• .4 ^N - 4^ % PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF ROCKFORD AND /-. -^ , WINNEBAGO COUNTY, ILLINOIS BY CHARLES A. CHURCH ASSISTED BY H. H. WALDO TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MANY OF ITS LEADING AND PROMINENT CITIZENS AND ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD ILLUSTRATED CHICAGO: THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. 1905 1Dc^lcatc^ to the lPionccr5 ot ^1111101^00 Countv? r PRKFACB. THE publishers take great pleasure in presenting this volume to the public. In addition to the general history, which is a model of its kind, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, b\' their enterprise and industry, brought this county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interest- ing or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the "even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "They have done what they could." It tells how many, in the pride and strength of young manhood, left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men never could be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. November, 1905. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW. The territory now comprised within the state of lUinois first nominally formed a part of Vir- ginia. The English crown, by virtue of dis- coveries made by the Cabots and the colonies planted by Sir Walter Raleigh, took formal pos- session of that portion of the new world later known as Virginia. The English colonists in Mrginia, however, did not penetrate far into the interior. Thus the royal claim to the "land throughout from sea to sea west and northwest" did not secure the title of the English crown to this vast domain. The French were the first actual settlers in the great Mississippi valley. During the latter part of the seventeenth century Father Marquette, Joliet, La Salle, Tonti and others had explored the shores of the Father of Waters and his tributaries. La Salle descended the ]\Iississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. He named the country Louisiana, in honor of his king, Louis XIV. By virtue of these explorations France made formal claim to the territory lying on either side of the Mississippi. Thus, with English colonies on the coast, and French occu- pation in the valley of the Alississippi, it was only a question of time when there would come a final struggle for the possession of this vast territory. This crisis came with the French and Indian war, the issue of which committed the destiny of the west to the Anglo-Saxon civilization. By the treaty of Paris, in 1763, Great Britain ob- tained all the French territory east of the Mis- sissippi, with the exception of the island of New Orleans. The special claim made by Virginia to the Illinois territory was based upon the bold con- quest of this region bv Colonel George Rogers Clark. In 1778 Colonel Clark conducted a series of brilliant campaigns against the military posts at Kaskaskia, Cahokia and X'incennes. The French villages, the only settlements in the region, were seats of British power. If these posts could be taken, and the capture of the British effected, the entire region would be won for the Old Do- minion. The scheme appealed to the bold spirit of Colonel Clark, and the outcome justified his most sanguine expectations. Virginia assured the title to this extensive ter- ritory, first by right of her charter, and sec- ondly by the conquest of her own arms. The territory was at once organized into a country called Illinois. By the treaty of Paris in 1783, which terminated the Revolutionary war, the Illinois territory passed forever from the control of Great Britain. In 1784 the delegates in con- gress from the commonwealth of Virginia pre- sented to the Laiited States a deed of cession of the territory northwest of the Ohio river. By the ordinance of 1787 congress provided that not less than three nor more than five states should be formed from this territory. By an act of congress in 1800 the Northwest Territory was divided into two parts, called the Ohio and the Indiana Territory respectively. The latter comprised the present states of Indiana, Illinois. Michigan and Wisconsin. In 1809 was organized the territory of Illinois, which also included Wisconsin and peninsular Michigan. PAST AXn PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. The scat of frovcmmeiit was fixed at Kaskaskia. In 1812 Illinois was advanced to the second grade of territorial government; and in 1818 it was ad- mitted with its present boundaries into the l''nion as a state. WINNKRAGOF.S .\ND IMF. Itl.AC K HAW K WAR. Winnebago county does not figure prominently in Indian history. The Winnebagoes, from whom the county derives its name, occupied it as a por- tion of their reservation at one time. This tribe was first met by the Jesuit fathers at the head of Green bay. The Winnebagoes belonged to the Dacota or Sioux nation. They wandered to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois and Iowa. r>y a treaty negotiated at Prairie du Chien, .\ugust I. 1829. the Winnebagoes ceded to the I'nited States certain lands in Illinois, of which W'iimebago county west of Rock river was a part. Article \' of the treaty granted sections of land to certain Indian descendants of mixed blood, who did not wish to migrate with their tribe. Tliirty-six of these descendants were given one section of land each, two received two sections, anil three two sections jointly. These grants were unlocated or "floating"' lands. From this fact came the word "float," by which these sec- tions were popularly known. These grantees were allowed to select a section, and their choice was to be ai)i)roved by the Indian commissioner, and by the (iresident of the United States. There were several of these "floats" in Rockford town- ship, .some of which now comprise the most popu- lous and wealthy portions of West Rockford. The r.lack Hawk war directed the attention of eastern .settlers to the Rock River valley. The Sacs and Foxes emigrated into Illinois from tlu' north. Neither tribe was snfticieiUly strong tc. successfully meet its enemies. Hence they be- came one nation. This allied tribe belonged to the .\lgon<|uin nation. RIack Hawk was born in the Sac village on the site of Rock Island in 1767. In 1804 a treaty was negotiated between Wil- liam Henry Harrison, then governor of Indiana Territory, and the five chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. P.y this treaty these allied tribes ceded their land on Rock river to the United States. It was provided, however, that the Indians should retain these lands until they were wanted for settlement. During the war of 1812 with Eng- lanrl, r.Iack Hawk led a faction in an alliance with the Hritish. .Amicable relations existed be- tween the Sac and Fox nations and the United States from the close of the war with England until i8,v>. In luly of that year Keokuk, another .'^ac chief, made a final cession to the United States of the lands heUl by his tribe east of the Missi.sssippi river. .According; to this treaty, his people were to remove from Illinois to the coun- try west of the Mississippi, and they (|uietly re- moved across the river. This treaty was ne- gotiated without the consent of Black Hawk, and he determined to resist the order of the gov- ernment for the removal of his tribe. This re- sistance brought affairs to a crisis. Black Hawk always asserted that his intentions in recrossing the river were not hostile. The authorities at Washington and at S])ringfield, however, con- strued his action as a violation of the treaty and a declaration of war. The cam])aign lasted only seventy-nine days. The most notable incident was the massacre at •Stillman's Run, in Ogle county, the site of which is now marked by a monument. Black Hawk, in his retreat, followed the general course of Rock river, passing through what is now East Rockford. The battle of the Bad .Vxe in Wis- consin practically ended the struggle. .■\fter the cessation of hostilities emigrants from New England and the middle states settled more rapidly in northern Illinois, which in a few years became the most i)rosperous portion of this great commonwealth. .sti:piii;.\ .m.m k. IKST .SKTTI.KR 1 .V tOfXTV. Stephen Mack was the first white man who made a permanent settlement in \\'innebago county. The exact time is unknown. It was ])robably about i8ji). although earlier dales have lieen given. He was born in Poultnoy, \'crmont, and in early life his love of adventure drove him into the western wilderness. .About 1835 he l)latted a village at the mouth of Pecatonica river, near Rockton. which he calletl Macktown. Mack married Ho-no-ne-gah. a daughter of a Potta- watomie chief. She was the mother of eleven children, and died in 1847. Stejihen .Mack died in 1850, and was buried on his farm beside his Indian wife. Thirty vears later. May iq, 1880, their remains were removed and buried in the Phillips cemetery, near Har- rison. In the summer of 1833 John Phelps, in com- ])any with a Frenchman, came down Rock river, and made a brief sto|) at the mouth of the creek where Germanicus Kent and Thatcher Pdake lo- cated claims a year later. They continued their journey down the river, and selected a site now occupied by the town of Oregon, in Ogle countv. Jo.seph Kemp was in this section from 1830 to 1840. and again from 1842 to 1844. In 1890 he was living at Michigan City. FIRST SETTr.llMKN r IN RorKFORP. Germanicus Kent ancl Th.itcher Blake were the first permanent settlers in what is now the citv PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. of Rockford. Mr. Kent was born in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1790. In early life he removed to Huntsville, Alabama, and from there he went to Galena, Illinois, where his brother. Rev. Aratus Kent, was stationed as a home missionary. Mr. Blake was born in Turner, Oxford county, Maine, March 16, iSoc). In 1834 he went to St. Louis, where he heard reports of the Rock river country from soldiers returning from the Black Hawk war. Mr. Blake visited Galena, and there made the acquaintance of Mr. Kent. In June. 1834, Mr. Kent and Mr. Blake started on a tour of exploration. They went north into Wisconsin territory to the Pecatonica river ; thence in a canoe along- that stream to its mouth and then down Rock river until they arrived at the mouth of a small tributary, to which the name of Kent's creek was subsequently given. They continued their journey down Rock river to Dixon's ferry, and from there returned overland to Galena. Soon after their arrival in Galena they pre- pared for a second journey. On the evening of August 24 these pioneers arrived at their destina- tion, and the founding of Rockford became an established fact. The party consisted of Ger- manicus Kent, Thatcher Blake, a Mr. Evans, and another man whose name is unknown. Kent and Blake located claims. Mr. Kent's claim comprised a tract of land which included the Tinker estate, the water-power and the estate now owned by the family of the late Judge Church. ^Ir. Blake's claim included parts of sections twenty and twenty-nine. Mr. Kent con- structed a dam and a sawmill on Kent's creek, and was active in other enterprises. He was not suc- cessful in business, however, and he could not weather the financial storm of 1837. Mr. Kent removed from Rockforers. at a meeting called for the purpose at Westfield. In July of the following year Rev. James Hodges was chosen pastor, and remained ten years. He was succeeded by Rev. S. P. Sloan, who remained until November. 1870. The third pastor was Rev. Henry .M. Daniels. .\ house of worship was completed and dedicated in 1854. The cliurch PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. now has no regular pastor. The membership is eighty-four. The Presbyterian church was organized August 23, 1868, with twenty-four members. A house of worship was erected in 1869, at a cost of $4,300. The present pastor is Rev. M. S. Axtell. The membership is two liundred and ten. The Free Methodist church was organized with ten members May 29, 1865. The present mem- bership is sixteen. The pastor is Rev. James H. Harvev, whose circuit also includes Rockford and Ridott. The Adventists effected an organization in 1872, with forty-three members. The first hotel in \\'innebago was opened in the fall of 1859, and was called the Winnebago House. The village of Winnebago has a population of about 500. W. F. Tritle is postmaster. Al worth, a station on the Illinois Central, receives its mail by rural free delivery from Winnebago. A post- office was once established at that point, but it has been discontinued. CHERRY V.VLLEY. The township was first known on the records of Winnebago county as Butler precinct. The name was changed to Cherry \"alley upon the adoption of township organization. The land now comprising the site of the village was first settled by Joseph P. Griggs in 1835. He built a small cabin on the west side of Kishwaukee river. Mr. Griggs sold the tract to James Works, and he in turn sold it to Edwin Fitch, who laid out the village and filed the plat for record Novem- ber 17, 1849. Among the early settlers follow- ing Air. Griggs were A. C. Gleason, and two brothers, W. and S. W. Gleason. Densley Kiser came in 1836 or 1837. The first store was opened by John Waterman : the first hotel was conducted by Mr. Ingram, and called the Ingram Tavern. The first postmaster was Joseph Riddelle. The first grain warehouse was erected by Mr. Cal- kins, in the autumn of 1 85 1. The Galena & Chi- cago Union railroad was completed to Cherry Valley in February, 1852. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized by Rev. H. L. Martin in 1854. An edifice was erected the same year. The membership reported to the conference of 1904 was 86. Rev. A. W. Gillian was assigned to the field at the conference last year. The Universalist church edifice was erected in 1854, under the supervision of Rev. Simon Park. After a few years the church was abandoned and the building was occupied by a Swedish re- ligious society. The Freewill Baptist church was erected in 1874, at a cost of $3,500. The village has a pop- ulation of about 500. Mrs. Elizabeth Kittle is postmistress. DURAND. The village of Durand is a business center for a considerable portion of Winnebago county lying north of Pecatonica river. The village derives its name from H. S. Durand, the first president of the Racine & Mississippi railroad. This line later became the property of the Western Union, and is now owned by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway company, and the line extends to Freeport. Among the pioneers may be mentioned L. \'. Cleveland, John A. Johnson, and Frederic Sid- orus, all of" whom came about 1837. The loca- tion of the village at this point was the result of a compromise between various interested par- ties who jointlv purchased the site of John Pet- tingill. Price B. Webster, and Edward Peppers. The proprietors were John F. Pettingill, Bruce B. Webster, Edward Pepper, L. V. Cleveland, Solomon Webster, Duncan J. Stewart, M. C. Churchill, G. H. Sackett. John R. Herring, Wil- liam Randall and D. H. Smith. These gentlemen on the i8th day of November. 1856, conveyed their interest in trust to J. R. Herring, by whom the town was immediately laid out. Durand was for about two years the terminus of the Western Union railroad. The growth was quite rapid during that time. John F. Pettingill erected a hotel, the Durand House, at a cost of $13,000. The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1837. Rev. Mr. Whitford preached the first sermon at the residence ot Scott Robb. He was succeeded by Rev. McCane, who was on the circuit one year or more. A chapel was erected in 1857. the pastor in September, 1905, was Rev. E. O. Stover. The membership reported to the conference of 1904 was 58. A Congregational church was organized June II, 1848, "at Hill's schoolhouse. with seven mem- bers. The Roman Catholic church began the erection of a house of worship in 1865-66, which house of worship remained in an unfinished condition for several years. Father Cotter, of Pecatonica, is the officiating priest, and holds services every third Sunday. A Lutheran church, affiliated with the Nor- wegian svnod, is now in process of construc- tion. The village has a population estimated at 700. Miss Lillian J. Harris is postmistress. There is a town hall, with a seating capacity of about 300. There are two banks : The Durand State Bank, with a capital of $25,000: and the Citizens' Bank, a private banking house. lO PAST A\D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. m:\v mi I. ford. Prominent among the pioneers of New Mil- ford townsliip were D. S. Slnimway. Horace Miller, and Samuel Pirown. A town was started by the river at what is known as the Old Slnnn- way ])lace. At one time there were from thirty- five to forty frames erected there ; but only a few of them were enclosed. This fact gave the place the ai>i)ropriatc name of "Rib-Town." In iS?8 Dr. .\. M. Catlin came from the West- ern Reserve in Ohio, in comjjany with the Rev. Hiram Foote and Silas Tvlcr. They were of New luijjland stock, and were part of a move- ment to found an institution of learning similar to the one then flourishing at Oberlin. Ohio. These missionary educational managers selected a site for their institution near the mouth of the Kishwaukee river. .\ large building was begun, but never completed. It remained for years as a reminder of the first attem])t to found a seminary in W'iiuK'bago county. In i83(>-40 (ieorge W. Lee i)latte(l a town on the up|H'r side of Kishwaukee river, at its junction with Rock river. Quite a town was actually built, with two stores and a blacksmith shop. P)Oth "Rib- Town" and Mr. Lee's plat were named Kishwaukee. but the former was abandoned be- fore Cieorge W. Lee jilattod the second. The lat- ter was sometimes called Lcetown. in honor of its founder. The present hamlet of Kishwaukee is a short distance below the mouth of the Kishwaukee river. There is a postoffice and a \\'eslcvan Methodist church, which was organized May i", 1844. with seven meml)ers. The church was re- organized in 1863. A liouse of worship was erected in 1868 and a parsonage in 1870. The hamlet of New Milford is in the eastern part of the township. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad passes by it about half a mile to the west. There have been several atteni])ts to organize churches in the village. The Methodist l".|)isco- pal church began as a class about 1838. The church no\v has its own property, and maintains regular ^rvices. The membership in October. KJ04, wiis 122, Rev. S. W, Lauck has served two years as pastor. The church at Davis Ju'ic- tion also belongs to this circuit. The Congregationalist society built a church in 1877. This field has been abandoned, and the church builcling is now used as a schoolhou.se. KOCKTON. The fact has already been noted in this liis- torical sketch that .Stephen .Mack was the first white settler in what is now Rockton township. Those who next succeeded him were William Tal- cott and his son, Thomas B. Talcott, who made claims July 4, 1835. These gentlemen may be regardeil as the first settlers of the village. Two other sons of William Talcott, Sylvester and Walter Henry, also settled there in 1835, and a fourth son, \Vait Talcott, came in 1838. The first store was opened by J. .\mbrose and Timothy Wigiit in 1837. There is at Rockton more head and fall than at any other point on Rock river. A sawmill was erecteil in 1838, and a tlouring mill in 1839, by Messrs, Talcott and .\dams. The village was laid out by William Talcott in 1840, but the ]ilat was not filed for record until May 30, 1844. The i)ro])rietors were .Messrs. Talcott and .\dams. The first bridge across Rock river above the month of Pecatonica river was built about 1845. Two bridges below the mouth of this stream were built a few years later. The first hotel was built l)y Jacob Hyatt, in 1839. It was a frame structure on the south side of .Main street. The next hotel was the New jjigland house, completed in 1S46. The third public house, a brick building, erected by Porter X'inton, was kept by Samuel .\dams, and was called the Mansion House. The early history of llu- Rm-ktun Baptist church is clo.sely identified with that of the Ros- coc Baptist church. The Roscoe and Rockton I 'nit 0(1 Baptist church was organized in June, 1 85 1. In 1854 the services at Roscoe were dis- continued for lack of suitable accommodations. June 28, 1856, the church voted to build a house of worshi]} at Rockton, and January 13, 1858, the building was dedicated. Rev. James \'eness sujjplied the church until 1857, when Rev. D. B. Purinton liecame pastor. The church enjoyed a rapid growth during this time, when ninety- three united in seven years. The following have been iiastors since Rev. Purinton's resignation : Rev. C. T. Roe. Rev. A. L. Wilkinson. Rev. W. Whitney. Rev. James I'.uchanan. Rev. W. M. Robinson. Rev. .\. Whitman, Rev. ^^'. G. Evans, Rev. T. F. Hamilton. Rev. 1. I. Phelps, Rev. H. L. St'eele, Rev. J. C. Hart. Rev. H. Topping. Rev. Stephen Crickett. Rev. W. L. Tones. Rev. C. W. Woodruff. Rev. T. C. Pedersmi. Rev. C. J. Eddy. The First Congregational church was or- ganized in 1830 by Rev. William .Xdams. Tlie first meetings for public worship were held at different residences, imtil about 1840, when a small temporary structure was erected. .-\ sub- stantial stone building was built in 1848, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. The society has a bell which was the gift of William Tal- cott. Tn 1855 Rev. Holland Richardson was sent to Rockton as a missionary, and organized a small band of Christian workers. In 1856 they were organized as a Methodist station under the pastor- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. ate of Rev. C. F. Wright. A church was erected in 1859. The pastor in September, 1905, was Rev. O. J. Simmons. The membership is 148. The Racine & Mississippi Railroad reached Rockton October 29, 1856. E. L. Stiles was ap- pointed agent and he held that position for many years. September 10, 1872. Rockton be- came an incorporated town. There have been three paper mill plants in Rockton. One of these, which was burned down, was never re- built. The two now in operation are owned by Bradner Smith & Co. and J. M. Coons. Three flour mills have also been destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt. The occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the public school in Rockton was commemorated under the direction of the prin- cipal, W. W. Austin. At that time W. A. Tal- cott announced that he and his father would give a lot, building and furniture for a pul)lic library, as a memorial of the Talcott family, upon condi- tion that the township would support it by a tax. This generous offer was accepted. Thomas B. Talcott gave the nucleus of books and there have been subsequent gifts. The library now contains about foiu" thousand volumes. ROSCOE. August 3. 1835, Robert J. Cross, of Coldwater, Mich., and Col. Von Hovenburg, with a Potta- watomie Indian for a guide, came from Mil- waukee into what is now the township of Ros- coc. Mr. Ross bought a claim of Lavec, an em- ploye of Stephen T\Iack, upon which he subse- quently settled. In September of the same year, Elijah H. Brown, James B. Lee, and William Alead came from La Porte county. Indiana. Lentil a postofiice was established at Beloit. the first settlers obtained their mail at Chicago. In the spring of 1837 a postoffice was established at the village of Roscoe, and M. P. Abell was ap- pointed postmaster. The village was laid out under the direction of Messrs. Lelands, Jenks and Tuttle, and the plat was filed for record August 3, 1841. The townsliip and village derived their names from William Roscoe. a celebrated English biographer. There are two churches, ^Methodist Episcopal and Congregational. The membership of the former was reported to the Rock River confer- ence of 1904 as 128. The pastor the last confer- ence year was Rev. T. E. Fluck, who also sup- plied the church at Harlem. The Congregational church was organized No- vember 28, 1843, with eighteen members. June 3, 1858, the wife and seven children of Rev. Ills- ley, the pastor, were killed or drowned. In building the Madison branch of the Chicago & Galena railroad, a liigh embankment liad been thrown up at the crossing of the creek about half a mile above the village. The culvert was too small for the volume of water, and up to the afternoon of the day of the awful catastrophe, a pond two miles long, half a mile in width and from twenty-five to thirty feet in depth had formed above the embankment. About midnight the culvert caved in, the embankment gave way, and the water rushed down in one mighty torrent, carrying away several houses in its maddened rush, among which was the brick house occu- pied by Mr. Illsley and family, which toppled over and buried beneath its ruins the mother and seven children. Mr. Illsley, who had lost a leg, was comparatively helpless and was carried away by the flood nearly down to the Rock river, where he caught in a tree and held on until he was found by L. W. Richardson, who waded in and carried him out. In the Roscoe Cemetery, near the northeast corner, the eight bodies of one fam- ily, who had not all been united for some time till the day of their death, were buried in one day. Rev. Eaton, the venerable father of President Eaton, of Beloit college, was pastor of this church for many years. The Beloit and Madison division of the Chi- cago & N'orthwestern railway passes near the vil- lage of Roscoe. The Rockford. Beloit & Janes- ville electric line passes directly through the vil- lage. Gni.FoRn. In August, 1835, William E. Enoch, the eldest son of Henry Enoch, accompanied by two or three men from Will county, came to what is now Guilford township on a land prospecting tour. \\'hile out on this trip, young Enoch was taken sick and returned liome. In September following, his father, Henry Enoch, and brothers, Richard H. and A. I. Enoch, started out, and, following the direction of William, struck Rock river at Rockford. Leaving his sons in camp, he started out, and, going northeast from there two or three miles, he struck the spring brook known as Bucklen creek. Believing this stream came from springs, he followed it to its source, which he found in the northeast corner of sec- tion II, town 44, range 2, now in the town of Guilford. Here in the centre of a great prairie he found a spring of water 25 feet in diameter, the water about 24 inches deep and coming up from numerous places in the bottom through snow-white sand. The water was cold, and clear as crystal : the bank of the spring fringed with tall grass and bright prairie flowers. He was so charmed with the location, the great spring, the apparent fertility of the soil, and the general beauty of the surroundings, that he at once made up his mmd to make it the tuture home of him- self and family. Going to a thicket of hazel and 12 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. younp ])oplar trees a few rods distant, he cut a small stake, and plantiiiji^ it on tlie bank of the springy, declared it his "claim." This springs be- came dry in the early 'seventies. This location was known for many years as the h\i^ sprinfj of "L'ncle luioch" in the jirairie. .Mr. ImiocIi made tnis claim his permanent home until the autumn of 1856. ( )ther early settlers of (hiilfurd were Elisha -V. Kirk. Thaddeus Davis, Sr.. and his sons, David .\.. Thaddeus, Jr., and Daniel; Harry Doolittle, J. H. Kirk, "Elisha A. Kirk, Giles C. Hard. G. L. Horton. and Dr. Charles Cnurcli. A town hall was erected about ten years ago. tile fnnils for which were raiseil by ta.x levy. Its cost was alxnit Si.^cx). It is on the Guilford Center road, five miles northeast of Rockford. HARRISON. Harrison is one of tlie four extreme northern townships of \\'innebag;o countv. The first set- tlement in this townshi]) was made in the fall of •^35 '•>■ «i ^Ir. Hrayton, who made a claim on section 35. In the sprins: of 1836, Mr. Drayton moved on his claim and commenced makinpf a farm. In 1840 the settlers desired to form a new pre- cinct, and it was necessary to present a petition to the county commissioners to have a new precinct formed. .\t that time a majority of the settlers were democrats, and several of the citizens being together one day. they pitched upon Isaac Parker to circulate a petition. He consented to do so on condition that some of his neighbors (who were Democrats) would work for him hoeing corn while he was absent, to which thev readilv agreed. Parker then drew up his jietition. went to Rockford. where the countv commissioners were in session, and had no difficultv in getting a new precinct formed, but was asked what name thev should give it. Parker, being a whig, im- mediately answered. Harrison, which name was adopted. When Parker returned and told how well he succeeded, his democratic friends were greatly rlisgusteil with the name. When the countv was organized imder townsliij) organiza- tion the name was continued. Its war record is notable. The whole number of enlistments was 122: whole number killed or died in the service, 24. It is believed that this town furnished a larger numlier of enlistments in projHirtion to the iiopulation to the number of voters than any other town in the county. Of the foregoing enlistments. 12 were in Wisconsin regiments, and a numl>er are credited to other townships. The village of Harrison is in the northeastern part of the township, at the junction of Sugar and Pecatonica river-;. It is a small settlement ab.iut one mile almost directly south of Shirland. It has no railroad facilities, and therefore has made comparatively little progress since the early days. There is a Congregational church, with a mem- bership of forty-four, and the ])uli)it is su])plied by the jjastor of .Shirland. The Modern Wood- men have erected a hall, which is used for public meetings and lodge purposes. SHIKI..\.\IX The townshi]! of Shirland borders on the state line. The village of the same name is in the eastern part of the township. It was originally called Kaoota. an Indian name. The village has never been incor])orated. It has a ])opu]ation of about 125, and is on the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul road. Thomas B. Boswell was appointed postmaster October 29. 1869, and served until about ten years ago, when he was succeeded by his son, George E. P>oswell, who still retains the office. .A town hall was erected about three years ago. in which all township elections and political meetings are held. The religious needs of the community are sup- ])lied bv two churches. The Methodist Episcopal belongs to the Freeport district and had a mem- bershi|3 in October. 1904. of 208. The i)astor is Rev. J. C. Jones, who has served seven years. The Congregational church is one mile and a f|uarter north of the village. It has thirty-three members. The ])astiir is Rev. Selby. SKWAUn. Seward forms the southwest corner of Win- nebago comity. It is in this township that the highest i)rice has been jiaid for farm land in this count}-. The village of Seward is on the Illinois Central. .\ Roman Catholic church stands some distance north of the railroad track. Perhaps few persons now living ever heard of the N'ancelxirough ])ostoffice. X'anceborough was another name for Twelve-Mile Grove, on the State road, about half way from Rockford to I'reeport. Ejihraini Sumner settled near there when he came to Winnebago county, in 1835. He engaged in milling and farming near Twelve-Mile ( irove, and Ix'came an extensive landowner, February 11, 1845. ^^^- Sumner was commis- sioned postmaster of N'anceborough. He was to retain the office during the i)leasure of the post- master-general. The commission is signed by C. Wickliffe. who was postmaster-general during the administration of John Tyler. The seal is the figure of a man on horseback, with a small mail- bag upon his back. Both man and horse are apparently in great haste to reach the next sta- tion. This commission, now in possession of Hon. P.. p.. Sumner, is well preserved, although PAST AXD PRESEXT OE WINNEBAGO COUNTY. it was issued sixty years ago. The elder Sum- ner built a stone house at Vanceborough, which is still in a good state of preservation, and has well-nigh outlived the memory of the town. These primitive villages along the old stage lines were superseded by the railway station, and thev now scarcely live in memory. .Among the early settlers of the township were. A. Bridgeland, Mrs. Sylvia Conover, Samuel Eaulkner, William Fitzgerald, Jacom M. Hamil- ton, Rev. Chester Hoisington, Marcus L. Lowrev, and Hon. Laurence McDonald. H.\RLEM. The first settlement in Harlem township was on the east side of Rock river, on what was called Big Bottom, nearly opposite the stone quarry. A man named \\'attles staked out his farm into lots and streets, and called it Scipio : but even its classic name did not give it prestige. The pro- prietor built the only house ever completed. The stakes remained for several years, until they were plowed under by the owner, who could not give away his lots. Other early settlers were P. S. Doolittle. G. C. Hutchins, W. T. Magoon, Peter Mabie, Robert Smith, and L}inan Taylor. The village of Harlem is a small station on the Kenosha division of the Chicago & North- western railway. There is a Alethodist church some distance from the station. Argyle is another hamlet on the Kenosha division, near the Boone county line. That por- tion of the county was settled in an early day by Scotchmen from Argyleshire. Their descend- ants support one of the most prosperous country churches in Blinois. The present house of wor- ship was dedicated Eebruary 14. 1878. The ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Francis L. Patton, of Chicago, but later president of Princeton uni- versity. The church will seat six hundred and cost, with furniture, $12,796. Rev. B. E. S. Ely, Sr., was pastor at the time the church was dedi- cated. The manse adjoins the church. BURRITT. Burritt is one of the few townships in Win- nebago county, which has no railroad. There are no towns or villages with the single exception of W^enpletown, in the eastern part. A postofifice was formerly located there, but it has been su- perseded by the rural free delivery. There is a church in the township on section 14. Settlements were made in this township at an early date. James Atkinson came from England in 1837. Other pioneers were Thomas J. Atwood, Albert J. Atwood, George A. Atkinson. Edward H. Boomer, Jacob B. Conklin, William Dickin- son, Jesse Herrington, Joseph Jennings, William Ludley, and Jefferson Southard. OWEN. Owen is a township lying directly north of Rockford. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad passes through nearly its entire length north and south. There is a station at Latham Park. There was once a postoffice there, but it has been superseded by the rural route. Among the early settlers may be mentioned Patten Atwood, who went there in 1839 ; Mowry Brown, who first came to Rockwood in 1838; Wadleigh Favor, William Halley, Frederick M. Knapp, James B. Lee, Stephen' O. Thompson, Isaac W. Seaverns. L.VONA. Laona is the northwestern township of Win- nebago county. There are no towns or villages in the township. No railroad passes through" it, and there is only one church within its borders. Among the early settlers of the township were Peter Johnson. Niles Patterson, William Phipps, and Rienza Webster. The late Judge Church is authority for the statement that the population of the county in June, 1837, was 1,086. In 1840 it was 4,609; 1850, 11,773 : i860, 24,491 ; 1870, 29,301 ; 1880, 30,505 ; 1890, 39,938; 1900, 47,845. ORG.VXIZ.VnON OF THE COUNTY. In the summer and autumn of 1835 the settlers in this section began to agitate the question of local government. This matter was promptly brought to the attention of the state legislature. The counties organized in northern Illinois prior to 1835 were much larger than thev are at present. At that time Cook, La Salle and Jo Daviess counties extended from Lake ^Michigan to the Mississippi river. Jo Daviess was or- ganized in 1827. It then extended east of Rock river, and included the territory now comprised in nine counties. Cook and La Salle counties were organized in 1 83 1. It was the evident intention at that time to subdivide these counties at a later day, to meet the demands of an increased population. A map of Illinois, printed in 1835, represents Cook countv with territory attached on the north for judicial purposes. La Salle has northern ter- ritory annexed for the same purposes, corre- sponding to portions of McHenry, Kane, Winne- bago and Ogle counties, and all of Boone and De Kalb, as at present organized. Jo Daviess is shown with annexed territory on the east and south. The distinction between Cook and La Salle counties proper, and their annexed portions, appears to have been in the fact that the former were surveyed, while the latter were not. Al- though Jo Daviess county was organized eight 14 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. years before the ma]) was ])riiiteil, the map does nut even represent the cmnity as surveyed. The ci>nilitions, however, in [i-> Daviess were pecuHar. The country near dalena inchiding a mining camp, witli (piitc a considerable po|)iilation. and thus re(|uired a local jjovennnent. Hence the or- gfanization of the county preceded by several years the government survey of the land. The state legislature at that time held its ses- sions at \andalia. .\n act of January i6, 1836, provided for the organization of Mcllenry, Win- nel)ago, Kane. Ogle and Wiiiteside counties, and the reorganization of Jo Daviess. Section two of the law created Winnebago county, with boundaries as follows : "Commencing at the southeast corner of township number forty-three, range lunnber four, east of the third ])rincipal meridian, and running thence west to the said meridian, thence north along the line of said meridian, to the southeast corner of townshii) number twenty-six. in range number eleven, east of tiie fourth principal meridian; thence west to the dividing line between ranges number seven and eight : thence north along said line to the northern boundary of the state : thence east along said boundary line to the northeast corner of range munber four, east of the third ])rincipal meridian : thence south to tlie place of beginning." Wimiebago was thus formed from the attached portions of Jo Daviess and La Salle counties. That part of the county east of the third prin- ci(>al meridian was taken from La Salle ; the portion west of this meriiliau was detached from Jo Daviess. .\s at first organized, Winnebago count V was almost exactly double its jiresent size, and included all of I'loone county, and the eastern two townshij) ranges of what is now Stephenson county. Wimiebago has never been enlarged or reduced from its original form on its northern or southern boundary. TIIK riRST EI.IXTIO.N. The law to establish the county ordered an election to be held at the house of Ciermanicus Kent, on the first Monday in ^^ay. for sheriff, coroner, recorder, surveyor, and three county commissioners, who should hold their offices until the next succeeding general election, and until tlieir successors were <|iialified. The elec- tion, liowever, was not held until the next .Vug^ist. No county created by this act was to be or- ganized, and an election held, until a majority of the voters of the prospective county had ad- dressed a petition for the same to the judge of the sixth judicial circuit, or. in his absence, to another circuit judge. The voters were also re- quired to give sufficient proof that the jiroposed county ountained not less than three hundred and fifty white inhabitants. This task was under- taken b\ Dr. Daniel II. Whitney, who had settled at I'.elvidere. These facts were communicated to Judge Thomas II. Ford. He thereupon issued an order, dated July 15, 1836, for an election to be held at the house of Daniel S. Haight, on the first Mon- day in .\ugust. The statute had designated an earlier date and another place for this election ; but inasmuch as the organization of the county dcix'nded upon a prescribed population, a subse- (|uent section of the law necessarily referred the time and place of such election to the presiding judg-e of the circuit. I'nder the first constitution of Illinois, all elections for state and coimty of- ficers were held the first Monday in .Vugust. Gcrmanicus Kent, Joseph P. Griggs and Rob- ert J. Cross were chosen judges of election. Judge Ford's order has been framed, and is pre- served in the office of Captain Lewis I*". Lake, the circuit clerk, as an interesting relic of those early days. The election was held on Monday, .\ugnst ist, in a decidedly primitive maimer. Written or I)rinted ballots had not then been introduced into Illinois. Under the old constitution, all votes were to be given vive voce until otherwise pro- vided by the general assembly : and up to this time no change had been made, .Simon P. Doty, Thomas I!. Talcott ami Wil- liam E. Dunbar were elected county commission- ers : Daniel S. Haight, sheriff: Daniel H. Whit- ney, recorder ; Eliphalet Gregory, coroner ; and D. A. Spaulding, surveyor. The results of the election for member of congress and represent- atives in the general assembly are given later in this sketch. One hundred and twenty votes were cast at this election. The names of the voters were as follows: David Caswell. George Caswell, David I'.arnes, P. P. Burnham, Thomas Crane, Thatcher lllake, Seth Scott. Joshua Fawcett, John Bar- rett, Jeremiah Frame, John F. Thayer, William Randall, John \\'elch, Joshua Cromer. John Slavins. David Blake. William P.arlow, Joseph B. liaker, Daniel Fairchild. Livingston Robins, .\lfred Shattuck. .Mva Trask, William Smith, Ira Haskins, John Bunts. .Simon P. Dotv. Milton S. Mason. Timothy Caswell. Charles H. Pane. Royal Briggs, Solomon Watson, .Xbram Watson, Ralzimond Gardner, Mason Sherburne, John K, Towner, John G. Lockridgc, John .\Ilen. John Lovesse, .\. E. Courtright, Henry Enoch. Ephr- aim Sumner. S. P.rown, .\. R. Dimmick, Sanniel Hicks, H. M. Wattles, T. R. J. English. Oliver Robins, J. P. Griggs, .Aaron V. Taylor, Luke Joslin, William Sumner. David D. Elliott, John Handy, Jacob Pettyjohn. Daniel .S. Haight, Jacob Keyt, John Lefonton, John Kelsoe, William R. Wheeler. M. Ewing, Charles Works, Sidney Twogood, Phineas Churchill. Thomas P>. Talcott, .Austin .Andrews, Thonias Lake, Benjamin Mc- Connell, Benjamin DePue, Lewis Haskins, .Aaron !'.. Davis. Joel Pike. R. M. Waller, Julius Trask. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. IS William Carey, Ephraim W'vman, P. D. Tavlor, William Brayton. Israel Morrill, Harlvn Shat- tuck, David DeWitt, James B. Young, Abel Thurston, John Kaudler, John Adams, Alilton Kilburn, Richard H. Enoch, Joseph Chadwick, Daniel Piper, John Hance, Henry Enoch, Jr., Peter Moore, Sylvester Sutton, \'. B, Rexford, William G. Blair, Daniel H. Whitney, James Jack- son, Isaac Adams. Isaac Harrell, E. A. Nixon, John Wood. William Mead, Joseph Rogers, A. C. Gleason, Henry Hicks. John Brink, E. Gregory, L. C. Waller, James Thomas. G. Kent, Chauncey Mead, George Randall, W. H. Talcott. William E. Dunbar, S. A. Lee. Charles Reed, Charles Sayres, Robert J. Cross. D. A. Spaulding. Benjamin White, Jacob Enoch. The votes of two men. John Langdon and Thomas Williams, were rejected. Not a single voter of this list is now living. The last survivor was Harlyn .Shattuck. who died in 1899. near Belvidere. On Wednesday. August 3d. the county com- missioners-elect met in special session at the house of Daniel S. Haight. for the transaction of business necessary to complete the local govern- ment. D. A. Spaulding was elected clerk of the county commissioners" court ; and Robert J. Cross was chosen trc^urer. William E. Dun- bar was sent to A'and-'.ia. the capital of the state, with the election '.turns. The term "court" might seem to imply that this body possessed ju- dicial powers, but such was not the fact. Under the constitution of 1818, three commissioners were elected in each county for the transaction of all its business. This court performed the du- ties corresponding in a general way to those en- trusted under the present law to the board of supervisors. At this first session of the court the commis- sioners divided the county into seven precincts. as follows : Yellow River, which included the towns of Silver Creek, Ridot. Freeport, Lancas- ter, and the south half of Rock River, in Stephen- son county : Rock Grove, which included the north half of Rock River, all of Buck Eye. Rock Grove, and the east half of Oneco, in Stephen- son county, and Laona and Howard f^now Dur- and) in Winnebago: Peeketolika. corresponding to the towns of Seward. Lvsander (now Peca- tonica) and Burritt : Kiskwaukee. now the town- ships of Cherry Valley. New Milford, and part of Rockford township ; Rockford, which in- cluded the present townships of Winnebago, Guilford, the larger part of Rockford, and the south half of Owen and Harlem ; Rock River, in- cluding the townships of Shirland. Harrison, Rockton, Roscoe, north half of Owen and Har- lem, and ^lanchester in Boone county ; Belvi- dere, which included all of Boone county except IManchester township. This precinct contained two hundred and fifty-two square miles ; yet at the first presidential election, in 1836, it could poll only twenty-three votes. Rock River precinct was twenty-four miles in length, and from six to twelve in width, and included six townships. At the presidential election previously mentioned this immense territory could poll but twenty votes. The number of precincts was subsequentlv in- creased to ten. At this session of the court an order was issued, which fixed the time and place of hold- ing an election in each precinct, for justices of the peace and constables. Upon the election of these officers the county organization was com- pleted. There was as yet no countv seat. The act to establish the county, however, had provided that until public buildings should be erected for the purpose, the courts should be held, as the county commissioners should direct. COUXTV SE.\T LOCATED AT WINNEB.XGO. The law establishing \\'innebago countv desig- nated Robert Stephens and Rezin Zarley, of Cook county, and John Phelps, of Jo Daviess, as com- missioners, to locate the permanent seat of justice. These commissioners were authorized to meet on the first Monday in May. 1836. or as soon thereafter as may be, at the house of Daniel S. Haight. for the discharge of their duty. John Phelps never made his appearance. The other two commissioners met Juh' 14th, at the place specified by law, for the selection of a site for the county buildings. At the county commissioners' court on Thurs- day. .\ugust 4. 1836. the report of the special commissioners was presented. The reader will avoid confusion bv noting the distinction between the three county commissioners elected bv popu- lar vote, and the special commissioners designated by the statute to locate the county seat. The lat- ter reported that on the 14th day of July they had met at the house of Daniel S. Haight, and that two days later they had selected a site on lands owned bv Nicholas Boilvin & Co.. on con- dition that the proprietors should execute a war- ranty deed to the county of thirty acres of land, so long as it should remain the seat of justice. On the same day Charles Reed presented to the countv commissioners a aeed of twelve blocks, containing two and one-half acres each, situated about two miles up the river trom the ferry cross- ing. The law was very specific concerning the lo- cation of a site. It provided that if the site chosen should be the property of individuals, in- stead of government land, the owners thereof should make a deed in fee simple of not less than twenty acres of said tract to the county ; or in lieu thereof they should pay the county three thousand dollars, to be used in the erection of i6 PAST AM) I'RKSKXT OF WIXXEHACO COrXTV county buildings. Mr. Reed may have presented his deed in good faith, but it was not accepted because it contained an objectionable clause to the effect that the county shoukl hold the prop- erty "so long as it should remain the seat of justice." This reservation defeated his scheme. This tract of land came into possession of Nicholas I'oilviii about one year ])revious. Mr. r.oilvin was at one time a government agent for the Winnebago Indians. It lias been noted that by the treaty negotiated at Prairie du Chien, .\ugust I. i82(>. iK'tween the United States and the w'innebagoes. grants of land were made to certain descendants of this tribe. Catherine Mvntt, a half-breed Indian woman, was one of the two who had received two sections each. I^revious to this contest over the county seat, one of these two unlocated sections had been sold to Henry Gratiot. 15y deed executed .\ugust 25, 18^5. Catherine Mvott conveyed the other un- located section to Xidiolas llnilvin for eight hun- dred dollars. This was the first individual con- veyance of land in Winnebago county. This deed was filed for record in Cook county, September 3, 1835, and recorded by Daniel H. Whitney, recorder of Winnebago county, September 8, 1836. This instrument was the first filed for record in this county. The tract located for Mr. i'oilvin, by virtue of the treaty of 1829, is the east half of section fourteen and all that part of section thirteen west of Rock river, in Rock- ford townshi]), and contains six hundred and thirty-.scvcn acres. At the time Mr. Reed made the offer of his deed to the county commission- ers, the property belonged to Nicholas Boilvin, of Cliicago. Charles Reed, of Joliet. and Major Campliell. .\s soon as the organization of the county iK-gan to be agitated. Boilvin and his associates determined to secure the location of the county seat on their site. The entire tract was platted September 14, 1836. It was known as Nicholas I'.nilvin's plat of the town of Winnebago, and the plat was filed for record September 17, 1836. Reed appeared as the principal manager. There were two hundred and fifty-one blocks, and these were subdivided into two thousand four hundred and thirty-six lots. The town was christened Winnebago. Reed built a two-story house, to be used as a hotel and store, which is still stand- ing a few rods alx)ve John H. Sherratt's resi- rleiice. .\ free ferry was established : a lime- kiln and a blacksmith shop were built : and a road opeiu-il through the timber east from Winne- bago, to meet the state road from Chicago to (ialena. at a point on Beaver creek. Nothing was left undone to secure the countv seat : but the decision of the commissioners, like the law of the Mcdes and Persians, coulrl not be changed. Notwithstanding the fact that the special com- missioners were given full jwwer by the statute to locate the county seat, their selection was arbitrarily set aside by the commissioners' court. This rejection, however, was based upon a reason which would have been considered valid by any court. The cpiestion difl not again come before the ])eople until 1839. Pending the location of the county seat the commissioners ordered that the circuit and county commissioners' courts should be held at the house of Mr. Haight. i:.\Rl,Y FERRIKS OX ROCK RIN'KR. The ferry was the first mode of transit across the river. Ferries were estalilished by special acts of the legislature, with regular charters, in territory not under county organization. The issue of licenses for conducting ferries came under the jurisdiction of the commissioners' courts in organized counties. In 1836. at the .September session of this court for Winnebago county. Cermanicus Kent was authorized to es- tablish a ferrv at Rockford, at what is now State street. He was required to pay a license of ten dollars for one year, and rates of ferriage were established. At the same session of the court \'ance & Andrews were authorized to establish a ferry at ^^'innebago, on the same terms for license and ferriage as given ?^lr. Kent. C. Doolittlo. by his agent. H. M. Wattles, was granted the j^rivilege of establishing a ferry where the line between Rockford and C)wcn townships crosses Rcick river, on the same terms. In the spring of 1836 Harvey Lowe and Nel.son H. Salisbury, who had made claims in Howard in the preceding autumn, returned with their families. May i8th they crossed the river at the point now spanned by Trask's bridge. They were the first to cross in the boat which had been launched that da v. They had been detained there about a week, and during tint time they had assisted in building the boat. This ferrv, which was established through the agency of Love and Salisbury, to enable them to cross their claims, subsequently became the thoroughfare in the direction of Mineral Point and formed a convenient crossing for all emi- grants to the country north of the Pecatonica. In 1837 the ferry licenses of Kent and ^^ance were extended another year, at the same rates. Mr. Kent conducted the ferry at Rockford from 1836 to 1838. In the latter year a license was issued to Kent & Brinckerhoff. The rates of ferriage were changed and the license fee raised to twenty dollars. These gentlemen were suc- ceeded by .Selden M. Church, who continued the business until the first bridge was built. SURVEY OF THE ST.\TE RO.\D. When Germanicus Kent and Thatcher Blake made their settlements, there were no state roads PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 17 in this vicinity. Indian trails wended their way through prairie and forest, but these did not greatly facihtate the trayel of the white man. At that time Chicago and Galena were the only well known points in northern Illinois. The first settlements in the state were made in the south- ern portion ; and as the tide of emigration poured from the east into the Rock riyer valley, after the Black Hawk war, each session of the legis- lature laid out a number of state roads. By an act approved January 15, 1836, James Gifford, Daniel S. Haight and Josiah C. Good- hue were appointed special commissioners to view, survey and locate a road from Meacham"s Grove, in Cook county, to Galena, in Jo Daviess county. The bill directed that the commissioners should make "Elgin on Fox river, in Cook county, Bel- videre on Squaw Prairie, in the county of La Salle, and Midway at the ford on Rock river, in the county of Jo Daviess, points on the said road, and shall fix the said road on the most advantage- ous ground, for a permanent road, having refer- ence to said points." This road was opened with- out delay, and State street in Belvidere and in Rockford is a portion of this highway, which extends nearly across the state in a general north- westerly direction from Chicago. THE \-ILL.\GE CHRISTENED. Mr. Kent was in a sense the first proprietor of the colony. He gave it the name of Midway. This name was suggested by the fact that the settlement was about half way from Giicago to Galena. "Midway, Rock River, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, June 17, 183s." is the name and date Mr. Kent gives in a letter to a friend. The law of 1836 which established the State road, noted in the last paragraph, referred to "Mid- way at the ford on Rock river." Under date of October 17, 1837, ^Ir. Kent writes a letter from Rockford. The settlement was therefore known as ]Midway from one to three years. Authorities differ as to the origin of the name Rockford. One writer says the place was known as Rockford by the Indians ; and that this name was suggested to them by nature. Upon the site of the present dam was a solid rock bottom, where the water was usually so shallow as to afford easy crossing with their ponies. Hence it was called b^' them the rock-ford. John H. Thurston gives a somewhat different, though not necessarily a conflicting, version. He says Daniel S. Haight. Germanicus Kent, Wil- liam H. Gilman, of Belvidere, John P. Chapin and Ebenezer Peck, of Chicago, and Stephen Edgel, later of St. Louis, met at Dr. Goodhue's office, on Lake street, in Chicago, to name the claim, or mill privilege, which they hoped at some time 2 would become a town. "Midway," though an appropriate name, was not in favor. Various names were suggested and rejected, until Dr. Goodhue said : "Why not call it Rockford, from the splendid rock-bottom ford on the river there ?" The suggestion seemed an inspiration, and was at once unanimously adopted ; and from that day to this. Dr. Goodhue has been given the credit of the present name. The date of this christen- ing is uncertain. Mr. Thurston says it occurred in the summer of 1835; -but the statute of Janu- ary, 1836. still designated it Midway. News traveled slowh', however, in those days ; and pos- sibly the solons at Vandalia had not learned of the change. THE FIR.ST SURVEYS. The first surveys in Winnebago county were made early in 1836. Don Alonzo Spaulding, a pioneer of 1835, was the government surveyor. One of his associates was Hon. Charles B. Far- well, of Chicago, who in 1887 succeeded the late General John A. Logan as a United States sen- ator from Illinois. In October, 1835, Mr. Spaulding began the extension of the third prin- cipal meridian, at a timber corner about two miles north of the point where this meridian crosses the Illinois riyer, on the western boundary line of La Salle county. Mr. Spaulding extended the third principal meridian north to its intersection with the Wisconsin boundary line. Mr. Spauld- ing surveyed the range and township lines in all of Winnebago county, and the western range of Boone : and subdivided all of Winnebago except New Milford and Cherry \'alley townships. THE BEGIXXIXG OF METPIODISM. jNIethodism was established in Winnebago county in 1836. It was therefore the vanguard of the church militant to enter and possess the land. The official record of the first society has not been preserved. Galena was the first appointment within the bounds of the present Rock River conference. It was at that time, in 1829, in the Illinois con- ference, which comprised the states of Indiana and Illinois. The Indiana conference was formed in 1834. After this separation of Indiana from the Illinois conference, the latter still covered a vast region. In the autumn of 1835 Rev. Wil- liam Royal was appointed to the Fox River mis- sion. Rev. Samuel Pillsbury was associated with him. This mission circuit extended northward from Ottawa. In June, 1836, Rev. Pillsbury preached a sermon at the home of Henry Enoch, in Guilford township, seven and one-half miles east of Rockford. This was the first service in the county conducted by a Methodist clergyman. i8 PAST AND l'RESi:.\T (U W l.\.\lil!AGU CUL'XTY. On that occasion Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beers and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gre<;ory traveled six miles in a heavy lumber wagon drawn hy a yoke of oxen. This service was followed during: tlie sum- mer by occasional sermons by Rev. Royal at Mr. Enoch's house : and Mrs. Enoch often prepared Sunday dinners for the cont^recfation. On his wav to conference at S])rin};field. in the autumn of iS,^^>, Rev. Royal passed tlirouijh Rockford. Monday afternoon, September 2d, he jireached in .sanniel Ure^'ory's lofj liousc, which stood on what is now block fourteen in Gilbert Woodruff's second addition to Rockford. At the close of the sermon Rev. Royal orjjanized the first Methodist class, which consisted of five persons : Samuel Greg'ory, Joanna (irejjory, ^fary Enoch. Daniel I'.eers and Mary Ileers. These pioneer Metho- ed in a building erected by Mr. Ilaight on the site of the .American House. This building was used for various i>uri)oses. In the summer of 1838 the Methodists built a parson- age on First .street, between Prairie street and Lafayette avenue, facing west. This was the first Methodist parsonage built within what is now the Rock River conference. Tlie Rock River conference was organized .'Vngust 26, 1840, at Mt. Morris. Bishop Waugh ]>rcsiiled over this conference, which was held in a grove. Rockford was retained in the Chicago district, with John T. Mitchell as presiding elder, and Semphronious H. Stocking as circuit preacher. .August 25. 1841. the conference was held at Platteville, W'isconsin, when Bishop Mor- ris sent John Crummer to Rockford. .August 3. 1842. the conference met in Chi- cago, and Bishop Roberts assigned Rockford to the care of Silas BoUes. .At this time the Metho- dist church was worshiping in what was after- ward knf)wn as the "old seminary l)uilding." This structure had been begun as a Congregational church, but was abandoned for the church built on the West side 1)\- Kent and Brinckcrhoff. In 1842 the Methodists bought this "seminary" property of the county commissioners, and held it for .some years. September 20, 1842, the First Methodist church became an incorporate body, with five trustees, as follows: Horace Miller, James B. .Martyn, Samuel Gregory, Daniel Beers and Willard Wheeler. At the conference in Du- bufjue, Iowa, .August 30, 1843, Rockford was made a "station," and Bishop Andrews sent Rich- ard Blanchard. November 10th of that year the trustees of the society purchased of Daniel S. Haiglit the lot on which the parsonage had been built five years previous. The consideration was two hundred dollars. I'"e1)ruary 25, 1846. the trustees purchased of William II. (iilman, lots one, two, three, four and five, in the east half of block thirty-one, front- iTig on South Second street, between Oak and Walnut. The consideration was tliree hundred and twenty-five dollars. These lots, except lot one. are the same upon which the Centennial church and parsonage now stand, and which were occupied by the I'irst church and parsonage. The contract for building the l-'irst church was made with M. II. Regan, in 1846, but it was not com- pleted until 1848. l-'rom 1 84 1 to 1853 Rockford had been a part of the Mt. Morris arinim. He was father of .\nson Barinim and Mrs. James M. \\'ight. and grandfather of Mrs. Sherratt. Mr. r>arnum came from Danbury, Connecticut, in the summer of 1837. .\ history of Danbury shows the Barnums to have been an old family of that city. The first brick was made in the autumn of 1837 by Cyrus C. Jenks, in Guilford, about three and a half miles northeast of the town. The first carpenter cannot be determined with accurac\' : but it is probable that Thomas Lake and .Sidney Twogood were the first skilled work- men. The first saloon was o])ened in 1837. by Samuel Little, an luiglishman. He ])ut up a small one-story building near 316 Last State street. The first blacksniilh was probably one of the men em])loyed by Mr. Kent. The second was William Penfield. His frame building was on the northeast corner of Madison and Market streets. William V. Dennis was the first house- painter, and in 1837 he disi)layed his skill on Mr. Haight's first frame house. The first drug store was opened early in the summer of 1838 by "Dr." Marshal, a Scotchman. It was on the north side of State street, about eighty feet from the river. The first bakers were Ephraim Wyman and Bethuel Houghton, who did business in 1838 as I)artiiers on South Main street. The first store was kept by John \'ance, in a log cabin on South First street, opposite the city hall now in process of construction. CO.NGRIiG.XTIO.N.M.ISM — THK FIRST CHURCH. Xew England Congregationalism came with the early settlers. This institution was firmly es- tablished within three years after the arrival of Mr. Kent and .Mr. I'.lakc, and it has maintained a strong and intluential position in Rockford until the present time. The First Congregational church was organized May 5, 1837, with nine members: Rev. [ohn Morrill, Herman B. Potter, Israel Morrill. " Richard .Morrill. Elizabeth P. PAST AXD TRESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. 21 ]\[on-ill, AFarv J. Morrill, Sophia X. IMorrill, Minerva Potter, and Eunice Brown. The church was founded by Rev. John Mor- rill, at the home of his brother. Israel Morrill, on the west side of the river. It is therefore the oldest church in Rockford, inasmuch as the First Methodist church, formed the previous year, ceased to exist. The three ^lorrill brothers and their wives constituted just two-thirds of the original membership. During its first year the church had attained a membership of twenty souls. Israel Morrill and H. B. Potter were the first deacons. The first confession of faith and form of cove- nant, adopted temporarily at its organization, was that recommended by the Watertown pres- bytery. One year later. May 4, 1838, this was displaced by the articles of faith and covenant of the Rock River Congregational Association. Rev. John Morrill was the first pastor. Very little is known of him previous to his removal to the west. He had come in a farm wagon from Xew York as a home missionary to this cotmty, where his brother had previously settled. Mr. Morrill served as pastor one year from May, 1837. The late Mrs. Eunice Brown Lyon is au- thority for the statement that Mr. Morrill received no formal call to the pastorate of the Congrega- tional church. He was the leading spirit in its organization, and he may have assumed the work with the understanding, explicit or implied, that he should serve as its pastor for a time. This pioneer minister died at Pecatonica February 16, 1874- Soon after its organization the church held services in the "stage barn,"' built by Daniel S. Haight, near the intersection of State and Third streets. Only a few years ago this structure was standing on the farm of Isaac Rowley, near the city. In the summer of 1838 the trustees began the erection of a frame structure on the west side of X'^orth First street, on a site near the residence of Irvin French. When the building had been enclosed and shingled it was learned that !\Iessrs. Kent and Brinckerhoff had obtained about eight hundred dollars from friends in New York for a church. Instead of turning over this money to the society to complete the church, these gentle- men built an edifice on their own side of the river. This building was raised in the summer of 1838, and enclosed the same season. \\'hen it was completed they turned it over to the society for worship, but retained their nominal title. .\t that time they possessed no legal title to the land from the government. The unfinished building on North First street was abandoned, and was never afterwards used bv this church as a house of worship. It was. however, devoted to other purposes, which will be noted in subsequent pages. The building erected by Kent and Brinckerhofif was the first church edifice in Rockford, and stood on the southwest corner of Qiurch and Green streets. It was a frame structure, clap-boarded, in Doric style, forty-five feet square inside, and stood on a foundation of blocks of trees, cut in the adjoining grove, with sills resting upon them about three feet above the ground. In fact, the greater portion of the buikling material was ob- tained from adjacent lots. The building fronted to the east, and had three windows on each side. A porch about ten feet wide extended across the front, covered by an extension of the roof, which was supported b>' four fluted wooden columns. This sylvan sanctuary was occupied by the First church about six years. The Ladies" Foreign iMissionary Societv was organized in 18^8, just one year after the found- ing of the church. The originators of this move- ment, like the founders of the church, were largely from New England, who had been in- terested in foreign missions and education in their eastern homes, and who had not left their zeal behind them, although they might properly have considered themselves on home missionary ground. The second pastor was Rev. Cyrus L. Watson. who served the church from Xovember. 1838, to May, 1841. He was a genial, social elderly gen- tleman, a good pastor, and he was highly es- teemed. His death occurred at Battle Creek, Michigan. Rev. William S. Curtis, D. D., sup- plied the pulpit from X'ovember. 1841. to August, 1842. Dr. Curtis subsequently became pastor of the Westminister Presbyterian church. His death occurred in 1885, and his funeral was held June 1st, from the Westminister church. Dr. Curtis was succeeded by Rev. Oliver W. Norton, who was the pastor from September. 1842. until some time in the following year. Rev. Lansing Porter served a brief pastorate from February, 1844, to April, 1846. In the spring of 1846 the churcli dedicated a new house of worship on tne East side. It was a brick structure, and stood on the northeast corner of South First and Walnut streets, on the site of the new citv hall. Its dimensions were forty by sixty feet : the walls were twenty feet high. A ])rojection at the rear lormed a recess for the pulpit. The roof was one-quarter pitch, with a square tower on the center of the front, rising about twentv feet. From this tower a bell called the people to their public devotions. The bell belonged to Rev. Norton, and he took it with him when he went away. W. A. Dickerman, as agent for the church, subsequently purchased a Aleneely bell, in Xew York, weighing six hundred and forty pounds. This church continued to be the house of worship for this congregation until 1870. 22 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. The construction of a new house of worship is frequently, and perhaps generally, followed by a change in the pastorate. Such was the ex- perience of this society soon after the dedication of its new church. The resignation of Rev. Lan- sing I'orter was followed by a call to the Rev. Lewis H. Loss, whose pastorate began in August, 1846. The pipe organ used in this church was built by PL IL Silsby and his brother. The organist at one time was Rufus ILttch, who subsequently removed to Xew York, and became one of the most famous operators on Wall street. During his residence in Rockforil he was engaged in the dry goods business on East State street, near the site of the Coyncr urug store. His home was on South Madison street, where Miss Kate O'Con- nor's residence now stands. Mr. Hatch removed from Roc'Kt'ord alxiut 1856. When .Mr. Hatch becaiue wealthy, he presented the pipe organ which is in use in the ])resent house of worship, to Dr. and .Mrs. (kiodwin. The doctor was pastor when this church was dedicated. This splendid gift, whicii cost four thousand dollars, was Mr. Platch's personal token of esteem for Dr. Good- win. Some time later Dr. (ioodwin ])reached a sermon on music, in which he referred to its high place in Christian worshi]). .\t the close of this discourse Dr. (ioodwin said that he and Mrs. Goodwin rclin(|uished all claim to the organ. "It is henceforth neither mine nor yours, but the Lord's, to whom I now dedicate it." Dr. Loss" pastorate continued until Xovember, 1849. He was a man of ability and thorough edu- cation. He went from Rockford to Jolict. where he had charge of a church until 1856. His last pastorate was at Marshalltown, Iowa, where he died. In his last illness lie longed to see his old friend and physician. Dr. Lucius Clark, of this city : and his church sent for the doctor and paid his traveling expenses. Dr. Loss was succeeded by the Rev. Henry M. Goodwin. D. D., who perha])s gave to the church its most distinctive i)astorate. It extended from .August. 1850. to January. 187J. This period of more than twenty-one years constitutes nearlv one-third of its entire history. The interim be- tween the departure of Dr. Loss and Dr. Good- win's acceptance was supi)lied by Prof. Joseph Emerson, of Pieloit college. Dr. Goodwin was graduated frnni ^'ale, and the Rockford church was his first (k'lrish. .Soon after leaving Rnckford. Dr. (ioodwin wrote a Itook entitled Christ and Humauitv. which was publislied l)v the Harpers. It was dedicated to his friend in these nol)le words: "To Horace liushnell. my reverend friend and teacher, whose profiiimil and sanctified genius has made the world his debtor, and whose eminent services to C1iristianit\ in the reconciliation of faitli and rea- son await the verdict of the future ages, these later studies of Christian doctrine are filially and affectionately inscribed by the author." This work was written while the author was enjoying an extended sojourn in (iermaiiy. In 1875 Dr. (ioodwin was called to the chair of English liter- ature by the college at Olivet, Michigan, which he filled for several years. His death occurred at the home of his daughter. Mrs. Weld, in Wil- liamstown. Massachusetts, March i. 189^. Dr. Goodwin was seventy-one years of age. His re- mains were brought to Rockford for burial. The following named ministers have been Dr. Goodwin's successors to date : Revs. Wilder Smith. Theodore Clifton, William White Leete. F'rederick H. Bodnian. and Frank M. Sheldon, who began his pastorate Sunday, September 3. 1895. The present membership is about 385. FIRST I'.VTRioTic ci-:i.i:i!K.\ rn ).v. The iiatriotism nf the little village did not dif- fer essentially from the jirevailing tyi)e. It neces- sarily found its expression in more primitive ways than it does at the present time. There was such a display of elo(|uence and gunpowder as the times afforded : and the amusements differed somewhat from those of to-day. The morning of July 4, 1837. was welcomed with the boom of all available artillery. William Penfield's blacksmith's anvil did heroic service. .A. hickory liberty-pole was raised near what is now 310 East State street. Patriotic exercises were held in Mr. Haight's barn, which stood in the grove near the intersection o( State and Tl-ird streets. The bay was floored for the speakers, and the ihreshing-fioor was occu])ied by the ladies. Charles 1. Ibirsman read the Declaration of Inde- pendence, and Hon. John C. Kemble was the orator of the day. Dinner was served in the old Rockford House by the ]jro])rietor. Henry Thurs- ton. The main part of the building had been covered with a roof, and was sided to the first- stovy windows. Loose boards were laid for a floor, tables were arranged, and. in the absence of crockery, the cold meat was served on shingles. The tickets for this dinner were sold at one dollar each, and this feature of the celebration was a financial success. The celebration was concluded with a public ball, the first in the county, given in Mr. Haight's barn. FIRST TKR.MS OF CIKl L'lT COURT. The act establishing the county had provided that until public buildings should be erected, the circuit courts should be held at the house of Mr. Kent or Mr. ilaight, as the county commissioners sliould direct. At the first session of this court it was ordererd to Galena the stage lino was conducted for a time by John D. Winters, of l-llizabeth. a little town south of Clalena. The route first i)asscontli Main street, in the third block below State. In the autumn of 1838 was erected by Dr. Haskell the brick building wiiich was known later as the Winnebago House, on Andrew .\sh- ton's corner. When laying out the ground for the cellar Mr. Silsby persuaded Dr. Haskell to set his building six feet from the line of the street. The Winnebago House was the first brick store built above Rock Island on Rock river. Into this store Dr. Haskell moved the slock of goods from the building on the river bank which hafl been occu|)ied by Piatt &• Sanford : and he and Isaiah Lvon continued the business. In 1843 -Mr. Lyon closed il. as given in a later chapter of Mr. Pick- ard's biographv: "He [Whittier] was accus- tomed to say that only two of the teachers who were emplovcd in that district during his school days were fit for the not very exacting |iosition they occupied. P.oth of these were Dartmouth students : one of them George Haskell, to whom reference has already Ix^en made." Dr. Haskell began the practice of medicine at East Cambridge, .Massachusetts, in 1S27. and removed to .\shby, in tlic same state, in the following year. Dr. Haskell came to Illinois in 1831. and set- tled at Etlwardsville. and two years later he re- moved to L'pper Alton. While there he became one of the founders of Shurtleflf college, of which he was trustee and treasurer. The doctor built u]) a large jiractice, which he soon aban- doned. November 7. 1837, the cause of the slave received its first bai)tism of blood. On that day Rev. Elijah P. Lovejov was murdered at Alton, for his bold utterances in behalf of an oppressed race. Dr. Haskell entertained radical anti-slavery views, and he determined to leave that ])ortion of the state in which the pro-slavery sentiment was largely prednminaiit. From the time of his arrival in Rockford until his removal from the city about twenty-eight vears later. Dr. Haskell was a broad-minded, re])reseiitative man of affairs. He conducted for a short time a mercantile business on the river bank, as the successor to Piatt & Sanford. But his ruling passion was horticulture. He entered from the government c|uite a tract of land lying north of Xorth street, and built the house on North .Main street now occupied by (ieorge R. h'orbes. He ])I:nited a nursery and became an expert in raising fruit. It is said that one year he raised sixty luishels of peaches. The severe winter of iS!;^-^^) killed his trees, and from that time he devoted his attention to more hardy fruits. His later Rockford home was on Nortii PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 27 Court street, near the residence of Hon. Andrew Asliton. Dr. Haskell was generous and public-spirited. He and his brother-in-law, John Edwards, pre- sented to the city the West Side public square, which -was named Plaskell Park, in honor of the former. A street, called Edwards Place, forms the southern boundary of the park. A ward schoolhouse in \\'est Rockford also bears Dr. Haskell's name. In 1853 Dr. Haskell became a convert to Spiritualism, and April 15, 1854, he began the publication of the Spirit Advocate, an eight-page monthly. The paper was an able propagandist of the new faith. A complete file of this paper has been preserved in the Rockford public lilirary. Twenty-three numbers were published. In 1866 Dr. Haskell removed to New Jersey. There he was engaged in founding an industrial school, and purchased with others a tract of four thousand acres «hich was laid out for a model communit}'. In 1857 Dartmouth college gave the doctor the degree of A. B., as of the year 1827. Dr. Haskell died at Yineland, New Jersey, August 23, 1876. PIONEERS OF 1838-1839. James ]\Iadison ^^'ig■ht was born in Norwich, ^Massachusetts, in 1810. He was admitted to the bar of Queens county. New York, in 1837, and immediately afterwards came west. He first joined his brother. J. Ambrose Wight, in Rock- ton. But he found no field in that village for the practice of his profession : and he came in 1838 to Rockford, where for a time he taught school. In his earlv life he served a few terms as city attorney of Rockford. He was one of the pioneer lawyers of northern Illinois, and built '.ip a large practice. He was for many years local attorney for the Chicago & Northwestern rail- road and for other corporations. He was also for a time a member of the state legislature, and served on the judiciary committee. Air. Wight was a member of the constitutional convention of 1870. called to draft a new constitution for submission to the voters of the state. He died in Rockford in 1877. Jason Alarsh was born in \\'oodstock, Windsor county, Vermont, in 1807. He came to Rock- ford in 183Q. He was accompanied by his wife and children, a brother and wife, and his three brothers-in-law. Soon after his arrival he and the three Spafford brothers built the brick house three miles south of State street, on the Kish- waukee road, later owned by F. J. Morey. A large farm was attached. ]Mr. Marsh drove daily to the village, where he practiced his profession. His later home was the residence subsequently owned bv the late W. W. Fairfield, on East State street. In 1862 Mr. Marsh entered military service as colonel of the Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was severely wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge in the autumn of 1863, and returned home. Two months later he again went to the front. In the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta his old wound troubled him, and he resigned. His last years were spent on his farm near Durand. His death occurred at the home of his daughter in Chicago. March 13, i88r. He was buried in Rockford with military honors. Francis Burnap was born at Merrimac, New Hampshire, January 4, 1796. Mr. Burnap set- tled in Rockford in August, 1839, and began the practice of law in Winnebago and neighboring counties, in the state supreme court, and in the federal courts. He practiced his profession until 1864, when ill health compelled him to retire. Mr. r.urnap died in Rockford, December 2, 1866. Duncan Ferguson was a native of Scotland. He was born in Glasgow, in November, 1810. In 1837 he left his native land and came to the United States. He first settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained two years, ilr. Ferguson removed with his family to Rockford in 1839. In 1840 he was elected surveyor and justice of the peace. He held the office of surveyor until 1856. In 1862 he was appointed assessor of internal revenue. He held this position eight years, and then resigned. For ten years Mr. Ferguson was supervisor from the Seventh ward of the city. March 3, 1873, he was elected chairman of the county board to succeed Hon. Robert J. Cross, who had died February 15th. ]\Ir. Ferguson re- tained this position until 1881. In 1877 he was elected mayor of Rockford, and served one year. He held the offices of city engineer, assessor, county treasurer, and commissioner of the county under an act of the legislature for the improve- ment of Rock river. His death occurred May 14, 1882. Thomas D. Robertson was born in Edinburg, Scotland, March 4, 1818. He came to the United States in 1838. He stopped for a time in Chi- cago, and arrived in Rockford in December of the same year. Mr. Robertson studied law in Rockford and at Madison, Wisconsin. He was admitted to the bar, and was a prominent prac- titioner for some years. In 1848 Mr. Robertson and Tohn A. Holland opened the first banking house in Rockford in a building adjoining the European Hotel site on West State street. From that time he gradually abandoned the practice of law, and devoted his attention to banking and real estate. 'Sir. Robertson was a leader in the movement to secure the extension of the Galena & Chicago Union railroad to Rockford. He had charge of the collection of the subscriptions to the capital stock in Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties. Mr. Robertson continuously resided in 28 PAST AXI") I'RKSEXT OF WIWEBAGO COUXTV. Rockford for .■.ixiv-niu- \i;ii>. His death oc- curred l'\'hruary 4, Iip2. Ira W. I'.akiT arrived at Rock river ( )ctolKr (>. 1S3S. on Saturday, at siiiulown, with Iiis fam- ily of eii^ht. from a ijraiidmotlier of seventy to a Ijabe of four. Hon. I-M\vard II. I'.aker. son of Deacon Ira I taker, was l)orn in I'errishurs. X'ermont, April 3, i8j8. and when ten years of age he came with his father to W'imiebajjo county. Mr. I'akcr received his education at Knox coUejje and Illinois colleije at Jacksonville. He stinlied law and was adnntled to the bar. .\t one time he was in partnership with his father-in-law, Jason Marsh. L'jion the orijaniz-ition of the Rockford & Kenosha railroad, Mr. I'.aker was chosen sec- retary of the comiiany. He was elected mayor of Rockford in 1866, and served one year. His death occurred January 2C1, i8t>7. Henry .\. I'.aker. another son of Deacon Baker, was also a native of I'errishurtr. N'ermont. For many years he was ensra.ired in the real estate and loan business in Fast Roi-kford. Mr. i'.aker was for some time |)resident of the boird of education. He died in the west a few months asjo. Daviil S. Penfield was the first of three broth- ers to settle in Rockford. He was a native of I'ittsfield. X'ermont. and was born in 1812. Mr. I'entield and the late SlieiVherd Leach came to Rockford in i8_^8 by way of Dixon. There was then no stable currency. Larsje numbers of private banks furnished a currency of more or less value, and each state had its own issues. The exchanjie of money in travclintr from state to state was therefore attendeil with not a little dif- ficidty, and c. Potter was born in I'airfield county, Connecticut, in 1810. I'rom there the family re- moved to ( )rleans county, Xew York. He re- ceived a collegiate education and iirejiared him- self for the Presbyterian luinistrv. His health failed, and he never resumed this calling. In 1839 he came to this county, where his brothers Hemian P.. and Flcazer had jireceded him. In the same year Mr. Potter built the house now owned by Judge Morrison. He carried on a farm for some years, and was subse<|uently en- gaged in the arnnm. son of Daniel Barnum. was born in Danbury, Connecticut, September 8, 1819. He came with his father to Rockford in 1838. His early manhood was spent on his father's farm. In 1 866 he eiifjaged in the shoe business in Rock- ford with the late Daniel Miller, but soon sold his interest. In 1874 Mr. P>arnum was one of tne organizers of the I'orest City Insurance Com- pany, of which he served as treasurer until in- capacitated by illness. Mr. P.anunn held the offices of alderman and suiiervisor. He died February 26, i8(/), in his eii,dnieth year. Hon. Horace Miller was a native of P>erkshire county, Massachusetts, and was born in 1798. lie came to this county m 1839, and settled on a large tract of land near the mouth of the Kishwaukce river, which in an early day was known as the Terrace farm. At one time he owned twelve hundred and fifty acres. I'-rom 1850 to 1852 Mr. Miller rei)resented this county in the state legis- lature. He resided on his farm until about 1861. when lie came to Rockford and lived a retired life until his death, .August 5, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Jolm Benjamin came from Canada in 1839, and settled in Guilford town- ship. Mr. Benjamin's steii-daughtcr, Mrs. Sarah .\. Cook, who still resides in East Rockford, has the ilistinction of being the first matron of Rock- ford seminary. She served in this capacity from 1849 to 1852. The students were served with meals in a frame structure directly opjjosite the first seminary building, on the east side of North F'irst street. .\31inng the other ])ioneers of 1838 were : Alfred P. Mather. William Hamilton. Levi Monroe, and Richard .Marsh. In 1839 there came Courtland Mandeville, Frederick Charlie, Thaddeus Davis, Sr., Stephen Crilley, D. Bierer. Chester Hitch- cock, John I5ull. M. Hudson. Others who came previous to 1840 were: Sylvester Scott, James Gilbert, .\rtcmas Hitchcock, John \V. Dyer, Samuel C. Fuller, Newton Crawford, Jonathan Hitchcock, Dr. D. Cioodrich. Ilotlis II. Holmes. Stephen Gilbert, and Bela .Shaw. Judge Shaw died suddenly May 31, 1865. Five brothers. Thomas, William, John, Robert and Benjamin (iarrett, with their parents, settled in Guilford township. Thomas died January 20, 1900. He was a Manxman, born on the Isle of ^Ian, Feb- ruary II, 1827. TRI.M^ OF THE PIONEERS. One of the greatest privations of the early settlers was the scarcity of provisions, which at that time were obtained from the older settle- ments in the southern portion of the state. Tlie l)ioncers possessed limitetl means, and few were individually able to bear the expense of a journey of such distance. Several neighbors would unite their small sums, and send one of their number for supplies. The difficulties of travel were great ; there were rivers to cross, either forded or swam ; streams and sloughs to be waded ; muddy roads and ponderous wagons. Under these cir- cumstances, the time of the messenger's return was uncertain. Later, when a trade in provisions had been established, the .same obstacles kept them at almost fabulous prices, and the settlers w"ere sometimes reduced to the verge of absolute desti- tution. I'lour sold from sixteen to twenty dol- lars per barrel, and on one occasion Thomas Lake purchased three barrels at twenty-two dollars each. Pork was thirty dollars per barrel ; wdieat sold from three to four dollars per bushel ; New Orleans sugar twenty-five cents per pound : and other provisions in pro])ortion. This condition rendered it ini|iossible for the great majority of the settlers, with their scanty means, to scarcely procure the necessities for their support. For six weeks in the winter of 1837-38 there was a to- bacco famine, wliich was a terrible privation to the slaves of the filthy weed. "Judge" E. S. Blackstone said the people in the early forties were too poor to cast a shadow. Mr. Thurston ventures the assertion that in 1841-42 there were not twenty fanners in the county who possessed a suit of clothes suita1)le to wear at church or at court, which they had purchased with the fruits of their labor on their farms. Some who had passed the prime of life became discouraged and returned to their homes in the east to die. Barter was practiced even in i)ayment for performing the marriage ceremony. Abraham I. Enoch, a justice of the peace, once took a bushel of beans as his fee. Joel B. Potter, a clergyman, was com- pensated for two ceremonies in wheat, and one day's breaking. Ephraim Stunner swam Peca- tonica river twice one cold night to perform the rite and received fifty cents. Had it not been for a beneficent Providence, who stocked the woods and prairies with game and the rivers with fish, many would have suf- fered for the necessities of the barest subsistence. As late as 1841 the scarcity of fruit was a great trial. There was little, and often none, not even canned fruit. There were dried apples, and the housewives made "mince-pies" of them. Some- times, in case of sickness, the ways and means looked rather dark, and the mother and her whole familv might be involved. In such cases none filled a more important place than Miss Betsy Weldon. whom a few will remember. Strong and well herself, she could fill a place of nurse, house- keeper, dressmaker, milliner, and general repairer of clothing. She was ever ready to respond to cases of need. PAST AND PRESENT OF WTXXEBAGO COUNTY. 31 ROCKFORD HOUSES IN 1838 LATER BUILDINGS H. H. SILSBY. In April, 1838, there were only fonr houses north of State street, in West Rockford ; the ferry house on the site of the Register-Gazette building ; Abriam Morgan's log house, on or very near the site of the Horsman residence, which was recently torn down : a log cabin on the bank of the river, about one hundred and thirty rods above State, occupied by Rev. John ]\Iorrill. and D. A. Spaulding, the government surveyor ; a board and plank house near the site of Mrs. A. D. Forbes' residence, occupied by John and Calvin Haskell, nephews of Dr. George Haskell. South of State street there were quite a number of cabins. Nathaniel Loomis and his son, Henry W. Loomis. lived in a log house near the south- east corner of State and Main streets : and much of the valuable property in this block still belongs to the Loomis estate. On the west side of Main, D. D. Ailing had an unfinished house. Directly north was a two-story frame house which re- mained unfinished for several years. On the same side, opposite the government building, still stands the residence of George W. Brinckerhoflf. On the corner north of the Chicago & Northwest- ern depot. Nathaniel Wilder had a house of one and a half story. On the east side of Main, op- posite the depot, Wyman & Houghton had a story- and-a-half building used as a bakery and boarding- house. South of the C, B. & O. depot, on the west side of Main, James Mitchell had a small house. On the same side of the street, near the bank of the creek, stood Mr. Kent's house and sawmill. There was a log hut eight or ten rods below the mill that had been used as a black- smith's shop, and a store near the river. \\'il- liam E. Dunbar had lived in a log cabin about one hundred yards south of the creek, and twelve to fifteen rods east of Main street. Sanford & Piatt's store was on the river bank, south of State. Benjamin Kilburn had a frame house on the site of the Hotel Nelson. There was a total of eighteen buildings in the village on the west side of the river, beside the cabin built by I\Ir. Blake in the grove to the west. The East side was somewhat larger. The Rockford House was for some time the only hotel between Belvidere and Freeport. On the southwest corner of State and Madison streets stood Bundy & Goodhue's store. Directly south was a building erected by Mr. Haight. The first floor was the postoffice. and the second was oc- cupied by Tinker & Johnson as a tailor shop. On the northwest corner of ]\Iadison and Walnut was a ball alley owned by Charles Oliver. On the southeast corner of State and Madison was Pot- ter & Preston's store. They succeeded Bundy & Goodhue on the opposite corner, where they re- mained until the death of ]\Ir. Preston, when Mr. Potter continued the business alone for a time. East of Potter & Preston's first store was the foundation of the Washington House. On the northeast corner of State and Main was Daniel S. Haight's unfinished frame house. On East State street Mr. Haight was putting up a one- story building for a postoffice. which a few A-ears later was occupied by Worthington & Searles as the second drug store in the village. East of the postoffice site, on the alley, was 'Sir. Haight's first log house, occupied by John !\Iiller as a boarding house. East of the alley, on State, was .Samuel Little's saloon. C)n North First street was a story-and-a-half house occupied by Samuel Corey, a brother-in-law of Mr. Haight. North of Mr. Haight's frame house was a story- and-a-half house owned by William Hamilton ; and at the northeast corner of Madison and Alarket was William Penfield's blacksmith's shop. Between the "swell-front'' and the brick house south of South Second street owned by Samuel I. Church, stood a house with a story and a half owned by Dr. David Goodrich. In the rear of this, on the alley, was a log structure occupied as a schoolhouse about 1837-38. On the site of the street car barns on Kishwaukee street, was Anson Barnum's double log house. At the southeast corner of Second and Walnut was John Phelps' house, afterward owned by William P. Dennis. C)n the west side of First street, opposite the city hall, was John C. Kemble's house ; and on the river bank, north of Walnut, James Clark was building a store in which he kept a general stock. The "stage barn" built for Mr. Haight in 1836 by Thomas Lake and Sidney Twogood, stood near the intersection of State and Third streets. John X'ance's log structure, built for a store, was on South First street nearly opposite the city hall. There was a log house about ten rods southeast of the "stage bam," occupied b)' a Mr. Kingsle}-, who came from Belvidere to work for Mr. Haight on the Rockford House. James Bos- well's cabin was near the Peacock estate. Jacob Posson's cabin was in the vicinity of block twenty-one. Gregory & Penfield's addition. These, with the East side ferry house, and a small log hut used for a stable, were all the buildings within half a mile of the intersection of State and Madison streets, on the east side of the river, in April, 1838. Mr. Haight erected at least seven buildings on the East side, beside three barns, and one-half of the Rockford House. In 1839-40 he built the large two-story brick house, east of Longwood street, which is still standing. Mr. Haight claimed that one hundred thousand brick were used in its construction. In the spring and summer of 1838 Harvey H. Silsby, Mowry Brown, William Hull and Wil- liam Harvev built the house now standing north I'AST AXD l'Ri:SF.XT OF WIXXEBAGO COL■X•l•^■. of Mrs. W. A. Uickcrman's rcsitlcncc. for Dr. Haskell, who afterward sold it to John F.dwards. After finishins Dr. Haskell's hrick block. Mr. Silshy and .\h>wr_v llrown built a house for G. A. Sanford near tlie center of the block, south of Porter's druji store, on Main street. This house later stood for many years near the Chest- nut street bridjjc. lienjaniin Kilburn built his house near the Trask bridf the I'.eattie house was built the same summer. Mr. Silsby rendered ,i;reat service to the writer in locating^ these buildin,i,'s of the early days. His trade, that of contractor and builder, doubtless fi.xed the dates of their erection in his mind. X'o other individual furnished a more valuable fund of information in the preparation of this work. He knew the villasje from the besinnin.s:. and he retained his excellent memory unim]iaired to the last. Mr. Silsby died suddenly April 7. 1899, in Kansas, after havin.i^ sjjent the winter with his dauf^hter in Rock ford. Me was ei,!;hty-one years of afjc. Mr. Silsby was bom in .\cworth, Sul- livan county, Xew Hampshire, Xovember i, 181 7. He went in 1837 to Upper Alton, where he re- mained until he came to Rockford the following year. .Vfter working at his trade for some years, he embarked in mercantile business. Kiraptists, says : "The writer heard him preach many times, and judged him, as he is apt to judge men, more bv his prayers than his sermons, for he was a man of much prayer. His ai)i)earance in the pulpit was very striking, his face pale, his skin dark, his mouth wide, with a singular cast in one eve bordering on a squint : he was full of native wit, almost gestureless, and vehement in denunciation, yet so cool in his deliberation that with the greatest ease he gave every trying cir- cumstance its appropriate but unexpected turn," PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 33 Elder Knapp died March 3, 1874, on his farm north of Rockford, and was buried in the West Side cemetery, with his feet toward the west, in accordance with his strange request. Elder Knapp's autobiography was published in 1868. Rev. Ichabod Clark succeeded Elder Knapp. During his pastorate, in 1850, the congregation built the present stone church on North Church street, which is now the oldest house of worship in Rockford. Dr. Clark was succeeded by Dr. Thomas Kerr, who began his labors June i, i860. His first pastorate closed November i, 1866, when he was called to Hannibal, Mo. After a brief pastorate by Rev. James Lick, Dr. Kerr was recalled to his old charge, and in 1869 he began his second pastorate. In 1870 Dr. Kerr began to preach a more liberal faith. An ecclesiastical council de- posed him from the Baptist ministry, and the church excluded him. with forty-eight sym- pathizers, from its membership. Dr. Kerr was succeeded in the pastorate by Revs. John S. Mabie, L. Anderson, W. A. Stanton. C. H. Mos- crip, Theo. G. Soares, C. W. Barber, and W. C. Keirstead. The membership reported to the association in June. 1905, was 287. The value of the church property is $18,000. THE VILLAGE INCORPOR.VTED. Early in 1839 the little village aspired to the dignity of an incorporated town. The general law of 1831 provided that "whenever the white males over the age of twenty-one years, being residents of any town in this state, containing not less than one hundred and fifty inhabitants, shall wish to become incorporated for the better regu- lation of their internal police," it should be law- ful for them to do so. The ambition of the vil- lage was sustained by the required population. A meeting of the citizens of Rockford was held, pursuant to public notice, at the Rockford House. April i. 1839. It was resolved that the two villages of Rockford, east and west sides of Rock river, be incorporated into one town. Com- mittees were appointed to ascertain the number of inhabitants within the prescribed boundaries of Rockford ; to draft an act of incorporation for the town ; and to confer with Mr. Brinckerhoff concerning free ferriage for the citizens of the county. An adjourned meeting was held April 3d, but no business was transacted. A second adjourned meeting was held on the following evening. The committee on census reported that the number of inhabitants was two hundred and thirty-five. The committee appointed to confer with Mr. Brinckerhoff made a report to the effect that he would furnish free ferriage to the citizens of the county on condition that the trustees of the town would remunerate him, at the close of each year, with such sum as a committee of three should determine, after ascertaining the receipts and ex- penses of the ferriage. One member of the com- mittee was to be chosen by the trustees, another by Mr. Brinckerhoff and these two were to ap- point a third. At this meeting, by a two-thirds vote, as required by law, the town was incorpor- ated. An election for five trustees was lield April loth. There were chosen Dr. Goodhue, Daniel S. Haight, Samuel Little. Ephraim Wy- man and Isaiah Lyon. The statute provided that the boundaries of a town incorporated under its provisions should not exceed one mile square. The trustees re- stricted the limits as thus prescribed bv the law. They organized by the election of Daniel S. Haight. president: Anson Barnum, clerk; John C. Kemble, attorney. Isaiah Lyon was elected collector and treasurer ; Henry Thurston, asses- sor for the first district : John Haskell for the second ; Nathaniel Wilder for the third ; S. D. Preston for the fourth. Rockford continued its simple municipal life under this system until January, 1852. These vears were quite uneventful, so far as municipal affairs were concerned. The complete records of the proceedings of the board of trustees for those twelve years are contained in a single small volume. This book is well preserved and is in the office of the city clerk. Routine business oc- cupied the most exclusive attention of the board ; and frequently less than a page is required to record its proceedings. E.\RLY L.\ND S.^LES. The lands in Winnebago county did not come into market until the autumn of 1839. The lands in Rockford and Rockton townships were not offered for sale until 1843. by reason of the famous "Polish claims." which will be considered in detail in subsequent paragraphs. The land office for this district in 1839 was at Galena. The opening of the lands to sale and entry in that year was an interesting event to the settlers of Win- nebago county. Some of them had their farms well under cultivation, and had raised a sufficient surplus, so that they were able to secure their farms when the sale began. The uniform gov- ernment price for land was ten shillings per acre. Speculators were always around the land office on days of sale, waiting for the first chance to make a claim. A common interest bound the set- tlers together, and they usually maintained their rights in equity against the sharp practices of the land sharks. Many settlers, however, did not possess ready money. Stock and grain had become plenty by this time, but thev could not be sold for cash. 34 PAST ANT) PRESENT OF WIXXEBACO COUNTY. Money at one time cummaiuk'il thirty per cent. Some of the farmers liatl their claims bid in on sliares. I^inds wore al.so hid in hy men who had money, on condition that tlieir advances sliould donl)le in three years — tliirty-tliree and one- tliird |)er cent, interest : the money loaner fur- nisheti the money, and gavv a bond to the claim- ant to redeem at the expiration of three years if the money sliould be paid on or before that dav. The moncy-loaner supposed his title was cjood, as it was entered in his own name, and paid for in full with his money. It was decided otherwise. however, by the supreme court, which treated it as a mortgage. There was nnich litigation on this point. K( >c K l-( IUI> CK.\I KTERI i;S. Four sites have been used in West Rockford for the pur|)ose of a cemetery, besides that used by the Roman Catholics. The first Inirial in the village of Rock-ford was that of Henry Harmon, who was drowned at the ferry in Rock river .\])ril 7, iS.^7. on block thirty-five of J. \V. I.eavitt's plat of the original town of West Rockford. The Commercial Hotel, South Church street, is on the southeast corner of this block. The second interment was of the body of Sarah Kent, a daughter of (iernianicus Kent, n]>iin the same block, in 1837. These were fol- lowed by the l)urials of .\ddison Phillips, who accidentally shot himself in March. 1839, and John Ha.skell, a brother of Dr. (ieorge Haskell, also in that year. Mrs. James Mitchell and some others were buried upon block thirty-five, which was the only place ot interment on the west side of the river until about 1840. The proprietors of that j)ortion of the town west of the section line n this jjfiint he says in his History of Illinois: "It is my solemn Ix^lief that PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. 39 when I came into office I had the power to make Illinois a repudiating state." After July, 1841, no effort was made to pay even the interest on the debt: and her bonds declined to fourteen cents on the dollar. Ford was elected governor in 1842 : and his title to fame securely rests upon the fact that he stemmed the tide, so that the larger proportion of the debt was actually paid during his administration. Notwithstanding the fact that the citizens of \\'innebago county desired annexation to Wis- consin, in part by reason of this debt, there was no attempt made to repudiate the debt so long as they remained in the state. On the other hand, the citizens took an unequivocal position against such a ruinous policy. A call was issued for a meeting February 5. 1842, to consider the con- dition of the public credit. This call was signed by S. Al. Church, S. D. Preston, George S. Has- kell : Germanicus Kent, D. S. Haight, G. A. Sanford, Francis Burnap and others. It had been surmised that Illinois would refuse to pay its debt. This call was endorsed by a vigorous editorial in the Rockford Pilot, which closed with these words : "As this is a question of vital consideration to every citizen, we trust tliat a full attendance will be had on that occasion — that by your presence and your voices you may show to the world your opinion in regard to these sur- mises. Think not that your individual credit is independent of that of your state and nation. All power and all public acts emanate directly from the people, who are the sovereigns of the re- public ; and whatever honor or shame falls to your state, must be shared among you." The citizens" meeting was in sympathy with this edi- torial comment ; and the moral influence of Win- nebago county was thus placed on record against a repudiating policy that would have brought the state into everlasting disgrace. SETTLERS OF THE EARLY FORTIES. Orrin Miller came to Rockford in 1843 ''nd engaged in the practice of law. He was a bril- liant and able attorney. Mr. Miller married a daughter of AMllard \\Tieeler. About 1871 he removed to the Pacific coast. His death oc- curred at Pomona, near Los Angeles, in Febru- ary, i8gi. He was about seventy years of age. His remains were brought to Rockford for inter- ment. Another early lawyer of the village was Grant B. Udell. His name is occasionally found on old legal documents : but he seems not to have been generally remembered. Anson S. Miller was a prominent lawyer and politician half a century ago. He was elected state senator in 1846, was postmaster of Rock- ford under appointment of President Lincoln, and probate judge from 1857 to 1865. Judge Aliller was one of the presidential electors in 1864, and was chosen by the electoral college to carry the vote of Illinois to Washington. Judge Aliller died January 7, 1891, at Santa Cruz, Cali- fornia. For twenty years preceding his death he had resided in California. Judge Miller was eighty-two years of age. Cyrus F. Miller, a brother 'of Judge Miller, was born near Rome. New York. He came to Win- nebago county in 1839 or '40 and was for many years a well known member of the local bar, and justice of the peace. Mr. Miller removed to Chi- cago in 1871, directly after the great fire. He practiced law in that city until 1876. when he re- turned to Rockford. His death occurred June 4. i8qo, at Beatrice, Nebraska, and his remains were brought to Rockford for burial. Daniel Dow came to Rockford in 1841, and opened a boot and shoe store, and later he car- ried a general stock of merchandise. He pur- chased goods at St. Louis, and his first trip to that city was made by team to Galena ; thence by the Mississippi to his destination. Mr. Dow con- tinued in business until i85(). when he retired and traveled extensively. Upon his return to Rockford he began dealing in grain. Mr. Dow served the Third ward as alderman for six years. He died November 8, 1903. Lewis B. Gregory is a native of Seneca county, New York. He was born in 1820, of New Eng- land ancestry. His father was Rev. Harry Gregory, a Methodist minister. Mr. Gregorv ac- quired a seminary education. He came to Rock- ford in 1843, '1"'^' began teaching the same year. Mr. Gregory is probably the oldest living teacher in the county. After teaching several terms, he became interested in business on the old water- power on the east side of the river. He was a nephew of Samuel and Eliphalet Gregory, set- tlers of 1835. George Tullock was a well known citizen of Scottish birth. He was born in 181 5. and came to Rockford in 1841. At Chicago Mr. Tullock hired his passage with a teamster : but the roads were so bad that he started ahead on foot, and arrived in Rockford three days ahead of the team. Mr. Tullock was employed by Daniel Dow nearly four years as a shoemaker. He then became a farmer. THE FIRST COUXTV F.MRS. As early as August, 1840. a committee was ap- pointed to draft a constitution and by-laws for the Winnebago County Agricultural Society. This connnittee deferred its report until the next Alarch term of the county commissioners' court, in order to avail itself of the privilege of organiz- ing the society under the statute "to incorporate 40 PAST AND PRESENT OF W IXXEBAGO COUX'IV, agricultural societies," which was passed March 28, 1830- The act re(|uirecl the county commis- sioners to jjive due notice of the intention to form such society at that s])ecial term only, and pre- cluded a lej^ai or^^fanization in this county at an earlier tlate, under the provisions of the statute. The Ajiricidtural .Society was orfjanized A])ril 13, 1 84 1. Dr. Haskell was elected presi- dent ; Robert J. Cross, vice-president ; George W. Lee, secretary; Cliarles I. Ilorsman, treasurer; Horace Miller, Richard Montajjue. I'. M. John- son, James S. Xorton, Xewton Crawford. I. X'. Cunningham. Jonathan W'eldon. directors. An adjourned meeting was held July stli. .Septem- ber 8th a meeting of the officers was held to com- plete arrangements for the first cattle show. Tt was ected. .\t that time few counties were sufficientlv organized to en- force efficient jiolice regulations. This section PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 41 was sparsely settled ; the pioneers were poor, and money was scarce. There were few jails, and these were scarcely worthy of the name. For several vears after the settlement of Winnebago county, the nearest jail was at Galena. There is a story to the effect that the sheriff of this county once took a culprit to Galena, and upon his return to Rockford his late prisoner was among- the first to greet him. This primitive condition of society was the op- portunity of the border outlaw. Counterfeiting, horse-stealing, robbery and even murder were of such frequent occurrence that the settlers were driven to desperation. They resolved to adopt radical measures for relief ; for if these outrages were continued property was insecure, and hfe itself was in constant jeopardy. In the spring of 1841. a delegation of reputable citizens of White Rock and Paine's Point, Ogle county, called upon Judge Ford, who was then holding circuit court at Oregon for consultation. Judge Ford was a fearless man, and naturally well equipped to meet the peculiar conditions of pioneer life. Judge Ford knew that the settlers were at the mercy of the banditti, and that it was useless to invoke the civil authorities. He therefore advised them to organize a company, which should call upon the men whom they knew to be lawless, take them bv force from their homes, strip them to the waist, and lash them with a blacksnakc. He recom- mended thirty-six lashes as the first chastise- ment, and sixty for a second ofifense ; and that the leaders should be given ten days in which to leave the country. Judge Ford's advice was followed to the let- ter. A decree from the bench could not have been more faithfully executed. In April about fifteen citizens met at a log schoolhouse at White Rock and organized a company known as the Ogle County Regulators. P>y-laws and rules were' adopted and the membership increased to hundreds in Ogle anrs disl)ande])ing there, a woman grown, large and strong, when the sheriff announced that he was a pris- oner, turned and faced her father, and their eyes met, and there was that kind of a look I can hardlv descriln?, passed between them, and as she held hi? eye she nodded her head to him. Xoth- ing said, but such a look I never saw in the world." The sheriff and his ])osse then went to South ( Irove in search of William Driscoll. The elder Driscoll was seated in a wagon between two guards. .\ company from Winnebago . county had preceded them, and had arrested \\"illiam and his younger brother Pierce. The sheriff took his prisoner to TJregon and lodged him in jail. .-\bout nine o'clert. and eluded capture. The community was startled two weeks lati,'r by another bold depredatinn. Monday evening. ( )ctober 2. one of the four-horse coaches belong- ing to I'riiik. Walker & Co. was robbed four miles from Rockford, while en route to Chicago. It is said the baggage of the ])assengers was stolen from the rear of the coach while in mo- tion, and that the fact was not discovered until its arrival in Xewburg. The next morning the trunks were found a few rods from tlic road, rhey had been broken open and all propertv of any value had been taken. .\ |)lan had been laid to secure a large amount of money which had been rieposited in the land office at Dixon, and this was the object which it was intended to ac- complish by the robbery of the stage coach at this time. It was known that a considerable sum of money, which had been received from the sales of ])ul)lic lands was on dep«xsit at Dixon and was about to be removed. .\ leader of the banditti liad asked the receiver when he intended to go to Chicago, where the dci^osit was to be made. The receiver was a prudent man, and his sus- picions were arou.sed. He therefore replied that he would leave Dixon one week later than he really intended to start : he thus baffled the plot of the robbers. The Rockford l'\)rum. in com- menting on this affair, said: "What renders these transactions still more exciting is that they arc performed by those who are ix-rfect scholars in the business movements of the town." Xo im- mediate clew to this robberv was obtained. In Xovember, 1844, William Mulford, resid- ing on his farm in Guilford, four and a half miles east of Rockff>rd, on the Cherry \'alley road, was robbed of five hundred dollars in money. It had been fal.sely rei)orted that .Mr. .Mulford hail received alKiut fourteen thousand dollars a short time before : and this rumor had reached the robbers. (X-tober 28th a man who gave the name of Haines called on Mr. Mulford and pro- fes.sed to be in search of employment. His real purjjose was to obtain money by other means than honest toil : and he had come to look over the premises. ( )n .'Saturday, Xovember <)tb. about eight o'clock in the evening, three masked men, armed with pistols, knives and clubs, forced an entrance into the house. The leader ordered Mr. Mulford to sit down. He then took the candle from the table, cut it into three pieces, lighted them, placed one in each of the two win- dows, and with the third he began his search of the house. With the most direful threats the family were forced to sul)mission. The keys to the bureau drawers were ilemanded. They were told that they were in the stable behind the horses. This was a ruse to give .Mr. .Midford an o]i])ortunity to reach his rifle in another i)art of the room. When the men went tt) the barn he attempted to reach the gun, but another man, who had been stationed at the door, held a ])istol close to his head and ordered him to desist, '("lie robbers could not find the keys in the barn, and returned in a rage to the house. They swore they would "chain the old devil," and set the house on fire, and by that time they would tell where the keys were. Mrs. Mulford imagined she heard the clanking of chains, and told the robbers where the key could be found. They unlocked the drawer and found the money in an envelojje, just as it had been taken from the bank. One of the gang was identified as Haines, who had called in search of emiiloyment. It was subsequently learned that two men, armed with rifles, stood outside, and for their benefit the candles were placed at the windows. .Xemesis was on the trail of the outlaws, and in due time she will summon a cloud of witnesses to bring them to justice. In the spring of 1845 Charles West, of Lee county, was arrested for the robbery of a peddler named Miller, and a ])ortion of the goods was found in his ])ossession. West was committed to jail at Dixon, and during his confinement he jiroposed to turn state's evidence, and disclose all he knew concerning his con- federates. It was an instance where "the devil sick, the devil a monk would be." His proposition was acce])ted. and West made what he professed to be a full confession, and de- clared that Charles Oliver and William McDole. of Rockford, were members of the band. He al,so gave the names of the outlaws who com- mitted the robberies at McKenney's store and Mulford's farm-house. This startling intelligence soon reached Rock- ford and created great excitement. L'|)on the strength of West's statements Oliver and Mc- Dole were immediately arrested and an officer was dis])atched to bring West to Rockford to give his testimony at their examination. Oliver and McDole were given a hearing alxnit the 7th of June. West testified that he was at Oliver's house about a year before, when the plans of the gang were discussed in detail. .McDole and Sut- ton were also nresent at the same time. McDole and Oliver talked about a jial named Burch in connection with the McKenney robbery. McDole discovered where the money was kept, and P.urch entered at the window and obtained the bootv. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 45 In the proposed raid upon Mr. ]\Iulford, Oliver and AIcDoIe were to ascertain the situation of the house and Burch and one or two others were to get the money. Such, in brief, was the testimony given by West. His story was generally believed. Oliver and McDole were required to give bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars each, for their appearance at the next term of court : in default of which they were committed to prison. A few days later Bridge, one of the leaders of the banditti residing in Ogle county, was arrested and placed in jail at Rockford. A guard was necessary for some time for their protection. The trial of Oliver began in the circuit court August 26, 1845. His indictment was for re- ceiving money stolen from William Mulford, in November, 1844. Hon. Thomas C. Brown was the presiding judge. The jurors were: Giles Mabie, Calvin Haskell, J. Heath, Jr., George Dixon, Phineas Howes, Ezra C. Tracy, Asa Farnsworth, Asa Crosbv, Andrus Corbin, Harvey Higby. There was an unusual display of legal talent. The district attorney was James L. Loop. He was assisted bv Thomas D. Robertson, Jason JMarsh, James 'SI. ^^'ight, and Miller & Miller. Martin P. Sweet, of Freeport, and M. Y. John- son, of Galena, were the counsel for the defend- ant. Among the witnesses on the stand were : William Mulford, Charles H. Spafford. G. A. Sanford, D. Howell, E. S. Blackstone, William J. Mix, of Oregon, Charles West, of Lee, and S. C. Fuller, the jailer. The last named wit- ness testified that the prisoners tried to bribe him to furnish them with brace and bits so that they might effect their escape. Each offered Air. Fuller fifty dollars at first, and then increased the Sinn to five hundred. During the trial Oliver was defiant and confident of acquittal. But since his arrest retributive justice had been forging another chain of convicting evidence. During the summer Jason Alarsh had received a letter from the warden of the penitentiary at Jackson, Michigan, to the eft'ect that a prisoner in his charge knew about the robbery and was willing to testify. Mr. Marsh went to Michi- gan and foimd the prisoner to be Irving A. Stearns, who had fonnerlv resided in this county, and who had left the state soon after the rob- bery. He had been convicted of some crime in Michigan and sent to the penitentiary. Mr. Alarsh pretended not to recognize Stearns ; but told him that he wanted to know what he had to say upon the subject, and that he would know if he told the truth. Mr. Marsh found the testimony of the prisoner very important, and communicated the facts to the governor, who gave to Mr. Marsh a conditional pardon for Stearns. The prisoner's communications to Mr. Marsh, however, were made without any promise of consideration whatever. Mr. jMarsh returned to Rockford, and at the time for the court to convene, he sent for Stearns, and upon his ar- rival he was placed in close confinement until he was wanted in court. Oliver knew nothing of these facts. When the name of "Irving A. Stearns" was called as a witness for the people, Oliver was startled, and sat crestfallen by the side of his counsel. Courage and hope fled to- gether. Stearns testified that the secrets of the Mulford robbery had been given by Oliver, and that Oliver had offered him some of the stolen money in exchange for a horse. His evidence was straightforward, and a rigid examination failed to weaken it at any point. The case was given to the jury Saturday after- noon. The jury was out an hour and a half, when it returned with a verdict of guilty and a sentence of eight years' confinement in the peni- tentiary. Thus terminated the most exciting criminal case ever tried in Winnebago county. The case was managed with great abilitv on both sides. The argument of James Loop and the ex- ploit of Jason Alarsh have become familiar tra- ditions of the local bar of the olden time. Bridge took a change of venue on all his in- dictments to Ogle county. When his case was called he plead guilty, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for seven years. McDole's trial be- gan November 26, 1845, ^"d the case was given to the jury December ist. After an all-night's session the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, with a sentence of seven years in the penitentiary. The attornevs for the state were Marsh & Wright, :\Iifler & [Miller, and T. D. Robertson. McDole was defended bv John A. Holland, Grant B. Udell, of Rockford, and Martin P. Sweet, of Freeport. The court ordered that one month of the term of imprisonment be spent in solitary con- finement. John Long, Aaron Long, and Granville Young were executed at Rock Island in October, 1845, for the murder of Colonel Davenport, which oc- curred July 4, 1845. This execution practically completed the work of extermination which had been begun by the Ogle County Regulators on Tuesday, June 2q, 1841. Burch was indicted for the murder of Colonel Davenport. He took a change of venue to an- other county, and made his escape from jail. The three Aikens brothers died as they had lived, although they escaped the penitentiary. Bliss, Dewey, and Sawyer, confederates in Lee county, were sent to the penitentiary. Bliss died in prison. The way of the transgressor is hard. The Prairie Bandits, written by Edward Bon- ney, is a stirring tale of those early days. Bon- ney was a newspaper man, who did some detective work. His book was first printed about fifty 46 PAST A NO PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. years ago. and there have heen several subse- quent editions. m:\v k.nclani) L-Nrr.\Ri.\xisM. — kiust church. A number of early settlers from New Eng- land were I'nitarians of the old school. An effort to organize this sentiment was made as earlv as 1841. The first meeting for this pur- pose was held Fel)ruary ,vl. .\ subscription list of this date was found among the papers of the late Francis llurnai). It contained pledges amounting to one hundred and sixty dollars for the sui)])ort of a Unitarian clergyman. At the same time a committee was appointed to promote their interest. An adjourned meeting was held on the 13th, at the West side schoolhouse, and an organization completed. There is no record of any progress during the ne.xt two years, and it may be concluded that there was only an occasional preaching service. Early in March, 1843. Rev. Joseph Harrington, of Chicago, came to Rock ford and preached every evening of one week on the distinctive doctrines of L'nitarianism. The meetings were well at- tended, and a new interest awakened. On the following Sundav. March gth. a church was or- ganized. The constituent members of the church were: Joseph Harringti>n. Sarah F. Dennis, Isaac X. Cunningham, Xancy G. Cunningham. James Cunningham, Sarah M. Cuiuiinghain. Samuel Cunningham, h'milv C. Cunningham, lohn Paul, R. P. Paul, W. D. Bradford. Callier- ine F. Goodhue. I'^ihraim W'ynian. James M. Wight. John K. Kendall. Susan Goodrich. In December. 1844. steps were taken to se- cure a place of worship. It was jiroposed to pur- chase the unfinishef! Universalist church, which had been abandoned. Several hundred dollars in subscri|)tions. conditional and otherwise, were raised, besides a sum for an organ. These sub- scription lists are still in existence. But the |)roject was not successful. .Another unsuccess- ful eflfort was made to build in i84fi. December i.v 1845. the I'nitarian society was organized at the liome of Ephraim Wyman. The trustees chosen were Ephraim Wxman, Thatcher l»lake, and Richard Montague. I'"or a niuuber of years little was done. The church had services whenever a traveling clergy- man was available. This condition continued imtil 1840. when Rev. H. .Snow volunteered to strengthen the waste places in this branch of Zion. The church hail hitherto held services in tlie courthouse : luit now they felt the need of an- other place. The frame building which had been u.setl by the First Piai)tist church was for sale. Tliis old eelvi- dere. Rev. Rush R. ShijiiJen, of Chicago, lireachecl the dedicatory sermon. On Sunday. Mav Otii. a Sunday-school was organized, with twenty-five scholars, with Rev. H. Snow as superintendent. June 8, 1857, a call to the pastorate was sent to Rev. .Augustus H. Conant, of Geneva, Illinois. He accepted the call, at a salary of one thousand dollars, with certain ])rivileges of vacation for missionary work .""Sunday afternoons during a |)art of the year. Rev. Conant began his jiastoral work July 12, 1857. The congre,gation then num- bered about seventy. He inirchased a home of Mr. Cosper. on the corner of ( Ireen and West streets. Mr. Conant enjoyed an extcndeci ])ersonal ac- (|uaintancc among distinguished rejiresentativcs of the Unitarian faith. anh Waldo Emerson. Prof. Youmans, Bayard Taylor, Tom Corwin, John Pierpont, and T. Starr King. Tames Freeman Clarke, in his .Vutobiograjihy. PAST AXD PRESENT OF \^TXNEBAGO COUNTY. 47 refers to Rev. Conant as a "saint and an apostle." The church prospered under Mr. Conant's min- istry for a time. He was a man of high ideals and noble enthusiasm, and was filled with the missionary spirit. But there came a serious de- clension in the financial and numerical strength of the church. In July, 1861, the reliable income of the society had fallen to four hundred dollars a year, and six months' salary was due the pastor. Some of the former members had removed from the city, and others had been overtaken with financial reverses. Under these circumstances, ]Mr. Conant tendered his resignation to take effect the first Sunday in July, 1861. The Civil war had now begun and Mr. Conant enlisted in his country's service immediately after his resignation. He went to the front as a chap- lain in the Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At Nashville. February 8, 1863, Mr. Conant passed from earth to "bathe his weary soul in seas of heavenly rest." His death was due to ex- posure and over-exertion at the battle of Mur- freesboro. His death was universally la- mented. He was one of those rare souls whom every one loved, and who had never incurred an unkind feeling from any one. His remains were buried at Geneva, and Rev. Robert Collyer, then of Chicago, preached the funeral discourse. Dr. Collyer subsequently wrote a biography of Mr. Conant, with the title, "A Alan in Earnest." Mrs. Conant died March 20, i8q8, in her eightieth year. After Mr. Conant's resignation, services were maintained with some regularity ; but the church gradually declined. Fred May Holland began pastoral labors January 4. 1863. Differences arose. The conservative element became dissatis- fied with the pastor on account of his radical or "Parkerite"' tendencies. Mr. Holland was suc- ceeded by William G. Nowell. who was ordained April 14, 1864. Mr. Nowell left the church in June, 1865. The last pastor was Rev. D. M. Reed, a very scholarly gentleman. Mr. Reed wished some recognition of his denomination in the name of the church. In accordance with his request, the name was changed to the United Unitarian and Universalist church. The name, however, in legal matters was simply Unitarian. The church was subsequently sold, and in 1890 the proceeds were divided pro rata among the original subscribers. Many of the members of the church united with the Church of the Chris- tian Union, and others became identified with the Second Congregational church. EARLY ELECTIONS ■ ■POLITICAL REMINISCENCES. I'nder the first constitution of Illinois, the com- missioners, sheriff' and coroner were the only con- stitutional countv officers. The latter was elected every two years. The other county officers were created by statute. They were filled by appoint- ment made either by the county commissioners' court or by the governor. Previous to 1835 a recorder for each county was appointed bv the governor ; and a surveyor was chosen by the com- missioners' court. The statute of 1835 made these offices elective on the first Monday in August of that year, and every fourth year there- after. Previous to 1837 county treasurers and clerks of the commissioners" court were ap- pointed by said courts. An act approved Febru- ar\- 7th of that year made these offices elective on the first Monday in the following August, on a corresponding day in 1839, and in every fourth year thereafter. Up to 1837 a judge of probate was appointed for each county by the legislature. An act of March 4th made this office elective, with the title of probate justice of the peace, on the first Monday in August of that year, on a corresponding date in 1839, and in every fourth year thereafter. Under an act approved Febru- arv 27, 184:;, the tenure of office of probate justice of the peace, recorder, clerk of the county commissioners' court, surveyor and treasurer was reduced to two years. This law took eft'ect on the first }\Ionday in August, 1847. Under the con- stitution of 1848 the term of office of the county and circuit clerks was extended to four years. August I, 1836, occurred the first general elec- tion in Winnebago county. The choice of the county officers was given in a preceding para- graph. L'nder an early statute, presidential elections in Illinois were held on the first Monday in Novem- ber. At the presidential election in 1836, only one hundred and fifty-eight votes were polled. This was an increase over the August election of thirty-eight votes. The Harrison electors re- ceived seventy votes, and the \"an Buren electors, eighty-eight : a democratic majority of eighteen. In 1837 Harvey W. Bundy was elected re- corder, to succeed Daniel H. \M:itney. of Belvi- dere, who had become a resident of the new countv of Boone. Herman B. Potter was elected county commissioner to succeed Simon P. Doty, of Belvidere. Charles I. Horsman was elected probate justice of the peace, ililton Kilburn had served as judge of probate the preceding year, under appointment. Nathaniel Loomis was chosen clerk of the commissioners' court ; Robert J. Cross was elected county treasurer. Winnebago count}- forged so rapidly to the front that in 1838 it was conceded one of the representatives in the general assembly, and Germanicus Kent was elected. Hon. James Craig was re-elected. Isaac N. Cunningham was elected sheriff of the county ; Cyrus C. Jenks, coroner : Don Alonzo Spaulding, surveyor : Elijah H. Brown, commissioner. In 1839 William E. 4S PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. Dunl)ar was elected recorder, ami John Emerson, surveyor. The presidential cani])aiijn of 1840 was one of tlie most exciting in .American ])olitical history. The hero of Tippecanoe was the idol of his party, and no leader ever received a more enthusiastic support. Winnehajjo county had now become a wliij:^ stronjjhold, and the party waged an ag- gressive campaign against tlie locofocos. as the democrats were then called, .\pril nth the whigs held a convention at Rockford, and nomi- nated a full county ticket, .\mong the local leaders of this party were Seldcn AT. Church. Jacob Miller, H. P.. Potter. G. A. Sanford, Isaac N. Cimningham. Democratic principles were championed by Jason Marsh. Daniel S. Haight. Henry Thurston. P. Kna|)i)en. J. C. Goodhue. H. W. Loomis, C. I. Horsman. P.oone county had been organized from the eastern portion of Winnebago, and the western two ranges had been transferred to Ste]i]ien.son. In the .August elec- tions the wliigs polled six hundred and thirty- seven votes, and the democrats, two hundred and eighty-five. The total vote was nine hundred and fiftv-two. Thomas Drunimond, of Jo Daviess, and Hiram Thornton, of Mercer, both whigs. carried the county by good majorities for repre- sentative, and were elected. I. N. Cunningham was elected sheriff : .Alonzo Piatt, coroner ; and Ezra S. Cable, commissioner. The presidential election occurred in Novem- ber. The whigs cast seven lnins. whicli inchided the thirty-six sections in controversy, were withheld from sale for nearly eig'ht years after they had been surveyed. Matters continued in this unsettled condition until 1843. In tiie meantime the land office had been removed to Dixon, through the influence of John Dixon, who settled there in 1830, and after whom the town was named. In 1840 Mr. Dixon went til W'asiiington, and ihroujjb the influence of General Scott and other army officers, who were his ])ersonal friends, he secured the removal of the government land office from Galena to Dixon. The settlers in Kockford could not pro- cure i)atents of the lands which they had occupied for some \ears. The attention of congress was repeatedly called to the situation. The settlers addressed petitions to that body imtil their griev- ance received attention. The Polish agent had forfeited his claim in not .selecting his lands in three adjacent townships. The exiles had also forfeited their rights in not making an actual set- tlement on the lands. Congress, therefore, April 14. 1842. passed another act, authorizing the entry and sale of these lands in these two town- ships. This relief was due in large measure to the efforts of Hon. O. H. Smith, of Indiana : Hon. Robert J. Walker, of Mississipjii. and Hon. Rich- ard M. Young, of this state, senators in congress. When the settlers had been finally delivered from their dilemma by a special act of congress, thev began to make jireiiarations to perfect their titles to their lands. The inhabitants petitioned the president for a public sale. Fifteen months elapsed before their ])elition was granted, and October 30. 1843, the land in these townships was offered for sale, and was sold November 3d. It was the most notable land sale that ever occurred in the district. Rockford had been in- corporated as a town four years before. Daniel S. Haight had platted the East side, north of State, as far east as Longwood. and south of .State east to Kishwaukee. .\ portion of this had been i)latteil as early as 1836: and Mr. Haight had sold the lots to the settlers and given them quit-claim deeds to the same several years before he had obtained his own patent from the govern- ment. When the land was finally offered for sale at the land office, Mr. Haight was authorized to go to Dixon and bid in the entire tract for the settlers. A committee, appointed for this jiur|iiise, prepared a list of names to whom the rleeds shiiuld be given after the sale. This com- mittee consisted of Willard Wheeler. David S. Penfield, E. H. Potter, of Rockford. and Nathaniel Crosby, of Bclviderc. This committee was in session several days, passed upon every lot in the town on the East side, and decided quite a number of disputed claims. Mr. Crosby was not present, liut it was understood that a majority should have power to act. Thus a number of the first settlers of East Rockford purchased their land twice. The first purchase of town lots was from Mr. Haight ; the second was made through Mr. Haight as agent, from the general govern- ment. Inasmuch, however, as the land office took no notice of the fad that the land had been platted, it was sold at the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. The second purchase was therefore more of a formality than an ad- ditional burden. With the land sold in bulk, at a dollar and a c|uarter per acre, the second pur- chase of a town lot, from the government, w'as at a nominal ])rice. merely its relative value to an unplatted acre of land. This second purchase, however, perfected the title. At this point it may be necessary to state that Mr. Haight's first sales of land were perfectly legitimate transactions. The ])urchasers knew at the time that a second purchase would be neces- sary to procure a perfect title. There was re- centlv found among some old pa])ers of the late Francis r>urna|) a list of the town lots in East Rockford and the names of the persons to whom the deeds should be given after the land sale. The document comprises seventeen pages of legal cap, and is jierfectly preserved. .\t the same sale at Dixon the land on the west side of the river was bid in for the settlers by Ephraim W'yman. The \\"est side committee was composed of G. .\. San- ford. Derastus Harper, and George Haskell. The certificates of title were turned over to Mr. Wy- man by the committee. When Mr. Wyman went to California, about 1850. these certificates were left in a trunk, in charge of G. A. San ford. During Mr. \\'yman's absence they were totally destroyed by rodents : and these facts are set forth with grave precision by Mr. Wyman. in a certificate, duplicates of which are on file in the abstract offices of this city. Thus for a period of nine years from Mr. Kent's settlement were the early residents of Rockford and Rockton unable to obtain titles to the lands which lluy had selected and improved, bv reason of the illegal intrusion of an exiled Polish count. The seijuel is one of those facts that is stranger than fiction. Only one of those exiles ever subsequently appeared in Rockford or WinnelKigo countv. He was emi)loyed for a time as a cook, in 1837, by Henry Thurston, the land- lord of the old Rockford House. The later history of the exiles is unknown. Mr. Haight's plat of East Rockford was filed for record November 7. 1843, four days after the land sale. The east part of the original town of Rockford, west of Rock river, included all that part of the city lying south of a line drawn from the Beattie residence west to the property now occupied by the Ziock flats, and east of a PAST AXD PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 51 line drawn from the latter point to the west end of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad bridge. It was platted by Duncan Ferguson, No- vember 9, 1843. ^id filed for' record by Ephraim Wyman, November 28, 1843. J. W. Leavitt's town plat included all that part of West Rockford situated between Wynian"s plat on the east, and Kent's creek on the west and south. This plat was made August 17, 1844. and filed for record October 5. 1844. THE FIRST DAJ[. The attempt to utilize the water-power was the first step in the transition of Rockford from a hamlet to a manufacturing city. February 28, 1843. 'I" '^ct of the legislature was approved, to improve the navigation of the rapids in Rock river at Rockford, and to incorporate the Rock- ford Hydraulic and Manufacturing Company. The corporation was given power to construct a dam across the river, which should raise the water not more than seven feet. The company was also required to erect and maintain such locks as might be necessary for the passage of steamboats drawing three feet of water. At that time the navigation of Rock river was an open question, and the government might assert its control of the river as a navigable stream. A dam would obstruct navigation : hence the company was re- quired to construct locks for the passage of boats, whenever they should become necessary. The law specified the rates of toll which the company should be entitled to collect for the passage of boats through the locks ; and it was given power to detain such craft until the toll should be paid. Daniel S. Haight, Germanicus Kent. Samuel D. Preston, Laomi Peake, Charles I. Horsman, George Haskell and J. C. Goodhue were ap- pointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. The capital stock was placed at fifty thousand dollars, divided into five hundred shares of one hundred dollars each. The corporation was given power to increase its capital stock to an}- sum not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The law expressly provided that the state might, at any time after the con- struction of the dam and locks, assume the owner- ship of the same : the state, however, was to keep them in good repair. All the hydraulic power was to remain absolutely the property of the com- pany. July 22. 1843, books were opened for sub- scriptions to the capital stock. By an act of the legislature, approved February 11, 1845, the law of 1843 was amended. In the spring of 1844 the Rockford Hydraulic Company was fully organized. The dam was located a few rods above the present water-works. Directly above, the main channel of the stream shifted abruptly from the east to the west shore. On the east side, at the site of the dam, the water for two-thirds the width of the stream, was about three feet deep in summer, with eight or nine feet in the channel. This site for the dam was chosen because it was generally believed that if the dam were located at the head of the rapids, the town would be built there. Had the dam been built at the ford, on the rock bottom, it would have re- quired a larger outlay of cash. This article was scarce, while timber, brush, stone and earth were abundant. Edward S. Hanchett. of Freeport, had charge of the construction of the dam when it was com- menced. He abandoned the work and was suc- ceeded by C. C. Coburn. Eighty acres of the best timber land were stripped of material to build the (lam and repair the breaks. This brush dam was built to a level with the banks. A frame-work was then raised on the brush, to which plank was spiked. The work of graveling then began. The rock and gravel were obtained along the bank of the river from sixty to eighty rods above the dam. There were head-gates at either end, built high above the comb of the dam, with gates which opened like the gates of a lock on a canal, wide enough for the passage of steamboats. At each side of these gates were openings to admit the water to the races, which carried it to the mills below. As the water raised on the brush, the fish, coming down the river, would lodge on the dam during the night ; and in the morning the people would get sturgeon, pickerel, black bass and catfish. The dam was completed in the autumn of 1845. I" '*^s issue of September 24th the Forum said : "As we hear the roaring sound of the falling waters (which can now on a still morning be heard for several miles arovmd) daily increasing in strength and power, as the sheet of water becomes thicker and heavier, as the dam is made closer and tighter, we cannot but realize more forcibly the immense influence which these hydraulic works are to exert upon our town and country if the dam remains firm and pennanent." The mill-race on the east side extended to Wal- nut street, and was twenty feet in width. At the end of the race Gregory. Phelps & Daniels had a sawmill. At the south side of State street was Nettleton's gristmill, the first in Rockford, which was started in 1846. Just below James B. Howell operated carding and fulling machinery. WHieeler & Lyon"s sawmill was at Walnut street. The race on the west side was about fifteen rods in length. At the head Thomas D. Robertson and Charles I. Horsman built a sawmill. Just below, Orlando Clark had an iron foundry in a stone building. It is significant that three of these six plants were sawmills. Pine lumber had not come into general use, and the only available material for frame dwellings were the trees of the ad- jacent forests. PAST AXl) I'RKSlvXT ( M^ WIXXKliAGU tOL.XTV. April j8. 184^1. tlu' west end of tlie dam went out. About two hundred feet, includintj tlie Inilk- liead, were swept away, and more tlian an acre of ground was washed out. The Mydrauhc Com- pany imniecHately decided to repair the dam, and the work was completed duriufj the year. March 20, 1847, the dam ^'dve away at the east entl, and carried away the sawmill of Gre- gory. Phel])s & Daniels. About one hundred and fifty feet of the dani were washed out at this time. This break was re])aired by Mr. Xcttleton. rhel|>s and Daniels sold tlieir interest in the wrecked sawmill to Lewis H. Gregory and A. C. .'^|)alTord, who rebuilt it. The mills then had good water-power until June i, 185 1, when the entire dam went out. breaking away at the west bidkhead. Several changes on the East side then followe3. The cost of construction was $82,- 169.14. It is constructed of Portage red sand- stone and coiuaius a space of 186.000 cubic feet. The Rockford postoffice now gives emplov- nient to sixty-three men. There are eleven rural free delivery routes. Hy the extension of this system the postoffices at Elida, Wcmpleton and Latham Park have been discontinued. oKc.x.Niz.vriox OF riiK umvkksai.ist ciiuRcn. The Unitarian church did not at first in- clude all the adherents of a liberal Christian faith. At a meeting held in the brick schoolhouse, in Fast Rockford. .\i)ril 24, 1841. a Universalist church was organized by the election of Daniel S. Haight, I*>.ra Dorman and Thomas Thatcher as trustees. This election was recorded in the recorder's office, as provided by law'. It is not probable that the official records of this church have been preserved. It is known; however, that j)rcaching services were held at the courthouse on the Fast side, and at the schoolhouse a por- tion of the tiiuc during the next ensuing few months. In 1841 the Universalists were sufficiently strong to consider the erection of a house of worship. In those days the citizens regarded any church, of whatever name, as a factor in pro- moting the general welfare of the vill.ige. Hence the name of a generous. ])ul)lic-s])iriteil citizen would be found among the contributors to the support of liberal and orthodox churches alike. The original subscription list for the Universalist church which is still extant, is an interesting document. .Mr. Haight gave a lot which he valued at one hundred dollars ; the same amount in carpenter's and joiner's work ; "forty-two sleep- ers in my wood-lot near Rockford. seventeen feet long, at three cents per foot, twenty-one dollars and forty-two cents :" and fifty dollars in money. .Almost the entire subscri])tions are in work or material. William W'orthington subscril^ed ten dollars in blacksmith's work ; Charles Latimer, twenty dollars, how i)aid is not stated ; A. M. Catlin. in produce fir building material, twenty- five dollars; J. M. Wight, one thousand feet of lumber at Stokes & Jewett's mill, twelve dollars. On Thursday, July 22. 1841, the corner-stone of the Universalist church was laid on a site near the East side public S(|uare. The large assem- blage included peoj^le of other denominations. Prayer was offered hy Rev. Mr. \'an .Mstine, and a discourse was delivered by Rev. Seth Piarnes. This structure was never comjileted. .\ stranger, in jjassing the unfinished building, intiuired of Dr. George Haskell concerning its ])urpose. The doctor replied that it was an "insurance policy again.st hell-fire." .Xll the original supporters of this project are gone : and not even tradition has given the cause for its sudden abandonment. Thus the Unitarian church became the one liberal household of faith. FIRST BRIDGE. Ten years elajised from the first settlement of the village before Rock river was spanned by a bridge at Rockfonl. .\ bill had passeil the legis- lature, aiijiroved I'ebruary 27, 1843, aiuhorizing Daniel S. Haight, S. D. Preston. Charles I. Hors- man. and their associates to build a bridge. When coiui)leted in a manner so as not to obstruct the navigation of the river, and accepted by the countv commissioners' court, it was to be a public highway, anil kept in repair by the county. Piut nothing was done until nearly one year later, when the construction of the county buildings on the West side emphasized this need to the citizens of the East side, where the courts had been held. The entire i)eo]iIe felt that a bridge must be built, although few had means enough to con- duct their own business successfullv. Citizens of PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 55 the West side, including- the country west of the village, had built the courthouse and jail without a dollar's expense to their neighbors on the east side of the river. But the progressive citizens were willing to assume another burden. At a meeting held in December, 1843, a committee con- sisting" of E. H. Potter, D. Howell, Willard Wheeler, C. I. Horsman and G. A. Sanford, were appointed to solicit subscriptions. A per- sistent efifort throughout the county secured pledges to warrant the construction of an oak lattice bridge. All the money raised at this time was by subscriptions. The most liberal con- tributors were Frink, Walker & Co., the stage proprietors. January 22, 1844. the committee let the contract to Derastus Harper. This gentle- man was a competent workman. He subsequently went to Cliicago. became the city engineer, and designed the first pivot bridge across the Chicago river. The lumber was cut from trees on gov- ernment land on Pecatonica river, rafted down the Rock, and sawed at Mr. Kent's mill. The covering for the lattice was basswood boards, cut from logs in Mr. Blake's grove, and sawed at Kent's mill. C. I. Horsman and William G. Ferguson drew the logs. By August or Septem- ber, Mr. Harper had sufficient material on hand to commence laying the bridge. This was done nearly in the rear of the Masonic Temple site, on the piece of level bottom. The bridge was of three strings of lattice-work, made from oak planks, fastened with oak pins. There was no iron in the structure, except the nails that held the half-inch basswood boards which covered the lattice when the structure was completed. There were stone abutments on either shore. Christmas night, 1844, the lattice was in place a distance of about seventy feet from the west shore, supported by temporary trestles. Ice formed about the trestles from the west shore. The water arose and lifted the entire structure, including the trestles, when it toppled over with a crash. The pride and fond anticipations of the village went out with it. Such discouragement is seldom de- picted on the faces of the entire community. x\ll shared in the disappointment : but the energies of the citizens were not easily foiled. A united efifort was made in a short time, and promises were again secured. The abutments, piers and one section were left, and some of the material was saved which had floated down stream. The fallen lattice was taken from the water, and each plank numbered with red chalk ; and excepting a few that were splintered, thev were again placed in proper order. After the ice went out in March, 1845, the structure was again raised, without ac- cident. Cheerfulness and hopefulness assumed full sway : and after many discouragements the bridge was open for travel. Julv 4, 1843. It was a time of great rejoicing. The public-spirited citizens of Rockford felt that Independence Day had been properly celebrated. When the last plank had been laid E. H. Potter mounted a horse and was the first man to ride across the bridge. It was estimated that two thousand people crossed the bridge that day. There were two roadways, separated by the centre lattice, which projected about five feet above the planking. Perhaps no other public improvement in Rock- ford ever so tested the courage and financial strength of the community. The burden fell heavily upon the committee. The contract with Mr. Harper was for five thousand and five hun- dred dollars. A financial statement, made July 15, 1845, showed that only two thousand eight hundred and forty-seven dollars and ninety cents had been collected. The committee had borrowed five hundred dollars on their personal credit, for which they were paying twelve per cent. There was also a balance due Mr. Harper of one thou- sand two hundred and ninety-seven dollars. The bridge served its day and generation very well, but it was subject to many calamities. The dam broke three times after the bridge was completed. When the west end broke in April, 1846, the pressure of the water on the upper side of the center and principal pier removed the foundation on that side and settled the bridge in the center of the up-stream side nearlv to the water, and gave it the appearance of being twisted nearly one-fourth around. The bridge stood in this ])osition for some months, when a contract was made with William Ward to raise it into position. The bridge sustained some injury when the east- ern portion of the dam broke in April, 1847. On the 25th of February preceding a law of the legis- lature had been approved, providing for a special tax to be levied upon the taxable property of Rockford precinct, for the purpose of repairing and maintaining the bridge, and for the payment of the debt incurred in its construction. New- ton Crawford, Bela Shaw, Ephraim Wyman and Daniel ^IcKenney were appointed bridge com- missioners by the act, and vested with power to declare the amount of tax to be levied, which was not to exceed fifty cents on one hundred dollars. These commissioners were appointed by the act, until their successors should be elected annually at the .\ugust election. When the dam went out the third time, in June. 1851, the bridge withstood the rush of waters, although it was wrenched from its position. It reminded one of a cow-path or a rail-fence, and had a very in- secure look. Though twisted from end to end, it kept its place very tenaciously until it was re- placed by the covered bridge in the winter of 1852-53. Its memory should be treated with re- spect. It enabled people to attend their own re- spective churches, for nearly everybody went in those days — Congregationalists on the West side, 56 TAST ANT) PRESEXT OF W IXXE1!A< io COL'XTV. anrinjj of the followintj year. It stood on the site of Jerc- niiali Davis' residence, on Xorth Second street. The proprietors were Peter II. and William W'at- .son. Tlieir father's family came from Canada and settled on a farm in the Enoch neighborhood in (iuilford. Peter Watson was at one time as- sistant secretary of war durinjj the civil conllict, and at a later period was president of the Xcw "^'ork and I">ie railroad. The foundry was run- nintj in the sjirins; of 1844. The jiroprietors ob- tained a contract for larjj^e pumps and jjipes for raisintj water from the lead mines at Galena. March 11. 1845. William Wat.son sold his interest in the business to his brother and eufjag'ed in the manufacture of fanniufj mills. Peter H. con- tiiuieil the foundrv until .Aujjust, 1843. His suc- cessors in the business at this stand were in turn : R. E. Reynolds. 0. K. Lyon. John Stevens. H. H. .Silsbv Laomi Peake. and James L. Fountain. The last named proprietor removed the material and patterns to Xew Milford about 1852. The last vear Mr. Sil.sby conducted the business, in i84i>. it was prosperous. Peojile came a distance of forty miles to g;et their work done. Mr. Silsbv was often reiiiiired to work niijhts in order to ketj) up with his orders. James Worslcy was the ex|)ert moulder durinsj all these years, and he was master of his trade. He was afterward in the employ of Clark & L'tter until his retirement from the business bv reason of old age. Orlando Clark, who has been erroneouslv credited with building the first foundrv. came from Dcloit in 1847. and established himself in business on the \Vest side race, where he re- mained imtil 185 1, when lie went into business with .Mr. l'tter on the new water-])ower. Mr. Clark built the residence in South Rockford. which is now the liome of Mrs. John C. Harver. TIIIC MvW F.Nr,r..\ND TYPF.. E.nierson observes that an institiUion is the lenf,'tliened shallow of one man; as, the Reforiua- lion of Luther: Methodism, of Wesley: and that all history resolved it.self into the biographv of a few stout and earnest jiersons. Thus, he savs. ■'events prow on the same stem with persons : are sul)-|)ersons." The larper iunn])er of the earlv sittlers of Rfickford came froiu Xew Enjjlaml. Some emigrated from Xew York and other states. hut the Xew Enpland element iiredominated. These pioneers im|)rcssed their pir-.. m.-ilil v upon this connnunily. .•md it has remained until this day. The .Xew Enyianders. in their native home, were a homo.ijeneous race : even the Chinese were scarcely more so. With the exception of a few Ihisjuenot families, who came from the old world at the close of the seventeenth century, and who. from religious symiiathy and other causes, were easily jjrafted (ju the primeval vine, they were all descendants of I-jiirlish stock. Industry, thrift, and a high sense of personal honor are prominent traits in the typical son of Xew England. Soil and climate determine in some measure the character of a people. The rocky soil of New England refjuircd the hus- bandman to practice the virtue of industry. In a s])eech given at a dinner of the Pilgrim .Society in Plymouth, in 1855. Wendell Philii])s gave this unique characterization of the Puritans: "How true it is that the Puritans originated no new truth. How true it is. also. Mr. President, that it is not truth which agitates the world. I'lato, in the groves of the .\cademy. soundetl on and on to the utiuost depth of |)hilosophy, but .Vthens was quiet. Calling around him the choicest minds of Cirecce. he pointed out the worthlessncss of their altars and the sham of ])ul)lic life, but Athens was quiet. — it was all speculation. When Socrates walked the streets of .\thens. and. cpies- tioning everyday life, struck the altar till the faith of the passer-by faltered, it came close to action, and immediately they gave him hemlock, for the city was turned upside down. I might find a better illustration in the streets of Jerusalem. What the Puritans gave the world was not thought, but action. luiro])e had ideas, but she was letting T dare not wait upon I would, like the cat in the adage. The Puritans, with native ])luck. launched out into the deep sea. Men. who called themselves thinkers, had been creeping along the Mediterranean, from headland to headland, in their timidity: the Pilgrims launched boldly out into the .Atlantic and trusted (iod. That is the claim they have upon pos- terity. It was action that made them what they were." That which is pinxhascd at the greatest cost is usually the most highly treasured : and thus the inelustrious farmer and artisan became frugal. It was a point of honor with a true Xew Eng- lander to maintain his family and pay his debts. This he could not do except by a persevering in- dustry, and a metliodical and prudent manage- ment of his affairs. He must be economical if he would be generous, or even just, for extrava- gance sooner or later weakens the sense of moral obligation. These traits of industry and thrift were pleasantly satirized many years ago bv a southern writer in the following paragrajih : "We of the south are luistaken in the character of these peo])le. when we think of them only as PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. peddlers in horn flints and bark nutmegs. Their energy and enterprise are directed to all objects, great and small, within their reach. At the fall of a scanty rivulet, they set up their little manu- factory of wooden buttons or combs : they plant a barren hillside with broomcorn, and make it into brooms at the bottom, and on its top they erect a windmill. Thus, at a single spot, you may set the air, the earth and the water all working for them. But, at the same time, the ocean is whitened to its extremities with the sails of their ship, and the land is covered with their works of art and usefulness." The early New Englanders have been charged with coldness and severity of manner. For an austere people, however, they have been easily enkindled with noble enthusiasms. There are certain traits prominent in their type of character, such as their love of order and the habit of self- control, which hasty observers have mistaken for tokens of a want of earnestness. PiUt seldom, if ever, has there been a more sublime rage than was shown near Boston, in April, 1775, and for eight years thereafter. The accusation most fre- quently repeated against those stalwart people is that of religious intolerance. Christian charity, however, has been a slow and painful evolution through the centuries ; and the New Englander was but a sharer in the world-wide spirit of in- tolerance. Perhaps they held their spinal columns too rigidly erect, and carried their heads too high to view with tender sympathy the weak and sinful world about them. Nevertheless, they bore aloft the standard of righteousness before a lawless generation, and planted in the new world the seeds of patient, practical and self-denying mor- ality. Their posterity have sold their birthright for the pottage of license and disregard of the moral law. Whatever of justice there may be in the strictures upon those ancient worthies, it may be observed that no Channing, nor Sumner, nor Garfield has ever been nttrtured in the atmos- phere of a Sunday beer-garden. When Judah was in exile in Babylon, her prophet, Ezekiel, had a vision of a brighter day. ".Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house : and behold, waters issues out from under the threshold of the house eastward : for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar." This river was primarily a symbol of the transformation that should be wrought in Canaan to make it a fit dwelling-place for the ransomed of the Lord who should return to Zion. A feature of Messianic prophecy is the promise of the renewal of nature and the reconstruction of society. In the prophet's vision the stream of blessing proceeded from the temple of Jehovah ; and the virtue of its waters was received as thev flowed b}' the altar of sacrifice. In the mind of the devout Hebrew, Jehovah was always to be found in his visible sanctuary. The Lord was in his holy temple. So the institutions of an en- lightened civilization have proceeded from the Christian church, through the sacrifice of the noble men and women of the past, who have served her with a lover's devotion. The early colleges of this land, with very few exceptions, were the offspring of the church, and consecrated by its prayers. It could not be said that every settler of Rock- ford belonged to the highest class ; but the de- termining force in the community came from those high ideals of culture and religion, and those habits of economy, industry, integrity and temperance which have made the true Englander a representative of the best elements of our civilization. It was ordained in the beginning that seed should bring forth fruit after its kind. It is none the less true in social and moral life. The moral status of a city or country as truly indi- cates the character of its pioneers as the rich, ripe fruit of the vineyard tells the secret of its seed and culture. Hon. R. R. Hitt, in an address delivered in August, 1899, before the old settlers of Seward in this county, said the statement that the early settlers builded wiser than they knew, was a reflection upon their intelligence. He insisted that the ]5ioneers knew what they were doing, and had some conception of the outcome. Certain it is that whatever Winnebago county is to-day is directly traceable to their agency. They have been the architects of her institutions. They laid broad and deep the foundation of her industrial, educational, moral and religious interests, and from time to time they have superintended the superstructure.. The large majority of this van- guard have ceased from their labors, and their works do follow them. As the few who remain behold the institutions of learning that have been reared in every town, and the resources provided for the humblest as well as for the strongest : as the>- look over the prairies reclaiined from bar- renness and barbarism through their toil and privations : as they consider the various religious influences that are quietlv softening and humaniz- ing the moral nature, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they have not lived in vain. There is a tendency in this age to remove the ancient landmarks which the fathers have set. The Sabbath has lost much of its former sanctity. Parental authority has become a lost art, or a lost virtue : and there has been a widespread insub- ordination to constituted authority ; and the mad chase for wealth has established false standards of worth, and weakened the moral fibre of the people. These are not the reflections of a pes- simist, but the conclusions of the casual observer. 5S PAST AXD PRESFA'T OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. If this rciniblic is to endure there imist be a speedy return to the homely virtues and the high ideals of the fathers. "For wheresoever the car- cass is there will the eagles be gathered together." In the ( )Id Testament the eagle, i>r the liird of prey, represents a foreign army sunimoiied by Jehovah to execute his chastisement u])on a cor- rni)t nation. The interpretation is this : Wher- ever there is corruption there will be inflicted the judgments of Him who rules in righteousness. KIVICK .\M> IIARHOR CO.W ENTIOX. Prior til 1846 Chicago was a port of delivery only and belonged to the district of Detroit. The former city was made a port of entry by act of congress in 1846. Some improvements had been made in the harbor previous to 1839, when the work" was discontinued for want of funds. A bar had formed, which extended across the entrance of the chamiel. so that vessels could enter only in fair weather, and even then with considerable difficulty. It was only in response to the un- remitting efforts of the citizens, by memorials and personal influence, during the years 1839-41, that congress, in 1843. appropriated twenty-five thousand dollars to continue the improvements. The next year thirty thousand additional were a|>|)ropriated for the same purpose. Up to this time two hundred and forty-seven thousand dol- lars had been ex|)ended : yet the harbor was still incomplete, if not positively dangerous. John Wentworth, Chicago's able representative in con- gress, had secured the incorporation of another appropriatir)n in tlie river and harbor l)ill of 1846 by a decisive majority : but Presiilent Polk in- teq)osed his veto. The president and the minority in congress were thus comniittene of the most notable events of the ()eriod. Preliminary conferences had been held in Chicago. Detroit, Buffalo, and New York, and such encouragement had been received that a meeting was held in Chicago, November 13, 184^1. to complete the arrangements for the convention. William Moscly Hall, who took the initiative in calling the convention, was, from 1845 to 1848, agent at St. Louis of the Lake Steamship Associ- ation, connecting by Frink, Walker & Company's stage lines, and later by Illinois and Michigan canal packets, with Illinois river steamers to St. Louis. The convention assembled in Chicago July 5. 1847. Delegates were present from eighteen out of the twenty-nine states of the union. New ^'ork sent over three hundred: and still larger numbers came from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois. The total attendance was estimated to be from six to ten thousand. Many of the leading men of the nation were present. Among them were Thomas Corwin. \\'illiam I '.ebb. Stanly Mathews, Schuyler Colfax, David Diidly Field, Thurlow \\'ccd. and Horace Greely. Thirty-five counties in Illinois sent delegates. Abraham Lincoln was one of the number. Mr. Lincoln was the only whig representative in con- gress from the state. He at this time made his first visit to its commercial metropolis. Giicago was then a city of fifteen thousand pi)])ulation. The resolutions adopted enthusiastically as- serted that it was the right and duty of the general government to facilitate commerce by improving harbors, and clearing out navigable rivers ; and that theretofore ajipropriations made for the improvement of inter-oceanic rivers and lakes had not Ijcen in fair proportion to those made for the benefit of the Atlantic coast. A resolution in favor of a railroad from the states to the Pacific, introduced by William Moseley Hall, was adopted. The closing speech was delivered by the president. Edward Bates, which tradition has pronounced "'a masterpiece of American oratory theretofore unexcelled." No report of this great oration has been preserved. Winnebago county was re])resented at this con- vention by thirty delegates, as follows: Daniel S. Maight, .\nson S. Miller. S. G. Armor. Thomas D. Robertson. William Hulin. Spencer Post, Charles H. Sjjafford. O. Jcwett. J. A. Wilson, Jason Marsh. Newton Crawford. Cyrus 1". Mil- ler, Goodyear .A. Sanford. W'. A. Dickerman. R. R. Comstock, Jesse Bliiui, J. B. Peterson. Austin Colton. Shepherd Leach. C. A. Huntington. J. M. Wight. L B. Johnson. Samuel Cunningham, Horace Miller, F. M. Miller, W. P. Dennis. H. Barross. D. Corey. M. H. Regan. Dr. Carpenter. The most complete report of this historic con- vention is published in Fergus' Historical Series, number eighteen, which devotes about two hun- dred pages to the subject. Several numbers of this work, which have now become rare and valu- able, may be foimd in the Rockford public library. idNSTITlTloNAr, CONVENTION OF 1848. In pursuance of an act of the general assembly, ajiproved I-'ebruary 20, 1847, a constitutional con- vention assembled at .Springfield. June 7th of the same year. The delegates from \\'innebago county were Seldon M. Church and Robert J. Cross. The delegates from the neighI)oring county of Boone were Dr. Daniel H. Whitney and Stephen A'. Hurlbut, both of whom were well known in Rockford at an early date. The jour- nal of ])roceedings indicale that all of these gen- tlemen took part in the iliscussions. Upon the PAST AN'D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 59 organization of the convention Mr. Church was appointed a member of the standing committee on the organization of departments and offices connected with the executive department ; ^Ir. Cross, a member of the committee on the bill of rights ; ]\Ir. Hurlbut, on the judiciary depart- ment, and Dr. Whitney' on incorporations. Early in the session Mr. Church introduced the following resolution: "Resolved, That the com- mittee on the bill of rights be requested to in- quire into the expediency of so amending the sixth article of the present constitution that it shall provide that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state, otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, whereof the parties shall have been duly convicted. Nor shall any person be deprived of liberty on account of color." June 26th Mr. Cross introduced the fol- lowing resolution : "Resolved, That the com- mittee on elections and the right of suffrage be instructed to inquire into the expediency of changing the time of holding the elections from the first Monday in August to the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November, and the manner of voting from vive voce to the ballot." ]\Ir. Cross also led in an effort to secure in the new constitution a provision for a state superin- tendent of schools, with a liberal salary. The convention continued in session luitil August 31st, when the new constitution was adopted. It was ratified by the people March 6, 1848, and in force from April ist following. The adoption of this new constitution was a notable event in the transition from a primitive, pioneer state to a great commonwealth. Many changes were made. A section, introduced by Air. Hurl- but, of Boone, provided for township organiza- tion in the counties wherever desired. The time of holding the general election was changed from August to November ; the method of voting from vive voce to the ballot : the judiciary was made elective ; and many improvements were made along other lines. This constitution remained in force until 1870. A new constitution was adopted in convention in 1862. but it was rejected by the people. The delegate from Winnebago county to this convention was Porter Sheldon, a brother of C. \\'. Sheldon, of Rockford. THE GALENA AND CHICAGO UNION RAILROAD. January 16. 1836. a charter was granted to the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company to construct a railroad with a single or double track from Galena to Chicago. The capital stock was to be one hundred thousand dollars, with the privilege of increase to a sum not exceeding one million dollars. William Bennett, Thomas Drum- mond, J. C. Goodhue. Peter Semple, J. M. Turner, E. D. Tavlor and T- B. Thomas, Jr., were made commissioners for receiving subscriptions to the capital stock. At that time Galena was the leading village of this western country. This fact explains the precedence given to that name in the title of the road. The company was given three years in which to commence operations. Either animal or steam power might be used. The charter was obtained mainly through the influence of Ebenezer Peck and T. W. Smith. The Galena & Chicago Union was the first railroad chartered to be built from Chicago, upon which work was immediately begun. The road became an im- portant factor in the great transportation system of Chicago, as well as towns along the line. Thirteen months after the charter was granted, the survey of the proposed route was begun by an engineer, James Seymour, and was extended from the foot of North Dearborn street as far as the Des Plaines river. Work was suspended in June, 1838, but resumed the following year, and piles were driven along the line of Madison street, and stringers placed upon them. It soon became evident, however, that Chicago's financial strength was not equal to her ambition, and the enterprise was temporarily abandoned. The sus- pension of operations was a source of profound regret to the citizens of the Rock River valley, who had made several attempts to obtain better connection with Chicago, first by means of the contemplated road, and later by canal. These schemes did not prove feasible, and other plans were substituted. The agitation was continued in Winnebago county for several years. The first railroad meet- ing in Rockford was held November 28, 1845. Anson S. Miller was chosen chairman and Seldon M. Church, secretary. The meeting was ad- dressed bv Hon. iNIartin P. Sweet. It was re- solved that those counties interested in the con- struction of a railroad from Galena to Chicago be recommended to send delegates to a convention to be held in Rockford. January 7, 1846, for the purpose of taking measures for the construction of the road at the earliest possible time. Jason Marsh, T. D. Robertson, and William Hulin were appointed a corresponding committee to carry out the object of the meeting. The following dele- gates were appointed to attend the convention from Winnebago county : Horace Miller, A; C. Gleason, Robert Barrett, Harvey Gregory, Robert J. Cross, Asa Farnsworth, Stephen Mack, Thomas B. Talcott, Leman Pettibone. Guy Hulett, Snvder J. Fletcher, Alonzo Hall, Daniel B. Baker,' E. S. Cable. Harvey Woodruflf. Joseph Manchester, George Haskell, Willard Wheeler, E. H. Potter, Newton Crawford, J, C. Goodhue, S. M. Church, Anson ^Miller, Jason ^larsh, and T. D. Robertson. December 5, 1845, a meeting was held in Chi- cago to select delegates to the Rockford conven- 6o PAST ANT) l'ki:SI-:\T OI" W l.Wl-.r.ACO COUXTV. tion. Mayor A. Garrett presided, aiul Isaac X. Arnokl was secretary. Tlie meetinj:; was ad- dressed by J. Y. Scamnion, of Cliicago, and Wil- liam lialdwin. of I'.oston. The followiiijj delc- fjates were chosen to attend the convent ion at Ki)ckfi)rd: Isaac .\. .\rnold, J. V. ."^caninion. J. 1>. I'". Rnssell. Mark Skinner. Thomas D\er. K. \V. Tracy. John Danlin. Stei)lien 1-". dale. Wil- liam H. Ilrown. Walter L. Xewberry. William E. Jones, iJryan W. Raymond, 1". C. Sherman, Wil- liam Jones, Mayor A. Clarrctt. Meetings were held at ISelvidere. December 20th, and at Free- port. December 25th, for the selection of dele- jrates to the convention. The convention was held .ii Rockford Jann- ary 7, 1S46. Delejjates were present from the counties i)roposed to be traversed by the line. Cook comity sent si.xteen delejfates ; De Kalb, one ; McHenry. fifteen ; Rock, three ; Ogfle, eighty ; Hoone. forty-two; I.ee, one; Kane, fifteen; Stephenson, forty ; Winnebago, one hundred ; Jo Daviess, six; a total of three hundred and nineteen delegates. It will be observed that Win- nebago, and i)robably other comities, sent a larger delegation than had been authorized by the pre- liminary meeting. The convention was called to order at twelve o'clock by T. D. Robertson, who nominated T. X. .\rnold for teiiii)orary chairman. Mr. Robertson was chosen secretary. i)ro teiii. The committee a|)pointed to nominate perniaiieiit ofJicers jireseiited the following rejiort : Thonias Drummond. of Jo Daviess, jiresident ; William II. Hrown, of Cook; Joel Walker, of lioone; Spooner Ruggles, of Ogle; Elijah Wilcox, of Kane, vice-presidents ; T. D. Robertson, of Win- nebago ; J. ii. Russell, of Cook; S. P. Hyde, of Mcllenry, secretaries. The president, on taking the chair, addressed the meeting ;oul that Chicago and Galena might be soon '■looking this way with a jealous eye lest they become eclipsed in greatness by the city of the Rock river valley." r.y the year 1857 quite an extension of the line liad been completed. A double track had been extended thirty miles west, as far as Turner Junc- tion, and large aanies. under the name of the Chicago & North- western Railway Company. The old Galena & Chicago Union had been legitimately built, and was never bonded : and when it was purchased bv the Chicago & Northwestern, the stock held by the old subscribers in the Galena road was ex- changed for stock in the new com])any. The con- solidatifin was effected by the late Samuel J. Til- den, one of the greatest railroad lawyers of his time. The Galena had been a profitable road ; and its consolidation was one of the first in north- ern Illinois. KKI-KIiSEXTATlVr, ROCKFORD CITIZENS: 1842-5O. Marshall II. Regan was born in Rochester, New ^'ork, and his early life was spent in his native state and in Canada. Mr. Regan came to Rock- ford in 1842. He engaged in the lumber trade, in which he spent his active business life. He was also a contractor and builder, did a large i)usiness, and accumulated a competence. Mr. Regan was the architect of the old First Congre- gational church, on the corner of First and Wal- nut streets. He was a ])rominent citizen in early Rockford. and a Democrat in politics. He died ill 1875. James B. Howell settled in Rockford, No- vember 8, 1843. His business was that of a wool- carder and cloth-dresser. When the first dam was completed, Mr. Howell operated a carding and fulling machine on the south side of State street. He erected a building in 1846. and began business in 1848, and continued therein until the dam went out in 1851. He then removed his machinery to New Milford. He returned to Rock- ford. and some years later he formed a partner- ship with his brother-in-law, M. H. Regan, in the lumber business. After Huntington & iiarncs' book store was destroyed by fire, Mr. 1 lowell engaged in the book trade. His stand was the east store in Metropolitan Hall block, which for many years was occu])ie(l by B. R. Waldo, in the same line of trade. Mr. Howell was a consistent member of the State .Street Baptist church. Benjamin A. Rose was torn in Philadelphia in 1 81 7. In early manhood he removed to Chemung county. New York, and in October, 1844, he came to Rockford. Mr. Rose was county clerk from 1847 to 1849. He was one of the clerical force in the banking house of Robertson & Hol- land, and remained in the bank one year after re- moving to his farm in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Rose were charter members of the Second Congrega- tional church. Mr. Rose died in 1883. Mrs. Rose died in December, 1896. Dr. Lucius Clark became a resident of Rock- ford in 1845. T^r. Clark was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, June 10, 1813. He was the third in a family of seven sons, five of whom became physicians. Dr. Clark was a member of the .American Medical Association, and of the Illinois State Medical Society. During the war he was in the field a short time as president of the board of examining surgeons for the state of Illinois. He was for many years a trustee of Rockford seminary. In 1836 Dr. Clark married Julia A. .\dams, of Hinsdale, Massachusetts. She died in 1 861. In 1864 Dr. Clark married Charlotte M. Townsend, of this city. His death occurred No- vember 5, 1878. Dexter Clark. M. D., followed his brother Lucius to Rockford, where he re- sided until his death, except the time spent in California, where he went in 1850. Dr. Dexter Qark was for many years a prominent member of the -Second Congregational church, and su- perintendent of its Sunday-school. Another brother. Dr. E. N. Clark, settled at Beloit ; and a fourth brother. Dr. .Asaliel Clark, resided at De- troit, Michigan. Dr. Lucius Clark had two sons who succeeded him in the practice of medicine: Dexter Selwvn, ami Lucius Armor. Dr. D. Sel- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. wvn Clark died February 12, 1898. No citizen of Rockford had a higher sense of professional and personal honor, and his death was universally lamented. The death of Dr. L. A. Clark occurred July 23, 1899, in the house in which he was born fifty years before. He had a wide reputation as an expert surgeon. During his residence on the Pacific coast he was employed as a steamship sur- geon for some years, and was a passenger on the first voyage of the Colema. which, after long service, foundered a few vears ago. Dr. Clark was also surgeon for the Illinois Railroad Com- pany, which position he held at the time of his death. For more than half a century the Clark family was represented in the medical profession of Rockford. In the death of Armor Clark there passed awa}' the last of this historic familv of practitioners. C. A. Huntington came to Rockford in 1845. He had left his family in July at Racine, Wis- consin, until he could find a desirable place for settlement. November 5th of that year he be- gan his first term of school in Rockford in a building owned by H. R. Maynard, which stood on the site of the Masonic Temple. In the fol- lowing year L. B. Gregory retired from teaching, and Mr. Huntington succeeded him as teacher in the old courthouse building on North First street, where he remained until the fall of 1848. Mr. Huntington then taught in the old Baptist church on North Main street. In the autumn of 1849 Mr. Huntington was elected school com- missioner, and served eight years. In that same year he also opened the first book store in Rock- ford, on the site of the Third National Bank. He subsequently removed to the corner store in Laomi Peake's block, where the Reeling's drug store now stands. There he and Robert Barnes conducted a book store, and a book bindery on the second floor. November 27. 1857, this block was destroyed by fire. Huntington &. Barnes carried a stock of eleven thousand dollars. Mr. Hunt- ington resided in Rockford until 1864, when he removed to California, where he died a few months ago. Hon. W'illiam Brown was born in Cumberland, in the north of England, June I, 1819. In 1846 he became a citizen of Rockford. During his first winter in the west he taught a district school. Judge Brown was honored with several public offices. He was chosen a justice of the peace in 1847. In 1852 he was elected state's attorney for the district comprising Stephenson, Winne- bago and Jo Daviess counties, and served three years. At the expiration of that time he was elected mayor of Rockford. In 1857 Judge Brown formed a partnership with ^^^iliam Lath- rop, which continued three years. He then be- came a partner with the late H. W. Taylor, with whom he was associated until 1S70. In 1864 he was elected a member of the legislature as a re- publican. Judge Brown was first elected judge to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge Sheldon to the supreme bench. He was subsequently elected for three full terms. His career on the bench covered twenty j-ears. Judge Brown died January 15, 1891. Hiram H. Waldo was born in Elba, Genesee county. New York, November 23, 1827. He came to Rockford in 1846, when he was nine- teen years of age, and completed his early education in the district schools. He studied in summer, and taught in the winter, for several years, until 1851. Mr. Waldo taught in the Red- ington district, in the old First Baptist church, Cherry Valley, Guilford, Harlem, in the basement of the First Methodist church as assistant to See- ly Perry, and as assistant to C. A. Huntington, on First street. Mr. Waldo subsequently spent two years in Chicago, where he secured a clerkship in the postoffice, under Postmaster Dole, and was promoted to the superintendency of western dis- tribution. Mr. Waldo remained a short time under Postmaster Isaac Cook. He returned to Rock- ford when Charles I. Horsman became postmas- ter the second time. Mr. Horsman did not give his personal attention to the office, and Mr. Wal- do assumed this responsibility. Mr. Waldo opened a book store in 1855, in a frame building which rested on poles, where the Grand Union Tea Store now stands. He remained there four }'ears, and then removed into his present stand, in 1859, where for forty-six years he has done business without interruption. He is the only merchant now in business of all those engaged in trade when he began. Mr. Waldo, however, was not the only early book dealer on the west side. John M. Perry, a brother of Seely Perry, had a book store on the site now occupied by Whee- lock's crockery store. Mr. Perry sold this stock to J. W. Seccomb. Mr. Waldo served as school commissioner of Winnebago county from 1857 to 1859, and again from 1863 to 1865. Upon the failure of the Second National Bank, Mr. Waldo was appointed receiver by Commissioner Eckles, and paid eighty-five per cent, of the indebtedness. L. F. Warner was a native of Connecticut. He read law with Hon. Reuben Booth, who had been governor of the state. Mr. Warner came to Rockford in November, 1848. He was always a democrat, and was a delegate to the famous con- vention at Charleston, in i860, which resulted in a breach in the party, and the nomination of Stephen A. Douglas for the presidency at a later convention. Mr. Warner seiwed Rockford as city attorney several terms. He died in 1904. Melancthon Starr is an honored name in Rock- ford history. Mr. Starr was born in Albany, New York, April 14, 1816. He removed to Rock- ford in 1850. He first conducted a dry goods 64 PAST AXU I'KF.SEXT OF WIXXFi'.AGO COUXTV. business on the old Second Xational Hank corner. He was assignee of Charles I. Horsnian's bank when it failed. In 1855 Mr. Starr became inter- ested in what was afterward called the Winneba- go Xational Bank. This banking house was founded in 1848 by Thomas D. Robertson and John A. Holland. Later John S. Coleman be- came a partner, and the (irm was Robertson, Cole- man & Co. On the death of Mr. Holland, Mr. Starr was admitted to the firm ; and after Mr. Coleman's death the firm was Robertson & Starr, which continued until the organi- zation of the Winnebago Xational Bank, in 1865. Mr. Robertson was president, and Mr. Starr was vice-president until his death, .\ beautiful trait was his sympathy for his old friend, tlie late Ephraim Wyman, wlio in his old age was reduced to very moderate cir- ctuustanccs. Xcarly every Sunday Mr, Starr visited his friend, and cheered his last years with liis sympathy and purse. Mr. Starr was a Uni- tarian, and was a communicant of the local church until its membership disbanded, when he became a regular attendant at the church of the Christian Union. Mr. Starr died, universally esteemed, Xovember 29, 1885. John Edwards was born at Acton, Massachu- setts, August 18, 1800. He was in business in Lowell before his removal to the west. Mr. Ed- wards was living at Alton, Illinois, during the excitement which resulted in the death of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, America's martyr to free soil and free speech. On that occasion Mr. Edwards took an honorable and decided position in favor of the freedom of the press ; and stood on guard at Mr. Lovejoy's bed, with a loaded musket in his hand, the night before that brave abolitionist was murdered by the pro-slavery mob. Mr. Ed- wards came to Rockford in 1850. He was the first dealer in ])ine lumber in the city. His first yard was near Peter Sanies' wagon factory, near the Xorthwestern Railroad track. Mr. Edwards encouraged the development of the Rockford water-power ; was interested in the work of the seminary, and during his last years lie was its agent. His death occurred June 14, 1871. I)F.P.\RTURK OF MR. H.MGIIT. Daniel S. Haight, the founder of East Rock- ford, like his west side rival, did not remain in Rockford to see the fruition of his early settle- ment. Mr. Haight removed from the village in the winter of 1847-48, and settled in Texas, near .'^hrcveport. Louisiana. He revisited Rock- ford in 1857. The date of his death is unknown to his old friends in Rockford. There is a tradi- tion, which is commonly accepted, that he was a soldier in the Confederate army, and that he died after the Civil war at Fort Worth, Texas. No worthy record of his life and work has been pre- served ; but next to Mr. Kent, his name is most ])n)niincnt in early history. GOLD IILNTERS OF '49 ihe gold e.xciteiuent drew many to California in 1849-50. Among those who went from Rock- ford was Giles C. Hard. A. C. Spafford, D. K, Lyon, H. B. Potter, Dexter Clark, William Ham- ilton, H. H. Silsby, Isaac Rowley. Obadiah E. Lamb, a Mr. Smith, a Mr. Lewis, Sylvester Rob- inson, and Henry L. Simpson. Mr. Robertson died at .Mud .Springs, forty-five miles east of Sac- ramento, a few days after his arrival. Mr. Rob- inson was a native of Connecticut, and came to Rockford in 1847. He was the father of Mrs. E. P. Catiin and H. H. and X. S. Robinson. Mr, Simpson died while on his return home, at Peru, Illinois, in March, 1851. His remains were brought to Rockford for burial, Mr. Simpson was the father of E. L. Simpson and Mrs. Z. B. .Sturtevant. He came to Rockford about 1839. He built a brick house which still stands on Leonard Schmauss' lot on Xorth Second street ; and part of another brick house on the southwest corner of First and Market streets. Mr. Simpson was engaged in the business of blacksmithing. He owned a one-half interest in a gristmill at Cherry X'alley, and pro])crty in Rockford. Mr. Lamb died in California. As in all similar ventures, some were successful : while others received no adc(|uate returns for their journey into this far country. i;.mm.\n'i;el cmurch. The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D. D.. first bishop of the diocese of Illinois, made his first e|)iscopal visitation to Rockford. August 28, 1841. Prior to this time there had been no public services of the Episcopal church held in the county. There had been only a very few families of the faith who had .settled in Rockford. Levi Moulthrop, M. D., was the first churchman who came into this county. The first church family who settled in the county was that of Sam]>son George, who came from Yorkshire, England. They arrived in the settlement of Rockford, September 24, 1836. The family consisted of Mr. George, his wife, Ann, and five children, two daughters and three sons. The children had received baptism in England. Mr. George brought a letter from their parish priest, commending the family to the spiritual care of any clergyman of the American church into whose jurisdiction they might come. The death of Mr. George occurred five weeks after the arrival of the family in Rockford. There was no priest nearer than the missionary at Galena, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 6S he could not be definitely located, owing to the extent of territory under his charge. Thus the first churchman was buried without the offices of church. During the next few years several other fami- lies of the church settled in the county. Among these were Jonathan W'eldon, Chauncy Ray and John W. Taylor. The former two settled on farms about six miles southwest of the town, and the latter remained in the village, and engaged in the dry goods business. At the Bishop's first visitation the services were held in the old courthouse building on North First street, which served a similar purpose for other households ot faith. August 4, 1842, the bishop made a second visi- tation to Rockford. The services morning and afternoon were held in the same building as in the preceding year. The sacrament of the holy eu- charist, baptism and confirmation were adminis- tered. The bishop preached two sermons. Aside from these yearly visitations by the bishop, the church families in and around Rockford were without the sacraments of the church, except an occasional visit by some missionary priest from a distant point. In 1845, the Rev. Alfred Lauderback, of New York State, was appointed by the domestic board of missions to the missionary field of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with Belvidere and Rockford as chief points of location. This fact meant more regular and fre- quent services for Rockford. The new mis- sionary's service was held August 10, 1845. Father Lauderback ministered in this sec- tion two years, when he was sent to take charge of the parish which had been recently organized at Galena, Illinois. From this time for several years occasional services were held in the village by the Rev. Dudley Chase, a son of the bishop, and the Revs. Humphrey and Millett, of Beloit, Wisconsin ; Pulford, of Belvidere ; Johnston, of Pekin, and ]\Iiller, of Bonus, Illinois, the father of Orin ]\Iiller, an early Rockford attorney. Ser- vices were generally held in the new courthouse. The present parish was organized May i, 1849. A meeting of the parishioners, both men and women, was convened, at which the Rev. Dudley Chase presided ; and the parochial organization was effected in accordance with the prescribed canonical fomi. The articles of association were signed by Chauncey Ray, Jonathan Weldon, Horace Starkey, Duncan j. Stewart, John Con- rad, S. R. Weldon, and Spencer S. Weldon. Up- on the organization of the parish the parishioners proceeded to the election of a vestry. Those elected were : senior warden, Horace Starkey ; junior warden. Cliauncey Ray; vestrymen, John Conrad, Duncan J. Stewart and S. R. Weldon. The Rev. Dudley Chase was called to be the 5 first rector. He accepted the call but afterward declined, as he preferred to accept a charge in Chicago, where he organized the parish of the Atonement on the west side, which was afterward merged into the cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. November 15, 1852, the Rev. Charles Reighley, of Chicago, was called to the rectorship of the parish. With the consent of the new Bishop, Rt. Rev. Henry John Whitehouse, the call was accepted, and the first rector entered at once upon his work. Bishop Chase had died September 27, 1852, and had been succeeded by Bishop White- house. A lot was purchased on the corner of North Church and North streets, for two hundred dollars, and a church builuing erected at a cost of nineteen hundred dollars. The new church was consecrated by Bishop \Miitehouse, August 23, 185^, "hv the name of Emmanuel Church Rock- ford." Succeeding the Rev. Charles Reighley have been the following rectors in the order named : Revs. Anson Clark, Alichael Schofield, William T. Smithett, Thomas Smith, S. B. Duffield. J. E. Walton, S. D. Dav, C. S. Percival, F. W. Adams, A. ^^^ Snvder, D. C. Peabodv, ^^^•llvs Rede and N. B. Clinch. The Rev. D. C. Peabody became rector March I, 1 886.' During his rectorship the present rec- tory was purchased, and the Fairfield Memorial Parish House erected, at a cost of forty thousand dollars. The latter was the gift of one parishion- er, Mrs. Eleanor G. Fairfield, and was erected as a memorial to her husband. An additional thirty feet of land adjoining the church lot on the west was purchased at a cost of sixteen hundred dol- lars, and many other permanent improvements made in the parish. .\DOPTIOX OF TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. The constitution of 1848 provided for a county court, as the successor of the county commission- er's court, and authorized the legislature to enact a general law. providing for township organiza- tion, under which counties might organize, by a majority vote of the people. In the early days of Illinois as a state, southern ideas and institutions dominated the commonwealth. The commission- er's form of local government originated in this country with the Virginia planters. The sj'S- tem of township organization had its origin in New England. But the root of this form of local government may be traced to the districting of England into tithings by King Alfred, in the ninth century, to curb the widespread social dis- orders which disturbed his realm. The change under the second constitution of Illinois was due to the influence of New England settlers in the northern portion of the state. The Illinois town- 66 PAST AND l'Ki:SF.XT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. ship sv.sliiii. Imucvor. is not closely nuuklcil alUi" that of the New Fuisjlaiul states. The legislature, by two acts ai)i)n)veil I'Vbruary 12. 1S4V. siipplenieiiteil these two constitutional provisions by the necessary legislation. The first created a county court, the judges of which should be elected on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1849. and (|uadrennially thereafter, and assume their duties on tlie first Monday in December followin«j. There were also to be elected at the same time and places, two associate justices of the peace, who. with the judjjfe. ccjustituted the county court, which suc- ceeded the county commissioners" court. This county court was shortlived, so far as Winnebago covuity was concerned. The second statute, also approved February 12, 1840, provid- eil that at the next g^eneral election in Xovember. 1841;. the voters in any county niisjht vote for or against township organization. Conse(|uently, at the same general election in Xovember. 1S49. tlic voters of this county elected both a county court to succeed the county commissioners' court ; and voted to adopt township organization. Section four of the new law provided that if the voters so elected, the township organization should be in force the first Tuesday in .\pril. 1850. At that time the associate justices ceased to be members of the county court, under the provision of sec- tion six of article seven of the new constitution. The associate justices, however, were elected for several years as justices of the peace for the county at large. It may seem, at first thought, that two such laws would not have been passed by the legisla- ture, as the second might nullify the first. lUit it will be observed that the township organization system did not become operative unless the peo- ple so voted ; hence there was a possibility that tliey would not conflict. I'rom 1849 to 1855 the clerk of tne county court was also clerk of the board of supervisors, under section eight of article sixteen of the town- shij) organization law. ]\\ virtue of an act of I'ebruary 9, 1855. tlie clerk of the county court of Winnebago county ceased to be ex-oflficio clerk of the Ixiard of supervisors after the first Monday of the following .\pril. Under this law Duncan Fergus(}n was appointed : and a separate clerk of the l)oard was thereafter biennially appointed, until the law was repealed. SECOND CONGREG.\TIO.V,\L CHURCH. The Seconrl Congregational church was orga- nized in the autumn f)f 1849. ^^'^h forty-seven members. Nearly all ham|)leted and accepted by the coni|)any. The length of the dam is between seven hundred and eight hundred feet. The water power is divided into twenty thousand parts, and is held and sold in this projiortion. The first great impetus given to the manufac- turing interests of Rockford was the advent of John H. Manny, in 1853, to whom further ref- erence is made in later paragra])hs. There were however, other firms doing a general manufac- turing business in the city. .\bout 1848 James B. Skinner began business, which developed into the firm of Skinner. Briggs & luioch. He was a son of Deacon Ste])hen .Skinner, who had a blacksmith shop on Xorth .Main street, about where Louck's restaurant now stands. James B. worked with his father some \ears in the sho]). and then began business for himself. In 1850 he erected a larger building and o|)erated eleven forges. This l)lacksmith shop was said to be the largest in the west at that time. To this business he later added the man- ufacture of wagons. Mr. Skinner was the in- ventor of the first riding cultivator, rolling coul- ter, single riding i)low and gang plow. In 1867 a Mr. .Mead and C. C. Briggs were taken in as partners. In January. i8f)8. Mr. Mead retired and was succeeded by .\. I. luioch. under the firm name of Skinner. Briggs & Enoch. Plows and cultivators formed a large i)art of their output. The company outgrew its limited ])lant and re- moved to the water-])ower. .Mr. .Skinner died in 187J. and C. C. I'-riggs and .\. I. Enoch pur- chased the interest of the Skinner estate. W. D. Trahern came to Rockford in 1848, and soon after began the manufaclure of threshing machines and horse-powers, under the firm name of Trahern & Stuart. Mr. Stuart retired in 1856, and was succeeded by William Dales. He withni Warsaw. X. v.. and formed a i)artnership with Mr. Clark, under the firm name of t lark & I'tter. In the spring of 1833 this firm manufactured one hun- dred and fifty combined rea|)ers and mowers for John H. Mannv. In xHCv) the firm manufactured one thousand ( iorham seeders. Their output also included sugar mills, evaporators and steam en- gines. D. Forbes & Son established an iron foundry in 1834, and in ^iV^ the iinlleable iron works were added to the busimss. X. C. Thompson came to Rockford in 1837. and built u]) one of the largest jilants on the waier- |)<)wer. which at one time covered several acres. A capital of a (|uarter of a million dollars was re- i|uired to carry on the business. The John P. .Slannv reaper and mower was manufactured ex- clusively by .Mr. Thom|)son. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 71 Frederick H. Manny came to Rockford in 1859 and built a large plant. He manufactured the John H. Alanny combined reaper and mower, and the Rockford broadcast seed sower and cul- tivators combined. Flouring mills were an important factor in Rockford industries. Moses Bartlett built a stone mill on the east side in 1854, with four stories. Joseph Rodd came to Rockford from Canada in the autumn of 1853, and a few years later he embarked in the milling business on the east side of the river. The Troxell mill was built on the east side in 1853, and was purchased by ]\Ir. Bartlett in 1865. ^^Ir. Bartlett also owned a large mill on the west side. E. Derwent completed a mill on the east side in 1863. T. Der- went & Sons began milling business in Rockford in 1859. This plant is now owned bv A. L. Bart- lett & Co. There were also several ])laning mills. La- pointe & Derwent began business on the water- power in 1866. In the same year J. F. Lander erected a three-story structure, which was subse- quently occupied by Blakeman & Dobson as a sash and blind factory, and now owned by the Rockford Bolt Works'. Nelson & Co. began business in 1865. Camp- bell & Wood commenced business in 1866 in a building which partially covered a large founda- tion for a planing mill, laid by Thomas Garrison, at the west end of the dam, but never completed. George Bradley & Co. opened the first steam planing mill in 1868, in a building now occupied by C. J. Weldon as a carriage shop. Among the other manufacturers were Bertrand & Sames. who began business in the middle fif- ties ; Graham cotton mill, 1865; Rhoades, Utter & Co., paper mill, 1865 : Rockford \\'oolen ]\Iills, J. & W. Dyson, 1865 ; Northwestern Bolt Works, G. Sunsaul & Co., 1866. FA.Mors m.vnxv-m'corjiick .suit. This story has often been told, but it will never cease to be of interest to Rockford readers. The interest is more than local. John H. .Manny, the defendant in the suit, was the inventive genius whose patents laid the foundations for the great Emerson manufacturing plant on the water- power. Cyrus H. McCormick, the plaintifif, was the inventor of the reaper, and the founder of the theological seminary in Chicago which bears his name. It was during the progress of this suit that .A-braham Lincoln made his only visit to Rockford. Several of the leading attorneys of the countr>' were retained. Among them were Reverdy Johnson, Peter H. Watson, George Harding and Edward M. Stanton. The outcome of the decision involved many millions of dollars, and vitallv affected Rockford as a manufacturing center. The suit was one of the most notable chapters in the industrial development of the country. John H. Atanny was born in Amsterdam, New York, November 28, 1825. His father. Pells Manny, settled at \\'addams Grove, in Stephen- son county. The younger iManny's attention was called to the need of a reaper by his father's purchase of a heading machine, which proved un- satisfactory. The father and son thereupon so constructed the header as to practically make a new machine. They obtained a patent on the header, and began its manufacture on a small scale. It proved to be too expensive and was abandoned. iMr. IManny then directed his atten- tion toward a reaper, and after many vicissitudes, which brou.ght him to serious financial embar- rassment, his inventive genius and indomitable energy were crowned with success. ?i[r. Alanny built eighty-four machines in 1852. In July, 1852, a reaper trial was held in Ge- neva, New York, in which Mr. Manny's reaper came into competition with eleven others. The excellence of Mr. iManny's machine was estab- lished. In the spring of 1853 Mr. iManny was urged to come to Rockford by Orlando Clark. The preceding year Isaac Utter came from the east and formed a partnership with Mr. Clark, under the firm name of Clark & Utter. In the spring of 1853 there were manufactured one hundred and fifty of Mr. Manny's combined reapers and mowers in Clark & Utter's factory. It is also said that John A. Holland told Blinn & Emer- son, who were then in the hardware business, that it would be desirable to have Mr. Manny come to Rockford for two reasons : First, there was better water-power : second, the firm was ex- tendin.o- liberal credit to Mr. Manny for stock. The popularity of the Manny reaper demanded larger capital. In the spring of 1834 Wait and Sylvester Talcott became associated with IMr. Manny as partners, under the firm name of J. H. Mannv & Co., and during the year eleven hun- dred machines were made. In the autumn of 1854 Jesse Blinn and Ralph Emerson were added to the firm and the name was changed to IManny & Company. In 1855 the famous trials of the IMannv reaper were made in Europe, which gave to his invention a reputation abroad. 'Sir. Mannv continued to improve his reaper, and obtained twenty-three patents upon new devices. In September. 1855, Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago, began suit in the federal court to en- join the Manny company from using a certain de- vice upon the grounds of infringement of pat- ent. The case was heard before Justice McLean and Judge Drummond at Cincinnati, although the court records were kept in Chicago, which belonared to the same circuit. Attorneys of na- 72 PAST AND ri>JESEXT OF W I. WE I '.AGO COrXTY tioiuil rcpulatiiiii were retained. Mr. AlcCor- mick's counsel were Reverdy Johnson and E. X. Dickinson. Peter H. W'atson, who had ob- tained Mr. Manny's patents, was g'iven entire change of tlie defendants' case. Peter II. W'atson was an early resident of Rockford. He and his l)rothcr William were ])niprietors of the first frnnidry and machine sho]), which stood on the site of Jeremiah Davis' resi- dence on Xorth Second street. Mr. Watson continued his interest in the foundry until .Au- gust. 1845. .\fter leavingf Rockford \\x. Watson became one of the best known attorneys of the country. lie was assistant secretary of war un- der Edwin M. Stanton ; was later jiresident of the Erie railway, and one of the organizers of what is now the Standard Oil Company. Mr. Watson employed George Harding, Ed- win M. Stanton and Abraham Lincoln. It is said E. I'.. Washburnc had recommended Mr. Lin- cnln to Mr. Manny. When all the ])arties had arrived at Cincinnati .Mr. Lincoln was informed bv Mr. Watson that .Mr. Stanton would close the case for the defendants. This was a great humil- iation to Mr. Lincoln. Although he had prepared his argument Mr. Lincoln did not argue the case. Mr. Lincoln first met Mr. Stanton at Cincinnati. Mr. Stanton treated him with great discourtesy during the trial and referred to him as a rail sjilitter from the wild west. Xot withstanding these indignities Mr. Lincoln was imi)ressed with Mr. Stanton's force of character ; and when six years later a man of iron was needed. President Lincoln made Stanton his secretary of war. No other incident in the life of Mr. Lincoln better illustrates his moral greatness. The trial resulted in a victory for the Mannv Conipany. The decision was announced January 16, 1856. The defendants' expenses of the suit were sixty thousand dollars, and this large sum was paid from the business in a short time. Mr. McCormick appealed the case to the Cnited States supreme court, of which Roger Pi. Taney, who rendered the famous Dred Scott decision, was chief justice. The decision of the lower court was affirmed, and Mr. Manny's rights as an in- ventor were fully sustained. Icla M. Tarbell's Life of Lincoln, republished from her serial in McClurc's Magazine, gives an incident of this trial, which the author obtained from Rali)h Emerson, who says : ".Mr. Stanton closed his speech in a flight of imi)assioned elofjuence. Tiien the court ad- journed for the day, and Mr. Lincoln invited me to take a long walk with him. For block after block he walked rapidly forward, not saving a word, evidently deeply dejected. ".\t last he turned suddenly to me, exclaiming, 'Emerson, I am going home.' \ pause. 'I ain going hfinie to study law.' " "W hy. I exclaimed, '.Mr. Lincoln, you stand at the head of the bar in Illinois now ! What are you talking about ?' ■■ 'Ah, yes,' he said, 'I do occu])y a good posi- tion there, and I think that I can get along with the way things are done there now. Put these college trained men. who have devoted their whole lives to study, arc coming west, don't you see? And they study their cases as we never do. Thev have got as far as Cincinnati now. They will soon be in Illinois." Another long pause; then sto])ping and turning toward me, his coun- tenance suddenly assuming that look of strong determination which those who knew him best sometimes saw upon his face, he exclaimed, 'I am going home to study law ! I am as good as anv of them, and when they get out to Illinois I will be ready for them.' " Mr. Lincoln's only visit to Rockford was on a hot summer afternoon. He came on profes- sional busines.s' in connection with his suit. Mr. Lincoln and one of the clients sat on an old log on the bank of the river and discussed the matter. Mr. Lincoln wore a long linen coat, and presented that ])icture of ungainliness with which the world is familiar. Mr. Lincoln was a guest at Mr. Manny's home, which was a small frame build- ing that .stood on the site of the Mihvaukee depot. The company paid Mr. Lincoln a fee of one thou- sand dollars, which was the largest retainer he had received up to that time. The prolonged mental strain incident to per- fecting his inventions and the trial of the suit un- dermined Mr. Manny's health. He fell a prey to consumption, and January 37. 1856, he passed away, in his little modest home on South Main street, when he had just ])asscd his thirtieth birth- day. He never realized the w^eallh which his in- ventions would bring to others, nor the prestige which they would give to the Reaper City, nor the great name which he had made for himself, Mrs. Manny received a royalty of twenty-five dollars on every machine manufactured. This amount was subsequently reduced. Financial re- verses overtook the comjiany in 1857. but it weathered the storm and built an extensive plant. During the summer of 1903 the Milwaukee Sentinel jniblished a notable article, written by a special Washington correspondent, which pur- ])orted to he an expose of the "Inside story of the great fraud perpetrated on Cyrus Hall McCor- mick, which robbed him of his |)atent rights and barred his face from I'ncle Sam's currency." The article professetl to reveal the manner by which Colonel William Wood purchased every McCor- mick reaper known to exist in the country, one of which was examined by a patent commissioner, and subsc(|uently so tampered with and changed by Colonel Wood as to deceive the I'nited States supreme court into renilering a decision against PAST AND PRESENT OF WLXXEBAGO COUNTY. 73 Mr. McCormick. Col. Wood died in 1903. He was superintendent of the old Capitol and Carrol prisons during- the war and was at the head of the United States secret service during the re- construction period. Mr. McCormick had other troubles. In 1895 an efifort was made to have the portrait of Mr. ]McCormick placed on the silver certificates of the government currency. But there had been a pro- longed controversy between the rival claims of 'Sir. ]\IcCormick and Obed Hussey as to who was the real inventor of the reaper. j\lr. McCormick's old rivals and enemies came forward with such vigorous protests and so clouded his title to an invention that the government abandoned the idea of placing his name upon its currency. There are several small volumes in the Rock- ford public library bearing upon the various phases of this historic controversy. EMERPOX. LOWELL AND GREELEY \-ISIT ROCKFORD. There has been one movement in the history of the American mind which gave to literature a g-roup of writers entitled to the name of a school. This was the great humanitarian movement, or series of movements, in New England, which be- gan with the elder Channing. ran through its later phase in transcendentalism, and spent its force in the anti-slavery agitation and the enthusi- asms of the civil war. This intellectual and moral awakening found its expression in the lecture platform. The daily newspaper had not assumed its present blanket-sheet proportions : and the leaders of these various phases of new thought carried their message to the people in person. In the autumn of 1853 the Young i\Ien's Asso- ciation was organized, for the purpose of bring- ing to Rockford the most popular lecturers of the dav. Among its members were Rev. H. M. Goodwin, C. H. Spafford. H. H. Waldo, H. P. Holland, E. W. Blaisdell, J. E. L. Southgate, William Lathrop, R. A. Sanford, E. H. Baker, Rev. J. Murray, E. C. Daugherty, A. S. Miller. The first course was provided for the winter of 1853-54. It began with two lectures, Novem- ber 29th and 30th. by E. P. Whipple, in the First Baptist church. It is almost incredible that one of the local newspapers should not have even given the subject of his lecture. From the other, however, it is learned that ]\Ir. Whipple's theme for the first lecture was "Heroic Character," and that he "delineated graphically and beautifully, the hero-soldier, led on by his love of glory ; the hero-patriot, actuated by his love of country ; the hero-reformer, moved by his love of humanity ; and the hero-saint, animated by his love of God." The subject of his second lecture was "Eccentric Character." The Forum's criticism was not very appreciative. The third lecture was given December loth, at the Baptist church, by Horace Mann. His sub- ject was "Young Alen." The Democrat, in "re- porting" the lecture, took this flattering unction to its soul ; "As we looked around over the large assemblage of youth, beauty, intellect and fashion, and noted with what anxiety the sea of heads were turned toward the speaker, as if to catch the words ere they left his lips, we experienced a deep feeling of pride, and thought to ourselves, few places in any land, of equal age, population, etc., can boast of a more highly refined intellect- ual community than is to be found in our own little embryo city." The fourth lecture was given in the City Hall, by George \MlHam Curtis, December 12th. His subject was "Young America,'" and for an hour and a half the speaker entranced his audience with his noble thought and pure diction. Horace Greeley followed Mr. Curtis. His theme was "The Reforms of the Age." He spoke of the abolition and temperance movements, woman's rights, and the abolition of the death penalty. ]\Ir. Greeley wrote his impressions of the Rock River valley at some length for the New York Tribune, from which his characteristic paragraph is taken: "I have traversed the Ro- man Campagna ( which is only a great wet prairie surcharged with malaria and ruins), glanced at the great pastures of Belgium, and ridden across the prairies of central and northern Indiana by daylight, lamplight and moonlight ; but still I was nowhere in a discussion of the value and attract- iveness of prairies — for I had never been on Rock river. But now, gentlemen ! I give you fair warning that I take a back seat no longer when the felicities of western life and the genial fer- tility and Eden-like character of the prairies is under discussion, for I have been on Rock river ! . . I should like more springs, more running streams, and less lime in the water ; but then Par- adise is beyond Jordan, or some other stream, and is not wisely sought even on Rock river." The next speaker was Prof. Joseph Emerson, of Beloit, who spoke of Greek civilization. W. H. Channing was announced for January 27th, but no reference to the lecture is found. Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the seventh lecture in the course February 3, 1854, in War- ner's Hall. "Emerson's lecture," says H. H. Waldo, "was not without its comical features. His subject was 'History.' I believe it was the same as his essay with that title. One scintilla- tion was this : 'Time vanishes to shining ether the solid angularity of facts. Carthage was, but is not.' This was only saying there was nothing permanent. He gave this thought in a matter-of- fact style. The hall was packed, but half the au- dience was sleepy. The lecture was pronounced bv some to be a failure." PAST AXl) I'RKSICXT OF \\l\.\l-:i!A(i( ) CorXTY. Lectures were jjiveii (luriiijj^ the season by Bisliop T'otter. Chancellor Lalliro]), .liidsje Doo- little. of Wisconsin, on "The Cliaracler of Wash- ington ;" Uayanl Taylor, two lectures, on "The Arabs," and "Japan and the Jai)anesc." March 27tb. 1854. ( )le r.ull and Patti" were in Rockford. The course for 1854- 1853 included Rev. E. H. Chapin. Josiali Ouincy. John C,. Saxe. John Pier- pont. James Russell i.owell. and Itayard Taylor. Dr. Chapin spoke on ".Modern Chivalry;" Mr. Saxe gave a poem-lecture on "Yankee Land ;" John I'ierpont's theme was "The Golden Calf;' Lowell spoke on "English Ballads." and Taxlor on "India." The course of 1853-56 was opened by Henry Ward lieecher. who spoke on "I'atriotism." He was followed by Wendell Phillips. T. Sarr King and Dr. Chapin were engaged for Ibis course. During the next few years Rockford was fa- vored with P. .\. Shillabcr, Parke E. Godwin, John 15. Gough and Prof. Youmans. .\ FR.\G.\IKNT OK POl-irilAI. HISTORY. Rockffird has claimed the honor of the ])irth- |)lace of the Republican |)arty, so far as a congres- sional nomination under the name is concerned. "Seven cities tought for Homer dead ;'' likewise many places have contended for the honor of the first party organization. Rockford's claim to the first congressional nomination is certainly not unreasonable ; and even if it can not be sus- tained, it will at least call attention to a notable ])o1itical event. When the Kansas-Xebraska bill was passed by congress in May, 1854, there was a general feeling in the old whig and democratic parties that the enroachments of the slave-power de- manded more vigorous resistance. With this end in view, a call was issued .\ugust 8th. to the vot- ers of the first congressional district, for a mass meeting to be held in Rockford on the 30th instant. This call was signed by forty-six citizens of Rockford. only two of whom are now known. The meeting was called to order in the court- house, and from there adjourned to the grove west of the Ilaptist church, between Court and Winnebago streets. E. I!. Washburiie had been elected a member of congress as a whig two vears before, and was of course a candidate for re-elec- tion. There were other Richmonds in the field: Turner and .Sweet, of I'reej^irt : Loop, of Rock- ford, and Hulbut of P.elvitlere. Xone of these were f)penly avowerl candidates : but each was anxious for the jirize. A committee on resolu- tions of one from each county was nominated. There was ambition mixed with patriotism. It was a time >>{ breaking u]) of old parties, and the future was uncertain. Mow far would it be safe to declare against the action of congress? This was a serious f[uestion. The leaders were against Washburne, but the ijeojile were with him. There is a tradition that the committee on res- olutions was directed somewhat by the suggest- ions of Ste])hen .\. Hurlbut. in preparing anti- slavery resolutions so radical that Mr. W'ash- buriie, it was thought, could not accept a nomina- tion u])on them. I'.ut Mr. Washburne was equal to the occasion, lie ileclared that the resolutions met his most hearty approval ; whereu])on James Loo]) remarked, in language more emijhatic than l)ious. that Washburne would swallow anything. .Mr. Washburne was thereupon nominated as a Re])ublicaii by this mass convention. The regular whig convention for the district was held Se])tember Cith. and Mr. Washliurne was also made the nominee. His nomination was op- ])ose(l by .Mr. ilurlbut. who on the d.ay of the con- vention is reported to have said : "When you say that E. D. Washburne is a good man, I agree with you. But when you say that he is a wise man and a statesman, there is a chance for an argument. It has been said .Mr. Washburne is a man of learn- ing, l)ut I say that as a man of learning, E. B. Washburne. of Fever river. Galena, possesses frightful limitations." Mr. Hurlbut was a con- summate master of sarcasm, which he often used without mercy. But it has been said that while Hurlbut could make the better speech. Wash- l)urne won the votes ; and on the whole, he was the more successful ])olii!cian. In the evening .Mr. Waslil)urne entertained his friends at a bancpiet at the City Hotel. Some- time after this whig convention. Mr. Hurlbut met II. 11. Waldo, who had supported Mr. Washburne, and complimented him on his splen- did fi,ght, and said that, considering the material at hand, he had done well. Thus was made one of the first, if not the very first, republican nomination for member of con- gress. The strong anti-slavery sentiment of both ]jarties had been intensified by the repeal of the Missouri compromise, under the leadership of .Stephen .\. Douglas, and the passage of the Il- linois lilack Laws, through the influence of John .A. Logan. Like Saul of Tarsus before he saw a great light. Logan was dominated by prejuflice; ami. like I'aul after his change, he bravely de- fended those he formerly oppressed. General Logan always had the courage of his convictions ; and his jwlitical change was sincere. ROCKFORO SKTTI.ICRS 1 85 1 -54. Seeley Perry was born at .Stockbridgc, Massa- chusetts, .\ugust 22. i8jj, and was graduated from L'niitn College at Schenectady in 1845. Mr. Perry came to Rockton in 1840, and in 1851 he settled in Rockford. .\fter teaching one year he engagefl in the lumber trade, in which he contin- PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. 75 ued for nearly half a century. Mr. Perry was elected mayor of Rockford in 1858, and served one term. He also served the city as alderman, member of the hoard of education, and a director of the public library. Mr. Perry died in 1900. Jesse Blinn was born in 1809 in \'ermont, and from there he removed to Conneaut, Ohio. He came to Rockton in 1838 ; in 1850 he settled in Rockford. and his family a 3'ear later. He opened the first exclusive hardware store in the city. He subsequently became a manufacturer on the water-power, to which reference has been made. Mr. Blinn died in iS/ij. ]\lrs. Blinn died in 1905. Ralph Emerson was the son of Rev. Ralph Em- erson, a Congregational clergyman, and a profes- sor in Andover theological seminary, the oldest Congregational divinity school in the country. Another son was Professor Joseph Emerson, of Beloit. ^Ir. Emerson was born in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1831. He came to Rockford in 1852. and was later a partner with Jesse Blinn in the hardware business until they became inter- ested in the water-power. The Emerson Com- pany has proved one of the most successful man- ufacturers in the west. This result may be at- tributed to 2\lr. Emerson's unusual executive ability. He has made a generous use of his large wealth in contributions to various religious en- terprises. Mr. Emerson married Adaline Talcott, a daughter of Hon. Wait Talcott. Hon. Wait Talcott was a son of William Tal- cott, and was born at Hebron, Connecticut, Octo- ber 17, 1807. He came to Rockton in the autumn of 1838. He was one of the incorporators of Be- loit college and Rockford seminary. In 1854 he came to Rockford and began his career as a man- ufacturer on the water-power with his brother Sylvester. In 1854 he was elected state senator from the district, comprising Winnebago, Carroll, Boone and Ogle counties. Upon the passage of the internal revenue act. President Linconi ap- pointed ]\Ir. Talcott commissioner of internal revenue for the Second congressional district. This appointment was dated August 27, 1862, and Mr. Talcott served five years. Mr. Talcott preserved files of Chicago and Rockford news- papers, and upon his death, which occurred No- vember 7, 1890. his son. William A. Talcott. pre- sented them in excellent bound condition to the Rockford public library. John S. Coleman was a native of Delaware county. New York. In 185 1 he removed with his family to Rockford and became a member of the banking firm of Robertson, Coleman & Company. He built the stone house on North >\lain street, now owned by \\'iliam Nelson. Air. Coleman was a trustee of Rockford seminary and treasurer of the board, and a member of the city council. He died April 6, 1864, in his fifty-eighth year. James L. Loo]i was Ijorn in Steuben county, New York, in 1815. He settled in Belvidere in 1838, and some years later he formed a partner- shi]5 with his brother-in-law, Stephen A. Hurlbut, in the practice of law. He was prosecuting attor- ney for the northern district of Illinois in 1843-5. From 1846 to 1850 Mr. Loop was secretary of the Illinois and ^Michigan canal, which office he re- signed. In 1852 ]\Ir. Loop removed to Rockford and formed law partnership with William Lath- rop. In 1856 tie was elected mayor of Rockford, and served one term. Mr. Loop's death occurred February 8, 1865, when he was fifty years of age. The remains were taken to Belvidere for burial. By the common consent of the Rockford bar, James L. Loop possessed the finest legal ability of any man who ever practiced in this city. His intellect was strong and his resources were at his instant command. His grasp of legal principles was due to his acute, intuitive sense of what was right between man and man, which was a gift from nature. Mr. Loop was always the genial gentleman. Like so many other gifted men. he was his own worst enemy, and his sad. imtimely death was an impressive object lesson that strong drink is no respecter of persons. \\'illiam Lathrop is a native of Genesee county, New York. He came to Rockford in January, 1 85 1. He was partner with James L. Loop from 1853 to 1857. In 1856 Mr. Lathrop was elected a member of the legislature, and served one term. In 1876 he succeeded Stephen A. Hurlbut as member of congress from the Fourth district, and served one term. During his long residence in Rockford Mr. Lathrop has enjoyed a large and lucrative legal practice. The author takes pleas- ure in acknowledging his obligations to Mr. Lath- rop for the free use of his library and for infor- mation personally given. Lion. John Early was born in Middlesex county, Canada West, A larch 17, 1828. In 1846 he removed with his parents to Boone county, and in 1852 he settled in Rockford. He served three terms as assessor of Rockford. In 1869 he was appointed one of the first board of trustees of the reform school at Pontiac. In 1870 ilr. Early was elected state senator from the Twenty- third district, composed of Winnebago, Boone, AlcHenry and Lake counties. His senatorial colleague was General Allen C. Fuller, of Bel- videre. After the state haa been re-districted he was elected senator in 1872, from the Ninth dis- trict, which included Winnebago and Boone coun- ties, and again in 1874, for the full term of four years. By the election of Governor Oglesby to the United States senate, and Lieutenant-Gover- nor Beveridge becoming governor, Mr. Early became acting lieutenant-governor of the state. Mr.- Early died September 2. 1877. Lieutenant-Colonel Edward F. W. Ellis was I'\ST Wn I'KFSRXT OF \\ I XXFlJALiU CUL'XTV. born in Milton, Maine. Ajjfil 15, i8iy. lie came to Rockfonl in 1S54 and became a member of tlie bankin.ij firm of Spaffonl. Clark &• Ellis. L'i)on the outbreak of the civil war Colonel Ellis raised a company for the Fifteenth regiment, called the Ellis Rifles. He was chosen lieutenant- colonel, but was acting colonel at the time of his death. At the battle of Shiloh he was in command of the I'ilteentn. which belonged to General Hurl- hut's division. On Monday morning his regiment was exposed to a terrible fire and Colonel Ellis was struck in the breast by a ball, and instantly expired. Col. l^llis' home was the historic home- stead lately owned by Dr. W. H. Fitch, on ^Vest State street. In 1S56 the property was trans- ferred to Colonel Ellis, and there he lived with his wife and children. Henry P. Kimball was a native of Xew Hamp- shire, and was graduated from Rochester univer- sity. Mr. Kimball came to Rockford in 1852. and taught school for some time. He had a local re]>utatitin as a horticulturist. As secretary of the -Agricultural Society, Mr. Kimball achieved a uni(|ue distinction as a successful fair advertiser. l'l)on his invitation many of the most distin- guished men of the la.st generation visited Rock- ford and made addresses. Mr. Kimball died Mav 10, 1889. John Xelson was a native of West Gothland, Sweden, born April 5, 1830. He came to Rock- ford in 1852. ilis life was uneventful until a short time before liis death, when he i)erfected the Xelson knitting machine, which revolution- ized the knitting of liosiery. After (icneral Grant had returned from liis tour around the world, he visited Mr. Xelson's factory, and declared that he had never seen such perfect machinerv for this purpose. Mr. Xelson died April 15. 1883. The Hotel Xelson is named in his honor. .\. E. Goodwin, M. D., was Ixirn August 11. 1827. at Chelsea. \'ermont. He was graduated from P.erk.shire medical college at Pittsficld. Massachusetts. Dr. Goodwin came to Rockford in 1854. During the civil war lie was a surgeon in the Eleveiitli Illinois Infantry and in the One Hundred and F:ighth. He was wounded at Mcks- burg. Dr. Goodwin was a member of tlie citv 1)oard of education, and of the public library board. He died May 14, 1889. Chester C. Rriggs was a native of \''ermont. He was liorn in Dover, Se])tember 6, 181 7. He was graduated from Dartmoutli college, and in 1833 he came to Rockford and became the sen- ior nieml)er of the banking firm of Hriggs, Spaf- ford & Penfield. He was subsequently financial manager of the Kenosha Railroad Coiiipain. In }H()H he became associated with the firm of '•riggs. Mead & Skinner, in the manufacture of agricultural implements. The firm n.imc w.-i^; later changed to P.riggs & Enoch. .Mr. Priggs died January 24, i8f 1858 six thousand dollars had been pledged. Wil- liam L. Rowland collected a considerable portion of this amount, and a schedule of cash payments was preserved by him. which is still in existence. The library was duly organized October 14, 1858. Rooms were secured on the third floor of Robert- son. Coleman & Company's bank. James M. Wight, .^celey Perry. Selden M. Church. Pllias Cospor. and Thomas D. Robertson constituted the first board of trustees ; Elias Cospcr was chair- man : Spencer Rising, treasurer ; F. H. Bradley, librarian. The original board was composed of gentlemen of exceptional literary equipment. Others rentlered efficient aid in the selection of books. .Among them was William L. Rowland, who was subsquently ai)|)ointeil librarian of the l)ublic library. The books, although few in nmn- ber. possessed very high merit. The number of volumes at this time was about one thousand : number of magazines and news- papers, tliirty-eight. During the next few years the li])rary steadily received accessions. Accord- ing to the annual rejiort of the stockholders, made October 11, i860, there were 1,134 volumes. There had lieen drawn during the year ending October 4th. 1 .669 volumes. This was an in- crease of 396 over the preceding year. Several gentlemen acted as librarian for short tcmis. and received a nominal com])ensation. .Aiuong those who rendered this service were John F. Squier and Hosmer P. Holland. The library served its jiurposc several years but during the war popular interest began to de- cline. The library was finally closed, anil 1867 the books were sold at public auction in a building on Xorth Alain .street, directly north of Air. A.sh- ton's block. .Some of these books are now in the puljlic lil)rary. and (|uite a number, in excellent condition, are in the private library of Rolx^rt II. Tinker. WKSLKY.X.N' SK.M I X Ain'. In the summer of 1856 a movement was begun for the founding of a co-educational seminary in Rockford. under the control of the Alcthodist Episcopal church. February 14, 1837, an act of the legislature was approved to incoqioratc the Rockford Weslevan seminarv. The incorjjor- ators were E. F. \V. Ellis. T. D. Robertson. D. W. Ticknor, and \^^ F. Stewart. There were to ]}i- twelve trustees, appointed by the stock- holders, eight of whom should he members of the Methodist Episcopal church. .\ board of three visitors was to be a])i)ointed by the annual Rock River conference. The company was to have a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, divided into shares of one hundred dol- lars each. .\ farm of about two lumdred and sixteen acres was purchased of William AI. Rowland. It adjoined Judge Church's farm on the west and extended north to the State road. The pur- chase price and accrued interest amounted to nearly twenty thousand dollars. A large portion of this tract was platted into town lots, and it was proposed to build a college su1)urban town. The sale of lots occurred .\pril 21). 1857. The subscribers to stock |)urchased lots. Rev. W. V. Stewart had been transferred from the Ohio to the Rock River conference, and had been assigned to the Second or Court Street church. Rev, Stewart was made purchasing agent for the seminary by the annual conference. -August 31, 1857, the ceremony of breaking ground for the seiuinary building took place imder the direction of Rev. T. AI. Eddy, who was in attendance upon Rock River conference, which was then in session in Rockford. Several hundred people were in attendance. An address was made by Rev. J. C. Stoughton. agent of Clark seminary : and Rev. W. F. Stewart gave a brief history of the origin of the seminary movement. When the groimd was broken, fiftv-seven thousand dollars had been subscribed. The en- terprise, however, was unsuccessful. Quite a number of houses were built, but in time several of them migrated into town on rollers, and the land reverted to farming purposes. In October, 1857, Rev. .Stewart began the l)ublication of the Rockford Weslyan Seminary Reporter, in the interest of the seminary. Only four numbers were ])ublished. Both Rev. Stewart and Rev. Stoughton have died within the past few years. n.WAKI) TAVI.ok's TRinUTE. Bayard Taylor, in a letter to the Tribune, l)ublishe(l the spring of 1855, paid Rockford this generous tribute: "I last wrote to you from Rockford, the most beautiful town in northern Illinois. It has the advantage of an admirable water-power, furnished by Rock river ; of a rich, rolling prairie, which is fast being settled and farmed on all sides, of a fine building material in its quarries, of soft yellow limestone, re- sembling the Roman travertine: and of an mi- usually enterprising and intelligent population. Knowing all these advantages, I was not sur- ])rised at the evidence of growth since my first PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 79 visit a year ago. People are flocking in faster than room can be furnished, and the foundations of two new hotels, on a large scale, show the equipments of the place. I was pleased to note that taste keeps pace with prosperity here, as elsewhere in the northwest. The new Unitarian church is a simple but very neat Gothic edifice, and the residences, of i\Ir. Holland and Air. Starr are very fine specimens of home architecture. The grounds of the former are admirably laid out ; there is nothing better of the kind on the Hudson." FIRST FR-\TERX.\L ORDERS. The charter of Winnebago Lodge, No. 31, In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, was issued by Geo. W. Woodward, grandmaster of Illinois, in 1847, to the following named charter members : Selden AI. Bronson. Ansel Kenfield, Dewitt Clin- ton Briggs, Frederick H. Maxwell, and Rev. Nathaniel P. Heath. The lodge was instituted August II, 1847. Tlie place of meeting was Horsman's block, on the West side. Rockford Lodge, No. 102, Alasons, was or- ganized February 13, 1851, under a dispensation from C. G. Y. Taylor, the grand master. The following named citizens constituted its first membership : Alfred E. Ames, William Lyman, Henry Carpenter, C. H. Spafford, William Hulin, E. H. Baker, Ansel Kenfield, John Fraley, James P. Burns, W. F. Ward, Jesse Bliiui. and Buel G. Wheeler. E. H. Baker was the last survivor of this original membership. Social Lodge. No. 140, Odd Fellows, was in- stituted February 6, 1854. Winnebago Chapter, No. 24, Masons, was or- ganized December 12, 1854, under a dispensation from Louis Watson, grand high priest. The fol- lowing constituted its first membership : A. Clark, Chauncv Rav. \\'. F. Parish. H. Aliltimore. John A. Holland,' L. P. Pettibone, R. H. Cotton, Abriam Alorgan, G. D. Palmer, and Ansel Ken- field. This chapter was constituted under another charter in December, 1855. Star in the East Lodge, No. 166, Masons, was organized Feljruary 12, 1855, under a dispen- sation from James L. Anderson, grand master. The charter members were : E. F. W. Ellis. R. H. Cotton, W. AI. Bowdoin, William Hulin, S. G. Chellis, Jos. K. Smith, Joseph Burns, C. I. Horsman, B. G. Wheeler, G. W. Re\molds, John A. Holland, C. H. Richings, D. G. Clark. Adam AlcClure, Holder Brownell. The dispensation for Rockford Encampment, No. 44, Odd Fellows, was granted August 5, 1857, to the following patriarchs as charter mem- bers : James Fleming, J. H. Clark, Hugh Strick- land, Enos C. Clark. G. A. Stiles, Joseph Schloss, and Robert Smith. The encampment was instituted by Deputy Grand Patriarch A. E. Jenner, August 26, 1857. The Rockford Burns Club was organized No- vember 5, 1858. It is an association of Scottish- Americans, who meet annually on the birthday of Robert Burns. DE.\TH OF JOHN .\. IIOLLAXD. The death of John A. Holland occurred Sep- tember 29, 1855, at Alount Vernon, Ohio, while he was on a visit to his father-in-law, who re- sided there, in company with his family. The remains were brought to Rockford for burial. Resolutions of respect were adopted by the Alasonic bodies and by the bar of the city. The funeral was held at the Unitarian church on Sunday. John A. Holland was born in what is now West Virginia. He came to Rockford in 1845, from Wooster, Ohio, where he had prac- ticed law. He formed a partnership with T. D. Robertson in the practice of his profession. He was the attorney for the Galena & Chicago L'nion Railroad, and assisted the Illinois Central in se- curing the right of way from Chicago to Cairo. yiv. FfoUand was an attendant at the Unitarian church, but was not a member. He was a man of comprehensive mind, great energy and sa- gacity, and always operated upon a large scale. He was a leading spirit in every public enter- prise. The Holland House was named in his nonor. Mr. Holland was father of Hosmer P. Holland. His second wife was a daughter of Dr. J. C. Goodhue. irURDER OF SHERIFF T.WLOR. Tuesday, November 11. 1856, John F. Tavlor, sheriff of Winnebago coimty, was instantly killed by Alfred Countrxman. On that day Alfred and John Countryman came to Rockford from Ogle county with some cattle, which they offered for sale at such low prices as to arouse suspicion. The cattle were sold for a sum below their market value. The purchasers delayed pay- ment until notice had been given the sherifT, and papers made out for the apprehension of the brothers which occurred about nine o'clock in the morning. They were then arrested on suspicion ; and before they were taken to jail Sheriff Taylor searched them for concealed weapons. He found pistol balls in Alfred's pockets, and upon inquir- ing for his revolver the prisoner replied that he had none. Sheriff Taylor, assisted by Constable Thompson, then started with the prisoners for the jail. Just as they reached the steps Alfred Countryman broke away from the sheriff, leaped over the fence on Elm street, and ran down that street, with the sheriff" in pursuit. At the next corner, near the livery stable of Hall & Reynolds, the sheriff' had nearly overtaken Countryman, and was about to seize him, when the latter drew a pistol which he had concealed, and fired. The 8o PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COL'XTV. shcritt staggered a few i)aces and fell. His only wonls were: "rni shot: catch him." Coinitrvnian ran to the woods north of Kent's creek, with Innidreds of infuriated citizens in pur- suit. John I'latt was the first to overtake him. He took his pistol from him. and, with assistance, secured his arrest. .Amid threats of lynching, the prisoner was placed in jail and securely ironed. Samuel 1. Cluirch. the sheriff-elect, hriefly addressed the crowd and assmed them that the prisoner was secure. Sheriff Taylor was thirty-one years of age, anil left a wife, and a son a year and a half old. He was an excellent officer, and was held in high respect by the community. The funeral was held TInirsdav' on the public square adjoining the jail, imder tlie charge of the .Masonic fraternity. The board of supervisors were in attendance in a body. The discourse was preachcil by Rev. W. F.' Stewart. EXECUTION 01- COfNTKV.M.XN. t. (Hint ry man was indicted and tried for the murder of Sheriff Taylor at the February term of the circuit court in 1857. The prosecution was conducted by U. D. Meacham, the state's attorney, assisted by William Hrown. The counsel for the defense was Orrin Miller and T. J. Turner. The following gentlemen constituted the jury: Levi Tunks, Philo C. ^^'atson. Anthonv M. Felmly, Silas G. Tyler, Jacob B. Place, G. R. Ames, Allen Rice, Charles \\'orks, J. W. Jenks, Edward Peppers, J. W. Knapp, S. P. CoUer. The trial began on Monday, February 23d. The case was given to the jury on Thursday, and Friday morning they returned a verdict of guilty. Judge Sheldon pronounced the sentence of death upon CountrxTnan. One of his counsel, Mr. Miller, tried to obtain a stay of proceedings, so as to bring the case Ijeforc the supreme court. But Judge Caton refused to grant a writ of error. On Friday. March 27th. Countryman was executed on the farm of Sheriff Church, a short distance from the city. The execution was witnessed by eight thousand people. In the ab- sence of a military company, the two fire com- panies, armed with sabres and carbines, formed a hollow square at the jail, into the center of which the carriages which were to form the pro- cession, were driven, and as the procession moved to tlie place of execution the fire companies formed a strong guard. Upon arriving at the scaffold. Rev. Hooper Crews offered an earnest prayer. The prisoner made a short speech and professed repentence and forgiveness for his crime. At seventeen minutes past two the bolt was withdrawn, and Countryman was swung into eternity. His father, sister and one brother witnessed the execution. Before the body was taken down, Sheriff Church addressed the crowd as follows: "These ])ainful i)roceedings being now concluded, and the sword of justice about to be returned to its sheath, I hope never again to be drawn into so much severity. I would thank you all for the good order you have maintained. Your conduct does credit to the city, and I hope you will observe the same decorum in retiring." KE.XOSIIA .\M) UOCKFORD R.MLRO.VD. In 1856 was projected a railroad to connect Kenosha on Lake Michigan with Rockford. It was a ])art of the original plan that this line should extend from Rockford to Rock Island. January 20, 1857, a charter was granted John M. Cai)ron. Egbert Ayer, Thomas Paul, John Cor- nell. W. 1!. ( )gden, John Bradley, Jason Marsh, George Haskell, David S. Penfielil. Robert P. Lane, C. C. Briggs, C. H. Spafford, A. S. Mil- ler, Jesse Blinn, and Seely Perry. The com- ])any was to have a capital stock of eight hun- jlred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of one hundred dollars each, and was authorized to construct a road from a point near the state line in McHcnry county to Rockford. This road was built as a means of relieving Rockford from burdens imposed by the high freight and pas- senger rates of the Galena & Chicago L'nion. Books for subscriptions to the stock of the road were opened early in November, 1856, and on the 25th of the same month the company was organized by the election of the following of- ficers: President, C. H. Spafford: vice-presi- dent, R. P. Lane : secretary, E. H. Baker ; treasurer. A. C. Spaft'ord : executive committee, J. P.ond, J. M. Capron, R. P. Lane, D. S. Pen- field and Seely Perry. The subscriptions were made largely by farmers along the line, who gave mortgages on their real estate to secure their |)ayments. 'The company negotiated these mort- gages in ])aymcnt for iron, labor and other ex- jienses in the building of the road. \\'hen these obligations matured man\- of the subscribers could not redeem them, and the holders of the mortgages foreclosed them. The contract for the construction of the road to Harvard was made in March, 1857, and the work was begun shortly afterwards. The east- ern division of the road was under the control of another comjiany, organized under a charter from the Wisconsin legislature. The progress of con- struction was impeded by financial embarrass- ments, arising from the great depression which spread over the country in 1857, and the enter- prise languished. In .