I B R.ARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UN IVERSITY 
 OF ILLINOIS 
 
 .\ 
 
 HUNOIS KiSTCRICAl SJJ8VW
 
 HISTORY 
 
 WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 
 
 By WILLIAM W. DAVIS, M. A. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 With Biographical Sketches of some Prominent Citizens of the County 
 
 VOL. I 
 
 Chicago: 
 
 THE PIONEER PUBLISHING CO. 
 1908
 
 FOREWORD 
 
 This is not a directory of names, a gazetteer of places, a census report 
 of tables, <but a simple narrative of Whiteside county as it was, and as it 
 appears to the observer today. 
 
 The work lays no claim to completeness or infallibility; and if there 
 are errors in names, dates, places, or events, the author asks the charity of 
 the critic, who, doubtless, could not do any better. 
 
 Be to her virtues very kind ; 
 Be to her faults a little blind. 
 
 f 
 
 Whiteside is a wide field to traverse in a short time. 
 
 To the editors of the Daily Gazette and of the Daily Standard of 
 Sterling upon whose columns he has freely drawn and to the editors of the 
 excellent weeklies throughout the county <who so generously extended the 
 'courtesies of their sanctums, and to the good people in town and country 
 who so kindly gave all desired information, the author returns a thousand 
 thanks, acknowledges obligations that can never be forgotten. 
 
 The play is done; the curtain drops, 
 
 Slow falling to the prompter's bell; 
 A moment yet the actor stops, 
 
 And looks around, to say farewell ! 
 
 Sterling, Illinois, June J, 1908. 
 
 WILLIAM W. DAVIS, M. A. 
 
 I 
 
 
 I I r\r\A ocr
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 DIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 WHITESIDE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 
 
 INDIAN HISTORY IN AN OIL PORTRAIT. 
 
 Lo, the poor Indian whose untutored mind, 
 
 Sees God in clouds or hears him in the wind. Pope. 
 
 In a discourse delivered in Providence, Dr. Swain said when a traveler 
 would speak of his experience in foreign lands, he must begin with the 
 sea. So in a narrative of our western country, it is customary to begin with 
 the Mound Builders. Their artificial hillocks are found all over the Mis- 
 sissippi valley, in our own county, at Fulton, Como, Sterling, and their 
 origin has given rise to much speculation. A theme for the poet. Bryant 
 in his "Prairies" gives wings to his fancy as he saw them in an early 
 visit to his brothers in Princeton: 
 
 A race, that long has passed away, 
 Built them ; a disciplined and populous race 
 Heaped with long toil, the earth, while yet the Greek 
 Was hewing the Pentelicus to forms 
 Of symmetry, and rearing on its rock 
 The glittering Parthenon. 
 
 But we must give up our fantastic theories. Robin Hood and William 
 Tell are myths. One pretty childish legend after another disappears. An 
 article in the Handbook of American Indians, issued by the Smithsonian 
 Institution, 1907, sums up the researches of the ethnological authorities in 
 a few sentences. "The articles found in the mounds, and the character of the 
 various monuments indicate a stage of culture much the same as that of the 
 more advanced tribes found inhabiting this region at the advent of the 
 whites. Moreover, European articles found in the mounds, and the state- 
 ments by early chroniclers, as those of the De Soto's expedition, prove beyond 
 question that some of these structures were erected by the Indians in post- 
 Columbian times." 
 
 AN HISTORIC OCCASION. 
 
 Every place has its memorable event: Boston its tea party, Paris the 
 destruction of the Bastile, Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence, 
 Chicago its great fire, and in our own county, last but not least, the presenta-
 
 8 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 tion, October 24, 1877, of a portrait of the Indian Prophet, by Hon. E. B. 
 Washburne, to the people of Whiteside. It was painted by Healy from 
 sketches made by Catlin. Washburne was then in the fullness of his fame. 
 After his long and honorable service in Congress, he was appointed by President 
 Grant as minister to France, and while in Paris during the Franco-Prussian 
 War, 1871, he sheltered under the Stars and Stripes at the American embassy 
 hundreds of defenseless foreigners from the wrath of the Commune. Never 
 did the old flag exercise a nobler humanity. It was a city of refuge. The 
 German emperor and people were profuse in their thanks. Who was George 
 Catlin? A Pennsylvania artist who went to the far West in 1832, spending 
 eight years among the Indians, and painting nearly five hundred portraits of 
 the chiefs and prominent members of various tribes. Healy was a Boston 
 artist who spent most of his time in Paris, with occasional visits to America. 
 In his six hundred portraits is nearly every celebrated man of his day from 
 Louis Philippe to Gen. Sherman. His Webster's Reply to Hayne hangs in 
 Faneuil Hall, Boston. It seems Washburne found Catlin at Brussels, and 
 secured the Indian original for Healy's brush. 
 
 The presentation took place at the Morrison fair grounds. After an intro- 
 duction by Capt. John Whallon, supervisor ffom Lyndon, Mr. Washburne 
 arose amid generous applause. After acknowledging his pleasure in meeting 
 his former constituents, he entered upon a careful discussion of the men and 
 events concerned in the Black Hawk war. Prophetstown was in the center 
 of hostile operations. The Indian name of the Prophet was Wa-bo-kies-sheik. 
 He was a son of the chief of the Sac and Fox tribes, but two of his wives were 
 Winnebagoes. A splendid specimen of his race, tall, intelligent, clear-headed, 
 he always exercised great influence over his people. He was the lieutenant 
 and right arm of Black Hawk, and followed him to the bitter end. 
 
 THE NAME OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 Further in his address, Mr. Washburne alludes to the origin of our 
 county name. There was a Kentucky family of Whiteside, well known as 
 Indian fighters, and the son of John, Samuel Whiteside, was appointed by 
 Gov. Reynolds commander of all the Illinois troops in 1832 in the expedition 
 against Black Hawk. "My judgment is that the county was named after 
 Gen. Samuel Whiteside, as he resided in the Galena country, was known to 
 the people, identified with their interests, and a leading figure in the Black 
 Hawk war." As he closed his speech, he pulled the flag covering the picture, 
 and as the portrait of the Prophet was displayed to the audience, the air was 
 rent with cheers. 
 
 PROF. c. c. BUELL'S ACCEPTANCE. 
 
 In replying to Mr. WasbJburne's closing remark, "Gentlemen of the 
 Board of Supervisors, citizens of Whiteside county, and ladies and gentlemen, 
 I now have the pleasure of introducing to you the Prophet," Prof. Buell, of 
 Montmorency arose : "Honored sir, it is made my pleasing duty on behalf of 
 the county board, and of the people of AVhiteside county, to accept this gift." 
 Mr. Buell then complimented Mr. Washburne on the efficiency of his public
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 9 
 
 life at home and on his distinction abroad, and concluded: "Accept, sir, 
 the thanks of this people for this significant and valuable gift. As a work 
 of art. as a memento of Catlin, the painter and traveler, and of the dis- 
 tinguished artist, Healy, as the portrait of the great Winnebago chief, whose 
 tribe once occupied this region, and whose principal village was but a few 
 miles from the spot where we stand, it will deserve to be carefully preserved by 
 the people of this county. Whatever, sir, may be your future home, what- 
 ever responsibilities you may be called to bear, we tender to you assurances of 
 the continued sympathy and confidence of the people of Whiteside county." 
 At the conclusion of Mr. Buell's address, a banquet in Floral Hall was 
 followed by toasts and responses: Paris in 1870, E. B. Washburne; Our 
 Country, Wm. H. Allen, of Erie; Prophetstown, the Home of the Prophet, 
 by P. B. Eeynolds of Prophetstown ; Our Sister State of Iowa, by Hon. Waldo 
 M. Potter of Clinton Herald; Common Schools, by Prof. M. R. Kelly of Mor- 
 rison. A private banquet in the evening at the Revere House concluded a 
 day of precious reminiscence for all who were so happy as to participate 
 in the festivities. 
 
 BLACK HAWK AND KEOKUK. 
 
 Black it stood as Night, 
 Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, 
 And shook a dreadful dart. Paradise Lost. 
 
 Among the Indian warriors, there are some names almost as celebrated 
 as Hannibal, Caesar, and Alexander. Osceola of the Seminoles, Red Jacket 
 of the Senecas, Pontiac of the Ottawas, Tecumseh of the Shawnees, are familiar 
 to every reader. They figure as prominently in the first half of the last 
 century as Jackson, Scott, or Harrison. 
 
 As Black Hawk and Keokuk were conspicuous leaders in the Black Hawk 
 War, they deserve special consideration. They were types of opposite pol- 
 icies. Johnson drew a parallel between Pope and Dryden, and we may 
 contrast in a general way our two Indian chieftains. Keokuk was con- 
 ciliatory, Black Hawk was defiant. Keokuk sought the friendship of the 
 whites. Black Hawk aimed to provoke their hostility. Keokuk knew that 
 Indian supremacy was hopeless and gracefully accepted the situation, Black 
 Hawk saw the danger, but like an infuriated beast madly rushed to destruc- 
 tion. Keokuk was a considerate prophet, Black Hawk a desperate devotee. 
 
 Keokuk was a member of the Fox clan, and born on Rock river about 
 1780. His mother was said to have been half French, and this may account 
 for his vivacity. He was a natural orator, and he soon arose to a controlling 
 influence in his tribe. He was stout, graceful, commanding in appearance, 
 fond of athletic sports, and so fond of display that on occasions of tribal 
 ceremony he always appeared on horseback whether his companions were 
 mounted or not. So persuasive in argument that he often carried the vote 
 of the tribe when every member before his speech had determined on the 
 contrary. But when the war finally burst forth against his protest, he with- 
 drew from the scene of operations.
 
 10 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 After the war Keokuk again comes to the front. In the city of Wash- 
 ington in debate with the Sioux before the government officials, he estab- 
 lished the chain of the Sank and Foxes to the territory comprised in the 
 present state of Iowa. His town during the Black Hawk war was on the 
 rapids near the mouth of Des Moines river. Here is the city of Keokuk, 
 named in his honor. The treaty of 1832 gave him a reservation of forty miles 
 square on Iowa river to which he removed. In 1845 he moved to Kansas, 
 and three years later was poisoned by a member of the Black Hawk band. 
 
 Keokuk's life-long rival, Black Hawk, was also born on Rock river, at its 
 mouth, in 1767. A warrior from his youth, at seventeen he attacked an 
 Osage camp, and returned with the scalp of a victim. In 1812 he fought 
 for the British. He seemed to cherish a hereditary dislike to the Americans, 
 and to the last resisted their occupation of the country. No wonder. It is a 
 charming valley, like ancient Canaan to the Israelites, flowing with milk 
 and honey. His last speech contained these pathetic words: "Rock river is 
 a beautiful country. I like my towns and my corn fields, and the home of 
 my people. I fought for it. It is now yours." 
 
 Various complications led to the Black Hawk war. By the treaty of 
 1804 at St. Louis, the Sauk and Foxes agreed to surrender all their lands 
 east of the Mississippi, for the payment of one thousand dollars a year. 
 This was repudiated by Black Hawk, who affirmed that the chiefs were 
 drunk when they signed the treaty. Meantime after the war of 1812, set- 
 tlers began to pour into the old Sauk and Fox territory, and troubles soon 
 arose. In 1823 Keokuk and his followers, bowing to the inevitable, moved 
 into Iowa, but Black Hawk remained. By the spring of 1831 so much 
 friction had occurred that Gov. Reynolds of Illinois called out the militia, 
 and on June 30, Black Hawk signed a treaty to abstain from further hos- 
 tility and leave the country. 
 
 This was simply to gain time, for during the following winter he sent 
 emissaries to excite various tribes to a general insurrection against the whites. 
 When Gen. Atkinson, April 1, 1832, received orders to demand from the Sauk 
 and Foxes the members who had massacred some Menominee, he found that 
 Black Hawk at the head of a band of two thousand, five hundred of them, 
 warriors, had crossed the Mississippi into Illinois. The militia were called 
 out and the settlers warned. The conflict was on. Black Hawk passed up 
 Rock river, undisciplined militia in pursuit, and Stillman's brigade met 
 with a disastrous defeat. On June 24 he was repulsed in an attack on 
 Apple river fort, and the following day he defeated Major Dement's bat- 
 talion with heavy loss to himself. 
 
 But the end was near. On July 21, while trying to cross to the west side 
 of Wisconsin river, he was overtaken by volunteers under Gen. Henry, and 
 defeated with a loss of sixty-eight killed and more wounded. Retreating 
 with the remainder of his force to the mouth of Bad Ax river, and about to 
 cross the Mississippi, the steamer Warrior shelled his camp. The following 
 day, August 3, the pursuing troop* under Atkinson appeared, and after a 
 desperate struggle, killed or drove into the river one hundred and fifty of 
 the band, and captured forty. Those who reached the other side were cut
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 11 
 
 off by the Sioux. Black Hawk escaped, but was followed and captured by 
 some Winnebago. Thus closed the chapter of the only race tragedy on our 
 borders. 
 
 As Black Hawk's courageous operations had excited general attention 
 throughout the United States, he was taken with some of his warriors on a 
 tour in the east, visiting the principal cities with the two-fold object of 
 gratifying popular curiosity, and also impressing the savage mind with the 
 power of the nation. In 1837 he accompanied Keokuk on a second trip. He 
 died in 1838 near lowaville. His obsequies were spectacular. His body was 
 dressed in a uniform presented by Jackson, accompanied by a sword from 
 the hero, a cane given by Henry Clay, and medals from Jackson, Adams, 
 and Boston. But one night everything was stolen, and the bones made into 
 a skeleton found their way to the Burlington Historical Society, where they 
 were destroyed in 1855 with the burning of the building. 
 
 In connection with the Black Hawk War, it is interesting to recall the 
 names of several men who were summoned to our valley, and who after- 
 wards won undying fame. Jefferson Davis was a graduate of West Point 
 in 1828, and a staff officer in the infantry. Lincoln volunteered in a Sanga- 
 mon county company, and remained in the service until mustered out by 
 Lieut. Robert Anderson of Fort Sumter fame. Zachary Taylor, the hero 
 of the Mexican War subsequently, was colonel of the first infantry, and with 
 Atkinson's army moved up the Rock river valley after Black Hawk. Gen. 
 Winfield Scott with troops from the east had established his headquarters 
 at Rock Island. 
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE AND COUNTY. 
 
 By the rivers gently flowing, 
 
 Illinois, Illinois, 
 O'er thy prairies verdant growing, 
 
 Illinois, Illinois, 
 Comes an echo on the breeze, 
 Rustling thro' the leafy trees, 
 And its mellow tones are these, 
 
 Illinois, Illinois. 
 
 Our readers, young and old, who are not familiar with the early his- 
 tory of Illinois will be surprised to learn that its boundaries were not always 
 the same. As ye know, the Mississippi valley was claimed by the French 
 through the right of discovery by La Salle and the Jesuit explorers, and 
 then by the decisive defeat of Montcalm by Wolfe at Quebec in 1759, passed 
 into possession of the English. This was the condition at the opening of 
 the Revolution in 1775. The Indians were induced by the British to take 
 up the tomahawk against the American settlers, and were continually on the 
 war-path. 
 
 George Rogers Clark, a frontiersman from Virginia, saw the situation 
 and determined to relieve it. He laid his scheme before the governor and
 
 12 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 council of Virginia, who approved it, and gave him authority to raise troops. 
 He drilled his men at Louisville, and on June 24, 1778, he set sail, passed 
 safely over the rapids, landed at deserted Fort Massac on the Ohio river, 
 started across the country, and after a six days' march, surprised Kaskaskia, 
 then the center of operations, and took quiet possession. The other French 
 villages surrendered. Thus, as is said, the Illinois country was captured 
 without the firing of a gun or the loss of a man. 
 
 Clark was a hero, gave his best years to this frontier warfare against 
 savage foes, and his sacrifices should be gratefully remembered. Another 
 Daniel Boone. His last days, sad to relate, were spent in poverty in a hut 
 near Louisville until his sister took him to her home. A little headstone, 
 marked, G. R. C., is all that marks the grave of a soldier who secured for 
 his country the rich domain north of the Ohio. When Virginia sent a 
 sword to the old man, he exclaimed, "When Virginia needed a sword, I gave 
 her one. Now she sends me a toy when I want bread." He thrust the 
 sword into the ground, and broke it with his crutch. His brother, William, 
 became world-famous as the military director of Lewis and Clark's expedi- 
 tion appointed by Jefferson in 1804 to explore the Rocky mountain region. 
 
 As the conquest of the country was made by Clark with Virginia troops, 
 that state felt the responsibility of taking care of the settlers, and a bill for 
 that purpose was passed by the assembly in December, 1778, and signed by 
 Governor Patrick Henry. It was a long document, affirming in substance 
 that as several British posts in the country adjacent to the Mississippi river 
 have been reduced by a successful expedition carried on by the Virginia 
 militia, Be it enacted by the General Assembly that all citizens of this com- 
 monwealth who are already settled or shall hereafter settle on the western 
 side of Ohio aforesaid, shall be included in a distinct county, which shall 
 be called Illinois county. 
 
 By the way, this governor whose name was affixed to the act, was no 
 other than the immortal Patrick Henry, the fiery orator of times preceding 
 the Revolutionary war, and whose speeches were so long the favorite declama- 
 tions of ambitious schoolboys. We all remember that stirring passage: "Caesar 
 had his Brutus, Charles I his Cromwell, and George III" here cries of 
 treason, treason ! from timid loyalists, but the orator tept his head, "and 
 George III may profit by their example." 
 
 Persons who would like to learn more of the proceedings in these times 
 may find much valuable information in volume two of Illinois Historical 
 Collections, edited by Clarence Walworth Alvord, of University of Illinois, 
 who has examined the Cahokia Records from 1778 to 1790. 
 
 In 1779, Capt. John Todd was appointed commandant of the new 
 county of Illinois, and organized a government, but it soon went to pieces, 
 and in 1784 Virginia surrendered her claim to the United States. In 1787 
 Congress passed what is known as the 
 
 NORTHWEST ORDINANCE. 
 
 This provided for a territorial form of government for the whole country 
 north and west of the Ohio, but provided, also, that it should ultimately be
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 13 
 
 formed into states on an equal footing with the original thirteen. The 
 western, southern, and eastern boundaries of Illinois were as they now are, 
 but it was left optional with Congress either to give the state a northward 
 extension to the Canadian frontier, or to form another state north of a line 
 drawn, through the southerly bend of Lake Michigan. 
 
 Under this Northwest Ordinance, government was set up by Governor 
 St. Clair at Marietta, Ohio, named by the way after the unfortunate Marie 
 Antionette, but not until 1790 was the Illinois country organized as St. 
 Clair county, modestly named after himself. The county seat was at Caho- 
 kia. In 1800 the Northwest Territory was divided into two districts. In 
 one was Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, with parts of Michigan and Minnesota, 
 all forming the new Indiana territory under Governor William Henry 
 Harrison. Vincennes, Indiana, another old town, was the capital. But one 
 county was found to be too much for Illinois, and in 1795, Randolph county 
 was formed from the southern portion of St. Clair, with Kaskaskia as its 
 capital. 
 
 In 1809 another change. By act of Congress, Feb. 3, Indiana Territory 
 was divided, and the western portion became the Territory of Illinois. Ninian 
 Edwards, who had been chief justice of court of appeals in Kentucky, was 
 appointed governor by President Madison. 
 
 LAWS OF THE EARLY TERRITORY. 
 
 Some of the penalties were pretty hard on various offenders. As Prof. 
 Alvord remarks, this early code in operation from 1809 to 1811 has all the 
 earmarks of cruelty characteristic of England and her colonies during the 
 seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Stocks, the pillory, and the whipping 
 post were set up in every county. 
 
 Thus, for obstructing the authority of a magistrate, the offender shall 
 .be fined not more than $300, and receive not to exceed thirty-nine lashes. 
 For larceny, the convicted party, besides restoring double the value of the 
 thing stolen, is required to pay a fine of the same amount, or be whipped 
 not exceeding thirty-nine lashes. These whippings were dreadful. Dr. Sam- 
 uel Willard in his Personal Reminiscences witnessed one of these savage 
 performances on the public square of Carrollton as late as 1832. He describes 
 it in detail. Near the courthouse was set a strong post, ten feet high, with 
 a cross at the top. The man to be punished for the theft of a horse, was 
 stripped naked to the hips, his hands tied, and the rope carried to the cross 
 piece, and drawn as tight as could be without taking his feet from the 
 ground. Then the sheriff took the rawhide. What was that? A strip of 
 soft wet cow T skin twisted and dried, hard and rough but flexible, three quarters 
 of a yard long. The sheriff began by laying strokes on the culprit's badk near 
 the neck, and going down the side. After fifteen strokes were counted aloud, 
 someone gave the poor wretch a tumbler of whisky. Then the other side 
 of the back received the same treatment. Every stroke drew a blood-red 
 blister. The man's shirt was replaced, and he was led back to jail. 
 
 Gambling was strictly opposed by the Virginia code. Here is one 
 clause: Any person, who shall suffer any of the games played at tables
 
 14 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 commonly called A. B. C. or E. 0. or faro bank, or any other gaming table 
 or bank of like kind, to be played in his or her house, shall for every such 
 offense forfeit and pay the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, to be 
 recovered in any court of record by any person who will sue for the same. 
 Dueling was a capital offense. No mercy for the man with a hair 
 trigger. The murder of Hamilton by Burr in 1804 seems to have set the 
 seal of national condemnation on the barbarous practice. So there was this 
 act in the Virginia code : That any person who shall hereafter wilfully and 
 maliciously, fight a duel or single combat with any engine, instrument, or 
 weapon, and in so doing shall kill his antagonist, or inflict such injuries 
 that the person shall die thereof within three months thereafter, such offender, 
 his aiders, abettors, and counsellors being thereof duly convicted, shall be 
 guilty of murder, and suffer death by being hanged by the neck, any law 
 or usage of this territory to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 ILLINOIS A STATE. 
 
 After nine years as a distinct territory, the next and last political change 
 came with the act of Congress, April 15, 1818, "to enable the people of 
 Illinois territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the 
 admission of such states into the Union on an equal footing with the 
 original states. 
 
 This act provided for the election of thirty-three delegates to a con- 
 vention to be held at Kaskaskia on the first Monday of the following August. 
 All white male persons over twenty-one, and who had resided in the ter- 
 ritory six months prior to election, could vote. There were fifteen counties 
 in the territory. Two delegates were apportioned to each of the counties 
 of Bond, Monroe, Randolph, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, White, Edwards, Craw- 
 ford, Union, Washington, and Franklin, while Madison, St. Clair and Gal- 
 latin had each three representatives. In the bill for statehood as passed 
 was an amendment, apparently trifling, but of critical and lasting value to 
 the prosperity of Illinois. 
 
 By the Ordinance of 1787, there were to be not less than three, nor 
 more than five states in the territory northwest of the Ohio river. Congress 
 reserved the power, if deemed expedient, to form one or two states in that 
 part of the territory lying north of an east and west line drawn through 
 the southerly bend of Lake Michigan. That line, as Ford says in his history, 
 was generally supposed to be the north boundary of Illinois. Nathaniel 
 Pope, our delegate in Congress, seeing that Chicago was north of that line, 
 and would be excluded by it from the state, and that the contemplated 
 Illinois and Michigan canal to connect the lakes with the Mississippi, would 
 be partly without the state, came to the conclusion that it was competent for 
 Congress to extend the boundaries of the new state as far north as they 
 pleased. This amendment was to extend the northern boundary of the 
 new state to the parallel of forty-two degrees thirty minutes north latitude. 
 Few persons realize what we owe to Pope's amendment. It simply secured 
 for Illinois instead of Wisconsin, fourteen of our splendid northern counties, 
 including the city of Chicago. A small empire. Everlasting honor to
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 15 
 
 Nathaniel Pope, whose far-seeing sagacity gave forever to Illinois one of the 
 richest jewels in her crown. 
 
 Shadrach Bond was elected first governor, and began his term of four 
 years in October, 1818. He was a native of Maryland, a farmer and early 
 settler, and what is remarkable, suggests Ford, in his first message made a 
 recommendation in favor of the Illinois and Michigan canal. Ninian 
 Edwards and Jesse B. Thomas, were elected the first senators. The first leg- 
 islature provided for the removal of the seat of government from Kaskaskia, 
 the seat of power for one hundred and fifty years, to Vandalia, a spot selected 
 by the commissioners. The state archives, a small wagon load, were accord- 
 ingly removed by Sidney Breese, then clerk to the secretary of state, for 
 twenty-five dollars. 
 
 But other towns were after the capital, Jacksonville, Peoria, Alton, and 
 there was a strenuous canvass. The question was settled, however, Feb. 28, 
 1837, when the two houses met in joint session, and on the fourth ballot, 
 Springfield was chosen, receiving seventy-three votes, a majority over all 
 competitors. The old capital building at Vandalia was several times remod- 
 eled, and is still standing, its small cupola visible through the trees to the 
 traveler on the Illinois Central. The corner stone of the new building at 
 Springfield was laid July 4, 1837, and the brilliant E. D. Baker, afterwards 
 senator from Oregon, who fell in the civil war, was orator of the occasion. 
 
 During the early years of statehood, Illinois was the frontier state of 
 the Northwest, Iowa not being organized until 1846, and Wisconsin not 
 until 1848. In 1818 the northern part of the state was almost wholly unoc- 
 cupied by white settlers, and even in the southern half the settlements were 
 separated by long stretches of wilderness. In 1818 the whole population was 
 about forty-five thousand. Some of these were descendants of the old French 
 settlers, and lived in the style of peasants in old France hundreds of years 
 ago. We quote a paragraph from Ford to show the simple manners of these 
 primitive communities. 
 
 The farmer raised his own provisions, tea and coffee being rarely used 
 except on special occasions. The farmer's sheep furnished wool for winter 
 clothing, and he raised cotton and flax for summer attire. His wife and 
 daughters spun and made it into garments. The fur of the raccoon made a 
 cap. The skins of deer or cattle tanned or dressed by himself, made shoes or 
 moccasins. A log cabin without glass, nails or hinges, was considered a com- 
 fortable home. Every farmer made his own plows and harness, as well as 
 furniture for the house in the shape of chairs, tables and bedsteads. Carts 
 were made without tires, used without tar, and creaked with a vengeance. 
 
 During the thirty years from 1820 to 1850 the progress was remarkable. 
 The building of the Erie canal in New York, the improvement of naviga- 
 tion on the lakes and rivers, the removal of the Indians, gave an impetus to 
 emigration. Instead of the easy plodders from Kentucky and the border 
 states, came a stream of resolute men and women from Pennsylvania, New 
 York, and New England. From 55,000 in 1820, Illinois increased to a 
 population of 850,000 in 1850. Chicago was beginning its marvelous devel-
 
 16 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 opment. From a fort and village in 1833, in 1850 it had a population of 
 30,000, and in 1853 had increased to 60,000. 
 
 ORGANIZATION OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 For many of the facts given under this head we are indebted to the 
 careful researches of Charles Bent and Robert L. Wilson. Previous to 1825 
 the whole northern part of the state extending for a considerable distance 
 south of Peoria, was included in the county of Tazewell, but on Jan. 13, 1825, 
 an act was passed setting off Peoria county, which extended south of the 
 city of Peoria, then known as Fort Clark, and north to the northern boundary 
 of the state. This territory included a large number of the present counties 
 of northwestern Illinois, among them Whiteside. On Feb. 17, 1827, Jo 
 Daviess county was formed, and included within its boundaries the territory 
 constituting the present county of Whiteside, where it remained until Jan. 
 16, 1836, with the exception of that portion of the -territory embraced in the 
 present townships of Portland and Prophetstown, which had been set off to 
 Henry county by the act organizing that county in 1836. That part of the 
 act of Jan. 16, 1836, fixing the present boundaries of Whiteside is as follows: 
 
 Section 6. All that tract of country within the following boundary, 
 commencing at the southeast corner of township numbered nineteen, north 
 of seven, range east of the fourth principal meridian; thence west with the 
 said township line to Rock river; thence down along the middle of Rock 
 river to the middle of the Meredosia with the line of Rock Island county to 
 the Mississippi river; thence along the main channel of the Mississippi river 
 to the point where the north line of township twenty-two intersects the same; 
 thence east with said last mentioned township line to the southeast corner 
 of township twenty-three; thence south with the line between ranges seven 
 and eight to the point of beginning, shall constitute a county to be called 
 Whiteside. 
 
 Sec. 16. The county of Whiteside shall continue to form a part of 
 the county of Jo Daviess until it shall be organized according -to this act, and 
 be attached to said county in all general elections, until otherwise provided 
 by law, and that after the organization of Ogle county, the county of White- 
 side shall be attached to said county of Ogle for all judicial and county 
 purposes, until it shall be organized. 
 
 So much in a general way for the ingenious, geographical and political 
 arrangements devised by the early Solons for the welfare of the county. Next 
 came the subdivisions. 
 
 TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 
 
 An election was held in 1849 in the different precincts for the purpose 
 of allowing the electors to vote for or against township organization. There 
 was a vote in favor, but on account of some illegality, another election was 
 held on Nov. 4, 1851, which resulted in a majority for the measure of 232 
 in a total vote of 543. L. D. Crandall, L. H. Woodworth, and William Pol- 
 lock were appointed commissioners to divide the county into townships, and 
 to fix names and boundaries, under the township organization law adopted
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 17 
 
 at the election of Nov. 4, 1851. On Feb. 24, 1852, the commissioners reported 
 the following townships: Fulton, Ustick, Clyde, Genesee, Jordan, Sterling, 
 Montmorency, Coloma, Hahnaman, Hume, Como, Hopkins, Tampico, Vol- 
 ney, Prophetstown, Portland, Erie, Fenton, Lyndon, Mt. Pleasant, Union 
 Grove, Garden Plain, Albany, Newton. These made twenty-four, but as 
 Como was merged in Hopkins, and Volney in Prophetstown, the number 
 became as at present, twenty-two. 
 
 The first town meeting under, the township organization law was held 
 on the first Tuesday of April, 1852 in Albany, Coloma, Clyde, Erie, Fenton, 
 Fulton, Garden Plain, Genesee, Hopkins, Jordan, Lyndon, Newton, Mt. 
 Pleasant, Prophetstown, Portland, Sterling, Union Grove, Ustick. Elections 
 were not held in Montmorency, Hahnaman, Hume, and Tampico, as they 
 were not fully organized. The first annual meeting of the Board was held 
 at Sterling, Sept. 13, 1852, and W. S. Barnes was elected chairman. 
 
 DIFFICULTIES OF EARLY TRAVEL. 
 
 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, 
 
 Stand dressed in living green, 
 So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 
 
 While Jordan rolled between. -Watts. 
 
 First catch your rabbit, was the standing advice in the cook books before 
 directions were given for cooking the quadruped. So the men of the east 
 considering removal to Illinois had before them the serious proposition of 
 getting there. Around them were their native hills, a thousand miles to 
 the west the virgin prairies, but lying between a region of difficult travel 
 like unexplored Ethiopia in the ancient geographies. 
 
 Two general routes were open to the eastern emigrant : From New Eng- 
 land by the Erie canal and lakes to Chicago; from Pennsylvania by canal 
 and the rivers. The points inland had, of course, to be reached by wagon. 
 A few illustrations may give a good idea of the Jericho road our pioneers 
 had to traverse. 
 
 In the spring of 1831, John H. Bryant, brother of the poet, set out for 
 Illinois from Cummington, Mass. At Albany he took a boat on the Erie 
 canal, and reached Buffalo in seven days, a trip now made in almost as many 
 hours. The lake at Buffalo being full of ice, he was obliged to hire a team 
 to Dunkirk. Then by wagon to Warren on the Alleghany river in Penn- 
 sylvania. He found quarters with an English family who were making 
 the voyage in a craft called an ark down the stream to Pittsburg. This 
 occupied seven days. From this city by steamboat to St. Louis, and thence 
 up the Illinois river to Naples. He was now within twenty-two miles of his 
 destination, Jacksonville, and completed the journey on foot. The whole 
 trip occupied five weeks, and cost $60. Now you can make it in a Pullman 
 car in thirty-six hours. The next year he and brother Cyrus rode to Prince- 
 ton, in Bureau county, on horseback. 
 
 Samuel Willard in his Reminiscences in Illinois from 1830 to 1850, 
 says his father went from Boston to Carrollton, Greene county, in March and
 
 18 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 April, 1831, taking twenty-seven days to reach Bluffdale. He with wife and 
 three sons, traveled by stage and steamer till they reached Pittsburg, and 
 then by boat on the Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. A canoe up a "sloo" 
 brought them to the end of water travel, with a walk of two miles to the 
 house of a friend. Household goods went from Boston to New Orleans, and 
 were brought north by boat, arriving months afterward. 
 
 The father and mother of Henry Holbrook traveled from Steuben county, 
 New York, in 1838, in a buggy drawn by one horse, while the family and 
 goods were conveyed by two. At Erie, Pa., a large box was shipped on a 
 sailing vessel. After a tedious trip of five weeks, suffering severely from 
 exposure, they arrived at Genesee Grove in December. Edward Richardson 
 was in company, traveling the whole distance on foot. The vessel was 
 wrecked, but a part of the goods were received a year later. 
 
 Col. Ebenezer Seely, one of Portland's strenuous pioneers, had his event- 
 ful experience in early transportation. With his own family, and those of 
 John Reed and Henry Brewer, he floated down the Alleghany and Ohio 
 rivers to Louisville, where he took a steamer for St. Louis, and thence to 
 Rock Island, arriving June 4, 1835. After much effort he secured a team 
 to take his family to Portland, and a ferry boat to bring his goods from 
 Rock Island. 
 
 Sometimes the trip from the East was made on horseback by men who 
 wished like Joshua to spy out the land, and make a leisurely survey of the 
 conditions. In this way, it is said, the father of Hugh Wallace rode 
 from Pennsylvania, and selected the land for Hugh, Elijah and Hamilton, 
 who afterwards occupied it. 
 
 Nathaniel G. Reynolds, Prophetstown, came from Buffalo to Detroit by 
 water, thence to Chicago by team. From Chicago to Rock river only an 
 Indian trail, and for forty-four miles before reaching Prophetstown, not a 
 house in sight. This was in 1835. 
 
 As there were no bridges across the smaller streams, it was often nec- 
 essary to swim the horses. This was especially dangerous in time of high 
 water, when even creeks became raging torrents. Peter Cartwright, the 
 celebrated Methodist preacher, who had half of Illinois for his circuit, was 
 often obliged in meeting his appointments, to swim the flood, and dry his 
 clothes on the other side. 
 
 Another tremendous bugbear was the sloughs or in western dialect, 
 "sloo?." They were, in some respects, more troublesome than the streams. 
 These could be forded or swam, if the current was not too swift. But the 
 slough was sometimes an impassable barrier. If a team got stuck in the 
 morass, nothing could be done unless more power could be secured. The 
 mire was deep, tough, sticky. So teams traveled in company, and by doubl- 
 ing up, the wagons could be jerked through the swamp. These sloughs 
 occurred in the hollows of the prairies, and travelers who rattle along today 
 over our graveled roads have no idea of the profanity that rang from these 
 treacherous bottoms. 
 
 James Talbot, who settled in Jordan in 1835, in coming to the ,west. 
 sailed down a small stream in a flatboat to Pittsburg, where he took a steamer
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 19 
 
 down the Ohio and then up the Mississippi and Illinois river to Peoria. 
 He remained there until his removal to Jordan, and made the overland 
 trip in an ox-wagon drawn by three yoke of cattle. Ten to fifteen miles a 
 day were the allowance for an ox-team. One mode of conveyance was a yoke 
 of oxen at- the wheel, and a horse in the lead driven by a whip. David 
 Hazard, who came to Lyndon in 1837, brought his family and goods from 
 Pennsylvania, nine hundred miles, in twenty-eight days, all the way by team. 
 
 Even as late as 1851, travel in Illinois was no luxury. With his father, 
 the writer made the trip from Lancaster, Pa. By rail to Johnstown, and 
 then one hundred miles by canal to Pittsburg. Down the Ohio, stopping at 
 Cincinnati and Louisville, to St. Louis, up the Illinois to Naples, by rail 
 to Springfield. On our return to the east, by boat up the Illinois to Peru, 
 thence by stage to Dixon and Sterling, and after a short visit, continuing our 
 journey by stage to Aurora, where we again struck rail for Chicago. These 
 stages were simply two horse wagons with canvas covers and curtains, and 
 hard seats that made you sore at the end of the ride. 
 
 Railroads were scarce in 1851. The Illinois Central was not made, and 
 here and there only a local line. The T-rail was not in general use, and the 
 road bed was not solid. Engineering was in its infancy. Dr. Willard gives 
 a description of their construction. On the ties were laid long wooden beams, 
 or stringers, and fastened on top of these bars of wrought iron, an inch thick 
 and three inches wide. These strap rails were spiked fast, the heads of the 
 spikes even with the rails to avoid a jar to the wheels. When an end of a 
 strap rail got loose, and stuck up, it was called a "snake-head." If it pierced 
 the car floor, at it sometimes did, serious accidents resulted. Engineers car- 
 ried hammers to nail down unruly snake-heads that threatened danger. 
 
 Another comfort very much missed by the early settlers was the absence 
 of religious service. Many had come from the staid communities of the east 
 where churches and Sunday schools were regular features from childhood. 
 
 But the sound of the church-going bell, 
 These valleys and rocks never heard. 
 
 They did the best in their power to supply the need. Sunday schools and 
 services ,were held in homes, and after schoolhouses were erected, ministers 
 were always welcome to preach. The late Barton Cartwright, of Oregon had 
 a long circuit extending from Rockford to Rock Island, which he regularly 
 traversed, and many of his appointments were in the country schoolhouses. 
 The ride of Sol Seely, son of old Col. Seely, was long a subject of thrill- 
 ing narrative. After the election in 1836 when Van Buren became president, 
 although only about twenty votes were cast in Portland township, it was 
 necessary to send the returns to Galena, the headquarters, as Whiteside then 
 formed part of Jo Daviess county. Sol was mounted on an Indian pony, 
 given the precious document to deliver to John Dixon, at Dixon's Ferry, 
 where the stage driver for Galena would take charge. Between Prophetstown 
 and Dixon, only twenty-eight miles, but nothing but an Indian trail. On 
 reaching a stream west of Dixon, swollen to the banks, although the weather 
 was cold and the water icy, Sol dashed into the current, and swam the pony
 
 20 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 across. Arriving at the Dixon house, .his frozen clothes were dr.' .-d, and 
 himself put in proper trim by good Mother Dixon for h'* return next morn- 
 ing. Sol spent his later years in Sterling, where his > ting house was a 
 popular resort. He was a firm believer in Spiritualism. Meeting him once 
 soon after the Buffalo assassination, he remarked with the utmost gravity, 
 "Well, I saw McKinley this morning." 
 
 HARDSHIPS IN EARLY DAYS. 
 
 Shall we be carried to the skies, 
 
 On flowery beds of ease, 
 While others fought to win the prize, 
 
 And sailed thro' bloody seas? Isaac Watts. 
 
 After arriving in the earthly Canaan, the end of the cedious joun ey, 
 the next question was about a place to live. Sod houses as in Kansas v.re 
 never attempted. Generally a neighbor offered room until a shelter could 
 be thrown up, but otherwise all sorts of shifts were employed. For instance, 
 Asa Crook, who came to Prophetstown in 1834, lived in his wagon for three 
 weeks, and then made a lodge, covering it with hickory bark, in which he 
 lived all summer. 
 
 But the primitive style of house was the genuine log cabin. Williai 
 Dudley's first cabin in Lyndon was only twelve feet square, and yet w- 
 large enough for his family of four and a boarder. No drawing rooms o 
 fancy apartments in those days. Puncheons hewn with a broad ax furnished 
 the floors. The spaces between the logs were plastered if lime was to be had. 
 The roofs were not water tight as the shingles were coarse and not jointed. 
 Many amusing incidents of storms that beat through the flimsy canopy. D. 
 F. Millikan's cabin in Lyndon was covered with bark, basins were set to 
 catch the water at night, and umbrellas were held to protect the sleepers 
 from drenching showers. Mrs. Mary Wallace, in Sterling relates the same 
 unwilling baptism. Sometimes only an earthen floor in the cabin, and Mrs. 
 Wallace, who was full of these incidents, tells of the baby rolling from the 
 bed one night, and of the search in the darkness to find him. But these 
 early cabins were roomy, elastic, and no sudden influx of company proved 
 too great for their accommodation. As in the omnibus, always room for 
 one more. Latch string always out. 
 
 For two years the writer en joyed- the shelter of a log cabin, and the mem- 
 ory is delightful. It was a novel transition from the boyhood comfort of 
 a substantial two-story brick in old Lancaster. This was the fireside of Charles 
 Diller and his good wife, Ann, in Jordan, near Wilson's mill. In the regular 
 family there were father and mother, five children, a girl, two boarders, 
 and myself. A shed for the stove answered for kitchen and dining room. 
 Only one room in the cabin proper, which at night by a curtain swung on 
 wire was turned into two chambers, and a low cot was drawn from beneath 
 the high bed where it stood during the day. 
 
 But the low loft to which we climbed by a narrow stairs was the main 
 accommodation for the boys and boarders. Three double beds were squeezed
 
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 HISTORY OF AVHITESIDE COUNTY 21 
 
 together. One window only, and the ventilation was not scientific, but we 
 slept and survived. When it stormed winter or summer, your pillow bore 
 testimony to rain or snow. And the table! If the old settlers had no rugs 
 or lace curtains, they certainly reveled in the good things of the earth. 
 Plenty of their own excellent ham or beef, fresh vegetables, the richest of 
 cream, pies and puddings, banquets and appetites that kings could not com- 
 mand. This was in 1856, and the reign of venison was over. The deer had 
 departed. 
 
 These old cabins have naturally disappeared before the changes of time 
 and the ravages of the elements. But this Diller cabin remains. The late W. 
 A. Sanborn, who bought the beautiful farm from the heirs, and established 
 an' extensive range for the rearing of blooded horses, had the little structure 
 removed to one side, and it is now in fair preservation. In some cases within 
 our knowledge, after modern dwellings were erected on another side, the 
 old cabins were allowed to stand, and used for cribs, corn-cobs, or other 
 purposes. The cabins of Major Wallace and Joel Harvey at Empire in 
 Hopkins stood till they tumbled down. 
 
 "To what base uses do we come at last!" 
 
 t 
 On many county fair grounds the old cabin has become of late years 
 
 a prominent ornament. It is either a real specimen removed from its early 
 situation and set up, or an ingenious imitation constructed of modern logs. 
 At any rate, the conception is happy. What a world of suggestion, of 
 reminiscence, the primitive structure awakens 1 It is a pleasing landmark 
 of social progress. We think of Lincoln and Garfield, of Daniel Webster's 
 
 early surroundings. All honor to the log homestead! 
 
 "-, 
 
 What a bliss to press the pillow 
 
 Of a cottage chamber bed, 
 And to listen to the patter 
 
 Of the soft rain overhead! 
 
 While substantial^ food was plentiful in the form of meat, game, and 
 vegetables, the fruit to which our father s were accustomed in the east, was 
 sorely missed. No peaches or apples until nurseries were started. Wild plums 
 and crab-apples in the timber, and these were economized to the fullest extent 
 in sauce and pies. Coffee and tea were for company, and wheat or rye did 
 for common use. When mills were distant, wheat and corn had to be ground 
 in hand mills. Buckwheat was prepared in this way for cakes. Tomatoes 
 were at first considered an ornament, and formed no part of table luxury. 
 One funny thing. Dandelions were missed, and someone sent to the east 
 for seed. 
 
 One of the,sorest wants was the grist mill. The settler had the wheat and 
 corn, but it had to be ground. In 1835 grists were taken to Morgan county, 
 one hundred and fifty miles south. Wilson's mill in Jordan, built in 1836, 
 was the only mill in the county, and people for forty miles came with their 
 grists. It was a log mill, but made good floiir. For clothing, too, various 
 expedients were employed. Hide* of deer dried for coats, buckskin for
 
 22 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 breeches, raccoon skin for caps, moccasins for shoes. Wild bees furnished 
 honey, and skillful hunters could shoot enough game to lay in a supply of 
 meat for winter. 
 
 Stoves were few and far between. Chicago was for awhile the nearest 
 point for general supplies, and the trip from Whiteside consumed twelve 
 days. Prices, however, were so low, and groceries so high, that a farmer had 
 nothing left on his return, but his limited purchases. He could not haul 
 more than fifty bushels of wheat, which at twenty-five or fifty cents would 
 purchase only the barest household needs. Small stores in time gradually 
 sprang up at Como, Sterling, and other towns to furnish staple articles. 
 Ash hoppers and appliances for soap were soon found to be necessary, and 
 the late Mrs. Mary Wallace of Sterling, to her old age took much satisfaction 
 in making the family soap, both hard and soft. 
 
 It was a fortunate thing that the people were blessed with good health, 
 for doctors were only to be found in the cities. The country was too thinly 
 settled to afford profitable living to an established physician. Every family 
 was supposed to have a medicine chest or shelf of common remedies, and 
 in almost every community there was some experienced mother who in cases 
 of ordinary disease could administer the proper remedy. Such a nurse was 
 Mrs. Wallace or Mrs. Kilgour, who were often summoned to the bedside of 
 suffering. For ague, quinine was -the ready relief, and for various ailments, 
 calomel or blue pill. Drug stores are a modern luxury. 
 
 When the cholera appeared in various portions of Illinois in 1851 or 
 laiter, the importance of skilled medical treatment was keenly felt. Of 
 course, the epidemic is difficult to overcome even today. Then people were 
 helpless under the scourge, and soon succumbed to the attack. In Carroll- 
 ton, central Illinois, according to Dr. Willard, stores were closed, dead buried 
 in their bed clothes, and all fled who could get away. North of Sterling on 
 the farm now owned by G. F. Shuler, several fatal cases occurred, and Dr. 
 Hamilton Wallace, brother of Hugh, who was in attendance, was himself 
 a victim. 
 
 FIRST MEETING OF OLD SETTLERS. 
 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And never brought to min'? 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And days o' lang syne? 
 
 Perhaps Sterling never saw a more thoroughly social occasion than 
 Feb. 22, 1858, when the early settlers had their first formal reunion. The 
 affair had been duly announced, and the veterans came from all parts of 
 the county. They came by cars, and they came by wagon. The delegation 
 from Jordan, chiefly of the Coe family, arrived in a large sleigh, with canvas 
 cover, camp kettles, and other paraphernalia of the emigrant, drawn by six 
 large horses, geared with old Pennsylvania harness, with saddle and driver 
 on the nigh wheel horse. The meeting was held in Wallace Hall, Nelson 
 Mason as president, and Col. R. L. Wilson, secretary. There was great 
 enthusiasm, and hilarity ruled the hour. The following old settlers, many
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 23 
 
 with wives and families, reported, giving the date of their location in the 
 county : 
 
 Sterling: Hezekiah Brink, 1834; Nathan Hicks, L D. Crandall, 1835; 
 Edward Bush, Van J. Adams, Luther Bush, Nelson Mason, M. R. Adams, 
 PI. Bush, 1836; Hugh Wallace, W. M. Kilgour, Noah Merrill, George W. 
 Woodburn, C. H. Crook, E. L. Worthington, H. Tu'ttle, Thos. Mathews, E. J. 
 Kilgour, W. H. Whipple, 1837 ; C. C. Judd, Hiram Platt, R. C. Andrews, J. 
 Pettigrew, J. W. Shannon, J. M. Whipple, Andrew Bush, C. M. Worthing- 
 ton, George H. Wells, L. J. Whipple, D. 0. Coe, Wyatt Cantrell, M. M. War- 
 ner, L. B. Wetherbee, C. A. Wetherbee, E. C. Wetherbee, 1838 ; A. McMoore, 
 Edwin Judd, M. C. Stull, Jesse Penrose, F. Sampson, J. A. Gilbert, 1839; 
 R. L. Wilson, John Dippell, C. P. Emmons, 1840. 
 
 Jordan: 1835, James Talbott, 0. Talbott, J. W. Talbott, S. M. Coe; 
 1836, M. M. Hubbard, F. W. Coe; 1837, J. W. Thompson, L. G. Schenck, D. 
 F. Coe, H. A. Coe; 1838, M. L. Coe, J. F. Coe; 1839, L. S. Pennington, Jabez 
 Gilbert. 
 
 Hopkins: 1837, W. F. Hopkins; 1838, Joel Harvey, S. C. Harvey, 0. 
 A. Fanning; 1839, N. A. Sturtevant, E. C. Whitmore, George Sturtevant, 
 A. C. Merrill, W. S. Wilkinson, A. S. Sampson. 
 
 Coloma: 1839, Frank Gushing, John Enderton, L. H. Woodworth, 
 Sugar Grove, 1838, M. S. Coe. 
 
 Union Grove: 1836, Henry Boyer, W. F. Boyer; 1837, J. C. Young, 
 
 D. B. Young, J. P. Garlick; 1838, A. N. Young. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant: 1835, William Knox; 1836, H. Heaton; 1837, G. Heaton; 
 1838, A. C. Jackson; 1839, C. P. Emery. 
 
 Lyndon: 1835, 0. Woodruff; 1837, A. Hubbard, R. G. Clendenin; 
 1838, S. Hubbard; 1839, J. Ware, J. D. Coyne. 
 
 Prophetetown : 1834, J. W. Stakes; 1835, N. G. Reynolds, J. C. South- 
 ern; 1836, E. S. Gage; 1837, T. J. Walker, A. J. Warner, E. B. Clark, L. 
 Walls; 1838. W. S. Reynolds, R. Crook, W. T. Minchen, A. S. Dickinson, 
 
 E. H. Nichols, E. B. Warner, J. W. Beeman, H. C. Smith, G. C. Reynolds, 
 S. Johnson; 1839, A. J. Tuller, 0. W. Gage, J. W. Gage, W. E. Smith. 
 
 Hume: 1839, Charles Wright, H. Cleveland. 
 
 Portland: 1835, S. Fuller P. B. Besse; 1836, E. Seely, L. M. Seely, A. 
 J. Seely, M. V. Seely, R. M Besse; 1837, R. Woodside. 
 
 Albany: 1838, B. S. Quick; 1839, W. S. Barnes, W. A. Gilbert. 
 
 Clyde: 1838, S. Currie. 
 
 Erie : 1835, S. D. Carr. 
 
 Garden Plain: 1839, Jas. A. Sweet. 
 
 BANQUET AND TOASTS. 
 
 Col. Seely called the meeting to order, and after an hour of handshaking 
 and reminiscence, a procession was formed and marched to the dining room 
 of the Wallace House. The tables seated four hundred. Rev. E. Erskine of 
 the Presbyterian church asked a blessing. After ample justice to a bountiful 
 supper prepared by Mr. and Mrs. McCune, who for years managed that 
 well known hostelry, the festive company repaired to the hall which was
 
 24 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 brilliantly illuminated for the exercises. We shall condense the responses of 
 the various speakers as they were reported at the time in the Sterling Gazette. 
 
 County of Whiteside : Col. E. Seely of Portland. He came in 1835. At 
 the first county election in that year about thirty votes were cast. No roads 
 but the trails of Indians, and here and there a log cabin. Much hardship, but 
 the people were hospitable. 
 
 Union Grove: Henry Boyer. He made the claim where he now lives 
 in 1836. The population then comprised two families, now over a thousand 
 people. 
 
 Lyndon : R. G. Clendenin. This town was noted for the steady habits 
 of the people and their love of education and good morals. 
 
 Garden Plain: James A. Sweet. There were five hundred people, four 
 schools with an average attendance of forty scholars each. 
 
 Jordan : L. S. Pennington. In 1835 Simeon M. Coe built the first house. 
 James Talbot was the next settler, who broke the first prairie in the township. 
 Joseph M. Wilson began his flour mill in 1835, and completed it the next 
 year. It was of logs. John Brookie opened the first store in 1837. There 
 were six schools, and the population numbered about one thousand. 
 
 Portland: P. B. Besse. The first prairie was broken in August, 1834, 
 and twelve votes were cast at the first election held at the house of Asa Crook. 
 He acted as clerk. The town had more timber land than any other in the 
 county. There were nine schools. 
 
 Prophetstown : Mr. Nichols. It was the site of an old Indian village, 
 where the Chief, Prophet, had lived. The town was celebrated for the enter- 
 prise of its men and the beauty of the women. 
 
 Sterling: Nelson Mason. "I came to the place in 1836 with John 
 Barnett and found John Chapman and Wright Murphy living in a cabin 
 on the farm of Capt. Woodburn. Here I spent my first night on Rock 
 river. At the head of the rapids I found three families, H. Brink, E. Worth- 
 ington, and S. Gear. Brink was the man who built the first cabin, broke the 
 first prairie and raised the first corn in the town of Sterling. Late that fall 
 J. D. Barnett and myself opened the first store in the town. Dixon was the 
 nearest postoffice. We applied for one in 1837, and it was granted. Barnett 
 was appointed P. M., and I had the contract for carrying the mail. In 
 May, 1837, we formed an association to protect individual claims on govern- 
 ment lands. What changes since ! Then a man with a family of five or six 
 had to grind all his grain in a coffee mill, now our mills send 1,400 barrels of 
 flour to market every week. Then we had neither churches, schools or min- 
 isters, now we have four churches, as many ministers and six schools. Then 
 we had no newspaper nearer than Chicago or Peoria, now we have two jour- 
 nals, well conducted and supported. What will this town be when all her 
 natural resources are developed?" 
 
 Coloma: Frank Cushing. The first settlement was made in 1836 by 
 Isaac Merrill, A. R. Whitney and Atkins. Our sand banks furnish Sterling 
 sand for her brick blocks, our quarries furnish stone, and our prairies sup- 
 ply the surrounding country with hay. 
 
 Hume: Charles Wright. After a few pleasing remarks on the excel-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 25 
 
 lence of his town, he closed with this sentiment: "As Jacob of old loved 
 Benjamin above all his sons, because he was the youngest, so may the town 
 of Hume, being the youngest of nineteen sisters, stand highest in the estima- 
 tion of old Father Whiteside." 
 
 Erie: S. D. Carr. He located at Erie in 1836. Then only one house, 
 built and occupied by Orville Brooks. Peter Guile, David Hunt, and L. D. 
 Crandall were among the first settlers. The town now has from three to 
 five hundred people. Well timbered with coal beds near at hand. 
 
 Clyde : Samuel Currie. He was not the oldest settler, but thought Messrs. 
 Wing and Baker had that honor. Four schools, well attended. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant: H. A. Johnson, Esq. He did not claim to be an old 
 resident, but was included in the invitation because his wife, a daughter of 
 Royal Jacobs, was of the number. 
 
 The First Settler of Whiteside: John W. Stakes. He wished to correct 
 a wrong impression. A lady present, the wife of P. B. Besse, is the oldest 
 settler now living in Whiteside. Her father settled here in May, 1834. The 
 land was then a waste, inhabitated only by roving Indians. The first pro- 
 visions for his family he procured at Peoria, and packed the flour and groceries 
 eighty miles on a horse, following an Indian trail. No store nearer than 
 Galena, and Rock Island was an Indian trading post. 
 
 The Hardships of Early Settlers: Col. R. L. Wilson. "When we have 
 fully made up our minds to emigrate, the work is almost 'done. All that 
 remains is to wait for the wagon, and take a ride to our future home in the 
 west. The wagon box serves for a house, being at once the parlor, the kitchen, 
 the pantry. We finally arrive at our claims, and then comes the raising of 
 log cabins, on which occasion every pioneer within twenty miles is in attend- 
 ance. By and by a schoolhouse and a church are wanted, and if the husband 
 is not able to assist, his wife calls a meeting of the ladies and the thing is 
 done." 
 
 Hospitality of the Early Settlers : Marcus L. Coe. Nowhere does the 
 stranger meet a more hearty welcome than with the old pioneer. Always 
 welcome to his corn dodger or roast turkey. The latch string always out. 
 
 Teachings of a New Settlement: Col. Hugh Wallace. He came here 
 fitted for the practice of law, equipped with ruffled shirts and law books. But 
 he found the really valuable tools were plows and hoes, and these his old 
 friend Gear was ready to supply his neighbors. His Chitty and Blackstone 
 were not in demand. At the conclusion of his remarks, he presented to 
 the audience, the pioneer baby of Chatham, now part of Sterling Mrs. John 
 A. Bross, of Chicago, eldest daughter of Nelson Mason. There was much 
 applause, and in response to a call, Mr. Bross made a neat speech, closing 
 with the suggestion that all sing 
 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot. 
 
 Nelson Mason led the chorus of several hundred strong voices. 
 
 Pioneer Farmers of Whiteside: L. B. Wetherbee. "The pioneers of 
 Whiteside left happy homes and pleasant firesides in other lands to make 
 new farms and new homes, and we may hope to build up the cause of educa-
 
 26 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 tion, virtue, temperance, piety. The calling of the farmer is the basis of 
 society. Here it may not be amiss to glance over the county, and see what 
 the farmers of Whiteside have been doing for the last 18 years. Within 
 that time all the land of the county has been bought, and if we estimate the 
 cost at five dollars per acre, it will amount to $2,910,000; if we estimate the 
 same amount for improvement, it will amount to $5,820,000, which the 
 farmers have paid out within the last 18 years. If then the farmer is the 
 foundation of society, his energies should be directed in the most skilful 
 manner. With such a soil as Whiteside possesses, we may soon expect to see 
 farmers rising to fame and wealth in their department." 
 
 Pioneer Mechanics of Whiteside : A. McMoore. Permit me to speak 
 of the improvements mechanics have set in motion. Wyatt Cantrell, an old 
 settler, introduced the denion or slinker in plows. Jonathan Haines invented 
 a harvester. John Ogle did much to make cabins comfortable. 
 
 The Boys of Our Pioneer Fathers: W. M. Kilgour, Esq. In March, 
 1837, I first saw the beautiful prairie where Sterling now stands. As children 
 we have not had the advantages of the east watches, liquors, colleges, cities. 
 We got our education in the old log cabin schoolhouse. Biography shows that 
 more men of sterling worth have sprung from such sources than from many 
 of the colleges. 
 
 The Pioneer Pomologist of Whiteside: Dr. Pennington. There is 
 something in the growth of trees and plants so enchanting that it must be 
 admired. What would a country be without fruits? On emigrating to this 
 state in 1836 I was struck with the healthy aspect of the trees, and the 
 luxuriance of the fruits. My first fruit trees were planted on the farm in the 
 fall of 1839. As far as I know, this was the first effort at raising cultivated 
 fruit in Whiteside county. The man who planted the first fruit-bearing 
 tree in this county may never be known, but may many blessings rest upon 
 his head. 
 
 Whiteside county when her sons wore buckskin trousers and wolfskin 
 caps: Joseph Ware, Esq. It is useless for me to speak to this audience of 
 this land in its original beauty. You saw these prairies before they were 
 marred by the plow. 
 
 "Gardens of the desert unshorn, 
 Fields boundless and beautiful." 
 
 Of these early settlers who wore the wild caps and hunting shirts, your 
 recollections are as good as mine. Some of you may recall John B. Dodge 
 of Mt. Pleasant, the strongest man in northern Illinois, who could kill a 
 wolf with his naked hands. Of the future of our county it is useless to speak, 
 but she has all the elements of prosperity, and must advance. 
 
 a We'll plow the pradries, as of old 
 Our fathers plowed the sea; 
 We'll make the west, 
 As they the east, 
 The homestead of the free."
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 27 
 
 After the sentiments, a vote of thanks was tendered Col. Wallace for 
 the free use of his hall, and Mr. McCune for the excellence of the enter- 
 tainment, It was resolved that the next meeting should be held in 'the same 
 hall, on Feb. 22, 1859. 
 
 THE LATEST OLD SETTLERS' MEETING. 
 
 When he is forsaken, 
 Withered and shaken, 
 What can an old man do but die? Hood. 
 
 Sometimes it seems the only thing to do, follow Hood's suggestion, and 
 depart, but our venerable citizens are attached to this climate, and have 
 decided to stay until the good Lord calls them to their reward. So they 
 have met year after year to shake hands over the past and bid one another 
 God-speed for the time to come. From the Sterling Gazette, Aug. 23, 1907, 
 we condense an account of the fifty-third annual picnic of the old settlers 
 of Whiteside county held on Thursday in Holt's grove across the river from 
 Lyndon : 
 
 "At 10:30 in the forenoon the old settlers' meeting was held and Presi- 
 dent L. E. Rice made a short address and told of his first days in the county. 
 Mr. Rice stated he with his parents arrived at Lyndon in the year 1837. 
 At that day big steamers were plowing their way up and down the river from 
 St. Louis to Rockford. He also told of the early history of the Indians who 
 had lived on Indian island a few miles below Lyndon at that time. The 
 speaker stated that the red men had persisted in stealing from the white 
 settlers until the whites had made up their minds to be rid of them and 
 forever. A company of fifty settlers called on the Indian chief and requested 
 them to leave the island at once. 
 
 "Oliver Talbott, another one of the old settlers, who arrived in White- 
 side county in 1834, gave a short talk on his early recollections of pioneer 
 days, saying that he with his parents had settled near Buffalo Grove and 
 later settled near Sterling, where his father operated a mill. Mr. Talbott 
 denied that wheat was hauled to Chicago at that time to market, stating 
 that there was no wheat raised at that early date here. 
 
 "John Fenton, of Erie, who first gazed on the prairies of Whiteside 
 county in 1835, stated that his relatives had driven across the state from 
 Chicago to where they had come by lake boats from the east. From there 
 they came to Fenton with two yoke of oxen and a big prairie schooner. The 
 old pioneer stated that it was not the expectation of the people of early 
 times to become rich and that they did not know how to accumulate riches, 
 neither did they care to do so. Fenton township wa.s named after the father 
 of Mr. John Fenton. 
 
 "Robert McNeil of Rock Falls also gave a short talk. Mr. McNeil stated 
 that he had arrived in Whiteside county in 1849, and had partaken of his 
 first dinner on land in America in Lyndon. He was thirteen years old at 
 that time and had come from Glasgow, Scotland, with his parents. He 
 stated that Lyndon was considered the college town of the county at that
 
 28 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 time. Como was the metropolis, and boasted of a mill, a store and a tavern. 
 The father of the venerable John Scott of Como ran the 'John Scott' steamer 
 up and down the river to St. Louis, carrying supplies for the early settlers. 
 Van J. Adams, who lived near Sterling, was considered the most wealthy 
 man in Sterling at that time. Galena was the money market center outside 
 of Chicago. 
 
 "The following are some of the names of old pioneers who occupied seats 
 or honor on the stage during the meeting: John Harpham, H. S. Warner, 
 Hank Kamp of Prophetstown who has not missed a meeting, John Scott of 
 Como, S. A. Maxwell, Smith Hurd, whose mother Polly Ann Sprague was 
 the first school teacher in Whiteside, Mrs. Ann McKnight of Spring Hill, 
 first white child born in the county, George Olmstead, W. W. Kempster, 
 C. C-. Johnson, Mrs. Patrick. 
 
 "At the afternoon session, S. A. Maxwell read the minutes of the last 
 meeting and the roll call of the dead, which showed that over eighty of the 
 old settlers had crossed the dark river since the picnic a year ago. The only 
 living member of the old original fourteen settlers that first settled in Lyndon 
 is Miss Mary Hamilton, now a resident of California, who is an aunt of 
 Sheriff Charles Hamilton. After the reading of the minutes, the orator of 
 the day, Hon. Frederick Landis, of Logansport, Ind., was introduced by the 
 president, and amid a storm of applause stepped to the platform and deliv- 
 ered a very able and masterly address. 
 
 "At first there were some regrets on account of the inability of Con-, 
 gressman Frank 0. Lowden to be present, as much interest had been cen- 
 tered on his coming, but as Mr. Landis proceeded in his speech this wore 
 away. During his address he paid a beautiful tribute to our late Congress- 
 man Eobert R. Hitt, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysess S. Grant, William McKinley, 
 and our present congressman, Frank 0. Lowden. 
 
 "Following the address by Mr. Landis, the directors of the old settlers' 
 organization met and re-elected the old office holders for another year, they 
 being: L. E. Rice, president; F. M. Brewer, vice president; S. A. Maxwell, 
 secretary; C. A. Hamilton, A. M. Pratt and George Potter, executive com- 
 mittee; L. Ewing, A. E. Parmenter and A. M. Pratt, committee on grounds. 
 It was decided to hold the next picnic on the third Thursday in August in 
 1908. 
 
 "The Sixth Regiment band of Sterling rendered several concerts during 
 the day, and received much praise for its fine playing. 
 
 "The ladies of the Lyndon Congregational and Methodist churches served 
 bountiful dinners at the noon hour, which were liberally patronized by the 
 visitors, and goodly sums were cleared for the church treasury." 
 
 It is sad to know that of the 117 persons whose names are recorded on the 
 roll at Wallace Hall, Sterling, first old settlers' meeting, 1858, only three 
 are left, Oliver Talbott, C. A. Wetherbee, M. M. Warner.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 29 
 
 CONTEST FOR THE COUNTY SEAT. 
 
 The combat deepens. On, ye brave, 
 
 Who rush to glory or the grave! 
 Wave, Lyndon, all thy banners wave, 
 
 And charge with all thy chivalry! 
 
 The poet wrote Munich, but no matter. Campbell is dead, and no dif- 
 ference to him. In a new settlement, the first important question is the 
 county seat. As there are no manufactures or trade or travel to make a 
 town grow, the courthouse, the seat of the records, will naturally attract the 
 people. It is really the center of attraction. Here the lawyers gather, 
 important cases are tried, the politicians meet to prepare for campaigns. 
 
 As you read the early history of the state or the lives of our pioneer 
 lawyers and judges, you will notice that their wide circuits took them from 
 town to town. A vast amount of forgotten eloquence was poured forth in 
 those old courthouses. How Lincoln and Douglas, Baker and Swett, David 
 Davis and Lyman Trumbull, rode on their ponies with their saddle-bags 
 over the rude roads of the prairies. In 1858 most of the famous debates 
 between Lincoln and Douglas for the senate were held at Freeport, Galesburg, 
 and other county seats. 
 
 So the county seat question led to a contest in Whiteside. An act of the 
 General Assembly, Feb. 21, 1839, Thomas Carlin, governor, provided that 
 the legal voters of Whiteside should meet at their precincts, on the first 
 Monday in May, 1839, and vote for a permanent point for the seat of justice. 
 Elections were to be held every four weeks following until some place should 
 receive a majority of votes cast. Under the act any individual could offer 
 land whereon to erect the seat of justice, and after a deed was executed, the 
 county commissioners were to erect the necessary buildings without delay. 
 
 Accordingly in pursuance of this act five elections were held without 
 result, until at the sixth, September 23, 1839, Lyndon received a majority of 
 the votes cast, and was declared the permanent seat of justice for Whiteside 
 county. The county commissioners had really held their sessions in Lyndon 
 since May 16, 1839. So Feb. 11, 1840, the people of Lyndon entered into 
 a contract to erect a suitable building on lot fifty-one, block ten, for holding 
 court and other public purposes, and this edifice as soon as completed was 
 used until June, 1841, when the county seat was removed to Sterling. 
 
 Meantime Sterling was busy. The courthouse bee was buzzing in their 
 bonnets. The town had offered in 1839 eighty acres of land around Broad- 
 way and the river and one thousand dollars, provided the public buildings 
 for the county be placed on block fifty-eight, west of Broadway, then the 
 center of the young town. In 1840 the town made a decided move towards 
 securing the prize, by applying to the county commissioners for a re-canvass 
 of the vote cast at the election of September 23, 1839. This was granted, 
 and as a result of the re-canvass, it was declared that Sterling had 264 votes, 
 Lyndon 253, Windsor 4. 
 
 On the strength of this, the county commissioners, April 8, 1841, caused 
 the following order to be put on record:
 
 30 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Whereas, by virtue of an act of the General Assembly, Feb. 21, 1839, 
 providing for the location of the seat of justice of Whiteside county, we, 
 the county commissioners for said county, from a fair and impartial examina- 
 tion of the poll books, now in the clerk's office, do verily believe that the 
 people of said county have placed the county seat at the town of Sterling, 
 and do therefore order the circuit and county commissioners' courts to be 
 holden in the town of Sterling in said county. Theodore, Winn, clerk. April 
 8, 1841. 
 
 At the December term of the county commissioners court, it was ordered 
 that the county buildings be erected on the center of block fifty-seven, west 
 of Broadway, and the structure was completed so that courts were held in 
 1844. The commissioners also met in Sterling in 1841, but in December, 
 1842, Lyndon having secured a majority of the board, they met at that 
 place. 
 
 More complications. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Suffi- 
 cient influence was brought to bear upon the General Assembly so that an 
 act was approved Feb. 28, 1843, providing that G. W. Harrison and John 
 McDonald of Jo Daviess county, Joshua Harper of Henry county, Leonard 
 Andrus of Ogle county, and R. H. Spicer of Mercer county, should be com- 
 missioners to locate the county seat of Whiteside. They were to locate the 
 county seat at a place most conducive to the public good of Whiteside county, 
 at no place where a donation of not less than thirty acres of land could be 
 obtained, and were to cause as soon as convenient a suitable building to be 
 erected. They met at Albany, and after examining different locations, 
 selected Lyndon, and on May 27, 1843, made the following report: 
 
 We, the undersigned, commissioners appointed by an act of legislature 
 to locate the seat of justice for Whiteside county, do hereby certify that we 
 have performed the duty enjoined upon us by said act, and have located the 
 said seat of justice of Whiteside county upon the south half of the southeast 
 quarter of section sixteen, in township twenty, north of the base line of range 
 five, east of the fourth principal meridian, believing the location most con- 
 ducive to the public good of said county. Given under our hands. May 
 27, 1843. 
 
 Lyndon gave forty acres of land, but no county buildings were erected. 
 On April 14, 1846, the county commissioners ordered that the grand and 
 petit jurors attend the May term of -court at Sterling instead of Lyndon, as 
 Sterling claimed that under order of the county commissioners buildings had 
 been erected there, accepted by the commissioners, and therefore the seat of 
 justice should be in that town. After this, the terms of the circuit court were 
 held at Sterling, and the county commissioners held their sessions at Lyndon. 
 Lyndon applied for a mandamus compelling the commissioners to order the 
 circuit court back to that place, but the court refused the writ. An act was 
 passed by the Fifteenth General Assembly, and approved by the governor, 
 Feb. 16, 1847, declaring the town of Sterling the county seat of Whiteside 
 for a time, under certain conditions, one of which was until the time the 
 county paid the donors of land and money a sufficient sum to compensate 
 them for their outlay.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 31 
 
 But Lyndon was irrepressible. The prize was not to slip from her grasp 
 without a struggle. 
 
 Strike for your altars and your fires; 
 Strike for the green graves of your sires ; 
 God, and your native land. 
 
 From the legislature, which, like Barkis in Dicken s story, seemed always 
 willing to come to the rescue, an act was secured, Feb. 6, 1849, entitled an 
 act to permanently locate the seat of justice of Whiteside county. The second 
 section provided that the legal voters of the county should meet at their 
 respective places of holding elections on the first Tuesday of April, 1849, 
 and proceed to vote on the permanent location of the seat of justice, either at 
 Lyndon or at Sterling, and the place receiving the majority, should there- 
 after be the seat of justice. The election was duly held April 3, 1849, with 
 the following result: For Sterling 519 votes; for Lyndon 451; majority for 
 Sterling 68. So Lyndon withdrew her claim, and Sterling remained the 
 county seat until 1857. But she was not to remain in undisturbed pos- 
 session. There was a dark horse. 
 
 The best laid schemes o' men and mice, 
 Gang aft agley. 
 
 Morrison had some shrewd managers, and they saw their opportunity. 
 An act was passed by the General Assembly, and approved by the governor, 
 Feb. 7, 1857, entitled "An act for the removal of the seat of justice of White- 
 side county." The act provided that the election should be held in the several 
 townships of the county at the general election in November. In case a 
 majority of votes were in favor of removal, the seat of justice would then be 
 declared located in section eighteen in Morrison, but not until a deed should 
 be made conveying to the county a tract of land three hundred feet square. 
 Morrison was also to pay the county $3,000 towards the erection of county 
 buildings. The election was held Nov. 3, 1857, with the close result: For 
 removal 1,631 votes; against removal 1,572; majority in favor 59. At the 
 November term, 1857, of the Board of Supervisors, W. S. Barnes, A. Hurd, 
 H. C. Fellows, P. B. Besse, and D. 0. Coe were appointed commissioners to 
 examine and select the ground at Morrison, upon which to erect the build- 
 ings, and receive the $3,000 given by the citizens of the town. On May 3, 
 1858, the county offices were moved to Morrison from Sterling. 
 
 For twenty years the old courthouse stood silent and deserted in the lot 
 along Broadway, a mournful memorial of its former importance. It was 
 forty feet square, lower story nine feet, a hall ten feet wide, upper story 
 twelve. This was the court room. Here Sackett, Henry, and the early 
 lawyers made their pleas, and here religious services were held on Sunday 
 before some of the churches were built. The brick in the old edifice were 
 burned in the eastern part of town by Luther Bush, and were laid in the 
 building by that pioneer and his boys. George Brewer helped to fire the 
 kilns. Alter the courthouse was taken down, the square was divided into
 
 32 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 lots, and rows of pretty residences now occupy the site; making a great 
 change in its appearance. 
 
 DISASTERS BY WIND AND WATER. 
 
 The wind one morning sprung up from sleep, 
 
 Saying, "Now for a frolic! Now for a leap! 
 
 Now for a madcap galloping chase! 
 
 I'll make a commotion in every place!" William Howitt. 
 
 THE TORNADO OF 1860. 
 
 Our county has enjoyed a merciful immunity from the horrors of the 
 cyclone on an extensive scale. While this dreadful freak of the elements 
 yearly sweeps many of the states west and south with the besom of destruc- 
 tion, our happy valley, with the exception of a violent storm here and there 
 in the townships, has escaped the widespread ruin of life and property in 
 the long path of the calamity. But there was one terrible visitation. In 
 the lines of the first editon of the Light Brigade : 
 
 Long will the tale be told, 
 Yea, when our babes are old. 
 
 We refer to the memorable tornado of 1860. The present generation 
 knows it only by hearsay. 
 
 It occurred on the evening of June 3, striking the county on the west 
 and moving to the southeast. It began near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The black 
 masses of clouds, rolling and surging in their fury, the thunder and lightning, 
 the unearthly din of the advance, conveyed to the beholder the impression 
 of titanic demons in struggle in mid-air. It was the Satanic onset in Paradise 
 Lost. 
 
 So frowned the mighty combatants, that hell 
 Grew darker at their frown, so matched they stood. 
 
 bamanche, a village in Iowa, on the Mississippi, received the first blow. 
 Ninety dwellings, hotels churches, and stores were leveled, twenty-nine per- 
 sons killed and many seriously injured. Twenty-four persons were blown 
 from a raft and drowned. 
 
 At Albany people were just starting for evening service when the storm 
 burst upon their devoted heads in all its fury. In a moment the pleasant 
 town was a scene of ruin and desolation. Five persons were killed, most of 
 the houses demolished, many blown from their foundations, few left unin- 
 jured. Duty Buck, Ed. Efner, Sweet, Riley, and a man unknown, were those 
 killed. This is considered remarkable in a population of eight hundred. As 
 usual, various freaks. Some roofs were entirely stripped of shingles, others 
 in spots of fanciful shapes. One small house carried uninjured for a square. 
 A church bell whirled for rods and landed with only a piece chipped from 
 the rim. The total loss to the town was estimated at nearly $100.000. 
 
 From Albany the direction of the tornado was southeast. The upper 
 story of the dwelling of Mrs. Senior, in Garden Plain, was dashed to pieces,
 
 /OF 
 'UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 33 
 
 the two-story residence of Thomas Smith was carried a rod from its founda- 
 tion and left a wreck, the house of Draper Richmond torn to atoms, and Mrs. 
 Richmond so badly injured that she died in an hour. In Montmorency the 
 house of Alonzo Golder roughly shaken, and much of the furniture destroyed. 
 The schoolhouse was annihilated. The dwellings of Joel Wood, A. J. Good- 
 rich, Mr. Pike, Capt. Doty, and Levi Macomber, were all more or less racked. ' 
 At Pike's a young girl had her leg broken, and at Doty's, his son his collar 
 bone. The wonder is that amid all the wreckage of the homes so few lives 
 were lost. 
 
 In the path of the whirlwind, about eighty rods wide, were exhibited 
 the pranks of the destroyer, so often observed elsewhere. Trees were twisted 
 to pieces, cleared of their branches, or town out bodily by their roots. Geese, 
 turkeys, and chickens, not killed, were stripped of their feathers, sad and for- 
 lorn, answering to Diogenes' definition of Plato's man. The prairie was scat- 
 tered with boards, furniture, books, goods, utensils, articles of every name which 
 the storm king had wrested from their proper habitat. The remainder of 
 the summer, tramps who wished to excite the sympathy of the charitable, 
 in asking for aid plead their misfortune through the ravages of the tornado. 
 
 THE ICE GORGE OF NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SIX. 
 
 Ye ice falls! ye that from the mountain's brow 
 
 Adown enormous ravines slope amain 
 
 Torrents, methinks, that heard a mighty voice, 
 
 And stopped at once amid their maddest plunge ! Coleridge. 
 
 Our beautiful Rock river, sparkling in the summer sun, is a treach- 
 erous stream. It is not always on atS good behavior. It has its moods like 
 a person of excitable temperament. 
 
 When good, it is very good, 
 When bad, it is horrid. 
 
 In short, old Rock sometimes gets on the rampage. The oldest inhabi- 
 tant can recall different years in which high water or ice did much damage 
 to stock, farms, fences, buildings, and various kinds of property exposed 
 to its ravages. We cannot mention them all, but shall simply recall the 
 season of 1887. Snow and sleighing in January were followed by rains in 
 the first week of February. Feb. 8 the ice moved off the dam at Sterling, 
 with continued rain. A personal diary furnishes the details. On Feb. 9 
 no cars running on account of wash-outs. The bottom lands southwest of 
 Sterling covered with water, and many cattle lost. On February 12, mer- 
 cury fell to 5 degrees below, and the river rose, owing to the formation of 
 ice and obstruction of the current. Houses near the fair ground in Sterling 
 surrounded by water, and families obliged to move out. There was consid- 
 erable suffering and loss in town and country, the river was frozen again 
 and continued so through February, and not until April did the weather 
 become mild and genial. 
 
 But the ice gorge of 1906 broke the record. Nothing so vast or so
 
 34 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 destructive since the settlement of the country. Perhaps we cannot do bet- 
 ter than give a running account of the catastrophe as the news items appeared 
 from day to day in the current issues of the papers. It will bring the occur- 
 rence in a more lively and vivid manner to our readers. 
 
 Jan. 23. Water in river higher than ever known. Ice at Dixon broke, 
 and beginning to run. 
 
 Jan. 24. Continuous gorge between Erie and Lyndon, immense lake 
 at Lyndon, water far as eye can see. Mr. Greenman and family reported 
 shut in, also Charles Roslief and family. Ice not only gorged, but frozen 
 solid. 
 
 Jan. 25. For twenty miles from Sterling, water in an alarming condi- 
 tion. All factories in Sterling shut down. Charles Lathe on an island near 
 Erie within a foot of inundation by water and ice. Ice reported broken at 
 Beloit and Janesville. The Aylesworth farm, George Andrews, Henry 
 Lancaster, Nathan Gage, George Baker, George Richmond, and others near 
 Lyndon, mostly under water. At Riverside schoolhouse, Stella Beeman, 
 teacher, parents came in boats at noon for the children, and before night the 
 building was surrounded by water high as fences. 
 
 Jan. 26. Water only three feet below the floor of Avenue G bridge. 
 The condition is worse at Sterling because of the gorge between dam and 
 Como bottom. Water below dam on level with that above. 
 
 Feb. 5. Three degrees below zero. Gorged ice frozen solid. 
 
 Feb. 22. River high at Como, Lyndon, Prophetstown. Many factories 
 in Sterling unable to run, others using steam power. 
 
 Friday, Feb. 23. This is the big head in this evening's daily : 
 
 FLOOD HAVOC ! 
 
 One thousand men idle, damage may reach $150,0001 New Avenue G 
 bridge a wreck, First Avenue bridge condemned as unsafe for travel, city 
 in darkness tonight, gas supply exhausted! 
 
 The flood now raging is the greatest in history of Rock river. At nine 
 this A. M., a new record, water 2% feet higher than in Feb. 9, 1887. Six- 
 teen families on First street homeless. Basements of 32 homes flooded. Dam- 
 age to Dillon-Griswold wire mill may reach $15,000. Ice below dam ten 
 to fifteen feet thick. Washout on Northwestern R. R. prevents running of 
 trains. The Burlington R. R. preparing to put trains on bridge to prevent 
 it from moving off. Avenue G bridge all gone, center span first, then the 
 other two sank with a crash. 
 
 Feb. 24. Washouts on Northwestern greater than in 1887. A territory 
 ten miles long, five wide, covered with water to west and south of Como. 
 Roads leading to Prophetstown below from one to five feet of water. 
 
 Sunday, Feb. 26. Ice in north channel of Avenue G bridge crushed 
 against the tubular piers, and hundreds of tons of steel swept away like chaff. 
 Then the ice struck the massive plate girders, and in a moment the six spans 
 slid from the piers and abutments and were whirled down the river. At 
 Spring creek slough which comes into Rock river a mile south of Como, 
 the ice was piled up twenty feet higher than the water.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 35 
 
 March 2. Ice and water gradually receding, but fields and lowlands 
 covered with huge cakes, and the soil overlaid with sand and gravel. 
 
 Various steps were taken in Sterling to assist the needy. A relief meet- 
 ing was called by Mayor Lewis, and a considerable amount subscribed. The 
 Banda Verda announced a concert, and a cantata was given at Grace church 
 for their benefit. 
 
 Of the whole calamity the greatest single loss was the destruction of 
 Avenue G bridge, only completed Nov., 1904. The structure proper with 
 its nine steel spans, 900 feet long, cost $52,000. The grade in the center 
 and the approaches on either side, 600 feet in all, $20,000. In has since 
 been replaced with commendable promptness, and a description will be found 
 in another place. 
 
 AN ILLINOIS MAP OF 1844. 
 
 There is in possession of the family of the late James L. Crawford a map 
 which he purchased before his removal to the west. It was published by 
 S. Augustus Mitchell in Philadelphia, 1844. He was the author of the 
 geographies in use two generations ago. It is a map of Ohio, Indiana, 
 Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. That was the era of steamboats, and in 
 a column on one side are the distances between prominent cities, and the 
 towns along the route. One table for instance has Pittsburg to New Orleans, 
 Louisville to St. Louis, St. Louis to Peoria, St. Louis to Prairie du Chien. 
 
 The states are divided into counties as at present. Only two towns 
 are marked in Whiteside, Fulton and Linden, not spelled as it is now. Elk- 
 horn is called Dogshead creek. The population by census of 1840 was 2,514. 
 Cook county with Chicago had only 10,201. Only one railroad in the state, 
 that from Naples on Illinois river to Springfield. Only two highways cross- 
 ing Whiteside. One ran from Galena to Peoria, passing through Lyndon, 
 tli " other from Rock Island through Richmond in Henry county to Buffalo 
 Grove in Ogle. 
 
 The river routes presented by this old map confirm the experience of the 
 early settlers who generally reached Whiteside by water. Whether from New 
 York or Pennsylvania, they managed to strike Pittsburg, "and then by boat 
 down the Ohio and up the Mississippi, in due time after a long trip, were 
 enabled to land either at Fulton or Albany, generally the latter. Those who 
 made the journey overland by wagon from the east, were very tired when 
 they reached the Promised Land, for the early roads were through dense 
 wood?, swamps, and over streams that were scarcely fordable. Supplies, too, 
 were not always easy to obtain. 
 
 WHITESIDE IN THE LEGISLATURE. 
 
 Pour the full tide of eloquence along, 
 Serenely pure, and yet divinely strong. Pope. 
 
 From the time of Aaron C. Jackson who represented Whiteside in the 
 House from 1842 to 1844, our county has sent many of her best citizens to 
 Springfield. Being attached to other districts, the member was often from
 
 36 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 some other county. But our own county has always had excellent men. All 
 of our early members in house or senate have passed away. Hugh Wallace, 
 Van J. Adams, M. S. Henry, D. Richards, James Dinsmoor, W. S. Wilkin- 
 son, Nathan Williams, J. E. McPherran, W. C. Snyder, John G. Manahan. 
 These were all leaders in their communities, and loyal to their constituents. 
 The writer will always cherish a kindly regard for Natha'n Williams for 
 some rare volumes of the state geological survey. Some of our later states- 
 men are still with us to watch the results of recent legislation. Charles Bent, 
 Dr. Griswold, C. C. Johnson, C. A. Wetherbee, V. Ferguson, A. U. Abbott, 
 H. L. Sheldon, Dean Efner. The latter is the Nestor of the .group, born 
 in 1822, and yet remarkably clear-headed as he sits in his chair at his brick 
 cottage in Albany. The next is Dr. C. A. Griswold of Fulton, the ready 
 writer, and general scholar, who seems as competent for legislative business 
 today as twenty years ago. Time has dealt kindly with C. C. Johnson and 
 Virgil Ferguson, who continue in politics and are solicitous for the welfare of 
 this glorious country. 
 
 By the apportionment of 1901, Whiteside, Lee, and DeKalb form the 
 35th senatorial district. A change from 1893 when Whiteside was with 
 Bureau, Putnam and Stark. 
 
 WHITESIDE IN CONGRESS. 
 
 SKETCHES OF SOME OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES AT WASHINGTON. 
 
 You'd scarce expect one of my age, 
 To speak in public on the stage, 
 But if I chance to fall below 
 Demosthenes or Cicero, 
 Don't view me with a .critic's eye, 
 But pass my imperfections by. 
 
 As our political readers know, the same counties in Illinois have not 
 always been grouped for the election of a representative in Congress. Until 
 1832, the state constituted one congressional district. Since that year there 
 have been eight acts of apportionment, 1831, 1843, 1852, 1861, 1872, 1882, 
 1893, 1901. At every deal Whiteside was placed in a new list of counties. 
 Like a football kicked from post to pillar. For instance, by the apportion- 
 ment of 1843, we were placed with-Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, Jo Daviess, Rock 
 Island and ten others, forming the Sixth District, and our representative 
 from 1847 to 1849 was 
 
 THOMAS J. TURNER. 
 
 He was a carpenter by trade, an expert mechanic, built the first court- 
 house in Stephenson county, studied law and became one of the ablest advo- 
 cates at the Freeport bar. He is best known, doubtless, as the gallant colonel 
 of the Fifteenth Illinois Regiment. Then came from 1849 to 1851. a man 
 who afterwards made a brilliant record. 
 
 EDWARD D. BAKER. 
 
 He had a checkered career, a soldier of fortune. Coming from London
 
 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 37 
 
 at five with his father, studying law at Springfield, elected to the legislature, 
 raising a regiment and fighting through the Mexican war with Scott, he 
 returned to Galena, when he was elected as our representative from the Sixth. 
 In 1851, at the close of his term, he settled in San Francisco, and soon took 
 rank as the most eloquent orator in the state. On the death of Senator Brod- 
 erick in a duel in 1859, Baker delivered a stirring oration in the public 
 square of San Francisco. On removing to Oregon he was elected to the 
 U. S. Senate in 1860, but the firing upon Fort Sumter roused his patriotism; 
 he raised the California regiment in New York and Philadelphia, and at the 
 assault on Ball's Bluff, he fell mortally wounded, while leading a charge. 
 
 By the apportionment of 1852, Whiteside was placed in the Second Dis- 
 trict with Cook, Du Page, Kane, De Kalb, Lee, and Rock Island, and our 
 representative was 
 
 JOHN WENTWORTH. 
 
 He was popularly known as Long John, from his extreme height. A 
 plain man in his tastes, and a story is told of his fondness for ginger bread 
 and his munching that simple diet at his desk in the House. Mr. Wentworth 
 took much interest in agriculture, and there is a letter of his to George Davi- 
 son ; now in Whiteside County Historical Society, in which he speaks of cer- 
 tain breeds of sheep. 1 A graduate of Dartmouth, and a frequent writer and 
 lecturer on topics connected with the early history of Chicago, as he voted at 
 the first city election in 1837. An article in Munsey's magazine for November, 
 entitled "New Englanders in the West," gives the following story : "Long John 
 Wentworth, a personal friend of Lincoln, and a force in the Republican 
 party, was the hero of an incident in a theater. Although sitting, his tower- 
 ing form interfered with the vision of the spectators, and they began to call: 
 'Down in front! down in front!' 'In order to convince the audience that I 
 was sitting,' said Long John, now uprearing his person, like, a monument, 
 'I will now rise up,' whereupon the crowd burst into vociferous cheering." 
 As Dixon H. Lewis, senator from Alabama in 1840, who weighed 430 pounds, 
 and had to have a special desk made for him, was the heaviest member who 
 ever sat in the Capitol, so Wentworth was doubtless the tallest who ever 
 walked under the dome. He died in Chicago in 1888. 
 
 There were nine districts and Whiteside was in the second with Cook. 
 Under this same arrangement, our next representative from 1857 to 1859, 
 and from 1859 to 1861, was 
 
 JOHN P. FARNSWORTH, 
 
 who also practiced law in Chicago. He was popular, an agreeable speaker, 
 and often appeared in Sterling to discuss the issues of the day. Isaac N, 
 Arnold contested his election the second time, and the rivalry almost led 
 to a split in the party. In Sterling the excitement for awhile was intense. 
 Farnsworth was the favorite, and an inflammatory meeting was called in the 
 upper room of Commercial Block on Third street to express the outraged 
 sentiments of the people. A campaign paper to advocate Farnsworth's inter- 
 ests was proposed, and Jacob Haskell and W W. Davis were suggested as 
 editors. But as no money, was in sight for the new sheet, the matter was
 
 38 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 dropped. When the civil war broke out, Farnsworth was made colonel of 
 the Eighth Illinois cavalry, but resigned in 1863, made his home in St. 
 Charles, and from 1863 -to 1873 was a member of Congress from the Kane 
 county district. He afterwards removed to Washington, where he resumed 
 the practice of law, and died in 1897. 
 
 The hairs on his brow were silver white, 
 And his blood was thin and cold. 
 
 ISAAC N. ARNOLD 
 
 was the third member and lawyer from Chicago to represent Whiteside. As 
 he had only one term, 1861 to 1863, his face never became familiar to our 
 citizens. A domestic tragedy saddened his life. While bathing with his 
 son in the Rock river, he saw the poor boy drown before his eyes, being too 
 distant to render assistance. Arnold was a resident of Chicago for fifty years, 
 of fine literary taste, an excellent speaker and writer. As he was an intimate 
 friend of Lincoln in early years before the presidency, he prepared a biog- 
 raphy which is regarded as high authority on certain features of the martyred 
 statesman's career. Mr. Arnold died in 1884, and Hon. E. B. Washburne 
 delivered an address on his life before the Chicago Historical Society of which 
 the deceased had been president for several years. 
 
 The apportionment of 1861 made thirteen districts, and Whiteside was 
 associated with Stephenson, Carroll, Ogle, Lee, and J.o Daviess. This was 
 the third district, and now from 1863 to 1871 
 
 ELIHU B. WASHBURNE 
 
 was our representative. His home was in Galena, and a few years ago the 
 writer visited the old house, standing on a hill in that picturesque town. 
 He lived here thirty years. It is on the same side of the river as the resi- 
 dence presented to Gen. Grant by the citizens. A long, commodious, brick 
 structure with the front portico formed in southern style by the main roof 
 projecting, and supported by tall, circular, wooden columns painted white. 
 In the rear of the parlors is the library, the stationary bookcases built in the 
 wall. Washburne was a faithful member, attentive to his constituents, and 
 regularly visited our county. A plain, rugged face, strong features, honesty 
 of purpose, decision of character, written all over it. 
 
 A pillar of state; deep on his front engraven. 
 Deliberation sat, and public care. 
 
 He was called the Watch Dog of the Treasury, because when in Con- 
 gress, he opposed every foolish expenditure of public money. Washburne 
 was the stanch friend of Grant, who owed his promotion to the supreme 
 command of the armies to the persistent efforts of the Galena congressman. 
 President Grant was not ungrateful, and was glad to appoint his early 
 friend to the French mission. Here his public services made his fame inter- 
 national. When the Commune after the Franco-Prussian war raised the red 
 flag of riot, all strangers fearing another French Revolution fled from Paris. 
 and "Washburne was the only foreign minister who remained at his post.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 39 
 
 The American Embassy with the stars and stripes was an ark of safety, a 
 castle of refuge, no profane hand dared to touch. His last appearance in 
 Sterling was in 1877 at the opening of the Gait House. He stood in the 
 main stairway and made a short address. On his return from Europe, he 
 took up his residence in Chicago, where he died suddenly of heart trouble 
 in 1887 at the age of seventy-one. As one stood in his old home in Galena, 
 what memories arose of that brain, busy with cares of state. 
 
 And now 'tis silent all, 
 Enchantress, fare thee well ! 
 
 Under the apportionment of 1872, nineteen districts were formed, and 
 Whiteside was thrown in company with Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and 
 Ogle, or the fifth district. Horatio C. Burchard of Freeport was our repre- 
 sentative till 1879, succeeded by Robert M. A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll from 
 1879 to 1881, and part of the following term, 1881 to 1883, filled out after 
 his death, by Robert R. Hitt, of Mount Morris. 
 
 HORATIO C. BURCHARD. 
 
 Freeport was his home. No orator or campaigner, he never spoke to 
 the galleries in the House, but will be remembered as one of the steady 
 members who worked for their constituents in the quiet but efficient atmos- 
 phere of the committee room. He was an active member of the committee 
 on ways and means, and was obedient to every wish of his constituents. 
 After his service in Congress, he was appointed director of the U. S. mint, 
 and was removed by Cleveland. 
 
 ROBERT M. A. HAWK 
 
 had his residence in Mount Carroll, and died somewhat suddenly as the 
 result of a wound from which he had long suffered, received in a skirmish 
 with Wade Hampton's cavalry near Raleigh, N. C. 
 
 By the apportionment of 1882, the state was divided into twenty dis- 
 tricts, and Whiteside was put into the seventh with Lee, Henry, Bureau and 
 Putnam and 
 
 THOMAS J. HENDERSON 
 
 of Princeton became our representative. He was born in Tennessee, where 
 he received a common school education, removed to Illinois, and after sev- 
 eral terms in the legislature, entered the army in 1862, as colonel of the 
 112th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, serving gallantly to the close of the 
 war. He was our member from 1883 to 1895, his repeated re-election show- 
 ing the favor in which he was held by his constituents. AVhiteside has 
 always been conservative, and always ready to stand by public servants who 
 render- efficient service. Gen. Henderson, now an old man, eighty-three in 
 November, 1907, is enjoying his deserved retirement at his early home in 
 Princeton, but wa happy in response to a cordial invitation to appear at 
 the opening of the Hennepin canal feeder in Sterling. October 24, 1907, 
 make a speech, and receive the congratulations of his admirers on the com-
 
 40 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 pletion of an enterprise to the inception of which his unwearied efforts in Con- 
 gress and elsewhere were so largely due. 
 
 Another deal in 1893, and Whiteside was lined with Rock Island, Mer- 
 cer, Henry, Knox and Stark, forming the tenth district with 
 
 PHILIP SIDNEY POST 
 
 of Galesburg, as our member, but dying in January, 1895, soon after the 
 beginning of the term, 
 
 GEORGE W. PRINCE 
 
 was elected to fill the vacancy, and was continued in office by successive 
 re-electiohs to 1903. In the case of Mr. Prince, there was a practical example 
 of civil service. He rose to his high office by gradual preparation. A grad- 
 uate of .Knox college, city attorney, member of the legislature. Only about 
 forty when first elected, he proved himself a worthy successor of his predeces- 
 sors of ampler experience, and was always equal to the responsible demands of 
 his position. He is still in the prime of life, and continues his residence in 
 Galesburg. 
 
 As the state continues to develop, new arrangements become necessary, 
 and in 1901 another apportionment was made, dividing Illinois into twenty- 
 five districts, giving Chicago ten congressmen, and the rest of the state 
 fifteen. Whiteside is now in the thirteenth district with Carroll, Jo Daviess, 
 Lee, Ogle and Stephenson. 
 
 EGBERT ROBERTS HITT 
 
 of Mount Morris, was elected as our new representative in 1903. He was 
 new to our district, but a tried member for successive terms from the ninth, 
 so that when he took his seat, he was in familiar work and amid familiar 
 scenes. In fact he was at home in Washington. Hitt was indeed a veteran 
 in political life. Born in Ohio, like Grant, Sherman, Garfield, Bishop Simp- 
 son, and a dozen other great men, removing to Illinois, receiving his early 
 education at Mt. Morris seminary which he continued at De Pauw university, 
 he took up as a diversion, shorthand reporting, which formed the starting 
 point of a brilliant career. As an acquaintance of Lincoln, he was requested 
 to make full reports of the famous debate between Lincoln and Douglas in 
 1858. An old citizen, Albert Woodcock, gives the following incident of the 
 debate at Freeport, August 27: 
 
 "A stand was erected in a field adjacent to the city. Thousands of peo- 
 ple gathered about the platform. The speakers were ready, the throng was 
 impatient. The tall form of Lincoln arose. He looked anxiously over the 
 crowd and called out: 
 
 " 'AVhere's Hitt? Is Hitt present?' 
 
 "Hitt from the outskirts of the surging mass answered, 'Here I am, but 
 I cannot get to the platform.' 
 
 "The good-natured people understood the situation, seized the slender 
 youth and passed him over their heads to the stand." Hitt's report of that 
 epoch-making discussion is the authoritative standard of this day. Then 
 began that versatile career which kept him in the public eye to its mournful
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 41 
 
 close. In 1867-8 he made the tour of Europe, Egypt and Palestine. In 
 1874 Grant appointed him secretary of legation at Paris, a position con- 
 tinued by President Hayes, and during the six years of Mr. and Mrs. Hitt 
 in the French capital, his tact and her charm won golden opinions from all 
 classes. Although offered a foreign mission by President Arthur, he declined, 
 preferring to remain in his own country. Hitt was like Lincoln, a plain 
 man, fond of mingling with the people, and ever ready to accept any respon- 
 sibility in the line of his work. Illinois or the United States never had a 
 more conscientious public servant. He had a comfortable cottage at Mt. 
 Morris, and in Washington occupied the mansion at Fifteenth and K streets, 
 formerly the residence of William M. Evarts, secretary of state in the cabinet 
 of President Hayes. Hitt's health was gradually failing, however, and his 
 death was not a surprise. 
 
 The sweet remembrance of the just, 
 Shall flourish when they sleep in dust. 
 
 FRANK O. LOWDEN. 
 
 A country boy getting his education in the primitive style, working on 
 the farm in the summer, and attending school in the winter. A graduate 
 of the Iowa State University in 1885, where he was valedictorian, and then 
 of the Union College of Law, Chicago, where he repeated his literary suc- 
 cess. He married a daughter of the late George M. Pullman, and began the 
 practice of law in Chicago, in connection with various avenues of business. 
 His early love of rural life returned, however, and closing his commercial 
 interests, he purchased a large tract of land near Oregon in Ogle county, and 
 began the career of farmer on an extensive scale. 
 
 When the late Senator Pettus of Alabama was asked what he would do 
 if he had his life to live again, he replied, "Buy a big piece of land, and 
 settle in the middle of it." Many of our statesmen felt the same way in 
 regard to an Arcadian retreat. Jefferson had Monticello, Clay had Ashland, 
 Webster, Marshfield. So Col. Lowden is following some eminent examples. 
 The original dwelling of his purchase has been enlarged, necessary farm 
 buildings erected, several miles of road laid out, choice stock secured, arid 
 every arrangement made for the development of a farm model in every detail. 
 The spacious residence on a high slope along Rock river, like Abbotsford on 
 the Tweed, has already become a Mecca not only for politicians, but for 
 friends and neighbors, who are sure of a cordial reception. As in the case 
 of Gen. Harrison's cabin, the latch string is always out. Col. Lowden was 
 elected by a large majority in the fall of 1908 to take the place of the 
 lamented Hitt, and he promises to keep up the prestige that Whiteside has 
 always been fortunate in enjoying in her Congressional representatives.
 
 42 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 
 
 Fifty years ago almost every one in Whiteside or the west was ready to 
 talk about this book. The' full title was : 
 
 THE 
 BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 
 
 A TALE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 
 
 An Authentic Narrative 
 
 of 
 
 Thrilling Adventures 
 in the Early Settlement of the Western Country. 
 
 By Edward Bonney. 
 
 A gang of robbers and cut-throats, who infested Northern Illinois and 
 Iowa, murdered Col. George Davenport July 4, 1845, at his home at Rock 
 Island in the river. This Bonney tracked the villains, discovered their plans, 
 and was the mea^is, at the risk of his neck, of bringing them to justice. 
 They were tried at Rock Island, and on Oct. 19, 1845, John and Aaron 
 Long and Granville Young were hung in the presence of a large crowd at 
 Rock Island. One of the prosecuting lawyers was Joe Knox, who frequently 
 appeared in Whiteside as pleader or campaigner. This hanging struck terror 
 into the rest of the marauders, and they speedily vanished. Doubtless their 
 piracies often took them through Whiteside. 
 
