
tation is greatly to their credit, and that they never regretted it is shown by
the fact that most of them spent the rest of their lives within the bounds of
Rock Grove Township, and their descendants are living there today.
In 1836 few new settlers came to Rock Grove Township, but in 1837 they
began to come in large numbers. Previous to this year, the settlers had laid
their claims in and about the future village of Rock Grove. Some of the new-
comers went farther out in the country, as Joseph Musser, who settled in Sec-
tions 19 and 20, Thomas Chambers, Samuel Chambers, William Wallace, and
a few others. They all clung close to the grove, however, and did not go up
into the northern part of the township. In the same year came Mr. Moon,
who laid his claim in Sections 31 and 32, east of the grove, Joseph Osborn,
who opened a farm in Section 35, and laid claim to timber lands in Section 30.
In Section 31, in the future village site, Samuel Guyer and Daniel Guyer came
to take up their claim, and later founded the village itself.
The first marriage occurred during the winter of 1836-7, and the contracting
parties were Josiah Blackamore and Miss Wallace, a daughter of William Wal-
lace, an early settler. This marriage did not take place in the township itself,
however, but in Green County, Wisconsin — hence many of the old settlers dis-
claim it as the first marriage in the township. It is said that Josiah Blacka-
more, who was one of an army of volunteer soldiers, who had been sent by the
government to aid in driving back the Indians, became smitten with the charms
of Miss Wallace and on his return from the Indian wars, he wooed and won her.
In 1838, the first marriage within the bounds of the township itself oc-
curred. Albert and Lavinia Albertson were united in marriage by Eli Franke-
berger, who was justice of the county in addition to his farming duties. On
350 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
April 19, 1839, Elijah Clark and Harriet Hodgson were united at Walnut
Grove by Squire Kinney.
In the fall of 1839, Solomon Fisher and Jacob Fisher came to Rock Grove
Township and laid claim to 600 acres of ground in Sections 25 and 26. The
claim had previously been entered by Drummond, a transient miner, who erected
a 16 by 16 cabin and dug a well. Drummond did not stay long and sold out
to the Fisher brothers upon his departure from the locality. In 1839 and 1840
the immigration was large. Among those who came at this time were Peter
George, John Fisher, Calvin Preston, J. S. Potter, John Kleckner, John and
Reuben Bolender, George and Jacob Maurer, Joseph Barber, Levi, Adam and
Michael Bolender, and others. By this time the population of the township
was very well distributed. The settlers were not altogether gathered about the
grove, but had spread out and taken claims even up in the northern part of
the township near the state line.
The first death in the history of the township occurred in 1842, although
some say it was 1843, ar*d took place under very tragic circumstances. Wil-
liam Wallace, one of the earliest settlers of the region, became violently in-
sane, and going out into the woods on the edge of the grove, he hung himself
to a tree. He was buried in the vicinity of the village of Rock Grove, where
the tragic event occurred. Along in 1843 another tragedy occurred, this time
a tragedy of mysterious and inexplicable nature. A man named Boardman,
who was employed on the farm of one Daniel Noble near Walnut Grove, was
shot to death by the hand of an unknown assassin. Nothing was ever learned
either of the assassin or the possible motives for his deed, and, although the
event transpired nearly seventy years ago, it is still shrouded in the deepest
mystery.
After 1839, prosperity began to be apparent in the township. Supplies were
easier to obtain, and the founder of several mills in the nearby county, viz :
the Van Valzah Mills at Cedarville, the Curtis mills at Orangeville, and various
smaller mills on Rock Run, placed the inhabitants of Rock Grove Township
in a safe and comfortable position. From about 1841 dates the modern his-
tory of Rock Grove Township. In 1844 occurred the sale of government lands
at public auction, and thereafter the inpour of settlers was very great. In 1846
the first school was established in the township, in Section 36, near the village
site, and the educational facilities of the township have since been on the steady
increase. At present no section of the county is provided with better conducted
schools. In 1850 the township was set apart and formally organized as Rock
Grove Township. In the same year the village of Rock Grove, first known
as Guyer's Addition, was founded.
Rock Grove Township comprises a territory of thirty-three square miles,
or nearly that area. It contains but one village, the Rock Grove mentioned
above. Located in the far northeastern corner of the county, it is farthest of
any township from the county seat, but is well provided with schools and
churches and is one of the pleasantest spots of the county for permanent resi-
dence, both from a farming standpoint and as a place of retreat, where joy and
comfort can be the prime factors in life.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 351
ROCK GROVE.
i
Rock Grove village although not formally platted out until as late as 1850,
was one of the oldest villages in the county. It was in reality founded by the
first settlers who came to the township, inasmuch as they located their claims
in the immediate vicinity of the grove, and many of them in the very
town site itself. The land on which the town was later located was origin-
ally owned by C. W. Cummings, who afterward sold out to Peter D.
Fisher. Fisher himself had also owned some land in the neighborhood and
Samuel Guyer owned extensive property just to the west. In 1850 Samuel
Guyer laid out the village and sold lots, but the whole settlement was re-
platted and re-surveyed by Benjamin Dornblazer in 1855. In 1856, on the
spth of August, J. D. Schmeltzer set apart, surveyed and platted nine acres
in the southwest quarter of Section 36, and called it by the name of Schmelt-
zer's Addition.
In 1852 Fisher's Addition, which had never been settled thickly enough to
deserve the name of village, was abandoned, and sold to Solomon Hoy. Thence-
forth it was never used for village purposes, but on April 22, 1869, Samuel H.
Fisher laid off four acres south of Schmeltzer's Addition in village lots and
a settlement quickly sprang up there. The village is today as it was then, oc-
cupying for the most part only four or five streets, with one main street on
which the stores and all the principal residences of the village are located .
Rock Grove possesses three churches, schools, two stores, a telephone ex-
change, a hotel, and several lodges, which meet in the Woodmen's Hall. There
are also two cheese factories, one of them operating about a half mile north
of Rock Grove, the other some distance west.
Churches. Of the three churches, only the Evangelical and Reformed
churches are at present holding divine worship. The third, an Evangelical Lu-
theran congregation has temporarily disbanded, and no services are being held
in the church.
Evangelical Church. The Evangelical adherents of Rock Grove have had
a church and held services for a very long time, but for some years after estab-
lishing the congregation, no church edifice was bought or built. The congre-
gation held services and worshiped in the church belonging to the Lutheran
congregation, located about a half mile west of the center of the village.
In 1878 the congregation had increased to such an extent that it seemed ad-
visable to put up a church building. Under the direction of a building commit-
tee consisting of George Meyers, Jere Swartz, Jacob Sullivan, William Alex-
ander, and A. Bolender, an edifice costing $2,300 was put up and paid for by
subscriptions from among the farmers of the township and village. The church
was dedicated on the 27th of November, 1878, and has been in use ever since
that time.
The Rock Grove Evangelical church is in the same charge with the Oakley
church, and both are presided over by the Rev. G. Eberly, who has been in
residence since about a year ago, when he came here from Anna, Illinois.
Both churches are in a prosperous condition. The Rock Grove church is the
larger of the two, having a membership of eighty-six and a Sunday school of
352 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
one hundred and twenty. The Oakley church has a membership of sixty-two
and a Sunday school of about sixty. The church owns a parsonage, beautifully
located in the village of Rock Grove, and valued at about $1,000. The Rock
Grove church is estimated at about $1,600, and the Oakley church at a slightly
smaller amount.
Reformed Church. The Reformed church holds its services in the Lutheran
church building west of town. The membership is very small, having a con-
gregation of about fourteen, with a Sunday school of twenty. The pastoral
duties are performed by the Rev. G. W. Kerstetter, pastor of the Dakota church,
and services are held only occasionally. The Rock Grove charge was only
established in 1908.
Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Evangelical Lutheran church holds its
services at intervals in the above mentioned church west of the village of Rock
Grove. At the present time the church is without a pastor, the Rev. Mr. Delo
having left some time ago. It is probable that services in the Rock Grove
church will be altogether discontinued.
Lodges. Rock Grove boasts of two lodges, the Rock Grove Lodge of the
I. O. O. F. and the Rock Camp, No. 142 of the Modern Woodmen of America.
The former has been in existence for many years, having been founded about
thirty years ago. The membership at present is extended to about sixty mem-
bers. G. Frankeberger is noble grand and Henry Long is secretary. The M.
W. A. Lodge was established twenty years ago and has a membership of about
forty. Both of these organizations meet in the M. W. A. hall on Main street.
The Kaup Hotel and feed barn has been conducted for some years by F. S.
Kaup on East Main street. Mr. Kaup intends to move to Orangeville, where
he will conduct the Central Hotel. He has kept a most excellent house in
Rock Grove and his departure will be deeply regretted. There is no rival in-
stitution, nor has any provision been made for a new hotel as yet.
There is one general store, conducted by D. L. Thoren, also a Bell telephone
exchange. The present population of the village is estimated at about three
hundred, with no prospects for any great increase in the near future. Rock
Grove is one of the most picturesquely situated villages in the county, and af-
fords quiet and rest for a large number of prosperous retired farmers, whose
comfortable and well kept homes line the main street of the village. Although
not on any railroad line, Rock Grove is easily accessible, being only a few miles
from the C., M. & St. P. station at Rock City, and about eighteen miles from
Freeport.
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP.
William Brewster was the first settler in Winslow Township. It is likely
that he came in 1834, although it has been claimed that he came in 1833. He
was a native of Vermont who had lived a while in Tennessee and later at
Peru, Illinois. He was a man of means and erected a comfortable house at
Brewster's Ferry, cleared eighty acres of ground and established a ferry. He
rented the ferry to William Robey the next year and returned to Peru.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 353
This township is the northwestern corner of the county and contains twenty-
seven sections and nine fractions of sections along the Wisconsin line. In all
it contains about eighteen thousand five hundred acres. The township is crossed
by the Pecatonica, east of which are many groves of hard wood. Most of
the township is made up of rolling prairie. Joe Abenos assisted William Brew-
ster in the running of the ferry. A. C. Ransom came into the township in
1834 and returned with his family in 1835, settling one and one-half miles
southeast of the present village of Winslow. Here he laid out the town of
Ransomberg which prospered a few years but was soon abandoned. George
Payne settled at Brewster's Ferry in 1834 and George W. Lott built a cabin
in what is now Winslow in the same year. Other settlers that year were
Harvey and Jerry Webster.
In 1835 many settlers came in from the east. Lemuel W. Streator bought
the Brewster holdings for $4,000. He married Miss Mary Stewart and became
a prominent man in the county.
James and W. H. Eels established claims that year and the family has been
prominent and influential in affairs of Stephenson County. In 1835 George
W. Lott and the Websters began the erection of a sawmill. Lott was to build
the mill and the Websters were to build the dam. Hector P. Kneeland aided in
the work and the four owners completed the mill in the fall. In 1836 Stew-
art and McDowell opened a store in Ransomberg. In the same year Dr. W.
G. Bankson settled on Section 35 and set up his shingle as the first physician
in the section. He was married to Phoebe McCumber in the fall of 1836. In
1837 the following settlers arrived: Rev. Philo Judson, Cornelius Judson,
Charles McCumber, Ephram Labaugh, Alfred Gaylord, Rev. Asa Ballinger and
S. F. M. Fretville. The Judsons settled below Brewster's Ferry, Rev. Philo
soon moving on west. His daughter became known as Mrs. Governor Bev-
eridge. The first child born in the township was Sara Maria Denton, born in
the fall of 1836. I. V. Gage, son of Silas Gage, was born January 10, 1838.
Newcomb McKinney, Hiram Gaylord, Cornelius and Johnathan Cowen opened
farms and built cabins. May 28, that year, there came from Plymouth County,
Massachusetts, John Bradford, Thomas Loring, Columbus and Ichabod Thomp-
son and the Moulton brothers. They came out to build up the land of the
Boston Western Land Company on which company's land the village of Wins-
low was later built. In the summer of 1838 they built a shingle factory and
a hotel, the American House. Elias and Edward Hunt came the same year
and in 1839 Joseph R. Berry, W. P. Cox, Gilson Adams and A. A. Mallory
settled in the township.
In 1844 the Boston Land Company sent out as agent Cyrus Woodman, and
under his energetic direction the township was rapidly settled up.
The Massachusetts influence gave the township its name, for in 1838 it
was called Winslow in honor of Governor Winslow, one of the provincial gov-
ernors of that state. The name was given by W. S. Russell, the agent of the
Boston Land Company in 1838.
The Boston Land Company at one time owned seventy-two thouasnd acres
in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois. Seven hundred acres were in Winslow
township on the site of the present town.
354 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
WINSLOW.
In 1844 Cyrus Woodman, the new agent of the land company, surveyed,
platted and laid off the village of Winslow. Lots on the main street were
held at ten dollars and twenty-five dollars each. The real estate company was
not lacking in hope and laid off a city with square, streets, avenues, and a
wharf. Later the company decided to sell farms instead of town lots, and
thus disposed of its holdings.
The village was organized in 1850. In 1880 it contained three hundred and
seventy-five inhabitants, five stores, one church and a hotel.
In 1837 Rev. Asa Ballinger came to Winslow. He was a pioneer Meth-
odist circuit rider, and preached each Sunday in cabins or groves. In 1849,
Elisha Hazzard, a congregationalist minister, arrived and had good success as
a minister. From 1840 to 1855 the spiritual welfare of the people cared for
by transients, in addition to Hazzard and Ballinger. In 1855 the Presbyterian
organized with nineteen members. The first meeting of the Presbyterians
was at the village hotel April gth. A later meeting, April igth, was well at-
tended and April 2ist the organization was effected. The Presbyterians held
services in the schoolhouse till fall, when a brick church, 35x55, was built at
a cost of $2,000. Up to 1880, the following pastors had served, though part
of the time the organization had services by transient preachers: Rev. John
N. Powell, John Johnson, A. T. Wood, a Mr. Schofield and A. S. Gardner.
After 1880 the church declined and the organization was broken up. The
building was sold to the German Evangelical church, which now uses it.
Mr. A. T. Loomis, a Congregationalist preacher, held a revival in Winslow
in 1877. He met with great success, securing one hundred converts. At the
close of the revival, the "Winslow Christian Association" was organized. On
the nth of May, 1878, this organization became the Congregational church
with sixty members. Services were held for a time in Wright's Hall. In
1880 Rev. Frances Lawson was pastor. The organization never became strong
and was later discontinued.
The German Evangelical church of Winslow was established as a mission
and bought the Presbyterian church building in 1899. At present there is a
small but earnest membership of about thirty. The Sunday school is in good
condition and has a membership of about the same.
The church has had the following pastors: 1883, William Caton ; 1885,
John Fahger; 1887, F. S. Entorf ; 1889, Otto Brose; 1890, Geo. Harris; 1890,
Peter C. Koch; 1893, W. P. Rilling; 1894, C. A. Heisler; 1898, J. A. Holtz-
man; 1901, J. H. Spear; 1902, B. H. Reutepohler; 1902, W. C. Hallwacs;
1903, Henry Schaffner; 1905, John Widner; 1907, to the present time, Wil-
liam Gross.
The Methodist church, of which Rev. Charles Briggs is pastor, is an active
organization and has a beautiful fram« church building erected in 1891. H.
H. Morse is superintendent of the Sunday school.
Rev. Metzker is pastor of the U. B. church, which has a good church build-
ing and an active membership.
Oldest House in Winslon
High School U. B. Cliurc-h
\VINSLO\V VIEWS
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The first school in Winslow was held in Edward Hunt's wagon shop in
1840. After a short time a schoolhouse was built on a hill southwest of town
which was used till 1872, when a larger school building was erected at a cost
of $3,000. It is a frame structure, 40x40 and two stories high. The average
daily attendance in 1880 was sixty-five students.
IVinslow Lodge, No. 564, A. F. & A. M. The Masonic lodge was estab-
lished in 1867. The following were charter members : Benjamin Pym, John
Bradford, Jacob Sweeley, P. Sweeley, D. D. Tyler, R. E. Mack, T. Rodebaugh,
C. M. McComber, M. J. Cooper and J. W. Saucerman.
The Winslow Register is in its fifteenth year. Mr. F. A. Deam is editor
and proprietor. The Register is an eight-page weekly, newsy, and showing a
liberal advertising patronage.
Fuller's private bank was organized May 20, 1894, by Mr. J. M. Fuller,
who died in 1898. The bank is now in charge of Mr. J. B. Fuller and does
an extensive business.
One of the leading industries of Winslow is Karlen's cheese factory, one
of the best in the country. The product is the Blue Label Cheese.
Mr. J. M. Gordon is president of the village board, F. A. Deam secretary,
and Charlie Brand, marshal.
The school directors are: Adam Rect, president; Dr. Willis, clerk, and
1910, P. P. Fisher; 1910, elect. Professor Moorhead.
The officials of the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 762, are: Venerable
counsel, J. M. Gordon ; clerk, C. C. Tyler ; adviser, L. H. Fuller ; escort, F. P.
Hymes ; sentry, A. H. Collyer.
March 4, 1902, Winslow suffered a disastrous fire which destroyed sev-
eral business houses.
The appropriations of the village board of Winslow for the fiscal year 1910,
were as follows :
Lighting $ 650.00
Sidewalks 2,000.00
Streets and alleys 400.00
Police 200.00
Incidentals 700.00
Total $3,950.00
Mr. J. B. Fuller is treasurer of the Winslow school township.
WEST POINT TOWNSHIP.
West Point Township is six miles square, is the east half of Township 28,
and has an area of twenty-two thousand eight hundred acres. In 1850 Wad-
dams Township was organized, thus leaving West Point with its present boun-
daries. The first settlement in Stephenson County was made in West Point
Township. It was made by William Waddams at Waddams Grove in 1833,
the next year after Black Hawk's War. The war and the previous uncertain
attitude of the Sacs and Foxes had held back the settlement of the county.
The Winnebagoes also were frequently moody and likely at any moment to
356 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
join Black Hawk in an attack on the white settlements. The final defeat of
the old Sac Brave at the battle of the Bad Axe, August 2, 1832, made it pos-
sible for the first time for settlers to take up claims in Stephenson County with
safety. Even then there were many dangers because small squads of Indians
still lurked about the county. While the threshing Uncle Sam had given them
had taken the fight out of the red men, yet such a foe might be expected to
make trouble by means of the skulking bands which, at least, were not afraid
to steal. Mr. Waddams felt the effect of Indian depredations more than once.
At one time they drove away his hogs.
Mr. Waddams and his sons, Hiram and Nelson, built a plain log house of
one room. The ax was the chief, if not the only tool. The logs were cut and
shaped from the trees of the grove — a one-room cabin, with puncheon floor and
the great fire place.
In 1834, the Waddams family was joined by the families of Geo. S. Payne,
John Garner and his sons, Alpheus and A. J. Garner. Payne settled near
Waddams and the Garners a half mile from Lena. The next year, 1835, came
Luman and Rodney Montague and William Tucker. These families all cut
away small clearings and began the cultivation of crops on Stephenson County
soil. The presence of these pioneers paved the way for others and in 1836,
Washington Parker made a permanent settlement. In 1837 there came Sam-
uel F. Dodds, Jacob Burbridge, Martin Howard, John Harmon, Samuel and
Marshall Bailey, George Place, David T. Perry, Robert and William LaShell,
James Thompson, Oliver Thompson, Mr. Graham, John Tucker, Jesse Tucker,
Benjamin Tucker. Pells Manny, who came in 1836, was made postmaster in
1838, and secured his first patent for the Manny Reaper in 1849, an^ began
the manufacture of reapers in a little shop at Waddams before moving his work
to Rockford and Freeport.
J. D. Fowler and Thomas Way took up claims in West Point Township
and in 1839 M. L. Howard came. From 1839 to 1853, the township was rap-
idly settled up. The welfare of the settlers was held back because of the ab-
sence of a good means of transportation and because of a lack of good mar-
kets. Supplies were obtained by wagon from Galena, what products the early
farmers had for sale were hauled over the same long and unbroken roads.
For these reasons the people were extremely interested in the coming of the
railroad. Every step in the progress of plans was watched with anxiety. When
the time came to aid by subscribing stock, the people contributed to the point
of sacrifice. When the first trains finally puffed into Freeport, it seemed that
the day was not far distant when West Point Township would have both mar-
kets and transportation. During 1854, the road was completed through the
township and on to Warren. There was almost immediately a twenty-five cent
advance in the price of farm lands due, in part, to the large numbers of new
settlers.
In 1854, at the instigation of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, Sam-
uel F. Dodds laid off one hundred and sixty acres for a village site and named
the station Lena. The location proved to be a good one, for here grew up
the largest town in the county with the exception of Freeport.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 357
West Point Township did its part nobly in the war of the Rebellion.
Every demand of the government was promptly filled. Her volunteers were
to be found in the Eleventh, Fifteenth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Ninety-
second Infantry and in the Fourteenth Cavalry.
In 1836 a Methodist class meeting was organized as the result of preach-
ing by Rev. James McKean, the previous year in Luman Montague's cabin.
A Presybterian class was organized in 1840 by Rev. Arastus Kent, who was
practicing in Galena and Dubuque. Sabbath school began the same year in
J. D. Fowler's cabin and a log schoolhouse was erected on Luman Montague's
farm.
Amanda Waddams, born in 1836, was, no doubt, the first white child born
in the county. Eunice Waddams and George Place were married in 1837,
July 4, this being, it is claimed, the first marriage in the county. The first
burial in the old cemetery was that of Minerva Rathburn, about 1839.
LENA.
THE LENA STAR.
The Lena Star was founded in 1866. In that year, John W. Gishwiller,
a photographer of Lena, and Samuel J. Dodds, postmaster, formed a partner-
ship to secure material to start a newspaper and job office. They expended
about one thousand four hundred dollars for a Washington Hand Press and
other necessary equipment. The firm secured the services of John M. Shan-
non, who was then in Lena on a visit to his brother, the station agent. They
also secured Robert Shannon of Chicago, then one of the fastest typists of
the west, and Captain S. C. Harris, another printer. The complement of men
was completed by Charles Weaver, the printer's "Devil." After considerable
work by the "Devil" and others in blacking the faces of the new type, the
first paper of Vol. I, No. i, of the Lena Star went to press. S. J. Dodds was
editor.
March 21, 1867, Mr. Dodds withdrew from the firm. May 3, same year,
Mr. John M. Shannon secured control of the paper. February 12, 1869, Mr.
James S. McCall, of Freeport, Illinois, purchased the Star outfit and secured
James W. Newcomer, of Freeport, as manager and editor. 1878, April 5, W.
W. Lowis purchased the paper.
1892, A. O. Rupp bought the plant. 1893, Juty 24> Irving S. Crotzer, one
of the "Devils" who had risen to be foreman, bought the plant. In 1900, T.
Francis Gaffney, one of the Star's "Devils," assisted a stock company in start-
ing a newspaper and a job office. It was called the "Lena Independent," and
Gaffney became manager and editor.
December 21, 1902, Miss Rosalie Taylor, of Lena, was employed as manager
and editor. She was assisted by Charles Weaver, who had just returned from
a twenty years' sojourn at Fort Scott, Kansas. Miss Taylor and Weaver
conducted the paper till the equipment was bought by Charles O. Piper, De-
cember 17, 1903. It was evident that one good newspaper would satisfy the
crying demands for a weekly paper at Lena, and March 24, 1905, Mr. Piper
bought the old Star office and moved the "Independent" plant to the Star office,
thus combining the two in the name of the Lena Star Printing Company.
358 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
August 27, 1908, Professor Howard C. Auman purchased the Star and di-
rected its destiny till October, 1909, when the Star passed into the hands of
the present proprietor, D. W. Gahagan. Mr. Gahagan is a newspaper man of
experience, having been in that business seven years at Seneca, Newton County,
Missouri. Miss Rosalie Taylor is again employed on the Star as local editor.
The Star is now a four-page, six column paper, typographically a model of
excellence, full of news and advertising. Almost a complete file, both of the
Star and the Independent, are kept in the Star office.
This account is taken from the Lena Star, October 14, 1909: Mr. Gahagan
is putting out an excellent paper, which in general appearance is a credit to
Lena and the community. The large number of space ads shows that the ser-
vices of the 'Star as an advertising medium are highly appreciated by the busi-
ness interests of the county.
LENA BANKS.
The Lena Bank is a private bank, the firm being George L. Baldwin & Com-
pany. The officials are: President, F. A. Latham; vice president, Peter Seise;
cashier, George L. Baldwin. The bank was organized in 1867 by S. Rising,
under the name of Rising, Smith & Company, and in 1870 changed to Foil,
Corning & Company. In February 1878 the firm name again became S. Rising
& Company. Later, the firm became Foil, Narramore & Company, and in
1906, became George L. Baldwin & Company.
The Citizens Bank of Lena was organized in 1880 by Andrew Hinds and
George L. Stevens. Later, the firm name was Charles Waite & Company.
The present officers of the Citizens Bank are: President, Anthony Doll; vice
president, Charles Leseman; cashier, J. C. Dunn. The directors are the above
officials, and George Shick, A. J. Clarity and J. D. Hinds.
Both banks do an extensive business in Stephenson and Jo Daviess Coun-
ties and are sound and reliable institutions. The Lena Bank steered safely
through the panic of 1873 and both banks have weathered the panics of 1893
and 1907 in a way that proves the stability of their organizations.
Joseph Lampbert is president of the town board, and Captain J. M. Scher-
merhorn, eighty-two years of age, is town clerk. The following are members
of the board : J. D. Hinds, William Boeke, Jacob Lutz, George Boeke, Charles
Berhenke, and H. R. Nelson. George Sloatman is City Marshal.
The ladies of the G. A. R. have an excellent organization of which the
following are officials : President, Mrs. W. H. Crotzer ; vice presidents, Mrs.
Fred Harris and Mrs. Anna Kostenbader ; chaplain, Mrs. Kramer.
The Lena schools are now under the efficient management of Professor L.
M. Carpenter. The High school with Miss Wilson as assistant, maintains a
good reputation, and is accredited by the University of Illinois. The first school
was in the log house on Samuel F. Dodd's farm. In 1850 a log schoolhouse was
built on Franklin street and served till 1854 when the old stone schoolhouse
was built at the corner of Franklin and Lena streets. A two-story stone building-
was built in 1859. The two districts were combined in 1866 and in 1868 a large
adequate school building was erected. The board of school directors is made
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 359
up of the following officers and members: President, Frank M. Halliday;
clerk, George Baldwin; Dr. Stiver, Lewis Heidenreich, J. C. Lampbert and R.
M. White, members.
LENA SCHOOLS IQIO.
The complete roster of teachers for the Lena schools for the coming year
is as follows: Principal of High school, L. M. Carpenter; assistants in High
school, Miss Sue E. Wilson and Miss Vera Trump; grammar department, Miss
Lydia Vautsmeier; second intermediate, Miss Luella Buss; first intermediate,
Miss Mary Perkins ; primary, Miss Selina Rutter.
THE G. A. R. WILLIAM R. GODDARD POST.
The William R. Goddard Post, G. A. R., of Lena, has always been an
active and enthusiastic organization of the Civil War Veterans. The Post took
its name from William R. Goddard, a citizen of Lena who served in the Mexican
war, and who, at the outbreak of the Civil war, again entered the services of
his country. As a soldier and a commander, he won distinction on the battle-
field and won rapid promotion till he became Major of the Fourteenth Illinois.
Major Goddard fell while leading his men at the Battle of Shiloh.
The first commander of the Post was General Charles Waite.
BENJAMIN R. GODDARD POST.
At one time the Benjamin R. Goddard Post of Lena numbered about one
hundred members. Some have moved to other parts of the county, but most
of them have honored graves in the Lena Cemetery. The Post has not been
less faithful as its membership has declined. The Post had charge of the dedica-
tion of the Black Hawk War Monument at Kellog's Grove and each year con-
ducts the Memorial Day services. Another patriotic and fraternal duty, that
of conducting the burial services of the old soldiers who pass from this life, is
faithfully performed. At the present time the Post has the following members:
OFFICIAL.
Commander of the Post — C. F. Houser, Co. G, Ninety-second 111.
Senior Vice Commander — John Reeder, Fifteenth 111.
Junior Vice Commander — E. Kahel, Ninety-third 111.
Quartermaster — A. S. Crotzer, Ninety-second 111.
Chaplain — W. H. Crotzer, Ninety-second 111.
Officer of the Day — George Shoesmith, One hundred and Forty-sixth 111.
Officer of the Guards — Chas. Gassman, Co. A, Ninety-second 111.
WADDAMS GROVE.
Waddams Grove is a small village, having a store, a postoffice, a creamery,
an elevator, the Illinois Central Station and a few dwellings. The school is
located a mile or more beyond the village. The venerable J. H. Osborne, who
360 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
built the first store in Waddams, is now postmaster, a position he has held for
39 years. The elevator is run by L. F. Keeley. The feature of the village is
the beautiful park maintained by Mr. George Schultz. The owner is a student
of science and takes a special interest in flowers. The park is one of the
prettiest places in the county.
LOUISA.
A pretty little cross roads settlement on the road from Lena to Waddams
Grove is Louisa. It lies where the Galena Road intersects a cross roads, and
contains a church, cemetery, school, and a group of houses. There is no gen-
eral store nor is there any need for one, for the village is only about two miles
northwest of Lena, and the farmers of Louisa are accustomed to do their trading
at the larger town. The .settlement is of recent origin, and hardly promises to
become a village of any great importance. It deserves mention however as
one of the rural communities so numerous in Stephenson County, along with
Waddams Center, Afolkey, Legal, and others of equal unimportance.
KENT TOWNSHIP.
Kent Township, located in the western tier of townships of Stephenson
County, contains thirty-six square miles, or a total of about 22,700 acres, nearly
all of which is under cultivation. It is bounded on the north by West Point
Township, on the east by Erin, on the south by Jefferson and Loran, and on the
west by Jo Daviess County.
It was settled very early in the history of the county, at least six year be-
fore most of the county was settled up. The first settlement was made in 1827
by O. W. Kellogg, a now famous pioneer, who staked out his claim in the
virgin forest at Burrows' Grove. He cleared away the timber, built for himself
and his wife and children a log shanty, and re-named the stretch of timber-
and Kellogg's Grove. It has since been rechristened Timms' Grove, and stands
near the site of the Black Hawk monument.
But about the time of Kellogg's settlement, the Black Hawk War occurred,
and the Kellogg family, after enduring the throes of the combat successfully,
packed up their effects, and departed for other parts. For eight years, no
permanent settler ventured into Kent Township. Then, in 1835, a man named
Green, who hailed from Galena, came to settle, and he obtained possession of
the Kellogg cabin. Not satisfied with the aspect of the country, he remained
only a short time and disposed of his real estate to James Timms, who became
the first permanent white settler in Kent Township, and one of the first of
the whole county.
In the fall of the same year, Jesse Willet made his appearance settling near
the bridge afterward known as Willet's Bridge, near to the Timms settlement.
About the same time Calvin Giddings and Jabez Giddings came and settled on
the banks of Yellow Creek four miles north of the Timms cabin. For a long
time after these migrations no new settlers ventured into the district, and Timms
and his neighbors remained in sole possession. In the fall of 1836, Gilbert
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 361
Osborn came, and then again intervened a time of inaction, when no new set-
tlers came to take up their new homes in the wilderness. For three years this
condition of affairs prevailed. In 1839, J. Reber settled a mile and a half north-
west of Timms' Grove, and in 1840 Frank Maginnis erected a cabin. Ben-
jamin lllingsworth came the same year and settled near the Timms home-
stead, remaining with the Timms family until he could get his house into shape
such that it should protect him from the force of wind and tempest.
With 1840 the township became more populated. In 1837 the first marriage
took place. James Blair and Kate Marsh were united in holy bonds of matrimony
at the house of James Timms. The old records do not state who performed
the ceremony. The first birth was Harvey M. Timms, son of James Timms and
wife, who was born May 26, 1837, and resided in this county all his life. The
first death took place in the same memorable year. The unfortunate was Jesse
Willet, Jr., who was buried in the old "Willet burying-ground" near the preesnt
site of the Dunkard church. The first school was opened in 1837 by one William
Ensign, who instructed the young idea in the house of James Timms, mag-
nanimously loaned for the purpose. Among the families represented in his
school were the Timms, Maginnis, Giddings, and Willets.
About 1838 a mill was built on Yellow Creek by John and Frederick Reber.
Its site was near the center of the township, and it was well patronized by
the farmers round about. The coming of the mill was a great boon to the
pioneers. Before its advent they had been obliged to have their grinding done
at Craig's Mill, at Apple River, and at other places of uncomfortable and in-
convenient distance. Still the question of supplies was a troublesome one.
Meat and game were procurable, but many supplies had to be obtained from
Galena in Jo Daviess County, from Dixon, in Lee County, and other points
at a considerable distance. The new mill thus furnished an inducement for
emigrants to settle in the Kent district, and they came, forthwith, in large
numbers.
By 1840 the tide of immigration was well begun, and in 1844, four years
later, the land of Kent Township, was sold at a public sale in Dixon. This
proceeding caused no end of trouble, for there were conflicts of title between
the old settlers and the new purchasers, and in some cases the quarrels were
violent and of long duration. In time they were settled, but for many years
there was more or less feeling harbored by certain of the settlers against one
another.
Kent Township was only opened up to the commercial world when the
Chicago and Great Western Railroad chose to lay their tracks across the south-
western corner of the section. This brought an influx of speculators and
purchasers, and the railroad company established a station, thereby founding
the village of Kent. The village has never grown to surpassing dimensions,
principally because the railroad which performs its service connects with the
county seat only indirectly. It remains, however, a pleasant and habitable lit-
tle settlement, with an enterprising and energetic population.
The water supply of Kent Township is good. Yellow Creek, entering from
Jo Daviess County, flows east and south through the whole central part of the
township. Its tributaries are few, but sufficient to cover the surface of Kent
362 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
with a network of rills and brooklets, and prevent a dearth of the desirable
moisture. The land is mostly prairie with a few large groves still standing.
In general there is very little to differentiate Kent Township from the ordinary
middle west rich farming lands. It is a square of highly desirable land, in-
habited by a rich and prosperous class of scientific farmers whose premises
present as attractive and orderly appearance as one could wish to see.
KENT.
When the Chicago Great Western Railroad laid its tracks through Stephen-
son County in 1887, the village of Kent was surveyed and platted, and lots were
sold. As it was the only village in the township, a phenomenal growth was
anticipated — a growth which, unfortunately, has never been realized. The vil-
lage is located in the southwestern corner of the township, near the county line.
It contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants and supports several stores,
two churches, and a creamery. Owing to the proximity of Kent to Pearl City,
the people of Kent for the most part attend lodge in that village.
Lutheran Church. The Lutheran church of Kent was built about 1880.
It is on the same circuit with the Pearl City church, and is officiated over by
the Rev. Alex MacLaughlin, who lives at the larger village. The Kent Lutheran
church is an unusually well built and well equipped church, and is valued at
about $3,000. The membership is quoted as sixty, with a Sunday school of
practically the same proportions. Morning services are held every two weeks
at the Kent church, with evening services on the alternate Sunday.
M. E. Church. The early history of the Methodist church is completely
lost. It is not a very old organization, having been founded not more than
twenty years ago, about the time of the platting of the village itself. The Kent
church is in the same charge with two other rural churches, all three of them
being officiated over by Rev. Armitage. The parsonage of the pastor is located
in the village of Kent, and the building is valued at $1,200. The Kent church
is valued at $2,500. The circuit, which is a student charge, has an aggregate
membership of ninety-seven souls, about forty of whom are connected with
the Kent church.
Kent Observer. The Kent Observer, a weekly newspaper, printed at Pearl
City on Thursdays, is the official organ of the villagers at Kent. It forms a
part of the sheet published by the Pearl City News, and comprises half of the
edition of that paper, or space equivalent to a seven column quarto. While
the paper is issued at Pearl City, it is devoted to the interests of the people at
Kent, and contains news items, and other material of interest to the people of
the town. The Observer was originated by Mr. Freas, a former editor of the
Pearl City News, and has since appeared with unfailing regularity on Thursday
of every week. The paper is a great boon to Kent people and is widely
patronized both in the village itself and in the surrounding rural districts. Dr.
M. W. Hooker is editor.
Kent contains a creamery, operated by a farmers' stock company, and a
grain elevator. The business section of the town is very lively for a place of
the size, and the stores do considerable business with the farmers of the vicinity.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 363
The population of the village was listed at about one hundred inhabitants at the
taking of the last census. There has been considerable increase since 1900, and
the next census will probably bring the mark up to one hundred and fifty or
more.
DAKOTA TOWNSHIP.
Dakota Township is the smallest in the county, comprising, like the town-
ships of Erin and Jefferson, an area of only eighteen square miles. However,
in that limited space, the township includes some of the best farming land in
the county, some of the thriftiest and most prosperous appearing farm houses,
and, withal, some of the prettiest and most picturesque stretches of landscape
that the county can boast of. x
There is no large stream. Cedar Creek, which has its source in Rock
Grove Township, just across the town line, flows through the whole length of
Dakota Township, from north to south, being fed on its way by a multitude of
small rills and brooklets, most of them dry at certain seasons of the year,
which flow down from the springs on the hillsides to join the larger current.
One railroad enters the township, the C., M. & St. P. R. R., which cuts
across the southeastern corner of the oblong, and touches Dakota village, the
only village of Dakota Township.
The early history of Dakota Township is closely identified with that of its
western neighbor, Buckeye Township, of which it was formerly a part. In
1860, the division was made, and the eleven thousand, three hundred and sev-
enty-eight acres of Dakota were set aside as they are today. Various causes
have been assigned to account for the break. The probable and generally ac-
cepted reason is that the continued petitions and complaints of a company of
farmers living near the present site of Dakota, finally secured the desired di-
vision. These gentlemen were all good citizens and desirous of exercising their
right of franchise, but when a trip to the polling place entailed a drive across
country of twelve or fifteen miles of bad road, they were put to great incon-
venience. The polling place was then located at the old red schoolhouse near
the present village of Buena Vista. It seems now that a more illogical and
less central position could hardly have been selected, for not only were the
farmers in the eastern part of Buckeye township quite isolated from the politics
of the section, but the village of Cedarville and the settlement which marked
the site of the future village of Dakota were altogether out of range. The
town house of Buckeye has since been moved east and south to a more central
location at Buckeye Center, but all this occurred later. At the time of which
we have been speaking, Silas Yount, Robinson Baird, B. Dornblazer, and a few
others carried on their campaign for a separate township throughout ten years
of strenuous endeavor. In 1860 they were rewarded with success, and in Sep-
tember of that year, the present township of Dakota was established.
As the early history of Dakota is altogether coincident with that of Buck-
eye, it has been treated elsewhere under that head. The first settlements in
Dakota came about the year 1836. Among the early settlers of the portion of
Buckeye which subsequently became Dakota were Benson McElhiney, who set-
364 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
tied near Hickory Grove, Henry Bordner, Jacob Bordner, John Brown, Robin
McGee, James McKee, Samuel Templeton, John Price, Peter Fair, Daniel Zim-
merman, Robert Pierce, John B. Angle, and others. Some of them, the great
majority, established themselves along the banks of Cedar Creek, others ven-
tured farther out into the township, and took up claims in the northern and
eastern sections. In 1857, the Western Union Railroad came through the town-
ship, and with this advent the early history of Dakota is closed.
DAKOTA.
Dakota, or Dakotah, as it is sometimes called, was founded in 1857, when
the Western Union Railroad, now the C., M. & St. P. R. R. first laid its rails
through Stephenson county. When the railroad decided to touch the southern
portion of Dakota Township, several of the public spirited farmers decided to
try to found a village in the southeastern corner, and obtain a post office there.
The land on which Dakota village was built was then owned by Robinson
Baird and Ludwig Stanton. Mr. Baird sold out his claim to Thomas J. Turner,
who, in turn, disposed of his interest to S. J. Davis. To Messrs. Davis and
Stanton belongs the credit of laying out and platting the village of Dakota.
One hundred acres were appropriated for the town, and three farm houses
were located at different points on the stretch when the platting was completed.
These three houses were the only visible signs of life in the village, for the post-
office had not yet come. The railroad company built their station, which they
chose to mis-call "Dakotah" and "Dakotah" it has ever since remained. When
the C., M. & St. P. R. R. came into possession of the Western Union lines, the
title was not changed, although the post-office has always been "Dakota."
The growth of the village during the earlier years of its existence was slow
and unpromising. Soon after the coming of the railroad, a petition was pre-
sented to the post-office department to locate a post-office at Dakota. Robinson
Baird and Benjamin Dornblazer were the men instrumental in securing this
improvement. Their petition was immediately granted and the present name
of "Dakota" affixed to the settlement. The village did not appear promising,
and very little inducements were offered to the prospective settler, until Ben-
jamin Dornblazer built his mansion, the first substantial house of the village.
In the next year, which was 1859, Messrs. Dornblazer and Brown built the
first warehouse located in the village. Others were subsequently erected by
Fisher and Schmeltzer, and one was moved into the village already built and
needing only the foundations to complete it. By 1860 the village contained
seven dwellings and three stores, the houses being owned by Benjamin Dorn-
blazer, Samuel Lapp, D. W. C. Holsapple, Abner Hall, Robinson Baird, Daniel
Keck, and Mrs. Dawson. The three stores were a blacksmith shop, conducted
by Mr. Holsapple, a cabinet shop owned by one Robert Neil, and the general
store of the village, the proprietor of which was Daniel Keck.
1860 was the golden year of Dakota's history. In that year a large number
of new buildings were erected : Fisher and Schmeltzer's warehouse, the third
which had been raised in the history of the village, the new Methodist church,
the village hotel, after occupied by John Brown as a residence. Two new houses
PEARL CITY STREET SCENE
PUBLIC1 SCHOOL. DAVIS
MAIN STREET, DAKOTA
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 365
were built and used as residences by one George Muffley and Mrs. Ingraham.
Soon after Charles Muffley came to settle in Dakota, and opened the first tap-
room of the village, which he ran in connection with a carpenter shop. The
venture did not seem to prosper, for Mr. Muffley abandoned it and enlisted as
a volunteer at the time of the war, and is reported as never having returned
from the combat.
The Civil War suddenly thwarted the growth of the village and everything
was at a standstill for a number of years. Nothing in the way of progress was
accomplished for four years, and then the town took a new start and erected
four new residences. Then began Dakota's one and only "boom." Between
1866 and 1870 the main part of the village was built and only a limited number
of additions have been made since that time. In 1869 the settlement was in-
corporated as a village, by a special act of the Legislature, approved during the
session of 1869, and the first election under the provisions thereof was held on
Monday, April 5, of the same year. Silas Yount, W. R. Auman, and J. D
Bennehoff acted as judges and F. B. Walker and A. T. Milliken as clerks. The.
The following officers were elected at the first town election:
Peter Yoder, president; John Brown, W. R. Auman, George Lambert, and
R. M. Milliken, members of the board.
From 1869 to 1873, the town grew amazingly — the "boom" had not yet sub-
sided. Then came a frost — a killing frost — in the shape of the panic of 1873,
which withered up all trade, advancement and improvement. Everything was at
a standstill, and Dakota's "boom" was over. The financial stringency which
affected the whole country so disastrously was felt for five years, and Dakota
never fully recovered from the effects. No market could be found for the
crops, and the resources of the surrounding country, abundant though they were,
were valueless for they could not be disposed of. When the panic loosed its
clutch, the prospects for the growth of Dakota as a financial center, however
vague they might have been, were effectually crushed.
Within the years of recovering from war and panic, Dakota began to gradu-
ally settle down into the customary type of country village which is familiar
to everyone. There has never been anything in the least "dead" about Dakota.
Business has never for a moment stagnated, but, on the contrary, has kept up
a gratifying and prosperous increase, quite different from most of the villages
of Stephenson and surrounding counties. But the history of the village has
been a disappointment for it has never grown to the proportions fondly planned
for it by its early founders. The population at present numbers about five
hundred inhabitants. There are several stores, a large grain elevator owned by
the H. A. Hillmer Company of Freeport, a high school known as the Dakota
Interior Academy of northern Illinois, three churches, and a number of lodges
and fraternal organizations.
Interior Academy. The Interior Academy of Northern Illinois, formerly
known as the Northern Illinois College, was founded in Dakota in 1881, under
the leadership of the Rev. Frank C. Wetzel, pastor of the Reformed church of
Dakota. Rev. Wetzel conducted the work for six years and then left it to
devote his entire time to the ministry. The academy has since been presided
366 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
over by Professor W. W. Chandler, Rev. H. L. Beam, Rev. H. C. Blosser, Rev.
H. L. Beam, Rev. P. C. Beyers, Rev. C. K. Staudt, Professor Nevin Wilson,
Rev. W. D. Marburger, now of Orangeville, and Rev. G. W. Kerstetter, the
present incumbent.
The academy, though small, is really an institution of unusual excellence
for so small a settlement, and many of its graduates have made names for them-
selves. The list of alumni, published annually, show a large number of busi-
ness men in Freeport and Chicago, and a number of boys and girls at college.
The course of the school is remarkably complete, the musical department be-
ing especially noteworthy. Seven instructors are employed on the faculty, the
present roll being: Dean, Rev. G. W. Kerstetter; languages, Miss Alma B. Con-
rad; mathematics and science, Mr. C. M. Finnell; commercial course, Mr. F. L.
Bennehoff, Jr. ; instrumental music, Mr. Gail P. Echard ; vocal and piano, Miss
Rosa E. Vollrath; violin, Mr. Edwin R. Rotzler.
Within the past year a number of improvements have been made and the
equipment of the school has been materially added to. The Academy buildings,
which consist of a college building and boys' dormitory, are pleasantly located
in a four acre plat of ground, shaded by a grove of maple trees. The original
college building is a substantial frame structure, 40x70 feet, containing an au-
ditorium and four recitation rooms. The trustees and faculty aim at constant
improvement and raising of the school standard. A monthly journal, called the
Interior Standard, is published by the faculty and students in the interest of
the school. A special outfit of physical apparatus has been added this year
enabling the students to perform all the experiments required in an ordinary
high school course in physics. Athletics and all manly sports are encouraged,
special emphasis is laid on public speaking and debate, and in every respect the
standard of the institution is being raised. The course of study embraces five
years of work, including a preparatory year and four years of the- regular
course. Forty-one students were enrolled in the school last year, nearly half
of them in the music department.
Lodges. Dakota supports four large and flourishing fraternal organizations,
and several smaller societies and lodges. The I. O. O. F. have had a lodge in
Dakota for many years, and the Modern Woodmen of America, Mystic Workers
of America, and Royal Neighbors have been established within the last twenty
or thirty years.
Dakota Lodge, No. 566, I. 0. 0. F. The Odd Fellows Lodge was estab-
lished by Deputy Grand Master W.J. Fink on the 22nd of February, 1875, with
eight charter members and the following officers: Noble Grand, Ezra Durling;
vice grand, J. W. Gladfelter; treasurer, E. Yount; secretary, J. D. Schmeltzer.
For a time after the founding of the lodge, meetings were held in Keek's
Building. In 1876, a separate hall was built for the accomodation of the so-
ciety. On the morning of October 27, 1877, this new building, which the lodge
had occupied for only a short time, was totally destroyed by fire, and everything
except the lodge books of the society were consumed in the conflagration. The
loss occasioned was not very great, amounting to a pecuniary damage of only
$380, but the havoc wrought and the inconvenience occasioned by the destruction
of paraphernalia and appurtenances was tremendous. No attempt was made
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 367
to rebuild the structure, but quarters were taken in Artley's building, and a
lodge temple was never again erected.
The Dakota lodge is in a prosperous condition, with a large membership.
The officers for the current year are : Noble Grand, Roy Blunt ; secretary, W. C.
Smith; financial secretary, Ralph McElhiney; treasurer, J. W. Smith.
Golden Rule Camp No. 137, M. W. A. The camp of the Modern Wood-
men of America was established in Dakota October, 1884, and is today in flourish-
ing condition. A. J. Foster is secretary of the organization.
The Rebekahs, in connection with the I. O. O. F., the Royal Neighbors, and
the Mystic Workers, are also large factors in the social life of the community.
Churches. There are three churches in Dakota. There were formerly four,
but one of them has discontinued services.
Methodist Church. The Methodist worshipers of Dakota began to meet and
hold services very soon after the village was founded, but no congregation
was formally organized until the summer of 1860. At that time plans were
made for the building of a church edifice, which was thereupon begun and duly
finished in the fall of the same year. The original cost of the building, which is
a frame structure, 49x36, was $2,000, but that amount was increased by vari-
ous improvements and additions which were subsequently made. In 1878, a
steeple was added, and a number of internal and external improvements and
changes were made. This fall the fiftieth anniversary, of the building of the
church will be observed by the congregation, and plans for a celebration are
being made. Several years ago the church and parsonage were entirely re-
modelled, the latter structure having been built in 1875.
The Dakota Methodist church is in the same charge with the Cedarville
church, the Rev. B. C. Holloway officiating as minister of the gospel in both
places. The church property of the charge, all told, is valued at $8,000, in-
cluding a $3,000 church at Dakota, one of similar value at Cedarville, and a
$2,000 parsonage. The congregations are both very large, that at Dakota num-
bering one hundred and twenty-five members, with a Sunday school of one
hundred and fifteen, while the Cedarville church has a membership of one hun-
dred and ten, and a Union Sunday school, conducted in connection with the
other churches of the village.
Reformed Church. The Reformed church is of recent organization, dating
back to 1 88 1, when it was organized by the Rev. Frank C. Wetzel, as first pastor.
Previous to last year, the congregation has had no permanent place of worship,
but held their services in the Evangelical Lutheran church. Last year, 1909,
the Lutheran church was purchased from that congregation for the sum of
$1,500. The church was at the same time repaired inside and out at a cost of
$300.
The Dakota church, which is on the same circuit with the Rock Grove church,
has a membership of forty and a Sunday school of forty-two, while the latter
church has a membership of fourteen and a Sunday school of twenty. The
Interior Academy of Northern Illinois is conducted by the pastors of the Re-
formed church, Rev. G. W. Kerstetter being the present official. The academy
property, including the parsonage, which is used as a boys' dormitory during
the school year, is valued at $10,000.
368 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Rock Run Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian church of Dakota, known
as the Rock Run Presbyterian church, because it was first established in sec-
tion 30 of that township, was organized in 1855. In 1856 the church edifice in
Rock Run, long since abandoned, was built. In 1870, when the "boom" of
Dakota was in progress, the Rock Run congregation decided to remove to Dakota,
and built their church there in the same year. The church structure, which is
the finest in the village, cost $3,000- is of frame 35x55, with a steeple eighty
feet in height, affords a seating capacity for 300 worshippers, and is provided
with an excellent organ.
The congregation consist of about one hundred members, the Minister at
Cedarville officiating as pastor. The Rev. John M. Linn was the first pastor of
the Dakota church, and the pulpit has since been occupied by a large number
of pastors, with their parsonage at Cedarville.
RIDOTT TOWNSHIP.
Ridott Township is the largest township of Stephenson County. It is ob-
long in shape and contains an area of fifty-four square miles, just six more than
Rock Run, which is second in size. Likewise the township contains more vil-
lages than any other in the county. Several of these are no longer post-offices,
since the coming of the rural free delivery system, and one of them, Nevada,
:s practically deserted, with nothing except a group of houses to mark the place
where a flourishing village once stood.
The first settlement in Ridott Township was made in the year 1836. An-
drew Jackson and Jefferson Niles arrived in this county on the 4th of March
of that year, and built a little shanty on the south bank of the Pecatonica, near
the present site of the village of Ridott. Just previous to that ime, either early
in 1836 or in the latter part of 1835, Harvey P. Waters and Lyman Bennett
had visited Stephenson County and pitched camp at the mouth of Yellow Creek
in Silver Creek Township. The whole of the district, including Silver Creek
and Ridott Township, was then known as Silver Creek Precinct, and so re-
mained until the passage of the law providing for township organization, when
the two were divided. Waters remained for several months in his first loca-
tion, when he pulled up stakes and moved into Ridott, where he continued to
live for many years. Before going to Ridott, however, he went to Kirk's Grove,
where he put up a mill known as Waterman's Still. Then, about March, 1836,
he came to Ridott. In the same spring, a large number of new settlers came,
among them Sawyer Forbes ; Daniel Wooten, who settled about a mile east of
the place where the village of Ridott stands today; Horace Colburn; a Mr.
Wickham, who entered his claim where the village of Ridott rose later; John
Reed and his brother, who took up claims on the south bank of the Pecatonica
near the paint where Farwell's Bridge spans the rivet; Benjamin and Josiah
Ostrander, who "squatted" near the mouth of Yellow Creek ; David Niles ; Asa
Nichols ; and others. Nearly all of the pioneers chose to build their huts on or
near the Pecatonica. As they subsequently found out, the site was not as
healthy as could have been desired, but, after all, it was the logical place for a
pioneer to take up his claim. The land was fertile, the water power was good,
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 369
and a large part of the transportation was by water. The rolling prairies away
to the southward about the present village of German Valley were just as fer-
tile and desirable if they had only taken the time to find out. Later settlers did
discover the gold mines which lay in the rich loam of the German Valley district,
and the result was the flourishing colony of Germans who established them-
selves in that region.
In 1837 a very large number of pioneers came to take up claims in Ridott,
apparently attracted more by the advantages which the place seemed to offer than
repelled by the numerous disadvantages which faced them at the outset. A list
of the newcomers of that year cannot be given with any attempt at complet-
ness, for many names are lost or forgotten. Some of the new settlers were
Caleb Tompkins, who settled in a tract of timbered land near the river; G. A.
Seth ; Isaac Farwell ; Eldredge Farwell, the two last named settling about four
miles east of the present Ridott, near the present Farwell's Bridge; Garrett
Lloyd; Norman Brace; Levi Brace; Isaac Brace; Orsemus Brace; Harvey Web-
ster; Jeremiah Webster; Sybil Ann Price, who settled about a mile west of the
Farwell farm; Stewart Reynolds; Sanford Niles, and others.
In 1838, another delegation quite as large came to take up land in Ridott
Township. Among the new men this year were Lewis Gitchell ; David Gitchell ;
Philo Hammond; Ezekiel Forsythe; Jacob Forsythe; John Lloyd (a brother
of Garrett Lloyd who came in 1837); Putnam Perley; Ezekiel Brown, who
"squatted" on the river bank, near Holmes Mill ; John Brazee, who settled west
of the present village; Christian Clay, and others.
In 1839 Charles Babcock came, and later George H. Watson, who drove
before him a flock of a thousand sheep, Willia B. Hawkins, Ross Babcock, An-
son Babcock, John Karcher, Lewis Woodruff, and others.
After 1840 the immigration was continuous, and the township became set-
tled up. The northern part was settled first, however, and it was not until per-
haps ten years later that the original German Valley-ites arrived bag and bag-
gage in Stephenson County. In 1842, on the 28th of August, the famous col-
ony of English agriculturists, whose descendants in many instances still reside
in Stephenson County in the vicity of Ridott, came west. They settled in the
timber lands in Ridott Township, near the river, having been directed to that
portion of the county by their scouts who were sent out the year before and
settled the lands near the river as suitable place for settlements. For several
years the Englishmen lived together in peace and harmony in the Ridott woods.
Then a dissension arose for some unknown reason, and part of the colony de-
parted for the western wild, and have never since been heard of, except in-
directly. Among the prominent members of the colony were Thomas Hunt,
with his wife and mother, Robert Knight, Charles Foulkes, Robert Lankford
and wife, Thomas Clay, Henry Layland Knight and wife. Charlotte Hurst,
John Wooton, George Barnes, Joseph Gibson, Joseph Lester, and W. R. Fair-
burn and wife.
Between 1840 and 1850 the lands in Ridott Township increased greatly in
value, and as a result settlers began to feel that the land was desirable. In
1850 the famous colony of Germans, whose descendants conduct the business of
the village of German Valley, arrived in these parts. Among their numbers
370 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
were the familiar names of Uno Collman, Poppa Poppen, Wessel Wessels, Jurin
Van Buckum, Christian Akermann, Folk Hayunga, Yelle Ruter, T. Jussen,
John Heeren, Balster Jelderks, Fokke Rewerts, Michael Van Osterloo, and
others, who were joined later by reinforcing colonies from their particular dis-
tricts of Germany.
The first birth in Ridott Township occurred in 1837, when Margaret
Wooton, daughter of Daniel and Julia Wooton, was introduced to this plane
of existence. In 1839 came the first marriage. The happy couple were A. J.
Niles, and Nancy A. Farwell, daughter of Gustavus A. Farwell. The cere-
mony was performed by the Hon. Thomas J. Turner, one of the early settlers
of the county, who, in his capacity of justice of the peace, was vested with such
authority. The first deaths are in doubt. Some assert that the drowning of
Milburn and Reed in the Pecatonica, not far from the mouth of Yellow Creek,
was the first instance of a visit of the Grim Reaper. Others assert that the
drowning occurred in Silver Creek Township, just across the town line, and
there is very good reason to believe that such was the case. At any rate, the
drownings are on record as the first cases of death, and if they are not au-
thentic, there is no story to the contrary which attempts to give the names of
the unfortunates.
After 1850 the growth of Ridott Township was rapid and somewhat unin-
teresting. About the beginning of the decade the township suffered a relapse in
the visit of the cholera plague which attacked Freeport and points along the
Pecatonica and Yellow Creek. The blow struck hardest at Nevada, near Ridott,
which never fully recovered. Unlike Mill Grove, in Loran Township, it was
not erased from the map, but the number of deaths was appalling, and most
dreadful to contemplate in so small a town.
In 1852, the Chicago and Galena Union Railroad, afterward a part of the
Chicago and Northwestern system, came through, and speculators and pur-
chasers came to the township in large numbers. But not until about ten years
ago did the Ridott farmers have their greatest impetus for development and
improvement. This came in the shape of the Rockford and Freeport electric
line of the Rockford and Interurban system, which touched the villages of
Ridott and Nevada, running parallel with the Chicago and Northwestern tracks.
This was especially a boon to the villagers of Ridott for it has enabled them to
come to Freeport and do their shopping at any and every time of the day, af-
fording quick, cheap, and comfortable transportation.
In addition to the Interurban, three steam railroads enter Ridott Town-
ship, making a total of four within the whole area. The Chicago and North-
western cuts across the northern end of the township, running through Ridott
village, and also Nevada, but not maintaining a station at the last named place.
The Illinois Central runs through the central portion from northwest to south-
east and through the stations at Everts and Legal. Lastly, the Chicago and
Great Western cuts across the southwestern corner of Ridott Township, with
its station at the village of German Valley. From German Valley it runs directly
southeast to Ogle County, where its first station is located at Egan. From that
point it runs to Chicago in an almost direct line.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 371
The farms of Ridott are in good condition and have a well kept, prosperous
look. That is not particularly true of the farms in the northern part of the
township, near the river. The farms in this section of the county are very old,
and probably more dilapidated and forsaken farm buildings can be found in
the region surrounding the State Road than in any other section of the country
roundabout. Of course, these farm houses are not occupied and it is only a
matter of time when they will be torn down. The new and occupied buildings
are of course well kept and neat in appearance. There are also a number of old
stone buildings, very ancient, and interesting to the lover of the antique. Among
the very old buildings of Ridott Township, and of the county for that matter
is the old Hunt place, on the State Road, south of Ridott, formerly used as a
Tavern for the Chicago-Galena stages. The place is still occupied by the de-
scendants of the original keeper.
As a place for investments in farm lands both with a view to speculation,
and permanent residence, Ridott Township is not surpassed. The lands about
the Pecatonica River in the northern end of the section are well wooded, but
aside from that the surface is most wide rolling prairie, containing lands which
compare well in fertility with any part of the state.
RIDOTT.
The village of Ridott was founded in 1860. Nevada, a short distance west of
the village site, and now known to the inhabitants of Ridott as the "old town,"
was the fore-runner of Ridott. When the Chicago and Galena Union Railroad
was completed through the township, a station was established at Nevada and a
town surveyed and platted. This remained in existence for three years, at the
end of which time J. S. Cochran and brother of Freeport purchased sixty acres
of land, upon a part of which the present village of Ridott stands. Through some
previous transaction, the details of which were always shrouded in mystery,
the Cochran Brothers had concluded a contract with the railroad company,
agreeing to grade the side tracks, plat, and lay out the town, providing the
railroad station was transferred from Nevada to the new place. On the loth
day of July, 1860, the station was moved to "Cochranville" as the place was
then christened, and soon after G. W. Loveland, the Nevada postmaster, in
obedience to instructions from the department, moved the postoffice to Cochran-
ville, and built the postoffice, the first building erected in the village. The first
store was soon after built by the Cochran Brothers, and named the "Farmer's
Store." About the same time, Oscar H. Osborn built a house near the track
which he adapted to residence and saloon purposes. Ridott has never been
a "dry town" since that date. In 1861, Samuel Irvin built his shoe shop on
Adams street, James Clark his residence, on the same street, W. E. Moorhouse
a house on Jefferson street, and these constituted the village until the close of
the Civil war. A few buildings were erected in the vicinity, but the period was
not distinguished by phenomenal growth or enterprise.
In the fall of 1861, the name of the village was changed to "Ridott" through
the agency of a petition prepared by the residents and addressed to the Depart-
372 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ment at Washington. The name was taken from the township, and that, in turn,
is said to have been named after a clerk in the postoffice department at Wash-
ington.
After the close of the war, the growth ot ividott was renewed, and the
building of the village resumed. Ross Babcock erected a brick building which
still stands on Adams Street, and contains "Ridott Hall," a spacious audience
room, office rooms, and two stores. Isaac S. Shirey built a residence on Wash-
ington street, J. A. Kerr soon built a house near to his, and later Josiah Deimer,
Mrs. Lewis Getchell, Reuben Clark, and Hezekiah Poffenberger erected man-
sions on the same street. Henry Gibler built himself a home on Adams street
about the same time, and Dr. M. W. Walton moved a building into the village,
reconstructed it, and used it for dwelling purposes. In 1867, the 'U. B. church
was erected, the only one in the village for many years, in 1869 the new brick
schoolhouse was built, and in 1875 the town was incorporated as a village. F.
D. Coolidge was the first president of the village board, and the first members
were H. P. Waters, Samuel Moyer, O. M. Doty, W. A. Kerr, and J. L. Robinson.
W. A. Kerr acted as village clerk, and Samuel Moyer as- village treasurer.
Among the archives of the village have been preserved the records of the
first birth, the first marriage, and the first death. The first birth was a son to
Oscar and Mary Osborn. The first death was that of Elizabeth Leech, and"
the first marriage was contracted between Brock Mullen and Mrs. Mary Hill.
For many years the village pursued the even tenor of its course, quite like
the ordinary country village. But about ten years ago a change was effected,
when the Rockford and Freeport line came through Ridott and erected its sta-
tion there. The increased facilities for transportation have been taken advan-
tage of by the people of Ridott to such an extent that they do practically all of
their shopping at Freeport, and now consider themselves as suburban dwellers
of the county seat. The village has grown a great deal since the advent of the
electric line, and numbers a population of about four hundred inhabitants.
United Brethren Church. The largest and most influential church of Ridott
is that belonging to the United Brethren, Association. The congregation was
organized about 1859, before the village of Ridott was laid out, and was com-
posed principally of the residents of Nevada. Services were held) first in the
schoolhouse on the Moyer farm, later in the schoolhouse on the Waters farm.
In 1867, the present church, a frame edifice 28 x 48, valued at about $2,500,
was built on a lot on Adams Street. Recently the whole building was rebuilt
and remodelled. A parsonage valued at about $1,500 has also been built, next
to the church building. The congregation numbers fifty-eight, with a Sunday
school of one hundred and six. There have been a large number of pastors
connected with the Ridott church since the coming of the first pastor, Rev.
James Johnson. All of them have also performed the pastoral duties at the
Winneshiek church in Lancaster township. The minister at present in charge
is the Rev. J. E. Fry.
Free Methodist Church. The Free Methodist church was organized in 1875,
and numbers a congregation of about forty. For some years services were held
in the schoolhouse, in Ridott Hall, and in various other locations. Then the
present church edifice, a small and unpretentious structure on Adams Street, was
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 373
erected. Rev. Mr. Ferns was the minister under whose direction the charge was
organized. The pastor at present officiating is the Rev. J. G. Plantz.
Lodges. Ridott is not a great lodge town. Unlike the villages of the
northern part of the county, which are very active in this direction and support
a large number of secret societies, Ridott supports very few. The two now in
existence are the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, which was estab-
lished about fifteen years ago, and the lodge of the Stars of Equity, which is
a comparatively recent organization.
Ridott Band. The Ridott Band was organized in June, 1910, by Professor
L. M. Hiatt, of the University of Indiana, who came to the village at that time
to reside with his relatives, the McCrackens. The band consists of twenty-six
brass instruments, and furnishes music on all occasions where an organization
of the kind is called upon to officiate.
GERMAN VALLEY.
Before the Chicago Great Western came through the county, there was a
general store and one or two houses at the cross roads where German Valley,
or Baalton, as it was then called, was located. With the advent of the rail-
road, in August, 1887, the present village was platted, and the town re-christened
German Valley.
Probably the least attractive and interesting of all the Stephenson County
villages, German Valley is nevertheless the home of a number of wealthy farm-
ers, who are descendants of the famous German colony that came to Ridott over
half a century ago. The country about German Valley is most attractive, the
fields are fertile and productive, and the farm houses and barns are trim and
well kept. The village itself is far from lively. There are half a dozen stores
in operation, a creamery, a blacksmith shop, and a grain elevator owned by the
H. A. Hillmer Co., of Freeport.
M. E. Church. The Methodist church of German Valley is of recent ori-
gin. The present church edifice was put up in 1903, the congregation having
met about in various places before the building of the church. It is a frame
structure, of a modern type of architecture, having cost about $2,500. The con-
gregation also owns a new frame parsonage, located across the street from the
church, which is worth about $1,500. The congregation numbers in the neigh-
borhood of fifty communicants, with a Sunday school about as large. The Rev.
Edward Breen is the pastor in charge.
There are no other churches in German Valley, but there are a number lo-
cated within a radius of a mile or two, which are attended by the German Val-
ley citizens. The German Reformed church is located a mile west of the
town, and the Christian Reformed church two miles northeast.
Pleasant Prairie Academy. The German Valley high school, known as the
Pleasant Prairie Academy, is located about a mile west of the village, at the
settlement known as Pleasant Prairie. The academy is operated by the offi-
cials of the German Reformed church, and has been in the past presided over
by the ministers of the Pleasant Prairie Reformed church.
874 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Rev. Mr. Byers is at present principal of the Pleasant Prairie Academy. He
is assisted by Rev. Schicker, pastor of the Pleasant Prairie church. The acad-
emy offers an excellent course of instruction, covering three years of preparatory
work, and four years of high school and academic instruction. A very full
course is offered, including Latin, Greek, English, the modern languages, alge-
bra, geometry, trigonometry, and the various studies included in the curriculum
of an up-to-date high school. The faculty includes a corps of three or four
instructors.
German American State Bank. The State Bank of German Valley was or-
ganized in December, 1906, and opened for business January, 1907. It is one
of the prosperous village banks of the county, and was incorporated under the
banking laws of the state of Illinois. The founder and original president of
the institution was F. A. Briggs, of Madison, Wisconsin, who resigned after a
short term of office, to be succeeded by H. W. Coffman. The bank is capitalized
at $25,000. The officers are:
President: H. W. Coffman.
Vice-president: H. Heeren.
Cashier: Louis Fosha.
Assistant Cashier: L. Van Osterloo.
The German American Bank occupies a substantial brick building built es-
pecially for its occupation on the main street of the village. It enjoys a large
patronage among the farmers of the vicinity.
German Valley also supports a creamery, which is owned by capitalists at
the village of Kent, twenty miles west of German Valley. The local superin-
tendent in charge of the factory at German Valley is C. B. Ressler.
Unlike most of the county villages, German Valley does not possess any
lodges or secret and fraternal organizations. The want is filled by the various
church societies, and by the lodges at Ridott, and the neighboring villages to the
west and north.
There are half a dozen stores, a large general store owned by N. H. Jansen,
a post-office, blacksmith shop, and the usual residences. The population of the
village is quoted as two hundred, with a slight increase since the taking of the
last census. German Valley is about fourteen miles from Freeport, accessible
by the Chicago Great Western from the South Freeport station.
NEVADA.
A visit to the site of Nevada is not necessary to convince the inquisitive
historian that the village no longer exists, for the mere name is scarcely men-
tioned in these parts today. Formerly it was a place of great importance and
was settled very early in the history of the county. Before the propagators of
Ridott had brought their village before the eyes of 'the world, the town of Ne-
vada was platted out and promised to be, some day, a factor of importance in
county politics. But fate had ordained differently.
Nevada came into existence in 1852, when the Chicago and Galena Union
Railroad came through the region. The railroad surveyors as well as the farm-
ers of Ridott felt the need of a station somewhere along the route through Ri-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 375
dott Township, and the services of a surveyor were secured to plat out a town
and sell lots. A railroad station, long since disappeared, was built, and the
town named "Nevada" after Nevada City, Colorado, where Daniel Wooton,
who owned the land on which Nevada was platted, died in '49, en route to the
gold fields in California. A post-office was also established, of which William
Wright was postmaster, and a number of improvements were made, which
seemed to show that Nevada was a coming city.
This was all in 1852. Hardly had the town felt itself established, when the
cholera plague came swooping down upon it from the west and with deadly
results. So many of the inhabitants died within one short summer that the
population was decreased nearly a half. In 1854, the cholera came again, and
with results quite as horrible. The town was so depleted in population that it
seemed unlikely that it would ever be able to tide over. However, it sur-
vived the shock six years, and an agency other than the dreadful cholera, viz.,
commercial enterprise and a transaction on the part of a company of Freeport
gentlemen, which would today be branded "graft," succeeded in forever ruin-
ing Nevada's prospects. These men bought a large territory of land, where
the village of Ridott stands today, having previously concluded arrangements
with the railroad company that in the case of their platting out a town the rail-
road should remove its station, side-tracks, and so forth, to the new site. This
was done in 1860. On the loth of July of that year, the station was removed,
and trains no longer stopped at ill-fated Nevada. A little later in the year, in
obedience to the instructions of the department at Washington, G. W. Loveland,
postmaster of Nevada, moved his postal station to the new town, and as the
sun of Ridott rose, the orb of Nevada set. The villagers of Nevada were not
loath to leave their old homes, with their memories of the cholera plague, and
their proximity to the swamps and river bed lowlands, and a large majority of
them moved to the new village. A few remained in the old home, and saw
the deserted houses of their departed townsmen go to rack and ruin about them.
Deserted villages are sometimes quite as interesting as inhabited settle-
ments. Sometimes, at least, from a historical standpoint, they are even more
so. A visit to the empty plat of the Nevada town site shows some interesting
developments within the last few years. The city lots have long been parts of-
a farm, and have been untilized as cornfields, but now a transformation is tak-
ing place. The town is apparently reviving. A new house has been built on
the main street within the last year, and an old mansion which stands back at
some distance in aristocratic seclusion, has been re-painted and re-inhabited. It
would be strange indeed if the logic of events should make Nevada a village
again, with a wakeful community. It may be the case, for the village is easily
accessible from Freeport by the interurban, and the lack of transportation fa-
cilities, which ruined the town, has been filled by the coming of the new electric
line. As yet, the steps which have been taken are too vague to be called hopeful,
and the population is a mere baker's dozen, while back from the little handful
of houses which border on the tracks stretch the furrowed fields of a thriving
farm, and the site which the village of Nevada used to occupy is only marked
by the waving blades of corn.
376 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
EVERTS.
Everts Station, or Stevens Post-office, is the first station east of Freeport
on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad. It is a tiny settlement, and of little
or no importance since the post-office has been removed. The hamlet contains
a few houses, a store, and a grain elevator owned by Freeport capital. Everts
was founded when the Illinois Central line came through, although Stevens
Post-office was of earlier origin. The village was at one time quite a thriving
little community and promised, some day, to gain some importance. The rural
free delivery system cut off the post-office patronage, caused the trade of the
store to dwindle, and now Everts is a very lifeless spot without much prospect
of future resuscitation.
LEGAL.
Legal, or Legal Post-office, as it is still familiarly called, contains a store,
and a cross roads settlement of limited dimensions. It is located on the Illinois
Central line about two and one-half miles east of Everts, and formerly con-
tained a post-office with a large rural patronage. The post-office is now discon-
tinued, and the settlement is no longer of any importance. It does not contain
any church or school, although school and church facilities are offered in the near
vicinity. No regular railroad station is maintained at Legal, and the settle-
ment, as a village, is now practically abandoned.
WADDAMS TOWNSHIP.
Waddams township is six miles square, and contains twenty-three thousand
and forty acres of rolling prairie. It is crossed by the Pecatonica River, which
receives a large number of tributaries within the confines of the township. The
most important is Waddams Creek, a small but swift current, which rises in the
southwestern corner of the township and flows northeast into the Pecatonica.
In addition, there are numerous other creeks and streamlets which cover the
township with such a system of water courses that water power is never lack-
ing. The township, it is believed, was surveyed by William Hamilton, son of
the great secretary of the treasury in Washington's cabinet, who had settled in the
lead mine regions at Hamilton's Diggings and who also was an Independent
Ranger during the Black Hawk War.
The first settlement was made by Levi Robey in 1835. His nearest neighbor
was William Waddams, seven miles to the west. He built a log cabin on the
Pecatonica, and began a "clearing," which was the first farm in Waddams town-
ship. The same year Nelson Wait, Hubbard Graves, Charles Gappen, Alija
Watson, John and Thomas Baker and William Willis joined the settlement.
These earliest settlers got their mail and supplies at Galena and went on a two
or three days' journey to mill on Wolf Creek. Indians and wild animals abounded
ih the wilderness and the settlement of the township was accompanied by the
usual frontier dangers and privations.
The settlement was made strong in 1836 by the new arrivals, mostly from
the east. That year came Thomas Hawkins, John Boyington, Lydia Wait and
family, N. Phillips, Pells Manny, John Lobdell, Barney Stowell, Lewis
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 377
Griggsby, Nicholas Marcellus, John Dennison and a nam named Velie. The
first birth in the township was William Robey, son of Levi Robey, September
21, 1836.
Within recent years Waddams township has taken a place of great importance
in the politics of Stephenson County. It is one of the few Democratic town-
ships of the county outside of Freeport, and, as such, is an interesting factor
in all county elections.
«
McCONNELL.
McConnell is a pleasant little village on the Pecatonica River and on the
Dodgeville branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. Besides several stores, hotel,
blacksmith shop, two churches, a school house and the postoffice, there is an ex-
cellent creamery run by Peter Danielson, an expert butter-maker. The sur-
rounding farmers find excellent market for milk. The creamery puts out from
nine thousand to twelve thousand pounds of butter daily. West of McConnell,
about one mile, is a cheese factory that does a good business. McConnell has
a number of fine residences that are well kept.
The old house, the oldest now standing in McConnell, was built by Robert
McConnell and is yet in good repair. There is nothing left of the old mill but
a remnant of the dam. Two old settlers, who have been citizens for more than
fifty years and who know the history of the community, are Mr. A. C. Martin
and Charles Graves.
In 1836 John Dennison entered one thousand acres on the present site of
McConnell. He had the town fever and his idea was to lay out and build up a
town on the Pecatonica. He was joined by John Vanzant and built a saw mill
north of the grove in 1836. The next year, Dennison and Vanzant, the latter
being a surveyor, laid off the land in town lots and made such improvements as
they could in order to attract settlers.
In 1838 Robert McConnell arrived from Pennsylvania and purchased the
land and improvements and called it "McConnell's Grove." He established a
store at once and brought his stock from Galena. The town did not build up
rapidly and the land was secured by the Illinois Central Railroad Company, which
sold it to John Kennedy after the best timber had been removed. Kennedy sold
lots and farms to settlers, including Charles Webster, George Buck, John Ault,
Lewis G. Reed and other about 1855.
In 1880 McConnell had a population of about one hundred and fifty, a hotel,
two wagon and blacksmith shops, a harness shop, two stores and received mail
three times a week. The school house was built in 1849. The first teachers in
the vicinity were Fayette Goddard and Adeline Hulburt, with an average of
seventy students for many years. The school district was divided, because of
the increased number of settlers, in 1868 and 1871. The present school build-
ing was erected in 1889. Talk of building a new three room school is persistent,
but the majority of the taxpayers are not yet convinced that they want to build
so large a school.
McConnell Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church was organized in 1850,
October 19, with nineteen members. The first pastor was Rev. G". J. Donmeyer.
378 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Services were first held in the school house, and in 1869 the church building was
erected. It was built of brick, 30 x 45, had a steeple and cost $2,200. In 1880
there were fifty members, and G. J. Donmeyer was still pastor. His connection
with the church had not been continuous, however, and for a time Rev. J. Stoll
and J. K. Bloom had served as pastors. Rev. Mr. Barr is the present pastor.
Lutheran Church. Three miles to the west of McConnell is another Luth-
eran Church, which was organized also by Rev. G. J. Donmeyer in 1851 with
thirteen members. In 1871 the organization built a church building valued at
$1,890. In 1880 Rev. J. W. Fritch was pastor.
Rev. W. G. Metzker, of Orangeville, is pastor of the United Brethren Church.
A small Methodist congregation, under the pastorate of Rev. Charles Briggs,
is making excellent headway.
DAMASCUS.
The village of Damascus is one of the oldest of the county. It is not a large
settlement, and has never been platted out as a village site, but all of the farmers
within a radius of a mile or more call themselves residents of Damascus. The
population gathered about the store and blacksmith shop, which form the nucleus
of the village, numbers about one hundred and fifty.
Damascus was founded and given its present name in 1837 by Norman
Phillips, who became its first postmaster after a while. In three or four years
the post-office was established and Damascus continued to have a post-office
patronage of five hundred or more until the rural free delivery system came a
few years ago, and Damascus post-office ceased to do business.
Damascus is largely settled by members of the Phillips family, descendants
of the man who founded the village, and for many years the post-office was con-
ducted by members of the Phillips clan. The one break in the link was the post-
mastership of W. K. Bechtold, who for a while ran the general store, and held
the office of postmaster at the same time.
The village contains a general store, owned by G. W. Phillips, a blacksmith
shop, of which James Albright is proprietor, a school, a church, and a creamery.
In years gone by, Damascus was a very important point. Being situated on the
Pecatonica River, at one of the few points where the stream was crossed by a
oridge, it drew a large number of transients to its population. These gradually
departed upon the building of more bridges, and the establishment of ferries,
and to-day the place is of very little commercial importance, except for its
creamery. Tradition says that when the controversy concerning the establish-
ment of the county seat was in progress, Damascus was an active factor in the
struggle, and was finally defeated by the small majority of one vote. Freeport,
Cedarville and Damascus were the candidates for the honor, and, as is well known,
Freeport eventually won out. Nevertheless, both Cedarville and Damascus were
lively competitors. They had the advantage of a more central location and at
one time it seemed as if they were the logical candidates for the court house.
But Freeport backed up its claims with a large sum of money, and the battle
was to the strong.
Oldest House in Buena Vista
Log House at McCoimell
Oldest House in McCoimell
Built by Robert McCoimell
Oldest House in Epleyanna
Oldest House near Oneco
The J. W. Addaius Home, Cedarville
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 379
Damascus Creamery. The creamery is operated by a farmer's stock com-
pany, of which J. A. Phillips is president. It does a large business, and, outside
of Freeport, is by far the most important creamery in the county.
First Baptist Church. The Damascus Baptist Church has been in existence
for about twenty years. It was founded in 1890 by the Rev. C. E. Wren, pastor
of the Lena Church, and has since been attended by the pastors who do service
for that congregation. The charge is a student charge, and the pastor at present
in charge is the Rev. Hervey Gilbert, who resides at Lena. The membership of
the church is about thirty. The church building was built very soon after the
founding of the church society in Damascus.
Damascus lies on the road between Lena and Cedarville, about an equal
distance from both of these points. It is situated on the town line between Har-
lem and Waddams townships, and the post-office has at various times been located
in Harlem Township. At the time of the advent of the rural delivery, it was es-
tablished on the Waddams side of the road, and the greater part of the village
is on that side. The last census gave the village a population of about one hun-
dred and fifty, and there has been hardly any increase since that time.
WADDAMS CENTER.
Waddams Center, as the name indicates, is the central spot of Waddams
township. The site is not marked by a village of any consequence, and the main
object of interest is the district school, known as the Waddams Center School.
The settlement embraces a territory of three or four square miles, the inhabit-
ants of which designate themselves as "Waddams Center people." Waddams
Center does not support a church, but there is a church at McConnell, only a
short distance away, which is attended by the farmers of the region. There is
ERIN TOWNSHIP.
no general store, nor has there ever been a post-office. The population of the
whole settlement at Waddams Center is about fifty.
Erin township originally comprised not only its present area but, in addi-
tion, the township of Kent, to the west, which was subdivided from Erin on
March 17, 1856. It was a strange freak of the logic of events that the blow which
severed Kent from Erin and left the latter deprived of the superior wood and
water advantages formerly enjoyed, should have fallen at a meeting of the
board of supervisors which was convened on St. Patrick's day. For Erin town-
ship, as its name implies, was settled largely by Irish farmers, and the village of
Dublin in the western part of the township contains one of the two country
Catholic churches of the county.
About 1835 the first settlements were made in that part of the county
which is at present Erin Township. The settlers were Hibernians from the "ould
sod," by name Bartholomew Doyle and Michael Murphey. Both of them settled
in the range at present known as "Dublin Settlement," the former on the site of
St. Mary's Church of the Mound, and the latter about a mile away from that
spot. Their nearest neighbors were the settlers in the western part of the town-
380 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ship, which has since become Kent. Among these were the Timms family, the
Willets and various others who are mentioned in the history of Kent township.
For about two years the settlers were few and far between. In 1837 Valorus
Thomas arrived and settled about four miles away from Dublin settlement, on
the line between Harlem and Erin townships. In the same year came Ebenezer
Mulnix, and a Mr. Helm, who settled near Thomas. Bartholomew Doyle re-
mained on his farm long enough to improve the land and donate three acres for
the erection of St. Mary's Church. Then he moved west about half a mile, into
Kent township, sold his old farm to one Robert Franey, and began the opening
and improvement of a new grange.
Between 1837 and 1840, a goodly number of emigrants came to Erin town-
ship, with a large preponderence of the Irish element among them. The large
part of Dublin settlement did not come until about 1842, but some of the fore-
runners came earlier. Among the newcomers, about 1839, were James Fowler,
John Fiddler, John B. Kaufmann, Peter Van Sickle, George W. Babbitt, Jonas
Pickard, Palmer Pickard, Lewis Grigsby, F. Rosenstiel, and their families.
In 1840, there was another large inroad, including, among others, Reuben
Tower, William Schermerhorn, John Lloyd, Frederick Gossmann, John Ham-
mond, Nathan Ferry, E. H. Woodbridge and a number of people whose names
are lost to us. Amos Davis, who had settled at Scioto Hills in 1837. moved
west into Erin township about 1840 or a little later.