\ugnst, 1858, the company a]iplied to the council of Rockford for a loan of the city credit to the amoinit of $50,000 to aid in the completion of the road. An election was held September 2, and the measure was carried by PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 8i a majority of more than five hundred. This is the only instance in the history of Rockford of the loan of the credit of the corporation to a railroad. November 21, 1859, the road was completed between Rockford and Harvard, and the event w^as celebrated by a banquet at the Holland House the same evening. In 1864 the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company was absorbed by the Chicago & Northwestern, and the Kenosha & Rockford road, as a matter of course, soon came under the same control. AN EARLY ROCKFORD MANSION. The most beautiful home in early Rockford was that of Mrs. J. H. Manny, on South Main street. The "Manny mansion" was built in 1854, by John A. Holland. The grounds had a front- age of three hundred and twenty-five feet, and e.xtended from the northern limit of G. N. Saf- ford & Company's lumber yard to a point below Kent's creek, and were fronted by a stone fence. The beauty of these grounds was due, in large measure, to John Blair, a Scottish landscape gardener who came from Canada at Mr. Hol- land's solicitation. He laid out the grounds, and set the standard for landscape gardening in Rockford, and in this way he left his impress on the city. Mr. Blair subsequently laid out the grounds of the Elgin insane asylum. After the death of Mr. Holland, in 1855, financial reverses overtook his family, and about i860 this splendid estate passed into the ownership of Mrs. J. H. Manny. WINNEB.\GO SUPPORTS FREMONT. At the presidential election in November, 1856, Winnebago county gave John C. Fremont a mag- nificent vote. Every town in the county was carried for the Pathfinder. The total vote of the county was 4,154. The county gave a ma- jority of 3,179 for Fremont over Buchanan. The First Congressional district gave majorities for Fremont and Washburne of more than twelve thousand. William Lathrop was elected repre- sentative : Samuel I. Church, sheriff ; H. T. Mes- ler, coroner; Morris B. Derwent, circuit clerk. Mr. Church was a brother of Jvidge Church, and came to Rockford in 1848. He purchased a quarter of the school section ; later he made it his home, where he died in 1886. ROCKFORD CITY GREYS. In 1856 a military company was organized, under the name of the Rockford City Greys, which enkindled the enthusiasm of a large num- ber of the young men of the city. In the sum- mer of 1858 Colonel E. E. Ellsworth was en- 6 gaged as drillmaster, and under his instruction the company attained a high degree of proficiency. In September, 1858, an encampment was held on the fairgrounds, which continued four days. Companies from Freeport, Elgin and Chicago were in attendance. This company continued in e.xcellent condition until the outbreak of the Civil war. when under the name of Rockford Zouaves, man\- of the company volunteered in the three months' service, under the call of the president for seventy-five thousand men ; and as a part of the Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, were detailed to garrison duty at Cairo and at Bird's Point. IN HONOR OF .\TLANTIC CABLE. August 17, 1858, the completion of the Atlantic cable was celebrated by the citizens of Rockford with great demonstrations of enthusiasm. On that day the queen of England and the president of the United States exchanged messages. The event was celebrated in Rockford by a salute of fifty guns, fired by the City Greys, and the church bells were rung. Public exercises were held in the evening at the courthouse. Addresses were made by James L. Loop, Judge Miller, E. W. Blaisdell, Judge Church, William Hulin, and Dr. L\Tnan. The speech of Mr. Loop was ex- ceptionally brilliant, and replete with noble thought. One paragraph from this address is quoted : "Great Britain and the United States — the two great maritime nations of the globe, have met in mortal combat upon that briny deep ; they have fought for the sea's supremacy, they have maintained on either side with all their prowess and power their respective country's glory, and well and gloriously have their names resounded through the world — but no victory ever won by either upon the ocean can compare with this joint victory we have met to celebrate." CENSUS OF i860. In i860 the census of the city of Rockford, taken by Thos. Boyd, showed a population of 7,046, and 8,117 in the township. In 1836 there were 350 white inhabitants in the county, which included Boone, and the eastern half of Stephen- son. In June, 1837, after Winnebago had been reduced to its present size, the county had a population of 1,086. In 1839 the village of Rock- ford had 235 inhabitants, and in December, 1845, there were 1,278. In 1840 there were 2,563 in Rockford township, and in 1855 there were 6,620. TRIAL OF GOVERNOR BEEB. On Tuesday evening. May 19, 1857, a chari- vari resulted in the instant death of one of the party. Hon. William Bebb, Ex-Governor of 8_' PAST AXn PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COL'XTV. Ohio, was resiclinij in Seward township. His son, M. S. T'fbl). liad just rcturiifd from the east with iiis bride. Twelve yonni; men of the neisjh- borluHid iiropo.sed to eharivari the liridal ])arty. They as.senibled at the jjovernor's liousc about eleven o'clock at iiisht. and began their ]}erforni- ance with cowl)ells, tin pans, three guns, and other articles which could contribute to the hideous din. The governor at length appeared wiih a shot-gun and ordered them to retire. Thev l)aid no heed and Mr. Fiebb fired one barrel, which took effect in the face of William Hogan. The ])arty then ai)i)roached nearer the house, as for an assault, wlien the governor discharged the second liarrel at the leader. Lemuel Clemens, and instantly killed him. The crowd then speed- ily dis])ersed. The trial of (iovernor I'.ebb. for manslaughter, began February 4. 1858. in the circuit court. Judge Sheldon jiresiding. The pro.secution was conducted by V. D. Aleacham. the state's at- torney, who was assisted by T. J. Turner. The counsel for the defense was the famous Tom Corwin. of Ohio, assisted by Judge William John- son, James L. Looj), and Judge ,\nson S. Miller. The trial began in the courthouse, and in order to secure more room, an adjourniiieiit was taken to Metro])olitan Hall. The greatest interest was manifested in the trial by reason of the reputation of the defend- ant and the celebrity of Mr. Corwiu. .\ large number of ladies were daily in attendance. The jury consi.sted of the following named gentle- men : John Spaffturbance, became a well known citi- zen of Rockford. He had quite an extended re]iutation in the scientific world, and was recog- nized as the highest authority u])on some species of the willow. .Mr. I'.ebb was for some years a member of the public library board. Till-: i.i.\(()i..\-:)(iiGi..\s i>i:ii.\Ti:. riu' famous Lincoln-Douglas debate was an event of local interest as well as national sig- nificance. In A])ril, 1S58. the Illinois State Democratic convention endorsed Stephen A. Douglas for the L'nited .States senate, .\braham Lincoln was nominated by the republican party at S])ringfield, June 17th. July 24th .Mr. Lincoln sent a challenge to Judge Douglas to discuss the political issues of the day in a series of joint de- bates. The latter accepted a challenge, and named one city in each congressional district, excei)t the second and sixth, where they had al- ready spoken. Ottawa. Freeport. Galesburg, Quincy. .\lton. Joiu-sboro and Charleston were the points chosen for these discussions. The second and most famous debate was held at Freei)ort. August 27th. It was the greatest political event ever hekl in this congressional dis- trict. Thousands were in attendance from the northern counties, and the excitement was in- tense. .\ special train was made up at Marengo, and run over the (lalena & Chicago L^nion road. It consisted of eighteen coaches, eight of which were filled with Rockford citizens. It was at this debate that Mr. Lincoln pro- pounded the four celebrated questions to Judge Douglas, the answers to which swept away his last chance for .securing the jiresidency in i860. Previous to this debate, a conference was held at the r.rewster House, at which E. P>. Washburne and Joseph Medill urged Mr. Lincoln to refrain trom such interrog-ations. But Lincoln was in- sistent. He said that if Judge Douglas answered them one way he would lose his prestige with the south : and if he answered them the other way, he could not retain the leadership of the northern wing of his party. The result justified Mr. Lincoln's prophecy. "Of that answer at Freeport,'' as Mr. Herndon puts it, Douglas "instantly died. The red- gleaming southern tomahawk flashed high and keen. Douglas was removed out of Lincoln's wav. The wind was taken out of Seward's sails ( bv the house-divided speech), and Lincoln stooil out ])rominent." The election occurred on the 2d of Novem- ber. Mr. Lincoln received a majority of over four thousand of the popular vote, yet the re- turns from the legislative districts foreshadowed his defeat. .-Kt the senatorial election in the legis- lature. Judge Douglas received fifty-four votes, and Mr. Lincoln forty-six — one of the results of the unfair a])()ortioiiment law then in o|)eration. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 83 ROCKFORD SETTLERS IX 1855-59. Charles ^^'illiams was a native of Massachu- setts. He came to Rockford in 1855, and with his son Lewis, was engaged in the hardware business. ]\Ir. Williams was the war mayor of Rockford, serving from 1859 to 1864. His home was the residence now owned by John Barnes. ^Ir. \\'illiams died in 1876. ^^'illiam M. Rowland came to Rockford in 1855. He was a native of Connecticut, and when a young man he removed to Augusta. Georgia, where he was interested in the Iron Steamboat Company. Soon after the repeal of the Missouri compromise, Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, mem- ber of congress, informally received the promi- nent citizens of Augusta. Mr. Rowland is said to have been the only gentlenian present who did not offer congratulations to Mr. Stephens upon the repeal 01 that law, but assured him that it would prove a calamity to the south. William L. Rowland was graduated from Yale college in the class of 1852, and removed to Rock- ford with his father's family in 1855. \Mien the public library was founded in 1872, Mr. Row- land was appointed librarian, and he retained this position until his death in 1900. Benjamin Blakeman was a native of Strat- ford, Connecticut. He came to Rockford in 1856, and carried on the lumber business, first on South Court, and later on South Main street. About 1 87 1 he formed a partnership with Wil- liam Dobson, in manufacturing. Mr. Blakeman is now retired from business. Colonel Garret Nevius, a native of New York, came to Rockford in 1858. He was a member of the Rockford City Greys, and in 1861 he en- listed with the Eleventh Illinois ^"olunteers, and arose to the rank of colonel. He was killed in the charge of Ransom's brigade on the enemy's works at Mcksburg, Mav 22, 1863. Memorial services were held on the courthouse square, in Rockford, where the remains lay in state, and an address was delivered by Dr, Kerr. His body was then sent to New York for burial. Colonel Nevius was only twenty-six years of age. Nevius Post, G. A. R., was named in his honor. Robert H. Tinker was born at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, in 1837, where his father. Rev. Reuben Tinker, was a missionary, sent out by the Presbyterian church. IMr. Tinker came to Rock- ford in 1856. He built the Swiss cottage on Kent creek, the most picturesque home in the city. The plan of his unique library, on two floors, with winding stairway, was suggested to Mr. Tinker by his" visit to' Sir Walter Scott's library, more than forty years ago. He was elected Mayor of Rockford in 1875, and served one term. Mr. Tinker has been interested in various manufacturing enterprises. John H. Hall came to Rockford in 1855, and engaged in the grocery trade. He served the city as alderman, and as a member of the school board. The Hall school is named in his honor. His death occurred in 1882. Lucius ]\I. West was born at Vernon Centre, New York, June 19, 1820. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Sturtevant, of his native county. In 1858 Mr. and Mrs. West and their three sons came to Rockford. In 1862 Mr. west built the store now occupied by Peer's jewelry store, where he carried on trade in rub- ber goods and boots and shoes. About 1874 he engaged in the manufacture and jobbing of enamel carriage top dressing, which has attained a world-wide re]5utation. Mr. West was actively identified with the religious interests of the city. In 1875 '''£ appointed a religious service for Woodruff's Addition, and for three years and a half conducted a mission school there, and fur- nished the building at his own expense. He died .\ugust 20, 1893. Charles L. Williams was born in Sherburne, Qienango county. New York, October 20, 1828. He was graduated from Hamilton college in 1847. and in 1 85 1 he received the degree of M. A. from his alma mater. 'Mr. Williams came to Rockford in 1859 and engaged in mercantile busi- ness. He married a daughter of Mayor Charles Williams and subsequently purchased his father- in-law's house on North Main street, which in- cluded the lots now belonging to John Barnes and Mrs. Julia P. Warren. Air. Williams took an active interest in organizing the public library, and from 1872 to 1878 he was a member of the board of directors. Daniel N. Hood was born in Salem, Massa- chusetts, September 25, 1834, and came to Rock- ford in 1858. Prof. Hood was for many years at the head of the nuisical department of Rockford seminarv, and for more than ten years of this period he w-as organist of the Second Presby- terian church in Chicago. Prof. Hood now re- sides in Boston. Gilbert Woodruff' was born near Watertown, New York, November 20, 1817. He came to Rockford in 1857, and soon after he purchased and platted a farm which is now known as Woodruff's Addition, Easy terms of payment were given purchasers of lots. Mr. Woodruff was therefore in a real sense one of the builders of Rockford. He had been president of the Rockford National Bank since its organization ; president of the Forest City Insurance Company since its organization in 1873 ; and president of the Forest City Furniture Factory since 1875. Air. Woodruff was mayor of Rockford from 1873 to 1873. He died in Rockford in October, 1903. Horace \\". Tavlor was born in Granby, Mas- V 84 PAST AND l'RF,SEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. sacluisetts. February i, 1823. He was gradu- ated from Amherst in 1848. In 1857 he came to Rockford and was admitted to the bar in the autumn of the same year. For forty years Mr. Taylor was a well known member of the legal profession of this city. In 1866 he began his work as master-in-chancery under appointment of Judge Sheldon. This position he held until his death, e-xcept an interim from 1872 to 1876. Mr. Taylor was elected a member of the legis- lature in 1878, and served one term. His death occurred at a sanitarium at Kenosha, August 29. 1898. Marquis L. Gorham was a native of Vermont, and came to Rockford in 1857. He obtained a patent for a seeder manufactured by Clark & I'tter. and for a corn cultivator made by N. C. Thompson. He was also the inventor of the \ first twine binder, the patent for which was sold L to C. H. McCormick. Mr. Gorham died at Phila- delphia in 1876. while attending the Centennial exposition, when he was only about forty-five years of age. Norman Cornelius Thompson was born in Knoxville, Georgia, May 25, 1828. He came to Rockford in 1857. He built one of the largest manufacturing plants on the water-power, and his immense output contributed in no small de- gree to the prestige of Rockford as a manufactur- ing city. Mr. Thompson was a public-spirited citizen, and a generous sup])orter of the First Presbyterian church. Financial reverses over- took him in 1884, which resulted in the suspen- sion of his bank in East Rockford, and his re- tirement from his manufacturing industry. Mr. Thompson died July 4, 1898. Thomas Butterworth was born in Manchester, England, September 6. 1827. In his twentieth year he came to America, and landed at New Orleans. On account of yellow fever, he im- mediately went to Cincinnati. He entered the employ of Stacy & Company, the proprietors of the Cincinnati gas works, and in their interest he was sent to repair the works in Rockford about 1856. The latter plant was then owned by Lane, Sanford & Co. He remained in Rockford and assumed the management of the works. He also continued the business of contractor, and built Brown's Hall, the old People's Bank Build- ing on State street, and other buildings. He subsequently sold his contracting business, and in time became the sole owner of the gas plant. In 1878 Mr. Butterworth was elected a member of the legislature, as a democrat, and served one term. His death occurred at Ashville, North Carolina. .April 5, 1885. William H. Townsend came to Rockford in 1857, from Springfield, Pennsylvania. He was in artluent circumstances. I lis home was on .South Third street, well known in later years as the residence of Dr. D. S. Clark. Mr. Townsend was a stockholder and director of the Rock River Mutual F'irc Insurance Company, and the later reverses of the company were a source of such an.xiety to him that he became deranged, June 2, 1869. his body was found in Rock river, about four and a half miles south of the city. ^Ir. Townsend was about si.xty years of age, and had been a member of the board of education. He was held in high esteem, and his death was a great shock to the community. F. H. Manny came to Rockford in 1859. He was a cousin of John P. and John H. Manny. For some years he was engaged in manufactur- ing on the water-power. His home was the resi- dence owned later by W. F. Iludler. on the South side. He met willi reverses in 1875, went to W'aukegan, and from there to Chicago. Mr. Manny died in Chicago, .\pril 15, 1899, at the age of eighty-two years. The remains were brought to Rockford for interment. .\niong other well known citizens who came to Rockford during this period are the follow- ing: George frufant, George H. Dennett. Wm. McKinlev, 1855: .A. C. Burpee, 1856: David Kevt. S.'F. Penfield. D. S. Hough, H. B. Hale, W.'H. Smith, C. .\. Shaw. 1857: John R. Porter, 1859. Other citizens engaged in active business dur- ing the fifties were: L. H. Todd, dealer in boots and shoes ; Thomas Ennett, contractor : D. Miller, boots and shoes ; J. W. Seccomb. books ; C. T. Sackett, painter; W. G. Johnson, painter; Rob- ert Smith, hatter ; J. B. Agard, grain buyer ; Joseph Burns, dry goods ; \\'m. Lyman, physi- cian ; John Fraley, druggist ; Israel Sovereign, hardware dealer. Several early settlers should have been men- tioned in their proper chronological order. .\mong these was Levi Rhoades, born at Hins- dale, New York, June 23, 1830. In 1847 he came to Rockford. He learned the cooper's trade, and during the war he laid the foundation of a large estate in supplying the demand for barrels. He continued in this business until 1884. Mr. Rhoades was interested in many manufacturing cnterjirises. and was a man of great force and executive ability. He was elected mayor of Rock- ford in 187^). and served one year. His death oc- curred November 19. 1891. W. D. Trahcrn was born in Loudoun county, N'irginia, March 24, 1824. In 1848 he came to Rockford. and the following year he began the manufacture of threshing-machines. In 1862 Mr. Trahern engaged in the manufacture of iron l)umps. Mr. Trahern was successful in business, a considerate employer, and was highly esteemed. He died No /ember' 2, 1883. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. OMINOUS WAR CLOUDS. The presidential election of i860 marked an epoch in American history. The nation had come to the parting of the ways. Mr. Lincoln's prophecy that the g-overnment could not per- manently endure half slave and half free, was about to be demonstrated before the world. Mr. Lincoln, by reason of his profound insight into the political situation, which he had shown in his debates with Jndge Douglas, was the logical can- didate of his party. The nomination of Mr. Lincoln was received with great enthusiasm by the citizens of Rock- ford. In August the Rockford Wide Awake Club was organized. Its object was co-operation for the success of republican principles and the election of Mr. Lincoln. Saturday, September ist, was a republican rally day. The Wide Awake Clubs from neigh- boring towns were present. The special attrac- tion was Cassius M. Clay, the celebrated orator of Kentucky. The exercises were held on the courthouse square, and it was estimated that fully twelve thousand people were in attendance. The first speech was made by Hon. James H. Baker, secretary of state of Minnesota. Mr. Clay was introduced by Judge S. M. Church. "His oratory," said the Register, "is not of the fervid kind, but he is a calm, cool, deliberate speaker, laying out his ideas into square blocks of solid argument and building up an edifice sup- ported b}- facts and figures which it is absolutely impossible to undermine or batter down." During September and October, a series of joint discussions was held by Judge Allen C. Fuller, of Belvidere, and John A. Rawlins, of Galena, on the political issues of the day. One joint debate was held in each county of the First congressional district. Judge Fuller was the re- publican candidate for presidential elector, and Mr. Rawlins was the candidate of the Douglas democracv. One discussion was held in Rock- ford, September 29th. These debates have a historic interest by reason of the subsequent prominence of the participants. Judge Fuller be- came the war adjutant of the state, and in this capacity he displayed great executive ability, and was the able supporter of Governor Yates, in the organization of the military forces of the state. Judge Fuller died in Belvidere in December, 1901. Upon the outbreak of the war in 1861, Mr. Rawlins came promptly to the support of the union cause ; he was the confidential friend and adviser of General Grant during his cam- paigns, and in i86g he became his secretary of war. Among other gentlemen who made addresses in Rockford during the campaign were Judge Lyman Trumbull, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Governor Bebb, Melancthon Smith, Colonel Ellis, James L. Loop and Judge Church. Richard Yates and Owen Lovejoy made speeches at Belvidere, Oc- tober 9th. The presidential election was held November 6th. Winnebago county cast 3,985 votes for Aljraham Lincoln and 817 for Judge Douglas; Richard Yates received 3,986 votes for governor, and Mr. Allen 826. The election of Mr. Lincoln was perhaps the most notable event in the life of the nation. The shouts of victory had scarcely died away when one southern state after another openly revolted from the authority of the union. The election of Mr. Lincoln brought the sword, rather than peace. But the sword was drawn in a holy cause. For two hundred and fifty years the irrepressible conflict between freedom and slavery had continued. The "land of the free" had made iniquity her law. Alillions of bondsmen wet the soil with their tears and blood. Cause and effect, the chancellors of God, had come to enforce the truth that there were rights that states must keep or they shall suffer for their sins. Victor Hugo says of Napoleon at Waterloo: "For Bonaparte to be conqueror at Waterloo was not in the law of the nineteenth century. * * * When earth is suffering from a surcharge there are mysterious moanings from the deeps that the heavens hear. Napoleon had been impeached before the Infinite and his fall was decreed. He vexed God. Wa- terloo is not a battle ; it is the change of front of the universe." So the slave-power had overleaped itself, and could no longer resist the advance of a more enlightened Christian civilization. Abraham Lincoln was the divinely appointed man for the hour. There seem to be certain superhuman adjustments that philosophy does not explain, that work out righteous results. Hu- man wisdom does not foresee them : they do not destro\- human freedom, but they do achieve their results with infallible certainty. The lead- ers of such events are like Aeneas in the fable : they are often covered with a cloud woven by divine fingers, and men do not see them. But when they are needed the cloud breaks away, and they stand before the world prepared to do their work. Such a man was Abraham Lincoln. He was called to lead in a war made holy by the quickened moral conscience of the nation. Poets, and reformers and statesmen had cast up the highwav for the King, who should visit the na- tion with chastening. This judgment day was at hand, because Phillips and Garrison and Sum- ner had come : because Whittier and Lowell and Harriet Beecher Stowe had come ; because Lin- coln and Seward and Chase had come : because Grant and Sherman and Sheridan had come ; because the great and terrible day of the Lord had come. 86 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. THE STORY (IF THIC CIVIL WAR. As soon as the ek-clion of Abraham I.iiicohi was definitely ascertained, the legislature of South Carolina smnmoned a sovereiiji) convention of the people of that state, which met December 17, i860. Three days later this convention adopted an ordinance of secession, which declared the state no longer a member of the union. Mississippi seceded January (). 1861 : I'^Iorida, January 10; Alabama, January 11; Cleorg^ia. January 19; Louisiana. January 26; Texas. I-'ebruary i. The forts, arsenals and other federal jiropcrty within the limits of these states were seized by the au- thorities thereof, with the exceptions of Forts Moultrie and Sumter. Deleg-atcs from the seceding' states met at Montgomery, .\labama. February 4, 1861, and proceeded at once to organize a new rejjublic. with the name of the Confederate States of America. F'ebruary 8th a provisional government was de- clared, with Jefferson Davis as president. April 8th Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, was notified b\- the general government of its inten- tion to relieve Fort Sumter at all hazards. Governor Pickens at once informed General lleauregard of this official notification, and the news was sent by him to the Confederate gcvem- mcnl at .Montgomery. Its secretary of war there- upon ordered (ieneral Beauregard to demand the immediate surrender of Fort Sumter. On Friday morning, .April 12th, the Confederate batteries opened fire upon the fort. The bom- bardment lasted thirty-two hours. Late in the afternoon of the 13th Major .\nders()n. in com- mand of the fort, agreed to capitulate, and the firing ceased. On the morning of Sundav. .Viiril I4.th, Fort Sumter was surrendered to the Con- federate forces, and Major Anderson and his gar- rison sailed at once for New York. Treason had struck the decisive blow ; war was inevitable. Tin-; FIRST WAR SERMON. To the late Dr. Tliomas Kerr belongs the honor of preaching the first war sermon in Rockford. He was then pastor of the First na])tist church. Sunday morning, .\pril I4tli. the startling news was received that .Sumter had fallen. It was one of the critical moments in the nation's life. Under its solemn inspiration Dr. Kerr preached an im- pressive, patriotic discourse Sunday afternoon in the liaptist church. l"or the first time in the history of Rockford, the .American flag graced the sanctuary of the God of battles. It was a symbol of the true union of church and state. But it was then an innovatii>n. Public worship was then of the "churchly" sort. Questions of the ilay had not been discussefl in the ])ulpit. The Civil war made the services of the church more practical and less theological. The pendulum has never swung back. .'Sunday afternoon. .April 28, 1861. Dr. Kerr preached aiinther stirring war semion in the Ba])tist church. The auditorium was crowded and the pastor preached a semion of great power. Several times during its delivery his noble senti- ments were greeted with outbursts of applause. None of Dr. Kerr's local contemporaries in the ministry are now living. The hearts moved by the elocjuence of that hour have ceased to beat. The aged preacher himself was almost the last survivor of that historic day. Dr. Kerr was asked to rei)eat this discourse to a larger audience. He responded in Metropolitan Hall Sunday evening. May 5. Monday morning. .April 15th, President Lin- coln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers to "subdue combinations too powerful to be supi)ressed by the ordinary course of judi- cial proceedings, and to cause the laws to be duly executed." On the same day a dispatch was re- ceived at .'^pringfield. stating that the quota of Illinois under the president's call was six regi- ments of militia. (Governor Yates therefore issued a proclamation, convening the legislature in special session, .Ajiril 23(1, for the ]nir])ose of putting the state upon a more effective war foot- ing. The attack upon Sumter obliterated all party lines in Winnebago county, and friends and oppo- nents of the administration sprang to arms to de- fend the government from the assaults of traitors. It is said that when Cadnnis of old needed men he sowed dragons' teeth, and forthwith from the ground came warriors armed for battle. So when Treason threw down the gauntlet, loyal legions of freedom acce|)ted the gage of battle. Tin: ROCK FORD ZOUAVES. The war record of Winnebago countv has never been fidly written, and no com])lete history can be assured in the future. Owing to failures to make ])roi)er retiuMis at Springfield, even the adjutant-general's reports are only apiiroximate- ly correct. The late General Fuller did much to com|)lete the records, but he could not achieve the impossible. S(ime enlisted in regiments or- ganized in other states, and in many instances credit was not ])ro|)erly given. The scope of this work does not admit a full treatment of even the available sources of information, but the brief outline is believed to be correct. Ten days after the fall of Sumter the first com|)any (^f Rockford volunteers marcherl to the front to the "wild, grand music of war." They bore the name of the Rockford Zouaves. The story of their origin may be briefly noted. Dur- ing the Lincoln campaign a "Wide-Awake" PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 87 niarcliinij;- club was organized, in command of Captain Garrett L. Xevius. When the presiden- tial campaign was over they were reluctant to abandon the organization, and when Captain Nev- ius proposed a military company, it met w"ith gen- eral favor. A meeting was held December 26, i860, at the photograph gallery of Barnes, Nevius & Company, when preliminary steps were taken, and January 3, 1861. the Rockford Zouaves were formally organized. The\' had. of course, no idea of the future before them. Garrett L. Nevius was chosen captain ; R. A. Bird, first lieutenant : \\'. D, E. Andrus, second lieutenant : R. S. Norman, ensign : F. F. Peats, orderly sergeant ; H. H. Dean, second sergeant ; J. H. Manny, third sergeant; C. B. Hull, fourth sergeant ; Randolph D. Hobart, first corporal : E. Lugrin, second corporal : Thomas Anvon, third corporal : O. C. Towne. fourth corporal ; I. S. Hyatt, secretary, and C. T. Jellerson, treasurer. Aleetings for drill were held during the winter. January 17, 186 1, resolutions were adopted to the effect that they should hold themselves in readiness to respond to any possible call for troops. At a meeting held February 2d the South Rockford band was admitted to membership. This band consisted of F. A[. Xeedham and J. A. Hobart, drummers, and C. H. Alarsh. fifer. They entered with the imderstanding that they w^ere to have no more privileges than any of the other members. Xeedham and Hobart entered the service as drummers, and Needham is now drum- ming for Nevius post. April 13th there was an impressive meeting of the Zouaves. Captain Xevius made a stirrijig speech. The last meeting noted in the record book was held April i6th. By that time the com- pany had received orders to report at Springfield. A subscription paper had been circulated to raise money to furnish uniforms for the Zouaves, and by .A.pril 20th $1,200 had been pledged, with the promise of more if it should be needed. Men. women and children bent their efforts toward get- ting the Zouaves in shape for service. The wom- en sent their sewing machines up to concert hall, and gathered there to make the uniforms out of bolts of blue flannel secured as donations from the merchants and with money subscribed by the men. Those were busy days in concert hall. Women worked as they had never worked before, willingly, yet reluctantly ; tearfully, and yet cheer- fully, as each tried to encourage the other and remove the fears that they were preparing for a final parting from their loved ones. There was much to do, and a discussion arose on the subject of working on Sunday. Ajjril 21st. The citizens were a Sunday-keeping people then, perhaps more so than now, but it was resolved that the work ju.stified it, and the women labored all that bright and beautiful day in early spring. Wednesday, April 24, 1861, the Rockford Zou- aves left Rockford for the capital of the state. Business was g-enerally stispended, and between four and five thousand people were at the train to bid them farewell. The Zouaves first enlisted for three months' service, and became Company D, of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, of which W. H. L. Wallace was colonel. This compan\-. with two recruits in the follow- ing June, and one member of the noncommis- sioned regimental staff, numbered exactly one hundred inen. They were the vanguard of the amiy furnished b)' Winnebago county. They belong to the first roll of honor, and for this rea- son their names are given in full as follows : Captain, Garrett L, X^evius ; first lieutenant, Rhenodyne A. Bird ; second lieutenant, William D. E. Andrus ; first sergeant, Henry H. Dean ; sergeants, Randolph D. Hobart, James H, Man- ny, Charles B, Hull ; corporals, Edward F, Lu- grin, Thomas Anyon, C)rin C, Towne, Frederick Brown : musicians, John A. Hobart, Mills F. X'eedham : privates, Charles E. .\rnold, William .\tkins, Lcander Bander, Alfred Barker, Thomas J. Bryan. David O. Butolph, Henry L. Brown, John Beatson, Alpheus D. Brown, Alpheus M. Blakesley, George C, Brown. Benjamin Bentson. Thomas Beddoes, Thomas W. Cole, Orin W. Cram, Andrew Clark, Bradford A. Champlain, Henry W. Cooling. Ervin E. Clark. William W. Clark. Richard A. Compton, Philip Crooker, Charles D. Clark, George \\'. Darling. George E. Dol])hin. Elislia S. Daggett. Charles L. Dunham, John L, Davis. Alexander X. Davis. Charles B. Eaton, Jud .A.. Ellison. John E. Elliott, Peter En- galls, William D. Frost, Almond Gifford, Har- vey Hemenwa}-, Derastus Holmes, Simon Hos- mer, Charles Hawkinson, lereon R. Hest, Freder- ick I. Horsman, George J. Hitchcock, Herring- ton Love, Daniel E. Lee, Xeri R. Mosher, George W. Maguire, John McGuire, Edward E. Magee, J. George Manlove, George H. Manchester, Wil- liam L. Mesick, Charles Pittinger, Charles N. Price, Levi Pitney. Frederick L. Posson, Luman G. Pierce, Floyd B. Penoyer. Rudolph W. Peake, William M. Putman, Charles X. Roberts. Walter Reckard. Shepard P. Strunk, Louis Schlunt, Jo- seph R. Shields, Erastus T. Stevens. William H. Skeed, Henry P. Strong. .-Vmbrose Stearns. J. Murray Southgate, Christopher C. Shank, James M, Stevens, Thomas A. Stevens, Edward S. Smith, Edwin Swift, Edward P, Thomas, Riley \'an Patten, John Wagner, Rufus L, Whitney, Jolm W. Warfield, John W^ Warner, William \\'inter, George \\'irkin, William G. D. Weed, Francis B. Wakeman : recruits, Marion E, De- lanv, Louis Houston. 88 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. Twenty members of the Zouaves were subse- (|iiently sent home from Siiriiitrfield, under an army re.trulution tliat companies nnist not exceed ninctv-seven men. inchuhng' officers. Some of these promptly enHsted in other companies. The first soldier from Rockford to die for his country in the Civil war was Xeri R. Mosher, one of the first Zouave volunteers. He died June 5th of tyi>hoi(l fever, at Camp Hardin, near Villa Ridf^e. Illinois, and his remains were sent to Rockford for interment. .Vu.sfust 8th. after three months of service, the Zouaves returned to Rockford. Many of them promptly re-cnlisted, and eig:ht days later, .Au- STust 1 6th. they again went to the front. Captain W. D. E. Andrus was detailed as recruiting offi- cer, and it was not until Xovembcr 13th that the ranks were filled, when the recruits joined the coiupany at Bird's Point. The Rockford Cit\' band entered service with the Zouaves and be- came a part of the Eleventh regiment. The fol- lowing named musicians constituted the regi- mental band : Leader, M. H. P.aldwin : musicians, Robert .\1- chin, Rufus B. Artz, Prolia .A.rtz, Charles B. Eaton ( Xo. 1), Charles B. Eaton (No. 2), James Eaton, Augtistus Dedrickson, Thomas Gray, Giarles W. Halcum, Charles P. Henrick, Daniel Kipp. Isaac Larue, Horace Nettleton, John P. Xettleton, Henry C. Sullivan. The total number of men enrolled in Company D, of the Eleventh Regiment, including recruits for the three years, was one hundred and four. With the field and staff, non-commissioned staff, musicians and nine unassigned recruits in Com- pany K. the total enlistments for this county in the Elcvcntli Regiment were one hundred and thirty-three. THF. Firecome inspired with an ardent military spirit, which found its expression in the organization of a cnm])any, the Ellis Rifles, which he tendered to the governor. The enrollment began Wednes- day. .April 24th, and the ranks were filled in less than one week. Mr. Ellis was chosen captain ; Holder Brownell. first lieutenant : Cyrenius C. Clark, second lieutenant. On Saturday, May 11, the Rifles went into camp at Freeport, and were subsequently known as Company C, of the Fif- teenth Infantry, under command of Colonel Thomas J. Turner. The total enrollment of Com- pany C, including veterans and recruits, was ninety-three men. A'olunteers from Winnebago enlisted in other companies of the Fifteenth. The total enrollment of this regiment from Winne- bago county, including field and staff, non-com- missioned staff, privates, veterans, recruits and unclassified recruits, was one hundred and twen- ty-five men. The adjutant's report also gives the names of fifteen volunteers from this county in the reorganized Fifteenth Regiment. ( APTAIX KKTCHESON'.S COMPAXV. Daniel (X Ketchcson was also among the first to respond to the call of his country. He organ- ized a companv called the Rockford Rifles. By reason of some confusion and embarrassment, limvever. at Springfield, he failed to get into the service of his own state, and the company at once disbanded. A new muster roll was imme- diately o|)ened and another company fonued. It went into camp at the fair grounds, where it took a full course of drill. Friday. May 31, Captain Kctcheson's company left Rockford for St. Louis, where it was accepted as Company I. of the Sixth Missouri Regiment, under command of Frank Blair. Captain Ketchcson died in Rockford .April 28, 1864. He fought bravely at Corinth. \'icks- burg. Champion Hills, .Arkansas Post, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga. .At \'icksburg and Ar- kansas Post Captain Ketchcson led charges and cneered his men to the very muzzles of the guns of the enemy. DF.ATII OF COr.OXF.L F.LI.S WORTH. Colonel Ephraini Elmer Ellsworth is one of the most historic figures of the early war period. He was a national character, yet there were rea- sons why local interest attaches to his meinory, and to the older residents wlio had known him he still seems as one of their own heroic bovs. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 89 Colonel Ellsworth was born in Mechanicsville, New York, April 23, 1837. After a brief mer- cantile career in Tro}- and New York, he removed to Chica,a;o at an early age. where he became a solicitor of patents. In 1858 Colonel Ellsworth was engaged as drillmaster for the old Rockford City Greys, an independent military company, which had been organized two years before. Under his instruc- tions the company attained a high degree of pro- ficiency. In September, 1858, an encampment was held on the fair grounds, which continued four days. The Rockford Register of June i, 1861, in edi- torially commenting upon his death, said of this brilliant military^ leader : "Although young, he had proven himself to be surpassed by no man in the land as a teacher of military rules and drill, and, in fact, was the father of the Zouave drill in this country. No one has forgotten his splen- did tour through the northern states last sum- mer, stopping for drill in every large city of the north, received with acclamations of joy at every point, and taking his command through that try- ing military ordeal, crowned with honors, and the reputation of being the best drilled corps of men in the United States.'' Colonel Ellsworth was a splendid type of young manhood. He was received as a social lion by the young people of Rockford. He was frequent- ly a guest at the home of Charles H. Spafford, and at the time of his death he was betrothed to his elder daughter, now Mrs. Carrie S. Brett. In i860 Colonel Ellsworth organized a com- panv of Zouaves in Chicago, and the following year he accompanied President Lincoln to Wash- ington. May 24, 1 861, upon seeing a Confeder- ate flag floating from a hotel in Alexandria, Vir- ginia, he rushed to the roof and tore it down. On his return from the roof he was met and shot dead by Jackson, the owner, who, in turn, was killed by one of Ellsworth's men, Frank E. Browneli. Colonel Ellsworth's blood was the first shed in the civil conflict. The nation mourned his loss as of the fairest of the flower of her chivalrv. The New York World paid him this noble tribute : "He was a hero in the fairest and most captivating sense of the word. He was as handsome as Murat and as brave as Ney. He possessed to a degree that winning power over men by which, through all historv. great captains and leaders have been dis- tinguished. He was a commander by the im- perial right of birth. Quick, alert, exclusive, in- tuitive in his perception of tne qualities of men ; rigorous in discipline, yet submitting himself to the rigors which he imposed." Colonel Ellsworth's funeral was held in the east room of the White House. Among the mourners was General \^'infield Scott, dressed in the full uniform of his high position. Before him lay the dead body of one, almost a boy in vcars, who had died in the service of his country, and around him were gathered the great ones of the land. There were President Lincoln, Simon Cameron, William H. Seward, Commander Paulding, of the Navy, Nathaniel P. Banks, and other men high in the councils of the nation. Sunday afternoon, June 2d, Rev. H. M. Good- win preached a memorial service on the death of Colonel Ellsworth in the Second Congregational church. The day and hour were the same that similar services were held in Chicago. DE.\TH OF .STEPHEN .\. DOUGLAS. Stephen A. Douglas died at the old Tremont House, in Chicago, June 3, 1861, at the age of fortv-eight vears. With the single exception of Abraham Lincoln, no personality in the history of Illinois possesses more elements of intense in- terest than that of Senator Douglas. His life was a notable example of the perils and possibilities of genius. Douglas was ambition's child and king. With the single exception of Henry Clay, he was the greatest parliamentary leader in American history. Rockford shared the nation's grief in the death of Senator Douglas. Memorial services were held on the courthouse square, Saturday after- noon, June 7th. Three thousand people were in attendance. The orator of the day was the Rev. John P. Donelan, priest of St. James' Roman "Catholic church. Flags were at half mast, public buildings were draped in emblems of mourning, and from two o'clock until five business was en- tirely suspended. On the following Sunday a second memorial service was held. Rev. M. Schofield, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal church, preached in the Sec- ond Congregational church, and by request of citizens his discourse was published in the city papers. WAR SERMON.S P,Y r.TSHOP SIMPSON. Bishop Simpson was one of the greatest Amer- ican preachers. His war sermons in Rockford are, therefore, a matter of historic interest. Sun- dav. June 30, 1861, the three Methodist churches of the city united in a service in Metroplitan Hall. Tlie bishop's sermon was of great power. In the afternoon a union Methodist meeting was held in the Second church, later known as the Court Street church, when Bishop Simpson addressed the children. In the evening, upon the request of citizens, he preached an eloquent dis- course in the Second Congregational church, on "The Present Crisis." 90 PAST AND TRESEXT OF WINXEBAGO COUNTY. KKV. A. II. Cd.V.WT I'.KCO.MICS CIlAl'l-Al \ . In July. i8<')i. Rev. .A. H. Conant. pastor of tlif L'liitarian cluircli. rcsijjiu'd, and a feus weeks later lie enlisted as a chaplain in the .Xineteeiith Illinois Infantry. ( )nly one other citizen o{ Win- nehapi county is known to have entered the ser\'- ice with this resiuit'nt — Colonel Thomas C. Law- der. r.oth these names, however, in the adjutant- .t^eneral's report, arc credited to Chica,e;o. Chap- lain Conant died at Xashville. February 8. 1863. His death was due to exposure and exertion at the battle of Murfrcesboro. Till'. KOCKFOKD RlFLli.S. In .\us:ust Melc-uicthon Smith issued a stirring api)eal for vohniteers. quoting the last words of ( "icneral I, yon. "Come on. brave men!" Mr. .^mith had oidy a few months before received the appointment of jmstmaster of Rockford, and it reeiuired not a little patriotism to leave this posi- tion for the hard.ships of war. Mr. Smith had been a member of the old Rockford City Greys, which had been drilled by Colonel Ellsw-orth, and he was thus not entirely without military ex- perience. September 17th. after the ranks had been filled, an election of officers was held, with the follow- ing result : Captain. Melancthon Smith : first lieutenant. Robert P. Sealy : second lieutenant. D. W. Grip- pen. September 22(\ the company left Rockford for Cam|i W'ashburne. at (ialena. They were mus- tered into the service as Company G, of the For- ty-fifth Regiment, known as the W'ashburne Lead-.Mine Regiment, in command of Colonel John E. Smith. The total number of enlistments in Company G from Wimiebago county, includ- ing veterans, recruits and drafted and substitute recruits, was one hundred and twenty-four. There were on tlie field and staff and in other companies eightv-seven volunteers, making the total num- ber of enlistments in the Forty-fifth Regiment from Winnebago county two hundred and thirty- one. John Travis, a member of the Rifles, was the first solflier from Winnebago county killed in battle. Me lost his life at the battle of Fort Don- el.son. in February. 1862. There were four com- panies from this connty on that field of carnage —the Rockford Rifles and the Cherry X'alley com|)any. in the I'orty-fifth : the Zouaves, in the Eleventh, and Captain P.oyd's company, in the Fifty-second. W.VSIIlll'RNK Riri.ES. In September Rhenodyne .\. Piird organized a comi)any with a1)OUt eighty members, and .Sep- tember i;tli they left lor camp at Chicago, where they became a ])art of the Douglas brigade. The Rifles were known as Company C. of the Fifty- fifth Illinois N'olunteers. The total niunber of enlistments in this com])any from Winnebago coimty. including veterans and recruits, was one hundred and seven. There was one volunteer in Coni])any D. WI N NF.lt .\r.O .SH.\RPSIIOnTF.RS. In September. i8r>i. Wesley Pioyd organized a company. calKd the Winnebago Shar|)shooters, (if which he became ca])tain. In October the com- pany went into cam]) at Camp Geneva, and be- came Company E. of the Fifty-second Infantry. The total number of enlistments in this company from this county, including veterans and recruits, was ninety-eight. There was oidy one volunteer in Company F. The regiment was organized at Geneva. Kane county, by the Hon. Isaac G. Wil- son, who was for many years a judge upon the circuit bench. CAVALRY COMPANY. .\ s])len(li(l cavalry cimiiiany was organized in September. John Austin, of Riickford. was cho- sen captain; A. j. .Martin, first lieutenant; John .\uslin. of Ogle county, second lieutenant. It was known as Company M. of the Eighth Illinois cavalry. Winnebago county contributed to this com- pany, during the entire war period, one hundred and thirteen volunteers. Enlistments in other companies of this regiment, with unassigned re- cruits, brought the total number of enlistments in this coimty to two hundred and thirteen. September lAth the company went into camp at St. Cliarles. The regiment was organized by the Hon. John V. Farnsworth. who represented the Rockford di>trict in congress from 186^ to T. T. Ilobart raised a companv in August, which bi'came Company G. of the Fortv-fourth Infan- tr\. known as the X'orthwestern Rifles regiment. TJie number of enlistments in this companv from Winnebago coimty for the entire war period, in- cluding recruits, was one hundred and twenty- four. There were also in this regiment, on its field and stafT, non-commissioned staff, and re- cruits in Com|)any F. ten volunteers from this countv. This regiment was mustered into the service in Sejjtember. (HIIFR VOI.fNTKKRS OF 'fil. In response to apjieals made at war meetings. nianv attem])ts were made, more or less success- ful, to raise com|>anies in the various townshijis PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 91 of the county. Captain S. Whitmeyer organized the Diirand Guards, and a company was enrolled in Cherry Valley, which, for some reason, was not accepted. These volunteers found their way into the service as members of other companies. Recruiting officers also secured volunteers in the interest of various regiments. Among these were Lieutenants E. H. Brown and D. H. Gile, of Chicago, who were in Rockford in the interest of Company A, of the Yates Phalanx. soldiers' aid society. The Soldiers' Aid Society was organized Au- gust 27, 1861. It represented the different re- ligious organizations in the city, united on the broad ground of Christian patriotism, to labor with one mind and heart for those who had en- listed in the service of their country. The offi- cers were: Mrs. Thomas Kerr, president; Airs. Jane Smith, vice-president; Miss Juliette Wheat, secretary; Miss Melissa Aloffat, treasurer; Miss Anna P. Sill, corresponding secretary. A state- ment published January 4, 1862, showed that a great work had been done during the first year of the war. COUNTY W.\R .\PPR0PRIATIONS. January 4, 1862, H. R. Enoch, the county treasurer, made a public statement of county money expended for the relief of the families of volunteers. The total sum for the preceding eight months, from Alay to December, inclusive, was $4,259. THE FIFTEENTH .\T THE BATTLE OF SHILOH. The Fifteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry was raised under the "ten regiment act," in the First congressional district. Company A was from McHenry county ; Company B, Boone county ; Company C, W'innebago county ; Com- pany D, McHenry county ; Company G, Stephen- son county ; Company H, Ogle county ; Company I, Lake county, and Company K, from Carroll county. The regiment was organized at Free- port, Illinois, and mustered into the LInited States service on the 24th day of May, 1861, being one of the first regiments from the state sworn into the Lmited States service, for the three years' service. After electing officers, organizing and drilling for some time, the regiment proceeded to Alton, Illinois, remaining there six weeks for instruction. In July the regiment left .\lton by steamboat for St. Charles, Missouri, thence by rail to Mexico, Missouri, where it remained for a time in company with the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry, commanded by Colonel L'. S. Grant. A part of the regiment marched from Mexico to Fulton, and thence to the Missouri river, and thence by steamer to Jefferson Barracks ; the other part of the regiment marched to Hannibal, Alissonri, and thence by steamer to Jefferson 1 Sarracks. The regiment then moved by rail to Rolla, Missouri, where it arrived in time to cover General Sigel's retreat from Wilson's Creek. After building one or two forts, the regiment was ordered to Tipton, Missouri, and thence became attached to General Fremont's army, and marched under General Hunter to Springfield, Missouri ; after remaining there a short time the regiment returned to Tipton, then went to Sedalia. It as- sisted in the capture of 1,300 rebels a few miles from the latter place. The regiment then marched to Otterville, Missouri, and went into winter quarters December 26, 1861. The winter was cold and the snow deep, and the first winter's ex- perience in tents was a very severe one. February i, 1861, the regiment marched to Jefferson Citv, thence by rail to St. Louis, where it embarked on transports for Fort Donelson. and arrived to take part in the surrender. The regi- ment was then assigned to General S. A. Hurl- but's "Fighting Fourth Division," and marched to Fort Henry, then went by boat to Pittsburg Landing, it being one of the first regiments that landed on that historic battle-ground. At the bat- tle of Shiloh, on the 6th of April, the regiment was in the first line of battle, formed by Hurl- but's division, and was in the brigade commanded by General C. Veach. Hardly had the brigade taken position, when a Confederate column, massed three lines deep, deployed from the woods on the left front, and with rebel yell that ech- oed through the surrounding forest, charged on in double-(|uick. The Fifteenth was flanked by the Fifty-third Ohio, on the right. At the first fire of the enemy the Buckeyes broke and ran, and the enemv were not only in front of the Fifteenth Regiment, but on both flanks in a very short time. For more than one hour the regiment held its po- sition, and fought as gallantly as any troops could fight in the terrible struggle, called by the Con- federates the "Hornet's Nest." and disputed inch by inch the advance and the incessant attacks of the best troops in the Confederate service. Owing to the want of support, the regiment was com- pelled to withdraw and take up a new position. In five minutes after the regiment formed its first line, the field officers, Lieutenant-Colonel E. F. W. Ellis and Major William R. Goddard, Cap- tains Holden Brownell and Harley Wayne and Lieutenant John W. Peterbaugh, were killed, and Captain Adam Nase lost a leg and was taken prisoner. Captain Thomas J. Turner was ab- sent, and the command of the regiment devolved upon Captain L. D. Kelly and George C. Rogers, assisted by Adjutant Charles F. Barber. As soon as a new line was formed (the Fourteenth Illi- 92 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. nois on the left of the Fifteenth), wlien the ene- my had approached sufficiently near, these two regiments, actintj as one man, rose and delivered a rapid, well aimed and awfully destructive fire full into the massed ranks of the enemy. The enemy was soon convinced that this was not the way to the landing:. .\t the second attack these two regfiments received the first shock, and for three hours were in that awful gap, without giv- ing ground, where the Confederates sacrificed more than two thousand as brave men as ever trod the battle-field, in the unavailing efi'nrt ti> drive them from their position. This bajjtism of blood cemented the two regiments, and they were al- ways afterward ijrigaded and served together during the remainder of the war, and discharged at the same time and place. The Fifteenth Regi- ment was in the hottest of the fight both days of the bloody battle, and not a man faltered in his duty or failed to perform all that was re(|uircd of him. The two regiments that were in the final charge on the 7th, led by General Grant in per- son, were the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Illinois; the Fourteenth commanded by Colonel Cyrus Hall, and the [""ifteenth by Captain George C. Rogers. This detachment moved forward, and when within range delivered their fire, and with fi.xed bayonets charged at double-quick. The rak- ing fire, however, had done its work. The Con- federate army had fled. The Fifteenth Regiment lost in this engagement two hundred and fifty men killed and wounder liis high moral character and social worth and all who enjoyed his ac(|uaintance will remem- ber him with the liveliest emotions. His charac- ter was one which all will love tt> perhcads. were a source of much annoyance.'' In the same pajicr Major Flvim vividly de- scribed the battle of Missionary Ridge. His allu- sion to the death of Lieutenant James Conway, of Company A. breathes the fervor and eloquence of his race. Rare indeed is a soldier's death more impressively told than in these words : PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 95 "The next morning the Fifteenth Corps moved along the valle}- under the Lookout mountain range toward Chattanooga. On the morning of the 25th it was in Hne for the desperate struggle that day commemorates as the battle of Mission Ridge. The regiment lost its colonel, the brave O'Meara ; its lieutenant-colonel was shot through the body, and Lieutenant James Conwav. of Com- pany A, of this city, was shot through the heart. WHien found after the sun went down, he was in a kneeling position, his sabre in his right hand, his revolver in his left, his face to the enemy and his virtuous eyes turned to heaven, as though ful- ly satisfied of the sacred justness of the cause for which he was yielding up his life, he was anxious to meet the benignant glance of his Creator. Im- pressed with a knowledge of a duty nobly done, this brave )'oung officer knelt at the shrine of in- finite mercy, and while the words of hope were yet warm upon his cjuivering lips, his soul went forth into the presence of the Almighty Father. There 160 out of 370 heroes were beaten down in the bloody rain of rebel bullets. Being rank- ing officer, I took command of the Nineteenth that day." Major Flynn served his company as captain from August, 1862, until March, 1863. when he was promoted to major and continued with his regiment until he was wounded. August 28, 1863, at the battle of i\Iissionary Ridge. He was mus- tered out of service in Jime, 1865. During the early part of the war there were also eight enlistments in the Eighth Infantry, twenty in the Forty-sixth, one in the consolidated Forty-seventh, one in the Forty-eighth, one in the Forty-ninth, thirteen in the Fifty-first, three in the Fifty-fourth, two in the Sixty-ninth, and eight in the Seventy-first. There were fifty-six volunteers in Batteries A, B. E, H and I of the First Regiment of light ar- tillery, and twenty-one in the Second artillery. DEATH OF COLONEL SMITH. In the month of February, 1863, the Forty-fifth Regiment moved with Grant's army on transports down the river from Alemphis to take part in the Vicksburg campaign. Stops were made at Lake Providence, Msta plantation and Milliken's Bend. At I\Iilliken"s Bend volunteers were called for to run the batteries with transports at Vicksburg. The entire regiment, officers and men, volunteered for this duty. Tlie matter was decided by mak- ing a detail of the quota assigned to the Forty- fifth. The detail comprised the crew which manned the steamer Anglo-Saxon, and took her safely through. loaded with a full cargo of com- missary stores. ilay I, 1863, found the Forty-fifth on the east bend of the ^Mississippi at Bruinsburg, below N'icksburg, and the same day started with Gen- eral (Grant's army on the famous campaign which ended in the capture of \'icksburg. The regi- ment participated in all the battles of the cam- paign, forming part of Logan's division. The position of the Forty-fifth during the siege of \'icksburg was immediately at the White House, on the Jackson road, in front of the rebel Fort Hill, regarded as the key to the fortress. The Forty-fifth took part in three charges against the rebel works, on the 19th and 22d"of May and the 25th of June. On the 22d Major Luther H. Cowan was instantly killed. About a month was occupied in running a gap and dig- ging a mine under Fort Hill. June 25th, the mine having been charged, the match was ap- ])lied. The Forty-fifth was selected as the storm- ing party after the breach should be made. Im- mediately after the explosion the regiment rushed into the crater, but was met with a murderous fire l3\- the enemy, who was still protected by an embankment of about three feet in width, which had been thrown up by the rebels as an inner line in case the outer works should be demolished. The loss to the Forty-fifth in this charge was eighty-three ofificers and men killed and wounded. Among the number were Melancthon Smith, lieu- tenant-colonel ; Leander B. Fisk. major, and a number of non-commissioned officers and men. Among the wounded was Jasper A. Maltbv, col- onel of the regiment. It was a bloody afl'air, in- deed. When the city surrendered, on account of its conspicuous service during the siege, bv order of General Grant, the Forty-fifth was given the advance of the L'nion army when it entered that stronghold, and its flag was raised upon the court- house by Colonel William F. Strong, of General McPherson's stafi', to denote the possession of the city by the Federal army. June 23, 1863. Colonel Smith was mortally wounded at the storming of a fort at Vicksburg by General Logan's division. He lingered three days in a state of half-consciousness and died Sunday morning, June 28, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. His remains were brought to Rock- ford for burial. Funeral services were held June nth at the home of his father-in-law, John Ed- wards. His remains lay in state in front of the house. The discourse was delivered by Rev. F. AI. Holland, pastor of the Unitarian church, of which Colonel Smith was a member. Sunday afternoon Dr. H. M. Goodwin preached a memorial sermon in the Second Con- gregational church. Concerning Colonel Smith's patriotism. Dr. Goodwin said : "Before deciding to enter the ami}-, he made the question a subject of devout and earnest prayer, and the decision, when made, was a religious consecration to the service of his country, expecting never to return, but to die on the field of battle." 96 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WTXXEBAGO COUNTY. RESUME OF RECORD OF VOLUNTEERS. November 14. 1863, Rolicrt Ogrilby made an abstract of the record uf Winiicbago county vol- imteers to that date. The total niunber of en- listments was 2,127. ^^f tli^"^*-' 47 '^•"^' ^'^'^" killed. 160 died, 86 wounded, 24 wounded and died. 49 wounded and discharged. 14 discharged and died, nuistered out and died. The total deaths to that date were 254. SUPERVISORS R.MSE WAR BOUNTY. At the regular session of the supervisors in December, 1863. the board of super\-isors raised the bountv to $100 for all who would enlist be- tween December ist and January 5th. This bountv was in the form of a county bond draw- ing seven per cent, interest and transferable at pleasure. The last year of the war drained the loyal states of its available militia. President Lincoln's call for 500,000 men in the summer of 1864 was a severe test of loyalty, but all demands were met by \\'innebago county. September 15th the board of super\isors passed a resolution offering a bounty of $300 to volunteers in the county who had enlisted since September 5th, or who might thereafter enlist. October ist it was officially an- nounced that \\'imiebago county was out of the draft, and that under the last call for volunteers, more than three hundred had been raised. Winnebago county contributed 3,187 .soldiers to the volunteer sen-ice of the Union during the Civil war. This was twenty-five more than its quota. PRISONERS OF W.\R. The adjutant-general's report devotes fifteen full pages to the list of Illinois soldiers who died in Andersonville prison. Among diose who sur- vived the horrors of that prison pen from this county were Captain Lewis F. Lake, a member of Taylor's Battery, who had l>een captured at the battle of Atlanta; Lieutenant Andrew Phin- ney and Roger Brown. The late Dr. Selwyn Clark and Dr. Ginton Helm were confined in Libby prison. H. C. Scovill, the present city clerk, was a prisoner ten months at Macon, Geor- gia. He enlisted in an Ogle county company. William L. Mesick, of Company E, First Illinois Light .\rtillery, a Rockford boy, was left on the field of Guntown, Mississippi, for dead, and aft- erward turned up at Andersonville prison. His funeral sermon was preached in Rockford. He recovered his health in a measure, and lived more than thirty years. MRS. M.\RV BRAINARD, ARMY NURSE. Mrs. Mar>- Brainard saw the hard side of the war life, and worked many a long night over the dying soldiers, and writing the last letters iiome for those who were too weak to do it for themselves. Mrs. Brainard left Rockford in Sep- temljer of 1862, going with the Seventy-fourth Illinois volunteers as a nurse under Colonel Marsh. In a short time she was made nurse and head matron of the hospital at Lebanon, Ken- tucky, where she sjient the winter, and then go- ing to the hos])ital at Lewisvillc as head nurse and matron. She spent the summer there in charge of the officers' hospital, but during the fall she was taken seriously sick with malarial fever and was sent north. During the time of her nursing she was not under sanitarj- commis- sion, as were most of the nurses, but was in the government employ. Because of her faithful work she was awarded a ])ension by a special act of congress. Mrs. Brainard died suddenly Octo- ber 7, 1905. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION. The late Dr. Thomas Kerr was for a time a member of the Christian commission, under ap- pointment of President Lincoln. After his re- turn from the field he delivered a number of lec- tures, the ])roceeds of which were devoted to the war relief fund. THE NAVAL SERVICE. 'J"hc county contributed a few volunteers to the naval service. \'olney D. W'oodruff, John L. Clark. George Potter, and John A. Ferguson were members of the West Gulf Blockading squadron. John McDermaid, now a resident of Rockford. but who enlisted in an eastern state, enjoys the distinction of having been a partici- pant in the engagement in which the Confederate ram .\lbcmarle was destroyed. This unique his- toric event occurred October 27. 1864. on Roanoke river, in North Carolina, by a detail of twelve men, under command of Col. Cushing. SENT ELEVEN SONS TO WAR. The story of Mrs. H. B. Merchant's devotion to her country is probably without parallel. Her husband had died several years before and she was dependent for support upon her eleven sons. When the war broke out she bade the elder ones farewell and they went away. As the need for men grew greater the younger ones enlisted until finally all of the eleven were fighting for the stars and stripes. The brothers in the war and the com- mands in which thev enlisted were : G. W. Merchant, Co. C, 74th'lll. Vol. : A. L. Merchant, Co. C, 15th 111. Vol.; Enoch Merchant, Co. F, 156th 111. Vol.; D. O. Merchant, Co. C, 74th 111. \'ol. ; S. B. Merchant, Co. G, 44th 111. Vol. ; A. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 97 J. Merchant, Co. G, 44th 111. Vol.; L. E. Mer- chant, Co. G, 45th 111. Vol. ; Aaron Merchant, Co. G, isth Wis. Vol.; N. W. Merchant, United States Cavalry ; J. C. Merchant, teamster in quar- ter-master's department. Each of the brothers who sur\'ived received an honorable discharge. THE COST OF THE W.\R. January i, 1866, Adjutant-General Haynie issued a circular letter to the authorities of each county in the state, requesting- a statement of the amount of money paid by counties, cities and vil- lages. Winnebago county contributed $434, 038.25. The several townships and the city of Rockford raised $65,964.13. These sums make a grand total of $500,002.38. This amount was expended for bounties, transportation, subsistence, general expenses, soldiers' families and interest. END OF WAR STORV. The writer is deeply conscious of the fact that this sketch is not an adequate history of the part borne bv Winnebago county in the great civil conflict. Such an undertaking would require a volume in itself. After the admission has been made, however, this history may still modestly claim to be th'e most complete that has appeared to date. It is hoped that in time to come some historian may tell the story in full as it is worthy to be told. NEVIUS POST G. A. R. Nevius post, G. A. R., is one of the oldest posts in the United States. For some years there was much discussion over the question of pri- ority of organization of the Wisconsin and the Illinois departments, and this honor has finally been decided in favor of the latter. The Rock- ford post was mustered into the order June i, 1866, by General Stephen A. Hurlbut, as No. 124, although the charter bears the date of Oc- tober 3d. following. All previously organized posts in Illinois were disbanded, so that the Rock- ford post succeeded to priority. The present membership is about four hundred, in round num- bers. Nevius post has been able to secure, during the thirtv-nine rears of its histon,-, some of the best orators in the country, for Memorial day oc- casions. Among these are : Gen. John A. Logan, Gen. John L. Beveridge, Gen. Smith D. Atkins, Gen. Allen C. Fuller, Gen. A. L. Chetlain, Ex- Secretary of War Belknap, Bishop Samuel Fal- lows, Col. James A. Sexton, Col. Frank A. Rid- dle. Col. W. P. Hepburn, Commander-in-Chief John R. Rea, Gov. Chamberlain of Vermont, W. J. Calhoun. 7 The post was named in honor of Colonel Gar- rett L. Nevius, who was killed during the siege of Vicksburg. Only two charter members are known to be living : J. G. Manlove and Evans Blake. The annual encampment of the Depart- ment of Illinois has been held four times in Rock- ford. The last two dates were 1894 and 1905. Col. Thomas G. Lawler has served the post the greater part of its history as commander. Be- ginning with July, 1868, he served five terms of six months each. In 1872 he was elected for the term of one year and has held the office thirty- three consecutive years. Col. Lawler was elected commander-in-chief of the national Grand Army organization in 1894. FAMOUS INVITATION TO JEFFERSON DAVIS. July I, 1875, Mr. Henry P. Kimball, the sec- retary of the Winnebago Count}' Agricultural society for seventeen years, by the authority of the board of directors, extended an invitation to Jefferson Davis to be present at the annual exhi- bition in September, and deliver an address. This invitation and its acceptance stirred up such a furore of excitement among the people of north- ern Illinois as to induce Mr. Davis to withdraw his acceptance. The correspondence thus neces- sitated became a matter of national notoriety. In the time of the Indian troubles through this section of the country Jefferson Davis, with others, helped subdue them. Later, however, he became the representative man and leader in the attempt to establish an independent confederacy out of the slave states, and, although unsuccess- ful, the horrors of the war that followed were not forgotten. When his promised attendance was announced, the memories of war times were kindled anew in the loyal heart, and a cry of opposition was raised that was soon borne to the ears of the Confederate chieftain, giving him to understand that his presence would be offensive almost be- yond toleration. In giving shape to this opposi- tion the G. L. Nevius post, G. A. R., of Rock- ford, was the first to move, and caused to be is- sued the following protest : "Whereas : We learn, with regret, that Jef- ferson Davis has been invited by the board of directors of the Winnebago Agricultural society to deliver the annual address at our county fair ; and whereas, we look upon it as an insult to the loyal citizens of Winnebago county to invite the arch-traitor, Jefferson Davis, to address the rela- tives and surviving friends of thirteen thousand men murdered at Andersonville alone, by his orders. "Resolved. That while as an organization we have nothing to do with politics, yet, as loyal citizens and former soldiers, we feel it our duty i)» I'AST AXn I'RESKXT OF \VIX"\i:i'..\( ,0 LOLXTV. to speak in behalf of the memory of our fellow- comrades, who arc no lonsjcr able to speak for tlieiiiselves. "Second. That we protest as^ainst the action of the board of directors, and jiledge onrselves that we will not attend the fair, nor contribute any- thing;- toward makinjj it a success, if tiie board of directors persist in bringing- forward this arch- traitor and cow-ard. 'Third. That the.se resolutions be signed b\ the members of this post, and published in the county papers." This protest was signed by one hundred and twenty-six members of the post, and a jsrinted copy thereof forwarded to Mr. Davis, upon the receipt of which he atldressed to Mr. Kimball his letter of declination, under date of Augu.st i.sUi. THE FAI.I, or -niE COURTHOUSE. In 1S75 the board of supervisors took pre- liminary steps toward the erection of a new- courthouse. Henry L. Gay was the architect, and W. D. Richardson the contractor. The cor- ner-stone was laid June 23. 1876. May 11, 1877, occurred the greatest disaster in the history of the city, known as the "fall of the courthouse." All but a portion of the front pediment of the main central tow-er. or dome, had fallen straight through the middle of the building, crushing in its descent much of the inside work of the struc- ture. Seven men were killed outright, and several others severely wounded, two of whom died be- fore the coroner's jury had completed its inc|uest. Those who w-ere killed outright were Fred Hang, -A. Hollenbcck. John Warren. .\. Ilaug. John Pipe, George (iloss. Timothy I-'lannigan. The w-ounded were .\ugust Lucas. Thomas Hayes. William McTnnis. John Peck. George Smith. Hugh Eldredge. Cicero Dickerson, Hen- drez rieldahl. Isaac Donnelly. John Donaldson. I'rank Harris, and a man named Lindholm. John Peck and Lindholm died from their injuries. .\ coroner's jury made careful examination into the cause of the disaster. The jury w-as composed of Selden M. Giurch, H. W. Carpenter. George S. Haskell. Jolm R. Porter. G. A. Sanford. J. P.. Howell. Thomas lUitterw-orth. George Wilson, J. W. Seccomb. D. L. Emerstm. Wm. H. Smith. .\. G. Lowry. The jury found that the disaster was caused first by the neglect of Henry L. Gay. the archi- tect, to provide for the great amount of weight called for to com|)lete the building according to the plans designed by him ; second, want of care on the part of said architect in not giving special sjiccifications and ])lans for tlie parts of the gen- eral i)lan required to carry the extra weight, in proportion to their su]>erfices ; third, the board of supervisors failed to use due caution in exaniin- ing the plans and specifications, and in not em- ])loying a competent architect. Work was at once resumed, and the courthouse was completed in 1878. at a total cost of $21 i.ocx). THE RIFLES AND THE GREYS. During the interval between the Civil and the Spanish wars there were tw-o local militia com- jianies which brought much fame to the Forest City. They w-ere the Rifles and the Greys. The former. Com])any K. was organized in 1876. and the latter. Company H. six years afterwards. The Rifles early in their career, through their pro- ficiency in drill and military standing, achieved a fame by no means confined to Illinois alone. One year after their organization the Rifles .saw their first military .service. This was during the Rraidw-ood riot. In 1893 with the Greys it served in a similar cajiacity. The history of Comi)any K dates from July. 1S76, when the governor's guard of .S])ringfield visited Rockford. on the occasion of the laying of the courthouse corner-stone. So favorable was the impression made by the visitors that a call for a similar independent military organiza- tion w-as issued at once. The first meeting for organization was held July 22d. in (t. ,\. R. hall. John C. Garver w-as chairman. C. M. P>razee was elected captain : George .\. Silsby. first lieu- tenant : and II. X. Starr, second lieutenant. Thomas G. Lawler was elected drill-master and at the third meeting there were 114 men in line. In the following year the state legislature passed a law- jiroviding for an enlisted militia. The Rifles promptly enlisted, and became Com- ])any P.. of the Third regiment, .\fter a brief service in the P)raidw-ood riots the comjiany de- cided to give attention to competitive drills, and in the autumn of that year defeated the .Aurora Light Guard. In 1879 the conijiany participated in the great military encam])ment and prize contest at St. Louis in the month of Octolier. On the w-ay it stopi)ed at Springfield and particijiatcd in a drill, in which it was defeated by the Moline troops, the decision of the judges creating dissatisfaction among the spectators. At St. Louis the Rifles secured fourth honors among sixteen entries, the Chickasaw (niards being first. Company P>. First infantrv. Chicago, second: and a St. Louis com- pany third. In the month of October the company made its famous southern trip to participate in the mili- tary encampment at .\tlanta. Its journey going and returning was marked by ovations. The Forest City band played "Dixie" and the w-arm- hearted southerners immediately took the Rock- ford bovs to their hearts. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 99 The Gre_vs were mustered into service Decem- ber 28, 1882, by Major Henry N. Starr. George F. Adams was the original captain ; Fred C. Pierce, first lieutenant and Donald Tolmie, sec- ond lieutenant. Captain Adams resigned the fol- lowing year, and was succeeded bv Fred Pierce. He in turn was succeeded by William G. Dustin. William C. Wildt was elected captain in 1886. When the latter moved up to the major's position Fred N. Drake was elected captain. He resigned March 27, 1893, and was succeeded by First Lieu- tenant William C. Brogunier. Both companies have made history that has re- flected credit upon Winnebago county. rockford's representatives in congress. The several congressional districts, of which ^^'inncbago county has successively formed a part, have been represented in congress by able gentle- men. .Several were statesmen and specialists of national and even international reputation. In order to make the record complete a paragraph must be devoted to the territorial organization of Illinois. Previous to 1818, when Illinois became a state, the territory was represented in congress suc- cessively by three delegates. Shadrach Bond served from December 3, 1812. until October 3, 1 814. Benjamin Stephenson succeeded Bond, and served from November 14, 1814, until April 29, 1 816. Nathaniel Pope entered congress De- cember 2, 1816, as the last territorial delegate, and remained until Illinois became a state in March, 1818. From 1818 until 1832, the state of Illinois con- stituted one congressional district. Daniel P. Cook was its first representative in congress, and served from 1818 to 1827. Joseph Duncan suc- ceeded and held his seat until 1833. The first apportionment proper was made in 183 1. The state was divided into three districts. Tlie Third included the northern half of the state, and was represented successively by three con- gressmen. Joseph Duncan was elected in 1832. He resigned and Wm. L. May, of Springfield, was elected to complete the term. May was re-elected as a democrat in 1834 and 1836. The latter year was the first in which Winnebago county voted at a congressional election. John T. Stuart, sub- sequently a law partner of Abraham Lincoln, was elected in 1838 over Stephen A. Douglas, and was re-elected in 1840. Lender the apportionment of 1843, Joseph P. Hogue. of Galena, was elected as a democrat for the new Rockford district, and re-elected in 1844, defeating Martin P. Sweet, of Freeport. In 1846 Thomas J. Turner, of Free- port, was elected and served one term as a democrat. By the year 1848 the whigs had again come into power, and the famous Colonel Ed- ward D. Baker was elected. Colonel Baker was born in London, England, February 24, 181 1. He came to the United States at the age of five years, with his father, who died in Philadelphia. The son removed to Springfield, Illinois. He rose rapidly to distinc- tion, and in 1844 he was elected a member of congress. He served his adopted country with signal ability in the Mexican war ; and upon his return to Illinois he settled at Galena. After serv- ing one term in congress he settled in San Fran- cisco, California, in 1852. Colonel Baker was a brilliant orator. His speech on the death of Sen- ator Broderick, of California, who fell in a duel with Judge Terry, in 1859, is one of the master- pieces of American oratory. For an hour the homage of tears was paid to Baker's genius and to Broderick's memory. His closing words are remarkable for their pathos : "The last word must be spoken, and the imperious mandate of death must be fulfilled. Thus, O brave heart ! we lay thee to thy rest. Thus, surrounded by tens of thousands, we leave thee to thy equal grave. As in life no other voice among us so rang its trumpet blast upon the ears of freeman, so in death its echoes will reverberate amidst our mountains and our valleys until truth and valor cease to appeal to the human heart. Good friend ! true hero ! hail and farewell !" Colonel Baker was subsequently elected L^nited States senator from Oregon. His debate with Breckenridge in the senate in 1861 attracted na- tional attention. "In the history of the senate," says Mr. Blaine, "no more thrilling speech was ever delivered. The striking appearance of the speaker, in the uniform of a soldier, his superb voice, his graceful manner, all united to give to the occasion an extraordinary interest, and at- traction." Colonel Baker left his seat in the senate and entered military service. He was killed while commanding a brigade at the battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21. 1861. Col. Baker was succeeded in 1850 by Thomp- son Campbell, of Galena, as a democrat, who served one term. Lender the apportionment of 1852 the state was divided into nine districts. Elihu B. Washburne served the entire period of ten years during which this apportionment continued. Mr. Washburne was first elected as a whig ; his subsequent elec- tions were as a republican. Elihu Benjamin Washburne was a member of the celebrated \\^ashburne family. He was born in Livermore, Elaine. September 23, 1816. In 1839 he entered the Harvard law school. Among his classmates were Richard H. Dana and Wil- liam M. Evarts. He was admitted to the bar in 1840, and at once settled at Galena, Illinois, and entered into partnership in the practice of law with Charles S. Hempstead, one of the incorpor- ators of Rockford female seminary. Mr. Wash- ^ lOO PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. bume remained in congress from 1853 until March 6, 1869. From this long- and honorable serv'ice he was familiarly known as the "Father of the House," and in that capacity he adminis- tered the oath as speaker to Schuyler Colfax three times, and once to James G. Blaine. By reason of his insistence that the finances of the government should be administered with the strictest economy, Mr. Washburne was called the "Watch-dog of the Treasury." Mr. \\'ashburne called the at- tention of Governor Yates to his townsman, Ulysses S. Grant, who wished to enter military sen'ice. When the hero of the Civil war became president, he honored his old friend with the ap- pointment of secretary of state, and later made him minister to France. This position he held (luring the Franco-Prussian war. At the request of Bismarck, and with the permission of the French minister of foreign affairs. Mr. W'ash- burne exercised his official influence for the pro- tection of the Germans in Paris. When the em- pire was overthrown, Mr. Washburne was the first foreign rejiresentative to recognize the new republic. He remained in Paris during the siege, and was at his j)ost when the commune ruled the city. Tile emperor of Germany recognized his services by conferring ui)on him the Order of the Red Eagle. He declined this honor because a provision of the constitution of the United States prohibited it. Upon Mr. \\'ashburne's resignation in 1877, the emperor sent him his life- size portrait: and he was similarly honored by Bismarck, Theirs and Gambetta. Mr. W^ash- burne died in Chicago October 22. 1887. The apportionment of 1861 divided the state into thirteen districts. Winnebago county formed a part of the Second district, and General John F. Farnsworth represented the district during the full ten years. In 1872 the state was divided into nineteen districts, and Winnebago formed a part of the Fourth. General Steiihen .\. Hurlbut, of Belvi- dere, was elected, over lion. S. G. Bronson, then of Rockford. Gen. Hurlbut was re-elected over Gen. Farnsworth in 1874. Stephen .\. Flurlbut was born in Giarleston. South Carolina, in 1815. and settled in Belvidere in 1845. He was the son of a Unitarian clergyman, and a brother of Wil- liam Henry Hurlbut, for many years editor- in-chief of the New York World. He was commissioned a brigadier-general in 1861, com- manded the Fourth division at the battle of Shiloh, and for that service he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and assigned to the command of the department of the gulf. General Hurlbut was the first commander-in-chief of the Grand .'\rmy of the Rqiublic ; was appointed minister-resident to the United States of Colom- bia bv President Grant. In 1881 General Hurlbut was appointed United States minister to Peru, and died at Lima in the spring of the following year. .Abraham Lincoln once said that .^tejjhen .\. Ilurlinit was the ablest orator on the stump that Illinois had ever produced. Hon. William Lathrop was elected in 1876, and served one term. He is the only citizen of R(5ckford who ever held a seat in congress. John C. Sherwin, of .Aurora, was elected in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. By the apportionment of 1882 Winnebago was attached to the Sixth district and Hon. Robert R. Hitt was its representative for ten years. In 1893 Winnebago became a part of the Ninth dis- trict, and Mr. Hitt also sen-ed this district ten years. Congressman Hitt was born at Urbana, Ohio, January 16, 1834, and moved to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1837. His first public work of note was the stenographic report of the famous Lincoln and Douglas debates in 1858. He was first United States secretary of legation and charge d' affaires ad interim, at Paris, from 1874 to 1881. ^Ir. Hitt was assistant secretary of .state of the United States in 1881. when James G. Blaine was at the head of the state department. Mr. Hitt's continuous service of twenty-three years in the house has given him a national repu- tation. Fie has for several years been chairman of the committee on foreign affairs, and is con- sidered one of the best authorities in this coun- try- on international law. In July, 1898. he was appointed by President McKinley. a member of the commission to establish a government for Hawaii, upon its annexation to the L'nited States. Edward D. Baker, E. B. Washburne, John F. Farnsworth. Stephen A. Hurlbut and Robert R. Hitt were men of national reputation who have served the several districts in which Rockford has from time to time been located. This record is scarcely less notable than that of the old Western Reser\'e district in Ohio, which was represented by Elisha ^^^^ittlesey. Joshua R. Giddings and James A. Garfield, who.se terms aggregated fifty- one years. The apportionment of 1901 made Winnebago county a part of the Twelfth district. Judge Charles E. Fuller, of Belvidere, was nominated in 1902, without opposition, and elected. He was also renominated in 1904 by acclamation, and re- elected. Rockford has not been represented in congress by a democrat in fifty-one years, since the re- tirement of Thompson Campbell in 1853. WINXEBAGO C01;NTY I\ ST.\TE LF.GISr,.\TURE. A complete roster of the senators and repre- sentatives who have represented Winnebago county in the .state legislature is given herewith. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. lOI There have been many apportionments, and the county has had quite a number of poHtical neigh- bors. Among these since the pioneer days have been Ogle, Boone, McHenry and Lake. \Mien Germanicus Kent and Thatcher Blake settled in Rockford in 1834, what is now Win- nebago county was a part of senatorial and repre- sentative districts which covered a large portion of northern Illinois. Under the apportionment of 1831 the counties of Peoria, Jo Daviess, Putnam, La Salle and Cook were united in one district, and had one senator and one representative. Winnebago countv. hav- ing been organized from attached portions of La- Salle and Jo Daviess, was included in this ter- ritory. At the election of 1832, James M. Strode was elected senator, and Benjamin Mills, representa- tive. In 1834 James W\ Stephenson was chosen senator, but he resigned and James M. Strode was chosen his successor. John Hamlin was elected representative. Winnebago county was organized in 1836, and continued to l>e attached to Jo Daviess county in all general elections until the apportionment of 1841. At the general election in 1836, A. G. S. \\"right, of Jo Daviess, was elected senator, and Elijah Charles and James Craig were elected rep- resentatives. In 1838 George W. Harrison was chosen senator, and served the district until a new apportionment was made. Germanicus Kent, of Winnebago, and James Craig, of Jo Daviess, were elected representatives. In 1840 Thomas Drum- mond, of Galena, and Hiram W. Thornton, of Jo Daviess, were elected representatives. The apportionment of February 26, 1841, pro- vided that the county of Winnebago should have one representative, Ogle one representative, ''and the two together one senator." The first election under this apportionment was held in 1842. Spooner Ruggles, of Ogle comity, was elected senator, and served four years. Before his term had expired, however, Mr. Ruggles had become a citizen of Winnebago county. In 1846 Anson S. Miller was elected senator and sen-ed two years. In 1842 Darius Adams was elected represent- ative from \\^innebago county, and served one term. In 1844 Anson S. Miller was elected, and served one term ; and in 1846 Robert J. Cross was elected and served one term. The constitution of 1848 divided the state into twenty-five senatorial districts, with one member each, and fifty-four representative districts, with a total of seventy-five members. L'nder this apportionment, McHenry, Boone and Winnebago counties constituted the Twenty- fourth senatorial district. At the first election Alfred E. Ames, of Winnebago county, was elect- ed senator. The senators, at their first session under the new constitution, were divided by lot.s into two classes. The seats of the first class were vacated at the expiration of the second year, and those of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, so that one-half of the members were elected biennially. Mr. Ames drew the short term and served two years. In 1850 Thomas B. Tal- cott was elected senator, and served four years. LTnder this constitutional apportionment, Win- nebago county constituted the Forty-seventh rep- resentative district, with one member. Wilson H. Crandall was elected in 1848, and served one- term. Horace ^filler was elected in 1850, and served one term. In 1852 Abraham I. Enoch was elected and served two years. The act of February 27, 1854, apportioned the representation in the general assembly at twenty- five senators and seventy-five members of the house, with fifty-eight representative districts. Boone, Winnebago, Ogle and Carroll comprised the Third senatorial district. At the election in November, 1854, Wait Tal- cott, of Winnebago, was elected senator for the Third district, and served the full term of four years. In 1858 Zenas Applington, of Ogle, was elected, and served four years. The apportionment of 1854 made Winnebago county the Fifty-third representative district, with one member. In November of that year Wil- liam Lyman, of Rockford. was elected, and served two years. In 1856 William Lathrop was elected and served one term. Elijah W. Blaisdell, Jr., was elected in 1858, the year of the famous Lin- coln and Douglas debate. Mr. Blaisdell voted for .\braham Lincoln for L'nited States senator. In i860 Alfred A. Hale was elected and served one term. By the act of January 31, 1861, the repre- sentation was fixed at twenty-five senators and eighty-five members. The state was divided into twenty-five senatorial and si.xty-one represent- ative districts. Winnebago, Boone, McHenry and Lake constituted the Twentv-third senatorial dis- trict. At the first election on this basis, in 1862, Cornelius Lansing, of McHenry, was elected senator, and served three years. Senator Lansing died August 26, 1865. In 1866 General Allen C. Fuller, of Belvidere, was elected senator, and was re-elected in 1870. LTnder the apportionment of 1861, Winnebago county was made the Fifty-fifth representative district, with one member. In 1862 Selden M. Church, of Rockford, was elected, and served one term. In 1864 William Brown, of Rockford, was elected, and served one term. Abraham I. Enoch was elected in 1866, and served one term. Ephraim Sumner was elected in 1868. The representation in the Twenty-seventh general assembly, which convened January 4, I02 PAST A\D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 1871. was the first under the constitution of 1870, and was apportioneil by the governor and sec- retary of state. There were fifty senators and 177 representatives. The state was divided into twenty-five senatorial districts, and ninety-seven representative districts. Winnebago, lloone, Mc- Henry and Lake comities constituted the Twenty- third senatorial district. At the election of 1870 General .Mien C. Fuller, of lielvitlere. and John Early, of Rock ford, were elected senators. Winnebago county was made the Ninety-first re])resentative district, and at the election of 1S70 James M. Wight and D. Emmons .\danis were elected members of the house. By the act of March i, 1872. the state was divided into fifty-one senatorial districts, as pro- vided by the constitution. Ivich district was en- titled to one senator. Winnebago and Boone counties comj^rised the .Xiiith senatorial district. At the general election in 1872 John ILirly, of Rockford. was elected senator for the Ninth dis- trict. Tlie constitution of 1870 provided that senators elected in 1872 .should vacate their of- fices at the expiration of two years. Mr. Early was re-elected in 1874 for the full tenn of four years, but died while in office, in Se])t ember. 1877. In 1878 Charles E. I'"uller. of lielviilere, was elected senator, after a notable triangular contest. Under the new constitution senatorial and rep- resentative districts became identical for the first time in the history of the state. Each district was entitled to three rej^resentatives. In 1872 Robert J. Cross and Duncan J. .Stew- art, of Winnebago county, and Jesse .^. Ilildruii. of Boone county, were elected rejjrescntatives for the Ninth senatorial district. Mr. Cross died in office. February 15, 1873. and Richard F. Craw- ford was chosen to complete his term. In 1874 -Andrew .\shton and Ricliard F. Crawford, of Winnebago, and Myron K. .\very. of lloone, were electeft. George H. Hollister. John Budlong. and Andrew Ashton, all of Winnebago countv, were elected in 1876. In 1878 Omar H. Wright, of Boone, and Thomas Rutterworth and Horace W. Taylor, of Winnebago, were electetl. In i88o Edward B. .Sumner, of W'innebago. and Omar II. Wright, of Belvidcrc, were elected as rei)ublicans. and Laurence McDonald, of Winnebago, was the democratic minority representative. By the apportionment act of May. 18S2. Win- nebago and Ogle counties were united in the Tentli senatorial district. The first election under this apportioniuent was held in 1882. Lsaac Rice, of Ogle county, the hold- over senator from the old Twelfth district, had two years to serve, as it is a iirinciple of our present constitutional law that no man can be legislated oiu of office. There was therefore no election of senator until 18S4. when Edward B. Sumner was elected for the full term of four years. Benjaiuin F. Sheets, of Ogle county, suc- ceeded Mr. i^iunner in 1888, and served four years. In 1892 David Hunter, of W'innebago, was elected and served four years. In 1882 Albert F. Brown and John Seyster, of Ogle, and Edward B. Sumner, of Winnebago, were elected representatives for the Tenth district. Albert F. Brown, republican, of Ogle, David Hunter. repul)Iican, of Winnebago, and Edward M. Winslow, democrat, of Ogle, were elected in 1884. In 1886 David Hunter, of Winnebago. James Lamont. of Winiiel)ago, prohibitionist, and James P. Wilson, republican, of Ogle, were elected representatives. From 1888 to 1890 David Hunter and Robert Simpson, of Winnebago, and \Vm. H. Co.K, of Ogle, represented the district. In 1890 James P. Wilson and Prescott Talbot, of Ogle, and David Hunter, of W'innebago, were elected. In i8y2 James P. Wilson and Prescott H. Talbot, of Ogle county, and Lars M. Noling. of W'innebago, were elected representatives. By the apportionment act of June 15, 1893, W^innebago and Ogle counties were continued as the Tenth district. The first election for senator under this ap- portionment was held in 1896. when Delos ^^^ Baxter, of Roclielle. was elected senator for the full term. In 1900 Henry Andrus. of Winne- bago, was elected senator, and his term expired January i. 1905. The first election for representatives under this apportionment was in 1894. when Lars M. Noling and C. Harry Woolsey, of Winnebago, and X'iclor H. Bovey. f)f Ogle, were elected for this district. In 1896 Lars M. Noling and Henry Andrus. of Winnebago, and ^'ictor H. Piovey. of Ogle, all rei)ublicans, were elected. In 1898 Henry .Andrus and I'rank S. Regan, of Winnebago, and James A. Countryman, of Ogle, were elected. In 1900 James .\. Countryman and James P. Wilson, of Ogle, and David Hunter, of Winnebago, were elected. l>y the act of May 10, npr. Winnelxigo and Ogle counties were for a third time made the Tenth senatorial district. .\t the election in 1902 Frederick Haines, rc- ])ublican. of W^innebago. Johnson Lawrence, re- ])ublican, of Ogle, and James P. Wilson, demo- crat, of Ogle, were elected representatives. B. McHenry, of Ogle, were elected representa- tives. At the general election in November. 1904. .A. J. .Anderson was elected senator, and Frederick Haines and C. E. Martin, of Winnebago, and W. P.. McHenry. of Ogle, were elected represent- atives. jrouiAi. iiisroRV — circuit rencii. The first circuit court held in Winnebago county convened ( )ctober Ct. 1837. at the house of PAST AND TRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 103 Daniel S. Haight. This was the frame huilding which stood on the northeast corner of Madison and State streets, a part of which is now on the northeast corner of Second and Wahiut streets. Hon. Daniel Stone, of Galena, was the presiding judge. Seth B. Farwell was appointed state's attorney pro tern ; and James Mitchell, then of Jo Daviess county, was made clerk. Under the first constitution of Illinois, the justices of the supreme court and the judges of the inferior courts were elected by joint ballot of the legislature. This made the courts in a sense, the creatures of the legislature, rather than a co- ordinate branch of the government. The legisla- ture is always governed more or less by partisan expediency, and the reflex action u]ion the judi- ciary compromised its independence. The first judicial apportionment which afifected Winnebago county was the act of the legislature of January 17. 1835, by which the state was divided into six judicial circuits. Under this first apportionment, what is now Winnebago county formed a part of the Sixth circuit. Thomas Ford was commissioned Janu- ary ly, 1835, but he never presided over a court within the present limits of Winnebago county. Judge Ford resigned in March. 1837, and was elected governor in 1842. He was the author of Ford's History of Illinois, an historical classic. Judge Ford was succeeded by Judge Stone, who was commissioned March 4, 1837. Judge Stone, a native of \'ermont, became a member of the Springfield bar in 1833. Upon his elevation to the bench, he was assigned to the northwestern part of the state, and removed to Galena. Judge Stone was legislated out of office in 1 84 1. He removed a few years later from the state, and died in New Jersey. The Seventh judicial circuit was created Feb- ruar\- 4. 1837, and February 23, 1839, the Eighth and Ninth circuits were created. Judges were appointed for these additional circuits. The judiciarv of the state was reorganized in 1841 by a statute which repealed all former laws authorizing the election of circuit judges, who were legislated out of office. The state was divided into nine circuits. Additional justices of the supreme court were appointed, who were re- quired to do circuit duty. The judiciary, as thus organized, was continued until the entire system of an appointive judiciary was swept away by the new constitution of 1848. Under this new system the first judge assigned to circuit duty in Rockford was Hon. Thomas C. Browne, who presided at the first term of court in the courthouse completed in 1844. James Mitchell was clerk, and G. A. Sanford. sheriff^. Judge Browne was a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois before its organization as a state. Upon the adoption of the first constitution, he was elevated to the supreme bench, and served continuously thirty years, until the reorganiza- tion of the judiciary under the constitution of 1848. An attempt was made before the legisla- ture in 1843 to impeach his ability as a judge. Nearly every attorney of the Winnebago county bar signed a petition for his removal, but the at- tempt resulted in failure. Judge Browne died in San Francisco, California, about 1857. Hon. Jesse B. Thomas succeeded Judge Browne in 1847 ^^ presiding judge of Winne- bago county, and served until the judiciary sys- tem was changed in 1848. Judge Thomas first held the position of circuit judge from 1837 to 1839. In 1843 he became associate judge of the supreme court by appointment of the governor, as successor to Stephen A. Douglas, and was sub- sequently elected by the legislature to the same office. He died in Chicago February 21, 1850. Hon. Hugh T. Dickey was the first judge to preside in Rockford after the adoption of the second constitution. Hugh Thompson Dickey came to Illinois from New York in 1840. and set- tled in Chicago. In September, 1848, he was elected judge of the Seventh judicial circuit. He died in New York, his native city, June 2, 1892. Hon. Hugh Henderson, of Joliet, succeeded Judge Dickey, and presided in 1848 and 1849. He died soon afterward, and little is known of him. Judge Benjamin R. Sheldon succeeded Judge Henderson. Judge Sheldon was a native of jMas- sachusetts. He came to Illinois at an early day, and resided first at Hennepin, and later at Galena. He was elected in 1848 judge of the Sixth circuit, which was afterward divided, and he was as- signed to the Fourteenth circuit. He remained on the circuit bench until 1870. when he was elect- ed a justice of the supreme bench, presiding as chief justice in 1877. He was re-elected in 1879, and retired in 1888. Judge Sheldon then became a resident of Rockford, where he died April 13, 1897. He left an estate valued at $2,000,000. He bequeathed $10,000 to the Young Men's Christian Association of Rockford. and $10,000 to Rockford College, Hon. William Brown was the first citizen of Rockford to be elected to the circuit bench. Judge Brown was a native of England, born in Cum- berland, June I, 1819. His father's family came to America in 1827, and settled in New York. The son read law in Rome, and, after being ad- mitted to the bar, came to Rockford in 1846. In 1852 Mr. Brown was elected by a large majority state's attorney for the Fourteenth judicial cir- cuit, comprising Winnebago, Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties, serving for four years. Mr. Brown was elected mayor of Rockford in 1857, and in 1864 he was chosen member of the legis- lature. In 1870 ^Ir. Brown was elected a judge I04 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. of the circuit court, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Judge Sheldon to the su- preme bench. Under the judicial apportionment of March 28. 1873. Jo Daviess. Stephenson and Winnelxiijo counties formed the First circuit. In the following June Judge I'.rown was elected for the full tenii of six years. He was subsequently elected for two full terms, making a total period of over t^venty years on the bench. Judge I'.rown died January 15, 1891. By the apportionment of 1873 the legislature, in accordance with the provisions of the constitu- tion of 1870. divided tlie state, exclusive of Cook county, into twenty-six judicial circuits. In 1877 the legislature, in order to increase the number of circuit judges, and to provide for the organiza- tion of appellate courts, divided the state, outside of Cook county, into thirteen districts, and pro- vided for the election of one additional judge in each district. In August, 1877, one additional judge for each circuit was elected for two years, making three judges in each district. I'nder this act, in force July i, 1877. the First judicial circuit, of which Winnebago county formed a part, was consolidated with the Third circuit, and made the Thirteenth. By this ap- portionment Judge Hcaton. formerly of the Third circuit, and Judge Bailey became judges of the circuit court of \\'innebago county, in addition to Judge Brown. Hon. William W. Heaton was a native of New York, and settled at Dixon, Illinois, in 1840. In 1861 he was elected judge of the Twenty-second circuit, and occupied a seat upon the liench, through repeated re-elections, until his death. De- ceml)er 26. 1877, while ser\-ing as a member of the ajipellate court for the First district. Judge Joseph M. Bailey, a native of New York, settled in Freeport, Illinois, in 1856, and began the practice of law. His first election to the bench in 1877 was for two years, l)ut he was re- elected in 1879 and 1885. He was several times assigned to duty on the ajipellate bench, and in 1888 he was elected to the Ix^nch of the supreme court. Judge Bailev died in office October 16. 1895. Hon. John V. Eustace came to Illinois in 1842 from Philadelphia, his native city. He settled in Dixon, where he resided until his death. He was first elected circuit judge in 1857. and served one term. In March. 1878, he was again elevated to the bench to succeed Judge Heaton. He was re- elected in 1879. and again in 1885. Judge Eus- tace died in Dixon in 1888. Judge John D. Crabtree was a native of Eng- land, and emigrated to .America in the early ■40s. He went from Chicago to Pecatonica. where he worked on a farm for the late Ephraim Sumner. He then made his home in Lee count v, where hi« entire subsequent life was spent. He was state senator for the Nineteenth district in the thirty- fifth general assembly, where he was a colleague of Hon. E. B. Sumner. June 4. 1888, he was elected judge of the Thirteenth circuit, to suc- ceed Judge Bailey. June i, 1891, he was re- elected for the full term. Judge Crabtree died suddenly at Ottawa, May 22, 1902, while attend- ing a session of the appellate court. Judge James H. Cartwright is a son of Rev. Peter Cartwright, the famous pioneer Methodist preacher. He began the practice of law at Ore- gon, in Ogle county, in 1870. In 1888 he was elected circuit judge to succeed Judge Eustace, and in 1891 he was assigned to appellate duty. In 1895 he was elected justice of the supreme court to succeed Judge Bailey, and re-elected in 1897. Hon. James Shaw is a native of Ireland. His career as an attorney began at Mount Carroll. Il- linois. He served eight years in the Illinois house of representatives, and was speaker of that body in 1877. In 1 89 1 he was elected judge for the Thirteenth circuit, and in 1897 he was re-elected for the Fifteenth circuit, under the last appor- tionment. John C. Garver was a native of Winnebago county. He was born on a farm near Pecatonica. He took a full collegiate course at Wittcnburg College, Springfield. Ohio, and studied law under the tutorshiji of General Keifer, at one time speak- er of the lower house of congress. In 1871 Mr. Garver was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession in Rockford. In 1872 he was elected state's attorney of Winnebago county, and re-elected in 1876. In 1896 Mr. Gar- ver was elected to the circuit bench, to succeed Judge James Cartwright, upon the elevation of the latter to the supreme bench. Judge Girver was elected judge of the Seventeenth circuit, un- der the apportionment of 1897. Judge Garver died November 27. 1901. Under the apportioimient of 1897. McHenry, Boone, Lake and Winnebago counties constituted the Seventeenth circuit. In June of that year Hon. Giarles IT. Donnelly, of Waukcgan. and Hon. Charles E. Ftdler were elected with Judge Gar- ver, already noted. Hon. Giarles E. Fuller is a native of Boone county, where his entire life has been spent. He was born in Flora township in 1849. After his admission to the bar in 1870 his rise to political prominence was very rapid. Ilis first office was that of citv attorney of Belvidere. In 1876 he was elected state's attorney of Boone county. Two vears later he was elected state senator after a bitter contest that has Ix^come historic. Judge Fullers' legislative experience covers eight years in the state senate, and six in the house. In the memorable struggle over the I'nited State sen- atorship in 1885, Mr. Fuller was the recognized leader of the "Famous 103." which stood to- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 105 gether until the re-election of General John A. Logan was accomplished, after a contest of four months. In 1897 Mr. Fuller was elected judge of the Seventeenth circuit for the full term of six years. In 1902 Judge Fuller was nominated member of congress for the Twelfth district with- out opposition, and in 1904 he was renominated with the same unique distinction. While Judge Fuller's temper is pre-eminently that of a parlia- mentary leader, yet he achieved the reputation as one of the fairest judges upon the local bench. Upon the death of Judge Garver. Hon. A. H. Frost was elected in 1902 to fill the unexpired term. Judge Frost was born in A'ermont, May 12, 1856. In 1861 he came to Rockford, where he has since resided. Judge Frost read law in the office of the late Major N. C. Warner, and was admitted to the bar January 19, 1879. For some years thereafter he served Rockford as police magistrate. He was elected state's attorney of Winnebago county in 1892, and re-elected in i8g6 and 1900. This office he resigned February 24, 1902. The election of Judge Fuller as member of congress involved his retirement from the bench, and at the judicial election held in June, 1903, Hon. A. H. Frost, Charles H. Donnelly and Hon. Robert W. Wright were elected judges of the Seventeenth circuit for the full term of six years. Judge Wright is the youngest judge who ever sat upon the circuit bench in Rockford. He is the elder son of the late Hon. O. H. Wright, of Belvidere, who once represented Rockford district in the state legislature. Judge Wright was born July I, 1862. He read law in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty- one. In 1884 he was elected state's attorney of Boone county, and was re-elected in 1888. 1892 and 1896, serving sixteen years. Judge Charles H. Donnelly is a native of Woodstock, Illinois, where he was born August 22, 1835. He received his collegiate education at Notre Dame University, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1877. From 1883 to 1891 he was city attorney of Woodstock. In 1886 he was elected captain of Company G, Third Regiment. Illinois National Guard, which position he held until 1892. In i8go he was elected county judge, and served until June, 1897, when he resigned and was elected a judge of the Seventeenth cir- cuit. Judge Donnelly was re-elected in 1903. In July, 1902, Judge Donnelly heard the arguments in the locally famous library site case, in cham- bers at Woodstock. PROB,\TE AND COUNTY JUDGES. Previous to 1837 a judge of probate was ap- pointed for each county by the legislature. In 1837 the office was made elective, with the title of probate justice of the peace, to be filled by a vote of the people. The constitution of 1848 brought this court to an end, and transferred its powers to the judge of the county court. Milton Kilburn was the first judge of probate, and served from 1836 to 1837. Mr. Kilburn was a settler of 1835. Charles I. Horsman was the second judge of probate, and held the office from 1837 to 1838. Mr. Horsman came to Rockford in 1836, with his bride, the only daughter of Abiram Morgan. Mr. Horsman was one of the best known citi- zens of Winnebago county. Anson Barnum was the third probate judge, and held the office from 1838 to 1841. He was a son of Ezra Barnum, the first shoemaker of the village. The family settled in Rockford in 1835. John W. Taylor held the office from 1841 to 1843. He was a prominent citizen of early Rock- ford. and a brother-in-law of the late T. D. Rob- ertson. Bela Shaw was probate justice of the peace from 1843 to 1849. Judge .Shaw came to Rock- ford in the later '30s. He died suddenlv. Alav 31, 1865. Selden M. Church was the first county judge under the constitution of 1848, and held the of- fice froiu 1849 to 1837. Judge Church was a member of the constitutional convention of 1847, and later was a member of the legislature. Anson S. Miller succeeded Judge Church, and served from 1857 to 1863. Judge ililler also served at various times as senator, representative and postmaster. He was a brother of Cyrus F. and Asher Miller. Abram S. Van Dyke, of Pecatonica, was elected in 1863, and served until 1873, when he resigned, just before the expiration of his term. Judge R. C. Bailey was first chosen in 1873 to fill the unexpired term of Judge Van Dyke. At the county election in that year he was elected, and has held the office thirty-two years. This long service on the bench is without parallel in the history of Winnebago county, and, so far as known to the writer, is without precedent in Illi- nois. Judge Bailey was born in Auburn, Maine, July 28. 1833, and was graduated from the scien- tific department of Amherst College, Massachu-' setts, in 1833. He came to Rockford and entered the profession of civil engineer, which he fol- lowed until 1838, when he took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar August 18. i860. He practiced in this citv until he was elected to his present position. His pleasant bearing and judicial fairness have made him .'in 'deal official, and the honor bestowed upon him is a partial demonstration of the esteem in whxh he is held. RO.STER OF COUNTY CLERKS. Under the first constitution this officer was clerk of the countv commissioners' court. From io(i PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 1841^ t(i 1835 1k' was till' ck-rk of the (.-niiiiix court and of the btiard of supervisors. In tlie latter year a separate clerk was apiiointed by the board, under a special act of the legislature. These offi- cers were subsequently united. The following n.iined citizens have served as county clerk: Don .\loiizo Si)auldiiig. 1836 to 1837: Nathan- iel Looniis, 1837 to 1838: .\nsi>n lianiuni. 1838 Id 1840: Sehlen M. Church. 1840 to 1847; Benja- min .\. Rose. 1847 '" 1849: \Vniiani Hulin, 1844 to .\i)ril 2. iSs5 ; Duncan Ferguson. 1855 to 1856; E. S. Gaylord. 1856 to 1867: I. S. Hyatt. 1867 to 1869; T. I. Laniont, 1869 to 1873; !>. F. Lee. 1873 to 1877; Thomas Bell. 1877 to 1886; Mar- cus .\. .Norton, to date, a period of nineteen years. BOOKS WRITTEN IIV ROCKFORl) PEOPLE. Rock ford has never assumed the role of polit- ical dictator outside of its own area of local inter- ests. Perhaps, however, there are comjiensations and balances in communal as well as individual life. Certain it is that our city lias jiroduced a goodly number of what the late Senator Zach Chandler called "literary fellers." The general reader will doubtless be surprised to learn that not less than eighty books have been written by persons who have been, for a greater or lesser |)eriod. actual residents of Rockford. Only .i small number, however, have been written while the aiuhors claimed Rockford as their home. The majority attained this distinctinn after removal to other fields. It is. therefore, in no invidious sense that it may be said that Rockford is a good ])lace from which to emigrate. It is the ])ur])osc of this chapter to present as comjilete a list as Ijossible of these authors. David (;. Croly and his famous wife. "Jennie June." edited the Rockford Daily .News from I-'ebruary 1859, to April, i860. Mr. Croly subse- (|Uently became city etlitor of the New York World, and later its managing editor. He wrote "Lives of Seymour and Blair." "A History of Re- construction." and ".\ Primer of Positivism." "Jennie June" is best known to the world as the editor of Demorest's .Magazine. .Mrs. Croly's ])en name uf "Jennie June" was derived from a little ^)oem written by Benjamin F. Taylor, sent to her when she was about twelve years old, by her pas- tor, with the name underlined, because, he said. "You are the Juniest little girl I know." Mrs. Croly's books are : "Talks on Women's Toi^ics." "T'or lietter or Worse." "Thrown l'])on her Own Resources." "Knitters and Crochet." "Letters and .Monograms." "Cookery l!ook for Young Begin- ners." "History of the Woman's Club Move- ment." Itishop John H. N'incent. who has achieved world-wide fame as the founder of the ChaiUau(|ua Literary and Scientific Circle, was [lastor of the Court Street .M. F. church from 1861 to 1864. During this pastorate he took a trip to Europe in company with Hon. R. H. Tinker. Bishop \'in- cent's published works arc : "The Modern Sun- day School." "Studies in Young Life." "Little l-'ootjirints in Bible Lands," "The Church. School .'ind Sundav School Institutes." "ICarthly I'oot- prints of the Man of (ialilee." "Better .Not," "The Chautauqua Movement." "To Old Piethlehem." "Outline Histories of England. Greece and Rome," "Our Own Qiurch." Rev. E. C. .Mitchell, the first jiastor of the State Street Baptist church, was subset|uently profes- sor of Piiblical literature at Shurtleff College, pro- fessor of Hebrew in Regent's I 'ark College. Lon- don, and hekl similar positions at .Nashville, New Orleans and Paris, France. Mr. Mitchell revised and edited Davies' Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon. With this he issued "The Principles of Hebrew Grammar." In 1880 he issued a new translation of (jesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Dr. Henry M. Goodwin, for twenty-one years ]iastor of the h'irst Congregatit)nal church, was a gentleman of scholarly tastes. In 1875 he i)ub- lished his work. "Christ and Humanity." which was dedicated "To Horace Bushnell. my revered friend and teacher, whose profound and sancti- fied genius has made the world his debtor, and whose eminent services to Christianity in the re- conciliation of faith and reason awail thr \-t,'rdiot of the future ages." In 1864 Rev. Mead Holmes ])ublished a memoir of his only son. Mead Holmes. Jr.. with the title. ■'.\ Soldier of the Cumberland." This young .sol- dier fell at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. .Ajiril 12. iSCfi,. at the age of twentv-one vears. Mary F. Holmes. Ph. 'D.. i)ublishe(l in 1887 "The Morphology of the Carinae l'i)on the Septa of Rugose Corals. " The book, finely illustrated, bears the imprint of a Boston publishing lu)use. The work was presented as a thesis for the de- gree of Doctor of Philosophy, in the L^niversity of Michigan, and is signed by Professor . Alexan- der \\"inchell. the well-known scientist and author of "Preadaiuites." Mrs. S. M. I. Henry was one of the first wom- en to devote her life to gospel temperance work- in a public maiuicr. Her writings arc: ".\fter the Truth Series," "X'ictoria,'' "Pledge and Cross," "\'oice of the Home," "Mabel's Work," "One More Chance," "P>eforehand." "Marble Cross." "L'nanswered Prayer." "Frances Ray- mond's Investment." The late l''liiah W. Blaisdill was a man of versatile talents, .\bout twenty-five years ago he wrote "The Hidden Record," a novel, the scene of whicli was laid in the war of 181 2. The book was ])ublished by the Lippincotts, of Philadel- phia. .\ short tiiuc before his death Mr. Blais- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 107 dell completed "The Rajah," a political burlescjue, and "Eva, the General's Daughter," foimded on incidents of the Black Hawk war. Rev. Henry C. Mabie, D. D., formerly pastor of the State Street Baptist church, was in 1890 chosen home secretary of the American Baptist Missionary Union. Previous to entering upon his duties, he made a tour of the mission fields, which were to come under his supervision. His obser- vations were published under the title "In Bright- est Asia." The late Mrs. Mary Braiiiard, an old resident of Rockford, was a hospital nurse during the Civil war. She published three volumes of verse : "Esther Gray and ( )ther Poems," "Memorial Pictures of War and Peace," "Heart Offerings." Robert P. Porter, superintendent of the elev- enth census, and widely known as a writer on economic subjects, began his newspaper career as city editor of the Rockford Gazette. His books are : "The West in 1880," "Life of William Mc- Kinlev," "Municipal Ownership at Home and Abroad," "Industrial Cuba." The later Frederick C. Pierce, another city edi- tor of the Gazette, made a specialty of compiling genealogies. His last achievement was a "Gene- alogy of the Field Family," for Marshall Field, the merchant prince of Chicago. This work is in two large volumes, and a copy has been presented to the public library. While in Rockford Mr. Pierce published "Picturesque and Descriptive History of the City of Rockford," and "The Life of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk." member of con- gress. Professor J. D. S. Riggs, late of Ottawa Uni- versity, Kansas, spent many years of his early life in Rockford. His father was a charter member of the State Street Baptist church. Professor Riggs has published "In Latinuni," a Latin text- book founded on Caesar, which was formerly used in the Rockford high school. Professor Henry Freeman published in 1873 a book entitled "Wonders of the \\'orld." It is a work both of compilation and original work. It bears the imprint of a Boston publisher. .^ Dr. George W. Brown's "Researches in Ori- ■'''ental History" has had four editions. It is an in- quirv into the origin of Judai.sm, Zoroasticism and Christianity. "Or. Brown founded the first free state paper in Kansas. It was called the Herald of Freedom, published at Lawrence. The doctor has bound files of this paper in his office. Dr. Brown clainis the distinction of furnishing a truthful statement of the alleged adoption of the Lecompton constitution to Stephen A. Douglas, upon which the senator repudiated that measure and broke with the Buchanan wing of the de- mocracy. Rev.' Frank P. Woodbury published in 1883 "Luther and the Annals of the Reformation," as the outcome of a series of historical sermons delivered in the Second Congregational church. Rev. R. !•'. V. Pierce was the third pastor of the State Street Baptist church to enter the field of book-writing. During his Rockford pastorate he wrote and published "Pictured Truth." Mrs. Ralph Emerson published in 1891 the life and letters of her son, Ralph Emerson, Jr., who was killed in August, 1889. It is a beautiful tribute to a worthy son, wdio gave promise of great usefulness in later years. Mrs. Emerson has also published a volume of verse, "Love- Bound, and Other Poems," which is dedicated to her husband and children. The late John H. Thurston made a valuable contribution to local history in his "Reminis- cences," published in 1891. In this little volume the author graphically portrayed that pioneer so- cial life in which he moved. Airs. Harriott \\'ight Sherratt published in 1899 a delightful volume of travel, with the title, "^Mexican Vistas." The local demand for this book has been great, and the sale in the general trade has been most gratifying. Harrv M. Johnson is the author of a small vol- ume, entitled "Edith: A Story of Chinatown,' the scene of which is laid in the Chinese district in Los Angeles, California. Rev. J. B. Robinson, D. D., formerly pastor of Grace M. E. church, has written a volume of verse, "The New Woman, and Other Poems." Alexander McCleneghan, formerly a well- known local newspaper writer, has written "Six Years in Heaven," founded upon the strange ca- reer of George Jacob Schweinfurth. ;\Irs. H. Houghton Chapel, JNI. D., published a small volume of poems in 1901. She now resides in Palmetto, Florida. Eugene Brown and Ford Rowe, formerly con- nected with the Register-Gazette, compiled a work, "Industrial and Picturesque Rockford." Charles Eugene Banks, formerly city editor of the Register-Gazette, has Dublished a volume of verse, "Sword and Cross, and Other Poems." Mr. Banks was also associated with George Cram Cook in writing "In Hampton Roads," a drama- tic romance, which was once quite popular with local readers. Mr. Banks most popular work is "The Child of the Sun," a beautifully illustrated work of juvenile fiction. Mrs. C. C. Jones' book, "Humanities," is an interesting series of meditations upon life, duty and manners. She presents her father as the highest ideal of the manly virtues. The book was dedicated to the late Dr. Thomas Kerr. Mrs. Carrie Grout's volume, "By the Way," is a collection of sketches, written in popular news- paper style. Mrs. Eliza Roe Shannon, who recently died in the west, a music teacher of Rockford in the io8 PAST AND TRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. earlv '60s, wrote the life of her father, the ven- erable Charles Hill Roe. for fifteen years pastor of the First Baptist church of Belvidcre. Dr. Roe perfonned a unique service to his country, simi- lar to that of Henry Ward Bceclier. in delivering addresses in Eng^land and creatintj northern sen- timent durins: the Civil war. Daniel Fish, formerly a student in the Rockford schools, has compiled the most complete Lincoln bibliography. Charles A. Church's "History of Rockford" was issued in 1900. This is believed to be the largest volume of exclusively original work un- dertaken by a Rockford writer. Mr. Church has also written the life of Ccneral .Mien C. Fuller, the war adjutant of Illinois. He has also edited several pamphlets. The autobiography of Elder Jacob Knapp was published in 1867. It is an interesting volume, revealing the inner life and notable exjieriences of one of the remarkable men of his time. \\'i]liam Hulin edited a work on school law, with forms, which was of value to teachers. Miss Julia Gulliver, president of Rockford Col- lege, collaborated with Edward Bradford Titch- ener, sage professor of psychology- in Cornell University, in translating the first volume of "Facts of the Moral Life." This is a work in three volumes, by William W'undt, professor of philosophy in the I'niversity of Leii)zig. The translation was published in 1897 in New York and London. The second and third volumes were translated by Margaret Floy Washburn, profes- sor of psycholog}- and ethics in Wells College. Giarles J. Woodbury, a half-brother of Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, formerly pastor of the Sec- ond Congregational church. pul)lislu' square feet. The West End Furniture company was organ- ized July 7, i8t>o. with a cajiital stock of $50,000. C. R. Slower is jiresident ; (^scar Day. vice-presi- dent; J. H. Eynn, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Lynn is also manager, and gives his entire at- tention to the supervision of the plant. The an- nual output is about $225,000. The line of man- ufacture includes both medium and fine grades of desks, buffets, bookcases, folding beds and tables. The Rockford Mantel company was organized in i(p2. P. .\. Peterson is president : (). I>. Huey, vice-president ; C. .\. Hult, secretary and treas- urer ; F. O. Lind, superintendent. The factory is a four-story brick building, with basement, and has a floor space of 57,000 square feet. The firm employs about one hundred operators, and manu- factures wood mantels and furniture of various designs. A market is found in the L'nited States, Mexico and Canada. Other furniture companies now doing business are : Rockford Palace Furniture company. Rockford Frame and Fixture company. East Rockford Mantel company. Royal Mantel company. .^kandia Furniture company. Rockford Desk company. These make a total of sixteen plants now in oi)eration in the city. Of this list the Skandia has the largest single plant, but the Rockford Giair and Furniture company, with its two separate plants, is probably able to put out more than any other one concern in the city. Several other factories have been built from time to time that are not now in operation. The Excelsior, Phoenix. Rockford Cabinet and Dia- mond were burned and never rebuilt. The Amer- ican Star and Palace Folding P.ed com])any failed and did not resume. The financial panic of i8<)3 was a terrible disaster to the Rockford industry, but the larger number of them finally weathered the storm. In the sixteen factories now in operation, near- ly tour thousand men earn their daily bread. Xearly one-fourth of Rockford's great colony of workingmen find their cm])loyment within these sixteen plants. This fact gives to some extent an idea of the great value of the industry to the citv. The payroll is .something enormous. From one million to one million five hundred thousand dollars is paid annually to these workmen, the amount depending largely u])on the extent of business during the season. To run these sixteen plants almut $3,275,000 of Rockford capital is utilized. Practically every cent of this amount was furnished by the humble workinginan, who, by his frugality and good busi- ness sense, has been enabled to lay by enough to purchase a few shares of stix-k, and at the pres- ent time he is enjoying the full benefits of his in- vestments. Xo out-of-town capitalist holds sway over this industry ; no trust has the reins to close or open the factories at its will ; but all is done by Rock- ford men, who have demonstrated that they can coi)c with the world when it comes to finding a market for the goods that they produce. Closely allied to the furniture business of the city are a number of concerns only organized within the past few years. There are the Xational Mirror Plate works, and the Rockford Glass P.ending works, both owned by men who are backing the furniture plants, and which concerns supjily much of the mirrors and glass used in them. The Rockford -\rt Glass company also bears a close relation to the furniture industry. The Union Furniture company was the first to organize on the co-o])eralive plan. The employes were urged to save their earnings and invest in the company. Other factories adopted this plan, but it was not altogether successful, and it has to a large extent been abandoned. The capital has become more centralized, but it has never passed from the control of the Rockford men. This vast industry is capitalized and operated almost en- tirely by Swedish-.Vmerican citizens. THE PT.VXO INDrSTRV. During the Civil w.ir Julm Wigell. father of O. J. Wigell. and Charles Marske conducted a melo- deon factory on East .State street in a frame build- ing across the allev from the Schmauss meat mar- ket. May 30, 1865, this building and contents were destroyed by fire. Mr. Wigell, however, resumed business, and from 1865 to 1871 he man- ufactured over 200 melodeons and reed instru- ments. Quite a number of these old instruments are still in the city, and three of the number are now owned by the son. Mr. Wigell also com- pleted two pianos to show that he could accom- plish this work. In 1871 Mr. Wigell completed a contract with \\'alter Trumbull for the erection of a i^iano factory. These plans were abandoned by the death of Mr. Wigell. which occurred in the autumn of 1871. Tn 1880 John Loven. residing on First avenue, opposite the Henry Freeman school, made two pianos, which he sold at large ])rices. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. III. In 1891 Peter Nelson came to Rockford from Qiicago and organized the Rockford Piano com- panv. Its plant was in what was then known as the Union Shoe company s iDuilding, now occu- pied bv the Union Dairy company. 1 he firm was short-lived, and failed in less than a year. In the autumn of 1 891 John Anderson, of Erie, Pennsylvania, came to Rockford and organized the Anderson Piano company, which occupied a part of the Cream City mirror plate building. The companv failed in 1892, and H, N. Starr was appointed assignee. He removed the finished in- struments to the Hale building, on Walnut street, where they were sold. The Anderson piano was subsequently manufactured at ^linneapolis. The Haddorft' Piano company was organized in IQOI by P. A. Peterson. It is capitalized at $500,000, and is entirely financed by Rockford citizens. The instrument is named in honor of C. A. Haddorfif, a native of Sweden. He is an expert in this line of business, and is now the general superintendent of the factory. The com- panv emplovs about 300 men, and the average dailv output is from fifteen to twenty instruments. In 1899 the Smith & Barnes Piano company, of Chicago, purchased the plant of the Illinois Chair company in the north end, which was after- ward sold to George K. Barnes, of Rockford, who established the Barnes & Son Piano com- panv in 1901, and manufactured pianos under that name until February, 1904, when he sold the plant to the Schumann Piano company, which removed its manufacturing interests to Rockford, retain- ing a Chicago office at the Republic building. The Schumann Piano company is incorporated for $300,000, and has a daily output of six pianos. Its officers are: W. N. Van Matre, president; C, S. Hockett, vice-president ; J. W. Van Matre. treasurer : C. S. ]\Iarsh, secretary, E. K. Barnes, mechanical superintendent. The Kurtz-Seeburg company is one of the late accessions to the manufacturers of Rockford. Fred K. Kurtz, a native of New York city, came to Rockford in 1903, and October 15th of that year he began the manufacture of piano actions in the Union Shoe company lauilding at Sixth street and Eleventh avenue. The business was small at first, but it steadily grew, until a stock companv was organized, with P. A. Peterson as president ; Fred K. Kurtz, vice-president and su- perintendent ; John Anderson, secretary and treas- urer. In April, 1905, the company purchased a plat of ground on Eighteenth avenue and erected a commodious factory. The latest local finn to contribute in any way to the manufacture of pianos is the Billings com- pany, on the water-power. This firm came to Rockford in 1905, and manufactures a metal flange. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. ROCKFORD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. As early as 1843 there was sorie discussion of the need of a college for the upper Rock River valley. A general convention of the churches of the northwest was held at Cleveland, Ohio, in June, 1844, at which education received much at- tention. It was decided that a college and a fe- male seminary should be founded in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, respectively, A resolution was adopted that the "exigencies of Wisconsin and northern Illinois require that those sections should unite in establishing a college and a female seminary of the highest order — one in Wisconsin, near to Illinois, and the other in Illi- nois, near to Wisconsin." The delegates, upon their return, called a convention at Beloit in Au- gust, 1844. Three subsequent conventions were held at Beloit, because it was believed from the first that the college should be located at that place. The resolution of the first convention, affirming the need of both college and seminary, was reaffirmed in these subsequent conventions, representing especially the Presbyterian and Con- gregational ministry and churches in all the re- gion. The union of these two churches in this movement may be attributed to the fact that each was weak as it stood alone, and only in union was there strength. At the fourth convention, held at Beloit in October, 1845, Beloit was selected as the seat of the college, and a board of triistees was elected, to whom was committed the devel- opment of both institutions. The first meeting of the trustees was held the same month. Upon the original board were Rev. Aratus Kent and Hon. Wait Talcott. The charter for Beloit College was approved by the governor of the territory of Wis- consin. February 2, 1846. Middle College, the first building, was begun in the autumn of that year. Then began the discussion of a site for the seminary. Rockford and Rockton were rivals. But Beloit had been selected for the college : and from the Puritanical point of view of those days, Rockton was considered not a desirable distance for a college for young ladies. Thus Rockford was given the preference. The Rockford Forum of October 29. 1845, published a call for a meet- ing at the Methodist church on Monday evening, November 3d, to consider the location of the seminary. This call was signed by thirty-four citizens, led by T. D. Robertson. At this meet- ing it was resolved to attempt to raise the sum prescribed bv the Beloit trustees as necessary, about $3,500. A committee was appointed to so- licit subscriptions, consisting of Jason Marsh, George Haskell, Willard Wheeler, Asa Crosby, 1 1. PAST AND I'RliSEXT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. Anson S. Miller, P. B. Johnson and Horace Foote. The Forum of Novemhcr 5. 1845, con- tains a full report of this meeting, also a lengthy editorial. Citizens pledged the required amount. The Forum of December 3d mentions, in a sketch of the city, that the trustees of Beloit College have located the seminary at Rockford. A charter was granted February 25, 1847, to the following gen- tlemen as incorporators : Aratus Kent. D. Clary, S. Peet, F. Bascom, C. Waterburv, S. D. Stevens. A. L. Chapin, R. M. Pearson. G. \V. Wilcox, A. Ra\niiond. C. M. Qoodsell, E. U. Potter. L. G. Fisher. Wait Talcott, Oiarles S. Hempstead and Samuel Hinman. These same gentlemen were the incorporators of Beloit College. The board of trustees was to consist of sixteen members, with power to increase the number to twenty-four. But disasters affecting the business interests of the village prevented the fulfillment of the pledges which had been made, and delayed the enterprise for a time ; but it was never abandoned. Meanwhile. June 11, 1849, Miss Anna P. Sill began a preparatory school, under the name of the Rockford Female Seminary. The recitations were held in the old courthouse building on Xorth First street. Miss Sill came to Rockford from the east, with the expectation that her school would develop into the seminary which had been planned by the trustees of Beloit. This prepara- tory school was not the seminary proper, but rather its forerunner, and entirely under local management. Miss .Sill was assisted by Misses Hannah and Eliza Richards. The number of pupils the first term was seventy, most of whom were under ten years of age. The opening of this school apparently gave an impetus to the consummation of the former plans for a semi- nary. The trustees were Rev. L. H. Loss. Jason Marsh. Anson S. Miller, C. A. Huntington. S. M. Church, Rev. J. C. Parks, Bela Shaw. T. D. Robertson, E. H. Potter. Dr. George Haskell, Asa Crosby. The academic year was divided into four tenns of eleven weeks each. In 1850 the citizens again made pledges ag- gregating more than five tliousand dollars, for buildings, and the ladies pledged one thousand dollars for the beautiful grounds. This original subscrij>tion list is still in existence, though eaten away in places. It was found among the papers of the late Charles H. .SpafFord. The word origi- nal is here used Ijecause the subscriptions of 1845- 46 were apparently never redeemed. The list is probably the only one in existence. Thus by Sep- tember 18. 1850. the seminary proper was as- sured as a permanent institution of R(5ckford, for the higher education of young women. During the first two years of Miss Sill's resi- dence in Rockford she continued independently her preparatory school. But in 185 1 the school was formally recognized by the board of trustees of Beloit college as the preparatory department of Rockford female seminary, under the charter which they had already obtained. Full prepara- tory and collegiate courses of study were defined, and, upon examination, fifteen were admitted to the first collegiate class in September of that year. The year 1851 is thus regarded as the date of the founding of the seminary, according to the origi- nal design. The recitations were conducted in the old courthouse building already noted. The seminary had been granted full collegiate powers by its charter, but it was called a seminary, as was customary for such institutions at that time. Seven of this first class of 1851 graduated in 1854. Only one. Mrs. William Lathrop, is now a resident of the city. The course then covered three years, and was later changed to four years. The present college grounds were purchased from Buell G. Wheeler. The land originally ex- tended to the river, but a portion was taken by the Giicago & Iowa railroad. The property was not condemned, as the trustees preferred to sell rather than enter into any controversy. The grounds never extended farther east or north. They were never enlarged, and were reduced only on the west. The deed to this property was also found among Mr. Spafford's jwpers, and appar- ently had never left his possession. The reason therefor may be explained. Mr. SpafFord was county recorder at the time ; he was also a trustee of the seminary and the treasurer of the board. The document would thus naturally remain in his possession. Tliis deed and the original sub- scri])tion list, previously noted, were presented to the college at the last commencement season by Mr. Spafford's family, and are now among its permanent records. The city of Rockford owes a debt of gratitude to three of its early citi- zens for the very existence of this institution. At a critical moment in the formative period. Charles H. .SpafFord. Eleazer H. Potter and Dr. Lucius Clark mortgaged their homes and raised several thousand dollars to insure the success of the sem- inar}-. This self-sacrifice bv these gentlemen, who had faith in the future of Rockford, and who ap- preciated the value of higher education, has never been properly recognized, for the apparent reason that their course has not been generally known. .\fter the purchase of the grounds Mr. Wheeler said they were sold for nnich less than their real value. Airs. Wheeler was deeply interested in the success of the seminary, and thus the property was obtained at a low price. Mr. SpaflFord also preserved a transcript of an itemized estimate of the cost of the first building, made by John Beat- tie. This document called for an outlay of seven thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven dollars and thirty-five cents. July 15, 1852, the corner-stone of the first building was laid by Rev. Aratus Kent, president PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. "3 of tlie board of trustees. He spoke from the words : "That our daughters may be as corner- stones, poHshed after the similitude of a palace." After the acceptance by the board of trustees of the financial pledges of the citizens of Rock- ford in 1850, it was deemed best that each insti- tution should manage its own affairs. A provi- sional local board appears to have been created at this time, and in 1S52 the seminary passed into the control of a separate board of trustees. The principle of co-operation, however, continued to prevail, and certain gentlemen were on the official boards of the college and the seminary. In the lapse of years this number gradually diminished. The first formal appointment to the permanent faculty of the seminary was made in July, 1852, when Miss Sill was elected principal. In July, 1854, the collegiate course was divided into four departments : ]\Iental and moral philosophy, mathematics and natural science, history^ and Eng- lish literature, ancient languages. The depart- ment of mental and moral philosophy was as- signed to the principal. Aliss Mary \Miite was chosen teacher in mathematics and natural sci- ence. In 1854 work was begun on Linden hall, the western wing. It received its name from the resi- dence of one of its New England friends. From this place and from New York the larger part of the fund was obtained for its construction. In the 50s Miss Sill raised a large sum of money among- her eastern friends, especially in Boston, for the seminary, apparently to raise a deficit. Up to September 8, 1854. Miss Sill had secured in subscriptions the sum of three thousand six hun- dred and fifty-nine dollars and sixty-seven cents. This fact appears from a financial statement made by Charles H. Spafford. According to the Rock- ford Democrat of August I, 1854. Mr. Milwain was the architect of Linden hall, and the plans and specifications called for an addition forty-one by sixty-four feet, and four stories. Linden hall was first separate from Middle hall, and then con- nected by a frame passageway. In 1866 a second addition. Chapel hall, w'ith its connecting corridors, was begun, and completed two years later. In 1871 Linden hall and Middle hall were connected by a corridor. Of the first collegiate class admitted in 185 1, seven were graduated in 1854, eight in 1855, six- teen in 1856. ten in 1857, eleven in 1858. ten in 1859. eleven in i860, and nine in 1861, a total of eighty-two in eight years. There were then three departments — collegiate, normal and academic. During that time there were eighty-five others who entered the seminary, but did not complete the course. Forty-one were in the junior class in 1861. The whole number who shared in the instruction of the collegiate course during the first ten years was two hundred and six. One hundred and eightv-three had received instruc- 8 tion in the normal course, and the whole number of pupils for a longer or shorter time connected with the institution, including the preparatory courses, from the beginning in 1849 to July, 1861, was fifteen hundred and thirty. During this time there was contributed to the seminary from all sources the sum of thirty-nine thousand two hun- dred and twenty-eight dollars. In the winter of 1886 Sill hall was completed. This building, erected at a cost of $15,000, with funds almost entirely provided by the citizens of Rockford, contains the gjinnasium on the second floor and the music rooms on the first floor. This completes the number of edifices erected during Miss Sill's lifetime. For the sake of clear- ness and completeness in this connection, it is to be noted that in the fall of 1892 Adams hall was opened. This is a fine, modern edifice, costing about $35,000. Of this sum Mr. J. L. Adams, of Chicago, contributed a large portion, and the re- mainder was chiefly given by the citizens of Rock- ford. It contains all the laboratories and a num- ber of large, well-lighted recitation rooms. The upper floor is occupied by the studio. In 1891 Memorial hall, a residence for stu- dents, was given as a memorial to Ralph Emer- son, Jr. This completes the list of structures used for the institution. Having become the first principal of the semi- nary in 1849, Miss Sill filled that position until the summer of 1884, when she resigned, but as principal emerita she retained her connection with the school, when she died under the roof that her own strength and devotion had reared. JMiss Sill was followed by ^liss Alartha Hillard (now Mrs. Martha Hillard MacLeish), who was principal of Rockford seminary from 1884 to 1888. Her genial personality did much to increase the social power 01 the school, both at home and abroad, and the regret felt when her marriage caused her resignation was universal and very sincere. Miss Anna Gelston was the next in the suc- cession, 1888-1890; but her fragile health com- pelled her to relinquish the task in two years. Miss Sarah F. Anderson (now Mrs. Sarah An- derson Ainsworth) became acting principal in 1890. and principal in 1 89 1, a position she con- tinued to occupy until 1896. Miss Anderson graduated from the normal department of the seminary in 1869, and for many years acted as financial secretary before she became principal, and her wise financial management forms one of the striking features of her administration. The whole body of alumnae knew her well, and were deeply attached to her. Through her efforts and those of Miss Jane Addams, who accompanied her in a trip abroad, an unusually fine collection of photographs was secured for the art depart- ment. When Miss Anderson resigned to be married in 114 PAST A\l) I'Kl'.SEXT OF WIXXKliAllO COl'XTY. 1896, Miss Phebc T. Siitliff was made president of Rockford collejje, ami coiitiinied in that office until 1901. Miss Siitliff bent all her energies to- ward raising the standard of scholarship, and. as a result of her efforts, the whole tone of the insti- tution changed for the better in this reS])ect. For some time jirevious to Miss Sutliff's ad- ministration, the trustees had been working stead- ily to make Rockford a woman's college of the first rank. In 1882 a collegiate course of study was added to the seminary curriculum, and since then all students who have done the requisite amount of work have received the degree of A. i>. In June. t8<)I. the board of trustees clecideil to discontinue the seminary course, and in June. 1892, the name of the institution was legally changed from Rockford semin;uy to Rockford college, in order that the title might represent the work done. The last seminary graduates belong to the class of 1895. Begining with the class of 1896. all graduates have been college graduates. On Miss Sutliff's resignation in igoi. Miss Emily K. Reynolds was elected president. Un- fortunately. Miss Reynold's health broke down before she had scarcely begun her work, and she was obliged to leave Rockford after only two or three months of residence. Even during this short space of time, however, she made her influ- ence felt in establishing a system of self-govern- ment at the college and in helping to beautify the college home. On Miss Reynold's resignation, in 1902. Miss Julia Gulliver was elected president, and she now holds that position. In 1903-4 there were 155 students and a facul- ty of twenty. The number of the faculty in pro- portion to the number of students is so unusually large that it will at once attract attention as guar- anteeing an amount of personal care for the indi- vidual students that is impossible, savi' unrtunity to make a report of what had alreadv been done, and to consult with reference to future action. At that meeting it was resolved to raise by private subscription a fund of $5,000, to supplement the limited sum to be raised by the tax lew. which woulrl not be available for some PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. "5 time. Subscriptions exceeding $2,000 were made. Among the most liberal contributors were : Thomas D. Robertson, $500 ; Emerson & Tal- cott, $500 ; Melancthon Starr, $200 ; Elias Gos- per, $40 ; N. C. Thompson, $200 : Selden AL Church, $50 ; S. C. Withrow, $50 ; Wm. Lathrop, $100. The outlook was not promising, but the citi- zens were determined to have a librar_v, and ac- cording to their faith, so it was given unto them. Dr. Woodbury and Melancthon Starr had been appointed a committee to prepare an address to the citizens. It is no disparagement of the work of others to say that the most zealous supporter of the project was the late Major Elias Cosper. He solicited funds and books, and many of the valuable works of reference in the early library came from his private collection. Major Cospe'" earned the distinction of "Father of the library," a title given hmi by the late W. L. Rowland. Alajor Cosper served on the board twenty years. The official records of June 27, 1892, show a reso- lution of thanks, introduced by A. D. Farlv. for his long and distinguished service. Three rooms were leased on the second floor of the \\^allach block, which stood on the site of the present Ashton block. The annual rental was $350. July 30 Miss Mary E. Rankin was en- gaged temporarily as librarian. The reading rooms were open to the public August i. 1872, with a goodly number of daih" and weekly news- papers, magazines and reviews. September 2d, Thomas M. Martin was ten- dered the appointment of permanent librarian. A few days later Mr. Martin reported that he could not accept the position, and September 17, 1872. the board engaged William L. Rowland to fill the place. On the first day of February, 1873, the library was open to the public for the issue of books for home use. The first catalogue of eighty-six pages was printed a few months later. Miss Frank I. Edson entered the library as an assistant in March, 1873. In September follow- ing she was succeeded by Miss Elizabeth J. Wil- liamson, who remained eighteen years, until the autumn of 1891. Aliss Nellie Rose was then ap- pointed assistant librarian, and served several years. The first annual report of the board of direct- ors, made June I, 1873, showed that $1,773.11 had been received on private subscriptions up to that date, with $2,160.50 still unpaid: making a total of $3,933.61. There were on that date 2,815 volumes in the library. Of this number 1,603 were donations. There were ninety-one periodicals in the reading room. The lil)rarian"s report showed that for the first four months, ending May 31, 1,252 cards had been issued to borrowers. The total circulation for the same period was 8,777. The first tax levy for library purposes was ap- proved September 16, 1872, and was fixed at one mill on the dollar, which was the statutory maximum. This tax yielded a library fund of only $2,164, a sum quite inadequate to the needs of the institution. The second tax levy, approved November 3, 1873, was only three-tenths of a mill on the dollar. The modest sum of $2,849.79 was realized. The lew for 1874 was $3,500 ; and for 1875, $3,411.33. The library remained in the Wallach block until June, 1876, when the books were removed to a part of the second floor of the block just com- pleted by Church, Robertson & Emerson. This lilock is now occupied in part by the Register- ( iazette company. The rental was $500 per annum. In 1890 it was decided that it would be wise to open the reading room three hours Sunday afternoon, for the accommodation of those who were without homes, or who were unable to visit the library during the week. The first response was not very general, but time has vindicated the wisdom of such action. In 1892 Mayor Starr made an innovation by the appointment of three ladies on the board of directors. These were Mrs. Marie T. Perry, Mrs. Clara G. Sanford, and Miss Sarah Anderson, then president of Rockford College. For twenty-seven years the library remained in these quarters. Its growth and educational im- portance kept pace with the rapid advance of the city in population and commercial importance. In 1896 the library board leased the entire second story of the building, which nearly doubled the floor area. The card catalogue for public use was placed in the delivery room in September, 1897. In it were entered all books received since the publi- cation of the printed supplement to the catalogue in 1894. This was superseded in 1902 by a com- plete directory catalogue of the entire contents of the librarv. During the autumn of 1898 the library board voted to spend a portion of the annual appropri- ation in the purchase of books to be placed in certain schools of the city. The Rockford library was one of the first in Illinois to place libraries in the public schools. The inauguration of this plan of reaching the youth of the city came from an address by j\Irs. Marie T. Perry, then a mem- ber of the board of directors, before the Rockford Federation of W^omen's clubs. Mrs. Perry's ad- dress so well incorporated the salient features of the proposed work that from her ideas a resolu- tion was drafted and presented to the board by Henry S. Whipple. A committee was appointed composed of Airs. Perry, Librarian Rowland, H. S. Whipple and Prof. O. F. P)arbour, who were authorized to select a suitable list of books. January 5, 1899, libraries were placed in nine- no PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. teen school rooms, and himiary lylli four more schools were siipi)lied. The total circulation of these lx)oks for the four and one-half months of the fiscal year ending May 31, 1899, was 9.808. The report of the librarian for the year ending May 31, 1903, showed that forty-four school libraries had been in use during the year, witii a total of 1.726 volumes, and a circulation of 25.398. On account of delay in placing the books in that year, occasioned by removal to the new Carnegie building, the circulation for 1903 was only 16.929. Another effort to reach the youth of the city was the publication in June. 1899, of a catalogue of juvenile literature. Copies were distributed to the scholars in grades four to eight. They were also given to other children over ten years of age. This carefully .selected list largely increased the use of books by children. In August. 1900. by the death of Andrew M. Potter, of Philadelphia, a native of Rockford. and a veteran of the Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, the library was enriched by the accession of 446 vt>lunies of history pertaining to the Civil war. The Rockford library now has one of the most complete collections of works in Illinois on the Civil war, outside of Chicago. .September 27. 1900, Mr. Rowland jiassed away after a brief illness. I-'or twenty-eight years he had been the efficient librarian and his death was mourned as a great loss to the i)ublic. In January. 1901. the board of directors ad- vanced Miss Jane P. Hubbell to the position of librarian. She had been first assistant for several years. One of the notable events of the years 1901-02 was the reorganization of the library according to more modern methods. September 16. 1901. Miss Mary E. Gale, an experienced cataloguer, Ijcgan the work of reclassifying and cataloguing the books, according to the decimal classification. Miss Gale completed her work in November, 1902, after fourteen months of the most exacting labor. For many years the friends of the public library recognized that a commodious, fire-proof building was an urgent necessity. The city, how- ever, could not build it, for it had been for many years up to the statutory limit of its lx)nded in- debtedness. When it became known that Mr. Andrew Carnegie proposed to distribute a por- tion of his wealth in public library buildings, an effort was made to enlist his interest in Rock- ford. Correspondence Ix-gan in 1899. In March. 1901. Mr. Carnegie made a gift of $60,000. The text of his letter is given in full : "March 6, 1901. "O. F. Barbour, Ksq., Rockford, 111. "Dear Sir: If the city of Rockford will furnish a suitable site and agree to maintain the ) library at a cost of not less than $8,000 a year, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to give $60,000 for a free library building. "Respectfully yours, "James P. Bertram, Secretary.'' The prolonged controversy over a site is familiar recent history, and no further mention need be made of it. A desirable site was finally selected. The ])roperty was owned by the Rock- ford Gas Light and Coke company, and was valued at $1 1,000, of which a gift of $2,000 was made by the company. The balance was paid by citizens. The plans submitted by Bradley & Car- IH'ntcr were approved, and the contract for the structure was made with W. H. Cook. In the spring of 1903, when funds were greatly reduced. .Mayor .Amasa Ilutchius asked Mr. Carnegie for an addition to his gift, and he I)romptly received $10,000. .\ portion of this sum was expended in the completion of the build- ing, and the balance was used in the furnishings. The work of beautifying the grounds was in charge of Hon. Robert H. Tinker. The comi)leted Carnegie library building was opened to the public November 21. 1903. The total value of the property, including building, furnishings and grounds, is conser\-ativcly placed at $90,000. This does not include the books nor the museum. The opening of the new library im- mediately resulted in an increase of twenty-five ])cr cent, in circulation. In 1895 the library was made a depository for government publications. .\ large room has been set ajjart for them, and when the work of cata- loguing is complete, they will be official sources of information of great value. One of the most interesting features of the library is the children's room in the basement, in charge of Miss Mabel Snyder. During a busy season of the year nearly one hundred little ones have been seen there at one time. In 1904 the Misses Anna and Mary Beattie and brothers Edward W. and Geo. D., presented to the city of Rockford a rare museum of natural history. conservativel\ valued at $9,000. The collection was the life-work of Dr. Velie, and he personally supervised its installation. The gift is a memorial to the parents of the donors of the gift, Mr. and Mrs. John Beattie, early residents and highly esteemed citizens of Rockford. The city authorities referred the acceptance of the gift to the library board, who gave it a place on the second floor of the Carnegie building. In January. iiX)4. the city council made an ap- propriation of $2,000 for the purpose of es- tablishing a branch library on Seventh street. The furniture was generously furnished by the fac- tories in which P. .\. Peterson has large interests. The library, in charge of Miss Blanche Oaks, was opened in June, with about 2,000 volumes. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 117 Tlie following- is a complete roster of directors from the beginning: Melancthon Starr, Elias Cosper, S. C. Withrow, Dr. D. S. Clark, Rev. F. P. Woodbury, Rev. H. C. Mabie, X. C. Thomp- son, J. G. Knapp, Charles L. Williams, Dr. A. L. McArthiir, Dr. A. E. Goodwin, R. F. Crawford, W. A. Talcott, H. P. Holland, I Herva Jones, Prof. O. F. Barbour, Rev. Wilder Smith, Dr. R. P. Lane, Geo. S. Haskell, Rev. T. J. Butler, D. S. Doig, John H. Sherratt, Prof. M". S. Bebb, W. W. Bennett, James Lamont, Rev. J. J. Flahert)', Hon. E. H. Baker, Hon. Seely Perry, August Lind, Mrs. Marie T. Perry, Mrs. Clara Goodall Sanford, Miss Sarah Anderson, Hon. C. A. Works, P. O. N. Wall, ]Mrs. Harriott Wight Sherratt, Robert Rew, A. D. Earlv, H. S. Whip- ple, J. V. Riley, A. P. Floberg, C. L. Miller, Fred Haines, A. G. Larson, J. E. Goembel, T. E. Swan- son, J. L. Clark, J. A. Alden, W. A.'Brolin. Of this number Prof. Barbour is the senior member, in length of service. He was first appointed in 1876 by Mayor Levi Rhoades, to succeed H. P. Holland, resigned. With the exception of a brief interim in 1878, during the administration of Mayor Watson, he has served twenty-nine years. The present library staff is as follows : Jane P. Hubbell, librarian; Mrs. Anna C. Vincent, as- sistant librarian ; assistants, Eliza A. Kave, Mary E. Lowry, Lelia P. King, Mabel L. Snyder: evening assistant, Charles A. Church : Saturday assistant, Katherine E. Dickerman : substitute, Edith 1\L Hess. In continuous service Mr. Church out-ranks any other person on the present library staff, having served eighteen years. ^liss Blanche Oaks is librarian of the Seventh street branch, with Miss Alma Freeberg as as- sistant. May 31, 1Q05, the number of volumes in the main library was 41,320, and 2,063 volumes in the branch. The total circulation for home use for the fiscal year ending on that date, at the main library, was 86,946 ; circulation at the branch, 18,360: school libraries. 13,828: reference works in main library, 15,403: total circulation of main library and branch, 134,537. In .\pril, 1905, the tenth annual meeting of the Illinois Librarv association was held in Rock- ford. E.\RLY ROCKFORD SCHOOLS. The first school in Winnebago county was taught by Miss Eunice Brown, who afterward became Mrs. J. G. Lyon. This school was on the site of no South Second street, in the rear of what is known as the John Earlv residence, and taught in a log house. This was about July, 1837. In the spring of 1838 Miss Brown taught on the west side, in a building on what is now the court house square. Mrs. Lvon died at her home in Rockton, December 7, i\ In 1837 Miss Frances Bradford taught school in a log cabin which belonged to William E. Dunbar. In 1869 the late Mrs. John H. Thurs- ton prepared a list of early Rockford schools and teachers, which, with some amplification, is sub- stantially reproduced. Israel Morrill and Miss .Sarah E. Danforth taught in 1838 on the west side ; Miss Wood in 1839, on the west side : James M. Wight, in the winter of 1838-39, in the build- ing on the corner of Madison and Market streets, on the site of the American house ; Miss Hyde, in 1839, in the same place; Andrus Corbin, in 1839, in a house owned by himself on the west side; Mr. Jackson, in the winter of 1839-40, in the house on the corner of Madison and Market streets ; Miss Hepsabeth Hutchinson and Miss Maria Baker, in 1840, on the east side; Mrs. Mary Jackson, in 1838-39, on the west side; Miss Wealthy Bradford, in 1841-42, on the west side; Lewis S. Sweezy, in 1841-42, in the brick school house on the southeast corner of the public square, east side; Miss Harriet Barnum, in 1841, in a private house, east side ; Miss Minerva C. Fletcher, in 1842, in a log- house that stood op- posite the First Congregational church, east side ; Elijah Holt, in 1841-42, in the brick schoolhouse, east side; John Paul, in 1841, in the first house south of the railroad. Main street, west side ; Lewis B. Gregory, in the brick schoolhouse, east side, 1843-44 ; Miss Fronia Foote and George Waterman, in 1843-44; Miss Julia Barnum, in 1844, in private house, east side ; Miss Adeline Warren, private house, east side ; Miss Augusta Kemfield in 1845, ^^^^ side; C. A. Huntington, 1845 to 1849, in the old courthouse on North First street, and on the west side ; Miss Elizabeth Weldon was assistant to Mr. Huntington ; H. H. Waldo, in 1848, in Baptist church, west side; D. W. Ticknor, from 1846 to 1849, in the brick schoolhouse, east side ; assisted in turn by Miss Elizabeth Weldon, Anson Barnum, John W. Andrews, and D. Dubois ; H. H. Waldo, in 1849- 50, Miss Hannah Morrill. 1848, east side ; Robert A. Sanford, 1848, west side. In 1850 Mr. Bowles taught in the brick school- house on the east side; Mrs. Squires, in 1850, on what is now in South Madison street, east side, and afterward on west side ; Mrs. King H. Mil- liken, in 1850, east side ; Miss Mary Dow, Miss Delia Hyde and George E. Kimball, 1850-53, in the basement of the present First Baptist church building, west side ; Miss Sarah A. Stewart and Aliss Mary Joslin, in 1850, in a building where the Masonic temple now stands ; Seely Perry, in the basement of the First Methodist church, on Second street ; B. Rush Catlin, in 1852, in base- ment of First Methodist church ; Misses Char- lotte and Harriet Leonard, in 1851-52; Miss Stowell and T. J. L. Remington, in 185 1, in the lirick schoolhouse, west side ; Rev. C. Reighley, 118 PAST AXn PRESEXT OF WIWEI'.AGO COLXTV in 1852. on the cast side; Miss Fanny Avery, in 1852. on tlie east side: Mr. Stevens, in 1833, in tiie brick schoolhousc. east side; Miss Lizzie Fern, in 1853, on the cast side; .Mrs. Carpenter, in 1853. west 'side; Rev. L. Porter, 1852; Mr. Stowell. in 1853; Rev. .\ddison P>ro\vn and Miss Frances .\. I'.rown on the west side; Miss I'lia Galloway, in 1854. in the lobby of the First Con- STcsational church, east side ; Darwin Dubois, in 1854. in the First Methodist church; Mrs. Julia and .Miss Chapman, in 1854, on the west side; Miss l!elle l!uri)cc and Miss Ethalinda Thomp- son, in 1855. on the east side; Hal.sey C. Clark, in 1855, in old courthouse, east side, with Miss Lizzie 'Ciffen as assistant ; Miss Emma Brown, in 1857, east side; \. W. Freeman, in the base- ment of First Baptist church, west side : Wesley Sovcrei.qrn. in First Methodist church, cast side; Mrs. Jiines. on west side; Miss Elizabeth I'isher, west side; Miss Gunsolus, east side; Mr. Johnson and Mr. Clifford, west side. .Xearly all these schools were private. The teachers were paid mainly by the parents. The teacher made out his own bills and collected them. There was then no resfnlar state or local ta.x, and the only ])ublic school money was derived from the interest on the several state school funds, and the township fund obtained from the sale of the sixteenth section. Private teachers, who con- formed to certain requirements of the law, re- ceived some comi)cnsation from tlie jniblic money, in |)roportion to the number of jnipils under their instruction. The earlv public school records of Rockford township have been lost. It is therefore im- possible to obtain exact information. There ap- pears, however, to have been a school district, with a schoolhouse, on each side of the river. The cast side public school was in the brick building on the southeast corner of the public s(|uare. This schoolhouse was erected at an early date, by private subscription. L. P>. Gregory taught there soon after his arrival in Rockford. His examina- tion for certificate was c|uite brief, and was held in E. H. Potter's store. The directors were E. H. Potter, William E. Dunbar, Willard Wheeler and Dr. A. M. Catlin. Mr. Gregory was asked to spell baker. ITe rei)lied that he could not; but the certificate was granted. In the classical institute, in the basement of the First I'.a|)tist church, from 1855 to 1856, of which H. P. Kimball was principal, one class pursued the regidar studies of the freshman year in college, and entered one year in advance. .-\ score of students left this institution and entered eastern colleges. Two years' study was con- sidered sufficient to advance scholars through a full ])reparatory course of mathematics and the usual bofjks in Latin and Greek, giving them a sufficient preparation. Seely Perry taught a preparatory school for young men about a year and a half, in the First .Methodist church. .\t this school quite a num- ber of students prepared for college. .Vmong these were the late Dr. Selwyn Clark ; .\lexander Kerr, who became professor of Greek in the Cniversity of Wisconsin ; Rev. John Edwards, brother of Mrs. Clemens. On account of ill health, Mr. Perrv turned over the school to a brother of Dr. E. P.' Catlin. ISesides the houses used for schools on the east side already noted, were : one on Kishwaukee street, near bridge ; one on lot in rear of engine house on South First street ; one on South .Madi- son street. Xot less than eight buildings were used for school puqDOses on the cast side. .\ sum of money was once raised to build a second public school house on the east side ; but it was never erected. The money was finally paid into the nninicipal treasury, upon the order of the city Council. John .\. Holland and others built a school house for private pupils on South West street. It w^as occupied exclusively by the children of those who erected it. It was therefore not a large school, but somewhat exclusive. The con- tract was made with Seely Perry for furnishing building material. .\n old schoolhouse stood on South Main street, and later used as a blacksmith shop, near Mrs. Brett's block. The Second Congregational church was organized in this building. There was also a small schoolhouse on the south side of Green street, between Church and Court. It was a white frame building, .\bbie Parker, a sister of the late G. W. Parker, tau.ghl there at one time. IKi:i-: ITltLIC SCHOOL svsrii.M. The development of the public school system is an excellent illustration of the growth of ]>a- tcrnalism ; first, on the part of the general govern- ment ; and second, in the gradual advance of the state toward the present standard. The free jjublic school system of Illinois dates from 1855. In December. 1853. a large common school convention met at Jerscyville. composed of delegates from many adjoining counties, and one at Bloomington, for the whole state. These movements ])roears until he was elected principal of \\'allkill Academy, at Middleton, Xew York. In 1855 he was called to the position of principal of the high school and superintendent of schools at Freepo'rt. Illinois. In 1859 the board of school inspectors in- vited Prof. Freeman to take the position of prin- cipal and superintendent of schools of East Rock- ford at a salary of one thousand dollars a vear. This position he filled twenty-one vears. imtil he resigned in 1880. During tliis long service hun- dreds of pupils came under the influence of the principal. Prof. Preeman had high ideals of life, and his strong character was a potent factor in promoting that which was for the best interest of the pupils. His conscientious efforts were appreciated, and occasionally his former pupils gathered informally at his' home and recalled reminiscences of those formative vears. The third and last principal was Prof. .\. W. McPherson, who remained until 1884. George G. Lyon was chosen principal of the Second school district March 10, 1857. April 22, 1904, the old pupils of Prof. Lyon had the pleasure of honoring his memory bv planting the Lyon elm on the Lincoln school grounds. Prof. Lyon was succeeded bv E. M. Fernal, E. X. sillier. James H. Blodgett and W. W. Stetson. Prof. Blodgett became principal of the ^^'est side school in September, 1865, and held this position fifteen years. He had served his country in the Civil war as captain of Companv E, Seventy-fifth Illinois \'olunteer Infantrv. Prof. Blodgett has for many years been an official in the interior department at Washington. I20 I'AST AXD PRESF.XT OF WIXXKHAGO COUXTY. Prof. W. W. Stetson, the last principal of the West side high school before the consolidation, is now state superintendent of Maine. By 1857 a small frame strncture had been erected in South Rock ford as a schoolhouse. This was soon enlargfed and was later superseded by a stone structure, now known as Kent school. Thomas Sherratt and a Mr. Munson were early principals. Mr. Sweet, another early principal, went to California and there died. Prof. O. F. Barbour succeeded Mr. Sweet in September. 1866, and has retained this position thirtv-nine consecutive years. Prof. Barbour's continuous service in the same school is without a parallel in the state of lUinnis. "To his in- spiration."' says Prof. James II. Blodgett. "is largely due the unusual prominence of boys among the graduates of the West high school. At a time when girl graduates monopolized the diplomas in many schools, one-third of the gradu- ates of \\'est Rockford high school were boys, and occasionally a graduating class had more boys than .girls, and .^outh Rockford furnished a conspicuous share." October 21. i86i. the number of school in- spectors was increased from three to five. In 1884 the public school sy.stem was thor- oughly reorganized, and the city was made one school district, with one high school, in ])ursu- ance of an ordinance drawn Ijy Hon. .\lfrcd Tag- gart. Prof. P. R. Walker was made general superintendent of all the city schools, and he has held this position twenty-one years. Prof. Walker did service during the Civil war with the Xinety- second Illinois \'oluntcers. He graduated from tlie Illinois State Xormal School and was for many years a teacher. Pie came to Rockford from Rochelle. .\ central high school was created. Temporary (|uarters were secured in the second story of a building on West State street. The first prin- ciiial was Prof. A. W. McPherson, who served one year. The second principal was Prof. Charles A. Smith, a graduate of .\inhcrst. The present high school Iniilding was erected in 1885, and an addition was completed in 1900. Prof. Smith was succeeded by Walter A. Edwards, a son of Prof. Edwards, at one time superintendent of public instruction of Illinois. Mr. Edwards resigned in 1805. and was succeeded by Prof. B. D. I'arker. who remained nine years. The jircs- ent i)rinci|)al is Ellis U. Graff, who began his duties in Sei)teml)er. 1904. Previous to the reorganization of the Rockford schools in 1884. the schoolhouses were simply designated by the wards in which the}' were .severally located. Prof. Walker, as he became acquainted with the history of the city, advised the naming of the several schools, and. with three exceptions, they were named in honor of Rock- ford citizens. The West side high school, built in 1857. was called the Lincoln school, in honor of .\braham Lincoln. It was rebuilt in 1892 at a cost of $35,000. The East Rockford high school, also built in 1857, was named .Adams, in honor of President Jolm .\dams. In 1893 the old stone structure was razed to the ground and a two-story brick building erected, at a cost of $40,000. In 1904 about $5,000 was expended in a steam heating plant and a system of fan-ventilation. This build- ing has been re-christened the Henry Freeman school, in honor of Prof. Freeman, who taught twenty-one years in the old East side high school. The South Rockford school building, erected in 1858, was named the Kent, in honor of Ger- manicus Kent, the first settler of Rockford, who came here in 1834. The Hall .school, built in 1866, and rebuilt in 1892. was named in honor of John Hall, an early member of the board of education. The Ellis school, built in 186S. hears the name of Col. E. F. ^^'. Ellis, an early banker of Rock- fcMil, who was killed in the battle of Shiloh in .\pril, 1S62. The Blake school, erected in an early day, and rebuilt in 1899, received its name from Thatcher Blake, who came to Rockford with Germanicus Kent, in 1S34. The Marsh school, built in 1872. bears the name of Col. Jason Marsh, a pioneer of 1839. and a representative lawyer and public-spirited citizen. The Xelson school, built in 1881. is named for John Xelson, the famous Rockford inventor of the knitting machine. The Hotel X'^elson also hears his name. The Haskell school was built in 1874. and perpetuates the memory of Dr. George Haskell, who came to Rockford in 1838. He has been immortalized by the poet Whittier in Snow- boiuid. The Montague school was built in 1883. and enlarged in i8()2. It bears the name of Richard Montagut-. a pioneer of 1835. The Wight school, built in 1889, is named in honor of James AI. Wight, a prominent barri.ster, member of the constitutional convention of 1870, and a representative in the legislature. The Brown school, erected in 1892, derives its name from Judge William Brown, who held many offices of ])ublic trust and was for twenty years judge of the circuit court. The Garrison school, built in 1887. and en- largcfl in i8<)2, is named for Thomas Garrison, who came to Rockford from New Jersey in 1853, and purchased a large tract of land north of the city. Mr. Garrison died October 6, 1871. .\n addition has been made to the school building during the present year. The Cliurch school was built in 1894, and per- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 121 petuates the memory of Judge Seklen M. Church, an early settler, postmaster, member of the legis- lature, and judge of the county court. The Kishwaukee school was built in 1896. and derives its name from the street on which it stands, which, in turn, is derived from Kish- waukee river. Kishwaukee is an Indian name. The Turner school was built in 1898, and de- rives its name from J. M. Turner, a supervisor and alderman. Mr. Turner, in recognition of this honor, gave the school a bell. A site at the corner of Summit and Crosby streets, consisting of one-half of a block, was purchased in 1904, and a ten-room building erected. It is called the Jackson school, in honor of Charles E. Jackson, the present mayor. It is pleasing to know that the idea of more extensive school grounds has at last been adopted, and that this new building is heated by steam, and well ventilated with a fan to drive the pure, warm or cold air through the building. The plans pro- vide large rooms, well lighted, and large halls that are easily accessible, with stairs easy to ascend and descend. The light comes in at the left and rear of the pupils in each room. The site is on an elevation well drained and supplied with ample sewerage, a very important item in the location of a school building. With the completion of the Jackson school, the entire school property of Rockford, including buildings, grounds and furnishings is not less than half a million dollars. The following table indicates the cost of the completed buildings as they now stand : High School, 1885-1900 $ 92,145.97 Lincoln, 1892 35,000.00 Henry Freeman, 1893 45,000.00 Hall, 1892 30,000.00 Wight. 1889 20.000.00 Brown, 1892 18,000.00 Kent, 1858 20,000.00 Montague, 1883-1892 20,700.00 Garrison, 1887-1892 18,000.00 Church, 1894 20.000.00 Kishwaukee. 1896 30,000.00 Nelson, 1881 4.000.00 Marsh, 1872 5,000.00 Blake, 1899 28.385.49 Haskell, 1874 6,000.00 Ellis, 1868 4,000.00 Turner, 1898 25,588.74 Jackson, 1904 35.000.00 Total $456,820.20 Tne following is the total enrollment of the citv schools bv vears, since 1884: 1884 '. ^.^.-JJi 1894 4.723 1885 2,818 1895 4.781 1886 2,875 1896 4.945 1887 2,950 1897 5,138 1888. 1889. 1890. 1891. 1892. 1893. • 3,206 •3.306 •3.563 •3.851 •4.195 •4.531 1898 5,193 1899 5.645 1900 5,877 1901 6.01 1 1902 6,116 1903 6,251 Opening day, September 5, 1904 5.627 Enrollment for September, 1905 6.441 The work of the Rockford high school is to a limited extent elective, and is based upon an election of subjects rather than of courses. The unit of the plan is a "credit," which means five hours of work per week for a period of thirty- nine weeks. Sixteen such credits are necessary for graduation, of which seven and a half are re- quired, and the remainder elective. The plan may be seen by reference to the course of study. Below is a report of the number in the enter- ing classes, and the number graduated since 1886: WHEN WHEN GRADUATED. NO. 1890 32 1891 37 1892 28 1893 49 1894 52 1895 48 1896 67 1897 88 1898 58 1899 55 1900 68 1901 48 1902 ^6 1903 64 1904 77 1905 87 education consists of Dr. , E. D. Revnolds. L. M. Biller. NO. ENTERED. 1886 1887 r888 1889 1890 189I 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 I9OI — The present board of Culhane, A. G. Everett, Xolina:. and JNIiss Pearl .109 79 89 "5 132 ,116 138 176 163 146 154 ■152 169 ■159 FIRST C0NS0LID.\TED SCHOOL IN ILLINOIS. Seward township has the first consolidated school in Illinois. In the spring of 1903, on pe- tition to the school trustees. Districts 90, 91, 93, of Seward township, were consolidated. The electors of the consolidated district, bv a vote of thirty-eight for and fifteen against, bonded the district for $7,000, ten years' time at four per cent, to purchase a site and erect a union school building. By a vote of forty-seven for, and one against, the airectors were authorized to pur- chase a certain site for the new school grounds. This consists of three and six-tenths acres of some of the finest farming land in northern Illinois. The amount paid for it was $1,000. Prof. Blair, chief of horticulture of the Illinois College of Agriculture, designed the landscape arrangement of this ground. It provides for the 122 lM AM) I'RF.SF.XT OI" WIX.XEliACO COrXTV. tifiil fjroii|)inack- us. Fred L. Auchter, Harry T. Potter. Corporals — Peter Lindberg. l-'rank E. Osljorn, Fritz Johnson. Ed C. Johnson, W. C. King. .An- ton Johnson, C. Rov Speake. Fred W. Farmiloe, John W. Pctrie, Henry Sanders, George H. riaker. Gihnore Grant. Musicians — William II. Stuckev, Stillman \'alley : Louis W. Miles. .Artificer — George H. Allen. Wagoner — Charles E. Richardson. Privates — Charles E. .Adamson, Roy .Archer, .August L. .Vpplegren. Leon M. Baldwin. Streat- or : James L. Basford. Frank B. Basford, Clar- ence C. Bover, Richar. Carr, Sullivan L. Clark, Joseph Caldwell, James Coyne. Edward E. Cowles, Edgar E. Campbell. Henry J. Dillon, Charles J. Dillon, II. J. Dickerman, Hiram R, Drake, Fort .Atkin.son, W'isconsin ; John Garry, John J. Hooley, Joseph .A. Hunter, Edward Houseman, Fred Johnson, Ix>uis W. Jones, John R. Tohnson. David F. King. .Andrew T. Lawler, .Mbert E. I^imb. John W.' Lindell. P.ert J. Lin- dell. Richard H. Limigberg. Otto Lundin. Frank E. Mahon. Peter J. McGrath. William F. Mur- phv, Richard Noreen, O.scar G. Olson, .Albert O'Garr. Harry E. Osgood, Frank G. Parker, lames W. Paxton. Rudolph L. Peterson, Rudolph .\. Perterson, Charles Sederstrom, Charles Sea- lander, Gustav Schmidtz. George H. Shepard, Tohn .'"^inilh. John ,\. Tavlor, I^wrence Taylor, PAST AXD IT-JESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. 127 Edward Ta}-lor, Eugene Tunison. Emil \'an Holsbeke, Frank H. Welch. Abe L. YingHng. Recruits — Gustave G. Boetcher, Milwaukee : Mark M. Butler, Belvidere ; Joseph Bath, Thomas Blachford. Belvidere ; Arthur R. Davis. Joliet ; Albert L. Ferree, Coldwatcr, ^lich. ; Richard Flynn. Belvidere ; Josepn Flannerv. Belvidere ; Louis Gastman, Jerry F. Holey. Robert A. Hunt- er. Clarence Hunieston. Henry S. Hensel, Oscar A. Jackson. William S. Lawman. Belvidere: John J. AIcGrath. Andrew F. Alaloney, Belvidere ; Oron McConel. William Outcalt. Yerman Out- calt. Edward C. Osmus, Roy M. Phelps, Belvi- dere : John ^^'. Roderick, Belvidere ; Edward ^^^ Roderick, Belvidere ; John E. Randolph, Garden Prairie: Henry Schmitz, Peoria; Fred B. Stock- well. COMPANY K. Captain — Edwin E. Leonard. First Lieutenant — James A. Ruggles. Second Lieutenant — Ernest L. Hess. First Sergeant — Lee Lemaire. Quartermaster-Sergeant — Eric Swcnbcig. Sergeants — Edward A. Ouinn. Frank ?il, Hull. Frank Smith, ^^'ill AlcDermaid. Corporals — \\'alter 1!. Tavlor. Eric Kjellgren, Walter Wall, Samuel C. Hull Fred J. Corey'." Lu- man P.. Lillie. William M. Banner, Fred H. Wlieeler. George A. Trumbo, Will J. Barbour, John B. Chaney. Musicians — Charles E. Frank. Knutt O. Juh- Hn. Artificer — Richard Anderson. Privates — Charles E. Anderson, Fred C. Bar- bour. Charles G. Bowman. Joseph H. Bryden. Thatcher B. Bean. Frank Betts. Williams Buske. Oscar X. Danielson. Bert Dundon, Richard Al. Eylward, Edward H. Engqnist, Emil Flood. Wil- got Flood. Fred Fellows. Joseph Frost, Gust T. Gustafson. Robert K. Gustafson. Charles G. Gns- tafson. Harold R. Gaston. James H. Galloway, Charles O. Harper. Lycurgus A. Hall, Joseph B, Hoffman, Clinton S. Holmes, Benjamin A. Hun- ter. John Hagenson, Harrv Hunter. Jason B. Is- bell. Eric S. Johnson. Louis H. Johnson, Frank A. Jordan, Chicago : Elmer R. Johnson. Axel Kjellgren. Paul R. Klentz, \'ictor Liliydahl, Paul C. Loveland, Peter A. Larson, Robert S. Lane, ^^'illianl H. Mcintosh, Israel X^. ^^futimer, George Matthews, Harry Nelson, Fred R. Olson. \Tctor C. Olson, Henry Odenahl, Ed Ostness, Edwin Oberg, Floyd Osmus, George Pitney, Harry M. Putnam, Harry A. Parson, Frank R. Ridgley, Matthew Ryan, Wilbur P. Raymond. Charles F. Strong. Linus Selin. Bruce W. Savage. Grant Shields, Otto Stohlgren. Carl R. Savage, Charles A. Thorne. George Whitmore. Recruits — Lewis Ahlberg, Belvidere; Charles G. Barnes, Byron; Frank Blank, Belvidere ; John F. Clayton, Belvi- dere ; Louis J. Caswell, Claus Ekstedt, Cherry \'nllrv : Wdiinm Fallon, Evert J. Garlock, Byron ; Israel J. Ferris, Robert B. Hart, Byron ; Charles E. Gooman, Guy Holland. Herman Huffman. Adolph Johnson, John E, Jones, Ernest Kilgore, Byron ; Otto Koch, Belvidere ; Henry C, Lane, Byron ; George Monroe, Belvidere ; Martin F. Xally, Byron : Clarence C. X'elson. George Patter- son, Steven Powell. Joseph H. L^nderwood. By- ron ; Frans A. Titus, Clarence G. Tetlow, Belvi- dere ; Ernest D. Wallace. Other Rockford boys who enlisted for the Spanish- American war were : Third Illinois Regiment — Companv A : Charles R. Gipe, Axel L. Kjellgren. Company D : Howard C. Carpenter. James McConnell. Company F : Selwyn L. Clark, Charles Jen- kins, Charles Sederstorm. Company G: Richard Anderson, Rav T. Barnes, Robert S. Farrar. Company M : Frank W. Adams. Ernest V. Johnson. William J. Myers. C. A. George Sahlin. Sixth Regiment, Infantry — Companv L: John M. Keefe. Seventh Regiment. Infantry — Companv L: Guy L. Harvey. Company M : Dennis Owens. Eighth Regiment. Infantry — Harry S. Mc- Card. Third Neljraska. Infantry — W^arren H. Rav. First L'. S. Engineers — Comjjany F : ^^^ D. Kewish. First IJ. S. \'ol. Infantrv — Company B : P. ^^■. Doolittle. Fortieth Wisconsin Infantrv — Companv B ; William H. Fitch. First Regiment. Fifth Wisconsin Artillery — Josiah C. Forbes. Third Alissouri Cavalrv — Company G; George H. Forbes. Second U. S. \'. Engineers. Second Battalion — C. Kingley Ray. Fifty-first Iowa Infantry — Company B : El- mer G. Stockberger. Arthur E. Fisher went to the front with the Third Regiment as lieutenant-colonel. In 1899 he was elected colonel of the Third Re.giment, and served the full term of five years. He was re-elected in 1904. and resigned in the spring of 1905. after having rendered nineteen years of military service to the state. INSTITUTIONS OF PHILANTHROPY. ROCKFORD HCSPITALS. During the year 1883 the subject of organizing a hospital for the city of Rockford became an object of much interest, both to the medical pro- 128 PAST AXD TRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. fession and to the comiminity at large, .\inoiig the physicians especially interested in the move- ment were the late T. (i. Vincent, W. H. Fitch and F. H. Kimhall. The sub- ject elicited much attention at the meet- ings of the medical society of the coun- ty, and in the autumn of 1883 resulted in the ap- pointment of a committee to secure a corporate e.xistcnce under the laws of the state. The com- mittee so appointed made application and received from the secretary of state a certificate of organ- ization, under date of December 15, 1883. The incorporators were Drs. A. E. Goodwin, Silas A. Austin. Frank H. Kimball, Frank K. Hill. Lem- uel Tibbcts. Thomas G. Vincent. It was the desire of the promoters to secure the co-operation of the churches, and the selection of trustees was made with this end in view. The original board consisted of the following citizens: William A. Talcott, William Lathrop, Norman C. Thompson, William Brown, Jeremiah Davis, H. W. Carpenter. John Z. Rydberg, Thour Munthe, R. P. Lane. R. F. Whipple. Thomas Butterworth. Frances I. Price, ;\Iary H. Penfield, Jane G. Wilkins, Adeline E. Emerson. Upon the completion of the organization the physicians, by choice, were no longer officially identified with the hospital association. A num- ber of the original board have been called by death, and in several instances their sons have been chosen to succeed them. .At a meeting held January 29, 1884, a tempo- rary organization was effected by the election of William Brown as chairman and William .\. Tal- cott as secretary of the board of trustees. .Vt a meeting held April 8, 1884, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. A permanent organiza- tion was effected by the election of the following officers : President, William Brown ; vice-presi- dent, Mrs. Jane G. Wilkins ; secretary and treas- urer. William A. Talcott. Shares were placed at $10 each, and were taken by a large number of the citizens. Selden M. Cliurch took thirty shares : Dr. Fitch, thirty shares; Dr. R. P. Lane, fifty .shares; Emerson, Talcott & Co., fifty shares ; Thomas D. Robertson, fifty shares ; Horatio Stone, fifty shares. June 21, 1884, the board of trustees met to con- sider the question of the selection and purchase of suitable hospital grounds. At this meeting several propositions for location were canvassed, .^niong these was the proposition of Dr. W. H. Fitch for the sale to the association of his prop- erty, consisting of a plat of about 125 feet front- age on South Court street by 156 feet deep, and having a south and east exposure, at the price of $6,800 — $300 payable in certificates of member- ship. The trustees, as a body, examined the prop- erty, and thereafter passed the following resolu- tion, viz. : "Resolved. That we deem it wise that the asso- ciation shall at once take necessary steps to pro- cure hospital grounds." The following resolution was unanimously adopted : "Resolved, That the president and secretary be and hereby are authorized to accept the proposi- tion of Dr. W. H. Fitch for the sale of his proper- ty of 125 front on Court street. West Rockford, for the use of the association, and make the nec- essary papers therefor, unless more favorable terms can be obtained." By subsequent arrangement with Dr. Fitch, the association purchased the property, paying there- for $6,200 cash and $300 in certificates of mem- bership. The property was fully paid for, and the deed made and delivered on July i. 1885, at which time the association received possession. When the property was paid for and the title obtained, the association immediately proceeded to make such repairs and changes as were re- quired to adapt the building, as far as practicable, to hospital uses. The hospital opened October i, 1885. Dr. S. A. Austin and Dr. F. H. Kimball were the first attending physician and surgeon, respectively. Drs. R. P. Lane and D. S. Clark were the first consulting ])hysicians. and Drs. W. II. Fitch and Henry Richings the first consulting .surgeons. The first patient was received Octo- ber loth. Mrs. Martha J. Smith, more familiarly known as ".'Vunt Jane," was the first matron. She as- sumed this responsibility October i, 1885, and faithfully administered its duties nearly fifteen years, until .\pril, 1900. Miss Lizzie C. Glenn was appointed matron March 28, igoo. She re- signed April 6, 1901. and Miss Flora B. Patch (now Mrs. A. D. Early) was appointed. Miss Patch resigned November i, 1902. and Miss Alma M. Barter received the aiapointment. which posi- tion she now holds. Miss Loring is assistant. Hospital Sunday was established in the churches October 10. 1885, by a resolution of the hospital trustees, which has since been maintained with a very liberal spirit. In 1888 steps were taken to provide a perma- nent fund for the maintenance of the hospital. The ammmt of this finul in round numbers is about fifty thousand dollars. In 1887 a new hospital building was erected, fronting on Chestnut street. In 1901 Mrs. Ade- line E. Emerson, in memory of her deceased son, Ralph Emerson, Jr., contributed the funds for an addition to the hospital for an operating room and office. In 1904 a s)ilendid addition was erect- ed on the site of the first hospital building, at a cost of alxiut fifty thousand dollars. William Brown served as president from 1884 to 1886. William Lathrop from 1886 to 1887. Ho- ratio Stone from 1887 to January 29, 1896. when PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 129 his death occurred. Wilham Lathrop was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Stone, which office he has since continuously held. W. A. Talcott served as secretary and treasurer of the hospital from its inception to the time of his death, which occurred in Palestine, December 19, 1900. The success of the institution is in large measure due to his liberality and untiring effort. His son. Wait Talcott, was elected to the position so ably filled by his father, April 6, 1901, which position he now holds. The largest gift to the hospital fund was from the estate of Horatio Stone, which was $27,000; the next largest is from W. A. Talcott and fam- ily, $12,000, and A. D. Forbes and family, $10,- 500. Several others have contributed from $2,400 to $5,000. During the fiscal year ending April i, 1904, 482 patients were received for treatment. The present board of trustees are John Barnes, H. H. Robinson, Mrs. E. P. Lathrop, Walter A. Forbes. P. A. Peterson, L. L. Morrison, William C. Butterworth, Wait Talcott, B. F. Whipple, Katherine M. Keeler. Frank R. Brown. Antes S. Ruhl, John H. Sherratt, William Lathrop, Kate F. O'Connor. ST. ANTHONY H0SPIT.\L. Although but six years old, St. .\nthony hos- pital has become one of the substantial institutions of our progressive city. Some seven or eight years ago about a half dozen physicians associated themselves together with the object in view of establishing a hospital for East Rockford — "A hospital," said one of the staff, "whose advantages might be enjoyed by any phvsician or surgeon entitled to practice his art in the state of Illinois." The maintenance of this liberal policy in the conduct of its aft'airs has been one of the most potent features in the success of the hospital. Early in its history the late William Crotty became interested in the project, and gave of his time, money and strength to raise means to purchase a site. The Sisters of St. Francis, whose headquarters are at Peoria, were invited to visit Rockford and select a location. They accepted the invitation and selected the present site at 1401 East State street. The purchasing price of this property was $12,000, one-half of which was furnished by the Sisters. Three thousand dollars was the personal contribution of physicians who are members of the staff. The remaining three thousand dollars necessary for the purchasing price was given by friends of Rockford and Winnebago county. The property, title and entire management of the hospital is vested in the Sisters' society — a plan desired even by those most intimately asso- ciated in its origin, as it made it possible for all 9 physicians to pursue their work there upon an even footing. The large brick residence which stood upon the property was fitted up by the Sisters, and in Au- gust, 1899, the hospital was opened for the re- ception of patients. The patronage given was so liberal that within two years accommodations could not be afforded all the patients seeking ad- mission. To provide for this, an addition was erected at the cost of $60,000. The corner-stone was laid May 22, 1902, and in March, 1903, the new building was formally opened. This im- provement enables the hospital to accommodate sixty patients. This order of Sisters maintains seven other hospitals in various cities of Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and they must be accorded great praise for their tact, thrift and industry, which have made the success of these enterprises possible. On the other hand, the Sisters are keenly appreciative of the help and sympathy given their work from the city and county and from the many kind friends everywhere. St. Anthony hospital is thoroughly equipped for scientific work, and with its new building and beautiful, spacious grounds, is one of the most attractive spots in Rockford. The following physicians are members of the hospital staff : Attending surgeons, Drs, I. E. Allaben, P. L. :\Iarkley. Frank ""K. Hill. Consulting surgeons, Drs. J. ]\Iurphy. Weller Van Hook, T. J. Watkins, all of Chicago. Attending physicians, Drs. S. C. Andrus. A. J. ]\Iarkley, Belvidere. Oculists, Drs. L. Tibbets, Grant Hatch. WINNEB.\GO COUNTY HOi[E FOR THE .AGED. For many years observant people had recog- nized the need of a comfortable home in which the aged poor could receive proper care. No existing organization fully met this demand. In recognition of this fact, and in response to a public call, a number of citizens of Rockford and vicinity convened at the Nelson House, July 7, 1904, to discuss the project of establishing a home for the aged of Winnebago county. Among those present at this first meeting were Mesdames B. R. Waldo. Chandler Starr,*" M. B. St. John. M. R. Harned, J. M. Fraley. Hervey, of Dubuque : Misses Kate F. O'Connor, Ama Taylor, Rev. R. C. Brvant. Messrs. Charles Sabin, G. Nordstrom and B. R. Waldo. Mt. Nordstrom started a fund with a gift of $500. A temporary organization was effected, with Rev. R. C. Bryant as chairman and Miss Kate F. O'Connor secretary. A committee of five on constitution and by-laws was appointed by the chair. An adjourned session was held July I30 PAST AND PRESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. 14th, at which time the conimittee on constitution and by-laws submitted its report, which, after a few sli.irht amenilnients, was adopted. Tlie fol- lowing names were subscribed, which form the cliarter membership of the association : G. Xord- strom, Charles Sabin, Ama Taylor, Kate F. O'Connor, Susan H. Rogers, P. M. Snvdcr, F. H. Rodman, B. R. Waldo, Mary M. Burchfield, Fan- nie B. Waldo. Stella R. Ricker. Annetta G. Mari- ner. Blanche Ellis Starr. Ellen M. St. John. Mrs. 11. II. Robinson. Mrs. (ieorjje Manny. Mrs. M. H. Lane and Mrs. L. A. Weylnirn. Charles Sabin became a life member by sub- scribing' $100. A committee on nominations w-as ap])ointcd, which reported at an adjourned meet- ing, held Jiily 2 1 St. On that date a full board of managers were elected, as follows : For one year, .Mesdames Jeanette C. Robinson, Adeline E. Thom])son. .-Mice Shoults. Messrs. Charles F. Jackson, (J. Xordstrom. George W. Collins ; for two years. Mesdames .\niia R. Page, M. R. Har- ned. Kate F. O'Connor, Messrs. Robert C. Lind, D. B. Redington. A. S. T. Ogilby : for three years. Mesdames IJlanche Ellis Starr, May Brow-n Buckbee. Byron Graham, Fannie B. Waldo, H. Helena Weyburn, S. .A. Johnson. The following officers for the year were elected : H. Helena Weyburn. president: Mrs. Fannie Pi. Waldo, vice- president ; Kate F. O'Connor, secretary : Robert C. Lind. treasurer. The lioard was instructed to incorporate under the laws of Illinois. .\t a sub- sequent meeting rules for the matron and gov- ernment of the home and a set of a])i)lication blanks were adoi)ted. The officers were consti- tuted a conimittee to select a site. This commit- tee recommended the leasing of the Crawford homestead. 408 Xorth Horsman street, at a rental of $25 per month. This ])roposition met the ap- proval of the board, and the committee was in- structed to close negotiations for the same. Ma- ria G. Hobart w-as elected matron for one year from October i, 1904- The home was formally opened October 2. ir>04. It ])roved a veritable shower day. Furni- ture, provisions, clothing, checks and cash were received, and the tables were laden with gifts from the generous people of Rockford and vicin- ity. The home is now filled. There have been thirteen inmates, two of whom have died. These were Mrs. Caroline Wyman and Xancy Holdcn Brown. Through the efforts of Mrs. Chandler .Starr and Mrs. M. R. Harned, of the ways and means committee, the board of supervisors made an ap- propriatif)n of $500 for the home. Mrs. May Brown Buckbee and Mrs. .Xdeline E. Thompson have resigned from the board, and Mrs. E. P. Catlin and Miss .\nna Beattie have l)cen chosen to succeerown. had been defeated for representative ; the democrats had sustained a local defeat of their entire ticket, and on the 30th of October the last number of the Pilot was issued. The Better Covenant, a I'niversalist ])apor. was printed at the Pilot office during a i)ortion of tliis period. Its editor was William Rounsevilie. Februan- 17. 1843. J. .\mbrose W^ight bc.gan the publication of the Winnebago Forum, a whig paper, with material which had been used in printing the Rockford Star. Mr. Wight was a graduate of Williams college, and first came to Winnebago county in 1836. He was a brother of Jaiues M. W'iglit. with whom he read law for a time. Mr. Wi.ght retired from the Forum .\u- gust 18. 1843. when he sold the jiaper to .\ustin ^I. Colton. The terms were easv. Mr. Wight said: "He asked me my price. I told him if he would take it off my hands, we would be square." Mr. Colton was more. successful than anv of his ])redecessors in the local newspai)er field, and his ])lace in local history is that of the best known "country editor" of the old school. Mr. Colton continued the paper under the old name until the close of the first volume, in Fcbruarv, 1844, when it was rechristened the Rockford Forum. .After Mr. Colton had "written for glory and printed on trust" for ten years, he .sold the paper to E. W. niaisdell. Jr., who came to Rockford in the latter part of 1853. In January of 1854 the new proprietor changed the name of the Forum to the Reiniblican, and took his brother, Richard P. Blaisdell. into partncrshi]). The Republican was ])ublished until 1862, when it was purchased by Klias C. Daugherty, and merged into the Rock- ford Re.gister, of which he was proprietor. In Se|)tember, 184S. Henry W. De Puy estab- lished the Rockford Free Press, as a Free Soil or Barnburner organ. It was published until February, 1850, when it was discontinued for want of patronage. The Rock River Democrat was founded in June. 1852. as a democratic paper, by Benjamin Holt. David T. Dickson afterward [nirchased an interest. In 1855 Rhenodyne A. Bird became Mr. Holt's successor. The paper was published by Dickson & Bird until May 1, 1864. It was then purchased by Isaiah S. Hyatt, who contin- ued its publication until June 12, 1865. when the plant was sold to the Register company. The Rockford Register was founded by E. C. Daugherty in l\-bruary, 1855. There were al- ready two weekly papers in the field, the Repub- lican and the Democrat. But Mr. Daugherty was confident there was always room at the top. In his prospectus Mr. Daugherty said he had "se- lected the flourishing and beautiful city of Rock- ford as his future home, believing the field ample for a new aspirant to ])ublic favor.' -Mr. Daugherty had in him the elements of the reformer, and he founded the Register as a strong" opi)onent of the extension of slavery. He made a declaration of his principles in the following paragraph of his prospectus : "In the present confused state of political ])ar- ties and issues we need not promise further as to the ])olitical course of the Register than that, while our sympathies are, as ever, with the cardi- nal doctrines and faith of the whig party, we shall also earnestly lend our humble efforts and influ- ence to check the aggressive encroachments of southern dictation and overthrow the monopoly of slave ])ower — endeavoring by all honorable means to advance the interests and sustain the true issues of freedom. We are not among those, however, who believe all the honesty and intelligence be- long to either of the great political parties, and shall be as free to commend a political o])]ionent when right as to condemn one of our faith when wrong — according the right of free opinion to all. We may also say lure, the Re.gister will be the organ of no cli(|ue or club, but will he inde- pendently its own exi>onent." Concerning the business side of the enterprise, the prospectus continued : "The paper will be styled the 'Rockford Regis- ter' and will be |)rinted weekly, upon new type and good quality of paper, seven columns to the page, at $1.50 per annum in advance, or $2,00 at the end of the vear. Citv subscribers, whose PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 135 papers are delivered by the carrier, will be charged fifty cents additional." Commencing with a limited capital, and con- tending against strong opposition. Air. Daugh- erty lived to see both the original rival papers, and others, merged into the Register, which be- came a strong and intluential paper. The Regis- ter absorbed other papers representing an almost unbroken line since 1840. June i, 1859, Air. Daugherty began the publication of the Dailv Register ; but it was discontinued at the end of three months. In June, 1865, the Rock River Democrat was merged with the Register, which passed into the hands of a joint stock company. The impaired health of Mr. Daugherty compelled him to retire from active business life. I. S. Hyatt, who had at two previous periods been connected with the paper, as assistant editor, and later the proprietor of the Rock River Demo- crat, became, under the new management, the principal editor with E. H. Griggs as associate. By reason of breaks in the files, the record of changes in the management of the Register may not be absolutely complete. The possible omissions, however, do not cover more than one or two years. June 30, 1866, Air. Hyatt resigned his posi- tion as editor, and was succeeded by E. C. Daugh- erty, who retained the editorial charge of the pajjer until February 23, 1867, when the condi- tion of his health forced him to retire. Abraham E. and William E. Smith, former proprietors of the Indianapolis Gazette, became associated with E. H. Griggs in the management of the Register. These gentlemen retired June 29, 1867. Air. Griggs became editor and manager, with J. E. Fox as associate. This management continued until October 7, 1871, when the name of S. M. Daugherty, widow of the founder of the paper, appeared as proprietor. Tlie following week the Register announced that P. S. Alartin was busi- ness manager. January 6, 1873, Geo. E. Wright & Co. began the publication of the Daily Register. It was a morning paper, with no Sunday edition. Alarch 13, 1873, Cliarles J. Woodbury & Co. assumed the management. Air. Woodbury was a half- brother of Rev. Frank P. Woodbury. D. D.. pastor of the Second Congregational church. Dr. Woodbury had the editorial instinct, and rendered some assistance in an editorial way. November 8, 1873, the Register was changed from a morn- ing to an evening paper. But the time had not come for the success of such a venture, and on February 10, 1874, the daily was discontinued. Aoril 16, 1875, the names of N. D. \\'right and Al. CoUaton appear as members of the Register company. In January of the following year Mr. Wright was editor-in-chief. July 2-j. 1877. the Register was issued under the management of N. D. Wright and C. L. Mil- ler. The latter had come to Rockford from Rochelle, where he had been connected with a weekly paper, October i, 1877, the Rockford Daily Register was started upon a permanent basis by Messrs, Wright and Aliller, with E. C. Chandler as city editor. A few months later E. M. Botsford ac- cepted a reportorial position, and in 1881 he pur- chased an interest. \\'. P. Lamb subsequently be- came a third partner. The firm of Miller, Botsford & Co., continued in the management until January I, 1891, when Edgar E. Bartlett, W. L. Eaton and Eugene Mc- Sweeney, all of Kalamazoo, Alichigan, purchased the good will of the Daily Register and Daily Gazette, and consolidated them under the firm name of the Register-Gazette. In 1898 Mr. Bartlett purchased the interest of Air. AlcSweeney, and in 1901 he purchased Mr. Eaton's interest. In the autumn of that year Mr. Bartlett sold a part interest to Archibald S. Leckie, of Chicago, who became managing editor. Two years later, in October, 1903, Fred E. Sterling purchased Air. Leckie's interest, and be- came manager of the editorial department. The Rockford Wesleyan Seminary Reporter was begun as a monthly publication in October, 1857. Only four numbers were issued. It was published by Rev. W. F. Stewart in the interest of the proposed Wesleyan seminary. The first number of the Cudgel was issued January 17, 1857. It bore this legend on its title- page: "Published somewhere, circulates every- where, edited nowhere." It was published semi- monthly, but only seven numbers were printed. Dr. George Haskell began the publication of the Spirit' Advocate April 15. 1854. It was an able propagandist of spiritualism. Twenty-three numbers were published when it was consolidated with the Orient, with headquarters at Waukegan. The last number of the Advocate appeared Alarch 15. 1856. A complete file of this paper has been preserved in the Rockford public library. The Democratic Standard was founded October 30, 1858, by Springsteen & Parks, as a democratic organ. After about a month, the Standard was published by Parks alone, until February 5, 1859, when David G. Croly became proprietor. On the 1 8th of Alay following the proprietorship was changed to D. G. Croly & Co. The company was John H. Grove. On the suspension of the News April 30, i860, and the retirement of Mr. Croly the publication of the Standard was continued by John H. Grove and James S. Ticknor for a few months. The paper was then sold to James E. and Joseph H. Fox, who established the Daily News. It was a republican paper, and the first number was issued in December, i860. A few weeks later they began the publication of the 136 PAST A\n PRKSKN'T OF \VI\XF.P.\r,0 COUNTY. Weekly N'ews. which was continued until Sep- tember 21. 1861. The plant was then sold to E. C. Daugfherty, and its publication was discon- tinued. .\ii earlier pa])er, also called the Daily Xews. was established by David G. Croly, February 8, 1859. The paper was neutral in politics. Its ])nl)lication was continued until .\pril 30, i860, when it was suspended for want of patronaije. Mr. and Mrs. Croly won national re]>utation in journalism and letters after their departure from Rockford. Mr. Croly became city editor of the New York World and later was its managing editor. He was the author of biographies of Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Pdair, a History of Reconstruction and a Primer of Positivism. He died in 1889. The Crescent Age was founded in 1859. Its editors were Dr. George Haskell and H. P. Kim- ball. It was a .Spiritualist ])ublication. and lived only a short time. The Rock River Mirror was established Sep- tember 6, 1859, by Allen Gib.son. It was neutral in ]>olitics and was printed at the Register office. Later the name of X. C. Thompson appeared as associate editor, and still later the proprietors were -Allen Gibson and E. D. Marsh. The People's Press was established July 2~,. 1865. by W. P. Furey, who published it until May. 1866. when a joint stock company was or- ganized, which continued its publication until September i, 1866, when it was suspended from lack of patronage. \\'ords for Jesus, a monthly religious ])ublica- tion, was started in October. 1867, by Thomas J. and Hugh Lamont. Leaves from Forest Hill, a monthly, was ]nil)- lishcd for some time during the school year, by the yoimg ladies of Rockford Seminary. The Rockford Gazette was founded November 22, 1866, by I. S. Hyatt, as a small advertising sheet. It prospered to such an extent that in the following .'\pril it was greatly enlarged, .\pril 25, 1867, the name of Benjamin I'oltz appeared as editor, .\ugust 29, 1867, the Gazette was issued with the names of Abraham F. and Wil- liam E. Smith as proprietors. This partnership continued for some years. In 1878 the publishers began a semi-weekly edition, and .\ugust 4, 1879, the Gazette was issued as a daily, and became valuable newspaper property. In 1882 Mr. Smith admitted Col. F. .\. Eastman, of Chicago, as a ])artner. This partnership was dissfilved the following year, and Mr. .Smith continued as sole ])roprietor until January, i8(;i, when the iiajjcr was merged into the Register-Gazette. The Winnebago Chief was started X'ovcmber 21, 1866, by J. P. Irvine as editor and proprietor. July 3, 1867, Hiram R. Enoch was admitted as a partner, and the name of the pajier was changed to the Winnebago County Chief. Mr. Irvine sub- .setjuently retired, and Mr. Enoch remained sole proprietor until December, 1882, when the journal jiassed into the hands of Foote & Kimball. In March, 1883, the paper was sold to D. Miller & Co., who published it three years. In March, 1886, a Mr. Gardner, from the southern part of the state, purchased a half interest. This part- nershij) was dissolved, Mr. Gardner taking the jf)l) department, and D. Miller & Co. retaining the subscription list and business of the paper. In -Vugust. 1887, the journal was .sold to Hon. J. Stanley Browne, by whom its publication was continued until the good will and subscrijition list became the property of the Rockford Morning Star company. The Golden Censer was founded Alay i, 1868. by John Lcnile\'. It was an undenominational religious and family paper. It was first issued semi-monthly, and subse(|uently changed to a week!\. X'^ovember i, 1877, the pa]xT passed into the hands of a .stock company. The principal stockholders were O. R. Brouse. Rev. C. E. .Mandevillc, and X'. E. Lyman, who was then l)resident of the People's bank. The Censer, under this management, attained a circulation of eighteen thousand, the largest ever reached bv a Rockford ])aper. In time, however, the circu- lation was greatly reduced, until .August. 1896, when the Censer, with barely two thousand sub- scribers, was indefinitelv suspendcil. In March, i8(;7, the Calvert Brothers purchased the good will and material and resumed publication, with Charles A. Church as editor. The policy of the Censer was greatly changed, and an able corps of local contributors was secured. In less than one year the circulation advanced to six thousand. P>ut this number did not make the paper self- sustaining. In .April, 1898, Charles .\. Church became sole proprietor. June ist of the same year the good will of the paper was sold to the Ram's Horn of Chicago. The Christian ( lleaner. a monthly, was pub- lished at the Censer office for some years. It was made up of selections from the Censer, and con- tained very little original matter. The subscrip- tion list was absorbed by the Censer about i8(>i. The Rockford Daily Journal was started in .\ugust, 1870, by Lumley & Carpenter. It lived two days. .\ndrus' Illustrated Monthlv was founded in January, 1872, by D. A. K. and W. D. E. .\ndrus. It was discontinued in September. 1873. The Methodist Free Press was started by John Lemley in September, 1872, and was continued until January, 1875. \'ol. I, Xo. I, of the Curiosity Hunter was issued in September, 1872, as a monthly by D. A. K. .\ndrus. and was continued until July. 1874. In 1876 it was resumed at Belvidere. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 137 Nowadays was launched by E. C. Chandler & Co., January i, 1874. Only one number was issued. The Rockford Sunday Herald was started May II, 1879, by E. C. Chandler. It was discontinued December 21, 1879. The People's Champion was launched by E, W. Blaisdell, September 29, 1880. Only five num- bers were issued. Our Home and Science Gossip was started by D. A. K. Andrus in March, 1881, and was con- tinued about two years. The Rockford Seminary Magazine was founded in January, 1873, with the name of Caroline A. Potter, class of 1855, as editor. The first num- ber contained forty pages. In later years the magazine was edited by the senior class. After the seminary was raised to the rank of a college, in 1 89 1 tlie name of the paper was changed to the Rockford Collegian. Its publication was dis- continued in 1895. One number of the Stamp News was issued in 1873 by D. .'\. K. Andrus. The Rockford Industrial Times began a brief career in February, 1874, with W. F. Barrows as editor. A few months later the name was changed to the Hornet. The second volume be- gan with a second change in name, the Rockford Times. John R. Coursen and Fred Dayton were the proprietors. The issue of August 4, 1875, an- nounced that Mr. Coursen had sold his interest to Louis A. Manlove. There is a complete file of the Times in the public library for two years end- ing February 16, 1876. The first number of the Rockford Daily News was issued January 26, 1878, by D. A. K. Andrus. Geo. W. Sherer and F. O. Bennett. Sunday morning, June 3, 1878, the Daily News created a great sensation by publishing a harrowing story of a communist attack upon the government. When it was learned that the story had no founda- tion in fact. Mayor Watson ordered the office closed by the city marshal. After many changes the Daily News suspended publication in i )cto- ber, 1880. The Western Banner was established as a tem- perance paper in 1878, by J. E. Hampton. F. Wil- son and H. S. Wilbur. The paper was printed on a hand press in the office of the Rockford Journal. It died December 19, 1878. The Morning Herald was started June 11. 1 88 1, bv Miller & Welch. It was published until October. 1882. The Rockford Furniture Journal was founded in 1888. A leading spirit in the agitation for a trade paper was the late Lyon P. Ross, who was then secretary of the Forest City furniture fac- tory. The Furniture Journal company was or- ganized, in which A. F. Judd and George W. Sherer were the principal stockholders. The Journal was published monthly nearly two years, when the subscription list and good will of the paper were sold to Abraham E. Smith. About 1894 Mr. Smith sold an interest to P. D. Francis, and a year or two later, he sold his remaining interest to J. Newton Nind. Messrs. Francis and Nind continued its publication for some years in Rockford. In the meantime other trade papers were purchased and consolidated. The publica- tion office was removed to Chicago, and the Jour- nal, now a semi-monthly, is one of the most pros- perous trade papers in the west. The Monitor, a weekly publication in the in- terest of the prohibition party, issued its first number in May, 1885. It was published by the Prohibition company, with James Lamont as sec- retary and editor. In 1890 the Monitor was sold to James Lamont and Charles M. Whipple. Its publication was continued by the Monitor Pub- lishing company until July, 1897, when, owing to business troubles the Alonitor suspended. The Oiicago Lever was purchased in 1892 by the Monitor Publishing company and brought to Rockford. It was published each Thursday and was a national organ of the prohibition party. James Lamont was editor. In July, 1897, the Lever was sold to James Lamont and Liberty Walkup, who in February, 1899, sold it to DicKie & Woolley, and the office of publication was transferred to Chicago. In September, 1899, 't was merged with the New Voice of Chicago. The Rockford Morning Star is the first suc- cessful morning newspaper published in the city. Hon. J. Stanley Browne, the editor-in-chief, came to Rockford in 1887. He had served two terms as democratic member of the New York legis- lature from Otsego county, and for five years was secretar\- to Lieutenant Governor Dorscheimer, when Samuel J. Tilden was governor. Mr. Browne's first newspaper work in Rockford was in 1887, when he became editor and publisher of the Rockford Journal. In the following spring a stock company was organized for the publica- tion of the Morning Star, and March 20th the first number was issued. Many changes have been made in the business and reportorial staff, but, with a brief interim. Mr. Browne has been the managing editor from the first. The Farmer's Monthly was started by A. E. Smith, and sold to Messrs. Bartlett, Eaton and McSweeney, and was published by them for several years. In the spring of 1890 the Republican company was organized with a capital of $10,000, of which about $7,000 was paid in. The first board of directors was as follows : W. H. Worthington, H. H. Robinson, H. C. Scovill. W. G. Conick, H. O. Hilton, W. J. Johnson, Harry Marean, C. H. Godfrey, J. A. Johnson. The first number of the Republican was issued April 10, 1890, with H. >38 PAST AXD PRF.SF.XT OF WIXXFliACO COl'XTV. O. Hilton as t-ilitor : Harry Marcan. business manager, and Will J. Jolinson. city editor. The Republican was a morning daily, witliout a .Sun- day edition. In politics tlic pajK-r was radical republican. In 1893 C. D. .Allyn. who bad been on the staff of the old Daily Ciaz.ette. purchased an interest, and the company issued an evening edi- tion. There were several changes in the business management. Mr. Marean being succeeded in turn bv Will I. Johnson. W. H. Worthington and C. D. .-Mlyn! In 18./) Charles L. .Miller. Harry M. Johnson and John E. Warfield jjurchased a con- trolling interest in the plant, ancl these gentlemen are still the owners of the paper. The name was changed to the Republic. The Sunday Mercury, started in December. 1890. bv C. H. Seiders and Alex Majors, was a creditable weekly paper, but only a few numbers were iniblished. In 1892 Charles A. Church organized a stock com]5any. with a capital of $5,000, for the ])uhli- cation of the .Spectator. Abraham E. Smith was business manager, and the pajier was printed in the office of the Smith Publishing company. The first number was issued May 21, 1892. The Spectator was strictly a literary and family paper of sixteen pages, with an able corps of contribut- ors. .\mong the latter were the late Mrs. Eva T. Clark. Mrs. Marie T. Perry. Mrs. Caroline A. P. P.razee. Mrs. Mary L'rquhart T-ee. Mrs. H. M. Johnson. Hon. Gias. E. Fuller, of Relvi- dere, and the Rev. C. H. Moscrip. of Rockford. From a literary point of view, the Spectator was eminently successful, but the expense of maintain- ing it was far beyond the receipts that a new paper of its kind was able to command. .After one year the distinctive features of the Si)ectator were abandoned and the paper was issued as a daily. The first number appeared May 15. 1893. Tlic financial stringency which came so suddenly upon the country during the summer seriously embarrassed the princi|)al stockholders of the Smith Publishing company, which had absorbed the .Spectator com]>any. and in .August. i8(;3. the daily was su.spended. The following autumn the publication of the Spectator was resumed as a local weekly, and continued until the spring of 1805. when the subscription list was sold to the Monitor company. The Weekly Recorder was started in Mav. 189^). by Will J. Johnson. It kept up a spirited existence until October. 1899. when the paper was sold to H. O. Hilton, who issued a few numbers, and about Jaiuiary ist the paper was discontinued. The Owl has been published nearly everv vear since 1885 as the paper of the Rockford high .school. The editor, business manager and staff have been chosen each year from the senior class. The Rockford Review was issued in June. 1S91. by the Forest City Publishing company. It was later merged with the Furniture Journal. Winnebago County Schools was started by .^ui)t. C. J. Kinnie in 1886. and was continued for a short time. The .\gricultural West launched by Don. Xeedham in March. 1884. but was soon discon- tiiuied. \'ol. I. Xo. I. of the Rockford Labor Juurnal was issued July 9. 1898. It had a brief career. One number of the Constitution was issued .August 25, 1890. Journal of Practical Xursing was started in 1888. It was edited by L. C. Brown. M. D. The Rockford .Air Brush was started in 1891, in the interest of the company of that name. The Cnion Printer made its first appearance .April 25, 1898. The People's Journal made its first appearance September 21. 1894. It was published by the Calvert I'rothers. The -Advocate was launched in December. 18S4. by W. G. Dustin. in the interest of real estate. The Rockford Chief was pulilished for a time bv Mrs. E. Hertherington, beginning October 22, 1892. The Riickfiird I'nion Record was .started Oc- tober 31. 1003. by John W. .Asjiegren. It is ])ublishe(I in the interest of organized labor. The Forest City was published for a time in 1S95-96 by Tomblin I'rothers. The Hammer, published by Dr. E. S. Tebbetts in the interest of socialism, has ceased to exist. The large Swedish population of Rockford has created a demand for a newspaper published in the language of the fatherland. Several attempts have been made to sujiply this need. Xva Sverige was started in March. 1872. by .A. \\'. Schalin. It lived but a short time. Rockford's AUehanda was established June 18, 1884, bv Otto Pallin. The name was changed to Sveiiska Fria-Fressen. It was published by C. I""l)l)eser.. about four years. Jaiuiarv 4. 1889. Mr. Fbbesen launched another paper, the Posten. It was jjublished in the Crotty i)lock on East State street. Subsequently the jniblication oflice was removed to the I'nion block, on Kishwaukee street, where it has since been published. .Mr. Ebbesen was succeeded in turn bv C. J. Sjostrom. Fred Swenson. and Prof. C. .A. Wendell. The present editor is Mr. Linden. Joltomten. by C. Ebbesen. was ])ublished Satur- days, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22(\ of December. 1888. RockfonKs Harold was established by Magnus Larson. .Apriri2, 1902. One number was issued. Framtiden was first issued .April 13. 1892. by the I'ramtiden Publishing company. It was pub- lished three or four years. I"or.skaren was started September 4. 181)3, by E. I'iellander and F. Malmc|uist. Folkets Rost was issued by Charles Henry. March 18, 1895. Four numbers were published. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 139 Framat was started l)v Swenson & Bjork, Sep- tember 15, 1903. The German population of Rockford has never been large, yet it has for many years supported a church and a newspaper. The Germania was founded as a four-page weekly by John Pingle in 1885. The present proprietor is Herr Ferd Stedinger, who for many years has been in- stritctor in Gemian at the Rockford high school. The foregoing is believed to be the first com- plete story of Rockford newspapers ever pub- lished. The list might be continued by the men- tion of various monthly bulletins issued by the churches from time to time, the Y. M. C. A., the Business college, and similar organizations. While these performed a legitimate function in their way. they scarcely have a place in the chronicle of Rockford newspapers. The press of Rockford has not been the ex- clusive purveyor of local news. .Several news- papers have been started in the other towns of the comity. The Rockton Gazette was established at Rock- ton in 1857, by Funk & Phelps. j\Ir. Funk re- tired and the paper was continued about one year bv H. W. Pheljis. The office and fixtures were removed to Burlington, Wisconsin. The Pecatonica Independent was established in May, 1859, by J. E. Duncan. It was published about one year, when the office was removed to Darlington, Wisconsin. The Pecatonica News was started as a weekly newspaper December I. 1872. A\'. A. and Nate L. Colby were editors and proprietors. January I, 1881, W. A. Colby sold his interest to his brother, who continued its publication up to the time of his death, July 11, 1904. Gilbert F., a son of N. L. Colby, is now editor and manager for the estate. The Winnebago Reflector was established Feb- ruary II, 1887, published by the Winnebago C. L. S. C. C. F. Trittle is the present publisher. The Rockton Weekly Echo was established De- cember 15, 1887. L. H. Cook was editor and publisher. There was only one issue. The Cherry X'alley Courier was established in July. 1869, by Dr. L. Foote, editor and pub- lisher. It was published three months. The newspaper enterprises of Duraiid are as follows : Winnebago Countv Advertiser, established in 1869 by 1\L G. Sheldon. Durand Argus, established December 29, 1883, by E. E. Pettingill. Durand Free Press, established Alarch 24. 1888, by Johnson Potter. Durand Weekly Echo, established June 30, 1887, by L. H. Cook, editor and publisher: thirty numbers issued. Durand Weekly Times, established February 7, 1890, by E. E. Pettingill. publisher ; seven num- bers issued. Durand Record, established April 30, 1890, by John R. Bertsch. Discontinued August i. 1890. Durand Weekly Clipper, established April 17, 1891, by E. I. Schoolcraft; still published by W, H. Tousley. ILLINOIS, IOWA & MINNESOTA RAILWAY. The Illinois, Iowa & Alinnesota Railway com- pany was incorporated under the laws of Illinois in December, 1902. The line was completed from Alomence to Rockford about October I, 1905. A line has been projected for 1906 from Peotone, Illinois, to Michigan City, Indiana, a distance of seventy-five miles ; from Rockford to Janesville, thirty miles ; and from Kirkland, Illinois, to Milwaukee, a distance of eighty miles. The mileage operated October i, 1905, was as follows : Rockford to Aurora, sixty-six miles ; Joliet to ]\Iomence, thirty-five miles. The com- pany has trackage rights over the E. J. & E., .Vurora to Joliet, twenty-four miles : total mileage, one hundred and twenty-five miles. The guage is four feet and eight and one-half inches. Seventy-pound street rails have been used in con- struction. The following is a statement of finances ; Oc- tober I, 1905, the capital stock, $5,000,000 in $100 shares had all been paid in. A mortgage has been executed to the Illinois Trust and Savings bank. Chicago, as trustee, securing an issue of $5,000,000 first mortgage, five per cent, forty-year gold $1,000 bonds, due March i, 1944, with interest maturing March ist and September ist at the office of the trustee. Of this amount $3,000,000 has already been issued. The bonds are limited in issue to $30,000 per mile of main track, and are secured by first mortgage on all lines constructed or to be constructed, now owned or hereafter to be acquired within the counties in Illinois named in its charter ; also any line or lines of railroad which may be constructed under any amendment of the charter, together with all branches and au.xiliary lines, all charters, fran- chises, etc., and all other property of the com- pany except telegraph and telephone lines. Of this amount it is provided that $4,000,000 may be issued at once under the terms of the deed of trust, the remaining $1,000,000 being reserved for the purpose of construction of additional lines. The entire issue of those bonds is subject to re- demption at $1.07 and accrued interest on an}^ first day of September or March after March i, 1909, provided that notice of such intention to redeem be given at least six months before the date selected for such payment by publication at least once in each week for three months, be- ginning not less than six nor more than seven 140 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. months before the day of redemption in one Chi- cago and one New York daily newspaper. The directors of the road are H. \V. Seaman. J. C. Duffin. W. F. McSwiney. Chicago; J. C. V'^an Riper. Edwards W'hitaker and S. W. Fordyce. of St. Louis. The road was christened the "Rnckford Route" in October, 1904, at which time the trademark was adopted. There was a rumor current at the time this manuscript was prepared for tlie press that the Chicago Great Western Railway comiiany would run through passenger trains over the new line of the I. I. & M.. between Chicago and Rockford througli Sycamore, via Wilkinson Crossing, five miles west of Sycamore. LATER ECCLESL\STICAL HISTORY. COURT STREET METHODISI. The Court Street Methodist church was or- ganized January' i. 1852. Its first house of worship on North Court street was dedicated in November. 1854. at a cost of $7,000. The first ])astor was Rev. Chatfield. His successors have been Revs. W. F. Stewart. Luman .\. Sanford. Wm. P. Grav, James R. Goodrich, W'm. E. Daniels. T. B. Taylor. J. H. \'incent. V. V. Cleve- land. T. C. Clendenning. L. .Meredith. W. Aug. Smith. C. E. Mandevi'lle. T. P. Marsh. T. R. Strobridge. P. H. Swift. W. A. Philliiis. W. O. Shepard. Fred H. Sheets. Rfibert H. Pooley. and Frank D. Sheets. The present house of worship was dedicated in May. 1887. The site for the parsonage was purchased from the Horsman es- tate in 1884, and the house was completed in Oc- tober of the same vear. The total value of the church property is $65,000. The membership re- ported to the annual conference in October. 1904. was 957. ST. J.\MES CATHOLIC. Information concerning the early history of St. James Catholic church is very meager. Tlie records are said to have been destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. Mass was celebrated in the hoines of Catholic settlers in Rockford by priests located at New Dublin and Freeport pre- vious to 1850. Father Gueguen said mass and baptized children in 1840. The ])ermanent or- ganization dates from 1850. After ])urchasing lots Father Hampston was appointed priest of the parish in 1851, by P.ishop \'an de \'elle. He was the first resident pastor, and built the first church in 1852. Father Hampston died while in charge of the parish, and is buried under the l)resent church. The present St. James church was begun in 1866. and dedicated the following year under the pastf)rate of Rev. J. S. O'Neill. The pastors of St. James' church have been as follows : Revs. John Hampston, George Hamil- ton. William Lambert. J. Bulger, John P. Done- Ian. J. S. O'Neill. Joseph McMahoii. T. J. Butler, and James J. I'^laherty. Father Flaherty has been in charge of the parish twenty years, and is thus the oldest ])astor in the city in continuous service. He .started the parochial school in 1886. and in 1891 com])leted the present brick structure at a cost of $17,000. The deanery was erected in 1878 by Dean Butler and cost $8,000. St. James church has expended $68,000 in church property. The ])resent membership is about 1.300. J-IUST I'KKSBYTERIAN. The Presbyterians of early Rockford worshiped with the Congregationalists for several years. .\ftcr holding services in various places the little company of Presbyterians was formally organized July 8. 1834. Rev. Hugh A. Brown was the first stated supply, and served until January i, 1858. when Rev. John M. Paris was called. Rev. I'^aris' pastorate continued until (Jctober. 1862. His successors have been Revs. Faunt Leroy Senour. J. S. Grimes. .A. J. Leyenberger (now shortened to Berger). James Cruickshanks. J. K. Fowler. J. R. Sutherland. George Harkness. B. E. .S. Ely. The latter has now been upon the field eleven years. In September following the or- ganization, the congregation worshiped in the old I'nitarian church, on the northeast corner of Elm and C'hurch streets, and in 1855 the Uni- tarian ])ro])erty was purchased. The .society used it for a time on the old site, and then removed it to the northeast corner of State and Winnebago streets, where the church continued to worship until December 20. 1868, when it took possession of its ]irescnt house of worship. In 1904 the church purchased the projjcrty on the corner of North .Slain and North streets, owned by Dr. Rohr. and is now erecting a handsome house of worshij). which will probably be dedicated in February. 1906. The society also owns a par- sonage and upon the completion of the new church will have property worth $60,000. Its menihershii) in round numbers is 600. FrusT i.r L iii:uAN. The First Lutheran church was organized January 15. 1854, with seventy-seven communi- cants and thirty-two children. The first house of worshij) was built on the ct)rner of North First street and Lafayette avenue. The dedication oc- curred November 23, 1856, and the sermon was preached by Dr. Hasselquist. This building is still standing and forms a part of Mrs. J. Fried- man's double house. The first pastor was called in 1856, and his jiastorate continued until i860. In that vear the church withdrew from the synod of nortiiern Illinois and joined the Augiistana PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 141 synod. The present church was built in 1883, at a cost of about $60,000. It is the largest auditorium in the city, with a seating capacity of 2,500. The church owns Luther hall, a paro- chial school on Kishwaukee street, and another on Fourteenth avenue. It also owns a parsonage on South Third street. The pastors of the church have been Revs. Andreen, A. W. Dahl- sten, (;. Peters, L. A. Johnston, E. C. Jessup, as- sistant : Joel Haaf, J. F. Seedoff. In January, 1904, the church celebrated the golden jubilee of its organization. The communicant membership is 1540, the largest of any Swedish Lutheran church in America. The total membership, in- cluding children, is 2,250. The church owns property to the value of $85,000. WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERI.\N. Westminster Pre.sb\terian church was organ- ized January 3, 1856, with 22 members, many of whom had taken letters from the First Congre- gational church. It was first called the Second Presbyterian church, and the name was subse- quently changed to Westminster. Rev. Morrison Huggins was the first pastor, who served until 1859. The first place of worship was the historic courthouse on North F'irst street. In the sum- mer of 1856 a ch?pel was completed on the ground now occupied by the lecture room. This chapel soon proved too small, and public worship was conducted in Metropolitan hall, pending the erection of the present church, which was dedicat- ed in 1858. The following have served the church as pastors or stated supplies : Revs. Morrison Huggins, L. H. Johnson, Charles Mattoon, ChaVles A. Williams" W. S. Curtis, J. H. Ritchie, T. S. Scott, S. L. Conde, W. M. Campbell, W. T. Wilcox, and John Henry Boose. The present pastor has been on the field three years, coming directly from McCormick seminary. The value of the church property is $25,000. Its member- ship is 325. A parsonage was erected in the sum- mer of 1905 on the lot adjoining the church on the north, at a cost of about $3,700. WINNEBAGO STREET METHODIST. Winnebago Street Methodist church had its origin in a Sunday-school, which was started May 20, 1856, and which held its sessions in a grove on the river bank. The church was or- ganized March 4, 1864, at the home of Israel Sovereign. The roll of members numbered twenty-eight. Ground was broken for a church August 8, 1864, and the corner-stone was laid August 24. The address was made by the Rev. Thomas M. Eddy, author of a work in two volumes, The Patriotism of Illinois. The cost of the church was $8,000, and was dedicated February 12, 1865, by Dr. Eddy. The parsonage was built in 1867, at a cost of $1,250. The fol- lowing named pastors have served the church: Revs. Robert Bentlev, Wm. D. Skelton, Henry L. Martin, John M. Caldwell, F. A. Reed, R. S. Cantine, Wm. S. Harrington, W. H. Smith, J. M. Clendenning, Wm. H. Haight, Henry Lea, J. W. Richards, F. F. Farmiloe, M. L. Norris, and F. I?. Hardin. A fine brick structure was erected in 1904, and was dedicated Sunday, November 27th. The church has property worth $25,000. The membership is about 300. STATE STREET B.\PTIST. The State Street Baptist church was formally organized in the vestry of Westminster Presby- terian church, August 17, 1858. Three of the original members are now living in the city: Mrs. Jane Hazlett, Catherine Hazlet't, Mrs. J. P. Lar- gent. Rev. Edward C. Mitchell was called to the ])astorate August 31st. The first organist was Prof. D. N. Hood. A chapel was erected at the juncture of Market, State and North Fifth streets, which is still standing. This chapel was dedicated February 2, i860. The organization was first called the Second Baptist church, but on the choice of a permanent location, the name was changed October 26, 1858, to the State Street Baptist church. The present house of worship was cledi- cated November 18, 1868. The cost was $34,000. Dr. Mitchell's successors in the pastorate have been : Revs. Spencer Holt, Henry C. Mabie, E. K. Chandler, A. R. Medbury, C. R. Lathrop, J. T. Burhoe, R. F. Y. Pierce, Langlev B. Sears, J. T. Burhoe, R. R. Perkins. Rev. J. T. Burhoe's first pastorate was the longest in the history of the church. It began in September, 1883, and closed in February, 1892. His second pastorate began in November, 1898. Rev. Burhoe died March 14, 1905, and his funeral was the occasion of an unusual demonstration of sorrow which was felt by all classes of people. His two pastorates thus cover a little more than fourteen vears. In March a call was extended to Rev. Richard Roy Perkins, Ph., D., and he entered upon his full pastoral duties in July. The present membership is about 440. The value of its property is $29,000. SWEDISH METHODIST. The Swedish ^Methodist church was organized January 30, 1861, at the home of P. A. Peterson, on Charles street, with tw'elve members. The so- ciety purchased the old Westminster chapel for $600. and reinoved it to First avenue. The pres- ent brick edifice was erected in 1877, and was dedicated by Rev. C. E. Mandeville. The par- sonage was built in 1888. The following pastors have served the society : Revs. V. Whitting, Albert Erickson, Peter Newberg, August Wester- gren, Oscar Shorgren, Olof Qunderson, John 142 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. Lind, A. Y. Wcsterpren, S. B. Newman, John Wcafjren, S. D. Sorleiiic, Herman Lindskog. N. i;. Xelson. J. M. Objerholm. A. Kahlin. A. Dahl- berg. M. Hess, O. F. Lindstrom, Richard Ceder- berg. X. M. I-iljerren. .^ . v. S >r..- son and P. M. Alfvin. The value of the church |)roperty is $12,500. There are 200 members in full connection besides jirobationers. P. A. Peter- son is the onlv charter member of the society now- living. He resides in the same house in which the church organized, and is over eighty years of age. The church is out of debt, and the Sunday-school has. a memlx^rship of about 250. CHURCH OF Tin; niUISTI.VN cxiox. The Giurch of the Christian L'nion had its origin in the exjiulsion of Dr. Kerr from the ])astorate of the First liajjtist church. He had be- come a convert to a more liberal faith, and he and fortv-eight sym])athizers were obliged to seek other affiliations. In .Sq)teniber. 1870. a religious society was organized by the engagement of Rev. Dr. Kerr as jireacher, and the election of tem- porary executive and finance committees. Public preaching services were immediately begun in Brown's hall. On Sunday, October 9, the execu- tive committee presented a report which offered a plan of Christian fellowslii]). .\11 per.sons who desired to form a church upon this basis were requested to send in their nanios on the succeeding .^^abbatli. The church was formallv organizerl Wednesday, October 26, 1870. The meeting was held in Haskell's hall. Duncan Ferguson pre- sided, and James S. Ticknor was secretary. The executive committee again presented its basis of church fellowshij), which was read and unani- mously adojned. The names received in rei)ly to the public notice of October 9th were cnlled, and 104 i)ers(jns responded. Tiiese constituted the charter members of the church. It was resolved that "Those who have responded to the call of their names, as accepting the basis of Christian fellowship which has now been ado])ted, shall constitute tlie membership of the church, togi-ther with those not personally pres- ent, whose names have been received on their subscribing to this basis of fellowship." A i)lan was adoptefl for the order of the church. On motion of Melancthon .Starr, it was unanimously resolved to call Dr. Thomas Kerr, at a salarv of $2,000 a year. H. X. Starr was elected clerk of the church, and Dtmcan Ferguson, treasurer. The first board of trustees was composer! of David C Sears, William Peters, Seymour Bronson. J. F. Lander, and C. I. Horsman. Regular Sunday services were first held in Brown's hall. Upon the completion of the new courthouse, public worship was conducted for a time in the circtiit court room, and later in the opera house. After eighteen years of successful work the church de- cided to erect its own house of worship. The corner-stone was laid September 17, 1888. .Ad- dresses were made by Rev. Jenkin Lloyd Jones, Dr. H. W. Thomas and Dr. Kerr. Mrs. John H. Sherratt read an original poem. Congratulatory letters were sent by distinguished representatives of liberal Christianity. .\fter thirty years of faithful service Dr. Kerr tendered his resignation in the autumn of 1900. He continued as pastor emeritus until his death, January 3, 1904. Dr. Kerr was succeeded by Rev. Robert C. Bryant, who began his duties in the autumn of 1901. Mr. Bryant came to Rockford from Lisbon, Xew IIam])shire. He studied two years at L'nion The- ological Seminary, and one year at .\uburn Semi- nary, a Presbyterian school. The membership of the fhurcll is about 330. SWEDISH EV.\XGi:i.KAI- MI.SSIOX. The .Swedish Evangelical Mission society was organized June i, 1875. Its faith is that of the .Swedish Alission covenant and its form of gov- ernment is congregational. The church has a large brick stnicture, known as Mission taber- nacle, on Kishwaukee street, with a seating ca- pacity of 1, 100. There is a membership of about 500. The Sunday school is the largest in W'in- nebago county, with over 700 members. The church owns property worth $12,500. The l)astors have l>een Revs. Palm(|uist Lindell. John C.ustafson, \\"enstrand, .\lfred Karlen, F. M. Johnson, who .served eleven years, S. W. Stmd- berg, who served seven years, and O. P. Peter- .son, who came in the spring of 1905. CENTE.XXI.M. METHODIST EPISCOP.\L. This society was formed by the union of the old First and Third street Methodist Episcopal churches on May 19, 1876, during the pastorate of Rev. Hooper Crews, a man of God whose memory is as ointment poured forth. The board of trustees elected Mav Kjth was Hon. William Brown, George Troxell. Clark Miller, Harmon B. .'