 WHITESIDE AND CIRCUIT COURT. 
 
 Whoever fights, whoever falls, 
 Justice conquers evermore. Emerson. 
 
 As in the legislature and congress, our county has not always been in 
 the same district. The first court -was held at Lyndon, April, 1840, Honi. 
 Daniel Stone, of the sixth judicial circuit, presiding. James C. Woodburn 
 was sheriff. Among the attorneys present whose names are familiar were: 
 Hugh Wallace, Harvey and Woodruff, James McCoy, Knox and Drury. Joe 
 Knox was a popular speaker in the political campaigns. By the act of the 
 general assembly, 1839, the sixth judicial circuit included the counties of 
 Rock Island, Whiteside, Carroll, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone and "Jo 
 Daviess. Subsequent acts changed the counties and the number of the cir- 
 cuit. By the act of 1877, thirteen judicial circuits were created, and White- 
 side was in the thirteenth. From the Blue Book of Illinois, 1905, compiled 
 by James A. Rose, secretary of state, the subjoined list of judges in the thir- 
 teenth is given :
 
 HISTORY OF WIIITESIDE COUNTY 43 
 
 Wm. W. Heatoii, June 16, 1873, Dixon, died. 
 
 Wm. Brown, June 16, 1873, Rockford. 
 
 Joseph M. Bailey, Aug. 20, 1877, Freeport, 
 
 J. V. Eustace, June 16, 1879, Dixon, vice Heaton. 
 
 J. V. Eustace, June 16, 1879, Dixon. 
 
 Wm. Brown, June 16, 1879, Rockford. 
 
 Joseph M. Bailey, June 16, 1879, Freeport. 
 
 J. M. Bailey, June 1, 1885, Resigned. 
 
 Wm. Brown, June 1, 1885, Rockford. 
 
 J. V. Eustace, June 1, 1885, Dixon, died. 
 
 J. D. Crabtree, June 4, 1888, Dixon, vice Bailey. 
 
 J. H. Cartwright, June 1, 1888, Oregon, vice Eustace. 
 
 J. H. Cartwright, June 1, 1891, Resigned. 
 
 J. D. Crabtree, June 1, 1891, Dixon. 
 
 James Shaw, June 1, 1891, Mt. Carroll. 
 
 J. C. Garver, April 7, 1896, Rockford, vice Cartwright. 
 
 Two of these judges were well known to all citizens who had business 
 at Morrison in court time. Under the old constitution of 1848, John V. 
 Eustace and William W. Heaton were on the twenty-second circuit, the first 
 commissioned in 1857, the second in 1861. Judge Heaton sat so regularly 
 on the bench year after year that he seemed one of the fixtures of the court 
 room. Quiet, easy, genial, approachable. Judge Eustace was somewhat 
 sterner, and carried to his position much of that military dignity which he 
 found necessary as provost marshal at Dixon during the civil war. Under 
 the apportionment of 1897, the counties of Rock Island, Mercer, Whiteside 
 and Henry compose the fourteenth judicial circuit, with Emery C. Graves, 
 Geneseo, William H. Gest, Rock Island, and Frank D. Ramsay, Morrison, 
 as judges. The term is six years, and the salary, $3,500. Judge Ramsay 
 began in 1897, and is serving acceptably in his second term. Court is held 
 on first Mondays in January, April and October. 
 
 Of the conspicuous figures at Morrison during the last 30 or 40 years 
 were David McCartney, formerly of Fulton, later of Sterling, states attorney 
 from 1872 to 1880, and Walter Stager of Sterling, 1880 to 1904, who made 
 a brilliant record in the prosecution of crime. H. H. Waite of Prophets- 
 town occupies the position since 1904. 
 
 THE GRANGE IN WHITESIDE. 
 
 Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness! 
 
 This is the state of man. Today he puts forth 
 
 The tender leaves of hope, tomorrow blossoms, 
 
 And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; 
 
 The third day comes a frost, a killing frost. Henry VIII. 
 
 All persons under forty years of age know no more of the Grange move- 
 ment than they do of the laws of the Medes and Persians. Like the Know 
 Nothing party in 1856, it was mighty for awhile, but soon vanished. It 
 was a political meteor, a social coiliet that blazed and disappeared. As the
 
 44 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 name indicates, the Grange was a farmers' organization to give the sons of 
 the soil their proper influence in business, in society, in politics. From a 
 small beginning it rapidly spread to various parts of the country, and was 
 especially strong in Whiteside. Every district had its branch. The opera- 
 tions were confined to the rural districts, and carried on secretly without 
 giving any notice in the papers, so that town people were in blissful igno- 
 rance of the movement. A picnic was planned for the island below the dam 
 at Sterling one summer day about 1870, and when the long procession of 
 two-horse wagons, filled with the families of the farmers, began to movie 
 slowly through the streets, the citizens rubbed their eyes and gazed in amaze- 
 ment. It seemed like an endless procession. It was evidently no circus. This 
 was the first open notice to Sterling of the existence of -the new organization. 
 To show the controlling influence exercised by Whiteside in the order, 
 the following is clipped from a paper of 1873: 
 
 GRANGE DIRECTORY. 
 
 ILLINOIS STATE GRANGE. 
 
 Master Alonzo Golder, Rock Falls> 
 
 Secretary 0. E. Fanning, Gait. 
 
 Lecturer A. Woodford, Rock Falls. \/ 
 
 Overseer E. V. Lapham, Morrison./ 
 
 Steward S. J. Baird, Sterling. / 
 
 Asst. Steward Jos. Anthony, Round Grove. 
 
 Chaplain A. B. Smith, DixonX 
 
 Treasurer J. H. Simonson. Round Grove. 
 
 Gate-Keeper W. P. McAllister, MorrisonX 
 
 Ceres Mrs. D. W. Dame, Lanark. 
 
 Pomona Maggie J. Lapham, Morrison. "' 
 
 Flora Miss E. Golder, Rock Falls./ 
 
 L. A. Steward Mrs. H. P. Garrison, Morrison.* 
 
 Leading citizens in every township entered heartily into the new organi- 
 zation, as will be seen by the subjoined list of local branches taken from the 
 same sheet of 1873: 
 
 GRANGES. 
 
 Portland, No. 396. George B. Quigley, M. ; J. P. Averill, S. Regular 
 meetings first and third Saturday evenings of each month. 
 
 Newton, No. 47. Wm. Payne, Master; G. M. Miller, Sec'y. 
 
 Garden Plain, No. 54. C. R. Rood, M.; Alex. Wilson, S. Regular 
 meeting held at Town Hall, Garden Plain, every Thursday evening on or 
 before full moon, and second Thursday evening following. 
 
 Little Rock, No. 55. J. H. Platt, M.; J. J. Davis, S. Regular meet- 
 ings first Tuesday in each month. 
 
 Franklin, No. 60. A. M. Abbott, M. ; A. C. Crauch, S. Regular meet- 
 ing, Friday evening of each week. 
 
 Ustick, No. 124. J. C. Martindale, M.; G. W. McKinzie, S.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 45 
 
 '- Bock River, No. 7. P. C. Woods, M.; J. W. Niles, S. 
 
 Whiteside, No. 9. E. V. Lapham, M.; A. B. Gibbs, S. Regular meet- 
 ings the last Friday in each month, special meeting every Friday. 
 ? Rock Falls, No. 10. Rob't. McNiel, M. ; J. Wright, S. 
 
 Hume, No. 12. W. F. Ramsay, M.; J. Angell, S. 
 
 Hopkins, No. 13. S. J. Baird, M; S. N. Brown, S. Regular meeting, 
 Saturday, on or before each full moon. 
 
 Round Grove, No. 14. J. H. Simonson, M. ; Aaron Young, S. Regular 
 meetings Wednesday evening, on or before the full moon and the second 
 Wednesday evening after. 
 
 Prophetstown, No. 15. Chas. Humaston, M. ; G. W. Park, S. 
 
 Gait, No. 16. B. R. Watson, M. ; R. G. Wallace, S. 
 
 Prairie Center, No. 18. W. P. McAllister, M.; J. Upton, S. Regular 
 meeting on Friday evening, on or before full moon, and second Friday fol- 
 lowing. 
 
 Hahnaman, No. 20. W. K. Caughey, M. ; V. Rice, S. 
 
 Tampico, No. 19. John Fea, M. ; J. C. Reeves, S. 
 
 Jordan, No. 23. D. N. Foster, M.; T. S. Kauffman, S. 
 
 Genesee, No. 25. R. J. Silliman, M. ; B. F. St John, S. 
 
 Union, No. 26. R. A. Langdon, M.; S. H. Baird, S. 
 /Sterling, No. 27. Benj. Stauffer, M.; C. A. Wetherbee, S. 
 
 Genesee, No. 28. W. H. Green, M.; W. Tumbleson, S. 
 
 North Prairie, No. 29. Henry Tucker, M.; F. M. Thomas, S. Regu- 
 lar meeting on or before the full moon of each month. 
 
 Lyndon, No. 31. E. P. Gibbs, M.; F. G. Brewer, S. 
 
 Fenton, No. 34. A. S. Round, M. Regular meetings the last Thursday 
 in each month. 
 
 Union Grove, No. 42. R. F. Logan, M. ; Geo. Topping, S. 
 
 D. N. Foster, an intelligent farmer living north of Sterling, went with 
 enthusiasm into the Grange movement in the 'seventies, when it was at its 
 zenith. He championed the principle that if farmers ever received any bene- 
 fit from state legislation, they must elect farmer legislators. The principle 
 found favor, and seven farmers were elected in the fall of 1876 as the result 
 of this agitation. These seven found when they met in the capitol at the 
 assembly that the two political parties were so evenly divided that they, the 
 seven, held the balance of power. As a United States Senator was to be 
 elected, each party was scheming to secure the votes necessary to elect their 
 candidate. At this critical period, the regular annual convention of the 
 state grange with 800 delegates met at Springfield. Hon. David Davis, then 
 on the supreme bench at Washington, offered the use of his opera house to 
 the convention, and it was accepted. The seven Grange legislators were unde- 
 cided in regard to their action in the election of senator. In the caucus 
 that was called were Alonzo Golder, Omer Fanning, D. N. Foster. Should 
 the seven vote with the Democrats or Republicans? After some discussion, 
 Mr. Foster proposed that they make their own nomination and oblige one 
 of the parties to come to their selection. The idea seemed ridiculous, as no
 
 46 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 candidate could be secured at so short notice. "Why not Judge Davis," 
 replied Foster. A telegram was sent, he accepted the nomination, and David 
 Davis was elected senator from Illinois. Mr. Foster rightly claims this 
 result as a crowning triumph of Granger legislation. 
 
 Some agreeable features in the Grange which made it popular in the 
 county districts: Ladies were eligible to several offices, and the regular 
 meetings when elections took place, were social occasion of great enjoyment 
 in the way of banquet, addresses and literary exercises. An attempt was 
 made to establish stores to be controlled and supported by the patronage of 
 the order, but it was soon found that necessary expenses made competition 
 impossible with the established stores of the towns. Salaried officers proved to 
 be somewhat of a burden, members began to lose their early enthusiasm, there 
 was a lack of political cohesion, and thus by degrees the once prosperous 
 organization declined, in the words of Grover Cleveland to "innocuous desue- 
 tude." 
 
 EARLY TEACHERS AND THE YEARLY INSTITUTES. 
 
 Delightful task! to rear the 'tender thought, 
 And teach the young idea how to shoot. Thomson. 
 
 One of the first regular institutes in the county took place in the small 
 brick church, Como, in the last week of September, 1856. Gray-haired 
 Deacon Charles S. Deming, of Lyndon, was county commissioner, or super- 
 intendent, as the office is now called. Alexander Wilder was imported from 
 New York to be conductor. A tall, lank specimen, a walking cyclopedia, 
 who could answer any question about earth, air and sea, but confessed his 
 inability to open the sessions with prayer. So a concert repetition of the 
 Lord's prayer formed the devotional exercises. M. R. Kelly brought from 
 Lyndon a two-horse wagon full of girls, which he jocularly called a grist of 
 teachers in allusion to the large Como mill then running. Ephraim Brook- 
 field and John Phinney were there. In the evening audience sat regularly 
 Miss Mary Pollock of Como, a handsome brunette, afterwards married to 
 Mr. Wadley, and long a resident of Clinton. Among the members was 
 C. B. Smith, then conducting a select school in the basement of the old 
 Presbyterian church in Sterling, who studied law, and removed to Mt. Carroll 
 where he died. 
 
 For years the institute was on wheels, held from town to town. In 
 1857 at Erie, 1858 at Fulton,' 1859 at Prophetetown, and so' through the 
 county. For the last thirty years, the sessions have been held at Sterling or 
 Morrison in the last week of August, just before the opening of school?. 
 
 AN OLD PROGRAM. 
 
 In the Whiteside County Historical Society is a program of an insti- 
 tute held in Sterling, August 27, 1867, to continue a week. Instruction wns 
 given daily in the various common branches, and discussions on 'such sub- 
 jects as government and object lessons. Among the lecturers at night wa* 
 State Superintendent Newton Bateman, and among the instructors, Metcalf 
 of Normal. E. C. Smith of Dixon. M. AY. Smith of Morrison, C. C. Buell
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 47 
 
 of Sterling, H. E. Burr, M. R, Kelly, all numbered with the dead. Walter 
 Stager, John Phinney, W. W. Davis, Emma Wilson, still grasp the hands 
 of their friends. 
 
 A FEW REMINISCENCES. 
 
 Col. Michael W. Smith, superintendent from 1869 to 1873, was elected 
 by a whirlwind of Sterling votes, as there was no excitement or issue, and 
 a light vote was polled in the rest of the county. He was precise, stern, 
 methodical, very efficient in the discharge of his duties; for awhile principal 
 of the Morrison schools. On leaving Whiteside he was appointed professor 
 of English literature and history in Hughes high school, Cincinnati, 1874, 
 where he labored with great success to his death in 1889. 
 
 Clinton C. Buell was principal for three years' of the old second ward 
 school in Sterling after its completion in 1867. He had a farm in Mont- 
 morency, and drove in a light buggy every morning to his duties. A strenu- 
 ous career. After graduating at Madison University, New York, and teach- 
 ing eight years in academies, he emigrated to Iowa, where he entered the 
 army on the beginning of the war in 1861. He was a scholarly man, well 
 read, a good writer and speaker, took a deep interest in agricultural affairs,, 
 and often read papers or made speeches at various meetings. 
 
 One of the mast genial of the former teachers was H. E. Burr, who grad- 
 uated from Oberlin College in 1849, removed to Morrison .in 1865, opened 
 a select school, and afterwards taught in public schools. Two heavy mis- 
 fortunes threw a gloom over his later life. A stone falling on his foot in 
 a quarry made him lame, and the death of his only daughter, Charlotte, 
 a young lady of rare qualities of mind and heart, was a crushing blow from 
 which he never recovered. She was the idol of the home, and henceforth 
 the world had no further charm. When the writer met the old gentleman 
 just a short time before the end, he sadly remarked that he was just waiting 
 to move on. 
 
 One of the best known primary teachers of Sterling was Miss Sa_die 
 Patterson, who was first in the second ward, and then in Wallace school. 
 She grew gray in the service, and almost two generations of children passed 
 under her discipline. 
 
 Of all the early teachers, M. R. Kelly, of Morrison, was the dean. Com- 
 ing to the county in his young manhood and remaining here to his death 
 in 1904, he was a landmark. Teachers came and went, but Kelly was like 
 Tennyson's brook: 
 
 For men may come and men may go, 
 But I go on forever. 
 
 His duties as superintendent called him to all parts of the county, and 
 his sunny disposition made friends everywhere. His face was always wel- 
 come at the tables or the gathering? of the old settlers. Like Caleb of the 
 Old Testament his vigor of mind and body was so remarkable even in the 
 eighties than his sudden decline and death came as a surprise. From the 
 Sentinel of Morrison we quote the account of the last sad rites : "The serv- 
 ices were held at the Presbvterian church, and after a hvmn bv the choir
 
 48 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and prayer by the pastor, Rev. W. V. Jeffries, his old friend and co-laborer, 
 W. W. Davis, delivered the following address: 
 
 " 'It lies around us like a cloud, 
 
 A world we do not see ; 
 Yet the sweet closing of an eye, 
 
 .May bring us there to be. 
 
 " 'Standing in this solemn presence and thinking of our dear departed 
 friend, I recall almost fifty years of uninterrupted and delightful social inter- 
 course. No more that radiant face, that cheerful voice, that active step. On 
 my visits to Morrison, my first thought always was, I hope I shall see Kelly 
 on the street. If not, -I must certainly go to his home. How often he 
 invited me to his cottage, and how often I enjoyed his generous hospitality. 
 
 " '0 for the touch of a vanished hand, 
 And the sound of a voice that is still! 
 
 " 'My acquaintance with Mr. Kelly began in September, 1856, when I 
 met him at a teachers' institute in Como. He was the teacher, but soon 
 became county superintendent. Under his administration, the schools of 
 Whiteside received a vigorous impulse. He visited the schools during the 
 day and addressed the patrons at night. And what addresses they were.! 
 He was a remarkable speaker before a crowd of plain people. His rich voice, 
 hearty manner, fund of anecdotes always charmed, and the announcement 
 that Kelly was to speak was sure to pack the house. Like Washington, 
 Beecher and men of earnest natures, Prof. Kelly took much delight in 
 outdoor life. His cottage on the edge of Morrison was a poet's home, with 
 its oaks, vines and shrubbery He was the Nestor of Whiteside teachers. 
 Of all in service during his early visitations, only four remain, John Phinney 
 of Morrison, Grove Wright of Rock Falls, D. N. Foster of Sterling and 
 myself. In his eighty-seventh year, David Dudley Field, the eminent lawyer, 
 composed a remarkable poem, which I believe represents the very sentiments 
 which governed our dear friend Kelly in his later years: 
 
 " 'What is it now to live? It is to breathe 
 The air of heaven, behold the pleasant earth, 
 The shining rivers, the inconstant sea, 
 Sublimity of mountains, wealth of clouds, 
 And radiance o'er all of countless stars. 
 It is to sit before the cheerful hearth 
 With groups of friends and kindred, store of books, 
 Rich heritage from ages past, 
 Hold sweet communion, soul with soul.' ' 
 
 Of all the teachers in the county in 1858, only four remain at the 
 present writing, November, 1907 : Grove Wright of Rock Falls, John Phin- 
 ney near Morrison, and D. N. Foster and W. W. Davis of Sterling. 
 
 J"hn Phinnev was one of the features at the institutes. His hobbies 
 
 were grammar and mental arithmetic, and he was always ready to take up
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 49 
 
 the cudgel in defense of any method of his that was carelessly criticised. He 
 made no pretensions to elegant speech, but was perfectly able in his earnest 
 way to maintain every principle he espoused. Mr. Phinney taught at vari- 
 ous places, Unionville, Sterling, Como, was thorough in his drills and gave 
 universal satisfaction. 
 
 D. N. Foster's usefulness was confined to Jordan, chiefly at the Capp 
 school, and he retired early from the strain of professional life to engage in 
 farming. He now owns the Doc Coe farm on the Freeport road. His wife, 
 formerly Miss Carrie Dinsmoor, a Massachusetts girl, niece of the late Hon. 
 James Dinsmoor, was also a teacher, and during their residence in the 
 country, was a director of the district school. 
 
 Grove Wright was in some respects the most successful teacher in the 
 county. There have been more scholarly principals, but none who had the 
 art of infusing so much enthusiasm into his pupils. They all believed in 
 Wright, and heartily entered into every plan he proposed. Most of his work 
 was in Sterling, in the second and the third wards. His exhibitions every 
 winter in old Wallace Hall had a delightful mixture of declamations, dia- 
 logues, music, various performances, that were heartily enjoyed. Nothing 
 before or since like them. He was a good singer, and music was a promi- 
 nent feature in his schools. 
 
 Miss Mary Oilman, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke, who taught in the old 
 second ward school in 1857 and 8, and who, Grove Wright says, was the 
 best scholar in Latin, history and mathematics he ever met, had a terrible 
 experience in her later years. She married Rev. U. Small, first pastor of 
 the Sterling Cong, church, and they had one son, Forrest, for whose educa- 
 tion they made every sacrifice. Scarcely had he entered upon the practice 
 of law in Minnesota, when his body was found one morning, the victim of a 
 brutal and mysterious murder. Mrs. Small, always delicate, gradually pined 
 away, and the poor father, left in double desolation, also died a few years ago. 
 
 C. B. Smith kept a select school in the basement of the old Presbyterian 
 church on the site of the present township high school. Maria Denning, 
 daughter of Rev. S. F. Denning, pioneer Methodist minister, was a pupil in 
 Latin, and died afterwards in Cuba. Smith studied law, and died in Mount 
 Carroll, where he. practiced law for many years. 
 
 H. H. Smith, no relative, was in the county for several years. He was 
 one of those trained minds, .full, quick, ready to see a joke, wore glasses, 
 master of the subjects he was called to teach. Always welcome at the insti- 
 tutes. 
 
 Maurice Savage was a fixture at Round Grove where he taught with 
 great acceptance for a long time. An excellent mathematician. After his 
 marriage, he went south where he still resides, engaged in some other business. 
 
 There were the Kimballs, two brothers, serious, earnest fellows, who were 
 both engaged at different times in the school at Unionville. 
 
 Of the girls. Miss Martha Millikan and Mary Scott must not be forgotten. 
 Miss Millikan married and died in 1908, and Mary Scott, after a devoted 
 career, sleeps in the cemetery at Lyndon. 
 
 Another of OUT pioneer teachers, Mrs. Lucius E. Rice, formerly Martha
 
 ; 
 
 50 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 C. Coburn, still lives at Lyndon in the active discharge of her domestic duties. 
 She began to teach in Vermont, her native state, and after seven years of 
 service there, removed to Wisconsin, where she taught three years, and then 
 to Lyndon, spending another three years in the school room. At Peacham, 
 Vt., she attended the school of which "the famous Thaddeus Stevens was a 
 pupil. She saw the house where he was born, and remembers his coming 
 there to see about a burial lot for his mother. He once said to a minister: 
 "If what you speak of is religion, my mother had it." Not far from her 
 town, the wonderful mathematician, Zerah Colburn was born. As we all 
 know, New England people for two generations swore by Colburn's arith- 
 metic. It came next to the primer and the catechism with its 
 
 In Adam's fall 
 We sinned all. 
 
 One of Mrs. Rice's teachers confidently affirmed that with three "things anyone 
 could pass successfully through this vale of tears: the Bible, Webster's dic- 
 tionary and Colburn's arithmetic. 
 
 Perhaps the most venerable, the longest in service of any of our teachers, 
 was Mrs. John Whallon, widow of the well known captain. She was born 
 in 1832, coming with the father in wagon in 1837 from Massachusetts. Mar- 
 tha began to teach as a mere girl, returning to Galesburg after a time for 
 ^ further preparation. She taught at Sterling in 1848 when there was no 
 school building and Col. Wilson had to hunt a room and seat it, at Rock 
 Falls .then Rapids city, when the river was innocent of bridge and had to be 
 forcled. She was in faithful service all over the county, at Como, Lyndon, 
 Prophetstown, Portland, Fulton. In her first terms she received one dollar 
 and a half per week, and boarded around. Mrs. Whallon spent the sunset 
 of her active and useful life in quiet retirement amid ancestral scenes in 
 Lyndon. 
 
 W. W. Davis generally had an essny or lecture at the early institutes. 
 He was for some time secretary, and every night during the sessions read a 
 critical report of mistakes made during the day. Most of his teaching in the 
 county was at Empire, now Emerson. Some of his former 'pupils have risen 
 to prominence elsewhere. Miss Alice Dinsmoor was for many years principal 
 of a young ladies' seminary in Brooklyn, Wilson Sterling is professor in the 
 state university at Lawrence, Kansas, John K. Reed is a missionary in Litheria 
 on the west coast of Africa, Dr. J. F. Keefer is one of the leading physicians 
 of. Sterling, Rev. W. C. Seidel, D. D., now at Nashville, Tennessee, in charge 
 of a Lutheran church has long been active in the service of that denomina- 
 tion, east and west. 
 
 I've wandered to the village, Tom, 
 
 I've sat beneath the tree, 
 Upon the schoolhou.-e playground, 
 
 That sheltered you and me;
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 51 
 
 But none were left to greet me, Tom, 
 
 And few were left to know, 
 That played with us upon the green, 
 
 Just twenty years ago. 
 
 JORDAN. 
 
 On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, 
 
 And cast a wishful eye, 
 To Canaan's fair and happy land, 
 
 Where my possessions lie. Samuel Stennet. 
 
 All roads lead to Rome, or did, and three of the best highways in the 
 county lead from Sterling to Jordan : the Freeport road, the Hoover, and the 
 Pennington. If you go out the Freeport road, which starts from the east 
 end of Sterling, on the left is the Catholic cemetery of ten acres, and although 
 new, has many handsome monuments. We pass John Zigler's place with its 
 boxes of bees and yards of chickens, each breed by itself. That frame dwell- 
 ing was the home of D. 0. Coe, or Dish, as he was called, long an elder in the 
 Presbyterian church. Over there to the west is the farm house of Mrs. George 
 Royer, with an unfailing spring in the cellar, a good place for butter and 
 milk. Farm after farm of families all scattered. 
 
 They grew in beauty side by side, 
 They filled one home with glee, 
 Their graves are severed far and wide, 
 By mount and stream and sea. 
 
 The Bressler farm and the Doc or Jonathan F. Coe place, now owned 
 by D. N. Foster. The father of these Goes was Simeon M., who came to Jor- 
 "dan in 1835 and died in 1848. His wife was Mary Miles. A large family 
 of 13 children, mostly boys. Each son got a farm. S. M. or Sim, who lived in 
 the southern part of Jordan, was for years town treasurer. Near the Doc 
 Coe place was an early frame schoollwmse, called the Coe school. It was taken 
 down, and a new stone building erected on the west of the road, called the 
 Stone school. 
 
 Penrose is the business center of Jordan. There is a commodious gen- 
 eral store with dwelling attached and a well kept lawn and garden on side and 
 rear. W. D. Detweiler and wife are the accommodating proprietors. Just 
 this side is a small Quaker graveyard containing the graves pf Elida John, 
 who died in 1888 at seventy-seven, and Sarah, his wife, in 1890, at ninety. 
 Also that of A. C. John, son, hospital steward of 34th 111. Infantry, who 
 died in 1899 at 67. The little meeting house is now a dwelling. An iroli 
 fence in front. Here is a United Brethren church. Radical, built in 1896, 
 with 23 members, and preaching every second Sunday. A Sunday school 
 and Y. P. society. There are three Sunday schools in Jordan. 
 
 The White church formerly, now East Jordan church, is the strong- 
 est religious organization in the,town. Originally erected as a union edifice, 
 but now controlled by the Liberal branch of the United Brethren, with Rev.
 
 52 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 J. A. F. King as pastor. A flourishing Sunday school of 150 pupils with 
 Alex. Anderson as superintendent. Mrs. Lizzie Detweiler has home depart- 
 ment and circulates lesson leaves in both English and German. The latter 
 is Sonntagschul Lektionen, published at Mennonite Book Concern. Berne, 
 Indiana. There are also a C. Endeavor and Junior E. Mrs. M. Kidder has 
 the first primary of 30 scholars. Mrs. Nelson Jacobs, sister of Dr. J. C. 
 Maxwell, Sterling, has the cradle roll of 24 tots, and has held the position 
 for 26 years. 
 
 Now let us drive beyond Penrose two miles, and on descending a hill 
 a little valley lies before us, and prominent in the outlook towers a large 
 frame building, grand, gloomy and peculiar. It is Wilson's old mill, for 
 thirty years a scene of busy traffic. Here came Joseph Wilson from Pennsyl- 
 vania, and built a log mill in 1836. An enterprising man, and from time 
 to time he installed improvements to keep his grists to date, sparing no 
 expense. His flour put up in family sacks had a high reputation, and a gen- 
 eration of Sterling and Dixon people believed no bread or cake could be 
 undertaken without Wilson's flour. "Take no other." He hauled the goods 
 himself to the towns, and many a day has the writer seen the venerable 
 miller perched on the top of a two-horse load on his way to market. He 
 delivered himself from house to house. The dam was thrown across Buffalo 
 creek, and the meadow with the race on one side and woodland on the further 
 hill, made an ideal landscape of rural beauty. 
 
 How dear to this heart 
 Are the scenes of my childhood, 
 When fond recollection 
 Presents them to view. 
 
 Not long before his death he enlarged the residence, making many rooms, 
 perhaps for the entertainment of strangers, for the place was the center of a 
 Quaker influence. Every Sunday Friends' meeting was held for the benefit of 
 the few disciples who assembled there. Frances was a zealous advocate for 
 her faith, and loaned the writer Clarkson's Portraiture of the Quakers. Both 
 Joseph and Frances are buried in the orchard at the home, the sons are gone. 
 Mary lived alone in the spacious mansion for twenty years until a nephew 
 lately moved in, while the huge mill, silent and tenantless, is occupied as a 
 warehouse by a farmer. 
 
 To what base uses do we come at last. 
 
 The big water wheel also remains. The whole structure speaks of deso- 
 lation, and is a mute reminder of departed prosperity. 
 
 One of the best men who ever lived in Jordan was James Talbott. who 
 came from Westmoreland, Pa., in 1835. A carpenter in the east, but here 
 he became a farmer. A devout Methodist. Oliver, born in 1833, is the best 
 known of the surviving children and now resides in Polo. His wife is Mary 
 Furry, a prominent writer and speaker in the W. C. T. U. 
 
 In form, the late Jacob Vogdes was the Saul of the township. He was 
 from Pennsylvania, kept bachelor hall on his eighty for some years, and in
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 53 
 
 1859 started for Pike's Peak and continued his journey to California, where 
 he died after a varied career in mining. He was seventy-two. He was six 
 feet four, broad shouldered and massively built. Jovial and kindly, his face 
 always wearing a smile. 
 
 About two miles from Wilson's mill was the log cabin of Charles Diller, 
 in which he lived from 1850 to his removal to Sterling in 1878. He had 
 been a teacher in Pennsylvania, was the most intelligent man in his neighbor- 
 hood, was school director and justice of the peace, and kept open house. His 
 wife, Ann (Thompson), was the soul of hospitality. Of four boys, Thomas 
 was teacher in the country and Sterling for several terms, and in 1889 was 
 appointed postmaster of Sterling by Harrison, in 1897 by McKinley and again 
 in 1901. He purchased the Standard as a weekly from Theodore Mack, and 
 in cooperation with J. W. Newcomer, published the paper until its appear- 
 ance as a daily in 1893, Mr. Newcomer retiring. 
 
 The Diller farm of nearly 400 acres was purchased by the late W. A. 
 Sanborn, banker, and turned into a stock ranch by the erection of extensive 
 barns. It is now owned by Fernandus Jacobs, who, with his 1,068 acres, is 
 easily the largest land owner in Jordan. He started without a dollar and is 
 still under sixty. It is a little singular that another man of almost the same 
 name, John Adam Jacob, a foreign German, coming here poor, died at 64, 
 owning 1,000 acres in Jordan and much in Iowa. 
 
 On the crossroad from the Freeport to the Pennington is Jordan Center 
 with its town hall erected in 1888 after a hot contest about the site with Pen- 
 rose and a neat schoolhouse, both painted white. On the east side of the 
 Pennington road stands the First Evangelical Lutheran church of Jordan 
 with a pretty cupola and bell. Rev. Frederick William Schneider, Baden, 
 Germany, is pastor. He was at the gymnasium of Breslun from 1881-1885, 
 and three years at the theological school of Capitol university, Columbus, 
 Ohio. The church was organized in 1874, remodeled in 1897, is well equipped 
 with organ and other essentials, and is a credit to. the people. An addition 
 to the comfortable parsonage in 1907. Henry Helms, Henry Bitters, Ber- 
 nard Fulfs, are the deacons. Besides the Sunday school of 80 pupils, there 
 are Ladies' Aid society and Luther League. Membership of two hundred. 
 The ground for church and cemetery was given by John Wolfersperger, who 
 was one of the large landholders in that district. At one time he had a 
 dairy of fifty cows, sending butter to St. Louis. His son, Aaron, is now 
 Judge Wolfersperger of Sterling. Mr. Wolfersperger came to the country 
 in 1851. 
 
 South of the church is another landmark, the Capp schoolhouse. The 
 first in 1856, the later one about 1867. D. N. Foster, now in Sterling, taught 
 there before 1860. Across the Elkhorn to the east was the Hubbard Grove 
 school, in which from 1856 onwards we find wielding the birch such tyros 
 as W. W. Davis, John Lennon, C. W. Marston and others. Charles Diller, 
 James Woods and John Furry were directors. 
 
 In September, 1907, occurred at the Jordan Lutheran church an event 
 that was productive of much good and pleasure. It was the meeting of the 
 Wartburg Synod, the session continuing several days. Seldom that the staid
 
 54 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 people of a farming community are favored with so many ministers and so 
 much preaching. One noon the Ladies' Aid society served dinner in the 
 Sunday school. It was a sumptuous entertainment of the richest viands that 
 only country pantries can furnish, and in a quantity that left a surplus for 
 another banquet. 
 
 The cemetery adjoins the church and has many elegant memorials of 
 granite and marble. The lots are kept in good order. 
 
 Gone before 
 
 To that unknown and silent shore. 
 
 The W. C. T. U. flourishes in Jordan. At one of their late festivals 87 
 guests were present, and the occasion afforded great delight and profit to the 
 happy throng. An excellent and varied program comprising a violin solo, 
 a duet and quartet, followed by an earnest and suggestive address by Mrs. 
 Dunlap of Champaign on the requisites of an ideal home. Bountiful refresh- 
 ments at the close. 
 
 Another admirable feature of Jordan life is the interest in the Sunday 
 school cause. The East Jordan Loyal alumni celebrated their sixth anni- 
 versary in the winter of 1907 at the home of James Anderson with a banquet 
 and toasts. The roll in five years grew from 23 to a membership of 55. Five 
 years faithful attendance is the condition of membership. 
 
 The Loyal Sunday School Army Alumni is an adjunct of the East Jordan 
 Sunday school. The organization is composed of persons who have passed 
 a grade of seventy-five per cent, perfect in attendance, lesson study and con- 
 tribution for four consecutive quarters in each year for five years. The class 
 at present numbers fifty-two. A banquet is held annually at which officers 
 are elected for the ensuing year. The officers for the year 1908 are as follow- : 
 President, Mrs. Emily C. Coats; secretary, Miss Myrtle Sivits; treasurer, Mr. 
 Clarence Parks. 
 
 The W. C. T. U. was organized about twenty years ago with a member- 
 ship of one hundred. The present officers are: Mrs. Ida Anderson, president; 
 Mrs. Jennie Jacob, treasurer; Mrs. Martha Dick, secretary. Parlor meetings 
 are held at the different homes, one a month. 
 
 The Royal Neighbors were organized Aug. 24, 1898, and the present 
 membership is 58. The number of the camp is 1103. Of the nine officer.-. 
 Mrs. Ruth Sivits is oracle; Miss Margaret Coats, recorder, Miss Sarah Hocker, 
 receiver; and Dr. Jane Keefer, physician. Jordan is a progressive community 
 and takes hold of every movement that promises benefit to the general welfare. 
 
 An amusing incident, happened about 1894 in connection with a mission 
 fest or service held in the woods near the John Kratz farm. Tt was in autumn 
 and was under the auspices of the Jordan Lutheran church. The preaching 
 was mostly in German. One of the speakers in an exciting flight of elo- 
 quence and fancy, exclaimed. "I see a fire!" at the same time, 'to give force 
 to his remark, pointing in the direction of the house of a simple hearer who 
 sat on a front bench. He took the orator at his word, and as his dwelling 
 was in that direction, seized his hat and darted off like a deer to quench the 
 flames. The scare almost broke up the meeting. After the service was over,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 55 
 
 Dr. Severingshaus advised the young preacher to avoid hereafter being too 
 realistic. 
 
 THE KAUFFMAN MURDER. 
 
 Two sudden blows with a ragged stick, 
 
 And one with a heavy stone, 
 One hurried gash with a hasty knife, 
 
 And then the deed was done: 
 There was nothing lying at my feet 
 
 But lifeless flesh and bone! 
 
 Hood's Dream of Eugene Aram. 
 
 A mile south of the Jordan Lutheran church a mysterious murder 
 occurred on the night of May 31, 1897. After a careful examination of all 
 the circumstances connected with the affair, Walter Stager, states attorney, 
 made an official report to the board of supervisors, filling six columns of the 
 Sterling Standard, from which we glean the following outline: 
 
 Tobias Kauffman at one time lived on his farm, six miles north of Ster- 
 ling, on the west side of the Pennington road. In 1894 he moved into a 
 house on the east side of the road, farther north, on the George Kapp farm, 
 whose wife, Hattie, he had married. After moving, he continued to keep 
 some stock and grain on the old place, where remained the usual sheds, pens, 
 cribs and granary. George was the only son left at home, the other broth- 
 ers have gone. He was twenty-one in January, 1898. In April, 1897, some 
 little pigs were missing on the old farm, and on examination it was believed 
 that grain was also stolen. Suspecting that the thief might return for further 
 plunder, George decided to sleep in the vacant dwelling. On Monday even- 
 ing, May 31, 1897, between seven and eight, George, armed with a big navy 
 revolver, left home to spend the night at the lonely house. This was his 
 last appearance alive. The next morning, as he did not come to break- 
 fast, his father started to look for the boy. Now a few words of explanation 
 about the scene of the catastrophe. Southwest of the vacant dwelling was a 
 strawstack. Half way between the strawstack and granary was a corn crib 
 and pig pen. On approaching the spot, the father saw smoke, and then the 
 strawstack on fire. He ran around the stack and into the house where he 
 found George's shoes. Mr. Kauffman then ran towards his home, calling for 
 help. His daughter Jessie, the hired man Schroeder and a boy soon came, 
 and presently, just in front of the granary, George's cap and a piece of his 
 shirt sleeve were found. Inside the granary door a stick of wood was found 
 which may have been used to knock the boy down. The next move as to 
 the burning straw pile. Using a long wire to rake off the blazing top, the 
 body of George was discovered and brought to the ground. The corpse was 
 naked, black and badly burned. The forehead was smashed, the skull 
 cracked and a bullet had passed through the head. Afterwards George's revol- 
 ver, watch and much blood were discovered on the spot where the body had 
 lain. 
 
 This, then, is the result of the investigation : George had taken off his 
 shoes on going to bed, and hearing a noise, rushed out in his stocking feet,
 
 56 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and at the granary received the blow that smashed his skull. The body was 
 placed on the stack, shot, and the stack set on fire. The only motive for his 
 murder must have been to prevent his informing on the thieves whom he 
 had surprised. 
 
 As may be supposed this horrible affair created intense excitement, and 
 for weeks the scene of blood was visited by hundreds of people, far and near. 
 No clue was ever found, and the murder of George Kauffman will remain 
 among the dread mysteries of crime. 
 
 Besides, this Duncan 
 
 Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been 
 So clear in his great office, that his virtues 
 Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued. against 
 The deep damnation of his taking off. 
 
 SCOTCH SETTLERS. 
 
 In 1853 Archibald Maxwell came over, and in 1854 James, William 
 and John, settling on land west of Wilson's mill. About the same time, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Charles Crichton opened a place in the woods south of Hnbbard's 
 Grove school. They died several years ago, and none of their numerous 
 family remain in the neighborhood. When Mr. Crichton arrived he had 
 barely money enough to buy a cookstove, but at his death had a well improved 
 farm. They all came from the vicinity of Glasgow and brought with them 
 the ancient Gaelic virtues of thrift and sobriety. 
 
 There were also the Andersons. James came to America in 1851, and 
 in 1853 returned for his wife. After living awhile at Buffalo Grove. Ogle 
 county, then in Clyde township, they finally cast their lot in Jordan, where 
 they engaged in fanning until their removal to Sterling, nearly twenty 
 years ago. David Anderson came in 1850. James is dead, but his widow, 
 Mrs. Agnes, or Aunt Nanny, makes her home with David, and on New Year's, 
 1908, celebrated her 90th birthday. Alexander Anderson, a Sunday school 
 leader in Jordan, belongs to this family. Dr. J. C. Maxwell, of Sterling, is 
 a scientific adherent of the Maxwell clan. All are Presbyterians. 
 
 GERMAN SETTLERS 
 
 Most of the farms in West Jordan are occupied by Germans who settled 
 here before and after the Civil war. They came poor, bringing their earthly 
 goods in a sack, but with stout hearts and strong hands they went to work, 
 laboring at first by the day. and in time owning excellent farms, sometimes 
 several. Much of the land, of course, was secured cheap. Some of the rail- 
 road land was bought for ten dollars per acre. Among these families are 
 such familiar names as Muns. Wolber. Dieterle. Giffrow. Arnold. Wolf. Helms, 
 Dusing. Fulfs. 
 
 Passing south from the Kanffman place, we come to the large pstate, 
 JMUIjF 800 acres, of the late John Wolfersperger. and then the combined 
 woodland, quarry, orchard, and meadow, of the late Dr. L. S. Pennington,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 57 
 
 whose dwelling set off by evergreens commands the landscape for miles. The 
 useful career of both these pioneers is fully detailed in the second volume 
 of this history. This Pennington road leads into Sterling at the house of 
 the late Gen. W. S. Kilgour, who was justly proud of the deadly conflicts of 
 his military record, and to perpetuate the valor of at least one battle, he kept 
 for years a board nailed to the fence bearing the storied name, Chickamauga. 
 
 VARIOUS ITEMS. 
 
 Tobias Kauffman says there was no school house in Jordan in 1850, 
 as that year he was obliged to go to Science Ridge to improve his mind. 
 
 Mr. Sweeney had a small building in which Ripley taught school before 
 the present Capp school house was erected. 
 
 About 1868 Alfred Pillsbury taught a term in the Pennington district. 
 He was from Massachusetts, a cousin of the Dinsmoors, had a cultivated 
 voice, and fond of reciting passages from Dickens. On returning to the east, 
 he studied law, and rose to be attorney general of his native state. 
 
 CHARLES AND ANN DILLER, JORDAN PIONEERS. 
 
 Few persons now living were reared in a log cabin. They were born 
 too late, and do not know what they have missed. To waken in the morning 
 and find your pillow covered with the snow storm of the night is a luxury 
 which the delicate dwellers in our city residences never experience. The 
 log cabin makes strong men and women. Witness Webster, Lincoln, Gar- 
 field, Nancy Hanks, and think what weaklings they might have been but 
 for the endurance given by these primitive dwellings. 
 
 It was the writer's good fortune to spend the winter of 1856-7 in a 
 genuine cabin. It was bought by Charles Diller, and moved from Wilson's 
 mill, according to Oliver Talbott. There was one large room below for the 
 family, which at night by a wire and curtain could be made into two sleeping 
 apartments. In the loft above were three or four beds for six or eight 
 persons, who had plenty of fresh air through the loose shingles. A shed 
 attached to the cabin answered for the big cook stove and also a dining room. 
 
 Charles Diller belonged to the numerous Diller family of Lancaster 
 county, and learned the trade of cooper, taught school, after his marriage 
 lived a while in New Holland, and in 1850 sought his fortunes in White- 
 side, buying a farm along the Elkhorn near Wilson's mill. It was a beau- 
 tiful tract of upland prairie, and so high you could see for miles in every 
 direction. He put up a stable, planted an orchard, and began to improve 
 the land. 
 
 An excellent set of people, all different. John Adam Jacob was a for- 
 eign German, James Woods from Ohio who married a German wife, Henry 
 Brown and wife both from old England, Joseph and Frances Wilson of the 
 famous mill, Quakers, who held meeting, Charles Crichton and the Max- 
 wells from bonnie Scotland, Joe Stary from Maryland, then a mixed lot of 
 Warners, Deyos, Plummers, John Furry must not be forgotten, father of 
 Marv Talbott, of the W. C. T. U.
 
 58 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 For thirty years Charles Diller was one of Jordan's most valuable mem- 
 bers. He never shrank from a responsibility. Whether justice, assessor, 
 trustee, he was always ready and efficient. His cabin was a center of influence, 
 a bureau of information, as he was more intelligent than his neighbors, and 
 they came there for counsel. He was cordial, and ever ready to do what he 
 could to enlighten the inquirer. 
 
 He gave to misery, all he had, a tear, 
 
 He gained from Heaven, 'twas all he wished, a friend. 
 
 Generous to a fault. A warm friend of education, and when the first 
 school was opened in the district, he boarded the teacher a year as a free 
 will offering, asking no recompense. A close reader and thinker, he drew 
 inspiration from the New York Tribune, a welcome weekly visitor at the 
 home. Of good stock. His uncle, Roland Diller, was the solon of his town 
 in the east, and another uncle, Solomon, was in the Pennsylvania legis- 
 lature. 
 
 His wife was Miss Ann E. Thompson, and they were married in 1840 
 at Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, her home. There was a 
 large Presbyterian church here, to which Rev. E. Erskine was called soon 
 after he left the church in Sterling, and here he died. She often recalled 
 the Cumberland valley, so lovely and picturesque to her childhood, and 
 which became so memorable in army movements during the civil war. 
 
 No more generous soul ever lived. She would divide her last crust. No 
 beggar was ever turned empty from her door. Her table was the most 
 bountiful in Jordan. Friends on leaving after a visit were rewarded with 
 a roll of butter. The neighbors who did not fare so well at home were 
 eager to accept an invitation for a quilting bee, knowing that their labors 
 would be rewarded by a supper of satisfying abundance. 
 
 Nothing was left undone. Although the cabin was small, the family 
 was large. To feed the numerous mouths, keep the wardrobes in order, and 
 look after the various needs, occupied her time. Always busy. Sometimes 
 no help, and after working beyond her strength, for she was a delicate 
 woman, the next day found her in bed. A cheerful spirit, every ready to 
 look on the bright side. 
 
 A happy soul, that all the way 
 To heaven hath a summer's day. 
 
 There was no church in the neighborhood, and when an occasional min- 
 ister preached in the school house, he was sure of a welcome at the Diller 
 cabin. She came to Sterling now and then, staying over night to attend 
 services on Sunday. After Sunday dinner was over at the cabin, the writer 
 recalls her taking the big family Bible to enjoy her only leisure time of 
 the week. She and Frances Wilson, wife of the Quaker miller, were con- 
 genial friend?, both refined, earnest, kindly. 
 
 In 1878, after nearly thirty years of toil and sacrifice, they removed to 
 Sterling, leaving the farm in charge of a son. Charles began to fail, dying 
 in 1883, and Ann, after ten years of infirmity, borne with Christian resig-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 59 
 
 nation, followed to the silent land in 1893. They were buried in Riverside 
 cemetery. Their children, Laura, wife of H. L. John, and three sons, 
 Thomas, Samuel, and Will, survive, Roland having died in California. 
 
 Just above Dr. Pennington's old home was one of the longest hills in 
 Jordan. Although partly lowered from time to time, it was the bug-bear of 
 all wagoners coming from town' with heavy loads of lumber. In the fall 
 of 1907 Commissioner Charles Bort, like Napoleon who decided there should 
 be no Alps, determined to overcome the grade and earn the gratitude of the 
 driving public. He gathered a force of men with plows and scrapers, and 
 by moving away four feet of earth from the top and filling up below and at 
 sides, 'transformed the rugged descent into a gentle incline. The totaj 
 expense was only a few hundred dollars, and it will avoid an endless amount 
 of horse power and human profanity. 
 
 John Furry was a familiar figure in Jordan. Somewhat lame, yet he 
 managed to circulate. Took a hearty interest in school matters. His daugh- 
 ter, Mary, married to Oliver Talbott, son of the pioneer James, has for thirty 
 years been a conspicuous worker in W. C. T. U., a good speaker and writer, 
 and in regular attendance at the conventions. 
 
 John Guinther of Jordan celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday Thurs- 
 day, Jan. 30, 1908, and is doubtless the oldest man in the township. He is 
 still hale and hearty, and although entering upon his ninetieth year still 
 drives to town regularly and attends to all of his own business affairs. He 
 came to this slate in 1868 and has made his home here since that time. Mr. 
 Guinther has always led a temperate life, and although he worked in the 
 fields as hard as any other farmer he always made it a rule to take one hour's 
 rest at noon regardless of the amount of work to be done. To, this, largely, 
 he attributes his long life and health. He says his aim is to reach the 
 hundred mark. 
 
 CALL FROM OLIVER TALBOTT. 
 
 'Tis the last rose of summer, left blooming alone, 
 All its lovely companions are faded and gone. Moore. 
 
 Of all the early inhabitants of Jordan, Oliver Talbott is the only one 
 alive. Although born in 1833, his hair is not gray, his eye not dim, his 
 natural force not abated. He is the only man living who can write a history 
 of Jordan without referring to books. He has all the original information 
 within himself. He did the writer the honor to call at his home, and relate 
 many incidents not generally known and never recorded. He spoke of the 
 Scotch delegation. Archy Maxwell who came to Jordan in 1849, David and 
 Sandy in 1851, of John and William. Charles Crichton, and the Andersons. 
 Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson now reside in Sterling. Oliver's father, James 
 Talbott. was a mechanic, who could do anything with wood, and he built 
 Joseph Wilson's log mill in 1835. It was afterwards made of frame in 1849. 
 For years this mill did an immense business, as it was the only one within 
 a circle of many miles. When Nathan and Sikes, the sons, took charge 
 later, to run it for their father on shares, their one-half profit in a year was 
 $4.400. Joseph had great pride in his product. "People may say I twist
 
 60 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the wheat, but cannot say I do not make good flour." Near the early mill 
 .was a store kept by John Brookie. So farmers coming for flour also laid in 
 supplies of groceries. His father moved the whole family from Peoria with 
 an ox team in 1835. 
 
 James Talbott also built the mill on Rock river at Sterling for Wyatt 
 Cantrall in 1837 or '38. Jordan had several mills at an early day. Besides 
 Wilson's on Buffalo creek, there was the Hubbard mill further west, built 
 by Manoah Hubbard in 1839. It was a saw mill; burned down, rebuilt in 
 1851. Becker and Henry Miller were here for a while. Further down on 
 the Elkhorn was the mill known latterly as the Bressler mill, but built by 
 .the elder Coe in 1839-40. A flour mill and saw mill. John Wolfersperger 
 occupied it afterwards. There was also a Hillyer's saw mill, 1839. The 
 log cabin in which Charles Diller lived was built by Joseph Wilson near the 
 mill, and moved to Diller's farm. It is still in existence. When Sanborn 
 bought the farm, he moved the old structure to one side, and made some 
 improvement. 
 
 In regard to crops, Oliver says that winter wheat was raised from 1835 to 
 1845, both winter and spring wheat from 1845 to 1855, spring entirely from 
 1855 until the bug and rust have completely destroyed all hope of a crop. 
 No wheat was hauled to Chicago at an early day, as it was all needed for 
 flour and seed. Little corn was raised, as there was no market for it, and 
 few hogs to fatten or sell. 
 
 Burials were made on farms. Joseph and Francis Wilson, some of their 
 family, and others, were interred in their orchard. Oliver knows numerous 
 cases of this kind, and many of these private enclosures have already dis- 
 appeared, because as property changes hands, strangers have no sentiment for 
 forgotten dead. 
 
 THE COE FAMILY OF JORDAN. 
 
 Of all the Jordan settlers, Simeon M. Coe was most like Jacob of Bible 
 times, for he had thirteen children, one more than the patriarch. But it 
 was not an unlucky number, and I don't suppose in his day there was any 
 foolish superstition connected with the figure. At any rate, they all turned 
 out well. The father settled in Jordan in 1835, and died in 1848. He wa- 
 born in Connecticut, but the family moved to New York. 
 
 Simeon had the name of his father. He was the oldest of the boys, 
 born in 1810. My first acquaintance with him was in 1856, when as teacher 
 I called at his farm in Jordan to get my hard earned monthly wages. Like 
 all the early settlers, plain in speech, frank in uttering his convictions, cor- 
 dial in manner. In five minutes you were as much at home as after five 
 years. He was treasurer of Jordan. 
 
 When the great celebration was held in Sterling on the completion of 
 the railroad to this point, 1855, a barbecue was arranged for one feature, 
 and Sim furnished a three-year-old steer. That was the Coe style. Nothing 
 small or mean. Their nature was large and generous. His old family car- 
 riage was familiar on our streets as long as he continued to drive to town. 
 Dark as all the Goes were.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 61 
 
 Doc was really Jonathan F., born in 1819, the seventh son in succession, 
 and the superstitious belief was that this fact conferred a healing power in 
 scrofula, and so the boy lived and died as Doc Coe. His house was on the 
 Freeport road, about four miles north of Sterling, and for years was the best, 
 two stories, painted white, and a contrast to many of the weather beaten 
 shacks. Jimmy Woods was the carpenter. The old part was behind, and 
 used for a kitchen. D. N. Foster now has the property. 
 
 His first wife was bitten by a mad dog while walking along the road and 
 eventually died from the poison. A son, Frank, was bright, and able to 
 read in Sanders' Fourth Eeader at an early age. Doc's second wife was 
 Sarah Murray. He was not adhesive, for he first moved to Milledgeville or 
 near there, and then to Missouri, where he died. Stout, as the Goes all were, 
 jovial, fond of driving and much liked by his neighbors. 
 
 There were ten boys, and all had nicknames. Decius O. was born in 
 1820, and a Presbyterian as he grew to manhood. His place was also on the 
 Freeport road, a mile north of Sterling, but in later years he bought the Dr. 
 Hunt property on the Hoover road, where he died. Two children, son and 
 daughter, died young. Mark, who married Julia Gait, was a farmer, and 
 died a few years ago. Like Doc, Dish also married the second time, Miss 
 Addie Ward. 
 
 Dish was no reculse, and liked to be in a crowd, and see what was going 
 on. Although a Calvinist, he thought it no sin to watch the horses trot on 
 the race track, and throw up his hat for the winning nag. On circus days, 
 too, he was always an observer of the- procession, and in the menagerie tent 
 looking at the animals, and sometimes in the other tent laughing at the 
 jokes of the clowns. 
 
 Of thirteen children, ten brothers and three sisters, Mrs. Stevens, living 
 on Eighth avenue, Sterling, with her daughter Helen, is the sole survivor. 
 A cataract appeared a few years ago, which refused to submit to treatment, 
 and she is now blind. Her general health is good, she takes a hearty interest 
 in current affairs, loves to meet friends, and is full of incidents of the olden 
 time. 
 
 She told the writer of going to school when seventeen, about 1843, to 
 a teacher, Major Winn, in a little building near Broadway, who got pro- 
 voked at the big girls for singing Whig songs. She boarded with General 
 Kilgour's father, Ezekiel, whose cabin was on the site of Walter HaskelPs 
 residence, Bellevue place. Mrs. Stevens and George Brewer are the only 
 pioneers living here before 1849. 
 
 POLL BOOK OF 1844. 
 
 Miss Libbie Bush placed in the Whiteside Historical Society a stained 
 record of an election held in Sterling precinct, Aug. 5, 1844. It is not a 
 printed blank, but four foolscap sheets are pasted together, end to end, and 
 lines drawn for the names. The writing is in blue ink. There are ninety-six 
 voters. Below the tally columns is this declaration : "At an election held at 
 the house erected for a court house in Sterling in the county of Whiteside,
 
 62 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and state of Illinois, on the fifth day of August in the year of our Lord, 
 one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, the following named persons 
 received the number of votes annexed to their names for the following 
 described offices, to wit: For congress, Joseph P. Hoge had 45 votes, Martin 
 P. Sweet 47, John Cross 1. For representative, Winfield S. Wilkinson had 
 45 votes, Oliver Everett 46. For sheriff, James W. Noble had 47 votes, 
 James A. Sweet 44, Daniel F. Millikan 1. For county commissioner, Eben- 
 ezer Seeley had 8, Bacchus Besse 72, Chdrles S. Deming 1. For coroner, 
 Gilbert Buckingham had 57, Jacob Baker 1. Certified by us, Luther Bush, 
 E. B. Worthington, Jacob Whipple, judges of election. Attest, Robert C. 
 Andrews, Luther B. Wetherbee, clerks of election." 
 
 The old document is well preserved, carefully written, and as legible 
 as though prepared yesterday. It may be added as a political reminder that 
 in 1844 Henry Clay and James K. Polk were the candidates for the presi- 
 dency. 
 
 ALBANY A PILGRIMAGE. 
 
 Mine be a cot beside the hill; 
 
 A beehive's hum shall soothe my ear; 
 A willowy brook, that turns a mill, 
 
 With many a fall, shall linger near. Samuel Rogers. 
 
 If you have not seen Albany, you have a treat in store. It is the most 
 picturesque spot in the county. It is like the Psalmist's "Beautiful for 
 situation is Mt. Zion, the joy of the whole earth." Whether you approach 
 by rail from Fulton or Rock Island, or by boat on river, there is the high 
 terrace running to the water's edge, and in the rear, the rounded hills, not 
 a long ridge, with the cottages nestling among the groves on the summits. 
 
 As you walk towards the town from the station, you will notice a low 
 brick house with a hall running through, and an entrance, front and back. 
 This was the residence of Samuel Happer, who came from Washington 
 county, Pa., in 1841, and formed a partnership with John D. Mcllvaine, 
 carrying on a store and doing a forwarding business for many years. Their 
 old brick warehouse along the river bank disappeared long ago. Mr. Happer 
 was married to Miss Sarah Curry, of Allegheny county, Pa., who was born 
 in July, 1816. She is the oldest survivor of the Albany pioneers, and makes 
 her home with her daughter, Mrs. E. W. Payne, in Morrison. Except a 
 partial cleafness, Mrs. Happer is in fair health. This low brick dwelling 
 was built in 1848, and Dean S. Efner, a mason, laid the brick. 
 
 While we are on the river bank or levee, as St. Louis would say. lot us 
 go down the river, and take a look at what remains of the Eagle hotel built 
 by William S. Barnes, who settled in lower Albany in 1839, and soon after- 
 wards erected the hotel. It was a welcome hostelry for stage and river 
 passengers, and was a commodious inn for those days. The fearful tornado 
 of 1860 wrecked the larger part, leaving the section still standing. This is 
 about 25 feet long with four windows upstairs, and is now a boarding house. 
 Mr. Barnes was the first supervisor of the township, an active Mason, and held
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 63 
 
 in high esteem. He was born in Woodstock, Vt., 1808, and died in 1872. 
 The old hotel was frame. 
 
 Mcllvaine, Happer & Co. were hustlers, as the saying is, doing a large 
 business in various lines. From an advertisement in a Sterling Times of 
 1854, they carry a full stock of dry goods, groceries, clothing, hardware, 
 glass, paints, and lumber at the steam saw mill. In another paragraph 
 appears this notice: Wanted 173,000 bushels of grain. Mcllvaine, Happer 
 & Co., grocers, general merchants, and produce dealers. Half a mile up 
 the river is a tall chimney stack, and rubbish near it, the ruins, as the writer 
 was told, of a steam saw mill. It is along the railroad coming from Fulton. 
 One is reminded of the obelisk at On, near Cairo, which also stands alone 
 on the sand, once a center of Egyptian civilization. 
 
 In this ancient Barnes hostelry we met a grizzled veteran who with his 
 family has made a cheerful home that belies the desolate exterior. An 
 inviting dinner was smoking on the table at our noon call. Perry Langford. 
 born in 1835 in Fulton county, came to Albany in 1849, and enlisted in 
 Company F, 93d Illinois infantry. He was three years in the service, was at 
 the Grand Review in Washington in 1865, and saw Grant tip his hat, but 
 refuse to shake hands with Halleck. He has two framed relics which he 
 prizes. A commission to his father, Asa Langford, by Gov. John Reynolds, 
 as captain in Black Hawk war, 1832, and one to Thomas Langford, as second 
 lieutenant, 1833. Both signed at Vandalia, the early capital of the state. 
 
 An agreeable call upon Miss Frances D. Barnes, the oldest of the eight 
 children of W. S. Barnes. Her brothers, Henry and Charles, were veterans, 
 Henry in 93d Illinois, Charles in 147th Illinois. Three of the children are 
 dead. Mr. Barnes was a schoolmate of the famous sculptor, Hiram Powers, 
 who was three years older. In fact, they sat on the same seat. It was the 
 Greek Slave in 1843, that gave Powers his world-wide reputation. Singular 
 to say. they died almost in the same year, Barnes in 1872, Powers in 1873, 
 in Florence, Italy. Mr. Barnes was an invalid six years before he died, 
 and he remarked one day when the sculptor was on a visit to America, "If 
 Hiram knew how sick I am, he would come to see me." Indeed, W. S. 
 Barnes must have been more than an ordinary pioneer with qualities of 
 mind and heart to commend him to the friendship of eminent men. He 
 was one of Whiteside's representative citizens. When Gov. Oglesby was in 
 Morrison, he was invited to take dinner with him. He was on intimate 
 terms with E. B. Washburne. He was sent to Springfield when the removal 
 of the county seat from Sterling was in consideration. Very energetic in 
 business, he opened the first general store in Albany, and the Eagle hotel 
 was the headquarters for travel between Chicago, Galena, Rock Island and 
 Peoria. Those were the golden days of the Frink and Walker stage line, 
 lightning express, four lines a day of four-horse coaches. A horse ferry was 
 in operation across the Mississippi. When there was a strong adverse wind 
 in March the ferry could not run. Frances Barnes says she was a school- 
 mate of the late Mrs. John AVhallon. formerly Martha Millikan, and a pioneer 
 teacher. Although in her seventy-seventh year, Miss Barnes talks as fluently 
 and correctly as a Vassar girl of twenty.
 
 64 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 THE HANKS BROTHERS LINCOLN. 
 
 So he grew up, a destined work to do, 
 And lived to do it; four long suffering years. 
 
 On the hill live two brothers, David Hanks, born in 1826, who came 
 in 1844, and further along, the older, Stephen, born in 1821. They were 
 born in Kentucky in a county not far from Lincoln's early home. 
 Stephen looks venerable but in talk and motion, brisk as most men at fifty. 
 He was full of reminiscence, and enjoyed going back. It will be remem- 
 bered that Thomas Lincoln in 1806 married Nancy Hanks, a bright young 
 woman of twenty-three, and in 1816 removed to Indiana. They had three 
 children: the first a daughter who grew up, married, but left no issue, the 
 third a son who died in infancy, the second the immortal Abraham. Stephen 
 recalls the fact of his father and mother once making a visit to Thomas 
 Lincoln after he moved to Indiana, and taking a younger brother along. 
 It seems to be the impression of the family that this Nancy Hanks was their 
 father's sister. The Hanks clan was small, and not widely scattered. Stephen 
 has had a career of varied activity. He came in 1836 with Alfred Slocumb, 
 and made himself generally useful, worked in the timber, was pilot on the 
 river to St. Paul, drove team in building a projected state road to Spring- 
 field to be built by the people, hauling the posts and bringing the surveyors 
 home at night. A difficult undertaking was a causeway from Albany to 
 Morrison over the Cat-tails by laying timbers to make a corduroy passage, 
 early AVestern fashion. One hundred men were employed. Mr. Hanks is in 
 excellent trim for an octogenarian of 87, able to sleep, eat three meals, saw 
 wood, dig garden, and all the minor chores of the household. Kathryn 
 Hanks, teacher in grammar department of the Albany school, is a daughter 
 of David the younger brother. 
 
 Another sprightly member of this family is Mrs. James H. Slaymaker, 
 daughter of David Hanks. It seems it was her uncle, Sam Hanks, Princeton, 
 Iowa, who was the child taken by the father and mother on the visit to 
 Thomas Lincoln in Indiana, Abraham's father, who married Nancy Hanks. 
 At the convention in Chicago in 1880 when Garfield was nominated, Robert 
 Lincoln showed Samuel much attention, and secured a seat for him in the 
 political circus. The Slaymakers were an influential family in Newton 
 township, and James H. is a cousin of Thomas and Robert, who lived in 
 Sterling over forty years ago, and removed to Kansas. 
 
 A MOTHER'S EXPERIENCE IN THE TORNADO. 
 
 It was the privilege of the writer to hear the experience of a mother 
 who passed unharmed through this dreadful visitation. At the foot of the 
 hill below the Presbyterian church is the low brick dwelling in which Mrs. 
 Chamberlain has lived since 1848. She was born at Carmi, White county, 
 October. 1828, came to Albany in 1845, was married to Wilson Nevitt who 
 died in 1849, and in 1851 was married to W. A. Chamberlain. It was Sunday 
 evening, June 3, 1860, a very sultry day. Her father. Dr. Riley, who had 
 lived in the South, noticed the ominous appearance of the sky. remarked
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 65 
 
 that it looked like a hurricane, and left the dwelling to secure the windows 
 in a new cement building not far away. A pane of glass was broken in the 
 room, and she told her husband to stuff a pillow in the opening, but it was 
 twice blown out with tremendous force. Now thoroughly alarmed, Mrs. 
 Chamberlain picked up her baby girl and two little boys, and rushed for the 
 cellar, followed by her husband. They had barely descended the stairs* 
 when the whole roof and upper briok walls of the house fell with a crash 
 upon the floor above them. As it was made of heavy joists and boards, it 
 was sufficiently strong to sustain the weight, and thus save them from destruc- 
 tion. Meantime the work of ruin was complete. Most of the young town 
 was leveled. Her father was so terribly crushed by a falling timber that he 
 lingered in agony for a few days till he died. Knowing her helpless con- 
 dition with her babes and dying father, neighbors and mechanics at once 
 made a gratuitous offer of their services, renewing the walls and putting on a 
 roof. Across the street still stands a deserted frame store, built of the pieces 
 gathered from the debris, and bearing above the name, "W. A. Chamberlain, 
 druggist." Before this was erected, a temporary counter was placed in their 
 sitting room, and the drugs dispensed. Mrs. C. is also a registered phar- 
 macist. Prof. Pepper, principal of the school, married her granddaughter, 
 who is a natural artist. 
 
 Wilson Nevitt, first husband of Mrs. Chamberlain, was one of eleven 
 children of William Nevitt, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1779, moved to 
 Kentucky, then to White county, Illinois, in 1818, then to Knoxville, and 
 finally to Albany in August, 1837. He was justice of the peace, and his 
 commission was signed by Shadrach Bond, first governor of Illinois. He 
 was also school commissioner of the county. Mr. Nevitt died in 1848. His 
 best known son, Hon. Edward H., was educated at Knox college, and filled 
 several public positions, assessor, supervisor, and in 1877 was elected repre- 
 sentative to the legislature from the Eleventh district. The Nevitts have 
 always held an honorable place in the affections of the people of Albany. 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 The old Egyptians had a skull at their feasts to assure them of the end 
 of all festivity. The bright shining monuments on the hill are a daily 
 reminder in full view of the world to come. Albany people have a daily 
 funeral sermon. There are few very ancient graves. Some of the early 
 settlers were buried elsewhere or their bodies removed to other places. There 
 is a family memorial block for the Nevitts, containing the names of several 
 members of the once numerous circle. Also a family memorifll of the 
 Slocumbs, in honor of numerous members. Alfred Slocximb put up a log 
 house in 1837. On one tomb is the name, Warren Olds, 1818-1888. Phebe, 
 his wife, 1819-1897. Cheney Olds and family came to Albany in 1838. Here 
 is Rev. Samuel Slocumb, 1783-1850. On one humble stone: 
 
 Remember as you pass by 
 
 As you are now, so once was I. 
 
 Capt. James Hugunin, 1839-1905, and wife. W. S. Booth, 1821-1883. Dr.
 
 66 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Jordan Brock, 1841. Francis Buckingham, 1845. One of the mast imposing 
 monuments bears the name Rosenkranz. It is of gray granite, which seems 
 to be the favorite stone. James Hewlett, England, 1843. 
 
 Oh, friend forever loved, forever dear, 
 What tears have bathed thy honored bier. 
 
 Among the soldiers resting here are Eugene Barney, C. G. Slocumb, 
 1899, Co. B, 147 111. In a row with small headstones are buried T. M. 
 Perkins, Co. G, 8th 111. cavalry; Peter Huguenin, Co. F, 52nd 111. infantry; 
 Jacob McDonald, Co. M, 1st Iowa cavalry; Thomas Jackson, U. S. navy; 
 Abner McMahan, U. S. navy. In the cemetery is also the tomb of Samuel 
 Happer, one of the first of the early settlers to pass away. 
 
 "West of the cemetery is the Albany school, a brick building in two 
 sections. There are 160 pupils. Hettie Slaymaker, primary, 5'8. Ella 
 Galvin, intermediate, 43. Kathryn Hanks, grammar, 36. High school, three 
 years' course, 25. H. \V. Pepper, principal, has had careful preparation at 
 Rockford Business College and three years at De Kalb Normal. In his 
 fourth year, and with the confidence of pupils and parents, is doing suc- 
 cessful work. 
 
 THE CHURCHES. 
 
 On the edge of a hill in full view of the Mississippi is the white frame 
 Presbyterian edifice with its little cupola, The society was organized at the 
 house of David Mitchell, December, 1839, by Rev. Mr. Prentiss, of Fulton. 
 The members were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kilgour, Mr. and Mrs. David 
 Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Thompson, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Duty Buck, Mrs. Ivy Buck, and 
 Mrs. Buckingham. The first elders were Samuel Kilgour and 'David Mitchell. 
 No regular pastors for a while. In 1843, Rev. Silas Sears began . regular 
 service, and among his successors were Oscar Park, W. C. Mason, Louis Gano, 
 A. H. Lackey, Jacob Coon, J. Giffin, Josiah Leonard, N. D. Graves. The 
 former church of brick, dedicated in 1858, was swept away by the tornado in 
 I860, and the present structure was placed upon its site. 
 
 A congregational church was organized in 1842 by some members who 
 had withdrawn from the Presbyterian. The certificate was signed by James 
 B.othwell, Erastus Allen, Duty Buck, William Efner, William Bothwell, G. 
 Buckingham, Mrs. Ruth Bothwell, Mrs. Hannah Allen, Mrs. Fanny Buck- 
 ingham, Mrs. Dinah Bothwell. Duty Buck and Wm. Bothwell were chosen 
 deacons. Rev. A. J. Copeland began his labors in October, 1847. at $400 
 per year, followed by Revs. J. J. Hill, Hancock, Cady. Hamilton. Ostrander, 
 Emerson, Macnab. In the meantime, both churches finding the support of 
 separate pastors a burden, agreed to harmonize their doctrinal differences, 
 and unite in a call for a minister, and in July, 1875, Rev. N. D. Graves 
 entered upon his duties. The recent pastor of the Presbyterian church was 
 W. Bryson Smith, who resigned in April. He was student at Lake Forest 
 academy and McCormick theological seminary. Of the seventy-two mem- 
 bers, many are Pennsylvanians, and the Slaymaker family is largely repre- 
 sented.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 67 
 
 The Methodists began to hold services in Albany in 1840 as part of the 
 Savanna circuit, preaching before that time in dwellings'. In 1840 Rev. 
 Philo Judson was minister, and in 1842 Albany was placed on the Union 
 Grove circuit. In 1845 a small frame building was erected, with Rev. 
 Isaac Searles in charge followed by McKean, Babcock, Haney, Hanna, 
 Applebee. In 1853 Albany, Erie and Newton formed the Albany circuit, 
 with a membership in Albany of 172. In 1854 the parsonage was built. 
 In 1860 both church and parsonage were ruined by the tornado. The present 
 Urick edifice was erected in 1861 by funds given by the Methodist churches 
 in the East. In 1868 Rev. Barton Cartwright was pastor, and loaned the 
 church $600 to replace the parsonage. Among the later ministers was Rev. 
 Zechariah D. Paddock, who in 1857 preached at Broadway church, Sterling, 
 dying in Albany at 64 in 1883. Two of his children, Mrs. Slocumb and 
 Charles, live in Albany. Mr. Slocumb in the mercantile business and Charles 
 cultivating some land. Both unusually intelligent people. 
 
 The minister in the Methodist pulpit now is Rudolph C. Doenges, who 
 studied at Iowa Wesleyan University and at Garrett Biblical Institute. His 
 boyhood was spent in Nebraska. There are 180 members, and 100 pupils in 
 the Sunday school. A ladies' aid and a missionary society. As the church 
 is too small, it is proposed to enlarge by adding a concrete front at a cost of 
 $3,000. Before entering the ministry, Mr. Doenges served his country six 
 years in the army, and was at San Juan hill in the Spanish-American war. 
 He is a strong, muscular young man, with abundant hope and vigor. He 
 left the army in 1900. He also preaches at Zion church, eight miles distant, 
 to a small congregation. 
 
 THE INDIAN MOUNDS. 
 
 A few miles below Albany, down the river, is the largest collection of 
 mounds in the county. They have not all been explored. The Davenport 
 Academy of Sciences have opened some of them, and found skeletons, beads, 
 copper, iron, and mica. The land on which they are situated belongs to 
 farmers, and at the solicitation 'of Mr. McCartney of the Review, and others, 
 it has been enclosed, and all trespassing by strangers forbidden. This his- 
 torical enclosure is for sale, and should be carefully preserved by the county 
 or state as relics of aboriginal activity. What treasures may be here for 
 future antiquarians! Mr. McCartney has a skull in his office taken from a 
 mound. There are seventy acres in the enclosed land. 
 
 ALBANY'S OLDEST MOTHER. 
 
 In a neat cottage on the outskirts -of the town, the writer found Mrs. 
 Hoobler and her venerable mother, Mrs. Stagg, who was born April 15, 1817. 
 She was thrice married, her last husband dying 22 years ago. She was reared 
 in Tennessee, and after several changes her father moved to Illinois, and 
 from White county came to Whiteside in 1835. For a nonagenarian. Mrs. 
 Stage's vigor is wonderful. Last summer she pieced four quilts, this winter 
 two. looks after the family mending, and can run the sewing machine three 
 hours at a time. Eats and sleeps as well as most persons of sixty. No
 
 68 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 tremor in voice, no sign of feebleness in her frame. She is a Methodist, her 
 father being a Methodist preacher. She sees no reason for the Lord's per- 
 mitting her to stay here so long. 
 
 AN ALBANY SETTLER IN FLORIDA. 
 
 In a letter from I. P. Allen, St. Petersburg, Florida, he relates some 
 very interesting reminiscences of his early years. In the winter of 1837 his 
 father moved from Ottawa to Lyndon, leaving himself and sister to live with 
 Deacon Hamilton, while he built the first house in Albany. In a few weeks 
 he moved us over, and I was the first bo'y in the place. My sister was called 
 the belle. His father was Erastus Allen, and his brothers, George and Isaac. 
 C. R. Rood was the surveyor, and afterwards the county surveyor. He settled 
 in Garden Plain. Mr. Rood taught the first school in Albany, and I want to 
 him when I was but five years old. There was some discussion in regard to 
 the name of the town. As there were several Aliens, they preferred Allen- 
 town, but then, as all came from New York state, Albany was selected. A 
 man named Corbin had built a cabin, ten by twelve, at the lower end of what 
 was called the Eddy. Aside from that my father's house was the first real 
 dwelling. It was eighteen by twenty-two. The first presidential election, 1840, 
 was held there. Soon after came Ivy Buck, justice for years, and then his 
 brother, Duty Buck. Also, Cheney Olds with his six boys and three girls. 
 The most of these people came from New York, Cattaraugus county. Then 
 came Capt. Barnes and Uncle Sam Slocumb with a lot of boys. 
 
 ON MAIN STREET. 
 
 The Albany Review, a weekly of six folio columns, is published every 
 Friday by G. S. McCartney, nephew of the late David McCartney, of Sterling, 
 so long states attorney of Whiteside. It is non-partisan. It was established 
 in 1899, and is the seventh journal started in the town. The others rose, 
 flourished, and fell. Above his desk, Mr. McCartney has an assortment of 
 curios, skull and ax from the mounds, wooden cutting bar of an early 
 McCormick Reaper, ancient pistols, lanterns, ox yoke, hames, candle molds, 
 horns. The circulation of the Review is 1,252 copies, and the home mer- 
 chants evidently make good use of its columns. 
 
 First National Bank has a capital of $25,000, and deposits of $132,828, 
 August, 1907. S. B. Dimond is president, and C. E. Peck cashier. Among 
 the directors are James Beach, Louise W. Olds, C. E. Peck, John Woodburn. 
 Four per cent is allowed on savings accounts, compounded semi-annually. 
 Banking hours from 8 to 4. 
 
 Albany State Bank, established in 1889, incorporated in 1904, has 
 Charles George for president, and Charles A. Olds, cashier. Four per cent 
 paid on savings and on six months' certificates. Capital is $25,000. Among 
 the stockholders are A. J. Beardsworth, W. W. Blean, E. H. Olds. E. L. 
 Bigelow. One dollar opens an account. Drafts sold on principal cities, and 
 loans made on real estate. 
 
 Here is the brick block erected in 1900 conjointly by the Masons and 
 Knights of Pythias, each society having rooms on the second floor. There
 
 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 69 
 
 are seventy-seven members in the Masonic lodge. It dates from 1867. 
 Albert W. Lewis is master; AV. H. Smith, senior warden, Frank Phillips, 
 junior warden. The Knights of Pythias have seventy-four members, and the 
 chancellor commander is E. A. Huggins. The lower story of the block is 
 occupied by James Beach with a stock of general merchandise. His residence, 
 lately erected of concrete, is the first of the kind in the town, and a model of 
 good taste. 
 
 J. W. Dinneen, well known in politics, is the largest dealer in all kinds 
 of implements for farm and household. 
 
 BEICKLAYKR AND STATESMAN. 
 
 No man in Albany has had a more strenuous career than Dean S. Efner. 
 He came from New York, crossed Eock river at Sterling on the ice in Feb- 
 ruary, 1841, on his way to Albany, his home ever since. He has seen and 
 done much, and likes to relate his adventures. A mason, like Eobert 
 Collyer, he built the Happer house in 1848, and the one in which he lives. 
 He studied law, and went to Springfield for examination, where he met 
 Lincoln in 1859. He was in the legislature from 1871 to 1874. Born in 
 1822, and now in his 87th year, has never spent a dollar on the doctor. Mr. 
 Efner is a man of positive convictions, and is ready to express them. 
 
 FIRST PEOPLE AND FIRST THINGS. 
 
 Eev. Enoch Bouton, Presbyterian, 1840, was the first minister to settle 
 in Albany, preaching as occasion offered. 
 
 Ivy Buck, who came in 1837, was the first justice, serving eighteen years. 
 A mason by trade, he built several houses, kept a store, and ran a ferry. 
 Duty Buck was killed in the tornado. 
 
 David Bernheisel was the first doctor, who afterwards removed to Utah, 
 and was elected delegate from the territory to congress. 
 
 In 1838 Uriah Cook erected the first frame building, and the first brick 
 was erected in 1840 by W. H. Efner. Ivy Buck opened the first grocery in 
 1837, and Mcllvaine and Happer the first dry goods store in 1840 in a 
 building near the river. 
 
 In December, 1839, the village was surveyed for Nevitt, Buckingham, 
 Slocumb, and the other proprietors, by C. E. Eood, county surveyor, and the 
 plot recorded in the Eecorder's office in 1840. 
 
 Charles S. Dorsey built the first saw mill in 1837, but after four years it 
 burned down. In 1853 Walker, Happer & Co. built a steam saw mill on the 
 river in Upper Albany/and it was destroyed in 1860 by the tornado. 
 
 The first ferry between Albany and Camanche was run by David and 
 Samuel Mitchell, 1840. Horse power was used until 1850, when a steam 
 ferry boat was put into operation. The tornado of 1860, Albany's destroying 
 angel, put an end to its usefulness. 
 
 In 1854 McAuliffe started the Herald, which soon passed into the hands 
 of Charles Boynton. He continued the publication until December, 1854, 
 when he removed to Sterling. 
 
 A postoffice was established at Van Bnren, now Upper Albany, in
 
 70 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 winter of 1837-38, and Willis Osborne appointed postmaster. In 1839 the 
 name of the office was changed to Albany, with Gilbert Buckingham post- 
 master. 
 
 The popular Frink & Walker line of stages opened their route in 1844 
 from Chicago directly to Albany, having previously conveyed passengers 
 from Galena by the river. The increased travel led W. S. Barnes to erect the 
 Eagle hotel. 
 
 The first white child born in Albany was Josephine Davis, daughter of 
 Jonathan' and Phebe Davis, May 18, 1838. 
 
 Mrs. Chamberlain says Dr. A. T. Hudson lived for a time in the second 
 story of her brick cottage, 1848. He was a brother of Dr. A. S. Hudson of 
 Sterling. 
 
 That ragged shack west of the old Eagle hotel, one report says, was built 
 by a certain Darrow, and that grout house on Main street by Cheney Olds, 
 who came in 1838. 
 
 LIVING HEROES OF THE G. A. K. 
 
 The post is small, about sixteen, and scattered in town and country. 
 Col. Peter Ege, who is a veteran enthusiast, has given the writer from hi.? 
 records of about seven hundred, living and dead, the names of the old 
 soldiers residing in the neighborhood: W. D. Yopst, 8th 111. cavalry. Nnthan 
 Sypes, 75 years -old, Co. B, 13th 111. Four years and three months in 
 service, pension increased; George A. Hill, Co. A, 34th 111.; W. R. Slocumb, 
 Co. F , 52nd 111. ; Wm. Mitchell, 75, 75th 111., pension increased to $20 per 
 month; J. C. Snyder and John Miller, 93rd 111. Infantry; Thomas Turner, 
 Iowa Regiment; Wm. Tucker, 75 years old, Indiana Regiment; John Wol- 
 senholm, 86, 111. Infantry; P. Perrigo, Wisconsin Regiment; George D. 
 Quick, 140th 111. Perry Langford, 93rd 111. ; Sergeant W. S. Barnes, son of 
 the late W. S., 93rd 111.; James H. Ege, 93rd 111., is now at Minneapolis; 
 Robert A. Rouse, Co. A , 34th 111., is in Minnesota; J. High Woodin, Robt. 
 C. Markee, 34th 111., are at Quincy; Col. C. Peter Ege himself, 34th 111., in 
 the service four years and four months; W. R. Lewis, commander of the 
 post, still active at 71, was in a Pennsylvania battalion, fighting bushwhack- 
 ers in Virginia. The writer met also C. L. Brinker, four years in the signal 
 .service. 
 
 ALBANY A PORT OF ENTRY. 
 
 A wave of dark Oblivion's sea 
 Will sweep across the place 
 Where I have trod the sandy shore 
 Of Time, and been to be no more. 
 
 Hannah F. Gould. 
 
 No strangers and few of our Whiteside people, as they tread the sandy 
 slope along the river, ever dream that this 'quiet spot was once gay with life 
 and busy with traffic. No memorial to recall the past but a few weather- 
 beaten tenements that look so sad and forlorn in their desolation. In imagina- 
 tion one can see La Salle and the French explorers in their frail barks row- 
 ing up and down the mighty river.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 71 
 
 But it is of Albany's palmy days between 1840 and 1860 that we desire 
 now to speak. It was a prominent point on the Mississippi, and stage lines 
 brought their passengers from the east to catch steamers up and down the 
 river. The ferry transported emigrants to Iowa and the territories towards 
 the opening west. The packets on the river made their regular stops to dis- 
 charge and receive freight, as well as their quota of travelers. Farmers hauled 
 their grain and produce to the warehouses on the shore, and returned with 
 lumber from the saw mills to build their houses and barns. Stores were 
 opened aiid business was booming. 
 
 According to the Albany Herald of 1854, the town had then 1,000 inhab- 
 itants, with four forwarding and commission houses, six dry goods and 
 grocery stores, two drug stores, two steam saw mills, one sash factory, and 
 several other business houses. Dean Efner says in 1841 Albany polled more 
 votes than any other place in the county and had much political influ- 
 ence. It was the center of trade from all directions. 
 
 To many emigrants for Whiteside from the east, Albany was the nat- 
 ural port of entry. The people from New England and New York came 
 either overland or by the lakes to Chicago, and thence by team across the 
 prairies. But those from Pennsylvania and Ohio embarked on the rivers, 
 and landed at Albany. There they engaged teams to transport them to the 
 other parts of the county. So John Wolfersperger and others came in 1851. 
 Indeed, until the railroad was completed to Sterling in 1855, and then onward 
 to the Mississippi, Albany was the most convenient port through which to 
 enter Whiteside. But the tornado of 1860 with its wide-spread ruin, and the 
 diversion of travel and traffic by railroads, have robbed Albany of much 
 of its early prestige. The same sky and lovely landscape, but the hum of 
 busy barter is no longer heard. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 The completion of the Western Union in 1865 gave Albany railroad 
 communication. It is now the Milwaukee and St. Paul, giving direct con- 
 nection with the lakes and the north and Rock Island and Kansas City to 
 the south. 
 
 An electric lighting plant is proposed for streets, residences and business. 
 The scheme contemplates municipal ownership. The cost is estimated at 
 $7,000. 
 
 The little ferry boat that plies in the summer season between Albany and 
 Clinton is a great convenience for travelers who wish to meet trains on the 
 Northwestern. Besides 'it is a delightful sail of six miles on the big river. 
 Two trips every afternoon. 
 
 The expenses of the town would make a New York or Chicago alderman 
 smile. At a meeting of the village trustees in October, 1907, after the treas- 
 urer's report was read, a resolution was adopted to the effect that on account 
 of some extraordinary expenditures on streets, the president and clerk were 
 instructed to borrow not to exceed $100 at legal rate of interest/, and to execute 
 notes for six months. The village board consists of five trustees and a president. 
 
 The population of Albany has varied. In 1854 it was 1.000, in 1877 
 about 500. and in 1900 placed at 840.
 
 72 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The following list is given of settlers in 1837: C. R. Rood, Erastus 
 Allen, Isaac C. Allen, R. C. Niblack, S. Searle, C. Lusk, A. Bergen, P. B. 
 Vannest, G. McMahan, 0. McMahan, J. Davis, S. Mitchell, T. Wilcoxson, 
 Ivy Buck, Duty Buck, Jeremiah Rice, Wm. Nevitt, G. Buckingham, S. B. 
 Slocumb, Thomas Finch, John Slocumb, Uriah Cork. In 1838 were Cheney 
 Olds, Dr. Eernheisel, D. Mitchell, Isaiah Marshall, E. Ewers, G. Reid, R. 
 Kennedy, D. Bliss, L. Spurlock, A. Nichols, J. Nichols, B. Spurlock, G. Gar- 
 rett. In 1839 came B. S. Quick, W. S. Barnes, Dr. Clark, James Hewlett, 
 C. C. Alvord. 
 
 For a time Upper Albany was Van Buren and the lower town Albany, 
 but the folly of two names was soon apparent and the common name adopted. 
 The towns were platted in 1836. 
 
 -DID LINCOLN SURVEY ALBANY? A MYSTERIOUS QUESTION OF HISTORY. 
 
 The following article contributed to the Moline Daily Dispatch by J. B. 
 Oakleaf in 1908, we have not been able to verify: 
 
 Very few are aware that Abraham Lincoln's service as surveyor were in 
 demand in the immediate vicinity of Rock Island county. He surveyed and 
 platted New Boston in Mercer county in 1834. 
 
 Mr. Lincoln's services as surveyor were required in Whiteside county 
 two years later, for he surveyed and platted the original town of Albany, 
 which consisted of seven blocks of eight lots each, 62x124 feet, and in addi- 
 tion one block which was designated as "Public Square." In numbering the 
 blocks from one to seven Mr. Lincoln omitted to number block 5, so that 
 one block of the original plat has no number. The surveyor's certificate is 
 dated June 16, 1836, and the plat was filed for record in the recorder's office 
 of Whiteside county June 21, 1836. 
 
 Mr. Lincoln evidently went up the Mississippi from some point near the 
 mouth of the Illinois river, and the boat in which he was a passenger must 
 have made stops at Rock Island, then Stephenson, and while the boat was 
 unloading its cargo Mr. Lincoln may have taken a little stroll in the village. 
 
 In his journey up the Mississippi he passed the mouth of Rock river, 
 where four years before he had been in camp preparatory to the march up 
 Rock river, and he, no doubt, was an interested observer of the country from 
 which Black Hawk had been driven, and in passing the island and entering 
 the rapids .he had an opportunity ~of seeing the place where the Rock Island 
 bridge was first built. 
 
 In his argument to the jury in -the United States court at Chicago in 
 September, 1857, as to the effect of the rapids on navigation in the vicinity 
 of the bridge, he pictured the rapids as he had seen them a score of years 
 before. Any one reading his argument before the jury in the famous "bridge 
 case" will notice that his knowledge was not gained from the testimony of 
 witnesses alone. 
 
 Albany, 111., was the farthest point north in the state in which Abraham 
 Lincoln's services as surveyor were required. No doubt there are many people 
 now living in Albany who are not aware that Abraham Lincoln surveyed 
 the original town.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 73 
 
 GARDEN PLAIN. 
 
 These are the gardens of the desert, these 
 The unshorn fields, boundless and beautiful, 
 For which the speech of England has no name, 
 The prairies Bryant. 
 
 After John Howard Bryant and his brothers came from Massachusetts 
 in 1831, and settled around Princeton, Bureau county, their famous brother, 
 William Cullen Byrant, paid them a visit. He had much travel over the 
 prairies, and was struck with the virgin beauty of these vast plains, so dif- 
 ferent from the narrow wooded valleys of New England. No wonder he 
 burst into song as a hundred images excited his mind of the flame-like 
 flowers, the breezes of the south, the prints of the buffalo, the mounds of the 
 Indian, the birds and the insects reveling in the summer sun, the sly wolf 
 and the playful gopher, "the graceful deer that bounds to the wood at my 
 approach." Then he becomes prophetic: 
 
 I think I hear 
 
 The sound of that advancing multitude 
 Which soon shall fill these deserts. From the ground 
 Comes up the laugh of children, the soft voice 
 Of maidens, and the sweet and solemn hymn 
 Of Sabbath worshipers. 
 
 Bryant died in 1878 in New York, but long before he might have looked 
 in vain for his poetic prairies amid the fenced farms of Bureau. 
 
 No wonder, following Bryant, the early emigrants were enraptured, and 
 felt as Daniel Boone did when he gazed on the valleys of Kentucky. Abel 
 Parker, with his lively family of six sons and three daughters from Vermont, 
 1836, was the happy man to build his cabin first amid these charming sur- 
 roundings. Others soon followed, the land was rapidly taken up, farms were 
 opened and the rich soil began to blossom as the rose. Only a small portion 
 of the township is not open to the plow. On the north are the Mississippi 
 bluffs, and here and there a strip of sand or slough, but ditching and labor 
 have brought every available acre to a high state of cultivation. 
 
 THE VILLAGE. 
 
 Garden Plain, proper, or the "Corners," as it used to be designated, has 
 grown at the intersection of two roads and consists of a group of tasteful 
 residences, two general stores and the usual shops. It has the advantage of 
 the Mendota Branch of the Burlington railroad, which was built in 1871. 
 The school is in charge of Minnie Mouck from Fulton, her second year, 
 with 32 pupils. The village stands almost in the center of the township. 
 The first schoolhouse was erected here in 1850, a better edifice for graded 
 purposes was dedicated in 1869. Like the other emigrants from the east, 
 they from the first gave earnest attention to the training of their children. 
 
 The most conspicuous edifice is the First Presbyterian church. It was
 
 74 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 organized in 1863 with James A. Sweet, C. S. Knapp and Alexander Wilson 
 as trustees. The society really began, as usual, in a schoolhouse at the ' 
 Corners in 1850, and the first communion was observed March 24 of that 
 year, Rev. J. J. Hill officiating. A succession of pastors. For a time the 
 pulpit was supplied by ministers in connection with other charges, Albany 
 and Fulton. The present structure was dedicated in October. 1870, at a 
 cost of $4,000. South of the church is the parsonage, built at an expense 
 of $1,750. Both are ornaments and a credit to the community. 
 
 Rev. Archibald G. Stewart is now the pastor, coming east from Liver- 
 more, Iowa. He is a clergyman of thorough preparation, having pursued 
 his college course at Monmouth, and his theological at McCormick Seminary, 
 Chicago, 1899. Mrs. Stewart is also a lady of culture, a graduate of Lenox 
 college. Iowa. There are 100 members in the church, and besides the Sun- 
 day school, a Christian Endeavor, Junior Endeavor aid society and mission- 
 ary society. This Garden Plain charge is in connection with that in Newton. 
 One quarter the services in the morning at Newton, and the next at Garden 
 Plain. 
 
 In the eastern part of the village is the cemetery, and here lie many 
 of the first people of the settlement: Senior, Baker, Reams, Stone, Storer, 
 Kilgour, Snyder. Side by side, Charles Rood, 75, and Sarah, his wife, 88, 
 who died in 1904, having long survived her husband. On the tomb of 
 Eliza Ann Short, 1814-1884, "To dear mother." Grounds in good order. 
 Several soldiers, whose graves are not marked with flag or record of com- 
 pany and regiment to which they belonged. Some of the bodies buried 
 here were moved from farms where they were first interred, as there, was 
 no cemetery. The land belonged to the Abel Parker estate, Edwin told the 
 writer. 
 
 A few miles south of the village, on a corner, is a white frame church be- 
 longing to the Methodists. The society was organized in 1848, and in 1860. the 
 building was erected at a cost of $2,000, the first church in the township. It 
 was built on the land of William Minta. First on the Albany and then on the 
 Fulton circuit. No regular services now, and' the house looks lonely and 
 deserted. The original members are dead or away, and the people -who 
 have come since are of other denominations. This is not the only case 
 in the county, where the church homes of early worshipers are left standing 
 among strangers who have no attachment. 
 
 "Gone, gone, are the old familiar faces." 
 
 MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the Garden Plain Mutual Fire Insurance 
 Company, held in the town hall at Garden Plain in January, 1908. this 
 report was read: 
 
 This company was organized and began business, in June, 1874. with 
 policies written at that time amounting to $50,000. Since then it has had 
 a steady growth until the membership has reached 666 with insurance 
 amounting to $999,995. 
 
 During the year just closed the company has written 161 policies
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 75 
 
 amounting to $246,000. The losses paid during the year were on fire risks, 
 fifty-one dollars; lightning, $712.41. 
 
 When the company was first organized it included for territory the 
 towns of Garden Plain, Newton and Fenton. Since then the towns of Ful- 
 ton, Ustick, Albany and Erie have been added. The present secretary, J. 
 M. Eaton, has held that office continuously since 1875, a period of thirty- 
 two years. 
 
 To show the price of land, we may mention that the C. R. Rood farm 
 in Garden Plain of 160 acres was sold in 1908 to James Smith of that town 
 for $125 an acre. Mr. Smith had rented the farm and conducted it for 
 several years previous to the purchase. 
 
 EARLY GARDENERS. 
 
 When Adam dolve, and Eve span, 
 
 Who was then the gentleman? Hume's History. 
 
 . We have several familiar names of men who were well known through- 
 out the county. James A. Sweet, 1839, who was elected Sheriff in 1844, and 
 supervisor for years. His wife, Miss Judith Greenborn, Lyndon, formerly 
 from Vermont, died in 1877. Mr. Sweet was a New Yorker. William 
 Minta, England, 1839, had thirteen children. Consumption carried off 
 most of the family. A devout Methodist, and he gave the ground for Zion 
 church. Three children removed to California. 
 
 Another New Yorker was Charles R. Rood, who came to Whiteside 
 in 1836, but did not make a permanent residence in Garden Plain till 1844, 
 when he returned with his wife, Miss Sarah Churchill, of Clinton county, 
 N. Y. Mr. Rood was a surveyor, a master in his profession, and on the 
 organization of Whiteside in 1839 he was elected county surveyor. Har- 
 risburg and Chatham, Lyndon, Albany, Fulton, as well as main roads, 
 farms and blocks, were laid out by his compass. He was first postmaster 
 at Garden Plain. From Ohio, the state of Grant and McKinley, came David 
 Mitchell in 1838 to Albany, where he lived until he bought his farm in 
 Garden Plain. Highly esteemed, and served as county treasurer from 183& 
 to 1841. He died in 1850. 
 
 The writer had an interesting chat with Edwin Parker, who lives on 
 his farm near the village. He found the gray-haired pioneer doing his even- 
 ing chores in the barn .yard. He is one of the six sons of Abel Parker, 1836, 
 David, Jacob, Truman, Francis, Hiram, himself. Three sisters, Clarissa, 
 Eliza, Mina. He spoke of his older brother, David, who kept travelers when 
 they wanted lodging and meals, and of his going to California when the 
 gold fever broke out. Edwin was born in Vermont in 1831, and married 
 Mary Jane Dewey in Fulton in 1858. In those days wolves were trouble- 
 some. Although 75, Mr. Parker is spry and able to attend to the lighter 
 duties about his place. 
 
 In the village we called upon the oldest woman of the place, Mrs. Mar- 
 garet Storer, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Stowell, 
 in a comfortable cottage. Her maiden name wa? Curry. She was born near
 
 76 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Pittsburg, Pa., 1818, Dec. 29, and is now in her ninetieth year. She came 
 west in 1853 by boat on Ohio and Mississippi, landing at Albany in this 
 county. Mrs. Storer is naturally somewhat feeble, but sits in her chair and 
 enjoys visitors. She spoke of Mrs. Happer, of Albany, ninety-one, as her 
 older sister. 
 
 THE CREAMERY. 
 
 Not far south of Garden Plain on the direct road is a creamery, which 
 has been in operation for 25 years. It is in charge of Samuel Murphy, but- 
 started by Robert from Ohio. Samuel has been the manager for four years. 
 Churning is done every day in summer but Monday. The butter product 
 for September, 1907, was 17,800 pounds, but the amount has reached 26,000. 
 It is shipped to Chicago, Clinton, and other points, besides furnishing a 
 large local trade. A high reputation in market. Four men are employed, 
 and three teams of their own gather the cream. The residence is near the 
 factory. 
 
 THE ROADS. 
 
 The road running alorg the Mississippi from Rock Islard to Galena, a 
 stage route, was the main line of travel before any of the present towns were 
 laid out. It is now the Fulton and Albany road. A second road ran from 
 Union Grove to Albany. In 1839 the most ambitious scheme was under- 
 taken in the construction of a highway across Cat-tail slough with rails and 
 earth, a sort of corduroy, and over this the Frink & Walker stage company 
 organized a lightning express from Chicago to Albany, then the exporting 
 metropolis of the county, a point for the landing of emigrants from the 
 east or shipping grain on the river. It is now the Albany and Morrison 
 road. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 The postoffice at Garden Plain was established in 1846, and Charles R. 
 Rood was appointed postmaster. The first mail was carried from Peoria to 
 Galena, and afterwards from Chicago to Rock Island. This was by stage. 
 Then came the railroads. 
 
 The old ferry from Garden Plain to Clinton across the Mississippi 
 river was called the Aiken Ferry, and it was used until the railroad bridge 
 was built. 
 
 Father McKean, Methodist minister, living at Elkhorn Grove, who as 
 a kincl of home missionary, a second Peter Cartwright, traversed the country, 
 preaching as he could, and in Garden Plain held services in the log school- 
 house. 
 
 Two tornadoes have visited the township. One on the afternoon of 
 Tuesday, May 11, 1875. coming from the southwest, destroying buildings, 
 fences, hogs, cattle, poultry and trees but doing no injury to people. The 
 other was the memorable cyclone of June 3, 1860, which ravaged the south- 
 ern section of the county. 
 
 The citizens have always shown a deep interest in moral questions. At 
 ah early day was a temperance reform club. Wherever possible Sunday 
 schools and religious services are held in the school houses. There is a
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 77 
 
 Woman's Missionary society which holds an annual praise festival in the 
 church. 
 
 NEWTON. 
 
 Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night; 
 
 God said, Let Newton be! and all was light. Pope. 
 
 In one respect, Newton differs from all the other townships. Instead 
 of a village or city, a strong church is the center of influence. All its early 
 history, its cherished traditions, its present social life, are bound up in New- 
 ton Presbyterian church, which lies in the heart of a community of farms 
 and homes which hold many a precious association. Its semi-centennial, 
 1857-1907, was celebrated in the latter year, and from a pamphlet issued at 
 the time, we glean many interesting particulars. 
 
 As early as 1839 the Millers, Thompsons and Booths were upon the 
 scene, and at once felt the importance of religious services. Mr. and Mrs. 
 John S. Thompson took part in the organization of a church at Albany in 
 1839. After the Methodists appeared, both denominations held services 
 as they could secure ministers in the log schoolhouse near the James Smack 
 place. After the old Kingsbury school house was built in 1854, the Presby- 
 terians met there until the erection of their present edifice. Ministers from 
 Albany, Fulton, Morrison and other towns in the presbytery sent supplies. 
 Finally a meeting was called in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, March 11, 1857, 
 and a permanent organization effected with James Blean and John Thomp- 
 son as ruling elders. The sermon was preached by Rev. Louis Gano, and 
 the constitutional questions proposed by Rev. W. E. Mason, of Fulton. Four- 
 teen persons united- in the organization: Joseph Miller, Robert Blean, John 
 Thompson, Thomas Wilson, James Blean, Mrs. Nancy Kennedy, Mrs. Em- 
 mons, Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mrs. John Thompson, Mrs. James Blean, Mrs. 
 Deborah Booth, Mrs. Sarah Thompson, Mrs. Robert Blean, Mrs. Thomas 
 Wilson. The same day, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Slaymaker, William Weakley 
 and Mrs. Ephraim Rexroad united with the church. For eleven years the 
 people continued to meet in the Kingsbury schoolhouse, but in the spring 
 of 1868, assisted by the Board of Church Extension, sufficient money was 
 raised to erect a building. 
 