In 1842, Dublin settlement began to grow very rapidly. Andrew and George
Cavanaugh came in that year, also Andrew Farrell, Dennis Maher, who settled
in section 29, John McNamara, Patrick Brown and many more. None of the
newcomers were more warmly welcomed than the wife and family of a man
named Burns. They had come by wagon train, and when crossing the Rock
River at Dixon, the bridge collapsed, and all were hurled to the depths below.
In the havoc which ensued, a number of the unfortunates were drowned, among
them Mr. Burns and his son. Mrs. Burns and the rest of her family were fortu-
nate enough to escape, and instead of remaining about the spot where the calam-
ity had occurred and spending her time in vain lamentations, she pushed on to
the destination at which her husband had been aiming. Here she arrived safely
some time later and was warmly welcomed by the settlers.
The first birth in the Irish settlement occurred in 1843, when a son was born
to George Cavanaugh. In the next year, the first marriage was solemnized by
the Catholic priest. Robert Cavanaugh and Bridget Maher were the happy
couple. In December, 1845, the first known death is said to have taken place.
One Mr. Gillis, who was taken sick in the autumn of that year, died, according
to tradition, from lack of proper care and treatment. He was buried in the grove
on Burns' Branch, the first recorded burial of the township.
St. Mary's Church of the Mound, the first Catholic church built in the
county, according to some, was put up by the Dublin settlers in 1836. This
seems highly improbable, but such is the tradition. There has always been more
or less of a controversy between the Catholic parishioners of Dublin and Irish
Grove, each parish asserting that its church was the earliest of the county. It
is quite impossible to decide the controversy, for records have been so meagerly
preserved. The "Golden Jubilee" souvenir, issued by the congregation of St.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 381
Mary's of Freeport during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of 1896, does not at-
tempt to take part in the dispute, but merely states the dates of the founding of
the parishes with resident priests. According to this, Dublin settlement has the
advantage of a few years. It was attended by priests from Galena until 1843,
when Father Derwin, appointed by the bishop of St. Louis, became the first
resident priest, also doing service at the Irish Grove settlement in Rock Run
township.
•. The Irish Grove church was certainly erected in 1838, the Dublin church
within a year of that time. Consequently we can approximate the time of build-
ing and find that it was very early in the annals of Stephenson county. Once
the church was built, there was something to draw Irish settlers to the vicinity,
and to this day, Erin and Dublin settlements have maintained their full quota of
Hibernians.
Erin township is quite as fertile as any in the county, and contains quite as
good land. It has an area of about eighteen square miles, being one of the
three smallest townships of the county in company with Jefferson and Dakota.
There is no large creek or stream of any importance nor are there any groves or
timbered sections of appreciable extent. The township is crossed by the Illinois
Central Railroad (main line) with its one station at the village of Eleroy. This
line, formerly a part of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad came through
in 1852, and was later purchased by the Illinois Central, which now controls the
•line from Freeport to Galena.
DUBLIN.
Dublin, or New Dublin settlement as it is familiarly called, embraces four
square miles of territory, partly in Kent and partly in Erin townships, from
Willet's Grove to Callan's corners, and is largely settled by Irish farmers who
came from the immediate vicinity of Dublin, on the Liffey.
The first settlers were Bartholomew Doyle and Michael Murphey, who came
about 1835 or 1836. New arrivals were not numerous until 1842, when a large
number of emigrants, including Andrew Cavanaugh, George Cavanaugh, An-
drew Farrell, Dennis Maher, a Mrs. Burns, John McNamara, Patrick Brown, etc.
Soon after the coming of Doyle and Murphey, St. Mary's Church of the
Mound, one of the two rural churches of Stephenson county which adhere to
the Catholic faith, was established by a Galena priest. Recently a new and hand-
some structure was erected, which does great credit to Dublin settlement, and
is an unusually attractive church edifice for a country congregation.
The present parish of Dublin comprises a territory about eight thousand acres
in extent, and numbers fifty or more families. The settlement is unique in that
it has clung together for a period of nearly eighty years without much change
in its character except the natural improvements that have come to all the farm
lands of the middle west.
ROCK RUN TOWNSHIP.
Rock Run township, next to Ridott, is the largest township of the county,
having an area of forty-eight square miles, while the latter has fifty-four. It is
382 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
one of the wealthiest townships of the county, and is composed of good and
fertile farming land, interspersed with occasional stretches of forest.
Rock Run has a most interesting history. It is probably the most cosmo-
politan township of the county, and has numbered among its early settlers a most
peculiar and unusual combination of Yankees, Germans, Dutch, Irish and Nor-
wegians. Strangely enough, they lived side by side peaceably, and their de-
scendants have intermarried so that the original races and their characteristics
are no longer discernable.
The first permanent settlement in Rock Run, of which there is any record,
was that of a Mrs. Swanson, who came to these regions with her family and
took up a large claim in section 10 or n, near the site of the future village of
Davis. Mrs. Swanson was a widow, with a large family of children, who aided
her in the care of the farm. This was in 1835. In the same year, a number of
settlers, who has previously visited the towsnhip, en route to the lead mines at
Galena, returned from the west, and settled permanently on lands adjoining
the "Widow" Swanson's habitation. These pioneers who presently returned to
take up claims included S. E. M. Carnefix, Alexander McKinn, Arthur Dawson
and one or two others. Presently a new delegation arrived, in 1836, including
Thomas Flynn, E. Mullarkey, Henry Hulse, M. Welsh, William Lee, Leonard
Lee, Nathan Blackamore and Aaron Baker. The Irish section of the new im-
migrants settled in the eastern part of the township, about four miles south of the
present village of Davis, and there founded a settlement which later became
known as Irish Grove.
Once the precedent was established, the number of arrivals grew. In the
next year, 1837, a large migration occurred. Among the newcomers of 1837 were
Dr. F. S. Payne, Nathan Salsbury, D. W. C. Mallory, John Hoag, S. Seeley,
T. Seeley, Peter Rowe and others.
After this the new arrivals were continuous, and the township became quickly
crowded with settlers. The Irish Grove settlement continued to grow, and the
Hibernian "squatters" there were joined by a new delegation, including Pat
Giblin, Miles O'Brien, a Mr. Corcoran, who afterward moved to Rockford,
Thomas Foley, and some relatives of the Mullarkeys. In 1838 occurred the first
birth in the township, also the first marriage. A son was born to Albert Flower,
who managed the saw mill on Rock Run, and "Pony" Fletcher and Narcisse
Swanson were united in holy bonds of matrimony, the latter event happening in
the fall of 1838, the former earlier in the year.
The streams of Rock Run township are very swift, and have in the past
afforded water power for turning the wheels of a large number of mills. Only
one of these is now standing, a substantial stone structure at Epleyanna, which
still continues in operation. In 1837, a saw mill was built on Rock Run in section
27, and the same year Thomas J. Turner put up a grist mill in section 34, and
sold it to Nelson Salsbury, who, in turn, sold it to James Epley. In 1838, H. G.
Davis came to the township with his family and purchased the Rock Run saw
mill, which had been put up the year previous by Stackhouse, Carrier and Flower.
Here the first post-office ever located in the township was soon established, with
H. G. Davis as postmaster. In the early part of 1839, the present Epleyanna
mills were built by Josiah Blackamore and Leonard Lee, who later disposed of
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 383
their holding to Conrad Epley. A number of smaller mills were built farther
south along Rock Run and its tributaries, but no trace is to be found of many
of them. There was one, for instance, on the Carnefix farm, south of Davis, in
section 28, the ruins of which are still to be seen.
In 1839 a large number of arrivals were registered. Among them were Con-
rad Epley, who purchased the Epleyanna mills, and from whom the village of
Epleyanna takes its name, Edward Pratt, who afterward moved to Freeport, M.
Flower, Edward Smith, who settled in section 13, Uriah Boyden, who took up
a claim in section 30, Thomas Fox, who went to Wisconsin within a short time,
and a large number of settlers who came to live at Irish Grove, among them
Thomas Bree, Martin Mullen, Patrick Flynn, Michael Flynn, Patrick Flynn,
Jr., Thomas Hawley and William Marlowe, as well as a number of others whose
names have not been preserved in the traditions of the Celtic settlement.
In October, 1839, occurred an event which is most memorable in the annals
of Rock Run township. A delegation of Norwegians arrived at the settlement
at Rock Run mills, and there formed what is said to have been the first Nor-
wegian settlement in the United States. Whether or not this was the case, it
was at least the first Norwegian settlement in this part of the country. The de-
scendants of the early settlers are some of them living in Rock Run township
to-day. Others have vanished from the pages of the Rock Run annals. Among
the Norwegians who settled at Rock Run Mills were C. Stabeck, whose descend-
ants afterward became identified with the history of the village of Davis, Ole
Anderson, whose descendants are also farming in Rock Run township to-day,
Canute Canuteson, who opened the first blacksmith shop in the township, Civert
Oleson and Ole Civertson, who opened the first wagon-shop in the vicinity. They
were thrifty and hard working citizens and became a credit to the community
in which they had chosen to settle.
In 1840, D. A. Baldwin arrived and took up a claim in section 40. In the year
following, 1841, Captain Knese settled in section 13. Fresh arrivals were num-
erous at the various settlements, especially at the Norwegian colony at Rock Run
Mills and at Irish Grove. In 1841, the first post-office in the township, Rock Run
Mills P. O., was established at H. G. Davis' mill on Rock Run, with Mr. Davis
himself as postmaster. It remained at the mills until 1848, when it was removed
to Jamestown, or Grab-all, near the present site of Rock City. When the West-
ern Union Railroad came through, and Rock City became a point of importance,
the post-office was again moved, and the Jamestown settlement went out of ex-
istence. In the fall of 1840, a son of John R. Webb died, the first recorded death
in Rock Run township.
From 1840 on the township developed rapidly. In the summer of 1838, the
Catholic Church at Irish Grove had been erected. In 1855, the First Presby-
terian Church, known as the Rock Run Presbyterian Church, was organized, and
services conducted by the Rev. Joseph Dickey. This church was subsequently
removed to the village of Dakota, in Dakota township.
In 1857, the Western Union Railroad, now the C., M & St. P. R. R. came
through the township, and the village of Davis and Rock City became the points
of importance in the township. Rock Run Mills and Jamestown, or Grab-all,
384 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
were fairly abandoned, and the only outlying settlement of the old days was
Irish Grove.
Rock Run is to-day one of the pleasantest places both for farming and resi-
dence in these regions, and it is hard to realize what the pioneers who took up
their claims in 1835 must have gone through before they could transform the
wilds of the prairie into a place of habitation. Times were hard financially, to
add to the burden. The early settlers were able to make their living very satis-
factorily, for there was an abundance of game, and vegetables and fruits such
as the region afforded, they were easily able to grow themselves. But there were
other menaces. The Indians had not left the district, nor did they for many
months after the fields of Rock Run began to assume the appearance of highly
cultivated lands. Another enemy, even more subtle than the Indian, was the
snake. At one period in the history of Rock Run township, the whole district
is said to have been fairly overrun with snakes. And they were snakes such as
are never seen in these parts to-day — not the harmless garter snake, although
that species flourished also, but rattlesnakes, and the deadly massasauga, whose
bite nearly resulted in the death of more than one venturesome pioneer.
Rock Run township is well provided with streams. Rock Run, a small but
swift current, flows down from Rock Grove township at the north, and is joined,
near Epleyanna Mills, by Rock Creek, a stream of equal size, which flows down
from the northwest. Rock Run pursues a southward course, receiving the waters
of a number of smaller streams, flows into a small lake near the new mill on
the Hunt property, east of Ridott, and thence into the Pecatonica River, which
it joins just above Farwell's Bridge. Brown's Creek, a small swift creek, rises
in the northwestern part of the township, and flows southeast into Rock Run,
tarrying for a while in a tiny lake, near its mouth.
There is only one railroad, the C., M. & St. P., which crosses the township
from east to west, touching the villages of Rock City and Davis, and running
in the vicinity of Epleyanna.
The township is well wooded. There are a number of large groves and timber
lands left, but the majority of them are disappearing under the blows of the
axe, and the larger part of the land is under cultivation.
DAVIS.
Davis is the largest village of Rock Run township, and one of the most
important of the county. It is of recent growth, being one of those settlements
which the coming of the railroad has "made," and not a town of natural growth,
In 1857, when the Western Union Railroad had surveyed its route through the
county, and was making all preparations for the building of the line, it became
very evident that a station on its route through Rock Run township was most
necessary for the farmers of that district. Accordingly, Samuel Davis, John A.
Davis, Thomas J. Turner and Ludwig Stanton, who owned the land in the vicin-
ity of the present village, donated a total of one hundred and sixty acres, which
was surveyed and platted for a village site. This was in 1857, and the work of
surveying and platting was not quite completed that year. In 1858 everything
was finished and the sale of lots began. That year the railroad was finished
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 385
through the village, but the train that first sped over the rails was not run until
the following year, on the occasion of the state fair, which was held in Freeport
in 1859.
The panic of 1857, occurring at a time when the village of Davis was in its
earliest infancy, threatened for a time to blot out the venture altogether. Lots
were sold very slowly, although the men interested in the enterprise made every
effort to offer inducements to new settlers. Streets were laid out and made good
with crushed stone, sidewalks were built, lots cleared, trees planted, and building
sites were offered for sale at prices ranging from $40 to $125. A few of them
were sold, but the work progressed slowly.
In 1858, the first store in the village, known as "Davis's Store," was erected
by Samuel J. Davis. In the summer of 1859 the Evangelical Church was put up,
and other church edifices were soon after erected. The stone schoolhouse was
put up in 1858, and the first brick house in the town was finished for occupation
in 1866 by Ernest Wendt.
From 1857 to 1863 there was almost no growth. War and panic succeeded
in checking the progress of the growing village, and for a time it looked very
dark for Davis. It seemed at one period as if the village must certainly be aban-
doned, but a better time was coming. With the close of the war, business sud-
denly revived, almost as if it had never suffered a relapse. From 1863 to 1869
a steady growth was visible, and residences, stores, and other buildings were
erected in large numbers. By 1873, the settlement felt itself ready to assume the
privileges and duties of a corporate community.
On Thursday, May i, of that year, an election was held to decide whether or
not the settlement should be incorporated under the provisions of the general
law for incorporating villages, adopted April 10, 1872. S. J. Davis, Peter Mc-
Hoes and John Gift acted as judges of the election, and the project was carried
by a vote of thirty-three to thirty-one. Soon after an election was held, and th*
first town officers duly installed in their positions. The first village officials,
elected in the year of 1873, were:
E. A. Benton, president; E. Clark, M. Meinzer, Thomas Cronemiller and
M. W. Kurtz, members of the board; M. W. Kurtz, village clerk; village treas-
urer, no record for 1873.
Since the incorporation of Davis as a village, a development fully meeting
the expectations of the most sanguine of its dwellers, has taken place. Short
as the time of its development has been, Davis has attained to the rank of fourth
or fifth in size among the numerous villages of Stephenson county, and is only
exceeded in size by Freeport, Lena, Orangeville and possibly Pearl City. It is
about equal in size to Winslow, Cedarville, Dakota and German Valley. Business
has never been at all lively in Davis. There is a grain elevator owned by H. A.
Hillmer, of Freeport, also a creamery ; and these two comprise practically the
only reasons for Davis' commercial communication with the outside world.
Farmers' Bank. The Farmers' Bank, of Davis, is a substantial institution
founded fifteen years ago, and since maintained on a firm and solid basis. The
officers and directors are all men of avowed business ability, and the affairs of
the bank have been conducted with unimpeachable sagacity and clear-headedness.
386 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Fanners' Bank was organized in 1895 by T. Stabeck, a descendant of
the C. Stabeck, who immigrated to Stephenson county with the original Nor-
wegian colony and settled at Rock Run Mills P. O. in 1839. The institution was
capitalized at $25,000, which capital has never been raised. The bank occupies
a brick structure, the most substantial on the main street of Davis, a few doors
from the hotel. The officers of the Farmers' Bank at present are :
President, Fred Alberstett; vice-president, Niles Pattison; cashier, C. O. R.
Stabeck; directors, Fred Alberstett, Niles Pattison, C. O. R. Stabeck, H.- N.
Stabeck, and O. H. Anderson.
The Davis Creamery, operated by J. F. Beardsley, was established about fif-
teen years ago, and continues to do a flourishing business.
Newspapers of Davis. Davis has, at certain periods of its history, supported
weekly newspapers. The projects have all been discontinued for the very ex-
cellent reason that the village of Davis is altogether too small to support a news-
paper, and there is not the slightest probability that they will ever be resuscitated.
The Davis Budget, started in May, 1873, by K. T. and K. C. Stabeck, was a
quarto sheet, independent as to politics, which was published in connection with
the Freeport Budget. For five years, the Davis Budget was published by Stabeck
Brothers, until they removed to Freeport in September, 1878, and decided to
devote their whole time to the publication of the Freeport sheet. They disposed
of their Davis interests to S. W. Tallman, who changed the name of the paper to
the Davis Review and the politics from independent to republican. Mr. Tallman
spent a good deal of labor upon his paper, and succeeded in raising the weekly
circulation from a mere handful to three hundred and fifty. But he soon dis-
covered that a newspaper in a country village was not a paying proposition. The
Davis Review was abandoned, and the unsavory experiment has never been
tried since.
Churches. Davis contains four churches, but services are held in only
three of them at present.
First Methodist Church. The First Methodist Episcopal church is the lead-
ing church of Davis in activity and in respect to the size of its congregation and
Sunday school. Likewise it is one of the oldest. It was organized in1 June,
1859, under the auspices of the Rev. James McLane, with twelve charter mem-
bers. For three years services were held in the Davis schoolhouse, when the
church leased the Evangelical Chapel, and held services there when the church
was not in use by the other congregation. In 1866, four years later, the struc-
ture at present in use was built at a cost of $i,Soo. Subsequent repairs, im-
provement, and additions have raised the value of the building several hundred
dollars.
For a time the Davis church formed a part of the Durand (Winnebago
County) charge, and services were held only on Sunday afternoons. In the fall
of 1878 it became an independent charge, with the Rev. F. W. Nazarene as pas-
tor. For a good many years after this, the Davis charge was a student charge,
but wtihin the last three years it has had a regularly ordained minister. The
Rock City church has become a part of the Davis charge also.
The congregation at Davis numbers fifty-two members, but a much larger
number attend the services — in fact, practically all the English speaking portion
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 387
of the community. The Sunday school numbers a few more — about sixty-two.
The church building, together with the lot upon which it stands are valued at
about $3,000. The parsonage which is a comfortable building, built some time
ago, is valued at $1,200.
The various church societies are very active. The Epworth League and the
Ladies' Aid Society form a large part of the women's and young people's social
life in Davis. The church is in a very prosperous condition at present. Two
years ago, the church was entirely rebuilt, inside and out, at a cost of $450, $150
being expended upon the exterior repairs, and $300 upon the interior frescoing
and re-decoration. New Methodist hymnals were purchased recently by the
congregation to take the place of the old ones, which were deemed out of date
and inappropriate. The pastor in charge is the Rev. J. A. H. McLean, an Eng-
lishman, who came to the Davis charge from Canada in January, 1910.
Evangelical Association. The Evangelical church of Davis is the old-
est church of the village. It was organized in 1857, with the following mem-
bers : Thomas Bond and family, Jacob Bond and family, Jacob Weaver, Michael
Meinzer, William Kramer, T. Jenuine, and their families, and M. Abbersted.
Services were conducted in various private residences and in the schoolhouse
until 1862, when the present church was built at an expense of $2,500. It is a
frame structure, solid and substantial, without attempt at much ornamentation
without or within. Recent improvements have somewhat raised the value of
the property.
When the break occurred in the Illinois Conference and the Dubs faction
withdrew, the latter built another church in Davis, and the Evangelical Associa-
tion continued in possession of its first church. Some changes were occasioned,
however, notably in the circuit, which no longer embraced Rock City, but took
in instead Davis, Afolkey and Ridott. The minister in charge of the Davis
church resides in Afolkey. The Davis church numbers about fifty communi-
cants, with a Sunday school of about the same size. The church property is
valued at $2,750.
Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Lutheran church of Davis is probably
a thing of the past. Services have not been held in it for some time and al-
though the congregation still possesses a handsome church structure the church
is disorganized and broken up.
The Lutheran church was one of the newer churches in Davis, having been
organized as late as 1870 by the Rev. William Shock, of Forreston, with eighteen
members, of whom Joseph Keller was elder, and Levi Ungst deacon. For two
years services were held in the Methodist church. In 1872, the present struc-
ture was built, of frame 34 x 50, with a steeple seventy-five feet high, at a total
cost of $3,100. It was then occupied for many years, but lately, as heretofore
stated, services have been discontinued, and there is every reason to believe that
they will never be resumed.
United Evangelical Church. One of the smaller churches, as well as the
newest, is the United Evangelical church. It came into existence at the time of
the quarrel in the Illinois Conference, and the Dubs adherents of Davis withdrew
to complete its organization. Services were held in various places until a few
years ago, when the new church building, a frame structure, was put up. The
388 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
new church is an inconsiderable and unpretentious edifice, built in the most old-
fashioned of styles. The congregation numbers about fifty. The Davis church
is on a circuit with the Rock City church. The pastor is the Rev. J. Johnson,
who came here from Ashton, Illinois, on April i, 1910.
Lodges. The village of Davis supports a large number of lodges, of which
it is possible to give only brief mention.
Evening Star Lodge, No. 414 ,A. F. & A. M. The Davis lodge of Masons
is one of the oldest in the county. It was organized on March 11, 1864, under
a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. It obtained a charter October 5
of the same year. The following were the first officers : James Zuver, W. M. ;
George Osterhaus, S. W. ; Edward R. Lord, J. W. ; Dr. J. R. Hammill, secre-
tary; Charles Wright, treasurer. The lodge has always been the most prosper-
ous and progressive of the commuity. It occupies a handsome lodge hall, and
has now a membership of fifty-two members. The officers are W. M., C. O. R.
Stabeck; secretary, T. H. Briggs.
Eastern Star. The Eastern Star lodge was established in Davis seven years
ago. It has always had a large membership, the present roll amounting to about
thirty-three members. The officers are: W. M., Mrs. William Kanne; secre-
tary, T. H. Briggs.
Davis Lodge, No. 376, I. 0. O. F. The Odd Fellows lodge of Davis
was organized September 19, 1880, with the following members: Martin H.
Davis, Isaac Denner, John Nagle, Thomas Hays, Alvin Gestenberger, and J. W.
Caldwell. The officers were: Noble Grand, John Nagle; Vice Grand, Martin
H. Davis; treasurer, Thomas Hays.
The I. O. O. F. occupies today a lodge hall just off from the main street,
which is one of the largest and best appointed in the country towns of the vicin-
ity. The membership is thirty-four, and the officers : Noble Grand, Arthur
Wise; secretary, A. A. Rheingans.
Rebekah Degree, I. O. 0. F., Faithful Lodge, No. 187. The Rebekahs have
been in existence in Davis for fifteen years. The membership has been fluc-
tuating, at times higher than it is now. The lodge now claims a membership
of twenty-eight, with the following officers: Noble Grand, Miss Ella Degun-
ther ; Secretary, A. Rheingans.
R. N. A. The Royal Neighbors have been in existence for the past four
years, have a membership of twenty-three, and the following officers : Oracle,
Mrs. A. Bliss; Secretary, Miss Ella Degunther.
Modern Woodmen of America, Davis Camp, No. 25. The Davis Camp of
the Modern Woodmen is one of the oldest in existence, having been founded
about twenty-five years ago, when the organization was very young. The mem-
bership is large, approximating fifty-two. A. Helmts is Counsel, and M. M.
Kurtz, Secretary.
Mystic Workers, Davis Royal Lodge, No. 143. The Mystic Workers first
came into existence in Davis in 1902, and have since pursued a prosperous and
upward path. The membership is far larger than that of any other organization
in Davis, embracing as many as seventy-two members. The officers for the
year are : Prefect, E. Jenewien ; Secretary, Edward Degunther.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 389
The village of Davis supports a number of stores and shops, a reasonably
satisfactory hostelry, known as the Davis Hotel, two livery barns, etc. Among
the mercantile establishments, the barber shop of Edward Degunther is espe-
cially to be noted. It has been kept by the Degunther family for nearly the last
half century, having been kept by the grandfather of the present proprietor for
many years, then by his father, P. J. Degunther, and now by himself.
The village is said to have a population of about five hundred or more in-
habitants. It is reached from Freeport by the C, M. & St. P. R. R., being about
thirteen miles distant by railroad, and twenty miles by carriage road. The vil-
lage supports very good schools, the district school building being one of the
best for miles around. It is a two-story structure, 30 x 20, which was built in
1863, at a cost of $2,000.
ROCK CITY.
Rock City, located about two and one-half miles west of Davis on the line
of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., is a city only in name. It is doubtful if a spot
more completely devoid of life is existent in the county. The site is not an un-
pleasant one, for all that, and the village contains a central square, in the middle
of which is a tall windmill, which pumps water for the village pump and water-
ing trough.
The village was projected and platted early in 1859, upon the completion of
the Western Union Railroad through the place. In reality the history of Rock
City reaches farther back than 1859, for the village is a logical outgrowth of the
old Rock Run Mills Post-office, founded by H. G. Davis as early as 1841. In
1848, the Rock Run Mills Post-office was moved to a town called Jamestown, or
Grab-all, very near the site of Rock City. Here it remained for eleven years,
until the building of the Western Union Railroad through Rock City made
Grab-all a lost town and the very site is now almost forgotten.
On January 10, 1859, George Raymer executed a contract with T. S. Wil-
coxin and William Peterson for the transfer of a certain section of land for vil-
lage purposes. In the same year the village was surveyed and platted, and
lots were sold at prices ranging from $10 to $50. Upon the completion of the
railroad, the town began to build up somewhat, but the settlement never suffered
the throes of a "boom." No considerable inducements were ever offered to
settlers in Rock City, and settlers never came there in considerable numbers.
Rock City boasts of two churches and a school, both churches being sup-
plied by ministers from Davis.
United Evangelical Church. This church somewhat dominates the religious
element of the village. It was originally a church of the Evangelical Associa-
tion, having been founded in 1868. The present edifice was completed and
dedicated in 1869, under the pastorate of the Rev. H. Rohland at a cost of
$2,200. The pulpit is now occupied by the Rev. J. Johnson, of Davis. The
number of communicants approximates thirty-five, with a Sunday school of
about the same proportions.
Methodist Church. In the fall of 1878 a number of Methodist believers of
Rock City connected themselves with the Davis circuit, holding services in the
390 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
schoolhouse and the Evangelical Church until the summer of 1879, when the
present church building was completed and occupied. Its cost, including a bell,
was $1,500. The congregation at Rock City has always been small; the pres-
ent membership is about a dozen. No Sunday school is maintained. It is alto-
gether probable that Methodist services will be discontinued at Rock City, the
size of the Methodist community being too small to warrant their further con-
tinuance.
Rock City presents a commonplace appearance, quite like that of any other
unprogressive country village of the present day and age. There are a few
very handsome residences, one or two stores, a railroad station, together with
the buildings connected therewith, and there the catalogue ends. There has
never been any large influx of population, and probably never will be. The fact
that the village is hemmed in between Davis and Dakota, and is, withal, only
about eleven miles from Freeport by railroad, and seventeen by road precludes
the possibility of growth. The population is not over one hundred.
EPLEYANNA.
Epleyanna is a small settlement on the road between Rock City and Davis.
It scarcely deserves the title of village, f6r there is no general store, and there
never has been a post-office. There is a mill which was built in 1837, and, with
many improvements and changes, is still standing. It is a stone structure, three
stories in height, and is turned by the current of Rock Run.
Among the features of the settlement are the German Evangelical Church,
Rev. Mr. Beerbohm, pastor, and the Epleyanna School. The settlement com-
prises a few less than a dozen houses and a population of about thirty inhabi-
tants.
The settlement takes its name from Conrad Epley, who early in the history
of the township purchased the Epleyanna Mills and the land surrounding the
regions. His descendants have moved to other parts of the county since his
death.
IRISH GROVE.
Irish Grove was one of the earliest settlements of the county. It was gath-
ered about 1836 by a company of Irish immigrants, whose descendants still re-
side in the vicinity. There were the Mullarkeys, the Foleys, the O'Briens, and
many others. Here, at Irish Grove, one of the five Catholic churches of Ste-
phenson County was established in 1838. Father Petiot, a Galena priest, as-
sisted in the raising of the first structure, and he is said to have walked on foot
from the western town to preach the Word of God to the early settlers.
The old church did service until 1862, when the second structure was built.
The old church had been a ramshackle affair with only two pews, and the 1862
edifice was not much better. Finally, in 1895, under the leadership of Father
Sullivan, the Irish Grove people built the present handsome frame structure.
Irish Grove has no store or post-office, and only about twenty settlers, but the
vicinity is replete with Celts and adherents of Catholicity.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 391
SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Silver Creek township is adjacent to the city of Freeport, and is consequently
a section of considerable importance from every standpoint. It is bounded on
the north by the Pecatonica River, on the east by Ridott township, on the west
by Florence township, and on the south by Ogle county. The township is some-
what larger than the surveyors' customary thirty-six square miles, owing to the
extensive curves of the Pecatonica River. All told the township embraces
twenty-two thousand and sixty-nine acres of land, or about thirty-seven and a
half square miles.
The township is well supplied with water. Yellow Creek courses across the
northwestern corner of Silver Creek and flows into the Pecatonica two or three
miles east of Freeport. Yellow Creek is joined on its way by three smaller
creeks, all of which rise within Silver Creek township, and the Pecatonica is
joined by one inconsiderable stream which rises in the southern part of Ridott
township, flows into Silver Creek, and thence north through the eastern part of
the township to the river.
Three railroads cross Silver Creek township: the Illinois Central, with two
branches, the main line crossing the extreme northern portion from west to east,
and the south branch traversing the town from north to south, from Freeport to
Baileyville; the Chicago and Great Western which crosses the central part of
the township from east to west ; and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul, which
crosses the northwestern corner and then proceeds into Florence township.
The roads are good and the school and church facilities of Silver Creek are
particularly excellent. The proximity of the township to Freeport has made the
growth of any large town an impossibility, and the section is devoid of settle-
ments except for a tiny one at South Freeport, a station at Dunbar, and the out-
lying sections of Baileyville, whose post-office is in Ogle county.
The first permanent settlement in Silver Creek township was made in August,
Z835, by Thomas Craine, who took up a claim in the southwest corner of the
township, built a log cabin, and made a home for his family, which consisted of
a wife and three children. In the fall of the same year, Augustus Bonner settled
on section 34, near the mouth of Yellow Creek. However the land did not be-
long to him, and, during the winter of 1836, he relinquished the claim and the
cabin which he built upon it to the rightful owner, Thomas Covel. He himself
went on farther west.
In the spring of 1836, a large number of new settlers arrived, Charles Walker,
F. D. Bulkeley, a Mr. Hammand, and, in the fall of the same year, Sidney Steb-
bins, Joel Baker, Loran Snow and a Mrs. Brown. Of these, Charles Walker
was a notorious character, and his subsequent history was particularly interest-
ing. It seems that he was employed by Thomas Craine, the pioneer settler, to
tutor his children, at the salary of $75 a quarter. It was a mere pittance, of
course, and evidently Walker did not think that it was enough to meet his
needs, for he began to employ his spare moments in the profitable enterprise of
horse stealing. Unfortunately, his career was short lived. He was soon caught,
and sent to the penitentiary at Alton.
392 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The next year was a fallow period in Silver Creek's development. Settlers
came in large numbers to other portions of Stephenson County, but very few
to Silver Creek. In 1837 Seth Scott settled here, near Craine's Grove, Hiram
Hill, at a point on Yellow Creek, Major John Howe, west of Craine's Grove, I.
Forbes, in the extreme eastern portion, on the old Stage Road near the Ridott
town line. Two deaths occurred in 1837, those of Thomas Milburn and a man
named Reed, who were drowned while attempting to cross the Pecatonica River.
These were the first recorded deaths in Silver Creek Township. Reed, accord-
ing to tradition, had only arrived in the township a few months previous.
John Milburn arrived in 1837, and in 1838 John Walsh, John and Thomas
Warren, the latter of whom settled northeast of Craine's Grove, Isaac Scott,
Samuel Liebshitz, Christian Strockey, Christian Strockey, Jr. Frederick
Strockey, Chauncey Stebbins, and others, all of whom made their claims in the
extreme eastern part of the township. And so it continued for about five years
more. ' No one ventured into the western part of the township, whether from
ignorance of the fertility of the land or from some other motive will probably
never be known. In 1839 another delegation arrived.
The '39-ers included Jacob Hoebel, A. Gund, Valentine Stoskopf, Ja-
cob Shoup, Jacob Bartell, D. E. Pattee, "Jock" Pattee, and others, among them
a man named Judkins. Shortly after the arrival of this delegation, Mrs. "Jock"
Pattee committed suicide by hanging herself to a tree in the eastern part of the
township on Gallows Hill.
In the summer of 1838 the first birth in the township occurred. The dis-
tinguished infant was Jacob Thompson, the son of William and Lucinda Thomp-
son. Nearly three years later the first marriage in Silver Creek was solemnized,
that of Frederick Baker and Miss A. Craine. Miss Craine was a daughter of
Thomas Craine, and the wedding ceremony was performed at her father's resi-
dence by Squire Thomas. The date is said to have been February n, 1841.
From that time forward the township began to settle up. Two years later,
in 1843, a large number of settlements were made in the western part of Silver
Creek, that hitherto neglected portion of Stephenson County. Ever since, Sil-
ver Creek has been one of the wealthiest and most populous townships of the
county. Many of the early settlers were Germans, a thritfy and desirable class
of citizens, who have ever since predominated in the annals of Silver Creek.
SOUTH FREEPORT.
South Freeport, formerly known as Dunbar, is the Freeport station of the
Chicago & Great Western Railroad. It is located at the point where the rail-
road approaches nearest to Freeport, and consists merely of railroad buildings
— the passenger and freight offices, with their atached buildings. A few houses
have sprung up in the vicinity, formerly a tiny settlement, but there is no store
or post-office, and the population of the whole village, if it can be called a village,
does not exceed twenty or twenty-five inhabitants.
When the Great Western originally surveyed its line through Stephenson
County, much dissatisfaction was felt because the railroad did not intend to enter
Freeport. The directors of the line received a great many petitions from Free-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 393
port people, but nothing served to alter their course. When the line was fin-
ished, however, they did condescend to build the old "Dunbar" station near the
point where their tracks crossed the south branch of the Illinois Central. The
name was subsequently changed to "South Freeport." The station is connected
with Freeport by a stage line. Stages leave the Rest Room, at the corner of
Van Buren and Exchange Streets, in time to connect with the various Great
Western trains. A short time ago automobiles were substituted for the stages,
but they are now doing service elsewhere, and the South Freeport traffic is again
via stage line.
DUNBAR.
Dunbar is no longer a village. At one time there were prospects for the
establishment and building of a prosperous country village, but the proximity
of the place to Freeport, and the unsatisfactory nature of the site precluded any
such possibility. There is now only a railway platform along the side of the
tracks and a sign-board to denote the place where Dunbar might have been. A
declining spur connects the Illinois Central tracks with those of the Great West-
ern. A few hundred feet south of Dunbar is the Oakdale Campmeeting Ground
of the Evangelical Association.
BAILEYVILLE.
Baileyville proper is not in Stephenson County, but is located for the greater
part in Ogle County. A northern addition, however, known as Knapp's Addi-
tion, extends into Silver Creek Township. It is said that plans were once made
to remove the Baileyville post-office from Ogle to Stephenson County, and trans-
fer the business section of the town thither. Extensive plans were immediately
made for the establishment of a village, but for some reason none of them ever
materialized. Obviously it was altogether impossible to try to found a village
where there was no natural reason for its existence, and where no settlers wished
to take up their abode. Thus the experiment was a gloomy failure, and Ste-
phenson County suffered the loss of a possible additional village to its already
large quota of settlements. The village of Baileyville today embraces about
one hundred inhabitants, a dozen or more of whom live in Silver Creek Town-
ship.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP.
Next to Freeport, Lancaster is probably the most important township of the
county from a political standpoint. It comprises a territory of about thirty-three
square miles, or about 17,000 acres of improved land. The township is irreg-
ular in shape, being bounded on the south by the Pecatonica River, whose ir-
regular and meandering curves make .the surveying of the township and the cal-
culation of its area a matter of approximation, and difficult in the extreme. The
soil is rich and the township contains some of the best farming land in the
county. The extreme southern portion is not so valuable, owing to the fact
394 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
that the river is apt to overflow its banks and render a great part of the adjoin-
ing fields useless and swampy.
The history of Lancaster Township begins in 1835, with the migration of
Benjamin Goddard, his wife, John Goddard, and John Jewell, who came to this
county in 1835, and settled in Central Precinct, afterward Lancaster Town-
ship. It was in the winter of the year, in the month of December, when the
immigrants arrived, and the prospect of the snow-covered fields and the deso-
late woods must have been far from heartening. To Benjamin Goddard belongs
the credit of making the first permanent settlement in the township, although ha
was only one of a company which came in 1835. Most of his associates, how-
ever, became identified with Freeport Township, which was afterward cut off
from the southwestern corner of Lancaster and he alone remained in the out-
lying country.
For several years the settlers neglected Lancaster, or, if they settled there
at all, did not remain permanently. For several months the newcomers had no
neighbors at all except William Baker and Levi Robey, who had "squatted" in
Buckeye and Harlem Townships. As far as neighbors in Lancaster were con-
cerned, there were none. In 1836, Levi Lucas, Robert Jones, and John Hoag
visited Lancaster, but apparently were not pleased with the prospects, for they
stayed a brief time only, and then removed to Buckeye and Rock Run Town-
ships.
In the same year David Neidigh settled for a short time and then packed up
his goods and moved into Buckeye. In 1837 a few permanent settlers arrived.
George Hathaway and Robert Hathaway came in and entered their claims in
Sections n and 32. In 1838 Elias Macomber settled in Lancaster, and in the
same year a Mr. Sedam built his log hut in the far northern part of the town-
ship on the town line of Buckeye and Lancaster. In 1839, L. O. Crocker, who
has previously resided in Freeport, moved into Lancaster, and later Joseph F.
McKibben and Dr. John Charlton settled in Section 16, Andrew Sproule in Sec-
tion 12, very near to the present site of the village of Winneshiek, John Stotzer
in Section 24, Samuel Smith, Jr., in Section 24, and later, in 1840, W. B. Mitchell
and Jacob and Mycene Mitchell, who took up extensive claims in the northern
part of the township.
On March 31, 1836, occurred the first birth in the township, that of Lucy
In the same year the first marriage occurred, Thatcher Blake being united with
Goddard. In the winter of 1837 occurred the first death, that of Reagan Lewis.
Jane Goodhue.
From 1840 on, the history of Lancaster Township possesses no distinctive
features. It was quite the same of Lancaster as of the rest of the county.
Settlers began to pour in in large numbers and the land was all quickly taken
up. With the completion of the railroad to Freeport, the rural portions of Lan-
caster suffered a relapse, as many of the farmers went to settle in the city.
Later on this loss was hardly noticed, so quickly were the vacant places filled,
and today it is one of the most populous townships of the county.
Lancaster Township has always been the scene of considerable political ac-
tivity. It is strongly republican in politics, and many of the Lancastrian farmers
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 395
have filled offices in the county and state. Next to Freeport itself, Lancaster is
always looked upon as the principal political hot-bed of the county.
There are no important streams in Lancaster Township, if we except the
Pecatonica River, which forms the southern boundary, and is hence not within
the township. A small and unimportant stream known as Lancaster Creek
rises in Dakota Township to the north, flows south through the eastern part of
Lancaster Township and through the village of Winneshiek — thence into Ridott
Township, where it joins the Pecatonica River. Three railroads enter Lan-
caster Township, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R., which traverses the
entire township diagonally from northeast to southwest, the Chicago & North-
western R. R., which crosses the extreme southern part of the township from
west to east, just north of the Pecatonica River, and the Rockford & Interurban
Electric Railway, which runs parallel with the Chicago & Northwestern tracks.
Owing to the proximity of Lancaster Township to the city of Freeport, there
are several institutions properly to be connected with the life of the city, which
deserve mention within a history of the township. There is, for instance, the
Freeport Country Club.
The Freeport Country Club was founded in the summer of 1909 by a com-
pany of ladies and gentlemen of Freeport who were desirous of easily and com-
fortably enjoying the pleasures to be derived from sojourning in the rural dis-
tricts. These adherents of the simple life leased a large territory of land be-
longing to the Maynard farm, and thereon erected a small and unpretentious
but comfortable and well appointed country club house. The site is most beau-
tiful, occupying a considerable extent of hilly lands completely covered with a
dense growth of forest. The club house, a rustic one-story structure, is located
at the edge of the woods, on the very crest of the hill, from which the distant
spires of Freeport are visible five miles away.
The institution is so new that very little has yet been done in the way of im-
proving the land. The site offers great opportunities, however, to the landscape
gardener. The woods are most beautiful, covering the sloping sides of two hills
with a thick woody ravine between them, where the timber is so thick that the
sunlight barely filters in between the boughs, and where it is cool and so dark
that the matted leaves and grass scarcely dry from one shower to another.
Part of the timber has been cleared away, and up on the hilltop a tennis court
has been laid out. Swings, garden chairs, etc., have been placed about the clu5
house grounds, and golf links are projected for the coming year.
Forest Park. Forest Park's career begins with the building of the Rock-
ford-Freeport electric line. Previous to the building of that railroad there
were no pleasant picnic grounds within easy reach of the city. The managers
of the interurban conceived the scheme of establishing a pleasure park some-
where along their line, and entered into negotiations for the securing of a suita-
ble spot. They found a ready co-operator in the person of F. B. Stoessiger, who
owns a farm on the River Road about three miles east of Freeport.
The farm of Mr. Stoessiger is well known as one of the most picturesque
spots in the county. It lies cramped between the river and the Ridott Road,
and is covered in part by a thick grove of trees. The old farm house is an
early stone structure, built over half a century ago. It is built close to the high-
396 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
way and clinging to the side of a steep hill. Down behind the farm house is
the old spring house, a most interesting landmark and one of the few spring
houses left in this part of the country. The water which gushes up from the
sand bottom is clear and deliciously cool, and the spring house has become of
late years a Mecca for picnickers. In the grove across the tracks from the
spring house Forest Park was built. The buildings consist of a few small
sheds and outbuildings for shelter in case of rain, a lemonade and pop corn
stand, which is occupied only on picnic days, a speaker's stand, and a number of
tables and benches for picnickers. The grove winds along the banks of the river,
and affords a most delightful spot for picnics. It has become the custom of late
ears for a number of Freeport fraternal organizations to hold their annual
picnics at Forest Park, and many Sunday school and private picnics are held
there as well.
There are also a number of private parks and picnic grounds along the river
near the electric line, but none are especially deserving of mention.
WINNESHIEK.
Winneshiek, a village of recent growth, is the only settlement of Lancaster
Township. It is located in the extreme eastern part of the township, about three
miles south of the village of Dakota, and eight miles from Freeport. Formerly
Winneshiek supported a postoffice and many of the farmers of the surround-
ing country came here for their mail. With the advent of the rural free de-
livery system, Winneshiek post-office was discontinued, but the general store
continues to do a prosperous business among the farmers of the vicinity.
The town site is attractive, the group of houses being located at the foot of
a rather steep hill, and surrounded by a small grove of trees. Lancaster Creek
courses through the village on its way southward to the Pecatonica. Since
the removal of the post-office, Winneshiek is deprived of all its former impor-
tance as a business centre, but it still has a population of fifty or more, and a
store which is doing a steady paying business.
The village supports a church and school. There are also two other churches
in the immediate neighborhood of Winneshiek, as well as three or four schools
within a radius of three or four miles. The village is best reached from Free-
port by train to Dakota, and thence by carriage, or by carriage direct from Free-
port, driving through eight miles of the most attractive cultivated land of Ste-
phenson County.
HARLEM TOWNSHIP.
Harlem is one of the central townships of the county and one of the most
important in every respect. It was settled fourth in point of date in the county,
and has always been an important factor in the social and political life of Ste-
phenson County.
As far as can be learned, the first settler who came into Harlem Township
there to remain permanently was Miller Preston, who hailed from Gallipolis,
Ohio. Mr. Miller first came to the county in 1833, en route from Dixon to
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 397
Gallipolis, by a roundabout route prospecting. The land in Harlem Township
looked promising, and he determined to settle down there. But it took some
time to arrange his business affairs, at home in Gallipolis in such shape that he
could make the move. He was engaged in the tanning business in the Ohio
town, and he found it necessary to complete tanning a quantity of hides! for
which he had made a contract before going on his prospecting tour. So long did
it take him to thoroughly straighten out affairs before leaving for the west,
that it was 1835, fully two years later, before he set out for his future home.
At a point on the Galena stage road he built his cabin and set up his claim. The
township where his land lay was then a part of Lancaster Township, and had,
only a short time before, been part of the old Central Precinct. Soon the east-
ern section of the township was portioned off into Lancaster Township and the
western half took its present name of Harlem.
Harlem Township has always been noted for the particular attractiveness
of its natural scenery. At the time when Miller Preston built his log cabin, for
which he was obliged to hew the heavy logs from the adjacent forests, the coun-
try is said to have been surpassingly beautiful. The region from the earliest
times was noted for its picturesqueness, and it was this, perhaps, which drew to
its confines a large band of Indians. As late as 1840 the Indians were in full
sway in the region, and they held a large camp — Winnebagoes and Pottawatto-
mies — at the confluence of Richland Creek and the Pecatonica River.
In the fall, after Miller Preston's arrival, came William Baker, who settled
in the southeastern corner of the township, and the party with Benjamin God-
dard, all of whom settled in the part of the township which afterward became
Lancaster. In 1836 Elias Macomber arrived, but he, too, settled in the Lancaster
portion. A year later, in 1837, a large number of immigrants came to Harlem
Township: John Edwards, Rezin, Levi, and Thompson Wilcoxin, Levi and
John Lewis, and others. Levi Wilcoxin soon after built a mill on the banks of
Richland Creek on the site of the present Scioto Mills. John Lewis put in the
water wheel of the new mill, and among the other newcomers who assisted in
the labor of building were: John Edwards, George Cockrell, William Goddard,
Alpheus Goddard, Peter Smith, Wesley Bradford, Homer Graves, and John
Anscomb. In the month of August of the same year the mill was finished and
commenced to run.
P. L. Wright was a newcomer of the year 1838. He settled on a claim pur-
chased of William Robey, who had come a short time previous with E. H. D.
Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn owned a farm a half mile in area which he subse-
quently sold to George Furst for $2,800. In the same year came William Pres-
ton, who located his claim on the banks of the Pecatonica, Mathew Bridenhall,
and a number of others. Lewis Preston established his farm in Section 10, and
had not been in Stephenson County very long when a little daughter was born to
him, the first recorded birth in Harlem Township.
In 1839 Robert Young arrived in Harlem, near the mouth of Cedar Creek
in the northeast portion of the township. In the same year Benjamin Bennett
came. In February, 1839, occurred the death of Mrs. William Preston, who was
buried on the farm of her husband, William Preston, in Section 15. This was
the first death in Harlem Township.
398 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
In 1839 Thomas Cockrell came to Stephenson County, and settled on the east
side of the Pecatonica in Harlem Township, near the present site of Scioto Mills,
which was for a time known as Cockrell Post-office, from the fact that Thomp-
son Cockrell and his relatives held extensive farms in the immediate neighbor-
hood. Thompson Cockrell, or "Tom" Cockrell, as he was familiarly known
to the people of the vicinity, died only recently, at the ripe age of eighty-six.
He was a familiar character in Freeport, and could be seen almost any pleasant
day sitting about the court-house clad in his red flannel shirt, for which he was
famous. "Tom" Cockrell was proprietor for many years of the Scioto Flouring
Mills at Scioto Mills Post-office.
From the settlement of "Tom" Cockrell in Harlem Township the immigrants
began to be numerous, and the "modern history" of the township begins. After
1845 there is very little distinguishing about the history of Harlem Township.
Soon the railroad came through, the old Chicago & Galena Union Railroad, af-
terward sold to and made a part of the Illinois Central Railroad, and immediately
land prices in Harlem Township took an upward jump. Nor have they ever
gone down. Land in Harlem continues to be most valuable, and in respect of
prices cannot be matched anywhere else in the county, although Lancaster,
Rock Grove and Buckeye contain farm lands which are the equal of Harlem in
every respect.
Harlem Township is fairly covered with a network of streams, large and
small. The Pecatonica River flows through the township diagonally from south-
east to northwest. It is joined by a mutlitude of smaller streams, such as Rich-
land Creek, which is probably the swiftest stream in the county, and has in the
past afforded water power for turning numerous mills, Cedar Creek, which
flows into Richland and thence to the Pecatonica, Preston's Creek, a small
stream which makes its way into the river from the west, and a large number of
smaller rills, which join the Pecatonica and its tributaries, mostly from the east-
ern side.
Only one railroad traverses Harlem Township, but that railroad possesses
two branches. The main line of the Illinois Central runs through Harlem from
east to west, and the northern branches, which run to Madison and Dodgeville,
leave the main line at West Junction and thence run side by side for about
four miles into Buckeye Township, where they divide at Red Oak and go their
several ways.
There is but one village of importance in Harlem Township, Scioto Mills.
Damascus, a settlement on the road from Cedarville to Lena is partly in Har-
lem, but the post-office, now discontinued, was in Waddams Township. Har-
lem is one of the most populous of the townships, as it is one of the most im-
portant. It contains an area of about thirty-four square miles, and a population
of over two thousand inhabitants.
SCIOTO MILLS.
Scioto Mills, formerly known as Cockrell Post-office, an inconsiderable vil-
lage of something less than an hundred inhabitants, is the only village which
Harlem Township boasts. It is located on the banks of Richland Creek, on the
Madison-Dodgeville branch of the Illinois Central Railroad.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 399
Richland Creek, with its swift current and many rapids, furnishes admirable
water power, and a number of mills have always been located along its banks.
Scioto has always been a favorite spot for mills, although the present mill has
not been running for some time. Levi Wilcoxin built the first mill ever located
at this particular spot on Richland Creek, and later Scioto Flouring Mills, with
Thompson Cockrell as proprietor, were located on the site of the first mill. Mill-
ing has long since been discontinued.
The village itself contains two or three stores, the railway station, a black-
smith shop, and a number of residences. There is only one street, but the town
is very beautifully situated on a hill sloping down to the creek, in the midst of
a grove of high trees. The main business of the Meyers Brothers Lumber
Company is located at Scioto Mills, with sub-stations at Buena Vista, and else-
where. The last census gave Scioto Mills a population of over one hundred
inhabitants, but the number has dwindled somewhat since that time, and com-
prises about ninety at the present time.
ONECO TOWNSHIP.
Oneco township, in the north central portion of Stephenson county, next to
the Wisconsin state line, comprises an oblong section of land containing about
twenty-seven square miles. The land is fertile and contains not only a large area
of farm lands, but a very considerable acreage of timbered lands. Richland
Creek, coursing through the central portion of the township from north to south,
affords water power for a mill at Orangeville, and Honey Creek, which flows
through the village of Oneco, in the north central part of the township, formerly
turned the wheels of a mill at that settlement.
Oneco township was settled very early — at least two years before most of the
townships of Stephenson county. The first settler, according to tradition, was
one Simon Davis, who arrived in 1833, and settled in this portion of the section
known as "Brewster Precinct." He took up Ms claim very near to the site of
the future village of Oneco, and was soon followed by Andrew Clarno, who es-
tablished himself on the banks of Honey Creek. John M. Curtis was another
comer of the same year, and he, too, settled in the vicinity of Oneco. Both Davis
and Clamo had passed through the region sometime before, and had gone on
their respective routes north and west to the lead mines in Galena and Southern
Wisconsin. Then, for some unknown reason, whether it was because they were
unsuccessful in their ventures, or tired of the mining life and desired to follow
the pursuit of agriculture, both of them returned and staked out their claims in
Stephenson county.
No settlers came after them for two years as far as can be ascertained at
the present time. In 1835, the first representatives of the Van Matre family,
who subsequently settled in the vicinity of Winslow, arrived in the persons of
Lewis and Jefferson Van Matre. Lewis Van Matre had also passed through the
county some time previous on his way to the lead mines, and he too had developed
a distaste for mining, and returned to take up farming. His brother, Jefferson
Van Matre, came from Ohio the same year. Three other brothers followed
them within the next four years : Morgan Van Matre, in 1836, and William and
Joseph Van Matre, in 1839.
400 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
In 1836, the population of Oneco township was considerably augumented.
A large migration to different parts of the county occurred in that year, and
Oneco did not fail to receive her full quota of new settlers. Nearly all of them
settled round about Oneco village: Duke Chilton, Lorin Remay, Fred Remay,
Ralph Hildebrand, M. Lott, Jonas Strohm, and a number of others whose names
are now forgotten.
The years 1837-1838 witnessed an even larger immigration. A great num-
ber of new settlers, whose children are, in many cases, still identified with the '
township, arrived. There were James Young, Philip Wells, Warner Wells, all
of whom established their farms at the head of the region known as Long Hol-
low, James Howe, Henry Howe, George Howe, Henry Johnson, who settled in
the northeast corner of the township, near the state line, Oliver Brewster, John R.
Brewster, Ezra Gillett, who afterward erected the Buena Vista Whitehall Mills,
Joab Mortion, who settled in the eastern part of the township, Isaac Klecker,
whose claim was just east of the village of Oneco, James Turnbull, who later
moved to Winslow Township, "Father" Ballinger, whose son Asa was famous as
one of the earliest circuit preachers of the Illinois conference, and others.
In 1838, a tragedy occurred, one of the few recorded in the annals of Oneco
Township. Mr. Lott, who had come to the region with his family in 1836, com-
mitted suicide. This was the first death known to have taken place in the town-
ship, but he was not buried near the place where the deed was committed. As
his final resting place is unknown and forgotten, there are some old settlers who
discredit the story. As none of them were contemporaries of the traditional Mr.
Lott, it is quite impossible to render any decision as to the merits of the tale.
Certain it is that the oldest grave in the township is that of William Van Matre's
daughter, in Mount Pleasant cemetery, which bears the date 1840.
In 1839 the roll of newcomers included Lewis Gibler, who came from Ohio
to .Oneco Township, and settled in section 18, the two Van Matre brothers before
mentioned, Jacob Stroder, and others. William Van Matre settled in the west-
ern portion of the township, near Winslow. Later he moved to Rock Grove,
and from there to Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
In 1840 a number of old settlers who have left numerous descendents came
to Oneco, among them Michael Bolender, Isaac Miller, Lyman Hulburt, William
Hulburt, Nelson Hulburt, John Clarno, Joseph Norns and Seth Shockley. The
first marriage is said to have taken place in Oneco in this year. The contracting
parties were Henry Rybolt and Lizzie McNear, and the ceremony was per-
formed at the residence of Joseph Van Matre, by Squire Gibler. In the same
year occurred the death of William Van Matre's daughter, who, as before men-
tioned, was the first to die and he burned within the confines of Oneco Township.
Of the births in the township, there is no record, nor is there any way of finding
out who was the first white child to be born in this section.
There were many drawbacks to the joys of living for the early settlers of
Oneco Township. Indians were numerous, and snakes were even more so. We,
of the present day and generation, who hardly ever think of either of these pests,
can scarcely realize how great and manifest was the danger from both to the
pioneer settlers in Stephenson county. The Indians did not make their pres-
ence known by war whoops or demoniacal yells at this stage of history. They
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 401
were past that, but they made themselves quite as obnoxious to the settlers in
a more subtle manner. For instance, they did not "appreciate the difference
between thine and mine," and, what was worse, they did their stealing in the
small hours of the night, when there was no opportunity of redress for the white
man. But whenever a stray Indian was discovered in the act of helping himself
to what was not his own, his punishment was swift and terrible. The occa-
sional sights of their unfortunate comrades dangling from the burdened limbs of
trees along the road served to dampen the ardor of the poor Winnebagoes and
Pottawattomies, and the struggle with them was short lived. With the snakes
it was a different matter. Even more subtle than the Indians, they were doubly
venomous, and a dozen or more deaths are on record which were caused by the
bite of the rattlesnake, or "racer," the massasauga, or the deadly moccasin. They
lurked in the tall grass by the side of the roads and rivers, and in among the
grain, and more than one unfortunate stepped upon their shining scales and
straightway felt their sharp fangs buried in his flesh.
A story is told of a lad who was fishing with his father, on the banks of one
of the small creeks. The country was totally virgin thereabout, and the tall
weeds and underbrush round about the river banks furnished most excellent hid-
ing places for the rattlers. As the boy, who had been sitting on the bank with
his pole, got up to go to his father, who sat a short distance away he suddenly,
as he supposed, stubbed his toe on a stone and uttered a sharp cry of pain. His
father hurried to his assistance and immediately discovered that he had been
bitten by a "racer." The poor man, frantic and cold with fear, had not the
slightest idea what remedies to apply, and carried the boy home for the appli-
cation of restoratives. But he was too late. The poison had all the while been
coursing through his system and he died at sunset.
In spite of the dangers from Indians, snakes, and horse thieves, Oneco Town-
ship enjoyed a rapid growth and prosperity after the year 1840. After the
filling up of the land, Oneco village was settled, and later Orangeville, first
known as Bowersville. In 1888 the railroad came through, and since that
time the township has been quite accessible to Freeport and the outside world.
Orangeville, the third settlement in size in Stephenson County, is located
in the southern part of Oneco Township, on the banks of Richland Creek,
whose current turns its one and only mill. It is situated on the Madison branch
of the Illinois Central Railroad, about fifteen miles north of Freeport by rail-
road and fourteen by road.
The first settler on the site of Orangeville was John M. Curtis, who took
up a claim on the spot where Orangeville now stands, and there located his
farm. In 1845 J°hn Bowers, to whom is due the credit of founding the village
of Orangeville, came to Stephenson County. He first settled at Walnut Grove,
in Rock Grove Township, where he remained for about a year. Then, seeking
a more desirable place of habitation, he came a few miles west, and possessed
himself of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Oneco Township, on the
banks of Richland Creek. On this three hundred and twenty acres of ground
a log cabin, and saw and grist mills had already been built and Mr. Bowers
began to operate the mills soon after his arrival. A year's residence on his
new farm firmly convinced Mr. Bowers that the site was suitable for the found-
402 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ing of a village. Although it was as late as 1845, the land about Orangeville
had not been improved in the least, and the section was almost as wild as the
region about Oneco had been, before its fastnesses resounded to the blows of
the pioneer's axe. But, with the help of Marcus Montelius, who surveyed and
platted fifteen acres of the village site, Mr. Bowers pushed boldly forth upon
his venture.
In 1849 tne first brick house, a structure on High street, long occupied by
the post-office, was built. In the same year Charles Moore built a residence,
George Hoffman a store, John Bowers a blacksmith shop, which was afterward
occupied by Benjamin Hallman, and a number of farmers their residences.
The old mills which had been built by John M. Curtis were still standing, but
John Bowers began to improve the mill buildings in that year. The work of
improvement and reconstruction was most arduous, and the greater part of the
mianual labor was done by Mr. Bowers himself. It was impossible to get suit-
able shingles and lumber in the regions about Orangeville, and Mr. Bowers,
acting as driver, hauled the material from Chicago in his own wagon. By the
next year, 1850, the mill was completed at a total cost of $8,000.
The appearance of Orangeville, or Bowersville, as it was then known, was
very promising, and speculators and purchasers thronged to the place where
they bought up large quantities of land. The first lot in the village is said to
have been sold to Daniel Duck, who paid ten dollars for it. Another early
settler was William Herbert. The village offered numerous advantages to
settlers. It was about the right distance from Freeport, the lots were exceed-
ingly cheap, the water facilities were good, and the village seemed to be on the
point of a flourishing growth. A large number of settlers came within the first
ten or fifteen years, and business has never since been at a complete standstill.
The war in 1861, instead of disastrously affecting the growth of the little
community, only served to increase the business done by the merchants. It was
truly surprising how little effect the great national conflict seemed to have on
Orangeville business, when the other villages of the county, such as Davis and
Dakota, were nearly prostrated, and never fully recovered from the effects.
During the progress of the war, no surprising developments took place, and
business suffered somewhat of a setback: Scarcely had the peace of Appomattox
Courthouse been concluded, when the development of Orangeville began again
with renewed vigor. In 1867, the settlement was incorporated as a village. That
year the first village elections were held with the following results:
President of board, Charles Moore ; associates, William Wagenhals, George
Erb, W. A. St. John, Jacob Kurtz; village clerk, W. A. St. John; village treas-
urer, W. Wagenhals.
In the year 1888 the Madison branch of the Illinois Central Railroad built
its tracks through Orangeville and the village at once became a place of great
importance. Numerous brick stores and office buildings were built on the main
street, known as High street, and the community became a prosperous, thrifty
little town. And so it remains. There will never be any great additional de-
velopment in Orangeville, for the time for that is past. If Orangeville was ever
to be a city, it must have become one long ago, and it never reached that
status. However, its existence as a thriving village is quite assured. Orange-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 403
ville has always contained a decided preponderance of the German element
among its citizens, and the thrift and financial prowess of a German community
is well known throughout the United States.
Orangeville contains two banks, four churches, a large number of lodges and
fraternal organizations, one newspaper, and a number of commercial enter-
prises, including the Orangeville mills.
The People's State Bank. This is the oldest bank in the village. It is housed
in the finest and newest building on High street, a brick structure, two stories
in height, with provisions for office suits on the second story, and the offices of
the bank on the first floor.
The institution is capitalized at $25,000, and the following are officers:
President, D. A. Schoch; vice president, C. A. Bolender; cashier, George S.
Wagner; directors, D. A. Schoch, C. A. Bolender, George S. Wagner.
Orangeville State Bank. The offices of the new state bank are located on
High street at the lower end of the thoroughfare near the railway station. The
building in which the bank is housed is a new one and the offices are most ele-
gantly appointed in every respect.
The Orangeville State Bank was founded February i, 1909, by a stock com-
pany of farmers living in Orangeville and the surrounding country. It is cap-
italized at $25,000, and has deposits amounting to over $60,000. The officers
are : President, B. D. Yarger ; vice president, Christ Wohlf ord ; cashier, E. M.
Reeser; directors, B. D. Yarger, Christ Wohlf ord, C. L. Seidel, Ivan E. Rote,
A. H. Hale, Samuel Boals, William F. Neuschwander, M. G. Wirsing, and W.
M. Hartman.
Churches. There are five churches in Orangeville, two of which, namely
the Lutheran and Reformed churches, occupy the same church edifice.
Reformed Church. The Reformed church of Orangeville is very old in point
of time, having been organized May 3, 1851, by Henry Halliston, with twenty-
four members, of whom Henry Ault was elder, and John Bowers and Michael
Bolender deacons. For a short time meetings were held about in the private
residence of the members. Then, at a meeting held the same year, it was decided
to join forces with the Lutherans in the erection of a church edifice. Daniel
Rean, John Bowers, and John Wohlford were appointed to serve on the build-
ing committee. Plans were immediately formulated for the church building,
and in September, 1852, the cornerstone was laid by the Revs. G. J. Donmeyer,
Daniel Kroh, and George Weber. On September 23, 1855, as much as three
years later, the church was finished and dedicated. The church cost $1,900,
is a brick structure, with a wooden spire, and has a seating capacity of two hun-
dred. A year ago it was redecorated at a considerable cost and now presents a
highly creditable appearance. A number of ministers were present at the dedi-
cation services, including the Revs. G. J. Donmeyer, Daniel Kroh, F. C. Bow-
man, Arastus Kent, J. P. Decker, and the Rev. John Hoyman, the first pastor of
the church.
The present membership is eighty-five, with a Sunday school of seventy-five.
The value of the church building is about $2,000, and that of the parsonage, which
was bought some time ago, $1,800. The Rev. W. D. Marburger is in charge, hav-
ing come to Orangeville from Dakota about a year ago.
404 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Orangeville church numbers among its communicants Mrs. A. J. Beam, a
member of the Ebel family, who has been the first missionary from these dis-
tricts to China. She departed for the east about seven years ago, and has only
recently returned to Orangeville.
Lutheran Church. The Lutheran congregation was organized in 1847 under
the auspices of the Rev. G. J. Donmeyer, with a very small membership. Services
were at first held in a log schoolhouse in the Ault farm in Buckeye Township.
Rev. G. J. Donmeyer took charge for a number of years, working in company
with the Rev. Ephraim Miller, of Cedarville. The services were occasionally
held in the schoolhouse, sometimes in the mill, but more often in private resi-
dences.
In 1851 the Lutheran congregation combined with the Reformed church in an
effort to build a church, a brick structure, costing $1,900, the same which is
mentioned above in connection with the Reformed church. Since the pastor-
ship of Rev. G. J. Donmeyer, a large number of ministers have occupied the
pulpit of the church, which has since come to be known as "Salem Congrega-
tion of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church."
The present incumbent is the Rev. M. Colber, who has been here four years.
He came to Stephenson County from Middletown, Indiana, in November, 1906,
and is a Pennsylvanian by birth. The Orangeville church is on a circuit with
the Bellevue church near Buckeye Center. The membership is sixty, with a
Sunday school of seventy-five, while the Bellevue church has a membership of
forty-five, and a Sunday school of seventy. The Lutheran congregation of
Orangeville possesses a parsonage which was built fifteen years ago, and is
valued at $2,000.
United Brethren Association. The United Brethren church is the oldest in
Oneco. It was established as early as 1844. At first services were held in
schoolhouses, private residences, etc. In 1856 the present Orangeville circuit
was organized, and in 1857 the Orangeville church was built. It is a brick
structure which cost $2,000. Other churches have since been built in the cir-
cuit which is very large, and includes McConnell, Winslow, Oneco, St. James
and Orangeville.
Rev. W. G. Metzker is the minister in charge. He has been in Orangeville
about a year, having come from Good Hope, Illinois (MacDonough County)
in October, 1909. The Orangeville congregation numbers fifty-five members,
with a Sunday school approximating fifty. The church is valued at $2,590 and
the parsonage, which is a handsome residence, is valued at $3,000.
Methodist Church. Three churches are included in the Orangeville charge
of the M. E. church, vix., the Orangeville church, the Red Oak church, and
the Pleasant Hill church.
The Methodists have held services in Oneco Township for over half a
century, but it was not until October 15, 1875, that the sect first saw fit to
organize into a congregation and hold worship at stated times. On that mem-
orable date, Benjamin and Mrs. Bowers, Mrs. Susan Bennett, Mrs. Sarah
Heckman, Mrs. B. J. Parriott, Mrs. J. H. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. William Fred-
erick, and Mr. and Mrs. William Holloway decided to form the congregation
and thus became the charter members of the church. Rev. F. B. Hardin be-
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 405
came the first pastor, and services were held in the Reformed church. After
a while the Masonic hall was secured as a place of worship and services were
held there for a long time. The church building now in use was built about
twenty-five years ago. It is valued at $2,000, and the parsonage, a rather old
structure, at $1,200. The church contemplates building a new church edifice,
and it is probable that this step will be taken some time soon. Recently the
church was refitted inside and out at a cost of $700, but there is great need
for an entirely new building.
The Rev. W. M. Kaufmann is in charge of the Orangeville church. He
came to Orangeville a year ago in November, 1909, and preaches also in the
Red Oak and Pleasant Hill churches. The membership at Orangeville is
sixty, with a Sunday school of about equal proportions, while that at Pleasant
Hill is forty, with a Sunday school of sixty.
United Evangelical Church. Hope church, of the United Evangelical So-
ciety, is a part of the charge which includes Orangeville, Stavers, and Fair-
field. It was formerly a church of the Evangelical Association, and was built
about thirty years ago, to be purchased from that society when the break in
the Illinois Conference occurred.
Services of the Evangelical faith were long held in Orangeville, but not
until 1870 was Orangeville circuit made a separate charge. In 1880 the pres-
ent church edifice was built and dedicated on January 18, of that year. It
is a very commodious and well appointed frame church, thirty-six by fifty-
two, with a steeple eighty-seven feet high, and an auditorium which will hold
two hundred persons. The interior decorations and particularly have been
frequently renewed and improved. Among the appurtenances is an organ, one
of the finest in the rural sections of the county. The church originally cost the
congregation $2,500 and was repurchased from the Evangelical Association
in 1894 for $2,000.
The parsonage was put up a number of years ago and is valued at $3,000.
Two years ago a fine new barn was added to the parsonage, and the house
itself was remodelled and redecorated.
Rev. A. W. Smith occupies the pulpit of the three churches at the present
time. He came from Manhattan, Illinois, April, 1909, and has been in Orange-
ville nearly two years. The Orangeville congregation numbers seventy-five,
while the Stavers' membership is about one hundred and fifty and the Fairfield
again about seventy-five. The Sunday schools of the three churches are large
in proportion to the membership.
Lodges. There are a number of lodges in Orangeville, few of which de-
serve special mention. The most important are the Masons, the Odd Fellows,
the Mystic Workers, the American Stars of Equity, the Yeomen of America,
and the two Ladies' Auxiliaries of the Mason and Odd Fellow organizations;
viz., the Easter Star and Rebekah.
Orangeville Lodge, No. 687, A. F. & A. M. The Orangeville lodge of the
Masons was chartered October i, 1872, although the lodge had been working
under a dispensation for a long time previous to that date. The pioneer Masons
whose names appeared on the charter of the Orangeville lodge were: B. H.
Bradshaw, David Jones, James Musser, Benjamin Musser, Charles Musser, I.
406 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
G. Ermhold, J. K. Bloom, H. W. Bolender, P. Sheckler, William Potts, and D.
A. Schoch. The original; officers at the time of the securing of the charter
were. B. H. Bradshaw, W. M., David Jones, S. W., and James Musser, J. W.
In 1876 the Masonic lodge erected a handsome hall on High street for the
lodge home. It is a two-story structure, with a basement also in use. The latter
contains a banquet room, with kitchen and stoves. The first floor is a hall for
entertainments, lectures, and social gatherings. The second story contains the
lodge room of the various societies which meet in the hall. Nearly all of the
Orangeville secret organizations use this hall, and it is in great demand by church
societies, etc., on festive occasions.
The present condition of the lodge is most satisfactory. The membership
is large, with every prospect for increase. The officers in charge are : W. M.,
M. W. Gouse, secretary, J. I. Cadwell.
J. R. Scroggs Lodge No. 133, I. 0. O. F. The Odd Fellows lodge is the
the oldest organization of the kind in Orangeville. It was organized October
13, 1868, a charter issued to A. A. Krape, Thomas Spriggs, Henry Dinges,
J. K. Bloom, J. J. Moore, and William Sandoe. The officers were : Noble Grand,
A. A. Krape; vice grand, J. K. Bloom, and secretary, William Sandoe.
The lodge has always been most prosperous. Meetings are held weekly in
the Masonic hall, on High street, where the lodge has always met. The society
has a present membership of eighty persons, with the following officers now in
charge : Noble Grand, J. C. Schadle ; secretary, Cyrus Snyder.
American Stars of Equity. The Stars of Equity were organized in Orange-
ville five or six years ago. The membership is large, and the officers are : George
S. Wagner, president; H. U. Hartzell, secretary.
The Yeomen of America. The Yeomen were organized at the same time.
The officers are : James Chilton, president ; George S. Wagner, secretary. Meet-
ings are held in the Masonic hall.
Eastern Star. The Eastern Star was founded six years ago. The officers
are: W. M., Mrs. W. G. Snyder; secretary, Miss Carrie Cadwell.
Rebekahs. The Rebekahs also have had a lodge in Orangeville for about
ten years. The membership is somewhat fluctuating, with a present roll of
about fifty. Mrs. Harry Snyder is noble grand.
Schools. Orangeville has always had very excellent schools, but it has re-
cently placed itself in the front rank of the villages of the county outside of
Freeport by the founding of its new high school. The first village school-
house was built before 1850, and stood on the site now occupied by the Lutheran
and Reformed church. In 1860, the school was first graded. In 1874 the
new building was completed at a cost of $6,000. It has since continued to be in
commission, but the prospects just at present are extremely bright for the build-
ing of a new school. The quarters are very cramped for the high school, and
more room is imperatively required.
The Orangeville High school was founded in 1909, by the Rev. W. D. Mar-
burger, of the Reformed church. It offered a one year's course last year, will
offer a two years' course next year, etc., until the full four years' course is
filled out. The enrollment of the Orangeville school for the past year, including
grades and high school, was one hundred and fifteen. Rev. W. D. Marburger
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 407
is principal, and he, together with Miss Rutter, of Freeport conduct the high
school department.
Orangeville Mills. The first mills ever built in Orangeville were put up by
John M. Curtis the pioneer settler at Orangeville. He built a very primitive
dam on Richland Creek in the year 1838, and erected a mill which remained in
commission until his death between 1840 and 1850. At that time John Bowers
purchased the property and conducted the mills for a while. In 1850, when
Orangeville had been platted and had begun to be a village of some consequence,
Mr. Bowers tore down the Curtis Mills, and built a new building, at a cost
of $8,000. The present building is a frame structure, 40x60, three and a half
stories high, with a capacity of two hundred bushels of wheat daily.
In 1857 operation at the Mills was suspended for two years. In 1859 tnev
came into the hands of Hefty, Legner, & Company, who ran them for seven
years. In 1865, they were sold to E. T. Moore & Company. The Moore family
transacted the business of the mill for many years, and finally shut down some
time in the eighties. For intervals thereafter the mill was idle, and continues
to be so for short periods. It is at present conducted by C. W. Bennett. The
grist-mill alone is utilized, and corn, barley, and rye flour are ground.
Recently a new mill has been erected in the east end of town by E. Timm.
It is run by steam power, and is used as a grist-mill, saw-mill, and planing-mill.
Orangeville Creamery. The Creamery is very old, but has of late diminished
in importance, owing to the monopoly of the creamery business by the trusts.
The building, which was, in its day, one of the largest and most complete estab-
lishments in the west, was put up in January 13, 1879 by D. A. Schoch and H.
W. Bolender. The capacity of the plant was about one thousand four hundred
pounds of butter daily, thus using six thousand pounds of cream every twenty-
four hours.
The original proprietors have long since given up the business and it is
carried on by a Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Improvements and changes
have been made in the buildings, increasing the daily output of the factory.
OrangeiMe Band. The Orangeville Band, a very creditable institution for
a village of the size of Orangeville, was organized in March, 1909, by Stuart
Bolender. It is a brass band, of eighteen instruments. The band has played
about at various county fairs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, an3
in Freeport. They expect to play this fall at the County Fair of Green County,
at Monroe.
Orangeinlle Orchestra. Stuart Bolender is also responsible for the organiza-
tion and existence of the Orangeville Orchestra, which consists of five musicians,
all of them relatives of the founder, and bearing his name. It discourses sweet
strains at dances in Orangeville, and upon all occasions where the services of
such a musical organization are desirable.
The Orangeville Courier. The Orangeville Courier was established in 1882
by William H. McCall, who later removed to Freeport, where he is now con-
nected with the Journal Printing Company. Mr. McCall conducted the busi-
ness for a number of years, and succeeded in working up a large and growing
subscription. But he felt that the business of running a country newspaper was
408 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
not altogether a path of roses, and left the village to accept a more lucrative posi-
tion in the city.
On leaving Orangeville, he disposed of his business to L. I. Hutchins, a
brother of Dr. I. N. Hutchins, who is at present practising medicine in Orange-
ville. Mr. Hutchins ran the "Courier" for two years and. then sold it to Joseph
Upp. Mr. Hutchins is now engaged in the printing business in Monmouth,
Illinois.
Joseph Upp remained proprietor for only six months and then disposed of the
business to H. U. Hartzell, who was employed at the office at that time. This
was in 1890, and on August 16 of that year, the transfer of the business was
made, Mr. Hartzell becoming sole owner. He has conducted the business ever
since with unbroken success.
While the career of a country newspaper in a village of the size of Orange-
ville is apt to be beset with all sorts of trials and tribulations, the lot of the
Orangeville Courier has been more successful than the majority. While Editor
Hartzell has not made a mint of money, he has conducted a paying business as
is very evident from the fact that he has remained in it for these twenty years.
The Courier has a large subscription, something less than a thousand, among the
farmers of the country surrounding Orangeville in northern Illinois and south-
ern Wisconsin. The paper is a six column quarto published every Saturday.
5. D. Confer Medical Company. The Confer Medical Company was or-
ganized in 1893 by S. D. Confer. It is doing a good business, and handles
liniments, cough syrups, patent medicines, tablets, extracts, spices, toilet articles,
stock remedies, etc. The officers are: President, W. S. Confer; secretary, W.
D. Confer.
The business section of Orangeville presents a trim and lively appearance
these days. A number of new buildings have lately gone up, and the street is now
lined with a row of substantial and well appointed brick edifices. There are
a large number of stores doing all sorts of businesses, and catering to various
trades. The condition of the village is most gratifying. It is about third in
size in the county, and has a steady population of about one thousand inhabitants.
ONECO.
The oldest village in Oneco Township, and one of the oldest in the county,
is Oneco, settled as early as 1840. It is situated in the north central portion of
the township, northwest of the village of Orangeville, and consists of a church,
a school, and a store, surrounded by a handful of houses.
Oneco was located on the old stage road to Galena and the lead mines of
southern Wisconsin, and when it was laid out and platted, there were lively
hopes on the part of its promulgators that it might become the most important
city of the county. Henry Corwith, acting on behalf of J. K. Brewster, took a
claim of a quarter section of land, surveyed it and platted it for a town. Later
all but fifteen acres of the town site was bought and occupied as a farm.
These fifteen acres were twice added to by Alonzo Denio, and the original
fifteen acre plat with the two additions of Denio constitute the present village
of Oneco4
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 409
In 1843, the first school house was built near Oneco village. In 1851 the
first schoolhouse within the village was built — a brick structure on Denio's addi-
tion, just east of the postoffice. In 1876 the structure which is still in use was
built on the Orangeville Road at a cost of $2,000.
U. B. Church. The church of the United Brethren Association, which is the
only church building within the village of Oneco, was established ten years ago.
The structure itself was erected in the summer of 1880 by the Methodist con-
gregation of Oneco. It was occupied by them for twenty years, until the small
size of the congregation and the shortness of the distance to Orangeville, which
was only two miles away, made them decide to join forces with the larger
church.
At the time above mentioned the transfer of property was made and the
United Brethren Association took possession of the church. The Oneco church
is on a circuit with Orangeville, McConnell, St. James, and Winslow, pastoral
duties being performed by the Rev. W. G. Metsker, of Orangeville. The church
property is valued at $1,200, and the membership numbers forty-three communi-
cants, with a Sunday school of fifty.
The men who planned the village of Oneco entertained a vain hope that
the settlement might some time attain prominence. Four things have thwarted
the growth of the village. The first was the lack of the water power which the
settlers had hoped to obtain. Honey Creek flows close to the village, and
while, at stated seasons of the year, it is swollen with floods, and afford some
water power, nevertheless it is of no value for the greater part of the year.
Thus the mill venture was a failure. The second relapse which Oneco suffered
was in the platting of Orangeville which was established on a more favorable
site. Two villages of equal prominence could hardly exist in those days within
two miles of each other, and when one of them offered greater inducements
for habitation than the other the battle was sure to be to the strong.
When the railroad came through in 1888, and decided to locate its station at
Orangeville and pass by Oneco, the third misfortune befell the ill-fated village.
A.11 the traffic was turned aside to Orangeville, and Oneco was no longer a
commercial center. But with the coming of the Rural Free Delivery, the fourth
and final blow was administered and the village passed out of existence. Oneco
lost its postoffice, like so many other small villages, and the population, which
had once been in the neighborhood of one hundred, dwindled to less than half
that number. The more aspiring inhabitants of the village transferred their
place of habitation to Orangeville, Rock Grove, or elsewhere, and Oneco became
a tradition.
The site of the village is pleasant, though not surpassingly, beautiful. The
town presents an appearance of thrift, if not liveliness, and, in spite of the lack
of commercial advantages, the village of Oneco still remains a very pleasant
place for residence.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Jefferson Township occupies the southwestern corner of Stephenson County,
and comprises an area of eighteen square miles. Although one of the three
410 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
smallest townships in the county, it contains some very desirable land, and is most
attractive as a place of residence. The ground is rolling, and the hills rise to
considerable height. Jefferson's only village, Loran, is picturesquely situated,
lying among and between the green hills, near the source of the Plum River.
Jefferson Township was originally included in Loran Township. As late
as September, 1859, this condition of affairs prevailed, and then, obeying the
numerous petitions of the citizens of the western section of Loran, that portion
was subdivided off, and Jefferson became a separate and independent township.
The settlers did not come into either Loran or Jefferson very early, and the
land was strangely neglected. The first settler who came into the part of the
township which afterward became Jefferson was Hector C. Haight, who made
his appearance with his wife and family in 1837. He entered his claim and
established his farm about four miles from the present village of Loran, on
the Freeport road.
Very soon after Haight's settlement, M. Pennington came in and opened a
claim in the eastern part of the township. The immigration to the southwestern
corner of the county was for some unknown reasons not very large, but the
section which afterward became Jefferson received the biggest quota of settlers.
George Lashell settled where the village of Loran is today. Thompson Smith,
Henry Aurand, and Jacob Gable, who later went to Kent, all settled in Jefferson,
also Charles Fleckinger, who built his cabin and planted his corn patch on a
hill near Loran.
After the coming of the railroad to Freeport, the section quickly filled up with
settlers. The names of the early settlers are for the most part lost, but it is
certain that they came in large numbers. Ministers of the gospel, and teachers
began to be in large demand ; and a number of them are listed among the early
settlers of Jefferson Township. Two teachers who are known to have migrated
to this section of the country were a Mr. Bonnemann and George Truckenmiller.
The first schoolhouse in the township was a log cabin, built near the village of
Loran, and the children for miles around attended it, as the only institution
which their portion of the country possessed. Two ministers who are on record
as pioneer preachers of the gospel were Revs. Kiefer and Chester, who came
soon after the advent of the school and teachers and preached to the people
(so says tradition) in th barn of one Samuel Hays.
In 1844 occurred the first death of the township. Louis Kleckner, a laborer
in the employ of Samuel Hays, was taken ill with a sort of malarial fever,
which seems to have been prevalent in the early days of the county. He re-
ceived the best of care and attention, but notwithstanding, he died, and was
buried in the cemetery in the wilderness west of Loran. The records seem to in-
dicate that the death of Kleckner was greatly mourned in the county side round
about and was considered a deplorable tragedy. We have stated that Kleckner's
death was the first to occur in Jefferson Township. His burial was however
preceded by that of a man named Tiffany, living in Jo Daviess County, who
died at his home across the county line and was buried in the Loran cemetery.
His headstone bears a date earlier than that of Kleckner's.
The first marriage took place in the fall of 1845, tne contracting parties
being Henry Doherty and Catherine Fleckinger. The ceremony was performed
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 411
by the Rev. Mr. Kiefer at the home of the bride's father. Tradition says that
the celebration of the event was meagre, for the times of prosperity had not
yet come in the vicinity of Jefferson, and the settlers lived in the meagrest and
closest manner possible. But after 1845 the township began to fill up. It con-
tinued to be part of Loran until 1859, when, as before stated, the division was
made, and Jefferson went on its way rejoicing.