^ol1er, John Budlong. Joseph Rodd, Thomas G. Lawler, Reuben Sovereign and John C. Cireg- ory. It was agreed that a new and suitable church building should be erected as soon as pos- sible, which task was consummated during the pastorate of Rev. G. R. \'aidiorne. This build- ing which now stands at South .'Second and Oak streets, was completed in 1883 and dedicated by Dr. Cnow Bishop") Fowler. .Sunday, September 9, 1883. This church building occupies one of the most beautiful sites in the city and. together with the parsonage, is valued at $50,000. The pastors appointed to this churcli since its organiza- tion have been: 1877-78, Hooper Crews; 1878-81, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 143 William A. Spencer: 1881-84, Garret R. \'an- horne ; 1884-87. William Aug. Smith; 1887-90, Martin E. Cady; 1890-91, Fred Porter and J. R. Hamilton; 1891-93, J. S. Bell; 1893-96, John N. Hall; 1896-1901, W. W. Painter; 1901-02. John Thompson; 1902-1905, Harlow \". Holt. Rev. F. W. Barniun was assigned by the conference of 1905. The church membership now numbers 620 people, with a Sunday school enrollment of 450- EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN {GER.\L\n). A German Lutheran congregation was or- ganized in the '70s by Rev. F. N. Richman, of Elgin, with the name of Emmanuel Lutheran. This church is now extinct. About 1882 dissensions arose and a number withdrew and organized the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's church, U. A. C, which means the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580. Services were con- ducted by supplies until 1888. when Rev. L. Dorn was called. The present faithful pastor is Rev. Otto Qruner. He has been in charge since 1895, and the church is in a prosperous condition. There are about 450 members. The church is erecting a new house of worship on Horsman street. EPWORTH METHODIST. E]iworth ?\L E. church was organized as the Ninth Street church in the spring of 1876, by Rev. G. L. Wiley, who was then pastor of the First church. The society was designed to be a feeder for the First church, and began with fifteen charter members. The Swedish Methodist church building was purchased for $300, and re- moved to Ninth street, at a cost of $300. The first year the society was under the care of the First church. The second year the pastor was sent by conference, and since that time the church has maintained an independent existence. In 1891 the old church was sold for $75, and a new edifice erected on the old site. The new church was later removed to its present location at the corner of Parmele street and Fourteenth avenue, and the name changed to Epworth church. The pastors have been Revs. G. L. Wilev. Joseph Odgers, W. A. Spencer. W. H. Barrett, A.'j. Brill. E."j. Rose, Joseph Warden, H. L. Martin. F. R. Hall. J. L. Gardner, J. W. Irish. J. L. Chase. Frank Milne. Charles Wentworth, C. F. Kleihauer. C. A. Briggs. The membership is about 75. ST. MAR\^S CATHOLIC. St. Mary's church was organized in 1885 by the Rev. E. A. Murphy, who subsequently re- moved to Chicago, and there died in September. 1903. The parish wr.s originally a part of St. James' church. The corner-stone was laid in the summer of 1885, with an imposing ceremony, in which a large number of priests from Chicago officiated. Tlie following pastors have succeeded Rev. Murphy : Rev. M. E. McLaughlin, now de- ceased ; and Rev. P. A. ^IcMann. The follow- ing priests have served as assistants : Revs. John Dorsey, Green, A. Carr, Stephen Woulfe, S. P. Byrne, James A. Solon. John P. Harrington. Paul Burke. The church has a membership of about 2.500, and the parish is one of the most important in the diocese. The church has property worth not less than $70,000. EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH. This church was organized as a Swedish con- gregation in the general synod July 20. 1882, with eighty-five members. A lot was purchased on the corner of Third avenue and Sixth street. The church was dedicated October 14. 1883. The general svnod pastors have been : C. Anderson, 1882-84 ;'C. Hansen, 1884-88; C. Ross, 1888-90. The church withdrew from the general synod and entered Augustana synod in 1890. While yet a Swedish congregation it employed the following .\ugustana pastors: A. P. Fors, 1890-91: G. Juhlin, 1892-95. On the 22d of April, 1895. ^ bold step was taken ; the mother tongue was abandoned and the language of the land adopted. Those unable to understand the latter quietly withdrew and others soon began to take their places. As an English-speaking congregation it has emploved the following lavmen and pastors : Mr. Edwin Stenholm, 1895 ; Mr. C. A. W'endell, 1895-97; Rev. Oscar Nelson, 1897-00: Rev. O. AI. Anderson. 1900-01 ; Rev. C. O. Solberg, 1901- 03; Prof. C. J. Sodergren. 1903 (summer months) ; Rev. C. A. Wendell since January i, 1904. The change of language has proven wise and timelv, and the work nas been highlv success- ful. GRACE M. E. Grace AI. E. church was organized in the autumn of 1891 to meet the needs of a growing population on the west side of Kent's creek. There were thirty-nine charter members. Sorne of these came from other churches, but the society was not an offshot from any other body. The church was organized under the administration of Presiding Elder Haight. The first pastor was Rev. Frank D. Sheets, who served five years. His successors have been Revs. Frank McNamer, J. B. Robinson, T. E. Ream. E. K. D. Hester, and T. R. Strobridge. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. This church was organized several years ago, and has maintained regular services. Its present 144 I'AST AXU PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. place of meeting is Mendelssohn hall. A reading room is maintained in the Lathrop block, on North Church street. The membership is gaining steailily. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAU The African Methodist chnrch was the out- growth of a Sunday school held for some years in the First Congregational church. It was or- ganized in 1891, with only seven members. The chnrch owns property on the corner of Elm and W'iimebago streets, worth $6,000. The little society has been burdened for many years with a mortgage, which has been assumed, pro rata, by the stronger churches of the city. The church has been served by the following pastors : Revs. F. B. Jones. J. C. Anderson, Richmond Taylor, Lewis Dixon, Sandy McDowell. P. P. Taylor, S. B. Moore and C. H. Thomas. Mr. .Moore came upon the field in October, 1900, and has faith- fully labored for the u])lifting of his people. The church has a membership of forty-live. The con- gregation, however, is much larger. SWEDISH FREIC ClU'RCII. The Swedish Free church, on Fourth avenue, has a membership of 325, a gain of 100 per cent, in three years. The value of the church property is $6,000. Besides this a lot, worth $2,700 has been purchased on the corner of Fourth avenue and Sixth street, on which a cliurch is now in process of construction. TRIXnV I.UrillCRAX. The Trinity F.nglish l.utlieraii cluirch is one of the latest additions to the long list of Rock- ford churches. The society was organized by Rev. W. H. Manss. March 10, 1895, with forty members. Services were held in the Y. M. C. A. building and later in the brick building owned by the old Christian church. In 1898 the society purchased this property for $3,400. The growth of the membership was rapid and soon outgrew the edifice, which was torn down to make room for a more commodious structure. This house of worship was dedicated December 16, 1900. Rev. Manss was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Ban- ncn, to whom the church is indebted for its un- usual growth. He is an eloquent preacher and an indefatigable worker, and his magnetic person- alitv has been the inspiration of liis people. In the spring f)f 1804. while the pastor was in Pal- estine, the church i)urchased the Trowbridge homestead, on Lafayette aveiuie. for a ])arsonage. The church now has a membership of over 600. CENTRAL CHRISTIAN. The present Central Qiristian church is the result of an heroic effort to succeed an older so- ciety which had disbanded. It was organized .Xovember 20, 1898, with twenty-three members, after holding a scries of revival meetings. In 1899 Rev. D. R. Lucas, national chaplain of the G. A. R., was called to the pastorate and meetings were helil in Y. M. C. A. hall. In Au- gust, 1900, Rev. (). F. Jordan, the present pastor, began his labors. The society dedicated its first house of worshi]) .\pril 14, 1901. This was the property on South Church street originally owned by the old Unitarian Society, but which had ])assed into other hands. The church has one liundrcd and sixty members. SWiailSII liAl'TI.ST. The .Swedish Baptist church owns a brick house of worship at the corner of Fourth avenue and Seventh street valued at $16,400. The church affiliates with the Rock River Baptist Associa- tion, and in June last reported a membership to that body of 254. ZION LUTHERAN. Zion Lutheran church is one of the largest and most prosperous Swedish churches in Rockford. It is located on Sixth street. S.\L\.\TloX .\RMV AXn VOLUNTEERS. The Salvation .\mi\- and the X'olunteers of .\merica have covered the local field with varying degrees of success for some years. YOUNG men's CHRISTIAN A.S.S0CIATI0N. The Young Men's Christian Association was first organized in 1858. .\ few men are still liv- nig in Rockford who were members of the early organization. This association held its meetings the first year in the different churches, but the second vear it rented commodious rooms in the Buxton building at the corner of Wyman and State street, now occupied by the street railway compan} as offices and transfer station. With the breaking out of the great Civil war it, like many others, was forced to suspend, the last meeting recorded being January 6, 1862. The present Y. M. C. A. was organized in 1876. The call for the first meeting was signed bv W. H. Worthington, Charles E. Sheldon, T. G. Lawler. F. J. Leonard. H. H. West. S. J. Caswell. E. P." Thomas. G. L. Wiley. L. A. Trowbridge. C. L. \\^illiams and others. The first meeting was held .\pril 17th in the lecture room of the State-street Baptist church. It was called to order by L. .\. Trowbridge, who stated the object of the meeting. May i. 1876, the organization was completed, constitution PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 145 adopted and officers elected, in Congregational hall, 319 West State street. E. P. Thomas was elected president ; L. A. Trowbridge, first vice- president ; W. H. Worthington, second vice-presi- dent; Charles E. Sheldon, secretary, and D. I. Waddell, treasurer. Rooms known as the "library rooms" in the old Ashton store building, corner of Main and State streets, were occupied by the association from 1876 to 1890. Reading and social rooms were maintained from the first. Religious meet- ings were held Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings, many conversions resulting. For a time meetings were held at noon each day. A gymnasium was started in 1885. Practical talks and lectures were maintained each winter; even- ing educational classes were a regular feature in the early '80s. A work for boys was started in 1886. July 6, 1884, at the close of the Sunday meet- ing, a special meeting was held. Agitation for a building was begun and a fund of $921 was pledged to start the movement. W. H. Worth- ington took the initiative. In 1886 Mrs. D. S. Penfield gave impetus to the movement by a gift of a lot on East State street as a site. In October of the same year the State Y. M. C. A. convention was held here, the sessions being held in the Second Congregational church. This created great interest in the build- ing movement. On the 17th of October, 1886, a special meet- ing of a few leading business men was held at the residence of the late W. A. Talcott on North Main street, at which $5,000 was pledged toward the building fund. Henry W. Price and Mr. Talcott each pledged $1,000 to start it. They prepared subscription lists and launched the can- vass for $25,000. The fund steadily grew until in the autumn of 1888 the association appointed a building com- mittee consisting of Prof. P. R. Walker, W. H. Worthington, P. R. Wood and H. H. Robinson, secured plans for the building and received bids for its erection. The corner-stone was laid April 18, 1889. The building was completed near the close of 1890 at a total expense of $42,000. The building con- tained adequate reception rooms, parlors, game rooms, gymnasium, offices, dining room and kitchen, social rooms, baths, auditorium and sleeping apartments. The first meeting in the new building was held by the board of directors December 30, 1889. E. M. Aiken was the first general secretary after the new building was occupied. B. F. Pierce and E. E. Lockwood were general secretaries and S. F. Weyburn and Prof. P. R. Walker were presi- dents during the building period. Ever since the erection of the building an all- 10 around work similar to that now carried on has been maintained. The following men have been presidents of the association during its history: E. P. Thomas, H. S. Tupper, G. D. Smith, O. R. Brouse, L. A. Trowbridge, W. H. Worthington, C. H. C. Bur- lingame, S. F. Weyburn, P. R. Walker, H. H. Robinson, William Pond, F. S. Regan and L. L. Morrison, Judge Morrison having been president since 1896. The general secretaries have been : J. G. John- son, 1879 to 1881 ; George S. Avery, 1881 to 1883; B. F. True, 1883 to 1885; B. F. Pierce, 1885 to 1889; E. E. Lockwood, 1889 to 1890; E. M. Aiken, 1890 to 1894 ; J. P. Bailey, 1894 to 1895 ; T. H. Hansen, 1896 to 1898 ; E. L. Tuck- er, 1898 to 1900; A. W. Beckner, 1900 to date. The association has had two important be- quests ; one of $10,000 from Judge Benjamin R. Sheldon, and $500 from Giles R. Goss. Educationally, there are many features. The reading room, supplied with the best magazines, is in constant use. Two series of practical talks are maintained on Monday and Friday nights, the speakers being mostly local business and pro- fessional men. A night school is conducted, with an enrollment of 150 students; special classes in English for Swedes are very popular. Classes in chemistry, mechanical drawing, penmanship, arithmetic and other common branches are con- ducted. The Star Course has been a feature of the association during the past ten years. Many notable lecturers and musicians have been brought to the city by it, including such men and women as Gen. Lew Wallace, T. DeWitt Tal- mage, B. K. Bruce, Sam Jones, Lieut. Schwatka, Jahu DeWitt Miller, Hedley, Dr. Henson, George Kennan, R. H. Conwell, Jacob A. Riis, Katherine Ridgeway, Thomas Dixon. Jr. ; Frank Dixon, Bob Taylor, Senator Dolliver, Landis, Chicago SxTTiphony Orchestra, Brook's Band, Temple Quartet, Leland T. Powers, Mockridge, Banda Rossa, George Hamlin, Ernest Gamble, Benfey, Susanne Adams and Campanari. The gymnasium was started in 1885 in the old Ashton block. When the present building was erected the plans included an additional gymna- sium building. In 1891 a number of prominent business men in close touch with the association formed a syndicate and purchased the property adjoining on the north to carry out the original purpose. But when the hard times came the property was lost, the men themselves losing the amounts invested and the association the needed site for such a building. YOUNG women's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. In the spring of 1876 at the close of a revival meeting, a prayer circle of young women was 146 I'AST AXIJ l'RESi:.\r WIX.XliUAGU CDIXIA' foriiK'il. coniposctl of those from the various Eiist Side chiirclics. Tliis circle met in the W'estniiii- ster cliitrch i)arlor the hour hefore tlie Sunday evening; service, which proved a great blessing to those alteniling. In December. 1877. they decided to organize for better and wider work, but with no thought of taking up tlie usual work of a V. \V. C A. A constitution was a^. she was called to the sec- retaryshi]) and has remained. Miss Mildred (ircaves was until recently associated with her in the work. The present property of the association was rented and furnished and later on, in June, 1892, was purcha.sed for S5.500. .^ large part of the money was raised by a soliciting committee that year by great eft'ort. In 1899 another ett'ort was put forth and the final payment on the building was made. .\t the l)eginning of the work a noon lunch was started ; also an employment bureau, evening classes, a go.spel service on Sunday afternoon and a boarcling department. These lines of work are still carried on. l-or three years an assistant secretary has been employed and the work has been enlarged. Reg- ular work has been carried on during the noon hour in the Nelson knitting mills, the Ziock box factory, the Union Overall Company and visita- tion in other factories. .Many girls have been l)rought into the association from this work dur- ing the noon hour. The as.sociation will dedicate a building in De- cember. 1905. at a cost of $18,000, free of debt. MUSKAI, fl.UnS .\ND .ML'SKI.\NS OF ROCKFORD. The nuisical life of Rockford is so interwoven in its liistory, even from its earliest days, that one woidd be incomplete without the other. The grandfathers tell of the singing .schools of the early days when a tiny village marked the place where a city now flourishes, and one of the old singing masters. David Merrill, who taught singing school here in 1841, is still living. Mr. Merrill is ninety-three years old and resides in the neighboring town of Cherry \'alley. .\ program nearly a half-hundred years old ad- vertises in glowing terms the '"fourth grand en- tertainment" of the Rockford Musical Associa- tion, at Concert hall, March 26, 1857. The pro- gram itself contains scarcely a number familiar to the ])resent-day concert-goer, and among the many ])articiiiants not more than two or three names are known to the present generation. .■\bout this time there came to Rockford from the East a }oung man, who was soon recognized as the leader of all musical affairs. This young man was Daniel X. Hood. For thirty-seven years he was actively identified with the musical interests of the city, and to him perhaps more than to any other one person belongs the credit of the city's grreat musical growth. A musician of high ideals. Prof. Hood would tolerate noth- ing but the best in the art to which he has de- voted a lifetime, and patiently but persistently labored to elevate the musical taste 05. Wilhclm lleinrich. the noted blind tenor, who makes his home in I'.os- ton, is another artist whom we are proud to own, and whose mother still lives here. No young woman pianist has won more fame than Jeanetle Uurno-Collins, who is known in this country and liurope as a wonderfully gifted musician. Frank C. La Forge, who at the pres- ent time is in lierlin, is fast gaining recognition as a young pianist and composer, who will be famous in this country and Europe before many years. Howard Wells, now of Chicago, is also known as a pianist of undoubted talent. Two Rockford ladies are filling important choir positions in Xew York City. Miss Alice Sovereign's beautiful contralto voice is popular in the great metropolis, and Mrs. Corinne Ryder Kelsey filled fine engagements last season in the East, including two appearances with Walter Damrosch in Wagnerian lectures. Mr. and Mrs. George Nelson Holt, both well-known musicians, are at present studying in Paris. For half a century the musical conservatory of Rockford College has played an important part in the musical life of the city, and among the graduates each year are young women from all parts of the country. Under Prof. Hood the conservatory gained a wide reputation that has strengthened with the years. Prof. Hood was the head of the depart- ment from 1858 until 1895, '''"^1 ^^■^■'' succeeded by Mrs. George Nelson Holt, who was connected with the piano department for seven years. Mrs. Helen Saljin Brown and Howard Wells and Jose- phine Phinncy also taught in this department. ( )ne of the poptdar vocal teachers connected with the college was Mrs. Addie St. John Far- num, who was at the head of the dejiartment for seven vears and was at that time a favorite so- prano here. Frank T. Baird. of Chicago, taught the vocal classes for five years and Miss Caro- line Radecke for eight years. Miss Radecke was succeeded by Mrs. Daisy I'orce Scott, who taught for two seasons. At the present time the piano - ford — but in many branches of the name the first letter "d" is omitted. Thomas Sanford, son of Anthony and Jane Sanford, of Stowe, county Gloucester, England, came to Boston with the John Winthrop colony. We find record of him in Dorchester, Massa- chusetts, where with others he received land in 1634 and also in 1635. He became a freeman of the colony, March 9, 1637, and in 1639 re- moved with a colony from Dorchester and Wa- tertown to Connecticut, settling in Milford, where his name appears in the earliest records. He was the leader in organizing the town, and was intimately associated with Governor Treat, Leete, Buckingham, Law and other leading men of the times. Stephen Sanford. grandfather of G. A. San- ford, of Rockford, was born at Milford, Connec- ticut, August 13, 1740, and died on the fifty-fifth anniversary of his birth. He was married while living at Woodbridge, Connecticut, to Sybil \Miite, who was probabl)- born at New Haven, her natal day being October 15, 1745, while her death occurred December 5, 1808. She was a daughter of Deacon John White, and a grand- daughter of Captain John and Mary (Dicker- man) \Miite. and a great-granddaughter of Isaac and ]\Iary (Atwater) Dickerman. Her father settled on a farm in Woodbridge. Con- necticut, but afterward removed to New Haven, where he died November 24. 1797, at the age of seventy-five years. He wedded Mary Dicker- man, of New Haven, December 27, 1744. Sallie ^^'hite was a daughter of Lieutenant John White, a son of Deacon John and Mary (Dick- erman) White. Lieutenant John White was married May 25, 1778, to Anna Bostwick, of Derby, and their daughter Sallie was born April 5, 1785. She married David Sanford, of Bethany, her death occurring in February, 1836, at the age of fifty years. Unto Stephen and Sybil (White) Sanford were born nine children : Esther, who was born February 4, 1768, and died May 21, 1768; Es- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. tlicr, llie second of the name, who was born July 26. i/i*). and married Jared Sperry ; Rachel, who was born necembcr 1. 1771. and married Zeri Downes: llnlda. who was born May 17. 1774, and died July 1. 1794: F.lisha. who was born July i. 1776. and married Marijaret ToUes ; Stephen Elisha. who was born March 30, 1779: Sybil. wh(j was born July 2y. 17S2. and married a Mr. S]ierry : .\mos Wliite. who was born De- cember 20. 1785. and married Obedience .\t- water ; and Lucretia. who was born October 27. 1789. and became Mrs. ISeecher. After losing her first husband Sybil White Sanford married Deacon .\sa (ioodyear. of Ilamden. Connecticut. The will of Stephen Sanford is still in exist- ence and reads as follows: "In the name of Clod. Amen: I, Stephen Sanford. of .\ew Haven county, and state of Connecticut, in New En.ij- land. beintj weak in body but of .sound mind and memory, thanks be to God therefor ; do make this my last will and testament in manner and form followiuij, namely: Principally and first of all. 1 sii^'"^ a'l'l recommend my soul to (iod that save it. and my body to the earth in a decent and Christian burial at the discretion of my ex- ecutor hereafter mentioned, in hopes of a glo- rious resurrection through Jesus Christ my Lord, and the worldly estate which (iod hath been pleased to bless me withal after my ju.st debts and funeral charges, and charge of executing this my will are duly paid and satisfied. I dispose of in the following manner, namely : Item — To my dear and loving wife, Esther Sanford. I give and bef|ueath all my movable estate whatsoever, excepting the legacies hereafter in this my will mentioned, and to her, her heirs and assigns for- ever. I also give to my said wife the use and improvements of all my real estate for the space of one year after my decease. I also give her during her natural life the use and im])rovement of the real estate hereafter mentioned, two-thirds of my new house and barn and all my old house. all standing on my homestead, also two-thirds of all my land adjoining my house, and two-thirds of all my lands in the Fort (fast?) Rock, so called ; also all my lands called Grindum farm and the barn standing thereon ; also two lots of land lying at the southeast corner of a lot called Sherman lot, by estimation about seven acres as the fence now stands. Item — I also give to the society of Amety in the town of New Haven, for tlie support of a Presbyterian or Congrega- tional minister in said society, he being a friend to this and the L'nited States of .America, after my wife's estate therein shall be ended, the Car- ington lot .so called, containing about tweiitv- three acres. I also give to the church of Christ in said society a silver christening basin of the size of that in the church in White Haven so- cietv, to be procured and ]}urchascd by my execu- tor hereafter mentioned within one year alter my decease, and delivered to said church. I also give to said society eighty pounds lawful money to be paid by my e.xecutor, ten pounds yearly until the whole of said sum be paid. I also give and bequeath to Charles Sanford, who now lives with me, my new house and barn stand- ing on my homestead and all my lands adjoining to my house and all my lands lying in the Fort Rocks, so called, and one acre and a i|uarter of Salt Meadow, he not disturbing my said wife, Esther, in her improvements as before mentioned, to be to him, the said Charles and to his heirs on the following conditions, namely : That he. the said Charles, shall find auhen. said two pieces of land shall go. and I do give it to his eldest male heir and to his heirs forever: but it the said Stephen shall leave no male iieir. then to his female heirs equally and their heirs forever. Item — To Zadock Sanford, of llelhany, I give and l)e(|ueath all my right called mine lot. lying at a place called Mad Mars I lill, to him and his heirs forever, he not disturbing my said wife's im])rovements as before expressed. Item — To my negro servant, Jesse, I give and bequeath and to his heirs and assigns forever, thirty acres of land on the south side of the (irindum farm, which is to be fifteen rods wider on the east line than on the west, after my wife's term and estate therein shall be ended, and I do hereby manumit my said servant, Tesse, and give him his freedom after the death PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 153 of my said wife. I also give him liberty to live in my old house during his natural life. Item — Mv will further is that my Bradley lot, so called, shall be sold b_\' my executor to pay my just debts and legacies and charges of settling my estate, and if there be any overplus it shall go to my said wife, Esther, and to her heirs and assigns forever. Item — I give to Ebenezer Sanford, of Newton, for the love and good will which I have to him. twent}' pounds lawful money Item — I give and bequeath to Hannah Hainson, Oliver Sanford, Jonah Sanford and Joseph Sanford, children and heirs of my brother, Joseph San- ford. late of Litchfield, deceased ; my sister, Esther Bristol, and Abagail Pierson and to Joseph Sanford, Oliver Sanford, Aaron Sanford, Elihu Sanford and Eunice Stoddard, children and heirs of my brother, David Sanford, late of Milford, deceased, and to Isaac Sanford, to each of them one great Bible, to be purchased by my executor within one year after my decease, or so much lawful money as is sufficient to purchase a great Bible for each of them. Lastly I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said wife, Esther Sanford and Deacon Amos Perkins, of said New Haven, executors of this my last will and testament, and my will is that Deacon Perkins have a handsome reward for his trouble therein in confirmation of all that is before writ- ten, revoking and disannulling all former wills and testaments by me made, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th day of January, A. D., 1779, signed, sealed, published, pronounced and delivered by the said Stephen Sanford as and for his last will and testament in presence of us witnesses signing in his presence and in the presence of each other. (Si£;ned) STEPHEN SANFORD [Seal.| JOHN HORTC^N, PFIINEAS BRADLEY, DANIEL PERKINS. ;\.mos White Sanford. son of Stephen Sanford. was born in Connecticut and throughout his entire life followed farming in that state. He married (Jbedience Atwater, who was also of English lineage, and was a direct descendant of David Atwater, one of the original planters of New Haven, Connecticut. David Atwater. the English ancestor, was also a follower of William the Conqueror, and fought with distinction in the battle of Hastings. Lioth Mr. and ^Irs. .San- ford died at Hamden. Connecticut. G. A. Sanford acquired his education in the public schools of New Haven and Hamden. Con- necticut, and was reared upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and la- bors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but his ambition ior a business career led in another direction. Believing that he might enjoy bet- ter business opportunities in the west, lie came to Illinois, in December, 1836, making his way to Alton, and the following year came to Rock- ford and established a dry-goods store at the southeast corner of Main and State streets. He continued in business there for several years, his patronage steadily increasing, making possible the erection of a large building in order to have space for his constantly increasing stock. He conducted that business for some time, its growth being attributable to his enterprising ef- forts, earnest desire to please his patrons and his conformity to a high standard of commercial ethics. In 1838 he was appointed deputy sheriff and served in that capacity for four years, while in 1842 he was elected sherifif and served until 1844. While acting as deputy sheriff he rode on horseback over the country to a great extent, and one day while riding north of the river sev- eral miles above the town he looked across the stream and saw a dark object in the tree. Ford- ing the river, he climbed the tree and found a canoe containing the mummy of a Pottawatomie squaw. Unfortunately no effort was made to preserve this mute testimonial of the wild life that preceded white settlement. From 1838 until 1844 he collected all the taxes of \\'innebago county. No public trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree, for he was prompt and efficient in discharge of his duties. ]\Ir. Sanford was one of the organizers and trus- tees of the Rockford Insurance Company. (Jne of the many services of Mr. Sanford for the city of Rockford was securing the postoffice for Rockford. A town had been started on the low land where the Kishwaukee joins Rock river — supposedly called Kishwaukee — and at this time it was proving a formidable rival to Rockford. in that it bade fair to get the postoffice instead of Rockford. Government was sending out an agent to make decision in this weighty matter and he was coming to Kishwaukee instead of Rockford. It was in the early spring just as winter was loosening its icv grip. With a horse and cutter, and John Piatt as a companion, Mr. .Sanford started for the settlement at the north of the Kishwaukee, but for some reason they took the road down the west side of the river. The day was warm and the fears of the two men were aroused lest the ice go out before they reach their destination and leave them on the wrong side of the river. Sure enough with a prolonged cracking the river began to break. Putting their horse to a run they soon covered the remaining distance, and while one hitched the horse to the fence the other ripped of¥ a board, and with this board they bridged the chasms between the float- ing cakes of ice that were too wide to jumj) and 154 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. so made their way safely to Kislnvaiikce and the postoffice commissioner. Tlie facts and logic won the day. and they returned to Rockford with a hired team up the cast side of the river, with the postoffice in their pockets and sent a boy down to brinjj back their horse and cutter. Perhaps nothing: has been a greater factor in the prosperity of tlie city than the Water Power Company, which was organized July 15. 1851, and of which Mr. Sanford was an active mem- ber. It was Mr. Sanford's help that made it possible for Thomas Rutterworth to successfully organize and carry on the Rockford Gas Com- pany. In 1838 Mr. Sanford built the first tlatboat at this place and loaded it with potatoes and merchandise for the St. Louis market and twenty-four years later he was connected with the sending of the first carload of grain that was shipped from Cherry \alley. He was likewise interested in the building of some of the rail- roads, and the newspapers of that day give ac- count of his co-operation in these enterprises, showing that he took large contracts for the con- struction of the lines. From 1844 until 1847 ^^e was engaged in general merchandising at the corner of State and Main streets, where the Sec- ond National r)ank was afterward located. It was during the early days of his residence in Rockford that he also became a leading factor in financial circles. On the ist of January, 1855, the banking firm of Dickerman. Wheeler & Com- pany was organized with Mr. Sanford as one of its members. In 1856 the firm was changed to Lane, Sanford & Company, so contimiing until August I. 1864. when the business was reorgan- ized under the name of the -Second National Rank of Rockford. Mr. Sanford at that time was chosen cashier, and soon afterward was elected president, acting in the latter ca|)acity up to the time of his death. Mr. Sanford was three times married. In February, 1837, he married F.lizabcth IT. lias- sett, who was born in the state of New York in 1813. He returned east for his bride, and on the 2d of .Xpril, 1838, they arrived in Rockford. In 1844 they united with the First Congregational church, and were very active in its work, Mrs. Sanford being one of the original members of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society formed in the First church in 1838. She was one of the forty-seven charter members of the Second church, sang in the choir for several years and tr«jk a most active and hel])ful i)art in the church work imtil failing health prevented lur further co-f)|)eration in its activities. She died in ( )c- tobcr, 1857. They had one son. wlm died in infancy. In 1858 Mr. Sanford married Harriet .\ustin. of Skaneateles, New York, who came from a New York family of sterling worth. She was a woman of rare native ability, and exercised a wide intUience in both the religious and the so- cial life of Rockford. She was one of the most helpful workers in the Second Congregational church and missionary society. She founded the Monday Club, the oldest literary club in Rockford. and was most hospitable in entertain- ing her friends. After a ])rolonge(l and ])aintul illness, which she bore with great Christian forti- tude, she died in 1879. For his third wife Mr. Sanford chose !Miss Clara Goodall. a daughter of David G. and Maia Dearborn (French) Goodall. Her father was a native of Rath. New Hampshire, and her mother of Landaff. New Hampshire. He is descended in the paternal line from John \\'hitney. who emigrated from London, in 1635, and settled at ^\'ate^town. Massachusetts. .Ml of this descent "can claim the blood of some of those whose names are most familiar in English history — the Saxon king, .\lfred the Cireat. and Fdnumd Ironside : the Normans, ^^'illiam the Conqueror and Henry I : the Plantagnets, Henry II, John, Henry III and Edward I; to say nothing of the royal houses of Scotland, France and Spain, with whom these were allied." On her mother's side. Mrs. Sanford is descended from Godfrey Dear- born, the founder of the family of American Dearborns of military fame, and also from Ed- ward Gilman. who came to this country in 1638. His genealogy runs through the famous knight, (iilman Troed-dhu, back to Coel Godeboc. king of Britain, ancestor of Henry VII and grand- father of Constantine the Great. Mr. I'.oodall was a lawyer by ])rofession in his early days, and was a son of Ira Goodall, a very prominent attor- ney of the state of New Hampshire. David Goodall engaged in the operation of flour and starch mills and in the lumber business. He also conducted a woolen factory, and was owner of several stores in Lisboti. Rath and Swiftwatcr, New Hampshire. His chief interest was his lumber business, however, and this he carried on successfully, developing a large trade. He likewise practiced law to some extent and was one of the most prominent and influent residents of his community, contributing in substantial measure to its material growth and jirogress. He and his father were the builders of the \\"hite Mountain Railway of New England, the latter being president, wiiile David G. Goodall was vice president of the company that constructed this line. .\t a later day Ira and David Goodall removed to the west and both died in Reloit. Wisconsin, where Mrs. David (i. (ioodall also passed away. In their family were five children, who are vet living: Mrs. Sanford; Blanche, who PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 155 makes her home in Rockford with her sister, Mrs. Sanford ; Nelhe P., who is residing in \lc- toria, British Cokunbia ; Mrs. A. J. Morley, also of Victoria ; and Karl D., a druggist of Las \'e- gas. New Mexico. Rockford had no truer friend or more active co-operant in its interests for the general welfare than G. A. Sanford. He kept well informed on political questions and issues of the day, but did not seek office as a reward for party fealty. He served as alderman and in other city and county offices, but these came to him in recognition of his ability on the part of his fellow-townsmen. He was deeply interested in the educational pro- gress of the city, and on the 6th of July, 1864. was elected a trustee of Rockford Seminary, now Rockford College, serving thus until the time of his death. On the 6th of June, 1893, '^^ was chosen vice president of the board, and would have been honored with the presidency had he consented to accept. He became a char- ter member of the Second Congregational church. in which ]\Irs. Sanford is still a most active and earnest worker. His name was the second found on the subscription list for building the first stone church, and owing to the financial condi- tion of the country at that time the necessary expense of building and equipping the new church became so burdensome upon the sub- scribers and members of the society that Mr. Sanford mortgaged his home' in order that the work might go forward. For twenty-one years he served as a trustee of the church, and on the expiration of that period was presented by his co-workers with an elegant gold chain and tab- let. January 3. 1887. after a service of thirty years as trustee, he was again re-elected, but re- signed. On that occasion the following record was adopted : "Resolved. That the society of the Second Congregational church desires to rec- ognize the faithful and efficient services of Trus- tee G. A. Sanford. who today completes thirty years of continuous service as a trustee of said society, and we wish to extend to our friend and brother this expression of our sincere thanks and high appreciation of his labors in its behalf, and that it be placed upon the records of the society." The records of the church show that he was the first delegate sent out by that organization and in 1849, SI' 55- 56 and 57 he was also a member of the assessment committee. In 1855 he was elected on a committee of five to take action for building a new church. He read the report rec- ommending the site of the stone church and was made chairman of the committee to raise the necessary funds for the building. He was one of the trustees and usually auctioned the church sittings. In i860 he was appointed on the com- mittee to liquidate the church debt. His name heads the list and the money he gave he was obliged to borrow at two per cent, interest a month. In 1871 he stated to a called meeting of the church the need for internal improve- ments of the house of worship and in 1872 was made chairman of a committee to raise the nec- essary money. In 1882 he was again chairman of a special meeting to consider interior changes of the church. He could always be relied upon to help struggling churches of other denomina- tions and up to the time of his death there was hardly a church in the city or in the neighboring towns that had not received help from him. He was always a regular attendant at the various church services and he assisted in building four Second Congregational churches in Rockford. Al- though Mr. Sanford took a keen interest in politics, beyond serving as alderman, sheriff and school commissioner, he never took any official position. He was a whig and republican. One side of Mr. Sanford's character, that would not be noticed by the public, was his intense love for flowers and animals. Flowers were almost like living things to him and his comradeship with all animals was often amusing — the cat and all her kittens following in his wake wherever he moved and the canary bird perching on his finger or head. He died very suddenly, March 16, 1894, at three o'clock in the afternoon just as the bank, of which he was president, w^as closing its doors after the business of the day was over. The in- fluence of such a man, however, will long he felt. It remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him and as a potent force in the lives of many with whom he was associated. His life proved that an honorable name and success may be won simultaneously. In his business af- fairs he prospered year by year but he never selfishly hoarded his gains. He believed that he was merely the steward into whose hands the worldy possessions had been given and he was free and generous in his donations to help worthy charit}'. In his later years, when crowned with honors and wealth, he stood just where he did in his early life — as the champion of character rather than of competence, and is an advocate of right living in every relation. "An honest man is the noblest work of God" and G. A. San- ford was an honest man. FREDERICK CHA.MP. Frederick Champ, to whom there has come success as the direct result of well directed efifort in the active affairs of life, so that he is now en- abled to live retired, is a resident of Rockford and a native of England. His birth occurred in i3r. PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEP.AGO COUXTY. London, Ft-briiary 23, 1829. his parents being Thomas and Hannah (I'eak) Champ, in wliose family were two daughters and four sons. The father was a carver and gilder. I'Vederick Champ ac(|uired only a common- school education, antl in his native land he re- mained until i!;<54, when, with the hope of enjoy- ing better business advantages in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic, landing at Xew York city on the 6th of July. From the latter place he went direct to Rockford. Illinois, and for many years was identified with its business inter- ests. He was first employed by the firm of Clark & Utter, with whom he continued for some years as a molder, afterward receiving promo- tion to the position of foreman and later of sujierintendent, in recognition of his capability and long continued and faithful service. He re- mained with that finn until 18S3, when he re- tired from the active management of the business and retired to private life, since which time he has enjoyed a well earned rest. In the meantime, as his financial resources had increased, he pur- chased proi)erty and is now the owner of de- sirable realty, from which he derives a good in- come, and the supervision of his property inter- ests is the only business that claims his attention. i'.efore coming to Rockford .Mr. Champ was united in marriage in England to Miss I'rances Lucas, of .Sioke, I-jiglantl, and they had two chil- dren, Edwin !•". and tjeorge H., the latter now a member of the Loan and Investment Company of Logan. Cash county, L'tah. After traveling life's journey together for about half a century .Mr. anfl Mrs. Champ were separated by the death of the wife, June 19, 1903. .Mr. Chami) is an intel- ligent man. devoting considerable time to read- ing, so that he is well versed on all subjects of general interest. He began life with small means, but early manifested the traits of character which are always the basis of succes.s — earnest purpose, laudable ambition and a willingness to work — and in this way he has accumidated a com])etency for old age. HARLOW n. 1!.WKS. Harlow (). Hanks, who was well known in business circles of Rockford. being general agent here for the Mutual Life Insurance Com- j)any of Xew ^'ork, and also active and promi- nent in community atTairs, serving as conntv sur- veyor of Winnebago couiUy. l«x)k U|) his alxide in this city in 1889, removing from Detroit, Michigan. He was, however, a native of the Em- pire state, his birth having occurred in Chenango county, in 1833. His father was born in .\ew P.altimore. Xew 'N'nrk. .\ngnst 17. 171)2. while the mother's birth occurred in Oeenfield, Xew York. July i6, 1796. They spent their entire lives in the state of their nativity and Mr. Banks was a surveyor, always following that pursuit as a life vocation. Harlow ( ). r>anks acquired a liberal and practi- cal education ^n his native state, where he after- ward taught school, following that profession for several years, or until the time of his first mar- riage. While attending and teaching school in the east he also studied surveying and subsequent to his marriage he entered the employ of the (rrand Trunk Railway Company and before the construction of its line in the east he executed the survey work 'all over the state of Xew York. Subsequently he removed to Detroit. Michigan, where he accepted a general agency for the Mu- tual Life Insurance Com])any of Xew York, and with characteristic energy he began the building up of the business in the west and for seven- teen years was connected with insurance business in Detroit. In 1889 he removed to Rockford and was again made general agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, thus con- tinuing in the insurance business until his death. Through the management of his department he largely increased the business of the company in this section of the country. Mr. Banks was twice married. His first wife died in Detroit, in 1888. They were the jiarents of four children : .\ngela. who now resitles in Des Moines, Iowa: .Archie W., a resident of Rockford. who is now agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of Xew York : Willie, a dentist of Detroit : and Martin .\dell)ert, who is one of the leading and prominent dentists of Rockford. with offices in the Brown building. .After losing his first wife. Mr. Banks was married to Mrs. .\ddie E. ( Beardsley) Corey, a native of .Xew Brunswick. Xova .Scotia, and a i w iwi r. \(,o coL'xrv. };a\i- his iimliviilcil iittiiilioii lo miur.il .ii;iKiil tnral |iiiiMiil> tintil liis lU'atli. Ill llio oommnii M'liiiol.s l'aiu-i\ 11. Atwood ao- <|inii'il liis oiliK'alioii and in lus \onili lu- assisud l\i> I'atlu'f in iIk- oiuralion nf iho I'aim. .nivinj; lo him thr liiiulil of liis siTviiTs until lu' naohiMl till- a^;«' oi i\\cnt\-oni" voars. wlu'n lu' \va> mar ncil anil vlarU'il oni in life on his own account. lie wi'iliKd Mi-s Hannah II. .MclMu-ison. a na ti\o oi Tanaila, honi I'lhruarv .'i, iS.(J, hir par I'lits lioiiij; I'harU's IS. aixl l-idolia !•".. Mol'hoi- soi\, \vlu> also oanu- to W innclK»,i;o count\ at an early pcrioil in its M-ttli'mcni and improvomont. I lor falliiT on^a.ci'd in laiininj.; hero for .sovoral voars anil then romovod to W isoonsin, whoro ho diod. .Mr, and .Mrs. .\t\vood iKvamo tho i»ar- onts ot ihroo sous—Ira .\.. who resides iu Jowcll oonniy, Kansas, whoro ho is ous^ivjod in farm iuj* ; I'vrus llomor. who luarriod t lara .MoAlli.v tor and rosidos in Storliuj,;. Illiitois, whoro ho is cuf^ajix-d in tho ,yrooor\ hnsinoss, and I'.dward II.. who marriid I .illian I'ioivo, and is doalini; in ii.v in Kookl\>rd. hoiuj; ouo of tho proiniuom in.I piDsporons husittoss moii of this city. \fior his marriajiio Mr. .Xtwood sotiloti np.Mi .i faun in tho Stillman valloy and onori;x-ticalt\ Ih-- ^an tho cultivation of tho soil and tho improvo- ntont of tho place, which soon ,iia\o ovidonco of his careful supervision and dilijioucc. I lo had carried oi\ farn\in,i< hut a low yo.trs, however, when tho I'ivil war hiMko n tho home fanu it\ tho Stillman vallo\ uiuil iSS(». attd there irarod her sons, hut m tho \ear montioniHl she romovotl lo K>vkfi>nl, whoro she has sittce made Iter Itome. t\ow nsidiu}; al \o. 11J5 X'iuth strtTl. She l>eIi>nK^ lo the Metltixlist l'"pisco|Xi>l chtttvh. of which her Ituslvtnd was also a moiu- In-r, and her U'li^ious faith has Iveu a pormoaliuji' intlnenco in her life, dovolopiuj; trails oi character that have wott her m.inv friends. 1> \\ IP > \MI'l I- ! well known as a ivpivseittative a^;■ Owen township, was l>on« \n Slialer lownslup, Mlojiheiu t>nu\ly, IVunsylva- uia, }\\\\ (\ iS4,v at»d ix>pr»'seuis ot«e of the old families of that state. His |v\terual ,»;rai\dfalhcr. Jrt' I i\alivc of t.'«imK'rland cxiuu- tv !i * Vl.^^HT J5. i~5<>, autl w:^s of Smteh an»xs(r\ He servt^l liis cxMtut' soMuf in tile Kovolntionary war under lioneral Washington ami after the ostahlishmont of the now repnhlic he locitod in .\llo,i;hen\ comity, IVnnsvlvania, takini; up government huul iu Shaler township. Ho hocame captain of a coiu- pauN of militia and while ho was on militar\ duly his wife and children wore carried olV h\ the In- dians, hut the same nijiht a sipiaw returned the familv In canoe while tlie hravos of tho trilv were havinv; a dance. James Sample Iniilt the first urist mill in .\llesjhony county, iu 17*K>. and was otherwise actively idonlilied with tho a.i;ricuttural and industrial dovolopitiont of the stale. William .Sample, father of Havid .Sample, was horn in I'oimsxlvania, July jS, iSoo, and pursued his education iu the puhlic schi^>ls. He worked for his father up to tho lime of his marriage, which occurred Aujiusl jS, i8jS. Miss Jane Andorsi>n luvomiuj; his wife. She was horn Jan- uary i(>, 1S07. .\t that time W illiam Sample re- ceived from his father a i^ift i^i aKnil lour huu- ilrod ;icros of land, and ho ciMitinnoil to on,i;aj;o in larmiuji; and also couductoil a millinj; hnsinoss, which was estahlishod hy his father, until 1871. in which \car he sold lite romamini; one him- drod and t\>ri\ acres of tho old home place which his lather had nivou him. ha\ inj;- in the meantime disposed of tho rest of the farm. He received for this trad of one hundred and forty acres one hundred and ninety thousand dollars from a land compau\ thai snhdivided it into lots, and it is now tho horouv;h of Millvalo. \\"illiam .Sample then tvmoved lo .Sharpshur?;. IVnusylvauia. whoro he spout his romainiuj;' davs. and several times he visited his son Haviil iu \\ innolKtso county. I'or forty-tive years he served as a memlKT of the school hi\-»rd in his vlisirict and was always ac- tivclv and helpfully inton-stod in puhlic atYairs. \\c passed awa\ .\u.v;nsi 15. iSoi, and his wife diod iu April. i8Sj. Ihov were the i>arents of ei.uht childiXMt-- RoIhti .V.. James. John. Martha. William H Marjiaret I.. l\>vid and l-.liza- Wth A Havid >.inipic pursuovl his inhication iu the puhlic .schiH^ls auvl was reau-d upon Itis father's farm, iweivin.i; there tho training; that tilted him for earryiuj; on a similar business entorj^rise iu later years. Two days InMoro tho oii^huvnth an- uivers;\ry of his birth he ix-spoude*l to his coun- try's call for tr\H>ps. eulisliujj iu the I'uioti army on the 4llt of July. t8(M. as a memlxT of Com- (vuiy A. .Si\iy-stv»Mid IVnu.sylvauia Infantry. He was mustond into service al rittsburt; and afler- warvl went to Harrisburj;. where he niuaiuol f>^r two wevks. SuKs«]uently he went to l?^»ltimore. and later with his command to W'aslutt,»;lon. D. I .. where the n\uimonl rtMuaiueil tor a month, and was then onioned to \rlins;ion Heiijbts. }::\v i"C '"'o winter nuarlers tte;tr Falls church. In the st>rit>s: of tfVxj the Sixty-secxmd marcheti to TAST wn I'Kl-Sl'XT Ol' W I \ X I'.l'.Ai IC) COUNTY i6i I'";ui"l'ax t'oiirt Ihnist.- ;iiul was soon alU'iwaril sent to Ak'xaiulria, w liovi' llu'\ took- transports I'or I'lirtrrss .Monroe. Alter .1 sliorl linic llu'\ ni.irolu'il to I'.ii; Tu'llu'l, auil later to Norklown. anil .Mr, Sanipli" participated in llie sie^e at lliai place ami in tlic cnijayen touts at 1 lanovcr (,'ourl ilonse. Mcchanicsvillo. tiaincsville anil MaKern Hill. In llie l;'.st named he \v;'>s shot in the I'iyht arm and hip and was taken to the hospital on llcdloo's island. .\s soon ,is possihle he started to rejoin his re^inienl. Inn insier.d oi' heinj^' al- lowed to do ■^o he w.is pl.ieed on detached duty at {'"ort llamillon. I.,ilei'. iio\\e\er, he was with his command in the h;ittle of .Mine Kini, ami after th;il litiardcd the railroad from Manassas to He.'.llon Station nntil startin,i;' with ticneral (Irani on the Wilderness cam])ais'ns. .\lr. ,Sam|)le re- cei\-ed .an honoralilc dischar.Ljc in July. iSh.]. h.av ini.; for ihree years valiantly dcfemU'd his conn- try, dnrin.y which time he ne\er faltered in the |icrformance of any dnl\. lie was often where the leaden h.ail fell thickest and a,L;;iin on the lone- 1\ picket line .■nid .al all limes he displayed the loyalt)- and \:dor of many a vclei'an of twice his years. hollowini; his relnrn home. .Mr. .'>.\mple assist- ed in the operation of his father's farm nnlil 1871, when the ])ropcrty was sold. He spent the succeedinj.;' live years in Ir.ivel, after which he came to W'inneluii^o conntv and pnrehased on* hnmlred and sixty acres of l;nnl. which he has since imjiroved. dcvotini;' his .illenlion \miirini;l\ to as'ricnitnral interests in wh.il is one of ihe rich- est farminj;' districts of this jLjrcat slate. It was in the year of his removal to \\'inneha,i;o connly that Mr. .'-i.ample was married, on ihe ,^d >>\ ,\la\. iSjd, to .Miss .Melinda Steward, a d.in^hler of James and Mary (Smith) .Steward, whoari' men- lioneil on another aj;'c of this work. I'heir chil- dren ,ire ;is follows: Steward, who maiiied Miss I nl.i \la\ I nli.in, is livini;' in Waterloo, Iowa, and llie\ lia\e t \\ o ehildrcn. l\oss. who joined the 1 niled St;itCS navy as an .ippienliee and remained in die scr\'iee for live \ e.iis ,iml Iwo monllis. he- inu; with ihe \il.inlie sipiadron on ilu Kear.sarsi'c ami ,ilsii on odiers as coxswain, is now ai home, le.ii.i, ihe \onn!L;esl, is also at lionie. In his political views Mi'. .S;nn]ilc is a stanch repnlilicm and hcloni^s lo Xevins post, \'o. t, I I, \. K., of Kockfnrd. lie is aUo a memher of llu' I'armers' Mnln.il lieiiexolenl \ssoci.alion and is inleresled in all ih.il peil.iins in pnhlie improvc- menl and ;idvanccment, .yivini;' his co-o]H'ration to many measnrcs for tlic .general welfare, lie now has in his possession his L;i-andfa(hcr's old clock, wliich is more than one hnmlred \cars old, and keeps correct lime. Ft w,as reeentlv ii'paired hy a clock-maker. '.•, ho said lh;il it woidd nm for another eenlnr\. Mr. Sample h.is i;;iined .a w ide .•ie(|nainlanee dnrinq' th<> lhirl\ \ cars of his resi- dence in this county ;md is known as ,a man of lirm convictions and slcrlin.i; worth, who mav well he classed amoni; the representative cili/.cns ol ( >wen lownshiii. w II I I \M .1. ni' I \ \i \ n.-.K. W'illiam J. De 1 .a iMalcr, servins;- as supervisor of IVcatonica township, is cn,i;a!.;ed in hnsiness as a hlack.smilh, dealer in htij.;gics and f.irm machin- ery. He was horn l''ehrnary jj,. 1854, jn Tusca- rawas connly, ( )lno, ;md when only seven months old was taken lo Indiana li\ his p.neiils, U.dpli and Sn.sanna (/.nhlin) I )r I .1 M.iiei. Ihe lailier w.as horn in ( Jlse.U'o eoinilx. Xew \ 01k. and lol- lowins;- Ills removal to ()|n,., w.is married in Ma riella, that slate. A deiiiisi |i\ profession, he praclieeil for thirty live years in soulhem Indi ;ma, and he died in IVlcnsljuri;-, that stale, ,ii die ;i,i;e of seventy-three years, while his wife passcil away in iledfoial, lndi,ana. in 1X50, Tlie\ wore the p.areiils of seven ehildreii K. I,., w ho lost his life i!i the hallle of ( h;nnpion Hill, while servinj;- ill llie Iweiilv foniili Indi.nia \dhmleer In- f,inlr\ ; .\nna \,. who heciine Ihe wife of ( leori^c H. Il.aleman, and died in Hnntin.LjIon. Indi.ana; h;ilen, Ihe wife of II. X. Meieli.im. of rovll.ind, ( ire.udu. and the mother of two sons and .1 d.iii.i;li- ler: h'raiiccs. who hccanie ilu- wife of K', ||. .Moses and died in .Scdalia, Missouri, in iStjo; W .ilier, who married .M.ariha l.aswell, l)\ whom he had seven chiMreii. ,ind died in Joneshoro, .\r- kansas : Ida M.. the wile of .Mieh.ael Sweenv, who is superintendent of ihe M inne.ipolis \- ,S|. I.onis l\,ailroad, liviiiL; al ,\l inne.ipoji.s. Minne- sota. h\ whom she li.is nine ehihlrcn : .and \\ il liam I., of ihis review . William I. De I .a .Maler w.is reared in Indi- ana, aci|ini-in.i; his education in Ihe pnhlie schools. ;md in 1S71 he came to Wiiineh.-.j^o eonnlv. Illi- nois, hein.u; al lli.il lime .alionl seveiileen \ears of ;i.i;e. He lirsl workial as .a f.aian li.aiid for .alionl three years and lluai enlered llie eniploe of \\. I ). rellihone. ,a hl.acksmilh. with whom he rem.ained lor iliiee years in I'ecalonica. ;md then removed lo Minneapolis, where he work-ed in the shops of ihe street r.ailw.ax eoinp.ain. \firr .ni .ahsence ol ahoiil fwv \e,irs he nlmneil li> I'eealoiiiea ,and purchased llie shop of Is. I ). rellilioiie. He has lieeii in liusiiiess here eon|innonsl\- since, .■nul is nol onl\- :\\\ expert horsesiioer .and i^eneral hiack- smilh. having; hnill up a repnialion in Ihis line second to none, hut is .also a dealer in line hu.u'.y-ics and vehicles of all descriptions, in hicycles and in laian iniplemeiiis. I le h.as ever hccn a lover of line horses and he now owns five head of repfLs- lered slurson came to Rock- ford for the puqjose of carrying out the contract and resided in this city until iSSi. when he re- moved to Chicago. On accnunt of imperfect workmanship, lack of field experts and other ad- verse circumstances the business of manufactur- \:\g and placing upon the market the grain bind- ers ])rove(l a disastrous venture financially and left him with a large indebtedness, which was not en- tirel\ li(|ui(lated until upi. In the meantime his llHHights and etiorts were concentrated along other lines of invention and mechanical improve- ment, and in 1866. associated with the late John .Nelson, under the firm name of Burson & Nelson, the invention of the family knitting machine was undertaken. Mr. Nelson was obliged to give his attention largely to the operation of a sash, door and blind factory for some time, but Mr. Burson a|)i)lied himself closely to the work which he had undertaken anraise for what he has done, and the testimonial of the public trust is his frequent re- election. .Abraham Lincoln said, "Yon can fool some of the .American people all of the time, and all of the .American people some of the time, but von can't fool all of the American people all of MARCUS A. NORTON. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 171 the time." It is in this that the safety of Amer- ican poHtics hes, and a continuation in an elective office is virtual proof of prompt, capable and hon- orable service on the part of the incumbent. JNIr. Norton was married, in May, 1866. to Miss Henrietta Gardner, the weddinsj ceremony being performed by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Kerr. They lost their only child in infancy. Their home is at No. 610 North street, and the social enter- tainment there afforded is greatly enjoyed by their many friends who are constantly increasing in number as the circle of their acquaintance widens. RUGGLES W. CRUMB. Ruggles ^^'. Crumb, now deceased, was well known in business circles in Rockford as the pres- ident of the R. W. Crumb Lumber & Fuel Com- pany. He was born in Otsego county. New York, January 2']. 1828, his parents being \'arnum and Sophronia Crumb. The father spent his entire life in that county and passed away there, while ]\Irs. Crumb came west to Rockford and died here, aged ninety-six years. Ruggles \\'. Crumb was a student in the com- mon schools in his early boyhood days and after- wartl attended the academ_\" in Otsego county, thus acquiring a good education and being well equipped for the practical and responsible duties which came to him in later life. At the age of eighteen years he secured a situation in the em- ploy of a manufacturing company in Otsego county, manufacturers of all kinds of garden im- plements, and there his capability and fidelity won ready recognition in promotion which eventually made him a partner in the enterprise. He was engaged in the manufacture of implements at that place until 1868, when, thinking that the west offered a still broader field of labor, he took up his abode in Chicago, where he formed a part- nership with, two brothers, establishing a lumber business. There he remained until 1877. when he removed to Marengo, Illinois, where he con- tinued in the lumber trade for three years. He afterward spent nine years in a similar enter- prise in Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, and in 1889 came to Rockford, where he and his two children opened up a lumber yard under the firm style of the R. W. Crumb Lumber & Fuel Com- pany, at No. 709 Seventh street. Mr. Crumb was active in the management of this enterprise until his death, which occurred January 25, 1902. In Otsego county. New York, occurred the marriage of Ruggles W. Crumb and Miss Caro- line M. Robinson, a native of Otsego county, and a daughter of Dr. Plinney Robinson, who was a prominent physician of that county, where he and his wife spent their entire lives. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Crumb, of whom three are living, namely : Haskell A., who mar- ried Mary M. Crandall, and resides in Rockford, where he is president and treasurer of the R. W. Crumb Lumber & Fuel Company ; Grace K., who is principal of the Garrison School of Rock- ford. and resides with her mother: and Ward C, who married Nellie Bennett and is secretary of the R. \\'. Crumb Lumber & Fuel Company. The other children, Josephine and Arthur, died while in Chicago. Mr. Crumb voted with the democratic party in early life and afterward became a republican, but never cared for political preferment. He was a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and devoted much time to furthering temperance principles, while both he and his wife were con- sistent and active members of the State Street Baptist church. Flis life was at all times hon- orable and u])right, being in consistent harmony with his professions, and his religion formed a part of his daily existence, prompting him to honorable dealings in all his business transac- tions and to justice and uprightness in all life's relations. His name became a synonym for busi- ness integrity as well as industry, and he left his family an untarnished life record, as well as a substantial competence. His widow now owns a nice home at No. 1013 Harlem aventie, where she and her daughter reside. G. A. STE\ENS. G. A. Stevens, starting out in life for himself at the age of ten years, is to-day one of the prosper- ous farmers of Winnebago county, located on sec- tion 9. Guilford township. He has been a resi- dent of this county since 1877 and in earlier years was identified with building operations, but for some time has been connected with agricultural interests. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1858, his parents being John and Anna Stevens, but the mother died during the infancy of her son. The father was a native of England and came to the United States when a young man. In his youth he went upon the sea and re- mained a sailor throughout much of his life, but in his later years became a merchant tailor, con- ducting business in New York city. He died there in July, 181)4, when almost eighty-six years of age. In his family were the following named : (j. A., of this review : Mrs. Lydia Kennedy, of Spottswood. New Jersey ; Jule, who resides near Brockport, New York : and Alfred, who is liv- ing in Norwich, New York. G. A. Stevens, leaving home when ten years of age, worked his wav alone among strangers, trav- J 72 I'AST AND PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUXTV. cling westward to Wisconsin, and reaching Jef- ferson county, tliat state, in April, 1869. He made his home there for about eight years, or until 1879, when he came to Winnebago county, Illinois, settling in Rockford, where he l)egan working at the cariK-nter's trade. He was thus engaged for about tifteen years and during ihat period he located on his present farm. This is a good tract of land, whicli is well improved, and indicates his careful supervision in its splendid appearance and excellent etiuipment. He also owns a fine farm in South Dakota. In 1887, in Rockford, .Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Whittle, who was born in Guilford township, in 1853, her parents being Frederick and Matilda ( IJeers) \\'hittle. Her father was born in Canada, September 5, 181S. and was of French lineage. He was reared in the ])lace of his nativity and on coming to Illi- nois, located on the state road in (niilford town- ship. He was then a young man and began life here as an agriculturist. Alx)Ut 1888 he ])ur- chased a farm in section 22, Guilford townshi]). As a companion and helpmate on life's journev he chose Miss lleers. to whom he was married March 2^. 1849. 'i"*^' t'ley located upon his farni. which continued to be their home until his death, which occurred April 26, 1854. In his political views he was a republican and in religious faith a ISaptist. His wife was born in Somerset. Or- leans county. New York, January 22. 1831, and was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Herrick) ISeers, who came to this county in June, 1836. locating in Guilford township on the state road. The father was a farmer and both he and his wife died in this county. Daniel Ueers was born August II, 1806, in Moore townshi]), Northamp- ton county, Pennsylvania, and was married in the state of New York, February 11, 1830. In 1834 he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in June, 1836, he removed with his family to Rockford, reaching his destination on the 13th of June of that year. Not long afterward he took up his abode in Guilford township, where he re- mained until the fall of 1855, when he removed to Monroe, Wisconsin, making his home there until 1863. At that date he returned to Rockford, and in the spring of 1868 removed from the city to Harlem township, where the succeeding three years were passed, when he again took up his abode in the cotmty scat, there spending his re- maining days, his (leath occurring April 3, 1880. He and his wife were among the five charter memlxirs of the Methodist church. Mrs. Beers \\as born November 30. 1812. in the Empire State and was a daughter of Lutlier and Mary (Johnson) Herrick, who were also natives of that state. Mrs. Beers died in Rockford, No- vember 18, 1896, having foi about sixteen years sun'ived her husKind. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Whittle were the par- ents of two daughters — Emily J., who was born in Guilford townshii), February 20, 1850, was married to Leonard Marsh, December 15. 1868, and died September 17, 1885. Mr. Marsh now resides at Topeka, Kansas. Mrs. Whittle was married August 23. 1855, to Wilhrd Convers, who was born January 20, 1822, in Litchfield town- ship, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Henry Convers, whose birth occurred April 7. 177<). and he removed westward to Guil- ford township. \\'innebago county, where he re- sided until his death, January 3. 1853. Willard Convers came as a boy to this county in 1839 and resided on section 16. Guilford township, this be- ing the farm now occupied by Mrs. Convers and by Mr. and Mrs. Stevens. Mr. Convers took up land on section 16, the patent of which is still in possession of the family. Mrs. Convers will be seventy-five years of age in January, ux)6. and having been a resident of Guilford township since June 13, 1836, has lived longer in this county than any other woman now living. Mr. Stevens is a stanch repulilican. believing firmly in the ])rincii)les of his rarty, and has ac- ceptably filled various township offices. So- cially he Is a member of Rockford lodge. No. 102. A. F. & A. M.. and his religious views are somewhat in harmony with the doctrines of the L'niversalist church. HORACE r.ROWN. Horace lirown. banker and cai>ilalist. whose intense and well directetl activity has gained him a foremost position in financial circles of Rock- ford. was born in Springfield, Windsor county, \'ermont, June 24, 1824. His ancestry, both lineal and collateral, has through many generations been distinctively .Vmerican, but still farther back the record leads to Edward Brown, who was born in Horton, County Kent. England, in 1501, and became one of the early colonists of Ijiswich, Massachusetts, sailing from London, England, on the ship Hopewell. Representatives of the family lived there down to the time of Elisha Brown, grandfather of Horace Brown, who was br)rn in Ipswich, Massachusetts. January 7, 1748. P'oUowing his removal to Ilinghaiu. Massachu- setts, he was married there to Merriel Bates, and in 1773 removetl to Winchendon, Massachusetts. He studied closely the attitude of the mother coimtry as she encroached more and more closely upon the liberty of the colonists and when the at- tempt was made to throw off the yoke of British opjiression he joined the .Xmerican army and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill and other important engagements. In 1778 he took up his abode in Springfield, \'ermont. )(XTci. zjJ3, /yCT'LAJ-'^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 175 Jonathan Brown, father of Horace Brown, was born in Springfield, October 5. 1796, and wedded Hannah Stocker, who was of Enghsh and Scotch lineage. Her father, Elijah Stocker. also a patriot of the Revolutionary army, partici- pated in the battle of Bunker Hill and also in the engagement at Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered. In his native county Horace Brown acquired a public school education and when not engaged with his text-books assisted in the operation of his father's farm, remaining at home until twenty years of age, when he entered the employ of the Hon. William Thayer, a farmer of the neigh- borhood. In 1845, however, he turned his at- tention to the manufacture of oil cloth in Lan- singburg. New York, where he remained until 1850. when he started for the middle west, reach- ing Rockford on the 12th of ;\Iay. He made investment in a farm in New Milford township, then containing a population of only eighteen liundred, and after leasing the property he re- turned to the east for his bride. ]\Ir. Brown was married, September 12. 1850, to Miss Mary .\. Thayer, a daughter of the Hon. William Thayer, his first employer. Her father, better known as Captain Thayer, was a man of prominence in his comunity, where he served as justice of the peace and was also a member of the state legislature for several terms. He was engaged in the tanning business and the manufacture of shoes. Mrs. Brown was born February 16. 1827, and with her husband re- turned to his western home, but in the following spring they again went east and Mr. Brown ac- cepted a position in the oil cloth factory, where he remained until June, 1853. On that date they arrived in Rockford, where they located. Mr. Brown trading his farm for property on the west side of the city, while he turned his attention to the livery business, form- ing a partnership with G. W. Reynolds. The new enterprise proved profitable, but after two years Mr. Brown sold out and again returned to his native town, where he was connected with the conduct of several business interests. He took up his abode permanently in Rockford in 1859 and his home has since been on Park Ridge, one of the most beautifully located districts of the city. He has long figured prominently in financial circles. He assisted in the organiza- tion of the Rockford National Bank in 1871. with Gilbert Woodruff as president : Mr. Brown, vice president ; and D. H. Ferguson, cashier. Later J\I. S. Parmelle was made cashier and was succeeded by ^^^ F. Woodruff, who became vice president after the death of his father in 1875. at which time ]\Ir. Brown succeeded to the presidency, and H. S. Burpee was made cashier. The bank was organized with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars and now has a surplus of the same amount. The safe conservative policy inaugurated by the bank at the outset has alwavs been maintained and the bank almost im- mediately took rank with the leading moneyed institutions of the state and has been accorded a patronage which makes its volume of business of a proportion that would be creditable to the banks of much larger cities. To other fields of business activity Mr. Brown has extended his eitorts. In 1892 he was one of the promoters of the Forest City Insurance Company, of which he has served as treasurer and vice-president and also as a member of the board of directors, being the only original director now left, and he was president of the Insurance Company of the State of Illinois during the first years of its ex- istence. He has been a factor in public progress in community interests and as the champion of beneficial public measures his labors have proved far-reaching. Mr. and !Mrs. Brown had one son and one daughter. William Tha}-er Brown, born in Rock- ford, ;\Iarch 2, 1854. is a member of the fimi of A. G. Spaulding & Brothers. He resides in East Orange. New Jersey, and has his office at No. 126 Nassau street. New York city. He wedded Miss Mary L. Spaulding on the 24th of August. 1875. She was bom October 23, 1854. and they have four children: Horace S., Harriet Irene. William Thayer and Elizabeth. Alice C. Brown, born March 26. 1856, was the wife of D. H. Ferguson, of Denver, Colorado, and died March 23, 1890, leaving a son, Donald Bro\\n Ferguson. Carrie A. Brown, born Ju'y 27. i860, died April 10. 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have ever occupied in social circles the prominent position accorded in recognition of culture, intelligence and long residence, and in business circles, where he has been known for more than half a century, his judgment is regarded as of great value and his name is honored. JOHN HIBBARD. John Hibbard. a retired wagonmaker. residing at No. 1443 School street, was born in England in 182 1. His father, John H. Hibbard, a native of the same country, was a wagonmaker by trade. John Hibbard spent the days of his youth in his nati\-e country and was about twent_\--nine years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to America, settling first in Canada, whence he made his wa.y to Buffalo, New York. He afterward took up his abode in Pike county, Illinois, where he lived for two vears, and later removed to Louisiana, Mis- souri', where he spent the succeeding ten years. 176 PAST AND I'RllSKXT OV Wl.WEP.AGO COUNTY. On tlie expiration of that periotl he settled in Ne- braska, where for twenty years he made his home, and then ag'ain went to Canada, S])enart of his youtb in Rockton and upon attaining his majority en- tered his father's store, thus beconnng a factor in connnercial circles in the village. He became a partner with his father in the store in 185^) an continued until iSfij, when he ])urchased his father's interest in the business, which he carried on alone for some time, and eventually admitted his son to a partnership. He was active in the management and ownership of the store until KJ04, when his son became his successor and he retired to private life. The business interests of the firm had always been carefully managed and everv stej) was thoughtfully taken by Mr. \'eness, who closely watched the indications pointing to success, and in his mercantile career folUiwod a definite i)lan of action. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 177 In 1862 occurred the marriage of E. J. Veness and Miss Mary Stearns, who was born in Bloom- ington, Illinois, forty-one years ago, a daughter of Lloyd Stearns. Mr. and Mrs. Veness have a son and daughter. Lloyd E., who succeeded his father in business in Rockton, and is now one of the representative merchants of the town, was born in that place and married Jessie Smith, of Kansas, by whom he has one child, Joce C, who was born in Rockton. The daughter, Mary Eve- lyn, is now the wife of Guy M. Hopkins, of Rockton. Mr. Veness is a member of the Baptist church. His wife has served as organist for a number of years, but is not a member of the church. He votes with the republican party and has been prominent and influential in affairs of his township and county. During his earlv resi- dence here he served as school director, was high- way commissioner in 1862, has been supervisor of the township for nine years and was chair- man of the same board for seven years. In all of these offices he has been true to the general welfare, placing the public good before personal aggrandizement. He is in- deed one of the leading citizens of his communi- ty, having been successful in a business career, while in his private life he has won the highest esteem of all. His efforts have promoted progress along material, social, intellectual and moral lines and his life history forms an important factor in the annals of Rockton. JOHN ANDREWS. John Andrew's, practically living retired, after many years of active connection with agricultural interests, makes his home at 1723 School street. He is a native of southern Indiana, his birth hav- ing occurred in Posey county. April i. 183 1, his parents being Anson S. and Elizabeth ( r.utler ) Andrews. The father was born in Connecticut in 1787 and the mother was a native of Massa- chusetts. After leaving the Charter Oak state Anson S. Andrews went to New York city and later came to the middle west, settling in Indiana, where he followed general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1854. In his family were two sons and a daughter, all of whom are now living, namely : Seth, a resident of ^^'isconsin ; Mrs. Harriet Hinkley, a resident of Rockford ; and John, of this review. John Andrews spent the first twenty-seven years of his life in the county of his nativity and acquired his early education in the common schools and also studied mathematics and the dead languages. He remained on the farm after his father's death and he became interested in a flour mill and a general store in Indiana, thus having varied business aff'airs which claimed his time and attention and made him one of the enterprising citizens of that locality. In 1858, however, he sold his property in that state and removed to southern Illinois, becoming interested in a large orchard there and carrying on horticultural pur- suits for about three years. He first made his wa}- to Rockford in September, 1861, and has spent the greater part of the time here since. His attention has been given largely to agricultural pursuits and he yet owns a valuable tract of land of one hundred and fifty acres adjoining the city limits. He is now practically living retired, doing only a little gardening, while the remainder of his land is rented. His farm is worth three hundred dollars per acre and it is the visible evidence of his life of well directed labor and enterprise. He lias made the most of his opportunities as the }ears have gone by and has ever been found hon- est and reliable in his business dealings. In 1858 Mr. Andrews was married at Lincoln, Illinois, to Miss Mirinda Piper, who was born in Charleston. Illinois, in 1840, and is a daughter of B. B. Piper, a minister of that denomination for- merly known as the Hardshell Baptists. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews became the parents of three sons — Charles N., wdio died in 1900; Harry B., a prac- ticing attorney of Rockford, and Ernest E. J., a teacher in one of the high schools of Chicago. Our subject and his wife now reside at No. 1723 School street, where they have a beautiful home. They are both interested in religious work, being members of the Christian church. Mr. Andrews has never given evidence but once upon the wit- ness stand, has never served on a petit uiry nor sued or been sued by any man. He has lived peacefully with his fellowman, true to principles of honorable manhood and in his business career he has won ver)- desirable success. Having re- sided in this county almost continuously for a period of forty-four years, he is w-ell known, here and is one of the leading and representative citi- zens of the community. BRUCE H. GARRETT. Bruce H. Garrett, practicing at the Rockford l3ar, was born on a farm in Guilford township, Winnebago county, November i, 1865. His fa- ther, Benjamin F. Garrett, was a native of Geauga county. Ohio, born in 1835, and in 1838 came to Winnebago county with his parents, Thomas and Margaret P. Garrett, locating here when this was a frontier district and Rockford contained only a few houses. In 1864 Benjamin F. Garrett en- listed in Company B, One Hundred and Forty- sixth Illinois A'olunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war. In 1861 178 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. he was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Hayes, who was a native of Ilhnois and a daugh- ter of William Hayes. She became a resident of Winnebago county in 1839. lienjaniin l-". (iar- rett died April 3. 1900. Bruce H. Garrett began his education in the district schools while upon his father's farm and later he continued his studies in the public schools of Rockford. He began preparation for the bar under the direction of Albert D. Early, a promi- nent attorney of this city, and in 1887 he was ad- mitted to practice, successfully passing an exami- nation before the appellate court at Mount \'er- non. Mr. Garrett began practice in Rockford im- mediately afterward, but was soon appointed a clerk in the general delivery department of the postoffice and occupied that ])osition for ten years. He then resumed the practice of law antl has gained a creditable clientage. On the 25th of February, 1891, Mr. Garrett was married to Miss Anna Donaldson, of Rock- ford, a daughter of Mrs. Sarah Jane Donaldson, and they now have two children — (irace E. and Donald B., aged fourteen and twelve years, re- spectively. In politics Mr. Garrett is a repub- lican, and he has attained a high degree in Ma- sonry, belonging to Ellis lodge, No. 1 16, A. F. & A. !M. ; Winnebago chapter, No. 24, R. A. M. ; Crusader commandery. No. 17, K. T., and Tebala Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He resides on National avenue, where in 1904 he erected an attractive residence, modern in all of its appoint- ments. He is possessed of a considerable prop- erty, the supervision of which claims his personal attention. PASCHAL COLVIN. Paschal Colvin, the mayor of Pecatonica, who has conducted various business enterprises in different parts of the country and is now the owner of a stone quarry and lime kiln in this locality, conducting a profitable business as a dealer in both commodities, was lx)rn at Ham- burg, Eric county. New York, November 17, 1832. His father died when the son was very young and the latter went to live with .Mvin Salisbury in New York, remaining with him until eighteen years of age. when he came to Illinois. He located first in Stephenson county, his mother having removed there after her second marriage. In tile middle west he Ix-gan farming and later went to Iowa, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of government land in Clayton county. On selling that propert\- he purchased five hundred and sixty acres in Chickasaw county from the government and when he had disposed of it became tlie owner of eight hundred and thirtv acres in Webster and Humlxjklt counties. He also secured this as government claims and in each case carried on the work of cultivation and improvement to some extent upon the land which he ac(iuired. His possessions in Webster and Humboldt counties were later sold to good ad- vantage, so that he realized a very desirable profit on his investment. Mr. Colvin was next found in the copper mines in Ontonogan county, Michigan, to which place he went by way of the lakes, as there were no rail- roads at that time. After working in the mines for a period he returned by the water route and invested his earnings in eighty acres of land in Stcjihenson county, Illinois, whereon he erected a house, making it his home for four or five years, during which time his labors largely transformed the ajipearance of the farm, the productive fields bringing to him a good financial return. He then sold out and established his home in Pecatonica, wdiere he purchased a residence. In the mean- time he had invented and secured a patent on a water tank heater, which he began to manu- facture in Pecatonica. He also sold the state and county rights and had various representatives upon the road selling his manufacture. He also traded some of his patent rights for four hun- dred and eighty acres of land in Winneljago and Worth counties. Iowa, but afterward sold that pn)|)erty and removed to Orange City. Florida, where he purchased three hundred acres of fruit land. Before the memorable hard winter there in which most of the fruit was killed he sold all of his land except one hundred and sixty acres, which he still retains. He traded some of his llorida land for a house and eight acres of land near Pecatonica and also bought forty-two acres, so that he now has fifty acres in this locality. It is upon this land that he has a stone quarry and lime kiln and he makes large sales annually of Ixith lime and stone. In all of his business oper- ations he has been successful, being seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of business judgment, so that his investments bring him an excellent financial return. In addition to his farm property he owns a number of brick store buildings in Pecatonica and a g(Tod home in the town together with some vacant lots and two hundred and twentv-five acres of rich farming land near the town. Mr. Colvin and his mother lived together in her last years and he took excellent care of her when her health failed, thus repaying her in part for the care which she gave to him in his early boyhood days. She lived to be more than ninety- nine years of age. There were three .sons and one daughter in her family : .Mvin : Richard, who died in ciiildhood ; .Vrilla, who married Mr. Kiby and after his death became the wife of Garrett Llovd but is again a widow and is now living in Petatonica. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. i8i Paschal Colvin, the other member of the family, became a Mason on the 20th of April, 1863, and has always been lo)-al to the teachings of the craft. He belongs to A. W. Rawson lodge. No. 145, A. F. & A. M., being one of its oldest rep- resentatives. In former years his political al- legiance was given to the democracy but he be- came convinced that the republican platform con- tained the best elements of good government and is now allied with the latter party. He is ser\-- ing his second term as mayor of Pecatonica and his re-election as an indication that his adminis- tration was marked by qualities that work for good citizenship, for public progress and sub- stantial improvement. He has the interests of the town deep at heart and his labors have been effective in promoting business welfare. Mr. Colvin has been known in this section of the state for many years and as a business man and citizen has made a record that well entitles him to rep- resentation in this volume. HON. E. W. BROWN. Hon. E. W. Brown, whose intense and well directed activity has been of material benefit to the city of Rockford as well as the source of his business success, was born August 8. 1857. and throughout his entire life has resided in Rock- ford. His efforts have been so practical, his dis- cernment so keen, and his labors so effective that it would be difficult to find one who has contrib- uted in larger or more effective measure toward the upbuilding and improvement of this place. His patriotic citizenship and his interest in com- munity aft'airs has taken tangible form in his zealous labors for the improvements instituted through aldermanic measures, and through the reforms and progressive movements which he has fathered during his six years" service as mayor. Mr. Brown was born in Rockford. .August .S, 1857, and was a student in the public schools. Later he attended schixtl in ^Nlount Morris. Illi- nois, but the strain placed upon his eyes forced him to lay aside his text-books. At that time he entered upon an active business career, which in its scope and result has broadened until few men have exerted the influence upon material prog- ress in Rockford that Mr. Brown has done. For five years he was a member of the Brown & Eck- stine Drug Company, the sales of which con- stantly increased until they were represented by an annual figure of sixty thousand dollars. On the expiration of that period I\Ir. Brown sold his interest in the drug store and became a whole- sale dealer in oil, securing a contract with the Standard Oil Company which enabled him to se- cure the product at excellent terms and to supply many surrounding towns. He built the first oil tank in Rockford and secured equipment for con- ducting an extensive trade. He began with a capital of three thousand dollars and within six months his business had reached the sum of thirty thousand dollars. He then sold out to John P. Porter & Company, for other interests claimed his attention. Perhaps the work that has contributed most largely to the improvement of Rockford was his labor in securing the building of the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad to this point. In 1884 the company was making plans for the construction of an air line between Chicago and Freeport. Their sur- vey had been completed and it was decided to leave Rockford out and build the road east of New Alilford, crossing the river at Hoisington Rocks below this city. Judge Brown, the father, realizing the detriment this would be to Rock- ford, at once entered upon active measures to se- cure the construction of the road through this city. He was personally acquainted with E. T. Jefferies, general manager of the Illinois Central, and v.-ith Stuyvesant Fish, president of the road. He sought an interview with the former and in- duced him to come to Rockford and look over the city before determining upon a final settle- ment for the location of the line. Mr. Jefferies, accompanied by Isaiah Randolph, chief engineer of the road, visited Rockford and was enter- tained at the home of Judge Brown. They met with a number of prominent manufacturers in- cluding Ralph Emerson, W. A. Talcott, John P. Manny, H. W. Price and Gilbert Woodruff, and that night .Mr. Jefferies decided to build into Rockford. He secured the services of Mr. Brown to obtain a right of wa\- for the new line and active operations in promoting this valuable en- terprise were instituted on the ist day of Novem- ber. 1884. E. W. Brown was made the first agent for the company in this city and still holds that position. His thorough business ability is recognized by the corporation and his advice is frequently sought on important matters, his judg- ment being regarded as safe and reliable. Dur- ing his connection with the companv the busi- ness at this point has grown in an astonishing measure until it exceeds that of any other railvvav interest in the city in its property investments and volume of business. The company now owns a frontage of eight hundred feet on South Main street, while its yard, extending for three quarters of a mile, is free from grade crossings. Its pas- senger and freight buildings are the finest in the city and in both is handled an immense amount of business, the freight output now averaging eighty cars per day. Employment is furnished to forty people in the various departments of the companv's service in this city, and at the head re- mains Mr. Brown, who has perfected a system \Sj PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. of work here tliat has produced excellent results and made this one of the important stations on the line. In political affairs in Rockford Mr. lirown has been e(|ually prominent, antl in 1885 was chosen alderman from the second ward, which position he filled for seven years. Those who had watched his public service recotjnized his fitness for leadership in affairs of the munici- pahty, and in 1895 he was elected mayor. Again he was called to the office in 1897 and for a third term in 1899, and he could undoubtedly have won election again had he not declined further service. In 1903 representative citizens of Rix-kford endeavored to induce him to again accept the office but the extent and impor- tance of his ])rivate business affairs prevented. His administration was business-like and pro- gressive. He worked along the practical lines that have ever been manifest in the conduct of his private interests. Me regards a ])ublic office as a public trust — and no trust rept)se(l in him has ever been betrayed in the sliglitest ilegree. He was the diampion of all progressive meas- ures that he believed would benefit the city with- out proving an extravagance, and he studied closely its needs and jiossibilities, carefully weigh- ing every question which came up for considera- tion. It was through his efforts and recommen- dation that the present system of water supply was instituted in 1897 and was put into cft'ective operation by D. W. Mead at a cost of fifty thou- sand dollars, affording a supply of seven million gallons of water daily. The water works park was a product of the general improvements insti- tuted. The present system of macadamizing was instituted and is doubtless the most efficient means for doing effective work that could have been planned. He appointed to different city positions men well qualified by experience or capability for duties which would devolve upon them. A re- view of his several annual messages to the coun- cil demonstrates a determination to adhere to a rigid economy in the expenditure of the city funds ; a just and exact enforcement of the laws ; and together with the co-operation of the coun- cil to so administer the city government as to insure stable progress and permanent good. Mr. Brown was married to Miss Lizzie A. White, a daughter of Joshua White, who is well known in Rockford as a prominent citizen and has extensive realty holdings in Stillman Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three children, and the family home is at 312 South Third street. Such in brief is the history of one of the best known citizens of Rockford. The consensus of public opinion regarding his political and busi- ness life is most favorable. Tic has ever dis- charged his duties with marked ability and fair- ness, for he is a most loyal public-spirited citizen. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his fairness, probity and honorable methods. In everything he has been manifestly practical, and this has been manifest not only in his busi- ness undertakings but also in his ]jrivate and so- cial life. HON. JOHN C. GARVER. Hon. John C. Garver. to whom there came a. distinguished position in connection with the le- gal profession of Rockford and whose champion- ship of progressive ])ublic measures constituted him one of its most valued citizens, was born on a farm near Pecatonica, November 16, 1843. He was a son of John Garver, who came from Pennsylvania to Illinois at an early day and located upon a tract of land that became the old farm homestead. The boyhood and youth of Judge Garver were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period and his elementary education was obtained in the public schools. Ambitious to enjoy better opportunities he secured per- mission to attend Wittenburg college in Spring- field, Ohio, where he completed a full course. He began preparations for the bar with General Keifer, of Springfield. Ohio, as his preceptor and following his admission to the bar in 1871 he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Rockford. The favorable judgment which the world passed upon his at the outset of his career was in no degree set aside or modified as the years passed by, but on the contrary was strengthened as he gave evidence of high legal talent. His preparation of cases was most thorough and exhaustive and he seemed almost intuitively to grasp the strong points of law and fact, while in his briefs and arguments the au- thorities are cited as extensively and the facts and reasoning therein were presented so cogently and unanswerably as to leave no doubt as to the correcttiess of his views or his conclusions. He rose rapidly in his profession, soon gained the confidence of the people and he was accorded a clientage of the distinctively representative character. Elected to the office of state's attorney, he served in that position for two terms with marked ability. Other official preferment was accorded him. In 1882 he was a candidate for congress and would have been nominated and elected but for the sudden death of Major Hawk, which occurred shortly before the meeting of the convention and occasioned its adjournment without action. At the next meeting Robert Hitt and Colonel R. F. Sheets lx)th entered the race and Mr. Hitt was nominated although Judge Carver's home p PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 185 county stood unanimously for him. In 1886 he was elected judge of the circuit court to succeed Judge James Cartwright, who had been elevated to the supreme bench as successor of Judge Bailey, deceased, and when he had filled out the unexpired term of his predecessor. Judge Garver was elected to the office for the full term. He frequently served in most capable maimer upon the bench in Chicago. The profession of law was his real life work and at the bar and on the the bench he won distinction. A man of unim- peachable character, unusual intellectual endow- ments, with a thorough understanding of the law, patience, urbanity and industry, Judge Garver took to the bench the very highest qualifications for this responsible position of the state govern- ment and his record as a judge was ever in har- mony with his record as a man and lawyer — distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem which was presented for solution. In his social relations the Judge was affiliated with E. F. W. Ellis lodge of Masons, in which he served as master, and he was likewise past commander of Crusader commandery, K. T., a member of the consistory and shrine, a member of the Knights of the Globe, Forest City lodge. United Workmen, Odd Fellows society and the Woodmen camp. A man of domestic tastes, his interest centered in his family and he accounted no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the happiness or advance the welfare of his wife and children. He was mar- ried in Rockford, November 25, 1875, to Miss Sarah A. Segur, of this city, a daughter of John Segur, who is yet living in Rockford. Of the six children born unto Judge and Mrs. Garver, five are yet living: Laura J\I., Lewis C, Earl, Eva and Howell, and the family occupy an at- tractive residence at No. 1103 South Main street. It was on the 27th of November, 1901, that Judge Garver departed this life, being at that time about fifty-eight years of age. Perhaps no better indication of his character and his stand- ing in the profession could be given than in quot- ing from the action of the bar taken concerning his death. After a few preliminary remarks the report read as follows : "In 1896 he was chosen circuit judge and held that office until his death. How he won his large clientage and how well he filled the high offices the records of our court show. They are the most fitting eulogies of his work. Under his administration our court pre- served that lofty standard of justice for which it was ever noted under his illustrious predeces- sors. He was a lawyer of high attainments, con- scientiously doing his full duty to his clients. With an accurate knowledge of law he had the forensic skill to present a case to the jury with an eloquence rarely surpassed. He was a pa- 12 triot, keenly interested in his countr\-'s welfare and ever willing to sacrifice self-interest in its behalf- He never elevated himself above his fellow citi- zens, his heart beating in unison with toiling humanity. Judge Garver was trained in early piety and was a quiet, sincere Christian. He was a genial companion, a true friend, a loving husband and father and an honest man. With feelings of deep sorrow we mourn his end. We deplore the loss of one faithful to every trust. We sorrow for him as a member of our bar whose life in a large measure exemplified the teach- ings of the law. "Therefore, in order that this short record of his life and our appreciation of his character may be known to those who shall come after us : Be it resolved that these resolutions be written in the records of this court : "Resolved further, that we extend to his sor- rowing family our heartfelt sympathy in this their great loss." Robert Rew spoke of Judge Garver as follows : "It was in 1870 while attending the East side high school that I first became acquainted with Judge C. Garver. It was told that Judge Garver and some others were to indulge in a debate at the old courthouse standing on the site of the present structure, and with A. H. Frost I attended. My acquaintance with Judge Garver began then. My acquaintance with him as a law3-er began in 1882. He was then one of the gatling guns of the Winnebago county bar. "Judge C. Garver was born in the land of splendid opportunities — a land in which citizens born of the humblest origin may become equal to any king. A descendant of a pioneer and one of the founders of the community, Judge Garver belonged to a class of men who represent the highest type of manhood. They were educated in country schools — the foundation to the great commonwealth of to-day, inured to high work and form a class of men to be found nowhere except in this blessed country of ours. They represent the very flower of Christianity and democracy. Kindly and genial, capable of meeting the greatest problems, in the main righteous, they tread the straight and narrow path, never craving favor, fearing the hate of none. To this class of men Judge Garver belonged. He was an impassioned orator. He possessed the skill to select from a mass of evidence just the part which would im- press and sway court and jury and he would present it in a most convincing manner. His eloquence in his prime swept all before him. It was a dovetailing of all facts in a convincing manner, rather than the presentation of the max- ims of law. He was classed with the sort of lawyers, who. like flowers, are bloom to blush unseen. He had the knack of getting business and keeping it after he got it. He had the knack i86 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. of remembering faces and names and throughout the northern i)arl of tlie state had an extensive acquaiiitance among all classes. It was always a pleasure to meet Judge darvcr for he was always the same genial, kind gentleman. 1 think Judge Gar\er died without realizing his ambi- tion, for he had hopes of congressional rather than judicial honors. P>ut with his dream un- realized, as with mo.^t of us. he rests. He dis- played an accurate knowledge of the law. I think the public does not realize the responsi- bility resting with the lawyers of the community, upon whom devolves the maintenance of the rights of the citizens and they must be the guard- ians for the rights of both parties. With such a record he need liave no fear. To dust returneth no fear of the sable shore. We all must obey the warrant of death. Out of darkness wc come, into darkness we go." Judge Carver left an indelible impression upon the legal history of the state and his memory remains enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him as one who was honored because of his talents and his genuine worth. WILLIAM CRILL. William Crill, decea.sed, belongs to one of the pioneer families of Winnebago county, being only three vears of age when his parents came to Illinois'. Throughout the greater part of his life he carried on farming here and he was known as a reliable and trustworthy business man. He was born in Herkimer county, Xcw York, May 19, 1840, his parents being Henry and Betsy (Brooks) Crill. both of whom were born in 1799. The father was also a native of Herkimer county, where he resided on a farm until his re- moval to Illinois in 1843. He settled in New Milford township, \\'innebago county, and \yas there engaged in farming for a year, after which he removed to Monroe township. Ogle county, just across the line from Winnebago county. There he purchased fifteen hundred acres of land from the government, and the deeds, which were signed by James K. Polk, then president of the I'nited States, are now in possession of Mrs. William Crill. He at once began to cultivate and improve his land and was actively engaged in farm work until 1864. meeting with excellent success in his lalx)rs. He then decided to retire to private life and divided his property among his children. Removing to Rockford he enjoyed a well earned rest here for nearly twenty years, and in 1882 he returned to the village of Monroe in Ogle county, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. He died September 19, 1885, and his wife's death orrnrrcd April 2, 1883. Of the nine children in that family William Crill was tlie youngest. He obtained his educa- tion in the district schools of Ogle county and spent his youth ujjon his father's farm working in the fields and meadows. When his father died he took charge of the old home place and for nearly forty years resided upon that farm. He worked earnestly and persistently and made his place a well improved proi)erty. He continued to engage in farm work there until his death. Mr. Crill was married to Miss Lucy D. Crawford, a native of Pennsylvania, in which state her father died during her early girlhood and the mother passed away in Rochellc. Five children were born unto our subject and his wife ; Henry, who married Alta Campbell, and is engaged in agri- cultural jjursuits in Monroe, Illinois; Grace, the wife of Fred Tyler, a farmer of Monroe ; George Herman, who married Florence Jeanette Hunter and is a retired farmer of the village of Monroe ; Harriett Gertrude, the wife of Frank A. Hilde- brand. cashier of the Monroe Center State Hank of Monroe ; and John Wilson, who resides with his mother and is studying law. Mr. Crill was elected to many township offices and always gave an unfaltering support to the republican ])arty. He was a very enter])rising man. who prospered in all that he undertook be- cause he knew no such word as fail. His life was a busy, active and useful one, crowned by success. He passed away December 19, 1885. He was well known in both Ogle and Winnebago counties and had a very large circle of friends. For ten years after her husband's death Mrs. Crill re- sided upon the old home fann in Ogle county now occupied by her son, and in 1894 she came to Rockford, where she purchased a nice home at No. 133 East street, where she and her young- est son reside. She is a consistent member of the Centennial Methodist Episcopal church. BRITTAX JEWETT. Brittan Jewett. interested in general farming, resides in the village of Harrison and is one of the extensive landowners of the northern part of the county, having nine hundred acres in Har- rison and Shirland townships. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having oc- curred in Harrison townshi]) on the 23d of .\u- gust. 1854. His father. David Jewett, became an early resident of this jiart of the state and the .son was reared and educated here, pursuing his edu- cation in the district schools in Rockford and Durand. When not busy with his text-books he worked in the fields and meadows, becoming fa- miliar with the best methods of cultivating the soil and caring for stock. He thus had a good WILLI.VM CRILL. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 189 fund of practical experience and knowledge when he started out in business on his own account. It was in June, 1896, that Mr. Jewett was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Miller, a native of Winnebago county, where her father, Alexander Miller, settled in pioneer times. He was born in Newbury, X'ermont, March 18, 1808, and died in Winnebago county on the 22d of Jan- uary, 1889. He wedded Miss Mary Mackie, who was born at Markwich, Scotland, on the 5th of IMarch, 1810, and departed this life on the 30th of January, 1901. They were farming people and resided in Winnebago county for many years, liv- ing a quiet life, yet enjoying the respect and es- teem of all who knew them. In their family were the following children : Henry W., who died at the age of twenty-two months ; William M., who died when twenty-eight years of age ; Frank P., who passed away in California in 1898; Mrs. Mary A. Lloyd, of Roscoe ; J. D., who is living in Rockford ; A. B.. of Shirland township ; ^Irs. Fidelia Harley, of Rockton ; Mrs. Margaret Reckhow, of Rockford ; Roger, who is living in Michigan ; William, deceased ; I\Irs. Henrietta Robinson, of Beloit : E. S., who resides in Owen township; F. P., who died in California; and Helen M., the wife of Brittan Jewett. Mr. and Mrs. Jewett began their domestic life upon a farm and although they now reside in the village of Harrison, Mr. Jewett is one of the most extensive, capable and successful agriculturists of his part of the county, owning and operating nine hundred acres of land, lying in Harrison and Shirland townships, from which he annually har- vests large crops. Fie also has much stock upon his place, including horses and cattle, and from his purchases and sales he realizes a good finan- cial return. In business affairs he is capable, prompt, energetic and reliable, carefully watch- ing every indication pointing to success, and at the same time making a record for reliability that any man might well envy. His interest in politi- cal questions has led him to give his support to the republican party and he has served as com- missioner and in other local offices, and socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Roval Neighbors. PROFESSOR WILLIAM L. EATON. Professor William L. Eaton, whose family are living in Rockford. where they are well known, was a native of East Ware, New Hampshire, born March 26, 1814. His father, Washington Eaton, spent his entire life in the old Granite state. Pro- fessor Eaton was educated in the east, completing his studies bv a course in Dartmouth College and thus equipped by superior educational advantages for life's practical duties he entered upon his business career. He resided in the east until the time of his marriage, in Windsor, Vermont, to ;\Iiss Anna S. Maine, a native of Hartland, Ver- mont, and a daughter of Stephen Maine, who followed farming in the Green Mountain state throughout his entire life, both he and his wife passing away in Hartland. In 1843 Professor Eaton brought his bride to the west, settling at Schoolcraft, Michigan, but after a short time he removed from that place to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he became a professor in the Kalamazoo College, having charge of the Latin classes. There he remained until his death. He was regarded as one of the most capable educators of the state, for added to his comprehensive learning was an abilitv to im- part clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Of scholarly attainments and strong intellectuality, his mind was continu- ally reaching out for new thought. While con- ducting his classes in college he acted as minis- ter of the Baptist church for a part of the time but never relinquished his work of teaching in the schoolroom. The profession of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, the schoolroom or the lecture platfomi, is undoubtedly one of the most important callings to wh'ch man can devote his energy. He has influence over the minds and lives of his pupils at the most impressionable period in their entire existence and he qualifies them — good or ill according to his ability — for the responsibilites which come to them in later life. Professor Eaton, with a full realization of what devolved upon him in this connection, was a conscientious, earnest and progressive teacher. He died in Kalamazoo, December 25, 1853, his loss being deeply deplored by a large circle of friends. Professor and Mrs. Eaton were th.e parents of a daughter and son : Adeline became the wife of W. H. David, of Chicago, and died in that city at the age of forty-seven years. The son, Wil- liam L. Eaton, Jr., was born in Kalamazoo, De- cember 15, 1850, and married Helen Colman, of that place. They have four children : Helen, William. Anna and Colman. William L. Eaton and his mother remained in Kalamazoo and, fol- lowing the completion of his education, he en- gaged in newspaper work there for several vears. He then came with his familv and his mother to Rockford, recognising a good openmg in the newspaper field of this city. Here he assisted in organizing the company that began the publi- cation of the Register Gazette, which is now the leading daily newspaper of Rockford. He was connected Avith that paper until 1891, when he left that field of activity and became manager of IQO PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEl'.AGU COUNTY. the Rock River Oil ami Transportation Com- pany. He has since been engaseil in this busi- ness, in which connection lie controls extensive interests, and in addition he has valuable agri- cultural interests in the south. He travels much of his time but he and his family make their home with his mother. Mrs. Eaton, her son and his wife are all members of the State Street Baptist church of this city and take great interest in its work, doing all in their jjower to extend its in- fluence and jiromote its growth. They own a beautiful home at No. 809 Seminary street and the family are prominent here, their circle of friends and actiuaintances being extensive. CASSILS .M. (iARDXF.R. Cassius M. Gardner, a farmer living on section 22, Winnebago township, is numbered among the citizens of this count\- that have been furnished to Illinois by the Empire state. He was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1852, his par- ents being James and Margaret J. (Groat) Gard- ner, who came to Winnebago county about i868, locating on a farm in Rockford township near the county seat. The father was a native of Eng- land but the mother was born near Schenec- tady, New York. James Gardner's birth, how- ever, occurred in Cheshire, England, and with his parents came to America when only three years of age, the family home being established in Oneida county. New York, where he was reared and educated. He afterward engaged in mer- chandizing in the Empire state, but following his removal to Winnebago county, he settled upon the fann and carried nn the work of the fields for manv vears. At the present time, however, he is living retired and makes his home about twelve miles from Philadeli)hia, Pennsylvania, at thfe age of seventy-six or seventy-seven years. He is a stanch democrat in politics and in his social relations is a Mason. While living in Winncbag'^) county he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the home farm in 1892 when about sixty years of age. In their family were five children, all of whom are yet living: J. E.. a resident of Rockford, where he is employed as a pattern-maker in the factory of Savage & Love; J. S., who carries on farm- ing in Winnebago township; Mrs. Emma Shoudy, whose husband is engaged in the real estate business in Chicago; and Phil C, who was born in Illinois and is now living in Rockford. Cassius M. Gardner, the other member of the family, spent the first sixteen years of his life in the state of New York and during that time was a public school student. He then came with his parents to Winnebago county ami remained at home till about twenty years of age. The greater part of his life has been devoted to agri- cultural pursuits and he now has a finely im- jiroved farm on section 22, Winnebago township, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land, devoted to general agricultural pursuits. He has erected commodious and attractive buildings in modern style of architecture and the grounds abf)ut his home are in splendid condition. The building site is an ideal one. his residence stand- ing upon the highest point of ground in this part of the county, so that an excellent view of the surrounding country is afforded. In all of his work }ilr. Gardner has been very successful be- cause his methods have been practical and his industry indefatigable. In Winnebago county. December 31. 1874. .\lr. ( lardnor married .Miss Clara Simpson, who died January 2^, 1898, leaving two daughters: Clara Ruby, who taught in the public schools previous to her marriage to Frank Lander, February 22, 1902; and Myrtle E. I'oth are residing in Boone county at present. ( )n June 19, 1905. for his sec- ond wife Mr. Gardner chose Jessie A. Falconer, of this county, a daughter of Robert and Anna (Ross) Falconer. Her father settled in this part of the state at a ver\ early day and died here about six years ago. Politically Mr. Gardner is a democrat, having usually given his support to the men and meas- ures of the party, and he has served as school director and in other local offices. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Winnebago, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. Working ]XTsistently and earnestly, with a definite plan of action, he has attained the suc- cess which is the goal of all business endeavor. MRS. .M.\RGARET L. FRESSE. Mrs. Margaret L. Fresse, living on section 26, Burritt township, is well known in liiis part of tlie county. She was born December 25, 1850. in I'jigland, and when nuW three years of ri.;:c was brought to the L'nited States by her parents. He»- father. .Moses Whalen, was born in County Wex- ford, Ireland, on the 6th of January. 1812, and after spending some time in England he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, arriving on the 20th of Si.ptember, 1854. He did not tarry on the coast, but made his wax- at once to the in- terior of the country, settling in Rockford. where his remaining days were passed. In early man- hood he wedded Miss .\nn Crulleton. wl'o was born in County Wexford, Ireland, I'ebruary 24, 1814. anurgland, of Water Valley, Mississippi, he began business at that place. His environment, however, was not congenial, and accordingly he returned to Rock- ford after a brief period. He was always study- ing machinery aiid continually working out new plans to accomi)lish the same results. He also studied along the line of improvement and for many years was revolving in his mind plans for the manufacture of a knitting machine. As the result of all his years of work and investigation and experiment he finally produced the Xelson knitting machine, which has entirely revolu- tionized the business of knitting machinery. His completed product was so perfect that hose are now knit for about two cents per dozen pair. Just about the time that he had completed his great work he was called from this life, passing away April 15, 1883. Such was his concentration of thought that he found it impossible to sleep at night and his constitution, never very strong, was thus undermined. He was a natural born mechanic and from his early boyhood liis mind was filled with ideas that gave promise of the rich fulfillment of his mature years. The perfec- tion of the machine which he produced is indi- cated by a remark that was made by President Grant, who came to Rockford on the completion of his tour around the world. Here he inspected the shops of the Xelson Knitting Company and after looking over the machinery and seeing the wonderful work, declared enthusiastically that after all his tour around the globe, including visits to the large cities and factories, he had never seen anything to equal this. Tlicn pick- ing up a pair of the hose as they dropped from the machine he walked away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. X^elson were born seven children, but two have departed this life. .Alfred, whose death occurred when he was thirty-three vears of age, inherited his father's genius and invented some necessary improvements, especially the device for widening the leg of a hose as it is being knitted. He gave promise of a successful career which would prove of value to the world , y(>o<^&-j^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 195 as well as a source of individual profit. He left a widow who is now living in Colorado. Frithiof died in childhood. William and Oscar are resi- dents of Rockford, and Frithiof, the second of the name, is associated with his brothers in many of the enterprises with which they are connected. John Franklin is also interested in business with "his brothers. Anna C, the only daughter, re- sides with her mother. Mrs. Nelson, still sur- viving her husband, was to him ever a true help- mate and a faithful and loving wife. She has since his death, with the aid of her children, de- veloped a splendid business from the industry established by her husband. It was not alone the great inventive genius of John Nelson, however, that made him a valued citizen of Rockford, for he possessed the personal traits of character that endeared him to many friends. He was a sincere and earnest Christian, kind in his treatment of others, considerate at all times of those with whom he came in contact, and he left to his family an untarnished name. What he accomplished in the line of invention entitled him to rank with Whitney, Arkwright and other great inventors whose fame has become world wide. HENRY J. MILLER. Henry J. Miller, successfully conducting busi- ness as proprietor of the marble and granite works located on North Main street just outside the city of Rockford, arrived in Winnebago county in 1880 and has since been a factor in in- dustrial circles here. He was born in Sweden, was a student in its public schools in his early youth and when seventeen years of age crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving in the new world in 1880. He made his way direct to Rock- ford and learned the marble-cutter's trade under the direction of his father, John H. Moeller, who has followed the marble business for many years and is still engaged in that enterprise at the age of seventy-one years. He was united in marriage in early manhood to Miss Edna Eklund. who died about three years ago. One sister of Mr. Miller. Mrs. Man,' Linwall, resides near Belvi- dere, Illinois, while a brother, John E., who came to America in 1891, returned to Sweden about two years later. Following his arrival in the United States Henry J. Miller worked for various firms en- gaged in marble-cutting, being for fifteen years in the employ of Mayor Hutchins, the former owner of the plant that is now in possession of our subject. IMr. Miller has conducted the busi- ness on his own account for about five years and has a well equipped marble and granite yardmen North Main street, just outside the corporation limits of Rockford and directly opposite the west side cemetery. He employs two men here and also has a traveling salesman on the road, cover- ing the territory of northern Illinois and Wiscon- sin. Mr. Miller now has a very gratifying pa- tronage and enjoys an enviable reputation for fair dealing and for satisfaction given to his cus- tomers. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Emma C. Kindberg, who came to Winnebago county in her girlhood days and was here reared. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are now the parents of four daugh- ters and one son, all born in Rockford, namely: Mabel v., May Ethel, Effie, Viola, Clifford Dwight and Beatrice. The family home is at No. 1416 North Main street and with the exception of two years spent in Kansas and Nebraska, dur- ing which time he followed his trade, located largely in Concordia, Kansas. Mr. Miller has resided continuously in Rockford since 1880. He soon gave evidence of excellent workmanship and since embarking in business on his own account he has built up a very good trade. In politics he has always been a republican since the right of franchise was conferred upon him. Socially he is connected with M. W. A. camp. No. 51. His religious views accord with the teachings of the Lutheran church. Mr. Miller has never had oc- casion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here he has found good business opportunities unhampered by caste or class. His faithfulness and reliability in business brings to mind the statement of a well known writer and lecturer that "Sweden is the home of the honest man." GEORGE F. SEAVERNS. George F. Seaverns, who owns and operates an excellent farm in Owen township, was born in this locality, July 25, 1861. His father. Isaac Seaverns, was a native of Jamaica Plains, now a part of Boston, Massachusetts, his natal day being June 29, 1814. He was educated in the public schools and lived with his parents until twenty years of age, when he entered business as a partner of Joseph Merriam, opening a mar- ket on Milk street in Boston. They conducted the Ijusiness until 1836. after which Mr. Seavenis removed to Richmond, Ohio, and in 1840 became a resident of Cleveland, Ohio. There he con- ducted a mercantile enterprise but after six years went to ^^'isconsin and located on land about eight miles north of Racine, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for two years, when he sold his property and came to Winnebago county, Illi- nois, settling in Rockford township, where he purchased seven hundred and fifty acres of land which he im]5roved. He resided thereon for ten 196 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. years, after \vliich he sold out. The county poor farm is now located upon a part of tliis land. Air. Scaverns then purchased oni hundred and sixty acres of land in Owen tovv-nship. making his home thereon until his death, which occurred on the _'4th of October, 1879. He was a demo- crat in his political views and favored the Chris- tian L'nion church, although in did not hold niembershi]) relations with any denomination. He was first married to .\bbie liliza Winslow, a na- tive of .New York, who died in Cleveland, Ohio, leaving one son, Isaac \Y, wIkj was born in Cleveland, September 30, 1840, and is now living in Chicago. For his second wife Ij^aac Scaverns chose .\nna F. Titus, whom he wedded .May 15. 1842. She was born in 1822, and died in 1903. There are four sons and four daughters by this marriage, of whom three are now living: Frank, who was lx)rn at Rockford. December 13. 1850, and is now married and lives in that city; Elea- nor, who was born December 26, 1853, is the wife of C. S. Taylor, and resides in California; and ( ieorge 1". In taking up the personal history of George F. Seaverns we present to our readers the life rec- ord of one widely known in Winnebago county. He attended the public schools here and was al.so for two years a .student in the Skinner school in Chicago. He early became familiar with the best methods of carrying on the farm and worked upon the old homestead with his father until the latter death, after which he rented the property from his mother until her death. He then pur- chased the interest of the other heirs in the farm, which is now carefully and siiccesssfully con- ducted. On the loth of January, 1887. .Mr. Seaverns was married to Miss Esther .\. Kinsley, a daugh- ter of Edwin and Jennie .\. ((ilover) Kinsley. Her father was born in .Xewark. Xew fersey, -May 19. 1838, and his wife's birth occurred in .Manchester, England, July 8, 1841. .Mr. Kinslev left Xewark at the age of twelve years and with his parents went to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he worked at the carriage building trade until 1858. He then removed his business to Rock- ton, Winnebago county, Illinois, and for twenty- si.\ years was an active factor in the industrial life of that place, but in 1884 took up his al)ode in I'.eloit, Wisconsin, where he is now conducting business, having thrnn,;jhoni hi^ eniin- active life carried on the manufacture of v.agons and car- riages. He was marrietl in Rockton, in i860, and for almost a third of a century he and his wife traveled life's journey together but were separated bv the death of .Mrs. Kinslev, Seoteni- ber 15, 1892. I'nto them were born four chil- dren : Mrs. Seaverns. whose hinh occurred in Rockton, September 8, i8^')2; Frances E., who u.-i^ Ki.rn September 9, 1864, and is the wife of C. O. Smith, of Beloit, Wiscorfsin ; Edwin A., of Chicago, who was born October 26, 1874, and married .Miss Ellen U. \'ivian ; and Grace A., who was born February 15, 1882. .Mr. Kinsley has always given his political allegiance to the deinocracy. The marriage of .Mr. aiul Mrs. Sea- verns, which was celebrated at ik-Ioit, Wisconsin, lias been blessed with three childn n : Isaac Wv- man, who w.ns born in lieloit, December 25, 1889; Harold Kinsle}, who was born March 7, 1891. ?nd died on the 21st of May, following; and Jennie Grace, born February 29, 1892. .Mr. Seaverns 's .n democrat m his political views where naliiMial (|uestions and issues are in- volved but at local ol'ctions votC£ independently, supporting the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for oftice. He Is a charier member of Owen camp. No. 616, M. W. A., and also of the Knights of Pvthias lodge at Rockford. LEMUEL FULLER. Lemuel Fuller, who follows farming on sec- tion 19, Rockford township, owing about five hundred and seventy-six acres of land in Winne- bago county in addition to which he has about two hundred acres lying just across the line in Ogle county, has been a resident of this section of the state since 1839, coming to the west with his parents, John and Lucy (Wilder) Fuller, who removed from Genesee county, Xew York. The father entered land, purchasing claims each and west of the home farm and afterwards securing the tract in between. There he successfully and energetically carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1858. when he was fifty-eight years of age. His widow long sur- vived him and died in December. 1896, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-six years. They were the l)arents of eight children ; Lemuel ; L. B. ; Charles; John; Mrs. Xancy Ingalls. who died several years ago ; Eliza, who married David Hartwell ; Lucy Ellen, who married T. G. Lev- ings and died October 14, 1903: and Mary Ellen, who died in infancy. I^muel Fuller was born in Genesee county Xew York, in 1832 and was therefore a young lad when brought by his parents to Illinois in 1839. His educational privileges were some- what limited but he attended a i)rivate school held in a farm house. His father afterward em- ployed a teacher, a Mr. Felton, at ten dollars a month to instruct his children. Upon the old family homestead Mr. Fuller was reared and has resided here throughout his en- tire life with the excejition of the three years which he six'iit in the army. He enlisted .\ugust 9, 1862, at Rockford, in defense of the l'nion cause, as a member of Company F, Seventy-fourth LEMUEL FULLER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 199 Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Barker, and was mustered in at Camp Fuller. Going to the front he served until the close of hostilities and was then mustered out with his regiment near Nashville, Tennessee. He was never wound- ed, altliough he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements. He also spent about eighteen months in the hospital suffering from an attack of smallpox. He was captured at Jones- boro and was then sent to Andersonville, where he remained for some time, after which he was taken to Savannah and later to Florence, South Carolina, being exchanged at Oiarleston. He participated in the battle of Perryville and of Stone River and it was soon after this that be became ill and was sent to the field hospital. Following the close of the war Lemuel Fuller returned to his home, where for many years he was actively engaged in fanning but during the past few years he has rented all three of his farms. His home place is a finely improved property, supplied with good buildings and all modern equipments, and he ranks with the lead- ing, influential and prosperous agriculturists of the community. In his political views he has always been a republican and he served as school director, while fraternally he is connected with Nevius post, No. i, G. A. R., at Rockford. CAPTAIN LEWIS F. LAKE. Captain Lewis F. Lake, who is now serving for the fourtli term as circuit clerk and recorder of Winnebago counts;. \vas born iri Owen town- ship, this count} , in 1846, his parents being Ad- am S. and Elizabeth Lake, who became residents of this part of the state in 1843. The son ob- tained his education in the public schools and his boyhood days were passed without event of special importance, his time being divided between the pleasures of the playground, the duties of the schoolroom and the labors of the home farm. He watched with interest, however, the progress of events in the Civil war, and though but a boy his patriotic nature was aroused by the thrilling inci- dents which occurred as the great contending armies met and battled, the one for the Lhiion and the other for the privilege of secession. Accord- ingly when still in his teens he offered his serv- ices to the government and donned the blue uni- form. Going to the south he was in active service up to the time of the siege of Atlanta, when he was captured in July, 1864. He was then sent to Andersonville prison, where he remained until released by a special exchange of prisoners in the following September. During a portion of his service he was with Taylor's Battery of the First Illinois Light Artillery and participated in a number of the important engagements of the war. He never faltered in the performance of any soldierly duty. He took his place on the lonely picket line or on the firing line, went on long, hard marches and met the rigors of war uncomplainingly. His interest in military aft'airs was further evidenced by his fifteen years" of serv- ice in the Illinois National Guard, during eight years of which time he was a member of the fa- mous Rockford Rifles, and for seven years he was regmiental adjutant with the rank of captain. He has never ceased to feel the deepest interest in military organizations of state and nation, and is justly proud of the accomplishments of our standing and volunteer armies. Following the close of the Civil war Captain Lake returned to his home in Winnebago county and began working at the carpenter's trade. Soon, however, he accepted a position in the shops of the Emerson Manufacturing Company, where he was employed for thirteen years. Since that time he has largely been occupied v»'ith public du- ties, his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, having frequently called him to office. In 1881 he was a candidate for the position of collector and received a good majority, and on the expiration of his term of service in that of- fice he was made deputy county clerk, in which capacity he served for six years. His experience and his familiarity with all the duties of the posi- tion well qualified him for the further official honors which were accorded him by his election to the office of circuit clerk. For the fifth term he is the incumbent in that capacity, and no higher testimonial of his efficiency, fidelity and promptness could be given than the fact that he has been four times re-elected. Captain Lake was married to Miss Martha A. Allen, on the 20th of June, 1866, and they have had three children, but only one, a daughter, Gertrude, is now living. The family home is at No. 229 North Church street. Socially Captain Lake is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, with the Masons, the Royal League, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of P\1:hias, together with other benefi- ciary organizations. In political thought and ac- tion he has always been a republican, carrying out his honest convictions without fear or favor, and as a public servant he has been true to the trust reposed in him, while in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinion of others, kindness and geniality. JUDGE WILLIAM BROWN. No citizen of Winnebago county was ever more respected and no man ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people or more richly de- 200 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. served the estconi in which he was liekl tliaii did Judge WilHani Brown. In his life time the peo- ple of his state, recognizing liis merit, rejoiced in his advancement and in the honors to wliicli he attained, and since his death they have cher- ished his memory. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust confided to his care, his life was of the highest type of .\merican manhood. lie was for many years in active practice at the Winnebago county bar, and com- paratively few men endear themselves to so great an extent to their professional associates and to those with whom they come in contact m the ujj)f/q'f disability at Chicago, January 6, 1865. He went from Rockford with his regiment to Louisville, Kentucky, and on to Perryville, where he was first under fire, participating in the battle at that place. Subsecjuently he went to Nashville, Ten- nessee, where the first winter was spent, and be- ing on the sick list he was in the hospital most of the time. Later he rejoined his regiment at Alurfreesboro, Tennessee, and with his company moved on to Winchester and to Chattanooga. He [larticipated in the battle of Missionary Ridge, thence went to Knoxville, where tlie winter of 1863 vvas passed, after which his command fol- lowed General Bragg through to Kenesaw Moun- tain, and in the notable engagement which oc- curred at that place Mr. Sumner was wounded on the 27th of June, 1863. He w^as struck by a ball which entered the right side above the hip and came out just below the breast-bone, passing through the large lobe of the liver. Mr. Sum- ner is the only man in this state with the excep- tion of ex-Governor Joseph Fifer that ever sus- tained such a wound and lived. He was wounded in the morning and lay on the field until the fol- lowing day, when he was found in the grass, which was covered w-ith blood. He was discov- ered by his company commander. Captain Thompson. The doctors had done nothing for him, as they thought he could not live, but the captain ordered them to dress his wound, which they did, and later he was removed to Big Shanty, about six miles from the battle-field. Care had been given him so late that the microbes had done their w-ork before the wound was dressed. He was sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the 2d of July, remaining in the hospital there for some time, and afterward was in the hospitals of Nash- ville and of Louisville, Kentucky, being trans- ferred from the last named to Jeffersonville. In- diana. Because of the delay in attending his in- juries gangrene set in and in burning out the poison the surgeon also burned off an artery and he came very nearly losing his life from bleeding to death. After being transferred tqsChicago he 2o6 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. was in tlic .Marine Hosijital under Dr. Islinni un- til cliscliargc(.l from tlic service, and after his re- turn home was under the care of Drs. Rutler and Newell, but niorc than a year passed before he could stand erect, and he has always suffered from his wound, having never recovered his gen- eral he.ilth. l-'or months at a time he has been undrr the care of an attendant, and in fact h.is never enjoyed a well ilay since the fatal battle of Kenesaw Mountain. He made a great sacri- fice for his country and belongs to that class of brave and noble men to whom the country owes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. As soon as possible after somewhat regaining his health .\Ir. Sumner resumed business in con- nection with fanning interests in this state. In 1880 he rented a farm belonging to his uncle and thus superintended between twelve and fourteen hundred acres of land, continuing in the conduct and operation of that place until about four years ago. He now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, wdiich he purchased a number of years ago, and which he rents, wdiile he is living in a good home in Pecatonica and filling the position of postmaster here. He has done much to advance business interests in the village, promoting public ])rogrcss along com- mercial and industrial lines. He was one of the first men to aid in starting the creamerj- and was also one of the founders of the Milk Condensing Company. He himself became a stockholder and induced others to invest, and these enterprises have proved of much value in business circles here. Mr. Sumner has been married three times. He wedded Miss Sarah Green, a daughter of El- bridge and Mary (Brewer) Green, and they be- came the parents of two sons, William and fieorge. The former married Florence Christ- man and they reside in Pecatonica. George, also of Pecatonica, wedded Miss Betsey Doty and has two sons, Harold and Eugene. For his second wife Mr. Sumner chose Ellen Kerr, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Winchester) Kerr, and they have two daughters, .Mice A. and .Vnna L., who are attending to the duties of the postoffice. For his third wife he chose Minnie Hamlin, a daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Madden) Hamlin. Her father was boni at Bleeding Hill, Massachusetts, a brother of Vice President Ham- lin, and the mother was born at Rochester, New York. She died in 1866. while .Mr. Hamlin passed away in 1875. both dying in Rockford. They had come to the west about 1853, settling in the county seat, where Mr. Hamlin lived re- tired. He was a memlKr of the Masonic frater- nity. Unto him and his wife were bom two daughters. Mrs. Sumner and Hattic. the deceased wife of T. S. Tuthill. a lumber merchant of Siou.'c Falls, South Dakota. She died in .Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1902, leaving one child. Mr. Sumner is an earnest advocate of repub- lican principles, his first vote being cast for Abra- ham Lincoln on the 8th of November, 1865. He was challenged by Charles Stephens, a democrat, but Mr. Sumner swore in his vote, just the same, for it was his twenty-first birthday and he was, therefore, entitled to exercise his right of fran- chise and supported the republican candidate, who in the light of history is regarded as one of the greatest men the nation has ever produced. He was commissioner of highways for twelve years and was school commissioner for three years, but has never cared to hold office in Peca- tonica save that which he is now filling — the po- sition of postmaster. He is a member of Ellis post. No. 20, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleas- ant relations with his old army comrades. In days'of peace and days of war he has been cquallx loyal to his country, and stands to-day as one of the representative citizens of \\'inncbago county, honored and respected by all who know him. THOMAS WINCHESTER. Thomas Winchester, a general contractor, de- voting his attention mainly to cut stone work, is a native of Northumberland county, England. He was born in the year 1846 and remained in his native country until ten years of age. In 1837 he crossed the .\tlantic to .America and be- came a resident of Pecatonica. Winnebago county. Illinois. His parents resided at that place until called to their final rest and the father. \\^'lliam \\'inchester, was also engaged in the stone-cutting trade. Thomas ^^'inchester of this review was a young man of twenty years when, in i8fi6. he left home and took up his abode in Rockford. where he has since resided. In early life he learned the stone-cutter's trade and after work- ing a,s a journeyman for a number of years, dur- ing which time he gained a thorough and accu- rate knowledge of the business, he embarked in business for himself and for the past sixteen years has been well known as a contractor of this city. He has a yard located at the Kenosha division depot and employs on an average throughout the year from fifteen to twenty men, while oftentimes he has in his service as many as fifty men. all skilled mechanics. He has erected under contract numerous fine buildings in the city and in fact has worked for most of the leading stone contractors of Rockford. He is now engaged in the erection of tlie Fir.st Prcbvterian church at Main and \\"orth streets, associated with John P. CuUcn. He has now fol- THOMAS WINCHESTER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 209 lowed the stone-cutting business for forty years and as time has advanced his patronage has gained until he is now a leading representative of this line of activity in his adopted citv. Mr. \\'inchester was married in Pecatonica to Miss Esther J. Corwin, of that place, a daughter of 'Squire Corwin. who was an early resident of the city and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Winchester have five children, all of whom were born in Rockford : Edith, now the wife of W. F. Pitney, who is engaged in the grocery busi- ness in Rockford : Thomas R., a stone-cutter, who is married and makes his home in this citv : Nellie, the wife of J. H. Tole, who is chief mone\- order clerk in the postoffice, and has two chil- dren, Arthur T. and Dorothy ; and Mabel and Maud, both at home. The family residence is at No. 720 Fifth avenue. In his political allegiance ]\Ir. ^^'incllester is a democrat. In his social relations he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to both the lodge and encamp- ment of Rockford, and he has filled all of the chairs in the order. He likewise holds member- ship relations with the Tribe of Ben Flur. Strong purpose and unfaltering industry constituted the success of his rise in the business world and from a humble position as an apprentice Mr. Winchester has worked his way upward tmtil as a contractor he is prominent, controlling im- portant business enterprises. ISRAEL SOVEREIGN. Israel Sovereign, now in the seventy-eighth year of his age and living retired at No. 313 North Church street, in Rockford, was born in Canada, November 6, 1827. His parents, John and Miriam (Mabee) Sovereign, were resi- dents of Canada. The father was born in New Jersey and went to the Dominion with his parents when but four years of age, so that he was reared in that country. He took up land in the province of Ontario and followed farming in the township of Malihide until the fall of 1840, when he re- moved to W'innebago county, making the journey overland to Rockford by way of Chicago, and at that time the latter city contained but three houses on the west side of the river. While living in Canada he had been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in 1839, when thirty- nine years of age. She left ten children, nearly all of whom reached mature 3'ears, and one is a resident of California, one of Missouri and two of Illinois. With his family Mr. Sovereign start- ed for this state, making the journey \i.-ith teams and wagons and reaching his destination on the loth of November. Being left with a large fam- ily, he married again, Mrs. Mary Mason, a na- tive of Illinois, becoming his wife. Their mar- riage occurred in Boone county, and T\Irs. Sov- ereign also had a number of children by her first marriage. Arriving at his destination, Mr. Sov- ereign purcliased a house on Tliird street, in East Rockford, south of the park, and there made his home for a time, after which he bought a farm on section 31, Guilford township, this property be- ing now partly owned by Reuben Sovereign. The tather became the owner of a half section on Fourteenth avenue road and also the northeast quarter of section 31, which is now the pr.operty of Reuben Sovereign, and the northwest quarter of section 32, which has since passed out of pos- session of the family. Israel Sovereign owned the west half of the northwest quarter of section 32, which he afterward traded for a store in Rockfortl. while the remaining eighty acres was owned b}- Ruth Sovereign, who married Reuben Havenson, and is now deceased. John Sovereign operated his large farm for a time, but afterward divided it among his children. He resided, how- ever, upon that place until about 1870, v.'hen he went to California on a visit to a son, George, who removed there in the early '50s, and in the Golden state John Sovereign passed away on the 20th of August, 1870, when seventy-three years of age. His early political support was given to the whig party and when the question of slavery was the dominant issue before the people he es- poused the cause of abolition. He never sought or desired office for himself, however. He and both of his wives were devoted members of the Alethodist Episcopal church and he was a local minister of '\\'innebago county, known far and wide as an earnest and faithful Christian man. His second wife reached an advanced age. He was one of the leading pioneers of Guilford township, active in business, charitable and benevolent in his relations to those who needed aid and loyal in his friendships. Israel Sovereign was reared in Canada and Guilford township, \Mnnebago county, and in 1857, when thirty years of age, he took up his abode in Rockford, where he became connected with the hardware business, following that pur- suit until 1883. He was one of the leading mer- chants in that line of trade on the west side and he yet owns a business block at No. 116 South Main street. He was one of the promoters of the Rockford Watch company, became a director and also represented the company on the road as a traveling" salesman for five years. He met with almost phenomenal success in that work in the northwestern states and parts of Canada. Israel Sovereign was married in Winnebago county to Miss Laura Judd, who came from Ohio to Illinois in her early girlhood with her parents, Jason and Rebecca (Shaw) Judd, who 2IO PAST AXn rkl-.SLNT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. settled upon a farm in Durand township and there passed their remaining days, dying about thirty years ago. They were natives of N'ermont and Massachusetts respectively and were repre- sentative people of their conmnmity, enjoying in high degree the regard of all with whom they came in contact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sovereign have been born three children — C. Eugene, a prominent business man of Rockford, who mar- ried Miss Elsie Irvine: l-"red J., who is ])roprie- tor of the City Ice Comiiany, and married Luella Rhodes : and Alice. The family are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Sovereign is a re- publican in politics. He never sought or de.sircd office, however, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests, and for many years he was prominent in commercial circles in Rockford, making for himself a reputation which any man might be proud to possess. He not only worked his way steadily upward, but was prompt in meeting obligations and never made engagements that he did not fulfill. He placed his reliance in such old and time-tried maxims as "honesty is the best policy," and "there is no excellence without labor," and these proved the basis of his prosperity. HOMER W". K.XOWLTON. Homer W. Knowlton, cashier of the Pecaton- ica Bank since 1873, was born in Freeport, Illi- nois, April 9, 1839. His parents were Dexter A. and Eveline (.\rnnld) Knowlton. lx)th of whom were natives of Herkimer county. New York. His paternal grandfather, Djivid Knowlton, was born May 7, 1783. and in 1804 was united in marriage to Achsah Barnes. He removed from Herkimer county. Xew York, to Stockton town- ship, Chautauqua county, about 1813. [le fol- lowed farming and the trade of boot and .shoe- making, which he had leamcd in early life. He was also active and influential in matters relating to the public welfare, and was one of the deacons of the Baptist church at old Town Line. This church was organized in 1814 and known as the First Baptist church of .Stockton. Unto David and .\chsah (Barnes) Knowlton were born seven children : Sophronia, born March 5, 180*1, married Isaac Andrus May 29, 1823. removed to Rockford in 1849 au'i died here June 10, 1888. .\chsah. born March 23, 1809. died in childhood. David, born February 15, 1810, also died in childhood. Dexter A., born March 3, 1812, was married January 15, 1834, to Eveline .\rnold, who died .\ugust 19, 1874, while his death occurred Marcli 10, 1876. Betsey A., born March 3. 1820, became the wife of Lewis Morgan and died Xovember 16. 1882. Dyer, born May 11, 1822. died in diildhood. Wil- liam Alfred, born August 4, 1831, was married January 21, 1857, to Matilda Hitchcock, made his home in Rockford and died in 1892. Dexter A. Knowlton, father of Homer W. Knowlton, was born .March 3, 1812, in Herkimer county. New York, and the following year ac- companied his parents on their removal to Chau- tauqua county, where he resided until 1839. He then went to Freeport, Illinois, where he em- barked in business as a general merchant. He was one of ihe principal promoters and builders of the first railroad out of Chicago, the old Ga- lena & Chicago Union Railroad, now owned and operated as a part of the Qiicago & Northwestern Railway system. Of this line he was one of the directors. In 1855 he returned to Westfield, Chautauqua county. Xew York, and after a resi- dence of six years there he went to Saratoga, Xew York, where he purchased the Empire Spring and organized the Congress and Empire Spring Company. While in Freeport in 1869 he established the bank of D. A. Knowlton & Sons and continued in the banking business up to the time of his death. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and in politics he was one of the early advocates of the abolition party, becoming the first candidate of that party in this state for governor. He was married in early manhood to Miss Eveline .\rnold. who was born in Herki- mer county. Xew York, and when about seven- teen or eighteen years of age went with her parents to Chautauqua county, the marria.ge being celebrated there at what was called the Town Line, between Jamestown and Fredonia, New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dexter A. Knowlton were born eight children, four sons and four daugh- ters, the first three being natives of the Empire state. The family record is as follows: Ar- minda, born December 29. 1834, died May 10, 1 89 1. Dexter \\'.. born July 28, 1836, died in 1840. Eveline A., born August 17, 1837, is the wife of Charles Currier and is now livmg in Berkeley, California. Homer W., is the next of the family. Dexter A., the second of the name, born .\ugust 26, 1843, married Mary L. Myers and lived in Freeport until his death, which oc- curred October 19, 1903. Born in Freeport. he acquired his early education there and was gradu- ated with honors from Williams College in 1866. He became a member of the Phi Beta Kappa fratenn'tv. His entire business career connected him with interests in his native town, for after the death of his father in 1876 he and his brother established the banking house of Knowlton Broth- ers and he was identified with tliat institution up to the time of his demi.sc. He was for twenty- six years or more a ruling elder in the Presby- terian church and was also a trustee and tntasurer PAST AND PRESENT OE WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 211 of Beloit College, Wisconsin, and a member of the Presbyterian board of aid for colleges and academies. In his family were seven children ; Florence, Maria. ]\Iabel, Clara M., Mary L., who died June i6, 1888; Jean and Dorothy. Julianna A., born July 2, 1845, died July 4, 1882; Charles D., was successor of Knowlton Brothers at the death of Dexter A. Knowlton, banker, of Free- port and Pecatonica, born January 27, 1848, mar- ried Ida A. .Mann and has three children — lidith. now living in Freeport ; Charles D., Jr., who has recently gone to North Dakota to establish a bank : and Kenneth. Charles D. Knowlton was born in Freeport and was a member of the firm of D. A. Knowlton & Sons. He is one of the prominent citizens of his native town, to whose prosperity he has steadily contributed bv his business activity and upright citizenship. Ophe- lia A., the yomigest member of the family of Dexter A. and Eveline (Arnold) Knowlton, was born January 30, 1852, and died in infancy. Dexter A. Knowlton, the father of the forego- ing children, died March 10. 1876, at the age of sixty-four years and seven days. He and his wife were making a pleasure trip through the south and arrived at New Orleans on the 9th of March of that year. The following morning Mr. Knowlton left the hotel to call upon friends, bid- ding his wife a most cheerful adieu, expecting soon to return to her, but he was found dead sit- ting on the steps of a public building. He stood fearless in defense of whatever he be- lieved to be right and was a champion of the abo- lition cause when it required personal courage to announce one's advocacy of those principles. Another member of the Knowlton family who figured prominently in business circles for many years was William Alfred Knowlton, who died at Rockford in 1892. His history forms an in- tegral chapter in the records of the city. He mar- ried Miss Matilda Hitchcock and they became the parents of six children — William A., Jr. ; Ev- eline, Helen, who is the wife of Charles E. Gib- son, of Boston, Massachusetts ; David, who died in childhood : Matilda, who is the wife of T. H. Hardy, of Boston, Massachusetts ; and Mary T. Homer W. Knowlton acquired his early educa- tion in the public schools and in Canandaigua Academy, of New York. He also attended Bry- ant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo, New York, and in 1858 he entered the employ of the J. H. Manny Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of reapers, at Rockford. He trav- eled for that house, making collections, continu- ing in that service for about a year. His uncle, William A. Knowlton, was in full charge of the business and the estate Mr. Manny, the found- er, being deceased. Later Mr. Knowlton secured a position in the Westfield Bank at Westfield, ^New York, now the First National Bank there, and in 1861 he went to Saratoga, New York, where he entered the employ of his father, who at that time was the owner of the Empire Spring. He then organized the Congress and Empire Spring Company and Homer W. Knowlton was associated with the conduct of the business for four or five years. In 1871 he began traveling for the American Insurance Company of Chi- cago, making- collections for that corporation un- til 1873, when he came to Pecatonica, where he has since been engaged in the hanking business, the bank having been established by his father and his brothers. He has continuously acted as cashier and the success of the institution is large- ly attributable to his determined efforts and sound business judgment. The institution is thoroughly reliable carrying on a general banking business, and the patronage is now extensive. Homer W. Knowlton has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Kate Alton, in May, 1862. She was born at Dunkirk, New York. December 3, 1844, and died July 4, 1897. Her parents were Luther and Alary Ann (Weaver) Alton, also na- tives of the Empire state. On the 29th of April, 1903. Air. Knowlton wedded Miss Marsha J. Langtry, a daughter of Dr. William and Jane (Hill) Langtry. She was born at Westville, Franklin county. New York. In community affairs Mr. Knowlton has been active and influential. He has served as presi- dent of the town board, but has never cared for office, preferring to contribute to public progress in other ways rather than as an official. His po- litical allegiance is given to the republican party and both he and his wife are members of the Con- gregational church. He represents one of the honored pioneer families of northern Illinois and in his business career has so directed his labors that his personal worth has made him a repre- sentative citizen of Winnebago count}-. JAMES H. CARSON. On the roster of county officials in Winnebago county appears the name of James H. Carson, who is now filling the position of treasurer, and his public service has won him high enconiums because of his fidelity to duty and his promptness and efficiency in dispatching the business relating to his office. A native of Ireland, he was born in the city of Belfast, March 10, 1846, and is of .Scotch-Irish parentage. His father, Robert Car- son, was also a native of Belfast and was united in marriage to Jane Mc\"ey, a native of Green- ock, Scotland, in which place they were married. Soon afterward they removed to Belfast, where their son James H. was born, but subsequently thev returned to (ireenock. where thev resided 212 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY for about six years. In 1853 they caiiK- to Aiiur- ica. settlings on a farm near Rocliesler. New York. Tliey were the parents of eis'lit eliiklren. five of whom are still living:. The family is noted for lonjjevity and both parents still survive, the father havinpf now reached the age of eighty- eight years, while the mother is eighty-five years of age. They reside on the old homestead in Monroe county. New York, and are venerable and respected citizens of tliat locality. lame-; 11. (."arson, the eldest of his father's family, is indebted to the public-school system of the Empire State for the educational privileges he enjoyed. In 1865, when about nineteen years of age. he came to Illinois, and in W'inneliago coun- ty engaged in farming. For many years, how- ever, he has been identified with industrial inter- ests in Rockford, having at dilTerent times been employed in the works of Emerson Talcott & Company, in the N. C. Thomjjson maufacturing plant, in the l'>riggs iS: Enoch works and in the Trahern Pumj) Company's factory. Diligence, industry and perseverance have ever been charac- teristic of his business life and have secured him some excellent positions. When twenty-three years of age .Mr. Carson was united in marriage to Miss Ella .M. Thoni])- son. a daughter of Hiram Thomijson. one of the earlv settlers of Winnebago county. Three chi! dren have blessed this union : Robert D., who died when twenty-six years of age; I-'rank .\.. who is now twenty-eight years of age. and is serv- ing as deputy county treasurer; and Mrs. Mabel F. \\'etherell, who also resides here. The family have a pleasant home in South Rockford at No. 1129 Ferguson street, and have piade their home in this city since 1873. Socially Mr. Carson is a Mason and has served as secretarv of the E. F. W. Ellis lodge. No. 633, A. F. '& A. M., for a number of years. He is also comiected with the Knights of Pythias, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife is affiliated with the ladies' auxiliaries of these societies. She is nf)w a past matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and jiast grand of the Rebekah lodge of the Odd Fellows society. Politically Mr. Carson has ever been a stanch republican, but in local matters he is conserva- tive and will snpi)ort the candidate who in his judgment is best (|ualified to fill the office regard- less of party lines. His deej) and sincep- interest in the public welfare has been manifest bv the capable service which he lias rendered when called by his fellow townsmen to j)ositions of public trust and responsibility. The first office he held was that of supervisor, representing Rockford on the board in i8<)i. and by re-election he was con- tinuerl in the position fr)r ten vears. He served on a lunnber of important committees and was chairman of the committee on fees and salaries. He was ajipointetl by the board of health of the city of Rockford as water and ])]umbing mspector and again he did ])ractical and signal service for the community. I-Vom the board of supervisors he received appointment to the office of overseer of the poor, in which position he remained for six years, and at the election held in November, 1902, he was chosen by po])ular ballot to the of- fice of county treasurer, receiving the unanimous vote of every town in the county and precinct in the city. He is now in charge of the funds of the county and in this office, as in all others which he has been called ujion to fill, he has studied closely the best methods to pursue in order to render to his fellow townsmen a service th.nt will promote the public welfare. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Rockford and his offi- cial career has been characterized by all that marks the exemplary citizen. ALBERT SAN FORI). .\lbert Sanford was a ilescendant of one of the I lid and prominent New England families and in the history of Rockford the name figures consiMcuously. the subject of this review being for a number of years an old and representative business man here. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, May i, 1818. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Thomas Sanford, of Gloucestershire, England, who came to this country with the John Wintb.rop colony in the |)criod from 1631 to 1633. The family history, however, is obtainable even at a more remote period. Sanford Manor in England is one of the few Shropshire estates whicli can be said to be held by the lineal descendants of its earliest feoffee. Thomas de Sanford. a Norman follower of William the Conqueror, is mentioned on the roll of battle Abbey. His son. Sir Thomas de Sand ford, held under King Henry I that manor of Sand ford and Tothal and the former is still in possession of his descendants. The origin of the name is quite evident — a sandy ford — but in many branches of the name the first letter "d" is omitted. Thomas Sanford. son of .\ntliony and Jane Sanford. of Stowe. County (doucester, England, came to Boston with the John Winthrop colony. We find record of him in Dorchestershire, Massa- chusetts, where with others he received land in 1634 and also in i''>35. He l)ecame a freeman of the colony. March 9. if>37, and in 1639 removed with a colony from Dorchester and Watertown to Connecticut, settling in Milford. where his name appears in the earliest records. He was the leader in organizing the town and was in- I \ i ( ALBERT SANFORD PAST AND PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. !I5 timately associated with Governor Treat, Leete, Buckingham, Law and other leading men of the times. Stephen Sanford, grandfather of Albert San- ford, of Rockford, was born at JMilford, Con- necticut, August 13, 1740, and died on the fifty- fifth anniversary of his birth. He was married while living at Woodbridge, Connecticut, to Sybil \Miite, who was probably born at New- Haven, her natal day being October 15, 1745, while her death occurred December 5, 1808. She was a daughter of Deacon John ^^'hite, a grand- daughter of Captain John and Mary (Dicker- man) White, and a great-granddaughter of Isaac and Mary (Atwater) Dickerman. Her father settled on a farm in Woodbridge, Connecticut, but afterward removed to New Haven, where he died November 24, 1797. at the age of sev- enty-five years. He wedded Mary Dickerman, of New Haven, December 2"/, 1744. Sallie White was a daughter of Lieutenant John White, a son of Deacon John and Mary (Dickerman) White. Lieutenant John White was married May 25, 1778, to Anna Bostwick, of Derby, and their daughter Sallie was born April 5. 1785. She married David Sanford, of Bethany, her death occurring in February, 1836, at the age of fifty years. L'nto Stephen and Sybil (\Miite) Sanford were born nine children : Esther, who was born February 4, I768.and died IMay 21, 1768; Esther, the second of the name, who was born Jul}- 26, 1769, and married Jared Sperry ; Rachel, who was born December i, 1771, and married Zeri Dow-nes ; Hulda. who w-as born May 17, 1774, and died July i, 1794: Elisha, who was born July I, 1776. and married Margaret Tolles : Stephen Elisha, w-ho w-as born March 30. 1779; Sybil, who was born July 27, 1782, and married a Mr. Sperry ; Amos White, w-ho was born De- cember 29, 1785, and married Obedience At- water : and Liicretia, who was born C)ctober 27, 1789, and became ]\Irs. Beecher. After losing her first husband Sybil White Sanford married Deacon Asa Goodyear, of Hamden. Connecticut. Albert Sanford, son of Amos White and Obedience f Atwater) Sanford, having acquired his education in the public schools of the east came to the west two years after the arrival of his brother, G. .\. Sanford, one of Rockford's most prominent citizens. He located here but after a short time took up land near Pecatonica and began the development of a farm. In 1844 Mr. Sanford returned to Rochester, New York, and was there married to Miss Emily Gould Bond, who was born near that city on the 4th of June, 1818. her parents being Abner and Mary (Gould) Bond, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, born near Caldwell, that state. They were of English and German descent re- spectively and removed from New Jersey to Rochester, New York, her father purchasing a farm at Mendon Center near the city. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, w-hich occurred on the 3d of April, 1840, when he was sevent_\--four years of age. He lived an upright, honorable life in harmony with his profession as a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he long served as deacon. Mrs. Bond came to Rockford in 1844 w-ith her daugh- ter, Mrs. Sanford, and here resided until her death, w-hich occurred, February 6, 1868, at which time she lacked but a month of being ninety-five years of age. She. too, was a de- voted member of the Presbyterian church, and she retained her mental faculties unimpaired to the last. They were the parents of thirteen chil- dren, of wdiom two died in infancy, while eleven reached mature years. Mrs. Dodd's grandfather, General Gould, served as private secretary to General Washington, President of the LTnited States, and she distinctly remembers his visiting the family in New York. Unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Sanford were born two children : One who died in infancy, and Edgar, deceased. Following his marriage Mr. Sanford brought his bride to Rockford, w-here he began business as a grain merchant, buying and shipping all kinds of grain. He also conducted a storage w-arehouse here, and was very successful in both lines, securing as the years passed by a hand- some competence. Fie died September 23, 1854, at the age of thirty-six years, but he is yet re- membered by many of the early settlers of the city. He held membership in the Congregational church of Rockford and gave his political sup- port to the w-hig party. .\11 who knew him es- teemed him for his many excellent traits of char- acter, and he w-as a w-orthy representative of the family whose name has been an honored one, both in New England and Illinois. On the 22d of November, 1877, ]\Irs. Sanford was again married, becoming the w-ife of Jacob S. Dodd on that day. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, November 17, 181 1, and died near that city on the 2d of April, 1884. He entered his business career as an employe in a leather manufactory, and after mastering the business he was connected w-ith the trade either directly or indirectly for a number of years. Later, how- ever, he took up his abode on a small farm just outside of the city, and was largely engaged in dairying until the time of his death. His place was known as the Lyon farm. He was also a stockholder in the Bank of Newark. Active and prominent in church work, he served as an elder in the Presbyterian church of New-ark for a long period. He was a director of the Newark Ever- 2l6 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. green cemetery, and was inrtuential and active in public affairs, especially sjiving his support to all measures that he deemed would prove of general good. A short time prior to his death he was elected justice of the peace. Mr. Dodd was twice married. He first wed- ded Rhoda r>rown. who died in New Jersey, leaving two children : William P>., a retired cap- italist, living in Newark, New Jersey ; and Phoebe, the wife of Fred Crane, who lives upon her father's old farm near Newark. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd had one daughter, Mabel V.., who has always resided with her mother and is quite prominent in society circles in Rockford. Mr. Dodd was a great lover of fine horses, and owned many superior specimens of the noble steed. Both Mr. Dodd and Nir. Sanford were republicans in their political views. In the fall of 1884, following the death of her second husband. Mrs. Dodd returned to Rock- ford, in which city she first located in 1844. She is the owner of much valuable property here, and she and her daughter now reside at No. 114 North Winnebago street, where they occupy a beautiful home. She is one of two surviving charter members of the Second Congregational church of Rockford, living in the city, of which her daughter is also a member. Mr. Sanford likewise belonged to this church, while Mr. Dodd was an elder in the Presbyterian church of Lyon Farm, near Newark, New Jersey. Mrs. Dodd gave to that church its first pipe organ. She and her daughter are well known in Rockford, and, although she has not been a continuous resident here she came to the city more than sixty years ago and has ever been an interested witness of its growth and development. She has now reached the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey, and is remarkably well pre- served. LEWIS SHIRLEY. Lewis Shirley, whose life span covered more than the allotted three score years and ten, and who in passing away left behind him the mem- ory of an honored name and an upright career, was born March i, 1820, in Ohio. His jiarents were Joseph S. and Elizabeth (Keith) Shirley, both of whom were natives of Huntingdon coun- ty, Pennsylvania. The father was born March 25. 1703. and about 1810 accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Ohio, where he formed the ac(|uaintance of Miss Keith, whom he mar- ried in Morgan county. Ohio, in 1814. Lewis Shirley spent his early boyhood davs in the Buckeye state and in 1837 accompanied his parents on their removal to Laportc countv, In- diana, where the familv home was maintained for three years. They then again started west- ward with teams, driving across the prairies in the fall of 1840 until they reached Winnebago count\-, where the father purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. This was a pio- neer region, in which much of the land was wild and unimproved, and when most of the houses were little pioneer cabins. The nearest market of any importance was Chicago, and at one time Lewis Shirley drove to that place with a load of pork and a load of wheat, and for the two re- ceived only forty dollars. Hardships and priva- tions fell to the lot of the family, but as the years passed they triumphed over these and de- veloped a good farm. Lewis Shirley was reared under the parental roof and throughout his entire business career followed farming. Pie opened and improved several hundred acres of land and was a very prosperous agriculturist. As his financial re- sources increased he invested in property, be- coming the owner of fifteen hundred acres in different farms. The old homestead property comprises live hundred acres of highly improved land and he erected there a commodious resi- dence in 1878. He also built good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock. In all of his farm work he was progressive, i)ractical and reliable and he certain- ly deserved great credit for the success he achieved. When he came to Winnebago county he did not have a dollar and yet as the years passed, through his industry, frugality and ju- dicious investment, he became one of the exten- sive landowners of the county, having fifteen hundred acres, .\bout i88<) he sold most of his land and removed to the village of Cherry \'al- ley. where he lived retired until his death. Mr. Shirley was married twice. On the 6th of January, 1843, 'le wedded Miss Lucinda Keith, a daughter of Balser and Lucy (Smith) Keith. They became the parents of eight chil- dren, but lost two in infancy. The others, three sons and three daughters, are as follows: Eliza- beth A., who was born October 31, 1844, and is now the wife of Captain William \'an Wert, of De Kalb county, Illinois ; Silas \\\, who was born June 26. 1848. and is living in Cherry Val- ley; Lucretia E.. born January 6, 1850. of Cher- ry Valley, Phocba Jane, who was born April 2, 1852, and is the wife of William Thompson, of De Kalb county ; Benjamin, who was born Novem- ber 28, 1853, and is living in Cherry Valley township, and Lewis E., who was born March 13, 1861. and is living in Iowa, .\fter losing his first wife Mr. Shirley was again married in 1893, 'i'^ second union 1)eing witji Mrs. Nich- ols, a native of Canada; and a daughter of .Mexander and Orpha (Smith) Black. Her father was born in New Brunswick in 1810 and LEWIS SHIRLEY. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 219 her mother in Canada in 1809. Mr. Black re- moved to Winnebago county in 1852 and pur- chased a large farm in Guilford township, but previous to his arrival here he went to Califor- nia in 1849 s^^d spent one year on the Pacific coast. He then made his way to Australia, where he engaged in mining for a year, being very successful in his search for the precious metal there. Taking up his abode in this county in 1852, he was extensively engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising, and became widely known as an importer of fine horses. He was once the owner of Prince George, a very fine stallion. He continued to reside upon his farm until 1877, when he removed to the city of Rockford, where he lived retired until his death in 1883. His wife survived him about four years, passing away in 1887. In their family were six chil- dren, all of whom are residents of Rockford, namely: Hannah B., the wife of John Hutch- ins, who is now living retired ; Alexander ; Rachel, the wife of James Falconer, living with Mrs, Shirley ; Margaret C, who is the widow of Ira Stafford, and has been an invalid for many years, living with Mrs. Shirley ; Orpha Black, who is also with her sister ; and Mrs. Mary Shirley. In his political views Mr. Shirley was a stal- wart republican, interested in his party and do- ing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its upbuilding. He was active in the work of the jMethodist church and favored every movement that tended to promote public prog- ress. He was a large man. weighing two hun- dred and sixty pounds. He displayed many sterling traits of character, and his genial man- ner and kindly disposition won him warm friend- ships. His wife was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church of Cherry Valley. Since her husband's death she has removed to Rock- ford, where she owns a beautiful residence, at No. 229 North Second street, where she is liv- ing with her three sisters. She also owns other property in this city and a farm of four hundred acres in Cherry A'alley township. Because of the ill health of her sisters, however, she ex- pects soon to remove to California, hoping that the climate will prove beneficial to them. Both the Shirley and Black families were established here in pioneer days and have borne an im- portant part in the agricultural development of the county. CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS W. THOMPSON. Captain Augustus W. Thompson, a veteran of the Civil war, now living retired in Pecatonica, was born in Twinsburg, Ohio, March 8, 1823. His parents were Joel W. and Em.ily (Mills) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Gosh- en, New York. The mother was only three years old when taken by her parents to Ohio and the father, who was born in 1 79 1, was a lad of six years when the Thompson family removed to the Buckeye state. When eighteen years of age he enlisted for service in the war of 1812. He was married in Ohio and both Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- son spent their last days in Pecatonica township, Winnebago county, the father passing away at the advanced age of ninety-one years, while his wife reached the age of ninety, Joel W. Thomp- son, accompanied by his son, Augustus W., first came to Winnebago county in 1839, after which they returned to CMiio and in the spring of 1840 the father lirought his family to this state, travel- ing with a two-horse team and covered wagon, as there was no railroad at that time. The journey was a difficult one and the teams became mired in the Maumee swamps, but finally they reached their destination in safety and Mr. Thompson purchased two tracts of land, an eighty and forty acres, respectively, in the timber at Irish Grove. He afterward bought a claim of one hundred and sixty acres at Lysander, now Pecatonica. He was a millwright by trade and in 1839 he built a sawmill. His first home was a log cabin, with a puncheon floor, and in true pioneer style the fam- ily began life in Winnebago county, meeting the usual experiences and hardships of those who live upon the frontier. In 1852 he went to Cali- fornia, where he superintended the construction of a mill, receiving one thousand dollars for his services. He was away from home at that time for about fourteen or fifteen months. Upon his re- turn he again took up his abode on the farm and was identified with agricultural development here for a long period. He served as justice of the peace for fifteen or twenty years, retiring from the office in the "70s. While in Ohio he became a member of the Masonic fraternity and in liis life exemplified its beneficent spirit. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and they lent their aid and influence to the intellectual and moral, as well as the material, development of Winnebago county in its pioneer days. Mr. Thompson gave his po- litical allegiance to the whig party until its dis- solution, when he joined the ranks of the repub- lican party. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, eight sons and four daugh- ters, and three sons and three daughters are yet living. Captain Augustus W. Thompson pursued his early education in the public schools of his na- tive town and when twenty years of age or more he returned to Ohio, where he completed his edu- cation by attending a select school. He was six- teen years of age when he came with his father to this countv and began working for a Mr. 220 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Cable as a farm liaiul for tight ilullars per nioiitli. He did much teaming, liauling rails and perform- ing other service such as was necessary in the development of a farm in pioneer times. He afterward secured employment with Mr. Hico.x, who paid him fifteen dollars per month for his labor as a farm hand. He also assisted in build- ing a mill and later went down the .Mississippi river and bought buffalo hides, Indian robes and other such commodities, which he took to St. Louis. In that city he worked at loading and un- loading boats which carried cargoes of lead. These boats could not pass the rapids unless the load was taken off and conveyed by team to the other side of the rapids, where the ore was again loaded. On leaving St. Louis Captain Thomp- son went up the Ohio river to W'cllsville and thence drove to Twinsburg, where he sold his buffalo robes and bought a horse. Then, in 1839, he returned to Winnebago county. On the loth of October, 1844. Captain Thomp- son was married to Miss Mariah E. Wells, a daughter of Reuben and Jane (Cole) Wells. Her father was a native of St. Lawrence county. New York, and died in his fiftieth year, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy years. They became residents of Pecatonica township in 1842, the father entering eighty acres of land from the government. He at first lived in a blockhouse and later he improved his farm, making it his home up to the time of his demise. In his fam- ily were ten children, but only two are now liv- ing. Alfred and John. At the time of his marriage Captain Thompson built a frame house, which he occupied until 1850, when he went to New York city, traveling by team to .Michigan City, thence bv rail to De- troit, by stage to Niagara Falls and Idv rail to his destination. At New York city he took passage on the mail steamship Ohio for Havana, Cuba, with the intention of taking a sitamcr there, but because of yellow fever instead to New Or- leans, where he demaincd for tight days, after which he returned to Havana, from which point he sailed for the Isthmus of Panama. Crossing the isthmus, he took passage on a sailing vessel, which, sixty-five days later, reached San Fran- cisco harbor. He borrowed three hundred and fifty dollars, on which he paid fifty per cent, in- terest, so exorbitant were the prices charged in the Golden slate in early mining days. He spent two years in mining in California and then re- turned to his home by way of tlie route that he had taken to the far west. Here he purchased eighty acres of land and began farming on his own account. Going to Ohio, he Durchascd horses, which he brought to Illinois, paying two hundred dollars for a team, which he here sold for three hundred and sixty dollars. It was in 1853 that he made the trip. After farming for a time Captain Thompson embarked in the dry goods business in connection with Robert Cole- man, but sold out in 1857 and went to New York. By boat he made a trip to California and on to Nevada, where he engaged in teaming, making as high as one hundred dollars per day with his team. He lived in Carson City for about a year and a half, after which he turned his at- tention to the logging business, in which he con- tinued for a year, when the Civil war broke out, and he returned to his home by way of the pony express route. In the mcantiiue Cajjtain Thompson had made a trip to Pike's Peak at the time of the gold ex- citement there. He left his home in .\pril. 185S, going by team to Burlington, thence by boat to .St. Louis, where he purchased a team of horses and company outfit. There were six men in ^he party, including his twin brothers, Edward and Edwin Thompson, Jefferson Southard, L. Hen- derson and Wilson Johnson. The party proceeded by boat up the Missouri river, but left the boat at Leavenworth and went through to Fort Riley. They crossed the Blue river and joined iTie gov- ernment train. Major Russell in command, travel- ing with the train to the vicinity of Cherry Creek. About forty miles south of Denver Captain Thompson's horse was bitten by a rattlesnake and the party remained for two weeks until the horse had recovered. They camped by the side of the niountain stream, and there were antelope and rabbits for game. They then proceeded to Cherry Creek along the Santa Fe trail, on the Denver and to Boulder, where they went into camp m an old log shanty. They took their wagons down the ravine, covered them with pine boughs and then turned the horses loose on the ranch. Leaving their outfit at that place, they went up the moun- tains to the snow ridge and Captain Thompson found rock which contained gold. He thought he could obtain the metal by panning, but tliey got only about ten cents per pan. They took up six claims and made sluices, sawing the lumber with a pit saw. A party passed by en route to California and Captain 'riiompson sold them one of his wagons. He afterward returned to Den- ver, where he shod one of his horses, having brought the nails with him from the east. This horse he then rode to Gregory Diggings to sec his brother but in the meantime the brother had started to Denver to find the captain. He re- turned to what is now the beautiful capital of Col- orado and then started home along the Platte river, which the party follnived to Omaha, strik- ing thence eastward through Iowa and crossing the Mississippi river at Bellevue on a ferry. They arrived in Pecatonica in August, 1858. and later Captain Thompson Ix'gan buying grain, which pur.suit he followed through the succeeding sum- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 221 mer. He next purchased a drug store, which he sold in 1862. In July of that year he wrote to the war governor, Richard Yates, for a commis- sion to raise a company of volunteers, receiving the official paper on the ist of August. Within five days he had enrolled sixty-five men, and when he had secured an enrollment of one hundred and ten men the governor commissioned him a lieu- tenant. The troops went into camp for a month and on the 4th of September. 1S62, were mus- tered in by General Fuller as Company B, Seven- ty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The regiment proceeded southward to Louis- ville, Kentucky, thence to Perryville, on to Nash- ville and to Camp Johnson, where the winter was spent. Their first engagement was at Perryville, and they also participated in the battles of Stone River and IVIurfreesboro. In February, 1863, they were ordered to Chattanooga in command of a company of prisoners. It was about this time that Captain Thompson was commissioned ranking officer of the company. With his com- mand he assisted in putting u]d breastworks and went on to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was granted a leave of absence, spending twenty-two days at hon~e. He then returned to his regiment at Atlanta, and when his troops were at Spring Hill they were nearly surrounded. Captain Thompson, while participating in the battle there, was shot in the right eye. His brigade drove the rebels out but no attention was paid to the cap- tain, for the doctor said that he had no chance to live. He was put under a tent at night and the rebels surrotmded the tent and in an ambu- lance Captain Thompson was taken to Franklin, Tennessee, ten miles from Spring Hill. He v.-as afterward taken to Nashville, where he was placed in a hospital, remaining there for twenty days. Later he returned home, where he spent six weeks, after which he rejoined his command at Columbus, Georgia, although his wound still caused him serious trouble. He afterward went to Chattanooga and later to Nashville, where he served as officer of the day. He was then or- dered to headquarters and at the close of the war he received an honorable discharge. Captain Thompson made up his books himself and was the first officer to report. He now has the bul- let which he carried in his head for three and a half years. It is flattened where it hit the frontal bone and its weight is one ottnce. Captain Thompson is a member of Ellis post. No. 320, G. A. R.. and at this writing is officer of the day. Fie made a splendid military record, being distinguished by unswerving loyalty and by marked valor in times of danger. He also be- longs to A. W. Rowlson lodge. No. 145, A. F. & A. M., and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1877 Captain Thompson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. They had become the parents of the following named : Andrew M., who was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Volunteer Infantry, serving as drum major, died at home. Ann is also deceased. John died in infancy. George M. is living in Chicago. Augusta is the wife of H. G. Tisdale and they make their home witli her father. Captain Thompson is now living a retired life hi Peca- tonica. His has been an eventful career. At times he has faced dangers and hardships through pioneer experience in the wild west and again on the field of battle. There have also been periods in which he has quietly followed business pursuits and through his well directed efforts has accumulated a competence. His life history if written in detail would furnish manv a thrilling chapter but tliis brief outline will serve to give to his many friends an account of his activity and shows forth many elements that are worthy of emulation. S. W. WALLACE. S. ^\'. Wallace, who is now living retired from active business life, his investments being repre- sented by considerable valuable property in Rock- ford, was born in Canada near the V'ermont state line in 1834, his parents being Robert and Jane Wallace. In 1836 the fatlier removed with his family from Canada to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Chicago. He took up a large tract of land in Cook county, known later as Bloom township. At that time Chicago was but a small village and had not been incorporated as a city, ^luch of the land in the county was considered worthless because of its swampy condition and the sale price was very low. Robert Wallace, however, secured his claim and began farming, which occupation he followed for the remainder of his life. He became the owner of an exten- sive tract of land and as the county became more thickly settled this rose in value. He served as postmaster for a number of years of the town of Bloom, now a part of Chicago Heights, and there he died in 1885, when more than seventy-five years of age. In his family were ten children, but S. W. Wallace and one sister are the only ones now living. S. W. Wallace, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, pursued his education in the public schools and in his boyhood aided in the work of the farm, gaining a practical knowl- edge of all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He was engaged in farming until twenty years of age, when he learned tlie trade of wagon-making, which he dJz/^^u!^, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 221; with Mr. Utter, who manufactured the seeders invented by Mr. Gorham. The latter continued his stud}' of agricultural implements in order to give to the world better farm machinery and in- vented the corn cultivator, which was manufac- tured by Mr. Thompson, of Rockford, and also netted to both gentlemen a good financial return. His next invention was the binder, to which he devoted two years of study, investigation and ex- periment, and in fact he applied himself so assidu- ously to this work that his health became very seriously impaired and the doctors advised him to travel. He then went abroad, remaining in Europe for a few years, after which he returned and located in New York city, where he re- ceived medical attendance from the best physi- cians. His health was little improved, however, and while he was visiting the Centennial Expo- sition in Philadelphia he became ill with typhoid fever and died in that city, November 17, 1876. His illness was caused by worry and study over his inventions and he has left a splendid monu- ment to his memory in the useful devices which he gave to the world. Plis name is inseparably associated with the machinery constantly in use upon the farms of the country, anfl the binder, cultivator and seeder now manufactured by the McCormick Company of Chicago are made after patents produced by Mr. Gorham and which were sold by his widow to that company. Fol- lowing her husband's death Mrs. Gorham re- turned to Rockford. Mr. Gorham was very suc- cessful with all of the patents which he pro- duced, and his inventive genius made his life one of great benefit to his fellowmen, the influence of which will be felt for years to come. He was very prominent among the pioneer settlers of Rockford and Winnebago county, and for one year served as township supervisor, although he never sought or desired office. In politics he was a democrat and while in Vermont he was a member of the Sons of Temperance. Mrs. Gorham is prominent in society circles in Rockford, and in this city owns a beautiful home at No. 603 ^Mulberry street where she and her nephew reside. She has made many modern improvements here and in addition she owns other valuable property in the city which returns to her a splendid rental. Her husband left her in exceedingly comfortable financial circum- stances, so that she is now enabled to enjoy all of the comforts and manv of the luxuries of life. DAVID W. EVANS. David ^^^ E-^-ans, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having a very fine herd of Jersey cows upon his farm of one hun- dred and forty-five acres on section 31, Harlem 14 township, was born in Grenville, Argenteuil coun- ty, Canada, November 30, 1840, and is of English descent in the paternal line. His grandparents, John and Jane Evans, were natives of Hull, Eng- land, and the latter died in that country. The grandfather married again and later came to America, settling in Canada in 1820. He died there at a ripe old age. James El vans, father of our subject, was born in Hull, England, in 1799 and was quite young when he lost his mother. In early life he was apprenticed to the wagonmaker's trade, serving a term of indenture of six and a half years. When he had attained his majority he emigrated to Can- ada, where he engaged in farming until 1856, when he came to Illinois. He purchased a tract of land in Cherry Valley township, Winnebago county, whereon he followed farming until his death in September. 1870. In 1827 he was mar- ried to Ann Campbell, who was born in Inniskil- len in 1802, and was a daughter of Robert Camp- bell, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage. She became a resident of Canada when a young lady, her home being in the vicinity of Grenville, and she died in Guilford township, this county, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Turner, No- vember 30, 1900. Through much of their resi- dence, in this county, however, Mr. and Mrs. James Evans resided in Cherry Valley township, removing there after a year's residence in Rock- ford. David W. Evans spent the first sixteen years of his life in the place of his nativity and then came with his parents to Rockford and a year later re- moved with them to the home farm in Cherry Valley township. He remained under the par- ental roof until the spring of 1861, when he began farming on his own account, but in the fall he re- sponded to the call of his adopted countrv for troops to preserve the Union and on the i8th of September enlisted in Company L, Eighth Illinois \''ohmteer Cavalry as a private. He was mus- tered out as sergeant in August, 1865. His regi- ment began its service with the Army of the Po- tomac and continued in the south until the close of the war. Mr. Evans participated in all the battles with the Army of the Potomac, its marches and campaigns, with the exception of the battle of Fort Stevens, where he was in the hospital. He served under Generals McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade and Grant and also under the cav- alry Generals Pleasanton, Buford and Sheridan. Mr. Evans did his full duty as a soldier and at the close of the war participated in the grand re- view in Washington, D. C. He had two brothers who died in the army, both enlisting from Qierry Valley. James, becoming a member of the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, was killed at Beverly Ford, Virginia, June 9, 1863 ; and Joseph 2j6 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Evans, a member oi tlie Seveiity-Unirtli Illinois Infantry, died in the hospital at jMurfreesboro, Tennessee. Durinp: his army service David W. Evans pur- chased a farm in Ciicrry Valley township and carried on general agricnltural pursuits there un- til 1883, when he sold that proijcrty and pur- chased his present home, whereon he has since re- sided. He carried on general farming and has a well improved place. He has every reason to be proud of his fine herd of Jersey cattle — certainlv among the finest stock of the county. On the 27th of April, 1868, Mr'. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Conklin, a native of Oneida county. New York, and a daughter of James S. and Theresa J. (.Martin) Conklin. who at the time of their daugliler'.-; marriage were living in Cherry N'ailey township. Her father was born near Sand Lake, New York, in 1824 and died near Sutherland, Iowa, in 1899. His wife, born in Oneida county, New York, in 1829, died in Cherry Valley, this count}-, in 1898. Mrs. Evans' birth occurred March 29. 1849. Her sisters arc: Mrs. Helen A. Baxter, of Rockford, v.ho has one son and four daughters ; Mrs. Laura Baxter, of New Milford township, who died 'n 1893, leaving four sons and six daughters ; Mrs. Melva Tierney, of Sutherland. Iowa, who ha-^ two sons and three daughters ; Mrs. Cora Cam- CTon. of Cherry Valley township, w-ho has two sons and three daughters ; Mrs. Kate Dennison, of Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, who has three daughters ; Mrs. Capitola Baxter, of New Mil- ford township, who has three sons and two daughters ; and Miss Lulu Conklin, of Cherry Valley. The brothers of this family are : Fred Conklin, of Sutherland, Iowa, who has eight sons and one daughter ; and Oscar Conklin, of Cherry X'alley township, who has five sons and two daughters. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born tlic fol- lowing children : Olive G.. born March 25, 1873, is the w'ife of L. L. Burritt. living near Williams- burg, \'irginia, and they have three sons. George E., Lewis E. and Jesse D. Jeanette M., born September 16, 1875. is the wife of Charles R. Ed- wards, of Chicago, and they have two children, Robert L. and Evans. Ruby F., born .\ugust 31. 1877, is the wife of James A. Watterson. of .'Vre- dale. Iowa, and has one daughter, Fay. .\lice J., born June 23, 1881, Harry G., born December 9, 1885, and I'lorcnce C, born May 30. i8i)o. arc at home. They also lost three children — Leroy, at the age of five years and six months ; Jesse R., who died at Union, Oregon, .\pril 14, 1896. at the age of twenty-seven years ; and Willie. Mr. Evans has led a busy and useful life and has become a well informed man through reading the daily papers and good literature, thus keeping in touch with the iirogress of the world. He is a republican in politics, but not an office seeker, serving in no pul>lic positions save that of town school trustee one year and school director for twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion, who believes in raising high the standard of the schools and in providing good opportunities for the intellectual develop- ment of the young. He belongs to Nevius post, .\o. I. G. A. K., of Rockfi.rd, and to Harlem camp, No. 661, M. W. A., and is an active mem- ber of 1 larniony Grange. No. 957. The family attend the Methodist church. WILLIAM J. CLEVELAND. Among the residents of worth in Seward townshi]) William J. Cleveland is always promi- nently mentioned. He was born July 21, 1829, in Hebron, Washington county, New York, his parents being Job W. and Almira Cleveland, the former born in Washington county, August 7, 1796. His father was Job Cleveland, born in New York in 1757, while his death occurred in Washington county when he w-as well advanced in years. He too was a farmer and reared a family of eleven children. Job W. Cleveland, the father of our subject, died in Wethersfield, New York, July 7. 1870. His wife lx)re the maiden name of Almira Fenton and was a native of Dorset, Vermont, born November 12, 1799, while her death occurred in Wetliersfield, New York, on the eighty-seventh anniversary of her birth. Her parents were also natives of the Green Mountain state and at an advanced age de- parted this life in Genesee county. New York. The Fcntons were mechanics and were pioneers of Vermont, where they were recognized as hon- orable and upright citizens. The grandfather Fenton was a soldier of the war of 181 2 and was granted a pension in recognition of his services. The father of our subject was also a pensioner of the war of 1812. having espou.sed the Amer- ican cause during the second conflict with Eng- land. William J. Cleveland was a lad of seven years when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Wyoming county. New York, where he was educated in the public and select schools. He worked upon his father's farm until eighteen vears of age and during three winter terms en- gaged in teaching school. When twenty-two vears of age he was married and two years later iie came to Illinois, making the journey by rail to Buffalo, where he arrived on the 14th of De- cember. 1853. He then boarded a steamer bound for Detroit. Michigan, and over the Chicago & Galena Railroad, now a part of the Chicago & MR. AND MRS. \V. J. CLEVELAND. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 229 Northwestern Railroad system, he continued his journey to Rockford. Soon after he located in Pecatonica township, where he built a "shack" in a stone quarry. He then chopped wood that winter and the following spring removed to Sew- ard township, having in 1854 purchased eighty acres of land here, he and his brotlier buying one hundred and sixty acres together. Mr. Cleveland then drove a breaking team of five yoke of oxen through the first summer and has assisted materially in the pioneer development of this section of the state. He lived upon this land for about four or five years, after which he sold his eighty-acre tract and came to his pres- ent farm in Seward township, at first purchasing eighty acres, which was the nucleus of his present home. He built a house upon this tract and afterward extended the boundaries of the farm by the purchase of an additional one hundred and twenty acres. In 1885 he erected a fine residence and he has put extensive and substantial im- provements upon the place, which is now one of the finest farms of the county. lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences which indicate the progressive farmer. He has tilled the soil and raised stock, making a specialty of short-horn cattle and Chester White hogs and he always keeps first class farm horses. Mr. Cleveland was married, July 3, 1851, to Elvira J. Curtis, a daughter of Waterman and Sylvia Curtis, both natives of the Empire state. Her father, who was born May 7, 1804, died August 2, 1861. while his wife passed away De- cember 16, 1894, in Seward township, at the age of eighty-eight years, having been born Novem- ber 6, 1806. Their remains were interred in Gratiot county. ^Michigan. In their family were eleven children. Francis, born February 12. 1829. and now living in Michigan, married Miss Luceba Rugg and has two sons and three daugh- ters. Sylvia A., born February 2, 1830, died Sep- tember 22, 1852. Mrs. Cleveland is the next member. Laura, born November 24, 1833, is the wife of William Hall, of Wyoming county. New York, and has four children ; Seneca M., born October 6, 1835, and now living in Michigan, married Sophia Barnard and has one child : Helen M., born June 14, 1837, is the wife of John Hall, of Wyoming county. New York, and has one child; Albro, born October 17, 1837, married Lucy Woodard and with their three chil- dren they reside in Michigan ; Waldo, born July 30, 1841, married and has five children, now liv- ing: Martha B., born September 10. 1845, is the wife of Theodore Muscott, of Gratiot county. Michigan, by whom she has four children. Mar\- E., born July 31, 1848, is living in Michigan: William M.. born January 8. 1853. married Kate Chisam and has four children. The father of this family was a farmer of Wyoming county, New York, until 1859, when he removed to Michigan, where he died two years later. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church from early youth and in politics he was a whig and later a republican. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland have been born seven children. Albert W., born August 27, 1852, married Frankie A. Rugg and has four children, their home being in Rockford. Maria R., born August 26, 1854, died July 14, 1893; Adella E., born June 10, 1857, is the wife of Frank Conger, of Seward, and has four chil- dren. Herbert W., born August 8, i860, married Nanie Moon and with their five children thev re- side in Rockford ; Lillie C, born August 6, 1862, died August 25, 1862. Clara R., born May 22, 1867, is the wife of Frank Holenbeck, of Sew- ard, and has two children. Wilson S., born July 3, 1876, and living on the old homestead with his parents, married IMabel Grady and has three children. In recent years Mr. Cleveland has left the care of his farm to his son and is now practically living retired. He has returned to his native state to visit the old homestead and the friends of his youth. He has acted as town clerk and collector, as road commissioner and for many years has been a member of the school board and his political support is given to the republican party. He was one of the organizers and is the president of the Old Settlers' Association and for forty-five years he has been a deacon in the Congregational church. His long connection with the church and his fidelity to its interests and its teachings indicate the upright life that he has led, making him one of the most highly esteemed and valued residents of his community. He has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and is one of the venerable pioneer settlers of Winnebago countv. MAJOR GEORGE S. ROPER. ilajor George S. Roper figured prominently through many years in business circles in Rock- ford, and his life record in all its relations was characterized by fidelity to principle. In citizen- ship he manifested the same progressive spirit and patriotism which characterized his service in behalf of his country during the Civil war. He was born in Rutland, \\'orcester county, Massa- chusetts, January 28, 1832, his parents being Jo- seph and Maria L. (Mendell) Roper, who were likewise natives of Massachusetts, where they re- mained until 1839. In that year they removed with their family to a farm near Ligonier, Penn- svlvania, where the father carried on general agri- 230 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. cultural pursuits until his deatli. His widow afterward lived with her children and departed this life at the home of lier son John in Alton, Illinois. Major Roper spent his boyhood days on the old fami homestead and supplemented his early educational advantages by study in the acadenij at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where he acquired a good education. He afterward engaged in teach- ing school for a few }ears and subsequently went to Zanesville, Ohio, where he secured a situation as clerk in a china store. He had spent about two jears in that way, when because of n cholera epidemic in Zanesville he returned to Ligonier and while residing there he was married !o Miss Louisa B. George, a native n^ Westmoreland county, IVnnsylvania, who died in Springfield, Illinois, in 1856. It was in the year 1854 that Major Roper ac- companied by his family came to the west, set- tling in Springfield, where for a year he acted as salesman in a dry-goods store. He was also book- keeper for S. M. Tinsley for about ten months and then became a partner of Edward R. Ulrick & Company, lumber dealers of Springfield. His active connection with that business was main- tained for five years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Alton, Illinois, wiu-re he also engaged in the lumber and lime business. In the latter city the business was carried on under the firm style of Ulrick & Roper. He con- tinued operations in Alton for two years or until the floods caused him to return to Springfield, where he purchased a shoe store and was thus connected with the mercantile interests of the city until after the inauguration of the Civil war. Major Roper, deeply interested in the questions and issues of the day, gave his political allegiance to the newly organized re])ublican party and in i860 he formed the first Republican (ilee Club that sang the first glee songs in central Jllinois. He watched with interest the progress of events that culminated in hostilities between the north and the south and at the commencement of the war he entered the commissary department under Colonel John Williams and when the govern- ment relieved his superior officer he was assigned to the quartennaster's department under General Wood. About that time General Grant took com- mand of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry and Major Roper accompanied him to the old fair- grounds of Springfield, thereby forming a friend- ship, which continued throughout their remain- ing days. It was at the special retjuest of Gen- eral Grant that Major Roper was given a posi- tion in the commissary department with the rank of captain, after which he was ordered to join General W. T. Sherman at Louisville. Kentucky. Later he was assigned to the staff de()artment of General George H. Thomas, with whom he con- tinued until after the battle of Stone River. Im- mediately following the engagement at Mill Spring he was promoted to the rank of major and received decidedly complimentary commenda- tion from General Thomas, for while that com- mander gave all the officers and men crerlit for doing their duty he said "If any one was entitled to credit more than anotlier for the success of the northern troops it was Captain Roper." The newly appointed major continued on the staflf of General Thomas until he became connected with the First Division of the Fourteenth .\rniy Corps under the command of General Fry, of Kentucky. In tlie reorganization of the army after the battle of Cliickamauga considerable change was made and the three divisions of the Fourteenth Army Corps opened the charge, it being the duty of Major Roper to manage the divisions. Novem- ber 24, 1863, he was sent to Nashville to inspect the horses and subsequently was appointed over- seer and inspector of the military roads of the nortlnvest. On the 24th of May, 1864, he re- ceived appointment to a position on the staff of General McCullom, with headquarters at Wash- ington, serving in that capacity until February 6, 1866, wiien he was mustered out with the rank of brevet colonel. He continued to be known, however, as Major Roper, by which title he was always addressed in his home city. The w-ar having ended Major Roper removed to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1866. and was there engaged in the commission business for a short time, but soon afterward he went to Jersey Land- ing. Illinois, where he purchased a large flouring mill and distillery, conducting business there for a year. He next took up his abode again in Al- ton. Illinois, where he was engaged in the fire insurance and real-estate business for sixteen years and in 1881 he removed to Rockford, where he assisted in organizing the Merchants' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he was made secretary. He also became the president of the \^an ^^'ie Gas Stove Company and the treasurer of the Eclipse Gas Stove Comjiany. of which his son is now presidenl. He was always engaged in the insurance business imtil his death and between these interests he divded his attention, his sound judgment, wise counsel and indefatigable energy contributing substantially to the success of both. It was during his residence in .Springfield that Major Roper lost his first wife. He afterward married Miss .Ah-ira S. Bangs, who was princi- pal of the schools of .Springfield and died in Al- ton, Illinois, about five months after her mar- riage. In 1857 he wedded Miss Roxie G. Conk- lin, a native of New York, and a daughter of PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 231 Philander K. Conklin, who removed to the west and settled in Spring Arbor, Michigan, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade until his death. There were three children born to Major Roper by his first marriage : Mabin F., who died in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was engaged in the drug business ; George D., who married Kate Butterworth and resides near his mother on Franklin place in Rockford, where he is a lead- ing and enterprising physician, and also presi- dent of the Eclipse Gas Stove Company and the American Foundry Company ; and Edward U., who married Martha J. Lowden and resides in Logansport, Indiana, where he is engaged in the printing business. There was also one child by the third marriage, Charles .S., who died at the age of five months. Major Roper was prominent in social and po- litical circles. He was a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Crusader commandery. No. 17, K. T. and he held membership in the Freeport con- sistory and the Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Chicago. He also held membership re- lations with the Illinois commandery of the Loyal Legion and attended many of its national assemblies. He was an active and influential worker in Nevius post. No. i, G. A. R.. at Rock- ford, and delighted in the social relations with his old arm}' comrades. He held membership in the Christian U^nion church, to wliich his wife also belongs, and he ever took a great interest in its work, always serving on its reception committees and doing verything in his power to promote its growth. His political views accorded with re- publican principles and he never wavered in his allegiance to the party. For years he was closely connected with local and state politics and his opinions carried weight in tlie cor.ncils of his party. He was chainnan of the republican county central committee in 1888, and was a mem- ber of the state central committee and for more than a quarter of a century attended each state convention except those held while he was at the front during the Civil war. He was also frequently seen in the na- tional conventions of his party. He died Feb- ruary 3, 1897, and thus passed awa_\' one wliose business, political and military career reflected credit and honor upon the city of his adoption. He was a man of pleasing address, courteous manner, unfaltering truth and unquestioned in- tegrity and yet withal possessed that practical common sense which never runs to extremes. He won friends wherever he went, his life was well spent and honorable and his useful career was worthy of emulation. Mrs. Roper now owns a beautiful residence at No. 1030 Franklin place, where she lives with her sister. Miss Ruth A. Conklin, and in society circles of the city she is prominent. HON. ROBERT SIMPSON. Hon. Robert Simpson, formerly a member of the state legislature of Illinois, and one of the wealthy farmers of Wmncbago county, resides on section 5 in the southern part of Rockford township, where he owns over live hundred acres of valuable land. He was born in Yarmouth, in the London district of the province of Ontario, Canada, March 15, 1836, and is a son of Peter and Henrietta (Curry) Simpson, natives of Ed- inburgh, Scotland, born in 1812 and 1815, re- spectively. In their family were eight children — • Mary Ann, Mar}' .Ann (second), Mary Jane, William, Susan, and two died in infancy. It is also believed that the grandfather, Robert Simpson, Sr., was likewise born in Edin- burgh, and it is definitely known that he came to America in 1833, settling in Yarmouth, where he resided for six years. On the expira- tion of that period he came to Illinois and pur- chased a squatter's claim in what is now Rock- ford township, \A'innebago county, which was lo- cated on section 6, township 43, range i east. He improved and resided upon that tract until his death, being one of the prominent early farmers of his locality. He married Mrs. Mary (Knox) Laurie, a widow, who was also a native of Scot- land, her death occurring in Centerville, Winne- bago county, in January, 1865. Peter Simpson was reared and married in Scotland and taking up the study of medicine afterward engaged in practice in Edinburgh until 1833. He then determined to seek a home in tlie new world and crossed the Atlantic to Americ.i, locating in Yarmouth, Canada, but he came to Illinois in the same year in which the grandfather established his home in Winnebago county. Ac- companied by his family, he made the entire jour- ney overland, crossing the Detroit river on the 4th of July, 1839. Later in the year he arrived in this county, finding it a pioneer district, ',n which the work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun. The land was at that time owned Ij}- the government and a few settlers ^vere living in' or near the timber, it being thought impossible that the prairies would ever be settled or prove of any value. The timber land was held by claimants who desired to sell their rights so as to be able to move farther westward. Peter Simp- son purchased a claim to a tract of land in what is now Rockford township, and when the land came into market he entered it from the govern- ment. There he carried on general farming year after year and his labors wrought a wonderful change in the appearance of the place, the wild land "being transformed into highly productive fields, from which he annually harvested good crops. At the time of the Civil war he espoused 23-' PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. tlif Union cause, enlisting as a member of the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry in the spring- of 1861. His name was on the roll of Company C for three years and he was under command of Colonel Ellis, Before leaving Scotland he married Henrietta Curry, who died in 1851. I'^or a second wife he married Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (Morse) Drake. She was born in Cortland coun- ty, New York, December 17, 1832, and is now living with Robert on the fami. There were two children by his second marriage, one of whom, Charles, is in I'.ritish Columbia, and Clara, who died in 1894. Robert Simpson was but three years old when brought by his parents to Illinois and upon the home fami he was reared, the days of his boy- hood and youth being passed in the usual manner of farm lads of that period. He worked in the fields when not occupied with the labors of the schoolroom and continued on the old homestead until the 6th of August, 1862, when no longer content to remain at home while his country was in peril, he offered his services to the govern- ment and joined the boys in blue of Companv C, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, being mustered in as corporal. He participated in various battles, including the engagements of Perryvillc, Nolans- ville. Stone River. Chickamauga, Liberty Ciap. ■Missionary Ridge and the .\tlanta campaign un- der Sherman, taking part in all the battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta and in the siege and ca])- ture of the city. After its fall he went w-ith hi* regiment in pursuit of Hood and fought in the battles of Si)ring Hill. I'ranklin and Xa^^hville. He was honorably discharged as orderly sergeant and was mustered out June 10, 1863, returning to bis home with a most creditable military record. Previous to entering the army Mr. Simpson had ])iircliased eighty acres of land on section 3. Rockford township, now included within his present farm. He has at different times, how- ever, extended the boundaries of his ])roperty im- til his landed ]>ossessions now aggregate over five hundred acres. He is thus one of the large land- owners of the county and his property is very v;dual)le owing to the si>lennid improvements he has ])laced upon it and tiie care with which the fields have been cultivated. His farm in all of its departments is neat and thrifty in ap]K'arance and indicates the careful supervision of a practi- cal and progressive owner. On thi 17th of April, 1867, Mr. Simiison was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Davis, a native of New Brunswick, and a daughter of John and FJlen Davis. One child. Effic, died Febniary 3, 1881. Mrs. Simpson died in 1872 and the fol- lowing vcar Mr. Simpson wedded Catherine Spottswood. a native of Kemptville. Creenville cnuntv. of the province of ( Mitario, Canada, her parents being Robert and Mary (Graham) Spottswood, both of whc«n are now deceased. They had a family of nine children — Catherine (first), Robert (first), Robert (second), Cath- erine (second), Elizabeth, Margaret, Jeimie, Mary, who was principal of the Lincoln school in Rockford for eighteen years, and died July 30, 1902, and liUen, who died in infancy. The father was lx)rn in or near Ro.xboro, Scotland, as was also his father, Robert Spottswood. He came to America in 1833. settling in (irecnville county, Canada. He had married Elizabeth I'Vater, also a native of Scotland, who died in Canada in June, 1866. Mrs. Simpson's father was a blacksmith by trade, and after coming to America he engaged in hlacksmithing at KemiHville and later engaged in merchandizing. .Subsequently he removed to St. Lawrence county, New York, but after a few years' residence there returned to Kemptville, where he followed his trade until 1867, when he came to Illinois. His wife was a daughter of James and Catherine (Clinkscaks ) ( irahani and was born in Dumfricshire, .'Scotland. Both are now deceased. Two children have been l)orn unto ^Ir. and Mrs. Simpson — Mary, born March 23, 1877, ^^ho was married September 12, U)03- to Homer St. John, who is with the Western Indi- ana Railroad and lives in Chicago, and .Vrthur G.. born December 16, 1882. who lives at home with his parents. In his political views Mr. Simpson is independ- ent, hut was elected to the state legislature in 1S88 on the democratic ticket. He has also served in other official capacities, acting as supervisor of Rockford township for ten years, and no public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. As a soldier upon the fields of l)attle, as a legislator or as a i)rivate citizen he is e(|uallv loyal to the general good and he has made an honorable rei)utation in business circles as well. LEWIS KEITH. Lewis Keith, a retired fanner of Rockford to whom success has come in recognition of his un- tiring labor and his utilization of the oppor- tunities which have surrounded him — such as are common to all men, — has resided in this section of Illinois from the peritxl of its pioneer develop- ment. For many years he was closely associated with agricultural interests and still owns valu- able farm ])roperty on the border line between Boone and Wiimebago counties. He is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, born May 2, 1826, and represents a family that was established in America in colonial days. His great-grandfather emigrated from Holland to the new world about fifteen vears Ix-fore the Revolutionarv war and X-^i'UU^-T^^ /O-X-'^^^— PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 235 settled in New Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was a blacksmith by trade and conducted a shop there for many years, after which he removed to Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred in 1810. During the war for independence he served his country as a black- smith. His son Peter P. followed both black- smithing and farming and about 1814 removed from Pennsylvania to Morgan county, Ohio. In 1836 he became a resident of Rockford, Illinois, which at that time contained only three houses that were located on the east side of the river just below the present site of the water tower. He reared a family of twelve children and died at the age of eighty-one years and four months. Lewis Keith, Sr., father of our subject, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1801, and in 1814 accompanied his parents to Morgan county. Ohio, where he lived until the 6th of July, 1832, when he took up his abode at Laporte, Indiana, building a cabin there. He married Miss Mary Spencer, by whom he had four sons. Her death occurred when her son Lewis was only twenty-three days old. The father afterward married Nancy O'Hara, by whom he had six sons and four daughters, and his third wife was Mrs. Nancy H. Jessup. His children are as follows: Mrs. Jane Bunker; Elisha, who married Amanda Thornberg; Peter, who married Sarah J. Thornton ; Lewis, of this review ; Mary, the wife of Henry Crane ; Julia A., the wife of Lewis Parker ; Maria, the wife of Edward Co.x ; Wesley, who married Sarah Prian ; Dennis T., who married Catherine Ernest; Francis, who married Martha McLain ; Margaret, the wife of George Huckens ; W. Riley ; Sarah Crane ; and Aridana, the wife of Amos Taylor. Lewis Keith spent the first few years of his life in the county of his nativity and at the age of nine came to Winnebago county to live with his grandfather Spencer. He made the journey with friends, it requiring fourteen days to travel one hundred and fifty miles, during which time snow fell to the depth of one foot. He found here a pioneer district, the city of Rockford being at that time but a small village of but two houses, while all of the land in the county was still in the possession of the govern- ment and the work of improvement and progress had not been begun. His grandfather died in 1838 and Lewis Keith was then thrown upon his own resources. Whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. His educational privileges were meager, but with a resolute spirit he started out to make his own way in the world and has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honor- able effort. He was employed at different kinds of farm work, and by frugality and industry managed to acquire a small sum of money. This he invested as partial payment on a tract of forty acres of government land, giving his note for the remainder of the purchase price. Thus he secured a home of his own and began raising wheat. He worked from early morning until late at night in the fields, and as the years passed he prospered. When his financial resources were somewhat increased he purchased other land and from time to time invested in property, mak- ing payments thereon through his sales of wheat, hogs and cattle. Ultimately his landed posses- sions amounted to fourteen hundred acres lying in Winnebago and Boone counties. Subsequently he purchased a tract of one thousand acres in Iowa and managed that farm in connection with his Illinois lands. He was formally the owner of valuable property in North and South Dakota in addition to his farming interests in this city, and at one tiiue he conducted a mercantile enter- prise in Cherry Valley and Fairdale, Illinois. Mr. Keith has been married twice. He first wedded Katherine Brown, a native of Ohio, who died in 1862, leaving three children : Lewis W., Luther L., and Roswell C. For his second wife Mr. Keith chose Louisa M. Farley, who came from Ohio to Illinois and was married to him in 1864. They have three children: Julia Flor- ence, the wife of Earl D. Reynolds, a practicing attorney of Rockford ; Mabel K,, the wife of M. L. Burt, of Bedford, Iowa ; and Estella, at home. Mr. Keith continued to reside upon his farm for many years, placing the land under a high state of cultivation and adding to it modern buildings and many substantial improvements. In- 1 901. however, he removed from his farm to Rockford and purchased property at No. 1552 Charles street. He rebuilt and remodeled this, and now has a comfortable home in which he is spending the evening of life. His health is some- what impaired but he keeps in touch with the current events of the day. His political support has long been given to the republican party, but he has never sought or desired office. The history of pioneer life in Winnebago county is familiar to him, and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He came to the county when it was largely wild and has seen a great transformation here. Furthermore he has assisted materially in making the changes which have developed the county into an important center of civilization, and his name is on the roll of honored pioneer settlers in WinnebaafO countv. ALEXANDER RALSTON. Ale-xander Ralston, deceased, was a pioneer of northern Illinois of 1849, i" which year he settled at Caledonia, Boone county, near the Winnebago 23^. PAST AND PRESENT OF WTXNEBAGO COUNTY. county line. He was a native of Scotland, born in 1820. and liis parcTits were John and Belle (Greenlee) Ralston, both of whom were natives of Scotland, whence they came to Illinois in 1850, settlin.t;- in Caledonia the year following the ar- rival of their son Alexander. TlKre they made their home on a farm with their children until called from this life. Alexander Ralston was educated in the com- mon schools of his native country and was reared upon a farm there, early becoming familiar with the methods of agriculture in vogue in that coun- try. He was married in the land of hills and heather to Miss Margaret McKerrall, also a na- tive of Scotland, born January 1, 1825. her par- ents being Dugald and Jane McKerrall, whose birth occurred in the same country. They came to the new world in an early day, settling in Can- ada, where they resided until called to their final home, the father carrying on general farming there throughout his active business career. He died at the very advanced age of eighty-six years. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rals- ton sailed for America, locating first in Canada, but after a short time coming to Illinois and, as before stated, settled near Caledonia, which place was largely established by emigrants from Scot- land. There he purchased a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death, be- ing one of the substantial and reliable farmers of the locality. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ralston were bom nine children, of whom six are yet living. Jane is the widow of Matthew Harvey, who was engaged in the agricultural implement business in Rockford for many years, and she now resides in Rockford at No. 2310 West State street. Margaret is the wife of Alexander Ferguson, a retired farmer, re- siding at No. 915 North Court street. Mrs. Thomas W'aterson makes her home in Ardale, Iowa. John D.. who married Ida M. Simpson, resides at No. 940 North Court street. Rockford. He and his brother constitute the firm of J. D. & G. A. Ralston, extensive dealers in agricul- tural implements, carriages, wagons and harness at No. 1 10 and 112 .\orth .Madison street. George A., a partner of his brother John, married Au- gusta Marriett and they reside here at 316 Rock- ton avenue. Mrs. C. H. Blass is now living in Mongo, Indiana. Those deceased are Isabelle and two who were named Jeanette. In his political views Mr. Ralston was a re- publican, giving his support to the party from the time that he became a naturalized .American citi- zen. He was a member of the Presbyterian church at Caledonia, took a deep and helpful in- terest in its work, served as an elder and was also leader of the clioir. His religious faith jiermeatcd his entire life and shaped his relations with his fellowmen. He owned a large farm near Cale- donia and was very successful in his business pur- suits. Although he never resided in Rockford, he was well known here and liad the entire respect of all with whom he was brought in contact. He died December 25, 1888. at the age of sixty-nine years, and his remains lie interred in the Scotch cemetery near that place. Following her husband's death .Mrs. Ralston sold the farm to her son George, with whom she resided for a year thereafter. She then went to live with her daughter, Mrs. I'erguson, in Har- lem, this county, remaining there for eight years. In the meantime her son George had removed to Rockford and began business w-ith his brother in this city, and in 1903 Mrs. Ralston came to Rock- ford, since ^vhich time she has lived at No. 316 Rockton avenue with her .son George and his wife, he having lately built a nice residence there. The Ralstons are a prominent and well-to-do family of the city and the firm of Ralston Broth- ers constitutes an important factor in commercial activitv here. CHARLES J. SOWLE, D. D. S. Dr. Charles J. Sowle, engaged in the practice of dentistry in Rockford, was born in Tomah, Wisconsin, March 22, 1869. His paternal grand- father, Hiram .\. Sowle. removed to that place in the '40s, becoming one of its pioneer settlers. His son, Orlando Thompson Sowle. was born in Vermont, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin, where he was reared to farm life, remaining on the old homestead until seventeen years of age, when in 1861 he ran away from home to join the army, enlisting as a member of Company II, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. He afterward returned to that state and organized what became Company D of the Fifty-first Wisconsin Regiment of Volunteers. Mr. Sowle was made first lieutenant of the com- pany, and saw much active service on the battle- fields of the south, continuing at the front until mustered out at the close of the war. Returning then to his old home in Wisconsin he joined his father in the conduct of a general store, and was also engaged in the hotel business. He was upon the road as a traveling salesman for a munbcr of years, and was proprietor of a hotel in To- mah, Wisconsin, afterward entering into the real estate and pension business and remaining there until the time of his demise, which occurred in i88(), when he was forty-five years of age. Dr. Sowde is the only surviving member of a family of four children. His mother died in Cal- ifornia in if)oi. Contiiniing his education in his native state, he became a high school student there, and afterward attended the University of DR. C. T. SOWLE. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 239 Wisconsin at Madison for a year. Deciding upon a professional career, he entered the Chi- cago College of Dental Surgery in 1892, and on the completion of a regular three years' course was graduated with the class of 1895, winning the valedictorian honors and delivering the ad- dress to a class of one hundred and twenty. He then located for practice in Rockford, and now has a well equipped office at No. 401 Brown Building. He is thoroughly informed concern- ing modern methods, and his work is of a most satisfactory character, insuring him a continu- ance of a liberal and growing patronage. He belongs to the Illinois State Dental Society, the Northern Illinois Dental Society. Winnebago County Dental Society, the Delta Sigma Delta, a college fraternity and the Odontological So- ciety of Rockford. Dr. Sowle was married in October, 1897, to Miss Gertrude E. Stuart, a daughter of Mar- garet Stuart, of Rockford, who was born in this city. They now have two sons and a daughter : Stuart Orlando, five years of age ; Giarles Burdette, three years old ; and Helen Elizabeth, born January 16. 1905. Dr. Sowle belongs to the Elks lodge at Rockford. In poli- tics he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He is a young man of laudable ambition and firm principles, and has made for himself a creditable place in the pro- fessional circles in Rockford. ISAAC TOMS. Isaac Toms, deceased, was one of the pioneer farmers of Winnebago county, who settled here in 1837, and through many years was closely connected with agricultural interests — the basis of the wealth and prosperity of the great state of Illinois. He was a native of New Jersey, born in Elizabeth, Essex county, on the 24th of De- cember, 1809. The family is of English lineage and the grandfather, Lewis Toms, spent his last days in New Jersey, in which state occurred the birth of Isaac Toms, Sr., the father of our sub- ject. He learned the carpenter's trade in early life and was connected with building operations in Essex county up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1809, two months before the birth of his son and namesake. In early manhood he had wedded Elizabeth Henderson, also a native of Essex county and a daughter of Robert Hender- son, a native of Scotland, who was drafted into the British army during the Revolutionary war and therefore came to America. Interested in this land, he established his home in the new re- public and for some time resided in New Jersey, but eventually removed to Canada, where he made his home until called to his final rest. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Isaac Toms, Sr., accompanied by her three children, removed to Simcoe, Canada, in 1816, and there remained with her children until she, too, passed away. Isaac Toms of this review was a little lad of only five summers when the family went to Can- ada. He attended the public schools there, ac- quiring a good practical education, and after put- ting aside his text-books he and his brother were engaged in farming in Canada until 1837, pur- chasing land which they continued to cultivate until the removal of Isaac Toms to Illinois. He was at that time twenty-eight years of age. Bid- ding adieu to his old home and friends across the border, he started for this state on foot, carrying his possessions in a bundle. The first night he met a 3-oung man on his way to Michigan riding a horse, and they afterward traveled together, riding by turns to Branch county, Michigan, from which place Mr. Toms continued the journey on foot to Rockford. The now populous and beauti- ful city was then a small collection of pioneei cabins, but it lay in the midst of a rich agricul- tural district and the natural resources of the country were such as to give promise of a bright future. Mr. Toms was at once made constable and held that office in Rockford for seven years. He was also employed at a very early day on the building of the dam across Kent creek and in the spring of 1838 he went to Ogle county, where he was variousl}- employed until 1840. He then re- turned to Rockford and two years later purchased the land included in his farm. It was then a tract of wild prairie, entirely destitute of improve- ments. It lay in Guilford township, the place comprising two hundred acres. With character- istic energy- Mr. Toms began its development and the utility of his labors was soon manifest in sub- stantial buildings and well tilled fields. He also planted an orchard and set out shade and orna- mental trees, and as the years passed he added all of the modern equipments and accessories of a model farm. He was not only practical, but pro- gressive in his work and long ranked with the leading agriculturists of the community. In 1865 Mr. Toms was married in Chicago to Miss ^Martha A. Dodge, whose birth occurred in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, on the 8th oi May, 1829, her parents being Charles and Alice ( McClary) Dodge. Her father was born in New Boston, New Hampshire, and for many years re- sided in the old Granite state, devoting the great- er part of his time and attention to general agri- cultural pursuits. He was a son of Amma and Lucv (Fowler) Dodge, who spent their entire lives' in New Hampshire. Charles Dodge was therefore reared in New Boston and it was subse- quent to his marriage that he became a resident of .Mount Vernon. He married Miss Alice 240 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. McClary, a native of Wiiidliani, New llaiii])shire, and they began tlieir domestic life in the state of their nativity, where Mr. Uodge provided for his family for many years by the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. At lengtli he became ill and was in poor health for thirteen years. Be- cause of this he left the farm and in 1830 re- moved to Lowell, -Massachusetts, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 183.'. His wife survived him until 1850, ])assing away in Methuen, Massachusetts, while visiting her daughter there. She had. however, been a resi- dent of Lexington for four years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dodge were members of the Presbyterian church and he had served as deacon for many years. Mrs. Dodge was of Irish and Scotch de- scent. Her father, John McClary. was born in the north of Ireland of .Scotch ])arentage. but from early manhood until his death was a re.-.i- dent of New Ham|)shire. .Mrs. Toms accom- panied her parents on their removal to Lowell. Massachusetts, where she resided until 1856, aftei which she spent two years in Davenport, Iowa. The succeeding two years were passed in St. Louis. Missouri, and she then went to Chicago, where she remained from i8f)2 until 1865, when she came to Winnebago county. There were no children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Toms, but the latter belonged to a family of nine children, of whom three are yet living. Her sister. Hannah P., born September 8, 1823, in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, is the widow of Francis B. Ab- bott, a native of New Hampshire, born in i8r7. Wiien a lad he went to Lowell. Massachusetts, where he acquired a good education in the higli schools. He then learned the machinist's trade, at which he worked in Chicago for forty vears. and he applied himself so closely and untiringly to his business that he broke down his health, his intense activity and energy being the cause of his deatli. He was a man of strong religious temper- ament and a devoted Christian, whose labors were effective and far-reaching in behalf of the gospel work. He established a chapel and Sunday- school in Chicago and would attend the chapel every morning before going to his work. The little chapel grew in membership, in influence and in the extent of its ojx-rations for the moral devel- opment of mankind and is now one of the largest churches in Giicago — known as Grace church. Mr. Abbott continued to follow his chosen voca- tion in Chicago up to the time of his death. His niece, Emma Abbott, was a noted prima donni. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott had no children of iheir own. but adopted a son. George L. Austin, who inarried Etta Perkins. He was graduated from Harvard University, became an editor and pub- lisher and died in Cambridge. Massachusetts, leaving four children, .\ftcr the death of Mr. Abbott ill Chicago his widow came to Rockford and has since made her home with Mrs. Toms. Nancy Elizabeth, the other surviving member of the Dodge family, was born November 30, 1S25. and is the widow of George W. Clark, of Rockijort, Massachusetts, who was extensively engaged in l\v: manufacture of hoots and shfics in the east, conducting a large and profitable busi- ness. He afterward removed to Sanoma, Califor- nia, where he was engaged in the .same business for many years, but eventually retired, and in the enjoyment of a well earned ease spent his last days in that land of sunshine and flowers, his death occurring in Sanoma. Mrs. Clark now re- sides in Azusa, California, with her only son, Fred L. Clark. There were three members of the Dodge family who died in infancy, while the others were: Sarah Jane, who was the wife of John Collins, and died at the heme of her sister in Sanoma. California; Catherine, who married Daniel 1!. .Shipley, and died in Derry, New Hampshire ; and Charles R., who died soon after his marriage. He was a farmer in the east and subsequent to his removal to California he car- ried on agricultural ])ursuils until his death. The home of ^Ir. Toms was located on section 27, Guilford township, where he had one of the best farms of the county, supplied with fine im- provements, indicating the careful supervision and i)rogressivc spirit of the owner. There he engaged in general agricultural pursuits till a few years prior to his death, when he retired from business cares. He then sold one hundred and twenty acres of his land, but continued to remain at the old home until he passed away on the 17th of January, igo2. lieside serving as constable of Rockford in an early day he held a number of local offices in his township and in politics he was always a stanch republican, unswerving in his allegiance to his party. He was a self-made man, whose business career was marked by consecutive advancement, owing to his close application, un- remitting diligence and strong and honorable ])ur- pose. He was so honorable in his conduct and so fair in his views that his opinions carried weight among his friends and neighbors and he became an influential citizen of his community, respected by all for what he accomiilished and for the hon- orable pnnciples which proved the motive power of his action. He was well known to all the pio- neer settlers of the county and he had many friends in Rockford. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Toms sold the farm and removed to the city, where she invested her money in realty, but has since sold off much of her city property. She has in her possession a most interesting relic, one of the old "grandfather's clocks." which has been in posses- sion of the Dodge familv for nearlv two hundred PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 241 years, and yet keeps perfect time. Mrs. Toms and Mrs. Abbott are now residing at No. 929 Rockton avenue, but the former expects soon to buy or build a large residence in the north part of the city, in which she and her sister will make their future home. She frequently visits her sis- ter in California, for the family ties are held most sacred by them both. Mrs. Toms and Mrs. Ab- bott have many friends in the city and are great- h' esteemed by those who know them. THOMAS GILMORE. Thomas Gilmore, retired from business life, is residing at No. 151 1 School street, Rockford. He is entitled to representation in this volume be- cause of an honorable business career and because of the valuable service which he rendered to his country in the dark days of the Civil war. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, March 20, 1843, and comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father, Da- vid Gilmore, was a native of Scotland and was a weaver by trade. Thomas Gilmore resided on the Emerald isle until about 1856, when he came to America, set- tling at Corning, New York, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war. In the meantime he had watched with interest the prog- ress of events in the south and his spirit of pa- triotism was aroused in behalf of the Union, so that on the ist of z^ugust, 1862, he offered his services to the government and was enrolled as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sev- enth New York Volunteer Infantry. He en- listed at Corning and after serving for three years was honorably discharged at New York city on the 20th of July, 1865. He served in the Eastern Army for eighteen months and was then sent to the west, participating under General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and the cele- brated march to the sea, which showed the claims of the Confederacy to be but an empty boast, its military strength having been drawn from the interior to defend the borders. Mr. Gilmore par- ticipated in many important engagements, includ- ing the battle of Antietam, September 17. 1862. He was in Fredericksburg in the winter of 1862- 63, and in May of the latter year participated in the battle of Cliancellorsville and the hotly con- tested engagement of the first three days of July, 1863, at Gettysburg. He also met the enemy at the battle of Buzzard's Roost : at Rocky F"ace Ridge: Resaca, May 15, 1864; New Hope Church, May 25, 1864. and was wounded there with a grape shot on the 25th of May. which ne- nessitated the amputation of his leg. The mem- ber was cut off on the 27th of May under the trees on the battle-field. He then rode for three davs in a wagon, but his injury became worse. gangrene set in and there had to be another am- putation. He had indeed a hard time and after lying at Chattanooga for a while was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, and on to Madison, Indi- ana, the rebel cavalry following in the path of the soldiers who were then advancing to the north. ^Vhen in the battle of Antietam Mr. Gilmore saw General Mansfield shot from his horse. Being mustered out of the service, he returned to New York city, where he engaged in the manufacture of artificial limbs, being thus occupied until 1871, when he sold his business and came to Rockford, where he has since resided with the exception of a period of three years beginning in 1875. At that date he made a trip to Massachusetts, re- maining in New England until 1878. He is now granted a pension of forty dollars per month in recognition of the sacrifice which he made for the government. Before coming to the west Mr. Gilmore was married in New York city in 1868 to Miss Mar- garet Hamilton, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Carroll) Hamilton, the former a shoemaker, which pursuit gave him the means of livelihood for his family. Mrs. Gilmore was born in 1844 and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, all of whom are yet living. David, born July 16, 1869, is a fanner residing in Har- rison township. He married Emma Rottger and has three children. Agnes G., born January 9, 1871, is the wife of Fred Knapp, Hving on a farm in Harrison township, and they have three sons. Chaunce}' A., born December 25, 1873, is the owner of a fruit farm, upon which he lives, in Oregon. Ellen H.. born April 30, 1875, is the wife of Samuel Scott, a resident farmer of Har- rison township, and they have two children. Elizabeth M., born December 2, 1880, is the wife of Charles Higgin, an agriculturist of Owen township, and they have two children. Mary A., who was born April 7, 1882, married J. C. Black, and they reside on a farm near Beloit, Wisconsin. Since coming to the west Mr. Gilmore has been identified with business interests and public service. He conducted the postofifice in Harrison township from 1891 until 1898, and also carried on a store there for fifteen years. He was town- ship clerk for thirteen years and was likewise township school treasurer. In 1896, however, he sold his business interests in Harrison township and in 1898 removed to Rockford, following his election to the office of county treasurer, in which capacity he served for four years, or until 1902, retiring from office with the confidence and good will of all concerned, his capable administration of the aflfairs of the position having won him high enconiums. In 1902 he became manager of the west end yard of the Rockford Lumber and Fuel Company, but had to abandon that position 242 PAST A\D PRESENT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. on account of ill health occasioned h) the injury sustained in the Civil war. He now deals to some extent in real estate, but is largely living re- tired. He owns the home in Rockford where he resides at No. 151 1 School street, and a lot on Locust street, on which he is now erecting a fine residence. He belongs to Xevius post, No. i, G. A. R., of Rockford. and to Harrison camp, No. 684. M. W. .\.. while lx)th he and his wife are valued members and generous contributors to the Pres- byterian church. In politics he has always Ix'en an earnest republican since casting his first pres- idential ballot in 1864, ever voting the straight ticket. He is deci)ly interested in the success and growth of his pjirty and his devotion to its wel- fare and his loyalty to all that is beneficial ni friendship have been the means of winning his elections when as the candidate of the repub- lican ticket he has stood for office. JOHN \\\ WOLVEN. John W. Wolven is one of the valued citizens of Pecatonica. whose business activity and ca- pable service in public office have made him a representative man here. He was born in Greene county. New York, September 4. 1830. and in his early childhood was taken to Canada, his education being acquired in the schools of that country and in Wisconsin. His parents, Ja- cob and Elizabeth (Story) Wolven, were both natives of New York, the former born in 1800, while his death occurred in Canada in 1834, at a comparatively early age. His wife, long sur- viving, departed this life in Seward township, Winnebago county, in 1893. ^I"". \\'olven was a butcher by trade, and would buy a beef, sheep or hog which he would slaughter and then peddle the meat. In this way he made a living for his family, which numbered four children : John W., who was born in Greene county. New York ; and Benjamin. Catherine and Andrew, all born in Canada. Soon after the father's death John W. Wol- ven, the eldest of the children, left his home to make a living for the family. The mother took in sewing, making clothing for people in the neighborhood, and when between them they had saved up a little money she determined to re- turn to New York. She hired a team to take them across the country, but at Lewiston. New York, their supply of money gave out and they were forced to remain there for some time until they could work and earn enough more to en- able them to complete the journey. They moved to Buffalo and later to Lockport. New York, where they were living when visited by Mr. Wright, an uncle of our subject, with whom they returned to BufTalo and later accompanied him to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1847. making the jour- ney in a sailing vessel around the lakes. From Racine Mr. Wolven, with his uncle and family, went to Duck lake, in Walworth county, Wis- consin, where he remained with Mr. Wright for about two years. He hauled grain and worked in the town for four dollars i)er month. He was employed in that way for about six weeks, after which he returned to his uncle's home. Later his mother married again, becoming the wife of William Russell, and Mr. Wolven then went to live with her and his step-father. The latter se- cured him a position as cook on a lumber vessel, sailing between Michigan ports anil Racine and he was on the lakes for two years, spending his winters in .Shehovgan. Wisconsin, with Mr. and Mrs. Russell, who had removed to that place from Racine. When Mr. Wolven had saved forty dollars he went to Bloomfield. Wisconsin, where he lived with his uncle and attended school in the winter months. He afterward began work at digging wells, being employed in that way for about si.x weeks, and in the fall he became a man in the harvest field upon his uncle's farm. The follow- ing spring he went to Richmond, where he pur- chased a grain cradle, and with this implement he began cradling grain for a dollar and a half per day in the employ of Mr. Sutton. \\'hen the wheat was all cradled he cut rye. The follow- ing season he purchased a yoke of steers for fi)rt\- dollars, taking this step through the in- lluence of his uncle. Mr. Wolven did not wish to put all of his money in the steers, but found that he profiled hv doing so. Later he purchased three yoke and his uncle bought three yoke, after which they broke grub land. Just before pur- chasing his steers Mr. Wolven came to Win- nebago county and bought a soldier's land war- rant for one hundred and fifty dollars, with which he obtained one hundred and sixty acres of land in Seward township. He then returned to Bloomfield. Wisconsin, traveling most of the way on foot. He next purchased a pair of oxen for forty dollars, for which he gave his note and then plowed forty acres of land, for which he received forty dollars, and was thus enabled to discharge his indebtedness. Realizing the need of education he attended school, working nights and mornings for his board for O. H. P. Gookin, who wintered his stock for him. He broke land through the succeeding sunnner and again spent the winter with Mr. Gookin. .A.t this time he hired to haul wheat to Kenosha for S. Post, re- ceiving four dollars and a half for three days' work, using his own oxen. With the money thus earned he came west to his land in Seward township, bringing four yoke of oxen with him. He traded his grain cradle and his best coat in .U<' PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 245 order to get his last steer. After reaching this county he boarded witli Mr. Warner near his own claim, paying him a dollar and a half per week. He then began working his land, turn- ing" the first furrow on twenty-five acres. He also broke ten acres for a neighbor for a dollar and a half per acre, for which he received an order on a merchant in Freeport. Mr. Moore gave him a cow for breaking land, and he after- ward obtained another cow in the same way. When E. Cleveland came to the county he gave Mr. Wolven a dollar and a half per acre for breaking twenty-five acres of land, paying him the cash, which was the first money that he ever received for breaking prairie in Winnebago county. Mr. Wolven"s next service was in the harvest field. He found two men who had a Smith reaper, and he began working for a dollar and a half per day. He cut hay to winter his cattle on and in the fall of 185 1 he began working for a contractor on the Chicago & Galena Railroad, breaking the ground for the construction work. Through trading he afterward obtained five acres of timber land and hauled logs to Sumner's mill. As he found oportunity he continued the work of improvement upon his own land, fencing- eighty acres and seeding twenty acres. He built a granary upon his farm and he traded his oxen for a two-horse team. In the following June he sold his land and its improvements for twenty- five hundred dollars, reinvesting in one hundred and twenty acres in Stephenson county and eighty acres in Winnebago county. On the for- mer tract there was an old house, but few im- provements had otherwise been made. In the same fall Mr. Wolven was married to Miss Juliett Martin, a daughter of David and Hannah (Brando) Martin. In 1879, however, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the nth of November, at the age of forty-three years, four months and twenty- nine days. Their eldest son, Albert, died April 6, i860, at the age of ten days. They had one son, Edwin, who is living in Worthington, Min- nesota. Charles A. married Miss Bombard, of Harvard, Illinois, and died February 26, 1892, at the age of thirty years, six months and four- teen days. The other members of the family, Jessie and Georgia, are twins. For his second wife Mr. Wolven chose !Miss Ida Lamb, a na- tive of Minnesota, with whom he lived for about twenty-two years. After her death he married Mrs. Levina Wallick, this marriage taking place September 7, 1904. Three times he has divided his property with his children. Just before his second marriage he gave each of his children land to the value of fourteen thousand dollars, and later on he again made division of his prop- erty, giving twenty-three thousand dollars to 15 each of his children and an equal amount to his wife. In the fall of 1904 he deeded his Kansas land, consisting of fifty-three quarter sections. Ten quarter sections of this he gave to people outside of his family, one of whom had long been in his employ, while the balance was given to his children. At the present time he owns twenty-four and a half quarter sections in Hand county, South Dakota ; and between six and seven hundred acres in Stephenson county, Illi- nois ; one hundred and twenty-five acres in Win- nebago county ; and four hundred and twenty- three acres in Minnesota ; while his improved property in Rockford is valued at fifty thousand dollars. Air. Wolven has acted as supervisor for four or five years, was also mayor for five or six years in Pecatonica, giving to the city an administra- tion characterized by marked helpfulness and progressiveness. He is to-day one of the wealthy men of Winnebago county, and is a splendid example of the self-made man, for he was in very limited financial circumstances in his youth. He has acquired extensive landed holdings through judicious investment, but more than all he owes his success to his untiring industry and careful management. As the years have gone by he has made the most of his opportunities ; has strongly guarded his business, and has worked earnestly and persistently. For years he did any service that would yield him an hon- orable living, and was found busy from early morning until late at night. Thus he gained his start, and in later years the result as a raiser of grain and stock and his dealings in land have brought him the splendid success which now crowns his labors. HON. FREDERICK HAINES. Hon. Frederick Haines, treasurer of the Forest City Insurance Company of Rockford, is a son of Anthony and Adaline (Rowse) Haines. The father was a native of Marietta, Pennsylvania, and the mother's birth occurred in Bucyrus, Ohio. They were married in 1853 and the following year became residents of Rockford. The father was engaged in the grain business in this city for m.any years and was otherwise identified with its commercial and industrial activity, conducting an important manufacturing plant for several years. He sought for the development and up- building of his locality as well as for individual success, and in public office he rendered capable service, being a member of the county board of supervisors for eighteen years, and he represented the first ward in the city council about the same length of time. His long continuance in the of- 246 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. fice of supervisor was uninistakable evidence of his tKlclity to duty. Frederick Haines, whose birth occurred in Rock ford .Autrii'^t 30. 1863, was a student in the city schools until he had been advanced through consecutive grades and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1S79. He tirst en- gaged in business with J. McDermaid, manufac- turer of churns, with whom he was associated at that time for a year. Alert and enterprising, watchful of business opportunities and quick to utilize the advantages that had offered, he as- sisted in the organization of the Rockford Street Railway Company, thus meeting a public demand for transportation facilities. He acted as superin- tendent of the road until the ])laiit was changed to electric power. He afterward spent two years with the Rockford Construction Company and in 1900 he was elected to the important position of treasurer of the Forest City Insurance Company, which position he now holds. The business of this company has reached extensive proportions and the corporation is widely and favorably known. Mr. Haines, as one of its executive offi- cers, has contributed in no small degree to its success. As a business man he is very energetic, sagacious and discriminating, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. In the political campaign of 1902 Mr. Haines was nominated on the republican ticket as the candidate for representative in the state legisla- ture and was elected by a large majority. At the session of 1903 he was ])laced on several impor- tant committees and his serv-ices were most ac- ceptable to his constituency. He was closely con- nected with some of the important constructive legislation of that assembly and he formed the acquaintance and won the admiration of a large number of the prominent members of the house. Mr. Haines was married in 1887 to Miss Min- nie Bushnell, of Sterling, Illinois, and they now have one son, Anthony. The family home is at 1621 National avenue, and in his fraternal rela- tions Mr. Haines is a Mason, a Knight of Py- thias and an Elk. He has become widely known through business and political relations and is a typical citizen of the west, determined in accom- plishing the task that lies before him. making opportunity where none exists, and i)ushing for- ward the wheels of progress in various paths wherein lies the ui^building and prosperity of the communitv and the commonwealth. GEORGE A. FRITZ. George A. Fritz, a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of this county and now a retired farmer living upon his home place on sections 11 and 12, Durand township, where he owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, was born upf>n this farm Sei)iember 25, 1840. His parents were George and Cornelia J. (Cleveland) I-'ritz, the former born in Maryland of German parentage, while the latter was born in the state of New York in 1827. It was in the year 1837 that George Fritz, Sr., arrived in Illinois. enteriTig from the government the land upon which his son George now resides. It was entirely destitute of improvements, being covered with the native prairie grasses but he at once began to break the i)rairie and till the fields and in course of time was gathering abundant harvests. Throughout the long ])eriod of his residence in Winnebago county he continued upon this farm, where his death occurred in 1898, when he was eighty-one years of age. His wife passed away in i88r. The surviving mem- bers of their family are: George A. ; Henry, who married Mary J. Crowley and resides in Harrison townshij). has three daughters and one son, de- ceased ; and Ellen A., who is living in Durand township. Ann Cecelia, who is deceased, married Henry E. Harris, of Durand towship, and left four children: Fred M.. a rural mail carrier of Durand ; Lewis H., of Seattle, Washington ; Ray- mond F., of Chicago: and Lillian I., now postmis- tress of Durand. George A. Fritz, whose name introduces this review-, has spent his entire life upon the home farm save for the brief period of three years spent in the l^nion .\rmy during the Civil war. He was educated in the common schools and was trained to farm work, early becoming his father's assistant in the development and cultivation of the fields. In August, 1862, however, he put aside business and personal considerations that he might aid in the preservation of the Union and heconie a member of Company IT. .Seventy- fourth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until mustered out in August, 1865. He took part in the battles of Perryville and Stone River and many of lesser importance and was in the hospital service for a considerable portion of his time but wherever his duty called he was found loyal and promjit in its discharge and made a creditable record as a soldier. When the war was over Mr. Fritz returned to his home and his bride, having been married after his enlistment to Miss Sarah A. Frazier, of Durand township, the wedding taking place on the 20th of .August, 1862. Her parents were .\lva V. and Lucy (TruesdelH Frazier. Her father was born in the state of New York in 1804 and soon after his marriage made his way westward to Chicago, which at that time con- tained but thirteen buildings. He remained in or near the embrvo citv for several vears and MR. AND ^IRS. G. A. FRITZ. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 249 afterward removed to Wisconsin when Mrs. Fritz was about seven years of age. He purchased a farm in Green county and for many years Hved in Wisconsin and in Illinois, but eventually re- moved to Iowa, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was a native of the Empire state, died at their Iowa home when eighty-six years of age. The broth- ers of Mrs. Fritz are : John F. Frazier, who is living in Quincy, Iowa : James W., who died leaving a son ; John, now a resident of Montana ; Mrs. Ella Patterson, a resident of Minnesota ; and Mrs. .Sarah A. Gaylord, who is living in Durand, Illinois. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz was blessed with seven children. George W., born in 1865 and now living in Durand, married Lucy Nowles and has two sons, Paul and Ralph : Alinnie, born in 1867, is the wife of James H. Thomas; Rosa A., born in 1869, is at home; Burton E., born in 1873, is a resident of Durand township ; Wil- liam A., born in J875, resides in Bremerton, Washingfton ; Artie R., born in 1879, is at home; and Lawrence E., born in 1881, is also at Bremerton. Reared to the occupation of farming, Mr. Fritz has always followed that pursuit as a life work but is now retired from active business cares, his farm being conducted by his son. He has a valuable tract of land of three hundred and sixty acres, a part of which has never been out of possession of the family since it was entered from the government by his father. He has made good improvements thereon and he conducted his work in a practical, systematic manner that resulted in bringing him a hand- some competence. In politics he is independent and he attends the Baptist church of Laona township. His entire life having been passed in this county, he has a very wide acquaintance here and his many excellent traits of character have gained him the esteem of those with whom he has associated. He is numbered among the honored pioneer settlers and in a quiet way has done his full share toward the improvement and upbuilding of the locality in which he resides. THOM.\S WELLINGTON. Thomas Wellington, deceased, who became a resident of Rockford in 1852. and was for a num- ber of years connected with its industrial interests, was a native of England, born ]\Iarch g, 1831. His parents were Abraham and Jennifer Welling- ton, also natives of England, in which country thev resided until after their son Thomas came to the new w orld. Later they emigrated to America, settling in Rockford, where the father lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest until called to his final home. His wife has also passed away. Their son William was the first of the family to cross the Atlantic and he, too, resided in Rockford, where he engaged in stonecutting until his death. Thomas Wellington was educated in the com- mon schools of his native country, where he corir tinned to reside until he attained man's estate. He then determined to seek his home and fortune in America and in company with a companion about his own age he made the voyage to the new world. On reaching New York he at once re- sumed his journey, his destination being Rock- ford, in which city his brother William was then living. Here Thomas Wellington at once began learning the stonecutter's and stonemason's trade and in addition to working along this line he would frequently drive through the county among the farmers, exchanging coffee, tea and groceries for eggs and other farm products. He was quite successful in that business. As a stone- cutter he assisted in the erection of many of the early schoolhouses and other public buildings of the kind and became a proficient workman, his sendees being in constant demand. In 1857 Mr. Wellington was united in mar- riage in Rockford to Miss Margaret Martin, a native of Belpre, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Mary (I'atterson) Martin, who were na- tives of Scotland, whence they came to America at an early day, settling in Ohio, where Mr. Mar- tin was engaged in farming for a few years. He afterward came to Winnebago county and was among the early settlers in this part of the state. He purchased a tract of land in Guilford town- ship and for many years was engaged in farm- ing, making his place a very productive and well- improved property. Subsequently he removed to Bremer conntv, Iowa, where he continued farm- ing until after his wife's death, when he returned to' the land of his nativity and there lived retired until called to his final home. He was a man of integrity and wherever he went he was respected by all with whom he came in contact. The sur- viving members of his family are Mrs. W'elling- ton and John H. Martin, the latter a retired bank- er, now residing in Tripoli, Iowa, where for many years he was engaged in the banking business, a pursuit that has always been followed by his son. He is now a very well-to-do man, with a desirable capital to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, he is living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Wellington became the parents of two sons and two daughters. Charles, who died at the age of forty \ears, was a butcher in Rock- ford, Illinois, and also in Rockford, Iowa, his death occurring in the latter place. He married Eva Kaufman.' also now deceased, and they had ^5° PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. 'Mm one cliild, Mabe! Edmoiuls, who is liviiiurohased land in Owen township, Winnebago county. Hither he brought his fam- ily in 1857 and located on the farm which he had prepared. He lived in Owen township until 1880, when he purchased a farm on section 18, Harlem township, to which he removed, making his home there until his later years, when he located at La- tham Park. He died March 15, 1898, a most re- spected and worthy citizen of the community. His wife bore the maiden name of Charit>' Dar- ing and was a native of Wright, Schoharie coun- ty. New York, born January 5, 1827. Her par- ents were Frederick and Catherine Daring, who were also natives of the Empire state. The daughter Charity gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Schoonmaker on the 19th of August, 1848, and they traveled life's journey together as man and wife for almost a half century. Mrs. Schoon- maker is now living at Latham Park and is a hale and active old lady, doing lier own housework. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons, of whom Frederick Schoonmaker is now living on a part of the old homestead in Harlem township. He married Miss Minnie Bryden, a daughter of James Bryden, and they have two sons. David Schoonmaker came west with his par- ents in 1857 when a youth of seventeen years and lived upon ihe home farm in Owen township un- til 1880, when he removed to the farm which his father purchased in Harlem township and there he resided until 1897. He was throughout the period of liis active business career engaged in general farming and his labors were carefully directed, so that he secured a comfortable compe- tence as the years passed by. He was practical In all of his work, systematic in everything relating to the improvement and cultivation of the farm and enterprising in everything that he undertook. At length he retired from the farm and removed to Latham Park in order to care for his parents who were living there. On the 8th of November, 1904, he removed to the city of Rockford. where he is now living with his estimable wife in a comfortable home at 1227 Crosby street. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres in section 18, Harlem township, and brings to him a good rental. On the 23d of November, 1886, Mr. Schoon- maker was married to Miss Ida Wright, a daugh- ter of Solomon and Eliza Wright, of Rockford township. Mr. and Mrs. Schoonmaker attend the Baptist church and he is a member of camp No. 616, M. W. A., at Latham Park. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican and while at Latham Park served as postmaster from the 15th of June, 1898, until the ist of July, 1904. He was also for three years road commissioner in Harlem township, for many years was school director and likewise filled the ofhce of justice of the peace, discharging every duty that de- volved upon him with promptness and fidelity. His faithfulness to every trust has been one of his marked characteristics and his business record, political service and private life are alike above reproach. HENRY ^l. BRINKERHOFF. Henry M. Brinkerhofif, deceased, who was en- gaged in the dairy business in Rockford for sev- eral years, was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1856, his parents l^eing John M. and Alargaret (Creswell) Brinkerhofif. The mother died in the Keystone state when her son Henry was but eight years of age. The father afterward carried on agricultural pursuits in Pennsylvania until 1887, when he came west with his son Henry and settled at Franklin Grove, Illinois, where he lived retired until the son removed to Rockford, the father accompanying him. There he also lived retired until his death, which oc- curred December 24, 1894. Henry M. Brinkerhofif was a student in the common schoools near Gettysburg and in his youth assisted in the operation of the home farm until the father sold the property in 1887. As stated, they came together to Illinois and the sub- ject of this review secured a position as baggage man for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company at Franklin Grove. Later he was transferred to Dixon, Illinois, where he occupied a similar position for the same corporation for about two years. He then removed to Rockford in 1890 and entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, W. A. Moore, in the establish- ment and conduct of a grocery store at the north- west corner of Church and State streets. They engaged in business there for two years, at the end of which time Mr. Brinkerhofif sold his inter- est to Mr. Sharp, but continued in the store as an employe for a brief period. He then turned his attention to the dairy business at No. 826 Mul- berry street and used several milk wagons in the delivery of the dairy products, being accorded a yen,' liberal patronage. He engaged in business up to the time of his death and was quite success- ful, his labors bringing to him a good financial return annually. Mr. Brinkerhofif was married in Franklin ^5^ PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Grove to JMiss Flora \'. Plank, a native of Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania, and a daugflUir of George and Tirzali (Kittinger) Plank, both of wbom were natives of Peinisylvania. wbere tbe fatbcr followed farming tbroughoiil his entire life. He died in that state and bis widow is still residing upon the old bonie farm tbere. Mr. and Mrs. I'lrinkerhotT bad one daugbter. Tirzab. who is living at brme wilb her motlier. The death of Mr. Urinkerholt occurred on tbe 6th of March, 1905. He was a member of the Woodmen camp and tbe Fraternal League, both of Rockford, and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party, but never sought or de- sired office. He was known throughout his home neighborhood as the "early riser," as be always liad his milk wagons out at a very early hour. His close application to bis work and his unre- mitting diligence undermined his health. On the 1st of September, 1904. be i)urcbase(l a residence at No. 713 Rockton avenue, where bis widow and daughter now reside. Mrs. I'rinkerboff is a mem- ber of tbe German Baptist church of Rockford and is living with her daughter in the home pre- pared for her by her husband, together with her two cousins. Raphael Kittinger an9 Mr. Rockwell was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wilford. a native of Wisconsin. In politics he is an earnest republican, keeping well informed on the f|uestions and issues of the day and at this writing he is ser\-ing as supervisor of Rockton townshiji. He had filled the office for two years, when in 1905 he was re-elected for a second term. lie has also been a member of the village board and has been town clerk for sev- eral years, discharging the duties of these posi- tions in a capable manner, which indicates his public-spirited interest in the general welfare. The circle of his acquaintance is an extensive one and his friends are almost equally numerous, for in this county where nnich of his life has been passed he has the favorable regard and good will of a large number of those with whom he has been brought in contact. CLINTON HELM, M. D. Clinton Hcliu, M. D.. who since 1878 has en- joyed a substantial practice as a member of the medical fraternity at Rockford, was bom in Schoharie county. New York, in 1829. His father. Woodhul! Helm, was born in Orange county, \cw York, in 1777. and was of English and Irish lineage. The English branch of the family received a coat of anns as a reward for distinguished service to the state. Woodhull Helm was a member of the state militia for many years, and rose to the rank of captain. He was three tiiues married, his third wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Lucy Ruggles, being the mother of Dr, Helm, who was the youngest mem- ber of the family. About 1835 the father re- moved to Jersey county, Illinois, and in 1837 to Ogle county, this state, where his remaining davs were passed. He died in Byron in 1845. when sixty-eight years of age. Dr. Clinton Helm was a lad of six years when brought by his parents to Illinois, and his early education, obtained in the common schools, was supplemented by study in Rockford Academy. I^ter he entered upon preparation for his chosen profession as a student in the office of Dr. Lucius Clark, of this city, and his later reading and in- vestigation were carried on as a student in the medical department of the L^niversity of Iowa, at Keokuk, in 1852. Following his graduation. Dr. Helm located for practice in Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois, and afterward removed to Byron, whence he later went to Beloit, Wisconsin, remaining for eight years as a practitioner of that city, his pat- ronage constantly growing in volume and impor- tance. It was alxjut the end of that time when, in September. 1862, he rceived appointiuent from Governor Yates to the jiosition of sergeant of the Ninety-second Illinois Infantry, and during the succeeding year he was with that command in all of its marches and battles. On the 20th of Sep- tember. 1863. he was captured by the Confeder- ates at Chickamauga. Tennessee, and spent two months in Libby prison. During the last vear of the war he was with General Kilpatrick's com- mand as inedical director, and was honorably dis- charged June 21. 1865. having rendered valuable aid to his country by the exercise of his profes- sional skill among the ill and wounded. When the war was over Dr. Helm returned to Byron, and in 1878 became a resident of Rock- ford, where he has since practiced his profession. He was not long in demonstrating to the public lus thorough understanding of the principles of medicine, and his correct application of their use as remedial agencies, and his business steadilv grew. He is a member of the Winnebago County Medical Society, and is called in consultation in critical cases over a wide area of country. There had been great changes made in the methods of ])racticc during the years of his connection with the profession, and Dr. Helm has kept in touch with the onward march of progress. Dr. Helm was married in 1852 to Miss Hannah S. Poyneer, a native of Connecticut, and of French lineage. She was a lady of superior cul- ture and refinement, kindly in manner, charitable in disposition, helpful and Ix-nevolent in action. Both the Doctor and Mrs. Ileliu held membership in the Second Congregational church, and were foremost in charitable work here. They became the parents of six children, five of whom are liv- ing: Minnie F... wife of E. J. White, of Chi- cago: Clinton, a practicing dentist of Rockford; Eva, wife of Charles McGlashan : Harry S. and Willis. Mrs. Helm died in July, 1899. her death being deeplv deplored bv many who had come to know and love her during the years of her resi- dence in Rockford. Dr. Helm maintains his home at No. 62?: Mulberry street, and in the comnnmity is ]ironiinent professionally and so- cially, his uiiriffht life justly entitling him to the esteem in wliich he is held. JOHN F. .\Nn GEORGE P. McMAHON. Jolin F. and George P. McMahon are repre- sentative far-uers of Burritt township, living on section 27 where they own and cultivate one hun- dred and sixty acres of rich productive land. John DR. CLINTON HELAi. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 259 F. McMahon was born in November, 1873. upon the old homestead farm where he yet resides, and the birth of George P. McMahon occurred March 14, 1877. Their father, Hugh McMahon, was a native of Ireland, born in January, 1846, and with his parents he came to the United States in 1853, being then a youth of seven years. He remamed under the parental roof until 1862, when at the early age of sixteen years he re- sponded to the call of his adopted country for aid and enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of the Ninetieth Volunteer Infantry. He was n:ade sergeant of Conipany A and color bearer of his regiment and served with the army until the close of the war, proving a loyal and valorous soldier. He participated in twenty-one engagements, beginning with Vicksburg and ending at Bentonville, North Carolina. He was with Sherman throughout his campaign to At- lanta, on to the sea and through the Carolinas and was also with General Sherman's division in the grand review at Washington, D. C, where the president viewed the victorious army march- ing through the streets of the capital city. When the war was over Hugh McMahon re- turned to Winnebago county and was employed at farm labor until his industry and economy had brought him capital sufficient to purchase a home. In 1870 he became the owner of what is now the old McMahon homestead and lived thereon for a number of years, placing many modern improve- ments on the farm. He is now, however, living re- tired, leaving the active work of the farm to his sons, his home being at No. 318 Rockton avenue in Rockford. He has been quite prominent and in- fluential in local community affairs and for eight years served as justice of the peace, his decisions being characterized by a strict regard to the equity as well as the law in the case. He has also been school director for many terms and on the 1st of July, 1903, he was appointed to a position in the rural free delivery postal service. In poli- tics he has alwavs been a stanch democrat and he and his familv are members of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Mary's parish in Rock- ford. John F. and George P. McMahon are with one exception the eldest members of the family and the others are as follows : James F., who was born November 26, 1873, and was married, February 7, 1901, to Miss Nellie Steifman. a daughter of John and Mary Steifman, of Bur- ritt, while their home is now in the village of Winnebago ; Charles H., who was born May 7, i88t, and is living with his parents in Rock- ford; Mary E., who was born December 17, 1882, and is at home : and Thomas Joseph and David Henry, who died in infancy. John F. and George P. McMahon were reared upon the old family homestead. They were students in the public schools of the neighbor- hood in their boyhood days and through the months of summer assisted in the work of the fields. They are now in charge of the home property, cultivating one hundred and sixty acres of land which is rich and arable. In all of their work they are practical and the eft'orts of the one ably supplement the labors of the other. John F. McMahon was married. May 2, 1905, to Miss Helen E. Redmond, a daughter of Henry and Julia Redmond, of Rockford, Illinois, who are members of old families of the city. Her birth occurred October 12, 1879, and she has always lived in this county. John McMahon is now serving his second term as justice of the peace and his third term as school director. The brothers are both advocates of democratic prin- ciples and are members of St. Mary's Catholic church of Rockford. They are wide-awake and enterprising young business men, widely and favorably known in the locality where they re- side and where they are so directing their efforts as to win creditable prosperity. HUGH McMICHAEL. Hugh McMichael is the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Win- nebago township, and' his labors have made it a valuable property, well equipped with modern ac- cessories and conveniences. Mr. McMichael ar- rived in Winnebago county in 185 1 and for ten years was a resident of Rockford. He is a native of Scotland, his birth having occurred in Argyle- shire in 1830. His parents were Hugh and Nancy fMcDougall) McMichael. The "mother died in Scotland, after which the father came to this country in 1853 and resided in Winnebago county, Illinois, up to the time of his death, which occurred in Harlem township, in 1879, when he was about eighty-four years of age. In his fam- ily v/ere six children, who came to America, namely : Malcolm, now living in Rockford ; Neil, a farmer residing on the old homestead in Har- lem township : Elizabeth, who died in the Scotch settlement in this county in 1857; Mrs. Archie Stewart, now a resident of Minnesota ; and Don- ald, who afterward returned to Scotland, where he died in 1803. Hugh McMichael spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the land of hills and heather and learned the blacksmith's trade in that country. He crossed the Atlantic in 1851 and, making his way to this county, was for the succeeding decade a resident of Rockford, following the blacksmith's trade in that city. He then took up his abode in 26o PAST AND PRESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. Harlem township, north of Art,'-yle. wliere he re- sided for four years, while later he spent fourteen years in Owen towTiship, where lie was engaged in general farming. He removed to his present farm in 1880 and has since made it his home. He now has one htindrcd and sixty acres of land on section 21, Winnebago township, and this is well improved largdy through his own efforts. He also owns another tract of ninety-eight acres in the same township and he operates the entire amoimt, giving his time and energies to general farming with excellent success. Mr. McMichael was married in this county to Miss Mar^• Hill, wlio was born in Arg)leshire, Scotland, and came to America in 1858. They have si.v children, all of whom are living. Daniel, a resident of Rockford, employed in the tin shop of John Rawlstou. married a .Miss Henderson, who resided near Caledonia, Illinois, and they have two daughters. Ellen and Edith. Agnes is residing at home. Hugh is following farming on his father's land. Lizzie is the wife of James McXair, a resident fanner of Winnebago town- ship, and they have two chililren. Jean and Rob- ert. John, engaged in the real-estate business, makes his home at Cedar Falls. South Dakota. James is now a .student in a dental college in Los Angeles, California. In his political views .Mr. McMichael has al- ways been a democrat since becoming a natural- ized American citizen and he has filled several township offices in a creditable manner, faith- fully discharging every duty that has devolved upon him. Both he and his wife are members of the Winnebago Presbyterian church, interested and active in its work. THEODORE E. BUCKBEE. Among the early settlers in beautiful Winne- bago county, famed far and wide as one of the garden spots of Illinois, was Jesse Buckbee. A far-seeing man, whose tendencies were agricul- tural, the new country, to which he was aljoul to remove his family, presented immense possi- bilities to him and to an extent it can be truly said that the city of Rockford and the entire country, of which it is the natural capital and trade center, stand, in these latter days, a nioini- ment to the business sagacity of the Xew York farmer who. anticipating Horace Greeley's since famous advice, had given up his eastern home and had come west to grow up with the country. For he had no sooner thoroughly inspected the country in the region round about Rockford, then but a village, than he i)urcliased a full sec- tion of land to the immediate south, set uf) a farm upon it and a home for his family. That land is now largely within the corporate limits of Rockford, much of it is taken up by splendid homes and the city has spread to the south, the east and the west until the old homestead is fairly surrounded and is no longer "out in the country." On the site which was once a pasture ticld of the lidme farm stands one of the largest buildings in Rockford, in which a grandson of Jesse Buckbee conducts a business whose opera- tions extend to every section of the United States, Canada and lands across the sea. John, the first of the Ikickbee family known to America, settled on .Manhattan Island in the seventeenth century, having come from luigland. The second generation from John brought the descent to Russell Buckbee, who gained fame as a lieutenant in the Revolution. He participated in the battle of Trenton, where he was taken prisoner by the Hessians. An exchange of pris- oners released him from the guardship where he had been contined. and after the close of the war he settled in Orange county, Xew York, where his son, Jesse, was born. The latter grew to manhood in Monroe county. New York, at Buck- bee's Corners, near Chili Center, fourteen miles southwest from Rochester, and there, June 22, 1833. Theodore E. was born, the seventh of nine children. In 1844 the family removed to the west, traveling by wagon to Buffalo, thence by way of the Great Lakes to Milwaukee, thence overland again to Janesville, Wisconsin. The children who made the journey were Charles W., I'Vaucis v.. Theodore E. and Eleanor. The first named, who became quite prominent in Rock- ford business affairs, died in 1887, a bachelor, and is buried here. Francis A. is a highly re- spected resident of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and for years has been one of the leading attorneys of Walworth county. Eleanor (Mrs. John Ames), aged eighty-four, and the oldest of the family, resides at Nora, near Stoughton, Wis- a>nsin. Theodore E. died in Rockford, June 6, 1904, and is buried here. The mother of these children. Mary Secor. daughter of French par- ents, was a most estimable woman, and her char- acter and guiding ability are reflected in the up- right and ever honorable lives of her sons and her daughter. She died in Rockford in 1875, at the ripe age of eighty-four. When Jesse Buckbee. through a letter of in- troduction to the late Horace Miller, had an excellent opportunity to view the land around Rockford. he forthwith decided to settle, and accordingly purchased the section of land hereto- fore mentioned, removing his family to the new home from Janesville by ox team, and reaching Rockford February 22. 1843. Here Theodore made his habitation continuously until his death, and his life was closely and almost entirely inter- woven with the growth and material progress of the citv. No man ever lived who had more PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 261 friends in Winnebago county nor whom more thoroughly deserved to have them. His advice in business and pubHc affairs was sought eagerly and often and those who followed it had no regrets. A pioneer republican, whose first son, as a happy omen, was born on the very day that saw the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency of the United States, he was active in the councils of his party for over forty years, and for more than thirty years was chairman of its town com- mittee. As a member of the board of supervisors (for many years its chairman), he served the public with fidelity and unquestioned integrity. He was chairman when the splendid memorial hall was erected in Rockford to commemorate the valor of the soldiers and sailors of Winnebago county, and at its dedication, June, 1893, intro- duced to the audience Theodore Roosevelt, the orator of the day. As an officer and director of the Winnebago County Fair Association he paid special attention to the speed department and brought it up to a high standard, serving the society until it finally passed out of existence. He also served as director of the Mechanics' Fur- niture Company. His home life was ideal. In i860, on Febru- ary II, he was married to Katherine Elizabeth Allington, who was born at Van Etten, New York, and was a daughter of Jacob and Kath- erine (Westbrook) Allington. Her father was from a sturdy Scotch family. Her mother was a daughter of David Westbrook and ]\Iary Dimon. Jacob Allington was a son of Elizabeth Swart- wood, whose ancestor, Peter Swartwood, was one of the four original Swarthwoods who emi- grated from Holland to America long before the Revolutionary war, and Peter's grandson Jacob, became a general in that successful struggle for freedom. A member of this same Swartwood family married Kathenne Van Auken, one of the heroines of the Revolution. Mrs. Buckbee still makes her home in Rockford. Her only children are two sons — Hiram W., born November 6, i860, and John T., born August I, 1 87 1, both residents and prominent business men of Rockford. The immense seed business conducted by them under the name of H. W. Buckbee, with its collateral branches, Rockford Seed Farms and Forest City greenhouses, is one of the most important merchandising institutions, not only of Rockford, but of Illinois, and for that matter, of the United States. Hiram W. was married September 15, 1885, to Mary, daugh- ter of Judge William Brown. John T. was mar- ried, November 2, 1897, to Florence, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Fisk H. Day, of Lansing, ]\Iich- igan. Two children, Francis and Mary, have been born to them, the former in 1899, the lat- ter in 1901. Of the inception and growth of the H. W. Buckbee seed business it may be well to say that the former was the work of growing seeds on the farm by the father, the latter the determi- nation to make a life work of it in larger form by the son Hiram. With the latter John T. has been associated for many years. Under skillful guidance the institution, which had such a mod- est begimiing has grown to real greatness in its particular line, and has carried the historic name of Buckbee to almost every quarter of the globe. JACOB A. REHM. Jacob A. Rehm, following farming on sec- tion 8, Harlem township, was born in Chicago, Illinois, March i, 1884, and resided at Blue Island until his removal to Harlem township in 1904. His grandfather, Jacob Rehm, was born in Alsace, France, December 6, 1828, and mar- ried Philloppina Richenbacker, a native of Germany now living in Chicago. The grand- father was a prominent business man of that city, as is Jacob A. Rehm, the father of our subject. When a young man the former drove a team to Galena, Illinois, taking emigrants to that place and passed through Rockford on the trip. He was then about fourteen years of age. He came to the United States in 1837 and after living in Naperville, Illinois, for two years the family removed to Chicago. When a youth he hauled water from Lake Michigan to the homes of people in the embryo city, selling it by the barrel. As the years have passed and the city has grown he has developed extensive and im- portant business interests and is now a pros- perous man. Jacob F. Rehm was born in Chi- cago, September 2, 1853, and is now the vice- president of the National Brewing Association. Throughout his entire business life he has been connected with the brewing business and has met with splendid success. He married Minnie Wuest, who was born in Chicago, September ID, 1858, and they still reside in that city. They have two sons and a daughter : Jacob A. ; Walter A., who was born December 31, 1886, and is now a student in Wisconsin State University ; and Clara Louisa, who was born November 2, 1882, and is at home. Jacob A. Rehm resided in Blue Island, a suburb of Chicago. He was a student in the ward schools of Blue Island and afterward at- tended the Lake Mew high school of ChicagxD and subsequently the Illinois Agricultural Col- lege, a department of the State LTniversity. He then returned to Blue Island, where he remained until 1904, when he removed to Winnebago county, settling in Harlem township. He is now extensively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in the breeding of 262 PAST A\n PRESENT OF WTXXEBAGO COUXTY. registered blooded stock, making a specialty of Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep and Berkshire hogs. His business interests are well conducted and his keen foresight and executive ability are noticably characteristic in his work. He be- longs to the Country Club of Rockford and is a member of the Xational College I-'raternity. His pt)litical allegiance is given to the republican party and while not an aspirant for oftice he is interested in its success. A young man, alert and enterprising, with laudable ambition, he has alread) attained a creditable measure of pros- perity which will undoubtedly be augmented in the future. I II RAM II. \V.\LD(). Hiram II. Waldo, the youngest son of Hiram and Uulcina Waldo, was born in Elba, Genesee county, Xew York, on the 23d day of Xovem- ber, 1827. He was educated in a country school and attended one term at Carey Collegiate Semi- nary in Alabama, Genesee county, Xew York. Having read glowing accounts of Rock river valley, Illinois, he was seized with the pioneer spirit and emigrated to Rockford, Illinois, in 1846, with the distinct purpose oi teaching school. On arriving in Rockford he was examined by Goodvear .\. Sanford, then school commissioner, and was granted a certificate of com])etency to teach school under the re(|uircments of the school laws then existing in Illinois. He tauglit successively and successfully at Whig Hill, Rock- ford, Cherry Valley, Guilford and Harlem, and was the assistant of C, A. Huntington and Seeley I'errv in the Rockford .\cademy. a private school where scholars were prepared for college. Samuel Montague, chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad and Alexander Kerr, professor in Greek of Madison University, were his class- mates. Mr. Waldo prepared himself in the Rockford Academy for P.eloit College, but being offered a handsome salary to accept a situation in the Chicago postoffice, he abandoned his col- lege career. He was foreman of the western dis- tribution department for two years, and then returned to Rockford to take charge of the Rockford postoffice under the postmastership of C. I. Horsman. Mr. Waldo was elected to the office of school commissioner in 1856. and held the office by election and apjiointment for eight years, and during that time he assisted Xcwton Bateman and Simeon Wright in framing the first free school law adopted by the Illinois legislature. On Sep- temlier i. 1855. he established a book store at 205 West State street, but moved, in 1859, to hi.s ])resent location, at 304 West State street, and Mr. Waldo is now celebrating his fiftieth anniversary as a bookseller and claims that he antedates any other book store in the state in continuous business under one firm name. In 1853 Mr. Waldo was married to Miss Olive S. True, of Lewiston, Maine. His wife's death occurred in September. 1835. In 1858 he was married to Miss Sarah E. llulett, of .\lbion, Michigan. Mr. Waldo was a re])ublican in politics until Horace Greeley was nominated by the democratic party, and since that time he has been an independent and voted for those men who were opposed to the protective tariff and in fa\dr of a sound and not a fictitious money basis. Mr. Waldo's religious affiliations are with the church of the Christian Union, which was or- ganized September i, 1870. He was a charter member and has not missed a Sunday service since its organization up to date. October 15, 1905. Mr. Waldo has never sought any political office since his retirement from the office of school commissioner but without his solicitation he was a])pointc(l receiver of the Second Xational Bank by Hon. James H. Eckels, then comptroller of the currency, and was continued in the office by Hon. Charles G. Dawes until its final settle- ment. Mr. Waldo is now seveiUy-eiglU years old and attends regularly to his daily business duties and wishes to do so as long as he can do business intelligently. He is not an advocate of "re- tiring" from business but rather for "continu- ing" in business as long as his health and strength will permit. Mr. Waldo said to the writer that the supreme desire of his life was to cultivate an optimistic spirit and become the possessor of a cheerful old age. Although Mr. Waldo is on the "last leaf" on the tree of business pioneers at Rockford he does not look "sad and wan" nor have the "melancholy grin" that character- ized the "Last Leaf," written about by Oliver Wendell Holmes. JOSEPH W. IRX'IXE. Through a number of years Joseph W. Irvine was known as a promoter of industrial and com- mercial activity in this city and through his financial assistance, wise counsel and able man- agement contributed to tlie business development which has made Rockford a leading productive center of Illinois. To the interests which claimed his attention he brought careful consideration and keen discrimination, and he would never tol- erate any methods save those which would bear the closest scrutiny, so that be won success and an honored name .simultaneously. Mr. Irvine was born in Belleville. Ontario, Canada, March TO. 1819, his parents being Rev. .\lexander and Clarissa (Harrington) Irvine. The father was A^..^ ^- -:%,^^,^J^, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 265 from Perthshire, Scotland, and was a descendant of an old and prominent family of that coun- try. His parents, William and Marjorie (Stu- art) Irvine, determining to make a home in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to the United States when their son Alexander was but four years of age and became residents of New York, William Irvine remaining a resident of the Em- pire state until his death. His wife, long surviv- ing him, removed to Canada, where she passed away at the age of ninety-seven years. She was connected with the royal family, and both she and her husband were members of the Presby- terian church. Plaving arrived at years of maturity Rev. Alexander Irvine was married in the state of New York to one of its native daughters. Miss Clarissa Harrington, who was descended from New England ancestry. They removed to Can- ada and during their residence there two chil- dren were born unto them. They afterward returned to the Empire state, but when Joseph W. Irvine was twelve years of age they went to Canada, whence they came to Illinois, in 1836. They first settled near Dixon, in Lee county, but after a short period removed to Ogle county, taking up their abode on the RoCk river, near Byron. Rev. Alexander Irvine secured a tract of land in Rockdale township from the govern- ment and began the development of a farm, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring in 1840, when he was in the prime of life. His wife survived him until during the period of the Civil war, when she passed away at the age of sixty-two years. Their church relationship was with the Methodist denomination. Their family numbered four sons and four daughters. Joseph W. Irvine, the second in order, was a }'outh of seventeen when he came with his par- ents to Illinois. He had attended the public schools of New York and Canada, but had no educational advantages after he was twelve years of age. He became, however, a well informed man, adding to his knowledge year by year through reading, experience and observation. After putting aside his text-books he was employd in a store in Toronto, Canada, and sub- sequent to the removal of the family to Ogle county, Illinois, he assistd his father in the opera- tion of the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he was married to Miss Electa Shel- don Parsons, a native of Massachusetts, in which state she spent her girlhood days. In early womanhood she came to Illinois, and her death occurred upon the farm in Ogle county, in 1856. She possessed many excellent traits of character that endeared her to a large circle of friends and was devoted to the welfare of her family. She had become the mother of five children : Edwin, 16 who is now a railroad mail agent, residing in Rockford, married Miss Mina Underwood ; Ellen C. is the wife of William Warburton, a resi- dent farmer of Buchanan county, Iowa ; Mary is the wife of Christian Burkholder, a dealer in agricultural implements in Sterling, Illinois ; W. Henn" is living with his sister in Sterling ; and one died in infancy. After losing his first wife Mr. Irvine was married, in Ogle county, to Miss Rebecca W. \\aggoner, in 1857. She was born in New Co- lumbia, Union county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of June, 1829. Her parents, Henry R. and Elsie (Woods) Waggoner, were natives of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, but at the time of their daughter's birth were living on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna. Her father was of Pennsylvania Dutch lineage, while her mother came of Irish ancestry. They were married in Northumberland county and in order to provide for his family Mr. Waggoner fol- lowed mechanical pursuits. In 1848 he brought his family to Ogle county. Illinois, settling on a farm in Rockdale township, and after losing his first wife he wedded Miss Margaret Hensel. Subsequently he went to Mount Morris, this state, where he passed away March 5, 1869, when about seventy-five years of age and his second wife also died there. Mrs. Irvine was one of seven children and by her marriage be- came the mother of five children, but the young- est, W^ilson S., died in infancy. Charles Erancis, the eldest, married C. Blanche Swarthout and is secretary and treasurer of the Rockford Over- alls Alanufacturing Company, making his home in Rockford. George L., president of the Rock- ford Overalls Manufacturing Companv, married ;\Iiss Nevada Miller, who died two months later, and he then married Hattie M. Swain. Elsie M. is the wife of C. Eugene Sovereign and thev reside in Rockford, ]Mrs. Irvine making her home with them. Mr. Sovereign is a member of the firm of C. E. Sovereign & Company, manu- facturers of neck yokes, leather washers and hardware specialties at No. 415-27 West State street and is very prominent in manufacturing circles here. He also represents one of the early families of the county and a sketch of his father, Israel Sovereign, is given elsewhere in this work. After his first marriage Mr. Irvine purchased a farm in Ogle county and was engaged in general agrcultural pursuits until October, 1869, when he removed to Rockford and became con- nected with what is now the Emerson Manu- facturing Company, being associated therewith for seventeen years. He was afterward with the AMlkins Knitting Factory for a few years and has been a promoter and stockholder in various other important business enterprises, sometimes activelv interested therein and at other times ^^^ PAST AXl) I'KKSEXT OF WIXXRHACO COrXTY. havinc: lint financial investment. He was con- nected with the Rockford Boot & Shoe Com- pany, the Silver Plate Mannfacturing Com- pany, the Rockford Watch Company, the Rock- ford \\'atch Case Company and the Rockford Overalls Company. He was esteemed for his sound business judg:ment and keen insight into intricate business problems. He possessed a large fund of that ([uality which we call com- mon sense and his opinions were sound and his counsel reliable. For some time he was presi- dent of the Rockford Boot & Shoe Company but in the later years of his life lived retired and in a well earned ease spent his remaining days in a beautiful home in Rockford. In his political affiliation Mr. Irvine was a stanch republican and held several offices in Ogle county but was never an aspirant for political preferment. He and his wife were members of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as a member of the official board and as trustee. He was one of the leading busi- ness men of this city and was very successful in all life's relations. He commanded the trust and good will of those with whom he came in contact and was never so busy but that he had time to accord to any one the courtesy of an interview and he also found opportunity to co- operate in movements for the moral development of the city. I\Irs. Irvine now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Sovereign, at X^o. 412 North Court street. ORLAXno F. CRILL. Orlando F. Crill, a retired farmer of Ogle county, became a resident of Rockford in 1900. He was born in Ogle county. May 30. 1850, his birthplace being his father's farm in Monroe township. He is a son of John J. Crill, who was born in Steuben county. New York, and with his parents came to Illinois in 1843, t'l^" family home being established in Monroe town- ship, where the grandfather, Henry Crill, fol- lowed farming for many years. As he pros- pered in his undertakings he wisely invested in land until he became the owner of about thirteen InuKlred acres, and this place is still in posses- sion of his descendants. In his family were nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom two daughters and a son are now living — Mrs. Orbit, who resides on West State street, in Rockford ; Mrs. Stocking, of Rochelle ; and Har- vey Crill, living on Xorth .Main street. John J. Crill. a native of New York state, was alwnit nineteen years of age when he came to rninr>is, anfl he assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm until twenty-one years of age, when he purchased a tract of land, upon which he spent his remaining days, developing it into an excellent farm i3ro])erty. He. too, be- came an extensive landowner, adding to his original ])urchase until he owned six hundred acres. His business judgment was sound and ac- curate and his investments were wisely placed, so that he realized a handsome financial return. He wedded Miss Margaret Keith, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, and they became the ])arents of two sons and a daughter — M. J. Crill, who is living on Third street in Rockford; Or- lando F. and Mrs. M. J. Hardy, whose home is on Third street in Rockford. In his i)olitical views the father was a republican. He kept thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day and held the office of as- sessor, but was never active in seeking ]iolitical ])referment. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church and their home was always the ])lace of entertainment for the ministers who visited the locality. Mr. Crill contributed most liberally to the support of the church and was (lee]ily interested in all that jiertained to the moral u|)building of the community. He died in the year 1888. and is still survived by his widow, who at the age of seventy-two years re- sides in Rockford with her son. M. j. Crill. Orlando F. Crill pursued a common-school education and his vouth was a busy one, for when not occupied with his text-books he as- sisted in the work of the home farm. He re- mained with his parents until twenty-two years of age. when he purchased a tract of land in the same locality, carrying on its improvement and cultivation until he traded it for the farm which he now owns. He has two hundred and fifty- seven acres of finely improved land in Monroe township, on which is a beautiful country resi- dence, substantial barns and all modern equip- ments, including windmills and tanks. There is running water on the place and in his farming operations Mr. Crill introduced all modern methods and imiirovements that facilitated his work and rendered his labors more available in the acquirement of a handsome competence. He kept a great amount of stock and this, too. proved a source of income. His farm is one of the best improved in Ogle county and he resided thereon until looo. when he took up his abode in Rockford. On the 17th of December. 1873. Mr. Crill was married to Miss Julia Matthews, who was born June I, 1852. in the state of New York, her par- ents being John T. and Elvira P. (Garvin) Mat- thews, who came to Illinois when their daughter was but five years of age. They had a family of six children — .Andrew, who died in New York city : Keziah, who died in the state of New York, in .\pril, 1885 ; Augusta, who became the wife of George Carr and died in Cherry Valley, MR. AND MRS. O. F. CRJLL. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 269 Illinois, leaving four children ; Harlow, who died in Ogle county, Illinois, and who was a sol- dier of the Civil war, serving for four years in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry : Jane, who be- came the wife of Hugh Carr, and died in Butler county, Iowa, leaving a daughter ; and Julia. Both Mr. and Airs. Matthews have now passed away. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Crill was blessed with four children, but they lost their eldest, Johnnie, who was born ( )ctol)er 4, 1874, and died February 28, 1875. Perry A., born March 27, 1877, purstied his education in the common schools in Alonroe Center for a year and in the business college at Rockford for one term. He remained upon the home farm until twenty- three years of age and five years ago he entered the Manufacturers' Bank of Rockford as col- lector, assistant cashier and bookkeeper. In fact, he did any work that was needed to be done around the bank and liis capability made him a valued assistant. He remained there three years, at the end of which time he accepted a position in the office of the Edison Light Com- pany, where he continued for a year. He then went upon the road as traveling salesman for the .-Vmerican Stogey Company at a salary of twelve hundred dollars per year, and he makes his home with his parents. Edna Ruth, born May 10, 1883, was educated in a business col- lege and has also received considerable instruc- tion in music. Alarguerite Hazel, born October 24, 1885, is a graduate of the high school of Rockford of the class of KJ05. While Air. Crill is practically living retired, he is a man of marked energy, indolence and idleness being utterly foreign to his nature, so that he can hardly content himself without some business interests, and has operated in real es- tate for himself and for the Eastern Investment Company. He deals in South Dakota lands and also in property here. A republican in his po- litical views, he has refused various offices that have been tendered him. preferring to give his attention to his business and social relations. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, and he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which their daughters are members. Their home is at No. 423 South Church street, and they are prominent and in- fluential people of the coninnuiitv, having won many friends in their connection with the social life of Rockford. WILLIAM THOMPSON. William Thompson, who for about fifteen years has served as township treasurer of Rock- ton township and is proprietor of a store in the village of Rockton, was born in England, in 1832. His father, Richardson Thompson, was also a native of that country, and about 1834 he crossed the Atlantic to America with his fam- ily, establishing his home in Canada, where his remaining days were passed. In his native country he had married Eliza Green, who was also born in England. He passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, reach- ing the age of seventy-three years, while his wife died in Canada at the very advanced age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom William was the fourth in order of birth. Five of the mimber were born on the "merrie isle," while three were natives of Canada. Those still living are : William ; Thomas, a resident of Minnesota : Robert, who resides in Toronto ; and Mrs. Sarah Ann Win- ters, also living in Canada. Throughout his en- tire life the father followed the occupation of farming and thus jirovided for his wife and chil- dren. ^^'illiam Thompson was only five years old when brought by his parents to the new world and was reared to manhood in Canada. Having arrived at adult age he entered business life there as a grain merchant and miller, carrying on the dual pursuit until about 1879, when he came to \Mnnebago county, Illinois, establishing his home in Rockton. Here he engaged in teaching school for three or four terms and in 1881 he became a factor in mercantile life, establishing a store which he has since conducted with con- stantly growing success, his business increasing year by year owing to his reasonable prices, his fair dealing and his progressive methods. He carries a well selected line of goods and his patrons find him obliging, courteous and con- siderate. He has thus gained a good living by the conduct of his mercantile interests and is well known as one of the leading business men of the village. In 1852 Air. Thompson was married to Aliss Elizabeth Davis, who was born in Canada, but came of .American parentage. They had three children, but Rachel Ann is deceased. Julia be- came the wife of John Alanning and had two children, Evelyn and Kate. Sarah Elizabeth be- came the wife of Hiram Baker and died, leav- ing two children, \\'inifred and Alae. The for- mer is now the wife of Frank Hueltner. of Alil- waukee, Wisconsin, and has one son, Frederick. Since becoming a naturalized American citi- zen William Thompson has never failed to cast his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party and for about fifteen years has served as township treasurer, while for a num- ber of years he was justice of the peace. He discharges his official duties with the same promptness and sense of conscientious obliga- 270 PAST AXD I'RF.SKXT OF WIN'NEBAGO COUNTY. tion that marks his private business career and he is much esteemed in Rockton wlicre he has manifested traits of patriotic and pubhc-spirited citizenship and has also made a creditalile name as a merchant and in private life. CHESTER E. BRIGGS. Chester E. Bri^g^s, deceased, was a represent- ative of a pioneer family in Winnebago countv and his business connections anil jiersonal quali- fications insured him a place of prominence in the public regard and made him a worthy citi- zen of Rockford. A native of Vermont his birth occurred in Jamaica, on the 19th of September, 1852, his parents being Joseph \V. and Eliza- beth (Cressy) Briggs, who were also natives of the Green Mountain state, the father born in Dover, May 29, 1825, while the mother's birth occurred in Jamaica, April 14, 1820. The pater- nal grandparents were Calvin and Lucy (Wash- burn) Briggs, both natives of Vermont, where the grandfather carried on business. as a tanner and farmer. He spent his entire life in his na- tive state, after which his widow came west to Rockford on a visit to her son C. C. and other children and died in his home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Briggs were representatives of old New England families and were relatives of Governor l'>riggs. of .Massachusetts, and of (Jov- ernor P. T. Washburn, of \ ermont. Joseph W. Briggs is the only survivor of a family of nine children and is now living a retired life in Rock- ford. He came to Winnebago county, in De- cember, 1855, settling on a farm in Berry town- ship, where he resided for three years. He then removed to Mil ford township for a short time. after which he ])urchased a farm in Cherry Valley township and continued the cultivation and improvement of that place for three years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in the city of Rockford. where he has since resided. His wife died here .September 24, 1900, and he now resides at No. 917 Kishwaukee street. He owns much valuable property in this city, having in former years made judicious invest- ment of his capital in realty which now com- mands a high price. He was one of the early members of the I'irst Congregati(jnal church here and has lived an upright, honorable life, commending him to the good will, friendship and confidence of th(jse with whom he has been as- sociated. Unto him and his wife were born a son and daughter, the latter being Maria E.. now the wife of Elwin W. L'handler. of the firm of Chandler Brothers, publishers, of Rockford. They had one son — Cressy ICKvin, who died March 24, 1897, at the age of ten years, and they arc now rearing an adopted son — Melvin Joseph, who was born November 30, 1892. Chester E. Briggs acquired his early educa- tion in the district schools of Cherry Valley township, having been brought to Winnebago county when in his third year. He continued his etiucation in the Rockff)rd high school. He was a youth of nine years when his parents removed from the farm to the city and while still a student he devoted much of his leisure hours to mechanical work, seeming to possess much natural ingenuity in this direction. He was ahva\s making brackets or other devices and after putting aside his text-books he began learn- ing the cabinet-maker's trade, securing a posi- tion with the Forest City F'urniture Company, of Rockford. He followed that pursuit for several years and then entered the employ of the bicycle works of this city, with which he continued for a brief period. He had saved his earnings and when the Co-operative Furniture Company of Rockford was established he became one of the stockholders and was made secretary and treas- urer of the company. He was thus engaged in business for himself for a few years and then sold his interests, after which he returned to the l'"orest City Furniture Company, with w'hich he remained for a few years or until his retirement from active business life. He was a skilled workman and in fact the company said that they never had a more efficient workman in their employ. He was very successful in his business dealings and as he accumulated money he in- vested in property, erecting the residence which is now occupied by his widow and son. This is located at No. 905 Kishwaukee street and ad- joins the home of Mr. Joseph W. Briggs. Mr. Briggs was also executor for the well known Britton estate for thirteen years. Chester E. Briggs was married twice. He first wedded Miss OUie A. Preston, a native of Cam- den, New Jersey, who was born July 5, 1857, and died in Rockford, March 7, 1892. There were two children by that marriage: Edwin C, who married Constance Fritz and resides in Chicago, where he is an instructor in the .\rmour Institute ; and Lewis P., who is at home with his stepmother and attends the Rockford Busi- ness College. In 1893 Mr. Briggs wedded Miss C. Elizabeth .\llen, a native of Gun Plains, Alle- gan coniitx. Michigan, and a daughter of Wil- liam .\llen, who was a farmer of that county throughout his active life. He died in Otsego, Michigan. The death of Mr. Briggs occurred February 27, 1903. .Mthough never an aspirant for public i)ffice he was a stanch advocate of republican |)rinciples and both he and his wife were meml)ers of the First Congregational church of Rockford. He was a man whose busi- ness integrity was above question and his life was manly, his actions sincere and his manner unaffected. He lived in Winnebago county for PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 271 almost a half century and many of his stanchest friends were those who had known him from his boyhood days — a fact that indicates an honor- able career, worthy of confidence and respect. WILLIAM H. TOUSLEY. William H. Tousley, editor of the Durand Clipper, was born December 8, 1866, at Jefferson, Wisconsin. His father, William F. Tousley, was a native of Medina county, Ohio, and when a young man accompanied his parents to Wis- consin, settling at Fort Atkinson. He learned the printer's trade in his brother's office at Jef- ferson, Wisconsin, and afterward in connection with a brother established a job office at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, whence he later removed to Edgerton, in the same state. There Mr. Tousley and his cousin began the publication of the Independent and subsequently Mr. Tousley purchased his partner's interest and established the ^^'isconsin Tobacco Reporter. He was con- nected with the newspaper business throughout his entire life. He married Lenora Schmidt, who was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, in July, 1848. He died in 1881 and is still sur- vived by his widow who resides in Edgerton. They had four sons : William H. ; Frank H., who is living in Oelwein, Iowa, and has a son and daughter ; Jesse E., of Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, who has one daughter; and George R., also a resident of Oelwein. William H. Tousley spent his youth in Jef- ferson and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, remain- ing in his native county until 1878, when his parents removed to Edgerton, where his father established a paper. He learned the printer's trade there and followed it for a number of years as a journeyman, being employed in various cities until 1888, when he came to Rock- ford, working here on the Register-Gazette. He was foreman and linotype operator and con- tinued in that position until October 7, 1903, and then purchased his present office at Durand, since which time he has been editor and pro- prietor of the Clipper, having a well conducted newspaper office and giving to the public a bright and interesting paper devoted to the dissemi- nation of general news and to the furtherance of local interests. On the 14th of November, 1888, Air. Tousley was married to Miss Frances L. Zastrow, of Rockford. a daughter of Frederick and Minnie fChartier) Zastrow. Her father was born in Germany and when seven years of age was brought to the United States by his parents. In early life he learned the miller's trade, which he followed until a few years prior to his death, when he purchased a farm in Jeiiferson county. \\'isconsin, and thereon spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of fifty-six years. His wife was born in the United States and died during the early girlhood of Mrs. Tousley, whose brothers are Edward Zastrow, of Con- cord, Wisconsin ; Herman, who is living at Wet- more, Colorado : and Paul, who makes his home in the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Touslev have one daughter, Ruth Millicent, who was born in Rockford, January 23, 1896. The parents are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and Mr. Tousley is a stanch republican, known as the champion of the party by reason of active work in its ranks and by his advocacy of its principles through the columns of his paper. He is a member of camp No. 61, M. W. A., and is now its venerable counsel. He also belongs to Shawbenee lodge, No. 146, I. O. O. F., of which he is secretary, and to Blue lodge, No. 302, A. F. & A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Tousley are both members of the Daughters of Rebekah. FRANK E. DARROW. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Rockford than Frank E. Darrow, a wholesale lumber dealer and the president of the Co-operative Furniture Company. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade re- lations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a town are those who stand at the head of the leading enterprises. Mr. Darrow is justly ac- corded a place among the representative Amer- ican citizens, who while advancing his individual success also promotes the general prosperity. A native of New York state, he spent his youth in that part of the country, supplementing his early common school advantages by study in an academy. He came to Illinois in 1889 and has since engaged in the wholesale lumber busi- ness, his interests representing large invest- ment in sawmills and timber lands in the state of New York and in the south, in both of which he is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He is also the president of the Co- operative Furniture Company of Rockford. of which he is a large stockholder. The product of his mills in New Mexico and old Mexico and the south supplies railroads and furniture com- panies in Rockford and other points. Some of the finest timber in the country is to be obtained in New and old Mexico. The mills are sup- plied with band saws and the most modern ma- chinery in every particular and have a capacity of three hundred thousand feet per day. The lumber consists of oak, pine, gum and other PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. hardwoods and the vohimc ul husinoss annuahy conducted makes Mr. Darrow one of the lead- inroininence as a leading commercial antl pro- ductive center of Illinois. Henry W. Price was clo.sely identified and although lie has passed away, the measure of giuid which he did in the world in this connection will not have ceased until the enterpri.ses with which he was associated are no longer a factor in business life here. .Moreover he maintained a reputation for in- tegrity and trustworthiness that made his name an honored one and his life history, too, is an- other exemplification of the fact that the road to success is oi)eii to all who have the will to dare and to do. .\t one time he was intercsteire state, where the father conducted business as a caqiciiter. builder and contractor. He resided in Lakeville until the fall of 1S37, when he came to the west, settling in Chicago, which city in that year was first incor])orated. He became identified with its building interests but later established a plan- ing mill and conducted the business with marked success. His patronage grew readily and he built other iilaning mills until his enterprise was the largest of that character in the citv. There he continued in business until 1841), when attracted by the discovery of gold in (."alifornia, he started for the Pacific coast but on the way became ill and died on the Isthmus of Panama. His widow afterward returned to the east and S])ent her re- maining da\s at the old home in I-ikeville. New York. Henry W. Price was indebted to the jtublic school system of his native state for the early educational privileges he receive secure his academic education. \\ hile he was working in the store he and his mother managed to save three hundred and fifty dollars. .\lKiut the time he put aside his text- Iwoks he learned of the failure of a small shoe store in llutTalo, Xew York, and invested the capital which he had saved in the stock of shoes. Embarking in the retail shoe trade he was very successful in the conduct of the business until 1860. when his store was destroyed by fire, to- gether with a part of the stock. He then de- termined to take the remainder of the stock to the west, believing that the advantages afforded in the Mississi]ipi valley were greater than he might enjoy in the east. He went direct to I-'rce- port. Illinois, but not liking that town never un- jiacked his goods there and came on to Rockford. where he oi)ened a small shoe store on the east side. Prosperity attended the new venture from the beginning and it was not long before he was enabled to establish a second store and eventually a third on W'est State street, so that he was the owner of three shoe stores in the city, having a large patronage that made his business very ])rofitable. He continueil that business for .some vears. after which he traded his stock of sIkx^s for a stock of gloves and mittens and concen- trated his energies upon the glove and mitten trade. He hired a horse and buggy and assisted by his wife he visited all of the neighboring towns, selling his stock in small job lots until he had disjiosed of the entire amount at a good profit. Turning his attention to the wholesale trade as a dealer in gloves and mittens he opened a store at the corner of State and Wyman streets, purchased goods at Gloversville. Tohnstou and as far cast as I'oston and also in the hjiglish I i ■ P^^ ^^M HIIHil^^^^nL -"^w^'i' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H ^^B >^ ' ^M^^^^H ^^^Hj m^'2. <■ fPll^^^H ^^K V r^'i^B ^^^^^ .^^^Pl ^^R^j^^afc—K-B'",'^'' ''^^^^V^^^^^^^^l ^Kh ^KWj^m^^: ^^m K3 HJH Hv mtl^^ ^^Ma ^ ^ i^^niiiiiiiiiii liai'^Blii -^^^^^^^^^^ ^■1 ^^^^^K^^^^^^^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^U ^^^^^-^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 275 markets, and entered upon a prosperous era in the trade, finding it necessary to enlarge his stock from year to year in order to meet the growing demands of a constantly increasing patronage. His business assumed such proportions that he was justified in the erection of a large building on Wyman street, where he continued in the wholesale trade. At the same time he built a large factory at the corner of Peace and Wyman streets and began the manufacture of gloves and mittens, thus conducting both branches of the business throughout his remaining days. He em- ployed a number of men in both places and his house gained a wide reputation, his product find- ing a ready sale upon the market. He had as many as twenty salesmen traveling at one time and his trade reached from coast to coast and from Canada to the far south. He also spent much time upon the road himself in buying his stock and looking after the interests of his busi- ness. So extensive and important did the enter- prise become and so well known was he to the trade that he was called the "glove king." Mr. Price was a man of marked business dis- cernment and resourceful ability, watchful of opportunities and prompt in utilizing every busi- ness advantage that offered him a field for honor- able eflfort. He became interested in many other kinds of business here and the commercial and industrial circles of the city would be much abbreviated if it were not for the prominent part which he took in promoting the productive in- dustries and financial affairs of the city. He was president of the Rockford ^^'atch Factory and one of its large stockholders, was president of the Rockford Street Railway Company, president of the Rockford Silver Plate ^^'orks, a director in the People's Bank, a stockholder in the Nelson House, a director in the Rockford Insurance Company, financially interested in the Rockford Tack Factory and one of its directors and one of the charter members of the Rockford and Intcrurban Railway Company, so continuing up to the time of his death. He was likewise inter- ested in real estate and owned valuable property all over the city. He also held stock in other business enterprises here. He found in i8go that his interests were becoming too extensive and varied for successful management and made an assignment at a time when he was able to pay dollar for dollar. Such was the position which he held in the trust of his fellowmen that his creditors all assisted him in again starting in business and it was not long before he was once in control of extensive interests and many of the business enterprises mentioned above felt the stimulus of his activity and profited by his wise counsel and keen discernment up to the time of his demise. On the 20th of January, 1862, Air. Price was united in marriage to Miss Frances Irene \\^arner, a native of Bradford county, Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Myron and Harriet (Hurlbert) Warner, and a granddaughter of Dr. Adjionia \\'arner, who was one of the first physicians of Pennsylvania. Her father followed tarming throughout his entire life and made his home in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, until called to his final rest, at the age of eighty-six years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Price were born two children : Mrs. Maude St. Leon, who resides in Denver, Colorado, with her son, Harry Price, and who also has a daughter, Mary Daphne. The second daughter of Mr. Price, Mary Eugenia, died in July. 1870. The death of Mr. Price occurred very suddenly on the nth of May, 1903, a few days before the sixty-sixth anniversary of his birth. In his political affiliation Mr. Price was a stanch republican, who took an active interest in the party, its work and success. He belonged to Rockford lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Crusader commandery. No. 17, K. T. Both he and his wife held membership in the Episcopalian church but she is now identified with the Seventh Day Adventists. Mr. Price was an earnest Christian man and in his life exemplified a humanitarian spirit that awakened admiration and respect. At all times he commanded the esteem of those with whom he had business relations or who were em- ployed by him and those who came within a closer circle of a social acquaintance knew him as a most genial and companionable gentleman. His was a noble career from the fact that entering business life with the meager salary of two dol- lars per week he worked his way steadily upward to a place where he controlled business interests involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. He had a ready appreciation for opportunities and never failed to utilize the advantages that came to him and his name was a synonym for integrity in commercial transactions. His history is inter- woven with that of Rockford and while he has passed away his name is found upon the roll of honored dead. Men of prominence and in public life and whom the workl acknowledges as of real worth are not the military or political leaders but those who are controlling the veins and arteries of the traffic and exchanges of the world wherein rests the prosperity of town, county and nation, and Mr. Price contributed in substantial measure to the material upbuilding, growth and develop- ment of his adopted city. Moreover he was known as a citizen of genuine worth endeared to his associates by ties of strong friendship. Mrs. Price, well known in social circles of Rockford, was the first lady clerk in the postoffice 276 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. of this city, for during the period of the Civil war she accepted that position for a man who desired to go to the front and slie acted in that capacity for eighteen months. In May, 1882, Mr. Price hiiilt the present residence where his widow now resides, at No. 929 North Main street, and it is one of the large and fine homes of the city. It is said that Mr. Price never had an enemy in the world but all men liked him and that he was popular with young and old, rich and poor. It is only men of the best qualities and characteristics who are thus esteemed and in Rockford he stood as a man among men. "His life was noble and the elements So mixed in him that .Nature might stand u]) And say to all the world 'This was a man.' " FRANK OSCAR SEGURD. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and such was the case with Frank O. Segiird, who when called from the activities of this life, was one of the progressive business men of Rockford, his labors contributing to its commercial progress and prosperity. He also was well known in p(3litical circles, while liis personal traits of character en- deared him to a large circle of friends. He was a native of Sweden but was only two and a half years of age when he came to Winnebago county with his ])arents. locating in Pecatonica, on a small farm, which his father had purchased near that village. P.oth parents still reside there. The father is a shoemaker by trade and fol- lows that pursuit in the village in addition to the management of his agricultural interests. He has two sons and a daughter, who arc yet living: Charles, who is engaged in the gro- cery business on Seventh street in Rockford; Godfrey, who is a farmer residing in Walker, Missouri : and .Anna, the wife of George Brewster, a caqienter. living in Pecatonica. In his boyhood and youth l-'rank (). Segurd attended the public schools and when a young man went to Rock Island, Illinois, where he was a student for one year. On his return to Pecatonica he was in the employ of J. B. Green- wood for five years and spent the year 1886 in Chicago. The following year he took up his abode in Rockford. where ho secured a position with W. W. Sawyer, one of the oldest drug- gists in years of connection with the trade in the city. He continued to clerk for Mr. Saw- yer for eleven years, or until 1897, when he em- harked in the drug liusiness on his own account at No. 530 South Seventh street, where he con- tinued up to the time of his death. He was situated at an advantageous corner and had a handsome well appointed store, carrying a large line of drugs, druggists' specialties and im- ported and domestic cigars. He likewise made a specialty of compounding medicines and filling prescriptions and was accorded a liberal patron- age not only by reason of his straightforward business methods but also on account of his genial and obliging manner and his pleasant dis- ])i5sition. lie led a very busy life, having little time for recreation, finding that his business in- terests claimed his time, energies and talents to the full extent. He was also one of the stock- holders in the Rockford Undertaking Establish- ment, with which he was connected from its organization twelve years ago to the time of his death. On the 2d of October, 1890, Mr. Segurd was united in marriage to Miss Selma Elizabeth Borg, a native of Rockford, and a daughter of .\ndrew and Matilda (Carlson) Piorg, both of whom were born in Morlunda, Sweden. Tier father was at one time engaged in business in Rock- ford as a mason contractor and builder. He was born June 16. 1839, and was among the early emigrants from his land to the United States. He learned his trade in ( )skershaiu, and in the summer of 1854, when twenty-four years of age, took passage on a sailing vessel bound for New York city. They encountered severe weather and for four days were without food and water. Twenty-four passengers died from exhaustion and were buried in the sea, but at length the long hard voyage was over and Mr. Borg set foot on American soil in New York city, August 15, 1854. He then started for Chicago. He was entirely without money and had also lost his trunk so that literally he began life in the new world empty-handed. He was resolute and energetic, however, and soon found employment. A year later he determined to go to Kansas but in ])assiMg through Rock- fi>rd was so well pleased with the city that he resolved to make his home there. Other mem- bers of the family al.so came to this country. Three years after coming to this country Mr. Borg returned to his native land, where he wedded .\ima S. Carl.son. who died at the age of twenty-two years, only nine days after she and her husband had come to the United States. Later he wedded Ida M. Carlson, a sister of his first wife, and she also died at the age of twenty- two years, .^he left a daughter, .Sclma E., now the wife of Frank .^egurd. Mr. P>org was mar- ried in Rockhjrd to .\nna S. Bowman, who was born in Sweden, .-\ugust 4, 1852, and in 1864 came to this city with her parents. There were eight children born of tiie last marriage, of whom four are yet living, .\lbert, Olivia and X'ictoria, twins, and Esther have passed away. Those who still survive are Edward, .\lbert A., Esther L. and ITurbert. FRAXK O. SEGURD. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 279 The year following his arrival in Rockford Mr. Borg; began business as a mason contractor and builder and many of the substantial struc- tures of the city stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise. As liberal patronage was accorded him and his financial resources were thereby increased, Mr. Borg invested in property here and in addition to his own residence had an interest in the flats and residence at the corner of Fourth avenue and Seventh street. He and J. A. Bowman built the Royal block and the Bowman Borg building. He likewise became financially interested in a number of important business enterprises, being a stockholder in the Skandia Plow Company, a stockholder and di- rector in the Skandia Brick Company and a di- rector in the Union grocery store. His was a successful business career, in which diligence, effort and perseverance were crowned with a full measure of success. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and both he and his wife were members of the Zion Lutheran church. They remained residents of Rockford until called to their final rest, J\Ir. Borg passing away December 3. 1899. Air. and Mrs. Segurd have but one son, Floyd Oliver, born August 4, 1892. Mr. Segurd departed this life June 10, 1905. His widow still owns the drug store. He always took an active interest in politics and for manv years was an active worker and treasurer in the Rockford Republican Club. He was a trustee of the Zion Lutheran church for twelve years, and its treastirer for five years and Mrs. Se- gurd yet retains her membership with that or- ganization. She now resides at No. 622 Col- lege avenue and is prominent socially in Rock- ford. 'Mr. Segurd was well known, being one of the representative citizens here, and he al- ways had a kind word for all with whom he came in contact. He was also a man of liberal spirit and marked generosity and the poor and needy never appealed to him in vain. His fidelity in friendship, his trustworthiness in busi- ness and his honor in citizenship combined to make him a man deserving the esteem of all. while his life record is worthv of emulation. HON. CHARLES A. WORKS. Hon. Charles A. Works, who died very sud- denly at his home on College avenue in Rock- ford, on the evening of Alay 16, 1903, was a representative of one of the pioneer families of Winnebago county, his birth having occurred in Guilford township. May 4, 1848. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Works, were natives of the east and on coming to this county in 1836 settled upon a farm in Guilford township, where they spent their remaining days. The records of the First Congregational church of Rockford show that Charles Works. Sr., was admitted to its membership on the 19th of May, 1837. Air. Works of this review was a public school student in his home district in Guilford town- ship and afterward in the east side high school of Rockford, where he completed a course in 1868. He then entered Beloit College, at Beloit, Wisconsin, and was graduated with the class of 1873. His first experience in professional life was as clerk of the Illinois supreme court at Ottawa, where he remained until 1875 ^"d ''^ September of that year he was chosen sttperin- tendent of schools of La Salle, Illinois, where he continued his labors as an educator for two }-ears. He next entered the office of the circuit clerk at Ottawa as deputy, remaining there until the spring of 1878. During his entire residence in La Salle county he had devoted every avail- able moment to the study of law and in 1878 was admitted to the bar, having qualified himself for the practice of his chosen profession. About this time he received the appointment to a posi- tion with the United States superintendent of Indian affairs at Yankton, Dakota. In January, 1879, he entered upon the active practice of his profession at Rockford with W. D. StapHn as a partner, which continued for about two years. About ten years prior to his death he formed a partnership with Stanton A. Hyer, which rela- tion was maintained until his life's labors were ended. Mr. Works was recognized as a promi- nent member of the Rockford bar, preparing his cases with great thoroughness and presenting them before court or jury with great force and earnestness. He always impressed his juries with faith in the justice of his cause and his success made him one of the notable lawyers of this part of the state. In 1880 he was elected state attorney of Winnebago count}-, which posi- tion he filled with distinguished abilitv for twelve years, neither fear nor favor swerving him in the discharge of his duties. In 1892 he was elected a member of the state board of equaliza- tion of the old ninth congressional district and acted in that cajjacity for a period of thirteen years. Mr. Works was well known as an ardent re- publican and his championship to the principles of the party were an influential factor in its suc- cesses. He cast his first presidential vote for General Grant, in 1872. and ever afterward worked for the organization in its campaigns. In 1888 he was chosen as a delegate to the re- publican national convention, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency. He was excelled by few as an impromptu political speaker and because he had firm belief in his party plat- 28o PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. form and possessed beside a natural ^ift of ora- tory he never failed to leave a strong impression upon the minds of his auditors and frequently carried conviction to his hearers. He was also regarded as a safe political advisor, being wise and conservative in his political labors as well as professional life. In November, 1880, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Works and Miss Eva Enoch, a daughter of Hon. .Abraham I. Enoch, one of the prominent citizens of Rockford at an early day. They became the parents of four children, Marion, Mabel, Helen and Charles Enoch. Mr. Works was a man of strong domestic tastes who found in his home most congenial surroundings and he was ever mitiringly devoted to the wel- fare of his wife and children. He had per- fected plans for a beautiful new residence on North Main street when called to his final rest and Mrs. Works has since carried out the plans and now has a fine home occupied by herself and children. Mr. Works was the only thirty-second degree Mason in Winnebago county. He be- longed to Rockford lodge, No. 102, A. F. & A. M., Winnebago chapter. No. 24, R. A. M., Crusader commandery. No. 17, K. T., Freeport consistory, S. P. R. S. and Tebala temple, A. .\. O. N'. M. S. He had also taken the thirty- second degree, an honor to which one must be elected and he likewise held membership in Rock- ford lodge. No. 64. B. P. O. E., and the Inde- pendent Order of United Workmen. He was a valued representative of these different or- ganizations and in their ranks his death was deeply regretted, while Rockford recognized its loss of a valued citizen, the bar a prominent member and his family a devoted husband and father. GILBERT F. COLBY. The Pecatonica News is a bright and newsy weekly, and has aided in no small way in pro- moting the interests of the village where it is pulilished. It is a successful representative of the people of the place where it is located and its value in the community can not be estimated. Tireless in its defense of the right, and fearless in its denunciation of the evils of the age, it has won an enviable reputation among the best peo- ple of the county and its ]3opularity is proved by a constantly increasing subscription list. The editor and publisher of this paper was born in Pecatonica, Winnebago county, Illinois, July IQ. 1881, the son of Nathan L. and Ella M. (Smith) Colby. The father, one of the founders of the Peca- tonica News and one who, during his life, was one of the most influential and best known resi- dents of the county, was born at Beloit, Wis- consin, December 20, 1854, the son of Nathan D. and Sybil W. (Pease) Colby. His parents came to Beloit in 1847 from Maine, being among the earliest settlers. His mother died in Beloit, on December 17, 1884, and his father's death occurred seven years later, July 12, 1891. In his youth he learned the trade of a printer in a priming cstalilishment at Beloit and gained a good education in the schools of his native city. In 1870 he went to Milwaukee, where he be- came a compositor on the Sentinel but the fol- lowing year removed to Davis, Illinois, and with his brother, William A. Colby, started a paper of their own. In December, 1872. it was moved to Pecatonica and established as the Pecatonica News. In 1880 he purchased his brother's in- terest and conducted the paper with marked suc- cess up to the time of his death. Mr. Colby was a stanch republican and filled various offices of trust, serving for five years as township clerk, also as village treasurer, ])rcsident of the village board of trustees, mem- ber of the board of education, justice of the peace, and in September, 1898, he was appointed postmaster, being re-appointed in 1902. He was for many years chief of the fire department, ])residcnt of the Electric Light Company and otherwise identified with the upbuilding of the community. In his social connections he was identified with the A. W. Rawson lodge. No. 145. A. F. & A. M.. at Pecatonica: Crusader commandery. No. 17, Knights Templar, and Tcbala Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Rock- ford : Freeport consistory, at Freeport ; the luireka camp. No. 50, M. W. A. ; Monitor gar- rison. No. 19, at Pecatonica, and was at one time connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred July 11, 1904, passing away very suddenly. The mother of our subject, known in maiden- hood as Ella M. Smith, was born in Ridott township, Stephenson county, Illinois, April 8, 1859, the daughter of Gilbert F. and Helen M. (Shaw) Smith. She was educated in the coun- try schools and afterward taught school for a mimber of years. Her marriage, which was solemnized in Freeport. Sei)tembcr 15. 1880. was blessed bv the birth of three children, namely: Gilbert F.. born Tulv 19. 1881 : Claude A., July 27. 1883: and Smith W., May 15. 1887. She was always a true and faithful helpmate to her husband and their unitcfl efforts brought them a competence which left her well provided for at the death of her husband. She still resides at the family residence in Pecatonica. The subject of our sketch obtained his edu- cation in the Pecatonica public school from which he was graduated in 1S97. ^^ then ac- cepted a position as assistant postmaster under PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 281 his uncle at Union Grove, Wisconsin, which posi- tion he resigned a year later to take a similar position under his father in the Pecatonica post- office. In 1901 he was appointed to a position in the railway main service of the government, running first between Chicago and Dubuque and later from Chicago to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. At the Lake Geneva postoffice, his terminal office, he became acquainted with Lena A. Voss, a clerk, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Voss, with whom he was united in marriage, March 30, 1904. Just prior to the death of his father, in July of the same year, he resigned from the rail- way mail service to assist him in the postoffice and printing office and at his father's death took up the management of the paper. To Mr. and Mrs. Colby was born, July 17, 1905, a son, Charles Nathan. Politically Mr. Colby is a republican and con- ducts the paper which he publishes in the in- terests of that party. He is at present a member of the village board of trustees and greatly in- terested in the welfare of the community. BENJAMIN BLAKEMAN. Benjamin Blakeman, a retired merchant and manufacturer, v,-ho has almost rounded the span of four score years, was born in Stratford, Con- necticut, June 12, 1826. The ancestors of the Blakemans emigrated from England to America in 1639. The grandfather was Zachariah Blake- man and the father was Treat Blakeman. The latter was born in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1798, and was a man of affairs, active and enter- prising in business, and he died at the advanced age of ninety-two years. He married Hannah Birdsey, also of Stratford, Coimecticut. The great-grandfather of Mr. Blakeman in the ma- ternal line was the Rev. Nathan Birdsey, who settled in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1739, and attained the very advanced age of one hundred and three years and five months. Benjamin Blakeman, spending his boyhood days in the place of his nativity, acquired his early education in the public schools of Strat- ford, and afterward continued his studies in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He entered upon his business career as a salesman in a general store, and thinking to enjoy better business opportu- nities in the eastern metropolis, he went to New York city, where for two years he occupied a position as clerk. Later he bought and removed to a farm in his native town, on which he resided until 1856, when he came to Rockford, Illinois. Here he engaged in the lumber business associ- ated with Henry Plant, and afterward became a member of the firm of Blakeman, Upson & Company. His next business relationship was as senior member of the firm of Blakeman, Woodruff & Company, and afterward he was with William Dobson. He engaged in manu- facturing and supplying builders' material and continued actively in trade until 1898, when he disposed of his holdings to William Dobson. In the meantime Mr. Blakeman had made ex- tensive and judicious investments in real estate, and is to-day the owner of considerable valuable property in Rockford, including a number of good brick business houses and residences. He is also a stockholder in the People's Bank & Trust Company, on the board of its directory, and for several years was a director of the Home Loan & Building Company. Since severing his connection with the lumber trade, he has lived quietly, looking after his general business inter- ests and affairs, and amid comfortable surround- ings, and in the midst of many friends is enjoy- ing the fruits of his former toil. While residing on the farm in his native town Mr. Blakeman was married in 1848 to Miss Car- oline Fairchild, and unto them were born four daughters, namely : Anna C, widow of Dr. Thomas G. \ incent : Helen, the wife of Theron G. Pierpont ; Emma, the deceased wife of Al- bert D. Early, and Harriet E., who died in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Blakeman are acceptable members of the Second Congregational church, to which they are liberal contributors, and he has been a deacon in the church for more than forty years. Their home is at No. 732 North Main street, and for years it has been noted for its gracious and attractive hospitality. Mr. Blakeman is an extremely well preserved man for one of his years. Nature is kind to those who abuse not her laws, and Mr. Blake- man has ever been strictly temperate in all of his habits, never using tobacco or intoxicants in any form, and molding his life in harmony with the principles that underlie an upright manhood. He earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings was known for his prompt and honorable meth- ods which won for him the respect and un- bounded confidence of his fellowmen. Such a career should serve as an example for the young and an inspiration to the aged. WILLIAM BODINE. ^^'illiam Bodine, following general farming on section 18, Harrison township, is a pioneer set- tler, the length of whose residence in Winnebago county is surpassed by few of its citizens at the present day, for he arrived here in January, 1840. He was born in the township of Southwold, in 28^2 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. the district of London, now in the province of Ontario, Canada. March 8, 1820, and is a son of Ahrani and Zelah (Taylor) liodine. the former of luiijlisli and the latter of I'Vench and ( iernian parenlatje. The father was horn in Xeu Jerse\. and his wife was a native of I'ennsylvania. In 1810 they removed to Canada, where he engaged in farming, and where they made their home until called to tlicir final rest. Mr. liodine (lejianing this life in June. 1846. when ahiuit sixty-five years of age. while hi> wife died in .\])ril. 18,^7. when about fifty years of age. They had a large family, and two of the sisters came to Illinois, a son of one of them. I'Vank I'elley by name, now residing in Rock- ford tnwnship. William I'.odine was reared in Canada, and there made his home until eighteen years of age. wiien he went to Michigan, where he spent fifteen months. He then removed to Joliet. Illi- nois, and in January. 1840. arrived in Winnebago county. .\ year or so afterward he settled upon the farm which is now his home, purchasing a claim lement liusiness here for many years and then retired. He died in May. 1900. and his widow, now seventy-seven years of age, is residing in Rockford with Mrs. Youngberg, at Xo. ^2j In- de]iendence avenue. Mr. and Mrs. McEvoy be- came the parents of two daughters, N'era C. and luhia Alay, both residing with their mother. The father died July 20. 1904. and thus passed away a representative citizen of Rockford. In his ))olilical views Mr. Mcl-'voy was an unfaltering republican, and. keeping well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day, was enabled to support his position by intelli- gent argument. He served as alderman from the fourth ward for two terms, and his devotion to tlie public good found tangible evidence in his support of many aldermanic measures whereby the welfare and progress of the city were aug- mented. His social relations were with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers, the Red Men and Royal Ar- canum, all of Rockford. He was a man of ca- pabliiy, of strong intellectuality, of lauilable am- bition and honorable ])urpose, and his success in his professional career was equaled by his pop- ularity among his friends. Mrs. McEvoy is a iiu'inher of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal cliurch. and she owns a nice residence at Xo. 420 Winnebago street, where she and her children reside. She also has a nice summer home on the banks of Rock river, at the northern boundary of Rockford, where they spend the heated sum- mer season, and she also spends much of the winter months in the south. In addition to the residences which she occui)ies she also has other valuable property in Rockford, which returns to her a comfortable financial income. EDWARD P. CATLIX. M. 1). No history of Winnebago county would be complete w-ithout the life record of Edward P. Catlin. for many years a physician of Rockford and a representative of one of the oldest and most ])rominent families of the city. His father, too. practiced here for many years, and thus the name Catlin has long been associated with the medical fraternity of Winnebago county. Ed- ward P. Catlin was born in Chester. Ohio. July r, T837, his parents being Dr. .\rchibald and Miranda (Harwood) Catlin. The father was born in that part of Litchfield, which is now Winfield, Herkimer county, Xew York, his natal (lav beinsj' Sentonibir 8, 1801. He is descended ROBERT G. McEVOY PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 289 from Revolutionary ancestry, his grandfather, Roger CatHn, Sr., having been a soldier of the American army in the war for independence. Roger Catlin, Jr.. father of Archibald M. Cat- lin, was a native of Connecticut, and the father came originally of English lineage. Roger Cat- lin, Sr., removed from the Charter Oak state to New York, spending his last days in Herkimer county, and Roger Catlin, Jr.. became one of the pioneer settlers of that county, to which place he removed after being reared and married in Connecticut. In what is now the town of Winfield, Herkimer county, he purchased a tract of timber land, on which he built a log cabin, containing one room on the ground floor, and one above. As it was located in the center of the township, at the junction of five roads, he was frequently called upon to entertain the travelers to diti'erent parts of the county, and this led him to establish a hotel. His home, too, was often used as a meeting- place when religious services were held, and later he donated the land upon which a little church was built, and he took an active part in further- ing the intellectual, moral and material progress of his community. He continued to conduct his hotel and also carried on farming interests until his death, which occurred in 1813. He married Sarah Clark, a native of Connecticut, and a daug-hter of Deacon Clark, a pioneer ot Tompkins county, New York. After the death of her husband Mrs. Catlin was married again, and her death occurred in Winfield, New York. Archibald i\I. Catlin was only twelve years old at the time of his father's death, and he remained with his mother until her second marriage, after which he lived with an uncle in Plainfield town- ship, Herkimer county, assisting in the farm work when not attending the district schools. In 1820 he started for the west, walking to C)lean Point, and thence going down the Allegheny river to Pittsburg, and by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, which at that time was a small town. He was in Missouri when it was admittd to the Union, and after- ward he removed to Madison county, Illinois, but a year later returned to JMissouri. where he worked in the lead mines until 1823. He then went again to New York. He had read medi- cine previous to his removal westward, and now resuming preparation for the profession he at- tended lectures at the Fairfield Medical College, in Herkimer county. Subsequently he became a student in the ofiice of Dr. Clark, of Winfield, and attended a course of lectures in the college at Castleton, \'ermont, in the winter of 1825-6. In January of the latter year he again entered Fairfield College, and was graduated with the class of 1827. After winning his degree he located for practice in \\'infield, New York, and for five years was a partner of Dr. Nathan Har- wood. He then removed to Chester, Ohio, where he continued in active practice until 1832, when he became a resident of Lorain county, that state, making his home there until 1838, which year witnessed his arrival in Rockford. He found a small village of little importance, stand- ing in the midst of a sparsely settled district, in which much of the land was still owned by the government. He built a home on the east side, where he purchased a lot, and from that time until his death continued as one of the most prominent physicians in his part of the state. He was one of the earliest members of the profes- sion in Rockford, and engaged in practice here for seventy years. He was honored and respected by all by reason of what he accomplished, and the effective work which he did for his fellow- men in alleviating human suffering. He was progressive in his methods, keeping in touch with modern progress in his chosen calling, and his life was indeed a busy and useful one. In his earlier years he bore the hardships which always fall to the lot of the pioneer physician, but later his practice was more largely confined to the city, and brought to him the remunerative return which was his just due. He died August 28, 1892, at the very advanced age of ninety-two years, and his name was then added to the roll of Winnebago county's honored dead. In early manhood he had wedded ^Miranda Harwood, of Winfield, New York, a daughter of Dr. Nathan Harwood. His marriage took place in 1828, and she died in 1846. The following year Dr. Catlin married Sarah Morrill, a native of ]\Ieriden. New Hampshire, and a daughter of Rev. John Morrill, who was the first minister of the First Congregational church in Rockford, he and his two brothers organizing the church here. ]\Irs. Sarah Catlin survived her husband until 1902, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Dr. A. M. Catlin gave his early political support to the whig party, and aft- erward became a stanch republican. He acted as president of the first medical society ever or- ganized in A\'innebago county, and he and his wife held membership in the First Congrega- tional church. The world is better for his having lived, for his influence was ever on the side of right, progress and improvement, and his influ- ence was a potent factor in promoting the moral and intellectual development of his community. Edward P. Catlin was brought to A\'innebago county in 1838, when only about a year old, and his youth was passed in the village of Rockford, where he began his education in the common schools, passing through successive grades until he had completed the high school course. He then went to Meriden. Vermont, where he com- pleted an academic course by graduation from 290 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. the Kimball Union Academy, and thus with broad literary knowledge to serve as tlie founda- tion for professional learning he mairiciilaicd in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, where he mastered the regular course, and was graduated in 1864. Not content, however, with his prepa- ration for his profession, he went to New York city, pursuing post-graduate work in the College of Physicians & Surgeons. He also attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city in 1865. Returning to Rockford after his graduation from Rush Medical College. Dr. Catlin entered upon practice here, and was thus engaged when in 1864 he enlisted as first assistant surgeon in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Illinois In- fantry, with which he served for a year, or until the close of the war. I'ollowing his return lo the north he resumed his professional labors in Rockford, and with the exception of the period spent in college in New York he continued one of the active physicians of this city until his death. Anything which tended to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life was of much interest to him. He carried his research and investigation into various fields of knowledge, and became one of the learned mem- bers of the medical fraternity in Winnebago county, having a knowledge that well equipped him for the iniporlant and resjionsihle duties which ever devolve ujion the medical ])racti- tioner. In i86f5 Dr. Catlin was married to Miss Mary H. Robinson, a native of Huron, Ohio, born in 1840, her parents being Sylvester and Emily (Skinner) Robinson. Her father was a native of Connecticut, and her mother of New York, and he became one of the early settlers of Rock- ford, but remained only a few years. He ar- rived here in 1847, "I'lfl- entering into partner- ship with E. H. Potter was engaged in general merchandising until 1849. when he became at- tacked with the gold fever and started for Cal- ifornia, in which state his death occurred. His wife passed away in Rockford. Dr. and Mrs. Catlin became the parents of four children : Archibald M., who married Ella Riley, of Wash- ington, D. C, and is now engaged in the news- paper business in Chicago; Sanford R., a prac- ticing i)hysician of Rockford. where he repre- sents the third generation of the family in the medical profession and who luarried Mary H. Richings, of Washington. D. C. : Norman E., who is a member of the firm of H. H. & N. S. Robinson, of this city, and makes his home with his mother: an8. when he came to the west and took up his abode in Rockford. The income derived from his projierty interests was sufficient to enable him to live retired, and he no more actively engaged in business pursuits but enjoyed a well earned rest here until called to his final PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 29 1 home in 1893, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His wife survived him, passing away November 18, 1899. He ever took a deep interest in religious work and was junior warden of the Episcopal church of this city. His entire life was in harmony with his profession, and his fidelity to duty, his honor in business relations and his devotion to his fam- ily were numbered among his salient character- istics. There were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Plerd : Eugenia C, is a native of Herki- mer county, New York, and married Rufus Mills Parker, a native of Massachusetts, and a son of George and Catherine A. Parker. His father was born near Boston, Massachusetts, in 1805, and resided in the east until 1869, when he took up his abode in Rockford and lived retired until his death in August, 1885. His wife passed away July 19, 1904. He was a republican in his political views, and both he and his wife held membership in the First Congre- gational church of Rockford. Venetia R. Herd, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Herd, is the widow of Major Alexander Walker, of Rockford, and resides at No. 410 South Third street. Ada is the wife of Henry Ellsworth, a commission merchant of Chicago. Eugene H., the youngest member of the family, died at the age of four years. Rufus Mills Parker was born in Massachu- setts, and came to the west at an early day, set- tling first in Joliet, Illinois, where he was en- gaged in the dry goods business for a few years. In 1867 he came to Rockford, where he married Miss Herd, and unto them were born three children : Lillian C, the eldest, is the wife of James Colville, a traveling salesman, represent- ing the Arcade Manufacturing Company of Freeport, Illinois. They reside in Rockford with his parents, and they have two children. Vio- letta is the wife of G. W. Anderson. Edith died at the age of four months. ^Ir. and Mrs. Parker own and occupy the old Herd homestead, which is a beautiful residence, at No. 503 Catlin street. Both the Herd and Parker families are prominent in Rockford, their representatives being well known in social circles. ELMER E. HARRIS. Elmer E. Harris is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and five acres on section 14, Durand township, and upon this farm was born July 23, 1862. His father, Elisha Harris, was born in Steuben county. New York, July 19. 1817. and there followed farming until 1837, when he came west to Pecatonica township. where he was employed for a short time. He then came to Durand township and entered a claim from the government, securing a farm which is now owned by his son Elmer. Here he spent his remaining days, devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. He was married in early manhood to Calista C, daugh- ter of Scott and Lavina Robb. She was born in Ohio, July 22, 1823, and became a resident of Durand township in 1842. In August of that year she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Har- ris, and they traveled life's journey together for forty-one years, the wife and mother passing away August 19, 1883, while Mr. Harris died December 13, 1900. Their children were as fol- lows: Henry E., born November 27, 1843, is living in Seattle, Washington, and has three sons and a daughter. William Eugene, born May 8, 1847, ^"d also a resident of Seattle, has three sons and a daughter. Lewis Frederick, born October 10, 1848, is living at Neil, Kansas, and has four daughters and a son. Charles E., born March 19, 1853, is living at Bartonville, Illinois. Willis Spencer, born Februan,' 18, i860, resides at Geneva, Illinois. Jesse F., born July 3, 1867, makes his home in Durand. Those deceased are : Erastus P., who was born January 25, 1844, and died in the hospital March 11, 1863, while serv- ing the Union as a member of Company H, Sev- enty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry ; Joseph Scott, who was born January 19, 1858, and died February 2, 1892; and Julia L., who was born April II, 1851, and died November 6, 1869. Elmer E. Harris has always lived upon the home farm in Durand township where his birth occurred and in the common schools he acquired his education. He received ample training at farm labor, for at an early age he began to as- sist in the cultivation of the home place, and was thus well qualified to assume its manage- ment when he began fanning on his own account. On the nth of April, 1888, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Eva Place, a daugh- ter of J. R. and Amanda (Morris) Place, of Durand township. She died December 23, 1898, leaving three children : Bessie A., born Septem- ber 18, 1889; Lloyd E., born February 28, i8()3: and Eva I., born November 26, 1898. For his second wife Mr. Harris chose Lois, daughter of Hawkins and Lydia (Gillem) Inoebritson, of Durand township, who were of English and Nor- wegian descent. She was one of six children: Annie, who married Earle Strauss, of Rockford, and has two children ; Lois, of this review ; John, living at Bremerton, Washington : Sherman and Shirley, twins, the former living at Bremerton, the latter in Durand township : and Alfred, who also lives at Bremerton, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one son, Wayne J., born Sep- tember II, 1903. 292 PAST AND TRESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. Mr. Harris is a nieinbcr of Shawbcnee lodijc. No. 146. I. O. O. 1*"., of wliich lie is a past iu)ble grand, and he likewise belongs to Uurand lodge. No. 302. .\. F. & .\. M., both of Diirand. In politics he is an earnest republican, and is now serving as assessor of his townshi]). while for six years he was road commissioner, lie and his wife hold membership in the Methodist dnirch. and are ])eople of genuine worth, whost many good (|nalities have gained them imqualitied con- fidence and trust of those with whom they have been associated. FRAXK 1;. CAMPBELL. Frank B. Campbell, one of the extensive land- owners of the county, now living in Pecatonica townshij). was born in Durand township, Jul}' 25, 1846. His education was acquired in the public schools and he also attended the seminary at Durand, while an inmate of his father's home. His parents were Jeremiah and Cynthia (Hoyt) Campbell. The father came to Winnebago county in 1836. driving across the country with an ox team. He and his brother David entered land from the government and became pioneer residents of this |)ortion of the state. There w'ere only three houses in Rockford at the time of their arrival here and the entire countryside was largely as it had come from the hand of na- ture, the prairie being covered with its high grasses, while in certain districts stood the forest trees, amid which the sound of the woodman's ax had not lieen heard. He first entered his land at Dixon and built thereon a log house, which was afterward rei)laced by a frame residence. He hauled his grain to the Chicago market and on one trip to that city the entire expense of the journey was twelve cents, which he paid for milk. In cnnnection with general farming he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, which he sold at Min- eral Point, Wisconsin, and al.so at Galena. Illinois. He carried on the work of the fields and as his financial resources increased he bought more land initil a short time previous to his death, he was the owner of a valuable tract of four hundred acres which he sold to his son Frank. He was active and influential in community aft'airs and held all the different township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. In his political views he was a republican. His death occurred in Durand town- ship, .\pril 25. 1884, while his wife is now liv- ing in that township. He was twice married and by the first union had one son, Edward S.. who was born December 11. 1840. and died at the age of fifty-eight years. Tlie children of the second marriage were as follows : Romeo H.. who was born September 15. 1844, was married ami died at the age of fifty-seven years, leaving a wife and five children : Frank B. is the second ; Emma L., born June 10. 1850, died April 15, 1864; and Eva M., l)orn December 24, 1854, is the wife of Louis (ioodrich. and resides in I'renHHit. Nebraska. Mr. Campbell was reared to farm life and. as lx.'fore stated, was given good educational privi- leges. At the age of twenty years he bought his time from his father for one hundred and fiftv dollars and began farming for himself on five hundred and forty acres of land, for which he gave twelve hundred dollars ])er year rent. When twenty-one years of age. having made some mone\ in thv previous year, he purchased one hundred and forty-five acres, at twenty-five dol- lars per acre. This was largely covered with brush or timber and he bad to clear it before it was read)- for the plow. He afterwards rented his father's farm of four hundred acres for which he jjaid twelve hundred dollars per year, and subsequently he bought this tract of four hundred acres from his father, becoming its owner in 1865. He then removed into the old home and began operating his land, for which he had i)aid fifty dollars jier acre. That he worked diligently and prospered is indicated by the fact that within six years he had paid twenty thousand dollars on the jirojjerty and was thus the owner of the old homestead, which he had freed from debt. He continued farming with excellent success and has purchased more land from time to time imtilhis realty possessions at present comprise nineteen hundred and seventy acres. Upon his home place he has all modern improvements and a beautiful residence with hot and cold water and all modern improvements. It is surrounded with fine shade trees and is one of the most attractive features of the landscape. In his farm work. Mr. Campbell is systematic, determined and ca- ])al)le and has carried forward to completion what- ever he has undertaken. He has been engaged (|nite extensively in feeding cattle and hogs, feed- ing alxiut two hundred and thirty head of cattle in the winter of 1904 and aboin three hundred head of hogs. He now has about two hundred and forty head of hogs and two hundre'lvania, and became a farmer of the Em- pire state, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits until his removal to the mid- dle west. He was married in the east to Aliss Durham, a native of Elmira, New York, whose father was a surveyor of that locality. As before stated, the year 1830 witnessed the arrival of Samuel Goldy and his wife in this county, and for six years they resided in Rockton township, after which they removed to the farm now- owned and occupied by their son Benjamin, the father having purchased this land upon coming to the county. Here he and his wife resided until called to their final rest, Mr. Goldy pass- ing away in January, 1865, when sixty-three years of age. while his wife died in 1890, at the a£fe of ei^htx-three vears. He was active and influential in community aft'airs, and served as commissioner of highways in Rockton and Shir- land townships for several }ears. In their fam- ily were six children : James, who went to Cal- ifornia in 1849, afterward lived for a number of years in Kansas, but eventually returned to Cal- ifornia, where his death occurred. John, who was a hatter by trade, learning the business in Elmira. New York, also spent four years as a sailor on whaling expeditions, and later he sailed on the Great Lakes for several j^ears. He served his country as a member of the Union army dur- ing the Civil war, and subsequently he was mar- ried and removed to Butler county, Kansas, where his death occurred. William, who learned the printer's trade in Elmira, New York, after- ward worked at Aurora and at Chicago. Illinois, and in the latter city was foreman of the job office owned by S. P. Rounds, in which office the first color work was probably done. He con- tinued to make his home in Chicago during the greater part of the time until his death. Airs. Elizabeth HoUister, the fourth member of the family, resides at Cresco. Iowa. Stephen D. died May 22. 1905, in Harrison township, this county, where he had resided for many years, engaged in raising bees and dealing in honey. Benjamin D. Goldy was a youth of nine years when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Winnebago county, arriving here in the spring of 1850. He resided in Rockton town- ship for six years, and since that time has prac- tically made his home in Shirland township. However, he spent some years on the plains in the west, going first in i860 and again in the early '70s. He secured a homestead in Adams county. Nebraska, proved it up and retained the ow'nership thereof for several years, but sold it some time ago. He now resides on section 3. Shirland township, where he owns a farm of eighty acres, which is productive and valuable land. At the time of the Civil war, however. Air. Goldy felt that his duty to his country w'as para- mount to all other interests in his life, and in 1862 offered his services to the government, en- listing in Company D. Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, at Rockford. being mustered in and out at the same time as the entire regiment. Dur- ing a part of the three years, however, he was out of the service for a time on account of his ill health, but he re-enlisted and met the company at Chattanooga. He was never injured, although he participated in many important engagements, and he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennes- see, at the close of the war, and paid off at Chi- cago. He was always loyal to the cause he espoused, and upon the battle-fields of the south faithfully followed the stars and stripes until the 296 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. flag of the Union was victoriously planted in the capital of the soutlu-ni Confederacy. Mr. Goldy was married first, in 1862, to Miss Harriet Stilwell, who was born in Shirland township, this county, and died in 1869, leaving three children: Hiram S., a farmer of Shirland township, whose daughter, Mrs. Judd, resides in Laona township ; William, of Seattle, \\'ashing- ton, who was for years engaged in the railroad busimss: and iuigene. a resident famur of Lin coin county. South Dakota, who is married, and has four sons. His property is a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres. For his second wife Mr. (ioldy chose Miss \'elona Guptil. who was born in Rockton township. Wiiuiebago county, and is a daughter of John B. Guptil, one of the pioneer residents of this county, now de- ceased. His widow, however, still resides at Shirland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goldy have been born the following named : Mrs. Bessie Hulburt, who is living in Monroe. \\'isconisn : Floyd, a farmer, residing near Springfield, in Bonhomme county. South Dakota, who is married and has one child ; Stanley, who is bookkeeper in the Manufacturers' Bank at Rockford ; George, John, Samuel. Clarence. Robert and .Mice, all at liome. Politically Mr. Goldy is an earnest republican, having always given stanch supi)ort to the party and its j)rinciples. He has served as supervisor for eight or nine terms, and in various other local offices, and no trust reposed in hiin has been betrayed in the slightest degree. Socially he is connected with Nevius post. No. 1, G. A. R., at Rockford. became a charter member of Harrison camp. No. 684, M. W. A., and is now a member of the camp at Shirland. He attends the Congregational church in Shirland township, and his interest in the material, social, political and moral welfare of his community is that of a public-s])irited citizen who realizes possibilities, im])rovements and opportunities, and does what he can not only for his indivithial advancement, but also for the welfare of tin- general communitv. ARCHIBALD R. ARMSTRONG. .\rchibald R. Armstrong, one of the extensive landowners of Winnebago county, his farm comprising four hundred anrl eighty acres, was Ixjrn in .\lleghcny county. Pennsylvania, Febru- ary 16. 1852, and when about two years of age was brought to Illinois by his parents, .\rchibald ami Eliza (Xcwburn) .\rmstrong. The father was a native of Ireland, born in County Sligo in 1815. Crossing the .\tlantic to .\merica in 1848, he mafle liis home in Petnisylvania and soon after- ward sent for his wife, whom he had married on the Emerald isle. She was born in 1813 and with her children she started for the new world, joining her husband and father here. They settled nead Pittsburg, where they remained un- til 1854, when they came to Winnebago county, Illinois, Rockford being their destination. Soon afterward Mr. Armstrong rented land in Owen township and the family home was established thereon. He also worked as a farm hand in the neighborhood until i860, when he purchased eighty acres of land and thus became one of the property holders of his locality. He worked per- sistently and energetically in order to make a good home for his family and acquire a comfort- able competence, and as the years passed he was enabled lo extend the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it comprised two hun- dred and forty acres. His remaining days were devoted to general farming and stock-raising and he deserved the respect and esteem which was uniformly accorded him because of what he ac- complished and by reason of the honorable meth- ods which he always followed in his business career. He died in 1893, and his wife departed this life in 1877. They were the parents of three sons and five daughters, and two sons and four daughters are yet living, namely : Catherine ; J. \\\, who married Martha Wishop ; Elizabeth, the wife of James 1 jlack ; Marie, the wife of Walter Wickes : Sarah, the widow of William A. Halley ; and Archibald R. Rebecca and James E. are deceased. Being but two years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Winnebago county, Archibald R. .Armstrong was reared in Illinois and through the iieriod of his boyhood and youth remained with his parents, .\fter attending the public schools he spent two years as a student in Professor Lownsbury's Business College, at Rockford. and was thus well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. Following his marriage he located on a tract of land of eighty acres, constituting the nucleus of his extensive possessions. He realized that "there is no excel- lence without lalxir." and he persistently and en- ergetically sought to make his farm productive and his annual sales of crops added to his in- come and made it possible for him to extend the boundaries of his farm tmtil he is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of very valu- able land. .Ml of the improvements upon the propertv are his work and include substantial Imildings and every modern accessory. On the 28th of Decemlier. 1881, Mr. .\rm- strong was marrietl to Miss .\gnes Compton. a daughter of Wortman and Mary C\''anderhoflF') t'ompton, the former horn July 27. 1830. and the latter .\pril 14, 1833. They were both natives of New [ersev. and came to Winneliago countv MR. AND ^IRS. A. R. ARAISTROXG. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 299 111 1855, settling tirst in Owen town- ship, after which they removed to Harri- son township, where Mr. Compton carried on business as a contractor and builder. He erected many substantial structures in this county and was well known throughout this part of the state as a reliable business man and representa- tive citizen. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and enlisted as a mem- ber of Company D, Seventy-fourth Illinois In- fantry, and served until the close of the war. Following his return from the battle-field of the south, he again worked at his trade and later purchased a farm, which he made his home until 1886, when he removed to Rockford, there living a retired life until called to his final rest C)ctober 12, 1901. His wife survived him until July 28, 1903. They had two children: Agnes, who was born Augaist 23, 1854; and Whitfield, born Jan- uary 14, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong also have two children, Charles E. and Mary L.. who are at home. Mr. Armstrong has served as a member of the school board, as town clerk, assessor and justice of the peace, filling the latter position at the pres- ent time, and in all of these offices he has dis- charged his duties with capability and fidelity. His political allegiance is given to no one party for he holds himself free to vote for the men and measure that he deems best worthy of his support. He favors the Methodists Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member, and he belongs to Owen camp. No. 616, JM. W. A. There have been no exciting chapters in his life record but the inherent forces of his character and his unre- mitting diligence have enabled him to gain a po- sition of affluence and win at the same time the good will and trust of his fellowmen by reason of the honorable methods he has ever followed. THOMAS M. BUTLER, M. D. Dr. TlKjmas M. Butler, of Rockford. who was born June 21, 1833, in Lycoming county. Penn- sylvania, was a son of Thomas and Hannah (Farr) Butler. In the paternal line he comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry, while in the maternal line he is of English lineage, the Farr famil\' having been founded in America, however, prior to the Revolutionary war. Thomas Butler, Sr., was born in the north of Ireland, and came to Amer- ica when twelve years of age, settling in Penn- sylvania about 1790. He served his country in the war of 1812 as a member of General Hull's Brigade. Following the close of hostilities he returned to Pennsylvania, and was there married to LTannah Farr, whose people resided near the Potomac river. Their property was destroyed during the progress of the war, and the govern- ment afterward gave to the family one thousand acres of land in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Butler became the owner of a farm in that locality, where he made his home until 1854, when he sold his property and came to Win- nebago county. Here he purchased a farm in Rockford township, and continued its further development and improvement up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1857. His wife long survived him, and died in 1891. Thev were the parents of nine children, three of whom died in Pennsylvania before the removal of the fam- il\- to the west. At the present time four sons and two daughters are yet living: John, a resi- dent of Ogle county. Illinois ; William F., who died in 1866; Ann, the wife of O. J. Cummings, of Winnebago county ; Thomas M. ; Bartlett F., also of this county ; G. C, who is living in Mar- shall county, Kansas ; Gillon T., who died at Clarksville, Butler county, Iowa, in the '90s : and ^Margaret E., who is living in Winnebago county. Thomas M. Butler was a student in the dis- trict schools of Pennsylvania, and later attended an academy at Bloonisburg, that state, and after- ward the Lewisburg University. He pursued a scientific course preparatory to entering upon the study of medicine. He read medicine under the direction of Drs. Hill and Butler and later came west with his father. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and continuing his preparation for the practice of medicine, was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in May, 1857. He then located for practice in Rockford, opening an office in this city in con- nection with J. B. McFatrich, with whom he re- mained for about a year. Dr. Butler then removed to Iowa, where he practiced for a time, after which he took up his abode in Jackson county, Illinois, where he continued in business for some time. He also taught school, and in 1861 he came to Pecatonica. Winnebago county, where he continued in the active practice of medicine and surgery for sixteen years. In 1876 he was elected clerk of the circuit court, in which capacity he served for three terms of four years each, thus spending twelve years in that office, to which he was chosen as the candidate of the republican party. In 1888 he removed to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, where he followed his pro- fession for two years, and later spent five years as a practitioner in Detroit. In 1895 he returned to Rockford, where he again opened an office, but about two years ago he retired from active life. He had enjoyed a large practice in many of the towns in which he had been located, and by careful husbanding of his resources had gained a handsome competence. Dr. Butler was married in Pecatonica, Sep- tember I, 1864, to Miss Adelaide A. Prouty, a 300 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. daughter oi William L'. rruiiiy, who came to Rockford in 18(15, and was engaged in merchan- dising here until the lime of his death in 1878. He was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1844, and on coming to the west settled in I'ecatonica, where he was engaged in business until his removal to Rockford. His widow long sur- vived liim, and died in 1892, at the age of eighty years. Dr. and Mrs. Butler have had two chil- dren : Anna C, who was born in Pecatonica, May 7, 1866. and is living at home : and W. H. P. Butler, who was born October 13, 1867, and was married in i8iji to Miss Mary Buker. He died November j8, 1894. He had served as clerk with his father in the circuit court, and in his business career was connecterofessional career, he placed his de- pendence upon his native intellectual force, his laudable ambition and his unfaltering energy, and these proved an excellent capital. His suc- cess resulted entirely from his close application and capability, and he is well known in Winne- bago county as one who justly merits the es- teem and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact. JOHN M. RHODES. Jolin M. Rhodes, who has served for twenty- one years on the l)oard of supervisors and has taken an active [)art in community affairs in Ros- coe, his native village, was born August 25, 1840, his parents being John J. and Pamelia (Wilson) Rhodes. The grandfatlier. Jolni Rhodes, a na- tive of Ireland, came to tlie new world after his marriage, bringing with him his wife and one child. His M-ife was a native of England. They settled in Oneida county. New York, the year of their emigration being 1795. Mr. Rhodes had been a carder in the woolen mills in his na- tive country and subsequently conducted a woolen mill in the Empire state. The father was a na- tive of the Empire state, liorn in 1803. while the mother's birth occurred in Canada, in 1806. \\'hen a young man John J. Rhodes learned the trade of carding in a woolen mill in the state of New York, and later with a younger brother went to Canada, where they conducted a woolen mill for several years. It was during their residence there that the parents of our subject were married, and in 1839 they came west to Illinois, remaining for about a year in Rockford. On the expiration of that period they took up their abode in Roscoe, where Mr. Rhodes built a sawmill. He also purchased land and in coimection with the manu- facture of lumber was engaged in pursuits upon the farm, which is now the property of his son, John M. The tract comprised alx^ut three hun- dred and forty acres and was largely imim- proved but the father, with characteristic energy, ])laced his fields under a high state of cultivation. He was the first supervisor of Roscoe township, which office he filled for seven years to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was also justice of the peace for many years and his decis- ions were strictly fair and impartial. He was also highway commissioner and every trust reposed in him was faithfully performed. His political alle- giance was given to the whig party in early manhood and on its dissolution he espoused the principles of the new republican party and con- tinued one of its stalwart supporters until his death, which occurred in Roscoe, when he was fifty-six years of age. His wife survived him until about seventy years of age. They brought with them to Illinois three children, who were born in Canada, but only one is now living. Wil- liam, a resident of Worth county. Iowa. The iitlier memlx-rs of the family born in Illinois, who yet survive, are John M. and his sister, Mrs. Laura Sammons. the wife of .\mos Sammons. John M. Rhodes has made his home in Roscoe throughout his entire life. The pubic schools af- forded him his educational privileges and on the 24th of Mav, 1861. in response to his country's need, he ofifered his services to the Union, en- listing as a private of Company B. Fifteenth Illi- nois Infantry for three years' service. He con- tinued with the command for about a month after the expiration of his term, being nnistcred out June 14. 1864. He went to the front under Cap- tain Hurlbut. who afterward rose to the rank of major general. The first battle in which he par- ticipated was the hotly contested engagement at Shiloh. where the men fell like flowers before a hailstorm, the regiment losing two hundred and fiftv-eight of its members in eight minutes. Mr. Rhodes had three bullets shot tlirough his clothes in that engagement. Later he participated in the battles of Fort Donaldson and the siege of Yicks- burg and in other engagements with his regiment, never faltering in the performance of any duty as- signed to him. PAST AND PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 301 When mustered out of the army Mr. Rhodes returned to his home in Roscoe, and was married on the 25th of August, 1864, to Miss Louisa Love., a native of Roscoe, and a daughter of Jahez Love, who was born in England but in his youth came to America, set- tling in Detroit, ^lichigan, whence he aft- erward came to this place, casting in his lot with its early settlers. He is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-seven acres of his father's old homestead. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes were born three children, of whom two are living : Charles, now a veterinary surgeon, residing at Beloit, Wisconsin, married Miss Maria Lyford, a daughter of Dudley Lyford, of Ros- coe, and they have two children, Alice and John D. Mary is the wife of Clifford Wilcox, and had three children, Lee and Ethel, living ; and Arthur, who was killed by lightning August 9, 1893. He married Ella Cummings, and thev had one son, Ralph. Through much of his life Mr. Rhodes has been identified with agricultural interests but in 1900 he went to Washington, D. C, and became one of the police officers in the capital, where he re- mained for a year. He was then appointed to a position in the internal revenue service, acting as special agent for three years, after which he re- turned to Roscoe. Prior to his residence in the national capital he was for many years justice of the peace and had also served on the board of supervisors for nine years at one time, and ten years at another time. He was the first native born son of Roscoe to be called to that office and upon his return from Washingfton he was again elected supervisor so that his service in the posi- tion covers twenty-one years altogether. No higher testimonial of his ability or of the trust reposed in him could be given than the fact that he has so long been retained in the one office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, at Rock- ton, and of Nevius post. No. i. G. A. R., at Rockford. He has ever been a public-spirited and patriotic citizen, as true and loyal to his country in days of peace as when the war cloud hung over the land and he battled for the Union upon the contested srround of the south. MICHAEL C. KEATING. Michael C. Keating, a retired farmer resid- ing in Pecatonica, is a native of the Emerald isle, and in his life has displayed many of the sterling characteristics of the Celtic race, includ- ing the ready adaptability and unfailing enter- prise which have been strong elements in the success of the sons of Erin. He was born in Queen's county. Ireland, October 3. 1846, and was educated in \^'estcheste^ county. New York, and in the schools of Rockford. He came to America in March, 1848, with his parents, James and Winifred (Brannon) Keating. They were eight weeks in crossing the Atlantic to America, as passengers on a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Alichael Keating was then about a year and a half old, and the family lived in \\'estchester county for five years, after which they removed to Oswego county. New York, where they spent a }ear. Three children had been born in Ireland and three more children were added to the family in the Empire state. In 1854 the parents left New York, made their wa\' by boat to Detroit, Michigan, thence by canal to Chicago, and on by rail to Elgin. For a year the family home was maintained between Rockbridge and Elgin, and the father laid the track for the Fox River road and also worked on the old St. Charles Air Line. In the spring of 1855 he removed to Rockford, living in the city for four years, working on the water power. He then came to Pecatonica on the 27th of July, 1859, and purchased a small lot on the north side of the river, after which he at once began to clear his land. There was a log house on the place in whch he and his family took up their abode. They had lost one daughter, Mary, while living in Rockford, and the youngest daughter, Margaret, died here in 1859. The father added to his land from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had about three hun- dred acres, constituting a valuable property. He was one of the early pioneer settlers of the county, industrious and honest, and he enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died at the age of seventy-two years and three months, while his wife passed away when about eighty-seven years of age. He and all his family were communicants of the Catholic church. Michael C. Keating accompanied his parents on their various removals and lived with them until they were called to the home beyond. He worked upon the home farm after coming to Winnebago county until the age of thirteen years, when he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood by the day and month. He was employed by Sam- uel Derwent for two years, after which, in 1863. he began farming on his own account, and was thus engaged until 1864, when he could no longer content himself to remain at home while the LTnion was in peril, and enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, as a private. He was enrolled in the month of August, and went to Camp Butler, at Springfield, where he received his uniform. He then went to Brighton, Macoupin county, where the troops 3°- I'AST AND I'RF.SKXT OF WI.W'EBAGO COUNTY. were drillet.! iiniil ordered to Alton on provost duty, remaininj; tliere for about tliree months. They next went to I'eoria on jirovost duty, Mr. Keating being tliere with nine others of his com- pany. Later he returned to Springfield, and on to Cain.), where he was on guard duly for about two months. He was next sent to New Orleans by boat to take part)lletl prisoners to the south, and was in that cit\' wlien the rebel ram ran the blockade. He afterward returned to Cairo, leav- ing there upon the day that President Lincoln was assassinated — .\pril 14. iS(>~,. when he re- porteil at Camp Yates, in Siiringfield. being mus- tered out there July 8, 1865. Returning to his home, Air. Keating engaged in farming again, and in connection w'ith his father purchased land and carried on general agricultural pursuits. As a companion and hel]}- niate for life's journey he wedded Miss Ellen Kennedy, to whom he was married June 20, 1879. Her parents were Patrick and Ellen Ken- nedy, both natives of Ireland. The mother was twice married, having two children by her second marriage, but Mrs. Keating was the only child of the fir.st marriage. Iler second husband was Miciiael Russell, who is now living in Rockford. Mr. Kennedy died in 1854, while the mother of Mrs. Keating passel wnsliii), where the well directed labors of Mr. Burns won him a gratifying ])rosperity. More extended mention of this worthy cou])le is given on another page of this work. Timothy P. Burns, of this review, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the period, no eveiU of special im])ortance occurring to vary the routine of work, study and play for him in his boyhood days. .Vrriving at years of matur- ity he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, and was married on the 13th of Jan- uary. 1898, to Miss Margaret E. Shehan, a (laughter of Phillip and .\nn Shehan. of this county. She is a graduate of the high school of Winnebago of the class of 1892, and taught school for several terms, being known as one of the most successful teachers of the county. She was thus engaged up to the time of her marriage. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Burns has been blessed with three children: William Shehan, born September 15. 1899; Philip, born August 2, 1901 : and Tobias, born in ( )ctober, 1904. .\t the time of his marriage Mr. Burns left the old homestead farm on which he had been reared, and of which he had acted as manager in the early years of his manhood and took up his abode upon the farm which is now his home, comprising one hundred and sixty-nine acres of land on section 29, Burritt township. Here he is now successfully carrying on general agri- cultural pursuits, his life being characterizespital. where he remained for six months, after which he served with the invalid corps. When the war was over and his aid was no longer needed he was mustered out at Indianajiolis. Indiana, July 3, 1865. He had been seriously womided in the leg by two bullets. Mr. Fitzgerald at once returned to Rockford and has since resided in Winnebago county. He was married here to Miss Anna Kearney, a native of County Carey, Ireland, who came to this coun- try in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald have nine cliildren living and one deceased : .\gncs. the wife of Martin Duane, of Boone county, Illinois, and the mother of eight children ; Edward, a resident farmer of Rockford township : Mary, who has taught school for the past fourteen years in Winnebago county and is now residing with her brother Edward : Mark J., who resides on a farm just south of Rockford and is married and has two children : Catherine, the wife of James Radmond, of Rockford : Anna, the wife of Wil- liam Drohan, of Rockford township; John, who died at the age of twenty-two years ; Margaret, Patrick W. and Clara, all at home. Politically Mr. Fitzgerald is a democrat where national questions and issues are involved, but at local elections he votes independently. Socially he is a member of Ncvius post. No. i, G. A. R., at Rockford and also belongs to the .\ncient Order of United Workmen. lie is likewise a member of St. Mary's Catholic church of Rockford. Throughout almost his entire business career he has followed farming and his success is the di- rect outcome of his well directed labors, his splendidly improved farm being the visible evi- dence of his life of enterprise and untiring ac- tivitv. PROFESSOR P. R. WALKER. Pelcg Remington Walker, for more than twenty-one years city superintendent of the schools of Rockford and widely acknowledged as one of the most capable educators representing the public school system of the state, is a native of Brooklyn. Windham county, Connecticut, where liis birth occurred on the 1st of July. 1835. He was but four years of age at the time of the re- moval of the familv to East Brooklvn, now Danielson, where he pursued his education in the district schools until twelve years of age, after which only the winter months were devoted to study, while the summer seasons were given to farm work. .Ambitious, however, for further educational development he resumed his studies, in the West Killingly academy, attending during the fall and winter terms of 1850. In November, 1852. Professor Walker entered u|)on the ])rofession whicii he has made his life work as teacher in the North Higelow district in Hampton, Connecticut, and in the following sunnner he engaged in car|)entering in connection with his father. He taught in the south parish school in Killingly in the winter of 1853-4, and at that time began preparation for a college course, attending school through the following winter, but in the spring of 1855 he was forced to abandon his cherished plan, because of troubles with his eyes, occasioned by an attack of measles. He became a resident of the middle west in April, 1856, when he accomjianied his father's family (Ml their removal to .^cott township, Ogle county, Illinois, and in the fall of the same year he was elected to the ])osition of teacher in Lynnville for seven months. When summer came he engaged in breaking prairie and was thus identified with the early agricultural developments of the county, but the winter found him installed behind the teacher's desk in the Sniith-Woodburn school, in Byron, Illinois. His work in the schoolroom has been so satis- factory that he resolved to devote his life to the professi(3n and that he might be still better quali- fied he pursued a course in the Normal I'niver- sity at Bloomington. Illinois, being graduated therefrom in June. 1861. He taught at Dement the following year, but feeling that a higher duty called him — his duty to his country — he put aside personal considerations, and on the 12th of August. 1862. joined the boys in blue of Com- pany K. Ninety-second Illinois Infantry, as a private. The regiment was sent to Camp Fuller and from that point left for the scene of hostili- ties. October 10. 1862. The regiment was mounted in July. 18^)3. and supplied with repeat- ing rifles, and with his command Professor Walker particijiated in the advance on Chat- tanooga, was with Hooker at Lookout Mountain, saw the battle of Mission Ridge, was with Sher- man in Kilpatrick's Cavalry, from Chattanooga to .\tlantic and on the march to Savannah. He was slightly wounded when approaching Raleigh but otherwise escaped uninjured. He was pro- moted successively to sergeant, first sergeant and lieutenant and was in connnand of his company during the last year of the war. Conscious of having faithfully performed his duty to his coun- try, he then returned to his home to resume the l)ursuits of civil life. p. R. WALKER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 313 Before leaving the army Professor Walker had been engaged to teach the Dement school, leaving there only after eight years to accept a still better position in Rochelle, Illinois. Twelve years were passed in the latter city and a further onward step was made when he accepted the preferred superintendency of the city schools of Rockford. The public school system of this city is largely a monument to his life work. He was continu- all)' sought for work in institutes. He has inaugrated new and i.iractical ideas and by his own zeal and enthusiasm have inspired the teachers to their best work. Rockford has every reason to be proud of her schools — and her schools owe their excellence and advanced posi- tion to his efforts. He keeps in touch with modern thought relative to his profession through regular attendance at the National and State Teachers' Associations and for several years he served as treasurer of the latter, and in 1890 he was its presiding officer. He has also been the president of the Northern Illinois Teachers' Association and a member of the state board of education for more than twenty years and his name in educational circles stands as a synonym for progress and practical work in the public schools. Professor Walker's fraternal relations are with the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Miss Martha E.' Webb, of New York, and with their daughter they reside at No. 716 North Church street — the center of a cultured society circle. DA\'TD P.. PENNIMAN, M. D. Dr. David 1!. Penniman, engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in .Argyle and Harlem township, was born June 9, 1867, at Woodburn, Macoupin county, Illinois. His paternal grandfather, David Penniman, was a native of New Hampshire, born June 12, 1786, and died in North Bloomfield, Ohio, July 26, 1858. His ancestors came from New England and from Maryland, representa- tives of the name living in New England as early as 1630. The maternal grandfather of the Doc- tor was a soldier of the American army in the war of 1812. The father. Dr. Alexander B. Pen- niman, was born in Rutland, New York, April II, 1824, and in his youth accom- panied his parents to Bloomfield, Ohio, where they lived for a number of years. During that period he pursued his literary education in Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, after which he took up the study of medicine in the Eclectic College, at Cincinnati. Ohio, from which institution he was graduated. He located for practice in Canada, remaining there for three years, after whch he removed to southwestern Missouri, where he also practiced for three years. He next went to Woodburn, Illinois, where he followed his profession with excellent success for a quarter of a century, after which he took up his abode in Oberlin, Ohio, in order that his children might enjoy the benefits of education afiforded in that city. For five years he continued in practice there or until his death, which oc- curred in 1887. In early manhood he had wedded Sarah Barton, who was born in Jacksonville, Illi- nois, Januaryio, 1833, and was a daughter of John H. and Mary (Reid) Barton. Mrs". Penni- man still survives her husband and is now living with her son David in Argyle. The other mem- bers of the family are: Rev. Alford Penniman, who is pastor of the Congregational church at Ravenswood, Illinois ; and Ira, who is director of music in the First Congregational church in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Penniman, of this review, spent the first fourteen years of his Hfe in the place of his na- tivity and then went with his parents to Oberlin, Ohio, where he continued his education, studying for eight years in the preparatory school and col- lege. He was graduated from the latter with hon- ors and afterward removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he entered upon the study of his profession in the medical department of the Northwestern University. When he was graduated and re- ceived his degree he located for practice in Spring Valley. Illinois, and on the 28th of September, 1893, he took up his abode at Argyle, where he has since followed his profession with excellent success. He has now an extensive patronage from among the best Scotch families of this local- ity, and his thorough understanding of the prin- ciples of medicine, combined with a conscientious devotion to his chosen life work, makes him one of the most capable, as well as one of the most successful physicians of this part of the count}'. On the 13th of September. 1893, Dr. Penniman was married to Miss Corda Shively, of Shelby, Iowa, a daughter of Joseph Shively, now living in Dayton, Ohio. Her father was a soldier of the Civil war, serving, in Company H, of the Tenth Kentucky \^oIunteers. Her mother died when Airs. Penniman was about six years of age. The latter was born February 14, 1868, and unto the Doctor and his wife have been born two children : Lawrence W., born January 28, 1895 ; and Al- ford. born January 28, 1902. Dr. Penniman is a member of the Masonic lodge at Roscoe, the Modern Woodman camp at Caledonia, Illinois, and also is connected with the Mystic Workers at Argyle. In politics he is a republican and he takes an active and help- ful interest in the cause of education, doing ef- fective service in that line as a member of the 3 '4 FAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. school board. He and his wife are ineinlxTS of the Willow Creek Presbjteriaii church at Argj'Ie and he is a member of the boLrd of sessions. A gentleman of culture, of capability in his profes- sion and of practical ideas concerning the vital questions of life in man's physical, intellectual and spiritual nature, he stantls as the champion of all that is worthy and has commanded the confidence and good will of his fcllowmen by his genuine personal worth. LEWIS B. GREGORY. Lewis B. Gregory, who was interested in the erction of the first sawmill on Rock river and the building of the first dam, and who is now coimected with various corporations of the city, having financial interests therein, although he is largely living a retired life, was born in Seneca county, New York, March 28, 1820, and is a representative of one of the old families of New England. His grandfather, Sanuiel Gregory, was a native of Connecticut, and there spent his entire life as a farmer, dying at an advanced age. He luarried a lady of Connecticut, who survived him for a number of years and died at the home of one of her children, at the age of eighty-seven years. Both grandjiarcnts were active members of the Methodist church, doing all in their power to extend its influence and promote its growth. Their son, the Rev. I larry Gregory, was born in Danbury, Coiuiecticut, and was reared among the hills in that section of the country. When a young luan he removed to Seneca county. New York, where he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah I'arnum, a native of that locality. They began their domestic life there, and after several years removed to Niagara county. New York, where Mr. Gregory began active work in con- nection with the ministry of the Methodist church. From that time until his death, which occurred in Canandaigua, New York, in 1879, when he was eighty-four years of age, he was engaged in proclaiming the gospel, and his influ- ence was a potent force in the development of his denomination. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812, liecame a stanch advo- cate of the abolition cause and took an active part in suppressing slavery. His political sup- port was given to the whig ])arty until the re- |)ulilican party was formed to prevent tiie further extension of slavery, when he joined its ranks. His wife died in New York about twenty years ]>rinr to the death of her husband. They were the ])arenls rif eight children, fnur of whom are yet living and are marrieil. Lewis IJ. Gregory was quite young when his parents became residents of Lockport, New York, and later he accoiupanied the family on their removal to Lima, Livingston county. He supplemented his early educational privileges by study in the seminary there, and subsequently he began teaching, following that profession in the east for several years. He was a young man of twenty when he arrived in Rockford, and for two and a half years he continued his active con- nection with the teacher's profession, being one of the early educators in this part of the state. Quick to recognize a business opportunity and to utilize it, he became a factor in industrial in- terests by joining others in the erection of the first sawmill built on Rock river at this place. He was also connected with the building of the first clam, and was associated in other progressive movements which have been of material benefit in the u])building and improvement of the city. At the present time he is laying out into town lots the land which he purchased here in 1845. A man of wise council and keen discrimination in business matters, his co-operation has been sought in the conduct of a number of important enterprises here, and the value of his council has been demonstrated in the success which has attended many enterprises with which he has been associated. He is now a stockholder and director in the Burial Case Company and a stockholder and vice-president of the Air Brush Company, which has developed an extensive business during the ten years of its existence. In Rockford was celebrated the marriage of Lewis B. Gregory and Miss Lucy E. Spafford, who was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, December t8, 1831, her parents being Dan and Julia (Galloway) Spafford, who were early residents of Rockford, coming here in 1844. Her father was coiuiected with the printing business here through a long period, and was well kumvn as a pioneer resident of the county. He and his wife had a very wide acquaintance, and were fa- miliarly called "Cncle" and "Aunt" by their man\- friends, who entertained for them the wanucst regard. I'.oth lived to an advanced age, and Mrs. S])aft"orfl was a consisteiU member of of the I'^piscopal church. They had a large family, incluiling Mrs. Gregory, wlio was a lady of iiuiate culture and refinement, her good (luali- ties of heart and mind wimiing her the love and esteem of all who knew her. She was a member the I'reshyterian church, and died in that faith at her home in this city, July 2, 1888. She had become the mother of six children, of whom Charles died in infancy. Those still living are: Edward, a plumber of the firm of S])ringer & Gregory, who luarried Evaline Chancy, and after her death chose Laura J. Potter for his wife: Carroll S., who was educated in Heloit. Wiscon- sin, and is now a plumber of that city, where he married Jennie Waterman ; Lewis L., who wed- <^^^aajt^ ^^r^^^2^^>^ PAST AND PRESENT OF \\'INNEBAGO COUNTY. 317 ded Sarah Throckmorten ; and is a successful practitioner of medicine in Chicago ; Kittie C, the wife of George N. Safford, Uimberman, of Rockford ; and George B., who is bookkeeper for the Love Manufacturing Company, of Rockford. On the 7th of December, 1893, Mr. Gregory married Airs. Sarah A. Stambro. widow of Ira Stambro, and a daughter of John Grain. She was born in Alabama, but in early life removed to Memphis, Tennessee. By her first marriage she has one daughter, Henrietta, now the wife of Frank L. Cleveland, of Rockford. Mr. Gregory has now passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey. His has been an act- ive and useful career, in which much time has been devoted to his business interests, and yet he has found time and opportunity to co-operate in measures for the general good. He has long been an advocate of temperance principles, and casts his ballot for the men and measures of the prohibition party. .America is a self-made coun- try, and those who have created it are self-made men. It is to this class that Mr. Gregory be- longs, for he came to the west when twenty years of age. with no capital, possessing how- ever, a laudable ambition and strong determina- tion. He realized that there is no excellence without labor, and he resolutely set to work to achieve a fortune through persistent, earnest purpose. He has always manifested a lively in- terest in and given a helping hand to every move- ment for the benefit of his city and has also been very helpful to young men just beginning the battle of life — never forgetting his own early struggles. He is genial, courteous and chival- rous, and a fast friend to those who have enjoyed his confidence. In all of his business enterprises he has been eminently successful, and by those who know him has been regarded as exception- allv sure and conservative. TOHN BLACK. John Black, whose business ability finds visible evidence in his well improved farm, which has been acquired from his own efforts and improved through his own labors, was born in Sligo county, Ireland, July 31. 1846, his parents being Charles and Eliza (Hall) Black. The father, who was born in Sligo county, November 21, 1821, died on the 6th of November, 1902, while his wife, who was born in October, 1824 passed away Oc- tober 21, 1893. The year 1846 witnessed Mr. Black's emigration to America. He landed in New York, made his way to Philadelphia and after- ward to Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he lived for ten years. He had been married in 1839, and after a residence of two years in the new world, during which time he became con- vinced that he could provide a better living for his family in this country, he sent for his wife to join him in 1848. They arrived in Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1856, and after a residence here of two years, Charles Black purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land while subse- quenth- he bought an additional tract of one hun- dred and twenty acres. He built thereon a house and at once began breaking the raw prairie. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place when it came into his posses- sion. He was one of the pioneers settlers of the community and he did as others had to do to meet the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. In addition to raising grain he also engaged in the raising of cattle, horses and hogs, and was actively identified with agricultural pur- suits until the last fifteen years of his life, when he lived retired. He was known as an energetic, hard-working man, persevering in all that he did, and his labor formed the basis of a richly merited and gratifying success. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, of whom eleven are still living: James, who married Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, b\- whom he had five children, is now carrying on fanning in Brown county, Kansas. Edward, who married Miss Mary Chapman, and has five children, resides at Jessup, Iowa. John is the third of the family. William, who married Miss Amelia Gephard, and has six children, is engaged in g-eneral farming in Owen township. G orge. who wedded Miss flattie Hullet, and has thirteen children, is carr\-ing on gen-eral farm- ing in Owen township. Annie is the wife of Edson Miller, a resident of Madison, South Da- kota, and they have three children. Charles, who married Miss Agnes Mc?^Iichael, and is living in Owen township has five children. Charlotte re- sides on the old homestead. Samuel B., who is married and has five children, makes his home in Brown county. Kansas. Eliza is the wife of E. O. Campbell, of Owen township, and they had six children, of whom four are living. Lorenzo D., who lived to the age of twenty-four years, married Miss Mary Harvey and had three chil- dren. Louise is living on the old homestead in Owen township. John Black was onlv about two years of age when brought by his mother to America. He was reared under the parental roof, and was a youth of ten summers when the family removed to Winnebago county, where he has since lived. He continued under the parental roof until twentv vears of age and gained practical ex- perience in farm work, so that he was well quali- fied to carry on a similar business for himself, when at the age of twenty years he began farming on his own account. He took up his abode on the place where he yet resides, but at that time it was open prairie without improvement or culti- 3>8 PAST A\D PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY vation. All of tlic buildings ii])oii the place stand as monuments to his enterprise and ])ro- gressivc spirit, and the well tillecl fields are the evidence of his life and thrift and industry. He has worked persistently, his labors giiided by sound judgment, and in all that he does he is eminently practical. He owns five hundred and eighty acres of land in Winnebago county and one hundred am! twenty acres in Rock county. Wisconsin. On the 4th of September, 1870, Mr. Black was married to Mi.ss Lucy Chapman, a daughter of Edom and Gertrude Chapman, in whose family were eight children, of whom five are yet living: Minerva became the wife of Thomas Liddle. who died May 16. 11)04. leaving three chililren. who with the mother resides in Owen township. .Mrs. I'.lack is the next of the family. Elmer is mar- ried anil lives in P.utte. Montana, and has three children. Eiunia is the wife of Frank King, of Rockford. and has one child. Jeremiah is de- ceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. lUack has been blessed with eight children, of whom all are yet living: George, who married .\gncs Pom- eroy, and has three children, is engaged in farm- ing in the town of Rockton. Lena and P>aze are at home. John, who married Miss P.essie Fair- child, and has one child, is also a farmer in the town of Rock-ton. Jay. who wedded Miss Mar\ Gilmore, is engaged in farming near P)eloit, Wis- consin. Minerva is the wife of .-\lbert .\shland. of Rocktrogressive spirit. He has erected new buildings, ineluding a good residence and substantial barn and buildings for the shelter of grain and slock. He carries on general farming and everything about his ])lacc is ke])t in excellent condition. Politically he is a democrat, who for seven years re])resented (iuilford townshi]) as su])ervisor. He has also held various local offices, doing everything in his jiower to conserve the public welfare. His interest in ai;ricultural progress is evidenced by the labor which he jierformed in behalf of the first I'armers' Institute in Win- nebago county, which lie organized and con- ducted. His religious views are in accord with the Christian Cnion church of Rockford. He has ever worked for high standards in agri- cultural life and his own farm is an excellent example to those who live near him. MOSES i;artlf.tt. Moses Bartlett, deceased, whose record was the chronicle of successful accomplishment in the business world and of respect and honor gained PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 319 in private life by reason of the strong and sterling traits of his character, came to Rockford in i860. He belonged to the class of representative Ameri- can men, who in promoting individual interests also advanced the general welfare and Rockford profited by his business efforts in the promotion of her industrial and commercial activity. Mr. Bartlett was bom in New Hampshire. His par- ents were likewise natives of that state, where they spent their entire lives, the father engaging in mercantile pursuits there up to the time of his death. Moses Bartlett was reared upon the home farm and the district schools of his native county afforded him his educational privileges. When he had become proficient in the knowledge of the common branches of learning he began teach- ing school, successfully following the profession for a few years in New York. He then removed to Whitby, Canada, where he was also a teacher for a short time and it was during his residence there that he was first married. While living in Whitby he married Miss Fannie Hall, of that village, and there were three children torn unto them : Harvey, who was at one time engaged in the milling business in Rockford and is now deceased: Esther, the wife of John Nichols, and a resident of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin ; and James, a traveling salesman residing in Evans- ville, Indiana. The son Harvey was the first of the family to come to Rockford, arriving' about 1859, ^fter which he purchased a flour mill and the careful conduct of his interests gained very his death in 1867. Following his marriage Moses Bartlett con- tinued to engage in teaching school in Canada for several years, and then with the capital which he had acquired through his own economy and industry he embarked in general merchandising in Whitby, conducting a store at that place for several years. He afterward removed to Rock- ford in i860 and entered into partnership with his son in the milling business, which they con- ducted on the wholesale plan, eng-aging in the manufacture of flour throughout the Civil war and until the son's death in 1867. Later Mr. Bartlett retired from active business life but in- dolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and he could not content himself without business interests. It was then that he became a stockholder in the Winnebago Agricultural Company on Wyman street, manufacturers of carriages. His partner is that enterprise was Mr. Hall, and they entered the business in 1876. Mr. Bartlett was chosen president of the company and continued at the head of the enterprise for several years, making it a profitable concern which took rank with the leading manufacturing interests of the city. It was during that time that he was chosen vice-president of the Winnebago National Bank, in which institution he served for several years, and he also became president of a water power company, of Rockford, and afterward was its vice-president. He also invested in real estate in this city and was the owner of valuable prop- erty. His varied business interests were ably conducted by him for a number of years and he was actively associated with manufacturing in- terests until 1878, when he gave up all participa- tion in business affairs and lived retired until his death. Whatever he undertook he carried for- ward to successful completion. He was a man of keen insight into business conditions, readily recognizing and utilizing an opportunity, and by the careful conduct of his interests gained very gratifying success. Having lost his first wife Mr. Bartlett was mar- ried to Miss Mary Foster, a native of Marcellus, New York, and a daughter of Silas H. and Fan- nie (Smith) Foster. Her father was a fanner and tanner. He spent his entire life in Marcellus and in Warsaw, New York, his death occuring in the latter place. His widow afterward came to Rockford and resided with Mrs. Bartlett until called to her final home in 1881. The death of Mr. Bartlett occurred in April, 1879. His political views were in accord with re- publican principles but he was never an aspirant for office. Although not a mem- ber he served as a trustee in the West- minster Presbyterian church and was also a teacher in the Sunday-school here. He became one of the leading and well-to-do business men of Rockford, and was very liberal with his means for promoting movements for the general good. With a capacity and experience that would have enabled him to fulfill any trust to which he might be chosen he never sought to advance him- self in office but was content to do his duty where he could and leave the office-seeking to others. He was, however, in full sympathy with all the great movements of the world about him and watched the progress of events with keen interest. He was recognized by those who knew him as a man of kindly heart, of sterling worth, pure and incorruptible in all his business and social relations. In 1 881 Mrs. Bartlett gave her hand in mar- riage to Ira J. Nichols, of Chicago, who was born at Lake George, New York, and went to the for- mer city in childhood. He afterward took up the study of law and both he and his brother were admitted to the bar there. He also engaged in the real-estate business there. In an early day he predicted the great growth and improvement of Chicago and invested his money in property in South Chicago and Englewood. This rose rapidlv in value and he became very successful. Both he and his brother devoted a part of their time to legal practice and he also operated in real estate until his death, which occurred about a year 320 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. after his marriage, or in 1882. while he was living at the corner of Sixty-first street and W'eiitworth avenue. His remains were interred in the ( )ak- wood cemetery. Mrs. Nichols continued to re- side in Chicago for several years thereafter, or until 1894, when she returned to Rockford to make her home. She now owns and resides in the old i'artktl residence at No. 303 drove street — a beautiful homeland her sister. I'rances E. Foster, resides with her. She is well known here in society circles and is a luemher of the West- minster I'reslnterian church. ISAAC SWAR'rnOUT. Isaac Swarthout, a resident of the village of Harlem, was horn on the 26th of December. 1832, his parents being Ralph 15. and Catherine ( \'oor- heis) Swarthout. The father was born in Dutchess county. New York, and was of Penn- sylvania Dutch descent, while the mother was born in the state of New Jersey and came of similar ancestry. The former died at St. Charles, Illinois, in February, 1869, and the latter on the 1 0th of March of the same year. They had \x- come residents of Winnebago county in 1850 and after a brief period spent in Rockford the father purchased a farm in Cherry \'alley town- ship anfl for a number of years devoted his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. In their family were the following named : James \'., who died from wounds sustained in the army while serv- ing the Union cause as a member of a New York regiment ; Rali)h H., who is living in Rockford, Illinois, and who served for four years in the Eighth Ohio Cavalry in the Civil war : I'lenianiin L., who was a member of Company E, One Hun- dred and Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry and died in St. Oiarles. Illinois, during the period of the Civil war Irom disease contracted in the service : Luther, who (lieavannah, Georgia, to Richmond. \'irginia, and thence to \\"ashington, D. C where they par- ticipated in the grand review, the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemis- phere. .\t Washington transportation was fur- nished to the regiment to Chicago but the muster out occurred in the capital city. Of the original ten himdred and ten men who formed the One Hundred and Twenty-.seventh Illinois at the be- ginning of its service in 1862 but ninety-five were mustered out at Washington, D. C, the others having been killed in battle, died from di.sease or discharged because of disabilitv prior to that time. Mr. .Swarthout participated in seventeen of the most important engagements of the war beside many skirmishes. .A week prior to the surrender of \'icksburg he became ill with typhoid fever and after the surrender of the city be was taken to the hi>s]iital at Memphis, being there graiUed a furlough. He returned to his home in St. Charles, Illinois, and by the exten- sion of his furlough for thirty days he reinained at home for about three months. He then re- joined his regiment at Larkinsville, .Mabama, and ISAAC SWARTHOUT AND FAMILY' PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 323 continued at the front until hostilities had ceased and the flag of the Union was planted in the capital of the Southern Confederacy. Following his return home Mr. Swarthout se- cured employment in a foundry in St. Charles, Illinois, where he remained for three years and in 1868 he removed to a farm in Harlem town- ship, on which he spent five years. In Septem- ber, 1872, he located in the village of Harlem, where he embarked in general merchandizing and was also appointed to the position of postmaster. He conducted his store until December 6, 1904, when he sold out the business and resigned the position of postmaster because of failing health. He had been very successful as a merchant and had carefully conducted his efforts along honor- able and enterprising business lines, so that a liberal patronage was accorded him and he gained thereby a gratifying competence. On the 27th of August, 1862, a few days after his enlistment. JNlr. Swarthout was married to Miss Louise Austin, of Rockford, Illinois, a daughter of Edward and Harriet Austin. Her parents were born in England and the father died in Beloit. Wisconsin, thirty-five years ago. The mother, whose maiden name was Harriet Martin, died in the village of Harlem eight years ago at the very advanced age of ninety-two years. They had three daughters : Mrs. Swarthout ; Mrs. Sabina Bishop, of Beloit, Wisconsin ; and Mrs. Catherine Fabrick, of Harlem. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swarthout have been born the following named. Edward R., born June 18, 1867. in St. Charles. Illinois, is now living in Hampden, North Dakota, where he is engaged in banking and in the real- estate business. He married Miss Caroline Coad. of Park River, North Da- kota, and has two children, Bernadine and Emma A. May L., born September 26, 1869, is the wife of W. L. Whipple, then of Rockford but now- living at Mount Moriah, Illinois, where he is pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have three children : Louis, Leonard A. and Ruth. Harriet A., born March 29. 1871, is the wife of Fred A. Hart, of Harlem township, and they have two children, Harold L. and Char- lotte. Mr. Swarthout is a member of Nevius post. No. I, G. A. R., of Rockford, and thus main- tains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades. In politics he has always been a re- publican and his official service covers thirty-two years as postmaster at Harlem, eight years as justice of the peace, twenty-five years as town- ship clerk, and a number of years as a member of the school board. His duties have been per- formed with marked promptness and fidelity and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. He is now living in well earned ease at his pleasant home in Harlem, having for many years been connected with either agricultural or commercial interests whereby he has won a creditable and gratifying measure of success. In all matters relating to the general good he is true and loyal, manifesting the same patriotic spirit that he displayed when he wore the blue uniform of the nation upon the battle- fields of the soutli. HUGH GREENLEE. Hugh Greenlee, a retired farmer now residing at No. 637 North Winnebago street, Rockford, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in March, 1 83 1, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Mitchell) Greenlee. He has resided in this countv for thirty-nine years. In 1859 he came with his par- ents to Illinois, the family home being established in Caledonia township, Boone county. The father purchased a farm there and continued to make his home upon that place until his death, which occurred in 1868. when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife long survived him and passed away in 1885. at the age of eighty years. This worthy couple had a large family, of whom three sons and four daughters are yet living. Hugh Greenlee spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth in the land of his nativity and was educated in the common schools there. After coming with his parents to Illinois at the age of nineteen years, he resided upon the home farm in Boone county until 1867. when he came to Winnebago county, having purchased one hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Winneliago township. .Since that time he has splendidly improved the property, enclosing it with a fine hedge fence, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation, keeping his buildings in good re- pair and adding all modern equipments and ac- cessories. Year after year he carried on general farming with excellent success, and as time passed he accumulated a very gratifying competence. He still owns this farm of one hundred and twenty acres and it returns to him a good rental, but in 1904 he put aside the active work of the fann and took up his abode in Rockford. where he is now living retired. Hugh Greenlee was married in Winnebag'o county to Miss Jane Smith, a daughter of James Smith, who resided in \\'innebago township. Her father came here about 1855 but died a year later, his wife surviving him for several years. Mrs. Greenlee was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, about sixty years ago, and by her marriage she became the mother of two sons and a daughter: James S., who is employed at Shirley's wholesale gro- cery house in Rockford ; Nellie, at home ; and Albert, who is in the employ of Frank Pitney, of Rockford. 324 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. In his political views Mr. Greenlee is a demo- crat and has served as school director and in other local positions. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church, of Rockford, and is now enjoying life, being able to secure many of its comforts and some of its luxuries. For years he worked earnestly and persistently, gaining the sure reward of consecutive endeavor when guided by sound judgment. WILLIAM S. CALDWELL, M. D. Although Dr. William S. Caldwell never re- sided in Rockford he had an extensive acquaint- ance among the best people of the city, as he lived in the neighboring town of Freeport from 1879 until his death and was one of the promi- nent, influential and well known citizens of that place, having an extensive practice, which was accorded him by many residents of Freeport and Stephenson county and also extended to Win- nebago county. A native of Charlottesburg, North Carolina, he was born August 28, 1832. His father. Dr. William Caldwell, was also a suc- cessful practicing physician. He lived in the south for many years, belonging to a prominent old family of that section of the country and was an own cousin of John C. Calhoun. After practicing for a long period in North Carolina, he removed to Vicksburg, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where he continued in practice up to the time of his death, his skill and efficiency being widely acknowledged in the liberal patron- age which was accorded him. Dr. William S. Caldwell was a student in the l)ublic schools of his native state and after his father removed to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, he entered upon preparation for the protession in the office and under the direction of his father. He also attended private schools in the town of Kalamazoo until he had completed his course in medicine and received the certificate whicli pennitted him to practice. In 1856 he left Kalamazoo county, removing to the town of Elizabeth in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he opened an office and entered upon the active work of his profession. It was during his residence there that Dr. Caldwell was united in marriage to Miss Caroline 1!. Ilutcliins. / Dr. Caldwell continued to practice in Elizabeth for fourteen years, after which he removed to Warren. Illinois, where he practiced for six years witli excellent success. On the expiration of that period, in 1877. he went abroad, remaining in Europe for two years, and upon his return to his native land, in 1879, he settled at Freeport, Illinois, where he engaged in practice through- out his remaining days, being accorded a very liberal patronage. He was careful in the diagnosis of a case and seldom at fault in mat- ters of judgment concerning the outcome of dis- ease or of complications that might arise. His skill was widely acknowledged and he continu- ally promoted his efficiency through study and investigation, having a deep scientific as well as liumanitarian interest in his profession. In ad- dition to his practice he was recognized as a representative and valuable business man of Free- port and was connected with many important enterprises there. In connection with D. C. Stover he organized the State I'ank of Freeport, which is the largest institution of that character in the city and remained connected therewith up to the time of his death. He also assisted in the organization of a bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he dealt quite extensively in real estate there. He possessed keen business sagacity and unfaltering enterprise and carried forward to successful comjiletion whatever he undertook. In politics he was a stanch rei)ublican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the liarty, yet he never sought or cared for office for himself. He belonged to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Free- port and had many friends in these fraternities. He was also widely known in Rockford, where he gained the favorable regard of many with whom he came in contact. His business activity, his professional efficiency and his public spirit made him a valued citizen of the community in which he long made his home and, his well directed efforts brought him a financial return that classed him with the wealthy residents of Freeport. Mrs. Caldwell is now a resident of Rockford. CHARLES W. SANDERS. Charles W. Sanders, living retired in Rock- ford, was born at New Haven. Connecticut, Octo- ber I, 1835, his parents being Carmie and Susan (Brooks) Sanders, the former a native of Con- necticut and the latter of England. Mrs. San- ders came with her parents to .\merica in 1835, the family settling in Otsego. New York. In 1845 C"armie .Sanders brought his family to this state, taking uj) his abode in McHenry county, where he remained for some time. Three sons of the family were soldiers in the Civil war and all are vet living: William Henry, being a resi- dent of Chicago: Ebenezer .\.. of .Aurora. Illi- nois: and Levi L.. of Rockford. Charles \\'. Sanders, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of ten summers when he came with the family to Illinois. His educa- tion was acquired in the public .schools and he lived at Franklinville for some time and also spent ■//,„'/''/, „/,'/„, //\ //// PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 327 some time at Belvidere, Illinois, being employed in various ways in those two places. In 1857 he took up his abode permanently in Winnebago county but had been here several times before. Here he engaged in teaming for a number of years and for twenty-one years he was in the shops of the John P. Manny Company. He then went upon the road as a traveling salesman for that house and later retired from active business with a comfortable competence secured through his in- dustry, economy and well directed efforts. He owns the home where he resides at No. 1426 Charles street and also the house adjoining and here he has lived since 1863. When he took up his abode here his house was all surrounded by farm land but the growth of the city has made it in one of the populous residence districts. In 1857 Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Melisse D. Scott, a native of Schenectady county, New York, born in 1829, and a daughter of Jesse D. Scott, a cousin of General Winfield Scott, of the Empire state. Her mother bore the maiden name of Hannah Tollman and was also born in New York. She died when forty-eight years of age. while Mr. Scott reached the ad- vanced age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of thirteen children, who lived to man- hood or womanhood, and in the family were five sons who became loyal defenders of the Union in the Civil war. namely : John S.. now deceased : Cornelius, a resident of Manchester, Iowa ; Aris- tides and Allen, both deceased ; and Demosthenes, who resides in Harrison county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have one child. Sue E., who for seven years has been deputy in the of- fice of the county clerk of Winnebago county. In his political views Mr. Sanders is independent, but is the champion of progressive measures and advocates all movements for the general good. He is a self-made man, who without any family or pecuniary advantages at the outset of his ca- reer has worked his way steadily upward to suc- cess. He has been so honorable in conduct, so fair and reasonable in his views that his opinions carry weight among his neighbors and friends, thus making him a man of influence in the com- munitv. DAVID BEATSON. David Beatson, living on section 14, Burritt township, where he is successfully engaged in the cultivation of a farm of two hundred and eight acres, was born on the 12th of April, 1848, in the town of Florida, Montgomery county. New York. His father, AA^illiam Beatson, was a native of Scotland, born in December, 181 1, and in early youth he crossed the Atlantic, becoming a resident of New York state. In 1849 he removed from 19 New York to Illinois, arriving in Burritt town- ship in the fall, accompanied by his family, at which time he settled on section 23, now known as the McSweaney farm. There he lived until the spring of 1873, when the present home was purchased. He devoted his entire life to agri- cultural pursuits and passed away on the 7th of June, 1883. in Rockford. His wife, who was born in March, 1814, died in Rockford on the /th of June, 1896. In addition to our subject their children were as follows : George, born in Scotland, November 27, 1836, died in Rockford, September 20, 1898, leaving a widow and eight children. John, born in Scotland in 1839, is now living in Rockford. but his wife died in April, 1905. leaving four daughters. Jeannette, born in Scotland, April 7, 1841, is the widow of E. H. Wemple and is living in Rockford with her three children. Ellen, born in New York in 1846, died on the old home farm in this county in 1865. Agnes, born in New York in 1846. is the wife of Louis M. Hickox, of Rockford, and they have four sons. David is the next of the family. Caro- line, who was born in Burritt township in 1850, is the wife of J. N. Lillie, a resident of Rock- ford, and they have six children. Julia, born in 1852, is living in Rockford. David Beatson, whose name introduces this record, was little more than a year old when brought by his parents to Winnebago county and upon the home farm in Burritt township he was reared. He continued with his parents until twenty }-ears of age. when he went to the west and was employed on the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad Company in Wyoming and LTah. He remained there until November, 1868, when he went to Colorado, where he re- sided until September, 1869. He then returned to Illinois, where he continued until the early winter of 1872, at which time he made his way to Kansas and took up a homestead claim from the govern- ment. After proving up this property he again took up his abode in Burritt township, living with his parents until the spring of 1873. He then went to California, where he spent a little more than a year and returning to Winnebago county in 1874 he has since continuously devoted his at- tention to agricultural pursuits here, having now a valuable farm of two hundred and eight acres of very rich and productive land, which he has placed imder a high state of cultivation and which returns to him golden harvests each year. On the loth of January. 1877, ^Ii"- Beatson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Comstock, a daughter of Levi and Matilda Comstock, of Burritt. Her father was born 'May 3, 1812, and died in Rockford. June 24, 1884, while his wife, whose birth occurred in Berkshire county, Massa- chusetts, August 15, 1810, died in 1898 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Beatson. The latter 328 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. was born in Saratoga county. New York. Au- gust 17, 1850, and was brought by her parents to this county in 1859, since which time she has lived in Burritt townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. Beat- son have become the parents of four children : Clyde E., bom November 28, 1878; Ethel M., who was bom October 29, 1879, and was married on the 9th of March. 1904. to Frank Kasch, a res- ident farmer of Durand township; Earl II., bom April I. 1884: ami Irene, born February 17, 1889. In his i)')litical affiliation .Mr. ISeatson is a re- publican, interested in the success of his party, and he gives inflexible support to its principles. He has served as a .school director for the pa.st nine years and the cause of education finds in him a friend, whose labors have been effective in promoting the welfare of the schools. WILLIAM BROWN. William Brown, well known in Pecatonica and other sections of Winnebago county, was born in Northani])t<)n county. England, May 22, 1831. His father. Richard Brown, worked for an Eng- lish company for about sixty years and aided in building the Prince .Mbert canal. He cut big limbs from the trees in the Wittleboro forest al»ut fifty miles from London and they were used in the construction of the canal. The forest was about six miles s<|uare and there were about three thou- sand deer running wild there. These thev caught in nets, and many of them were jnit in Queen's park, in London. In his old age Mr. Brown was a pensioner of the English government, having practically S])ent his entire life at work on the canal in one position and another. Both he and his wife lived to be more than eighty years of age. Their son, \\'illiam Brown, had little opportu- nity to attend school and is practically a self- educated as well as a self-made man. In his early youth he peddled fruit, worked in a brick- yard and was also employed on the Prince Albert canal, tending locks in the city of London, for the canal extended twelve miles through the city and on to the basin at the opening. His duty was to close and open the gates when the boats came in from the east at flood-tide. Mr. Brown also worked at farming in England, but at length becoming convinced that he would have better business opportunities in the new world, he bade adieu to friends and native land and completed his arrangements to seek a home in .\merica. Taking passage on a sailing vessel at Liver- pool bound for New York city Mr. Brown was six or seven weeks in crossing the .Atlantic. He then went u]) the Hudson river l)y boat to .Mbany and from there made his wav into the country where he secured work as a farm hand. One of his early experiences, however, was being pois- oned by ivy. Later he went to L'tica, New York, Ijy stage and on into the pine woods of Madison county, that state. He worked as a farm hand for thirteen dollars per month through the sum- mer season and in the foUnwing winter worked for his board. In the spring he was paid sixteen dollars i)er month in a ho]j-yard but yet not con- tent with his location, because he believed he could do better elsewhere, he came in the fall of that year to \\'innebago county, going first to Rockford and later to Pecatonica, where he se- cured cmi)loyment in a butcher sho]). Soon after- ward he began conducting a meat market of his own and for many years he has been one of the heaviest buyers and shipijcrs of stock at this point — a fact which indicates a consecutive prog- ress and success in his business career. He has bought and sold many hundred acres of land and at the present time he owns sixty-five acres within the city limits of Pecatonica and is also owner of the stockyards at this place. Mr. Brown was united in marriage here to Miss Matilda Peterson, a native of Sweden. Her father. Charles Magnus Peterson, was born in .Sweden. May 13. 1817. and was married in that country. With his wife. Johanna, lie came to America in 1S54, and they were therefore auKjng the early settlers of the county. The father bought the land that be now owns at Twelve Mile Corner on the state road. .Some of the farm has since been laid out in town lots and it was thnutjht that a village would be built thereon, but this hope was not realized. The mother died October 8. 1891. In the family were si.x children, who catue with their parents to .America. Mrs. Matilda Brown, who was born May 28. 1832. died in 1900: Orphia. born May 30, 1877. is the widow of Peter Lindolf. and resides in Minnesota. Em- ilv is the wife of S. .\. Johnson, of Rockford. Anna S. is the wife of L. Collins. Augusta Al- bertina. lx)rn November 2, 1847, is now caring for her father. She learned the millinery trade and conducted a store in Rockford for twenty- five vears and employed from five to eight girls, during which time she l)ought most of her goods from D. B. Fisk. of Chicago, and she is now keeping house for her father. John, born .\ugust 3. 1850. died in Rockford .\tigust 24. 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have become the parents of nine sons and three daughters. Six of the sons are vet living and are actively engaged in busi- ness. Charles R.. a resident of Clark. Nebraska, is married and has one daughter, Florence. John is the owner of an extensive ranch in Colorado, on which he has about eight hundre8. and her remains were interred in the ceme- ter}- here. Mr. and .Mrs. Davis had no chihlrcn of their own l)ut ado|)tc(l her ne|)hew, Donald Patterson Cam])lKdl, who was born May 23, 1893, and is now a student in the Kent .school. Following his return to Rockford and the sev- erance of his connection with the Piurson Knit- ting Company. Mr. Davis went to Canton, ( )hio. He had formed the ac(|uaintance of James I'.aird. an inventor, working under .Mr. Davis. .Vlmut iqoo he accepted the position of su]X'nntendent of the Canton Roll .Machine Comjiany, of Canton. Ohio, and persuaded Mr. Davis to go to that city and take charge of the i)lant. .Accordingly in .\]iril, iijoi. Mr. Davis left the P.urson Knit- ting Companv and went to Canton. ( )hio. where he entered the service of the above mentioned firm. Becoming ill. however, he died after about ten months spent there, passing away in Canton on the loth of March, u>02. His remains were then brought back to Rockford for interment. He possessed superior ability along mechanical lines and his inventive genius was far beyond the average. Mr. llurson .said of him that he was a natural horn inventor, and no more skilled f)r active man was ever in his employ. Mr. Davis was a stanch re])ublican in his po- litical views and was always interested in the questions and issues of the day relating to the welfare of state and nation. He read extensively and kept well informed on all matters of general moment. .Mthough not a member he contributed generously to the supi)ort of the First Presbyte- rian church here, and took an interest in its work. Mrs. Davis now belongs to this church, and she owns a beautiful home at Xo. i loi South Church street, where she and her family reside. The death of the husband and father was deeply felt not onlv bv his immediate family, but also by his manv friends here, and while to all he was a genial, courteous gentleman, it was in the inner circle of his own home that his be.'it traits of character were most often seen. SYLVESTER B. WTI.KIXS. Sylvester B. W'ilkins. a retired merchant and manufacturer of RrK'kford. comes of English line- age, tracing his ancestrv back to Bray Wilkins, the progenitor of the familv in the new world, and the son of I-ord J. Wilkins, of Wales. Bray W'ilkins came to .America in 1630 and represent- atives of the family lived in the Xew England states through many succeeding generations. Cooley Wilkins, the grandfather of Sylvester B. Wilkins. was an early settler of Guilford, Ver- mont, and married Polly Crandall. Their son, Joshua L. Wilkins, was born in Chenango county, Xew York, in 1799, and became one of the pros- perous men of that locality. He wedded .Mary Stowell. who was also of English lineage, and the representatives of the name who crossed the .Atlantic liecame ])ioneer residents of Xew Eng- land. The Wilkins family was represented by seven members in the Revolutionary war. .Sylvester I?. Wilkins is also a native of the Em])ire state, his birth having occurred in Che- nango county, Xew York, .March 24. 1833. He was reared to farm life and Ix^gan his education in the district schools, while later he enjoyed the benefit of instruction in the schools of I'.ingham- ton, I'roome counlv. Xew \'ork. IK- made his home u])on his father's farm until he attained his nineteenth year, when he started out in life on his own account, accepting a clerkshi]) in a gro- cery store at iiinghaniton. where he remained for some time. In 1857 he became interested in manufacturing s])okes and belt work for wagons in P)inghamton, and later was identified with in- dustrial interests in Milton. Pennsylvania, where he remained for twelve years. In iS'h^ he came to Rockford, where he entered upon the manufac- ture of bolts for agricultural implements, build- ing u\) an extensive business in this regard, his ])roduct being sold to manufacturers of agricul- tural implements throughout the western states. He furnished them upon order and continued active in the conduct of this important productive industry from 1869 until I Sip. when he retired from the active management of the business. He did not confine his efforts entirely to this line, however, for other enterprises felt the stimulus of his co-operation and benefited by his wise coun- sel, lie was for some time connected with the knitting industries of Rockford. and in i8<>2 he became interested in the Chicago Hosiery Com- panv, of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Being one of the incor])orators of the company, he continued his connection therewith for a number of years and is still one of the stockholders. The works which were for some time located in Rockford were af- terwards removed to Kenosha. In 1861 Mr. Wilkins was united in marriage to Miss Jane G. Goodlander. of .Milton, Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Giristopher and Mary (Osmond) Goodlander. They became the parents of a ,seing celebrated at Beloit, W'iscon- sin, in 1853, but he made his home in Rockford, however. Mrs. Searl departed this life about nine vears ago. when more than sixty years of age. In politics Mr. Searl has always been a repul)lican, giving his support to the party since Ix'coming a naturalized citizen of the L^nited States. The hojic that led him to seek a home in America has been more than realized and he has never had reason to regret his determination to cross the .Atlantic for here he found the busi- ness opportunities he sought and which are al- wavs open to voung men of ambition and deter- mination. Thus making the most of his ad- vantages he steadily worked his way upward to a position of afiluence. ST, MARY'S PARISH. PECATONICA. St. ^fary's Parish, at Pccatonica. had its first house of worship erected in 1841. From that date mitil 1 87 1 the ]>arish was served by pastors from Galena. Freejiort and Rockford and the first per- MR. AND MRS. JOHN SEARL. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 345 manent pastor was appointed in 1871. The churches in the parish inckule St. Alary's. at Pecatonica, built in 1882 by Rev. John Ryan ; St. Thomas, at Seward, built in 1870 by Hon. L. McDonald; St. Mary's, in Durand, built in 1869 by Rev. M. Hauley ; and St. Patrick's, at Rock Run, in 1895, by Rev. M. J. Sullivan. St. Mary's parish is the most expensive in the archdiocese, of Chicag'o, being thirtv-eight miles long and about twenty miles wide and including parts of Ogle, Winnebago and Stephenson coun- ties, Illinois. The list of its permanent pastors is as follows: Rev. Father Birch, 1871-75; Rev. Charles O'Callahan, D. D., 1875-78; Rev. M. Welby, 1878-79; Rev. John E. Shanahan, 1879- 83 ; Rev. John H, Ryan, 1883-86 ; Rev. Richard McGuire, 1886-90; Rev. Thomas Kearney, 1890- 94 ; Rev. Michael J. Sullivan, 1894-99 ; and Rev. Michael Cotter, 1899. Rev. Charles O'Callahan, D. D.. the second permanent pastor, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, and was graduated from the famous Uni- versity of Propoganda, at Rome, Italy. He was a distinguished theologian and classical scholar, a cultured gentleman and a most zealous priest. Rev. John H. Ryan, another pastor, was born in County Tipperary. Ireland, and his first ap- pointment after his ordination was to Pecatonica, where he built St. Mary's church. He was well liked by all classes in the community and did a good work here. While attending the sick in the parish he caught a severe cold and died from its effects, his remains being interred in the Catholic cemetery at Seward. Rev. Michael J. Sullivan, the date of whose appointment to St. Clary's parish, in Pecatonica, was 1894, was the builder of St. Mary's rectory and also of St. Patrick's church, at Rock Run, in 1895. The present house of worship there is the third that was erected. The first, which was built in 1849, is now used as a barn on the Matt Redd farm, while the second, built in 1862, is now a barn on Anthony Mullarkey's farm. The present church is the most beautiful in the sur- rounding district. In 1899 Rev. Father Sullivan was promoted to an important parish in Chicago. Rev. Michael Cotter, the present pastor, was appointed in June, 1899, '^''"^ '''^^ greatly improved the parish grounds by cement sidewalks and shade trees, shrubs and flowers until the lawn is the most beautiful in Pecatonica. MRS. GEORGIANA B. GLOVER. Mrs. Georgiana B. Glover, the widow of John W. Glover, resides in Owen township, where she has a good farm. She was born May 31, 1840, in Lewiston, Delaware, her parents being Isaac and Elizabeth ( Waples) Mariner, both of whom were natives of Lewiston, Delaware. They came from the east to \^'innebago county in 1850, and for a number of years the father followed the occupation of farming, but eventually purchased a home in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he died on the 31st of May, 1898, at the age of eighty-one years. In his family were but two children. Mrs. Glover ; and Joseph, who was born in 1842. Georgiana B. ^lariner spent her girlhood davs in her parents' home, and on the loth of Octo- ber, 1865, gave her hand in marriage to John W. Glover. He was a son of Thomas Glover, who was born in Manchester, England, and was mar- ried there to Miss Anna Collier. His death occurred w hen he had reached the age of seventy- eight years, and his wife died at the age of sev- enty-five years. They were the parents of three children, of whom John W. was the eldest. The sisters were Jane Ann, who died at the age of fifty years ; and Isabella, the wife of Luther W. Kendall, of Beloit, Wisconsin. John W. Glover arrived in Winnebago county when seventeen }-ears of age and worked with his father at Roscoe spinning cotton, for they had a cotton mill there. Later he went to Rockton, where he was engaged in the painting business and eventually he began farming, following that pursuit from 1856 up to the time of his death, which occurred July 31, 1893, when he was in his sixty-third year. He had eighty acres of land when he turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits and subsequently he added a forty-acre tract to his farm. He was an industrious man and made for his family a good home with the as- sistance of his estimable wife, who was indeed a worthy helpmate to him. They lived in an old stone house in which the death of Mr. Glover oc- curred, and because of his industry, perseverance and capable business management in former years he was enabled to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Glover were the parents of eleven children : Mary Ann, who was born September 17, 1866, and died September 4, 1894; Jane Ann, born March 17, 1868; Thomas, born July 25, 1869 : Annie Belle, born April 6, 1871 ; Isabelle, born November 6, 1872; Nellie J., born June 11, 1874; Katie E., born July 25, "1876: John W., born March 28, 1878; Fanny, born October 11. 1880; Frank M., born August 24. 1884: and Janette, born February 5. 1887. ]\Ir. Glover was called to some public offices, serving his township as justice of the peace dur- ing the last seven vears of his life, while for four vears he was a school commissioner. The cause of education found in him a warm friend and as justice of the peace he rendered excellent serv- ice, being always fair and impartial in his de- cisions. He was a member of Rockton lodge, 346 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. No. 74, .\. 1". & .\. M., for forty years and at the tinu' of his death was its oldest representative. He was laid to rest with Masonic honors, for he had been a devoted and faithful member of the craft, and in his life had exemplified its benefi- cent spirit. He had settled a number of estates and was a man in whom implicit confidence was reposed. He had many friends in Rockfonl and throutrhout tlie entire county and was honored by all who knew him. Mrs. Glover now belongs to the Eastern Star lodge of Rockford. and her daughters Mrs. Belle Styler, Fanny and Nettie H.. are also members. She is a lady whose circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of her acquaintance. (-.EORGE J. WUXDER. George J. W'lmder. one of the best known German-. \merican citizens of Rockford, who for many years figured in business circles here and Iiccame a wealthy man so that in his last vears he was enabled to live retired, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1827. His par- ents, Michael and Louisa (Karner) W'under, spent their entire lives in Germany, making their home upon a farm, where the father died at the age of sixty-three years. His wife long sur- vived him and retained her mental and physical faculties almost unimpaired up to the time of her death, which occurred in 1886, when she was eighty-four years of age. They were both members of the Methodist church. In their family were but two sons, the younger being Martin Wunder, now deceased, who owned and occupied the old homestead in Bavaria. Ger- many. George J. Wunder. who was six years his brother's senior, was reared to farm life in the fatherland, hut the liope of bettering his financial condition led him to cross the Atlantic to .Amer- ica, and when about twenty-seven years of age he sailed for New York, wlierc he arrived on the 28th of August, 1834. He was accompanied by a cousin and the voyage was maile on a sailing vessel which was forty-two days upon the trip. Mr. Wunder was in very limited financial circumstances when he arrived in the United States. He at once made his way across the country to Chicago, having at that time a cash capital of only five dollars. That was the year of the great cholera epidemic in that city. Sir. Wunder secured a position in a Inmberyarrl owned by Seeley Perry, one of the old lumber merchants of that city, with whom he remained for two years, after which Mr. Perry drove with a team across the country to Rockford, in 1856, accompanied by Mr. Wun- der. The latter then engaged in the lumber Iiusiness in Rockford for seventeen years, being one of the early re])resenlatives of that line of activity in the city. Later he turned his atten- tion to farming in Rockford township and con- tinued the tilling of the soil for a short ])eriod. but found that he was not as successful as an agriculturist as he was in commercial lines. He therefore returned to Rockford, where he was engaged in the dairy business for a short time. He then re-entered the employ of the old lumber firm with which he had formerly been connected antl to that work devoted his energies until i860, when he went to California by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama. He was quite successful during the few years which he spent on the Pacific coast, but failing health caused him to return and in 1864 he again took up his abode in Rockford. lie then rented land for some years and with the money saved during the period in which he cultivated his farm he began dealing in sand. A few years later he embarked in the dairy business, which claimed his attention for four years and then for two years thereafter he lived retired. Later he en- gaged in buying and shipping horses and in 1876 he became a wholesale dealer in beer and also did a retail bottling business. He was agent for and sold the first Milwaukee beer in Rock- ford and was one of the pioneers in the bottling business here, his ice house and wholesale house being located at No. 131 2 Charles street. He conducted the business with constantly growing success for fifteen years and then, having ac- cumulated a very gratifying fortune, he re- tired to private life, enjoying a well earned rest throughout his remaining days. Mr. Wunder was married in 1856. in Chicago, to Miss Louisa Kadcrli. a native of Berne, Switzerland, who came to America in 1854. Her parents both died in the land of the .Vlps. Mr. and Mrs. Wunder had but one child, Carrie, who is now^ the wife of .\lfred E. Giggey, a dealer in fine wines and liquors at No. 316 East State street, who for the |)ast twenty years has resided in Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Giggey now make their home with Mrs. Wunder and they have one child, .\lfred. who was born lanuarv 8. 1898. .\fter taking up his abode in Rockford Mr. Wunder made a visit to Germany, in 1884. look- ing again u])on the scenes amid which his boy- hood, youth and early manhood were passed and renewing acquaintances and friendships of former years. He was well content, however, to return to .America, having formed a deep at- tachment for the laud of his adoption, to whose welfare and interests he was ever Knal. In the community in which he lived his support could ahvays be counteil upon to further progressive ^ 1 ^^ ^ F -" .- ^ ■ t PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 349 measures. He bore a striking resemblance to the typical figure used to represent our country and his friends therefore familiarly and af- fectionately called him Uncle Sam. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but he afterward became a stanch republican. He was a charter member of the Germania Society in Rockford, and he had a very wide circle of friends here. As he pros- pered in his business career he made judicious investment in real estate and was the owner of valuable property all over Rockford. Though he advanced in years he was always young in spirit, delighting in the companionship of the young. He had excellent eyesight, never using glasses. He was of a genial, jovial manner, of kindly spirit and deference for the opinion of others, of broad sympathy and those with whom he once came in contact entertained for him warm regard and strong friendship because of his sterling personal traits of character. He died February I, IQ04, when in his seventy-seventh year, and thus passed away one of the old Ger- man-American citizens of Rockford. Mrs. Wunder now owns a nice home at No. 618 East State street, where she resides together with Mr. and Mrs. Giggey and their son. Both ladies are prominent in social circles here. Mrs. Wun- der now spends much of her time in traveling" and has visited many points of interest in this country. BENJA^IIN C. SHER:\IAN. Farming interests of Harrison township find a worthy representative in Benjamin C. Sherman, whose valuable tract of land of one hundred and thirty-one acres on section 21 indicates careful supervision and practical farm methods . Back to pioneer days his residence extends for he ar- rived in this county in 1847. He was born in March, 1836, in Grafton county. New Hampshire, his parents being Benjamin and Sallie (Cowen) Sherman, who arrived in this county in the fall of 1847, taking up their abode on the farm now- owned by their son Benjamin. The father was born in Lisbon, X^ew Hampshire, in 1806, and was a son of Benjamin Sherman, who was also born in the east, either in Connecticut or New Hampshire. The father of the last named was a native of Connecticut and with his fatnily removed to the old Granite state. Mr. Sherman, of this re- view, is undoubtedly a relative of General William T. Sherman, of Ohio. His mother, ^Irs. Sallie Cowen Sherman, was born in Lisbon. New Hampshire, in 1805, and was a daughter of Zachariah Cowen, who died in that state in the late '40s. Throughout his entire life, Benjamin Sherman, father of our subject, carried on gen- 20 eral agricultural pursuits and became a pioneer farmer of \Mnnebago county, aiding in develop- ing the natural resources of this part of the state, and finding upon the broad prairies of Illinois ample opportunity for the successful conduct of agricultural interests. His wife died in 1853 and, surviving her for thirty years, he passed away in 1883. In their family were six children, the daughters being Mrs. Mary A. Jameson, who died in Florida : Eliza, who died in childhood in New Hampshire; Mrs. Laura Brown, who died at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and was buried there ; Mrs. Arvesta Pease, now living in Beloit, Wis- consin : and Mrs. Hannah Hathaway, whose home is in Eau Claire. Benjamin C. Sherman, the only son of the family, spent the first eleven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, remain- ing in Winnebago county between the ages of eleven and twenty-two years. He then went to California, in 1858, and to some extent engaged in mining during the seven years of his residence on the Pacific coast. He returned in 1866 to ^^'innebago county and purchased the home farm in Harrison township, whereon he has since lived. He has the unique record of having walked the entire distance to Los Angeles. California, and his experiences in the far west would prove a most interesting chapter in his life history if given in detail. Since his return he has worked at farm labor on the old homestead, his fields resulting in the development of a splendid prop- erty, and he now owns one hundred and thirtv- one acres on section 21, Harrison township, which yields him a good living as the reward of his earnest and persistent labor. Mr. Sherman married Miss Nancy A. Logan, whose people were among the earliest settlers of A^'innebago county. Her mother belonged to the Blake family, also pioneer residents here, their home being established at Rockton, and Mrs. Sherman was born at Rockton about sixty years ago. Unto our subject and his wife have been bom five children : William, who resides on th€ farm owned by his father on section g, Harrison township; Harry C., who is a farmer, residing in Franklin, ^linnesota, and married a Miss Sher- man : Mrs. Man- Bratt. who resides at her father's home and has one child. John, now seven years of age ; Mrs. Alice Geildseth, of Durand, who has a daughter, Eveline : and Ezra, who is working another of his father's farm in Shirland township ; he married Miss Etta Bennett and they have three children, Allen, Alice and Edward. 'Sir. Sherman is now the owner of four hun- dred and sixty acres of land, of which two hun- dred and twenty acres lies in Shirland and the remainder in Harrison township. He has been verv successful since locating here 350 PAST AXD TRKSEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTV. in iSW), placiiijj liis dcpciKlence upon tlie subslantial t|ualilies of iinfaltcrinj^ iiuliistry, guided by i)ractical coninion sense. He has been watchful of opportunities pointing to success and by tiie careful husbanding of his resources, by judicious investment and the profit- able sale of his farm ])roducts he has won a very gratifying measure of prosperity. In politics he is independent without desire for office, and while in California he served as sheriff. Socially he is connected with the Grange and the Farmers' Mutual IJenevolent Association, and his wife is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Society. ^Irs. Sherman was born in Kockton township, and it will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of her people who are prominent pioneer settlers here. Her parents are John and Rachel ( Blake) Logan. Her father came from Michigan in the "30s, and his brothers, Robert and James Logan, had settled in this county prior to that time. John Logan followed farming and made his home at Kockton up to the time of his death, which occurred December 10, i872,when he was fifty-one years of age. His wife was born in North Carolina and came to \\'innebago county with her parents, David and Nancy (Bowman) Blake, who located in Rockton township near the village of that name in 1833. They afterward removed to Iowa alxiut 1850, locating in Decorah, where Mr. Blake died, and subsequently his widow returned to Rockton, where her deatli occurred about 1865. They were the parents of eight children: Amos, who died at Rockton : .Mlison. who died on the plains while en route to California and was buried near the Humboldt river ; Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Logan, of California; Eleanor, w'ho married Al- bert Hewlett ; Rachel, who married John Logan ; Emeline, who became the wife of Samuel Drake and died at Rockton, Illinois ; Adeline, who mar- ried Guy Hewlett and died in Chicago; and David, who died in North Dakota, in 1904, at the age of seventy-one years. HARLOW E. BLAKE. Harlow K. Blake, a native son of Winnebago county, wlio, in the enjoyment of a well earned ease, is living retired in Pecatonica, was born in what was then Howard township, but is now Durand township. May 2. 1847. 11 is parents were John and Miranda (Barker) Blake, who were married in the fall of 1841. The father was born in Franklin county, X'ermont, March 31, 1812, and was of English descent. He became a pioneer resident of \\'innebago county, where for many years he energetically and successfully carried on agricultural ])nrsuits. He cast liis first presidential vote for William Henry Harri- son, and on the dissohnion of the whig party, became a stanch republican. He was a member of the Methodist E|)iscn])al church, and his gen- uine worth was recognized by his fellow towns- men, who called him to a number of local offices of honor and trust. In his family were six chil- dren: Milan A., who is married and has five cliililren : Harlow E. : .\ndrew S.. who is married and has four children: Henry J.: Mary A., the wife of A. A. Mcinre. and tlie mother of three children ; Sarah .\.. the wife of I'rank Anshutz, a resident of Iowa. Harlow E. Blake ac(|nired his education in the ])ublic schools and attended the normal school in Durand. lie also worked on his father's farm in his youth and devoted his time between the labors of the fields and the duties of the school- room until twenty-two years of age. .About that time he was married to Miss Lydia Corwin. a daughter of Captain P.. I-", and Betsy Corwin, the former born ( )ctober 28. 1810. and the latter on the 13th of July, 1813. They were married December 31, 1839, and came to Rockford, where Captain Corwin established a brickyard, the first enterprise of the character started in the county seat. Later he removed to the vicinity of Peca- tonica, his home bein.g about three and a half miles north of the village. There he entered government land, securing one hundred and sixty acres, on which he built the first brick house in the townshi]3. burning the brick and making the lime for the building. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the community, broke the raw ])rairie, cut the timber and hewed out the lum- i)er used in the construction of the barn. He also si)lit the shingles for the roofs of his buildiiigs and burned the brick for the first brick building erected in Pecatonica. in addition to general agricultural ])ursuits he conducted a cooper shop on his farm and made barrels for the shipment of ])ork and beef. 1 le also made hnndreds of Hour barrels, which he sold in Rockford, Galena and Freeport. He continued in the coopering business for forty years or more, and at times did shoemaking for his own family. His busi- ness interests were thus varied and extensive. He possessed marked mechanical ingenuity, as well as mifailing enterprise and strong jiurpose, and his labors were attended with a gratifying measure of success. His death occurred in Dur- and township, and the community thereby lost one of its representative citizens. In the family were seven children : E. W.. born September 4, 1842; Mar(|uis L. ; .Ksenath. born Xoveniber J2. 184"; .\massa, born April 27, i84<): Mrs. Blake, born March 21, 1852; Lucy J., December 31, 1855; and Franklin S., March 19, 1859. Following his marriage. Mr. Blake began farming on the old homestead, which he operated for five years, ami then returned to Poweshiek county, Iowa, wiiere he purchased a farm, on PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 351 ■which had been built a log house. He lived in that cabin for a winter and then erected a more substantial and commodious residence. His at- tention was given to the cultivation and improve- ment of his land, and he transformed it into a valuable property. He took with him to Iowa ten cows and some other stock and carried on his farm work and stock-raising along progressive lines. After living in that state for four or five years he returned to this county, settling in Dur- and township, where, in connection with his brother, he rented four hundred acres, belonging to Mr. Pettingill. For about three or four years they conducted business there, carrying on an extensive dairy. They had sixty-five milch cows, but at length decided to sell out, and held a sale, receiving thirty-six hundred dollars for their stock, reserving, however, ten head of the best cows, also four head of horses and some of the farm machinery. The brothers then began feed- ing cattle, and they had at one time two hundred and fifty head. They shipped their stock to the Cliicago market and continued the business for about three years, at the end of which time Har- low E. Blake sold his interest to his brother and removed to North Dakota, purchasing a hotel at Grafton, in connection with Daniel Norton. He continued as the landlord there for two years and then traded his interest in the business, in 1881, for one hundred and forty-six acres of land in Dakota. Taking up his abode there, he carried on farming for eight or ten years, mak- ing a specialty of the raising of wheat and bar- ley. He then rented the farm, retaining the ownership, however, until 1904, when he sold the property. About 1890 or 1891 he returned to the old homestead in Winnebago county, whereon he resided until February, 1902, when he retired from farm life and took up his abode in Pecatonica, where he has since made his home. Mr. and Mrs. Blake have become the parents of six children : Maud E., the wife of Fred Sal- isbury, a resident of Freeport, Illinois, by whom she has two children : .\ndrew J., who married Mate Arnold and died in 1903, leaving three children ; Roy R., at home ; Pearl, the wife of Blake Hamilton, of Pecatonica ; Ralph W^, who is living in California ; and Walter H., at home Mr. Blake served as trustee of the village of Pecatonica in 1904, faithfully discharging his duties, and while living in Iowa and also in Pe- catonica he served as school director, being a member of the board for about twelve years. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. He is prominent in the Odd Fellows society, of which he has been a mem- ber since 1879, and he has passed through all of the chairs in Pecatonica lodge. No. 173. He joined the order, however, in Shawbena lodge. No. 146, at Durand. His life has been an active and busy one, and now he is enjoying a well earned rest. He has visited many parts of the country and is especially thoroughly familiar with the middle west, its possibilities and its business conditions. His personal traits of char- acter are such as have gained him warm friend- ship, and he deserves mention among the lead- ing native sons of the county. ALVA B. DAVIS. Alva B. Davis, a worthy representative of agri- cultural interests in Harlem township, living on section 20, now owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was born June 13, 1857, in Burritt township, his parents being George B. and Samantha (Place) Davis. The Davis family is of Welsh lineage and the father of our subject was born in New Brunswick, Can- ada, while the mother is a native of the state of New York, born in 1838. Mr. Davis, coming to Winnebago county as one of its early settlers, re- sided for some time in Burritt township, and about 1858 removed to Owen township, where he resided for ten years. He then returned to Bur- ritt township and for a long period was identified with agricultural interests in this part of the state. His death occurred in 1904, when he was seventy-four years of age. His widow still sur- vives him and resides in Burritt township. Their sons are : Alva B. ; Adelbert B., of Burritt town- ship, who is married and has two sons and a daughter ; Frank E., of Burritt township, who has three sons and four daughters : George also a resi- dent farmer of Burritt township : and Guy, who died in 1905. The daughters of this familv are: Mrs. Adelle Andrews, who resides in Burritt and has one daughter; May, who is living upon the old homestead in Burritt township ; and Mrs. Ellen Davis. The maternal grandmother is yet living, her home being in New Milford township, and has attained the extreme old age of one hun- dred and three years. Alva B. Davis was only about a year old when his parents went to Owen township and after ten years he returned with them to Burritt township, where he lived tintil he attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account, working as a farm hand until his marriage, which was celebrated on the i6th of July. 1879. Miss ^Iar\- A. ^^''eatherhead. of Harrison township, be- coming his wife. Her parents were James R. and Nancy (Fisher) Weatherhead, and the latter died during the infancy of her daughter. Mr. and I\Irs. Davis took up their abode in Burritt. where they lived for a year and then removed to Laomi towndiip. where they resided for two years. The succeeding sixteen years were spent in Harrison township, and in the spring of 1901 they came 35^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINXEBAGO COUNTY. to Harlem township, and have since resided on section 20, where Mr. Davis owns a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He carries on general as:ricnltural pur- suits and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place is indicative of his careful supervision and practical methods. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was blessed with three children: Lee ^\ ., born Octol>er 20, 1883: Dale L.. horn November 24. 1886; and Fay B., born January 24, 1890. Mrs. Davis was born October 19. 1854, in Harrison township, and has been a devoted wife and mother. Mrs. Davis holds membership in Willow Creek Pres- byterian church at .Vrcjyle, and he belongs to Harrison camp, M. \\'. .-\. His political alle- giance is given to the republican party and for one year he served as road commissioner in Har- lem township, but has never sought or desired office, his business cares claiming his time and attention, while his earnest labor and perseverance have been the salient factors in his prosperity. TOHX SECUR. John Scgur at the age of seventy-six years is living a retired life in Rockford, where for nearly a half century he has made his home, having taken up his abode here in 1857. \ native son of New England, his birth occurred in Granby, Connecticut, July 6. 1820. and his parents, Orlean and .\mret (Dean) Segur, were both natives of that state. His paternal grandparents were Au- gustus and Elizabeth (Tuller) Segur. The former located in Connecticut in early life and was extensively engaged in farming there, own- ing over three hundred acres of land. He al- ways devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits and he passed away in the Charter Oak state at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife reached the extreme old age of ninety-six years. She was a daughter of Eli Tuller, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. Orlean Segur made his home near Canton. Connecticut, where he engaged in farming for many years and during the last thirty years of his life he lived retired at Simsbury. Connecticut, where he passed away in October. 1872. His widow survived him until November, 1882, when she too died in Simsbury. One of her brothers is still living, Orlando Dean, who is a retired carpenter and merchant and makes his home in Simsbury at the very venerable age of ninety- one years. Mr. and Mrs. Segur were the par- ents of six children, of whom two .-^ons and a daughter yet survive, the second being John of this review. Dighton, who is now eighty-one vcars f)f age, is still engaged in carriage manu- facuiring in West Suffield. Connecticut. Ellen is the widow of Moses 1). Humphrey and re- sides with her brother John in Rockford. Mr, Humphrey was descended from English an- cestry and became a resident of Connecticut in early life. Throughout his business career he carried on farming near Sim.sbury. Connecticut, and there his death occurred in 1897. John Segur obtained his education in the coiumon schools of his native town and on leaving home he went to New Hartford, Connecticut, where he became acquainted with Freeman Graham and went to work for him to learn the machinist's trade, following that pursuit until 1855. In that year Mr. Segur came west with the Graham family and settled at Beloit, Wisconsin, where he and Mr. Graham worked at their trade for two years and in 1857 both came to Rockford. Mr. Segur then secured a position in the em- ploy of Emerson & Talcott, the predecessors of the Emerson Manufacturing Company now con- trolling the largest manufacturing plant in Rockford wherein agricultural implements are made. Mr. Segur continued to work for that hou.se as a machinist for several years and was then promoted to the position of foreman of the machine shops, in which capacity he served for twenty years, so that his term of service in the employ of the firm covers thirty-five consecutive years. At the end of that time he was accident- ally injured and lost the sight of one eye and be- cause of this he retired from business. In the meantiiue through his frugality Mr. -Segur had added year by year to his capital and had invested his savings in valuable property in Rockford. which in 1887 he exchanged for his present home on Clifton avenue, where he now owns twenty-two acres of land. This is situ- ated in the city limits in the southern part of Rockford and he has made many improvements thereon, having a beautiful home, .'\lthough he has retired from his trade indolence is utterly foreign to his nature and he can not content him- self in idleness, so he gives his time to light farming and thus manages to keep busy. The city, however, is building up very rapidly around him and he expects soon to divide his twenty-two acres into town lots and thus make an addition to Rockford. While living in the east Mr. Segur was mar- ried to Miss Jane Trowbridge, a native of Bark- haiusted, Connecticut, and a daughter of James Trowbridge, who was a carpenter by trade in early life and afterward became general agent for D. B. Smith & Son, large cotton manufactur- ers of Connecticut, with whom he continued throughout the remainder of his business career. Mrs. Segur died in Rockford, .'^eptember 7, 1900. There was a son and daughter by that JOHN SEGUR. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 355 marriage : James, who was born in New Hart- ford, Connecticut, married Nellie O'Connor and is a machinist by trade now residing in Du- buque. Iowa, where he is occupying the position of superintendent with the A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of pumps, having resided in that city for twenty years. Sarah A., born in New Hartford and now living at 1103 South Main street, Rockford, is the widow of Judge J. C. Carver, of Rock- ford, whose history and ]xjrtrait are given on another page of this work. Mr. Segur has never been an office seeker nor sought reward for party fealty but has long given an unswerving support to the republican party. He has held membership with the Masonic fraternity since January 12. 1851. and after coming to Rockford was made a charter member of Ellis lodge, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Royal Arch chapter. His sister, Mrs. Humphrey, is a member of the Winnebago Street Methodist Episcopal church and she re- sides with her brother at No. 171 5 Clifton avenue. Mr. Segur is a self-made man of strong purpose and firm determination and these quali- ties have enabled him in an active business career to steadily work his way upward. He came to Rockford empty-handed and all that he now possesses has been obtained through his earnest labor and judicious use of his means. He is well known among the pioneers of the city and county and justly merits the esteem which is uniformly extended him. Rockford has long been his home and he is therefore a witness of much of its growth and progress, his mind form- ing a connecting link between the past when it was a small and unimportant village and the present when it has become one of the leading commercial and manufacturing centers of the Mississippi valley. GEORGE FRANKLIN. George Franklin may truly be called a self- made man, as the prosperity which he now en- joys is attributable entirely to his earnest labor that year after year has brought him a good living and enabled him to add annually to his income, until he is now the possessor of a com- fortable competence. He is one of Winnebago county's native sons, whose birth had occurred in Durand township March 17, 1851. His father. Charles M. Franklin, came to this county about 1837 or 1838, and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Durand township. He secured a tract of timber land and at once began its develop- ment. This was a frontier settlement, and there were many hardships and privations to be en- dured. He had to haul his grain to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, that being the nearest market. and he also took his farm products to Chicago. At Rockford there were only a few houses, and some of the now thriving towns and villages of the county had not at that time sprung into ex- istence. As the years passed, his continued ef- forts wrought a marked transformation in his land, and his farm became a valuable property. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political views was a whig. George Franklin pursued his education in the public schools near his father's home. He was a hard-working, industrious young man, and when his labor had brought him a sufficient sum of money he made purchase of a farm of eighty acres in Burritt township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies untiringly until 1887. He then sold that farm and removed to C)wen township, where he pur- chased one hundred and eighty acres of land, upon which he now resides. He has here a well developed property, improved with modern equip- ments, while the fields return to him golden har- vests for the care and labor he bestows upon them. On the 13th of February, 1878, Mr. Franklin was united in marriage, at Burritt, by the Rev. John Wilcox, to Miss Emma Jane Swindells, a daughter of John and Susanna (Statham) Swin- dells, both of whom were natives of England. Thev crossed the Atlantic to America on a sail- ing vessel, "The Washington," which weighed anchor at Liverpool on the 21st of March, 1849, and reached Boston harbor a month later. They continued to reside in Boston until 1857, and thence came to Rockford, where the father soon afterward died. They were the parents of three children : \Mlliam J.. Margaret Ann and Mrs. Franklin. After losing her first husband. Mrs. Swindells was married on the lOth of October, 1859, to Richard Lightfoot, and they had one son, Nathaniel. Mr. Lightfoot was born in the county of Cornwall, England, January 29, 1824, and came to .\merica in 185 1 upon a sailing ves- sel, leaving Plymouth, England, and landing at Quebec. The voyage was a tempestuous one of eight weeks and four days. Not long after reaching the new world. l\Ir. Lightfoot made his way to Winnebago county. Illinois, where he soon afterward rented land and began farming on his own account. Later he purchased land, for which he paid twenty dollars per acre. He was one of the pioneers of this county, and contributed in substantial measure to its early development and improvement. In 188 1 he built a residence about a quarter of a mile from his old home, and there spent his last days in retirement from labor. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin have become the par- ents of seven children. Susie is the wife of Cas- sius Zuck. a draftsman living in Rockford, and 35" PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. they have one child. Carroll .M. married Cora Salisbury and resides in Rockford. Edith B. is the wife of .Mbert Ziick, of Kansas, and they have one child. \\'alter is living at home. Ber- tha J. is liie wife of Lorenzo H. Crowell, Jr. Irnia and George M. are also at home. Mr. Franklin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has led a life in harmony with his professions. In politics he is a repub- lican, having long supported the party. He has spent liis entire life in this county, where he is well known as a reliable and honorable business man. PENN W. RANSOM, M. D. Dr. Penn W. Ransom, a specialist in the treatment of many diseases and the founder and proprietor of The Ransom Sanitarium at Rock- ford, is a native son of Winnebago county, his birth having occurred in Roscoe, May 4, 1857. His father, Dr. Giles P. Ransom, was a native of New York, born January 13. 1824, and tradition says that the family was founded in America by three brothers who came to this country from England. The great-grandfather, Daniel Ran- som, was born in New England, and in early days left N'ermont to become a resident of New York. He devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural ])ursuils and passed away in Wyo- ming county. New York. Dr. Daniel Ransom, the grandfather, whose birth occurred in Windham county, Vermont, s])ent his youth upon his father's farm, but be- lieving that he would find the professional life more congenial than agricultural pursuits he entered upon the study of medicine in Oneida county. New York. Later he removed to Erie county and subsequently spent eight years as a practitioner of medicine in Union City, Penn- sylvania. The year 1844 witnessed his arrival in Illinois, and he successfully engaged in prac- tice in iielvidere until failing health caused him to abandon the arduous duties of the profession. In early manhood he married Miss Elizabeth Willard, who was born in Westfield, Connecticut, and was a daughter of Samuel \\'^illard. Both spent their last days in tiie home of Dr. Giles P. Ransom, of Roscoe. the grandfather there passing away in 1870. and his wife in 1874. They were the parents of si.x children : Erasmus D., Alzina, Giles, Cynthia, Samantha E. and Loretta II. When a mere youth Dr. Giles P. Ransom joined a party of emigrants en route for the Rock river valley. This was in 1843. He walked the greater part of the distance and se- cured a position as a teacher of a three months' term of .school in Poplar Grove. I'ioneer con- ditions existed everywhere throughout this por- tion of the state. .\t that time twenty-five cents postage was required upon each letter, and so scarce was money that often this amount had to be borrowed from some neighbor before the letter could be procured from the postoftice. Dr. Ransom obtained a position as postmaster at Belvidere and was well known in connection with the pioneer progress and development of his locality. He began reading medicine with Dr. Ames, and after the removal of that gen- tleman to Roscoe, Dr. Ransom also went to that place in January, 1845, ''"^ entered upon prac- tice there. He was graduated from the Rush Medical College of Chicago in 1850, and his professional service called him to all parts of Winnebago county. In 1862 he entered the United States service as assistant surgeon of the Second Illinois Light .Vrtillerv, which posi- tion he resigned a year later on account of ill health. He ranked high in his profession and was for some time one of the oldest physicians of the county in the years of continuous prac- tice here. He married Mahala Jenks. in March. i860, and in his social relations Dr. Ransom was well known as an exemplary Mason. Dr. Penn W. Ransom, whose name intro- duces this record, is a high school graduate, and in the line of his chosen calling enjoyed excel- lent educational privileges. He first read medi- cine with his brother. Dr. Wilmot L. Ransom, and afterward entered the Chicago Medical Col- lege, now the medical department of the North- western University, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1879. He entered upon practice at .\urora. Illinois, where he remained for seven years and then, coming to Rockford, established The Ransom Sanitarium. It is situ- ated a mile north of the city on the east bank of the Rock river in a most beautiful grove and amid attractive surroundings. The buildings have been designed especially for the use to which they are put. The spring water is clear and possesses valuable medical qualities. It was in 1S87 that Dr. Ransom purchased the building, which is a large frame structure con- taining twenty well furnished rooms. It .stands in the midst of eight acres of ground adorned with fine shade trees, beautiful walks and drives. The sanitarium is o|)])osite Harlem park and the Chautauqua .\ssembly grounds, which each year attracts thousands thereto. The Kenosha division of the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- road i)asses within a few rods of the house, also the Rockford. Beloit & Janesville Interurban passes the place, making easy access to Rockford and points north. The visitors to the sanilariinn mnnber from nineteen thousand ])ersons annually, and Mrs. Ransom, a most accomplisiied -lady, presides over the institution and also attends to y^^f yyr ^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 359 much of the business in connection with its con- duct. Dr. Ransom gives his attention to his practice, making a specialty of the treatment of mental and nervous diseases. He utilizes only such measures and means as are known to and endorsed by the profession, including electro- thermal, hot air and plain baths, salt glow, oil inunctions, massage, and other lines of bath treatment in connection with medicine, surgery, diet and rest. He is assisted by a corps of well- trained nurses and attendants and The Ransom Sanitarium is splendidly equipped for carrying on this work. In 1884 Dr. Ransom was married to Miss Sarah C. Brown, of Rockford, Illinois, a daugh- ter of Lewis Brown and a representative of one of the old families of this county. Dr. Ransom has a very wide acquaintance and is a most genial gentleman whose cheering presence in the sick room is like a ray of sunshine dispelling gloom. He follows nature's methods of healing in all of his practice and also keeps in touch with the most advanced methods of the medical and surgical science. WILLIAM DALES. William Dales, long connected with interests that made Rockford a manufacturing center and one of the best business cities in Illinois, allied his interests with those of Winnebago county at an early day in its development, when Rockford was a small village. As the years passed by his recognition of business opportunities and intense and well directed business activity were felt along many lines and his efiforts proved of com- mercial value, not only to himself, but also as a factor in Rockford's prosperitv. A native of Delaware county. New York, he was born October 14, 1821, his parents being Samuel and Susan (Walker) Dales, both of whom were natives of Orange county. New York. The father was educated for the ministry, but after his marriage he settled in Delaware county, New York, where he began farming, which vocation he followed throughout his remaining days. His widow afterwards made her home with her chil- dren and died at the home of her daughter in Monroe, Wisconsin. The educational advantages which William Dales received were only such as were afforded by the common schools, but all through life he used his advantages to the best opportunities, and in this lay the secret of his success. He worked on the home farm in his youth and prior to his first marriage he began learning the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some time in the east. Before his second marriage he came west to Illinois, taking up his abode in Rockford in the spring of 1852. It was a small place but he foresaw the rapid and substantial development of the west and wisely concluded to try his for- tune in this part of the country. His first work in the city was the superintendency of the carpen- ter or construction work on the machine shops, now the largest building on the water power. He also superintended the carpenter work on many of the fine residences of the city of an early day, including the home of Judge Church and others. At length he abandoned building operations and entered into partnership with W. D. Trahern, under the firm name of Trahern & Dales, and thev began the manufacture of threshing machines and farming implements of all kinds. While thus engaged he also traveled quite extensively, selling the machines to the outside dealers. Later the firm began the mantifacture of pumps and the Trahern Pump Company is still conducting a prosperotis business in Rockford. On retiring from the firm, Mr. Dales began an independent business as the manufacturer of the Dales wind- mill, his factory being located on Sotxth Main street, where he employed a large number of men in the manufacture of the output which was sold all over the country. He had soon devel- oped a paying business and he continued opera- tions in that line for several years or until he had manufactured enough to supply the trade for some time. He then began the manufacture of plows in connection with Mr. Derwent and this claimed his attention for a number of years or until his health began to fail, and for about ten years he was unable to do any active business save the collecting for the firm and the supervision of the repair work. It was very reluctantly that he retired from the field of active industrial and commercial life, for indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature, but he was at length compelled to do so, and he lived retired until his death, July 18, 1892. His business career was characterized by untiring industry and persever- ance, and in his vocabulary there was no such word as fail. If he undertook to do a thing he did it. He was a man of action rather than the- ory, and while he planned his work carefully, he was also prompt and determined in its execution. Mr. Dales was married first in Delaware county, New York, to Miss Margaret McQueen, a native of New York, in which state her parents always lived, her father engaging in farming there. Mrs. Dales died in the county of her nativity a few years after her marriage. There were two chil- dren, Elizabeth and Walker. The former is the wife of Jesse Robertson, a retired carpenter of Monroe,' Wisconsin, and the latter died at the home of his grandmother in Monroe, Wisconsin, at the age of three vears. Mr. Dales was mar- 360 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. ricii in the town of Coiirlrif^hl. Uclawaro county, New York, to Miss Nancy E. Dales, a distant relative and a native of that county. Ixirn April II, 1823. her ])arents Ix'inp Alexander and Ra- chel ( Dibble) Dales, the latter born in Columbia count V and the fonncr in Orange county. New York. Her father was a fanner there and in Delaware county, and died on the farm in the latter county, where he had so long resided. His wife also passed away there. There were three children l)orn of the second marriatje : Raljjh E., who married Isabelle Rincv . is an electrician of Rockford. John, a successful physician of Sioux City, Iowa, married Gertie Locke, and after her death wedded Marie Peterson. Lillian, a teacher in the Kent school of Rockford, resides with her mother. Mr. Dales was well known to the early settlers of the city and iiad many friends anioncf the pio- neer settlers of Rockford and W'iiniebas^o county. He was a stanch republican and his friends fre- quently suggested to him a candidacy for office, but he would never consent to accept a nomina- tion. He attended the Pre.sln-terian church, to which Mrs. Dales and her daughter belong, and he was always in sympathy with movements for the jiublic good. He rejoiced in the upbuilding and improvement of Rockford. where be resided for almost forty years, passing away July 18, 1 89 1. Mrs. Dales now occupies a nice home at No. c>oi South Winnebago street, where she and her daughter reside. This has been in i)ossession of the Dale family for nearly half a century, a part of the building having been erected by Mr. Dale in iSsCi. It then stood in the midst of the hazel brush, there lieing only three houses in the neighborhood, where now stand many beautiful homes, constituting an attractive residence dis- trict of the citv. JOSEPH W. FAULKXF.R. Joseph W. Faulkner, deceased, was for many years closely associated with agricultural inter- ests in Winnebago county, and spent his last years in Rockfonl. He was a native of England, horn in liedfordshire. his natal day being Janu- arv 3. 1834. His parents. John and Mary (Read) Faulkner, were also natives of the same county. and while they resided in England became the parents of seven children, with whom they started for .America in the early '50s. crossing the .\tlantic in a sailing vessel, which, after a voy- age of seven weeks, dropped anchor in the har- bor of New ^'ork. The father, accompanied by his wife and children, made his way at once to Chicago, and by team proceeded to Winnebago countv. for the era of railroads had not yet come, anodine, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Politically a republican, Mr. Dobson has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and is thus able to support his posi- tion by intelligent argument. He has served in various townshii) offices, was school director for eighteen years, has been township trustee for three terms, was supervisor for one term, is now serving for the fourth term as justice of the peace, and in fact has been continuously in one official position or another, discharging with marked capability the duties that have devolved upon him, and thus manifesting the same loyalty to his country that he displayed when upon southern battle-fields he aided the Union cause. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his mem- bershi]) in Xevius post. No. i, G. A. R., at R'ickford. and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen camp at Harrison, while his religious views are indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. ELIJAH B. GUILFORD. Elijah 1!. Guilford, the oldest living settler in \\'innebago county to-day, has been a witness of almost the entire growth and development of this section of the state and no history of the locality would lie complete without the record of Win Port 55 vbgkf|j cmfwyp his life. For a long period he was actively con- nected with agricidtural interests and has also followed mechanical pursuits, but now in the evening of life is living retired in Pecatonica township. He was horn in Worcester county, Massachusetts, .\pril 21, 1824, and when about four years of age left that place, his parents re- moving to Genesee county. New York. The father, John Guilford, died when the son was a small boy, so that the latter does not remember seeing his parent, Mr. Guilford of this review left the Empire state in company with his mother and her three brothers, Ephraim. \\'illiam and James Sumner. They started westward with a two-horse team but traded the horses for four head of o.xen and with the o.x-team proceeded on their journey. They arrived in \Vinnebago, Illinois, Septem- ber 19, 1835, and here they traded one yoke of oxen for land, securing a claim on which a log house had been built. It stood on the bank of the Pecatonica river, but the family were almost drowned on account of the high waters, Mr. Guilford's mother being carried out of the house by one of her brothers, for the cabin was en- tirely surrounded by the river. They lived upon their original claim for seven years or until 1842, when the government opened a land office at Dixon, .\bout that time they took up their abode upon a farm at Twelve Mile Grove. All three of the brothers purchased land upon which they settled. They were typical pioneer resi- dents and underwent all of the hardships in- cident to establishing a settlement on the frontier. Tile greater part of the land was still unclaimed and could be had for a nominal price. Fphraim Sumner built a house at the grove and after selling that place built another. He also con- structed a gristmill a mile and a half west, it l)eing the only mill in this part of the coimty. Elijah P>. Guilford worked for his uncle until about twenty-four years of age. The uncle bought and sold inore land than any other real- estate dealer of the county and at one time was the ow-ner of fifteen hundred acres. Eventually he removed to Rockford. where he practiced law, making his home in the city for a number of years, after which he returned to the farm. He was the second postmaster at \'anccboro, which was on the old stage line between Chicago and Galena, and he held all of the offices in his town- ship, including that of justice of the peace. While serving in that capacity he at one time time swam the river in order to marry a couple and received fifty cents for performing:: the cere- mony, but when he returned home he found that he had married the couple out of his jurisdic- tion. On another time when crossing the river driving some oxen he lost control of his team and they landed on one side of the river, while he and the wagon box were left on the other side. He sought and found shelter, however, in a log cabin, where he spent the night. His last days were passed in Rockford and w'hen he was called to his final rest the county lost one of its most prominent pioneer settlers, a man who had M<-§^^^^ ~^^^ ^,^.1^ <£.oc^^n^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 371 tlone much for the early improvement, upbuild- ing and development of this section of the state. In his youth Elijah B. Guilford became familiar with all of the hardships, labors and privations of frontier life. He continued to work at farming and in various wa)'s assisted his uncle. At length, however, he began life on his own account, starting out with forty acres of prairie land and forty acres of timber land. Upon the farm he built a little house, which was ultimately replaced by his present residence. He has planted all of the trees upon his farm, both fruit and shade trees, and the various im- provements are the work of his hands and in- dicate a life of earnest labor and untiring ac- tivity. He would go to the fields in the early morning and continue his labors until the sun had set and as the years passed by and he pros- pered he kept adding to his land until he had at one time four hundred and sixty-five acres, but he has given away most of this, retaining possession, however, of a good farm property, which returns him an income sufficient for all his needs and in fact such as supplies him with the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. On the 2d of December. 1849, Mr. Guilford was married to Miss Alary Jane Butler, at Free- port. She was born at Alden, New York, No- vember 10. 1828. Her father. Stephen Butler, was born January 23, 1800, in Whitestown, (?)neida county. New York, and died March 25, 1 881, his death occurring in Chicago, while his remains were intered in the cemetery at Peca- tonica. After traveling life's journey together for nearly a half century Mr. and Mrs. Guilford were separated by death, the wife being called to her final home on the 8tli of October, i8<)8. Mr. Guilford has liad in many respects an eventful life. In 1857, accompanied by his wife, he started for Pike's Peak, going as far as Blue river, where they remained for two years. About 1867 he went to St. Louis by boat and ultimately reached Fort Benton. It required seventy-six days for the steamer Favorite to make the trip up the river, for they had to haul the boat over the sand bars by attaching ropes to the shore. Mr. Guilford spent one winter and two summers at Fort Benton, where he was largely engaged in mining, getting out the tim- bers for the mine and also doing underground work. He likewise made a hay press and fol- lowed blacksmithing there. He has given more or less attention throughout his entire life to mechanical pursuits and has always maintained a workshop on his farm. Possessing excellent mechanical ingenuity he was enabled to keep his farm machinery and his buildings in good repair. Mr. (luilford is a member of A. \\'. Rawlson lodge. No. 145, A. F. & A. M. Although he usually votes the democratic ticket and adheres 21 to the principles advocated by Jackson and Jef- ferson, he does not consider himself bound by party ties and has often voted for men of the op- posite party, incltiding Abraham Lincoln. He was a visitor at the W'orld's Columbian Ex- position in Chicago and also attended the Rail- way Appliance Exposition in Chicago. The Guilford family has long been known in Win- nebago county and the name is inseparably con- nected with its history. Mr. Guilford's mother, who was born in 1800, was well known because of her medical skill and her services were often in demand by her neighbors and friends through- (jut the county. Guilford township was named in her honor. Mr. Guilford, as a pioneer set- tler, did much for the early development and improvement of this part of the state and his mind carries a picture of pioneer days with all of its hardships and privations, its joys and its pleasures, and he can relate in a very in- teresting manner many anecdotes of the early times. GEORGE O'BRIEN. George O'Brien, living on section 19, Burritt township, is one of Winnebago county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Rockford, De- cember 25, 1851. His father, Patrick O'Brien, was born near Dublin, Ireland, about 1819, and came to the laiited States in 185 1. Two years later he took up his abode on a farm on section 19, Burritt township, having up to that time lived in Rockford, and his death occurred upon the old homestead farm in October, 1881. He wedded Mary McMahon, who was also born near Dublin, in the year 1821, and she passed away on the farm in Burritt township about 1875. George O'Brien is the eldest son of the family. The others are as follows : Margaret, who was born in Ireland in 1848. is the wife of John Bailey, formerly of Burritt township, but now of Rockford. by whom she has six children. John, who was born in 1853, is married and liv- ing in Rockford. He wedded Margaret Maloney, of Pecatonica, and has six children. James was born in 1855. ^"d is living in Rockford. Thomas, l)orn in 1857, makes his home in York, Ne- braska, and is married and has five children. George O'Brien was in his second year when his parents removed from Rockford to the home farm in Burritt township near his present place of residence, and he has since lived in this town- ship, devoting his entire life to agricultural pur- suits, which he has carried on successfully. He wedded Miss Mary Murphy, a daughter of John and Ellen Murphy, of \Vinnebago county. Her father was born in County Wexford. Ireland, May 30, 1 83 1, and died in Rockford, May 29, ^7^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 1892. wliilc Iiis wile, wlm horc tlic maiden name of Kllen Ik'haii. was Ixini in County Wexfonl in \i<2(i. and now makes her liome in Rockford. Their chililren were as follows: Thomas W.. who resides in Winnebago and is married and has eipht children : John W., also livinj^' in Win- neha.vTo, who is married and has six children: Mrs. Anna Dolan. of Rockford: Mrs. Ellen Mc- Donald, oi Seward, Illinois, who has four chil- dren : .Mrs. Kate Murphy, who died in i8t;3 : and Mrs. ( >'l>ricn. the wife of our subject. She was born March 3. 1857. and on the 3rd of Feb- ruary, 1880. jjave her hand in marriajje to (ieortje ()'l!rieM. They now have twelve children, lieortie, born November 29, 1880, was married January 11, H)05, to I'elle Milne, of llurritt, where they now reside: .Mary, born January 1, 1882: Neilie, born February 14. 1883; James, born November 21. 1885: John, June 18, 1887; I'lorence. July 24, 1889: Marjjaret, November i, |8 r < PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 37z Lake City. Mr. Gordon was employed at min- ing at four dollars per day and later he received seventy-five dollars per month and his board. He remained in California until 1854, when by way of the Isthmus of Panama he returned to his home in Illinois. In the meantime he had sent money back to this state with which to purchase the interests of the other heirs in the eighty acres of land which his father had left in Ogle county. He continued to work as a farm hand, however, until 1857, when he liuilt a home upon his farm and took up his abode there, residing upon that place until 1864. In that year he sold out and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Spring twonship, where he lived for two years. Once more selling his farm, he pur- chased two hundred acres lying in Ogle county along the boundary line of De Kalb county and he cultivated that place until 1883. when he rented it and purchased seventy-nine acres in Guilford township. There he made his home until 1888 and placed many improvements upon that property. In the year mentioned he placed his son-in-law in charge of the farm, while he moved to a farm in Guilford township, com- prising twenty-eignt and a half acres within half a mile of the city of Rockford. In 1864, Mr. Gordon was married to Mary ( Foulk ) Steele, a native of Cumberland county. Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Peter and Susan (Schowalter) Foulk, natives of Bucks county and Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, respectively. Her parents lived in Cumberland county for some time after their marriage and later removed to Perry county, whence in 1851 they came to Illinois. Mr. Foulk followed farming in Stephenson county for some time and later purchased land between Ogle and De Kalb counties. He next took up his abode in Black Hawk county, Iowa, where he carried on general farming for a number of years, after which he lived retired in Waterloo, Iowa, until his death in 1887. His wife survived him until the following year. Their daughter Mary first became the wife of Cadwallader Steele, who died in 1854, leaving a son, Frank P. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had one daughter, Minnie J., now the wife of N. P. Wilson. They also lost three children, of whom one died in infancy, Emma at the age of three years, and Ida May when she was seventeen years of age. Since the death of his wife Mr. Gordon has come to make his home with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, with whom he now resides. Mrs. Wilson was married in Boone county, Illinois, and by her marriage has become the mother of seven children: John \\'.. a resident of Rockford, employed in the Emerson manu- facturing plant ; Earl C, M. Grace, N. Pearl, (den G., Blanche and Rose, all at home. N. P. Wilson is a republican and he belongs to the Central Christian church. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in W'innebago county, where he lias now lived for twenty years and in his business affairs he has met with gratifying- success. HENRY L. BAKER. Henry L. Baker, deceased, was numbered among the early settlers of Winnebago county, becoming a resident of this section of the state in 1838, at which time his father's family settled in Owen township. He was born in Upper Can- ada August 12, 1827, and was a son of Dr. Dan- iel and Nancy (Reed) Baker. The father was born in the state of New York, and the mother in Boston, Massachusetts, and after their mar- riage they removed to Upper Canada, where Mr. Baker engaged in farming until 1838. He then went with his family to Winnebago county, set- tling on a farm in Owen township, on wdiat was known as the old Dr. Baker place. He was a physician, having studied medicine in the east in his earlv life, and became one of the first prac- titioners in this county. He practicd here in Owen township, and also engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his days. He died (in the old homestead farm there June 15, 1868. His widow afterward removed to Rockford, and spent her last days in the home of her son Henry, passing away January 19, 1874. Henry L. Baker was only ten years old when brought by his father to this county, and in his youth he attended the district schools near the home farm. He was ambitious to learn, and was always at the head of his class. When not busy with his books, he assisted his father in the work on the farm, until the latter's death, after which he purchased the home property from the other heirs. He continued to reside upon the farm until his health failed, and he was an enterpris- ing, practical and prosperous agriculturist. .\t length he retired to private life, removing to the city of Rockford ^larch 7, 1873. He was in hopes that his health might be benefited by his rest, but he grew gradually worse, and passed away on the nth of September, 1873. Mr. Baker was married in Iowa to Miss Cas- sandra Cottrell, a native of McLean county, Illi- nois, born March 11, 1837. Her parents were William and ]\Iargaret (Ellington) Cottrell. Her father was a native of Ohio, and her mother of Kentucky, and throughout his entire life he followed farming. He removed from his native state to Illinois, and afterward to Iowa, finally settling on a farm in Kansas, where both he and 3-6 I'AST AND PRESEXT OF WIWEBAGO COUXTV. liis wife died. .Mr. and .Mrs. I'.aker w i.m\- the parents of four children: Daniel \\ .. who wedded Mary S. (jorhani. and is a carpenter, re- sidinij at Xo. 120(> I'arnielee street, in Rockfonl: .Alice is the wife of William Jenks. a farmer re- sidiiii^ near Kuckford : Marietta is the wife of E. L". I'.easlcv. of Wisconsin: and William H. married (ieorg^ia Countryman, and they reside with her mother in Rockfonl. .Mr. Countryman iKinji in the em])loy of Mart & I'a^e. Tliey have three children. Clyde, (llenn and Marguerite. Mr. I'.aker was interested and active in com- munity affairs, and his fellow townsmen, rccog- nizinjj his worth and ability, called him to ])ublic office. He served in several township positions in ( )wen township, and was a stanch rei)ul)lican in |)olitics. lie helonged to the .Masonic fraternity in Rtickford. and ho and his family attended the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a man re- liable in business, and his energy, close ap])lica- tion and strong ])urpose enabled him to become a prosperous farmer, and one wdiose success was well merited. His death was deeply regretted by many friends, and most of all by his family, for he was a devoted husband and father. Since her husband's death .Mrs. I'.aker has sold the farm, which C(jm])rised one hundred and fif- ty-eight acres of land, and purchased her present home in Rockford at Xo. 1440 lllaisdcll street, where she resides with the family of her daugh- ter. She e.xpccts to make Rockford her ])erma- net home, and she is well and favorably known here. W I [. X. (.ARRRTT Will X. (iarrett, the ])resent assessor oi Ciuil- ford township, who has capably served in other official positions, re])resents one of the old and ])rominent pioneer families of Winnebago county. The farm which he owns has been in |)ossession of the family since it was entered from the gov- ernment by his grandfather. TlKjmas ( iarrett, during the administration of John Tyler as presi- dent of the L'nited States in 1841. Thomas dar- rett was tlie first shoemaker of Rockford and re- mained in that city, working at his trade for about two years, after which he removed to the farm. He there continued to follow^ shoemak- ing to Some extent, but gave much of his atten- tion to the cultivation and improvement of his land, developing a good farm projjcrty, upon which he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in June. 1873. when he was sev- enty-six years of age. His wife was Margaret Kervish. who died in I'ebruary. i8-_v They were both natives of the Isle of Man, and they came to .-\merica in 1827. settling first at I'aines- ville. I )bio. where they lived tmtil 18^8, when tiiey removed to j\(]ckf(ir(l. and .Mr. ( iurrcU thus became identified with its business interests as proprietor of its first shoe shop. I'oth he and his wife were members of the Methodist church. Thomas (iarrett. father of our subject, was born on the Isle of Man in 1827, and was there- fore an infant when brought by his parents to the new world. His boyhood and youth were passed in t )hio and in Winnebago county, and in early life he learned the trade of blacksmith and wagon-maker in Rockford, serving his appren- ticeship under Henry .Morton. Later he worked for the firm of I'rink & Waller, of the stage Company, being employed by them for several years at Rockford as an e.x])ert shoer of horses. Later he followed his trade in Xew Milford for eighteen years before locating on his farm and his last years were sjjent upon the old home- stead, his attention being given to agricultural pursuits. He dietl here January 19. 1900. when about seventy-three years of age. He had been married in ( )hio on the 6th of June. 1852, to Miss Mary .\nn Radcliffe, who was born in Le- roy. Lake count\-. ( )hio. in January. 1833. her |)arents being Thomas and Mary ( Kervish ) Radcliffe. .She was reared in ( )hio uj) to the- lime of her marriage, and then accompanied iier husband to Rockford. and she now resides ui)on tile home farm with her son Will, who is an (juK chil.l. Will X. (iarrett was reared in Milford until 1871, when his parents removed to a farm in (iuilford townshi]3. He sup])lemenle(l his early educational jirivileges by study in Rockford llusi- ness College and the Commercial liistitute there, after which he took up farming, which he has Cfintinuously followed lo the present time. He was marrieil at Cherry X'alley, on .Xew Year's day of 1878. to Miss Carrie 11. Crosby, who w'as luirn there in 1861, her parents being Sidney and Julia (Daggett) Crosby. Her mother was born at Xewburg, I'oone county. Illinois, May 28, 1840. and is now residing in Iherry X'alley. Her father was a native of the lvm])ire state, born near Schenectady. Xew York, in 1831. and com- ing thence to Xewburg, IJoone county, Illinois, when a young man. He was a car()enter by trade and followed that ]>ursuit until his death, which occurred Se]itember 13, Kpi, in C'herrv N'alley. where he resided continuously from the lime of his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby were the parents of six children, of whom Mary died in infancy about twenty-six years ago. 'The others are .\. E. Crosby, who is living in norlhern Xe- braska : Mrs. (iarrett: l-llizabeth. the wife of I'" rank ( iarrett. of Cherry \alley : I lenry F., of .Sw^ift county, Minnesota: and (ieorge, who is living with bis mother in Cherry Valley. The maternal grand])arents of Mrs. (iarrett were .\sa ami I'.lizaluth (llarnes) Daggett, who went to PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, 377 Boone county, Illinois, in 183(1, where AIv. Dag- gett engaged in farming. They had previously been residents of Connecticut. The grandfather died January 8, 1848, at the age of fifty years, while liis wife died Jnly i. 1891. at the age of eighty-three years. Air. and Airs, darrett have become the par- ents of four children : .Vlma B., the wife of Thomas Norton, living on her father's farm, and now the mother of two children, Gladys and Dorothy, both l)orn in Rockford ; Thomas A., at home ; Julia, who died Alarch 5, 1902, at the age of sixteen years ; and Robert E., who died Alarch 13, 1897, at the age of six months. Air. Garrett is a member of the local county and state granges and is secretary of the county grange. He also belongs to the Alasonic fraternity at Cherry Val- ley, and in politics is a stalwart republican, rec- ognized as one of the leaders of his party in Win- nebago county. He has for. many years held of- fice, serving in most of the township positions. He was township clerk for several years, was justice of the peace for twelve years, was school director for tv\'elve years, and has recently been elected for a second term to the office of assessor. He has very often served as a member of the election board, the town hall being located on his farm. In public affairs he is active, and his laljors have been far-reaching and beneficial, his devotion to the general good being above ques- titin. He yet resides upon the old family home- stead, comprising one hundred and ten acres of land, which has been in possession of the family since entered from the governemnt by his grand- father. JOHN H. DA\T^Y. Jr. The farming interests of Winnebago county find a worthy representative in John H. Davey, Jr.. whn is successfully carrving on general ag'!- cultural pursuits on section 31, Rockford town- ship. He has been a resident of the county since the i8th of June, 1854, coming to Illinois from Canada, to which country he had removed from England. Fie was born in Cornwall. Eng- land, September 18, 1846, his parents being John and Sarah (Wellington) Davev. both of whom spent their last days in Rockford township, the father's death occurring in 1896, when he was seventy-six years of age, while his wife passed away in 1894, when seventy-four years of age. John Davey worked on the old Galena Railroad during the first year of his residence in Illinois, receiving only ninety cents per day for his serv- ices, and during the succeeding thirteen years and a half he worked in the Bartlett flouring mill. He then purchased eighty acres of land, now owned by his son, ]. H. Davey, ]t.. and to the development and improvement of that place he devoted his energies throughout his remain- ing days. From the time he became a natural- ized American citizen he gave an unfaltering support to the republican party, and warmly espoused its principles. Both he and his wife commanded the esteem of all who knew them, being people of the highest respectabilit)'. John H. Davey, Jr., their only child, was a young lad in his eighth year when brought by liis parents to Winnebago comity. He began his education in the schools of England, but. wa; mostly educated on the east side of Rockford, being a student under Professor Freeman. He always remained with his parents upon the old homestead farm, rendering to his father in his boyhood days such assistance as his age and strength permitted. Later he performed a man's full duty upon the place, and he has since con- tinued the operation of the farm, which com- prises at present one hundred and thirty-five acres of finely improved land. All of the pres- ent buildings have been erected by him, and he has made many other substantial improvements, including the building of fences, the careful cul- tivation of his fields and the use of the best machinery in the care of his crops. Air. Davey was married in this county to A'liss Elizabeth Berridge, who was born in Williams county, Ohio, in 1848, and is a daughter of Charles and Harriet (Ager) Berridge, but the latter died during the early girlhood of Airs. Davey. The Berridge family were from Bed- fordshire, England, and located first in the state of New York, whence they removed to Williams county. (Jhio, subsequently becoming residents of La Grange county, Indiana, where the father of Mrs. Davey died. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and the old homestead is still in possession of the family. There were six children, but only three are living: Elizabeth, the wife of our sub- ject; Charles, of La Grange county, Indiana, and Airs. Alary Arver, of Steuben county, Indi- ana. Tliose who have passed away are Airs. Jane Notstine, who died in the spring of 1905, and Henry and Simon, who died in Indiana. Airs. Davey came to Rockford on a visit in 1869, and three years later was married. Two children have blessed this union : S. J., who at the age of twenty-five years conducts the home farm, and Florence P., who is nineteen years of age, and is yet with her parents. In politics Air. Davey is an earnest repub- lican, but has little aspiration for office, having refused to accept various positions of trust and honor, which would have been conferred upon him had he consented. He has, however, served for the past sixteen years as trustee of New A'lil- ford township, and in this regard has done much for the material improvement of the county, 3/8 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. favoring progressive measures al all times, and doing mucli for the schools, the public highways and all improvements that tend to promote the general welfare, lie and his wife and children are devnted and loyal members of the Centennial Methodist Ei)iscopal ciuirch of Uockford. IvDWWRD J. IIOFI'.M.W. Edward J. Hoffman, deceased, was one of the large manufacturers of Rockford. He w-as prominent among the business men of the city. where for a long period lie was closely identi- fied with the history of commercial jjrosperity here as a representative of one of its most im- portant business interests. He was a man of keen discernnient and sound judgment and his executive ability and excellent management brought to the concern with which he was con- nected a large degree of success. As the presi- dent and treasurer of the Rockford Frame and Fixture Company and also as the president and treasurer of the Cream City Mirror Plate Com- pany his name was known far beyond the limits of this county and was an honored one on com- mercial paper. A native of Prooklyn. .\ew York, Mr. Hoff- man was born January 15. 1863, a son of Joseph and Catherine Hoffman. The father was an engineer, and was killed in a railroad accident when his son, Edward J., was only four years of age. The mother died in Philadelphia, I'enn- sylvania. in 1904. Following his father's death Edward J. Hoffman went to live with an aunt who resided near Pirooklyn, Xew York, and there he attended the public schools and also studied at nights, thus acquiring a good educa- tion. When nineteen years of age he went to Boston. Massachusetts, where he secured a po- sition in the glass department of a lantern fac- tory, being there employed for some time. He afterward olitained a situation in lioston as a beveler and smoother in a inirnjr factory, and became an expert in that line. His efficiency and ability were so pronounced that he was pro- niotefl to the position of foreman in the factory at the age oi twenty-one. but when he had acted in that ca|)acity for a brief ])eriod lie decided to try iiis fortune in the west, and made his way to Chicago, wliere he was em])loyed in flifferent mirror works for a few years, becoming one of the most ex])erienced and capable rejjresent- atives of the trath of Septem- ber of the following year in response to his Cfumtry's call he enlisted as a member of Com- ])any C, Fift\-tifth Illinois X'olnnteer Infantry, which company carried the cr)lors of the regi- ment. His commanrl was assigned to the I-'irst P.rigadc, Second Division, I'ifteenth Armv (."orps, .\rmy of the Teiuiessee. At its organiza- tion he was made corporal, was ])rr>moted to sergeant May I. i8f>2: first sergeant, .'^e])tember I, 1862; next lieutenant to rank from .Novem- ber 26, 18^^(2. and after veteranizing was commis- sioned captain on the iith of August, 1864. Me lewas slightly wuunded at Siiiloh and was seriously injured in the right shoulder at I'.entonville. North (,'art)lina, March 20. 1865, and later was mustered out with his regiment. lie |)artici- ])ated in thirty-two battles, and was for one hun- dred and twenty-seven days under fire. The regiment went out with nine hundred and eighty- seven men and officers, was furnished with one hundred and eighty-five recruits while in the south, and came home with only two hundred and thirty-nine members. Those who read be- tween the lines will gain a story of hardships in battle and of uian\' difficulties and privations borne until the ranks were so greatly dissemi- nated that there were scarcely more than enough men to make up two companies. The I'ifty-fifth Illinois Regiment marched thirty-three hundred and forty miles, traveled by rail twenty-eight hundred and seventy-five miles and by water fifty-eight hundred and fifty miles. Captain Oliver was in the battles of Shiloh, Russell House, the siege of Corinth. Chickasaw liayou. Arkansas Post, Snyder's P)lufF, Champion Hill, \'icksi)urg. Jackson, Mississippi: Tuscumbia, Alabama: Mission Ridge, Kenesaw ?iIountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro. the march to the sea. Fort Mc.M- hster. Savannah, South F.disto river, Charleston, Columbia and Ijcntonville, and was present at the surrender of ( iencral Johnston. He was mustered out at Little Rock, .\rkansas, August 14, 18^)5. and was finally discharged at Chicago, on the 24th of August, 1865. luillowing the close of the war Captain Ol- iver came to Rockford, and in three days began feeding a tjireshing machine, working on the machine until fall, while the following spring he began farming. He rented land in Harrison townshi]! for three years, after which his father- in-law ]iurchased one hundred and twenty-two acres, selling it to Captain ( )liver on time. He also began buying other land, adding to his pro])ert\' until he became the owner of about four hundred acres. lie contimied his active farming operations until i8()i. meeting with sjilendid success in his undertakings, and then renting his land he removed to Rockford. where he has since resided. He now owns a fine home at No. 603 North Avon street, together with two hundred and thirty-three acres of fine land, well im])roved, in Harrison towushi]i and one Inm- ur- pose overcame these and in due course of time securefl the comforts known to a more advanced civilization. As he ]iros|)ered in his business af- fairs he extended the boundaries of his farm until he had two hunk an active and heljiful part in many matters of progress ami improvement in his locality. Mr. Deimcy gained more than local reputation as a writer and was always a great reader. kee])ing in touch with the trend of modern thought and also becoming familiar with many of the lx?st works of literature. When a boy he committed to memory ])oems which he never forgot through- out his entire life. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he advocated the prin- ciples ])ronnilgated by Jefferson. He died June iS. i8i)j5, at his home in Dane county, Wiscon- sin, and thus passed away one of the most honored and respected pioneer residents of that portion of the state. His widow, who was Ixirn in 181 7, is .still living and now makes her home with her son Thomas, who is the elder of the two children born of this familx. The daughter. Eliza. Ixirn December 7, 1857, is the wife of Robert Steel, of Mitchell county, Iowa, and they have two chil- dren. Thomas A. Denney was but an infant when taken by his parents to Dane county. Wisconsin, and in his youth he worked upon the home farm, assisting his father to pay off the indebtedness upon the place. When this was done he liegan saving his money and ultimatelv he purchased eighty acres of land, while later he bought his sister's and mother's interest in the old home farm, residing thereon until the s]iriiig of i8<;4. when he sold the ])roperty and crossed the line into \\'in- nebago comity, taking up his abode in Owen township. .\t that date he purchased his present fami coniiirising one hundred and sixty acres of good land. It is a desirable property, the fields being under a high state of cultivation, while many modern improvements have been placed thereon. On the 26tli of October. 1883. Mr. Denney was m-irried to Miss Martha H. Fitton. a daughter of John and Charlotte (Pilling) Fitton. both natives of England, whence they came to .\merica at an I'lrly day, Mrs. Fitton living in this country about twentv years prior to the arrival of him who after- ward became her husband. Mr. Firton worked for his uncle in early manhood, and following his marriage he rented land for a time until he was able to ])nrcliase a farm of eighty acres. Tfc then sold out anleas- ant home at Xo. 512 W'ahnU street, and with her resides Mr. lioswell and his family. \\II.1.1.\.M A. ll.\LLEY. William .\. Ilalley. who died in Rockford ne of its stanch advocates and voted for .Abraham Lincoln. He was married Decem- ber 4. 1846. to Christina Mackie. who is now living at the age of ninety-two years. In their family were three chilren. They live m me same house with their son, T. R. Ilalley, a prosperous farmer of Uwen township. William A, Ilalley was a stutlent in the public .schools of Rrjckton in his early youth but was only nine years of age when his parents removed to Owen township and he afterward became a public school student in Rockford, thus acquir- ing a good education. In his boyhood days he assisted in the operation of the home farm in Owen townshi]) and later he began farming on his own account. Subsequent to his marriage he purchased land in that townshi]) and was en- gaged in its cultivation and in the improvement of the farm until about 1900, when he suffered from ill health and gave up hard work. He was not afterward actively engaged in general agri- cultural ]jursuits but continued to make his home u])on his farm and suiiervisc its operations until March. 1905. when he removed to Rockford. Tn 1883. \Ir. Halley was married to Miss Sarah J. Armstrong, a native of Owen township, and a daughter of Archibald and Eliza (Newburn) .\rmstrong, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to .\merica. settling first in Pennsylvania. They afterward left the east and at an early day became residents of Winnebago county, taking u]) their abode in Owen township, where the father was actively engaged in farming until his later years, when he lived retired until his death in 1893, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His wife passed away in 1877. at the age of sixty- two years, and further mention of them is made on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Halley became the ])arents of one daughter. .Mice, who is now a student in Rockford and re- sides with her motlur. .\s before stated. .Mr. Ilalley continued to en- gage in farming from the time of his marriage until his removal to Rockford. His health grew worse in the city until on the 6th of June. 1905. he ])asse(l away. He voted with the republican ])arty but had no desire for office, his attention lieing given during his active business life to his farming interests, whereby he acquired a hand- .some com])etencc, being thus enabled to leave his family in very easy financial circumstances. His widow owns a nice home at X11. 1523 School street and yet owns the old homestead farm of four hundred acres in Owen township, which is said to be one of the finest in the count v. ROBERT MEYER. The growth of Rockford has been marvelous, es|)ecially along manufacturing lines, until the city is to-day one of the leading productive cen- ters of the middle west. In the control of cxten- ''C^ PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAlJO COL'XTY, 391 sive and important interests are men of marked enterprise, keen discernment, executive force and splendid business ability, and to their labors the development of Rockford is due. Mr. Meyer, a representative of this class, is now general man- ager for the Rockford Glass Bending Works, the only enterprise of this character in the state. A native of south Germany, he was born in 1862, and, having acquired his education in the schools of the fatherland, he afterward learned his trade in that country, becoming familiar with all departments of glass manufacturing. He came to America in 1877, then a youth of fifteen years, and has followed glass bending continu- ously since. He removed to Rockford from St. Louis, where he had previously followed his trade. In that city he was with the Western Glass Bending Company, and also the Oyer Glass Bending Company, and his long experience well qualified him for the work which he undertook in Rockford. He located here in April, 1899, establishing his plant, which is the only one of the kind in the state. It was built after the com- pany was organized and they now have three furnaces, which are in constant operation, being run night and day. Employment is furnished to about twenty-five men, and the output of the fac- tory finds a ready and profitable sale on the mar- ket. The plant is located at the corner of Tenth avenue and Tenth street, and j\Ir. Meyer has en- tire charge of the business, which he is develop- ing along modern lines and in conformity with strict commercial ethics, so that the house sus- tains a very enviable reputation. In 1884 Mr. Meyer was united in marriage, in St. Louis, to Miss Sophia Schmidt, and thev have six children : Henry, who is employed in the glass works, is married, and resides in Rock- ford : Otto, who is also working at the factory; Lena. Robert. Emma and Albert, all at home. Politically, ^Ir. Meyer is a republican, interested in the success and welfare of his party, but never desiring office as a reward for party fealty. He belongs to Rockford lodge. No. 689. I. O. O. F., and his religious views are in accord with Prot- estantism. The family home is at Tenth avenue and Tenth street, and I\Ir. and Mrs. Meyer have made many friends during their residence in Rockford. and Mr. Meyer has won for himself favorable regard in business circles here. MILTON TODD. Milton Todd, a self-made man, who has be- come a large landowner with holdings in Rock- ford, Owen and Harrison townships, makes his home on section i, Burritt township, on a tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres. He was born September 6, 1847, his parents being Jonathan and Hannah P. (N'adakinj Todd. The father was bom in New Jersey, April 20, 1826, while the mother's birth occurred in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 181 9. Thev came to the west in 1855, and the father bought the homestead farm in Harrison township. Throughout his active business career he carried on general agricultural pursuits, and he passed away April 13, 1871, being long survived by his wife, who died January 5, 1894. In their familv were the following named : George R., who is living in Harrison township and has three chil- dren ; Daniel, a resident of Burritt township, who is married and has two children ; Mrs. Marilla Mofifatt, the wife of R. N. Mofi'att, of Harrison township ; and Milton. The last named, a native of Liberty Corners, Somerset county, New^ Jersey, was a lad of about eight }'ears when brought by his parents to the west, and upon the home farm in Harrison town- ship he was reared, early becoming his father's assistant in the labors and duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He lived in Harrison township for twenty-eight years and then re- moved to his present home on section i, Burritt township, where he has resided for twenty-two years. In his farm work he has prospered, and as the years have gone by he has added to his possessions, becoming the owner of one hundred and seventy acres. He has for some time made a specialty of growing seed com and of manu- facturing syrup. At the present time he is prac- tically living retired, leaving the active work of the farm to his son, although he gives general supervision to the place. Working persistently and energetically year after year, his rest is now justly deserved, and his extensive possessions are the visible evidence of his life of well directed industry. On the 2d of July, 1879, Mr. Todd was married to ]\Iiss Eliza K. ]\icDougall. of Burritt township, a daughter of D. C. and Jessie B. McDougall. Her father was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and became a resident of Harrison township, this county, in 1851. Soon afterward, however, he re- moved to Burritt township, and as the years passed became an extensive landowner. He is now living a retired life in Rockford, possessing a handsome competence that enables him to enioy all the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth living. He wedded Jessie B. Patterson, who was born in Scotland. Thev were married in that country, and the year 185 1 witnessed their removal to the United States. Mrs. McDoug-all. however, departed this life on the home farm in Burritt township. ]\Iay 15. 1900. In their family were the following named : John McDougall, a resident of Burritt township, who married Kate McGonegal. and has five children ; Tames McDougall, of Shirland township, who 39-' PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. married Ellen Al. Scott, and has tlirce children ; Arthur .McDougall, of Burrilt township, who married Isahelle Lidell, and has five children ; and Jennie, who became the wife of S. B. Wallace, and died July 23, 1892, leaving two children. The other member of the family is Mrs. Todd, who was evlucated at Lownslnirg- Academy in Rock ford and followed teaching from the age of eighteen to twenty-three years. Of the four chil- dren born to .Mr. and Mrs. Todd, Ella J. died at the age of ten years and Arthur died at the age of fourteen years. Those still living are: Jessie M., who was born in Harrison township, Septem- ber 6, 1880, and is the wife of J. .M. Harcourt. of Rock ford : and Ira D.. who was torn January 14, 1883, and is living at home, largely relieving his father of the work of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Todd belong to a progressive class of people who believe in living in the pres- ent and not in the past, and who are continually abreast with the modern march of progress and improvement. They have many warm friends in the community and are highly esteemed by all who know them, while the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by many. Mr. Todtl is an ardent republican in his political views, and for sixteen years has served as school director, while for nine years he was justice of the peace, discharging his duties in a manner strictly fair and impartial, so that his official service has been creditable to himself and satisfactory to his con- stituents. FRANK M. BAUDER. Frank M. Bauder, residing in New Milford, where he is engaged in farming and in the raising of early garden products, came to this county in October, 1854, from Fort Plains, Montgomery county. New York. He was there born and was only a year and a half old when brought to Illi- nois by his parents. Peter G. and Julia A. (Allen) Bauder, who on emigrating to the west brought with them a number of fine sheep. They si)cnt their remaining days in Winnebago county and for a number of years resided at Rockford. but afterward returned to New Milford, where they passed away, the father dying July i, 1903. at the advanced age of eighty-five years, while his wife died on the "th of December, 1900, at the age of eighty-two. He was a farmer and stockman, raising and handling sheep and wool, lie bought wool for a numl)cr of years, finding this a profitable department of his business in- terests. He owned the farm on section 23 and 26. New Milford township, that is now the prop- erty of his son, Frank M. Bauder, having about one hundred and twenty acres of rich land. He became well known as an extensive stock-dealer and for years he attended the dairy state fairs in Iowa and Illinois, exhibiting his high grade and thoroughbred sheep. He did much to improve the standard of sheep raised in this section of the country and thereby greatly promoted the pros- perity of the agricultural class. In his family were four sons: J. J., who is now living re- tired in New Milford; George M., who is en- gaged in the livery business in Chicago ; Charles, who was killed by being thrown from a horse in his boyhood days in New York ; and Frank M. Frank M. Bauder was reared in this county, living on the home farm in New Milford town- ship for over fifty years. Having acquired a conunon-school education he started out in life on his own account and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own cff'orts. He was married here to Miss Mary J. Graham, who was born in northern Ireland and is a daughter of \\'illiam and .\gnes fPieggs) Graham, who came to Kishwaukee, this county, about 1858 and has since resided here. Her father was a farmer and shoemaker by trade, and his death occurred about 1885, when he was sixty years of age. His widow, now more than eighty years of age, still resides in this county. Mrs. Bauder was one of a family of six daughters and four sons, of whom eight are living: Hugh, a resident farmer of Cherry \'alley township: William John, of the same township ; Mrs. Sarah Cassidy. of that town- ship : Mary J.: Thomas, of New Milford; Mrs. Maggie Lacy, of Davis Junction, Ogle county ; Mrs. .-Vsa Kinson ; George, a farmer of New Mil- ford ; Jennie, who died at the age of three years ; and Jeannctte. who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Bauder is a republican, who has served as school director and in other local offices. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and both are well known in the locality where they have long resided. In his business affairs. Mr. Bauflcr has proposed and in connection with general farming he has been engaged in the poultry business for a number of years, handling several breeds of fine chickens, including Cochins. Brahmas and Leghorns, which he has exhibited at the St. Louis and Chicago fairs and also in Iowa, winning various pre- miums. He formerly devoted considerable attention to the raising of Poland China hogs and he is now engaged also in the raising of vege- tables for the market. His business interests are well conducted and he is now a prosperous resi- dent of his localitv. SOLOMON JENKS. M. D. No history of Roscoc township would be com- plete without mention of Dr. Soliimon Jenks. who was the pioneer physician in his part of the MRS. F. M. BAUDER. P. G. BAl'DER. MRS. P. G. BAUDER. F. M. BAUDER. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 395 county. He was born in N'crniont in 1796, and when about six or seven years of age accompa- nied his parents on their removal to Rhode Island, where he was reared to manhood. He supplemented his public school education by a course of study in the medical school at Pitts- field. Massachusetts, and. following his gradua- tion, he sought a field of labor in the middle west, going first to Ohio, where he continued in active practice for some time. He was married in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and soon afterward came to Illinois, arriving in Winnebago county in 1839. He was the first physician to locate in Roscoe township, and for several years he prac- ticed there, meeting the usual experiences of the physician upon the frontier, who, because of the sparsely settled district, must needs take long drives under the summer's sun or through the winter's cold, counting no personal sacrifice too great if it would enable him to advance the wel- fare of his fellowmen by reason of his profes- sional skill and abilit}-. Dr. Jenks was married to Miss Lydia Walker, a native of North Adams. Massachusetts, and they became the parents of fourteen children, in- cluding Mrs. Ransom, of Roscoe, who was the fifth member of the family, and to whom we are indebted for the material furnished for the sketch of her parents. One son of the family. Captain George W. Jenks, -who raised a company at Van- dalia, Illinois, for service in the Civil war, was commissioned its commander. (3f the fourteen children only three are now living: Mahala. who became Mrs. Ransom ; Mrs. Gertrude Bill- ings and Mrs. Alma Lawrence. Mahala was married to Dr. G. P. Ransom, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of Dr. Penn W. Ransom, of Rockford. on another page of this work. Dr. Jenks departed this life in Roscoe in 1842. at the age of forty-six. while his wife, returning to Ohio, died in Saybrook. Ashtabula county, at the age of fifty-six years. They were worthy pioneer people of this part of the state, and are yet remembered by some of the earliest settlers of \\'innebago countv. ELLIS ANDREW Ellis Andrew, retired from agricultural pur- suits and now living in Rockford, was born in England in 1838, his parents being William and Hannah Andrew, who in 1846 made their way across the briny deep to the new world, landing at Rhode Island, wdiere they remained for four years. During that time the father came to Burritt township, Winnebago county, and pur- chased thirty acres of land from the government. He then returned to New England, and in i8^o brought his family to Illinois, settling upon the little farm which he had prepared. He spent his remaining da3's in Burritt township, and a» the years went by his labors were not only prac- tical and progressive, but also profitable, and he became the owner of two hundred and sixt\' acres of land. Both he and his wife were inden- tified with the church of England. Thev were the parents of thirteen children, of whom nine reached years of maturity, while Ellis and three sisters are now living, namely : Airs. Chapman, who resides on Winnebago street in Rockford ; one living in Missouri ; and another in Iowa. Ellis Andrew acquired but a limited education, for when only eight years of age he began earn- ing his own living, and has always followed farming. He remained at home until twenty- eight years of age, and in 1866 was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Rudd, who was born in Erie count}-, New York, November 5, 1842, her iiarents being Joel and Caroline (Estee) Rudd. The father was born in Aliddletown. \'irginia, February 7, 1794, and the mother in Salem, New York, February 4, 1807. In 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Rudd removed to the west, and the former fol- lowed agricultural pursuits in Burritt township, where he owned and operated sixty acres of good land up to the time of his death, which occurred February 25, 1856. He was survived by his wife until February 17, 1874. His three daughters are all living, namely : Airs. E. Cushman. a resident of Rockford ; Mrs. Clarissa ( )akley, of Durand ; and Airs. Andrew. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons. Lewis J., born January 2, 1869. was a student in Oregon, Illinois, for three years, and afterward attended the Chicago Dental College, from which he was graduated in April. 1899. since which time he has practiced in Rockford. having an oflice at the corner of Wyman and State streets. Charles A., born October 3, 1870, and attended college in C)regon, Illinois, for a year. He married Aliss Bertha A. Davis, of Bur- ritt township, and has one child, Verna L.. born Alav 22, 1902. He is now successfully follow- ing farming in Burrit township. After his marriage Air. Andrevv of'this review engaged in operating land on the shares from 1866 until 1874 and in the latter year his mother- in-law died, after which he purchased a farm of ' sixty acres which she had previously owned, and of which he retained possession until a short time ago, when he sold to his son. He kept adding to it from time to time until the farm comprised one hundred and seventy-five acres, and of this he still has one hundred acres, but in 1899 he retired from active business life and took up his abode in Rockford, where he rented a house for four years, and then in 1903 bitilt the home which he now occupies at No. 837 North Hors- man street. 396 PAST AXn PRESENT OF WTXXEBAGO COUNTY. Voting with the rqnibHcan ])ariy. .Mr. .\ii- drcw keeps well iiifonned on the (Hiesticnis and issues of the daw and has served as highway commissioner and constable. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and at- tends the Court Street Methodist church, of which his wife is a member. Tie gained the greater part of his projjerty through his own efforts, and his life record ])roves the force and value of industry and perseverance in the active affairs of life, lie is not only a self-made, but also a self-educated man, and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the leading questions and interests of the day. lie was but eight years of age when he came with his jjarcnts to Amer- ica, and for more than a half century he has resided in Winnebago county. .\RTEMUS C. TIIORNE. .\rtemus C. Thorne is the present townsliijj clerk of Winnebago township, and also the vil- lage clerk. He has filled the former position for thirty-three years, and no higher testimonial of his capability and fidelity could be given than the fact that he has so long been retained in office. lie has lived in Wiimebago county since 1858, locating at that time in Durand, where he resided for one year, since which time he has made his home at Winnebago, lie is a native of Oneida county. New York, born in 1848, his parents being C. .\. and Angelinc ( Grii)])en ) Thome, who came to Winnebago county, where they resided for several years, and here the father died in 1859. The mother afterward re- moved to Nebraska, spending her last days in Fairmont, where her death occurred in 1879. I" their family were two daughters. Mrs. Chambers Atwood, now living in Rawlins county, Kansas, being the only survivor with the exception of the subject of this review, who is the only son. Mrs. Celestia Treadwell died in Nebraska. A. C. Thorne was about ten years of age when he be- came a resident of W'inncbago county, and since 1864 he has lived in the town of Winnebago. He was a youth of only sixteen when, in 1864, he responded to his country's call for troo|)s, enlist- ing in Company I, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Infantry. In February, 1865, he joined Com|)any F, ( )ne Himdred and h^ifty-sixth Illi- nois infantry, and was discharged as second lieutenant. Returning to the north when the country no longer needed his aid, he settled in Winnebago, and for the past thirty-five years he has been engaged in carpentering. In this way he has aided in the construction of many of the leading structures in the town and surrounding districts, and he has through his business, official and social relations become well acquainted with ])racLically every resident of the township. He lias long been a recognized leader in the ranks of the re])ublican party, ami has served on the election board of the town for the past thirty- four years. He has for a third of a century been township clerk of W'innebago township, .Tnd at this writing is also filling the position of village clerk. In i8(>8 Mr. Thorne was united in marriage to Miss Martha Benedict, who was born in the western part of New York, near Auburn, and came to this county in 1865. They have three daughters and one son, the last named being C. .\. Thorne, who is a conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The daughters are Mrs. L'. (i. Dennison. whose husband is a drug- gist of Winnebago: Mrs. B. Faulkner, whose husband is a farmer of Seward township : and Mrs. E. J. Foley, whose husband is agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at ("lilberts, Illinois. Fraternally Mr. Thorne is ])rominent. being a valued reijresentalive of va- rious lodges. He holds membership relations with tile Masons, Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of the (ilobe and the Good Teiii])lars, and he is also a member of the Neviiis ])ost. No. I, G. A. R., of Rockford. I lis wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family at- tend services there. Mr. Thorne certainly needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, being .so well known here, and he is a popular citizen, whose good (jualities have gained him warm regard, the circle of his friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of his ac- quaintance. ROBERT FALCONER. Robert Falconer, deceased, for many years a farmer of Winnebago township, was practical in his methods, successful in his work. He was born in Rosshirc, Scotland, February i, 1832, and with his parents, Hugh and Catherine (McDon- ald) Falconer, came to America in 1848, being at tliat time about sixteen years of age. The family was established in Rockford township, Winnebago county, and about seven years later, in 1855. they removed to Winnebago township. Robert Falconer remained under the parental roof through the period of his minority, aided his fatlier in the work of the home farm and ulti- mately came into possession of the old family homestead, to which he added until he owned the one hundred and fifty-three acres which are now in possession of his widow. His father, Hugh Falconer, died January 8, 1867, being long sur- vived bv the mother, who passed away December PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 397 15, 1885. ^[r. Falconer, as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, chose Aliss Anna Ross, who was born in Rosshire, Scotland, in July, 1853, one of nine children of Crawford and Catherine (McDonald) Ross, both of whom died in Scotland in 1903, when more than eighty years of age. Mr. and Airs. Falconer became the parents of seven children : Robert H.. born No- vember 5, 1876; Donald, October 23, 1878; Jessie, August 10. 1880; Ross, JMarch 31, 1882; Mar- garet, April 14, 1884; Catherine J., April 20. 1886; and Joseph E., November 6, 1891. All are still at home with their mother save Jessie, who is now the wife of Cassius Gardner. Throughout his entire business career Robert Falconer followed the occupation of farming, and liis place became finely improved and was success- fully operated. It is a valuable tract of land, and he was thus enabled to leave his family in com- fortable circumstances. His political views ac- corded with republican principles and he did all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, yet he was never a poli- tician in the sense of ofifice-seeking. However, for over twenty-four years he filled the postion of school director in district 98, formerly district No. 5. He attended the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Falconer and most of her children are members. His death occurred April 18, 1899, upon the old homestead farm, and was the occa- sion of deep regret, not only in his immediate family but also among his friends, for he had gained a wide and favorable acquaintance during the long years of his residence here, covering a period of more than half a century. Mrs. Fal- coner, with the aid of her sons, now operates the farm, which is a well equipped property, con- ducted along modern lines of agricultural devel- opment. AUGUST \y. LARSON. August W. Larson, the senior member of the firm of A. W. Larson & Company, meat dealers of Rockford, has been a resident of this city since 1890. He was born in Vestergotland, Swe- den, in 1873, his parents being Lars and Christina CKling) Johnson. The father was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in Sweden up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1887. His widow still survives and is living in Rockford, at the age of seventy-eight years. She came to the LTnited States about fifteen years ago and has since made her home in this city. In the family were eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Charles, who is employed in the car shops of the Illinois Central Railroad : Gustafif, an upholsterer and furniture dealer liv- insr in Kewanee, Illinois ; Mrs. Anna Eklund. of Rockford ; Hulda, the wife of C. A. Carlson ; Alfred, who is superintendent and president of the Co-operative Furniture Company of Rock- ford : Robert, who is a cabinet-maker by trade and is a stockholder in the Co-operative Furni- ture Company ; Albert, who is in the grocery store of P. O. Anderson & Company ; and August W. In taking up the personal interest of August W. Larson we present to our readers the record of one who has made consecutive advancement since entering upon his business career empty-handed at an early age. He was educated in the common schools of Sweden and after coming to America learned the trade of wood-car^-ing. He was a young man of seventeen years when with his mother he crossed the Atlantic to America and became a resident of Rockford. Realizing that in America where labor is not hampered by caste or class he might have better opportunities for business advancement, he resolutely set to work here to gain a start in life and after working at his trade for some time he embarked in his present business in 1897, now having a large meat market at No. 620 Seventh street, where he is associated with August Eklund. They have built up an excellent business and are now prospering, having a commodious, comfortable and model market. Their business methods, too, are such as to com- mend them to the confidence and patronage of the public and their worth in trade circles is widely acknowledged. ]\Ir. Larson was married to Miss Hulda Eng- lund. who was born in Indiana, in 1875, 3^"d is a daughter of Charles Englund, who now resides at No. 1723 Qiarlotte street, Rockford. They have two children, Leroy William and Florence Irene, aged respectively four and two years. The family home is at 1007 Sixth street, and their residence is a very attractive and pleasant one. Mr. Larson is connected with the ]\Iission Tabernacle, — which indicates his religious views, and his political sup- port is given to the republican party. He is a strong advocate of temperance principles and of all movements that tend to alleviate mankind. His own life is honorable and upright, actuated by high motives and commendable principles. He is firm in support in what he believes to be right and stands for justice and truth in man's rela- tions with his fellowman. STEPHEN W. TANNER. In this enlightened age when men of energy, industrv and merit are rapidly pushing their way to the front, those who bv their individual efiforts have won favor and fortune may properly claim recoErnition. Years ago when the west was enter- 398 PAST AXn I'Rl-.Sr.XT OF W IXXl'.r.ACo CorXTV ing ui)oii its era of growth aiul development and Illinois was laying its foundation for the future prosperity there came to Rockford from all parts of the county men of sturdy independence, pos- sessing strong determination to succeed. Among this number was Stephen W. Tanner, who became a well known manufacturer of Rockfortl, en- gaged in the manufacture of all kinds of leather goods. He took up his abode in this city in 1866 and his business record was in hannony with the spirit of the tiiues — characterized In- un- faltering energy and consecutive advancement. Horn in I,ondon, England, he represented an old family of that country. His parents came to .'Vmerica during his early youth and settled in Canada. The father was a veterinary surgeon, and engaged in the practice of his jirofession in Canada throughout the remainder of his days, his wife also departing this life there. S. W. Tanner was a student in the district schools, in addition to those of Canada, where his father resided, l)Ut was only a boy when his parents died, .\fter completing his education he l>egan to learn the trade of a leather manufacturer in Canada, being employed in different factories of that country as a common laborer. He saved his earnings anil his frugality and industry at length brought him ca])ital sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account on a small scale. For several years he conducted private business interests in Canada, after which he removed to Ashtabula. Ohio, where he contin- ued in the same line for a few years. Later he sold out and went to Conncaut. Ohio, and subse- quently came to the middle west, locating at Clin- ton Junction. Wisconsin, where he purchased a tract of land and was engaged thereon in general fariuing for twelve vears. He did not meet with the success tliat he had anticii)atcd in that direc- tion and becoming discouraged he decided to re- turn to his trade as leather worker. He then sold his farm, and it was at this time, in 1866. that he came to Rockford. Here he established a leather manufacturing plant, erecting a large fac- tory near the Rockford fair grounds. His busi- ness stean on the date indicated. He settled on what is called the big bottom in Cnilford town- ii the did home farm in Owen township; Margaret and ld:i. both at home. Charles E. Higgins pursued his early education in the common schools and afterward attended a business college. He was reared to farm work and has deyoted his entire life to agricultural pur- suits and stock-raising, being now extensively engaged in the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs. He resides on the Thomas Fell fami. and his time and energies are devoted to the tilling of the soil, the place comprising two hundred and forty acres of land. In his business he is ener- getic, ambitious and diligent, and is meeting with a creditable measure of success. On the 8th of March, i&X). Mr. Higgins wed- ded Miss Elizabeth Gihm)re, a daughter of Thomas and ^^argaret (Hamilton) (iiimore. of Rockford. Her father was born in tlie north of Ireland in March. iS4_^. and came to the United States when about eighteen years of age. Soon afterward he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh New ^'ork In- fantry, serving from 1862 until 1864. In the latter year he was severely wounded, losing a limb, which necessitated his discharge from the army. In 1868 he was married to Margaret Hamilton, of Massachusetts, and came to this county about 1872. Mr. Cilmore is an ardent republican and has taken an active ])art in polit- ical work in this county. He served for four vears as county treasurer and was township treas- urer and collector of Harrison township for a numlx^r of years. He is an active and valued member of the Modern Woodmen cam]), and he and his wife are now living in Rockford. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in Harrison town- ship, December 2. 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have become the parents of two children, Mar- garet .^nna and Clarence A., both born in Owen township, tlic former .\ugust 5. 1901. and the latter December 23. k/33. Mr. Higgins is a member of Harrison camp. Xo. 684, M. W. .\.. and is actively interested in political questions, having always given his- sup- port to the republican party. He is a wide-awake and enterprising young business man. esteemeil in the community where his entire life has been passed. RUFUS W. GRAVES. Rufus W. Graves, interested in general agri- cidtural pursuits on section 11. Roscoe township, is numbered among the worthy citizens that the Empire state has furnished to Winnebago countv. He was born in New York, .\pril 2f>, 1825. His father, Obed Graves, was a native of Cortland county. New York, and his last days were spent at the home of his son Rufus, where he died at the very venerable age of ninety-three years. He had followed hnnbering in the east and after com- ing to the west was engaged in general agricul- tural pursuits, but for some years prior to his demise he lived retired with his sons in Roscoe township. His wife Iwre the maiden name of .\llie Monroe, was also a native of New York state, and died in Roscoe at the age of eighty-five years, in the family of this worthy conjjle were nine children, of whom Rufus W. was the third in order of birth. Only three are now living, the others being ( ). I'err\-. a resident of Roscoe townshi]); and tjeorge D.. wlm is living in Picloit, \\'isconsin. Rufus W. Graves spent the ])criod of his mi- nority in the east and when twenty-one years of age made his way to Illinois, taking up his abode in Winnebago county, in 1846. Almost sixty years have since come and gone and great changes have occurred, a wonderful transformation being wrought in all departments of business activity. In the year of his removal to the west he was married in New York, to Miss Julia Thornton, also a native of the Empire state. Mr. ( I raves when a boy was on a canal in the east, lie brought with him only a limited capital when he removed to this coimtv but invested his money in twelve acres of land, which he still owns. Al- most from the beginning he prospered here and kejit adding to his holdings until now his landed possessions aggregate three lunulred and twenty acres in Roscoe township, of which forty acres is used for ])asturage, wliile the remainder is de- voted to general farming. His fields are highly ctdtivated and give promise of golden harvests. He has also been engaged quite extensively in the raising of stock, making a sjiecialty of sheep and Qiester White hogs. His business interests have been carefully managed and he has watched cvcrv indication ])ointing to success until now as the reward of his unremitting labor and honor- able methods he is in possession of a very valu- able and desirable property. ]\rr. Graves exercises his right of franchise in sujiport of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and is regarded as one of the influ- ential citizens of his townshii). where he has held jjublic offices of trust. For many years he served as highway commissioner of Roscoe town- ship and did much to improve the condition of the roads. He has always favored the measures tending to advance the general welfare and his co-operation can be counted upon in movements for the public good. He held office twelve years. He was justice of the |)eace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, neither fear nor favor swerving him in the utterance of an opin- ion which he believed embf success. Tn his works he is verv ener- getic and dilisrent. brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and earnest purpose and in this lies the secret of his jirosperitv. On the .^d of December. 1873. Mr. Miners was married to ^liss Mar\' M.abie. of Harlem town- ship, a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Chaiipcn Mabie. honored and early pioneer residents of Harlem township. Her father was born in Clyde, Ohio, in 181 2 and the mother was a na- tive rif that i>lace. liorn in iRi^. Tn their early married life they came to ^^'innebago county, where ihev spent their remaining days. ^fr. ^fa- bie passing awa\ Februnrv 3. i8<)2. and his wife in September. 187^. Mrs. Mines lias three lirothers and two sisters, naniclv : Joshua, resid- inrr at Santa .Ana. California: Homer, of Mason Cit\ . Iowa, who lias four sons and r> daughter: William, who is living in Whiting. Indiana: Mrs. Francis Dresser, of '^anta Ana. (^ilifMrnia. who has nine sons: and Mrs. Laura Corlette. whose liu,sl)and is a farmer of Xew Milford township, and thcv have three sons and three daughters. The children of Mr. and >Trs. Miners arc as fol- lows: Henrv- Charles, born Dicember :;. 1874. pnd now living in Owen townshiii, married Miss Ida Revnolds. of Rockford. anil they Inve a son and dai'cdiliT. Madeline and William H. Clar- ence F.. burn July 19. 1875. married Grace Brown, of Rockford, where the\- reside, and they have two daughters. Avis I. and Ethel M. Addie May, born December 9, 1880, is at home. At a family gathering on the I7tli of September. iiP5. on our subject's farm, there were thirty-five pres- ent and four generations represented. ^^'illiam H. Miners belongs to camp Xo. 49. M. W. .\., at Rockford, and in politics has been a stanch republican since age gave to him the right of franchise. The family attend the Methodist E])iscopal church at Roscoe. Interested in gen- eral ])rogress. Mr. Miners is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen and he deserves much credit for what he has accomplLshed in his business ca- reer, for he had to gain for himself the advan- tages which many boys receive through inheri- tance or ])arcntal indulgence. His educational l)rivileges were limited but he has become a man of good practical knowledge gained through reading and experience. His farming interests have been carefully managed and his straightfor- ward dealing and energ}- form the basis of his i)resent success. GEORGE GLEASMAX. George Gleasman, who became an enterpris- ing farmer of Owen township, and won succsss through his well directed efforts, was born in Rome, New York, on the 30tli of June, 1840. He was a son of Godfred Gleasman, a native of Germany, who with his two brothers. X'alentine and George, entered the L'nion .Army, and all three were killed at the battle of Antietam. in the Civil war, by the explosion of one shell. Godfred Gleasman and his wife. Henrietta, were the parents of five sons and three daughters, of whom George (ileasman was the second son and fourth child. The members of the family still living are: Fred, a resident of Rockton ; I'hilip, of Owen township ; Lizzie, the wife of J. B. At- wood. of Roscoe township : Mrs. Louisa Faass, who is living in I'tica, Xew York : and Kate, who is residing in I'tica. New York. Cieorge Gleasman sjient the days of his boy- hood and. youth in the Empire state, acquiring his education in the public schools. He had no special advantages in Ins early life and in fact was dependent upon his own resources for a living from an early age. In the s])ring of i8()3 he came from the h'nqiire state to Illinois, set- tling first in ( )weii townshi]), Winnebago county, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 1. This farm is .still in possession of the family. 1 le later bought four hundred acres in Rockton townshi]) and was a most successful agriculturist. .\11 of his GEORGE GLEASMAN PAST AND PRESEXT OF W'lXXEBAGO COUNTY. 411 investments proved profitable and at his death he left thirteen hundred and fortj-eight acres of very valuable land. His success, however, was characterized by unremitting diligence and he was truly deserving of the praise implied in the term a self-made man, being both the archi- tect and builder of his own fortune. He came to the west empty-handed but he utilized his business opportunities to the best advantage and as the years passed amassed a goodly fortune for his family. He was also active, influential and helpful in public affairs in his township and county, and while living in Owen township served as highway commissioner for a number of years and capably and efficiently filled other offices of trust and responsibility. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. George Gleasman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lake, a daughter of Hiram Lake, one of the early settlers of Winnebago county. They became the parents of nine children, of whom eight are living, namely: Edwin S., Charles H., Mina L., Kate, Ratie, Alice, Abbie and Frank, while one son, George, is now de- ceased. The death of the father occurred on the 1st of January, 1890. when he was about fifty years of age. He was led a busy and useful life characterized by close application to his daily duties, by unflagging industry in his business and by unfaltering perseverance in all that he undertook. He was in hearty sympathy with public progress and improvement and was a man whose genuine personal worth gained him the respect and confidence of those with whom he associated. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rockton, taking an active part in the officiarj' of the same. GEORGE STEVENS. George Stevens, a resident farmer of New ililford township, his home being on section 31, has lived in \^'^innebago county since the 22d of February, 1861, arriving here when a young lad of four years. He was born in Boston. Massa- chusetts, in 1856, his parents being Gilbert and Lucinda (Hall) Stevens, who located in Kish- waukee. New Milford township, at the time of their removal to Winnebago county. The father was a machinist by trade and in the east was a master mechanic. Following his removal to the west he purchased a farm near the Kishwaukee settlement in New Milford township. The vil- lage of Kishwaukee was at one time larger than Rockford but has now ceased to exist, no house remaining at the present time to mark the site of the once thriving and prosperous village. Gil- bert Stevens did not actively engage in business. for his health had become impaired while still in the east, though from time to time he would do some work, as he did not wish to be idle. He resided in this county from i860 until October, 1900, when he passed away at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He had served as highway commissioner for nine years and was always interested in public progress and improvement. His wife survived him until December, 1904, and departed this life at the ver}- old age of eighty- eight years. George Stevens, their only son, was reared to farm life, and is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-four acres of valuable land, of which one hundred acres is situated on section 31, New Milford township. In his youth he attended the common schools and when not occupied with his text-books his attention was largely given to the work of the fields. He has mainly follow^ed farm- ing and he was also engaged in the implement business for several years, enjoying a good pat- ronage. He possesses strong determination and laudable ambition and he allows no obstacle to bar his path when he determines upon a given course. His farm property is now valuable and well improved and indicates in its excellent ap- pearance his careful supervision and practical methods. Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Abby Roth- well, a daughter of W. A. Rothwell, one of the oldest residents of New Milford township. Mrs. Stevens was born near her present home and by her marriage has become the mother of four chil- dren. Harry A., the eldest, who was born in 1 88 1, and resides upon a farm in Ogle county, Illinois, married Miss Preston, whose father now resides in Rockford. They have a fine farm in Ogle county near the Winnebago county line and two children have blessed their union, Curtis and Elmer George. Clara Andrus. born in 1885, re- sides at home and is now engaged in teaching in New Milford township, having pursued her own education in Rockford high school and in DeKalb, Illinois. Alma, born in 189 1, now attending high school in Rockford, and Orlo B., born November 18. 1900, are at home. In his political views Mr. Stevens was formerly a republican, but is now a stanch advocate of pro- hibition principles, for the party platform embod- ies his ideas upon the temperance question. He has served as highway commissioner and has re- fused various other nominations, preferring tc concentrate his attention upon his business af- fairs. Socially he is a member of M. W. camp. No. 419, of New Milford. He has made all of the fine improvements now on his fann and has re- cently erected a comfortable house for a tenant. He expects soon to retire from active farm work, although he will retain his residence upon the old homestead. His labors in former vears have 41- I'ASr AND I'Ki:SFA'T OF WlXXl-.i; A(iO COL'XTV. constituted tlie source of a very desirable compe- tence, which pemiits of his retirement from active business life. GEORGE W. FLAGG. George W. Flagg. actively interested in agri- cultural pursuits in Seward township, was born at Heath, Massachusetts, September 9, 1825, and is intlehted to the common and select schools of that locality for the educational privileges he en- joyed. His parents were Silas M. and Hannah (Bixby) Flagg. The father, a native of Wor- cester, Massachusetts, died in 1845. at the age of forty-seven years, while his wife, who was a native of Vermont, passed away in 1857, at the age of sixty-five years. The father followed the occupation of farming in the state of his nativity throughout his entire life. In the family were three children, of whom George W. is the eldest. Henry F.. born September 23, 1829, died July 3, 1853. when about twenty-three years of age. Marcia A., born April 11. 1832, died April 7, 1902. She became the wife of Cor\don Simonds, who has departed this life since her death. They had one daughter, now Mrs. Clara Thompson. George W. Flagg was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with all of the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He lived on the old homestead, taking care of his mother and sister until 1856, when he came to Winnebago county, Illinois, settling first in Pecatonica. He worked in a lum- beryard during the succeeding summer and then removed to Seward township, where he pur- chased some land. In February, 1858, he re- turned to the old home farm in Massachusetts but had become imbued with the western spirit and in 1859 he returned to Seward township, where he has resided continuously since. He built a good home around which he planted shade and fruit trees and he also broke the wild prairie, trans- forming it into rich fields. He has one hun- dred and twelve acres of land, now finely im- proved, but when it came into his possession one- half of it was covered with timber. His fields promise golden harvests and in addition to cultivating of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged quite extensively and suc- cessfully in the raising of cattle, hogs and horses. On the 9th of January. 1850. Mr. Flagg was united in luarriage to Miss Lcstina Rugg. who was born in Heath. Massachusetts, .\ugust 14. 1829, and is a daughter of David and Eunice f^Glcason) Rugg, who were also native* of Heath. Her father, who was born .Xugust 20. 1786, departed this life February 2, 1872. while his wife, who was born October 14, 1790, died on the 13th of March. 1874. He followed farm- ing in Massachusetts until 1856. when he came to Pecatonica, where he remained until his death. In the family of that worthy couple were eleven chil- dren: Cyrus, who was born January 20, 1811, and died February 12, 1894; Lucrctia, who was born December 8. 1812. and died May 8. 1889: Eunice, who was born Xovember 4, 1814, and died October 28, 1846; Elizabeth, who was born Xovember 18, 1816, and died December 29, 1842 ; David, who was born October 30, 181 8, and died December 25. 1900; Erastus R., who was born Xovember 2. 1820, and died Sep- tember 20, 1888; Henry M., who was born October 13, 1822, and died October 13, 1890; Amos, who was born August 11, 1825, and died l\farch 21, 1895; George, who was born August II, 1827. and died June 27, 1864, being killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, while serving as a member of the Seventy-fourth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry : Lcstina, the wife of George W. Flagg; and Alfred H., who was born August 8, 1 83 1. The last two named are the only ones living. The home of Mr. and ^Irs. Flagg was blessed with two sons and two daughters : Henry E., who was born October 17, 1850, and is still liv- ing on the old home farm; Clara A., who was born January 17, 1852, and died at the age of five years and six months, on the 14th of July, 1857; Lillian, who was born February 4. 1861, and is the wife of W. R. Stone ; and Elijah F., who was born lunc 3. 1863. and died December 3, 1865. Mr. Flagg has been .school director for twenty years or more, and has ever been the champion of progress along educational lines, believing in the employment of competent teachers and the upholding of a high standard of intellectual at- tainment. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Congregational church at Sew- ard, in which he has served as trustee, and his political support is given to the republican and prohibition jiartics. His life has been character- ized by honorable principles and upright motives, and during his long residence in Winnebago county he has so lived as to merit the esteem and good will of all with whom he has been associ- ated. :^rTCHAEL J. ROGAN. Michael J. Rogan, deceased, was a machinist of Rockford for many years and at the time of his death had charge of the machinery for the .Star Publishing Companv of this city. He was a native of Lockport, Xew York, born January 10. 1833, and his parents were Peter and Sarah ("Stewart") Rogan, both of whom were natives of the Empire state, where they resided until ^HH ^■j^H ^^^^^^^^^^T ""^i^l^^^^^l ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^v "^ -^^^^^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^F^ ^^^^^^^^^^1 ^K/^'^H ^^^^B '^ ^;^^^^^^^| ^^^^^^^^^^^ "^ '^^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^A ^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^B -^•^'^^^^^l ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^K ^^^^^^^^^^^^^H ^^^^^^^ l^^^^^^^^^^l ■pvJ^^H ^^^K^^^ ^_^^^^^^^^^| ^^^^^KJ^^^^Bb<-: 'v lii^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H mm -MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. FLAGG. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 415 1854, when they came to the west, setthng in Rockford, where the father, who was a car- penter, followed his trade throughout his remain- ing days. He worked most of the time for J. P. Manny, now deceased, who is also repre- sented in this work, and both he and his wife remained residents of Rockford imtil called to their final iiome. Michael J. Rogan acquired a common-school education in the Adams school of Rockford and when he had put aside his text-books he began to learn the machinist's trade, working with his father in the employ of Air. Manny until the latter failed in business, after which he accepted a position with the Star Publishing Company. His work at first was light and his salary small but he soon demonstrated his ability and won ready recognition and promotion. He was ad- vanced from one position to another until at last he had full charge of all the machinery and presses of the plant. He occupied the position of foreman in the machiner}- department for several 3'ears or until his health began to fail, when he was obliged to give up his position. For several years he was in a semi-invalid condition and finally was forced to take his bed. He never recovered and his death occurred May 8. 1901. After becoming a resident of Rockford Mr. Rogan was married in this city to Miss Elizabeth Farrell, a native of Rockford. and a daughter of Miles and Ellen (Wickham') Farrell, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to America, settling in Rockford in the early '40s. Her father was at one time a student in the school conducted by H. H. Waldo, the his- torian for this volume. Mr. Farrell was a mason by trade and after mastering the business fol- lowed it in Rockford throughout the remainder of his life. F>oth he and his wife died in this city. Mr. and Airs. Rogan had but one child, Robert, who is now eleven years of age. The parents held membership in St. James Catholic church here and Mr. Rogan possessed consider- able musical talent and was a member of the choir here from early manhood until his death. He had a fine voice and always assisted in the public entertainments given. He was identified with the old militia here and was among the first to go to Atlanta, Georgia, at the time the call was issued for troops to serve there. He took an active interest in political questions and was a stanch democrat. Well acquainted, his genial manner, unfailing courtesy and kindly dis- position gained him many friends. Being the owner of property in Rockford he became well known. He never sought to figure prominently in public life but was content to do his full duty to his emplovers. to perform his acts of citizenship in a private capacity and devote his leisure hours to his friends and family. His widow and son now reside at No. 604 College avenue. JOHN GRIFFITHS. John Griffiths, now deceased, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1816. He remained a resident of Great Britain until twenty years of age and in 1836 sailed from England with his brother William. The voyage successfully ac- complished, they landed at New York, whence they made their way to Cincinnati, Ohio, the brother making a permanent location there but after a short period spent in that city John Grif- fiths removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for about three years. On the expira- tion of that period he came to Rockton township, Winnebago county, in 1840. Here he purchased a tract of land and throughout the remainder of his life was engaged in general agricultural pur- suits. He was classed with the enterprising fanners, following modern methods and adopting all new ideas which he believed would prove of practical benefit in his work. His success was due to no fortunate combination of circumstances or to any inheritance, but resulted from his strong and steadfast purpose in carrying on his business aft'airs. Mr. Griffiths was married March i. i860, to Aliss Catherine Webber, who was born in Eng- land January 26, 1838, and was a daughter of William Webber. Her father was a native of Devonshire, England, whence he afterward re- moved to Somersetshire and there he became the owner of extensive landed interests and much propertv, which he disposed of at auction when he determined to come to America in 1849. His place presented the appearance of a fair ground, for tents were pitched for the accommodation of the visitors and food and drink were supplied to those who attended the auction, in keeping w-ith the English custom at that day. He had married Alarv Hake, also a native of England, and they were the parents of eight children before they crossed the Atlantic. After reaching New York thev made their w^ay w^estward around the Great I-akes and on reaching Winnebago county the fa- ther made purchase of six hundred and forty acres of land for which he paid ready cash,_ a thing quite unusual in that day. He was quite well-to-do, however, and after obtaining his land he continued to prosper in its care and cultivation, being recognized as one of the most enterprising and successful agriculturists of the county. Both he and his wife died when about eighty years of age. Further mention of the family is made in connection with the history of Henry A. Webber 4i6 PAST AND I'RESFA'T Ol- \V1 Wl-J; \( ic ) O )L'\TV. on another pajje of tliis work. .Mr. and .\lr.<. Griffiths became the jjarenls of the following children: Mary S., the deceased wife of EKvin Damon, by whom siie had two children, Law- rence (i. and W'innifred .M. ; S. Catherine, the wife of James Brown, a fanner of Shirland township, Winnehajjo county, by whom she has three chil- dren, Stanley. Catherine, and Richard : F.lizaheth A., the wife of Richard Powell and the mother of one .son, Richard ( )}j(len ; .Xollie E.. the widow of C. Menry Cowan and the mother of four chil- dren, Ralph. Roslin. Robbin and Dorothy: Fran- ces .M., the wife of Giarles Smith anil the mother of one child. Rolx>rt : W'innifred F... the next of the family: Minnie, the wife of .Arthur Ludley, by whom she has two children, Dorothy and Jo- seph ; John C, who married .Alice Fittle and has one child. Clarence: and William S.. who mar- ried \'iola Daring. Mr. Griffiths continued to engage in farming pursuits throughout the period of his residence in this county, although he left the active work of the farm largely to others in the evening of life. He passed away at the age of eighty years, respected by all who knew him and he left to his family a comfortable competence ancl an untarnished name. Following her husbamrs death Mrs. Griffiths re- moved to the village of Rockton, where she now makes her home. She is a member of the Con- gregational church and is one of the highly es- teemed ladies of the town. JOHN .ANDERS, Jr. .\mong the substantial and worthy citizens of Winnebago county that Germany has furnished to the new world is John .\nders, Jr.. a retired farmer of Pecatonica. He was born in the father- land June 5. 1846, and spent his minority in that country, coming to .America when twenty-one years old. He is a son of John and ]\raria (Ren- chrust) .Anders, who were also natives of Ger- many anfl crossed the .Atlantic in iSCtj, coming in June. ifV>8. to Pecatonica with their three chil- dren. The father was born June 19. 1816. and died April IQ, 1891, while his wife, wliosc birth occurred November 15, 1821, passed away Janu- ary r. 1808, in her seventy-seventh year. On ar- riving in Winnebago comity the father turned his attention to farming upon rented land which lie secured from Mr. Sanders, and later when his financial resources permitted he purchased forty acres, sjiending his remaining rlavs in its culti- vation and improvement. He and his family were members of the German I-uthcran church and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. He was respected because of his genuine worth and fidelitv to dutv and in the community where he lived he had many friends. In his fam- ily were five children : Fred, who is now living in Pecatonica township, where he follows fann- ing, married Miss Mary Swartz and they have five living children, three sons and two daugh- ters and have also lost two daughters ; John is the second in order of birth ; Chris died at the age of twenty-five years; Mary is the wife of Chris .\hrcns. a resident farmer of Pecatonica township and they have five living children and have lost one : Sophia, the wife of Henry Sass, who follows farming in this township and they liave three living children and have lost one. John .\nders, Jr.. having pursued his education in the schools of his native country, resago county for but a few years in the latter part of his life, he was a pioneer of this part of the state, living in Ogle county at a day when one's neighbors were the settlers that lived in districts covered by a radius of many miles. He was there- fore well known among the early residents of Winnebago county, for his home was near the dividing line. A native of Herkimer county. New York, he was born on the 29th of November, 1829, his parents being John and Polly (Steb- bens) Phelps, both of whom were natives of PTer- kimer county, where the father followed the oc- cupation of farming until 1852. He then came with his family to the west, his son William being at that time twenty-three years of age. The father entered land from the government, securing a claim near White Rock, in Ogle county, wliere he opened uj) a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his demise. His wife also remained in that locality till the time of her death, which occurred when she had reached the very advanced age of ninety-seven years. The ancestry of the family can be traced Iwck to the landing of the ^fay- flower. William Phelps acc|uired a common-school education in Herkimer county. New York, and assisted in the development and imjjrovement of tlie home farm there and after coming to Ogle county continued as his father's helper upon the new claim frjr a few years. He then pur- chased a farm in Ogle county and while living there was married, in 1865. to Miss Margaret J. Wiley, the wedding being celebrated in Rock- ford. ^f^s. Phelps was a native of Oienesee county. New York, and a rlaughter of James C. and Elizabeth CCorbett) \\'iley. both of whom were natives of Washington county, New- York. The father was a carpenter by trade and followed building pursuits both in Washington and Genesee counties, remaining in the Empire state until i8'')7, when he came to the west, settling in the town of Rock ford, Floyd county, Iowa, where he was identified with building operations until his death. His first wife had passed away in Genesee county. New York, May 21, 1849, anrl he was again married there, his second union being with Miss Caroline Cole. who now resides in Rockford, Towa. Mr. I'helps brought his bride to his farm and continued its develoi^ment and cultivation, mak- ing it a splendidly improved jiropertv. In all his work he was i>ractical and he kejit in touch with the modern methods of farming up to the time of his retirement from active business life in 1896. In that year he took up his alwde in Rock- ford and afterward sold a |)ari of his farm to his nc])hew, Harry P. Willoughby. who now resides tliereon. L"pon coming to Rockford Mr. Phelps purchased the residence now (Kcupied by his widow and there lived until his death on the 5th of January, 1901. He held many minor offices in Ogle county and always vfited the democratic ticket. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity in Holcomb. Ogle county, and took a deep in- terest in the craft, being in hearty sympathy w'ith ■ its teachings and tenets. He hekl membership relations with the blue lodge, chapter, command- ery and Mystic Shrine and after coming to this state he became identified with the Knight Templars of Rockford. His life was well spent and he was truly a self-made man, whose labors were so carefully directed that they brought to him a creditable measure of success. In the early days he would ride from his farm in Ogle county to Rockford to do his trading and he was well acquainted with the pioneer settlers of the city and county, many of whom have expressed a desire to see his history in this work. All respected him be- cause of his genuine worth, knowing him to be an honest, ujiright man. worthy of llieir full con- fidence and regard. Mrs. Pliel])s now owns a nice residence at Xo. 437 North Avon street, where she resides, and also eighty acres of the old homestead farm in Ogle county to which she went as a bride in i8r>5. She is well known in Rockford. where she has manv friends. .MRS. KATE GI. AWE. Mrs. Kate Glawe is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and fifty-nine acres on sec- tions 28 and 33, liurritt township. This is one of the best kept places in this i)art of the county and indicates her careful supervision and excel- lent executive ability. Mrs. Glawe was born near Rochelle. I.ee county, Illinois, October 3. i86r, and is a daughter of John and Margaret ( Schmoll ) N'aupel. of Eee county. .She s])ent her girlhood days in her parents' home and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to Fred Glawe. who was 1)orn in Germany and came to this countr\ about 1870. He worked for others as a farm hand imtil 1878. when he purchased the tract of lanil ui)on whicli his wiylvania in I "93 and who became a pioneer settler of Ohio. Indiana and Illinois. He arrived in Rockford in 1836 and he kept moving westward in the ad- vance guard of civilization and spent his last years on the frontier in Furnas county, X^e- iiraska, where he died in 1883. He was wel fitted to cope with the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life and he aided in planting the seeds of civilization and progress ii' various districts in four states to which he went as a frontier settler. Adam Keith, father of our subject, was born November 7, 1825, in Ohio and was a youth of eleven years when brought by his parents from Indiana to Illinois. He lived in RfX'kford with his father until 1847, when he entered a home- stead claim from the government and began its cultivation. Xot a furrow had been turned and the breaking plow was soon put into use. The seed was then planted and in due course of time crops were hars'ested and thus the work of culti- vation was carried on year after year until he transformed his place into a valuable farm prop- erty, living thereon up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of July, 1896, when he was in his seventy-first year. His life was a busy and useful one and all who knew him respected him for his genuine worth and his many sterling traits of character. In i860 he served as township supervisor but while he was never remiss in the duties of citizenship he cared little for public office, feeling that the daily work of the farm was worthy of his best efforts and his imdivided attention. He married Martha Holmes, who was born in Bradford, England, and (lied in Rockford, January 20. 1864. For his second wife he chose X^ancy Hilton, who was born May 10. 1842, and died on the 7th of Sep- tenilKT. 1869. The brothers and sisters of Wil- liam II. Keith arc as follows: Elizabeth, who was born February 14, 1847. and in 1871 became the wife of J. L. Dickerson. now living in Oklahoma ; Martha, w'ho was born in 1854 and is living upon the old homestead with her brother ^^'illiam ; Jes- sie, who was born May 29, 1838. and in 1884 be- came the wife of Fred Putney, now living in Indian Territory ; X'ancy E., who was born on the 17th of September, 1868, and in 1885 became the wife of Fred Wliiting, who died, and in 1901 she married Jesse Hopkins, their home being on in St. Paul. Minnesota. William IT. Keith, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life upon the old homestead farm on section 31. Burritt township, save for the period of ten years which he passed in Haves county. X^ebraska. He has always car- ried OTi general agricidtural pursuits and he and his sister Martha have a valuable place, the fields being well tilled, while the farm is equipped with many modern accessories and conveniences. Mr. Keith is also well known in connection with public interests of his comnumity. to which he has alwavs been most loyal. He was supervisor of his township from 1876 until 1879 and is again serving in that capacity. In politics he is a demo- crat but believes in supporting the best man for office. WILLIAM COY. William Coy. now deceased, was one of the honored pioneer settlers of Winnebago county, taking up his abode in this .section of the state when the work of improvement seemed scarcely begun and when there was little promise of rapid development in the future. The year 1844 wit- nessed his arrival and from that time until his death he was numlx'red among the leading and successful agriculturists of this countv. He came fmm England, having been Mrn in Lincolnshire, in that countrv. in 1813. He was therefore about ADAM KEITH. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 425 thirty-one years of age when he crossed the At- lantic to the new world. He made his way direct to \^'innebago county and settled upon the farm which is now in possession of his widow, which had been entered from the government b}- a Mr. Thomas. With characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of this place which was largely covered with timber, there being but ten acres of prepared land. It was necessary therefore that he cut down the trees, grub out the stumps and otherwise clear the fields before they were ready for cultivation. He worked earnestly and persistently year after vear and as his financial resources increased he made judicious investment in property until his landed interests aggregated three hundred and twentv acres, of which two hundred acres is still in pos- session of his family. Mr. Coy had been a resident of Winnebago county for about three years when, in 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Isabella R. Zie- bach, who had arrived here the previous vear. She was born in Union county, February, 1822, and when about twenty-four years of age came to Winnebago county, where her sister, Mrs, Groves, was then living. Mr. and Mrs. Coy be- came the parents of six children, of whom four are living, two sons and two daughters; R. E., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Rockford, Illinois ; Miss E. A. Coy, who is an artist of New York city ; Miss Emma Coy, now the principal of the Hall school at Rockford ; and W. E., who resides upon the home farm, which he is now operating. In his political views William Coy was a repub- lican and kept well informed on the issues of the dav although he never sought or desired public office. He was a man of rather quiet and retiring disposition and of domestic tastes, devoted to his family and his business. He counted his greatest pleasure in providing for his wife and children and his enterprise and untiring labors as the years passed enabled him to acquire a comfortable com- petence. ROBERT SPOTTSWOOD. Robert Spottswood, devoting his entire atten- tion to the interests of the Winnebago Lumber Company, which is now one of the prosperous commercial interests of the town, has been a resi- dent of this county since 1867. He is a native of St. Lawrence county. New York, his birth having occurred in the town of Lisbon, in 1846. His parents were Robert and Mary C. (Graham) Spottswood. both natives of Scotland, the for- mer born in Roxburyshire and the latter in Dum- fries. Both came to this country in childhood, aged respectively fourteen and nine years, and with their parents they settled in New York and Canada. Following their marriage they took up their abode in St. Lawrence county, New York, where they resided until 1 85 1, when they went to Canada, making their home in Kempt- ville, Grenvilie count}-, near Ottawa, until their removal to Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1867, The family home was then established at West- field Corners, where Robert Spottswood, Sr,, conducted a blacksmith shop for a number of years, being thus a well known representative of industrial interests of that place. He died in the fall of igoo, when more than eighty years of age, and his wife passed away in July, 1904, at the age of eighty-five years. In their family were eight children, of whom two died in in- fancy, while Mary C, died in 1903, after fifteen years teaching in the public schools at Rockford, while five are yet living, as follows : Mrs. Robert Simpson, of Rockford township: Mrs. Edwin \\'are, of Winnebago township ; Elizabeth, who is residing in \\'innebago county; Margaret, who is employed in Stewart's department store in Rockford ; and Robert of this review. In his boyhood days Robert Spottswood ac- quired a public-school education. He accom- panied his parents on their removal to Canada and to this county, living first in Westfield Cor- ners, where he worked for his father at the blacksmith's trade until coming to Winnebago, since which time he has been connected with the lumber business. He was instrumental in or- ganizing the Winnebago Lumber Company and devotes his entire energies to the development of the trade which has long since reached ex- tensive and profitable proportions, the business being one of the leading enterprises of the city. Mr. Spottswood was married in 1875 to Miss Eleanor F. Ellis, a daughter of Wifliam and Justina (.\bbott) Ellis, who died at Byron, Illinois, in December, 1903, when about ninety- six years of age. Her father was a pioneer of \Vinnebago county and at different times owned property in Rockford. He was also owner of a farm in this count}- and was well known, com- manding the respect and esteem of those with whom business and social relations brought him in contact. Mrs. Spottswood has two sisters at Byron — Mrs. Harriet Spoor and Mrs. David J. Simpson. L^nto Mr. and Mrs. Spottswood have been born two children ; M. Justina, who in early womanhood engaged in teaching in the schools of Rockford, and is now the wife of H. M, Robins, a resident of San Francisco, Califor- nia ; and Ralph B., who is connected with the Forest City Bank, of Rockford. In politics Mr. Spottswood is an independent democrat and has recently been elected justice of the peace of \Mnnebago. He is also notary 426 PAST AXI) PRESENT OF WIXXEli \( ;0 COUNTY public and township treasurer and in tlic dis- chara:e of his official duties is ever |)r(inii)t. ac- curate and reliable. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and to the Knijjiits of the (ilobe of W'innebago and for twenty years has been a factor in fraternal, business and political circles of this place. JOHN WALLIS. It seems that nature intended that man should enjoy a season of rest in his later years. In youth he possesses unbounded visitor, hope and enthusi- asm, and in his mature years there is added a sound judgment and capability that make his labor of much avail in the business world. Later when his powers are somewhat diminished, if he has carefully and persistently worked to acquire a competence he may put aside the more arduous duties of business life and live retired. Such has been the history of ]\Ir. Wallis, who since 1849 has resided in ^^'^nnebago county and is there- fore numbered among its pioneer settlers. He took up his abode in Owen township, near the village of Owen Center, and was there engaged in farming for a few years. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, sixteen miles from the city of Gloucester, in December, 1824, his par- ents being Thomas and Hannah ("Greening) Wal- lis. lx)th of whom were natives of Enghnd, whence in T844 thev emigrated with their fnni- ilv to .\mcrica. first settling in P.rnoklvn. New York. The mother, who was quite ill during the voyage, died soon after their arrival, and the father afterward made his home with his son John until his death. .Ml of the children are now deceased with the exception of him whose name introduces this review. The educational advantages which Tolin Wal- lis received were somewhat meager, although he attended school for a limited time in England. He was about twentv \ears of asre when, with his parents, he crossed the .Atlantic to the new world, and after residing for a few months in Pirooklyn. New York, he went to Chester. New York, where he had an imcle living. There he worked at the carpenter's trade with his imcle for a brief period but decided to trv his fortune in the west, believing that he would have better business opportunities in a district where compe- tition was not so great, .\ccordinglv he came to W'innebairo countv. Illinois. He first settled at Whig Hill, but after a short time removed to Owen Center, in Owen township, borrowing five hundred dollars from his father with which to purchase his farm there. His land was all new and imimprovcil. but he at once began to clear and cultivate it and soon rich har\-ests were gath- ered wlK-re ])revinusly the wild prairie grass had been seen. He resided there from 1849 ""'il 1855. when he abandoned farming and took up his abode in the city of Rockford. Mr. Wallis was married in Corinth, Saratoga county, New York, to Miss Olive Barber, a na- tive of the Empire state and a daughter of Isaac and Lucinda I'.arber, who resided in the east for many years, but after the father retired from busi- ness life they made several trips to Rockford and spent much of their later life in traveling. They visited Minnesota and Wisconsin and finally set- tled in Prescott, of the latter state, where both the father and mother died. He was a millwright by trade and for many years followed that pur- suit. Mr. Wallis was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1885, her death occurring in Rockford on the 28th of June of that year. There had been three children born unto them : Brunello Monroe, who died December 14. 1903, married Arabella \'ale. of Elgin, Illinois, where she and her children now reside ; Adelbert James, who married Ella Miller, makes his home in Colum- bus, Ohio, and is traveling salesman for a whole- sale drug house of Peoria, Illinois ; Mary Ellen is the widow of A, J. Roscoe. who was chief engineer at the power house of Rockford for the street car company for three years, and was also engineer for other companies in this city. He died November 25, 1901, and Mrs. Roscoe now makes her home in Rockford. Mr. Wallis resid- ing with her. Mr. and Mrs. Wallis also adopted and reared a nephew. Professor William H. r>rydges, who is a highly educated man, now su- perintendent of schools in Elgin, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. \\'allis chose Miss Elizabeth Hetherington. a native of Scotland and a daugh- tef of Mrs. Elizabeth Hetherington. a widow, who part of the time makes her home in Rockford with Air. ^^'allis and spends the remainder of the time with her three sons in Michigan. Mrs. Eliza- beth Wallis died in Rockford. December 26. 1900. .After coming to this city Mr. Wallis worked at the carpenter's trade for a short time and later engaged in selling sewing machines, buggies, car- riages and other vehicles. He also conducted a general repair shop. Later he traveled on the road, selling sewing machine attachments for three vears, and at the end of that time he joined his son in the conduct of a drug l)usiness at No. 325 East State Street, where he remained for several vears. During all of this time the part of the citv in which he now lives was an oatfield. but Mr. Wallis realized that the city was rapidly growing and that the outlying districts would soon be incorporated within the botmdary limits. He therefore invested his money in land and be- gan buying and selling houses. Many unim- proved and unsightly places have been trans- formed into attractive residence districts bv him, / PAST AND PRESEXT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. 427 ^ and he now owns many dwellings in his part of the city which he rents, deriving therefrom a good income. In his political views Air. W'allis was a repub- lican but was never an office seeker. He has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is interested in the success and growth of his party. Both Mr. Wallis and ]\Irs. Roscoe are members of the Christian Union church, and she is a member of the Ladies' Aux- iliary society, the Woman's Relief Corps, and other social and benevolent organizations. She is well to do and has alwa\-s been very liberal with her money, giving freely to churches and to any one in need. ?ilr. Wallis is now more than eighty years of age but is still a busy man, leading a useful and industrious life, his atten- tion being given to the supervision and improve- ment of his property, which is located at various points on the east side. His home is at No. 501 Longwood Street, and as one of the pioneer citi- zens of Winnebago county he has a very wide ac- quaintance. He owes his prosperity entirely to his own labors, for he started out in life amid unfavorable circumstances. Believing that suc- cess might be accomplished through determined and honorable effort he has steadily worked his way upward and has not only gained a handsome competence but has also made for himself an honored name. ROBERT RALSTON. A productive and well tilled farm of one hun- dred and forty acres on section 22, Harlem town- ship, is the property of Robert Ralston, who was born at Watertown, Washington county. Ohio, August 22. 1849. His paternal grandparents were David and Helen Ralston and the former died in Scotland, while the latter died in Harlem town- ship. The maternal grandfather, !Mr. Biggins, died in Ohio in 1856. The father, Robert Rals- ton, was a native of the parish of Southend, Ar- gyleshire. Scotland, born July 12, 1802. When a young man he crossed the Atlantic to the LTnited States, settling first in Massachusetts, where he secured employment in a hardware store and after spending a number of years in New England he removed to Ohio. For some time he engaged in teaching in Washington county, that state, and while living in Ohio he wedded Nancy Biggins, who was bom in Watertown. that state, on the 1 6th of May, 181 1. He continued to fol- low the profession of teaching during the greater part of his residence in the Buckeye state, whence, in 185 1, he removed to Winnebago county, set- tling in Harlem township. About two years la- ter he bought the farm on which his son Robert now resides and prior to this time he had been identified with educational interests here. His remaining days, however, were devoted to agricul- tural pursuits and he died upon the old home- stead, July 20, 1890, while his wife survived un- til October, 1900. The members of their family were : David W., a farmer residing at Neosho Falls, Kansas, who was born April 11, 1840, and is married and has two sons and three daughters ; Henry, who was born September 7, 1841, and died Alarch 11, 1862; John B., a hardware dealer of Rockford, who was born April 21, 1846, and is married and has one son ; Ellen Jane, who was born !vlarch 4, 1843, ^nd is the wife of Robert Henderson, of Caledonia, Illinois, by whom she has two sons and two daughters ; and Mary- Louise, who was born June 5, 185 1, and is the wife of Robert McGeachy. of Swaledale. Iowa. Robert Ralston, the other member of the fam- ily, was brought by his parents to this countv in the fall of 1 85 1, the family home being estab- lished in Harlem township upon the farm where he yet resides and where he has lived continuously since. He attended the public schools and through the summer months worked upon the farm. His education was supplemented by the assistance ■which he received from his father, who had for many years been a teacher and who was a well educated man, being a graduate of the Edinburgh L^niversity of Scotland. In farm labor he was also well trained and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the stock. On the 4th of March. i8q6, ]\Ir. Ralston was married to IMiss Agnes F. Mitchell, a daughter of James and Agnes Mitchell, who for many years made their home in Harlem township. The father was born in Arg}-leshire. Scotland, came to the LTnited States in 1870 and died in Harlem township in September, 1901. His wife bore the maiden name of Agnes Johnstone and was born in Argyleshire in 184^ She is now living in the township where she has long resided and where she is widely and favorably known. In the Mitchell family were six children : Hugh, who is living on the old homestead in Harlem town- ship ; William, who also occupied a part of that farm: Eliza McDougall Mitchell, also at home; Marv Jane, who is on the old farm : and Maggie, who died September 24. 1903. Mrs. Ralston is the other member of the familv and was born in Guilford township. May 28, 1871. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of one daughter, Florence A., born June 23. 1897. Air. Ralston is an earnest supporter of the re- publican party, to which he h^s given his alle- giance since attaining his majority. He has been recognized as an active worker, loyal to the party and effective in promoting its interests. In 1891 he was elected justice of the peace and has since served in that office. He has likewise been town '428 PAST AXD PRESENT OF W I.\.\I:i;A(;() COL'XTY. clerk since 1902, was assessor for three _vears and school (Hrector for the past two years. Tlie fam- il\' arc members of the Willow Creek Presbyter- ian church of Argyle. The name of Ralston has figured ])rominently in connection with public af- fairs of the locality through a long period, for Mr. Ralston's father was honored with a number of local offices, serving from 1858 until his death as iustice of the peace, while from 1854 until 1873 he was town clerk and for many terms was school director. The Ralstons have ever stood as champions of progress and improvement, de- voted to the welfare of the community and active in support of every measure for the general good. EDG.\R THEODORi: lUl.l.M Vl'.R. M. D. Dr. Edgar Theodore I'illmyer. engaged in the practice of medicine in Cherry \'alley, where he has been located since 1864. was born in I'nion- town, CarniU county, Maryland, July 8. 1832. His fatlicr was a manufacturer of fine boots. The son. spending his boyhood days in the coimty of his nativity, acciuired his literary edu- cation there, attendins: the l^niontown .\cademy. He afterward engaged in teaching in Carroll countv for three years and in the meantime de- voted his leisure hours to the study of medicine, his reading being directed by a physician of Westminster, Carroll county. Later he entered a medical college, being graduated in l-'ebruary, 1855. from Physio-Medical College at Cincin- nati. Ohio, in which city he studied under Pro- fessor Curtis. Me then crossed the river and studied for three months under Professor Wil- liam r.ird Powell, the subject of his investiga- tion being cerebro-physiology and its relations to the body. He afterward traveled through Ohio and in the same year came on a visit to an aunt who resided between Cherry \'alley and New Milford. in Winnebago county. Her son, Lemuel Colwell, still resides in Rockford. and she has a daughter who is also living in that dty. Tt was this that led Dr. I'.illmyer to locate in Winnebago county. lie began practice in the locality where his aunt lived in June. 1855. pur- chasing a fann between the two villages, which he continued to make his home until 1864. when he took up his abode in Cherry Valley. He re- tained the f>wnership of his farm for some time thereafter, but sold it several years ago. Here he has practiced contiiniously since his connec- tion with the medical fraternity in this county, covering over fifty years. He is a subscriber to many medical journals and thus keejis in touch with the advanced thought of the ])rofes- sion. He has instituted a treatment of his own for pneumonia, using medicated sheets, which he wraps around the patient and in this special line of practice he has been exceptionally success- ful. ( )ut of one hundred and thirty cases of diphtheria which he has treated in Cherry Val- ley and vicinity he has lost only one patient — a remarkable record, lie also has a powder which he uses to clear the throats of diphtheria patients. In his general practice he has al.so been successful and a liberal patnmage has been accorded him through many years. Dr. I'lillniyer was married in this county to Miss Mary Metier, who died about twenty-two years ago. She belonged to one of the pioneer families of this part of the state, her people hav- ing located in Winnebago count}' about iS^T,'). Politically Dr. P)illmyer is a stalwart rejniblican. having cast his first ])residential vote for John C. Fremont and supjiorting each candidate at the head of the ticket since that time, although he was reared in the democratic faith. He has fre(|uently been solicited to accept offices, but lias always refused, serving only as school trus- tee in Cherry \'alley for several terms and also while living on a farm. .\t one time he joined the Sons of Temperance in Maryland and he has always been true to his vows taken in early life, never purchasing any stimulant for use as a beverage during the seventy-three years in which he has traveled life's journey. He favors the nisci])le church, but is liberal in his religious views. He is a remarkably active and well pre- served man and his life has been of great useful- ness and benefit to his fcllowmcn during the fifty years of his connection with the medical fraternity in Winnebago county. He is the loved family physician in many a household and a cheery presence has been a valuable supple- ment to the remedial agencies which he has em- ployed. P.\TRICK DROHAN. Patrick Drohan, who departed this life about ten years ago after active and honorable connec- tion with agricultural interests, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that country, but when a young man came to America. He took up his abode in \\'iiuiebago county about twenty vears ago. residing first near Rockford. where he made his home for several years. He then pur- chased the farm which is yet owned by his widow and is operated by his two sons. This place com- Iirises one hundred and ninety acres of land which is rich, productive anrl well improved. He was a hard-working man and very successful in his farming operations, his prosjicrity being due en- tirelv to his tmfaltcring labor and perseverance. E, T BILLMYER.M.D PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 431 It was after his arrival in America that Mr. Drohan was united in marriage to Miss Mary O'Brien, who was born in County Limerick, Ire- land, and came to the United States when a maiden of fifteen years, arriving here in the '50s. She first resided in Vermont and later became a resident of Rockford, where she gave her hand in marriage to Patrick Drohan. They became the parents of four children, of whom one died in infancy, while Ellen A. died at the age of twentv- five years. Thomas, residing on the home farm, married Miss Sarah Hartlett, a native of Stam- ford, Connecticut, and a daughter of Lawrence and Sarah (Malvy) Hartlett, who now reside near Rockford. Her parents were married in Limerick, Ireland, and Mr. Hartlett is engaged in business as a landscape gardener. Thomas Dro- han and his wife have three children : JXIarguer- ite, Ellen and Paul Thomas. William Drohan, the younger son, now residing on section 7, Rock- ford township, married Miss Annie Fitzgerald. In his political views Mr. Drohan was an earn- est democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party. He held membership in St. Marv's Catholic church of Rockford, of which his familv are also communicants. His life proved the force and value of industry and integrity in an active business career and he deserved much credit for what he accomplished, as everything that he possessed was won through his indefati- gable labor and capable management. He left to his family a very good farm, so that his widow is now in comfortable financial circumstances. FRED W. PATTERSON. Fred W. Patterson, following farming on sec- tion 29, Harrison township, where he has one hundred and twenty acres of land devoted to the raising of crops, was born in the neighborhood of his present home on the 5th of Aoril. 1846, his parents being Lewis and Emilv I. ( Bhck- burn) Patterson, who were married in Mav. i8_V). and came to Winnebago countv, in August of that year. They forded the Rock river at what is now the city of Rockford at the place where the dam has since been built. There was hardly a hamlet there to give promise of the present city of metro- politan proportions with its splendid industrial, commercial and professional interests. The river crossed, thev proceeded on over the prairies to Harrison township, where Mr. Patterson entered a claim on section 21. A year or two later he removed to section 29 on the same township and it was upon that farm that his son Fred was born. Robert Coulter had previously owned a claim and sold it to Air. Patterson. A log house was the home of the family until 1876, when the pres- 24 ent commodious and substantial frame residence was erected. As the years passed the labors of i\Ir. Patterson and his son transformed the tract of wild prairie into fields that were made to bloom and blossom as the rose, and all modern equip- ments were added, making the farm a valuable tract of land. Here the father continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in Octo- ber, 1900, when he was nearly eightv-four years of age. His wife passed away in April, 1905, at the age of eighty-four years and one month. They were natives of Canada and Ohio respectively and their marriage was celebrated near Cleveland, Ohio. Lewis Patterson did much toward pro- moting the pioneer improvement of the countv and his genuine worth as an individual and citizen led to his election to local office. He was first chosen justice of the peace in 1853, his commis- sion being assigned by Joel A. Matteson, while later he was commissioned by Governor Richard Yates and other chief executives of the state. He was likewise township collector for manv vears and also assessor. Mrs. Patterson, a worthv pio- neer woman, held membership in the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church and proved a faithful compan- ion and helpiuate to her husband on the journey of life. In the family of this worthy couple were three sons and a daughter : John A., who was a member of Company C. Fiftv-fifth Illinois I'n- fantry in the Civil war, was captured at Shiloh and died at Macon, Georgia, in 1862 : George C. who was a member of the Seventy-second Illi- nois Regiment, was killed at the battle of Frank- lin, Tennessee: and ]Mrs. Marion Riche is living at Nora Springs. Iowa. Fred W. Patterson, the other member of the family, was reared upon his father's farm here and has always lived in Harrison township with the exception of one year spent in Indiana. The educational facilities of the public schools gave him a knowledge of the common branches of Eng- lish learning, while under his father's direction he became familiar with all the work of the fields. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Erdell Kilbourn. who was bom in Oneida countv. New York, in 1853. a daughter of Daniel and Kate (Thorne") Kilbourn. who came to this county in 1858. The father died here in .\ugust, 1 001, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his widow now resides in northwestern Iowa at the age of seventy-seven. For a long period they made their home in Durand township and were farming people of that locality. Mr. Kilbourn served his country as a member of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry in the Civil war. L^nto Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been born two children : Emily Kate, the wife of .A.rthur Myott. residing in Dnrand township, by whom she has three chil- dren. Bernard L.. Bernice D. and one who died in infancy ; and Flora J., who is attending school. 43^ PAST AND ii:si-:xT i.n- wixxeijago eoLxrv T1k-\ also lost their second daughter, Alice, who died in infancy. Mrs. Patterson is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Patterson has served in some local offices and has always given his support to the republican party. Dur- iiig almost si.x decades he has lived to see the changes that have been wrought here, transform- ing \\'innebago county from a wild and unim- proved district into one of the most populous and prosperous sections of this great commonwealth. DANIEL KINSOX. Daniel Kinson. now retired from active busi- ness life and living on his farm on section 33, Xew Milford township, was born in the town of Eden. \^ermont, August 21. 1827. his parents being Jolin and Malinda CT.amphere) Kinson. the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of \'ermont. Coming to the west they spent a few months at Whitewater, Wisconsin, while the father and his son Daniel looked over the country emijraced within the borders of Winnebago county. Being favorably impressed with this part of the state they decided to locate here, for land could be secured at a nominal rate. much of it still being in possession of the govern- ment. The homes at that time were widely scattered and many of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet sprung into existence. .Arrangements being perfected for securing a farm. John Kinson brought his family to Winne- bago county and here spent his remaining days. He came into possession of what is now a part of Daniel Kinson's fami, securing it as a pre- emption claim, and continued its cultivation and improvement throughout the remainder of his active business life. He reached a venerable age. |)assing away in New Milford. December 28. 1891. after attaining the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey. His wife died September 7. 1880. also at the age of eighty-eight years. In the familv of this worthy couple were the follow- ing named: Daniel: Lewis, who became a mem- ber of the Seventy-fourth Illinois X'ohmteer Regiment, and died while in the army : and Cyn- thia, the wife of Winslow Bordwell. a resident of the village of New Milford. Daniel Kinson spent the days of his boyhood and youtli in the Green Mountain state and with his parents came to the west. .\s before stated. he accompanied his father on a prospecting tour of this county and here he pre-empted a claim on which he has since made his home. He mar- ried Miss Joanna P.axter. who was born in the Empire state, in 1834. and came to Winnebago county with her ])arents. .She was to her hus- band a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey for many \ears and she passed away in 1899, at the age of sixty-five years. Nine children had been horn unto them, of whom seven are yet living: Asa H., who married .Miss Lorena Graham of this township, owns a farm near his father's home. Mrs. Clara Fitzgerald is resid- ing at New Milford. Ella is the wife of .-Mbert McEvoy, of Ottawa. Illinois. John, who mar- ried Eva Eastman, is engagetl in merchandising in New Milford townshi]i. Rena. the wife of Gil- bert Thompson, a resident farmer of New Mil- ford township. Ora married Miss Rose Lyman, and lives at Davis Junction. Rose is the wife of John I'urt. who resides near Clarion, in Wright county. Iowa. Fred died in childhood, and one other son died in early life. Politically Mr. Kinson is a republican, having continuously supported the party since its organi- zation and he has served as school director and highway commissioner. He formerly had fra- ternal relations but is not identified with any lodge at the present time. He has always at- tended the ]\iethodist church although not a member now. He continuea active farming until two or three years ago. when he delegated the more arduous work of the fields to others and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He retains his residence, however, uj^on the old homestead tarni. comprising two hundred and twenty-four acres in New Milford township, one hundred and sixty of which he entered from the government in early pioneer days. Few residents of the county have longer resided here and he has inti- mate knowledge of events which occurred in pioneer times and of conditions which existed when the land was but slightly improved and the county was sparsely settled and when there was little promise of future development. He has made i)rogress in keeping with the county's adop- tion of the various interests of an advanced civi- lization and he relates in interesting manner many incidents of earlier davs here. TOTTN CARLSON. .\mong the men of Rockford now deceased who were formerly prominent and active in busi- ness circles here was John Carlson, who came to this city in 1868, and at the time of his death was one of the stockholders of the Rockford Standard Furniture Company. .\s the name indicates he was of Swedish birth, his natal dav iK'ing Octo- ber 21. 1846. His parents were Christopher and Catherine Carl.son. wlio spent their entire lives in Sweden. The father was the owner of a large farm and always carried f his death. His widow is living on the old homestead farm there at the advanced age of eightv vears. a > O > r PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 435 John Carlson acquired a common-school educa- tion in Sweden and assisted his father on the home farm there until he attained his majoritv. He had heard favorable reports concerning busi- ness opportunities in the new world and resolved to try his fortune in America, so that at the age of twenty-one years he sailed for the United States, landing at New York city. He afterward went to Laporte, Indiana, where he was emploved in various ways for three years. He afterward removed to De Kalb, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for his cousin for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Laporte and purchased a small farm near there, carrving on general agricultural pursuits for two years. Again he located in Dc Kalb, Illinois, where he was employed in a wagon factory for about fif- teen years, and in 1868 he came to Rockford. Here he soon purchased stock in the Rockford Standard Furniture Company, manufacturers of all kinds of furniture, and now controlling one of the most extensive business enterprises of the kind in this city. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to the nature of Mr. Carlson, and as he could not content himself without some work to do he ac- cepted a position in the factory, where he remained until his health failed in tqoo. He continued as a stockholder of the company, however, until his death, which occurred February i, iQor. While living in Laporte, Indiana, Mr. Carlson was married to Miss Anna Dolk, also a native of Sweden and a daughter of Peter and Marie (Peterson) Dolk, both of whom came to Amer- ica in 1870, settling in De Kalb, Illinois. Her father was then sixty years of age and retired from active business life, living in the enjoyment of a well earned rest until he was called to the home bevond. Mrs. Dolk afterward came to Rockford and resided with her daughter until her death on the 2d of June, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson became the parents of ten children : Emma, the wife of Charles A. Stark, of Rock- ford ; Charles, who married Miss H. Lundeen, and is a machinist of this city ; Albert, who mar- ried Clara Peterson and resides in Rockford ; Jennie, the wife of Charles Anderson, of Chi- cago ; Minnie, the wife of D. W. Shirle>'. of Be- loit, Wisconsin; Herbert T., a spinner by trade. residing with his mother ; Olive, a stenograoher employed by the Rockford Standard Furniture Company : Alartin E., a finisher in the employ of the Rockford Mitten Company : Harold, who is with the furniture factory ; and Maude, who is attending school. The children were all given good educational privileges in Rockford, the par- ents realizing the value of education as a prepa- ration for life's responsible duties. Mr. Carlson's study of the political ques- tions and issues of the day led him to give his support to the republican part\- and he always voted for its men and measures. He was a mem- ber of the First Lutheran church of Rockford, to which his family all belong. In his business af- fairs he was very successful and he was very prominent among the Swedish- American citizens here. He possessed many of the sterling charac- teristics of his countrymen, being very industri- ous and diligent, while his perseverance was an- other strong element in his prosperitv. JAMES A. PROVOOST. James A. Provoost, assistant cashier of the Pe- catonica Bank, was torn in Buffalo, New York, May 22, 1863, and is a son of Robert C. and Fanny (Alton) Provoost. The father, who was born in Buftalo, New York, died in that city in 1881, while his wife, whose birth occurred in Dunkirk, New York, is now living in Chicago. The pa- ternal grandfather of Mr. Provoost was the ship chandler's business at Buffalo for many years and the father was reared to that trade. At one time he turned his attention to the stone-engrav- ing business but found that it was injurious to his eyes and so resumed operations as a chandler, in which he continued up to the time of his death. James A. Provoost, the only child of the fam- ily, began his education in the public schools of his native city and continued his studies in Peca- tonica, becoming a resident of this place when fifteen years of age. He lived with his uncle, H. H. Knowlton, for a time and later went to Chi- cago, where he worked for the Illinois Central Railroad Company in the motive department. He was thus employed until 1881, when he returned to Pecatonica and has since been connected with the Pecatonica Bank, in which he is now assist- ant cashier. He has gained a thorough familiarity with the banking business, both in principle and detail, and his close application, comprehensive understanding of the work and his loyalty to the interests of the institution have made him one of its valued representatives. Mr. Provoost has also figured prominently in local affairs and fluring President Harrison's ad- ministration served as postmaster from 1890 un- til 1894. He was township treasurer for four years in the '80s and holds this office at the pres- ent time, having filled the position altogether for nine vears, a fact which is indicative of his promptness and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. He has likewise served as village trustee for four or five years and as village clerk for two terms. He is a member of A. W. Rawlson lodge. No. 145, A. F. & A. M., at Pecatonica, in which he has served as master and filled other offices. He likewise affiliates with Rockford chapter. No. 24, R. A. M., Crusader commanderv. No. 17. K. T. of Rockford and Tebala Temple of the Mys- 43fj PAST AM) I'RICSEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. tic Shrine in that city. Jloth he and liis wife are affihated with the Eastern Star and are members of the ;\Iystic Workers. Mr. Provoost was married July 4. 1886. to Miss Mamie O'lirien. a ilan.t;:^hter of James and .Ann O'Brien. Her father was Ijorn in .\ew York city. Dccenilx^r 10, 1837. and the mother was born in Eiif^land. January 11. 1844. .Mr. ()"ilrien first came to the west in 1852. settling in Clinton, Wis- consin, and for many years was clerk in Lot Tay- lor's hotel there. He afterward came to this vil- lafje and purchased the IVcatonica Hotel, which he conducted successfully up to the time of his death, which occurred September 22. 1887. His wife also died in Pecatonica. passinsj away Feb- ruary 28, 1900. They were the parents of two children. Mrs. Provoost and William, who is liv- insj in Woodstock. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Pro- voost have one daughter, Xellie .\. They favor the Episcopal church but as there is no conjjre- S^ation of that denomination in Pecatonica they usually attend scr\-iccs at the Conarregational church. Mr. Provoost is well known as a leader in republican circles in his commimity. as a l)anker of capability and as a man of genuine worth, who in all life's relations entertains a correct idea of the iluties and oblisjations which devolve uprin him and is ever loval thereto. RORER AX DREW .Xmont,"^ the men who have contributed to the industrial and commercial development of Rock- ford in days past Robert .-\ndrew was prominent. He became a resident of this citv in 1868. and for some years was enfjajjed in the flour and feed business here. He was amonsj the worthy resi- dents that .Scotland furnished to Rockford. his birth havinp occurred in the land of the hills and heather in February. 1830. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. David .\ndrew. were also natives of .Scotland, and with their children they came to .\merica. One of their sons is now living in Rockford — John J. .Andrew, who is now reiire- senting his district in the state legislature and is one of the ])rominent and influential citizens of Winnebago cotmty now living retired from busi- ness cares. When the fimily came to .\merica they settled first in Michitran and afterward re- moved to Guilfnrd townshii). Winne1)ago countv. the father purchasing a fnrin on .section I. where his son is now living. There he engageutting forth his best efforts to secure a good living for his wife and children and to i)romote their hapjiiness and welfare in every way possible. Mrs. .\ndrew and her daughter arc members of the L'entcnnial Methodist Episcopal church of Rockford. and she owns a nice home at No. 921 First avenue, where she is living with her son and daughter. IIOX. CIl.\Rl.i:S E. MARTIX, M. D. Dr. Charles E. Martin, member of the legi.s- lature from Winnebago county, elected in 1904 on tlie democratic ticket, is now living in Seward. He was born in Melmore. Seneca county. ( )hio. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COl'NTY 437 February 8, 1866. His ])arents were Robert and Barbara (Kegy) Martin, both natives of Ohio, in which state the father followed the occupa- tion of farming, while for nine years he served as county recorder of Seneca county. In his family were thirteen children, of whom eight are yet living: Samuel S., who married Miss Cora Hyatt and now resides upon the old home- stead ; Jennie, who married C. D. Leas ; Eliza, the wife of Rev. John Sargent ; Isaac R., who married Hattie Haverstick ; John Y.. a practic- ing ph\-sician of Toledo. Ohio ; Fanny, the wife of George Hepler ; Amia, who married Charles Derr, a practicing lawyer of Tiffin, Ohio ; and Charles E. Robert Martin died when his son Charles was but thirteen years of age, leaving him without a patrimony, so that it became necessary for him to provide for his own support when but a lad. He was employed as a farm hand and in stores and ambitious to acquire an education, he man- aged to complete the high-school course. He then determined to devote his energies to a pro- fessional life and worked his way through Heidelberg College. Ohio, while later he matricu- lated in Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which he was graduated with the class of 1891. During his collegiate course he had no leisure hours, for when the school was not in session he devoted his time to attending indigent patients in the hospitals. He applied himself assidu- ously to the mastery of the branches forming the college curriculum and when he had com- pleted his studies at Rush and won his diploma he located for practice in Seward, where he has since remained. He has now what is probably the largest practice of any physician in the country towns of Winnebago county and his work has fully justified the confidence which the public reposed in him. He is zealous and earnest in his professional duties and maintains a high standard of professional ethics in his practice, so that he enjoys the full confidence of his brethren of the medical fraternity. On the 1st of June, 1892, Dr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Tracy and they have two children, Mary L. and Barbara K. Dr. Martin is a member of A. W. Rawlson lodge, No. 145, A. F. & A. M., of Pecatonica, the Knights of the Globe, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and Elks lodge. No. 64, of Rockford. Dr. ]\Iartin has always been a stanch democrat, unswerving in his support of the party because of his firm belief in its principles and yet never until 1904 has he sought to figure in political affairs. Indeed he did not enter the political arena at that time until solicited by many friends to do so. Differences of opinion among the democratic leaders led to the growth of factions and it seemed necessary that they must choose as a candidate a man upon whom all could unite. Accordingly when the nomination for the legis- lative candidate was made Dr. Martin became the choice of the party. He made no campaign promises and did not do the usual amount of campaign work because of the claims of his practice but nevertheless he was elected, so that he is now a member of the Illinois legislature. To those who know him it is needless to say that he will be true to his principles at all times, that he will support no measure without giving to it his careful consideration and that as a champion he will be fearless and true. In local alifairs he has ever stood on the side of progress, reform and improvement and he was in a large measure instrumental in securing the consolida- tion of the Seward schools, rendering valuable aid to Superintendent Kern, who said, "It gives me sincere pleasure to pay a tribute to a man who has unselfishl}- given his best eiiforts to im- prove the school advantages for the children on the farms. Dr. Martin has done valuable service in establishing the first consolidated country schools in Illinois. No man has done more. He and the late Hon. Laurence McDonald, of Seward, labored as no other men did to bring about better schools. This school at Seward, in the great success it is proving to be, is to a large degree the results of the labor of these two men. Dr. C. E. Martin is a sincere, true friend of education." TAMES STEWARD. James Steward, one of the pioneer settlers of Winnebago county, taking up his abode here in 1850, is a native of Canada, and a son of William and Sophia (Long) Steward. The mother was a native of Germany while the father was of Scotch lineage. He settled in Canada in early life and there worked at the carpenter's trade until 1850, when he removed with his family to Winnebago county, Illinois. Here he purchased a large tract of land in Owen township and put his sons to work upon this place, while he practically lived retired, merely overseeing the operation of his land. He thus enjoyed a well merited rest until called to his final home and both he and his wife died in Owen township. In their family were five children who are yet living, namely : Ed- ward, a resident of Nebraska; Minard M.. who is living retired, his home being on School street in Rockford ; Mrs. Daniel Reddington, who re- sides in Rockford township ; Mrs. James Scott, who is living in Burritt township, Winnebago county ; and Alanson, one of the most extensive landowners of the county, having over one thou- sand acres in Owen township, on which he now 438 \.s A.\i) I'Ri-SRVT nr \\"!xxr,p, AGO corxrv makes his home. He expects soon, however, to retire from active fami life, having tlirough his own efforts become one of the weahhy men of the coninnuiity. James Steward ac(|uired his e(Kication in liie common schools of Canada and after the re- moval to Illinois assisted liis Iiroiliers in the o])er- ation of the home farm here. He was married in Owen township, this county, to Miss Mary A. Smith, a native of Canada, born February lo, 1836. and a daughter of John and Laura (W'eb- stcr) Smith, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of N'ermont. Her father came to Amer- ica in early life, settling in Canada, whence he aft- erward removed to Ohio and later he took up his abode in Winnebago county. Here he purchased a farm in Owen townshii), where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for many years. His wife died there and lie afterward married again, his second union being with Mrs. Jerusha (Hill) Ward, who died in Rockford. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Stew- ard removed to the city of Rockford to live re- tired, giving up farm work at that time. There were six children by that marriage, namely : Me- linda, the wife of David Samjile. a farmer of Owen townsliij) : Lcota, the wife of Charles Hoy. a resident of lirownsdale. Minnesota : Frank, who is living in Richville, Mimiesota ; Alice, the wife of Barney Conklin, a resident farmer of Burritt township ; Fannie, the wife of Robert C. Mon- criefT. a collar maker with the Hess & Hopkins Leather Company of Rockford. their home being with her mother in this city : and Clara, who died at the age of two years and six months. Following his marriage Mr. Steward engaged in farming on a part of the old family homestead, placing his fields under a high state of cultivation. He also owned and o|)erated a threshing machine for fortv-six years in Owen township and con- tinued the same business to some extent after coming to Rockford. His own farm was splendidly improved with modern equipments and the latest machinery and he continued in active farming un- til January, 1885, when he took up his abode in the city nf Rockfonl, where he lived retired until his death. He retained possession of his farm of one hundred and sixty acres, however, in Owen township. In March. 1897. he became ill and after suffering for two months passed awav on the oth of May. Mr. Steward w^as always interested in jiublic af- fairs, giving helpful support to many measures for the general gnod. He served as a school di- rector in Owen towTiship fur several years and was a stanch republican in his political views. His business dealings were ever honorably con- ducted and all who knew him esteemed him as a man of sterling worth, for he displayed many traits of characlcr that in every land and clime command admiration and regard. Mrs. Steward attends the First Presbyterian church of Rock- ford. Beside her country property she owns a nice home at Xo. 836 Woodlawn aveiuie. where she is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Mi)ncriet+. \ ALi:X TIXE (iLFAS.MAX. \ alentine (lle.isman. now deceased, became one of the extensive landowners of \\ innebago county and his life record proved that success may be obtained through persistent and earnest effort, guided by sound judgment and supple- mented by honorable dealing. He was born in Rcinie, ( hieida county, New York. March 2. 1S3S. ilis father. Ciodfred Gleasman. was a native of Germany and was a shoemaker by trade. He enlisted in defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war and he and his two brothers, \'alcntine and George, were all killed in tlie battle of .\ntietam by the explosion of a single shell. .As his parents were in liniiietl financial cir- cumstances Valentine Gleasman when but a boy started out to make his own way in the world and accejited any employment that would yield him an honest living. In 1857 he came to the west with the family of Chauncey Smith, for whom he drove a team across the country. Soon after reaching \\'imiebago county he secured employment by the month as a farm hand and afterward engaged in farming on the shares for one year for M. H. Patten. He then collected one hundred dollars from his first cro]) that had been raised on the shares and with this he re- turned to the east for his mother, three brothers and one sister, who accompanied him to Illinois, the journey being made by way of the lakes. He then resumed his farming operations in this part of the state, his mother acting as his house- keeper until his marriage. (in the 31st of December, 1859, Mr. tlleas- man was joined in wedlock to Miss Maryette Gridley, who was born in Harmony, New A'^ork. and is a daughter of Jarcd C. and Celestia .A. (Talmadgc) Gridley. who came to \Vinnebago county in 1843. settling at Rockton. The father worked in the mills in the employ of the Tal- cotts. .\fter his marriage Mr. Gleasman rented land in Owen township, taking possession of one hundred and twenty acres which he cultivated. Through the summer he would work for his neighbors in the daytime in order to obtain ready money, and he cut his own grain by night. The fir.st tract of land which he pur- chased comprised one hundred and twenty acres in Owen township near the old Canaila school- house and he paid for the place in wheat at one dollar per bushel. Within a short time he had iL^jL^ / ^^ o^^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. 441 discharged liis indebtedness and tlnree 3'ears after making the purchase he sold his original farm and bought two hundred and ninety acres in the same township. In 1872 he bought an- other eighty acres adjoining. He afterward lived up to the time of his death either in Rock- ton or Owen township and as the years passed by he added to his landed possessions until at the time of his demise he owned nearly fifteen hundred acres, all lying in Rockton and Owen townships. He was an excellent judge of land, made judicious investments, and as the years passed by his labors brought him a handsome competence. His sound judgment and business ability were recognized forces in his life and it seems that all he undertook was crowned witli success. Unto Mr. and ^Nlrs. Gleasnian were born five children: Godfrey, who is now living in Rock- ton : George, who follows farming in Rockton township : Ona M.. who is a graduate of the normal department of the Rockford Normal School and is now living with her mother after a recent trip abroad, gaining thereby the culture and knowledge that only travel can bring : Jessie M.,who died April 30, 1904; and Adelbert, who died August 10, 1877. Mr. Gleasman removed to Rockford with the expectation of retiring from active business and bought a beautiful home there in 1892 but was not long permitted to enjoy his new place of residence for his death occurred on the 29th of September. 1893. He had served as road com- missioner and in minor offices in his township and in politics he was a republican. Flis life was one of imtiring industry and his prosperity was richly merited because of the methods he followed in its acquirement were such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. He had the warm regard of many friends and his death was the occasion of deep regret in the conimunit\- in which he lived. JOSEPH MOORE. The broad ])rairics of Illinois furnish opportu- nities to the agriculturist unsurpassed in any sec- tion of the country and it is because of this condi- tion that many of the farmers, men of industry and enterprise, have worked their way steadily upward until having acquired a handsome competence they are enabled in their later years to enjoy a well earned rest. Such has been the career of Mr. IMoore, who is now living retired in the vil- lage of Pecatonica. He was born May i, 1856, in Seward township and is therefore one of the county's native sons. His parents, William and ]\Iary (Fortner) Moore, were natives of England, in which country they were reared and married, while two of their eight children, three sons and five daughters, were born unto them in that land. They came to the United States in 1840, leaving Liverpool on a sailing vessel, which after a long and tedious voyage of fourteen weeks and three days dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. For about a year they remained in the vicinity of that city and thence went by rail to Buflfalo, on by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago and b\- rail to Turners Junction on the Chicago & Galena Railroad, from which point they drove across the countrv to Rockford. After spending about two years in the city the}' took up their abode in Sew- ard township, Mr. Moore purchasing twenty acres of land for a dollar and a quarter per acre. Later he bought twenty acres additional at five dollars per acre, afterward forty acres at fifteen dollars per acre and still later another forty-acre tract, so that his fann comprised one hundred and twenty acres. This was all wild land when it came into his possession but the sturdy pioneer soon wrought a transformation in the place. He broke the wild prairie land, built a house for himself and labored untiringly in order to gain his start. ]\Iost of the work on his house was done by moonlight, for in the da\-time he was en- gaged in tilling the soil. For some years he cul- tivated his farm of one hundred and twenty acres, gaining success as the years passed by and then as his financial resources increased he bought more land, until he owned about four hundred acres, constituting a valuable property. He reached the advanced age of ei,ghty years, passing awav September 2, 1896, and his wife died in 1903 at the age of eighty-two years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In their familv were eight children : \\'illiam, James, Joseph, Bertha, Mar>-, Isabelle, Adeline and Susan. Joseps ?\Ioore was reared to the occupation of farming and throughout his active business ca- reer remained upon the old homestead. After his marriage he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and later he bought one hundred and twenty acres, so that he now owns two hun- dred and eighty acres which he rents to his two sons-in-law.' Through a long period, however, he was active in the work of tilling the soil and harvesting the crops. In the spring of 1905, however, he purchased a home in Pecatonica and took up his abode here on the 6th of March, since which time he has lived retired, the rental from his farms together with his other possessions bringing him a good income. On tile 13th of August, t88o, T^Ir. Moore was married in the German Lutheran church in Peca- tonica to ?i[iss Annie Peters, a daughter of John and Marv fSnelH Peters. Her parents were na- tives of Germanv in which country the children 442 I'AS'I AXI) I'KKSKXT OF W 1 WI'-.IJAi ;() COIX lA' were alsu l)orii and in 1870 ihc family came to America, sailing from Hamburg to New York city. They were on tlie water for seven weeks and after reaching the American port they pro- ceeded hy rail to IhitTalo and by way of the lakes to Milwaukee but when they reached the former city there was so much ice that the Iwats could not run and tliey had to wait until the spring thaw. From Milwaukee they went to ,\ppleton. Wiscon- sin, where the father worked on his brother's farm for fifteen dollars per month in order to rejiay his brother for the money sent him in order to meet the expenses of the voyage to the new world. When the indebtedness was discharged he removed with his family to Winnebago county and rented diflFercnt farms here, carrying on agricul- tural pursuits until his wife died, when he retired to private life and is now living with his daugh- ter. Mrs. Coppan, in biwa. In the family were twelve children, of whom eight are now living: Minnie. Mary, Sophia. John, .\nnic, Rachel. Lena and Fred. Mrs. Moore was born April i(>, \H(^2. and 1)\- her marriage has become the mother of eight children, of whoni seven are now living: \Vil- liam. Lillian. Josil, Jessie. Mabel, Lena and (iuy. Mr. Moore has been a member of the school board for three years and he gives his political support to the democracy. He and his wife be- long to the Pecatonica Tribunes and are at- tendants on the ser\-ices of the Methodist Fpisco- pal church. I'or almost sixty years he has lived in Wiimebago countv. watching with interest its develoi)nient and progress and along agricultural lines he has contributed to its upbuilding and growth. In his business career he has been earn- est and energetic, considering that the duties of the work-a-day world are worthy of his best ef- forts and thus as the years have gone bv he has attained a success which now enables him to live retired. THOMA.S MIXERS. Thomas J. Miners, living on section 17. Har- lem tnwnshii). was Ixirn in Cornwall, England, December (). 1852. His father, James ^iiners. also a native of that country, was born in 1827 and is now living a retired life in Rockford town- ship. His wife l)()rc the maiden name of Mary .Mien and yet survives. The cliildren of this worthy couple arc : William, living in Har- lem township, is now married and has two sons and one daughter. John is married and is living retired in Oregon, Illinois, .\bram, a resident of Oregon, is married and has two sons and a daughter. James, a farmer of Harlem township, is married and has one son. Marv Jane is the wife of Hiiiiv Wili-ox. ;i farmer of Harlem township, and has one daughter. Louisa M. is the wife of Louis Ovcrholt, a resident of Colmar, Iowa, and has two sons and three daughters. Thomas J. Miners was only two years old when brought by bis parents to the United States, the family making their way to the city of Rockford after reaching the American port. Ten years later the father removed to a farm in Winnebago townshi]), whereon he resided for three years, and then tcx)k up his abode in Rock- ford township, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits for five years. On the expira- tion of that period he .settled on the Levins farm in Ilarlem township, where he lived for six years, after which he established his lionu- in Latham I'ark. [n his youth Thomas J. Miners worked upon the home farm and in the common schools ac- (|uired his education. His advantages, however, in that direction were somewhat limited, for it was necessary that he assist in fann labor and aid in the support of a large family. He worked at four dollars per month at a time when other boys were attending school and when he had at- tained his majority he started in business on his own account, being first emjjloyed by Rrown ilrotliers in a brickyard in Owen township. He remained there for four years, after which he tcx>k up his abode on a farm which he rented in (ruilford township, continuing its cultivation for two years, when he removed to a farm in Win- nebago townshi]), on which he lived for eight years. He then located in Rockford, working for the city for a time, and for eight years was em- liloyed at teaming by Hart & Page. Through the careful husbanding of his financial resources he was enabled in the spring of 1803 to |nirchase his present farm, on which he has since lived, cid- tivating it very successfullv. His fields are now under a very high state of cultivation and every- thing about his |)lace is neat and attractive in ap- pearance. He is svstematic, methodical and prac- tical in his work and his labors have been crowned with a gratifying measure of prosperity, lie is now the owner of two hundred thirty-six and a half acres of cultivable land and one hun- dred acres of timlx>r land in Harlem township. On the 20th of .\pril. 1878. Mr. Miners was married to Miss Ida D. rhilli|)S. of Harrison township, a daughter of William and .\lmira Phillips, early settlers of this county. Mrs. Min- ers died April 3. 1885, leaving one son, Clifford 11., who was born in \\'innebago township on the loth of Jtme, 1880, and is now living in Portland, Oregon. On the 3i.st of March, 1801, Mr. Miners was again married, his second miion being with (iertina Olson, of Rockford, a daugh- ter of Mathias and Caroline Olson. Her father was born in Trondjhan, Xorway. in 1837 T. ]. AllXEKS. PAST AND PRESENT (3F WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 445 and became a resident of Durand township, Win- nebago county, where he died in 1871. His wife, who was born May 13, 1840, is now Hving in the city of Rockford. Mrs. Miners has two brothers, Olie M. and Theodore, both Hving in Rockford. She was born in Norway, October 31, 1868, and became the mother of four children but two died in infancy. Those living are : Hazel C, who was born April 30. 1893 ; and Verne L., born February 3. 1899. In his political views Mr. Miners is a stanch republican and for several terms has served as school director. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are esteemed as worthy people of the community. His record is notable as that of a self-made man, for with few advantages and privileges in his youth he started out in life on his own account, working earnestly and persistently until he was at length enabled to buy property. Since that time in his farming operations he has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity that is due entirely to his capable efforts, close application and unremitting diligence. DANIEL CARNEY. Daniel Carney, well known in this part of Illinois in pioneer times in connection with a stage line before the advent of railroads and after- ward as the owner of a valuable farm and fine trotting stock, visited Rockford at a very early epoch in the development of this section of the state, but did not take up his abode permanently here until 1848. He was born in Marbletown, New York, May 14, 1826, and was a son of An- drew and Lana (Greene) Carney, both of whom were natives of Ulster county, New York, where they spent their entire lives, the father engaging in farming in order to provide for his family. Daniel Carney, being reared in that locality, at- tended the common schools and in his youth as- sisted his father in the operation of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best meth- ods of caring for the fields and cultivating the crops. He continued to aid in the work of the homestead until about twenty-one years of age, when he started out on an independent business career. He followed boating on the Delaware & Hudson canal for about three years and after- ward engaged in teaming across the mountains from Ellenville to Middletown. He next drove a stage from Ellenville to Kingston and remained a resident of New York until 1845. when he came to the west by way of Buffalo, the Great Lakes and Chicago. There were no railroads here at that time and Mr. Carney began driving the old stage coach from Dixon to Oregon. Byron and other Illinois towns, carrying the mail between many of these points. He also drove a stage coach between Rockford and Chicago, and be- came one of the well known citizens of the early days, having a wide acquaintance among the pio- neer settlers who sought homes in northern Illi- nois. In 1848 he took up his abode in Rockford, where he engaged in the livery business for about a year. He then sold out and began teaming again, hauling goods and lumber between Rock- ford and Elgin. He likewise made trips to Chi- cago and Milwaukee, then back to Rockford again. He followed that business for two years, and later conducted a dray line in this city, be- coming the first expressman of Rockford.' He followed that business from 1855 until 1874, dur- ing which time he also formed a partnership with L. B. Starkweather, and he purchased horses for the Metropolitan Street Railway Company, of Boston, while during the period of the Civil war he purchased horses for use in cavalry service. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Carney bought the farm at the edge of Rockford, wdiereon his widow and son now reside. There he made a race track, and he was the owner of and drove the first horse in Rockford that ever beat the 2 130 heat. This was Chief, the trotter that in 1889 made the mile in 2:27^. Mr. Carney at different times owned several fine racing- horses and had other valuable stock. In 1849 was celebrated the marriage of Daniel Carney and Miss Jane Ann Huntley in Beloit, Wisconsin. She was born in Phelps, New York, and was a daughter of John and Mehitable Hunt- ley, both of whom were natives of Phelps, where the father died. The mother afterward came west, settling first in Michigan and subsequently in Rockford. Here in i860 she became the wife of A. D. Stone, and both Mr. and Mrs. Stone de- parted this life in Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Carney became the parents of two sons and two daughters: Ann Almira, born in 1851, died in 1852. Harry H., married Jennie Chamberlain, who died leaving a daughter Mabel. He now resides in Mound City, Missouri, where he is engaged in the insurance business. Julia died at the age of thirty years. D. Fay, born January 9, 1868. married Jeanette Gilmore, of Owen town- ship, a daughter of William Gilmore. who was a prominent farmer of that locality. They now have one child. Jane Elizabeth, born January 5. 1904. Mr. Carney continued to engage in farming, but his principal business was the purchasing, selling and trading of fine horses, and in this work he gained a wide reputation. It was his intention to join the army at the time of the Civil war. but he was disabled by being kicked by a horse and had to send a substitute. He was never an office seeker nor was he a strict partisan, but cast his ballot for the candidate whom he 44" I'AST AND I'RF.SKXT OF WlWF.r.Ai It > O )r\"rV. thought best qualified k>r the office. Genial ami courteous in manner, straightforward in business relations and ])ublic-spirited in his devotion to tlic general good, he was known as a representa- tive citizen of Winnebago county. He died after an illness of only five days, on the 19th of March, 1893. Mrs. Carney, her son and his wife, all attend the Christian Cnion church. D. F"ay Carney is a very prominent young man of this city and has been connected with various newspapers of Rockford and also some out-of-town iniblications. inckuling Clark's Horse Review, and other jxipers for many years. He now remains at home look- ing after his mother's and his own properly, and he has some very fine stock in Winnebago county. They ow-n a beautiful residence and five acres of land at the corner of Rock-ton and Auburn streets, where Mr. Carney, his wife and mother are all now living. WILLIAM C. JONES. William C. Jones, deceased, who was engaged in the news]ia]ier business in Rockford for sev- eral years, was bom in Birmingham. England, Xoveiiiber 26, 1856. His parents, John and Eliza Jones, were likewise natives of that country and always resided there, the father conducting busi- ness as a florist. William C. Jones was educated in the schools of his native land and was mar- ried in Birmingham. FLngland, to .Miss Ada F. Bennett, a native of that city, and a daughter of George and Eleanor Bennett, both of Birming- ham. Her parents, however, came with their family to America about 1865, and settled in Bel- videre, Boone county. Illinois, where Mr. Ben- nett was engaged with the bridge and building department of the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- road Company. re])resenting that corporation throughout the remainder of his active business career. He died in 1884, and his widow after- ward removed to Rockford, living with her chil- dren until her own death, which riccurred several years ago. Three of the daughters of the family survive and are residents of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the jiarents of three children : Ethel, now the wife of Charles Sheldon, a fanner, residing in Winnebago township : Guy, who is a student in the high school ; and Wallace, at home. After his marriage Mr. Jones sailed for .Amer- ica, and in 1883 Ix'came a resident of Rockford, where he entered upon his business career as the first bookkeeper of the firm of Schmauss Broth- ers, the well know^l meat packers of this city. He was connected with that house for a year and was afterward bookkeeper for three years for the real-estate firm of Crawford & Revell. Subsequently he kept Ixioks for William Gent for about a year and then tinned his attention to the news])a])er business, becoming a stockholder in the Republic. Me was comiected with that paper for four years, after which he entered into partnership with Abram Smith and w^as ]xirt owner of the Gazette for some time. Sulise- quently he and Mr. Smith established a news- l)aper which they called the .Spectacle and en- gaged in its publication until they closed out the business. Mr. Jones then returned to the old Gazette, which in the meantime had become known as the Register-Gazette, and is now the leading daily newspaper of Rockford, Mr. Jones remain- ing as one of its stockholders until his demise, which occurred November 28. 1894. At different times Mr. Jones was solicited to become a candidate for office by those who recog- nized his fitness for public service and his devotion to the general good, but he was without political asi)iration and preferred to do his services for the iKiblic as a private citizen. He gave to the re])nblican party a stanch and unswerving sup- port, while fraternally he was connected with the A\'oodmen and with the Loyal League, lx)th of Rockford. lir held membership in the State Street Baptist church and w^as Sunday-school treasurer and secretary for more than eight years. He took a very great interest in the church work and w'as closely associated with many of its ac- tivities, and his labors proved of direct and per- manent good in extending its influence and pro- moting its growth. In all this work he had the entire sympathy and co-operation of his wife, who still retains her meniber.ship in the State Street Bajitist church. His business record was such as any man might be proud to possess, for he never made an engagement that he did not meet, nor incurred an obligation that he did not fulfill. Honored and respected by all he ranked long as one of the jirominent men of the city. A short time ])rior to his de.alh he built a large residence, which his widow and children now occupy, at No. 717 North Horsman street. He possessed strong domestic tastes, and while he accomplished much in the business world and ratified his friendships l)v kindly sympathy and thought fid consideration, his greatest (le])th of love was reserveil for his familv. ALEXWDFR Mll.Xi:. Alexander Milne, a retired farmer living on his farm on North Roekton avenue near the city lim- its of Rockforrl. was born in \\'innebago county. Illinois. October ^. 1848. his parents being .Mex- ander and Isabelle C Porter) Milne. The father was a native of .Scotland and after coming to Illi- nois was married in 183S. He followed the occu- pation of farming and invested in land until he PAST AND PRESENT OE WIXXEP.AGO COUXTY. 447 owned two hundred acres constituting a valualjlc property in Purritt township. There he raised fancy cattle and other stock and also produced fine grain crops. Pi politics he was a republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. His death occurred in 1885, while his wife passed away in 1900. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four sons are living, two being residents of Burritt township, while one resides in Huron, South Da- kota. Alexander ■\Iilne was educated in Burritt town- ship and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own ac- count. He rented land in Burritt township for five years and then purchased two hundred and forty acres which he cultivated and improved im- til 1891, when he sold out and came to Rockford. Here he has since lived, owning twenty acres just outside the city limits. Not caring to continue further in active agricultural pursuits to the ex- tent that he had formerly done, he disposed of his larger farm and is now practically living re- tired, although he gives supervision to a general farming and gardening business, which are con- ducted upon his place here. In 1877 Mr. ]Milne was united in marriage to Jessie Dow, who was born in Scotland in 1847 ''"f' is a daughter of Robert and Catherine Dow, who came to Winnebago county when their daughter was but two years old and made their home upon a farm in Burritt township. Both parents are now deceased but a sister of Mrs. Milne is yet living. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Milne have been born three sons : Donald M.. Harry and Guy W., who are still with them at the home place, while Charles died at the age of six years. By a former mar- riage Mrs. Milne had a daughter, J\Iillie, now the wife of Dr. Earned, of Chicago. Mr. ]\Iilne votes with the republican party and served as collector for two terms. His wife is a member of the Congregational church, and they are well known in Rockford and the part of the countv in which they reside, Mr. Milne having spent his entire life here, covering a period of fifty-seven years, so that his memory compasses the period of almost the entire growth and devel- opment of this portion of the state. C. M. PACKARD. C. M. Packard, who is no\v filling the position of township commissioner in Shirland township and who for several years has been engaged in the grain business in the village of Shirland. is a native son of this localitv. born in 1848. his parents being Job and H. .\. (.Vustinl Packard, earlv residents of this countv. Both were born in Ihickficld, Maine, and the father came to Illinois with the Austin family, who were early residents of this part of the state. He located first in the village of Rockton, where for a short time he conducted a shoe shop, but soon afterward he secured a homestead claim in the northwestern part of Shirland township, where he resided for a number of years. He then sold that property and located on a farm that is now owned bv Mrs. Eairchilds, on section 18, Shirland township. Eor a long period he continued its cultivation and development, but eventually removed to the vil- lage of Shirland, where he turned his attention to the lumber and grain trades, continuing in those lines of business up to the time of his death, which occurred January 18, 1888, when he was seventv-six years of age. His wife passed away December 22, 1880. Mr. Packard was a republican in his political views, and served in various township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidel- ity. In his family were three sons and a daugh- ter: C. M., of this review; Edward, who" is engaged in the real-estate business in Manilla, Iowa; Mrs. Frank Arnold, who is living in Woodbine, Iowa, and A. J. Packard, a railroad man who until recently was agent at Ottumwa, Iowa, of the St. Paul and Wabash railroads, occu- pying that position for a long period. He was as- sociated with the former for a number of years, and he still makes his home in Ottumwa, and is now engaged in business as a traveling salesman. One daughter of this review, Mrs. Annetta Si- monds, died in Shirland township. C. M. Packard was reared in Shirland town- ship, is indebted to its public school system for the educational privile.ges he received, and has spent nearly his entire life here. He was en- gaged in farming for a long period, but for a number of years has given his attention to the grain and live-stock business in the village of Shirland. where he has made his home for six years. lie successfully conducts his interests, and is recognized as a far-sighted, sagacious and enterprising man. whose eilorts are well directed, and form the basis of a creditable success. Mr. Packard was married to Miss A. D. Cun- ningham, of Harrison township, Winnebago count}-, who was born in that township, and was one of a large family. Her parents were early residents of this county, and her grandparents located here about 1840, coming from Susque- hanna county. Pennsvlvania. Mrs. Packard is a daughter of William H. and Hannah S. (Elal- stead) Cunningham, who reside at Rockford. Her father had for many years carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits in Harrison township, but in 1890 retired from the farm and took up his abode in the countv seat, where he is now 448 PAST AXl) I'RKSRXT OF WINXKP.AGO COL'XTV. tilliiijj the position of city weigher. Liilu Mr. and Mrs. Packard have heen born four sons and two danshtors: Iva, the wife of II. L. W'atjer, a resident fanner of Shirland towiisliip : Ke.x, a carpenter, residinjj in the villajje of Shirland : L'ri, a hrakenian on the St. I'anl Railroad, re- siding at Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; Ada, the wife of \\'illiani Daldwin, a resident farmer of Shir- land township : Max. who is in the engineering department with the regular army at West Point. .Xew York : and Leo. a stenographer, cm- l)loye2 and is now a re- tired tailor f>f Rockford. Thomas ( ilenney was educated in the com- mon schools of his native country, where he remained until twenty-seven years of age, when he crossed the .\tlantic to the new world. For some time he remained in Chester county, Pemi- sylvania, near Philadelphia, and afterward worked for eight years upon a farm of seven hundred acres at \alley Forge. He had but a dollar and a (juarter when he reached .Xew York and he worked for the first winter in Pemisyl- vania for four dollars ])er month, after which he received ten and a half dollars per month for a half year. Later he was foreman of a gang on the railroad and each successive position which he secured brought him i)romotion in a measure. While working on the railrn;i5. He then bought twenty acres more and in addition to the home i)lace he rented land which he cultivated. .Subsequently when his labors had brought him sufficient capital he invested in a tract of one hundred and sixty acres one mile from the city limits of Rockford. after which he sold the original fifty-acre tract. He next bought forty acres and still later eighty acres additional, and he lived u])on his home farm in the vicinity of the county seat until 1890. when he took up his abode in the city. However, he continued to sui)ervise his farm until \<)0^. He traded eighty acres of his land for two hundred and sixty acres near Roscoe and recently he has disposed of this farm but he .still owns two hundred acres of very fine land, well improved in Rockford township, ^^'hen he took up his abode in the city he built the residence which he now occu- pies at Xo. ')J^ (irand avenue and he also owns two fine dwellings adjoining. Unto Mr. and Mrs. (Ilenney have been born eight children, of whom seven are now living. Henry married Melvina .A.. Burgoon, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter of Francis and Flavia .\. (Barnett") Burgoon. the former an extensive farmer of the 1 lawkeye state. I lenr\ ( iletmey was for a long period actively connected with agricultural ])ursuits but has re- tired from the farm and is now- engaged in real- estate dealing. 1 le makes his home with his father and unto him and his wife have been born two children, Farl I'... and F.lsie M. Thomas married Laura Fiddick and after her death wedded Heh'n I'iddick. their home being now in California. James, residing on Rockton avenue in Rockford. married Eliza Long, born in this city. .\nna J. is deceased. Mary is liv- ing on Rockton avenue. Rockford. William H., who follows farming, married \'ena Siddcrs. Allen M. is the wife of John Burgoon. also of Rockford. Charles .\., living in Roscoe, mar- ried Louisa Male, now deceased and afterward wedded N'ina Male. The wife and mother died in .\ugust. 1888. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COL XTY. ^5^ Air. Glenney is a member of the Grange and also of the American Protective Association, and in his pohtical views is a stalwart republican. He has served as a school director but other- wise has held no public offices. He was reared in the Episcopal faith but later became a mem- ber of the Baptist church. Although now eighty-seven years of age he is still a well preserved man, hale and hearty, and in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. All that he possesses or has enjoyed in life has been ac- quired through his own efforts. When upon the farm he was busy raising stock and grain and he has always been fond of a good horse and yet owns a fine one. The extent and im- portance of his business interests, his fair judg- ment and his consideration of others has made him an influential citizen and in the evening of life he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one of advanced vears. TOHX W. SEEK. John W. Seek, deceased, who was numbered among the early settlers of Winnebago countv. establishing his home here in 1849, was born in Virginia, September 29, 1822, his parents being John and Alary (Shaefer) Seek. Thev were natives of \'irginia and removed thence to Indi- ana, where the mother died. The father after- ward engaged in farming there until 1849, ^vhen he brought his family to ^Vinnebago county, and purchased a tract of land in Xew Milford town- ship, three miles southeast of the village of New Milford. He at once began the cultivation and development of the farm and continued its active operation up to the time of his death. John W. Seek was a student in the public schools of Indiana in his boyhood days, and spent his youth in his parents' home. While living in that state he was married in Wells county, near Fort Wayne, to Miss Eliza J. Alontgomery. whose birth occurred in Ohio, while her j)arents were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed from the Keystone state to Ohio, and there re- inained until called to the home beyond, the father following farming as a life occupation. Air. and Airs. Seek became the parents of five children, of whom Mary E. and William died in infancy. The others are as follows : George W., who wedded Agnes Al. Hall, died in September, t88o, leaving a widow and two sons, Claude and \\'ilber. They reside with their mother in Rock- ford and are now employed by the Rockford Watch Company. Sarah is the wife of Thomas Lawson, a retired farmer living in the village of X^ew Alilford, and they have four child- ren : W'alter. Harrv, Rov and Bettv. Emma is 25 the wife of Lovejoy C. Hall, and they reside with her mother in Rockford. Air. Hall is well known as a real-estate dealer of this city, con- ducting a large business. They have four child- ren : Alaude, Ida, Eugene and Emery. Mrs. Seek and her family are all members of the Alethodist Episcopal church of X'ew Alilford. Air. Seek was ever successful in his farming op- erations, and his widow is now well-to-do. " The old homestead is still in possession of the fam- ily, but Airs. Seek intends to make her home with her children. H. H. STONE. H. H. Stone, who is now retired from active business, although he is financially interested in I he Rockford Burial Case Company as its vice- president and also owns a farm in Rockford town- ship, makes his home at No. 1130 North Court street in the city of Rockford. For more than thirty-one years he has lived in Winnebago county, coming to this state from Alinnesota. He was born, however, in Franklin county, Ver- mont, but left the Green Alountain state when a boy of eleven years. His father, James Stone, was a pioneer of Wisconsin, settling there in 1846. He was one of the best mechanics in the locality in which he made his home and through- out his entire life he followed that line of busi- ness. He settled on the Onion river in Wiscon- sin and, taking part in the founding of the town, he gave to it the name of Winooski. He was appointed its first postmaster and so continued up to the time of his death in the spring of 1857. H. H. Stone, whose name introduces this rec- ord, spent the days of his boyhood and vouth in his parent's home, remaining with his father un- til the latter's death, when he removed to Minne- sota. There he was engaged in the furniture business until coming to Rockford, or for a per- iod of about seventeen years. Believing that he might have good business opportunities in Winne- bago countv, he arrived in Illinois on the 1st of Januarv, 1874. establishing his home in the citv, where he continued to reside for two and a half years. He then removed to the farm upon which he lived for seven years, placing his land under a high state of cultivation. He then returned to the city, where he has since made his home and he has been financially interested in the Rockford Burial Case Companv since its establishment about twenty years ago. Its business has steadilv increased and the stockholders now annuallv re- ceive a good dividend upon their investment. Mr. Stone has one son by his first marriage : Roy J., who is assistant state mining engineer in the assayer's office in X^evada : and one bv his sec- ond marriage. Frank H., who as an electrician 45- PAST AM) l'Ki:Si:.\T ()1- \Vl\\i:i'.AG(i Oil' XT V is employed by the Edison Company at Rockford. Mr. Stone exercises his rifrht of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the republican |)arty and has served as councilman i)f Rockford. I'raternally he has been connected with the Ma- .sonic lodsje for many years, now belnni^^ing to Riicklord lodge, Xc I02. .\. V. & .\. .M.. and Rockford chaiJter, R. .\. .M.. while both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a past master of the lodge and has held various other offices. He is a drand .-\nuy of the Rei)ublic man, having served two years in the Civil war. enlisting in the .Seventh .Minnesota Infantry. He is a member of the Christian Cnion church and his influence is ever on the side of riglit, improvement and progress. Through an active business career he accumulated a comfortable competence, which now enables him to live retireil and be is enjoying the fruits of his former toil in a comfortable home in this citv. HEXRV A. \\1-:BBER. Henry .\. Webber, of Rockton, is a native of Somersetshire, England, born .August 19. 1837. His father. William Webber, was born in Eng- land, in March. 1801. or 1802, and died at the age of eighty-five years while on a visit to one of his daughters in lUirritt township, ^^'innebago county. He was a native of Devonshire, whence he removed to .Somersetshire, where he became a large landowner and when he decided to come to .\merica with his family his i)roi)crty was all sold bv auction, which was carried on in the regular English style, it taking three days to dis- jiose of his possessions. It was almo.st like a fair, tents being pitched for the convenience of the crowd, while the food and drink were ser\'ed after the old-time English custom. He brought his wife and all of his eight chil- dren with liim to the L'nited States, landing at Xew York, and by way of the Great Lakes tliev |)roceedefl to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, thence driving across the coimtry with ox-teams to Rockton. Mr. Wel)ber was a man of consicler- able means and on reaching his destination he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land, for which he was able to jiay cash. He followed farming on an extensive scale, making his home in Winnebago county from 1841) u]) to the time of his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Hake. .She too was a native of England and died at the age of eighty years. They were the i)arents of eight children: Mrs. Margaret Wilcox : William, who is now living in .South Dakota: John, a resident of California: Cather- ine, the widow of John (iriffith: Henry .\.. of this review: Mrs. Marv Arnold: llirman I., who resiiles in Rockton : and Ihomas, deceased. The family home was about two miles south and just a little to the east of Rockton. and the father was one of the most ])rominent and honored of the l)ioneer settlers of bis portion of the county. Henry .\. Webber spent the first ten years of his life in his native country and then came with his parents to .\merica in 1849. He has resided almost continuously in Illinois. He was reared upim his father's farm in Winnebago county and afterward went to Chicago. He had previouslv learned the carjienter's trade and in Chicago he was one of the carpenters who laid the first planks for the building of the stockyards, this work be- ing executed in 1863. Mr. Webber has always been of an inventive turn of mind and has jiro- duced some fifteen ditTerent inventions upon which he has secured patents, including the Web- ber reaper and mower, the Webber automatic gate, a railroad snow plow, a railroad track grater, and a Webber angle sieve fanning mill, which he is now manufacturing in Rockton at the old plant which is oix-niled by water power and which was built by .Mr. Webber and his brothers. William and John, a number of years ago. when they were engaged in the manufacture of the Webber reaper and mower. Our subject is now devoting his atteiUion to the production of the faiuiing mills. With his brothers he contiiuied the manufacure of the reajjcr and mower for fif- teen years with much success. He has lived a life of marked industry and his continued energy furnishes an examjile that is well worthy of ennilalion. .\t the time of the Civil war .Mr. Webber re- sponded to the country's call for troops, enrolling at Rockton in response to the first call. He afterward marched to Rockford. a distance of fourteen miles, to enlist. In days of ])eace he has been equally loyal to his country and has performed ca])able ])ublic service in local offices. Eor the past ten years he has been constable of the town of Rockton, has served on the village board and has held other local positions, being most true and faithful in the discharge of the duties that thus devolved u]ion him. His ])olit- ical allegiance is given to the renublican party, which he has supported unswervingly since at- tained his majority. Tn 1867 Mr. Webber was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah A. Kennedy, nee Jewell, the widow of the late Sanniel Kennedy, who was a veteran of the Civil war. He enlisted from Ohio in 1861 in response to the first call and was discharged on account of illness, dying soon afterwarrl. He left one son. Elmer J. Kennedv. a native of Ohio. Mr. Kennedv was a blacksmith and wood-worker bv traile. following those pursuits luitil he offered bis services to the government in defense of the :MR. AXl) .MRS. 11. A. WEBBER. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 455 Union. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Kennedy made a visit to Illinois and formed the acquaintance of Mr. Webber. Later she re- turned to Ohio and soon afterward Mr. Webber went to that state and the\- were married. They have two living children : Minnie C, now the wife of William Alden, by whom she has three children, Harry. Ralph and Ruth ; and Gertrude, who married Thomas R. Higgins and has one child, Dorothy. WILLIAM G. SMITTI. William G. Smith, interested in general farm- ing on sections 35 and 26, Harlem township, owns a valuable tract of land of two hundred acres. He was born in this township, December 4. 1870. on a farm adjoining his present place, his parents being Robert and Agnes (Greenlees) Smith, who are now living retired in Rockford. The former was born in Kintyre, Argyleshire. Scotland, August 22, 1824, and was a grandson of Daniel Smith, who removed from his native county of Ayrshire to Arglyeshire. establishing his home in a sod house upon a tract of wild land. In the course of time, however, he im- proved a good farm there. Only two of his chil- dren ever came to America. Daniel and Mrs. Janet Brown, who made her home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Daniel Smith, the grandfather of William G. Smith, was born in Argyleshire, February 1 1 , 1791, and in his vouth assisted his father in the work of the farm, ^^'hen he started out in life on his own account he rented land and was en- gaged in farming until his emigration to the new world. He wedded Mary Montgomery, who was born in Kintyre, January 12. 1795, and was a daughter of Robert Montgomery. They be- came the parents of nine children, and with their family they sailed for America in 1842 as pas- sengers on the Gleaner, which weighed anchor at Campbelltown, and was the first ocean vessel that ever left that port. The voyage continued from the 4th of June until the 4th of July, when anchor was dropped in New York harbor. The family came at once, however, to Winnebago county by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago, and thence to Harlem township, where Daniel Smith purchased the land that has long been in possession of the family. His home was a log cabin, and the farm was purchased by Mr. Smith and his brother-in-law. James Montgomery, for five dollars an acre, .\lthough many pioneer ex- periences fell to his lot Mr. Smith persevered in the work of developing the farm until it became a good property. His death occurred there Au- gust 20, 1845. and his wife passed away on the old homestead. May 31. 1872. Robert Smith was a youth of seventeen when the family crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and following his father's death, the care of the home farm devolved upon him. He con- ducted agricultural pursuits there for a long pe- riod, but is now living retired in Rockford, hav- ing acquired a handsome competence that en- ables him to rest from further business cares. In politics he has been a stanch republican since the organization of the party, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He was married in 1855 to Agnes Greenlees, who was a native of his home town, and a daughter of William and Martha (Harvey) Greenlees. This union was blessed with five children : Mary J., Martha, Agnes, the wife of William Brown : ^^'illiam G., of this review, and Daniel A., who follows farming in Harlem township. W'illiam G. Smith is indebted to the public- school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth. He has always remained a resident of Harlem township, and lived with his parents until the fall of 1898. when he pur- chased his present farm. He now carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, and both departments of his business are prov- ing profitable, for he finds a ready sale on the market for the products of his fields, and also for the cattle, hogs and horses which he raises. In November, 1898, was celebrated the mar- riage of \\'illiam (j. Smith and Miss Janie Mc- Echeran. a daughter of John and Anna H. (Rals- ton) McEcheran. both of Caledonia township, Boone county, Illinois. They were natives of Argyleshire. Scotland, and became residents -of Boone county in the '40s. Mrs. Smith was bom in Caledonia township. August 7. 1876. and her home has been blessed with one son, John R.. who was born December 22, 1899. ^Ir. and Mrs. Smith attend the ^^'illow Creek Presbyterian church at Arg}-le, and he is a republican in poli- tics. He has served as school director for sev- eral terms and is interested in local progress and improvement, but gives closest attention to his business affairs, wherein he has prospered. He is a young man of ambition, strong purpose and diligence, and it is with safety that his friends predict for him a successful future. CYRUS A. WALLACE. From the rich farms surrounding Pecatonica have come many of the representative citizens of the village — men who having long been con- nected with agricultural interests have so man- aged their business affairs that they are now in possession of a comfortable competence and are therefore able to enjoy at the present time a well 4SI' PAST AND I'RMSliX r Ol" W I Wl'.l'. \t i< ' (OrXlV earned rest. To this class belonijs Mr. Wallace, who is a native of Lorain county. ( )liio. born .Ma.\ 24, 1837. His parents were William and Sophronia ( Nobles ) Wallace. The father, a na- tive of Yorkshire. Enjjland, crossed the Atlantic to Canada, and in his early life was a sailor, goinjj ii]xin whalinsf voyages. He removed from Canada to Loraine county. (~)liio. where he pur- chased fifty acres of timber land and Iniilt a log house in the midst of the forest. He then began clearing awa\- the trees and brush in order to plant crops and continued the cultivation of the fields through the i)ioneer jieriod in that part of the state. Later he sold his i)roperty there and in 1S53 came to Winnebago county, Illinois, pur- chasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Seward township. The tract was at that time raw prairie, on which he built a little cabin home. lie then began breaking his land, and in course of time the fields were returning to him rich harvests. He marketed his wheat and oats at I'ecatonica. for the railroad was built through that year. He paid three dollars ])er acre for his land, and the next year was offered twenty-five dollars per acre owing to the rapid increase in po|)ulation, and also because of the excellent im- proveiuents he had placed on his property. He soon became recognized as one of the most suc- cessful agriculturists of his community and for many years prospered in his business undertak- ings here. He died in Seward township in his eighty-fifth year, while his wife, who was born in ^iassacbu setts, died in the same township in her sixty-sixth year. She was married twice, her first hnsl)aiid being Eli Hubliard. There were three children born of that marriage, of whom all are now deceased, while to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were born six children, of whom two are living. Cyrus A. and William. The latter, a resident farmer of Seward township, married X'iola Kellev. and has two living sons by that marriage. I-irnest and Cecil. For his second wife he chose T-ouisa Jones, and there is one living child bv this union. Jerome, a resident of Seward township. In his boyhood days Cvrus W. Wallace worked upon the hoiue farm and afterward secured em- plovment as a farm hand in the neighborhood. P.efore his marriage he had become the owner of eighty acres of land, and froiu that time forward he carried on general agricultural pursuits on his own accomit until 1892. That he prospered is indicated by the fact that in the year men- tioned he was able to jnit aside active business cares and take up his abode in Pecatonica. having possessions sufficient to enable him to live retired. He now rents his farm, and in adilition to this jiroperty he owns nine lots on which stand his jirescnt residence. On the 28th of December. 1878. Mr. Wallace was married to ."-■ophia .Mexander, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah ( I'ranklin ) Alexander, both of whom were natives of England, the former born A])ril 6. i8o<^i. and the latter on the I2lh of June. 1804. Mr. Alexander passed away in 1888, while his wife died in her seventy-ninth year. They sailed from Liverijool. linglaud. to New ^'ork city, and thence removed westward to St. Lawrence count}-. New York, where they lived for a short time, iluring which jieriod Mrs. Wal- lace was born. They afterward t(X)k u]) their alwde in Elyria. Ohio, where they remained for two years and then settled in Grafton township, Lorain county, where the fallur iiurchased about eighty acres of timber land, on which he built a log cabin. He then began clearing his farm, living in true pioneer style. He was one of the early settlers of that county and continued his residence upon his original farm for about eight or nine years, when he removed to the township of Eaton and bought two hundred acres of land. This he also cleared and improved, and at one time he was the owner of a valuable tract of three hundred acres. His health failed him event- ually and he was unable to do any work during the last three years of his life. He was an up- right, honorable man. respected by all whi^ knew him because of his genuine worth and fidelity Ui ])rinciple. To each of his sons he gave a farm, and tlius ably assisted them in starting out in life. In his family were eight children, of whom six are now living: Martha, born September 24, 1827. became the wife of Edward Martin, a resi- dent of LaiJorte. Ohio, and died at the age of fiftv-six vears, leaving three children. Samuel, born Mav 3, 1830. resides at Eaton. .\nn, born November 2, 1832. is the wife of William Rawl- .son, of Grafton, Ohio, and has two sons. Mrs. Wallace, the next of the family, was born Jan- uary I. 1835. John, born November 12. 1837. and living in Eaton. ( Miio. married Hannah Dim- mick. and has one daughter. Job. born Decemlier 23. 1 841. and also a resident of Eaton, wedded .\nn Pierce, and has six children, of whom five are living, .\lbert. horn June 25, 1850. and also a resident of Eaton, married Mrs. .\ddie Golden, and has five children. .Amanda, born June 25. 1850. died in infancy. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace was celebrate, and the place up^ii which he now resides in enileared to liini throuj^h the asso- ciations of his hoyhood, as well as those of later years. He now owns two hundred and ten acres of land, which he leases. In his youth, however, he hecanie familiar with all of the duties and la- bors that devolve u]ion the agriculturist, and after completing; his education in the district schools he .q;ave his undivided attention to farm work, in which he continued for a lonjj period, and his labor resulted in the acquirement of a comfort- able competence, his fields yielding; him excellent harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon them. Mr. Marsh was married to Miss Emma Nich- ols, a native of Winnebago county, and the daughter of Horatio Nichols, one of the early residents of the county. Her father was a farmer by occupation and died during the early '60s. r.oth Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have many friends in this county and the hospitality of the best homes of Guilford township is freely accorded them. Politically Mr. Marsh is a republican, but has never sought or desired office, giving his undi- vided attention to his business affairs, which, being capablv and honorably managed, have made him one of the prosperous agriculturists of Guilfurd township. DUDLEY LYFORD. Dudly I.yford, well known in Roscoe town- ship as one of its representative and prominent citizens, occupies an attractive home in the vil- lage, his long connection with agricultural inter- ests in former years well entitling him to the period of ease that he is now enjoying. He is a native of New Hampshire, his birth having oc- curred in the town of Canterbury, November 6. 1835. His father, Thomas Lyford, was also a native of the old Granite state, and belonged to a i)rominent jiioneer family there. He, too, first opened his eyes to the light of day in Canterbury, and he continued his residence in his native town until 1842. when with his family he removed to Illinois, becoming a resident of Winnebago coun- ty, where he carried on agricultural pursuits up to tlie time of his death. He was accidentallv killed in a threshing machine in 1838. when fifty- two years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza P.. Greeley, was a native of Gil- manton. New Hampshire, and her death occurred at the age of seventy-five years. When Mr, and Mrs. Lyford arrived in Winnebago county in 1842 he purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Roscoe townshi|i. which his brother-in-law, Dudley Greelcv, had entered from the government in 1836. The latter was a native of .Maine, and had become one of the pioneer set- tlers of this county. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lyford were three .sons and three daugh- ters, namely : Dudley ; Elizabeth, the wife of John liradley ; Joseph, who is living in Guilford, Winnebago county : Alice, the widow of Josiah Richardson, who serv'ed as major in a regiment of colored cavalry in the Civil war : .-\ugusta ; and Charles, who is living in Minnea|>olis, Minnesota. Dudley Lyford spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity, and then ac- companied his parents on their removal to Illi- nois, since which time he has made his home in 1 larlem township. He was reared to the occupa- tion of farming, and in his business career has been very successful, making investments in land from time to time, until he is now the owner of twelve hundred acres of valuable farming land in this state. Of this he and his son cultivate about four hundred acres, while the remainder is rented, and the son now laigely relieves his father of the care of the farm mentioned, so that he is ])ractically living retired. In 1902 he pur- chased fifty-five acres of land in the village and built thereon a nice residence, which stands on a knoll and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. He also built a barn and has all modern improvements, and his home is one of the attractive places of the town. It is a monument to his enterprise and labors in former \ears, and its tasteful furnishings bring to him the comforts of life, which he well merits. Mr. Lyford was married April 13, 1862, to Miss Emma Harley, a native of Rockton, Illi- nois, and a daughter of Thomas Harley, one of the early settlers of this county. Twelve children were born imto Mr. and Mrs. Lyford, of whom seven are yet living. Of those deceased, one daughter. Plelen. became the wife of Pert Hutch- ins, and at her death left four children. Bertha. Margaret, Helen and .\nna. Those who still sur- vive are : Anna ; Maria, the wife of Charles Rhodes, a veterinary surgeon of Beloit, Wiscon- sin, by whom she has two children. .Mice and John D. : Katherinc, the wife of Charles Gleass- ncr, and the mother of three children. George, Laueme and Mildred; Thomas, who married Donna Coffin, of Rockford, and has four chil- dren, Francis, Esther. James and .\ddie : Dudley, who is living on the old home farm : Custer, a resident of Cheyenne, North Dakota, and Emily, the wife of Joseph Gesell. Mr. Lyford exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican ])arty, and was highway commissioner for one term, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to conccTitrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which DUDLEY LYFORD PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 46. he lias met with sjileiKhd success. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Roscoe lodge, No. 75, A. F. & A. M., and that he has attained high rank in the craft is indicated by the fact of his membership in the Mystic Shrine. He is today one of the extensive land- owners of the coimty, and his holdings represent a life of untiring activity, of keen business dis- cernment and straightforward methods, his his- tory being proof of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. MRS. EMILY M. BARBER. Mrs. Emily M. Barber, owning valuable farm property in Rockford township, is the widow of X. Barber, who died June 25, 1899, at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Barber was a native of Madison coimty, New York, born in the town of Fenner about 1825, his parents being Eli and Olive ( Nourse) Barber, both of whom died in the Empire state. The family was of English lin- eage and representatives of the name removed from Connecticut to New York, where they fol- lowed the occupation of farming. Mr. Barber was one of five children, two of whom reached years of maturity, but his sister, Delia, died sev- eral years ago. She was the wife of Reuben Mathers, and resided in the state of New York until her death. She left one son, Seldon Math- ers, who resides in \''irginia. Nolton Barber was reared in the state of his nativity, and was but six of years of age at the time of his father's death. Between the ages of nine and twenty-one years he resided with a Mr. Gillett and then started to work by the month as a farm hand. It was thus that he entered upon his business career, and in the course of years he had become the owner of land, and was known as a substantial agriculturist. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Madison county, New York, where he made his home for two years, and in 1835 he started westward, set- tling in Rockford township in Winnebago county, Illinois. It was largely a pioneer district, and much of the land in the county was but slightly improved. Here and there were still seen the rude pioneer cabins, and the city of Rockford was at this time but a small town. Mr, Barber at once began the cultivation and development of his land, which he transformed into productive fields, and the tract which he purchased on his arrival in the west has now been the family home for forty-three years. When it came into his possession it was wild prairie, and had no buildings or trees upon it, but he knew that earn- est labor would work a change in its appear- ance and productiveness, and he was soon able to harvest good crops where before were seen the wild prairie grasses. In the home farm is a tract of land of eighty acres, and just south is another tract of twenty-five acres, making in all one hundred and five acres, which now belongs to J\Irs. Barber, and which she has rented. It was before his removal to the west that Mr. Bar- ber was married on the isth of March, 1849. He wedded Miss Emily Marshall, whose birth occurred September 10, 1824, in Fenner, Mad- ison county. New York, her parents being Thomas and Phoebe (Keeler) Marshall, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, and there died many years ago. They were farming people of the highest respectability. The ancestors of the ^larshall family came from Eng- land, and the early home of the family was in Massachusetts. The maternal grandfather- of Mts. Barber served in the Revolutionary war, and lived to the extreme old age of more than ninety-six years. Unto Thomas and Phoebe Marshall were born six children, all of whom reached adult age, including Elmer, who resides in the state of New York ; Mrs. Maria Pinckney. living near Auburn, New York; Mrs. Louisa Sears, who died at Rockford in June. 1903 ; and John F., who died at Rochelle, Illinois, June 7, 1859. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barber were born three children : Myron, the eldest, born in New York, April 2, 1850, is a farmer, residing near Mason City, Iowa. He married Anna Sloan, who was born December 4, 1858, in Illinois, and they have become the parents of ten children: William, born Mav 9, 1884: John M., April 26, 1886; Emily P-', July 17, 1887; Myron IT., March 6, 1889'; Mary L„ October 9, 1890; Olive S., Oc- tober 2, 1893 ; Daisy A., February 24, 1896; Ada N., April 19, 1898; Lizzie, January 4, 1899: and Grace, December 13, 1902. Louisa Barber, the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nolton Barber. was born in New York, June 14, 1853, and be- came the wife of Jerome A. Hudler, who was born August 8, 1849, i" the Empire state. They have four children, but the two eldest are by a former marriage: Maud, born May 9, 1884, and Harry, born in February, 1887, The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hudler are : Laura E., born Jan- uary 30, 1893, and Irene L., born October i, 1895. The family home is in Rockford, where Mr. Hudler is connected with the dry plate works. Ada I. Barber, born July 21, 1858, in Winnebago county, is the widow of Albert M. Truesdall, who was bgrn November 22, 1862, in Illinois, and died at the home farm of Mrs. Barber February 11, 1901. Mrs. Truesdall re- sides with her mother, and has two children : Emma Louise, who was born June 2, 1892, and Arthur, born March 10, 1894. Mr. Barber was a republican in his political views and served in several local offices 4'' I'AST AM) i'Ri-:si:\" ol" W INXI-.r.ACO COl'XTN' 111 Ilis tounsliii). I U- was a member ul the (irange. and hotli he and his wife belonged to the Winnebago Street Method- ist Episco]>al chureh. His hfe was a busy and useful one, and for many years he suc- cessfully carried on agricultural pursuits, his la- bors resulting in the aciiuirenieut of a comfort- able competence. He was truly a self-made man. for he started out empty-handed and de])ended entirely upon his own resources for all that he ac<|uired or enjoyed. His sterling worth gained him the confidence of his fellow townsmen, and all who knew him entertained tor him warm re- gard. Mrs. Iiarber still resides on the old home- stead farm, and although she has rented the land, gives genera! supervision ti> the property. FREDERICK W. W AKXER. Frederick W. Warner, connectcil wiili agricul- tural interests in Winnebago count\ fmm an early day. when jiroducc was hauled by team to the Chicago market, is now the owner of a valuable farm of six hundred and eighty-seven acres in Harlem townshi]). He was born September 29. 1828. at Wethersfield. Connecticut, a .son of Walter and ( )ra ( Clicney ) Warner, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The Warner family (in .so far as jiresent records go) originated in County Essex, England. where \Villiam. the .\merican emigrant, was born October 20. 1394, and who settled at Tjiswich, Massachusetts, with a daughUr and two sons in A grandson and namesake of the emigrant. Lieutenant and Deacon William W^irner, settled ill Wethersfield. Connecticut, and married No- vember 1, \(y(^j. to Hannah, (daughter of Centle- maii John) Robbins. From this coujile a long line of Warners has descended in the (nearly) two hundred and fifty years that have elapsed since their marriage. Many of these lived and died at Wethersfield, and more found homes in far distant scenes of life and activity, .\niong the latter we find. W^alter Warner, the Rock river pioneer, who was the son of .\llen and Marv ( Readle) Warner, born at Wetliersfield. Connecticut. June 12, 1801, died at Roscoe, March 25, i86_:?. and who marrieil first. .Xjiril 13. 1825. drry ('daughter of Olcott) Cheney, of Berlin. Connecticut, who was born February 5. 1804. died July 13. 1839. at Roscoe. He was married second. Xovember 9. 1840. to Sarah Sanborn, daughter of John and Hannah ( Dickerman) Tucker. The Tucker family, originally of Rox- Iniry. Massachuttsetts. removed after 1813 t" I'.ahimore. where Sarah was born .\pril 4. i8ir). The family again removetl about 1820 tn llreeii- brier county. N'irginia (now West Virginia), and from there about 1839 to Kane county. Illi- nois, where she married. She died at Kirk wood, .Missouri. December 16. i88(>. and was buried at Roscoe. Walter Warner's father died in 181 3, leaving him at twelve years of age the main support of a mother and five children. In early lite he worked at the caqieiiter's trade one or more winters at Savannah. ( lecjrgia. returning to Wethersfield for the warm season, and working his ])assage on the sailing vessels plying between Xew York and Savannah, as a common sailor. Ill 1824 he assisted in building the first Methodist ciuirch organized in Wethersfield. being a mem- ber of the first board of trustees. This was a rude structure, as money and labor were scarce, and particularly so for such an enterprise as Methodism was considered almost a heresy at that time. However the house was built and in- closeil. though for a long lime for lack of means. it remained unfinished. Rude seats were made l)\- placing planks across the timbers, upon which the worshipers set while their feet rested on the ground. Mr. \\'arner continued to reside it W'ethers- field. where his older children were born, until 1833. when he removed to Lima. Xew York, where he bought a farm, but becoming dissatisfied with his purchase, he left his family at Lima in 1836. and in company with his wife's brother, rienjamin Cheney, he went to Illinois, to "spy out the land". The P.lack Hawk war had ceased, and the tide of immigratinn had just begun to set that wav. He "filed" on a considerable tract of land in the autumn of 1836. returned to Lima, and in the following sirring .sent his family over the lakes by boat, while he and his brother-in-law. Xorris Wilcox, drove a team with their few belongings overland from Lima to Illinois, where their families joined them, arriving on the 8th of .\ugust. 1837. i'.v his first wife he had six children, as fol- lows: Lucv .\nn. Ixirn at P.erlin. Connecticut, Sei)tember 17. i82f). living now at Roscoe. mar- ried William Richardson, born at Spencer. Mas- sachusetts, September 3. 1820. died at Roscoe. September 18. i8i)8. Frederick William, of this review is the next of the family. Orry. lx>rn September 24. died Xovember 4. 1830. Mary Jane, born at Wethersfield, July 31, 1833, now living ill Heloit, Wisconsin, married at Roscoe in 1832 Sabin O. Wood, of Maine, who died in Xovember. 1888. Josephine .\melia. born at Wethersfield July 13. 1833. now living at St. Paul. Minnesota, married at Roscoe. in 1870. Arthur P. P.rown. who died .\pril 18. 1903. Sarah Elizabeth, born at Ro.sax'. September 2. 1837. died at C.rinnell. Iowa. March 3. i8r)8. .She w.-is the first wife of .Xrthur P. Pniwn. who F. W. WARXER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. 465 married her sistc'r Josephine. The following children were born of the second marriage : John Tucker, born August 20, died September 10, 1841. George Washington, born August 11, 1842. died INIarch 8, 1874. He was married November 24. 1865, to Ellen A., daughter of Lewis and Susannah ( Pratt) Anderson, born Stockbridge, New York, March i, 1844, now living in Chicago. Martha Maria, born November 29, 1844, died July 21, 1882. She was long a teacher in the public schools of Roscoe and Rockford : William Fisk, born at Roscoe, June 20, 1848, now living at St. Louis, Missouri, married October 7, 1873, Florence Gazlay, daughter of William M. and Emily H. Waide, of Louisville, Kentucky, born at La Grande, Ken- tucky, July 10, 1856. Stephen Olin, born Novem- ber 6. 