 The church was united with that at Albany as one charge until 1873, 
 when Rev. Josiah Leonard of Clinton agreed to preach for what salary 
 they could raise. In 1877 Rev. D. B. Fleming became resident pastor, and 
 that fall a parsonage was erected on the lot adjoining the church. He was 
 succeeded by Rev. J. L. Lafferty. For twelve years or until 1885, the church 
 was self-sustaining. Of late, however, the congregation has not felt able to 
 maintain a regular minister, and services are now held in connection with 
 the Garden Plain church, one society to have preaching in the morning for 
 three months, and then the other. This order was adopted at the installation 
 of Rev. W. C. Miles in 1891. 
 
 THE SOCIETIES. 
 
 To the church are 1 due the existence of several flourishing bodies which
 
 78 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 have done so much for the welfare of the community. Fourteen women, at 
 the suggestion of Mrs. Helen Fleming, the pastor's wife, met Sept, 25, 1877, 
 and organized the Ladies' Home Missionary society. The first officers were: 
 Mrs. M. J. Arrell, president; Mrs. Helen V. Fleming, vice president; Miss 
 Mary Carruthers, secretary; and Miss Alice Arrell, treasurer. Since 1902 it 
 has been called the Woman's Missionary society. One of the members, Miss 
 Edith Jenks, went in Oct., 1901, to the Punjab, India, and is laboring faith- 
 fully as a foreign missionary. Meetings are held monthly and officers are 
 elected annually. At present the society numbers 23 active and three hon- 
 orary members. Altogether 83 have been enrolled since the beginning. The 
 society has made and sold carpets and quilts, given dinners, suppers and 
 socials. The total amount raised since organization is $1,969, divided equally 
 between home and foreign missions. Since 1883 a scholarship has been 
 sustained in Miss Noyes' school, Canton, China. The salary of a missionary 
 teacher at St. George, Utah, has been assisted. Occasionally addresses have 
 been delivered, the last by Rev. W. S. Marquis, D. D., of Rock Island. 
 
 GIRL S MISSION BAND. 
 
 This was organized Nov. 12, 1887, with a membership of nineteen girls 
 from two to fourteen years of age. Mrs. L. A. Slaymaker was elected first 
 president, and re-elected for fifteen years until her removal to Albany in 
 1902. At present twenty-two on the roll. Meetings are held regularly 
 every month. . Each girl pledges five cents a month. Various methods for 
 raising money have been adopted, such as mite barrels, birthday offerings, 
 earning dollars, autograph quilts, fairs, bazars, mite boxes, sociables. Dur- 
 ing the first ten years $489 were raised. Since, $512, making a total of 
 $1,001, all given to the cause of foreign missions. This is a record hard 
 to surpass for a country society. The secretary regularly attends meetings 
 of presbytery and brings back reports for encouragement. Since Mrs. Slay- 
 maker, five of the girls have been presidents. 
 
 THE NEWTON Y. P. S. C. E. 
 
 This was organized Feb. 22, 1891, with twenty-six members. It was 
 in existence for thirteen years, but was finally discontinued owing to removals 
 and other causes. In 1894 the society undertook to aid in the support of 
 Graham Lee, missionary in Corea,- by raising $1.10 per member from 59 
 members. This obligation was afterwards assumed by the Rock Island 
 church. In 1895 a series of four lectures were given. Dr. Skinner of Mor- 
 rison, "The Bible in Literature;" McCluskey of Geneseo, "Formation of 
 the New Testament;" Dr. Davis of Aledo, "Bible Inspiration;" Dr. Marquis, 
 of Rock Island, "The Bible and Its Monuments." During its short but 
 earnest history, the society gathered $403 for missions and other charities. 
 
 THE BOYS' BAND. 
 
 These Mission Soldiers, as they are sometimes called, were organized 
 in 1888 with seven boys: Albert, Jesse, George and Louis Slaymaker, Alvin 
 Van Fleet, Edward Hawk and Robert Blean. During the twelve years fif-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 79 
 
 teen boys were enrolled and $85 collected for missions. As the boys grew 
 to manhood, they entered into other Christian work. 
 
 THE NEWTON BIBLE SOCIETY. 
 
 This met in the old log schoolhouse at Newton Center until 1859, when 
 quarterly meetings were held at different places. Since 1859 by donations 
 and subscriptions, a total of $2,100 has been collected. It is undenomina- 
 tional, the offerings being from all good people interested in the cause. 
 
 PASTORS OF NEWTON CHURCH. 
 
 A long roll of devoted clergymen. Rev. Louis Gano, 1857 to 1859. 
 Dr. Lackey closed his service in 1862. Rev. Jacob Coon was seven years 
 from 1863. Rev. John Giffin, 1871-1872. During much of the time the 
 Newton and Albany charges were served by the same minister. Rev. Josiah 
 Leonard began his ministry in 1873, and remained over three years. Rev. 
 David Fleming came to the Newton church in 1877, spending six and a half 
 years of faithful labor. From 1883 to 1885 Rev. James Lafferty occupied 
 the pulpit. Rev. Edward H. Sayre, after seven years in India, began his 
 ministry in 1885, for two years being the first pastor who served the Newton 
 and Garden Plain churches as one field of labor. Rev. John L. Henning 
 preached two years from 1887. C. S. Bain for one year, when his mind 
 became affected. Rev. Will C. Miles remained two years from 1891. Rev. 
 William H. Hyatt came to Newton and Garden Plain in 1893, remaining 
 over two years. Rev. Andrew McMacken next for two years from 1896. 
 Rev. Charles P. Andrews, 1899, served the two churches for three years. 
 Rev. Lewis C. Voss came in 1902 and recently resigned for another field. 
 
 THE CHURCH AND THE MANSE. 
 
 On Sunday, Jan. 24, 1869, the present edifice, 36 by 52 feet, was dedi- 
 cated. Rev. Josiah Leonard of Fulton, and Rev. Jacob Coon of Albany 
 conducted the exercises. The building cost about $2,000 and will seat 250 
 persons. In 1877 subscriptions to the amount of $1,300 were made and 
 the parsonage was erected on a lot bought from Joseph Marshall for $200. 
 Also from him was purchased the cemetery lot in 1858 for $50, and here 
 repose many of the early citizens. At the semi-centennial in 1907, Rev. 
 Lewis C. Voss preached the sermon from I Corinthians : "For other founda- 
 tion can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The records 
 show that 281 persons have been members of the church. The number of 
 deaths is fifty-six. The present membership is eighty-six. It was highest 
 in 1899 with 136 members, but numerous removals and deaths have mate- 
 rially reduced the roll. 
 
 THE PIONEER MILLERS. 
 
 Up, then, with speed and work; 
 
 Fling ease and self away 
 This is no time for thee to sleep 
 
 Up, watch, and work, and pray? Horatius Bonar.
 
 80 HISTORY OF WHITESLDE COUNTY 
 
 Among the first comers no name is more deserving than that of Miller. 
 Three brothers, Joseph, John and Samuel, who made their first trip to 
 Whiteside, like the Wallaces of Sterling, on horseback. This was in 1838. 
 In 1840 they settled in Newton. Joseph and Samuel had several children. 
 John was single. At an old house along the main township road the writer 
 met Jack Miller, son of Samuel, who emigrated from Cumberland county, 
 Pa. He proved to be a veteran, having enlisted in the 93rd Illinois Infantry, 
 Col. Putnam, and saw three years of service. He is sixty-seven, and lives 
 on the original claim. Part of the house is ancient, half of it having been 
 moved from another on the hill. Mr. Miller is still active. His uncle, 
 Joseph, was one of the charter members of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 Alexander Thompson, 1839, was another Cumberland county man. 
 Luke Abbey, 1837, and John Beardsworth, were from England. Wm. 
 Booth, 1839, was from Virginia, and also Henry Rexroad. Stephen B. Slo- 
 cumb, a genuine Sucker, was born in White county, on the Wabash river, 
 1813, and settled in Newton in 1841. Most of these pioneers reared large 
 families. The broad prairies were lying waste and they believed they should 
 be peopled. 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 Kings have no such couch as thine, 
 As the green that folds thy grave. 
 
 Not far from the church is the cemetery. The soft, shady lawn, in 
 perfect order, speaks volumes for the refined and earnest people whose kin- 
 dred are here. As you ramble over the sacred grounds, familiar names of 
 the early settlers are inscribed on the marble and granite: Millers, Booths, 
 Robert and Mary Blean, John Blean, 1796-1867, Elizabeth Kilgour, 1794- 
 1874, Slaymakers, Alexander Thompson, 1840, aged eighty-three, and his 
 wife, 1783-1859, Sarah F. Hawk, 1877, aged seventy-eight. The Beards- 
 worth family have a massive monument. John, 1810-1895, Mary, 1815- 
 1870. Alfred B. was a soldier, 1837-1863. No family name has a worthier 
 record than that of Blean, worthy in church and state. The Bleans were 
 Christians and patriots. Here is James H. Blean, second lieut. Co. B, 75th 
 111. Infantry, Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862. D. K. Blean, Co. G, 156th 111. Infan- 
 try. Major Joseph A. Ege, 1805-1861. 
 
 What a pretty prospect as one- gazes over the wide expanse of alluvial 
 lowland, dotted with cottages, to the bluffs on the horizon. In one lot are 
 the town hall and Kingsbury school, 1898, both white, making a pretty 
 contrast with the foliage of the grove. Miss Flora M. Parker presided in 
 the youthful realm with 21 pupils. 
 
 A RURAL ARLINGTON. 
 
 As you drive east from Newton church to Fenton Center, lying on a 
 hill, north of the road, is one of the most inspiring spots in the county. 
 St. Paul's, London, has Wellington, Nelson, and her heroes under the pave- 
 ment, but here the patriot graves lie open to sun and shower. A goodly 
 company of soldier boys. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 81 
 
 and in their deaths they are not divided. Elisha Ege, 75th 111., 1864; Wil- 
 liam S. Abbey, Co. A, 34th 111., died in camp, 1861 ; Ellis Passmore, shot 
 on his way to regiment, 1865; Robert M. Hawk, Co. G, 15'6th 111. Vol., 
 1865, with Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty;" Ira A. Payne, killed at Mis- 
 sion Ridge, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1863; William Rainier, Co. F, 16th Iowa 
 Infantry, 1873; Harrison R. Myers, Co. C, 8th 111. Cavalry; Harry Hawk, 
 Co. F, 93rd 111. Vol., wounded at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863, died Dec. 
 5, 1863. Then there are many of the fathers and mothers who bore the 
 burden and heat of the day at home while the noble sons were battling at 
 the front. Luke Abbey, Yorkshire, England, 1869, at eighty-two; Van 
 Fleet, 1809-1882; Polly Wells, 1847, at sixty-six; Rexroad; "Myers and 
 others. A charming situation. It is a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, 
 city of the dead. 
 
 Duncan is in his grave. 
 After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 Slocumb street was originally a trail made by a log dragged with an 
 ox team from Albany by Stephen Slocumb in 1837. 
 
 A fine quality of winter wheat was once grown, and threshed with flail 
 or by tramping with oxen. No nearer market than Galena or Chicago until 
 Albany became a shipping point. 
 
 Eliza Abbey taught the first school in 1839 in Henry Rexroad's cabin. 
 Ten pupils, and by subscription. 
 
 The Methodists were first as usual on the field, and preached in the 
 Rexroad and Slocumb cabins in 1839. McMurtay and McKean the min- 
 isters. 
 
 The first schoolhouse was built in 1842 near Mineral Springs. It was 
 of hewn logs. When the schoolhouses were ready, religious services were 
 held in them. 
 
 Near the eastern boundary were two springs whose waters were once 
 so highly esteemed that they promised to be the Carlsbad of the county. A 
 romantic spot. Ideal for a picnic or an excursion. 
 
 In 1856 a rail fence, staked and ridered, five feet high, was decided to 
 be a lawful fence. In 1862 it was voted to invest $50 of tax money in 
 wolf scalps, one dollar for old fellows. In 1864 a tax of one per e.ent on 
 each $100 valuation was voted to pay soldier's bounties. 
 
 GENESEE. 
 
 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, 
 
 Stand dressed in living green,. 
 So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 
 
 While Jordan rolled between Watfs. 
 
 There are two ways of invading Genesee from Sterling: North on the 
 Pennington road and then west, south of the big mound, or west to Emer-
 
 82 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 son and then north. Let us take the latter. It is early autumn, and the 
 roads are smooth and well beaten. Here and there the hills have been cut 
 down, and the ditches along the side keep the main track dry and in good 
 condition. The country is gently undulating, and the extensive cornfields 
 stretch away with their rich harvests. 
 
 Heap high the farmer's wintry hoard, 
 
 Heap high the golden corn, 
 No richer gift hath autumn poured, 
 
 From out her golden horn. 
 
 Much in shock. In early days cattle were turned in to roam at will, 
 destroying more than they ate, but now the eastern custom prevails; the 
 stalks are shocked, husked and hauled to the yards to be shredded. Pity 
 so many poor -fellows lose their hands and arms. A pleasing feature as you 
 drive along is the grassy roadside, clean as a lawn, no coarse weeds to annoy 
 the eye and seed the adjoining fields. 
 
 What neat white building on the west of the road? That is St. John's 
 Lutheran church. It has had only three pastors, John Becker, now in 
 Mitchell, Iowa; C. Prottengeier, now in Dubuque, and the present, Carl 
 Holtermann, who came in May 4, 1902. He was born in Lamstedt, Han- 
 over, Germany, educated at Verden, universities of Berlin and Gottingen, 
 coming to America in June, 1890. His previous charges were in Missouri 
 and Nebraska. The congregation consists of fifty families, and the Sunday 
 school of 40 to 50 scholars. All services are in German. Most of the people 
 come from Grossherzagtum, Oldenburg, Germany. With this congregation is 
 connected, the West Genesee Lutheran church, two miles west of Coleta. Its 
 name is Immanuel. There are 24 families, and the services are in German. 
 The officers of East Genesee church are: Eibe Folkers, Julius Schultz, 
 Edward Remners, Herman Balster. The officers of the AVest Genesee are: 
 Carl Bnhrow, Wilhelm Rohde and Dirk Dirks. Mr. Holtermann is 44 years 
 old and in the prime of his usefulness. He has a fine family, and happily 
 situated in a white frame parsonage just across from the church. It is 
 affiliated with the Iowa Synod. 
 
 By the side of the church is the grave yard, with several substantial 
 monuments. On the tombs we read the names of well known families: 
 Beutel, Wahl, Engel, Eilers, Harms, Dirks, Stern, Matznick. Glancing 
 through the windows of the church, the interior showed two long rows of 
 pews, finished in oak, with other ecclesiastical furniture in proper keeping. 
 
 Few old or weather-beaten houses are noticed. The farmers as they 
 improved in circumstances, tore down the early tenements, and now in every 
 direction you see the pretty dwellings with piazzas and the huge red barns 
 and necessary out buildings. 
 
 A short drive further and we enter the village of Coleta, the emporium 
 of Genesee. The houses stand along two main streets, north and south, east 
 and west. Besides the cottages, there are two general stores, Charles Garwick 
 and Hugh Shannon; hardware, Adam Myer; blacksmiths. P. Eckel. H. 
 Wolf and Laren Hughes; confectionery and restaurant, H. Carpenter. Here
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 83 
 
 you can get a delicious country dinner that no money can buy in the stale 
 supplies of the cities. Cream from their own Jersey cow, and bread like a 
 cork of Mrs. C's own baking. J. S. Bushman is postmaster. Dr. Proctor, 
 a graduate of Rush Med. College, began practice here in 1896. 
 
 One main school with two departments, taught by Prof. C. L. Hurless 
 and wife. He is son of Cephas Hurless, long prominent in county affairs. 
 There are 75 pupils in both rooms, and eight grades of study with one year 
 of high school work for those who graduated last year. Their sixth year of 
 service here. Mrs. H. received her education in Iowa, at the Jefferson 
 County high school and the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Falls. Six 
 years' experience in Iowa. Prof. Hurless, after the common school course, 
 attended the Milledgeville high school, the Illinois college at Fulton, and the 
 South Dakota Normal School at Spearfish. His experience extends over 
 eleven years, and as an educator he commands the confidence of the whole 
 community. 
 
 The churches are frame. The United Brethren, Radical, dating from 
 1889, has 75 members, with Rev. Arthur Harrison, pastor, in his second 
 year, residence at Mi. Carroll. He was previously presiding elder. 
 
 The Christian church, or Disciples, has 115 members. It is the second 
 charge of Rev. C. W. Marlow, a graduate in 1901 of Eureka College. The 
 nucleus_ of the present church was formed at Genesee Grove in 1837 by 
 Elder Yeager. Then came the regular organization in 1847 in a school 
 house by Henry Howe. Among the leading members were the Crums, 
 Nances, and Mr. and Mrs. John Yeager. The latter deserve grateful remem- 
 brance for their zeal. 
 
 Rev. S. A. Hoffman is in his second year at the M. E. church. There 
 are 45 members. The foreign missionary society has 20 members, Epworth 
 league 25. The superintendent of the Sunday school is J. L. Milroy. Mr. 
 H. came to this conference from Wisconsin. 
 
 The store of J. T. Crum was the first building erected in Coleta, after- 
 wards purchased by Ephraim Brookfield, who for several years besides 
 teaching carried on a business in general merchandise. He taught as early 
 as 1858. 
 
 Rev. J. G. Breden is pastor of the United Brethren Church, Liberal. He 
 takes the place of Rev. J. A. F. King, who went to Jordan church. The 
 membership is 29, and is composed of a few families, chiefly Overholser, 
 Deets, and Hurless. 
 
 Perhaps the most lively institution in Coleta is the literary society 
 which is in operation every winter. There is a regular program at every 
 session, music, recitations, essays, and a debate. This is announced a week 
 or two in advance, giving the speakers ample time to prepare. The subjects 
 for discussion are timely. For instance, during the winter of 1908 were 
 argued: Should Washington's example in retiring after a second term be 
 made a law? Is there more pleasure in pursuit than in possession? Will 
 the Hennepin canal prove a financial benefit to Illinois? The meetings are 
 held on Saturday night, and arouse great enthusiasm.
 
 84 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 OLD SOLDIERS. 
 
 Janies Siddles enlisted at Mt. Carroll in Co. K , 15th Illinois Infantry. 
 The first captain was Adam Mase. They were sworn in at Freeport, April, 
 1861. The first battle was Shiloh, then at Corinth, Vicksburg. Part of the 
 time the regiment was chasing Sterling Price through Missouri. Their 
 service of three years ended at Natchez. 
 
 Jacob 'Howe, 85, was in the 75th Illinois, and was wounded three times, 
 in head, foot, and leg, and mustered out at Nashville. He came to the 
 county in 1855 from Newcastle, Pa., the home of Sankey, the singer. His 
 mother lived to 89, his grandmother to 110. He rejoices in the increase of 
 his pension to $24 per month, owing to the efforts of Hon. Frank O. Lowden. 
 
 While the original settlers of Genesee are gone, there are still living in 
 Coleta some venerable people who are bright and active. Perhaps the 
 oldest is Grandma Wallace, who has celebrated her 88th birthday, but some- 
 what hindered by a lameness in her hip, caused by a fall. John Overholser, 
 son of Martin, came here from Ohio in 1854. He is brother of J. P. Over- 
 holser, P. M., of Sterling. Although 74, he does his various chores every day. 
 On his father's side all lived to 80 or 90. John Anthony, father of Joshua, 
 from Cayuga county, N. Y., 1853, entered six hundred acres at $1.25 an 
 acre. R. B. Colcord, who died in 1907 in California, settled in Genesee in 
 1837, and after his marriage in 1854 carried on the business of marble 
 cutting till his removal to Sterling in 1869. 
 
 There are nine schools in Genesee, and six Sunday schools. Most of 
 these people's academies have names, as is the fashion now, North Star, 
 Washington, Lafayette. Some of the grounds are attractive with lawn, 
 trees, and walks, and the interiors adorned wdth portraits of Lincoln, Lowell, 
 and other eminent Americans. , 
 
 South of Coleta is the creamery operated by J. B. Gilbert, managed by 
 G. M. Lefever. The receipts of cream vary with the season. Churning is 
 not done every day unless sufficient cream is furnished. The butter product 
 varies from 350 pounds in the fall to 600 pounds in midsummer. Six men 
 are engaged in hauling, their territory extending to Milledgeville. 
 
 Not far south of Coleta is a low, weather-beaten shanty, windows out, 
 the picture of loneliness and desolation. It is known by the neighbors as 
 the "Helen Brookfield Eighty," and belongs to the original estate of Ephraim 
 Brookfield, who married Harriet Yeager in 1859, doing business in Coleta 
 till 1874, when he sold out, If this ancient structure could talk, what an 
 intensely valuable narrative it could give of people and changes in Genesee. 
 We are reminded of Horace Smith's address to Belzoni's mummy in London : 
 
 Speak! for thou long enough hast acted dummy; 
 
 Thou hast a tongue come, let us hear its tune; 
 Thou'rt standing on thy legs, above ground, mummy, 
 
 Revisiting the glimpses of the moon. 
 
 This white frame building is the Hickory Grove church, originally built 
 by the Methodists, but except an occasional Sunday school, no regular
 
 HISTORY OF WIIITESIDE COUNTY 85 
 
 service has been held for years. A neat iron fence in front. The early 
 members of the society are dead, their descendants have gone, and the farm- 
 ers adjacent have other church relations. The cemetery, however, is kept in 
 excellent condition. Every spring and fall the kindly hands of the sur- 
 rounding country unite in showing respect to the graves of the pioneers. 
 On the tombs we read the names of Wink, Courtright, Kingsbury, Van 
 Osdol, Johnson. On the monument of John Yeager, who died at 33 in 1864, 
 is the inscription, "Erected by Union Ladies of Genesee." 
 
 MURDER IN GEXESEE. 
 
 John Miller killed August Langberg on Aug. 3, 1884, with an ax, 
 splitting his head open. Both were farm laborers, and the tragedy was on 
 a farm where one of them was working. The quarrel was about a jug of 
 liquor. Miller was indicted at December term of court, 1884, plead guilty, 
 and was sentenced to penitentiary for life. He was taken to the penitentiary 
 Dec. 16, 1884, and was sent from there to insane asylum at Chester, Feb. 4, 
 1893, and in October died of consumption. Walter Stager, states attorney, 
 has kindly furnished this item from his practice. 
 
 VARIOUS ITEMS. 
 
 If good roads and substantial bridges are 'a sign of civilization, Genesee 
 is entitled to a high place. Two steel bridges have just been placed over 
 Spring creek, whose antics in the early freshets require the strongest safe- 
 guards. Each forty feet long. Concrete approach. 
 
 Among the smaller industries is pop corn. Charles Muntz had three 
 acres in 1907 from which he gathered 200 bushels. At one dollar a bushel, 
 it is evident that the crop is profitable. 
 
 CLYDE. 
 
 Art is long, and Time is fleeting, 
 
 And our hearts tho stout and brave, 
 Still, like muffled drums, are beating, 
 
 Funeral marches to the grave. Longfellow. 
 
 Soon after leaving Morrison, as you drive north, on the south side of 
 the road, is a cemetery with numerous tombs. The gate is not fastened, 
 and one is at liberty to walk about the grassy mounds. Several names on 
 the marbles of early settlers, Secor, Kennedy, Hays, Pratt, Harris, Parry, 
 Hiddleson. The oldest record is that of T. L. Jackson, who died in 1882 at 
 94. Compass and square on the stone. Here sleep a group of heroes of the 
 Civil war. Aaron Bailey, who died in 1871 at 77. J. Warren Heaton, 1864, 
 only seventeen, a youthful patriot. D. Columbia, whose stone bears the 
 simple motto, "In the service of his country." J. D. Paschal, 1886, at 79. 
 Sergeant Charles M. Shaw, Co. H, 5th Vermont Volunteers, dving in 1870 
 nt 34.
 
 86 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Sleep, soldiers, still in honored rest, 
 
 Your truth and valor wearing! 
 The bravest are the tenderest, 
 
 The loving are the daring. 
 
 This little cluster of houses to which we are coming is Malvern. Two 
 stores, a town hall, and a church, the Evangelical. The pastor, Rev. R. S. 
 Welsh, lives at Fairhaven, and comes over to preach on Saturday night 
 or Sunday morning, according to previous arrangement. Before his present 
 work, he labored in Paoific Garden Mission, Chicago. Mrs. Davis is super- 
 intendent of the Sunday school of 35 scholars. The proprietor of one of the 
 Malvern stores is M. W. Humphrey, who came to the country in 1857, 
 and married Emma Newton, whose father, George Newton, emigrated from 
 England in 1852, and was a gallant soldier in the 75th Illinois. 
 
 Rock creek and Little Rock creek run through Clyde, and various mills 
 were erected in early days. The Milnes mill on Little Rock, built by 
 Joseph Milnes, was taken down in 1895, and a bridge now crosses the 
 stream near the site. W. P. Hiddleson erected the building known as the 
 Hough's mill, still in active operation by George Appel, who grinds grists 
 for the farmers as they bring them in the old-fashioned style. Chiefly, 
 feed for stock, as most people prefer the refined roller flour. There was also 
 a Brothwell mill which disappeared long ago. As these mills were the 
 natural centers of business and gossip, the first post offices were established 
 at Brothwell's and Milnes' mills. In 1840 an oil mill to manufacture that 
 fluid medicine was put up, but early frosts spoiled the castor beans and 
 ended the enterprise. 
 
 Near Malvern reside the liveliest couple the writer has seen in his 
 travels. The gude wife is a daughter of Donald Blue, who had an adven- 
 turous career. He was born in the Highlands of Scotland, 1799, year of 
 Washington's death, emigrated to Canada, was in the Patriot War of 1837, 
 settled in Clyde in 1839, drove an ox team to California in 1852, returned 
 to his farm, and spent the last twelve years of his life in Morrison. A large 
 family of eleven children. This daughter was first married to Robert 
 McKay by Rev. Mr. Crissman of Morrison in 1888, and the second time to 
 Daniel Ackerman, of New Jersey, the last of his family. He came with his 
 father through Chicago about 1840. The father was offered eighty acres 
 in the heart of the young port if he would act as pilot on the lake for a few 
 months, but fleas, mire, and other annoyances were so offensive that the 
 mother refused to stay, and so the Ackermans are not today among the 
 millionaires of the metropolis. The old gentleman landed in Clyde with 
 fifty cents in silver, and moved into a green loo; cabin before the chimney 
 was completed. Both the present Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman are impetuous 
 talkers, each trying to head the other, and lively as crickets. She regu- 
 larly every Saturday takes thirty pounds of butter to Sterling, receiving 
 30 cents in winter, 25 in summer. 
 
 Here is a Dunkard church. It was purchased about 1868 from the 
 Seventh Day Adventists who had become too feeble to support it. There
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 87 
 
 are 40 members, and Sunday school all winter. There are three pastors who 
 exercise the sacred functions in turn, like the priests in the tourses of the 
 Jewish sanctuary: D. E. Gerdes, W. M. Grater, and John W. Miller. 
 They do not expect support from the congregation, but earn their own 
 bread by the sweat of their brow. The Bible is their creed. They take its 
 declarations in their plain meaning. Feet washing is observed once a year 
 after communion. At their religious meetings there is the utmost freedom 
 and cordial intercourse. 
 
 A little further on is the Aldritt School, taught in 1908 by Miss Cora 
 Hoak. The property in fine condition with concrete walk to the door, 
 convenient pump, pictures on the walls, cheerful flowers in the windows. 
 Judging by the register, the Janvrins are the prevailing family in the dis- 
 trict. The school is fitly called Aldritt, for several of that name were 
 pioneers in the district. John in 1846, Richard in 1844, William in 1845^ 
 all from Staffordshire, England, settled in Clyde, and reared large and 
 respectable families. Another Englishman was Richard Beswick, who came 
 to Clyde in 1839, and opened an extensive farm. His son, George R., was 
 in the 13th Illinois, and died at Rolla, Missouri, in 1862. 
 
 Near the site of the early Milnes mill, the writer had a short interview 
 with the venerable R. M. Kennedy, who came from Franklin county, Pa., 
 in 1839 to Indiana, then to St. Paul, driving an ox team 800 miles, which 
 he sold, and returned by water to Fulton. Seven in the family stayed all 
 night with Walter Wright for two dollars and a half. He settled in Clyde 
 in 1855. Mr. Kennedy is 85, and looks good for another decade. 
 
 Besides the Aldritts, some of the other pioneers were from England, 
 Zachariah Dent, 1839; Henry W. Daniel, 1838; Samuel Ressell, 1838. 
 From Scotland, Samuel Currie; 1839; William Wilson, 1839; and John 
 Wilson, 1839. In honor to the 'Scotch element, there is peculiar propriety 
 in naming the township Clyde after the famous river at Glasgow. 
 
 THE MT. CARMEL FAITH MISSIONARY TRAINING HOME AND ORPHANAGE. 
 
 'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, 
 
 But to support him ever after. Shakespeare. 
 
 The drying up a single tear has more 
 
 Of honest fame than shedding seas of gore. Byron. 
 
 Ten miles northeast of Morrison, in Clyde township, is situated the only 
 private charity in Whiteside. This is Mt. Carmel Faith Missionary Training 
 Home and Orphanage. It is undenominational, and depends upon the 
 promises of God and prayer of faith to supply its needs. Very much in the 
 spirit of Spurgeon's Orphanage in London, Francke's institution at Halle, 
 or George Muller's at Bristol, England. There are forty acres in the prop- 
 erty deeded by the generosity of Mr. and Mr?. A. G. Zook. There are several 
 houses for the school proper, besides the buildings for farm purposes. Two 
 wells and some unfailing springs afford an abundant supply of water. 
 
 A simple narrative explains the origin of the work. While engaged at
 
 88 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the wood pile in 1899, God met Mr. Zook, definitely calling him to yield his 
 property and himself for service. A new move, but the assurance was clear 
 that it was to be a training home for Christian worker.-;. It was soon learned 
 that the earnest laborers in Chicago in this field were overrun with -neglected 
 and homeless children. They were praying for relief, and here was their 
 opportunity. On March 1, 1900, the home was opened. The first child was 
 received April 6. In August, 1901, a new step was taken by faith, the editing 
 of a paper. Its name, Soul Food, is significant of its purpose. 
 
 From time to time children were brought into the orphanage from Chi- 
 cago and from surrounding towns. The object of the work is not to put 
 children into private homes, but to provide proper care and training in the 
 orphanage, and bring up the neglected children in ways that will make them 
 useful Christian men and women. Only children will be accepted who will 
 be allowed to remain till they are eighteen, so that parents may not reclaim 
 them before they are firmly established in right principles. There are three 
 features in the discipline of the young people: the day school, religious in- 
 struction, and industrial training. Each day is begun with an hour of 
 worship. 
 
 All are expected to take part in the affairs of the establishment. The 
 boys do the chores, cut the wood, help about the field and garden. Each has 
 a small garden spot to exercise his taste and ability. The girls assist in the 
 household and in the care of the younger children. Good health has been 
 a blessing vouchsafed to the little family. The laws of proper living are 
 observed. The nervous and debilitated children from the city with country 
 air and diet and exercise soon gain appetite, digestion, clear skins and 
 bright eyes. 
 
 But more room is an imperative necessity, or the work cannot enlarge. 
 More children cannot be taken because there is no place to receive them. 
 In 1904, the last report, the family consisted of thirty children ranging 
 from two months to fifteen years, all well and active. There are five workers. 
 Very soon a. Missionary Training Home is expected to be an active depart- 
 ment. There are constant calls for men and "women qualified for evangelistic 
 work, to carry the gospel to darkened minds at home and abroad. The 
 printing press is proving an important factor in the preparation of gospel 
 workers. While setting type the boys are gathering a fund of useful infor- 
 mation. A while the farm had been rented but now an overseer in charge 
 provides employment for the lads, and thus an income is secured from the 
 land. 
 
 From a booklet of By-laws we glean several items of interest. No salaries 
 are paid to any worker. There must be simplicity of dre. Purity and 
 temperance are demanded in all things. All workers are encouraged to make 
 special study of the Bible, and to spend much time in secret prayer. Punc- 
 tuality must be observed in rising and retiring, and in attendance at th^ 
 table. There are only four articles in the simple confession of faith, and 
 this is the second: We believe in a definite work of sanctification by grace, 
 cleansing the heart from all sin, and making the body the temple of the 
 Holy Ghost.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 89 
 
 To set forth the needs of the home and the spirit of the institution, a 
 small, three-column paper of four pages is published monthly at Morrison, 
 with A. G. Zook as editor, and A. Myrtle Zook and May L. Donaldson, asso- 
 ciate editors. The subscription price is low, and two hundred more patrons 
 are needed to make the journal self-supporting. "Soul Food" is the sug- 
 gestive title of the paper. No secular topics are discussed, the whole aim 
 being to encourage faith and pious meditation. Bishop Ken's hymn seems 
 to pervade the columns: 
 
 Direct, control, suggest, this day, 
 
 All I design, or do, or say; 
 
 That all my powers with all their might, 
 
 In thy sole glory may unite. 
 
 Near Malvern is a horticultural enterprise that has grown steadily from 
 a small beginning. In 1882 Lee Horning conceived the plan of a vineyard, 
 and planted several thousand vines of different varieties. Some not yielding 
 well were replaced with Concord and Moore's Early, which nourished till 
 1900, when the severe winter froze them so they had to be replanted. Now 
 they are in good bearing condition. It was his intention to market the 
 fresh fruit, but it was attended with so much drudgery, that he decided to 
 make the crop into wine. His plan has proved successful, but has required 
 the expenditure of time, money, and perseverance: In order to give the 
 proper flavor, age is a necessary condition, and he keeps the wine in storage 
 from eight to ten years, before placing on market. As this storage requires 
 much room, underground cellars of stone, steel and cement had to be con- 
 structed, as well as cold air ducts to afford proper ventilation. An acetylene 
 system furnishes abundant light. Two of his products he takes special 
 pleasure in recommending, the unfermented wine for church service, and the 
 pure article for medicinal use. Mr. Horning is justly proud of his estab- 
 lishment, and is always glad to welcome visitors to its examination. 
 
 VARIOUS ITEMS. 
 
 Much timber yet in Clyde, some second growth, and in October a drive 
 over the hills is a luxury. 
 
 The glorious splendor of thy sunset clouds, 
 The rainbow beauty of thy forest leaves. 
 
 The roads do not always follow section lines, but wind -around the hills 
 and through the woods to reach the point. 
 
 Isaac Fletcher, who died in Morrison in March, 1908, was a citizen of 
 Clyde for forty years. He and his wife came from England in 1860, pur- 
 chased a farm in the township, and by industry acquired a competence 
 sufficient to enable them to retire when health failed to a cottage in Mor- 
 rison. He was nearly 82.
 
 90 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 HOPKINS. 
 
 There was a sound of revelry by night, 
 
 And Belgium's capital had gathered then 
 Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright 
 
 The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men. Byron. 
 
 A circle has one center, an ellipse has two, but Hopkins has three, 
 Como, Gait and Emerson. The only member of the family of townships 
 that enjoys that distinction. The early people in Como were a choice set, 
 nothing common or unclean, as Peter once said. They were either of noble 
 descent or of marked ability. For instance, Mrs. Margaret Perkins, wife of 
 Hamilton, was Miss Breck, of Rochester, on the committee to receive Lafay- 
 ette on his second visit in 1824. Mrs. Harding, wife of Dr. Harding, was a 
 daughter of Judge Bigelow, of Boston, member of the Massachusetts legis- 
 lature, William Pollock, surveyor of the county from 1847 to 1853, mar- 
 ried Miss Sarah Maison, of an old Philadelphia family. The Sampsons 
 were prominent. Two brothers, William and Henry Briggs. Simeon Samp- 
 son, a sea captain, married Caroline, daughter of William. After residence 
 here, Simeon returned to Boston, but retained his property in the West, 
 which became valuable. In early Como were six engineers, three ship cap- 
 tains, one minister, one editor, and one doctor. They were mostly New 
 England people. 
 
 Another familiar name is the Burrs. Capt. James M. Burr came from 
 Boston, and had several children. Miss Adeline became the wife of the 
 distinguished David Davis, senator, judge of the U. S. supreme court, friend 
 of Lincoln, and administrator of his estate. She resides since his death in 
 Fayetteville, N. C. 
 
 Among the happy recollections of William Pollock, the surveyor, was 
 his introduction to General Jackson at his inauguration at Washington in 
 1829, whom he described as a plain looking old fellow. John Williams 
 Pollock, son of W T illiam, born in 1841, had a varied and responsible career 
 in the rebellion. He served three years, part of the time with the 83d 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, and then on staff duty in South Carolina. At the 
 close of the war, he was custodian of the secret archives of the Confederacy, 
 captured with Jefferson Davis, taking them to Washington, and turning 
 over to Gen. Thomas. Since the war he has lived an Nebraska, representing 
 his district one term in the legislature. 
 
 Jason Hopkins, after whom the township is named, was a native of 
 Tennessee, a cabinet maker, served in the Black Hawk war in a cavalry 
 regiment, and at its close came to Como, where he remained till his death 
 in 1853. 
 
 Of all the Como pioneers, Jesse Scott was the most inventive and orig- 
 inal. While other emigrants came in regular passenger packets by river, 
 or In wagons overland, Jesse started from Ohio in a hundred-ton keel boat 
 propelled by horse power. On this was a cabin of two rooms for the use of 
 the family. Never before or since did any navigator stem the current of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 91 
 
 the Mississippi with such a contrivance. Leaving the great river, he turned 
 up the Rock, and on landing at Como, set up his cabin, where it braved the 
 elements for many winters. A piece of the siding is in the Whiteside His- 
 torical Society. Mrs. Scott died in 18T6, and Jesse in 1907. 
 
 Como was platted in 1838 on the original claim of Jason Hopkins, and 
 was laid out in nine blocks and 142 lots, which were bid off by the settlers, 
 on condition they were to build a house or forfeit the money paid. The 
 postoffice was established in 1840, with Dr. Harding as postmaster. The 
 Congregational church was erected in 1854, the first church building in 
 Hopkins. Charles Holmes and Lorenzo Hapgood opened a store in 1844, 
 and the Smiths and Weber a mill store. In 1845 Aaron W. Pitts began the 
 manufacture of an improved plow, much superior to those in common uss, 
 and which had an extensive sale. 
 
 The first hotel in Como was opened in 1839 by Capt. Henry Sampson, 
 and as the daily line of four-horse stages changed teams here, and pas- 
 sengers took their meals, the young village became a lively point. But the 
 large grist mill, erected in 1845, at a cost of $42,000, and carried on for 
 many years by Leman and Howard Smith, was the commercial glory of the 
 place. It was the only mill in the valley, up and down Rock river, and was 
 the headquarters for flour and feed for half the county. But Babylon fell, 
 and the big landmark is no more. W. R. Kelsey, of Lyndon, is our author- 
 ity in saying that it was abandoned in 1868 or '69, and was burned to the 
 ground in 1880. 
 
 THE LYCEUM. 
 
 Ev'ry word he speaks is a syren's note 
 To draw the careless hearer. Beaumont. 
 
 Como has always had good schools and teachers, with such men as 
 Phinney and Crary at the desk, and naturally with the intelligence of her 
 citizens would have a lyceum. Their New England training may account 
 for jt, too. In our Historical Society is the record of the Como Lyceum 
 from 1858 to 1860. After the constitution and by-laws, are the minutes of 
 the meetings held every week. The main business of the society seemed 
 to be debate, and the best brains of the village investigated all kinds of 
 questions, moral, social, political. 
 
 We glean a few: Resolved, that intemperance has caused more misery 
 in the world than any other evil. Resolved, that a tariff barely sufficient to 
 defray the expenses of our government is the best. Resolved, that we can 
 profit more by the defects than the excellencies of others. Resolved, that 
 we are' not free moral agents. Resolved, that the signs of the times indicate 
 the perpetuity of the Union. Is the Fugitive Slave Law constitutional? 
 A roll of twenty-one members is given, and among them are the following: 
 John Phinney, Norman Besse, Charles N. Russell, Washington Loomis, 
 Charles B. Holmes, Henry Murray, George Davidson, R. B. Stoddard, John 
 I. Russell. Joel Burdick, Francis Dubridge, R. C. Warfield, S. S. Partridge, 
 W. T. Smith.
 
 92 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 GALT. 
 
 Since I was so soon done for, 
 I wonder what I was begun for. 
 
 When Gait was platted in 1855, and the railroad came through, the 
 death knell of Como, over a mile south, was rung. So near, and yet so far. 
 A depot was erected, and various business concerns sprang up, some of 
 which have since subsided. The elevator and lumber yard remain. The 
 Cheese company was started in 1873 with a capital of $3,100 and a main 
 building and addition. For a few years sixty thousand pounds of cheese 
 were made annually. William Pratt was president, and Robert A. Gait 
 treasurer. It ceased operations long ago. An account of the Gait family 
 after whom the station is named is given in the second volume. 
 
 On a spacious lot planted with trees, stands the most imposing edifice 
 in Gait, the school room below, and the town hall in the second story. It 
 is of frame painted white. The citizens take pride in their school as the 
 best jewel in their crown. In December, 1907, an operetta, "Bonnybell, 
 or Cinderella's Cousin," was given by the pupils, and received with great 
 satisfaction. In the cast were forty pupils, and the characters were all well 
 taken from the prince and queen to the fairies and brownies. Some excel- 
 lent musical numbers. The town hall is the favorite place for oyster sup- 
 pers and festivals. It is at the service of any minister who desires to hold 
 religious meetings. 
 
 EMPIRE OR EMERSON? 
 
 Perhaps, in this neglected spot is laid 
 
 Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire; 
 
 Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed, 
 Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre. Gray. 
 
 A mile or so north from 'Gait is Emerson. The old name was Empire, 
 but some admirer of the philosopher decided to change the appellation. In 
 its palmy days, the prettiest inland spot in the county. It has not the 
 bluffs of Albany and the mighty Mississippi, but Elkhorn and the dam, 
 Spring creek and its rocky banks, the mossy meadows between, the white 
 cottages, and around all, the refreshing woodlands, made a romantic picture 
 on which the eye loved to linger. But much of the beauty is departed. The 
 dam is gone and turned into a cornfield, and so farewell to Riley's "ole 
 swimmin' hole," and the skating crystal of January. The bed of Spring 
 creek is quarried out. Acres of noble oak have fallen before the Vandal ax. 
 It were vain to say 
 
 Woodman; spare that tree, 
 Touch not a single bough. 
 
 Corn and hogs drive out all sentiment. Like Como, the present village has 
 lost much of its early importance. The grist mill, woolen factory, and saw 
 mill, ceased operations before the dam was swept away. There remain the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 93 
 
 store and blacksmith shop. There is a substantial two-story schoolhouse, 
 erected in the early fifties, and afterwards enlarged. It once bore the flat- 
 tering title of Oak Grove Academy. Here were in attendance at various 
 times some persons who are quite well known: Rev. John K. Reed, mis- 
 sionary to Africa, Dr. Frank Keefer, Miss Alice Dinsmoor, Mrs. George 
 Keefer, Jarvis Dinsmoor, Esq. At one time many of the patrons were from 
 Franklin county, coming in 1854 and 55, the Reeds, Reefers, and Groves. 
 James Dinsmoor, Esq., a member of the legislature, had an extensive farm 
 in the northeastern part of the district. Of all the settlers fifty years ago, 
 only two are living, Benjamin Reed and Mrs. Ryerson, now in Sterling. 
 Martin Ryerson came from New Jersey to Whiteside in 1850, worked as a 
 carpenter and farmer, married Margaret Johnson, and died a few years ago. 
 At sixteen he was apprenticed for four years at ten cents a day. 
 
 Through the kindness of Mr. Harry Reed, we are furnished with the 
 subjoined account of the First Lutheran church of Hopkins. It stands in 
 Emerson on the road leading north : 
 
 The Lutheran church at Empire (now Emerson) was organized April 
 4, 1870, and a church building erected the same year. Dr. J. W. Richards, 
 who has since risen to a prominent position in the Lutheran church, was 
 practically the first pastor of the church, although there was preaching for 
 a short period before that time. The names "of the pastors, and time they 
 served, are as follows: J. W. Richard, April 1, 1871, to July 31, 1873; 
 J. T. Gladhill, August 1, 1873, to December 15, 1874; E. S. Rees, August 
 1, 1875, to August 1, 1878; J. W. Elser, December 1, 1878 to December 1, 
 1880. At this date the church ceased to have a resident pastor, and services 
 were held by Rev. E. Brown of Sterling Sunday afternoons, with the excep- 
 tion of one Sunday each month, during more than nineteen years, until his 
 death. From that time until now preaching services have been held by 
 Mr. H. K. Hostetter of Sterling, and the ministers of Trinity Evangelical 
 church on alternate Sunday afternoons. There are 58 members of the 
 church. The Sunday school was held in the schoolhouse long before the 
 church was built. It has continued without any interruption ever since. 
 The superintendent is H. M. Overholser. The total attendance is about 50. 
 
 Old Empire had two conspicuous characters, familiar to the dwellers 
 as household words, Joel Harvey and Major Wallace. Joel came from New 
 York. He built the mill and store, several dwellings, and owned large 
 tracts of land in the vicinity. It was said, although ready to buy, he never 
 sold an acre. A man of enterprise, sagacity, and very tenacious of his rights. 
 His son, Samuel, was second sergeant in Co. B, 13th Illinois Volunteers, 
 and went through all the battles without a scratch. Joel bored an artesian 
 well in Sterling, and laid pipes, long before the present system. He removed 
 to Sterling, and died there in 1875. 
 
 ELIJAH AND ELIZABETH WALLACE, PIONEERS IN HOPKINS. 
 
 My acquaintance with Major Wallace began in 1859 when I taught the 
 Empire school, and boarded at the large white farm house, one of the firm- 
 est ever put up in the county. Martin Ryerson. neighbor on the north, was
 
 94 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the carpenter. He was a man of powerful muscle, raw boned, and used to 
 pick up timbers that generally required two ordinary fellows to lift. A 
 wide hall runs through the center, two spacious rooms on each side. The 
 major called the ample cellar and garret the two best rooms in the house. 
 
 A genuine Sucker, careless in dress, slouch pulled over his eyes, his 
 hooked cane hung over his arm, shambling gait, always ready to stop and 
 chat, full of joke and story. An early riser, and at four o'clock he might 
 regularly be seen dozing in his rocking chair before the Franklin stove in 
 the sitting room. pity this has disappeared, the only specimen in the 
 state, I suppose. It was a large cast iron hearth with back and plate, all 
 open, no doors. 
 
 His estate of stream and woodland was his world. Day after day about 
 the house or farm, or to the village store, or to some neighbor'.-;, or in 
 pleasant weather lounging at one end of the long front porch. He was 
 induced to attend the state fair at Freeport about 1860, and that was the only 
 time I ever heard of his going away, or saw him in his Sunday suit of rusty 
 black. He was no Beau Brummel. 
 
 As he had plenty of leisure and tired of reading, he liked to meet folks. 
 He was fond of the children, talked to them as they went to school, and 
 they in turn liked him. In fact, Major had no enemies. He never looked 
 for trouble, never made any, always in good humor, played jokes, and took 
 them. Always at meeting when any was held in the school house, an 
 admirer of Rev. E. Erskine, Presbyterian, who occasionally preached at 
 Empire. 
 
 It is said the father of Hugh and Elijah Wallace came with them at 
 first, and that they rode on horseback from Cumberland county, Pa., the 
 father advising the boys in the selection of land. Certainly the original tract 
 as purchased in 1838 was an ideal spot, watered by Spring and Elkhorn 
 creeks with prairie for fanning, and woodlands for pasture. A noble home- 
 stead, now all in the hands of strangers. The major soon planted a large 
 orchard, and for years after his bins were full. Empire people were invited 
 to help themselves. 
 
 The major took to hunting and fishing as a duck to water. Just suited 
 his tastes, as he had no fondness for steady work. What stories he had of 
 deer, fish, and the wild denizens of the woods. At that day a stroll on the 
 prairie or a search along the banks of the creeks, generally was rewarded 
 with some kind of game. An expert carver, laying a fowl in pieces with 
 the ease of an operator in a hospital. 
 
 Elizabeth Wallace was in some respects like the major, good natured, 
 companionable, simple in dress, kindly, sympathetic, but much more indus- 
 trious. Seldom away from home, except once in a while to a neighbor's, 
 but always busy. Her tastes were purely domestic. The kitchen was her 
 world. The preparation of the meals and the various functions of the cul- 
 inary department occupied most of her time. 
 
 She took the milk management into her care, for they had a herd of 
 cows, and it was her joy to perform the regular task of making the butter. 
 In pleasant weather as you drove past the kitchen door, you were sure to
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 95 
 
 see Aunt Elizabeth standing by the high upright churn, and moving the 
 piston up and down, the strings of her white cap fluttering in the wind. 
 
 Gentle in mein and mind 
 Of gentle womankind. 
 
 Mrs. Wallace had an excellent pedigree, belonging to one of the best 
 families in Pennsylvania, the Cassatts. Her father was prominent in politics, 
 and if will be remembered that the late Napoleonic president of the Penn- 
 sylvania Railroad Company was A. J. Cassatt. In her girlhood, Mrs. Wal- 
 lace had a good education, and in her pioneer days must have missed the 
 refinements of her father's home in which the first years were spent before the 
 big frame house was built, was allowed to stand, and was used as a cob house. 
 It was on the south side of the Morrison road, and near the rocky bank of 
 Spring Creek, but finally tumbled down. As late as 1865 the spring at the 
 foot of the hill north of Spring creek bridge, was running, but with the cut- 
 ting of the forest trees it has dried up. 
 
 The major died at 53 in 1861, followed in time by Anna and David. 
 The oldest daughter, Mary, married and moved to Iowa, where the mother 
 removed after the sale of the favorite early homestead. James also died in 
 Iowa. Robert is in California. Aunt Elizabeth, on her death in Iowa, was 
 brought to Sterling, and laid by the side of her husband and daughter in 
 Riverside. The entire family is broken up and the Wallace name is for- 
 gotten. 
 
 Northwest of Emerson is a German church for the benefit of the sur- 
 rounding farmers from the Fatherland. The German Evangelical Lutheran 
 church of Hopkins township was organized in the year 1875 by Rev. FT. 
 Lussky, at present in Ottawa, 111. Before Rev. Lussky organized this 
 church, there had been Lutheran service for some time by Rev. C. Seuel, 
 who was at that time stationed at Lyons, Iowa. His present location is 
 Freistadt, Wis. Several years ago he. advanced to the office of president of 
 the Wisconsin District of the Missouri Synod. 
 
 The following are some of the first members of this congregation : 
 John Kuelson, Aug. Stern, John Staassen, H. T. Meins, Frank Haven, 
 Aug. Ohms, Louis Dauen, John F. Onken, D. L. Janssen, Henry Ohnen, 
 Gerh. Dirks, Wm. Hinrichs. After Rev. C. Seuel, the congregation had the 
 following ministers: Fr. Lussky, C. Ponitz, and Em. Meyer. Emanuel 
 Meyer, present minister, was born in Rodenberg, Cook county, 111., educated 
 at Concordia College, Ft. Wayne, Ind., and prepared for the ministry at 
 Concordia Seminary, Springfield, 111. His installation here took place on Oct. 
 23, 1892, fifteen years ago last October. At the present time the church has 
 a voting membership of 53. All told, about 75 families belong to this church. 
 There is no Sunday school, but part of the Sunday service is devoted to 
 catechetical instruction for the children in the presence of the whole con- 
 gregation. The average attendance' of the children is 30. Besides this, 
 there is- a parochial school with 28 pupils.
 
 96 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 In the Whiteside Historical Society is a wooden sign, two feet by 
 three, bearing the words, "Temperance House," which swung in the stage- 
 coach days before the Sampson hotel. 
 
 As late as 1860 the cabins of Joel Harvey and Major Wallace were 
 .standing on their property. The first by his new dwelling, the second in 
 his barn yard, both used as cob houses. 
 
 Peter Pollock, son of the pioneer surveyor of Como, says Elkhorn 
 creek derives its name from that animal's remains in Hopkins. His father 
 gave Elijah Wallace $15 for a pair of elkhorns found along the creek, and 
 sent them as a gift to Peter Maison in Philadelphia. 
 
 Como's old cemetery, north of the town, opposite the dam, has suffered 
 of late by the inroads of the creek in freshet, so that some graves had to be 
 removed. 
 
 Col. George Weber, promoter of the Como mill, a frequent visitor at 
 Pollocks, was grandfather of Jane Addams, the founder of Hull House in 
 Chicago. 
 
 Buckley's circus in Como when time was young was the first sawdust 
 exhibition in the county. 
 
 Dr. Leander Harding, who gave pills and powders for Como aches, was 
 highly esteemed as a man and a physician. 
 
 One of the most useful citizens at old Empire was 0. C. Stolp, manager 
 of the carding mill. Mrs. Stolp was a good cook, and the traveler was sure 
 of comfortable entertainment. There was a prophet's chamber for the 
 itinerant Methodist preacher. Mr. S. was for a long time the only person 
 in the village to conduct the Sunday school. He took delight in every goad 
 word and work. At the lyceum meetings in the schoolhouse he often sent 
 in a poem on some current event. Two children, Lydia and Byron. Byron 
 is a doctor near Chicago. Mr. Stolp died in Missouri. 
 
 Asleep in Jesus! far from thee 
 
 Thy kindred and their graves may be. 
 
 COMO CHIEF A TROTTER. 
 
 About 1870, when the old Sterling fair was in its glory, and the after- 
 noon races were the attractive feature, the appearance of one dark horse in 
 the ring was the signal for applause. That was Como Chief, and he was 
 always driven in sulky by his proud owner, Ezekiel Olds. In his best 
 days he was never beaten, although matched against imported stock. Game 
 to the last, reliable, never broke, trotted squarely from start to finish. What 
 cheers as the Olds horse crossed the pole. Like Patti, he never seemed to 
 decline. Year after year witnessed the triumphs of the staunch steed. But 
 that was a generation ago, and driver and horse are now under the violets. 
 
 PRICES IN 1862 AND 1865. 
 
 WAR HISTORY IN OLD LEDGERS. 
 
 There was a pile of dusty day-books in the basement of the store formerly
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 97 
 
 owned by D. M. Crawford, Sterling, and one winter day as the janitor was 
 shoving them, one by one, into the furnace, a friendly hand in the nick of 
 time rescued two from annihilation, and placed them in the Historical 
 Society. A glance through the big volumes makes interesting reading today. 
 The present generation knows little about low prices or high prices. "Before 
 and after," as the patent medicine pictures say. It was about 1860 that 
 corn was only ten cents a bushel, and in some places was burned for fuel. 
 
 Let us look at the day-book of June, 1862. Common shoes only $1.15, 
 muslin 14 cents a yard, cheap gloves 9 cents, cheaper shoes 50 cents, calico 
 18 cents, drilling 28, denim 22, coffee 25 cents, cotton flannel 30, buttons 10, 
 thread 8. As the year wore on, however, things advanced, and we find in 
 November, muslin ,at 28 cents, thread 10, shoes $1.75, calico 20. The poor 
 farmers were almost giving their produce away. What do you think of 
 bringing 30 pounds of butter five miles for eight cents a pound, and eges 
 for four cents? The hens should have gone on a strike. Lard was only 
 seven cents. As the stores took the butter and eggs in trade, we find they 
 were sold over the counter at the same price. 
 
 Now turn to the day-book for March, 1865. The war was about over, 
 but goods were soaring. The times did not try men's souls as in 1776, but 
 their pocketbooks. Muslin 65, suspenders 90, coffee 50, hose 50 and 60, 
 tea $2.25, drilling 50, Cassimere $3.62 per yard, check 60, hickory 55, 
 cloth for coats $8 yard, denim 60, wool shirt $4, boy's coat $11, yarn $2, 
 goods for suit $43, cotton flannel 65. The poor farmer began to smile. 
 November, 1865, he was receiving 30 cents for butter, and 30 for eggs. 
 Doubtless the books for 1866 and onward would show a gradual decrease in 
 merchandise, but produce has never since fallen so low. 
 
 PROPHETSTOWN. 
 
 Prophet, said I, thing of evil! 
 
 Prophet' still, if bird or devil ! 
 
 By that heaven that bends above us, 
 
 By that God we both adore., 
 
 Tell this soul with sorrow laden Poe's Raven. 
 
 Many of our state names preserve the memory of the red man, who 
 roamed these prairies before us, and it is commendable. Every name tells 
 a story, awakens an emotion : Illinois, Mississippi, Chicago, Winnebago. 
 Of all our townships, Prophetstown is the only one of Indian association, 
 recalling Black Hawk's chief adviser, whose home was on or near the site 
 of the present village. 
 
 Too goodly a land to be neglected, and soon as the Black Hawk strug- 
 gle was settled and the coast was clear, the white emigrants made their 
 claims. In June, 1834, Asa Crook and family arrived, living in his wagon 
 and a lodge all summer until he erected a log house in the fall. John W. 
 Slakes and wife came in September. In the spring of 1836, James Knox, 
 Sr.. started the ferry across Rock river, the first in the county. The same 
 year Daniel Crocker from Galena opened a store in a log cabin. In June,
 
 98 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 1837, Jabez Warner with his two sons came up Rock river in a flatboat, 
 with a stock of goods, forming a partnership with Simon Page. Most of the 
 original settlers came before 1840, and we shall consider them again. 
 
 Prophetstown lies in the heart of a very rich agricultural district. The 
 land is extremely fertile, and thrifty farmers have grown independent. 
 Perhaps the only rural section where the tillers of the soil have automo- 
 biles. It is said in town and country around there are nearly twenty of 
 these destructive machines. The face of the land is beautiful, not a dead 
 level, but just enough swell and meadow to gladden the eye and rejoice the 
 heart. No wonder Black Hawk and his braves clung to this lovely valley. 
 
 Heavens, what a goodly prospect 
 Of hills and dales and woods. 
 
 Prophetstown is on the Mendota branch of the Burlington, and can be 
 reached from the north or south by changing cars at Denrock. A pleasant 
 drive from Sterling on the south side of the river through a charming 
 section of well improved farms. Soon after leaving the station you enter 
 the main street with several blocks of stores', offices, and various business 
 houses. Here is the Farmers' National Bank, organized in 1902, with a 
 present capital stock of $60,000, and deposits of $133,907. N. Thompson 
 is president, and 0. P. Petty, formerly of First National, Sterling, is assistant 
 cashier. 
 
 This is the office of the Eclipse Self-Sharpening Lawn Mower, a ma- 
 chine that is winning high praise wherever used. It has ten-inch drive 
 wheels, four steel blades, handle and roller of seasoned hard maple. As a 
 precaution against rust the machine is treated to a heavy coat of white 
 paint, and then finished in aluminum, giving it a neat appearance. Three 
 prime points are claimed. It does not rust, nor clog, and is self-sharpening. 
 During three years it has stood all tests, and is recommended by those who 
 have used it as the best on the market. The manufacture is just in its 
 infancy, but is bound to grow. 
 
 Along Main street are the offices of the five doctors who take care of the 
 public health, Johnson, Arnett, Tascher, Mother, and Bruce from Indiana, 
 the latest arrival. Also, three dentists who aim to keep the village ivory in 
 perfect condition, Holland, and two Gostelows. These have their rooms 
 over stores. Several restaurants, where a dime will secure a good cup of 
 coffee and piece of pie, or a quarter a square meal. The postoffice business 
 is increasing. The sale of stamps during 1907 amounted to $4,009, an 
 increase of $285 over the previous year. The money order trade was $20,- 
 000. The weight of mail matter dispatched from July, 1907, to Decem- 
 ber, 1907, was 8,222 pounds. There are five rural routes. 
 
 THE CHT'RCnES. 
 
 The Methodist church erected in 1864 sprang from a mission in the 
 house of N. G. Reynolds in the summer of 1836. There is a membership of 
 260, a Sunday school of 150, with an Epworth League, Ladies' Aid, Women's 
 Foreign Mission Society. The pastor. Rev. W. B. Doble, is an Englishman,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 99 
 
 was educated at Northwestern University and Garrett Biblical Institute, and 
 entered the Rock River Conference in 1890. This is his first year in this 
 charge. 
 
 On a hill stands the _Swedish Lutheran with parsonage adjacent. There 
 are over one hundred communicants, a Bible class of 40, a Ladies' Aid 
 of 30, a Y. P. S. E. A small Sunday school for the reason that most of the 
 families are from the country and simply attend the service of preaching. 
 The pastor, Rev. A. Edgren, came from south of Stockholm, and after a 
 high school education in Sweden, studied at Augustana College, then at Pax- 
 ton, now at Rock Island, graduating in 1873. His third year in this place. 
 
 The largest church in the town is the Congregational, with a member- 
 ship of 340, a Sunday school of 190, a cradle roll of 40. There are various 
 societies: Woman's Missionary Union, Ladies' Aid, Christian Endeavor, 
 Senior and Junior, Boys' Club. Every two weeks a Bible club mests on 
 Friday. The pastor is Rev. Charles Henry Burdick, of Wisconsin, a grad- 
 uate of Beloit college and Chicago Theological Seminary. 1902. His first 
 charge was at Moline. 
 
 What's a table richly spread 
 Without a woman at its head? 
 
 The ladies of Prophetstown are wide awake. The W. C. T. U. of fifty 
 members meet every two weeks and discuss subjects announced beforehand. A 
 class in Domestic Science of thirty, who have papers read and topics to consider. 
 Some viand is cooked, and the good women pass opinion on its preparation. As 
 a help and education in this department, literature is studied in the 
 form of Good Housekeeping, published at Springfield, Mass., and the Bos- 
 ton Cooking School Magazine. 
 
 The Bay View Club of sixteen members, so called from the Bay View 
 Magazine, issued at the summer school in Michigan, is purely literary. 
 Mrs. George E. Paddock is the presiding genius. They meet twice a month, 
 and compass in their deliberations a wide variety of topics, American his- 
 tory and literature, proverbs, current events, the orators, the reformers, like 
 Garrison and Phillips, historians like Parkman, Motley and Prescott. A 
 lady is appointed to read a paper followed by a discussion. The meetings 
 are held at the homes. 
 
 Paris has its Eiffel tower, Washington the marble monument, land- 
 marks of the sky that overtop all meaner objects. Prophetstown has her 
 lofty tank, 100 feet high, situated on a bluff east of town. The pumping 
 station is at the foot, and it measures 140 feet to the top of the steel tank. 
 The pump is run by a 25 horsepower gasoline engine, with a capacity of 
 166 gallons a minute. The consumption is from 25.000 to 30,000 gallons 
 per day, and the pump works about four hours a day to supply the demand 
 of a hundred patrons whose number is increasing. All the new residences 
 have closet and bath. The water is obtained from a huge well. 24 feet deep 
 and ten feet across. It is not river water, but flows from an upper strata 
 in the bluff. The waterworks were constructed in 1904, and with the exten- 
 sions since, have cost $25,000.
 
 100 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 During the disastrous fire, Jan. 27, 1908, the water system worked to 
 perfection. Asst. Engineer Amos Ott had charge of the pumping station 
 and when the fire broke out the 65,000 gallon reservoir was filled to the 
 brim. At no stage of the fire was there less than 40,000 gallons of water 
 in the tank. During the time that three leads of hose were used the water 
 fell ten feet but that was the lowest stage recorded. The pressure was strong, 
 even at the lowest stage. The pumping capacity proved almost equal to the 
 demand of two lines of hose. 
 
 Surrounding the pumping station, which is near the river, is a native 
 grove of the original oak, blackberry, walnut, willow, affording a delightful 
 park for popular resort. No expense is needed. A 'simple platform, and fes- 
 tivals and celebrations can be enjoyed all through the summer. As you 
 ascend the bluff is the new concrete mansion of Herbert Lancaster, the choic- 
 est situation in the town, commanding a noble view of Roek river and the 
 woods on either bank. 
 
 The minstrel boy to the war has gone, 
 In the ranks of death you'll find him, 
 
 His father's sword he's girded on, 
 
 And his wild harp slung behind him. Moore. 
 
 The cemetery east of town, approached by a concrete walk, is crowded 
 with memorials of marble and granite. Numerous soldiers. Lieut. T. G. 
 Bryant, 1863; 0. T. Clark, Co. F, 28th Iowa Infantry; John Sanderson, 
 Co. H, 136th N. Y. Infantry; John H. Rise, Co. G, i47th 111. Infantry; 
 Roswell Slater, 1863, 543 Post; and Wm. Hyde, only 39; Corporal J. W. 
 Keefer, Co. B, 34th 111. Infantry; Charles O/Pratt, Co. G, 13th 111. Infan- 
 try, 34, died in Lyndon, 1871; Henry M. Dailey, 183'3-1903; J. D. Beards- 
 ley, Co. K, 34th 111. Infantry. 
 
 A soldiers' monument of gray granite surmounted by a private with gun 
 at rest. On each of "four side?, Kenesaw, Gettysburg, Shiloh, Resaca and 
 this inscription : 
 
 Erected in 1905 by W. R. C. No. 97 
 
 in honor of Union Soldiers and Sailors 
 
 of the Civil War. 
 
 J. A. Parrott Post. 
 
 Cedar, white pine, Norway spruce, here and there, are beautiful emblems 
 of the evergreen shore sought by the dwellers in the tombs they shadow. 
 All the early names may be read on the marbles: McKenzie. Pratt. Waito. 
 Noyes, Snyder, Greene, Reynolds, Field, Ramsay, Hill, Butler, Averill. Pad- 
 dock, Shaw, Thompson, Richmond, Loomis, Jabez Warner, 1780-1847. A. J. 
 Matson, 1819-1886. This grave awakens glorious memories. It is that of 
 Delight, wife of Josiah Cleaveland, who was at Yorktnvn. 17S1. Washington 
 and Cornwallis days. She died in 1856 at 92, and was the grandmother of 
 Capt, David Cleaveland, of the Civil war. Here also are the tombs of Silas 
 Sears, long the county surveyor, and N. G. Reynolds, eight years county 
 judge, 1791-1866.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 101 
 
 Beyond this solemn enclosure is the creamery, operated by E. C. Dodge 
 & Co. While most of the cream is brought by the surrounding farmers, 
 some is shipped from stations along the railroad. The quantity of butter 
 made varies from 35 tubs in winter to 100 in summer. The milk is brought 
 in thirty-gallon cans. Payment is made twice a month, and it provides the 
 honest yeoman with ready money. A banker remarked that many a farmer 
 would have gone to the wall without this frequent receipt of cash. On a 
 shelf are rows of little bottles with samples of milk for the Babcock tester. 
 
 Near the creamery is the modest home of Capt. David Cleaveland, the 
 liveliest of veterans. He was in Co. B, 34th 111., and participated in Shiloh, 
 Kenesaw and other hard engagements. As he talks of those stirring times 
 his eye brightens and he is again leading the charge on the rifle pits. 
 
 Wept o'er his wounds,' or tales of sorrow done, 
 Shouldered his crutch, and showed how fields were won. 
 
 Only the captain is none of Goldsmith's crippled victims. 
 
 The Grand Army, John A. Parrott Post, 543, is a thrifty organization, 
 owning their own building. They occupy the upper floor, renting the lower 
 for a store. A well furnished apartment, with portraits on the walls of Wash- 
 ington, Grant, Garfield, McKinley. A kitchen and dining room for festi- 
 vals. The invaluable treasure of the place is a library of some 200 stout 
 volumes, containing a complete record of the Rebellion, Union and Con- 
 federate. It was presented by the lamented Hitt. There are twenty-three 
 veterans in the post. The W. R. C. also occupy the room with their meetings. 
 
 OLD LANDMARK GONE. 
 
 What was known as the Annis House was taken down in January, 1908. 
 Nathan Thompson, who came in 1844, says the building was there at that 
 time, and was erected about 1841 or 42. It was last occupied by H. A. 
 Sturtevant as a residence. As a hotel it goes back to the early days of the 
 stage coach, and saw much of primitive travel and excitement. Walnut was 
 cheaper than pine, as it was a native wood, and the writer secured a piece of 
 a door jamb for the Historical Society, which is as hard and bright as ever 
 after sixty years of usefulness. Peace to its ashes. 
 
 Among the agricultural diversions of the community is the Rock River 
 Poultry Association, which held its third annual show in Dec., 1907. Four 
 hundred birds were on exhibition from tiny bantams to colossal White 
 Brahmas. Entries of all classes of the feathered tribe, Plymouth and Buff 
 Rock, Wyandottes, turkeys and geese, fantail and carrier pigeons. A unique 
 exhibit of ring-necked pheasants of H. Cleaveland attracted much attention. 
 Sufficient premiums are awarded to induce a generous display. The officers 
 in charge were gratified with the liberal patronage extended. There is a 
 popular fondness for fowl, not only at shows, but at holiday dinners.
 
 102 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 
 Friend after friend departs; 
 
 Who hath not lost a friend? 
 There is no union here of hearts, 
 
 That finds not here an end. 
 Were this frail world our only rest, 
 Living or dying, none were blest. Montgomery. 
 
 When the news spread over Prophetstown on Saturday night, October 
 19, 1907, that Professor Ellison was dead, every heart felt a personal loss. 
 He had long been in declining health, had remained in the schoolroom after 
 repeated warnings of the danger, but an unwillingness to surrender his life 
 work impelled a continuance, and the end was unavoidable. The hero died 
 in the harness. . . 
 
 Willard Sylvester Ellison was a natural teacher, and took all pains to 
 equip himself for the career. He studied at Valparaiso, at Illinois and Iowa 
 universities and various normal schools. After ten years in district schools, 
 Gridley in Ustick, Thompson in Carroll, Miles in Iowa, Garden Plain and 
 Unionville, he entered upon his final position as head of the schools in 
 Prophetstown. Eighteen beautiful years! Beautiful in every relation in 
 life, teacher, father, friend, husband, citizen. His pupils, old and young, 
 cherished for him the profoundest affection. Not simply an educator, but 
 a leader in every good word and work. The famous Dr. Arnold of Rugby 
 left a deathless example of faithfulness after fourteen years of service. Elli- 
 son was eighteen in Prophetstown. 
 
 Never did the village witness a more impressive funeral. The Congre- 
 gational church was packed with a mourning community. The ministers 
 of the town all took part. 
 
 The pallbearers escorting the flower laden casket were Messrs. N. W. 
 Paddock, R. C. Forkey, M. P. Brewer, B. E. Hurd, Simon Keiser and S. 
 D. Gostelow. The short opening service was in charge of Rev. Doble, who 
 concluded with a fervent prayer. Rev. Mr. Burdick delivered a sermon, the 
 text of which was a portion of Paul's letter to Timothy. The lesson was a 
 beautiful tribute to the life of Prof. Ellison, who had fought the good fight 
 and won the victory. The old church choir composed of Mr. and Mrs. Fenn, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Daggett, Mr. Case and Mrs. Paddock, rendered several excel- 
 lent and appropriate selections. Rev. Mr. Edgren pronounced the benediction. 
 
 Prof. Ellison was born in Snringfield. Illinois January 28, 1857. His 
 father died in 1862, his aged mother is still living. He was married in 1886 
 to Miss Alice Heberling, who with four children, remain-; to mourn his loss. 
 
 A movement is in progress by the pupils and citizen* to erect a suitable 
 monument to his memory. 
 
 But to the hero, when his sword 
 
 Has won the battle for the free, 
 Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word; 
 And in its hollow tones are heard 
 The thank* of. millions vet to be.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 103 
 
 Unlike the good Indians, the old soldiers are not all in the cemetery, 
 but dozens of them walk the streets, proud to enjoy the land they fought to 
 save. The gray-haired veterans meet almost daily at the postoffice, where 
 they hear the gossip of the street. II. L. Johnson, cousin of L. L., of Ster- 
 ling, 147th 111. Infantry. Emmitt Underbill, 34th 111., re-enlisted in 1864, 
 and recalls the grand review in Washington, May, 1865. All the veterans 
 agree that this parade of the tattered flags and bronzed uniforms was the 
 most glorious event in the military annals of the world. E. P. Beardslee, 
 34th 111., Co. K, 1861-1864, now past sixty-six, lost a finger at Corinth. Ed 
 Reynolds, 75th 111., was shot in the side. George Potter, seventy, 2nd Ver- 
 mont Volunteers, 1861-1864, went through the Battles of the Wilderness, 
 and was wounded in the side. At the funeral of Henry Giles, 34th 111., were 
 Comrades Oscar Olmstead, F. U. Brewer, Charles Birdsall, Levi Hopkins, 
 Harrison Johnson, Emmitt Underbill and Captain Cleaveland. The Grand 
 Army is crossing the river. 
 
 SOME OLD FAMILIES. 
 
 Of the original settlers of Prophetstown, none are left, afid even their 
 descendants are scarce. The Warners are an exception. Jabez Warner, who 
 came from St. Louis in 1837, had nine children, some of whom became 
 prominent. Edward B., afterwards in Morrison and county treasurer; Sarah 
 C., who married Silas Sears, county surveyor, and who, still living at eighty, 
 the writer had the pleasure of visiting. She lives in one side of her large 
 dwelling, and keeps house by herself, bright in mind, although somewhat 
 feeble in body. She has a distinct remembrance of the early days. Indians 
 were numerous and continual beggars. Her mother never denied them 
 anything, gave a loaf of bread whenever they asked for it. There was a 
 lurking suspicion that at any time they might attempt a massacre. A son 
 of Jabez was John H., who married Miss Clarissa E. Bryant. He spent his 
 later years with his daughter, Orpha, widow of George Shaw. Mr. Warner 
 died in 1907 at ninety or more, to the last busy about the flower beds and 
 garden. The low brick house in' which Mrs. Shaw lives is a relic, built in 
 1856, and in fine preservation. A daughter, Eliza A., married Andrew J. 
 Tuller, a business man, who afterwards removed to Sterling. They had a 
 daughter, Mary, a lovely girl. The whole family are gone, except Will, a 
 jeweler in Chicago. 
 
 Anthony J. Mattson, who came to the young town in 1838, was for 
 many years its representative citizen. He was postmaster in 1848, merchant 
 in 1852, banker in 1855. He entered heartily into every movement to 
 improve the place, and worked successfully to secure railroad facilities. Dur- 
 ing the war he was provost marshal, and then chief clerk in the U. S. Reve- 
 nue assessor's office. He was cashier of the First National Bank, organized 
 in 1872. Only 67 at his death in 1886. A useful and strenuous career. 
 
 Judge Reynolds, as he was commonly called, or Nathaniel G. Reynolds, 
 came in 1835 from New York by lake to Detroit, and thence by team with 
 wife and five children to Chicago and the Rock river country. Flour was 
 twenty dollars a barrel. He passed through the usual primitive hardships,
 
 104 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and was so highly esteemed that he was elected to responsible positions, 
 county commissioner, deputy marshal, justice of the peace and eight years 
 county judge. In 1860 he removed to Sterling, and died there in 1866. 
 The writer often saw Judge in his declining years. He was a plain, sociable 
 gentleman of the old school. 
 
 Of the Olmstead clan, George is the best known member. His father, 
 Oliver, a native of Canada, came in 1837. He married Electa Hunt, and 
 the honeymoon was enjoyed in a log cabin with frozen pork and cornbread, 
 instead of roast goose with oyster stuffing. George lives like a king on a 
 main street, and is never absent from Sunday school conventions. 
 
 The Ramsay name is kept bright and illustrious by Judge Frank D. 
 long a successful lawyer in Morrison. His father, Luther, came in 1839. 
 
 But the Nestor of Prophetstown is Nathan Thompson, born in 1822, 
 here since 1845. He is court of last resort on all antiquarian matters about 
 the village. No appeal from Nate's decision. 
 
 HAMDEX A. STURTEVANT. 
 
 Blow, wind! come, wrack! 
 
 At least, we'll die with harness on our back. Macbeth. 
 
 When Mr. Sturtevant died in February, 1908, Prophetstown lost her 
 oldest business man. Not only prosperous himself, but the instrument of 
 prosperity for others. Busy from a boy. 
 
 At the age of twenty-one he engaged in stock buying for A. J. Patter- 
 son of Rock Falls. For three years he served this man and with so great 
 success that when he concluded to go for himself he was receiving a salary 
 of $1,500 per year. His success followed him and for years he was well 
 known in the old Chicago stock yards district. For 37 years a resident of 
 the town. He was nearly seventy. 
 
 A little fire is quickly trodden out, 
 
 Which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench. Shakespeare. 
 
 Early on Monday morning, Jan. 27, 1908, Prophetstown had her second 
 serious fire. It began on Sunday night in the basement of Kempster's 
 hardware store, and before the flames were under control, the whole concern, 
 including the extensive implement stock, the largest in the county, was 
 destroyed. The Turck restaurant building was much damaged. States 
 Attorney Waite's library, Dr. Hart's new medical office and supplies were 
 consumed. Some adjacent properties injured. The total loss reaching $50,- 
 000. R. W. Kempster & Co. had an insurance of $33,000, but still lost 
 about $13,000. Partial insurance on the others. 
 
 One of the new industrial enterprises is what is called Diamond Pattern 
 Lumber. It is something novel. Simply a wooden pattern for sills, stair 
 treads, engine platforms, any place where a firm foot-hold is desired. This 
 pattern is ready for the foundry. You buy the style desired, and take to 
 the foundry to be cast, thus saving wages of a patternmaker. The pattern 
 is made in pieces eight feet long, six to twelve inches wide, of clear lumber
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 105 
 
 stock. Dr. J. H. Tascher is president of the Macdonald Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, and the business has already extended over the United States and 
 even abroad. Pins are stuck on a map in the office of the points giving 
 orders, and the cities reach from sea to sea, lakes to gulf. 
 
 Most of the fraternal orders are in flourishing condition, .electing officers 
 every winter, and closing with a sumptuous banquet. A long list. Among 
 them the Modern Woodmen and Royal Neighbors, the Pythians, the Frater- 
 nal Reserves. At the social of the Rebekahs on one occasion a basket sale 
 realized $35, and a dance concluded the festivities. The Royal Neighbors 
 have readings, music and drills, and suppers where 250 plates are laid. The 
 Mystic Workers are growing rapidly, and at their functions discuss their 
 plum pudding to the sweet strains of a lively orchestra. 
 
 There are three banks : Farmers' National Bank, organized in 1902, 
 with a capital of $60,000, and deposits by last report of $133,907. Nathan 
 Thompson is president; George E. Paddock, cashier; and 0. P. Petty, assist- 
 ant cashier. The Citizens' Bank, T. F. Jamison, cashier. This is a private 
 concern, organized by Mrs. E. M. Warner and Charles J. Warner. Bank 
 of Prophetstown, also private; president, George E. Paddock; cashier, H. E. 
 Paddock. This is the oldest institution in the town, in operation for thirty 
 years. 
 
 The population in 1900 was 1,143, but by the school census, it is now 
 nearly 1,500. 
 
 Taxes for 1908 were generally higher all over the county, and the fol- 
 lowing for Prophetstown will give a good idea of other townships: 
 
 State tax $2,803 
 
 County tax 4,220 
 
 Town tax 517 
 
 Road and bridge tax 4,505 
 
 School tax 8,862 
 
 City tax 3,868 
 
 Dog tax 105 
 
 Total $24,822 
 
 The principal places where popular entertainments are given are Sholes 
 Hall and the Dudley auditorium. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 Good traveling all over the town. Ten miles of cement sidewalks. 
 
 Henry Stewart, who lives to the south, ships honey, 1,500 pounds at 
 a time, to Galesburg. He has cement floors in his winter bee house, and 
 other appliances to keep the "How doth the little busy bee, improve each 
 shining hour," in good heart for spring. 
 
 E. C. Dodge & Company have added a new churn, and a new eight 
 horsepower gas engine, to meet the demands of their creamery. 
 
 Hotel Eureka entertains the wayfarer in satisfactory style. Rates, two 
 dollars a day. C. A. Gould, an energetic young man, is proprietor.
 
 106 . HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 One mile from town is the wagon bridge of four arches over Rock river, 
 not so wide here as further up. 
 
 A village organization under state law. George E. Paddock is president 
 two years, with six trustees, three elected for two years' term. 
 
 Good electric service, the plant under private management. 
 
 A lecture course of four entertainments was given in 1908 under the 
 auspices of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist church. 
 
 There is no complete system of sewerage, and this is doubtless one of 
 the next enterprises of the progressive place, as the water supply is abundant. 
 
 LEON. 
 
 I love tranquil solitude 
 
 And such society 
 
 As is quiet, wise, and good. Shelley. 
 
 About seven miles south of Prophetstown on the border line of the 
 township and Henry county is the sequestered village of Leon. A neighbor- 
 hood of intelligent, industrious people, hearty in their support of an earnest 
 and growing church and a small but excellent school. The building is new, 
 and one of the best in the county. Miss Rena Seyller, teacher in 1908, is 
 a graduate of the Prophetstown high school, and prepared for her work at 
 De Kalb Normal, and was in her third year of service. 
 
 The church has almost one hundred members, several having been 
 added during a revival in the winter of 1908. There is an Epworth League 
 of 35 active members, and a flourishing Ladies' Aid society. Rev. I. P. 
 Berry, the pastor,, after a course at Oberlin, Valparaiso and De Kalb Normals, 
 and ten years in public schools, engaged in ministerial work. 
 
 For a small place, a variety of gatherings and functions during the 
 winter to divert and instruct in the way of sociables, home plays, public 
 concerts and lectures. Once Ralph Bingham was on the list. The popula- 
 tion of Leon is about 125. A farming community, and the growth is gradual. 
 
 The quiet of the hamlet was rudely broken on Nov. 20, 1905, by the 
 shooting of Burton Mapes, a farmer, by Arthur Handley, who had been 
 working for him. The affray occurred half mile south of Leon, at a crass- 
 road, near a cornfield. The men had a dispute about wages, and Handley 
 drew his revolver and fired a bullet which pierced the side and lungs of 
 Mapes, killing him instantly. In the trial, Handley claimed that Mapes 
 assaulted him and that the shot was fired in self defense. Handley was 
 taken before Justice Mathis, then to the county jail, and on the meeting 
 of the grand jury, indicted for murder. William Allen of Erie, and H. C. 
 Ward of Sterling defended the prisoner. States Attorney Stager, assisted by 
 C. L. Sheldon prosecuted the case. Judge E. C. Graves presided. Morrison 
 was the scene of great excitement during the trial, which continued several 
 days, summoning numerous witnesses, and attracting crowds of curious spec- 
 tators. The case was given to the jury at 11:28 a. m. on Monday, and on 
 Wednesday at 10:08 a. m., they returned the verdict of Not Guilty. A 
 demonstration of applause in court, which the Judge suppressed. One fea-
 
 HISTORY OF WIIITES1DE COUNTY 107 
 
 ture lent a slight romance to the trial and won sympathy for the accused. 
 His betrothed, Miss Gracia Goodell, a sprightly maiden of eighteen, was a 
 close observer of events. Mrs. Mapes, wife of the victim, was also in con- 
 stant attendance. 
 
 As a specimen of criminal expense, the various items as published at 
 the time, are given : 
 
 Assembling of jury $ 700.00 ' *! 
 
 Judge's fees 80.00 
 
 .Sheriff 120.00 
 
 Circuit clerk hire 48.00 
 
 Jury's fees 192.00 
 
 Board for jury 108.00 
 
 Foreign witnesses .'. . 125.40 
 
 Assistant attorneys for state 1,000.00 
 
 $2,373.40 
 
 The forty cents recalls the incident of the loafer who provided a fishing 
 outfit of two jugs of whisky and one loaf of bread, and was asked why he 
 wanted so much bread. As will be seen, the county always loses by a mur- 
 der trial, one citizen and considerable cash. 
 
 Two lively weeklies chronicle passing events. The Echo, established in 
 1892 by William Wilson. In 1896 it was purchased by Cleaveland and 
 Hotchkiss, and in 1908> transferred to E. G. Mathis. Since October of that 
 year he has been in control. Eight pages and six columns to a page. Repub- 
 lican in politics. To use the language of Mr. Mathis, the Echo is purely 
 a local newspaper, standing pre-eminently for Prophetstown, her interests 
 and her people. No better weekly in the county. 
 
 The older of the two is the Whiteside Bulletin, originally the Prophets- 
 town Spike. It was established Sept. 2, 1871, and took its name at the sug- 
 gestion of a patron because the last spike had been driven on the branch 
 railroad that entered Prophetstown in March of that year. It was one of 
 the first papers established in the county south of Rock river. Until Jan., 
 1878, it was managed by A. D. Hill, gaining a good local circulation, and 
 was quite an influentdal publication, politically independent. The next 
 owner and publisher was John W. Olmstead, who after conducting the paper 
 for some months, sold it to C. G. Glenn. He transferred it to A. W. H. 
 Frazer, and in May, 1883, A. D. Hill again purchased the business, conduct- 
 ing it to Feb., 1888, when he disposed of it to Mrs. II. P. Greene. The 
 next publishers were Case and Mathis, then R. C. Turner, and now E. J. 
 Cunningham. 
 
 WOODLANDS OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 Woodman, forbear thy stroke! 
 
 Cut not its earth-bound ties; 
 Oh, spare that aged oak, 
 
 Now towering to the skies ! George P. Morris.
 
 108 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Where is my cabin-door, fast by the wild wood? 
 
 Sisters and sire, did ye weep for its fall? Campbell. 
 
 Where are the luxuriant groves that once gave a charm to the early 
 landscape? The Indians left them, the first settlers found them. But they 
 are slowly and sadly disappearing. The places that knew them, shall soon 
 know them no more forever. Like the buffalo, they are falling before civili- 
 zation. 
 
 Where are Buffalo Grove, Hickory Grove, Round Grove, Gap Grove, 
 and dozens of others? Those not entirely cleared away are mere shadows 
 of their former extent. These bodies of timber seemed like old friends with 
 their welcome shade and protection to men fresh from the hills of New Eng- 
 land, New York and Pennsylvania. The early settlers seemed to have a 
 respect for forests that had grown for a century. They used them only for 
 the development of their farms. They did not estimate them by the cord, 
 and turn the product into money. The commercial spirit was not abroad 
 to stifle sentiment and spoil the panorama. It was reserved for the second 
 generation to clear the native woods, and put the land into corn and potatoes. 
 The tree, like the negro in Dred Scott, had no rights which a white man 
 was bound to respect. 
 
 There are still bodies of timber along the Elkhorn and Rock river, but 
 the various woodlands scattered through the townships are much smaller. 
 A few years ago at Emerson a large tract of timber was cut away, and Coe's 
 grove in Jordan is yearly receding. It seems to be considered sharp manage- 
 ment to clear the land and farm every acre. 
 
 All this is, of course, poor housekeeping. The United States is approach- 
 ing a timber famine. Walnut, oak and other hard woods, pine, maple, are 
 yearly becoming scarcer, and the government has found it necessary to reserve 
 160,000,000 acres on the western slope for future lumber needs of the country. 
 So the railroads realize the situation. The Pennsylvania has set out 550,000 
 trees, and the Santa Fe system is considering the merits of the Eucalyptus 
 of Australia. ' 
 
 Another fact. Why do the Ohio and other large rivers, the Elkhorn 
 and the creeks rise so rapidly after rains and overflow their banks? The 
 water dashes over the bare hills or plains with nothing to check, while 
 woodlands catch the rain as in a reservoir and give it off in gradual supply. 
 
 It would seem a wise thing, then to cherish our woodlands, and make 
 an effort to supply the loss. Most farmers plant a few trees for shade around 
 the house, or a row for windbreak about the orchard. They have not yet 
 reached the stage of the Kansas men who set out acres of trees and culti- 
 vate like corn until they form a grove, and are able to take care of them- 
 selves. 
 
 Norway plants annually 1,500,000 trees to take the place of those 
 consumed in the manufacture of wood pulp, which is one of her chief arti- 
 cles of export. 
 
 Two farmers in Whiteside have given this subject of forestry the con- 
 sideration is deserves. Tobias Kauffrnan in Jordan in 1876 had the happy
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 109 
 
 and patriotic thought of starting a centennial grove, setting out an acre of 
 Norway spruce and white pine in nursery rows. As they became too thick, 
 he thinned them out, and today, after thirty years, some of the evergreens 
 are two feet in diameter. They stand north of the house, and not only 
 answer as a living bulwark against the polar blizzards, but form a cheerful 
 ornament, summer or winter, for the pleasure of the passing traveler. 
 
 More recent is the scheme of "A. N. Abbott, Ustick, of the state experi- 
 ment statiQn. In a note he informs the writer that he aims to have eighty 
 acres in forest. Sixty to be planted, twenty in an old wood lot to be man- 
 aged under forest care. He has already planted 25,000 trees on twenty 
 acres, and intends to plant 10,000 in the spring. The kinds are mostly black 
 walnut and hardy catalpa. He has set out two thousand white pine, 2,500 
 white ash, also black walnut, tamarack, spruce, black cherry, Russian mul- 
 berry, larch, osage, cotton wood, maple, elm. He adapts the trees to soils 
 suitable. The writer was on the land devoted to this experimental forest, 
 and was surprised at the rapid growth of the trees, especially black walnut. 
 It is to be hoped that Mr. Abbott's example will find numerous imitators 
 everywhere in Illinois. 
 
 LYNDON. 
 
 On Linden when the sun was low, 
 All bloodless lay the untrodden snow, 
 And dark as winter was the flow 
 
 Of Iser rolling rapidly. Campbell. 
 
 The Scotch poet lived too early, and penned this stanza about a town 
 in Bavaria where the French general Moreau beat the Austrians in 1800. 
 Our Lyndon is fifteen miles from Sterling, down the valley on the Burling- 
 ton road as you go to Rock Island. Like most railroad towns, the best part 
 is not seen from the cars. It is necessary to walk up and down the streets 
 to get a correct impression of the place. Plenty of shade, and in summer 
 one is reminded of William Finn's description of early Philadelphia, "a 
 greene country towne." No wonder the first settlers were delighted with 
 the virgin prairie, waving with flowers. 
 
 Fair as a garden of the Lord. The primitive settlers came as early as 
 1835, and among the original fourteen, were such men as Chauncy G. Wood- 
 ruff, Adam R. Hamilton, William D. Dudley, Liberty Walker. Every year 
 following brought a new installment to the promised land. In 1836 came 
 William Farrington, Augustus Rice, Dr. Augustin Smith. In 1837, D. F. 
 Millikan, A. I. Maxwell, David Hazard, P. Daggett, Brainard Orton, R. G. 
 Clendenin. In 1838, John M. Scott, T. Dudley, Marcus Sperry, Lyman 
 Reynolds. In 1839, Charles R. Deming, John Roy, F. B. Hubbard, Solomon 
 Hubbard. 
 
 Although these pioneers have long since passed away, their names are 
 perpetuated by worthy descendants or their memories by familiar landmarks. 
 The ( Dr. Smith house is still pointed out as doubtless the oldest in Lyndon. 
 There is Hamilton's Grove, and the Dudley homestead, lately repaired. 
 Lucius E. Rice has grown gray by the early fireside. Martha Millikan was
 
 110 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 still sprightly as Mrs. John Whallon until her recent death. Samuel A. 
 Maxwell, teacher, editor, scientist, gardener, with his intellectual family, is 
 certainly enlarging the usefulness of the Maxwells. Harvey Daggett has 
 lately resumed business on the sacred soil of his fathers. For thirty years 
 until his death in 1867, the name of Robert G. Clendenin stood for all that 
 was pure in morals, or right in principle. 
 
 The sweet remembrance of the just, 
 Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust. 
 
 Joseph E. Roy, son of John, was for many years Home Missionary of 
 the Congregational church. 
 
 TRYING TIMES. 
 
 Must I be carried to the skies, 
 
 On flowery beds of ease, 
 While others fought to win the prize, 
 
 And sailed thro' bloody seas? Watts. 
 
 All the pioneers had their tale of woeful struggle. Lucius E. Rice, who 
 came with his father in 1836, remembers the swamps and corduroy roads of 
 Indiana, the mire of Chicago, the scow across that river pulled by two men 
 with a rope, and Dixon's ferry with its solitary house, which would have 
 done for a story by G. P. R. James. Chauncy Woodruff covered his cabin with 
 hay. which was not waterproof, and permitted every shower to soak the 
 bedding. 
 
 Mrs. Sarah M. White, now living in Norman, Nebraska, sends the 
 writer some incidents of her pioneer experience. She moved with her first 
 husband, Ruel Hurlburt, to Lyndon in 1845. Their house had only one 
 room. Much ague. She shook so that everything rattled in the building. 
 A rainy season, and the prairies were covered with decaying vegetation. No 
 roads, and no fences but sod thrown up with ditches alongside. Sod was 
 used also for roofs. Church services were held in the schoolhouse. "We went 
 to church with cart and oxen, and enjoyed it as much as in a buggy and 
 horses later. Nothing but wild fruit. Abundance of gooseberries in Lyndon 
 woods. We crossed the river in a dugout. Once I got ten quarts, carrying 
 all the way home. 
 
 "Wild plums were plentiful. I. was told to pit them, but when I came to 
 use, there was nothing but skins. Crabapples we secured in Hamilton's 
 grove, blackberries in Morrison woods. Some farmers took their wheat to 
 Chicago with a team, and the trip occupied two weeks. Mr. Hurlburt hauled 
 a load of dressed pork to Peoria, no other way of getting produce to market. 
 When steamboats came up Rock river, some farmers put their wheat in 
 sacks and shipped it. I once helped a -man sew sacks, and although I sewed 
 two to his one, the farmer allowed me only half as much pay." She adds that 
 Mr. Hurlburt died in 1860. and Matthew White, her second husband, in 
 1884. 
 
 Always a fly in the ointment. The Indian was then in the land, and a 
 good many of him. Tn the winter of 1 830-36 two thousand were encamped
 
 HISTORY OF WHTTESIDE COUNTY 111 
 
 % 
 
 between Lyndon and Prophetstown. Although generally peaceful, they were 
 a source of annoyance, became ugly when refused a request, lazy, preferred 
 to beg rather than work. They were the ancestors of our present tramps. 
 Lucius E. Rice, who bubbles over with pioneer incident, speaks of Big John 
 going to the house of Pardon A. Brooks for flour. Alex. Seely killed an. 
 Indian on the way from town, and to save his life from the enraged red skins 
 who yearly hunted for him, left the country. 
 
 Lo, the poor Indian whose untutored mind 
 Sees God in clouds, or hears him in the wind. 
 
 EARLY NAVIGATION. 
 
 Before the days of dams and when water was plentier, Rock river was 
 considered a fairly navigable stream. Lucius E. Rice told the writer that 
 the steamer "Gipsy" from a St. Louis grocery made regular trips with goods, 
 selling on credit for pay in October, stopping at various points along the 
 stream. Then came the "Potosi," and the "St. Louis Oak." The Lighter 
 was a stern wheeler, 1838, and ran all summer. Farmers shipped winter 
 wheat, which then yielded forty-five bushels to acre. His father sent some 
 to St. Louis, then the market, for 4 cents, and received 27 cents a bushel. 
 The "Maid of Iowa" was sent by Mormons from Nauvoo to Dixon after Joe 
 Smith. 
 
 DREAMS OF LOWELL OR PITTSBURGH. 
 
 With a water power in her rapid river equal to that of the Merrimac, 
 there seemed no reason that Lyndon should not be a center of manufactures. 
 So various enterprises were undertaken. The Lyndon Hydraulic Manufac- 
 turing Company was organized in 1872 with a capital of $60,000. Justus 
 Rew was president, John Whallon secretary, with seven directors, George P. 
 Richmond, B. E. Orton, John W. Hazard, and others. A dam was built at 
 the head of the rapids, at a cost of $30,000. A flouring mill was erected 
 with five run of stones, at a cost of $35,000. It passed into the management 
 of Church and Patterson, and then to L. P. Johnson. A paper mill was 
 built in 1873, near the flour mill, by Orton Brothers, at a cost of $12,000. 
 In 1875 Johnson and Hubbard took charge, furnishing the machinery at an 
 additional expense of $21,000. Also in 1873, Hoole and Putnam built the 
 Victoria Flouring Mill, stone and frame, at a cost of $18,000. It had a 
 capacity of 75 barrels of flour and 600 bushels of feed per day. Then came 
 the Farmers' Co-operative Manufacturing Company, who fini-hed a brick 
 building in 1876 for the production of all kinds of agricultural implements. 
 The officers at the last election were: S. J. Baird, president; John Whallon, 
 secretary; and W. C. Snyder, treasurer. Alas! for these high hopes. It is 
 sad to relate that not one of these schemes was long successful, and of all 
 these buildings, only a tottering brick wall stands on the bank of the river. 
 
 0, ever thus, from childhood's hour, 
 
 I've seen my fondest hopes decay ; 
 I never loved a tree or flower, 
 
 But 'twas the first to fade away.
 
 112 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 # 
 
 Now a return to the former manufacturing activity is projected by the 
 erection of a government dam across the river. Capitalists are interested in 
 the movement, and engineers have been called to" investigate the site and 
 conditions. The object is to use the water power at Lyndon in the produc- 
 tion of electricity to be transmitted from a common center to places as 
 distant as Moline or Davenport. It is to be hoped the project may be carried 
 to triumphant completion. 
 
 PLATO'S ACADEMY. 
 
 Borne had her Augustan age, and England her era of Elizabeth. None 
 of our present generation know that Lyndon was once the educational center 
 of the county. While Sterling and Morrison were in their academic bar- 
 renness, Lyndon was enjoying the advantages of a higher education. Her 
 boys were prepared at home in the languages for entrance at Knox College 
 at Galesburg, and on returning after graduation were qualified to give their 
 younger townsfolk the benefit of their accomplishments. Edward P. Scott, 
 H. H. Smith, and others were examples. The reputation of the school spread, 
 und boys from a distance came to Lyndon academy. 
 
 The following advertisement appeared in the Sterling Republican, June, 
 1857: 
 
 LYNDON HIGH SCHOOL. 
 
 The next term will begin on Monday. Students boarded in private 
 families at $2 per week. Miss H. E. Davis, late from Vermont, is a perma- 
 nent teacher in music, French, drawing, and painting. Terms for common 
 branches $4, Greek and Latin $7, French $5, piano $8, water colors $3. 
 A daily lesson in penmanship. The school is furnished with globes, maps, 
 skeleton, chemical apparatus. The teachers are M. R. Kelly, Miss Louisa 
 Drue, Miss H. E. Davis. Directors, R. G. Clendenin, W. Anderson, Moses 
 Lathe. 
 
 So we find ambitious Sterling boys who sought a better education than 
 possible at home, enrolled at Lyndon. Among them Col. W. M. Kilgour. 
 
 WEBSTER AND HAYNE. 
 
 Politics also found a congenial spirit in the Lyndon people. Some of 
 the big guns of the times stood on the platform of the town hall. Jonathan 
 Blanchard, then at Galesburg, afterwards at Wheaton, conducted revivals 
 and denounced secret societies. Owen Lovejoy, inspired by his brother's 
 Wood, thundered against slavery. Ex-Gov. Bebb and John Wentworth met 
 in joint debate on the tariff. Stephen A. Douglas came in 1855 to justify 
 liis action in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, speaking to an audi- 
 ence that packed the house inside, and to an audience that stood on wagons 
 backed to the windows on the outside. 
 
 THE LYNDON ADVOCATE. 
 
 This was the village paper, and was published for several years, but 
 like a thousand other good journals, is in the tomb of the Capulets. A 
 copy dated Saturday, Nov. 17, 1883, W. M. Patrick, editor, is before us.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Among the advertisers are John Whallon, attorney at law; S. Zimmer 
 proprietor Lyndon hotel; E. D. Adams, house and sign painter; Ira Sher- 
 wood, boot and shoemaker; L. D. Baldwin, dealer in coal, flour, etc.; G. R. 
 Cady, village liveryman; 8. S. Epla, tonsorial artist; G. E. Swarthout, village 
 drayman; Robinson's restaurant; F. W. Carman, M. D.; Strickler Brothers, 
 drugs (branch store) ; B. F. Myers, druggist; Parmenter Brothers, general 
 store; Howe & Co., fancy groceries; Parkhurst's big column; A. S. Hazard, 
 blacksmith. Only Parmenter Brothers in business now out of the above list, 
 most of whom are dead. Mention was made of the grand double concert 
 under the management of A. S. Morris; John M. Hamilton's sale and a big 
 surprise party given for John Dudley by 'sixty guests on his departure for 
 California. 
 
 Still earlier, 1873, was the Lyndon Free Press, an eight-column sheet, 
 printed entirely from the Fulton Journal forms, without alteration, except 
 the first page, which gives Lyndon locals and advertisements. John Gray is 
 editor, and the Lyndon Free Press Company, publishers. 
 
 THE QUEEN OF FRUITS. 
 
 A creature not too bright or good, 
 
 For human nature's daily food. Wordsworth. 
 