The township does not contain any railroad, but the line of the Chicago and
Great Western passes less than a quarter of a mile from the northwestern
corner of the township. The land is well supplied with streams, and contains
the source of the Plum River, which flows down into Carroll County. Though
small in size, Jefferson Township, has always played an important part into
county politics. It is always largely democratic, which distinguishing feature
has perhaps served to differentiate it from the other townships of the county.
LORAN.
Loran is one of the most picturesque villages of the county, being situated
between and among the hills. It is a very old settlement, and, in spite of the
lack of railroad facilities, has continued to hold its own with the towns of the
county which are more favorably situated.
In 1854, George Lashell, who owned a farm near the Jo Daviess County
line, conceived the idea of laying out a town and selling lots at a very rea-
sonable price. The county surveyor was called into service, and laid out the
plat of the present town, which has never been increased or added to because of
a too rapid influx of population. The village occupies only one street, and orig-
inally contained five blocks of twelve lots each. The sale of lots was so slow
that part of the original town plat was then vacated for village purposes, and
only as much reserved, as equalled the limited demand made.
The town contains a store, blacksmith shop, two churches, a schoolhouse, and
a number of private residences.
The First M. E. Church was built in 1875, and is valued at about $1,500.
It is a frame edifice 30x40, with a seating capacity of one hundred and fifty
worshipers. The congregation numbers about seventy-five members, who live
in Loran and the surrounding country. There is no resident minister.
Evangelical Church. The Evangelical church is also a frame structure,
30x44 in dimensions, and was built about forty years ago. The membership
of the church is about fifty, and the pastoral duties are performed by the pastor
of the church at Shannon, Carroll County.
The schoolhouse is a stone building located on High street, the main and
only street of Loran. It has always been considered an unusual good district
school, and serves the country round about Loran for some miles.
Loran has not grown appreciably within the last fifty years, and hardly any
development is to be expected of the village, as it is inaccessible, without trans-
portation facilities, and offers no inducements in the way of business oppor-
tunities to the prospective settler. Its pleasant location distinguishes it from
most of the villages of the county, but in all other respects the place is the or-
dinary country village. The population is supposed to be about one hundred or
thereabouts.
412 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
FLORENCE TOWNSHIP.
Florence Township forms one of the southern tier of the county. It has
an area of exactly six square miles, and is bounded on the north by Harlem
and Freeport, on the east by Silver Creek, on the west by Loran, and on the
south by Ogle and Carroll Counties. The township is well wooded, but there
is also a large acreage of fertile and valuable farm lands. The water supply
is good, and the streams are numerous. Yellow Creek flows through the north
central portion of the township from west to east, and is joined by one or two
smaller creeks of greater or less importance, which flow down from the south.
The rills and brooklets cover the township with a network of small water-
courses, and at certain seasons of the year become flooded with the heavy rains.
Two railroads enter Florence Township. The Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul
cuts across the southeastern corner of the township, and has a station at the
village of Florence Station. The Chicago & Great Western cuts across the cen-
tral part of the township in a straight line from east to west, with its only
station at Bolton.
The lands about Yellow Creek are heavily timbered. Especially on the
north side of the creek are there woods of considerable extent. Near the vil-
lage of Bolton, formerly Van Brocklin, the County Woods, a stretch of al-
most virgin wilderness, are situated. Farther toward Freeport are Beebe's
Woods, and, adjoining them, the forests and hollows of Krape Park, formerly
Globe Park, where the Freeport Chautauqua is held each year. Oakland Cem-
etery, Freeport's new cemetery, a beautiful stretch of wooded land, is located
in Florence Township, on the Pearl City road, about three miles west of Free-
port.
The first claim taken up in Florence Township was entered upon by Con-
rad Van Brocklin, who settled on Section 17, near the site of the future village
of Van Brocklin. He had come to this county from western New York in the
fall of 1835, a°d after a long, hard winter's journey he arrived at his new home
in March, 1836. His first log cabin was built but a short distance from the
farm house which he afterward built and which his descendants have con-
tinued to occupy for many years. For most of the first year he had no neigh-
bors nearer than Thomas Craine, at Craine's Grove, and at Freeport. In Au-
gust of the same year, Mason Dimmick, of Ohio, emigrated to Stephen son
County, and took up his claim northeast of the cabin of Mr. Van Brocklin.
Otis Love and his family soon followed, and these three conclude the list of
settlers of 1836.
In 1837, Lorenzo Lee arrived, as did James Hart, who settled a mile and
a half north of Van Brocklin's. A few more came in this year, whose names
are now lost, but the influx of settlers was not very great as yet.
In 1838 the emigrants began to arrive in large numbers. A few of them
settled at Liberty Mills on Yellow Creek. They were followed by one Mr.
Wickham, William Smith, known to the farmers roundabout as "Saw-Log"
Smith, a Mr. Strong, who came in 1839, Sheldon Scoville, Russell Scoville,
and C. K. Ellis, who came the same year, and others. In 1839 Anson Babcock
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 413
came to Florence Township, but the prospects were not encouraging enough,
and he returned to New York state with his family. Strangely enough, many
of the early comers to Florence did not remain and improve their claims. The
Van Brocklins were permanent fixtures, as the lapse of time has proved, but
the others came more or less as a matter of experiment, and many of them
departed sooner or later for other parts. Mr. Strong, who had come in 1839,
stayed several years, but at the end of a period of reasonable prosperity he
departed for Lebanon, Ohio, where he became a member of the sect of Shakers.
Several of the other early settlers are said to have become Mormons, and a few
of them moved to Freeport.
After 1840, the number of settlers suddenly increased surprisingly, and the
claims began to be improved. Eli Ellis, P. T. Ellis, Mr. Sheets, William Boyer,
John Turreaure, and a few others came in 1840. Improvements began to be
made everywhere, and the condition of the township was greatly bettered.
Mills were built along Yellow Creek, some of which are still standing, such as
Liberty mills and Hess' mills. All of them have long been silent.
1 The growth of Freeport offered an impetus to settlements in Florence
Township. Formerly farmers had sought the more distant parts of the county,
such as Rock Grove Township, and Winslow and West Point, owing to the
fact that agricultural prospects in those portions of the country were brighter.
Now they began to discover that Florence Township contained a goodly extent
of tillable land, and the nearness of a base of supplies at the county seat quickly
boosted the price of land. Also the proximity of Kirkpatrick's mills at Mill
Grove, in Loran Township, and the comparative insignificance of the distance
to the old Van Valzah mills at Cedarville.
By 1850 the claims were taken up, and the township was about filled up. In
that year, and within the next four years, the country in the northern part of
the township, along the banks of Yellow Creek, suffered greatly from the plague
of Asiatic Cholera which fell upon Stephenson County at that time, and a large
number of deaths were reported. Gradually the plague wasted itself, and,
since 1854, it has never visited these regions.
By 1840 there was a demand for schools in Florence Township, and, in
response, the first school was opened, in James Hart's log cabin, with Miss Fla-
villa Forbes as teacher. By 1850 the school census of the township showed such
an increase that other schools were imperative necessities. In 1857 tne nrst
railroad, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, then known as the Western Union
Railroad, surveyed its line across the southeastern corner of Florence Town-
ship. In 1859 their line was built, and with the coming of the Iron Horse the
pioneer history of Florence Township is past. Later the Great Western sur-
veyed its line through the county, and immediately the village of Van Brock-
lin, at Liberty Mills, then rechristened Bolton, sprang into prominence as a
settlement of importance.
The farm lands of Florence Township today present a neat and orderly ap-
pearance. It is a well known fact that when the Freeporters have friends 01
out-of-town guests to whom they wish to show the fine farming lands of the
county, they invariably take them out on the Pearl City road, and down south
through Florence Township. And this is not wholly on account of the ac-
414 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
cessibility of Florence, but because the region justly deserves its name of the
most fertile and prosperous of the regions round about.
There are a number of Freeport enterprises, connected with the growth and
development of Florence Township, which deserve mention in connection with
the history here presented.
Krape Park. Globe Park, in the possession of the Order of the Knights of
the Globe, was established about ten years ago, and named from the organ-
ization of which W. W. Krape was founder and supreme captain general. It
is a portion of the wooded land lying on the banks of Yellow Creek about
a mile west and two miles south of town. Just adjoining the tract are Beebe's
Woods, noted for their popularity as a picnic ground for Freeporters.
When the Cosmopolitan Life Insurance Company went out of existence,
and the Order of the Knights of the Globe suffered in consequence, Globe
Park passed from the hands of the fraternity into Mr. Krape's own hands,
and the park was rechristened Krape Park. For several years it has been
the seat of the Freeport Chautauqua, of which Mr. and Mrs. Krape were the
instigators and advisory committee.
A number of improvements have been made, which improve the park as a
camping and chautauqua ground, but somewhat mar the natural wilderness.
The necessary park buildings, including a very attractive and commodious little
lodge for the keeper of the park, have been built, a windmill on the banks
of the creek supplies the place with drinking water, and a large iron bridge
spans the creek near the park lodge. Formerly a bridge was built across the
dam, farther down stream, but four years ago, it was deemed unsafe and
removed, and the present structure forthwith built. Across stream are lo-
cated the Chautauqua buildings. No large auditorium has been built as yet,
but one is contemplated. Several cottages have been built on the cliffs, and
swings and park benches add to the comfort and convenience.
Nature had done her best to render the site of Krape Park attractive.
Yellow Creek, at other points a very ordinary muddy prairie streamlet, is here
transformed into a sylvan river of exquisite beauty. On the south side of
the creek the limestone cliffs tower to a height of two hundred feet, indented
with numberless caves and tiny indentures. A natural bridge of considerable
proportions spans the dry bed of a stream, which formerly made its way down
the cliff side in the form of a tiny waterfall, and which, at times, becomes
gorged with the spring rains. Two large caves in the rock are accessible from
the river and by pathway from overhead. One of these is known as Krape's
Cave, while a smaller but more picturesque opening, far above, half covered
with trailing vines and shrubbery, is known as Bear Cave. A huge cliff, ris-
ing above Krape's Cave, and surmounted with a growth of evergreen, has be-
come known as Cedar Cliff, and the point of land on the heights overhead, from
which an extended and lovely prospect of the park and surrounding country
is visible, is christened Lookout Mountain. Until recently animals have been
kept in the park, but not long ago the deer were taken away. Krape Park is
about two miles from the heart of the city, and is accessible by an automobile
transfer line from the courthouse.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 415
Oakland Cemetery. The new cemetery, four miles from Freeport, covers
about one hundred and fifty acres of wooded land, extending southward about
a mile from the Pearl City road. The landscape gardener has done his most
to beautify the locality, and a large part of it is now laid out with winding
drives and carriage paths. A large stone gateway half hidden by vines and
trees forms the entrance to the cemetery and from the entrance, the drive leads
down into the hollow and up on the hill where most of the lots now sold are
located.
Several stone buildings have been erected on the premises. There is a stone
receiving vault, built into the hillside, down in the southern end of the ceme-
tery, a stone chapel where services can be held, and one marble mausoleum
erected by Jacob Schaetzel. Many of the lots of the city cemetery have been
transferred to Oakland Cemetery, and the place is now regarded as one of the
most beautiful spots in the neighborhood of Freeport.
BOLTON.
Bolton comprises two villages: the original village, known as Van Brocklin,
which contains a church and originally contained the store and post-office, and
the new village, called Bolton, which is built about the Chicago Great Western
station, nearly a mile south of Van Brocklin. The old village is of early foun-
dation, and marks the site of the first permanent settlement in Florence Town-
ship. The new village dates from 1887, when the railroad station was erected
and the plat of the town laid out south of the station.
There is nothing of interest at Bolton. The town contains a grain elevator,
a creamery owned by a farmers' stock company, and a distillery, which caters
to a local trade. The population of the town is about fifty, with small signs
of an appreciable future increase. Yellow Creek winds through the old vil-
lage of Van Brocklin, now almost deserted, but for the country church. The
site is very picturesque, lying a short distance southwest of the limestone cliffs
and caves of Krape Park. The old village is interesting as the site of an early
settlement in the county's history, but the new village is practically without
life or interest.
LORAN TOWNSHIP.
Loran Township is one of the western townships of the southern tier. It
is bounded on the west by Jefferson Township, on the north by Kent and Erin,
on the east by Florence, and on the south by Carroll County. Until 1859 it
was of much larger extent than at present, comprising also the township of
Jefferson, with its eighteen square miles extent. In 1859, owing to a petition
of the dwellers in the western part of Loran, that section was divided off, and
became a separate township. As Jefferson Township has been treated else-
where, we now propose to treat of the settlers who took up their claims and
established themselves in that part of the country which is now Loran Town-
ship.
416 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The first settlement in the township was made in 1836 by William Kirk-
patrick, who subsequently built Kirkpatrick's mills and became a figure of great
prominence in the county history. He established himself in Section 14, on
the banks of Yellow Creek, at the settlement which was later known by the
name of Mill Grove. Here he soon erected his mill — just at what time we can-
not say. Some of the old settlers assert that he put it up in 1836 or 1837 — >
as soon as he had got his household settled. Others are quite as vehement in
their declarations that the event did not take place until 1838. Whatever the
time was, it is of small importance to know the exact date. It is altogether
probable that Mr. Kirkpatrick built his mills as early as 1837 at least, for the
traditions of the village of Winneshiek, which became Freeport, affirm that
some of the houses of that settlement were constructed of boards brought
from Kirkpatrick's mills on Yellow Creek.
Mr. Kirkpatrick built his mill as soon as he did his house, and the traditions
say that he was subjected to all sorts of hardships while the building was going
on, being forced to sleep in his wagon, in an improvised tent, and so forth.
Loran Township was settled very slowly, and later than almost any other
section of the county. As late as 1838 the settlers were few and scattered, and
confined almost entirely to the Kirkpatricks and the few people about the
mill in the Mill Grove settlement. In the next year Smith Giddings came, with
John Shoemaker, who settled in Section 19, Albert Curry, and Sylvester Lang-
don, who established himself in Section 15. There were others, but their names
are now forgotten.
In 1840 a considerable delegation of new settlers arrived: the Babb fam-
ily, including Samuel Babb, Solomon Babb, Reuben Babb, and Isaac Babb;
Mathias Ditzler, and Christian Ditzler. In 1841, George House arrived and
soon after him John Lamb. Warren Andrews and Anson Andrews came about
this time, but just when it is impossible to say. They settled in Section 3, and
there erected a mill on the banks of the creek. In 1842 Horace Post came, and
located near the Andrews brothers' mill. Among the other settlers who came
in this year were Truman Lowell, Moses Grigsby, William Barklow, Thomas
Foster (both of these men settled in Section 17) ; Joseph Rush, in the south-
western corner of the township; Samuel Shively, near Yellow Creek; John
Apgar, also on the creek bank near Kirkpatrick's mill; Henry Layer, and two
men by the name of Slocum and Pointer.
Until 1848 settlers came slowly and in small numbers. While the rest of
the county began to crowd up with emigrants about 1840, Loran Township did
not receive its full quota for fully eight years. With 1848, the process of
change began and soon Loran became as populous as any township in Stephen-
son County. The first marriage said to have occurred in Loran was that of
Thomas French and Polly Kirkpatrick, who were married in the fall of 1840.
A certain Mrs. James who died about the same time and was buried in the
township was the first death. The first school in the township was founded
in 1840 at Kirkpatrick's Mills, where it remained for about a year. Then the
pedagogue removed his parlors of learning to a new schoolhouse built especially
for the purpose in Section 2, near Babb's church. The men instrumental
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 417
in securing the new building were Reuben Babb, William Kirkpatrick, and An-
son Andrews, the first school trustees of Loran.
Until late years Loran Township has always been behind the other town-
ships of the county in point of development. One reason for the neglect which
the township suffered was the comparative unhealthfulness of the township,
especially along the banks of Yellow Creek. It is said that all sorts of fevers
and agues prevailed along the banks of that stream, while even the inhabi-
tants farther inland were subject to fevers of the severest sort. Now-a-days
this condition of affairs has been entirely dissipated, and it is very hard to
realize what must have been the dangers to which the early Loranites were
subjected. In 1850, when the cholera plague made its presence known in the
county, Loran suffered excruciatingly. Mill Grove, about Kirkpatrick's Mills,
was nearly wiped out of existence. All the farms in the vicinity felt the ef-
fects of the plague, which was in every instance of so sudden and violent a
character, that many a sufferer who had not realized that the poison was work-
ing in his system in the morning was seized with the sickness and died before
sunset. In 1852, when the cholera appeared the second time, the horrible story
of two years previous was repeated with even greater calamities. In 1854, on
the occasion of the third and last visit, Kirkpatrick's Mills suffered again.
Since that time, the improvement of the farms, and the drainage of the land
has brought about so great a change "that Loran Township has no longer a
reputation for unhealthfulness as a place of abode. Mill Grove has disappeared,
but Pearl City is very much alive and is as thrifty and thriving a little set-
tlement as can be found in the rural districts of Illinois.
In addition to the unhealthfulness of the land there were the various other
plagues to which the early settlers of Stephenson County were subject: snakes,
the unfriendly red man, and the ordinary terrors of the wilderness, of which
we can have not the slightest conception today. But the farmers were sturdy
and survived the perils of the years and their descendants are engaged in the
cultivation of farms which are as productive and well conducted as any that
can be found in the county.
The township is well supplied with streams. Yellow Creek, entering from
Kent Township at the north, flows south and east through Loran and is joined
by a large number of sluggish creeks and brooklets. The Chicago & Great
Western Railroad crosses the township from east to northwest, following some-
what the course of Yellow Creek, with its one station at Pearl City. The
area is the regulation thirty-six square miles, since the division with Jefferson
Township.
MILL GROVE.
There is little to tell concerning the history of Mill Grove, but what there
is is of a profoundly pathetic nature. The settlement marked the site of the
first permanent settlement in Loran Township. It is located in Section 14, on
the banks of Yellow Creek, where that stream makes a wide curve and loop to
the northward, and William Kirkpatrick was the man whose efforts brought it
into life.
418 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
He settled here with his household effects in 1836, and straightway pro-
ceeded to build a mill which was christened Kirkpatrick's Mill. For a long
time, it remained the mill of greatest importance in the county, its nearest
competitor being the Van Valzah Mills at Cedarville, established by Dr. Van
Valzah. When new emigrants came to Loran Township, Kirkpatrick's Mill
was the logical place for them to take up their abode. Not only was it the
only settlement of consequence, but the rest of the township was almost an
untrodden wilderness, and the courageous pioneer was never desirous of hew-
ing himself a home in the wilderness when there was already one hewn out
for him on the outskirts of the virgin forest. So Mill Grove continued to thrive
and became quite a settlement in spite of the unhealth fulness of the site.
But the settlers had founded their expectations upon vain hopes if they
ever thought Mill Grove would become a settlement of considerable size. In
1850 the cholera visited Kirkpatrick's Mills with disastrous results. In 1852
the dread disease appeared again, and almost the whole population was
which to operate. The population was gone, the town dead, and the wheels
of the mill silent. Never again did Mill Grove attain importance as a settle-
ment. When the schoolhouse was moved away in 1841, no second institution
of learning was ever built. With the advent of the cholera and its attendant
calamities, the town was abandoned, and its name is almost forgotten.
PEARL CITY.
Pearl City is one of the most wide awake and progressive villages of Stephen-
son County. It has a population of about five hundred inhabitants, and ranks
about fourth in size in the list of Stephenson County towns. While it is a vil-
lage in point of organization, and number of inhabitants, Pearl City, as its
name rightly indicates, has many of the qualities of a miniature city. It is
not far from Freeport, but the fact that it is not connected with the county
seat by railroad has permitted it to devleop independently, and has kept many
of its citizens from transferring their place of residence to the larger city.
Pearl City is in reality made up of two separate and distinct villages : Pearl
City, the main village, the business section of which is located south of the
Chicago Great Western tracks, and Yellow Creek, the old original Pearl City,
which is located north of the railroad tracks, and has completely separate
business and residential sections of its own. Yellow Creek is now known as
the "north side" to the people of Pearl City, and contains the few scattered
buildings which are remnants of the old village.
Concerning the history of Pearl City there is not a great deal to tell. The
village is of comparatively recent growth, having been almost entirely built
up within the last twenty years. Before the Chicago Great Western Railroad
came through the county there existed a tiny settlement known as Yellow Creek,
which contained a blacksmith shop, general store and post-office, and three or
four houses. The location of the village was not especially pleasant, and it
did not seem at all likely that a village of consequence was to be erected at
that point. But the advent of the railroad changed matters. A station was
established at Yellow Creek, and a grain elevator built, after which the town
A Pearl City Church
Old Evangelical Olmrch. Buckeye Center
Church at Bleroy
C'lmrch west of McDonnell
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSE OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 419
immediately began to feel its own importance. The Yellow Creek settlement, .
which was about a quarter of a mile north of the point at which the station had
been erected, was enhanced by the addition of a few houses, and one or two
stores were also put up.
But the distance of the station from the village, and the inconvenience at-
tached thereto soon caused a revolution in the village. The more progressive
merchants moved about half a mile south of their old locations and erected new
buildings close to the Great Western tracks. Three grain elevators were put
up, also south of the tracks. With the building of two brick buildings in the
new business section, the growth of the new village seemed assured. The rail-
road had caused the whole site to be platted out when it came through, and
the officials of that company were interested in bringing the village farther
toward the station.
Still the name of the settlement remained "Yellow Creek" and the sign
painted upon the Great Western station announced the fact to travelers. Finally
a number of public spirited citizens, feeling that it was inappropriate that
their growing town should be hampered by the public proclamation of its
proximity to Yellow Creek, petitioned for a change of name and the village
became "Pearl City" about fifteen years ago. Since that time the name of the
railroad station has also been changed, and now the metropolitan character of
the settlement is assured in name if not in fact.
The churches of Pearl City are three in number, the First Methodist
church, St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran church, and the Dunkard
church.
First Methodist Church. The Methodist church is the leading church of
Pearl City, both in size and activity. The early history of the church is ex-
tremely difficult to trace. In the beginning it was a part of the Kent circuit,
and was ministered to by a student pastor. About fifteen years ago, the Pearl.
City congregation, having increased greatly in size, felt hampered by the lack
of church facilities offered, and decided to petition for the establishment of a
separate church, and a pastor who should be able to devote his entire time to
Pearl City. The petition was carried through, and the Pearl City congrega-
tion became a separate organization.
Soon after this event, the church previously occupied by the congregation
was sold to the Dunkard congregation, and the erection of a new structure
commenced. Previous to the occupation of their first church the Methodists
had been in the old town hall which stands just south of the present commo-
dious edifice. The new church, probably the handsomest country church in
the county, was built in 1901 at a cost of $5,000, L. W. Herbruck being espe-
cially instrumental in the work of building.
The latest work of the congregation has been the building of a new par-
sonage for the minister, next to the church. This parsonage, which cost about
$3,000, was completed the latter part of July, 1910. The church is in a flour-
ishing and satisfactory condition in every way. The congregation numbers sev-
enty, with a Sunday school of approximately one hundred and fifty. The Rev.
J. V. Bennett is the minister at present in charge.
420 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Lutheran church of
Pearl City, which is located on the south side of the town, and occupies a hand-
some brown frame structure, was organized September i, 1888, with a charter
membership of thirteen earnest members. Rev. Klock was the first pastor.
Soon after organization the congregation deciding upon the erection of a
church building, the present edifice was built, and has been occupied for about
twenty years.
The Pearl City church is on the same circuit with the Kent church, both
of the churches receiving the services of the Rev. Alex. MacLaughlin as pastor.
The Pearl City church has a membership of thirty-nine, with a Sunday school
of about fifty-five members. " The church property is valued at $2,500, with a
parsonage worth $2,000.
Dunkard Church. The Dunkards' stronghold in Stephenson County has al-
ways been in the western part of the county in the vicinity of Pearl City and
Kent. There had always been a number of the sect in the village itself, but
they never occupied a church edifice of their own until about fifteen years ago,
when they purchased the church of the Methodist congregation. They have no
pastor, but every member of the congregation officiates as pastor in turn. The
membership of the church is somewhat fluctuating, but remains in the neigh-
borhood of fifty.
Lodges. Pearl City, like every other country village in this section of the
country, supports a number of lodges. Most of these have been founded within
the last ten years, and deserve only passing mention. The Masonic lodge is
the oldest of the aggregation, and holds an important place in village activities.
Pearl Lodge, No. 823, A. F. & A. M. The Pearl Lodge of the Masonic
order was founded in the winter of 1893. It is the most important fraternal
organization of Pearl City, and has a membership of about sixty-five. Meetings
are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Dr. M. W. Hooker is
worshipful master, and C. G. Robinson is secretary.
Fox Camp. No. 711, M. W. A. The Woodmen founded their Pearl City
lodge about fifteen years ago, and have maintained a prosperous and lively or-
ganization ever since. The camp meets every Thursday evening. The officers
are: J. F. Mishler, V. C., and John Seebold, clerk.
Eleroy Lodge, No. 247, I. O. 0. F. The Eleroy lodge was organized at
Eleroy, in Erin Township, on the i8th of December, 1857, but was transferred
to Pearl City a few years ago. It is now attended by the inhabitants of both
villages, and by the farmers of the country lying between. Although the lodge
itself is by far the oldest in the list, the time of its existence in Pearl City has
been comparatively short, and hence it ranks among the newer Pearl City lodges.
Meetings are held every Monday. P. H. Schnell is noble grand, and J. V. Ben-
nett secretary.
The other lodges have all been founded since 1900, and occupy somewhat
secondary position in the fraternal life of the community. They are:
Rose Leaf Camp, No. no, R. N. A. The Royal Neighbors meet on the sec-
ond and fourth Fridays of every month. The officers are: Oracle, Sarah Heine;
recorder, Lucy Hooker.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 421
Orpha Chapter, No. 304, Eastern Star. The Eastern Star meets on the first
and third Friday evenings of the month. Emma Sheffy is worthy matron, and
Julia E. Snow performs the duties of secretary of the organization.
Pearl City Banking Company. The banking facilities of Pearl City are un-
excelled for a village of the size. The Pearl City Bank, a' private corporation,
was organized about twenty years ago, by Simon Tollmeier, who became the'
first president, and has since continued to hold the office. The firm represents
a capital of $25,000, and a personal responsibility of $250,000. The officers are:
President, Simon Tollmeier; vice president, Dr. S. H. Aurand; cashier, A. L.
Kurd ; directors, Simon Tollmeier, Dr. S. H. Aurand, Frank R. Erwin, Fred
Tollmeier, Frederick Althof, Henry Althof, August Althof, Charles Althof, Al-
bert Althof, Otto Althof.
The bank occupies a frame structure on Main street which is well fitted out
for its banking offices.
Pearl City News. One of the best country newspapers of the state is the
Pearl City News, edited and managed by Dr. M. W. Hooker, who purchased
the paper last March. It was founded in 1889 by William H. McCall, who also
started the Orangeville Courier on its career. Mr. McCall resigned after fill-
ing the editor's chair for a brief time, and Ed Barklow took charge of the
venture. Subsequently the paper fell into many hands. It passed under the
management of Messrs. Beadell, Perkins, Freas, and Buckley, and on March
i, 1910, was sold to Dr. Hooker.
Dr. Hooker occupies the position of editor, with his brother, O. G. Hooker,
as associate editor. The paper has a large circulation among the farmers of
the vicinity. It is a seven column weekly octavo, and is an attractive up-to-
date sheet in every respect.
The management of the Pearl City News also publishes the Kent Observer,
a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of the village of Kent. This por-
tion of the paper was founded by Mr. Freas during his management of the con-
cern. The Kent Observer occupies the last four pages of the News, the two
papers being printed together, and containing items of interest for both of the
villages. The News also maintains correspondents in the various country towns
about Pearl City, and publishes items of interest to the subscribers in those
localities.
Pearl Hotel. The hotel of Pearl City, known as the Pearl Hotel, occupies
a frame structure near the railroad station. It is a neat, well kept, and inviting
hostelry, far superio'r to the ordinary country village tavern. L. J. Krell was
proprietor for some time, but disposed of his interests to Mrs. Dodge who is
the present owner.
The hotel offers excellent accommodations at somewhat reasonable prices.
The table is especially good.
The business districts of Pearl City and Yellow Creek contain two or three
dozen stores, including general stores, hardware establishments, millineries, dry
goods, drug stores, a blacksmith shop, livery stable, etc. The business outlook
of the town is most satisfactory, and the prosperity of its inhabitants may be
judged from the statement that there are sixteen automobiles owned at present
within the corporate limits of the village. Many of the farmers about Pearl
422 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
City are also owners of the horseless carriages, and the whole of the rural dis-
tricts thereabout present an appearance of thrift, careful attention, and scien-
tific farming. Pearl City is thirteen miles from Freeport, and is accessible from
the county seat either by carriage, or by the Chicago Great Western from the
South Freeport station.
FREEPORT.
RELIGIOUS.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The First Presbyterian church of Freeport enjoys the distinction of being
the oldest Protestant church, not only in Freeport, but in the county. It was
organized in 1842, with Rev. Calvin Waterbury as pastor, November 24th be-
ing the traditional date of its founding. At the meeting said to have been held
on that date Rev. Mr. Waterbury presided as moderator, Samuel Spencer acted
as derk, and a resolution was adopted setting forth the confession of faith in
the form and government of the Presbyterian church of the United States.
Of the fifteen men and women who assembled on that memorable day, not one
is today alive. They included, besides the pastor, the following persons, all
of them names of importance in the early history of the county : Philip Reitzell,
Mrs. Mary Reitzell, Orestes H. Wright, Mrs. Emmaretta Henderson, Mrs.
Elizabeth Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Lucas, Mrs. Sarah Young, Asa W. Rice,
Mrs. Nancy Rice, Orrin B. Munn, Mrs. Jane L. Wright, Samuel Spencer, and
Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer. The Rev. Calvin Waterbury was formally installed as
minister by his congregation of fourteen, and the records state that his annual
salary was fixed at $400, probably an extraordinary sum for the year 1842.
For some time worship was held in the courthouse, but as the congregation
grew, the trustees felt the need of a regular place of worship, and accordingly
two lots were secured on the southeast corner of Walnut and Stephenson streets,
where the Y. M. C. A. building stands today. One of these was purchased for
the sum of $40, the other was donated by Kirkpatrick and Baker.
Plans were immediately drawn up for a church edifice of brick and stone,
to occupy a space 40 by 65, and to cost $460. A subscription was undertaken
and before long the directors felt safe in proceeding with the work of building.
The stone for the foundation was quarried across the river and hauled to the
place of building by an ox team driven by L. L. Munn. The wood timbers were
also cut in the neighborhood, and the workers started out with zeal to finish their
labor in a short space of time. They never finished it, however, for sufficient
funds were not forthcoming, and when only half completed, the church was
deserted, the pastor resigned, and with him fifteen members of the congregation
left the church. It was a critical period in the history of the church, but the
church survived. In December, 1847, shortly after the resignation of Rev. Mr.
Waterbury, Rev. J. C. Downer was called to take charge. During the years
1847-1853 when Rev. Mr. Downer was with the church, a phenomenal growth
was experienced. Work was re-commenced on the deserted church, and it was
finished for occupancy in 1851. To years later, the pastor received another call
FIHST 1'UKSr.YTEKlAX 1'IH'KCII ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
ENGLISH l.rTIIEKAX CHl'RCII ST. JOSKI'II'S CATHOLIC CHfHCII
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and left Freeport, to be succeeded by the Rev. Isaac E. Carey. Mr. Carey re-
mained in charge for three years, and was followed by the Rev. C. B. Van
Zandt who left two years later, in 1860. Rev. Mr. Waterbury, the first pastor
of the church returned again for the space of one year, and at the close of that
time, resigned, leaving the church without a pastor for a whole year. In 1862,
Mr. Carey was again called to the charge.
By this time the congregation had outgrown its quarters again and a move-
ment was started for the erection of a new edifice across the street on the spot
where the present building stands. In 1866 the comer stone was laid with ap-
propriate ceremonies, and October 31, 1867 it was completed and dedicated by
Professor F. W. Fiske, of Chicago, who preached the sermon, and Rev. J. W.
Cunningham, who offered the dedicatory prayer. On the evening of the same
day, Rev. Carey was installed as pastor, the sermon being preached by Rev. C.
A. Williams of Rockford, and the charge to the pastor being given by the Rev.
A. Kent, of Galena, and that to the people by the Rev. C. Marsh, of Mount
Carroll. The church building cost $50,000 and on the day of dedication $17,000
was raised by subscription to pay the building debt.
This same building, erected in 1866, is still standing, and is still one of the
most beautiful structures of the city, a credit to the community and especially
to the brave band of followers whose labors helped to raise the pile. The First
Presbyterian church is today in a flourishing condition, having a membership
of nearly five hundred persons. The Sunday school, founded in 1844, by John
Rice as superintendent, with only eleven pupils, is today one of the largest in
the city. The church property is valued at $60,000.
Since the final departure of Rev. Isaac E. Carey in 1872, the following
pastors have officiated :
Rev. H. D. Jenkins, D. D., January, i873-September, 1889;. Rev. Edgar P.
Hill, D. D., February, i8ox>-September, 1895 ; Rev. Charles E. Dunn, January,
i896-September, 1904; Rev. Hugh Lowry Moore, February, 1905- June, 1910.
The church is for the present without a pastor, Rev. Mr. Moore having left
to answer a call at Beloit, Wisconsin.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
In October, 1827, before the first white settlers had permanently located in
Stephenson County — before that historical event known as the Black Hawk War,
the first mass was offered up to God by Father Stephen Vincent Baden. This
event, so notable in the history of Catholicity in the county, occurred at the
cabin of a man named Simon Brady who was then living in the vicinity of
Kellogg's Grove. Father Baden did not stay long in the county, as he was on
his way to visit Galena and Prairie du Chien to administer the spiritual needs of
the miners who were beginning to throng to those regions.
The next six years are a blank. It was not until 1843 that further develop-
ments took place. At that time, the Bishop of St. Louis, who had under his
jurisdiction all the western part of Illinois, sent Father John McMahan to locate
his dwelling in Galena and care for the spiritual welfare of the settlers who
were beginning to appear in large numbers in that section of the country. At
424 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
first Father McMahan went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained for a short
time only, presently departing to fulfil his mission in Galena and the surrounding
counties. Stephenson County was included in his charge and for the next ten
years had no resident priest of its own. Father McMahan found the labors of
his position excessive. In less than a year he had completely worn himself out
and in the ninth month of his stay he died and was succeeded by Father Fitz
Morris. Father Fitz Morris' labors were even more brief, for in three months
he also went to his everlasting rest. Father Shanahan the third priest at Galena
also died soon after coming to these parts and was buried beside his predecessors.
In 1843, tne connection of Stephenson County Catholics with the Galena
congregation ceased, and they received their first resident priest, Farther Derwin,
whom the Bishop of St. Louis appointed to the. parish of New Dublin. His
parish was extended over the counties of Stephenson, Lee, Ogle, and Winne-
bago, with his residence at New Dublin. The welcome pastor made his home
with a family named Murphy and offered the holy mass in a log church "16x24
feet and seven logs high," which had been erected in 1836. In 1844 the Bishop of
Chicago was given jurisdiction over all Illinois and in 1846 he appointed the
Rev. James Cavanaugh to the charge of New Dublin' and the Missions in its
vicinity. This clergyman was succeeded by Rev. F. Kalvelage, who erected, in
1855, the church now in use at New Dublin.
In 1854, Father Cavanaugh came to Freeport to reside permanently, but
the history of St. Mary's Parish dates back farther than that. Four years
before, the priest had succeeded in organizing the present parish, but no church
was built, and instead mass was offered up at the home of one of the members
of the parish. It was in the little parlor of the home of Thomas Egan, at a
time when there were but few houses in the city of Freeport, that a number
of Catholics met one afternoon to form a congregation. It was in that same
little parlor, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Egan, that services were
held by Mrs. Egan's brother, Father Cavanaugh. Mrs. Egan passed away only
a short time ago and was for a long time the only surviving member of the
first parish. Among those who attended the first meeting in her home were
Father Cavanaugh, Richard and Thomas Barren, Robert Balow, Mr. Tuhey, Ed-
ward Cavanaugh, James Manion, George Cavanaugh, Thomas and John O'Con-
nor, Thomas Egan, Mr. Nagle, William Barren, and Mrs. Catherine Egan. One
of the first steps taken was a proposal to build a church, and the congregation
all put down their names for contributions in accordance with their means. A
few hundred dollars were raised but the sum was inadequate for the building of
a church.
In the meantime the brave little congregation was granted the use of a
hall belonging to J. K. Brewster. The hall proved large enough for the Catholic
citizens to assemble there to assist at the holy sacrifice on Sundays, and there
they worshiped, until the little frame church, begun nine months later, was
completed.
Various materials were voluntarily furnished, and thus the expense was
materially lessened. Robert and Thomas McGee furnished the sills, others
gave shingles, glass, nails, putty, etc., and so, after much labor and self denial,
the little structure was completed, and who shall express the happiness of a
5
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devout people, such as these, when they knelt once more in a real church, how-
ever poor and plain ?
During Father Cavanaugh's pastorate in Freeport there were no railroads.
Early in the fifties, the Illinois Central was not completed, and he had to travel
almost incessantly with horse and buggy. The cholera made his work yet more
laborious, because of the great number of sick people he was called upon to see.
He met with many ludicrous, and some very dangerous experiences in his travels
over the wild country. Everywhere he found opportunities open for earnest
work, and it is no wonder that he was greatly beloved by the members of his
flock, for he was untiring in his efforts in their behalf.
Father Ferdinand Kalvelage, who succeeded Father Cavanaugh, remained
in charge of St. Mary's Parish until 1859. It was during his pastorate at St.
Mary's that the second church, a brick structure, was built. The new edifice
was a decided improvement on the old one, and was considered a very excellent
building at the time of its erection. The cornerstone was laid in July, 1855,
and in it was placed a tin box containing copies of the weekly papers of the
city, some manuscript, 3, 5, and 10 cent pieces, and a copy ol the New York
Catholic Zeitung. The lumber used in the building was brought down the Mis-
sissippi to Savanna and was hauled from there by oxen. The material was
hewn out with the ax. The structure was 40x80 feet and was severely plain
and unadorned. It continued to meet the needs of the congregation somewhat
inadequately for thirty-five years until the present edifice was built in 1890.
Father Thomas O'Gara was Father Kalvelage's successor. He came to St.
Mary's in August, 1859, and during the seven years of his pastorate he showed
himself an indefatigable worker and a most zealous pastor. Not being acquainted
with the German language he engaged from time to time the services of a
German priest, for the benefit of the German half of the congregation, who did
not leave St. Mary's until 1862. This event occurred in Father O'Gara's pas-
torate, the German's building St. Joseph's church and the Irish retaining the use
of St. Mary's after having given a certain sum to aid in the building of St.
Joseph's. It was also at this time that the first parochial residence was fitted for
use, the old frame church being used for the purpose. Father O'Gara likewise
secured property for St. Mary's Cemetery west of town, and succeeded in rais-
ing funds sufficient for the purchase of a pipe organ which has ever since re-
mained in use.
Following Father O'Gara, two priests, Father Kennedy and Father Rigby
filled the charge for brief and uneventful periods, and in 1867 Father Michael
J. Hanley came. He stayed for only two years, but accomplished a great deal
in that short time. The old frame church having become unfit for the parochial
residence, it was moved away, and on a newly purchased lot was erected a two-
story brick building, which remained in use until vacated by Father Stack for
the use of the Sisters. In 1868 the first school was organized, later to be im-
proved and enlarged.
Father P. L. Hendriek succeeded in 1870 and remained a short time only,
to be succeeded by Father Murtaugh, who bought the brick building converted
into St. Mary's school, and also painted the interior of the church building. In
June, 1871, Father Stack came, and turned his attention to the school which he
426 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
immediately began to improve and re-organize. Money was raised, with which
the building was repaired and duly furnished. Application was made to the
Dominican mother house at Sinsinawa Mound for instructors who were sup-
plied and immediately took charge of the school. Father Stack vacated his
own house that the Sisters might have a home, and then began to build them
the present convent, which at that time was considered one of the most com-
fortably furnished structures of its kind in the northwest.
In 1877, Father Thomas F. Mangan came to take charge. He was a very
diligent worker and effected a number of desirable changes and improvements.
He repaired and remodelled the church and added a considerable piece of land
to the church cemetery, now in very respectable condition. Father Mangan re-
mained in Freeport for ten years, to be succeeded by Father Michael Welby.
Father Welby was a man of great learning and was warmly welcomed by St.
Mary's Parish. It was during his time that the matter of building a new church
was considered, and a fair was held to create a fund for that purpose. The new
priest was not, however, a man of robust strength and in 1890 he took a trip
to the City of Mexico for the purpose of regaining his health. His quest was
unsuccessful and he died while in Mexico.
Father W. A. Horan succeeded Father Welby. He was a most able and
energetic worker, and much beloved by all the members of the parish. During
his occupancy many changes were brought about. Most important of these was
the building of the new church. There had been talk of building a new church
during Father Welby's stay, and even earlier but nothing definite had been
done. Father Koran's perseverance and courage led to the raising of sufficient
funds and in April, 1890, a sum had been raised large enough to warrant im-
mediate progress on the work. On August 3, 1890, the corner stone was laid,
with appropriate exercises, Father McLaughlin of Rockford and Father Horan
conducting the simple but eloquent exercises before an audience of three thou-
sand people.
The church is 53x137 and is built of native stone, with trimming of terra
cotta. On Wednesday, October 28, 1891, the solemn opening of the church
occurred, the dedication not being accomplished until somewhat later.
In 1896 occurred the Golden Jubilee Festival commemorating the introduc-
tion of the Catholic religion into Siephenson County. High festival was held,
a triumphal arch was erected on State street spanning the thoroughfare from
the school to the church, and many Catholics from out of town were present.
In 1903, the school building and hall were completely repaired, remodeled,
and rebuilt, making of the structure a thoroughly up-to-date school and audi-
torium.
Shortly after the accomplishment of these labors, a great sorrow came to the
parish in the death of Father Horan, who had been for some time in poor health.
His decease was mourned not only by his own church people but by the com-
munity at large, for Father Horan, like few of his predecessors, had been a most
active influence for good in the various departments of social and charitable
work in the city.
Father Horan was succeeded by Father Daniel Croke, who remained in
Freeport until October, 1907, when he was succeeded by Father Thomas J.
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Leydon, who still holds the charge. The church is at present in a most pros-
perous condition and numbers over six hundred members.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
In December, 1845, twenty-six men and women, at that time the whole of the
Baptist population of the city, met in the kitchen of the Rev. James Schofield,
who had been commissioned by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society
to found a church in Freeport. In Rev. Schofield's kitchen, which was the only
living room of the house, the organization of the First Baptist church of Free-
port was effected. The twenty-six who were instrumental in establishing the
church were: Rev. James Schofield and his wife Caroline, his son, John M.
Schofield, and his daughter Miss Caroline Schofield (now Mrs. H. H. Wise),
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schofield, Mrs. Catherine Jones, Miss Elizabeth Jones,
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stacks and their son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John
Stout, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Stout, Mr. and Mrs. James Craft, Mr. and Mrs.
William Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Plainer, Dexter A. Knowlton, and
Royal Durfee.
Rev. James Schofield was subsequently elected first pastor of the church, the
following year a lot was secured on Williams street, where St. Joseph's church
stands today, and the work of building a place of worship was begun. The early
history of the Baptist church in Freeport, especially that portion which deals
with the building of the first church, is full of interest. Perhaps there is not
a church in the city which fought harder for its existence in the days of its in-
fancy than did the First Baptist church. It so happened that those who made
up the congregation were poor men and could not aid financially in the building
of the church. Instead they did manual labor, and led by their pastor, they
went to work upon the edifice and built it with their own hands. Rev. James
Schofield was one of the most remarkable men in the early history of the com-
munity. An unusual personality, combined with unflinching courage, a resolute
will, and a devout faith made him an inspiring and energetic leader. Had it not
been for his unceasing labor, the little flock would have experienced an in-
surmountable difficulty in surpassing the labors and trials which beset them.
Fortunately for himself and for the church, Mr. Schofield had made a sufficient
fortune to support himself and his family before entering the ministry — for-
tunately, we may say, for his salary was only $300, half of it paid by the Amer-
ican Baptist Home Missionary Society, and half by the local church. After a
great deal of labor, Mr. Schofield succeeded in raising enough money to buy the
lumber and shingles for the church. These were purchased in Chicago and
brought to Freeport by wagon. As the roads were bad, and the distance a
tremendous one to haul lumber, many of the planks and bunches of shingles were
scattered along the road. Rev. Schofield had, however, carefully marked each
separate plank and bunch of shingles "FOR THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
AT FREEPORT" and ultimately every lost piece found its way to its destina-
tion. The church building was forthwith completed and dedicated on Christmas
day, 1850, with a board of trustees consisting James Schofield, Alfred Dan,
Joshua Springer, Job Arnold, and John Montelius.
428 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The excessive exertions of the pastor had brought on an attack of ill health
and he was forced to resign his charge at the close of the year 1851. At the
close of his pastorate the original twenty-six had swelled to one hundred and
the outlook was becoming prosperous. Before the building of the church the
Baptists met in the old courthouse which had furnished a first place of wor-
ship for so many of Freeport's churches. Later they moved temporarily to a
brick schoolhouse in Knowlton town where they remained until the completion
of their new edifice.
After Rev. Mr. Schofield came Rev. T. L. Breckenbridge during whose
occupancy the congregation was nearly doubled. He was succeeded by the
Rev. Thomas Reese who stayed two years. It was at the close of these two
years that another misfortune befell the church. The cholera plague which
was then raging in Freeport seemed to attack the Baptist church with unwonted
ferocity. Many of the members died and the doors of the church were closed.
It was two years before meetings were again resumed and during that time the
Sunday school had been discontinued, prayer meetings had been given up, and
the congregation was scattered far and wide. To the Rev. Ichabod Clark, who
visited Freeport in June, 1855, belongs the credit of the re-organization. Rev.
O. D. Taylor came to fill the pastorate and was succeeded by Revs. A. G. Thomas
in 1858, N. F. Ravlin in 1859, and William Crowell in 1861. While Mr.
Crowell was pastor of the church plans were made for the erection of a new
church building. The old church was sold to the German Catholic organization,
and the Stephenson street lot which the Baptist church still occupies was pur-
chased. In February, 1863, a chapel was completed and dedicated on this ground
just west of Cherry street. Four efficient pastors succeeded Mr. Crowell: A.
W. Tousey, C. W. Palmer, S. B. Gilbert, and W. H. Dorward. Then another
calamity appeared in the shape of a conflagration which destroyed the almost
new chapel on the day after Christmas, 1875. The members of the church were
beside themselves at this new misfortune, but bravely resolved to build again.
On the very day of the fire, a meeting was held at the home of Judge J. M.
Bailey, at which it was decided to immediately rebuild. Plans for a somewhat
more elaborate structure were formulated, and after four years of building,
during which time the congregation worshipped in the lecture room of the
First Presbyterian church, the present building was finished and dedicated June
29, 1879, the dedicatory sermons being preached by the Rev. Galusha Anderson,
president of the University of Chicago, and the Rev. G. W. Northrup, president
of the Morgan Park Union Theological Seminary. In 1878 Rev. D. H. Cooley
was called and became pastor of the church. In 1882 he resigned and has been
succeeded by the Rev. E. P. Savage, R. L. Halsey, W. H. Parker, A. W. Fuller,
William C. Spencer, Orlo J. Price, William H. Beynon, and F. E. Webb, the
present pastor.
The First Baptist church edifice of red pressed brick, valued, together with
the small lot on which it stands, at about $20,000. The auditorium is located
on the second floor of the building, the first floor being given over to the lecture
and Sunday school rooms. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition hav-
ing a roll of about two hundred. The congregation numbers nearly three hun-
dred.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 429
ST. JOSEPH S CHURCH.
As we have elsewhere stated, in the early history of St. Joseph's Parish, the
congregation was merged with that of St. Mary's. The Germans and Irish were
members of the same congregation, but many cf the former being ignorant of
the English language, it was deemed advisable to form two parishes. Father
John Westkamp at once set about selecting a suitable place of worship for the
Germans and on June 4, 1862, purchased the old Baptist church, which stood on
the present site of St. Joseph's church. The price given was $2,000, and the
congregation which paid for it numbered about one hundred and twenty-five
families. The old church was repaired and fitted up as well as possible, but,
in 1868, finding that it was too small to hold the rapidly growing congregation,
a large gallery was built in it, and in the fall of 1871 it was decided to erect a
new building.
Father John Westkamp who had been the first pastor of the church had
remained only one year, after which he was succeeded by Father Ignatius Baluff.
It was under Father Baluff's direction that the work of building the church now
went forward. During the winter before the church was built, the members of
the church living in the city quarried the stone for building purposes, and
those who lived in the country hauled it to the site of the new edifice in their
farm wagons. Early in the spring the old building was moved back to Pleasant
street and used for church purposes until the new structure was completed,
after which it was torn down, and the lumber sold. Early in June the corner-
stone of the new church was laid by Bishop Foley of Chicago, before a large
audience of Freeporters and Catholics from other parishes. In December, 1872,
it was completed, and dedicated on the fourth Sunday of advent, by Bishop
Foley in the presence of a great many priests from all parts of the diocese.
St. Joseph's church is modern Gothic in style, its dimensions 50x140 and its
cost $35,000. The church is built of brick and faces northeast, being located on
the old Baptist church lot on Williams and Pleasant streets near Walnut. The
seating capacity of the auditorium, including the gallery, is eight hundred and
fifty. The stained glass in the windows of St. Joseph's is particularly beautiful,
and the building from basement to spire is one of which Freeport's German
population may justly be proud.
In 1874, the charge was taken by Father Clement Kalvelage who has re-
mained up to the present day and is deeply loved and revered by his congrega-
tion. He has made numerous improvements and changes during his occupancy.
In 1881 the appearance of the church was greatly enhanced by the erection of the
new steeple, one hundred and seventy-five feet in height and containing a set of
four chimes which cost $1,000. Since that time numerous improvements and
new constructions have been made in the church.
Scarcely had the new church been completed and paid for when efforts were
made to improve the educational advantages. At first a small frame building
which had been purchased of St. Mary's congregation and which stood on the
present site, was used, but this became too small and was unsuited for the
purpose. In 1883 the present schoolhouse was built at a cost of $5,500. Father
430 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Kalvelage has taken a very great interest in the school and has brought it to a
high standard of excellence. The school has an enrollment of about three hun-
dred pupils and is taught by Franciscan Sisters from Joliet.
Within the last few years two other notable improvements have been made.
In 1895 a new parochial residence was built next to the church at a cost of about
$8,500. Behind this, facing on Pleasant street a convent of similar design has
been constructed at a like cost. Both buildings are of brick with white marble
facings and trimmings and marble steps.
The Franciscan Sisters are also in charge of St. Francis' Hospital, which was
erected in 1889 and dedicated on February 12, 1890. It has since been increased
and enlarged by the addition of a southern wing. The Sisters have also charge
of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, which was founded and blessed on May 25,
1896. The orphan asylum at first occupied a small cottage on South Walnut
street but has since moved to the former residence of August Bergman on
Jefferson street.
St. Joseph's congregation numbers about two hundred families at present.
The total valuation of the church property including the church and attached
buildings, is about $75,000.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
On October 30, 1847, the Second Presbyterian church was organized by
twenty-seven persons who installed and ordained three elders : A. H. Kerr,
Samuel Dickey, and James W. Barber. Earlier in the year a petition had been
presented to the Presbytery of Rock River, Old School, praying for the organ-
ization of a Second Presbyterian church, and signed by fifty-three persons. A
public meeting was held in the old courthouse building, and a commissioner was
appointed to carry the petition to the meeting of the Presbytery at Princeton.
For some time after the date of organization, no services were held. The fol-
lowing spring a few meetings were held and eight new members received into
the church. The membership at this time included the following names : A. H.
Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dickey, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barber, Mr. and
Mrs. J. T. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McKibben, Mr. and Mrs. John Van Dyke,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Badger, Mr. and Mrs. William Lamb, Mr. and Mrs. Sam-
uel Lamb, Mr.- and Mrs. Samuel Millikan, Mr. and Mrs. James Brown, Mrs.
Janes McKibben, Mrs. Jane D. Lamb, and the Misses Phoebe and Martha
Dickey.
In July, 1848, the Rev. John Ustick accepted a call as stated supply for
the church and thus became the first pastor. Rev. Mr. Ustick remained in
Freeport for twenty-two months. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Carroll
during whose occupancy the first church edifice was erected. In 1850 the con-
gregation had increased to such an extent that quarters became crowded. A
building committee composed of David Nesbit, James Barfoot, and J. W. Bar-
ber was instructed to call for subscriptions. The church members responded
generously, and by 1851 a $6,000 church had been completed and in September
the first sermon was preached in it.
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For forty-four years the congregation continued to occupy this little church.
In 1850 a Sunday school had been organized and its growth was proportionate
to that of the church. Rev. Mr. Carroll was succeeded in turn by A. H. Lackey,
P. B. Marr, D. M. Barber, Robert Proctor, W. J. Johnstone, B. Roberts, George
Elliott, John Giffen, S. M. Crissman, and W. B. Irwin. In 1890 Rev. J. D.
McCaughtry, of Staunton, Illinois, was called to the Freeport charge, where he
remained for ten years. Under his guidance the new church edifice was built
on the site of the old church, and formally dedicated on February 9, 1896. This
church was one of the finest in the city and met the needs of a growing congre-
gation very satisfactorily. The pulpit was occupied by Rev. J. D. McCaughtry
until 1900, when he resigned and Rev. Frank A. Hosmer took his place. Mr.
Hosmer was in Freeport from the spring of 1900 to the fall of 1907, and his
place has been taken by the Rev. H. M. Markley, who came to Freeport in the
early part of 1908.
On January 9, 1910, a great calamity befell the Second Presbyterian church.
The comparatively new church edifice was totally destroyed by a disastrous fire
of unknown origin. So complete was the ruin that the walls and towers fell in
and the prospect of rebuilding was hopeless. The fragments of the building
were accordingly torn down and a new building was immediately commenced
upon the ashes of its predecessor. The cornerstone of the new church has been
laid and the progress upon the pile has been admirable. When the building is
completed the Second Presbyterian congregation, which numbers about two hun-
dred and fifty at present, will have not only the newest but one of the finest
churches in the city. The value of the church property will be about $35,000.
FIRST M. E. CHURCH.
The history of the First Methodist church of Freeport is practically coin-
cident with that of civilization in Stephenson County. In 1834, shortly after
the first white settlers appeared in these confines, the Rev. James McKean, a
traveling missionary with a five hundred mile circuit, stopped in the western
part of Stephenson County and gathering about him ten families, held services
and preached a sermon. These formed the first Methodist services ever held
in the county. Rev. McKean reported Stephenson County as a needy field, and
two years later, in 1836, the Rev. Thomas W. Pope was sent as missionary. For
some unknown reason he never succeeded in holding services. The next year,
Rev. McKean returned again, and remained in the vicinity of Freeport for about
two years, organizing classes and holding religious services.
It was no easy task which Mr. McKean had undertaken. Had he not been
a man possessed of more than ordinary perseverance, and filled with great re-
ligious enthusiasm, the cause might never have prospered as it did eventually. In
1839 the Rev. Samuel Pillsbury came to take his place, and with the assistance of
E. P. Wood and Rollin Brown, he traveled over an extensive circuit, making
Freeport his headquarters.
With 1850 begins the history proper of the First M. E. church of. Freeport.
In that year Freeport was organized into a separate charge under the pastorate
of the Rev. J. F. Devore. No church building was at first obtainable, but ser-
vices were held about in the homes of the members and later in the little red
432 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
schoolhouse, a structure which has today become famous. Occasionally it is
said meetings were held in the old courthouse building. Mr. Devore's labors
were unceasing and very effective. He conducted a spirited series of revival
meetings and so increased the membership of his charge that a permanent house
of worship became an imperative necessity. The lot, which is still owned by
the church, was bought for the purpose, and preparations for the building be-
gan. The details of the early history of the church are lost in tradition. Cer-
tain it is that they would be very interesting today could they be ascertained.
The limited means of the congregation made it impossible for them to con-
tribute a great deal in money, and in lieu of this they gave their services in the
actual work of building. Only about $500 in money was obtainable, some of
it being given by the Methodists of Freeport and the rest by the farmers
throughout the county irrespective of denomination. From first to last, Rev.
Devore was the leader and his own personal enthusiasm inspired and encour-
aged his followers. Not only should the credit of obtaining the subscription be
given to him, but much of the manual labor as well. He succeeded in borrow-
ing an ox team from a farmer who had shown himself willing to help and
hauled much of the material to the place of building. The work could not help
but progress rapidly. By the next summer (1851) the basement had been com-
pleted and the frame of the church itself constructed. In the same year the
church was completed and dedicated. The reports concerning this portion of
the church's history are confused and far from authentic. Some of them as-
sert that the dedicatory sermon was preached by Presiding Elder Haney, while
others credit the Rev. D. W. Pinckney with having officiated.
The church was "finished" that year — and when we say finished, we mean
the mere shell of the church, for the interior decorations and adornments could
not be obtained. The cost of building was about $2,000, most of which was
supplied by donations of labor and materials, and nothing was left to complete
the interior. There were no pews, among other things, and the records state
that this lack was supplied by "the contributions of individuals." We may
interpret this vague phrase in several ways. Certainly no money was given, and
for the time being rough benches were used and services were conducted in the
basement of the church, the upper auditorium being still incomplete.
Rev. Devore left in 1852 and his place was filled by the Rev. C. C. Best —
later by the Rev. H. Whipple, under whose ministry the church was finished.
In 1855 the completed edifice was dedicated by the Rev. Silas Boales, who
preached the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Dr. Henman had accepted an in-
vitation to preach the sermon, but his death occurred before the appointed
day of dedication.
The next decade was a period of the most remarkable growth and increase,
under the pastorates of the Rev. C. M. Woodruff (1855-1856), Rev. Miles L.
Reed (1856-1857), Rev. Thomas North (1857), and following him the Revs.
J. C. Stoughton, David Teed, W. F. Stewart, and J. L. Olmsted, the dates of
whose occupancy are lost. In 1863 occurred the withdrawal of the congrega-
tion which founded the Embury church. This took away about sixty of the
members of the First church, but the gap was quickly filled by new converts
who were won in the stirring revivals held.
GKAOK EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CIU'RC'H,
BURNED, 1909.
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVEKSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 433
In 1864 the Rev. W. C. Willing became pastor of the First M. E. church,
and during his pastorate the church was enlarged at a cost of something like
$13,000. During the repairing the services of the congregation were held in the
old Plymouth Hall. In 1867 the Rev. F. P. Cleveland came to take the charge
and under his ministry a parsonage was built at a cost of $3,500. The war
does not seem to have affected seriously the growth of the First M. E. church
as it did so many of the other religious organizations of the city. In fact, it
was during the heat of the struggle that the Embury church was founded un-
der most flourishing circumstances. In 1870, $800 was expended in repairing
and refrescoing the church, and the Rev. W. A. Smith occupied the pulpit,
remaining until 1873 when Rev. Cleveland returned. He continued his labors
for three more years being followed in turn by the Revs. S. A. W. Jewett and
C. E. Mandeville. The pastors who followed the Rev. Mandeville were Lewis
Meredith, Deloss M. Tompkins, O. F. Matteson, D. M. Tompkins (who re-
turned for a second pastorate of two years), C. A. Bunker and N. O. Freeman.
During all this period the church remained in a healthy and prosperous condi-
tion. The Rev. J. W. Richards, who came to Freeport in 1896, was at one
time conference secretary, and a distinguished man in church affairs. He
remained until 1899 and was followed by N. H. Axtell (1900-1903), James K.
Shields (1903-1906), C. W. McCaskill (1906-1909), and E. C. Lumsden (1909-)
the present occupant of the pulpit.
The beautiful new temple of worship was erected in 1904 under the ministry
of the Rev. James K. Shields. In 1904 plans for a church building were dis-
cussed and a building committee was appointed to look into the matter. This
committee was composed of the Rev. James K. Shields, A. K. Stibgen (chair-
man), C. E. Brubaker (secretary), H. H. Antrim, A. M. Hoover, George L.
Parks, George W. Frey, W. A. Hart, Frank L. Furry, D. Y. McMullen, Gustav
Hornberg, William Smallwood, and Paul Bickenbach. The building committee
went to work immediately and secured plans for a $35,000 edifice, the building
of which was immediately commenced. The cornerstone was laid with appro-
priate ceremonies on the 7th of August in the same year. An address was de-
livered by the Rev. J. K. Shields, introducing the Rev. Willis Hoover, formerly
of Freeport, now of Valparaiso, Chile, who gave the principal address of the
day. Rev. Shields was assisted by the Revs. J. M. Phelps, pastor of the Em-
bury church, and Orlo J. Price, pastor of the First Baptist church. In Febru-
ary, 1905, the church was finished and dedicated, Bishop MacDowell officiat-
ing. It was occupied the first time for services on the first Sunday of March
of that year. The new church is a beautiful building of colonial brick sur-
mounted by two square towers, built in the modern style of church architecture.
The auditorium is on the second floor, the first floor being given over to Sunday
school, lecture, and league rooms. Among the other possessions of the church
is a sweet-toned organ which was bought at the time of the building of the
new church. The organ is surpassed by none in the city at the present time.
The parsonage, located in the rear of the church on the corner of Cherry
and Exchange streets, was built during the ministry of the Rev. N. H. Axtell.
It is a comfortable building modern in every respect and was built at a cost
of $5,000. The value of the church property has risen somewhat of late years
434 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
and the whole is now appraised at $50,000, of which the church is worth $45,000
and the parsonage $5,000. The present pastor, Rev. E. C. Lumsden, reports
a present membership of five hundred and twenty-nine with a Sunday school
enrollment of nearly five hundred.
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The First English Lutheran is one of the younger churches of Freeport,
and has only been in active existence for about thirty years. Previous to
the time of its founding many attempts had been made to establish an Evan-
gelical Lutheran mission in Freeport, but for one reason or another all of them
were failures. It was not, however, that the founders failed to begin their
work soon enough, for as early as 1852 the first attempt was made. Rev.
Ephraim Miller, in his report as president of the Northern Illinois Synod at
Chicago, spoke of the project of sending a missionary to establish a church
in Freeport in November of that year, but for some unknown reason the plan
was never carried into execution.
In 1860 the matter was again brought to light but no very great enthusiasm
was manifested and again Freeport was without its mission. It was not strange
that no developments took place. The Civil War was occupying the minds and
attention of everybody, and, aside from that, there were only a few Lutherans
in the city at the time. Rev. Solomon Ritz, who visited Freeport in 1862 in
his capacity of superintendent of missions of the synod, does not seem to have
had much patience with the Lutherans of this city and their incessant cry "about
war and the hard times." He stated in his report that it was his intention to
"leave that place alone till after the war," but as a matter of fact he never re-
turned. The following year, 1864, Rev. T. F. Easterday, who later became con-
nected with the Lake Superior Presbytery, was sent to explore the field at
Freeport, and reported that he "saw nothing sufficiently promising to warrant
the putting forth of further efforts in that direction." In 1865 an apparently
definite step was taken. Freeport was designated as a field for missionary en-
deavors, and the sum of $200 was voted for the cause. Rev. Lingle was placed
in charge of the mission and after a single unsatisfactory year he resigned in
discouragement. Subsequently Rev. Weiser visited Freeport to inspect the field
but met with no inducements.
Rev. S. W. Harkey, who had once before tried to develop the Freeport field
by sending the Rev. T. F. Easterday, again put forth his efforts, and through
his advice the synod pledged $600 to support a missionary at Freeport. The
synodical superintendent being unable to secure the services of a suitable mis-
sionary for Freeport, nothing was done that year.
This investigation of 1868 resulted in the sending of a report to the synod
signed by the Revs. G. J. Donmeyer and John Stoll, two clergymen residing
in Freeport. However, no definite action was taken at that time. In 1869
the synod sent to Freeport Rev. S. N. St. John, who had had little experience,
and was quickly discouraged by the conditions which faced him in Freeport.
After a year he departed, and not until 1879 was the name of Freeport again
mentioned in the synod. At that time a congregation of twenty members elected
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 435
the Rev. J. W. Goodlin pastor. Rev. Goodlin promptly declined as did the
second pastor called, and in the face of such persistent discouragement interest
waned and for two years nothing was done.
In 1881 the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society settled upon
Freeport as a place for a mission, and Rev. Thomas F. Reeser, of Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, came to Freeport June i of that year. On the last Sabbath in
August the first services were held, and a formal organization effected September
19, 1881. From this time actually dates the real beginnings of the First English
Lutheran church of Freeport.
The organization was effected with but fourteen bona fide members, and the
congregation worshiped in Temperance Hall, corner of Chicago and Exchange
streets from the time it was organized until the new church was completed.
In this hall a Sunday school was held which at times had a very encouraging
attendance.
In the year 1882 steps were taken to secure a suitable building lot. After
considering various locations, the lot on the corner of South Galena avenue and
Jackson street, where the church now stands, was purchased. Plans were soon
formulated for building a church which was finally completed and dedicated De-
cember 21, 1884. The cornerstone had been laid October 16, of the year previ-
ous. Rev. Reeser proved an enrgetic and able pastor and under his direction the
church thrived.
However, on the ist of September, 1885, he resigned, accepting a call to
the Lutheran church at Polo, Illinois. The first day of January of the fol-
lowing year, Rev. A. M. Barrett took charge of the struggling little mission.
These were dark and discouraging times, the financial troubles being among
the most critical of the church's history. The congregation was, however, held
together by Rev. Barrett, and on his resignation on October i, 1888, there was
harmony among the people.
On November i, 1888, Rev. H. A. Ott, of Brookville, Ohio, assumed the
duties of pastor of the mission. He entered into his work with untiring zeal,
and soon had the sympathy, confidence, and help of every member.
The Sunday school began to grow, and in a few months had doubled its
attendance, then trebled, and even quadrupled that of former years. He re-
mained for seven years, and eight months, during which time the church flour-
ished under his leadership.
The crowning event of this period was, no doubt, Easter Sunday, April 2,
1893, when the congregation declared itself no longed a mission from hence-
forth, but a self sustaining church.
There now followed several short pastorates, as follows: Rev. W. S.
Dysinger, November, 1896 to April, 1898; Rev. H. W. Tope, June, 1898 to
October, 1899; Rev. G. C. Cromer, December, 1899 to October, 1902.
During the pastorate of Rev. G. C. Cromer the interior of the church was
redecorated and other minor improvements were made.
Then followed the second longest pastorate in the history of the church,
that of Rev. W. Gardner Thrall, from June, 1903 to August, 1907. During that
period the church was steadily moving forward, and it is today thriving under
the guidance of the Rev. Philip H. R. Mullen, who has done a great deal to
436 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
advance the cause in Freeport. The church edifice on South Galena avenue
together with the lot upon which it stands is valued at about $20,000. The
present membership of the church is about two hundred and twenty-five, with a
Sunday school of about two hundred.
EMBURY M. E. CHURCH.
The Embury M. E. church was the result of a growth beginning with the
founding of a Sunday school in the year 1863. This Sunday school held meet-
ings in a hall on Stephenson street and the result was that Rev. Joseph Wardle
was sent as missionary to Freeport later in the year. About two years later, the
following people who had previously belonged to the First Methodist church,
met and permanently organized the new church : Rev. F. C. Winslow, Rev.
Mr. McCutcheon and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Jewell, Mr. and Mrs. John
Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carey, the Rev. Joseph Best and wife, Mr. and
Mrs. Abraham German, Mrs.' Sechrist, William Sells, Mrs. J. H. Staver, Mrs.
Naylor, Cornelius Furst, and George Swentzell.
It was decided to build a church edifice as soon as possible. To this end
ten of the congregation subscribed $1,000 a piece. A lot was bought on South
Galena avenue, then known as Exchange street, and on Thursday, June 30, in
the following year, 1866, the cornerstone of the present building was laid. A
large audience witnessed the ceremony and the records have a great deal to say
about the manner in which the stone was put in place. To quote : "An ap-
propriate hymn was sung by the congregation, after which prayer was offered by
the Rev. R. A. Blanchard, who also read the ritual ; the scripture lesson was
read by the Rev. W. C. Willing,- followed by the Rev. J. F. Yates. of Galena,
in an address, when the usual mementoes were placed, including a copy of the
Bible, Methodist Hymn book, Discipline of the M. E. church, Minutes of the
Rock River conference, statement of the organization and history of the church,
list of builders of the edifice, Declaration of Independence, Constitution of
the United States, and several states, copies of the local and state newspapers,
specimens of national coin, etc., after which the stone was placed in position, and
the audience dismissed with the benediction." The building was pushed rapidly
and soon finished. The cost was $23,000 and the funds were practically all
provided for before the dedication day which was in the fall of 1867.
At the formation of the church, the members decided to call it the "Embury
Methodist Episcopal church" in honor of Philip Embury, the first Methodist
preacher in America. Rev. Joseph Wardle became the first pastor, and was in
a few years succeeded by the Rev. John H. Reaves, who early resigned on
account of failing health. The Rev. R. McCutcheon, a resident minister, and
one of the founders of the church, filled out his unexpired term assisted by
F. C. Winslow and Joseph Best, who were local elders. In 1866, F. A. Read be-
came pastor and filled his term of three years, a period marked by steady pros-
perity. Rev. F. A. Read was followed by the Rev. F. A. Hardin, a man of
great energy and personal enthusiasm, Rev. Hooper Crews, Rev. S. G. Lathrop,
Rev. I. E. Springer, and then again by the Rev. F. A. Hardin, who returned
to take charge of his former pastorate again. Rev. G. S. Young, Rev. Sanford
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 437
Washburn, and Rev. H. L. Martin occupied the pulpit in turn, and then the
Rev. Joseph Wardle, the first minister, returned to the church he had helped to
found after an absence of twenty years. The pastors who have filled the charge
since the second occupation of the Rev. Joseph Wardle, have been: Rev. J. A.
Matlack, 1886-1889; Rev. N. J. Harkness, 1889-1893; Rev. T. V. E. Sweet,
1893-1895; Rev. W. H. Haight, 1895-1897; Rev. A. R. Cronce, 1897-1898; Rev.
L. C. Burling, 1898-1902; Rev. J. M. Phelps, 1902-1905; Rev. E. E. McKay,
1905-1908.
Rev. McKay was succeeded in 1908 by the Rev. Ray C. Harker, the present
incumbent. Rev. Harker is a man of highly intellectual accomplishments. He
is a graduate of Northwestern University, and is especially effective as a pulpit
orator, having taught for two years in the Cumnock School of Oratory at North-
western. Under his guidance the church has grown and prospered steadily. The
congregation numbers about six hundred and fifty. The Sunday school, of
which O. T. Smith is superintendent, numbers about five hundred. The church
property is valued at $28,000 of which the parsonage, valued at $7,000 forms a
part. Paul Haight is president of the brotherhood and George Green is presi-
dent of the Epworth league.
A new church building is at present contemplated to take the place of the
old one, which the congregation has outgrown. The building will be commenced
next spring, and a costly and beautiful structure, surpassed by none in the city
will be erected on the site of the present church.
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1848 or 1849 the movement was started which culminated in the estab-
lishment of Grace Parish. A little band of believers in the Protestant Episcopal
faith had been for some time holding meetings in a little room on Galena street
under the leadership of Rev. James Bentley, who afterward became the first
pastor of the church. The meetings were not regularly held, but the interest
in them was maintained, and the following year, the association determined to
formally organize a church. On June 17, 1850, the men who had met foi
for the purpose of organizing drew up the following resolution which is pre-
served on the church records:
"We, whose names are hereunto affixed, deeply sensible of the Christian
religion and earnestly desiring to promote its holy influence in our own hearts,
and in those of our families and neighbors, do hereby associate ourselves under
the name of Zion Parish, Freeport, in communion with the Protestant Episcopal
church of the United States of America, and diocese of Illinois, the authority
of whose constitution and canons we do hereby recognize, and to whose liturgy
and mode of worship we promise to conformed. Witness our hands (signed),
Tames Bentley, Charles Powell, Andrew F. Hollenbach, George F. Johnson,
William Bacon (clerk).
On July 12, 1850 the first vestry of the church was elected, consisting of
Andrew F. Hollenbach, senior warden ; Daniel Brewster, junior warden ; G. F.
Johnson, treasurer; Charles Powell, George Puriton; William Bacon (clerk).
One of the first steps taken was the plan for erection of a church. While
the process of building was in progress the church continued to hold its services
in the Galena street room rented for its uses. A portion of land (the same
438 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
which is at present owned by the church) was secured at the corner of Stephen-
son and Cherry streets and the building was begun in 1851.
In !853 it was finished and Bishop Whitehouse consecrated the edifice, being
assisted by the Revs. McKeown, of Elgin, Benedict, of Galena, and James
Bentley, the Freeport rector. The frame building, thus consecrated on the
1 6th of February, 1853, remained in use for only nine years, when it was liter-
ally brown to pieces in a violent windstorm which occurred in that year. Owing
to the war times and afflicted condition of the congregation, the loss seemed
a very serious one, and nothing was done at once to replace the structure. Meet-
ings were again held in a rented hall, and for a time no effort was made to re-
build. In a short time, however, it became necessary again to have a church
building, and the fragments of the old one were rebuilt with an added central
section, thus increasing the size of the building. A period of great prosperity
ensued and the treasury of the church was enhanced to such a degree that a
new church building was deemed advisable. In 1887 it was finished and dedi-
cated by Dean John Wilkinson, of Dixon, assisted by clergymen from Chicago,
Galena, Sycamore, and Amboy. The church is one of the handsomest in the
city, being built of native white limestone, left with bold rock face. The rectory
is connected with the church at the rear, and the architect, Henry E. Starbuck,
of Chicago, accomplished the somewhat remarkable feat of placing both church
and rectory on a lot 60x120 feet. The building is modern and up-to-date in
every respect. The latest acquisition is a new church organ, unquestionably one
of the finest, as well as the newest, in Freeport. Recently, the rectory was
closed temporarily for various reasons and a new rectory was purchased until
the old one could be improved and modernized.
The church has at present a congregation of between two and three hun-
dred, with a Sunday school somewhat smaller. The present rector is the Rev.
Frederick J. Bate, who has been in charge since February, 1905. The rectors
who have officiated since the foundation of the parish by the Rev. James Bentley,
have been: Rev. James Bentley, 1849-1853; Rev. A. J. Warner, 1853-1855; Rev.
Adams, 1856-1857; Rev. I. L. Grover, 1857-1858; Rev. R. L. Crittenden, 1858-
1859; Rev. S. R. Weldon, 1860-1866; Rev. J. N. Clark, 1866-1868; Rev. W. I.
Johnson, 1868-1871 ; Rev. G. W. Dean, 1872-1875; Rev. R. F. Sweet, 1876-1884;
Rev. J. B. Draper, 1884-1886; Rev. W. C. De Witt, 1886-1889; Rev. Marcus
Lane, 1889-1895; Rev. Frederick W. Keator, 1896-1900; Rev. William White,
1900-1904; Rev. Frederick J. Bate, 1905 .
TRINITY CHURCH.
The early history of Trinity church is the same as that of the Salem Evan-
gelical church, which only recently disbanded. In April, 1867, the movement
was started which resulted in the establishment of Salem Mission at Freeport.
At the annual session of the Illinois Conference, held in Naperville, Rev. Henry
Rohland offered a motion which was seconded by the Rev. S. Dickover that the
Salem Mission of Freeport be established. The motion was carried but not
acted upon and for a whole year nothing was done. Two years later the spring
conference appointed a pastor and the Rev. Henry Messner was delegated to be-
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
TRINITY CHURCH AND PAKSOXAOK
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVEKSI1Y OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 439
come the first guide of Salem Mission. The Rev. D. B. Byers was elected
presiding elder of the district. Fifty-four members made up the first congrega-
tion, most of them coming by letter from the Oak street Emanuel Evangelical
church, which held services only in German. A petition had been presented
to the conference to permit preaching in English on alternate Sundays, but this
was refused. As a result, many of the congregation withdrew, most of them
going over to the Salem church. The records of the church state that the first
quarterly conference leaders were as follows: Class leaders, Paul W. Rockey,
Rev. D. W. Crissinger; exhorters, H. W. Pease, John Miller; trustees, John
Barshinger, Paul W. Rockey, D. W. Grissinger, John Woodside, Simon Anstine ;
stewards, T. Y. Fiss, John Wolfinger, Elias Bamberger.
For six months after its founding, Salem Mission worshiped in "Commercial
Hall" on Stephenson street, but negotiations for the erection of a suitable church
edifice were immediately started. In the meantime a Sunday school was organized
and the various departments of church work were begun. A house and lot on
Pleasant street was secured and a building, which still stands, was immediately
constructed, the total cost of lot and building being nearly $8,000. In 1888
an eleven hundred dollar parsonage was built next to the church.
The temporal affairs of the church prospered and the pulpit was successively
occupied by Rev. H. Messner (1869-70), E. C. Condo (1871-73), D. B. Byers
(1873-76), C. Schmucker (1876-79), W. H. Bucks (1879-80), D. B. Byers
(1880-82), W. H. Fouke (1882-84), S. A. Miller (1884), W. Caton (1885-
88), W. H. Fouke (1888-91), J. H. Keagle (1891-94). In 1893 came a break
The Dubs faction withdrew from the Illinois conference, and with it went
Salem congregation all except two members who . remained outside. These
leaders together with some others became the founders of the present Trinity
church. The old Salem church was left to the faithful two and the members
of Trinity sought a new place. A house and lot were bought on the corner of
Union and Pleasant streets, where the present building stands, and a frame
edifice was erected, the house being made over into a parsonage.
Following J. H. Keagle, who will always be remembered by the congregation
of Trinity for his untiring labor and enthusiasm, the pulpit was occupied by :
S. P. Entorf, 1894-1898; B. R. Schultze, 1898-1900; John Divan, 1900-1903;
F. W. Landwer, 1903-1906; L. C. Schmidt, 1906-1910.
The period of Rev. L. C. Schmidt's occupancy was a time of rapid growth
and increase and at this time the present church building was built. The project
was talked over in 1906, and the following year it was definitely decided to
build a new church. The old parsonage and frame church were removed, and
a large, handsome structure of colonial brick was erected on the old site. The
new church which cost about $25,000 is a credit to the congregation whose
labors helped to build it. It is surmounted by a tower, not crowned with a
spire, but of unusual height, and is built throughout in the modern style of
church architecture. The cornerstone was laid in 1907, Bishop Heil presiding,
assisted the presiding elder C. G. Unangst, and the church was soon finished.
In April, 1910, a parsonage, at 40 Broadway was bought to take the place
of the old one which was removed when the new church was built. The price
of the new parsonage was $4,200, the building being an up to date one with all
440 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
modern conveniences. The total valuation of the church property, including the
parsonage, is about $25,000. Trinity church is in a prosperous condition at
present under the leadership of Rev. J. G. Eller, who succeeded Rev. L. C.
Schmidt in January, 1910. The congregation number three hundred and four,
and the Sunday school two hundred and eighty-two.
FIRST GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.
The early history of the First German Reformed church has not been
preserved with any great accuracy. It is only known that at some time during
the year 1862 a little band of adherents began holding meetings in a hall over
the drug store of F. Weise on the corner of Galena street and South Galena
avenue (then Exchange street). The Rev. Mr. Seaman was the first pastor and
the congregation embraced a small number of names, most of whom have been
lost to us, among those ascertainable being Henry Schulte, Henry H. Frank,
Conrad Rodeke, Peter Belger, H. Billiker, and Mr. Ode. Mr. Seaman stayed
only a short time and during his residence the church did not thrive very greatly,
owing to dissensions among the congregation. Rev. O. Accola who succeeded,
was able to unite the warring factions and all joined in the common cause of
of securing a church building, which was put up on a lot at the corner of Union
and Williams streets. After a short time Rev. Accola resigned and for some
time the church was without a pastor. During this time it became disorganized1
and scattered and it seemed at one time as if the members had completely dis-
banded. Several years after in 1869 it was again united by the Rev. A. Schrader
who came to take charge of the pastorate.
Rev. Schrader remained in Freeport five years and built up the cause in a
most gratifying manner, after which the Rev. John Wernly came to fill the
pulpit. Rev. Wernly remained here for a long time and under his direction
the present church edifice was built in 1879 on the site of the old one. It is a
simple and unpretentious structure of brick, with a spire one hundred feet
high and cost about $3,000. In 1873 a parsonage was built on the land ad-
joining the church, at a cost of about $2,000.
Rev. John Wernly was followed by J. J. Jannett, E. Brunochler, and William
Rech. Under Rev. Mr. Rech's occupancy the church was entirely remodeled
and repaired throughout at a cost of a thousand dollars. Rev. Rech remained
from 1898 until 1904, the parsonage being repaired in 1903. He was succeeded
by Rev. Ernst Traeger, who still fills the charge. In 1909, the church building
was also repaired and remodelled, also at a cost of $1,000. The structure was
painted and otherwise improved and today presents a most satisfactory appear-
ance. The German Reformed church is in a fairly flourishing condition, but
has lost much of its membership through the establishment of the English Re-
formed church which occurred recently. The membership embraces about one
hundred and fifty voting members. The Sunday school has a roll of one hun-
dred with an average attendance only a trifle smaller. The church property has
risen in value since paving on both sides has been accomplished and with the
parsonage is worth today about $10,000.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 441
GERMAN IMMANUEL.
The German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel church was founded in 1877
by the Rev. T. J. Grosse of the Lutheran Seminary at Addison, Du Page .
County, Illinois. For some time after the founding of the Freeport church,
Rev. Grosse continued to be identified with the Addison Seminary, but on Feb-
ruary 23, 1877, took charge as first pastor. During the first year of its existence
the church increased in membership until it reached the mark of thirty-seven.
In the same year, a lot was purchased on the corner of Union and Pleasant
streets. On it a small church was erected, which still meets the needs of its
congregation, which has more than trebled during the thirty-three years since
1877.
At the time of the founding of the church a parochial school was established
in connection. This school embraced about fifty pupils under the instruction
of Professor F. Case. Instruction was given both in German and English in
the elementary and advanced branches. The school is still maintained and has
an attendance about as large as when it was organized.
Rev. T. J. Grosse, who founded the church, remained with it only a very
. short time. In October, 1877, in the same year that he came, he departed
after an occupancy of only eight months. The congregation immediately ex-
tended a call to the Rev. F. Behrens who accepted and came to take the charge,
which had increased in numbers to fifty-five. Since the time of Rev. Behrens
there have been few changes in pastors, the Immanuel church being distinguished
for this particular fact. The pastors who have occupied the pulpit since the
foundation are Rev. T. J. Grosse, 1877; Rev. F. Behrens, 1877-1880; Rev. H.
D. Schmidt, 1880-1899; Rev. A. C. Landeck, 1899 — .
Rev. A. C. Landeck still holds the pastorate with a congregation about one
hundred and thirty. The Sunday school is also maintained with an average
attendance of about one hundred.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
St. John's German Evangelical church is one of the oldest in the city. It
was founded in 1847 by the following men and their families: H. Kochsmeier,
P. Tewes, A. Mengedohd, A. Boedeker, B. Boedeker, B. Huenkemeier, F. Hanke,
W. Mundhenke, C. Riesenberger, C. Lesemann, C. Beine, C. Altenberg, F. Bod-
mann, H. Burkhard, and E. Bine, elder.