1851, died February 15, 1897. He married on October i, 1880, Elva B. Horning, now living in Chicago. Hannah Lucretia, born December 3, 1854, died June 29, 1855. Lucy A., Frederick W., Mary J., and Josephine A., came to Winne- bago county on the 8th day of August. 1837, and all are still living. Frederick W. Warner was about nine years of age when he accompanied the family to Illi- nois, traveling by canal to Buffalo, thence on a sailing vessel on the Great Lakes to Chicago, the lake trip requiring three weeks time. They found Chicago a small village, located in the midst of a swamp. That was the year of its in- corporation and the most prophetic could not have dreamed that it was soon destined to be- come the commercial center of the great west. Mr. Warner was his father's active and able as- sistant in the ardous task of clearing and develop- ing a new farm and he worked diligently, faith- fully performing all the tasks necessary in the development and improvement of the property. He and his father hauled grain and dressed hogs to the Chicago and Milwaukee markets over many miles of corduroy roads and carried on farming with the crude machinery of that day, but speedily adopted the improved farm imple- ments and other modern facilities as they were introduced. Mr. Warner has always kept pace with progress in agricultural life, and in fact has been recognized as a leader in many things in his community. Year after year carrying on general farming, he has prospered in his undertakings and is now a prosperous citizen. He has large landed possessions in Texas, comprising thirteen thousand acres, and all has been acquired through his own labors and wise investment. On the 27th of October, 1853, Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Pamelia Birdsall. of Roscoe, Illinois, who was born in New Hart- ford, New York, April 5, 1829, and died June 24, 1896, her death being deeply regretted not only by her immediate family but also by many friends because she was a most estimable lady, displaying many excellent traits of character. There were two sons and three daughters of that marriage. George B. Warner, the eldest, born November 30, 1854, and now living in Shenan- doah, Iowa, married Ada Blair, of Roscoe, Illinois, and has a son and two daughters. Nel- lie A. is the wife of John P. Graham, of Rock- ford, and has two daughters. Harriet J. is the wife of Payson W. Peterson, of Lisbon, Iowa, and has a son and two daughters. Abigail M. Warner is living in Palo Alto, California. Fred W.. a resident of Baker City, Oregon, married Edith Eldred, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and they have two sons, Fred W., 3d, and Eldred. Mr. and Mrs. Warner, of this review, also lost one son and two daughters. In politics Mr. Warner is an inflexible sup- porter of the prohibition party, having long been an ardent advocate of the cause of temperance, doing everything in his power to promote its principles. He is also a friend of higher educa- tion, for although his own advantages in youth in that direction were rather limited, he realizes the value of intellectual training and desires it for others. For the past forty years he has been a school director and has ever favored methods which would promote the utility and efficiencv of the schools of the county. He is a member of the Methodist church at Roscoe, in which he is serving as steward and his long useful and hon- orable life have gained him the respect and trust of his fellowmen. As a pioneer citizen he is also entitled to representation in this volume, having for sixty-eight vears lived in the county. FREDERICK GARNER. Frederick Garner was a wealthv retired farmer, who resided in the city of Rockford for more than a third of a century. He came to Winnebago county in 1858 and purchased a farm in Guilford township. He was a native of New York, born December 19, 1830. His father died in the Empire state when Frederick was only nine years of age, and the mother afterward made her home in New York throughout her remaining days, passing away in New York city, although she frequently made visits to Rockford and was well known here. Only one member of that fam- ily still survives, Nyac, who resides in New York city. Frederick Garner attended the public schools of New York, but his educational privileges were somewhat limited, and it was through the in- herent force of his character, his strong deter- mination and native ability that he won the sue- 40') PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO eOLXTV cess tliat crowned his efforts. He remained with his mother in the east until 1858, when lie came to lUinois. estahUshiiig his home in Winnebago county. Here lie jjurcliased a farm nf one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 31, (hiilford town- ship, but only resided thereon for a brief period, after which he rented his land and took up his abode in the city of Rockford. livin<; retired here until his death. It was subse(|uent to his removal to the west that Mr. ( iarner was married to .Miss Elmore J. Davis, a daug:hter of Peter Davis, wbo was one of the early settlers of the county, and purchased a farm in Guilford townshi]), where he carried on fjenerai agfricultural pursuits until his death. .\11 of the members of the Davis family have passed away with the txception of .Mrs. (iarner. There were five diildren born in this luiion. but oidy three are now living: tirace (I. and Ruby V.. who reside with their mother, and Mrs. H. C. Chandler, a resident of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania. Those who have passed away are Mrs. .\. G. .Allen, who flied in P>uffa]f nine children, and after his father's death the work of improving and devel()i>ing tlie iionie farm de- volved largely upon him. lie cinitinued its cul- tivation fur many years, making many improve- ments there but at the ])resent time is living re- tired in Rockford. In 1855 he married .Agnes Greenlees, who was born in Kintyre, .Argyle- shire, a daughter of William and Martha (Har- vey) Greenlees. She is now deceased. Mr. Smith is a Presbyterian in religious faith, and his polit- ical views endorse re]ntblican i)rincii)les. Daniel .A. Smith, the youngest of five chil- dren in his father's family, has always resided upon the old home farm. He assisted his fatiier until nineteen years of age. when he and his brother \\'illiam rented the home place, aufl in 1898 Daniel .Smith purchased the farm. His at- tention has been given in undivided manner to its further developmnet and improvement, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he car- ries on stock-raising. He was well qualified for his business interests by a good common- school education, and a term's study in a busi- ness college at Rockford and in all of his work he is methodical, practical and diligent. In June. 1901. I\Ir. Smith married Margaret Ralston, a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Pickcn) Ralston, of Harlem township. Mrs. .Smith was born Seiitember 21. 1875, and her par- ents were early residents of the locality. Our subject and his wife attend the Willow Creek Presbyterian church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. They are well known young people of the community, to whom the hos])itality of the best homes is freely ac- corded. CHARLES R. HALL. Charles R. Hall, who since 1858 has made his home in Wiimebago county and in connection with farming is financially interested in indus- trial pursuits and banking in Rockford. now lives on section 19. Rockford township, where be owns a valuable farm of three hundred acres, in addition to which he cultivates a tract of twa hundred acres which he leases. He is a native of Connecticut, having been born in the town of Bristol in 1855, his parents being Friend C. and Loly B. (^latthews") Hall, who came to Winnebago county about 1858. The mother died April II, 1901. She was a daughter of Joel and Julia ( I'ord) Matthews, who spent their entire lives in ^\'aterbury. Connecticut, and were farm- ing people. Our subject's jiatcrnal grandjiarents were Lyman and Mila (Hall) Hall, who died in Wallingford, Connecticut, the former March 6, 1844, at the age of fort\-six years, and the lat- ter November 16, 1837, at the age of thirty-six vears. PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 4/1 On reaching- the middle west Friend C. Hall purchased a farm in Winnebago township, and later received nine hundred acres in Rockford township from his uncle. Riley Hall, who came to the west at a very early day in the develop- ment of this section of the state and took up the land from the government. The old stage barn was located upon his farm, and is still standing on the property of Charles R. Hall. The farm was one of the first developed in this locality, and has since been divided among the four chil- dren of Friend C. Hall. It was upon this place that Charles R. Hall was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors which claim the attention and energies of the agriculturist. In addition to what he inherited of the old home S^H ^ j^B^ E^^Si l^paaxu.^^ y^ fi^^i ^JH*^^'*^ g|p ljH9I^^^^^^ ■ i HP v'^^2 ^B BRk^::^ ^<- -^ HRj^^^v-U i^?nHil ftliii T" H R^^!QL.^- evin) Culhane, were na- tives of Ireland, and on crossing the Atlantic to .America in 1857. the fat Iter made his way to Buffalo, New York. .Afterward he located in Cherry N'^alley, where he continued to make his home until his death. He scr\'cd as foreman for Hugh Mackey and John Brown, For the last fifteen years of his life he lived retired and died February 28, IWS- In his family were eight children, of whom one died in infancv. The PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COl'NTY. 473 others are: Mary, the wife of John Sullivan, of the firm of Sullivan & Curry, of Rockford ; Julia, the wife of Joseph Sullivan, of Rockford ; Ellen, who married Harry Jilbert, of this city ; Kath- erine, the wife of Frank P. Dooly, of Chicago ; Thomas H. ; Alice, a teacher in the public schools of Rockford : and A. B.. a practicin;; dentist of this city. Dr. Culhane pursued his education in Cherry Valley until he had completed the high school course, after which he engaged in teaching there and in Caledonia for two years. He began prep- aration for the practice of medicine in 1887. ma- triculating in Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1890. In 1903 he pursued post-graduate work in the Physicians and Surgeons" West Side Hospital of Chicago, and reading and research have ahvavs ke]it him abreast in the advancement made bv the medical fraternit}'. Following his graduation he located in Rockford, opening an office at No. 1025 South Main street, and he has now a very large prac- tice, his patronage having constantly grown as he has demonstrated his ability to meet the intricate problems which continuallv confront the phvsi- cian. He makes a specialty of surgery and he is a member of the staff of the Citv Hospital. He belongs to the Illinois State ^Medical Societv, the Winnebago County ]\Iedical Societv and the American Medical Association. In 1893 Dr. Culhane was married to Miss Katherine T. Fitzpatrick. a daughter of Nicholas Fitzpatrick, of Chicago, and they have three chil- dren : Marion, born in 1896: Francis, in 1857: and Thomas Henry, October 25, 1904. The par- ents are members of St. Mary's Catholic church, and Dr. Culhane has fraternal relations with the Knights of Columbus, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Home Fraternal League, the Mys- tic Workers, the Fraternal Tribunes and the Loyal Americans. He is independent in his po- litical views, supporting the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office. He has twice been a member of the pension board, and is now president of the school board, and local ad- vancement, as well as national progress, is a cause dear to his heart, so that more than one measure for the benefit of Rockford has felt the stimulus of his support and co-operation. DA\'ID ATWOOD. David Atwood. for manv \-ears an agriculturist of Winnebago county and also connected with banking interests as a stockholder, took up his abode here in the fall of 1844, ^"d was therefore one of the pioneer residents of this part of the state. Sixty years have since elapsed and many changes have occurred, for at the time of his arrival he found a district largely unimproved, while Rockford was a little village giving small evidence of future development and growth. 'Mr. Atwood was born in Middleville, Berkshire county. Massachusetts, June 11, 1824, his parents being Phineas and Huldah (Hascall) Atwood. The father was a native of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and the mother of Peru, that state. In his native town he learned and followed the blacksmith's trade and also engaged in farming there. He was likewise active in the work of the church and was an ordained minister of the ]\Ieth- odist Episcopal denomination, preaching at both Middleville and Washington, Massachusetts. In 1842 he removed to Lewis county. New York, where he resided until 1845, when he came to the west, settling in Winnebago count)-. For a short time he resided in New ^lilford and then went to Harlem township, where he became owner of a large tract of land, to the cultivation and im- provement of which he devoted his energies as a general farmer for many years. Later he lived retired, making his home there until his death, which occurred in Harlem township when he was eighty-five years of age. He had served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 as a drummer boy, and was equally loyal to her wel- fare throughout his entire life and also to public progress and improvement along the lines that promote the material, intellectual and moral de- velopment of the race. His widow died in Har- lem township at the age of ninety-four vears. There were ten children in their family, of whom four are living, namely : Jonathan, a retired merchant, residing in De Kalb. Illinois : ^lary \\'.. who is the widow of Charles Haskins, and resides at No. 415 East street in Rockford ; Heze- kiah, a retired merchant living in Boone. Iowa ; and Sylvester G.. who is living retired at No. 1904 Harlem avenue in Rockford. Those de- ceased are Phineas. Harriet N., Patience, David, Louisa and Bradley S. David Atwood acquired a good education in the east and in 1842 accompanied his parents on their removal to Lewis county. New York, where he lived until 1844. The brothers came west on account of the health of Jonathan Atwood. They made the journey by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago and by stage to Rockford. Here Mr. Atwood began working by the month as a farrn hand and finalh- located on the place now known as the old Hastings farm in New Milford town- ship, living there for a few years. Subsequently he took up his abode in Harlem township where he purchased a tract of wild prairie land for seven dollars per acre and on this he built a small house. He then began clearing his land, and as the fields were prepared for the plow he turned his furrows and planted his crops. He paid for his farm by hauling his corn to Beloit, Wisconsin. 474 FAST A\D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COIXTV. whicli was then the nearest market, receiving for the prodnct twenty cents per Inishel. Desiring a companion and hel]3mate for Hfe's journey, Mr. Atwood was married November 15, 1848. to Miss Elizabeth Crill, better known as Libby. She was born in Stark, Herkimer county. New York, Oc- tober ID. 1 83 1, her parents being James and Susan (Gnivits) Crill. both of whom were na- tives of Herkimer county. The family, however, is of German lineage, and the grandfather, Thomas Crill, was the first of name to come from Germany to America, emanating from a noble family. He served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war and died in Herkimer county. New York. James Crill and his wife moved to the west in 1844. and first settled in New Milford township. Winnebago county, on a farm, where they lived for four months. They then removed to Monroe township. Ogle county, where Mr. Crill became the owner of extensive farming property land. Suhse(|uciitly he engaged in .gen- eral farming until his later years, when he re- moved to the village of Monroe, where he lived retired. In the meantime he had become very wealthy and was there engaged in loaning money, while his two sons, Isaac and John, now de- ceased, looked after the farm. P.oth Mr. and Mrs. Crill resided in the village of Monroe until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. .Atwood became the parents of two children. The elder son. Tames M.. married Lilly Tuttlc, and they now reside in Guilford township, where he is engaged in farming. Charles D. Atwood married Emma Shaul, a na- tive of Amsterdam. New York, and they reside with his mother in Rockford. He. however, is engaged in business in Chicago and spends only Sunday at home. Air. and Mrs. Atwood also adopted and reared three children: Millicent. the wife of Gilford Smith, living near Holcomb, Illi- nois ; Kitty, who now resides in Marion, Ohio: and Henry, %vho lived with Mrs. Atwood until nineteen years of age. and is now a resident of California. Mr. .Atwood continued his farming operations in Harlem township and purchased more land there until he owned an extensive tract. He was practical and progressive in his farming meth- ods, adding good buildings to his place and cul- tivating his land so that it |)roduced excellent crops. He there carried on general farming imtil the marriage of his younger son in 1888, when he turned over the farm to the care of his sons and the property is still a part of the estate. Mr. and Mrs. .Atwood then removed to Rockford. and throughout his remaining days he enjoyed the fruits of his former toil. He passed away here September 22. 1904. For several years he had been a director in the Rockford National Rank and he left his familv in vcrv comfortable cir- cumstances. His possessions had all been ac- (|uired through his own efforts and his example sht)uld serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be accomplished through de- termined purpose, laudable ambition and unfalter- ing industry when guided by sound judgment. In ])olitics he was a democrat, and he belonged to the .Masonic lodge of Rockford for over a half century, the fiftieth anniversary of his connec- tion therewith being celebrated in August, 1904. He also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. He contributed toward the building of the Crill Methodist Episcopal church of Alonroe township, and both he and his wife attended the services of that denomination, but were not mem- bers thereof. Mr. .Atwood. known and honored as one of the wealthy and prominent men of the county, left behind him many friends. The fam- ily is prominent here and ^Irs. Atwood and her S(in occupy a commodious and lx?autiful residence at No. 21s Killnirn avenue. BRADFCmD A. KNIGMT. r.radford A. Knight is a representative of the Winneba.go county bar and is a native son of Illinois. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, on the J<)th of May, 1856. His parents were Joshua A. and Aclisah J. (Davis) Knight. The father was born in the slate of New York in 1833. He removed to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1856, and took up his abode there in Lynnville township on a tract of land which he continued to cultivate until his death in 1883. He is sur- vived by his wife, who yet resides on the old homestead. 'llie paternal grandfather was Ilezekiah Talcott Knight, who married Miss -Anna .\ngell, of New York. The maternal grandfather was Richard Davis, also a native of the Empire state, and his wife bore the maiden name of Lois Eddy, also of New York state. Hradford A. Knight supplemented his early education, obtained in the common schools, by study in Mount Morris Academy, and began preparation for the practice of law as a student in the office and under the direction of H. O. Rogers, of Rochelle, Illinois. Subsequently he attended lectures in the law department of the State I'niversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, froin which he was graduated with the class of 1885. In the same year he entered upon the practice of the law in Rockford, where he has resided continuously since. His clientage has constantly increased as he has demonstrated his power to solve intricate legal problems. His practice extends now into other states as well as in the federal court. His law library con- tains thousands of volumes, and is one of the B. A. KXIGHT. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 477 largest and most complete ]irivate law libraries in the state of Illinois. Mr. Knight is by nature a student and this characteristic is one of the strong elements in his success at the bar. In 1884 Mr. Knight was married to Miss Kate F. (Jakes, of White Rock township, Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter of William D. and Sarah (McCormack) (Jakes. They have be- come the parents of eight children: W'illiam D.. .Arthur. Katherine. .\lice. and Drtrothy, who are living, three having died in infancy. In politics Mr. Knight has been what ought to be called an independent, having voted the leading party tickets as each came nearest to voicing his senti- ments. CAIATN WKLTY. Calvin W'elty is a prosperous farmer, residing on East State .street near the city limits of Rock- ford. .A native son of Pennsylvania, he was born in Tioga county, in December, 1836, his parents being John and I^lizabeth ( Linehart j W'elty. who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of J. J. Welty on another page of this work. They removed to the west when their son, Calvin, was a youth of fifteen years, and he remained under the parental roof until after the outbreak of the Civil war. His education, which was gained in the public schools of Pennsylvania, was contin- ued in the district schools of Cherry Valley town- ship. In ( )ctober, 1861. he enlisted at Cherry Val- ley as a member of Company L, Eighth Illinois Cavalrv. and served for three years, after which he re-enlisted in 1864. and thus as a veteran re- mained with the army until the close of the war. He was always with the cavalry troops, and he enlisted under Captain Duston, of Sycamore, Illi- nois, in whose command he was sent to W'ash- ington. D. C. The regiment was attached to the .\rmy of the Potomac in \'irginia. and was under command of General Jolm Farnsworth. Mr. Welty participated in the following engagements : Williamsburg. May 5. 1862: ilaitimore Cross Roads. May. 1862; Fair (Jaks, X'irginia. June 17 and 18. 1862: the battle before Richmond; Tur- key Creek. Mrginia : ^lalvern Hill. Bamstown. Catoctin Pass. Middleton. South Mountain and Boonsboro, Maryland, and Martinsburg, \'ir- ginia. At the last named place he was taken prisoner, but was paroled by General Lee. and returned to his command in March. 1863. In that year he participated in the battles of Free- man's Ford and Beverly l-^jrd. The latter oc- curred April 30. T863, and thirty-five thousand men were engaged on both sides. It was one of the hardest fought cavalry engagements of the war. After this battle Mr. Welty was made quar- termaster sergeant, and so continued until the close of hostilities. In 1863 he was also in the engagements at I'pperville. Fairfield. Pennsyl- vania ; Gettysburg, W'illiamsport, Boonsboro and Benevola, Maryland ; Tunktown, Falling Waters, Chester Gap. Culpeper, Rapidan. Madison Court- house. Raccoon Ford. Stevensburg, Brandy Sta- tion. Bull Run. Bealton Station. Hazel Ridge and Chantilly. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted, and was detailed for duty in Washington, where he remained for some time, and later was sent to X'irginia to hunt Colonel Mosby, following that commander for a considerable period. Although in many hotly contested engagements, and often in the very thickest of the fight, he was never wounded, and at the clo.se of the war was dis- charged at St. Louis, after which he was sent to XX'ashington. U. C being mustered out on the 15th of July. 1865. From Washington to St. Louis the troojis went by boat from Cincinnati, f Jhio, to Cairo, Illinois, and then started up the Mississippi river to St. Louis that night, but the boat sank and four of the men on board were drowned. After the war Mr. Welty came to Cherr\- \'al- ley township, where he worked with a threshing machine. The next year he bought eighty acres of land, on which he lived until 1875, when he sold out and purchased his present farm. He now owns one hundred and six and a half acres of fine land, under a high .state of cultivation, adjoining the city limits on Fast State street. Here he has a magnificent home, and everything is thoroughly modern, being in keeping with the most progressive .spirit of the times. While in the army he saved twelve hundred dollars, and this gave him a start in life, and most of his propertv has been acquired entirely through his own labors. He keeps a large amount of stock, including cattle, and for thirty years he was successfully and extensively engaged in the dairy business, and for twenty-seven years of that time supplied the female college. He car- ries on general agricultural pursuits, and super- intends most of the farm work himself, doing not a little of the labor. In 1867 Air. Welty was married to Miss Fro- celia M. Dawson, who was born in Boone county. Illinois, in .\pril. 1847. 'i^r parents be- ing Robert and Cornelia ( Dewitt ) Dawson. Her father was of French descent : became a farmer of Indiana, and died in that state at the very advanced age of one hundred and four years. The children of this marriage are: Grace. Gen- evieve and John, all at home, and Bert, who married Nellie Osborn. and lives near his father's place, on State street. 'Sir. X\"eltv is a republican, and his served as school director, but otherwise has filled no public offices. He belongs to Nevius post. No. i, G. 4-8 I'ASr AND PRESENT OF WIXXi: H AC.O O )UXTY. A. K.. ami alsn tlic Masonic lodfje. and he and his family are members of the P.aptist church. His life exemplifies the term "dignity of labor," for along honorable lines and through indefati- gable indiistrv he has won his ]>rosperity, his labors being so directed as to gain the highest esteem of liis fellowmen. REV. JOSEPH S. BRADDOCK. Kiv. loseph S. P.raddock. who is now the oldest living graduate of Washington & JetYer- son College at Washington. Pennsylvania, and who since 1865 has been the pastor of the Middle Creek Presbyterian church in Winnebago town- ship, was born in Greene county. Pennsylvania. Tunc 17. 1817. his parents being Francis and Anna (Gray) P.raddock. both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. They w^ere farm- ing people and both passed away in Pennsyl- vania more than a half century ago. Rev. Joseph S. P.raddock was reared to farm life, eariv becoming familiar with the duties' and labors of the fields as lie assisted his father in the farm work. His early educational privileges were supplemented by a course in Washington College, now the Washington & Jefferson Col- lege at Washington. Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of 1842. He is now the oldest living alumnist of that noted in- stitution. Determining to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he became a student in the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny. Pennsvlvania. and was licensed to preach in 1847. since which time he has been continuously con- nected with the active work of the ministry, never failing to preach a sermon on the Sabbath through all these years on account of illness, and his vacations have also been few. His first pas- torate was in Kentucky near Frankfort. He re- mained in that state for sometime and was also jirincipal of a female seminary at Lebanon. Kentucky, until the school was destroyed by fire by the noted rebel general Morgan. This was because of Rev. P.raddock's allegiance to the I'nion and after the destruction of his property he caiue to the north in tfV)? and accejited his present pastorate at the Middle Creek Presby- terian church. While in Lebanon. Kentucky, Rev. P.raddock was married to Miss Ella Edmunds, who died in IQOO. and their only son, William A., was killed in the Civil war. In his early political aflfiliation Mr. P.raddock was a whig and when the re- publican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and gave to it his support for a number of years but is now a prohibitionist, that i)arty embodying his views on the temperance (|uestion. His life, however, has been given almost entirely to the upbuilding of the church and the dissemination of Christian jjrinciples. Toward the middle of the nineteenth century the adherents of Presby- terianism in this locality worshiped in the First I'resbvterian church in Rockford but were too far distant to attend services there regularly and in April, 1855. ai)plication was made to the presbytery of Chicago for the organization of a church in this neighborhood. The request was granted and the church was formed with sixteen members, services being held in a stone school- house. In the sirring of 1856 Rev. W. P. Carson became pastor, combining the work of teaching and ])reaching and remained at tlie head of the church for a number of years. In the summer of 1856. after worshiping for five years in the stone schoolhouse and Grout church alternately, arrangements were made for the building of a house of worship and on the loth of May. 1861, the new church edifice was dedicated. In Sep- tember of that year Rev. Carson resigned and was succeeded by Rev. M. Pi. Patterson, and in October. 1862, M. J. L. Merritt was called to the pastorate. He was succeeded in December, 1865, i)v Rev. J. S. P.raddock. who has now for forty years been pastor here, and his lalwrs have been attended with success, which is manifest in the growth of the church, its spiritual development and its activity in its various lines of Christian labor. Rev. P.raddock has the tmqualified re- spect and good will of all throughout the com- munity whether of his own or other denomina- tions and has the warm love of his parishioners, as is indicated by the fact that he nas remained here as pastor through four decades. TIMOTHY I- IT/PATRICK. Timothy l"ilz|);itrick. a farmer, located on sec- tion 30. Xew Miiford tf)wnship, came to Illinois fiftv-one vears ago. taking up his abode at \\ hite Rock. Ogle county, in 1854. He is a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred in County Cork, in 1833. Mis parents were John and Ellen (Shehan) Fitzjiatrick. both of whom died on the l-'merald isle. Mr. Fitzpatrick had two brothers and two sisters who came to this country, but the brothers are now deceased. The sisters are Han- nah, living in Rockford. and Mrs. Mary Do- hany, who is residing near Cherry \'alley. Timothy Fitzpatrick spent the first eighteen vears of his life on the Green Isle of Erin, and acquired a common school education there. He heard favorable rejiorts of .\inerica and its op- portunities, and resolved to seek his fortune in a MRS. I. s. i;i-;.\I)DOCK. REV. J. S. BRADDOCK. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 483 land where labor was not hampered by caste or class. Therefore, crossing' the Atlantic, he made a settlement in Pennsylvania, where he resided for five years, and on the expiration of that pe- riod he came west to Illinois, establishing his home at Whiterock, Ogle county, in 1854. Three years later, however, he removed to his present farm, which he at first leased, but soon after- ward purchased. He now has a finely improved tract of land of two hundred and fortv acres, and for a long period he was actively engaged in general farming, but for the past six years he has lived retired, leaving the work of the fields to others, while he is enjoying a rest that he has richly earned and merits. In Illinois Mr. Fitzpatrick was united in mar- riage to Miss Bridget Hickey, who was born in County Galway, Ireland, hut who left there in her early childhood, being brought to the United States by her father. The mother had died in her native land. The father, Patrick Hickey, landed at New York city, whence he made his way to Illinois, settling in CJgle county, where his death occurred in 1897. The members of his family were : Mrs. Fitzpatrick ; Michael, who is engaged in blacksmithing in Rockford; and Mrs. Mary Garrity, who is living in Ogle county. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick have become the parents of six children, but lost two, John and Louisa. Those still living are: Mrs. Mary Welch, of Rockford ; Mrs. Emma Welch, of Durand ; Mrs. Grace Parnell, of \^'innebago county : and Fran- cis, who is residing at home. In political views Mr. Fitzpatrick is somewhat independent. He does not consider himself bound by party ties, and, though he tisually votes for republican can- didates, he often gives his support to the nomi- nees of the democratic party. He belongs to St. James Catholic church, and he is a self-made man, who, coming to the new world empty- handed, has steadily worked his way upward, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has biiilded wisely and well. RIENZI WEBSTER. Rienzi Webster, one of the oldest merchants of Durand, where he is engaged in dealing in boots and shoes and mens' furnishing goods, was born at Weathersfield Springs, Wyoming county, New York, May 8, 1837. His parents were Solo- mon and Polly (Kellogg) Webster. The father was born in New Hampshire in 1803, and died in Laona township, Winnebago county, Illinois, January 2, 1878, while his wife, a daughter of Lovell and Thankful Kellogg, was born December 22, 1810, on the Holland purchase, in the state of New York, and died in Laona township, No- vember 22, i860. Her father served as a soldier in the American Army during the Revolutionary war, and Mr, Webster, of this review, is also a direct descendant of Governor John Webster, of Connecticut. The brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows : Lydia Almina became the wife of Duncan J. Stewart, Sr., and died in Du- rand, in August, 1872, leaving three sons: Dun- can J., a merchant of Rockford ; Charles, of S]5encer, Iowa : and Henry, also of Rockford : and a daughter. Mina, who is now the wife of Justin Walker, of Durand township. Harriet J. Webster is the wife of Abijah Morey, who was one of the early residents of Laona township, but in the spring of 1884 removed to Valentine, Nebraska, where he now resides. They now have two sons : Otis W. Morey, of Valentine, and Solo- mon R. Morey, of Deadwood, South Dakota, and two daughters, Jennie M., the wife of Thomas Malone, of \"alentine, Nebraska ; and Cora Alvira. wife of J. H. McKean, of Dead- wood, South Dakota. Charles Eugene Web- ster died several years ago near Grand Island. Nebraska, leaving a wife, who was formerly Mary Fleming, of Laona township, this county. Minor Abel Webster, living at Seattle, W^ashington, married Maria Allen, of Laona township, and has three daughters. He enlisted August 6, 1862, in the Seventv- fourth Illinois Infantry and was mustered out June 10. 1865, after participating in the battles of Cham- pion Hill, Stone River, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain and others of less importance. Emily L. Webster became the wife of John Davies, of Durand, and died March iq, 1874. leaving five daughters. IMartha Bancroft, the deceased wife of Rienzi L. Cleveland, of Devil's Lake, North Dakota, left one son, Edward AVebster, who mar- ried Frances Barmingham, died in Durand town- ship, leaving one child, now deceased. Thurlow Weed Webster, a stock dealer of the village of Durand, married Ella Adams, of Durand town- ship, and has one daughter. Carr Webster, a lumber manufacturer of Wildwood, Washington, married Emily Scniler, of Durand township, and has two sons. When Rienzi Webster was seven years of age his father came to Rockford, where he spent the winter of 1844-45, and in the spring of the latter vear he removed to Laona township. During the winter months he had worked at the blacksmith's trade, but after taking up his abode at Laona he turned his attention to farming and Rienzi Webster remained with his father upon the old home farm until twenty-five years of age. In the meantime he had acquired a good education in the common schools of Laona township and spent one year at the business college in Rock- ford, When twentv-five vears of age he left 4^4 AST AND l'RI-.SI-:XT nv Wi \ \I-.|:A( ;( ) tOlXTV. home, bought land and began farming on his own account. After eighteen months, liowever, he sold that property in i8<)4 and went to N'irginia City, Idalin. Returning the same \ear he en- gaged in the agricultural implement business with |i,hn Davis, and this partnersiiip was maintained for four years, during which time the\ also dealt in boots, shoes and clothing. The (inn then sold out and Mr. Webster bought a farm in Laona townshiji, on which he remained t\)r seven vears, when he rented the land and returned to the village. Here he established business as a dealer in dry goods, groceries and machinery, with John \'an Sickle, and they were thus connected for about three years. Then the i)artnerslii]) was dis- solved and Mr. Webster conducted the business alone until the s])ring of i8., born in Laona town- ship. March 27. 1872. was married to James M. .\lden. editor of the Durand Clipper, and a direct descendant of John .Alden, of Mayflower fame. Their marriage occurred Xovember 2'i. i8yron, tliis state, where Mr. .Alden was cilitor of the P.yron Reconl at the time of his wife's death. .August 13. 1000. Mae E. Web- ster, born December ^, 1870, in Laona townshi|). is living with her parents. Mr. Webster is a member of the Ma.sonic fra- ternity and has served as treasurer of the blue mcnt. lodge of Durand. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is now one of the oldest merchants of Durand and one of its most enterprising business men, contributing in sub- stantial measure to its commercial prosperity. His labors have resulted in bringing him a cred- itable measure of success and have ever been guided by lionf)rable principles that will bear the closest scrntinx and investigation. W A.M 1« iJlXS. \\'^illiam Johns is the owner of extensive farm- ing interests in Winnebago county, his home place being on section 2, Rockford township. I lis residence in this county dates from TS51. and as an early settler as well as reliable and successful business man he deserves mention in this volume. He was born in Cornwall, Eng- land, in 1832, and with his parents came to the L'niteital that enabled him to put aside all business cares. His wife, who was Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Eliza- beth Light foot, survived him for about ten years. William Johns of this review has a brother Richard, who is a retired farmer of Rockford. and had another brother, Thomas, who died in I'^ngland. in i4- There were si.x sisters: Jane I'"... who married Rev. (ieorire Havcraft. and lives at Little Prai- rie. Wisconsin : Elizabeth J., who married James Fiddick. and lives at Duarte. California: Pris- cilla. who died in infancy; I'riscilla, second, who married Charles Haley, and lives at Rockford: Mary, who married John Elwick, and died in 11^)3: and .\nn. who married Thomas Johns, and died in li)02. \\'illiam Johns was a young man of about nineteen years when he arrived in this county, and he has since carried on agricultural pur- suits with the exception of about fifteen months <5 Q 5? ■ri PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 487 spent in the employ of the firm of Diamond & Thompson, butchers, of Rockford. He had little assistance when he started out in life, but he placed his dependence in the substantial qual- ities of close application, unfaltering diligence and good common sense, and by the use of those he prospered and invested his capital in more land until he now owns about nine hundred acres, lying in various farms in Rockford town- ship, with the exception of two farms compris- ing two hundred and sixty acres in Owen town- ship. His different farms are now carried on by his sons. On December 30, 1858, Mr. Johns was united in marriage to ?\Iiss Ann Rodd, a native of Bev- erly, Canada, daughter of Joseph and JMary A. (Clement) Rodd, and of English lineage. She is now sixty-five years of age. In their family were six children : Mary J., who married Thomas Kyle, and died in 1866; Fannie, who died in infancy ; Ann, now Mrs. Johns ; Fannie A., who married Colonel Thomas G. Lawler, and lives in Rockford ; Elizabeth, who married Rev. James Banme and lives in Rockford ; and Lucy C, who died in 1871. The sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Baume, of Rockford. spent ten years as a Methodist Episcopal missionary in India. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johns were born eleven children, all of whom are yet living: Ella R. is at home. Frederick W., who was formerly a farmer, and is now mail carrier on route No. 6, residing on Rockton avenue, in Rockford, mar- ried Flora J. Brown, and has two sons, Dwight F. and Selwyn W. Fannie is the wife of Harry Brown, who resides upon a farm, and also con- ducts a lime kiln. Their children are Orville R., Aurilla M., Chester H., Ella I., Myrde C, Eve- line F. and Maybelle. George, residing in Owen township, is a farmer, and married Miss Jessie Drewer, who died in 1899. She was the mother of four children, but Paul T. died in 1897, the surviving members being Earl W., George H. and Jesse R., of whom the last named is now with his grandparents. For his second wife, George Johns chose Maud Russell, of Greene, Iowa. Louis, residing on section 2, Rockford township, was married to Miss Sarah J. Loucks, a sister of William Loucks, proprietor of a res- taurant on North Main street, Rockford, and they have three children, Marian E., Dorothy A. and William L. Lucy M. is the wife of George Tallman, a resident farmer of Rockford town- ship, and they have one daughter, Alice M. An- nie E. Johns is at home. Edward married Miss Lula M. Chapman and is a farmer residing on the North Main street road in Owen township. Herbert, who lives upon a farm on section 16, South Rockford township, married Miss Isadore C. Haight. Roy C. is at home. Charles E., re- siding on a farm on section 9, Rockford town- 27 ship, married Miss Lulu M. Sanders, and they have two children, Mildred G. and Mary. In politics Mr. Johns is a republican, but has never been an office seeker. He contributed money to assist in raising a company for the Civil war, nor has he withheld his support from many movements for the general good. He and his wife are members of the Court Street Meth- odist Episcopal church, while his life has been pre-eminently that of a business man who has never sought his own advancement to the exclu- sion of those interests which develop an hon- orable manhood and awaken the confidence and trust of one's associates. He has prospered, but has gained his success along lines that will bear closest investigation and scrutiny. CHAUNCEY R. BURCH. ; Chauncey R. Burch, following the occupation of farming in Seward township, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1838. He is a son of Chauncey and Nancy (Cole) Burch, the former a native of Westfield, Chautauqua county. New York, born in April, 1803, while the latter was born in Massachusetts in 1805. Both died at the age of seventy-six years. The father fol- lowed the occupation of farming in order to pro- vide for his family, and was also well known as a Freewill Baptist preacher, devoting many years of his life to the work of the ministry, preaching for thirty years in one church in Erie county, Pennsylvania. His influence was of no restrict- ed order, and proved a helpful factor in the moral development of the communities in which he made his home. In his family were eleven chil- dren, but only four are now living: Mrs. Emeline Loomis, Mrs. Mary Colburn, Chauncey R. and Mrs. Delia Loomis. Chauncey R. Burch, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, worked upon the old homestead farm until twenty-one years of age. He assisted in the tilling of the soil, in cut- ting timber and wood, and in all of the various duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Thinking that he might have better business op- portunities in the west, he came to Winnebago county, Illinois, in November, 1859, settling in Pecatonica. During the first winter he worked for Elisha Woodruff, cutting wood, and in March, i860, he entered the employ of M. L. Lowry, for whom he worked as a farm hand at thirteen dollars per month. He was thus employed for nine months, and in the suc- ceeding winter he worked for three months for nine dollars per month. He continued his work as a. farm hand until May 24, 1861, when he offered his services to the country, enlisting 488 PAST AND I'RHSEXT OF WIXXEIJAGO COL'XTV. at Frecport. llliiu)is. in Coinpanv C, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, for three years' service. He was under command of Captain !•-. !•". W. Ellis. This was the first Illinois rejjiment enlisted for three years, and with that command Mr. lUirch went to .\lton. Illinois, thence to I-"ulton. .Mis- souri, and on to RoUa. that state. P.ccaiisc of ill- ness he was granted a fnrlousjh. and returned to his home, hut he rejoined the refxinicnt at Fort Donelson and particijiated in the engagements there and at I'ort Henry. He was woimded in the battle at I'ittsburg Landing, the engagement occurring there on the ')th and 7th of June. 1862. .\fter his injur\- he was taken to Savannah. Geor- gia, but later joined his regiment at Corinth and ]3articipated in the siege of that city. Subse- quently he went to Memphis, Tennessee, and later to La Grange. Tennessee, where because of disahilitv he was honorablv discharged on the 28th of 'July. 1863. W hen no longer able to serve his countr\ Mr. Burch returned to Pecatonica. and the following year because of his ill health was unable to work. .\t a later date he purchased the i)ropcrty known as the Deacon Woodruff farm. com])rising i^ne hundred and sixty acres, and u]K)n this he yet lives, carrying on general farming and stock rais- ing. He sells cattle, hogs and horses and the products of his farm which he markets return to liini a good income. I lis fields are well tilled, and everything about the ]>lace is kejjt in excel- lent condition, the farm being productive and his care and labor being the source of his suc- cess. Mr. liurch has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary Whittlesey, on the 24th of December. 1863. Her parents were Eliphalet and Lydia (Ilitchcockj \\'hittlesey. The father was born in Massachusetts in 1816. ac(|uired his early eduoition in the iniblic schools, and after- ward attended ( )berlin College, at (Iberlin. Ohio. He came to Winnebago county. Illinois, in 1837. and later removed to Iowa, where he died in \')02. He was one of the pioneer residents of this section of the state, and is yet remembered by early settlers here. Mrs. Burch departed this life in June. 1878. leaving two sons. Charles W. and I*!lii)halet C. For his second wife Mr. Burch chose Mary E. Short, a daughter of James and Rosa A. (Re(hiian) Short. Her father, who was born in St. Lawrence county, X'ew York, died in September, 1837. and her mother, who is a native of Wexfonl. Ireland, is now living in Pecatonica with her daughter, Mrs. Short. They were the parents of three children, all born in l^ssi-x county, Xew York, namely: Mrs. Burch. born Se|)teml)er 20, 1851^; Isador C, born Julv 28. i8<'i7: and James F... who was born Julv 5. 1 87 1. an. ij')/- The father learned the car- penter's trade when a young lad, and in early manhood he was married in X'ermont. the wed- ding day being November 4. 1H23. After the birth of five of their children Mr. and Mrs. Mars- ton removed from the Green Mountain state to Wyoming county. New York, where they lived for two or three years, and then established their home in Fiuflfalo, New York, while later they went to Royalton township, in Niagara county. New York. In October, 1844, they took passage on the steamer St. Louis, bound from Buffalo to Chicago, but because of a heavy storm the steamer had to put back to Black Rock, and the Marston family therefore remained in Erie county through the winter of 1844. In May, 1845, ^''^y hio to Cairo, on to St. Louis, Alissouri, and by boat to Dunleath, East Du- buque. Mr. Marston was brought the entire dis- tance on a cot. From Iowa he proceeded by train to \\'innebago county, where his bed was placed in a wagon and he was thus taken home. This was in April, 1862. and he was ordered to report for duty in July. His wound, however, did not heal by that time, but he made his way to Chicago on crutches, and on the 9th of August, 1862, he was honorably discharged. Since recovering his health ]\Ir. Marston has lived upon the old homestead, following the oc- cupation of farming and stock-raising, but he has never been able to do any hard labor since his military experience, his injuries having perma- nently disabled him for active manual work. He has. however, given personal supervision to the management of his agricultural interests, and his keen business sagacity and enterprise have re- sulted in bringing him a fair measure of suc- cess. On the 25th of August, 1863, Mr. I\Iarston was married to JNIiss Sarah Scott, a daughter of Dr. Amos and Harriet (McCarty) Scott, both natives of Munc\- township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Her father w^as born October 3, 1820, and died September 12, 1901. while his wife, whose birth occurred May 23, 1823, passed away in December, i88g. Dr. Scott had studied medicine in Philadelphia, and later he engaged in teaching school. He came west to Illinois in 1857 and purchased a farm in Seward township, turning his attention to agricultural interests. In 1864 he joined the Union Army as a private, but passed the medical stai¥ examination and was enrolled in the service as a surgeon, being as- signed to duty with the One Hundred and Fifty- third A/"olunteer Infantry. He rendered efficient and valuable aid to the sick and wounded in the south, and W'ith a most creditable military record returned to his home when the war was over. He then continued the practice of medicine, which he foUow-ed for over forty years. Inter- ested in the welfare and upbuilding of his com- munitv he gave his aid to many measures for the general good, and through a long period 500 I'AST AM) PRESENT OF WI XXEBAGO CorXTV. served as sc1uk)1 director. I lis rcli,sji()iis faitli was that of tlio Conprcjjational church, and his pohlical siipijort was in accord witii tiic princi- ples of the republican ])arty. In his family were nine children, of whom Sarah. Mrs. Marston, is the eldest, havinsj been born December 4. 1842: Rachel, lujrn December 2. 1844. died May 6, i8t)i : Mary, born .May 8. 1847. is now Mrs. Tracy, of Seward: Charles, born May 26, 1841;, died in .Vujjust, 1890: Martha, born in Xovem- bcr. 1851, is now Mrs. Ray, of Winnebago county: Julia, born in March, 1S54, is Mrs. Hunting, of Xorthfield. Massachusetts; Mercv, born in June, i85('», died in h'ebruary. 1857: Har- riet, born in March. 1853, and Llara. in Septem- ber, 1 861, complete the family. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Marston has been blessed with seven children : Amos A\'.. who is now engaged in the practice of law in Chicago: .\nson, who is a ])rofessor of civil engineering iTi the State University at Des Moines, Iowa: Ciiarles L.. who is a graduate of Rush Medical College, at Chicago, and is now practicing in Mason City. Iowa : Mary .\.. the widow of John Smith, who died in u)oi : deorgc E., a resident fanner of Iowa : \\'alter S., a mechanical engi- neer, living in Chicago: and Robert V .. who fol- lows farming with his father. Mr. ^larston has served as township collector for one year and as school director for nine years. He made a great sacrifice for his coun- try, and has ever lieen a loyal citizen, devoted to the welfare of his localitv, state and nation. CHARLES F. CRAXDALL. Charles F. Crandall. following the occupation nf farming on section 20. Rockford township, has been a resident of Winnebago county since 1875 and since 1876 has made his home on the farm which he yet owns and occupies. He came to the west from Troy. I'.radford county. Pennsyl- vania, but was born in Cortland countv. Xew York, near the village of Homer. March 4. 1827, his parents being Daniel and I.ydia fMorey) Crandall. In both the paternal and maternal lines the families are descended from three brothers who came to this country in the seventeenth cen- tury, probably from England. The jiaternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. serving with a Connecticut regiment. The maternal grandfather was born in \'ermont and was a mason of the earlv day. Mr. anrl Mrs. Daniel Crandall became the parents of seven children, of whom three are vet living. Niles is a resident of Oak Park. Illinois, and was roadmaster on the Chicago & Xorthwestern Rail- road, having charge of the division out of Elgin and l"ree])iirt. lie continued in railroad service throughout his active business life but is now living retired. Bradford Crandall is a retired farmer of Rockford and owns a good tract of land near Rochclle, Illinois. The half sisters of Mr. Crandall are Mrs. Frances C. Coddington, who resides on Slate street near Rockford and Mrs. .\ntoinettc Wheeler, of .Santa Rosa, Cali- fornia. Charles I~. Crandall was about six years of age when his parents removed from New York to i 'ennsylvania. where he was educated in the com- mon schools. He was early trained to the work of the home farm and has always followed general agricultural jjursuits. ^^'hen he started out upon his independent business career he be- gan working by the month as a farm hand at twelve dollars per month and later he was paid successively thirteen, fourteen and fifteen dollars per month, being thus engaged for several years. .\s a com])anion and helpmate for life's journey lie chose Miss Sophia Dillin. a daughter of Joseph and Eliza ( P>reathwaite') Dillin, to whom he was married in 1853. .She was born in Queens county, Ireland, and was brought to .\merica when only six months old by her mother, who was an English lady. Her birth occurred January i. T830. and the young couple began their domestic life in Pennsylvania, where they resided for more than twenty years, after which they came to Winne- bago c(^unty in 1875. The following year I\Tr. Crandall purchased the farm which has since been his home and he now owns and cultivates seventy-nine acres of land on section 20, Rock- ford township. I kre he carries on general farm- ing and he also operates about seventy-five acres additional of the Wigdon farm, being assisted in his work bv his son George. In 189Q Mr. Crandall was called ujion to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 3rst of May of that year, when about seventy years of age. Thev hnd a son and flaughter: George F. and Evdia E., both born in Pennsylvania and both still living with their father. At the time of the Civil war ^\r. Crandall was an advocate of the Union cause and enlisted in December. 1864, as a member of Company P>. Forlx-eighth Pennsylvania \'olunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Ninth Army Corps tmder llrigadier General Curtin. \\"liilc at Knox- ville. Tennessee, this conimand used for the first time wire entanglements in order to keep Eong- street's anny away. It is told for a fact that this scheme saved the day for the Ninth .'Krmy Corps. His regiment mined and blew up the fort in front of Petersburg. The first test of negro troops was made at this time. Mr. Crandall served for .seven months and was mustered out at .Alexandria. \'irginia. .\fter the close of the war he returned to his home in Pennsvlvania, ^IR. AND MRS. CHARLES F. CRANDALL. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 503 where he resided until his removal to Illinois. His first presidential vote was cast for Zachary Taylor in 1848 and at the previous state election he had voted for David Wilmot, the framer of the famous Wilmot Proviso. He is now an ad- vocate of the prohibition part}-, which embodies his views on the temperance question. He and his family favor the Methodist Episcopal church and usually attend the services at the Court Street church in Rockford. [Mr. Crandall has now passed the seventy-eighth mile-stone on life's journey, but though the snows of many winters have whitened his hair he is yet an active and enterprising man, who in spirit and interest seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity and need not suggest as a matter of course lack of occupation, for there is an old age that grows stronger in character as the years pass by and gives out of its rich stores of experience and learning. Such is the history of Mr. Crandall, whose many good qualities win him genuine regard among a large circle of friends. GEORGE L. PETTIS. George L. Pettis, whose realty holdings com- prise two hundred and thirty-six acres on sections II and 14. Harlem township, is one of the native sons of this county, his birth having occurred in Winnebago township, December 28, 1861. He is a son of Lewis M. and Sarah J. (Mandeville) Pettis. His maternal grandfather fought in the American army in the Revolutionary war, while his great-grandfather Clark was a member of the provincial congress in colonial days and served in the general assembly of New York for several terms after the establishment of the republic. Lewis M. Pettis, now living at No. 1235 South Main street, Rockford, was born in Westmore- land, Oneida county. New York, and lived there until March, 1857. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to the west, reaching Walworth, Wisconsin, on the ist of April. He taught school in both the Empire and the Badger states and from Walworth county removed with his parents to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where he followed teaching for three terms. He also attended the Wa^land Academy, at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, about that time. He lived in Sheboygan county until i860, when he came to Winnebago county, Illinois, and purchased a farm in Winnebago township, making his home thereon until 1865, during which time he taught school in the winter months, while in the summer sea- sons he performed the labors of the fields. In December, 1865, he took up his abode in the city where he has since made his home and in 1867 he accepted the position of foreman for N. C. Thompson, dealer in agricultural implements, with whom he remained two years. He then went upon the road, selling the John P. Manny harvesters, and has been a traveling salesman continuously since 1870, being one of the best known "knights of the grip" who represents Rockford industries and commercial enterprises. He was married, March 18, 1861, to Sarah J., daughter of H. N. and Peace J. (Chase) Mande- ville, of Skaneatles, New York. The members of the Pettis family are : Frances, the wife of John F. Armstrong, of Rockford, by whom she has one son and one daughter ; Catherine M., at home with her parents ; John, who died at the age of nineteen years ; and Frederick, who died at the age of seventeen. George L. Pettis, the surviving son of the family, was seven years old when his parents left the farm and removed to Rockford, where he was educated, attending successively the public schools, a business college and Lounsbury Acad- emv. When twenty-three years of age he left the city and rented a farm in Winnebago township, whereon he made his home for six years, when he removed to Benton county, Iowa, where he fol- lowed farming in the vicinity of Vinton for five years. He then returned to Illinois and after farming for a year in Winnebago township, came to his present home in February. 1901, purchas- ing two hundred and thirty-six acres of good land, which he has further developed and im- proved, having nov,- a good farm, from which he annually garners rich harvests, the reward of the spring planting. On the 22d of November. 1884, Mr. Pettis married Agnes G. Buxton, of Stockbridge, Wis- consin, who was born at Forrest, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. August 10, 1863, a daughter of Rinaldo A. and Lucy J. (Schofield) Buxton, then of Stockbridge. Her father, a native of New York state, came to Winnebago county when there was not even a village where the city of Rockford now stands. He was then a young man and he drove a six-mule team overland to California at the time of the gold fever. His wife, who was born in Essex county, Vennont, in 1840, came west with her parents in her early girlhood days to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and is now living at Stockbridge. The brothers of Mrs. Pettis are Edwin A., George L., Albert J., Charles W., Herbert E., Alva R. and Cecil R., and she has a sister, Blanche C, the wife of John W. Birkitt, of Winnebago town.ship. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pettis have been born eight children: Bessie F., born December 22, 1885 : Jessie A., August 16, 1887: Lewis B., who died January- 16. igoi ; Ruth G., born Januarv- 12, 1891 ; Blanche C, August 10, 1893 ; Frank A., born September 10, 1897; Alva A., March 29, 1901 ; \ 504 I'AST AXl) I'RI'.SKXT (~)F WIXXEB.MKJ COUXTV. and Lucy J., .March 27. lyo^. Tlic family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Koscoe and in politics Mr. Pettis is a stalwart republican. His business career has been marked by steady prog- ress and vvitli a realization of the fact that labor is the basis of all true success, his diligence and industry have been made the basis of tlie com- f(irl.ili!t ciimixtcnce which he now jxjssesses. Li;()X.\Rl) !•:. MRRRICK. Among the retired farmers of Winnebago ajunty who are now comfortably located in Rock ford is Leonard E. Herrick, who makes his home at Xo. hj2 W'oodlawn avenue. lie still retains the ownershi]) of two farms of eighty acres each, located on sections g and 18. Rock- ford townshiji. 1 le established his home in Win- nebago county in 1856, when he came to the west from X'ermont. Tie was born in Chittenden county, that state. .Marcii 17. 1829, his parents being Russell and Maria (Tyler) Ilerrick. the fornier l)orn in Rutland. X'ermont, and the lat- ter in Connecticut. The father was a typical Xew England farmer and ne\er removed to the west. Leonard E. 1 lerrick w as reared on the old family homestead in the ( ireen Mountain state, Working there from early boyhood up to the time of his marriage, when he came to the west. He had lived within the shadow of the old Mans- field moinitain in his native state, but here he took up his abode upon the ])rairie. .\fter a brief peril irl he removed to a farm on section 9, Rockford township, and there he carried on general agricultural jiursuits until about fifteen vx'ars ago. when he removed to the city in order to give his children better educational privileges. He has .spent some time in South Dakota. Iowa and other western states. He now gives liis sui>er- vision to his ])ro])erty interests and the rental therefrom brings him a good income. He placed many excellent improvements on his land and develo])ed good farms, which are now attractive features in the landsca])e. Mr. Herrick was married in 1834 la Miss Susan P.ruce Coffren. who was born in Xew TIam])shire. December 26. 1829, her parents be- ing Daniel and Sally (Currier) CofFren. who removed to \'ermont from New Hampshire. They were both natives of .\ckworth. Xew Hamiishire. in which |)lace Mrs. Herrick was also born. The CotTren family were of Scotch- Irish descent and all were stanch church people. Mrs. Herrick '.s mother, however, was of iMiglisb lineage and was a l?aptist in her religious faith Hoth Mr. and Mrs. Herrick received academic instruction. Mrs. Herrick lias three brothers who are ministers and a son who has also fol- lowed that holy calling, all being comiected with the Congregational denonn'nation. Harriet, a sister of .Mr. Ilerrick, married the Rev, Dr. L. I I. (.obi), of Xew ^'ork. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children: George .M., now with the Phila- deliihia l,ife and Trust Company of Chicago, residing in Englewood. was formerly jiresident of Washburn t.'ollege at Topeka. Kansas. Rev. ilem-y .M. Ilerrick is a graduate of Vale College and of Williams Carents were John P>. and Xancy ('.^haplcy) \Villoughby, wlio s])ent their entire lives in the state of New York. Their son Francis was reared and educated there, remain- ing a resident of the east until 1855, when he took up his abode in Ogle county, Illinois, set- tling in Lynnville township, where he pur- chased a farm. With characteristic energy he began its cultivation and improvement, making his home thereon until the spring of i8. In February of that year he removed to \\'innebago county and located on the farm on section 12, Rockford township, where he has resided con- tinuously since, covering a period of almost forty ^ J < CO o o PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. so; years. He now owns sixty acres of land, which is being operated by his son. He has made sub- stantial improvements upon this tract, erecting good buildings and using the latest improved machinery in the care of his land. Through many years he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits, but now is largely living retired, leaving the active work of the farm to others. On the 6th of February, 1857. Air. Willough- by was united in marriage to Miss Janett E. Root, who was born in Oxford, New York, and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Root. Five children have been born unto them, one of whom. Edgar, died September 11. 1895, when about thirty years of age. Augusta E. is the wife of ^^'arren O. Eddy, a farmer residing near Rockford, and they have two daughters, Flora and Alice, the former a teacher in the Rockford high school. Arthur B., who re- sides near his father's home on section 12, is a molder by trade and married Miss Kitty Ernst, by whom he has four children. Hazel, Lvria A., Fletcher and Derwin. John H., who is a farm- er residing in California, married Etta B. Clinite and has five daughters, Neenah, Janett, Marv, Helen and Doris. Francis W. is unmarried and operates the farm for his father. In his political affiliations Mr. W'illoughby is stanch prohibitionist, thus expressing his views on the temperance question. He has served as school trustee for a number of years. He was formerly identified with the Grange and while living in Ogle county was a member of the Good Templars society. He belongs to the Court Street Methodist Episcopal church and has al- ways been deeply interested in the cause of tem- perance, morality and religion, doing everything in his power to aid in the uplifting of mankind. SEL\'EY K. BLODGETT. Selvey K. Blodgett follows farming and stock- raising on section iq, Shirland township, where he owns and operates one hundred and twentv- three acres of well improved land. In addition to this he has a farm in Rockton township which he leases but his personal supervision is given to the home place. His entire life has been passed in this section of the country, his birth occurring in Beloit, Wisconsin, June 10, 1838. His parents were S. K. and Mahala (Norris) Blodgett, who removed from Ohio to Beloit shortly before 1838. Not long afterward they took up their abode in Rockton township, this county, where the father purchased a tract of land lying along the Peca- tonica river — the farm now being owned by the subject of this review. There the father turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, which he followed for ten years, when he once more took up his abode in Beloit, where he engaged in the stock and grain busi- ness and also conducted a flour mill. He \vas thus closely connected with the commercial and industrial life of the city for many years and was a very successful man, possessed of a good fund of common sense, keen business sagacity and strong purpose. He commanded the respect of all by reason of his genuine worth and sterling integrity and when he passed away in 1881, at the age of sixty-nine years, his death was deeply re- gretted by many who knew him. He was a na- tive of New York and had become a resident of Ohio when a young man. His political allegiance was given to the democracy but he had little aspi- ration for public office. His wife was a native of Mrginia and they were married in Ohio. Her death occurred in Beloit about T884, when she was seventy-three years of age. In their family were four children : William, now deceased ; Selvey K. of this review ; Mrs. Sabra H. Smith, living in Beloit ; and Elanor. who died at the age of nine years. Selvey K. Blodgett was reared in \\'imiebago county until ten or eleven years of age and began his education at Rockton, then known as Mack- town. He was acquainted with Stephen Mack and his squaw wife. Hononeqah, and attended school with their half-breed children. His edu- cation, however, was completed in the schools of Beloit and after putting aside his text-books he engaged in business with his father and brother at Beloit for several years. In 1864 he went \A-est to the Pacific coast and spent about two years in California, gaining much experience and practical knowledge there if not wealth. On the expiration of that period he returned to this state and settled on the homestead farm in Rockton township, where he resided until 1900, when he removed to his present place of residence on sec- tion ig, Shirland township. He now owns alto- gether five hundred and sixty-four acres of land in his two farms and he rents his Rockton town- ship propert}'. while giving his personal atten- tion to the cultivation and improvement of his farm in Shirland township. Air. Blodgett has been married three times. He first wedded Helen AI. Bullis, of this county, who died leaving two children: Ella E., now the widow of Samuel Austin and a resident of 'A'isconsin: and Delia H., who is the wife of Samuel Wallace, of Durand. For his second wife Mr. Blodgett chose Aliss Adda Aliller. also of Winnebago and at her death she left five chil- dren : Harry, who died at the age of twenty- four years : Elmer, a farmer now residing in Rockton township : Alay : Emma, deceased : and S. K.. at home. For his present wife Air. Blod- 5o8 I'AST AXn PRESEXT Ol' \VTXXEI'.A( io (OrXTV gett chose Mary E. Austin, whose people were early residents of the county, coming from Xew York state to Illinois. Her parents resided in Laona township hut are now deceased. Politically Mr. Blodtjett has always hcen a democrat, nnfal- terinsj in his advocacy of the ])arly and he an02. leaving a daughter, .Myrtle May. four years of age, who is now being reared by her grand- mother. Robert E. Smith is a plumber by trade but at present writing is emploved in a glove fac- tory at Rockford and makes his home with his ninther. in his political views Robert M. Smith was a stanch rei)nblican but never sought or desired of- fice. While in luiyiand he was a comnuniicant of the Episcopal church. His life was characterized by untiring industry and perseverance as well as frugality and by saving his earnings and invest- ing in ])ro|)erty he became the owner of consid- erable realty in Rockford, which he left his fam- ily at the time of his death, on the nth of Janu- ary, 1892. Industry and integrity were among his salient traits of character and made his exam- ple one worthy of emulation. Much of the pnm- ertv which he left has recently been sold but Mrs. .Smith still retains possession of the old home- stead at Xo. 803 Rockton avenue, where she and her son yet reside and of which she has lieen the owner for thirty years. WILLIAM KILEY. William Riley, now living retired in Winne- bago, came ti> this county in the later "305. England has furnished a number of valued and representative citizens to Illinois, including Mr. Rilev. who was born in ^'orksbire. .\ugust ifi. 1835. his parents being Robert and Sarah f Duck- ett) Rilev. both of whom spent their entire lives in Ensrland. where the father conducted business as a laborer. In the family were eight chiklren but William is the only one who ever came to this country. In his native land William Riley was reared, receiving limited eonng. He secured employment as a clerk in a boot and shoe store in .Mount .Morris, .\'ew York, and was employed in different shoe stores of that city until he had become thoroughly acquainted with the business. He then decided to seek a home in the west, believing that be might have better o])por- tunities for ra])i(l advancement here. Accordingly he made bis way to New .Milford, where his brother John was living, but after a short time he can^e to Rockford. Here be opened a boot and shoe store on East State street where he contin- ued in business for many years with constantly increasing success, carrying a largo and well se- lected line of goods and receiving from the pub- lic a liberal patronage. .\s his financial resources increased he made judicious investments in real estate and realized a, goodly sum from bis pur- chases and sales of land. During his later years he gave up the shoe business, intending to retire from active business life, though he still dealt to some extent in real estate. Mr. .Miller was married twice. He first wedded Miss Margaret Forbes, a daughter of Duncan Forbes, a representative of an early family of Rockford. She died leaving one son, W'illiam, who is now teller in the People's I'.ank and is well known in social as well as financial circles of the city. For his second wife Mr. Miller chose Miss Harriet L. Dean, a native of .^dams county. New York, and a daughter of Richard and Dia- daina (Woodruff) Dean. Both the Dean and Woodruff families were early settlers of Rock- ford and became wealthy. Mr. Dean took up his abode in this city in 1S64 and invested in land near the county seat. He then engaged in real-estate operations until bis death, negotiating many important realtv transfers. He i)assed away at the age of sixty-five years, while his wife's death occurred when she was seventy-two years of age. He was a man of strong force of character, of marked individuality, of excellent business capacity and cajiable management, and became one of the representative and honored residents of bis adopted county. Fn i8<)^. i>n accinmt of the ill health of his wife. "Wr. Miller took her to Colorado, where they re- mained for some time, Mrs. Miller being fully re- stored to health during that period. On the day on which they were to start for home, however, Mr. Miller was stricken with paralysis and died very suddenly on the ist of October. iS>)5. at Steamboat Sjirings. Colorado. His remains were then brought back to Rockford for interment. He was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, in which be attained the Knights Tem- plar degree. In politics he was an unfaltering ad- vocate of republican principles, but although often urged to do so by bis friends, he would PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. ov never accept office. He always attended the Cen- tennial Methodist Episcopal church of Rockford. of which his widow is now a member, and he gave generouslv to the church work. The strong and salient characteristics of his manhood were such as commanded confidence and good will, while the social qualities of his nature endeared him to those with whom he came in contact. He held friendship inviolable and the best traits of his heart and mind were reserved for the inner circle of his own home and family. Mrs. Miller is prominent socially in Rockford, where she owns and occupies a fine residence at No. 222 South First street, which was built by her hus- band and in which she intends to spend her re- maining days. She also has other valuable prop- ertv here from which she derives a g-Qod income. ^IRS. ELLA E. PARTRIDGE. ^Irs. Ella E. Partridge is well known in Peca- tonica and other parts of Winnebago countv. Her husband, Edward C. Partridge, was a native of Stephenson county, Illinois, born December 24, 1847, ^'id ■^'^'«is a son of C. M. and Mary D. (Parks) Partridge, both of whom were natives of Dalton, Berkshire county. Massachusetts. Pos- sibly a better account of his parentage can be given by quoting liberally from the memorial vol- ume published upon the death of his mother and which said "Mary D. Perlev was born in Dalton, Massachusetts, September 2, 1818. and died at Orange City, Florida, September 25, igoo, at the age of eigty-two years and twenty-two clays. Her parents. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Abigail Parks, were of English descent, and being quite wealthy farm- ing people for that day she was given good edu- cational privileges. She possessed a sunnv dispo- sition, vi^as always cheerful, full of ambition and vivacity. A conspicuous trait in her character was self-reliance, and industry was inherent in her nature. She was daily taught by her mother all the various duties of the household. She at one time received at a county fair a premium for a magnificent piece of broadcloth which she wove with her own hands. She was sent aw'ay to complete her education in a select female semi- nary in Connecticut and in due time was gradu- ated with honors, after which she successfully engaged in teaching school with marked ability. When she had follow^ed that profession for a brief period she gave her hand in marriage to Cotton Mather Partridge, who came of good stock, of a religious and literary family noted for unswerving integritv and nobility of character. Cotton Mather Partridge was the youngest of his father's family, and his eyes were turned to the growing west — to Illinois, with its deep fertile lands. Following- his marriage to Marv Parks he took his bride to the pioneer district of Win- nebago count\-. This was in 1846. After travel- ing on the canal for about ten days they arrived at Buffalo, New York, where they took passage on a boat for Chicago, which at that time was a small village, having been incorporated only eleven years before. There were no railroads at that time, and they had \-et one hundred and thirty miles to go after reaching Chicago, but they completed the journey with a farmer, who took them to Rockford, where they began house- keeping in a comfortable farm house which the husband had previously prepared for his bride. The}- invested every dollar which they possessed in land, which in course of time became very valuable, and they realized a splendid return upon their purchase. In 1855 they removed to Peca- tonica, and built one of the first large and elegant houses in the town. Mr. Partridge had built a small house to live in while a more pretentious one was being finished and he did not live to see the latter completed. ?ilrs. Partridge and her son Edward, however, took possession of the larger residence and there she lived with her boy for many years. In 1862 she became the wife of E. F. Perley, a man of literary tastes, \yho had fonnerly been a journalist, but was then a mem- ber of the commission house of David Buell & Company, of Chicago, and an operator on the board of trade. He also owned one of the first elevators built in Pecatonica, where he was in the grain business for many years. 'Mr. and ]\Irs. Perley lived happily together for nearlv fortv \-ears. when the\- were separated l)y his deadi. ^Irs. Perley was a lady of excellent business ca- pacity and of most kindly spirit. Silent deeds of kindness and numerous acts of charitv were con- spicuous in her whole life. She loved her home and its pleasant duties, and while she never min- c^led in "society," those who knew her best were loudest in praise of her genial nature and sunnv disposition. In her later years she spent the win- ter months in Florida to escape the rigorous cli- mate of the north and there she passed peacefully awav." Edward C. Partridge, her only son, having pur- sued his education in the public schools continued his studies in Oberlin College at Oberlin. Ohio, and later attended a business college in Chicago, from which he was graduated in February, 1867. He then returned to Pecatonica, where he opened a general store. Later he sold that business and ■went to Holton, Kansas, to look after his father's estate, and in due course of time he disposed of the Kansas propertv and went to Florida and purchased land at Orange City. He bought and sold a number of tracts of land at dififerent times in the south and he built two fine homes there, one for his mother and one for himself, which is vet owned bv his widow, ]\Irs. Ella Partridge. 5'^ PAST AND PRESKXT OF WINNEBAGO COLXTV. It was in 1880 that lie went to Florida and he continued his operations in real estate there to a greater or less extent imtil his death. On the 15th of February, 1888, Edward C. Partridge was united in marriage to Miss Ella Fenton. a daughter of M. A. and Hannah (Hicks) Fenton. Her father was born in Bol- ton, Warren county. New York, January 19, 1829, and died in Lena, Illinois, February 9, 1899. while his wife was born in Norwich. Can- ada, November 17, 1835, and is now living in Lena at the old homestead with her youngest son. Mr. Fenton removed to St. Qair county. Michi- gan, with his parents when but four years of age, and they became pioneer settlers of that locality. When he was alniut fifteen years of age he had poor health and his ])arcnts planned that he should sail upon the lakes with a lake captain who was his father's friend. He spent between one and two years in that way and his health was thus greatly imjjroved so that he afterward went to work upon his father's farm, and was thus con- nected with agricultural pursuits until 1852. He then married and carried on farming on his own account, but sul)se(|ucntly he disposed of his prop- erty in Michigan and in 1862 removed to Stephen- son county. Illinois, settling near Freeport. Being undecided as to whether he wished to re- main in that locality he rented a farm for a time and later established his home in Lena, where he purchased a residence, spending his remaining ilays there. He was a mimlier of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a man respected and honored by all wlio knew him. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Fenton were born nine children, of whom seven arc now living: Martha !•■.. Ixirn May 11. 1853. is the wife of L. Sawtell, a resident of Lena, anr! they have one son. Elias F. Fenton rivate citizen. His genuine worth of character coniniauded the re- spect of all who knew him. He displayed many sterling traits of character and the circle of his friends was a very extensive one. Mrs. Partridge. highly esteemed in Pecatonica, was elected a member of the school board for a term of three \ears. but rcsignetl the office after one year. It was on the 4th of February. 1901. when fifty- four years of age, that Mr. Partridge was called from this life, and on account of ill health Mrs. Partridge sjient the succeeding summer in North Dakota and a part of the winter of 11)04 in San Antonio, Texas. .\ lady of natural culture and refinement she enjoys in high measure the friendly regard and esteem of those with whom she has been associated during the years of her residence here. WTLLT.\:\r C. McC.VUGHEY. AA'illiam C. McCaughey. deceased, whose last years were S])ent in an honorable retirement from business life in his home in Rockford, was born in Ottawa. La Salle county, Illinois, March 8, 1S33. The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in .America by three brothers of the name who caine from .Scotland to the Ignited .States. One of the number, James McCaughey, was the grandfather of William C. McCaughey. When a young man he established his home in Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Jefferson county, Ohio, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that district. He pur- chased a tract of land which was all covered with timber, but he at once began to clear away the trees and brush and in due course of time developed a good farm, upon wliich he made his home until his death. His son Thomas M. McCaughey was born in ]\Iount I'leasant. Jefferson county, Ohio, and after obtaining his education in the public schools of that locality he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in Ohio until 1836. In that year he came to Illinois, securing gov- ernment land near Ottawa in La Salle county. There he performed the arduous task of de- veloping a new farm and later he sold his original claim and opened up another farm in the same 29 THOMAS r. KETTLEWET.L WILLIAM C. IMcCAUGHEY, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 523 locality, continuing' to reside there until 1840, when he removed to Highland Prairie, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and \yas among the early settlers of that locality. His home was a mile and a half from the present town of Jmieau and he there carried on agricultural pursuits until 1855, when he sold his farm and removed to Appleton, where he conducted a general store for five years. His next place of residence was Rockford and after spending a few years in the city he took up his abode on a farm six miles south of the county seat at the mouth of Kishwaukee river in New Milford township, where he carried on general agricultural pur- suits up to the time of his death, passing away January 5, 1866. In early manhood he had wedded Ruth N. Noble, who was born in Mary- land, her parents, Charles and Margaret (Ellis) Noble, also being natives of that state and of English lineage. Mrs. McCaughey survived her husband for several years, passing away in San Diego, California, in 1873, her remains being interred there. But one of the children of Thomas and Ruth McCaughey are now living — Mrs. Jennie Gilbert, a widow of Charles D. Gilbert, residing near San Diego, California, where she owns a large fruit farm. William C. McCaughey acquired a good edu- cation which was completed in the university at Appleton. Wisconsin. He was only two years old when his parents removed to that state, the journey being made with ox teams and in his youth he assisted his father on the home farm as soon as old enough to handle the plow. Through the winter months when the work of the farm was practically over for the year he pursued his studies in the pioneer schools and. following his removal to Appleton, he enjoyed the benefit of a four years' course in Lawrence University. He became a resident of Rockford in i860 and on the 5th of August. 1862, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in Company D, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until June, 1864. He was then discharged on account of disability and re- turning to Winnebago county he purchased a farm near Rockford, whereon he engaged in market gardening for a long period. He fol- lowed that pursuit until 1887 and then pur- chased a home on Second street, where he lived retired until his death. In 1870 Mr. McCaughey was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. Kettlewell. who was born in London. ^Middlesex county, Canada, her parents being Thomas P. and Susanna ( Horton ) Kettlewell. The family is of English lineage and her grandfather. Thomas Kettlewell. and her great-grandfather. Richard Kettlewell, were both natives of Scruten, Yorkshire, where the birth of Thomas P. Kettlewell, the father of Mrs. AlcCaughey, also occurred on the 22d of August, 1818. He was a young man of seven- teen years when he came to the United States in company with his father who brought his wife and nine children to the new world, taking passage at Liverpool on the 13th of May on the sailing vessel Columbia, which after two months dropped anchor in the harbor of New York on the 3d of July. Later the family crossed Lake Erie to Port Stanley, and Thomas Kettlewell, Sr., purchased a tract of land in Southold town- ship in what is now Elgin county, Canada, mak- ing his home there for several years. His last days, however, were spent in Rockford. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Pinckney and was also born in Scruten, England, her par- ents being Ralph and Fanny Pinckney. She died at the home of her son in Rockford in 1873. Thomas P. Kettlewell, father of Mrs. Mc- Caughey. remained with his parents in Canada imtil his marriage, when he began the operation of a rented farm in Westminster township, Elgin county, residing there until 1850, when he came to Illinois. The journey was made by lake and rail to Elgin, this state, which was then the western terminus of the railroad and from Elgin he proceeded by team to Rockford, after which he followed farming for two years. Later he devoted his energies to the butchering business and stock-dealing, which continued to be his life work until he retired from active business cares. He was married July 3, 1844. to Susanna Horton, who was born in Southold, Elgin county, Canada, ,\pril T2, 1824, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ramsey) Horton. Her father was born in New Jersey, as was her grand- father, Samuel Horton. who, however, removed to Canada in pioneer times. At the time of his marriage Peter Horton settled on a tract of tim- ber land three miles from the old home and in 1846 came to ^^'innebago county, Illinois, pur- chasing land in ("niilford township, which he con- tinued to cultivate and improve until the time of his death in 1850. l\Ir. and Mrs. Kettlewell be- came the parents of seven children : Mary ; Nannie J.; Eva, now Mrs. Henry Carmichael, livino- on North First street, Rockford ; Louise and William, both deceased : Charles, a resident of ]\Iissoula, JNIontana ; and Fanny, deceased. The parents were devoted and faithful members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Kettlewell was republican in his political views. Both were held in high esteem, enjoying in large measure the good will and confidence of all with whom they were associated. The home of ^Ir. and Mrs. IMcCaughey was blessed with two children : Hallie Pauline, now the wife of Joseph Weiss, a minister of the Con- gregational church residing at Washburn, Wis- 524 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. consiii : aiul F.vclyn Lmiisf. wlm is now ihc wife of Wirt Gould ami lives in Cliicajio. where Mr. Gould occupies a good position in the offices of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. After the war .Mr. McCaughey purchased a small farm of twenty acres wliich was then near Rockford but is now within thr city limits on Charles street. This tract is still owned by his widow. There he engaged in the raising of fruit and vegetables for several years, doing an ex- cellent business as a gardener. However, he never enjoved good heallli after his return from the south and giving uj) his business he built the residence where his widow now resides, liv- ing retired up to the time of his death, which occurred February 15. 1S93. -Mr. .McCaughey held a number uf town and county offices. He was town collector for two terms, served as dci)uty under .Sheriff I'atrick I'-Iinn in 1869, was county coroner from 1883 until 1887, and also filled other positions of public honor and trust. In politics he was a gold democrat and took an active interest in the party and promulgation of its jirinciples. He was a member of the Imlependent Order of Odd Fellows, of .\pplet(in, Wisconsin; of G. L. Nevius post. No. 1, G. A. R., at Rockford, and of the Centennial Methodist E])iscopal church, with which his family are also identified. His life record was not without its difficulties, dis- couragements and hardships, but these he over- came by determined jjurjrose and his record should inspire all young men who read it with a truer estimate of the value and sure regard of character. P.oth Mr. McCaughey and Mr. Ket- tlcwell were prominent business men, were re- spected for their genuine worth, and their meniorv is still cherished by many friends. A. P.. \VIL.M.\RTII A. B. Wihnarth, of Rockff)rd, was born in Providence county, Rhode Island, in 1838, his parents being Stephen and Hannah ( Wade ) Wilmarth. who became residents of Ogle county, Illinois, in iS-,fy. locating in Marion townshiji, where the father pur- chased a farm. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for some years, but removed to Rockford about sixteen years prior to his death in 1876 and while in the city he lived retired. He was jjrominent in priliiical circles in the east, giv- ing his allegiance to the ., of this review. L. L". Wilmarth is a millionaire residing at .Ash- land, Wisconsin, who for many years has been very prominent .uid activt- in business. He was the first banker at .\siilaiid and throughout his business career he seems U> have realized at any one point of his progress the utmost possibility for accomi)lishment at that jjoint. He secured a claim on the site of To|)eka. Kansas, and for sev- enteen years lived there, being very successful in his speculations and business operations in the west. A. 1'.. Wilmartii was reared in Rhode Island, coming to C)gle county when eighteen \ears of age. His education was obtained in the public schools and after his removal to the west his at- tention was given in undivided manner to agri- cultural jjursuits for a long period. He followed farming until about 1890 and for fifteen years has made his home in Winnebago county. Six vears ago he removed to Rockford, where he owns several houses and a flat building in the city. He also has a farm of one hundred and ninety-one acres in .Vew Milford township and another tract of ninety acres in the same township. His time and attention are given to the supervision of his ])ni|)ertv and otiier business interests. Mr. \\'ilmarth was married in Ogle county to .Miss llamiah .\. Hagaman, who was born in Montgomery county, .\'ew York, in 1840, and went to (^gle county, Illinois, in 1843, with her jiarents, losejih P.. and Catherine (I.epi)er) Hagaman, who located in Marion township, where the father followed the occupation of farming. Throughout his en- tire life he devoted his energies to that vocation .md both he and his wife have now ])assed away. .Mrs. Wilmarth has two brothers who are now living in ( )gle county — J. M. and C. \\'. Hagaman, while other members of the family are scattered over the country. There were six sons of the family, but Mrs. Wilmarth was the onl\- daughter. P.y her marriage she has become the mother of two sons: N. D.. a farmer of New .Milford township, who has two children; and R. .\., who likewise follows farming in that townshi]) and has two children. A. B. WIL^^IARTH. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 527 Air. Wilmarth, giving his political allegiance to the republican party has never swerved in his devotion thereto, because he believes that its plat- form contains the best elements of good govern- ment. He has served in various local offices and has always been found true and loyal to the trust reposed in him. For almost a half centurv he has lived in this part of the state and his life record is as an open book which all mav read. Activity in farm pursuits and loyalty in citizen- ship have been the salient traits of liis character and have gained him ffncul will and confidence. HENRY COX. Henry Cox, deceased, was one of the pioneer residents of Rockford, and was chief of the old hand fire department of the city nearly a half century ago. He became well known here, his business interests and his activity in behalf of public progress making him a leading resident of Winnebago county. Air. Cox was a native of Hampshire, England, and a son of James and Rebecca Cox, who were also born in that country in which thev spent their entire lives, the father following the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family. At the age of twelve years Henry Cox left his home in Hampshire and went to the city of Winchester, near London, England. He lived in the home of a minister there until 1865, when he came direct to Rockford, having an uncle, A\'illiam Cox, \vho was then living in Burritt township, Winnebago county. It was this that caused Mr. Cox to seek a home here, and he turned his attention to the milling business. He first worked in the old Chick mill for several years, and later he purchased an interest in the old Shirley mill and was engaged in its operation for about seven months. He then returned to Rockford and was connected with the D. L. Bart- lett mill for several years or until the plant was destroyed by fire. At that time he went upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing the Bartlett Company of Chicago for several years in the sale of crackers. He afterward traveled for a Milwaukee wholesale house, selling crack- ers and candy, and he remained upon the road for twenty years, when upon one of his trips, while at Alalta, Illinois, in the winter of 1896-7, he fell upon the icy sidewalk and was badly in- jured, after which he was brought to his home here in Rockford. Other complications aggra- vated his injuries and he passed awav Alarch 2J. 1807. Air. Cox was married in this city to Aliss .\nn Rew, a native of England, in which country her parents al^va^■s remained. She is an aunt of Robert Rew, the well known attornev of Rockford. She came to America to make her home with a half brother, John Lake, now a retired capitalist of Rockfofd, who is one of the most prominent and best known citizens here. Eight children were born unto .Mr. and Airs. Cox: .A^lice, the wife of Hiram Kauffman, of Rockford : Alinnie, the wife of .\lvin Ellsworth, of Chicago; Edith R., a ste- nographer residing at home f Harrv, a baker of Rockford: Joseph R., who is a mail carrier in this city : Olive B., who is also emploved as a stenographer ; Herbert R., at home : and Grace, who died at the age of nine years. Air. Cox was always interested in the upbuild- ing, growth and development of his citv, and in the early da}-s he became a member of the old hand fire department, of which he was chief engi- neer a half century ago. In politics he was a stanch republican and socially he was connected with the ATasonic and Odd Fellows lodges in Rockford. He held membership in the Episcopal church in England, but in this city he and his wife attended the Christian I'nion church. He gave to his children good educational advantages, realizing the value of mental training as a prepar- ation for life's work, and he was devoted to the welfare of his family, counting no personal sacri- fice on his part too great if it would enhance the happiness and promote the welfare of his wife and children. His manner was alwavs genial and affable, and he won friends wherever he went. The family at one time resided on Seventh street and the propertv is still owned by Airs. Cox, but in 1894 Air. Cox exchanged one hundred and sixty acres of Alinnesota farming land for the beautiful residence which is now occupied bv his widow and children at No. 307 Penfield Place. CHARLES H. HOPKINS. Charles H. Hopkins, following the occupation of farming on section 3, Roscoe township, was born in the state of New York, in iB^s- His fa- ther, Cyrus Hopkins, was a native of Alassachu- setts, and served his countrv as a soldier in the war of 1812, becoming a auartermaster in the American army. He married Aliss Charlotte Bis- sell, a native of Connecticut, and in the vear 18;=; thev removed from the Empire state to TIH- nois, settling" in Winnebas"o coimtv. Air. Hon- kins followed fnrminsr throughout his entire life. In tS^4 he had purchased seventv-one acres of land on section 3. Roscoe township, and the fol- lowing' vear he removed his familv to this state, where he continued to make his residence up to the time of his death, ivhich occurred when he had reached the venerable ^ee of eierhtv-three vears. His wife lived to the ripe old age of ninetv-four years. They were the parents of 528 PAST AND TRKSEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. twelve children, of whom four came with tlieni to Illinois. The living are: Nelson F., a resident of Reloit, Wisconsin ; Jennie, the wife of George Garrett, of Topeka, Kansas; Charles H.; John, a resident of Janesvillc. Wisconsin : and William, who makes his home in Redfield. South Dakota. Charles H. Hopkins obtained his education in the public schools of his native state and remained a resident of New York until twenty years of age, when he came with his parents to Illinois. He has since followed farming in Wimiebago county and is now the owner of his father's old homestead, comprising seventy-one acres in Ros- coe township. His land is very fertile and pro- ductive and he aiuuially harvests good cro])s. He is practical in his methods, systematic in all that he does and as the result of his discriminating labor has gained a satisfactory financial reward, being now numbered among the jirosperous agri- culturists of his community. In 1876 Mr. Hoi)kins was married to Miss Enuua L. Lund, a native of Buffalo, New York, and they became the parents of three daughters, Clara May. Nellie J. and Isadore .\. In 1896 the wife and mother was called to her final rest, pass- ing away at the age of fifty years, her death being (lee])ly regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family. Mr. Hopkins and his daugh- ters attend the Presbyterian church and his jjolit- ical su])port is given to the republican party. He has long lived in \A'innebngo county, where he now has a wide ac(|uaintance and the qualities of Ills manhood have been such as to make him a n'o^-t worthy and respected citizen of Roscoe township. TOBIAS lURNS. Tobias Pitu'tis. now living relireell'-ira-Ie man, deserving all the honor and praise lh:i! that term implies, for when he came to Winnebago county he was in limited financial circumstances and without financial assistance he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of affluence. He was married July 3, i86o, in Rockford, to Miss Mary Doyle, who was born in County l\iikenu\, Ireland. ( )ctober 13. 1S42, her parents being 'i'imothy and 1-llizabeth I Ryan) Doyle, who were natives of County Carlow, Ire- land, and crossed the .Atlantic to the new world in 1850. The father had first visited America in 1848 or 1849, and the family home was estab- lished in Rochester, New York. Four years later they came to Rockford. Illinois, where the par- ents s])eul their remaining days, the father |)ass- ing away in February, 1866, at the age of sixty- five years, while his wife sur\Mvcd until Novem- ber I, 1803, being seventy-six years of age at the lime of her death. .Mrs. r>urns was one of a family of ten children, of whom four are now living: James, a farmer of Sarpy county, Ne- braska; Michael, who is engaged in the catering business in Chicago: Catherine, the wife of Hugh McMahon. of Rockford : and Mrs. Burns, who was reared in Rockford until the time of her marriage and then went with her husband to a farm. In A])ril, 1864. they removed to a farm on section 22. Burritt tcnvnship. which coiuinued to be their ]ilace of residence until March. i()02, or for thirtv-eight years. Throughout this long period Mr. Burns was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits, at one time operating five Inuidred acres of land. He therefore raised ex- tensive crops and his business j^roved profitable, lie worked earnestlv and ])ersistently dav after day until success had crowned his efforts, and with a handsome competence he retired to Rock- ford. building a fine home at No. 704 North Win- nebago street, where he and his wife are now (|uietly s])ending the evening of life in the miing one of the best farms of the county. Robert McCullough was born in Rosshire, Scotland, November 7, 182 1, and in January, 1857, lie was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Thompson, whose birth occurred in Campbell- town. Argyleshire, Scotland. June 16, 1833. His death occurred upon the old home property in Rockford township, February g, 1895, and his wife passed away July 20, 1898. The remains of both were interred in Rockford cemetery. Mrs. McCullough was a daughter of John and Mary Thompson, both of whom were natives of Argyle- shire, where Mr. Thompson died. The mother afterward came to .\merica in 1854 and spent her last years in Winnebago county. Mrs. Ellen (Thompson) McCullough came to America with Iner two brothers, John and Robert Thompson, in the fall of 1853. Thev embarked at Greenock on the sailing vessel Charlotte Harrison and landed at New York after a voyage of seven weeks and three days. There thev immediately resumed their journey, making their way to Ma- rietta. Washington county. Ohio, where they ar- rived on the 7th of Inly, there continuing until tlie s]>ring of 185=;. They then came to Winne- bago comity and it was here that Ellen Thomp- son gave her hand in marriage to Robert McCul- lough. This union was blessed with seven chil- dren: lohn .\., whose name introduces this re- ^•iew ; Kate, ^farv, Charles, Henry and Hugh, all of whom are residing on the home farm : and Daniel, who married Miss Mary Kelly, a daughter of Robert Kelly, of Rockford township, and resides upon a farm in Winnebago town.ship. Robert McCullough, the father of this familv, was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and was a man held in the highest regard by all who knew him, so that his death was the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret. John A. McCullough was reared upon the old familv homestead and attended the common schools of the township. .Althoush his advantages in \outh were somewhat limited he has become a successful man and is to-dav one of the leading 530 PAST AND PRESEXT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. agriciillurists of liis community. lie has always followed farminjj, at first i)urcliasingf seventy-nine and one-half acres of land, which was a part of the Alfred Ciiamplin estate. To this he has added twenty-nine and a half acres a mile west. His farm is well improved and equipped with cvery- thingf necessary to facilitate the work. He uses the best machinery to prepare his fields and har- vest his crops, and in addition to tlie raisinjj oi cereals he is entjased quite larjjely and success- fully in the raisins^ and fcedinfj of cattle. He is a man of indefatisjable enercry and determined purpose and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful comi>letion. Tn 1884 ^Ir. McCulIou.cfh was united in mar- riasjc to Miss Lizzie Cliani])lin. who was horn on section 8. Rockfonl township, and is a dausjhter of Alfred H. and .\lvira (Drake) Chaniplin. early settlers of this county. Her father died on the home farm in 1877, at the ag:c of seventy-one years, and his wife passed away in i8()0, at the ape of si.\ty-six years, in McPherson county, Kansas. Mrs. McCulUniijli is one of six x.-hildreii who reached adult acfo. namely : Sophia, wlio is living in McPher.son, Kansas; Mrs. Susie White- hall, who died in McPherson county, Kansas, in the fall of 1900: Mrs. W. P. Farnham. of Rockford township ; Sadie, who is living^ in Mc- Pherson county. Kansas; Mrs. Lizzie McCid- louj.^'h ; and Mrs. Clara Hamilton, of McPherson county. The father. .Alfred H. Champlin, was twice married, and there were five children by his first union, as follows : Bradford and Joel, who were killed in the Civil war; Charles, who was twice wounded when a member of the L^nion .\rmy and is now deceased; .Mfred. who has also passed away, and Mrs. Kate Drake, who is re- sidinpf in Texas. The home of Mr. and Mrs. McCullough has been blessed with two children : Edith Lucille, who died in 1807. at the ajje of fourteen months, and Robert Champlin. now in his first year. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. McCulloufjli is a rei)ublican in his po- litical views. He is a worthv reiiresentativc of a prominent pioneer family of the comity and liis own record has ever been in harmony with the reputatirin borne Iw tlmse f)f the name, bcinsT cliaracterizcd by fidelity to duty, enterprise in business affairs and faithfulness in friendship. DAXTFL SCOTT. Tt is imperative that mention be made of Dan- iel Scott in this volume f(T his residence in Win- nebago county probably antedates that of any other man now living within its borders. He has resided here since 1837, and upon the walls of memory hang many pictures of pioneer life wlien this region was a vast undeveloped district, the land unclaimed and the natural resources of the country uncultivated. He has watched the building of homes, the introduction of business enter]jrises, the establishment of schools and churches and the growth which has been carried steadily forward until the count\- now has within its borders one of the rich, ])roductive sections of the state together with agricultural, social and educational interests that are unsurpassed throughout the length of the Mississippi valley. Mr. Scott now resides on a farm on section 19, (iuilford townshi]). owning two hundred acres oi valuable land, lying on sections i<) and 20. There are fine improvements here, including a large and substantial residence built in attractive style of architecture and comniodifnis outbuild- ings. Mr. Scott was born in Cattaraugus county, Xew York, in 1830, coming to Winnebago county when seven years old. His ])arents were Reuben C. and Ann (Johnson) Scott, who made their way to this county in 1837, spending their re- maining days here. The father began farming upon a raw tract of land and his father, D. Johnson Scott, had previously taken up a claim on section 19, Guilford township, a part of which is now owned by Daniel Scott of this review, lioth the father and grandfather were farmers, devoting their entire lives to the tilling of the .soil. They became residents here in 1837. and the part which they took in the early development of the county entitles them to representation among its founders and upbuilders. P>oth the parents of Daniel Scott are now deceased. He had one brother and tw^o sisters, of whom Mary, now the wife of X. C. Dean, of Colorado, is the only one living. His sister Elvira became the wife of Daniel Clay and both are now deceased, Mrs. Clay passmg away about six years ago. Her son. P>ert Clay, is married and resides in Guilford township, near Rockford. Sylvester died in the fall of 1903. He was a gardener, who resided in Winnebago county. !^l)cnding his boyhood days in this county, Daniel Scott was reared amid pioneer surround- ings. He attended the common .schools and has remained upon the old fami homestead from his earlv manhood. l)ut has extended the bomidaries of his projierty until it now comprises two hun- dred acres of rich and productive land on sections 19 and 20. He is constantly striving to improve his property and his efforts have been very effect- ive so that the farm is now valuable and presents a splendid a|)pearancf. Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Xancy J. Hayes, who came from Canada with her i)arents to Winnebago comity in 1838. Two children graced this union; Lu- MR. AND MRS. DANIEL SCOTT. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 533 ther. who is engaged in the operation of his father's farm, married Aliss Ella Hill, of Rock- ford, and they have five children, Ralph, Blanche, Maud. Harry and Hazel, and with the exception of Ralph, who is mail carrier on route No, 4, all are yet at home. Anna Scott becatne the wife of Albert RowJey, and resides on section 19, Guil- ford township. They have two children, Edna and Clarence. IMr. Scott was at one time a member of the Grange, which he joined on its organization but he is not connected therewith at the present time. He has always been an earnest republican since the organization of the party and he has filled some local offices. His life, however, has been quietly passed in the pursuit of farming and the duties which each day have devolved upon him have been faithfully and capably performed. Practical common sense has guided effective measures in the improvement and cultivation of his farm and now to-day a splendid propertv is the indication of his life of enterprise and thrift. ROBERT BULL. Although Robert Bull never resided in Winne- bago county, he had a wide acqtiaintance here, for he made his home on a farm in Ogle county, near the ^^'innebago county line, settling thereon more than a half century ago. He was a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, his parents being John and Jane Bull, also natives of the Kevstone state. They came to the west at an early day in the development of this section of the state and resided on a farm in Og'le countv until called to their final home. Robert Bull attended the public schools in his youth and assisted his father in the arduous labor of cultivating and improving his land. He thus became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and was well qualified to carr}' on fanning operations on his own account when he married and settled in Byron township, Ogie coun*'}-. .\t a later day he purchased another farm in the same township near the \^^innebaglO county line,' and to the cultivation of the fields he devoted his energies until his life's labors were ended. His farm was well improved and he used modern machinery in the care of his crops. Everything about his place was neat and thrifty in appear- ance, indicating the careful supervision of a sys- tematic, practical and progressive owner. In was in 1868, in Winnebago county, that "Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Sargent, who was born in Canada, in 1833, and is a daughter of Charles and Ruth (Mansurl Sargent, both of whom were natives of the same country. In an earl)- day they removed bv wagon to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Elgin, and in 1850 they took up their abode in Winnebago county, making their home in Winnebago town- ship, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming until his death. He and his wife were well known and honored pioneer people of this locality, and he assisted in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been builded the ]-iresent progress of this portion of the state. Three of their children are still living in Winne- bago coimty, Mrs. Bull, Izora A. and Daniel M., the brother and sister both living with Mrs. Bull. Only one child was born unto our subject and his wife, Ella J., who has always resided at home and gives her time and attention to the care of her mother, who is now an invalid, having been in ill health for the past ten years. She still owns the old iiome farm of one hundred Ptid eighty acres in Ogle countv, and this brings to her a good rental, ^^'hen they removed to Rock- ford Mrs. Bull and her brother purchased the residence at No. 827 Ferguson street, and the members of the household at the present time are Mrs. Bull and her daughter, Daniel M. and Izora A. Sargent. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bull held membership in the Presbyterian church and were active in its work, desiring greatl}- the growth and extension of its influence. Mr. Bull was a republican in his political views and a man of firm convictions, whose position upon anv ques- tion of moment was never an equivocal one. He was always honest in expressing his ^-iews and his influence was ever on the side of justice, truth and right. lOHN HUTCHINS. John Hutchins was for a number of years con- nected with industrial pursuits in Rockford, con- dticting a blacksmith shop, but is now living re- tired. He was born on the Isle of i\Ian in 1838. His father. Charles Hutchins, was a farmer and fisherman, and on his native isle reared a family of sevaT children, four of whoin are now living, two beinsT residents of Rockford. while Thomas makes his home in Wheeling, West Virginia, lohn Hutchins spent the first seventeen vears of his life in the place of his nativitv and then crossed the brinv deep upon a sailing vessel, from which he landed at New York, being- five weeks on the voyage. He learned the black- smith's trade in Rockford and established a smithy on State street about forty vears ago. He there worked at his trade for nearly four decades and in connection with blacksmithing he also car- ried on wagonmaking. As the years passed he won a conifortable conipetence and about twelve vears agfo he retired from active business to en- 5.U PAST AND PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. joy tlic fruits of his former toil. In 1898 he built a iKJiuliful honu' at Xo. 3J4 Xi>itli Third street, where lie now resides, and he also owns a store buildiufr and livery stable on State street. In 1868 -Mr. Ilutchins was married to Miss Han- nah Black, a native of Canada, who came to Illi- nois with luT parents in her girlhood days. Both her father and mother have passed away, but for a number of years the former was identified with agricultural pursuits in this county. Mr. and Airs. Hutchins had two sons: Daniel, who mar- ried Lillian Congdon, and is engaged in the gro- cery business on East State street, while his resi- dence is on North Second street, Rockford, and Charles, who was drowned in Alaska. After coming to America Mr. Hutchins pro- ceeded to inform himself concerning the politi- cal situation of the country and the questions and issues before the people, and, I>ecoming in hearty sympathy with the object of the new republican party, he cast his first ]iresidcntial vote for Abra- liam Lincoln. In more recent years, however, he has been a prohibitionist, for that jiarty em- bodies his views on the temperance question. He belongs to Rockford lodge. No. 102, A. F. S: A. M.. and has also taken the degrees of capitu- lar and chivalric Masonry, being identified with the chai)ter and commandery here. He and his wife are members of the Centennial Methodist Episcopal church on South Second street. Mr. Hutchins is a self-made man, who owes his pros- perity to his own labors and the able assistance of his estimable wife, who lias indeed been a faithful companion aiid heli)mate to him on life's journey. He has crossed the ocean nine times, making the last trip in order to visit the Paris Exposition, and travel and experience have broadened his knowledge, making him a well informed men, and enriching his mind with many interesting anecdotes and reminiscences. THOMAS BUCHANAN. Thomas Buchanan, now deceased, who resided in Rockford forty years ago and was engaged in manufacturing here for a number of years, claimed Scotland as the land of his birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in that countn* of hills and heather on the 15th of May, 1826, Lanarkshire being the place of his birth. His father and grandfather were molders by trade and always lived in Scotland. Both parents of our subject died during the early manhood of their son Thomas. When a lad Thomas Buchanan acquired a fair education in the schools of Scotland, and while still a boy he worked with his father, learning the molder's trade, which he followed during his residence in his native coun- try, lie was first married there when twenty- one years of age, to .Miss jane Smith, a daughter of William Smith, who afterw.-ird came to Amer- ica, and died in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Soon after their marriage the young couple started for the United States, settling in Woon- socket, where Mr. Buchanan worked at the mold- er's trade for a few years. I'.elieving that he might have still better adv.-uU.igcs in the middle west he resumed bis journey and took up his abode near Poplar Grove, Illinois, where he pur- chased a tract of land and engaged in general farming for some time. On jnitting aside the ])l()w he cam*: to RcKkford. where he again worked at the molder's trade for a brief period. .•\ stock company being formed with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of manufacturing machinery, Mr. Buchanan became the owner of one-fifth of the stock and was active in the management of the business, but after sev- eral years the company failed and Mr. Buchanan thus lost six thousand dollars. He afterward took charge of a foundry here and remained as foreman for several years. During that time his health became impaired and he and his wife made ;i tri]) to .Scotland, visiting for a short period in tlie land of his nativity among old friends and acquaintances of his youth. He then returned to Rockford and was again engaged in the foundry business until he was obliged to retire from active life because of illness. It was subsequent to his arrival in Rockford that Mr. Buchanan was called u])on to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died in this city on the 4th of August. 1873, leaving three children, Thomas John, whose death occurred July 22, Kp2 : Jennie, now Mrs. 1 rmiscd sul)stantial development here. He contiimed in active operation of the ])lace until about two years ago, since which lime he has rented most of his land. His possessinns in this county aggre- gate more than five lunidred and fifty acres and he likewise has farm proix-rty in other states. He has been very successful and his realty hold- ings are the visible evidence of a life of thrift, mdustry and capable business management. On the 23d of November, 1876. Mr. Taft was married to .Miss Cora f>. C"ar])enter. who was born in Roscoe township and is a daughter of Newton Car]>enter. a pioneer resident of this locality. Five children graced this marriage, of whom three are yet ''ving. Helen is the wife o? Nelson McColl and has three children. Donald. Mildred and Lawrence M. l-ldith and Edna are twins. The former married Ross P)Uchanan and the later is the wife of Harry Morse and has one child, Carroll. As one of the native sons of Winnebago county Mr. Taft is very familiar with its history, having been a witness of the events which have shaped its policy through a half century. His life proves the \aluc and force of industry and en- terprise in wresting fortune from the hands of fate and by his persistency of purpose and careful investment he has become the owner of valuable and extensive landed interests. THEODORE C. DECKER. Theodore C. Decker, who, in his farming oper- ations, has made a specialty of the growing of tobacco and of sugar beets, makes his home on .section 3. Roscoe township. New York has fur- nished a large settlement to this part of the coun- ty, many of the leading and substantial repre- sentatives of Roscoe township being native sons of the Empire state. To this class Mr. Decker belongs, his birth havinsr occurred in New York, in 1851. TTis father. Corne- lius S. Decker, who was a native of New York, born in iRiQ. is now living in Janesville. Wis- consin, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He married Miss Elizabeth J. Ashby. who was also born in the same state, and has now reached the age of eighty-four years. They have a farm of forty acres near Janesville. ^^'isconsin. making their home in that locality with two of their sons. Jonathan and John. In his political views the father was for many years a stalwart democrat, active in support of the party, and for a long period filled the office of supervisor of his town- ship in a most acceptable manner. Tn his family were ten children, of whom five are yet living : PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 539 Jonathan, of Wisconsin ; Frank, a resident of Ne- braska ; Theodore C, of this review ; John, of Janesville, Wisconsin ; and Anna, the wife of Da- vid Mould, a prominent attorney of Sioux City, Iowa. Theodore C. Decker was a lad of only ten years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin. He was reared to man- hood in Janesville, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and he saw no reason to change his occupation when he had reached manhood and started out in life on his own account. In 1873, he bought twenty acres of land on section 3, Roscoe township, in the northern part of Win- nebago county, bordering the boundary line be- tween Illinois and Wisconsin. Here he has fol- lowed farming continuously since, and for twenty- one years he has made a sitecialt}' of the growing of tobacco, having ten acres planted to that crop, with whicli he has been very successful. He has also made a specialty of the production of sugar beets. Owing to his careful cultivation, the rotation of crops and the most improved modern methods of farming, he has been very successful in his work and possesses a comfortable competence that is the merited reward of his labor. In 1871 Mr. Decker was married to Miss Mary McNamara. a native of Massachusetts, and they have one child, Frank D., who was born in Janes- ville, Wisconsin, and married Ora Turnay, a na- tive of Beloit. jNIr. Decker and his family attend the Congregational church and his political alle- giance is given to the democracy, but while he keeps well informed on tlie questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do. he has never sought or desired office, pre- ferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness interests. JA^IES H. KING. James H. King, president of the Central Heat & Power Compan\- of Rockford, one of the more recentlv organized business enterprises of the chv. the utility and value of which is demon- strated in the hberal patronage accorded it, was born in Grafton, Worcester county, Massachu- setts, in 1832. His father, John M. King, was a native of England and his early residence in this country was spent in New England, whence he came with his family to Illinois in September, 1846, making the journev with two covered wagons. They located in Stillman \'alley, where the father spent his remaining days and he be- came the owner of two hundred acres of fine land there. The soil was alluvial and he devel- oped an excellent farm. He was twice married and by his first union had seven children, while three were born of the second marriage. Henry King, brother of our subject, lived for many years near King Station, where he owned two thousand acres of land. James H. King of this review began his edu- cation in the schools of Massachusetts and after- ward continued his studies in the public schools of Og"le county subsequent to the arrival of the family in this state. He remained at home until seventeen years of age, after which he worked out b}' the month until twenty-two years of age when, desiring that his labors should more di- rectly benefit himself, he rented land and carried on farming for a number of years. He next re- moved to Iowa, where he filed a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land and proved it up, paying a dollar and a quarter per acre to the government for this tract. Subsequently he traded it for another farm elsewhere in Iowa and eventuallv bought still another quarter sec- tion. He afterward purchased a half section at Stillman \'alley for twenty-eight dollars per acre and when he disposed of the farm it brought sev- enty dollars per acre owing to the rise in land values and the improvements which he had placed upon the property. He resided there un- til 1883, when he removed to Rockford, where he has since lived. In the meantime, in 1881, Mr. King established a bank in Stillman \'alley, of which he is yet a third owner. On the ground where the bank building was erected he once used to plow as a little bare-footed boy dressed in overalls, work- ing for eight dollars per month in the service of Joshua White, who was owner of a farm there. In Rockford he owns a fine residence at No. 622 North Main street and he likewise has valuable farms in Ogle county. In 1903 he became presi- dent of the Central Heat & Power Company of Rockford. operating a large plant in the manu- facture of electricity for lighting buildings, while the steam from five manmioth boilers is piped to different parts of the city for heating purposes. Since the beginning an excellent business has been developed and the enterprise is now a lead- ing one in RocKford. Mr. King was married to Aliss Mary Lewis, of Springfield, Illinois, who died leaving a daugh- ter. Belle, the wife of Denton Taylor, of Lincoln, Nebraska, by whouT she has two children. For his second wife ]\Ir. King chose Henrietta Bard- well, who has also passed away. His present wife bore the maiden name of Lucy L. Condie and was born in the Hawaiian islands, her father, Daniel T. Condie. being a missionary there from this countrv. Three children graced this mar- riage : Lela. who is emploxed in the library in Rockford : Millicent, at home : and James Car- roll, who is attending school. 540 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. The parents attend the Second Congregational church and Mr. King lias been a stalwart repub- lican since casting his ballot for Abraham Lin- coln. At one time he .served as supervisor in Ogle county for four years but has preferred to leave office holding to others that he might gives his attention to his business affairs, in which he has iiH't with very gratifying success. Where ambition is satisfietl and every ultimate aim ac- complisheil effort will cease and it is the men who are always looking forward to the improve- ment of existing conditions that are the forceful factors in tlie business world. In his farming operations Mr. King acquired a gratifying meas- ure of success but not content with this he is now a factor in the industrial life of Rockford and lias made a business record which any man might be proud to ])OSsess. JAMES M. PATTERSON. James M. ]"'atterson, residing on section 33, P.urritt township, is successfully following gen- eral agricultural pursuits, and is also interested in the W'inneliago Linnber & Supply Company. He was born on the 8th of March, 1856, in Owen townshi]), this county, and is a son of John M. Patterson, a native of Scotland, who was bom in 1834. He came to the I'nited States in 1849. and lived in New York city for a year, after which he made his way westward to Illinois, set- tling in Rockford, where he also .spent one year. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Owen township, where for many years he followed the occupation of farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Stephenson, who was also born in Scotland, her natal year being 1838. She came to the LInited States in 1855, and made her way at once to Owen town- ship. Winnebago county, Illinois, where she aft- erward gave her hand in niarria,ge to Mr. Pat- terson. Her death occurrcfl in St. Paul, Minne- sota, in September, kkx). There were born of that marriage the following named: James M. ; Nettie, wlio was born in November. 1857, and is now the wife of Joseph P>rewster, of Owen town- ship: Jennie, who was born in April, i860, and is the wife of J. .M. Stocks, a resident of Free- pi irt. Illinois: .Nndrew, who was born in June. 18^(3. ancl is living upon the old homestead in Owi-n townshi]); b>hn. who was born August 21. i8/'i3. and is a farmer of Owen township; and Lilly, who was lK)rn in 1867, and is the wife of RoluTt Ceddes, a resident of Stillman Valley, Il- linois. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for James M. Pat- terson in his bovhood davs. He attended the ])ublic sch(X)ls, acquiring a good English educa- tion, whereby he was (jualified for business duties and responsibilities, and under his father's direc- tion he became familiar with all the work of the fields, so that he was prepared for farm work when he started out in life on his own account. He lived in his native township until twenty-six years of age. when he removed to Ogle county, where he resided for eight years. On the expira- tion of that period he took up his abode on his present fami in Burritt township, where he now has one hundred and sixty acres of land, carefully culti\ated according to modern methods. He has followed farming ])ractically all his life, and in his work is systematic and progressive. His la- bors have been attended by success because of his close application and untiring industry, and he is now one of the pros])erous agriculturists of his community. He also has other business in- terests, being financially connected with the Win- nebago Lumber & Sujjply Company, this being a farmers" stock company of about fifty members. On the 29th of October. 1884, ^Ir. Patterson was united in marriage in Winnebago, Illinois, to Miss P)arbara Hill, a daughter of Donald and .\gnes Hill, early residents of Winnebago town- ship. ?*Irs. Patter.son was born September 17, 1858. and by her marriage has become the mother of four sons: John, born .\ugust 29. 1886; Wil- liam. March 9, 1888: Ralph. September 25. 1890, and Donald. Se])tember 22. i8<)7. all living at home. Mr. Patterson is a meml)er of blue lodge. No. 745 A. F. & .A. M., at Winnebago, and both he and his wife are active members of the Presby- terian church, to the support of which they con- tribute liberally, while in its various departments of labor they manifest a dee]i and helpful interest. Mr. Patterson has been clerk of tlie town school board for the last twelve years, and as a public- .sijirited citizen has supported many practical movements that have been of lienefit to the com- munity. His entire life has been passed in this countv, save for the brief period spent in Ogle county, and his long identification with farming interests, as well as his carefully directed labors, make him a representative a.griculturist. ".V AMI'.S Alll TV. Riv. lames 1. I'ialurly. wlm. since 1885 has been rector of St. Jnnies (Catholic) church of Rockford and dean of the diocese since 1901. was born in iUirean countv. Illinois, in 1853. and rc- .sided there until his ordination. Determining to prei)are for the Catholic ministry he siii)plemented his earlv educational privileges bv study in the Niagara liiiversity at Niagara Falls. New York. ^IR. .\XD MRS. J. M. PATTERSON. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 543 in whicli institution lie was ordained to the priest- hood on the 7th of June. 1879. On the 3d of July of the same year he was assigned to duty in the city of Chicago, where for six years he acted as assistant priest. He came to Rockford in 1885 and two years later was made immovable rector of St. James church, while in 1901 he was ad- vanced to the position of dean of the diocese, the honors of the church being thus accorded him in recognition of his consecrated devotion to his work. Under his wise and economical adminis- tration of the affairs of this branch of the church the membership of St. James has more than doubled and every department of church activity has been placed upon an excellent working basis, so that splendid results are^ attained. A fine win- ter chapel and school have been built and all de- partments of the work are now in a flourishing condition. Father Flaherty is a man of schol- arly attainments, itnfaltering zeal and strong in- tellectuality and his laljors for the church and his parishioners have made him greatly beloved by his people and have gained him many friends in the citv. A. E. BARGREN. Rockford is fortunately favored in having A. E. Bargreii as chief of police, which official posi- tion he has held with eminent satisfaction to all for eleven years. Altogether he has been con- nected with the police department for a total of fif- teen years with an efficiency and untiring zeal that has resulted in Rockford being an unrivaled law- abiding community. Chief liargren is in the years when life is its best and has lived in the city for thirty-six years and is universally con- sidered the best chief of police Rockford ever had. He is a man of large physique, command- ing presence, keen perception and unusual executive ability, his acts tempered with mild- ness but sufficiently forceful as to leave no donbt as to his intentions. His constant watch- fulness has been the direct means of bringing manv notorious criminals to justice after having eluded the police in other cities. Rockford is justlv proud of the achievements of Chief Bar- gren which have produced a moral condition not equaled bv any other city in the state. His head- quarters are on South Church street. JOSEPH BARNES. Joseph Barnes, a farmer and dairyman of Har- lem township, residing on section 15, where he owns and operates two htmdred acres of land, is a native of AVashington countv, Wisconsin, born June 15, i860, of German parentage. His father, Peter Barnes, was a native of Germany and died in Washington county, Wisconsin, 1899. His wife was born in Buffalo, New York, was of German lineage, and is now living at the old homestead in \^'isconsin. All of the sons of the family are yet living, namely : Joseph, of this review: Mathias, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin: John, of \\'est Bend, Wisconsin ; Peter, of Newberg, Wisconsin : James, who is living in Campbells- port, Wisconsin : Henry, of Barton, Wisconsin ; and Albert, of Rockford, Illinois. The daughters of the family are: Mrs. Margaret \\'ersheim. of Newberg, \\'isconsin ; Mrs. Mary Dingle and ;\Irs. Anna Gorman, both of West Bend. Wis- consin ; Mrs. Bessie Weber, of Waukegan, Illi- nois : Mrs. Katie Bradley, of Newberg. Wiscon- sin, and Helen and Matilda Barnes, both of West Bend. In taking up the personal histor}- of Joseph Barnes, we ))resent to our readers the life record of one widely and favorably known in this local- itv. He acquired his education in the common schools and remained with his father until eight- een years of age, whai he started out in life on his own account, making his way to Harlem tow^nship. where he secured employment as a farm hand. He was thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, when he rented land and thus carried on agricultural purusits for six years. On the expiration of that period, with the capi- tal he had acquired through his industry and economy, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising two hundred acres of rich land on section is. Harlem township. Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits and dairying, having a good herd of cows, and both branches of his business are proving profitable. On the 2d of :\Iarch, i88fi. -\Ir. Barnes was married to iNIiss Isabelle Ralston, who was born in Harlem towmship, April 19, 1854, and is a daughter of Alexander and Mary Ralston, of that" township. Her fatlier was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, January 7, 1814, and, coming to the United States, landed at New York city on the 4th of July, 1842. He first located in ^larietta, Ohio, whence he afterward made his way to Cincinnati. He lived in Ohio for eight vears. and while in that state learned the carpen- ter's trade. In 1850 he came to Winnebago countv, casting in his lot with the pioneer set- tlers of Harlem township, w-here he follow^ed carpentering until 1852, when he purchased the farm upon which ]\Ir. Barnes now resides. He continued to carry on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining davs, his death occur- ring February 26, 1894. His wife, wdio was born in Arg}-leshire, Scotland, June 29, 1836, came with her parents to the new world in 18.^0, and the familv home was established in Cale- 544 I 'AST AXl) I'RKSRXr OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. (Ionia. I'oonc coiiiuy. Illinois, wIk-r- she lived until she ^ve her hand in marriage to .Mr. Ral- ston. She survived her iuisbanorn January 24. 1851. is now residing: in McPherson. Kansas: .^usan, born .\pril 3. 1834. married W'illiani Whittle, a resident of Canton. Kansas, and died in December, lyoo: .\ddie. born October i, 1837, is the wife of Wil- liam Farnham; Sarah, born June 26, 1861, is now a member of the .McPherson Countv (Kansas) Abstract Otmpany ; Lizzie. l>orn A])ril 20. i8'')3. is the wife of J. A. .McCullocb. re])resi'nted else- where in this work; Clara, born June 24. 1866. is the wife of Frank Hamilton, of Canton, Kan- sas. Two sartnership with F. L. Melville, under the firm name of Shoudy & Melville. The firm is regarded as one of the most enterprising in the city. Mr. .'^lioudy owns valuable interests in farming lands at Belleville and Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Marengx). Illinois, and also three tlKHisand acres in the Yazoo valley in Missis- sijipi, and three thousand acres in Clark county, Wisconsin, and in addition to this the firm owns si.K thousand acres. They run excursions which are very popular throughout the year, doing everything possible for the comfort of the excur- sionists. They are most progressive in their methods, displaying many of the qualities of the pioneer in working out new methods for the advancement of their business, and as the years have passed their operations have constantly increased in volume and importaiice. Mr. Shoudy was married in Rockford. in 1884, to Miss Belle K. Miller, a daughter of Cyrus Miller. His fraternal relations are with Ellis PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 549 lodge, A. F. & A. M. : Kent lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he is past noble grand : Alodern Wood- men camp, No. 51, and the Knights of the Globe, and politically he is a republican. While he is continually forming new plans for the en- largement of his business, he is a man of action rather than of theory, and when his plans are once formulated, he is prompt and energetic in their execution. His judgment is rarely at fauh in business transactions in the line of real estate dealing, and his position of prominence is well merited because of the enviable success he has achieved. GEORGE W. SAXRORN. George W. San1>orn was one of the most prom- inent and respected citizens of Pecatonica, and his worth was so widely acknowledged that no history of this community would be complete without mention of his life record. He was born in Roxbury. [Massachusetts, in 1828, and died in Pecatonica. April 20, 1903. His parents were Abrani and Rebecca (Swallow) Sanborn, both of whom were natives of New England. The father died at the age of seventy-six years and the mother in early life. Abram Sanborn was twice married. George W. being of the first fam- ily, and also Rebecca and Eliza Ann. both de- ceased. George Sanborn was about seven years of age when his parents removed to Canada, settling at Roxton. .Shefford county, where he attended the public schools, completing his high school course hi Frost Milage. Canada. He after\vard became a student at St. .Vlbans Academy, St. Albans. Vermont, and when his own education was com- pleted he taught school in Canada. Attracted by the greater opportunities of the United States, with the livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured, he made his wav across the border, arriving in Illinois in 1850. Through the succeeding winter he engaged in teaching school at Sugar Grove, this state, and in the second winter he taught school at North Grove. On the Qth of ]\lay. 1852, ]\lr. Sanborn was united in marriage to Miss Grata N. Emery, a daughter of David C. and Margaret (Savage) Emer\-. Her ancestry is traced back to Daniel Emier\', who was born May 5, 1730. and died Au- gust 23, 1819. His son, Noah Emery, was born September 6, 1760, and died August 9, 1837, at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Phil- brick, was born July 18, 1762. and died February 22, 181 3, at the age of fifty-one years. In their family were fourteen children, of whom the elev- enth in order of birth was David C. Emerv. the father of Mrs. Sanborn. He was born December 31, 1797, in Grafton, Vermont, and died in Peca- tonica, Illinois, December 10, 1869. He married Margaret Savage. He lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he went into the wilderness of Canada to make a home. He located in Shefford county, near Shefford moun- tains, on a tract of timber land, and worked hard at cutting timber and clearing the farm. He first li\ed in an old sawmill and later he built a log house. He continued clearing and improving his land until most of it was under cultivation, erect- ing a fine residence in 1840, and he re- sided thereon until 1851. when he sold his farm in Canada and came to Ogle county, Illinois, settling near B^•ron. He then purchased a farm of two hundred acres, and in addition a tract of ten acres of timber land. On the place was a small house, in which he lived until he could build a better dwelling. He broke the wild prairie and improved the farm, making his home thereon for about ten or twelve years, after which he engaged in the grain business in Pecatonica for one year in connection with his son-in-law, George W. Sanborn, having previ- ously sold his farm. From this time on until his death he lived retired, spending his years in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. P)0th' he and his wife attended the services of the Universalist church, and in politics he was a stanch and earn- est republican. They were the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, but Mrs. Sanborn is the only one now living. Her sister, Jane F., who resisded in Des Moines, Iowa, died when sixty-one years of age in Pecatonica. h'ollowing the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. San- born., they removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until the fol- lowing summer, when, on account of cholera, he left that city, returning to Ogle count\-. In the spring of 1853 he went to Osage, Mitchell county, Iowa, where he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, with ten acres of timber land additional. He then built a house and broke some of his land, but two years later he returned to North Grove, where he lived for about two years, working at the carpenter's trade, and also conducting the farm belonging to his father- in-law. David C. Emery. On the expiration of that period he estabblished his home in Pecaton- ica, where he was engaged in the grain business, continuing in the trade for about thirty years. He twice met with severe reverses, having his elevator destroyed by fire, also losing heavily by the great Chicago fire, which burned a quantity of grain which he had stored there, but he perse- vered, and as the years advanced he met with a gratifying measure of success that enabled him to live retired for about six years prior to his death. 55° PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. L'nlij Mr. and .Mrs. Saiiljoni were horn ten chihlren, of whom two died in infancy, while three .sons and five daujjliters are yet living. George C, the eldest, has heen on the Hoard of Trade in (.liicago for the past thirty years, and is a ]ininiinent hnsiness man and a promoter of a nuniher of im|xirtant enterprises. He is now the president of the Sanb(jrii Lumber and De- velo|)ment Company, with capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, with offices in the Jour- nal iiuildinjj, in Chicago, while the works of the company are at .^anhoni in the stale of \'era Cruz, Mexico. The company there owns nine thousanil acres of lieavily tiiubered land. He is also the president of the Mexican .Mutual Planters" Company, conducting extensive busi- ness interests at \'era Cruz. He married .Miss Cora Allen, of Shabbona, Illinois, whose father was a captain in the Civil war, and they have two children. Harold and Grata (r. Margaret Sanborn is now the w-ife of Frank Stephens, of Cedar Rapids. Iowa, and they have two children. Mabel .\. and Carroll. Addie who was formerly engageinTitt township, Winnebago countv, in what was then a frontier district, the work of improvement an progress having been scarcely begun. His wife had died in Canada, at the home of a daughter. After reaching their desti- nation he purchased a tract of land and at once began its cultivation and improvement, continu- ing to engage in general farming until his life's lalx>rs were ended. Only two members of the family are now living, one lacing a resident of Canada and the other of California. Calvin .\. Hemenway was reared on the old farm homestead in Rurritt township froiu the age of fifteen years and his education, which was begun in the east, was continued in the schools of this locality. He assisted his father in the arduous task of develo])ing a farm and continued to reside upon the old homestead after putting aside iiis text-books, .\fter his marriage he re- moved to the south and lived for one year at Memphis. Tennessee. Later he located at La- gonia, Arkansas, wdiere he carried on farming and also engaged in teaching school for about six years. He then returned to his farm in Burritt township and placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, improved his buildings and kept everything about his place in splendid repair, being accounted one of the practical, painstaking and progressive agriculturists of his community until 1802, in which year he removed to Rock- ford and there lived retired until his death. Mr. Hemenway was married, in Burritt town- ship, to Miss Elizabeth Rodd, a native of Eng- land, lx)rn December 18, 1828, and a daughter of Richard and Mary (Caldwell") Rodd, who were likewise natives of that country. They became residents of Winnebago county, however, during an early epoch in its settlement and established their home in P.nrritt township, where Mr. Rodd carried on farming for a long period, both he and his wife dying on the old homestead there. Only two of their children are now living: Mrs. 31 .MKS. t . A. lll•:Mi•:^■\\•A^■ C. A. HEMENWAY. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 555 Henienway ; and Thomas, a resident of Grundy county, Iowa. Air. and Mrs. Hemenway became the parents of nine children, of whom three yet survive. WilHam Henry, who married Laura L. Tush, has recently sold his flour and feed store in Rockford and is now living retired, his home being on Forest avenue. Libby is the wife of Kindred Wood, a resident farmer of Watertown, South Dakota. Rollo Asa married Annie Mc- Clish and is living on the old Hemenway farm in Burritt township. Those deceased are : Chester, Alice, Christina, Charles and two who died in infancy. The death of the father occurred September 27, 1897. He had served as supervisor of Burritt township for several terms and was also township clerk, discharging his duties in a manner most creditable, prompt and reliable. His political views accorded with republican principles and he never wavered in his allegiance to the party or in his support of the cause which he believed to be right. Both he and his wife were members of the First Baptist church of Rockford and were interested in its growth and the extension of its influence. Mr. Hemenway was a great reader and became a well informed man, keeping in touch with measures of progress along all mod- ern lines. This rendered him an entertaining companion and he had many warm friends who greatly enjoyed his society. His life, too, was characterized by honorable principles and worthy motives and although he attained a gratifying measure of success his business career was credit- able and honorable. His widow still owns the old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Burritt township and she has a nice residence at No. 441 Forest avenue. This was built by Mr. Hemenway when he took up his abode in Rock- ford in i8g2 and it has since been the family home. WTLLIAAI H. C. MILLER. . ^^■illiam H. C. Miller, at one time engaged in the jewelry business in Chicago, is now residing at Rockford, where he is living retired. He was born March 28, 1833, '" ^^^"^^^ Jersey, his parents being Isaac and Susan (Miller) Miller. The father was born June 15, 1791, ^nd died August 8, i86q, while his wife, whose birth occurred September i, 1793. departed this life on the igth of .\pril, 1874. in their family were nine chil- dren, five sons and four daughters, and there were no deaths among them for fifty years. Three generations of the family had previously been Ijnrn in New Jersey, which indicates that the Millers were long connected with that state. Isaac Aliller was a farmer and carpenter, and was very progressive and enterprising in all that he did. The family is noted for longevity, and he passed away at the extreme old age of eighty-nine years, while his wife died at the age of eighty-one \ears. Those of their family yet living are: Mrs. Sarah P. Thomas, who, residing in New Jersey, is nearly eighty-eight years of age, but iias never had to wear glasses ; William H. C. and Isaac, of New York city, who was formerly a manufacturer of jewelry and later engaged in mining in New Mexico. \Mlliam H. C. Miller spent the days of his boyhood and. youth in the east, where he acquired a public-school education, and on the 30th of iVpril, 1856, he arrived in Illinois, settling in Chi- cago, where he became a representative of the jewelry trade. He had learned watchmaking while in New Jersey, and had afterward gone to }\Iassachusetts, where he lived for a year, com- ing from the old Bay state to the middle west. At the time of his arrival Chicago contained a population of only about seventy-five thousand people. He lived there for sixteen years, or un- til the memorable fire of 1871, in which he lost nearly everything. He then traded his home for a fruit farm in the south, which he afterward sold, and in August, 1873, he took up his abode in Rockford, and has since lived at No. 749 Johns street. In 1882, however, he went to South Da- kota, where he secured a government claim, which in ifjOi he traded for property in this city. ( )n the 20th of January, 1863. I\Ir. ]\Iiller was united in marriage to Miss Adda Garrison, a native of New Jersey, who was born Alarch 7. 1844. and is a daughter of Thomas and Electa ( Walker ) Garrison. Her father was a specu- lator and also engaged in the grocen,- business. He came to the west in September, 1853, bring- ing with him a capital of seventy-five thousand dollars, and, locating in Rockford, he bought property on Main street, where the Talcott prop- erty now stands. At one time he owned all of the northern portion of the city and was a very prom- inent and influential man here. In i860 he went west to the Rocky mountains, and during the last ten years of his life he frequently visited that section of the country, his death occurring in Col- orado in 1 87 1, when he was fifty-seven years of age. His wife passed away in December, 1868. They were the parents of five daughters and one son : Mrs. Harriet N. Cedarholm. a widow, re- siding in Englewood, Illinois ; Mrs. Elizabeth Garrison, who is living in Woodstock. Illinois ; Mrs. Theodocia Cleveland, a resident of Evans- ton, Illinois: Mrs. Miller: Airs. Anna Know, of Alichigan ; and Thomas J., who is also living in that state. The home of Air. and Mrs. Miller was blessed widi six children. Harry G., who was born De- cember 17, 1863, is a machinist and inventor of 556 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUXTV. considerable iiruiiiineiice. living in Denver. Colo- rado. Eclward W'.. horn Jannary 4. iS'/). is cnn- ducting a restaurant in tliat city, (irace, born June 25, 1868. (lied in 1869. Mortimer R.. born March 2. 1871. is superintendent of the city water works and also city engineer at W'aukegan, llilnois. Ruth E.. born January 11. 187^), died June 22. 1882. Mabel A., born June 10. i87«^. is a stenographer for the Emerson .Manufacturing Company of Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are well kni>\\n in this city, where they have now long resided. He owns here ten acres of very valuable land.^the tract Ix-- ing favorably situated in one of the best resi- dence districts of the city, so that it will com- mand a high ]jrice. Always interested in ques- tions of the day, he keeps well informed on [xt- litical and general subjects. lie belongs to thi- ]\Iasonic fraternity, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church, and although he is now seventy-two years of age he presents the a|) pearance of a man in his prime, being very active and vigorous. He has enjoyed remarkably good health throughout his entire life, and his cm])anion and a valued citizen of Rockford. I. T. WKLTY. J. J. W'elty, a retired farmer residing at No. 1410 Charles street. l^)ckford, was born in I'erry county, Pennsylvania, .Xovcmbcr 19. 1841. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Linehart) Welty. The father was born in Fredericksburg, Maryland, in 1810, and in Pennsylvania was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Einehart. a native of Switzerland, whose birth also occurred in 1810. She came to this country witli her parents in 1820. They left their old home in the month of June, and with a horse and wagon drove to P>asil in 1826. There they s|)ent the night, and then went across the mountains into l-'rance, where they had to ])ay the exorbitant jirice of si.xleen cents per jjound for bread. They continued on their way to Havre de (Irace, France, a distance of six hundred miles, which was accomplished with horse and wagon, and from tliat port they took passage f)n a sailing vessel lK)nnd for New ■S'ork, being thirteen weeks on the ocean. Thev encountered some very severe .storms, including three whirlwinds, which took every sail off the Ixiat three times for three different days. Their supply of provisions was exhausted, and they were nearly starved. The boat drifted helplessly here and there, but finally drifted to Theresa island, where they got bread, spending three davs at that ])ort. Finally they landed at Philadelphia nil ibf I vt of \'i i\ iiiiliir 1820. When only nine years old Mrs. Welty began working out. and later was paid fifty cents per week for her services. When seventeen years of age she learned dressmaking, at which she earned twelve and a half cents per day. When she was twelve years old she carried sap in a sugar camp, having two buckets suspended from a pole which she carried across her shoulders. She remem- bers, too, i)urchasing some fine calico for a Sun- day dress at forty cents per yard. When fifteen years of age she started on foot with her father to Philadel])hia, leading an ox from the block- house in the vicinity of their home to the city market, a distance of two hundred miles. The entire journey was accomplished on foot, and the last day they walked twenty-seven miles. Her father became ill with typhoid fever in the city, and Mrs. \\'eh\ tlien returned alone to her home over that entire distance. She became the wife of John W'elty in Pennsylvania, and they drove with a wagon to Illinois in 1851. in which year the Xortliwestern railroad was being built to Rock- ford. They were five weeks on the way, and they located in Cherry \'alley township, where Mr. Welty purchased one hundred and ninety-seven acres of land, for which they ])aid two hundred dollars. The second year they ])lanted one hun- dred acres of corn. Mr. Welt\' jiaid twenty-five cents per bushel for seed wheat the first year. Some of the land which he Ixnight was improved and a log cabin had been l)nilt. and with strong ])ur])ose and courageous hearts this worthy pio- neer cou])le continued the work of reclaiming the farm for the uses of civilization. .\s his financial resources increased, John Welty kept adding to his possessions, until at one time he owned over one thousand acres of land in Illinois and eight himdred acres in Iowa. In all of his work he had the able assistance of bis wife. wIk^ was a most capable helpmate, and who. in her management of the household affairs, contributed in large measure to the success which attended her hus- band. Mr. Welty passed away October C\ 1882. at the age of sevent\-fwo years, and is still sur- vived b\ his wife, who is now ninety-five years of age. -Still strong in intellect, she related in most interesting manner the incidents given in this sketch concerning her childhood days in the old world and her early exiiericnccs in this country. Three of the children born inito them arc yet !iv- iuir: I'-lizabeth. the wife of James Dawson, re- siding at Xo. 1410 Giarles street, Rockford; Calvin, who lives near the city limits of Rock- ford : and J. J., of this review. In the county of his nativity J. J. Welty spent the first ten years of his life, and then accompa- nied his parents on their removal to Winnebago county, where he continued his education in the common schools of Qierry X'alley township, to which he had to go a distance of three miles. MR. AND MRS. JOHN WELTY. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 559 He assisted in the arduous labor of developing a new farm here, and continued at home until the Civil war broke out. In 1862 he responded to his country's call for aid. enlisting in Companv A, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry, but was rejected on account of his youth. In 1863 he joined the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, of which General Farns- worth was then colonel. He served until June 17, 1865, when he was discharged in Missouri. On the return trip, which was being made up the river, and when they were near St. Louis, the boat sank and five of the men were drowned. Mr. Welty participated in the battles of Culpeper, Colfax Courthouse, Middlesbury, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg and others of less im- portance. When the war was over Mr. Welty returned to his home, where he worked for some time, and later engaged in farming on shares. In 1878 he purchased two hundred acres of land in Iowa, re- taining it in his possession until 1900, when he sold out. He now owns the home where he re- sides at 1410 Charles street, and his mother has two houses and lots in Rockford. He has never married, and his sister Elizabeth and her hus- band, James Dawson, reside with him. Thev have four sons: James Robert: Calvin, of Rock- ford : Emery, of Harvard, and John, who is liv- ing in Allen Grove, Wisconsin. Mr. Welty is a republican, stanch in his advocacy of the partv, and is a memlier of Nevius post, No. i, G. A. R., of Rockford, maintaining pleasant relation- ships with his old army comrades by attendance at camp fires. His parents were members of the Congregational church, and lived together as man and wife for over fifty years, celebrating their golden wedding in Rockford. CHARLES WILLS. Charles Wills, whose life historv was a record of activity, and who. in the conduct of business affairs in Latham Park and Rockford became well known, was a native of Carbon countv, Pennsylvania. His father, Adam Wills, spent his entire life in that county, and was an expert machinist, following his trade until seventy years of age, when he retired from active business life. He was a member in high standing in the Ma- sonic order, and was always true to the teachings and tenets of the craft. Both he and his wife died in the Keystone state. Charles Wills was indebted to the public-school system of his native countv for the educational privileges he enjoved and aft'er finishing his school life he learned the machinist's trade under the direction of his father. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as fireman, and was afterward pnimoted to loco- motive engineer, running upon that road for a few years. Subsequently he returned to his trade as a machinist, being employed in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Hazelton, Pennsylvania, and it was while he was working there that he was married. He continued in that service for a few years, and next sougltt a home in the west, settling at Janesville. Wisconsin, where he began as engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com- pany, his run being between Janesville, Rockford and Chicago. After acting as engineer for a few years, he gave up railroad work and removed from Janesville to the village of Latham Park, in \Mnnebago county, where he established a gen- eral store and also served as postmaster. When he had remained at that place for a few \-ears, he took up his abode in Rockford and accepted the position of janitor and engineer in the Winne- bago county courthouse, which position he held for six years. His health then failed and obliged him to resign, so that he returned to his countrA- home at Latham Park. Again he engaged in general merchandizing there, and was once more made postmaster, continuing in mercantile life and also as the incumbent in the office uyi to the time of his demise, which occurred Octolier 29, 1897. . \\ bile living in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Charles Wills was married to Miss Man,' B. Blay, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Richard and Sarah Blay. Her father was an architect and builder and was prominent in Ma- sonic circles. He died in Mauchchunk, Pennsyl- vania, and his wife, after removing to Janesville, Wisconsin, died at the home of her daughter there. Mr. and Mrs. Wills became the parents of two daughters : Lilly, the wife of Frank Severance, a promi- nent citizen of Rockford and Esther May, who has always resided with her mother, who since the death of Mr. Wills has sold the property at Latham Park and removed to Rockford. purchasing her present home at No. 610 Bruce street. She has a cottage here, but in- tends soon to sell this place and build a larger residence in the northern part of the citv on other lots that she now owns. Mr. Wills cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, and was always interested in its success, but aside from the position of postmaster, held no other office. He was a valued rejiresentative of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows at Rockford, and he had a wide circle of friends in this city. He was a man of domestic tastes, alwavs spending his evenings with his family, for he found his great- est enjovment at his own fireside, in the company of his wife and daughters. He was very tem- 5C0 PAST AND PRESENT OF W lX.\i:i: AtiO OKXTV. in-rato, and his life was straightforward and ujj- riijht, Ix-inj; jjiiidcd by lionorable. manly princi- ples. Mrs. Wills antl her daiij^-htcr arc members of the Court Street .Methoilist Eiiiscopal church. \\lLLI.\.\i I'.IKR. William I.. lUirr, of Rockford. is a native of Wa\ne county. Ohio, born in 1831. his parents beiiiij James and Polly ( Smitii ) P>urr. His father was a native of \'erniont, and owned a farm there, also conducting a sawmill. Follow- in.jjf the death of his wife, he removed to Iowa, anroniinent commer- cial concerns of the city, and em]>loyment is fur- nished to sixty men. From a small store they have built up a mammoth trade. The father gave to his sons six thousand dollars and with this as ilu- nucleus of their business they have dcvelo[>ed an enter])rise whi>se annual trade is represented by a very extensive figure, .\fter s«ime years the father sold his interest to his sons, but he now owns two large farms, one including a half sec- tion of land, and the other an entire section of very valuable land in Kansas. He also owns a fine home where he resides at No. 526 Giestnut street. Rockford. .Mr. Purr was reared in the faith of the whig party, and in early manhood became a stanch advocate of republican principles, having since given his support to the party organization, but without desire for office as a reward for his fealty. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. In a review of his record we note the manifestation of strong and forceful business elements, keen perception, ready adaptability and clo.se a]i])lication. .MI these have combined to make him a very suc- cessful man and the family has long been a prominent one in Rockford, becau.se of the gen- uine personal w<>rth of the father and his sons, the latter now ranking with the bist business men of the cit\. |(>1IN S. W ATSMN. John S. Watson, deceased, was a prominent farmer ot New .Milford townshij), and his success and the honorable methods whereby it was se- cured won him the admiration and re.spect of his fellowmen. He was l)orn in Coventry, England, in 1823, and ,s]K'nt the first seventeen years of his life in that land, after which he emigrated to the new world, taking up his alxidc in Indiana about 1840. There he lived for a few years, ami in 1845 he came to Winnebago county, where lie PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. S6i filed a claim to a tract of land constituting the present home fann of his family. This has never been mortgaged nor has it passed out of the pos- sesion of the family since Mr. Watson received the deed from the government. In his native countn,^ he had learned the trade of ribbon weav- ing-, following that pursuit until he crossed the Atlantic, and in Indiana he learned the black- smith's trade, to which he gave his attention in that state. Subsequent to bis arrival in Illinois, he engaged in farming. His educational privi- leges were limited, but he made the most of his opportunities and progressed along the line of intellectual development as well as of material progress. As the years went by, he made sub- stantial improvements upon his farm, erecting good buildings, including a comfortable home, which replaced the little log cabin that had first furnished shelter to the family, following their arrival in the county. As his financial resources increased, he extended the boundaries of his place by the purchase of an additional tract of eighty acres, .so that the farm now contains two hundred acres. It was wild and uncultivated when it came into his possession, but t'be arduous task of de- veloping it did not deter him from setting reso- lutely to work to transform the place into pro- ductive fields, and his labors were crowned with success, for in the course of a few years he was gathering abundant harvests, where iiefore the wild prairie grasses were found. On the gth of December, 1847, Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Addie L. Stick- ney, who was born in Addison, Addison county, A'ermont, in ^larch, 1827. and removed to Rochester. Xcw York, with her parents, the family there remaining until 1846, when they came to Winnebago county. The party consti- tuted the father, mother and eight children. The father, Abial Stickney, secured a tract of land in New Milford township near the site of the pres- ent village of that name, but a year later removed to Ogle county, where he purchased a farm. He did not live, however, to make a home there but his widow afterward removed to the farm with her children and spent her remaining days upon that place, dying about thirty years ago. Subse- quent to the mother's death the children removed to various locahties and with the exception of Mrs. Watson none are now residents of Winne- bago county. To her husband she proved a faithful companion and helpmate on life's jour- ney and since his death she has conducted the farm, renting the land, however, largely to her children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. \\'atson were born three sons and two daughters: Robert S., born Octo- ber 13, 1848, is a traveling salesman residing in Chicago. He served as a soldier during the lat- ter part of the Civil war. He married Jo- sephine Burdick, and their only child died when si.x years of age. Elizabeth L., born February 21, 1850, is the wife of James Strong, a resident of Allen county, Kansas, and tliey have three children, Bdith, Walter and Curtis. Thomas F., born May 21, 1853, was frozen to death while crossing the mountains in California, February 5, 1876. Eva A., born March 24, 1859, is the wife of George Skinner, a fanner of New Mil- ford township, who also operates a part of the old homestead farm. They have .six children of whom four are living, Charles, Blanch, Vera and Herbert, while May and George are de- ceased. Cieorge C. Watson, the yoimgest mem- ber of the family, was born January 3, 1868, and is now operating the old homestead farm. He married Miss Laura L. Bryant, a native of England, who came to this country and settled near the village of New Milford with her par- ents, William and Mary Bryant, who are resi- dents of Clarion. Wright county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. George C. Watson have two sons, Robert C, ten years of age, and Emer\' J., aged four wars. The family are all republicans in politics and John S. Watson filled various township offices, to which he was called by his fellow citizens who reoognized his lo\'alty to the general gooil and his capability. He was a Mason, belonging to Cherry \'alley lodge, and in his religious views he was liberal. In his life he displayed many excellent traits of character in harmony with the teachings of the craft and he was well known as a prominent and enterprising farmer, his life being crowned with a high measure of success. The nxethocls which he followed were straight- forward and commendable and a definite plan of action and a close adherence to the course which he marked out were salient features in his pros- perity. He was devoted to the welfare of his famil}', doing everything in his power to pro- mote the comforts of his wife and children, and his death, which occurred in 1886. \vas also deeply regretted b\- many friends as well as his own household. OLINER A. PENNOYER. Oliver A. Pennoyer, deceased, a factor in the public life of Rockford for many years, served through a long period as circuit clerk and also as deputy circuit clerk and maintained his resi- dence here from 1857. A native of Groton, New York, he was born July 15, 1826. His parents, Justus P. and Elizabeth Pennoyer. were both natives of the east and throug-hout his entire life 562 PAST WD PRESENT OF WT.WECAGU CUL'XTV. the fatlier followed tanuiiii; near Grolon, Xcw ^'o^k. His wife also died in the same loealitv. Tliere are only two of the children now living. two sisters makings their home near Detroit. Michigan. A brother. Hon. Sylvester Pennoyer. was at one time jjovemor of (!)regon. ( Hiver .V. Pennoyer. reared as a farm lad. at- tended the common schools of the east and worked in the fields when not occupied with the duties of the .schoclonged to the Clrand Anny Post of Rockford and enjoyed in full measure the good will ami respect of his fellownncn. His business career was such as any man niiglit be proud to possess for he steadily worked his way upward making oi)portunity where none existed, over- coming the difficulties and obstacles that always beset a business career, and by liis inherent force of character and strong purpose gaining the handsome competence that enabled him to leave his family in very comfortable financial circum- stances. .Mrs. Cosper is a member of the Con- gregational church. She owns a beautiful home at Xo. 134 Cosper Place, in the northern part of Rockford on the banks of the Rock river. Mr. Cosper at one time owned this addition to Rock- fonl. comprising over thirty-seven acres, but most of it has since been sold in town lots, Mrs. Cosper, however, retaining possession of the family residence and one acre of land. He also owned other valuable property in Rockford. The family is very prominent here, occupying an enviable position in social circles, and their own home is noted for its gracious and cordial hos- pitality. JOHN SCHMAUSS. John .^chmanss, passing from this life left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name together with a handsome forttme that rep- resented a life of honest purpose, of laudable am- bition and indefatigable industry. Moreover he endeared himself to his fellowmen by those ster- ling traits of character which awaken regard and warm friendships, being very considerate, loyal, courteous and kindly, while in his home he exem- plified all of the best elements of the devoted hus- liand and father. His life record was an honor to the land of his nativity and the land of his adop- tion. His birth occurred at Scheittach, not far from Nuremburg. Bavaria, August 14, 1830. His father owned and conducted a well established meat market and bis five sons, George, John. Joseph, Leonard and Wolf, all became experts at that trade. Josejih and Leonard were the first repre- sentatives of the family to seek a home in Amer- ica and secured employment in Kettlewell's mar- ket, in Rockford. Seeing that there was a favor- able o])ening for workmen of their nationality they urged their brothers, John and Wolf to join them here and the request was complied with when in 1855 these two brothers sailed from the fatherland for New York and a few davs later reached Rockford. John Schmauss also entered the cm])loy of Mr. Kettlewell, with whom he con- tinued until after the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, when he made his way to Colorado. He did not find the fortune he there anticipated and became convinced that he was as likely to win success in the Inisincss opportunities afforded in Rockford as in the gold fields of the mountain districts. He therefore returned to Rockford with a belief in her future, the infallibility of which was proven as the years went by. He re- alized that industry and thrift are the basis of all success and he worked persistently and energet- ically for the successful conduct of the business in which he engaged as a partner of Charles dehorn, the firm being established under the firm style of Schorn & Schmauss. This was in May, 1867, and for five years they conducted a profit- able trade, at the end of which time Mr. Schorn established a meat market on Matlison street, while Mr. Schmauss removed to a farm. In 1871 Mr. Schmauss purchased the property known as the Twogood farm in Cherry Valley townshi]). He was identified with the meat busi- ness until 1855, when the firm of Schmauss Brothers sold out to Leonard and Joseph Schmauss, sons of Leonard Schmauss, Sr. Dur- ing the interval from 1871 until 1885 Mr. Schmauss had labored constantly to improve what had become a most valuable farm property and after he had retired from the market he drove almost daily down to the farm, comprising more (ban three hundred acres, giving to its develop- ment and cultivation his personal supervision and making it a valuable property. In connection with the tilling of the soil consideralile attention was given to the raising of cattle and in all of his business he was practical, systematic and ener- getic. Pie seemed to use his opjiortunities to the very best advantage and his farm became a very paying investment. At the same time he did much to improve his beautiful home on East State street an- Lacey, who was born in W^innebago county, and is a daughter of Miles Lacey, an old resident of Winnebago county. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have one daughter. Catherine, now ten years of age. Their circle of friends in Winne- bago county is extensive and is constantly grow- ing as the circle of their acquaintance increases. Mr. \\'atkins has always been known for relia- bility in business affairs and in the management of his property interests displays keen discern- ment and capability, gaining thereby a comfort- able competence. It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of Mr. Watkins' par- ents. His father. N. W. Watkins, now living retired at No. 619 Oak street, in Rockford, was born in Cattaraugus county. New York, in 1838, his parents being N. \\'. and Julia (Brink) Wat- kins, who, in 1839, removed to Kalamazoo. Michi- gan. The father, however, was not long per- mitted to enjoy his new home for his death occurred there the same year. The mother and her son, N. W. Watkins, Jr., afterwartl came to Cherry Valley township, Winnebago county, where she resided with her sister. Mrs. Darius Fish, for several years. I^ter she made her home with a brother for sometime and subse- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 571 qucntly she became the wife of a Mr. Dubois. Siie then resided in Belvidere until her death, which occurred in 1888, when she was about seventy years of age. She made the trip over- land from Kew York to the state of Illinois, traveling after the primitive manner of the timer before tlie era of railroad transportation and she was cn<; cf the well known pioneer women of this part of the state. By her second marriage she had a son, Louis Dubois, who is now resid- ing in Los Angeles, California. N. W. Watkins was reared in Winnebago county, but from the age of ten or eleven years has been dependent entirely upon his own re- sources for a living. He is justly entitled there- fore to the praise indicated by the term, "a self- made man." He attended winter schools as he spring planting until crops were harvested in found opportunity until crops were harvested in the late autumn he was busy in the fields. It \\as his own frugality and industry that brought him the capital, wherewith he purchased a farm. He finally became owner of a tract of land just east of Rockford, in Guilford township, and there he sncessfully carried on general agricul- tural pursuits until 1894, when he retired and removed to Rockford. He then purchased and improved his present comfortable home and here he has since enjoyed a well earned rest. N. W. Watkins was first married to Miss Mary Turner, a native of Guilford township, who died in 1898, at the age of sixty years. She was born on the farm where our subject now resides, a daughter of Melgar and Julia (Kelly) Turner, natives of New York and Ireland respectively, the latter coming to the LTnited States with her father. James Kelly. The only child of the mar- riage of N. W. Watkins and wife is Will E. Watkins. Politically ^Ir. Watkins is a demo- crat, but the honors and emoluments of office ha\'e never had any attraction for him. Through manv vears he gave his undivided attention to his business affairs and now he is enjoying a well earned rest in his home in Rockford. where, surrounded by many friends he is enjoying all of the comforts and manv of the luxuries of life. NAHUM F. PARSONS. Nahum F. Parsons of the Winnebago Grain & Lumber Company, whose watchful attention to and utilization of opix>rtunities has given him rank with the representative business men of this section of the county, who was born in Brimfield, ^Massachusetts. Dcember 4, 18.^4. his parents being Luke and Tryphena H. (Fisher) Parsons, who came to Illinois in 1836 and 1839 respectively. The father located first at Byron, then called Bloomingdale, and his wife made her wav to the west from Westborough, Massachu- setts. By trade Mr. Parsons was a hatter and not only became active in business life at Byron but was also influential in public affairs, serving as deputy county surveyor and in other local Dffices. He died in Byron in 1844, at the age of forty-six years, while his wife passed away in 1893, ^^ '^'t^ '^S'^ o^ eighty-three years, having survived her husband for almost a half century. In the family were three sons and two daughters, namelv : Luke F., residing in Salina, Kansas; Samuel E. of Brookville, Kansas ; and Nahum F. of this review. The sisters are both deceased but Mr. Parsons has a half-sister ajid two step- sisters living, his mother having married Lucius Read, of Bvron, after losing her first husband. ;Mr. Read passed away in December, 1864. Nahum F. Parsons was reared in Byron, Illi- nois, being but four and a half years of age when the family arrived at that place. He was edu- cated in the public schools of that locality and worked upon the home farm until he became a factor in the business life of Winnebago. Tak- ing up his abode here, he entered the stock busi- ness in 1864, in connection with John K. Bing- ham, and later he extended his field of operations to the lumber trade in connection with D. C. Lewis in 1867. Subsecjuently he purchased the interest of ^Ir. Lewis. ]\Ir. Bingham having previously retired. In 1871 he began handhng grain and in 1890 he commenced dealing in coal. He built his grain elevator in 1879 — the first one erected in this vicinit\- and he actively con- ducted the business alone until he decided to organize a company capitalized at twenty thou- sand dollars. The incorporation was effected in 1893 under the name of the Winnebago Grain & Lumber Company with John C. Compton as president and Robert Spottswood as secretary and treasurer. The board of directors included these officers together with i\Ir. Parsons and El- der Moore, all of Winnebago. Mr. Parsons had continued sole owner of the business until, wish- ing to retire and put aside the arduous duties that devolved upon him in connection with the control and management of interests that had al- ready become extensive, he determined to in- corporate and now for the past few years he has practically rested from business cares. In 1873 Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Nancv, daughter of David B. and Maria (Stev- ens) Hendry, of Delaware county. New York, who had been a successful teacher in the public schools of Iowa prior to her inarriage. They have three sons. Nahum H., a member of the firm of Parsons & Company conducting a lum- ber business on North Madison street in Rock- ford, married Harriet Ruezey, of Winnebago, and has one child, Nahum \'incent. George, a .•>/- PAST AX I) PRESENT OF WINXEBAGO COUXTY. fjratluate of L'uriKll I'liivtTsity. at Ithaca, \c\v York, is an dtrtrical i-iif^iiiccr in the Wcstin^j- 1k)Usc shops at I'ittshnrjj. Hiijjh G.. who is a graduate of the high scliools of W'iimebago and of Rock ford and also pursued a business course in Rtx'kford. is now associated with his eldest l>rotlu'r in the lumlier l)UsiiK'ss in the county seat and tile father is likewise largely interested in tlie Parsons Lumber Company there. Mr. Parsons joinetl the Congregational church at Byron when but thirteen years of age. At W'innelxigo. however, he has affiliated witii the Preslnterian church. In jiolitics he has been a stanch republican from the organization of the |)arty. having voted for John C. I'Veinont. its first candidate. For two tenns he ser\'ed as su]X'rvi.sor of Winnebago township but his am- bition has not been in the line of office-holding. In liis business career he has been watchful of opixirtiinities and of all indications pointing t5. when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-eight years. He had long survived his wife who passed away in 1855. when she was twenty-seven years of age. .'^he left two children. (leorge A. and Mrs. Nancy T. C(x>ney, of Harrison townshij). .\fter losing his first wife. Walker Crowley was again married, his second union being with Miss Martha Camp- bell, of this county, who was born in the Empire state. They became the |)arents of four children : Mrs. Mary lane I'ritz. who is living in Harr rison township; Henry, a farmer, who is mar- ried and has a farm, their home being in I^ona township : David, who is married and carries on agricultural pursuits in Durand townshi]) : and Mrs. Ellen I'.aker. who is living in the village of Durand. Mrs. Crowley, the mother of this family, died about 1875, and for his thinl wife Walker Crowley chose Mrs. Lord, nee Camp- hell, a sister of his second wife, also of Winne- bago county. They had two children : Walter, who died in infancy: and I-'rederick, a farmer, residing im the old homestead in Durand town- ship. George .\. Crowley was reared in Winnebago county and ])ursned his education in the public schools. He has followed farming throughout the greater ]>art of his life and now owns one hundred ami twenty acres of land on sectif>n 35. Shirland lownshi|). where he makes his home and another tract of two hundred and one and three-quarters acres in Harrison townshi]). This is also well im|)rove(l and is being operated by two of his sons. Robert and Leonard. Mr. Crtjwley resided in Harrison township until De- cember. ioth he and his wife are members of the Methodist ICpiscnpai church of Shirland. IK\I\ l"Ki-.\Cli. To know Irvin I'rench was to respect and honor him. for his u|)right life, his kindly nature, his genial manner and cheery smile endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was a pioneer business man of Winnebago county, the family settling here in 1840, and when he was called from this life on the 8th of Ma\ . 1902, his death was the occasion of deeji and wide s]>read regret. Mr. I'rench was lx)ni in Medina county. Ohio, on the "th of May. 1833. and was a son of I-lverrtt and Wary (. 'skinner) I-"rench, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, whence thev removed to .Medina county. Ohio, at an early epxh in its development. There the father en- gaged in farming until i84(;. when he brought his family to Winnebftgo county. Illinois, and purchasing l:nid in .*-^eward townshi]) was there GEORGE A. CROWLEY. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 579 eng-aged in farming for many years or until fail- ing health caused him to put aside active business duties. He then traveled with the hope of benefiting his health and died in California, after which his widow made her home in Rockford with her son Irvin until her death. Irvin French was educated in the common schools of his native county. When a boy it was his great desire to travel and learn the world and at the age of seventeen years in order that he might fulfill this wish, he joined a survey- ing party and carried the chain as the part_\- traveled through the timber regions of northern Iowa, North and South Dakota and Minnesota. He continued with the surveying party for sev- eral years, during which time he became con- vinced that there was money to be made in the lumber business, so he returned to Winnebago county, settling in the town of Pecatonica. where he established a lumberyard. He would go north and buy large tracts of timber land, have it cleared oiif and the lumber sawed and shipped to the yards in Pecatonica. He endured all the privations of the lumber camp and b\- reason of his connection with the business he became familiar with it in all of its departments from the time the lumber was in the tree until it was finished and marketable com-, modity. He was identified with the lum- ber trade in Pecatonica until 1879 and his success grew year by year, making him one of the prosperous citizens of his community. At the time mentioned he came to Rockford and practically lived retired until his death. On the 8th of March, i860, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Sarah \Miittlesey, a native of Brownhelm, Ohio, who died in Rock- ford, Ma)- 6, 1891. She was a daughter of Solo- mon and Sarah (Sherman) Whittlesey. There were three children of that marriage : Jo- sephine, now the wife of Frank R. Brown, the president of the Nelson Knitting Company and one of the leading and influential business men of Rockford ; Nell, the wife of W. B. Lxiwry, a representative of an old and prominent family here, where he engaged in business for several years but now resides in Denver, Colorado, where he is interested in mining ; and Gertrude, who resides with Mrs. French. On the 22d of August, 1894, Mr. French was married to Aliss Sara Foster, a native of Massachusetts and 1 daughter of Nahiun and Mary (Cassidy) Fos- ter, the former a native of Southampton, Massa- chusetts, and the latter of New Brunswick, Mas- sachusetts. At an early day Mr. Foster removed to the west and later took up his abode in Pecatonica, where he spent his remaining days. Mrs. Foster resides in Rockford. Although Mr. French came to Rockford with the intention of living retired he could not con- tent himself without some business interest, hav- ing previously led a life of intense and well di- rected activity. He therefore engaged in loaning monex' and when the Rockford Watch Company failed he was appointed receiver and acted in that capacity until his death, making his last report to the circuit court during the January . term. He was a stanch republican in politics, al- though he was reared in the faith of the demo- cratic party, his father having been equally strong in support of the latter organization. Air. French was a member of Ellis lodge, 'No. 17, A. F. & A. AI., of Rockford, and the Knights Templar commandery, joining the organization (luring the early period of its existence. He was likewise a member of the Court Street Meth- odist Episcopal church, to which his widow now belongs, and he took a deep and helpful interest in church and temperance work. His widow and daughter are prominent in social circles here and Mrs. French owns a fine large brick resi- dence at No. 204 North First street, where the familv have remained since the removal to Rock- ford.' Although the educational privileges of Mr. French were limited he broadened his knowledge through his varied business experience and his extensive travels and became a well informed man. He looked at life from a practical and yet a humantarian standpoint, rejoiced in the prog- ress made by his fellowmen and in the advance- ment of county, state and nation along material and moral lines. He also did much to uphold the legal and political status of the community and his influence and co-operation could always be counted upon to further an_\- movement whicli promised to promote the general good. He left to his family a very desirable fortune but more than that he gave to them the priceless heritage of a name that was respected and honored in business circles. PATRICK REDDY. Patrick Reddy, who is engaged in the livery business in Pecatonica, was born in Stephenson couty, Illinois, March 10, 1862, and spending his boyhood days under the parental roof ac- quired his education in the public schools. His parents were Matthew and Bridget (Cufif) Reddy. The father was bom in Ireland and the mother in Pecatonica township, Winnebago count}-, Illinois. Matthew Reddy came to this country on a sailing vessel, landing at New York city when about thirty-five years of age. He worked his way westward to Stephenson county and there obtained employment from a Mr. Flulce, with whom he worked until he had money ;Son a part of his land. He likewise brought his father and mother to this country and his parents s])ent their last days here. In all of his business interests Matthew Reddy was practical as well as industrious and jierse- vering. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he was extensively engaged in raising cattle, hogs and horses. At first he had onlx oxen when he began his farm labors here but eventually he jiurchased a team of horses which he used as the lead team with the oxen in break- ing his cleared land. His life has indeed been a l)usy one and exemplifies the term "dignity of labor." He is now living a retired life, having in 1874 built a fine home in Stephenson county, where he resides with his wife and son John. He has never cared for public office but has al- ways given his sup]X)rt to the democratic party. He was a school director for fifteen or twentv years and he and liis family are communicants of the Catholic church. His life has been active and hoiKirable. crowned with success and also the respect of his fellnwnieii. In his family were fourteen children, eight sons and six daughters. of whom si.x sfHis and five daughters are yet liv- ing, namely: William: .\nnic: Patrick: Mat- tlicw, wlio died at tlie age of twenty-three vears ; John: Mary: Katherine: Rosella : James: Xora : Morris: Julia, who died at the age of five years: Hugh, who died in infancy: and Charles. I'atrick Rer thirteen years. He then held a sale in 1<)CX). after which he ])urchasely directed business interests are win- ning him success. I'.DW \Ri) nrxwb; M. n. Dr. ICdward Dunwoll, who came to Winne- bago countv when a young man and settled in Cherry X'allcy town.ship, was a well known phy- sician in that ])art of the comity aiifl enoyed a large practice there. Many contend that the profession of medicine is the most im|iortnnt to PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 581 whicli a man can direct his energies and all ac- cord its great worth to the world. Dr. Dunwell, with a conscientious regard of the responsibilities and obligations that rested upon him in this con- nection, performed his professional services with a soundness of principle and a conformity to a high standard of professional ethics that won him the esteem and confidence of his brethren in the fraternity as well as of the general public. A native of New York, his birth occurred Au- g"ust 4, 1836, his parents being William and So- phrona Dunwell, who were also natives of New York, On leaving that state they removed to a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, where the father en- gaged in the further cultivation of his land until he brought his family to this county, arriving here in 1853. Settling in Cherry X'alley town- ship, he resumed agricultural pursuits and for man\- \ears was an enterprising and successful farmer of his community but ultimately retired from active business life. He died in 1876 and was survived for several years by his wife. Four of their children are yet living: Chandler, a res- ident of Spencer, Iowa; Mrs. Sophia White, of Taylorvnlle, IlHnois; ]\Irs. Sutherland, of Fair- dale, Illinois ; and Mrs, Norman, of Irene, Illi- nois. Dr. Dunwell acquired his early education in the schools near Cleveland and was a fellow stu- dent of James A. Garfield, afterward president of the United States. He later entered upon the study of medicine but with his parents came to the west and married Miss Mary Aldrich. After a short time, however, he returned to Cincinnati, where he completed his cotirse in medicine and surgerv and was there graduated. Going to the west be entered upon practice in Mar\sville, Cali- fornia, where he followed his profession for a few years and then returned to Illinois, opening an offic^^i Gilman, His wife died in Gilman a few years later, leaving a daughter, Alida, now the wife of Sim- eon Hoff, of \Vinterset, Iowa. Dr. Dunwell con- tinued to practice in Gilman for a short time and then removed to Cherr\- Valley, where lie contin- ued his professional labors to the benefit of his community for two years. Here he was again married, his second union being with Miss Re- becca Farley, a native of Washington county, Ohio, and a daugliter of James and Ellen (Tay- lor) Farley, the former a native of N'irginia and the latter of England. Mr. Farley resided for a few vears in Pittsburg, Penns\dvania, where he learned die trade of brickmaking and then went to Morgan county, Ohio, where he purchased a store, flour and saw mills, continuing their oper- ation for seven years. On the expiration of that period he settled in \A'ashington count}-, Ohio, where he carried on farming for five \-ears, and in 1853 he came to \\'innebago county, Illinois, purchasing land in Cherry \'alley township. Here he followed farming for fifteen years or un- til 1868, when he retired and took up his abode in the village of Cherry Valley, where lioth he and his wife .spent their last days. In their fam- ily were ten children : Mrs, Kirkland, now liv- ing in Henr\- county. Illinois ; Elizabeth, who is the widow of Benjamin B. Hovey, who died in July, 1905, leaving her an estate of eighty thou- sand dollars; Thomas, a farmer of Cherr}- \'al- ley township; Mrs, Brooks, of Lawrence, Kan- sas; Mrs. Lewis Keith, of Rockford; Mrs. Dun- well and Mrs. Eckert, twins ; Mrs. Frowe, of Wamego, Kansas; and Mrs. Heckman and Mrs, Carpenter, Ixith deceased. Nellie Farle\-, now Mrs. David Eckert, was twice married, first to John Hicks, of Blair cotmty, Pennsylvania, who was an army officer, serving as colonel in the volunteer service and afterward as first lieuten- ant in the regular army. He died in Louisiana, of yellow fever, in 1867. His widow afterward became the wife of David Eckert, of Burbank, Ohio, who was a hardware merchant there and in 1872 removed to Topeka, Kansas, where he lived for several years. He then became general agent for the Deering Manufacturing Company, of Qiicago, and made his home in Dallas, Texas, for several years, after which he returned to Topeka, where he lived retired until his death. He was first married to Catherine Idleman, who died in Topeka, leaving two children, Franklin and William, both now residents of that state. Following the death of her second husband Mrs. Eckert returned to Qierry \'alley, where she lived for one year and then removed to Rock- ford with her twin sister, ^Irs. Dunwell. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Dunwell two children were bom, but the first died unnamed in infancy and Walter H. died at the age of eleven years and seven months. Following his second marriage Dr. Dunwell left Cherr\- \'alley and removed to Coflfeyville, Kansas, where he engaged in prac- tice for six vears. He then went to Chama, New Mexico, where he practiced and invested in mines. He had been there only a brief period, however, when he became ill and his death oc- curred February 4, 1880. He was a man of strong purpose and marked capability and wher- ever he went he left the impress of his individ- uality upon the public life. While in Marysville, California, he served as county superintendent of schools and while living in Coflfeyville, Kan- sas, he was elected a member of the state legis- lature for the term of 1871-72. He took a ver}- deep interest in political questions and gave earn- est support to the democracy. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity while living in California. As a practitioner of medicine he was ver\- successful and both he and Mr. Eckert became well-to-do. His worth was widelv ac- PAST AND PRKSrXT OF WIXXEFSAGO COUNTY. kiiowkxljjcd, and I'aiilllcss in honor and Kark>> in con X'allcv, where she lived until 1903. when with her sister ^Irs. Eckert, slie came to Rock ford and they purchased their present fine home at Xo. 136 South Prospect street, where tliev now reside. Mrs. Uunwell still owns her home in the villajjc of CherrA- X'alley, and lioth sI:p and Mrs. Eckert have fine farms in Kansas wliicli thev rent. They arc both mem- bers of the Cliristian church of Rockford and the circle of their friends here is extensive. lOlIX 1. CRILL John J. Crill. deceased, was a self-made man. whose enterprise, executive ability and persever- ance constituted the basis of a pro.spcrity which made him one of the leading and substantial farmers of Ogle county, Illinois. His home was just south of the boundary line of Winnebago county, and he had a wide acquaintance in Rock- ford and this county. His birth occurred in Oneida county. New York. May 12, 1825, his l)arents being Henry and Betsy (Brooks) Crill. The father was born in London, England, and after coming to America settled first in Connecti- cut. At the time of the Revolutionary war he served as a member of General \\'ashington's body guard. Tn Connecticut he was united in marriage to Miss Brooks, a native of that state. the wedding taking place in 1818, after which tliey removed to the state of Xew York. On leaving the Empire state. Henry Crill took up his alx)de in Winnebago county, Illinois, settling first in Xew Milford townshi|), where he engaged in farming for a year. He then removed across the border line to Monroe township. Ogle county, where he purcha.sed fifteen hundred acres of land and was there engaged in general farming and dairying for many years. He prospered in his undertakings, anrl was one of the extensive land- owners of this |)art of the state. Taking up his abode in Rix-kford. he resided in the state for only a brief period, and then returned to the farm in Ogle county, whereon he and his wife spent their remaining days. They have one son, Har- vey, who is still living in Rockford, his home be- ing on Xorth Main street. John J. Crill was a young lad at the time of the removal of his parents to the west, and he ac- quired a good education in the schools of Ogle county. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist, and acquireag<) Telephone Company, of which he is still a stix'kholder. His political views accord with republican princif>les anrl he desires the success of liis i)arty without seeking office as a reward for partv fealty. .Socially he is connected with the L'.enev- olent and Protective ( )nler of Elks. No. 64, of Rockford. and with Rockford camp. No. 31, M. W. .v.. while his religious views are in ac- conl with the teachings of the Presbyterian church. He is known as an enterprising busi- ness man, alert and energetic and in the control of his fanning interests is annually meeting with gratifying and deserved success. He has now rented his fami for a year and expects to take a well earned rest. rilAKLFS F. CLOVER. Giarles l'. Clover, following the occupation of farming on section 17. Rockton township, was born in the village of Rockton July 18, 1850, and conies of English lineage. His father, John Clover, was a native of England, bom in 1820, and there remained until he had attained his majority and was married. He wedded Miss ^Iary Clark, also a native of that country, and two children had been added to the family at the time of their emigration to the new world in 1844. Crossing the Atlantic, they did not tarry on the eastern coast but at once continued their jour- ney into the interior of the country, settling in Rockton. In 1847 the father purchased land upon which Oiarles F. Clover now resides, entering a claim from the government and thereby secur- ing one hundred and sixty acres. He at once began the arduous task of breaking the prairie and ]ilacing the tract under the plow and as the years advanced his labors brought to him a good return. In 1834 he began railroad contracting as a member of the firm of Frazcr, Talcott & Qover and was thus engagetl for sometime but subse- quently he turned to his farm an[)lieening a store on West State street near .Main street. Pie there engaged in buying butter, eggs and cheese, which lie ship[)ed to I'.oston, New York and St. Louis, carrying on the business for several years. He was very successful in this undertaking, and he then returned to keeping books for a few years, after which he want uixin the road as a traveling saleman, selling soap for sometime. Subse(iuent- ly he acceptcil the i)osition of bookkeeper for 'Sir. Sturtevant, of Rockford, with whom he remained for four years, but later he abandoned all business cares and retired to private life, spending his re- maining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. Mr. Roberts was married three times. He first wedded Mary J. Dewey, who died in Rockford. For his second wife he chose Mrs. Hettie Quack- enbush, of New York, who died in Rockford. There were four children of that union, but all died in early life with the exception of Carroll J., a painter residing in Chicago. For his third wife Mr. Roberts chose Miss Hortcnse Moore, who was born in Winnebago county, and was a daugh- ter of Washington and Lucia (Holt) Moore, who were natives of the east, and came to Winnebago county in 1838, settling in Winnebago township, where Mr. Moore engaged in farming until his death in 1846. Mrs. ^roore afterward married Clark Fisher, who conducted a sawmill in this coimty for many years, and both he and his wife died here, Mrs. Fisher passing away in 1805. There were three children born unto Mr. Roberts by liis last marriage: Tracy M., who wedded Catherine C. McLaughlin and is a molder by tra. Rcdington was reared in Winnebago county, where his entire life has been passed. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth, and he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, a jiart of the First Independent Cavalry Corps of the East- ern .\rmy, and was himorahly discharged in 1865. He was never wounded, although he was fre- quently in the thickest of the fight, and made a creditable military record. Subsefjuent to his return home Mr. Redington was imited in marriage to Miss Louisa Steward, of this county, who was born in ( )wen township, antl they now have two daughters. Alice and Leta, the latter at home. The elder daughter is now the wife of Charles D. Cliflford, of Rockford, who is conducting the Sujicrior I^iundry of that city, of which he is part owner. They have one .son, Har- old. Almost contiiuinusly since his marriage Mr. Redington has followed the occu])ation of farm- ing, and now living u|)on the old farm homestead is giving his time and energies to the tilling of the soil, his fields being well cultivated, so that rich crops are annually harvested. The place com- prises three hundred acres of land, which is very valuable, constituting one of the good farms of W'iimebago county, and in all his business deal- ings he is reliable and trustworthy, so conducting his affairs that he has made for himself an hon- orable name. Well known as an advocate of re- pid)lican principles and prominent in the local ranks of his party he has served as supervisor of Rockford townshii) for seventeen years. Socially he is connected with Xevius post. No. i, G. A. R., and with Farmers" camp. No. 449, M. W. A. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian Union church, and their interests are centered in lines of activity, wherein the county is benefited and public progress is conserved. ALovzo j. i-:ns()X. .m. d. Dr. .\lonzo j. Edson. who for many years de- voted his irfe to the practice of medicine, follow- ing the ])rofession for forty-seven years m ( )gle and Winnebago counties, is now residing in the village of New Milford, where he has lived since t8(;8, anil where he is now practically retired. He was born in Genesee county. New York, .\pril 7, iS.2(;. his parents Ix-ing (iemaliel and Haiuiah (Boylan) Edson, the former a native of .\ew York and the latter of New Jersey. They re- moved to Ogle county. Illinois, in 1857, settling in .Monroe townshi]), where Dr. i-ldson and his father ])urchased a farm, and upon that place his ])arents both died, the father itassing away in r877 and the mother in |8'>4. They hail four children: Elizabeth A.. Marietta J.. Malvina and .Moiizo |.. bi;t Dr. Ivlson is the onlv one now livinsr. L'ntil twelve years of age Dr. Edson worked u])on his father's farm in New York. He then attended the common schools for the first time, but later he was afforded good educational privi- leges, becoming a student in the academy at Wy- oming, New ^'o^k, where he remained for two tenns, mastering the branches of learning that constitute the curriculum in that institution. 1 le afterward took up the study of theology, placing himself under the instruction of Elders Hard, Mc- Cuin and Fuller, who directed his reading and investigation for a year. It was his father's wish that he became a minister of the Christian religion, but owing to a division in the church regarding the slavery i|uestion. Dr. Edson jnit aside his orig- inal intentions of following his father's wish and took u]) the study of medicine, matriculating in Cincinnati .Medical College, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1847. He then practiced in (ienesee county. New York, un- til 1854, when he formed a partnership with Dr. Jacob DeLamater, of Batavia, New York, which relation was maintained until 1856. In 1858 he came to Illinois. He has practiced continuously since 1847, meetmg with excellent success in his profession, and he has continuously studied and read to keep in touch with methods of modern practice, being quick to advocate any new idea that would prove of value in his chosen work, yet he never discarded hastily the old and time-tried methods whose value he had proven through long years of active work. C)n the 1st of October. 1850. Dr. Edson was married to Miss Cornelia Howe, who died twelve years later, and on the 2d of January. 1865, he wedded Mrs. Mercy M. Pardee. They have four children : Curtis G. and Bertis S.. twins, the former residing at New Milford. where he is eni- ])l(>yed as an engineer, while the latter resides on a farm in ( )gle county; (jeorge .\.. who assists his brother Bertis in operating the farm: and Kittie .M.. at home. By her former husband Mrs. Edson had two children, one of whom. Roland C, resides in Monroe, Ogle county. He is now married and has four daughters, twt) of whom are school-teachers. Dr. Edson is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and eighty acres, and he recently sold seven acres for the right of way for the Iowa, Illinois &• Minnesota Railroad, now in course of construction. The farm lies jiartly in Winnebago and ])artly in < >gle counties, one hmidred and tliirtx -three acres being in the townshi]) of New .Milford, ami the Doctor's practice has naturally extended into both counties. In November. i8q8. he removed to the village of New Milford, where he ]iurchased and imi)roved his present comfor- table home. He formerly owned several proper- ties in the city of l\(X"kford, but has disjxised of these. Politically Dr. I'Mson is a republican, and PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 603 in religious faith his wife is connected with the Wesleyan Methodist church. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fol- lows and the [Masonic lodge in New York, but has never affiliated therewith in the west. In the line of his profession he was identified with the New York State Medical Society and is now a member of the Illinois State Medical Society. He is a social, genial gentleman of genuine worth, whose life has been of benefit to his fellowmen, and he is yet the loved family physician in many a household. He has now attained a venerable age, having passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey, but his era of usefulness is not yet over. Old age does not naturally suggest lack of occu- pation or helplessness, for there is an old age which grows stronger and better as the years go by and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience. Such has Ix^en the career of Dr. Ed- son. HEXRY P. KIMBALL. Henry P. Kimball as secretary of the County Agricultural Society and as a private citizen con- tributed in substantial measure to the welfare and upbuilding of Rockford and ^^'innebago county, and, while he started out in business empty- handed, in his later years he was classed with the prosperous citizens whose records prove the force and value of industry and integrity as factors in the business world. ;\[r. Kimball was a native of New Hampshire, born in 1829, and his parents were Samuel and Hannah (Tasker) Kimball, who were natives of New England, spending the greater part of their lives in Kennebunk, r^Iaine, where in his younger years the father followed the miller's trade. Both he and his wife died in Salmon Falls. New Hamp- shire. Henry P. Kimball acquired a good education in the east. He was largely reared in Maine, and after mastering the elementary branches of learn- ing in the public schools continued his studies in Colby University, of Alaine. while subsequently he was graduated from Rochester (New York) Uni- versity. He then turned his attention to the pro- fession of teaching, which he followed for several years in the Pine Tree state. Attracted by the business opportunities of the great and growing west, however, he made his way to Winnebago countv in early manhood, arriving in Rockford in June, 1852. He first taught school here for three years and then turned his attention to hor- ticultural pursuits, owning twenty-six acres of land in the northern part of the city, now included within the main residence portion of Rockford. He also bought another tract and set out both places in fruit trees. He made a close study of the needs and requirements of different kinds of fruit trees, and his opinions were largely regarded as authority on horticultural questions in this part of the state. He produced high grades of fruit and met with excellent success in his busi- ness career. He was also secretary of the County Agricultural Society, and put forth his best efforts to promote its interests, so that the farming class of Winnebago county owe him a debt of gratitude for what he accomplished in that direction. In i8q2, Mr. Kimball was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Haskell, a native of [Massachusetts and a daughter of Dr. George and Eunice (Ed- wards) Haskell. Her mother was born in Acton, [Massachusetts. Her father. Dr. Haskell, was one of the early physicians of Rockford and a grad- uate of Dartmouth College. Retaining his resi- dence in New England for some time he practiced both in Maine and [Massachusetts, and then re- moved to the west, settling first in Edwardsville, Illinois, whence he afterward went to Alton, re- maining in active practice there for a few years. He afterward proceeded by boat up the river to Rockford, becoming one of the pioneer phvsicians of this city. Here he practiced with benefit to the community until his own health failed and he found it necessary to live an outdoor life. How- ever, before following that course he purchased a small stock of dry goods and conducted a store for a few years after his retirement from practice. He found that he could not stand the close con- finement and embarked in the nursery business, giving his attention largely to fruit trees. At a later date he removed to New Jersey, where he invested in land and spent his last days,, but Mrs. Haskell died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kimball, in Rockford. Dr. Haskell was a man of marked integrity of character, of unquestion- able honor in all life's relations and one whose flevotion to the public good was characterized by untiring elTort and imselfishness of purpose. [Mr. and [Mrs. Kimball became the parents of four children : Frank H., a practicing physician of Rockford. who is represented elsewhere in this work; Willis [M.. who married Isabelle [Mears and resides on Haskell avenue, now representing the fourth ward on the board of aldermen, a position which he has filled for many years with marked capability ; Carlton C, who wedded [May Irish and is city collector, residing on Winnebago street : and Cora, who died at the age of four vears. The death of [Mr. Kimball occurred [Mav 10, 1889. He was a republican in politics and took an active and deep interest in the questions and is- sues of the day. He long ranked as one of the leading residents of his adopted city, and was closely identified with its upbuilding along varied lines. He was a gentlemen of broad humani- tarian spirit, of ready sympathy and unfailing 6o4 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. courtesy and always stooil as a friend <>f educa- tional and philanthropic measures. The consensus of public opinion conceminii him was very favor- able, and lie had the haiipy faculty not only of winnint; friends, but of (Irawins them closer to him as- the years passed by. In i8i)2 .Mrs. Kim- ball built her present beautiful home at .\o. •t^j l-'isher avenue. The family are well known here and occupy an enviable pfisition in social circles and public life. A. P.. MILLER. .\. 1!. .Miller, a farmer ami stock-raiser also enirased in the breeding of stock, is located on .section 27, Shirland township, where he is larfjcly en,c;a,tjerovement until he retired from active business life and took up his abode in the village of .Shirland. where he made his home until his death, which occurred about fifteen years ago. when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife died about 1<>X). when ninety-two years of age. IJoth were very active u|) to the last. They were natives of \'ermont and manifested the thrift and industry .so characteristic of the .\ew I'^ngland people. In their family were twelve chil- dren, as follows: Mrs. Margaret Reckhow. of Uockforfl : John, a stock buyer r PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 607 NELSON EUGENE BENOIT. On Sunday, the 23d of March, 1902, there oc- curred an event which caused general mourning in the city of Rockford, the death of Nelson E. Benoit, who at the hour of 2 :30 departed this life. He was a remarkable man in many respects. He achieved splendid success in business, and in him were embodied many virtues, including a steadfast purpose, unimpeachable integrity and devotion to the general good. Moreover, he pos- sessed a nature which enabled him to shed around him much of the sunshine of life. This was per- haps his most distinguishing characteristic, as all who knew him were familiar with his intense good nature, his ready reply and his quick wit, but those who came within the closer circle of his friendship knew more of a kindly, generous spirit, a philanthropic purpose and a serious and philo- sophic insight into life, its duties and its possi- bilities. He was known in business circles of Rockford for many years as one of its leading merchants, first taking up his abode here in 1868. Mr. Benoit was a native of Frelighsburg, Que- bec, Canada, born in the 6th of March, 1841. His parents always lived in Quebec, where his father was a carriage-maker by trade. The son pursued his education in the public schools of his native countv. and then became his father's assistant in the shop, there learning the trade, which, however, he followed for only a brief time. He afterward learned the art of photography in Canada, and followed it as a business pursuit until he came to Rockford in 1868. Here he secured a position in the paint shop of the N. C. Thompson Company, but when he had been thus employed for about two years he turned his attention to the jewelry business, securing a position in the store of Mr. Manning, with whom he worked for a few years. He afterward clerked for Mr. Freidman in his jewelry store for about a year, and in 1880 he purchased a stock of goods and began business on his own account at No. 310 West State street, where he carried a complete line of jewelry, watches, clocks, silverware and fine optical goods. At the beginning the new enterprise was attended with success. The safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated commended itself to all, and the public knew that it would receive fair and hon- orable treatment at his hands. He continued in the jewelry trade with constantly growing success until 1900. when he sold out to C. E. .\xt, who still conducts the store. Mr. Benoit was married twice. He first wed- ded ]\Iiss Julia P. ChaiTee, who was born in Berk- shire, \'ermont, and died in Rockford in 1 87 1. Seven years later, in 1878, Mr. Benoit wedded Mrs. Martha (Thayer) Hobart, the widow of Randolph E. Hobart, who came to Rockford and was employed in the shops of this city until his healtn failed him, when he returned to Pl_\nnouth, Pennsylvania, where he died. Mrs. Benoit was a daughter of John and Maria Thayer, both na- tives of the state of New York. They came to Rockford in 1857. and Mr. Thayer, who was a carpenter by trade, assisted in the erection of many of the fine buildings of this city, including the \\'estminster Presbyterian church. He afterward engaged in the pump manufacturing business un- der the firm name of Springer & Thayer, con- ducting that enterprise with success for several years. He next removed to Dakota, and after- ward visited California, and while on a return trip to Rockford he was taken ill. dying before he reached his destination. He was well known in this city, and many friends entertained for him warm regard. His widow, now aged eighty-seven years, makes her home in Rockford with her two daughters, Mrs. Benoit and Mrs. Tymesen, at No. 1003 Haskell avenue. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thayer were born five children, of whom four are yet liv- ing, Airs. Benoit lieing the third in order of birth. The others are Clara W.. the wife of Harvey L. Tymesen, who is engaged in the express business in Rockford ; Mrs. Frank Johnson, who is residing in Los Angeles, California ; and Mrs. A. I. Man- uel, of Denver, Colorado. The eldest daughter, Nancy, now deceased, was the wife of A. M. Man- ny, who was formerly a prominent business man of Rockford and now resides in Chicago. Mr. Benoit disposed of his business interests in Rockford on account of ill health, and then went to California, where he spent about nine months. On the expiration of that period he re- turned to Rockford with the intention of going again to California and make that state his home, but while here he entered into partnership with W. H. .-Vllen in the organization and control of the business of the Rockford Glass Company, Mr. Benoit managing the store, while Mr. Allen trav- eled upon the road selling their goods. In Jan- uary. 1902, however, Mr. Benoit was taken ill. He somewhat recovered his health, but again be- came worse, and on the 23d of March, 1902, he passed away. In his political relations he was a republican, and fraternally was a thirty-second-degree and Knight Templar Mason. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and other fraternal societies. He and his wife at- tended the Christian Union church, and it was there that his funeral services were held. There were few men better known in Rockford and cer- tainly none more popular. He was called "Ben- nv," a term of good fellowship, popularity and affection. It is said that none ever heard an ill word spoken of him. He was to every one who came in contact with him a merr\^ soul, brimming over with good nature and kindness and scattering 6o8 FAST AND I'RKSEXT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. sunsliinc ulu-nver he went. A local paper said of him: "His kindness of heart, his tolerance of the views of others, his sympathy for the weak and unfortunate were {|ualities which always abid- ed with him. not ostentatiously, for it was only upon close ac(|uaintance that his true nature be- came revealed, lie was a lifelonij republican in politics and was hapi)y in his fidelity to his party's principles, thoutjh he was genenius to a fault with those who held opposing views. The passing throng knew him best as a wit, and in this regard he was unienoit." .Mrs. Penoit is now residing with her sister and mother at No. 2oy South West street, but has spent much of her time since her husband's ileath in traveling, mostly in the west, spending much time with her sisters in California and Colorado, and she intends soon to take up her permanent abode in California. N. P. |( )IiXS( ).\. N. P. Johnson, conducting an extensive men's and ladies' tailoring establishment at No. 318 East State street, Rockford, was born in Skone, Sweden, in i860, a son of Johanes Pearson. He spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the land of his birth, but the sui)erior business op- ])(>rtunities of the new worUl attracted him. and in 1881 he crossed the .\tlantic to America, mak- ing his way direct to Rockford in .May of that year, where he has since remained, with the ex- ception of a brief period of three months spent in Chicago. I'ollowiug his arrival here he was employed for nine years by the Glove Manufac- turing Coiupany. and later he worked for three and a half years with the Globe Clothing Com- ]iany as a salesman, lie then began the tailor- ing business on his own account, and has since been engaged in this way. He carries the larg- est stock of woollens of any tailoring establish- ment in Rockford, and does all kinds of ladies' and mens tailoring, receiving a large patronage fntm the best ])eoplc of the city and county, his business having reached such ]>roportions that he is justified in liie employment of from six to eight first-class t:iilors. Ilis work is all guaran- teed and gives uniform satisfaction and his es- tablishment is thoroughly modern in all of its equii)ments. In 1885 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to .Miss Ingrid Eind.strom. a native of .Sweden, who came to .\merica in 1883. They have two chilflren, (ieorge and .\lbin. The family home is at No. 1528 East State street, where Mr. John- son owns a beautiful residence, having lived here for eighteen years, lie votes with the rejnib- lican |)arty. but is too busy to devote any time to ])olitical work. He belongs to the Modern i\. r. yoHXSox. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 6ii ^^'oodmen camp oi Rnckford, and he and his wife are members of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. Pie is a man of fine appear- ance, of unfaihng courtesy and genial disposi- tion, and his business record is notable from the fact that he came to America without capital and but limited education. He, however, soon mas- tered the English language and with a mind that is continually broadening through reading and experience he has acquainted himself with the conditions of the new world and by ready adapt- ability to business life has worked his way stead- ily upward in the field of labor which he has chosen. JAMES P.. HARDY. James B. Hardy, an agriculturist of Roscoe township, has for a number of years been actively engaged in the raising of cattle, horses and sheep and also conducts a dairy business, and the record which he has made as an agriculturist is a com- mendable one, having been characterized by suc- cessful accomplishment as well as straightforward methods. He was born in Roscoe township in 1854, and is a son of Seldon S. and Caroline Hardy, both of whom were natives of Maine. The Hardy family is of English Imeage. but little def- inite history can be obtained concerning earlier generations of the family. Seldon S. Hardy came from the Pine Tree state to Illinois in the late '30s and settled in Roscoe, Winnebago county, where he followed mechanical pursuits. At a later date, however, he turned his attention to farming and continued to make his home in this county up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-fotir years of age. His wife passed away at the age of forty-five years. In their family were seven children, of whom three are living, the brothers of our subject being Har- ris W. and Nicholas. James B. Hardy, the youngest of the family, has always resided in Winnebago county with the exception of a period of twelve years spent in LaSalle count)', Illinois. He acquired his early education in the district schools, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleas- ures of the playground and the duties of the fields, for under his father's direction he was trained to habits of industry and economy upon the home farm and early gained a practical knowledge of the best methods of cultivating land and caring for stock. When he had reached man's estate he resolved to make his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. Mr. Hardy married ^.tiss Amanda T\irter. a na- tive of Illinois and a daughter of Robert Porter. They had one son. Paul, who was born in Roscoe township and has married Gladys Newton, a na- tive of Boone county, Illinois. Mrs. Amanda Hardy died at the age of thirty-two years, and for his second wife Mr. Hardy chose Laura Blair, also a native of Roscoe township and a daughter of Alva Blair, who was one of the earl)- settlers of this county, of 1836, coming to Illinois from Bufl^alo, New York. He arrived in Winnebago count)- when Mrs. Hardy was only two years of age, and secured a tract of land which he devel- oped. Air. Hardy in recent years has purchased the interest of the other heirs in this property, whereon he now makes his home, having here one hundred and ninety acres of rich and productive land. He works it all, being one of the most ac- tive and energetic agriculturists of his community. He raises good crops, but pays more particular at- tention to stock-raising, keeping cattle, horses and sheep. He also does a dairy business and the prod- duct of his dairy finds a ready sale on the mark-et. Mr. and Mrs. Hard)' are the parents of five children, all born in Roscoe township, namely : Kate, Ruth, Dora, Blair and Harold. Mr. Hardy gives his political allegiance to the republican part)-, and is a member of the Woodmen of Amer- ica. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his labors that now a fine farm gives proof of his activity, energy and business discernment in former vears. ALLEN RICE. Having in an active business career acquired a handsome competency, Allen Rice then retired to private life and was for a number of years a resi- dent of Rockford. enjoying there the fruits of his former toil. He became a resident of Winnebago county in 1856, at which time he purchased a farm in Harrison township. A native of the Empire state, he was bom in W'ashington county, New- York, April 3, 1817. His father. Jonathan Rice, and his grandfather, Abraham Rice, were like- wise natives of the same locality, and the latter served as a soldier of the war of 1812 in early manhood. He was united in marriage to Miss Eda Deuell, who was likewise born in Washington county. New York, and one of her brothers was a soldier with the American army in the second war with England. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Rice always remained residents of the county of their nativity. Jonathan Rice, however, removed from Washington to Genesee county. New York. He alwavs carried on general agricultural pursuits, and he died in Genesee county at the age of fifty- two years. Allen Rice is indebted to the public-school sys- tem of \\'ashington county. New York, for the earlv educational advantages he received, and in 6l2 PAST AND I'RESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 1831, when a yoiiili of fourteen years, he accom- panied his parents on their removal to (ienesec county. While hving tliere lie he.ijan learning:; the carpenter's trade, and soon hecame a skilled workman, followino; that calling until 1856, whei. he removed to the west. He had two hrotliers then living in Winnel)ago county, and this led him to seek a home here, liotii iirothcrs were farming at that time, hut have now ])assed away. One sis- ter, however, .Mrs. William Kinney, the wife of a retired farmer, now resides in the village of Durand. As before stated Mr. Rice secured a tract of land in Harrison township, and with characteristic energy began the tilling of the soil, placing his farm under a hi.gh state of cultivation. There he worked jiersistently and energetically for eight years, after which he took up his abode in Rockford and purchasetl the Harlem Park farm at the north end of the city, the district that now constitutes Harlem Park. .Mr. Rice there owned one hundred and seventy-five acres of well im- proved land near Rock river and continued its improvement and develo])ment until 18.S7. when he sold out to the ])ark com])any and ])urchased a residence at the corner of Mulberry and Church streets. Taking uj) his abode there he lived re- tired until his (kath, but for several years he was in an invalid condition owing to a stroke of paralysis, and he passed away April 14, 1902. Mr. Rice was married twice. He first wedded a Miss Miller, a native of New York, who died in that state leaving two children, Charles E. and Joseph A., the former now a farmer of Storm Lake, Iowa, and the latter a speculator of Chi- cago. Mr. Rice was again married in Genesee county. New York, his second union being with Miss Lydia .\. Mead, a native of Montgomery county. l)orn .\pril 17, 1835, a daughter of Charles and Polly ( Pierce) Mead, of h'ulton county. New York. Her father was a millwright and carpenter by trade, and during a part of the time in the east worked for Mr. Rice. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Rice Ix-came the ]iarents of two sons, but Willie was (Irf)wned in Rock river on the 8th of September. 1865. when ten years of age. The sur\'iving son, Harris H. Rice, was born July i<). 1850, and acquired a good education in the schools of Winnebago county. Following the removal of his ])arents to Rockford he obtained a ])osition in the watch factory and soon became an expert watch-case maker. He was later ])r(Mnoted to sho|) superintendent anu])|)orter of the democratic party. He had a large acquaintance in this city and county, being known to all the pioneer residents of this |)ortion of the state, for he located here a half century ago, and his death was deeply re- gretted by many friends as well as his family. Mrs. Rice has recently sold some of her property, but still owns a fine brick residence at No. 317 .Mulberry street, where she and her son now re- side. Her long residence in the county makes her familiar with its history, and during the fifty years in which she has lived in this part of the .state she has gained many warm friends, her good traits of heart and mind endearing her to those with whom she has been associated. AXDRI'.W 1". Ck AIIAM. Andrew I'. Graham, numbered among the suc- cessful farmers of Rockton township, living on .section 31, was born in that township December 19, 1858. He traces his ancestry back to his great-grandfather, who was a native of the north of Ireland, and came with his family to America in colonial days. When the colonists could no longer endure the o])pressive measures of the mother country he joined the .\nierican .\rmy and fought for independence, and the maternal great- grandfather of our subject was also one of the heroes of the Revolution. The grandfather, Mat- hew (iraham, was born in Pennsylvania, and his business pursuit was that of farming, whereby he jirovided the necessities and some of the comforts of life for his family. He came with the father of our subject to Illinois, but shortly afterward re- turned to his native state. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Shannon and was like- wise a native of Pennsylvania. Henry Graham, father of .\ndrew F. Graham, was born in Northumlierland comity, Pennsyl- vania, and in early life learned the plasterer's trade, which he afterward followed along the Mis- sissippi river for sometime. On .going through the south and witnessing the abuse of slavery he became a very stanch abolitionist and because of his intense feeling against the custom of holding the negroes in bonda.ge he awakened the antago nism of southern people, and for this reason was obliged to return to the north. He then settled in Rockton. Winnebagt) county, where he engaged in |)l'istering. taking the contract to plaster the church in the viliige. He afterward removed to Rockton townshi]). wlu're he |nirchased the eighty acres of land on which his son Henry now resides. He had lived ])reviouslv for a short period in Be- loit, Wisconsin, but after coming to Winneba.go county s]ient his remaining days here, and for (|i'ite a long' ])eriod was actively and successfully identified with its agricidtural interests. He mar- PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 613 ried Ellen Foster, a native ot Ohio, and his death occurred in Rockton, in 1895, when he was sev- enty-one years of age, while his widow is still liv- ing- in Rockford. They were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living: Andrew F., Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. i\Irs. Margaret Ruhl, Mrs. Rachel Keagle. ]\Irs. Jennie Hanghey, Henry and jNIrs. Lucy File. .\ndrew F. Graham has spent his entire life in Rockton township, and was reared to the occupa- tion of farming, which he has made his life work. He makes a specialty, however, of the dairy busi- ness and for this purjaose keeps thirty Jersey cows, manufacturing from five to six thousand pounds of butter each year, which he readily dis- poses of to families in Rockford, because of the excellence of his product. He also owns a full- blooded bull by Brown Bessie Cadet. No. 57522, which is at the head of his herd. He has one hun- dred and forty acres of land which he purchased in 1 88 1, and since that time he has made many modern and substantial improvements upon his farm until it is now one of the attractive features of the landscape. In 1882 ;\Ir. Graham was married to Miss Emma Donner, a native of Akron, Ohio, and they have three children : Frank H., Floyd N. and Gladys F. In igo2 ]\Ir. Graham built a modern and beautiful residence, finished inside in light hardwood, supplied with hot-water heat and illu- minated by acetylene gas. It is a lovely home, and j\Ir. Graham, who possesses much natural me- chanical ingenuity, installed all of the plumbing and heating apparatus in his house. This beauti- ful home is a momnnent to his enterprise, and in- dicates his progressive spirit. In politics he is a republican and fraternally is connected with the Modern \\'oodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church. LEVI RHOADES. Levi Rhoades, the extent and importance of whose business interests justify the use of the term "captain of industry" in connection with his life work, figured honorably and actively in in- dustrial, commercial and financial circles of Rock- ford for many years. He was born in Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county. New York, and in 1836 re- moved from his native town to Troy, Wisconsin, with his parents, who settled upon a farm. Dur- ing the summer months he aided in the work of the fields and when opportunity offered he at- tended school until seventeen years of age. when ambitious to become a factor in business life and lay the foundation for future success, he came to Rockford. where he accepted any employment that would vield him an honest living. In 1848 he en- tered the cooper shop of Harry Landers, where he applied himself so diligently and assiduously that he not only thoroughly mastered the business in principle and detail, but also won the promo- tion that, bringing him a good salary, enabled him to purchase a half interest in the business at the end of three years. The partnership was main- tained for three years with excellent success, and in 1853 Mr. Rhoades purchased Mr. Landers' in- terest and continued the business alone until 1884. the output of the factory finding a ready and profitable sale on the market. In the meantime he had extended his efforts to other fields of business, becoming in 1865 a partner of Isaac and C. M. L'tter & Co. in the manufacture of paper, and was still at the head of the house at the time of his death. He brought to every business under- taking keen discernment, clear insight and indom- itable purpose supplemented by an honesty of in- tent and action that was recognized by all with whom he had business dealings. When the Peo- ple's Bank was organized he became one of its leading promoters, its heaviest stockholder and one of its directors. He was equally prominent in the organization of the Rockford Watch Com- pan}-, was chosen its vice president and served as a member of its board of directors until his de- mise. He aided in the removal of the works of the watch case company from Racine to Rockford, thus adding another important productive indus- try to the city, and he became a stockholder in the Phoenix Furniture Company and the Rockford Boot and Shoe Company. Indeed at the time of his oeath he held responsible positions in many of Rockford's important indtistries, and was finan- cially concerned in many more. He realized the value and force of close application and a thor- ough understanding of every business with which he became connected, and he had a wonderful ca- pacity for detail work, at the same time capable of controlling the important interests of the con- cern with which he was associated. As the years passed hx his financial interests continually in- creased until he became known as one of Rock- ford's wealthy men. On the 24th of December. 1854. Mr. Rhoades was married to Mrs. Frederica fReik) Rhoades, his brother's widow, and of their three children two are living. I\Ir. Rhoades was popular socially, and while controlling extensive commercial and industrial concerns, he vet found opportunity for active co- operation in the political and moral development of his community. He was most generous in his contributions toward the building of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal church, contributing the sum of six thousand dollars toward its con- struction. He was long a member of the congre- gation, and felt a deep and abiding interest in its work and the extension of its influence. In 6i4 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WLVXEBAGO COUNTY. 1876 he was chosen mayor of Rnckford. His interest in the welfare and upbiiild- ingf of the city was very deep and sincere, and his was a well rounded character in which due and proportionate attention was jjiven to busi- ness concerns, social relations and jiolitical anil church interests. His success won him the ad- miration of his contemporaries, and those who came to know him personally entertained for him the warm resjaril which is given in reco,sfnition of arcnuine worth in the individual. JOHN S. Wir.Ar ARTTT. John S. Wilmarth. who never sought to figure in public life but in the every-day affairs of a business career won success and also an honor- able name by reason of his straightforward methods, was a native of Gloucester. Providence county. Rhode Island. He was born June 2^. 1828, his parents being Stephen and Hannah (Wade) \\'ilmarth, both of whom were natives of Rhode Island. The father removed to the west with his family in 1831 and settled in Ogle county, Illinois, not far from the boundary line of W'imiebago county. There he purchased a tract of land and engaged in general farming. His wife died in Ogle county, and after a resi- dnece of fifteen years upon his farm there Mr. Wilmarth removed to Rockford, where for twenty years he lived in honorable retirement from active business cares, passing away in this city. He was deeply interested in political ques- tions and gave a strong support to the repub- lican party. In his family were four children who yet survive. The eldest, Alonzo B., is a retired farmer residing near Rockford. Charles M. is a prominent citizen of Ogle county. Lewis C, who left home at the age of seventeen years with a capital of only one dollar, entered Oberlin college and was graduated there. With six other students he then went to Topeka, Kansas, and the entire number aided in staking out the citv. Lewis C. Wilmarth became the owner of considerable land there where the city now stands, and he afterward went to .\shland, Wis- consin, where he ])urchased timber land and at one time had thirty camps. He also ojiened one of tile first banks of that |)lace and at one time lost much that he possessed through a bank rob- bery. Frf>m .\shland he removed to Pennsyl- vania, where he invested in oil lands and he was very successful in his operations there. His life has been an extremely busy, active and useful one. his attentii'n l)eing given to varied interests which have been carefully managed by him, until to-day, as one of the wealthy men of Ash- land, Wisconsin, he is now living retired. Susan A. Wilmarth is now a resident of Rockford. John S. Wilmarth, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the east and there learned the machinist's trade in the town of Foster, Rhode Island. He never followed that pursuit to any extent, and in 1S51 he came to the west with his ]iarents after which he resided on the home farm in Ogle county for a few years. He later purchased a farm in Winnebago county near the village of Roscoe, where he engaged in tilling the soil for a few years, after which he sold that property and returned to Providence, Rhode Island, wliere he spent two years. He next took up his abode in Tracey, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm and carried on agri- cultural ]iursuits until his return to Rockford. Here he spent his remaining days. Mr. Wilmarth was married in the east to Miss Eliza Heath, of Providence, Rhode Island, who died while they were still on the Atlantic coast about six months after their marriage. After coming to Rockford Mr. \N'ilmarth lived a re- tired hfe, he and his sister making their home together at what is known as the old Wilmarth residence at Xo. 1234 Rock street, the sister still occupying this home. It was there that Mr. Wil- marth died March 16, 1895, and his remains were interred in the cemetery near the old home farm in Ogle county. Mr. Wilmarth took little active interest in political questions but voted with the republican party. \Vhile in Providence. Rhode Island, he held membership in the Baptist church but never united with the church in the west. He was a very industrious man, having the faculty of so managing his business interests that success re- sulted. His path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes, for in all his dealings he was straightforward and reliable. Miss Susan A. Wilmarth still resides in Rock- ford, owning and occupying the old homestead here, and she is the owner of other valuable projierty in the city and of good farming land in Winnebago county. She has recently adopted a child. Miss Bessie Sandwick. who is now eight years of age, and whose mother died in Rock- ford a few months ago. JA.MICS I'.. SKIXXICR. James P.. Skinner, deceased, was numbered among the men of prominence, who gave to Rock- ford i^restige as a manufacturing center, and throughout an active business career he enjoyed the full confidence and trust of his contemporaries and made a business recorruary, 1866, and .soon afterward the father retired from fanu life, removing to Rockford, where he resided until his death in 1895. when he was seventy-.seven years of age. His wife died in this city in the early ■80s. In their family were five children: M. L.. a re- tired farmer of New Milford township, now re- siding on Jilson avenue in R.. of this review: Mrs. Emert P.ailey, who is living on Cunningham street in Rockford : Mrs. Ella K. Mcl.arty. residing in New Milford township: and .Mrs. L'ora A. Plackstock. whose hoiue is on Forest avenue in Rockford. MR. AXD MRS. I'. B. DlCKl-IRMAX. JOEL DICKERAIAX. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 623 P. B. Dickerman was reared in the Empire state and his early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in the seminary. He afterward engaged in teaching school for three years, but in 1862 put aside his business interests in order that he might respond to his country's call for aid, enlisting in August of that year as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth New York Infantry. He joined the army as a private, but his meritorious conduct on the field of battle won him promotion to the rank of lieutenant and he actively served until the close of the war. Although he participated in sixteen hotly con- tested engagements he was never wounded and yet he was often found in the thickest of the fight. It was in the same year of his return trom the war that Mr. Dickerman came to Win- nebago county, locating in New Milford town- ship, where with his father, Joel Dickerman, he purchased a farm of over three hundred acres of land. The son improved and operated this place, for the father soon afterward retired, and P. B. Dickerman continued to engage in the tilling of the soil here until 1898, when he took up his abode in his present home in the county seat. About two hundred and fifty acres of the original homestead is now owned by his son, E. B. Dickerman. It was also in the year of his arrival in Win- nebago county that Mr. Dickerman was united in marriage to ^liss Emily F. Peck, who was born in Greene county. New York, a daughter of Munson and Mary (Peckl Peck, both of whom are now deceased. Both the Dickerman and Peck families were established in New York at an early day, representatives of the names going from Connecticut to the Empire state. Mrs. Dickerman, however, was the only one of her family that came to Illinois, her parents both returning to New England, their last days being passed in ^Massachusetts. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons and a daugh- ter, who are yet living and they also lost one son at the age of fifteen months. Alfred G. Dick- erman. born in Winnebago county in 1867, is now a farmer of New IVIilford township. He married I\Iiss Fanny Holdridge, of this county, and they have two children, Harold and Lucia P. ]\Iary E.. born in this county in 1870, is the wife of Chris W. Hammond, who is residing in Rockford, and they have two daughters, Eliza- beth and Frances. E. Burton, born in 1872 and now following farming in New Milford town- ship, married Miss Delia P. Hurd, a native of Ohio. ]Mr. Dickerman maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his mem- bership in Nevius post, No. i, G. A. R., and his wife was formerly connected with the ^^'omen's Relief Corps. In politics he is a re- publican, of which party his sons are also ad- vocates, and both he and his wife hold member- ship in the ^Methodist church. During a resi- dence of forty years in this county he has gained a wide and favorable acquaintance and wann friendship, and high regard is accorded him by those who know him best. His business activity has been crowned with a competence and to him has been vouchsafed honorable retirement from labor in recognition of his diligence in former vears. ANTHONY COLLINS. Anthony Collins was the founder of a business which has been conducted for more than a half century in Rockford under the name of the Col- lins Dray Line, and throughout the 3'ears of his residence here he was known as a trustworthy man who made the most of his opportunities and was always straightforward in his dealings. He was born in New York, June i, 1831, and his par- ents. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Collins, were both natives of Ireland, whence they came to America at an early day, settling first in the Empire state. They afterward removed to Detroit. Michigan, and then took up their abode in Rockford in 1850. Here the father began in the dray business which he conducted for a few years, while later he removed to Iowa, settling near Cascade, where both he and his wife died. Of the children born unto them only three are now living, two being residents of South Dakota and the other of Du- buque, Iowa. .\nthony Collins had but little educational privi- leges in his youth. He was only four years old when his parents removed to Detroit, where they remained for a brief period, .\fter he arrived in Rockford it was necessary that he assist his father in the draying business, and he thus continued to work until able to take charge of the business. \Mth the growth of the city his patronage in- creased, and throughout his remaining days he was at the head of a large transfer line and dray business, receiving an extensive patronage and furnishing employment to a large number of men. ;\Ir. Collins was married to Miss Julia Sheehan, who died in Rockford. They were the parents of ten children, but only four are now living: Julia, who is the wife of Mr. Walsh, a partner of C. E. Collins in the Blue Line Transfer Company and now residing on North Winnebago street ; Lucy, the wife of John Clififord, a resident of Du- buque, Iowa; Anthony, who is living in Des Moines, Iowa : and Charles E.. who is manager of the Blue Line Transfer Com- pany in Rockford and resides with his 624 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. stepiiuitlicr. It was in tliis city tlial Anthtniy Collins was niarricil to Miss Marijarci Mortjan. a liauglitcr of Thomas and Catlicrinc Morgan. both natives of Ireland, in which coinitry they s|xnt their entire lives, .\nthony and .Margaret Collins had one child. Catherine Frances, who died at the age of nine years. .Mr. Collins voted with the tleniocratic iiarlw and he was a connnunicant of St. .Mary's Catholic cluirch. to which his wife and children also be- long. He died February 9, 1901, after having been a resident of this city for nearly a half cen- tnry. His business hail grown with the develop- nuiil of the city and he built a nice residence where his widow and son now reside at No. 412 South Court street. It stands as the visible evi- dence of his life of thrift, business integrity and unfaltering diligence. He commanded the respect which is always accortled to him who wins suc- cess honorably and through his own efforts, and he i)assed away I'ebrnary (). njoi. esteemed by all who knew him. |()i; .\li:.\a\i)i-:r. Jol> .Mexander. a teaming contractor residing at .\'o. Kiw; ICast State street, was born in Catta- raugus county. New York, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth there. He became a resi- deiit of Illinois in 1861, making his way in the fall of that year to Cherry X'alley, Winnebago county. During his younger years he engaged in clerking tlun and in Kockford. and he also bought stock which he shi])))e(i to Chicago. .\t one time he was ])ro]3rietor of a meat market at Cherry Val- ley, and for ten years he resided upon a farm be- tween that place and r)elvidere. which ]>roperty he still owns. The following five years were spent in Cherry N'alley, and in .May. i8t;o. he came to Rock ford, where he has since engaged in busi- ness as a general teaming contractor, with stables on Twelfth street. He cm])loys about a dozen teams and from twelve to twenty men. He was likewise mgaged in a harness business for eleven years as a member of the firm of Wheeler & .Alex- ander, this |>artnershi]) being formed in i88() and ci>ntinuing imtil .Mr. .\le.\andcr engaged in the ♦eaming business. 1 le also bandies wagons, bug- gies and agricultural imjilements and both branches of the business are proving jirofitable. .Mr. .Mexander was married at Clierrv \'allev to Miss .\nna E. (ileasoii, (laughter of William ( dea- son. who came to Wiinu-bago comity about the spring of 1834. He was truly a pioneer settler, of whom a biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this vohmie. and nuich ot the land was yet wild and unimproved when be entered one thousand acres from the government in (iuilford township, and he contributed in large and substantial meas- ure to the early (levelo|>ment of this part of the state. He was born in Worcester. .Massachusetts, whence he removed to \'ermont, and from the (ireen Mountain state he came to Cherry Valley. Here he was widely known as a jirominent and ])o])ular citizen, and while his lalwirs brought to him a very desirable financial return he also be- longtd to that class of men who while promoting individual prosperity likewise contribute to the general welfare. He died April 22, 1884, at the age of sixty-nine years. His daughter, Mrs. Alex- ander, is a native of Winnebago county, and by her marriage has become the mother of two chil- dren : Mrs. I-'rank Howe, who is now living in .Monroe Center, ( )gle county, and has two chil- tlren, .Maynard .\lexander and \'era May: and Claire (i., who is in the emjiloy of the Hmiter Hardware Company in Rock ford. Mr. .Mexander votes with the reiiuhlican jKirty, having given to that organization his sui)i)ort since attaining his majority. l-'ratcrnally he is con- nected with the Independent ( )rder of ( )dd Fel- lows and the bVaternal League Society, while his son Claire is a number of the Masonic lodge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Alexander attend the .State .Street r.a])tist church. During a residence of forty-four years in Winnebago county he has be- come well known, and his activity in business, his fidelity and friendship and his faithfulness in citi- zenship cerations and became one of the well-to-do and res))ected agriculturists of his commimity. He married \nn C"oward, who was born in England in 1823. The\ were married in that country and with her nnsband she came to the I'nited .States in 1845. She died in Pmrritt townshi]) at the home of Mrs. Milne in iorn Mav 12. 1830, is living in Rockford and has PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 625 two sons and two ilatighters. (George W'., born June 12, 1852. IS living in Huron, South Dakota, and has two sons and one daughter. WilHam died in 1882, at the age of twenty-four years. Charles died in 1885, when twenty-three years of age. Theodore P., born December 16, 1853, is living on the old Dickinson homestead, and has one son and one daughter. Rebecca, who died August 16, 1905, was the wife of W. W. Hooker, a resident farmer of Burritt township, and had four daugh- ters and one son. Florence is the wife of Robert Robbins, a resident of Burritt. Annie is the wife of James Robbins, of Rockford, and has one son and one daugliter. Emily Dickinson spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and after completing her early education in the common schools continued her studies in Lounsbur)- Academy in Rockford. On the 1st of January, 1880, she gave her hand in marriage to Frederick A. Alilne. who was born in Burritt township, January 2. 1854, and was a son of William and Fanny Milne. He had two broth- ers, Alfred and Lorin, aged forty-two and forty years respectively, and now living upon a farm which adjoins that of 'Sirs. Emily Milne. Unto Frederick and Emily Alilne was born one son, Wendell P., who was born October 3, 1886, and is now operating the home farm for his mother. In early life Mrs. Milne engaged in teaching school with excellent success for a number of years, and for the past twenty-eight years has been town treasurer of Burritt township. She has practically lived in this township throughout her entire life, and has a wide acquaintance here. She lost her husband on the 14th of January, 1892, and has since managed the home property, comprising eighty acres of land. She is a lady of excellent executive force, keen discernment and business ability, and, moreover, she possesses those true womanly qualities and social traits which render her popular with a large circle of friends. THEODORE L. LEON DE TISSANDIER. Theodore L. Leon de Tissandier, county sur- vevor of Winnebago county, is a descendant of a prominent French family. He was born in Diep]3e, France, and received his first education through private tutors in that country. For po- litical reasons, however, the family moved to Germany when Air. de Tissandier was still very voung and both his parents died there shortly after. His education was then under the guidance of a guardian and was continued and completed in the most thorough manner in the best edu- cational institutions of Germany, of which coun- try he became a naturalized citizen. Being gifted with very quick conception and an extraordinary zeal for learning and no means being spared to encourage and push Iiim along by aid of private tutors, he succeeded in passing through all the schools preparator}- to and by law conditional for admission to the university so rapidly that he was enabled to enter the university of Jena for the study of mathematics at an extremelv early age. Having spent one year there he continued his studies at the famous old University of Heidel- berg until his prevailing taste for the applied sciences made him enter the Polytechnical Acad- emy of Charlottenburg ( Berlin ') to study civil and mechanical engineering. However, before he could finish the long and difficult course the war with France broke out in 1870 and he joined the German army as volunteer in a crack cavalry regiment. During the cam- paign he took part in numerous bloody engage- ments and was repeatedly wounded. The war being over and army life agreeing with him, he remained with the army for a number of years, being in turn promoted to second and first liett- tenant, in which latter capacity he finally asked for his discharge in order to pursue his vocation as civil and mechanical engineer. Although the temptation to spend his free time in idle pursuits are very great for a young, wealthy officer in a crack cavalry regiment stationed in one of the great capitals of German\- with its brilliant social life, of which the officers' corps of the army virtu- ally forms the center, Mr. de Tissandier never lost sight of his initial purpose in life and, although by no means denying himself all the pleasures to which his wealth and social standing entitled him, devoted much of his time to study, even enrolling again, while yet wearing the uniform, as student at the pohtechnical academy, listening to such lectures as his military duties gave him time to attend. This zeal being well appreciated by his su])eriors, ample opportunity was afforded him during the many years of service in the army to gather practical as well as theoretical experience in his line. He was repeatedly detailed for serv- ice in diiTerent branches of the service, such as artillery, engineer corps, etc.. and he took part in the triangulation of the country carried on by the military authorities for the purpose of furnish- ing military maps giving the minutest details. Consequently Mr. de Tissandier had the satisfac- tion of successfully passing the final examinations at the Polytechnicum and obtaining the degree of civil and mechanical engineer before quitting the military service. Returning to civil life Air. de Tissandier sought and found employment as civil engineer, first in subaltern but. pushing rapidly forward was soon given responsible positions with different rail- roads and other corporations of similar nature in difi'erent countries, being employed on construc- tion, bridge, tunnel, canal work, etc. He thus he had occasion to travel over the greater part of Gib PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Europe, iiiciilentally l)ecoining acquainted with maiiv lansjuag'cs. of whicli he masters six per- fectlv. After this, however, he gradually drifted more and more into the line of mechanical en- gineering, having a remarkable inventory vein. As mechanical engineer he found employment as designer with some of the most prominent ma- cliinery manufacturing concerns until he finally decided to invest his considerable fortune in a manufacturing enterprise of his own. Good luck onlv had hitherto favored him. but from this moment t>n fortune turned her face away from him. Through fire he lost nearly all he possessed. I'ndaunted he started anew and working a few years amassed quite a fortune but again luck was against him. bad times came on and the failure of a bank left him almost penniless. Then, in i8<^^/S, he came to .\merica. soon finding eniitloyment as designer with ])romincnt firms in New York. Pennsylvania and Chicago, from where he finally drifted to and settled in Rock- ford. There he was at first connected with a manufacturing concern until through the death of .Mr. Kbenezer Caldwin the office of county sur- vcvor became vacant and he was called upon to fill tliis vacancy. Conse(|ucntly he filled out the unexpired term and. having during this time am()ly demonstrated his ability and qualification, he was in 1904 by a majority of about seven thou- sand votes — in fact almost unanimously — elected county surveyor of Winnebago county. His lib- eral education, his broad travel and experience render him a most efficient officer. JOHN LTNDS.AY. John Lindsay, who for a quarter of a century was a well known grocery merchant of Rock- ford standing high in business circles because of his fidelity and straiglittorward and honorable principles, was a native of Ireland, born October 8. 1R40. his parents being William and Elizabeth Lindsay, both of whom were natives of the i'juerald isle. Thev emigrated to America alxtut iS5,S. settling in .\msterdam. New York, wliere the father engaged in business until his death. The mother still resides at that jilace with some of her children. John Lindsay was not yet thirteen years of age when he bade adieu to the friends of his boy- liood antl his native country and sailed with his parents for the new world. He ac(|uired liis edu- cation in the schools of Amsterdam, but his privileges in that direction were somewhat limited, for his father died when the son was a young lad. and it was necessary that he earn his living. He workefl at whatever he could get to do until after the Civil war broke out. when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he ofTer< 1 '"- services to the government, enlisting as first sergeant of Company B. Thirty-second New York Infantry. He participated in several en- gagements of importance and was very fortunate in that he was never wounded. He remained with his comjiany until the close of the war and was then honorably discharged. He was a faith- ful soldier, ever true to his duty even when it called him into the thickest of the fight or sta- tioned him on the lonely picket line. W lien the country no longer needed his serv- ices Mr. Lind.say returned to Amsterdam and re- mained at home until 1866, when he came to the west and took uj) his abode in Rocktord. Here he worked as a lalwrcr in different shops for a few years and he also s])cnt one season as a farm hand near Rockford. He was economical and industrious and by saving his earnings he ac- cumulated a capital sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account. He therefore established a grocery store in 1875 •** .\'o. 1102 South Main street, and continued in that line of business up to the time of his death. The neat arrangement of his store, his care- fully selected goods and his earnest desire to ])lcase his patrons secured him a good patronage, and he constantly enlarged his stock in order to meet the growing demands of his trade. .Vlthough he began business on a small scale he was after- ward enabled to employ several men. and his grocery store continued one of the well known business enterprises of the city up to the time of his death. In 1886 Mr. Lindsay was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Derstine, a native of Rockford and a daughter of Samuel Derstine, who was one of the early residents of this city. His birth occurred near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. No- vember 30, 1820, and his father, Michael Derstine was also a native of that jilace. He re]>resented one of the old Pennsylvania Dutch families that was noted for longevity. Michael Derstine was a blacksmith by trade, conducting a shop of his own for manv years in I'ennsylvania. He re- moved from flarrisburg to Bellefonte, Pennsyl- vania, where he was eni])loyed in a stove factory, and there his death occurred in 1846 when he was fifty-two years of age. In his political views he was a whig, and his religious faith was in- dicated bv his memberslii]i in the Dutch Re- formed church. He married Margaret SchafFer in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania. She. too. was iMirn in that county and was of Dutch descent. Her death occurred in I'ellefonte, in i8"0, when she was in her seventieth vear, and she too had been a faithful member of the Dutch Reformed church. Mr. Derstine enjoyed consiilerable reputation because of his musical talent, and on the outbreak of the war of 1812 he joined a com- [OHX LINDSAY PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 629 pany of soldiers as a musician, but because of his youth his father persuaded him to return home. Samuel Derstine, the elder son and second member of a family of six children, was reared in the Keystone state, and after reaching adult age, was married in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to I\liss Susan Fye, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in 1829. In 1856 he came to Rockford and entered the em- ploy of Emerson, Talcott & Company, proprietors of the foundry, with wnom he remained for twenty-seven years, and his capable service and devotion to the interests of his employers won him promotion from time to time, his wages being correspondingly increased. By economiz- ing he was enabled to accumulate a competence that in his later years permitted his living in re- tirement from further business cares. His life exemplified the term "dignity of labor," and he justly merited tlie rest which came to him in his later years. In her early life Airs. Derstine be- longed to the Lutheran church, but after re- moving to Rockford became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and lived a most earnest Christian life. She died here April 19, 1885, and was survived by Mr. Derstine until May 22, 1904. His political support was given the republican party. In his family were six children ; Michael L., who died when four years of age ; Charles H., who died when a year old ; Mary, who married John Lindsay ; David W., a machinist of Rockford, who married Fannie Higbee and after her death wedded Sarah Sex- ton; Ellen R., the wife of H. B. Bussing, of Chicago ; and Minnie C, the wife of P. H. Bar- rett, a partner in the firm of Barrett Brothers, extensive wholesale dealers in confectionery in Rockford. They reside at No. 1003 Harlem avenue. Mr. and Airs. Lindsay became the parents of two children ; Samuel John, who is now a sales- man in Rockford ; and William Walter, who is attending school. They are both with their mother. Mr. Lindsay served as alderman in the Rockford city council for one term, and was also supervisor, being elected to these offices on the Republican ticket. He was a stanch advocate of the party and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He held mem- bership in Rockford post. No. I, G. A. R., and also belonged to E. F. W. Ellis lodge. No. 633, A. F. & A. M., in which he was treasurer for several years. He was very successful in busi- ness here and became one of the leading mer- chants of Rockford. Steadily pursuing his way, undeterred by obstacles and difficulties in his path, he achieved creditable and gratifying pros- perity. Steady application, careful study of busi- ness methods and plans to be followed, close at- 36 tention to details, combined with an untiring ener- gy and directed by a superior mind, those were the traits of character which brought him success and made him one of the foremost men of Rock- ford. Airs. Lindsay still owns the business prop- erty on South Alain street, in which her husband conducted his grocery store. The Derstine estate, to which she is an heir, has not yet been divided, and consists of much valuable property in Rock- ford. She now resides at the old Derstine home at No. 1203 South Alain street, which was oc- cupied by her father for more than forty years. TOHN C. SMITH. John C. Smith is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 6, W'innebago township, and has made his home in this county since the fall of 1854. Scotland has furnished a number of representative men to this county, including Air. Smith, who was born in .\rgyleshire, on the 8th of Alay, 1 831. His par- ents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Colville) Smith, who spent their entire lives in Scotland, both dy- ing in Argyleshire, where the father had followed the occupation of farming. In their family were ten children, who reached adult age and four of the number came to America. Of these Robert died two years ago, while Archie resided in Har- lem township, where his death occurred about seven years ago. John C. Smith spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his nativity, being reared to the occupation of farming, while in the public schools he acquired his education. As before stated, he reached Winnebago county in the fall of 1854, and established his home in the Scotch settlement in Harlem township. He first worked as a farm hand there, and afterward rented land in that locality for some years. He was associated in his early business interests here with his brother, Robert C. .Smith. They had come together to the county, and in 1858 settled in Winnebago township, residing together for a year on the Keith farm. In 1859 Air. Smith purchased his present fann, where he has made improvements and has carried on general farming with excellent success, his fields annually yielding him rich har- vests. In all of his work he has been practical and enterprising, quick to adopt modern methods, which he readily recognizes, and his labors are bringing him a good competence. Air. Smith was married in this county to Aliss Jeanie AIcNair, also a native of Argyleshire, Scot- land, and a daughter of James and Anne (John- ston) AIcNair, both of whom died in Argyleshire. They have a large family of ten children, but Airs. Smith and her brother, Robert AIcNair, were the 630 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. only oius who came to Winnebago county, aiul the latter died here about four years ago. Mr. and .Mrs. Smith have become the parents of seven children, all of whom are living : James M.. a farmer, residing in Winnebago township ; Andrew D.. who is a resident of Redwood Falls. Minne- sota : Mrs. Cieorge l'>ri. is the next of the family. Al- varo. who was born in 1838 at Kishwaukee. being one of the first native white children of that lo- cality, died in Tacoma. Washington. November 5. 1819. Ro.setta. who was U^ru in 1840, at Kishwaukee. died in infancy. i\. 11.. of Rock- ford, born in Kishwaukee in 1842. now pays the heaviest tax upon jicrsonal jiroperty of any resi- dent of the city, a fact which inHicates f^iat his has been a prosperous career. Monroe. Ixirn in Kishwaukee in 1845. became a druggist of Arlington, Iowa, and died there in 1895. Ro- salinda, born in 1848. at Kishwaukee. died in 1852. R. I'l. Shumway was reared in New Milford tow^nshi]) amid the conditions of pioneer life, shar- ing witli the family in the hardships and trials and also in the pleasures incident to settlement u])on the frontier. He has remained in New Mil- ford township almost continuously with the ex- ception of two years s])ent in Rockford. Here he engaged in farming and in buying and ship- |iing stock, making shipments from Rockford. Stillman N'alley and New Milford. He is an ex- cellent judge of stock, so that his purchases were carefully made and his sales brought to him a g(V5d ])rofit. In the development of the fields too he displayed a thorough and practical knowl- edge of the business and as the years passed he has gained a comfortable competency that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Mr. Shumway has l)een married twice. He first wedded .'^arah Hall, who dietl in 1883. leav- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 631 ing the following children, all of whom were born in New Milford township. Alva E., who was born January i, 1859. is engaged in merchandis- ing at Newell, Iowa. Carrie F., born March 17, i860, became the wife of John McEvoy, now a policeman of Rockford and her death occurred July 7. 1889. Hattie M.. born December 2. 1861. became the wife of William Homer and died in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 14, 1890. Nora J., born August 11, 1863, is the wife of George Graham, a resident of New Milford township. Minnie C, born April 17, 1869, is the wife of Arthur Erickson, who resides at Rockford, where he is employed in the watch factory. Harry E., born September i, 1874, was formerly engaged in merchandising at Monroe Center, Ogle county, but is now emplo_ved in the store of Mr. Kinson at New Milford. He was again married. November 26. 1884. to Lovina Sherman, widow of Robert B. Holdridge. ;\lrs. Shumway was born October 4, 1835, in Troy, New York. Mr. Shumway has been very active and influ- ential in public affairs and his opinion has carried weight in councils of the republican party in this countv. He has been honored with a number of local offices. For fifteen years he was clerk of the board of school trustees of New ]\Iilford and in 1873 he was elected assessor of his township, in which office he has continued to the present time, now covering thirty-two years. He was also elected treasurer of the school trustees but resigned that position in 1883. when he removed to Rockford. In January, 1885, he was chosen treasurer of the Guilford Mutual Fire Insurance Company and has acted in that capacity to the present date, being also one of its directors. He likewise handles the policies of the Rockford Dis- trict Tornado Insurance Company. He is a man of strong determination and sturdy purpose, suc- cessfullv accomplishing whatever he vuidertakes. He realizes that persistency of purpose and hon- orable effort can overcome all difficulties and in his business career he has allowed nothing to deter him in his onward march to success. The community recognizes his worth of citizenship and he iustlv deserves mention in this volume. LOREN S. .VLLEN, :\I. D. Dr. Loren S. Allen, remembered by many as a pioneer physician of Winnebago county of marked professional skill and personal worth that gained him the friendship and regard of the best citizens of this portion of the state, came to Rock- ford in 1851. He was a native of Heath, ]\Iassa- chusetts, born July 28. 181 1, and his parents were Elijah and Rhoda (Thompson) Allen, both of whom were born in the east and alwavs resided in the vicinity of Heath, where the father devoted the greater part of his life to farming. They reared a large family and two of their sons, Loren S. and S. T. Allen, came to the west. The latter, Rev. S. T. Allen, now deceased, was a minister of the Episcopal church in Aurora, Illinois, where his death occurred and where his family now re- side. In his boyhood days Dr. Allen of this review- was notable among his companions because of his energy, enthusiasm and industry and from an earh' age was his father s able assistant on th» home farm. He attended the country schools near his native town and then, becoming imbued with the desire to enter professional life, he re- solved to become a member of the medical fra- ternity and was sent by his parents to a medical college in- Pittsfield, Alassachusetts. where he graduated in 1829. Having become equipped for practice, he located in South Deerfield, Alassachu- setts. and entered upon the work of the profes- sion, soon demonstrating his capabilities in the success which attended him in the administration of remedial agencies. It was while living in South Deerfield that Dr. Allen was married, in 1839, to Miss Sarah blather, a native of Windsor, Connecticut, and a daughter of Allyn j\I. and Parthenia (Hunting- ton) Mather, the latter a cousin of Bishop Hunt- ington, of central New York. The father was a native of \vindsor. Connecticut, and became a merchant in the town of Windsor, being thus identified with its commercial interests during the greater part of his life. Both he and his wife died there. Dr. Allen resided in the east until 1 85 1, when he came to Illinois, settling in Rockford, where he remained for a brief period engaged in active practice of his profession, with office on North Second street over Kettlewell's meat market. He then removed to Polo, Ogle county, and pur- chased a large tract of land near there, which he subsequently divided into farms. He devoted his attention to the practice of medicine and the loan- ing of money, until about 1867, when he returned to Rockford. He then no longer made profes- sional visits but was frequently called in consulta- tion. In 1882 he and his wife went to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Warren, on the west side in Rockford, with whom they remained until called to their final rest. Having resolved to devote his life to a calling demanding intel- lectual force, keen discrimination and unfaltering devotion. Dr. Allen so directed his labors that his _ professional services were for many years in con- stant demand by the best families of the locality and at all times his practice was actuated by a humantarian spirit. He came of a distinguished New England ancestry and throughout his life manifestecl the strong and sterling traits charac- 63-' PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COr.\T\" tfrislic of ilu- puoplf oi that country. .More tiviT he was imljiu'd witli the profjressivc spirit of the initlillf west, wliich fact was noticeable in his professional work as well as in other relations of life. L'nto Dr. and .Mrs. .\llen were born two dauj^h- tcrs and a son: jiilia 1'.. Charles 11. and Sarah Elizabeth, but the last named died in Kockford at the a}je of five years, and Charles H. passed awa\ in June. lyoi. He hail married Carrie Friedman, of Rockford. In his service in the Union army during; the Civil war he contracted a disease which disabled him for the remainder of his life. He was only twenty years of afje when the war ended. From Rockford he removed to Oak Park. Illinois, but after a brief period went to New York city, where his last days were passed. The survivinij daujjhter. Julia P., is the widow of -Moses Warren. Dr. .\llen |)assed away October X>, 1890. and his wife departed this life Xoveni- ber 22. 1903. Moses Warren was never a resident of Rock- ford but his family are well known and prominent in this city. He was born in East Lyme. Connec- ticut. ( )ctober 25. 1826, and is of the fourth gen- eration bearing tliat name. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to William the Con- (jueror, the first Xorman king of England, and in America the family was through colonial davs and through the Revolutionary ])eriod prominent and influential in affairs that shai)ed the history of New England. The great-grandfather of Moses Warren of this review was a colonel of the RevolutioTiary war. His parents, Captain .Moses Harris and Mary (Miner) Warren, were Ixith natives of East Lyme, Connecticut. Moses Harris Warren was a surveyor, following the profession throughout his entire life, and he was also recognized as a leading political worker in early days. IJoth he and his wife remained at East Lyme until called to the home beyond. Their son, Moses Warren, ac(|uired a good education in the schools of his native state and there learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1841;. when attracted by the discovery of g6ld in California made the previous year he determined to visit the I'acific coast and went to the far west on a sailing ve.ssel. There he became the founder and builder of the town of Georgetown and for sometime owned most of the property but in 1857 that place was entirely destroyed, a great con- llagration wi|)ing it out. He remained, however, in California, |)aid all of liis financial obligations and then rebuilt the town, after which he con- tinued to reside there for a few years. Later he returned to his native state. He was first married to Mi.ss Flora Whiteside, a native of Xew York state, who died after two years leaving one child. John, who died at the age of si.\ years in the home of his aunt in East •L\nie. Connecticut. .Moses Warren then came west and on the 231! of June. 1869, was married in Rockford to .Miss Julia P. .Mien, the elder daughter of Dr. Loren S. .\llen. Three children were born of tliis marriage but the eldest died unnamed in infancy. Claire Louise, who is a graduate of WelKsly and the Chicago L'niversity, has always resided with her mother in Rockford. while .Moses .-\llen Warren is an attorney in .\'ew York city. He acquired his early education in Rockford and C'hicago and later graduated from Yale Lniversity in i8<;i;. He then became a stu- dent in the law office oi Eaton & Lewis, promi- nent attorneys of Xew York city, with whom he studied during his course at the Xew York I.^w School, where he completed his course. Entering u]ion ])ractice in the eastern metropolis, he is now a member of the law firm of Thomjison & War- ren with offices at .Xos. 41; and 51 Wall street. Xew \'(irk city. .\fter his marriage Moses Warren went to Chi- cago to make that city his home and was the western agent for the publishing house of D. Ap- pleton & Company and also for Charles Scribner & Sons, having offices at the corner of State and Washington streets. He was engaged in book publishing until his death, which occurred in Chi- cago on the lOth of October, 1881, when his re- mains were brought to Rfx-kford for interment. Xeither Dr. Allen nur Air. Warren were ever office setkers and both were independent in their ])olitical affiliations in early days, while later both voted with the republican party. Dr. .\llen was a member of the Congregational church of Rock- ford and Airs. Warren and her daughter are now connected with the mcmbcrshiii of that organiza- tion. In the spring of 1882 they returned from Chicago to this city to make their home and .Mrs. Warren built one of the most ])alatial residences here at Xo. 711 .Xorth Main street. P>oth are very prominent in society circles and the social functions of their home are notable events in Rockford. Mr. Warren always interested in literary subjects and various publications and was a man of broad cidture as well as of excellent business capacity, enabling him to control and de- velop extensive and important interests, while Dr. .•Mien, known and honored for his professional skill, won and retained the friendship of many through a genial nature and kindly spirit tliat was nevertheless accomjianied by a dignified manner that ever awakened respect. MRS. HELEN V. LEVINGS. Mrs. Helen V. Levings. owning and occupying a valuable farming property of eighty acres in Rockl'ord township, is the widow of George W. Levings. who was for many years actively con- ■ ■■■" — ^^^'■' '^ .... kv n i. 4t ' «^^ .-*$;.■■ f .« ^ s. ^n ***- If ' _ % . "^idpJp-Jfcip- J * #^^ HHHHMf A. ^^r "^^^^ W^ \^ '^^/jf/^^m^^' W* HB/ ' j T *^*^ ^' ■1 1 .'■ i-i i^y0. i- ■- ■ --^ft^Kvv GEORGE W. LEVINGS AND FAI\JILV, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 63s nected with agricultural pursuits and who died upon the home farm May 2, 1904. He was born in New York, June 25, 1839, his parents being Peter R. and Anna (Nunn) Levings, and in early life he learned the carpenter's trade but followed farming through much of his active business career, giving undivided attention to that pursuit after his marriage. He was only three years of age when brought by his parents to Winnebago county, the family home being established here in 1842, when it was largely a pioneer district. He was thus reared amid the scenes of frontier life and in his youth assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm, while in the public schools he accjuired his education. George W. Levings was married June 29, 1869, to Miss Helen V. Kimball, who was born July 4, 1835, in Ohio, and came to Illinois in earlv life. She was an adopted daughter of Edson A. Kimball, of Elgin, and her girlhood days were spent in this state, her education being acquired in the schools of Rockford. She went south in 1864 to act as a teacher among the freedmen. The old medical col- lege at Memphis was turned over to Mrs. Levings for her school. At times she had four hundred pu- pils. The grandmother, mother and child were often members of the same class. She was as- sisted in her work by four lady assistants fur- nished by the American Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal church. She followed that professional work among the colored people for five years. She was in Memphis at the time of General Forrest's raid. She remembers very well how frightened every one was when the Gen- eral with his command rode into the city. She with many others took refuge at Fort Pickering. She then returned to Illinois in 1869, and on the 29th of June, of that year, gave her hand in mar- riage to Mr. Levings, the wedding being cele- brated in the village of Roscoe, for she was then residing there in the home of Rev. Stuff. Mr. Levings had also been in the south, having enlist- ed in 1864 in the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, with which he remained until mustered out at the close of the war in 1865. He served in the Western Army. The regiment was at the battle of Shiloh, in the siege of Vicksburg and on the Red River- e.xpedition and engaged in chasing the cavalry forces of Generals Smith and Forrest through Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. He was a faithful soldier, ever loyal to his duty, and his valor was manifest on more than one battle-field of the south. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Levings located on a farm and continued residents of Rockford township for many years. Five chil- dren were born to them : Frank M., born August II, 1870, a graduate of the Rockford high school and prominent in athletics, is now engaged in the stock business in Mitchell, South Dakota. Annie, born December 28, 1875, is the wife of Henry H. Coffin, of Rockford and has one son, Lawrence H. Nellie F., born September 4, 1877, is employed by the American Insurance Company of Rockford. Ralph S., born October 4, 1881, and Golden Winifred, born June 9, 1884, are at home. In politics Mr. Levings was a republican, giv- ing his support to that party from its organization until his death. He was also enthusiastic in temperance work and in fact was interested in all movements for the betterment of mankind and for the promotion of general progress and im- provement. He held membership in Rockford camp, NTq_ ^^i^ ^i_ w. A., and also in Nevius post. No. i, G. A. R., of Rock- ford, while his wife has long been a mem- ber and officer of the Women's Relief Corps of Rockford. She likewise belongs to the Court Street Methodist church. In manner Mr. Lev- ings was unassuming, free from ostentation and yet his worth was recognized by all who came in contact with him either socially or through busi- ness affairs, and in a review of his history it will be seen that he possessed many excellent traits of character which endeared him to family and friends and made him a representative citizen of Winnebago county. CHARLES A. CHl'RCH. Charles .\. Church was born in Chemung, Mc- Henry county, Illinois, July 21, 1857. He was the oldest of three sons born to Dr. Richard C. and Eliza A. Church, and a grandson of Dr. Qiarles Church, who settled in Guilford town- ship in Winnebago county, in 1844, and later re- moved to Belvidere. Mr. Church's father died when he was eight years of age. In 1873 he en- tered the office of the Belvidere Standard and be- gan the printer's trade. In two years from that time he made regular contributions to the edi- torial as well as to the local department of the paper. He remained with the Standard until .April I, 1878, when he became city editor of the Rockford Journal, of which Hiram R. Enoch was proprietor. "Mr. Church remained in Rockford until the autumn of 1878, when he returned to Belvidere and purchased an interest in the Semi-Weekly Recorder, which he published with C. E. Kelsey until C)ctober, 1881, when he assumed entire man- agement of the paper and made it a weekly. He continued its publication until 1883, when he sold the business and good will. Mr. Church in 1884 again made his home in Rockford, where he has since resided with the exception of a few months spent in Savanna, Illi- nois. In 1887 he became foreman and assistant editor of the (jolden Censer, which position he 636 PAST AND PRESENT (^E WTXXEBAGO COLXTV. rctainf(l until iS«)_'. In iluit xiar lie organized tlic Siiectator PuMisliing; Coni]>any. in connectiim with A. E. Smith and otliers. It was the highest grade literary i)ai>er ever published in this city, but it was continued in tliis form only one year. In 1897 the Calvert I'.rothers ]nirchased the liolden Censer and Mr. Church was chosen its editor. In 1898 he became editor and proprietor. and published the Censer until the subscription list was sold to the Ram's Horn. Since ujoi .Mr. Church has been on the staff of the Register- (iazate. In 1887 -Mr. Church was appointed evening assistant at the Rock ford ]nil)lic library, and he has served in that capacity eighteen ami one half years. No other person ever on the library staflf iias served .so long a time, with the single exception of Mr. \V. L. Rowland. In lar.uarv. i8t;4. Mr. Church was licensed to jtriach by the State Street liaptist church. Since that time he has supplied more than thirty churches in northern Illinois. He spent portions of 1894 and 1895 '" divinity work in the Uni- versity of Chicagt). .\niong his instructors were President Harper and Professor .\lexandcr 11. I'nice. the famous Scotch author and theologian. .Mr. Church graduated in the CbautaiKiua Liter- ary and Scientific Circle in the class of 1889. In K/oo Mr. Church's History of Rockford, from 1834 to 1861. was published and is the recog- nized authority on local history. In H)02 he wrote the life of (ieneral .Mien C. I""ullcr. the war adjutant of Illinois, and delivered an address upon him before the Chicago Historical society. .May 22, 1878. Mr. Church was united in mar- riage to Hattie M. Lake, daughter of Dr. L. L. Lake, one of tlie earliest ])ractitioncrs in Belvi- dere. and surgeon in the Civil war in the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and in the Thirteenth Cavalry. Mr. and Mrs. Cluirch have four children : Hol- land L., advertising manager for the .\shton Dry Goods Company; Lorena M., a graduate of Rock- ford College: Cierlrude M.: anut five years. He afterward engaged in clerking in the dry-goods store of .\ndrew Ashton for four years and on the expiration of that period he accepted a clerical position in the real-estate office of J. G. Penfield, with whom he remained for some time. In 1882 he embarked in the real-estate business and the following year entered into partnership with R. F. Crawford, an attorney of Rockford. and they engaged in the real-estate business together until Mr. Crawford removed to California. Mr. Revell then continued business alone and devoted the remainder of his life to real-estate operations. He had a very extensive clientage and the realty transfers which he annually negotiated repre- sented a very large figure. He organized the Ran- dol])h Revell Land .\ssociation and platted what is now known as Highland in tiie eastern part of Rockford. He named all of the streets in that subdivision of the city and did much to promote real-estate activity. He ])ersonally owned prop- erty all over Rockford and likewise engaged in the real-estate business, carrying on both pur- suits up to the time of his death. He was also the president of the Real Estate Exchange of Rockford at the time of his demise. In 1880 Mr. Revell was united in marriage to ^liss Helen M. Penfield. a native of Rockford and a daughter of John ( '•. and Mary E. (Crosby) Penfield. The mother is now orn in New Jersey in 1815, and the latter near Hillsboro. Illinois, in 1830. The mother's people were originally from Scotland, and came from CJuilford Courthouse. North Carolina, to this state. The father was descended from English ancestry and was born shortly after the arrival of the parents in this country. He came to Illinois in 1837, and was a farmer ami blacksmith, follow- ing the dual pursuit imtil he retired from active business life. He died in 1900, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. They had seven children. who reached mature years — four sons and three daughters. ( )ne brother, John M., is an attor- ney and now a state senator of Wisconsin, while another brother. Jacob P.. is a minister and |)astor of the I'ir.st I'resbyterian church at .Newport. Ken- tucky. Charles W. died in Rockford in 18S7. Joel P.. \\hiteliead, the youngest son, acquired his early education in the country schools and at Hillsboro, and afterward attended I'eloit College for two years. He ])ut aside his text-hooks in 1 836 and has since been a resident of Rockford, where for the first five years of his residence he had charge of the wholesale glove and mitten stock of Henry W. Price. ( )n the ist of January. 1 891. he opened his office in the real-estate, loan and insurance busircss. and for fifteen years has been a leading representative of this deijartment of activity, his office being now located at Nos. 408 and 4tion to President Roose- velt, who delivered the dedicatory address on that occasion. He has served on the Rockford school board, and in all of these positions as a servant of the people, he has had the confidence and re- spect of all. In politics he is an ardent republican, and he has always been active in jiromoting its in- terests. (^n the 20th of May. i8«;o. occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Whitehead and Miss Emma \. Leech, a daughter of Shepard and Phoebe .\. Leech, of Rockford, her father being one of the old settlers of Winnebago county. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead became the parents of two daughters and a son: Kuth. who dieierer. Her father was born in Uniontown. l'"ayctte county, Pennsylvania, July 29. 1820, and was the second in a family of ten children. He came west when a young man, located in Rockford in the fall of 1839, and the following year he built the first brick store in East State street, near Second street. There he embarked in the dry goods business in 1840, and for twenty years was connected with mercantile interests of the city, being one of its early and prominent representatives of commercial life there. He married Miss Amanda Hitchcock, in 1840, and he spent his last twenty years on the farm of Mr. and Mrs. .Atwood, living a retired life. He was a devoted member of the Methodist I-4iiscopal church, and passed away December 1 1 , 1904. death thus claiming one of the honored pio- neer resitients of Winnebago county. He is still survived by his wife. In their family were the following named: Everett H. died at Templeton. California. December 25, 1904, at the age of sixty- three years, ^[rs. Atwood is the second in order of birth. Helen J- became the wife of J. W. Smith, of Rockford. Iowa, and they spent the first year of tluir married life in traveling, he being quite wealthy. They then took up their abode in Rockford. Iowa, where Mrs. .^niith taught physi- cal cidturc for fifteen years. They then traveled ihriiugh Canada, for she was in ill health, and every effort was ]jut forth to restore her health, but without avail. She died Decemljer 11. 1889, in the faith of the Congregational church, her membershi]) being with the Second Congregational church, of Rockford. P.enjamin I!., now living in Templeton, California, is married, and has one child. Zella. Willie died in infancy and an infant died unnamed. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Atwood were born five chil- dren, of whom four are yet living: Clarence A., who is a graduate of the dental department of the Northwestern L'niversity at Chicago of the class of i8racticing in Pecatonica. married Hortense A. \'aii N^ilken- burg. and has two children. Cecel (i. and Harry A. Florence A. Atwood died when twenty-one years of ape. She was a young lady of most sunny disposition and kindly spirit, and her death caused profound sorrow among her many friends as well as in her family. Zella .\. Atwood is at home. \'iola X. is the wife of Claude .\. Colby, who is with the Rockford Register-Gazette. Mr. Atwood has been very prominent and in- fluential in public affairs relating to the material welfare and the fraternal, political and moral in- terests of the community. He was a member of the school board in lUirritt township for eighteen years, and was one the trustees of the village of Pecatonica for six years. In 1903 he was chosen president of the village, continuing in the office until May i, 1905, when he retired, having com- ])lied with the law in tlie performance of his du- ties, both in the letter and spirit, giving a ])nblic- s|)irited, practical and beneficial administration. He was strict in the enforcement of all the city or- dinances ami also introduced many progressive measures. Prominent in Masonry. .Mr. .\t\\iMi(l h;is pro- gressed from the entered ajiprenlice degree to the thirtx-third degree of the Scottish rite, belonging to .V W. Rawison lodge. No. 145. A. F. & A. M. : Rockford chajHer. Xo. 24. R. .\. M.: Crusader commandery. .Xo. \<). K. 1".. of Rockford; Free- ])ort consistory. S. P. R. S. ; and Teljala Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Elks lodge. Xo. 64. at Rockford, while his wife and two daughters are members of the White Shrine at Freeport and the l-lastern Star lodge at Peca- tonica. while Mrs. .\twood is also connected with the Rehekah degree of the Odd Fellows society at Pecatonica. ancl she and her daughter Zella are members of the Relief Corps. The family is one of prominence socially and Mr. .\twood has long been numbered among the representative citizens of the village and township of Pecatonica. his labor in behalf of jnililic interests proving far- reaching and beneficial. DANIEL GOODLANDER. Daniel Goodlander, a resident of Rockford since 1865, has long been a representative of its manufacturing interests, being still with the well known Emerson Manufacturing Comjiany, successors to the Emerson Talcott Com])any. He was born in i\Iilton. Pennsylvania, in 1828. His parents \vere Christopher and Mary (Os- borne) Goodlander. The father, a lumberman, died in 1857. Daniel Goodlander, reared and educated in the east, came to the middle west in 1850, settling in Rushville, Illinois, and the following year he went to California, where he was in the government employ in the custom house at San Francisco. In 1854 he went east to Pennsylvania, and in 1837 he came to Free- port, Illinois, where he was engaged in manu- facturing. The year 1865 witnessed his arrival in Rockford. where he became connected with F. H. Maimy in matnifacturing interests, this relation being maintained imtil 1876. when he became vice-president of the firm of Emerson & Talcott. The business was changed to Emerson Manufacturing Company in 1885, and Mr. Goodlander has continued with the house as DANIEL GOODLANDER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 645 superintendent of agencies. He is well known in trade circles in this city, and his conscientious performance of every duty, his effective labor for advancement, and the broadening out of ac- tivity for the houses which he has represented have made his efforts of value. j\Ir. Goodlander was married to Miss Cather- ine F. Rogers, of Rushville, Illinois, and they had three daughters, Emma, Alice and Mabel. The mother died in 1882, and in 1885 Mr. Good- lander married Mrs. Etta Bair, of Rockford. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Star in the East lodge, A. F. & A. M., also to the Knight Templar commandery and the con- sistor}'. In his political views he has been a stanch republican since the organization of the party, and he is a member of the Congregational church. His is a well rounded character, in which his attention has been proportionately given to the varied interest which make for an honorable manhood, and render one of use in the world to his fellowmen, because of his good citizenship and consideration for the rights and privileges of others. THOMAS J. ABBOTT. Among the men to whom has been vouchsafed an honorable retirement from labor in recognition of activity, earnest purpose and successful accom- plishment in former years Mr. Abbott is num- bered. He makes his home at No. 448 North Avon street, Rockford, and is a native of Rock- land county, New York, born January 11, 1839. His parents were Thomas and Nancy (Blauvelt) Abbott. The father, who was born in Rockland county. New York, was of English descent, and his father, John Abbott, was likewise a native of Rockland county. In the year 1856 Thomas Ab- bott came to the west, establishing his home in Rockford. where he followed the occupation of farming, although in the east he had learned the shoemaker's trade. Here he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Rockford township, whereon he resided until 1878, when he sold out and took up his abode at Eklora, Hard- in county. Iowa. He was also a preacher and exhorter. He had twenty-one children by his two wives, ten of whom are now living, but Thomas J. Abbott is the only one residing in Winnebago county. The father departed this life in July, 1904. at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, while the mother of our subject passed away in 1853. Thomas J. Abbott pursued his education in the public schools of New York and Illinois, and when not bus}- with his text-books his time was devoted to the labors of the farm, and he continued to assist in the cultivation of the fields upon his father's land until after the inauguration of the 37 Civil war. He watched with interest the progress of events in the south, noted the indications of the oncoming storm, became a champion of repub- lican principles and cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i860. When war broke upon the coun- try he announced uis allegiance to the Union, and on the 1st of August, 1861, he enrolled as a mem- ber of Company G, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry. The company was organized by ^lajor Hobart, and the first captain was M. L. Sabin. The Forty- fourth Illinois was formed at Chicago, and its commander was Colonel Giarles Knoblesdorph. ilr. Abbott served continuously until September 25. 1865, having re-enlisted January i, 1864, at ■ Blains Crossroads, East Tennessee, becoming a member of the same company and regiment. He served as a private until December, 1864. when he was promoted to sergeant and afterward to first lieutenant, while at the time he was mustered out he was holding the rank of adjutant. He was twice wounded, being shot in both hips at Adairs- ville on the 17th of May, 1864, carrying the bullet until September, 1865. while six years passed be- fore the wound healed. He now has in his pos- session this bullet, which for nearly two years was imbedded near his spine. Always in active duty, he proved a brave and valiant soldier. His regi- ment first went in pursuit of Price in Missouri, be- ing thus engaged from September, 1861, until the fall of 1862, after which tliey participated in the siege of Corinth, Alississsippi, and thence pro- ceeded to Cincinnati. Ohio, and again crossed the river to Covington. Kentucky, being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. The first battle in which Mr. Abbott participated was at Pea Ridge, and later he was in the engagements of Perryville, Stone River, Chattanooga. Chicka- mauga. Missionary Ridge, the siege of Knox- ville, the Atlanta campaign and the bat- tles of Franklin and Nashville. The regiment went to eastern Tennessee and was afterward sent down the Mississippi river to Texas, where it re- mained until mustered out. ^Ir. Abbott also had three brothers in the army, one of whom gave his life in defense of the Union cause. \\'hen the war was over and the countrv no longer needed his aid Mr. Abbott returned to the north with a military record of which he had every reason to be proud. He engaged in farm- ing in Rockford township until 1888, and after- ward was connected with other business interests, but since 1898 has lived retired. He now owns two houses and lots in Rockford. one where he resides and one adjoining, and his propertv stands as the visible evidence of his life of industrv and thrift. On the 29th of March, 1864, ;\Ir. .\bbott was married to iNIiss Adeline E. Kilburn, who was born in Rockford in 1846, and is a daughter of the late ^Milton Kilburn. the first probate judge of 646 PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. this county, who came here from New Hampshire in 1835. The Kilburns were among: tlic oldest families of Xew Eiiijlanil, the first representatives of the name in the world havings come to America on the .Mayflower. Jiulge Kilburn was very prom- inent and intUiential in W'innebatjo county, and his efforts in behalf of public progress were far- reaching and beneficial. In the east he had con- ducted business as a drugfji.st. but after his re- moval to the west was identified with farming in- terests in Rockford township. Mr. Abbott was called ujion to mourn the loss of his wife in 1902, her death having occurred on the 1st day of De- cember of that year. In politics he has been a rejiublican since the time when he voted for .\brahani Lincoln, and he has served as liighway commissioner, constable, sidewalk inspector and health officer, and in all these offices has lieen prom])t and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He is a valued repre- sentative of several fraternal organizations, in- cluding Xevius post. No. 1, G. A. R., of Rockford, in which he is now quartermaster. He likewise has membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Red Men. and is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Star in the East lodge. No. 166, A. F. & A. M. ; is past high priest of Kishwaukee chapter, No. 24, R. .V. M.; is a member of Crusader commandery. Xo. 17, K. T. : has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in l-rceport consistory, S. P. R. S., and is a nolsle nf Tebala Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. .■\l)bott is a man of genuine worth, ever loyal in all life's relations, commanding the respect and good will of all with whom he has been associated, his record in days of peace being equally commendable with his record as a soldier. A. C. LANSING. A. C. Lansing, to whom has been vouchsafed an honorable retirement after many years of active business life is now residing at No. 1517 East State street. He has been a resident of the city for thirty-five years and during much of that period represented commercial interests here. He came to Illinois from Montgomery county. New York, and is a native fif .Saratoga county, that state, his birth having occurred there in 1840. His parents were Cornelius and Lydia (Reed) Lansing, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, the father following the occupation of farming there throughout his entire life. They passed away many years ago, Mr. Lansing dying in Decem- ber, 1870, at the age of seventy-one years, while his wife died about 1880. when seventy-seven years of age. They had a large family, of whom five are yet living, four sisters being residents of the Empire state. .\. C. Lansing was reared in New York and in 1852 accompanied his iwrents on their removal from Saratoga to Montgomery county, where he resided continu(jusly until 1870. He was educated in the common schools and was early trained -to habits of industry, economy and in- tegrity upon the home farm. Believing that he might enjoy better business privileges in the younger but rapidly growing west he came to Rockford in 1871 and has here lived for thirty- four years. He established a feed store here at X^o. 416 East State street, where he conducted business for eighteen years, and then retiring from that line of trade, he devoted his attention to the conduct of a grocery store at No. 517 East State street, being proprietor of the latter for seven years. On the expiration of that period he retired to private life and is now en- joying a well earned rest. He began business in Rockford on a small scale but gradually his patronage increased and as time passed, saving some from his income each year, he was at length the possessor of a handsome competence which now permits him to put aside business cares altogether. Mr. Lansing was married ere his removal to the west. Miss Sarah Elizabeth File, of Mont- gomery comity. New York, becoming his wife, while he was still a resident of that state. Their only child, George R., died in 1882, at the age of eleven years. He owns a fine home at 15 17 East State street where he and his wife are now living. They are well known in Rockford and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city is freely accorded them. They hold mem- bership in the Centennial Methodist Episcopal church and in his political views Mr. Lansing is a prohibitionist, which indicates his ideas con- cerning the temperance question. By example, as well as precept, he has always endeavored to further the temperance movement and is evci" found as the champion of all measures that tend to the betterment of mankind. His life has ever been an exemplification of honorable principles and he is always found on the side of justice, truth, right and kindly consideration for others. G. S. BROWN. G. S. Brown, a retired farmer of Owen town- shij). residing at No. 324 Xorth Rockton avenue, was born June 23, 1839, in the city of Rockford, his birthplace being a part of the Beatty home near the water-works, which is still standing and is yet occupied. His parents were Mowry and Lucv M. (Pease) Brown. His father was a native MR. AND MRS. A. C. LANSING. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 649 of Rhode Island, and his mother of the Empire state. The Brown family is of English lineage, while the Pease family is of Dutch descent. In Alay. 1838, Alowry Brown arrived in Winnebago county, taking up his abode in Rockford, where he resided for two years, when he purchased a claim in Owen township, upon which he spent his remaining days. As he prospered in his imder- takings he wisely invested in land and became the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres. He voted with the republican party, for it embodied his ideas concerning the best ele- ments of government, and both he and his wife were for many years members of the First Bap- tist church, but later he united with the Christian Union church. He died June 4, 1878. while his wife passed away on the 7th of April, 1897. In their family were eleven children, of whom six are now living in this county, namely : G. S., of this review : Charles E., who is living in Rock- ford township ; Mrs. Alary E. Phelps, whose home is on School street in Rockford : Henry A., of this city : Fred O.. who is living in Harlem township : and Richard E., also residing in Rockford. G. S. Brown was educated in Owen township in the common schools and remained at home until twenty-two }ears of age. In the meantime he learned the carpenter's trade, whict.i he followed with his father for five years, and in 1865 he bought one hundred acres of land, which he still owns. He added to this from time to time as his financial resources permittee^ until he be- came the owner of two hundred and sixty-five acres, but has sold some of this to a company establishing a brickyard, and also to the railroad company, so that his holdings in Owen township now comprise two hundred and thirty-two acres. He also has three hundred and thirty-two acres in Ogle county and thus has valuable and extensive landed possessions in this part nf the state. He continued farming until 1903, and in the follow- ing year removed to Rockford, where he pur- chased a fine home, and is now enjoying a well earned rest. While on the farm he raised stock, making a specialty of both cattle pud hogs, and that branch of his business proved very profitable. In February, 1868, Mr. lirown was united in marriage to i\Iiss Jennie Rogers, a v.ative of Eng- land, who was born March 8, 1847, and is a daughter of John and Jane ( Meagher) Rogers, who came to America in 1852, settling in Guil- ford township, A\'innebago county. Her father was a farmer and stone-cutter by occupation, and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his familv. becoming owner of one hundred and thirtv-two acres ot land, which he carefully culti- vated, transforming it into a richly productive property. He died in 1893. at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1872. In their familv were five children, but Mrs. Brown is the only one now living in this county. She has a sister, Mrs. Anna M. Spink, who is living at Davis Junction, Illinois, while her brother, Hon. William Rogers, formerly of Kansas, is now a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a promi- nent factor in the public life in the former state, and left the impress of his individuaJity upon its legislation, serving as state senator of Kansas for four years, also as a member of the house of rep- resentatives for two years, and as one of the re- gents of the university, and while in the legisla- ture he was chairman of the ways and means com- mittee. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause, enlisting in 1861 as a member of Company E, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry under Captain Cosper. He served for four years and was promoted to corporal, and during an en- gagement he was shot through the left arm. He is a self-made man, who has made a notable mili- tary and political record, and for a number of years was classed with the distinguished citizens of Kansas, while at the present writing he is a promi- nent resident of Nebra.ska. The other members of the Rogers family are : Mrs. Lizzie Ruby, liv- ing in Nebraska ; and John G. Rogers, who re- sides at Mason City, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have become the parents of eight children: William R., who married Ade- laide Griggs, a are acquainted witli his career. H(1S.MI:K i'. IK >I.I..\\1). Ilosmer P. Holland, a member of the Rockford bar since 1861 and a resident of the city since May, 184^), was born in Millcrsburg, Ohio, on the 15th of lanuar\, i8?8. I lis parents wore John A. and Maria L. (Curtis) Holland, the former a lawyer by ()rofession. practicing fir.st in Ohio and afterward in Illinois. His son. Hosmer P. Holland, brought to this city when a youth of eight years, was here reared to manhood and his earh educational privileges were supplemented by study in Anlinch College, Ohio, and I'nion Col- lege. New York. Taking up the study of law, he was admitted to the bar in i8('>i and entered upon practice in Rockford, but on the 4th of Sep- tember, 1862. he put aside professional duties in order to aid in the jireservation of the I'nion, en- listing in the .Seventy- fourth Illinois Infantry, JAMES G. TETLO\V. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 6S5 with which he served until November, 1864. He has been master in chancery of Winnebago county for one term, but has mostly confined his atten- tion to the active duties of his profession. He was secretary of the Rockford Watch Com- pany for the first fourteen years of its existence and has encouraged and promoted various enter- prises that have contributed to the material and intellectual progress of the city. In regard to his political belief Mr. Holland says he is a demo- crat, if to be a democrat is to believe in the gold standard and tariff for revenue only. For the past four years he has served as a member of the board of review. While thoroughly informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has been without political aspiration, preferring to concen- trate his energies upon his law practice. Mr. Holland was married in Rockford, Novem- ber 21, 1865, to Miss Laura Blinn and their sons and daughters are as follows : Louise, now the wife of Daniel McMullen, of Western Springs, Illinois; Aurilla, the wife of Dwight .Allyn, also of Western Springs; Kate, the wife of Goldwin S. Patton, of New York Cit}- : Eleanor, of Rock- ford ; and Guv. of Zaiuboango. Mindano, Philippine Islands. SPENCER S. WELDON. Spencer S. Weldon, now retired from the active management of his farm, which lies in Winnebago township, but who still makes his home thereon, was bom at Keene, New Hampshire, Tanuarv 26, 1825, his parents being Jonathan and Mary (Da- vis) ^^'eldon, the latter a cousin of Jefferson Davis, president of the Southern Confederacy. Her father and his six brothers were all soldiers of the Revolutionary war. One of the brothers afterward established his home in Kentucky and became the father of Jefferson Davis. Jonathan Weldon brought his family to Illinois in pioneer times, traveling the entire distance from Providence, Rhode Island, to Ottawa, Illinois, with team and wagon. After two months on the road they arrived at their destination on the 6th of December, 1834, and spent one season at Otta- wa, Mr. Weldon planting a crop there, but owing to the prevalence of fever and ague among the inhabitants of that district he decided to remove to Winnebago county. He arrived at Rockford May 25. 1836, at which time he found a mere ham- let containing no frame houses. There were two log houses on the east side and three on the west side of Rock river. Jonathan Weldon very soon located a claim in what is now the southeast part of Winnebago township and it remained his home until 1854. when he took up his abode upon the farm which is now owned and occupied by our subject, there continuing to reside up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1873. when he was seventy-eight years of age. His wife died in 1871. ]\Ir. Weldon, as one of the pioneer set- tlers of the county, took an active and helpful part in its progress and improvement. He had taught two winters in his own log cabin and this was one of the earliest schools conducted in what is now Winnebago township. He was always in- terested in educational development and delighted in the progress that was made in the county along intellectual and other lines as tlie years passed by. The claim which he entered from the government in early pioneer times remained in possession of the family until about ig02, when it was sold. Spencer S. Weldon was a j-outh of nine years when he accompanied his parents to Illinois and was eleven years old when the family located in Winnebago county. He has resided for the past sixtv-nine }-ears in the same school district in Winnebago township. A picture of pioneer times gives a correct idea of his environment in vouth. He taught about the first winter school after old district No. 2. now district 100, was established. It was conducted in the back kitchen of a log dwelling. There had been a school taught in the district the previous summer by a lady, but Mr. ^^'eldon was the first male teacher. He followed the profession for two winters, one temi' in Fuller district, on the river, but did not continue that line of work, as he considered farming more congenial and more profitable. Throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising and has been ver\' successful. Tliere has been erected on his farm a large and attractive dwelling of modern style of architecture, standing in the midst of a well kept lawn. In the rear are good barns and outbuildings, all most ample for the shelter of grain and stock. He uses the latest improved machinerA- in carrying on the place and everything about the farm is neat and thrifty in appearance. It is now being conducted by his sons. John E. and Lincoln S. Weldon, who han- dle well-bred stock, making a specialty of horses and cattle. For the past twenty years they have raised pure bred Percheron and French coach horses and their business in this direction has be- come extensive and profitable. In 1854 Spencer S. \\^eldon was married to Miss Agnes Kelley, who was born in Campbell- town. Scotland. May 29, 1825. Her father was Peter Kelley, who married Miss Catherine Stuart. }ilrs. \\'eldon came to Winnebago county from Scotland in 1852 and resided here mitil her death, which occurred February 23, 1901. There were eight children by this marriage, all born on the old home farm in Winnebago township, namely : ]\[ary, born February 8. i8,'^5. resides at home. John E.. born April ig, 1856, living on the home 656 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. fann, married Ailell Ilenncssy June 8. iS8i3. \\li<> died in 1884, leaving two cliildrcii — ICarl Ci., born September 18. 1881. and Adell. b(irn .March lu, 1S84. anil died in 1S81;. i*"or his second wife John E. Weldon chose Ida .M. I'lriijgs, of Rockford, to whom he was married in 1899. Samuel, born October 22. 1857. is engaged in the real-estate business in Portland, Oregon. He married Mary Wliitney in September, 1899. ^"f' '''"-T ''^^'^ o"^ child, Kenneth W. Peter, Ixini ( V-tobcr 19. 1859, a fanner residing near Portage. Wisconsin, mar- ried Mar>- Scott in February, 1897, ami they have one child, Ray, bom in November, 1900. Cath- erine, born March 17, 1863, died in childhood. William, born May 23. 1861, a retired farmer re- siding near Portage. Wisconsin, married Bertha I. Olson in (Vtober. i8. and they have one child. Clarence 11., born October 31, 1898. Lin- coln S., bom July 3, 1865, associated with his brother John in the conduct of the old home farm, married J^Iargaret TefFt in October, 1895. Mar- guerite. Iiorn Xovember 8. i8ri7. died in 1900. at the age of thirty-two years. Politicallv Mr. Weldon is a republican without aspiration for office. In his religious views he is liberal, being unhampered by creed or dogma, yet is a thorough believer in the Qiristiau religion. He is now more than four score years of age and has led a useful, active and honoralilc life, charac- terized by devotion to duty and by strict adher- ence to justice and truth at all times. He well deserves the respect which is unifonnly accorded him and which makes him one of the valued citi- zens of this ])art of the state. CARLTON WIT-LTAMS SHELDON. Carlton W. Sheldon, the subject of this article, was born on a small farm in the town of \'ictor, county of Ontario, in the state of New York, on the 14th day of March. 1828. He was the fourth child of Gad Sheldon and Eunice Williams Hosford, who were united in marriage in said county in the year of 1820. and to whom were Ixirn six children whose names in the order of their birth are as follows : Mary Edna, Alex- ander. Charles H.. Carlton W., Porter and Ogil- vic H. Gad Sheldon was born in Massachusetts and was the third and youngest son of Ezra Sheldon and Sally Perry, a relative of Commo- dore Perry of Lake Erie fame. Ezra Sheldon was a deacon in the Presbyterian church at the time of his marriage to .Sally Perry, and hence gave all three of his sons biblical names. The first he named Ezra, the second Asaph and the third and youngest, Gad. The latter was a sol- dier in the war of 1812 and fought at the battle of Sackett's Harbor, where many of liis com- rades were killed or wounded. Joseph Hosford, the father of Carlton's mother, was a much older man than his grandfather Shel- don. He went into the Revolutionary war of 1776 as a drummer boy. and afterward as a pri- vate fought with musket and bayonet during the whole seven years of that bloody struggle for .\merican Independence and before its close was raised to the rank of major. He was the co- patriot of Washington and of Warren, of Ethan .Alien and Israel Putnam and of all that army of heroes who were finally crowned with victory and brought a new republic above the horizon to the astonished view of the kingdoms of Europe, to be looked upon by its rulers with dislike, but by their subjects with love and admiration down to the i^resent time. In 1834 the parents of Mr. .Sheldon, with their si.x young children, removed to South Bristol in the same county on ts a large farmer living near Woodstock in this state, whose wife was a sister of his mother and who had moved from South Bristol to Illinois several years before, he concluded he would now follow his uncle to this state. So in the fall of 185 1 he bade his parents a sorrowful good-bye but with a hopeful heart he took the cars at Canan- daigua for Buffalo and thence by boat around the Great Lakes and landed at a place then called Southport, in Lake county. From there he went to his uncle's home near Woodstock, where after visiting a short time his uncle took him to the then small village of Woodstock, the county seat of ]\IcHenry count}", where he was intro- duced to the law firm of Church & Willard, whose office he then entered as a student. Not having funds to carry him through the winter he en- gaged with Neal Donnelly and Richard K. Todd, two of the directors of the village school at Woodstock, to teach the winter term of 1851 and 1852, who. at the close of the winter term, em- ployed him again to teach the spring term of 1852. While teaching at \\''oodstock he heard much about the growing little city of Rockford and its beautiful river and thinking it would prove a more desirable location than Woodstock, he changed his residence to that then small city of four thousand inhabitants, where he arrived on the I2th day of August, 1852. Having in his pocket a letter of introduction from Church & Willard to the law firm of Marsh & Wight, of Rockford, he went at once to their office and nn the same day was admitted as a student. The young man soon found out that he would have to teach again for the coming winter of 1852 and 1853 and so secured a district school at a place then known as the "Enoch Settlement." Among the pupils who attended his school were David Hunter and Amasa Hutchins ; the former became in after years a state senator, serving the people of this district many terms, while the latter many years after became sheriff of this county and later mayor of Rockford. Both these gentle- men are still living in this county and known and honored throughout the state. After his school was over in the spring of 1853, he resumed his studies with JMarsh & \\'ight and with such dili- gence that in Jul\- following he secured his li- cense from the supreme court to practice law in any of the courts of this state. Shortly after he commenced his practice in Rockford he formed a partnership with the late Judge Brown under the firm name of Brown & Sheldon, which con- tinued he thinks until the former was elected states attorney for this then judicial circuit. On the 20th day of December, 1855, at Rock- ford, Illinois, Carlton W. Sheldon and Harriet J. Hathaway were united in marriage and from that union were born six children, two of whom, Edward and Edna, died in infancy and the re- maining four are still living and wtiose names in the order of their birth are : Charles E., born July 29, 1857; George P., born July 27, 1859; Dora Sheldon Hart, born March 7, 1868 ; and Ethel A. Montgomery, born September 27, 1878. Harriet J. Hathaway was the daughter of Leonard W. Hathaway and Caroline M. Thomp- son, all of whom were born in the state af Massa- chusetts and afterward moved to Chicago in 1837, when Harriet was two years of age, and then from Chicago to Rockford in 1845. H^i" father died at Rockford in the spring of 1852 and her mother died at the home of her daughter, with whom she lived on North Second street, on the 1st day of August, 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-four ye-i'-s. Charles E. Sheldon is the present successful western manager of the American Insurance Company of Newark, and has acted in that ca- pacity for many years. In the winter of 1857, Porter Sheldon, who had previously been in the practice of the law at Jamestown, New York, with his eldest brother Alexander Sheldon, came to Rockford and formed a pertnership with his brother Carlton under the firm name of Sheldon & Sheldon, which continued for several years. Soon after the war commenced Porter was elected city attorney, while at the same time Carl- ton was serving the city as alderman from the first ward, he residing at that time on the south- west corner of North Second and Hill streets, to which location he had moved in June, 1858, and where all his children were born except the old- est, and where he has ever since lived. In the year 1893 he moved his old house back to the rear part of the lot and built on the old site a large and commodious residence in which he now resides. Before the close of the war Alexander Sheldon died at Jamestown and Porter left Rockford at once to attend his funeral and close up the busi- ness of the estate. While there he was persuaded by the citizens of Jamestown to move his family 66o PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. back to that city and take iij) the ])racticc that his brother had left, which he did, and within one year thcreaftLT he was elected from the James- town district a member of congress to success Reuben E. l-enton. who had just been elected governor of the state of New York. Porter Sheldon was a man of marked ability as a lawyer and had great genius as an inventor, having patented several inventions, aniDng which was one for the manufacture and preparation of a paper designed for the special use of photog- raphers in the making of pictures, visiting Ger- many once to make liis patent periect and secure. He i)uilt many large buildings at Jamestown for his plant and after making about half a million dollars for himself in the business he finally sold out the whole plant, including his patents, to an eastern syndicate, who paid him five hundred thousand dollars in cash therefor. P>eing then a millionaire he retired wholly from business, pur- chased a plantation in N'irginia. where he and his wife spend their winters, while their summers are spent at their home near the beautiful Lake of Chautau(|ua. on whose shores P>isliop \'incent started his first meetings and from which lake the name of "Chautauqua" has gone forth throughout the land and l>ecome famous. Carlton's mother was a Hosford but her mother was a \\'illiams. who liad a ncplicw by the name of Carlton U'illiams. This young man while rowing in a boat with a comrade above Niagara Falls was drawn into the rapids ajid went over the falls and both were drowned, and it was in memory of this unfortunate young man that tlie subject of this sketch was named. Tn 1870 yir. Shelilrm was called upon several times by the secretary of the Rockford Insurance Company to settle difficult losses for that com- pany, until he finally declined going out so often, as it took him too much away from his office. Finally they asked him what he would charge a day to settle all their losses from that time on and have all his expenses paid. He said he would do it for eight dollars per day, which terms they at once accepted and from that time until July 1874, he adjusted all their losses in this state and Missouri. During this time he gave up his law practice and ran a large local agency tmder the name of Sheldoii. Ireton & Company, his son Charles E., then only fourteen years of age being the company. In July. 1874. Gilbert Woodruff, then presi- dent of the Rockford National Rank, and some of his co-directors urged him strongly to organ- ize a new insurance company to be called the Forest City Insurance Conipany, and to be in the interest of the Rockford National Rank as the Rockford Insurance Company had been of the I^econd National Rank, to which he finallv con- sented and became its secretary. This company he continued to run with greiit success for the period of over five years when on the 7th day of November, 1879, he very suddenly resigned, to the great surprise of all his fellow directors, in- cluding the president. The cause of such resig- nation he fully gave in an "open letter" to the president on the 17th day of December, 1879, which letter was ])rinled in one of the city papers and he afterward struck off one thousand copies in pamphlet form which he had intended to dis- tribute throughout the state but owing to the urgent entreaties of some of his late associates I who had not yet sold their stock as he had done) tu su])press this edition, he finally promised them to do so, as he knew if he did circulate them in the state it would probably kill the company and entail great loss on some of his friends as they claimed. The reasons for his resignation were very fully given in this remarkable letter. He then at once opened a law. loan, and insurance office on the east side of the river where he has been steadily in business for the past twenty- five years and at no time since said resignation, except the first year, has he received less in fees and commissions ])cr annum than had been his former salary and in many years more, while at the same time, so to sp-^ak, he has been "his own master." He has now reached the "advanced age" as the papers would say, of seventy-seven years and has not yet retired. .\ccor(ling to Osier he should have died, or retired seventeen years ago. He does not agree with Dr. (~)sler in this, but rather with Russell Sage, who now at ninety, at- tends his office daily and says that "frequent vaca- tions are not necessary to health. Nor does racing back and forth through the crowded streets of a city in a huge life destroying automo- bile add anything to the prosperity or happiness of the people." EARI. D. REYNOLDS. I-l.'irl D. Reynolds, one of the members of the Winnebago county bar, who since 1896 has en- gaged in the practice of law in Rockford. was l)orn in Hancock county. Ohio, in 1866. his par- ents being \olney and Christiana (Smith) Rey- nolds. In 1867 the father left his farm in Ohio and removed to ijie vicinity of Waldron. Hillsdale county. Michigan, there securing a tract of land. He devoted his attention to general farming and stock raising and still resides in that locality. No event of special importance occurred to \ary the routine of farm life for Mr. Reynolds in his youth. He worked in the fields and meadows and gained an intimate knowledge of the best methods of caring for stock and the crops. In PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 66i the winter months he attended the district schools and later became a student at Hillsdale College, Michigan, where he completed his course by grad- uation with the class of 1891. When eighteen years of age he began teaching and followed that profession at intervals while attending college. He taught for several years in North Adams school in Hillsdale county, ultimately becoming its principal, and with a view to engaging in the practice of law, he matriculated in the law depart- ment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated therefrom in 1896. In the autumn of the same year he came to Rockford and entered upon practice. He now has a large library in his office on East State street over the Manufacturers' Bank. His clientage has steadily increased and his practice is now of a large and important character. He prepares his cases with thoroughness and in presenting his cause before court or jur>' he is logical and forceful in his reasoning and seldom, if ever, at error in citing a similar case or quoting an authority'. In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Reynolds and Miss Florence Keith, of Boone county, Illi- nois, a daughter of Lewis and Louisa Keith, who are represent^^d on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have four children — Keith, now twelve years of age ; Lorenzo, nine years ; Dorothy, five years ; and Lois, eighteen ; months. Mr. Reynolds has always been interested in the cause of education and has rendered effective serv- ice for the schools of Rockford while acting as a member of the board, being elected over five years ago, and is the present incumbent. Fraternally he is connected with Rockford lodge. No. 102, A. F. & A. M., and is also affiliated with the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is the attorney for the last named. Throughout his pro- fessional career he has lived in Rockford, where he is steadily working his way upward by dili- gent effort and devotion to the interests of his clients. During the last year and a half he was assistant attorney-general of the state under At- torney-General H. J. Hamlin. SILAS W. SHIRLEY. Silas W. Shirley, who has retired from active business life and resides in the village of Cherry Valley, was for many years actively connected with agricultural interests and now owns two farms, one lying in Boone county and the other in De Kalb county, but both near the village in which he makes his home. His landed possessions aggregate seven hundred and fifts- acres and the places are well improved and valuable. Mr. Shirley is a native son of Boone county, his birth having occurred about two miles from Cher- 38 ry \ alley, in 1846, his parents being Lewis and Lucinda (Keith) Shirley, both of whom are now deceased. The father was born in Ohio, March 1, 1820, and when twenty years of age came to Illinois with his parents. His father, Joseph Shir- ley, was born in 1793 and located in Cherry Valley township, where he resided for a number of years, removing later in life to Iowa. His last days were spent in Black Hawk county, that state, where he passed away August 11, 1864. His wife, who was born April 11, 1797, died October 5, 1868, in Black Hawk county. After coming to this state Lewis Shirley located on a farm in Boone county in Cherr}' Valley, and this land is now owned by his son Silas. There he carried on agricultural pursuits for many years, biit later took up his abode in the village of Cherry Valley, where he died on the 13th of May, 1898. His wife, Lu- cinda (Keith) Shirley, was also from Ohio, ar- riving in this section of Illinois in 1839. She was born September 15. 1820, and died November i. 1888, in Cherr\- Valley township. In their family were six children — Elizabeth, who was born Oc- tober 31, 1844, is the wife of Captain Van Wort, a resident of De Kalb county. Silas W. is the second. Lucrctia, born Januan' 6, 1849, i^ living in Cherry Valle}-. Phoebe Jane, born April 2, 1831. is the wife of William Thompson, a resident of Kirkland, Illinois. G. B.. born November 28, 1855, is a farmer of Cherry A'alley township. L. E., Ijoni March 13, i860, is an insurance agent, residing in Cedar county, Iowa. Silas W. Shirley spent his boyhood days in the vicinity of the village in which he now makes his home and throughout his active business life car- ried on farming. He was married here October 22, 1873, to Miss Julia E. Taylor, a native of No- ble county, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Rosella (Roach) Taylor, who took up their abode in Boone count}-, Illinois, in 1865, settling in Flora township. They were farming people and both are now deceased. The father, who was born in England, October 9, 1810, came to Amer- ica in 1817, at which time he settled in Ohio, his death occurring in Boone county. July 22. 1893. His wife, who was born in Ohio in 1817, died in Boone county November 29, 1874. Mrs. Shirley was one of a family of eleven children, all of whom were born in Ohio, while five are yet living. The family record is as follows: Harriet, the deceased wife of William Lee ; Hulda, the wife of Daniel Cronkhite, who follows farming near Kirk- land, De Kalb county; Mrs. Hannah Mason, liv- ing in Wirt county. Virginia ; Mrs. Shirley ; Beu- lah, twin sister of Julia, who died in infancy ; Walter S., who resides on the old homestead in Boone county ; Charles R., a farmer of De Kalb county ; Irene, who died in Ohio ; Elvin, who died in Illinois: Lily, the deceased wife of Charles Clinite ; and Willard, who died in infancy. 662 PAST AND PRESEXT OF WI.WEBAGO COUNTY. Mr. and j\lrs. Shirley have two sons — Eugene, bom November 28, 1874, and now Hving in De Kalb count)-, married Dora Mack, and has a (lan.tihter. Ruth: and LcRoy. burn May 11. 1877, is a pattern-niaki.r hving witli his parents. In pohtics Mr. Shirley is a republican antl served as trustee of Chcrr>- \'alley at the time the village was incorporated. He belongs to the Masonic lodge lliere and liis son LeRoy is a thirty-second- degree Mason and a Shriner, belonging to the commander}- of Rockford. For many years Mr. Shirley worked persistently and energetically in the conduct of his farm and as the years passed he added annually to his income until now. with a desirable competence to supply him with the comforts of life, he is living retired in Cherry- Valley, having many warm friends there. JOHN R. I 'LACK. John R. Place, now deceased, was born in Co- lumbia county. New York, September 27, 1841, his parents being John and Ann (Cowse) Place, and when a lad of ten years was brought by his parents to the west, the family settling in Dur- and township, Winnebago county, upon a farm on section 28. Two sons of the family are yet living in Durand: David, who is married and has a son and daughter, and Marsden. who is married and has two sons. The sister of Mr. Place is Mrs. Samantha Davis, tiie wife of George Davis, of I'.urritt lownshi]). and they have five sons and two daughters living. John R. Place was reared to farm life and ac- quired his education in the public schools of the locality. Pie early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for stock and throughout his active business career carried on agricultural pursuits with excellent success. He was also a capable schoolteacher in early manhood. On the 22d of June. 1865, Mr. Place was united in marriage to Miss .\manda Morris, of Durand townshii). a daughter of William and Mehetable (Riche) Morris. Mrs. Place was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, May 6, 1840, and in 1842 was brought by her parents to Durand township. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, born September 27, 1807, and when young went w'ith his parents to Indiana, where he was married to Mehel.ible Riche on the 29tli of .\ugust, 1833. They remained in the Hoosier state until 1842 and then cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Winnebago coun- ty, where ^Ir. Morris carried on general agri- cultural pursuits until his death on the 16th of March, 1858. His wife, who was born October 28, 1812, in the state of New York, died at the home of her son in Durand township, January 8, 1903, having for almost f(jrty-five years sur- vived her husband. Mr. Morris was a soldier of the Black Hawk war and was a prominent pioneer settler, aiding in laying strong and deep the foundation for the present pros|)erity and prog- ress of the county. Mrs. Place has three broth- ers — .\ndrew J. Murris, who is living in Davis, Illinois, and has two sons and two daughters ; L. J. Morris, of Durand. who has two daugh- ters ; and S. H. Morris, of Portland, Oregon, who has one son. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Place were born three daughters and two suns, .\ndrew M.. born in Durand township. June 9, 1876, is now living on the old homestead farm. He was married May 31. 1899. to Cora Belle Bleakley, of Mount Car- roll. Illinois, who was born in Pittsburg. Penn- sylvania, January 13. 1875, and is a daughter of James and .\nna (lUaney) Bleakley. .Vndrew M. Place and his wife have one daughter, Gladys M.. born February 8, 1902. .\lva J. Place, born December 7, 1882, is living in Durand township and married Myrtle .Atkinson, of Shirland township, by wiiom he has one son. ^lorris G. Lottie, born Jiuie 24, 1866. is the wife of Charles Thomas, of .\von. Wisconsin, and has seven sons and four daughters. Kittie F,.. born November 2. 1877. is the wife of Thomas Tierney, of Irv- ington, California. Eva A., born October 16, 1868. bcame the wife of Elmer Harris, of Durand township, and died December 23, 1898, leaving a son and two daughters, one of whom died in infancy. ^Ir. Place departed this life on the 24th of August. 1890. after living for thirty years upon the old home farm, which he left to his family. He was an active member of the Patrons of Ilusbandry. was a rc])ublican in politics and held many township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. In business he was trustworthy and reliable and in all life's relations commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he was asso- ciated. ]\Irs. Place now manages the property, comprising two hundred and eighty-three acres on sections 12, 13 and 14, Durand township. She has long been a resident of the county and the circle of her friends is an extensive one. S. A. NEMETH. S. A. Nemeth, proprietor of a tailoring estab- lishment in Rockford, was born in Omaha, Ne- braska, in 1870. and is a son of Martin and Mary (Loss) Nemeth. The father, a native of Austria, caiue to the United .States in the '60s and made his way direct to Omaha. Nebraska. In that local- ity he purchased land and carried on fanuing until 1882, when he removed to South Bend, Indiana, MR. AND MRS. JOHN R. PLACE. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 66s where he Hved retired until his death, which oc- curred in 1893. His widow still survives him and is yet a resident of South Bend. In the family were five children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: S. A., of this review; Michael, a cutter, who is living in Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Rose, who is with her mother in South Bend. S. A. Nemeth was a district-school student in Nebraska and completed his education in Notre Dame University, Indiana. About the same time he learned the tailor's trade, becoming a cutter. He was graduated from the university in 1891 and immediately afterward went to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he secured a position as cutter, acting there in that capacity for three or four years. In 1894 he went to Jackson, Mississippi, where he spent three years, and in 1897 he located in Lafayette, Indiana, where he was employed at his trade for four and a half years. The year 1901 witnessed his arrival in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a cutter for G. S. Rogers, one of the prom- inent tailors of that city. He came to Rockford on the 1 8th of August, 1902. and entered the em- ploy- of the E. & W. Clothing Company, which he represented as a salesman until the spring of 1905, when he opened a tailoring establishment of his own at No. 313 North State street, where he now carries a fine line of men's tailoring goods and has already secured a good patronage, the public having become acquainted with his work during the previous years of his residence here. Mr. Nemeth was married on the loth of Sep- tember, 1902, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Miss Dora A. Jarvis, of Independence, Iowa. They have one daughter, who was born November 20. 1904. Fraternally Mr. Nemeth is connected with the Knights of Pythias of Cleveland, and with the Elks and Eagles at Rockford. He has met suc- cess in business since his residence here and has gained the favorable regard of many with whom he has been brought in contact. He possesses the force of character which realizes that success depends upon the individual and not upon envir- onment, and by thorough mastery of his trade and capability in his workmanship he has advanced steadily and is now the proprietor of a growing business in his adopted city. RUFUS H. BURRITT. Among the residents of Rockford formerl\- en- gaged in farming but now living retired, is Rufus H. Burritt, a native of the Empire state, whose birth occurred in Ira, Cayuga county, September 23. 1842. His parents were Charles and Laura M. (Remington) Burritt. The father was born near Roxburv, Connecticut, January 9, 1813, and was a son of Lewis Eben and Polly (Warner) Burritt. After starting out upon his business ca- reer he followed the occupation of farming and later engaged in the hardware and furniture busi- ness in Weeds|")ort, New York, where he resided until he came with his family to Rockford, in 1854. He spent the following winter in the city and then purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Owen township, upon which he spent his remaining days, developing there a good and well improved farm. In his family were four sons and three daughters, namely: Mrs. Lucy Ann Moore, who is living in Redlands, Cal- ifornia; George A., who died leaving a family in Owen township : Rufus H. : Frances M., the wife of Charles Brown, of Rockford township ; Dwight N., of Los Angeles, California: Ida M., the wife of Fred Knapp, of California, and Charles L., liv- ing at Compton, California. Rufus H. Burritt was educated in the common schools of Owen township, having been brought bv his parents to Winnebago county in early vouth. He was one of the sokUers that Illinois furnished to the LInion, for he enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company M. Eighth Illinois Cavalry, serving for a year and a half, or until the close of the war. He was kept in Washington doing picket duty and participated in several skirmishes in the vicinity of the capital city. Following the close of hostilities he returned to his home and was engaged in farming. He rented land for three vears and then purchased one hundred and sixtv acres in Owen township, which he continued to cultivate and improve until January, 1886, when he removed to Rockford, where he has since resided and is now living a retired life. He owns a fine residence on Summer street and his wife owns an attractive dwelling where they reside at No. 624 Ashland avenue. Air. Burritt was married May 28, 1862, to Miss ]\Iar}- Jane Rorebeck, who was born in the state of New York and came west when a child. Her father, Edwin F. Rorebeck, was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Burritt became the parents of seven children, of whonT five are yet living: Fred E., who married Gertrude M. Patterson, and lives in Pullman, Illinois ; Rena Alice, the wife of Fred J. Corrv, a resident of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Walter Roy, who married Ida Erffmeyer and lives on a farm in Kishwaukee township ; Leta Mary, the wife of Roy R. Skinner, who is with Burr Brothers, of Rockford : and Bert N., who married yiaud Cain, and resides in Rockford. One daugh- ter, Eva L.. became the wife of A. G. Steward and is now deceased, while Mr. Steward resides in Owen. Mrs. Burritt was called to her final rest September 18, 1897, and on the i8th of June, 1903, :sir. Burritt was married to Mrs. Mary J. Hall, a daughter of John Hamilton and Mary (Agnew) McEvoy. Bvher first husband she had four chil- dren : Vernon J., who is a professor of chemistry 666 PAST A\D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illi- nois; Clare H., who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Willis W.. of Chicago; and Mary F. Hall, who is living with her mother. Mr. liurritt is a rcpuijlicaii, who has served as road commissioner and was also town clerk for three years. He belongs to the G. L. Nevius post. No. I. G. .\. R.: the Royal Arcannm, the Home Fraternal League and the Knights and La- dies of Sccuritv, and his wife is a member of the Congregational clnirch. Having sold his farm, Mr. Burritt purchased cit>- property. When he had his country home it was characterized by the utmost neatness in every- department and he has ever been systematic and methodical in his work. The same splendid appearance is indicative of his city home and gives evidence of his careful and painstaking supervision. His work has been crowned with a merited measure of success and with a desirable competence, he is now enjoying the comforts and manv of the luxuries of life. R1C11.\RD jollXS. .\mong tho-se to whom has been vouchsafed an honorable retirement from labor in recog- nition of active and successful toil in former vears is Richard Johns, now living in Rockford. A native of England, he spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that country. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lightfoot) Johns, who were also natives of that country, whence they came to .America two years after the ar- rival of their .son Richard. The father died at the age of scventy-si.x years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-two years. Both were consistent members of the Methodist church. When a young man of twenty-two years Richard Johns, desirous of Ijcnefiling his finan- cial condition by taking advantage of the better business opportunities of the new world, bade adieu to friends and native land and on a lum- ber vessel crossed the .\tlanlic to Quebec, Canada, reaching his destination after a six weeks' voyage. He did not remain in the Do- minion, however, but at once resumed his jour- ney across the country to Illinois, settling in Rockford, in 1850, where , for three years he was a representative of the butchering business. On the expiration of that period he returned to his native country and in Cornwall, England, was united in marriage with Miss Jane .\. Hocken, a native of that county, descended from Cornish ancestry. The young couple at once started for the I'nited States and after ten weeks spent u])on the ocean reached the shores of the new world. Mrs. Johns' parents always continued residents of Eng- land and her father, John Hocken, was ac- cidentally killed by the premature discharge of a gun when forty-two years of age. His wife, long surviving him, was in her seventy-seventh year when called to her final rest. They were members of the Independent church of England, and Mrs. Johns was the second of their ten chil- dren. ( )n again reaching Winnebago county Mr. Johns t(jok his bride to a farm and for a mnn- bcr of years prior to their removal to the city of Rockford they lived in Ri:)ckford township, where he devoted his time and energies to the tilling of the soil and to the raising of stock. He started out in life empty-handed but has gradually worked his way u]>wanl, brooking no obstacles that could l)e overcome by persistent and honorable effort, lie found that labor is the basis of all success and by his untiring efforts and capable management he became the owner of valuable property, formerly owning five hun- dred and fortv acres of rich land and now one hundred and thirty-five acres near the city, which brings to him a s])lendid rental and supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The land is not only productive but is also underlaid with a splendid grade of stone, so that a quarry has been oi)ened and successfully oi)erated. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johns have been born eight children : Emma, who became the wife of Walter H. Morey, of Spencer, Iowa, and died leaving five sons; Nathaniel, who wedded Min- nie .'^afl'ord and is engaged in general farming in Rockford township : \\'ill R.. who married Carrie Rowe and resides near this city ; Nellie, the wife of John D. Safford. a resident farmer of Rockford township : Frank, who married .\da Sauber and carries on general farming in Rockford township ; Minnie, the wife of Henry E. Sauber, who is connected with a furniture company in Rockford ; Flora H.. the wife of George Sauber : and .\lbert C. now in Denver. Colorado, who married Nellie Poarcher. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have now traveled life's journey together for fifty-two years, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its ad- versitv and jjrosperity. The energies and labors of the husband have been supplemented by the careful management of the wife, and together they have acquired a goodly share of this world's possessions, .so tiiat they are now living in comfort and ease in Rockford. having a pleas- ant home .-It No. 52S Palm street. They have gained many friends iii the city and they also have a large circle of acquaintances in Rockford and other townships because of their long resi- dence in the comity and their genuine worth. Mr. Johns has never liad occasion to regret his dc- RKIIAKI) lOHXS. MRS. RICHARD JOHNS. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 671 termination to seek a home in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities he sought, which by the way are always open to ambitious young men and through the use of his advantages he has become a substantial citizen, possessed of a gratifying competence. ABRAHA^I L. CO:\ILY. .\braham L. Conily. a representative farmer of Seward township, was born in Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 18, 1852, his parents being Charles and ]\Iary (Ludwig) Comly. The father was born in Alilton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1814. a son of Thomas and Catherine (Hunter) Comly. Thomas Comly was born in Chester county. Pennsylvania. August 17. 1789, and was a son of Ezra and Hannah (Wedell) Comly and a descendant of one Henry Comly, who in 1682 accompanied William Penn from England to the new world. This Henry Comly was mar- ried to Agnes Heaton on the 17th of August, 1695. Thomas Wedell emigrated from England to the United States in 1700, and was married April 9, 1705. to Rebecca \Mlliams. Ezra Comly, great-grandfather of our subject, was a lumber merchant and died in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, when eighty years of age, while his wife's death occurred there when she was in her eighty-fourth year. Their son. Thomas Comly, married Catherine Hunter, who was born July 6, 1799, in Northumberland coun- ty. Pennsylvania, and spent her last days in Ly- coming county, that state, where she died at the age of seventy-six years. She was a daughter of David and Isabella ( Patterson ) Hunter, and her father, a native of Ireland, died in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-eight years, leaving a wife and seven children. His wife, Mrs. Isabella Hunter, was born in the Key- stone state and died in Lycoming county when sixty-six years of age. She belonged to the Pat- terson family, who were of Scotch-Irish descent, while the Conilys were among the old and promi- nent families of the United States. Charles Comly, father of our subject, remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and on the 8th of December, 1856, was married in Union countv, Pennsylvania, to Alisss Mary Ludwig, whose birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, January 3. 1816. her parents being Abram and Hannah (Bower) Ludwig, natives of the Keystone state, but who died in Laporte county, Indiana, at the ages of seventy-eight and eighty years respectively. The Ludwig family were of German lineage, and the first ancestors in Amer- ica settled in Pennsylvania at an earlv dav. Following his marriage Charles Comly worked by the month for four years, and then operated rented land for three years, after which he pur- chased sixty-four acres in Pennsylvania, contin- uing its cultivation until 1854. He then sold his property in the east and came to Winnebago coimty, Illinois, settling on a partially improved fann of one himdred and sixty acres, on which he long made his home. He placed excellent build- ings there, developed the fields and carried on his tarm work along modern, progressive ideas, be- coming known as a model agriculturist of the community. In his later years, however, he lived retired, passing away in igoi at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, while his wife died in 1904, when eighty-four years of age. In politics Mr. Comly was a democrat, but never cared to hold office, although he acted as road commissioner and was school director for a number of years. He preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and at one time was the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land, but event- ually he removed from the farm to the village of Pecatonica. where he spent the last six months of his life. He retired from active business about fifteen years before leaving the farm. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Comly were the parents of eleven children : Lucy, who died at the age of thirty-five years ; Isabella P.. the wife of E. Anderson, of Peca- tonica township, by whom she has four living chil- dren ; Caroline, the wife of Daniel Sears, of Iowa, by whom she has seven living children ; Flannah M., a resident of Pecatonica and the widow of Henry Maley, who died at the age of forty years, leaving four children, of whom one, ^Mrs. John .\nderson, has since died ; Catherine, the widow of Peter Connell. who died in 1896: ^[ar\- E., the wife of Ambrose Searls, of Sanborn, Iowa, who has two living children : Thomas, residing in Pecatonica; Abraham L., of this review ; Charles Hunter, of Iowa Falls. Iowa, who married Fannie !\Iitchell and has one child ; John B.. who is married and lives in La- dell, .South Dakota; and Edwin D.. who married Jennie Lincoln and resides in Seward township and has three children. Abraham L. Comly was educated in the public schools, and through the periods of vacation worked upon the home farm imtil twenty-one years of age. when he went to California, spend- ing two years on the Pacific coast. He followed teaming and farming in Sacramento valley, and also tried mining for a time. L'pon his return to Illinois he settled in Seward township, where for three years he operated rented land and then pur- chased eighty acres, to which he has added as his financial resources have increased until he now owns about three hundred and fifty acres. He has carried on general agricultural pursuits, and is 672 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. also huyincj and k-cdiiii; cattle, liaiidlins;' about three carloads each year. He buys cattle to feed in the ChicajSfo market. He is also a dealer in mules and horses, which he ])urchase(l by the car- load. On the 4lh of December, i^jj,. .\lr. Comly was married to Miss Mary .\. Marks, a danshtcr of Nathaniel and .Mary .\nn (.Miller) .Marks, the former born in .Vortlnnnberland coimtv. Pennsyl- vania. .\|)ril 2(y. i8,U. whicli the latter was born in llerks county. I'ennsN Ivania, ( )ctober 16, 1829. .^he is still livinsj. makintj her home in Pecatonica with her daufjliter. but .Mr. Marks departed this life in up^. at the age of sixty-nine years. He came to W'innebatjo county in March. 1861. and bduijht ciijhty acres of land, which he afterward sold in i8<>4 ])rior to his removal to Towa, where he lived until the sjjring of iSr/i, when he went to Missouri. There he carried on farming until 1871, when he again came to this county, where he resumed agricultural |)ursuits. at one time own- ing and cidtivating two lumdred and twenty acres of land. He devnted his energies to the raising of cro]is and stock, and bred and raised some fine Durham cattle, having at times from thirty to fifty head in his herd, and he sold many fine ani- mals. He was interested in comnuinity affairs, and acted as school director for a numlier of years. The last five or six years of his life were spent as a retired farmer, in politics he was a rei)iihlican. and favored the Methodist Episcopal church. L'nto him and his wife were born seven children: Kate; Hunter C, who died in 1894; John M. : Mary .\., now Mrs. Comly: C. Wesley: Isabelle. wlm died in childhood: and Sarah A. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Comly. celc- l)rated December 4. 1903, has been blessed with two children, .Minnie and Charles E. In politics .Mr. Comly is a democrat. He has contributed to the su])port of various churches, and is interested in i)rogressive measures for tlie progress and up- building nf his CDtmty. where in his farming op- erations he has met with verv desirable success. WILLIAM L. HARTLEY. William L. Hartley is now living a retired life in Durand tovmship, while for inany years he was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits, owning and f)perating one hundred and forty acres f)f laufl on sections 22 and 2~. He is a na- tive of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred in Tainitnn on the .v' ;oo Twogood. who commanded a company in the Civil war and died at Ottumwa. Iowa, on the 14th of December, i^^. Tolonel and \Frs. Chapin had but one child. Carrie, who is now the wife of A. R. Coonradt. a very wealthy and prr)mincnt citizen of Rockford. and they reside with her mother. They have two children who arc great favorites with their grand- mother — Alice T.. who is a graduate of Rockford College, and Arthur C. who completed a course in civil engineering and was graduated at the uni- versity in Pasadena. California, in i<>05. at the age of seventeen years. Coming to Rockford with his family. Colonel Chapin continued a resident of this city until his death, but he never recovered his health and passed away on the 20th of December, iSC/x Dur- ing that time he had gained many warm friends who greatly deplored his loss. A flag that had been j^resented him by G. D. Norris, of Milwau- kee, was tenderly and reverently laid upon his casket, and thus under the stars and stripes, for which his life had virtually been given, his re- mains were interred in the city cemetery on the west side. The funeral sen'ices were held under the direction of the East Side lodge. A. F. & A. .M.. of which he was a faithful member. His po- litical views were in accordance with re]jublican jirinciples, and he was a member of the Unitarian church at Milwaukee and contributed generously toward the erection of the house of worship. That he believed in honorable principles and upright conduct was indicated by his daily life, and in every relation in which he was found he was true to his dutv. He ])ossessc(I excellent business and executive force, and undoubtedly had he remained upon the stage he would have won fame because of his superior talents as an actor. He was equally prominent and distinguished in his mili- tarv career, and he won the worthy respect of his su|)erior officers and the boys who served under him. L. M. DALl-:. Lvcurgus M. Dale, a member of the firm of Dale & Seaton, land agents at Pecatonica, who in ])revious years was actively engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in Winnebago county, is a na- tive of Livingston county. New York, where his birth occurred July 4. 1S50. His parents were Th()m])son and .\delia K. (Satterley) Dale, also natives of the Fni]iirc state. The father came to this county with his family in 1856 and lo- cated one mile north of the town of Pecatonica, where he lived for a year, when he removed to a farm about five miles northeast of the town, making his home thereon for seven years. He next took up his abode at Elton. Illinois, where he resided up to the time of his death. He was a cabinet-maker by trade and conducted a shop in Cuylerville. New York, manufacturing furni- ture and coffins. He did all of the work in those days in connection with the mamifacture of furniture, including the ]iainting and decorat- ing, and he made all of his own furniture which he used after his removal to the west. He like- wise did some cabinet w-ork for others and fol- lowed ])ainting to some extent, but his attention was chiefly given to agricultural pursuits and to the raising of grain, cattle, horses and hogs. He had one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he placed under a good state of cultivation. While actively engaged in painting he ground his own paint dust and was poisoned from its f tunes, which no doubt shortened his life, and GILBERT DALE. CLIFTON, L. M,, ORVINNIE, ELEANOR NETTIE, AIRS. L. M. AND VIOLA DALE. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 677 duriiiy- his last eight years he was in poor health. He held membership in the Odd Fel- lows' lodge and rather favored the teachings of the Baptist church. His political views accorded with Jefifersonian democracy. He died Septem- ber 20, 1870, at the age of fifty- four years, while his wife passed away April 6, 1899, at the age of seventy-seven years. In their family were eight children. Dallas died in infancy. Homer T., living at Carthage, ^Missouri, is married and has one daughter. Philetus L. resides in Em- poria. Kansas. Lycurgus M. is the fourth of the family. Lillie R. died at the age of nine years, three months and three days. Chauncey C. died at the age of two years. Alexander, a tw'in brother of Chauncey, and a resident of Em- poria, Kansas, now has his second wife, and tiiey have five living children. Perry died at the age of eighteen months. Lycurgus AI. Dale remained at home until the age of nine years, when he went to work. He followed the men mowing ha\- and turned the hay all day for ten cents. He worked in that way for three years and at the age of eleven years he was earning six dollars per month. As his age and strength increased and he was able to do more labor his wages were proportionately increased. He was employed as a farm hand for thirteen summers and during the last year re- ceived twenty-five dollars per month. In the winter seasons he attended school until fifteen years of age and the winter that he was sixteen years old he and his brother, who was two years his senior, chopped one hundred cords of wood. Other winters he engaged in teaming as well as wood-chopping. At the age of eighteen years he went to Iowa, but returned to Illinois, where he worked in a mill and as a farm hand by the month until twenty-five years of age, when he began farming on the shares, being thus engaged for seven years. He then bought and sold stock in 1882, after which he went to Kansas, carrying on general pursuits near Emporia for three and a half years, but preferring Illinois as a place of residence, he again returned to Win- nebago county and commenced farming on a tract of eighty acres, on which he lived until the spring of 1903, when he purchased of John D. Jackson a fine home in Pecatonica, surrounded by five acres of land. Since that tiine he has himself been a land agent and as a member of the firm of Dale & Seaton, his partner being W. S. Seaton, is now doing a good business. On th 28th of September, 1875, Mr. Dale was married to Miss Clio Gates, a daughter of Lo- renzo and Nancy J. (Thompson) Gates. Her father was one of the early settlers of Winne- bago county, coming here when thirteen years of age. He broke the raw prairie and hauled his wheat to Chicago, also hauled dressed hogs to 39 Galena. He was identified with many of the early events which constitute the pioneer annals of this part of the state and was widely recog- nized as a most enterprising agriculturist of his community. He lived to see a wonderful trans- formation in the appearance and advantages of the county and passed away September 26, 1901, at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife died in February, 1897, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. Mr. Gates was a charter member of the Eureka Camp, No. 50, M. W. A., and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born two children. The son, Olus, living in Emmet coun- ty, Iowa, married Miss Martha Weaver after losing his first wife, and they have one daughter. Mr. and J\Irs. Dale are the parents of seven children ; Clifton, of Pecatonica ; Orvinnie, the wife of Byron ^IcGraw, and the mother of one daughter ; Eleanor, at home ; Nettie, the wife of G. Phelps, of McHenry county, North Dakota, by whom she has four children, three sons and a daughter ; \^iola and Gilbert, both at home ; and Rennie, who died in infancy. Mr. Dale has served as school director for three years and gives his political support to the republican party. He is a member of Eureka Camp, No. 50, M. W. A., in which he has affil- iated since 1887. His wife is a member of the Fraternal League and she and their daughter Eleanor are members of the Woman's Relief Corps. Mrs. Dale was a school director for two years in Durand township and Mr. Dale was for three years in the same township. They are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the favorable regard of many friends, and IMr.Dale has led a most busy life since starting out for himself at the early age of nine years. What- ever success he has achieved is due entirely to his earnest labors and persistency of purpose. JOHN HENRY FROST, M. D. .Among the members of the medical fraternity in Rockford Dr. Frost has gained a creditable posi- tion, having a comprehensive knowledge of mod- ern methods of practice. He was born Novem- ber 8, 1866, in Morrison, Illinois, and is a son of John and Julia Deming (Webb) Frost, of Ogle county. The maternal grandparents were Martin and Fannie Webb, wdio came from New York to Illinois at an early period in the development of this section of the state. John Frost, who was of English lineage, was born in Massachusetts, and following his removal to the west became con- nected with the Rock River conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, devoting his life to the work of the ministry. His last appointment bjS PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. was at .Morrisnn. Illinois, lie was married in Crcstnn, Illinois, and died in iS<)7. I lis widow •Still survives liini and is a resident of Ann .\rl)or, Micliifjan. They had three sons: Herbert, who was a g'raduate of the .Michifran State L'niversity i\i the class of 1890, became a teacher of Latin and dreek in the hiiLrh schot)| at Sa<:inaw. Michi- {•fan, and was occupying;- that position at the lime of his death, which occurred in i8. when he was twenty-cifjht years of age. William S. l-"rost. who conii)leted the law course in the .Michigan State L'niversity with the class of 188X, is now engaged in the commission business at I'.ristol. Tennessee. Dr. I'Vosl |)ursued his education in the ])ulilic schools of Lreston and was also a high-school student. In 1884. at the age of eighteen years, hc entered the University of Michigan, at .\nn .\r- bor, where he took up the study of pharmacy and medicine, comi)leting a course in the former in i88f) and in the latter in i8<;4. Following his graduation Dr. l-'rost entered upon the practice of medicine in Iowa, where he remained for about a year, and in December, 1893. he came to Rock- ford. Here he became as.sociated with Dr. Green as a member of the firm of Green & I'rost. and is enjoving a large general practice. He also serves on the staff of the City IIos])ital and belongs to the Winnebago Coimty .Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Societv. His professsional skill is attested by the excellent results which have followed his labors and his ready adaptability of the |)rinci))les of medical and surgical practice to the needs of his ])atients. Dr. I-'rost was married on the 14th of June. i8(;(j, to .Miss I'jnnia Lewis, a daughter of .Mrs. Sarah .\. Lewis, of Cadillac, .Michigan, and they have one child. Richard Walker, who was bori. October 29, 1902. The parents are members ol the Second Congregational church of Rockford. and in his political views Dr. I'rost is a repub- lican. JAMES P. EDIE. James I'. I'.die. for a third of a century a resi- dent of Rockford, was well known in the city as a man of activity and reliability in business af- fairs, and of unfailing courtesy and geniality in social life, so that he gained in high measure the esteem and good will of those with whom he was associated. He was fmrn in Pennsylvania, Au- gust 24, 1818. and his i)arcnts were Alexander and Eleanor (Phillips) Edie, both of whom were natives of Scotland, whence they came to Amer- ica at an early day. They settled in Pennsylvania, where the father carriefl on fanning as a means of livelihood for the support of himself and fam- ilv. He died in the Kevstone state on the ninetv- tliird anniversary of his liirth, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-seven years. .-Ml of their children are now deceased, James P. Edie having been the last surviving member of the family. In the ])ul)lic schools of his native state James P. Edie obtained a good education. Thinking that he might have better business opportunities in the west, where competition was not so great, and yet where the rapid growth afforded excel- lent business conditions, .Mr. Edie came to the Mississippi valley. He first settled in Maquo- keta. Iowa, where he engaged in teaching school for two years, but his health began to fail, and, thinking that he might be benefited by outdoor life, he engaged in railroad surveying for a year. He then removed to I'ellevuc, where he taught school for two years, and during that time also acted as county sui)erintendent of the schools of Jackson county. He afterward took up his abode in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was employed as public receiver in the register's office for alx)ut two years, or until 1863, when he became a resi- dent of Rockford. Here he acce|)te(l the agency for the E(|uitahle Insurance Com])an\', and was engaged in that business throughout the remain- der of his life. The policies which he wrote an- nually represented a large figure, and his business steadily increased, bringing to him a good finan- cial return. The secret of his success lay in his close a]>i)lication. his slmng ]mrposi' and l;iudable anibition. Mr. Edie was married in Crawford county, Pennsvlvania, to Miss Elizabeth .S. Prakey, a na- tive of Cortland, .\ew York, born January 20, 1827. Her father. Mr. I'.rakey. followed farming throughout his entire life, and in early manhood removed from New York to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where for some time he lived re- tired from active business cares. I"",ventually he removed to Kansas, where he made his home with his daughter until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Edie became the jiarents of seven children, of whom four are now living : John M., a canvasser, re- siding in Des Moines, Iowa; Robert .\. Pi., a printer, of S]iringfield, Illinois: Harry, who is foreman of a shoe factory in Menominee, Michi- gan : and Florence P>., the wife of Gavin .\. H. Reid, who for two years has resided in Rockford. He was born in TTarlem township, Wimiebago county. .Xugust 12, i8r>3. and engaged in farming in both Winnebago and P.oone counties, follow- ing that ])ursuit until Tfio.V He is now living re- tired, but still owns his farm, and he and his wife make their home with Mrs. Edie. Thev have one child. Catherine Elizabeth. Mr. Reid is a republican in his political views, and socially is connected with the Modern W'ooflmen. the Mac- cal)fes and the Mvstic Workers, all of Rockford. JAMES P. EDIE. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 68i Mr. and Mrs. Edie also lost three children : Wil- lie Howard, Willie Alexander and Mary Eleanor, the last named the wife of James H. Patterson. On the 3rd of March, 1896, Mr. Edie was called to his final rest. He had given his polit- ical support to the republican party, and he was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church of Rockford, to which his widow and also Mr. and Mrs. Reid belong. He suffered from ill health for several years prior to his demise, and for two years was totally blind. He was a man of unfaltering industry, successful in what he undertook, and throughout his life he displayed many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. His position was never an eqtiivocal one. He stood firm in his support of what he believed to be right, and his entire life was actu- ated by honorable principles. He was for a long period a resident of Rockford, and was well known as one of its valued citizens. His wife resided for some time at the old family home, and still owns that property, but has recently gone to live at No. 1905 East State street. ELIZAUETH C. .AlAAS, ^l. D. Into no field of activity into which woman has entered have her services been of greater value or her adaptability more pronounced than in tlie study of medicine. Dr. Maas is a member of the medical fraternity of Rockford and has won a creditable ]30sition and desirable success. A na- tive of Kenosha, Wisconsin, she is a daughter of Francis and Catherine (Smith) Maas, who were married in Kenosha county. The Maas family is of German lineage and the father removed from Buffalo, New York, to the west, becoming a manufacturer of farming implements at Kenosha, where he carried on business for many years. His death occurred in 1899, and his wife survived un- til 1901. In their family were six children: Caro- line, Amelia, Mary, Elizabeth C, Frank and Wil- liam. Dr. Maas, entering the public schools, passed through successive grades until she had completed a high-school course and later she pursued special work in the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Detennining to engage in the practice of medi- cine, she matriculated in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in 1890 and was graduated in 1894. Her theoretical knowledge was then put to the practical test by one and one-half years' serv- ice in the Hahnemann Hospital, during which time she gained broad and thorough experience that well qualified her for the duties of a general practice. In 1896 she came to Rockford and now occupies offices at No. 129 North State street, making a specialtv of the diseases of women and children. She also serves on the staff of the Cits- Hospital and has been accorded a liberal and well merited patronage. She is most conscientious and earnest in her work and her thorough preparation and continued research have kept her in touch with the most advanced methods followed by the medical fraternity. She belongs to the Illinois State Homeopathic Medical Society, the Ameri- can Institute of Homeopathy, Northwestern Homeopathic Society and the Clinical Society of Chicago. She has been ver\' successful and pro- fessionally and socially is prominent. GIRDEN O. WILLIAMS. Girden O. \A^illiams, a member of the bar and president of the Rockford Abstract Company, well known in business circles and as a repre- sentative of his profession, was born in Oakland county. Michigan. January 2^. 1852. He is a son of Seth Williams, who birth occurred in New York on the 30th of January, 181 8. The father was a hotelman, conducting a hotel on Wood- ward avenue, Detroit, where our subject was born. He located in that city in 1829. He married Miss Eleanore Moore, of L^tica, Michigan, who was born at Hope, Orange county, New Jerse}', in 1823. and was a daughter of James Moore. Mr. \\"ilHams died August 21, 1896, and his wife passed away August 28, 1899. Joseph B. Moore, chief justice of the supreme court of Michigan, is a cousin of our subject. Girden O. Williams was a student in the dis- trict schools near Detroit in his early youth, and when he had completed his course there entered the State L^niversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor as a law student, completing the regular course. He was graduated with the class of 1877, and the same year located for practice in Rockford. He has since been an active representative of the legal fraternity here, giving considerable attention to law practice, especially to that department relat- ing to real-estate transactions or transfers. His energies, however, have been divided between the claims of his law clientage and his patrons in the abstract business. In 1881 he completed a set of abstract books of Winnebago county, and in 1889 he organized the Frank S. Regan Abstract Com- pany, of which he was elected president, since oc- cupying that position. The compan)- now enjoys an extensive business, being widely and favorably known in this line of activity. Mr. Williams is prominent in the walk of life which he has chosen, as is indicated by the fact that he is now president of the Abstractors" Association of the state of Illi- nois. On the 2ist of December. 1881, occurred the marriage of Girden O. Williams and Miss Lima G. Chapman, of Utica, Michigan, a daughter of 682 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. John I'., anil Caroline ( Rice) Cliapnian. Tliey have two clausjhters, Caroline and A^nes. wlio are students in the ])ul)lic schools of Rocklortl, and the family home is at No. 413 Park street. Througjhont the period of liis residence in Rock- ford, covering almost thirty years. Mr. Williams has displayed the cnterprisinsjf sjiirit which has Ix'en the dominent factor in the npliuildinLj of the middle west. His close apjilication am! i)ersist- ency of purpose in husiness have constituted the foundation of his prosperity, and are traits of diaracter sucli as may he cnltivatctl hy all. Wher- ever he is found he is a social, affable, fjenial s<-'"- tleman, making friends wherever he goes. ISAAC COOK. Isaac Cook, who follows farming, his home being at the corner of Rome and < "ireenwood ave- nues, was born in Harlem townshij). Winnebago county, in 1841. His father. Samuel Cook, came to this county from N'irginia in 1833, and fol- lowed farming in Harlem township, wliere he owned and operated five hundred acres of land. He was deeply interested in jiolitical ((uestions and gave liis support to the whig ])arty. In pio- neer times he held the office of constable and was also a member of the school board. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wagner, was a native of Pennsylvania. He died in 1859 and was long survived hy -Mrs. Cook, who ]iassed away in 1889. Isaac Cook was educated in one of the old-time log school houses common on the frontier. He had little opportunity to attend school save in tlie winter months, when the work of the farm was practically over. He remained at home until twenty years of age. and tlien liegan working in Rf)ckford. where he was employed until he en- listed in the army, responding to the country's call on the 13th of January. 1863. and placing his name on the roll of members of Comjwny D, Four- teenth Illinois Cavalry, witli which he served imtil honorably discharged after the close of liostilities on the 30th of July. 1863. The regiment marched through Kentucky and followed Morgan into ( )hio until his capture. Mr. Cook afterward went with his command to Kentucky and on to Knox- ville. Tennessee, and ])articipated in the siege of that city and in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. He was also in tlie engagement at Strawberry Plain and was with Shennan in his great cam- paign until the capitulation of .\tlanta. He was also under command of that great leader at the time of Stoncman's surrender with forty thousand cavalrymen, and was with liis regiment at the time that Morgan was killed in Tennessee. .At one time Mr. Cof)k was also under commany untiring effort and able man- agement he worked his way U[)ward until he be- came the possessor of desirable property and was known as one of the substantial fanners of his comnnmity. In politics he was a republican. He passed away on the old homestead in iSSi. at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife died on the same farm in 1898, at the age of eighty-three years. They were the jiarents of five cliildren — John, Herman. I-Ved. Henry and Eliza. Fred Barloga in his boyhood days devoted his attention to work on his father's farm through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the district sch(X)ls and thcrebv acquired a good practical education. He early became fa- miliar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, so that when he started out in life on his own account at the age of twen- ty-four years he had practical experience to guide liim in his farming operations. He and his brother farmed together until 1883. when they divided their business interest and Mr. Barloga has since been alone in the conduct of his agricul- tural pursuits. He is to-day the owner of a val- uable farm property comprising two hundred and twenty-one and a half acres of splendidlv im- proved land, on which he has erected a fine residence, in the rear of which stand commodious barns and outbuildings. He is particularly well known as a stock dealer and keeps from forty-five to fifty head of cattle and from seventy-five to eighty head of hogs. He always raises good grades of stock and therefore finds a ready .sale on the market, commanding the best market prices. On the 19th of December. 1883, Mr. Barloga was married to IMiss Eliza Barg. a daughter of John and .Sophia (Rieckhoff) Barg. Her parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, and, crossing the .Atlantic to .\mcrica, iK-came residents of Ohio in 1853. Tiiey were eight weeks in making the voyage to New York citw The father worked for three years in a coal mine and then removed to tile vicinity of Milwaukee, Greenfiebl county. Wisconsin, wliere he purchased a farm of forty acres. I^ter he secured an additional tract of forty acres and spent his remaining days in the cultivation anrl improvement of that proi>ertv. his death occurring on the old homestead when he had reached the age of seventy years. Ilis widow still resides on the old home farm with her young- est son, William. They were adherents of the German Lutheran Church and Mr. Barg gave his political support to the reptiblican ])artv. In their family were eight children : John. Fred, Eliza, Minnie, Bertha, Henry and William. One daugh- ter, Mary, the fifth member of the family, died at the age of sixteen years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barloga have been born si.x children : David, John antl (ieorge. who died in infancy; Celia. Homer and Floyd. Mr. Barloga gives his political allegiance to the repul)lican ])arty, but has never sought or desired the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business af- fairs that he may thcrci)y provide a comfortable living for his family. He has worked hard from early boyhood days down to the present and his excellent farm is an indication of his well-spent life and carefnllv directed labors. rA.Mi:s M. Ri:ii). James .M. Keid, secretary and manager of the Holland-Ferguson Abstract Com])any. of Rock- ford, is a native of \\'^innebago county, his birth having occurred on a farm in 1 larkni township in May, 1876. His ]iaternal grandfather. Hugh Reid, was a native of Scotland and after emi- grating to .America cast in his lot with the early settlers of Harlem township, Winnebago county. There in the midst of a district largely wild and unimjjroved be oiiencd a farm which he ]ilaced midcr a high state of cultivation. His son, James S. Reid. the father of our subject, has always followed in his footsteps and is now a prosperous agriculturist of Winnebago county. He wedded Mary Breckcnridge, who died twenty-nine years ago. James M. Reid was reared on his father's farm and in the winter seasons attended the district schools, while in the summer inontbs he performed such service for his father as his age and strength ]iermitted. Later he became a student in the high school of Rockford. from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. .\gricnltural life did not prove altogether con- genial to him and he sought a position elsewhere. In 1901 he was a])pointed secretary and man- ager of the Holland-Ferguson .\b.stract Com- pany, taking charge of the abstract Inisiness, which has grown to extensive proportions. The company is regarded as a most resjionsible one and is widely known. It is accorded a large clientage, and under the direction of Mr. Reid the business has been carried successfully for- ward and he has proved an efficient officer, ca- pable, alert and enterjirising. The company's offices are located on the southeast corner of State and Main streets, where they have a well equi|)ped suite of rooms and a comjilete set of ab- stract books. JAMES M. REID. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 687 Air. Reid was happily married, in June. 1904, to Miss Inez B. Thompson, of Rockford, a daughter of E. A. and Catherine Thompson. Sociall}' tliey are well known in this city, and their circle of friends is continually increasing as the circle of their acquaintance widens. V WILLIAM C. PRATT. In the history of the men who have contributed in substantial measure to the material improve- ment of Rockford and its commercial develop- ment William C. Pratt, now deceased, is worthy of mention. He became a resident of this citv in 1854 and for a number of years figured promi- nently in commercial circles as a dealer in fruit and confectionery. A native of \'ermont, he was born in Alanchester, Bennington countv, on the 24th of February. 1838, and represented one of the old families of that state. His parents were Chester and Almyra (Collins) Pratt. The father was a native of ]\Iarlborough, A'ennont, and spent his boyhood days upon a farm there. His death occurred when he was fifty-six vears of age. His wife was a native of Cambridge, New York, and after his death she was married twice, her last years being spent in Brooklyn, Michigan. But two of the children of the family are now living: Mrs. Betsy Hatch, who resides in Windsor, Ver- mont, and Mrs. Julia F. Shepherdson, a resident of Brattleboro, A'ermont. All were educated in the schools of the Green Mountain state. William C. Pratt, when not busv with his te.xt- books worked upon his father's farm in the east until 1854, when, believing that he might enjoy better business opportunities in the west, he came to Illinois, being at that time si.xteen years of age. He made his way direct to Rockford and soon secured a position as a farm hand in Rockford township in the employ of Solomon Wheeler, who was a pioneer fanner there. Mr. Pratt continued to work for Mr. \Mieeler for a few years and aft- erward turned his attention to general agricul- tural pursuits until 1862. when he removed to the city of Rockford. Here he engaged in teaming and he hauled all of the stone that was used in the construction of the First Congregational church, the Utter paper mill and the Jacoby home. He continued teaming for several years and then accepted a position as a clerk in the F. J. Leonard store, where he remained for five years. In 1872 he entered into partnership with N. C. Burroughs and opened a confectionery store, which they conducted for a few years, when in 1877 Mr. Pratt began business by him- self. He flealt in both fruit and con- fectionery at No. 415 East State street, also in ice creams and ices, carrying on both a wholesale and retail business. His patron- age steadil}' increased and he enjoyed a large trade, which through a number of \-ears returned him a very gratif}'ing income. Mr. Pratt was married near Rockford to JMiss Julia F. Spink, a native of New York, born near the \"ermont state line. Her parents were Robert and Julia (Warner) Spink, both natives of Rhode Island, whence they removed to the Empire state, where the father engaged in business as a con- tractor and builder until 1852. In that year he re- moved westward, settling in Winnebago county, Illinois, and for a few years he was engaged in farming in New Milford township. Later he took up his abode in Seward township and cultivated his land with success for several years. He after- his wife then removed to Rockford, making their ward retired from active business life and he and home with their son-in-law, Mr. Pratt, imtil they were called to their final rest. \\'hen a young lady ;\Irs. Pratt taught school in New Milford township. Five children were born of the mar- riage of our subject and his wife, of whom three are now living: Andrew W., who married Edith Tanner, and resides at No. 312 North Horsman street, Rockford, looking after his mother's es- tate, and is a traveling salesman ; Robert W., who married Myrtie E. Lewis, and is a salesman for the Produce Commission Company of Rockford ; and Fannie A., who resides at home with her mother : George and Edwin died in infancy. The death of the husband and father occurred March 9. 1892. He voted with the republican party, but was never an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He belonged to tne Masonic lodge and also to the Centennial ^Methodist Episcopal church. He was a man of rugged constitution and his great physical energy enabled him to .give unremitting attention to his business interests. As the years passed by he prospered in his unoertak- ings, displaying all the qualities of a successful merchant, who quickly recognizes and utilizes an opportunity. He was a great lover of fine horses and owned many at different times. In 1872 he built the residence where his widow and daugh- ter now reside at No. 215 :?outh Third street. She also owns other property on South Second and East State streets and she and her family are mem- bers of the Centennial ?\rethodist Episcopal church. The sterling qualities which Mr. Pratt displayed commanded the respect and confidence of all and secured for him the high regard of a large circle of friends. To a student of human nature there is nothing of greater interest than to examine into the life of a self-made man and analyze the prin- ciples by which he has been governed, the meth- ods he has pursued, to know what means he has employed for advancement and to study the plans which have given him prominence, enabling him 688 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. to pass on tlie liijjliway ot liic niaii\ w lio had a more aclvantas«>us start. In the history of Mr. Pratt there is deep food for thoiitjht, and if one so desires he may profit by the obvious lessons tlierein contained. MAJOR WILLIAM II. S \R\ I:R. Major W. II. Sarvcr. a veteran of the Span- ish-American war, well known in military cir- cles in Illinois, havintj for si.xteen years been a member of the National Ciuard. now follows farmintr <>n section i), Rockford township, where lie owns and operates two hundred and eleven acres of arable land, lie is also entjatjed in the buyinun(ls weight, burst, the Major receiving the full impact of the Hying metal, which entirely destroyed the bones of his left leg, necessitating amputaticju. .\bout three weeks after he had left the hospital he visited the armory on insiiection night, .\fter Major Cecil had finished inspection he slei)i)ed forward, shook hands with Major Sarver, saying: "Cap- tain, I am very, very .sorry that your military ca- reer has so uncereiuoniously ended." This, of course, closed the Major's connection with the National (iuard. He was Captain of Comjiany II when hurt, but was retired as major about August I, 1904. Major Sarver was married to Miss Dora .\1- len. who was born and reared in Rockford, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Sheffield) Allen. They now have four children: Everett, thirteen years of age; Carlton, eleven years of age : I'Vank, a youth of ten years, and 1 iirdie, who was born on the 2d of July. 1897. The family home is on section 9, Rockford township, and the farm is located on sections 9 and 5. It comprises two hundred and eleven acres, of which a ])art was timber land when it came into his possession, but he has since cut down the trees, selling it in wood and lumber. During the past few years he has been engaged in buying, feeding and shipping stock, often shipiiing from four to six carloads per week, ■ and he employs two. three or more men to con- duct the business of the farm. He is energetic, alert and enterprising, and in all of his dealings is notably prompt and reliable. Politically he is independent, and socially was at one time connected with the Woodmen, His interests, however, have centered in his business affairs, and in his military connection Major Sarver was always deeply interested in what has been accomplished by the National (iuard, keep- ing his own command uj) to the standard of ex- cellence as represented by the entire military or- iranization of the countrx'. lli:XRV ILRICI. Germany furnished to Rockford many of its citizens who have been prominent in its business developiuont and consequent pros]ierity and to this class belongs Henry I'lrici, who is now living retired. His birth occurred in Hanover, Ger- many, in 1832. and he spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the fatherland. The reports which he heard concerning the business oppor- MAJOR AND AIRS. W. H. SARVER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 691 tunities and conditions of the new world awak- ened his desire to become a factor in business cir- cles here and in 1853 '''^ crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Xew York city. He had been educated in the public schools of his native land and had learned the trade of took binding, and it was to that field of endeavor that he turned for a position when he reached the new world. For a vear and a half he was employed in New York and then made his way westward to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he worked at bis trade for three years, and on the expiration of that period he went to Beloit, where he followed book binding for seven years. In 1864 he arrived in Rockford, where he embarked in business on his own account, establishing a book binders', which he conducted for about thirt\- years. In 1885 he established a paper box factory in connection with the bindery and carried on the enterprise at that location until 1887, when he built a factors- for the manufacture of paper boxes at No. 1008-10 !\lulberry street, the building being forty by one hundred and sixty feet and one-story with base- ment. This is the only concern of the kind in Rockford and thirty people are employed here. The enterprise has been a success from the begin- ning and is a valuable addition to the industrial life of the city. In 1887 Air. I'lrici sold the bind- ery to his son Douglass, who is now conducting it, and in 1899 he sold the box factory to his son Fritz, who is now proprietor and successful man- ager of the concern. The father then retired from all active business pursuits to enjoy the fruits of his former toil in a well earned rest, surrounded by the comforts and conveniences which go to make life worth the living. In August, 1854. Air. Ulrici was united in mar- riage to JMiss Caroline Bock, who was born in Germany, and died in 1892, at the age of fifty- eight years. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, of whom five are living : Anna, the wife of John Collier, a traveling .salesman, residing in Belvid-ere, Illinois; Douglass, the proprietor of the book binder}-, which was established by his father ; Henry, an optician of Aurora, Illinois ; Carrie, who is bookkeeper in the Gregorian Hotel in Xew York city: and Fritz. In 1893 Mr. Ul- rici was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Barnes, who died in 1900, and in 1902 he wedded Alma L. Pond, with whom he is now living in Rockford. He is a member of the First Presbyterian cnurch and in politics is a repub- lican, but he has always been too busy to enter activelv into political work, nor has he had any aspiration for office. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict and unswerving integritv, upon unfaltering perseverance and inde- fatigable energy^ and with these as a foundation the superstructure that he has reared has been one of prosperit}^ and gratifying success. Fritz Ulrici, born in Rockford on the 4th of April, 1875, i" an old frame building on South Alain street, adjoining what was then known as the Holland House, is indebted to the public schools of this city for the intellectual training which he received, while his business training was received under his father's correction. After putting aside his text-books he entered the paper box factor)-, where he thoroughly learned the business, becoming conversant with it in principle and detail and knowing all the practical workings of the trade. When twenty-one years of age he purchased a half interest in the concern and is now sole owner, doing business under the name. This is the only fine paper box factory in the city catering to high-class work and its output is in demand, the product finding a ready and profit- able sale on the market. Fritz Ulrici is one of the most successful young business men of Rockford and his success is due entirely to his own industry and well directed eft'orts. On the 1 2th of November, 1904, Air. Ulrici was married to Airs. Alma Leila Feudel, a daugh- ter of John L. and Alarion Wrignt. She comes of a famil}- of artistic skill, taste and talent and has herself won an enviable reputation as an artist in oils, many of her paintings being exhibited in the Chicago Art Institute and also at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in St. Louis. Mr. and Airs. Ulrici are members of the Court Street Alethodist Episcopal Qinrch and his political views are with republican principles. Frater- nall\- he affiliates with the Alodern Woodmen of America and .socially with the Countn,- Club and the 1900 Outing Club. .\ young man of good business ability, continually studying the condi- tions in the trade world and its possibilities, he is now in control of an important productive enter- prise of his native city. AlISS AlARV C. SPOTTSWOOD. Aliss Mary C. Spottswood, deceased, figured prominently for a number of }ears in educational circles in Rockford and was one of the most com- petent teachers that has ever been connected with the school system of this city. Her parents, Rob- ert and AIar\- C. (Graham) Spottswood, were na- tives of Scotland, and in their family were nine children, namely : Airs. Robert Simpson, of Rock- ford township ; Airs. Edwin Ware, of Winnebago township : Elizabeth, who resided in Winnebago county : Alargaret, who is employed in Stewart's department store in Rockford : Robert, of Winne- bago city : and three who died in infancy. The other member of the family, Aliss Mary C. Spottswood, acquired her early education in the district schools and for a few months was 692 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. a country school teacher. l)ut liaviiis^: a desire to prepare herself for a better position she entered the State Xornial School near Pdooniington, Illi- nois, and was .s:nuliiated with high honors with the class of 1883. She acce])ted a position in Metropolis, Illinois, where she remained for a year, and then began her work in Rockford the following year. Here she remained continuously as a most capable and successful teacher until March, 1902. She taught first in the Kent school, was afterward transferred to the Lincoln school, and subse(|nently was elected its principal, teach- ing altogether in Rockford schools for eighteen vears. She was ever thoughtful, sym]iathetic, just and helpful, and was a real friend of the pu- pils, encouraging eacli one to put forth his best efforts that he might make the most of his oppor- tunities. She inspired many with her own zeal and interest in the work, and she still lives in the lives of her jiupils and friends. Who can know when or where such an inlluence may end. but it is none the less a potent force, and one whose good efifects will be long felt. A severe attack of ])neumonia. from which she suffered in the winter of igoi, left Miss Spotts- wood in a very weak condition, and, being unable to return to her duties in the schoolroom, she went south as soon as possible, her place in the school- room being taken by her assistant, but after a short stay at Tucson, Arizona, she died July 30, 1902. Professor Walker, superintendent of schools at Rockford, said to her : "She was one of the best teachers we ever had in the city. She was well equipped for her profession and made a success of her work, as is evidenced by the long period in which she was retained in the schools. We have lost a valuable member of the teaching force. Well educated and naturally well qualified for her work and a good discii)linarian, slie gained the confidence and affection of her pupils and the teachers under her control." She served long and faithfully, and there was genuine regret when the teachers and pupils learned their chief had gone beyond. The following beautiful tribute to her memory was paid : "The teachers of the city schools through a committee have expressed their appreciation of the worth of the late Mary .Spotts- wood. .^he was ;. teacher of superior natural en- dowment, together with excellent special training. We who were associated with her as teachers, principals and superintendent recognized her keen- ness of intellect, her l)road conceptions of the teacher's duty, her willingness to do all in her power to promote the best interests not f>nly of her own school, but to assist others, as well as to ad- vance the cause of education in our own city, state and county. She possessed a deep sense of justice, a generous spirit, great sympathy and ex- cellent power to discern character, a fertile mind and high moral and religious principles. We nKiiirn her de])arture and >hall miss her wise coun- sel and sincere Uning friendship. She lives in the lives and works of those on whom she has left the impress of her skill and faithfulness, and will live for generations to come." |( )H.\ T. A.\"1)R1-:\V. John J. .\ndrew, having reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, is now living a re- tired life in Rockford. I'Dr many years he con- trolled business interests of importance in Rock- ford. and his close attention, careful direction and recognition and utilization of op|)orlunities made him a successful man. Still in ])osssession of his faculties, seeming, in spirit and interests, yet in his prime, he is one of the respected, venerable and honored citizens of Winnebago county. He was horn in Argyle. Scotland, in 1825, a son of David and Jennet ( Huie) Andrew. The father, a farmer by occupation, came to America in 1842. settling in Washington county. Ohio, whence he removed to this county in 1843, locating in Guil- ford township, where he purchased one hundred and seventy-three acres of land, on which he car- ried on general farming until his death. He passed away March 23. 1868, and his wife sur- vived him until ATarch 28. 1873. In their family were thirteen children, of whom one died in Scotland, while another died in Ohio, in infancy. John J. is the eldest. David, a ma- chinist by trade, died .April 14. 1901. Jane is the wife of Lynus Knight, of Nebraska. Robert, a miller, who lived for many years in Milford and in Rockford, died December 14, 1901. James died about 1895. jMathew is princii)al of the pub- lic schools of Carthage, Illinois. Jennet died in Scotland. Archibald, who was a soldier of the Civil war and was with McClellan's command, was a teacher and county superintendent of schools in Winnebago county, Illinois, and is now living a retired life in Milwaukee. Wisconsin. Jennet, born in .\ugust, 1838, is the wife of Donald Sil- lers, a farmer of Argyle, Illinois. Maria is the wife of .\ndrew Reed, a fanner near Spring\'ille, Iowa. William was born and died in Ohio. Wil- liam, the second of that name, born in 1844, lives on the old homestead farm in Guilford township. Elizabeth, the wife of William Chapman, of Rock- ford, died October 23, 1880. John J. .\ndrcw acquired the greater part of his education in the schools of Scotland but after- ward spent one simimer as a student in Beloit Col- lege. He came with his parents to America, reaching Winnebago county when eighteen years of age, and he assi.sted in the work of the home farm until more than twenty years of age and during three winters he taught district and sing- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 693 ing schools, being thus engaged until 1853, when he was married and removed to Rockford. He then engaged in the meat business, conducting a market for twenty-five years at No. 433 West State street, at the end of which time he sold out to Mr. WcPherson. That he continued in the trade so long is proof of the success that attended his efforts. He afterward engaged ni the manu- facture of soap for twenty years, having his fac- tory at what is now Riverside. In 1903, however, he sold the plant and retired from active business life. He was ever watchful of the indications pointing to success and every step was carefully and thoughtfully made, and with earnest labor as a fundation, he builded thereon the superstruct- ure of a handsome competence. Mr. Andrew was married in 1S53 to Miss Mary J. Enoch, of Guilford township, a daugh- ter of Henry and Mary (Hall) Enoch, her father a fanner of this county. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, and represented one of the old fam- ilies of that state. She traces her ancestry back to England to the Rev. Henry Hall, who in 1698 came to America, representing the English gov- ernment as a minister of the church. His son, known as Major Henry Hall, was born March 12, 1702, and was an officer of the ISritish armv. attaining the rank of colonel. His eldest son. Major Henry Hall, Jr., generally spoken of as Major Harry, also belonged to the British Army in colonial days, and he was the father of William Hall, who was an adjutant in the Revolutionary war. His daughter, Mary Hall, born July 14, 1790, was married September 5, 1813, to Henry Enoch, who came of almost equally remote and distinguished ancestry. The first ancestor in this country being Colonel Henry Enoch, Sr., who was a member of the militia of Washington county, Pennsylvania. His grandfather left Hol- land on account of religious persecution. Colonel Henry Enoch, about 1770, was a grantor of pat- ents for ^'irginia and he was a delegate, on June 16, 1775, to Fort Pitt, where an important con- vention was held. His son, Henry Enoch, Jr., located in Warren county, Ohio, and afterward removed to Winnebago county, Illinois. He had previously married Mary Hall, and then after liv- ing for a time in Ohio they established their home in Guilford township, this county, in 1835, the father entering a claim from the government. He followed farming throughout his entire life. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : William Henry and Richard Hall, who died in 1837; Martha, who died in 1856; John T., who died in 1857; Abraham I., whose death occurred April 30, 1883 ; Hiram R., who died in 1890; and Mary J., born September i, 1831, who married John J. Andrew, and died in 1905. The father died September 8, 1858, and the mother July 28, 1859. 40 The home of ;Mr. and Mrs. Andrew was blessed with seven children. John D., the eldest, assistant surgeon of the Northwestern Railway Company at Chicago, was married to Annie Til- ton, of that city, and has two children, Dorothy and Margaret. Henry D., who for seven years was with Marcus Daly in Montana as a salesman and is now living in Rockford, married Anna A. Ijaume, of Galena, Illinois, and had two children — Marion, now deceased, and Harry L., who was born May 12, 1895, ^"f' 's now attending school. Mary Adele died in 1864. Frank, living in Chi- cago, city salesman for the Armour Soap Com- pan}-, was married to Miss Addie Swartz, of Rockford. Minnie is at home. Blanche died in 1867. Frederick, w'ith the Haddorf Piano Com- pany and living in Rockford, married Emma Davenport, of this city. The mother of these children died May 14, 1905, the second day after her fifty-second wedding anniversary. Mr. Andrew has long been a devoted member of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal church, was treasurer and a member of the board of trus- tees for a number of years and for fourteen years was chorister in the Sunday-school. His con- tribution to its support and his co-operation in many of its activities have promoted the growth and extended the influence of the church. He was a whig in his political affiliations in early life and since the organization of the republican party has followed its banners. With a retentive memory and a mind remarkably keen and active, he yet keeps in touch with the world's progress and with local advancement and is yet a valued and prominent citizen in the county, where he lias so long lived and labored, making a life his- tory that will bear the closest investigation and scrutinv. ROBERT B. JEWETT. Robert B. Jcwett, interested in general farming on section 23, Harrison township, was born upon this place in 1862, his parents being John R. and Elizabeth M. (Gilmour) Jewett, -who w^ere mar- ried in this county. The father was born in Win- dom. Connecticut, August 22. 1815, and came alone to Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1838, be- ing then a young man of twenty-three years. He made his way westward by way of Buffalo and Chicago and ultimately reached his destination — Winnebago county, where he became identified with agricultural interests. He was a millwright and blacksmith by trade, however, and followed those pursuits until 1850, when he turned his at- tention to farming and was thus engaged up to the time of his death. In 1847 he entered from the government the land now owned by his son Robert, walking to Dixon. Illinois, in order to 694 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. secure the patent wliich is still in possession of our subject. The farm has never been out of piDSsession of the Jewett family. On the 22(1 of May. 1851, John R. Jewett was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizai)eth .M. I iilmour, who was born in Kentucky. September 4. 18.^1. anil in 1847 came to this county with her jjarents. who located in Harrison townshi]). where they i)ur- chased land and followed farming^. .Mr. Jewett was not only active in business life but was also a man of consideral)le influence in his community, where he served for several years as justice of the peace and roadmaster. He was a member of the Grange and the Patrons of Husbandry, and his wife belonged to the Congregational church at Harrison. In their family were si.x children: Clara .A., who died in 1871 : John R., a contractor and builder living at Wood River. Nebraska ; Ella, who died in 1868. at the age of fifteen years ; George L.. a contractor and builder of Shirland. Illinois; Robert 11., of this review: and Mrs. .\b- bie E. Craig, a widow, living at Shirland. Roliert B. Jewett was reared upon the old family homestead where he yet resides, the farm comprising niie Inmdrcd and sixty acres, of which one hundred an4. He was also in several skirmishes and the battle of Xashvillc. Tcimessee. December 15 and 16. 1864. and the siege of Mobile from the 27th of March until the I2th of April. 18^5, resulting in the capitulation of the forts. Ele afterward started with Itis com- mand for Montgomery, .\labama, being in the march at the time word was received of the sur- render of General Lee. He was then discharged at Springfield. Illinois. Se|)tember 4. 1865. Following his return liome. Mr. Schoonmaker began farming, operating rented land for several years until his lal)ors had brought him a capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm. After that he cultivated and im])rove(l his own land witli gratifying success until i8<)2. when he retired to ])rivate life, and took u]) his abode in Rockfc^rd. He now owns two fine residences on Montague street in this city and eighty acres of land in the county. Mr. Schoonmaker was married in 1868. to Miss T-. L. M. Posson. who was bom in the state of Xew York in i84<) and is a daughter of Daniel and .\ngelica ( Ih'Uglitclling) Posson. Her fa- ther was a farmer, who owned and operated two hundred acres of land in the state ot Xew York. He came to the west in 1864 with his family and after living in Winnebago county for some time removed to Missouri, where he purchased a farm upon which he lived eleven years. On selling that proix?rt\ he returned to Illinois and bought the farm on winch he was living at the time of his death on the 17th of May. 1892. His widow still survives him ans in Rockford in 1848 as a general merchant of the firm of \'aughn & Lewis. He was a native of Massachusetts and for many \"ears was well known in connection with the com- mercial interests of the city. He married Miss Frances j". Wheelock, a daughter of Judge Wheelock, one of the early settlers of Ogle county, who in early life engaged in teaching school in Bvron. She makes her home with her children. The brothers were all born and schooled in Rockford, being products of the city schools here and they have fulh- sustained the reputation of the father and grandfather in connection with the trade interests of the city, contributing in sub- stantial measure to the business development of Rockford. In 1875 Fay Lewis established a cigar and tobacco business and for sometime con- ducted the enterprise alone but was eventually joined by his brothers and in 1898 the business was incorporated under the present name of Fay Lewis & Bros. Company. They have three whole- sale stores and eight retail, four being in Mil- waukee, two in Rockford and two in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Their Roster includes more than a half hundred employes and they are represented on the road by about fifteen traveling salesmen, covering Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Their principal brands are the Tom Moore, La Azora, Optimo and Flor De Fay, ten cent cigars, and the Henry George, Little Tom, Masterpiece and Thomas Paine, five cent cigars. The Tom Moore, Flor De Fay, Optimo and La Azora are manu- factured in about eighteen different sizes and the Flor De Fay is a private brand owned by the firm and is their leading clear Havana cigar. It was named for the senior member of the firm. Fay Lewis. The main store in Rockford is at Xos. 312-14 West State street, where they occupy two floors with the offices on the second floor and at Nos. 208-10 South Main street they have a second store, where they also conduct a billiard and poolroom. They have the largest cigar busi- ness in the state outside of Chicago, carry the finest line of goods and are the largest distributors of cigars in Illinois. Their business has long since reached extensive and profitable proportions but they confidently expect their sales will amount in the present year, 1905, to more than a million dollars. Fay Lewis is prominent in the public interests of the city as well as in business life and has for many years been superintendent of the \Mnne- bago County Branch of the Illinois Humane So- ciety. In politics he is a utilitarian and maintains a close interest in every movement for the im- provement of social and economic conditions. FRED N. KNAPP. Fred X. Knap]) is the owner of a valuable farm of more than one hundred and seven acres lying on section 2, Burritt township and section 35, Harrison township, and he is known not only as a progressive agriculturist of the community but also as an active and helpful factor in public life and is now serving as commissioner of highways. His birth occurred in Harrison township, Febru- ary 13, 1869, his parents being \\'illiam M. and Lois (Ellis) Knapp. The father was bom in A'ermont, November 14, 1836, and when ten years of age was brought by his parents to this county. He was married on the 23d of January, 1864, to Mrs. Lois (Ellis) Conklin, who came to Winne- bago county in 1846 and wdio was born in Can- ada, May 29, 1828. When the father arrived in this county in 1846 only a few farms had been developed, and one could drive for miles over the prairie without a fence to intercept his progress. For a long period he carried on general agricul- tural pursuits, but is now living a retired life among his children. His wife died at the home of their daughter in Shirland township April 23, 1905. Fred N. Knapp, spending his boyhood days in his parents' home, accjuired his education in the common schools, and afterward enjoyed the bene- fit of instruction in Rockford Business College. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, and he now carries on general farming, having his place of one hundred and 7o6 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. seven acres uiuk-r a liitjh state of cultivation. The fiekls are well tilled, and he also has good stock upon his i)lace and the farm is well equippetl ac- cording to modern ideas. Mr. Knapp was married Novemhcr 14. 1889. to Miss Agnes J. Gilmore. who was horn in .\storia. Long Island, New York. January y, 1871. and during her infancy was hn night to Illinois hy her parents. Thomas and .Margaret H. (iilmore. Unto Mr. ami .Mrs. Knaji]) have Ix^en horn three sons: Thomas W'.. born Novemher 2^. 1891 ; Willis F.. -April 28, i8()5 : and Harley C. June 4. n)Oi. All were born in Harrison township. .Mr. Knapj) exercises his right of franchise in sup|)ort of the men and measures of the rei)ul)- lican party. He has served as scliool director, and has been township collector for two terms, while at the present time he is occupying the position of commissioner of public highways. In the dis- charge of his duties he is ever prompt and faith- ful, and his ability well ([ualifies him for the in- terests entrusted to his care. For fourteen years he has been a member of Harrison camji. No. 684, M. W. .v.. and his wife is a memlx'r i)f the C'on- gregational church. [OHX FALLOW John I-"allon, in whom the public reposes con- fidence, as is indicated by his incumbency in the office of assessor in Cherry N'alley township, has for half a century resided in \\'inncbago county, arriving here in .\pril. 1855, after traveling west- ward from Steuben county. New York. He was born in Goshen, Orange county, New York, in 1845, his parents being Patrick and Bridget (Turley) Fallon, both of whom were natives of County Roscommon, Ireland, and came to the United States in early life. The father first located in Massa- chusetts, while the mother took up her abode in Orange county. New York. It was in the latter locality tliat they became acquainted and were married, and during their residence there Pat- rick Fallon followed railroading. His wife died in Corning. New York, and her remains were in- terred at Painted Post, in that state. He after- ward removed to tlie west, reaching Winnebago county in March, 1853, about a month before the arrival of his sfin John and the other members of the family. He |)urchased a farm, now owned and occu])ied by John Fallon, and made his home thereon from 1861 until his death, which occurred on the 1 2th of February, 1893, wlien he was about eighty-one years of age. He followed gen- eral agrictdtiiral i)ursuits throughout his entire life, and the term, "dignity of lalmr," found ex- emplification in his record. In his family were two sons and a daughter : John, of this review ; .Sarah, who died in 1867. at the age of twenty- five years : and Joseph, who is residing in Chica- go, where he has been a member of the police force for over twenty-two years. For the past eight years he has been sergeant of patrol at the Warren-avenue station. John Fallon was reared in Orange county, New York, and attended school there in his boy- hood days. .\s before stated, he arrived in Win- nebago county in .April. 1855, and he has always followed fanning, being now the owner of one Inmdred acres of land which his father purchased many years ago. This is a well improved prop- erty, indicating the careful sujiervision of the owner, who is practical in all of his n:ethods and conducts his farm along progressive lines. He left the plow at the time of the Civil war. how- ever, enlisting in this county as a member of the Eighteenth Wisconsin \'olunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Third Division of the Fif- teenth .Army Corps. He also sjient some time with the Army of the Tennessee, and participated in the battle of Shiloh and in many other impor- tant engagements, but was never seriously in- jured. His first enlistment was in January. 1862, and he afterward re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, remaining with that command im- til mustered out after the close of the war, on the i8th of July. 1865. at the time his command was with the western army. He enlisted as a private and was sergeant at the close of the war. Mr. Fallon returned to his home when the country no longer needed his aid. and resumed farming. He was married here to I'.ridget Do- lan, a native of County Galway. Ireland, and a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Doud) Dolan, who came to Massachusetts in 1854, and remained at Pioston for a few months, after which they continued their journey westward to Winnebago count}', arriving here in 1855. They settled in Cherry N'allcy township, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits, but both he and his wife are now deceased, the former having died in Sep- tember. i8<>8, when seventy-one years of age. while the latter departed this life in 1893. ^^ '^'^ age of seventy years. Mrs. h^allnn has three brothers and two sisters living : Patrick, who is a farmer of Cherry \'alley township ; Thomas and James, who are following farming in the same township : Evaline. who resides upon the old farm homestead, and Mrs. .Anna McMahan, of Rock ford. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fallon has been blessed with thirteen children, ten of whom are living: William P.. now deceased, was a sol- dier of Company K. Third Illinois Infantry, en- listing at the outbreak of the i^panish- .American war. With his command he went to Porto Rico, where he remained until the close of hostilities, MR. AND AIRS. JOHX FALLON. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 709 but he contracted fever which terminated liis life in the Presbyterian hospital of Chicago on the 29th of December, 1898. Sarah died in child- hood. Mary is the wife of David Lynch, a resi- dent of Rockford. Nellie is the wife of Thomas Haley, of Cherry Valley, and they have three children, John, Lucile and Francis. Michael, who served in the Philippines as a member of Company K, Thirty-fifth United States Volun- teer Infantry, is now farming in Qierry Valley township. Joseph is at home. Catharine and Elizabeth, twins, are at home. Julia, John, Thomas and Alice are yet with their parents. F"rancis died at the age of six months. ^Ir. Fallon has always been an advocate of republican principles, and for more than twenty years has served as school director. He belongs to Nevius post. No. i, G. A. R., and to the Knights of Columbus, at Rockford, and he like- wise has membership relations with St. James' Catholic church. In all matters of citizenship he is as devoted to the welfare of his country as when he wore the blue uniform and followed the starry banner of the nation on the battle-fields of the south. TOHX :\1. FRALEY, John M. Fraley, a retired druggist and a vet- eran of the Civil war, making his home at No. 118 North First street in Rockford, is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Mer- cer county, April 17, 1842. His parents were John and Martha (Shields) Fraley. The father was a native of Switzerland, born in 1817, and when a young man came to this country. Here he was married to Miss Shields, a native of Vir- ginia, whose grandfather had come to the new world from the northern part of Ireland. He was Richard Shields, who crossed the Atlantic during the period of the Revolutionary war, and his son was John Shields, father of j\Irs. Fraley. John Fraley, Sr., came from Switzerland by driving six hundred miles across France to Havre de Grace, where he took passage on a sailing vessel that was thirteen weeks in reaching the harbor of New Orleans. He then made his way up the Mississippi river to Kentucky and later went to Indiana. He was a tailor by trade and in 1848 he made his way from the Hoosier state to Win- nebago county, where he spent his remaining days as a resident of Rockford. His first wife died during the early boyhood of her son John A., leaving beside a daughter, now Mrs. Martha Woodrufif. The father afterward married again, his second union being with Naomi Willetts, who died in 1896. while his death occurred in 1894. John '\\. Fraley, educated in the schools of Rockford and spending his boyhood days in the 41 usual manner of lads of that period, remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when on the 6th of August, 1862, he offered his services to the government and became one of the boys in blue of Company K, Seventy-fourth Illi- nois Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was a loyal soldier, displaying valor upon the fields of battle and when the war was over lie was honorably discharged and returned to his home. He then began learning the drug business and after remaining in the employ of others for sometime he embarked in business on his own account, successfully conducting his store for many years and becoming recognized as one of the leading merchants of the city. Eventu- ally he sold out and was with the Utter Manufac- turing Company until 1898, when he retired from business. He now owns the home where he re- sides at No. 118 North First street and is enjoy- ing a well earned rest, having for many vears figured prominently in business circles of the city. In 1866 Mr. Fraley was united in marriage to Miss Mary Utter, who was born in Warsaw, New York, in 1844, and was a daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Smith) Utter. Her father was one of the most prominent representatives of indus- trial interests in Rockford for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Fraley have lost three children. He belongs to Nevius Post, No. i, G. A. R., in which he has long been an active and helpful member, and he likewise holds membership relations with the Masonic fraternity and the Royal Arcanum. He has in his possession a Confederate almanac published in 1862, few of the kind being now in existence, and he also has an old map of the United States showing the length of railroads, canals, rivers, post routes and wagon roads. He and his wife attend the First Congregational church and are highly esteemed by many friends because of their genuine worth, the hospitality of the best homes of Rockford being cordially ex- tended to them. WILLIAM A. ROTHWELL. William A. Rothwell. following farming on section 32, New Milford township, was born in Marion township. Ogle county. Illinois, February 19, 1838, his parents being Robert and Susan (Andrus) Rothwell, who came to Winnebago county in March, 1837. Few settlers had at that time sought homes within the borders of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell took up their abode on a farm in Ogle county, but about 1843 returned to Winnebago county, settling on section 32, New Milford township, not far from the farm upon which William A. Rothwell now resides. The father was a native of Manchester, England, and in his active business life displayed many of 7IO PAST AXD PRESENT OF WLNfNEBAGO COUNTY. the strong and sterling characteristics of his Eng- lish ancestry. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native country and in early man- hood he crossed the Atlantic, arriving in Massa- ciuisetts in 1826. There he followed his trade of calico ])rinting and for five years remained in the Old Bay State, after which he spent a similar per- iod in ( )hio and then came west to Illinois. He was an active church man. being at one time a local minister of the W'esleyaii .MetlKjdist denomi- nation. He was also a stanch abolitionist and prior to the Civil war his home was a station on the celebrated underground railroad, whereby he assisted many a fugitive negro to proceed north- ward on his way to freedom. Jn his fraternal re- lations Mr. Rothwell was an ( )d(l l-"ellow and his life manifested many Inimanitarian traits, his grn in P>erkley, Massa- chusetts, and was a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Andrus, who for forty-six consecutive years was pastor of the church there, and later served for several years intermittently. He was among the first to enter the Conti- nental .\rmy during the kevolutinnary war. serv- ing from 1775 to 1781, when he was captured by an English frigate and imprisoned on the old Jer- sey prison ship in New York harbor. This was prior to his entering the ministry. It was at Berkley, Massachusetts, that Mrs. Rothwell spent her girlhood days and was married. There were but two sons in the family, Thomas dying at the age of four years. The other son, William Rothwell, was one of the first three white children born in this sec- tion of Illinois and he has spent most of his active business life here, devoting many years to bridge building. .\t the time of the Civil war he es- poused the Cnion cause, enlisting in 1862 as a member of Company K, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry. He served for almost three years and |)articipatcd in more than thirty battles and en- gagements in which his regiment took part. He \\p.'> twice slightly wounded and was mustered out f>n the 27th of June, 1865, having been a loyal and devoted advocate of the Union cause. When the war was over Mr. Rothwell returned home and resumed farming. He had been married in 1858 to Miss Nancy .\. Bartleman, who w^as Ikmu September I, 18.^8, near Prescott, Canada, and left there when sixteen years of age, coming witli till family to W'iiniebago county. She was a daughter of (jcorge and Jennie (Kirkwood) Bar- tleman, the former born near Edinburg and the latter in Glasgow, Scotland. They came to Can- ada as children and were married there. Both died ill the West, the mother departing this life at Lawrence, Kansas. Mrs. Rothwell has a broth- er and sister living: Benjamin, who makes his home in Estherville. Iowa; and .\nna Lyon, of Chicago. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell was blessed with a daughter and son: Mrs. George Stevens, and Lester Rol)ert, who is op- ei.'iilng the home farm. Mr. Rothwell exercises his right of franchise in support of republican i^rinciples and the men who stand for the party as its candidates. He has served for eight years as supervisor and also as justice of the peace and his political duties have been discharged in prompt and able man- ner. His wife is a member of the Wesleyan cliiirili. I'.otli Mr. and Mrs. Rothwell enjoy the warm regard of many friends and are widely known in this countv. ADOXIRAX J. SWF.ZEV. The broad prairies of Illinois furnish splendid opportunity to the horticulturist as well as the agriculturist and Mr. Swezey is numbered among the citizens of Winnebago county who have successfully engaged in the raising of fruit. His attention is largely given to this industry at the present time, his home being on section 16, Guilford townshi]). He was born in Harmony, Cliautau(|ua cnuiity. Xew York. I'ebruary 22, 1836. His grandfather. Daniel Swezey, was a native of Suffolk county. Long Island, New York, his natal day being in June, 1753. He was a son of Christopher Swezey and a grandson of Steiihen Swezey, who w-as one of six brothers living in ."-^wezeytown. Suffolk county. Long Island, .'■itephen .Swezey spent his entire life there, as did also Christopher Swezey, and Daniel Sw-ezey was there reared and married. He, how- ever, left the old homestead and sought his for- tune elsewhere, going in 1796 to Norway, Herkimer county, Xew York, where he purchased four hundred acres of land, on which he erected a log cabin, later giving his attention to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. The date of his birth was December 25, 1778, and he was therefore eighteen years of age when he be- came a resident of Herkimer county, where he continued to make his home until i<836. In that year he removed to Chautauqua county, where he purchased a tract of land, ujion which he .spent his remaining days. He married Miss Clarissa Spcrry, who was born in Xew Haven, Connecticut, September 15, 1789, and was de- scended from an old colonial family of English origin founded in Massachusetts in 1635. Darius A. Swezey, father of our subject, was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer count>', Xew York. .August 15, 1808, and in 1833 went A. T- SWEZEY. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 713 to Chautauqua county, settling there among its pioneer residents. The western part of the state was at that time Httle improved and he purchased a tract of timber land, on which he erected a sub- stantial log cabin — the home in which A. J. Swezey first opened his eyes to the light of day. There the father carried on agricultural pursuits until 1845, when he removed to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased land, residing thereon until 185 1. That year witnessed his ar- rival in AVinnebago county, Illinois, and he purchased the land upon which our subject now resides, making it his place of residence until he was called to his final home. He married Miss Esther Brooks, who was born in Cortland county. New York, September 30, 181 5, and was a daughter of James and Rhoda Brooks. Her fatlier's birth occurred near Marlboro, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and when a young man he went to New York, residing in Cortland countv until 1827, when he removed to Chau- tauqua county, where he lived until 1854. In that year he sold his property in the Empire state and took up his abode in Erie county, Pennsyl- vania, where he spent his declining years. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Darius Swezey were six children, one of whom, Edward, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was after- ward transferred to the One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers and died nine days after being discharged. A. J. Swezey acquired his early education in the public schools of Chautauqua county. New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, and later pur- sued a more advanced course at Waterford Academy in Pennsylvania and the National Nor- mal School at Lebanon, Ohio. When a young man he began teaching and followed that pro- fession up to the time of his marriage. During the latter part of his connection with that work he occupied the chair of languages and literature in Elgin Academy, but on his marriage he re- signed his position and settled on the old home farm in Guilford township. He then began its further development and improvement and for a number of vears engaged in the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, but in recent years he has given his attention largely to horticultural pursuits, raising each year large amounts of fruit, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. In 1866 ^Ir. Swezey was married to Miss ]\Ialinda Bruner, who was born in Canada and is a daughter of Philip Bruner. Mr. and Mrs. Swezey are members of the State Street Baptist church of Rockford. He was formerly identified with Grange No. 6 and for three years he man- aged a store in the interest of the Grange. He has been a strong advocate of temperance principles through many years and since 1884 has affiliated with the prohibition party. In 1889 he was candidate of that party for state legislature and ran two thousand votes ahead of his ticket. Mr. Sweze)' is a public-spirited and progressive citi- zen, prominent and influential, and has the regard of all with whom he comes in contact. For the past twenty years he has been secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Guil- ford, of which successful institution Robert Simpson is the president and R. B. Shumway is treasurer. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Swezey. Esther Mary, the eldest, is the wife of Dr. Robert E. Coy, of Rockford, and they have an infant daughter, Isabella. Professor Otto H. Swezey was graduated from Lake Forest L'niversity with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and the Northwestern LTniversity at Evanston with the degree of Master of Sciences. He has taught at Evanston and in the State University of Ohio at Columbus and is now professor of entomology and biology at the experimental sta- tion of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Associa- tion at Honolulu. He married Miss Mary Walsh, a teacher in the Cleveland (Ohio) schools and formerly an instructor in Evanston, Illinois. They now reside in Honolulu. Mrs. Otto Swezey possesses much artistic talent, and draws many of the cuts of the insects handled by her husband. Royal E. Swezey is at home. Anna, who completes the family, is a graduate of the cooking school of Battle Creek, Michigan, and is now superintend- ent of the culinary department of the sanitarium at Madison, Wisconsin. ELISHA C. DUNN. In the line of history, science and religion, this gentleman possesses an inexhaustible fund of in- formation, and as a lecturer has won a national fame. He has a practical knowledge of every country, its people, politics and religion, and has been a thorough student of languages, speak- ing several different tongues with fluency. A man of fine physique with military carriage and genial face, he has a welcome grasp of the hand for his many friends and is most companionable. Of recent years, he has given special attention to the study of the sagacity of the lower animals, par- ticularly the horse and dog, and not long since edited a remarkable work, published by a Boston firm, entitled the "Sagacity of Dogs." The vol- ume is beautifully illustrated and is so arranged with attractive stories as to be a most popular ju- venile work. PAST AX 13 rUESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Xiiw retired from the active duties of life. Dr. Dumi resides in his palatial lionic at Xo. 809 West Slate street. This residence, which was erected by an architect from Xew York, is of an oriental de- sign of architecture externally, with an interior (Jueen Anne finish, and is a model of elegance, fitted widi the most complete modern imi)rove- nients, such as steam heating, gas and water ac- commodations. The parlor is finished in ebony and gold, and is furnished with light through double French plate glass windows. The octagon dining room is finished in walnut and cherry, and the windows are of opalized glass, while the other rooms contain all of the conveniences desirable. The residence is a delightful combination of com- fort anil magnificence and is an im|)(irtant addition to the architectural beauty of the l-'orest City. Tile Doctor has made his home in Rockford since 1863. altliough many of the intermediate years have been spent either in the lecture field or in travel. He has lectured on scientific and po- litical subjects, and on the human anatomy and diseases and has addressed audiences as small as twelve people (in Saugatuck. Michigan) and as large as five thousand ]x'ople ( in Prince .Mbert's Hall, London. England). He often relates in a bright and interesting manner stories of his trav- els, which have extended into every habitable country of the globe, except in the .\rctic regions, and he has lectured in most of the large cities of the world. While abroad he collectecl genis and precious stones, some of which, worth at least nine thousand dollars, were destroyed in a nni- seum in the great fire at Chicago. He has come in contact with many of the greatest minds of the world, and numbers among his friends many of the leading men of different kingdoms. In social organizations the Doctor has for years been very prominent. He is an aide-de-camp of the supreme commander, (iencral Carnahan, of the Knights of Pythias, and meets with the order in their state and national conventions. He is also a Knigjit Temjilar. belonging to Crusader com- mandcry. No. 17, and is well known to the mem- bers of the state antl national lodges. In the In- dependent Order of ( )dd i'"ell(nvs he takes an e(|ual interest anri is a member of the encamp- ment at Rockford. While visiting in Palestine with the intention of collecting material to assist him in his lectures against religion he became thoroughly convinced of the divinity of the life of Christ, and has since been a consistent anal church. He advocates |)ro- hibition principles and has never drunk liipiors or used tobacco in any form. In his p(jlitical belief he adheres to the ])rincii)les of the rei)ublican party and takes the stump in its belialf whenever necessarv. W hen seventeen years old and a wild, reckless lad, our subject was taken into the home of Dr. Peebles, whom he calls his benefactor, and was given a thorough educaticjn. being a graduate of the L'niversity of Peimsylvania. He remembers his benefactor with an affection which will last as long as life itself, for he owes him a debt of gratitude which naught can efface. He was yoimg when he began to study medicine, and soon afterward was able to support himself, although he was associated and traveled with Dr. Peebles for fifteen years. Although a native of Xew 'S'ork. he spent only a few years of his life there, and he has resided in liliiinis during the most of his life. In Marshall. Michigan, the Doctor was united in marriage with .Miss Carrie Etts. a native of the lun])ire state and a member of a worthy fam- ily Early in life she displayed great ability as an artist and in later years executed some very fine pieces, which in style and coloring are far superior to the work of amateurs. Her work has received the commendation of the best artists, and her last effort. "Pythias IJefore the Block," a painting six feet by four and six inches, is valued at more than one thousand dollars. She devoted much time to her artistic studies and was a lady of dignity of presence and noble character. She died in I\Iay, 1893, and was buried in the West Side cemetery. Dr. and Mrs. Dunn were the par- ents of two children : Aeola, wife of Richard Hamlyn, who resides in Rockford, where her hus- band is a member of the firm of Hamlyn & P)ig- ham in the meat-market business ; and James, who married Emma l'atersortant factor in the in- tellectual, artistic and material ilevelopment of his adopted cit\' and no history of Rockford and Winnebago cmmtx would be complete without exclusive mention of this genial gentleman. I'or two years he served as alderman of the fnurlh ward, and is now superintendent of i)arks. IS \.\C UTTER. Isaac Clier. who died on the "th of May, 1881. was a i>ioneer settler of Rockford. whose acli\ity coiuributed in substantial measure to the ni)l>uilding of the city through many years, and hardly an enterprise of importance had been es- tablished here in which he was not financially interested or to whose success he had attrib- ute(' by his wise l)usiness counsel and coo;)- eralion. He was born in Eaton. Madison county, PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 715 New York, January 17, 1809, and resided there until 1837. when he removed to Angelica. New York, which remained his place of residence until 1840. He then took up his abode in Warsaw, Wyoming county. New York, where he built a woolen mill and was engaged in the business of manufacturing cloth until 1850. During the suc- ceeding two years he was not actively connected with business enterprises, but in 1852 he came to Rockford and from that time until his death was a most valued factor in industrial and com- mercial circles of this city. Here he first formed a partnership with Or- lando Clirke in Rockford Iron Works and they continued in business for years, conducting a foundry and machine shop. The partnership was maintained until 1876, at which time J\Ir. Clarke withdrew and the Utter Manufacturing Company was formed. In the meantime lilr. Utter had be- come interested in other lousiness enterprises. In 1865. associated with Levi Rhodes and his son, Charles M. Utter, he built the Rockford Paper Mills and in the spring of 1866 began the manu- facture of paper, the plant being successfully and continuously conducted since that time. During his business career he invested in various Rock- ford enterprises. He was one of the original stockholders in the watch factory, a stockholder in the tack factor}' and in the People's Bank, and in the last two was a director. He was also a stockholder in the Second National and the Win- nebago banks, in the silver-plate works and was president of the Utter Manufacturing Company. At his death he left an estate valued at about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which was equallv divided among his wife and children. He owned about thirt\'-seven acres of land north of the old camp grounds, which was a valuable tract, and he also had a farm in Iowa and a com- fortable home on South \\'innebago street. He was an enthusiast in anything pertaining to ma- chinery and was alwa\'s at work over some device. He invented a number of implements in connec- tion with his manufactory, although he never at- tcmi.ited to secure a patent on these. Plis was a business record which any man might be proud to possess, as it awakened the ad- miration and respect of his contemporaries, who knew him to be a man of unflinching honor and unfaltering integrity. iMr. Rhodes, so long his partner, said of him : "He was a good man, up- right and sincere. I could not ask a better part- ner. For twenty-three years we were associated in the paper mill and in all that time there was never a word of difference or a misunderstand- ing or anv antagonism as to the plans and details of the business." One of his most marked and commendable characteristics was his deep inter- est in the success of other business men, and he generously gave counsel and often financial as- sistance to those who became factors in Rock- ford's business circles. When those prominent in business for many years passed away Mr. Ut- ter regarded it as a personal loss, for he enter- tained the warmest esteem and friendship for those with wliom he was so long associated. On the 14th of January, 1832, Mr. Utter was married to Miss Eliza Smith, who was born in 1810 and who died October 28, 1871. They be- came the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: Mrs. W. E. S. Trowbridge, who resides at Downers Grove, Illinois ; Horace B., a resident of Danville, this state ; ]\Iary E., the wife of John M. Fraley, of Rockford, and Fidello I., also living in Rockford. On the i8th of January, 1873. ^I""- Utter was again married, his second union being with Miss Lydia Rush, a native of Pennsylvania, who still survives him, and is a most estimable lady, whose devotion to her hus- band made his last years filled with comfort and happiness. He lived beyond man's allotted time and death came to him as one "who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant sleep." His was an unassuming, straightforward, honest nature, and he was a man who believed in doing all things well. Pie worked earnestly, yet unostentatiously, for the welfare of Rock- ford and without invidious distinction could well he called one of her foremost men. He com- manded the warmest reverence and affection of his children, to whom he was ever loyally de- voted, and he was altogether worthy and honor- able in every relation of life, so that his memory is cherished' by those who knew him and who came within the circle of his business acquaint- ance, his friendship or his home life. HON. CHARLES E. JACKSON. Hon. Charles E. Jackson is essentially a typi- cal representative of the middle west, alert and enterprising. His labors into whatever channels directed are resultant factors in accomplishing the end desired, and in business and political cir- cles in his community he is prominent, his popu- larity being well deserved, for in him are em- braced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating industry and energy that never flags. As chief executive of Rockford he is to-dav giving to the city an administration in which are comljined the qualities of the success- ful business man, whose efforts are permeated bv public-spirited citizenship and a sincere and earnest desire for the general welfare. Charles E. Jackson was born upon a farm in Boone county. Illinois, about four miles from Bel- videre, on the 30th of November, 1867, but when he was only four months old his parents removed 7i6 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. to Rockford. where lie lias since made liis home. His education was that afforded by the public schools of this city aiul its practical, thorough training; well equipped him for the duties of life that came when his text books were put aside, lie entered upon his business career as a sales- man in a retail clothing store and after becoming familiar with methods of merchandizing he went upon the road as traveling salesman, giving effi- cient service in that capacity for several years. Naturally ambitious to enter upon an independ- ent business career that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he established the whole- sale portrait and frame business in 1891 that he has successfully conducted from that time to the present, his sales extending to every state in the Union and into foreign countries. He has wrought along modern business lines and has wrested success from the hands of fate. P>elong- ing to that class of tyjiical .\merican men whose business labors result in public benefit as well as individual success, he has exerted his influence strongly and beneficially to promote the commer- cial su])remacy of Rockford, and his effective work led to his selection for the presidency of the East State Street Rusiness Men's Associa- tion. His marked qualities of leadership in tlial re- gard caused him to be mentioned as a candidate for alderman in his home ward and to that ])osi- tion he was elected. .\ contemporary publication said: "In his new ofifice lie surprised his best friends by his temperate demeanor in debate, his uniform courtesy toward his colleagues and the clear-cut manner in which he cared for the in- terests of the people. During the two years' serv- ice as alderman he became the central figure of a movement to modify the existing ward lines of the city so that all the voters could be equally rep- resented in the council. The successful termina- tion of that movement made him the logical can- didate of a majority of his fellow citizens for the mayoralty, and his supjiort was even more great- ly increased as election day drew near." Chosen to the highest office within the gift of his fellow townsmen, he entered u])on the discharge of his duties with a determination to make Rockford better through progress in material lines and through methfids of reform and ui)building. The same energy, close ap])lication and keen discrimi- nation which Constituted the basis of his business success are now manifest in the exercise of his official prerogatives, and already Rockford has felt the stimulus of his efforts and public senti- ment has been aroused in favor of practical, pro- gressive movements. Quoting from the same source from which tiie previous extract was taken, we add: "If Mr. Jackson has ambitions of a political nature otlier than those which make for g(K>(l city government, lie has not disclosed them even to his closest friends, and the belief obtains that his foremost aim is to see the best interests of Rockford developed along broad, ])eaceful and permanent lines." In 1898 Mr. Jackson was married to Miss N^el- lie L. llrown, a daughter of ^Ir. and Mrs. Charles E. Brown, of this city, and their position in social circles is assured wherever culture and intelli- gence are received as the jiassports into good society. His fraternal relations are with the Royal .\rcanum, the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Ancient ( Jrder of United Workmen, and he is thoroughly in sympathy with the basic elements of these organizations. Mr. Jackson is yet a young man and there has been nothing startling in his history, yet he is a citizen of whom Rockford has reason to be proud. The advan- tages which he has enjoyed along e: John F.. Ixirii DecemlKT 10. 1828: Hannah. February 25. 1830: Miner: Eliza. March 18. 1834: Seneca. Xovembcr 8. 1836: Jacob, January 30. 1838: and Peter H.. February 26. 1840. The father's rleath occurred .\pril 15. 1875. and the mother passed away February 26. 1840. Miner Clikeman was born February 1(1. 1832, upon his father's farm about twelve miles from Wright, in Schoharie county. New York, and ])ursue(l his education in the subscription schools. MR. AND ^IRS. MINER CLIKEMAN. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 719 He spent his youth and early manhood in the east and came first to Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1857, but at that time remained for only about six months. He then returned to the Em- pire state and in 1861 he again spent six or eight months in this county. In 1862 he brought his family and made a permanent location in Winnebago county, taking up his abode in Owen township, where he worked at carpentering, being engaged in the building of houses and barns for some time. In !March, 1868, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land, which he at once broke and upon the plowed ground scattered the seed that in due time brought forth good harvests. He also further improved his place by the erection of a house and barn and the planting of trees. He planted two orchards upon his place and his son Charles is now setting out the third one. In the "70s he bought another tract of land of one hundred and forty acres so that his farm now comprises two hundred and sixty acres, all of which is well improved, constituting one of the best properties of the township. \\nTile carr)'ing on agricultural pursuits Mr. Clikeman also worked at his trade in different states and many evidences of his handiwork are seen in Winnebago county. In 1852 Mr. Clikeman was married to Miss Ann Elizabeth Allen, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Angle) Allen. Her father was a car- penter by trade and provided for his family by following the builder's art. He spent his entire life in the Empire state and died in Bern, Albany county, New York, where his birth had occurred eighty-two years before. His wife passed away June 29, 1879. at the age of sixty-two years and ten months. In their family were seven children : Ann Elizabeth, born June 24, 1832; IMargaret ; Richard ; Liddy S. ; Joseph : Everett ; and Isaac M. Mr. and Mrs. Clikeman were married in Bern, Albany county. New York, June 4, 1852. and be- came the parents of seven children, five of whom are natives of the Empire state, while the other two were born in \\'innebago county. Charles, born December 12, 1853, wedded Alary Cundiff and they have four children, their home being on the old farm belonging to his father. Sidney D.. living in Jackson county. Minnesota, was born March 2, 1855. and married Miss Hattie Oliver, by whom he has five children, .\ustin. who was born September 25, 1856, and lived at Greene. Butler county. Iowa, married Julia Carpenter and lias one child. \'erna. born June 30, 1858. is a resident of Rockford. Laura, born February 15. i860, died on the 21st of the same month. Adela, who was born October 9, 1864, died February 23. 1879. William C, born April 23, 1868, married Bird Shelev and is a barber of Chicago. After many years' connection with agricultural pursuits Mr. Clikeman retired from business life and is now enjoying a well earned rest in Rock- ford. He has served as school director for twelve years and has always been interested in the cause of education, exercising his official prerogatives to advance the standard of the schools. His political allegiance has been given to the re- publican party since age gave to him the right of franchise. He has led a very busy life and his own labor has been the basis of his success. In an analyzation of his character we find that the strong elements are persistent purpose and a thor- ough mastery of whatever duty has devolved upon him. JAMES A. GIBSON. The home farm of James A. Gibson is a well- improved property of two hundred acres on sec- tion 32. Rockford township, and in addition to this he owns a tract of timber and pasture land of one hundred and five acres. His activity in business aft'airs is well known to those who are at all acquainted with his life record and it is typical of his Scotch ancestry, from whom he in- herited an industrious and enterprising disposi- tion. A native of the land of hills and heather, he was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, February 5, 1856, his parents being Samuel and Margaret f.Adamson) Gibson, who in i860 came to America and located in White Rock township, Ogle county, Illinois. Both have now passed away, the father in 1901 and the mother in 1881. James A. Gibson has three brothers and two sis- ters, who are }"et living: John and Robert, vidio resided upon parts of the old homestead ; and Samuel, who resides at Kings, Ogle county, where he operates the elevator and is also the owner of farming lands in that county and in South Dakota ; Jane, the wife of H. B. Hazelton, of Carroll count^•. Jowa : and Agnes, the wife of \\'. C. Prill, of Glidden, Iowa, now retired. James A. Gibson was onl}' four years old when brought by his parents to Illinois, and was reared in Ogle coimty. where he remained until about twenty-five years of age. He has since lived in Winnebago county, spending eight years in the Scotch settlement near Argyle, where he took up his abode in the spring of 1885. He afterward lived for nine years in Cherry Valley township, renting a farm owned by John Schmauss, and in the fall of igoi he purchased his present farm, which is one of the old settled districts of the county. On it stands one of the most picturesque farm houses of this part of the state and Mr. Gibson has made improvements there to the value of more than four thousand dollars. He keeps 720 PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. the place in excellent cunditiun. carrying nn .y^cn- cral agricultural pursuits and slock raising, his specialty being shorthorn fuU-bloLided and higl)- grade cattle, of which he now has one hundred and seven head. He also raises Poland China hogs, of which he has about fifty head. An ex- cellent judge of stock, he always makes his |>ur- chases carefully and thus realizes ccjnsidcrable on his sales. The home place is known as the old l.each farm and is one of the most attractive of Rock- ford township. Xot only is the greater part of the home place of two hundred acres under a high state of cultivation, but in addition to this he has one lunidrcd and live acres i)arlially covered with timber, while the remainder is good pasture land, affording excellent grazing ground for his stock. On the 14th of .\pril, 1886, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to .Miss Mary, daughter of James and .\nn (Gilchrist) Fleming. .She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, F'ebruary 10. 185^). and was brought to .\merica when twelve years of age, locating with her people at .Argyle, Win- nebago county. Eight children have been born of this union, all natives of Winnebago county: James .\rthur, born October 1. 1888: .\nna Isa- bella, born .Vugnst 25. 181JO: Samuel Lester, born October 31, 1891 ; Margaret .\lveda, born Sep- tember 5, 1893 ; William Ernest, born June '). 18117; Mary ^lildred, born December 13. 18)8: and two who died in infancy. hVaternally Mr. Gibson is connected with the Knights of the Globe, with the Modern \\'oodmen camp of Cherry \'alley and the Mystic Workers, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian ciiurch. Since age gave liim the right of fran- chise he has been a stalwart re])ublican. never faltering in his allegiance to the party, but he has no time nor desire for public office, his interests being centered upon his business affairs wherebv he is enabled to provide a comfortable home for his family. In the county wliere almost his en- tire life has been passed he is well known as a worthv citizen and reliable business man. THOMAS G. LEVIXGS. Thomas G. Levings, who follows farming just west of the city limits of Rockford, and in the ap|)lication of his energies to the develoi)ment of the natural resources of the state has won gratifying prosperity, was born in .Sherman, Con- necticut, in .\pril, 1842. his parents being Peter R. and .\nna (Xnmi) Levings, l)oth of whom are now deceased. The father came to Winnebago county, in September. 1842, and located in Winnebago township on the boundary line of Rockford township. There he entered a claim upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an im|)rovenR'nt made, but his labors resulted in the development of a good farm upon which he resided until, retiring from active business life, he took uj) his abode in South Rockford, in .\pril, 1870. There he spent twelve years in the enjoyment of a well earned rest before he was called to the home beyond, his death occur- ring in Rockford, in 1882, when he was eighty- iwo years of age. From the organization of the party he was a stanch and earnest republican, active in ])olitics and doing all in his power to l)rouiote the growth and insure the success of his |)arty. He was deeply interested also in the local im])rovement and development of his adopted county, and as a co-operant factor in many measin-es for the general good his labors ]iroved far-reaching and beneficial. He was poj)uiar as a man, ])rominent as a citizen and was res])ected and esteemed by a large circle of friends. His wife was one of the charter nKMnl)ers of the Congregational church here. His birth had occurred in Connecticut, and he repre- sented an old family of English lineage, while his wife was of German descent and was a na- tive of the state of Xew ^'ork. She died in Winnebago county, about 1868, at the age of si.xty-eight years. In their family were three sons, the brothers of Thomas tl, Levings being Alfred II. and G. W. The former is a physician of Milwaukee, jironiinent in his profession, be- ing head surgeon of the hos])itals there, and one on whose opinions arc largely regarded as au- thority in the line of his profession in his lut forth earnest effort for substan- tial advancement and permanent improvement, Mr. Levings has always been interested in what has been accomplished, and has given his aid to many measures for the general good. Since 1873 he has resided in his present fine home, and farming has been his life work. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of land in n.-irliin to\\nslii|). in addition to his home T. G. LEVIXGS. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. m farm of one hundred and forty acres in Rock- ford township, and his extensive holdings return him a splendid income because of the care and labor which he bestows upon his fields. Air. Levings had charge of the roads of his township for twenty-one years, and to him is due much credit for their excellent condition. When he was first elected road commissioner there was little more than a mile of paved road, but when he retired from the office there were seventy-eight miles of finely macadamized roads. He was also the prime mover in securing the free rural mail delivery, and sent in the first pe- tition from ^^'innebag•o county for this purpose. Mr. Levings was married to Miss Lucy Ellen Fuller, a representative of the prominent Fuller family of this county, but her death occurred Oc- tober 14, 1903, when she was fifty-four years of age. Fraternally he is connected with Nevius post. No. I, G. .\. R., of Rockford, to which he is entitled to membership because of the fact that he enlisted in 1864 in Company I, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, thus serving until the close of the war. He has always voted for the repub- lican party, which stood as the defender of the Union during the hour of the country's peril, when the stability of the Union was threatened by the secession movement of the south. He has ever regarded it as the party of improvement, reform and progress, and those are causes which have always elicited his interest and endorse- ment. His religious views are indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. AMOS W. \\^OODWARD. Amos W. Woodward, inventor and manufac- turer of Rockford,' was born in Winthrop, Maine, in 1829, his parents being Amos and Nancy (jMuzzy) Woodward, the former born in New- ton, Massachusetts, in 1786, and the latter in Spencer, Massachusetts, in 1793. Both families were represented in the American army at the time of the Revolutionary war. The paternal grandfa- ther served in the battles of Concord and Lexing- ton, and hauled powder to the troops at Bunker Hill, and the maternal grandfather also rendered signal service to the cause of independence. The Woodward family was founded in the new world in 1634, when John W^oodward crossed the At- lantic and settled in ^Massachusetts, where his de- scendants remained until the grandfather of our subject removed from his home in Newton, Mas- sachusetts, to Maine. His wife was a sister of General Jackson, of Revolutionary fame. Most of the family followed farming, and Amos Wood- ward, Sr., was not only identified with agricul- tural pursuits, but also operated a cotton mill at Gardner, Maine, in 1820. Selling that property. he took up his abode on a farm. His death oc- curred in 1868, and his wife passed away in 1885, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of six children, of whom four reached adult age: Franklin ]\I., Henry, .\mos W. and Priscilla. Amos W. Woodward was educated in the pub- lic schools of the Pine Tree state, and afterward learned the trade of a machinist in a plant manu- facturing machinery for cotton mills at Lowell, Alassachusetts. He began that work in 1849, serving a three-years' apprenticeship, and later went to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in the manufacture of machinsts" tools until 1856. In that year he came to the middle west, with the intention of going to Minnesota, but instead made a location at Rockford. He aft- erward began working for the firm of Talcott & Emerson, on the present site of the Woodward Governor Works, remaining in that employ for a year. He next worked for F. H. Manny and later for M. C. Thompson, being thus engaged un- til November, 1872, when he began business on his own account — a step made possible by his in- dustry and frugality. With the exception of a year and a half when he was associated with Will Ross, under the firm style of Ross & Woodward, he was alone in business for many years. His partnership with Mr. Ross was in 1875, and then, purchasing his interest, Mr. Woodward continued the business as sole proprietor, manufacturing pumps. In 1870 he invented a governor for use on water wheels, the first one he made being used on a Thompson wheel. To this branch of busi- ness he then directed his energies exclusively and continued under the name of A. W. Woodward until 1902, when the business was incorporated imder the name of the Woodward Governor Com- pany, with A. W. Woodward as president and El- mer Woodward as vice president and secretary. They conducted business on the site of the woolen mill until 1893, when they removed to No. 660. Race street, occupying a factory one hundred by seventy feet. They use the first floor in the con- duct of their business, manufacturing governors for exclusive use on water wheels and hydro-elec- tric plants. They employ seventeen people, and the enterprise has become one of the leading pro- ductive industries of the city, paying a good re- turn to the stockholders upon their investment. Mr. Woodward was married to Miss Mary A. Sealy. of Rockford, a daughter of Richard Sealy, one of the early settlers of this city, coming here about fifty-five years ago from the state of New York. Prior to that time, however, they lived in England, in which country Mary A. Sealy was born. She had three brothers in the Civil war, Robert Sealy holding the rank of lieutenant colonel at the time of his discharge. The marriage of Air. and Mrs. Woodward, celebrated in 1861. was 724 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. blessed with four children : Cora, who died in 1903 : Elmer, who is vice |)resident of the Wood- ward Governor Company antl is married and has four children ; Frank, who is engaged in portrait work in Chicago; and Mimiie, the wife of G. W. Taylor, of Rockford, now living in Canton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward now make their home at No. 603 Pearl street. They are memhers of the Baptist church, of which he has been a dea- con for tlie i^ast twenty years, and in politics he has been an unfaltering re])ublican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. His advancement in business circles has been made at the cost of strenuous and self-denying labor, and his career exem])lifies the old saying "through struggles to success." The men who have known • him — and they have been many — i-esptct him, and those wlio have come within the closer circle of his friendship ajipreciatc his many good qualities of heart and mind. JOSEPH E. MERRTTT. Joseph B. ^Territt, the efficient superintendent of the ^^'innebago Paper Mill at Rockton. a val- uable industry, furnishing employment to a large nnmbiT n! workmen and thus contributing in substantial measure to the general prosperity, was born in Clinton, New York, January 31, 1830. His father, .\rtenius Merritt, was a native of Massachusetts, and on leaving New England went to New York and thence to the West, cast- ing his lot with the early settlers of Indiana, where he established his home about 1840. He married !\Iaria Bradner, and they died at the ages of seventy-two and seventy-three, respect- ively. In their family were eight children, of whom Joseph P.. is the eldest and the only one now living in Wiimebago county. Mr. Merritt of this review spent the first five years of liis life in the Empire state and then was taken liy his parents to Indiana, but when still a young lad he returned to the home of his grandparents in New York and after he had reached adult age he entered upon his busi- ness career as a clerk in a store in Danville, New York, where he was employed for several years. He believed, however, that the west would fur- nish him better business opportunities and that advancement might be more quickly secured. Ac- cordingly he made his way to Illinois in 1856, settling first in Chicago. The following year, however, he was sent to Rockton by the firm of Bradner, Smith & Company, of Chicago, to look after their paper mill at this point and has since been superintendent of the industry. Mr. Brad- ner of the firm was his uncle and it was this fact that induced Mr. Merritt to come to Illinois. In the control of the business here he has showed thorough mastery of the trade and capability in handling a large working force. For a number of years the product of the plant was wrapping paper of all kinds, hut during the last three years Mr. Merritt has engaged in the manufacture of strawboard. The plant is well equipped with all modern machinery and employment is furnished to thirty-five operators — a fact which makes the industry of much value to the village. ]\Ir. Merritt made his home in Rockton until about fifteen years ago. when he removed to Be- loit, Wisconsin, where he still maintains his resi- dence although he has his business interests in Rockton. He was supervisor of Rockton town- ship for two years and was a member of the vil- lage board at the time of the incorporation. He has also served on the school board, has been active in public affairs of township and county and during his incumbency in the i)osition of su- pervisor the court house at Rockford was built. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party and he is thoroughly in sym- pathy with its principles and policies. On the 1st of December. 1858. occurred the marriage of Mr. Merritt and Miss Frances E. Mellen. a native of New York. They have one daughter, Fannie, now the wife of H. L. Hollis- ter, and the mother of one child, Frances. In 1901 Mr. Merritt was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in October of that year at the age of seventy-two years. Com- ing to the west at a period when industrial and commercial progress was in its infancy, he con- tributed to tlie upbuilding of Rockton in the suc- cessful control of one of its leading business con- cerns and at the same time he made his services of such value in the company which he repre- sented that he commanded an excellent salary, while his frugality and industry in the passing years have brought him a comfortable compe- tence. ^^'. R. KEVT. W. R. Keyt, an architect and builder, whose labors have contributed to the improvement of Rockford, was born in Piqua. ;\Iiami county, Ohio, in 1850. his parents being John W. and Rachel (Barrington) Keyt. His parents were also natives of Ohio, and the father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit up to the time of his death, whicli occurred when he was seventy-five years of age. He had five children, two sons and three daughters: John ^^^, who died in 1901 ; Jane .Sarah, who is living in Ohio; Caroline, also of Ohio; Emma Elizabeth, who died in December, 1904: and W. R.. of this re- view. The mother passed away in i860. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 725 At the usual age W. R. Keyt entered the pubHc schools of Piqua, Ohio, passing through succes- sive grades until he completed the high-school course by graduation with the class of 1869. He then removed to the farm and later he engaged in clerking for a time in a dry goods store. When he had been employed in that way for three years he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he attended a commercial school, and in February, 1877, h^ came to Rockford. Here he learned the carpen- ter's trade under the direction of his uncle David Keyt, who took up his abode in this city in 1856 for the purpose of building the Second Congre- gational church here. He was a contractor and builder and was identified with the substantial imjirovements of Rockford for a long period. W. R. Keyt not only mastered carpentering, but also studied architecture. He was with his uncle in contracting for four years, and he also did drafting on his own account. He then formed a partnership with W. A. Keyt, a cousin, under the firm name of W. R. & W. A. Keyt, contrac- tors and builders. This relationship was main- tained for eleven years, from 1887 until i8q8, and in one year they built the Lincoln school, the ad- dition to the Garrison school, the Freeman, High- land and Brown schools and the Christ Henry Block. Mr. Keyt of this review also had charge of the rebuilding of the Second Congregational church after tne fire. In 1898, on account of a sprained knee, he quit the work of building and decided to enter the employ of The Marsden Com- pany as a millwright foreman. To that work he devoted his energies for t\\x> years and a half, spending si.x months of that time in Kentuckv. He afterward went to Peoria, where he became superintendent of construction for the largest plant at that place. He spent a year and a half in Peoria, and in 1900 returned to Rockford, where he opened up an office, since which time he has given his attention to architecture, and has secured a liberal patronage. He built the Gas Stove Works, the Armory building, Andrews Iron & Wiire Works, an addition to the tannery for the Hess & Hopkins Leather Company, and a large number of residences, and during the past two years he has had charge of the works of the In- terurban Railway Company. He is likewise con- nected as a director with the Rockford Concrete Construction Company. Mr. Keyt was married December 21, 1880, to Miss Alice L. ]\IcKinley, of Rockford, a daugh- ter of William McKinley, who is now ninety-two years of age. They have two children : Eva J-. who is living at home ; and Maurice B., who is attending high school. The family residence is on the Traskbridge road, a mile and a half north of the city, where Mr. Keyt owns several acres of land, largely planted to fruit. In view of the fact that he commenced his business career empty 42 handed, his success is the more remarkable, and his record should prove an inspiration to many young man now starting out as he did a few years ago, with no capital save brains, integrity, deter- mination and perseverance, which after all con- stitute the best capital and without which wealth, influence and position amount to naught. GEORGE E. KING. By the death of this honorable and upright citi- zen the community in which he lived sustained an irreparable loss and was deprived of the presence of one whom it had come to look upon as a guard- ian, benefactor and friend. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to spare, whose lives have been all that is exemplary of the true and thereby a really great citizen. Such a citizen was Mr. King, whose "whole career, both business and social, served as a model to the voung and an inspiration to the aged. He shed a bright- ness around everything with which he came in contact, and his memory is now enshrined in the hearts of many friends who felt the deepest regret at his taking ofif. Mr. King was a native of Wappingers Falls, Dutchess county. New York, his natal day being April 30, 1844. His parents were William" G. and Elizabeth (Orr) King. The mother died in the Empire state during the infancy of her son George and the father afterward married again. With his second wife and his children he removed to the west, settling first in Wisconsin, where they re- sided until May, 1856, when they came to Rock- ford. Here the father and his son George en- tered in the grocery business on South" Main street, the partnership being maintained until the father's death. His second wife also continued a resident of Rockford until called to her final rest. George E. King began his education in the east and continued his studies in the schools of Wiscon- sin and of Rockford. being thoroughly equipped with thorough manual training for life's practical and responsible duties. At the age of eighteen years he entered upon his business career in con- nection with his father, conducting a grocery store on South Main street under the firm name of Wil- liam G. King & Son. In 1864 he became con- nected with the Second National Bank as a clerk, and his efficiency won him promotion to the posi- tion of bookkeeper. He finally became one of the stockholders of the institution and was connected with it until its failure about 1895 At one time he was the foremost business man of the citv, and no man in Rockford enjoyed a wider acquaintance or had the confidence of the community to a larger extent. He was consulted in matters of investment and the disposition of estates, and was regarded 726 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. as a mail of iinusiially kct-n and sound judg- ment. The collapse of the Second National Bank destroyed the structure and worth of a lifetime, hut thouijh some were led to hlame the stockhold- ers and officers of this concern his friends and those who knew him best and were acquainted witli the business affairs of tlie bank had the ut- most faith in the intesrity and honesty of Mr. King. With fortune gone, he went to the far northwest to regain his lost possession, accom- jianied by his wife, who was ever a most faithful com])anion and liel|>mate to him on life's journey. Making his way to .\laska he first lived at Circle City, where he managed a supply store for Ware & Company, but for several years he made his home on an island a few miles from Ketchukam. .\laska. wliere he engaged in the fish packing business. Early in the winter of 1904-5 Mr. and Mrs. King went to .Seattle to spend the cold win- ter months there, and becoming ill he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He suffered from ty- phoid fever, but for a time seemed to recover. Heart trouble, however, was afterward manifest in his svmptoms, and lie passed away on the 28th of .\pril. 1905. .\fter becoming a resident of Rockford Mr. King was wedded to Miss .Alice E. Fisher, a na- tive of this city and a daughter of Henry Fisher, who was born in \'ermont. Coming to the west he resided in Michigan, but after a short time re- moved to Rockford. establishing his home among the early residents of the city. Here he engaged extensively in the lumlier business and he owned sawmills all over this part of the state. Both he and his wife resided in Rockford until their de- mise. Mr. and Mrs. King had but one child. Alma E.. who was an unusually gifted and beautiful girl. She was taken ill of diphtheria during her student days at Rockford College, and her death resulted. This blow was one from which Mr. King never recovered and it marked the beginning of his decline in life. rublic-s])iritcd and progressive he assisted ma- terially in promoting the welfare and upbuilding of Rockford. He held many city offices. rc])re- senting his ward on the board of aldennan and he was also a member of the school board. He was known as the champion of every measure that had for its basis the material, intellectual, social or moral progress of his community and his connec- tion with the city's growth and development and with the work of imyirovement was largely instru- mental in placing Rockford in the prominent posi- tion it to-day occupies. He voted with the repub- lican party and he held membership in the Ma- sonic fraternity, attaining the Knight Templar de- gree of the York Rite. He belonged to the Epis- copal church, of which his family are also mem- bers. In all his personal relations he stood as .1 high type of .\merican manhood, and honored bv many friends his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him. Mrs. King owns a home at No. 121 South West street in Rockford. known as the I'isher place, and spends her winters here, while her summers are spent in Chomley, .\laska. DR. WILLIAM lli:XRV SHAW. Dr. William Henry Shaw, now living retired on his farm on section ij. Roscoe township, has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and the period of ease and rest which he is now enjoying has been well earned. He was born in the state of New York, July 4, 1825, and is de- scended from English ancestry. His paternal grandfather. William Shaw, was a native of England and came to .\merica when quite young. He was a well-to-do man and owned a stable of fine racing horses where Jerome Park now car- ries on business. He was noted as a sportsman of the early days and was very prominent and pojnilar in his locality. \\'illiam Shaw, father of Dr. Sliaw. was born in New York state and there he died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-five years, having followed farming throughout his active career in order to provide for his family. He married Sarah Bul- lock, also a native of the Empire state and her death there occurred when she was seventy-five years of age. They had a large family of fifteen children, but only three are now living: Wil- liam Henry : Comer, who is a resident of Lock- ])ort. New York ; and .\hraham, living in Lock- port. Dr. Shaw acquired his early education in the public schools of Lockport and after preparing for college was matriculated in Genesee college, at Lyman, New York, where he completed a full course of study by graduation in the class of 1840. He then entered \\\>o\\ the profession of teaching school, which he followed for fourteen years in the Empire state. During a part of that time he also studied medicine in Buffalo, New York, becoming imbued with the desire to en- gage in its practice as a life work. In 1832 Dr. Shaw was married to Miss Mary Pool, who was born and died in New York, pass- ing away in 1854 when only twenty-one years of age. The following year he wedded Catherine B. Woods, a native of New York and a daughter of Ely and Nancy (Gary) Woods. There has been a daughter and son born of the second mar- riage. The former, Carrie, is now the wife of W. H. Bradley, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and has two children, Frances M. and Catherine C. Clarence F. was born in the state of New York and wedded Grace Ransom, a daughter of the late Dr. Ran- som, of Roscoe, and they have two children, Catherine M. and Ruth. DR. W. H. SHAW. MRS. W. H. SHAW PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 731 Dr. Shaw became quite well known in New York as a successful teacher and was principal of the high school at Attica, that state, when his second wife was teaching there. She taught for eight years in New York and then gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Shaw. In 1864 they removed to Illinois and in 1867 he purchased and settled upon the farm where he now lives, having here one hundred and twelve acres of rich and valu- able land. In 1865 they had arrived in Roscoe township. Dr. Shaw devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for some years and in 1882 he entered Columbia ]\Iedical College of New York city, from which he was graduated from the veterinary department with the class of 1883. He then returned to Roscoe and followed his profession in the township and county until 1903, when he retired and again took up his abode upon the farm but he now rents his land. He is a prohibitionist in his political views, having long been a stanch advocate of the tem- perance cause and for thirty years he has been an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and is a past master of his lodge. His wife holds membership in the Congregational church of Roscoe and he attends and contributes toward its support, and they are people of most genuine worth, being held in the highest regard by all who know them. Dr. Shaw has led a busy life and one that has been of benefit to his fellow- men. A gentleman of strong intellectuality, his mental faculties are unimpaired and in spirit and interest he seems yet in his prime, keeping in touch with modern thought and progress and manifesting genuine interest in the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted county. jere:miah ca.mpbell. Jeremiah Campbell, who has passed away, was for many years regarded as a citizen of worth in Durand township, where he was long connected with agricultural interests. The ancestral history of the family has been connected with America through many generations, coming from Scotland to the new world and among the relationship were found those who loyally aided in the early wars of the country, one member of the family being a noted captain in the war of 1812. Samuel and X'Grace ( Plumb ) CampbelJ, parents of Jeremiah Campbell, were natives of Grand Isle, \"erraont, and there the death of the mother occurred about 1828. The father removed westward to Winne- bago countv. Illinois, and here spent his remain- ing days, passing away in 1844, at the venerable age of eightv-two years. One of his sons had come to the county before the father's removal from New England. Jeremiah Campbell was born in Grand Isle, \'ermont, April 5, 1818, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the Green Mountain state, but when a young man of nineteen years started for what was then the far west, arriving in Win- nebago county in 1837. He drove across the country with an ox team in companv with his father, and they entered land from the govern- ment, becoming pioneer residents of this portion of the state. There were only three houses in Rockford at the time of their arrival here, and the entire country-side presented the appearance of nature's handiwork, with none of the improve- ments or cultivation inaugurated by man, the prairie being covered with its high grasses, while in certain districts stood the forest trees amid which the sound of the woodman's ax had not been heard. Jeremiah Campbell entered his claim at the land office in Dixon and built thereon a log house, which was afterward replaced by a frame residence. He hauled his grain to the Chicago market and on one trip to that cit}- the entire ex- pense of the journey was twelve cents, which sum he paid for milk. In connection with general farming he engaged in the manufacture of cheese, which he sold at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and also at Galena, Illinois. For years he carried on the work of the fields, and as his financial re- sources increased he bought more land until at one time he was the owner of a valuable tract of four hundred acres, which he afterward sold to his son Frank. Mr. Campbell was first married June 30. 