 Lyndon's sun and soil seem to suit the luscious strawberry, and it 
 reaches a flavor and fragrance that pleases the popular palate. Remember 
 what Dr. Boteler said: "God doubtless might have made a better berry 
 than the strawberry, but doubtless God never did." Miss Edna Sturtevant 
 interviewed several of the growers, and we give the result of her observa- 
 tions. The Osborn Brothers, Lester and Oliver, are the most extensive with 
 seven acres, and in the business seven years. An average yield is 7,000 
 quarts to the acre. They ship to Rock Island, De Kalb, and other places. 
 Their favorite kinds are Haverland, Warfield, Lovett, Brandywine. J. G. 
 Laxton started 15 years ago with one acre, increasing to seven. He has the 
 usual varieties. The yield depends upon the, soil. Berries suited to clay 
 will not do well on sand. He ships to Watertown. He is also in the bee 
 business, beginning 22 years ago, and at present has a hundred stand. The 
 average yield per stand is 100 pounds. In 1907 he sold 12,000 pounds, 
 sending chiefly to Clinton. He keeps the Italia 1 !! bee. Another man, Clyde 
 Bowen, has kept bees, Italians, for two years, has fifty stand, selling so far in 
 home market. William Shepherd has three acres of strawberries, Porter 
 Holt one acre, Mr. Hubbard one acre. They nearly all raise the same 
 varieties. 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 The first religious society organized in the county was the present Con- 
 gregational, June, 1836. The first meeting was held at the house of William 
 D. Dudley, and directed by Rev. Elisha Hazard, agent of the Home Mis- 
 sionary Society. Among the names enrolled were such early settlers as the 
 Hamaltons, Dudleys, iWiooclruffs, Atkinsons, Millikans, Hubbards, Ortons. 
 Services were held in the bluff schoolhouse find in the homes, until the
 
 114 HISTORY OF WHITES1DE COUNTY 
 
 present church building was erected in 1850 at a cost of $2,500. Rev. Elisha 
 Hazard was first pastor, followed by Nathaniel Smith, Wm. Blanchard, 
 Chapman, Judd, Webb, Gilbert, Gray, Machin, and others. The present 
 pastor, George Thomas Hanna, wad born in Maryland, spent four years at 
 Oberlin College, studied physical culture at Lake Geneva summer school, 
 enjoyed nine months at Northfield in Bible study under Meyer, Campbell 
 Morgan, Mott, and Speer. He has been connected with the Y. M. C. A. at 
 Belvidere and Sterling. This is his first charge. Mrs. Hanna is from Wales. 
 The present membership of the church is .ninety. There are sixty in the 
 Sunday school. Several societies, Ladies' Aid, Missionary, Bible Class of 
 adults, juvenile choral society. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal church was organized by Revs. W. Buck and 
 G. L. S. Stuff in 1841, with Chauncy Woodruff, Leonora Hazard, Dr. Smith, 
 Lucy Ware, J. D. Odell, Samantha Reynolds and Harry R. Smith among 
 the members. At first it was on the Savanna circuit, then on the Union 
 Grove. Preaching in various buildings until the town hall was erected. 
 The church was built in 1874 at a cost of $2,500. Rev. A. D. Burkett, the 
 present pastor, spent three years in Simpson college, Iowa, two at Taylor 
 university, Indiana, has been over three years in the ministry, and is in 
 his second year here. There are 148 members. Both the Congregational 
 and Methodist congregations have neat frame parsonages, convenient to the 
 church. In the M. E. church are the usual societies, the Ladies' Aid, Ep- 
 worth League, W. C. T. U., and the Sunday school. In 1907 there was a 
 Young People's Bible Study class. In 1908 it has taken the form of a Mis- 
 sion Study class. 
 
 A Baptist church was organized in 1837, but no building was erected, 
 and services have been irregular on account of small membership. 
 
 The German Evangelical Lutheran church of Lyndon township, four 
 miles south of Morrison, was organized several years ago by Rev. Fr. Lussky. 
 Some of the first members were: C. Strelow, John H. Johnson, Siebelt 
 Arians, Louis Rosenow, Fred Rosenow, John Rosenow, Albert Strelow, Her- 
 man Strelow. The church today has a voting membership of 20. Number 
 of families, 34. The church has no Sunday school, but catechetical instruc- 
 tion by the pastor. Number of children present, 25. In October, 1906, the 
 congregation dedicated its new church, 36x50 feet. 
 
 OLD CURIOSITY SHOP. 
 
 Rich and rare were, the gems she wore. 
 
 So many of the early settlers came from New England, and brought 
 their heirlooms with them, that it is safe to say that no other town in the 
 county can show so large an assortment of relics. No tables brought over 
 in the Mayflower, but no end of ancient china and furniture. At a festival 
 held in the summer of 1907 a unique exhibition of these family curios was 
 an attractive feature. Among these were shawls, samplers, dolls, swords, 
 books, pitchers, candlesticks, cups, portraits, spinning wheels, arrows, bask- 
 ets, Bibles, lamps
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 115 
 
 Mrs. Helen Greenlee loaned a large spinning wheel, brass candlestick 
 and snuffers. Mrs. Mary Patterson's dishes, candlestick, tray and snuffers 
 were over a hundred years old, and were carefully preserved. Mrs. W. F. 
 Millikan's pewter platter three hundrd years old, sampler, embroidery and 
 foot stove attracted much attention. Mrs. McNett exhibited a rocking chair 
 which has been in use over one hundred years. Mrs. Bouck has a platter 
 and a plate that she can truly trace back over one hundred and fifty years; 
 how much older it is she does not know. Her old pewter platters are prob- 
 ably over two hundred years old. Mrs. Bouck loaned counterpanes, pla.tes, 
 platters, cups, bowls, tureens and saucers, large and small, that are just 
 magnificent, one set of dishes being imported and almost priceless. The 
 dishes are the delft, mulberry and oriental ware. 
 
 John Dudley has a bear trap and all who are interested in the early 
 history of the county will be much interested from the fact that its history, 
 so far as is known, began with the days when the first settlers came to ths 
 county. Here is the story : Soon after the Dudleys and Hamiltons settled 
 at the bluff, John Dudley's grandfather found the trap in the wood.?. Tightly 
 clenched in its iron jaws were the bleached bones of an animal, thought at 
 the time to be the bones of a deer. When we think of the years that have 
 elapsed and that these traps are scarcely in existence in Illinois, it really is a 
 valuable relic of other days. It was never known who placed the trap in its 
 place, whether Indian trapper or white man. 
 
 A very interesting document, yellowed by age, is possessed by Mrs. 
 Mahala Hicks Cady. The paper in question is a commission granted to the 
 first justice of the peace of Whiteside county. It was granted by Gov. 
 Joseph Duncan and Secretary of State A. P. Sweet on September 13, 1836, 
 to Chauncy G. Woodruff, Mrs. Cady's grandfather. This territory was then 
 undivided and was known as Jo Daviess county. The document is one of 
 many valuable papers much prized by Mrs. Cady relating to the early days 
 of our village and county. 
 
 THE LANGDON SCHOOL. 
 
 Five miles south of Morrison in Lyndon township was dedicated with im- 
 pressive ceremonies in October, 1907, a new schoolhouse which is a fino 
 specimen of modern educational progress. The walls of concrete, the inside 
 of yellow pine. A concrete porch, a belfry, cloak rooms, furnace and warm 
 play room in basement. The building is 24x28, and twelve feet high. A 
 lively program of music, recitations, letters from former pupils, toasts, an 
 address by the veteran John Phinney on "Schools Fifty Years Ago." Miss 
 Augusta Fuller is teacher, with thirty pupils. 
 
 THE BOYS IN BLUE. 
 
 In the God of battles trust! 
 Die we may and die we must ; 
 But, oh, where can dust to dust 
 
 Be consigned so well, 
 As where heaven its dews shall shed, 
 On the martyred patriot's bed. John Pierpont.
 
 116 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 A group of active veterans. Win. Ward, Co. G, 156th Illinois, fought 
 at Nashville and Chattanooga, Henry B. Shaw, Co. B, 75th Illinois, Capt. 
 Whallon, was at Stone river, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, wounded in 
 ear and coat shot to pieces, good at 81. Wm. Allen, enlisted at 17 at Lyndon, 
 Co. C, 8th Illinois cavalry, wounded in arm and neck in service near Wash- 
 ington. H. Hazard, 78 years old, enlisted at Morrison in Co. C, 8th Illinois 
 cavalry, first colonel, Farnsworth, service in Virginia and Maryland. A. W. 
 Greenlee, postmaster, is of Scotch descent, enlisted first at Spring Hill in 
 Co. I, 8th Kansas Infantry, 1861, the second time in 9th Iowa cavalry, 1833. 
 A remarkable record, as father and six sons all enlisted. His son, H. R., is 
 ensign on the Rhode Island, battleship in the great fleet that lately sailed 
 for the Pacific. 
 
 In the cemetery west of Lyndon are the graves of several soldiers. 
 Capt. G. M. Cole, Co. G, 13th Illinois. Capt, Harry Smith, 71, 1854. A. A. 
 Higley, died of wounds, Perryville, 1862. On the tombs may be read the 
 names of old settlers, Lathe, Sands, Bell, Pratt, Emery, Hazard, and others. 
 Martin Potter, 1812-1884. Mary A. Smith, daughter of Dr. Smith, 1837. 
 George R. Hamilton, 1820-1904. On the family lot, the principals of a 
 dreadful tragedy. Albert S. Swarthout, Nov. 10, 1892. John S. died in 
 jail, 1893. Ernest in the penitentiary, 1896. In front along the road is a 
 soldiers' plot, with a cannon for a centerpiece. It recalls the lion on the 
 mound at Waterloo, 1815. 
 
 THE SCHOOL. 
 
 There are two buildings, the main one two stories, three departments, 
 four teachers, seventy-five pupils. Well equipped with piano, globes, maps, 
 various apparatus, portraits of Webster, Lincoln, and other eminent Ameri- 
 cans, dictionaries and encyclopedias. J. W. Machamer, the principal, after 
 high school study, attended the De Kalb Normal. He is assisted by Miss 
 Drusilla Parmenter in primary, Miss Bessie Smith in intermediate, and Mrs. 
 Cora Millikan in the high school room. 
 
 Lyndon is an incorporated village. A. W. Greenlee is president of the 
 board, and the trustees are R. Allen, C. Gardner, Dr. Harriman, J. Shep- 
 herd, W. Austin, N. Mayberry, and clerk, P. Holt. The supervisor is A. E. 
 Parmenter. 
 
 DENROCK. 
 
 Five miles southwest of Lyndon is this station, on the edge of the town- 
 ship. It Ls at the intersection of two branches of the Burlington, from Clinton 
 and from Sterling. The most prominent objects are the coal shoot and 
 two tanks, for the accommodation of the numerous freight trains. The 
 lunch room attended by Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Hogeboom is made unusually 
 inviting by the kindly sendee of these excellent people. Home cooking, 
 mince pies of her own baking, every viand good and wholesome. A cozy 
 sitting room in the rear for retirement, and bedrooms for chance travelers 
 above. They have managed the place for fifteen years.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 117 
 
 TWO LYNDON TRAGEDIES. 
 
 Is this a dagger which I see before me, 
 The handle toward my hand? Macbeth. 
 
 Christmas, December 25, 1883, was not a day of peace on earth and 
 good will to men for two young fellows, the assassin and his victim. Chris- 
 tian Riebling, a foreign German, 32 years old, entered the office of G. R. 
 Cady's livery stable, and ordered Albert Lucia to leave, as he had previously 
 ordered him from the store of C. L. Parkhurst. Lucia replied that he would 
 not unless told to do so by Cady. Riebling repeated his order, at the same 
 time pointing his revolver at the boy, who jumped to his feet, exclaiming, 
 "My God, he is going to shoot!" As he passed towards the door, he struck 
 Riebling's arm, and forced the revolver downward so that the bullet took 
 effect in the upper part of Lucia's leg. Riebling was arrested, taken to Mor- 
 rison jail, December 27, to await action of the grand jury for the March 
 term of circuit court. Eleven days after receiving the wound, Lucia died, 
 and when the grand jury met, Riebling was indicted for murder. The case 
 was called March 25, Messrs. J. D. Andrews, of Sterling, and W. H. Allen, 
 of Erie, appointed by court to defend the prisoner, state's attorney Walter 
 Stager prosecuting. The trial occupied two days, the case given to the jury 
 at nine o'clock on evening of March 26, and after seven hours' deliberation 
 the verdict of guilty was brought in the following morning. The execution 
 of the sentence was fixed by the court on May 16. The gallows was erected 
 in an enclosure near the jail. The prisoner was attended to the last by his 
 spiritual advisers, Sweet of Morrison and Breen of Lyndon, took his stand 
 on the trap with composure, in a short speech spoke of his trust in the Lord 
 and his sorrow for the crime, and with the black cap placed over his head, 
 awaited the end. When Sheriff Beach pulled the lever at six minutes after 
 two, the body fell five feet without a struggle, and in fifteen minutes life 
 was pronounced extinct. The number of persons in the enclosure was 
 estimated at 150. but there was a curious crowd outside. Riebling had dark 
 hair, blue eyes, face pitted with small-pox, and weighed 165 pounds. Not a 
 single relative with him in his last moments upon earth. 
 
 THE SWARTHOUT MURDER. 
 
 An orphan's curse would drag to hell 
 
 A spirit from on high ; 
 
 But oh, more horrible than that 
 
 Is the curse in a dead man's eye. Ancient Mariner. 
 
 Two miles west of Lyndon is the farm of Albert M. Swarthout. There 
 is a large frame house, and the usual buildings to furnish a farm of 200 
 acres. He had two sons, John, the older, who was practicing medicine and 
 rooming in Lyndon, and Ernest, the younger, married, who with his wife 
 was keeping house for the father, whose wife died in 1891. For a while his 
 daughter, Rattle, Mrs. Buell Langdon, had been in charge at the old home 
 till the marriage of Ernest. 
 
 On Thursday, Nov. 10, 1892, Mr. Swarthout drove in his buggy to
 
 118 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Morrison, returned at six in the evening, unhitched the horse, took him to 
 the barn, and was seen no more. Shortly afterward, Mrs. Buell Langdon, 
 the daughter, and Mrs. Ernest Swarthout, the younger son's wife, who were 
 in the house, noticed a straw stack to the south on fire, rang the bell and 
 called the sons, John and Ernest, who were at the barn. Charles Sturtevant, 
 a farmer living sixty rods west, also saw the burning stack, and went over 
 to give the alarm. He found the boys in the house, who said they had been 
 to the stack, but could not put it out. Mr. Sturtevant asked where their 
 father was, but they did not know. 
 
 No search was made for the missing man until the neighbors insisted 
 upon it. On Friday morning, however, an examination of the ashes of the 
 straw pile revealed portions of the skull and other bones. At the coroner's 
 inquest in the afternoon, the two sons and one son's wife were the only 
 witnesses, and the verdict was that the deceased came to his death from 
 causes unknown to the jury. This was not satisfactory to the community, 
 now thoroughly aroused. Complaint was made, both Ernest and John were 
 arrested on Saturday, taken before Justice Bates, but on requesting that the 
 preliminary examination be postponed till Nov. 18, in default of bail, they 
 were lodged in jail at Morrison. 
 
 At the preliminary examination which occupied two sittings, thirty 
 witnesses were examined for the state, and as all the evidence tended to con- 
 firm the horrible suspicion that the father was murdered by the sons, they 
 were remanded without bail to the county jail. At the February term of 
 court, they were indicted by the grand jury for murder. At a glance, the 
 boys seemed incapable of such an unnatural crime. They were young, 
 slender, and intelligent. John was 25, Ernest 22. John was inclined to 
 consumption, and confinement aggravating the disease, he gradually declined, 
 dying in the jail at Morrison July 19, 1893. 
 
 During the long interval popular excitement had gradually increased, 
 and the opening of court was awaited with intense interest. The case of The 
 People against Ernest Swarthout for the murder of Albert Swarthout, father 
 of the defendant, was called for trial at two on Monday afternoon, Nov. 6, 
 1893, in the circuit court at Morrison. Hon. James Shaw, of Mt. Carroll, 
 presided. Walter Stager, state's attorney, was assisted by H. C. Ward, of 
 Sterling. 0. F. Woodruff and F. D. Ramsay, of Morrison, appeared for the 
 defendant. By the side of Ernest Swarthout sat his young wife, a mere girl, 
 married just sixty days before the murder. 
 
 A special venire of one hundred men were summoned from which to 
 select jurors, and by noon of the next day the following twelve were selected: 
 Frank Plumley of Fulton, W. A. Stsrtzman and M. F. Fell of Fulton. E. L. 
 Booth of Albany, G. Crandall of Erie, Frank Wilson of Newton. John 
 Hunter of Prophetstown, M. J. Ryerson of Hopkins, W. Runk of Jordan, 
 L. Dawson of Hahnaman, H. Cain of Tampico, and C. Minor of Hume. 
 The court room was packed, nearly half of the audience being ladies. In 
 the close of his opening address to the jury, Walter Stager, state's attorney, 
 said in substance: 
 
 "The theory of our case is that Albert Swarthout when he came home
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 119 
 
 went to the new barn to put away his horse, was murdered there, that he 
 was put on the cart and wheeled down to the sheep shed and left there until 
 he was taken to the straw stack, that the stack was fired, that late that night 
 or early next morning the unburned portions were pulled from the stack, 
 hacked to pieces and buried in the slough, that the cart was broken tn pieces 
 and the bloody portion burned, that if Ernest did not do the killing himself, 
 he must have known of it as he was in the same barn and but a short 
 distance from the spot where the blood indicates their father was killed 
 according to his own statement." 
 
 No other trial in the county, civil or criminal, was so hotly contested. 
 The advocates of both sides made long, exhaustive and eloquent pleas. On 
 Wednesday morning, Nov. 14, the judge gave the jury their instructions, 
 and on Thursday morning at the opening of court a large audience with the 
 attorneys, the prisoner and his wife, listened in breathless silence as Circuit 
 Clerk Tuttle read the following verdict: "We, the jury, find the defendant, 
 Ernest Swarthout, guilty of murder, in manner and form as charged in the 
 second count of the indictment, and find his age to be over 21 years, and 
 fix his punishment at fourteen years in the penitentiary." 
 
 Albert M. Swarthout, the victim, was born in Fenton township, 1841, 
 and married in 1865 to Miss Frances A. Cuppernell, of Dixon. An indus- 
 trious man and member of the Methodist church at Lyndon. Tall, muscular, 
 and of fine physique. He was contemplating a second marriage, which the 
 sons bitterly opposed on the ground that it was too soon after the mother's 
 death the previous year. Various rumors for the inhuman act were afloat, 
 but there was never a shadow of doubt that one of the sons fired the shot 
 that ended the father's life. Ernest was in due time taken to Joliet to serve 
 his sentence, but the gloomy walls did not long hold the unhappy prisoner, 
 dying in 1896. Father and boys sleep side by side in the Lyndon cemetery. 
 
 A REMARKABLE MECHANICAL GENIUS. 
 
 Fred Mayfield, who not long ago returned after spending four years in 
 the U. S. navy, has just completed a model of a battleship in miniature. The 
 dimensions and armament of this model are as follows: Length two feet, 
 ten inches; breadth eight inches; mean draught six inches. The battery 
 consists of one thirteen inch revolving rifle, two twelve inch revolving turrets, 
 four orie-poundefs, ten six inch guns, four rapid firing guns in firing tops. 
 These guns, with two or three exceptions, were whittled out by Mr. Mayfield 
 in a correct and precise manner, and are mounted strictly according to regu- 
 lations. There are also two search lights, two whale boats, two gigs, one 
 steam launch and one sailing launch, also constructed in like manner. Even 
 to the minutest detail the steam launch, not over three and one-half inches 
 long, is equipped with a miniature engine, propeller, a rudder and steering 
 device, as well as a plush lined seating capacity. This launch in itself is 
 a wonder to all who have seen it when one realizes that it has all been 
 whittled out with a pocket knife, and WP will say now that a knife, a smnll 
 saw, wire pliers, a chisel, a paint brush, comprised his entire mechanical 
 outfit. The ship itself is equipped with everything, in a miniature way,
 
 120 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 to be found on a first-class battleship, consisting of a chart house, conning 
 tower, shooting gallery, executive offices, anchor davit and chains, ventilator 
 and smoke stack, signal halyards and arms, machinery of all kinds, ropes, 
 tackles. Mr. Mayfield has been working at the model more or less for the 
 past two months and the work involved in such an undertaking is enormous. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 Hamilton school on the bluff was the first school in the county, 1838, 
 and the Congregational church organized in 1837 was the first of that 
 denomination west of Chicago. 
 
 Liberty Walker, bachelor, was the first man who died in the settlement, 
 1835, and he was buried on the hill. 
 
 Pardon A. Brooks boarded for a time with Healy, the artist, in Boston, 
 and a copy of Brooks' portrait painted by Healy hangs in the home of 
 Charles Sturtevant. 
 
 Bluff school was first of logs, and the Deacon's daughter taught before 
 it was built in the homestead. 
 
 As Kentucky onoe bore the uncanny synonym of the "dark and bloody 
 ground," so the road leading from Lyndon toward Erie has sometimes been 
 styled "Dead Man's Lane," because of the ghastly occurrences of suicides, 
 untimely deaths, and other dreadful events associated with several of the 
 dwellings. Denrock has been the scene of some distressing accidents. 
 
 The prominent physician of Lyndon is Dr. S. S. Harriman, graduate 
 of Jefferson Medical School, Philadelphia, who came here in 1890. 
 
 A Browning Club was patronized for several years, Miss Elsie Gould, 
 now of Sterling, the leader. In 1891 Aurora Leigh was read. 
 
 Various societies are in operation. W. R. C. of 17 members, with Mrs. S. 
 E. Chiverton to look after the widows and orphans for the present year. 
 The Masons number about fifty, with adjunct, Eastern Star, Master, Walter 
 Austin. Thirty Woodmen. One hundred Mystic Workers, prefect, Mr. 
 Shultz. 
 
 The town shows a healthful growth. New residences', concrete walks, 
 and general evidences of thrift. The center of a rich farming district. 
 
 TWO HONORED CITIZENS. 
 
 In January, 1908, Mrs. Martha A. Whallon passed to her reward. She 
 was born in Ohio, 1832, and removed with her parents to Lyndon in 1838. 
 Mrs. Whallon resided with her parents at the old homestead just north of 
 town until her marriage to Capt. John Whallon Sept. 10, 1831, and since 
 that time has lived continuously in the town of Lyndon. 
 
 Before her marriage she was one of the favorite pioneer teachers, she 
 having taught in Sterling, Fulton, Prophetstown, Como, Portland and Lyn- 
 don, in all places esteemed by a wide circle of friends among patrons and 
 pupils. 
 
 She passed through the schools of our town then the best in the 
 county and took further training at Knox college, Galesburg, for some time. 
 In her youth she cultivated many graces of mind and heart.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 121 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. \V ballon was born one child, a son, Hal, who sur- 
 vives them. The father, Capt, Whallon, lived until Oct. 21, 1903. Since 
 then Mrs. Whallon and her son have lived together in the old home. 
 
 Mrs. Whallon united with the Congregational church of this place in 
 her childhood and has since remained an active and useful member thereof, 
 always faithful in attendance upon the regular Sabbath services and the mid- 
 week service, and especially active in the Sunday school. Her brothers, Fred 
 W. Millikan and Rev. S. Frank Millikan, are the only surviving members of 
 Deacon Millikan's family. 
 
 General William Clendenin, whose sudden death in Moline created a 
 sensation, and who was so prominent in Illinois army circles, was a Lyndon 
 boy, born in 1845, and spending his childhood there until his father's 
 removal to Moline in 1859. He enlisted in Co. B, 140th Illinois infantry, 
 April 30, 1864, and on June 18 of the same year was advanced to first ser- 
 geant, and on Sept. 17 became sergeant major of the regiment. He was 
 mustered out of the service Oct. 29, 1864. He served with the United States 
 regulars, being mustered out of that service March 23, 1866, having held 
 the following offices: Sergeant major, 108th Regiment, U. S. Col. troops, 
 Feb. 7, 1865; second lieutenant, Co. A, 108th U. S. Col. troops, Aug. 8, 1865; 
 first lieutenant, Co. A, 108th U. S. Col. troops, Jan. 1, 1866. 
 
 His connection with the Illinois National Guard began Aug. 24, 1877, 
 rising from one rank to another until at his resignation in 1903 he was 
 brigadier-general. Interment was made in the cemetery at Galesburg. 
 
 SOME OF OUR EARLY LAWYERS. 
 
 No man e'er felt the halter draw, 
 
 With good opinion of the law. John Trumbull. 
 
 A lawyer's dealings should be just and fair; 
 Honesty shines with great advantage there. Cowper. 
 
 HUGH WALLACE. 
 
 Doubtless the first of our early lawyers. He came from Cumberland 
 county, Pa., in 1837, soon after graduating at Washington College and read- 
 ing law with General Porter in Lancaster. At first a farmer, for there was 
 little business in his profession. Most of wastern Sterling is built on the land 
 he cultivated. He was a member of the legislature in 1846, a senator in 
 1852 in the same body, and for four years register of the land office at Dixon 
 under President Pierce. His dwelling for many years was a low, one-story 
 sort of cabin, called from its curious aspect the "old fort." It was not far 
 from the present square mansion on West Third street, now occupied by Mrs. 
 Randolph. This he built in 1855 of blocks taken from the river. His wife 
 was Mary Gait, sister of the late John Gait, a thorough housekeeper. 
 
 Wallace was a genial man, fond of society, and liked nothing better 
 than to have the' young folks come to his house, and play the fiddle for them 
 to dance. He had great faith in the future of his town, and the writer on a 
 visit in 1851 remembers his taking a map of Illinois and showing us that
 
 122 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Sterling was directly west of Chicago, and that an air line to the Missis- 
 sippi must pass through this point. He was right, and wisely gave the com- 
 pany land for the station and yard, which at once moved business from upper 
 Sterling, and made Wallacetown the center of operations, which it has 
 since retained. In later years he retired from practice, and spent his after- 
 noons on his broad piazza overlooking what was then a grassy river bottom, 
 now covered with railroad tracks, shops, and tenements. 
 
 B. C. COBLENTZ. 
 
 The writer's first view of B. C. was at Lancaster, Pa., in 1853. He 
 was a member of the class graduated that year from Franklin and Marshall 
 College. Captain Wilberforce Nevin, afterward in the civil war, and a while 
 editor of the Philadelphia Press, was also a member. Coblentz came west 
 soon after finishing his law studies, and had his office with Hugh Wallace 
 in that small annex which once stood east of the Wallace House. He was 
 quite popular, and in 1867 was elected mayor. 
 
 His wife was Miss Murphy, from Mercersburg, Pa., an entertaining 
 talker. Coblentz liked ease, was a good liver, somewhat pompous, and in 
 summer was the only man in town who sported a white vest. For a time he 
 had an office in the quarters of the Rock Island Railroad on the second 
 floor of Wallace Hall. Misfortune followed the family after the removal 
 from Sterling to Arkansas. Both he and his wife died, and some of the 
 children. 
 
 All are scattered nOw and fled, 
 Some are married, some are dead. 
 
 EDWIN N. KIRK. 
 
 In the summer of 1861 Mr. Kirk gave a large party at the pretty villa 
 which he had erected in the grove in eastern Sterling, now the property of 
 Wash Dillon. As we stood on the south piazza, he said he was not satisfied 
 to be at ease while soldiers were needed to uphold the flag at the front. 
 That fall the 34th Illinois infantry was organized with Kirk as its colonel, 
 and the writer visited the boys while at Camp Butler, near Springfield. At 
 Stone River, Tennessee, Dec. 31, 1862, Kirk had two horses shot under him, 
 was severely wounded in the thigh, and some time after that terrific battle, 
 underwent an operation from which he never recovered. 
 
 Gen. Kirk was ambitious, and like many others, felt that military dis- 
 tinction would be a passport to success in politics after the war. 
 
 'Twas ever thus from childhood's hour, 
 I've seen my fondest hopes decay. 
 
 He was a tall, fine-looking man, and as Mrs. Kirk, who was short, walked 
 by his side up the aisle to a front pew in the old Presbyterian church in Rev. 
 E. Erskine's day, they created a sensation, especially as they came late when 
 the services were in progress.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 123 
 
 JAMES DINSMOOR. 
 
 One of our few college men fifty years ago, a graduate of Dartmouth, 
 the alma mater of Daniel Webster and Rufus Choate. His son, Jarvis, now 
 practicing law in Sterling, enjoyed the same privilege. He was the only 
 lawyer who had an office in town and residence in the country. For forty 
 years, rain or shine, summer and winter, he drove in his buggy from Hazel 
 Hill farm, five miles north of Emerson, to his business in Sterling. For 
 tome time he was associated with Graves, another eastern man, and then 
 with Walter Stager. Mrs. Dinsmoor, in early life a teacher, loved to speak 
 of Emerson, Holmes, and the literary traditions of her New England home. 
 Lowell was their residence before removal to Illinois. 
 
 MILES S. HENRY. ', 
 
 He was born in Geneva, N. Y., in 1815, the year of Waterloo and New 
 Orleans, was a schoolmate of Stephen A. Douglas, and began the practice of 
 law in Sterling in 1844. An active citizen, and he filled several responsible 
 positions. He was in the banking business with Lorenzo Hapgood, a delegate 
 to the Philadelphia convention that nominated Fremont in 185B, president 
 of the Sterling and Rock Island Railroad Company, and in 1862 was ap- 
 pointed paymaster in the army. His second wife was Mr.=. Bushnell, widow 
 of Major Bushnell, of the 13th Illinois. 
 
 Henry was a gentleman of fine taste, an easy talker, and very agree- 
 able. 
 
 A merrier man, 
 
 Within the limit of becoming mirth, 
 I never spent an hour's talk withal. 
 
 An excellent reader. At a social given by Mrs. McCune in the parlors of the 
 Wallace House, being called upon for a reading, Major Henry recited: 
 
 Oh, the snow, the beautiful snow, 
 Filling the sky and the earth below. 
 
 Watson's poem was not then so familiar. He was a regular attendant at 
 Grace Episcopal church during the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Goodhue. He, 
 Lorenzo Hapgood, and Gabriel Davis, as senior members, occupied front 
 seats. 
 
 FREDERICK SACKETT. 
 
 The most jovial of our lawyers, always ready for a joke, never without 
 a cigar. A self-made man, making no pretension to culture, with an inti- 
 mate knowledge of common law. He laid the foundation for what is now a 
 part of the residence of W. W. Davis, Bellevue Place. Four friends planned 
 a sort of select quarter. Dr. Hudson on the Ed Bowman place, Kirk where 
 Dillon is, Ed Allen across the street. The.-e with Sackett would have made 
 a social ring. But fate determined otherwise. Death and misfortune 
 crushed these fond projects, and Sackett died homeless and desolate.
 
 124 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 JACOB HASKELL. 
 
 A slender, delicate person. He used to take walks for his health. The 
 writer met him one morning strolling along the Morrison road. For a time, 
 partner of Dinsmoor, the firm being Dinsmoor and Haskell. Fond of writ- 
 ing for the press. He and \V. W. Davis were proposed as editors of a pro- 
 jected paper during the Farnsworth and Arnold contest for the Con- 
 gressional nomination. His sons still live in Sterling. William W. was for 
 years assistant postmaster with Thomas Diller. Walter N. is a lawyer, 
 making patents a specialty, and is secretary of the Central school board. 
 
 DAVID M'CARTXEY. 
 
 A lawyer of the old school, plain, earnest, rugged, positive, always ready 
 to give a reason for the faith that was in him. Fulton was his home for a 
 long time, and the old handbills announcing speakers, regularly had "D. 
 McCartney of Fulton." An explosive style of speaking, firing his sentences 
 in what musicians would call staccato. When McCartney took the platform, 
 the crowd prepared for something rich and stirring. He came to Sterling 
 in 1865 and died in 1888. At his death, he was state's attorney, the predecessor 
 of Walter Stager. Before the present law was enacted, he was prosecutor 
 for four counties. Mrs. Fannie Worthington, the well known speaker and 
 writer, is a daughter, and also the present wife of C. L. Sheldon, Esq. 
 
 JOHN G. MANAHAN. 
 
 He was in a law office when the rebels fired upon Fort Sumter, and 
 being young and enthusiastic, he enlisted with numerous personal friends in 
 the Thirteenth Illinois, and followed the flag to the close of the rebellion. 
 On his return he resumed practice. For a time the firm was Kilgour and 
 Manahan, then Manahan and Ward. John failed gradually, yielding to a 
 cruel, hereditary malady, consumption, which carried off his mother at an 
 early age, and also a sister. With only a common school education and law 
 study in an office, John secured an excellent standing in the circuit and 
 higher courts. A ready writer and speaker, industrious, and the soul of honor. 
 For years an elder in the Presbyterian church. 
 
 JAMES E. M'PHERRAN. 
 
 Fresh from college and law school, in the prime of his young manhood, 
 James came directly to Sterling, and remained here in the practice of his 
 profession to his death a few years ago. He was like Goldsmith's village 
 preacher : 
 
 Remote from towns he ran his godly race, 
 
 Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change, his place. 
 
 Like Emery A. Storrs of Chicago, Mr. McPherran was not satisfied with 
 the dry details of statute books, but had a natural fondness for literature. 
 He read at night and kept in touch with new publications. He was rightly 
 considered the best historian of the Whiteside bar. For over twenty years 
 he was president of the Sterling library board, and his portrait, presented by
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 125 
 
 the family, now adorns the walls of the directors' room in the new public 
 library. 
 
 CHARLES J. JOHNSON. 
 
 His father was a pioneer, moving to the state in 1839. Charles studied 
 law with Judge McCoy of Fulton, and in 1854, in company with David 
 McCartney, was admitted to the bar at Sterling in the old courthouse on 
 Broadway, now fallen like Babylon. After eighteen years of practice at 
 Morrison, and a short stay in Rock Island and Chicago, he came to Sterling 
 in 1879, where he remained to his death. Charlie, as he was commonly 
 called, made no pretension to oratory, but was a fine office lawyer, with the 
 principles and decisions of the courts at his tongue's end. His younger 
 brother, Caleb, with whom he was associated, is still in practice in Sterling. 
 
 JAMES M'COY. 
 
 Coming here from his Virginia home, and beginning the practice of 
 law at Fulton in 1840, Judge McCoy was the Nestor of the Whiteside bar. 
 He was a public-spirited man, and was never so devoted to his profession, as 
 to forget the claims of the community. He showed a lively interest in edu- 
 cation as well as in politics. A presidential elector in 1868, a delegate to 
 the constitutional convention in 1869, a trustee of the Illinois Soldiers' Col- 
 lege. Fond of mingling among the people. Never forgot a face. The 
 writer met him regularly at the fairs on the Sanborn grounds at Sterling, 
 and he was always ready to give the hearty grasp of friendship. 
 
 FRANK E. ANDREWS. 
 
 After a gradual decline for months, Mr. Andrews passed away in the 
 autumn of 1907. His office was always in .Sterling, where he had grown 
 up, but his death occurred in Rock Falls, where he had resided for a few 
 years preceding. A broad-shouldered man, his early decease was a surprise. 
 His general appearance seemed to indicate vigor and endurance. One of his 
 most striking mental qualities was firmness, resolution. When he entered 
 upon a course of action, he pushed the business to a conclusion, with all his 
 energy, regardless of criticism or opposition. He was high authority on 
 drainage from his long experience as a surveyor, and it was chiefly due 
 to his recommendation that the feeder to the Hennepin canal was placed at 
 Sterling. 
 
 At a memorial meeting of the Whiteside bar in Morrison, appreciative 
 tributes to his character were paid by several of his associates. All spoke of 
 the habitual purity of his life. Jarvis Dinsmoor said: "In an acquaintance 
 of twenty-five years, meeting Mr. Andrews in court, in conference, in shop, 
 street, in politics, I never heard fall from his lips, a profane, hasty or vulgar 
 word. When I called to see him in his sickness, the sick man had reached 
 the condition so beautifully portrayed by Whittier: 
 
 " 'And so beside the silent sea 
 
 I wait the muffled oar, 
 No harm from him can come to me, 
 On ocean or on shore.' "
 
 126 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 \V. H. Allen, of Erie, the oldest member of the bar, dwelt on his loyalty 
 to justice, his love of truth, his courage in doing what was morally right, 
 undeterred by argument, ridicule, sarcasm or denunciation. His work was 
 honestly and fairly done in a great profession, and it is well that his breth- 
 ren should gladly award the praise due a career so fittingly closed. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 Some of our first lawyers are a vanishing memory. They soon passed 
 from the stage by death or removal. For example, Brooks Ward and Joe 
 Ware. Some came into our court from other counties, flashed like an occa- 
 sional meteor and then retired. There was Joe Knox of Rock Island, a 
 strong speaker and there was Judge Leffingwell of Clinton, perhaps the most 
 brilliant pleader who ever appeared in our court. He had all the endow- 
 ments of the orator in aspect, voice, manner, heightened by careful study, 
 and jury and audience were soon captivated by the magnetism of his address. 
 A persuasive talker on the platform, and his services were always in demand 
 in political campaigns. 
 
 ERIE. 
 
 To one who has been long in city pent, 
 
 'Tis very sweet to look into the fair 
 
 And open face of heaven, to breathe a prayer 
 
 Full in the smile of the blue firmament. Keats. 
 
 About twenty miles from Sterling, south on the Burlington towards 
 Rock Island through Sands, Lyndon, Denrock, is the thriving town of Erie. 
 Leaving the station, a short walk brings you to the heart of the place, an 
 irregular plaza, in Spanish, around which the principal business houses are 
 built. Various stores and two opera houses, Burchell's and Breed's, which 
 are in frequent demand for lectures and plays. Along the railroad are three 
 elevators, which deal in coal, grain and live stock. There is a custom mill, 
 in operation for forty years, with a capacity of thirty barrels of flour a 
 day, but which is really now a custom mill, grinding grists as brought by the 
 surrounding patrons. The creamery, Gilbert Wilcox, twelve years in exist- 
 ence, produces in the aggregate 100,000 pounds of butter a year. The 
 receipts of cream are much heavier in summer than in winter. In summer 
 ice cream is made and readily sold. . 
 
 The longest industrial establishment in Erie is the poultry house, carried 
 on by the Morrison Produce Company. It measures 150 by 42 feet, with 
 numerous windows. The concern was started 18 or 19 years ago. All kinds 
 of fowls are bought, mostly chickens, five wagons run to scour the country 
 for the bipeds, six to twelve pickers employed, and the shipments to Boston, 
 New York, Philadelphia, are from five to six thousand pounds a day. But 
 understand the fowls are not exported as received from the country. They 
 are artificially fattened. Twice a day buttermilk or other rich liquid food 
 is forced into their craws in order that the flesh may be white and tender 
 for the palates of eastern epicures. 
 
 A high tone in Erie society. The people are organized in various capaci-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 127 
 
 ties to do good. The Christian church was started in 1871 with forty mem- 
 bers, the present property bought from the United Brethren, and remodeled 
 in 1902. There are one hundred members, a Sunday school of 94, Ladies' 
 Aid society and Christian Endeavor. The pastor, Rev. G. W, Morton, studied 
 at Millersville, Pa., Moody's Institute, Chicago, and before his residence here, 
 was engaged in evangelistic work. His first year in Erie. A young man 
 with plenty of energy. 
 
 As everywhere, the Methodist is the pioneer church, started in 1839 with 
 preaching by Rev. Norris Hobart. In the first class were John Freek, Mrs. 
 Hunt, A. Brooks, Mrs. Early. First services in the log school house. The 
 present membership is 120, with a good Sunday school of 100' pupils. Also 
 a Ladies' Aid, Epworth League and Junior Epworth. The pastor, Rev. John 
 A. Edmondson, has had a varied career. Originally in the Tennessee con- 
 ference of M. E. C. South, he was chaplain during the war of a state regi- 
 ment, but resigned when it was proposed to turn it over to the Confederacy, 
 came north to the Colorado conference in 1875, then to the Central Illinois, 
 next to Rock River. This is his second year. 
 
 The plain building of 1870 gave way in 1901 to a modern structure with 
 two elevations and tower at the intersection. Of frame, with stained glass 
 and every necessary equipment for comfort and beauty. At the dedication, 
 Rev. Fred D. Stone offered prayer and the sermon was preached by Dr. M. 
 A. Head. E. W. Thompson was pastor at that time. 
 
 One of the oldest members is Dr. H. K. Wells, born in Lebanon, N. H., 
 1824, who took his academic course at McKendree college, and his medical 
 al Rush college, Chicago. The doctor has been a stanch Wesleyan since 
 sixteen. He came to Erie in 1865, and is still in occasional practice. 
 
 On a side street stands a dark frame building with cupola and bell, 
 but the worshipers who once sat beneath that roof are dead or scattered. The 
 bell rings no more. 
 
 Of joys departed never to return, 
 How painful the remembrance. 
 
 This is the Baptist church, erected in 1870, with a membership of eighty 
 in happier days. Rev. L. L. Lansing was the first pastor, with a dozen suc- 
 cessors. Mrs. Maria Hubbard is one of the few remaining of the early 
 members. The Hubbard farm was her first home before her marriage and 
 removal to Erie, where she has lived 36 yeats. In 1853 she went to a log 
 schoolhouse in Erie. Her great-great-grandfather was in the battle of Lex- 
 ington. 
 
 Perhaps the most active intellectual influence in Erie is the Woman's 
 Club. It was organized March 28, 1903. The motto is Progress, and the 
 colors purple and gold. There are 43 members, comprising the leading 
 ladies of the town. Mr?. Burnice Sieben is president, and Mrs. Margaret 
 Burchell, treasurer. A fine fountain of malleable iron in the square is a 
 monument of their zeal. Meetings are held every two weeks, and a neat 
 booklet contains the program for each session. As will be seen the order 
 changes from time to time, keeping their minds in wholesome occupation.
 
 128 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 For instance this program for Dec. 3: Music, Quotations from American 
 poets, Early Indian history, the Indian today, Indian music and literature, 
 music. For March 3, Plantation Folk Lore, quotations from southern 
 poets, southern dialect stories. One day is set apart for the annual reception, 
 -and one day to the discussion of local needs. In addition they aim to have 
 regular courses of lectures. In the season of 1907-1908, Hon. Arthur K. 
 Peck, of Boston, gave an illustrated lecture on the U. S. Life Saving Service. 
 He was followed in an entertainment by John B. Ratto. At one meeting 
 Mrs. Maria Hubbard located the site of the first schoolhouse. It was a log 
 building on Main street, on the lot now owned by Carrie Hoffman and her 
 sister, Miss Sophronia Wright. 
 
 "What is so rare as a day in June?" inquired Lowell. What is handier 
 than the phone? Erie has fine service in the Crescent Telephone Company. 
 It was organized in Rock Island county 1898, by seven men. On June 14, 
 1904, the license of incorporation was received, capital stock, $12,500. A 
 steady growth since. Today the company has 233V2 miles of poles, of 
 which 177% are in Rock Island county and 56 miles in Whiteside. They 
 have sold also miles of wire. The stock of 494 shares is located as follows: 
 Watertown, 38; Port Byron, 114; Hillsdale, 157; Erie, 185. The shares 
 .sell at $25 each or share and telephone, $40 each. At the annual election 
 in January, 1908, at Joslin, 111., it was voted to increase the capital, to $25,000, 
 or 1,000 shares, or 500 more than they had to sell. 
 
 The company have four switchboards, one at Watertown, Port Byron, 
 Hillsdale, Erie. The officers are W. H. Whiteside, Joslin, president; E. L. 
 Hansen, Hillsdale, treasurer; and A. A. Matthews, Erie, secretary. Mr. 
 Whiteside has been at the head for several years. A struggle till the enter- 
 prise was on its feet, but now it is a great success, giving the best of service. 
 
 Erie was incorporated in 1872 and the board of trustees for 1908 are: 
 George H. Fadden, president; C. D. Hannon, clerk; and the usual commit- 
 tees on streets, finance, fire, health, judiciary and cemetery. Regular meet- 
 ings are held first Tuesday evening of the month at seven in the winter, and 
 7:30 in the summer. 
 
 No town, west or east, is complete without a paper. A city sheet can- 
 not give the local news, and even your own county dailies are unable to 
 furnish the little items that people enjoy. A town paper is really a home 
 bulletin. The Erie Independent was established in 1877 by G. W. Guernsy, 
 and in 1885 was purchased by Wm. M. Patrick, of Lyndon, who was pub- 
 lishing the Lyndon Advocate. In 1890 the establishment was bought by 
 the present editor and publisher, C. D. Hannon. He has given his best 
 efforts to the paper, and made it an excellent repository of home intelligence 
 with an advertising patronage creditable to the merchants. Mr. Hannon is 
 an affable and courteous gentleman. The Independent has four pages and 
 .six columns to the page. One dollar per year. 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 All that tread the globe are but a handful 
 To the tribes that slumber in its bosom.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 129 
 
 Along the main street leading north is the cemetery. Here is the tomb 
 of Andrew J. Osborne, a well known reformer in his day, who ventilated 
 his views freely by pen and voice, 1829-1901. On the dark granite is the 
 inscription, "His greatest aim in life was for the liberty of labor." A hand- 
 some soldiers' monument, Orcutt Post, 553, with a volunteer on the summit. 
 On each of the four sides, Gettysburg, Stone River, Shiloh, Vickshurg. Names 
 of soldiers engraved below. 
 
 "Dedicated to the soldiers of the Rebellion." 
 
 1861-1865. 
 
 Samuel Orcutt Post, G. A. R., 
 Erie, 111. 
 
 Ah, never shall the land forget 
 
 How gushed the life-blood of the brave, 
 
 Gush'd warm with hope and courage yet, 
 Upon the soil they fought .to save! 
 
 A goodly band of veterans are enjoying their well-earned retirement, 
 Robert Thompson, 34th Illinois, enlisted at Prophetstown, mustered out 
 at Goldsboro, N. G. Started as private, returned as captain. H. A. Hatton, 
 enlisted in the 10th Iowa Infantry, saw long and strenuous service at Island 
 No. Ten, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, with Sherman in the march 
 to the sea, and then north to the grand review at Washington, 1865, which 
 he says was the proudest day of his life. Of the 107 who left in hi,? com- 
 pany, only 17 came back. L. E. Matthews, 75th Illinois, was hit in knee 
 at Perryville, and wounded also at Dallas in 1864. 
 
 Hiram Deyo, enlisted twice, first in Mechanics Fusileers, then in 92nd 
 Illinois, Col. Atkins. He fought at Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, 
 marched with Sherman to the sea, and was mustered out in North Carolina. 
 Arthur Welding, first in 15th Missouri Independent Rangers, 1831, next 
 in 8th Kansas Infantry, 1882, followed the flag under Rosecranz, Sherman 
 and Grant, and was mustered out at Chattanooga in 1864. York Eddy, 
 75th Illinois, was in that terrible fight at Perryville. He is thankful to 
 Uncle Sam for $20 a month pension. Joseph M. Stephenson, born in Eng- 
 land, enlisted in De Witt, Iowa, in 26th Iowa Infantry, spent his term 
 chiefly about Helena, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, hospital at St. Louis, 
 to his discharge in 1863. 
 
 Thanks to the genius of Edison, a mild moonlight is enjoyed in all 
 our smaller towns every winter night. An electric plant furnishes incandes- 
 cent lights in Erie streets. The town is charged $1.25 for every light, or 
 $66 per month for the whole number. It was established in 1899. There is 
 an engine of eighty horsepower. The price, three lights for $1.25 per 
 month, seems reasonable, for household use, sixteen candle power. E. L. 
 Muesse, formerly of Wisconsin, is engineer. The service is generously em- 
 ployed in stores, shops, hotels and the newer residences. 
 
 The bridge over Rock river wa.s built in 1892 by the Chicago Bridge 
 and Iron Works at a cost of $21,500. Three spans. A solid piece of work.
 
 130 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 EARLY SETTLERS. 
 
 Erie comes naturally by its name, as two of the first settlers came from 
 Erie county, New York. Lewis D. Crandall settled here in 1835, and estab- 
 lished a ferry over Rock river, the first below Dixon. Lafayette, also, came 
 from the same county in New York, and opened a farm in 1837. Samuel 
 Carr, Vermont, kept hotel in a log cabin, 1843, when a stage line was in 
 operation. John Freek, England, came in 1835, and took an active interest 
 in Sunday schools and preaching services, so often neglected in the primitive 
 districts. In 1840 a postoffice was kept at Crandall's Ferry by Lewis D. 
 Crandall, and moved to Erie in 1849. 
 
 In the autumn of 1835, Peter Gile, wife and two children, with L. D. 
 Crandall, started from Dixon with goods on two canoes lashed together. 
 Night came on, and the frail craft was overturned in the raging current. 
 
 The boat was on a stormy land, 
 A stormy sea before her. 
 
 The younger child was drowned, and Mrs. Gile soon died from the effects 
 of the exposure. 0. Brooks built the first house in Erie, and the first teacher 
 was Polly Ann Sprague, afterwards Mrs. Reuben Hard. The first marriage, 
 that of Oliver Olmstead and Electa Hunt, and the first child born was 
 Harriet Coburn, her father, Charles, having come in 1839 from New York. 
 An agreeable hour was spent with John D. Fenton, who as a child came 
 with his father, Joseph, to the country in 1835. He was born in 1832, and 
 has lived in Erie since 1863. All of his early associates are dead and gone. 
 He likes to tell of the family trip to the west by Erie canal, the lakes and 
 ox cart from Milwaukee. Mr. Fenton is one of the most sprightly men of 
 his age to be met in a day's travel. Rises early, does his own chores, regular 
 in eating, sleeping and all his habits, and what is rare, a systematic reader 
 of the dailies and magazines, taking a variety of the best publications. He 
 talks well, no slang or slip-shod words. The thought and language of a gentle- 
 man. 
 
 TWO CHARACTERS. 
 
 William Allen, esq., who has been in Erie since 1856, may be called the 
 Dean of the Whiteside bar. A judicial mind and a phenomenal memory. 
 A Solomon in judgment, and a Macaulay in recalling names and dates. 
 His spacious farm house and barn on a tract of 300 acres, on the edge of 
 town, is conspicuous, and assure Mr. Allen a comfortable old age. 
 
 But D. B. Henwood is in age the G. 0. M. of Erie. A pioneer of pioneers. 
 His mother kept tavern in Harrisburg, Pa., in 1812 ; he was born in Phila- 
 delphia in 1824, moved to Ohio in four-horse wagon in 1825, to Indiana in 
 1837, to Erie in 1850. He had a farm and ferry, and ran the boat across 
 the river till the bridge was built. A genuine Charon that the Latin poets 
 speak of. Still vigorous at 84. 
 
 The First National Bank has a paid-up capital of $40,000. Robert L. 
 Btirchell is president, Ora A. Wilson, vice-president and Robert C. Burchell, 
 oashier. Eight directors: Charles McLane, Ora A. Wilson, Frank J. Vagt,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 131 
 
 Henry A. Huntington, G. H. Fadden, R. C. Burchell, R. L. Burchell, W. C. 
 Durkes. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 All the fraternal orders flourish. The Masons doubtless the oldest, Erie 
 Lodge, No. 687, instituted in 1870. Then there are the Mystic Workers, 
 Odd Fellows, Woodmen, Knights of Pythias, with their lady society adjuncts. 
 
 At the last meeting of the board of trustees, a bill of $543 was allowed 
 for gravel on the streets, the best material for giving a solid foundation for 
 traffic. 
 
 A substantial city hall of brick, built two years ago. On first floor an 
 assembly room, in rear, fire engine and jail, above council chamber and 
 other offices. 
 
 Erie had no railway connection until the Rockford, Rock Island and 
 St. Louis R. R. was opened in 1869, and since then the place has enjoyed 
 a healthy improvement. One advantage. It has no competing towns in 
 business, Rock Island and Geneseo on the south being too far away to attract 
 trade. 
 
 The two most imposing residences in Erie are those of R. C. Burchell, 
 merchant, and Dr. Larue, physician. They are both of the southern style, 
 Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, or Jackson at Hermitage, with their tall 
 columns under the high portico in front. 
 
 Like Chicago, the town recalls a memorable fire, July 3, 1897, which 
 destroyed a whole block, stores, printing office, heart of the place, but the 
 new buildings are better. Erie is progressive. 
 
 Men said at vespers, all is well. 
 In one wild night the city fell. 
 
 A young men's club was lately organized at the Christian church on 
 the plan of the Y. M. C. A. with 25 members, with the general aim of 
 personal and public improvement in the better life. , -. 
 
 A highly respected citizen died in Jan., 1908, M. H. Seger, whose father 
 came from Maine and settled in Erie in 1854. Mr. Seger was born in 1838. 
 A useful man. In his seventy years, he had served Erie in every position, 
 justice, assessor, collector, director, supervisor. 
 
 THE SCHOOL. 
 
 Erie people have always taken much pride in their educational affairs, 
 and the school was never more efficient than today. Gradual additions are 
 made to the library, laboratory and necessary apparatus. A half hour twice 
 a week is given to music in each room. A catalogue is published in which 
 the general course of study is outlined. There are twelve grades, compris- 
 ing the primary, intermediate, grammar and high school divisions. Grad- 
 ing is on the scale of one hundred. A pupil falling below 75 must make 
 up the study in the next term. There is a truant officer. Four years in 
 the high school with the following course. For the Freshman, English, 
 Algebra, Physiology, Botany and Latin. Sophomore has English, Alge- 
 bra, and History, Geography and Physiography, Latin. Junior has Eng-
 
 132 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 lish, Geometry, General History, Latin. Senior has Zoology and English 
 History, Solid Geometry and Political Economy, Physics, Arithmetic. For 
 graduation in the complete high school course, 32 credits are required. Six 
 teachers in the building. Miss Abbie May Hughes, of La Salle, in the pri- 
 mary ; Miss Jennie Lewis, of Morrison, intermediate ; Miss Elizabeth Fenton, 
 of Erie, grammar; Miss Annie Adams, of Erie, instructor in music; Miss 
 Alvara Proctor, Spenser, Mass., assistant in high school. She is a graduate 
 of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., and a thorough scholar. 
 
 The principal, Miss Jessie E. Jewett, Woodstock, Illinois, is a young 
 lady of admirable qualifications. After graduating at Woodstock high school 
 and Downer College, Milwaukee, receiving the B. A. degree, she spent sev- 
 eral months in travel abroad, visiting the British Isles, France, Germany, 
 Holland, Switzerland, Italy. A young woman of fine presence and enthu- 
 siasm that cannot fail to awaken the dullest pupil. The writer heard a recita- 
 tion in .English on the topic of Burns and his poetry, and it was happily 
 illustrated with pictures of Ayr, Dumfries and the scenes he rendered im- 
 mortal. 
 
 Kings may be blest, but Tarn was glorious, 
 
 O'er a' the ills o' life victorious. 
 
 MRS. WONSER AT NINETY-FOUR. . 
 
 It was the privilege of the writer to spend an hour with the most ven- 
 erable woman in Erie, Mrs. Ruth Wonser. She was born in Oneida county, 
 N. Y., March, 1813, and is therefore in her 95th year. She came to Erie 
 in 1848. Her husband had a store and farm. Mr. Wonser died in 1893. 
 Her maiden name was Churchill. Of ten children, five are living. She 
 makes her home with her single daughter, Ruth, who is devoted in her 
 attendance upon her aged parent. The old lady shows traces of her early 
 refinement in her casual phrases. Alluding to her daughter's care, "She is 
 entitled to the highest seat in the kingdom of heaven," and in allusion to 
 her family, "Most of them are gone over the great divide, and I stay at my 
 advanced age. My eyes are dim, ears dull, but heart as young as ever." 
 
 But for an unfortunate fall 28 years ago, breaking her thigh and ren- 
 dering crutches necessary and an indoor life, Mrs. Wonser would be some- 
 what active. She sits in her chair, and reads coarse print in book or paper. 
 In 1902 she received a large book with blank leaves, in which she began to 
 make entries about the weather and various events, and this is the introduc- 
 tion to 
 
 HER DIARY AT EIGHTY-NINE. 
 
 "This beautiful book, sent by my dear friends and children, I accept 
 and appreciate with heartfelt thankfulness. What a world of memories rise 
 up in mind of friends tried and true, of loving kindness bestowed in hours 
 of severe trial and heart-stricken grief, and of cheerful counsel in. happier 
 days. Long may they live, and may health, peace and plenty be their store I 
 
 "According to the family record, I have been on this earth, and a resi- 
 dent of the United States for 89 years. A long time. Instead of ignorance,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 133 
 
 I should be very learned. Instead of poverty, I should possess a competence. 
 But in all my life. I have tried to use time judiciously. I have tried to 
 do the best I could. What have I accomplished? Is the world better for 
 my having been a resident of it so long? Have I aided anyone to live a 
 better life? Have I wiped away the tear of the mourner? I cannot solve 
 the problem. I am weary, and would gladly go hence." 
 
 This is a wonderful record. The writing is large and legible. Could 
 Wesley at 85 do better? The writer pressed the wrinkled hand with sadness 
 as he felt it would be the last on the shores of time. 
 
 This sketch was written in December, 1907. On March 13, 1908, she 
 celebrated her 95th birthday, and sat down to the dinner table with a few 
 relatives and friends, and seemed to be as bright as usual. But soon after- 
 wards she began to fail, and died early in April. The funeral was held at 
 her home, conducted by Rev. Mr. Edmonson. Mrs. Wonser was a member 
 of the Methodist church. The interment was in the cemetery at Erie. 
 
 Her husband, M. Wonser, died many years ago. Several children are 
 living. C. D. Wonser, the youngest, came from his home at Kansas City, 
 Mo. The other son, M. G. AVonser of Tama, la., was also present. He was 
 here on his mother's last birthday and had returned to his home, but came 
 back before she died. Mrs. Wonser lived with her daughter, Ruth Wonser. 
 
 PORTLAND. 
 
 From yon blue heaven above us bent, 
 The grand old gardener and his wife, 
 Smile at the claims of long descent. Tennyson. 
 
 How did Portland get its name? Not from the precious Portland Vase 
 found in Rome, and now in the British Museum? Perhaps from the Dukes 
 of Portland, eminent English statesmen. Or the cities of Portland in Maine 
 and Oregon. Or Portland Cement, which means everything sound and hard. 
 Or from the Isle of Portland in the English channel, noted for its ca-tle 
 and building stone. Perhaps, after all, a fanciful name. 
 
 Portland is one of our seven townships, Jordan, Genesee, Clyde, Hume, 
 Newton, Montmorency, whose sacred soil has not been invaded by the iron 
 horse. Erie is the nearest point by rail. A mile from Erie is Rock river, 
 and crossing the iron bridge, you are in Portland. There is a bayou, the 
 land is low and swampy, and at an early day in wet times this particular 
 place was impassable. Now, thanks to the labors of the commissioners, travel 
 is a pleasure. The approaches and the high embankment, like a railroad, for 
 rods is macadamized with Joliet stone. It is made to stay. 
 
 Four miles further is Spring Hill. A clean, cheerful-looking hamlet 
 of about one hundred people. Dr. .1. T. Magill, who, after a residence of 
 fourteen years, knows the families, gave the writer the census on his fingers. 
 He is a graduate of Bennett Medical college, eclectic in practice, and in his 
 leisure cultivates a fruit farm, shipping what he is unable to use. On a sign 
 is "Village Hotel," recalling Miss Mitford, a store kept by Mr. Perkins, a
 
 134 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 separator which sends the cream to Erie, a school in charge of Miss Erma 
 Mason, with 34 pupils enrolled, and a blacksmith shop. 
 
 But this is none of your common shops where horses are shod and 
 shovels are mended. George Rollo, who has had the business for sixteen 
 years, is from Aberdeen, Scotland, is a master of the trade, an artist in iron. 
 The shop is supplied with machines for doing every kind of work, power 
 drills, ripping saws, emery wheels, disc sharpener, plow repairing, trip ham- 
 mer, everything necessary, all run by a six-hoiv-e gas engine. Farmers come 
 many miles to have their plows sharpened and put in order. Two men are 
 generally employed. 
 
 Spring Hill was started in 1853, and Levi and Horace Fuller opened 
 a store and did an extensive business until 1872. In 1869 a steam saw and 
 grist mill was erected, but continued only a few years. A mail route was 
 established from Princeton to Rock Island in 1852, and the postoffice in 
 1853, Levi Fuller, postmaster. The village is situated on a ridge, seen in 
 every direction for miles, and is surrounded by a good country and productive 
 farms. Much stock is raised. At a late sale by C. C. Fuller, a mile west of 
 Spring Hill, among the animals offered at auction, were nearly a hundred 
 yearlings and cows. 
 
 The tornado of June 5, 1844, was remarkable in that it was exclusive, 
 its ravages confined to the township. The storm came from the west, cross- 
 ing Rock river at Crandall's Ferry. Houses, barns and cattle were destroyed, 
 trees leveled and many persons injured. Two sons of J. Smith Rowe were 
 killed, and a daughter permanently crippled. Some marvelous escapes. 
 Horace Burke's barn and house ruined, but of twelve persons none were 
 seriously hourt. Wagons and household utensils were carried for miles. 
 Three of A. T. Bracken's horses driven through a sod fence and not badly 
 damaged. This is said to be the first tornado in the county. 
 
 SHAROX CHURCH. 
 
 I love thy kingdom, Lord, 
 
 The house of thine abode. Dr. Duight. 
 
 This stands on the site of the first church in the county. Although the 
 Congregational society was formed in Lyndon in 1836, no church was erected, 
 the meetings being held in dwellings or schoolhouses. The Presbyterians 
 organized a society here in 1839, with Deacon and Mrs. Kemmis, the mother, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Getty, Reuben and Horace Hurd, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, 
 Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Durfee. Christmas, 1841, the new church was dedi- 
 cated. It was an oblong edifice, one main door in front, and three windows 
 on each side. It cost about $800. Mr. Norton gave ten acres of land, and 
 assisted in erecting a parsonage at a cost of $400. This was afterwards 
 burned, but another was soon in its place. Rev. Daniel Rockwell was the 
 first settled pastor, followed by a succession of faithful ministers, Bliss, a 
 returned missionary, Martin, Baldwin, Kenricks, Chambers, Corbett. As 
 the Presbyterians grew less numerous, and other denominations increased, 
 the old building became known as the People's Church, on account of its
 
 .HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 135 
 
 various membership and liberal services. As the early structure had become 
 too small for the increasing attendance, it was decided to erect a new build- 
 ing, which was dedicated with fitting and solemn ceremonies, Sunday, July 
 7, 1907. Rev. Mr. Smith, the present pastor, was in charge of the day's 
 exercises. 
 
 The edifice was packed at an early hour, and hundreds gathered out- 
 side and were enabled to enjoy the exercises through the open doors and 
 windows. At the close of the introductory hymns and prayers, Rev. A. M. 
 AVhite, D. D., formerly pastor at Morrison and ex-chaplain at Joliet, delivered 
 the dedication sermon. It was a noble and impressive discourse. As he 
 spoke of the friends of other days who had worshiped on this spot, eyes 
 grew dim and strong men were stirred with emotion. Only three were pres- 
 ent who had witnessed the opening of Sharon church in 1841: Henry 
 Kempster, J. P. Fuller, Richard Thompson. 
 
 The handsome new church which is modern throughout, was erected 
 under the supervison of John C. Meyer & Sons of Spring Hill. The main 
 auditorium is 48x30 and twenty feet to the eaves, height of ceiling center, 
 forty feet. There is also an annex 18x30 which will be used as a Sunday 
 school room and league room. This annex can be made all into one room, 
 as there are sliding doors. The cathedral windows of chipped glass give the 
 building a soft light. The hard pine ceiling is set in panels, the floors and 
 woodwork also are of hard pine. The white walls are hard finish. The 10x16 
 rostrum for the minister and choir is in the south and opposite to the front 
 entrance. The seats are the patent folding opera chairs, mahogany finish. 
 The hardware and gas fixtures are copper finished. At night two gas lights 
 will illuminate the annex and four the main auditorium. The basement, 
 with cement floor, is divided into two rooms, one for the furnace, the other 
 for the kitchen, conveniently fitted with culinary supplies. The entrance, 
 8x8, leads into either the audience room or annex through double doors. 
 The solid foundation is made of concrete. The arrangement is very neat, 
 the whole edifice well planned and finished. 
 
 There was a debt of $900, but before the exercises were concluded, sub- 
 scriptions canceled every obligation. 
 
 A cement walk has been laid in front of the church and extended in 
 front of the cemetery. The handsome iron fence completes the surround- 
 ings of one of the prettiest country cemeteries and church in this part of 
 the state. 
 
 The board of trustees consists of E. H. Kempster, president, Daniel 
 Young, treasurer, Frei Crosier, Dave Urick, Ralph Smedley, Clark Fuller. 
 The new church is a mile and a half west of Spring Hill. 
 
 EARLY SETTLERS. 
 
 From 1834 to 1841, over one hundred pioneers made their home in 
 the township. Some grew old and died on the land they had tilled, others 
 for various reasons, moved to other counties or other states. Singular to say, 
 about one-half came from New York, others were divided among Vermont, 
 Connecticut, Massachusetts. For instance, from New York emigrated Levi
 
 136 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Fuller in 1834, Simeon Fuller in 1835, Bacchus Besse in 1835, Simeon 
 Chaffee in 1835, John Smith Rowe, in 1835, Robert Getty, in 1835. 
 Alphonso Brooks in 1836, John Smith Logan in 1836, James Rowe, 
 1836, Jesse Slawson, 1836, Amos Young, 1836, Walter Young, 1838, 
 Daniel F. Cole, 1837, Hiram McKenzie, 1837. Several from foreign 
 countries. Christian Benson, born in Gotteriburg, Sweden, after working as 
 a pilot around New York came in 1835, and had a terrible experience of 
 freezing in a November slough. Louis Arnett, Alsace, France, made his 
 claim in 1837. Jacob Arnett, Elstein, France, arrived in 1836, worked 
 as a ditcher, went to California, and returned with wallets of gold. James 
 Graham from Ireland, settled in 1837. John Kempster, Berkshire, Eng- 
 land, came in 1837, and died in 1869. Martin Reis, Ahrang, Prussia, and 
 Philip Rapp from France. Another Graham, William, from Ireland. Rob- 
 ert Thompson, Ireland, carpenter, 1837, introduced blooded stock. 
 
 Massachusetts sent Horace Burke, John Baxter, Guy Ray, Hiram Har- 
 mon, D. Porter Brewer, William Maynard. From Connecticut came Levi 
 Fuller, Alden Tuller, Chauncey Reynolds, Asa Maynard. A good many 
 from Vermont. Daniel Blaisdell, Job Dodge, Smith Hurd, Hiram Under- 
 bill, W. S. Crane, A. T. Wiggins, Benjamin Dow, Arbela Adams. Nathaniel 
 Norton, Maine, came in 1837, and started the first nursery. Two trees from 
 his stock were in good bearing in 1877 on the farm of Frank Gushing in 
 Portland. He aided generously in the building of Sharon church in 1841, 
 and removed to Chicago in 1843. 
 
 THE SEELYS. 
 
 Nearly every spot has its prevailing name. Quincy has the Adamses, 
 Virginia, the Lees, Delaware, the Bayards. So Portland has the Seelys. 
 Blooded stock. John Robert Seeley, Cambridge, England, gave the world 
 "Ecce Homo" in 1869, which roused the theologians. J. H. Seelye was presi- 
 dent of Amherst and member of congress. Difference in spelling, but a rose 
 smells sweet by any name. Jeduthan Seely came to Portland in 1836 with 
 his son Ebnezer, but died of medical bleeding like Washington, the same 
 autumn. Norman B. and Alexander J., his sons, had preceded him in 1834. 
 Norman built the first house in Portland, and walked to Rook Island, forty 
 miles, every Monday morning, to work "on a government job. Alexander was 
 a blacksmith, but killing an Indian in a quarrel, to escape the vengeance 
 of the savages, he fled to Texas, and fought in the war with Mexico. 
 
 Col. Ebenezer Seely, the best known of the family, made his claim in 
 the fall of 1834. He and his wife opened their cabin to every stranger. The 
 latch string was always out. A man of large frame, face with a smile that 
 never came off. At the old settlers' meeting till his death, he was easily the 
 big gun. The writer often saw him in Sterling in later years at the hotel 
 of his son, Sol. Mrs. Seely died in 1874 at 72. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 The first town meeting was held April 6, 1852, and in 1854 it was voted 
 to pay a bounty of one dollar for every wolf killed, increased in 1859 to two.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 137 
 
 The first traveled road was the stage route from Dixon to Rock Island, 
 laid out in 1837. 
 
 The first school was taught in 1836 by Miss Eliza Hall in a log house 
 owned by Nornaan B. Seely. Twelve pupils. The first schoolhouse was of 
 logs, and erected in 1837. 
 
 A mastodon's tusk was found at the village of Portland in 1846 by 
 David B. Seely. It weighed 32 pounds, was found in sand and gravel 27 
 feet below the surface, and sent to Barnum in New York. 
 
 In the cemetery adjoining the sohoolhouse on section fourteen, is a 
 splendid soldiers' monument, erected by the citizens in honor of the fallen 
 heroes of the township. 
 
 At the election in Portland for president in 1836, when Martin Van 
 Buren received 170 electoral votes to Harrison's 73, and Daniel Webster's 
 14, twenty votes were cast, and Sol Seely was put on a pony to bear the re- 
 turns through November blasts over 28 miles of an Indian trail to Dixon. 
 
 Fever and ague was bad in the hot summer of 1839, and Cobb ran a boat 
 on Rock river, furnishing ague medicine and other supplies. 
 
 George Hamilton put up the first frame house in 1837, and it remained 
 for many years. 
 
 A good crop of winter wheat was raised in 1841, and as the price in 
 Chicago was one dollar a bushel, the settlers hauled the grain there, the 
 trip taking eight days with horses, two weeks with oxen. 
 
 An aid society composed of many of the active ladies of the township 
 meets regularly at the homes of the members. 
 
 VOICES FROM THE DEAD OLD NEWSPAPERS. 
 
 Hark from the tombs, a doleful sound! 
 
 Mine ears attend the cry. 
 Ye living men, come view the ground, 
 
 Where ye must shortly lie. Watts. 
 
 Looking over these yellow, faded journals of ye olden time is like walk- 
 ing through a cemetery. The people and events oome before the mind's eye 
 as vividly as though you were gazing at a panorama. 
 
 How life-like thro' the mist of years, 
 Each well-remembered face appears. 
 
 Before us is the 'Sterling Times, Dec. 12, 1854, Charles Boynton, editor. 
 Six narrow columns. R. L. Wilson figures largely, and he was large, as clerk 
 of court, insurance agent, land agent, dealer in real estate. Few advertise- 
 ments. A. S. Hudson was doctor, M. S. Henry, Stillman & Sackett were the 
 lawyers. Mrs. D. R. Beck had a choice selection of millinery, and Hall & 
 Blakesley a large assortment of heating and cooking stoves. But the iron 
 horse was not yet. Sterling was literally stage-struck. In black type we 
 read these head lines: 
 
 Rail Road Open to Dixon! 
 
 On and after Monday, Dec. 4, 1854, trains on the Galena & Chicago Union
 
 138 HISTORY OF AVHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 will run as follows: Passenger train leaves Dixon at six, a. m., and arrive* 
 at Dixon at eight. So Sterling people were obliged to take stage to Dixon foi 
 Chicago, or if the walking was good, go on foot. 
 
 This is the Sterling Republican, Oct. 25, 1858, William Caffrey, editor. 
 A campaign year. For president, John C. Fremont. For vice president, 
 Wm. L. Dayton. For governor, W. H. Bissell. For congress, John F. Farns- 
 worth. For legislature, John V. Eustace. A mass meeting, Oct. 30, and 
 Hon. John P. Hale, senator from New Hampshire, was to be present without 
 fail. He was, for the writer heard him. Also Judge Trumbull, Joe Knox, 
 Sam Galloway, Farnsworth, Bross. 
 
 C. B. Smith and Miss M. E. Gilman will open a school in basement of 
 Presbyterian church. Miss Palmer, pianist, will have charge of musical de- 
 partment. 
 
 Two familiar medical names have cards, Dr. Julius P. Anthony, who is 
 supplied with a full set of amputating instruments, and Dr. M. M. Royer, 
 who speaks the English and German languages. B. G. Wheeler & Co. started 
 a bank, which after a time closed doors. George Hagey had received an ex- 
 cellent assortment of gold and silver watches. James Potts of New York has 
 a rich supply of ready-made clothing. Sawyer & Gilbert had received three 
 cargoes of Saginaw lumber. By 1857, Anthony & Royer had formed a part- 
 nership in the drug business. R. B. Colcord in Genesee was advertising tomb 
 stones. D. McCartney at Fulton would attend to all legal matters entrusted 
 to his care. 
 
 By 1860 the paper had become Republican and Gazette, and the adver- 
 tisements were more numerous : James Gait,, real estate and collector,. Penn- 
 sylvania House, Central House, W. M. Kilgour, Edward N. Kirk, B. C. 
 Coblenz, Henry & Price, lawyers. Gait & Crawford had hardware, Wells and 
 Emmons furniture, W. A. Sanborn coal yard. Among the dry goods mer- 
 chants were, J. L. Crawford & Co., and Patterson & Witmer. J. W. Sheaffer 
 guaranteed good log pumps, M. A. Bunn was ready to extract teeth, A. P. 
 Smith to teach piano, Clark Powell to furnish trees, Hinsdale and Johnson 
 drugs, Dr. J. C. Teats to take your picture, Nelson Maxson had wagons, H. 
 Brink had brick and lime, Terrell & Harper groceries. Only two societies, 
 Masons and Odd Fellows. Hapgood was mayor. The National ticket was 
 Lincoln and Hamlin, and Arnold for Congress. 
 
 To show the ravages of fifty years, it is only necessary to say that of all 
 the persons whose names appear in these wrinkled sheets, only two remain,, 
 so far as known, upon the earth in the spring of 1908. The venerable 
 Thomas A. Gait, at eighty is still looking after numerous business interests^ 
 on both sides of the river. Isaac N. Bressler, who as city sexton, kept on 
 hand, coffins and shrouds, yet wonderful to relate, after starving in three 
 rebel prisons, holds the fort on the identical spot where he did business two- 
 generations ago. If you would see the names of the Sterling men and 
 women of 1860, you must read them on the marble and granite in River- 
 side cemetery.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 139 
 
 USTICK. 
 
 Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, 
 Is the immediate jewel of their souls. Othello. 
 
 The reader has no need to puzzle his brain about the name of this town- 
 ship. It comes honestly from Henry Ustick, who emigrated from Western 
 Pennsylvania in 1845, and lived on his farm till he died in 1855. But he 
 belonged to a later set. Wooster Y. Ives, Connecticut, came in 1837. He was 
 a Nimrod, and as game was abundant, deer and wild fowl, found much pleas- 
 ure in the hunt. He afterwards moved to Fulton. In 1839 William H. 
 Knight, Maine, farmer, hotel-keeper, ferry owner, grocer. Lewis and Allen 
 Graves, Jesse Johnson and Henry Bond in 1838. John Hollinshead, New 
 Jersey, 1840, was buried on his farm. His wife belonged to the Rush family 
 of Pennsylvania, Dr. Benjamin Rush being a signer of the Declaration. From 
 1840 to 1843 we have the Bakers, John McKenzie, William Watt, James Logan, 
 John Maheny from Ireland, Warren Bond, who became one of the prosperous 
 stock raisers of the county. Oliver Baker cultivated his large farm till 1867, 
 when he moved to Morrison to engage in the stock business, leaving two sons 
 to manage operations at the homestead. 
 
 THE OATMAN MASSACRE. 
 
 This is the most dreadful event connected with this quiet settlement. 
 Roys Oatman, who came in 1842, sold his farm in 1849, and started with 
 his wife and seven children in wagon for California, taking the Santa Fe 
 route. All went well until they reached the junction of the Gila and Colo- 
 rado rivers, Arizona, when the party was attacked by the Indians, and Mr. 
 and Mrs. Oatman and four children murdered. Lorenzo was left for dead, but 
 recovered, Olive and Mar.y Ann were taken captives. Ann died two years 
 afterwards, and Olive, after five years of search, was restored to her friends. 
 Mrs. Oatman was a sister of A. M. Abbott, Ustick pioneer, and aunt of the 
 present Hon. A. N. Abbott, of that township. 
 
 THE CREAMERY. 
 
 The main industrial concern of Ustick is the creamery, situated on a hill- 
 side. A peculiar feature is an unfailing spring, over which the building stands. 
 It is four feet deep, and requires a ten-inch tile to carry away the water. In 
 the height of the season, 20,000 pounds of milk and cream are received daily, 
 700 to 800 pounds of butter churned per day, packed in tubs holding 80 
 pounds. The buttermilk is free to farmers, who generally deliver the milk 
 to the factory. Operations go on all the year, no postponement on account 
 of weather. William Kane, manager, has been here nine years. His house 
 adjoins. 
 
 SOME LATER SETTLERS. 
 
 In a drive through the township the writer met several excellent people 
 who belong to recent years. At Ustick Corners was John Hoak, who was 
 entirely blind, and yet was able to serve customers with goods in his little
 
 140 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 grocery. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb from Vermont, who came in 1857. Near their 
 farm is Cobb school. Mr. and Mrs. Bion Bull, both still vigorous after years 
 of struggle in improving their farm, talk of retiring to town. William Aitken, 
 from Aberdeen, Scotland, 1873, cherishes a warm feeling for the land of 
 Burns, was back four years ago, and showed a portfolio of Scottish cities and 
 scenery. 
 
 ABOUT THE CHURCHES. 
 
 The Presbyterian church at Spring Valley was organized in 1860, by 
 Rev. A. H. Lackey, with a membership of 22 persons, comprising the Millers, 
 Ritchies, Watts, McKies and others. The building was completed in 1866 at 
 a cost of $2,200. It stands so high that it is sometimes called the church on 
 the hill. The services have been irregular, as the ancient followers of the 
 Calvinistic faith are few. Jefferson Burch of Fulton is now in charge. Preach- 
 ing every Sunday at ten, and Sunday school afterwards. He is a Methodist, 
 but supplies the pulpit, as no Presbyterian minister is available. 
 
 A Methodist church was started here in 1855, by Rev. Mr. Falkenburgh, 
 pastor at Unionville, and a building was erected in 1869, at a cost of $1,500. It 
 was on the Thomson circuit of the Rock river conference. But its glory is gone, 
 the members departed. The United Evangelical church is now most popular. 
 Rev. R. S. Welsh, pastor, has issued a booklet announcing his appointments 
 at various places, Malvern, Clyde, Greenwood, Fair Haven, Ideal. His portrait 
 is at the head, showing a face of energy and determination. Below, pious 
 sentences for the thoughtful : "Be not afraid to pray ; to pray is right. Pray 
 if thou canst, with hope ; but ever pray." 
 
 AN ORGAN STORY. 
 
 In the cemetery adjoining you may read on the tombs such names as 
 McKee, Peterkin, Melville, McCullagh, Patterson, McFadden, Aitken, Olson, 
 Cassell, Rayner. There seem to be no relatives left to keep the coarse grass 
 from growing over the graves. About twenty or thirty years ago, some good 
 women of the church collected money for an organ and placed in the edifice 
 to be used in the services. But the innovation was displeasing to certain elders 
 who believed no machine music should take the place of psalms and hymns, 
 and one night the unlucky organ disappeared and was found buried in a 
 ravine. In time, however, better counsels prevailed, and the ladies were per- 
 mitted to enjoy the instrument in the regular worship. 
 
 The Mennonites have a brick church. John Nice, bishop, and John 
 McCulloh, minister. Henry Nice assists. Services every Sunday and Sunday 
 school after the sermon. 
 
 In the southern part of the township is Cottonwood church, built by the 
 people of the neighborhood. It is a neat frame edifice, painted white, and 
 was erected in 1871, at a cost of $1,700. It is on the Fulton circuit, and 
 there is preaching every Sunday afternoon to a small membership. Here 
 also is the Cottonwood school. 
 
 In the South Ustick cemetery we noticed the names of Goff, Baker, Cottle, 
 Bull, Daniels, Webb, Lockhart, Stephen Hoxsie, 85, and Elizabeth, his wife,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 141 
 
 84. Samuel C. Dumbauld, 1810-1906. Horace L. Abbott, 1863, Co F, 93rd 
 111. Infantry. H. Thompson, Co. E, 46th 111. Infantry. Many handsome 
 monuments of gray and red granite, and the grounds in fine order. 
 
 TJSTICK SOLDIERS IN THE REBELLION. 
 
 Ah, never shall the land forget 
 
 How gushed the life-blood of the brave, 
 
 Gushed warm with hope and courage yet, 
 Upon the soil they fought to save. Bryant. 
 
 Miss Mary E. Hoak has kindly furnished much valuable information in 
 regard to the boys in blue, of whom one hundred and forty enlisted from the 
 township. The following died during the service: 
 
 John T. Allen, Co. D, 62nd 111. Infantry, 1864. 
 
 Almund Baker, Co. I, 75th 111., 1862, from wounds received at Perryville. 
 
 Philip 0. Bettys, Co. C, 8th 111. Cavalry, killed at Culpepper, Va., 1863. 
 
 Robert Bradley, Co. A, 34th 111., killed at Shiloh, 1862. 
 
 Allen Bond, Co. K, 156th 111., Nashville, 1865. 
 
 Nara S. Baker, Co. B, 127th 111., Chattanooga, 1865. 
 
 George Baxter, Co. B, 34th 111., died of wounds. 
 
 Jay Canfield, Co. C, 8th 111., Cavalry, Alexandria, 1862. 
 
 James Canfield, Co. I, 75th 111., Nashville, 1862. 
 
 James Collins, Co. I, 75th 111., died at home, 1865. 
 
 James Craine, Co. I, 75th 111., died of wounds. 
 
 Samuel E. Crawford, Co. I, 46th 111., Memphis, 1863. 
 
 Charles W. Freeman, Co. I, 75th 111., wounds, 1863. 
 
 John F. Frank, Co. E, 46th 111., Corinth, 1862. 
 
 Jonathan Eads, Co. E, 46th 111., Henderson, 1862. 
 
 Delos Goff, Co. B, 127th 111., Chickasaw, 1863. 
 
 Ezra Gordon, Co. I, 75th 111., Chattanooga, 1863. 
 
 Henry Creighton, Co. E, 46th 111., Corinth, 1862. 
 
 Robert Hall, Capt. Co. I, 75th 111., killed at Cupp's plantation, Ga., 1864. 
 
 Dwight Harlow, Co. F, 15th 111., died at home. 
 
 Oscar Hoxsie, Co. D, 46th 111., Shiloh, 1862. 
 
 William Hampton, Co. I, 75th 111., killed at Lovejoy station, Ga., 1864. 
 
 Robert Imlay, Co. E, 46th 111., killed at Jackson Cross Roads, 1864 . 
 
 James S. Martin, Co. E, 46th 111., Hamburg, 1862. 
 
 Alonzo Johnson, Co. I, 75th 111., Murfreesboro, 1863. 
 
 Austin Martin, Co. C, 8th Cavalry, Frederick, 1862. 
 
 Samuel L. Martindale, Co. I, 75th 111., Nashville, 1863. 
 
 George W. Oliver, Co. H, 75th 111., wounds. 
 
 John Potter, Co. C, 8th Cavalry, Alexandria, 1862. 
 
 Willard Skinner, Co. I, 75th 111., died in prison, Danville, Ga., 1864. 
 
 Peter Savage, Co. G, 13th 111., died in Andersonville, 1864. 
 
 D. B. Ustick, Co. H, 75th 111., Perryville, 1862. 
 
 Irving Williams, Co. I, 75th 111., Perryville,- 1862. 
 
 Ephraim Weldon, Co. E, 46th 111., Kenesaw, 1864.
 
 142 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Freeman Wilber, Co. E, 46th 111., Shiloh, 1862. 
 
 Charlas A. Webb, Co. I, 75th 111., Nashville, 1863. 
 
 James M. Wyeth, Co. I, 75th 111., died, 1863. 
 
 Since the war the following have died : James Collins, John Kier, Edward 
 Lothrop, George B. Martin George McKenzie, Henry Plank, Peter Ready, Wil- 
 liam Taylor, Byron Weldon, William Reed. 
 
 TAXES IN USTICK. 
 
 The tax books for the town of Ustick show a total tax for the year 1907, 
 exclusive of railroads and telegraph lines, of $8,606.49, with a total assessed 
 valuation, as fixed by the state board of equalization, of $252,325. The taxes, 
 as they appear on the collector's books, are divided as follows: 
 
 State tax $1,284.76 
 
 County tax 1,918.32 
 
 Town tax 339.61 
 
 Road and bridge tax 2,557.95 
 
 School tax 2,403.85 
 
 Dog tax 122.00 
 
 Total .- $8,608.49 
 
 As two creeks, Spring and Otter, traverse the township, substantial bridges 
 are necessary. A contract was lately awarded for the construction of a steel 
 bridge over Otter creek, about thirty rods south of the Spring Valley school- 
 house. The bridge will be the first of the kind ever built in that town. It 
 will be a steel span 100 feet long resting on concrete abutments. The drive- 
 way will be sixteen feet wide and will be made of concrete six inches in thick- 
 ness. The supervisors' committee comprised J. C. Snyder of Fulton, Thomas 
 McLaughlin of Fenton and Frank Moulton of Union Grove. The commis- 
 sioners of highways were Nelson Edlund, Grier Miller and John McCulloh. 
 Will J. Kane, town clerk of Ustick, was the secretary of the meeting. The 
 contract price was $3,995. 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 Miss Armenia Ingham, in 1841, taught the first school in Ustick, in 
 Amos Short's cabin. The first schoolhouse, a stone building, was built in 
 1844, on a corner of Jesse Johnson's- farm. There are now eight school dis- 
 tricts: Hollinshead, Cottonwood, Goff, Crouch, Gridley, Robertson, Cobb, 
 Spring Valley, with enrollment of pupils ranging from 16 to 36. There are 
 three Sunday schools held in connection with the churches. The Mennonites 
 built their church in 1871, having previously held meetings in the South 
 Clyde or Aldritt schoolhouse, and later in the West Clyde school building. 
 The Robertson school building and grounds is said to be one of the best in 
 the township. 
 
 A PIONEER FARM. 
 
 In the southern part of Ustick is the residence of Hon. A. N. Abbott, son 
 of A. M. Abbott, who came from Vermont in 1847. A beautiful tract of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 143 
 
 400 acres, the only estate between Morrison and Fulton remaining in the 
 hands of the original owners, tenants cultivating the soil as in many of the 
 townships. Really in possession of the fourth generation, as the grandfather 
 purchased the land at $1.25 per acre. Mr. Abbott still uses the ancestral cot- 
 tage with a few improvements. He is doubtless the only farmer in the county 
 who possesses an agricultural training, having finished his technical course at 
 Champaign in 1885. Mrs. Abbott is an earnest and refined woman who is in 
 sympathy with all the best movements of the times. The state has placed 
 an experimental station on this farm, and in another chapter, Soil Fertility, 
 Mr. Abbott speaks of the operations. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 Of the secret orders, the most active is the Mystic Workers. The lodge 
 has 75 members, and constantly increasing. Like the Round Grove society, 
 the Fair Haven lodge owns its hall. Oyster suppers during the winter. Dr. 
 J. A. Wright is prefect, and Mrs. Lillie Greenawalt secretary. 
 
 In the death of Robert Hunter at Morrison, 1907, Ustick lost an early 
 citizen. He was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, coming to America in 1851, 
 and opening a farm in the township. He was married to Miss Betsey Currie 
 of Clinton, Iowa. The Masons had charge of the funeral, and burial was 
 made at Cottonwood. He was 78 years old. 
 
 There is an N. G. Club, a society of ladies from Ustick and Union Grove, 
 organized for social and intellectual benefits. 
 
 A mournful fact. Miss Hoak adds this item to her soldier article. Of 
 the 140 heroes Ustick sent to the war, 49 were killed in battle, some died of 
 wounds or disease since, and not one remains within her borders except those 
 who are sleeping in the cemeteries. 
 
 Among the later citizens are Ulrich Steiner, the Entwistles, in 1871, 
 and Jonas Edlund, 1870, stone mason, who laid the foundation of the Presby- 
 terian church. 
 
 BOTANY OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 BY. PROF. S. A. MAXWELL. 
 
 A violet by a mossy stone, 
 
 Half hidden from the eye, 
 Fair as a star when only one, 
 
 Is shining in the sky. Wordsworth. 
 
 Several years ago the writer of this chapter conceived the idea of com- 
 piling a flora of Whiteside county. His own list of native and naturalized 
 plants embraced several hundred species, and to these were added many other 
 species determined by Mr. H. F. Baldwin, who for many years was a resident 
 of Prophetstown. The writer is also under obligations to Mr. James B. Gait 
 of Unionville, to Mr. Herman Long, formerly of Rock Falls, and to Miss 
 Myra Jennings of that city. 
 
 The number of species of native plants is diminishing year by year, 
 a fact clue to the effects of pasturage and tillage. In this way it is probable
 
 144 HISTOKY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 that two-thirds of the species that fifty years ago adorned the prairies or 
 nestled in the woodland shades have disappeared. A few of the old time 
 species still linger in rural cemeteries and along the right-of-way of the rail- 
 roads ; but elsewhere are rarely found. Among these the most noticeable are the 
 blue spider-wort, the red-root; or Jersey tea, the purple cone-flower, and the 
 dogsbane. The great blue lobelia and the closed gentian are yet frequently 
 found along the smaller water courses, while the cardinal flower or red lobelia, 
 the lady's-slipper and the fringed gentian are exceedingly rare and possibly ex- 
 tinct. Two other species belonging to the leguminosae, once very common, 
 especially in sandy prairies, were goat's-rue, locally called shoestring, and the 
 lead-plant, often miscalled shoestring by the early settlers. Both of these had 
 very tough roots and where numerous were serious obstacles to the work of 
 breaking the prairie sod. The goat's-rue had a large blossom, just like a 
 sweet pea, the petals being white, rose, and purple. The blossoms of the lead- 
 plant were blue and were arranged in a slender, pointed spike. 
 
 The papaw grows probably in but one place in the county, near the foot 
 of the bluff about one-half mile north of the Fulton cemetery. The delicate 
 harebell is also found growing close by among the rock ledges. In the Cat- 
 tail slough in Fulton, is also found another rare plant, the large water-lily, 
 sometimes called the water chinquapin. 
 
 Perhaps the most extraordinary plant of the county is the Indian pipe, 
 a low, parasitic herb destitute of green tissue, the stem and scale-like bracts 
 which it has in place of leaves being white. It is now quite rare, but was 
 formerly common, especially in the woods in the towns of Garden Plain and 
 Newton. 
 
 Wild vines are not very numerous. The most common are two species 
 of wild grape, the Virginia creeper, the bittersweet, the wild cucumber, matri- 
 mony vine, hop vine and the wild morning glory. 
 
 Among poisonous plants the most frequently seen are the three-leafed 
 ivy, nightshade, water hemlock, water parsnip, nettle, wild parsnip, and the 
 jimpson or Jamestown weed. 
 
 Of plants wholly edible are water-cress and pepper-grass, found in a few 
 places, and purslane and tongue-grass, all too common. 
 
 There are more than one hundred species of native and naturalized 
 plants in the county that have a recognized medicinal value, some of the more 
 common being the following: May-apple, blood-root, nightshade, boneset, dan- 
 delion, lobelia, stramonium, yellow-dock, and pennyroyal. Less common 
 species are hepatica, two kinds of snake-root, wild saraaparilla, ginseng, gen- 
 tian, horehound, peppermint, veronica, and sweet-flag. 
 
 Of trees, the largest types are the sycamore, the white elm and the cotton- 
 wood. More useful varieties are the burr oak, white oak. red oak, red elm, 
 hickory, black walnut, hard maple, and the different varieties of a.sh. 
 
 The hackberry, once perhaps the commonest of trees of the "Big Woods" 
 of Rock river, 'is now quite scarce. It did not grow in the groves of the 
 north part of the county. The berries of this tree, like those of the juniper, 
 dry upon the twigs and furnish an abundance of food for many species of 
 birds that are winter residents here. The red cedar, a species of juniper, is the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 145 
 
 only evergreen found native in the county and is scarcely to be met with out- 
 side of the towns of Ustick and Garden Plain. 
 
 FENTON. 
 
 This modest stone, what few vain marbles can, 
 
 May truly say, Here lies an honest man. 
 
 Calmly he looked on either life, and here 
 
 Saw nothing to regret, or there to fear. Alexander Pope. 
 
 The poet wrote this of his esteemed friend, Elijah Fenton, who assisted 
 in the translation of the Odyssey, and died in 1730, but he could with perfect 
 truth have applied it to Joseph Fenton, after whom the township is named. 
 Mr. Fenton came with his wife and four children from Burlington county, 
 New Jersey, in October, 1835. He first lived in a cabin, before erecting a 
 log house. Fish were plenty, and deer were constantly seen dashing over 
 the prairie. The Winnebago Indians were there, and continued to haunt the 
 land for years. Although harmless, they were not agreeable callers to the 
 women. Alfred, their son, was the first white child born in the township, 
 May 13, 1837. Except wild game, substantial food was scarce in the way of 
 potatoes, corn meal, flour, all of which had to be obtained from Rock Island 
 or Henderson Grove. In time, of course, they raised their own vegetables. 
 Mr. Fenton's wife was Elizabeth Durrell, of Burlington. They had nine 
 children. He was a domestic man and a kind neighbor. He died in 1874 at 
 eighty. His son, John D., 74, is living at Erie. 
 
 FENTON CENTER. 
 
 This is the metropolis of the township. Not very ancient, as it was plat- 
 ted in 1872 by James Usom, who owned the land, when the Mendota branch 
 of the Burlington railroad came through. He deeded ten acres for depot, 
 tracks and water tank to the company. The highest situation in the whole 
 country about. It is like Mount Zion. A battery here could command the 
 township with its guns. A little singular, too, as the land below is so level. 
 As you approach the place from Denrock on the road, which runs parallel 
 with Rock creek and the ditch, there are deep chasms into which a vicious 
 horse might easily plunge a carriage. 
 
 A lively village with three general stores, Wright, Forth and Likes, a 
 town hall, school taught by Miss Mamie McLaughlin, her third year, thirty 
 pupils. The creamery is operated by J. Wright and son. The cream is 
 brought in ten gallon cans, and the average is thirty cans a week. Butter 
 is made in the summer. The cream is shipped to Clinton and Chicago. They 
 have been in the business twenty years. Mr. Wright came here 32 years ago 
 from Vermont, and is a typical New Englander, pi lin, frank, shrewd, in- 
 telligent, hospitable. House, store, and small hotel all in the same building. 
 Mrs. Wright and daughter are scientific housekeepers. Travelers are enter- 
 tained' in royal style with a generous table of substantial food and beds that 
 recall the dreams of childhood. 
 
 A U. B. church. Liberal, meet? the religious wants of the citizens. The
 
 146 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 membership is 75, Sunday school of 100 boys and girls, and the various other 
 societies, Y. P. Union, C. Endeavor, Ladies'" Aid, and the prayer meeting. 
 The minister in charge is a lady, Miss Mary Murrel, who twice served as 
 missionary in Africa, and is here for the second time. She has made diligent 
 preparation for her work by studies at colleges in Indiana and Iowa. The 
 church is a neat building. The majority of the people are farmers who are 
 enjoying comfort in their cosy homes after the struggles of other days. 
 Morris Blaisdell came in 1854 from New York, and \V. S. James from Jack- 
 sonville in 1865. 
 
 THREE FENTON VETERANS. 
 
 Hail, Columbia, happy land! 
 
 Hail, ye heroes, heaven-born band! Hopkinson. 
 
 We found Michael N. Crohan, lively as a cricket. He came from Ireland, 
 Connaught, Eoscommon, to this country in 1850 ; and enlisted at Morrison in 
 1861, in the 8th Illinois cavalry. During its service in the east, it was called 
 Abraham Lincoln's regiment, only boys who could handle Mosby. When 
 the reunion was held in Chicago, Mosby used to attend. Although Mr. 
 Crohan is seventy, his eye is bright, manner animated, action vigorous as a 
 fellow of forty. He is ready to shoulder the musket again. 
 
 Another member of the 8th Illinois cavalry is Elwood Elliott, who en- 
 listed at Morrison. He was also in the second N. Y. infantry. His service 
 altogether extended over three years and six months, passing through the 
 Battles of the Wilderness, and other fierce engagements of the Army of the 
 Potomac. Farnsworth was his first colonel, then Gamble. Mr. Elliott belongs 
 to Albany Post. 
 
 Thomas Neary was living in Montmorency when the war began, and en- 
 listed at Sterling. His first service was in the Army of the Potomac, but after- 
 wards transferred to the south. He was mustered out at Houston. 
 
 SOME FENTON PIONEERS. 
 
 One of the most prominent of the early emigrants was James M. Pratt, 
 from Erie county, New York, who reached Lyndon at fifteen in 1837. His 
 father, John C., had made his claim in 1835. James moved to his farm in 
 Fenton in 1854. His wife was Miss Lucinda Emery. They had twelve chil- 
 dren. Mr. Pratt was a man of high character and business ability, and was 
 often called to positions of responsibility, as supervisor, highway commis- 
 sioner, president of agricultural society. 
 
 Martin M. Potter was another New Yorker, who came to Whiteside in 
 1837, and settled in Fenton in 1851. An enthusiastic promoter of the old 
 settlers meetings. 
 
 Solon Stevens saw his one hundred dollars of 1851 grow into a fertile 
 farm of 340 acres. Joseph James was born in England, came to America in 
 1830, in 1836 to Whiteside, and helped to put up the first cabin in Erie town- 
 ship. There were numerous members of the Thompson family. Reutfen was 
 from Vermont, and settled in Whiteside in 1841. married twice, and had a 
 number of children. His son, Reuben M. was born in Ohio, and after pros-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 147 
 
 f 
 
 pecting, finally fixed his abode in Fenton in 1841. He became the largest 
 landholder in the county, owning 1,863 acres of land, and engaged extensively 
 in the raising of stook. 
 
 From Virginia, the mother of presidents, came Edward J. Ewers in 1843, 
 who did so much for the school interests of the township. 
 
 West of Fenton Center is a small cemetery. On the tombs are such 
 names as Sprinkle, Montague, Shepherd, Baker, Burns, Ewers, Likes, Miller, 
 Crocker. The graves of some soldiers. Jacob P. Miller 1840-1905. No 
 regiment given. W. R. Moore, Co. F, 52 Illinois infantry. It is a pity that 
 in some of the cemeteries the graves have only the name of the soldier on 
 the stone, no description. A flag is placed on the mound by friends on 
 Memorial Day, but when friends disappear, there will be no record to tell 
 of the forgotten patriot who sleeps below. 
 
 CEMETERY IN THE FIELDS. 
 
 Further west on the borders of Fenton and Garden Plain is another 
 graveyard about which it is hard to gather definite information. It reminds 
 one of a famous church in London where Charles Second's favorite, Nell 
 Gwynn, is buried, called St. Martin's in the Fields. This cemetery lies north 
 of the road leading west from Fenton, and can be reached only by passing 
 through a neighboring barnyard. The writer was told that a man in Erie 
 was able to give particulars, and on addressing him received the following 
 reply : 
 
 Erie, Jan. 29, 1908. 
 
 In answer to the letter, I hardly know what to tell. If you were here, 
 1 could speak better than write. That graveyard has always gone by the 
 name of Orien Root graveyard, and as the land changed hands, it went by the 
 name of the people who owned the land. It is located in the center of my 
 farm. The part that is not sold off in lots belong? to me. Where the dead 
 are buried, each person has a deed of the lot. JAMES SMACK. 
 
 My previous informant said it was known as the Jim Smack cemetery, 
 confirming the allusion in Mr. Smack's letter. The old enclosure is in good 
 order, trim and clean and several soldiers are lying on their "night encamp- 
 ment -on the hill." 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 Much of the low, swampy ground originally has been so much improved 
 by careful ditching that the land is now well drained and productive. 
 
 The Dixon and Rock Island road, through the southern part of the 
 township, was the main route of travel for years, and the Brink & Walker 
 line of stages was the speediest and most luxurious method of transportation 
 from Chicago to all points west. 
 
 In the fall of 1848 the first school was taught by Miss Arminta Lathe in 
 a log house, owned by James M. Pratt. The first public schoolhouse was 
 built in district number one, in 1857.
 
 148 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 AUTHORS OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 But how the subject theme may gang, 
 
 Let time and chance determine, 
 Perhaps it may turn out a sang, 
 
 Perhaps turn out a sermon. Burns. 
 
 Although our county has had no Bancroft in history, no Longfellow in 
 poetry, no Hawthorne in story, no Gray in science, no Edison in invention, 
 yet several of our citizens, native or resident, have shown literary skill in 
 achievements that will be pleasantly remembered. 
 
 There are few immortals. Only one Dante and Shakespeare. Much 
 literature is local or temporary. N. P. Willis, a household name a generation 
 ago, is rarely mentioned. Of the hundreds of references in Hallam's Middle 
 Ages, nearly all forgotten. Said the Latin poet, "many brave men lived before 
 Agamemnon, but they had no Homer to embalm their deeds." Let us cherish 
 the memory of our own worthies. 
 
 ROBERT L. WILSON. 
 
 He had collected much material for a history of Whiteside, but when 
 Charles Bent issued his prospectus for a similar work, Col. Wilson and Mr. 
 Bent pooled their issues, and the history published at Morrison in 1877 by 
 Charles Bent is generally known as Bent and Wilson's. 
 