Meetings were held by the Rev. E. Beine in a schoolhouse in the western part
of the city, then known as "Knowlton Town." These meetings were continued
for several years and no church was formally organized until 1850. In that
year the organization was duly effected in accordance with the laws of the Ger-
man Evangelical Association of the West, and in 1850 a lot at the corner of
Union street and South Galena avenue (then known as State street) was pur-
chased and a church building 33 x 40 commenced.
In 1852 the old church was finished and dedicated, the records naming as
trustees Adolph Boedeker, William Mundhenke, Henry Burkhard, and August
442 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Mengedohd. A year later the Rev. J. Zimmerman was called as pastor, and
in 1854 the congregation became a part of the German Synod of the West. In
1856 a parsonage and schoolhouse was erected on the church lot and a parochial
school, afterward abandoned, was begun.
In 1855, Rev. Zimmerman was succeeded by the Rev. W. Kamptneier who
remained for ten years. During the ministry the old church was abandoned
and a new stone edifice erected on the site. This edifice is standing today and
has undergone a number of alterations except for which it presents practically
the same appearance as when built in 1856. The building, which cost $5,000,
most of which was immediately subscribed for by the congregation, was in size
44 x 75 and held an audience room capable of seating six hundred persons.
The building, while substantial, was plain and unostentatious, being entirely
without adornments save for a spire one hundred feet high.
In 1866 the Rev. P. H. Hoefer became pastor and remained in charge for
four years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. D. M. Fotch. He has since
been followed by the Rev. C. Hoffmeister, the Rev. Martin Otto, a pastor who
will long be remembered for the loving and efficient service which he rendered
the church, the Rev. N. Severing, who died May 20, 1896, and finally the Rev.
F. Holke, the present incumbent. Rev. Holke has filled his post most ably and
has proven one of the most popular and beloved pastors of St. John's church.
Various improvements have been made upon the church building which today
presents a far different appearance from the original stone structure. In 1887
it was thoroughly repaired and remodelled and again ten years later in 1897.
At the latter time extensive alterations were made in" the structure and all the
modern conveniences were added. The steeple was rebuilt, the height was in-
creased and a new front entrance to the church was built. The size of the audi-
torium has also been increased. But the most noteworthy improvement was the
addition of a set of sweet toned chimes, the finest in the city. The interior was
completely redecorated and changed, and the resulting edifice is practically a new
church, having that appearance both inside and out.
The congregation is large and steadily increasing in numbers. A Sunday
school is also maintained. The church property including a parsonage located
back of the church on Union street is valued at about $25,000.
THIRD PRESBYTERIAN.
The Third Presbyterian church, while no longer in existence, is still of suf-
ficient importance to claim a place in this history. It disbanded only a short
time ago for various reasons, and the property on South Galena avenue for-
merly occupied by the church is now for sale.
It was in 1867 that a little congregation of Germans who embraced the
Presbyterian faith decided to unite and hold services in their native tongue.
This little band, fifteen strong, under the Rev. John Vanderlass, met first in
the old courthouse building, which had so often afforded a shelter for struggling
little churches in their infancy. But the Third Presbyterian congregation did
not occupy the old courthouse long. In the following year, they decided to
erect a house of worship of their own. Their plans were carried into effect and
CKKMAX M. K. CHURCH
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 443
the present church edifice on South Galena avenue near Dexter street (then
Exchange and Prospect streets) was erected and dedicated. It is a small white
frame building with a steeple, like so many of the early churches of the city
and county. It occupies land 34 x 56, has a seating capacity of two hundred
and fifty, and cost, with the adjoining parsonage, $4,500.
After three years of effective labor, Mr. Vanderlass was succeeded by the
Rev. E. A. Elfeld, who retired in September, 1879. For almost a year after
that the church was without a pastor, but on the ist of July, 1880, Rev. C.
Buettle accepted the charge and remained for two years.
The remaining history of the Third Presbyterian church is one of succes-
sive periods of quiescence and revival. For several periods the pulpit was un-
occupied, and at several times a revival in interest took place. Among the
pastors who followed were the Revs. F. W. Witte, William Diekhoff, etc. Fol-
lowing a period of declining interest, the congregation decided to disband. It
was, doubtless, a wise move, although one much regretted by the older members
of the congregation. The reason is evident. There was no longer a need for
a German Presbyterian church. The younger members of the Third church
were all acquainted with English, most of them better than with German, and
preferred to hear sermons in that tongue. As a result, the Third Presbyterian
church has gone out of existence. There may be a resuscitation, but it is
doubtful if the church will attempt another reorganization.
GERMAN M. E. CHURCH.
To the Rev. Mr. Vosholl must be assigned the credit for the establishment
of the German Methodist Episcopal church. In the early days of the county's
history there were a large number of Germans who adhered to the faith of John
Wesley, and many of them could speak English only with very great difficulty.
To overcome this inconvenience, Rev. Vosholl was appointed missionary to
Freeport where he arrived October 3, 1854. Soon after reaching the field of
his future labors, Rev. Vosholl collected a congregation and held services in
the basement of the First Methodist church while raising funds and complet-
ing arrangements for the erection of a permanent house of worship. In the
year 1858 a church edifice was erected on the corner of Chicago and Spring
streets, at a cost of $1,500 and occupied until 1872, when it was razed to give
place to the present one. In 1887 the present house of worship was removed
to the corner of South Galena avenue and Jackson street, where it still stands.
In 1880 the congregation numbered about fifty members, but from that year
owing to continual drafts made thereon by reason of removals, the number
diminished until the membership numbered but twenty-two. Since that time
the church has taken on new life and the membership has increased to the pres-
ent number of seventy. A large and flourishing Sabbath school of fifty-five
is also maintained.
About seventy of the younger people of the church have joined the Epworth
League, and are actively promoting the interest of that body and of the church
itself. Since the establishment of the church the following pastors have of-
ficiated: Revs. H. Vosholl, H. Richter, F. Fiegenbaum, R. Tillman, C. Holl,
444 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Charles Schueler, George Haas, E. R. Irmsher, B. Becker, E. J. Funk, F.
Schmidt, A. Brenner, G. E. Hiller, E. Uhl, H. Wellemeyer, W. V. Schlung, E.
Christ, C. Hess, Stetter, and J. H. Klaus, who left in 1896.
In the same year he was succeeded by the Rev. J. F. Hartke, under whose
occupancy the church and parsonage were remodelled. The rear portion of the
church was removed and placed as an addition to the parsonage. It was then
replaced by a larger and more commodious addition to the church itself. Rev.
Hartke stayed until 1899 and was followed by Rev. A. F. Hilmer who stayed
only one year. In 1900 the Rev. F. O. Barz came to Freeport and under his
pastorate a new furnace was placed in the church and the roof raised and re-
paired. Under Rev. W. C. Bergmann's occupancy, which followed the five years
of Rev. F. O. Barz, a large expense was caused by the paving which was done
on both South Galena avenue and Jackson street. This caused a debt of about
$1,200.
The church is now in charge of the Rev. H. J. Loemker, who came here in
1909 from Garner, Ohio. The property, including church and parsonage is worth
at least $6,000, of which the church is worth $3,500 and the parsonage $2,500.
SALEM CHURCH.
The early history of Salem Evangelical church is identical with that of Trin-
ity church which is treated elsewhere. In April, 1867, the movement which re-
sulted in the establishment of Salem Mission was started. Nothing was done,
however, until two years later. On the twenty-seventh day of April, 1869,
the organizing meeting was held, presided over by the Rev. D. B. Byers, presid-
ing elder of the Freeport District. Rev. H. Messner, the pastor, was present,
and P. W. Rockey officiated as secretary. Articles of incorporation were
adopted, and a board of trustees, consisting of Rev. D. W. Grissinger, John
Woodside, P. W. Rockey, John Barshinger, and Simon Anstine, was appointed.
The charter members of the church included Mr. and Mrs. John Woodside, Mr.
and Mrs. John Barshinger, Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John
Wolfinger, Mr. and Mrs. John Dickover, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Anstine, Mr. and
Mrs. H. W. Pease, Mr. and Mrs. T. Y. Fiss, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Bamberger,
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Clark, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Spitler, Mr. and Mrs. J.
Fox, Mr. and Mrs. John Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Hime, Rev. D. W.
Grissinger and Mrs. Grissinger, Samuel Clair, Mr. and Mrs. J. Baymiller, Miss
Susan Baymiller, Aaron H. Barshinger, Mrs. H. Dengler, Miss E. Dengler, Mr.
and Mrs. John Fritz, Miss C. Fritz, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Koonz, Mrs. Carrie
Klock, Mrs. Mary Kaufmann, Mrs. Sarah Kyle, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Penticoff,
Mrs. E. Neuman, Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Rockey, Miss P. H. Reinhuber, Miss Re-
becca Rohland, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Shaffer, Mrs. Anna Stibgen, Aaron H. and
Thomas H. Woodside, Mrs. Sarah Woodside, Misses Mary and Lizzie Wood-
side, the Revs. D. B. Byers and Henry Messner, Mesdames Byers and Messner,
and Mr. and Mrs. Elias J. Duth.
For a short time services were held in "Commercial Hall" on Stephenson
street, where a Sunday school was also organized and all the requisite machinery
set in motion. Meanwhile a committee was appointed to procure a suitable
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 445
site for a church building, and to secure funds for the erection of the same.
A lot was soon purchased of David Sunderland, on Pleasant street for $2,500
and a Gothic frame building 40 x 60 feet and two stories in height was
erected. The building was accomplished for the most part by the members of
the congregation themselves with the pastor acting as foreman, and so effectu-
ally was the work pushed that the lecture room was finished and occupied in
November of the same year. In the following year the church was finished and
dedicated.
The following pastors have officiated: H. Messner, 1869-1870; E. C. Condo,
1871-1873; D. B. Byers, 1873-1876; C. Schmucker, 1876-1879; W. H. Bucks,
1879-1880; D. B. Byers, 1880-1882; W. H. Fouke, 1882-1884; S. A. Miller, 1884;
W. Caton, 1885-1888; W. H. Fouke, 1888-1891.
In 1890 a break came and the Dubs faction of the Illinois Conference with-
drew, taking with it all the members of Salem congregation except two. This
faction in Freeport remained in control of Salem church until April, 1893, when
the supreme court of Illinois decided that all property belonged to the Evangelical
Association, and must be turned over to it. The Dubs adherents of Freeport
then withdrew and founded the present Trinity church. The faithful two to-
gether with some others remained the congregation of Salem church.
Following the Rev. W. H. Fouke, the Rev. H. A. Kramer was sent by the
Illinois Conference to rebuild the society. In 1894 he was succeeded by the Rev.
W. B. Rilling, who put in four years of faithful labor, being followed by the
Rev. H. A. Kramer again from 1898 to 1900. Rev. J. A. Giese came in 1900,
going away in 1904, and then the Rev. F. C. Neitz, who stayed two years, leav-
ing in 1906. The Rev. W. H. Heinmiller, who followed, stayed until the dis-
banding of the congregation in 1908. The causes which led to the disorganiza-
tion of Salem church were deep seated. In the first place, the members of
Salem Mission had originally been members of the Emanuel Evangelical church,
and the congregation was for the most part made up of people who had come
over from that church because they were dissatified that the conference had not
allowed English preaching in the church on alternate Sundays. This obstacle be-
ing removed, and the conference permitting English preaching in the Emanuel
church on Sunday evenings, there was no longer any reason for the separation
of the two congregations. Futhermore, the two churches felt that in union was
strength, and that the merging of Salem and Emanuel would be a wise move.
It has so resulted, and although the Emanuel church lost nearly half of Salem
congregation to other churches when the transfer was made, the church is pros-
pering today and there is every indication that the decision was well timed.
EMANUEL EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
The Emanuel Evangelical or Oak Street Evangelical church has Always been
described and one of Freeport's "most substantial" churches. It is also one of
the oldest, having been founded as early as 1851. At that time the following
membership made up the first congregation : John Krinbill, Fred Asche, Joseph
Miess, John Marter, Jacob Heim, H. Thomas, G. Thomas, G. Mainzer, A.
Brenner, L. Metzger, M. Metzger, John Mayer, Christian Mainzer, B. Mainzer,
446 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Mr. Lemberger, Catherine Stoskopf, William Ellebrecht, J. Wolf, J. Frey, and
H. Fahringer.
The original membership was very soon increased by the stirring revivals
which took place and before long a church building was being discussed. Joseph
Miess, a member of the congregation donated eighty acres of land, which was
sold for $450, and the proceeds used, together with other contributions, for
the erection of a small brick church on Oak street midway between South Galena
avenue (then State street) and Empire street. In 1868 it became necessary to
occupy a new church, and plans were formulated for building the present struc-
ture. These were, however, not immediately carried into effect and it was 1874,
six year later, before the building was finally finished and dedicated. The
present church, which is located at 18 and 20 Oak street is of brick, painted
white, with an ornate tower, and affords a seating capacity for three hundred
and fifty persons. It was completed under the pastorate of Rev. A. Fuessle,
F. Mayer, E. Viergge, F. Heim, and F. Asche constituting the building com-
mittee.
A large number of pastors have served in the Emanuel church since its
organization. Most of them have remained only for a year or two, but for the
last twenty years the term of occupancy has been somewhat longer. The pastors
who officiated have been the Revs. H. Rohland, C. Augenstein, J. G. Escher, L.
H. Eiterman, J. Reigel, C. Kopp, E. Musselman, D. B. Byers, D. Kraemer, J.
Schneider, H. Messner, A. Stahley, W. J. Walker, M. Stamm, A. Fuessle, Wil-
liam Schrims, A. Huelster, E. R. Troyer, Theodore Alberding, Carl Hauser, N.
Wunderlich, William F. Klingbeil, and J. C. Schaefer, the present minister.
In 1908 the congregation of Salem church united with the Emanuel church,
since when preaching has been held in English at the evening service and in Ger-
man in the morning. The congregation numbers about one hundred and ninety-
two, with a Sunday school of one hundred and seventy-two. Most of the societies
of the church, and particularly all the young people's societies conduct their
meetings in English. Most of the Sunday school classes are in English, but
a few are taught in German. The present pastor, Rev. J. C. Schaefer, has been
in charge but a short time, having come here from Washington, Illinois. The
financial affairs of Emanuel church are in good condition. The church itself is
valued at $13,000 together with the lot upon which it stands, while the parsonage,
which is next to the church at 14 Oak street, represents a valuation of $(".500
making a total of nearly $20,000. The value of the Oak street property has
risen of late years owing to the improvements in the way of paving that have
been made in the vicinity.
FIRST FREE METHODIST CHURCH.
The history of the First Free Methodist church of Freeport is one of alter-
nating periods of activity and quiescence. There was an early church previous
to 1865, but absolutely nothing can be learned of its origin or activity. From
1865 to 1877 there was no church at all, but in 1877 the church was re-organized
and consisted of the following members : Ferry Crowden and wife, Jacob Mease
and wife, and David Moon. The Rev. J. Buss was called to the charge, and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 447
aided by these faithful few, he succeeding in reviving the church. Services were
held at first in covenient halls and elsewhere, until the latter part of 1877, when
the churchi building now in use was completed. This stood at first on South
Galena avenue but was later removed to a location on Broadway. The cost
of the structure was estimated at $1,000.
In 1878 a revival was' experienced in the circuit in which the congregation is
included, conducted by the Revs. W. F. Manly and A. F. Ferris, through whose
labors ninety-one were converted and additions made to the congregation.
The history of the church since that time has been marked by continual
changes in pastors, an unusually large number having occupied the pulpit. The
congregation has not increased very extensively in size, but remains about the
same, having a membership of between thirty and forty. The church property,
including a frame edifice, 28x40 capable of seating two hundred and fifty per-
sons, is valued at a little less than a thousand dollars. The present pastor in
charge is the Rev. D. W. Finch, who has been in Freeport since last year. The
parsonage is located at 92 American street.
FIRST ENGLISH REFORMED CHURCH.
Freeport is the center of a group of Reformed churches in Stephenson and
the adjoining counties, and being a growing city there is a natural field for the
organization of an English Reformed church. It was not until 1906, however,
that the present church was conceived. There had been a German Reformed
church in the city for many years, but there were also many English adherents
of that religion which dates it origin to the Reformation and stands for the
principles of that great historic movement. Some of these attended the German
church ; others were scattered in other congregations.
In the summer of 1906, Mr. Chalmer Beaver, a student from the Heidel-
berg Theological Seminary, under the auspices of the Sunday school board of
the Reformed church, opened a Sunday school which had for its meeting place
the old Third Presbyterian church on South Galena avenue near Pleasant street.
In the fall of the same year, the Rev. R. F. Schultz, of Dayton, Ohio, or-
ganized a congregation of twelve members, heads of families : Mr. and Mrs.
George Scoeney, Mr. and Mrs. John Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Brown, Mr.
and Mrs. John Richard, Mrs. Potter, Mrs. Frank Shelley, Mrs. Rebecca Ditzler,
Mrs. George Springman. These constituted the charter members.
Rev. Schultz remained through the year, and in November was succeeded by
the present pastor, the Rev. C. M. Rohrbaugh, who took charge of the pastorate
on December ist, having come to Freeport from Germantown, Ohio. For two
years services were held in the old Third Presbyterian church, during all of which
time the building of a permanent church home was talked over and discussed.
In 1908 the first decisive step was taken.
In the early part of that year a lot was purchased on the corner of Carroll
street and South Galena avenue, on a portion of the Barnes property. In the
summer of that year the present edifice was erected. The cornerstone was
laid on the fourteenth day of June, the speakers on the occasion being Hon. L.
H. Burrell of Freeport, and the Rev. W. D. Marburger, of Dakota. The church
448 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
was immediately finished and the dedication conducted on the twenty-ninth day
of November. Rev. Charles E. Miller, D. D., president of the Board of Home
Missions, was the principal speaker of the day. The church has now been oc-
cupied for nearly two years.
The building is a handsome structure of glazed brick, trimmed with Bed-
ford sand-stone. The interior is finished in oak and is modern in every respect,
with an auditorium having a seating capacity of four hundred and fifty, on
the main floor. There is also a splendid basement designed for Sunday school
rooms and social purposes. The equipment represents an investment of ap-
proximately $15,000. $5,000 of this sum was donated by the local church and
its friends in this community, and $10,000 was provided by the Board of Home
Missions.
Although so recently founded the church is in a flourishing condition at
present, and is rapidly increasing in membership. The original twelve families
concerned in the organization have now increased to over fifty. The Sunday
school enrolls one hundred and forty members, with an average attendance not
so large. The church property is valued at $15,000 the cost of the present
structure.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized in 1899, Mrs. Elizabeth Fry
Burchard being especially instrumental in its organization. For a few years
previous to that time, a society composed of Christian Scientists had held meet-
ings, but nothing had been done in the way of effecting a church corporation.
At that time a charter was secured from the First Church of Boston, Massa-
chusetts, of which Mother Church the Freeport society is a branch church.
For a year or more after organization the church held meetings in a hall in
Fry's block. The names of about fifteen men and women appeared on the
original charter of the church, and as the organization grew and quarters be-
came crowded a larger room was secured in the Wilcoxin building.
Sunday services and Wednesday evening meetings continued to be held in the
Wilcoxin building. A reading room was established in connection with the church
and also a Sunday school. Later an adjoining room in the building was rented
and united with the original room in order to accomodate the needs of the read-
ding room and Sunday school.
In the fall of 1908 the property belonging to Mrs. H. E. Bogar at 229 Ste-
phenson street was bought at a price of $6,000, most of the amount being im-
mediately raised by subscriptions entirely within the church. A recent bequest
of $2,000 by an interested outsider more than leaves the church free of debt.
Services are at present being held in the house which was purchased, the interior
having been redecorated and remodelled for church purposes. A church edifice
is contemplated for the future on the same lot. The church reading room is now
maintained in the church building at 229 Stephenson street.
The affairs of the church are at present in a prosperous condition and gratify-
ing developments are expected. The services of this church are not conducted
by a pastor, but by two readers who read selections from the Bible and the Chris-
TRINITY CliriU'II. FRKKI'ORT
KXCIJSH REFORM CHURCH
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 449
tian Science text book. The readers are elected for terms of three years, those
in office at present being Miss Silena Gransden, and Mrs. S. C. Porter. The
church property is valued at about $7,000.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
The United Brethren church of Freeport was organized in 1892, and is con-
sequently of comparatively recent origin. Previous to 1892 a number of ad-
herents of the sect had lived in the city, but not in sufficient number to warrant
the formation of a church. A number of attempts to establish a church were
made, but nothing permanent was accomplished and the project had been repeat-
edly abandoned. In the early spring of 1892, on the i3th day of March, nineteen
members of the brotherhood met together and adopted resolutions organizing the
United Brethren church of Freeport. These nineteen members, some of whom
are still with the church, were: Rev. N. G. Whitney, Mrs. M. L. Whitney, Dr.
L. B. Peck, Ira Long, Eva Long, Sarah Whitehead, George R. Ringer, Anna M.
Ringer, A. E. Peck, Lizzie De Jongh, Anna M. Myers, Ezra Burling, George
Brown, M. C. Brown, O. P. Spielman, Noah Peck, Mrs. E. A. Peck, M. Adleman
and Mrs. M. Adleman.
The succeeding years were marked by prosperity and rapid growth. No
sooner had the congregation organized than they began to look about and find
a suitable spot for erecting their church edifice. A lot on the corner of Galena
and Locust streets, at the western extremity of the former was found procurable,
and the present building was erected and dedicated the following spring. It is
a handsome structure, unassuming in appearance, but substantially built of
brick, and quite competent to fill the needs of the congregation. The style of
architecture is Gothic and a beautiful tower and spire crowns the pile. On the
second story is the auditorium which will hold about one hundred and fifty per-
sons. The first floor is given over to lecture rooms, Sunday school rooms, etc.
About four years ago, a parsonage was built on Galena street, next to the
church. This parsonage, the cost of which was about $4,000 is one of the
finest in the city, and a great credit to the church.
At the present time the membership of the church has risen to one hundred
and ninety and a Sunday school is maintained, the roll of which numbers one
hundred and sixty, with a regular attendance somewhat smaller. Since the
founding of the church in Freeport, the pulpit has been occupied by a large
number of pastors, all of whom have remained in the city for a very brief term.
The present incumbent, the Rev. D. E. Bear, has been in Freeport for about a
year, having come here from the southern part of the state.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
For a long time East Freeport had been designated by the mission workers
as a "neglected field." It was repeatedly brought to the notice of missionaries,
and as often forgotten owing to the pressing needs of other localities equally
neglected. On May 24, 1908, the Rev. B. M. Southgate came to investigate the
field with the result that an organization known as the East Freeport Sunday
school was started in one of the buildings in Taylor's Park. Much interest
was taken in the project by the Second Congregational church of Rockford,
450 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
whose members had long been desirous of establishing a church in Freeport.
The success of the Sunday school which was begun with only six or eight mem-
bers led to the discussion of plans for a church.
Mostly through the instrumentality of the Second church of Rockford, the
First church. of Freeport was established less than a year after the founding of
the East Freeport Sunday school. On the twenty-fifth day of January, 1908,
a band of interested workers met and organized formally the First Congre-
gational church. A rented house on Taylor avenue was at first used for church
purposes. The Sunday school was moved here from the Taylor Park location
and all the machinery of the organization was set in motion.
It was at once decided to erect a church building and a suitable lot was
bought across the street from the rented house on the corner of Taylor avenue
and Sheridan street. The cornerstone of the edifice was laid in August, 1908,
the officials of the day being the Rev. H. L. Moore, of the First Presbyterian
church, the Rev. Mr. Puddefoot, superintendent of missions of the state of In-
diana, and the Rev. J. G. Brooks, the local pastor who had succeeded the Rev.
B. M. Southgate earlier in the year.
The work of building was continued through the winter and the next year,
and by May, 1910, it was ready for use. On May 9, 1910 the church was dedi-
cated. The building cost $7,700, which sum was raised partly by the local
church and partly by outside subscription. A number of extensive additions
and improvements have since been completed raising the total cost to about
$8,000. The old church building on Taylor avenue is still rented and is at
present utilized as a parsonage.
In January, 1910, the Rev. J. G. Brooks was succeeded by the Rev. W. G.
Jones, the present incumbent. The membership of the church has risen to
about fifty-six, the original number of organizing members being twenty-three.
The Sunday school is somewhat larger. It was started with an enrollment of
about six members and now consists of over one hundred and twenty regular
attendants.
The new church building is a modest structure of frame construction, cov-
ered with pebble-dash. A small tower and spire crowns the pile, and a hand-
some stained-glass window in the front, as well as smaller ones on the sides
add to the beauty of the whole. At the present time the First Congregational
church is the newest building built exclusively for church purposes in the city
of Freeport. The Second Presbyterian church, which is about completed, will
presently be the newest building.
The outlook for the church is very bright at the present time. The con-
gregation is not only a growing one, but it is composed of members who are
sincere and indefatigable workers. Owing to the fact that the Congregational
church has come to supply a long felt want in Freeport, the growth should be
rapid and gives every indication of being so.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Four years ago, in 1906, the First Christian church of Freeport was estab-
lished by the Rev. Jordan, of Rockford, who came to Freeport as a missionary
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 451
of the state association. A meeting was held at the county courthouse, to
which all representatives of the denomination, as well as others interested in
the faith, were invited. A church organization was there effected, about forty
me and women becoming members of the church.
In the same year, the Rev. J. A. Barnett was called as pastor, and the place
of worship was transferred from the courthouse, where a number of meetings
had been held, to the audience room of the Masonic Temple. Rev. J. A. Bar-
nett stayed only one year, and then left to accept a call from Galesburg, Illinois.
His place was taken by the Rev. F. W. Emerson, under whose pastorate the
little band of workers prospered wonderfully and became greatly increased in
numbers. Rev. Emerson remained only two years, but the impress of his work
is still felt. There has been talk of building a church edifice at various times,
but the church has never felt itself strong enough to attempt this. The member-
ship has increased to fifty, and a Sunday school of about twenty members is
maintained under the superintendency of Mr. Johnson. After the departure
of Mr. Emerson the church was for some time without a pastor. Last year
his place was taken by the Rev. C. O. Livingstone, who has recently accepted
a call elsewhere, and the pulpit is again unoccupied.
Although with one exception the youngest religious organization of the city,
the Christian church is in a thriving condition and gives promise of steady and
continued growth. Without doubt, a church will be built in the near future.
At the present time, various plans have been adopted, but nothing definite has
been accomplished.
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
The Freeport Theosophical Society was organized in Freeporf in the year
1898 by C. H. Little, who became its first president. William Brinsmaid be-
came the first secretary. Meetings were at first held at the home of Mr. Little
on West Stephenson street and in his parlor the fourteen original members
gathered to hold their regular meetings.
Afterwards it became inconvenient to hold meetings at Mr. Little's resi-
dence, and a room was rented in the Rice building, now the Mackay block. A
few years later the society procured a suite of rooms in the Wilcoxin Block,
which they used for some time.
For the past few years the lodge has met at the home of F. J. Kunz on
West street. From the original number of fourteen the society has increased
to twenty-five. The officers of the Theosophical Society for the current year
are: President, T. D. Wilcoxin; vice president, F. J. Kunz; secretary, Miss
Alma Kunz.
PEOPLE'S INSTITUTE.
The People's Institute grew out of the People's Independent church, which
was organized in February, 1909, by the Rev. William H. Beynon, formerly
minister of the First Baptist church.
The People's Independent church sought to teach and preach a universal
Christian religion, without creed or restrictions as to individual convictions.
452 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
During the year the People's Independent church was merged into a larger in-
stitution called the People's Institute. The institute had three departments ;
viz., religious, educational, and fraternal. It has no creed, but only a "Bond of
Union," which members are expected to sign. The "Bond of Union" is a
line of action, not a creed, and consistency of action therewith is expected. The
"Bond of Union" reads as follows:
"We join ourselves together in service to God and man through serving
man, as supremely exemplified by Jesus and the teachers of humanity, endeav-
oring thereby to acquire power to bear one another's burdens, wisdom to pro-
mote justice, truth and righteousness, and spirit to establish peace, purity, and
love in the world."
Under the auspices of the three departments the following organizations are
established :
Public religious Sunday service, at which sermons and lectures touching on
modern day problems, religious, moral, economic, and political are delivered.
The Sunday school, where the Bible and religion are presented under most
modern instruction. The Sunday school is graded according to the public school
grades.
The Sociological Club, which deals with social problems.
The Labor Forum, which devotes itself to the study of industrial problems
as related to the working classes.
The Municipal Club, which studies municipal problems, and exerts its influ-
ence for municipal reform.
The Political Forum, which is open to all political types of faith and parties
to present their claims publicly.
The Ladies' Institute League, composed of the ladies of the institute, whose
object is to further the interests of the institute socially and educationally.
The Young People's League, which is devoted to the development of the
youth morally, socially, and educationally.
The People's Institute was founded by Mr. Beynon for the purpose of meet-
ing the greater needs of the masses in a religious, moral, social, educational,
economic, and political manner. "Believing that man is larger than any creed
or any human restriction or formality imposed upon him by religious denomina-
tions or sects, and that man cannot rise to the height of the Jesus ideal, nor
attain to the real brotherhood of man while hampered by factional creeds and
religious restrictions, which are oftentimes the cause of dwarfing rather than
developing man," Mr. Benyon conceived that an organization such as he founded
would more readily help man to attain the highest ideal individually and so-
cially, and therefore struck out to reach such a goal. Services were for a time
held in the Masonic Temple, but have since been transferred to the old Salem
church on Pleasant street.
SCHOOLS AFTER 1860.
September i, 1859, the school directors of Freeport, Heald, Buckley and
Smith called an election and the people voted a tax to build the River school.
The ground was purchased and the building completed in the spring of 1860.
First Ward School
Lincoln School
East Freeport School
River School
Third Ward School
Center Street School
Union Street School
SCHOOLS OF FREEI'OKT
LIBRARY
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UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 453
In August, 1865, another special election was held and it was voted to build
a new school in the third ward at the corners of Liberty and Williams streets.
This building cost $17,000.00 and was completed in 1866. It was known as
the Wright school.
The site for the Lincoln avenue school was brought for $1,200,00, January
i, 1868. The building was completed at a cost of $12,465.77 in the fall of 1868.
The directors at that time were C. J. Fry, H. M. Barnum, F. W. S. Brawley,
Ezrom Mayer, treasurer ; and L. W. Guiteau, alternate.
The school directors for 1877 were J. M. Bailey, Jacob Krohn and Frederick
Bartlett. July 7, 1877, they decided to erect a new building for the High school.
This building was built at the corner of Cherry and Exchange (then called
Bridge street) at a cost of over $14,000.00. The High school was maintained
in this building till - — , when the present High school (the old part) was
erected.
SCHOOLS OF FREEPORT.
In 1867, F. W. S. Brawley, C. J. Fry and H. M. Barnum were the school
directors. Formerly the principal of the High school had been given the general
supervision of the city schools. But September 2, the board of directors decided
that such an arrangement was not adequate to meet the demands of a rapidly
growing school system, and created the office of superintendent of city schools.
The board then elected Mr. G. G. Alvord, superintendent. From 1867 to 1910,
Freeport has had seven superintendents, Professor C. C. Snyder serving eighteen
years. Professor Snyder was a graduate of Northwestern University, and came
to Freeport after teaching in Belvidere and Lyons, Iowa. The best evidence
of the worth of this educator is the fact that he held the position of superin-
tendent for eighteen years. His son, Dr. K. F. Snyder, is one of the prominent
physicians of Freeport.
City superintendent R. W. Burton was elected county superintendent in
1893. Superintendent F. T. Oldt came to Freeport in 1893, after fifteen years
experience in Lanark, and left here in 1895 to take position of superintendent
of the city schools of Dubuque, which position he held till February, 1910. Su-
perintendent R. S. Page, an educator of considerable experience, having been
a teacher for years in Ohio and Indiana, came to Freeport in 1895 and served
as superintendent till his death, January, 1904.
On the death of Superintendent Page, Professor S. E. Raines, who had been
principal of the High school since 1897, was elected superintendent and is now
in his seventh year in that position. Mr. Raines is a graduate of the Indiana
State Normal School and of the University of Indiana. Before coming to Free-
port, he was superintendent of the Sullivan, Indiana, Schools. He is a mem-
ber of the National Educational Association, has been president of the Northern
Illinois Teachers Association, and his mastery of the detail and his successful
experience have given him a high rank among the city superintendents of the
United States. Under his supervision, the schools of Freeport have made re-
markable progress.
454 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Summary of Superintendents: G. G. Alvord, 1867-1872; C. C. Snyder, 1872-
1890; A. O. Deubelt, 1890-1891; R. W. Burton, 1891-1893; F. T. Oldt, 1893-
1895; R. S. Page, 1895- January, 1904; S. E. Raines, January, 1904.
To go back to the beginning it may be said that Nelson Martin, who taught
the first school in Freeport in the little log store-room on the river bank in 1837,
was the first principal. The place of High school was filled by private schools,
subscription schools, academies and seminaries till the Union school was built in
1852. Among the Select school principals were George Scoville, Messrs, Coon
& Dickey, Mr. Bentley, A. B. Campbell, Geo. W. Lutz and Louise Burchard.
Mary A. Potter. Mr. A. B. Campbell was principal in 1850.
When the Union school was established in 1852, Mr. William J. Johnson
was principal. Hon. H. C. Burchard was principal in 1854-5 ; Henry M. Free-
man, A. M., 1855-1858; A. N. Marriman, 1859; George L. Montague, 1860-
1861; M. W. Tewksbury, 1862-1863; H. V. Barnum, 1863; W. H. V. Raymond;
1864; David Parsons, 1865-1866; G. G. Alvord, 1867-1869; S. C. Cotton, 1870;
Miss E. R. Beckwith, 1871; C. C. Snyder, 1872-1874; Miss F. E. Weed, 1874-
1875; Miss S. L. Stocking, 1875-1876; A. W. Green, 1876-1884; J. H. Hutcheson,
1884-1889; F. A. Rosebrugh, 1889-1893; R. E. Loveland, 1893; W. D. Hawk,
1893-1895; J. E. McGilvrey, 1895-1896; J. W. Bray, 1896-1897; S. E. Raines,
1897- January, 1904; H. E. Adams, January, 1904- June, 1904 acting principal;
L. A. Fulwider, 1904.
TABLE OF GROWTH OF FREEPORT HIGH SCHOOL.
YEAR. ENROLLMENT. GRADUATES.
1879 130 16
1880 78 26
1881 '. ... 81 24
1882 125 9
1883 121 8
1884 50 4
1885 130 14
1886 148 n
1887 145 18
1888 146 12
1889 61 20
1890 115 15
1891 132 10
1892 125 14
1893 125 13
1894 154 23
1895 171 18
1896 185 20
1897 212 22.
Year. Graduates.
1898 216 23
1899 236 27
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 455
1900 246 32
1901 260 36
1902 265 44
1903 305 S2
1904 308 46
1905 • 323 55
1906 334 5i
1907 354 52
1908 357 53
1909 '398 49
1910 430 66
The graduates of the Freeport high school have now high places in the world's
work, and have reflected much credit and honor on the school and the county.
In 1882 a four-year high school course was established, a three-year having
been maintained up to that date.
ALUMNI.
Almost one thousand students have been graduated from the Freeport high
school since 1863. There were four in the class of 1863 ; fifteen in the class of
1870; sixteen in the class of 1880; fifteen in the class of 1890; thirty-two in
the class of 1900; and sixty-six in the class of 1910.
Among those who have won more than average success are the following r
Dr. Charles R. Sheetz, Algonia, Iowa; Hon. Homer Aspinwall, Freeport; Rev.
Niles W. Neermans, De Kalb, Illinois; Thomas W. Woodside, Takanjimba,
Africa; Flora Guiteau, teacher, Freeport; Clara S. Hawes, librarian, Pittsfield,
Massachusetts ; Mrs. Elida J. Pattison Bently, Freeport ; Addison Bidwell, Free-
port; Dr. Eugene Rockey, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Lizzie E. McCoy Flanagan,
Freeport; Oscar E. Heard, circuit judge, Freeport; Eliza L. Murphy, Freeport;
John S. Collman, Freeport ; Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Burrell, Brooklyn, New York ;
Mrs. Alice Serf ass Towslee, Freeport; Mrs. Alice Sanborn Brown, Freeport;
Mrs. Kittie Buckman Mitchell, Freeport; Professor Thomas Hunt, Dean of the
Agricultural Department, State College, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Carrie Gund Tag-
gart, Freeport; Thomas Rockey, Freeport; Mathias Hettinger, Freeport; Ida
Galloway, teacher, New York City ; Henry M. Hyde, editor of Technical World,
Chicago; Hazen S. Capron, banker, Champaign, Illinois; Harvey Zartman,
Freeport; Mary Hosmer, Freeport; James Hyde, lawyer, Chicago; Marion Pot-
ter, librarian, Minneapolis ; Rev. James Benson, Peoria, Illinois ; Mrs. Edith
DeVore Tiffany, Freeport; Alpheus J. Goddard, Freeport; Douglas Pattison,
Freeport; Rev. Paul Jenkins, Milwaukee; Dr. Fred H. Bowers, Freeport; Ed-
win H. Smythe, Chicago; Fred M. Gund, insurance, Freeport; Rev. VVm. E.
Ruston, Fairly, Iowa; Wm. H. Staver, Mexico; Chas. F. Stocking, Chicago;
Bertha C. Bidwell, Freeport; Frank C. Fuerst, Freeport; Charles Green, at-
torney, Freeport; Ida I. Voight, Freeport; Charles Bentley, judge of police court,
Freeport ; Oscar Dorman, Freeport ; Joseph Johnson, Freeport ; Dr. Karl F.
Snyder, Freeport; Clara Dorman, Freeport; Dr. Louis Voight, Freeport; Philip
Moogk, Sparks, Nevada; Dr. R. O. Brown, Forreston, Illinois; Rev. Wm B.
456 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Stoskopf, Chicago; Leroy Laird, Cleveland, Ohio; Mr. Reeve Burton, Free-
port; Dr. Mary Rosenstiel, Freeport; Olive Runner, Abbott Academy, Mas-
sachusetts; Russell Wiles, attorney, Chicago; Roy Bennethum, Ziegler-Schryer
Co., Freeport; Rev. Edward Brown, Los Angeles; Burton Figely, Freeport;
Chas Runner, Charles City, Iowa; Lancaster Burling, Buffalo, New York; Fred
Hanke, Detroit; Chester A. Hoefer, Freeport; Walter Pfender, Freeport;
Charles B. Courtney, attorney, Freeport; Professor Edwin Hoefer, State Uni-
versity, Laramie, Wyoming ; Will Stratton, New York City ; John Daniels, city
engineer, Freeport; Al. G. Fleck, Rockford; Alfred Hoefer, Chicago; Karl
Knechr, Evansville, Indiana; Boyd Lawver, Greenfield, Massachusetts; Profes-
sor Herbert Bonebright, State Agricultural University, Colorado; Frank Dippell,
draftsman, Chicago; Dr. Stewart Litch, Chicago; Homer Sheetz, Knowlton
Bank, Freeport ; James Taggart, Leadville, Colorado ; Fred Becker, St. Louis,
Missouri; Harry Bickenbach, State Bank, Freeport; Paul Fair, taxidermist,
Raton, New Mexico; Professor George Daniels, Minnesota State Normal; Nel-
lie Hanley, Washington City ; Iva Swingley, Freeport ; Florence Brubaker, Free-
port; Clarence Chapman, Moline Plow Company, Freeport; Oscar Hively, en-
gineer, Kansas City; Frank Markel, Portland, Oregon; Chas. McCool, drafts-
man, Freeport; Walter Vautsmeier, graduate of West Point, 1910; Harvey An-
gle, manufacturer, Freeport; Karl Wagner, mechanical engineer, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania; Geo. W. Schoeffel, University of Illinois; Harvey Hartman,
Freeport; Warren Madden, Freeport; Harry McCullough, Freeport; Edward
Luebbing, Freeport ; Walter Nolting, Freeport ; Frances Watson, Tacoma, Wash-
ington ; Henry Zanoni, First National Bank ; Earl Andres, Savannah.
In 1905 a special election was held to vote on a proposition to build a ward
school on Center street and to build an annex to the high school. It was es-
timated that the two buildings would cost about $60,000. The building propo-
sition was carried by a large majority, indicating that an excellent school spirit
prevailed in Freeport. Early ^in the year of 1906, both buildings were com-
pleted and opened for school purposes. The Center Street school has eight
rooms and is one of the best school buildings in the city. It cost about $30,000.
The high school annex contains an assembly with a seating capacity of four
hundred, physics, chemistry and biology laboratories, a music room, three reci-
tation rooms, a large manual training room and a gymnasium. The cost of the
annex was about $45,000.
At this time Hon. August Bergman was president of the board of education,
and the following were members : D. F. Graham, D. B. Breed, J. N. Fleck,
A. E. Hanke, B. P. Hill, C. F. Hildreth, C. A. McNamara, Otto Wagner, and
J. H. Gibler. The building committee consisted of B. P. Hill, chairman, and
A. E. Hanke, D. F. Graham, and the finance committee, D. F. Graham, chair-
man, D. B. Breed and J. H. Gibler.
During the summer of 1910, extensive improvements were made at the East
Freeport school. This building had not been used to its full capacity since its
erection because that part of the city had not been thickly settled up with homes.
Recently, however, largely owing to factory extensions, this part of the city is
building up rapidly and it was necessary to provide more room at the East
Freeport school. The improvements will cost about $10,000.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 457
In recent years the high school has expanded to meet the demands of the
times. The board of education, supported by a wholesome public sentiment,
has been progressive without being radical. In 1904 manual training was es-
tablished in a small room in the high school. The manual training movement
in Freeport had its origin with Miss Florence Knowlton who donated a con-
siderable equipment to the high school in 190;.. Today the manual training
room is sixty by forty feet, and is one of the best equipped departments in the
state. Professor John A. Seefelder, a recognized authority on manual train-
ing, is in charge of the work. In 1906, domestic science and domestic art were
introduced. This department has grown till it occupies three rooms and the
work in cooking and sewing is unsurpassed. One of the rooms is a model
dining room, fully equipped with linen, china and mission furniture. In 1909
the board of education established a commercial department in the high school,
consisting of a four years' course in English, arithmetic, commercial geography,
spelling, penmanship, bookkeeping, commercial law, typewriting and stenog-
raphy. In 1909, being urged by the Citizens' Commercial Association, the co-
operative school and shop course was put into practice, sixteen boys taking the
course, going to school and working in the factories, alternate weeks, learning
the machinists' and pattern-making trades.
The high school has been on the accredited list of the North Central Asso-
ciation of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1906. More than sixty gradu-
ates are in higher institutes of learning.
In public speaking the high school has won an enviable reputation. Be-
ginning in 1905, the F. H. S. debating teams have defeated Elgin (three times),
Rockford (three times), Dubuque (twice), Janesville, Beloit, and Rock Is-
land and has lost but once (to Dubuque in 1907). In 1909 and 1910 the team won
the silver cup offered by Beloit College, after winning out in a debating league of
six high schools. In 1905, 1909 and 1910, the high school was represented in
the State Oratorical Contest at the University of Illinois, Donald Burrell win-
ning third place in 1909, and Wright Burrell in 1910. In 1910, the school repre-
sented by Wright Burrell, won the Beloit College Contest in Declamation.
Estimated value of school property in the city of Freeport :
NAME OF SCHOOL ESTIMATED VALUE
High School $85,000.00
Lincoln Avenue 43,000.00
First Ward 25,000.00
Third Ward 32,000.00
Union Street 35,000.00
Center Street 40,000.00
River School 20,000.00
East Freeport 1 5.000.00
Total $295,000.00
458 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
School census in Freeport, 1902-1910:
(1902) (1904) (1906) (1908) (1910)
Males, between 6 and 21 .... 1872 1985 1952 1980
Females, between 6 and 21 . . 2017 2091 2059 2066
Total 3877 3889 4076 401 1 4046
It will be noticed that the increase in the number of children of school age
has not kept pace at all with the increase in the population of the city.
The records of the county superintendent's office date back to 1843, when
Jared Sheetz was school commissioner for the county. The first item is dated
November 18, 1843, and is as follows : "Rec'd of John Rice, former school com-
missioner of Stephenson county, from the funds of 1841 and 1842, in specie
$315.06. In Illinois State Bank certificates, $133.46, which certificates I sold
to John A. Clark March 15, 1844, a* SOG on the dollar."
The commissioner following Mr. Sheetz was L. W. Guiteau. September 8,
1879, the title was changed to county superintendent of schools.
The highest monthly wages in 1861 in the various townships for male
teachers ran $25, $32, $33, $38, $40, $40, $40, $28, $33, $50, $40, $30, $100, $35,
$35. $33. $40, $40, $35- For female teachers, $30, $15, $15, $16, $18, $16, $18,
$24, $25, $25, $16, $16, $20, $22, $20, $23, $18, $15, $15, $32, $12, $29, $20, $2O.
In 1869-70, Superintendent Crary conducted a three-day institute, with the
following instructors: Richard Edwards, Normal. Illinois; Lewis Goodrich, Sa-
vanna, Illinois ; J. N. Blodgell, Rockford ; E. D. Leland and G. G. Alvord, Free-
port. Mr. Alvord was president; S. R. Worrick, secretary, and N. Ford and
J. Hay, assistants. The instructors received $30.00.
In 1871 the institute was held at Lena, October 20. Prof. E. C. Hewitt was
instructor. Rev. F. Boon and Rev. Geo. Elliott, of Freeport, lectured. The
institute lasted four days and Dr. Hewitt received $34.00.
In 1871, December 5, a four day institute was held at Davis. The instruc-
tor was Dr. J. A. Sewall, Normal, and lectures were given by L. W. Guiteau,
Mr. Aug. Smith and Dr. Sewall. Eighty teachers attended and Dr. Sewall re-
ceived $34.00. That year three of the county teachers were graduates of the
State Normal University. In 1873-4, there was no county institute.
In 1861, the longest time any teacher had taught the same school was three
years. Number in State Normal School, three.
TOWNSHIP TREASURERS.
The township treasurers in 1861 were Jacob Archer, Loran ; Samuel Tyrrell,
Plum River; F. M. Rogers, Howardsville ; Thomas H. Hicks, Nora P. O. ; J. D.
DeVore, Yellow Creek; John Kennedy, Freeport; Phil Sweeley, Winslow; Con-
rad Van Brocklyn, Freeport ; James Flansberg, Freeport ; James Benson, Cedar-
ville; Simon Bartlett, Oneco; Frederick D. Bulkley, Freeport; Jas. B. Childs,
Freeport; Abner B. Clingman, Cedarville; Solomon Fisher, Rock Grove; D. S.
McKibben, Nevada P. O. ; W. L. Funks, Rock Run; Henry Springer, Davis;
Charles Kleckner, Davis.
CITY HALL, FREEPOKT
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UNIVEKSI1Y OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 459
Lowest monthly wages paid in 1862 in the several townships: Males, $20,
$26, $25, $23, $18, $25, $20, $25, $16, $20, $20, $14, $25, $29, $20, $18, $25, $18,
$16; females, $12, $10, $12, $15, $12, $12, $8, $10, $12, $14, $15, $12, $8, $14,
$15, $13, $12, $13, $11, $14.
In Mr. A. A. Crary's annual report for 1864-5, ne says» "Owing to the fact
that most of our male teachers were in the army it was thought best not to call
an institute during the school year ending September 30, 1865."
No institute was held in 1866-67. In 1867-8, two institutes, 14 days, were
held, eighty-nine teachers out of two hundred eighty-two attending. In 1869-70,
Superintendent Crary received $986.24 for his compensation. In 1870-71, the
superintendent received $1,297.14; 1872, $1,422.06; 1873, $I>456-72; 1876,
$1,950.90.
In 1872-3, the county superintendent's report shows number of frame school
houses, eighty-six ; brick, thirty ; stone, twenty-nine ; log, one ; total, one hun-
dred and forty-six. The log school was in township 27, range 7.
The average monthly wages paid men teachers in 1875 was $43.51; women,
$30.80. In 1878, the superintendent at Freeport received $160.00 for ten
months; at Lena, $95.00 for nine months.
In 1882, J. Lawson Wright, of Cedarville, was the holder of a state certifi-
cate, and Cora Carpenter, of Lena, in 1883 > 1885, Emma Biggs, Lena.
Professor David Parsons got out a sixty-six page, i6mo book, a kind of
report, July, 1866. The book contained problems in arithmetic, chemistry, etc.
Price, 25c.
In 1866 Professor Parsons taught the children in the high school to exercise
their arms and hands in gesturing. His system comprised one thousand two
hundred gestures or distinct motions. A number of these were given in concert
by the students and the audience seemed to be delighted.
TEACHERS.
Cyrus Howe taught the first school in the Block School in Oneco Township in
1847-8.
Dr. F. W. Byers, now of Monroe, Wisconsin, taught the Block School from
1857 to 1863 and has left a record as a kind-hearted man, but a strict
disciplinarian.
Mr. Adam A. Krape, now of Lena, Illinois, was many years a teacher in
Stephenson County. He was principal of the Orangeville schools and of Wins-
low schools, and became county superintendent in 1877 and continued in office
till 1886.
Miss Elta F. Miner taught a number of years at, or near, Orangeville, and
later married Rev. F. W. Stump.
Dr. A. C. Schadel was educated at the Block School, Freeport High School
of 1866, and the University of Wisconsin. He served as principal of the Rock
Grove and Orangeville schools. In 1870, he quit teaching and became a dentist
at Warren, Illinois.
Harrison W. Bolender was one of the early teachers in the northern part of
the county. He built and taught the Eldorado School. He became county clerk
in 1896, and died in 1900.
460 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Miss Mary E. Cadwell (Mrs. Dr. M. E. Bradshaw) was the first lady to
teach a winter term at Eldorado. She attended the Freeport High School.
Dr. W. W. Krape, of Freeport, was teacher in the county for several years,
quitting that profession for dentistry in 1873. In 1866, he attended the Free-
port High School and then entered the University of Wisconsin.
Susan B. Fisher (Mrs. Geo. W. Shippy) was a teacher for eighteen years.
She was educated at Eldorado and at the Teachers' Training School at Oregon,
Illinois. At McConnell, she was a member of the school board. She organized
the domestic science branch of the Farmers' Institute. Dr. M. M. Baumgartner
taught one year in the county.
Geo. Moyer is one of the old teachers of the county. For two years he
was principal of the Orangeville schools.
C. A. Bolender attended school at the Block School and at Leander College,
Toledo, Iowa. He is one of the old teachers of the county.
John W. Kiester, of Orangeville, taught fifteen years and entered the R. F. D.
service of the United States.
Dr. Anna M. Hinds, of Berlin, Illinois, was born near Orangeville. She
was educated in Knox College and taught in Eldorado and Freeport. Later
she graduated from Rush Medical College and is practicing at Berlin, Illinois.
Henry Swarts, of Orangeville, was a teacher forty years ago. In 1869-70
he taught the Sylvan School in Rock Grove. He was educated at the Block
School and at the University of Wisconsin and the State Normal at Normal.
He taught till 1884.
Charles A. Cadwell taught several county schools and was two years, 1871
and 1872, principal of the Orangeville schools. He received his education at
the Block School and at the University of Wisconsin. He is now a United
States mail cleric
W. W. Elzler, of Eldorado, was educated at the Block School and at West-
ern College, Toledo, Iowa. He taught successfully many years.
Edwin C. Belknap, educated at the Block School and at the Whitewater
Normal, taught several years and then became a train dispatcher.
Addie F. Cadwell (Mrs. Addie F. Pugh) received her education at Eldorado
and at Monroe, Wisconsin, High School. She taught several years and married
Rev. B. F. Pugh in 1878.
EARLY TEACHERS.
J. F. Kleckner was a teacher in the '6os and was elected county superin-
tendent in 1869, holding the position four years. In 1849-50, Levi L. Munn,
Sr., taught a school in the northern part of the county. In 1849, George Wolf
was a teacher in the county. E. R. Mulnix was an early pedagogue.
John W. Stocks taught from 1865 to 1866, went to college at Mt. Morris
in 1866-67 and taught 1868-1874. Ira Lowry, of Loran Township, was a
teacher from 1846 to 1869 in this county and in Iowa. J. C. Dorn, of Oneco,
taught in Oneco Township about 1845 to 1860. Israel G. Wise began teaching
in Orangeville in 1873. Hon. Andrew Hinds was a teacher in Oneco Township
in 1848. Joseph H. Jackson was a teacher in Buckeye about 1850. Mr. R. K.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 461
Madden came to this county in 1875 and began teaching, which he continued
for years.
A. B. Crandall began the Commercial School at the corner of Stephenson
and Adams streets in 1879.
COUNTY INSTITUTES.
In 1884, Superintendent A. A. Krape had S. Y. Gillan and O. P. Bostwick
in institute work; in 1885, A. R. Sabin, Geo. E. Knepper; in 1887, E^C. Hewitt,
Henry Sabin, Geo. E. Knepper, F. H. McBride, J. H. Hutchinson, M. O. Nar-
ramore, C. C. Snyder and Frances Rosebrugh.
in 1888, Superintendent P. O. Stiver secured Samuel Phelps Leland, Frank
H. Hall, P. R. Walker, J. H. Hutchinson, Sara Brooks, G. E. Little, Lottie E.
Jones; in 1889, J. Piper, C. J. Kinnie, F. F. Oldt, O. F. Barbour and C. C.
Snyder; in 1890, Geo. Howland, Geo. E. Knepper, A. O. Reubelt; in 1891, C. F.
Philbrook, Mary E. Holder, E. F. Smith ; in 1892, John W. Cook, M. Quaeken-
bush, Miss Bonnie Snow, J. Piper, B. P. Colton, R. W. Burton; in 1893, J.
Piper, F. H. Hall, F. F. Oldt, R. W. Burton, Flora Guiteau; in 1894, Prof.
Chas. Zeublin, F. H. Hall, D. W. Hawk, Flora Guiteau, F. F. Oldt, S. A.
Karker.
Superintendent R. W. Burton secured C. A. McMurry and S. Y. Gillan in
1895; in 1896, J. G. Needham, R. S. Page, J. E. McGilvrey, H. F. Polton; in
1897, John W. Cook, H. H. Howland, A. C. Bothe, Miss E. M. Phillips, J. E.
McGilvrey, W. F. Skinner; in 1898, Jessie Dillon, S. E. Raines, E. A. Fritter,
H. N. Howland, Jas. G. Needham, Olive A. Benn; in 1899, Helen Hill, H. N.
Howland, E. A. Fritter; in 1900, E. A. Fritter, W. W. White, E. A. Scrogin,
Marie Byrnes, W. H. Dudley; in 1901, C. A. McMurry, W. W. Stair, Maude
H. Chamberlain, W. H. Dudley; in 1902, E. A. Fritter, M. J. Holmes, Jessica
Eades.
In 1903, County Superintendent Cyrus Grove secured S. Y. Gillan, F. H.
Hall, R. S. Page, H. H. Hewitt; in 1904, F. H. Hall, Geo. E. Knepper; in
1905, Dr. A. E. Winship, L. C. Lord, H. H. Hewitt; in 1906, W. W. Stetson
and Preston W. Search ; in 1907, S. D. Fess and Philander P. Claxton ; in 1908,
M. V. O'Shea, Jonathan Rigdon, O. T. Corson, Minnie May Davis ; in 1909,
S. C. Schmucker, A. J. Kinnerman, and C. C. Ellis ; 1910, T. S. Lowden, Fred
Mutchler, O. L. Warren and G. D. Nielson.
THE COUNTY COMMENCEMENT.
The greater interest in education in the rural schools is shown by the in-
crease in the number of students which passed the final examinations: In
1894, fifty; 1895, forty-six; 1896, forty-six; 1897, eighty-five; 1899, forty-five;
1900, twenty-three; 1901, thirty- four; 1907, seventy-two; 1908, eighty-seven;
1909, one hundred and thirty; 1910, one hundred and thirty-two.
The annual County Commencement is a big day in Stephenson County, since
its inauguration by the County Superintendent, P. O. Stiver in 1887. The ex-
ercises are held in the assembly room of the Freeport High School, and over
462 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
1,000 students, teachers and parents from all corners of the county crowd the
room to its capacity. Superintendent Grove always secures a prominent speaker
to address the graduates, this year the speaker being State Superintendent Blair.
The stage was extended and it was an encouraging sight to see the one hundred
and thirty-four graduates on the platform. Every district in the county now
bends every effort to have a large representation on the graduating list.
Mr. Cyrus Stover Grove, the present county superintendent, was educated
in a township high school, academy and state normal in Pennsylvania and in
the University of Wisconsin. Before becoming county superintendent, he had
been principal of the Orangeville schools for several years and came into the
office with years of practical experience as a successful school man back of him.
He has added largely to the equipment of the office, established a reading room
and library for teachers, and an additional room is being fixed up for his use.
During his term Mr. Grove has accomplished the physical and academic stand-
ardization of rural schools, brought about county uniformity of text books, has
established for the county the reputation for having the best county institutes
in the state, and brought about in the county a splendid spirit of co-operation and
high ideals of professional service among the teachers. Mr. Grove in 1909 was
president of the Northern Illinois Teachers' Association, and was on the pro-
gram of the State Teachers' Association.
Forty years ago some teachers were serving for eight, ten and twelve dol-
lars a month. While wages of teachers have advanced in a small way, yet a
few communities persist in paying wages that would seem to be a disgrace to any
district.
Average monthly wages paid teachers:
YEAR. MALE. FEMALE.
1895 $4449 $37-43
1896 40.00 38.07
1897 44-00 38.00
1898 43-00 37-00
1899 45-00 k, . 36.00
1904 52,25 40.75
1906 87.00 40.00
1908 51.68 43.00
1909 72.51 44.30
1910 69.98 46-84
In 1908 there were three townships paying some male teachers $30.00 or
less, and five paying some female teachers $25.00 or less.
In 1910 seventeen townships were paying female teachers $30.00 or less,
and fourteen paying males $40.00 or less.
Davis had a three year high school beginning in 1881 with sixteen students.
The enrollment was thirty in 1890 and forty-one in 1899, but has declined of
later years. The principals have been : David Brown, J. Potter, F. P. Fisher,
J. J. Lins, J. F. Thompson and O. A. Fackler.
Cedarville has made a few spasmodic attempts to do high school work. The
situation is decidedly favorable for a good four year high school if public
sentiment desires it. Some excellent work has been done in times past ; some
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
463
excellent students turned out, and the present principal, Mr. Fletcher McDonald,
is doing satisfactory work in a two year course.
The Lena High School had sixty-five students in 1879; one hundred and
seven in 1880; ninety-one in 1881 ; fifty in 1884; sixty-four in 1886; seventy-
six in 1887; seventy- four in 1891; thirty-nine in 1894; sixty in 1896; seventy-
six in 1898; forty-seven in 1900; forty-six in 1909; and fifty in 1910. The
number of graduates from 1897 to 1910 range from one and three up to nine
in 1880; thirteen in 1891 ; seven in 1910. The principals have been O. P. Bost-
wick, Charles Fardyce, Geo. Howell, George M. Herrick, M. M. Warner, C.
F. Philbrook, S. A. Harker, G. N. Snapp, and M. O. Narramore, J. R. Insman
and W. R. Bowlin.
In 1862 there were five hundred and eighty-five students in private schools
in the county; in 1870, three hundred and seventy-five; in 1891, seven hundred
and thirty-two ; in 1897, nine hundred ; in 1909, eight hundred and eight.
The total expense for public schools in 1896 was about $102,000; in
$134,000; in 1900, $144,000; in 1908, $148,000 and in 1909-10, $165,000.
Year
1861
Co. Supt.
A A. Crary .
No.
Schools
. . 141
Atten-
dance
8,208
Enumera-
tioni
Hale
Feachers
126
Female
Teachers
177
1862
A A Crary .
..14-?
8,677
10,600
IOI
170
186^
A. A. Crary .
..124
98
147
1864
A A. Crary .
..137
7,8 1 1
10,552
76
198
1865
A A Crary .
..171
8647
0,057
QI
169
1866
A A. Crary •
..172
9,307
IO.OI2
103
165
1867
A A Crary .
. .177
0,767
IO,622
1 02
180
1869—70
176
9261
TT /I/I C
IAC
IOO
ift'Trj n\
1SJ
146
9/17,1
II O2O
178
20 ?
I87I-2
1872-3
1873-4
1874-5
i 87 5-6
I. F. Kleckner
I. F. Kleckner
I. F. Kleckner
I. F. Kleckner
J. Potter
148
149
156
149
..154
J^t-OT-
8,793
8,989
8,452
8,141
8,123
11,229
11,175
10,812
",255
II,O32
•*ou
153
146
146
139
174
^"3
194
1 88
184
186
211
1876-7
J. Potter
. .147
8,461
11,457
126
184
1877-8
A A Krape .
161
8,805
II,78l
170
166
1878-0
A A Krape .
. .15'?
8,692
11,157
125
166
1879-80
A A Krape •
0,201
1 20
160
1881
A. A Krape .
. .148
O.T/M
10,479
127
167
1882
A A. Krape .
. . 141
Q,48O
10,487
III
175
1881
A A Krape .
. • 1V7
7,884
IO,6Q4
97
177
1884
A. A. Krape .
, . I7Q
7,582
IO47O
98
181
1885
A A. Krape .
. .170
7,467
IO,877
91
179
1886
A A Krape .
..178
7,164
IO.I47
87
169
1887
P O. Stiver .
..1-3,8
7,187
IO.I77
02
IQI
1888
P O Stiver .
. . 177
6,QI7
IO,O7O
85
177
1889
P O Stiver
177
6827
IOO54
80
184
1890
P O Stiver .
..176
7,72=;
9,867
72
182
1801
P. O. Stiver .
. .177
7.706
0.805
76
182
464 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
1892 P.O. Stiver .- 139 7,024 9,890 79 168
1893 P.O. Stiver 144 6,845 9,307 79 170
1894 P. O. Stiver 144 7,066 9,674 79 174
1895 R. W. Burton 145 7,352 9,567 86 176
1896 R. W. Burton 147 6,895 9,550 75 163
1897 R. W. Burton 148 6,986 9,759 75 170
1898 R. W. Burton 147 7,196 10,193 84 153
1899 R. W. Burton 147 7,135 10,544 78 166
1900 R. W. Burton 147 7,026 9,978 67 149
1901 R. W. Burton 147 6,871 9,920 76 165
1903 C. Grove 147 6,894 9,782 58 179
1904 C. Grove 147 6,978 9,829 54 186
1905 C. Grove 146 7,109 9,690 67 187
1906 C. Grove 148 7,189 9,358 50 196
1907 C. Grove 148 6,941 9,010 45 197
1908 C. Grove 149 6,920 8,862 40 ' 210
1909 C. Grove 151 7,039 9,199 34 210
1910 C. Grove 151 7,038 9,039 33 212
The above table of statistics makes an interesting study and shows the trend
of affairs educational.
The officials of the Freeport public schools and the standing committees for
the year 1910-11 are: Wm. H. Wagner, president; Evelyn M. Graham, secre-
tary; and S. E. Raines, superintendent.
Teachers and Salaries— R. K. Farwell, B. P. Hill, H. F. Dorman.
Building and Grounds— C. F. Hildreth, F. O. Keene, Dr. E. H. Place.
High School— Dr. W. J. Rideout, Dr. E. H. Allen, J. W. Henney.
Text Books and Course of Study— Dr. E. H. Place, C. F. Hildreth, B. P.
Hill.
Finance— B. P. Hill, H. F. Dorman, R. K. Farwell.
Printing and Supplies — J. W. Henney, Dr. W. J. Rideout, C. F. Hildreth.
Rules, Tuition, and Discipline— F. O. Keene, Dr. E. H. Place, Dr. E. H.
Allen.
Auditing— H. F. Dorman, R. K. Farwell, F. O. Keene.
Commencement and School Entertainments — Dr. E. H. Allen, J. W. Hen-
ney, Dr. W. J. Rideout.
GLOBE PARK AND CHAUTAUQUA.
Globe Park, or Krape Park, situated just beyond the southwest corner of the
city limits, is one of the most beautiful spots in Illinois. It is situated in the
valley of Yellow Creek and is covered with grove and forest trees. Here Yel-
low Creek cuts through the Cincinnati Shales, the gorge and craggy bluffs add-
ing to the beauty of the landscape.
Dr. W. W. Krape, who has done many good things for Stephenson County,
early recognized the beauty and the value of the land. He bought the tract
several years ago and has spent a considerable sum in beautifying the grounds.
SCENE IN GLOBE PARK
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSI1Y Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 465
THE CHAUTAUQUA.
For five years Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Krape have maintained a ten-day Chau-
tauqua in the month of June. Considering the difficulties of transportation,
the Chautauqua has been fairly successful. Some of the greatest stars of the
Chautauqua platform have appeared here. Among these are: Hon. William
Jennings Bryan, ex-Governor Richard Yates, Mrs. Lake, "Billy" Sunday, Hon.
James E. Watson, Governor Hoch of Kansas, ex-Governor J. Frank Hanley
of Indiana, Kryl's Band, etc.
The park affords one of the best sites for a big Chautauqua in Illinois, and
some day, no doubt, such a Chautauqua, drawing 10,000 to 20,000 people daily
with 5,000 campers, will be found there.
FREEPORT NEWSPAPERS.
FREEPORT JOURNAL.
The first edition of the Freeport Journal appeared on November 22, 1848,
in the shape of a six column weekly folio. The promulgators of the enterprise
which fostered the Journal were H. G. Grattan and A. McFadden. Mr. Grattan
came to Freeport in 1848 from Janesville, Wisconsin, where he had started the
Janesville Gazette, and having profited well from his business ventures in the
newspaper line once before, he was induced to enter the field again in Free-
port. The original edition, of which very few copies to-day survive, presented
a very strange appearance. It was a small four page sheet, the first page being*
devoted to literary selections, the second to telegraphic and editorial news, the
third to local news and poetry, and the fourth to personal notes and advertising.
Advertisements were also scattered through the other pages. A small notice
at the head of the editorial column informed subscribers that the price of sub-
scription was $2, if paid within six months, $2.50 if paid within a year, and $3
if deferred longer than twelve months. Taken as a whole, the make up of the
paper was attractive and satisfied the public taste.
The first office was a tumble-down brick structure which occupied a lot on
what is now the corner of Broadway and Beaver streets, northwest of the home
of Judge Ormsbee. The second story of this ramshackle edifice was for a while
occupied by the infant newspaper, which lived and thrived there for nearly a
year and continued to advance the interests of the Whig party. After leaving
this building, which threatened to collapse at any moment, the office was in-
stalled in a frame building on Galena street between Walnut street and South
Galena avenue, the ground floor of which was occupied by the cabinet shop of
A. W. Rice. One issue was dropped owing to the "bother" necessitated by the
operation of moving and, once in its new quarters, the Journal re-commenced
its aggressive career with renewed vigor and life. In 1849, Mr. Grattan re-
tired from active partnership and Mr. McFadden remained the sole proprietor
for two whole years. In 1851, he took in with him Hiram M. Sheetz. Just
before this event, the quarters were again changed. The base of operations
466 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
was removed to a site north of the old court house in a dilapidated old wooden
building, which has long since ceased to exist. Part of this ancient structure
was occupied by the Journal until stern necessity forced the Journal to move OF
perish in the general havoc incidental to the falling of the building. In 1855, the
paper moved to the third story of Martin's Block on Stephenson street, between
Van Buren and Chicago, where it was located for the next nine years.
In September, 1852, owing to the prosperity of the little sheet, and the in-
creased demand for interesting and readable news, the paper became a seven
column folio, being increased by the addition of. one column per page. New
fonts of type were also purchased and the whole establishment revived and
renovated. In comparing the Journal of 1852 with the paper of to-day, we
are forced to admit that the former was not "newsy," to use an overworked ad-
jective, but at the same time took a far greater and more energetic interest in
the politics of the day. Its policy was always Whig, and its editorial columns
were full of comments, invective and exhortations on the political situation of
the times. After the decisive Whig defeat and the triumph of the Democratic
party in 1852, the Journal had very little to say, and contented itself with occa-
sional admonitions designed to prevent a repetition of the calamity in the future.
Mr. McFadden left the business next year, disposing of his interest to Mr.
Sheetz on April 15, 1853. Mr. Sheetz thus became sole owner and remained
in possession until April 25, 1856. At that time the business was sold to C. K.
Judson and C. W. McClure, who, under the firm name of Judson & McClure,
continued to issue the paper for ten years. On May 6, 1858, William T. Tins-
ley, who had recently been editor of the Lyons, New York, Republican, came to
Freeport, and purchased an interest in the Journal. He remained here less
than a year, however, and on March 17, 1859, sold out his interest and returned
to Lyons, New York.
The Republican party, as an institution, was first formulated in 1856 and
from that time the Journal embraced its policies. It cried out again and again
through its columns against the advance of negro slavery, repeatedly took its
stand for the principles of freedom and democracy as exemplified in emanci-
pation and union and uttered bitter words against the advocates of secession and
slavery. When the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter was flashed over
the wires, the Journal took up the cause of the North and maintained its stead-
fast and aggressive stand from that time until the wires at last brought the long
awaited news of Appomattox Court House and peace. It was unflinching in the
position it had taken against slavery, and maintained its position throughout
the long struggle with never a trace of inconsistency or indecision. In spite of
war times, the paper seemed to thrive, and there was certainly a great demand
for the news. On April 9, 1864, the quarto was increased to a folio, and con-
tinued to be published by Judson and McClure until the beginning of the year
1866. At that time, after Judson and McClure had effectively "held the fort"
throughout the dark struggle, they decided to dispose of their business. This was
carried into effect, and Bailey and Ankeny became the new proprietors. They
remained in charge until May 9, of the same year, when General Ankeny retired.
The interests of the Journal were then merged with those of the North-West,
another newspaper being published in the city at that time, by General S. D.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 467
Atkins. General Atkins retired from the North-West, which then turned over
its property to the Journal, and General Ankeny sold out his interest in the
paper to J. S. McCall and M. B. Mills. This partnership continued in effect
until November of the same year, when J. S. McCall became the sole proprietor.
Mr. McCall made the second effort to establish a daily paper in addition to the
weekly. The first effort had been made by Judson and McClure, soon after
they took possession of the paper. But the financial panic of 1857 and the
non-support of the townspeople, brought it to a sudden and ignominious close.
The daily, which Mr. McCall started, suffered a like fate. It was an excellent
paper, and thoroughly deserved support, but the Freeporters were slow to ac-
cept innovations and disliked anything that savored of a change, even though
it might be for the better.
After a somewhat disheartening experience in the newspaper business, Mr.
McCall decided to quit that field of labor, and sold out to General Atkins, who
was then postmaster of Freeport and still holds that position of honor. In
1869, he took charge and remained in possession until June n, 1873, when he
disposed of his paper to William B. Thomas, Dwight B. Breed and Charles R.
Haws. Thomas, Breed and Haws remained as editors and managers until May
26, 1875, when Haws sold out his interest to General Atkins, and the firm be-
came Smith D. Atkins & Company. On the 2nd of September following, Gen-
eral Atkins sold out his interest to Captain A. V. Richards, of Galena, and the
firm became A. V. Richards and Company. This concern was also short-lived,
although it began the publication of a daily newspaper in 1882, with rather more
success than its predecessors had attained. In April, 1883, Captain Richards
sold out his three-fourths interest to Smith Atkins, who again came into posses-
sion of the paper and has since remained the controlling partner. In 1887, the
paper was re-organized, and James R. Cowley, city editor, purchased an inter-
est, becoming a partner with Atkins and Breed. At that time the office occu-
pied the building on the corner of Chicago and Exchange (then Bridge) streets
which had been built for the purpose by Jacob Kline. In the fall of 1892, the
office moved to the building at 97 Chicago street, which it had purchased. It
still occupies these quarters, which are, however, rather too crowded. The
present management comprises the following gentlemen: General Atkins, presi-
dent; James R. Cowley, vice president; Dwight B. Breed, secretary and treas-
urer. A daily and also a weekly edition is published. The circulation is large
and the Journal is one of the most popular, as well as the oldest paper in exist-
ence in the county.
DEUTSCHER ANZEIGER.
The history of the Deutscher Anzeiger differs from that of all the other Free-
port newspapers, in that the periodical has never changed hands since its original
inception. In 1853, it was founded by William Wagner, Sr., assisted by his son,
William H. Wagner, Jr. Today the business is conducted by William H. Wag-
ner, assisted by his own sons, and thus the ownership of the paper has never
been changed. i
468 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The founder of the Anzeiger, William Wagner, was an evangelical clergy-
man, who had been forced to emigrate to America on account of the political
upheavals in the fatherland. He hailed America as the land of freedom in
which one could say what he pleased and speak the truth without fear of con-
sequences. His subsequent experiences taught him, alas, that in America as
elsewhere the man who acquits himself conscientiously is in frequent danger.
Mr. Wagner founded the Anzeiger under the most adverse conditions. Not
only were the public to whom he was catering adverse to the starting of any
new project, whatever it might be, but he was absolutely without funds, and
had no previous knowledge of the art of printing. His ceaseless energy and
courage were responsible for the meager success which he presently attained.
As a starter, he purchased the presses and type fonts of a Galena newspaper
which had previously suspended publication, and had them brought by freight
to Freeport. Then began the publication of the Deutscher Anzeiger. The first
edition consisted of four five-column pages weekly — apparently a very limited
sheet — yet even at that it was frequently difficult to secure the necessary com-
position for the regular edition. At that time it was impossible to obtain printed
inside or plate matter, and practically the whole of the paper had to be set up
at the home office, whose office forces at first consisted of four apprentices. It
was impossible to think for a moment of engaging a practical compositor, as
the expense was altogether too great, and the four novices, Wilhelm Wagner,
Sr., his son, William H. Wagner, the German instructor, Air. Knecht, and his
son Philip, burned the midnight oil many a time in their efforts to restore the
order of a printed page out of the chaos of a case of type.
At that time the printing part of the establishment was located in the office
of the Freeport Bulletin, on the third story of the Wright Building, on the
northeast corner of Stephenson and Adams Streets. Early in 1854, the pro-
prietor decided to rent separate quarters, which should also contain the edi-
torial rooms, and a location at No. 8 South Galena Avenue (then Exchange
Street) was secured. At that time a hand press of the most primitive sort,
which is still on exhibition at the Anzeiger office, was secured and the proud
and happy publisher was able to accomplish the printing of his own newspaper.
Shortly after this the circulation of the paper had so increased that the finances
of the company permitted the employment of a professional compositor. Mr.
Louis Crusius was engaged, and from that time on, the Anzeiger never missed
an issue.
In spite of increased facilities, the publication of the German weekly was still
attended by many difficulties. Mr. Wagner, in addition to his editorial duties,
was also the pastor of a rural church, and found it necessary to devote much
of his time to his pastoral calls. At the same time he was burdened with pov-
erty, and the Anzeiger was barely able to endure the strain. It is said that in
order to save freight charges on paper, Mr. Wagner used frequently to go into
Chicago (free transportation being furnished him) and bring out great bundles
of paper far too heavy for a man to carry. These he brought with him as
baggage and thus saved unnecessary expense. In spite of his incessant labors
it was not until his two sons became old enough to be associated with him in
the business that prosperity began to smile on the venture.
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 469
In the early part of 1855, having found the quarters too small, the business
was transferred to the third story of the Rosenstiel Building, now 93 Stephen-
son Street, in which location it remained until November, 1857. Occupying
only the rear half of the story, and finding that space too contracted, the office
was removed to the third story of the Child's Building, opposite the Brewster
House. In February, 1859, however, Mr. Wagner was able to secure the en-
tire floor of his former location, and so returned to his old quarters.
In that year, W. H. Wagner, son of the editor, who now conducts the busi-
ness himself, became proficient enough in the art to be entrusted with the whole
of the technical part of the business. Five years later he and Oscar Ziegler,
Sr., brother-in-law of the senior Wagner, became associated with the paper as
Wagner & Company, but Mr. Ziegler remained with the firm only two years.
The list of subscribers increased daily and another move became imperative.
The company transferred its business to the Krohn Building, and purchased a
new cylinder press, but the situation there was inconvenient, and soon after an-
other change of location was made to the John Hoebel Building. This made
the sixth move in the thirteen years of the paper's existence.
On New Year's Day, 1868, the Anzeiger was doubled in size, and the work-
ing force enlarged. Five years later, a new building site 20 x 60 feet, on Chicago
Street, was purchased, and the Anzeiger proceeded to fulfil its long cherished
hope of erecting an office of its own. The joy of the proprietors at moving
into their own establishment was indeed somewhat dampened that year by a
suit for libel brought against the firm by a certain Mr. Broad, of Freeport.
That Mr. Broad may have been justified in his suit is possible, for the court
brought a verdict against the firm of Wagner & Company for the sum of $263.
It was not much in the face of the $25,000 which Mr. Broad had asked, but it
was a great sum to the struggling firm of Wagner & Company. Through the
generosity of Mr. Wagner's parishioners in the town of Silver Creek and a
benefit concert given by the German citizens of the city, a sufficient sum was
realized to cover the debt.
In January, 1876, the size of the paper was again increased and this time
assumed its present proportions^ On November 26, 1877, the members of the
firm experienced a great sorrow in death of Wilhelm Wagner, senior partner
and founder of the paper. Early in 1878 a new cylinder press was purchased,
and Wagner & Company suddenly found the building they had built ten years
before too small for them. A site on the corner of Chicago and Galena Streets
was bought and a three story structure built in 1884. This was occupied until
October, 1902, when the company removed to its commodious new quarters
on the corner of Chicago and Spring Streets. The present firm name is W. H.
Wagner & Sons, the business being conducted by William H. Wagner and his
sons Albert and Oscar. The new printing establishment is by far the finest
and most up-to-date in the city. The company now makes a specialty of fine
job work and binding, and its weekly newspaper, the Deutscher Anzeiger, is
now the only German newspaper in the city. Some time ago a small weekly
sheet called the Sonntags Gast was instituted, but has since been discontinued.
The subscription list of the Anzeiger has not grown of late years to any great
extent, for the use of the German tongue in Freeport is becoming less each year.
470 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The high standard of the paper, however, is maintained, and, even in the face
of existing conditions the periodical has a long lease of life before it.
THE NATIONAL SWINE MAGAZINE.
The National Swine Magazine was launched about seven years ago. It is
devoted exclusively to swine raising. A year and a half ago it was bought by
the W. H. Wagner & Sons Company of Freeport, under whose control the paper
has improved in quality and circulation. The editor is Mr. Amos Burhenz, a
practical farmer, of Waterville, Minnesota. The writers for the magazine are
all practical farmers or professors in agricultural colleges. The circulation now
is about 17,000, having increased 100 per cent since acquired by the W. H. Wag-
ner Company.
FREEPORT BULLETIN.
1
The Freeport Bulletin, under its present name, dates back to July, 1853, but
in reality it had its birth six years earlier in the shape of a tiny pioneer sheet,
known as the Prairie Democrat, which was the first newspaper to make its ap-
pearance in Freeport. In 1847 Freeport was a growing settlement of about
the same proportions as the Lena of today. In a town of that size there was a
natural demand for a newspaper, and this growing need was one reason for the
founding of the Prairie Democrat. The other, and more vital cause, was
found in the fact that Hon. Thomas J. Turner, who represented this district in
Congress, wished to gain control of a periodical through whose editorial col-
umns he could speak, and express his opinions upon the various subjects then
agitating the body politic. With this end in view, he founded the Prairie Dem-
ocrat, and secured the services of S. D. Carpenter to direct the business end of
the venture. In November, 1847, the first issue of the paper was published.
When the Prairie Democrat was first launched forth upon its mission, the
number of store and office buildings in Freeport was few. At first a room was
secured in the old court house building, and the business of the paper conducted
there. But the stay of the Democrat in the court house building was of short
duration. It subsequently removed to a frame building on the corner of Ga-
lena and Chicago Streets, where it remained during Mr. Carpenter's adminis-
tration of affairs.
For three years, Mr. Carpenter continued to fill his dual role of editor and
manager, and then apparently became wearied of so thankless a position. He
left the business, and turned over his interest to J. O. P. Burnside, who there-
upon took charge. Mr. Burnside's introduction into the affairs of the paper
does not seem to have caused any material change in its political attitude or even
its make-up and general appearance. He moved the place of publication from
the old stand to the corner of Stephenson and Chicago Streets. Here he pub-
lished the paper for two years, and under his efficient administration it contin-
ued to thrive, in spite of the appearance of a new rival in the field in the shape
of the Freeport Journal. In 1852 he disposed of the Prairie Democrat to George
P. Ordway, who ran it for a year and then re-sold it to Mr. Burnside.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 471
When Mr. Burnside took possession of the paper for a second time he real-
ized that a complete reorganization was necessary. The appurtenances of the
office were "decrepit with age," and the type and cases were utterly unfit for
use. They were accordingly replaced with new materials, and in July, 1853,
the Prairie Democrat, re-christened the Freeport Bulletin, commenced publica-
tion, after a short interval, as a weekly paper. The Bulletin catered to Demo-
cratic readers, of which there has always been a preponderance in Freeport, and
steadily grew in strength.
Mr. Burnside was in time succeeded by Bagg & Brawley, who remained in
charge for a brief period and sold out to Giles & Scroggs in 1861. In 1864 Mr.
Giles sold out his interest in the business to Mr. Scroggs and that gentleman con-
tinued as sole proprietor for five years. In 1869, Mr. Giles bought the whole
business and continued to publish the Bulletin himself for seven years. During
Mr. Giles' editorship the paper increased in subscription and authority through
this section of the country, and came ultimately to be regarded as the true index
of Jeffersonian democracy in northern Illinois.
On the second day of January, 1873, Mr. Giles relinquished his hold, and
announced that the office had been disposed of to Taylor & Aspinwall, who would
henceforth conduct the business. The alleged buyers never gained possession,
but instead the business was turned over to C. C. Schuler, of Freeport, and J.
W. Potter, formerly editor of the Bolivar (Missouri) Herald. These gentle-
men took charge of the enterprise on January 16, 1873, but not until June 19
of that year did the paper appear in its "new dress." New type fonts were pur-
chased and the appliances of the establishment were renewed and repaired. The
partnership of Schuler & Potter continued for over a year, and then, in Octo-
ber, 1874, Mr. Schuler sold out his interest to Mr. Potter, bade farewell to the
patrons of the Bulletin and departed to engage in the banking business in Iowa.
Iowa.
On September 18, 1877, the first issue of the Freeport Daily Bulletin appeared,
with the editorial departments in charge of F. Chas. Donohue and O. F. Potter.
For some time the Bulletin and the Daily Herald, a publication which has long
since been discontinued, continued to be the only daily papers in Freeport. Very
soon the Journal became a daily publication and subsequently other rivals entered
the field. The Bulletin, however, still retains the honor of being the oldest Free-
port daily newspaper still in existence.