1839, the lady of his choice being Miss Lois B. Hoyt. There was one child of that marriage, Edward S., who was born December 11, 1840, and wedded Kate Smith, who died at the age of fifty-eight years, leaving three children. On the 19th of Oc- tober, 1843, Jeremiah Campbell was again mar- ried, wedding ]\Iiss Cynthia E. Hoyt, a si.ster of his first wife. She was born in St. Albans. Ver- mont, November 11, 1828, and was a daughter of Hcman and Susan f Franklin) Hoyt. Her pa- ternal grandparents, Jonathan and Lois (Bradley) Hoyt, were natives of Connecticut, and became pioneer settlers of St. Albans, Vermont, where they spent their remaining days. Heman Hoyt, however, removed from, the Green Mountain state to Illinois, taking up his abode in Winnebago county on the 3d of January, 1837, his family hav- ing arrived here in October of the preceding year. He died in this county near the place of his first settlement at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife died there when fift3r-six years of age. L'nto the second marriage of 'Sir. Campbell there were born four children : Romeo H.. who was born September 15, 1844. was married, had five children and died at the age of fifty-seven years. Frank B.. born July 25, 1846, and now one of the extensive landowners of the countv, living in Pe- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. catonica township, is represented elsewhere in thi< work. Emma L.. born June lo, 1850. died April 15, i8C)4. Eva M.. born I>cember 21. 1854, is the wife of Louis iSoodricb. a resitlcnl of I'air- mont. Nebraska. in his political views Mr. Cam])bell was a re- publican, but never soufjht office as a reward for iiis party fealty. He hekl a place so hi-.'^h in the esteem of his fellowmen that his death, which oc- curred .\pril 2-,. 1884, was the occasion of deep and wide spread regret. Me is still survived by his widow, who makes her home in Duraud ti)W)i- ship, and the family is uuich respected in the com- munity. No history of the county would be com- plete without the mention of Jeremiah Camjibell, who was one of the first settlers here, and aided in reclaiming the wild district for the puqioses of civilization, undergoing all the hardships and |)ri- vations of pioneer lite in order that he might make a home and gain a comfortable living for his fam- ily. At all times and under all circumstances he was loyal to justice, truth and the right, and his genuine worth made his an houored name. THOMAS w . ni:R\\ l-".\ C. I hinnas \\ . Derwent, who. after long connec- tion with agricultural interests, is enjoying a well earned ease and tlie comforts that go to make life worth living, his home being in Rockford, was born in Duttonfiekl. England, May 22. 1832. He was nine years of age when brought by his l)arents to America, the family sailing from Liv- erpool to New York city on a sailing vessel, which was four weeks in completing the voyage. They spent five or six months in the east and then made their way westward to Rockford. Illi- nois, where they also remained for a few months. The year 1842 witnessed their arrival in Winne- bago comity. The journey westward was made by way of the lakes and canal and after reaching Chicago the father and grandfather purchased horses and drove across the country to this county. The grandafther bought a claim of James Colton in Durand townshi]), and later paid the govermnent for the tract. Thomas W. Derwent. reared amid pioneer sur- roundings, assisted his father in liis toyhood days when not engaged with the duties of the school rtKim. his education iK'ing ac(|uired in a select school, taugiit by Newman Rowley. He lost his father in 1847. when fifteen years of age, after which he continued to live with his mother on the old home farm until twenty-three years of age. He then purchased his mother's and sisters' in- terests in the place and liegan raising cattle, hogs and wheat on his own account. He hauled his wheat to Chicago and marketed his pork in Mil- waukee and Racine. It would require from si.x to nine dayslo make the trip and upon his return he would iiaul lumber, salt and also goods for the merchants at Rockford. In the early days his financial resources were limited, but year after year added to his success and as his capital per- mitted he would invest in land until he became the owner of five hundred acres in Pecatonica and Duraiul townships. Mr. Derwent relates many interesting incidents of the early da\s here, being a typical ])ioneer settler, familiar with the l>rogress of the coiuitx from its early development down to the present. When a boy he attempted to cross the Pecatonica river with two companions for the pur[)ose of seeing a countryman hanged. This man was the murderer of Sheriff John W. Taylor. The raft on which they had expec'ed to cross would not hold the boys, however, and so they swam back lo shore and did not complete the errand on which they started out. When but a boy Mr. Derwent drove six yoke of cattle to a plow to break the raw prairie, for there were large tracts of land throughout Winnebago coun- ty, on which not a furrow had been turned nor an imi)rovement made. He also planted the trees which are now seen upon his farm and at the northwest corner stands a vcn,- large elm, which he set out when a mere boy. Industry and enter- ])ri.se have characterized, his entire life, and after taking ])ossession of the old homestead he made splendid improvements there, including the erec- tion of a fine residence which is surrounded with fruit and shaench. a resident of "Rockford; Mrs. Derwent: (ieorgia A., the wife MR. AND MRS. T. \V. DERWENT. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 735 of Frank McLain, who is living in Laona town- ship ; Roscoe L., who married Helen Bowman, and makes his home in Rockford; Dolly J-, the wife of James H. Smith, of Harlem township, and lulith \'., the wife of Thomas R. Puddicomb. Mr. and Mrs. Derwent are the parent? of one son, Everett, who was born September 19, 1884, and has pursued his education successively in the district schools, the Pecatonica high school and the State I'niversity at Champaign, where he is studying civil engineering, and will complete his course in June, 1906. Mr. Derwent has been road commissioner and school director and has ever championed progressive measures that have been for the general good. He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and his wife is a member of the }iIethodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee and to the support of which he has generously contributed. His residence in the county covers more than sixty years, during which his labor has found merited reward in a handsome competence, making him one of the substantial citizens of this part of the state. In the evening of life he is enabled to enjoy its com- forts and its luxuries and yet he can look back to the time when it required great efifort on his part to gain the necessities of life, and he also had to endure many of the hardships and difficulties in- cident to maintaining a home in a frontier dis- trict. HERBERT L. NORTON. Herbert L. Norton, living in the village of Du- rand. a capitalist with extensive landed interests in this county and in North Dakota, also farming and dealing in horses, was born in Laona town- ship, July 10, 1845, ^ son of Eliakim and Grace (Crowder) Norton. They were natives of Can- ada, the former born February 18, 1801. and they were married on the ist of November, 1829. They came to Winnebago county about 1844 and were therefore early settlers. The father se- cured a tract of land in Laona township and be- gan the development of a farm, whereon he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1893, while his wife passed away on the old homestead farm in 1884. They were the parents of four sons : Herbert L. : James H., who is living in Charles City, Iowa, and has two sons and five daughters ; Daniel D., who resides at Devils Lake, North Dakota; and Louis H,. who has a large family and makes his home in Wisconsin. Herbert L. Norton at the usual age began his education in the public schools and when not busy with his text-books aided in the labors of the home farm. He continued a resident of Laona township until 1879, when he removed to North Dakota, settling near Pembina, where he was engaged in dealing in horses, in conducting a hotel and in speculating in land. He was quite successful in his various undertakings. Settling at Hamilton, he conducted a hotel at that place and not only carried on business interests there, but also became a prominent factor in public life and left the impress of his individuality upon measures and movements of benefit to the com- monwealth. He was elected a member of the legislature in 1888 and served for one term. Re- turning to Illinois, he settled in Durand in 1892 and has since made his home in the village, where he has large property interests. He also owns considerable property in the vicinity of Hamilton, North Dakota, and he is interested in general ag- ricultural pursuits and in dealing in horses. He is an excellent judge of stock and is thus enabled to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. On the I ith of March, 1884, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Elizabeth Davies, of Durand township, a daughter of John and Emily (Web- ster) Davies, early residents of this county. Her father was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, March 9, 1832, and spent his childhood and youth in that country. Desiring to better his condition, he sailed for the United States in 1853 and lo- cated in Washington, D. C, where for a year he worked at his trade of shoemaking. He then re- moved to Chicago, where he also spent one year, and then came to Rockford, where he remained for eighteen months. He removed to Durand in 1857 and on the 12th of October of that year launched into business on his own account, in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He erected the building now occupied by R. Webster and afterward enlarged his business by adding a stock of clothing and men's furnishing goods, conduct- ing the store up to his last illness, his death oc- curring November 6, 1897. He married Emily Webster, who was born June 24, 1838, a daughter of Solomon Webster, w^ho came by wagon to this county from the state of New York. Mrs. Da- vies died j\Iarch 7, 1874. The daughters of the family were Mrs. Norton: Mrs. B. Morey, of Durand ; Ilattie, the wife of John Chisholm, of Pembina, North Dakota, and the mother of four sons : Bella, the wife of F. B. Smith, of Durand ; and Mattie Davies, who is living in Pembina, North Dakota. Mrs. Norton was born in the village of Du- rand, September ig. i860, and there spent her girlhood days with her parents until her marriage, to which has been born a son and daughter: Wavne L., born in Hamilton, North Dakota. De- cember 18, 1887. and now a student in the High- land Park (Illinois) Military .\cademy, and Emily Grace, born January 20. 1894. 'Sir. Nor- ton is a member of the ^Masonic fraternity and he usuallv votes the democratic ticket. His business 73(^ PAST AND PRESENT OF WTXNEBAGO COUNTY. interests have always been carefully nianay^ed and his sound judfjment and discrimination have brought him success in many business transac- tions until he is now numbered among the capi- talists of Durand. \Xl)Ki:\\ j. i.OXigi )V. Andrew J. !,ovejoy. imu- uf tin.' must pri iininent representatives nf stock-raising interests in Win- nebago county, and now president of the Ameri- can llerkshire Association of S]>ringfield, Illinois, vice-president of the International Live Stock Association of Chicago and a member of the cen- tral committee of the National Live Stock Asso- ciation of Denver, resides in Harlem townshii), owning three hundred and twenty acres of valua- ble land on sections 4, }^ and 9. He was born December 5, 1845. "" the site of his present home. The family is of English lineage and was founded in New IL-im])shire jjrior to the Revolutionary war. His father. .Nathan L I-ovejoy, was born in Sanbornton. New Hampshire. August 8. i8i8, and in 1837 came to Illinois, settling in Winne- Ijago county, where lie pre-empted a tract of land which is now owned by our subject. Nathan J. J.ovejoy was accompanied to the west by his father. In 1844 he wedded Harriet E. Plat1, at Tremont. Tazewell county. Illinois. His death occurred I'ebruary 23, 1897, at Roscoc, when he was seventy-nine years of age, while his wife passed away June 22, 1866. The members of their family are as follows : Leslie A. Lovejoy, born December 2, 1847, and now living in Al- mena. Norton county. Kansas, has two daugh- ters and one son — Crace, Sue and I^eonard, but the second daughter has been adopted by Mr. Lovejoy of this review. Henry Stillman Love- joy, born in 1861, is now living in Jacksonville, Illinois. Mary is the wife of C. E. N'aughan, a resident of the province of .Mbcrta, Canada, and they have one son, C. L. N'aughan. and a daugh- ter. Adelaide \'aughan. Andrew J. Lovejoy remained at home until about twenty-one years of age and pursued his education in the common and high schools. He also assisted his fatlier in the operation of the home farm, but on attaining his majority accepted a position in a wholesale notion house of Rock- ford, driving over the country with a two-horse wagon and selling their goods to small dealers throughout northern Illinois. Twelve years later he accej)ted a position as traveling salesman with a wholesale house of Chicago and remained upon the road for twenty-seven years, when, in 1893, he retired from commercial life. He had been very successful, liaving the ready adaptability so necessary to the traveling salesman, and he se- cured nianv ])atrons for the house which he rep- resented, so that his service was valuable and his remuneration gratifying. While thus engaged he had invested his savings in the old family home- stead, to which he remcjved in 1893. and he has since carried on general farming and has also become widely known as an extensive breeder of registered bk)oded stock, making a specialty of English P.erkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep, for which he finds a market in all ]:)arts of the world. He has the latest inijiroved facilities for caring for his stock and is to-day one of the most l)roniinent rei)resentatives of stock-raising inter- ests in Illinois. His reputation in this connection e.xtends far beyond the boundaries of the state and he has done much for the improvement of stock-raising interests here in recent years. He is now the president of the .American Cerkshire .\ssociation of Si)ringfield, Illinois, and the vice- ])resident of the International I-ive Slock Asso- ciation of Chicago, also serving as a member of its executive committee and the board of direct- ors. He is likewise a member of the central com- mittee of the National Live Stock .Association of Denver, Colorado, and was a mentber of the .State I'oard of Agriculture. ( )f the latter he was vice- ])resi(lent and general suijcrintendent from 1894 initil 1902, and at the same time was president of the Interstate Fair Association of Beloit. Wiscon- sin, lie was president of the Winnebago County .\griciiltural Association and its secretary when its groimds were turned over to the city of Rock- ford for park i)urposes. He is a student of the conditions affecting agricultural and stock-raising interests and has been the ])romoter of many pro- gressive measures of benefit along these lines. On the 27th of August, 1867, Mr. Lovejoy was miited in marriage to Miss Eliza J. \\'yman. of Roscoe, Illinois, a daughter of .\lfred and Hep- sibeth Wyman, and a native of Roscoe township, born July 12, 1846. They have one son, Wyman X. Lovejoy. who was born March 6, 1871, and since t888 has been the ]>artner of his father in his farming and stock-raising interests, while in i8i)3 he succeeded him on the road as traveling salesman, but since iix>2 has been actively en- gaged in the live .stock business with his father. He married Ruby Curtis, a daughter of II. P.. Curtis, of Roscoe. Mr. Lovejoy is a member of the Masonic lodge at Roscoe, the Roval .\rch chai^ter at Rockton, Illinois, and Rockford lodge. P.. P. O. E. In ix>lilics he has always been a stalwart repub- lican and has taken an active and bem-ficial inter- est in state and county affairs relating to the l)arty's growth and develo])ment and is a member of the comity central connnittee. He was ap- ])ointed game commissioner by ( lovernor Yates and when he entered upon the duties of the of- fice there were no fmids on hand, but lie organ- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 737 ized the work, secured the assistance of one hun- dred and twelve subordinates and turned the of- fice over to his successor with a fund of sixty- nine thousand dollars. He was also appointed registrar of the state grain inspection depart- ment with offices at Chicago and is now the in- cumbent in that position. He is likewise a director of the Winnebago National Bank of Rockford and for eight years he served as super- visor in Harlem township. In him are displayed the sterling qualities of unabating energv, untir- ing industry and diligence that never flags. He has thus become a prominent factor in stock- raising interests of the country, in political cir- cles of the state and in public affairs of his native county. His life has won him the respect and admiration of many, but at home where best known he has gained the warm personal regard of manv friends. GODFREY HILDEBRAXD. Godfrey Hildebrand was formerly known as an active, energetic agriculturist of Winnebago count}- and now with a comfortable competence is living retired in Rockford. He was born Feb- luary 17, 1845, ii^ Germany and reared in Mont- gomery county, New York, his parents being Lewis and Catherine (Jordan) Hildebrand, both of whom were also natives of Germany. The father, born in 1808, came to America and as the years passed engaged extensively in farming. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land at the time of his death, having previously given some of this to his sons. In May, 1855, he came to the west with his family, settling in Ogle county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm, spending his remaining days thereon. He had seven sons and one daughter, who reached adult age and four are yet living. Godfrey Hildebrand was educated in the com- mon schools of Ogle county and when eighteen years of age espoused his country's cause, join- ing the Union army in 1863 as a member of Com- pany F, Forty-fifth Illinois Infantr}', with which he served until the close of the war. He was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and in the Carolina campaign, and his brother Henry was a member of Company K, Seventy- fourth Illinois A^olunteer Infantry. W'hile on act- ive dutv with his regiment he was wounded in the head and shoulder in Georgia. Another brother, Theodore, was a member of the Forty- fifth Regiment, to which our subject belonged, and was killed near Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia. Godfrey Hildebrand took part with his command in eighteen engagements, was mustered out at Camp Douglas "arid received a final discharge in Chicago on the 20th of July, 1865. He had been a true and loyal soldier and his valor was demon- strated on many battle-fields of the south. In 1871 Mr. Hildebrand came to Winnebago county and while making the American Hotel his headquarters he worked by the month for three years. The careful husbanding of his resources and his unremitting diligence brought him the capital which enabled him to purchase the farm of eighty acres which he now owns and upon which he resided until 1901, when he removed to Rockford, Illinois. He now has two hundred acres of excellent and well improved land in Win- nebago township and in Ogle county and placed all of the modern equipments upon the farm him- self. There are fine buildings, well kept fences and considerable fruit in addition to well tilled fields. The farm lies near the coimty line, the new railroad has been built across the land and a depot has been established upon the place. The fields are devoted to general agricultural pursuits and there is also good pasture land for stock, and he now has eightv head of cattle, fifteen head of horses and sixty head of hogs on his place. He owns a fine home in Rockford at No. 117 Auburn Place and other lots and a residence on Summit street. In 1870 Mr. Hildebrand was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Gless, of DeKalb county, Illi- nois, with whom he traveled life's journey for about twent^'-seven years, when, in 1897, Mrs. Hildebrand was called to her final rest. They had become the parents of six children : De- Forest, who married Mona Baker and lives on his father's farm ; Ed, residing in ^lontana : Sam- uel, living at Fairdale, Illinois ; Lillie, Rosetta and Arthur, all at home. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864 J\lr. Hildebrand has been a stanch advocate of the Republican party, and he attends the camp fires of Nevius post, No. I, G. A. R., of which he is a valued member. He belongs to the Trinity Lutheran church and his salient characteristics as indicated by his church and social relations, have made him one of the representative and respected residents of Rock- ford. JAMES H. JOHNSON. As long as memory remains to the American people so long will the history of the soldiers of the Civil war he cherished by loyal citizens of the republic. James H. Johnson was among the num- ber who donned the blue uniform of the nation and fought for the Union cause. In Rockford he was known for many years as a successful liver\-- man, and in earlier days he was also identified with building operations and with agricultural 7^» PAST AND PRESENT OF WIXNEBAGO COUNTY. pursuits. He was only ten years of age when in 1854 he came with his parents to Winnebago count V. the family casting in their lot with its pio- neer settlers. He was born in New York on Christmas day of 1844. his parents being Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson. The mother died during the infancy of her son, James H. The father aft- erward lesided upon a farm in the state of New York until 1854. when he came west with his family, settling near C )wen Center in Owen town- ship. There he iiurchased a farm and was en- gaged in the cultivation of his land and the im- provement of his iilace until his death. James H. Johnson was reared on the olil family Immestead, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the district schools of Owen township and aided in the work of the farm, while later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed until after the Civil war broke out. He had watchetl with interest the progress of events in the south, and his i)atriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt to overthrow the L'nion. He re- solved to strike a blow in its defense, and on the 1st of October, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, un- der Captain Dewitt C. Herd and Colonel Wilcox. His company participated in many important bat- tles, and in the engagement at Shiloh, on the 6tli of .\pril. 1862. .Mr. Johnson was badly wounded. He lay on the battle-field for twenty-four hours without care, and was then taken to the hospital, where he received medical attention. As soon as he had recovered he rejoined his company, and, having re-enlisted as a veteran December 25. 1863. continued in active service until July 6. 1865. when he was honorably discharged. He did his full duty as a soldier and was often found on the battle-field where the leaden hail fell thickest. .\fter being nnistered out Mr. Johnson returned to Rockfnnl. where he worked at the car])enter's trade, but ill health forced him to give up that oc- cupation, and he tumeil his attention to fanning, renting a tract of land near this city on which he carried on general agricultural pursuits for nine years. On the expiration of that period he again took up his abode in Rockford. where he pur- chased a livery and boarding stable at the comer of Main and Elm streets, and was there engaged in the livery business for twenty years or until his death. He .secured a good patronage, for he earnestly desired to jilease his patrons and gave to them the best service possible. He was always founeloit. W'isconsin. to Miss Delia .X. .Smith, a native of Jackson county. Michigan, born March 18, 1845. Her parents, James and Roxana (Swiftl .Smith, were both natives of Oswego county. New York, and her father followed fanning as a means of liveli- hood. He removed from the east to Jackson county, .Michigan, and afterward made his way down the Rock river on a raft to Rockford in 1845. He then engaged in farming in the south- ern part of Rockford township for a few years, after which he located in Burritt township, where he carried on farming until 1849. In that year, attracted by the discovery of gold in California and the business O])portunities which there o])ened up, he made his way to the Pacific coast, where his death occurred. There are only two children of the family now living: Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs. John G. Henrv, who also resides in Rock- ford. .Mr. Johnson was ever (lee])ly interested in ])ub- lice affairs and was a cham])ion of every ])rogres- sive measure. He did everything in his power to promote the welfare of his city and was a mem- ber of the first fire department of Rockford, at which time the old hand pumps were used. In politics he was a republican where national ques- tions and issues were involved, but at local elec-- tions he believed in considering the efficiency of the candidate rather than the party's choice. He served as collector of Rockford for sometime, and rendered capable and honorable ser\'ice. He was a charter inember of the (irand .\rniy jjost at Rockford and was instrumental in hoMing the first camp fires of this city. He delighted in meet- ing with his old army comrades and in recalling the scenes and incidents of his military service, and in days of peace he was as loyal to his country as wluii he followed the stars and stripes on the southern battle-fields. He held membership in the First Preslnterian church, and he left to his widow an honored name as well as a comfortable competence. She now owns a large residence at No. 1 123 North Church street, where she resides. RUSSELL M.VRSII. There is nothing of more interest than to ex- amine into the history of a self-made man, not- ing the methods that he has followed and the plans that he has pursued as he has worked his way upward from a humble position to one of affluence. To this class belongs Russell Marsh, who is now living retired from active business at his home on section 17, Guilford township, having reached the age of eighty-five years. Few residents of Winnebago county have longer resided within its borders than has Mr. Marsh, who came here in the spring time of 1838, ac- companying his father and mother on their re- moval in the month of May. He was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1819, his parents being Russell and Abigail (Averill) RUSSELL MARSH. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 741 Marsh, both of whom were natives of Vermont. From the Green Mountain state they removed to New York, and afterward to Pennsylvania, whence they came to Winnebago count}', Illi- nois, here spending their remaining days. The father died at the age of seventy-eight years, prior to the Civil war, and the mother's death occurred subsequent to the war, when she was eighty-two years of age. In their family were four sons and three daughters, but only two are now living, Russell and a sister, who makes her home in California. All spent some time in Winnebago county, however. Russell Marsh, who was the next to the youngest in this famil)-, passed the days of his boyhood and youth in various places, his parents removing at different times to localities in Penn- sylvania, New York and Canada. His school life was interrupted because of this, but he ac- quired a fair knowledge of English branches in the common schools and at an early age he be- gan work on his own account, since which time he has depended entirely upon his own re- sources. He was a youth of nineteen years when he arrived in W'innebago county, and here he labored until his efforts had brought him capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm. It was in the '40s that he became the owner of eighty acres of land in Guilford township, to which he afterward added until within the boun- daries of his farm one hundred and sixty acres are now comprised. When it came into his pos- session it was covered with brush, but he cleared this away, preparing the fields for the plow, and in due course of time reaped rich harvests. He has erected a comfortable home, has adorned his grounds in attractive style and as the years passed has carried on general farm- ing with excellent success, but at the present time this place is being managed by his son, G. W. Marsh, who also conducts a farm of his own. Russell Marsh has been twice married. He first wedded Mar}- Ann Hayes, whose people were early residents of Winnebago county. She died leaving a son and two daughters, namely: G. W., who owns a tract of land on section 8, Guilford township ; Mrs. Lucy King, who is liv- ing in Kansas, about one hundred and thirty miles southeast of Topeka ; and Mrs. Rhoda Beers, of Otoe county, Nebraska. For his sec- ond wife Mr. Marsh chose Miss Maria L. Beers, who was born in Guilford township, and is a daughter of Daniel Beers, one of the pioneer residents of this county, settling here in 1837. The second wife died about four years ago. Since the organization of the republican party Mr. Marsh has been one of its stanch ad- vocates, believing firmly in its principles as con- taining the best elements of good government. 43 He served as school director and road super- visor and also filled other local offices. He was in former years a member of the Grange. Act- ive for a long period in public and private life, he now well merits the rest that has been vouch- safed to him and the respect which is accorded him when in the evening of life he is resting after arduous toil. His material prosperity has been worthily won and his fife is an exemplifi- cation of what may be accomplished through honorable business methods. His path has never been strewn with the wreck of other men's for- tunes, for in his legitimate channels of business through close application to his farming inter- ests and unremitting diligence he has won the success which he now enjoys. '(.;. PAUL L. :\IARKLEY, M. D. Dr. Paul L. Markley, a physician and surgeon of Rockford, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, west of Toledo, on the 20th of Februan,-, 1861, his parents being A. L. and Juliette (Lingle) Markley. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1 819, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio in 1825. Removing to the Buckeye state, A. L. Markley became one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Fulton county, devoting the best years of his life to agricultural pursuits, and his practical and enterprising methods gained for him a desirable competence. He died in 1892, having for two years survived his wife, who passed away in 1890. Dr. Markley, who is one of a family of four brothers, all physicians, spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, where he worked in the fields and meadows from the time of early spring plant- ing until harvests were gathered in the late au- tumn. In the winter months he mastered the branches of learning taught in the \-illage school, and then in order to continue his education he at- tended the normal school at Fayette, Ohio. Through two winter seasons he engaged in teach- ing in Ohio, but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor. He determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and to this end entered the State University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor, where he took his first two courses of lectures. He then entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago and was graduated in 1886. Dr. Mark- ley first practiced for a brief period in Nebraska, but came to Winnebago county in 1887, though he did not take up his residence in Rockford until 1895. Here he opened an ofifice, and as the years have passed by his business has increased to grati- fying proportions. During the past five or six vears he has given considerable attention to sur- 742 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. gery and has successfully performed a large nuni- l)cr of o|)crations for apjHiidicitis. in fact nearly three hundred cases in the past six years. He has a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, a steady nerve and a delicacy i)f touch and nervous sensi- hility that prove vahiahle factors in his surgical work. He is also a surgeon to .^t. .\ntliony's llos- ])ital and president of the Winnehago County .Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical So- ciety, the Central Wisconsin Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1899 he and William Crolty founded St. .Vnthony's Hos- pital, and with the assistance financiallx' and mor- ally of the other physicians oi Rockford and vicin- ity have created an institution that stan and has made his home in Rockford since 1875. He was left an orphan when a babe and began earning his living when but twelve years of age. His eeade College ; Charles, who is attending the Sisters' school ; and Nellie, who is in the millinery business. They have also lost three children. Mr. Reynolds is an earnest democrat, recog- nized as one of the local leaders of his party and in i()05 was elected alderman from the first ward, receiving the largest vote given to any member of the city council of Rockford with one exception. He has likewise been park com- missioner for two years. He is a member of six fraternal life insurance societies and also has membership relations with the Eagles while both he and his w'ife are communicants of the Catho- lic church, to the support of which he contributes most liberally. In his life he has largely fol- lowed the golden rule, doing unto others as he would huxc them do unto him. and in his busi- ness has made a most creditable record, owing his success and advancement to untiring indus- try. He does not owe a dollar and never incurs an obligation that he can not meet and within the la.st seven years he has accummulated ])rop- erty to the value of nearly fifteen thousand dol- lars. He owns the home where he resides at No. 628 Longwood street and he delights to supply his family with the comforts and con- veniences of life. He has certainly won splendid success and his history is a creditable one, prov- ing what may be accomplished through per- sistent and earnest effort guided by sound judg- ment. GEORGE S. ELLIS. George S. ICllis, who is engaged in l)lacksniith- ing in Rockton, was born in Canada, in 1840. His father, David Ellis, was a native of Vermont, and in early life removed to Canada, whence he camt to Illinois in 1845. He fellowed farming in Owen township, entering land from the govern- ment. He secured one hundred and twenty acres in his claim and with characteristic energy- began its cultivation, for not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made when the fanuly came into its possession. He lived there until his death, but did not long have the ])rivilege of enjoying his new home, for he ])as.se(l away about 1847 or 1848, when fifty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Maria Spencer, was a p. H. REYNOLDS. PAST AXD PRESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 745 native of Michigan and died in 1851, at the age of fifty-three years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom three are now Hving: Henry, who was a soldier of the Civil war and makes his home in Rockford ; George S.. of this review : and Hannah, the widow of J. B. Conklin. George S. Ellis was reared to manhood in this county, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has followed in Rockton for the past thirty years. His life has been a busy one, and whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed is attributable to his own efiforts, being the re- sult of his persistency of purpose and his unfalt- ering attention to the pursuit in whicli as a young tradesman he embarked. ^Ir. Ellis was married in Rockton to Miss Ruth Knapp, a native of \"ermont, who came to Harri- son township, Winnebago county, with her par- ents in 1847, her father being William Knapp. Five children graced this marriage, of whom three are living: Emma, the wife of P.arne\' Estes. by whom she has two children, Jessie and Fannie : Lena, the wife of Edward Shortliff and the mother of three children. Hazel, Florence and Edward : and William, who married Carrie Chatzey and has six children, Ralph, Arthur, Ora, Ruth, Clif- ford and Lois. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis also lost one daughter. Flora, who became the wife of Charles Seigel, and at her death left a son, Charles F. In his political views Mr. Ellis is a republican, interested in the gro\\i;h and success of his party, which he has supported continuously since cast- ing his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lin- coln. He served for about eleven years on the school board, was constable of Rockton township for some time and has been a member of the vil- lage board and in all these offices has been true to the general good. They have been conferred iijx>n him bv reason of his fidelity to duty and his progressive citizenship. He is a member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity of Rockton, and is a man held in the highest esteem because of his character worth. F. L. ELACKMAN. F. L. Blackman. a retired shoe merchant, whose successful life finds visible evidence in his palatial home at No. 215 North First street in Rockford. was born in Genesee coimty, New York, in Oc- tober, 1835. His parents, Levi and .\my (Dean) Blackman. were early setUers of the Empire state, the father becoming one of the pioneer merchants of central New York. He was the founder of a town on Tonawanda creek, which he named North Pembroke, and he was instrumental in securing the postoffice there and served as the first post- master. He was likewise the first merchant of the town, and was for manv vears the leading spirit in all of its progressive movements and en- terprises. Eventually, however, he came with his family to the west, locating in Rockford about 1857. Here he established a shoe store on the ground where the City Hotel was later built, and for some time was one of the prominent merchants and representative business men here. Both he and his wife spent their remaining davs in Rock- ford. They had two sons : F. L. Blackman, of this review ; and George W. Blackman, who, after spending some years in Rockford, went to the west and located near Alexandria, South Da- kota, on a farm of four hundred acres. He was a successful agriculturist and stock-raiser, his well directed labors bringing him a gratifying meas- ure of prosperity. Upon that farm he reared his family and spent his remaining days, passing away there in January, 1905, survived by his widow and three sons. Mrs. Blackman still resides in Alexandria. One of her sons. Frank Blackman, is an attorney and real-estate dealer residing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is also serving as city auditor there. The second son, George T.. is a partner of his brother Frank, and makes his home in Sioux Falls : while Dean, the voungest of the family, is living upon the old home farm near Alexandria. F. L. Blackman supplemented his early educa- tional privileges by study in the Carrv'ville Col- legiate Seminar)- of New York, and later engaged in merchandising in Alabama, New York, for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and removed to Rockford, in i860, and soon afterward he purchased the grocery business of Charles Ubeller. located where the Young Men's Christian Association building now stands. Hav- ing conducted the store for two years, he again sold out and turned his attention to his shoe trade, being for a number of years one of the success- ful shoe merchants of this city. Eventually he removed to Chicago, where he conducted a whole- sale boot and shoe business for several years, re- turning then to Rockford, where he again estab- lished a retail store, conducting the same with constantly growing success until 1898, when he retired. As a merchant he had the entire con- fidence and good will of his business associates and contemporaries, being known as a most reli- able representative of commercial interests here, never making engagements that he did not fill nor incurring obligations that he did not meet. His business record stands in exemplification of the old adage that "honesty is the best policy" and also illustrates the fact that "there is no excel- lence without labor." In 1863 Mr. Blackman returned to Genesee county. New York, where on the 5th of January of that vear he was united in marriage to Miss .\lice Halsey, who was born near Rochester, New York, on the 31st of March, 1840, her parents 746 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. being Edward and Nancy (Oauch) Halsey. Her father was a very prosperous farmer of Genesee ciiuiity. and liotli lie and his wife died in the east. In their family were a daughter and son. Mrs. iJlackman and Henry llalsey. The latter, a resi- dent of Oakfielii. New York, owns a large flour- ing mill, is also engaged in the coal business and follows farming on an extensive scale. He has two sons : Freilerick. who is engaged in business with his father; and l>ruce, a member of the med- ical fraternity of New ^'ork city, who was grad- uated from the I'.uffalo .Medical College and also of the Louisville ( Kentucky) Medical College. Mr. and Mrs. lilackman became the (larents of one son, Eddie, who was born in iSiCh) and died in 1871. Mr. niaeknian ami his wife own and occupy a beautiful residence at No. 215 North First street, which he built a few years ago. and which is one of the most palatial homes of the east side. He also has considerable real estate in South Dakota, having from time to time made ])urcliases of land — the safest of all investments. His political al- legiance has l)een given to the republican party since he cast his ballot for its first presidential nominee. John C. I-'remont. in 1856. He has voted for every candidate at the head of the ticket since that time, but has stoutly refused to accepi office himself. i)referring to concentrate his en- ergies u|)on his business affairs. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and is a liberal su])porter of the Congregational church, to which he and his wife belong. He has resided in Rockford much f>f the time for a third of a century and stands to- day among its toninost men liecause of his former activity in business affairs, his championshi]) of progressive measures for the jniblic good and his allegiance to all that is honorable and straight- forward in man's relations with his fellowman. OLIVER A. CR.VNDALL. Oliver A. Crandall. whose death occurred Oc- tober ID, 1889. was born at Penfield, Monroe county. New York, December 31, 1827, His parents were Jairus and Sarah Crandall, both of wliom were natives of tlic Empire state, where they spent most of their lives. Oliver obtained a common-school education and learned the coop- er's trade. He removed to Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1845, where he worketl at his trade until i8r)5, when be came to Rockford, establishing a large cooper shop on the water power, cnnducting all kinds of cooperage, etc., successfully for several years. He was then employed as traveling sales- man by the Rockford Knitting Works of this city, and for seven years sold hosiery in Califor- nia, after which he returned to Rockford to ac- cept a position as a representative of the com- pany here. He was a republican in politics, was a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Or- der lit the Eastern Star and Royal Arcanum. In business affairs he was reliable and trustworthy, and enjoyed the confidence of those he represent- ed. Mr. Crandall took a deep interest in church work, was a member of the Court Street Metho- dist Kpiscii]ia! church, serving as Sabbath school su])eriutendent and leader of the choir for sev- eral years. He alscj belonged to a number of glee clubs of the city, and his musical talent made him a favorite in social circles. To his family he left an untarnished name, and his memory will ever be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. In 1847. while residing at lleloit. Wisconsin, he married }*liss Sarah F. Carpenter, a native of Hoosick, Rensselaer county. New York. She was born July 27, 1828. Her parents were George and Phebc (Crandall) Carpenter, the former a native of Williamstown, Massachu- setts, the latter of Rensselaer county. New York. The father spent the greater part of his life in the Em])ire state, and was engaged in farming. He came west in 1843 and settled on a tract of land in Rockton township, where he lived until 1871, when he removed to Rockford. his death occur- ring in 1872. His widow, who is still living with her daughter, Mrs. Crandall, is one hun- dred years of age. .She is the oldest lady in Rockford. and she yet retains her faculties in a remarkable degree, having a most retentive memory. On the occasion of her one hundredth anniversary, November 16, 1904, she was ten- dered a reception, many being present. Only two of her cliildrcn are living, ^[rs. Crandall and Martha A. Hyatt, widow of Jabez A. Hyatt, of Ithaca, New York. One son, David H. Carpen- ter, died May 25, 1890. Mr. Hyatt was born September 2, 1831, and removed from Ithaca to lieloit in 1835. .\t the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in defense of the Union cause as a member of the Sixth \\"isconsin Regiment on the 28th of .August. 1862, and was killed at the battle of Bull Run. Mrs. Hyatt is living with her sister and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall were the ])arents of two children: Helen M. Dmi- ham. who makes her home with her mother, at locVi Rockton avemie : and ( ieorge. who died in infancv. |)\\ ID CARPENTER. David Car])enter. imcle of Mrs. Crandall and Mrs. Hyatt, was born in P.erkshire county, Mas- sachusetts, .March 18, 1808, and died March 9, 18*17. 'fc ^^■'•^ married to Miss Julia Pcttibone, of St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1836, com- GEORGE CARPEXTER. JACOB HYATT. MRS. PHEUE CARPEXTER, one hundred years old X'ovember i6, 1904. O. .\. CRAXDALL. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 749 ing to Winnebag'o county on their wedding trip and settling on a large farm near Rockton on the west side of the river. Mrs. Carpenter was the first white woman to settle on that side. When they came through Chicago it consisted of old Fort Dearborn and a cluster of houses. They came from Chicago by team, it requiring six days for the journey, and it seemed to them they were going to a far country indeed, but when they came in sight of the valle_v filled with groves and wild flowers they greatly rejoiced and felt that they had reached the "'promised land." At an early gathering of neighbors Mrs. Carpenter was the only professing Christian, and she urged the importance of Christian observ- ances, and through her effort a society was founded and finally a church built, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter becoming the charter members. Rock- ton owes much of its moral status to the.se early settlers. Mr. Carpenter was elected and served as su- pervisor several years. He was also one of the first jurors of the county, was president of the board of village trustees five years, and was su- perintendent and trustee of the Congregational church twelve years. At one time he. with sev- eral brothers and a sister, owned all the land between Rockton and Beloit, Wisconsin, on the west side of Rock river. The bridge at Rockton is still known as the Carpenter bridge. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter had one son, Luman N., who is still living, at Lovelocks, Nevada. Mrs. Carpen- ter died Januar}- 28, 1901, greatly beloved by all who knew her. There are but few families better known in Winnebago county than the Carpenters. JAMES A. WARREN. The world is better for the life of every suc- cessful and honorable man. His labors contribute to the sum total of human accomplishment and his example must serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what lies within the power of accomplishment to him who possesses ambition, determination and industry. Such has been the history of James A. Warren, now deceased, who was well known in Rockford. His birth occurred in Washington county. New York, May 30, 1829. His parents spent the greater part of their lives in that county, locating there during the epoch of its pioneer development, but the father died while on a visit in Lynnville, Illinois. James A. Warren made his home in Washing- ton county. New York, for nearly forty years and in early life he learned the cabinet-maker's trade and afterward successfully engaged in the fur- niture business, conducting all his mercantile in- terests with due regard to a high standard of commercial ethics. He afterward went to Al- bany, New York, where he was connected with the hotel business as landlord of the City Hotel for fifteen years. In the meantime he had pros- pered in his undertakings and on the expiration of that period, having acquired a handsome com- petence, he retired from the hotel and built a fine home near the Hudson river. For several years thereafter he was not actively connected with business interests, but later went to Chatham, New York, where he became proprietor of a boot and shoe store, which he conducted until 1888 — the year of his removal to the west. Mr. Warren was first married in Hartford, New York, to Miss Sarah Merithew, who died in Chatham, leaving one son, C. M. Warren, who is now engaged in the dry goods business in Cats- kill, New York. It was after coming to Rock- ford that Mr. Warren was married again, his second union being with Mrs. Thankful (Brown) Roberts, the marriage being celebrated in the house yet owned and occupied by his widow. She was a native of Cortland. New York, and a daughter of Abiel and Prudence (Church) Brown, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They removed to the west in i860, settling in Rochelle, Ogle county, Illi- nois, where the father followed farming until called to his final rest. Their daughter. Thankful, was first married in Rochelle, becoming the wife of John C. Roberts, of Lynnville, Illinois, who during his residence in Ogle county was well known to his friends as "Uncle John." He was born in Orange county. New York, and was a soldier of the Mexican war, enlisting in the service at Oswego, Illinois. He became a pioneer settler of Ogle county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming in the vicinity of Lynnville for several years, becoming one of the enterprising and pros- perous agriculturists of his community. His land was secured from the government. His devotion to the general good and his fitness for leadership led to his selection for several township offices. He afterward removed to Monroe Center, Ogle county, where he was engaged in the real-estate business and in loaning money, both in that coun- ty and Rockford. He also conducted other busi- ness enterprises there and was postmaster of the town for several years. He held membership in the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias lodge of Rockford, and had a wide and favorable acquaintance among his brethren of those frater- nities. He seemed to know that death was near and made arrangements for his funeral, which was to be conducted by the Masons and the Elks of Rockford. He passed away in Monroe Center March 10, 1891, and his remains were interred in the cemetery of Rockford, the funeral services being the first ever held in the Christian L^nion /y PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. church of this city. -Mr. and Mrs. Roherts had one son, Frank Charles, who married M\rtie Earl, and is now a traveling; salesman, residing at Rochelle, Illinois. Mr. Roberts had one son by a former niarriag;e, Thomas S., who is living in Chicago, where he is a traveling railroad in- spector. Following his removal to the west Mr. Warren engaged in no active business pursuits, but lived retired in Ruckford until his death, which oc- curred April 17, 1903, when his remains were taken back to Hartford, New York, for inter- ment, lie was a member of the Masonic frater- nity and Eastern Star here and in his life e.xem- pliiied its beneficent, kindly spirit, and both he and his wife held membership with the Eastern Star lodge of this city. Mrs. Warren still owns a fine residence on the I ludson which was once her husband's home. Mr. Warren was a republican in politics, while Mr. Roberts was a democrat and took a very active interest in the work of his parlv. Mrs. Warren attends the State .'street Baptist church of Rockford. She and her son still own the old Roberts homestead farm near Lvnnville, Illinois, comprising four huuflred acres of valualile land, which they rent. She also has a beautiful home at Xo. 1613 East State street in Rockford. where she resides, and she is prominent in social circles here, while her own home is justly celebrated for its gracious and charming hospitality. JOHN T. La FORGE. Jast ten years he has de- voted his energies to his present line of business — dealing in hides and tallow. Me has a plant at New Milford and employs alnuit a half dozen men in its operation, also having three teams for collecting material for rendering. He has re- cently entered into the maiuifacture of fertilizers to su|)|»ly the local demand of formers and truck- >;i( r< ill- b.id nnviouslx b.iudK(l fertilizers for Swift & Company, of Chicago. There are only two eiUer]3rises of this character in Wimiebago countx . that Ix-longing to Mr. La I'orge being situated just within the township limits of New Milford. He has a fine sewerage system in con- nection with the plant, and the business has reached extensive and ])rofital)Ie proportions. In 1888 Mr. La I'orge was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Johnson, of this county, who came here in her early girlhood days. They have five children. John, Walter, Raymond, Ralph and I'erne. In his political adherence Mr. La l-'orge is a re])ublican, hulieving firmly in the iirineiples of the party as embodied in its platform. He be- longs to Rockford camj). .\o. 51, M. W. .\., and is a member of the Court Street Methodist church. (i. 1-:. i:Ki-:i!ERG. G. E. Ekcljcrg, who from the age of twelve years has been dependent upon his own resources, justly winning the proud .American title of a self- made man, is now successfully engaged in the dry goods and nnllinery business as a member of the firm of Hill & ICkeberg. He is a native son of Rockford, his birth having occurre- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. part desire prompted eftOn and effort resulted in accomplishment, and his history is an exemplifi- cation of what may he done throngli jHTsistent ])nr])ose when guided h\ huidable ambilii)n and clear judgment. RICHARD .S. ALLEN. Richard S. .\llen. deceased, for many years a resident of Rockford. was numbered with its earlv settlers, having located here in 1849. He was a native of I'robus, Cornwall. England, born November 28, 1833, a son of Thomas Allen and a grandson of Henry Allen, both natives of Probus, in which place the grandfather spent his entire life, following the stonemason's trade. The father. Thomas .Mien, was also a stone- mason, who continued his residence in his native town and was there married to Miss Margaret Secomb, a daughter of Samuel and Joanna Secomb. Thomas .Mien died in Probus in 1841. his wife surviving until 1843. They were the parents of ten children: Samuel, l-Hizabeth, Marv. John, Mary (2d), Henry, Emma. Edwin. Richard S. and William. Alary (ist) and Henry died in England but the others of the family came to America, making their homes in the Prairie state and nearly all are yet resi- dents of Illinois. Samuel enlisted in Company D. Seventy- fourth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the battle of Little Fort. South Carolina. John .Mien was a manufacturer of artificial stone in Rockford and is now living retired in this city. Richard S. .\llen received but a common- school education in his native country and there began to learn the trade of a cutter in a tailor shop. In 1840. in company with some of his brothers and sisters, he sailed for .America and made his way direct to Rockford, where he se- cured employment in the tailoring establishment of Joe Durns. He afterward worked for Wal- lach & Bacherach for a short time and then ac- cepted a position in the shop of George R. Atkinson, a leading tailor of Rockford. with whom he remained for twelve years, at the end of which time he began business on his own ac- count, opening a tailoring estciblishment on his own account on Filast State street, where he re- mained for several years. He then removed to the west side, where he conducted business for several years, after which he returned to the employ of Mr. .Atkinson. On the 22d of July, 1837, Mr. Allen was mar- ried, in Beloit. Wisconsin, to Miss Clarissa Jane Woodworth. a native nf Durham, Canada, born l^ecembcr 7, 183^). and a daughter of Gresham and Clarissa ("Hill I Woodworth. the former a native of the state of .\'cw ^'ork and the latter of Canada. The father, removing to Canada, there resided until 1840, when he came to Win- nebago county and purchased a farm in Guil- ford township, where he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits until his death. Mrs. Wood- worth then came to Rockford. where she made her home with her children until her demise. .Mr. and Mrs. .Allen became the parents of three children. Frank S., the eldest, a glazier by trade, married Carrie E. Smith, of Rockford, a daughter of H. T. Smith, who was a stone- mason by trade and formerly resided in this city but is now living in Kansas. Frank S. .Mien and his wife reside in Rockford with his mother and they have one son. Howard R., born February 9, i8()5. Charles died at the age of ten months, and Hattie died at the age of four- teen months. Mr. .Allen conliiiueil lo work at his trade until i8<)2, when he gave u]) business on account of ill health and lived retired for about eleven years, and on tlic 9th of February, 1904, he died at his home on Harlem avenue. He was never an office seeker but was always a stanch republican and took an active interest in the adoption of the principles of the party. He held membership in Rockford lodge, No. 102. 1'. & .A. M., and in the Ancient (3rder of United Workmen and was true to the jirinciples of those orders. Mrs. .Mien, her son and his wife are all members of the State Street P)apti.st church, and they have one of the fine homes of the city, recently erected at No. 1107 Harlem avenue. Mr. Allen belonged to that class of citizens who form the real strength of the country — men w'ho are in- dustrious and reliable in business, who favor public progress and co-operate in those move- ments which secure the greatest good to the greatest number. He did not seek self-ag- grandizement, but sought the general welfare, and he was worthy of high respect. josr.Mi siii:r AKDSON. Josiah Shcpard.son, a retired farmer residing in the village of Harrison, came to Illinois in 1852, and after a year spent at St. Charles. Kane county, where he engageil in farming, he took up his abode in Rockfonl. since which time he has largely lived in Winnebago county. He is a native of Erie county. Pennsylvania. Iwrn Novem1>er 12, 1827, and his parents were Setji and Minerva , (Blakcsley) Shepardson, the foniier a native of (iuilford. \'ermoiit. and the latter of Eric county, Pennsylvania. The father was a blacksmith by trade and conducted an ax factory near James- town. New York, for some time, but his last days RICHARD S. ALLEN. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 755 were spent in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. His widow was afterward brought by her son Josiah to Winnebagro county, and died here many years ago on the 4th of De- cember, 1876, when sixty-nine years of age. In their family were two sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living : Emra, w'ho has been con- nected with the circus during the greater part of his life : Ruljy Ann, who became the wife of a Air. Luther, of Pennsylvania, and is now a widow- residing at San Diego, California ; and Mrs. Chris- tina Clement, who makes her home at Los Angeles, California. Josiah Shepardson, the other member of the family, was reared in the east, acquiring his edu- cation in the public schools there, and in earlv manhood, anxious to make the most of his op- portunities, he came to the Mississippi valley, hop- ing to benefit his financial condition in this part of the country. He w'as for seven years prior to coming to Illinois engaged in boating on the Erie canal in the state of New York. His first farm tract was in Kane county, this state, where he spent a year, and afterward was for a year in Rockford, during which time he was employed on the section of the railroad just being builded to the county seat. He next removed to Rockton and ]nirchased a team and wagon, after which he en- gaged in teaming for some time by way of Savan- nah into Jones county, Iowa. He carried goods both ways and was quite successful. He later se- cured sixteen acres of land in Rockton township. Having lost one of his horses he traded his re- maining horse and wagon for the sixteen-acre tract upon which he lived for three years. He also engaged in teaching school for three winters, hav- ing secured his certificate by passing an examina- tion before H. H. Waldo, then count}' superin- tendent. He walked from the tow-n of Harrison to Rockford. fifteen miles, and back again the same day with a foot of snow on the ground, and he began teaching the next day. After living on his first fann of sixteen acres for three years he purchased sixty acres of land, upon which he made his home for five years, and subsequentlv he bought an additional tract of eighty acres ad- joining but Iving across the boundary line in Har- rison towniship. To the further cultivation and improvement of his forty-acre farm he then gave his time and energies for some years, but event- ually sold a part of this and bought one hundred acres more in Shirland township, west of Peca- tonica river. After having disposed of a part of that to Frank Cleveland, he iDought the Oakes farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 17, Harrison township, and this he still owns. He also purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Shirland township known as the Bennett farm, and both farms are now being operated by his sons. His landed possesssions aggregate two hundred and fort}- acres in the townships of Shir- land and Harrison, and he also has several resi- dence properties in the village of Harrison. Al- though his capital at the time of his arrival in \\'innebago county consisted of but sixtv dollars, he is to-day one of the prosperous citizens of the northern part of tlie county, and his success is at- tributable entirely to his own labors. In April, 1849, in Erie county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shepardson w-as married to Miss Cordelia A. Bartlett. w-ho was born in Steuben countv, New York, April 17, 1833. and is a daughter of David and Mary ( Fawcett ) P.artlett. Her father died in 1833. and her mother passed away in Brockport, New York, in 1878, at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Shepardson had one brother and one sister: Chester, who died in Brockport a number of years ago : and Martha, who married Orin W. Turner, of Chicago, but both are deceased. L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Shepardson have been born seven children, five of whom are living: Seth D., born in Octo- ber, 1857, and now following fanning at McLean. North Dakota, is married and has five children : Annie is the wife of Amos Conklin, residing at Rockford : May is the wife of Thomas Atkinson, of Rockford, and they have one son : J. Clinton, a farmer of Shirland, is married and has three children : Elbert Le Roy, a resident farmer of Harrison township, is married and has four chil- dren. Those who have passed away are Charles L., who died at the age of seventeen vears : and Chester at the age of two years. Air. Shepardson is a democrat in his political views, although he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as assessor and collector for nine years in Harrison township, w-as justice of the peace for two terms, resigning on account of poor health, and was prompt and faithful in the dis- charge of his official duties. His w-ife is a mem- ber of the Congregational church, and thev were formerly members of the Good Templars Society and of the Grange. Mr. Shepardson is now en- joying a w-ell earned rest at his pleasant home in the village of Harrison. He may truly be called a self-made man. as he owes his prosperity en- tirely to his earnest labor and close application. He has followed a definite plan of action in his business life and his energy and capable manage- ment have been the means of bringing him in a very gratifying competence. SYL\'ESTER CLAUDE ANDRUS. M. D. Dr. Sylvester Claude Andrus, who is accorded a gratifying practice in recognition of his learn- ing and skill as a representative of the medical fraternity and is now a physician to St. Anthony's Hospital of Rockford and a member of the hos- 756 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. pital staff, was born in Pccatonica. Winnebago county, on the 20tli of April. 1872. He is a son of Henry and jane ( Love) Andrus, who are men- tioned on anotlier page of this vohuiie. He at- tended the pubhc schools and passsed through suc- cessive grades until he had completed the high school course, graduating with the class of 1890 at Cherry \'alley. His taste temled toward a pro- fessional life, and he became a student in the .Xorthwestern L'niversity of Chicago, completing a course in the medical department with the class of 1897. I1uis well qualified for his chosen profession, he located in Rockford and almost immediately iK'gan a lucrative practice. Since that time his business has constantly grown, and he is now a worthy and ca])able representative of the medical fraternity of Winnebago county. He belongs to the Winnebago County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the .American Medical As- sociation, and through the interchange of thought and CNperiences in the meetings of those organiza- tii ns he keeps informed concerning the progress that is continually being made in the practice of medicine and surgery. Always ready to adopt new methods wliich he believes will prove of bene- fit in alleviating suffering and checking the rav- ages of disease, he is at the same time slow to dis- card old and time-honored methods, whose value has been proven. Dr. .Andrus was married to Miss Edna Priest, of Chicago, in which city she was born. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, a charter member of the Elks lodge. No. 64. has at- tained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, belonging to Freeport consist- on.-, and he is also a member of a Greek letter so- ciety. MRS. DELIA A. CHAPPELL. Mrs. Delia \. Chappell, making her home in Rockford township, is well known here, hav- ing for many years resided in Winnebago county. She is the widow of John C. Chappell, who died on the 1st of July. 1880. when more than sixty years of age, his birth having oc- curred in Massachusetts in June. 1829. He was a son of Palmer and Sylvia (Hitchcock) Chap- pell and represented an old family of Massa- chusetts. W'hen quite young he accompanied his parents on their removal to the state of New York and there he was reared by an uncle until twenty-one years of age. He afterward en- gaged in the hardware business in the east until his health failed him and, thinking he might be benefited by outdoor life, he turned his attention to farming. He then came to the mid- dle west, settling in Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1855. Here he purchased a tract of land of one hundred and thirty-five acres, which is now in possession of his widow, and taking up his home thereon he made it his place of residence until his death. He was an active man of af- fairs and wielded a wide influence not only in agricultural circles but also as the supporter of progressive measures for the general good. He served as school director and supervisor and whether in office or out of it he was always loyal to the general welfare and his efforts in behalf of public improvement were far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Cha])pell was united in marriage to Mrs. Lottie Curtice, who died in 1865. leaving three children. The eldest. Azur C. Chappell, resid- ing upon a part of the old homestead, was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Bailey, of this county, and they have two children: John C, who was born in 1887 ; and I-llla G.. who was born in 1889. Azur C. Chappell now has a farm of one hundred and thirty acres of arable land, con- stituting one of the best improved properties of his locality. Ella G. Chappell, the next mem- ber of the family, is the wife of B. F. Searls, of Rockford. Alice S. became the wife of Nelson Crampton and died here in 1877. In December. 1870. Mr. Chai)i)ell was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Delia .\. Lansing, nee Brooks, who was born in New Hampshire and was a daughter of Freeman and Candace (Chellise) Brooks, who removed to the .state of New York when Mrs. Chappell was but five years of age. They later came to Henry county. Illinois, where they spent their last days. Mrs. Chappell was married to Mr. Lansing in the Empire state in 1845 ^"d came to the west in 1859, locating in Rockford. where her hus- band engaged in the drug business up to the time of his death. He passed away in Decem- ber. 1863, at the age of forty-three years. There were two sons of that marriage: Edwin H. Lansing, who is residing in Maine; and Robert W. Lansing, who makes his home in Boise City, Idaho. By the second marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Chappell there was one son, John, who now resides in Rockford, where he is connected with the Weyburn plant. He is also interested in the farm with his mother. He married Emma Mutimer and they have a son, Guy J., now ten years of age. Mrs. Chappell has rented the farm, although she resides in the old home. Mr. Chappell was a stanch and inflexible republican in his political views and his sons have followed in his foot- steps in this particular. In early life he be- longed to the Grange and he was a member of the Winnebago Street Methodist h'piscopal church. When he was called from this life his loss was deeply felt by his family, to whom he R. W. LANSING. MRS. CLARA LANSING KNOX. AIRS. DELIA A. CHAPPELL. ALTA KNOX. 44 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 759 was a devoted husband and father : in the church, where he was loyal to its teachings ; and in his community, where he furthered every substantial measure for the general g-ood. His widow belongs to the Congregational church of Rockford, nf which she has been a faithful member for over iorty years. The accompany- ing picture shows four generations — Mrs. Chap- pell. R. \\'. Lansing, ;\Irs. Clara (Lansing) Knox and Alta Knox. DAA'ID S. SCHUREMAN. David S. Schureman, who has gained distinction as an architect, evidences of his handiwork being seen in fine buildings in various cities of the country, while in Rockford many important struc- tures have been erected after designs that he has furnished, was bom in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylva- nia, April 29, 1854, and is a representative in the sixth generation of the descendants of Garrett Schureman, who was the third generation, mak- ing our subject the ninth. The family have the following history of the family. There have been Schuremans in Germany and Schuermans in the Netherlands but it has not been ascertained whether they were of one family, or of inde- pendent lines. "About the year 1300 Hermann Schurman held, in fee, a hide of land at Scuren, i. e., Scheuren, near Dortmund, Arnsberg, Westphalia. Later on Johann Schuremann was in possession of the same and of other land, in 1371, at Arnsberg, Johann Schuyrmann was enfeoffed, for himself, as well as for his brothers, Everhard and Hein- rich, of various lands among the rest, of a "manse at Holland," ( Abstract through Dr. Jacob Gould Schunnan, from the "History of the Noble Fam- ilies of Westphalia Cologne. Herberle. Lemperts", 1878 — A. Fahne. ) According to Fahne, the famous scholar and accomplished woman, Anna Maria Schuerman, was of this line. Although she was born at Cologne, her father and her grandparents were of Antwerp and she was identified with L^trecht and she seems to have as- serted herself as a Netherlander. Frederick, grandfather of Anna ^laria, fled from Antwerp, for Cologne, with his wife, who was of the house of the Counts of Lumey, on the night of October 4, 1564, leaving his property and affairs in ruins rather than to give up Evangelical religion. On that day Christopher Smith (Fabri- cius) had been mangled and then burned at the stake. Frederick, son of Frederick, in 1602, mar- ried into a noble family of Cologne, Eva, daugh- ter of von Harf and Lucia Slaan. They had at least four children : Henry Frederick, b. 1603. d. i6ti2 : John Godschalk, b. 1605. d. 1664, a clergy- man ; .\nna ^Nlaria, b. November 5, 1607, d. 1678, single, in the Labadist Community, at Wieuward, Friesland ; and William, who died in his sixth year. Anna's father died in 1623, and his widow removed her family to LTrecht, where she died in 1637. It has not been found that either of the sons married. ( Abstract by Professor Schurman, from "Kirchen-und Ketzer-Historie," Arnold, 1699 ; Anna Marie von Schurmann, Tschackert, Gotha, 1876; also "Rise of the Dutch Republic," Motley; and the "Liberators of Holland," Mrs. Charles.) The name of Schuurman is extant in Utrecht, at the present time, and appeared there in a news- paper, October 15, 1890. The Schuermans of New York seem to begin with Harman Schuerman, whose name is found at New Amsterdam, in 1649. In the records of the Dutch church. New York, the spelling with the double V is more common, and that is the present form in the Netherlands (Schuurman) ; but the older form "ue" (Schuerman) is the basis for the spelling now in use in this country (Schureman) by a mere transposition of two letters. The pro- nimciation Skureman, still prevails. The Royalist branch, who went to the Piritish Provinces, dropped the e ( Schurman ) . The New Jersey line is an independent one. It began with Jacobus Schuurman, who came from Holland in 1720. Frederick Harmenszen seems to have been a son of Harmon Schuerman. Frederick Harmenszen, van Bremen, is in a list "since 1649" of church members at New Am- sterdam : and his wife Christina Jans became such church member August 30, 1647. They had chil- dren baptized there, 1659-75 ; and other children within the same period, whose baptisms have not been found. Possibly Frederick was at one time a resident of Stamford, Connecticut, Frederick Schurman, aged eighty, appears in the list of the town of New Rochelle, NBr. 9, 1710 (October). The name of Alary Scurman, aged seventy, there follows his. There is a tradition that he took a sister with him to New Rochelle. Children of Frederick Schuerman (2) and Christina Jans : Their fifth child was Johannes : bap. N. Y., April 9, 1662, "Harmenszen." He was probably the Johannes Scuerman who owned land at New Rochelle, which formed the bound- ary of land conveyed to Jacob Scuennan in 1702. (White Plains, Lib. C. p. 126.) He seems to have been, also, the Johannes Schuerman who married Johanna ^'e^veelen. daughter of Daniel A'erveelen and .\letta Schaata. of Hackeiisack. .\fter his death Johanna was married to Nicholas Peterson. (Hist, of Harlem, p. 553.) Children of Johannes (5) and Johanna Ver- veelen : Their eldest child was Daniel ; bap. Hack- ensack, May 24, 1708: d. about 1749; m., ist, ^^'illemtie Blaauvelt: 2d, Elizabeth Helver, Ob- 76o PAST AXn PRF.Sr.XT OF WIXXEBAGO COUNTY. taincd a lot of land in New York city, .\pril 20, 1747. (Li'j- 33' 3-y-) Last will. August 30, 1749. (Lib. 17. p. 61.) Hiildrcn of Daniel ( 12) and W'illiolinina r.laauvdt ; tlicir third child was (ierrit; h. \o- vcnibcT 2y: hap. LXcenihcr 17. 1732: ni. Xew York. .March .). 1754. Wyntjo \'an iler Ilocf. Children of ( ierrit ( T,i ) and Wyntje \'an der Hoef. Their third child was Johannis : hap. O- tobcr 10. 175*): Witnesses, I'ieter Ennis and Ma- ria \'an der Iloev: wid. of Jaci->bus Rycknian : d. Asbun,-. X. J.. 1833. He was left an orphan child and was brought u|) by his .\unt .Steel. He served in the Revolutionary army while still under age. He was married three times. His first wife has been vaguely mentioned as a Miss N'alentine or a Miss Day. There was a child, Michael, baptized at Schenectndv. ( ictol-.cr 2. 17'*). son of Johan Scliurman and Catarina Merlelie. Children of John (53) and Leonard. Their oldest child was Thomas : m. September 2. 1800, Catherine .\])]ilegate. He lived and died at Asbury. X. J. Ilis descendants were mostly in Pennsylvania. Children of Thomas (79) and Catherine Apple- gate : Thomas : Henry ; William ; P.ennet ; La- Fayette, father of the subject of this sketch ; Polly ; Rachel : P.etsey ; Catherine ; .\manda : and pcrhai^s another daughter. James Schureman of another branch of the family was a member of Congress from Xew Jer- sey from 1786 to 1788 and again from 1797 until 1799. He was then chosen senator from that state to succeed John Rutherford, serving from Decem- ber. 1799, until February, 1801. He was again elected congressman, his term extending from May 2S. 1813. to March. 1815. His business was that of a banker anur years, during which time he mastered the car])enter"s trade. He after- ward followed that trade for a number of years or until 1871, when he went to Pittsburg, where he became foreman of a building business. In 1S73 he removed to St. Louis. Misssouri. w'here he again became a foreman, although at that time but twenty-one years of age. .\lways fond of music, he began taking vocal lessons under Pro- fessor Malmene and sang in Christ church of that city. He likewise became interested in sanitary conditions of buildings, and took u]) the study of architecture, and previously, while in Pittsburg, he had ])ursued a course in mathematics. In the seast)n of 1874 and 1875. Louise Kellogg, the noted prima donna, hearing Mr. Schureman sing in St. Louis, engaged him to go upon the road with her opera company. Later he was with the lulia Mathews Opera Company until her death about the close of the season, and in the season of 1875 and 1876 he sang with the .\Iice Oates Opera Company. This was the extent of his operatic ca- reer, for after visiting the Centennial Exposition at Philadeliihia in 1876 he went to Cincinnati, where he acce])ted a position with the firm of Dun- can & I'unten, contractors, with whom he re- mained until 1880. In that year he began business for himself as an architect, and among the notable buildings that he ])lanned in that city was the Wcslyan .\venuc I'.ajitist church, the Commercial Gazette building, the Hammond building, the Sen- ator Foraker residence and the home of L. C. I'lack. law partner of Senator I'oraker. He was also architect for the schoolboard for two years. He likewise built a numlxT of carriage factories, including two for the Scheler Company. In 1885 he went to Moline. Illinois, to build a factory for the .Scheler Carriage Company, and at that time opened a branch office in Rock Island. He like- wise erected the Methodist Episcojial church at Rock Island, and numerous other buildings there. In 1890 he came to Rockford to compete with twenty otlier architects for the contract for the .Second Congregational church, and was success- ful, erecting the fine church building to-day seen. Liking R(X'kford and its pcoi>le. he closed hi« offices in Cincinnati and Rock Island and removed to this city, where he has since made his home. Mr. .Schureman has furnished plans for the building of public and private structures in Rock- forfl costing in the aggregate over eight hutulred thousand dollars, including the Second Congrega- tional church. City Hall. .Xjiple's Department Store. Svea Music Hall. Rockford Brewing Com- PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 761 pany plant, the Mead building:, ^lasonic Temple, F. J. Shoudy"s residence, the H. W. Buckbee Seed Company warehouse, and the residences of Mrs. Julia Warren, W. A. Stapleton, Aubrey Barnes, William Winter. J. R. Whitehead. Robert Lind, E. E. Bartlett. ¥.' F. Nelson and A. E. Lindsey, and also the Swedish Lutheran parsonage on Third street. He also built the Illinois building, Mendelssohn Hall, the "Rockford" Hall, Trinity Lutheran church and the High, Freeman, Brown, Lincoln. Hall. Blake. Garrison, Jackson, I\Ion- tague. St. AIary"s and St. James' schools. No further comment is needed concerning the ability and success of Mr. Schureman in the line of his chosen profession to those who know aught of Rockford and her fine public buildings and private residences. In t88o Mr. Schureman was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Ashley, of Cincinnati, and they became the parents of one son, Robert Clinton, a machinist of Chicago, who wedded Celina Roy, of Kankakee, Illinois. There is one son of this marriage, Roy, who is of the eleventh generation of the Schureman family in America. In 1890 Mr. Schureman lost his first wife, and in i8gi he wedded Nettie ]\Iay Slack, of Delaware. Ohio, a daughter of LeRoy P. and Adeline (Terry) Slack, belonging to one of the old families of the United States. There have been three children of this marriage, of whom one died in infancy. David S.. who was born on the day that Colonel Tom Lawler was elected commander-in-chief of the Grand Army — September 7, 1894 — is a student in the Hall school. Adeline Isabell, born February 12, i8g6, is also a student in the Hall school. Mr. Schureman is a member of Forest City lodge. No. 12, A. O. U. W.. and in politics is a stanch republican. His business career has been one of notable successes, ambition prompting earn- est effort and effort resulting in prosperity. He is now the owner of several valuable patents in heating and plumbing. THOMAS M. CLARK. Thomas ^1. Clark, of Rockford, who for a half centurv made his home in this city, came in 1848 when this was a small village. He was bom near Swansea, New Hampshire, September 2, 1800. His father, James Clark, died in the old Granite state when quite young, and the mother and her children afterward came to the west, locat- ing in Wisconsin, where she and her two daugh- ters died. The onlv surviving members of this branch of the family are a niece, Mrs. Lyons, who resides in Hawkeye, Iowa, and another niece in Kansas. Thomas M. Clark obtained a good education in the public schools of the east, largely in Boston, and while there ne also studied medicine. He continued to reside on the Atlantic coast until about 1848, when he came to the west, settling in Rockford. Here he began in the jewelry business as one of the first merchants in that line in the city, but on account of ill health he soon aban- doned the business, selling out to Horace Buford. As he had previously studied medicine he now be- gan practicing in Rockford as a magnetic healer and built up a large practice. He effected many wonderful cures, and his powers in the line of magnetic healing made him a very successful rep- resentative of his calling. Dr. Clark was married before coming to the west to Miss Sarah Gunn, of New Hampshire, who died in this city, and the only child of this marriage, .\nna Clark, died at the age of five years and six months. In Rockford Mr. Clark was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Ellen (Morrison) Leonard, a native of Hancock county, Illinois, and a daughter of \Mlliam and Hannah (Smith) Morrison, the former a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the latter of Eng- land. Mrs. Morrison was twelve years of age when she came with her father to America, and he was the first merchant to introduce roasted cofl^ee into Philadeljihia. Air. ^Morrison was a ship-builder by trade and followed that pursuit in Baltimore. Finallv he came to the west, locating on a farm in Hancock county, Illinois, where his wife died. Later he removed to St. Louis, Mis- souri, where he followed his trade until his life's labors were ended in death. Four of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are now living, namely : Mrs. Clark : C. •\. ^Morrison, who is vice president of the First National Bank in Ellendale. North Dakota, and is also engaged in other business enterprises there ; Arthur Morrison, a well-to-do commission mer- chant of Oklahoma City ; and Mrs. Lenora Har- ford, who resides in AlcClelland. Florida. Mrs. Clark was first married to Theodore Leonard, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who was a commercial traveler, and spent his entire business life on the road. He died suddenly while visiting her par- ents in Hancock county. Illinois. Dr. Clark continued to engage in practice here until his health failed, and he finally had to give up his work. He had already invested in land in \'ernon, Wisconsin, and he again went to that place, where he purchased more land, but he lived there for only a year. He then began traveling for his health, visiting California and other parts of the country, and he lived a retired life for twelve years or until called to his final home. He passed away in the house which is now occupied by his widow, his death occurring October 21. He was a democrat in politics and in early life a member of the Alasonic fraternitv. He did not 762 PAST AND TKESEXT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. hold membership with aiiv relifjious cleiioniiiiation. but contributed to the sui)|x>rt of the I'aptist church of Rockford. In his later years lie sold his Wisconsin property and invested in city prop- erty in Rockford. His business operations were usually attended with a very desirable measure of success, and he iK-came the jM>ssessor of a com- fortable com]>etence. .so that his widow was left in easy financial circumstances. She now owns much valuable residence property in the most de- sirable section of Rockford, antl the rental from this brinj^s her a pratifyinjj ina)me. She is now residinj; at the old Hlinn home at \o. 510 North Horsman street. JOHN A. TAYI-OR. For years no new names were added to the list of dead heroes of our .\merican soldier hoys, but in i8<>8 the blast of strife attain soimded, causiu}.;- the .American citizens to thronjj to the support of the nation, and at that time John A. Ta_\lor was ainong those who foufjht for rights and liberty. He was for many years a w^ell known youn.a: man of Rockford. and his death, which occurred here as the result of an accident, was the occasion of very deep and widespread refjret. He was horn in the cast, his parents being Samuel and Catherine Taylor, who were also natives of the east hut now reside in Chicago, the father being engaged in the creamery business both in that city and in Rockford. John A. Taylor was a young lad when he ac- companied his parents to Illinois. lie acquired his education in the public schools and afterward learned the butter-maker's trade which he fol- lowed here until his removal to Westfield, Illinois, where he remaineil for several years. He then returned to Rockford, and accepted a good position in the gluco.se factor}-, of which his father was foreman. There he was emplo\-ed until the nth of March, 1903. On that day the machinery of the factory stoppefl nmning and Mr. Taylor going to investigate was caught in the machinery when it started up again and was smothered to death before help could reach him. In Rockford. in 1902, he had been married to Miss Xada Kaker. a native of Elton, Illinois, and a daughter of William H. and Charlotte A. fShamiour) P.aker. The father was a native of New "S'ork and removed from that state to Canada, where he met and married Miss Shamiour. a native of that country. They re- sided there until 1865, when they came to Winne- bago county, Illinois, taking up their abode in the village of Rockford. Mr. Baker was a black- smith and machinist by trade and followed those pursuits for several years. Subse(iuently he re- moved to Elton. Illinois, where he engaged in blacksmithing for two years and then returned to Rockton. wiiere he again worked at liis trade until 1900. On the expiration of that period he came to Rockford, where he and his wife are now living and where he is employed as a machinist. There were nine children bom unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker, four of whom reside with their parents. Unto ;\lr. and Mrs. Taylor was born a son, Charles Arthur, whose birth occurred August 9, 1903, after the father's death. Mr. Taylor was a memlx^r of the Modern Woodmen camp, of Elida, and held offices in that organization, to which he was called by his fellow nicml>ers who entertained for him the warmest regard. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and in matters of citizenship he was public spirited and progressive, always interested in everything that tended to promote the general welfare. At the time of the Spanish-American war he again demonstrated his loyalty to the government by en- listing in Company H. of the Second Batallion, under Colonel Fred Bennett, of Rockford. He held membership in the State Street Methodist Episcopal church, to which all of the members of the Baker and Taylor families belong. Mrs. Taylor and her jiarents now reside at No. 11 17 (Ireen street and she is in comfortable financial circumstances, having received a goodly amount of insurance at the time of her husband s death. AKS M. X( )L1XC Lars .\I. Xuling. whose connection with many of the leading business interests and whose ac- tivity in political circles make him one of the rep- resentative and honored citizens of Rockford. was born in Sweden, May 4. 1843. He acc|uired a good common-school education in his native coun- try, and in his home was instructed in the value of industry and integrity as motive forces in the affairs of life. He remained a resident of his native land until 1864. when at the age of twenty- one vears, he bade adieu to friends and family and emigrated to the United States. The favorable reports which he had heard concerning this coun- try attracted him. Landing on the shores of Xew ■S'ork he made his way direct to Rockford. IHi- nois, where he arrived with very limited capital, but with strong determination and laudable ambi- tion. Here he entered the emjiloy of John .Xel- son, a native of Sweden, who was engaged in the manufacture of sa.sh, dtmrs and blinds. Mr. Xo- ling had already acquired some knowledge of the use of edge tools in his native countrA-. and dis- played considerable natural mechanical ingenuity in working in wood. He continued in the employ of Mr. Xelson for two years, and ior twenty-one years did contract work for X. t'. Thompson, em- TOHN A. TAYLOR. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 765 plo}ing other men. His proficiency increased, so that his labors brought to him a good financial return, enabHng him to command positions of trust and responsibiHty. Saving his earnings he invested his capital in enterprises which he be- lieved would return him good profit. His name has now long been associated with the successful conduct of many important concerns of the citv, and he is to-day the president of the Rockford Furniture & ITndertaking Companv. of tlie Skandia Coal & Liunber Company, the Swedish Building & Loan Association, the Rockford Man- ufacturing Company, the Mechanics' Furniture Company, the Forest City Bit & Tool Company, the Rockford Union Grocery Company and Skan- dinavian Ceinetery Association. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he desired — whicli, by the way, are always o])en to the ambitious, ener- getic man — and making the best of these he stead- ily worked his way upward. He possessed the res- olution, perseverance and reliability so charac- teristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Winne- bago county, and has become synonymous not only with successful dealing, but also with in- tegrity in all active business affairs. In 1866 Mr. Noling was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Johnson, a daughter of Peter Johnson. She is a native of Sweden and emi- grated to the new world in her girlhood days in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Noling now have one daugh- ter. Mary, who is the wife of S. E. Erricson, and has three children, William, Marion and Helen. Although controlling and promoting many im- portant business enterprises of considerable mag- nitude Mr. Noling has found time to devote to the public welfare and has ever thoroughly informed himself concerning the questions and issues of the day bearing upon our social, economic and po- litical life. In 1892 he was chosen by popular ballot a member of the general assembly from the tenth legislative district and in 1895 and 1897 he was re-elected so that for three terms he served as a member of the house. He took a very active part in the discussion of important bills and measures of direct interest to the com- monwealth and was concerned in constructive legislation as a member of various important com- mittees. He did not seek to figure prominently on the floor of the house, but he used his influ- ence and efforts to advance whatever cause he deemed would ])rove beneficial to the state, and with equal resolution and energy he opposed each measure which he thought would prove detri- mental. He was on the committee on railroads and on municipal corporations and chairman on the home, loan and building associations, and he rendered efficient service. He has always been untiring in his advocac)' of the republican party, and in lyoo was elected a member of the school board, in which capacity he is now serving the fifth year. He has likewise manifested a helpful interest in church work in his city, he and his wife being valued and consistent members of the First Swedish Lutheran church, while upon the church board he has served for over thirty-seven \ears. and has been chairman of the board for twent)' years. In his four years as a member of the schoolboard. the cause of education ever found in him a friend. He has never concentrated his energies upon his business affairs to the exclusion of other in- terests in life concerning man's relation to his fellowmen, to his country and his church. Yet to those who would win material prosperity we would say that the life record of Mr. Noling con- tains man\- lessons worthy of consideration and emulation. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of in- terest to the commercial world. He has based his Ijusiness principles and actions upon strict ad- herence to the rules which govern industry, econ- omy and strict unswerving integrity. His enter- prise and progressive spirit have made him a tvpical American in every sense of the word, and he well deserves mention in history. What he is to-day he has made himself, for he began in the worki with nothing but his own energy and will- ing hands to aid him. By constant exertion, as- sociated with good judgment, he has raised him- self to the prominent position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who knrogress having been m.ide in material, intellectual or moral lines. At liiat time religious services were held for several years in the schoolhouse on what was called the island, a ISaptist church having been organized there. Later there came Irish Catholic families — the .Mc.Maurs. Dolans and others. ( )ne of the events which remains viviiil\ in the memory of Mr. Chase was hearing a lecture by H. H. Waldo upon the subject of the Real and the Ideal. He takes just ])ride in what has been accom|)lished in the comity and in the state, and through long years has been an interested witness of the growth and development of Illinois. .\one have ever doubted the sincerity of Mr. Lha.se or his devo- tion to the jirinciples in which he believes, and all who know him entertain for him the warmest regard. VRVA) !•;. STJ':RLiXG. The subject of this sketch was born at Dixon, Illinois. June 29, 1869. being the third son of Edward and Irene IJivins .Sterling, early set- tlers of tliat section. The first ten years of his boyhood were spent in Dixon, where he attended the public schools until 1880, wdien his parents removed to Huron, South Dakota, and settled on a farm near that place. They were among the pioneers of central Dakota (then a terri- tory), the subject of this sketch assisting his fatlier and brothers in developing one of the first farms in Beadle county. He attended the public schools at Huron during the winter terms and wciirked oh his father's farm during the summer until the age of fourteen years, when he entered ncwspa])er work with the Huron Daily Times, which avocation he has since followed, with the exception of three years. Mr. Sterling, in his boyhood, was consi.intly thrown in C(Mitact with men of much more ma- ture years than himself, socially, politically and in a business way. in the develoiiment of the terri- tory. On the promotion of Judge Louis K. Church, of Huron, to the governorshi]) of Dakota. Mr. Sterling, who, although youthful in years, had been his close friend and companion, was ap- pointed to the position of assistant commissioner of immigration, in which capacity he had much to d

reparation and distribution of FRED E. STERLING. PAST AND PRESH.VT OI" WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 769 literature and statistics extolling the wonders of the territor}-, resulting in its rapid settlement by home-seekers from the eastern states. Near the close of his term of office he resigned this posi- tion to accept the management of the Dakota edition to the St. Paul Globe, a supplement is- sued with the daily each Saturday and devoted to the interests of the territory. In 1890 he came to Rockford to accept the city editorship of the Morning Star, which paper he served for a 3-ear and left to take a similar position with Register - Gazette on the consolidation of the two evening newspapers. In the service of the latter he continued for nine years when he resigned to take up other work. During that period he also served as the special Rockford correspondent of the Associated Press, the Chi- cago Inter-Ocean. Times-Herald. Chronicle, Evening Post. Journal, St. Louis Globe-Demo- crat and other metropolitan newspapers. On October i, 1903, Air. Sterling purchased an in- terst in The Register-Gazette and assumed the editorship of the same. Ever since he became a resident of Rockford Mr. Sterling has taken an active, aggressive part in the business, political and social life of the city and lent his hearty assistance to every move- ment looking to its progress, welfare and up- building. He enjoys the honor and distinction of having been the youngest man ever elected in Rockford as a member of the city council. He represented the third ward as an alderman for eight years, until the spring of 1903, when, be- cause of other duties, he declined to serve longer, after having received a unanimous caucus re- nomination. He was recognized as one of the leaders of the council, a fine parliamentarian and ready debater. During his term of office he served either as chairman or a member of the most important council committees, was for three years secretary of the board of local improve- ments and secured for his ward many needed im- provements, including the new Blake school building. On his retirement from the council he was presented by his friends with a very hand- some diamond ring. Mr. Sterling is a stanch republican and has taken an active part in city, county and state politics, serving as a delegate from \'\''innebago county in every state convention for the past eight years or more. He served three terms as secretary of the Winnebago county republican central committee, being elected chairman of the same in 1904. During the presidential and gubernatorial campaign 01 1900 he was secretary and manager of the press bureau conducted by the republican state central committee in Chi- cago, supplying party literature and statistics to the country press. In 1901 Mr. Sterling was appointed by Gov- ernor Yates as land commissioner of the Illinois & Michigan canal, which he held until July, 1904, when he was appointed as a member of the board of managers of the Illinois State Reformatory, located at Pontiac. During the legislative ses- sion of 1903 he served as assistant secretary to the chief executive at Springfield. He enjoys an extensive acquaintance with and the friend- ship of a host of prominent politicians and pub- lishers throughout the state. In February, igoi, Mr. Sterling was appointed receiver of the Manufacturers' & Merchants' Mutual Insurance Company, of Rockford. by the circuit court. He made an enviable record for himself in winding up the aflfairs of this compau}', paying all loss claims in full and se- curing his final discharge within two years from the date of his ap]iointment. Ele is a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias, Royal League, Modern Woodmen and Home PVaternal League. On December 17, 1901. Mr. Sterling was mar- ried to Miss Anna C. Parmele and two children have been born to them, Arthur Edward and Olive Irene. His home is at no West street, Rockford. ALONZO BACHELDER. Alonzo Bacheldcr. although a resident of Rock- ford for but a brief period, became well known among the business men here and gained many friends. He was born in Strafiford, C)range coun- ty. Vemiont, December 16, 1820. His parents always resided in the east and both died in the Green Mountain state. In the schools of Ver- mont Alonzo Bachelder acquired a good educa- tion and then, attracted by the better business op- portunities of the west, he came to the Mississippi valley, locating in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he secured a position as express messenger, being the first one to occupy that position on the rail- road between Milwaukee and Oshkosh, Wiscon- sin. For several years he was thus engaged, after \\diich he married and removed to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, where he had charge of a flour- ing mill for a few years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Fond du Lac, where he learned the carriage-maker's trade, following that pursuit until he first came to Rockford. Here he entered the employ of his brother-in-law. Dr. j\I. D. Ogden, with whom he continued for sev- eral years, but because of failing health he re- turned to Fond du Lac, where he again followed carriage trimming. Later he began traveling for his health and received treatment in Boston and New York. He also took an ocean trip in the 770 PAST AXL) rUllSKXT OF WTXXKBAGO CUL'XTY. hope of being benefited thereby and eventually he returned to Chicago for further medical treatment but grew worse instead. He then again made his way to his old home in Fond du Lac, where his death occurred on the 22d of May, 1871. About sixteen years before that time .Mr. Bach- elder had been married, on the 19th of June, 1855, in Fond du Lac, to Aliss Eliza A. Ogden, a native of Cooksville, Canada, bom September 20, 1831, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cook) Og- den. Her father was a farmer of Canada and removed thence to Fond du Lac, where he re- sided for a few years. He then came to Winne- bago county, Illinois, and purchased a farm in Cherry X'alley township, where he carried on gen- eral fanning until his death on the 3d of January, 1874. His wife survived him until the 8th of August, 1880. They were pioneer settlers of this county and were well known, while high regard was ever given them by those with whom they came in contact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ogden were born four children, who are yet living: Mrs. BaclieUler ; Mrs. Starkweather, also a resident of Rockford ; Georgia Gertrude, who is living in Loyalton, California: and E. J. liacheldcr. who is a practicing physician of Chicago. .Mr. and Mrs. Bachelcler became the parents of five children, of whom three are yet living: Laura, the eldest, born June 26, 1856, became the wife of Qiarles P. Woodruff, who died in Connells- ville, Xew York. They had four children — Geor- gia LucUa. Tnnnan J., P.ert and .S. Mitchell — all of whom are living with their mother, .\fter los- ing her first husband Mrs. Woodruff became the wife of William .\. Jackson, who was a barber of Rockford and died in this city. There was one child by that union. Bessie May, who is a stenog- rapher of Rockford. Fred AL Bachelder, bom April 24, 1838, married Lucy P.alderson and is a shipping clerk, residing in Rockford. Carlton, born Xovember 19, 1859, has been twice married. After the death of his first wife he wedded P>essie Cowper. who is also deceased. He is now en- gaged with the Springfield Transfer Comi)any at .Springfield. Illinois. Of the daughters who ])assed away Ieing for years noble grand. His wife was also connected with the ladies' auxiliary — the Rebekah lodge — at Fond du Lac. His political views were in accord with republican principles and he always cast his ballot for the men and measures of the party. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. to which his wife also belonged, and he was known as an earnest Christian man, justly merit- ing the regard in which he was uniformly held. For some time he was the owner of much valuable property in Fond du Lac, including the site of the leading hotel of that city, and he traded the same for a pair of boots. He afterward owned other proi)erty there and also a farm near Fond du Lac, making judicious investment in real es- tate. He was a very charitable man, of kindly spirit and generous disposition, and the poor and needy found in him a friend. He was also chari- table in thought as well as act. never judging his fellowmen harshly, and to his family he was a devoted husband and father. Since her husband's death Mrs. Bachelder has returned to Rockford and has since lived with her children, now mak- ing her home with her daughter. Mrs. Jackson, at Xo. 725 Qiestnut street. REV. NICHOLAS B.WARD CLINCH. Rev. Nicholas Bayard Clinch, rector of Eman- uel Episcopal church at Rockford, was bom in Waynesville, Georgia. February 3. 1864. His parents were Duncan Lamont and Susan A. (Hopk-ins) Clinch. The founders of the family in .\merica came from England during an early epoch in the colonization of the new world and their descendants have since been prominent in affairs of state in the south. The grandfather of Rev. Clinch was General Duncan Lamont Clinch, who won his title through service in the Ignited States army and he also represented his district in congress. His son and namesake was the owner of a large rice plantation and served as a soldier in the Confederate army. He died about 1893, having for several years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1885. They were the parents of ten children, but five have passed away. Rev. Clinch, the fifth of the family, acquired his education under the instmction of liis parents upon the home plantation until thirteen years of age, when he entered Cheltenham .\cademy. at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the class of 1882. Coming to the west, he ac- cejjted a position in Chicago as a member of the clerical force in the hardware house of Hibbard, .Spencer. Bartlett Coni)>any. with whom he re- mained for six vears. when determining to devote his life to the work of the ministry, he entered the Western Theological Seminary at Chicago and completed the regular course, after which he was ordained to tlie priesthood of the Episcopal church in i8rj5. He was then called to the pastorate of Emanuel church at Rockford. after a year spent PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 771 in Grace church at Chicago, and since December, 1896, has hved and labored here, with conscien- tious zeal and untiring devotion. On the 1st of January. 1895. Rev. Clinch was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Aliss Alice Dyer Loring, a daughter of Airs. Stella Dyer Loring, of Chicago, and they now have one son, Nicholas Bayard, Jr., born June 19, 1898. Rev. CHnch is a member of Rockford lodge, I. O. O. F. He is really independent in politics, though with democratic tendencies, and is never remiss in citizenship relating to the welfare and progress of the city, although devoting the great- er part of his time to the duties and offices of his high calling. HON. FRANK S. REGAN. Hon. Frank S. Regan, legislator, lecturer and cartoonist, whose reputation is not limited by the boundaries of his county or state, but has spread abroad, as he has addressed the public from the platform, is known to-day as an influential factor in molding public opinion along lines that work for good to humanity. He was born in Rockford, October 3, 1862, his father having become a resi- dent of this city in 1840, at which date he found here a small town, giving little promise of its present metropolitan development. Mr. Regan was educated in the city schools and entered busi- ness life in connection with the compilation of a set of abstract books of Winnebago county in company with Girdon O. Williams. It required seven years to complete this task. In 1887 Mr. Regan was appointed to the position of stenog- rapher in the Illinois legislature and after com- pleting the abstract work he entered upon the reading of law in the office of A. D. Early, being admitted to the bar in 1895, since which time he has met with marked success in his practice. He has been accorded a large clientage. While he has become known in his home dis- trict as an able practitioner at the bar. Mr. Regan has become still more widely known in connection with his work in behalf of the cause of temper- ance. He has been active and untiring in his la- bors in this direction for many years and served as president of the No License organization in Rockford. upon which ticket he was elected an alderman from the fourth ward in 1895. serving for two years. He identified liimself with the prohibition party soon after the campaign of 1896 and was elected to represent his district in the state legislature on the prohibition ticket, being the only man so chosen that year in the United States. In the campaign of 1902 he was a candi- date for congress. He has made a close and dis- criminating: studv of the issues now before the public and he has delivered many addresses upon the questions which are claiming general attention. As a lecturer he has received favorable comment from press and public and his ability as an artist has been another strong element in the success which has attended his efforts upon the platform. It has been well said of him: "He is one of the few men who combine the skill of the artist with the power of the orator." A clever cartoonist, he sketches rapidly, illustrating his remarks in a manner that can not fail to leave a strong impres- sion upon the minds of his auditors. Something of the scope of his investigation and research may be obtained from the fact that he delivers lectures upon the following subjects : The American Small Boy ; Don't Get Gay ; The Fool Set ; Sun- shine in the Shadow ; Observations Out of School : and Alodern Man. while his more serious lectures have been upon The Saloon in Politics : The Fool Taxpayer : The Building of a City ; The Alob in Broadcloth ; Lhider the State House Dome, and Human Wrecks. Some one has said of him : "In all his work there is a thread of gold which leaves upon his audienc' a splendid impression and tends toward the bettennent of humanity. He turns on the searchlight of ridicule only where it ought to shine, bringing out the absurdities and follies of life in a strong, entertaining and forceful man- ner." Mr. Regan is now with four leading ly- ceum bureaus in the United States for the regular lecture courses, and is also given a large number of dates at the Chautauqua assemblies during the summer. JNIr. Regan was married to Miss Helen M. Crumb, of Rockford, June 11, 1896, and has two children : Frances C. and Leland. The family home is at No. 1201 North Church street. Air. Regan is secretary of the Rockford Chautauqua Association and was one of the promoters of this enterprise. In contradistinction to the old adage "that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," Mr. Regan's ability is much appre- ciated in his native and home city, and his circle of friends here is very large. FRED JEWETT. Fred Jewett, following farming on section 36, Harrison township, and also owning a tract of land of one hundred and forty acres in Owen township, gives his time and energies to the cul- tivation and improvement of both tracts of land. He is a native son of the former township, born November 25. 1864. and his parents were David and Martha A. (Reckhow) Jewett. The father was born in Genesee county. New York, August 24. i8ti. and was a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Bates) Jewett, farming people of Genesee countv. He came to Winnebago county, Illinois, PAST AND PRESENT OF \\IXNEBAGO COUNTY. in 1S37. settling in Rockton township, where he built a sawmill, cmc of the first in the county, lie was engaged in the manufacture of lumber for about live years, and then sold out. after which he gave liis undivided attention to farm- ing, becoming the owner of four hundred acres of land in Harrison townshi]). which farm is now in possession of his son, lirittain Jewett. The father was twice married, having lui the 15th of June. i84(). wedded Louisa R. Mosher. who died May (), 1847. On the 5th of October. 1853. he weiided Martha .\. Reckhow. who was born in lireat I'.end. Pennsylvania. March 5. 1831. and resides in the village of Harrison. Her ])arents wereW'illiam and Christiana (( 'lardner ) Reckhow, who left Pennsylvania about 1837. and the lat- ter died at Michigan City, Indiana, when they were en route to Winnebago county. The fa- ther continued on his way and arrived in this county in 1838. locating on a farm in Shirland townshi]). which he cultivated and improved, fol- lowing general agricultural pursuits up lo tlie time of his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was about eighty-seven years of age. Here he was again married, his second union being with .\manda I'.urch. who lived in this county un- til her death in 18^)4. .Mrs. David Jewett was the second of four children. Sarah Jane, the eldest, became the wife of James IngcrsoU. of Wiscon- sin, and died several years ago. .\deline became the wife of .\lden Leffingwell, of Shirland. and has also passed away. Williston died about four- teen years ago upon his farm. Mr. Jewett filled the office of justice of the peace for four years, and was the first school treasurer a))])oiuted for the town of Harrison, filling that ])osition in ac- ceptable manner for eighteen consecutive years. He laiil out the village of Harrison in 1848 and in other ways was closely associated with the sub- stantial develo])ment and im])rovement of the county. He attended the Methodist church. In his family were four children : lirittain. a farmer residing in the village of Harrison ; Nellie, who is a graduate of the Rockford Seminary of Music and has studied music in both lioston and Chi- cago, being now located at No. 34 I-angley ave- nue in the latter city, where she is engaged in teaching nuisic ; Elsworth. who is engaged in farming in Wellington. Kansas, where he has re- sided for several years ; and Fred, of this review. Fred Jewett. who was reared in Harrison town- ship. acf|uirefl his education in the country schools and also spent rme winter at .Aurora Normal School. He has followed farming all his life, and he resideil upon the farm in ( )wen township for fifteen years or until about Septemlicr, 1900, when he removed to the Marshall farm in Harrison townshi|>. He was married here February 4. 1885. to Miss Minnie Marshall. why her first marriage -Mrs. Marshall had two daughters: Ida. the wife of .Vbram Cham])ion. of Harrison township; and Edna, the wife of J. H. Halsted, of Carbondale, Illinois. .Mr. and .Mrs. Jewell have had four children: Ralph, who was born November 7, 1885, and is engage and the Masonic lodge, and both he and his wife are members of the Royal Neighbors. Politically he is a stanch and earnest re]niblican, who at one time -served as deputy sheriff and in other local offices, but he prefers to give his attention to his business atTairs. which are bringing to him a very desirable measure of success. He now carries on general farming and also makes a specialty of the raising of shorthorn cattle, of which he now has a fine herd of about twentv head. MILES O. WRIGHT. Miles O. Wright, who was connected with the business interests of Rockford for many years as a designer, decorator and painter, came to this city in 1875, being one of the worthy resi- dents that the Empire state furnished to Win- nebago county. His birth occurred in Sparta, New York, July 18, 1835, and his parents spent their entire lives in that city. The father was a .soldier of the Revolutionary war and lost one of his limbs while defending his country. He was a shoeinaker by trade and that business provided him with the means necessary for the support of himself and family. Miles O. Wright acquired a good education in the public schools of New York and afterward began to learn the trade of painting and decorat- MR. AND MRS. M. O. WRIGHT. 45 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. //o ing, being thus engaged until after the inaugu- ration of liostilities between the nortli and the south. He enlisted at Sparta, New York, on the 25th of April, 1861, becoming a member of Company B, Thirteenth New York Infantry. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he joined the army, all the patriotism of his nature being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He sustained an injury at the battle of Malvern Hill, being shot in the arm and he was mustered out on the 13th of May, 1863. Among the im- portant engagements in which he took part were the battles of Blackburn's Ford, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Antietam, Han- over Court House, Mechanicsville, the second battle of Bull Run and siege of Yorktown. After the war Mr. \\'right returned to his native state and followed the business of paint- ing and decorating in Binghaniton, New York, for a short time. He afterward went to Oil City, Pennsylvania, and was engaged in a similar manner during the boom in that locality. He worked there for a few years, receiving as high as twenty dollars per day for his services. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he con- tinued in the same line of business for three years and in 1875 ^^ came to the west, settling in Rockfoi-d. Here he entered into a contract with the oldest decorator of the city, W. G. Johnson, and remained in his employ for twenty- two years, his services being engaged on the decoration of many of the finest homes of the city. He alwa^'s kept abreast with the progress made in his line and his work was of a most satisfactory and pleasing character. At length he was obliged to abandon his trade because of failing eyesight, after which he lived retired until his death. ]\Iiles O. Wright was married in Rockford to Miss Alwilda Bush, a native of Bath, .Steuben county. New York, born .\ugust 31, 1840. Her parents, Abram and Harriet (Booth) Bush, were both natives of the Empire state and the father was a pioneer settler of Winnebago county, arriving here in 1844. He located on a farm in Guilford township on the old Beh^i- dere road and there carried on general agricul- tural pursuits for a long period, after which he went to Cherry Valley, where he engaged in mill- ing business until about fifteen years before his death. His widow afterward came to Rockford and made her home with her daughter until her demise. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Wright were the parents of two sons but lost both, Frank dying at the age of seven months, and George G. at the age of four months. They afterward adopted a son. Charles Garrett, who is now twenty-one years of age and is a baker by trade. He has always made his home with Mrs. Wright. The death of Mr. Wright occurred July 3, 1903. He was a stanch republican in politics and a member of the Grand Army post at Rockford and Ellis lodge, A. F. & A. M. He also be- longed to the Centennial JNIethodist Episcopal church and his widow is a member of the Free Methodist church here. Airs. Wright and her son are living at 1203 Jackson street but expect soon to remove to another part of the city. She receives a good pension from the government in recognition of the aid which her husband ren- dered to the country in the dark hour of her peril when the stability of the Union was threat- ened. In all matters of citizenship he was loyal, being as true to his country in da3^s of peace as in days of war and he was equally faithful in the performance of any private duty which de- volved upon him, so that he won the respect of his fellowmen. J( )nX (i. RALSTON. John (1. Ralston is the owner of one of the beautiful country homes of Guilford township, and his farm of one hundred and ninetv-two acres lies on sections 2 and 35. It is a valuable property, with good buildings and richly tilled fields, and everything abotit the place is attractive in appearance, showing the owner to be a man of practical, progressive ideas. Mr. Ralston was born in Guilford township, October 26, 1867, and is of Scotch lineage. His father. James Ralston, a native of Argyleshire, .Scotland, was born March 17, 1826, and when seven years of age was brought to America by his parents, who for eight years resided in Mas- sachusetts and then removed to Ohio, where the succeeding twelve years were passed. They then came to Winnebago covmty, first locating in Har- lem township, and later moving to a farm of his own in Guilford township, where throughout his remaining days James Ralston carried on agri- cultural pursuits, his practical methods and unre- mitting labors bringing him a desirable measure of success. He died at his home February 19, 1898. His wife, Ellen, was a daughter of John and Helen Greenlee, and was born in Harlem township, June 29, 1838 — the first white child born in the township. Her parents had located there in 1836, coming direct from Scotland, and theirs was the first home within the township bor- ders. Mrs. Ellen Ralston is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Gavin Ralston, in Caledonia town- ship, Boone county, Illinois. The members of the family are: ^^"iIliam A., a resident of Belvidere, Illinois, who is married and has one son ; Earl J., who is living in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has one son and one daughter; Martha E.. the wife of Gavin Ralston, of Caledonia township, Boone 7/6 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COIXTV. county, and the niotlier of one son and one daughter; Maggie, wlio married James A. Brown, formerly of Harlem townshi]) and now of Rockford, and died lea\ing a daughter: and John G. As a ])nblic-school .student John ti. Ralston mastered the common branches of English learn- ing, and imdcr liis father's direction became fa- miliar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, living at home un- til twenty-one years of age, when he began farm- ing with his brotlier William in I'.elvidere town- ship, Boone county, where he remained for eight years and then removed to his present farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres, lying on sec- tion 2, (luilford teloit. Wisconsin, and the mother of five sons and five daughters ; Jennie, the wife of Frank C. Hughes, of Rock Grove, Illinois, by whom she has a son and daughter : and Ora May, the wife of Fremont Randall, of Durand township, by whom she has three sons and one daughter. In his ])olitical views Mr. Colton has been a republican since the organization of the party. It seems hardly probable, in this present age of advanced civilization that there is living a man within whose memory has occurred the intro- duction of steam navigation, the building of rail- roads, and the construction of the ocean cables and the telegraph lines, to say nothing of the more modern inventions of the telephone, etc., but Mr. Colton has seen all this while in Win- nebago county. He has witnessed the trans- fonnation of wild prairies into well developed ROBERT LULTON. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 779 farms, dotted here and there with churches and schools, while in their midst have sprung up several thriving villages which were not here at the time of his arrival. For sixty- years he has lived in this county, and as one of its most venerable citizens and honored early settlers he deserves mention in this volume. Coming to America empty-handed, he has made continuous progress in his business career and his excellent farm of three hundred and twenty-five acres to-day proves his industry in former years. THOMAS B. MOORE. Thomas B. ^loore, who follows farming on section 29 and has long been known as an exten- sive and successful dealer in live stock in Roscoe township, is a native of the middle west, and in his life displays the enterprising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the rapid growth and upbuilding of the Mississippi valley. He was born in Watertown. Jefferson county. Wisconsin, on the 14th of July. 1849. a son of Stephen and Sarah (\v'aite) Moore, both of whom were natives of Bugbrook. Northamptonshire. England, the fa- ther having been born October 10. 1801. and the mother on the 13th of April, 1807. His death oc- curred January 10. 1864, while she passed away on the 17th of March. 1881. Their children were : Robert W.. born January 29. 1833. died October 8, 1868. in Kansas City. Missouri. Mary B.. born May 6, 1837, became the wife of Lewis Brown, and died May 28, 1895, at Roscoe. Illinois, leaving three children. Hannah W.. born August 4. 1 841. married Horace D. Hopkins, of Roscoe. who died May 17. 1898. leaving four chil- dren. John \\'.. born September 28. 1844. mar- ried Mary Goodrow and has one son. Martha J., born February 18, 1847. married Harris Hardy and has three living sons and lost one daughter. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Thomas B. Aloore in his bo}'hood days, his time being divided between play and work. He attended the public schools and aided his father in farming pursuits. He re- mained at home until twenty-five \-ears of age, after which he followed the butcher's trade, his father being a butcher. Subsequently he turned his attention to farming and removed to Minne- sota. He was there engaged in the hardware busi- ness for two years, on the expiration of which period he came to Illinois in 1877. settling in Ros- coe township. Winnebago counts-, where he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits on the old farm homestead that belonged to his wife's father, Luther H. Fassett. who was a very promi- nent and prosperous farmer of this locality, leav- ing two hundred and forty acres at the time of his death. He passed away October 19, 1895, having for several vears survived his wife, who died August 28, 1888. It was on the 3d of April. 1877, that ^Ir. Aloore was married to Miss Emma Fassett, w-ith whom he traveled life's journey for about twenty-two years, but on the 19th of January, 1900, Mrs. Aloore departed this life at the age of fifty-five years, leaving one son, Frank Fassett Moore, who was born in Roscoe, February 13, 1880, and was married June 20. 1901, to Clare Runyard, who was boni February 19, 1880. and is a daugh- ter of Robert and Ella (Ketcham) Runyard, of Charles City, Iowa. Unto Frank Fassett Moore and his wife have been born two daughters : Emma F., born in Roscoe. Januan- 4, 1903 ; and Eliza B.. born May 21, 1905. Mr. ]\Ioore and his son are associated in their famiing interests, and now have a valuable and extensive tract of land, w-hich they have placed under a high state of cultivation, adding all mod- ern equipments. In addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, they have engaged quite extensively in the raising of live stock, and their annual shipments return to them a good income. Mr. Moore is enterprising in all of his business interests, possesses keen dis- crimination and sagacity, and has so conducted his affair that he is now one of the prosperous agri- culturists of this portion of the state. He and his son belong to Roscoe lodge. No. 75. A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a stalwart republican. While serving for twelve years as a member of the school board he has effectively promoted the cause of education in his district, and his co-operation can always be counted upon to further progressive movements. JAMES HIXKLEY. James Hinkley. interested for many years in business life in Rockford. was born in Posey county. Indiana, in 1829, and died in this city, Jainiary 8, 1891. He came of English lineage, and among his ancestors was a governor of Mas- sachusetts. In 1858 he removed to Washington county, this state, where he followed farming un- til the fall of i860, when he came to Winnebago county, settling in Rockford. He owned a fruit farm in this locality and also established a can- ning factory in the west end of the city, the busi- ness being first located on the E. H. Skinner place. The factory had been built by Mr. Skin- ner and Mr. Hinkley purchased an interest in the business, finally becoming sole proprietor. He conducted the enterprise for a number of vears and this together with a two-hundred-acre fruit farm in southern Illinois occupied his atten- tion and claimed his time and energies until he 78o PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. had accumulated a comfortable competence, llis business interests were discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor, and his sound judgment and persistent energy were the strong factors in his success. Mr. Hinkk-y married Miss Harriet .\ndrews : also a native of Posey county, Indiana, now liv- ing at the age of seventy-three years, and they became the parents of si.\ children: .\nson .\., who resides upon a farm in Washington county. Illinois; George, deceased: .Arthur S., an archi- tect living in P.oise City, Idaho : Ella, who has also passed away: Hargrove (^tis, a florist pf Rockford ; and Raljih W.. who is secretary and general manager of the Rockford Packing Com- pany. Mr. Hinkley attended the Christian Union church. lie gave his political su])port to the re- publican party throughout the greater part of his life, but voted for drover Cleveland. lie never held office nor did he have aspirations in that di- rection, but he was not remiss in the duties of citizenship and co-operated in many measures for the general good. Ral])h W. Hinkley. a native .son of Rockford. pursued his education in the ])ublic schools, took up the study of stenogra]ihy, and was afterward employed at stenographic work for different at- torneys and as court re])orter. In 1892 he be- came connected with the Rockford Packing Com- pany, with which he is now identified as secre- tary and general manager, being one of the large stockholders. His interest in its success indicates his careful control of its affairs, a large business being annually conducted, for the product of the plant finds a ready sale on the market. Mr. Hink- ley is a republican, but like his father gives his attention in undivided manner to his business af- fairs. He is popular in the city where his entire life has been passed, and the circle of his social as well as his business ac(|uaintances is contin- uallv broadening. ASA E. CUTLER. .\sa E. Cutler, whose efforts have been char- acterized by intelligence and force, and who is now a representative of the business interests of the city, was bom in West P.mukfield, Massachu- setts, in June. 1834, his parents being Abijah and Mary (Snow) Cutler. The ancestry of the fam- ily in the paternal line can be traced back to 1630, when representatives of the name came from England. He is of the seventh generation in de- scent from James Cutler, and through the inter- vening years farming has usually bein the occu- pation of the family. Xeither have its members been remiss in rilizciisliii) nr l;u"king in lii\n!i\- to their country. .Vbijah Culler became a lieu- tenant of the American Army at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war and participated in the battle of Lexington, afterward taking part in other engagements which resulted in the estab- lishment of the republic. Asa E. Cutler is the first of the name to leave New England and seek a home in the west. His father died in Massa- chusetts at the age of seventy years, and the mother passed away in the '80s, when ninety years of age, both having been born in the eighteenth century. In their family were seven children. .V.sa E. Cutler, the fifth in order of birth, was a student in the schools of West Rrookfield in earl\ life, and afterward attended an academy at ^^'arren, Massachusetts, while his more ad- vanced coi, when he had reached the very advanced age of ninety-four years and six months, while his wife died February 14, 1879. at the age of seventy-three years. Both were natives of New York and the family is of F.nglish litieage. They became the parents of four children: Elizabeth, who married William Foss and died at their home in Wisconsin in it/32; .Mfrcd P.. of Rock- ford. who was a sho])man and worked for Mr. Manny and al.so for Emerson for about forty years ; Celona, the widow of J. T. Spencer, resid- ing in Pomeroy, Iowa ; and H. F.. of this review. H. F. Mather was reared in this county, at- tending its common schools, and he has always followed farming. In his youth he became familiar with the best methods of clearing and cultivating the fields and caring for the stock and he has never sought other occupation, but MR. AND MRS. H. F. M.VTHER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 789 in the control of his agricultural interests has met with well merited success. His farm com- prises one hundred acres of land, partly on sec- tion 13 and partly on section 18, Guilford town- ship, and his Jiome is directly opposite the sani- tarium. Mr. Mather was married to ^liss Alary E. Cook, who came to Illinois in her childhood days. She was born in ]\Iaryland and is a daughter of John Warfield, who settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, where he followed the occupation of farming, while later he took up his abode in Rockford. Mrs. Mather died in July, 1903, at the age of fifty-nine years, leaving two daughters, both born in Rockford, namely ; Mary C. who is now the wife of William Dirch and resides upon the home farm ; and Lillie E., who is the wife of George Easton, their home being in Jewell county, Kansas. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Mather, responding to his country's call for aid, enlisted in 1862 as a member of Company D, Seventy- fourth Illinois Infantry, with which he remained for about a year and a half, serving as a private soldier under General Buell. He is now a mem- ber of Nevius post, G. A. R., and thus main- tains pleasant relations with his old army com- rades. He was at one time a member of the Order of United Workmen and his political sup- port has always been given to the republican partv. He has served twenty-one years as com- missioner of highways, but he has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. For sixty-five years he has lived in \\^innebago county and few set- tlers have longer resided within its borders. He is therefore numbered among the pioneers and while he has never sought to figure in any public light, nevertheless his worth has made him a valued citizen of his community along agri- cultural lines. HON. C. HARRY WOOLSEY. The life of Hon. C. Harry Woolsey is another illustration of the fact that a man is not born to public honor or office and that success does not depend upon environment for through well direct- ed labor he has gained an enviable position in business circles of Rockford and through devotion to the general good and fitness for leadership he has become a prominent representative of the dem- ocratic party in this portion of the state, being now a member of the state central committee. Mr. Woolsey is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Worthing, Norfolk, December 25. 1854. His parents. Clare and Elizabeth ]\Ian- ship nVarnes) Woolsev, brought their familv to 46 the United States in 1862, locating in Rockford, where the father was engaged in the milling busi- ness and other operations for a number of years. He died in 1890 in this city, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1885. They were the parents of eight sons and five daughters, and three of the sons now reside in Rockford. C. Harry Woolsey was a youth of seven years when brought by his parents to the new world and his education was pursued in the public schools of this city. Putting aside his text-books, he en- tered upon his business career as a messenger for the Western Union Telegraph Company at the age of twelve years and studied telegraphy and became an operator. He was only fifteen years of age when placed in charge of the telegraph office at Neenah, Wisconsin. He continued in the rail- way service altogether for sixteen years, spending the greater part of that time in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. He was cashier in the Rockford office and ticket agent at Winona, Minnesota, and was chief clerk in the office of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Val- ley Railway Company, at Missouri Valley, Iowa. On leaving the railway service in 1887 he re- turned to Rockford and in 1889 he became one of the founders of the Skandia Furniture Com- pany, of which he was secretary for two years. Being a lover of flowers, he built a small green- house in 1898 and has since conducted business as a florist. His patronage is constantly increasing, demanding greater facilities for carrying on the business until now he has five large greenhouses in addition to an extensive salesroom. The green- houses are heated by warm water and are thor- oughly equipped for the care of the most rare and delicate flowers. His sales are continually increas- ing and the output annually brings to him a very gratifying financial income. Prominent politically as an advocate of demo- cratic principles and a worker in the interests of the party, Mr. Woolsey was in 1890 elected a member of the city council from the first ward, and for four years acted in that capacity. In 1903 he was again elected a member of the citv coun- cil and is the present incumbent in the office. In the campaign of 1894 he was elected to the state legislature on the democratic ticket and while a member of the house served on several important committees. His interest in the welfare of Rock- ford has been manifest in the tangible support which as an alderman he has given to measures for the general good, his labors proving of direct and practical benefit. In 1877 Mr. Woolsey was united in marriage to Miss Lina Cora Howes, of Rockford, in which city she was born and reared and acquired her education. She is a daughter of the late Phineas /flO PAST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Howes, a Iiig^hly respected citizen, and one of the pioneers of XV'innebajjo county, who came here in iS.V) from Xew York and died in 1894. Her mother was Maria P.arnuni. who came to Rockford in iS3t). and died in tliis city December 10. 1877. She was a distant relative of P. T. llar- niim. the .ijreat showman. Mrs. Woolsey is an accomplislied lady ])residing in a ho.spitable man- ner over her ])leasant home in which she was born in 1857, at 1055 East State street. .Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey are the parents of four children: Marie Knapp and Earl J., both deceased : l-"lla lieth. at home : and Ral])h 1 larry, a student in the Rockford high school. Mr. Woolsey is accorded rank with the leading citizens of Rockford. He is one of the live men of the day. active, energetic and enterprising. The march of improvement and progress is accelerated day by day and each successive moment seems to demand of men a broader intelligence and a great^ er discernment. With a realization of this, ^Ir. Woolsey has im])roved his opportunities and qual- ified himself to meet existing conditions in the business and political world and in both has won for him.self an enviable place. He is secretary of Rockford Lodge, No. 102, A. F. & A. M., has filled various chairs in the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he has been a member for thirty years, and also belongs to the Modern AX'oodnxn of .Xmerica. He and his family are all active members of the Christian Union church and he has served as a trustee of the same for several vears. TII.M) W. E\"AN"S. Thad W. Evans, who carries on general farm- iu"! on section 13. Xew Milford townsiiip. having here a tract of land f)f eiglity acres, was born in this townshi]). May 2-j. 1872. his jiarents being Thomas W. and Caroline (Crill) Evans. The_\ were early residents of ( )ijle count\-. and were natives of Oneida county. Xew York, coming to the west when young people. The father devoted his energies to farming and thus provided for his famih. ac(|uiring an estate of about fifty thou- sand dollars. His death occurred I'ebniary 19, 1899. His first wife, Mrs. Caroline (Crill) Evans, died in 1874. and he subse<|ueiuly married Laura E. Lewis, of Xew ^'ork. K\ the first marriage there were six children who reached adult age anans died February 17, 1901, at the age of twenty-six years, leaving a daughter. Jeanette -Maude, now six years of age. l'oliticall\ Mr. Evans has always been a re- publican and that belief has ever been the politi- cal faith of the family. He belongs to New Mil- ford camp, .Xo. 419. M. W. .\., of New Milford, and also to camp Xo. 26 of the Home Fraternal League of Xew .Milford. His business afl'airs are capably conducted, and in all of his work he fol- lows a definite i^lan of action. Both his syste- matic labors and diligence are liringing him to the goal of success toward which each man turns his face as he starts out in a business life. GEORGE PF.\XST1FL. .\mong the German-.\merican citizens who have contributed to the substantial im|)rovement and development of Winnebago county was num- bered George Pfanstiel. for through a long period he was an active factor in business life in Rock- ford. and at his death he left behind many friends who held him in high regard and greatly re- gretted his loss. .\ native of Prussia, he was born September 24. 1831. His father. Millet Pfan- steil. always remained a resident of ( iermany and departed this life in his native land at the PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 791 age of seventy-one years. He had always fol- lowed farniing-. His widow has also passed away. Their son Casper, coming to America soon after the arrival of George Pfanstiel, took up his abode in Rockford and has also departed this life, but his widow and children still reside in this city. In the schools of his native land George Pfan- stiel pursued his education, spending his boyhood davs on his father's farm. In i860, however, he sailed for America, taking passage at Bremen on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor on the 17th of November. He landed at New York, and for a year and a half was there employed in various ways. He scorned no labor that would yield him an honest employment, but thinking that he might do still better elsewhere he went to Cin- cinnati, ( )hi(), and subsequentlv came lo Rock- ford. \'arious undertakings claimed his time and energies in this city. He was first engaged in the livery business for a luunber of vears, and afterward owned a brewery. He likewise bought and sold real estate, dealing in citv propertv un- til his retirement. He also owned a farm, and his property was the visible evidence of his great activity and well directed efforts in business life. .\fter coming to Rockford I\Ir. Pfanstiel was united in marriage to ^Irs. H. C. Charlotte Groneman, who was bom in Berlin. German)-, ^lay 17, 1829, and was a daughter of Christian and Louisa (Loudwig) Brieger. Her parents were also natives of Prusssia. and her father was a miller by trade, following that occupation until his death at the age of fifty-five years. His wife passed away when onl\- thirty-two years of age. Both were members of the Lutheran church. The grandfather. Christian J. Brieger, served as a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte. Mrs. Pfanstiel was the first of the family to come to -\merica. She obtained a good education in her native country, and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic alone from Bremen to New \'ork city, spending some months in the latter place. She arrived in Rockford early in the year 1857, ^"^1 the follow- ing year gave her hand in marriage to Theodore Groneman, a native of Hamburg, Germany, who became a resident of tlie new world in t85C). He was a cabinet-maker by trade and for three years after his marriage was thus employed. He then embarked in the funiture business in connection w ith A. C. Burpee, that relation being maintained for twelve years. In politics he was a democrat and a member of the Germania Society and of the Lutheran church. He died in 1871, at the age of forty-four years. After ten years' residence in this countrv Mr. Groneman and wife went back to Germanv on a visit, and spent three months verv enjovablv, returning on the saute vessel, the A\'estphalia. Following the death of her first husband Airs. Groneman became the wife of JNIr. Pfanstiel. and they made their home in Rockford, where they had many friends among the German- .Vmerican citizens. Having no children of their own. they reared Aliss Helgren, now Mrs. Au- gust Pfanstiel. of Rockford. For several years ^liss Charlotte Beissert has resided with Mrs. Pfanstiel, who is her great-aunt, and they now occupy the old Groneman homestead at No. 518 North Third street, where Mrs. Pfanstiel has lived for thirt\-five years. She also owns other valuable property in Rockford and a fine farm of forty acres near Pecatonica. Air. Pfanstiel continued a resident of Rock- ford up to the time of his demise, which occurred Alay 23, ic;oi. In his political views he was an earnest republican, and never faltered in his ad- vocacy of any measure which he believed to be for the general good. His religious views ac- corded with the teachings of the Lutheran church, of which both he and his wife were devoted members. Coming to America with little capital, he advanced steadily in his business career, win- ning success through close application, keen busi- ness discernment and unflagging perserverance. As the years passed he was enabled to add an- nually to his savings until with a comfortable competence he retired to private life, spending his last years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He became well known here, and enjoyed in large measure the friendship of many of the German-.American citizens of Rockford. MOSES WTLLIAM GLEASON. One of the most active and energetic of the earl}- pioneers who located permanently in what is now Winnebago county was M. W. Gleason, of Guilford township. His birth occurred at Wil- liamstown. Massachusetts, September 15, 1814. and he was the second son of Jesse and Alary Gleason. He. with his brother Chase, arrived in the early spring of 1836, selected land and in conformity of the times "made a claim," receiv- ing a deed therefor when the United States governn-ient first opened a land office at (lalena, Illinois. ^^'illiam had learned the trade of blacksmith in I'lennington. \'ermont, therefore his forge and anvil were a part of the "furniture" in this hur- riedly built log cabin, being the first and only blacksmith shop for many miles around. Some of his customers came long distances, often re- quiring two days for the trip. He soon had many friends among the Indians, who were delighted with the new idea of having their ponies "shod" and their hunting im]:)lemeiUs in better shape. 792 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUXTY. They soon became very free to come to him tor aid in (hfferent ways and manifested their grati- tnde in LTenerons j^ifts of venison, tish. etc. W'lien the tribe of Pottawattamie decided to move, a son of their chief wislied to remain with tlie black- smith, bnt his father would not consent. The brotliers Iniilt a more commodious resi- dence and sent east for their father and famih'. wlui arrived durinsj tlie summer of iS^j. In this ( ileason home relijjious services were frequently Iield. and at one of these meetings in June, iS_^8. the first Sunday school was arranged for. the first superintendent being elected one week later. The mother and two sisters were among the first teachers. This Sunday school has an interest- ing Instorx . and is now known as "Pioneer Union" Sunday school, and is in a flourishing condition. William Glcason made the molds in which the first bricks were shaped in this vicinity, and in 1840 erected a brick residence, then considered a fine house. In 1842 all was ready and he re- turned for his waiting bride. Miss Eunice .\. Gil- bert, of Pownal. X'ermont. She was called to her higher home in 1852. leaving three daughters wlio are yet living: Mrs. ¥. S. DuP>ois. Mrs. J. H. Potter and Mrs. Job .Mexander. .\side from nis trade and agricultural innsuits .Mr. Glcason engaged (|uite extensively in sheep husbandry, which he made jirofitable. .-Ml who knew him felt the influence of his cheerful, help- ful dis|)osition : he was active in all work for the public benefit and especially interested in the wel- fare of young men ; often sought for in cases of illness; and had the ha|)|)y faculty of knowing the best thing to do at the right time. He was very fond of nnisic anfl sincerely ])atriotic. fol- lowing the ])racticc of reading, or having read, the Declaration of lnde|)endence every l-'ourth of July. lie never sought ])ublic office, but served in the capacity of su])ervisor of Guilford town- ship several years : al.so as school trustee. The last twenty-one years of his life he was elected as a justice of the peace, and was chosen admin- istrator of several estates. One of his mottoes was "Aim to leave the world better for your be- ing in it." When he was called from his earthly existence .\pril 22. i88_^. every one who knew him felt that tiiev had lost a true friend. CHARLES MORGAN. In the history of the pioneer settlers of Win- nebago cotmty Charles Morgan deserves men- tion for he took up his abode here about 1840. upon a farm in Pccatonica townsiiip. The traveler of to-day viewing the splendid improve- ments of Rockford and the fine farins of the surn>un() PAST AM) i'Ri:M-\l Ul' W J XX liBAGO COUXTY. his life we find an excellent example for young men just embarking in the field of activity, show- ini,"^ what may be gained by honesty, prudence and industry. In his youth he enjoyed a few advan- tages but relied solely upon his efforts, and his conduct to win for him success, not in the sense of accumulating wealth, but in doing good to otliers, in serving others well and in winning their re- s]iect. The original of this sketch was one of the |)io- neers of kockford. lie was born in the town of Southeast. Putnam county. New York, .Se])tem- ber 2-:,. 1S17. His father. Job Howes, was born in Southeast. Putnam county. New York, in 1762, of early luiglisb ancestry, and died in 18,^2. The latter named gentleman alwavs followed ai^ricul- tural purs'iits and spent his last years in I'uinam county. Xew ^'llrk. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth Eggleston. who departed this life in 1864 in the above named county. Phineas Howes was reared and educated in his native town, and when seventeen years of age entered u])on an a|)|irenticeship of three years at the car|)enter's and joiner's trade. He was then eni])loyed as a "jour" anie canal to I'uffalo, where he embarked on a lake steamer, which conveyed him to Chicago, l-'rom that then small city of but a few thousand ])co|)le. Mr. Howes was given the ])ermission to ride with a gentleman who was coming to Rockford and landed in this city in l83(j with but twenl\-five cents in his ])ocket. Rockfnrd was at that lime a very small place, the surrounding country being owned by the gov- ernment, and deer and other wild game being very |)lentiful. Mr. Howes was very desirous to secure work and better his condition in life, and soon founooiie county, but is now living re- tired in Rockford at the advanced age of eighty years. A commimicant of the Catholic church, a democrat in i>olitics. a man with strict reijard ■ ■ ■n ^M ^M ^M Ir . -^ -yP^Sj^ ^^1 H ^m fl 1 ^mi i J H| B '§/' \ ir^- -j0 iH^I w^ ■glu w^^lmmm iJIH JOHN McLEE. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBA(;0 COUNTY. 799 for the hio-luT ctliics of life, he stands high in the regard of friends and neighbors. Benevo- lent and charitable, he is both liberal in his views and in his donations to the unfortimate ones of life. Tie married Bridget Seaver, also a native of the lunerald isle, from which conn- try she came to America with her husband. She. too, was a member of the Catholic church, and she died in T899, at the age of sixty-six years. In the family were eight children, of whom five are living. John AIcLee, the seventh in order of birth, was a public school student of Rockford. He was reared upon his father's farm, but thinking to tind other pursuits more congenial than the work of the fields, at the age of seventeen vears he began learning the carpenter's trade, and has since been identified with building operations here. Sixteen years ago he began contracting, and many public buildings and fine residences are evidences of his handiwork, and are also attract- ive features in the city, noted for its beautiful homes and excellent business blocks. In 1893 Mr. ]\IcLee was married to Miss Marv Tynan, a daughter of Patrick Tynan, who was born on a farm in Boone countv, Illinois. Thev now have three children, Jennie. Bernard and Frances. The parents hold membership in St. Mary's Catholic church, and Mr. JNlcLee is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp, and also has membership relations with the Mystic Work- ers, Fraternal Tribunes and Knights of Colum- bus, while his political endorsement is given to the republican party. He is yet a comparatively young man. and his life is in harmonv with the spirit of enterprise and advancement which are dominant factors in the middle west. FRANK E. PEARSON. Frank E. Pearson, a native of Rockford, has seen no reason to change his place of residence, finding ample opportunity for the exercise of his talents and powers in business circles of this city. He is now serving for the fourth year as superin- tendent for the Rockford Manufacturing Com- pany, and his connection with the company covers altogether twelve years. Mr. Pearson was born here in 1862, his parents being Ola and Sarah Pearson, who came to Rockford in 1855. The father, who was among the early Swedish settlers of this city, was an iron molder by trade and was at one time in the employ of John P. Manny & Companv. .Subsequently when his labors had brought to him sufficient capital to permit of his investment in real estate he became the owner of a farm situated in Franklin township, two and a half miles north of Kirkland, and thereafter was one of the enterprising agriculturists of his com- munity. He died in 1899, at the age of seventy- eight years, and is still survived by his wife, who is yet a resident of Rockford. In the family were the following named : Henry, who is residing on the homestead farm : ;\Irs. O. Carlson and Mrs. Charles Krans, who are residing in Winnebago county ; Lawrence, who is a bookkeeper in the employ of the Co-operative Furniture Company of Rockford : and Alfred, who is chief engineer in a large manufacturing plant in Chicago. Frank E. Pearson was reared and educated in Rockford, attending the public schools here, the days of his bo\-hood and youth being passed in the usual manner of lads of the period. He began earning his own living as a farm hand, but for twelve years has been a representative of the Rockford Manufacturing Company. His indus- try, capability and close application won him ready recognition in successive promotions here, and for the past four years he has been superin- tendent of the plant, having under his direction sixty-five workmen. He is well qualified for the position, having become thoroughly familiar with the business in every detail, and as a practical workman who understands each department of the trade. His long connection with the house, too, is unmistakable evidence of his loyalty to those whom he represents. In 1895 ■^f'"- T^earson was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Peterson, a daughter of H. F. Peterson, who is one of the oldest stone-mason contractors of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson now have two sons and a daughter, all born in Rockford : Irving, Raymond and Eva Marie, aged respectively eight, four and two years. The parents are members of the First Lutheran church and Mr. Pearson is a republican in his political views. L'pon that ticket he was elected to the city council in the spring of 1898 and served for seven years in the most acceptable and faithful manner as a member of the board of aldermen, retiring in 1905. He belongs to Modern Woodmen camp. No. 51. of Rockford, and he is now one of its officers. Too progressive and enterprising to long occupv a subordinate position in business circles, he has gradually worked his way upward until he is now well known as a representative of manu- facturing interests in Rockford and at the same time his public spirit classes him as a representa- tive of the best citizenship. DAVID H. ELLIS. There have come to Rockford many citizens who in former years were the promoters of agri- cultural development and progress in this county and who bv well directed labor and careful man- 80D ■AST AXD PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. agemciit have become possessors of means that enable them to live retired in the enjoyment of the frnits of their fonner toil. To this class belongs Mr. Ellis, who now makes his home at No. 414 Chestnut street, Rockfonl. He was born in Can- ada, October 7, 1838. his parents being l>ivid and Maria ( Spencer) Ellis, both of whom wore na- tives of the Dominion and were of English de- scent. The father followed the occiijiation of farming in order to provide for his family, which numbered ten cliildrcn. eight of whom were living at the time of his death, while three yet survive: Hannah, the widow of Herman Kingsbury and now living in Rockfonl; Ceorge. a hlacksmith, residing at Ri.ckton:and David 11. W hile living in Canada the father engaged in the oiKTation of his farm and in 1846 he came to Winnebago county, Illinois, still a pioneer dis- trict. The homes of the settlers were widely scat- tered and few roads had been laid out, but for miles one could ride over the prairies without coming to a fence or building to impede progress. .Much of the land was still in possession of the government and Mr. Ellis entered a claim of one hundred and twenty acres in Owen township. Upon this place he built a one-story frame resi- dence of three rooms, which is still standing, a mute witness of the many events which have oc- curred to shape the history of this portion of the state. .\t the time that house was built it was considered a model i)roperty. Mr. Ellis continued to carry on agricultural jiursuits there mitil his death, which occurred in 1850, when he was forty- eight years of age, and resulted from the contrac- tion of a lieavy cold. He liad prospered in his miflertakings here, althougli his residence was of comparatively lirief duration. He brought with him some horses from Canada. l)ut otherwise his possessions were quite limited, but securing his land at the government price, he soon developed what has become a valuable farm property. David H. Ellis was a youtli of eight years when the family removed to Illinois. His mother re- mained u|)on the home farm for two vears after her husband's deatli and then rented land. Mr. Ellis of this review was thirteen years of age at the time of her demise. He lived with his broth- er-in-law. James \'. Conklin. who followed farm- ing in Owen and Harrison townships until twen- tv-one vears of age, when he turned his attention to farming on his own account, and when twenty- two years of age he was married, in iS6(j. to .\manda Ihirbank. who was born in Harrison township and was a daughter of Eli Rurbank. a native of .S])ringfield. Massaclnisetts. born Oclckford : and Thomas, who Ins been in the fire department for seventeen years in this city. -Mr. Ilurbank long remained a resident of the comity, honored as one of its first settlers and as the promoter of interests which proved of value in the substantial dcveloi)ment of this part of the state. He died in .\pril. 1892. at the age of ninety years. His political faith was that of the repub- lican party, and his religions belief that of the I.'nited Presbyterian church. David H. Ellis, responding to his country's call for aid. enlisted on the 1st of .\ugust. 18A2. as a nienilier of C<"impany .V. Seventv-fourth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until October, 1864. He (participated in the battles of Perry- ville. Stone River. Crab Orchard. Franklin and .Stevenson. He was in four diflferent hospital- while with the army and was discharged in Louis- ville. Kentucky, returning to his home on the 26th of October. 1864. When his military service was ended Mr. Ellis engatjed in farming near Rocktim for a year, after which he purchased land in Owen township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for Iwentv years. He first bought forty-four acres of land, then eighty acres and still later one hundrepi)ortimities of the great and growing west he came to Wiimebago county tiiat year and for two years thereafter made his home at Roscoe. He was employed as a farm hand by the month, breaking the prairie with (>x-teams and jierforming other arduous labor incirlent to ilevelopment of new land. .Anxious to have a home of his own he entered nne hundred and sixty acres of land from the government in Seward township in 184Q, and. breaking the wihl ])rairie with ox-teams, he planted his grain and in due course of time tiatlured grnid harvests. .\s there were no rail- roads he hauled his wheal to Chicago, where it was markilei! .-niil he perfnniierl otluT ■service .-md underwent such ex|)eriences as were common on the frontier. L'jxm his farm he placed all of the improveiuents and equipments that are found upon a model farm i>roperty of the jiresent day and he carried on his work in a practical, pro- gressive manner that brought good financial re- turn. I'or many years he was actively engaged in farming but now renting his land he lives re- tired in Seward. ( )n the 5th of May, 1855. Mr. Halsey was mar- ried to .Miss Lydia .\. Hawkins, a daughter of Jiinathan Hawkins and a native of New York. .Mrs. Halsey was born in ( )vid. Seneca county, .\ew ^'nrk. March 4, 1827, and died in Seward township. November 18, 1884. Five children were born unto .Mr. and Mrs. Halsey, of whom four are now living: William H. S.. who is a resident farmer of Seward township and is married and has three children : Mary E.. at home: .\nna M.. who is married and living in Rockford : and Samuel P., principal of the Sew- ard school. Xancy L.. who was the fourth mem- ber of the family, is now deceased. Mr. Halsey exercises his right of franchise in support of the reiiublican jiarty and its ])rinciples and belongs to the Congregational church. He was familiar with pioneer experiences when \\'in- nebago county was a frontier district and through an active agricultural life has gained a handsome" comi)etence as a reward for his labors, so that now in the evening of his days he is enabled to enjov the rest that has been honorably earned and is richh deserved. C( )1.( )XFL CIIRI.ST( )1M1I:R M. P.R.VZEE. A distinguished niilitarx service, a successful career as a lawyer and ])rominent connection with nianv of the movements which contributed to Rocklord's welfare and ]>rogress well entitled Colonel 1 '.razee to rank as one of the leading and intluential residents of this city. lie left the im- ]>ress of his individuality u])on its judicial records and its ])ublic life and came to be honored wher- ever known and most of all where best known, lie was a native of Lock]iort. Xew York, born March 10. 1832, and when twenty-six years of aX. llobart I. Johnson, deceased, was one of the ]Moneer settlers of Winnel)ago county, having taken up his abode here in 1852. He was a na- tive of Catskill, New York, born .\ugust 21. 1827, and bis parents are also natives of the lun- ])ire state, the father being jirojirietor of a hotel in Catskill until 1842. when with his family he removed to the west, making the journey by wagon. They settled in Kankakee. Illinois, but had not resided there long before the father and mother were taken ill with fever and both died there. Tlobart I. Johnson afterward returned east ti.- his native county, and during his residence there was married to Miss Charlotte L. Johns: in. a native of Southingt(jn. Comiecticut. and a daughter of Carmi and Merab Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sonthington Her father was a well-to- iiji- right, honorable Christian man, doing many deeds of kindness, and all with whom he was associated respected him for his genuine worth. Mrs. Johnson owns a nice residence at No. 507 North Winnebago street, where she and lier son, Wesley, reside. She has been in ill health since her husband's death, and her son returned from California to make his home with her. She and her children still own the Whig Hill farm of three hundred and sixty acres of very rich farming land, which is three miles west of Rock- ford, and upon his place two of the sons are liv- ing. GEORGE M. HAINES, M. D. Dr. George ^I. Haines, who in the practice of his profession in Dnrand, has attained a patron- age such as is only accorded in recognition of tlinrongh preparation and capability, was born in Greensboro township. Orleans county, \'ermont, September 9, 1846. his parents being Moses and Deborah W. (Clark) Haines. The ancestor. Deacon Samuel Haines, sailed from Bristol, Eng- land, in 1635, intending to join the Plymouth colony, but the ship was driven north by storms and wrecked on the coast of Maine, near where the city of Bristol now stands. The survivors made their way through the forest to their orig- inal point of destination, but lieing pleased with the country at the mouth of the Piscataqua riA-er, a portion of them, \lr. Haines among the num- ber, returned to that point three years later, 1638, and founded the settlement at the ]3resent site of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The grandfather of Dr. Haines went to \'er- mont in 1795. settling at Orleans county, and he died there in 1856, at the very advanced age of eightv-two years. His son, Moses Haines, was born in Orleans county, and upon the farm which he made his home throughout his entire life his son Dr. Haines was also born. On the old farm the father died in the year 1896, at the age of seventv-four A-ears, while his wife passed away in 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years. They were the parents of five children, all of whom reached adult age, namely : Abigail D., who was born in 1844, and died in December, 1902 ; George M. ; Cephas Clark, who was born in 1848, and is now living at Lakeport, New Hampshire : Sumner Caleb, who was born in 1850 and died in 1886; and Alma J., born m 1852, who became the wife of Austin Rich and lives in Glover, Vermont. Dr. Haines attended school in r)rleans county and was also a student in the academy at Glover called the Orleans Liberal Institute, from which he was graduated with the class of 1866. He afterward engaged in teaching school for a vear, but regarded that merely as an initial step to other professional labor, and in 1867 he entered upon the stud\' of medicine at A^ermont Univer- sity, where he remained for one vear. He after- ward spent two years at Columbia College in New York city and was graduated with the class of 1870. Dr. Haines located for practice in Greensboro. \>rmont, and for three years was a member of the profession there. He afterward spent four years in Orford, New Hampshire, and in 1877 came to Durand, Winnebago county, where he jiracticed until 1885. He then traveled for two years and upon his return to Durand again en- tered upon the active work of his profession. He is a general practitioner, well informed concern- ing the n.iost advanced methods followed by his fraternity, and his capability has secured him a very liberal patronage, while his strict conformity to the ethics of the profession has gained him the high regard of his brethren of the medical fra- ternity. He now belongs to the Winnebago County, Illinois State, Stephenson County and Wisconsin Central Medical Societies and also the American Medical .Association. Dr. Haines was married in 1870 to Miss Oc- tavia L. Goodrich, a daughter of Joseph A. and ( 'ctavia .\. (Wright) Goodrich, of Greensboro, \'ermont. and they became the parents of five children, of wlioiu three are deceased: Mary L., who died in 1875, at the age of two years ; Emma L., who died in 1897, at the age of twenty-one years: and Fred G., who was born in 1880 and died in March, 1881, One son, George C, born in 1884, is now a student in Beloit College of Wisconsin, and intends to enter upon the study of medicine. Helen W., born in 1885, is both studying and teaching music in Dnrand. Dr. Haines is a member of Durand lodge. No. 302, A. F. & .\. M., and he likewise belongs to Shawbenee lodge. No. 146, I. O. O. F. He held membership in the Congregational church of Or- ford, New Hampshire, and in his political views he has always been a stanch republican. Inter- ested in the welfare and progress of his town he has been called to serve in positions of public Sio PAST AND PRESF.XT OF WIXXEBAGO COUXTY. trust, and lias been president of the villa^f lioard fur three years and has since been re-elected for the fourth term. IVominent socially, profession- ally and politically, he is justly nunilx're(l anionic the re])resentative citizens of Dnrand. GIDFOX 1'.. I'F.RRV. Ciidcon F>. Perry, deceased, was horn in the town of Lee, ( )neida counlw .\e\v York. .May 31, 1829, his parents bcinjj Freeman and Han- nah (Peckham) Perry. The father was a civil enjjineer and surveyed a lartrc portion of western Xew York at a time when that was a new and unimproved district. He was horn in Rhode Isl- and was a cousin of ( Miver 11. Perry, the hero of I.akc Erie. Poth lie and his wife died in ( >neida county. (iiileon n. Perry obtained his education in I'tica, Xew York, where he was reared. Ilr tauj^ht school there for many years and was a most sucessful educator. He came of an ances- try devoted to professional life and his lines of life were cast in harmony therewith in early years. Later he came to the middle west, settlins; in WiiinebaLTo county, where lie devoted his at- tention to ajjriculuue. which (ieorjje \\'ashin.ij- ton said was "the most useful and the most hon- orable occupation of man." It was in the year 1855 that he arrived in this county, settlinij in Shirland township, where he purchased land, be- coming; owner of about two hundred and twenty acns. Later he sold a part of this but the estate now embraces one Inmdred and forty acres, which are cultivated by his son. Frank D. I'erry. After comiiifj to this county he cnga;4:ed in teaching school for several vvii'ter terms, while tlie summer months were devoted to general a.rri cultural pursuits. He was thus one of the early educators of the community and his intluence was ever given on the side of intelleclual develoijuieiit as well as material and moral progress. Mr. I'erry was first married in 1855 to Miss b'Uen Waid, of Xew Y(jrk, who died in iSfio, leaving two children : Charles \\'.. who is re- siding on a farm in Shirland township: and .Al- bert (i., of Winnebago township. In 1863 Mr, Perry married Miss Kizzie tilcason of this C(»unty and formerly of Wellsville, ( )hio. To them was born a son, I'rank I)., who lives on the old homestead. Mr. Perry was a reimblican in his political views and was called to several local offices bv his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. His life was at all times honorable aiilace Cf)miirises two hundred and forty acres of land and was a wild and unimproved tract when it came into possession of the uncle. Daniel Dow, who about 1837 or 18^8 arrived in Chicago. Illinois, there remaining until 1841. when lie came to Rockford. Locating in the city he conducted a shoemaking establishment and although he secured land he never farmed, lie was, however, one of the well known busi- ness men of the county seat and at his death was one of the most venerable pioneers, having continued his residence in Rockford until called to his final rest in Xovember. 1903. when in his ninety-sixth year. For many years he had been a grain-buyer and for more than forty years had operated on tlie Hoard of Trade, being a very successful speculator. He also owned the store now occupied by Mr. Wheelock, a merchant of Rockford. and of this property his grandson Daniel is now trustee. .V notable figure in pioneer times and through the period of later progress and development he deserves mention among the founders and upbuilders of the city, where he was long so widel\' and favorablv known. Charles Dow, the father of our subject, taking u|) liis abode upt)n the land which his brother Daniel Jiad entered, carried on farming here until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1865, when he was about fifty-eight years of age. His mother afterward rented the farm and re- moved to South Rockford. where she died in i8(;i. when about seventy years of age. Both were natives of Scotland, t!ie father being a Highlander, born in Perthshire, while the mother's birth occurred in. the city of Edinburgh. Coming to .\nierica, Charles Dow. as the result of his study of the jiolitical issues and conditions of the country, gave a stalwart support to the re])ublican party. He served in some local offices and in matters of citizenshi]) could be counted upon to support progressive measures for the general good. He held membership in the Pres- byterian church and lived an honorable, upright life. In the family were three sons and five daughters, who reached adult age, but only two sons and two daughters are now living, namely: Charles ]'>.: Mrs. .'■1. W. Stanley, of Wyoming; William 1!. Dow, of .Aberdeen. South Dakota, who is engaged in the hardware business : and Mrs. J. W. Lake, of Jolict. Illinois, whose hus- band is a railroad man. Those deceased are: .Mrs. J. .\.. D. C"ore\-. who died at Cheyenne. Wy- oming; Mrs. Dr. Sager, who died in Rockford; and two who died in infancy. Charles 15. Dow was reared in Winnebago County, being less than a year old when brought by his ])arents to .\merica. Here he s|)ent tin greater ])art of his life. In i8Af), however, he drove ox-teams across the ])lains and S])ent three years in .Montana, traveling with a party of which Judge P.ailcy was also a member. He worked in liutte City in the sjiring of 1867, hav- ing previously been emi)loye(l for a time at \'ir- ginia Chv. He then returned to this countv MR. AXD MRS. CHARLES B. DOW PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 815 and took up his abode upon the homestead farm, which he later purchased from the estate and upon which he has since resided. He has al- ways carried on general agricultural pursuits and he also operates a dairy, supplying milk to many patrons in Rockford. In addition to the one hundred and sixty acres of land in the home place he has an interest in the two hundred and forty acre farm in liurritt township, which was originally entered from the government by his uncle Daniel. He has a finely improved farm. on which are large and substantial buildings, ad- mirably situated, and his home is only about four miles west of Rockford on the state road. Mr. Dow was married in this county to Miss Emma AI. Tullock, who was born in Burritt township, in 1S50, and was a daughter of George and Mary A. ( ^Nlilne) Tullock, one of the early settlers of the county, who died at his home in ( )wen township about five years ago. His sons raise a large amount of fruit, including the well known Tullock strawberry', and they have a wide reputation as successful agriculturists. Mrs. Dow was afforded liberal educational privileges, being graduated from the Rockford high school, after which she taught for three years where the Lincoln school is now located. She was a lady of superior intellectual culture and natural refinement and her death, which occurred June 2(). 1904, when she was fifty-four years of age, was deeply regretted b\- man\- friends as well as her immediate family. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Dow were born two children, Daniel C. and E. Myrtle, both born in this county. The daughter is yet at home. The son acts as trustee of the Daniel Dow estate and is also associated with his father in the operation of large farming interests. Politically Mr. Dow is a republican, thor- oughly in sympathy with the principles of the party, while fraternally he is connected with the ]\Iodern W'oodmen of America. As almost his entire life has been passed in this county he is well known to many citizens here and the cjualities of manhood which he has ever displayed have been such as to commend him to the con- fidence and respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought liim ill contact. R. C. :\]ILLER. R. C. Miller, superintendent of the W'innebago countv alms house and poor farm, located on sec- tion I, Rockford township, has been in charge here since October, 1902. He has lived in Win- nebago county throughout almost his entire life, for, although he was born in New Jersey, in 1852. he was brought to Illinois before he had com- pleted his first vear. He was a son of ]\I. M. and jiar}- W. (Compton) Miller, who located in Owen township in 1853. They were farming peo- ple and remained residents of Winnebago county until called to their final home. Mr. Aliller of this review has three brothers who are farming people of Rockton township. He was reared and educated in Owen town- ship, being indebted to the public-school system for the mental discipline which he received. After putting aside his text-books he devoted his atten- tion to farm labor and carried on general agricul- tural pursuits until about seven years ago, when he began to give his undivided attention to buying and selling stock. He still owns, however, a good farm in Shirland township, which is rented. In October, 1902, he was appointed by the board of county supervisors as superintendent of the Win- nebago county alms house. The present building was erected in T883 and has a capacity of about one hundred inmates, there being between eighty and eighty-five there at the present time. The farm comprises one hundred and fifty acres, Iving on section I, Rockford township, and able-bodied inmates of the place assist in the operation of the land. The buildings are thoroughly up-to-date, supplied with all modern equipments, and in fact this is one of the model alms houses of the state, each occupant having a separate room. General farming is carried on, while six acres is devoted to gardening, and there is a large orchard and much small fruit upon the place. Grain and stock are raised quite extensively and a sufficient num- ber of cows is kept to furnish butter for the en- tire institution. The work is done in systematic, methodical manner, and under the supervision of IMr. Miller the farm is a paying institution. 'Sir. Miller was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss E. M. Capron. who was born in Canada in 1854. and is a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Scott) Capron. who removed to Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1856, settling in Beloit township, where the\- made their home during the greater part of the time until they departed this life. The father died about fourteen years ago, while his wife passed awav eighteen years ago. ]\Iost of their children still reside in Rock county, although some live elsewhere. !\Trs. ?i[iller was reared in Rock county, making her home there up to the time of her marriage. By this union four children have been born, all natives of Winnebago county: Arthur, residing on a fami in Shirland township, who married Ethel Zahm, and has one son. Er- nest, now two years of age : Myrtle, the wife of Frederick De Berard, a resident of Colorado, and the mother of two children, Marie and Fayette : and Iva and Favette. both residing- at home. Politically Mr. Miller is a republican, never faltering in support of the party since age gave him the right of franchise. He has been some- what prominent in local political circles and his 8i6 PAST A\D PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. fellow townsmen in recognition of his wortli and ability have conferred upon him a number of pub- lic offices. He served as supervisor of Shirland township for two terms and for nine terms as its assessor and his public duties were disciiarged with promptness and fidelity. I'.olli he and his wife are memljcrs of the .Methodist Episcopal i-lniiih of .'■^hirland. LORENZO n. CROW 1:1. 1., .Ik. Lorenzo H. Crowell. Jr.. who is now pr(i])rie- tor of a greenhouse in ( )wen township, and is one of the re])resentative young business men of the community, was born in this township on the old family homestead. December 14. 1884. Mis father. Lorenzo H. Crowell. Sr., was also born on the old homestead, .\])ril 14. 1854. and was a son of Ezekial Crowell. The last named was horn in l'>erwick. York county. Maine. ( )c- tober 24. 1813. and died in his seventy-third year. .\t the age of ten years lie left home on account of his father's death, lie was the yoimgest in a large family of ten children and it was necessar\ that he start out and earn a living for himself. ( )n the 25th of December. 1843, he was married to Miss llamiah i'eters at Lowell. Massachusetts, and some years after- ward they removed to Steubenville. ( )hio. where Mr. Crowell took up the study of law under Ivhvin M. Stanton. He was afterward admitted to the bar. but never practiced much, and re- turned again to the east to resume the position of weaver in one of the large woolen mills. In 1851 he came to Winnebago county. Illinois, and |)urchased a fine farm in (Jwen townshi]). where lie resided for a number of years, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits until 1861, when he took u|) his a1)odc in Rockford. there making his home to the time of his death. Dur- ing the Civil war he carried passengers to and from the old camp ground, but in his later years he lived retired, having a sufficient income to keep him withcjut work. He was an honest, up- rii^ht man. always considerate in his treatment of others. It is said that he never wronged a single individual in any way. He was regarded as a good neighbor, a faithful friend and a de- voted husbanrl aiul father, and in these resjiects his example is well worthy of emulation. In religimis faith he was a S|iiritualisl. with a firm belief in jjrogression after ilealh. His wife, who was born in I'.erwick township, ^'ork coun- ty. Maine, January 14. 1821, long survived her hnsbanrl. spending her last years in the home of her son, .\. E. Crowell. where she tlied June 7. if)Oi. She had been married on Christmas day of 1843 and she reached the advanced age of eiirhtv vears. She was a ladv of stroneoi)le were very ]>oor and he had to help them by workini,' at home. It was one hundred miles from his home U< the place where he learned his trade .•md hi' w,ilki-s])erity is ambition's answer. He closely studied the business situations and readily mastered its intricate points, after which he so shaped his course that the best possible results were obtained. Moreover, there was naught said of his business integrity, as his methods would bear the closest scrutiny. Mr. Spaulding was twice married. In 1858 he wedded Miss Priscilla Smith, from which union one son survives, George D.. who resides at Xo. 1136 Xorth Court street, although he spends much of his time upon the road as a traveling salesman. On the 1st of January, 1872, Mr. Spaulding was again married, at which date Miss Sophia Rannie became his wife. She is a native of Scotland and a daughter of William and Giris- tina Rannie. who were also born in that country. Crossing the .\tlantic. they became early residents of Rockford. The father, who was a stone-ma- son and contractor, folUnved that business in this city throughout his remaining days, and his wife also died here. .Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding became the parents of a daughter. Louise I!., who has always resided with her mother. Mr. Spaulding always manifested a public- spiritetl interest in affairs pertaining to the wel- fare and ])r<>gress of his city and county and in ])olitics was a stanch rei)ublican. fimily believing that the ])arty ])latform contained the best ele- ments of good government. He therefore labored to extend its influence and insure its success and ujion that ticket was called to several local offices. He served both as alderman and supervisor in the citv and exercised his official prerogatives in a manner that gave a tangible impetus to good citizenship and public improvement. He was a member of Ncvius post. Xo. i. G. A. R.. of Rock- ford, and took great delight in meeting with his old army comrades, seldom being absent from the camp fire. He was also connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows lodge, and in his life exemjilified the beneficent spirit of those organizations, which had their basic elements in mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. For about two years prior to his death he was in ill health, but the end came imexpcctedly. he passing away in the early morning of April 9, 1902. Expressions of regret and sorrow were made by all who knew him in business relations, through his political activity or within the closer circle of his friendship. He had a wide acquaintance and conimandecl the respect of all. while many entertained for him the warmest feelings of friend- ly regard almost approaching to that of brothcrli- ness, for while he was successful in business life, active and helpful in public affairs and held friend- ship inviolable, his best traits of character were reserved for his own family, to whom he was a devoted husband and father. His interests cen- tered in his own home and he regarded no per- sonal sacrifice on his part too great if it would pro- mote the welfare or enhance the happiness of his wife and children. He never .sought the promi- nence which makes one known far beyond the limits of his home locality, but in the city and county where he lived and labored so long Mr. Spaulding was justly accounted one of its most prominent and honored citizens. Mrs. Spaulding and her daughter retain their residence in Rockford. and the former is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, while the latter is a comnnmicant of the Episcopal church, and takes great interest in its work. She is a graduate of the Rockford high school and was also a student in a college at Elmira. X'ew York. Both Mrs. Spaulding and her daughter occupy prominent PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 821 and enviable positions in social circles here and have an acquaintance throughout the state by rea- son of their active work in connection with the Woman's Relief Corps. In May, 1902, Mrs. Spaulding- was elected its state president and her daughter state secretary, and they filled those of- fices for a year. They still take great interest in the work and have been faithful workers in many movements for charity and benevolence. They own a beautiful and commodious residence at No. 404 North Court street, and although they spend much time in travel, they consider Rockford their home. WILLIS E. SAWYER. ^^'illis E. Sawyer needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is one of the most extensive and prominent horse dealers of Winne- bago county, his business interests bringing him a wide acquaintance. He is. moreover, well known in political circles as a stalwart republican and his opinions carry considerable weight in the local covuicils of the party. A native of the middle west, he seems imbued with the spirit of indomitable energy and enteiprise which have been the strong forces in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born February 9, 1846, in Lake Gene- va, Wisconsin, his parents being Hiram J. and Lorella (Baker) Sawyer, both of whom were na- tives of Cattaraugus county, New York. The father spent the early part of his life in the east and when a young man removed westward to Wis- consin, where he remained until coming to Winne- bago county in 1850. His genuine worth, fidel- ity to duty and loyalty in citizenship awakened the attention and admiration of his fellowmen, who in 1863 called him to the office of sheriiif, which position he filled for two years — the length of the term at that time. Later he was elected collector and subsequently acted as constable for many vears, and not the shadow of a reflection concern- ing his capability fell upon his official service. He was justly recognized as one of the county's prominent and influential men,, popular with many with whom he had come in contact and respected by all because of his genuine worth. He died in 1902, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In the family were three sons : Willis E. ; D. F. Sawver, a retired clothing merchant of Iowa City, Iowa; and Hiram E.. whose death occurred on Mav I. 1875. In the public schools Willis E. Sawyer mas- tered the elementary branches of learning, attend- ing first at Darien. Wisconsin, afterward at Emer- ald Grove. Wisconsin, and still later in Rockford township, this county, but when the Civil war came on his patriotic nature was aroused and al- 48 though but fifteen years of age he enlisted in Com- pany C, Sixty-seventh Regiment of Illinois In- fantry, with which he served for three months tni- der Captain H. R. Enoch. On account of ill health he was discharged for disability on the ex- piration of that period. He was afterward in the government employ as brigade wagon master for two years and three months, superintending the handling of freight and supplies for the army, hauling freight from Nashville, Chattanooga and that part of the country to the troops. At the close of the war Mr. Sawyer returned to his home and purchased a threshing machine, which he operated for two years. At the end of that time he sold the machine and went upon the road selling Hamlin's Wizard Oil for three years and driving a four-horse team as he made his trips through the country. Returning to Winne- bago count}', he spent a year and a half here and then again started out, going to California in 1875. For six years he was in the livery business on the coast, being the first white man to let out horses in Santa Barbara county. He went from that place to San Francisco, where he was with a transfer company for six months, and thence crossed the bay to Oakland, where he drove an eight-horse team, doing heavy hauling for nine months. He then took a contract to handle a cir- cus, which he moved from place to place, usmg fifty-four horses in that work. Sometime later he disposed of all his business interests on the coast and returned to Winnebago county. Here he engaged in farming for four years near Dur- and, when he sold his land and came to Rockford, purchasing a carload of horses, which he shipped to Cooperstown, North Dakota. He has since been handling horses, and he conducted a livery and hack barn for two and a half years. He then bought ground on Chestnut and Court streets and erected a large livery stable, in which he carried on business for three and a half years, but sold out in 1905. He is, however, one of the most ex- tensive horse dealers in Winnebago county, han- dling a larger number each year than almost any representative of the trade. In 1 87 1 Mr. Sawyer was married to Miss Mary E. Blewfield, a native of New York and a daugh- ter of Jacob and Rachel Blewfield, who came here during the early girlhood of ^Irs. Sawyer. The mother has now passed away, but the father is still living at the advanced age of eight3--seven years and is one of the best known old gentlemen on the streets of Rockford. Mr. Sawver is a stalwart republican, quite prominent in the local ranks of the party and in 1894 he was elected sheriff for a term of four vears. He is again spoken of in connection with the candidacy for that office. He belongs to Nev- ius post. No'. I, G. A. R., to the Modern Wood- men camp and to Rockford lodge, No. 102, A. F. 822 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. & A. .M.. all of Ruckford. He has had in many respects a most interesting career, in which excit- ing chapters have not been lackinsr, these being furnished by his military service and his experi- ence in the far west. He is now located jiernia- ncntly in \\'innebago county, where he is con- ducting a prntitable business. M. ll.\.\ir.()R(i P. M. Haniborg is the owner of a farm on section 35, Roscoe township, improved with a good set of Iniildings and modern etiuipments. He is a native of Sweden, his birth having oc- curred in that country in 1845. His father, .Mun- son .Anderson died when his son, P. M. Hamburg, was only a year old. while the mnther passed away when the son was but six months old. In conse(|uence he knows very little of his parents. He had his name changed legallv while living in Kockford. because of others of the same name in that city. Mr. Hamborg remained a resident of Sweden until twenty-two years of age and then went to Denmark, where he spent four years, following the occupation of farming. He heard favor- al)le reports concerning the new world and its deve1oi>nient. its business opi)ortunities and its advantages and thinking that he might profit by a rcmiival to the United States he crossed the Atlantic from Denmark about 1871. For two mnnths he worked in Pennsylvania on the rail- road, after which he removed to Michigan. where he secured employment in the iron mines for four years. On the exjiiration of that period he came to Winnebago county, making his way to Rockford. and soon afterward he accepted a position on a farm near that city. He was thus employed tmtil iiis fliligence and frugality brought to him a cajiital sutTicient to justify his purcliase of land, at which time he became the owner of fifty acres in Roscoe township. This was the nucleus of his present property. He has extended the boundaries of his place as opportmiity has offered until it now comprises one hundred and five acres. He works the en- tire tract and also one hundred acres which he rents, so that he is extensively engaged in farm- ing pursuits. His land is productive and upon it is a good set of farm buildings, including a comfortable residence and all the outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. Mr. Hamborg was marriefl to Miss Tilda Evarstardt. who was born in Sweden and died in i88i at the age of fifty-one years, leaving one son Peter. For his second wife Mr. Ham- borg chose Sarah Johnson, also a native of Sweden. In his polilieal views Mr. Hamborg is a re- publican, keeping well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day and is thoroughly in sympatiiv with the .\merican form of gov- ernment, lie has served as school director for the past nineteen years and the cause of edu- cation has found in him a warm friend. At the present time he is overseer of highways, which position he has filled for fifteen years, his long continuance in the office indicating that he is the cham])ion of good roads, and he ])er- forms his public duties in a capable manner. .Mr. Hamborg is indeed a self-made man and deserves all of the praise which that term im- ])lies. I le came to Roscoe with very little money and indeed he possesses nothing that has not been gained through his own labors. That he has worked ])ersistently and energetically there- fore is indicated by the fact that he now owns an excellent farm. lie is well liked by his neighbors and has been so reliable in all of his business transactions that one is reminded of a sentiment of a ])rominent traveler and lec- turer who said that "Sweden is the home of the honest man." l-'K.WK 11. KIM r. ALL, M. D. The true measure of success is determined by what one has accomplished and, as taken in con- tradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is i^articular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review, since he is a native son of the place where he has passed his active life and so directs his ability and eflforts as to gain recognition as one of the truly representative members of the medical fraternity of Rockford. He was born in this city, July 13. 1855. and is a son of Henry P. Kimball, who for many years figured prominently in the business and public life of the city, winning the respect of all men by his close adherence to manly principles as well as bv his success in business. He was descended from New England ancestry and displayerl the thrift and industry so characteristic of the north- eastern section of our country. He died at Elgin, whither he had gone for treatment for an abscess on the brain, passing away at the age of fifty-nine years. Dr. Kimball, reared in Rockford. was a public school student here until he had passed through successive grades and completed the hi^h school work, after which he entered the I'nivcrsity of Michigan, at Ann .\rlx)r. of which he is a gradu- ate of the class of 1877. Broad literary knowl- edge thus served as an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional p. M. HAMBORG. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEDAGO COUNTY. 825 learning, and having determined upon the praetice of medicine as a life work, he next matricnlated in the Chicago Medical College after some prelimi- nary reading and was graduated from that insti- tution in 1880. Returning to Rockford, he opened his office, and for a quarter of a century has prac- ticed here with constantly increasing success, keeping in touch with the marvelous advance of the profession, whose methods have almost been revolutionized in the last twenty years by science and invention. While engaging in an extensive general practice Dr. Kimball has informed himself thoroughly concerning the ideas which have been advanced by the leaders in the profession and the knowledge which has been gleaned through expe- riment and experience and in the application of his scientific learning to the practical needs of the pro- fession he is notably correct and accurate. He was one of the promoters and managers of the Rockford City Hospital and the extent and im- portance of his private practice has been indicative of the consensus of public opinion regarding his capabilities. In January, 1881, Dr. Kimball was married in Rockford to Aliss Henrietta T. Kirk, a native of this city, and a daughter of E. A. and Rachel (Dennis) Kirk, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Canada. When a young man Mr. Kirk sought a home in the then wild, but rapidly developing, west, arriving in Winnebago county in the latter part of the '30s. Miss Dennis came about the same time and they were married here, living for many years upon a farm, which in its excellent improvements indicated the careful supervision, practical methods and unremitting diligence of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have both passed away, as have all of their three chil- dren. Their daughter Josephine became the wife of Samuel Kerr, who was at one time an attorney and alderman of Chicago. Dr. Kimball's first wife died in September, i8ij2, and in July, 1895, he was again married, his second union being with Gudren M. Tillisch, who was born in Bergen, Norway, but has spent most of her life in \\'innebago county. By this union there are two children: Elizabeth, aged nine years ; and Alice, seven years of age. The family home is at No. i2Q First street. Politically the Doctor has always been a stanch advocate of re- publican principles, and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Wood- men of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. ROBERT GREENLEE. Robert Greenlee, who devotes his time and ener- gies to general agricultural pursuits on section 22. Winnebago township, is one of the county's native sons, his birtli having occurred in Guilford town- ship on the 23d of .March, 1866. His parents were Robert and Marion ( Montgomery) Greenlee, early residents of this county, who- came from Scotland to the new world. They were the par- ents of three children : James C, a resident fann- er of Guilford township; Mrs. Peter Greenlee, of Harlem township ; and Robert. In taking up the personal history of our sub- ject we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Guil- ford and Winnebago townships and other sections of the count}'. He was reared under the parental roof in his native township and is indebted to the public-school system of the county for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed. He has always fol- lowed the occupation of farming and is now living on section 22. \\'innebago township, where he has a well improved tract of land, in the midst of which stands a fine home. Mr. Greenlee was married February 15, 1894, to Miss Nettie Ralston, of Boone county, Illinois, a daughter of Robert Ralston, an early resident of the Scotch settlement there. She was born Au- gust 8, 1865, near Argyle, her parents being Rob- ert and Elizabeth (Andrew) Ralston, both of whom were natives of Argyleshire, Scotland, and came to America in childhood days with their re- spective parents. Robert Ralston settled in the Scotch settlement in 1841 and remained with his parents until he had attained his majority. He is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Ralston came to this country with her parents in the \ear 1840. In their faniil\- were five daugh- ters and a son : Jane, the wife of George P. Rals- ton, residing upon a farm at Caledonia, Illinois ; ?ilarv. at home ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Brown, a resident farmer of Guilford township : ^Irs. Greenlee: John A., who resides upon and operates the home farm, and who married Miss Agnes Sillars ; ?\faggie B., the wife of J. C. Green- lee, a resident farmer of Guilford township. Mrs. Robert Greenlee was reared in Boone county and attended the country schools. She resided at home up to the time of her marriage, when she went with her husband to his farm in \^'innebago town- ship. Thev now have three children, all born on the present farm, where thev have lived since the spring of 1804. These are: Esther E.. born Febriiarv 17, 1895; Gladys C, born April 10, 1897; and Clark M.. born March 8, 1899. They also lost a daughter, ?\Iarjora J., who was born September 21. 1902, and died January ir, 1903. Mr. Greenlee supports the prohibition party by his ballot, for it embodies his views on the tem- perance question. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Globe, belonging to the camp at Winnebago, and both he and his wife are members of the Winnebago Presbyterian church. They are people of genuine worth, true to the .S26 rA> I M) i'Ki..si;.\ I )i W l.\.\lii;.\(.c) cut XT Y. teacliings of the clnircli. and throughoui liis en- tire life, whether in business t)r social relations, Mr. Greenlee has exhibited sterling traits m ehar- acter that have coniniended him to the confidence and trust of all with whom he Ins been asso- ciated. THOMAS .\l. i:i.l.lS. Thomas M. Ellis, general munriger of the Kock- ford Interurban Street Railway Coiujjanv. was born .\ugust 31, 1861, in Whitesboro. .Vcw York, his parents being Thomas and Mary ( D.ivis) El- lis. The family is of Welsh lineage and the father with his ]iarents crossed the Atlantic to .\mcrica from the little rock-ribbed country of Wales dur- ing his early boyhood days. He settled at Remson, New York, where he was reared to the occupa- tion of farming for many years. When a young man he turned his attention to the manufacture of tubs and pails at Whitesboro and to the man- agement of that i)roductive industry gave liis time and attention for many years, carrying on the business with constantly growing success until alwut 1885, when he retired from active life. His death occurred in July. 1^03, but his widow is still living and has recently ])aid a visit to her son Thomas in Rockford. They were the parents of four children, of whom one died in infancy, the others being: W. C, who is engaged with the Rockford & PVeeport Railway Comjjany : .\ellie -M., the wife of W. (]. Stone, a civil engineer, liv- ing at Whitesboro. New York : and Thomas M. At the usual age Thomas .M. l-'llis began his education in the public schools of his native city and subsc(|uently entered the \\"hitesl)oro Semi- nary, from which institution be was graduated with the class of 1870. Having com])lete(l his education he then joined his father in business, being associated with him for ten years in the manufacture of woodenware. In 1887 he became assistant superintendent of the I'lica iJelt Street Railway Company, acting in that capacity until i8«j2, when in order to thoroughly accpiaint him- self with the electrical department of the business he entered the service of the (Jenerai Electric Company, of Schenectady. New York, continuing therewith until Kpr. He was with that comj)any for a year ami in i8(j2 he came to Rockford as superintendent of the Rockford Street Railway Company. He is now general manager of the Rockford Interurban Street Railway Company, with lines extending from this place to janesville. Wisconsin, and to I'.elvidere and Freeport. Illi- nois. Mr. Ellis is well (|ualified for the respon- sible duties which rest upon him in this connec- tion, having made a close and systematic study of the various departments of the business. He is a typical citizen of the middle west, alive to oppor- tunities and ([uick to utilize every advantage which arises in connection with his business inter- ests. An interurban railway system is a product of the age and an intlication of the spirit of the lin-.es. when acconimodation and rapiditv charac- terize all departments of business activity. .Mr. Ellis is constantly studying to give to the public a superior service, knowing that in this way the business of the corporation which he rep- resents will be increased. In 1 888 occurred the marriage of Thomas M. l-^llis and .Miss .Mary Louise Kelly, of Xew Hart- fi>r(l. .Xew \'ork, a daughter of Thomas Kelly, of that jjlacc. They have four children — Bessie May, .Milton, W. H. and Howard D. — all of whom are students in the public schools. Mr. Ellis is con- r.ected with the iiencvolent and Protective Order of I'^lks and i)oIitically is a republican, but while well informed on the cpiestions and issues of the day, he is without political aspiration for him- self. In citizenship he is public-spirited and pro- gressive and has been a co-operant factor in nianv movements for the general good and withal is ])ractical in his ideas of business advancement and public progress. |OIl.\ LAKE. John Lake, a resident of Rockford, who for six- ty-eight years has been connected with the busi- ness interests of Winnel)ago county, keeping pace with the rai)id commercial and industrial develop- nunf, is of English birth and lineage. He was born March 27. 1821, on the P.lackford farm in Selworthy parish, Somerset county, England, the farm at that time being the property of his pater- nal grandfather, who was a farmer, dairyman, miller, malster and dealer in all kinds of seeds. His son. William Lake, was Iwrn on the same farm in 17()8. and he died when his son John was l)ut six months old. The mother afterward mar- ried again and John Lake was reared by his grandniotlier on the old home fanu where his birth occurred. He received a good practical edu- cation and his advantages in that direction were l)erhai)s above the average, but otherwise he had no assistance for the journey of life and since the age of fourteen \ear". has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. He was first em- ployed as a farm hand and. being ambitious to make the best use of his powers, he resolved to try his fortune in America, of whose advantages and opportunities he had heard nuich. He was opposed by his faiuily when he suggested the idea to them in May. 1836. but he did not abandon the plan and the following \ear secured the consent of his ','rai;dparents. In .May, 1837, John Lake, then but sixteen years of age. sailed for .\mcrica, possessing little PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 827 save a strength of character and firm determina- tion, which have proved the basic elements in his later success. He boarded the sailing vessel Sev- ern, carr3-ing a cargo of iron to Philadelphia, and after seven weeks, during which time severe storms and heavy seas were encountered, he reached the American port. He then started at once for Rockford, Illinois, with the intention of joining his uncle Thomas, but illness detained him at Rockport, a small town on the Ohio river, and it was not until the ist of December, 1837, that he reached his destination. Here began the struggle first for a livelihood and later for success, and from farm hand to com- mercial business he has made his way, occupying for many years a prominent position in conntier- cial and financial circles in his adopted city. Dur- ing three years he worked at farm labor and then entered upon an apprenticeship to Thomas Thatcher, a carpenter, joiner and architect, who paid him five dollars per month and board. He resolutely set to work to master the business and within a year had become competent enough to accept a position as a journeyman and soon after- ward began taking contracts. He was thus con- nected with building operations until 1853, when he turned his attention to the lumber trade in partnership with P. Howes, conducting a yard where the East Rockford, Chicago & Northwest- ern passenger station is now located, that at the time being the terminus of the Chicago & Galena Railroad. When the railroad was extended across the river in 1853 their yard was removed to the west side, where they conducted their business un- til 1856. when they sold out to Mr. Freeman. Mr. Lake then enjoyed a well earned vacation, making a trip, in November, 1856, to the old home which he had left nineteen years before. Return- ing to America in February. 1857, he resumed business as a lumber merchant at the corner of Third and State streets, in Rockford, and in 1859 he sold out to the firm of Cook & Brother. In partnership with Henry Fisher he engaged in the lumber business on the west side from 1861 until 1867, when he once more disposed of his interest and again went abroad, visiting France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland, as well as his naitive England. In the fall of 1867 he returned to Rockford and in 1868 he entered into partnership with Seely Perry, which relation was terminated after five years, and through the succeeding year he traveled in Europe and twice again thereafter, gaining a comprehen- sive knowledge of the countries upon the conti- nent. Since 1872 he has visited California seven dift'erent times and has spent six winters in that state, gaining the experience and culture which only travel brings. Other business and public interests aside from those mentioned have claimed his attention and have profited by his co-operation and business sa- gacity. He was vice president of the Rockford Fire Insurance Company from 1866 until 1886 and in the latter year was chosen president. In 1873 he was elected alderman of Rockford from the Second ward and during a service of ten years in the city council exercised his official preroga- tives in support of many progressive measures, his public spirit finding tangible evidence in the sup- port which he gave to all movements that he deemed would prove beneficial to the city. Dur- ing a part of that decade he was also supervisor, and in 1877 he was chairman of the board of edu- cation. Mr. Lake married ]\Iiss Almeda AI. Danley, a daughter of Cornelius and Sarah Danley, of Har- lem. Illinois, on the nth of October, 1849, and of their seven children three died in infancy. His first wife died 'Slay 5, 1893. and on the 25th of Alay, 1895, li"^ ^^'^s united in marriage to Mrs. Phoebe E. Benjamin, widow of Willis Benjamin and a sister of his first wife. The family home is at No. 13 1 3 East State street, and the social posi- tion of the family has ever been one of prominence in cultured society circles. Fraternally promi- nent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mr. Lake has been grand master of the grand lodge of the state and for six consecutive years was representative to the sovereign grand lodge of the United States. A life of activity, crowned with honors and successes, has been the history of John Lake, and now at the advanced age of nearly "eighty-five years he is living retired from active business and quietly spending his last days in the citv which witnessed his early business struggles and which rejoices in his advancement and pros- peritv, because of the methods which he has ever followed in all commercial transactions. EDWARD H. ^lARSH. Edward H. Marsh, who is engaged in the prac- tice of law and is prominent in republican circles in ^^■innebago county, was born in the city of Rockford, December 6. i860. His father, John D. Marsh, was a successful and leading farmer of Winnebago county. He was born in New York and in 1856 came to Rockford. where he entered the employ of .A. J. Work & Company. Edward FI. Marsh pursued his education in the public schools of his native city, passing through successive grades until he had completed the high-school course with the class of 1878. Hav- ing determined to engage in the practice of law asa life work be entered the University of Michi- gan at .Ann Arbor and was graduated from the law department in 1882. In the same year he was adnntted to the bar and began practice. He SjS PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. has now for almost a quarter of a century been a representative of tlic legal fraternity of liis na- tive citv and has a pood law husiness to which he is conscientiously devoted. Mis knowledge of the principles of juri.s|)rudence and his capability in handlings important litigated interests have been the means of securing him a creditable and dis- tinctively representative clientage. Mr. Marsh has held various political iiositions, being first called to office as justice of the peace, in which capacity he served for four years. He was a member of the board of super^nsors for one term and city attorney for two years, wliilc in iS<)S he was a])nointed master in chancery bv Judge (larver. and was appointed a member of the state board of ef|ualization to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Cliarle« A. ^X'-ii-l-rs On the expiration of that term he was elected to the office, which position he is now filling, A stanch advocate of roiniblican principles, he has served on the republican central committee of his county, and has labored earncstlv and cflfectively for the success of the party. In 1898 he mar- ried Miss Lizzie T.. Lewis, of Rockford. and in social circles of the city they occupy an enviable ])osition. T(»I(X \iri I.Ml'.R John Mutimer. a retired farmer and gardener, residing at i2ck> .South Winnebago street, was liorn in Lincolnshire, England, .\pril 13, 1826, and has therefore almost reached the eighteenth milestone on life's journey. His ]5arcnts were Jeremiah and Frances (Jacobs) Mutimer, the former a stock-buyer of Fnglaiid. With his par- ents he came to this country on a sailing vessel in 1838, being at that time a youth of twelve years. It re(|uired six weeks and three days to comi)lete the voyage, but ultimately anchor was drmpany, of Rockford, mar- ried Esther Lester, and after her death wedded .Vda Schafer, of this city: Lauren Y. married Jennie Cooper and is a brass molder, residing in Schenectady, New York : Fannie is the w-ife of Eugene Lauglilin and resides in Rockford, where he is engaged in the coal business : and Petsy R. is the wife of Eugene .Sailor, a livery- man of Rockford. The wife and mother died in January, 1899, ^"'1 '•'iter in the year Mr. Mniimer was married to Mary .\. Mutimer. He owns a brick fiat building and two lots in Rockford, and his wife owns the home where thev reside at No, 1209 South Winnebago street. and has a ilfe lea.se on a store building. Mr. .Mutimer belongs to the Grange. For many years he lived a life of persistent and earnest toil. His boyhood days were fraught with nnich hard labor and he enjoyed few ])rivileges and advantages, but he jiossessed a strong and sturdy character and made the most of his oi)i)ortunities and as the years passed by he was enabled to accumulate a farm property and now with a comfortable competence is enabled to live retired. .Such a history should serve to encourage and inspire others who are forced to start out as he did rni])ty-handed. FLETCTIFR COFFIN. I'letcher Coffin, whose beautiful home in Rock- ford, which he has owned and occupied since i8()V '!* ihe visible jiroof of his life of energy and enterprise through the long vears of an active bi'siness career, was born in Roscoe. this county. on the 6th of November, 1841, and comes of an old New England ancestry. His naternal great- grandfather, born in New England, was the first of the name to leave that section of the countrv. locating in Deerfield, Herkimer county. New York, where in the midst of the forest he opened up a farm, upon which he made his home until his death. It was there that Isaac Coffin, the grandfather, was born and reared, and the occu- pation which claimed his labor in youth continued to be his life work, and he assisted in clearing JOHN MUTIAIER. PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 831 seven different farms of that locality. He re- moved from Herkimer county to St. Lawrence county about the year 1839 and, having purchased a tract of timber land, he and his sons began cut- ting away the trees, grubbing out the stumps and preparing the land for cultivation, and in due course of time abundant harvests were gathered there. He had wedded Peggy Patton, whose birth occurred in eastern New York and who passed away in St. Lawrence county. Her father was of the heroes who fought for the independence of the nation in the Revolutionary war. Henderson W. Coffin, a son of Isaac and Pegg\' Cofifin, first opened his eyes to the light of day in Newport, Herkimer county, New York, and there he spent his youth, and when a young man went to Canada, where he learned the trade of brick- making under the direction of his brother Horace. On leaving the Dominion he came to Illinois and located in Winnebago county in 1838. Here he continued in the employ of his brother for a time, but later engaged in farming on his own account. Subsequently he went to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he established a brickyard, but previous to this time he had become the owner of land in Burritt township. Winnebago county, having entered a claim from the government. In i860 he took up his abode thereon and after cultivating and im- proving the place for several years he removed to Winnebago township, where he purchased a tract of land that was his home until his life's labors were ended in death in !May, 1876. He was married in early manhood to Miss Mary H. Kenear, who was also a native of the Empire state. They were farming people, energetic and diligent in business aft'airs, and at all times com- manded the esteem of those with whom they came in contact. So successful was Air. Cofifin in his farming operations and so carefully did he invest his earnings that he was at one time the owner of more than one thousand acres of land. In his family were eleven children. Like the others of the household Fletcher Coffin spent his boyhood days in his parents' home, ac- quiring a public-school education and aiding in the farm work as his age and strength permitted. Throughout his active business career he contin- ued his connection with agricultural pursuits and while he has now retired from business life, he is still the owner of two hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable and productive land, lying in Burritt and Pecatonica townships. While on the farm he was also interested in dairying and stock- raising, together with the cultivation of the fields and all branches of his business proved profitable, owing to his keen discernment, marked sagacity and executive force. On the 22d of December, 1874, Mr. Cofifin was united in marriage to Aliss Harriet Keeling, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1853, her parents being John and Elizabeth (Tay- lor) Keeling, the former born near Liverpool, England. His parents were William and Harriet Keeling, the former a tailor by trade. On coming to America he settled in Philadelphia, where he engaged in tailoring for a number of years, but eventually he removed to Rockford, where he re- sided up to the time of his death. John Keeling also mastered the same business and followed it for a number of years in America, but eventually became a house decorator of this city. His wife was likewise a native of England and a daughter of William Taylor. She came to the United States with a brother and sister. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coffin have been born two children: Gertrude May, who was educated in the Rockford schools, has now successfully en- gaged in teaching for ten years, while Alta Marie is the wife of Chester Lane, who is engaged in the insurance business in Rockford. In 1893 the family left the farm and Mr. Coffin purchased his beautiful home at No. 442 Oakley avenue, where he has since lived a retired life. In its rich and tasteful furnishings this home indicates the cultured and refined taste of the inmates and the members of the household occupy a prominent social position. Mr. Coffin is a republican in his political views, strong in his endorsement of the principles of the party, yet has never been an aspirant for office. He stands to-day as a splendid example of what may be accomplished in the business world through force of character and honorable eft'ort, his life record indicating that success is ambition's answer and also showing that a man of resolute will and determination, although unaided by in- herited wealth or influence, can win simultaneous- ly for himself an honored name and notable pros- perity. HENRY H. ^^'OOD. Henrv H. Wood, extensively and successfully engaged in the dairy business and also controlling farming interests in the vicinity of Pecatonica, was born October 22. 1853, on Prospect Hill, in Somervillc, Afassachusetts. It was in the door- vard of his father's home (although not then in possession of his father) that the first American flag was raised. He traces his ancestry back to William Wood, who came from England and set- tled in Concord. Massachusetts, about the year 1638. He died in 167 1 at the age of eighty-nine years, leaving a son and daughter, Alichael and Ruth. Michael Wood, the son, died May 13. 1764, leaving five sons and one daughter — Abraham. Isaac, Thomson, lacob. John and Abigail. K^^ PAST AND PRESENT iW WIXXICP.AGO COUNTY Jacob Wood died October 6, 172.V l<-:i\iiii; three sons and three daughters: Jacol). Mary. Epltraini, Doreus. Hannalt and Milhceiit, and of this family Ephraini. who ilied .March 20, 1789, at tlie ajje of eijihty-eij^ht years, was the father of E|)liraim Wood, Jr.. town clerk and judjfe of tile court of common ])leas. wito was horn .-Kujjjust 1. 17.^.^. and died .\pril 8. 1814. at the at^e of eifjhty-one years. His wife, Mary Heahl Wood. was born in Concord in ( )ctober. 1758. and died July 13, 1807. They left ten children: IXiniel. born October 23. 1760: Prisis. horn ( Ictober j6. 1762; Stephen, who was horn October 10. ijh^. and died I'ebrnary 2^. 1820; Nathan, wiio was born January 8. 1766, and died .November 16. 1810: Hannah, who was born July if). 1768. and rn ( )ctober 17. 1816. and died September 24, 1843: and Maria, who was born .\ugust 17, 1824. .Mrs. Mary Wood died in Charleston. No- vember 2y. 1852. at the age of seventy-three years. .Mexander Wood, father of Henry H. Wood. was l)orn November 30, 181 2. at Charleston, Mas- sachusetts, and ilied in Somerville. b"ebruary 27. 1882. He was in the boot and shoe business from 1833 until 1870 antl was in the old Penjamin Franklin building on Hanover street in Postim until 1862 or i8()3, wIkii the old building was lorn down and a new structure erected in its jilace. He then removed to a building across the street at No. 134 Hanover street, where he con- tinued in business until 1870, when he retired to jirivate life. 1 ie built many houses in Somerville which he sold and rented and he also did a rent- ing business for others. He was thus closely iden- tified with the imi)rovement of the city through his building operations and was well known there. He also served as justice of the |)eace and was active and intUiential in public affairs. He was married at Christ cliureli in I'lusinn, ()ctiil)cr H). 1837. til i'hoebe .'-iinuliwick \\'iiitmi)re. and although tliex had no children of their own. they adopted a daughter, Crace .\(lelaide. who was hf)rn September 12, 1846. .Mrs. I'hoebe S. Wood died in lioston. and .Mexander \\'ood afterward married her sister. .Amelia Hewer Whitmore. November 28. 1850. She was born at Ncwburv- port. Massachusetts. May 30. 1823. and is now living at the old homestead in Somerville. where she has resided for fifty-five years. There were four children of this marriage. .Mexandcr Lovel. born Octol)er ii. 1851. died February 23. 1855. Henrv Hunt is the next of the family. Caroline 1 nvel. born .Vugust 17. 1855. was married to .Mfred Seymour Maynard at Somerville. Massa- chusetts. November 25. 1875. Katharine ^\'al- ker. born February 3. 1861. is living at the old hoipcstead with her mother. Henry H. W'ood pursued his education in the public schools of his native town, passing through the consecutive grades until he completed the high school course. He then entered upon his business career as an emplove in the dry goods house of Swetcrs. Swan & Plodgett. with which he continued for seven vears nnd in i**" i h'- cni" to Pccatonica. where he embarked in the produce and grocerv business. coinluctin>j his store n-'t'i a fair measure of success for ten years. In 1884 he turned his attention to the creamery business, in which he remained for nbout frur vars. after which he rented the building, which was later de- stroyiNl by fire. Tn 1888 he went to Long P.ranch. New Jersev. where he sjicnt one year in connec- tion with Mr. Warren, building the race track there. He afterward returned to lioston. where 1k' engaged in the milk business for three years and on the expiration of that period lie again came to Pccatonica. where he has since resided and hns conducted an extensive and profitable dairy business upon his fine farm of one hundred acres, which adjoins the city limits. His resi- dence, a large and attractive one. built in modern style of architecture, stands upon the farm and yet is within the city limits. Mr. Wood cares for each winter about one hundred head of slock, in- cluding cattle, sheep and horses. Tn addition to his home projierty he owns a fine tract of land of PAST AND PRESExNT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 833 one hundred and sixty acres about a mile and a half east of the town, which he rents. His busi- ness interests are capably conducted and his keen discernment and sound judgment ably supplement his indefatigable energy. On the 5th of October, 1876, Mr. Wood was married in Pecatonica to Miss Jennie Roena Sal- isbury, a daughter of Francis and Jane (Scott) Salisbury. Her father was born in Hamburg, Erie county. New York, August 2, 1823, and was a son of Smith and Roena (Parker) Salisbury, both of whom were natives of New York and died in Hamburg, that state, at the ages of forty and seventy years, respectively. On both the pa- ternal and maternal sides of the family Francis Salisbury was descended from English ancestry, four brothers of the name coming originally to America. Francis Salisbury remained at home until nineteen years of age, assisting his father upon the farm, and then went to Louisiana, but did not remain long in the south, being called home on account of his father's death. He, how- ever, purchased one himdred and forty-four acres of Indian land, which he cleared of the timber, and in a few years a plank road was built through his land, connecting him with the city limits of BufTalo. He later sold this jiroperty to a Catho- lic mission. After owning that farm for about two years Mr. Salisbury was united in marriage at Hamburg, New York, November 11, 1845, to Miss Jane Scott, a daughter of Thomas and ?ilar- tha (Lindsey) Scott, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1850 Mr. Salisbury came to Illinois, but afterward returned to New York. However, he was pleased with the western country and on the 15th of Alay, 1834. he bronjht his familv to this state, becoming a pioneer resident of Steph- enson county, where he resided until 1864. He owned there about eight hundred acres of valu- able land. In the year mentioned he removed from Stephenson to Winnebago county and was here extensively engaged in buying cattle and grain. In fact, he figured prominently in many business enterprises and undertakings and con- tributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding of Pecatonica and his part of the county. He built the old Western Union Railroad, now a part of the Chicago, JNIilwaukee & St. Paul Railroad from Shirland to Davis and he was also inter- ested in oil wells for a number of years in Penn- sylvania. ^^^^atever he undertook he carried for- ward on an extensive scale. At one time he planted two hundred acres of potatoes and this caused him to be known by the sobriquet of Po- tato Salisbury. His crop was very extensive and he gave potatoes to all who would come and dig them. He also conducted a packing business in Pecatonica at one time and was in the hop busi- ness. He was likewise proprietor at one time of the largest nursery in Winnebago county and he owned a farm of twelve hundred acres in Iowa, which he afterward divided among his children. He was coiniected with Mr. Wood in the cream- ery business and was proprietor of a lumberj-ard in Pecatonica at one time, while in connection with his son-in-law. J. W. Harrenstein. he con- ducted a mercantile enterprise here. During the last twenty years of his life he was a great suf- ferer from rheumatism. His intense and well directed activity made him a valued factor in in- dustrial and commercial circles and his labors contributed substantially to the upbuilding of the community. In politics he was a democrat, sup- porting the principles as advocated by Jefferson and Jackson. He died April 16. 1904. when in the eighty-first year of his age. and his wife passed away November 14, 1891. Thev were the parents of eight chiklren. Mary, born February 15, 1847, became the wife of H. M. Cook, a farmer residing in Pecatonica township. Frances, born June 8. 1848. is the wife of J. W. Harren- .'^tein. now living in California. Franklin E. was born February 27, 1831. Thomas S., born April -I. 1833, chmauss Com|)any, with whom he continued for seventeen years, eventually securing advancement and recognition of his fidelity and capability until he became man- ager of the firm. Ambitious to become an inde- liendent factor in business circles that his labors might more directly benefit himself he organized a comjiany in ir/).^. becoming associated with Don Dever. Tom Monnex and Henry Bingham, under the name of The Carty. Dever & Monnex Company. They now conduct four stores at No. 321 West St.ate street. 518 East State street. 1003 South ;\lain street and lofii West State street, and the volume of their business is constantly growing until it represents a large investment and returns a very gratifying income each year. At their slaughter house they have twenty acres of land, upon which thev have also erected a cold storage plant. The\' furnish eniplovmcnt to thir- ty-five people and slaughter one hundred head of cattle and six hundred head of hogs per day. Thev pack hogs, doing both a wholesale and retail business, and are represented on the road by trav- eling salesmen. The business was incorporated in March, ifp?. and has become one of the leading cnteriirises of this character in Rockford. Mr. Carty lives with his mother at No. 1272 South Church street. He has taken an active interest in the aflfairs of the city and in 1003 was elected alderman from the fifth ward upon an in- dependent ticket. He was made chairman of the committee of streets and alleys, fire and water, the purchasing committee, the lease committee and the sidewalk committee, and he exerci.ses offi- cial jirerogatives in support of all practical meas- ures that tend to advance general jirogress and improvement. He belongs to St. Mary's Catholic church and holds fraternal relations with the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, and Kishwaukee Tribe of Red Men. Mr. Carty is yet a >-oung man but has already attained success that might well be envied by many a man of twice his vears. He has wrought along modern business lines, watchful of every indication pointing to advancement, utilizing each PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 835 opportunity that has presented and making every forward step after thoughtful consideration. His mistakes therefore have been few and his prog- ress and prosperity are assured. JOHN VINCER. John Vincer, who is engaged in farming and threshing, his home being on section 10, Cherry Valley township, was born in London, England, in 1846, his parents being Henry and Mary (Pow- ell) Vincer, both of whom died in England, the father passing away in 1895 and the mother in 1898. Both were about sixty years of age. Mr. Vincer was a wagon-maker and followed that business throughout his active life in London. The parents reared a large family, including Elizabeth, deceased ; John : Daniel, who is em- ployed in the machine shop of Harry Dickerson in Rockford ; Harry, who is in business in Lon- don. England ; Mary Ann, the wife of William Jones, also of England ; Martha, who married William Wiles, a brush-maker residing in Eng- land ; Harriet, who is married and lives in that country, where her husband is a police officer ; and three children who died in early life. John Vincer was reared in the land of his na- tivity and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He came to America in 1870, when about twenty- four years of age, landing at Castle Garden, New York. He had previously learned the trade of an engi- neer and machinist and continuously followed those pursuits until the last thirteen years. Mak- ing his way to Chicago, he remained four years in that city, being employed as engineer in the H. P. Robinson flour mills. In 1875 he came to Rockford, where he entered the employ of Gault & Hill, manufacturers of plows, with whom he worked as a machinist for six months. He then went to Freeport in the employ of J. D. Ester & Company, and in December, 1876, he entered the service of the Rockford Watch Company, with which he was connected for thirteen years. Since that time he has devoted his energies to farming and threshing and is now the owner of seventy- six acres of land on section 10, Cherry Valley township, near the station of Perryville. This is known as the old Perry farm and in connection with the tilling of the soil Mr. Vincer owns and operates a threshing machine, carrying on busi- ness in that way for thirteen years. Before leaving his native country Mr. Vincer was married in London to Miss Frances Baggs, of that city, who came to America a few months after the emigration of her husband, joining him in the middle west. They have seven children, who are still living : Henry, a resident farmer of Cherry Valley township ; Benjamin, who follows farming in Boone county ; Fred, who is working in Cherry Valley township ; Frank and William, at home ; Frances, the wife of F. Hazelton, who is living in Flora township, Boone county, Illi- nois ; and Lillie, the wife of Charles Wheeler, also of Flora township. They also lost seven children. In his political views Mr. Vincer has been a republican throughout his naturalized life as an American citizen and his religious views are in accord with the teachings of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Starting out in life for himself, with few educational or other advantages and be- coming imbued with a laudable ambition to attain something better than he could secure in his own country, he crossed the Atlantic to America, where by his business ability and fidelity he has gained creditable success and to-day commands the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he lives. INDEX HISTORY OF WINNEBA(i< ) C'Ol'NTY Geogi-aphical Review 5 Winnebagoes and Black Hawk War 6 First Settler in County e First Settlement in Rockford.. (j First Settler in East Rockford 7 Pioneers of 1S35-37 7 Peeatonica 7 Winnebago 8 Cherry Valley 9 Durand 9 New ililford 10 Rockton 10 Roscoe 11 Guilford 11 Harrison 12 Shirland 12 Seward 12 Harlem 13 Burritt 13 Owen 13 Laona 13 Organization of County 13 First Election 14 County Seat Located at Winne- bago 15 Early Ferries on Rock River. . Id Survey of State Road 1(5 Villiage Christened 17 First Surveys 17 Beginning of Methodism 17 First Marriages and Births. ... 19 County Divided 19 First Tax Levy 20 Day of Small Things 20 Congregationalism 20 First Patriotic Celebration.... 22 First Terms of Circuit Court.. '2? Stage Coach 23 Early Hotels 24 Three Pioneer Physicians of 1S3S 25 Dr. Haskell and First Steamer. 25 Pioneers of 1S3S-9 27 Trials of the Pioneers 30 Early Homes of Rockford 31 First Baptist Church 32 Village Incorporated 33 Earlv Lanrl Sales 33 Rockford Cemeteries 34 War Over County Seat 35 Notable Secession Movement . . 37 Rockford Ooposes Repudiation 3S Settlers of the Early Forties.. 39 First County Pairs. .- 39 Banditti of the Frontier 40 Robbery of McKennev and Mul- ford 43 New England Unitarianism. . . 4i; Early Elections 47 The Only Slave in the County. 4S Polish Claims Delay Land Pat- ents 4S First Dam 51 Postmasters of Rockford 52 Universalist Church 54 First Bridge 54 First Foundry 5(1 New England Type 50 River and Harbor Convention. 58 Constitutional Convention of 1S48 58 Galena & Chicago Union Rail- road 59 Representative Rockford Citi- zen. 1842-50 62 Departure of Mr. Haight CI Gold Hunters of '49 (U Emanuel Church 64 Township Organization: 65 Second Congregational Church. 66 Incorporation of Rockford as a City 68 Elections of 1S52-53 69 Early Water Power 70 Famous Manny-McCormick Suit 71 Emerson, Lowell and Greeley Visit Rockford 73 Fragment of Political Historv. 74 Rockford Settlers 1851-54 ". . 74 PMrst Public Library 77 Wesleyan Seminary 78 Bayard Taylor's Tribute 78 First Fraternal Orders 79 Death of John A. Holland 79 Murder of Sheriff Taylor 79 Execution of Countryman .SO Kenosha & Rockford Railroad. SO Early Rockford Mansion 81 Winnebago Supports Fremont . 81 Rockford City Greys 81 In Honor of Atlantic Cable. ... 81 Census of 1860 81 Trial of Governor Bebb 81 Lincoln Douglas Debate 82 Rockford Settlers 1855-59 83 War Clouds 85 Slory of the Civil W'ar 86 First War Sermon 86 Rockford Zouaves 86 First War Meeting 88 Ellis Rifles 88 Captain Ketcheson's Company. SS Death of Colonel Ellsworth 88 Death of Stephen A. Douglas. . 89 War Sermons by Bishop Simp- son 89 Rev. A. H. Conant Becomes Chaplain 90 Rockford Rifles 90 Washburne Rifles 90 Winnebago Sharpshooters 90 Cavalry Company 90 Other Volunteers of '61 90 Soldiers' Aid Society 91 County War Appropriations... 91 Fifteenth at Battle of Shiloh.. 91 Funeral of Colonel Ellis 92 Volunteers for Three Months' Service 92 Camp Fuller 92 Seventy-fourth Regiment 93 Death of Colonel Nevius 93 Mulligan Guards 94 Death of Colonel Smith 95 Resume of Record of VoUin- teers 96 War Bounty 96 Prisoners of War 96 Mrs. Mary Brainard, Army Nurse 96 Christian Commission 96 Naval Service 96 Sent Eleven Sons to War 96 Cost of the War 97 End of War Story 97 Nevins Post. G. A. R 97 Famous Invitation to Jefferson Davis 97 Fall of Courthouse 98 The Rifles and The Greys 98 Rockford's Congressmen 99 Winnebago County in State Legislature 100 J'.idicial History 102 Probate and County Judges. . . . 105 Roster of County Clerks 105 Books Written by Rockford People 106 > Rockford's Furniture Industry. 108 Piano Industry 110 Rockford College for Women.. Ill Rockford Free Public Library. lU Early Rockford Schools 117 Free Public School System... IIS Fir=t Consolidated School in Illinois 121 District School Traveling Li- braries 122 District School Libraries 122 Township Graduation Exer- cises 122 83« •Asi A.\i» i'RKSi:\T < )i' \\i\xi:i;a(;< ) lolxty. Rofkford Chautauqua Assem- bly 122 Rm'Ufonl Street Railway and Interurban Lines 123 Memoriai Hall 12r, Spanish War Velorans Insiiiutions of Philanthropy. Roster of Rockford Mayors. . RoeUford Hanks and Bankers Newspapers of Rockford.... 12.~> Illinois. Iowa & Minnesota Rail- 127 way 139 130 Later Eeelesiastiial History.,. 14t) 132 Musieal Clubs and Musicians of 1 33 Rockford 14fi i;i( K .K.M'l IK AI. Abbott. Thomas J (W.') Abram. Peter iiltl Alexander. Job (121 Allen, rir. L. S (531 Allen. Richard S 752 Anders. John, Jr 41(i Andrew. Ellis 395 Andrew. J. J 692 Andrew. Roljert 43t; Andrews. John 177 Andrus. Henry 252 Andriis. Dr. S. C 755 Armstrong. A. R 29tl Atkinson. GeorRe R 3i>2 Atwood. A. J ti41 Atwood. David 473 Atwood. J. M 495 Atwood. P. H 159 Austin. C. E 191 Babcork. J. H 307 Bachelder. Alonzo 7r. .Mrs. E. M 461 RarKren. A. K 543 BarloRa. Fred 683 Barnes. Joseph 543 Barrett. John 330 Bartlett. Moses 318 Bander. F. M 392 Beal.son. David 327 Beatson. J. \V 544 Beecher, Ransom 782 Benoit. Nelson E 607 Billmyer. Dr. E. T 428 Black. John 317 Blackman. F. L 745 Blake. H. E 3.50 Blakeman. Benjamin 281 Bloduett. S. K 507 Bodine. William 281 Braddook. Rev. J. S 478 Brazee. C. M 802 BrlKBs, Chester E 270 BrisKS. G. F 569 Brinkerhorr, H. M 251 Broimhlon. Dr. Russell 162 Brown. E. W 181 Brown. <;. S 646 Brown. Horace 172 Brown. Thomas H 361' Brown. William 199' Brown. William 328- Huclianan. Thomas 534 Bucklx-e. T. E 2fiO Bull. Rol)ert 533 Bnrch. C. R 487 Burns. Timothy P 308 Burn.-. Toblau 528 Burr. W. L 560 Burrlti, Rufus H i\r,-, Bur.son. W. W 166 Hutler. Dr. T. .\1 299 Caldwell. Dr. William S 324 Campbell, E. 698 Campbell. Frank B 292 Campbell. Jeremiah 731 Carlson, John 432 Carney. Daniel 445 Carpenter. David 746 Carroll. John C 515 Carton. James H 211 Cariv. Edward F 834 Caswell. Dr. S. J 781 Catlin. Dr. E. P 286 Champ. Frederick 155 Chapin. A. R 673 Chapi)ell. .Mrs. Delia A 756 Chase, H. B 765 Church. Charles A 635 Clark. Charles .M 610 Clark. Thomas M 761 Cleveland. Hcrvey S 302 Cleveland. L, W 781 Cleveland. William J 226 Clikeman. Miner 716 Clinch. Rev. N. B 770 Clover. C. F 592 Coffin. Fletcher 828 Colby. G. F 28(1 Collier. Alexander 65u Collins. Anthonv 623 Collins, r. A 588 Collins. O. W 318 Colton. Robert 776 Colvin. Pa=chal 178 Comly. A. L 671 Cook. Isaac 682 C^)rwin. M. L 401 Cosper. Elias 565 Cox. Henry 527 Coy. Williatn 422 Crandall. Charles F 500 Crandall. Oliver A 746 Crill. .John J 582 Crill. O. F 266 Crill, William 186 Crowell. L. H.. Jr 816 Crowlev. George A 576 Crumb. R. W 171 Culhane. Dr. T. H 472 CumminRs. O. J 398 Cutler. A. E 780 I Dale. L. M 674 Dales. William 359 Darrow. Frank E 271 Davey. J. H.. Jr 377 Davis. Alva B 351 Davis. EuKene E 339 Davis. Jeremiah 252 Decker. T. C 538 De La Mater. W. J 161 Denney, T. A . . 38t; Derwent. T. W 732 de Tissandier. T. L. L 625 Dickerman. P. B 620 Dobson, Daniel 365 Doolittle. P. W 511 Dow. Charles B 812 Drohan. Patrick 428 Dunn. E. C 713 Dunwell. Dr. Edward 580 Eaton. Prof. W. L 189 Edie. J. P 678 Edson. Dr. A. J 602 Ekeberg. G. E 750 Ellis. D. H 799 Ellis, George S 742 Ellis. T. M 826 Evans, D. W 225 Evans. Thad W 790 Falconer, George 591 Falconer, Robert 396 Fallon. John 706 Farnhani. William P 547 Faulkner, J. W 360 Ferguson. Hugh 167 Fitzgerald, John 309 Fitzpatrick. Timothy 478 Flagg. George W 412 Flaghertv, Rev. J. J 540 Fraley. John M 709 Franklin. George 355 French. Irvin 576 Fresse, Mrs. Margaret L 190 Fritz. George A 246 Frost. Arthur H 537 Frost. Dr. J. H 677 Fuller. Charles 2.50 Fuller. Lemuel 196 Fuller. Levi B 365 Gardner, Cassius M 190 Garner. Frederick 465 Garrett. B. H 177 Garrett. Will N 376 Garver. Judge J. C 182 Gibson. James A 719 Gilniore. Thomas 241 Glawe. Mrs. Kate 418 Gleasman. E. S 833 Gleasnian. George 408 Glea-sman. Valentine 438 Glea-son. Moses W 791 Glennev. Thomas 448 Glover. Mrs. G. B 345 Goldv, B. D 295 Good lander, Daniel 64' Goodrich, A. W 467 Gorhani. Marnuis L 222 Graham, A. F 612 Graves. R. W •J06 Greenlee. Hugh 323 Greenlee. Robert 825 Gregorv. L. B 314 PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 839 Griffiths, John 415 Guilford, E. B 366 Haines, Frederick 245 Haines, Dr. G. M 809 Hall, Alfred 159 Hall. Charles R 468 Halley, E. R 334 Halley. William A 388 Halsey, O. F 802 Hamborg, P. M 822 Hardy, J. B 611 Harris. Elmer E 291 Hartley, W. L 672 Hayward, M. W 575 Helm, Dr. Clinton 256 Henienway. Calvin A 550 Herd, Benjamin 290 Herrick, Leonard E 504 Herrick. S. H 488 Hibbard, John 175 Hicks. Mrs. J. B 512 Higgins, Charles E 405 Hildebrand. Godfrey 737 Hinkley, James 779 Hoffman, Edward J 378 Holland. H. P 652 Hopkins. C. H 527 Howes, Phineas 795 Hunter, Cyrus L 495 Hutohins, John 533 Irvine. Joseph \V 262 Jackson. Charles E 715 James. Dr. Katharine E 537 Janvevine, O. W 795 Jenks. Dr. Solomon 392- Jewett. Brittan 186 Jewett. Fred 771 Jewett, Robert B 693 Johns, Richard 666 Johns. William 484 Johnson, Hobart 1 806 Johnson, James H 737 Johnson. N. P 60S Jones, William C 446 Keating. Michael C 301 Keeling. Francis 165 Keith, Lewis 232 Keith, W. H ^122 Kevt. George M 801 Kevt. W. R 7?4 Kimliall. Dr. F. H 82'! Kimball. Henrv P 603 King, George E 725 King. J. H 539 Kinson, Daniel ^32 ■KTiann. Fred N. . . 705 Knisht. B. A 474 Knowlton. H. W 210 T.n For°p. John T 750 T ake, John S26 T.ake, l^wis F 199 T.qke Thomas PO' T, arising, A. C 6i6 T.arson. August W 397 T,awtori. ■"^ M •'^98 T.pvino'S, T^'frp. Helen V 63'> T pvins-s Thomas G '^''0 T.o-n-i2 Terniohlen. Henry 417 Tel low. James G C52 Thomas, Frank E 3G1 Thomi>son. A. \V 219 Thompson. N. T 572 Thompson. William 2t;!i Thome. A. C 3it(! Todd. Millon 391 Toms. Isaac 239 Tousley. \V. H 271 Turner. P. E 597 Tvn'lMi- \ H 593 L'lrici, Hi'ury liS8 Utter, Isaac 714 Van De .Mark, Jacob (;9 1 Veness. E. J 17(i Vincer, John 835 Waldo. H, H 212 Walker, P. R 310 Wallace. C. A 455 Wallace. S. W 221 Wallis. John 42(i Ware, Edwin 492 Warner, F. W 4(i2 Warren, Alpha 472 Warren, James A 749 Walking. Will E 570 Walson. John S SCO Webber. H. A 452 Webster. Rienzi 483 WpI don . S. S <)55 Wellington. Thomas 249 Welty, Calvin 477 Welty, J. J 55G Whitehead, J. B (;4o Wilkins. S. B 340 Williams. Girden 681 WillouKhby, F. E 504 Wills. Charles 559 Wilmarlh. A. B 524 Wilmarlh, John S 614 Wilson, N. P 372 Winchester, Thomas 20(; Wolven. John W 242 Wood. H. H 831 Woodward. A. W 723 Woolsey. C. H 789 Works. C. A 279 Wrif,'ht. Miles 772 Wnnder. George J 34G H 9 8 89'""'' L ^57 ^ ' . . • .O *3, '" • « * .%» . %* ' . . • ' .0 5 ..*^jr79n.' ".-, J* • \ €i-\> .co*..:^^->o /,-^i.\ -c"*,.^-."- y.-^-\ .'°.-ii^--' HECKMAN ig BINDERY INC. |m