 Robert L. Wilson was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1805, and 
 his father removing to Ohio, the boy worked his way through Franklin Col- 
 lege. He taught school in Kentucky, studied law, removed to Illinois in 
 1833, and in 1836 was elected to the legislature from Sangamon, being one 
 of the "Long Nine" who secured the removal of the capital from Vandalia. 
 In 1840 he removed to Sterling, which was his residence for the remainder 
 of his life. He was circuit clerk for twenty years. As he and Lincoln were 
 old friends, the president, on the breaking out of the war, appointed him 
 paymaster. In 1875 he gratified a long cherished desire by a tour of Europe, 
 going as far as Rome. He died in 1880. 
 
 Personally, Col. Wilson was one of the most genial of men. He was 
 never too busy for a chat with friend or stranger. Although most of his 
 life was spent in politics and business, he retained the freshness of youth, 
 and his love for the studies of his earlier years. He once told the writer of 
 working in the garden till ten in the morning, and then taking a bath, and 
 reviewing his Greek testament. Fond of travel, and no American tourist ever 
 traversed the classic cities and scenes of the Old World with a keener apprecia- 
 tion. A noble citizen, whose large nature enjoyed the good, the true, and the 
 beautiful in the world about him. 
 
 CHARLES BENT. 
 
 Pew men at sixty-four have had a more strenuous or varied career. 
 Printer, soldier, journalist, legislator, official, his life exhibits a gratifying 
 record of continual activity. While best known in this county by his asso-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITE8IDE COUNTY 149 
 
 ciation with the Sentinel, whose character and circulation owe so much to 
 his application ; he has held several responsible positions abroad in the state. 
 His History of Whiteside County, published in 1877, will always he the 
 standard for its complete account of the early settlement, as the data were 
 obtained from the lips of the pioneers who soon afterwards passed away. 
 
 REV. MEADE C. WILLIAMS, D. D. 
 
 He succeeded Rev. Ebenezer Erskine in the pastorate of the Sterling Pres- 
 byterian church, 1865, and remained until 1873, when he removed to Prince- 
 ton, then to Toledo, and finally to St. Louis, where he died in 1908. Like 
 the well known Henry Van Dyke of his own church, Dr. Williams found 
 his diversion in literature. Historical research had a special attraction. For 
 many years he had a cottage at Mackinac, where he spent his summers, and 
 his observations in that romantic region resulted in "Early Mackinac," which 
 is an agreeable narrative of the various points of interest to visitors as they 
 wander over the island. 
 
 In a letter received from him in October, 1905, he spoke of reading a pa- 
 per before the Missouri Historical Society on Henry R. Schoolcraft, whose 
 Indian explorations were first undertaken at Mackinac. For years he was in 
 correspondence with the Michigan Pioneer Society, and furnished them an 
 article on "The Early Fur Trade in America." On returning from a trip to 
 Boston, he wrote an account of a visit to the school-house attended by a young 
 girl with whose ways we are all familiar: 
 
 Mary had a little lamb, 
 
 Whose fleece was white as snow, 
 And every place that Mary went, 
 
 The lamb was sure to go. 
 
 This Mary was not a myth, but a genuine maiden, whose performances 
 are well attested. The little poem has been credited to Sarah J. Hale, but 
 Dr. Williams was thoroughly persuaded of its authorship by a student who 
 was a chance visitor at the school. As one proof he adduced the fact that 
 the piece is not given among her published poems. The writer addressed 
 Rev. E. E. Hale on the subject, but he replied that he had no positive knowl- 
 edge that Mrs. Hale was the author. Dr. Williams made two voyages to 
 Europe, and contributed letters to the Herald and Presbyter, Cincinnati, with 
 which he had editorial connection. 
 
 JESSE LYNCH WILLIAMS. 
 
 While in Sterling, Dr. Williams lived on East Third street, in an old 
 brown frame house, now owned by Frank Bowman, esq. Here his son, 
 Jesse Lynch, was born in 1871, and after due. preparation, was graduated at 
 Princeton, and inheriting the tastes of his father, soon took up literature as a 
 profession. His first effort was "Princeton Stories" in 1895, but his first de- 
 cided hit was made with the leading tale in a volume of newspaper yarns, 
 entitled "The Stolen Story." This appeared in 1899, and has been made the 
 basis of a play. The plot he has developed into a novel, The Day Dreamer,
 
 150 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 being the full narrative of the Stolen Story. This was published by Charles 
 Scribner's Sons. Mr. Williams is married, and lives at Princeton, New Jersey. 
 His mother, widow of the doctor, resides at the former home, Delmar avenue, 
 St. Louis. While in Chicago, a few years ago, the writer recalls seeing on the 
 bill boards the flashy pictures illustrating the Stolen Story, which was then 
 having a successful run at one of the theaters. 
 
 MARTHA A. JOHN. 
 
 Her parents were substantial people of Pennsylvania, and belonged to the 
 Society of Quakers or Friends as they are now called. The early home was 
 in Shamokin, Northumberland county. Her father, Elida John, was a sur- 
 veyor, and a prominent man in the community, a strong advocate for temper- 
 ance, and every good cause. Her mother, Sarah H. Hughes, came from 
 Chester county, Pa., her ancestors owning a farm on which Kennett, Bayard 
 Taylor's town, was afterward built. Martha was one of ten children, and 
 came to Whiteside as early as 1856 to take a position as teacher in the family 
 of Joseph Wilson, proprietor of the well known mills. 
 
 An intelligent family, all of the children showing mental power in some 
 form of activity. Martha was meditative, and put the musings of her leisure 
 hours into verse. In 1902 she had a booklet printed entitled "A Souvenir: 
 Incidents, Experiences, and Reflections, by Martha A John." We select a 
 few stanzas to give an idea of the chaste spirit of the collection. The little 
 volume opens with tributes to her father and mother, with their likenesses 
 above. This is one of the stanzas To Mother. 
 
 True and thoughtful friends, the very nearest, 
 
 We cherish tenderly, 
 Yet mother, oh, our mother dearest, 
 
 None can be like thee! 
 
 INVALID LIFE. 
 
 In from the fields and from lowlands fair, 
 In from the fragrance of summery air, 
 We sat one day in a restful chair, 
 By an invalid's side. 
 
 ' A COMET." 
 
 Stay friends ! do not sleep so early 
 
 This calm and starry night 
 Cast aside the spell of slumber, 
 
 And catch a wondrous sight ! 
 There's a stranger in the heavens, 
 
 With his luminous train 
 Following a northward pathway 
 
 Where constellations reign ! 
 
 Martha never married, and resides with her brother, Chalkly, in Jordan.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 151 
 
 ; 
 
 A BIRD IN WINTER. 
 
 'T\vas a jay at noon that caught our view, 
 
 Lazily afloat in air; 
 
 Its life seemed linked with the misty blue; 
 Our interests awoke, afresh, anew, 
 
 As we traced its pathway there. 
 
 MAY. 
 
 Earth's canopy is robed in blue, 
 Celestial grandeur pressing through ! 
 No hint of cloud is on the sky, 
 And only sunlight sparkles by. 
 
 RURAL BLESSINGS. 
 
 Far out in the country, in a quiet dell 
 A family of children were wont to dwell ; 
 They knew most of the birds of ev'ry name, 
 That each new year with the sweet spring-time came. 
 
 In these verses, we are reminded sometimes of Wordsworth, sometimes 
 of Whittier. 
 
 WILLIAM ROSSER COBBE. 
 
 When Chalkly John purchased the Sterling Gazette in 1880, he sum- 
 moned to his aid his nephew to take charge of the editorial department. 
 Cobbe was a stranger in Sterling, but had already resided four years in the 
 county, two as teacher at Jordan Center school, and two as editor of the Fulton 
 Journal. Peculiar in appearance, eccentric in manner. Tall, broad shoul- 
 ders, inclined to stoop, a leisurely gait, sometimes ready to greet, sometimes 
 passing without recognition, much abstracted, wearing a large soft hat often 
 pulled over his eyes. 
 
 Cobbe was a soldier of fortune, a sort of wandering genius who reminds 
 one of Oliver Goldsmith, Coleridge, and that restless class of English authors 
 who lacked steady aim, who seldom had a permanent home, and who drifted 
 on life's tempestuous sea. In his "Doctor Judas" he traces much of his early 
 career. Very precocious in thought. At six he began to inquire about the 
 beginning of God, and at seven, he enjoyed Paradise Lost and Pilgrim's 
 Progress. Overcoming his skepticism at seventeen, he prepared for the min- 
 istry, had a circuit in Virginia, but resigned to accept a chaplaincy in the 
 navy, from which he retired for service in the internal revenue department. 
 
 Inheriting a sensitive temperament, and engaging in continued mental 
 activity, Cobbe's nervous system gradually gave way, and to secure relief, he 
 contracted the opium habit, which he overcame only after a terrific struggle. 
 His long bondage to the fiend that enslaved him, and his final triumph, he 
 describes with a graphic pen in Doctor Judas, a book of 320 pages, published 
 by S. C. Griggs and Company, Chicago, 1895. 
 
 Break the vile bondage ; cry 
 I'm free, I'm free. Alas, you cannot.
 
 152 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 There are twenty-five chapters, each devoted to a separate phase of the 
 dreadful disease, loss of memory, disorders of the body, sleeplessness, fearful 
 imaginings, general irresponsibility. 
 
 Doubtless the reader has already been reminded of a famous book on this 
 subject, "Confessions of an English Opium Eater," by Thomas De Quincey. 
 They appeared as separate articles in the London Magazine, 1821, and at 
 once aroused intense interest by their morbid revelations and brilliant style. 
 Cobbe devotes a chapter in Doctor Judas to a review of the Confessions, and 
 while admitting the elegance of the narrative, believes that De Quincey's con- 
 clusions are erroneous, when he asserts there is no desire to increase the quan- 
 tity in using the drug, that hideous dreams are not the necessary effect of 
 opium, and that it really tends to prolong life. 
 
 W. R. Cobbe was a southern man, born in Elizabeth City, North Caro- 
 lina, 1846. His father was a slave holder, but loyal to the Union, during the 
 war, as were all of the family. In 1869 at Elizabeth, he married Laura E. 
 John, daughter of Palemon John, Republican editor and politician. She is 
 a niece of Chalkly, Hugh L. and George D. John, of this city. In the fall 
 of 1888, Cobbe left Sterling and went to Chicago, where he engaged in news- 
 paper and literary work for several years. Finally he found his way to New 
 York, leading a sort of Bohemian career, until his sudden death in a hallway 
 in Park Row on the morning of January first, 1907. 
 
 After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well. 
 Mrs. Cobbe continues to reside in Chicago. 
 
 MIRA COBBE. 
 
 She is one of two surviving daughters, and grew up in Sterling. The 
 famliy attended Grace Episcopal church. Every summer a picnic was given 
 the children, and at one of these festivals held on a private lawn, the writer 
 recalls a picture. In the center of an admiring group of girls and boys stood 
 Mira relating some marvelous narrative to which the youngsters were listening 
 with open mouths and ears. She was then in short dresses, but already dis- 
 played the art of an Italian improvisatore. Soon after the removal of the 
 family to Chicago, Mira turned her talent to account, and for a long time has 
 been contributing to various weeklies, articles and stories under the signature 
 of Constance Beatrice Willard. 
 
 L. L. EMMONS. 
 
 In the New Year's Greeting of the Sterling Evening Gazette for 1908, 
 there appeared what is unusual in an issue of this kind, a page of music. It 
 was an original song, words and air by L. L. Emmons, of Rock Falls. He is 
 a native of that place, born in 1853, and has always resided there, except four 
 years in Morrison when publishing the Record. Both Mr. and Mrs. Emmons 
 take a deep interest in intellectual things, are fond of music, and so this har- 
 monious outburst is simply the result of careful and continued culture in 
 the household.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 153 
 
 ROCK RIVER OF GOLD. 
 
 0, beautiful River, Rock River of gold, 
 
 I love your sweet mem'ries, sweet mem'ries of old, 
 
 Your waters I've waded in childish delight, 
 
 I've searched the old bayous for pond lilies white. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Unbidden fancies often go, 
 To the bayous where pond lilies blow. 
 My heart is with thee, oh beautiful Rock, 
 0, glimmering, shimmering Rock ! 
 Oh, beautiful River, Rock River of gold, 
 I love your sweet mem'ries, sweet mem'ries of t)ld. 
 
 My fancies revert to the old swimming hole, 
 To the spots where I sat with my old fishing pole, 
 Yes, those are the times that will never grow old, 
 Those days 'long Rock River, Rock River of gold. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 Oh, happy the hours when I played on your banks, 
 And made your isles echo in light childish pranks. 
 Ah, those are the mem'ries that never grow old, 
 Sweet dreams of Rock River, Rock River of gold. 
 
 Chorus. 
 
 w. w DAVIS. 
 
 While teaching in Dixon in 1864, he prepared the material for a treatise 
 on "Composition Writing," which was published by George Sherwood, Chi- 
 cago. It was a small, unpretending book, bound in cloth, only fifty-two 
 pages. It was not a text-book for pupils, but a guide for teachers in elementary 
 schools that they might excite more interest in the neglected exercise of orig- 
 inal composition. It is now out of print, and never had an extensive sale, 
 or Mr. Davis would today be an operator on Wall street with J. P. Morgan. 
 After graduating at Lancaster, Pa., in 1856, Mr. Davis oame to Sterling, 
 which, except a few years' absence, has been his home ever since. 
 
 True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, 
 As those move easiest who have learned to dance. 
 
 From those educators who believe in this couplet of Pope, the author received 
 many kind words. Dr. Richard Edwards, then in the Normal at Blooming- 
 ton, wrote: "Your plan of making the child's written exercise an expression 
 of his own thought, and not a rehash of stolen platitudes, must commend itself 
 to every philosophical educator." Prof. John S. Hart of the New Jersey 
 Normal at Trenton, said : "For teaching young beginners in common schools 
 the first steps in the art of composition, this book has no superior, if, indeed, 
 it has an equal." Newton Bateman, also, expressed high commendation.
 
 154 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Except <an occasional appearance on the platform with such lectures as 
 "How to Live One Hundred Years," "A Sunday Morning with Spurgeon," 
 Mr. Davis' literary activity has been confined to newspaper work. During a 
 tour abroad he wrote a series of letters to the Sterling Standard, and has fur- 
 nished for a year a weekly sketch to the Gazette of "Men and Women I've 
 Met," reminiscences of a lifetime. He is a regular contributor to the New 
 Era, Lancaster, Pa., and the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia. Many of his 
 articles appear with simply the initials, W. W. D. 
 
 Dickens, Thackeray, Emerson, and others, who are best known in prose, 
 occasionally dropped into poetry, and Mr. Davis in an evil hour was tempted 
 to follow 7 their illustrious example: 
 
 CHINA ASTERS. 
 
 (On seeing a bouquet at church.) 
 
 I often think in early spring, 
 
 When buds put forth apace, 
 That tulips are the sweetest thing, 
 
 Of all the floral race. 
 
 In leafy June when earth is bright, 
 
 With every plant that grows, 
 'Tis then I say w y ith feelings strong, 
 
 There's nothing like the rose. 
 
 And so the lovely tribe bloom on, 
 
 In summer's heat the faster, 
 Until my captive heart exclaims, 
 
 Give me the China aster! 
 
 EVA EMERY DYE. 
 
 Perhaps none of our Whiteside authors have written so much or so suc- 
 cessfully as this gifted woman. She was born at Prophetstown, which was 
 her home until her graduation at Oberlin. Her early contributions to th& 
 local papers gave promise of 1hat native ability which have given her mature 
 works so flattering a reception. As her later years have been spent on the 
 Pacific coast, the stirring episodes in the history of that romantic region nat- 
 urally appealed to her imagination, and in several tales she has so vividly 
 recalled the olden time that the heroes and their adventures live again before 
 us in all their freshness and charm. 
 
 Of one of her first books, McLoughlin and Old Oregon, the New York 
 World said that while the narratives of Bonneville and Irving are classics^ 
 it is only justice to Mrs. Dye to remark that her volume is worthy a place 
 beside her illustrious predecessors. This was in 1901. Then followed The 
 True Story and Clark, 1902. In the Western Series of Readers for schools, 
 published by a San Francisco firm, volume seven is by Mrs. Dye, and is 
 entitled Stories of Oregon. She selects such topics as will be of fascinating; 
 interest to the child, as The Way to India, John Jacob Astor, The Days of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 155 
 
 Gold, Jo Lane and the Indians, Story of the Missionaries, The Coming of the 
 Railroad. 
 
 Her Latest book, published in Chicago, is McDonald of Oregon, a Tale 
 qf Two Shores, gives numerous incidents in the early settlement of Wash- 
 ington and Oregon by the Americans, the decline of the Hudson's Bay com- 
 pany, and the beginning of those frontier points that have since become empo- 
 riums of commerce. While as entertaining as Robinson Crusoe, it is the 
 reliable narrative of an explorer who paved the way for the present prosperity. 
 Prof. Maxwell pronounces this story with its artistic blending of history and 
 romance, Mrs. Dye's greatest literary triumph. 
 
 But that I am forbid 
 
 To tell the secrets of my prison house 
 I could a tale unfold. 
 
 REV. AMOS H. MILLER. 
 
 In 1892 a bulky work was published in Chicago, entitled "Military His- 
 tory and Reminiscenes of the Thirteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infan- 
 try in the Civil War in the United States, 1861-1865." Prepared by a com- 
 mittee of the Regiment, 1891. Publication committee: H. T. Noble, S. C. 
 Plummer, H. D. Dement, C. E. Bolles. Historians: A. B. Munn, A. H. 
 Miller, W. 0. Newton. At the reunion in Dixon, 1889, the plan of the book 
 was approved, and Mr. Miller was asked to write the regimental history, which 
 forms so large a part of the volume of 672 pages. 
 
 Mr. Miller was well qualified for his task as he enlisted in Company B, 
 Sterling, and served four years in the war, winning the highest respect for 
 his character as a soldier and a man. He was born at Strasburg, Pa., 1840, 
 and came to Sterling with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Miller in 1847. 
 He studied at Mt. Morris, Northwestern University at Evanston, and at the 
 Garrett Biblical Institute. He continued in the Methodist ministry to his 
 death a few years ago at Arlington Heights, Chicago. He was twice pastor 
 of the Rock Falls church, and his funeral was held there, the Grand Army 
 having charge, and Rev. W. W. Diehl conducting the services. 
 
 Amos, as he was familiarly called, had a nature like the favorite disciple 
 or the prophet, "a man greatly beloved." 
 
 None knew him but to love him, 
 None named him but to praise. 
 
 A sound preacher, a faithful pastor, a warm friend. We may speak of him 
 as some one said of Dr. James Hamilton of London : "I like him as a 
 preacher, better as a writer, and best of all as a man." He was married in 
 1874 to Miss Margaret Keene, of Mt. Morris, who survives him. His aged 
 mother, nearly ninety, is still living in Sterling. 
 
 Servant of God, well done ! 
 
 Thy glorious warfare's past; 
 The battle's fought, the race is won, 
 
 And thou art crowned at last.
 
 156 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 JAMES D. ANDREWS. 
 
 None of our lawyers has risen so rapidly. His father, Robert C. An- 
 drews, came from Lancaster county, Pa., in 1838. settled on a farm near 
 Sterling, and James, the youngest of seven children, celebrated Washington's 
 birthday by appearing Feb. 22, 1856. After teaching awhile in Montmor- 
 ency, he attended law school in the east, returned to Sterling, and was for 
 a short time in partnership with his brother, the late Frank E. Andrews. 
 Believing New York city would afford a wider field for achievement, he 
 removed to the metropolis, and is now at the head of a special legal enterprise. 
 
 He is president and manager of Codex Publishing Company, organized 
 for publishing law books covering all points of American law. It will be 
 issued in twenty volumes. Various book companies in the United States will 
 assist, and the first edition is to consist of 20,000 copies. It will involve an 
 expenditure of $250,000, the largest amount ever invested in a similar work. 
 He has already issued Andrews' Version of American Law, in four volumes. 
 Mr. Andrews is considered among the best authorities on American law. Only 
 fifty-one, and in his prime. He, doubtless, lives according to Coke: 
 
 Six hours in sleep, in law's grave study, six, 
 Four spend in prayer, the rest on nature fix. 
 
 His mother, Mrs. Andrews, will be gratefully remembered by our older citi- 
 zens for her earnest efforts in sending supplies to the soldiers during the war. 
 
 JEROME H. RAYMOND. 
 
 For several years University Extension lectures were popular in Sterling, 
 and regularly every winter a course of six or twelve lectures were given in 
 one of the churches. The speakers were from the University of Chicago, and 
 among them were Moulton, Judson and Sparks. In 1902 the course was on 
 "European Capitals and their Social Significance," and given by Jerome H. 
 Raymond, Ph. D., associate professor of sociology. They were illustrated by 
 charming stereopticon views of the great cities, and very instructive. As 
 Jerome played in our streets in his childhood, people were naturally glad to 
 greet the traveler on a university rostrum. 
 
 -p 
 
 WALTER STAGER, ESQ. 
 
 In 1878 a bulky pamphlet appeared from the press of Callaghan ancl 
 Company, Chicago, entitled "The Road and Bridge Law of Illinois," by Wal- 
 ter Stager, member of the Sterling bar. It presented in a concise form the 
 various rules and decisions on this subject, scattered through a series of legal 
 reports. From time to time he presents in the local press dissertations on 
 judicial questions not generally understood. His latest effort was a carefully 
 prepared paper before the Searchlight Club on the evening of Jan. 13, 1908, 
 on "Evasion of Assessment of Moneys and Credits other than those of Banks 
 and Bankers the Cause and Remedy." 
 
 Mr. Stager is now one of the veterans of the Whiteside bar, having begun 
 practice forty years ago, when a mere youth. He was born in Pennsylvania,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 157 
 
 emigrating to Illinois in 1855. He is a graduate of the law department of 
 Michigan University, after a four years' course of study at that famous insti- 
 tution. For twenty-four years, 1880 to 1904, he discharged the responsible 
 duties of state's attorney with eminent ability, two of the most exciting trag- 
 edies in the history of the county, the Kauffman murder and the Swartout 
 murder, engaging his skillful prosecution and examination. The firm is now 
 Stager and Stager, his son John being associated in the business of the office. 
 
 REV. MARTIN POST. 
 
 In 1897 appeared "The Riverton Minister," written by Rev. Martin Post, 
 of Atlanta, Georgia. In his preface, the author says, This book contains a 
 narrative drawn from life. Clothed somewhat in the garb of fiction, it is, 
 so far as relates to the character and life work of the Riverton minister, a fact. 
 There are 354 pages, and the sprightly yet earnest narrative presents a picture 
 of a consecrated life among the lowly and suffering. On a memorial window 
 of the church in which he preached is the inscription : 
 
 Rev. John Goldwin, D. D. 
 
 He walked with God, and he was not ; for 
 
 God took him. 
 
 But Mr. Post's active career belongs to Whiteside. He preached in the 
 Congregational church, Sterling, first from 1866 to 1872, then after an 
 absence in California, from 1884 to 1894. He was faithful and devoted in 
 all the requirements of his sacred office, a comforting pastor at the bedside of 
 the sick and suffering, and a thorough student of the Scriptures. His ser- 
 mons were carefully prepared and impressively delivered. Always a hopeful 
 demeanor, although for years oppressed by domestic sorrow. He is now in 
 charge of Joy Prairie Congregational church, west of Jacksonville, Illinois, 
 he and his estimable wife, formerly Miss Carrie Corey, enjoying the regard 
 of a generous people. 
 
 MISS ALICE DINSMOOK. 
 
 A graduate of Vassar, and a teacher for several years in a private academy 
 in Brooklyn, Miss Dinsmoor from a child displayed unusual aptness in 
 thought and composition. Her early essays at the village school in Emerson 
 were far beyond those of the average scholar. Her tastes incline to science 
 and art, and articles on her specialties have appeared in magazines of the 
 best class. She has frequently contributed to the Scientific American, occa- 
 sionally to the Craftsman. Her last sketch, "Where Bulwer spun his Ro- 
 mances," the result of a garden party visit to Knebworth Hall, the historic 
 home of the novelist and dramatist, was an elegantly illustrated feature of 
 November "Town and Country," New York, in 1907. 
 
 Miss Dinsmoor is a daughter of the late James Dinsmoor, esq., of Ster- 
 ling, a pioneer lawyer of Whiteside, and for forty years a member of the 
 Sterling bar. His son, Jarvis, continues the practice of the profession. Both 
 graduates of Dartmouth, the college of Webster and Choate. Miss Dinsmoor, 
 for a congenial change of occupation, has left the professor's chair, and under
 
 158 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the open sky of New Jersey is cultivating the acquaintance of fruits and flow- 
 ers. Perhaps in time the world may be delighted with another "Our Village," 
 after the manner of Miss Mitford, or Charles Dudley Warner's "My Summer 
 in a Garden," or "Ten Acres Enough," which really inspired this horticultural 
 diversion of the young lady. 
 
 REV. W. C. SEIDEL, D. D. 
 
 His father, Gottlieb Seidel, came from Germany, and had a numerous 
 family of sons and daughters. All grew up to positions of usefulness. Wil- 
 liam was one of the older children, and deciding to secure an education for 
 the ministry, he worked his way through academy, college and seminary, 
 graduating at Gettysburg, Pa. He has served the General Synod of the 
 Evangelical Lutheran church in various missions and regular organizations 
 in Kansas, Illinois, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The church and edifice at 
 Minneapolis, Kansas, is a monument of his perseverance. He preached at 
 Carlisle, Pa. He is now in Nashville, Tennessee, devoting his energies to 
 the establishment of the infant St. Paul's. 
 
 Dr. Seidel is fond of research, and an earnest student of the doctrines 
 and cardinal principles of his denomination. His sermons display deep 
 thought and earnest preparation. Many years ago he conceived the idea of 
 extending his ministry by the circulation of tracts, either by letter or personal 
 distribution. To express his views on certain topics and texts, he has written 
 various tracts on his favorite themes of Christian practice. The following 
 is a partial list: "The Blessed Hope;" "Christ, the Bread of Life;" "The 
 Hidden Life of the Believer;" "The Divinity of Christ;" "Christ, the Refuge 
 of Burdened Souls;" "Christ, our Passover;" "God's Remedy for Sin;" "The 
 Believer's Separation unto God." Dr. Seidel has also written numerous arti- 
 cles for the journals of his denomination, and has several lectures on Scriptural 
 and other subjects, which he has delivered on various occasions. 
 
 ALFRED BAYLISS. 
 
 For twenty years, 1874 to 1894. he was a resident of Sterling. For two 
 years, editor of the Sterling Standard, the rest of the time principal of the 
 Second Ward School. He was corporal in the Eleventh Michigan Cavalry 
 from 1883 to 1865, a graduate of Hillsdale College, Michigan, in 1870, and 
 in 1898 elected superintendent of public instruction in Illinois, a position 
 he held for two terms, or eight years. Mr. Bayliss was untiring in the dis- 
 charge of the responsible duties of his office. The consolidation of country 
 schools was a favorite scheme he agitated from the start, and which he urged 
 with all his influence. A prominent educator said : "Bayliss is the first since 
 Bateman who had a policy, and knew what he was trying to do." 
 
 Besides the regular official reports of his position, Mr. Bayliss was prompt 
 to issue carefully prepared circulars on Arbor Day and Memorial Day, with 
 programs and literary selections for the proper observance of these anniver- 
 saries, and the education of the children in all the duties of good citizenship. 
 He never failed to respond to calls for lectures in connection with hi.s work, 
 and was in frequent attendance upon institutes in various parts of the state.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 159 
 
 Before us now is a pamphlet of 35 pages, "The Library in Relation to the 
 School," an address delivered at the Northern Illinois Teachers' Association, 
 Dixon, April 28, 1899,' by Alfred Bayliss. 
 
 CLARA KEEN BAYLISS. 
 
 Mrs. Bayliss has always been a student. Graduating at Hillsdale in 1871, 
 and afterwards taking a correspondence course at the University of Chicago. 
 She has constantly aimed by travel and application to keep her mind fresh 
 and scholarly. An industrious author. Her first science book, "Brook and 
 Bayou," has been followed by two on the romantic people in the southwest, 
 "Lolami, the Little Cliff Dweller" and "Lolami in Tusayan." Articles from 
 her pen have appeared in the Chicago, New York and Los Angeles papers, 
 in various magazines, and in school journals. She makes occasional addresses, 
 and in the winter of 1907 appeared before the Woman's Club of Sterling. 
 
 Mrs. Bayliss takes a hearty interest in all movements of public importance. 
 She is a member of the National Folk Lore Society, of the Committee of 
 One Hundred on National Health, Daughters of American Revolution, Illi- 
 nois Mothers' Congress, and other educational associations. She has improved 
 every opportunity of travel, visiting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, exploring 
 the seat of the cliff dwellers in New Mexico, attended the dedication of the 
 Illinois monument at Vicksburg, and was one of the only two ladies present 
 when Lincoln's casket was finally transferred to its cement bed in Ihe monu- 
 ment. Mrs. Bayliss is still busily engaged in literary and scientific research. 
 Her latest book, "Two Little Algonkin Lads," is a fascinating story of prim- 
 itive Indian life. 
 
 MRS. EMILY J. C. HENRY. 
 
 Although residing latterly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the years of her 
 active womanhood were passed in Sterling, her home most of her life. She 
 is not a professional poet. It is only when inspired by some grand occasion 
 or moved by some powerful emotion, that Mrs. Henry bursts into song. A 
 year after the death of her husband, Major Bushnell, in battle, 1863, a touch- 
 ing anniversary poem, a simple In Memoriam, appeared in the Chicago Trib- 
 une. We extract some stanzas from seven in the entire piece : 
 
 Oh, pale white flowers, one year ago today 
 Upon a coffined form in fragrant bloom ye lay. 
 I cannot bear the faint perfume ye shed, 
 Since soft it floated o'er my precious dead. 
 
 Oh, manly form that bore an angel's grace, 
 And crowned its glory with an angel's face, 
 I see thee lying there with bated breath, 
 
 Thy grand life yielded to the conqueror, Death ! 
 
 ******* 
 
 Peace, murmuring heart, thy Father knoweth best! 
 His hand alone can lead to perfect rest. 
 Beyond the valley dark and shadow deep, 
 He giveth my beloved, peaceful sleep.
 
 160 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 In 1903 a granite boulder was dedicated in Sterling on the spot where 
 Lincoln spoke in the summer of 1856. Hitt delivered the address, and by 
 request, Mrs. Henry wrote a spirited poem of which we present some stanzas : 
 
 Once again our feet are standing 
 
 On the spot where Lincoln trod; 
 Hallowed is the ground beneath us, 
 
 Sanctified, this sacred sod. 
 
 On this spot, we saw him, heard him, 
 
 Saw his strong, pathetic face; 
 Watched his tall, gaunt figure swaying, 
 
 Without symmetry or grace. 
 
 Listened to his noble utterance; 
 
 - And our hearts were strangely stirred 
 
 As he seemed to grow transfigured 
 
 With each lofty thought or word. 
 ******* 
 
 Where he stood, we place this boulder; 
 
 Steadfast, rugged such was he; 
 Carve these names in type immortal 
 
 Lincoln, Union, Liberty! 
 
 Mrs. Emily J. C. Henry was born in Randolph, Vermont. Her father 
 was Capt. John Edson, an officer in the War of 1812. Her mother, Emily 
 Clement, was born in Norwich, Conn. Mrs. Edson's father was for many 
 years a professor of Yale College, and a close friend of President Dwight, 
 for whom he named his eldest son. While a child the subject of this sketch, 
 with the parents, removed to Andover, New Hampshire, where, under the 
 shadow of Kearsarge mountains, she was reared. 
 
 She attended school at Randolph (Vt.) Academy, and also at Concord, 
 N. H., where she finished her education. Later, she, with the family moved 
 to Burlington, Vt. Emily Edson was married in 1849 to Douglas R. Bush- 
 nell and came to Sterling, 111., in 1854. Mr. Bushnell was by profession a 
 civil engineer. He surveyed the route now called the Northwestern R. R. 
 from Chicago to Clinton, Iowa, and was prominently connected with the 
 construction of other roads in Illinois and Iowa. He enlisted in the army in 
 1861 and was at once elected Captain of Co. B, 13th 111. Infantry. Among 
 Capt. Bushnell's first duties in the army was the construction of a fort at Rolla, 
 Mo., and during the while time of his service his engineering abilities were 
 required. After participating in many hard fought battles and enduring the 
 siege of Vicksburg (where he was promoted to the rank of Major) and passed 
 through the fierce contests of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, on 
 the day following, which (Nov. 27, 1863) while in pursuit of the enemy at 
 Ringgold, Ga., he was shot through the temple and killed instantly. Mrs. 
 Bushnell was appointed postmistress of Sterling in 1885 by President Lincoln,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 161 
 
 and at the end of her first term was reappointed by President Grant. She 
 claims the distinction of being the first woman made P. M. by presidential 
 appointment, in the United States. Near the close of Mrs. BushnelPs second 
 term, she resigned her office to become the wife of Major Miles S. Henry, a 
 leading lawyer of Sterling. Mrs. Henry is now a resident of Minneapolis, 
 Minn. 
 
 CHARLES FARWELL EDSON. 
 
 Over thirty years ago a lively lad played on the streets of Sterling, who 
 was a general favorite on account of his bright face and sunny disposition. 
 His father, E. W. Edson, was a merchant, his mother, a sister of John V. 
 Farwell, of Chicago. They moved to California, where Mr. Edson died, 
 and the movements of the family since were known only to the relatives. 
 Meantime Charlie grew up, cultivated his native gifts, and is now a promi- 
 nent factor in the musical and artistic circles of the Pacific coast. He has 
 reduced the study of music to a rational basis, believing that to sing well 
 one must have health, and just as a healthy mind depends on a healthy 
 body, so a first-rate voice must have a right physical foundation. He has 
 made a specialty of refined entertainment, and so versatile that every taste 
 and every audience can be gratified. If desired, he presents an evening pro- 
 gram of Shakespearean songs, or one of American songs, or ballads, German 
 Lieder, operatic numbers, interspersing all with so much witty interpretation 
 that it becomes an occasion of inspiring recreation. He has in addition a 
 fine stage presence, poetic feeling, and dramatic power. The press wherever 
 he has appeared unite in praise of the high character of his entertainments. 
 
 His home is in Los Angeles. The Graphic of that city speaks of his 
 studio on Twentieth street as rich in attractive souvenirs of the chase, of 
 things and people musical, and also as a voice work-shop. It is a delightful 
 rendezvous for lovers of the artistic. There is a well stookad musical library, 
 a few hundred of the best books, a piano, and every evidence of the genial 
 lover of harmony. Mr. Edson received his preliminary education at Lake 
 Forest academy, where he was leader of the college glee club. Later he 
 studied singing at the Chicago Musical college, under eminent teachers, and 
 piano under Seeboeck. 
 
 WILL H. PAYNE. 
 
 One of the most deserving of our Whiteside authors. Born in Newton 
 township, 1865, with only a common school education, he has managed to 
 attain by his own determination, a very creditable position in the world of 
 letters. Besides much miscellaneous writing for dailies and weeklies, he has 
 issued several stories, which have given him more than a local reputation. 
 They form quite a list: Jerry, the Dreamer; Money Captain; Story of Eva; 
 When Love Speaks; On Fortune's Road. A while in Chicago, now in Michi- 
 gan. Mr. Payne is a sort of Bohemian, pursuing no settled course of literary 
 endeavor, but engaging in whatever appeals most directly at the time. Since 
 1897, financial editor of the Economist. 
 
 E. w. PAYNE. 
 As county clerk, his term expiring in 1894, Mr. Payne's face was famil-
 
 162 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 iar to many of those who had business in Morrison, or who met him in his 
 trips to the townships. He emigrated at an early age from New Hampshire 
 to Illinois, enlisted in the 34th Illinois regiment, and at Goldsboro, N. C., 
 had the misfortune to lose an arm. In 1902, with the assistance of some of 
 his brother soldiers, Sergeant Enderton, Col. Peter Ege, and others, he issued 
 Ms "History of the Thirty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 
 Sept. 7, 1861-July 12, 1865, by Edwin W. Payne, Sergeant Company A." 
 Its various sketches, letters, and tables, make the book an invaluable record of 
 four years of gallant service. 
 
 MRS. FANNIE MACARTNEY WORTHINGTOX. 
 
 Few of our literary people have the double accomplishment of writing 
 and speaking. Addison, Irving, Hawthorne, were at home with the pen, 
 but never attempted the platform. Sheridan, Burke, Alex. Hamilton, Wen- 
 dell Phillips, were ready to write an essay or 'deliver an address. There are 
 plenty of writers in America, and plenty of speakers, especially in politics, 
 but few who have both qualifications. Mrs. Worthington belongs to the elect. 
 Her mind moved rapidly, spontaneously, and pen and voice seem equally at 
 her control. 
 
 Mrs. Worthington is the daughter of the late David McCartney, for 
 many years state's attorney of Whiteside county. Her mother was Elizabeth 
 Agge, born in Salem, Mass. Fannie inherited from her father much of that 
 originality of thought and aptness of illustration which appear in her public 
 speech. In her girlhood she became a student with her father of law and 
 politics, and made so good use of her opportunities that in 1888 she was 
 invited by the State Central Republican committee to enter the campaign as a 
 r.egular speaker. Ever since she has been conspicuous on the platform of the 
 party in the various campaigns. She has had the confidence and counsel of such 
 leaders as Govs. Fifer and Tanner, Senators Cullom, Farwell, and Hop- 
 kins. She has enjoyed the regard of statesmen of other states. Mark Hanna, 
 in the exciting money campaign of 1900, pronounced her one of the best in- 
 formed persons he knew on the tariff, and especially on finance. In that 
 struggle, she made 40 speeches in 60 days, often outdoors. 
 
 In another sphere, Mrs. Worthington has been postmaster of the Illinois 
 Senate, bill clerk and librarian of the same, as well as serving as private 
 secretary to state and U. S. senators. She was the only woman ever a member 
 of a State Republican convention" in Illinois, holding that position from 
 Whiteside in 1898. 
 
 Her platform addresses are not confined to politics, but, on all moral 
 and social questions, temperance, woman's aims, municipal purity, she speaks 
 with a vigor and eloquence that always arouse the enthusiasm of her audi- 
 ence. Occasionally she occupies the pulpit of the Congregational church, to 
 which she belongs. 
 
 As is natural, her mind seeks permanent influence in literature. She 
 has written stories, sketches, poems. Her songs and opera librettos and lyrics 
 are popular on the stage. 
 
 Mrs. Fannie is the widow of Charles M. Worthington, pioneer of Ster-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 163 
 
 ling, long editor of the Gazette, the leading paper of the city. She is a 
 bright, attractive woman, of graceful bearing, brilliant conversational powers, 
 winning personality, in the prime of her powers at fifty with a fair prospect 
 of another half century of intellectual activity. 
 
 GROVK WRIGHT. 
 
 Although Mr. Wright never wrote a book or pamphlet, his fugitive contri- 
 butions to magazines and newspapers would fill a volume. He wrote easily, 
 smoothly, and instructively, on a variety of subjects. Electricity was a hobby 
 and he had correspondence with Joseph Henry and Tesla, and on other topics 
 with Charles Downing, C. L. Youmans, and David Starr Jordan. He was a 
 man of wide information, and liked to take his pen and discuss any subject 
 that appealed to his fancy. He had decided views, and was ready to defend 
 them. He died in April, 1908. 
 
 In a letter received from him in 1907, he says: "I suppose you know 
 that some of my poems are to be published in a book called 'Anthology of 
 Illinois Poets.' It has been over three years in preparation, and contains 400 
 poems, with portraits of the authors. The price for the cheap edition is 
 $5, and for the finest, $25." A specimen of Mr. Wright's verse i? found in 
 an account of the picnic at the Brick School. This is the first stanza : 
 
 This is the lot, and this is the spot, 
 
 Assigned to education ; 
 And here was laid without parade, 
 
 The old brick school foundation. 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY. 
 
 BY HON. A. X. ABBOTT, DIRECTOR SOIL INVESTIGATION IN THIRTEENTH CON- 
 GRESSIONAL DISTRICT, AND MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE. 
 
 The most important problem that confronts the nations of the earth is 
 Soil Fertility. Besides this the great social, political, religious, temperance 
 and educational questions stand aside. It makes the difference between the 
 populous plain and the uninhabited desert. The dec'ine of past nations ha^ 
 been identical with the exhaustion of the soil. Westward from India the Star 
 of Empire has taken its way, leaving in its wake an impoverished soil and 
 bankrupt nations. The once fertile and populous valleys and plains of 
 western Asia are now desert wastes. From Palestine along the shores of south- 
 ern Europe to our own New England and southern states the soil robber has 
 plied his reckless trade. Even the rich soils of the Mississippi valley are be- 
 ginning to decline in fertility. History has repeated itself over and over 
 again, and these soils will certainly meet the same fate as tho-e of Europe, 
 unless an improved agricultural system, looking to the maintenance of the 
 soil fertility shall generally be adopted by the tillers of the land. 
 
 It may well be a matter of congratulation to us as citizens of Illi- 
 nois, that this state through its Experiment Station and State Farmers 
 Institute leads all of the re.st of the states of the Union in investigation
 
 164 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and experiment, in an attempt to work out for the first time in history, a sys- 
 tem of profitable agriculture in which the fertility of the soil shall be per- 
 manently maintained. 
 
 In working out this system it is first necessary that there be an accurate 
 soil survey made of the state. This survey is well under way, rather more 
 than one-third of the state has been so surveyed at the present time, and the 
 field work is still going on as rapidly as state funds will permit. This work 
 is carried on by counties. Whiteside county has already been surveyed. In 
 doing this work the surveyors travel on -foot and cover the territory thor- 
 oughly. They carry with them a map of the township in which they are 
 working, ruled off into squares representing 40 acre lots, as they proceed with 
 their work they take frequent borings with an augur. First the character 
 of the surface soil for 7 in. is noted and then the sub soil is examined to the 
 depth of. 40 inches. The variations of soil which they find are represented 
 on their maps by rubbing on different colored pencils, no tract as small as 
 a ten acre piece escapes them, and their maps will show any variations as 
 small as an acre. Thus a sandy knoll or a pond hole will be accurately lo- 
 cated. After a county has been mapped and the various types of soil lo- 
 cated (there were 16 types of soil in this county) several samples of soil are 
 taken from each type, both from the surface and sub soil; these samples are 
 analyzed, chemically, for the purpose of determining the elements of plant 
 food in which they are deficient, and which elements are present in abundant 
 supply. 
 
 It is the intention to have these colored maps with the result of the analy- 
 sis of the various types of soil published, so that the farmer may know just 
 what is necessary for him to increase the productiveness of his fields. As a 
 farther check upon this work there have been established about 25 experimental 
 fields upon the principal types of soil of the state. These fields vary from ten 
 to forty acres in size, and are divided into fifth acre plots generally. These 
 plots receive various chemical treatments to demonstrate what treatment is 
 beneficial as well as to demonstrate what treatment produces no increase in 
 the crop. 
 
 Plant tissue is composed of ten primary elements, all of which are abso- 
 lutely essential to growth. These elements are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, 
 potassium, phosphorous, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and iron. 
 All of these elements must be present, if any one is lacking although the 
 least, the plant will not thrive. 
 
 Hot house experiments in which seed is planted in sand, which has been 
 subjected to great heat and also treated chemically in order to remove every 
 vestige of plant food, show that if any six of these elements are added to a 
 sample of soil which has been so treated, that the plant will not thrive, but if 
 the seventh is added that the plant will proceed to grow in the normal, natural 
 way. 
 
 The four elements, iron, magnesium, calcium and sulphur, while abso- 
 lutely essential to plant life, yet are required in such minute quantities, that 
 practically all soils are inexhaustible as far as these elements are concerned. 
 
 The elements carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are obtained from the air
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 165 
 
 and water, never failing sources of supply so that we may give these elements 
 110 concern. 
 
 This leaves the three elements, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen to 
 be considered, and herein lies the problem of soil fertility. These three sub- 
 stances are required by all growing plants in quite large amounts, and are 
 the three elements which limit crop production, all of the others being present 
 and obtainable from never failing sources. Practically every soil is deficient 
 to some extent in one or more of these three elements. These are called. the 
 big three in soil fertility and limit crop production. Since these three ele- 
 ments are so important we will take them up briefly in detail. 
 
 Potassium is a mineral element which enters quite largely into the straw 
 and stalks of all cultivated crops. The average corn belt soil of Illinois con- 
 tains enough of this element in the first seven inches of the surface soil to 
 produce a one hundred bushel crop of corn annually for centuries. The peaty 
 swamp soil, however, is very deficient in potassium. An application of 200 
 pounds of potassium sulphate on the peaty swamp soil of Kankakee county, 
 produced an increase of 66 bushels of corn per acre. Potassium is a mineral 
 imported from Germany, where it exists in inexhaustible supply and costs 
 laid down here, about $45 per tone as K 2 SO*. It is used quite extensively on 
 the peaty swamp soils in the southeastern part of this county. Phosphorus 
 is an element deficient in the most of Illinois soils. In contrast to potassium, 
 phosphorus enters largely into the seed and grain. When the grain is said 
 from the farm the phosphorus content is rapidly reduced. It is also re- 
 moved from the farm in the blood, bones and hair of the animals sold. Every 
 bushel of corn requires about a fourth of a pound of phosphorus, and when 
 removed it can only be restored by a direct application of the element, in 
 the form of bone meal or as rock phosphate. The old theory of maintaining 
 fertility by rotation of crops and raising clover, is exploded. There is no 
 system of crop rotation which will of itself maintain the fertility of the 
 soil. Phosphorus is the limiting element in the most of our soils and so far 
 as known exists in quite limited quantities in natural deposits. If the average 
 Illinois soil becomes barren, it probably will be on account of the exhaustion of 
 the phosphorus in the soil. Unlike potassium, .also, in the average surface 
 soil of the state, there is only enough phosphorus for 70 one hundred bu-hels 
 corn crops. The most of the Whiteside county farm lands are already declin- 
 ing in fertility on account of the lack of this element in available form. 
 Nitrogen is the most abundant element of plant food, yet the hardest to retain 
 in available form, as it is volatile and goes away in the air, and it also leaches 
 away rapidly in the water. Commercial nitrogen in its cheapest form, as 
 dried blood costs 15 cents a pound, yet the pressure of nitrogen in the air is 
 about 12 pounds to the square inch, which at commercial prices would bring 
 $11,000,000 to the acre. 
 
 Unfortunately with one exception the nitrogen of the air is not available 
 for our cultivated crops. Nitrogen everywhere, but not one particle of the 
 atmospheric nitrogen for the corn, the oats and the wheat. To the legumes 
 alone, such as the clover, cow peas, alfalfa and vetch is the atmospheric nitro- 
 gen available. The fairy tale of the leguminous plants with their accompany-
 
 166 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ing bacteria, is more wonderful than the tales of the Arabian Nights. This 
 genii of the soil is more powerful than the genii of the lamp. It builds 
 school houses, churches and cities, constructs and operates railroads, it mar- 
 shalls together more glittering, sparkling gems than the mind of the Arabian 
 genii could comprehend. In a word this wonderful bacteria make the soil 
 productive or barren, according as to whether it is present or absent. 
 
 This bacteria is a microscopic organism, which grows on the roots of 
 clover and allied plants, forming nodules which contain millions of these 
 organisms. These bacteria, have the power to appropriate the nitrogen of 
 the air and secrete it in the soil where it becomes available as plant food 
 for all crops. It is not good economy for the average farmer to buy nitrogen 
 when by practicing a wise system of rotation it will be stored in the soil by 
 the clover crop. 
 
 In southern Illinois clover will not grow successfully and it was only 
 recently that the reason was discovered, as the soil there is acid and the 
 clover bacteria cannot live in acid soil. The application of lime neutralizes 
 this acid condition, permitting the clover bacteria to live and clover then grows 
 luxuriantly, where otherwise it would not thrive at all. 
 
 All soils become acid from long cultivation. From what has preceded, 
 it is apparent that the different soils of the state require different kinds of 
 treatment. In the field work of the Experiment Station some striking results 
 have been obtained, a few of which may prove interesting. 
 
 The Green Valley field in Tazewell county is on sandy soil, and is very 
 deficient in nitrogen ; where potassium was applied the yield of corn was 20 
 bushels per acre. Where phosphorus was applied it was 25 bushels, but 
 where nitrogen was applied by legumes it was increased to 65 bushels per 
 acre. 
 
 On the Bloomington field in McLane county, on the best type of corn 
 soil in the state, where no treatment was given the yield of corn was 60 bush- 
 els per acre. Nitrogen gave a yield of 60 bushels, potassium gave 56, while 
 phosphorous gave a yield of 73 bushels of corn per acre. 
 
 On the Odin wheat field, in Egypt, where the plot had no treatment, it 
 yielded at the rate of 7 bushels of wheat per acre, where nitrogen was ap- 
 plied the yield was 9 bushels, but where phosphorus and nitrogen was applied 
 the yield was 23 bushels. 
 
 At the Momence field in Kankakee county, situated on peaty swamp soil, 
 where no treatment was given the -land, the yield was 7 bushels of corn to 
 the acre, where nitrogen was applied the yield was 4 bushels, where phosphor- 
 ous was applied the yield was 5 bushels, but where potassium was applied 
 the yield was 73 bushels, indicating that potassium here is the limiting ele- 
 ment. 
 
 The general plan followed by the state in the experiment fields is as fol- 
 lows: The land is laid off in one-fifth acre plots, 2 rods wide and 16 rods long, 
 with a border strip 8 feet wide between the plots, so that the application of 
 fertilizers may not affect adjoining plots. 
 
 The rotation to be followed, on the recently established experiment field 
 in Union Grove township consists of two years of corn, one of o:its and one of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 167 
 
 clover. In addition the different plots receive local applications as indicated 
 in the following plan: 
 
 L lime, Le legume, Mur manure, P phosphorous, K potassium, 
 N nitrogen. The plots marked are check plots and receive no other treat- 
 ment except that of the general rotation. The plots marked Le have cow peas 
 or clover sown in the corn at the time of the last cultivation. 
 
 No treatment 
 L. Le 
 L. Mur 
 L. Le. Mur 
 
 
 
 L. P 
 L. Le. P 
 L. Mur. P 
 L. Le. Mur. P. 
 
 O 
 
 L. P. K 
 L. Le. P. K 
 L. Mur. P. K 
 L. Le. Mur. P. K 
 
 O 
 Le 
 
 Le. P 
 Le. P. K 
 Le. N. P. K 
 
 
 
 The ideal or standard fertile soil as adopted by the U. S. Bureau of 
 soils, would consist of a soil in which the first 7 inches of the surface, per 
 acre contains, 
 
 5600 pounds of nitrogen, 
 
 2000 pounds of phosphorus 
 
 6600 pounds of potassium 
 
 An analysis of the rolling land, common in the western part of the 
 county, and the type of soil upon which the Union Grove field is situated 
 shows that in the first 7 inches per acre there are, 
 
 2170 pounds of nitrogen, 
 
 960 pounds of phosphorus, 
 35640 pounds of potassium, 
 
 indicating a soil very deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, but wonderfully 
 rich in potassium. The deficiency in nitrogen should be supplied from the 
 air, through the growing of legumes, and the phosphorus by direct applica- 
 tion in the form of ground rock phosphate or bone meal. All acid and com- 
 plete fertilizers should be avoided. 
 
 The importance of the study of soil fertility is hard to estimate. We 
 claim to be patriotic, and indeed during the dark days of the Rebellion, the 
 loyal people of WhiteMde county rallied to the standard of patriotism and 
 freely gave of their life's blood, that the nation of the people, by the people 
 and for the people might not perish from the face of the earth. All of this 
 sacrifice that future generations might inherit an unimpaired government. 
 
 An impaired government is a condition to be truly deplored, but an im- 
 poverished soil is a greater calamity, for it means life and living itself. An 
 impaired government can be righted, far easier than an impoverished soil 
 can be restored. We but hold the land for a short time in trust, and have 
 no more right to bequeath to coming generations an impoverished soil than 
 we have an impaired government. 
 
 Battlefields and great crises are not necessary to develop patriotism. Love
 
 168 HISTOKY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 of country can certainly be instilled by proper study of our flocks and fields, 
 our rocks and rills, our woods and templed hills. 
 
 For years the soil has responded so generously to the tillage of the 
 farmer, that he has given but little heed to the future supply of plant food. 
 He has ever removed more from the soil than he has returned. He has 
 drawn large drafts from the bank of soil fertility and failed to keep his 
 credit good. 
 
 The great problem of the age is to work out a system of agriculture 
 which shall be both profitable and permanent. If this be done it will be the 
 first time in all history. If it be not done history will surely repeat itself in 
 Illinois. 
 
 FULTON. 
 
 In the shade of thy palms, 
 
 By the shores of .thy sea, 
 On the hills of thy beauty, 
 
 My heart is with thee. Whittier. 
 
 Several of the towns in Whiteside have pretty situations, but only two 
 have the majestic Mississippi, with its broad and sparkling flood pouring to 
 the gulf. 
 
 For men may come, and men may go, 
 But I go on forever. 
 
 Like Albany, Fulton has the hills back from the river, on which are numer- 
 ous residences. A glorious outlook up and down the stream, with Lyons and 
 Clinton on the distant shore. Time works wonderful changes. Trade seeks 
 new channels. Certain lines of business disappear. Fulton, like Albany, 
 had her time of excitement and traffic. Once a great center of lumber manu- 
 facture, now not a mill or a board. Rafts were floated down the river, and 
 the hum of the saws made music night and day. It is one of Wendell Phillips' 
 Lost Arts. Various manufactures were in successful operation. Grain and 
 produce were shipped. Fulton was a terminus, a center of activity, and one 
 industry attracted another until the young city was a hive of commercial 
 operation. As one rambles along the river bank today, it is difficult to believe 
 that this quiet spot was once a scene of so much early rush. 
 
 THE DEMENT HOUSE. 
 
 As you walk along the main street, the first object to catch the eye is 
 the tall, square block, known as the Dement building. It is built of stone, 
 another Coliseum. That in Rome represents imperial power, this in Fulton 
 is a sad relic of disappointed hopes. For fifty years the familiar landmark 
 of the town. Charles Dement, brother of John in Dixon, owning considerable 
 property and conceiving the idea that Fulton was to be one of the prosperous 
 cities of the west, decided to erect a hotel that would not only afford generous 
 accommodation for the throng of travelers, but be an exhibition of public 
 spirit, and an ornament to the town. It was erected in 1855. The building 
 is nearly 100 'feet square, with five stories including basement. No cost was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 169 
 
 spared in its construction and equipment. The finest of furniture. It was 
 kept in style, but only a short time sufficed to show that the enterprise was 
 in advance of the place and the times, and it was closed. One social event 
 occurred in the hostelry in 1858 which has not been recorded. The White- 
 side County Teachers' Institute had a week's session that autumn, and the 
 citizens invited them to a banquet which was served in the dining room. Per- 
 haps the last time, the voice of revelry echoed in those now desolate walls. 
 There were toasts and speeches. Among the actors was Jas. H. Blodgett, 
 afterwards captain in the Civil War. 
 
 AS A COLLEGE. 
 
 As it seemed too good a building to stand idle, various schools have been 
 organized, flourished awhile, and then declined. Col. D. S. Covert opened 
 a military academy in 1861, and conducted it for five years with success. The 
 art of war was in demand, and young men sought proper drill. The govern- 
 ment furnished muskets and accoutrements, and a band discoursed music at 
 dress parade. In 1866 the Illinois Soldiers' College was organized to enable 
 disabled soldiers of Illinois regiments to continue their education. Col. Le- 
 ander H. Potter was president, and remained in charge until 1873, when he 
 resigned, and at a meeting of the stockholders, the name was changed to 
 Northern Illinois College. Under this name, Rev. W. D. F. Lummis became 
 president with a faculty for different branches. In the fall of 1875, Mr. 
 Lummis resigned, and Rev. J. W. Hubbard was placed at the head, remaining 
 until 1875 when he, too, following the example of his illustrious predecessors, 
 gave up command. Next came Prof. .Allen A. Griffith, formerly of Batavia 
 Institution, author of an Elocution, and for many years well known as a reader 
 or reciter throughout the northern part of the state. While in charge, Mr. 
 Griffith occasionally appeared at institutes to give readings and advertise his 
 school. On one occasion at a teachers' gathering at Emerson. After Griffith 
 gave up control, other changes succeeded, until in 1879 A. M. Hansen, A. M., 
 LL.D., the present head assumed management of the concern. According to 
 the catalog before us, 1906-1907, he is assisted by a strong faculty for the 
 various departments. L. B. Beers, science and mathematics; C. R. Hansen, 
 literature and commercial law; D. L. Hamilton, commercial course; J. D. 
 Rishell, ancient languages; F. H. Long, mechanical drawing and common 
 branches; Mrs. Hansen, oil painting; Adolph Wiese, music. A gymnasium, 
 regular drill, literary societies. Expenses moderate, board and tuition for the 
 school year being $300. Among the students enrolled at the college in the 
 various years of its existence are some who rose to position. Major General 
 McArthur, John Stowell, professor in Leland Stanford University, J. L. Sulli- 
 van, assistant superintendent C. & N. W. Railway, Oscar L. Triggs, late pro- 
 fessor in University of Chicago. The buildings are surrounded by a spacious 
 campus, giving the boys plenty of playgound. 
 
 THE CEMETERIES. 
 
 The grave is heaven's golden gate, 
 
 And rich and poor around it wait. Blake.
 
 170 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 As you walk north from the college, the street begins to climb the hill, 
 and soon reaches the Catholic cemetery. Numerous handsome tombs, the 
 names telling the nationality. Eagan, O'Neill, Keegan, Doyle, Riordan, Flan- 
 igan, Collins, Foley, Ryan. On Mary Hurley's stone the lines: 
 
 We have lost our darling mother, 
 She has bid us all adieu. 
 
 Here and there a soldier's grave. McLaughlin, Co. C, 3rd N. Y., died 1880, 
 age, 33 ; Hugh Burt, 1906 at 63. Hansen in 1890 at 49. Andrew Eagan in 
 1891 at 49, Co. A, 4th U. S. Artillery. Around the graves are numerous ever- 
 greens, chiefly Norway spruce. 
 
 Several rods southeast in a grove of oak is the Protestant cemetery. Here 
 we read the names of the men and women who moved about Fulton and our 
 county a generation ago, and with whom we often held sweet converse. James 
 McCoy, 1811-1891. Elizabeth McCoy, 1819-1892, surviving her husband just 
 a year. Judge McCoy, Virginia, was a resident of Fulton from 1839, and 
 filled many offices of trust, Judge, presidential elector, delegate to the con- 
 stitutional convention of 1869. A genial man, always receiving his friends 
 with a smile. Jesse Johnson, 1876, aged 78, a native of Troy, N. Y., who 
 came in 1838, living on his farm five miles east, and in 1853 making his 
 home in Fulton. Several children. Two of his sons well known lawyers, 
 Charles J., deceased, and Caleb C., member of the Sterling bar. Some Hol- 
 land names, Dirk Buis, Deweerot, vroow van Jan Deweerot. Several old citi- 
 zens. Lyman Blake, 1809-1893. Orrin Cowles, 1808-1887. Elisha Roberts, 
 1813-1898. A. M. Dutcher, 1879, aged 71. John Phelps, 1853, aged 72. 
 Bradstreet Robinson, 1812-1889. On the tomb of John Kolk : 
 
 So fades the lovely blooming flower, 
 Frail, smiling solace of an hour. 
 
 Another familiar name. Henry C. Fellows, 1813-1899. He was from New 
 York, coming in 1837, was one of the original proprietors of Fulton, filled, 
 responsible positions, deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, supervisor, alderman. 
 A man of noble public spirit. A special plot is devoted to the heroes of the 
 wax, who lie in rows side by side. Wm. Cole, Co. H, 8th N. Y. H. A. George 
 Baxter, Co. A, 34th 111. Martin Ohler, 39th Ohio Inf. Franklin Marcellus, 
 1862, wounded at Perryville. Wm. Radigan, Co. B, 51st N. Y. Inf. W. W. 
 Erhardt, Co. E, 46th 111. Alva Henson, Co. I, 75th 111. R. B. Myers, Co. 
 F, 93rd 111. Inf. A retired spot, completely hidden in summer by the over 
 arching trees. The association was formed in 1874 by Charles N. Wheeler, 
 Wm. J. McCoy, Wm. C. Snyder, John M. Fay, and F. E. Marcellus. There 
 was an old graveyard, but the association added five acres, and improved the 
 grounds. 
 
 SOME OLD STEAMBOATS. 
 
 The railroads have spoiled the romance of the river. They cross it, and 
 even run parallel tracks on each side, so that "Othello's occupation's gone." 
 The stately steamers moving in majesty with the current, the excitement at
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 171 
 
 the landing, the coming of passengers, the unloading of freight, the racing 
 of rival boats, the social diversions and acquaintances of a long trip, the lively 
 dining table, the music and hop at night, are gone forever. 
 
 During the season the Diamond Jo line run four boats, St. Paul, Dubuque, 
 Sidney, Quincy, between St. Paul and St. Louis. The round trip takes a 
 week, and one of the boats calls every other day. Bennett, American Express 
 agent at Lyons, formerly on the river, received as a present an album with 
 photographs of thirty river steamers that belong to the glorious past. Among 
 them are the Henderson, the Alex Mitchell, Belle of LaCross, Clinton, War 
 Eagle, Natchez, Robert E. Lee, Sucker State, Phil Sheridan, Minneapolis, 
 Gardie Eastman, Everett, Silver Wave, J. W. Van Sant, Pilot, Verne Swain, 
 Jo Long, Jennie Gilehrist, the ill-fated steamer which went down at Daven- 
 port in 1882, Keokuk, Gem City, Quincy, and many others. 
 
 One card in particular is of interest. It is that of the Henderson, which 
 is shown at the levee in Bellevue, with a company of soldiers drawn up on 
 deck ready to leave for the front in 1861. 
 
 And the raft boats will soon be a memory. Only three on the river in 
 1908. They are the North Star, the Lizzie Gardner and the Hershey. Last 
 year there were five boats going over the LeClaire rapids. Ten or twelve 
 years ago there were over sixty raft boats on the upper river and at one time 
 the number in commission was over ninety. The white pine industry for 
 this section has faded and the fleet of raft boats with the hundreds of pilots 
 have gone never to return to these waters. 
 
 THE ARTESIAN WELL. 
 
 The present well was begun in December, 1890, and completed in six 
 weeks. The contract called for $2.15 a foot, the well to be drilled to the depth 
 of 1,200 feet and $200 additional for a guaranteed flow of twenty-six pounds 
 pressure. The provisions at that time were that the well should be eight inches 
 in diameter and cased down to solid rock. The flow pipe, which is six inches 
 in diameter, was carried down 235 feet and securely calked. A flow was 
 obtained at a depth of 480 feet. 
 
 The well was drilled to a depth of 1,214 feet and when completed and 
 accepted it had a flow of 300 gallons a minute and had sufficient force to 
 raise water to the height of nearly sixty feet. As an increased supply is 
 needed, at a late meeting of the city council, it was voted to enter into a con- 
 tract with J. D. Shaw, of Clinton for a ten-inch well with an eight-inch flow 
 pipe to the depth of 1,200 feet for $2.25 a foot and if the flow pipe was car- 
 ried below a depth of 225 feet he was to receive $1.40 a foot for additional 
 depth. 
 
 This committee also reported the bid of the Smedley Steam Pump com- 
 pany of Dubuque for a steam pump, $075, be accepted. This report was 
 received and it was voted to purchase the pump. 
 
 A special election will be called to vote upon a proposition to bond the 
 city so as to raise money to pay for a well and pump and for extensive addi- 
 tions to the pumphouse. 
 
 According to Mr. Shaw's bid the well will cost the city at least $2,700.
 
 172 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Fulton has the facilities afforded by three great railroads: Chicago and 
 Northwestern, which crosses the Mississippi at Clinton, six miles below, the 
 Milwaukee and St. Paul, striking the river at Savanna above and running to 
 Rock Island, and the Burlington, which, with its numerous branches connect 
 in every direction. The Burlington station is on the river bank, the Mil- 
 waukee at its intersection with the Northwestern in the extreme east of the 
 city, and the Northwestern not far from the lower section of the city. All 
 through trains on the Northwestern do not stop, and it is necessary to board 
 them at Clinton. 
 
 THE CHURCHES. 
 
 Time has dealt severely with some of the societies that had once a fair 
 membership. The old families have died out, and no others were ready to 
 take their places. Christ Episcopal church, started in 1869 by Orrin Cowles, 
 Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Griswold, W. H. Pratt, A. J. Webster, F. L. Norton, 
 E. Wyatt, Mrs. Sayre, continued but a few years when it was given up. 
 
 The Baptist church was organized in 1855 with Rev. and Mrs. A. H. 
 Starkweather, A. McFadden, J. Peterson, Mrs. Meeker, James and Maria 
 Booth, Mrs. Webb. A brick church was started in 1856, and worship was 
 held in the basement. As the people were in debt, Rev. A. A. Sawin was 
 invited to fill the pulpit and also to solicit funds to complete the building. 
 His labors were successful, and in 1860 Dr. Evarts of Chicago assisted in the 
 dedication. Among the ministers were Storrs, Roney, Burnham, Evarte. But 
 the membership, always feeble, gradually declined, and ceased to have pastoral 
 supply. The edifice, the result of so much struggle and devotion, is now the 
 headquarters of the Mystic Workers. 
 
 The early history of the Presbyterian church is united with that of the 
 Congregational, as members of both societies were in the same organization. 
 The First Congregational church was organized in 1854 with Mr. and Mrs. 
 D. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. Bradstreet Robinson, Mrs. 
 Sayre, Mrs. Woodward, and Mrs. Bassett. In 1856 Rev. Josiah Leonard 
 became pastor, continuing twelve years. The church was erected during his 
 ministry at a cost of $6,000. In June, 1862, the society adopted the title of 
 the Second Presbyterian church at Fulton. The First had been organized in 
 1856 by Rev. W. C. Mason, with a membership of thirteen. Mr. and Mrs. 
 D. Miller, Mrs. McCoy, Mrs. Sayre, Mrs. Curtiss, and others. Their church 
 was dedicated in 1864, and cost $16,000. In 1868, these two churches were 
 united. It was then that Rev. A. Keigwin of the First, and Rev. Josiah 
 Leonard of the Second, withdrew from their charges, and assisted in the 
 organization of the Presbyterian church of Fulton, and in 1868 voted to 
 occupy the edifice of the First Presbyterian, the building owned by the Sec- 
 ond, having been sold to the Methodist. Additions to the structure were made 
 in the form of a bell tower and spire. The last minister to occupy the pulpit 
 was Rev. Gary F. Moore, who after a ministry of several years, resigned to 
 accept a call in Kentucky. The oldest member associated with the society 
 is W. P. Culbertson, born in 1819, who came to Fulton in 1855. A venerable 
 gentleman with faculties in good preservation, and who enjoys his daily
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 173 
 
 promenade on the streets. The present membership of the church is 181, with 
 90 in the Sunday school. The ladies have a missionary society and a thimble 
 
 society. 
 
 At a congregation meeting of the Presbyterian society of Fulton, held 
 in the church auditorium Thursday, April, 1908, Rev. W. C. Crofts of Mor- 
 rison presided as moderator. By a unanimous vote a call was extended to 
 A. R. Zeimer, of the McCormick theological seminary of Chicago, to accept 
 the pastorate of the Fulton Presbyterian church. The trustees selected were 
 Oscar Summers, J. M. Fay, Jr., Samuel J. McCullaugh, Mrs. Nathaniel Green 
 and Mrs. Almet Chapman. 
 
 The installation of Rev. A. H. Zeimer took place in May ; The church 
 was handsomely trimmed with flowers, and there was special music for the 
 occasion and a solo by Mr. Townley. 
 
 The Rev. Smiley of Geneseo, the moderator of the Presbytery, presided ; 
 the Rev. McAuley of Lyons, Iowa, offered the opening prayer; Rev. C. G. 
 Richards of Sterling read the Scriptural lesson ; Rev. J. W. Stuart of Garden 
 Plain delivered the sermon, followed by the ordination and installing service ; 
 charge to the pastor by Rev. Crofts and to the congregation by Rev. Richards. 
 
 The sermon founded on Ephesians 3:5 was an eloquent plea for Chris- 
 tianity and membership in the church and the need and effect of the church 
 in the world. The charges to pastor and people were exceedingly timely. 
 
 The new pastor, Rev. A. H. Zeimer, a recent graduate of the McCormick 
 Theological seminary, comes to the church, his first pastorate, under the most 
 favorable circumstances. Of fine pulpit presence and address, in his few Sun- 
 days here has pleased and attracted the church and congregation, and seems 
 well fitted for his profession and to carry forward the work of the late pastor. 
 
 Before 1840 services were held in Fulton by the early circuit riders. 
 School houses or log cabins furnished a meeting place. From 1842 to 1852, 
 Union Grove circuit included all the Methodist appointments in the county. 
 In 1856 the Fulton circuit was established with Rev. M. Hanna as resident 
 pastor. He was followed by a long line of ministers, who remained two years 
 or sometimes only one : Among them W. H. Smith, M. H. Plumb, Schoon- 
 maker, David Bales, Davis, Griffin, Larash, Snyder. The new church was 
 built under the pastorate of Rev. M. M. Bales, at a cost of nearly $6,000, and 
 dedicated in fall of 1888 during ministry of Cass Davis. The parsonage by 
 the church has been recently refitted by the ladies, and the whole property is 
 now in excellent condition. The Sunday school has an enrollment of 140 
 with nine teachers. There are fifty members in the Epworth League, and 50 
 in the Junior. Three societies managed by the women : Ladies' Aid, Dorcas 
 Sewing Circle, Young Ladies' Guild, with fifteen in each of the first two, and 
 thirty in the last. Also, a Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. 
 An enthusiastic choir of twenty men and women, sopranos, altos, tenors, 
 bassos. The present pastor, Rev. Wilmer Jaggins, is in his first year, and 
 new in Illinois, having spent 17 years of his ministry in the Wilmington Con- 
 ference, embracing part of Maryland and Virginia. 
 
 A small frame church is occupied by the Christian society, one of the 
 later organizations, but the membership although earnest, about fifty with a
 
 174' HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Sunday school of forty, is hardly able to support a regular pastor. The last 
 was Eev. G. W. Hughes. 
 
 Fronting to the south, standing on a hill, is the brick church of the 
 Immaculate Conception. The first building was erected in 1862, the present 
 has 1906 on the corner stone. There are seventy or more members. The 
 parsonage is near. Father J. L. Maloney has been in charge for fourteen 
 years. Originally from Ireland, but educated at the Jesuits College in Chicago. 
 
 The largest church building in Fulton and the largest congregation is 
 the Dutch Reformed. There are 300 members, six elders and six deacons. 
 Sometimes a thousand present at the morning services. Preaching in Dutch, 
 both morning and evening because the members prefer the tongue of the 
 fatherland. About 300 members in both Christian Endeavors. William Wol- 
 vius, the pastor, is much attached to his people, and as most live in the country, 
 he devotes a part of each week to pastoral visitation. He was born in Hol- 
 land, but educated in this country. The Dutch Reformed, it will be remem- 
 bered, is Roosevelt's denomination. It is not strong, although dating from 
 1628 in United States, having only 600 ministers. A large parsonage. 
 
 Further south on the extreme edge of Fulton is a branch of the same 
 denomination, calling themselves Christian Reformed. It is younger than 
 the other, and one essential point of difference is opposition to secret orders. 
 There are 83 families, with a Sunday school of 100. In the young people's 
 societies are fifty, a Ladies' Aid of sixteen, and a catachetical class of eighty. 
 Rev. E. J. Krohne is in his fifth year, educated in Michigan, and preaches in 
 Dutch. A linguist, at home in English, German, and Dutch. These Hol- 
 landers are generally farmers, a substantial class of citizens, too much inclined 
 perhaps to keep up their native traditions in America, as is shown by their 
 favor to Dutch in the pulpit. 
 
 FIRST NEWSPAPER IN WHITESIDE. 
 
 A. W. Bastian, editor of Fulton Journal, has kindly loaned the writer for 
 examination a copy of the Whiteside Investigator. It is the second number, 
 and bears date March 4, 1854. Published weekly in the second story of 
 Phelps & McCoy's brick building, by Alfred McFadden. Terms, two dollars 
 per annum. This copy shows the effect of age, and is yellow, creased and 
 torn. On the first page is Burns' "Man Was Made to Mourn," and the bill of 
 Senator Foot of Vermont for the construction of the Pacific railroad, occupy- 
 ing four columns. The paper has four pages, six broad columns to a page. 
 On the fourth page two columns of advertisements. Four men have bought 
 lots at tax sale, and give notice that the time of redemption will expire June 
 14. The name is signed below each notice. Wm. J. Benjamin, James McCoy, 
 John Phelps, H. C. Fellows. Merrill and Son are proprietors of the City 
 Hotel. J. L. Briggs has a good assortment of furniture. James McCoy is 
 attorney at law, solicitor in chancery, and notary public. The second page 
 of the paper is editorial and miscellaneous. W. H. Knight has purchased a 
 new steam ferry boat, to ply between Fulton and Lyons, beginning to run 
 April 15. This is the shortest ferry on the river below St. Paul, being less 
 than half a mile from bank to bank. On the third page, A. W. Benton, M. D.,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 175 
 
 keeps a full assortment of drugs and medicines, also a few pure liquors ex- 
 pressly for medicinal use. This Dr. Benton was previously in Sterling. There 
 is a corner for the markets. Flour $7.50 per barrel, wheat 90 cents, potatoes 
 25, beef 5 to 6 cents, pork 4, smoked hams 9, lard 10, butter 15, eggs 10, wood 
 $3.00 per cord. A half column of foreign news, fifteen lines from the legis- 
 lature speaking of a debate on the Rock Island ferry. Some advertisements 
 from outside. W. C. and B. Snyder, Union Grove, have domestic and fancy 
 dry goods, A. Fassett of Sterling, endless chain pumps. The weather was 
 pleasant, ice moving off the river, and steamboats were expected to run in a 
 few days. 
 
 THE MYSTIC WORKERS. 
 
 In an old church fitted with offices for the purpose are the headquarters 
 of a secret order that has grown more rapidly than any other in the west. 
 In Fulton alone there are over 600 members, and in the order 45,000 mem- 
 bers in good standing. Doctor Clendenin owns the ancient church which 
 survived its devotees, and has leased it to the association. 
 
 The Mystic Workers of the World, a fraternal benefit society with head- 
 quarters at Fulton was organized temporarily by Dr. G. W. Clendenin and 
 his associates in 1891, but owing to circumstances beyond their control, little 
 was done in perfecting the organization until during 1895. Edmund Jackson 
 having at this time become interested in the society, employed solicitors, set 
 them at work and began the prosecution of the plans for securing a charter 
 from the state. By February, 1896, a sufficient number of applicants had 
 been secured for this purpose and on the 24th of that month, the charter was 
 issued by the proper state authorities. 
 
 From this time on the growth of the society was prosperous and steady. 
 Each year saw a material increase in membership and assets and during all 
 the time since it received its charter it has been the proud and truthful boast of 
 its managers that no person has ever come to its office .with a just claim and 
 proper proof and gone away without his money. 
 
 It has paid out in benefits to the first of January, 1908, the time of this 
 article, $1,653,795.33 and is now paying benefits at the rate of over a thou- 
 sand dollars each day. 
 
 By reason of its accident benefits it protects a member and his family 
 during life and his family after death with the death benefit. 
 
 Benefit certificates are issued for five hundred, one thousand, and two 
 thousand dollars, as applied for and approved by the Supreme Medical Exam- 
 iner. These certificates are issued on the accumulative plan, by means of 
 which if a member dies during the first year of membership, sixty per cent 
 is paid on his certificate ; if death occurs during the second year, seventy per 
 cent is paid and during the third year, eighty per cent. After the close of 
 the third year no further deductions are made for this reason. All such 
 deductions are placed in the surplus fund as are also all interest earnings and 
 all amounts on hand in the benefit fund at the close of each calendar year 
 after making provision for pending claims. This surplus fund now amounts 
 to over two hundred thousand dollars and is increasing at the rate of over 
 six thousand dollars per month.
 
 176 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The society publishes a monthly fraternal paper with a present issue of 
 fifty thousand copies with which the family of every member is supplied and 
 in which is printed monthly statements of the financial and numerical con- 
 dition of the society and such other details in relation to its business as may 
 "be of interest to the membership. Social, fraternal and news columns are 
 also maintained that the paper may be a welcome visitor to every family and 
 T)e interesting and instructive. 
 
 Both men and women are accepted on equal terms, at the same rates and 
 enjoy equal privileges and benefits which is considered a great advance over 
 the plans of similar societies which confine their membership to one sex. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE CITY. 
 
 Mayor, W. H. Mitchell; Aldermen in first ward, Thomas Bennett and 
 Henry Burt; second, M. W, Ingwersen and B. E. McElhiney; third, J. H. 
 Allen and Peter Sparck. Attorney, C. C. McMahon. Treasurer, Peter Lor- 
 enzen. Clerk, John Sanger. 
 
 Population is about 3,000. 
 
 THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 
 
 Learning by study must be won, 
 
 Twas ne'er entailed from sire to son. Gay. 
 
 The public school work of Fulton is done in two buildings. The north 
 "building. It contains the high school assembly room and recitation rooms, 
 of the city and much of the surrounding country. It adjoins a beautiful park, 
 which makes a very suitable school ground. This building has recently been 
 remodeled and now is as conveniently arranged as it is possible to make a 
 building. It contains the high school assembly room and recitation rooms, 
 the superintendent's office and six grade rooms. The south school has four 
 grade rooms. 
 
 The teaching force are Harry B. Price, superintendent; Miss Clara M. 
 Penstone, principal of the high school ; Miss Fae Wharton, high school assist- 
 ant ; Miss Nellie Rennie, teacher of the eighth grade ; Mr. G. Frank Townley, 
 principal of the south school and teacher of the seventh grade ; Miss Anna 
 Long, sixth grade; Miss Amy Westbrook, fifth grade, Miss Nina Wheeler, 
 fourth grade ; Miss Elfreda Kliensly, third grade ; Miss Katherine Stichter and 
 Mrs. Lizzie Heller, second grade; and Mrs. Ella M. Cowan and Miss Elnora 
 Farley, first grade. 
 
 The high school course requires four years for completion, all the sub- 
 jects of which are accredited by the University of Illinois, thus making it pos- 
 sible for a graduate to enter any college in the University without examina- 
 tion and unconditioned. The school is well equipped with apparatus and 
 working library, and the pupils have access to the city library of 500 well 
 chosen volumes. There have been approximately 200 graduated from the 
 Fulton High School, all of whom have become useful men and women, occupy- 
 ing responsible places. The present senior class are Irene Mathers, Zella 
 Rathgeber, Joseph Ferry, Peter Starck, Roy Wythe and William Rice.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 177 
 
 During this year the school has conducted a course of literary and musi- 
 cal entertainments which was of an excellent character. This course has been 
 well patronized and has been highly appreciated, proving a means of gen- 
 eral social and educational profit. 
 
 The Athletic Association supported during the fall a football team which 
 won every game played. Both a boys' and a girls' basketball team played in 
 the winter. At the beginning of the spring term, track work and baseball is 
 being organized. The athletic games have proven a real benefit to the school 
 by stimulating loyalty to the school and pride in its good standing. 
 
 In a recent visit, the superintendent of public instruction paid a high 
 compliment to the neatness of the rooms by saying there is not a cleaner 
 building in the state. 
 
 The board of education consists of J. M. Eaton, president; J. C. Snyder, 
 secretary; and Dr. L. Barber, Peter Lorenzen, Dr. \V. H. Durkee, Frank Dana, 
 and Dr. H. J. Hensinkweld. 
 
 The enrollment for 1907-1908 is 350. 
 
 For this article, both in its facts and preparation, the writer is indebted 
 to Prof. Harry B. Price, superintendent, whose labors are highly appreciated 
 by his pupils and by the entire community. 
 
 The present building dedicated in the summer of 1858, is of brick, and 
 occupies a commanding position on a plateau, in the central part of the town. 
 It is three stories, and contains seven rooms with the usual halls and labora- 
 tories. The total cost was $14,643. G. G. Alvord was the first principal, with 
 numerous successors, the best known being George C. Loomis. The first 
 school in Fulton was taught by James McCoy in 1840. Various persons 
 taught independent schools. In 1847 the district was organized and called 
 number one, and a stone building erected, then considered the finest school- 
 house in the county. 
 
 The largest manufacturing industry in Fulton is the Chicago Stove & 
 Range Company, operating in the old Mississippi Valley Stove Company 
 building, a long three story structure south of the Northwestern railroad. A 
 hundred men are employed. All classes of stoves and ranges are made, and 
 displayed in engraved catalogs which are issued for the trade. Their product 
 is sent to Chicago for distribution, and the wares find sale as far west 
 as Seattle. 
 
 The youngest industry is the Patent Novelty Company, which make 
 small specialties in hardware for five and ten cent stores. The best seller is a 
 tin dust pan with a broom handle so that the good wife can sweep up dust 
 without bending her back. Thirty-six hands employed. Of these 3,000 are 
 made a day. 
 
 CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK. 
 
 Sometimes an old settler disappears and his entire family scattered, so 
 that nothing is left but a memory. However if you look into the Fulton 
 Journal, you will find an advertisement of lime, coal and wood, and if you 
 walk along the river, you will find in his office, J. C. Snyder, who has inherited 
 much of the courteous bearing of his father, Dr. Wm. C. Snyder, who was 
 one of Fulton's representative citizens for over forty years. Prominent in
 
 178 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 every public call, supervisor, drainage commissioner, postmaster during sev- 
 eral presidential terms. An active and honorable politician. He came from 
 New Jersey, and settled in Fulton in 1854. 
 
 THE WOODMAN IN ARMS. 
 
 That old familiar tree, 
 
 Whose glory and renown, 
 Are spread o'er land and sea, 
 
 And would'st thou hack it down? Morris. 
 
 New York had her Astor Place riot in 1849 when Forrest and Macready's 
 friends met in mortal combat. Fulton, although a city of brotherly love, 
 had her little scene of violence, in which no one was hurt, but which for 
 awhile raised a tremendous excitement. Dr. C. A. Griswold, who was a wit- 
 ness of the semi-tragedy, courteously furnishes the following graphic account: 
 
 The Modern Woodmen of America was founded by Hon. Joseph Cullen 
 Root of Lyons, Iowa, the originator of Woodcraft. 
 
 The first camp, Pioneer Camp No. 1, was instituted in that city Jan. 5, 
 1883. The second camp, No. 2, -was established in Fulton, 111., on Feb. 10, 
 1883. Plans were soon arranged for obtaining a charter for the Order from 
 the State of Illinois, and a formal certificate of association with application 
 for a charter the majority of the incorporates being citizens of Fulton 
 was sent to the Secretary of State, Springfield, Illinois, April 29, 1884, and 
 on May 5 the charter was issued and executed. 
 
 The Order thus cradled and nursed in Fulton with its head office and 
 place of business located here for several years, was remarkably successful, 
 rapidly increasing in membership and number of camps. From some errors 
 in management or unfortunate circumstances creating a dissension in the 
 Order, a change in the directors and head offices was affected, resulting in 
 the formation of the "Woodmen of the World" by the founder. Under its 
 new management, its success continued, gaining such a growth and stand- 
 ing among the beneficiary orders as to excite larger cities to covet its location, 
 and the plotting of its head officers and directors for ite removal to some 
 larger place with more ample means for gratifying their luxurious tastes and 
 early environment, and more modern hotel accommodations and gilded plates 
 to dine off. 
 
 As schemes developed for removal much bitterness and ill feeling was ex- 
 cited between the citizens and the Order, resulting in the "Woodman Fight," 
 heralded far and wide by the public press, as far as the Order extended, giving 
 Fulton "a name and local habitation." The case finally reached the courts 
 in many legal battles one of the causes celebres of Whiteside county with 
 injunctions upon Ossa ad infinitum. To recount all the ludicrous semi- 
 tragic scenes and incidents in the riotous proceedings for the stealthy removal 
 of the office, the pranks of the small boys played upon the state officials con- 
 nected with the office, the repulse of the assailants with the hose, the holding 
 the train mob in durance vile till they were glad to escape, and the ordering 
 of a company of the state militia to the scene of conflict only to find a Sabbath
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 179 
 
 quiet reigning in the city, and to be hospitably received and entertained, 
 quietly returning to their camp with unfixed bayonets, smelling the battle 
 from afar would be a humorous story, more fitting for reminiscence and the 
 fireside than the page of classic history. 
 
 Though long and strenuously contested by the citizens at much expense 
 and time, its removal was finally adjudged, and a peaceable transfer of the 
 office and effects to Rock Island was effected, Sept. 30, 1897, where in gilded 
 housing the dream of its management its success has placed it among the 
 first of the beneficiary orders, though the fact remains its founding and 
 growth was started and assured in Fulton. The echoes of its removal have 
 ceased, and like the Blue and the Gray, the contestants have shaken hands 
 across the bloody chasm. 
 
 Whatever may be the judgment pro or con upon the efforts and action 
 of Fulton and the county to retain the Order and resisting its transfer, to the 
 honor, be it said, of Whiteside county, it has never sent an organized mob 
 into an adjoining county to obtain by force what it coveted. 
 
 OLDEST COUPLE IN FULTON. 
 
 At the foot of the hill south of the public school is the humble cottage of 
 Milo Jones and wife. He was born in 1818 near Middlebury, Vt, and she in 
 1820. When the writer entered the kitchen, the old lady was in a chair by 
 his side, sewing a button on his coat. In earlier years he farmed, and then 
 opened a blacksmith shop in Fulton where he has lived for forty years. Last 
 summer he cultivated his garden, raising potatoes enough for his use, and 
 selling $18 worth of sweet corn. This winter he has split two cords of maple 
 wood. From his fourteen chickens he gets six to eight eggs a day. She does 
 her housework. A record hard 1 to beat. Two such aged people keeping house 
 alone. 
 
 SOME EARLY SETTLERS. 
 
 John Baker, a sort of Daniel Boone, made his claim in 1835 to" the land 
 where Fulton stands. His cabin had only three rooms, but he was always 
 ready to entertain travelers, giving them plenty to eat, and when beds were 
 exhausted, the guests would encamp about a flaming fire in the woods. He 
 died in 1863 at 63. Another Baker, John W., from Maryland also, came in 
 1836, and assisted in the primitive hospitality, to strangers. A large delega- 
 tion appeared in 1837, and many familiar names will be noticed. James 
 McCoy, Henry C. Fellows, Daniel Reed, Lyman Blake, Jesse Johnson, Hum- 
 phreys, Booth, Briggs, Baker, Ross, Redfern. In 1838 were Edward Church, 
 Jacobs, Clark, Rev. John Prentiss. In 1839 Hollis Chenery, Augustin 
 Phelps, Colin, Fowler, Grant. Miss Elizabeth Skinner was the first of the 
 emigrants to die in 1837. The simplest of funerals. A coffin made from a 
 wagon box, and the wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. The grave was made 
 on a bluff, and the spot was doubtless used for interment until the present 
 cemetery was laid out. In 1839 a petition against license to retail ardent 
 spirits in Fulton precinct was presented to the county commissioners, signed 
 by Daniel Reed, Hollis Chenery, A. Phelps, John K. Prentiss, Henry Bond,
 
 180 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 H. F. Rice, and ten others. The petition was not favorably received by the 
 dignitaries. Pioneer whiskey was too popular. 
 
 TWO RETIRED SCHOLARS. 
 
 It will hardly do to put Dr. C. A. Griswold on the retired list, as he still 
 responds to calls from patients, and shows as much activity in mind and body 
 at 78 as younger men. He believes with 0. W. Holmes that it is better to be 
 seventy years young than forty years old. In his spacious second story rooms 
 he spends most of his time, surrounded by his books and magazines, and 
 keeping in touch with the best thought of the day. He is another Weir 
 Mitchell who does not believe that a profession should prevent a man from 
 ranging over the wide fields of the world's best thought. He has been editor, 
 and when the spirit moves, sends occasional articles to the press. 
 
 Another gentleman, who has seen much service in various fields, receives 
 his friends in the parlor of his neat residence among the trees on one of 
 Fulton's beautiful slopes. George C. Loomis was widely known throughout 
 the county thirty years ago when he was superintendent of schools. Time has 
 been kind, and except the silver hair and mustache, little to indicate the 
 advance of age. He fills the familiar couplet, gentleman and scholar. The 
 writer spent a delightful hour in reviewing the men and events that had a 
 common interest in the days gone by. 
 
 When life was like a story, 
 
 Holding neither sob nor sigh, 
 In the olden, golden glory, 
 
 Of the days gone by. 
 
 For a small library of 2,000 volumes, Fulton certainly has a noble col- 
 lection of the best authors in every department, history, fiction, poetry, 
 science, general literature. Encyclopedias and standard books of reference. 
 Mary Mitchell is librarian. Regular additions are made yearly from the 
 choice publications of the season. The library is under the common direction 
 of a board of nine citizens, of whom Dr. Griswold is the leading spirit, and 
 is given the privilege of selecting the books. 
 
 The city is lighted by an electric plant installed twelve years ago. The 
 light is used in all the new residences, and many of the old, and in all the 
 business houses. 
 
 Fulton is deeply interested in the scheme in progress to secure the drain- 
 age of the Cattail slough, which will benefit ten thousand acres of land of 
 inexhaustible fertility, but now impossible of cultivation on account of fre- 
 quent overflow. Rich corn ground producing eighty bushels to the acre. 
 One crop would pay the cost of the improvement. As the Journal declares in 
 a recent issue: 
 
 "The citizens of Fulton are highly in favor of this scheme of drainage. 
 We are cut off on the west by the river, while the land adjoining on the east, 
 northeast anl southeast has largely been waste for years. Any plan that will 
 bring about the redemption of such a vast territory adjoining our city should 
 meet with the hearty approval of every enterprising citizen."
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 181 
 
 The Fulton Bank is the leading financial institution with a capital of 
 $50,000, and deposits in August, 1907, of $388,736. It began as a private 
 bank in 1876. Gustav Gradert is president, and M. W. Ingwersen, cashier. 
 
 THE FERRY. 
 
 Before the bridges that rise in graceful arches over the flood, were the 
 boats to carry passengers from shore to shore. . The first between Fulton and 
 Lyons was a skiff. In 1838 John Baker, Dr. Reed, M. W. Jenks, A. and J. 
 Humphreys, secured a license to run a flatboat ferry. In 1844 Augustin 
 Phelps had control, and used horse power. W. H. Knight in 1850 introduced 
 steam, and the boat was called "The Sailor." In 1840 the prices were: 25 
 cents for footmen, two-wheel carriage $1, horse and wagon same, cattle 25 
 cents per head. A ferry for a time between Fulton and Clinton. Since the 
 new wagon bridge, little demand for the ferry. One now runs, however, 
 every season. The Nina Dousman leaves Lyons every morning, except Sun- 
 day morning, at six o'clock, making regular trips from that hour until eight 
 o'clock p. m. 
 
 FULTON CITY LODGE, NO. 189, A. F. & A. M. 
 
 In the Masonic Directory before us for 1907 J. M. Fay, jr., is W. M. 
 and J. M. Eaton, secretary, with 69 members on the register. Fulton Chapter, 
 No. 108, R, A. M., charter dated Oct. 4, 1867, has John Wolters, H. P., and 
 G. H. Thompson, secretary, with 35 members on the register. Merton 
 Chapter, No. 356, 0. E. S., charter dated Oct. 15, 1896, has Miss Marie 
 Lorensen, worthy matron ; Miss Effie M. Carpenter, secretary, and Mrs. Lutie 
 Green Lines, organist, with 90 members on the register. 
 
 A NOBLE LANDMARK. 
 
 I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; 
 A palace and a prison on each hand. Byron. 
 
 There is London Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and the splendid bridge over 
 the Mississippi. Its four enormous and graceful arches are seen far up and 
 down the stream. It is easily the glory of the landscape. The following 
 concise description of the structure in its origin and completion is from the 
 pen of Dr. C. A. Griswold, veteran, scholar, physician, and essayist: 
 
 The Lyons and Fulton Steel Highway Bridge is the property of the 
 Lyons and Fulton Bridge Co., a corporation organized under the laws of the 
 state of Iowa. 
 
 The erection of a permanent highway bridge spanning the Mississippi 
 river at Fulton long the dream of the residents upon its shores for an open 
 transit at all seasons, engaged the active attention of the enterprising and 
 progressive citizens of the two cities early in the year 1889. After several 
 preliminary and enthusiastic meetings and agitation of the subject through 
 the local press and special contributions urging the project, on March 22 a 
 committee was appointed to draft articles of incorporation, which were 
 adopted by the incorporators on the 29th. a body of influential business men 
 and prominent citizens of Fulton and Lyons. At this meeting the franchise
 
 182 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 or charter granted by congress permitting the location and construction of a 
 high bridge across the Mississippi river between the cities of Lyons, la., and 
 Fulton, 111., was accepted. Feb. 4, 1890, books were ordered opened, and 
 subscriptions to the capital stock solicited. Prior to the soliciting of stock, 
 the city of Lyons by a large majority had voted a tax of five per cent upon its 
 assessed valuation of property in aid of its construction, one per cent to be 
 paid annually for five years. On July 9th the stockholders elected a board 
 of directors and elected officers for the corporation. During the month of 
 July correspondence was opened with several bridge companies for plans, and 
 proposals for construction, and on the 21st awarded the contract for building 
 the entire bridge to the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co., Mr. Horace L. Horton, 
 the president and designer of the plans, being present. 
 
 In less than nine months from the driving of the first pile, the graceful 
 and imposing structure spanned the river 2,817 feet in length with its 
 approaches, built with three spans 330 feet each, one 362 feet, and one deck 
 span 200 feet, the channel span 55 feet above the highest stage of water 
 known. The cost of construction $100,000. Placed at one of the most pic- 
 turesque points on the river; from its deck span is presented a lengthy expanse 
 of the river, dotted with its numerous islands and water courses, and an ex- 
 tended landscape a rare touch" of nature affording a charming scenic view 
 of the mingling of water scenery and landscape. 
 
 The bridge was opened to the public July 4, 1891 a dual Independence 
 Day, "the day we celebrate" and the completion of the bridge, in a public 
 celebration at Lyons, with the usual custom, thousands crossing the bridge 
 on foot and in carriages. The late Hon. Walter I. Hayes, of Clinton, who as 
 congressman was influential in procuring the charter, and the Hon. Robert G. 
 Cousins, of Iowa, were the orators of the day. 
 
 VARIOUS EVENTS. 
 
 Fulton was organized as a village in 1855, and the first trustees were 
 Henry C. Fellows, W. C. Snyder, Dr. A. W. Benton. In 1859 it became a 
 city under special charter with James McCoy, mayor, and aldermen, Leander 
 Smith, David E. Dodge, Lyman Blake, Chas. A. Chace. 
 
 The first building in the city limits was in 1837, and although intended 
 for a store, was used the first summer as bachelors' hall by McCoy, Fellows, 
 and other unmarried men in the new settlement. 
 
 The first store was opened by John W. Baker and Moses Barlow in 1837, 
 and the first frame building was erected by John W. Baker in 1838. 
 
 Robert Booth built the first hotel of logs and clay in very rough style, 
 and was a popular landlord with boarders and travelers for his good table 
 and cordial reception. 
 
 Another store with a general assortment of goods was opened in 1839 
 by Chenery and Phelps. They dealt largely in grain, pork, and produce, 
 and their liberal prices attracted a wide trade. 
 
 The first brick building was erected in 1847, and stood for many years. 
 The third brick was erected by McCoy and Phelps for a printing office. 
 
 The first mail from Dixon to Fulton was carried by Ezekiel Kilgour
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 183 
 
 over the Sterling and Morrison road. From Dixon to Sterling by ox team, 
 Sterling to Fulton by horse. 
 
 The postoffice was established in 1838 under Van Buren, and pioneer 
 John Baker was appointed postmaster. In May, 1861, Dr. Snyder was 
 appointed by Lincoln, and held the place by successive reappointments, estab- 
 lishing the office in permanent quarters on Base street. 
 
 At the second town meeting held at the house of W. S. Wright, April 
 5, 1853, 26 votes were cast. 
 
 The year 1839 was long remembered as the sick year, as hardly a person 
 in the place escaped the prevailing malady. Dr. Daniel Reed and wife were 
 going day and night. 
 
 John Dyer, who came to Fulton in 1857, was one of her earliest patriots, 
 enlisting at Washington in the Lincoln regiment, 1861, and afterwards in 
 the 93d Illinois Volunteers. 
 
 The Fulton Journal has the honor of being the first paper published in 
 Whiteside county and has been issued regularly for over fifty-four years. It 
 was first published Feb. 25, 1854, as the Whiteside Investigator. Two public- 
 spirited citizens, namely, Judge James McCoy and John Phelps, in the fall 
 of 1853. purchased in St. Louis a press and type for the enterprise, but they 
 were shipped so late in the season that the steamboat was stopped at Rock 
 Island by the ice. The outfit was brought in a sleigh across the country and 
 installed in a brick two-story building still standing near the corner of River 
 and Union streets. 
 
 The first editor was A. McFadden, who got out a very creditable paper. 
 He bought the plant and soon after took G. A. Laighton as a partner and the 
 name was changed to the Fulton City Advertiser. Laighton later became sole 
 owner and was ably assisted in the editorial department by Dr. C. A. Gris- 
 wold. 
 
 In the campaign of 1856 the Advertiser advocated the election of James 
 Buchanan. Then Laighton sold out and G. I. Booth in 1859 was editor and 
 publisher and the name was changed to the Weekly Courier and the paper 
 became republican in politics, advocating the election of Abraham Lincoln. 
 
 In 1863 Mr. Booth again changed the name and this paper has since been 
 called The Fulton Journal. Three years later his son became a partner and 
 conducted The Journal under the firm name of G. J. Booth & Son until 1872, 
 when George Terwilliger, a ready writer, bought the Booths out, and in the 
 fall of the same year sold a half interest to Dr. W. C. Snyder, who became 
 business manager. 
 
 In March, 1876, Dr. Snyder bought Mr. Terwilliger's interest but 
 retained him as editor. The same fall T. J. Pickett, Jr., leased the office of 
 Dr. Snyder and soon after formed a partnership with I. C. Snyder and pur- 
 chased the paper. 
 
 In 1878, W. R, Cobb, a versatile scholar and gifted writer, bought Mr. 
 Pickett out, and two years later Cobb went to Sterling and became associated 
 with the Sterling Gazette Company and that firm purchased The Journal. 
 
 In April, 1881, Fred K. Bastian, who was local editor on the Gazette, 
 was placed in charge of The Journal, and in August of the same year with his
 
 184 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 brother, A. W. Bastian, as partner bought the plant and business, and the 
 politics of the paper was changed to democratic. In the fall of 1882 The 
 Journal was made a semi-weekly and for over twenty-six years it has been 
 issued twice a week without missing an issue. 
 
 In April, 1887, The Journal office was burned out, but the proprietors 
 immediately purchased new presses and material and, not being able to 
 secure suitable rooms, built the building on Cherry street where the paper 
 has since been published. 
 
 In 1892 A. W. Bastian sold his interest to Fred K., who conducted the 
 paper until September, 1898, when A. W. Bastian became sole proprietor and 
 editor, Fred K. selling out and retiring. 
 
 The Journal is now in its fifty-fifth volume and with largely increased 
 circulation, a well equipped office, giving employment to eight persons, it 
 ranks as one of the leading papers of the county, reflecting credit on the busi- 
 ness ability and journalistic aptitude of the editor and proprietor. 
 
 MISSIONARIES OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 From Greenland's icy mountains, 
 
 From India's coral strand, 
 Where Afric's sunny fountains, 
 
 Roll down their golden sand, 
 From many an ancient river, 
 
 From many a palmy plain, 
 They call us to deliver 
 
 Their land from error's chain. Reginald Heber. 
 
 * 
 
 EDWARD P. SCOTT. 
 
 Perhaps our first missionary from this county was Edward Payson Scott, 
 of blessed memory. He was the son of John M. Scott, who came from Vermont 
 to Lyndon in the summer of 1838. Edward was graduated from Knox Col- 
 lege, Galesburg, taught for a while in this county, and after a course of study 
 at the Hamilton Theological Seminary, New York, was ordained as a min- 
 ister in the Baptist church, and sent to Assam, India. At the end of six years, 
 he returned on account of the failing health of his wife, but after a year's 
 sojourn went back, and died in 1869 of cholera. Edward was a good singer, 
 and while attending our institutes was a regular member of the choir to open 
 the morning exercises. ' 
 
 Dr. Henry C. Mabie tells a beautiful story of an experience in the career 
 of Scott in Assam. Against the urgent advice of the British officers, Scott felt 
 impelled to visit the Nagas, a wild hill-tribe, three days' journey from his 
 station. He had just begun to study the language, and took with him a Naga 
 teacher. When they approached a native village, they were commanded to 
 halt by a band of fierce natives who threatened violence. The missionary 
 stopped, drew out his violin, and began to sing in their own tongue, "Alas, 
 and did my Savior bleed !" When he had finished the first verse, the war- 
 riors' spears had been thrust into the ground. As he sang on of the suffering,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 185 
 
 the forgiveness, the salvation of the Son of God, the wild men drew nearer, 
 and when he finished, the chief cried out, "Sing us that again. We never 
 heard the like of that before!" Scott's sister, Mary, was a girl of lovely spirit, 
 and after years of devoted service as teacher, sleeps in the home cemetery at 
 Lyndon. 
 