On the 23d day of May, 1885, Mr. J. W. Potter's very busy life was closed,
and his son, O. F. Potter succeeded to the management of the business. Mr.
Potter, Jr., continued in charge for ten years, and sold out his interest, afterward
returning to take charge of the editorial department of the paper.
In 1895 "Messrs. H. Poffenberger, P. O. Stiver and H. F. Rockey came into
possession and conducted the paper for a number of years. Mr. Rockey soon
retired from the business and the firm became Poffenberger & Stiver, which it
still remains.
The office of the printing establishment is located at No. 99 Chicago Street.
Both a daily and a weekly edition are printed. The subscription of the daily is
held to be the largest of any paper in the city at present, and it is doubtless the
case, for the Freeport Bulletin is the only democratic newspaper in the city
472 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
which is printed in the English tongue. The Deutscher Anzeiger adheres to
the Democratic party, but is printed almost entirely in German, the editorial
department of course printing its editorials in that language. In view of this
fact the Bulletin is to all practical intents and purposes the only Democratic
newspaper in the city today. It has always steadfastly adhered to the prin-
ciples of Democracy, and from the establishment of the Prairie Democrat in
1847 nas constantly taken a forceful and aggressive stand in every election,
whether national, state, or municipal. It is enjoying a deservedly wide popu-
larity and is one of the leading newspapers in this section of the state.
FREEPORT STANDARD.
The Freeport Standard is Freeport's youngest newspaper, and concerning
its life history there is not much to be said. It was the direct outgrowth of the
Freeport Democrat, which dissolved and passed into the hands of W. W. Krape.
Mr. Krape was a man of influence in the community and had long wished
that he might be able to express his personal and political views through the
editorial columns of a newspaper. When the Freeport Democrat was offered
to him, he immediately seized the opportunity to possess himself of the long de-
sired medium. In addition to this, he wanted a job office where he might print
the numerous publications and pamphlets of the Knights of the Globe, and the
Cosmopolitan Insurance Company, of both of which organizations he was head.
Having had no previous experience in the newspaper business, Mr. Krape
was at a loss as to what course he should pursue and was glad to entrust thef
technical end of the business to competent and able workmen who had been
associated with the Freeport Democrat under Mr. Donohue's management.
The first place of publication was in the old Democrat office, but quarters
were cramped there, and a move was soon made to the old post-office building,
on the corner of Van Buren and Exchange streets. But these quarters were
also uncomfortable and unsatisfactory, and Mr. Krape decided to move his
newspaper to its present location on Stephenson street, across from the court
house.
In December, 1909, Mr. Krape, having tired of his experiment, disposed
of the business to Mayor W. T. Rawleigh, who is now sole editor and manager.
The office is still maintained on Stephenson street, between Van Buren street
and South Gelena avenue. There is a job office in connection which does a
limited business.
The Freeport Standard is Republican in its politics and has always main-
tained an unusually aggressive stand on all questions of municipal and state
politics. There is a large circulation, many of the subscribers of the Democrat,
as well as many Republican citizens having enlisted as subscribers for the
Standard.
DEAD NEWSPAPERS.
There have been, in the annals of Freeport, a number of newspapers, whose
careers have terminated either in financial failure, or by combination with other
organs. The number of these is surprisingly large, especially the number of
COSMOPOLITAN KI'ILDIXG
OF THE
UNIVEKiilTY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 473
German newspapers, and while they have lost all significance as far as the Free-
port press of to-day is concerned, still some brief mention is due these unhappy
periodicals who found themselves swallowed up in the maelstrom of business
competition, or otherwise unable to withstand the stress of circumstances.
Freeport Tribun. The Tribun was a German weekly founded in the middle
of March, 1859. The editor was William Massenberg, and the paper sought
to advance the interests of the Republican party among the German citizens.
But the number of German Republicans has always been few in Freeport and
Stephenson county, and after a year of unsatisfactory labor, the Tribun retired
from the field of activity. All files or record of its existence are entirely lost
and nothing remains to tell the tale of its demise.
The North-West. The publication of the ill-fated North-West was begun
on August 17, 1865. It was a paper purely literary in character, and took no
stand in politics. As the original promulgators, W. O. Wright and T. Ormsby,
observed, in stating their aim, the North-West desired to become "a publication
observed, in stating their aim, the North-West desired to become "a publication,
the columns of which, comparatively free from politics, entirely free from per-
sonalities, scandals, disgusting, obscene, and immoral advertisements, would
offer inducements to writers of merit for contributions that could be read in
the family circle by parents and children."
For six months Messrs. Wright and Ormsby, under the firm name of Wright
& Co., conducted the North-West. They then disposed of it to Atkins and Mc-
Call. The office and job rooms of the North-West were located at 104, 106 and
108 Stephenson street, where the business was conducted by Atkins and McCall
until April 5, 1886. M. B. Mills then became a partner in the firm and its re-
sponsible head. This arrangement lasted scarcely a month and the paper was
then combined with the Journal. The title was changed to the "North-West, a
Weekly Journal of Western Literature." The paper was materially improved
and enlarged, but did not meet with approval. The Freeporters of that day and
generation looked with disapproval, if not absolute scorn, on such an undertak-
ing as the North-West was struggling to promote. No one would subscribe, and
the editors regretfully stopped the publication and tried to forget the incident.
When the North-West was abandoned, it had been in existence for less than two
years. The job office was consolidated with that of the Freeport Journal, and
the various printing appurtenances were sold to that paper. The North-West
was a project that had deserved better success, but there was no demand for
it, and the very founding had been ill-advised. The files of the paper have
not been preserved in entirety, and the whole affair is now a matter of the dim
past.
The Freie Presse, establishd nine years after the Tribun, was in a certain
sense an attempt at a resuscitation of that paper. It was fostered by different
individuals, but its whole purpose was to promote the interests of the Republi-
can party. William Caspar Schultz, and Christian Mueller, who were editors
of the publication, continued their work for nearly a year. But they saw the
utter hopelessness of their task and resigned to fate. All records of the Freie
Presse have been long since lost.
474 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Freeport Budget was a Republican newspaper, founded in May, 1873,
under the direction of Dr. K. T. Stabeck, of Davis. It commenced publication
as a weekly seven column folio with a subscription of only one hundred and
fifty. In fact, the outlook was not encouraging and the editor of the Budget
was working against heavy odds. Dr. Stabeck had cherished a fond hope that
he might continue to practice medicine and conduct the affairs of the Budget
at the same time, but a very brief experience taught him that such a thing was
impossible. For a while he continued to have his editorial office at Davis and
the paper was known as the Budget of Freeport and Davis, two editions being
printed. The printing and typesetting was done in Freeport until the fall of
1874, when Dr. Stabeck purchased the necessary appliances, moved them to
Davis, and there set up in buisness as publisher as well as editor.
The Budget became, of course, more closely a Davis publication, although not
so intended. In the spring of 1875, K. C. Stabeck, a brother of Dr. Stabeck,
became associated with him in the business and the doctor went to Europe for
a vacation of two years. On his return in 1877, the Budget was removed to
Freeport, where Dr. Stabeck took charge, and his brother continued to issue the
Davis Budget as a separate publication. Dr. Stabeck purchased the Monitor,
a Freeport weekly, and A. Keeler became associated with him in the business
for a short time. This partnership was brief. In 1878, Mr. Keeler was sue
ceeded by Charles R. Haws. In the following fall, he too left, and Dr. Stabeck
assumed sole control and responsibility. At the same time his brother, K. C.
Stabeck, discontinued the Davis Budget, and took up the practice of law. In
the following spring, Dr. Stabeck sold out to General Atkins, but retained his
editorial connection with the paper, and took charge of the local columns. A
relative, Thurston Stabeck, of Winnebago County, acted as his assistant. This
triumvirate remained in charge for nearly two years, when Dr. Stabeck dissolved
his connection with the paper, and it became the
Freeport Republican, under the sole control of General Atkins. In 1882, it
was merged with the Freeport Journal, and the career of the two newspapers was
at an end.
The Monitor was a weekly record of current events, local, state and national,
established January, 1874, by W. T. Giles. Democratic as to politics, and of
temperance proclivities, the Monitor was a bright, newsy, little sheet, and was
well received by the community. The office of the publication was at first in
the Hettinger block, but was later removed to the Grange building. The Moni-
tor flourished for nearly four years, and finally disappeared from view, swal-
lowed up in the Freeport Budget.
The Nord Westliche Post was born in 1875 and died within a year. It was
founded by one F. Krumme, who cherished the conviction that a German news-
paper of independent politics would flourish on Freeport soil. A very brief ex-
perience convinced him of the utter impossibility of any such venture, and he re-
moved to Lake City, and later La Crosse. Meeting with no success at any place,
he abandoned the project in disgust. The experiment is now almost forgotten.
The Daily Herald did not mark the first attempt at establishing a daily news-
paper in Freeport, for the Journal had entered the field, as early as 1857. It did,
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 475
however, mark the first effective attempt, and while, short-lived itself, it led to
better things.
It came to life on April 30, 1877, under the management of Ernest Seitz and
A. H. S. Perkins. Mr. Perkins occupancy of the editorial position was short,
however, and after only a few weeks of management, he resigned. He was
succeeded by F. Charles Donohue, who took the paper in hand and made of it
a success. He became local editor of the sheet, and succeeded in developing it
wonderfully, both financially and in a literary sense. At the end of two pros-
perous years, he resigned his position to William F. Gore, a Chicago journalist,
and went to accept a more lucrative position with the Freeport Bulletin. Mr.
Gore's experience in Freeport was brief, and another Chicago newspaper man,
by name Charles Vickenstaff Hine, came to fill his place. Soon after James C.
McGrath became interested in the venture and the firm became Hine, Seitz and
McGrath.
The Daily Herald was of independent political proclivities until 1880, when
it espoused the cause of Republicanism. In doing so, it sounded its death knell.
Too weak to compete with the other papers, it had nevertheless served a good
cause, and when it discontinued publication a short time later, a daily paper had
become a matter-of-fact necessity in Freeport.
Freeport Banner. The Banner was the last German newspaper to be estab-
lished in Freeport, and only later has it been dropped. It made its first appear-
ance in July, 1879, edited by H. W. Frick.
Mr. Frick soon removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, and was succeeded in the
work by his brother, Charles W. Frick, who continued to edit the paper up to
the time of its demise. The printing office was first housed in a two story brick
building on Chicago street, was later removed to Stephenson street, then to the
second and third stories of the T. K. Best building, and finally to the location
on the corner of Chicago and Exchange streets, which is still occupied by Prick's
printery. The Banner was a seven column weekly folio of German proclivities.
A weekly sheet was also published known as the "Sonntags-Blatt." The pub-
lication of both of these was discontinued in 1906, four years ago, and Mr. Frick
has since maintained exclusively a job work establishment.
The Freeport Democrat. W. T. Giles, who had been sponsor of so many
Freeport papers, became also the founder of the Freeport Daily Democrat. For
five years he conducted the business, and then, in 1887, sold it to F. Charles
Donohue, who was for many years one of Freeport's most prominent journal-
ists. Mr. Donohue continued to run the Democrat for nearly twenty years in the
building on East Stephenson street, now occupied by the King's Daughters Set-
tlement Home. In 1905, the business was discontinued, and sold to W. W.
Krape & Co., becoming merged into the Freeport Standard. Mr. Donohue then
accepted a position with the Freeport Bulletin, but his health failed and he died
shortly after. The Democrat was one of the brightest and best newspapers in
the city, when it was founded, and the discontinuance of the paper was deeply
regretted by the large list of subscribers. Although only in existence for a short
time, it will long be remembered as one of the most up-to-date newspapers which
Freeport has ever entertained.
476 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Freeport Wide Awake was a four page campaign paper, published every
Saturday during the campaign of 1860, "in advocacy of the election of Lin-
coln and Hamlin," by Hulburt & Ingersoll.
The Wide Awakes had a torch-light procession September 29, 1860, three
hundred and fifteen carrying torches.
CITY EDITORS.
At the head of Freeport's three daily and weekly newspapers are three very
competent city editors. The oldest in the service and one of the ablest writers of
Northern Illinois is Mr. O. F. Potter, of the Freeport Bulletin.
Mr. Thomas Lawless, of the Standard, is a newspaper man of rare ability
and is an adept at finding out the news, and in preparing and arranging it in
an attractive manner for the public.
Mr. N. T. Cobb, who came here from North Carolina a few years ago, is
city editor of the Journal. In a short time he has become familiar with both
the business and editorial departments of the Journal. He is a man of brilliant
ability, a tireless worker and possesses the talents of a natural newspaper man.
Hon. Stephen Rigney, representative from this county in the last state legis-
lature, is one of the well to do farmers of the county. He is an intelligent and
upright citizen, and made a record for himself in the legislature that is gratify-
ing to his friends and to the entire county. By unquestionable integrity and
fidelity to his trust, he has won the title of "Honest Steve Rigney/' at a time
when the corruption of the legislature has dragged into the mire of disgrace.
For thirty-one years Fire Chief Rodemeyer has been connjected with the
Freeport fire department. From the bottom to the top, he has worked his way
up by merit and has always been a brave and competent fire fighter. The effici-
ency of the fire department has never been questioned. Chief Rodemeyer was
first appointed chief in 1883.
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.
G. A. R.
Although the order of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized in the
state of Illinois, and as early as 1866, yet Freeport did not have its post until
twenty-nine years ago in 1881. To Dr. B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, Illi-
nois, belongs the honor of suggesting the formation of this union of veteran
soldiers and of launching the organization into existence. The first objects of
the association were to afford assistance to disabled and unemployed veterans
of the war. Dr. Stephenson, who had been a surgeon in a volunteer regiment
during the war, was firmly convinced that an organization of the returned sol-
diers, for mutual benefit, was imperatively needed. A ritual was drafted under
his supervision and the first post of the order was established at Decatur, Illi-
nois. Other posts were soon mustered throughout Illinois and other states,
and the first department convention was held at Springfield, Illinois, July 12,
1866. General John M. Palmer was there elected department commander. The
first national convention was held at Indianapolis on November 20 following, and
STEI'HENSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Dec-orated for G. A. R. Encampment
G. A. II. LODGE KOOMS IN CITY HALL
Taken During the State Encampment. 1!UO
LIBRARY
OF THE
UF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 477
representatives from eleven states were present. During the year 1867 the or-
der spread rapidly and has grown since until now every city, town, village and
hamlet has its G. A. R. Post.
The second national convention was held at Philadelphia in 1868, only two
years after the founding of the G. A. R., and even in that brief space of time,
the order had grown to national proportions and was in a very nourishing con-
dition. In that year the first observation of May 3Oth as a Memorial Day by
the Grand Army was ordered, and on May II, 1870, May 3Oth was fixed upon
for the annual observance by an article adopted as part of the rules and regula-
tions of the order.
In 1868 came an unfortunate decline which nearly resulted in the abandon-
ment of the order. An idea that the G. A. R. was a political organization
gained currency in some inexplicable manner, and a decrease in membership im-
mediately took place. Many of the men who had been most enthusiastic sup-
porters and members became disgusted and left the organization. This was
particularly notable in the west, where an almost complete disruption of the
order occurred. In May, 1869, an effort was made to introduce measures mak-
ing the G. A. R. more like a lodge in organization. Three degrees of member-
ship were instituted, but this move met with instant and widespread disapproval,
and two years later, in 1871, all sections providing for degrees or ranks among
members were stricken from the rules. At the same time a rule was adopted
prohibiting the use of the organization for any partisan purpose whatsoever, a
rule which has since been strictly followed.
John A. Davis Post of Freeport was organized in Freeport on July 5, 1881,
taking its name from Colonel John A. Davis, the gallant commander of the
Forty-sixth.
The naming of the post after the brave soldier who lost his life in the early
part of the war was in every sense appropriate, for John A. Davis was not only
one of the bravest hearts that ever donned a blue uniform, but he was also one
of the oldest settlers of Stephenson County, and his father and brother were
intimately connected with the early history of Rock Run Township. He and
his brother founded the present village of Davis, establishing a small general
store which came to be called "The Davis Store" and formed the nucleus for
the present group of stores and houses. While engaged in this business the
war broke out and John Davis was one of the first to volunteer. He was chosen
captain of Company B and later colonel of the Forty-sixth Regiment, in which
there were five companies from Stephenson County. After leaving for the war
he did not return to his home until after the battle of Shiloh, in which he was
seriously wounded. He returned to the war a second time, against the advice
and persuasion of friends and family, and especially the members of his politi-
cal party, who wished to send' him to Congress. Hardly had he set foot upon
the battlefield when he fell a victim at the battle of Hatchie, on October 5th,
1862. He died soon after at Bolivar, Tennessee, calm, brave, and self-possessed
to the last. His remains were brought to Freeport and the funeral held in the
First Presbyterian church under the direction of Chaplain Teed.
Forty-six men were mustered into the organization which takes his name.
Colonel Sherburne of Chicago and Assistant Adjutant General Bennett were
478 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
present at this organization, which was effected in accordance with the objects of
the G. A. R., which are: .
1. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind
together the soldiers, sailors and marines, who united to suppress the late rebel-
lion.
2. To assist such former comrades in arms as need help and protection ;
and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen.
3. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon
a paramount respect for, and fidelity to the National Constitution and the laws,
to discountenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incite insurrection, treason
or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free
institutions; to promote the spread of universal liberty, equal rights, and justice
to all men, and to encourage honor and purity in public affairs.
After being mustered in, John A. Davis Post No. 98 elected the following
officers : —
Commander — John Hart.
S. Vice Commander — Charles F. Taggart.
J. Vice Commander — Levi M. Devore.
Quartermaster — Charles G. Sanborn.
Chaplain — William Swanzey.
Officer of the Day — Philip Arno.
Officer of the Guard — Newton Linsley.
The commanders since then have been:
1882— James I. Neff.
1883—1. F. Kleckner.
1884— Smith D. Atkins.
!885— W. W. Moore.
1886— Henry Burrell.
1887— J. Brown Taylor.
1888-1889— John R. Harding.
1890 — Charles T. Green.
1891— F. C. Held.
1892 — Smith D. Atkins.
1893 — George H. Tandy.
1894-1895 — L. A. Underwood.
1896-1897— Wm. B. Mayer.
1898—7. T. F. Runner.
1899 — Israel Solt.
1900-1910 — F. C. Held.
The Roster of the Post includes:
Andre, John J., Rockford.
Angle, Luther.
Asten, Charles.
Atkins, Smith D.
Armbrust, James, 132 Walnut St.
Aspinwall. J. E., R. F. D. 4, Freeport.
Adelman, Milton, 146 Mechanic St.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 479
Barnes, Oliver, West Freeport, died Dec. 7, 1909.
Bertsch, John A., died Dec. 24, 1909.
Brandt, Abram, Rock City.
Byers, F. W., Monroe, Wis.
Bokhof, Herman, Rock City, 111.
Bouray, Albert, Ridott, 111.
Burrell, Henry, 102 Lincoln Ave.
Blosser, Wm. H., 80 Cherry St.
Benson, David, 210-212 S. i6th St., Omaha, died Dec. 10, 1908.
Bamberger, Ephraim, 273 Union St.
Brady, Wm. I., 18 Harlem Ave.
Bowman, Wm. H., Nora, 111.
Burrell, Daniel, 45 Lincoln Ave. •
Barr, William, Walnut St.
Best, Hiram C., 350 Walnut St.
Burton, R. W., 209 Pleasant St.
Beal, Jacob S., R. F. D. 2, Ridott.
Baker, E. D., Scioto Mills.
Boop, W. H., Iroquois, S. D.
Becker, Jacob, Durand, 111.
Brown, Edward S., 255 Stephenson St., died May 18, 1910.
Bongye, Daniel, 22 West St.
Bongye, F. D., Freeport, died March 16, 1909.
Burkhart, John, Russell, Minn., died March 16, 1909.
Baker, Wm. H., Scioto Mills.
Brownlee, Harrison, 278 Clark Ave.
Bear, Francis, 387 Oak St.
Christler, W. J., 196 Carroll St.
Corman, George, R. F. D. 4, Freeport.
Clingman, Jason, Dakota, 111.
Clingman, John T., Davis, 111.
Cooper, B. G., Freeport.
Cornelius, Samuel, Davis, 111., dead.
Clingman, Wm. H., Cedarville, 111.
Clark, Benjamin, 138 State St.
Cummings, James R., 132 Walnut St.
Drener, Fred, 34 Douglas Ave.
Diecher, John, 20 Powell St., dead.
Dryer, E. W. R., 40 Railroad St.
Daughenbaugh, Christ, Orangeville, fll.
Dommel, Henry, Soldiers' Home.
Dennison, N. W., Chicago, 111.
Dean, Joseph, 197 Locust St.
Durling, Ezra, 7 Fifth Ave.
Engleman, Jacob, Red Oak, 111.
Ellis, Eli, 115 N. Galena Ave., dead.
Eisenbise, P. W., 77 Orin St., transferred.
480 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Fossolman, Phillip, 103 West St.
Fox, Joshua, 185 Jefferson St.
Ferrel, Jacob, 429 Empire St.
Fawner, Phillip M., 337 Fifth Av.
Fry, Josiah, 225 Pleasant St.
Fry, Jacob, 231 Pleasant St.
Figely, Wm. F., 18 Ordway St.
Ford, Walter G., in N. Galena Ave.
Freitag, Phillip, 153 Union St.
Graber, John, 22 Oak Place.
Gunn, James, 12 Chestnut St.
Goethe, Robert, 71 Jefferson St.
Grimm, Geo. W., 134 Float St.
Carman, Henry C, Cedarville, 111.
Gale, John A., 4 Cottonwood St
Getty, Royal Q., 214 Benton St.
Graham, G. W., 23 Grove St.
Halen, James F.
Hayes, Thomas, Davis, 111.
Hawn, Isaac, 21 John St.
Held, F. C.
Hayes, John R., 517 62d St., Chicago.
Hockman, Henry, Lebanon, Mo.
Hoyman, Henry, 264 Walnut St.
Hennick, Wm. H., Louis Ave., East Freeport.
Hart, Albert W., 15 Addison St.
Kaste, Wm., Sr.
Keller, Henry, 307 Adams St.
Klefer, George, Ridott, 111.
Knecht, Phillip, 81 Carroll St.
Kamerer, Carl, 258 S. Galena Ave.
Kyle, Urias.
Knoeller, George, 141 Jackson St.
Keeler, N. F., 132 Van Buren St.
Krape, W. W., 780 Stephenson St.
Kohl, George, 115 Foley St.
Kailey, Wm., Lena, 111.
Keyes, Edward, City.
Kauffman, T. M.. 27 Park Ave.
Kencke, Rudolph, 161 Taylor Ave.
Keck, H. S., 38 Locust.
Kleckner, G. S., 573 Stephenson St.
Kryder, Wm. H., Cedarville, 111.
Kauffman, Alex., 275 Carroll St.
Kautenberger, Peter G., 180 Chicago St.
Kundinger, Theo., no Clark Ave.
Keith, B. B., 45 Jefferson St., dead.
G. A. U. KXCAilL'JIKXT VIEWS. FHEKI'OUT, 1!)10
LIBRARY
OF THE
UMiVLKbllt OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 481
Keeling, G. F.
Roller, Frederick City.
Kern, Richard, Davis, 111.
Koym, Fred, 158 Oak St.
Kellogg, A. S., 292 N. Galena Ave.
Lang, Robert, Rock City, 111.
Lied, Edwin, 68 High St.
Lininger, J. F., 52 Wilbur St.
Leigh, Jesse R., 673 Stephenson St.
Lattig, Aaron, P., 404 West St.
Lathrop, John S., transferred.
Long, George, 87 Walnut.
Lawver, George, 246 Elk St.
Luedeke, Henry, 77 Winneshiek St.
Law, John S., Cedarville, 111.
Marie, George E.
Miller, Ambrose, Rock City, 111.
Morrison, Hugh, 392 Stephenson St.
McLees, Robert C., 15 Dexter St.
Mallory, Isaac N., 128 American St.
McLain, Isaac, Ridott, 111.
Moersch, John, 50 Hardin St.
Madden, Wm. J., 36 West St.
Myers, Louis, Sheldon, la.
Mogle, Samuel, 108 Exchange St.
McGurk, James, Lena, 111.
Mitchell, N. L., Davis, 111.
Newcomer, B. F., 231 Douglas Ave.
Newcomer, Abraham, Red Oak, 111.
Ott, Andrew, 36 American St.
Pietrek, Paul, 16 Ordway St.
Potter, Johnson, Davis, 111.
Prince, Jacob, 25 Vine St.
Penticoff, Daniel, 305 Union St.
Palmer, Levy H., 26 Chicago St.
Rotzler, John, 161 Elk St.
Rodearmel, Arthur, 460 Stephenson St.
Rodemeyer, Joseph, 83 Chestnut St.
Runner, Z. T. F., 39 Lincoln Ave.
Romine, Homer, 73 Galena St.
Rodenbaugh, J. M., 26 Walnut St.
Rawk, David, Davis, 111.
Reitzell, W. J., 22 Harlem Ave.
Roberts, Albert, McKinley Ave.
Ropps, Wm., 305 Liberty St.
Schlegel, Julius, 523 S. Galena Ave.
Stewart, Wm., 203 N. Galena Ave.
482 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Solt, Israel, 55 Cherry St.
Stouffer, B. F., 37 S. Galena Ave.
Spitler, W. H., 34 Nursery St.
Sieferman, Lawrence, 29 Chestnut St.
Smith, Iriah, Orangeville, 111.
Schock, Enos, Rock City, 111.
Smith, Wm.
Smith, John G., dead.
Snyder, John W., R. F. D. 3, Freeport.
Stober, Wm., 151 Delaware St., dead.
Sprague, Irwin, 222 Van Buren St.
Sechrist, A. G., 209 West St.
Shaughnessy, Samuel, 26 Park Ave.
Smith, J. H., 199 Stephenson St., dead.
Taft, Ira B., Soldiers' Home.
Thompson, P. R., 328 Stephenson St., died Jan. 6, 1910.
Thayer, Wm. H., 127 S. Galena Ave.
Turneaure, G. B., 23 Green St.
Vore, John, 51 Illinois St.
Van Reed, M. A., 47 Brick St.
Vore, Wm., Cedarville, 111.
Weinhold, W. S., 146 Washington St.
Williams, Hugh.
Wentz, Phillip W., Park Heights.
Waddell, John R., 399 Walnut St.
Webb, Oliver, 165 Locust St.
Winters, William, Dakota, 111.
Wardlow, Robert, Rock City, 111.
Williams, Henry, 241 Spring St., died Dec. 12, 1909.
Work, James M., 153 Jackson St.
Washburn, Crip.
Young, Thomas B., Rock City.
The Grand Army of the Republic, as a national organization, has always
stood for all that was best in civic affairs, for advancement in all business rela-
tions, and as a result, has accomplished a great deal of good and has gained
an enviable reputation. What has been true of the national order has been
equally true of the local branch. Together with its auxiliaries, the Ladies of the
G. A. R., the Woman's Relief Corps, and the Sons of Veterans, John A. Davis
Post has maintained the high standard of the national society and has been an
active influence for good in the community.
The most active days of the Grand Army of the Republic are now over. An
interesting report from Washington, D. C., states that about ninety names per
day are being dropped from the pension rolls. This means an average of about
two thousand seven hundred deaths per month or thirty-two thousand annually
among the federal survivors of the Civil war carried on the pension lists. It
is too evident that the old soldiers of both armies are vanishing rapidly. The
generally accepted estimate of the number of individuals serving in the Union
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 483
army and navy during the Civil war was two million two hundred and thirteen
thousand three hundred and sixty- five. On June 20, 1909, the actual number of
survivors of the Civil war on the pension rolls was five hundred and ninety-three
thousand three hundred and sixty-five. On June 30, 1909, the actual number of
will be a matter of history. But the brave men who fought for the Union of
their country will never be forgotten, nor the effective work which they ac-
complished through the medium of the G. A. R.
For some time after its organization the John A. Davis Post met in the
hall formerly known as Old Temperance Hall, in the building on the southeast
corner of Chicago and Exchange streets. Recently the place of meeting was
moved to the G. A. R. Hall in the City Hall building. This room is also used by
the auxiliary associations as a meeting place and the city donates to the order the
free use of the rooms.
On the days May 23, 24 and 25 there occurred a noteworthy event in the
history of the John A. Davis Post, and the national order as well. The 44th
annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic was held, and Freeport,
was selected as the meeting place. For three days the city was turned over to
the distinguished visitors, who flocked to Freeport in immense numbers from all
parts of the United States. Mayor Rawleigh delivered an opening address of
welcome, and presented the principal speakers of the day. The men of distinc-
tion who were present and spoke during the three days of the encampment were
General Fred Grant, Governor Van Sant, of Minnesota, Governor Deneen, of
Illinois, as well as many others of less national reputation. The Grand Opera
House, the First Presbyterian Church, and the First Methodist Church were
utilized as places of meeting, and were all crowded to the doors on every occa-
sion. It was during one of the encampment meetings that Jasper T. Darling
made his now famous speech against the placing of a Lee monument in the Hall
of Fame. The incident created quite a breeze at the time it occurred and vio-
lent demonstrations of protest were made by the audience. Even now the oc-
currence is not forgotten, and is regarded by many as the one blot on the record
of the Freeport encampment. In all other respects the event was a most brilliant
success. Certainly the Freeporters and the John A. Davis Post acquitted them-
selves in most hospitable fashion, and the out-of-town guests were loud in their
praise.
The decorations on the occasion of the encampment were particularly at-
tractive. Stephenson street was spanned with flags and triumphal arches and
every building was royally draped with the Stars and Stripes. The encampment
was doubtless a big "boom" for Freeport, and the credit for the success of the
affair should be given to the Freeport business men and the John A. Davis Post
for their untiring efforts to secure the encampment for Freeport. It was a
pronounced success and will go down on record as one of the big events of Free-
port's history.
One of the most promising organizations of the city of Freeport is the Sons
of Veterans, Smith D. Atkins Camp No. 400, Division of Illinois. The society,
which has had a rapid growth during the past few years, nationally as well as
locally, is composed of the direct male descendants of those men who served
as Union soldiers in the Civil War. The Freeport camp was instituted about
484 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ten years ago with fifteen charter members, and named in honor of Smith D.
Atkins, Freeport's veteran postmaster, and former commander of the Grand
Army of the Republic. M. G. Kleckner became the first commander.
Since the time of founding the Sons of Veterans have increased in member-
ship until at present their number is eighty-four. The officers of the organiza-
tion for the current year are: Commander, George F. Korf ; senior vice com-
mander, Frank Hawn; junior vice commander, Frank Hand; chaplain, F. M.
Carl; secretary, E. Ray Williams; treasurer, F. M. Miller.
During the recent G. A. R. encampment in Freeport, the national convention
of the Sons of Veterans was also held. At this convention resolutions to change
the name of the society was introduced but nothing was done on the matter.
It was proposed to change the name from the "Sons of Veterans" to the "Sons
of the Grand Army of the Republic." It was argued that such a name was
more consistent with the original aim and purpose of the society, but others
felt, on the contrary, that the name "Sons of the G. A. R." would imply that
the members were sons of members of the older organization, rather than of
any or all of the old soldiers of the Civil War. The project was not looked upon
with favor by the Freeport camp, but nothing was done, and the motion was
laid on the table to await further developments.
The activity of the Sons of Veterans has also been conducted along social
and fraternal lines. Each year there is a social gathering at the time of initia-
tion, at which the auxiliary ladies' organization assists. The prospects for
growth are bright, and the Sons of Veterans number in their camp some of the
leading business men of the city.
The Freeport Post of the Ladies of the G. A. R., which is not an auxiliary,
but an allied organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, was founded by
Mrs. Helen Underwood in September, 1900. The membership of this national
society is made up solely of the wives and immediate families of the soldiers of
the Union army, as opposed to the Woman's Relief Corps, which admits to
membership any loyal woman. The society was inaugurated with thirty-five
active members and nineteen comrades. Mrs. Underwood, who was instru-
strumental in the organization became the first president, and afterwards be-
came the society's chaplain, which office she has occupied for the past four
years. At present there are sixty members and about thirty comrades. The
officers recently elected are: President, Mrs. T. M. Kaufmann; secretary, Mrs.
J. A. Gale; chaplain, Mrs. Helen Underwood.
The Ladies of the G. A. R. find their work in assisting sick and enfeebled
comrades and sisters, sending them fruit, etc. On each Decoration Day, the
society makes it its duty to provide a means of transportation for the aged and
infirm comrades to go to the cemetery. The ladies also attend the funerals of
G. A. R. members in a body, and are present at all memorial services.
The history of the progress of the Ladies of the G. A. R. for the past ten
years has been unusually bright, and the society has lost only four of its mem-
bers through death. At the time of the recent encampment the national conven-
tion of the Ladies of the G. A. R. was held in Freeport and the affairs of the
society were found to be in most prosperous condition.
G. A. R. ENCAMPMENT VIEWS, FREKI'ORT. 1»10.
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVEKSI1Y Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 485
WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS.
The Woman's Relief Corps, which admits to membership all loyal ladies
of the Union, is the only recognized auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Re-
public. It has been in existence in Freeport for many years, having been founded
in 1888, by twenty interested ladies. These ladies became the charter members
of the Freeport organization and elected Mrs. L. M. Devore president. At
present there are sixty-two active members in good standing, who meet on the
first and third Tuesdays of each month to carry out the offices for which the
society was founded. The object is to do charitable work and care for the
orphans and widows of the soldiers of the G. A. R.
Each Decoration Day, the Relief Corps serves lunch to the old soldiers in
the G. A. R. rooms at the City Hall. During the G. A. R. the Woman's Relief
Corps was particularly active. They gave a reception at the Freeport Club
to the visiting posts, and afterward another reception in the G. A. R. rooms in
honor of Commander F. C. Held, who was honored by election to the post of
senior vice commander of the state. Like the other auxiliary ladies' organiza-
tions of the various lodges, the Relief Corps aims to care for the sick and af-
flicted of the comrades, and render them all possible service.
The officers at present are: President, Mrs. Therese Otto; secretary, Mrs.
Bowers ; treasurer, Mrs. Molter.
i
D. A. R.
The elder William Brewster Chapter No. 519, of the National Society of
the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1900, by Mrs.
Charles D. Knowlton, who is at present honorary regent of the chapter. For
some years previous to the time of founding there had been chapters in the va-
rious cities about Freeport, but no effort had been made to establish a so-
ciety in Stephenson County. In 1900 Mrs. William Talcott of Rockford was
state regent, and being desirous that Freeport should have a chapter, she con-
ferred with Mrs. Knowlton on the subject. The result was that Mrs. Knowl-
ton succeeded in getting the 'members together, and although it took some
time to secure the necessary papers and establish the claims of the various mem-
bers it was less than a year when the Elder William Brewster Chapter became
an established fact, and Mrs. Knowlton, who had done so much to promote its
existence, was elected regent. She retained this office for nine years and was
only supplanted this year by Mrs. Matthew B. Marvin who takes office next
fall. Ten ladies were instrumental in founding the chapter: Miss Gertrude
Converse, Miss Esther Dana, Mrs. Walter Diffenbaugh, Miss Jesta Judson,
Mrs. Charles D. Knowlton, Mrs. J. L. Robinson, Mrs. F. A. Read, Mrs. J. L.
Rosebrugh, Mrs. Emma S. Wise, and Mrs. Charles C. Wolf. Since the time of
founding the membership has swelled to thirty-seven names. An honored daugh-
ter was Mrs. Eleanora Zimmermann, who died November 5, 1909, aged eighty-
eight years. She was the only real daughter in the chapter, being a daughter of
Major Nicholas Ickes, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, who served under Gen-
eral George Washington. Major Ickes was a figure of some prominence in the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
army and gained promotion and title for brave conduct, although he was only
sixteen years of age when he entered the army. He married Miss Susan Barn-
hisel and became the father of twenty-one children, of whom Mrs. Eleanora
Zimmermann was the nineteenth.
The chapter holds meetings every two weeks at the homes of the members.
Readings, discussions, and papers usually form the order of the program. In
addition to this a number of activities have been fostered by the D. A. R.,
among them the annual colonial ball which is held yearly at the Masonic Tem-
ple. The function is held on Washington's Birthday and is usually a costume
affair. In past years, the ladies have arranged a colonial minuet, maypole
dances, etc. While the colonial ball is the most notable event of the D. A. R.
year, the chapter has put the most work and time upon the Relic Room of the
County Historical Society which is located on the second floor of the Library
building, and it is of this that the members are most proud. The historical col-
lection of relics suggestive of and dealing with the early history of state and
county is most complete and interesting. A number of the exhibits were loaned
to the society for a short time, and the rest are its permanent property. The
historical collection is intended as the nucleus of a historical museum which
shall have its rooms in the Library building, and contain relics of interest in con-
nection with the history of the state and county.
The original purpose of the D. A. R. was to find and mark the graves of all
Revolutionary soldiers throughout the country. A number of these have been
discovered within the confines of Stephenson County and all have been appro-
priately marked. A short time ago the Freeport chapter helped the Rockford
chapter to officiate at a meeting at Polo at which memorial services were held
for two old Revolutionary soldiers. A monument was erected and a boulder,
and these were dedicated on June 20, 1910, with appropriate exercises.
The D. A. R. have maintained a very flourishing society in Freeport, and
further developments are awaited with interest. The organization is one of
the most wide-awake in the city and has accomplished a great deal of valuable
work during the short period of its existence.
WOMAN'S CLUB.
The object of the Freeport Woman's Club, as stated in its constitution, is
"the self-improvement of its members, and united effort for the advancement
of social conditions in the home and the community." The club has been in
existence since 1895 and during this time has been instrumental in effecting
improvements and innovations in every direction. Mrs. Robert Hall Wiles, now
of Chicago, was the prime mover in its organization and to her efforts may be
attributed the successful career of the Woman's Club for the past fifteen
years. In the fall of '95 a meeting was held in the circuit courtroom of the
courthouse to which all ladies interested in the formation of a woman's club
were invited. A large attendance resulted, and the club was formally instituted
then and there, Mrs. Wiles being elected president. Mrs. Wiles served for
several years and has since been succeeded by Mrs. C. F. Hildreth, Miss Flora
Guiteau, Mrs. Charles D. Knowlton, Mrs. H. D. Bentley, Mrs. F. H. Towslee,
Mrs. J. C. Gregory, and Mrs. George I. Brown.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 487
Perhaps the most notable thing done by the Woman's Club was the placing
of a granite boulder to mark the spot where the Lincoln-Douglas debate was
held. The boulder, which is a huge red sandstone slab of exceptional beauty,
was selected by a committee of the ladies of the club who went to Devil's Lake,
Wisconsin, for the purpose of choosing a suitable stone. It was placed in its
present position in 1902, and in June, 1903, it was formally unveiled and dedi-
cated by President Roosevelt.
The work, however, of which the club has been the most proud has been the
work in connection with the juvenile court. A committee consisting of three
of the members of the club has been active in juvenile court work for a num-
ber of years. The work was undertaken soon after the founding of the club,
and while it has not been noised abroad, but has, on the contrary, been kept
very quiet, nevertheless a great amount of telling work has been accomplished.
In addition to these activities, the club has done charitable work in the com-
munity for the past fourteen years. Thirteen years ago, in 1897, it was voted
to furnish a Christmas tree for the inmates of the county farm every Christmas
eve. The tree was a great success the first year, and the custom has been con-
tinued ever since.
In the beautification of the city, the Woman's Club has not been idle. Four
years ago, in 1906, they presented the City cemetery with one hundred white
cut birch trees which have made a material improvement in its looks. The
City cemetery had been for some time somewhat ragged and run down in ap-
pearance but through the efforts of the clubwomen the city has been induced to
turn over a new leaf and the cemetery is today in much better condition than
it might have been, had not the club seen fit to bend its efforts in this direction.
One of the first charities undertaken, was the care of the hospitals. For
the past nine years the members have been sending fruit and jelly to both St.
Francis and the Globe Hospital. Each individual is asked to bring a jar of
fruit and a glass of jelly on an appointed day in the fall and the offerings are
evenly distributed between the two hospitals. In the winter of 1902-3 the ladies
took it upon themselves to furnish throughout a children's room at the Globe
Hospital. They have also assisted financially in settlement and charitable work
in the city. Some years ago they pledged themselves to give a stated amount
each year to the King's Daughters' Settlement Home, and the results accom-
plished in this line have been, to say the least, gratifying.
Four years ago, an agitation was started for the establishment of a domestic
science department in the Freeport high school. The Woman's Club was anxious
that this movement should successfully culminate, and immediately agreed to
furnish the department throughout should the course be ultimately adopted as
a part of the school curriculum. The domestic science department was, in
fact, established the following fall, and has just completed the fourth year
of its existence. The Woman's Club purchased the necessary supplies and
made an arrangement with the manual training department to make the tables,
and the furniture of the dining room. The domestic science rooms are one of
the features of the high school building today, and the Woman's club is in a
large measure responsible for the steady advancement of the department since
its founding.
488 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Last year the Citizen's Commercial Association began to set afoot a move-
ment for the establishing and maintaining of a rest room for out of town vis-
itors. It was thought that this would materially aid in Freeport's growth, or
that it would at least show the enterprise and ambition of the Freeport popula-
tion. The Woman's Club, when consulted by the secretary of the association,
agreed to furnish and equip the room with the necessary furniture and appur-
tenances. This work has just been completed and the club has still another
public service upon which to congratulate itself.
There have been other services, but they have been less public than the ones
above mentioned. The club has also assisted in the intellectual growth and
uplift of the community by means of the lectures which it has secured for
several years past. Undeniably the club has met with success and has ably ful-
filled that part of its motto relating to "united effort for the advancement of
social conditions in the home and in the community." As far as the "self im-
provement" clause is concerned, it may be said that this has by no means been
neglected. The policy has not been to take up any one definite line of study
and pursue it for an entire year. On the contrary, the programs have been
varied — so varied in fact, that, in looking over a recent year book of the club,
we find one Saturday devoted to a discussion of "South Africa and Her Po-
litical Relations," while the next is occupied with a talk on "Music as a Factor
in Education." The club members have certainly neglected their opportunities
if they have failed to acquire that broad general culture which it was the aim
of its founders to diffuse.
The meetings of the club are at present held in the audience room of the
Masonic Temple. After the foundation of the society meetings were held for
a short time in the courthouse. They were soon transferred to the auditorium
of the Y. M. C. A., where they continued to be held until the remodelling of
the Y. M. C. A. building made it necessary for them to seek new quarters. For
a short time they were housed in the First Presbyterian church, but they soon
moved to the Masonic Temple, which they have now occupied for some years.
There is at present a movement on foot to purchase a permanent home for the
club. Several schemes have been advanced, one to the effect that the Woman's
Club and Shakespeare Society shall buy the club house of the Freeport Club
and occupy it jointly. Other plans have been proposed, but the outlook for a
club house is not wery hopeful at present.
During the short period of its lifetime the Freeport Woman's Club has ac-
complished untold good in every branch of activities into which it has ventured.
This has been entirely due to the energy and tireless work of its members. In
view of its achievements in the past, Freeport has reason to look forward with
confidence to still greater developments in the future.
FREEPORT SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY.
Among the literary clubs of Freeport, none has been more active than the
Freeport Shakespeare Society. The club was first formed in 1887 under the
name of the "Wantahno" (Want to Know) Club, and the charter members
pledged themselves to carry out a course of reading and study outlined by the
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 489
/ \
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. This course was completed within
a year, but the "Wantahno's" had found their year's work; so enjoyable and
profitable that they decided to make their club a permanent organization. It
was then, in 1888, that the present Shakespeare Society had its inception, Mrs.
Carl Nelson Moller, formerly Miss Vennette Grain being especially instrumental
in the work of reorganizing. Mrs. Moller, who was a recent graduate of
Wellesley College, proposed that the Wantahno Club make plans for a Shake-
speare Society which should follow the same lines as the Shakespeare Society of
Wellesley College. A number of new members were asked to join, and all en-
tered into the work with zeal and enthusiasm. Mrs. Moller was elected president
of the club for three consecutive years. The organization at first went under
the name of the "Wantahno Shakespeare Society," but two years later in 1890,
the name was changed to "Freeport Shakespeare Society" which name it has
retained up to the present day.
It was the first design of the club that the membership should consist solely of
unmarried ladies, but when several of the sisters forsook their vows and ex-
hibited a preference for the married state instead of single blessedness and
membership in the Shakespeare Society, it became necessary to forge a new
rule. It was finally settled that the statute must stand unchanged as far as the
election of new members was concerned, but that "once a member, always a
member" should be the rule in other cases.
While the original intention was to study the life and works of the Bard
of Avon, the Shakespeare Society had strayed somewhat from this purpose, and
History, Economics, Art, and Literature have formed subjects for discussion
for the greater part of the time. It has been the custom to present one or more
plays each year, and this rule has been pretty regularly observed. The first
dramatic effort of the society was a sylvan performance of "As You Like It,"
which was given in the pine grove at the residence of Oscar Taylor on South
Carroll street. The play was a memorable success, and those who have wit-
nessed it and later productions of the club as well, say that it has never been
surpassed for daintiness and idyllic beauty. The cast on this occasion comprised :
The Banished Duke Miss Mary Staver
Duke Frederick, the usurper Miss Nellie Moore
Amiens ) J Miss Carolyn Harding
Jaques ( ' ' 1 " ' " ". ' ' ' ' ,'• ',' ' W ' '•' i ", ' T,", I Miss Charissa Taylor
Lords attending on the Banished Duke l
Charles, wrestler to Frederick Miss Frances Goddard
Oliver I f Miss Margaret Bidwell
Orlando ( ' ' '. " ' " ', " ' ." ' " ' 1 Miss Laura Malburn
Sons to Sir Rowland de Boys
Adam, servant to Oliver Miss Margaret Stearns
Touchstone, a clown Miss Anna Sanborn
Corin ) ( Miss Emma Krohn
Silvius | ' 1 Miss Emily Smythe
Shepherds
William, a country fellow Miss Emily Smythe
Rosalind, daughter to the Banished Duke Miss Mabel Wright
490 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Celia, daughter to Frederick Miss Helen Hill
Phebe, shepherdess Miss Helen Staver
Audrey, a country lass Miss Margaret Rhody
In succeeding years other histrionic attempts have seen light, but while the
first performances given by the club were either public, or at least witnessed
by large audiences, the society has become exclusive of later years, and their
productions have been privately staged at the homes of the members and before
audiences consisting of the club members themselves and their immediate fam-
ilies. Among the plays which have been given are "Twelfth Night," "The Tam-
ing of the Shrew," "The Comedy of Errors," "The Merchant of Venice," and
a number of non-Shakespearian plays, as well as short scenes or cuttings from
the Shakespearian comedies. Outside professional companies have also been
secured, among them the Ben Greet Players, who gave "As You Like It" and "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" in Bailey's Park. The most notable outside per-
formance was that of "Antony and Cleopatra" by the Charles B. Hanford Com-
pany, the part of Cleopatra being taken by Miss Alice Wilson, now Mrs. Cecil
Magnus, of Fort Hamilton, New York, a former member of the Shakespeare
Society.
Among the outside activities undertaken by the society has been the securing
of lecturers who have appeared not only before the club but before public au-
diences, on subjects connected with the current topics of the year's program. In
this way the society has served not only to widen the interests and broaden the
intellectual horizon of its members, but of the community as well.
The Shakespeare Society has recently completed the twenty-second year of
its existence. There are at present but three active members whose names were
on the original roll of the Wantahno Circle. The organization has increased in
numbers and has extended its labors into every field of cultural activity. Dur-
ing this period, sixteen of its members have occupied the president's chairs, only
two or three of them having served for more than one term. The presidents
of the society since its founding have been :
WANTAHNO CIRCLE.
Miss Anna M. Smythe, 1887-88.
FREEPORT SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY.
Miss Vennette S. Crain, 1888-1891 ; Miss Margaret Bidwell, 1891-1892; Miss
Laura Malburn, 1892-1893 and 1904-1905; Mrs. Mabel T. Hettinger, 1893-1894;
Miss Anna Barton, 1894-1895; Mrs. R. B. Mitchell, 1895-1896 and 1899-1900;
Miss Helen Hill, 1896-1897; Miss Bessie Gund, 1897-1898; Miss Jennie Huenke-
meier, 1898-1899; Miss Bertha Trembor, 1900-1901; Miss Harriet Lane, 1901-
1902; Miss Bertha Bidwell, 1902-1903 and 1905-1906; Miss Mary Stoskopf,
1903-1904; Miss Alice Bidwell, 1906-1907; Miss Eva Hettinger, 1907-1908.
EUTERPEAN.
"Love the best things ; do the wisest things ; think the purest things ; aspire
to the noblest things !" When the Euterpean Musical-Literary Society organized
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 491
in 1902, it chose the above motto to guide its steps. The club was organized
through the efforts of Wilber M. Derthick, founder and director of the Euter-
pean Fraternity, who went about the country establishing clubs in every city
or prominence. The Euterpean Fraternity of America was founded in imitation
of the Euterpe, a Norwegian musical society of which the composer, Edward
Grieg, was the chief. Mr. Derthick and his wife, Mrs. May M. Derthick, suc-
ceeded in establishing the Freeport chapter in 1902 and provided the members
with a program for the winter of 1902-3.
The Euterpean was not the first society which Mr. Derthick had fostered in
Freeport. About ten years ago, he came to this city and assisted in founding a
club which became known as the "Musical-Literary Club." While this club had
really no connection with the Euterpean Society, still those who had been mem-
bers of the Musical-Literary Club became members of the Euterpean for the most
part, and in addition to this, the aim and general purposes of the two clubs were
very much alike. There was this exception; the "Musical-Literary Club" aimed
to carry out programs which should cover the fields of Music and Literature.
The Euterpean took up this work and added the province of Art. Painting was
discussed and the works of the great masters were studied, while the literary
and musical work was continued as well.
The "Musical-Literary Club" had disbanded after three years of work. The
Euterpean too. in spite of an interesting and helpful year, broke up at the end
of one season. It was not until three years later that the old members began
to make some move toward reorganizing. Then, remembering the pleasures of
their one year together, they decided to meet and continue the musical-literary
programs. Mr. Derthick had given up his work and the Euterpean Fraternity
as a national organization was no longer in existence. But the ideas which he
had instilled into the minds of his former pupils were still fresh, and the men
and women who had studied with him were anxious to recommence their work.
The result was a complete reorganization in 1905, under the name of this
"Euterpean Musical-Literary Club." Miss Julia Molter was elected president and
retained her office for one year. In 1906, Mrs. Edna Baker Oylet was made
president, and she remained in office for three terms. She was succeeded in 1909
by Miss Isabel Fry, the present leader of the society. After two years of this
work, the Euterpean began to feel that it had undertaken too heavy a proposi-
tion. It was very enjoyable to study art, music, and literature, but it took time
and continued effort. The programs were long, and it seemed that undue ef-
forts were expended upon them. Moreover, the club was composed almost en-
tirely of persons interested chiefly in music. Accordingly, the nature of the
club was again changed and in 1907 the society became the "Euterpean Musical
Club."
The Euterpean Musical Club filled a long felt want inasmuch as it was the
only exclusively musical club of the city. The Woman's Club has maintained a
music department and had given public musicales at various times, but the
chief interests of that organization lay elsewhere. The Euterpean, however, has
given itself entirely over to music, and the development and education of a
musical taste in the community. To this end, they have given at least two artist
recitals a year ever since 1907. They have secured a number of eminent
492 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
musicians, among them Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Butler, of Chicago, who are hon-
orary members of the Euterpean, and have given several Euterpean recitals both
privately and publicly.
It has been the custom for the past three years to close the work of the year
with a picnic or social gathering of some sort, on the evening of the final recital.
This recital has usually been one of the two artist recitals of the year, but
on one occasion the program was made up exclusively of home talent. Last
year, the picnic and closing recital was held at the club house of the Lakota Club
in West Freeport. The Lakota Club gave its house over to the Euterpean So-
ciety for the occasion and the Euterpean entertained the Lakota men as their
guests. This year the picnic was held at the home of Mrs. Frank Bass, on
South Carroll street. The artist on this occasion was Mr. Harold Henry, of
Chicago, pianist.
The Euterpean Society plans to continue its work next year, with Miss Isabel
Fry, as president, and it is to be hoped that it will remain a permanent institution.
It is one of the few clubs of the city which have been organized with a definite
purpose in sight, and is second to none in importance as it is the only musical
society of the city. The Euterpean has only been active for a short time, but
during that brief period it has accomplished a great deal in the way of further-
ing musical interests in Freeport.
CULTURE CLUB.
One of the literary clubs of Freeport which has not appeared in the lime-
light at any time, but has always continued to do its work quietly and unas-
sumingly is the organization which is known as "The Culture Club." As its
name indicates, the aim of its members is the acquisition of a broad range of
knowledge and experience productive of general culture. The club is somewhat
smaller than any of the other organizations of the city, the membership being
limited to eighteen. At the present time there are sixteen members.
The Culture Club had its beginnings in a small and exclusive circle known as
the "Home Reading Circle," which was founded nearly seventeen years ago.
The three members who may be styled as charter members of the club, inasmuch
as they first gathered together at one another's homes to pursue a course of read-
ing, are still active members. These three found the association so pleasant and
the work so enjoyable that they decided to increase the membership and widen
the circle of activities. This was done in a few years and the club soon took its
present name of "The Culture Club." The three charter members were all teach-
ers and most of the present membership is made up of teachers in the Free-
port schools. However, this is by no means considered as a necessary qualifica-
tion for membership.
The Culture Club meets once a week, on Monday evenings, at the homes of
its several members, and carries out a literary program consisting of papers and
discussions. A program of work is outlined each year and adhered to through-
out. It has been the custom of the club of late years to select as a general topic
for the year's work a nation and its people. In connection with the study of the
land and people, some of the literature of the nation is read. Two years ago,
Russia was the topic, last year France was the general subject, and next year
Germany will be studied.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 493
The roll of members is as follows: Miss Emma Voss, Miss Alice Reitzell,
Miss Eva Milner, Mrs. Edward Bengston, Miss Clara Swanzey, Miss Mabel
Goddard, Mrs. Linnie Scofield, Mrs. Kettle, Miss Vida Graham, Mrs. A. C.
Knorr, Miss Vorta Walker, Mrs. William H. Thoren, Mrs. A. Billerbeck, Miss
Ida Bastian, Miss Susan Brown, and Miss Irene Place. The officers for the cur-
rent year are: Preseident, Miss Emma Voss; vice president, Mrs. L. E. Scofield;
secretary and treasurer, Miss Mabel Goddard.
HUMANE SOCIETY.
The work of the Freeport Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, was inaugurated by the Freeport Woman's Club. On the meeting of
April 15, of that date the subject was first brought up by Mrs. J. G. Oyler, who
has since continued to be very active in the work. The principal cities about Free-
port all had humane societies which were doing good work, and the more enter-
prising Freeport people, particularly the ladies of the Woman's Club, felt that
the lack was a serious detriment to Freeport's good name. Accordingly, Mrs.
Oyler who had investigated the subject moved that the Woman's Club take
action to found a Humane Society, and appoint a committee to carry out the
project. Her motion was carried and a committee was appointed by Mrs.
Hildreth, then president of the Club, consisting of Mesdames Zipf, Oyler, Dunn,
and Truesdell.
The work was soon under way, and a few weeks later an organization was
perfected. The organizing meeting was held in the parlors of the Y. M. C. A.,
and after transacting preliminary business, the society elected the following mem-
bers to serve as first officers of the association : President, Henry Dorman ; vice
president, Mrs. John G. Oyler ; secretary, Miss Marion Clark ; treasurer, Joseph
Emmert ; humane officer, Charles Hall.
Thirty-eight charter members enrolled in the first humane society, and the
club started out with the laudable intention of preventing cruelty toward chil-
dren as well as dumb beasts. But at first the humane society did not thrive.
There had been other humane societies in previous years, which flickered and died
out after a short and uncertain existence, and it seemed at first that the new
organization was to follow in the beaten path. It is due to the unfailing energy
of the members, and especially the officers that the humane society survived and
became so potent a factor in the welfare of the community. Charles Hall, humane
officer, was chief of police at the time, and his time was occupied with his duties
in other directions. Consequently his career as humane officer was not marked
by any great activity, and he did not accomplish any marked success.
Some of the more active members, feeling that it was a disgrace that the
humane society should not be properly supported, called the members together
at another meeting two years after the first one, in 1903. A reorganization took
place and new officers were elected. At this time the following were placed in
office : President, Henry Dorman ; vice president, T. H. Hollister ; secretary, Mrs.
J. G. Oyler ; treasurer, Joseph Emmert ; humane officer, B. F. Brubaker.
From the time of this reorganization dates the present activity of the Free-
port S. P. C. A. B. F. Brubaker proved himself a willing and capable humane
494 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
officer, and to him is due a great part of the credit for the excellent reputation
which the humane society has of late achieved. Although engaged in other busi-
ness he has devoted time and energies to his duties as humane officer, and has
more than creditably filled his position.
A short time ago occurred the death of President Dorman. T. H. Hollister
thereupon took his place. The other officers of the association have remained
unchanged. From an original thirty-eight the membership has swelled to over
one hundred and fifty, and constant additions are being made from time to
time.
JUVENILE COURT.
The juvenile court work has been an outgrowth of the humane society, and,
like that organization, was fostered by the Freeport Woman's Club. Three
names have been very intimately connected with its career in Freeport, those of
Miss Bertha Bidwell, Miss Alice Hettinger, and Mrs. John G. Oyler, who have
devoted much of their time and efforts to the maintenance of the institution.
Mrs. Oyler has been the first and only probation officer, and Judge Clarity
has been the only judge of the juvenile court. During the comparatively short
time of the court's activity, no less than one hundred children have been cared
for. Some of these have been sent to institutions of correction, some have been
sent to schools for dependent children, and others have been placed in good
homes. A large number have been legally adopted.
The juvenile court succeeded in sending to the penitentiary a woman who had
been the author of a notorious case of child abuse, one Mrs. Mary Jane Sked,
who is at present incarcerated in Joliet. The ladies interested in the juvenile
court have also taken up the matter of impure and immoral productions at
the theatres of the city. A profound agitation was aroused only one or two
years ago by the appearance of a certain company at the Grand Opera House,
whose performance was styled indecent. The company had intended to return
and repeat its performance, but the prompt action of the juvenile court com-
mittee blocked any such procedure.
The people connected with the court have done a great deal of good in the
past, and give every indication of keeping up the good work.
TRUANT AND HOME MATRON.
Until last year the board of education employed the services of the chief
of police as truant officer of the public schools. The arrangement was never
satisfactory, for the chief of police always found himself too burdened with
his regular duties to properly attend to cases of truancy. Following the lead
of other schools in Chicago and the east, the board decided to engage the ser-
vices of a truant officer who should devote her entire time to the work. Mrs.
Edna Baker Oyler was engaged at a regular salary, and since September, 1909,
has continued to fill the office most ably.
Her proper title is truant officer and home matron of the Freeport public
schools, and in addition to her duties in cases of truancy, she is expected to direct
her efforts toward bettering the condition of the children of the city schools in
a moral, religious, and sanitary way. Mrs. Oyler deserves a great deal of credit
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 495
for the unflinching stand she has taken and for the surprising and gratifying re-
sults she has been able to accomplish. She has unearthed a great many surpris-
ing and startling situations, and has been the cause of a large number of ar-
rests and fines. The selling of tobacco and liquor to minors, and gambling on
the part of boys under age have been the marked objects of her campaign, and
in this connection she has been able to institute reforms in a number of in-
stances. Mrs. Oyler's crusade has only begun but the board of education feels
eminently satisfied with the proceedings so far, and hopes for a continuance of
the work. In the employing of a special truant officer and home matron, the
board of education is placing the Freeport public schools in the front ranks as
the most progressive in the northern part of Illinois.
w. c. T. u.
Of the various temperance organizations which once flourished in Freeport,
only one remains, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and that has not
only survived the shocks of a troublous career, but it has steadily increased in
strength, and now holds a post of honor and importance. The I. O. Good
Templars, which was for a long time the leading temperance order of the city,
as well as the Sons of Temperance, and several lesser societies, like the Free-
port Reform Club, have lived and passed away after comparatively brief careers.
This does not mean that the temperance movement has suffered a relapse in
Freeport. Quite the contrary. The temperance wave which recently swept over
the land arid caused so many of the states of the Union to "go dry," was as
strongly felt in Freeport as elsewhere. The death of the above mentioned or-
ganizations merely means, if interpreted aright, that no reform movement which
does not "mean business" can long endure, and certain of Freeport's temperance
organizations, before their demise, were doing very little active work. The
W. C. T. U., on the other hand, has always been most active, and has always
carried the greater burden of the good work on its own shoulders.
It was founded on the roth of April, 1874, when a meeting of the ladies of
Freeport who were interested in the cause of temperance, was held in the First
Methodist church, with a view to ascertaining what means could be best em-
ployed in the undertaking on which they were engaged. Mrs. E. M. Marsh
(deceased), who afterward became identified with the W. C. T. U. for many
years acted as chairman, and Mrs. J. R. Lemon was the secretary. At this
meeting the W. C. T. U. was organized and there were present Mrs. F. O. Mil-
ler, Mrs. Isaac F. Kleckner, Mrs. E. Hemenway, Mrs. A. W. Ford, Mrs. J. S.
Best, Mrs. L. Fisher and others. Mrs. Lemon was elected the first president, Mrs.
Kleckner secretary, and Miss A. Jenks treasurer. Among the ladies still resid-
ing in Freeport who have since headed the local W. C. T. U., are Mrs. A. K.
Stibgen, Mrs. Robert Bell, Mrs. W. O. Wright, and Mrs. L. B. Sanborn.
On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of the society, in 1889,
appropriate exercises were held in the Y. M. C. A. auditorium. Papers were
read by Mrs. A. W. Ford and Mrs. Emily V. Keever and Mrs. Louise Rounds,
at that time state president also addressed the gathering. The papers and dis-
cussion which formed the program of the occasion recalled the work which had
493 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
been accomplished in the lifetime of the Freeport W. C. T. U., the mass meet-
ings which had been held, the various crusades which had been conducted
against drink, and the number of persons reclaimed from the evil effects of the
habit. The work within the last ten years has been particularly gratifying.
However, it has been conducted in a quiet and unpretentious manner, and very
little publicity has been given to it.
The society now in existence numbers about - members. The offi-
cers for the year are: President, Mrs. W. H. Manchester; vice president, Mrs.
J. J. Nagle; secretary, Mrs. Anna Alexander; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Nellie Effinger; treasurer, Miss Jeannette Engle.
FREEPORT AUDUBON SOCIETY.
Within the last few years a growing sentiment for the preservation of our
songsters has manifested itself throughout the entire country. The Freeport
Audubon Society, perhaps more commonly known as the Bird Club, has been
a direct outgrowth of this sentiment. Miss Edna Porter was the founder of
the society. It was established four years ago, by ten ladies interested in the
study and preservation of birds, and has been very active since that time in
carrying out its purpose. The members, whose number is limited to twenty-
five, meet every two weeks at one other's homes and carry out programs con-
sisting of papers and informal discussions. The club is very enthusiastic about
its work, and is one of the most wide-awake organizations of the city. It aims
to teach its members and -the community as well of the nature, appearance, and
habits of the feathered tribe, and is taking all the steps in its power to prevent
the possible extermination or thinning out of the song-birds of this region, many
species of which are rapidly becoming depleted.
Each member makes it a personal matter to do all she can in this direction.
An illustrative incident occurred very recently. A small boy «vho evidently
didn't know any better, was seen to enter a yard, pick up a baby robin, which
had apparently fallen out of the nest before able to fly, play with it, and then
throw it away after having handled it pretty roughly and broken both of its wings,
The matter was reported to one of the members of the Audubon Society. After
having ascertained the name of the small offender, she made it her business
to see him personally and talk with him on the subject of birds. So success-
fully did she accomplish her purpose that the boy was much affected and prom-
ised never to torture any robins in the future.
During the past winter, the Audubon Society held a public illustrated lec-
ture on the subject of birds. The lecture was one sent out by the State Audubon
Society. The colored slides were also provided and the lecture was read by one
of the members. This practice will probably be continued in future years, but
no definite plans have been made to that effect.
The Audubon Society has become very popular during the past year. A
large number of names are on the waiting list, but the membership is limited
to twenty-five, and all are active and enthusiastic members. The ten ladies who
organized the club are still on the roll of active members. For the first two years
AUDITOKirM AT OAKDALE PARK
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEFHENSON COUNTY 497
of the club's existence, Miss Louise Morgan served as president. She was suc-
ceeded by Miss Marion Clark, who has also served for two terms. The names
of the charter members who founded the society four years ago are :
Mrs. J. Clark, Mrs. E. Morgan, Miss Louise Morgan, Miss Flora Morgan,
Miss Marion Clark, Miss Laura Clark, Miss Edna Porter, Mrs. L. G. Young-
love, Miss Mae Stewart, and Miss Belle Gransden.
STEPHENSON COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
The original Stephenson County Medical Society was organized in 1865, with
Dr. L. A. Mease as its first president. For some few years affairs were con-
ducted regularly, and meetings held on stated occasions. But the attendance
became small, duties were neglected, and the interest waned. For a short time,
there was no county medical society.
In June, 1878, the society was reorganized under the name of the Stephenson
County Society of Physicians and Surgeons, and the following officers were
elected: President, F. W. Hance; vice president, L. A. Mease; secretary and
treasurer, Charles Brundage.
The new society consisted of nine members : L. G. Voigt, L. A. Mease, C. M.
Hillebrand, F. W. Hance, C. B. Wright, E. A. Carpenter, Charles Brundage,
Louis Stoskopf, and B. T. Buckley. The society soon took in the following
additional members: I. P. Fishburn, and S. K. Martin, Dakota, and T. L. Carey,
Lena.
For some years the society was neither active nor well patronized. One
cause or another, usually professional jealousy, kept the membership list from
growing, and the Stephenson County Society of Physicians and Surgeons was
not known as an active and energetic organization. But within the last few years
a remarkable growth has taken place. About all the physicians in good stand-
ing in the 'county are members of the association, both in Freeport and in the
villages of the county. A few years ago the name was again changed to the
"Stephenson County Medical Association," by which it has since continued to be
designated.
There are thirty-eight active members in good standing and four honorary
members. The membership list follows. In all cases, except where otherwise
specified, the members are Freeporters. The list includes B. A. Arnold, E. H.
Best, Paul Burrell (Winslow), E. E. Burwell, R. J. Burns, C. L. Best, J. S.
Clark, J. N. Daly (Orangeville), F. A. Dietrich, B. Erp-Brockhausen, J. F.
Fair, T. J. Holke, W. A. Hutchins (Orangeville), Linda Hutchins, N. R. Har-
lan, Sara Hewitson, W. Karcher, A. F. Kober (McConnell), C. P. Leitzell (Da-
kota), F. J. Lins (Durand), D. C. L. Mease, H. E. Morrison, W. B. Peck,
N. C. Phillips, W. J. Rideout, Mary L. Rosenstiel, A. Salter, M. Saucerman
(Rock Grove), J. H. Stealy, W. B. Stiver, R. J. Stiver (Lena), A. E. Smith,
K. F. Snyder, E. J. Torey, S. C. Thompson (Cedarville), E. A. Carpenter
(Baileyville), L. G. Voigt, A. A. Wilson (Davis), J. G. Woker (Pearl City).
The honorary members are: R. F. Hayes, C. M. Hillebrand, D. B. Bobb (Da-
kota), and J. W. Saucerman (Winslow).
498 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The officers of the present association are: President, A. E. Smith, vice
president, B. Erp-Brockhausen ; secretary, J. Sheldon Clark; treasurer, D. C. L.
Mease.
Meetings are held quarterly subject to call by the president of the society.
FREEPORT CLUB.
The Freeport Club is an organization of which the business men of Free-
port are justly proud. It possesses a club house which for convenience and
elegance of appointments is hardly surpassed by any similar building in a city of
this size. For twenty years it has been in existence during which time it has
maintained the high standard of excellence set by its founders.
On October 21, 1890, the organization was completed by twenty-nine of Free-
port's business men and the present Freeport Club was founded. Previous to
that time a club had been maintained by ten of the men who now went into the
Freeport Club. This club maintained a club room in the Wilcoxin building, then
known as the Opera House Block. When the Freeport Club was formally in-
stituted the club rooms were moved from the Opera House Block across the
street to a room which is now occupied by the C. E. Wilkins photograph gallery.
The twenty-nine men whose names are to be found on the original document of
the Freeport Club are: Wallace Collins, Boyd P. Hill, W. Ensign Boyington,
F. A. Read, James W. Hyde, W. A. Stevens, Alfred Brown, John S. Harp-
ster, Dwight B. Breed, Edward Winslow, C. C. Hanford, W. E. Fry, Henry J.
Porter, Charles A. McNamara, John A. Martin, Mathias Hettinger, Jr., Charles
D. Knowlton, Arthur Rodearmel, Lalon Z. Farwell, W. H. Taggart, Michael
Stoskopf, Charles E. Scott, W. S. Benson, Horace Webster, Addison Bidwell,
Dr. E. H. Allen, William J. Hall, Frederick Bartlett and Robert Hall Wiles.
Soon after organization a large number of new members were accepted into
the club, which then entered upon a season of rapid and promising growth.
Charles D. Knowlton was elected president, and retained his office for a num-
ber of years. His successors have been Boyd P. Hill, Michael Stoskopf, and
L. Z. Farwell, the present officer. Mr. Farwell has occupied the chair for the
past nine years and has proved himself an able and efficient president.
Three years after the organization of the club it was found advisable to
change quarters. The room on Stephenson street had become too small to
suit the needs of the growing society and the officers began to look about for
a site for a club house. At this time they made a very fortunate "find." The
present club property on Stephenson street was then owned by ex-mayor Ja-
cob Krohn, who had become a member of the club. Circumstances made it
necessary for Mr. Krohn to move, and he offered to sell his home to the Free-
port Club for use as a club house at a very small figure. The club found the
Krohn property admirably suited to its needs and closed the bargain at once.
The house was secured for the sum of $5,500, which now seems ridiculously
small, as the house and lot are at present valued at a much larger sum.
On July 8, 1893, the club moved from its cramped quarters down town and
six days later, on the I4th, the house warming was held, an occasion which
will long be remembered by the older members of the organization. The
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 499
building has been occupied during the seventeen years which have passed since
that date, and numerous improvements have been made upon the property, rais-
ing its present value to something over $10,000.
Among the additions made have been the bowling alley, ball room, billiard
room and tennis court. The bowling alley was built in at the rear of the build-
ing, a special structure being erected for the purpose about ten years ago. At
the time the club members took a great interest in the sport. Various teams
known by the names of Rough Rollers, Smooth Rollers, Smith P. I.'s, etc.,
were organized and captained by enthusiastic members, and two silver cups
on the mantel over the fireplace of the reading room give evidence of the one
time interest in the game.
The club house ball room has been the scene of many a brilliant function
since its equipment not a decade ago. The floor is one of the best dance
floors in the city and the room itself while somewhat small is quite adequate
to the needs of the club and has been used and enjoyed continuously by the
members and their families. The billiard room and tenis court have also been in
constant use, and the club men and their families have derived a great deal of
pleasure and enjoyment from the use of them.
Among the customs instituted by the club have been the annual New Year's
ball on New Year's eve for the purpose of watching the old year out and the
new year in, and the annual Fourth of July fete on the club lawn. A large
amount of money has been expended at these fetes in securing displays of fire-
works, and the results have always been highly satisfactory, the spectators al-
ways enthusiastically reporting a most enjoyable time.
The club is now established on a firm basis as one of Freeport's oldest so-
cial organizations, and, in fact, the only one of its especial kind. It is the only
club affording a means of entertainment to both members and their families
and out of town friends. As such it is assured of a continued prosperity. The
present officers of the club are : president, L. Z. Farwell ; vice president, T. H.
Hollister; secretary, Norman Tuckett; treasurer, J. Manly Clark.
The present membership is eighty-six active members. There are also a
number of honorary members.
LAKOTA CLUB.
The Lakota Club is a club made up of the younger business men of Free-
port. It is exclusively a social organization, and possesses a handsome (if some-
what diminutive) club house in West Freeport on the Schofield property.
The Lakota Club had its inception two years ago in June, 1908. when seven
young men who found themselves congenial and united by the common bond
of bachelordom, met and formulated plans for the organization of a social club.
These seven young men, who are still, with one single exception, members of
the club today were : Raymond S. Wise, Dr. J. Sheldon Clark, Jos. Sibley, George
Creighton, F. A. McNess, F. H. Bowers, and Mentor Wheat. A committee was
immediately appointed to look over the various properties in and around Free-
port which would afford a suitable location for a club house.
After some deliberation the committee selected as a site the land north of
Stephenson street owned by Ira Schofield, which was then known as Schofield's
500 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Park. The park contained a miniature lake which afforded excellent facilities
for bathing in summer and skating in winter. In addition to this the situation
was quite ideal in all other respects for the location of a country club. It is a
somewhat retired glen, sloping somewhat from the road and invisible through a
grove of tall spreading trees. The land leased by the Lakota Club surrounds
the lake and extends south nearly to trie street.
It was not until the work of equipping the club house was under way that
the subject of a name for the club was broached. It was then decided to call
the club by the Indian name of "Lakota" which means "Our Allies" or "Our
Friends."
The club house has been well fitted out. It contains an excellent dance floor
as well as all the other attachments of an up-to-date club house.
Last year the Lakota Club instituted the custom of giving monthly Sunday
receptions to their friends and their wives. The club house and grounds were
admirably suited to giving receptions of this sort and the townspeople who en-
joyed the out-of-door afternoons feel deeply indebted to the Lakota men for
their kindness in entertaining them. The practice has not been continued this
spring but will probably be begun again this summer. The latest project of
the Lakotas is to secure the Ben Greet Players to give a performance on the
Lakota grounds which are very well adapted to this sort of sylvan produc-
tion.
While the Lakota Club is one of the newest circles of the city in respect
to years, none is more firmly established and none enjoys a greater social prestige.
The membership of the club has now increased to ten. The officers of the club
which have remained the same since the founding are : President, Raymond S.
Wise; vice president, Mentor Wheat; secretary, Dr. Clark; treasurer (ist year),
George Creighton, (2nd year), F. W. McNess.
GERMANIA SOCIETY.
The Germania Society, as a separate organization, dates back only as far as
1877, but in reality it existed for many years before that in the shape of two
distinct societies ; The Freeport Saengerbund, and the Freeport Turn-Verein.
Of the two, the history of the Saengerbund has been preserved with more
fidelity, but the early records of both are entirely lost, and the charter members
of both organizations have long been dead.
In 1855, ^e Saengerbund was organized and in 1865 the Turn-Verein. The
membership lists of both clubs immediately grew to large proportions and before
long nearly every influential German citizen of Freeport belonged to one society
or the other. At that time the German population of Freeport was for the
most part made up of people who had been born and bred in Germany, and the
customs of the Fatherland were fresh in their minds. Of late years, the activity
of the Germania Society has somewhat decreased, and for a very obvious reason.
The younger generation have little or no interest in the preservation of German
customs and traditions. They are to be American citizens and their whole in-
terest is centered on the new country. For this reason, if for no other, the Ger-
mania Society is an object of marked interest to the historian — because in another
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 501
generation or two it will be a thing of the past. During its existence it has been
one of the most active organizations of the city, but many of the old members are
gone, and the activity is waning. It is useless to hope for a very vigorous re-
suscitation, for the interest is dying a natural death, and the members of the
Germania are directing the bulk of their efforts elsewhere.
The Turn-Verein and the Saengerbund were long regarded as the most pop-
ular and important organizations of their kind in nothern Illinois. The Turn-
Verein was established in August, 1856, and sought excellence among its mem-
bers not only in music, but also in athletic sports. It erected the structure
formerly known as Turner hall, now Germania hall, on Galena street between
Adams and Mechanic streets, in 1869, at a cost of $18,000. Germania hall is
still in use, and for a long time was the only opera house of the city. The hall
contains the rooms of the Germania Society on the ground floor and a spacious
auditorium with a stage on the second floor, where the meetings of the Saenger-
bund are held and their entertainments given.
The Saengerbund was organized less than a year earlier than the Turn-
Verein, in December, 1855, and had as its object the formation of a musical
society, vocal and instrumental, among the German section of the population.
On Saturday evening, December 15, in response to an appeal from the "Deut-
scher Anzeiger," twenty men, both old and young, assembled in the hall on the
third floor of the Hoebel building, at present 79 Stephenson street, for the pur-
pose of organizing the Saengerbund. The first president was Mr. Carl Strohacker,
and Mr. John Geiger long held the office of secretary. The following were
among the charter members : William Bergholte, Philip Fleischmann, John Geiger,
George Held, John, Philip, and Peter Hoebel, Louis Jungkunz, Joseph Lampert,
Carl Schoen, H. Schrenkler, John M. and Henry Spratler, Carl Strohacker,
and William Wagner, Sr. Philip Knecht, a German teacher, who had but a
few years pervious come to Freeport from Rhenish Bavaria, was unanimously
chosen director, a position which he continued to fill for eight years in a very
creditable manner.
The first rehearsal of the Saengerbund took place on Friday evening, Decem-
ber 2ist, of the same year, in the same hall in which the organization of the Bund
was perfected, and for the following fifty-five years from that time to the
present rehearsals have been held every Friday evening except in unusual cases.
The first social entertainment was held on January 27, 1856, and bi-weekly so-
cial gatherings continued to be held for many years, at first in the afternoons,
later in the evening.
The first public event fostered by the Saengerbund was a public concert held
in Phoenix hall, on Easter Monday, March 24, 1856, followed by a dance. The
reports of the affair are meagre but those which exist in the "Anzeiger" seem to
proclaim the attempt as a decided success.
In 1856, the Turn-Verein was organized, and it also started a singing so-
ciety. The two societies worked hand in hand for a long time. Many of the
German citizens were members of both Saengerbund and Turn-Verein, and
everyone of consequence thought it necessary to be a member of at least one
of them. Mr. Knecht. leader of the Saengerbund, became also the leader of the
Turn-Verein. and, while there was always a certain rivalry, friendly but very
502 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
much in earnest, existing between the two societies, still on many occasions the
two joined forces and forgot all their differences. On November 10, 1859, at
the celebration held in commemoration of Schiller's birth, the two choruses sang
together and each rendered two selections independently. About the same time,
the Saengerbund took an active interest in a National Saengerfest held in Chi-
cago by the North American Saengerbund, but the details of this event are en-
tirely lacking.
In 1863, the society had increased in membership to a large extent and larger
quarters were necessary. Accordingly, in February, of the next year, they moved
to the rooms in the building at 100-102 Stephenson street, which had formerly
been occupied by the Masonic lodges. In the same year, Mr. Knecht resigned
as director and William H. Wagner was chose.n by the Bund to fill his place.
Mr. Wagner was young in years and experience, but he was not lacking in cour-
age or enthusiasm, and so it came about that he filled the position, with oc-
casional temporary intervals of rest, for a period of thirty-three years. At that
time, the director received no stipulated salary, but from time to time benefit
concerts were given for him, and considerable sums were occasionally realized.
About the beginning of 1866 the Saengerbund again moved its base of oper-
ations to the Hettinger building. In the meantime the singing of the society was
constantly improving, and at a concert given by the Bund at Mineral Point, Wis-
consin, the singers, and especially the young director, received an ovation for
the manner in which they acquitted themselves.
The Saengerbound of the northwest held a fest in Galena from the i7th to
the I9th of June, 1869, and, although the Freeport society was not a member
of that organization at the time, the Galena people extended them an invitation
to attend, which invitation was gladly accepted. For some reason the Freeport
singers arrived at Galena in advance of any of the other societies, and on the
occasion of the first concert the Freeport and Galena associations were the only
ones present. Tradition says that the Galena Fest-President in his address com-
mended the Freeport Saengerbund upon this fact, and called them "a model so-
ciety."
In 1870 arrangements for a private Saengerfest were perfected and an invi-
tation was extended to all German singing societies within a radius of one
hundred miles. The fest was held from the I4th to the i6th of June, and was
participated in by singers from Davenport and Dubuque, Iowa, Mineral Point,
Janesville, and Burlington, Wisconsin, Galena, Sterling, Rockford, Mendota,
Lena, and Davis, Illinois. The Dixon and Amboy societies did not send singers,
but were represented by delegates, and the people from Davenport, Dubuque,
and Mineral Point were accompanied by bands. The grand chorus comprised
about two hundred voices, and was assisted by the visiting bands and the local
Union Cornet Band. Addresses were delivered on the occasion of the gather-
ing by Mr. Caspar Butz, of Chicago, who spoke in German, and Hon. Thomas
J. Turner, of Freeport, who spoke in English. The event aroused great enthusi-
asm and was pronounced a decided success.
In 1875, the Turn-Verein presented the whole of Carl Maria von Weber's
opera "Der Freischuetz," under the direction of Professor E. Bischoff. On this
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 503
occasion, some members of the Saengerbund also assisted and aided in making
the affair a great success.
In 1877, it was decided that the Saengerfest of the Northwest Saengerbund
should be held in Freeport. On this occasion Mr. W. H. Wagner, director of
the Saengerbund, did not feel competent to conduct the concerts of the organiza-
tion and temporarily turned over his baton to Mr. Bischoff, leader of the Turn-
Verein. Under Mr. Bischoffs direction, the fest was held. The attendance was
not much greater than that at the private Saengerfest of seven years previous,
and only about one hundred and seventy visiting singers were present. This
was due to the fact that only one society from Milwaukee appeared in a body and
two of the other societies merely sent delegates. It was a great disappointment
to the local fest committee, who had expected the Milwaukee singers to turn out
en masse; but from a musical standpoint, the fest could not have achieved a
greater success. Bach's Ochestra from Milwaukee furnished the instrumental
music and all of the grand choruses were rendered with orchestral accom-
paniment.
One of the immediate results of the Saengerfest of 1877 was the union of the
Saengerbund and Turn-Verein who combined in the hope of becoming a more
influential factor in the German life of the city. The organization took on the
new name of the Germania society, and Turner hall was rechristened Germania
hall. In 1882, the hall was entirely rebuilt and remodelled and as a dedication,
a grand concert was arranged, at which part of Flotow's "Stradella" was pro-
duced. The several roles on this occasion were sung by local talent, Miss Anna
Meyer (now Mrs. Louis Biersach), Mr. H. W. Schroeder, Mr. Ben Stoneman,
and Mr. R. Hefti taking the leading parts. A chorus of forty voices accom-
panied their efforts, and all the records of the occasion unite in declaring that
the event was unquestionably one of the best ever given under the auspices of
the Germania Society.
In 1887, the official body of the Saengerbund of the northwest solicited the
local society to undertake another Saengerfest. This was accordingly done. At
both of the previous fests, Wilcoxin's Opera House had been utilized as a con-
cert hall, but directors feared that the size of the new audience would prohibit
that. They made arrangements for the use of Taylor's Park and had a great
singing platform built in front of the grand stand for the accomodation of the
choruses. The events justified their expectations, for over four hundred visiting
singers were in attendance, and the platform was crowded. Concerts were given
afternoon and evening, and large audiences heard all of them. The fest was
a great success, and even the weather man was kind until the last day when he
sent down a pour of rain. The rain somewhat dampened the ardor of the
audiences, and the treasury of the society suffered in consequence. However,
owing to the generosity of J. B. Taylor, owner of the park, who gave almost
the free use of the grounds for the occasion, the deficit was avoided.