 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun, 
 
 Does his successive journeys run. 
 
 GEORGE PAULL. 
 
 Morrison people will remember this noble young minister, who was pastor 
 of the Presbyterian church there for a short time. It was about 1863. He had 
 dark hair and complexion, of ordinary height, active movement, serious expres- 
 sion. He sailed for Africa, but his usefulness was cut short by the fatal cli- 
 mate, and he died at Corisco on the west coast. His life was published by the 
 Presbyterian Board. A fragrant memory. 
 
 Asleep in Jesus! far from thee 
 
 Thy kindred and their graves may be. 
 
 His sister was the wife of Rev. N. H. G. Fife, pastor of the Sterling Presby- 
 terian church for sixteen years, from 1873, and the bereaved mother lived with 
 her, all much beloved by a wide circle of friends. 
 
 JOHN M'KIM. 
 
 Nearly thirty years ago a young man was taking private lessons to prepare 
 for college from Rev. J. E. Goodhue, then rector of Grace Episcopal church in 
 Sterling. After a course of theology at Nashotah, Wis., he was ordained, sent 
 to a mission of the church in Japan, where he labored so efficiently that he was 
 promoted to the highest distinction, and for a good while has been known as 
 Bishop McKim. During his regular trips to this country to see his children at 
 school, and attend the church conventions, Bishop McKim always visits Sterl- 
 ing, endeared to him by early associations. At his last visit he preached in 
 Grace church from the text, "And I was not disobedient to the heavenly 
 vision." An agreeable man, a fine organizer, and he has accomplished an excel- 
 lent work in the cherry land. Japan is yearly opening her doors wider to the 
 iniluences of Christianity. 
 
 His kingdom spread from shore to shore, 
 Till moons shall wax and wane no more. 
 
 In a letter which John wrote in May, 1880, soon after his arrival at 
 Osaka, he says : "I study the language with a teacher every morning, and read 
 morning and evening prayer in Japanese at the girls' school. They tell me I 
 am doing very well with the language, but I don't think I shall be able to 
 preach my first sermon for a year more. There is plenty of work to do, how- 
 ever, without preaching. We can do much in the way of talking with people, 
 and in training native young men for the ministry, but I don't think we shall 
 ever be able to do much through our own preaching."
 
 186 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 MARY HIMES EBELING. 
 
 This lady was graduated at the Rock Falls high school in 1898,' and most 
 of the time since her marriage has been engaged in the South Chih-li Mission, 
 Tai Ming-Fu, Chih-li Province, North China. A budget of missionary docu- 
 ments, postmarked Shanghai, received by her friend, Mrs. A. S. Goodell, gives 
 a glimpse of the varied field before these earnest laborers. There are several 
 thin sheets of greetings, indicating different phases of the work. "Picture what 
 it is, if you can, to be in a heathen city, with heathenish sights and sounds 
 and smells, twenty miles from the nearest one who can speak your own 
 language. One day twenty church members came in, each needing personal 
 instruction, bringing with them one hundred inquirers. Figure out how 
 one of you in the homeland could do anything with such a crowd. On Sab- 
 bath the power of the Spirit is very manifest in the meetings, as from one to 
 six, crowds of women filled the chapel. The work in the missionary children's 
 school has been going steadily on, and God has blessed teacher and pupils. 
 We praise God, also, for the large measure of health and strength He has 
 given us. Mrs. Ebeling now weighs more than she has ever weighed before. 
 Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth his own chosen ones 
 into this vast harvest field. Faithfully yours in Jesus, 
 
 "MARIE HIMES EBELING, 
 "W. W. CARL EBELING/' 
 
 Accompanying the leaflets in English is a copy of "Gospel News," in 
 Chinese, for circulation among the native church members. The characters, 
 of course, are hieroglyphics to an American, and resemble healthy spider 
 tracks. We have all seen them on tea chests. In a corner the contents are 
 given in English, with such topics as On the way of salvation, On Jesus the 
 sin-bearer, the Story of the Creation, On receiving the Lord Jesus, On a clean 
 temple for the Holy Ghost. 
 
 The morning light is breaking, 
 The darkness disappears. 
 
 EVELYN CORA MARSH. 
 
 She is the daughter of Rev. William Pinkney, a Wesleyan minister of 
 English descent, and Annie Witmer, originally from Pennsylvania, who spent 
 her girlhood in Whiteside county. Evelyn's education was received at Prince- 
 ton high school, Bureau county, and at Wheaton, where she took a full course 
 in the collegiate, art, and musical departments. When sixteen, she volun- 
 teered for service in the foreign field, preferring Africa, but a call during her 
 senior year came from the Methodist Episcopal church for the establishment 
 of a graded school in Foochow, China. This was for the education of the 
 children of missionaries, and of children resident in the fort. In September, 
 1897, Miss Pinkney sailed for Foochow, and for three years labored faith- 
 fully, carrying all grades of work from kindergarten to college. In 1900 she 
 was married to Ben Herbert Marsh, B. S., a graduate of Northwestern Univer- 
 sity, who was sent to Foochow to teach sciences in the Anglo-Chinese college, 
 the largest Christian college in South China for the education of Chinese
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 187 
 
 young men. Prof. Marsh died in 1904, and Mrs. Marsh with her two children 
 returned to the homeland. But after a year's rest she crossed the Pacific to 
 renew her work. At the close of the first year, however, her health giving 
 away, doctors advised her return to America, With her two little daughters, 
 Mrs. Marsh is now quietly residing in Sterling, near her parents, but cherishes 
 the hope of entering in due time upon the work in which her heart is absorbed, 
 and to which she desires to give her best energies. 
 
 Take my life, and let it be 
 Consecrated, Lord, to thee! 
 
 REV. JOHN. K. EEED 
 
 is the latest of our crusaders against the darkness of heathenism. He attended 
 Empire school west of Sterling from 1863 to 1870, was graduated from Car- 
 thage college, Illinois, studied theology at Wittenberg seminary, Springfield, 
 Ohio, and after various pastorates, the last at EvanstonJ where he left a new 
 church as a memorial of his devotion, he offered his services to the board 
 of the Lutheran church as a missionary to darkest Africa. At a farewell 
 meeting in St. John's church, Sterling, whose membership contains many of 
 his early friends, after several addresses and a closing one by Mr. Reed, an 
 offering was made for his benefit, and a Godspeed uttered for his journey. 
 After another farewell reception in Third church, Baltimore, Mr. Reed sailed 
 for Africa in February, spending two weeks on the way in England, and 
 arrived at Monrovia on the west coast, March 23, 1907. Muhlenberg mission, 
 the scene of his labors, is in Liberia, not far inland, pleasantly situated, and 
 well established. Here Rev. David Day gave his life to the work which Rev. 
 Will Beck is now vigorously carrying forward. Besides schools and preaching 
 at the station, trips are made to points in the interior. In several printed let- 
 ters, John writes encouragingly of his progress, and of much enjoyment in the 
 people and scenes of his tropical world. Early in 1908, however, he was 
 seized with severe sickness, and was obliged to return to America. 
 
 REV. BURTON ST. JOHN. 
 
 Burton St. John was born in Genesee township, Nov. 24, 1873. He was 
 converted in childhood, and united with the Methodist church, at Hickory 
 Grove appointment, Coleta charge. With his parents he moved to Sterling in 
 1888. He attended Central school and graduated in 1893. Took the degree 
 of A. B. at Northwestern University in 1898. In the school year of 1898-9 he 
 was Traveling Secretary for the Student Volunteer Movement, and visited 
 the colleges in the central western states, and Manitoba. In the fall of 1899 he 
 began his divinity course at Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J. In 
 the fall of 1901 and winter of 1901-2 served as private secretary to John R. 
 Mott, and with him visited Japan, China, Straits Settlement, Ceylon, and 
 India, in the interests of International Y. M. C. A. Took his degree of B. D. 
 at Drew in the spring of 1902. He was married July 9, 1902, to Miss Jo 
 Barnes, of Duluth, Minn. Appointed missionary to North China, and sailed 
 from San Francisco, in August, 1902, for Peking and later was appointed
 
 188 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 
 
 to Tientsin. In the spring of 1906 he was sent to Japan to establish Y. M. 
 C. A. work among the Chinese students at Tokyo. In the fall of 1906 was 
 appointed principal of the Chinese Boys' Intermediate School, in Tientsin, and 
 still (1907) is in that work. 
 
 MISS MARY KINGSBURY. 
 
 Miss Mary Kingsbury, who has been engaged in active missionary work 
 in India for twenty-six years, was born in Hudsonville, 111., Feb. 7, 1857. 
 Her childhood days were spent in Decatur,' 111., where her parents went to 
 reside in 1860 and where she entered the public school at the age of six. 
 
 As a child she was obedient to her parents f kind and loving to her 
 younger brothers and sisters, and showed, at a very tender age, an ability, to 
 decide quickly in favor of what was right and just in all matters that came 
 up in her daily life. 
 
 When a girl of 15 she, with her parents, removed to Sterling, Whiteside 
 county, 111., and in September, 1872, she became a pupil of the Second Ward 
 school; graduating from the High School with honors in 1877. 
 
 Miss Kingsbury was a very systematic, painstaking student, laboring 
 diligently to excel in her wo>k and early laid the foundation for that mar- 
 velous executive ability which has since characterized her labors in foreign 
 lands. 
 
 At the age of 16 she became a member of the Christian church and has 
 always been an ardent and energetic supporter of its teachings. Being of a 
 deeply religious nature from her earliest childhood, it was no surprise to her 
 friends, when the call having been sent out by the Christian Women's Board 
 of Missions of Indianapolis, Ind., for four young ladies to volunteer to go out 
 to India to organize and establish a mission field in that far off country, that 
 she was one of the first to respond. 
 
 Accordingly on the sixteenth day of September, 1881, she, in company 
 with four young ladies sent out by the National Women's Board, and two 
 gentlemen accompanied by their wives sent by the Foreign Board of the 
 Christian church, sailed for India to begin their great work of spreading the 
 gospel of Jesus Christ. 
 
 These pioneers first located in Jubbalpur, where they at once began the 
 study of the language, and later they removed to Hurda, which was regarded 
 as a more healthful city, and after two years of faithful study they perfected 
 plans for opening up a permanent mission station at Bilaspur in the Central 
 Provinces. 
 
 With bullock carts, provisions and small tents in which to sleep at night, 
 they started through the thick jungle to undertake their new work. Bilaspur 
 was two hundred and twenty miles away, a journey of three weeks, traveling 
 as they then must go. The first part of the trip was pleasant and over ia 
 smooth government road, but after three or four days this was left behind and 
 they entered the dense jungle, which was filled with tigers and other wild 
 animals. At night they would stop for rest and around their tents and trains 
 they would keep large camp fires to protect themselves from wild beasts. 
 
 When they reached Bilaspur, jaded and weary, they were accorded a
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 189 
 
 cordial welcome by the chief men of the village. Miss Kingsbury at once 
 began doing zenana work (teaching women in their homes), in which she 
 continued until a year or so later, when she met with a very severe accident, 
 which resulted in a broken ankle and from which she suffered from lameness 
 for many years. This necessitated a change of work, which led to the found- 
 ing of a girls' orphanage which became Miss Kingbury's individual work. 
 
 An interesting story is told of an appeal made to our missionaries in 
 Bilaspur before the founding of the orphanage. An old man and his wife 
 were living near them. They were so poor and miserable they could scarcely 
 live, and the father was so very ill that he did not live very long after this. 
 One day they came to the missionaries bringing their baby boy and telling 
 them they were too poor to feed and care for him and asked them to take him. 
 The missionaries refused several times for they had no orphanage, and they 
 could not understand why the parents would give up such a dear little boy. 
 Day after day the old people came pleading with them to take the child, saying 
 it would die of starvation) if they did not. When at last they were allowed 
 to leave him they went away quite happy, though afterward they found the 
 mother quietly weeping, when she thought she was not seen. The mission- 
 aries would have thought she cared nothing for the child had they not seen 
 her. Sirawan, the name of the child, was the first member of the orphanage. 
 Now he is a useful Christian man as a teacher and evangelist in Bilaspur. 
 
 This orphanage is now used exclusively for girls and has been a haven of 
 refuge for many a helpless little one. Here they are tenderly cared for and 
 taught to be self-reliant, capable women. All these years Miss Kingsbury has 
 faithfully cared for these orphan girls. Many have married Christian men 
 and now preside over Christian homes, showing their own people what such 
 homes are like. Many have become teachers and many others nurses and 
 helpers not only in Bilaspur station, but in other missions. There are now in 
 the orphanage about one hundred and thirty girls being trained to live useful 
 lives. 
 
 It may be interesting to mention that during the many years Miss Kings- 
 bury has been engaged in missionary work she has only made three visits to 
 her native land. The first visit was made in the spring of 1888, when she 
 remained at home with her loved ones for over a year. 
 
 Her second visit was made in the summer of 1896 and upon this occasion 
 she made a short visit with friends in Sterling, then going on to Brookings, 
 S. Dak., to spend a few months with her mother, and completing her visit 
 with her sisters and brothers in Butte, Mont. 
 
 Her third and last visit was made in the summer of 1905, when she 
 remained for over a year. Upon this occasion she divided her time between 
 Minneapolis, Minn., and Butte, Mont. 
 
 In September of 1906 she again sailed for India and to quote from a letter 
 just received from her, dated November 14, 1907, she writes: "A year ago 
 today the good ship Caledonia was gradually drawing near to Calcutta. How 
 quickly the time flies." 
 
 Miss Kingsbury's strong personality, genial disposition and kind but firm 
 leadership has greatly endeared her to the girls and her quiet dignity and
 
 190 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 influence for good is leaving its impression upon all who are so fortunate as 
 to become inmates of the Bilaspur Orphanage for Girls. 
 
 MISS J. EDITH JENKS. 
 
 She was born in Fenton township, April 11, 1872, and is a graduate of 
 Wheaton college, 1897. In her early girlhood she consecrated her life to her 
 Savior, joining the Student Volunteer Movement soon after entering college. 
 While pursuing a training course in Bible study at Moody Institute, Chicago, 
 the way opened that she could become a candidate of the Woman's Board of 
 the Northwest. She was accepted in April, 1901, and assigned to India as 
 her field of labor. Her work there has been greatly blessed. Miss Jenks is a 
 member, much beloved, of the Newton Presbyterian church. Not the "little 
 church around the corner" of New York, but the modest frame church of the 
 prairie and the woods. 
 
 HUME. 
 
 There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, 
 Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Hamlet. 
 
 David Hume was a philosopher and a historian. Hume's History of 
 England was all our grandfathers knew. David enjoyed life, and died in 
 Edinburgh in 1776, before he could tell how our glorious revolution was to 
 end. Was Hume township named after the Scotch historian? Did any of the 
 original settlers believe in his philosophy? Were they Highlanders, and 
 admirers of their distinguished countryman? We fear not. They were true 
 blue New Englanders. 
 
 No, the first settlers were not scholars, simply earnest, industrious men and 
 women. They preferred a good quarter section to all the Humes from the 
 beginning of time. For instance, there was Leonard Morse, who built a log 
 cabin in 1836. Uriah Wood, 1839, who in a sod house with wife and seven 
 children, still had room for boarders. These early cabins were like modern 
 omnibuses, always room for one more. Strangers could sleep on floor, and the 
 table could be set outdoors. Most of the emigrants came after 1840, the 
 Scotts, McKenzie, Paddock, Plumley, Baker, Crook, and others. 
 
 Like Newton, L T stick, and some of the other townships, Hume has no 
 central village, no seat of influence with lawyers, doctors, merchants, and 
 politicians. It is a broad district of bottom land, occupied with comfortable 
 homes, fertile fields, and every substantial sign of rural independence. The 
 main road from Rock Falls southwest offers a delightful drive in early autumn. 
 You have glimpses of Rock river. You see the old road that ran to Como 
 when there was a ferry boat moved by the current. Here and there the track 
 is raised over low places that in 1840 must have been mires to stagger a yoke 
 of oxen. 
 
 As you turn at the beautiful Ramsay farm to go south, what a vast area 
 of land level as a floor stretches away far as the eye can reach. Doubtless, in 
 the past ages, the bed of a lake, perhaps a greater Michigan. Here is a little,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 191 
 
 deserted, ragged hut, seven by nine. What a story it could tell of other days. 
 Built, says someone, by Joseph Peckham. This is the South Hume school, 
 Miss J. McNeill with 22 pupils, who as it is recess crowd around the door at 
 our approach. We recall Alice Carey's poem : 
 
 All at the windows open wide, 
 Heads and shoulders clear outside, 
 
 And fair young faces all ablush; 
 Perhaps, you may have seen some day, 
 Roses crowding the self-same way, 
 
 Out of a wilding, way-side bush. 
 
 Here we turn to the east, and by the roadside embossed in a thicket of 
 evergreens, shrubbery, and coarse grass growing over the stones falling from 
 their base, is a little cemetery. You can hardly read the names so dim and 
 rusty. Not a dozen graves in the half acre. It was started evidently by some 
 people in the neighborhood, who after the burial of their friends, have moved 
 away and left the sacred corner desolate. 
 
 Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid, 
 
 Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire. 
 
 R. B. Stoddard claims he built the first house on the prairie in South 
 Hume in 1854. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. 
 
 We are informed by Mrs. C. F. Rumley there are three Sunday schools, 
 North, South, and West Hume. Once a month preaching at West Hume, Rev. 
 Mr. Durdick of Prophetstown often officiating. Christian Endeavor at North 
 Hume every Sunday night. Mrs. Edward D. demons, secretary, writes that 
 the Good Deed Circle of King's Daughters has 26 members, who meet every 
 four weeks at the homes of the members. The object is to develop spiritual 
 life, and to stimulate Christian activity, as well as to aid home missions in 
 every way. The officers are elected annually, and the present are : Mrs. Frank 
 Russell, leader, and Mrs. Harry Butler, treasurer. Social intercourse is highly 
 esteemed and encouraged by the circle. But some positive work is always on 
 hand. At one meeting two comforters were made, and at another, a box of 
 clothing was packed for the needy. Sometimes a special session-is called to 
 do sewing for a poor family. There is a Ladies' Aid society that meets at the 
 various homes to engage in some useful work, like sewing carpet rags, quilt- 
 ing, or similar domestic diversions. A good supper always closes the festivities 
 of the occasion. The Loyal Circle of King's Daughters sent a quantity of 
 children's clothing to an orphanage in Chicago. Another form of entertain- 
 ment on winter evenings is the Basket Social. There i# a program of music 
 and recitations, the ladies bringing baskets of dainties which are sold at auc- 
 tion to the highest bidder. At one of these the Christian Endeavor realized 
 eleven dollars. 
 
 DITCHING FOR DRAINAGE. 
 
 The commissioners of Union Special Drainage district of Tampico, 
 Prophetstown and Hume townships met January, 1908, in Morrison and
 
 192 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 decided to have Coon creek line No. 1 ditch deepened and widened. The ditch 
 is seventeen miles in length and has its source in Lee county north of Van 
 Petten and crosses several townships in Whiteside county and empties- in Coon 
 creek below Prophetstown. 241,240 cubic yards of dirt is the estimate to be 
 removed from the mammoth drainage ditch. The ditch will have a twenty 
 foot width at the bottom and will have a good slope. 46,260 acres of land is 
 comprised in the drainage district. The estimated cost of making the improve- 
 ment is from $16,000 to $20,000. The cost will be more than the excavation 
 work as the ditch passes under the government canal feeder and is also 
 spanned by several bridges which have to be removed before a steam dredge 
 can pass the obstruction. 
 
 The ditch was widened and deepened about twelve years ago, and at that 
 time was increased to a water carrying capacity which was ample for the pur- 
 pose intended. Since that time, sub-districts have been organized and lateral 
 ditches connected with the main ditch, and this with the fill in has caused a 
 demand for a widening and deepening of the stream which will be large 
 enough to carry off the water without causing an overflow. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVE PIONEERS. 
 
 Perhaps the face of no man was more familiar than that of Charles 
 Wright. He was one of those cheery, companionable souls that seemed to 
 enjoy the good things of life, and aimed to make the world better and brighter. 
 Stout and active, fond of being in the crowd, mingling with his fellows. The 
 writer often saw him on the streets of Sterling. He held several public posi- 
 tions. In 1852 elected sheriff, for nine years supervisor, foi seven years 
 revenue assessor in the district. Like Lincoln, fond of a good story, ready to 
 tell or to listen. Mr. Wright came from Vermont, and settled in Hume in 
 1840. He died in 1875, not quite 70. 
 
 David Cleaveland first came in 1850, and then again in 1852. A large 
 family. He came from Oneida county, New York. His name will be best 
 preserved by the gallantry of his son David, captain in the 34th Illinois, now 
 living near Prophetstown, the liveliest soldier in the post. 
 
 Josiah Scott, a genial old man, who died not long ago, >walked in his 
 eightieth year from his home to Sterling to present the writer for the His- 
 torical Society a manuscript bearing the signature of an early president. Mr. 
 Scott was born in 1819, and emigrated from Ohio to Whiteside in 1839. 
 
 Pond Lily Farm west of Rock Falls was the home for many years of Mr. 
 and Mrs. William Ramsay. She was Lucy A. Church, Oxford, N. Y., and 
 was married in 1845. Five children. Mr. Ramsay died in 1900, Mrs. Ramsay 
 in 1907. Lizzie, Kate, and Luman reside in the old A. P. Smith property, 
 the family home since leaving the farm. 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 The first traveled road in Hume was the stage route from Chicago to Rock 
 Island, now the Sterling and Prophetstown road, and one of the finest in the 
 country on account of the numerous improved farms and residences along the 
 entire distance.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 193 
 
 Miss Jane Griffith has the honor of teaching the first school, 1857, in the 
 Cleaveland schoolhouse. 
 
 David Ramsay in the forties built a large frame house, which travelers 
 patronized on the trip from Chicago to Rock Island. 
 
 John H. Plumley, a Vermonter, got his first house from Charles Mc- 
 Carter by trading a silver watch for it. When he opened his farm, there were 
 no fences or dwellings to be seen. 
 
 THE Y. P. S. C. E. OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 Once a year 'the young people of the county meet in convention to hear 
 reports and addresses, and elect officers. The last convention was held iii 
 Tampico, and the officers for 1908 are: President, Miss Marie Hey, Sterling; 
 vice presidents, Miss Myra Jennings, Rock Falls, Jonas Baer, Sterling, and 
 Miss Fredda Rosene, of Tampico-; secretary and treasurer, Miss Jennie Spool- 
 man, Garden Plain. 
 
 The reports of the Endeavorers was made on Saturday afternoon and six- 
 teen of the twenty Endeavor societies handed in reports which were very 
 gratifying. It was very noticeable this year that thirty-six of the forty dele- 
 gates present were new members of the society. The Junior Endeavor society 
 of Garden Plain was granted the banner for giving the largest amount of 
 money to the mission fund. Their sum given averaged $2.50 for each mem- 
 ber. The Garden Plain young people have been granted the banner for 
 the past six years and it is impossible for any of the other Junior societies 
 of the county to beat their record. The next county meeting will be held 
 in Rock Falls next fall. 
 
 George H. Fonken, of Sterling, gave a splendid talk on Sunday after- 
 noon on the subject, "The Needs of the Hour," and W. H. Hunt, of Moline, 
 delivered a fine address to a large assemblage of people Sunday evening. 
 
 OUR THREE RAILWAYS. 
 
 Whizzing through the mountains, 
 
 Buzzing o'er the vale, 
 Bless me! this is pleasant, 
 
 Riding on the rail ! Saxe. 
 
 We do not appreciate our privileges. We step on the train any hour of 
 the day, and go in any direction. In 1835 there was not a mile of railroad in 
 northern Illinois. Think of our luckless pioneers floundering through the 
 sloughs. In 1836 the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad secured their first 
 charter, and operations began. It was to start in Chicago and run to the 
 Mississippi river. The strap rail was to be used, as T-rail was too expensive. 
 The survey began in 1847, and various branches were completed from time to 
 time. There was the Aurora Branch, the St. Charles Branch. The main line 
 of the Galena road was finished to Freeport, 120 miles from Chicago, Septem- 
 ber, 1853. Meanwhile work was progressing in other directions. What was 
 called the Chicago, Fulton & Iowa Line was opened to Dixon, Dec. 4, 1854,
 
 194 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 to Sterling, July 22, 1855, to Morrison, Sept. 23, 1855, and to Fulton, Dec. 
 16, 1855. 
 
 That was a wonderful July day for Sterling. The iron horse at last. 
 Preparations were made for a grand jubilee. Why not have an old-fashioned 
 barbecue, feast the world, and make the welkin ring with shout and address? 
 Simeon Coe furnished a three-year-old ox, which was roasted on a primitive 
 arrangement of forked sticks, and then borne in triumph, bedecked with 
 flags and oranges, to an immense arbor of branches near the present Central 
 school. After the banquet, B. F. Taylor, the poet, made a flowery address. 
 The lion of the day was Stephen A. Douglas, who talked to the masses in his 
 own earnest style. Deacon Bross of the Tribune, Long John Wentworth, John 
 B. Turney, railway magnate, governors, judges, editors, all men of note within 
 reach, were on the platform or in the crowd. Estimates of the multitude ran 
 as high as five thousand. 
 
 So small w T as the business of the road even in 1858 that the locomotives 
 were named. Easy to do, as they were only sixty. The boys in Sterling 
 knew every engine by its whistle before they saw it. The Pioneer was the 
 oldest, 1848, built by Baldwin, Philadelphia. All kinds of names. Indian and 
 local. J. B. Turner, Shawbeney, Waubansee, Whirling Thunder, Black 
 Hawk, Achilles, Samson, Hercules. 
 
 But the Mississippi had to be crossed for westward progress. On Feb. 
 14, 1857, the Albany Railroad Bridge Company was incorporated by the Illi- 
 nois legislature with the following stockholders: Barzillia Cottle, William 
 Prothrow, W. W. Durant, Thomas Long, G. H. Parker, E. B. Warner, and A. 
 J. Mattson, for the purpose of building a bridge across the Mississippi be- 
 tween Illinois and Iowa, and for the use of the Galena & Chicago Union Rail- 
 road, and in 1864 this road completed the bridge across the river from Little 
 Rock Island to the Clinton side. In June, 1864, the old Galena company was 
 consolidated with Chicago & Northwestern, and the development of this 
 colossal corporation began. W. B. Ogden was president. 
 
 The Peoria and Northwestern Railway is the name given to the branch 
 extending from Nelson in Lee county on the main line to Peoria. eighty-five 
 miles. Its construction was begun in March, 1901, and completed in Jan- 
 uary 19, 1902. 
 
 A generous pension system was adopted by the directors in 1900, by which 
 all employes who have attained the age of 70, and who have been twenty years 
 in the service, shall be retired and pensioned. Larry Gagin, who ran the 
 Sterling passenger train to Chicago and back every day for thirty-six years, 
 and who has been an engineer for forty-eight consecutive years, was retired 
 Feb. 1, 1908, on a pension. He has been thrifty, has property of various kinds, 
 and lives in a modest home in Sterling with a daughter and son, both having 
 enjoyed a good education. With the retirement of Gagin, Philip O'Neill be- 
 comes the dean of Northwestern engine drivers, having been on duty during 
 the civil war. 
 
 The Northwestern is lavish in outlay to improve its facilities. The open- 
 ing of the gravel pit near Como and the thousands of carloads hauled for 
 elevation of the track east of the government dam, the new ninety-pound
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 195 
 
 steel rails, the widening of the tracks, the riprapping to protect against en- 
 croachments of the river, the new bridge with its twenty-eight piers and 
 abutments over the river at Clinton, all exhibit the ceaseless activity of the 
 great corporation. Picturesque stations of brick at Sterling and Morrison. 
 The lawn at Sterling is gay with the flowers of the season. A pledge, has been 
 circulated among the employes for signatures and went into effect January 1, 
 1908. A large majority of the employes of the entire system will be tee- 
 totalers. Not content with this, the leaders of the movement hope soon 
 to have every man employed from end to end of the 7,000 miles of road a 
 signer of the pledge. 
 
 THE BURLINGTON LINE. 
 
 This is the only road by which Sterling has communication with Lyndon 
 and Erie, Prophetstown and Tampico. At Denrock the main lines of the 
 Burlington from Chicago, St. Paul, St. Louis, and the West, intersect, and 
 here the traveler can make connection for all points. The Burlington is the 
 successor of the original railroads that were opened and operated for a time 
 under other names, the Chicago and Rock River through the southern town- 
 ships, and the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis down the river. Much 
 litigation, but of no avail. The great corporations always absorb the branches. 
 
 For years the Burlington continued its business in Rock Falls, but in 
 1883 sufficient property having been quietly secured for a right-of-way, the 
 bridge was built, and the track laid across the Northwestern, and along Second 
 street, south of Wallace Hall. Here on the block between Locust street and 
 Avenue A, a substantial station and depot were erected. The traffic of the 
 road has greatly increased, and it now divides the freight business of Sterling 
 with the Northwestern. Much of this prosperity is due the sagacity and 
 perseverance of L. C. Thome, general agent for twenty-eight years, who, like 
 all efficient railroad men, has risen from the foot of the ladder. 
 
 Ah, whence is that flame which now bursts on his eye? 
 
 Ah, what is that sound that now larums his ear? 
 'TLs the lightning's red glare, painting hell on the sky! 
 
 'Tis the crashing of thunders, the groan of the sphere ! Dimond. 
 
 On the night of Oct. 23, 1888, Sterling beheld the spectacular event of 
 her history. The Burlington bridge across Rock river was discovered on fire, 
 and as the flames fairly leaped along the arches, the whole structure was 
 speedily a blazing mass. As the catastrophe happened before midnight, the 
 entire population were witnesses of the work of the destroying angel. It was a 
 scene of weird and fascinating excitement. Twelve hundred feet of flame, 
 illuminating heaven above and the waters beneath. The origin of the fire a 
 mystery. As the piers were intact, another superstructure of frame was reared 
 the next year. 
 
 The cities of Sterling and Rock Falls within a few years have become 
 an important railroad center, and there is a permanent pay roll of almost 
 four hundred men. 
 
 The Twin Cities are the division point of the Shabbona and Sterling line 
 of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and are the division point for the
 
 198 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Sterling and Denrock branch of the same line. It is the terminal of the 
 Northwestern & Peoria Railroad, and a part of the administration officers of 
 the Galena division are located here. These officers are the train master, road 
 master of the Galena division and the assistant road master, and the road 
 master of the Peoria line, the traveling engineer and the superintendent of 
 signals. 
 
 The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy maintains two very large yards, one 
 on either side of the river, and has a total of about seven miles of switch 
 tracks, in addition to the main lines. 
 
 The Northwestern has one yard, and has about five miles of switch 
 tracks. 
 
 The "Q" maintains here the office of the roadmaster of the two branches. 
 The only wrecking crew on the Northwestern between Clinton and West Chi- 
 cago is maintained here. 
 
 The monthly pay roll on the Northwestern has been as high as $80,000 
 a month, and last year for three inonths it had an extra pay roll of $800 a day. 
 The normal pay roll monthly on the Northwestern is about $42.000 and on 
 the "Q" about $20,000, making the monthly pay roll on the two roads about 
 $62,000 or about $744,000, or close to three-quarters of a million dollars 
 annually. It will therefore be seen that after all is written about the various 
 and varied factories and their pay roll, the greatest factors in the two cities 
 are the railroads. They employ more men and have annually a larger pay 
 roll than any other institution. 
 
 THE CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL. 
 
 As this strong road skirts only the western edge of the county, striking 
 the Mississippi at Savanna, as it comes from the lakes, and crossing the North- 
 western at Fulton, then following the river to Rock Island, it is not a heavy 
 factor in the commercial interests of Whiteside. It gives Albany communica- 
 tion with the world, but there are only two trains a day, one from the north 
 at ten, the other from the south at four. The small station at Fulton is in the 
 eastern end of the city at the intersection of the Northwestern, but the trains 
 of the latter stop only at their own station further west. 
 
 MONTMORENCY. 
 
 And as-I read, 
 
 I hear the crowing cock, I hear the note 
 Of lark and linnet, and from every page, 
 Rise odors of plowed field or flowery mead. Longfellow. 
 
 This is one of our purely inland townships, no river, no railroad, but one 
 wide stretch of farms and cottages. How did it get its name? Ustick, for 
 instance, is after an early settler, Erie from the lake, Mt. Pleasant for its 
 situation, but Montmorency is French, and the first emigrants were Yankees. 
 It certainly has one merit, it is musical, which cannot be said of Oshkosh. 
 
 The main road from Rock Falls southward is known as the Golder road 
 from Alonzo Golder. who opened a large farm in 1856, and became a repre-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 197 
 
 sentativc citizen, but in later years retiring to Sterling. Here was the second 
 school building called the Banes schoolhouse, a central place for meetings of 
 various kinds and religious services. In the third schoolhouse in the Mc- 
 "Whorter district, Capt. W. C. Robinson, afterwards in the war, taught in the 
 winter of 1860. 
 
 Two early roads. One a trail from Dixon to Green river, northeast to 
 southwest. The other was the stage route from Dixon to Rock Island. A 
 familiar landmark was the "Lone Tree," a honey locust, blown down in 
 Camanche tornado of 1860. The first regular rail, laid out in 1854, runs eas 
 and west through the town. 
 
 On this Golder road is a small white frame structure with the inscrip- 
 tion above the door, M. W. A. Camp 1912, 1896. North of this you come to 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 Beneath these rugged elms, that yew tree's shade, 
 Where heaves the turf in many a molding heap, 
 
 Each in his narrow cell forever laid, 
 
 The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep. 
 
 Most of the tombs bear dates since 1866. Among the older names are 
 Cornelius Bachellor, 1829-1899. George Murray, 1815-1881. Elizabeth Mur- 
 ray, 1820-1892. Elizabeth Foster, 1798-1877. Alonzo Golder, 1807-1895. 
 George W. Curtis, 1822-1902. (This name recalls the celebrated editor of 
 Harper's Weekly.) Hullinger, 1820-1897. Then there are Doty, Fitch, 
 Blanchard, Stevens, Ward, Frank, Sawyer. Of the soldiers we noticed G. B. 
 Reynolds, 1841-1887. Francis Brown/ 1872. P. C. Woods, 1880, aged 59. 
 Elijah L. Halsted, 1885, aged 42. Faded flags were drooping over the graves, 
 but some of them had no details of companies, regiments, or battles. This is 
 a satisfaction to the visitor, and is a memorial due the brave boys sleeping 
 beneath. 
 
 Within a generation the country has made a remarkable improvement. 
 The primitive buildings have given way to modern dwellings with large barns, 
 hay sheds, and all the smaller structures necessary to convenience and com- 
 fort. Some of our prosperous farms today look like a small village. Dwell- 
 ings generally white, barns red, which is a durable color, warm in winter, and 
 showy in appearance. Soil a black loam with here and there a mixture of sand, 
 which makes heavy travel on the roads. This has been remedied in many 
 places by gravel and embankment. Ditching has been of vast benefit to many 
 sections of the township. 
 
 The common roads through Montmorency and Hume cross the feeder 
 of the Hennepin canal by means of high steel bridges, approached by long 
 embankments. They are visible afar, and make graceful landmarks. 
 
 Corn is king. On both sides of the roads a sea of yellow stalks. Hogs 
 and cattle in the meadows, poultry in the barnyards. 
 
 A PERSONAL NARRATIVE. 
 
 The writer 'had an interview with Luman Kakeman, one of the last of 
 Montmorency's pioneers. He came from the banks of the Hudson in 1854,
 
 198 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 buying land south of Asa Scott in 1859, the only pioneer then in the town- 
 ship. The only Indian trail up and down the valley was traveled in the time 
 of California gold excitement, and some days one hundred teams passed along. 
 On the road between Sterling and Prophetstown, George Richmond is the last 
 of the men of 1859. Where the busy town of Rock Falls now is, he could 
 have bought the land at $15 per acre. Near that Lone Tree there was once 
 a graveyard, called the Lone Tree Cemetery, but the friends of the dead moved 
 away, and the bodies were never removed. The land in Hume south of his 
 place was unoccupied for many years. 
 
 The most active secret order in the township is the Mystics. At the 
 annual meeting in December, 1907, the following officers were elected: 
 
 Prefix Samuel May. 
 
 Secretary Frank Ashling. 
 
 Banker William Ashling. 
 
 Marshal Mrs. John Schaff. 
 
 Warder Theodore Frank. 
 
 Sentinel Matthias Grennan. 
 
 Supervisor for three years Cyrus Dellenteen. 
 
 One of the diversions occasionally is a poverty ball. In order to gain 
 admittance it will be necessary for all guests to be attired in rags and tags. 
 Good clothes will not be tolerated. 
 
 To indicate the interest taken in the subject of transportation in these 
 rural districts, this item clipped from a county paper is suggestive: 
 
 Twenty-two farmers in the town of Montmorency have been hauling 
 crushed rock for grading and making hard roads in their town. It is expen- 
 sive as the material has to be hauled several miles, but the campaign for good 
 roads is worth pushing. 
 
 LETTER FROM A LADY. 
 
 Dear Sir: In reply to your request to furnish you with a few facts that exist 
 in Montmorency, I will say that we have six public schools. The buildings are 
 frame buildings, and are in good condition. We employ six teachers at an 
 average of forty-five dollars per month. Each school has a library and such 
 days as Arbor Day, Flag Day, Decoration Day, and Lincoln and Washington 
 days are observed. From these schools are many of the prominent teachers 
 of the county. We have at the present time a student at Urbana who is head- 
 ing the Junior Class in Botany and Medical Science. There are two Sunday 
 schools and a Home Department Class of twenty members. There is preach- 
 ing at the Banes Sunday school of the Methodist Denomination. There is a 
 Woodman Hall, and Camp No. 19 hold regular meetings. The Mystic Work- 
 ers lodge, No. 104 also meet at this hall. This township has twenty-three steel 
 bridges which span its drainage ditches, which have been the means of greatly 
 advancing the value of the land in this township. 
 
 There is a number of W. C. T. U. workers here, and a number of young 
 people who have taken part in medal contests. 
 
 Hoping some of these facts will be a benefit to you, I am, 
 
 Yours Respectfully, 
 
 MRS. ELIZA FRAXK.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 199 
 
 FAMILIAR FACES OF PIONEERS. 
 
 A face with gladness overspread, 
 
 Soft smiles by human, kindness bred ! Wordsworth. 
 
 As the writer's residence in Whiteside dates from 1858, he often met 
 many of the early settlers on the street. Alonza Colder after coming to Ster- 
 ling was dignified as Judge. He was a thick-set man, good-humored counte- 
 nance, and plain in his manners. He formed partnership with his son in 
 the lumber and coal trade. His daughter was married to Moses Dillon, long 
 in the elevator business, now in New York. The Judge was a member of the 
 Congregational church, and an estimable citizen in all the relations of life. 
 
 Another was Nathan Williams, who, when the writer first knew him, was 
 engaged in a dry goods store, but after three years left Sterling, and devoted 
 his energies to a large farm of 640 acres in Montmorency. In 1871 he was 
 elected to the legislature as representative, serving two years. Faithful to his 
 constituents. To him the writer is indebted for a complete set of the Geo- 
 logical Survey of Illinois, under direction of A. H. Worthen. A third was 
 C. C. Buell, the best educated of all the circle, valedictorian at Madison Uni- 
 versity, New York. An illustrious record as professor, quartermaster in the 
 Civil war, principal of Second Ward school in Sterling, influential as farmer 
 and dairyman. Mr. Buell was a good writer, ready speaker, and well equipped 
 for the intellectual or commercial affairs of the community. 
 
 Asa Scott, who made that peculiar boat trip from Ohio to Como in 1839, 
 where he remained until 1847, when he purchased a farm in this township, 
 had sixteen children, putting him in the class with Susanna Wesley, mother 
 of the famous Methodist founder. Asa's early experience was full of all sorts 
 of hardship. Tyler McWhorter's name was familiar to the citizens of the 
 county, as he was supervisor and member of the legislature. He came in 1854 
 from Indiana. His widow resides in Sterling. A. A. Church is best known as 
 a raiser of improved stock. Herman Sterling removed to Sterling, and then 
 to California. Henry M. Barnum is now in Sterling. In fact, nearly all of 
 Montmorency's older people are gone. Another generation have taken up their 
 work. 
 
 WHITESIDE SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 People and realms of every tongue, 
 Dwell on his love with sweetest song, 
 And infant voices shall proclaim 
 Their early blessings on his name. -Watts. 
 
 No cause has more loyal, efficient, untiring workers than the men and 
 women in the Sunday school movement. A pure and disinterested service, so 
 refreshing in this age of graft and selfishness. The children are the hope of 
 the country, and they should be brought up in the ways of righteousness. 
 When time-servers are forgotten, they that turn many to holiness, shall shine 
 t>* the stars forever and ever. 
 
 The first County S. S. convention was held in Morrison, Dec. 11-12, 1876.
 
 200 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Rev. D. E. Wells was chosen moderator, and Pay.son Trask, secretary. State 
 Secretary, E. Payson Porter gave an address, Saving of the World. Fourteen 
 townships of twenty-two were represented. D. J. Jenne, Sterling, president; 
 Payson Trask, Fulton, secretary, H. C. Donaldson, Morrison, statistical 
 secretary, were chosen for the ensuing year. The next convention 
 : met in Farwell Hall, Sterling, May 7, 1877. The report showed 
 52 schools, and 5,430 scholars. The next year the meeting was in the 
 Presbyterian church, Fulton, May, 1878. April 29, 1879, saw the convention 
 in the Presbyterian church at Morrison. Rev. E. Brown was one of the speak- 
 ers. The next time in the Congregational church, Sterling, May 4, 1880. The 
 report gave 75 schools and 6,404 scholars. Fulton M. E. church had the 
 following session, Dec. 13, 1881. At the next convention in Morrison Baptist 
 church, Dec. 7, 1882, there were 64 schools reported with a membership of 
 5,160. Jenne, Trask, and Donaldson, after a faithful service of seven years 
 retired, and C. W. Sholes, Morrison, president; Joseph B. Kearns, Garden 
 Plain, sec. ; and G. P. Perry, Sterling, treasurer, succeeded. At the convention 
 in M. E. church, Sterling, Oct. 31, 1883, W. B. Jacobs gave an address on The 
 True Object of Our Work, and How to Accomplish It. Forty dollars was 
 appropriated for the state fund. Next in Morrison, Presbyterian church, Nov. 
 11, 1884. Erie had the next meeting, in M. E. church, Nov. 2, 1885, and the 
 officers elected were: Pres., Dr. Donaldson; I. M. Phillips, v. pres. ; G. P. 
 Perry, treas; rec. sec., B. T. St. John. Oct. 21, 1886, saw the convention in 
 Fulton, Oct. 25, 1887, in Cong, church, Rock Falls, Dec. 22, 1888, in Morrison, 
 Nov. 21, 1889, in Fulton, Nov. 20, 1890, in Sterling, Nov. 19, 1891, in Mor- 
 rison, Nov. 1, 1892, in Fulton, Sept. 20, 1893 in Prophetstown, Nov. 13, 1894, 
 in Rock Falls, Oct. 1, 1895, Erie, Nov. 21, 1896, Morrison, Nov. 9, 1897, 
 Sterling, Nov. 9, 1898, Prophetstown, Nov. 7, 1899, Rock Falls, Nov. 20, 1900, 
 Morrison. Rev. Henry Moser, Mary Foster Bryner, and W. B. Jacobs were 
 present. The silver anniversary was observed, 1876-1900, to commemorate the 
 first convention, which was held also in Morrison. Among those present then 
 were W. F. Eastman, Overholser, Tuttle, Payne, Mrs. Hamilton, R. Aldritt, 
 L. E. Mathews, Mrs. Woodruff. At the meeting in Fulton, 1901, Nov. 12, 
 I. M. Phillips was pres. and S. A. Maxwell, secretary. The convention met in 
 Sterling, Nov. 11, 1902, in Oct. 29, 1903, at Erie, Nov. 3, 1904, Presbyterian 
 church, Albany, Nov. 2, 1905, in M. E. church, Tampico, Sept. 20, 1906, 
 in M. E. church, Rock Falls, Sept.. 26, 1907, at Morrison. 
 
 COUNTY OFFICERS FOR NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHT. 
 
 President, George W. Welch, Sterling. 
 Vice-President, C. E. Ackerman, Morrison. 
 Recording Secretary, George A. Potter, Erie. 
 Statistical Secretary, Theodore Trouth, Sterling. 
 Treasurer, I. D. Woodford, Morrison. 
 Normal Superintendent, George P. Perry, Sterling. 
 Primary Superintendent, Mis- Fanny Riggs. Morrison. 
 Temperance Secretary, Rev. J. Burch, Fulton.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 201 
 
 Home Dept. Secretary (Northern District), Mrs. Lizzie Detweiler, Ster- 
 ling. 
 
 Home Dept. Secretary (Southern District), Mrs. Eliza Frank, Rock Falls. 
 
 DISTRICT SECRETARIES. 
 
 District No. 1 Hugh Miller, Sterling; Jordan, Sterling, Coloma, Genesee 
 and Hopkins. 
 
 District No. 2 Frank Milligan, Tampico; Montmorency, Hahnaman, 
 Hume and Tampico. 
 
 District No. 3 M. I. Fadden, Lyndon ; Clyde., Mt. Pleasant and Lyndon. 
 
 District No. 4 W. W. Watson, Morrison, Ustick, Union Grove and 
 Fenton. 
 
 District No. 5 Dr. L. Barber, Fulton; Fulton, Garden Plain, Newton 
 and Albany. 
 
 District No. 6 Frank Cleaveland, Prophetstown ; Erie, Prophetstown and 
 Portland. 
 
 As will be noticed, the conventions have been changed in place every year 
 so that an interest may be aroused in every section of the county. The plan 
 has proved successful, and in every town the convention is the enthusiastic 
 event of the week. Good singing, addresses by prominent educators, discus- 
 sions that appeal to teachers and people. Today Whiteside has every town- 
 ship organized, and is the banner and star county in the state for S. S. work. 
 
 LARGEST SUNDAY SCHOOLS IN COUNTY. 
 
 Fourth St. M. E., Sterling 482 
 
 St. John's Lutheran, Sterling 412 
 
 Dutch Reformed, Fulton 323 
 
 Congregational, Sterling 308 
 
 In the county the total: 
 
 Sunday School Enrollment 8171 
 
 Home Department 570 
 
 Cradle Roll . . 507 
 
 Grand Total .9248 
 
 There are 936 officers and teachers, and the amount contributed for state 
 work is $165. 
 
 Theodore Trouth, Sterling, statistical secretary, who has furnished much 
 of the material for this sketch, and is himself a pioneer in the movement, has 
 given the writer a long list of the worthy men and women who freely gave 
 their time and talents to the cause. Among the wheelhorses are James P. 
 Overholser, I. M. Phillips, George P. Perry, G. W. Olmstead, H. K. Hostetter, 
 J. K. Chester, N. G. Van Sant, Hugh Miller. For twenty years Perry has con- 
 ducted every winter a training class in Sterling, in which are presented the 
 best methods of teacher training.
 
 202 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 TAMPICO. 
 
 I hear thee speak of the better land, 
 
 Thou callest its children a happy band; 
 
 Mother, oh, where is that radiant shore? 
 
 Shall we not seek it, and weep no more? 
 
 Is it where the feathery palm-trees rise, 
 
 And the date grows ripe under sunny skies? Mrs. Plenums. 
 
 Tampico sounds like Mexico, and calls up suggestions of dates and palms, 
 but it is not so far south, although on the southernmost tier of our townships. 
 If you leave Sterling in the morning at seven on the Burlington, change at 
 Denrock, and take the train on the Mendota branch, you will reach Tampico 
 at nine. As you alight at the station, the first object that catches the eye is 
 the soldiers' monument on a small triangular plaza in Spanish. It is made 
 of granite, seventeen feet to the head of the infantry soldier on the summit. 
 On each of the four sides, these stirring names, Pea Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, 
 Gettysburg. Below, El Caney, Guayama, of the Spanish-American War. Also, 
 the inscription, This stone is a reminder of the cost and value of the Union 
 of the States, 1861-1865. Erected by the G. A. R., W. R. C., and loyal citi- 
 zens. It cost about $700. A handsome ornament, and in a place where it 
 appeals to the traveler to pause and think. 
 
 Every place has its great name that shades all others. In Chicago it was 
 Marshall Field, in Philadelphia it is John Wanamaker. In Tampico it is 
 John W. Glassburn. Theodore Parker once asked a stranger visiting in Boston 
 if he had seen George Ticknor, the Spanish historian. "No," replied the man. 
 "Well," said Parker, "you might as well visit hell, and not see the devil, as 
 come to Boston, and miss Ticknor." Mr. Glassburn is called the father of 
 Tampico, and is today its prominent citizen. He came to Whiteside in 1856, 
 and laid out his farm in 1861 where the town now stands. He paid $7.50 
 per acre for -the land. He is a man of solid frame, and a hopeful expression 
 that promises many more years of activity. 
 
 On the Main street which runs north and south, and Market street, east 
 and west, there are forty business houses, stores, restaurants, shops. On a cor- 
 ner is the Tampico Bank, established in 1882. J. W. Glassburn is president,. 
 A. T. Glassburn vice-pres., and A. C. Glassburn and T. A. Curnow, assistant 
 cashiers. Chicago, New York an'd foreign exchange bought and sold. The 
 Pitney House is kept by 0. D. Pitney, an old timer, who came in 1863 when 
 there were more frogs and wild ducks than good citizens in Tampico. He came 
 originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, and has reminiscences of Joshua R. Gid- 
 dings, James A. Garfield, and the worthies of that heroic district. He is "mine 
 host" of the novels, who sits down in the common room, and chats with his 
 guests. 
 
 Where village statesmen talked with looks profound, ' 
 And news much older than their ale went round. 
 
 Simpson's lumber yard is the largest of that business, one of twenty or 
 thirty branches in different cities, and near is Legg's poultry house, shipping
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 203 
 
 chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, chiefly to Boston market. A good point for 
 fowls, Tampico in this respect ranking second in the list, Polo standing first, 
 and Sterling third for the supply of barnyard roasts. 
 
 Tampico Tornado is the name of the forceful journal that faithfully car- 
 ries forward the various interests of the community. George Isherwood, a 
 practical printer, an aggressive and intelligent young man, is editor and pro- 
 prietor. For the benefit of foreign advertisers, he has a standing bulletin at 
 the head of a column that sets forth the claims of the town at a glance : 
 
 TAMPICO, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Tampico is located in southern Whiteside County, on the Burlington Ry., 
 24 miles southeast of Morrison, the county seat, in one of the best farming sec- 
 tions of Illinois. It has a population of 1,500 and is a model little city of neat, 
 comfortable homes and is a very desirable residence place. The citizens are 
 progressive and alive to the signs of the times. Its religious interests are well 
 cared for by the Methodist, Catholic, Christian and Baptist churches, while the 
 public schools are excellent, well conducted and largely attended. It is lighted 
 by electricity and is one of the best grain and live stock markets in this lati- 
 tude. Tampico has a bank, two elevators, two lumber yards, cement works, 
 feed mill, two poultry and egg houses, newspaper, and two hotels. All other 
 lines of business are represented by wide-awake business men and it is a fine 
 trading point. 
 
 The Tornado was established in 1876 by C. F. Gifford, who published it 
 until seven years ago, when it was sold to A. D. Hill, who in turn transferred 
 to Mr. Isherwood. One of the oldest weeklies in the county. 
 
 
 
 THE CHURCHES. 
 
 The Baptist was organized about 30 years ago, and has a membership of 
 one hundred and a Sunday school of 120. Numerous societies, The Young 
 People, Ladies' Aid, Cradle Roll, and two stirring associations, the Baracas and 
 Philatheas, who planned a program to solemnize the leave-taking of Rev. Mr. 
 Wright and family, whose ministrations during eight years closing in 1908 
 were productive of so much pleasure and profit. The public reception at the 
 church called out a large audience of parishioners and friends. F. B. Thomas 
 presented the retiring pastor and wife a box of silverware, which was accepted 
 by Mr. Wright in a feeling speech, alluding to the cordial relations about to 
 be severed. 
 
 The Christian church has had a rapid growth as it was organized only 
 in October, 1900. There is a membership of 98, a Sunday school of one hun- 
 dred, a Young People's Union of 43, with Ladies' Aid and other societies. 
 Rev. Guy L. Zerby is pastor, and occasionally fills engagements in evangelistic 
 work. 
 
 The Methodist is doubtless the largest church in the place, with 250 
 members, a Sunday school of 150. two Ladies' Aid, Epworth League, Junior 
 League, Men's Club. Rev. James Potter, pastor, has had charges at Walnut 
 and Albany. He pursued his studies at the Northwestern University. At
 
 204 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 one time, Tampico was on the Spring Hill and Yorktown circuit, but in 1871, 
 the members decided to be independent, and in 1872 erected a building. This 
 was destroyed by the tornado of June, 1874, and in 1875 the present building 
 was completed, at a cost of $2.500. 
 
 St. Mary's Catholic church is the most costly and imposing in Tampico, 
 perhaps in the county. Only completed in October, 1907. It is constructed 
 of a beautiful brick, with a lofty spire containing two bells, the interior richly 
 finished in hard wood, stained glass windows and paintings in the highest 
 style of art, heated by hot water. The parish was organized in 1875, and at 
 first in connection with Sheffield had the ministrations of the same priest. 
 But for nearly thirty years Tampico has supported its own rector. McGuire 
 was first resident priest, followed by Weber, Sullivan, and others. The present 
 pastor, Rev. L. X. Du Four, in his fourth year, is popular with all classes, 
 Catholic and Protestant. A saintly name. X stands for Xavier, the devoted 
 apostle to the Indies. Du Four was ordained at Philadelphia in 1882, and 
 has been professor and preacher. The membership of St. Mary's consists of 
 one hundred families. The parsonage is a neat frame, south of the church. 
 A short distance to the north is the cemetery. In the center on a high wooden 
 cross hangs the body of the Savior. 
 
 Was it for crimes that I have done, 
 
 He groaned upon the tree? 
 Amazing pity ! grace unknown ! 
 
 And love beyond degree. 
 
 As may be expected, the names on the tombstones speak of the Emerald 
 Isle: Sheehan, Murphy, Leahy, McGuire, Tierman, Conroy, Power, Curran. 
 Any relative of Tyrone Power, the Irish comedian, lost in the steamship Presi- 
 dent 1840? Any relative of John Philpot Curran, the noted Irish orator? Let 
 us keep track of our great kindred. Here is the monument of Mary A. Ford, 
 1816-1896. "May her soul rest in peace. Amen." On the same is the name 
 of Peter Ford, her husband, laid by her side in 1907, the oldest man who ever 
 lived in the county, an account of whose life will be found in Deer Grove. 
 The memorials are chiefly granite, and display good taste. 
 
 ST. MARY'S LARGEST CLASS. 
 
 On Sunday morning in January, 1908, a class of over ninety children were 
 confirmed by Archbishop Quigley of Chicago, the confirmation occurring at 
 the 8 o'clock mass. The services were extremely solemn and impressive and 
 were witnessed by a very large congregation, there being many who were unable 
 to gain admission to the church. A throne was erected at the right of the 
 sanctuary for the bishop. The altar was prettily decorated with flowers and 
 plants and presented a very pretty appearance. 
 
 The class was the largest in the history of the Tampico parish. The girls 
 
 were adorned in pretty gowns of white and the boys wore bouquets of flowers 
 
 in their coat lapels. Father L. X. DuFour, who has charge of the parish, is 
 
 o be congratulated on securing the large class and the very successful service.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 205 
 
 THE SCHOOL. 
 
 Like our other towns, Tampico takes pride in the education of her chil- 
 dren. In the two-story building there are eleven grades under the direction 
 of the following efficient corps of teachers : Miss Edna Allen, first primary ; 
 Miss Grace Booth, second primary; Mrs. Jennie Maxwell, intermediate; Mr. 
 L. W. Denison, grammar; Mr. T. J. Haney, high school. Mr. Denison, one of 
 the most successful and efficient teachers in Whiteside, is now filling his thir- 
 teenth year in the school. He is a capable supervisor of grade work, and a 
 useful citizen everywhere. The principal, T. J. Haney, is a Hoosier, and after 
 teaching country schools for seven years, studied two years at Eureka college, 
 and after graduating at State Normal at Carbondale, took post-graduate work 
 at Indiana State Normal and University of Illinois. After eight years as 
 principal in various towns, he assumed his present position in 1903. In 1900 
 he passed the state examination, and holds a life certificate. The members of 
 the school board are Frank Davis, president, 0. D. Olson, clerk, and Bert 
 Meredith. There is a three years' high school course adopted upon the recom- 
 mendation of the state university. In the first year, English, arithmetic and 
 algebra, physiology and Latin. In the second year, English, algebra, English 
 history and Latin. In the third, English, geometry, physics, civics, and 
 American history. English, as will be noted, runs through the whole course.' 
 This is sensible, as readiness to speak and write correctly is of the first import- 
 ance. 
 
 Before Tampico was started, the first school in the district was a half mile 
 south, 1869, but when the railroad was made in 1871, the schoolhouse was 
 moved to town. When this became too small, an upper room of Guff'ey's 
 building, now part of Burden's opera house, was rented, and another teacher 
 hired. The present structure was built in 1874. A long list of teachers have 
 wielded the birch since A. W. Bastian, who, after attaining fame and fortune, 
 is now educating his countrymen through the columns of the Fulton Journal. 
 
 Beneath the rule of men entirely great, 
 The pen is mightier than the sword. 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF MRS. CHARLES WEST. 
 
 Westward the course of empire takes its way. 
 
 Eli Cain was one of the earliest landlords of the old Tampico House, one 
 of the first buildings in town. James Cain was one of the earliest merchants, 
 and still owns two buildings on west side of Main street. Alfred -and Fred 
 Smith have been hardware dealers for nearly 35 years. The old store is beside 
 the new implement building. The first store and postoffice building occupied 
 by S. B. Winter, now 84, living in New Jersey, was replaced a year ago by a 
 brick. A part of the home of Delos Craddock belonged to a structure which 
 occupied the site of Union hall, and was used by Dr. Taggart, the earliest 
 physician, and later as a millinery shop. William Kilroy has the house which 
 was occupied for many years by C. F. Gifford, the first editor of the Tampico 
 Tornado. The tornado destroyed the back part, and left the front open to the
 
 208 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 weather until it was repaired. Thomas Dow occupied the first schoolhouse, 
 moved to town from the prairie where it was originally built. It was used for 
 town elections. The teacher was George Apley, now 79, and living in Ne- 
 braska. Charles Burden built an addition to an old brick, and with his brother, 
 William, conducts a store. Above the two is Burden's opera house. I think 
 it was in the spring of 1874 that A. W. Bastian took charge of the school. 
 That winter the upper part of Guffey's building was rented, and the younger 
 pupils placed in charge of Miss Rose Laughlin, a lovely girl, sister-in-law of 
 Fred Smith. Mr. Bastian was an exceptionally good teacher. At the dedica- 
 tion of the new building in 1874 a fine program was given. The music was 
 by Isaac West and his son, De Witt, and daughter Lovina. It was the earliest 
 orchestra I can remember. Afterwards a big supper was served in the unfin- 
 ished room. It was a very pleasant occasion. 
 
 THE BOYS IN BLUE. 
 
 We are not many, we who pressed 
 Beside the brave who fell that day; 
 
 But who of us has not confessed 
 
 He'd rather share their warrior rest 
 
 Than not have been at Monterey ? Hoffman. 
 
 The Grand Army here was organized in 1884, and is called the S. G. 
 Steadman Post, 491. There are 27 members. It was the privilege of the 
 writer to visit some of the veterans. Thomas 0. Steadman, born in Ohio, came 
 to Illinois in 1855, enlisted in Co. D, 75th Illinois, 1862, serving until 1865, 
 when he was discharged by general order. He was in Perryville, Stone River, 
 Nashville, and never a scratch. Health somewhat impaired of late. 
 
 Robert Collins was born in Ireland, Queens county, coming to Elgin in 
 1854. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 7th Illinois Cavalry, re-enlisted in Co. 
 B, 36th 111. Cavalry, and again re-enlisted in Co. K, 10th 111. Cavalry. He 
 fought at Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chickamauga, Kenesaw, Atlanta, and Benton- 
 ville, North Carolina. Served to the close of the war, and never wounded. 
 
 Barney McGrady came from New York, enlisting at Leta, 1862, in Co. D, 
 75th 111., Infantry, then at Prophetstown, re-enlisting in Co. B, 34th Illinois 
 in 1864. He met the enemy at Perryville, Nashville, Atlanta, Murfreesboro, 
 Lookout Mountain, Dallas, Raleigh, North Carolina, He served to the end 
 of the conflict, and passed every battle unhurt. 
 
 John H. Milligan, born m Ohio, enlisted in Co. B, 85th Ohio Infantry,' 
 1862, re-enlisted 1863 in Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and faced bullets at 
 Knoxville and Franklin, Tennessee. Came through safe and sound. 
 
 Jesse Van Bibber, another Ohio hero, enlisted in Co. H, 87th Ohio Infan- 
 try, then in Co. G, 116th Ohio Infantry. The regiment was so badly cut to 
 pieces towards the close of the war that it was consolidated with the 62nd Ohio 
 Infantry, and later with the 67th Ohio. When discharged from service he 
 was in this regiment. Comrade Van Bibber faced the foe in dozens of battles, 
 Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Piedmont, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Peters- 
 burg, Appomattox. He was wounded and captured at Harper's Ferry, wounded
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 207 
 
 at Newmarket, at Winchester, and at Fisher's Hill. Appomattox shows that 
 he was in at the death of the Confederacy. Most of the old boys are in good 
 health, and are met on the streets every day, and always ready to recall the 
 bloody fight and the tented field. They face the setting sun, but like they 
 faced the southern foe, with a heart that feels no fear. These five soldiers were 
 all past commanders of the post. 
 
 The veterans were very much surprised and gratified with the action of 
 a comrade, Henry Giles, an old soldier and a familiar character, who resided 
 in Tampico for the past thirty years or more, made a will, bequeathing to 
 Mrs. DeWitt West $200, also left $200 for a monument, $100 at interest to 
 care for his grave and the remainder, about $1,000, to the G. A. R. post in 
 Tampico. He had no relatives living so far as he knew. He did not know 
 the date of his birth, but thought it was about 1833. He came to Prophets- 
 town when about fourteen years old. He enlisted in Company B 'of the 
 Thirty-fourth Illinois and was wounded at Corinth by being shot in the arm 
 which left the arm stiff at the elbow. 
 
 Robert Collins, by the way, was a scout for Gen. 0. 0. Howard under 
 Captain Duncan from Atlanta to Goldboro and he was one of the party of 
 eight scouts under this same captain who captured Milledgeville, the town that 
 then was the capital of Georgia, thirty miles in advance of Sherman's army. 
 He was with Lieut. John A. McQueen's scouts from Buford to Goldboro and 
 was in the night engagement at Darlington, S. C., where Lieut. McQueen was 
 wounded. 
 
 TAMPICO AS A PHENIX. 
 
 In the Greek fable the phenix was a bird that burned itself to death, and 
 from the ashes a young bird arose. This is Tampico. Like a plucky pugilist 
 coming up smiling after a desperate round. In 1872 the frame hotel of 
 Maurice Fitzgerald, and part of Cain's store were destroyed. In 1874 High's 
 grocery and dry goods, Burke's grocery and residence, Case and Davis, Cloth- 
 iers, and Conroy's dry goods and grocery, were burned out. This was in Jan- 
 uary, and by the following June the site was built up. Then came the fearful 
 tornado of June 6, 1874, which fell upon the devoted village on the evening of 
 Saturday. The worst since 1860. The Whiteside Sentinel gave a full account 
 of the damage. The warehouse and elevator of Glassburn & Bryant, T. S. 
 Beach's elevator, stores, shops, dozens of dwellings, the Methodist church, were 
 wrecked by the tempest, and all the dreadful ruin in a few seconds. No live* 
 lost, but many persons more or less injured. The storm came from the south- 
 west. A committee appointed to receive aid for the sufferers met a generous 
 response. But the cup of calamity was not yet full. In 1876, early on Wednes- 
 day, May 17, 1876, a fire was discovered between the stores of Burke anc 
 High, and six buildings were consumed before the flames were under control 
 The grocery and residence of James Conroy, Nelson Maxson's store, Petei 
 Burke's grocery, High's store, the Tornado office, Melvin's law office, Paice'; 
 residence and butcher shop, Case & Adams' Billiard hall. Many of these wen 
 at once rebuilt. The courage of the citizen always rose to the occasion.
 
 208 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 LODGES AND ORDERS. 
 
 Oh, for a lodge in some vast wilderness. 
 
 No, Cowper was nighty, he ought to have wished for a pleasant town where 
 people are neighborly. Tampico is nothing if not sociable. Most of the 
 orders, and all flourishing. There are 220 Woodmen, and 100 Royal Neigh- 
 bors, and when they have drills and suppers, no end of solid satisfaction. 
 Burden's opera house is the favorite resort for these functions. It will seat 
 500 persons. The Woman's Relief Corps have 52 members, and are active 
 in every direction. There are 25 ladies in the W. C. T. U. who meet every 
 two weeks. The president is Mrs. DeWitt West. After the late installation, 
 225 persons sat at tables groaning with chicken and angel's food. The rooms 
 of the Masonic lodge are over Glassburn's bank, and are nicely fitted with every 
 equipment for business and festivity. About eighty in the blue lodge. T. A. 
 Curnow, of the bank, is master. The Fraternal Reserves have 155 members. 
 The Mystic Workers are rolling up a good membership. Every installation 
 of the officers of these orders is followed by a banquet, and no Venetian carni- 
 val ever called forth so much happy entertainment. The churches, too, have 
 their bazars. It is a community of good fellowship. 
 
 PIONEER HOGEBOOM. 
 
 Noah J. Hogeboom died at the home of his son John at Denrock, Jan. 
 13, 1908, in his 93rd year. Mr. Hogeboom came from Vermont in 1855 and 
 located on a farm south of Tampico, which was his home for nearly 50 years. 
 A few years ago he went to Missouri and stayed about three years and on his 
 return made his home with his son at Denrock. The deceased was born in 
 Manchester, Vt., Nov. 22, 1815. He married Miss Sara Estabrook Sept. 14, 
 1842. They were the parents of four children, two of whom survive, John N., 
 and Highland. The funeral was held at Tampico Thursday, with burial in 
 the cemetery. 
 
 Mr. Hogeboom was widely known throughout this section and was a con- 
 scientious citizen, filling a number of official positions. 
 
 His early home in Vermont was near Bennington, where General Stark 
 defeated the Hessians in 1777. The writer saw the old gentleman at Den- 
 rock a month before his death, and his tottering step showed that the pilgrim 
 would soon pass to the other shore. 
 
 In the cemetery in the northern section of town we find the names of 
 well known citizens, Glassburns, Allen, Leonard, Wylie, Hewlett, Ferris, 
 Brown, Craddock, McMillen, Hughes, Morse, Vandemark, Dean, Muray. Isaac 
 W. Hayes, a soldier, 1861, aged 21, a flag on his tomb. J. F. Leonard, G. A. 
 R., 1838-1905. This stanza on one brave boy's stone : 
 
 He has finished his task, 
 
 He is now with the blest, 
 May this flag ever wave, 
 
 O'er a soldier at rest.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY- 209' 
 
 On the tomb of Olsson, an inscription in Swedish. Some expensive monu- 
 ments. Iron fence in front. Numerous evergreens. 
 
 Besides Dr. A. P. McMillan, dentist, there are four physicians, Homer,. 
 Terry, Newton, and E. W. Wahl, here since 1895. He is a graduate of the 
 medical department of University of Illinois, Chicago, and has his office and 
 residence On Main street. 
 
 One of the earlier doctors was Taggart, succeeded by Dr. A. C. Smith, of 
 Kentucky, graduate of Long Island Hospital College, 1874. For over twenty 
 years he was a medical Good Samaritan to Tampico and the whole outlying 
 district, traversing the \A~innebago swamps when bridges were scarce, and horses 
 had to swim. His father in Kentucky was a disciple of Henry Clay. A few 
 years ago Dr. Smith removed to Sterling, and soon acquired a fine practice. 
 
 TAMPICO'S G. O. M. 
 
 In a cozy cottage sitting in an arm tihair, the writer found the dean of 
 early settlers, .Tampico's grand old man, Rufus Aldrich. He was born in 
 Bradford county, Pa., in 1817, emigrated to Whiteside in 1855, and purchased 
 the farm on which he spent most of his life for five dollars an acre. Of seven 
 children, four are living. His youngest daughter, Mrs. Steadman, was the 
 first child born in the township. Sparsely settled then. Only two houses 
 between his place and Sterling. Mr. Aldrich is the picture of a patriarch, who, 
 with his bright eye, genial smile, snowy hair and beard, has welcomed the 
 advancing years gracefully. 
 
 Therefore my age is as a lusty winter, 
 
 Frosty but kindly. 
 
 To George Isherwood, editor of Tampico Tornado, we are indebted for 
 the subjoined account of the telephone business: 
 
 The Tampico Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company, which now has in 
 active operation about three hundred phones and has miles of wire reaching 
 out on nearly every country road, was the direct outgrowth of the work of 
 one man, A. A. Shere, who resides southwest of Tampico in Bureau county. 
 Tired of riding for doctors and threshing hailds, Mr. Shere thought that he 
 and a few neighbors could erect a telephone line along their highway and 
 let it do the work. A dozen farmers responded to his request to buy phones,, 
 put up poles and have a line. Other farmers then clamored for admission as 
 they saw the benefits of the service, and the Company repeatedly outgrew its 
 lines, central stations and reached a magnitude beyond the wildest dreams of 
 the organizers. At first a president and secretary attended to what little busi- 
 ness was transacted but as the volume of traffic grew the company was incorpo- 
 rated with a capital stock of $6,000, all shares subscribed and paid for and at 
 this date the capital stock will have to be increased. The company maintains 
 a central office in Tampico and also has a central office in Rock Falls. Its 
 lines reach Prophetstown and all other neighboring villages either over its 
 own lines or that of several other mutual lines that are connected with the 
 Tampico central. E. A. Enimons is one of the pioneer founders of the com- 
 pany and virtually the ''Father" of the Telephone Co.
 
 210 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 A SOLDIER PIONEER. 
 
 His family was shocked by the sudden death of Elbert E. Wheelock in 
 February, 1908. He was born in Massachusetts in 1847, came to Whiteside 
 in 1854, and 35 years ago moved to the north of Tampico, where he lived ever 
 since. Mr. Wheelock served as a private in Co. G, 147th 111., Vol. Inf., and on 
 his enlistment in Feb. 18, 1865, moved with his regiment right into the thick 
 of the war around Dalton, Ga., and until mustered out at Savannah in Jan. 
 1866, was engaged in the perilous work of scouting and fighting the numerous 
 guerrilla bands that infested northern Georgia, and protecting the Union's 
 interests among the people. He always took a very great interest in the Grand 
 Army Post and was the founder of Samuel G. Steadman Post, located here. 
 He also was instrumental in securing the large cannon that decorates the park 
 and was active in the formation of the Tampico Relief Corps. He was Com- 
 mander of tlio post for several terms and w r as also the first consul of the Tam- 
 pico Woodmen camp, being a member of that order and also the Knights of 
 the Globe, holding insurance in each order for $2,000. 
 
 In all things pertaining to the post his whole soul was wrapped up and he 
 will be greatly missed by his old comrades and the Post. 
 
 A PIONEER MINISTER. 
 
 His son, Rev. William Pinkney, now residing in Sterling, has given the 
 writer some account of his father, Rev. John Pinkney, Wesleyan clergyman, 
 who seemed to be pastor at large for the whole lower section of the county, 
 from Tampico to Hume, preaching in schoolhouses and homes. He labored 
 in season and out of season, and his devotion was duly appreciated by the 
 people who otherwise would have had no gospel privileges. He came from 
 Yorkshire, England, in 1841, and died in 1870. Pleasant to relate, his son, 
 William, continues the work in some of the old neighborhoods. 
 
 Servant of God, well done, 
 Rest from thy loved employ ! 
 
 ITEMS. 
 
 A good stock market. Farmers buy, feed, and sell. Ralph McGrady this 
 winter shipped a carload of hogs to Chicago, which averaged 283 pounds. 
 
 For the six months ending Jan. 1, 1908, the first class mail weighed 1,192 
 pounds, second, 2,924, third, 281, fcrurth, 234. 
 
 Water is good and abundant. Wells can be sunk anywhere, and at a 
 depth of a few feet, a never failing flow is secured. 
 
 C. F. Gifford, former editor of the Tornado, is one of the retired oracles 
 of the town, to drop into offices, and regulate the policies of the nation. He 
 spent some years in California. 
 
 The road leading from Sterling to Green River and Yorktown was the 
 first main highway, with branches at Glassburn's farm, one to Yorktown, the 
 other to Green River. 
 
 A natural curiosity west of town called the '"Blow-Out." Over a space 
 of seven acres is an immense basin, the sand blown away to the depth of sixty
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 211 
 
 feet, as if by a succession of enormous whirlwinds. A red cedar once stood 
 in the center, cut down in 1850. 
 
 Before the land was drained by ditching, the sloughs in spring and win- 
 ter were terrible, and many narrow escapes are related of teamsters from drown- 
 ing and freezing. 
 
 The Tornado is now printed on a large new cylinder press recently in- 
 stalled. It is so large that it nearly reaches the ceiling, and the press feeder 
 has to mount four steps to reach his position. 
 
 The Baptist church, vacant for a time, has a new pastor in Rev. Mr. 
 Mayhew. He was born in Wisconsin, and after attendance at various schools, 
 and attaining the degree of A. B., he studied in the graduate schools of the 
 University of Chicago from 1902 to 1905, specializing in public speaking. 
 Later teaching public speaking at Illinois Wesleyan college and serving pastor- 
 ates at Albany, Wisconsin ; Barrington, Illinois, and later at Silvas, from which 
 place he came to Tampico. 
 
 The following is the ticket elected in 1908, April. Trustees: P. A. Mc- 
 Millan, 79; A. J. Glassburn, 67; J. M. Jacobs, 73; Clerk, Frank Linder, 67. 
 
 ATTORNEYS OF THE WHITESIDE COUNTY BAR IN 1908. 
 
 AV. II. Allen, Erie; J. 0. Allen, Erie; Frank J. Bowman, Sterling; Wm. 
 A. Blodgett, Morrison; E. M. Blodgett, Sterling; Jacob Cantlin, Rock Falls; 
 Jarvis Dinsmoor, Sterling; D. S. Efner, Albany; V. S. Ferguson, Sterling; 
 Walter N. Haskell, Sterling ; Alfred M. Hanson, Fulton ; C. C. Johnson, Ster- 
 ling; Edmond Jackson, Fulton; Royce A. Kidder, Sterling; J. J. Lud'ens, 
 Sterling; Harry Ludens, Morrison; C. G. Macklin, Morrison; C. C. McMahon, 
 Fulton; Wm. H. Mitchell, Fulton; R. W. E. Mitchell, Sterling; S. M. McCal- 
 mont, Morrison; Luther R. Ramsay, Morrison; John A. Riordon, Morrison; 
 Myron C. Rogers, Fulton ; L. T. Stocking, Morrison ; Walter Stager, Sterling ; 
 John Stager, Sterling; C. L. Sheldon, Sterling ; Carl E. Sheldon, Sterling; N. G. 
 Van Sant, Sterling; H. C. Ward, Sterling; A. A. Wolfersperger, Sterling; C. 
 H. Woodburn, Sterling ; D. C. Wait, Fulton ; H. H. Wait, Prophetstown ; I. L. 
 Weaver, Sterling; John A. Ward, Sterling. 
 
 Of these the longest in practice are W. H. Allen, Walter Stager, C. L. 
 Sheldon, H. C. Ward, C. C. Johnson. Several brilliant young advocates are 
 coming on who may in time take the place of Judge Marshall on the bench 
 and Daniel Webster in the Senate. , 
 
 HAHNAMAN. 
 
 Joy, temperance, and repose, 
 
 Slam the door on the doctor's nose. Longfellow. 
 
 If our early friend, Reuben Davis, or Doc Davis as he was familiarly 
 called, had been the first settler, the supposition might be that he named the 
 township after Hahnemann, the celebrated German physician, who died in 
 1843. But as he was the founder of homeopathy, and Reuben may not have 
 believed in that method of treatment, we give up the conundrum. William
 
 212 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Renner and family from Pennsylvania, who settled at Deer Grove in 1841, 
 were the pioneers in this quarter. 
 
 DYING IN THE LAST DITCH. 
 
 Although much of the land is swampy, the settlers knew that thorough 
 drainage, as in Holland, would bring rich returns from the deep black soil, 
 and from the first have spared no labor or expense to improve the situation. 
 Never say die. Winnebago Swamp on the north and Green river on the 
 south surround a large area, and form what is known as Paddy's Island, from 
 the number of Milesian emigrants who were gathered there. These ditches 
 have done excellent service, but are not yet complete. Heavy rainfalls or 
 gorges of snow and ice still occasionally inundate fertile fields. A contract 
 has been made for a new ditch, perhaps the largest yet constructed. The drain- 
 age district begins on the Lee county line, and continues westward to Proph- 
 etstown. The ditch when completed will be one of the largest in Whiteside 
 county and will be a small river. It will be twenty feet wide on the bottom 
 with a slope of one to one. Even now through what was once a sluggish 
 marsh, a strong current flows along like a creek. For the new ditch there 
 were twelve bidders, prices ranging from twelve and one-half cents per cubic 
 yard to six and four-tenths, the lowest. In February, 1908, the necessity for 
 better defense against the elements was signally shown. The levee on Green 
 river broke under pressure of heavy snow following rain, submerging hun- 
 dreds of acres. Only the summer before Green river was dredged and widened 
 and a bank built to protect the farm lands in that country. The work on the 
 river and on Winnebago ditch was done at a cost of $100,000. The only 
 safety is in enlarging and strengthening these levees. 
 
 Deer Grove is the largest cluster of houses in the township. Besides the 
 railroad station, there is an elevator, two stores, school, a few dwellings, an 
 inn for the entertainment of travelers, and a blacksmith shop. Occasional 
 preaching by Methodist ministers from Walnut. The postoffice was estab- 
 lished in 1873, W. H. Wheeler as postmaster. He had come that year and 
 built a house. Other settlers were Harvey Durr, M. Patterson, Cady Burgess. 
 Fred Wahl bought his land in 1868, paying $18 per acre, living there until 
 his removal to Sterling. Dr. Wahl, the leading physician in Tampico, is his 
 son. Henry Flock and Henry Pott, Germans, were also settlers about 1872. 
 Both in the army. 
 
 On the hill south of Deer Grove is the residence of William McCormick, 
 born in Ireland, 1825, who sailed from Cork in 1854, landing in New York. 
 A fearful trip. A thousand emigrants and at sea for months. He bought his 
 farm in 1855, but lived awhile in Sterling. 
 
 The road from Sterling to Green river was the earliest traveled, an Indian, 
 trail. The first regularly laid out road was in 1856. 
 
 William Renner built the first log cabin in 1841 at Deer Grove, and the 
 first schoolhouse, sixteen feet square and seven feet high, was erected at the 
 Brakey settlement in 1857, with Amos Reeves as teacher, afterwards Supervisor 
 and a prominent citizen.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 213 
 
 BRAVE RECORD IN THE WAR. 
 
 But screw your courage to the sticking place, 
 And we'll not fail. Macbeth. 
 
 For a small, thinly inhabited town, the men of Hahnaman rallied nobly 
 around the flag in 1861. Ten enlisted with the Yates Sharpshooters: Mc- 
 Mckle, Hinman, Harvey, Reeves, William and Mahlon Humphrey, Crosby 
 and H. D. Ryder, Henry May. The latter was killed at Atlanta in 1864. Mah- 
 lon Humphrey died at Cairo in 1862. Hinman was wounded at Atlanta. 
 John Renner was four months in Andersonville. J. C. Reeves joined the 9th 
 N. Y. Cavalry. James Renner, Walter Johnson, T. B. Davis, John Chambers, 
 Albert McNickle, H. S. Humphrey, enlisted in various Illinois regiments. 
 
 HENRY POTT, VETERAN. 
 
 In his cozy cottage in Sterling, the writer had a delightful visit with Mr. 
 Pott, who, with his family retired from his Deer Grove farm in 1901. His 
 war experience fresh and thrilling as of yesterday. His regiment, 75th Illinois, 
 had only thirteen rounds of ammunition until they clamored for sixty to go 
 into that disastrous battle at Perryville, and when they retreated into the 
 cornfield the rebel bullets rattled on the shocks and stones like hail. He was 
 in all the battles to Atlanta. At Lovejoy station a ball destroyed an eye. 
 After discharge from the hospital, he was sent with others to Mound City 
 near Cairo, where they received bounty and pay, and came home. He bought 
 120 acres at Deer Grove in 1872 of improved land for $30 per acre. 
 
 PETER FORD, CENTENARIAN. 
 
 The mossy marbles rest, 
 On the lips he has prest, 
 
 In their bloom ; 
 
 And the names he loved to hear, 
 Have been carved for many a year, 
 
 On the tomb. Holmes. 
 
 In January, 1908, it was the privilege of the writer to stand by the grave 
 of the oldest man who ever lived in Whiteside. He was laid to rest in the 
 Catholic cemetery at Tampico. It is a regret never to have met the veteran, 
 and hear from his own lips the incidents of a career that started with the last 
 century. Some of his younger neighbors who knew the old gentleman well, 
 have given the writer various reminiscenes of their intimacy. 
 
 Henry Pott and his brother-in-law, Henry Flock, ran a threshing ma- 
 chine, and frequently did work for Peter, on his farm. It was in the days 
 when horse power was used. They had a pair of fine horses which they at- 
 tached to the machine, the farmer furnishing the others. Henry did the 
 driving with a long whip. Peter was lying barefoot by the stack, watching 
 operations. The fat horses of the threshers were not pulling, and his own were 
 doing most of the work, so Peter called out, "Henry, touch up your team wid 
 your lash, the whiffletrees are dangling against their legs." Peter was a close 
 observer and saw everything.
 
 214 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 On another threshing occasion, the men started before breakfast to set 
 the machine firmly to be ready to begin work early. But a blind horse 
 balked, refusing to pull, and while the men rode back to the barn, on the 
 way they had to pass a pond where a flock of geese were sleeping. The blind 
 horse stumbled over the birds, bruising an old gander, and the whole troupe 
 set up a furious screaming. Peter's kitchen door was ajar, and a face peered 
 in the direction of the clamor. At breakfast, they told Peter of the catastrophe, 
 claiming that a wolf had killed one of the flock during the night. "Wolf!" 
 exclaimed Peter, "it was your horse, your blind wolf, that spoiled my fowl." 
 To make the best of the disaster, Peter got the goose, and the two Henrys had 
 the fat bird for dinner. 
 
 Several years ago Peter had a sore leg with an inflammation that refused 
 to yield to repeated medical treatment, until a Spiritualist doctor was sum- 
 moned from Polo, and the limb was restored whole as the other. This is 
 not an advertisement, but belongs to our narrative. 
 
 His house had low ceilings, and on Mr. Pott telling him that he had to be 
 continually dodging as he passed through the house, Peter said he didn't build 
 the cottage for anybody taller than he was. Peter was a small man ; of light 
 frame, and until recent years of active habits, laboring regularly on his farm. 
 
 At one time, he had a large plantation of several hundred acres, lying 
 northeast of Deer Grove, on the borders of Whiteside and Lee counties. 
 Various misfortunes, however, rendered it necessary to sell parts, and at his 
 death, he was in moderate circumstances. His son took charge of the farm in 
 later years, and Peter with his wife retired to a home in Tampico, where he 
 remained to her death. Since that time, he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Cole- 
 man, in Deer Grove, where he breathed his last. 
 
 His son Dominick lives in Sterling, and tells the writer his father at his 
 death had a head of snow white hair, the color originally black. He had no 
 full beard, simply whiskers on the chin. 
 
 His death occurred on Friday, May 17, 1907. Mr. Ford was born at Killala 
 in county Mayo, Ireland, June 22, 1802. He was married to Miss Mary A. Mul- 
 doon on Jan. 24, 1834, and came to this country in 1840, locating near Utica, 
 N. Y., where he worked on the Erie canal. Three years later his wife and two 
 children came over and the family then went to Canada and made their home 
 near Smith's Falls until 1857. They came to Illinois that year and stayed in 
 Dixon for a short time. Mr. Ford then purchased a farm in Hahnaman and 
 engaged in farming. In 1887 he removed to Tampico, where he resided until 
 his wife's death in 1895, since which time he has lived with his daughter, Mrs. 
 Coleman, in Deer Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Ford had nine children, seven of whom 
 are now living. 
 
 Mr. Ford retained his faculties well until his death. He was strictly tem- 
 perate in his habits and never used tobacco nor intoxicating liquors although 
 at one time he was employed for several years in a distillery. He had a re- 
 tentive memory and easily recalled the war of 1812 and the Black Hawk and 
 Mexican wars. He had a distinct memory of the death of every president of 
 the United States except Washington.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 215 
 
 Mr. Ford came of a long lived race. All of his brothers and sisters lived 
 to be over 80 ; one aunt lived to be 115 years of age and his grandmother also 
 passed the century mark. 
 
 The highway commissioners of Hahnaman township are making arrange- 
 ments to install two new steel bridges over Green river near Deer Grove. The 
 structures spanning the river near Deer Grove have been in a dangerous con- 
 dition for some time and these will be replaced with two good steel structures. 
 The township of Hahnaman is one of the most costly townships of the county 
 to be bridged, due to the many ditches and the Green river which crosses it. 
 
 His daughter, Mrs. Coleman, says her father had no faith in doctors, 
 would not take medicine, and when sick, would often fast four days. He lost 
 his last teeth ten years before his death. Although for the last four years, he 
 sat much in his chair, he was not helpless. Appetite so good that he regularly 
 took three meals a day. Took great interest in current affairs, and followed 
 the operations of the Boer struggle and our Spanish-American war. He never 
 wore glasses. 
 
 A PIONEER'S WIDOW. 
 
 In her white frame cottage on Sixth avenue, Sterling, the writer found 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, quietly enjoying the sunset of life. Her maiden name 
 was Work, and she was married to Reuben Davis in Ohio in 1849. They came 
 to Como, where they kept the Rock Island House, at which the stage travelers 
 took meals. At the same time, her husband practiced his profession, as he 
 had attended medical lectures in Cincinnati. In 1860 they moved to the farm 
 in Hahnaman, where .they lived till his death in 1887. Although busy with 
 his farm, he had constant calls from the sick which he always obeyed. A 
 ready speaker, and fond of debate. When able to go out, Mrs. Davis is a regu- 
 lar attendant at the Lutheran church. She is nearly 77. Doc was 68. 
 
 TWO GOLDEN WEDDINGS. 
 
 Look down, you gods, 
 
 And on this couple, drop a blessed crown. Shakespeare. 
 
 Ponce de Leon looked for the fountain of perpetual youth in Florida, but 
 never found it, because it was not there. It is in Hahnaman. People die even 
 in California, but seldom in this favored township. Just think of two golden 
 weddings within a week! On Sunday, Feb. 16, 1908, Mr. and Mrs. John 
 McGuire celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage at their home, 
 surrounded by their children, grandchildren and a host of relatives. They 
 were married in Dixon, and after three years in Sterling, removed to Hahna- 
 man, where they have since resided. They are both hale and hearty, and will 
 now prepare for the diamond jubilee. 
 
 On Saturday, Feb. 22, by a freak of the almanac, the fiftieth anniversary 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wahl coincided with the birthday of the illustrious 
 George. They really belong to Hahnaman, as their active years were spent 
 there, but farming becoming too strenuous, in 1890 they took their abode in 
 a new home on Ninth avenue, Sterling. This was the scene of the festivities.
 
 216 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 All of their family were present except a daughter, Ethel, in California. Both 
 are in the discharge of daily duties, and ready to greet friends with a smile. 
 
 Including the family of nine children, sixteen grandchildren, and one 
 great-grandchild, thirty-six relatives sat down to a banquet that only Mrs. 
 Wahl, a cook of the old school, could prepare. She was Miss Anna Kirgis. 
 Besides words of congratulation, the occasion was made memorable by marks 
 of substantial appreciation. Mr. Wahl was brought to time with a solid gold 
 wateh, and his estimable partner will hereafter make her toilet with a diamond 
 brooch. 
 
 Perhaps the only murder in the township occurred June 26, 1901, when 
 Thomas Brunton killed Thomas McDonald, at Deer Grove, by knocking him 
 down. Both were tramps, and at the time were carousing at a shed or corn 
 crib. 
 
 DRAINAGE IN WHITESIDE. 
 
 BY JOHN D. AREY, CIVIL ENGINEER. 
 
 The history of the drainage of the swamp lands of Whiteside county will 
 at the present time cover a period of over fifty years. The south half of the 
 county is mostly level land with here and there a few sand hills, and contains 
 about four-fifths of the swamp lands. The north half is more broken and 
 hilly, and most of the low lands are in the western part along the Mississippi 
 bottoms. 
 
 In 1850 congress passed an act to enable the states to reclaim and improve 
 the swamp lands within their limits, and in 1852 the general assembly of the 
 state of Illinois passed an act giving each county the authority to select, and 
 sell the swamp lands and devote the proceeds, to the drainage or reclaiming 
 said lands. 
 
 The act also provided for the appointment of a drainage commissioner 
 who was to select the lands, and under the directions of the board of super- 
 visors see that the provisions of the act were carried to completion. 
 
 The total number of acres selected and sold by the county was a little 
 over seventy thousand, of which about one-fourth was in the townships of Tam- 
 pico and Hahnaman, the rest being in the other twenty townships except Gen- 
 esee and Jordan, both high and rolling land. The lands were appraised and 
 sold at different prices, three dollars, one dollar and fifty cents, and fifty cents 
 per acre, the terms of sale were one-fourth cash, with the balance in notes with 
 interest. Forty acres was the smallest subdivision of land sold, and some tracts 
 would be partially dry land, others entirely in deep swamps, the total receipts 
 from the swamp land sales was over $175,000. 
 
 Three-fourths of the proceeds of the sale of lands were loaned at a high 
 rate of interest, and a large sum of money having accumulated it was turned 
 over to the school fund, and distributed among the townships in the same ratio 
 with other school moneys. The townships of Tampico and Hahnaman pro- 
 tested against it, but were overruled. The amount turned over was about 
 $175,000, about the amount for which the lands were sold. 
 
 After the first land sale the drainage commissioner began the construction 
 of ditches through the channels of the largest sloughs, the longest being the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 217 
 
 Coon creek ditch about twenty miles in length, running from the east line of 
 the county in the township of Montmorency, in a southwesterly course 
 through the townships of Montmorency, Hume and Tampico, emptying into 
 the creek east of Prophetstown village. This ditch has several branches that 
 would make the total length over forty miles. 
 
 Over one hundred miles of ditches were made at a cost of nearly $90,000. 
 This amount was all the county of Whiteside spent in the drainage of the 
 lands donated by the government for that purpose. 
 
 In 1879 an act was passed by the general assembly enabling the owners of 
 adjoining tracts of land to form drainage districts for the purpose of raising 
 money by assessment on the lands improved, to pay the cost of building levees, 
 and digging ditches. The law proved to be a cumbersome piece of machinery 
 to effect its purpose, and until it was amended in 1885 making the commis- 
 sioners of highways ex-officio drainage commissioners, there was very little 
 done. Since then there has been spent a large amount of money for reclaim- 
 ing wet lands. 
 
 The land now improved under the drainage law is more than twice the 
 amount selected and sold by the county, and about one-half of the wet land is 
 now under cultivation. The old ditches have been enlarged, new ones dug, 
 and ditching machines are continually at work. It will take much labor aad 
 time to make all of the low lands tillable every year, but as they increase in 
 value, a greater expenditure will be warranted for their improvement. 
 
 The boundary line between the counties of Whiteside and Rock Island is 
 the channel of a swamp through the low lands between the Mississippi and 
 Rock rivers, a distance of about fifteen miles, called the Meredosia slough, the 
 name being a corruption of "Marais D' Ogee", given the swamp by the early 
 French explorers. About half way between the two rivers the channel is hard 
 to find, the ground being very lever for about two miles in all directions, and 
 for some time there was a dispute about the line, each county claiming juris- 
 diction over about a thousand acres. The land in question is on a higher level 
 than the swamp north and south, and forms a divide between the rivers over 
 which the water from either river when high would flow to the other. A few 
 years ago a dyke was built across the divide over which the water has never been 
 high enough to pass. 
 
 The drainage of the swamp is accomplished by forming union drainage 
 districts, parts of which are in each county. 
 
 COLOMA. 
 
 The world was sad- the garden was a wild ; 
 
 And man, the hermit, sighed till woman smiled. Campbell. 
 
 As Paris is France, so Rock Falls is Coloma. For a long time, there was 
 no Rock Falls. It has shot up like a gourd within the memory of the present 
 generation. After Sterling was a goodly city, the opposite bank, the site of 
 Rock Falls, was a sand waste. It was open commons for sham battles. It was 
 like Ethiopia on maps of Africa in 1850, a sort of unoccupied territory. In
 
 218 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 looking across, there stood the Arey House, a solitary landmark, like the lone 
 tree of the prairies, the lone star of Texas. It is today the historic building of 
 Ifack Falls. It has been removed from the original site, and is now on the 
 street west of the Methodist church. It was built in 1837 by Edward Atkins, 
 an Irishman, and had, says John Arey, walnut shingles, oak floor, and siding 
 of various timber from the woods. Another early house but remaining on the 
 original situation is the homestead erected by L. H. Woodworth, who came in 
 1839, as surveyor for that wonderful canal. But this dwelling was built later. . 
 It is the same as first erected, says Mrs. A. S. Goodell, with the exception of a 
 porch added afterwards. It is on the river bank in eastern Rock Falls, and is 
 still surrounded by the trees of the early woodland. 
 
 RAPIDS CITY. 
 
 A change came o'er the spirit of my dream. Byron. 
 
 Our early settlers were men of large ideas, immense plans. In 1837 
 Edward Atkins, A. B. Wheeler, Isaac Merrill, and Daniel Brooks, laid out a 
 tract a mile square to be called Rapids City. It was in keeping with the spirit 
 of internal improvement that prevailed throughout the state. Rock river at 
 this point was selected as a favorable stream for better navigation, and the 
 scheme comprised a canal up and down the rapids to enable boats to pass by 
 means of a lock. The canal was located along the south bank of the river, 
 and $40,000 expended. This gave the south side a great advantage in future 
 prospects, and led to the project of Rapids City. It was on the south side of 
 Rock river opposite Chatham, west of Broadway, and while the state canal work 
 was in progress, seemed to have a more prosperous future than Chatham and 
 Harrisburg on the north bank. The work done on the canal was one-half 
 mile long, between avenues A and D in the present city of Rock Falls. A 
 dry stone wall, eight feet wide at the bottom, and four feet at the top, was 
 laid along the margin of the river far enough from the bank to give the canal 
 the proper width. The stone was quarried from the bank to build the wall, 
 and the stripping from the quarries deposited on the river side, making a 
 bank fifty feet wide and a little higher than the wall. When the work was 
 stopped, the wall was from six to eight feet in height, But no part of it was 
 completed. W T ith the failure of the canal, all further progress ceased in Rapids 
 City. Business was suspended, and" the parks and palaces of the paper city 
 vanished in thin air. 
 
 The best laid schemes o' mice and men 
 Gang aft agley. 
 
 ROCK FALLS. 
 
 A. P. Smith was the founder of this hive of industry. Originally a music 
 teacher, in 1867 he purchased of the Sterling Hydraulic Company, which con- 
 trolled a dam built in 1854, one-half interest in their water power, and forty 
 acres of land on the south side of the river, as well as 25 acres from other 
 parties, and laid out the town. He constructed a race, and wisely offered
 
 SECOND STREET, ROCK FALLS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 219 
 
 tempting inducements to capitalists to make investments. His business sagac- 
 ity was abundantly rewarded, and soon numerous factories were in operation. 
 One of them was his own mitten factory, which employed eighty persons, 
 mostly girls, producing $100,000 worth of goods annually. In 1871 the rail- 
 road was completed, giving Rock Falls direct communication with Chicago. 
 The largest concern to be established in the young town was the Keystone 
 Works, 1867, formerly Gait & Tracy, in Sterling. In 1876 W. E. Lukens 
 platted his nursery, and began to sell lots. The first new store was built by 
 T. Culver in 1867. The- village was organized in 1869 under the state law. 
 The Rock Falls House, kept by Barnard Doty, was opened in 1868. The post- 
 office was established in 1868, Truman Culver, postmaster. He held the office 
 three years, and during the last year, the business amounted to $1,500. A 
 bank was established in 1874 by Ephraim Brookfield from Coleta, and after 
 his death, George W. Nance took charge. The different ferries and bridges 
 by which the two sides of the river have always had communication are con- 
 sidered under a separate head. As Como was declining, her buildings no 
 longer in use, were removed to Rock Falls, whose star was in the ascendent. 
 In the spring of 1867, A. C. Hapgood opened a' store in a structure thus 
 transported over the prairie. This was afterwards the Baltic House. Sub- 
 sequently A. Woodworth became partner in a building also transplanted from 
 old Como. 
 
 THE CHURCHES. 
 
 The rectory of Epworth is the fount 
 
 To which all streams of Methodism mount. E. W. Pearson. 
 
 The Rock Falls M. E. church was organized as a class during the winter 
 of 1868-69 by Rev. J. H. Ailing, then pastor of Fourth Street church, Ster- 
 ling. Religious services were held in the Industrial building, and later in 
 the upper room of the Dr. J. L. Merrill building. Ailing with Mr. Denning 
 of Broadway church held a revival, assisted by Presiding Elder Moore, and the 
 society began its career. The need of a building was urgently felt, subscriptions 
 were asked for, a lot was purchased from Merrill for $300, and the structure was 
 occupied in the spring of 1870. An organ was secured in 1869 for $140, and in 
 1870 the mission committee at Elgin appropriated $100 to the support of the 
 work. John A. Stayt was appointed first pastor, Oct. 11, 1870. The dedication of 
 the church which had now cost $4,189 took place in April, 1871, under direc-. 
 tion of Dr. J. H. Moore. The first bell was cracked and taken down. The 
 present bell, hung March 22, 1872, has been faithfully ringing its call to 
 worshipers. In the early part of Stayt's pastorate, preaching points were estab- 
 lished at Hume Center and Banes' Corners. A lot was bought for a parson- 
 age, and the house completed in 1872, at a cost of $1,104. At the close of 
 1872 the charge had grown to a membership of 87, with three Sunday schools, 
 Rock Falls, Hume, and Banes, which had a total attendance of 388. Rev. 
 Thos. Chipperfield became pastor in 1872, the membership increased to 158, 
 and the S. school to 214. During the pastorate of Rev. M. M. Bales, the church 
 was completely remodeled and a new parsonage constructed at a combined 
 cost of $5,146. During the 36 years of her history, 1,164 persons have united
 
 220 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 on probation, and since 1883, more than 1,800 have been converted at her 
 altars, an average of 61 conversions a year. The total enrollment of member- 
 ship for 36 years is 8,795, an average yearly enrollment of 244. Total benevo- 
 lence contributed $5,896. Last year it amounted to $506. The present pastor, 
 Rev. F. W. Nazarene, is the seventeenth in this flourishing field. 
 
 In connection with the church proper, are numerous societies. The Sun- 
 day school has 286 pupils with 29 officers and teachers. The Epworth League 
 has a membership of more than a hundred. Then there is a Junior Epworth. 
 Four societies of the gentler sex: Woman's Home Missionary, Woman's For- 
 eign Missionary, Ladies' Aid, and Social Auxiliary. Rev. C. A. Gage, ap- 
 pointed to the charge by Bishop Andrews in 1903, gathered the various items 
 in regard to the history of this congregation and issued in a neat booklet, 
 from which much of our information has been derived. 
 
 The Christian church, one of the last on this field, has had a phenomenal 
 advance. Although only organized in 1904, the present membership is 200. 
 Rev. Mr. Spicer of Sterling, and State Evangelist Monser took a leading part 
 in its establishment. As a nucleus, a Sunday school had been started in 1897, 
 which has an enrollment of 250. There is an Endeavor Society and Ladies' 
 Aid. Rev. Roy Stauffer, now in an eastern pastorate, contributed largely by 
 his unceasing efforts to the development of the work. A young man of 
 unlimited energy. His successor, Rev. C. F. Ladd, was associated for a time 
 with the Volunteers of America. He and his wife are both from Rhode Island, 
 and find an earnest people to strengthen their hands. One of the active men 
 of the young society is M. T. Mouck. At a recent prayer meeting officers were 
 elected for the ensuing year as follows : 
 
 Trustee Robert Larson. 
 
 Elder Joseph Hoak. 
 
 Deacons Howard Sprinkel and James Creighton. 
 
 Financial Secretary Charles Hoak. 
 
 Treasurer J. W. Hatch. 
 
 Clerk Miss Ethel Mouck. 
 
 Deaconesses Mrs. H. L. Sniffer and Mrs. M. T. Mouck. 
 
 In the western part of Rock Falls is a finn white frame edifice, bearing 
 above the door the inscription : 
 
 Immanuel Evang. Luth. Kirche, 
 18771899. 
 
 There were ninety families in connection, but some have withdrawn to the 
 Lutheran church in Sterling. There is German preaching in the morning, 
 but no evening service, as so many of the people are farmers. The pastor, E. 
 Hafermann, as we gleaned in an interview, came from North Germany, was 
 educated at a gymnasium, came to America in 1888, and after thirteen years 
 in Kansas and Wisconsin, accepted this place in 1903. 
 
 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 This was organized Dec. 26, 1875, by the following charter members: 
 Richard and Mrs. Mary E. Arey, W. J. Rice and wife, Augustus Edgerton,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 221 
 
 Mrs. Delia L. James and Mrs. Allpress, James and Mrs. Mary Arey, Mrs. 
 Sarah E. Phelps, Miss Hattie L. Arey, Mi's. Sophia E. Wright, Mrs. Emeline 
 A. Dyer, Miss Fannie Wright, and Rev. S. D. Belt. Certificate of incorpora- 
 tion filed July 27, 1876. The services were held in the fourth district school- 
 house until Dec. 3, 1876, when the first service was held in the church build- 
 ing, on the corner of First avenue and west Third street, Rock Falls. The 
 Sunday school was organized, Jan. 2, 1876, with a membership of one hun- 
 dred, Rev. S. D. Belt, Supt. A long succession of Ministers : Rufus Apthorp, 
 W. Cone, 0. W. Fay, C. B. Ludwig, J. R. Kaye, A. W. Safford, E. A. Freden- 
 hagen, H. A. Kearn, S. S. Healey, R. W. Purdue, W. A. Elliott, E. W. Mur- 
 ray now in charge. The present membership is 143, S. school, 183, Y. P. S. 
 C. E., 25. Junior, 20. There are 24 members in the Woman's Miss. Society, 
 Mrs. S. Atkins, president. In the Ladies' Mite Society, 60, Mrs. Ella Limerick, 
 president. The officers of the church consist, besides the pastor, of four dea- 
 cons, James Arey, J. Meckling, Aaron Fluck, E. Slater. Trustees, E. R. Nims, 
 F. Lukins, F. H. Geyer, Fred Shuler, G. Fields. Treasurer, John L. Newton, 
 clerk, G. H. Jennings, supt. of S. school, J. H. Meckling. The church is built 
 of frame, neatly painted, and occupies a conspicuous position in the heart of 
 Rock Falls. 
 
 THE BROWNING CLUB. 
 
 Grow old along with me ! 
 
 The best is yet to be, 
 
 The last of life for which the first was made. Rabbi Ben Ezra. 
 
 The Browning club celebrated the tenth anniversary of its organization 
 at the home of 0. E. Maxson, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 1908. The house was beauti- 
 fully decorated with festoons of club colors, purple and gold. 
 
 The club was organized January 7, 1898, at the home of Mrs. A. J. Mc- 
 Neil with Mrs. McNeil president, Mrs. Robert McNeil vice-president, Mrs. C. 
 C. Woodworth secretary and Miss Mary Geyer treasurer. The membership 
 was limited to twenty. The object was the study of Browning and other poets. 
 Of recent years the membership limit has been placd at thirty. About twenty 
 of the charter members are still members, and during the ten years over sixty 
 ladies have availed themselves of this opportunity to study the poets. The 
 club is essentially a study class and in the past ten years has studied the Brown- 
 ings, Scott, Tennyson, Homer, Emerson, Lowell and Shakespeare. Over four 
 hundred study classes have been held besides the evening meetings for gentle- 
 men and afternoon socials. 
 
 On the occasion of this anniversary the members and their guests to the 
 number of fifty assembled at 1 o'clock when an elaborate four course luncheon 
 was served. Several of the young lady daughters of the members assisted. 
 Each guest received a beautiful souvenir in the shape of a folder prettily deco- 
 rated and containing a striking photograph of the esteemed leader, Miss Gould, 
 and the names of the present members. This was a surprise to the leader and 
 shows the love and reverence in which she is held by those who have been 
 helped and cheered by her close companionship during these ten years while 
 she has given so freely of herself to meet their varied needs.
 
 222 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 * 
 
 After luncheon the president, Mrs. Mae Smith, called the meeting to 
 order and. in a neat speech offered a toast to "The Brownings may their 
 shadows never grow less and may they live to celebrate their one hundredth 
 birthday." Miss Farena Hubbard opened the program with a difficult selec- 
 tion on the piano. Miss Gould read one of her scholary papers entitled "Lit- 
 erature; its place in Civilization." Under the general title "People Whom We 
 Have Met," the following characters were discussed : 
 
 "Aurora Leigh," Mrs. Charles Hubbard. 
 
 "Romney Leigh," Mrs. A. S. Goodell. 
 
 "Caponsacchi," Mrs. William Wells. 
 
 "Ulysses," Mrs. Charles Geeting. 
 
 "Penelope," Mrs. Frank Anthony. 
 
 "A Winter's Tale," Miss Lizzie Coe. 
 
 Miss Elizabeth Emmons read a very brief and witty history of the club. 
 
 Miss Clara McCune sang several beautiful selections. She was accom- 
 panied by Miss Emma Sheldon. 
 
 These circles in which ladies meet to discuss literary subjects and at the 
 same time enjoy social recreation cannot be too highly commended. After- 
 noons at cards leave no valuable thoughts to occupy the mind, and waste time 
 that should be more profitably employed. The name, too, is full of inspira- 
 tion. None of the nineteenth century poets have done more to ennoble and 
 sweeten the thought of the world than have the Brownings, Robert and Eliza- 
 beth Barrett. 
 
 THREE PIONEER MOTHERS. 
 
 A mother's love how sweet the name ! 
 
 What is a mother's love? 
 A noble, pure, and tender flame, 
 
 Enkindled from above. Montgomery. 
 
 "Mother Wright" is a remarkably strong and cheerful woman for eighty- 
 eight. She gave the writer a cordial reception. Mary Mahaffey was born near 
 Belfast, Ireland, 1819. Queen Victoria's year, for whom she has a warm ad- 
 miration. Her grandfather was a Scotchman. She was married in Philadel- 
 phia in 1847 to Hugh Wright, who died at 51. She has lived 31 years in 
 Rock Falls. A loyal Presbyterian. No matter what the weather, she crosses 
 the river to attend the church of her fathers in Sterling, shaming the younger 
 people who are afraid to turn out. Somewhat older and also quite bright is 
 Mrs. Asa Emmons, or "Aunt Nancy," who occupies a room with her daughter, 
 Mrs. Hewitt. She was born June 22, 1814, at Beverly, West Virginia. Her 
 father, William Booth, was in the War of 1812. She came with her father 
 to Albany, this county, in 1837, and was there married to Asa Emmons, an 
 expert stair-builder. A devout Methodist, and happy in her religious hopes. 
 She prefers to receive callers in her own apartments, where she reads, sews, 
 writes, and meditates. In pleasant weather, she takes a walk. This paragraph 
 appeared in a Sterling paper: 
 
 Mrs. Asa Emmons, Rock Falls, ninety-three last June, 1814-1907, in a 
 conversation yesterd'ay with W. W. Davis related an incident that gives her
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 223 
 
 a remote connection with 1776. Her mother's father, Edward Hart, was a 
 brother of John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was 
 from New Jersey, and the Hessians in 1777 burned his property. Singular 
 enough, Mr. Davis happens to have among his curios, a piece of Continental 
 Script with the signature of John Hart. 
 
 One morning in February, 1908, the writer called upon Mrs. Phebe 
 Worthington, doubtless the oldest woman in the county. She was born on 
 Long Island, July, 1812, and was in her 98th year. The venerable lady was 
 sitting in a low chair by the window, and readily engaged in conversation. 
 Her sight is failing so that she is no longer able to read the Bible, but her 
 hearing is perfectly good. She retires at nine, and rises at eight, partakes of 
 three meals a day, enjoys oatmeal for breakfast, uses tea instead of coffee. In 
 earlier years, she attended the Baptist church in the pastorate of Elder Mason 
 in Sterling. She came with her husband in 1839, who died long ago, and is 
 now living with her son Alf, on the original homestead. A gracious picture 
 with her kindly face and loving manner. 
 
 DEATH OF A PIONEER. 
 
 Josiah S. Scott, mentioned in the history of Hume township, died at the 
 home of his daughter, Mrs. Bernard Miller, in Rock Falls, Jan., 1907. As 
 he was born in Ohio in May, 1819, he was in his 89th year. After carrying 
 on his farm in Hume for nearly forty years, in 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Scott 
 removed to Rock Falls, where she died in 1899. Josiah cast his first vote for 
 Van Buren in 1840, but in 1860 he voted for Lincoln and was a Republican 
 ever since. A carpenter in early manhood. His father had thirteen chil- 
 dren, and he had twelve. Dr. F. J. Scott is a prominent physician in Rock 
 Falls. Josiah united with the Methodist church, and in every relation of life 
 was an honored citizen. A broken hip some months before his death increased 
 the weakness of his advanced age. 
 
 THE G. A. R. 
 
 There are thirty-two members. It is known as Will Enderton Post, No. 
 729, and is named for its first commander in 1891, of the 34th Illinois regi- 
 ment. It was originally a part of the Will Robinson Post, Sterling, but for 
 convenience, the comrades withdrew, and organized their own. The writer 
 met two of the boys in the office of J. G. Limerick, and gathered several inci- 
 dents from their career. H. L. Brewer, present commander of the post, be- 
 longed to the 12th Illinois Infantry, Col. John McArthur, afterwards general. 
 He was a Scotchman, had the boys wear Scotch caps, and the slogan was "Mc- 
 Arthur and his men." Hard fighting. They were in the assault at Fort 
 Donelson, at Shiloh, Atlanta, the march to the sea. Mr. Brewer was in the 
 grand review at Washington, May 24, 1865, the military pageant of the war 
 and the century. Adam Brown joined a battery in Pennsylvania, Capt. Stev- 
 ens was at Stone River, Franklin, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain. He 
 spoke of Grant's marching the 21st Illinois regiment to St. Louis to break them 
 in. He remembers seeing above a shop door in Greenville, Tennessee, the sign 
 "A. Johnson, Tailor." This should be in some Historical Society.
 
 224 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The latest member of the post to answer the solemn roll call was Captain 
 William Parker, who died at his home in Rock Falls, Dec., 1907. Like Lin- 
 coln, he was born in Kentucky, but spent most of his life in Illinois, as editor 
 of papers in different towns of the state. At the time of his death he was 
 postmaster, and shortly before had sold his interest in the Rock Falls News. 
 He enlisted as second lieutenant of Co. A, 75th Illinois Infantry, was promoted 
 to captaincy, and served until mustered out. A brave soldier. Public funeral 
 .services at the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Edwin Weary of the 
 Episcopal, and Rev. F. W. Nazarene, of the Methodist. Burial at the Rock 
 Falls cemetery in charge of the Masonic order, of which he was a member. 
 He was born in 1835. 
 
 THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. 
 
 From a humble beginning thirty years ago, the school has kept pace with 
 the development of the city. It was started in the brick building now used for 
 city purposes, corner of Second street and Third avenue. The present main 
 edifice, containing eight rooms, was erected in 1888. The other building on 
 the side was erected in 1895. It contains the high school and the seventh and 
 eighth grades. In the year 1907-1908 there were 525 pupils enrolled, with 
 ten subordinate teachers and one musical director. The Board of Education 
 consists of Ward Lincoln, president, A. A. Thome, J. W. Hatch, P. G. Kelsey, 
 C. L. Hubbard, A. L. Coe, and Dr. F. G. Scott, secretary. An excellent corps 
 of teachers. E. 0. Phares, superintendent. Mathematics and biology, and 
 principal, Etta E. Grunewald. Latin and German, Madge V. Knevels. Eng- 
 lish and General History, Nellie H. Davison. U. S. History, civics and science, 
 E. 0. Phares. In the grades are principal, Mrs. Ella Brown, Myra E. Jen- 
 nings, Margaret Hax, Josephine Dundon, Harriet Scott, Maude E. William- 
 son, Bessie McNeill, Louise Pfulb, Mrs. Genevieve Pierce, Blanche Emmons, 
 Urs. Nellie Halsted. Music, Miss Muriel Price, Sterling. Drawing teacher to 
 be supplied. Janitor, M. J. McAllister. 
 
 "High Life," the new publication of the Rock Falls high school, is a 
 four page folder containing some interesting reading matter for pupils and 
 patrons of the school, and no advertising. The paper is to be published once 
 a month during the school year. 
 
 Two quartettes have been organized in the Rock Falls high school and 
 -will be in charge of the musical director, Miss Muriel Price. 
 
 In the form of maps, globes, charts, apparatus, the school is gradually 
 increasing its equipment as means will allow. In 1907 the Turner Art Loan 
 realized $184, which were invested in pictures for the decoration of the various 
 rooms. The school steadily increases in numbers and efficiency, and already 
 ranks among the best in the county. 
 
 Prof. Phares, who succeeds Prof. Haney, began his career in a country 
 school in Indiana, and after graduating from the Greentown high school, 
 took a four years' course at the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, 
 graduating in the spring of 1901. He spent the summer at Cornell Uni- 
 versity. He has taught in all thirteen years, and is in his second year at Rock 
 Falls.
 
 SECOND STREET, ROCK FALLS
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 225 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 There is a calm for those who weep, 
 
 A rest for weary pilgrims found, 
 They softly lie, and sweetly sleep, 
 
 Low in the ground. Montgomery. 
 
 On the eastern edge of Rock Falls, picturesque with evergreens, ready to 
 receive the rays of the rising sun, is the burial ground with its rows of granite 
 monuments. We were struck with the number of aged people. John L. Mor- 
 rill, 1823-1898. William Ramsay, 1815-1900. George Adair, 1827-1906. <GL 
 Rosengreen, 1835-1905. Ramsel Brooks, 1838-1905. Helen Nims, 1835-1888, 
 and John W., 1831-1895. John E. Durstine, 1842-1900. Lyman Baker, 
 1818-1892. J. B. Mingle, 1834-1896. Allen Hayes, 1825-1905. Henry 
 Price, 1830-1892. 
 
 That familiar name, L. H. Woodworth, pioneer of 1839, has the widest 
 record from 1806-1902, being ninety-six at his death. Also, P. P. Wood- 
 worth, 1807-1844, and A. H., 1820-1902. The names appear of various old 
 families: Worth, Glassburn, McFalls, Payson, James Mason, Paisley, Scot- 
 land, 1830-1892, and his wife, Lois. William Rae, Scotland, 1818-1894, and 
 wife, 1898. Several soldiers. J. E. Van Densen, sergeant Co. F, Third Michi- 
 gan Infantry. George Rae with flag on grave. Also, D. G. Lindsley. Charles 
 Lahram, London, England, 1830-1871, no regiment given. L. H. Linn, 
 Swede, Henshaw's Battery. The freshest heroic mound strewn with wreaths 
 is that of Capt. Wm. Parker, 75th Illinois, 1835-1907. 
 
 In its stanch weekly, the young city has always had an ardent supporter. 
 The Rock Falls News was established by Captain William Parker in 1882, 
 and was first located in rooms over the postoffice, still in the same place. In 
 1884, his daughter, Anna F., became his associate. On her marriage two 
 years later to Charles Lee Mentzer, he purchased a half interest in the busi- 
 ness. They then bought the building on the corner of Third avenue and 
 Second street, which was burned with all its contents, Jan. 3, 1896. A new 
 outfit was at once secured, and business was resumed in the Industrial build- 
 ing, until the new office was erected on First avenue, the present site. Here 
 they moved in the summer of 1897, with a new equipment. The business 
 was carried on by Parker and Mentzer until Oct. 1, 1907, when, on account 
 of failing health, Capt. Parker sold his interest to Emery L. Bond, Mr. Ment- 
 zer still retaining his interest. The next change was the formation of the 
 News Publishing Company, E. L. Bond, president and treasurer, and Anna 
 F. Mentzer, secretary. The capital stock is $7,000. With new job type, an 
 improved press, and steam heating plant, the operations will be conducted 
 on a larger scale than ever before. 
 
 THE FACTORY DISTRICT. 
 
 In every rank, or great or small, 
 'Tis industry supports us all.- Gay. 
 
 'Tis a bad wind blows nobody good, for when Gait and Tracy lost their
 
 226 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 
 
 factory by fire near the railroad in Sterling in the summer of 1867, and at 
 once crossed the river to Rock Falls and laid the foundation of new works, 
 they put the young town upon its feet, gave it a place on the map, and made 
 the beginning of that conglomeration of shops, chimneys, and warehouses 
 that are crowded along the river bank. Gait and Tracy grew into the Key- 
 stone Company in 1871, whose cornplanters and other farm machinery had 
 an astonishing popularity for years throughout the west. After the death of 
 George Tracy, several changes occurred, and now the. commercial title is the 
 International Harvester Company. Among the machines made are corn 
 shelters, mowers, harrows, side-delivery rakes. The plant covers seven acres, 
 and the buildings proper, averaging three stories, occupy five. The yearly 
 production is between 45,000 and 50,000 machines of various kinds. The 
 foundry makes yearly 1,500,000 castings, or eight million pounds of iron. 
 
 The trollsy hanger, made by Lawrence Brothers, is the best article of 
 the kind sold in the trade in the United States. It is intended for stable or 
 "barn doors, by which they roll smoothly to the side, without binding, stick- 
 ing, or scraping. In the manufacture of door butts they rank second, and 
 for hinges of another type, third, in the entire country. The Messrs. Law- 
 rence, John and Edwin, began operations in 1876, and have steadily enlarged 
 until there is now a floor space of 74,000 square feet in the shops. Both in 
 the prime of life, and reside in Sterling. 
 
 One of the newest works is fast growing into huge proportions. That is 
 the branch of Russell, Birdsall and Ward Bolt and Nut Company, of Port 
 Chester, N. Y. In 1896 the business started here on a small scale in the 
 Industrial building, and four years ago was moved into a new factory built 
 for the purpose, with 60,000 feet of floor space. The business has increased 
 ten fold in a decade, a hundred men are employed the year round, and an 
 enlargement of space will be necessary. The product of this factory is confined 
 to rivets and bolts of small sizes, as can be made cold. 
 
 Besides the agricultural implements made by the Keystone branch of the 
 International Harvester company, there is the Sterling Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, who manufacture a large line of corn planters, disc harrows, stalk cutters, 
 hay rakes and loaders, feed grinders, bob sleds. A. J. Platt company turn out 
 a superior potato planter, one of the most efficient on the market, and which 
 has a gratifying sale everywhere. Of the five carriage works in the two cities, 
 the Eureka company is the most extensive, turning out yearly 5,000 light 
 vehicles in the form of buggies, surreys and light Concord wagons. Their 
 trade extends over the United States and to foreign countries. 
 
 One of the heaviest concerns is the Illinois Straw Products Company in 
 the west end. Eleven and a half tons of straw is used daily in making Manila, 
 rag, and straw wrapping paper, 300 tons a month, 3,600 tons a year. Besides 
 straw, twenty-one tons of paper stock is daily consumed. A welcome opening 
 for the waste paper of offices, stores, houses. A market for the collections 
 gathered by the ladies in various towns, of odds and ends. Although water 
 power is used some months of the year, the average daily consumption of 
 coal is fifty tons, or 18,250 tons annually. The yearly output is between 4,200
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 227 
 
 and 5,000 tons. Seventy-five hands are employed, and the mill runs day and 
 night. 
 
 The Northwestern Barbed Wire Company, of which W. M. Dillon is a 
 prominent member, manufactures a great variety of ingenious and convenient 
 goods in the shape of square mesh field fence, diamond mesh fence, diamond 
 poultry fence, plain and ornamental gates, portable chicken coops, and other 
 articles handled by the wire trade. 
 
 Among the new concerns is the Evan Reed Manufacturing Company, 
 occupying the stone mill of the old Dillon Milling works. Their list is vari- 
 ous and desirable, comprising rat and mouse traps, racks, cracker box covers, 
 automatic pulleys. Thirty men will be employed during the next year, with 
 an expected output of over $100,000. 
 
 The First National Bank has a capital of $25,000, and does a general 
 banking business. Four per cent is paid in the savings department, as well 
 as interest on time deposits. Hours from 9 to 4. C. L. Hubbard is prasident, 
 and 0. E. Maxson, cashier. 
 
 The Odd Fellows with the customary forethought and thrift of the order, 
 purchased a lot two years ago, corner of Second avenue and Third street, and 
 are considering the erection of a handsome structure, three stories high. 
 
 The city of Rock Falls is one of the best equipped towns for sidewalks in 
 this part of the state. It now does not have a board walk or a wooden cross- 
 ing within the city limits. 
 
 The bridge over Rowland creek east of Rock Falls was completed in 1908. 
 The floor is of concrete and the remainder is of stone and steel. It is said 
 that the bridge is one of the best in this section of the state. It was erected 
 by the Clinton Bridge & Iron works and the work was under the supervision 
 of John Rosengren. 
 
 THE OLD BRICK SCHOOL. 
 
 In Boston, the Old South church is still standing, but the Old Brick 
 School, east of Rock Falls, on the Dixon road, is only a dream. On its site 
 is a white frame, 1906, with cupola and bell, vestibule and furnace. Miss Etha 
 Scanlan, with 23 pupils, is teaching her second year. She is a graduate of 
 the Rock Falls high school. In the Historical Society is a large photograph 
 of the early brick, taken at a picnic of the old patrons in 1897. There are 
 twenty-eight men and women, patrons and pupils of the institution, all stand- 
 ing or sitting in front. Grove Wright presented the picture, and has indi- 
 cated by numerals the different people. The faces are life-like, and you can 
 pick every one at a glance. . Among them are Deacon Arey and James Arey, 
 L. L. Emmons, Henry Batchellor, Bird Emmons, Robert McNeill, Alf Worth- 
 ington, Ed Macomber, Nettie Yeoward, Alice Shirley, Mary King, Mary Ninis, 
 Walter Fox. Some have already fallen into the shadow. The old brick had 
 three windows with blinds on each side, and a roof projecting in front for 
 a portico, supported by four square columns. What associations this build- 
 ing and this spot have for these silver heads. Here they studied, played, and 
 enjoyed many a spelling match. Whittier must have gone to just such a place.
 
 228 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Within, the master's desk is seen, 
 
 Deep scarred by raps official; 
 The warping floor, the battered seats, 
 
 The jack-knife's carved initial. 
 
 On the back of the photograph is a poem of 26 stanzas, written by Grove 
 Wright, and read by Mrs. Nancy Macomber at this merry picnic. We give 
 the first and last: 
 
 This is the lot, and this is the spot 
 
 Assigned to education ; 
 And here was laid without parade, . 
 
 The old brick school foundation. 
 ****** 
 
 Whate'er befalls, long may these walls, 
 
 With reverence still impress you, 
 Then will your years have scanty tears, 
 
 And children's children bless you. 
 
 John Arey says the Old Brick was erected in 1853, and at nineteen he 
 taught the school that winter. 
 This tells its own story : 
 
 First Annual Statement of the 
 
 ROCK FALLS BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION 
 of Rock Falls, Illinois. 
 
 Incorporated February, 1887. Authorized capital, 10,000 shares of $100 each. 
 Officers: A. C. Stanley, pres. ; Robt. McNeil, vice-pres. ; Isaac I. Bush, 
 
 sec. ; James Pettigrew, treas. ; Walter N. Haskell, attorney. 
 Directors: A. C. Stanley, F. W. Wheeler, H. Sterling, W. B. Price, Jas. 
 
 Pettigrew, J. M. Bickford, Robert McNeil, T. Culver, C. M. Worth. 
 
 Regular meetings are held the Third Monday of each month for the payment 
 
 of installments and loaning of money. 
 
 The city officers are A. A. Thome, mayor. Aldermen in first ward. Joseph 
 Wright and Henry Longfellow; in second, E. L. Adams and Charles Grady; 
 in third, Samuel Lowry and John Goeffroy. Henry Longfellow claims no rela- 
 tionship with the popular poet. Joseph Wright is a son of Mother Wright, 
 the most active octogenarian in Rock Falls. City attorney, Jacob Cantlin; 
 treasurer, John Kadel; city marshal, Charles Billings; superintendent streets, 
 Richard Arey; health officer, Dr. F. J. Scott; chief fire department, John L. 
 Washburn ; electric light, 0. M. Aarvig. 
 
 Population about 3,000. 
 
 LODGES IN ROCK FALLS. 
 
 I. 0. 0. F. Hall corner Third avenue and E. Third street. 
 Ark Encampment No. 143 Meets first and third Friday of each month. 
 E. J. Pierce, secretary.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 229 
 
 Advance Lodge No. 590 Every Wednesday. E. J. Pierce, secretary. 
 
 J. H. Montague Lodge No. 202, Daughters of Rebekah Second and 
 fourth Mondays. Mrs. Lida Woods, secretary. 
 
 American Stars of Equity. Rock Falls Lodge No. 16 Meets at call. 
 Dr. C. M. Frye, secretary. 
 
 A. 0. U. W. Industrial lodge No. 5 Meets at call. J. A. Kadel, Jr., 
 secretary. 
 
 B. of A. Yoemen Meets at call. Dr. C. M. Frye, secretary. 
 Fraternal Reserve L. A. Rock Falls Lodge No. 83 Third Wednesdays, 
 
 McNeil hall. Dr. F. J. Scott, secretary. 
 
 G. A. R. Will Enderton Post No. 729 First and Third Saturdays, Mc- 
 Neil hall. J. V. McCarty, Adj. 
 
 W. R. C. Will Enderton Corps No. 193 Meets first and third Thursday 
 afternoon in McNeil hall. Mrs. Amelia Brewer, secretary. 
 
 Home Fraternal League. Rock Falls Lodge No. 18 Meets at call. J. 
 G. Limerick, secretary. 
 
 Keystone Relief and Aid Meets third Thursday, 201 W. Second street. 
 E. J. Pierce, secretary. 
 
 Knights of the Globe. Union Garrison No. 21 Second and fourth Tues- 
 day, McNeil hall. R. B. McNeil, Adj. 
 
 Eminent Ladies. Betsy Ross Garrison No. 5 Second and fourth Mon- 
 days. McNeil hall. Fay Rodemyer, Adj. 
 
 Juvenile K. of G. Cara McNeil Garrison No. 1 Second Mondays, Mc- 
 Neil hall. Dorman Emmons, Adj. 
 
 Modern Woodmen. Rapids Camp No. 151 Second and fourth Fridays, 
 McNeil hall. Wm. Hansen, clerk. 
 
 Royal Neighbors. Holly Camp No. 100 First and third Fridays, McNeil 
 hall. Mrs. Susie Hamblock, clerk. 
 
 Mystic Workers. Rock Falls Lodge No. 32 Meets first and third Tues- 
 days McNeil hall. Dr. C. M. Frye, secretary. 
 
 GERMANS AND HOLLANDERS. 
 
 Our oath resounds, the river flows, 
 
 In golden light our banner glows, 
 
 Our hearts will guard thy stream divine, 
 
 The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine. Carl Wilhelm. 
 
 The Germans and the Dutch form a large element in the population of 
 Whiteside. They are not the same, but are often confounded. The Ger- 
 mans are from Germany, the land of Goethe, Schiller, Humboldt, and Unser 
 Fritz. The Dutch are from Holland, the country of canals, William of Orange, 
 and Admiral Tromp. Sometimes called Low Dutch, by way of distinction. 
 
 The Germans are most numerous in Jordan, Hopkins, and Genesee, 
 eastern Whiteside. Many have come since the Civil war. Indeed, they were 
 soldiers, and were anxious to settle down after years of march. Most came 
 directly from the old country with little means, and worked as day laborers
 
 230 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 until they secured enough to make first payment on the land. After twenty 
 or thirty years they owned their farm, often two or more, and were able to 
 spend their declining days in comfort. Their children struggled with the 
 old people, and are cultivating the same soil, or perhaps land they bought for 
 themselves. No race suicide, but families generally like Jacob's. 
 
 The German takes to the soil as a duck to water. He is a natural farmer. 
 It seems to be in the blood. He is thrifty. Wife goes to the field, and husks 
 corn in busy times. The children are put to work as soon as they are able. 
 No waste, everything turned to account. They live well, plenty of plain" food, 
 no luxuries, work early and late, no rest or visiting except on Sundays. 
 
 Plow deep while sluggards sleep, 
 And you'll have corn to sell and keep. 
 
 They believe in large barns, spacious corn cribs, warm shelters for stock. Red 
 is a favorite color. Both men and women are portly and ruddy because of 
 outdoor life and generous larders. The smoke house and the cellar stored 
 with abundance of meat and vegetables. 
 
 Next to his comfortable home, the German has a high regard for religion. 
 As a child he was baptized in the church, received catachetical instruction, 
 and must have a place of worship on Sunday. Jordan, Genesee, and Hopkins, 
 all have their churches, where services are regularly held. Part of the time, 
 English service is given in obedience to the desires of the younger generation. 
 It is surprising how soon the children become Americanized, speaking our 
 language as fluently and as correctly as the native^ of the east. To show the 
 steadiness of the German, the son of a tenant, who cultivated a farm 25 years, 
 west of Sterling, and left for one of his own, has married, and taken his 
 father's place on the boyhood farm. 
 
 The Hollanders are invading Whiteside from the west. They started in 
 Fulton, and have advanced to Morrison. Their church, the Dutch Reformed, 
 is larger than any of the other denominations in Fulton, and the same condi- 
 tion is true in Morrison. The sermons are preached in Dutch morning and 
 evening at the request of the people. Like the Germans, they are farmers, and 
 drive with their families long distances to church. They have brought from 
 the mother country that excessive neatness which distinguishes Holland above 
 the rest of the world. They set abundant tables, dress well, and are a very 
 estimable class of citizens. Like the Germans they are thriving, and manage 
 to get ahead rapidly in the battle of life. 
 
 WHITESIDE IN THE WARS. 
 
 In peace, there's nothing so becomes a man, 
 
 As modest stillness and humility; 
 
 But when the blast of -war blows in our ears, 
 
 Then imitate the action of the tiger: 
 
 Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. King Henry V. 
 
 When the South trained her batteries on Fort Sumter in 1861, she fired 
 the heart of the nation. An electric current of patriotism seemed to spread
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 231 
 
 from ocean to ocean, from city to hamlet. The flag was assailed, and millions 
 of freemen rose in its defense. 
 
 Our county as everywhere else, caught the spirit of loyal enthusiasm, 
 and young men and old men were eager to rally around the banner of the 
 Union. The Board of Supervisors met promptly in April, 1861, and passed 
 stirring resolutions to voice the sentiment of the people. After several reso- 
 lutions endorsing the action of the government to sustain the integrity of 
 the constitution and maintain the unity of the states, they 
 
 Resolved, That the people of Whiteside County do, without regard to 
 party, unanimously pledge to the ggvernor of the state the entire resources of 
 our county for the defense of our state and the Union, and that we pledge 
 the entire credit of our county to furnish men or money as the government 
 may require. 
 
 Resolved, That we hereby appropriate a fund of $20,000 to be placed 
 in the hands of five commissioners, to be appointed by our chairman, to be 
 used for the support of needy families of volunteers while said volunteers are 
 engaged in the service of their country. 
 
 As the war progressed, and men were wanted, the secretary of war ordered 
 an enrollment of the militia, to make a draft if necessary. To secure volun- 
 teers, the supervisors passed an order offering each man a bounty of sixty 
 dollars. Private citizens offered premiums, rousing meetings were held, and 
 our quota of 359 was filled with many additional men offering their services. 
 This was August, 1862. Proud Illinois! Some states had repeated drafts. 
 
 By August, 1862, the county had furnished 1,600 men for the war. To 
 provide for the bounties of the soldiers and meet the necessary expenses, the 
 supervisors sent a committee to Chicago to make a loan of $40,000. In Sep- 
 tember, 1864, a bounty of $200 was offered, and $10,000 appropriated for the 
 families of volunteers. By Sept. 27, 1864, eighty-seven men were due on the 
 county's quota, and a draft was appointed for Oct. 5. Much money was raised 
 by private subscription to add to the public bounty, and avoid a draft. This 
 was successful in all the townships except Hahnaman, with a small popula- 
 tion, where three citizens were drafted, the only case during the war. 
 
 Whiteside's quota under the last call for 300,000 men, Dec. 19, 1864, was 
 250 men. At the December term, the supervisors voted a bounty of $500, 
 and in February, $100 more. The townships voted $100 additional to each 
 volunteer, and the quota was secured. Several men were recruited for the 
 old regiments in the field. 
 
 Of Whiteside's noble contribution to the armies of her country, the 
 excellent history of Bent and Wilson furnishes the following summary: In 
 1860 the population of the county was 18,729. In 1863, the enrollment was 
 3,328; in 1864, 3,338; in 1865, 3,338. The quota of the county in 1861 was 
 525 men; in 1862, 359; in March 4, 1864, 726 men; July 18, 1864, 519. 
 Total quota prior to Dec. 31, 1864, 2,129 men. Total credits prior to Dec. 
 31, 1864, 2,019 men. Deficit then was 110 men. Dec. 31, 1865, assigned 
 quota was 520 men. Total quota of county Dec. 31, 1865, 2,539. Total
 
 232 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 credit under last call, 516. Entire credit during the war, 2,535 men. Deficit 
 under all calls, only four men. The total indebtedness of the county caused 
 by the war was $529,402. Immediate steps were taken to reduce the obliga- 
 tions, by September, 1867, seventy per cent was paid, and a few years after- 
 wards not a dollar of indebtedness remained. 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 The Union forever, hurra, boys, hurra! 
 
 Down with the traitor, up with the star! 
 While we rally round the flag, boys, 
 
 Rally once again, 
 Shouting the battle cry of freedom ! George F. Root. 
 
 This regiment had its first severe experience in the battle of Shiloh, 
 April 6-7, 1862, where it lost 170 men, and next at Corinth in May, where 
 seventy were swept from the ranks. In an expedition to intercept Forrest, 
 the boys marched one hundred miles in four and a half days. Jan. 9, 1864, 
 three-fourths of the men re-enlisted, and returned home on furlough. After 
 Chattanooga, they marched with Sherman through Georgia, fought the rebels 
 at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Decatur, Atlanta, continued the march to the 
 sea through the Carolinas, participated in the triumphal procession at Wash- 
 ington in May, grander than any martial pomp Roihe ever saw in the proud- 
 est days of the Caesars. J 
 
 For company F of the Fifty-second, sixty-six men were enlisted from 
 Whiteside, mostly from Fulton and Albany. Nine recruits were received, 
 afterwards. The captains were Nathan P. Herrington and Oscar Summers. 
 First lieutenants, Lucien S. Kinney and Luther A. Calvin. Second lieuten- 
 ants, John Dyer and Stephen Withrow. The regiment was mustered into 
 service Nov. 19, 1861, with 945 men, moving first to St. Louis, then to Cairo 
 and Fort Donelson. It was mustered out July 5, 1865. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED FORTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS. 
 
 We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground, 
 
 Give us a song to cheer, 
 Our weary hearts,- a song of home, 
 
 And friends we love so dear. Kittredge. 
 
 This regiment enlisted forybne year, was mustered into service Feb. 19, 
 
 1865. Company B was from AVhiteside, and a large part of company G. 
 George H. Fay was captain of B, and W. H. H. Jones and Charles Bent, 
 lieutenants. A. C. Bardwell was captain of G. Frank Clendenin of Morrison, 
 was major. For its short term, the regiment had numerous skirmishes and 
 passed through many historic points in the Southland, Chattanooga, Dalton, 
 Ringgold, Marietta, Andersonville, Savannah. It was mustered out Jan. 20, 
 
 1866, one of the last Illinois regiments discharged.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 233 
 
 ONE HUNDRED FORTIETH ILLINOIS. 
 
 Strike till the last armed foe expires; 
 Strike for your altars and your fires; 
 Strike for the green graves of your sires ; 
 God and your native land ! Halleck. 
 
 In the spring of 1864 President Lincoln issued a call for 100,000 men 
 to do garrison duty at various points, and relieve the veterans for the grand 
 forward movement in preparation. The time was for one hundred days. Two 
 full companies and part of a third were recruited in Whiteside. Company A 
 had 81 men, company B had 83, and company D the cadets from Fulton 
 college. The regimental officers from this county were: Michael W. Smith, 
 lieutenant-colonel; L. E. B. Holt, adjutant; W. A. Lipe, chaplain. Officers 
 of company A were J. A. Morgan, captain ; Charles M. Worthington and Ben- 
 jamin Gurtisen, lieutenants, all of Sterling. Lipe was pastor of the Lutheran 
 church there. In company B, Charles W. Hills was captain; George H. Fay 
 and Erastus Fuller, lieutenants. The regiment was mustered into service at 
 Dixon, June, 1864, and sent to Memphis. From this point, companies were 
 sent to different posts on the Memphis and Charleston railroad to relieve the 
 veteran troops. The rebel general Price was in Missouri, and St. Louis needed 
 the presence of Union troops to assure her safety. For weeks the regiment 
 was stationed along the Iron Mountain railway, and was finally discharged 
 Oct. 29, 1864. As a pleasing and precious memento of, their readiness to 
 serve their country in this emergency, an engraved certificate of elegant design, 
 signed by President Lincoln and Secretary Seward, was presented to each 
 member of the regiment. 
 
 ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS. 
 
 John's body lies moldering in the grave, 
 But his soul goes marching on. 
 
 This regiment was in service six months of the one year for which it 
 enlisted, being discharged Sept. 20, 1866. It was chiefly engaged in garrison 
 duty and the escort of prisoners. Company G with 100 men was from White- 
 side. Captain, Chauncey B. Hubbard. Lieutenants, Wm. H. Shears and 
 Peter R. Boyd. Several of the boys died from disease. 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 Columbia, the gem of the ocean, 
 The home of the brave and the free, 
 
 The shrine of each patriot's devotion, 
 A world offers homage to thee! 
 
 This regiment had its share of hard fighting and hard luck. At the 
 slaughter of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, with Hurlburt's Fourth Division under 
 Grant, one-half of its officers and men were killed, wounded and missing. 
 They were at Corinth in May when Beauregard retired before Halleck, and
 
 234 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 
 
 at the siege of Vicksburg when Grant starved Pemberton into surrender, July 
 4, 1863. In May previous, five companies were captured by the rebels while 
 on picket. 
 
 After the unsuccessful Peninsular campaign, the regiment returned to 
 Alexandria, and Sept. 4, 1862, moved across the Potomac, and entered upon 
 another series of lively engagements. At Monocacy church they captured the 
 colors of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. At South Mountain a hand-to-hand 
 fight with Fitzhugh Lee's troopers. Then came Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, 
 when Lee, after repeated onsets upon McClellan's army, was driven after a 
 stubborn resistance across the Potomac. Over the gallant men who fell here 
 the national monument has this sublime inscription : 
 
 Not for Themselves, but 
 For their Country. 
 
 The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, Dec. 28, 1831, 
 by Col. John A. Davis/ of Stephenson county, who was mortally wounded at 
 the battle of Hatchie.^ Company E was from Whiteside. Wm. Lane, of Mor- 
 rison; Wm. N. Haney of Hopkins, Albert Seizick of Morrison, and Samuel 
 V. Boyer, of Fulton, were lieutenants. At the close of the service, only thirty- 
 one was left, and thirty of these re-enlisted. About twenty of the company 
 perished during the war. 
 
 He sleeps his last sleep, 
 He has fought his last battle, 
 No sound can awake him 
 To glory again. 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 
 
 By B. T. St. John. 
 
 In the fall of 1861 an attempt was made to raise a regiment from White- 
 side and adjoining counties, under John Dement, of Dixon, as Colonel, and 
 was called the Dement Phalanx. Enlistments were very slow at that time, 
 but the few that did enlist were rendezvoused at Dixon, in tents on the river 
 bank north of where the College now stands. When the weather became too 
 cold they were moved to the building that is now the Grand Detour plow works, 
 being the first soldiers to occupy the building. Late in December this nucleus- 
 of several companies were organized into four companies, and were then con- 
 solidated with the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, then at Camp Butler, and 
 were lettered D, E, N and I. Colonel Dement dropping out and retiring. 
 
 These companies remained in Dixon until Feb. 5, 1862, drilling in 
 company drill and manual of arms, as best they could, officers and men being 
 very green in military affairs. On Feb. 5th joined balance of regiment at 
 Camp Butler, under Colonel John A. Davis, of Stephenson county. On Feb. 
 llth started for Fort Donelson, only just having received their arms, con- 
 sisting of old Harper Ferry muskets, and without having any battalion drill. 
 Embarked at Cairo and were part of that fleet that followed Foote's gunboats- 
 up the Cumberland river to Fort Donelson. The regiment saw long and hon-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 235 
 
 orable service. Participated in the following engagements, and sieges: Fort 
 Donelson, Feb. 15 and 16, 1862; Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862; Siege of Corinth; 
 Hatchie, or Metamora, Oct. 5, 1862; Siege of Vicksburg; Siege of Jackson, 
 Miss; Jackson's Cross Roads, July 5-6, 1864; Siege of Mobile, including Span- 
 ish Fort and Fort Blakely, April 9, 1865, the latter being the last general 
 engagement of the war. Besides these engagements the regiment was almost 
 /constantly moving from place to place, never having any "soft snap" or easy 
 V duty. In Dec., 1863, and Jan., 1864, the Forty-sixth was organized into a 
 veteran regiment, a large portion of the men remaining at that time, re-enlist- 
 ing for three years more service. Later it received many recruits at various 
 times. The regiment with others was sent up Red River at the time of the 
 surrender of the rebel forces, under General Kirby Smith, and remained, to 
 keep order, until 1866, being mustered out at Baton Rouge Jan. 20, 1868, 
 and discharged at Camp Butler Feb. 2, 1866. The veterans having served 
 four years and from three to five months, according to date of enlistment. 
 
 The following named soldiers from Whiteside Co. enlisted at original 
 organization. 
 
 Abbreviations : Vet. for Veteran, Dis. for discharged, Trans, for trans- 
 ferred. 
 
 John J. Jones, Fulton. Lieutenant Colonel, *Vet. promoted to Brevet 
 Colonel. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Jasper M. Cadmus, Fulton, First Sergeant. Died May 6, 1862. 
 
 Andrew F. Echelberger, Erie. Killed at Shiloh, April 7, 1862. 
 
 Porter Benjamin, Phophetstown. Trans, to Co. I. Vet, Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 James Balmer, Prophetstown. Dis. Mar. 24, 1862. 
 
 Samuel E. Crawford, Fulton. Trans, to Co. I. Died Mar. 12, 1863. 
 
 John Conoway, Fulton. Dis. Apr. 28, 1882. 
 
 Dennis Donovan, Newton. Trans, to Co. I. Dis. 1864. 
 
 Benj. P. Echelberger, Erie. Trans, to Co. I. Dis. 1864. 
 
 Truman Hill, Fulton. Died Oct. 22, 1862. 
 
 Jacob P. Miller, Erie. Trans. Co. I. Dis. Sept. 21, 1863, as Sergeant. 
 
 Josiah B. Sweet, Prophetstown. Killed at Shiloh. 
 
 Lewis Waterhouse, Prophetstown. Died Mar. 2, 1862. 
 
 John B. Winebrenner, Erie. Trans, to Co. I. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Thomas Wier, Fulton. Trans, to Co. I. Trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps. 
 
 Franklin Case, Prophetstown. Dis. Oct. 18, 1862. 
 
 William Lane, Morrison. First Lieutenant. Dis. Sept. 11, 1862. 
 
 William ' N. Haney, Hopkins. Promoted Sergt, and First Lieut. Vet. 
 Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Albert Seizick, Morrison. Promoted First Sergt. and Second Lieut. Vet. 
 Resigned June 27, 1864. 
 
 Samuel V. Boyer, Union Grove. Promoted Sergt,, First Sergt., Second 
 Lieut. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 William Morton, Morrison. Sergt., died June 6, 1862. 
 
 * The word Veteran as used here means a soldier who had served two or more years, and then re-enlisted in the field 
 for three years more.
 
 236 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Wilson Lenhart, Fenton. First Sergt., Dis. Dec. 1, 1864. 
 Samuel Roberts, Clyde. Sergt., Dis. May 20, 1862. 
 John McClintock, Morrison. Corporal, died Oct. 16, 1862. 
 James T. Jackson, Morrison. Corporal, Dis. May 5, ,1862. 
 Elliott E. Pollard, Union Grove. Corporal, Sergt., Vet., Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 David Evans, Genesee. Corporal Sergt. Vet. Dis. 1866. 
 Julius Bosley, Union Grove. Vet. Deserted Dec. 31, 1865. 
 Charles H. Burdsell, Hopkins. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 1863. 
 Douglass D. Blodgett, .Morrison. Died Mar. 6, 1862. 
 George 0. Cooper, Fenton. Dis. Dec. 1, 1864. 
 James M. Cole, Fenton. Vet. Deserted Dec. 31, 1865. 
 Henry Creighton, Ustick. Died July 13, 1862. 
 Columbus Dodge, Morrison. Died May 4, 1862. 
 Jonathan Eades, Ustick. Died May 12, 1862. 
 Samuel L. Evans, Genesee. Sergt, Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 David Frazier, Fulton. Deserted, May 13, 1863. 
 John F. Frank, Ustick. Died June 10, 1862. 
 
 Peter Gillespie, Morrison. Vet. Trans, to Co. K, Dis. May 22, 1865. 
 David Hays, Union Grove. Died April 9, 1862. 
 Jesse Hill, Clyde. Dis. Aug. 15. 1862. 
 Robert Imlay, Ustick. Vet. killed in battle July 7, 1864. 
 William T. Hopkins, Genesee. Dis. Dec. 25, 1862 of wounds, battle of 
 Shiloh. 
 
 August Johnson, Genesee. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Lafayette J. Justus, Morrison. Vet. Corporal, Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Joseph R. Kennedy, Clyde. Corporal, died Sept. 9, 1863. 
 
 Silas N. Lenhart, Fenton. Died May 2, 1862. 
 
 David Laidley, Albany. Dis. Sept. 29, 1862. 
 
 Carlo Lathrop, Lyndon. Died May 4, 1862. 
 
 Alexander McNeil, Morrison. Dis. Dec. 1, 1864. 
 
 John Morton, Morrison. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 James S. Martin, Ustick. Died May 16, 1862. 
 
 Frank Mann, Mt. Pleasant. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Mathew McGee, Morrison. Dis. Sept, 5, 1862. 
 
 John B. Mellinger, Clyde. Dis. .Nov. 11, 1862. 
 
 James H. Newton, Fenton. Dis. Dec. 1, 1864. 
 
 Alonzo B. Noble, Genesee. Deserted Nov. 18, 1863. 
 
 Addison Newton, Union Grove. Dis. Sept. 29, 1862. 
 
 William Palmer, Sterling. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Charles N. Peck, Mt. Pleasant-. Died July 19, 1863. 
 
 John Reimer, Fenton. Sergt. Trans, to Vet, Reserve Corps, wounded. 
 
 Michael Ryan, Morrison. Vet. Dis. June 24, 1865. 
 
 Alanson H. Russell, Morrison. Vet, Dis. 1866. 
 
 Benjamin Switzer, Clyde. Vet. Corporal, Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Michael Sheehy, Morrison. Deserted Mar. 18, 1863. 
 
 Bela T. St. John, Genesee. Vet. First Sergt., Dis. Feb. 2, 1866.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 237 
 
 John Still, Morrison. Dis. May 5, 1862. 
 
 Alfred M. Trefethen, Ustick. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Elmore Y. Titus, Clyde. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Edward C. Vennum, Mt. Pleasant. Dis. Mar. 30, 1863, wounded. 
 
 John T. S. Wilbur, Ustick. Died May 13, 1862. 
 
 Ephraim Wetherbee, Genesee. Trans. Vet. Reserve Corps. 
 
 Patrick O'Neal, Sterling. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 William McDonald, Fulton. Corporal, deserted Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 George M. Blaker, Sterling. Deserted July 15, 1862. 
 
 Peter Foy, Fulton. Died April 4, 1862. 
 
 Shepard P..Parker, Fulton. Deserted Aug. 1, 1862. 
 
 Michael Roach, Fulton. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Peter Ready, Fulton. Vet. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 James Whalen, Fulton. Vet. Dis. July 21, 1865. 
 
 Rothchild N. Clark, Prophetstown. Died June 22, 1862. 
 
 The following were recruits, that joined later, from Whiteside county: 
 
 Franklin Case, Prophetstown. Dis. Oct. 18, 1862. 
 
 Merrill Buckley, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Warren E. Buckley, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 James Butler, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Albert H. Colcord, Genesee. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Ivory A. Colcord, Genesee. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Ralph L. Carpenter, Fulton. Died Jan. 9, 1865. 
 
 Columbus D. Evans, Genesee. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 James T. Hill, Fulton. Dis. May 22, 1865. 
 
 William W. Johnson, Coloma. Deserted Dec. 31, 1865. 
 
 Michael Keenan, Union Grove. Dis. Feb. 2, 1865. 
 
 John E. Middaugh, Morrison. Deserted July 16, 1864. 
 
 Patrick O'Brien, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Thomas Pike, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Edward Quinn, Genesee. Deserted Nov. 4, 1865. 
 
 Charles W. Roberts, Hopkins. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866 as Corporal. 
 
 Willis A. Randall, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 20, 1866. 
 
 William Shaw, Fulton, Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Stephen Shaw, Fulton. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 John Shumake, Fulton. Died Aug. 17, 1865. 
 
 Robert W. Turney, Fulton. Died Oct. 20, 1864. 
 
 Isaac N. Thorp, Genesee. Drowned Jan. 3, 1865. 
 
 Charles 0. White, Fulton. Died of wounds July 22, 1864. 
 
 William J. White, Fulton. Dis. June 14, 1865. 
 
 Albert Wilson, Fulton. Dis. July 16, 1864. 
 
 Martin Powers, Fulton. Dis. Aug. 19, 1865. 
 
 George W. Benjamin, Prophetstown. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Daniel E. Lee, Jordan. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Thomas J. Osborn, Clyde. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866. 
 
 Thomas Daws, Whiteside Co. Dis. Feb. 2, 1866.
 
 238 - HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 NINETY-THIRD ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 Just before the battle, mother, 
 
 I*am thinking most of you, 
 Comrades brave are round me lying, 
 
 Filled with thoughts of home and God, 
 For well they know that on the morrow, 
 
 Some will sleep beneath the sod. Geo. F. Root, 
 
 This was another of the regiments that passed through the Vicksburg 
 campaign with Grant, climbed Mission Ridge at Chattanooga, drove the Con- 
 federates at Dalton and Allatoona, marched to the sea, and through the Caro- 
 linas to Washington, participating in the memorable review at the capital. 
 / The regiment was organized in September, 1862 by Col. Holden Putnam, 
 | of Freeport, afterwards killed at Mission Ridge, 1863. Whiteside contributed 
 \company F of ninety men, recruited from Garden Plain, Fulton, Mt. Pleasant, 
 Newton, Albany, Erie, and Fenton. Alfred F. Knight, who died April, 1863, 
 Wm. A. Payne, and Wm. M. Herrold, were captains. John Dyer and Henry 
 M. Eddy, first lieutenants. Second lieutenant, Robert A. Adams, who died of 
 wounds. Dr. C. A. Griswold, of Fulton, was surgeon. He is still living there 
 in the enjoyment of his books and the practice of his profession. The Ninety- 
 third was discharged July 7, 1865. By the official record, the casualties were 
 446 killed, one officer and 31 men accidentally wounded. The men marched 
 2,554 miles, traveled by water, 2,296 miles, by rail, 1,237 miles, a total of 
 6,087. By death, company F lost 18 of its soldiers. 
 
 EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 My country, 'tis of thee, 
 Sweet land of liberty, 
 
 Of thee I sing ! 
 Land- where my fathers died, 
 Land of the Pilgrims' pride, 
 From every mountain side, 
 
 Let Freedom ring! S. F. Smith. 
 
 No other branch of the army, east or west, saw so much strenuous service 
 as the Eighth Illinois cavalry. It was aggressive, always on the move. Gen. 
 Sumner once remarked, "Go as far to the front as you dare, and you will find 
 the Eight Illinois ahead stealing horses." 
 
 The regiment was recruited in northern Illinois, and mustered in Sep- 
 tember 18, 1861, at St. Charles. John F. Farnsworth, from 1857 to 1861, our 
 representative in congress, was the first colonel, but he soon resigned to form , 
 another regiment. Company C was raised by D. R. Clendenin of Morrison, 
 afterwards major and lieut. colonel. Companies G, H and I also, had members 
 from the county. Alpheus Clark, of Lyndon, commanded Company C till May ^ 
 24, 1863, when he was made major. He died July 5, 1863, from the effects 
 of a wound at Beverly Ford. Daniel D. Lincoln and Porteus J. Kennedy suc- 
 ceeded Clark in command. The first lieutenants were John C. Mitchell, 
 Truman Culver, and Delos P. Martin.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 239 
 
 After two months' drill in Washington which they reached in October, 
 the winter was passed in camp in Alexandria. Here Company C lost by 
 disease Asa W. Shelby, Joy T. Canfield, W. J. Davis, John Porter, and Rollin 
 C. Sholes. 
 
 A soldier of the legion lay dying in Algiers, 
 There was lack of woman's nursing, 
 There was dearth of woman's tears. 
 
 When spring came, the Eighth entered upon four years of steady and 
 splendid heroism in the Army of the Potomac. They were with Stoneman's 
 Light Brigade at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, when Hooker's single division 
 held the whole rebel army in check. They were at Games' Hill, Malvern, and 
 in a continuous skirmish with the Confederate cavalry. 
 
 When Burnside made his disastrous attack on Lee's strong entrench- 
 ments under Longstreet and Jackson, at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, the 
 Eighth crossed the pontoons over the Rappahannock, exposed to a heavy fire. 
 The loss of the regiment to this time is given at twenty-seven killed, seventy- 
 one wounded, twenty missing. 
 
 The campaign of 1863 was one long succession of raid, skirmish, and 
 battle from Sulphur Springs, Warrenton, Rapidan to Gettysburg, July 1-3, 
 where Lee met his Waterloo, and Meade was Wellington. In this campaign, 
 the loss was twenty-three killed, one hundred and sixteen wounded, thirty-seven 
 missing. In 1864, the regiment assisted in the defenses of Washington, and 
 in the pursuit of the assassins of President Lincoln. 
 
 The Eighth was mustere'd out at Benton Barracks, Missouri, July 17, 
 1865. It was a good training school for military supplies, furnishing twemy- 
 two officers for colored regiments, three colonels, two majors, two surgeons, 
 for other Illinois regiments, two brigadiers and five brigadiers by brevet. 
 Clendenin became major in the regular army. The aggregate strength was 
 2,412 men. The original Company C had ninety-seven men, and in 1864, 
 forty-nine re-enlisted. Eighty-six were recruited during the war. The total 
 enlistment from Whiteside for the company was 172 men exclusive of officers. 
 Besides those killed, several died subsequently of wounds received. 
 How sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
 By all their country's wishes blest. 
 
 THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 Yes, we'll rally round the flag, 
 
 Boys, we'll rally once again, 
 Shouting the batle cry of Freedom ! 
 We will rally from the hillside, 
 
 We'll gather from the plain, 
 Shouting the battle cry of Freedom ! 
 
 How the Lumbard Brothers, of Chicago, as they sang this famous song 
 of George F. Root, used to rouse the enthusiasm of the mass meetings in the 
 first years of the war. It was the American Marseillaise for
 
 240 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Ye sons of France, awake to glory ! 
 
 No finer regiment in personnel and gallantry ever wore uniform than the 
 (Thirteenth. Always ready, always efficient. Two of its best companies were 
 furnished by Whiteside, B from Sterling, G from Morrison. On Saturday 
 evening, April 20, 1861, a week after Sumter was attacked, a meeting was 
 called in Wallace Hall, Sterling, to organize a company. Fifty men signed 
 the roll. D. R. Bushnell was elected captain, and Cooper Berry, first lieutenant. 
 Captain Beattie, a veteran of the Mexican war, was appointed drill master, and 
 day after day the boys under his direction went through the evolutions on the 
 green in the center of the city. The citizens furnished blankets and uniforms, 
 and on Thursday afternoon, May 9, the company now numbering ninety men, 
 left on the train for Dixon. Here in Camp Dement they met nine other com- 
 panies from Dixon, Amboy, Rock Island, Sandwich, Morrison, Sycamore, 
 Aurora, Chicago, and Naperville. As no rations were ready, the officers of. 
 Company B gave the agreeable order for the boys to inarch to the Nachusa 
 House for supper. A vote taken the next day, May 10, resulted in the choice 
 of John B. Wyman of Amboy for Colonel, B. F. Park of Aurora for Lieut. 
 Col., and Adam B. Gorgas of Dixon for Major. Joseph C. Miller, a Baptist 
 minister of Amboy, was appointed Chaplain. Hev. W. W. Harsha, of Dixon, 
 Pres. pastor, preached a sermon in camp on the first Sunday. 
 
 Company G came from Morrison, and was formed from a troop of cavalry 
 that had been started in the western part of the county. Several rousing meet- 
 ings were held until there was an enrollment of one hundred and fifteen men. 
 George M. Cole from Fenton was elected captain, William M. Jenks first 
 lieutenant, and Silas Jackson second lieutenant. The monotony of camp life 
 was broken on the night of June 12 by the death of Berry, then acting as 
 sergeant-major. Going outside the camp to ascertain the cause of some dis- 
 turbance, he was shot through the neck by one of the guards, and instantly 
 killed. His body was taken to Sterling for burial. 
 
 Farewell, my friends, farewell, my foes ! 
 My peace with these, my love with those! 
 
 After five weeks at Dixon, orders at last came to move, and marching to 
 the Illinois Central, twenty-two cars of men and baggage started for the long 
 campaign in the South. Passenger cars, too, writes the historian of the 
 Thirteenth, but the last style of that genteel transportation the boys enjoyed 
 in the service. This was June 16, 1861. Caseyville near St. Louis, their first 
 stop, and next Rolla, Missouri. Here they were held for nearly eight months, 
 July 7, 1861, to March 6, 1862. The boys grew very tired of the "masterly 
 inactivity" and in their letters home always closed with, "we are spoiling for 
 a fight." It came soon enough. The winter at Rolla, too, was snowy and dis- 
 agreeable, and it required much engineering to make their tents comfortable. 
 
 Now began a terrible march of over a thousand miles to Helena, 
 Arkansas. When summer came on, the sun was scorching, the dust blinding. 
 Their throats were parched. Few wells. Two dollars offered for a canteen of 
 water. At Helena, the regiment was embarked on the steamer John Warner,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 241 
 
 and sailing up the Yazoo, was landed on the Johnson plantation near Vicks- 
 burg. Sherman's army at this point, consisted of four divisions, the fourth 
 commanded by Brig.-Gen. Frederick Steele. The first brigade of the latter 
 was under Gen. Frank P. Blair, and its first regiment was the Thirteenth 
 Illinois. On Dec. 28, 1862, the brigade had a hot engagement with the enemy 
 at Chickasaw Bayou, and Col. Wyman, while surveying operations with a 
 field-glass, was killed by a sharp-shooter, the ball passing through his breast. 
 
 When elected colonel, Wyman was division superintendent of the Illinois 
 Central at Amboy. He was fond of military tactics from a youth, and enjoyed 
 the warm regard of his associates. Over his grave in Rose Hill Cemetery, 
 Chicago, the men of his regiment erected a handsome monument to his 
 memory. 
 
 The next day, Dec. 29, the brigade made an attack upon the Confederate 
 works, but was repulsed. Then followed the expedition against Arkansas 
 Post, and various movements about Vicksburg until its surrender, July 4, 1863. 
 Decisive events followed in quick succession. The pursuit of Gen. J. E. John- 
 ston, the battle of Lookout Mountain, Rossville, the fierce engagement at Ring- 
 gold, where Major Bushnell received a bullet in the brain. 
 
 Major Douglas R. Bushnell was from Connecticut, a civil engineer by 
 profession, and had superintended the construction of various railroads in the 
 east and the west, and at the outbreak of the war, was residing with his family 
 in Sterling. An ideal home. A wife of rare culture, and three young daugh- 
 ters to gladden a father's heart. It was a precious sacrifice on the altar of his 
 country. 
 
 Home they brought her warrior dead ; 
 She nor swooned, nor uttered cry; 
 All her maidens, watching, said, 
 She must weep or she will die. 
 
 Sergeant Samuel Harvey was detailed to take the body to his desolate 
 home, and Riverside cemetery holds all that is mortal of a fond husband and 
 father. 
 
 General Hooker in speaking of the fight at Ringgold calls the Thirteenth, ' 
 "that brave regiment", and Osterhaus says they "executed the order in mag- 
 nificent style". 
 
 New Years, 1864, terribly cold, after steady rains, found the regiment at 
 Woodville, Alabama, preparing to stay for the winter. The boys decided to 
 be comfortable, and made genuine log cabins with fire places and shingle 
 roofs. Checkers and chess men were constructed for games, schools held for 
 the negro children who were eager to learn, pipes whittled out of laurel root, 
 foraging expeditions undertaken for corn and pork, every device employed to 
 keep minds and hands in healthful activity. 
 
 When can their glory fade? 
 Oh, the wild charge they made! 
 
 The end of three years' faithful service came at last, and on Thursday, 
 May 26, 1864, the Thirteenth started for the north by way of Decatur, Nash-
 
 J 
 f 
 
 242 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ville, down the Cumberland, to Cairo, up the Illinois Central, to Springfield 
 and Camp Butler, where the boys were mustered out. The Fourteenth, Fif- 
 teenth, and Eighteenth Illinois were there, also, and the ladies of Springfield 
 and the state officers invited the regiments to a picnic on the grounds of the 
 new state house. Governor Yates, Adjutant Gen. Fuller and Major Gen. 
 Oglesby made addresses of welcome. On Saturday, June 18, the boys received 
 back pay and bounty in full, and the Thirteenth Regiment of Illlinois Vol- 
 unteer Infantry became again plain and honored citizens of the United States. 
 
 Of the original members of Company B who enlisted at Sterling, only 
 three are left in Sterling, Andy Haberer, Gordon Pierce, and John Aurr.ent;' 
 and three in Rock Falls, John Davis, James Arey and Richard Arey. 
 
 Tabular view of the Thirteenth: 
 
 ABCDEFGHIK Total 
 
 Total Enrollment 118 106 106 102 107 103 110 109 111 112 1084 
 
 Mus't out end of service 44 53 52 51 55 49 43 54 43 37 482 
 
 Dis. for Disability 19 14 17 11 13 19 6 19 24 22 164 
 
 Trans, to other Reg'ts.. 32 14 4 6 33 7 16 8 17 21 128 
 Woun., Killed in Battle 13 16 14 21 22 16 27 18 12 16 175 
 
 Deserted 1 3 6 6 11 5 13 3 12 6 59 
 
 Resigned 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 15 
 
 Andy Haberer has the original pay roll of Company B which the writer 
 has had the privilege of examining. It is on heavy paper, and in good pres- 
 ervation. Here it is 
 
 ORIGINAL MUSTER ROLL OF COMPANY B. 
 
 D. R. Bushnell, captain, civil enginer, Conn. 
 
 N. Cooper Berry, 1st lieut., bookkeeper. Ohio. 
 
 W. M. Kilgour, 2nd lieut., lawyer, Penn. 
 
 J. M. Patterson, 1st sergt,, merchant, Penn. 
 
 G. P. Brown, 2d sergt., civil engineer, N. Y. 
 
 J. J. Bupill, 3rd sergt., lawyer, Mass. 
 
 M. R. Adams, 4th sergt., farmer, Ohio. 
 
 A. J. Stowell, 1st corp., blacksmith, N. Y. 
 
 Gideon Bower, 2d coip., clerk, Penn. 
 
 S. C. Harvey, 3d corp., clerk, N. Y. 
 
 John Buyers, 4th corp., farmer, Penn. 
 
 A. W. Adams, private, farmer,- Vermont. 
 
 Jas. Simmons, private, farmer, Canada. 
 
 Richard Arey, private, farmer, 111. 
 
 John Aument, private, wagon maker, Penn. 
 
 Warner Banes, private, clerk, Penn. 
 
 Howard Burket, private, farmer, Penn. 
 
 David B. Brink, private, farmer, 111. 
 
 George A. Blinn, private, engraver, Conn. 
 
 Harvey Brink, private, farmer, 111. 
 
 John Bartholomew, private, farmer, Penn. 
 
 Samuel D. Chamberlain, private, farmer, Canada.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 243 
 
 John Coba, private, harness, N. Y. 
 
 Solon Chamberlain, private, farmer, Canada. 
 
 Alfred Carpenter, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 Edward E. Dunham, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 John D. DavLs, private, farmer, Mass. 
 
 Edward Dickinson, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 Richard Evans, private, farmer, England. 
 
 Augustus Dickinson, private, mechanic, N. Y. 
 
 John A. Euston, private, clerk, N. Y. 
 
 M. V. B. Farrington, private, farmer, 111. 
 
 M. W. Finnarvan, private, confectioner, Canada. 
 
 Levi Gilbert, private, farmer, Penn. 
 
 William H. Gavitt, private, manufacturer, R. Island. 
 
 Roscoe Green, private, clerk, Mass. 
 
 Fletcher Galloway, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 William Hagey, private, clerk, Penn. 
 
 J. J. Hollslander, private, carpenter, N. Y. 
 
 Rora Herchnon, private, wagon maker, Canada. 
 
 R. Heffelfinger, private, clerk, Ohio. 
 
 Oliver Harnisher, private, farmer, Ohio. 
 
 Andrew Haberer, private, farmer, Germany. 
 
 Newton How, private, teacher, N. Y. 
 
 Lucius E. Hawley, private, farmer, Conn. 
 
 William Irons, private, farmer, ill. 
 
 Benjamin Judd, private, farmer, 111. 
 
 Edward B. Joslin, private, farmer, Mass. 
 
 Prince King, private, mechanic, N. Y. , 
 
 Rudolph Kauffman, private, wheelwright, Penn. 
 
 Warren Lukens, private, farmer, Ohio. 
 
 John Lewis, private, linguist, England. 
 
 Henry J. Madison, private, printer, England. 
 
 Amos H. Miller, private, farmer, Penn. 
 
 Charles Mann, private, printer, N. Y. 
 
 M. H. McMillan, famer, Ohio. 
 
 Wm. Morgaridge, private, faTmer, Ohio. 
 
 John G. Manahan, private, lawyer, Peiin. 
 
 Chas. M. Mack, private, printer, Penn. 
 
 Frank McCarty, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 Simeon Morgaridge, private, farmer, Ohio. 
 
 John M. Mabbie, private, agent, Maine. 
 
 Henry C. Osgood, private, merchant, Vermont. 
 
 David Over, private, cooper, Ohio. 
 
 Henry Plant, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 
 Marcus Potts, private, clerk, N. Y. 
 
 'David Parsons, private, clerk, Mich. 
 
 Gordon Pierce, private, carpenter, N. Y. 
 
 William Pollingto;i, private, tailor, England.
 
 244 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 George Russell, private, farmer, Ohio. 
 John Rhodes, private, farmer, Ind. 
 0. D. Reed, private, farmer, N. Y. 
 Jesse Rood, private, farmer, England. 
 Cyrenius Stewart, private, farmer, Penn. 
 Nathaniel Sipes, private, farmer, Ohio. 
 John H. Sulsh, private, shoemaker, Germany. 
 James B. Smith, private, farmer, Canada. 
 Homer Sillanton, private, mason, 111. 
 Calvin Smith, private, farmer, Mass. 
 Lake Tuttle, private, farmer, Conn. 
 William Thomas, private, farmer, Maine. 
 George F. Tobie, private, R. R. R. Island. 
 David Ustis, private, farmer, Penn. 
 Henry Weaver, private, clerk, Penn. 
 Horatio Wells, private, farmer, Mass. 
 Francis Willard, private, farmer, Mass. 
 
 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS. 
 
 To arms, to arms, ye brave ! 
 The avenging sword unsheathe? 
 March on, march on, all hearts resolved 
 On victory or death. Marseillaise. 
 
 On August 15, 1862, Capt. Wm. M. Kilgour received orders from Gov. 
 Yates to take command of the volunteers who were to assemble at Dixon for 
 organization and drill. In due time the several companies reported. 
 
 Company A was enlisted at Dixon and composed of men principally 
 frofn Dixon, Palmyra, and Nelson. 
 
 v Company B was formed at Lyndon of recruits from Lyndon, Fenton, 
 Garden Plain, Newton, Round Grove, and Prophetstown. 
 
 J Company C at Morrison with members from Morrison, Prophetstown, 
 Round Grove, Newton, Clyde, and Portland. 
 
 Company D was started under the auspices of the Chicago Board of Trade, 
 x/but returned to Sterling. It was composed of men from Sterling, Coloma, 
 Genesee, Hume, Hahnaman, Hopkins, Montmorency, Portland, and Prophets- 
 town. 
 
 Company E was raised almost wholly from the towns of Lee Center and 
 Sublette. Companies F, G and K also from Lee county, 
 /y Company H was recruited in Sterling, Como, Genesee Grove, and Jordan. 
 V Company I was enlisted principally in the townships of Sterling, Erie, 
 Fulton, and Ustick. 
 
 Thus it will be seen that the Seventy-fifth was preeminently a Whiteside 
 regiment, from the strong preponderance of our county boys in its member- 
 ship. In the other regiments, Whiteside being represented simply by one or 
 two companies. Kilgour was well qualified for drill master, having already 
 had a year's service in Missouri with the Thirteenth Illinois.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 245 
 
 On Sept. 2, 1862, George Ryan of Co. K was elected colonel, John E. 
 Bennett of Co. C, lieutenant colonel, and Wm. M. Kilgour, major. The^. 
 were sworn in for three years or the war by Capt. Barri of the U. S. army. 
 
 Camp Dement now became a schoolof instruction. Several other com- 
 panies were assembled, and there was regular drill in the whole round of mili- 
 tary tactics, in everything pertaining to camp, garrison, the march, the field. 
 Like pupils at school, the boys had to practice every motion connected with the 
 manual of arms, position and step, loading and firing, facing and wheeling, the 
 order of company, battalion, and brigade. This was well, and as events 
 speedily proved, the noble boys needed all their discipline. Orders came for a 
 movement to the seat of war, and on Sept. 27 the regiment left Camp Dement 
 for the South. The route was by Chicago and Indianapolis, and on Sept. 29 
 they reached Jeffersonville, Indiana, meeting thousands of other new troops 
 to repel the threatened capture of Louisville. 
 
 At this stage of the war the border states seemed to be the battle ground, 
 and the rebels prepared to resist the advance of our troops from the north. 
 Buell was in command of the Army of the Ohio with three army corps. The 
 Seventy-fifth was assigned to the Thirtieth Brigade, ninth Division, of the 
 Third, commanded by Gen. Gilbert. Bragg had posted his army on a range 
 of low, wooded hills in front of Perryville. The battle was opened on the 
 morning of October 8 by an artillery fire from a rebel battery, but the des- 
 perate fighting began in the afternoon and raged till dark. The carnage was 
 awful. Men fought like demons. Rousseau's division, after being engaged for 
 three hours with dreadful loss, was appealing for help, and a fresh brigade, 
 Col. Gooding, from Mitchell's division, was rushed to the rescue. 
 
 When this brigade formed in line of battle, the Seventy-fifth was in the 
 center. Soon the tremendous conflict raged fiercer than ever. The roar of 
 cannon and musketry was deafening. A sheet of fire blazed between the 
 opposing lines. Now it was a hand to hand grapple, now a charge with fixed 
 bayonets. But our boys never wavered, although their ranks were thinned. 
 
 Hundreds of instances of heroism. James Blean, wounded, refused to be 
 carried off the field, exclaiming, "I'll take care of myself; fight on; give the 
 rebels the best you have." Crawling to the rear, he was again wounded, and 
 expired the next day. 
 
 Make way for liberty ! he cried. 
 Make way for liberty! and died. 
 
 Among the wounded were Major Kilgour, and Captains Whallon, Frost, 
 and Roberts, and Lieutenants Barber, Thompson, Irwin, and Blodgett. Lieut. 
 Col. Bennett commanding the regiment, had a horse shot, but was himself 
 unhurt. 
 
 Compared with their other home regiments, the Thirteenth and the 
 Thirty-fourth, the Seventy-fifth had a cruel experience. Those two were in 
 camp or on the march for six months before a battle. Six months of soldier- 
 ing had what may be called military acclimation, while the Seventy-fifth was 
 rushed from the plow or the shop in five weeks to the bayonet thrust and the
 
 246 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 cannon's mouth. Even now the survivors speak of the misfortune with a 
 shudder. 
 
 Forward, the Light Brigade! 
 
 Was there a man dismayed? 
 
 Not though the soldier knew 
 Some one had blundered; 
 
 Theirs not to make reply, 
 
 Theirs not to reason why, 
 
 Theirs but to do and die ; 
 
 Into the valley of death 
 Rode the six hundred. 
 
 It was certainly a calamity. Forty-three of the boys were left dead on the 
 field, nine mortally wounded, one hundred and fifty received hospital treat- 
 ment, twelve taken prisoners. All through the night the injured soldiers were 
 brought from the field, and the surgeons were kept busy dressing their wounds. 
 Thus thro' the night rode Paul Revere. 
 
 Our regiment's next encounter was with their former antagonist of Perry- 
 ville, Braxton Bragg, decidedly one of the busiest warriors of the Confederacy. 
 It was the fierce fight of Murfreesboro, in which the 34th Illinois made a bril- 
 liant record, and where Kirk received his mortal wound. When the smoke 
 of battle lifted, the ground was covered with mangled masses of men and 
 horses, dead and wounded. For eight hours the conflict raged, and no regi- 
 ment did more valiant service than the Seventy-fifth. Finally on Jan. 3, 
 1863, Bragg retreated, and our army occupied the town. Here the losses of 
 the regiment were two killed, 25 wounded, and 21 prisoners, among the latter, 
 Capt. McMoore of Co. D. 
 
 After Chickamauga the regiment had its share in the famous campaign 
 at Chattanooga. Bragg was on the heights, and controlled the railroads, 
 while our army was in the town, suffering for supplies. When Gen. Grant 
 telegraphed Thomas to hold the place, Thomas replied, "I will hold the town 
 until we starve." Food was scarce. The half-famished soldiers ate moldy 
 bread, picked coffee and rice from the mud, devoured greedily offal from the 
 slaughter yards. Provision trains could not reach the beleagured city. But 
 all this ceased when the stars and stripes on Nov. 25, 1863, floated from Old 
 Lookout and Missionary Ridge, amid the cheers of the brave men who had 
 stormed the rebel entrenchments. 
 
 Barbara Frietchie's work is o'er. 
 
 And the rebel rides on his raids no more. 
 
 Winter of 1863-64 was spent at Whiteside, on the Charleston and Mem- 
 phis railroad. Meantime Grant and Sherman had arranged their chessboard. 
 Grant was to move towards Richmond, and at the same time, Sherman was 
 to strike for the heart of the Confederacy. This was the Atlanta campaign, 
 and the Seventy-fifth was in it. A series of stubborn fights, Buzzard Roost, 
 Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek. September 2 saw Hood in re- 
 treat, and Sherman in possession of Atlanta. This was one of the strategic
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 247 
 
 movements of the war, perhaps the longest running conflict of modern war- 
 fare. Napoleon's invasion of- Russia was a failure. Think of an army on 
 forward move for four months, and one hundred days under fire. 
 
 While Sherman started on his spectacular march to the sea, Hood began 
 a counter movement into Tennessee. The Seventy-fifth was now with Gen. 
 Schofield, who had a fierce fight with Hood at Franklin. At the battle of 
 Nashville, Dec. 16, 1864, the regiment was in the command of Gen. Grose, 
 and after a bloody assault, Hood's army was a wreck, and fled across the Ten- 
 nessee. Gen. George H. Thomas, the hero of the day, commanding the Army 
 of the Cumberland, issued an order congratulating the soldiers on the glorious 
 results of the long campaign. 
 
 Give us a song, the soldiers cried, 
 The outer trenches guarding. 
 
 Hail, happy day! White the Fourth Army Corps was lying at Nash- 
 ville, orders came for the payment and mustering out of the veteran, troops, 
 and on June 13 the Seventy-fifth was en route for Chicago. July 1 they were 
 paid and discharged, departing for home to resume the common duties of the 
 American citizen, after two years and nine months in the Southland. 
 
 Then they rode back, but not 
 Not the six hundred. 
 
 Of the regiment, sixty-four were killed, thirty-one died of wounds, ninety-one 
 of disease. Besides, 216 were discharged for disability, and 184 wounded. A 
 grand total of 586, or nearly 57 per cent. 
 
 Many of the prominent officers were spared to enjoy the peace of the 
 land they struggled to save. Col. John E. Bennett, Brevet Brigadier-General, 
 who afterwards accepted a lieutenancy in the regular army. General William 
 M. Kilgour died in 1887 in California. Dr. Henry Utley, second assistant 
 surgeon, practiced his profession in Sterling until his death a few years ago. 
 William Parker published the Rock Falls Progress until his death in Dec., 
 1907. Andy McMoore was a merchant in Sterling, and then removed to the 
 south. F. A. Caughey is still living in Sterling. There are, of course, others 
 in the county and elsewhere of whom we have no knowledge. 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
 
 On Fame's eternal camping ground, 
 
 Their silent tents are spread, 
 And Glory guards with solemn round, 
 
 The bivouac of the dead. Theodore O'Hara. 
 
 Early in the summer of 1861, Mr. and, Mrs. Kirk gave a party on the 
 lawn of their elegant home, now the property of Wash Dillon, opposite the 
 Hennepin dam. As the writer and Mr. Kirk stood on the piazza, he remarked, 
 "It does not seem right to be quietly at home while men are needed at the 
 front." He soon was to put his thought into execution. 
 
 Authorized by Governor Richard Yates to raise a regiment, Kirk at once
 
 248 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 proceeded to make arrangements, muster rolls were opened, and in a short 
 time the companies had their complement. vEdwin N. Kirk was commissioned 
 Colonel, Amos Bosworth of the Grand Detour Plow Works, Lieut. Colonel, and 
 Charles N. Levanway, of Dixon, Major. David Leavitt, of Sterling, Adjutant, 
 and Francis McNeil of Rochelle, Surgeon. The various companies, except 
 H, G and K, assembled at Dixon, September 3, 1861, took the Illinois Cen- 
 tral, and the next day arrived at Camp Butler, near Springfield. The other 
 companies came later. 
 
 While on a trip to Springfield that autumn, the writer visited Camp 
 Butler, and found the boys in excellent spirits. They spoke in the highest 
 terms of Mrs. Kirk, who had accompanied the Colonel, and took a motherly 
 interest in the quality of the coffee and food that were furnished. 
 
 After a month of drill, the regiment started, October 3rd, on box, coal 
 and stock cars, with soft planks laid across for seats, for Cincinnati. Crossing 
 the Ohio river to Covington, Kentucky, they enjoyed a bountiful supper 
 provided by the citizens. At Frankfort hot coffee and lunch were served by 
 the best ladies of the city. They reached Camp Nevin, near the Louisville 
 and Nashville railroad, Oct. 11, in the midst of a chilly rain. 
 
 Gen. W. T. Sherman with headquarters at Louisville, was in command 
 of the Union army in Kentucky, having relieved Gen. Robert Anderson, of 
 Fort Sumter fame, who was in poor health. Sherman was soon succeeded by 
 Buell. At Camp Nevin the boys suffered from various diseases induced by 
 the rainy season and the change in diet, and twenty per cent of the regiment 
 were unfit for duty. Even both of the assistant surgeons were sick. Inter- 
 mittent fever and measles were the prevailing ailments. Camp Nevin was 
 evacuated Dec. 9 for Mumfordsville to the south on Green river, where the 
 regiment remained to Feb. 14, 1862, when the advance of Grant's army on 
 Forts Henry and Donelson made necessary a move in another direction. 
 
 Few, few shall part where many meet, 
 The snow shall be their winding sheet, 
 And every turf beneath their feet, 
 Shall be a soldier's sepulchre. 
 
 Events henceforth moved rapidly, and two terrific battles were ahead. 
 Past Mammoth Cave, across the Cumberland at Nashville, Columbia, Savanna, 
 up the Tennessee river on boats to -Shiloh, where the men landed at sunrise 
 on the morning of April 7. They had marched 27 miles the day before, and 
 were very tired, but forming their lines they were soon in the midst of a 
 deadly conflict which had begun the day previous. Gen. Albert Sidney John- 
 ston had marched with an army of 50,000 from Corinth and attacked Grant 
 with 32,000 troops, driving the Union army towards Pittsburgh Landing. 
 Johnston was killed on the first day, and Beauregard was in command of the 
 rebels. Gunboats on the river and artillery on land covered our line of 
 defense, the Confederates fell back, and when Buell came on the morning of 
 the 7th with 13,000 fresh troops, the battle was renewed, a general assault 
 made, and the rebels, after a tremendous conflict, driven from the field. It 
 was one of the fiercest contests of the war, both sides losing in killed and
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 249 
 
 wounded from 10,000 to 12,000 men. Major Levanway was killed by a can- 
 ister shot in the neck, and Col. Kirk was severely wounded. The regiment 
 lost 35 killed and 92 wounded. 
 
 Shortly after this a recruiting squad was sent north to secure men for 
 the ranks which by battle and disease had been lessened twenty per cent in 
 seven months. Capt. Miller of Company H, Adjutant Leavitt, and a Sergeant 
 from each company formed the detail. Gen. Bragg was now the foe in front. 
 After the battle of Perryville, where the 75th Illinois lost so heavily, he had 
 retreated southward, and taken position along the railroad at Murfreesboro, 
 his cavalry operating between that point and the outposts of Rosecran's 
 forces, covering the pikes south of Nashville. Gen. R. W. Johnson 'was in 
 command of our Second Division of McCook's corps, and Gen. Kirk in com- _ 
 mand of the Second Brigade. No Christmas for the boys, for an hour before 
 daylight, Dec. 26, 1862, the bugles rang out, and in cold and rain, the forward 
 movement began from Camp Andy Johnson. 
 
 Soon after breakfast on the morning of Dec. 31, the advance of the 
 enemy in overwhelming force moved on the pickets of the Thirty-fourth Illi- 
 nois, the batteries on both sides) opened, and in five minutes the contest was 
 terrific. The rebels charged with a yell and with the dash of a tidal wave. 
 For the Thirty-fourth it was a hand-to-hand conflict. With twelve men killed, 
 sixty wounded, five color bearers falling in quick succession, the regiment 
 still struggled to maintain its line. Kirk had a second horse killed, and 
 although severely wounded in the thigh, continued cheering his men, until 
 his strength failed, and he was borne bleeding to the rear. Col. Dodge o 
 Thirtieth Indiana, then took command. After an operation in the hospital 
 in July, to gain relief, Gen. Kirk seemed to rally and smoked a cigar, but 
 he soon sank into the last sleep. 
 
 Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note, 
 
 As his corse to the rampart we hurried, 
 Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot, 
 
 O'er the grave where our hero we buried. 
 
 y Edwin N. Kirk was born in Ohio, 1828, and was in the prime of life. 
 Tall and handsome with black hair and beard, an agreeable presence, of im- 
 petuous bravery, his early loss was sincerely lamented. 
 
 Meantime the battle waged everywhere over the field. Bragg was on Stone 
 river, with Breckinridge holding the right, Polk the center, Hardee the left. 
 On the first day, Rosecrans lost 28 pieces of artillery, and was forced from his 
 position, on Jan. 1 there was a lull, but on the second the Confederates were 
 repulsed with dreadful slaughter. There was no fighting on the third, and 
 on Jan. 4, Bragg evacuated Murfreesboro. Of 354 men in the regiment at 
 the beginning of the battle, 36 were killed, 92 wounded, 74 taken prisoners. 
 
 Another change of scene. After the battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19-20, 
 1863, Rosecrans had retired before Bragg and Longstreet to Chattanooga, 
 and here in October Gen. Grant was appointed to the command of the Union 
 forces. The camp of the Thirty-fourth was at Moccasin Point, made by a 
 bend of the Tennessee. The troops who had been there before, left some log
 
 250 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and pole cabins, whkh after some repair the boys pronounced the best quar- 
 ters they had during their whole experience. Bragg was on Missionary Ridge, 
 Grant's army in the town and valley to the north. When the camp-fires of 
 both armies were lighted at night, gleaming like myriads of stars, from the 
 Ridge, from Old Lookout mountain, from every hill and outpost, it was a 
 weird panorama of almost celestial splendor, weird, awful, for beneath all 
 that splendor of night, lurked the demons of destruction. 
 
 While on picket duty at Moccasin Point, the Thirty-fourth saw the last 
 act of the Chattanooga drama. On the afternoon of Nov. 25, Grant ordered 
 Thomas to advance, and take the first line of rifle pits at the foot of Mission- 
 ary Ridge. Sheridan's and Wood's divisions were put in motion, and with 
 wild enthusiasm they swept up the slope, driving Bragg into disastrous and 
 rapid retreat, with immense loss of prisoners and munitions of war. It was 
 no longer a fight but a footrace. For three miles our boys witnessed a battle 
 picture of gleaming gun barrels and waving colors in the light of dying day. 
 
 On Linden when the sun was low. 
 
 The regiment had now served the term of three years, and those who re-en- 
 listed were mustered in as Veterans, Jan. 3, 1864, and 184 new recruits were 
 received during the return of the veterans on furlough to Illinois. 
 
 Then followed the long tramp through Rome, Atlanta to Savannah, 
 northward up the Atlantic coast, through Columbia, Raleigh, Richmond to 
 Alexandria, which they reached May 18. The Thirty-fourth led the Division 
 in platoons through the streets of Richmond. At Washington occurred the 
 most magnificent military pageant the world ever saw. On the 23d the Army 
 of the Potomac marched in review, and on the 24th Sherman's Army from 
 its march to the sea. Cromwell nor Napoleon never headed such troops. The 
 men were bronzed, the flags were stained, but it was a march of heroes. For 
 over six hours, Sherman stood by ,the President as the veterans with swing- 
 ing step passed before the reviewing stand amid the cheers of the surging multi- 
 tudes. Pennsylvania avenue will never again witness so patriotic a parade. 
 
 Hail to the chief who in triumph advances ! 
 
 After the arrival in Washington, by enlistments, assignments and trans- 
 fers, the regiment numbered 451, one hundred more than were in the ranks 
 at Stone River. After some delay, the regiment broke camp, and by rail and 
 boat reached Louisville on June 18. Eight months' pay and $50 bounty were 
 paid the men, and on July 12, 1865, the Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer 
 Infantry was mustered out after three years, ten months and five days of 
 actiy.e service. From Louisville to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where the pay 
 
 were signed, and on Monday, July 17, the boys hastened to their firesides. 
 
 Home again, home again, 
 From a foreign shore! 
 
 Companies A and B, and a part of D, I and K were from Whiteside. Com- 
 pany A was enlisted at Sterling, and numbered 98 men. E. Brooks Ward was 
 captain, but resigned on account of ill health ; Will C. Robinson went as ser-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 251 
 
 geant but became captain ; Peter Ege was first lieutenant but became colonel ; 
 Lorenzo D. Wescott, Benjamin Gurtisen, Richard J. Heath, went as ser- 
 geants, but rose to lieutenancies. Jonathan A. Morgan resigned as first lieu- 
 tenant in 1862, and in 1864 was made captain of Co. A, 140th 111. Volunteers. 
 Company B was enlisted at Morrison, known as the Whiteside Blues, 
 and numbered 100 men. Hiram W. Bristol was captain, afterwards lieut. 
 colonel; Cornelius Quackenbush, first lieutenant; John A. Parrott, second 
 lieutenant ; David Cleaveland rose from sergeant to captain ; Leland L. Johnson 
 from sergeant to first lieutenant and acting adjutant. 
 
 STATISTICS OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH. 
 
 Enrollment 1,551' 
 
 Promoted from company or resigned 44 
 
 Transferred 47 
 
 Killed in battle 70 
 
 Died of wounds 61 
 
 Died of disease or accident 100 
 
 Discharged on account of wounds 62 
 
 Discharged for disability 176 
 
 Mustered out in 1864 132 
 
 Mustered out in 1865 749 
 
 Unaccounted for 69 
 
 Deserted 41 
 
 1,551 
 Wounded, not including those died of wounds 222 
 
 LETTER OF GEN. E. N. KIRK. 
 
 The following letter is in the Whiteside Historical Society, and explains 
 itself. It was written as may be seen, before Kirk entered the service, and 
 was still at home: 
 
 Col. Wilson, 
 
 Dear Friend: I am glad to know that you are well, and engaged in 
 earnest in defense of the capital. I suppose now that W T ashington is filled 
 with troops, you are relieved of some of your labors. It is time now for men 
 to prove what stuff they are made of, and for the government to prove, too, 
 that it has vitality enough to maintain itself, and it will do it. 
 
 I have no fear of this administration. I believe that Lincoln and his 
 cabinet are the men for the occasion, and equal to it. You, of course, being 
 on the ground, must know from actual observation what is going on. Some 
 of our restless men here are dissatisfied because they think the government 
 moves too slowly. The people demand of the government prompt and vig- 
 orous action. They will tolerate no compromise, no patching up of this 
 matter, nothing short of unconditional submission on part of the rebel states, 
 and the extirpation of treason and traitors. I think Lincoln has done mira- 
 cles, almost, in the short time he has been there.
 
 252 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 We have two tip-top companies here, and one at Morrison. I am hop- 
 ing every day to hear of your receiving some good office, as I have no doubt 
 you will. Write when you can. Your letters coming right from head- 
 quarters at such a time, are of peculiar interest. With many kind wishes 
 for your success, I am Yours truly, 
 
 Sterling, May 4, 1861. - E. N. KIRK. 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS. 
 
 Roster of soldiers who served in the 34th Illinois Regiment, Volunteer 
 Infantry, during the Civil war, enrolled in Whiteside county, from the i 
 records of Colonel Peter Ege, Albany, Illinois. / 
 
 In compliance with order of War Department, the Sterling Rifles, Capt. 
 E. B. Ward, and the Newton Guards, Capt. Peter Ege, were consolidated Aug. 
 25, 1861, and designated as Co. A, Capt. Ward, as ranking captain of the 
 regiment.' He left the regiment at Duck river, March 7, 1862, and died 
 at Sterling. The Whiteside Blues, Capt. H. W. Bristol and the Prophets- 
 town Rifles, Capt. John A. Parrott, were consolidated, and designated as Co. 
 B. Capt. Bristol as second ranking .captain of the regiment. He died at S 
 Urbana, Ohio. . yr 
 
 The regiment was mustered into U. S. service, Sept. 7, 1861, Col. E. N. 
 Kirk in command. He was wounded at Shiloh, April 7, 1862, promoted 
 Brig. Gen. Nov. 29, 1862, wounded at Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, and died 
 /at Sterling, June 29, 1863, death resulting from wounds. Total service, 
 I/ one year ten months. David Leavitt was adjutant, resigned July 10, 1863. 
 He died at Sterling, after a service of one year ten months. Surgeon was A. 
 S. Hudson, who resigned March 11, 1862, and died in California. Lieut. 
 Col. H. W. Bristol, was ranking captain with regiment when Major Levan- 
 way fell at Shiloh and took command of the regiment. He was promoted 
 fo major and lieut. col. He commanded regiment during siege of Corinth, 
 March to Stevenson, Ala. A long march of over 500 miles by way of Louis- 
 ville and Franklin to Murfreesboro, Tenn. During this march the regiment 
 received the name of McCook's foot cavalry. Col. Bristol resigned, Feb. 14, 
 1863. His time in service, two years six months. Sergeant major L. E. B. 
 Holt, in service one year. 
 
 J COMPANY A. 
 
 Capt. E. B. Ward, Ranking Capt. of Rgt. With Rgt. Six Mo. 
 
 Vet. Capt. Peter Ege. Promoted Maj., Lieut. Col. and full Col. 
 
 Vet. Capt. W. C. Robinson. Prisoner Eight Mo. Aid Brig. Staff. Died 
 at Sterling, 111. Total time in service, three years and ten months. 
 
 First Lieut. J. A. Morgan. Res. May 16, 1863. In service, one year 
 and nine months. 
 
 Vet. First Lieut. L. D. Westcott. Res. April 2, 1864. In service two 
 years and seven months. 
 
 Vet. First Lieut. R. J. Heath. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three 
 years and ten months. In command of Co. A. March to sea. Never a day 
 off duty.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 253 
 
 Vet. Second Lieut. E. W. Payne. Dec. muster. In service three 
 years and eight months. Wounded at Jonesboro Sept. 1, 1864. Right arm 
 amputated. 
 
 Vet. Second Lieut. Edward Whitcomb. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In 
 service three years and ten months. Injury to knee while on march to sea. 
 
 SERGEANTS COMPANY A. 
 
 L. D. Westcott. Pro. First Lieut. Vet. In service two years and seven 
 months. 
 
 Benj. Gustisen. Dis. Disability Feb. 15, 1862. Died Sterling. In 
 service six months. 
 
 W. C. Robinson. Pro. Capt. Vet. Died Sterling. In service three 
 years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. R. J. Heath. Pro. First Lieut. In service three years and ten 
 months. 
 
 Vet. E. W. Payne. Pro. Second Lieut. In service three years and 
 eight months. 
 
 Vet. Edward Whitcomb. Pro. Second Lieut. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Vet. J. B. G. Hill. Trans, to regular army. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. E. C. Winters. M. 0. First Sergt. Wd. Jonesboro. Died 
 Rock Falls. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Henry H. Miller. Killed Jonesboro Sept. 1, 1864. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Vet. John Gibner. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. John T. Bryson. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. W. H. Enderton. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Vet. S. T. Miller. M. 0. Wd. in jaw, Aversboro, March 16, 1865. 
 In service three years and ten months. 
 
 CORPORALS COMPANY A. 
 
 Frank Morrill. Died March 7, 1863. Mursfreesboro. Typhoid. In 
 service one year and seven months. 
 
 W. T. Abbey. Died Dec. 19, 1861. Camp Nevin. Typhoid. In serv- 
 ice four months. First child born in Newton Twp. Buried in Newton, White- 
 side County. 
 
 J. N. Beard. Wd. Shiloh. Leg Amp. Died Morrison. In service one 
 year. 
 
 Vet. J. S. Crow. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prk 6 Mo. Died in Neb. 
 In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Chas. P. Rarey. Wd. Rome. Killed Kenesaw. In service two 
 years and ten months. 
 
 _Vet. John Crichton. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prison six months. In 
 service three years and ten months.
 
 254 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 . Vet, Geo. B. Brandt, Killed Jonesboro. Prison six months. In 
 service three years. 
 
 Vet. Lewis T. Babcock. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Kenesaw. Finger 
 amp. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. John Stallsmith. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Moses Deep. M. 0. Wd. Kenesaw, also Nov. 9, 1864. In serv- 
 ice, three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. A. H. Phillips. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Patrick Lynch. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Erastmus Hanson. M. 0. Wd. May 9, 1864. Died Whiteside 
 County. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 MUSICIANS COMPANY A. 
 
 Vet. J. D. Irons. M. 0. July 12, 1865 In service three years and ten 
 months.. 
 
 Vet. E. R. Richmond. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 
 and ten months. 
 
 COLOR GUARDS SHILOH. 
 
 James L. Worrell. Wd. Shiloh. Dis. Feb. 8, 1863. In service one 
 year and six months. 
 
 Charles A. Haines. Wd. Shiloh. Eyesight damaged. M. 0. 1864. In 
 service three years. 
 
 COLOR GUARD KENESAW. 
 
 Vet. Geo. Phipps. Wd. severely planting flag on enemy's works, Kene- 
 saw. In service three years and eleven months. 
 
 PRIVATES COMPANY A. 
 
 Allison, John. Dis. Aug. 27, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 
 Vet. Blair Jonas. Dis. Jan. 25, 1865. Disability. In service three 
 years and five months. 
 
 Bradley, Robt. Killed Shiloh, April 7, 1862. In service seven months. 
 
 Baxter, George. Killed Shiloh, buried at Fulton, 111. In service seven 
 months. 
 
 Burt, Delos C. Died Aug. 7, 1862, Battle Creek, Tenn. In service one 
 year. 
 
 Barber J. E. Died March 14, 1862, Nashville. In service six months. 
 
 Bunley, J. M. Died Dec. 31, 1862. In service one year and four months. 
 
 Brooks, Erastus 0. Wd. severely in right arm, Kenesaw. M. 0. Nov. 21, 
 1864. In service three years and three months. 
 
 Vet. Cozzell, Henry. M. 0. June 15, 1865. In service three years and 
 nine months. Wd. severely; both thighs; Kenesaw; prisoner six months. 
 
 Vet. Cherry, Sydney. Wd. Aug. 5, 1864. Died of wounds. In serv- 
 ice three years.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 255 
 
 Vet. Colburn, Geo. W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three year* 
 and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Cain, Thos. C. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Aug. 7, 1864. In 
 service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Crichton, Charles. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prisoner six months. 
 In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Cohenour, Jos. Dis. Oct. 27, 1862. Disability. In service one year 
 and two months. 
 
 Conners, Timothy. Dis. Dec. 22, 1862. Disability. In service one 
 year and four months. 
 
 Vet. Clements, Jesse' N. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Pro. Adjt, In serv- 
 ice three years and ten months. 
 
 Clemmons, Freeman. M. 0. Sept. 17, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Cox, F. C. M. 0. April 17, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Chamberlin, T. C. M, 0. Sept. 17, 1864. Wd. hip, Eome, Ga, In 
 service three years. 
 
 Durstin, John E. M. 0. Sept. 17, 1864. Orderly Brigade. In service 
 three years. Wd. left thigh, severely, Stone River. Died at Rock Falls. 
 
 Duntin, Harvey. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. Died at Rock Falls. In serv- 
 ice three years. 
 
 Deep, G. W. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Ellis, Clark. Dis. April 17, 1862. Disability. In service eight months. 
 
 Vet. French, Harris. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 French, W. W. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Blind. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. Garwick, George. Died Oct.. 24, 1864, of wounds, Kenesa,w. In 
 service three years and two months. 
 
 Gorgas, John. Dis. May 7, 1863. Severely wounded Stone River. In 
 service one year and eight months. 
 
 Hagermin, David. Killed, Shiloh. In service seven months. 
 
 Vet. .Henry, David. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. March 19, 1865. In 
 service three years and ten months. 
 
 Harvey, W. H. H. M. 0. Sept, 9, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Heifer, G. W. M. 0. Sept. 9, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Hill, Geo. A. M. 0. Sept. 9, 1864. Sore eyes. In service three years. 
 
 Hanks, W. S. M. 0. Sept. 9, 1864. Prisoner six months. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Hanks, Enos S. Dis. Aug. 19, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 Hayes, Isaac W. Died Camp Nevins, Ky., Dec. 16, 1861. In service 
 four months. 
 
 Hawthorn, W. J. Dis. March 11, 1863. Sunstroke. In service one 
 year and seven months. 
 
 Hostetter, Benj. E. Died Dec. 18, 1862. Nashville. In service one 
 year and four months. 
 
 Husens, W. C. Died July 14, 1862. Stevenson, Ala, In service eleven 
 months.
 
 256 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Vet. John, Abia C. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Hospital Steward. In serv- 
 ice three years and ten months. 
 
 Jones, D. P. Dis. May 5, 1862. Disability. In service nine months. 
 
 Vet. Morse, Charles. Died March 18, 1864. Smallpox. In service 
 two years and seven months. 
 
 Meriden, James. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Wd. Stone River. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Murry, H. Judson. Dis. May 27, 1862. Disability. In service one 
 
 year and five months. 
 
 McCartney, W. H. Died May 31, 1862. In service nine months. 
 
 Myers, J. L. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Prisoner eight months. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Penrose, R. F. Died May 16, 1862. Nashville. In service nine months. 
 
 Penrose, N. L. Dis. Aug. 9, 1862. Disability. In service eleven months. 
 
 Pittmas, Z. Dis. Nov. 16, 1861. Disability. In service three months. 
 
 Pinkney, Elijah. Dis. May 14, 1862. Disability. In service eight 
 months. 
 
 Peacock, George. Killed Nov. 29, 1862. In service one year and three 
 .months. 
 
 Palmer, H. B. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Died Erie, 111. In service three 
 years. 
 
 Payne, L. A. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. In service three years. Head Quar- 
 termaster Clerk. Carried a gun in battles. 
 
 Vet. Palmer. Irwin W. Wd. Resaca. Killed Aversboro. In service 
 three years and seven months. 
 
 Vet. Rexroad, S. A. Killed Rome, Ga,, May 17, 1864. In service two 
 years and nine months. 
 
 Rouse, Robt. E. M. O'. Sept. 7, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Roderick, Thos. Dis. May 14, 1862. Disability. In service eight 
 months. 
 