In 1896, a split occurred within the ranks of the Germania Society. The
Turn-Verein and Saengerbund had supposedly worked side by side through the
years in perfect harmony, but in reality there had been an undercurrent of dis-
satisfaction. This was brought to the surface in February, 1896, in the with-
drawal of the Saengerbund division of the Germania Society, which for a while
504 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
continued to hold its meetings in Blust hall. Scarcely a year later, they decided
that "in union there is strength" and, having overcome their old differences, and
healed their old wounds, they again allied themselves with the Turn-Verein and
continued to hold their meetings in Germania hall. From that time the society
has been united and no differences have occurred.
On July 3rd and 4th, 1905, occurred the Fiftieth Anniversary of the found-
ing of the Saengerbund, and, in commemoration of the event high festival was
held. Many singing societies from out of town attended, and Professor Theodore
H. Trost, director of the local society, wielded the baton. July 4th was observed
by appropriate Independence Day exercises, and July 3rd was marked by the
holding of two concerts. In addition to the out of town Saengerbunds, several
soloists of national reputation were secured, and the Germania Society received
their guests royally.
Since that time, the Germania Society has done nothing in a public way, but
has continued to conduct the business of its organization without interruption.
The president of the society for the current year is Charles G. Steffen, with F.
P. Ohden acting as secretary. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the
month in the club rooms in Germania hall.
COUNTY CLUB.
The County Club, which represents the interests of the Republican party
in Freeport and the county, was founded in 1899 and has been in existence for
about eleven years. Before its organization a need for a club of the kind had
long been felt, and several abortive attempts had been made to establish one.
On August 30, 1899, the present County Club was organized and incorporated
under the Illinois state laws with a membership of forty-one Republicans of
Freeport and the surrounding country. On October 5th of the same year the
first meeting was held and Robert P. Eckert was elected president of the or-
ganization. The object of the County Club as stated in its charter was "to
advance the science of political Economy ; to promote friendly and social re-
lations between its members ; to levy and collect dues ; to exert such influence
and render such service as it can in behalf of good government, and to promote
the growth and spread of the principles of the Republican party. The forty-
one members whose names were affixed to the original document were:
James E. Taggart, Robert P. Eckert, William H. Foil, J. R. Young, Louis
H. Burrell, Homer F. Aspinwall, Oscar E. Heard, B. H. Brundage, J. L. Mey-
ers, W. A. Stevens, R. W. Burton, A. Grier, F. C. Held. H. W. Bolender,
James B. McCool, C. L. Snyder, J. H. Firestone, G. A. Huenkemeier, J. F.
Fair, E. L. Stewart, Horatio C. Burchard, C. P. Leitzell. James Rezner, W. A.
Schwarze, L. M. De Vore, James R. Cowley, G. S. Kleckner, Dwight B. Breed,
Louis McGovern, J. E. Adatnson, Henry Gilbert. W. B. Peck, R. M. White,
F. P. Waite, W. H. Crotzer, J. M. Fox, Charles F. Rieger, Charles Hall, L. W.
Lyon, C. J. Wells, A. W. Hershey.
The first step taken by the club was the securing of suitable club rooms
for the use of the members. A suite of room on the second and third floors of
the building over Barrett and Emerick's Jewelry Store was engaged and has
Dexter A. Knowlton, Sr
Dexter A. Knowltmi. Jr
August Bergman
Loyal L. Muiui
PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN OF FBEEPORT
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVtKSllY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 505
been in use ever since. The membership of the club is somewhat larger than
at the beginning, but has remained throughout an exclusive organization. The
officers of the County Club for the current year are : President, C. W. Harden ;
first vice president, James E. Taggart; second vice president, W. W. Krape;
third vice president, J. R. Young; secretary, T. M. Kaufman; treasurer, Boyd
P. Hill.
DEMOCRATIC CLUB.
The Stephenson County Democratic Club, which is analogous to the County
Club, and represents the interests of Democracy in Freeport and the county as
the former does the interests of Republicanism, was founded in April, 1903.
On the twelfth day of that month, the leading democrats of Freeport and the
county gathered together and elected F. Goodwin president of an organization,
the object of which should be to promote the best interests of the Democratic
party in this section of the state. Twenty-four names were affixed to the orig-
inal charter, among them all the prominent democrats of Freeport.
Rooms were secured in the T. K. Best building on the corner of Chicago
and Stephenson streets, and fitted up as club rooms. These rooms have ever
since been maintained and form a rendezvous for the good democrats of the
city to meet each other in a social and fraternal way. They contain billiard
and pool tables and card tables, and are in charge of Thomas Beeler, who acts
as custodian.
The membership of the club comprises now between three and four hundred
democrats. Regular meetings of the club are held previous to all elections and
during campaigns. The present officers of the club are as follows: President,
H. B. Witte; vice president, Oscar E. Stine; secretary, Charles Straub; finan-
cial secretary, Al Emerick ; treasurer, Ed. Seeker ; directors, H. Poffenberger,
Douglas Pattison, Robert Bruce Mitchell, William Milner, and Christopher J.
Dittmar.
CITIZEN'S COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION.
While the Citizen's Commercial Association, as such, has only been in ex-
istence a short time, its precursor, the Freeport Business Men's Association,
dates back as far as 1901. On June 7 of that year, a meeting was held, at-
tended by the leading business men of the city, at which steps were taken to
form and incorporate an organization to be known as the Business Men's
Association of Freeport. A short time later, an election of officers was held
and the following were given posts of honor: C. W. Harden, president; D. C.
Stover, vice president; F. M. Gund, secretary; R. D. Kuehner, treasurer.
This organization was for a time a very lively one. An inducement was
made to get new factories and business firms to locate in Freeport, and some
very gratifying results were accomplished along this line. In the main, how-
ever, nothing of importance was done, and the Business Men's Association
gradually but surely declined in activity and importance.
On October i, 1907, a revival was accomplished at the regular meeting held
on that date. It was decided to employ a regular paid secretary to give his
services to the association, with the understanding that he should transact all
506 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the business formerly entrusted to the directors. Wilbur Coons was chosen
for the position, at a salary of $100 per month, with the agreement that he was
to be employed for six months, and, at the end of that time, if his services had
proven satisfactory to the officers and directors, he was to be retained as sec-
retary at such salary as should be arranged for by the association.
From that time dates the activity of the Citizen's Commercial Association,
although the name was not changed until over a year after that date. The
activities undertaken by the association have been many and varied, and the
two secretaries who have been in charge since the establishment of the custom,
have succeeded in doing a great deal for the welfare of Freeport. Their work
has been carried on rather quietly and without much publicity ; hence it is
somewhat difficult to enumerate the various public services which the associa-
tion has succeeded in rendering Freeport. They have really done much more
to promote the growth of the city than would seem apparent from a mere
statistical report. Among the various achievements and activities of the past
two years have been the securing of several new manufacturing establishments
for Freeport, and a large amount of improvement and change within the city
itself.
The latest acquisition to the roll of factories and manufacturing plants has
been the Freeport Casket Co. The Commercial Association aided the gentle-
men interested in the organization of this concern to obtain a factory site on
Jackson street in East Freeport. The plant will be immediately erected, and
will soon be one of the most prosperous of Freeport's mercantile establish-
ments. The association also bought the property of the Freeport Novelty
Company, on Hancock avenue, and in the buildings formerly occupied by that
company, they found quarters for the new manure spreader factory. This
property as well as some of the adjoining territory was purchased from Miss
Millie Baumgarten, and will be immediately laid out in factory sites. The
section of the city south of Taylor avenue was platted out and organized en-
tirely through the efforts of the Commercial Association, and it is probable
that before many years this will become the principal manufacturing section of
the city.
The Moline Plow Company, also, whose Freeport branches are among the
largest and most important factories owned by that mammoth concern came
to Freeport invited by the Commercial Association. Through their agency, the
Moline Company bought the defunct Robinson Mfg. Company, and turned it
into the Freeport Carriage Company, a branch of the Moline Plow Company.
An immense new addition to the old factory testifies to the present prosperity
of that institution. The Moline Plow Company was also induced to buy the
Henney Buggy Company, and has since made improvements and additions so
extensive that the Henney factories now occupy the whole of the block bounded
by Chicaga, Spring, Van Buren, and Jackson streets. The building of the
Jackson street switch, from the Illinois Central tracks along Jackson street
to the Henney plant, was fostered by the Commercial Association, and has
since proved an invaluable asset to the factory.
Besides the larger factories, a number of smaller concerns have been induced
to locate in the city, such as the Freeport Quilting Company, now located on
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 507
Van Buren street. Negotiations are at present under way which will doubt-
less result in the securing of more of these concerns, which, though compara-
tively unimportant when compared with the Stover and Moline Plow Company
factories, still give employment to a large number of individuals.
The Citizen's Commercial Association has also been active in other direc-
tions. One of their achievements was the inauguration of the rest room, now
located in the old post office rooms of the Wilcoxin block. The rest room is
intended for the accommodation of out-of-town visitors, and especially the
farmers who come to Freeport for the day. It is well patronized, and contains,
in addition to the rest room itself and the woman's rest room, a restaurant,
conducted by F. H. Bear, and the offices of the Commercial Association. The
Freeport Woman's Club has also extended its aid to the rest room project.
The ladies of that organization have always been interested in the civic wel-
fare of the city, and at the solicitation of the association they agreed to raise
the money to furnish the room.
The cooperative shop course now in effect at the Freeport high school,
in accordance with which the boys of the city may gain an education, and at
the same time work in the shops and acquire the practical experience necessary
for the pursuit of their chosen trade, was originated by the Commercial As-
sociation in consultation with Professors Fulwider and Raines. The plan fol-
lowed enables the boys to go to school one week and work in the factory the
next. They work in pairs, one section going to school and the other to the shops
for one week, while the next week the order is reversed. The system has been
eminently successful in Freeport and has since been adopted in other high
schools, being known as the "Freeport Idea."
Recently the Commercial Association has been successful in having a sub-
postal station established. The new station is in the Third Ward at Iroquois
Square, at the junction of Iroquois, Adams and Williams streets, and is in
charge of A. J. Robson.
A step has also been taken in a social way. Last winter the society min-
strels were held in the Grand Opera House, under the direction of Mrs. Flor-
ence Magill Wallace, of Moline. The object of the entertainment was to pro-
vide funds for the maintenance of the rest room, and a large amount was
raised. The society minstrels were so well attended and so heartily applauded
that it is planned to make the winter festival an annual event. The program
consisted of a minstrel entertainment and songs, dances and choruses exclu-
sively given by home talent. The cafe scene, which formed the basis of the
minstrel show, brought together on the stage several dozen of Freeport's popu-
lar society people, all of whom manifested the greatest interest in the project,
and were present in a body either appearing in the performance itself or in
the audience.
Mr. Coons, the first paid secretary of the association remained in the city
for over a year and left in December, 1908. Just before he left the name of
the organization was changed from the Freeport Business Men's Association
to the Citizen's Commercial Association, which name it has retained up to
the present time. Mr. Coons was succeeded by Herbert Shearer who remained
in Freeport for only a year. During Mr. Shearer's administration rapid prog-
508 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ress was made and today the Citizen's Commercial Association is an estab-
lished fact, and is regarded by all as the cause of Freeport's rapid growth
during the past few years.
The latest and one of the most important achievements of the Commercial
Association has been the securing of Colonel Roosevelt to speak in this city on
September 8, 1910. The event has not come off yet, but the Citizen's Com-
mercial Association is almost entirely responsible for the enthusiasm which
has been aroused over the coming of our ex-president. Rockford was very
anxious to secure him for speaker on the same day, and it took a great deal
of strenuous correspondence, and a good deal of hard work to persuade Colonel
Roosevelt to come to Freeport instead of the larger city. It is quite certain
that if the Citizens' Commercial Association had not directed its efforts toward
bringing the colonel to Freeport, we should not have the pleasure of antici-
pating his visit on September 8th.
At present Mr. C. H. Wright is secretary. The membership of the organ-
ization includes about one hundred and sixty individuals and corporations, all
of the prominent business firms of Freeport being represented. Mr. Jacob
Weiss is president and a very able and efficient head of the organization.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
STOVER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Probably the concern which is doing the largest business of any in Freeport
is the Stover Manufacturing Company, makers of the Samson Wind Mill and
the Ideal Feed Mill. Their plant is located in East Freeport on Henderson
street, near Fairview avenue, near the city limits. It is a mammoth factory,
and the various additions and enlargements which have been completed dur-
ing the past few years make it more certain of its title than ever before.
The Stover Manufacturing Company celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this
year. It was founded in 1860 by Daniel C. Stover, Freeport's late financier
and inventive genius, who began his business in a small way on the corner of
Stephenson and Cherry streets, where the Y. M. C. A. building stands today.
The original name of the firm was the "D. C. Stover Experiment Works," and
by 1880 the business had become so large that it was deemed advisable to in-
corporate the company under the laws of the state of Illinois. This was forth-
with done, and the plant was moved to the corner of Spring and Mechanic
streets. Soon after the old carriage shop of F. S. Taggart was purchased, but
the growing concern rapidly became too large for the new buildings. The
site of the present Stover Engine Works were bought, on East Stephenson
street and the river, and the present shops were erected. These have stood
almost unchanged until this year. A large new addition to the west wing
has just been finished, and this constitutes the first large addition to the engine
plant.
In 1890 the tract of forty-five acres on Henderson street, where the main
shops are located today, was purchased, and the buildings erected. They per-
formed the service required of them until 1908, when the foundry was found
LIL.
OFTHE
UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 509
to be of insufficient size to turn out the proper number of castings. Additional
buildings were then constructed, and the original foundry was turned into a
machine shop. Shortly before that a power plant had been built with a ca-
pacity sufficient for generating a supply of electricity for both wind mill fac-
tory and gas engine works.
So greatly has the business of the Stover Company increased that the day
is evidently not distant when entirely new factories will be built. The high
quality of the goods turned out accounts for the popularity of the article among
farmers. Nearly all of the farms about Freeport are equipped with Samson
windmills, and even in the remote parts of the United States the Stover product
is to be found doing duty. Not only has the domestic business increased ap-
preciably, but the foreign business is very large. The foreign trade of the
Stover Manufacturing Company, although it is of recent growth, has already
assumed such proportions as make it necessary for the plant to occupy larger
quarters. The greatest care is given to every detail of the manufacturing.
The plant is equipped with a chemical laboratory, and all mixtures are made
by analyses, all of the metals, steel, wire, etc., that enter the goods are care-
fully analyzed, and a high standard of excellence is thereby secured. The
company is constantly on the look out for new and improved machinery, it em-
ploys a number of mechanical geniuses on its force, and the business done
is steadily increasing. The windmill output averages forty thousand of the
machines annually, while a force of about four hundred workmen are em-
ployed.
The Stover Manufacturing Company was formerly connected with the
Stover Motor Car Company, an institution which was organized to manufac-
ture gasoline engines for automobiles. The business was continued for about
a year, and about thirteen months ago it was discontinued. The Motor Car
Company plant, a large and modern building, in East Freeport, near the Stover
Engine Works, has since been utilized by the latter concern for the manufacture
of gas engines.
STOVER ENGINE WORKS.
Forty years ago, in 1870, the Stover Engine Works was established. It
was an outgrowth of the Stover Manufacturing Company, inasmuch as the
same men were connected with both companies, but as far as the organization
was concerned, the two companies were entirely separate concerns and have
always so remained.
The Stover Engine Works manufacture a variety of engines, including
stationary, portable, and pumping varieties of the horizontal engine, and in
addition to the gas and gasoline engines a make which is run by alcohol is in-
cluded in their manufactures. Like the windmill factory, the market of the
Stover Engine Works is the whole civilized world. The foreign output has
so increased of late years that an addition to the East Freeport plant has be-
come an absolute necessity. The result has been the commodious west wing,
a handsome building of red pressed brick, which is to contain also the offices
of the company. The Stover Works employ about two hundred and fifty hands
510 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
on the average. The output of engines is very large, and is increasing annu-
ally. The time is evidently not far away when an entirely new plant will be
the inevitable outcome. The officers are: President, P. S. Stover; secretary,
J. Fred Smith; superintendent, William F. Freidag.
ARCADE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The forerunner of the Arcade Manufacturing Company was a small concern
known as the Novelty Iron Works, which was founded as early as 1868. The
men interested in the organization of the Novelty Iron Works were E. H. and
Charles Morgan, composing the firm of "Morgan Brothers," and the first fac-
tory of the company was built on the corner of Chicago and Jackson streets.
Here they continued to do business for nearly twenty years. The company first
occupied two small brick buildings and a total of ten hands were employed.
In 1874 the old buildings were torn down and more commodious quarters, con-
sisting of a machine shop, foundry, engine room, and offices were erected on
the same site, at a cost of about $25,000. In 1877 J. P. Easter became a part-
ner in the concern but retired in about a year and the old firm name was re-
stored. During Mr. Easter's stay, the company began the manufacture of
plows on a large scale.
Pumps, windmills, iron pavements, store fronts, and a variety of castings
were manufactured by the Novelty Iron Works. The company went out of
business in 1885, and the Arcade Manufacturing Company was then and there
organized with E. H. and Charles Morgan and Albert Baumgarten as the
original promoters.
The buildings of the Novelty Iron Works were utilized for a brief time
only. They quickly became too crowded, and a move was soon made to a
new factory erected especially for the purpose in East Freeport. From there
the company moved, in September, 1891, to another site, and took possession of
a building which had beep recently vacated by the Emory and Williams Can-
ning Company. This building was fitted up with suitable machinery, and a
prosperous business start had just been made, when, on July 24, 1892, the
factories were burned to the ground and all the new equipments lost. It was
suspected at the time that the plant had been fired by an incendiary. How-
ever that might have been, the entire factory with all its appurtenances was a
total loss, and the Arcade Manufacturing Company, which had of late enjoyed
such pleasant prospects, gloomily faced a deficit of over $20,000. Not only
this, but about 40,000 coffee mills, finished and in the process of manufacture,
were burned, and the new company was unable to fill its first orders.
The fire was a severe blow, and any but the most zealous of men would
have been profoundly discouraged. Not so the new Arcade Manufacturing
Company. Hardly were the ashes of the fire cold when negotiations were un-
der way for the purchase of a new factory site in East Freeport. A large
square of land, formerly belonging to the Keller- Wittbecker farm was bought,
and part of it was divided up into lots. The newly platted section of East
Freeport was known as the Arcade Addition, and on part of the land, the com-
pany erected its new offices and foundries. In February, 1893, the new factory
William Walton
lion. I). C. Stover
'/.. Harwell
I'UOMINENT BUSINESS MEN OF FKEEl'OUT
OF THE
UNIVEKSI1Y OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 511
had been completed, and the Arcade Manufacturing Company was ready to
begin over again. This time success crowned their efforts. The buildings
which were constructed then are in use today, with a number of alterations and
additions. The main building is a large brick structure, 200 x 40, while the
foundry is 100 x 70. Besides the two lager factories are a number of smaller
buildings, occupied by foundries, machine shops, drying houses, warehouses,
general offices, etc. The plant is up-to-date in every respect, employs a large
force of men, and turns out a variety of products.
In 1893 L. L. Munn became a partner in the firm. In December of that
year, he invested heavily in the company, and thenceforth became the principal
stockholder. For many years he filled the office of president, and, on his death,
his interest in the concern was taken up by his son, L. L. Munn, Jr. Albert
Baumgarten subsequently retired from the firm to found a factory of his own,
the Freeport Novelty Works. This factory, the offices of which were located
on Hancock avenue, in East Freeport, ceased to do business at Mr. Baumgar-
ten's death, and its buildings are now occupied by the Freeport Manure
Spreader Company.
The Arcade Company has always made a specialty of coffee mills, but it
turns out a variety of goods. Besides the dozens of coffee mills of different
designs the Arcade plant turns out hinges, screen door hinges, stove pipe
dampers, lid lifters, cork extracters, corkscrews, and numerous small notions
and novelties. A large number of children's toys have also been manufactured,
such as toy coffee mills, miniature trains, swings, doll carriages, etc.
In whatever new department of manufacture the Arcade Manufacturing
Company chooses to venture, its results are sure to be attended with success
and its products are invariably the very best. Everything is made from the
finest material obtainable, and by skilled workmen. The road agents and trav-
eling salesmen of the Arcade Manufacturing Company are to be found in every
state of the Union, and wherever their articles are introduced, they are sure
to find a popular market. The affairs of the company are in the best of con-
dition at home, financially and otherwise. The concern has been forced by
circumstances to pass through a number of exceedingly trying situations, not
the least of which was a prolonged strike which aroused a great deal of agi-
tation about a year ago, but it has come through them all successfully, and
would seem to be enjoying at present a well earned season of prosperity. The
officers of the institution are : President, Edward H. Morgan ; vice president,
Charles Morgan ; secretary, Loyal L. Munn, Jr. ; treasurer, E. H. Morgan ; su-
perintendent, Chas. Morgan.
MOLINE PLOW COMPANY.
The Moline Plow Company owns and operates two large plants in Freeport:
the Henney Buggy Company, and the, Freeport Carriage Company. The former
is a very old concern, which has done business in Freeport for nearly half a cen-
tury, and has but recently passed into the hands of the Moline concern. The
Freeport Carriage Company, under the name of the Robinson Manufacturing
Company, did business in a small way for many years before it was absorbed
512 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
by the new company. Its founder and president, J. L. Robinson, began the
manufacture of carriages in a wagon shop on Exchange street. As his business
increased, he found it necessary to secure larger quarters. The ultimate out-
come of the need was the building of the factories west of Stephenson street
and bordering on the Illinois Central Railroad tracks, and there the concern did
an apparently thriving business for many years. About four years ago the
concern became insolvent and the factory was purchased by the Moline Plow
Company, who have since made extensive additions nearly twice the size of
the original factories.
The Moline Plow Company, as an institution, was organized in 1868, and is
incorporated. The present officers are : President, G. A. Stephens ; vice presi-
dent, F. G. Allen; secretary and superintendent, C. R. Stephens. All of these
gentlemen reside in Moline. The local manager of the business is M. A. Steele,
who has been here for many years, and is a thoroughly competent and able
official.
Since taking hold of the Freeport factories, the Moline Plow Company has
almost doubled their size, and is now contemplating more extensive additions.
The Henney Buggy Company is located on the block bounded by Chicago, Spring,
Jackson, and Van Buren streets. It originally occupied only about half of the
block, while the rear of the premises were filled by warehouses and lumber
sheds. Within the past few years, buildings have been added to such an extent
that now the concern's factories cover the whole of the block. The output of
the Henney Buggy Company branch is enormous, being about thirty thousand
carriages of various sorts per annum. That of the Freeport Carriage Com-
panies branch is nearly as large, being about two-thirds as much or twenty-
thousand vehicles. The total output of the Moline Plow Company's buggy
factories in Freeport is thus on an average fifty thousand. The factories give
employment to a large number of men, and are a great boon to the city of Free-
port in every way.
Recently the Henney branch began to feel the need of better transportation
facilities. The Freeport Carriage Company is located on the Illinois Central
lines and is thus easily accessible to the Northwestern and C., M. and St. P.
roads, but the Henney plant is several blocks from the nearest railroad. The
need was formerly met by a side-track which ran through the alley between
Spring and Jackson streets, but this single switch presently became too small
to meet the demand. Then, through the efforts of the Citizen's Commercial As-
sociation of Freeport, who were also instrumental in persuading the Moline
Plow Company to locate its branches here, permission was secured for laying a
branch switch along Jackson street from the Illinois Central tracks to Van Buren
street. This switch was built early this year, and has proven itself indispensable
to the crowded Henney plant.
THE HOEFER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The Hoefer Manufacturing Company had its origin in a small buggy fac-
tory at Centennial, a few miles west of Freeport. The Hoefers were men of an
inventive turn of mind, and F. W. Hoefer moved to Freeport and began work-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 513
ing out some inventions in a room in the old Courthouse building. Later, he set
up a shop in what is now the Kinne Hotel, which was then a manufacturing
building.
In the summer of 1892, Mr. F. W. Hoefer and D. C. Stover formed a co-
partnership and started the Stover Novelty Works, in the building now used
by the Armour Packing Company. Mr. F. W. Hoefer was the active head of
the concern. The company's first product was power metal saws, and only a
few men were employed. During the second year, 1893, the panic struck the
county but the firm came through and increased the output. The firm supplied
the government with saws and drilling machinery at this time. In 1896, Mr.
Stover sold his interest and A. G. Hoefer bought an interest in the company.
The business developed rapidly and various sizes of drilling machines were put
on the market. A full line of bed-spring machinery was manufactured. The
company held the basic patents on this machinery and was enabled to control the
market in this country and abroad. Many attempts were made to infringe on
these patents but the company invariably won out.
In September, 1899, the old name was abandoned and the Hoefer Manufac-
turing Company was incorporated, and E. A. Hoefer joined his brothers in
the concern. The officials were: President and treasurer, F. W. Hoefer; vice
president, E. A. Hoefer; secretary, A. G. Hoefer.
The business of the company prospered and the factory was removed to
the Tuckett building in 1901. The demand for the Hoefer products was so
great that the company decided to build a building at the corner of Chicago
and Jackson streets. The building is 60x120, three-stories, with a wing 60x40
one story. The new building gave the company room for expansion which it
needed and new lines of goods were put on the market.
In 1905, A. G. Hoefer withdrew from the company on account of illness, and
Chester A. Hoefer, son of Fred W. Hoefer, bought an interest in the company
and was elected secretary.
In July, 1908, E. A. Hoefer withdrew from the company, C. A. Hoefer
purchasing the additional interest.
In 1908, exclusive agencies were established in the important cities of the
United States and Canada and in many foreign countries including England,
Sweden, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Spain, France, India, China, Japan,
Russia and some of the South American countries. Through these agencies,
Hoefer products go into all corners of the world.
Since 1908, the company has added to its equipment, has proceeded with the
standardization of its products and the manufacturing methods have been thor-
oughly revised and brought up to date. The company has increased its line and
broadened its market. The product at present consists of metal saws, upright
drills, horizontal drills, horizontal and vertical boring machinery. When running
at full capacity, the company employs about sixty-five men.
The present officials of the company are : President and treasurer, Fred W.
Hoefer ; vice president, P. E. Hoefer ; secretary, C. A. Hoefer.
THE ZIEGLER-SCHRYER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
One of Freeport's newest manufacturing establishments is the Ziegler-Schryer
Manufacturing Company, in East Freeport. No new company ever began undei
514 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
favorable auspices. Owing to the successful experience of the men back of it,
the new company was successful from the beginning.
The Ziegler-Schryer Company was incorporated in June, 1909. The officials
of the company are: President, Mr. Oscar J. Ziegler; vice president, P. L.
Schryer; treasurer, Roy M. Bennethum; secretary, Lewis Hughes.
The present output of the company consists of gas, gasoline and distillate
engines. The Z-S Engines are of the horizontal type. In addition to the engine
business the company does a general machine shop work and makes high grade
gray iron castings. The company puts out an attractive line of goods and is
meeting with such success that it has already become necessary to enlarge the
plant and increase the output. Eighty men are employed at present and the
number is constantly increased.
Mr. Oscar Ziegler was connected with one of the largest manufacturing
companies of the west for over twenty years, as designer and superintendent of
construction of a line of feed grinders and wind mills. Mr. Paul Schryer is an
expert gas-engine man, having served for years as designer and superintendent
of construction, in a large engine works of Freeport. Mr. Hughes and Mr.
Bennethum have had years of experience in the business and in some of the
largest concerns in the west.
DIRKSEN & TOWSLEE.
The Dirksen and Towslee Planing Mill is one of the newest institutions of
Freeport. It was founded in 1902 by R. D. Dirksen and F. H. Towslee, and first
began doing business in a small way in a factory on State street near South
Galena avenue. When these lodgings became too small to house the growing
concern, as they eventually did, the proprietors bought the factory formerly used
by the Burrell Brothers Vinegar Works, and there established their new plant.
The factory is a three-story brick structure 40x100 feet, with adjoining lumber
sheds which have a capacity of three hundred thousand feet of lumber, and
two large moulding sheds, each 20x60 feet in floor area. The yards and mill
cover two acres of ground, and the tracks of the Illinois Central pass the mill
making excellent transportation facilities. The Dirksen and Towslee property
is situated in the northern end of the town, near the river, just west of the
Freeport Water Company buildings, and a short distance east of the D. E. Swan
Organ Factory.
Fifteen hands are employed steadily. The business done by the Dirksen and
Towslee mill is mostly local although considerable shipping is done to the smalt
towns within a radius of fifteen or twenty miles. The outside business is con-
stantly increasing, and while the concern is still young, it has a most promising
future and has already done much to gain the confidence of the buying world.
W. T. RAWLEIGH MEDICAL COMPANY.
The Rawleigh Medical Company, although only a little over twenty years
old, has, in the short time of its existence, built up a business which extends over
the whole of the United States, and has made its president and incorporator a
THE W. T. RAWLEIGH CO.
fc
ARCADE MANUFACTURING CO.
LiSRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 515
millionaire. Mr. Rawleigh's clearheaded business ability is responsible for the
firm's progress during the last twenty years of its existence. It was he who be-
gan the process of manufacturing medical preparations — it is said by preparing
them on the cook stove of his own kitchen. As he succeeded in a small way,
he began to think of branching out, and founding a bigger concern. He es-
tablished a system of wagons which cover the whole of the surrounding coun-
try with a network of routes, and thus sold his products chiefly to the farmers.
In 1895, he formed the Rawleigh Medical Company, and incorporated the
concern of which he has since been president. The first factory was located
on the corner of Douglas avenue and Powell street. A large business was done
in this place, and it was here that Mr. Rawleigh got his start and made sufficient
capital to enable him to build his new factory. The disadvantage of the Douglas
avenue site lay in its distance from the railroad and its consequent lack of
transportation facilities. Accordingly a strip of land bordering on the Illinois
Central tracks near the foot of Galena street was purchased and the present
modern and up-to-date factory erected. The plant has a large capacity, and
the yearly output is enormous. The company deals in the various branches of
goods which are usually handled by such medical companies : Salves, ointments,
liniments, toilet preparations, patent medicines, stock dips and remedies, spices,
extracts, baking powders, etc.
In addition to the large local business done in Freeport and the surrounding
country, the Rawleigh Medical Company has a large foreign trade, all of which
has been developed within the past three of four years. The company now
maintains at its establishment a private printing plant where all the literature
and labels of the company are printed. The pile of buildings also includes a
power house, where the company's own four hundred and fifty horse power
generator furnishes power for turning all the machinery of the factory. Two
hundred hands are employed in and about the factory, and over a thousand
salesmen are on the road distributing Rawleigh's remedies and extracts. A
southern ware-house at Memphis, Tennessee, was added to the company's real
estate in 1907, and the concern is doing a business unequalled by any other con-
cern in Freeport. The officers are : President, W. T. Rawleigh ; vice president,
W. J. Trevillian; secretary, J. R. Jackson.
NATURAL CARBON PAINT COMPANY.
The Natural Carbon Paint Company was organized a few years ago by the
late Albert Baumgarten and F. W. Siecke, who is still connected with the con-
cern. The cause of the founding was the discovery, made by the gentlemen in-
terested in the project, of a natural carbon substance, which was superior to
lampblack in the manufacture of paint. This substance was found in large
quantities in the vicinity of Eleroy, in Erin Township, also in Mt. Carroll in
Carroll county. The carbon substance, which was named "mindura" from its
enduring qualities, when mixed with a quantity of linseed oil, made as desirable
a pigment as can be imagined, and was especially valuable for painting surfaces
which are ordinarily subjected to great wear and tear, such as railrod rolling
stock, and articles subjected to great heat, such as steam pipes, boiler heads,
steel chimneys, etc., which are painted not only for protection's sake, but for
516 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
appearances, metals which are subjected to the action of acid fumes, generated
in train sheds, under viaducts, in chemical works, creameries, tanneries, etc., are
rendered impervious to the action of the destructive elements when coated over
with an application of the "Mindura" paints.
The Natural Carbon Paint Company has a retorting capacity of about six-
teen tons of Mindura pigment per day of twenty-four hours, and a grinding
capacity of oil of eighteen barrels of semi-paste, or ten barrels of semi-paste, and
ten barrels of liquid goods per day of ten hours. The company caters primarily
to large consumers of paint, such as railroads, manufacturers of structural steel
and iron, and builders of steel cars.
The process by which the paint is manufactured is exceedingly interesting.
The raw material is shipped from Eleroy and Mt. Carroll to the Freeport fac-
tory, where it is washed, crushed, refined, and roasted at a temperature of about
nine hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit in specially constructed and patented
retort ovens. Then it is hydrated, and finally pulverized and air-separated to a
fineness of two hundred mesh. When metal surfaces are perfectly clean, a
proper application of "Mindura" mixed with pure linseed oil will preserve them
at a moderate cost better than any paint before the public.
The officers of the Natural Carbon Paint Company, which is an Illinois cor-
poration, are: President, M. Schauer; vice president, Rudolph Stadermann;
secretary and treasurer, F. W. Siecke.
FREEPORT WATER COMPANY.
The business of furnishing so large a community as Freeport with water is
one of huge magnitude, and, since 1882, the Freeport Water Company has given
the city of Freeport an excellent water supply, pure and wholesome for domestic
purposes, and of ample quantity. When the company was first organized in
1886, eight miles of mains, from four to sixteen inches in diameter were laid,
while now there are thirty-four miles of mains covering the city and its sub-
urbs, so that scarcely a house within the limits is not within reach of an adequate
supply of city water. In 1902 and 1903 a complete new pumping equipment,
also a filter plant was put in, so that for the last eight years, the city water
supply has been filtered, this providing for as fine a supply of water as can be
found in this vicinity. "Freeport water" has been even more famous than Free-
port beer, and for many years, the Illinois Central Railroad Company has
used Freeport artesian well water in the reservoirs of its passenger cars and
in all the dining cars used by the company. The latest report of the health
officer on city water states that the city water is pure and wholesome for drink-
ing and cooking purposes, and recommends the extension of the city mains and
the use of city water wherever possible instead of well water, as the latter is apt
to become infected with germs from cesspools, sewers, etc.
The officers of the Freeport Water Company are: President, Michael Stos-
kopf; vice president, J. H. Snyder; treasurer, Addison Bidwell; secretary and
superintendent, Owen T. Smith.
The pumping station and wells are located near the Cedarville bridge on
the river banks. The standpipe is located on Whistler street, near Stephenson,
in West Freeport.
WATER COMPANY'S PUMPING STATION
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 517
STEPHENSON COUNTY TELEPHONE COMPANY.
While it ha5 only been in operation for eight years, the Stephenson County
Telephone Company already has a list of subscribers quite as large as that of
the Freeport Telephone Company, and lines extending throughout Stephenson
County, and into the neighboring counties of Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle, Jo
Daviess, Whiteside, etc. By an arrangement recently completed by the directors
of the Stephenson Telephone Company, the Freeport subscribers are able to
get telephone connection with Chicago. The wires pretty thoroughly cover the
country within a radius of fifty miles of Freeport. The subscribers number
about two thousand five hundred, and the company employs twenty-three lady
operators in its office on the third floor of the Rice building. Exchanges are
maintained at all the village of Stephenson County.
The company was organized in 1902, by a company of Freeport financiers,
who elected Charles D. Knowlton president of the corporation. He served for
a number of years and was succeeded by Dr. D. C. L. Mease, the present official.
The other officers of the company are : Vice president, W. A. Hance ; treasurer,
Ezra T. Morse; secretary, L. A. Herrick; directors, T. K. Best, Charles D.
Knowlton, William O. Wright, F. A. Read, and Douglas Pattison.
The company is now capitalized at $150,000, all of which is Freeport capital,
and is doing a business which is rapidly increasing. The service is excellent,
and the instruments in use of the most modern type.
FREEPORT TELEPHONE COMPANY.
On the first of April of the present year, the Freeport Telephone Company
observed the thirtieth anniversary of its birth. It was established on the first
day of April, 1880, by E. T. Keim of Dubuque, acting on behalf of the National
Telephone Company, with a capital of $10,000, and the following officers : Presi-
dent, L. Z. Farwell, vice president, W. G. Barnes ; treasurer, F. Gund ; secretary,
C. H. Little; directors, O. B. Sanford, James I. Neff, L. Z. Farwell, E. B
Winger, F. Gund, and C. H. Little.
On the loth of June of the same year work was commenced, poles erected,
lines placed, etc., and the line went into operation the first of July. For some
years the list of subscribers grew slowly. The conservative Freeporters did not
take readily to the telephone idea. As late as fifteen years ago, the telephone di-
rectories consisted of a single folded sheet of cardboard, with the names of the
subscribers finding ample space on the two inside pages. But progress has come,
and the subscription list of the Freeport Telephone Company has increased
accordingly. The subscribers now number about two thousand two hundred, with
telephone exchanges in the villages of Rock Grove, Orangeville, Pearl City, Lena,
etc. In 1880, and for some time thereafter one telephone operator was sufficient
to attend to all the business, but at the present time the force number nearer two
dozen. The officers of the present year are: President, L. Z. Farwell; vice
president, ; secretary, ; treasurer, ;
superintendent, George H. Green ; directors, L. Z. Farwell, Roy K. Farwell.
518 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
THE FUERST-M'NESS COMPANY.
The Fuerst-McNess Company was organized February i, 1908, by Mr. Frank
E. Fuerst and Mr. F. W. McNess. Mr. Fuerst is president and treasurer; Mr.
F. G. Thomas, vice president; Mr. F. W. McNess, chemist and secretary. Mr.
Fuerst is a graduate of the Freeport High School and of the University of Mich-
igan School of Law. Mr. McNess is a doctor of pharmacy, a graduate of the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduating with honors. He came to Free-
port several years ago from Cleveland, Ohio.
The offices and ware-rooms of the company are in the large three-story build-
ing at the corner of Spring and Liberty streets. The company manufactures and
sells proprietary medicines, flavoring extracts, spices, perfumes and stock and
poultry remedies.
The company was organized February i, 1908, began work in March and
started the first wagon on the road, April loth. At the end of the first year the
company had twenty-five wagons out and now have over one hundred wagons
operating in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Ken-
tucky. Missouri, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. The
company is the originator of the free sanitary trial bottle system. For a new
company, the Fuerst-McNess organization is making remarkable progress and
the general public has confidence in Mr. Fuerst as business manager and in Mr.
McNess as chemist.
BAIER & OHLENDORF.
The Baier and Ohlendorf brewing establishment is the oldest in the city. It
was established sixty-one years ago, in 1849, as a supply depot for malt liquors
by Calvin McGee, and had a capacity of about two hundred barrels per annum.
Mr. McGee did not find the business either pleasant or profitable according to the
tradition, and sold it a year later to a Mr. Wade, who ran it until 1852. In that
year the brewery buildings were rebuilt and sold to E. Hetrich, who carried on
a prosperous business until his death, which occurred about twelve years later.
His widow married William Beck, who took charge of the business, made some
valuable improvements, and conducted the business until his death four years
later. Mrs. Beck attempted to act as proprietor for a short time, but did not
succeed in the undertaking very well, and sold out to Baier and Seyfarth in
1869.
These gentlemen took charge of the Beck Brewery, and continued the manu-
facture of beers for a while with the amount of machinery possessed by the
old brewery. Then they laid foundations for one of the finest plants in the coun-
try, and soon completed the building which is still standing on the corner of
Adams and Jackson streets.
In 1891, Mr. Ohlendorf succeeded Mr. Seyfarth, deceased, and the business
has since been conducted under the firm name of Baier and Ohlendorf. The
concern takes great pride in the quality of its product, and spares no effort to
make it perfect. The main brand of beer manufactured at the Freeport Brew-
ery is "Pilsener," which is put up both in kegs and in bottles. The capacity of
the plant is about thirty thousand barrels of the liquid substance annually.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY . 519
SCHMICH BROTHERS.
The Schmich Brothers Brewing Company is the brewery of latest growth in
Freeport. It occupies a large and up-to-date plant in East Freeport, on East
Stephenson street and the Pecatonica River, and employs a large force of work-
men in its various departments.
The history of Schmich Brothers plant may be traced back to 1880, although
the present concern was organized much later. In 1880, Matthias Schmich
purchased an interest in the old Western Brewery, now occupied by Franz
Brothers Brewing Company. For seven years the business was conducted by
Messrs. Schmich and Huber and in 1887 George Schmich, a brother of Matthias,
purchased the interest of Mr. Huber, and the firm became Schmich Brothers,
which it has remained to this day.
The members of the firm were young and enterprising men, and they soon
found that, in order to compete with the other breweries of Freeport as well as
their rivals of Milwaukee, their plant must necessarily undergo an enlargement.
For a while, the remodelling of the old Western Brewery was contemplated,
but finally the firm secured a building site in East Freeport, and erected their
present commodious and well appointed quarters. The plant was begun in
1896, and finished during the early part of 1897, at a cost of $75,000.
Various necessary improvements and additions have been made in the last
decade which raise the efficiency of the plant to a high figure. The capacity is
about twenty thousand barrels of beer per annum. The factories contain two
splendid engines, one eighty horse power and the other thirty. The company
also conducts its own artificial ice plant, and uses nothing else. A specialty is
made of the celebrated Schmich Brothers Rochester and Export bottled beer,
and the product is shipped to all parts of the United States. The company is
capitalized at $100,000 under the Illinois state laws. The officers are: Presi-
dent, Matthias Schmich ; secretary, W. N. Cronkrite ; treasurer, George Schmich.
WESTERN BREWERY.
The Western Brewery is very old, having been in existence since the year
1864. During that year Michael and Mathias Steffen erected two large stone
buildings, each 100 x 40 and two stories high, which they proposed to
devote exclusively to the manufacture of a superior quality of lager beer.
Their plant, which was located on the Lena Road, was then far outside of the
city limits, but is now inside of the line. In 1879 Michael Huber bought the
plant, and in 1880 Matthias Schmich became a partner in the venture. Huber
and Schmich remained the proprietors of the Western Brewery until 1887, when
George Schmich, a brother of Matthias, bought out Mr. Huber's interest and
the firm became Schmich Brothers. About ten years later, in 1897, the Schmich
plant was transferred to its present site in East Freeport, and the Western
Brewery passed into the hands of the Franz Brothers, who have made a great
success of the venture.
An entirely new and up-to-date plant has been erected, with a capacity of
about fifteen thousand barrels of beer per annum. A new addition to the brew-
520 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
ery has been an artificial ice plant which was built about two years ago. The
artificial ice plant is conducted by A. F. Balles, who utilizes the product in his
wagon trade, and supports the plant in connection with Franz Brothers.
The Western Brewery manufactures a high quality of beer, and is doing a
lively and encouraging business. The trade is mostly local but has become larger
of late years, and includes a large outside circuit. Splendid transportation facil-
ities are offered, as the tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad pass only a few
hundred feet distant from the buildings of the brewery, and it is altogether prob-
able that advantage of this fact will be taken to build up an extensive outside
trade. Franz Brothers have been in business but a short time, but already their
business is established on a sound basis, and their product is known far and wide.
YELLOW CREEK BREWERY.
The Yellow Creek Brewery deserves mention, as it is the oldest brewing estab-
lishment of the city of Freeport. It was founded in 1845 by Mathias Hettinger,
who, with John Hettinger, began in a small way, and laid the foundation for
a business which afterward assumed large proportions.
In 1852 Mr. Kachelhoffer became a partner in the business but sold out in
1856, and retired from the firm. Adam Aiker bought Mr. Kachelhoffer's in-
terest and took part in the business for four years, his death occurring in
1860. Under the firm of Hettinger & Aiker large beer cellars were built, and
the equipment of the plant much improved. The Aiker interest was purchased
by Jacob Haegle for $4,000, and the firm became Hettinger & Haegle. In
1869 Michael Roth purchased the Hettinger interest for $7,500, and the firm be-
came Haegle & Roth.
Mr. Haegle withdrew from the business after many years of connection,
and Michael Roth was succeeded by his son, L. J. Roth, who still conducts the
business. The buildings of the Yellow Creek brewery are situated on the State
Road, about a mile and a half east of town. These comprise the brew house,
ice house, warehouse, and the attached buildings, and are commodious and
thrifty in appearance. The capacity of the brewery is about two thousand bar-
rels of beer annually. The business done by the Yellow Creek brewery is al-
most altogether local. Mr. Roth has built up a reputation for himself among
the German citizens of Freeport, and the Yellow Creek brewery beer is well
known as lager beer of a high quality.
WOODMANSE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The city of Freeport has always been noted for its large output of windmills
and pumps. Not only does it possess the large plant of the Stover Manufac-
turing Company, but the Woodmanse plant, which manufactures a grade of
windmill surpassed by none on the market. The factory, which is a large brick
structure, on the corner of Galena and Liberty streets, has been built and added
to within the past fifteen years, and is today as modern and complete an insti-
tution in every respect as Freeport can boast of.
The business of the Woodmanse Manufacturing Company has always been
largely controlled by the founder and present manager, Mr. H. Woodmanse. Be-
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 521
ginning business in a small way, Mr. Woodmanse has worked up and enlarged
his market until now the Woodmanse product is known throughout the country
as superior and up to date in every particular. The great advance is due largely
to the energy and ability of Mr. Woodmanse himself, who has exercised a per-
sonal supervision over the details of the work at all times. He has had faith
in the excellence of his windmill, and has never allowed himself to be discour-
aged by any obstacle in his path. Mr. Woodmanse is exceedingly jealous of
the reputation of his windmill, and takes every precaution to turn out a product
which will surpass any other in existence.
The factory was established by Mr. Woodmanse in 1872 near the site where
it now stands, on the corner of Stephenson and Liberty (then Dock) streets.
Here he opened a depot for the sale of agricultural implements, devoting him-
self particularly to the sale of the Marsh harvester, one thousand seven hun-
dred of which he disposed of in six years. In 1878, he opened his factory on
its present site on the corner of Galena and Liberty streets. He first com-
menced the manufacture of windmills and farm pumps, but of late years has
confined himself solely to the Woodmanse windmill, and has placed large num-
bers of his machines on the farms of the surrounding country. Mr. Wood-
manse is owner of the controlling interest of his plant, by a large amount.
George L. Steenrod is superintendent of the factory. The output of the fac-
tory is about twenty-five thousand of the windmills annually, and a force of
over two hundred workmen are employed. The foreign trade in windmills
has grown of late years. Excellent freight facilities are offered by the Illinois
Central and Northwestern Railroads, whose tracks pass the Woodmanse fac-
tory, and connection is also afforded by means of the Transfer Bridge, with the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
FREEPORT GAS, LIGHT & COKE COMPANY.
The Freeport Gas, Light & Coke Company, formerly known as the Freeport
Light & Fuel Company, was organized as early as 1855. Before that time the
only methods of illumination in Freeport were the kerosene lamp, and the ancient
tallow candle. In the early part of the year 1855, Thomas J. Turner and a
number of other public spirited citizens met and formed the first gas company
of Freeport's history. They obtained a charter from the state legislature, per-
mitting the incorporation of the company, and bearing the date February 15,
1855. On October i6th of the same year the organization was perfected by the
election of the following officers: Thomas J. Turner, president; E. H. Hyde,
treasurer ; Homer N. Hibbard, secretary. The capital stock was fixed at $50,000.
During the same year grounds for the buildings of the gas works were pur-
chased, contracts were let, and the work of construction was begun. Early in
1856 they were completed. The spot where they were first built is still oc-
cupied by the gas company buildings, the original structures having been re-
placed by the modern and up-to-date edifices.
The company continued to operate the works for a number of years, but
did not make a success of the business end of the venture, and sold out to
Thompson Dean, a Cincinnati capitalist. About September i, 1863, Mr. Dean
522 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
also withdrew from the business and sold out to S. S. Ashcraft and Thomas
Butterworth. These officers remained in charge until May 14, 1867, when the
gas works were purchased by L. K. Scofield and C. S. Hill, of Freeport, at a
cost of $23,626. On the 26th of July, 1871, Mr. Hill sold his interest to L. L.
Munn, who operated the works in conjunction with Mr. Scofield, until Feb-
ruary 26, 1879. On that date Mr. Scofield withdrew from the business, and
went to engage in business in Fort Scott, Kansas. His interests in the gas
works was purchased by L. Z. Farwell, and Farwell and Munn remained in
charge until 1890. Then Mr. Munn disposed of his interest to Mr. Farwell,
who conducted the business alone until 1895. In 1895 the works were bought
out by a stock company, which now controls the plants. The new company
numbers among its members some of the leading citizens of Freeport, and was
incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois as "The Freeport Light &
Fuel Company," with a capital stock of $100,000.
Three years ago a business deal was concluded by Charles D. Knowlton,
president of the gas company, by which the holdings of the stock company were
to be transferred to Charles W. Morse, a New York capitalist. On the failure
of that gentleman to complete his part of the deal, the bargain was declared off,
and the stock company is again for the present in charge.
The secretary and manager of the company is Z. T. F. Runner, who has held
the position for many years. He has been associated with the plant since 1868,
with the exception of a few years spent on the road as a traveling salesman, owing
to failing health. Mr. Runner has made the manufacture of gas an intensive
study, and is considered one of the most thorough gas men in the business.
FREEPORT RAILWAY, LIGHT & POWER COMPANY.
The existence of an electric light company in Freport dates from 1882, in
which year the first company, known as the Freeport Van De Poele Electric
Light and Power Company was established. Previous to 1882, the streets of the
city had been shrouded in darkness by night. The gas company, in accordance
with its contracts with the city, had put up a number of gas lamps, but for
one reason or another, they were unsatisfactory and were discontinued. Dur-
ing the summer of 1882, the Van De Poele Company, of Chicago, gave several
exhibitions with the light in this city, and succeeded in interesting Freeport
capitalists in the project of organizing a company. In the fall of that year the
above mentioned company was organized with a capital stock of $25,000, and
a contract to light the city for a period of twenty-five years. On December 26,
1882, the plant, which was located near the Illinois Central tracks on Galena
street, was put into operation. By the close of 1883, the company had forty
lights in operation in the city hotels and stores, but no move had been made to
light the streets. In July, 1885, the matter was brought before the city coun-
cil, who granted the company a five year's contract, the city to pay $4,500 an-
nually for the light. The plant was then owned by a stock company, in which
D. C. Stover, Charles Nieman, Fred Gund, and R. H. Wiles were the principal
holders. A difficulty arose between the gas and electric companies, which was
immediately forestalled by the purchase of the electric light plant by Farwell
OPERA HOrSK. FREEPORT
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 523
and Munn, owners of the gas works. In 1886 a new power station was erected
close to the gas works, and three years later a large Westinghouse incandescent
dynamo was added to the equipment of the plant.
On the 22& of February, 1890, a disastrous fire completely destroyed the
electric light plant, and L. Z. Farwell, who had recently purchased the interest
of Mr. Munn was left to bear the loss alone. He immediately rebuilt the plant,
and in August, 1893, he removed the plant to Liberty street where he erected
a brick building, 50 x 150, and established a system of power and lighting, repre-
senting an outlay of $75,000, furnishing the city and private consumers with
ninety arc lamps. Mr. Farwell remained sole owner until the summer of 1894,
when the plant was purchased by the Freeport General Electric Company.
The origin of the Freeport General Electric was in 1886, when Messrs. F. C.
Platt and G. D. Clinger, of Waterloo, Iowa, introduced the subject of a street
railway system to the citizens of Freeport, and succeeded in interesting several
capitalists in the project. A company was organized on October 16, of that
year, with a capital stock of $45,000, and incorporated by F. C. Platt, G. D.
Clinger, Jacob Krohn, J. B. Taylor and W. G. Barnes. Large stables were
erected on Taylor avenue, and a horse car system operating four miles of track
was installed. The lines were on Carroll, Williams and Chicago streets, Oak
Place, and North Galena avenue, with a west and east line on Stephenson street
and Taylor ovenue, intersecting the north and south line at the corner of Ste-
phenson and Chicago streets. On November 4, 1886, the company elected the
following officers : Jacob Krohn, president ; F. C. Platt, vice president ; J. B.
Taylor, secretary; W. G. Barnes, treasurer; G. D. Clinger, general manager.
The cars began to operate on Thanksgiving Day, 1886.
In January, 1887, G. D. Clinger sold his interest in the enterprise to J. B.
Taylor, and F. C. Platt disposed of most of his stock to the same gentleman.
Hiram Warner, of Morris, Illinois, became general manager. In the winter of
1892-3, Congressman Mutchler, of Pennsylvania, visited Freeport, purchased
the horse car lines, and in company with some other gentlemen, proceeded to
convert it into an electric railway. On August n, 1894, the work of putting
down new rails was commenced, and the trolley cars arrived the following No-
vember. On the first of December, of that year, the Freeport Electric Light and
Power plant was purchased, and the light and power systems consolidated into
one under the title of the Freeport General Electric Company.
The Freeport General Electric Company continued to do business for about
seven years, and gave the citizens of Freeport excellent service. The terminals
of the various lines were extended, and the rolling stock of the company kept
in excellent condition. About ten years ago, the business was purchased by
A. P. and A. J. Goddard, who moved the electric light plant from its location
on Liberty street to the old Goddard's Mill site, Clark avenue and the river. A
new power house was built, and the water power afforded by the Pecatonica
river dam, familiarly known as Goddard's dam, was utilized. The old structure,
formerly occupied by the mills of Goddard and Clark, was also used. This,
however, burned down about two years ago, and the brick power house, with
additions and changes, was used alone.
524 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
A. P. and A. J. Goddard made a number of extensions to the street railway
system, when they took possession of the lines, building the extension in the
southeastern portion of the city, which is known to Freeporters as "the loop."
The Loop Line runs east from the old Carroll street terminal at Empire street
to Bauscher street, north of Bauscher street to Adams street, northwest on
Adams street to Chippewa street, north on Chippewa street to Shawnee street,
east on Shawnee street to Gund avenue, north and west on Gund avenue to
Hancock avenue, north on Hancock avenue to Taylor avenue, connecting with
the East Stephenson street line of the company. The building of this line
helped to open up the Arcade addition, and other parts of the city, which were
formerly altogether without transportation facilities. It is no longer in opera-
tion, except in parts, having been discontinued on account of difficulties with the
railroad companies whose tracks it crosses several times.
About six years ago a competing company was organized under the title
of the Freeport Light & Power Company, Charles E. Gregory, of Chicago, being
the chief instigator. When A. P. Goddard died, the firm of "A. P. and A. J.
Goddard" became the Freeport Railway, Light and Power Company, and Al-
pheus J. Goddard continued to fill the position of general superintendent. For
several years the two rival light and power companies ran side by side. In
July, 1910, the two companies consolidated, Charles E. Gregory being elected
president, and Alpheus J. Goddard vice president. It is planned to thoroughly
renovate and renew the rolling stock of the company, and effect a much needed
improvement in the street railway system. A new extension to connect the
western terminals of the Stephenson street and North Galena avenue lines is
planned. It is said that the company has bought a large tract of land west of
North Globe avenue and plans to run its line through, plat the addition, and open
it up to buyers. The scheme is a good one, and as the country is particularly
beautiful and well adapted to residence lots, and is, moreover, in that section
of suburban Freeport in which the natural growth of the city is trending, the
addition of transportation facilities should make the lots sell like hot cakes.
J. W. MILLER COMPANY.
The J. W. Miller Incubator Company, a private concern owned by J. W.
Miller, has its factory and offices at the south end of Oak Place, between the
Illinois Central tracks and the river. It had its origin in the J. W. Miller Poul-
try farm, which was located on the owner's farm south of town. The poultry
business was begun by Mr. Miller about twenty years ago, and continued until
1901, when the present work of manufacturing incubators and brooders was
commenced.
While the concern is one of the smaller factories of Freeport, yet Mr.
Miller does a large business, both in Stephenson county and in the adjoining
states. He began the work of making incubators and brooders on his farm on
the Dunbar road, and continued there for two years. He then moved into the
Stover building, which he occupied for two years more. From the Stover
building, Mr. Miller moved to his present factory, where he has been located
for about five years.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 525
About fifty men are employed by the Miller Company during the busy season.
The average yearly output of incubators and brooders is in the neighborhood
of fifteen thousand. The tracks of the Illinois Central, which pass the factory,
offer good shipping facilities.
FREEPORT ARTIFICIAL ICE AND COLD STORAGE COMPANY.
The Freeport Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company, makers of pure dis-
tilled water artificial ice, organized their company in January, 1907, and elected
the following officers : President, W. E. Fry ; vice-president, W. H. Flachte-
meier; secretary, W. H. Foil; treasurer, W. N. Tice.
Immediately after the work of organization was accomplished, the ice fac-
tory now in use was built. The plant is located south of the Illinois Central
tracks at the corner of Adams street and Clark avenue. Although built with a
view to supplying every demand in case of a large increase in business, the plant
is already too small to satisfy the wants of the growing business. A new addi-
tion is contemplated by the directors of the company, but no definite action has
been taken as yet.
The machinery used is of the most up-to-date variety, and was purchased
from the Henry Vogt Machine Company, of Louisville, Kentucky. The absorp-
tion system is employed, and the ice is frozen in cans. Pure distilled well water
is used throughout, and the precautions taken to insure perfect purity in the fin-
ished product are in evidence at every stage of the manufacture. The water
used is obtained from the company's own wells. It is converted into steam,
forced into the condenser at the top of the building, then conveyed through a
number of skimmers and filters, charcoal and sponge, into a boiler, where it is
re-boiled at a temperature of 212 degrees. The water thus purified is poured
into the freezing cans and lowered into tanks of calcium chloride brine. Pipes
carrying ammonia gas suround the freezing can, and the action of the ammonia
gas on the calcium chloride brine produces a temperature low enough to freeze
the contents of the can. The cans contain three hundred pound cakes of ice,
and, at a temperature of fourteen degrees above zero, forty-eight hours are con-
sumed in the process of freezing.
About sixteen hands are employed by the company during the busy season,
which is, of course, every season except midwinter. Four wagons are constantly
employed to distribute the product, and the plant turns out on an average twenty-
eight tons of ice every twenty-four hours. Large ice-houses adjoin the ice fac-
tory, but the capacity of both factory and ice-houses is now taxed to the ut-
most. In addition to the local business, the company does some shipping. A
spur track of the Illinois Central enters the company's grounds, and thus fur-
nishes good transportation facilities.
FREEPORT SHOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
The Freeport Shoe Manufacturing Company was organized in September,
1900, by a company of Freeport gentlemen, of whom Fred Dorman was elected
president, Henry Baier vice-president, Will H. Foil secretary and treasurer, and
526 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
B. Goldman superintendent. The idle and deserted factory of the H. Meyer
Boot and Shoe Company was purchased, the original firm having failed after a
short and satisfactory career, and the manufacture of boots and shoes was imme-
diately commenced.
The manner in which the Freeport Shoe Company has built up a trade has
been nothing short of miraculous. The market was at ftVst restricted to almost
nothing, but within ten years the output has grown so enormously that today
one thousand pairs of boots and shoes are made daily. The whole of the product
is at present sold to the Selz, Schwab & Company, of Chicago.
The factory is located in West Freeport, south of Lincoln Boulevard, in the
addition known as the Shoe Factory Addition. The plant is well equipped in
every respect, and employs the most up-to-date machinery. A force of one hun-
dred and twenty-five hands is employed throughout the year.
A number of changes have occurred in the ownership of the company since
its comparatively recent organization, but the list of officers is, with one excep-
tion, unchanged. The present officials are: President, Fred Dorman; vice presi-
dent, Henry Baier; secretary, H. H. Antrim; treasurer and superintendent, B.
Goldman.
KEENE CANNING COMPANY.
The Keene Canning Company was started under the firm of Emory & Keene
in the year 1887. The first factory was located across the river in East Free-
port, but the company remained there only a year. Mr. Emory then left the
business, and F. O. Keene has since been sole proprietor and manager. In 1888
the business was moved to its present location at the foot of Monterey street,
close to the Illinois Central tracks. Hardly had the new factory been erected
when a disastrous fire destroyed the whole property, entailing an enormous loss.
Mr. Keene was in the east when the fire occurred, and as soon as he returned
commenced the erection of a new factory.
Hard times ensued for the Keene Canning Company, and it is due to the
pluck and persistency of Mr. Keene that the company has reached its present
prosperous condition. Last winter, 1909, the new factory, a fine three-story
brick building, was built to replace the old frame structure.
The company cans three articles of food : corn, peas, and pumpkin. The
first vegetable canned was corn.; then, a few years ago, Mr. Keene began the
work of canning sugar peas, and, finally, pumpkin. The new factory is up-to-
date and contains entirely modern machinery. Formerly some of the work,
such as the husking of corn, was done by hand, but for some years all of the work
has been done by machinery. Now the product is not touched from the time
it leaves the farmer's wagon until the can is opened by the consumer. Machin-
ery conveys the unhusked corn from the bins, where it is unloaded, to the third
story of the building, where it is husked, shelled, cooked, and canned. The
cans are then automatically sealed, and put through a machine which decorates
them with wrappers indicating the brand.
Formerly the peas were all shelled at the factory, but now much of this work
is done at the farms, and the peas are brought to town already shelled. Mr.
mSTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 527
Keene owns a large number of farms himself, nearly 1,000 acres in all, where
he grows all of his peas and a small quantity of corn. The balance is purchased
from the farmers of the vicinity. The different farms belonging to the Keene
Canning Company are located in every portion of the county. There are large
tracts south of town, and also in Lancaster Township. The largest pea produc-
ing farm is located in Lancaster, a short distance northeast of town, and is
known as Pea Ridge. Here an auxiliary plant has been erected, and the work of
shelling the peas is practically all done here. When the peas are brought to the
Freeport plant they are ready to be cleaned, cooked, and canned immediately.
The pumpkin industry is of recent 'growth. The product is canned both in
the ordinary sized cans, in quart tins, in, gallon tins, and in other receptacles of
varying sizes. About 1,400 tons of pumpkin were canned last year.
The capacity of the cannery, since the addition of the new machinery, is very
large. About 120,000 cans of goods are manufactured daily, which makes a
total of nearly 4,000,000 cans of goods for the entire season. Of the 4,000,000,
about 2,250,000 cans are of corn, 1,000,000 of peas, and less than 1,000,000 of
pumpkin. The equipment of the factory is such that 240 tons of corn can be
handled daily.
As regards machinery and equipment, the factory is thoroughly up-to-date.
They possess a 340 H. P. boiler, a 150 H. P. engine, and a 30 H. P. engine.
Among the farm equipment is a gasoline plow, fifty horses and mules, between
thirty and forty wagons, reapers, and seeding machines, etc. From one hundred
and fifty to two hundred hands are employed at the factory during the busy sea-
son, which, however, does not last throughout the entire year. A visit to the
establishment is well worth one's time, and the process of cooking and canning
is extremely interesting. F. O. Keene is in direct control of the concern, and
acts as manager and superintendent.
D. E. SWAN COMPANY.
The D. E. Swan Organ Company, manufacturers of high grade cabinet or-
gans, is a concern of recent growth, although its predecessors have been in ope-
ration for a number of years. The Burdett Organ Company, which preceded
it, was organized by the Burdett Brothers, and bought the factory formerly oc-
cupied by the Johnson Wheel Company in North Freeport. The Burdett Com-
pany was in existence for a number of years, and then sold out to the Cable
Company, manufacturers of pianos and organs. When the Cable Company de-
cided to remove its plant from Freeport two years ago, the Freeport property
was purchased by D. E. Swan, general superintendent of the plant, and the
organ business was continued.
The Swan factory occupies a large lot north of the addition in North Free-
port known as the Wheel Factory addition. It is a large structure, meeting sat-
isfactorily the insistent demands of the growing company for additional floor
space. The Illinois Central Railroad, whose Wallace yards are situated just
west of the organ factory, offers facilities for transportation of the manu-
factured product, and in this respect the Swan Organ Factory's location sur-
passes that of any manufacturing concern in the city.
528 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The company manufactures a high grade instrument, and has a large yearly
output. Over one hundred hands are employed in the various departments,
and the prospects for the future of the D. E. Swan Organ Company are ex-
tremely bright.
HENNEY BUGGY COMPANY.
The name "Henney" has been one around which much of Freeport's indus-
trial progress has been built up. John W. Henney, Sr., came to this county in
1848 and in 1868 he began the manufacture of buggies and carriages in a small
shop at Cedarville. The business grew to such proportions that he moved his
business to Freeport and established the celebrated Henney Buggy Company. The
business developed rapidly and soon became one of the leading industries of its
kind in America. The name plate "Henney" on a buggy or carriage meant a
guarantee of honest material and workmanship, and did much to give Freeport
a nation-wide reputation as a manufacting center. While the business has passed
into the hands of the Motive Plow Company, Mr. Henney is still connected with
Freeport enterprises, is a member of the Board of Education and is one of the
county's most honored and distinguished citizens.
THE CHARLES E. MEYER COMPANY.
In 1858, over 50 years ago, the Meyer Company began the manufacture of
vinegar in Freeport. The business has enjoyed a remarkable progress, and large
shipments are made all over the middle west. The company suffered a heavy
loss by fire a few year ago, but have gone on increasing the output. In July,
1910, the company bought the buildings of the Bear Brening Company, at 60
Oak place, and will now have a plant adequate to meet the demands of the
trade. Mr. Stahl, at the head of this company, is one of the Freeport's most
capable young business men and that insures the future success of the organiza-
tion.
THE WALLACE SEVERANCE GAS MACHINE COMPANY.
This company is the originator and manufacturer of the Wallace Severance
Gas Machines, for lighting and cooking purposes. The company has been in
business eight years, operating in the old Shrinkler building at first and then
moving to present quarters at 43 South Galena avenue. This invention has
made it possible for a man to have his own gas plant in his home or in his place
of business. The company is doing an increasing business over the western
states through traveling salesmen and local agents.
THE FREEPORT GAS MACHINE COMPANY.
The Freeport Gas Machine Company is located on Stephenson street, and
manufactures and sells the Freeport Gas Machine, an automatic gas plant pro-
ducing a gas suitable for cooking and illuminating purposes. The officials of
the company are : President, Dr. D. C. L. Mease ; Vice President, H. J. Johnson ;
Manager, S. P. Wallace; Secretary and Treasurer, A. Stoller. The "Freeport"
Gas Machine is sold in large numbers throughout the western states. The gas
machine is in great demand in the rural communities and in small towns where
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there are no large gas plants. Many farmers light both house and barn. This
company is doing a good business and has excellent prospects.
THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL SHOPS.
One of Freeport's best industrial establishments is the Illinois Central Shops.
The plant is a large one covering several acres of ground and employs about
300 men. It does an immense business in repairing and rebuilding Illinois
Central rolling stock. The machine shops and the round house are equipped
with the best and latest improved machinery.
The officials of the Illinois Central Shops are all practical men of the
highest order of ability : Master Mechanic, Victor Powell ; Train Master, Martin
Flannigan ; General Foreman, Edward Lawless ; Floor Boss, Mr. Dick ; Black-
smith Foreman, Jack Sweeney.
FREEPORT FACTORIES.
The last five years have seen the most rapid growth of the manufacturing
interests of Freeport that the city has ever known. The Henney Buggy Com-
pany, now the Moline Plow Company, has more than doubled its buildings, its
numbers of employees and its output. Besides large additions to the old plant
two large new buildings have been on the site of the old Robinson plant. The
Stover Engine Works, the Stover Manufacturing Company and Woodmansees,
have made steady advances. The Organ factory, the Illinois Central Shops,
the Shoe factory, Hoefer's and the Arcade are all doing an increasing business.
The new Ziegler-Schryer Company is forging ahead with strides that warrant
the belief that it will soon be one of Freeport's largest concerns.
Quality has always been the standard with Freeport manufacturers. Free-
port goods have been shipped to all civilized countries of the world, and "Made
in Freeport" is a stamp that sells. Besides encouraging established factories,
Freeport offers excellent inducements to new concerns. Good factory sites are
to be had and the Citizens Commercial Association is always ready to give sup-
port to legitimate concerns. The railroad facilities are first class and no bet-
ter banking houses are to be found in any city in the country. In fact, there
is nothing wanting to make the city a big manufacturing center.
J. W. MILLER COMPANY.
The Freeport Journal of January n, 1909, gives the following as the annual
output of the J. W. Miller Company: Annual business of the poultry farm
$40,000; annual output of incubators and brooder, 30,000; fireless cookers, 7,000.
The company employs about 100 people.
\
STORES.
The oldest business in Freeport run by one family is that of William O.
Wright on Stephenson Street at the corner of Stehpenson and Chicago. This
store occupies two rooms for the clothing and shoe departments. The business
was founded by Orestus H. Wright, who came to Freeport in December, 1836.
Early in 1737 he opened a store in a log building near the river. The same year
he built a frame store and later built the first three-story building in Freeport,
530 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the building now occupied by the Cascade Laundry. He was largely instru-
mental in building the first bridge across the river and exerted great influence in
bringing the railroad to Freeport. He held the offices of Probate Judge and
County Clerk. He died in 1851. His son, William O. Wright, who now con-
ducts the business, was born in Freeport in 1841, four years after the county
was organized. It has fallen to the lot of but few men now living, to have lived
in Freeport sixty-nine years ago. He has seen Freeport grow from a shack,
frontier village of a few settlers, to a city of over twenty thousand people. He
was educated at Beloit College. Learning the printer's trade in the office of the
old Prairie Democrat, he started the "Northwest," a weekly newspaper. In the
Civil War Mr. Wright served in the Adjutant General's office under General
Hurlburt, in Colonel Putnam's regiment. He is a Mason, a member of the
Freeport Club, was several years a member of the Board of Education, a direc-
tor in the Gas Company and the First National Bank. For over twenty years
Mr. Wright was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. His
life, almost contemporaneous with the history of Freeport, has been and is now
one of wide influence in northern Illinois.
Mr. L. Z. Farwell, one of the most prominent of Freeport's older business
men, has been a resident of Stephenson County since coming here with his pa-
rents in 1852. In 1860 he came to Freeport and in 1861 formed a partnership
with Mr. O. B. Bidwell. The firm of Bidwell & Farwell conducted a wholesale
notion business over Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. In 1871 Mr. Farwell bought
Mr. Bidwell's interest and conducted the bsuiness alone from 1871 to 1885,
doing at times a half million dollar business annually. In 1877 Mr. Farwell
bought a half interest in the Gas Company and bought Mr. Munn's interest in
1890 and conducted that alone till 1895 when he sold to a stock company. In
1879 ne organized a telephone company in which he still holds a large interest
and of which he is president. Besides other interests he is a director of the
Second National Bank in which he is a heavy stockholder. For fifty years Mr.
Farwell has been recognized as one of Freeport's most successful business men.
He has always taken a great interest in the Freeport Club, of which he has
been president for years. His son, Mr. Roy K. Farwell, is secretary of the
Freeport Telephone Exchange Company, and chairman of the Board of Edu-
cation, and is prominent among the younger business men of Freeport.
William Koenig came to Freeport in 1856. He was an apprentice at the
cabinet trade with Darius Kuehner. He then worked five years for J. B. Sny-
der and entering business for himself, formed a partnership with David Hunt.
In 1880 Mr. Koenig bought Mr. Hunt's interest and has since conducted the
business alone. In 1895 he built the large four-story building now occupied by
his furniture store at the corner of Stephenson and Mechanic streets. He has
operated one of the most complete furniture stores in northern Illinois. He
was a large stockholder in, and secretary of, the Robinson Manufacturing Com-
pany. He is now assisted in the business by his son, Robert, a recent graduate
of the University of Wisconsin.
Mr. Loyal L. Munn, Sr., came to Freeport from New York State in 1846,
at the age of seventeen. He taught school one year and in 1850 went into the
insurance business. In 1853 he organized the Stephenson Insurance Company
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and was secretary till 1865. He was in the dry goods business from 1866 to
1869, and in the Gas Company from 1871 to 1889. In 1862 he built the Munn
Building. In 1893 he bought a large interest in the Arcade Manufacturing
Company and was president of that concern. Mr. Munn died in 1908. He was
a man of remarkable resources and energy. He was a thirty-third degree
Mason.
Hon. August Bergman was one of Stephenson County's leading business
men of the second generation. He came here in 1852. He was born in the
village of Meinberg, Germany, in 1835. His first work in Freeport was in a
brickyard, where he labored eight years. In 1864 he entered the livery business
and began the agricultural implement business in 1867. The firm of Bergman
& Dorman expanded rapidly till it was one of the largest in northern Illinois.
The partnership being dissolved he conducted the implement business till his
death early in 1910.
Mr. Bergman had held the following offices : Street commissioner, alderman,
mayor three terms, president of the Board of Education, director of the Ger-
man Insurance Company, etc. He was one of the most popular of Freeport's
successful business men.
No one stands higher among the older business men and citizens of Free-
port than Mr. William Wagner, the venerable editor and publisher of the An-
zeiger. He came to Freeport with his father in 1852. From 1853 he was
identified with his father in the publishing business. On the death of his father,
Mr. W. H. Wagner took up the managing of the business for which he had ex-
cellent training. The business prospered under his able management and in 1886
he built the Anzeiger Building, a large three-story brick structure at the corner
of Chicago and Galena Streets, which houses one of the most complete and up-
to-date printing plants in the state. Several of Mr. Wagner's sons have been
associated with him in the business. Mr. Otto Wagner withdrew from the
firm in 1905, and began a bindery and office supply business on Galena Street.
Mr. A. F. Wagner withdrew in 1910. Messrs. Oscar and Frederick Wagner
are now connected with the business. Mr. W. H. Wagner is a man of wide
influence in Freeport, and is now president of the Board of Education.
The dry goods establishment of William Walton Nephews is one of the
pioneer stores of the city, and is justly renowned throught this section of the
state. So excellent a line of goods does it carry that it is patronized extensively
by purchasers from neighboring cities, and the Rockfordites, whose city is
nearly twice the size of Freeport, say that no Rockford store carries the same
quality of dry goods.
The store was established by William Walton in 1858. Mr. Walton was a
native of England, having been born in County Dunn, and raised in Birmingham.
In England he took up the dry goods business and was a clerk for many years.
In 1855 he came to the United States. He was located for a brief season in
New York, then in Chicago, where he was connected with the dry goods house
of J. B. Shay, and finally in Amboy, Illinois, where he embarked in business for
himself. After a short stay in Amboy he became satisfied that the town was
not large' enough to support the store he was anxious to establish, and accord-
ingly he pulled up stakes and came to Freeport. Since his removal to this city,
532 , HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
the business has steadily prospered. Mr. Walton soon gained the confidence
of the public and built up a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which has
survived unblemished up to the present time.
Mr. Walton also invested heavily in real estate in and about the city of
Freeport, and, as his cares began to grow numerous and arduous, he looked
about him for help. This he found in the persons of his three nephews, Wil-
liam, Joseph and Edwin Hall, who came over from England at his request and
took charge of his business. At his death in 1898 they assumed control under
the firm name of William Walton Nephews. William Hall took charge of the
clothing and men's furnishing department, while Edwin Hall became manager
of the dry goods department. Thus the business is still conducted.
At first the store at 104 Stephenson Street was the one occupied. Later
the next store building west was rented and occupied for the clothing store, and
finally the next store building east was secured and added to the dry goods
department. The upper floors of the buildings are also occupied at present by
the carpet and curtain departments, and the establishment as a whole is one of
the most progressive and up-to-date of the city.
The dry goods establishment of F. A. Read, which occupies the first and
second floors of the Weishar Block, is one of the substantial and well estab-
lished business firms of the city. It was established in the spring of 1877 by
C. H. Seeley, who opened a small store on upper Stephenson Street, and thus
formed the nucleus about which the present business has grown up. In the fall
of the same year F. A. Read became associated with Mr. Seeley and the firm
name became Seeley & Read. The place of business was transferred and the
new firm opened in the store now occupied by Huss & Kinley in the Wilcoxin
Block. It was not long before these quarters became far too crowded, and a
new building was erected for the store by C. H. Rosenstiel, on the opposite side
of Stephenson Street from their present location. These quarters were also
far too small, and presently it became imperative that a change be made if the
extensive trade which the founders had built up was to be retained. Henry
Weishar, seizing the opportunity as a good business venture, built the Weishar
Block especially for Seeley & Read, and fitted up the first and second floors of
the building with the necessary appurtenances for the stores. A large increase
in business followed and the firm began to handle a more extensive class of
goods. A millinery department was added, and opened to the public, with an
exceptionally fine line of goods. In time a carpet department was also added.
In 1893 the concern met with a great disaster. The place was visited by
a ravaging fire which consumed the entire interior of the Weishar Block and
left only the walls standing. The whole stock was lost, and hardly a vestige
of the once elegantly modelled store was discernible. The three men most con-
cerned in the loss were not discouraged, however, and the building was imme-
diately reconstructed. Another fire has occurred since that time, but with no
such serious results. In February, 1899, Mr. Seeley withdrew from the firm
to engage in the mining business, and the firm has since been F. A. Read alone.
The store carries a line of dry goods, millinery and carpets which is unexcelled
by any in the northern part of the state. Recently the store front was remodelled
and new entrances built. It is one of the handsomest stores in the city at pres-
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ent. Mr. Joseph Johnson, Mr. Read's son-in-law, is now connected with the
business.
At the sign of the only plated tower in existence in the world, the crockery
establishment of C. H. Little & Co. has continued to do a flourishing business
for over half a century. It is one of the oldest business firms of the city, and1
has always held an unequalled reputation throughout the city and surrounding
country.
In 1859, Mr. Little established the business which bears his name, at 71
Stephenson street, across the street from its present location. Here it remained
for eight years, and then, in 1867, Mr. Little moved across the street to 74 Ste-
phenson street, which place the firm still occupies. At that time, he took in
with as partners Mr. F. J. Kunz, and Mr. C. H. Becker. A new building was
built for the accommodation of the firm, which, with certain alterations and
addition has been in the possession of C. H. Little & Co. ever since its erection.
Some time ago the business had so thoroughly outgrown its original quarters
that additional floor space became an imperative necessity. A store in the next
building was secured and made a part of the original store. This arrangement
has continued in effect for a number of years.
The original building of the C. H. Little & Co. is one of the finest in the
city, and the plated tower which scales its front is one of the most unique ad-
vertisements in the world. All three floors of the buildings are occupied by the
store, together with the basement, which is used as store room. The line of
goods carried by C. H. Little & Co. is not surpassed in nothern Illinois. In
addition to the crockery department, a line of beautiful and choice cut glass is
carried. The toy department is par excellence. As a whole, the firm enjoys
exclusive patronage to a degree unknown by most of the business houses of the
city, and retains its ancient reputation as the leading crockery establishment of
Freeport.
The Burrell grocery business was established by L. F. Burrell in 1854. Henry.
Daniel and John Burrell came to Freeport from Pennsylvania in 1850. Mr.
John Burrell was associated with Mr. Emmert in the drug business until — ? — .
They are all men distinguished for a high order of business ability and integrity
and are numbered among Freeport's most substantial citizens.
In his seventy-ninth year Joseph Emmert is yet one of the active business men
of Freeport. He has been in the drug business since arriving in Freeport in 1855.
fifty-five years. The business was established by John S. Emmert in 1846. Mr.
Emmert has occupied the same premises for the fifty-five years. He is one
of the pioneer druggists of northern Illinois, and the oldest merchant in Free-
port. Mr. Emmert takes great pride in the fact that he has trained a num-
ber of boys in business and they have been remarkably successful.
The B. P. Hill Grain Company began business in 1882. The company does a
big business in grain, coal, salt, coke and wood. Besides the elevator in Free-
port with a capacity of 40,000 bushels, the company has elevators at Evarts,
Lena, McConnell, Baileyville, Steward, Red Oak, Woosung and Haldane. Mr.
B. P. Hill is president and treasurer of the company.
The H. A. Hillner Company does an extensive business in coal, wood, feed
and grain. Besides a big new elevator in Freeport, Mr. Hillner has elevators
534 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
at Ridott, German Valley, Dakota, Davis, Waddams and Florence. The company
was organized in 1903, but Mr. Hillner had been in the business as an employe
of H. J. Porter since 1884.
The Armour Packing Company has a branch office in Freeport that does a
large business in this section.
The Standard Oil Co. maintains a large local plant. Besides supplying the
Freeport trade the company makes large shipments by; means of two wagons
and the railroads to points in northwestern Illinois. The company's local man-
ager, Mr. A. H. Stephenson, has been with the company for 18 years and is one
of the most competent and reliable business men of the county.
The business of Kuehner Brothers was established at the present location on
the site of the Howe Hotel by Darius Kuehner in 1857. He was a successful
business man and built the business block in 1869. The business is carried
on by his sons, Fred and Robert, who are among the county's most progressive
business men. The store was remodelled and extended in 1906, and is one of
the finest and most elaborate furniture stores in Illinois.
Mr. Frederick Dorman came to Freeport in 1874 and for thirty-five years was
identified with many of Freeport's large business interests. He was president of
the Shoe Manufacturing Co. ; president of the Howe Gas Machine Co. ; vice presi-
dent of Guyer & Calkins; a director in Woodmansees Mfg. Co., one of the
principal stockholders of Dorman & Co., dealers in agricultural implements,
and president of the State Bank.
Ezrom Mayer, the secretary of the Union Building and Loan Association, has
been a resident of Freeport since 1847. He entered Oscar Taylor's Bank in 1855;
held a position in the bank of De Forest & Co. several years and was the first
cashier of First National Bank. For many years he was in the bank of Het-
tinger, Collman Brothers & Co. Besides his active management of the Union
Loan Company's business he has many other financial holdings. At the age of
73 he is an active business man with a wonderfully cheerful disposition.
One of the prominent attorney's of the early days was A. T. Green who
came to Freeport in 1839, walking from Rockford. He was a native of New York.
He was a postmaster from 1843 to 1849. Besides being a prominent attorney he
was one of the men who stood with L. W. Guiteau in the agitation for free
public schools. His son, Charles T. Green, was also a lawyer and served in
the Civil war. His grandson, Charles H. Green, is now one of the county's suc-
cessful attorneys.
Mr. J. M. Galloway has been in business in Freeport since 1858. With Mr.
W. H. Snooks he conducted a bottling works for years in the old "Mansion
House," the hotel built by Benjamin Goddard in 1837. It stood diagonally across
the present Y. M. C. A. tennis courts on Walnut street. They now conduct the
business on Galena street.
C. O. Collmann came from Hanover, Germany, in 1850. He farmed in.
Ridott township till 1866 when he entered the mercantile business in Freeport.
In 1876 he was one of the organizers of the bank of Hettinger, Collmann Brothers
& Co., now the German Bank. He was a high official in the German Insurance
Company. At the age of 78 he is still president of the German Bank.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 535
Hon. E. P. Barton was one of the talented members -of the Stephenson County
bar after 1855. He was a graduate of Hamilton College, New York, and was
admitted to the bar in Brooklyn in 1852, where he practiced law till 1855. He
was associated with the following firms ; Turner, Burchard & Barton ; Burchard
& Barton ; Burchard, Barton & Barnum and Barton & Barnum, leading law
firms of the county. He was elected County Judge of Stephensonl County, a
position he filled with distinction.
Henry Baier, of Baier & Ohlandorf, is one of the oldest citizens and busi-
ness men of Freeport. He came to this county from Bavaria in 1843. His
business ability has made him one of Freeport's wealthy men, and at the age of
74 he is still a leader in some of the city's largest enterprises.
Mr. Orlando B. Bidwell was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, July
28, 1829. He came to Freeport in 1856, and was one of Stephenson County's
most prominent citizens till his death January 14, 1909. In 1861 he formed a
partnership with Mr. L. Z. Farwell in the wholesale notion business. He was a
stockholder and director in the Freeport Gas Light & Coke Co. and a heavy
stockholder and treasurer of the Freeport Water Company. In religious, edu-
cational and philanthropic work Mr. Bidwell was a leader. He was a stanch
supporter of the First Presbyterian church, a Trustee of Beloit College and
gave time and money to Y. M. C. A. Mr. Bidwell was President of the First
National Bank from 1870 to 1909.
For fifty-five years A. W. Ford has conducted a jewelry store in Freeport, on
Stephenson street. He is one of the oldest, best known and reliable merchants
of the city. He was one of the founders of the Y. M. C. A., and has been a
leader in church affairs.
Hon. John H. Adams was one of the early settlers whosd character made
a deep and lasting impress upon the history of this county. Born in Pennsylvania
in 1822 and educated in an academy at Trappe, Pennsylvania, he learned the
milling business as an apprentice and came to Stephenson County in 1844. He
located in the north end of Cedarville and bought the mill. In 1844 he planted
Norway pine seeds on the hill across the creek and those pine trees may be seen
there today as a monument to the memory of one of the county's greatest men.
He was foremost in the campaign to secure the first railroad into the county and
was always a champion of the church and of free public schools. With his money
and by public addresses he encouraged enlistments for the war in 1861. In 1864
he was one of the organizers of the Second National Bank of Freeport of which
he was president. Aside from being a business man of more than ordinary ability
and political leader, he was a man of wide reading, in sympathetic touch with
the great world struggles of his time, a gentleman of profound sincerity and
of marked culture. Such a man was the father of America's greatest woman,
Jane Adams of Hull House, Chicago.
Judge Mathew Marvin for almost forty years has been a prominent figure
in Freeport. Before coming here he lived in Warren and Galena. He was
appointed postmaster at Warren and later was elected Judge in Jo Daviess County.
He has twice served as city attorney here and has been Justice of the Peace
since 1895. His son, Mathew Marvin, is one of the prominent real estate and
insurance men of Freeport.
536 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
General Smith D. Atkins was state's attorney for this district at the breaking
out of the Civil war in 1861. He was born June 9, 1835, in New York, and
came to Stephenson County with his father's family in 1848. He lived on the
farm for two years, and then came to Freeport and entered the office of the
Prairie Democrat. He was educated in the Mount Morris College where he was
foreman on the Mount Morris Gazette while a college student. In 1853 he
was associated with the Savannah Register. He studied law in the office of
Hiram Bright in Freeport and was admitted to the bar and began practice in 1850,
after further study of law in Chicago. In 1860 he stumped northern Illinois
urging the election of Lincoln. At Lincoln's first call for troops, Mr. Atkins
was the first man to enlist in this county and organized the first company and
went to the front as captain of Company A, Eleventh Illinois. For gallant
service at Fort Donelson he was promoted to the rank of major in the Eleventh
Illinois. At the battle of Pittsburg Landing he won special mention for bravery
and conspicuous service, as Acting Assistant Adjutant General on General
Hulburt's staff. In the summer of 1862 he recruited the Ninety-Second Illinois
and went to the front as its Colonel. He commanded the First Brigade, Granger's
Corps, till July ist, 1863, when the Ninety-Second was attached to Wilder's Bri-
gade. The Ninety-Second was now a calvary regiment and with it General
Atkins served in the campaign against Chattanooga; entered Chattanooga Sep-
tember pth, 1863, driving out Bragg's Cavalry at 10:00 a. m. and at 3:00 p. m.
was on the battlefield of Chickamauga. He served with Wilder's Brigade till April
4, 1864, when his regiment was attached to Kilpatrick's Cavalry. In Kilpatrick's
division he commanded the Second Brigade, marched with Sherman to Savannah,
Georgia, where on January 12, 1865, he was promoted Brevet Brigadier Gen-
eral, and commanded that Brigade of Cavalry through the Carolinas to the
close of the war. He was under fire in more than 100 minor battles and skir-
mishes, was twice wounded, and had one horse shot under him. He was ap-
pointed Major General of Volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meri-
torious service.
Major E. A. Duncan, formely of Sherman's Staff, says of General Smith
D. Atkins: "The battle of Macon, or what is called Walnut Creek, was a
cavalry engagement, fought by one of Kirkpatrick's Brigades under the com-
mand of Colonel S. D. Atkins, of the 92d Illinois Mounted Infantry. This
gallant officer with his little brigade fought the whole of Crew's division, and
not only fought them, but whipped them — capturing nine pieces of artillery. The
rout of the enemy was complete. For gallantry and soldierly bearing on this
occasion, General Sherman recommended Colonel Atkins to the Secretary of
the War for promotion. The promotion was made and no setting, however rich,
ever became the jewel it contained more worthily than did his broad shoulders
become the stars that gemmed them."
In 1865 General Atkins was appointed postmaster and has served in that
capacity to the present day with the exception of the eight years of democratic
rule by Grover Cleveland. During most of that time he has been editor and
chief proprietor of the Freeport Journal. In county, state and national politics
he has been a leader for fifty years. His editorials are more widely quoted than
any other in Illinois. He is author of the iHstory of the Ninety-Second Illi-
O. II. Wright
William O. Wright
James Mitchell
John H. Addiiiiis
PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN OF FREEPORT
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 537
nois Regiment. He was a member of the Chickamauga National Commission.
He has always been a man of decided opinions, of unquestioned integrity and
fidelity in fifty years of public service. He is the most widely known citizen
of Stephenson County, and has enjoyed the personal acquaintance of most of
the great men of the United States from Lincoln to Roosevelt — the only resi-
dent of Stephenson County whose name is in "Who's who in America." Begin-
ning as a farmer's boy he has been successful as lawyer, soldier, editor, author, in
politics and in business. At the age of 75 he is still in active life, a grand old
man whose happiest moments are in his home with his grandchildren upon his
knees.
Mayor W. T. Rawleigh is one of the best known city officials in Illinois. He
is giving Freeport one of the very best business administrations it has ever en-
joyed. Mr. Rawleigh is a business man of unusual ability. Twenty years ago
he began here without capital and today conducts probably the largest business
in the county, with large four and six story buildings covering over half a block
with over three acres of floor space. He employs over two hundred people in
his plant and has over one thousand two hundred retail wagons carrying the trade
over established routes in almost all the states of the Union. Besides being presi-
dent and treasurer of this large business, Mr. Rawleigh is a director in the
German Bank, mayor of Freeport, proprietor and editor of the Freeport Stand-
ard. He has been honored by being elected president of the Citizens' Commer-
cial Association and commander of the Sons of Veterans. Because of his suc-
cessful and aggressive leadership, he is in demand as an official and speaker at
meetings of the mayors of Illinois, and is now a candidate for the position of
representative in the Illinois State Legislature. No man is readier than he to aid
with time, influence and money in building up the city of Freeport. He is a
demon for that work and by being methodical, he is able to deal successfully
with all his vast interests successfully.
WHOLESALE HOUSES.
Guyer & Calkins. One of the most important commercial firms of Freeport
is the wholesale grocery establishment of Guyer & Calkins. Since the establish-
ment of the company in 1901, the business has been steadily and appreciably in-
creasing, until at the present time the company has both a reputation and a prof-
itable trade, extending over a wide territory.
Before the founding of the Guyer & Calkins Company, the wholesale grocery
business was for a short time carried on by Clement & Calkins. The firm was
dissolved in 1901, and the present company formed, Mr. Clement going into
the real estate and land business.
The large warehouses of the company are located at 23, 25 and 27 Liberty
street, near Galena. They are supplemented by three other buildings and ware-
houses, which are utilized for carrying on the business. The tracks of the Illi-
nois Central and Chicago & Northwestern Railroads lead directly to the factory,
thus facilitating the loading and unloading of goods.
Many of the goods handled, especially the brands of canned goods, are put
up under the direct supervision of the house, and thereby attain a degree of ex-
588 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
cellence unapproached by most varieties of tinned goods on the market. Nine
traveling salesmen are employed constantly by the company, who cover a large
territory in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. The officers of the com-
pany are: President, H. L. Guyer; vice-president, Fred Dorman; secretary and
treasurer, W. L. Calkins.
Bowler & Jones. The Bowler & Jones firm is of recent origin, but the com-
panies which preceded it, date back many years. The business now carried on
by Bowler & Jones was established in 1852, by the late J. B. Taylor, who con-
ducted it until 1888. He then sold out to Brigham, Bowler & Co., who remained
proprietors for eleven years. In 1899, this company was succeeded by the pres-
ent firm, Bowler & Jones, consisting of Colonel H. S. Bowler and L. W. Jones,
who have since conducted the business.
The firm, which deals with the wholesale saddlery and leather goods busi-
ness, maintains offices and a warehouse in a three story brick building at 41 and
43 Stephenson street. Floor space equivalent to 120x360 feet is used, and the
company manufactures custom-made harness, strap work and collars. They are
also jobbers of saddlery hardware, shoe findings and leather. Bowler & Jones
carry a very large stock, and are the largest saddlery house west of Chicago. Two
traveling salesmen are employed, who cover Iowa, Wisconsin and part of Illinois.
FREEPORT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS.
The first house in Freeport was built by William Baker in 1835 on the Peca-
tonica River. The first undertaking in the town was a real estate business. In
1835 a real estate company known as Baker, Kirkpatrick, Galbraith & Com-
pany was organized and laid claim to a large part of the territory now occu-
pied by the city. Early in 1836 a town was laid out by the company in the
north part of the southeast portion of section 31. The Indian half-breeds had
been granted the right to select land in any part of the unoccupied territory
they might choose. One of these, Mary Myott, selected a claim on section
31 as soon as it was known that the company had laid out the town. Baker,
Kirkpatrick, Galbraith & Company then moved the town stakes farther west.
This early real estate company was enterprising and besides putting up several
buildings and selling lots in 1836, secured in 1837 the location of the county seat
by donating the courthouse lot and giving a bonus of $6,500. About this time
a map was gotten up boosting Freeport. The map was in colors and showed a
prosperous village along a beautiful river, the Pecatonica, on which there was
shown a large steamboat. Unlike many of the "paper" towns laid out at this
time, Freeport made good, settlers came in large numbers and various forms of
business began in a substantial way. Although the hopes of the promoters of
making a "port" of importance here were never realized, yet in other ways the
town prospered.
This development of the town and city was largely due to the quality of the
settlers. The progressive nature of the men of the older eastern states, was sup-
plemented by the industry, economy and thrift of the German element. Many
of the first settlers were men of small means, but were wise enough" to place
their savings in real estate. These holdings became additions to Freeport, and
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 539
as the town grew in population and real estate values rose, several family for-
tunes were made.
One of the first, if not the first, was the O. H. Wright holdings in the 3rd
ward. This was extended and has since been known as the William O. Wright
additions. John A. Clark laid out the Winneshiek addition. Judge Purinton was
owner of a valuable addition in the third ward that still bears his name. Probably
the largest holder of real estate was Dexter A. Knowlton, Sr. in that part of Free-
port now known as Knowlton's first, second and third additions. Seven degrees to
the south lay Pattison's addition, and Colonel T. J. Turner owned the addition on
what is now Addison street, Martin P. Sweet's addition was west of Turners
and was valuable property. North of Turner's was Ordway's addition. Burch-
ard's addition is on Lincoln avenue. The early real estate men did for their day
what the present real estate men are doing for theirs — they laid out their prop-
erty in town lots, made improvements and aided materially in building up the
town.
Among the later additions that have been laid out, improved and partly built
up are the following: The Arcade addition about the Arcade Manufacturing
plant; Taylor's Park and Lichtenberger's addition in East Freeport; the Shoe
Factory addition, Zartman's, Burchard's, Wise and the Organ Factory ad-
dition in West Freeport; Saxby Heights addition and — ? — .
The city has grown along the lines laid out by these real estate leaders. The
various additions have afforded a means of expansion for a growing city and
in connection with the excellent building and loan associations, has made Free-
port a city of homes.
Today, no phase of the city's activity is better prepared for that advancement
all look forward to in the next ten years than the real estate holdings. There
is ample room for expansion south, west and east, with an abundance of splendid
additions, with good drainage facilities and a beautiful outlook. The rapid de-
velopment of Freeport industries is sure to bring an increasing population and
the demand for lots will find an ample supply. The only thing lacking, which
now seems assured, is the extension of the street railway system. With normal
financial and industrial conditions and the extension of the street railway,
Freeport should reach the 30,000 mark in 1920. The Citizens Commercial Asso-
ciation is well organized and ably officered and is already making great strides
in this direction. The Building and Loan Associations are playing an important
part in this progressive movement.
THE UNION BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
The name of this old and established organization was recently changed to
the Union Loan and Savings Association. It was incorporated in June, 1883,
and has been doing a satisfactory business for 27 years. The first officials were:
President, L. Z. Farwell; Vice President, J. W. Henney; Treasurer, C. O. Coil-
man ; Secretary, Urias M. Mayer.
The authorized capital of the association is five million dollars. The com-
pany loans on first mortgage real estate only. The object of the association is to
create and foster habits of economy, to provide homes for each of its members
540 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
at the least possible cost and invest their savings where they are best secured
and are most productive.
The present officials are : President, J. N. Galloway ; Vice President, F. E.
Schaeffer; Treasurer, S. H. Webster; Secretary, Esrom Mayer. The company
has one of the finest offices in the city in the Frueh building, Stephenson street,
and is doing a large business.
THE FREEPORT BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
One of the most substantial organizations in Freeport is the Freeport Build-
ing and Loan Association. This association has just issued its sixty-seventh
quarterly statement showing that during the last quarter 748 shares of install-
ment stock were sold. The company is in its seventeenth year and is doing an
excellent business to the entire satisfaction of its many patrons.
The association was organized November i, 1892, with the following officials :
President, A. Bergman; Vice President, L. M. De Vore; Treasurer, D. C. Stover;
Secretary, Louis Dickes. Mr. Dickes served as secretary for thirteen years.
The present officials are : President, Louis Dickes ; Vice President, Jacob
Klein; Treasurer, H. H. Antrim; Attorney, W. N. Cronkrite; Secretary, C. F.
Hildreth. Mr. Hildreth has been secretary for five years. He is a business man
of extraordinary ability and energy, and under his management the company is
doing a rapidly increasing business.
THE GERMAN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF FREEPORT.
Though only two years old the German building and Loan Association of
Freeport is enjoying a healthy growth, and promises to be one of the successful
associations doing business in Freeport. The object is the accumulation of
funds to be loaned among its members. Its capital stock shall be one million
dollars, divided into shares of $100 each.
The association was organized and incorporated August 4, 1908, and began
business in August that year. The officials then elected still hold office as
follows : President, M. Hettinger ; Vice President, T. K. Best ; Secretary, T. A.
Secher ; Treasurer, L. R. Jungkunz ; Toorney, Douglas Pattison.
THE GERMAN INSURANCE COMPANY.
The old German Insurance Company of Freeport has passed into the history
and with its passing went one of the great business enterprises organized and
developed in the county of Stephenson. It alone gave Freeport a national
reputation. It paid large dividends to capitalists who held its stock and fur-
nished an abundance of work for the publishing houses, increased our postoffice
business and afforded employment to a large number of citizens.
Freeport has been a well known insurance town for sixty years. The Ste-
phenson County Insurance Co. was organized in 1853, the Farmers' in 1857.
Columbia of 1861 lasted two years. The Continental closed up after reinsuring
in Chicago. The State and several others were chartered but did not open for
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 541
business. The United States ran from 1865 to 1869. The Winneshiek chartered
in 1861, issued no less than 50,000 policies. Among its stockholders were: U.
S. Grant, Benjamin F. Butler, Simon Cameran, John A. Logan and others.
The law of 1869 put it out of business. The Protection Life had an auspicious
beginning but after two years came to ruin.
The German was organized February 16, 1865, under title as the Freeport
Insurance Company, by A. H. Stone, W. J. McKinna, A. M. Lawver and
George P. Kingsley. The franchise was purchased by D. Kuehner, L. Ashendorf,
Richard Meyer and William Wassenberg in 1866. July, 1866, Mathias Het-
tinger was elected president; December, 1867, Fred Gund, Sr., was elected
secretary, in which capacity he served for years. The company prospered and
in 1897 built the large building at the corner of Exchange and Galena avenue,
now the Old Colony Building. By 1900 the German was doing a nation wide
business and was universally conceded to be one of the soundest companies
doing business in America. Connected with the German for years were such
men as C. O. Collman, William Trembor, Henry Baier, D. S. Schulte. For
the last few years of its existence Mr. Fred Gund was secretary. He was rec-
ognized as one of the most competent insurance men in the country, and the
German was riding a high wave of prosperity when in a day it was shaken to
its foundations and forced into the hands of a receiver by the San Francisco
earthquake and fire. The "Insurance Trust" that had been fighting the German
aided in its speedy ruin. In spite of all efforts to save the company, it closed
out the Royal and went out of business in 1907.
Mr. Fred Gund, now at the head of the Williamsburg's western department,
is building up a large business in the Old Colony building.
BANKS OF FREEPORT.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Freeport was organized on February 24, 1864,
with a capital stock of $50,000. At that time the following officers were elected :
President, George F. DeForest; cashier, Esrom Mayer; directors, W. P. Mai-
burn, L. L. Munn, O. B. Bidwell, C. J. Fry, Esrom Mayer, G. F. DeForest and
L. F. Burrell. A little more than a year later, on the loth of March, 1865, the
capital stock was increased to $100,000, with a surplus of $25,000. The same
officers remained in charge of the institution until 1870. At that time, O. B.
Bidwell became president. He remained in charge until the time of his death,
which occurred January, 1909, and has since been succeeded by his son, Addi-
son Bidwell.
Upon Mr. Bidwell's election to the presidency, Geo. F. DeForest, the first
president, became cashier, and retained that position until his death in 1883.
He was succeeded by Aaron H. Barshinger, who died in 1891, and was suc-
ceeded by Addison Bidwell. Mr. Bidwell filled the position until he became
president last year, and was succeeded by J. Manly Clark, with John T. Hin-
derks as assistant cashier.
In 1883, the first charter of the bank, which had been taken out for twenty
years, expired, and the house was re-chartered for a like period, under the
542 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
name of the Freeport National Bank, and with the following officers : O. B.
Bidwell, president ; O. B. Sanf ord, vice president ; A. H. Barshinger, cashier ;
John Burrell, O. B. Bidwell, C. H. Little, W. O. Wright and O. B. Sanf ord,
directors. The capital and surplus then amounted to $166,000, and the affairs
of the bank were in a most prosperous condition. Four years after the taking
out of the second charter, by consent of the comptroller of currency, the bank
was permitted to take its first name, and again became the First National Bank,
of Freeport.
The First National Bank is one of the leading, as it is the oldest banking
house of the city. The firm is capitalized at $150,000. The surplus and profits
amount to $120,000, with an additional stockholders' liability of $150,000, mak-
ing a total responsibility of $420,000. The officers are: President, Addison
Bidwell ; vice president, W. O. Wright ; cashier, J. Manly Clark ; assistant cash-
ier, John T. Hinderks; directors, C. H. Little, W. O. Wright, Boyd P. Hill,
Joseph Emmert, John Burrell, Addison Bidwell.
SECOND NATIONAL BANK.
The Second National Bank of Freeport opened its doors for business less
than three months after the First National Bank had set out on its career. The
former commenced business in May, 1864, and its rival institution had then been
in existence since February of the same year. Like the First National Bank, it
was capitalized at $50,000, and in less than a year it was raised, first to $75,000,
then, within a year, to $100,000. In 1883, the original charter expired, and the
bank was immediately re-chartered. On the expiration of that charter in 1903,
another charter was taken out.
John H. Addams, of Cedarville, was the first president of the Second Na-
tional Bank. He was one of the founders of the establishment, and retained
his office as head of the concern as 'long as he lived. His death occurred on
August 17, 1881, and A. H. Wise was immediately chosen to succeed him. Mr.
Wise's health was poor, and he found the duties of his position too arduous
for him. After a brief season in office, he resigned, and his place was filled
by M. Lawver. After a short term of service, he too resigned, and Dr. F. W.
Hance was called upon to become president. Dr. Hance tried the experiment
for a short time, but he very soon found that his duties as president of a bank
interefered seriously with his professional labors. As a result, the office fell
vacant again. Jacob Krohn was thereupon persuaded to assume the office, and
he satisfactorily filled it until his death, which occurred in 1902. At that time,
M. V. B. Elson was the logical candidate for successor, and thus the position
fell to him.
Alexander Stone was the first cashier of the Second National Bank. In a
single year he retired, and was succeeded by L. W. Guiteau. Mr. Guiteau re-
tained the position for a number of years, and upon his death in 1880, J. Brown
Taylor took the office. He was followed by Horace Webster. Upon his death,
D. F. Graham, of the German Bank, became a stockholder in the Second Na-
tional, and assumed the duties of cashier. He still occupies the position.
A short time ago the affairs of the Second National were re-organized.
Coincident with this, an improvement and rehabilitation of the banking offices
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 543
took place. The interior was remodelled and re-decorated and the old bank on
the corner of Stephenson and Van Buren streets was made to look like a new
institution. New furniture was installed, new offices and private rooms par-
titioned off, and the whole given an appearance of shiny newness.
The Second National is one of the most popular of Freeport's banks. The
bank is now capitalized at $100,000, with a surplus of $20,000. The officers
are : President, M. V. B. Elson ; vice president, L. Z. Farwell ; cashier, David F.
Graham; directors, M. V. B. Elson, L. Z. Farwell, D. F. Graham, Reuben Sieg-
fried, J. L. Meyers, J. H. Graham, E. A. Blust, Geo. Ennenga.
GERMAN BANK.
The German Bank was originally a private banking institution under the
name of Hettinger, Collman Brothers and Company, and was founded by five
of Freeport's prominent German citizens: M. Hettinger; Sr., C. O. Collman, A.
Collman, D. B. Schulte and Fred Gund. In May, 1876, the project was first
started, and on the twentieth of that month formally organized with a nominal
capital of $20,000. The business was conducted in a conservative, but success-
ful mariner, and before long the institution was prospering wonderfully.
Within a few years, the bank was christened the "German Bank," but the
firm remained Hettinger, Collman Brothers & Company. On the first day of
January, 1894, the German Bank was incorporated as a state bank under the
laws of the state of Illinois, with a capital of $150,000 and the following
officers : President, C. O. Collman ; vice president, M. Hettinger, Jr. ; cashier,
D. F. Graham; assistant cashier, Louis R. Jungkunz; directors, C. O. Collman,
D. B. Schulte, J. W. Henney, John Fosha, John Sullivan, M. Hettinger, Jr., and
J. S. Collman. On the first of January, 1895, M. Hettinger, Jr., retired from
the business, and C. E. Meyer became director. A few years ago, D. F. Gra-
ham, who had long acted as cashier, resigned to accept a like position with the
Second National Bank. His place was thereupon filled by Louis R. Jungkunz,
who had for some time acted as assistant cashier.
The present officers are : President, C. O. Collman ; vice president, John S.
Collman ; cashier, Louis R. Jungkunz ; directors, C. O. CoHman, J. S. Collman,
D. B. Schulte, Wm. Trembor, W. N. Cronkrite, W. T. Rawleigh.
The German is one of the most prosperous banking houses of Freeport. The
offices are located on the corner of Chicago and Stephenson streets, where they
have been for many years. A short time ago they were refurnished and re-
modelled and now present an attractive and modern appearance. The capital
of the German Bank is $150,000, with undivided profits amounting to over
$100,000.
STATE BANK.
The State Bank is Freeport's youngest banking house, and although of
comparatively recent organization, has attained a degree of prosperity and sub-
stantial growth, not at all commensurate with the short period of its existence.
The bank was, however, organized under most auspicious circumstances, and
by a circle of the ablest financiers that Freeport can name among its citizens. It
544 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
has always enjoyed a reputation for security, and careful management, and was
for a long time presided over by the late D. C. Stover, who was at the head of
three of the largest manufacturing concerns of the city.
In August, 1891, the State Bank, was first chartered under the banking laws
of the state of Illinois, with the following officers: D. C. Stover, president;.
R. G. Shumway and Henry Baier, vice presidents; H. H. Antrim, cashier;
Henry Dorman, assistant cashier; D. C. Stover, Dr. W. S. Caldwell, Wm. H.
Wagner, L. M. Devore, Henry Baier, Fred Dorman, Jacab Schaetzel, R. G.
Shumway and Louis Fosha, directors.
For many years the list of officers and board of directors remained un-
changed. Then some vacancies were caused by death, and today the list stands
as follows: President, Fred Dorman; vice president, Henry Baier; cashier, H. H.
Antrim; directors, A. S. Held; J. F. Smith, F. W. Hoefer, J. H. Stealy, H. H.
Antrim, Fred Dorman, W. H. Wagner, Henry Baier, Homer F. Aspinwall,
Walter D. Mack.
When the State Bank was organized, the establishment was capitalized at
$125,000. The present capital is the same with a surplus of $133,000. The
bank does business on the corner of Stephenson and Van Buren streets where
they have been ever since the founding of the firm. The State Bank is managed
by an efficient and cautious board of directors, and enjoys a well earned repu-
tation in the community.
KNOWLTON'S BANK.
Knowlton's Bank, the present firm name of which is Charles D. Knowlton,
Banker, is an outgrowth of two other banking institutions which have also
borne the popular name of "Knowlton's Bank." The first of these was estab-
lished in 1869 by D. A. Knowlton, Sr., who had amassed a large fortune, and,
in company with his sons, Dexter, Charles and Homer, established the banking
business now conducted in this city, and in the neighboring village of Peca-
tonica, under the name of D. A. Knowlton and Sons.
Upon his death, the Freeport business was taken in hand by Dexter A. and
Charles D. Knowlton, who conducted the affairs of the bank under the firm
rne of Knowlton Brothers, until the death of the former, which occurred in
1903. The firm then became Charles D. Knowlton, Banker, which it has since
remained.
The bank has always been known as one of the soundest and most pros-
perous of the city. All of the gentlemen connected with it have been known
as cautious and clear-headed financiers, who have preferred to do a small, safe,
and honorable business, than a very large one. They have given their attention
principally to first class investment securities and give particular attention to
first mortgage loans upon real estate. They have themselves ben largely inter-
ested in real estate within the city of Freeport. Homer W. Knowlton, a brother
^— ^"there is even an example of failure among the list. The life history of some
i r of C. D. Knowlton, has long been the cashier of the Pecatonica Bank. Ezra
Morse is cashier of the Freeport Bank.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 545
NON-EXISTENT BANKS.
There have been a surprisingly large number of banks which have lived
for a short time and then, suddenly and sometimes unexpectedly, passed away.
Some of them have been merged in others, some have been discontinued, and
of these banks has been very interesting, but it is not our purpose to discuss
them at any great length. Most of them nourished for a short time, and then
went out of existence, leaving no impress or trace of their work in Freeport
financial circles.
The first bank of Freeport was established twelve years before the National
Bank was inaugurated. In the summer of 1851, when Freeport was scarcely
the size of Lena at the present day, Taylor and Bronson opened their bank,
which they called an "exchange office," on Stephenson street, near Chicago street,
in the store now occupied by H. A. Huenkemeier's grocery. One year later,
in 1852, James Mitchell, Freeport's pioneer banker, opened a bank on the site
now occupied by Jungkunz' drug store. Four years later, Everett, Clark &
Co. began to conduct a similar business on the western portion of the site now
occupied by the Hotel Brewster. For a brief space, these three institutions
represented the banking interests of the growing city. Then, in 1856, De Forest,
Hyde & Co.'s banking office opened where the Second National Bank is housed
today.
Taylor, Bronson & Co. had undergone certain changes in the meantime.
Mr. Bronson removed to Rockford, and A. W. Rice continued the partnership
with Mr. Taylor under the firm name of the Freeport Bank. In October, 1857,
both the Freeport Bank and Everett, Clark & Co. succumbed to the wave of
financial depression, known as the panic of 1857, which swept over the whole
country with disastrous results.
After the banking circles of Freeport had somewhat recovered from the
ill-fated crash of '57, James Mitchell became associated with Alexander Neely,
of Belvidere, Illinois, and later with Holden Putnam, R. Richardson, of Boston,
and A. Page, of Rutland, Vermont. For many years they did a prosperous
business under the firm name of James Mitchell and Company. Their institu-
tion was known as the Stephenson County Bank, and was located on the corner
of Stephenson and Chicago streets. When, at the beginning of the Civil War,
a call was issued for volunteers, Holden Putnam entered the service and was
killed at the battle of Mission Ridge. From that time, Mr. Mitchell remained
sole owner of the firm until January i, 1874, when J. W. Neff became a partner.
The death of Mr. Mitchell occurred in August of the same year, and his son,
W. H. Mitchell took charge of the family interests in the bank, and became a
partner with J. W. Neff. The business was continued under the firm name of
James Mitchell & Co. until 1884, when, by mutual agreement, the partnership
was dissolved, and the business discontinued.
De Forest, Hyde & Company remained in business under that firm name
only a few weeks. At the end of that time, Mr. Hyde left the business, but
Mr. De Forest and the other members of the firm continued until 1864, when
their interests merged into the First National Bank.
546 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank was organized in May, 1892, by Esrom
Mayer, who had been former cashier of the German Bank. At first the offices
were located on Chicago street, but were subsequently removed to the corner
of Stephenson and Chicago streets in the rooms now occupied by the clothing
store of William O. Wright. The bank was capitalized at $100,000, and the
first officers elected were: Ersom Mayer, president; J. H. Snyder, vice presi-
dent; J. H. Brockmeier, cashier. After a very brief existence, lasting only a
few years, the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank was discontinued.
This completes the list of Freeport's banks. Those which are now doing
business are placed on" the firmest sort of financial basis. The men in charge are
possessed of both wealth and experience, and the banking facilities of the city
are not surpassed by any other city of the same size in the state.
STEPHENSON COUNTY COURT AND BAR IN 1910.
Attorney J. A. Crane, the Nestor of the Stephenson county bar, holds the
unique position of being in active practice to-day and of having been an attorney
in the time of Turner, Sweet and Burchard. He has lived to see an entire change
in the men about the court. In a reminiscent mood he spoke of the change of
men and methods in a life-time of over fifty years at the bar. According to the
venerable attorney, there has been a big change in method. In the early days
there were only five or six reports ; now the number runs into hundreds. Long
lists of citations were impossible. Naturally, the issue depended then, in the ab-
sence of citations, on the appeal of the attorney before judge and jury. This
made the early attorneys great students of men. In the absence of tons of law
books, the lawyers studied human nature. In selecting juries and in address-
ing them, this knowledge of human nature was brought into play. These con-
ditions afforded opportunity to men of great natural ability. It was a time when
individuality and intuition played a strong part. Instead of spending days and
weeks accumulating a mass of statistics, citations and authorities, the lawyers
spent much less time and spent it in meditation, in outlining an appeal to the jury.
As Mr. Crane says, "Then we knew the law and knew men ; now, we are book-
worms."
Mr. Crane was bom in Southern Illinois. He was fortunate in having a
remarkable teacher, a man who had come into the state as a civil engineer at
the time when Illinois was building paper railroads all over the state. When the
"bottom fell out," the civil engineer, having no railroads to build and a family
to support, began teaching school, and young Crane was one of his students.
Mr. Crane was reared on a farm. On occasional trips to the city, he had
observed the courts in session and the life of the lawyer appealed to him with a
force that caused him to abandon farming. He graduated from Harvard Law
School and took a post graduate course. His rise to prominence at the bar in
Northwestern Illinois was rapid. He became the most successful criminal lawyer
of his time. His clients considered themselves fortunate in securing his services.
To-day Mr. Crane has his office in the Wilcoxen block and is actively en-
gaged in his practice. He is at his office early in the morning, while many pro-
fessional men are yet in bed. He combines, more than any other man, the per-
sonality of the early attorney with the wide reading of the later day lawyer.
JUDGE A. J. Cr.AKITY
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY 547
Judge James H. Stearns, one of the oldest attorneys of Stephenson county,
was born in New Hampshire in 1841. In 1862, he was graduated from Harvard
College and located in Freeport in 1871. In 1876 he entered the law office of
Judge J. M. Bailey and was admitted to the bar in 1878, and began practice as
a member of the firm of Neff & Stearns. In 1880, he was city attorney. From
1889 to 1894, he was corporation counsel. In 1894, he was elected county judge.
As a corporation lawyer and legal adviser, he has no superior. Associated with
him at present is Hon. Oscar R. Zipf, with offices in the Old Colony building,
formerly the German Insurance building.
Judge Henry C. Hyde was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1836, spent
his boyhood on a farm in Winnebago County, Illinois, and was graduated from
Beloit College in 1856. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar and began practice
in Freeport. In 1860 he was elected city attorney, and in 1883 county judge.
During his practice, Judge Hyde was ranked as an attorney of unusual judg-
ment and legal learning. One son, James Hyde, is a lawyer in Chicago, and
another, Henry M. Hyde, is editor of the Technical World and <an author of note.
Michael Stoskopf was born in Freeport in 1846. He attended the public
schools, studied law with Bailey and Neff and was admitted to the bar in 1873.
He has been justice of the peace and was Master in Chancery for twelve years.
He built up an extensive practice and was well known over Northern Illinois.
He was elected to the state legislature in 1889 and in 1895. During the session
of 1889, he was largely responsible for the passage of the bill authorizing a tax
for library purposes. He opposed all measures inimical to the public welfare
and won a reputation for unflinching integrity and fidelity to a public trust. He
is a Mason, 33d degree of the A. A. S. R., a distinction accorded to only a few in
each state. He is highly respected as a citizen and as an attorney.
W. N. Cronkrite was born in 1863. He was graduated from Knox College
with honors in 1881. For three years he read law in the office of Hon. J. S.
Cochran, and was admitted to the bar in 1884. From 1884 to 1886, he was bill
clerk in the House of Representatives, being appointed by Hon. E. S. Haines.
In 1886, he was appointed deputy county clerk, which position he held for
eight years. In 1894, he began the practice of his profession. In 1895, he was
corporation counsel. He has acquired a wonderful mastery of precedents and
authorities in common law and as an advocate, his ability before court and jury
is highly respected by opponents. His career of sterling integrity and his
mastery of law have won him a vast patronage and the confidence of the public.
Judge Oscar E. Heard was born in Harlem township in 1856. He was grad-
uated from the Freeport High School in 1874, completed his education in North-
western University and was admitted to the bar in 1878, after studying in the
law office of Hon. James S. Cochran. In 1884, he was elected state's attorney
and held that position for sixteen years. Although a young man, he was remark-
ably successful as state's attorney, fighting many great battles and contending
successfully against the best legal talent of Northen Illinois.
In 1903, he was elected judge of the Circuit Court, and in this position has
won a reputation for fair dealing and a thorough understanding of the law. He
548 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
has been called to sit on the bench in Chicago during crowded terms of the courts
of the great city and has acquitted himself admirably.
In 1909 Judge Heard was re-elected for six years.
The circuit includes Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Lee and Ogle counties.
With Judge Heard are associated Judge James B. Baum, of the Appellate Court,
and Judge Richard S. Farrand, of the Circuit Court.
The settlement of the estate of the German Insurance Company, by Judge
Heard, was the biggest judicial work ever undertaken in the county. The ex-
pedition with which Judge Heard handled this case broke all records for closing
up large estates and won from the receiver, Mr. Niblack, vice-president of the
Chicago Title and Trust Company, the highest commendation.
• Judge Heard has served on the Board of Education, the Library Board and
is a 33d degree Mason.
Hon. Douglas Pattison was born in Freeport in 1870. In 1889 he was grad-
uated from the Freeport High School and after spending a year or so in Mr.
Stoskopf's law office, entered the University of Michigan, completing both Lib-
eral Arts and Law Courses. He began the practice of law immediately. In 1892,
he stumped the county and was appointed deputy circuit clerk. He soon won
great popularity in the Democratic party and was nominated and elected to the
legislature in 1904. In the legislature he soon won a strong following in the
minority party and was honored by being selected minority leader. In 1908, he
was a candidate for the nomination for governor on the Democratic ticket.
The present state's attorney is Hon. Louis Hood Burrell, whose education
was received in the Freeport High School, Beloit Preparatory School, and with
the class of '"93" at Yale. He studied law in the office of Oscar E. Heard, then
state's attorney, and was admitted to the bar November 4, 1897. Mr. Burrell
served nine months in the Spanish-American war. In 1900, he was elected state's
attorney and soon became a popular and trusted official and was re-elected in 1904
and 1908 by large majorities. Mr. Burrell is an orator of unusual ability, is much
sought as a public speaker and has won remarkable success as a lawyer, being
strong before a jury because of his direct and straightforward method of hand-
ling cases. While making an exceptional record as state's attorney, probably
his greatest success and that which meant much to the county, was his investiga-
tion and prosecution of the bridge graft cases.
Mr. Burrell is a member of the State Bar Association, member of the Ma-
sonic and I. O. O. F. orders and is commander-in-chief of Freeport Consistory.
County Judge A. J. Clarity, who is finishing his second term, is a lawyer and
jurist of marked ability. He has the confidence of all parties and all classes of
people. One of his greatest services to the people and one in which probably
he takes the greatest pride, is the Juvenile Court work. In dealing with de-
linquent children, Judge Clarity has always shown a rare combination of sym-
pathy and judgment. In this work he has co-operated with the Juvenile Court
League and with the schools. Besides court cases, the judge deals with many
delinquents individually. Many of these report to him once a week and he has
secured good positions for a number of boys. So successful has been this work,
that Judge Clarity .has been called the "Ben Lindsay" of Freeport.
John A. Clark
Josei>li M. Bailey Edward P. Barton
PROMINENT ATTORNEYS OF FUKKPORT
UB8ARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 549
INSTITUTIONS OF FREEPORT.
THE Y. M. C. A.; THE PUBLIC LIBRARY; THE SETTLEMENT HOME; HOSPITALS;
THE CEMETERY.
Y. M. C. A
The history of the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association
is in reality the history of three distinct organizations. No less than three serious
attempts, inaugurated and fostered by different individuals, were made to found
a Y. M. C. A. before success was finally attained. As early as 1868 an associa-
tion was organized, but it lasted only four unsatisfactory years. Again in 1876
another movement was begun, and a society formed which lasted for five years.
In 1882 the Y. M. C. A. was again reorganized and the present strong and effi-
cient association dates from that time.
The first association was the outcome of a convention of Stephenson County
Sunday schools which met in Freeport in 1868 to discuss plans for the founda-
tion of an organization for the young men of the city. The famous evangelist,
D. L. Moody, was present at this memorable meeting, and the action taken by
the convention was in the main adopted at his suggestion. He proposed' that a
young man's society be formed with the avowed object of "extending a home, en-
tertainment, education, and Christian fellowship to every young man in the city,
regardless of race, color, or pecuniary circumstances." The work was at once
taken up with great enthusiasm, and it seemed that the organization would
prosper.
At first a suite of rooms over the room then occupied by Maynard's Dry
Goods Store was secured, and the work was immediately begun, for the most
part along religious lines. The first president of the local society was R. B.
Currier, and for a time no local secretary was employed. In the winter of 1869
a secretary was secured, in the person of a city missionary, who pointed his
labors altogether in the direction of religious betterment.
Perhaps due to the lack of a general secretary, perhaps because of the lack
of a definite aim or system, the first Y. M. C. A. never flourished. The original
organizers were enthusiastic and energetic enough, but they were inexperienced
and could neither effect the thoroughness nor completeness of organization that
later endeavors succeeded in accomplishing. The association was not very well
supported by the townspeople, and the ardor of the founders began to cool.
After leading a precarious and shaky existence for four years, the machinery
collapsed and the Young Men's Christian Association of Freeport became a mat-
ter of history.
No sooner had the association ceased to exist than a crying need for it began
to be felt. In less than two years after the first failure, in 1876, to be exact, a
second association was formed and the name of the Y. M. C. A. again resusci-
tated. The organizers on this occasion were largely the influential German
citizens of Freeport, and C. R. Bickenbach was by them elected president. New
club rooms were rented on the southeast corner of Stephenson and Van Buren
streets over the rooms now occupied by the State Bank. Here again the asso-
550 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
ciation pursued a somewhat uncertain career, although in the main more suc-
cessful than the first society. But it also was doomed to failure. In January,
1881, occurred a disastrous fire which totally destroyed the contents of the Y. M.
C. A. rooms, including their furniture and valuable documents. Under the cir-
cumstances it was thought impossible to continue and so the second Y. M. C. A.
passed out of existence after only five years of history.
In the next year, 1882, the citizens began to reflect on what had occurred,
and a third attempt was decided upon. On the 2Qth of May of that year a small
but enthusiastic circle of workers met in the parlors of the First Presbyterian
church and effected a reorganization. So thoroughly was their work accom-
plished, and so satisfactorily did the events which followed tend to build up the
Y. M. C. A. that it has since that time continued to live without ever a thought
of abandonment.
About fifty men were instrumental in the organization of the present society,
each of whom signed the approved constitution and paid the membership fee of
$1.00. They elected as officers: President, Professor C. C. Snyder; vice-presi-
dent, I. F. Kleckner ; second vice-president, C. R. Bickenbach ; corresponding
secretary, E. B. Winger ; recording secretary, W. A. Merifield ; treasurer, A. H.
Barshinger; directors at large, Jacob Williams, E. B. Winger, and F. A. Jayne.
The new officers showed that they had the situation in their grasp and knew
what was needed when they made it one of their first acts to engage a local gen-
eral secretary. The first man to fill this position was F. G. Perkins, who stayed
a little less than a year and resigned in 1883 to be succeeded by W. W. Smith.
During the seven years of Mr. Smith's residence the association was wonder-
fully increased in numbers and activity. It was Mr. Smith who first effected a
broadening of the society's work and introduced the department of physical ed-
ucation. The original purpose had been supposedly fourfold : "To extend a home,
entertainment, education and Christian fellowship" to the young men of the
city. But the first three aims had been entirely neglected. Mr. Smith now pro-
posed to revive them, and to this end he succeeded in raising enough money to
remodel the rooms and add a gymnasium. Mr. Smith was a man of pleasing
personality and great enthusiasm, and made a very large number of friends
during his stay in Freeport. In November, 1889, he left to go to another as-
sociation, and was followed by three temporary secretaries : C. R. Bradley, J. A.
Schaad and W. L. Cahoon. A permanent local secretary was then secured in
the person of J. P. Bailey, who came to the local society in June, 1891.
During Mr. Smith's stay the new Y. M. C. A. building was built — a great
credit not only to the association itself and the men connected with it, but to
the city at large and especially the membership of the churches who contributed
so liberally toward the erection. After the reorganization in 1882 the Y. M. C. A.
had occupied rooms over Emmert and Burrell's (now Emmert's) drug store,
where it remained until the completion of its own building. Several individ-
uals had at various times suggested the purchase or erection of a Y. M. C. A.
building, but none had been seriously considered. The first moment of serious
consideration came in April, 1885, when E. E. Brown, at that time assistant
state secretary, presented the local officers with a ten dollar bill which he said
was to be the foundation of the building fund. Even then it took two years for
p
a
a
|
a
LiURARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 551
a final determination to be made, although the ladies' auxiliary worked faithfully
in the meantime and succeeded in raising nearly $1,000. At that time the city
council voted to furnish the stone for the basement and first story of the build-
ing in case it should furnish quarters for the city library. The German Insur-
ance Company also presented the sum of $1,000. The lot on the corner of
Walnut and Stephenson streets, which had been occupied many years before
by the First Presbyterian Church before it moved to its present site, was pur-
chased from Isaac Zartman, and on October 19, 1888, the cornerstone was laid.
During the following year the building was completed at a cost of $26,000 and
opened on October 6, 1889, by a meeting conducted by the evangelist E. W.
Bliss, preparatory to a series of revival services conducted by D. L. Moody, who
had at that time returned to the city. The cost of .the building had been much
more than the builders had contemplated and for several years after the com-
pletion it was burdened by a heavy debt. Then, through the services of the
Ministers' Association, principally due to the efforts of the Rev. Edgar P. Hill,
a sufficient sum was secured to cover the entire indebtedness.
A month after the completion of the structure, Secretary Smith left the city,
and no permanent secretary filled his place until the coming of J. P. Bailey in
1891. Mr. Bailey was succeeded by J. P. Burdge, who stayed until 1896, then
resigned and was followed by H. L. Sawyer. When Mr. Sawyer accepted a
call elsewhere, the Rev. J. H. Keagle, formerly pastor of Trinity Church, and
now located at Cedarville, accepted the position of secretary. He was an able
and energetic worker and under his direction a great deal of good was accom-
plished.
In 1900 Mr. Keagle was succeeded by J. E. Heilman, under whose direction
the association remained until 1904. In that year J. L. Rogers came to take
charge. He remained only a short time. During his .stay the building was
somewhat remodelled, and a swimming pool was added. He was succeeded by
R. C. Smedley, who departed last year to be followed for a short term by Will
Anderson and then by A. L. Mayer, who is at present acting as general secre-
tary. A. R. Buffin has for some years officiated as boys' secretary, and C. E.
Smith is at present physical director of the institution.
A number of changes have been made in the building since it was built.
The structure is three stories in height, the basement and first story being built
of native white limestone, and the upper stories of red brick with white stone
trimmings. The basement originally contained dressing rooms and a gymnasium
together with the public library rooms, the first floor, the auditorium, general
offices and reading and association rooms. Since the moving of the public
library, a swimming pool has been installed in the basement and the gymnasium
moved to the first floor in the space formerly occupied by the auditorium.
The association is in a flourishing condition at the present time and has a
large membership. The building is one of the ornaments of Freeport, and is
now entirely free from debt. The whole property is valued at about $40,000.
Y. M. C. A.
The annual reports of the Young Men's Christian Association give some idea
of the extensive part played by this organization in the life of Freeport.
552 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
The report, April 30, 1910, follows:
Men Boys Total
Number of paid-up bona-fide members 236 180 416
Number of different paid-up or bona-fide
members, entire year 260 185 545
Active members (members of Evangelical
churches) 168 40 208
Members engaged in industrial occupations. . 70 25 95
Average daily attendance at rooms or building. 163 75 238
Number of socials, dinners, teas, banquets. 5 8 13
Total attendance at above social events 600 490 1,090
Paid entertainments 3
Dormitory rooms 7
Dormitory capacity 12
Dormitory occupants 12
Directed to rooms outside building 10
Number of boy members in High School 57
Number of boy members in Grammar School 102
Number of boy members at work 21
THE PHYSICAL DEPARTMENT.
Men Boys Total
Number of different members using physical
department 127 177 304
Number enrolled in class work 127 177 304
Number of sessions held 255 284 539
Total attendance all gynasium classes 3.671 5,208 8,879
Total attendance of all physical privileges. 14,173 12,160 26,279
Work for different groups: Young men, 59; business men, 23; high school
boys, 52; basket ball teams, 17; volley ball teams, 4.
The Hiker's Club took seven hikes.
BOYS' SUMMER CAMP.
Mr. A. R. Buffin conducted fifty-six boys in a ten day camp on Rock River,
near Beloit. These camps have been remarkably successful and have been main-
tained by Mr. Buffin several years without accident or anything to mar the
pleasure and benefit of the outing.
The physical department of the Y. M. C. A. has been remarkably fortunate
in recent years in having at its head such men as Leroy Rogers and Frank
Rogers and the present very efficient director, Mr. Chas. E. Smith.
EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
The reading room contains forty-five magazines for men and five for boys
and the Chicago, St. Louis and the Freeport newspapers. At intervals the
Y. M. C. A. has attempted night school work but has never met with very grati-
fying success. The reading rooms are well occupied and the library of the
boys' department is put to good use.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 553
RELIGIOUS WORK.
Mr. Chester Hoefer is chairman of the religious work committee. During
the year 1909-10, thirty men were enrolled in Bible study classes, and eighty-
seven boys, making a total of one hundred and seventeen. Fifteen of the boys
are high school students. The total number of religious meetings for the year
was one hundred and four. The average attendance of the boys' meeting was
sixty-five; the men twenty-five. Ten meetings for men and one for boys were
held outside of the building.
Y. M. C. A. PROPERTY.
The association owns the building, the value of which is $40,000. The lot
is valued at $10,000; the general furniture, $500; dormitory equipment, $300;
gymnasium equipment, $400. The association pays tax on rooms rented for
business and carries $16,000 insurance.
BOYS' DEPARTMENT.
The boys' department of the Y. M. C. A. probably makes the best showing
of any of the departments, the membership being one hundred and eighty-
seven, with an average attendance at the Sunday afternoon meetings of sixty-
five. This department is under the management of Mr. A. R. Buffin, to whom
is due the credit for building up the department.
His life among the boys in Freeport, in and out of the association, is an ex-
ample of the highest type; the unselfish and noble-minded spirit. It goes with-
out saying, that he exerts more influence of a permanent character for good
among the boys and young men than any other influences combined.
The new secretary has just begun his work, but he has made a good impres-
sion and the future of the Y. M. C. A. looks brighter than at any time in its
history. It has back of it the encouragement of the best business men of the
city.
LADIES' AUXILIARY Y. M. c. A.
Of the small handful of earnest workers who banded together to form the
Ladies' Auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A. in 1882, not one is today alive. The work
which they did has lasted, however, and the organization is now in a prosperous
and healthy condition. All the early records of the auxiliary have been either
lost or destroyed, and to find anything concerning the conditions under which
it was formed, or the early activities has been not only a difficult but a fruit-
less task.
The aim of the Ladies' Auxiliary has always been to cooperate with the of-
ficers of the Young Men's Christian Association, and aid, in whatever ways
have been possible, in making their work easier, better directed, or more pro-
ductive. They have, for instance, taken up themselves the labor of caring for
the dormitories in the Y. M. C. A. building, and have shouldered the care of
the various banquets which are given by the association.
At various times when the association has been hard pressed for funds,
the Ladies' Auxiliary has been very active in raising money. At the dedication
of the Y. M. C. A. building, which was presided over by the famous Evangelist
554 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Moody, a very dramatic scene is said to have occurred. One of the members
of the Y. M. C. A. who had been very active in the work, announced to the au-
dience the fact that the treasury was bare, and the building was still oppressed
with a heavy debt. He called for voluntary subscriptions, but there was only
a feeble and half-hearted response. Again and again he called, but there was
apparently no enthusiasm. Finally, disheartened by the lack of willingness and
generosity, he burst into tears, to the immediate and general consternation of
the audience. In an instant one of the members of the Ladies' Auxiliary was
on her feet. "We will help you," she cried, "the ladies will help you!" Her
enthusiasm was infectious, and the rest of the society immediately caught some-
thing of her energy and earnestness. Then and there they subscribed a large
sum of money, which they duly paid. At various times since they have aided
the Y. M. C. A. by subscribing sums of money.
When "Billy" Sunday held his famous revival meetings in Freeport in 1906,
he was instrumental in starting an agitation to pay off the entire indebtedness
of the association. About eleven thousand dollars was raised, of which the
Ladies' Auxiliary promised to pay one thousand. This voluntary subscription
has now been entirely paid, a fact which gives some idea of the energy and
enthusiasm of that body, in spite of the fewness of its numbers.
From a mere handful, the membership of the Ladies' Auxiliary has swelled
to thirty-five active members in good standing. The officers for the present year
are: President, Mrs. Dexter A. Knowlton; vice president, Mrs. Z. T. F. Runner;
secretary, Miss Harriet Carnefix ; treasurer, Miss Mary Swanzey.
FREEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The early history of the Freeport public library is of extreme interest. The
institution now known as the Freeport public library had its origin in the
"Young Men's Library Association," the origin of which was due to a religious
revival held in the city of Freeport during the winter of 1874-75. The original
members of the association were the members of a Sunday school class in the
First Presbyterian church, the teacher of which was Miss Winnie L. Taylor.
The names of the members were:
George M. Sheetz, Jacob Stine, D. W. C. Miller, H. A. Swanzey, W. A.
Stine, E. H. Becker, Albert Chamberlain, C. C. Wolf, George W. Brown, W.
H. Diffenbaugh, R. J. Hazlett.
As these young men complained that they had no place to spend their even-
ings, Miss Taylor conceived the idea of starting a reading room where they
should have an opportunity of meeting evenings, and passing the time pleasantly
and profitably. Each of the members of the class subscribed $10, and several
lectures and benefit entertainments were held for the benefit of the new library.
Rev. Robert Collyer delivered his lecture on "Clear Grit." Hon. W. B. Fair-
field, and Rev. E. E. Hall gave readings for the benefit of the venture, and $73
in voluntary contributions from public spirited citizens of Freeport was secured.
The first contribution of which there is any record was that of Mrs. John R.
Walsh, of Chicago, who gave $50. Mrs. Walsh was a friend of the Taylors of
Freeport, and while visiting at their home, Miss Winnie Taylor, the originator of
CARXEOIE PUBLIC LIBHAUY
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 555
the library project, succeeding in interesting her in the enterprise. The first
contribution of a Freeport citizen was that of Pells Manny, who gave, entirely
unsolicited, the sum of $500. In all a total of about $700 was realized, which
was invested in substantially bound copies of the standard authors.
Rooms were secured for the Young Men's Library Association in Fry's
block, which were fitted up in the nature of club rooms, and for a while patron^
ized only by the young men who had started the library. Presently the gen-
eral public became so interested that it was deemed advisable to open the li-
brary one afternoon each week to the public at large. Saturday afternoons
were ever after reserved for outsiders, and the library was presided over by
Miss Winnie Taylor, as librarian. The association occupied different rooms.
Besides the one above mentioned, which was in Fry's block, rooms were fitted
up in McNamara's building, on Stephenson street, and for one year, the asso-
ciation was given the use of quarters in the residence of Oscar Taylor, rent
free.
Such was the history of the Young Men's Library Association. Not until
fourteen years after its organization was the first Freeport public library for-
mally instituted. In 1889, the first library board was appointed by Mayor Charles
Nieman, and on March 30 of that year they held their first meting in the
council room of the city hall. The first board consisted of Miss Winnie Tay-
lor, P. H. Murphy, E. P. Barton, Henry Lichtenberger, Will R. Malburn, S.
D. Atkins, Miss Mary E. Holder, B. T. Buckley, and D. C. Stover. S. D.
Atkins was elected president, and Miss Mary E. Holder was made secretary.
Shortly after the organization, Will R. Malburn resigned, and his position was
filled by G. W. Warner.
On January 27, 1890, the present by-laws of the association were drawn
up, providing for the appointment of a librarian. Up to that time there had
been no regular librarian. The library had been conducted under the old regu-
lations of the Young Men's Library Association, it had been open on Saturday
afternoons only, and Miss Winnie Taylor had officiated as unpaid librarian.
When the Y. M. C. A. building was built, the city offered to furnish the
building stone for the first story and basement of the structure, providing the
association would furnish quarters for housing the Freeport public library. This
the Y. M. C. A. agreed to do, and as soon as they were finished the public
library moved in, opened on May 2, 1890, and continued to occupy the rooms
for about ten years. The rooms were located on the first floor, with an en-
trance on the Walnut street side of the building, which has since been done
away with. These quarters were never large enough for the library, from the
very beginning, and they steadily became more unsatisfactory. The library
grew very rapidly. Miss Harriet Lane, who had been first appointed sole
librarian, soon found the duties of her position too arduous to assume alone,
and the services of an assistant librarian was required. Miss Minna Kunz
filled the position for a short time, and later Miss Eva Milner was engaged as
substitute librarian.
All the while that the library occupied the Y. M. C. A. rooms, the Y. M.
C. A. itself was growing, and found the quarters which it occupied too cramped.
By mutual consent, the association and library decided to separate as soon as
556 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
a way could be conveniently found. When the new city hall was built, it
seemed that the time had come. The city agreed to fit up the second floor for
library purposes, and did so, but the result was so highly unsatisfactory that
the library board decided to give up the use of the room without delay. The
place was not only small, but it was entirely unsuited for library purposes. It
has always been regretted by the Freeport people that such a step was ever
contemplated, for the city hall is at present marred by a cycle of literary names,
which are inscribed in the red sandstone under the eaves. The idea is pre-
sumably to give evidence of the fact that a library is housed in the city hall
building, but as the library never took possession of those quarters the inscrip-
tions are manifestly inappropriate and out of place.
About 1900 the building of a new building for the exclusive occupancy of
the Freport public library was contemplated, and it was decided to build one.
But nothing was done for some months, until the crowded condition of the
quarters in the Y. M. C. A. building made it imperative that relief should be
found at once. It was about the time that Andrew Carnegie instituted the
practice of donating money for the building of libraries, and the great philan-
thropist was solicited for a contribution for the Freeport public library. He
magnanimously presented the library board with the sum of $30,000, which,
however, was insufficient for the building. When completed, the present library
building cost in the neighborhood of $40,000. The additional $10,000 was do-
nated in part by Dr. W. S. Caldwell, who left a legacy of $2,500 to the library,
and in part by subscriptions at large among the philanthropic citizens of Free-
port. The board of education leased a suite of rooms on the second story of
the building for a period of ten years, at a rental of $12 per month. This
helped to pay something toward the library expenses also.
The new library building was opened September 4, 1902. It is unques-
tionably the handsomest of the public buildings of Freeport. The building is
built of red colonial brick with stone trimmings. Vines which were planted
when the building was built, eight years ago, have completely overrun the
sides and rear of the structure, giving the whole an attractive and picturesque
appearance.
The first floor and basement of the building are given over to the Freport
public library, and contain the reading rooms, storerooms and stack rooms of
the circulating and reference departments. The second floor is occupied in
part by the board of education rooms. The east room is given up to the His-
torical Museum of Stephenson County.
Plans are being made to move the children's room to the second story of
the library, install the reading room in the apartment now occupied by the chil-
dren's room, and turn the present reading room into a reference room. When
the contemplated improvements are accomplished, the library will be more
conveniently arranged. The equipment, as concerns shelving, etc., is modern
in every particular. The shelves of the main stack room are metallic, and were
made by the Fenton Metallic Company, of Jamestown, New York. The Free-
port public library is also a government depository, and receives all public doc-
uments and congressional records from Washington.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 557
The late Robert R. Hitt, congressman from this district, always took a
deep interest in the welfare of the Freeport public library, and it is largely due
to his efforts that the collection of public documents is so complete as it is
today. His successor, Frank O. Lowden, has also been of great assistance in
filling out the collection of government pamphlets and congressional records.
These various documents are stored in the basement of the library and occupy
about half of that department.
The library is in charge of six able and experienced librarians. Miss Har-
ton, Lane, who is head librarian, has been connected with the institution ever
since its organization as the Freeport public library. She is assisted by Miss
Eva Milner, reference librarian; Miss Ruth Hughes, children's librarian; and
Miss Marguerite Davenport, Mrs. Harvey Hartman, and Miss Emma Bur-
ton, substitute librarians.
The library today contains about twenty-eight thousand volumes in its various
departments, not including the government document division. The records of
the past year show that over sixty-six thousand volumes were drawn from the
library. Sixty or more periodicals are taken by the Freeport library, and can
be consulted in the reading room. Files are kept of all the Freeport daily
papers. The library has at various times received large legacies of libraries
from Freeport citizens. Among the largest collections have been the libraries
of Horatio C. Burchard and E. P. Barton.
The library board consists of nine members, appointed by the mayor of the
city. The board at present in charge consists of O. P. Wright, president;
Fred Wagner, secretary; L. L. Munn, treasurer; L. Z. Farwell, Miss Winnie
Taylor, Addison Bidwell, Joseph Barron, Harry Hineline, and Robert D.
Kuehner, members.
LIBRARY.
The Freeport public library has had a rapid growth since its establishment
in 1890. The annual report of the librarian for June, 1891, shows that the
library then contained four thousand, six hundred and seventy-three volumes.
A systematic method of increasing the number of volumes followed and the
annual report of 1910 shows that the library now contains twenty-eight thou-
sand, one hundred and twelve volumes.
Miss Lane, the efficient librarian, keeps thoroughly posted on new books
and the library will be found at all times to be abreast of the times. The
needs of organizations, such as churches, schools, the Shakespeare Society,
Culture Club, Woman's Club, D. A. R., etc., are given considerable atten-
tion and books and magazines are added to supply the wants of these and other
organizations.
A comparison of the reports of 1891 and 1910 affords some interesting con-
trasts: In 1891, thirty thousand, three hundred and fifty-one volumes were
loaned; in 1910, sixty- four thousand, two hundred and sixty-nine.
Itemized lists follow:
(1891) (1910)
Philosophy 446
Fiction 16,602 4O.991
558 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Juvenile 10,400 12,246
Travel 958 1,069
Poetry 265 ....
History 864 1 ,066
Science 284 826
Biography 334 866
German 194 ....
Religion 106 619
Essays 152 ....
Language 57
Art and music 135 ....
Literature I,5O5
Useful arts 579
Fun arts 450
Philology 3
Foreign literature .... 1,646
Current periodicals 807
Sociology 1,150
THE HOSPITALS OF FREEPORT.
The hospitals of Freport are three in number: St Francis, the Globe Hos-
pital, and the White Sanitorium. All are elegant in their appointments, and for
comfort and general completeness of equipment are hardly surpassed by any
similar institutions in a town of the size of Freeport. The oldest of the three,
St. Francis Hospital, is maintained by the Catholic sisters of St. Francis, and
supported by the congregation of St. Joseph's German Catholic church.
St. Francis Hospital is located on that beautiful natural eminence known as
Walnut Hill in the southern portion of the city, on Walnut, near Empire street.
The site is most beautiful, being high and dry, and commanding a superb view
of the city and its suburbs. Of late years the neighborhood has been built up,
but when the institution was founded it was practically bare of houses. A con-
temporary account describes the hospital as a "large, four story brick edifice,
occupying a beautiful site just on the southern boundary of the city, and sur-
rounded on the west and south by broad fields and green meadows, bounded
by groves of pine and rugged oaks." The "broad fields and green meadows"
have given place to pleasant stretches of green lawn and shaded park, and
there has been a mushroom growth of beautiful and substantial residences. The
"groves of pine and oak" remain, however, and in the midst of one of them
St. Francis Hospital stands, the pioneer structure of Walnut Hill, and still one
of those numerous public buildings in which the people of Freeport take well-
grounded pride.
The building was erected in 1889, at a cost of $20.000, and was dedicated
on the I2th of February, 1890. Two days after the dedication the first patient
was admitted, and the hospital has since continued to receive the patronage of
the sick and afflicted of all classes, nationalities, and religious sects. The hos-
pital is a charitable institution, and although conducted by a Catholic organiza-
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tion and cared for by Catholic Franciscan nuns, its inmates are not chosen with
regard to race, color, religion, sect, or nationality. During the first year of its
career the hospital cared for sixty-eight patients. The second year one hundred
and forty-six were cared for, showing that the institution had increased in
reputation and popularity. Since that time the increase has been consistent with
the growth of the city.
All the leading physicians of Freeport have availed themselves of the privi-
leges of St. Francis Hospital. The institution has no regularly appointed staff
of physicians, and each patient is at liberty to choose his or her attendant. In
addition to the work carried on in the hospital itself, the sisters of St. Francis
nurse patients in private families, and carry on much charitable and remu-
nerative work outside as an extended department of the institution. The ex-
penses of the hospital are met in part by the contributions of patients, who pay
as much as they are able, and in part by the charitable and benevolent societies
of St. Joseph's church. A large sum was recently left to St. Francis Hospital
by J. B. Taylor, one of Freeport's oldest citizens, whose death occurred within
the past year. Mr. Taylor was not a Catholic himself, but was a generous and
philanthropic man by nature, and had always taken an active interest in the
affairs of St. Francis Hospital and St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum.
The hospital building is a model of convenience and utility. It is spacious,
and well ventilated, finished in oak throughout and supplied with every con-
venience known to architect and sanitary engineer. It is of brick, four stories
high, with stone basement and a handsome tower. It is heated with steam, and
lighted with gas and electricity. In 1903 a large addition was built on the south
end of the hospital, the needs of the institution having outgrown the old build-
ing. The new addition is of pressed brick, four stories in height, and contains,
besides some of the most modern and elegantly furnished apartments of the
hospital, a large chapel in which mass is read by the priests of St. Joseph's
parish. All the rooms of both buildings are supplied with hot and cold water.
In the basement are located the kitchen, dining room and laundry, and also a
room for paupers. The first floor contains the parlors, reception room, operat-
ing room, physicians' offices, sisters' apartments, bath rooms, etc. The other
floors are devoted to wards. The total value of the property, together with
the new addition, is about $35,000.
The White Sanitarium on the corner of North Galena avenue and Clark
avenue, is a model institution of its kind. It differs from the other hospitals
of Freeport in having a regular corps of physicians and surgeons of its own*
These are Dr. J. T. White, Dr. R. M. White, Dr. R. H. Shaw, and Dr. W. C.
Leeper. Dr. Littlejohn, of Chicago, and Dr. C. C. Kost, of Dixon, were also
at one time connected with the White institution
The first White Sanitarium was established in 1898-9 by Dr. J. T. White,
who came here from Missouri. He was a graduate of the Missouri Medical
College, and a post-graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and has had con-
siderable experience in his chosen field. He first established his office and lo-
cated his rooms at his own residence on Douglas avenue, near Cherry street.
His practice grew and he presently saw fit to establish a sanitarium at the same
place. In 1901 he was joined by his brother, Dr. Rooert M. White, who became
560 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
a partner in the business. Dr. R. M. White was a graduate of the Still College
of Osteopathy of Des Moines, and of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Chicago.
The Drs. White remained at the Douglas Avenue Sanitarium for only one
year, at the end of which time the Younger property on the corner of Clark
and North Galena avenues was purchased. An extensive addition was made
before the sanitarium moved to its new home, and the grounds and attached
buildings were considerably improved.
For two years Dr. David Little John, of Chicago, was on the staff of physi-
cians of the White Sanitarium. Soon after his departure his place was filled
by Dr. C. C. Kost, of Dixon. Dr. Kost stayed in Freeport about a year. He
has been since succeeded by Dr. R. H. Shaw and Dr. W. C. Leeper. Dr. Shaw
is a graduate of Iowa State University, and of the College of Physicians and
Surgeon of Chicago. Dr. Leeper graduated from Vanderbilt University, at
Nashville, Tennessee, and finished his medical training at the Illinois Medical
School, and at Columbia University, New York. Under the management of
these skilled and competent physicians the career of the institution has been one
of marked success.
The latest addition to the group of buildings forming the White Sanitarium
was the commodious west wing known as the Hospital Annex, which was
erected in 1907, at a cost of $21,000. Another edifice to the west of this is
now contemplated, and when the whole is finished the sanitorium property will
comprise the greater part of the land bounded by North Galena avenue, Walnut
street and Clark avenue. The land west of the sanitorium is already in the
hands of the sanitorium directors and plans for building have been made.
The White Sanitorium also conducts a nurses' training school known as
the Christian Training School, which was established by Miss Winifred Tay-
lor and Dr. J. T. White in 1905. Miss Taylor has always taken a deep inter-
est in the affairs of the training school, and is now its president. Fifteen nurses
of the training school are in the service of the sanitorium all the year round.
The management of this corporation is unique and unlike that of any other
hospital doing business in this section of the state in that its physicians are en-
tirely in its employ, receiving only a salary for their services with an idea that
no patient's financial condition will influence their diagnosis or treatment. In
this way it is all the same to the physicians whether the patient pays much or
nothing as he is wholly dependent upon the corporation and the patient receives
an entirely independent opinion.
The institution is up to date in every respect, in equipment, methods, and
all the appurtenances thereto. The buildings are at present one of the boasts
of the city, and when the new addition is completed, the White Sanitorium will
be a permanent monument to the indefatigable zeal and energy of its founder.
The institution has facilities for caring for forty-five patients. The property
assets of the corporation have grown until they almost reach the $100.000
valuation.
Globe Hospital. The newest of the Freeport hospitals is Globe Hospital.
The hospital is an incorporated association, under the act of February 22, 1900,
the incorporators being the first directors. The hospital was opened July i,
GLOKi: HOSPITAL
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 561
1902, on West Stephenson street, and occupies the building formerly owned by
the late Horatio Burchard, who sold it to the Globe Hospital about seven years
before his death. He had occupied it himself for fifteen years, and previous
to that time, it had been the residence of Colonel Shaffer, who was afterward
appointed governor of Utah. As the original building was somewhat small, it
was enlarged, and fitted up with the latest and best modern hospital equipments,
including fine operating rooms, an X-ray room, elevator, heating plant, electric
lights, etc. There are forty-two beds in the hospital, and on an average twenty
patients are being cared for at the hospital at all seasons.
The hospital was originally a part of the Knights of the Globe Home, and
it was intended that the hospital should supplement the larger institution. The
hospital has, however, become the most important part of the home, and has
taken an important place among the hospitals, not only of Freeport, but of
northern Illinois. Dr. W. W. Krape was the founder of the hospital, as he
was of the Order of the Knights of the Globe, and has since continued to be
identified with the directing staff.
There is no regularly appointed medical staff. The physicians of Freeport
and of the county have all been considered as members of the staff, and every
physician within a radius of fifty miles is considered as a member of the med-
ical advisory staff. The work of the hospital is strictly charitable. No person
suffering or needing care, whose disease is not a prohibited contagious one, has
ever been turned away from Globe Hospital because of inability to pay. The
institution was founded with charitable work in view, and has since done yearly
charitable work to the extent of about $500 per annum. The nurses of Globe
Hospital are at the command of rich and poor alike outside of the hospital
whenever needed.
There is a great demand for an old people's home and orphanage in con-
nection with Globe Hospital, and in the near future the management expects
to erect a cottage for old people on the hospital grounds. A number of rooms
have been set aside at the hospital for the accommodation of old people, but
arrangements are not yet entirely satisfactory. It would indeed be a public ser-
vice if some philanthropic citizen were to give money for the erection of a
home and orpahanage,
There is also a nurses' training school, founded in 1903, which is conducted
in connection with the hospital. Nineteen nurses have graduated from the
school since its foundation. Miss Anna R. Pengilly, superintendent of the hos-
pital, is in charge of the school, assisted by Miss Emma Bluhm, head nurse.
A nurses' cottage of eight rooms has been erected on the grounds adjoining the
hospital.
No hospital has a greater patronage than Globe Hospital. The delightful
situation of the hospital, the careful and painstaking treatment which patients
receive, and the excellent equipment of the institution have given Globe Hos-
pital a name and reputation among every class of citizen in Freeport. The hos-
pital is, of course, entirely non-sectarian, and aims to serve every one of its
patients without discrimination as to religious belief, or any other consideration
of the sort. A large number of patients are cared for annually, and the ca-
pacities of the hospital building are taxed to the utmost. An addition to the
562 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
building is contemplated in the near future, if sufficient funds can be secured
for its completion. The hospital is in every way an ideally conducted insti-
tution, and all who have enjoyed its privileges have testified as to the excellent
manner in which the patients are cared for.
KING'S DAUGHTERS SETTLEMENT HOME.
There have been numberless charitable organizations in the city of Freeport,
and some of them have put in some really effective work. But, until the found-
ing of the King's Daughters Settlement Home, there was a lack of system, an ab-
sence of unified and continuous effort, which rendered a great part of the ear-
nest and conscientious labor as good as worthless. Since that organization has
taken upon itself the bulk of charitable work among the poor of the city, the
results have not only been gratifying, but in many cases astonishing. Much of
the labor carried on by the settlement home is of the sort that cannot be written
about. There is no publicity attached to it, and the vast majority of the towns-
people know very little about the deal of good which is being done daily in the
little rooms of East Stephenson street. Too much credit cannot be given to
the earnest and unceasing labors of the noble women who have given their
lives to the work of reclaiming lost souls and bettering the condition of Free-
port's poor, socially, morally, religiously, and materially. There has been no
"spread eagle" about the settlement work and, in fact, the ladies connected
with the project have been so modest concerning their undertaking that the
public in general is uniformed as to the achievements of the past six years.
A historical sketch cannot pretend to give any idea of the amount of good which
has been done by the settlement home, but it may perhaps convey something of
the scope of the work, and the branches of activity which have been taken up
by the ladies in charge.
The King's Daughters Settlement Home was organized in 1904, but not in-
corporated until September 13, 1909. It was an outgrowth of the Deaconess
Home, which was carried on under the supervision of the two Methodist churches
of the city. The deaconesses aimed to carry on the same sort of work that is
at present undertaken by the workers of the settlement home, but the field of
their activity was necessarily more limited. The Deaconess' Home was located
for a time on the corner of North Galena avenue and West street, and later on
• the corner of Van Buren street and Oak place.
For many years the deaconesses had done a good work in Freeport. At
length, when, owing to various complications at the time of building the First
M. E. Church, that congregation did not feel equal to the task of providing for
the maintenance of the work, the deaconesses withdrew from their support al-
together, and this wise step enabled them to have the support of all the churches
and their congregations, rather than only two of them. A store building was
rented on East Stephenson street, in the poorest district of the city, and there
under the auspices of the Comforting Circle of King's Daughters, the Settlement
Home was established. The three deaconesses who were instrumental in the
work were Miss Ollie G. Webster, who has since left the city, Miss Margaret
Niblo, and Mrs. Eva M. Bailey.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 563
The home, which was at first known as the Deaconess' Coffee House and Set-
tlement Home, became afterwards known as the King's Daughters Mission and
Settlement Home. Nearly two hundred names appeared on the list of subscribers
who promised to help provide for the maintenance of the institution — among them
many business firms of the city, and the several charitable organizations of the
churches, such as the Amity Society, Comforting Circle King's Daughters, Min-
istering Circle King's Daughters, Women Workers of the First Presbyterian
church, etc.
Various departments of instruction, entertainment and education are pro-
vided by the settlement workers for the poor of the city. An innovation of
the past year has been a class in manual training for the boys, which met with
great favor among the boys — so great, indeed, that they clamored for instruc-
tion every night in the week instead of one, as was originally offered. Mr.
Lebkicher acted as instructor for a while, and was succeeded by Mr. Barrett,
who will teach the class next year. There has been also a "Bird Club" for the
boys, under the patronage and tutelage of Miss Marion Clark. The aim of the
Bird Club was to awake and stimulate humanitarian ideas in the minds of the
boys, and to instill a love for the beautiful feathered creatures which are so
beneficial to man.
The regular departments of work included the cooking class, the industrial
school, the employment bureau, the Sunday school, the mothers' club, as well
as the above mentioned organizations. The cooking class is composed of an
enthusiastic club of girls under the direction of Miss Laura Clark. Much good
must come from this work, as the girls are taught to prepare nutritious foods
from inexpensive materials.
The industrial school under the supervision of Mrs. Bailey is one of the most
important branches of the work. There are two divisions: the primary depart-
ment, and the girls' sewing department. Mrs. Bailey has been ably assisted by
a corps of eight excellent workers. The primary department has been in charge
of the Misses Katharine and Jeannette Porter, Mrs. Osmer, Mrs. Wickler, Miss
Marion Clark, and Miss Riefsnyder. The advanced department has been taught
by Mrs. Wm. H. Foil, and Mrs. Henry W. Hamilton.
The employment bureau is an important phase of the work. The bureau
finds that the supply of workers does not equal the demand for them. If
any one in Freeport is without legitimate employment, it must be because that
individual has not sought assistance from the King's Daughters Settlement
Home Employment Bureau. An effort is made to provide the employer with
reliable help, and to secure for an employee a just employer.
The Sunday school meets every Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. The
adults' Bible class has been well attended and has been a great boon to mothers
and fathers with little ones, who would otherwise be deprived of the privilege
of the study of God's word. The young ladies' class holds its session in the
parlors upstairs, and is doing much toward inculcating principles of purity in
the hearts of these girls. The intermediate class is by far the largest, numbering
sometimes thirty-five or forty, and is doing much good. The primary division
is flourishing. The attendance is large, and the lesson hour of the class is the
happy hour of the week for the little ones. The truths impressed upon their
564 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
minds and hearts in story and song will fill a large place in the development
of their future lives.
The mothers' club continues to be one of the most successful of the clubs
at the home. The membership has increased, as well as the attendance at the
meetings, which are held the second and fourth Thursday afternoons of each
month. Many outside friends of the club contribute to the interest and enjoy-
ment of the programs. Instrumental and vocal music, readings, and recitations,
besides talks and papers have all helped to make the meetings a success. An ef-
fort is being made to induce the members to subscribe for the "Mothers' Maga-
zine," and under the able and enthusiastic direction of the vice president, Mrs.
Simmons, the work committee has accomplished much during the year.
The annual budget of the King's Daughters Settlement Home is defrayed by
rummage sales, tag day, shower parties, and the subscriptions which must be met
through the generosity of the public. Aboard of lady managers is in charge
of the work. The officers for the year are: President, Miss Gertrude Converse;
vice president, Mrs. J. A. Clark; secretary, Mrs. P. O. Stiver; treasurer, Miss
Myrtelle Hoover; workers, Mrs. Eva M. Bailey; Miss Margaret Niblo.
OAKLAND CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
The Oakland Cemetery Association was organized August, 1901, by a com-
pany of Freeport gentlemen, nearly all of whom are still connected with the
enterprise today. Of the large number of public spirited citizens who united to
provide the city of Freeport with more suitable cemetery facilities, the following
were elected officers : President, William Trembor ; vice president, C. W. Harden ;
secretary, C. F. Hildreth; treasurer, Joseph Emmert; superintendent, Owen T.
Smith.
In less than a year, the offices of secretary and superintendent were com-
bined, and Mr. Hildreth resigned from his position. The post of secretary-
superintendent has since been filled by Mr. Smith.
Oakland Cemetery embraces a large tract of wooded land in Florence Town-
ship, on the Pearl City road. One hundred and eight acres in all are owned
by the association, thirty acres of which are used for cemetery purposes. The
original plans of the cemetery were drawn up by O. C. Simonds, a landscape
gardener of Chicago, and provide for the further development of thirty ad-
ditional acres as fast as they are needed. Further than that no plans for the
development of the land have been made.
The cemetery sells lots in accordance with the long plan, which provides for
the perpetual care of the grounds, A board of trustees is appointed to care
for the permanent fund set aside from the income from the sale of lots to in-
sure the perpetual care of the grounds and lots.
The cemetery itself is most beautiful. A description of the growth will
be found elsewhere. The place has been in use since August, 1902, when the
first burial, that of Mrs. Homer F. Aspimvall, was made. The old soldiers have
a lot decorated with cannons from Fort Delaware which were given them by
the government. A large number of burials have been made at Oakland Ceme-
tery since the institution was organized, and many lots are at present being moved
EXTItAXCK TO OAKLAND CEMETERY
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 565
from the old city cemetery on Lincoln avenue to the new grounds west of the
town. The present officers of the association are : President, Joseph Emmert ; vice
president, C. W. Harden; treasurer, A. S. Held; secretary-superintendent, O.
T. Smith.
THE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
The Stephenson County Old Settlers' Association has held annual meetings
every year beginning in 1870. The meetings are held at Cedarville. The annual
meetings have been held in three beautiful groves; first, in Montelius' Grove,
then in Addams' Grove, near the schoolhouse, and finally in the present grove north
of the village.
In the fall of 1869 the idea of holding annual Old Settlers' Reunions began
to take form. December 16, 1879, a public meeting was held in the courthouse
at Freeport, to take steps toward an organization. Mr. D. A. Knowlton, Sr.,
was elected chairman and L. W. Guiteau, secretary. The following commit-
tee was appointed to report the following Saturday : James Turnbull 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, Lan-
caster; Calvin Preston and Samuel Chambers, Rock Grove; S. E. M. Carnefix
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. Ord-
way, William Smith, W. G. Waddell, Thomas C. Gatliff, Benjamin Goddard,
O. W. Brewster, Jere Pattison, George Purinton and Isaac C. Stoneman, Free-
port.
At the meeting on Saturday the following committee was appointed to draft
a constitution and by-laws, to provide a permanent organization and to arrange
for future meetings : Geo. Purinton, L. W. Guiteau, M. Hettinger, D. A. Knowl-
ton and W. S. Gray. The next meeting was held January i, 1870, and the follow-
ing were elected officers : President, Levi Robey ; secretaries, George Purinton
and D. H. Sutherland ; treasurer, L. W. Guiteau ; vice presidents, 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, Samuel Hayes and
Alanson Bacon.
The first meeting was held in Cedarville, September 6, 1870. President Levi
Robey was in the chair. The secretary being absent, on motion, Jackson Richert
was elected secretary. On motion of John H. Addams, article three of the
constitution was amended to read as follows : "Any person may become a mem-
ber of this society who is a citizen of Stephenson County, by signing the con-
stitution and paying the sum of twenty-five cents."
A call was made for all old settlers from 1834 to 1840 to stand. Quite
a number of ladies and gentlemen stood up. Short speeches and responses were
566 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
made by President Levi Robey, Luman Montague, Henry Eels, I. W. Guiteau,
Levi Lucas, Rev. B. H. Cartright and others. It was voted to hold the next meet-
ing August 30, 1871, at Cedarville.
The second meeting held August 30, 1871, in Montelius' Grove. Cedarville
was well attended, Levi Robey, president, and Jackson Richart, secretary. Music
well, Oneco; J. Radebaugh, Winslow; Luman Montague, West Point; Hubbard
was furnished by the Cedarville Glee Club. The vice presidents were : L. Cald-
Graves, Waddams; F. Bolender, Buckeye; John Brown, Dakota; W. C. Lunks,
Rock Run ; R. Farburn, Ridott ; R. Bell, Lancaster ; T. L. Wright, Harlem ; B.
Goddard, Freeport ; E. Bacon, Erin ; J. B. Timms, Kent ; S. Hayes, Loran ;
Conrad Van Brocklin, Florence; F. Baker, Silver Creek; Dr. W. P. Narramore,
Lena.
Levi Robey and wife stood up at the call for 1834; L. Montague, S. Cham-
bers, Mr. Berry and J. B. Timms for 1835; L. Goodrich, 1836; T. Wilcoxen, J.
Richert, G. H. Barber, Josiah Clingman, 1837; B. Belknapp, C. Caldwell, M.
Bolender, J. Murdock and S. Rotrough, 1838. Speeches were made by Levi
Robey, Luman Montague, S. Chambers, J. B. Timms, T. Wilcoxen, Mr. Belk-
napp, Mr. Rotrough and Rev. B. H. Cartwright. The main theme of the speeches
was the conditions of the early days, with special reference to the friendship
and sociability of the people.
At the meeting of 1872, August 28, at Montelius' Grove, President Robey
presided and Rev. Donmeyer offered prayer. On motion of J. H. Addams, a
committee was appointed to draft a new constitution, the old one having been
lost. The chairman appointed the following: J. H. Addams, Judge Hines, Hon.
James Taggart, Fred Bolender and Michael Gift. The meeting in 1873 was
held in Montelius' Grove, Levi Robey president. Rev. John Lynn offered prayer.
Music was furnished by the Dakota Brass Band. L. W. Guiteau, Fred Bolender
and William Wright were appointed to secure some one to make an historical
address in 1874. A committee of one from each township was appointed to
secure statistics of the early settlements.
The annual meeting of 1874 was held in Addams' Grove near the Union
school, Cedarville. At this meeting William Wright read a sketch of Harlem
Township's early settlers.
At the 1875 meeting, Addams' Grove, August 25, speeches were made by
Hon. H. C. Burchard, J. H. Addams, Rev. B. H. Cartwright, L. W. Guiteau, S.
D. Atkins and Jared Sheetz. Dr. W. P. Narramore was elected president;
Jackson Richert, secretary, and William Wright, treasurer.
In 1876 Levi Robey was elected president. U. D. Meacham addressed the
meeting on the early settlers and progress of the county.
Hon. Andrew Hinds addressed the meeting of 1877, August 29, Mr. Robey
being president.
In 1878, August 28, J. H. Addams, chairman of the obituary committee,
reported the deaths of Conrad Van Brocklin, E. Ordway, James Brown,
Johnathan Reitzell, John B. Johnson, Martin Brubaker. Samuel Lapp. Solomon
Rutheroff, Charles Smallwood, W. Pundlett, Mrs. Gross, P. T. Ellis and Mrs,
E. S. Caldwell.
THOMAS COCKHKLL
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 567
In 1879 tne officials were: President, Levi Robey; secretary, Jackson Richert;
treasurer, William Wright.
August 25, 1880, was a rainy day but the attendance was fair. Vice presi-
dent, John H. Addams, presided. The following deaths were reported: George
Reitzell, L. W. Guiteau, John Wilson, James Hart, Samuel Bechtold, George
Lamb, Mrs. Aaron Chamberlain, Mrs. Isaac Stoneman, Mrs. Andrew St. John,
Reuben Laver, John Gregory, John Seidler, Henry Smith, Joseph Baumgartner
and Adam Hutmacher.
In 1881, General Smith D. Atkins addressed the meeting, August 31. Rev.
James Schofield and D. A. Knowlton, Dr. Fred Byers, of Monroe, Rev. Kroh,
Hon. R. R. Hitt, Hon. H. C. Burchard and D. S. Brewster also spoke. Bissell
P. Belknapp was elected president.
In 1882 addresses were made by General S. D. Atkins, Levi Robey, Judge
Coates and L. L. Munn. Belknapp was president again in 1883.
In 1884 Dr. W. P. Narramore was president; John Wright, secretary; and
Henry Richert, treasurer. Speeches were made by Major N. C. Warner of Rock-
ford, by Thomas French, S. D. Atkins, O. B. Munn, Hiram Clingman and Dr.
Narramore.
August 26, 1885, Hon. Isaac Rice of Ogle County made the address of the
day. At the 1886, General Atkins, Giles Turneaure and W. P. Narramore were
made obituary committee. Hon. J. S. Cochran, Hon. E. L. Taylor, Judge Din-
widdie, Isaac Kleckner and Levi Robey spoke.
In 1887 Dr. Fred Byers, General Smith D. Atkins and Hon. Michael Stoskopf
addressed the meeting. In 1888 Rev. John Lynn, Professor C. C. Snyder, Hon.
R. H. Wiles, James McNamara, Levi Robey and General Smith D. Atkins were
the speakers.
In 1889, August 28, the music was by the Henney Band. The speakers were
Rev. H. A. Ott, Freeport, H. M. Timms, R. R. Hitt, Levi Robey and H. C.
Burchard.
In 1890 the officials were Dr. W. P. Narramore, president ; J. W. Adams, sec-
retary; and Henry Richert, treasurer. The speaker of the day was Governor
J. W. Fifer. John K. Brewster and S. J. Dodds also addressed the meeting.
In 1908, Dr. Narramore resigned the office of president. He had served
twenty-five years, with the exception of one year when David Brewster was
president. In 1908 General Smith D. Atkins was elected president, a posi-
tion he still holds. Frank W. Clingman has been secretary since 1897.
In 1909 about one thousand eight hundred people attended the Old Settlers'
Annual Meeting. Hon. Charles B. Selby was the orator of the day. Speeches
were also made by Hon. Stephen Rigney and Hon. Martin Dillon.
President Smith D. Atkins has arranged for the 1910 meeting to be held
August 31, at Cedarville. Good music and an orator of reputation will be
secured.
The program has been completed for the forty-first annual meeting of the
old settlers of Stephenson county, which will be held in the Old Settlers' grove,
one-quarter of a mile northeast of Cedarville, Wednesday, August 31. A feature
of the day's outing will be the old-fashioned basket picnic at noon. The chief
speaker of the day will be Honorable Benson Wood, of Effingham. Mr. Wood
568 . HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
is one of the best known orators in the state. He is an ex-member of congress
and is also prominent in G. A. R. circles, having been commander of the G. A. R.
department of Illinois.
The program complete is as follows :
Call to order. Music by Cedar Cliff band.
Prayer by chaplain, Rev. J. H. Keagle, Cedarville.
Welcome address, Earl J. Smith, Cedarville.
Response, Rev. W. D. Marburger, Bunker Hill, 111., Military Academy.
Reading of minutes. Treasurer's report.
Election of officers.
Music, Cedar Cliff band.
Adjournment for dinner.
Band concert i to 2 p. m.
Annual address, Honorable Benson Wood.
Short addresses by old settlers and others.
Music by Cedar Cliff band.
Warm meals will be served by the ladies of the United Evangelical Church
at Cedarville for 25 cents.
The officers of the association are: Smith D. Atkins, president; Henry Rich-
art, treasurer ; F. W. Clingman, secretary ; Clinton Fink, obituary secretary ; exec-
utive committee, M. B. Humphrey, Wm. Clingman, S. B. Barber, Jr., J. F.
Kryder, S. W. Frank and Luther Angle.
It is expected that the gathering this year will be fully up to the record set
last year when between two and three thousand were present. Honorable Charles
E. Selby, of Springfield, was the speaker a year ago. The old settlers have
always been addressed by able men of the state, such leading citizens of Illinois
as Cullom, Lowden and Oglesby having been on previous programs. The first
meeting was held in Freeport, forty-one years ago and there are some living to-
day who attended that initial gathering. It is expected that Freeport will send a
large delegation to Cedarville the last day of this month. — The Journal.
THE GREAT STORM OF JUNE, 1869.
On June 19, 1869, Freeport was the victim of a most violent storm. The
wind was terrific and for hours the rain poured in torrents. The branch south
of Galena street over-flowed, cellars were filled, the south part of town was
cut off and people could not get to their homes. The sidewalk at Chicago street
was washed away some distance. Damage was extensive at Kuehners, Pattison's
Machine Shop, Hoebels and the Gas Works. John B. Taylor's Tannery, on
Jackson street, suffered a loss of over $3,000, the dam being washed out, the
vats swept away, and eighty cords of bark and forty sides of leather washed
away. All over town large trees were blown down. The barber shop at the
corner of Van Buren and Stephenson streets, under Pelton & Company's Jewelry
store was flooded. The cellars of John Hoebel's saloon and of the middle ditch,
Potter & Company, wholesale liquor house were also flooded. The total damage
to Freeport was estimated at $50,000.
STEPHEN SOX COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LIBRARY
OF THE
OF ILUNOIS
! i HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 569
THE COURTHOUSE.
The present courthouse was begun in 1870 and finished in 1873. To make
way for the new structure the old building was hauled away to the lower end
of Douglas avenue and used as a machine shop. The first courthouse was built
by Thomas J. Turner who took the contract from the county commissioners in
1837. Julius Smith directed the work of getting out the timbers in the winter of
1837-8. It was a two-story frame structure, and in its earliest day was considered
a marvel of architecture. A writer of an early history says it was considered to
surpass in size and elegance all other buildings west of Detroit and north of
St. Louis. It stood as Stephenson County's Temple of Justice from 1838 to
1870. During that time many notable men did duty within its walls as judges
or as attorneys at the bar. Among those were Martin P. Sweet, Seth B. Farwell,
Thomas J. Turner, Thompson Campbell, Thomas Drummond, Joseph L. Hoge,
James L. Loop, Joseph Knox, Jason Marsh, Benjamin R. Sheldon, E. D. Baker,
E. B. Washburne, Burnap, Charles Betts, John A. Clark, U. D. Meacham, H. C.
Burchard, J. M. Bailey, F. W. S. Brawley, John Coates, J. C. Kean, Hiram
Bright, Charles F. Bagg, Thomas F. Goodhue and others.
During the early days the old courthouse served as a meeting place for new
congregations before they could build churches. It was there too that mass meet-
ings were held, conventions and railroad meetings, but as early as 1850 citizens
and the newspapers began to complain that the old courthouse was not in keep-
ing with the progress of the county. It was argued that a community would be
known by its public buildings, and Freeport should have a more modern struc-
ture as a means of attracting settlers and building up the town. But there was
always opposition, and no definite steps were taken toward the erection of a new
building till 1869.
The board of supervisors in 1869 consisted of the following: Charles H.
Rosenstiel, John Burrell, J. A. Grimes, George Osterhort, C. F. Mayer, H. H.
Becker, Francis Boeke, James McFatrick, S. K. Fisher, Peter Marlin, James A.
Templeton, H. O. Frankeberger, Andrew Hinds, Samuel Wilber, John H. Wil-
liams, Ralph Sabin and A. A. Babcock. A committee was instituted to secure
plans for a new courthouse, to cost not exceeding $80,000. This was April 22,
1869. On. February 22, 1870, the plans of E. E. Myers of Springfield were
accepted. The contract to build the new house was let to A. Walbaum & Com-
pany. A building committee consisting of S. K. Fisher, Ralph Sabin, George
Osterhort, A. P. Goddard, Andrew Hinds and Peter Marlin, was appointed
April 23. During the summer the corner stone was laid. The new court-
house was dedicated February 22, 1873. The total cost of building and equip-
ment was $130,413.56. The building is of stone, 99 x 80, four stories high
including basement and mansard roof. The clock was placed in the tower
by A. W. Ford, who is still in business as a jeweler in Freeport near the City
Hall. The clock weighed two thousand pounds. The pendulum is eight and
a half feet long, and the weights necessary to run the clock weigh nine hundred
and fifty pounds. The clock was built by the Seth Thomas & Sons, of Con-
necticut. The bell weighs one thousand eight hundred and fifty pounds and was
cast at the foundry of E. A. & G. Meneley of Troy, New York.
570 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
On the first floor, following around to the right, are the following offices in
order : County clerk, county treasurer, county court, county supervisors, county
sheriff, and clerk of the circuit court. On the second floor, in the northwest
corner, is the office of the county superintendent. Until the winter of 1909-10,
the state's attorney had his office in the southeast corner of the building. At that
time Hon. Louis H. Burrell, state's attorney, moved the office to a suite of rooms
over the Knowlton Bank. The room vacated is now used by the state's at-
torney only during the time that court is in session.
The county superintendent uses the two rooms on the top floor, one as an
examination room and one as a library and reading room for teachers. This was
established by County Superintendent Cyrus Grove in the fall of 1909.
At present, the circuit room is being remodeled. It has always possessed
poor accoustic qualities. The court room is to be smaller. Jury rooms, a wit-
ness room and a room to be added to the county superintendent's office are
to be cut off the old court room.
,THE COUNTY JAIL.
The first county jail was built of logs, probably by Thomas J. Turner, in'i
It was located on the corner of Cherry and Exchange, now the site of the First
Ward school. Before the jail was completed, prisoners were guarded, it is said,
by armed citizens. The old log jail did a big business in its day. The presence
of outlaws, counterfeiters, horsethieves and claim-jumpers in the community made
frequent demands for jail space. Breaking out of jail was not uncommon, for
the class of criminals of that day was desperate in the extreme. The "night
watch," patrolling the premises was necessary to establish reasonable security.
Before the log jail was completed, a few law breakers were imprisoned in
William Baker's root house.
The criminal business soon outgrew the log jail, partly for lack of room and
partly, too, for greater security. The "Little Stone Jug" was adopted as a county
jail. This stone bastile was located north of the present jail. The citizens now
believed that jail deliveries would cease. In this belief they were disappointed,
for the passion for freedom was strong.
It is one of the anomalies of history that a progressive civilization demands
jail facilities that are both secure and commodious. In the fall of 1875, the
county supervisors, under the inspiration of a large jail delivery, decided to build
a new bastile. This action was taken November 4, and a committee appointed
to secure specifications for a jail to cost not exceeding $35,000. The committee
consisted of John Erfert, A. H. Hinds, J. H. Pierce and F. A. Darling.
The committee visited Rockford, Joliet, Dixon and Monroe and inspected"
the jails of those cities. The contract was finally let to W. H. Myers, of Fort
Wayne, Indiana, who completed the present jail at the corner of Exchange and
North Galena. The plans were furnished by T. J. Tolan & Sons, Fort Wayne,
Indiana. The building is made of brick and stone, contains the home for the
sheriff besides the county jail. The total cost of the building and lot completed,
was $40,553.00.
UNITED STATES COUHTHOfSE AND POST OFFICE
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 571
THE FREEPORT POSTOFFICE.
The Freeport Postoffice has kept pace with the growth and development of
the county. The spring of 1836 the mail was delivered by Thomas Grain, founder
of Grain's Grove. There was no established office till 1837 when B. R.
Wilmot became postmaster in a small room on Galena street. In 1842 L. W.
Guiteau was postmaster with an office at the corner of South Galena ave. and
Galena streets. The mail was received daily by the stage. Hon. Thomas J.
Turner was next in position and kept the office in his residence in Galena street
between Van Buren and Chicago streets. From 1843 to ^49 Attorney A. T.
Green was the town postmaster. The office was at the corner of Van Buren and
Galena streets and later at the corner of Chicago and Stephenson. George
Reitzell conducted the office at the corner of Van Buren and Stephenson streets
from May, 1849, to 1853, when F. W. S. Brawley took charge at the corner of
North Galena ave. and Exchange streets. From 1858 to 1861 Mr. Charles S.
Bagg conducted the office at the corner of Chicago and Exchange streets and
was succeeded by Mr. C. K. Judson who served till 1865 when General Smith
D. Atkins was appointed by President Lincoln. An attempt to have Mr. Atkins
removed because he was not a follower of the Andrew Johnson faction failed.
The General continued to hold the office under General Grant's Presidency, and
it was said that he was the only postmaster who remained under Grant that had
served during Johnson's term. General Atkins continued to hold the office un-
der Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. The election of Qeveland in 1884 and again
in 1892, caused the appointment of Democrat and Mr. John F. Smith served
from 1885 to 1889, and F. Charles Donohue from 1893 to 1897. From 1889 to
1893, during Harrison's term, General Atkins was again postmaster and in 1897,
after the election of McKinkley he was again appointed and has since held the
position by appointment under President Roosevelt and President Taft. During
these 45 years of service as postmaster, under Presidents Lincoln, Johnson,
Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft, the
business of the office has had a remarkable growth, the rural delivery and city
delivery systems have been established and the present government building
erected. Today Freeport has a more efficient service and a better building than
most cities of her population.
COUNTY OFFICIALS igiO.
The county officials now holding office are: County Judge, A. J. Clarity, of
Lena; County Clerk, Fred C. Held; Circuit Clerk, C. D. Cramer; State's At-
torney, Louis H. Burrell ; Sheriff, William C. Milner ; County Treasurer, Barton
G. Cooper; County Superintendent of Schools, Cyrus Grove; County Surveyor,
W. H. Butterfield; Coroner, Dr. M. M. Baumgartner. The Board of Review
consists of : James Rezner, chairman; H. N. Hartzell, secretary, and Al. Freuh.
The Board of Supervisors for 1910-11 is made up of the following:
Town. Supervisor. Postoffice.
Jefferson Fred Byers, Loran.
Loran . D. L. Mitchell, Pearl City.
572
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Florence John Bruce, Freeport, R. R. i.
Silver Creek Fred Bangasser, Freeport, R. R. 5.
Ridott William T. Lamb, Ridott.
Rock Run Fred Alberstett, Davis.
Lancaster James Rezner, Freeport.
Freeport John Bauscher, Jr., Freeport.
Freeport Frank Lohr, Freeport.
Freeport Phillip Molter, Freeport.
Freeport J. H. Bamberger, Freeport.
Freeport O. E. Stine, Freeport.
Harlem Thomas Pigney, Sciota Mills.
Erin W. H. Kauffman Lena, R. R. 2.
Kent R. R. Thompson, Kent.
West Point M. F. Halladay, Lena.
Waddams Wm. J. Wachlin, McConnell.
Buckeye F. W. Clingman, Cedarville.
Dakota George Nesemeier, Dakota.
Rock Grove D. I. Felts, Davis.
Oneco Alfred C. Ebel, Orangeville.
Winslow Hazel Thompson, Winslcw.
STANDING COMMITTEES IQIO-II.
Finance — Lamb, Halladay, Alberstett, Bruce and Lohr.
County Accounts — Kauffman, Molter, Mitchell, Bamburger, Hazel, Thompson.
Poor and County Homes — Felts, Ebel, Nesemeier, Baucher, R. R. Thompson.
State's Attorney — Nesemeier, Molter, Bauscher.
Roads and Bridges-^-Molter, Clingman, Felts, Bangasser, Wachlin.
Coroner — Pigney, Bamberger, R. R. Thompson.
Purchasing Agent's Accounts Mitchell, Stine and Bruce.
Sheriff — Halladay, Lamb, Wachlin.
Public Buildings — Alberstett, Pigney, Bangasser.
Assessment and Taxes — Clingman, Beyer, Stine.
County Superintendent Accounts — Ebel, Felts, Lohr.
Blind — Kauffman, Beyer, Hazel, Thompson.
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners is James Rezner and F. C.
Held is Clerk.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
During the last ten years of progress in all lines, extensive city improve-
ments have been made in Freeport. A broader public spirit has been manifested
in support of various civic enterprises. The electric street-lighting system has
doubled. Miles of macadam and brick streets have been built till Freeport
from a city having the poorest streets in the state, has won a reputation for hav-
ing the best. The work of building good streets so well maintained by Mayor
Oilman's administration, is being kept up under Mayor Rawleigh. The exten-
sion of water mains and the increase in the number of hydrants, with the
additions to the equipment and force of the fire department, make Freeport
•«•
Judge Oscar E. Heard
Hon. Louis H. Rurrell
G. D. Cooper,
County Treasurer
Cyrus Stover Grove,
County Superintendent of Schools
Conrad D. Cramer,
Circuit Clerk
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 573
one of the safest cities in Illinois. Charles Hall, as Chief of Police, has proved
to be eminently satisfactory, and has a corps of good officers working under
him. It is sufficient to say, that no city has a more competent body of fire-
fighters than Freeport.
LOCAL OPTION CAMPAIGNS.
Freeport has witnessed two Local Option Campaigns, one in 1908, and
one in 1910. In the 1908 campaign Mr. J. R.' Jackson was chairman of the
local Anti-Saloon League, or Civic League, and Edward L. Burchard, was sec-
retary and chairman of the publicity committee. Mr. D. F. Graham, was vice
president and Mr. Fred Hoefer treasurer. Mr. Edward Bushelle was presi-
dent of the Local Liquor Dealers Association during both campaigns. This
campaign of 1908 was hotly contested from start to finish, both sides mak-
ing extensive use of the daily press and the opera house. The bitterness aroused
during the campaign was not less than that experienced during Civil war times.
When one of the most strenuous election days in the history of Freeport was over
and the votes counted, the Civic League had lost by 714 votes. In the cam-
paign of 1908 Mr. J. R. Jackson was again president of the Civic League,
with J. R. Leckley, secretary. This was a more quiet campaign and the Civic
League lost by a much larger vote.
TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF FREEPORT FROM ITS ORGANIZATION IN 1850 TO
THE YEAR 1855.
1850-51. — Thomas J. Turner, president; Julius Smith, John K. Brewster,
John Rice, Joseph B. Smith.
1851-52. — Edward S. Hanchett, president; Silas D. Clark, Thomas Egan,
Isaiah G. Bedee, John H. Schlott.
1852-53. — Silas D. Clark, president; John Black, Walter P. Hunt, Jeduthan
G. Fuller, Asahel W. Rice.
-.53-54. — Peter B. Foster, president; Frederick Baker, William D. Oyler,
Henry Smith, Julius Smith, Jacob Mayer, William W. Smith, Isaac Stoneman.
1854-55. — Asahel W. Rice, president; John K. Brewster, Warren C. Clark,
Edward S. Hanchett, Isaac C. Stoneman.
CITY OFFICERS FROM ITS ORGANIZATION IN 1855 TO igiO.
Mayors.
Thomas J. Turner, 1855; A. Cameron Hunt, 1856; A. Cameron Hunt, 1857;
John W. D. Heald, 1858; Denard Shockley, 1859; Hiram Bright, 1860; Francis
W. Hance, 1861 ; Urban D. Meacham, 1862; Charles Butler, 1863; John F.
Smith, 1864; John F. Smith, 1865; David H. Sunderland, 1867; C. J. Fry,
1869; E. L. Cronkrite, 1871; Jacob Krohn, 1873; A. P. Goddard, 1875; Jacob
Krohn, 1877; E. L. Cronkrite, 1879; James McNamara, 1881 ; James Mc-
Namara, 1883; August Bergman, 1885; August Bergman, 1887; Chas. Nieman,
1889; Chas. Nieman, 1891; August Bergman, 1893; J. P. Younger, 1895; J. P.
Younger, 1897; Albert Baumgarten, 1899; G. A. Huenkemeier, 1901; C. J.
Dittmar, 1903; C. J. Dittmar, 1905; C. J. Dittmar, 1907; W. T. Rawleigh, 1909.
574 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Aldermen — First Ward.
Wm. G. Waddell, 1855; John A. Clark, 1855; John H. Schlott, 1856; Hoi-
den Putnam, 1856; John A. Clark, 1857; John C. Kean, 1858; Warren C.
Clark, 1859; Thomas Coltman, 1860; Elias C. DePuy, 1860; Isaac H. Miller,
1861; Jacob B. Kenegy, 1862; Isaac H. Miller, 1863; Wm. G. Waddell, 1864;
E. L. Cronkrite, 1865; Wm. G. Waddell, 1866; August Bergman, 1867; A. P.
Goddard, 1868; B. T. Buckley, 1869; Wm. O. Wright, 1870; J. W. Grain, 1871 ;
Elias Perkins, 1871; Elias Perkins, 1872; O. S. Ferris, 1873; George Wolf,
1874; Chas. F. Goodhue, 1874; August Bergman, 1875; Chas. F. Goodhue,
1876; August Bergman, 1877; J. H. Crane, 1878; A. T. Irwin, 1879; T. L.
Waddell, 1880; Jacob Hartman, 1881 ; Daniel Adamson, 1882.
Aldermen Under Minority Plan — First District.
Patrick Lahey, 1883; B. T. Buckley, 1883; Daniel Adamson, 1883; W. H.
Holland, 1885; B. T. Buckley, 1885; J. J. Piersol, 1885; S. W. Reigard, 1887;
J. J. Piersol, 1887; B. T. Buckley, 1887; B. T. Buckley, 1889; S. W. Reigard,
1889; W. H. Holland, 1889; Geo. Milner, 1891; B. T. Buckley, 1891; Wm.
Harris, 1891 ; D. B. Breed, 1893 ; H. H. Hineline, 1893 ; H. F. Hanke, 1893 ;
Geo. E. White, 1895; S. W. Reigard, 1895; D. B. Breed, 1895; Frank Harris,
1897; D. B. Breed, 1897; C. D. Cramer, 1897; George E. White, 1899; C. D.
Cramer, 1899; Charles L. Snyder, 1899; C. D. Cramer, 1901; W. E. Fry, 1901;
F. O. Keene, 1901 ; C. D. Cramer, 1903 ; C. W. Harden, 1903 ; W. T. Rawleigh,
I9°3 ; J- H. Gibler, 1905 ; C. W. Harden, 1905 ; J. E. Harrington, 1905 ; J. H. Gib-
ler, 1907; C. W. Harden, 1907; J. E. Harrington, 1907; Chas. I. Grant, 1909;
August E. Hanke, 1909; L. G. Younglove, 1909.
Second Ward.
Joseph B. Smith, 1855; John Barfoot, 1855; Asahel W. Rice, 1856; Samuel
B. Harris, 1857; Irvin H. Sunderland, 1858; Thomas Robinson, 1859; Chan-
cellor Martin, 1860; James H. Bartlett, 1860; Nathan E. Prentice, 1861 ; John
H. Beaumont, 1862; E. McLaughlin, 1863; Jacob Rodearmel, 1864; Charles
L. Currier, 1865; J. H. Snyder, 1866; Chas. L. Currier, 1867; B. Hunkemeier,
1868; Jacob Rodearmel, 1869; H. H. Upp, 1870; T. C. Catliff, 1871; Geo. W.
Oyler, 1872; M. Hettinger, 1873 '> Geo. W. Oyler, 1874; S. Zartman, 1877; Geo. W.
Oyler, 1876; I. S. Zartman, 1877; Darius Kuehner, 1878; I. S. Zartman, 1879;
J. Brown Taylor, 1880; Louis Stoskopf, 1881 ; D. C. Stover, 1882.
Second District.
R. M. Race, 1883; Wm. Ascher, 1883; L. M. DeVore, 1883; George Bruehler,
1885; L. M. DeVore, 1885; J. N. Galloway, 1885; G. W. Oyler, 1886; J. Law-
son Wright, 1887; J. N. Galloway, 1887; J. R. Cowley, 1887; J. N. Galloway,
1889; J. R. Cowley, 1889; L. W. Brunn, 1889; J. F. Fair, 1891 ; Wallace Collins,
1891 ; J. R. Waddell, 1891 ; Henry Keller, 1893 ; W. S. Best, 1893 ; L. M. De-
Vore, 1893; G. A. Huenkemeier, 1895; W. S. Best, 1895; F. C. Kruse, 1895;
G. A. Huenkemeier, 1897; W. S. Best, 1897; F. C. Kruse, 1897; E. O. Dana,
1899; W. H. Flachtemeier, 1899; John R. Rosebrugh, 1899; W. H. Flachtemeier,
HISTORY OF STEFHENSON COUNTY 575
1901 ; W. A. Merrifield, 1901 ; Steve Steffen, 1901 ; Oscar Hill, 1903 ; W. A.
Merrifield, 1903; Steve Steffen, 1903; H. F. Dorman, 1905; Geo. Brockhausen,
1905; Steve Steffen, 1905; H. F. Dorman, 1907; Geo. Brockhausen, 1907; Steve
Steffen, 1907; F. A. Schulz, 1909; A. H. Wieman, 1909; John S. Schadle, 1909.
Third Ward.
A. Cameron Hunt, 1855; John P. Byerly, 1855; Jonn W. Heald, 1856; John
Hoebel, 1857; Warren C. Clark, 1858; James M. Smith, 1858; John Hoebel,
1859; Moses B. Thompson, 1860; Jacob Hime, 1861 ; John O'Connell, 1862;
John Hoebel, 1862; P. E. Fowler, 1863; Jacob Krohn, 1864; J. S. Rogers, 1865;
Jacob Krohn, 1866; Fred Bartlett, 1867; Henry Baier, 1868; A. J. McCoy,
1869; Henry Lichtenberger, 1870; A. J. McCoy, 1871; Henry Lichtenberger,
1872; A. J. McCoy, 1873; Henry Lichtenberger, 1874; A. J. McCoy, 1875;
Charles G. Steffen, 1876; Peter Muldoon, 1877; Henry J. Porter, 1878; J. R.
Wagner, 1879; Henry J. Porter, 1880; W. H. Wagner, 1881 ; A. J. McCoy, 1882.
Third District.
A. J. McCoy, 1883; John Erfert, 1883; O. P. Wright, 1883; Charles Nieman,
1885; J. E. Frisbie, 1885; O. P. Wright, 1885; A. J. McCoy, 1887; T. J. Foley,
1887; H. P. Kochsmeier, 1887; A. J. McCoy, 1889; H. Leemhuis, 1889; Fred
Flachtemeier, 1889; C. F. Franz, 1891; J. F. Burns, 1891; N. B. Loos, 1891;
C. F. Franz, 1893; J. E. Frisbie, 1893; O. P. Wright, 1893; G. M. Holbrook,
1895; W. T. Rockey, 1895; C. F. Franz, 1895; J. F. Burns, 1897; W. M. Brown,
1897; Louis McGovern, 1897; J. F. Burns, 1899; Louis Bauscher, 1899; Louis
McGovern, 1899; P. J. Lonergan, 1901 ; Louis McGovern, 1901 ; Julius Wagner,
1901; C. G. McCarty, 1903; Louis McGovern, 1903; Julius Wagner, 1903;
Louis Bauscher, 1905 ; Louis McGovern, 1905 ; P. J. Lonergan, 1905 ; Louis
Bauscher, 1907; Louis McGovern, 1907; P. J. Lonergan, 1907; John W. Daniels,
1909; G. Benj. Winter, 1909; P. J. Lonergan, 1909.
City Attorneys.
John A. Jameson, 1855; H. N. Hibbard, 1856; H. N. Hibbard, 1857; J. Bright
Smith, 1858; J. Bright Smith, 1859; Henry C. Hyde, 1860 ; Jas. S. Cochran,
1861 ; John C. Kean, 1862; John C. Kean, 1863; John C. Kean, 1864; F. W. S.
Brawley, 1865; John Coates, 1866; H. M. Barnum, 1867; Thos. F. Goodhue,
1868; Thos. F. Goodhue, 1869; Thos. F. Goodhue, 1870; Thos. F. Goodhue,
1871: T. T. Abrams, 1872; John C. Kean, 1873; John c- Kean, 1874; John C.
Kean. 1875; John C. Kean, 1876; O. C. Lathrop, 1877; John C. Kean, 1878; John
C. Kean, 1879; J. H. Stearns, 1880; John C. Kean, 1881 ; John C. Kean, 1882;
P. J. Geib, 1883 ; John C. Kean, 1885 ; John C. Kean, 1887 ; John C. Kean, 1889 ; M.
Marvin, 1891; M. Marvin, 1893; P. J. Geib, 1895; R. B. Mitchell, 1897; R. B.
Mitchell, 1899 ; Bruce Mitchell, 1901 ; Bruce Mitchell, 1903 ; Bruce Mitchell,
1905; Bruce Mitchell, 1907; Bruce Mitchell, 1909.
City Clerks.
H. N. Hibbard, 1855; H. N. Hibbard, 1856; H. N. Hibbard, 1857; J. Bright
Smith, 1858; J. Bright Smith, 1859; L. F. Burrell, 1860; L. F. Burrell, 1861 ; L.
576 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
F. Burrell, 1862; Frank Corbin, 1863; J. E. Brown, 1864; Joseph B. Smith, 1865;
Joseph B. Smith, 1866; U. M. Mayer, 1867; Joseph B. Smith, 1868; James
Durst, 1869; F. B. Malburn, 1870; F. B. Malburn, 1871; F. B. Malburn, 1872;
Wm. Trembor, 1873; Wm. Trembor, 1874; Wm. Trembor, 1875; Wm. Trembor,
1876; Wm. Trembor, 1877; Wm. Trembor, 1878; Wm. Trembor, 1879; H. C.
Hutchinson, 1880; W. C. Clark, 1881 ; W. C. Clark, 1882; W. C. Clark, 1883;
W. C. Clark, 1885; W. C. Clark, 1887; T. D. Osborne, 1889; T. D. Osborne,
1891 ; G. H. Tandy, 1893; G. H. Tandy, 1895; G. H. Tandy, 1897; G. H. Tandy,
1899; G. H. Tandy, 1901; G. H. Tandy, 1903; .Wm. Waterstradt, 1905; Wm.
Waterstradt, 1907; Chas. W. Peight, 1909.
City Treasurers.
E. W. Salisbury, 1855; Oscar Taylor, 1856; Oscar Taylor, 1857; Geo. J.
Brewer, 1858; Silas D. Clark, 1858; Fred Bartlett, 1859; B. F. Black, 1860; W.
W. Smith, 1861; M. D. Chamberlin, 1862; C. L. Currier, 1863; Thomas Web-
ster, 1864; John Hoebel, 1865; Geo. Lichtenberger, 1866; C. W. Rosebrugh, 1867;
Philip Arno, 1868; C. W. Rosebrugh, 1869; C. W. Rosebrugh, 1870; W. H.
Wagner, 1871; C. Trepus, 1872; C. Trepus, 1873; D. B. Schulte, 1874; Horace
Meigs, 1875; Horace Meigs, 1876; Jacob Molter, 1877; Jacob Molter, 1878;
Henry Ratz, 1879 ; D. B. Breed, 1880 ; D. B. Breed, 1881 ; F. C. Held, 1882 ; F.
C. Held, 1883; George M. Lowis, 1885; Richard R. Hughes, 1887; Frank Het-
tinger, 1889; Geo. W. Graham, 1891; John Tappe, 1893; Henry Ratz, 1895; G.
G. Hoffman, 1897; Jerry Riordan, 1899; John Dejongh, 1901 ; Harry C. Knauff,
1903; James O'Rourke, 1905; James O'Rourke, 1907; Edward Wagner, 1909.
City Marshals.
W. W. Smith, 1855; W. W. Smith, 1856; W. W. Smtih, 1857; John R.
Edick, 1858; Henry Settley, 1859; David C. Laird, 1860; John H. Mease, 1861 ;
Isaiah G. Bedee, 1862; Jacob C. Gilbert, 1863; Jacob C. Gilbert, 1864; Chas.
Baumgarten, 1865; F. R. McLaughlin, 1866; F. R. McLaughlin, 1867; Charles
Rohkar, 1868; J. B. Shirk, 1869; J. B. Shirk, 1870; Geo. J. Lamb, 1871; E. W.
R. Dreyer, 1872; E. W. R. Dreyer, 1873; E. W. R. Dreyer, 1874; E. W. R.
Dreyer, 1875; E. W. R. Dreyer, 1876; E. W. R. Dreyer, 1877; E. W. R. Dreyer,
1878; Eli S. Chamberlin, 1879; Eli S. Chamberlin, 1880; Eli S. Chamberlin, 1881 ;
Eli S. Chamberlin, 1882.
City Mcerslwls — Appointed.
J. W. Sanderson, 1883; J. W. Sanderson, 1884; Eli S. Chamberlin, 1885-87;
Eli S. Chamberlin, 1887; C. J. Dittmar, 1889; C. J. Dittmar, 1891; B. F. Bru-
baker, 1895; Wm. Root, 1895; Wm. Root, 1897; Wm. Root, 1899; Charles W.
Hall, 1901; John J. Sweeney, 1903; John J. Sweeney, 1905; Henry Silk, 1907;
Chas. W. Hall, 1909.
City Surveyors.
No surveyor elected, 1855 > no surveyor elected, 1856; Ludwick Stanton, 1857;
Marcus Carter, 1858; Marcus Carter, 1859; Wm. O. Saxton, 1860; Wm. O.
Saxton, 1861 ; Marcus Carter, 1862; Chas. Baumgarten, 1863; Chas. Baumgar-
FUKI) C. HELD
LibRARY
OF THE
Of ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 577
ten, 1864; Marcus Carter, 1865; Marcus Carter, 1866; Ludwick Stanton, 1867;
Marcus Carter, 1868; Chas. Baumgarten, 1869; C. T. Dunham, 1870; Chas. Baum-
garten, 1871; Chas. Baumgarten, 1872; Chas. Baumgarten, 1873; Chas. Baum-
garten, 1874; F. E. Josel, 1875; F. E. Josel, 1876; Ludwick Stanton, 1877; F. E.
Josel, 1878; F. E. Josel, 1879; F. E. Josel, 1880; F. E. Josel, 1881 ; F. E. Josel,
1882.
City Engineers — Appointed.
F. E. Josel, 1883; F. E. Josel, 1884; F. E. Josel, 1885-87; F. E. Josel, 1887;
F. E. Josel, 1889; Arthur Lagron, 1891; Arthur Lagron, 1893; Arthur Lagron,
1895; F. E. Josel, 1897; George Graham, 1899; George Graham, 1901; George
Graham, 1903 ; George Graham, 1905 ; George Graham, 1907 ; John A. R. Daniels,
1909.
Street Commissioners.
W. W. Smith, 1855; W. W. Smith, for ist Ward, 1856; R. McMasters, for
2d Ward, 1856; Edwin R. Ross, for 3d Ward, 1856; John P. Byerly, 1857;
Henry Settley, 1858; Henry Settley, 1859; B. Wasserzieher, 1860; B. Wasser-
zieher, 1861 ; B. Kuenkemeier, 1862; B. Wasserzieher, 1863; August Bergman,
1864; P. E. Fowler, 1865; Henry D. Rodearmel, 1865; Henry D. Rodearmel,
1866; Henry D. Rodearmel, 1867; Edwin McLaughlin, 1868; Edwin McLaughlin,
1869; Edwin McLaughlin, 1870; James Darrah, 1871; James Darrah, 1872;
James Darrah, 1873; James Darrah, 1874; James Darrah, 1875; William Ascher,
1876; Adolph Boedeker, 1877; J. S. Rogers, 1878; J. S. Rogers, 1879; B- Huen-
kemeier, 1880; Wm. A. Knipschild, 1881 ; B. Huenkemeier, 1882.
Superintendent of Streets — Appointed.
A. H. Altemeier, 1883; A. H. Altemeier, 1884; H. F. Hanke, 1885-87; H. F.
Hanke, 1887; Wm. Ascher, 1889; M. T. Steffen, 1891; Conrad Toelle, 1893;
A. H. Altemeier, 1895; M. Scanlan, 1897; A. H. Altemeier, 1899; John H. Place,
1909.
Police Magistrate.
Luther W. Guiteau, 1855; Horatio C. Burchard, 1857; David Seem, 1859;
A. T. Green, 1863; Abraham Braisted, 1866; George Wolf, 1867; Abraham Brais-
ted, 1870; E. P. Hodges, 1871; Leonard Stoskopf, 1874; J. R. Wagner, 1878; J.
R. Wagner, 1882; A. R. Dubs, 1886; S. R. Dubs, 1889; S. R. Dubs, 1891 ; S. R.
Dubs, 1893; S. R. Dubs, 1895; Marcus Lane, 1897; Marcus Lane, 1899; Mar-
cus Lane, 1901 ; Charles J. Bentley, 1903 ; Charles J. Bentley, 1905 ; Charles J.
Bentley, 1907; Charles J. Bentley, 1909.
GENERAL LODGE DIRECTORY.
There are at present in Freeport as many as seventy-six different social,
fraternal, and secret organizations, a list of which is hereby appended. Twelve
of these are Masonic, and six are of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Three are connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and a number of
them are church societies. The following constitute the list, the names of of-
ficers together with the place and time of meeting being in each case given :
578 . HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
A. F. & A. M., Excelsior Lodge No. 97. Officers: Roy Burkhart, W. M.;
C. C. Wolf, secretary. Meeting, first and third Fridays. Place, Masonic Temple.
A. F. & A. M., Evergreen Lodge No. i7o. Officers: Timothy Stultz, W. M. ;
W. N. Cronkrite, secretary. Meeting, first and third Mondays. Place, Masonic
Temple.
A. O. U. W., Wilhelm Wagner Lodge No. 250. Meeting, Thursdays. Place,
103 Stephenson street.
American Order of Owls., Freeport Nest No. 78. Officers: A. F. Dittman,
president ; J. E. Stewart, secretary. Place of meeting, Seitz hall.
Anchors. Officers: John Bauscher, Jr., president; Charles Meyer, secretary.
B. P. O. E., Freeport Lodge No. 617. Officers : W. G. Krappe, E. R. ; J. W.
Clark, secretary. Meeting, first and third Thursday. Place, 133 Stephenson
street.
Consistory, Freeport Lodge of Perfection. Officers : L. L. Munn, Jr., T. P.
G. M.; W. B. Erfert, secretary. Meeting, second Wednesday. Place, Masonic
Temple.
Consistory, Freeport Council Princes of Jerusalem. Officers : L. H. Burrell,
M. E. S. P. G. M. ; W. B. Erfert, secretary. Meeting, subject to call. Place,
Masonic Temple.
Consistory, Freeport Chapter Rose Croix. Officers: W. C. Jencks, P. M.;
W. B. Erfert, secretary. Meeting, subject to call. Place, Masonic Temple.
Consistory, Freeport Consistory S. P. R. S. Officers: R. D. Kuehner, com-
mander in chief ; W. B. Erfert, secretary. Meeting place, Masonic Temple.
Court of Honor, Freeport Court No. 71. Meeting, second and fourth Thurs-
day. Place, K. of P. hall.
Catholic Knights of Illinois. Officers : Fred Rodemeyer, president ; E. A.
Blust, secretary. Meeting, first Sunday. Place, St. Pius hall.
Democratic Club. President, H. B. Witte; secretary, Herman Straub. Meet-
ing place in Best building, Stephenson and Chicago streets.
Dramatic Order Knights of Khoraissan, Husn Temple No. 108. Officers:
E. I. Rubendall, R. V. ; J. C. James, secretary. Meeting, first Thursday. Place,
K. of P. hall.
Equitable Fraternal Union. Officers: President, H. J. Keith; secretary, John
A. Meyer. Meets second and fourth Wednesdays. Place, K. of P. hall.
Encampment, Western Star No. 25, I. 0. 0. F. Officers : Al. Linder, C. P. ;
E. S. Auman, scribe. Meeting, second and fourth Tuesday. Place, Odd Fel-
lows' hall.
Fraternal Tribunes, Lodge No. op. Officers': F. H. Randall, C. tribune; M.
E. Tenney, secretary. Meeting, first and third Thursdays. Place, Odd Fellows'
hall.
Freeport Saengerbund. Meeting, Fridays. Place, Germania hall.
Freeport Club. Officers: L. Z. Farwell, president; W. G. Krape .secretary.
Place of meeting, 268 Stephenson street.
The Freeport Shakespeare Society. Meeting every Monday night. Officers :
Miss Louise Morgan, president; Miss Margaret Gund, secretary.
G. A. R., John A. Davis Post No. 98. Officers: Fred. C. Held, commander;
John Rotzler, secretary. Meeting, first and third Tuesdays. Place, city hall.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 579
I. 0. M. A., Free port Lodge No. 50. Meeting, Friday. Place, 107 Stephen-
son street.
/. 0. 0. F., Freeport Lodge No. 239, I. O. O. F. Geo. Foss, N. G. ; Al.
Dittman, secretary. Meetings, every Monday. Place, Odd Fellows' hall.
I. 0. O. F., Wiwneshiek Lodge No. 30. Officers: Noble grand, W. F. Al-
temeier ; V. grand, E. L. Yoder ; secretary, Henry Brinkman ; financial secretary,
Frank B. Koenig. Meetings, Wednesday. Pkce, Odd Fellows' hall.
/. 0. 0. F., Stephen A. Douglas Encampment No. 100. Officers : C. P. Al-
len Janssen; Chas. Meyer, high priest; A. F. Dittman, secretary. Meeting, sec-
ond and fourth Friday. Place, Odd Fellows' hall.
/. 0. 0. F., Illinois Lodge No. 259, Rebekah Degree. Officers: Anna Jack-
son, N. grand; A. Roberts, recording secretary. Meeting, first and third Satur-
days. Place, Odd Fellows' hall.
/. O. 0. F., Stephenson Lodge No. 61. Meeting, Mondays. Place, 107
Stephenson street.
/. 0. O. F., Canton Unity. Officers : Captain, E. L. Yoder ; lieutenant, John
Bricker; secretary, John Sharpies.
The Homesteaders, No. 257. Officers : President, Alvin Ulrich ; secretary,
J. P. Scanlon. Place of meeting, K. of P. hall first and third Friday.
G. A. R., John A. Davis, W. R. C. No. 44. Officers: Therese Otto, president.
Meeting, first and third Tuesday afternoons. Place, city hall.
G. A. R., Ladies of the G. A. R., John Brown Taylor Circle. Officers: Mrs.
T. M. Kaufman, president; Mrs. J. A. Gale, secretary. Meeting, first and third
Wednesday afternoons. Place, city hall.
Germania Society. Officers: Chas. G. Steffen, president; E. P. Ohden, sec-
retary. Meeting, first Wednesday. Place, Germania hall.
German Benevolent Society. Meeting, second Wednesday. Place, Germania
hall.
German Lutheran Benevolent Society. Meeting, second Sunday. Place, Ger-
man Lutheran church.
Home Fraternal League. Officers: A. J. Robson, president; Maud L. Bow-
ers, secretary. Meeting, second and fourth Thursday. Place, K. of P. hall.
Home Guardians of America, No 28. Meeting, second and fourth Thurs-
day. Place, 109 Stephenson street.
/. 0. F., Court Mohawk, No. 3/07. Officers: W. C. Rubendall, chief ranger;
Al. Luebbing, recording secretary. Meeting, first and third Tuesday. Place,
K. of P. hall.
/. O. M. A., Brueder Lodge No. 149. Meeting, Tuesday. Place, 107 Stephen-
son street.
Improved Order of Redmen, IVinneshiek Wigivam No. 345. Officers : R. D.
Kuehner, sachem ; F. J. O'Rourk, C. of R. Place of meeting, Odd Fellows' hall.
Immanuel Ladies' Society. Meeting, fourth Wednesday. Place, German
Lutheran church.
/. 0. 0. F., Busy Bee Lodge No. 138, Rebekah Degree. Officerss Mrs.
A. B. Haney, N. G. ; Mrs. Ida Howell, secretary. Meets second and fourth
Saturday. Place, Odd Fellows' hall.
580 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Knights of Pythias, Freeport Lodge No. 452. Officers: A. O. Hart, C. C. ;
Frank J. Becker, K. of R. and S. Meeting, every Monday, 8 P. M., 125 Stephen-
son street.
Knights and Ladies of Honor, Germania Lodge No. 1544. Officers : Fred.
Rosemeier, Cf . Proc. ; F. P. Ohden, secretary. Meeting, second fourth Tues-
days. Place, 98 Stephenson street.
K. T., Freeport Commandery No. 7. Officers : Fred S. Albright, E. C. ; C. C.
Wolf, recorder. Meeting, first and third Wednesdays. Place, Masonic Temple.
Knights and Ladies of Security. Meeting, first and third Thursday. Place,
in Stephenson street.
K. 0. T. M. Meeting, first and third Saturday. Place, in Stephenson
street.
Knights of Columbus, Freeport Council No. 653. Officers: John Manion,
Gr. Kt. ; John Peck, recording secretary. Meeting, first and third Tuesday.
Place, 75 Chicago street.
Loyal'Order Moose. Officers: J. Bauscher, Diet.; J. H. Stewart, secretary.
Meets first and third Friday. Place, Odd Fellows' hall.
M. E. O. A. C., Royal Palace No. 2, Most Excellent Chaldean. Officers:
F. F. Rogers, king; C. C. Wolf, secretary. Meeting, subject to call. Place,
Masonic Temple.
Modern Woodmen of America, Cherry Camp No. 64. Officers : Tory John-
son, V. C. ; John De Jongh, clerk. Meeting, first and third Wednesday. Place,
Seitz hall.
Mutual Order Protection, Stephenson Lodge No. 192. Officers : John
Bauscher, Jr., president; Fred. Schumayer, secretary. Meeting, first and third
Thursday. Place, Fry building.
Mystic Workers, Freeport Lodge No. 51, M. W. O. Officers: J. H. Bam-
berger, prefect; Charles Peight, secretary. Meeting, first and third Wednesday.
Place, 152 Stephenson street.
National Protective Legion, Geo. Washington Legion No. 2,038. Officers :
President, R. G. Weir; secretary, H. O. Price. Meets second and fourth Tues-
days. Place, K. of P. hall.
O. E. S., Freeport Chapter No. 303. Officers : Amelia Miller, W. M. ; Mrs.
Rebecca Stiver, secretary. Meeting, first and third Thursdays. Place, Masonic
Temple.
Order of Eagles, Aerie No. 679. Officers: Henry Kirchhaefer, president;
J. D. Lilly, secretary. Meeting, first and third Thursday. Place, Seitz hall.
Red Devils. Officers : Charles Schmelzle, president ; Emil Molter, secretary-
treasurer. Meets Monday evenings at Germania hall.
R. A. M., Freeport Chapter No. 23. Officers: J. M. Munn, H. P.; C. C.
Wolf, secretary. Meeting, first and third Tuesdays. Place, Masonic Temple.
R &• S. M., Freeport Council No. 39. Officers : Chas. F. Knecht, T. I. M. ;
C. C. Wolf, recorder. Meeting, second and fourth Tuesday. Place, Masonic
Temple.
R. N. A., Cherry Blossom Camp No. 260. Officers are: Mrs. Frances Ohlen-
dorf, oracle; Mrs. Alvina Taylor, recorder. Meeting, second and fourth
Wednesdays. Place, Seitz hall.
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 581
Royal Arcanum, Stephenson Court No. 1986. Officers : Jesse H. Patterson,
regent; B. A. Bookman, secretary. Place, 152 Stephenson street.
R. N. A., Freeport Camp. Officers: Mrs. Ida Mernitz, oracle; Louisa Cam-
erer, recorder.
Sons of Veterans Auxiliary, Smith D. Atkins' Camp, Lodge No. 27. Officers :
Maud L. Bowers, president ; Nellie Altenbern, secretary. Meeting, first and third
Friday. Place, G. A. R. hall.
Stars of Equity, Freeport Assembly No. i. LeRoy Lattig, president ; J. N.
Wagner, secretary. Meeting, first and third Tuesday. Place, 127 Stephenson
street.
St. Joseph Society. John Eberly, president. Meeting, last Sunday. Place,
St. Pius hall.
St. Pius Society. Officers: E. A. Blust, president; Louis Balles, secretary.
Meeting, third Sunday. Place, St. Pius hall.
Spanish- American War Veterans. Officers: William Shouer, commander;
Emerson Cross, adjutant.
Sons of Veterans, Smith D. Atkins Camp No. 400. Officers: G. F. Korff,
c. ; Ray Williams, secretary. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays. Place, G.
A. R. hall.
Tribe of Ben Hur, Stephenson Court No. 412. Officers : Albert E. Drews,
chief ; Mrs. A. Rieger, scribe.
U. C. T., Freeport Council No. 157. Officers : E. L. Hoile, Sen. C. ; J. W.
Benston, secretary. Meeting, first and third Saturday.
Volksverein. Meeting, second Sunday. Place, St. Pius hall.
IV. S. of J., Capernaum Shrine No. 4.. Officers: Miss Alena Hall, W. H. P.;
Mrs. Loveall, secretary. Meeting, fourth Thursday each month. Place, Ma-
sonic Temple.
W. C. 0. F., St. Mary's Court. Officers : Mrs. A. F. Lichtenberger, C. R. ;
Mrs. M. G. Kleckner, secretary. Meeting, second and fourth Thursdays. Place,
St. Mary's hall.
Western Catholic Union. Officers : Jacob Schadle, president ; Joseph Schramm,
secretary. Meeting, second Sunday. Place, St. Pius hall.
Women's Club. Officers: Mrs. George I. Brown, president; Mrs. H. W.
Rowley, secretary. Meeting, Saturdays 3 P. M. Place, Masonic Temple.
White Cross. Officers : Fred Albright, commander ; Lillian Albright, secre-
tary. Meeting, second and fourth Thursday. Place, Globe hall.
Yeomen of America. Officers: W. J. Burdick, president; Mrs. A. J. O'Neill,
secretary. Meeting, second and fourth Tuesday. Place, Seitz hall.
The city of Freeport is known throughout the land in Masonic circles as the
home of some of the most progressive and prosperous of the lodges of that
fraternity. It is one of the three cities in the state which possess chapters of the
Consistory, S. P. R. S., the others being Chicago and Peoria. The first Masonic
lodge was organized in Freeport less than fifteen years after the city itself was
founded, less than fifteen years after a single log cabin marked the site where
a flourishing town was soon to arise, and thus the history of Masonry in Free-
port has been coincident with and parallel to the history of the city's growth and
progress.
582 HISTORY OF STEPHEN SON COUNTY
A feature of Masonry in Freeport which has served to exalt the local chap-
ters above those of the surrounding cities has been the number of distinguished
names connected with the Freeport organizations. A large number of Free-
port Masons have been actively connected with the work of the grand bodies
in the state and districts. Among them have been many of Freeport's most prom-
inent citizens, such as Thomas J. Turner, N. F. Prentice, Loyal L. Munn, Jacob
Krphn, and M. D. Chamberlain. The leaders in the local work have also been
Freeport's most distinguished men, such as R. D. Kuehner, O. E. Heard, J. F.
Fair, W. S. Best, C. C. Wolf, Michael Stoskopf, and W. N. Cronkrite.
Sixty years ago the first lodge was organized in Freeport. At first meetings
were held in Fisher's building on the corner of Galena street and South Galena
avenue (then Exchange 'street). There they remained for some time and then
removed to rooms over, the Stephenson County Bank, which was then doing
business on the corner of Stephenson and Chicago streets. From there they
made a third move to rooms in the next building over Cronkrite's store. After
a brief sojourn here they transferred their place of meeting to Munn's building
and thence to the Fry's Block Hall, where they remained for many years.
As early as 1896 there was serious talk of building a Masonic temple. The
Masons of Freeport had long felt that their importance in the city and state war-
ranted building a temple where they could suitably accommodate their societies.
Plans were even drawn up and estimates of the probable cost made, but these
were all dropped and the structure which was finally built eight years later was
very different from the one originally contemplated. In 1904 it was thought best
to take some definite action on the subject, and accordingly the consistory voted
to take action preparatory to building a temple. They organized themselves into
a separate corporation, four hundred strong, and four hundred $100 bonds were
issued, each member buying one. These bonds called for interest at three per
cent and were made payable at the death of the owner. This ingenious arrangement
provided for the payment of the annual dues of the members of the consistory
for their lifetime. Ultimately more than four hundred bonds were issued, and
the membership of the consistory swelled appreciably. After taking the prelimi-
nary steps, a building committee had been appointed, consisting of W. N.
Cronkrite, L. H. Burrell, J. F. Fair, O. E. Heard, and R. D. Kuehner, and these
five began their work with a will. The Masonic Temple was started in the sum-
mer of 1904, completed by the end of the next year, 1905, and formally opened
to the public on Thursday the 25th of January, 1906. On that day a public re-
ception was held and the friends of the lodge members were cordially invited
to enter and inspect the spacious halls of the temple. The building when com-
pleted, had cost nearly $60,000.
On Friday, January 26th, 1906, the next day after the reception, the first
lodge meeting was held in the new temple of Excelsior Lodge. On that occasion
a past master's night was held, and all past masters of the lodge were present and
assisted in the ceremonies of initiation to the third degree. The active officers
on that memorable occasion were: C. C. Wolf, master; Charles Green, senior
warden; W. H. Irwin, junior warden. The temple has been in use since that
date, and has been occupied by the twelve Masonic lodges at present existent in
Freeport.
COMPANY L, ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD. FREEI'ORT
KIOTI'KN OF SOLDIERS FROM SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
LIBRARY
OF THE
UN..UU.UY OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 583
Excelsior Lodge, No. 97. This was the first Masonic lodge organized in
Freeport. It was established in 1850, and the first meeting held on February
22nd of that year. No charter was granted at that time by the Grand Lodge of
the state, the work being carried on through a dispensation of the grand master
of the state. The following Freeporters, Erastus Torry, Julius Smith, Thomas
J. Turner, Gershom Rice, and Oscar Taylor, were present at the first meet-
ing, together with S. B. Farwell, John Jackson, and S. H. Fitger, visiting masons.
On November 6, 1851, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the state,
and the society ceased to work under special dispensation. On January 8, 1852,
the first officers were installed under the charter, as follows: Julius Smith, W.
M.; T. J. Turner, S. W.; Oscar Taylor, J. W. ; J. A. W. Donahoo, treasurer;
A. W. Rawson, secretary ; William Scott, S. D. ; Reuben Ruble, J. D. ; James
Wright, steward and Giles Taylor, tiler.
Immediately upon its organization, Excelsior Lodge made rapid strides, and
to its success must be attributed the subsequent organization of two other lodges,
Evergreen, and the Moses R. Thompson Lodge. At the present time, there are
only two lodges in existence, the Moses R. Thompson Lodge having consolidated
with Excelsior Lodge in January, 1890. Excelsior Lodge numbers three hun-
dred and sixty-two members at present. The officials for the current years are:
Roy Burkhary, W. M., and C. C. Wolf, secretary. The lodge meets the first and
third Fridays of the month in its room in the Masonic Temple.
Evergreen Lodge No. 170. Evergreen Lodge was organized in April, 1855,
under a dispensation granted by the M. W. Grand Master of Illinois to the
following Masons : A. T. Green, H. R. Wheeler, Charles Butler, Erastus Torry,
James F. Kingsley, William Swanzey, J. F. Ankeney, E. W. Schumway, and G.
G. Norton. The first meeting was convened in the Masonic Hall on the corner
of Stephenson and Chicago streets on the evening of August 16, 1855. During
the fifty-five years since that date, meetings have continued to be held on the
first and third Mondays of the month. The charter officers elected after the
granting of the charter a short time later were J. A. W. Donahoo, W. M., A. T.
Green, S. W. ; J. F. Kingsley, J. W.; H. R. Wheeler, treasurer ;. Charles Butler,
secretary, J. Crow, S. D. ; J. Thomas, J. D. ; and J. C. Walton, tiler.
Evergreen Lodge now has a membership of one hundred and eighty. The
officers at present are Timothy Stultz, W. M., and W. N. Cronkrite, secretary.
Moses R. Thompson Lodge, No. 381. The first meeting of Moses R.
Thompson Lodge, under dispensation, was convened at Masonic Hall December
31, 1862, with the following charter members, appointed by the Grand Master
of the state : Nathan F. Prentice, Charles L. Currier, L. L. Munn, H. H. Taylor,
G. W. Tandy, Robert Little, E. Moffatt, J. G. Knapp, W. D. V. Johnson, B. F.
Burnside, S. Lumbard, Elijah Northy, and W. B. Chatfield. The first officers
were N. F. Prentice, W. M.; L. L. Munn and Charles L. Currier, senior and
junior wardens.
After twenty-eight years of existence, Moses R. Thompson Lodge decided
to consolidate with Excelsior Lodge. While the membership was large enough
to warrant the existence of two strong lodges, it could not support three lodges
of uniform strength. As a result, Moses R. Thompson Lodge decided to dis-
band, and has been a part of Excelsior since 1890.
584 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
Freeport Chapter, No. 23, of the R. A. M., was chartered September 29, 1854,
to a limited number of members with A. W. Rawson, high priest, Erastus Torry,
king, arid Julius Smith, scribe. The present officers are J. B. Munn, high priest,
and C. C. Wolf, scribe. The chapter has a membership of about two hundred
and forty and meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the temple.
Freeport Council No. jp, of the R. & S. M., was organized and chartered
, with a membership of , and the following as first
officers :
It meets at present on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The
officers are : Charles F. Knecht, T. I. M. ; C. C. Wolf, recorder. The mem-
bership at the present time is one hundred and ten.
Freeport Commandery No. 1, K. T., was organized under a dispensation
from the Grand Encampment of the United States on August 19, 1857, A. O.,
739, and chartered by the Grand Encampment two years later at its triennial
conclave held in Chicago, on October 26, 1859, A. O. 741. On that date a
perpetual charter was granted with the following members : Sirs Moses R.
Thompson, Homer N. Hibbard, Loyal L. Munn, Henry H. Taylor, N. F. Prentice,
Galon G. Norton, James F. Kingsley, H. Richardson, and John M. Way. Sir
Moses R. Thompson was elected the first eminent commander.
The commandery meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the
temple. The present officers are Ralph T. Ryan, eminent commander, and C.
C. Wolf, recorder. The membership is two hundred and thirty-four.
Freeport Consistory. The Freeport Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scot-
tish Rite, was established at Princeton, Illinois, and was removed to Freeport on
May 14, 1869. It has been the most active Masonic body of Freeport, and con-
sists of the four following lodges :
Grand Lodge of Perfection, which meets on the second Wednesday of the
month, has a membership of over six hundred, and is presided over by L. L.
Munn, Jr., as T. P. G. M.
Freeport Council Princes of Jerusalem, which meets at call of the M. E.
S. P. G. M., Walter C. Jencks.
Freeport Chapter Rose Croix, who M. W. M. is W. M. Palmer, and which
meets at the call of the officers.
Freeport Consistory, of which L. H. Burrell is commander-in-chief. The
membership of the consistory is 604, and meetings are held subject to the call of
the officers. The Freeport Consistory is one of the three chapters of that body
located in the state, the others being at Chicago and Peoria.
Order of the Eastern Star, Freeport Chapter No. 505, was established in the
city July 8, 1895, and has a present membership of over three hundred. The
officers are Miss Amelia Miller, worthy matron; J. M. Fox, worthy patron; and
Mrs. Rebecca M. Stiver, secretary. Meetings are held the first and third Thurs-
days of the month.
White Shrine of Jerusalem, Capernaum Shrine No. 4, was established in the
summer of 1904, by Mrs. Pauline K. Dickes, who became its first worthy high
priestees. The present membership of Capernaum Shrine is three hundred, about
coincident with that of the Eastern Star. The present officers are Miss Alena
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 585
Hall, W. H. P., and Mrs. Etta Loveall, secretary. The Shrine meets on the fourth
Thursday of the month at the Masonic Temple.
Most Excellent Order of Ancient Chaldeans, Royal Palace No. 2, was in-
stituted in July, 1907, by the Imperial Lodge No. I of Chicago, who were the
founders of the order. The charter members at the time of founding numbered
eighty-seven. This number has since increased to one hundred and two. The
officers of the Freeport Royal Palace are: T. F. Rogers, king; C. C. Wolf, scribe.
Meetings are subject to call by the king.
This completes the list of Masonic Lodges in Freeport. The Masonic frater-
nity has always taken a front rank stand in the social and fraternal circles of
the city, partly because of its long standing in Freeport, partly because it has
numbered about its members nearly all of the most prominent and influential
citizens of the city. Also because of the Masonic Temple, one of the most beau-
tiful buildings of the city today, architecturally and from a utilitarian standpoint.
The mere fact that the1 Masonic Lodges were instrumental in the erection of
this pile places their brothers among the foremost of Freeport's energetic and
patriotic citizens. The property owned by the Masons includes the temple and
lot and their appurtenances on Stephenson street between Walnut and Cherry.
These are valued at about $75,000.
ODD FELLOWS.
There are eight lodges in Freeport connected with the Independent Order
of Od<d Fellows. These are the Freeport Lodge No. 239, the Winneshiek Lodge
No. 30, Stephen A. Douglas Encampment No. 100, Stephenson Lodge No. 61,
Canton Unity No. 3, two lodges of the honorary Rebekah Degree, Busy Bee
Lodge No. 138, and Illinois Lodge No. 259, and Western Star Encampment of
Patriachs No. 25.
The Odd Fellows have always played an important role in the fraternal life
of Freeport. The Winneshiek lodge, the first one to be instituted in the city,
was founded as far back as 1847, and has been almost part and parcel of the
city itself, a sharer in all the vicissitudes of the latter's growth. The other
lodges are only a few years younger, and all have numbered among their mem-
bers some of Freeport's most prominent citizens.
The origin of the world organization of Odd Fellows is lost in obscurity.
It extends back beyond the fifth century, and there are indications that the
fraternity existed in Spain before that time. In Portugal it was introduced in
the sixth century, and its existence in France dates from about the twelfth
century. From France it was carried to England, and the American Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows is an outgrowth of English Odd Fellowship.
In 1829, in a room of the Seven Stars, an ancient Baltimore hostelry, a circle
of men met for the purpose of organizing and establishing an American Odd
Fellows' society. The prime mover of the meeting was Thomas Wildey, the
father of American Odd Fellowship, and the outcome of the meeting was the
organization of Washington Lodge No. i.
Since that time, only eighty-one years ago, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows has spread throughout every state of the Union, and has its lodges
586 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
in hundreds of cities, villages and hamlets. For about six years after the foun-
dation in Baltimore, the growth of the order was only gradual. Then it took
on new impetus and the rapid growth since that date has never for a moment
been checked. In 1851 an honorary degree of Odd Fellowship, the Daughters
of Rebekah, was instituted, designed to promote fraternal relations between
the wives and widows of Odd Fellows.
The first Illinois lodge was established at Alton on August u, 1836, and
christened the "Western Star No. i." Since that date the spread of the or-
ganization in Illinois has been rapid. The qualifications for admission to the
I. O. O. F. are a belief in the Supreme Creator, sound health, good character,
and an honorable trade. The members bind themselves by a solemn oath to
visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, care for the widow, and
educate the orphan.
Winneshiek Lodge No. jo. On July 15, 1847, when the city of Freeport was
a mere handful of houses and stores, the Grand Lodge of Illinois granted a
charter for the organization of a lodge in Freeport to be known as "Winneshiek
Lodge No. 30," of which the following men became charter members : Thomas
F. Goodhue, E. A. Aiggins, C. G. Strohecker, A. W. Schuler, W. T. McCool,
H. G. Moore, S. D. Carpenter, Chas. Powell and S. B. Farwell.
Meetings were first held in the garret of a brick building in that portion of
the city which is now the Second Ward, then known as Knowltontown. In
time the organization became prosperous, and the place of meeting was changed
to one more convenient and better adapted to the needs of the order. After
various changes, the I. O. O. F. finally took possession of the hall in the Munn
building, which has since continued in their hands, and is known as Odd Fel-
lows' hall. The growth in importance and prosperity of Winneshiek Lodge has
been steady and consistent. Some of the famous men of Freeport's history
have been connected with the I. O. O. F. and always the order has stood for
the best and most advanced in social, fraternal, and charitable circles. None
of the charter members of Winneshiek lodge are living, and many of them
never returned from the Civil War.
The lodge now numbers about one hundred and seventy members, and has
elected for the current year the following officers : Noble grand, W. F. Alte-
meier ; vice grand, E. L. Yoder ; secretary, Henry Brinkman ; financial secretary,
Frank B. Koenig. Meetings are held on Wednesdays in Odd Fellows' hall.
Freeport Lodge No. 239. A large number of German citizens of the Win-
neshiek lodge had for a number of years wished to organize into a separate
lodge where their own mother tongue could be used in the meetings and rituals.
In 1857 a portion of them decided to take this step, and a withdrawal from
Winneshiek lodge was effected. A charter for the new lodge was petitioned for,
and Freeport lodge was duly installed with the following charter members: D.
B. Schulte, John Hoebel, Jacob Krohn, Henry Deuermeyer, and William Stine.
Meetings were at first convened in the old Odd Fellows' Hall over the
Stephenson County Bank, corner of Chicago and Stephenson streets. The place
of meeting was afterward moved to the lodge rooms in Munn's building, now
known as Odd Fellows' Hall. Meetings have been held there ever since.
• HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY 587
Freeport Lodge has an enrollment of about one hundred members at the
present time. Meetings are held every Monday, and the business is conducted
by the following officers: Noble grand, George Foss; secretary, Albert Dittman.
Stephenson Lodge No. 61. Stephenson Lodge is the newest acquisition to
the ranks of the subordinate Odd Fellows' lodges of Freeport. It was founded
in April, 1884, by members who thereupon withdrew from the other two lodges,
W. W. Krape being instrumental in its founding. As it was thought best to
conduct the business of Stephenson lodge entirely apart from Winneshiek and
Freeport lodges, the new society did not meet in the old Odd Fellows' Hall,
but secured new quarters in the Rosenstiel building, on the third floor over
the store now occupied by H. A. Hunekemeier. Here club rooms have been
fitted out, and the fraternal and social side of this lodge is made an especial
feature. The membership is ninety-five, having grown from an original fif-
teen. The officers for the year are: Noble grand, Arthur Graham; secretary,
Walter Oswald.
Western Star Encampment of Patriachs No. 25. Encampment No. 25 was
founded at Belvidere, Illinois, but was subsequently removed to Freeport. The
charter had been granted to Belvidere on the i4th day of October, 1857, and
the removal was accomplished within a very short time after that date. The
Western Star Encampment is the highest branch of Odd Fellowship and is
open to all brothers in good standing who have obtained the Scarlet Degree in
the subordinate lodges.
When the encampment was removed to Freeport the charter members were
seven in number. The encampment now has a membership of one hundred and
twenty-seven, among them some of the most prominent business men of Free-
port. The officers are: C. P., Geo. McKnight; scribe, E. S. Auman. Meetings
are held
Stephen A. Douglas Encampment No. 100. The Stephen A. Douglas En-
campment was an outgrowth of Freeport Lodge, in that it came to be founded
by the same German citizens who had been the originators of the subordinate
organization. It was chartered October 12, 1869, by Jacob Krohn, John Hoebel,
William Wagner, Sr., Henry Rohkar, Sr., Gabriel Lampert, and Mathias Het-
tinger, Sr., who made up the entire list of charter members. From this small
list the membership has grown to about seventy-five. Meetings are held .on
the second and fourth Fridays of the month in Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers
are: C. P., Allen Janssen; high priest, Charles Meyer; secretary, Albert F.
Dittman.
Canton Unity No. j P. M. The Canton Unity, which is a social and mili-
tary order in Odd Fellowship, is the newest of the I. O. O. F. lodges of Free-
port. It was founded in October, 1904, by I. G. Wise, with a charter roll ®f
twenty-five members. The branch is somewhat analogous to the commandery
in Masonry. Although of recent organization it is flourishing and promises
to be one of the most active of the I. O. O. F. organizations of the city. There
are about forty-five members. The officers are: Captain, E. L. Yoder; lieu-
tenant, John C. Bricker; secretary, John Sharpies.
Busy Bee Lodge No. 138, Rebekah Degree. The honorary "Rebekah" de-
gree, designed to include the wives and widows of Odd Fellows was originated
588 HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY
in 1851. Freeport now possesses two lodges, of which the Busy Bee Lodge is
the oldest. It was chartered in Freeport June 4, 1884, by about a dozen mem-
bers, out of whom three are at present living. The especial function of the
Rebekahs is to care for the charitable and social side of the Odd Fellows' or-
ganizations, with the emphasis on the former. They make provisions for the
care and maintenance of dependent widows and orphans of Odd Fellows, and
for that purpose they support two orphan asylums and homes at Lincoln and
Mattoon in this state. The present membership is about one hundred and
forty-eight. The officers for the current year are: Noble grand, Mrs. A. B.
Haney; secretary, Mrs. Ida Howell. Meetings are held on the second and
fourth Saturdays of the month in Odd Fellows' Hall.
Illinois Lodge No. 259, Rebekah Degree. Illinios Lodge was established
June, 1889. Dr. Krape, who was also instrumental in establishing Stephenson
Lodge, was a factor in securing the Illinois Lodge. Forty-three names appeared
upon the original charter, and Mrs. George Emerick became the first noble
grand. Mrs. I. G. Wise was the first secretary of the lodge.
Illinois Lodge now numbers one hundred and seventeen members. The of-
ficers for the years are : Noble grand, Mrs. Anna Jackson ; secretary, A. Roberts.
Meetings are convened on the second and fourth Fridays of the month in
Odd Fellows' Hall.
This completes the list of the various I. O. O. F. organizations of Freeport.
All are in a most prosperous condition, and have succeeded in accomplishing a
great deal since their founding. A movement is now under way for the build-
ing of an Odd Fellows' Temple, but it is extremely improbable that the project
will culminate in the near future at least. Concerted action is the only factor
which can possibly bring about the building of such a temple, and at present,
with Stephenson Lodge holding meetings in quarters of its own and having no
connection with the other lodges, the outlook for such unity is not very bright.
Winneshiek and Freeport Lodges have taken steps toward the building of the
temple, in that a sort of ways and means committee has been chosen. Among
the active members of the committee are the Rev. William H. Beynon, William
Garrety, Henry Brinkman, and George Schmelzle. Should these gentlemen be
successful in raising enough funds to carry the project through, Freeport will
have more reason than ever to be proud of its I. O. O. F. lodges.
The Freeport Lodge No. 617 of the B. P. 0. Elks was organized September
6, 1900, with a roll of charter members numbering forty. It is thus one of
the youngest organizations in the city, but, during its career, has been very active.
It has taken the place, to a great degree, of a young men's club among the
younger business men of the city. All of the prominent young men of the city
are identified with the Elks, and while the younger men are those principally
interested in the lodge, and connected with its workings, the membership is
by no means limited to their ranks.
The national organization of the Elks transacts its business with appropriate
secrecy. Absolutely no publicity is given to the affairs of the Grand Lodge,
and if some of the good offices were made public, it is certain that the Elks would
number an even larger circle of friends and members than they today enjoy. The
work of the order has been carried on in charitable lines, and an amount of work
HISTORY OF SrEPHFNSON COUNTY
has been done which seems nothing short of astonishing to the uninitiated. For
example, large sums of money were raised and sent to the sufferers in Italy
after the great Sicilian earthquake at Messina. A great deal was done to alleviate
the sufferings of the miners' families after the Cherry disaster, and in all of these
good works, the Freeport Elks have not failed to do their part.
The Freeport Lodge maintains club rooms at 133 Stephenson street over C.
W. Harden's store, between Van Buren street and South Galena avenue. Here
a common meeting place is provided for the members of the organization, and
thus' the social and fraternal life of the society is promoted. The lodge now
numbers two hundred and forty members. Meetings are held on the first and
third Thursdays of the month in the club rooms at 133 Stephenson street.
The officials of the Elks, known as the exalted rulers, are as follows for
the current year : R. P. Eckert, R. D. Kuchner, Dr. C. L. Snyder, T. H. Hollister,
Emil Haeni, M. J. Hanly, W. E. Fry, Wm. A. Stevens, W. N. Tice, and Wm.
G. Krape. John W. Clark is secretary.
INDEX
Illinois — Under Four Flags 3
Sucker State 6
Physiography of Stephenson County 7
Geology of Stepheuson County 10
The Black Hawk War 31
Frontier Lite in 1832 36
Battle of the Pecatonica 41
Captain Stepheusou's Battle 42
The Original Muster Roll 50
Black Hawk War Monument 51
Reunions of Survivors of Black Hawk
War 54
Black Hawk — An Historic Play 55
The First Settlements — 1833-1837 55
Ransoniberg 64
The First Election 66
Locating the County Seat 67
The Name Freeport 68
1837 69
Stephenson County, 1837-1850 76
An Early Suicide 78
1840 — Amusements 82
First Circuit Court 86
Courts, Laws, Etc. 86
Prairie Fires 88
Mormons Invade the County 89
After 1837 91
Richard Hunt, Clerk 92
An Early Hotel 92
The People Versus Shin-Plasters 93
The Town Bell 93
Manny Reaper Wins Over McCormick.. 93
The First Circus 93
Tripp Boy Lost 93
The First Brick Building 94
Water Power Rights 94
English Colony — Ridott 95
The Wallace Suicide 95
The Boa rdman Murder 96
German Colony 96
1844-1850 " 96
The War With Mexico 97
After 1837 98
Newspapers 98
Township Organization— 1850-1860 100
Freeport a Town— 1850 101
Census of 1850 101
Asiatic Cholera— 1850-1852 103
The Forty-Xinpr? — The Gold Fever 104
Whig Celebration. 1849 105
Politics 105
Various Items of Interest 100
Fourth of July Celebration in Freeport.
1851 '. 106
Agricultural Meeting 107
Meeting of Soldiers of War of 1812 107
Temperance in 1854 107
Real Estate 108
Business — 1857 110
The Manny Reaper Company 110
Hard Times in 1857 Ill
Criminal Records 113
Freeport Gets City Charter — 1855 114
Big Fremont Meeting — 1856 115
Banners 116
Campaign of 1860 116
Item, 1860 117
The Railroad — The End of Pioneer
Times 117
The Galena and Chicago Railroad 118
The Illinois Central 120
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 120
Items on Railroads — Freeport Journal.. 121
The Cars Are Here 121
The Chicago Great Western Railroad
Company — The "Corn Belt Route".. 122
The Rockford & Interurban Railroad
Company 122
The Migration to Stepheuson County .... 122
Frontier Conditions 137
The Log Cabin 137
Going to Mill 139
Raisings 140
Quiltings and Corn Huskings 141
Cutting Grain 141
Threshing Grain 142
Markets and Prices 144
Poisonous Snakes 146
Frontier Life 147
Large Families of the Pioneer Times. . . .149
Indians — The White Man's Burden 153
A Murder — Tradition or Fact 155
The Prairie Pirates 156
Pioneer Advertising, News and Business 159
Interesting Items— 1850-2 168
Pioneer Education 172
Schools 174
The Little Red School House 175
Cornstalk College, District No. 1 178
Union School Exhibit 182
Short Items of Interest 182
Freeport Seminary Exhibition — 1854.... 182
Pioneer Preachers 184
The Pioneer Physician 184
The Pioneer Newspaper 185
Stephenson County Court and Bar in Pio-
neer Days 186
Court 190
Court and Bar 191
The Lyceum of Early Days 102
The Lecture Courses 193
AiWams Institute 195
Freeport Literary Institute 195
Public Lecture1* 190
The Lincoln-Dousrlas Debate — 1858 19fi
The Ottawa Debate 201
^he Freenort Debate 202
Whore the Debate Was Held 203
590
INDEX
591
Description of Douglas and Lincoln 204
Lincoln's Questions and Douglas' Reply. 206
Second Joint Debate 208
The Civil War 238
Cedarville in the Civil War 240
Camp Life of the Forty-sixth Illinois. . .241
Eleventh Infantry 243
Fifteenth Infantry 248
Twenty-sixth Infantry 254
Forty-fifth Infantry 260
Forty-sixth Infantry 262
Sixty-seventh Infantry 287
Seventy -first Regiment 289
Seventy-fourth Infantry 290
Ninetieth Infantry 293
Ninety-second Infantry 294
Ninety-third Infantry 303
The One Hundred and Forty-second In-
fantry 309
The One Hundred and Forty-sixth In-
fantry 313
One Hundred and Forty-seventh In-
fantry 314
Seventh Cavalry 317
Eighth Cavalry 317
Twelfth Cavalry 318
Thirteenth Cavalry 318
Fourteenth Cavalry 319
Fifteenth Cavalry 320
Seventeenth Cavalry 320
First Artillery 320
Second Artillery 321
Miscellaneous 321
Stephenson County Soldiers' Monument 321
Buckeye Township 340
Buckeye Center 341
Red Oak 342
Buena Vista 343
Cedarville 344
Rock Grove Township 348
Rock Grove 351
Winslow Township 352
Winslow 354
West Point Township 355
Lena 357
Waddams Grove 359
Louisa 360
Kent Township 360
Kent 362
Dakota Township 363
Dakota 364
Ridntt Township 368
Ridott 371
German Valley 373
Nevada 374
Everts 376
Legal 376
Waddams Township 376
McConnel] 377
Damascus 378
Waddn ms Center 379
Erin Township 379
Dublin 381
Rock Run Township 381
Davis 384
Rock City 389
F.l>!p"HlTia 300
Irish Grove 390
Silver Creek Township ."91
Sontb Freeport 392
Dunbar 393
Bailey ville 393
Lancaster Township 393
Winneshiek 396
Harlem Township 396
Scioto Mills 398
Oueco Township 399
Oneco 408
Jefferson Township 409
Loran 411
Florence Township 412
Boltore 415
Loran Township 415
Mill Grove 417
Pearl City 418
Freeport .422
Religious 422
First Presbyterian Church 422
St. Mary's Church 423
First Baptist Church 427
St. Joseph's Church 429
Second Presbyterian Church 430
First M. E. Church 431
First English Lutheran Church 434
Embury M. E. Church 436
Grace Episcopal Church 437
Trinity Cnurch 438
First German Reformed Church 440
German Immanuel Church 441
St. John's Evangelical Church 441
Third Presbyterian Church 442
German M. E. Church 443
Salem Church 444
Emanuel Evangelical Church 445
First Free Methodist Church 446
First English Reformed Church 447
First Church of Christ, Scientist 448
United Brethren Church 449
First Congregational Church 449
Christian Church 450
Theosophical Society 451
People's Institute 451
Schools after 1860 452
Schools of Freeport 453
Township Treasurers 458
Teachers 459
Early Teachers 460
County Institutes :461
The County Commencement 461
Globe Park and Chautauqua 464
Freeport Newspapers 465
Freeport Journal 465
Deutscher Anzeiger 467
The National Swine Magazine 470
Freeport Bulletin 470
Freeport Standard 472
Dead Newspapers 472
City Editors 476
Fraternal Organizations 476
Grand Army of the Republic 476
Woman's Relief Corps 485
Daughters of the American Revolution .485
Woman's Club 486
Freoport Shakespeare Society 488
Euterpenn 490
Culture Club 492
Humane Society 493
Juvenile Court 494
Truant and Home Matron 494
Women's Christian Temperance Union .495
Freenort Audubon Society 496
Stephenson County Medical Association 497
592
INDEX
Freejiort Club 498
Lakota Club 499
Germania Society 500
County Club 504
Democratic Club 505
Citizen's Commercial Association 505
Business Enterprises 508
Stover Manufacturing Company 508
Stover Engine Works 509
Arcade Manufacturing Company 510
Moline Plow Company 511
The Hoefer Manufacturing Company ..512
The Ziegler-Schryer Manufacturing Com-
pany 513
Dirksen & Towslee 514
W. T. Kawleigh Medical Company 514
Natural Carbon Paint Company 515
Freeport Water Company 516
Slephenson County Telephone Company. 517
Freeport Telephone Company 517
The Fuerst-McNess Company 518
Baler & Ohlendorf 518
Schmich Brothers 519
Western Brewery 519
Yellow Creek Brewery 520
Woodmanse Manufacturing Company ..520
Freeport Gas, Light & Coke Company . .521
Freeport Railway, Light & Power Com-
pany 522
J. W. Miller Company 524
Freeport Artificial Ice and Cold Storage
Company 525
Freeport Shoe Manufacturing Company. 525
Keene Canning Company 526
D. E. Swan Company 527
Henney Buggy Company 528
The Charles E. Meyer Company 528
The Wallace Severance Gas Machine
Company 528
The Freeport Gas Machine Company . . .528
The Illinois Central Shops 529
Freeport Factories 529
J. W. Miller Company 529
Stores 529
Wholesale Houses 537
Freeport Real Estate Business 538
The Union Building and Loan Associa-
tion 539
The Freeport Building and Loan Asso-
ciation 540
The German Building and Loan Asso-
ciation of Freeport 540
The German Insurance Company 540
Banks of Freeport 541
First National Bank 541
Second National Bank 542
German Bank 543
State Bank 543
Knowlton's Bank 544
Non-Existent Banks 545
Stephenson County Court and Bar in
1910 546
Institutions of Freeport 549
Young Men's Christian Association 549
Freeport Public Library 554
The Hospitals of Freeport 558
King's Daughters Settlement Home ....562
Oakland Cemetery Association 564
The Old Settlers' Association 565
The Great Storm of June, 1869 568
The Courthouse 569
The County Jail 570
The Freeport Postoffice 571
County Officials— 1910 571
City Improvements 572
Local Option Campaigns ..573
Trustees of the Town of Freeport from
its Organization in 1850 to the Year
1855 573
City Officers from its Organization in
1855 to 1910 573 ,
General Lodge Directory 577
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