 Vet. Schick, Charles. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Roll of Honor. In serv- 
 ice three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Slocumb, Chas. H. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prisoner six months. 
 In service three years and ten months. Wd. June 25, 1863, arm, May 9, 
 1864, shoulder, Aug. 11, 1864, face. 
 
 Vet. Summers, Cloys. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Dec. 30, 1862. Pro. 
 Com. Sergt. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Scoville, E. F. Dis. Nov. 1, 1861. Disability. In service two months. 
 
 Smith, H. H. Killed Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. In service one year 
 and four months. 
 
 Smith, Joseph R. Died at Nashville, Tenn,, 1862. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Winters, Geo. C. Died Dec. 27, 1861, Louisville. In service four months. 
 
 Woodworth, G. L. Wd. arm, Shiloh. Killed Stone River. In service 
 one year and four months. 
 
 Vet. Wilson, Chas. B. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prisoner six months. In 
 service three years and ten months. Wd. Shiloh, left hip ; Kenesaw, right leg.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 257 
 
 Vet. West, Edwin W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Woodin, Harry J. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 COMPANY B. 
 
 Capt. H. W. Bristol. Pro. Maj. and Lieut. Col. In service two years 
 and six months. 
 
 Vet. Capt. John A. Parrott. Killed Resaca, May 14, 1864. In service 
 two years and nine months. Buried at Prophetstown, 111. 
 
 Capt. David Cleaveland. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 First Lieut. C. Quackenbush. Resigned March 10, 1862. Died Morri- 
 son. In service seven months. 
 
 First Lieut. L. L. Johnson. M. 0. Nov. 7, 1864. In service three years: 
 and two months. 
 
 Vet. First Lieut. David L. Eagle. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service three 
 years and ten months. Commanded Co. B on march to sea. 
 
 Vet. Second Lieut. Thos. Marshall. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Dec, Mus- 
 ter. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Second Lieut Phillip S. King. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Kenj 
 saw. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 SERGEANTS COMPANY B. 
 
 L. E. B. Holt. Pro Sergt. Maj. In service one year. 
 
 Frank W. Chapman. Dis. Feb. 15, 1863. Disability In service one 
 year and six months. 
 
 Vet. David Cleaveland. Pro. Capt. 
 
 L. L. Johnson. Pro. First Lieut. 
 
 Vet. Chas. Spatz. Pro. Com. Sergt. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In serv- 
 ice three years and ten months. 
 
 Thomas C. Rhoads. Wd. Shiloh. Dis. Sept. 7, 1862. In service one - 
 year. 
 
 Oscar Olmstead. M. 0. Sept 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Wilburn, N. F. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. D. L. Eagles. Pro. First Lieut. 
 
 Vet. Thos. Marshall. Pro. Second Lieut. 
 
 Edmond W. Holton. Dis. April 16, 1862. Disability. In sendee 
 seven months. 
 
 William Fay. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. Dead. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. C. A. Gaylord. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Shiloh. In service 
 three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Chas W. Wood. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Jeremiah Bottorf. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months.
 
 258 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Vet. Ransom Foss. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Geo. H. Fay. Dis. Sept. 19, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 
 CORPORALS COMPANY B. 
 
 Vet. Sylvester C. Lyon. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Died Morrison. In serv- 
 ice three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. W. E. Cox. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Geo. Hahn. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. R. B. Kelly. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. J. W. Keefer. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Peter Martin. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Rich Martin. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. J. R. Blaisdell. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 PRIVATES COMPANY B. 
 
 Vet. Butler, T. S. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Brankuder, S. Died May 4, 1864. In service two years and eight 
 months. 
 
 Brown, J. J. M. O. Sept. 12, 1864. Wd. Shiloh. In service three 
 years. 
 
 Brown, Saml. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Boyd, William. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Conlin, James. M. 0. Sept, 12, 1864. Died Prophetstown. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Vet. Crump, W. P. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Cross, Williams. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Cleaveland, Cyrus. Dis. May 29, 1862. Disability. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Cox, Cornelius. Died July 21, 1862. Huntsville, Ala. In service eleven 
 months. 
 
 Cline, A. G. Dis. July 18, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service eleven 
 months. 
 
 Court, J. W. Dis. Chicago, 111. Disability. 
 
 Clark, J. C. M. 0. Sept, 7, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Dow, W. H. M. 0. Sept. 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Dennis, W. A. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. In service three years 
 
 Evers, T. P. Dis. June 24, 1862. Disability. In service ten months.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 259 
 
 Farnsworth, J. E. Dis. Oct. 8, 1862. Disability. In service one year 
 and two months. 
 
 Green, Isaiah. Dis. Sept. 7, 1862, failing eyesight. In service one year. 
 
 Garrison, W. Dis. June 9, 1862. Disability. In service nine months. 
 
 Vet. Gardner, Geo. W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Glasby, William. Died Dec. 8, 1861. Camp Nevins. In service three 
 months. 
 
 Giles, H. M. Dis. Sept. 5, 1862. Wounded May 29, 1862. In service 
 one year. 
 
 Vet. Griffin, Theodore. Killed, Resaca, May 14, 1864. In service 
 two years and nine months. 
 
 Hubbard, 0. K. Dis. Nov. 21, 1861. Disability. In service three 
 months. 
 
 Hubbard, G. H. Dis. Sept. 7, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service one year. 
 
 Vet. Houp, A. J. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Johnson. C. E. Dis. Sept. 8, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 
 Knox, Allen. Dis. May 9, 1862. Disability. In servce eight months. 
 
 Lovett, Sam'l. Dis. June' 14, 1863. Disability. In service ten months. 
 
 Latham, A. W. Dis. Sept. 7, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 
 Laurence, Geo. Dis. June 9, 1862. Disability! In service nine months. 
 
 Vet. Lansing, J. H. Left Co. Feb. 25, 1864. In service two years 
 and six months. 
 
 Lansing, C. H. Dis. Sept. 7, 1862. Disability. In service one year. 
 
 Myers, Joseph. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. Murry, Robert. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Murry, Thomas. Died Sept. 24, 1863. Stevenson, Ala. In service 
 two years. 
 
 McDonald, P. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. W r d. Shiloh. In service seven 
 months. 
 
 Marfleet, G. T. Dis. Louisville. Disability. 
 
 Messnure, W T . Wd. in thigh, Jan. 25, 1863. M. 0. 1864. In service 
 three years. 
 
 Mellen, S. A. Dis. June 18, 1862. Disability. In service ten months. 
 
 Vet. Mosier, C. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and ten 
 months. 
 
 Vet. Marshall, Frank. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Nesmith, M. S. Dis. Feb. 17, 1863. Disability. In service six months. 
 
 Vet. O'Connell, P. M. 0. July 12, 1885. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Owen, W. L. Died May 9, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service nine months. 
 
 Vet. Oatman, C. E. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months.
 
 260 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Olson, Orick. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. Wd. Kenesaw. In service three 
 years and three months. 
 
 Parkhurst, C. L. M. 0. Sept. 19, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Palmer, John. Dis. April 18, 1862. In service eight months. 
 
 Parnell, Nelson. M. 0. Sept. 8, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Vet. Pascal, Robt. M. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Peasly, Joseph. Killed, Shiloh. In service seven months. 
 
 Riley, John J. Killed, Shiloh. In service seven months. 
 
 Reynolds, J. T. 
 
 Vet. Russell, B. F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Vet. Robinson, J. B. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Died, Phophetstown. In 
 service three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Richards, Martin. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Richards, David. Died Aug. 16, 1864. Wd. Shiloh, Wd. Kene- 
 saw. In service three years. 
 
 Resser, J. G. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Resser, P. T. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Reynolds, H. N. Killed, Shiloh. In service seven months. 
 
 Vet. Reed, W. H. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Kenesaw. In service 
 three years and ten months. 
 
 Ritter, A. C. Died Tuscumbia, July 6, 1862. In service ten months. 
 
 Vet. Shaw, Moses. M. O. July 12, 1865. Wd. Shiloh. In service 
 three years and ten months. 
 
 Stapleton, W. G. Died Dec. 6, 1861, Nevins, Ky. In service three 
 months. 
 
 Spencer, A. J. Dis. June 16, 1862. Disability. In service ten months. 
 
 Smith, Richard. M. 0. Sept. 12, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Stewart, Alex. R. Died April 21, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service eight 
 months. 
 
 Stearns, W. L. Dis. Sept. 5, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service one year. 
 
 Vet. Shovett, Lewis. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 ten months. 
 
 Thomas, Harry. Killed June 18, 1862. Tuscumbia. In service ten 
 months. 
 
 White, David. Died July 1, 1862. Wd. Stone River. In service 
 eleven months. 
 
 Vet. Young, Walter B. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 Corpl. Wilburn, F. Nichols. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Wd. Stone River. 
 In service three years. 
 
 Vet. Musician. Geo. A. Quckenbush. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Pro. 
 Reg. Bugler. In service three years and ten months. 
 
 Musician. Lucian, House. M. 0. Sept. 7, 1864. Fife Maj. In ser- 
 vice three years.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 261 
 
 Wagoner, Geo. H. Stakes. M. 0. Sept, 7, 1864./ln service three years. 
 
 PRIVATES CO. E. 
 
 Dinsmore, John. Dis. Feb. 22, 1862. Disability. In service six 
 months. 
 
 Bennen, Hiram H. M. 0. Feb. 22, 1865. Died at Vicksburg. In 
 service three years and six months. 
 
 Knox, Allen.. Dis. May 9, 1862. Disability. In service eight months. 
 
 Vet. Squires, William. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and ten months. 
 
 McCarty, Jeremiah. M. 0. Sept. 17, 1864. Wd. Chickamauga In 
 service three years. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. E, 1861. 
 
 Vet. Gunder, Jacob. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years and 
 seven months. 
 
 Vet. Gunder, Andrew. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three years 
 and seven months. 
 
 Mills, Edward L. M. 0. Oct. 10, 1864. Pris. Chickamauga. In service 
 three years. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. E, 1864. 
 
 Barr, Geo. W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. April, 1865. Died Rock Falls. 
 In service nine months. 
 
 Baker, B. F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Gunder, Henry F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and five 
 months. 
 
 Gould, W. F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Hudson, 0. D. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Pro. Corpl. In service four 
 months. 
 
 Brown, Sam'l. Died April 7, 1862. In service six months. 
 
 Siples, Gilbert. Dis. Feb. 24, 1865. In service/ one year and two 
 months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. K. 
 
 Capt. R. J. Thompson. M. 0. Mar. 30, 1865. Dec. Muster. In 
 service three years. 
 
 Vet, First Lieut, C. B. Minchen. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service 
 three years and ten months. 
 
 Vet. Second Lieut. E. P. Beardsley. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service 
 three years and seven months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. K, 1861. 
 
 First Sergt. R. V Stocking. Dis. July 3, 1862. Disability. In service 
 seven months. 
 
 Vet, First Sergt. W. H. Stone. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service 
 three years and seven months. 
 
 Bosley, Elisha. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Bartlett, Sam'l. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. In service three years.
 
 262 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Culver, Porter. M. 0. Jan. 10, 1865. In service three years and one 
 month. 
 
 Vet. Eastman, Reuben. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Pro. Sergt. In service 
 three years and eight months. 
 
 Hawley, Jesse. Dis. Jan. 5, 1861. Disability. In service one month. 
 
 Keefer, John. Dis. May 2, 1862. Disability. In service five months. 
 
 Lyle, Robert. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 Mendell, Dennis. Died Nov. 9, 1863. Madison, Ind. In service two 
 years. 
 
 McKinley, John. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. In service three years. 
 
 McCumber, H. T. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. In service three years 
 
 Newton, W. W. Dis. July 5, 1862. In service seven months. 
 
 Norcutt, W. R. Killed Stone River. In service one year. 
 
 O'Hara, D. N. M. 0. Dec. 2, 1864. Wd. Stone River. In service three 
 years. 
 
 Vet. Rankin, William. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wagon Master. In 
 service three years and seven months. 
 
 Sweeney, Henry. Dis. Sept. 21, 1862. Disability? In service ten 
 months. 
 
 Reynolds, P. B. Dis. Sept.. 21, 1862. Disability. In service ten months. 
 
 Thompson, R. J. Pro. Capt. In service three years. 
 
 Thompson, John. Dis. Dec. 6, 1862. Wd. Shiloh. In service one 
 year. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. K, 1863-64. 
 
 Beardsly, E. P. Pro. Second Lieut. In service three years and seven 
 months. 
 
 Beardsly, J. D. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Resaca. In service one 
 year and seven months. 
 
 Gage, 0. C. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Corpl. Wd. Jonesboro. In service 
 one year and seven months. 
 
 Hubbell, W. R. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months. 
 
 Lee, Francis P. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and seven 
 months. 
 
 Reynolds, A. H. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Corpl. In service one year 
 and six months. 
 
 Stansboro, D. D. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Corpl. In service one year 
 and six months. 
 
 Spencer, A. J. Killed Resaca. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Underbill, Ernest. M. 0. July 12, 1865, Corpl. In service one year 
 and seven months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. B, 1864. f 
 
 Averill, William. Died Jan. 11, 1865. In service three months. 
 Averill, Volney. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 Adams, W. H. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 263 
 
 Burdick, A. A. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months. 
 
 Clark, Albert. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Casper, T. F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and five months. 
 
 Dumars, A. J. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Foy, C. E. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Foy, A. F. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Foy, A. W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six months. 
 
 Knox, J. H. Dis. April 7, 1865. Acct. Wds. In service one year and 
 two months. 
 
 Hawkins, C. E. Dis. May 30, 1865. In service one year and four 
 months. 
 
 Murry, John. Dis. June 13, 1865. Wd. Aug. 6. Wd. Dec. 16, 1864. 
 In service one year and four months. 
 
 McGrady, Barney. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and four 
 months. 
 
 McGrady, F. Never joined Co. Sick in hospital. 
 
 Ohmert, Jesse. Dis. May 7, 1865. Disability. In service seven months. 
 
 Quackenbush, D. J. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service ten months. 
 
 Richards, A. W. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months. 
 
 Redington,, John C. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 five months. 
 
 Stone, John T. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months. 
 
 Stone, W. E. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and five months. 
 
 Trembly, W. S. Killed at Jonesboro. In service six months. 
 
 Upton, Geo. Y. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and five 
 months. 
 
 Woolworth, G. A. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and six 
 months. 
 
 Welch, John E. N. Dis. May 26, 1865. Corpl. Prisoner. In service 
 one year and two months, 
 
 Wilson, Claudis. Dis. May 30, 1865. In service one year and three 
 months. 
 
 Vet. Goodell, L. B. Enrolled Nov. 7, 1861. M. 0. Aug. 16, 1865. In 
 service three years and eight months. 
 
 Hubbard, W. L. Enrolled Oct. 29, 1861. M. 0. Dec. 13, 1864. Wd. 
 In service three years and one month. 
 
 Johnson, T. F. Enrolled Dec. 26, 1863. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In 
 service one year and seven months. 
 
 Kelly, W. R. Enrolled Dec. 26, 1863. Dis. June 4, 1865. Wd. In 
 service one year and six months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. B, 1865. * 
 
 Butterbaugh, Saml. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months.
 
 264 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Butterbaugh, Levi. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 Baldwin, Edwin H. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 Demis, S. H. Died May 6, 1865. In service two months. 
 Logan, H. N. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 Slawson, E. B. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 RECRUITS co. A, 1861-62-63. 
 
 Robinson, R. P., Oct. 16, 1861. Dis. June 16, 1862. Died at Sterling. 
 In service seven months. 
 
 Clark, B. F., Dec. 3, 1862. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prisoner six months. 
 In service two years and eight months. 
 
 Chamberlain, C. W., Aug. 28, 1862. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Liberty 
 Gap. In service two years and eleven months. 
 
 Chase, Geo. W., Aug. 30, 1862. Died Feb. 25, 1863. Murfreesboro. In 
 service six months. 
 
 Durstin, Jacob, Aug. 22, 1862. Died Feb. 4, 1863. Murfreesboro. In 
 service five months. 
 
 Grace, Luke, Sept. 9, 1862. Dis. May 9, 1863. Disability. In service 
 eight months. 
 
 Shannon, Glasgo, Sept 14, 1864. M. 0. June 10, 1865. Disability. In 
 service nine months. 
 
 Smith, H. C., Aug. 30, 1862. M. 0. Oct. 22, 1864. Wd Kenesaw. 
 Died 1900. In service two years and two months. 
 
 Worrell, A. A., Aug. 15. 1862. M. 0. June 10, 1864. Wd. Atlanta. 
 In service one year and nine months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. A, 1864. 
 
 Atkins, Robert, Feb. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 five months. 
 
 Atkins, A. E., Feb. 29. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 four months. 
 
 Babcock, Israel, Feb.24. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 four months. 
 
 Burns, Geo. E., Feb. 25. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 four months. 
 
 Bush, Ransom H., Feb. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Conway, Harvey, Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Died at Genesee. In 
 service one year and four months. 
 
 Compton, Ira, Feb. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Connell, Louis, Feb. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Cole, Peter, Jan. 28. M. 0. April 20, 1865. In service one year and 
 four months. 
 
 Cassell, David, Oct. 8. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service eight months.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 265 
 
 Shannon, Robert, Feb. 20. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and four months. 
 
 Dunmore, George J., Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Dead. In service 
 one year and five months. 
 
 Deep, M. M., Oct. 5. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Dodd, J. L., Feb. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Ferguson, B. H., Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Goell, Michael, Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Gillespie, Edwin, Sept. 14. M. 0. June 10, 1865. In service ten months. 
 
 Hammersback, P. J., Oct. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Hacker, E. W., Feb. 3. Killed in charge at Kenesaw. In service five 
 months. 
 
 Jacobi, Peter, Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Kramer, Sylvester, Feb. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Mar. 19, 1865. 
 In service one year and six months. 
 
 Kennedy, W. E., Feb. 12. M. 0. May 30, 1865. Prisoner one month. 
 In service one year and six months. 
 
 Kulp, Charles, Oct. 10. . M, 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Kascher, Theodore, Oct. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Kaufman, Tobias, Sept. 17. M. 0. June 10, 1865. Wd. Aversboro. 
 In service ten months. 
 
 Leach, C. M., Feb. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Ledger, Joseph, Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Leedes, H. C., Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Langenour, Levi, Feb. 29. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Markee, R. C., Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 five months. 
 
 Martin, David, Feb. 10, M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 five months. 
 
 McCannes, W., Jan. 29. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Prisoner one year. In 
 service one year and six months. 
 
 Passmore, J. W., Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Merrick, D. H., Feb. 25. Died May 15, 1864, of smallpox. In service 
 three months. 
 
 Noonan, Patrick, Feb. 27. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Palmer, Geo. W., Oct. 15. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Pettigrew, John, Oct. 8 M. 0. July 12, 1865 In service nine months. 
 
 Pettigrew, Monroe, Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Kenesaw. In 
 service one year and five months.
 
 266 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Pfimshine, Joseph, Oct. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Reinhart, Christopher, Oct. 5. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine 
 months. 
 
 Rexroad, A. F., Feb. 18. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. July 25, 1884. In 
 service one year and five months. 
 
 Snyder, J. F., Oct 5. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Sayers, J. W., Feb. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. Wd. Bentonville, N. C. 
 In service one year and six months. 
 
 Stewart, W. H. H., Feb. 27. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Stewart, William A., Jan. 28. M. 0. April 7, 1865. Consumption, - 
 Goldsboro, N. C. In service one year and two months. 
 
 Scoville, E. F., Feb. 10. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Trant, George, Feb. 4. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year and 
 six months. 
 
 Tombow, Jacob, Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Toohey, Patrick, Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Van Curan, W. D., Feb. 3._ M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and six months. 
 
 Williams, H. S., Oct. 8. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service nine months. 
 
 Wears, Richard, Feb. 22. M. 0. July 12, 4865. In service one year 
 and five months. 
 
 Wiseman, C. R., Feb. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service one year 
 and six months. 
 
 Wilfong, George, Feb. 10. Died June 22, 1864, typhoid. In service 
 four months. 
 
 RECRUITS CO. A, 1865. 
 
 Atkins, Charles, Mar. 7. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Beal, Marcus, Mar. 9. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Beal, Alpheus, Mar. 6. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Chamberlin, C. J., Mar. 3. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Cooper, J. J., Mar. 9. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Crygin, I. R., Mar. 9. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three months. 
 
 Crichton A., April 11. M. 0. .July 12, 1865. In service three months. 
 
 Deep, Levi, April 11. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three months. 
 
 Deep, Saml. M., April 11. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service three 
 months. 
 
 Emmons, I. B., April 7. M. O. July 12, 1865. In service three months. 
 A pioneer located in Whiteside County, 1837. Died Garden Plains. 
 
 Kister, Frederick, Mar. 13. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four 
 months. 
 
 Laner, Geo. A., Mar. 13. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Logan, James, Mar. 14. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 
 Mallory, A. M., Feb. 27. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service five months.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 267 
 
 Monahan, James, Feb. 27. M. 0. July 12, 1865 In service five months. 
 Mason, N. S., Mar. 11. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service four months. 
 Miller, Henry, Jan. 26. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service six months. 
 Tuttle, S. A., Feb. 25. M. 0. July 12, 1865. In service five months. 
 Passmore, Ellis, Mar. 2. Killed April 5, 1865. In service one month. 
 
 Jan. 3, 1864, there were 320 of the regiment mustered as veterans, one- 
 fourth Whiteside boys. The regiment rejoined brigade at Rossville, Ga., 
 March 7, turning over their old Enfields, and drawing new Springfield rifles. 
 The change soon showed its importance, as hard work ahead. May 1 the 
 whole corps was on the move, Forward the order from Pap Thomas. Skir- 
 mishing, and the Thirty-fourth Illinois on the fighting line. For four 
 months, day and night, never out of hearing the rattling musket or cannon's 
 boom, until Atlanta lay in ashes. 
 
 Colonel Peter Ege took command of Regt, at Kingston, Nov. 5, 1864. 
 Staff officers from Whiteside Co., Lieut. R, Thompson, Acting Adjt. 
 Jesse H. Clements, Mustered as Adjt. Mar. 30, 1865. 
 
 J. B. Robinson, Quarter Master, died at Prophetstown. 
 
 Charles G. Spatz, Quarter Master Sergt. 
 
 Cloys Summers, Commissary Sergt. 
 
 Geo. A. Quackinbush, Reg. Bugler, died. Morrison. 
 
 Abia C. John, Hospital Steward. Died in Jordan, Whiteside Co. 
 
 Dr. John never tired in caring for the sick and wounded. Nov. 10, 
 1864, the regiment started for the doomed city, and helped to tear up rail- 
 road track from Cartersville to Atlanta. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1864, at the dawn of day, the bugle sounded, Up toys, be ready 
 for a tramp with the last army to the sea! Col. Ege was again wounded at 
 Savannah, Ga., and returning to duty, commanded regiment from Benton- 
 ville, N. C., to Washington. He was in command at the grand review at 
 Washington, May 24, 1865. He was assigned June 8, to command of second 
 brigade, second division 14 A. C. At Louisville Gen. Sherman reviewed the 
 second division for the last time, and complimented the brigade for fine ap- 
 pearance and soldierly bearing and discipline. He recommended Col. Peter 
 Ege in command of brigade for promotion. 
 
 On July 15, the last regiment of second brigade was homeward bound. 
 Col Ege turned over the brigade flag to U. S. quartermaster, and followed his 
 regiment to Chicago for final discharge. 
 
 His total in service as officer in Civil war was three years and eleven 
 months. His total with regiment never off duty a day three years and 
 eight months. 
 
 Gen. E. N. Kirk was the Second Brigade's first commander. 
 
 Col Peter Ege was the Second Brigade's last commander. 
 To Respectfully Submitted, 
 
 W. W. Davis, A. M. Col. Peter Ege, 
 
 Sterling, 111. Thirty-fourth 111. Vet, Vol. Infty., Civil War.
 
 268 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 IN COMO CEMETERY. 
 
 The following are the names of soldiers who are buried in the old Como 
 Cemetery : 
 
 Lieut. Charles Tobey, Co. A, 33d 111. Iiift. ; Timothy Gardner, 13th 111. 
 Inft, ; Homer Sillman, 13th 111. Iiift. ; William Wilson, 13th 111. Inft. ; Gus- 
 tavus Sherman, D, 75th 111. Inft.; William Whitehead; Frank Morgaridge; 
 Elkanah Scott; Levi Clark; Silas Clark; Dr. E. G. Webster, Assistant Sur- 
 geon ; Alex Moates ; Charles Knox, Berdan Sharpshooter. 
 
 WAR OF 1812-15. 
 
 Jesse Scott. 
 
 MEXICAN WAR. 
 
 Isaac Wheeler. 
 
 BLACK HAWK WAR. 
 
 Jason Hopkins. 
 
 THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 
 
 For Freedom's battle onc begun, 
 Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son, 
 Though baffled oft, is ever won. Byron. 
 
 When a bully has a helpless victim by the throat, it is the duty of the 
 nearest strong man to smite the wretch, and hurl him into the gutter. This 
 happened in 1898. Spain was the bully, Cuba the victim, and United States 
 the strong arm. It was high time. It should have been done long before. 
 Spain has a bad record. For four hundred years she has played the part of 
 the villain in the world's play. Always an oppressor. She persecuted the 
 Dutch, hindered the Reformation, threatened England, encouraged the In- 
 quisition, drove out the Moors, massacred the Indians. Always the trail of 
 the serpent. 
 
 Cuba, the gem of the West Indies, was the last theater of her wickedness. 
 Never can be (written, never will be known, the crimes of the Spaniard on that 
 isle, fair as a garden of the Lord. Visit Havana, and see the gloomy dun- 
 geons of the forts, the execution bullet marks on the castle walls. Cubans 
 tortured and shot because they sighed for freedom. Cruelty unspeakable, 
 outrage infinite! 
 
 But crimson now- her rivers ran 
 
 With human blood the smell of death 
 
 Came reeking from those spicy bowers, 
 
 And man, the sacrifice of man, 
 
 Mingled his taint with every breath. 
 
 But the blood of Cuban martyrs cried from the ground, and the call for 
 vengeance arose to heaven. The explosion of the Maine and the destruction 
 of her noble crew in the harbor of Havana, Feb. 15, 1898, was the last straw, 
 and April 21, congress declared war. Spain must go. The dying monarch- 
 ies of the old world have no business in the liberty-loving atmosphere of the 
 new. President McKinley called for 125,000 volunteers.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 269 
 
 Washington. April 25, 1898 
 The Governor of Illinois : 
 
 The number of troops from your state under the call of the President, 
 will be seven regiments of infantry, and one of cavalry. It is the wish of the 
 Prsident that the regiments of the National Guard or State Militia shall be 
 used as far as their numbers permit, because they are already armed, equipped 
 and drilled. R A A i ger! Secretary of War. 
 
 Shortly after twelve on the morning of April 26, Captains Colebaugh 
 and Lawrie received telegraphic instructions from Col. D. J. Foster to report 
 with their companies at State Fair Grounds, Springfield, not later than noon 
 of April 27. The Illinois National Guard was to mobilize at this point. 
 Company I with three commissioned officers and eighty-five men left Mor- 
 rison at ten on the night of April 26, Walter Burritt, Quarter-master Sergeant 
 of the First Battalion accompanying. At Sterling they were joined by Com- 
 pany E with three commissioned officers and eighty men, also by the Sixth 
 Regiment Band with John Prestine and Fred Forbes, chief and principal 
 musicians. Frank Anthony, regimental surgeon ; Captain Ben Eick, Regi- 
 mental Sergeant-Major; Ned Johnson and Hospital Stewards John Kline, 
 Fred Brown, and Howard Geyer, of the Sixth Regiment, boarded the train 
 at Sterling. A halt at Dixon to await the coming of Company M from 
 Galena. Companies E and I headed by the Sixth Regiment Band, marched 
 down town to Company G's armory, and were lunched by the Dixon people. 
 At four on April 27, Cos. I and E with G of Dixon and M of Galena, started 
 for Springfield, where they arrived soon after eleven the same day. The other 
 state troops had arrived before. April 29 in a preliminary examination, Co. 
 E stood the test, but Co. I had seven rejected. On Saturday the boys had a 
 tiresome five-mile tramp over muddy roads, and on Sunday they reveled on 
 their hard tack and pork under the curious gaze of thousands of visitors. 
 
 On Monday, May 9, the final physical examination was given Co. E in 
 the senate chamber of the capital, by Col. Senn, Asst. Surgeon General of the 
 U. S. army, Major Anthony, and others. Only two men were rejected, Wm. 
 Deem and Lovier Feigley, and their places were supplied by two volunteers 
 from Chicago. Co. I was not so fortunate, and only fifty-four boys were left 
 of the original eighty-five. Five accepted at the re-examination brought the 
 number to fifty-nine. Finally men were recruited to fill the vacancies, and 
 the roll was again complete. 
 
 At last on May 11, Wednesday, the Sixth Regiment was mustered into the / 
 U. S. service by Capt. Cyrus S. Roberts, of the Seventeenth Infantry. Co. E of V 
 Sterling was the first, and Co. I of Morrison the last, of the twelve companies 
 of the Sixth Regiment to be sworn in. 
 
 The manner of taking the last step in entering the service of Uncle 
 Sam is simple and impressive. Capt. Roberts requested the men to take their 
 caps in the left hand, and raise the right while he administered the follow- 
 ing oath: 
 
 I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the 
 United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully 
 against all their enemies whomsoever; and that I will obey the orders of the
 
 270 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over 
 me, according to the rules and articles of war. 
 
 As they were mustered into the United States service, the following were 
 
 officers of 
 
 * 
 
 COMPANY E. 
 
 Captain, William F. Lawrie; First Lieutenant, G. B. Dillon; Second Lieuten- 
 ant, Frank Wahl ; First Sergeant, S. H. Feigley ; Q. M. Sergeant, E. A. Nel- 
 len; Sergeant John W. Cushman, Joshua H. Wildasin, all of Sterling, and 
 Sergeant F. E. Wagley, of Rock Falls. Corporals, C. F. Hoobler, R. W. 
 Baker, H. R. Grimes, L. C. Sheldon, H. L. Hankerson, all of Sterling, and 
 M. L. Allpress, of Rock Falls. Musicians, F. Roy Eshleman and L. D. 
 Myers, of Sterling. 
 
 COMPANY I. 
 
 Captain, Wm. F. Colebaugh; First Lieut., E. C. Lawton; Second Lieut., 
 E. J. Weaver, all of Morrison. Q. M. Sergeant, A. F. Mathews; Sergeant, 
 H. A. Weaver, J. L. Rockey, of Morrison, and First Sergeant D. E. Crouch, 
 Prairieville. Corporals, H. H. Rockey, A. J. Osborne, Erie. Musicians, 
 0. M. Colebaugh, R. E. Davis. Soon afterwards, Ernest Weaver tendered 
 his resignation as Lieutenant, and Capt. Eick, of Sterling, inspector of 
 rifle practice for Sixth Illinois N. G., received the appointment. 
 
 Whiteside had four good representatives in the roster of the regiment: 
 Colonel, D. J. Foster, Chicago; Lieut. Col., Edward Kittilsen, Moline; Major, 
 W. T. Channon, Rock Island, D. E. Clark, Monmouth, W. E. Baldwin, Dixon. 
 Reg. Adjutant, J. J. Cairns, Chicago. Surgeon Major, Frank Anthony, Ster- 
 ling; Asst. Surgeons, L. Cole, Monmouth, Charles A. Robbins, Dixon. Chap- 
 lain, A. R. Morgan, Cuba, 111. Reg. Q. Master, F. Barber, Chicago. First 
 Lieut. Bat. Adjt., L. R. Gaylord, Moline, J. W. Clendenin, Monmouth, J. 
 H. Showalter, La Moille. Sergeant Major, E. S. Johnson, Sterling; Q. M. 
 Sergeant, R. Hicks, Gelena. Chief Musician, John C. Prestine, Sterling; 
 Principal Musicians, F. W. Forbes, Sterling, T. H. Flynn, Rock Island. 
 Hospital Steward, J. L. Kline, Milledgeville, H. N. Geyer, Rock Falls, F. 
 M. Brown, Sterling. 
 
 A happy surprise for Company I on Friday after muster. They were 
 taken to the Leland hotel in street cars, given an elegant banquet at the 
 expense of Morrison, and addressed by L. T. Stocking, Chaplain Morgan, 
 Judge Ramsay, and others, and encouraged to maintain the honor of the 
 state with its sacred record of Lincoln and Grant, Oglesby and Logan. Ster- 
 ling, Rock Falls, Erie, and other places sent boxes of delicacies to the boys 
 from their section, and the good things were always generously shared with 
 the rest of the company. 
 
 Hats off! 
 
 Along the street there comes, 
 
 A blare of bugles, a rattle of drums, 
 
 A flash of color beneath the sky, 
 Hats off! 
 
 The flag is passing by !
 
 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 271 
 
 On Tuesday, May 17, the regiment left Camp Tanner in Wagner sleep- 
 ing cars, Company I by chance having the "Maine." The route was by the 
 Wabash, the Baltimore and Ohio, through Virginia to Camp Russell A. 
 Alger, eight miles southwest of Washington. It contained six hundred acres, 
 bordered by timber with a small stream coursing through the edge. Some 
 complaint at first as rations were short, and the water bad, but this was soon 
 remedied. The troops at Camp Alger were designated as the Second Army . > 
 Corps, and the Sixth Massachusetts, Eighth Ohio, and Sixth Illinois regi- V 
 ments formed the Second Brigade. Two events threw a gloom over the 
 camp. Private Louis Bloodsoe of Company A from Rock Island died of 
 typhoid fever the first night, was buried with military honors at Falls church, 
 from which the body was afterwards removed to his home. On the follow- S 
 ing day word was received of the death of Lieutenant Cole, of Monmouth, 
 assistant surgeon, who died at the hospital in Fort Wayne, of pneumonia con- 
 tracted at Camp Tanner. 
 
 Duncan is in his grave! 
 
 After life's fitful fever he sleeps well. 
 
 Mrs. Electa E. Smith, former postmistress of Sterling, now in the Treas- 
 ury Department at Washington, who has given repeated instances of her 
 sympathy with the soldiers, was a frequent visitor, and on the first Sunday 
 in camp gave the boys of Company E a royal spread. So, too, came Sena- 
 tors Cullom and Mason, of Illinois, and Representatives Hitt and Marsh, 
 to see that the Illinois troops had every needful comfort. 
 
 Major Anthony gave the boys daily thirty minutes of instruction in 
 regard to treating wounds before medical assistance could be secured. Roy 
 Eshleman was granted a discharge on account of failing health, and returned 
 to Sterling in June. As the government decided to fill every regiment to 
 its maximum, officers were detailed to visit the home stations, and recruit each 
 company to the number of one hundred and six. First Lieut. Dillon of 
 Company E was appointed recruiting officer of the first battalion of the Sixth 
 regiment, and Sergeant Osborne of Company I and private Bensinger of 
 Company E were detailed to accompany him. They left Camp Alger for / 
 Illinois, June 7. The recruits were secured at Sterling and Morrison, and 
 Companies E and I had their full complement. 
 
 When the companies were increased to 106 men, new appointments of 
 non-commissioned officers were necessary. Capt. Lawrie made the follow- 
 ing promotions on June 23: Privates Deyoe, Reese Dillon, Triggs, Burk- 
 hart, Bert Johnson, and Lineberry to be corporals; Clark, musician to supply 
 place of Eshleman, discharged. Private Hess was appointed company artifi- 
 cer, and Smith for duty at the regimental hospital.' Sergeant Cushman was 
 detailed to assist ordnance officer Eick as sergeant, and Corporal Dillon 
 was assigned to duty in the quartermaster's department. In Company I 
 the appointments were: Privates Burr, Hyatt, Berry, Everhart, Sherwood, 
 and Snyder as corporals, and Willcox, lance corporal. Jenks was given spe- 
 cial duty at post-headquaters, and Kingery was appointed acting veterinary 
 surgeon of the Sixth regiment, and placed in charge of the officers' horses.
 
 -272 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The old folks at home, at Lyndon, Albany, Prophetstown, Erie, Morri- 
 son, Sterling, Rock Falls, showed their affection for the absent boys by fre- 
 quent consignments of cake, pie and sweetmeats. The members of Company 
 E, to show their appreciation of Mrs. Smith's kindness, presented her a sil- 
 ver card receiver, which she gracefully acknowledged. On July 4, 1898, the 
 members of Company I presented Captain Colebaugh and Lieutenant Law- 
 ton each a gold-mounted sword, which elicited a cordial response. Mean- 
 while our forces elsewhere on the map were driving Spain into the last ditch. 
 Dewey on May 1st had demolished the Spanish fleet at Manila, giving us 
 the Philippine archipelago in the Pacific, Shafter carried El Caney at San- 
 tiago, Cuba, by assault July 1st, and on the morning of July 3rd, Commodore 
 Schley knocked Admiral Cervera's ancient squadron into a sorry wreck. It 
 was Perry of 1813 over again : "We have met the enemy, and they are 
 ours!" 
 
 For the front at last. July 5th the Second Brigade received orders to 
 prepare for departure, and the next morning, the Sixth Massachusetts and 
 the Sixth Illinois boarded day coaches and box cars for Charleston ,nhz band 
 playing, 
 
 "The Girl I Left Behind Me." 
 
 July 8th, Companies E, I and F were transferred at Charleston to the Cruiser 
 Columbia, and July 11 the steamer arrived at Santiago just after the bombard- 
 ment had ceased. The remaining companies of me regiment with the band, 
 Colonel and staff, came on the steamer Rita the following Friday. 
 
 Now came a great disappointment. The boys had looked forward to 
 marching with the victorious troops into the Spanish city. 
 
 'Twas ever thus from childhood's hour, 
 I've seen my fondest hopes decay. 
 
 They were tired of their cramped quarters on the boat, disgusted with 
 their rations of hash and weak coffee, and longed to have the freedom of i 
 the shore. At noon, July 21, they steamed from Santiago, not having been / 
 permitted to land, with an effective force of about 3,300 infantry and artillery. 
 Porto Rico was occupied by 8,233 Spanish regulars, and 9,107 volunteers, 
 and San Juan on the northeast coast was their destination. At ten on the 
 morning of July 25th, Company E. landed at Guanica. The first American 
 troops to land on Porto Hican soil were a company of marines who hoisted 
 the stars and stripes. v 
 
 It proved to be a peaceful occupation of the island, as the Spanish troops 
 did not act on the offensive. The regiment had only one small skirmish with 
 the enemy. Orders were given to proceed to Ponce, and on July 30th, Gen. 
 Henry's division, of which the Sixth was a part, broke camp. It was a trying 
 march. The roads were wretched from rain, the beef not fit to eat, the ground 
 alive with centipedes, half-ripe bananas fried in grease a luxury, and their 
 outfit so heavy that even ammunition and bayonets were thrown away. Eight 
 days in Ponce with a population of 20,000 or more. Primitive style of life. 
 Everything is toted on the head. No milk in bottles, but cows milked at
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 273 
 
 the door of the customer. Clothes are taken to a stream, pounded on a flat 
 stone, and spread on the grass to dry. 
 
 Gen. Miles' plan was to drive the Spanish troops to the center of the 
 island, and hemming them in, force a surrender. In pursuance of this 
 scheme, our boys made several tiresome marches, to Arecibo, to Adjuntas, 
 */ to Utnado, back to Ponce. They eventually looked the worse for wear. Some 
 were barefoot, some had no trousers, all had beards, and all were half- 
 starved. Even at Ponce, where tons upon tons of supplies were in store, the 
 regular ration was hardtack and sowbelly. But the campaign was at an 
 tt end, and orders were given to turn faces homeward. 
 
 No rumor of the foe's advance, 
 Now swells upon the wind. 
 
 Clothing was issued that the boys might make a respectable appearance on 
 their return, and on Sept. 7th they sailed on the Manitoba, an English trans- 
 port, after a stormy experience of six weeks on the island of Porto Rico. 
 
 On Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 13, the vessel passed the statue of liberty 
 in the harbor of New York, but the regiment did not go ashore till the next 
 day. Our Congressman George Prince was prompt to welcome the lads, 
 and gave each captain ten dollars towards furnishing civilized food. Wed- 
 nesday night they boarded the cars for Springfield, and on Friday night 
 were in Camp Lincoln. On the Sunday following a committee of citizen.? 
 from Sterling and Rock Falls invited Company E to attend a banquet at 
 the Leland. How good the steaks, omelets, and coffee, prepared by delicate 
 cookery, tasted to famished appetites after coarse arlny rations. Cigars and 
 toasts were in order. C. L. Sheldon as toastmaster led a succession of speeches 
 by Col. -Foster, Chaplain Ferris, Captain Colebaugh, Major Anthony, Mayor 
 Miller, Ex-Mayor Street, Lieutenants Dillon and Wahl, and Robert McNeill 
 for Rock Falls. At one on the morning of Sept. 21, the train with the 
 returning soldiers left Springfield over the Burlington, and reached Sterling 
 at ten, and Morrison a little later. . A magnificent welcome. Bells rang, whis- 
 tles blew, crowds lined the streets, a day of jubilee. It was a Roman triumph 
 without barbaric spoils. 
 
 Home, home, sweet home ! 
 There's no place like home! 
 
 Four sick privates of Company E were left in hospital at Porto Rico: Fred 
 Sneed, Ernest Kahl, Leo Bushnell, and George Rounds. Corporal Luther 
 Allpress was placed on board a hospital ship. Of the sick members of Com- 
 pany I, fourteen were left on the island: Q. M. Sergeant Mathews, Ser- 
 geants Osborne and Rockey; Corporal Berry; and privates Brearton, Sweeney,. 
 Sears, Andrews, Freek, Smith, Lepper, Lueck, AVilkins, Patterson. Ralph 
 Humphrey of the hospital corps was detained in the mountains. Four mem- 
 bers of Company I died on ship or in hospital: Schuyler Sweeney, Ross 
 Wilkins, Thomas Phillips, and Ralph Humphrey.
 
 274 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er, 
 
 Sleep the sleep that knows no waking; 
 
 Dream of battlefields no more, 
 
 Days of danger, nights of waking. 
 
 After the sixty days' furlough expired, the boys returned to Springfield, signed 
 payrolls, received two and a half months' pay with balance due on clothing 
 and rations, and on Nov. 25th were again citizens instead of soldiers. 
 
 While the Sixth Illinois regiment led no forlorn hope, executed no 
 brilliant charge, they did their duty faithfully, and nobly responded to 
 every call for service. During their short term, they covered 3,000 miles 
 by rail, three thousand on the sea, besides tramping over two hundred miles 
 of mud and hill in Porto Rico. A general told Chaplain Ferris: "You. 
 should be proud of your men. They are soldiers, every inch of them." Gen- 
 eral Miles had the same opinion: "I had two regiments of Illinois volun- 
 teers in Porto Rico, and in justice I must say they stood the fatigue better 
 than the eastern troops. The Sixth Illinois was brigaded with the Sixth 
 Massachusetts, and I must say the boys from the prairies stood the cam- 
 paign better than the boys from the mills of New England." 
 
 A second company was organized in Sterling and Rock Falls with 
 Walter N. Haskell as captain. W. L. Emmons, first lieutenant, and G. A. 
 McKelvey, second lieutenant, to be part of a provisional regiment organized 
 by Gen. Clendenin, of Moline, but the speedy close of the war rendered their 
 services unnecessary. 
 
 Within a year or two after the war, several of the boys died of disease, 
 doubtless, of exposure in camp. Leo H. Bushnell, Bugler Roy Eshleman, 
 and Frank Aument, all of Company E, and Lieut. Ed Lawton and Albert 
 Anstett, of Company "I. 
 
 Sleep, soldiers, still in honored rest, 
 
 Your truth and valor wearing! 
 The bravest are the tenderest, 
 
 The loving are the daring. 
 
 A few were so enamored of the pomp and circumstance of glorious war 
 that they joined the regulars: Leslie Sheldon, Company M, Fourth U. S. 
 Infantry, Richard 0. Jones, Company H, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry, served 
 in the Philippines. Wilson R. Byers, Company E, Eighth U. S. Infantry, 
 served in Cuba. James P. Kereven, of Sterling, was at Santiago and El 
 Caney, and afterward died of typhoid fever at Montauk Point. Frank D. 
 Ely, an original member of Company E, subsequently graduated from West 
 Point, and was with his regiment at San Juan Hill and El Caney. Will H. 
 Allen, Morrison, was a lieutenant on the Oregon when that battleship made 
 her memorable run from the Pacific to participate in Sampson's fight off 
 Santiago. George H. Fay, Morrison, was the original captain of Company 
 I, a veteran of the Civil war, and during the War of 1898 was in the pay- 
 master's department with the rank of major. Henry C. Thompson, Fenton, 
 medical student, enlisted in Company E, Second Wisconsin volunteers, and 
 was later transferred to the ambulance corps.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 275 
 
 Since the war, both companies have kept up their organizations, meet- 
 ing for frequent drill in their armories. As to be expected, several changes 
 in the officers by resignation or promotion. But the boys are justly proud 
 of their patriotic experience, and grew as enthusiastic over San Juan or 
 El Caney as the veterans of the Civil war in their camp fire memories of 
 Chattanooga or Gettysburg. 
 
 When Johnny comes marching home again, 
 
 Hurrah, hurrah ! 
 We'll give him a hearty welcome then, 
 
 Hurrah, hurrah! 
 
 The men will cheer, the boys will shout, 
 The ladies they will all turn out 
 And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home. 
 
 SOLDIERS' REUNIONS. 
 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And never brought to min'? 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And days o' lang syne? Burns. 
 
 It was a happy thought of the boys in blue to start their yearly meet- 
 ings soon after the war, and keep fresh the friendships of the camp and 
 the field. The veterans of this section have formed the Northwestern Sol- 
 diers' and Sailors' Association with meetings at the different cities in the 
 territory comprised. In 1886 it was held in Sterling, and five hundred 
 soldiers were in attendance. August 24, 25, and 26 were the days of jubilee. 
 H. S. Street, Mayor of Sterling, gave the address of welcome at the amphi- 
 theater, to which Hon. J. D. Crabtree, of Dixon, replied. Short speeches 
 also by Hon. T. J. Henderson, H. D. Dement, and Chaplain Stillwell. The 
 expenses for tents, music, printing, drayage, and lumber were $265. A free 
 dinner was given on the last day by Will Robinson Post, of Sterling, to all 
 comrades and their wives. Entertainments were offered at the academy of 
 music. One evening at dress parade, two hundred soldiers were in line. It 
 was voted that the next year's Reunion be held at Dixon, August, 1887. 
 Time has passed on, the soldiers have kept up their annual jubilees, and 
 before us as we write is the program for the twenty-second reunion of the 
 soldiers and sailors at Sterling again, Sept. 11 and 12, 1906. A feast of 
 reason and flow of soul. The first day after a parade, there was at Central 
 Park a varied program of solos, welcome by Mayor Lewis, music by drum 
 corps, address by Comrade McConochie of Rock Island. In the evening, 
 music, recitations, and addresses by Gov. Van Sant, Rev. E. Lee Fleck, and 
 others. Wednesday was occupied with regimental reunions. In the middle 
 of September, 1907, the association gathered at Morrison, and 240 of the 
 grizzled heroes registered. Dozens of regiments, east and west, were repre- 
 sented from New York to Kansas. The attendance was larger than usual. 
 
 We quote from an appreciative report in the Morrison Sentinel:
 
 276 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 A fine picture "was presented when on our streets marched the soldiers of 
 the various regiments the 34th, 140th, Army of the Potomac, and the 
 75th, the old 75th. carrying the historic flag which led them during those 
 long months of war. The veterans kept time to the stirring martial music 
 and they straightened up and marched with almost as quick tread as on 
 that day long ago when they bade goodbye to loved ones and went bravely 
 forth to face the danger and horror of war. 
 
 The address by Hon. Thomas H. Gault of Chicago on Wednesday after- 
 noon was a fine effort and was fully appreciated by the large number of 
 people who gathered at the Auditorium to hear the exercises of the after- 
 noon. 
 
 Chaplain Smith was called upon for an address and gave one of his 
 characteristic lively and interesting talks .which everybody enjoyed. His 
 recital of incidents coming under his observation during the war held the 
 attention of the audience and received hearty applause at the close. 
 
 The regimental reunions were of. much interest and were well attended. 
 
 The 75th Illinois had a business meeting, and after thanking the ladies 
 of the W. R. C. for dinner, the boys decided to take a short march under 
 the comamnd of Cap. Frost, led by the old 75th flag and the drum corps. 
 This was done after the meeting adjourned. They marched several blocks 
 up and down Main street, stopping in front of the hotel to give the "old 
 flag" three cheers. 
 
 The deaths in the 75th during the past year as near as could be ascer- 
 tained were eight and were as follows : Lieut. P. S. Bannister, Co. C ; George 
 R. Shaw, Co. C; Wm. M. Lane, Co. C; W. W. Wilkins. Co. B; Russell D. 
 Hopkins, Co. E; John Lanphere, Co. B; M. E. Lovan, Co. A; A. B. Cady, 
 Co. B. 
 
 Their ranks are thinning, and every reunion witnesses a shorter march 
 and a scantier registry. 
 
 Slowly and sadly we laid him down, 
 
 From the field of his fame fresh and gory; 
 
 We carved not a line, and we raised not a stone 
 But we left him alone with his glory. Wolfe. 
 
 In 1907, J. V. McCarty, adjutant of Will Enderton post, G. A. R., Rock 
 Falls, received the following communication from Vespasian Warner, pen* 
 sion commissioner: 
 
 "Thanks for your report of the death of Captain William Parker, Com- 
 pany A, Seventy-fifth Illinois infantry. Yes, it is a little tough on us old 
 chaps. 32,666 died last year, which is about the harvest of death for ten 
 years past, over 300,000 deaths having been reported to this bureau during 
 that period. 
 
 "360,000 soldiers have applied for pensions under the act of February 
 6, 1907, which indicates that few are under the age of sixty-two and many 
 are seventy-five and upward. As some compensation for their advancing age 
 the law wisely provides a larger pension for the old men.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 277 
 
 "As the setting sun shines in our faces as we march down the western 
 slope of life to our bivouac in the valley, let us go forward with the same 
 unfaltering step as when in the brave days of the sixties we bore Old Glory 
 to the front on many a hard fought field, nor furled it until victory was won." 
 
 VISIT TO THE COUNTY ALMSHOUSE. 
 
 Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, 
 
 Whose trembling limbs have borne him to your door, 
 
 Whose days have dwindled to the shortest span, 
 Oh, give relief, and Heaven will bless your store. 
 
 Thomas Moss. 
 
 The easiest way to reach our public sanitarium from Sterling, is to 
 take the morning train at half past ten, and return at half past three. This 
 will permit a stay of four hours, enough for a satisfactory examination. You 
 get off at Eound Grove station, and walk a mile to the west, unless an 
 automobile awaits you at the cars. 
 
 There is a cluster of houses, about twenty, at the station, two stores, 
 the elevator of J. A. Mathew, a pumping apparatus to furnish a tank hold- 
 ing 51,000 gallons to supply the numerous freight trains that take water. 
 An extensive creamery that receives 3,000 pounds every other day in the 
 fall, and 6,000 in summer. It is controlled by the John Newman Com- 
 pany, Elgin, and has been in operation for several years. R. J. Koepsell is 
 manager. The most spacious mansion in the village is that of Mrs. Knox, 
 which is conspicuous on the ridge, and belongs to the Simonson farm of 
 400 acres, left by that early family. 
 
 As iwe pass through the village and up the hill, to the east is a Union 
 church, supplied by a minister from Morrison. To the west at the corner 
 a handsome new schoolhouse, frame, painted white, two rooms, built in 1906 
 at a cost of $4,000. Two young ladies from Morrison in charge, Mary Ward 
 and Edna Stone. Flowers in the window give a home air to the common 
 routine of study. An excellent feature in the construction of the basement. 
 There is a cement floor with the furnace on one side, and on the other sepa- 
 rated by a partition, a commodious room where the children can play in 
 the bleak days of winter. 
 
 Now we turn west for the county house. What stately buildings. Seen 
 from the railroad by the tourist, they might be taken for the country seat 
 of a wealthy banker. The main edifice is 72 feet front, 60 feet deep, three 
 stories and attic, surmounted by a cupola, commanding a wide view over 
 a rich landscape. The first story is of stone, and divided into a dining room, 
 kitchen, vegetable and fruit cellars, men's sitting rooms. The upper stories 
 are brick, and contain eleven sleeping rooms of various sizes, for two or 
 four beds. An annex to the kitchen for a store room. On the second floor 
 are apartments for the family of the superintendent. 
 
 Some years ago a brick annex was built on the east side, occupied by 
 insane patients before the law was passed requiring their removal to state 
 institutions. Watertown, near Moline, is now the most convenient. In
 
 278 HISTORY OP WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 front of both edifices is a large yard containing grass, flowers, evergreens, 
 and shrubbery. Cement walks everywhere. All the necessary out-buildings 
 in the form of ice and milk houses. Two pumps furnish water to the house 
 and the stock tanks in the barn yard. East of the main edifice is a garden 
 for vegetables, grapes, cherries, and strawberries. In front, across the road 
 an old orchard with walnut and butternut trees, and also a young orchard 
 bearing fall and winter apples. 
 
 The present population of the place comprises 24 men and seven women. 
 In various conditions of health. Those who are able help about the kitchen, 
 laundry, farm and garden. Wholesome food in bountiful supply. Break- 
 fast is generally of hot cakes, butter and syrup. Dinner of meat and gravy, 
 vegetables and tea, with turkey, pie or pudding on holidays. Supper of tea, 
 bread and butter, fried potatoes, sauce and cake. 
 
 To keep this family in proper condition, careful housekeeping is essen- 
 tial, and C. L. Houck and wife are equal to the situation, who have been 
 here three years. Huge loaves of bread, three times a week, 150 sacks of 
 flour a year. Delmonico could not have equaled our dinner at twelve. 
 
 As there is an extensive farm of 192 acres of land, numerous build- 
 ings are necessary, and seldom will you find so complete and substantial a 
 set of every kind of structure for all the needs of modern agriculture: a 
 bank barn with stone basement with stalls for twelve head of horses and 
 fourteen cows, with bins for grain and mows for hay above, a long corn crib, 
 a hen house, a hog pen with four acres attached for exercise, a cattle shed, 
 another corn crib, another hog house with concrete foundation and oak 
 floor, and a commodious shed for shelter of wagons and implements. The 
 live stock varies. At present, 12 horses and mules, 36 head of cattle, 120 
 hogs and 13 milk cows, which supply the wants of the institution. 
 
 Whoe'er has traveled life's dull round, 
 
 Where'er his stages may have been, 
 May sigh to think he still has found 
 
 His warmest welcome at an inn. 
 
 These forlorn inmates would gladly endorse Shenstone's familiar stanza, 
 for they are really enjoying more comfort than some ever had in their earlier 
 days. 
 
 The institution dates from 1869, when the Board of Supervisors ap- 
 pointed James M. Pratt, L. S. Pennington and H. R. Sampson to select a 
 site for a poor farm near a railroad, and also to erect suitable buildings. 
 The farm of William Knox on the Morrison road was selected at $45 per 
 acre, 108 acres, and buildings were authorized at a cost not to exceed $15,000. 
 The main building and barn were completed in 1870. The Insane Annex 
 was added in 1875 at a cost of over $7,000. 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 West of the county house along the Morrison road is the last resting 
 place of the loved and lost of many a home of the neighborhood. At the 
 entrance of wrought iron is the inscription, "This fence and arch donated
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 279 
 
 by Mrs. C. G. Curtis, 1906." We notice the graves of several soldiers of 
 the Civil war. Thos. Mason, Co. G, 75th Illinois Infantry. Peter Barbery, 
 Co. H, 8th Illinois Cavalry. David Symonds, Co. B, 13th Illinois. Wm. 
 P. Crump, Co. B, 34th Illinois. J. S. Green, Co. B, 75th Illinois. Sergeant 
 O. A. Seeley, Co. C, 75th Illinois. 
 
 Rest on, emblamed and sainted dead, 
 Dear as the blood ye gavel 
 
 The oldest tomb is that of Thomas Mayhew, 1808-1892. In one corner are 
 numerous monuments of. granite to members of the Knox family. There 
 are two acres in the enclosure. 
 
 Our visit to our county infirmary was made very pleasant and instructive 
 by the courtesy of Mr. A. D. Hill, who was in charge of the reception room, 
 and who is thoroughly acquainted with the affairs of the institution. He 
 began his career as a teacher, founded the Prophetetown Spike, and has had 
 long experience in editorial work. He wields a ready pen, and much of 
 the information in this sketch was derived from an exhaustive article which 
 he contributed to the Prophetstown Echo. 
 
 Since the infirmary was opened five superintendents have been in charge, 
 Hurd, King, Barnum, Ely and Willsey. Since the death of Mr. Willsey, 
 Mrs. Willsey has shown great efficiency in the discharge of the onerous duties. 
 
 THE ANNUAL BANQUET. 
 
 But the crowning event of the year at the sanitarium is the feast given 
 the supervisors after their regular inspection of the property. A red letter 
 day for the officials and the charitable inmates. Mrs. Ira Willsey was mis- 
 tress of ceremonies at the function given in December, 1907, and she ac- 
 quitted herself to the admiration of her official guests. Perhaps as a speci- 
 men of Whiteside festal enjoyment at the opening of this century, the fol- 
 lowing description contributed by A. D. Hill to the Gazette, will be found 
 curious and entertaining: 
 
 The bill of fare consisted of six turkeys with dressing, cranberry sauce, 
 escalloped oysters, celery, olives, pickles, jellies, mince pie, cheese, coffee, 
 bread and butter with a dessert of chocolate, cocoanut, fruit cakes, angel food, 
 grapes and oranges. The tables was placed in T shape in the chief sitting 
 room of the house with decorations of purple, yellow and white chrysanthe- 
 mums, and the feast was presided over by the hostess assisted by her son, 
 Dr. Frank B. Willsey of Chicago, while Mrs. E. W. Mitchell, Mrs. Bert Knox 
 and the help in the house made themselves useful in serving the guests 
 promptly at 1 o'clock p. m. 
 
 The supervisors were brought in carriages and other vehicles from 
 Morrison after adjournment of the regular session. Those accompanied by 
 their wives were: William W. Blean, Albany; H. L. Halsted, Coloma; 
 Thomas Mclaughlin, Fenton; C. C. Snyder, Fulton; Mathias Wolber, Gen- 
 esee; C. Frank Seidel, Hopkins; Henry Brown, Hume; Elmer Mensch, Jor- 
 dan; Allen E. Parmenter, Lyndon; Oscar Woods, Mt. Pleasant; Theodore 
 Frank, Montmorency; Mrs. John G. Wetzell, Sterling; Frank A. Thomas,' 
 Tampico; Frank Moulton, Union Grove.
 
 280 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Those single men were: Joseph Wood, Clyde; E. Peckham, Erie; John 
 Renner, Hahnaman; James Y. McCall, Newton; Bert Besse, Portland; El- 
 wood Beeman, Prophetstown ; H. J. Simpson, Garden Plain ; Adam Beien, 
 John S. Landis, Sterling; John J. Entwhistle, Ustick. After the dinner and 
 inspection has been concluded, some of the company was taken to the sta- 
 tion at Round Grove, and the rest returned to Morrison. And thus success- 
 fully ended the ninth annual dinner given by the Willseys at the White- 
 side county poor farm. 
 
 "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And never brought to mind; 
 "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 
 And the days of auld lang syne?" 
 
 In order that the reader may . have some idea of the operations of a 
 county house, we clip the following statement from a report submitted to 
 the supervisors at their meeting in March, 1908: 
 
 RECEIPTS FROM FARM. 
 
 Hogs sold $1,097.60 
 
 Corn sold 583.60 
 
 Oats sold 48.50 
 
 Cattle sold 220.00 
 
 1 Calf sold 9.30 
 
 Hides sold 5.60 
 
 1 Bull sold : 32.70 
 
 Cash for board and care of Wm. Harmon to Mar. 1, 1908 96.00 
 
 $2,093.30 
 
 EXPENDITURES. 
 
 Superintendent's salary $1,200.00 
 
 Clothing, Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes 297.93 
 
 Groceries 440.63 
 
 Plumbing 92.34 
 
 Farm Machinery 113.55 
 
 Hardware 98.75 
 
 Repairs 80.10 
 
 Coal and Wood : . . 424.29 
 
 Fresh Meats 196.80 
 
 Drugs and Medicine 84.97 
 
 Hired Help 1,009.22 
 
 Furniture and Undertaking 200.60 
 
 Insurance 16.00 
 
 Lumber and Material 227.36 
 
 Grain and Grass Seed 19.80 
 
 Stock Hog 18.00 
 
 Telephone 13.00 
 
 Total Expenditures $4,533.34 
 
 Less Receipts from Farm 2,093.30 
 
 Net Cost to County . .$2,440.04
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 281 
 
 A few rods west of Round Grove on the north side of the railroad has 
 stood for years a large two-story frame dwelling, that by its ragged and worn 
 appearance shows the storms of many a winter. It was built by Simon Fel- 
 low of New Hampshire, who came to Illinois in 1834, settling first in Lee 
 county until he came to Whiteside in 1850. His wife was Miss Elizabeth 
 Deyo of Jordan. Eight children gladdened the hearthstone. 
 
 All are scattered now and fled, 
 Some are married, some are dead. 
 
 Edward owns the early homestead. Albert was in the 4th Illinois cavalry 
 and died in 1866. Charles was in the 75th Illinois infantry, and lives in. 
 Unionville. Mrs. Fellows died in 1890 at 74. The father died in Nov., 
 1907 at 92. A good Methodist, reading his Bible and praying twice a day. 
 
 THE HENNEPIN CANAL. 
 
 As Egypt does not on the clouds rely, 
 
 But to the Nile owes more than to the sky; 
 
 So what our earth and what our heaven denies, 
 
 Our ever constant friend, the sea, supplies. Edmund Waller. 
 
 Fashions change in dress, and methods change in transportation. First 
 ox carts and wagons. Teamsters used to haul goods in four-horse wagons 
 from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and emigrants made the toilsome journey 
 across the plains to California in prairie schooners. Then came the era of 
 steamboats on the Ohio and the Mississippi, and people pitied their ancestors 
 in the cramped stage coach, and believed they had reached the luxury of 
 travel. Next the iron tracks running up and down the states and across the 
 continent to meet the demand of commerce for rapid transit. Now, the 
 electric lines piercing every valley, and stopping at every farmer's door. 
 
 Before the railway, the canal was deemed the best method of communica- 
 tion where there was no natural outlet. The Erie canal from that lake to 
 the Hudson was the first great enterprise in this country, and its opening 
 in 1825 was signalized by a grand demonstration, and Gov. DeWitt Clinton, 
 its projector, was carried in a triumphal barge to New York. Similar schemes 
 were soon undertaken, and for twenty years the canal was popular for travel 
 as well as for freight. Slow, but sure and safe. No collision or explosion, 
 and the tourist reached his home without loss of life or limb. Passenger 
 packets made regular trips. The writer as late as 1851 journeyed on the 
 canal from Johnstown to Pittsburgh. No other way, as the Pennsylvania Cen- 
 tral was not completed. An old Mitchell's map of the United States, 1835, 
 has some tables giving the lengths of the railroads and of the canals. The 
 two longest railroads were the Baltimore and Ohio, 250 miles, and the Bos- 
 ton and Albany, 200 miles. The Erie canal was 363 miles, and the Chesa- 
 peake and Ohio, 341 miles. These figures tell their own story. The canal 
 was evidently at a premium. 
 
 But the age of enormous railway construction came on, and canals 
 were neglected or abandoned. In some cases, the bed was used for a track.
 
 282 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The locks rotted away, and grass grew on the towpaths. Conditions, how- 
 ever, have rapidly changed. The increasing traffic of the world needs every 
 avenue of communication by land and by water. Where natural arteries of 
 transit are wanting, they must be created. Why a tedious voyage around 
 Good Hope, when a deep ditch through the desert will convey the hugest 
 steamers of the ocean? So thought De Lesseps, and it must have been a 
 proud day for the French engineer when in 1869 before the crowned heads 
 of Europe the Suez canal was opened from the Mediterranean to the Red 
 Sea, shortening the time from London to Bombay twenty-four days, and 
 cutting down the distance from 11,000 miles to about six thousand. The 
 cost of construction was nearly sixty million dollars, and the receipts in 
 1889 were over thirteen millions. A very profitable investment from every 
 standpoint. 
 
 This success led to the Panama Canal in 1879, a dream for centuries. 
 Why navigate the South American coast for ten thousand miles, around the 
 dangerous Horn, when a cut of fifty miles will pass vessels to the mild 
 waters of the Pacific? A company was formed and bonds sold, but after 
 two hundred millions were spent and only twelve miles completed, the con- 
 cern went into bankruptcy in 1889. The good genius of De Lesseps for- 
 sook the gray-haired man. Now Uncle Samuel has secured rights from the 
 Central American states, assumed all obligations, and is digging the much- 
 discussed ditch in good earnest. No failure this time. As John Pierpont 
 sang of the Yankee boy : 
 
 And when his hand's upon it, you may know, 
 There's go in it, and he'll make it go. 
 
 For a hundred years rivers and harbors have been a standing item in 
 the national appropriation bills. There is a constant demand for the im- 
 provement of our large streams and the great ports of foreign trade. Our 
 waterways, indeed, are a prominent feature, of late, in speeches, messages, 
 and conventions. A direct connection between the Mississippi river and the 
 Great Lakes has long been felt to be very convenient in time of peace, and 
 vitally important in time of war. 
 
 ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 
 
 Over 200 years ago, Joliet and La Salle, the early French explorers, 
 saw the ease of constructing a passage from Lake Michigan to the Illinois 
 river, and thus forming a continuous channel to the gulf of Mexico. In 
 1801 Alfred Gallatin recommended the scheme, and in 1816 a survey was 
 made. In 1827 Congress gave to the state 300,000 acres of land for canal 
 purposes, work was begun in 1836, and twelve years later the canal was 
 opened for navigation at a cost of six millions. Since that time almost as- 
 much has been spent for improvement and repairs. This canal extends 
 from Chicago to La Salle, connecting the Chicago and Illinois rivers. It 
 is 96 miles long, with a depth of six feet, and a width of sixty feet at the 
 water line.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 CHICAGO SANITARY CANAL, 
 
 by which the current of Chicago river is turned into the Illinois river from 
 the metropolis, is the most colossal work ever undertaken for the sewerage 
 of a city. The entire length is thirty-four miles, and it was completed in 
 eight years, 1892-1900, at the cost of $37,000,000. But it is richly worth 
 the immense outlay in municipal health. The first eight miles from the 
 city, the channel is nearly 200 feet wide, with a depth of twenty-two feet. 
 For fourteen miles its course was blasted through solid rock, forming a 
 decided contrast to the sides of the Suez canal with its banks of shifting sand. 
 
 The reader may naturally ask, What have these other two canals to 
 do with the Hennepin? As St. Paul would say, Much every way. With- 
 out them the Hennepin would fail in its purpose. Without the old Michi- 
 gan canal, boats on the Hennepin could not reach Chicago or the lakes, and 
 without the Hennepin, boats from the lakes could not reach the upper Mis- 
 sissippi without making the circuit of the Illinois river, two hundred miles 
 to the south. In other words, the Hennepin, tapping the Michigan canal 
 near its terminus at La Salle, furnishes a direct communication with the 
 Northern Mississippi and its tributary territory. A glance at the map will 
 show the situation. 
 
 It is at least sixty years ago that the project of a canal along the route 
 of the present Hennepin began to be discussed, and the claim has lately 
 been made that the idea was born in the brain of Major James M. Allan, 
 of Geneseo, and that L. D. Whiting, of Tiskilwa, and John H. Bryant gave 
 the plan their hearty support. A canal convention was held in Sawyer's 
 hall, Geneseo, and other conventions were held at Dixon, Sterling, and 
 interested towns in the district. Public attention was aroused, the scheme 
 was presented at Springfield and Washington, in 1871 a preliminary sur- 
 vey was made, and in 1890 Congress made an appropriation of $500,000 to 
 begin the work. Thomas J. Henderson, member from this district, was 
 the champion on the floor in pushing the claims of the new waterway. 
 
 The length of the main line of the Hennepin canal from Milan, on 
 Rock river, near its mouth, to the town of Hennepin on the Illinois river, 
 is seventy-five miles. Excavation was begun at Milan in July, 1892, when 
 Capt. L. L. Wheeler, civil engineer, in charge of the work, turned the first 
 sod with a spade which is now in the Historical Society at Davenport. The 
 depth of water is seven feet, and the width of the cut is 52 feet at the bottom, 
 and eighty at the water line. There are thirty-three locks, measuring thirty- 
 five feet by one hundred and seventy, with lifts varying from six to twelve 
 feet. Two aqueducts carry the canal over Green river, one at the lower 
 end of the feeder, the other at the western end of the canal near Rock river. 
 There are fifty-two culverts that carry small brooks, drainage ditches, and 
 other water courses under the canal-. 
 
 THE HENNEPIN FEEDER. 
 
 In order to keep a suitable stage of water in the canal proper, a feeder 
 is necessary from Rock river. Where shall it tap the crystal current of this
 
 284 HISTORY OF WHTTESIDE COUNTY 
 
 stream? It will be a point of travel and traffic for all time to come. Dixon 
 and Sterling both felt its importance, and put in a claim for the terminus 
 of the feeder. (X L. Sheldon and C. C. Johnson, in an interview with Hon. 
 Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War, at Washington, in regard to the matter, 
 were informed that the government in its decision would be guided by the 
 length of route and economy of construction. The necessary funds were 
 subscribed by the citizens of Sterling and Rock Falls, and a survey made 
 by the late Frank E. Andrews. The survey and estimates showed conclu- 
 sively that the route from Rock Falls was not only over eleven miles shorter 
 than that from Dixon, but that numerous items of large expense could be 
 avoided. These figures were decisive, and the feeder was recommended from 
 Rock Falls. It starts east of Rock Falls, runs almost south, joining the 
 main canal in Bureau county, a distance of 29.3 miles. The depth of water 
 is seven feet. When the feeder proposition was first broached, a fear was 
 felt that so much water would be drawn from Rock river as to seriously 
 lessen the main current of the stream, but this has proven unfounded. The 
 feeder once full, there is little loss by evaporation. 
 
 THE FEEDER DAM. 
 
 This leaves the Rock Falls shore just below the entrance of the feeder 
 into Rock river and strikes the Sterling or north side between Tenth and 
 Eleventh avenues. The length is over 1,300 feet, and with the flash boards 
 in place will raise the water above its common level eleven and a half feet. 
 Beginning on the south side, besides the abutment, there are eighteen huge 
 piers, each 34 feet long, 17 feet high, and six feet wide. Each contains 120 
 yards of concrete in which 135 barrels of cement 'were used. Between these 
 piers are the ponderous controlling steel gates which are raised or lowered 
 to regulate the flow of the water. Where these piers end, the center dam, 
 500 feet long, begins. It consists of heavy timber cribs, bolted together, 
 and the space inside filled with rubble obtained from blasting the bed of 
 the river. The up-river face of the dam is sheathed with steel plates one- 
 quarter of an inch thick to protect the wood from ice, and the down-river 
 slope is faced with three-inch oak plank. It is over this central slope that 
 the river flows, sparkling in a long and wide crystal sheet like the old style 
 dams of our childhood. From the end of the crib section are a series of con- 
 crete piers, similar to those on the south side, extending to the abutment on 
 the north bank. Here will be placed the power house, fifty feet wide and 
 167 feet long to contain the electric generators attached to the water wheels 
 below. In six flumes, twelve turbine wheels will be installed in pairs, each 
 pair occupying one flume. A tail race excavated in the solid rock eleven 
 feet below the river bed will carry the water from the wheels. 
 
 The water had been raised nine feet at the dam, and the back water 
 extends to Dixon. The overflow has inundated 1,436 acres of land, which 
 has cost the government $103,787. This inundation extends eight miles 
 above the dam. The estimated cost of the feeder dam was put at $100,000, 
 but Capt. Wheeler thinks it will not exceed $90,000. The cost of the canal 
 and feeder will reach about $7,250,000. The yearly maintenance of the
 
 . HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 285 
 
 canal will take about $150,000, to be borne by the government. Consid- 
 ering the national value of the enterprise, these figures seem trifling. New 
 York expended over twenty millions on her Albany capitol, and Philadel- 
 phia a similar sum on her city hall, and they are structures of local con- 
 venience. 
 
 At the entrance of the feeder to the river there is a guard lock to pro- 
 tect the canal from high water in the river. This is very important. As 
 much of the canal passes through a flat country, and at places, above its 
 level, a freshet in the river, would soon rise above the banks of the canal, 
 and flood the lowlands, producing wide-spread destruction. This lock is 
 250 feet long, and 35 feet wide between the walls. As an additional pro- 
 tection, there are collapsible needle dams provided at each end of the lock. A 
 neat iron bridge over the top of the guard lock offers a passage to the east 
 from Second Avenue, Rock Falls. 
 
 The canal is spanned by seventy highway bridges and eight railway 
 bridges. These all have concrete abutments, and the highway bridges being 
 at a considerable elevation above the water, require a long and gradual ap- 
 proach. As the bridges over the feeder are not high enough to permit the 
 passage of barges and tugs over twelve feet high, both Mr. Wheeler and Major 
 Riche believe that to allow unrestricted traffic, these structures must be raised 
 to the level first established by the engineers. The construction of the locks and 
 canal walls near Milan, the western terminus, is the first case in the United 
 States where cement was substituted for cut stone, which costs nearly twice 
 as much as concrete. Its successful use here has resulted in its adoption by the 
 government, railways, and great corporations everywhere for similar work. 
 It is said the total amount of concrete material in the canal is sufficient to 
 make a four foot cement sidewalk to Boston. 
 
 A short distance from the guard lock, fronting Second avenue, Rock 
 Falls, and commanding a fine view of the dam from shore to shore, is the 
 government building, a spacious square structure, very substantial with its 
 concrete walls and red tile roof. The east half, first and second story, is 
 devoted to public offices in connection with the business of the canal, the west 
 section to household rooms for the use of the janitor. The large area sur- 
 rounding the edifice, will, doubtless, in time become a miniature park where 
 amid trees and shrubbery and flower beds the visitor can enjoy the waterfall 
 and its massive handiwork. 
 
 It is too early to estimate the benefits that will accrue to Sterling, Rock 
 Falls, Dixon, indeed, the whole adjoining valley, from this magnificent im- 
 provement. Electric power enough can be generated at the dam to run end- 
 less mills and factories on either bank, and make the combined cities the 
 Pittsburgh of Illinois. The feeder and canal will create for this section direct 
 communication with central Illinois, securing for us cheaper coal, and open- 
 ing a market for grain and other produce. In fact, at every point along the 
 route, warehouses will furnish a home market for farmers to send freight or 
 receive it. Already a company has been formed to operate boats and barges 
 for the transfer of freight and passengers between this point and Peoria, and 
 other places on the Illinois river.
 
 288 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Aside from the direct commercial advantage of the waterway, is the 
 prospect of local travel. Navigation on Rock river is no longer a tradition, it 
 is a coming reality. Small excursion steamers will make frequent trips 
 between Sterling and Dixon, giving people an opportunity of admiring the 
 picturesque scenery of our noble stream, or down the feeder through the 
 fertile plains of our southern border, or into the Illinois with its stir of traffic 
 or legends of La Salle. The dam formed by the government has really given 
 the citizens of the two cities a lovely little lake, where boats and launches 
 may safely glide as on a summer sea. A home harbor of delight. 
 
 My soul today is far away 
 Sailing the Vesuvian bay. 
 
 HOLIDAY OPENING OF THE HENNEPIX. 
 
 Rise, lass, and mak a clean fireside, 
 
 Put on the muckle pot; 
 Gie little Kate her cotton gown, 
 
 And Jock his Sunday coat, 
 And mak thedr shoon as black as slaes, 
 
 Their hose as white as snow ; 
 It's a' to please my ain gudeman, 
 
 For he's been long awa'. W. J. Mickle. 
 
 As the feeder and the dam, the last stage in the national undertaking, 
 approached completion, it was decided to mark the event with a suitable dem- 
 onstration. Preparations began months ahead, invitations were sent far and 
 wide, and nothing was left undone to arouse the enthusiasm of the popular 
 heart. October 24, 1907, was the date selected, and it proved ideal. The 
 weather was superb. The clear sky, the grass still green, temperature mild, 
 and the foliage slightly turned to gold and crimson, bathed in the mellow 
 sunlight, made the landscape glorious, and the occasion inspiring. Both 
 Sterling and Rock Falls were in gala attire. Stores and public buildings 
 were profusely and elaborately decorated, and the stars and stripes waved 
 over the streets and floated from every flag staff. The people began to arrive 
 from the country for miles in every direction at an early hour, while the 
 regular and special trains came loaded with eager passengers. By ten in the 
 morning the sidewalks on Third street were a moving mass of men, women 
 and children, dressed in their best 'bib and tucker, patiently waiting for the 
 promised show. No similar crowd ever gathered in the streets since the fair 
 of 1880 when the lamented generals, Grant and Logan, were the heroic 
 attractions. Some estimates place the multitude at 25,000. The pageant 
 began in the morning with a parade, Abram Caughey, marshal of the day. 
 The first section consisted of the mounted police, the Sixth Regiment band 
 with Major Lowrie, and Cos. I, G and E of the Sixth Regiment. The second 
 and larger section was industrial, representing the mercantile and manufac- 
 turing interests of the two cities. Every separate establishment had its float, 
 and many of them were elegant and ingenious. It was the longest and most 
 ambitious procession ever attempted by the cities. It was headed by the Banda
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 287 
 
 Verde. The parade was about two and a half miles in length, and required one 
 hour to pass. 
 
 Now let us sing, Long live the king, 
 
 And Gilpin, Long live hel 
 And when he next doth ride abroad, 
 May I be there to see. 
 
 Another pageant in the afternoon. This time aquatic. Boats and 
 launches from Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon, assembled on the river near 
 the Water works, under command of Commodore Ben Eick, and after some 
 evolutions, moved through the gates into the feeder, sailed down far as the 
 Dixon avenue bridge, and then returning gave another parade on the river. 
 There were fifty boats, all beautifully decorated, in line, and the display ex- 
 ceeded every expectation. It was the privilege of Miss Grace Wheeler, young- 
 est daughter of Captain and Mrs. Wheeler, to swing back the big gates, and as 
 the band discoursed a lively air, permit the young fleet to float on the smooth 
 waters of the feeder. 
 
 Never in the annals of Whiteside were so many prominent visitors 
 assembled. No star actor like Senator Douglas in 1855, or Abraham Lincoln 
 in 1856, but a long array of men of distinction in every department of public 
 life, governors, congressmen, engineers, legislators, mayors, editors, organizers. 
 Among the worthies of the occasion may be mentioned: 
 
 Governor Charles S. Deneen of Springfield ; ex-Governor Samuel R. A 7 an 
 Sant of Minnesota whose home is now at Minneapolis ; Frank 0. Lowden of 
 Oregon, 111., our congressman, and his secretary, James R. Cowley; Congress- 
 man Joseph V. Graff of Peoria; Congressman Ben H. Caldwell of Spring- 
 field ; ex-Congressman Thomas J. Henderson of Princeton, 111. ; Colonel Clark 
 E. Carr of Galesburg, excongressman from that district; Senator James W. 
 Templeton of Princeton ; representative Frank Covey of Belvidere ; Edmund 
 Jackson of Fulton, member state board of equalization; C. C. Duffy of 
 Ottawa, clerk of the appellate court for the thirteenth district ; Fred E. Sterl- 
 ing, editor of the Rockford Register-Gazette and candidate for nomination 
 for secretary of state ; Judge Emory C. Graves -of Henry county and Judge 
 Farrand of Dixon. 
 
 Among the government engineers and waterway people present Tvere 
 Major C. S. Riche of Rock Island, J. W. McGee of the inland waterway com- 
 mission, one of President Roosevelt's advisors concerning waterway projects. 
 Hon. Thomas Wilkinson of Burlington, who is president of the Upper Mis- 
 sissippi Improvement association; Hon. T. A. Murphy of Davenport, a son 
 of the late Hon. Jerry Murphy of that city, who was one of the fathers of the 
 Hennepin project. 
 
 Chicago was represented by John M. Glenn, secretary of the Illinois 
 manufacturers association ; Guy Guernsey, clerk of the Cook county probate 
 court and proprietor of Kent law college; W. H. Manns, industrial commis- 
 sioner of the Chicago Association of Commerce ; Clayton E. Crafts, formerly 
 speaker of the house of representatives; Malcolm McDowell of the Central 
 Trust company; Walter H. Moore of E. B. Moore & Co.; George Bonnell of
 
 -288 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the Northwestern railway; H. D. Judson and E. R. Puffer of the Burling- 
 ton road. 
 
 Nearly every county official of Whiteside and Lee counties was present, 
 .as well as the editors of various journals throughout the valley. 
 
 O, as a bee upon the flower, I hang 
 Upon the honey of thy eloquent tongue. 
 
 After dinner the oratorical part of the program was to take place. Early 
 in the afternoon the crowd began to gather, and the animated movements of 
 the people on the shore, and the evolutions of the gay launches on the water, 
 made a very pretty picture. The exercises were held on the Rock Falls side. 
 'The platform stood near the mouth of the feeder, the muffled roar of the 
 raging current in the river furnishing a bass acompaniment to the words of the 
 Websters. The seats on the stand were occupied by the honored guests of the 
 occasion. John S. Stager, secretary of the Sterling Industrial Association, 
 called the meeting to order, and introduced Governor Charles S. Deneen who 
 spoke on the value of the work in every point of view. Illinois has long 
 ranked high in agriculture, but she has coal and other resources for un- 
 limited development in manufacture, and needs the improvement of her 
 waterways to send her products over the vast tributary territory in which she 
 occupies so advantageous a position. He believed the people of the state 
 would authorize the expenditure of twenty million dollars to make the chan- 
 nel of the Illinois river a great avenue of traffic. 
 
 Ex-Governor Van Sant, of Minnesota, expressed his deep interest in the 
 success of the canal, and believed that these improved waterways would solve 
 the transportation problem. His suggestion that the two cities by their con- 
 tinual co-operation would best secure their common prosperity, was received 
 with applause. 
 
 As Col. Frank 0. Lowden was announced, the audience sent up a hearty 
 cheer of welcome for our congressman. He hoped to see the day when he can 
 ship grain from his farm on Rock river, and he proposed during the next 
 session of congress to urge a lock in the dam as a desideratum in the naviga- 
 tion of the river. He advised the cities to secure plenty of space for terminal 
 facilities before private interests would interfere with the freedom of public 
 traffic. 
 
 Congressman Benjamin Caldwell, of Springfield, followed in a similar 
 strain, and elicited much applause when he said that he was in favor of a 
 lock in the dam allowing boats access to the river below. Introduce the bill, 
 and I shall not only vote for it myself, but secure the votes of other members. 
 
 When Gen. Thomas J. Henderson arose, still vigorous at eighty-two, 
 voice little impaired by time, he was easily the most impressive and historic 
 figure of the day. He reviewed his long struggle in the House for the Hen- 
 nepin project, and maintained that the time has come when canals are im- 
 perative improvements, and that the government owes their construction and 
 support to the people. 
 
 Dr. J. W. McGee, of Iowa, chairman of the inland water-way com- 
 mission, and one of the advisers of President Roosevelt on this subject, was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 289- 
 
 confident that with the advantages of the Hennepin so apparent, other ship 
 canals would follow at no distant day. 
 
 Hon. Clayton E. Crafts, formerly speaker of the Illinois House, repre- 
 sented the Chicago Association of Commerce, and declared that Chicago took 
 great interest in the canal as it meant cheaper transportation for the metrop- 
 olis as well as for the people of this section. 
 
 Col. Clark E. Carr, of Galesburg, predicted that the Hennepin will do- 
 for the cities along its banks what the Erie canal has done for the cities of 
 central New York, and that Sterling and Rock Falls 'are to enter upon a 
 career of unexampled prosperity. 
 
 This was the last address, and ended the flow of eloquence. The band 
 played a selection, and the multitude gradually dispersed to their homes. 
 The October pageant of the Hennepin feeder had become a happy memory 
 forever. 
 
 And now, 'tis silent all, 
 Enchantress, fare thee well! 
 
 HENNEPIN IN A NUTSHELL. 
 
 1883 Bill providing for the construction of canal passed. 
 
 1890 Captain L. L. Wheeler assumed charge of work on canal. 
 
 1890 Congress appropriated $500,000 for work on canal. 
 .'1892 Congress appropriated another $500,000. 
 
 "* 1892 First dirt taken from the canal at Milan. Contractors start work 
 on the west end of the main line. 
 
 1894 Congress appropriated $190,000. 
 
 1895 Citizens of Rock Island, Davenport and Moline and Milan joined 
 in monstor celebration and canal was dedicated. 
 
 1896 Congress listens to plea of Sterling and Rock Falls citizens and 
 location of the mouth of the feeder is changed to Rock Falls and $45,000 is- 
 appropriated. 
 
 1898 Congress appropriated $875,000 and work on feeder is started. 
 
 1898 Congress appropriated $1,427,740. 
 
 Oct. 21, 1907 Celebration at Milan over completion of canal. 
 
 . 24, 1907 Canal formally opened and water turned into feeder at 
 Rock Fals. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1907 Steamer Marion begins first cruise through canal at 
 Bureau. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1907 Steamer Marion completes trip through main line of 
 canal and reached Rock Island. 
 
 CAUTION TO TRESPASSERS. 
 
 Supt. L. L. Wheeler has published a set of rules and regulations to 
 govern boats and the operation of the canal. The following contain the main 
 points of the regulations : 
 
 Trespassing is strictly forbidden on the lands along the canal and cut- 
 ting of trees or digging in the banks is prohibited. Advertisements of any 
 sort cannot be posted on the fences, piers, bridges or abutments. No refuse
 
 290 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 matter may be thrown on the right of way except ashes which may be thrown 
 on the towpath. 
 
 Stock will not be permitted to graze on the right of way nor will per- 
 sons be permitted to ride or drive on the embankment. 
 
 No hunting will be permitted along the banks of the canal except on 
 permission of the superintendent. 
 
 No alcoholic drinks may be sold from any boat in the canal. 
 
 Fishing will not be permitted within 100 feet of any fishway or lock. 
 Nets will not be permitted in the canal under any circumstances. 
 
 The speed of all boats is limited to six miles an hour and rules governing 
 the passing of boats and the order of precedence through locks, etc., are given. 
 Pleasure boats, etc., will only be put through lock in the morning and 
 evening unless they happen to be locked through with a larger boat. 
 
 The violation of any of the rules or regulations is punishable by a fine' 
 as high as $500 or imprisonment for six months at the discretion of the 
 United States District court. 
 
 THE MILK INDUSTRY. 
 
 0, Mirth and Innocence! 0, Milk and Water! 
 Ye happy mixtures of more happy days ! Byron. 
 
 Man from a savage state has passed through the stone age, the iron age, 
 the copper, now he is in the age of steel. So the farmer in the West has had 
 his stages. First wheat, winter or spring, was the main crop. With a big 
 yield, the land was often paid for. When goods were bought at the store, 
 payment was to be made "after harvest," and if harvest was poor, the mer- 
 chant had to carry the farmer for another year. As the ground failed to pro- 
 duce wheat, then came corn and hogs, oats and horses, pasture and cattle. 
 These different features were pushed according to the market. Diversified or 
 general farming is the only secret of successful agriculture. Corn for a long 
 time has been king. The price is generally good, and it is necessary feed for 
 hogs and cattle. But within a few years a rival industry has sprung up, and 
 the farmer is now in the age of milk. The business has grown so gradually 
 that we hardly realize its extent. The cities have always needed 'milk, but it 
 was draWn chiefly from the surrounding country. 
 
 But now every hamlet, every town, every county, is a milk center. The 
 pretty dairy maid of the poet or artist sitting by a solitary heifer, and sing- 
 ing as she carries her pail to the house, is no longer to be seen. Instead, 
 rows of cows in white barns, and men milkers in white jackets, working for 
 wages. A boon to the farmer's wife and daughters. No more skimming 
 dozens of crocks in damp cellars, or tugging at the churn and waiting for the 
 butter to come. Every morning the milk is carried away in wagons, and that 
 burden of the old fashioned household is removed forever. 
 
 The first large concern in Sterling to deal in milk was established by 
 John Gilbert in 1896 on the site of the old Central House. It is now the 
 Sterling Creamery Company. The milk is gathered outside of the territory 
 of the Gail Borden company, and the receipts are larger than before the con-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 291 
 
 densing plant began operations. A contract has been made with a dealer in 
 Moline, and eighty-five cans are shipped daily to that city. Besides milk, 
 the company gathers cream, and 700 pounds of butter are churned every 
 day. Buttermilk is furnished the Legg Poultry Company for fattening 
 fowls, the check for this item in two months amounting to $386. In ad- 
 dition to the money paid for milk and cream, the farmers receive the sepa- 
 rated milk which is given to calves and swine. The receipts in March, 1908, 
 were from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of milk daily, which were expected to be 
 largely increased in the butter months of May and June. 
 
 Another milk depot started later by John Haglock, now controlled by 
 Clement Hey, is also on East Third street. The average receipts in winter 
 are 3,000 pounds a day, which are doubled in summer. This is retailed 
 by wagons through the city. There are four other milk routes : William 
 Freeby, Charles Freeby, Mason and Harting, F. Landis. 
 
 But what has given the most powerful impetus to the milk industry in 
 the county is the erection in 1907-1908 of the Gail Borden Condensing 
 Plant. It stands just outside the western limits of Sterling. A ten min- 
 utes' walk from the terminus of the car line brings you to the spot. On thir- 
 teen acres between the Morrison road on the north and the Northwestern on 
 the south are placed the buildings and smoke stacks in pure, beautiful white 
 brick. It is a feast for the eye. Easily the architectural ornament of White- 
 side. The interior is a- model of neatness, solidity, convenience, combining 
 all the results of modern science and sanitation. The flow of the artesian 
 well is 260 gallons per minute. Copper is a prominent material in the ves- 
 sels, very expensive, one huge pan alone costing $5,000. A one hundred 
 horsepower Corliss engine furnishes power. The plant involves an outlay 
 of $100,000, and is only one of a hundred similar institutions, east and 
 west. At present, 25,000 to 35,000 pounds of milk are received every day, 
 which will enlarge with the season. About 25 hands are employed. So far 
 this is simply a condensing plant, no bottling or packages, the material being 
 shipped to Dixon, where it is put into shape for market. A testing apparatus 
 to detect any variation from the state standard, which requires as the lowest 
 three per cent of butter fat. 
 
 Contracts for the milk supply for the first six months of 1908 were 
 signed between the dairy farmers and the dealers in Sterling in March. The 
 purchasers are the Gail Borden Company, Clement Hey and the Sterling 
 Butter & Cream Company. The prices offered by the three concerns are 
 very close, there being but little difference in the prices. The prices are 
 slightly higher than last year, especially the quotations of Clement Hey and 
 the Sterling Butter & Cream Company. The prices offered by the Gail Bor- 
 den Company and the Sterling Butter & Cream Company are identical, and 
 as follows: April, $1.25; May, ninety-five cents; June, eighty-five cents; 
 July, ninety-five cents; August, $1.10; September, $1.20. 
 
 The only difference in the contracts of the above companies is that the 
 Sterling Butter & Cream Company furnishes the cans and keeps them in 
 repair, while the farmers furnishing milk to the Gail Borden Company fur- 
 nish their own cans and keep them in repair.
 
 292 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The price paid for milk in Sterling by the Gail Borden Company is 
 identical -with that at Dixon. The company has made the division point in 
 hauling milk to the two factories at the Lee-Whiteside line. Those who reside 
 west of the line will deliver milk to Sterling and those east of the line will 
 deliver milk to Dixon. 
 
 While the company pays good prices for milk, their contract, as is gen- 
 erally known, insists on absolute cleanliness in stables, utensils, food, wagons, 
 laborers, everything and everywhere, and neglect will vitiate the contract. 
 Inspectors make regular tours of the district. From the time that the cow 
 has been milked not a hand has touched the milk. The sterilization of 
 every instrument used in connection with the business has reduced risk of dirt 
 or infection of any kind to almost a practical impossibility. One has only 
 to watch the process of cleaning the plant and preparing the bottles to realize 
 the importance of the task and the thoroughness with which it is done. 
 
 The manager of the plant is A. B. Hicks, an energetic young man, who 
 brings to his responsible duties an experience of fifteen years at Elgin. The 
 average weight of milk is slightly over two pounds to a quart, and the cans 
 vary in capacity from 68 to 80 pounds. 
 
 The prices offered by the Gail Borden people for milk during the first 
 six months of 1908 are the highest of any ever offered by the firm and bring 
 the price of milk to the highest point it has ever reached in this section. 
 
 The following table showing the difference in prices has been prepared 
 from figures taken from the company's books: 
 
 1907 1906 
 
 October $1.40 $1.25 
 
 November 1.55 1.35 
 
 December 1.55 1.30 
 
 January 1.55 1.50 
 
 February 1.55 1.35 
 
 March 1.40 1.30 
 
 Sugar is a large factor in the condensing process. A section of one 
 floor is occupied with rows of barrels of the Havemeyer brand, weighing 
 600 pounds each. 
 
 His name is familiar on the immense condensing walls all over the 
 country, and yet few know anything about the man. Who was Gail Bor- 
 den? A New Yorker, born in Norwich, 1801, who after a wandering career 
 in the south, invented pemmican or meat biscuit, used by Dr. Kane in Arctic 
 regions. He came north, and in 1853 applied for a patent for "producing 
 concentrated sweet milk by evaporation in vacuo," and in 1856 secured 
 his patent. Works were soon established east and west, and during the Civil 
 war, condensed milk was extensively used in the army. Borden deservedly- 
 acquired wealth by his invention, was very liberal, and died in Borden, 
 Texas, in 1874. Let his name be placed with Fulton, Morse, Howe, Good- 
 year, as one of the benefactors of his race. 
 
 The development of the milk industry has led to remarkable improve- 
 ments in every direction. Land has rapidly advanced in value, not only 
 near towns, but in the remoter districts, wherever the soil affords rich pasture.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 293 
 
 Farms now within five to ten miles of Sterling or Morrison range from $100 
 to $150 per acre. Property in Kane county, of which Elgin is the center, 
 has made astonishing advances. 
 
 Naturally an important consideration is the breed of cows to produce 
 the milk. Jerseys, Guernseys, Ayrshires, Holsteins, all have their advocates, 
 and at the agricultural meetings their qualities are discussed with enthusiasm. 
 
 A very desirable feature of the milk business is the cash receipts. The 
 monthly payment puts money into the farmer's pocket, and he has ready 
 funds for all his outlays at store or shop. No tedious dependence as of yore 
 on the yearly crop, or the slow conversion of grass into cattle or corn into 
 pork. The credit system is bad, inconvenient, and has injured many a 
 farmer by putting him at the mercy of Shylocks and designing tradesmen. 
 Thanks to the milk traffic for its cash. It has encouraged promptness and 
 independence. 
 
 Cows are tested at the state experiment stations, and the results care- 
 fully watched. By keeping only high-grade cows the dairy farmers of 
 Illinois could increase their aggregate income from $16,000,000 to $31,000,- 
 000 a year and make a profit of $31.23 a year from each cow instead of 77 
 cents a year from poor cows, according to a report just made by Prof. W. J. 
 Fraser, of the University of Illinois. The figures are based upon a three 
 years' test of food supplies and the results in butter fat. Thirty-six herds 
 containing 554 cows were studied in the experiments. The 136 of the ani- 
 mals produced an average of 301 pounds of butter fat a year each. The 
 poor cows averaged only 133 1/2 pounds a year each. At 23 cents a pound 
 for biutter the average Elgin price for the last five years the average 
 income from each good cow was $67.32 a year and from each poor cow 
 $34.77 a year. Feed for each poor cow cost $30 a year and for each good 
 cow $38 a year. On these figures Professor Fraser finds a profit of only 77 
 cents a year for each poor cow, but a profit of $30.77 a year on each good cow. 
 
 Here as elsewhere Jerseys are a favorite in families, or for small herds, 
 but for beef and productive capacity combined, the short-horns still retain 
 their popularity. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS IN WHITESIDE. 
 By B. F. Hendricks, County Supt. 
 
 Since the year 1877, the date when Mr. Charles Bent's history of White- 
 side County was written, many radical improvements in the educational con- , 
 ditions of the county have been made. In December, '77, Geo. C. Loomis 
 of Fulton became County Superintendent and made an excellent record as 
 a school official. Mr. Loomis, during his term of office, held the position 
 of Supt. of Schools at Fulton and performed the duties of County Supt. on 
 Saturdays and during his school vacations. 
 
 In 1882, B. F. Hendricks, at that time in charge of the Rock Falls 
 schools, was elected to look after the schools of the county. He taught 
 school for the remainder of the year and then by order of the Board of 
 Supervisors he began giving his entire time to the work of County Super-
 
 294 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 vision. The action of the county board in granting the County Superin- 
 tendent permission to put in his full time attending to county school matters 
 is largely attributable to the efforts of a special committee consisting of Supt. 
 A. Bayliss, Supt. M. R. Kelly and John Phinney, who were appointed by 
 the Whiteside County Teacher's Association to wait upon the Board of Sup- 
 ervisors and ask that the County Superintendent be turned loose. 
 
 Superintendent Hendricks was re-elected in 1886 but resigned in 1889 
 to become city superintendent of the Savanna, 111., schools. By appoint- 
 ment from County Board, W. J. Johnston became County Superintendent 
 in July, '89 and held the office until December, 1902, when the present 
 incumbent, B. F. Hendricks, was again called upon to take charge of the 
 schools of the county. 
 
 Superintendent Johnston was a careful and capable officer and his long 
 term of service emphatically demonstrated that his efforts were duly appreci- 
 ated by the school patrons of Whiteside. In order to make an effort to grade 
 the rural schools, and to give greater system to supervision, the first "School 
 Room Guide" made its appearance in 1884. This course of study supple- 
 mented by future editions and outlines and emphasized by central and 
 final examinations has produced phenomenal results in bettering the educa- 
 tional conditions in Whiteside County. 
 
 New schoolhouses equipped with single desks, elaborate libraries, furnaces 
 in basements, up-to-date apparatus, pictures on walls, etc., have taken the 
 places of many buildings that could no longer satisfy the progressive spirit 
 of the age. 
 
 Excepting in a very few schools, the text books now in use are uniform. 
 This has been a practical and economical change and it has materially aided 
 in bringing about the very satisfactory status of educational affairs. 
 
 While we have much to boast of at present, the general watchword is 
 progress. 
 
 In the near future, the sanguine prophet predicts that the qualifications 
 of teachers will be much higher, that there will be many more school direct- 
 ers as deeply interested and as capable as the best that now so faithfully dis- 
 charge their full duty, that the larger or centralized school will be very com- 
 mon and that every dollar raised by taxation for school purposes will be 
 made to produce a hundred cents' worth of good to the rising generation. 
 
 WHITESIDE SCHOOLS IN NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVEN. 
 
 County Superintendent B. F. Hendrick's annual report to the state de- 
 partment of public instructions contains the following facts and figures in 
 regard to the schools of Whiteside county: 
 
 Number of boys under twenty-one years of age, 6,737. 
 
 Number of girls under twenty-one years of age, 6,457. 
 
 Total number of children under twenty-one years of age, 13,194. 
 
 Number of boys between the ages of six and twenty-one, 4,787. 
 
 Number of girls between the ages of six and twenty-one, 4,585. 
 
 Total number of children between the ages of six and twenty-one, 9,372. 
 
 Number of graded schools in the county, 23.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 295 
 
 Number of ungraded schools in the county, 128. 
 
 Highest monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $180. 
 
 Highest monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $133.50. 
 
 Lowest monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $26.50. 
 
 Lowest monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $25. 
 
 Average monthly wages paid to a male teacher, $72.72. 
 
 Average monthly wages paid to a female teacher, $44.39. 
 
 Total amount of wages paid to a male teacher, $22,472.25. 
 
 Total amount of wages paid to female teachers, $84,180.32. 
 
 Bonded school debt, $43,610. 
 
 Total amount of tax levy for school, $151,504.29. 
 
 Number of school districts having libraries, 151. 
 
 Whole number of volumes in district libraries, 14,463. 
 
 Balance of distributive funds on hand June 30, 1907, $2,413.30. 
 
 Balance of district funds on hand June 30, 1907, $58,162.09. 
 
 Total amount of school funds on hand June 30, 1907, $205,771.19. 
 
 EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. 
 
 Slips submitted to the township schools in the spring of 1908, 
 B. F. Hendricks, Supt. 
 
 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 1. Write briefly of the early history of Fort Dearborn. When was it first 
 built? 
 
 2. Name five Illinois towns begun before 1818 and give an important 
 fact concerning each. 
 
 3. Give short biographies of Nathaniel Pope, E. P. Lovejoy and Ninian 
 W. Edwards. 
 
 4. Name eight governors of Illinois. Who is governor now? 
 
 5. How many counties in Illinois? Name the counties in the thirty- 
 fifth Senatorial District. 
 
 6. Give name of the first Illinois State Normal School. W T hen and 
 where was it located? What other Normal Schools in Illinois? 
 
 7. Where is The Drainage Canal? When was it completed? How large 
 is Chicago? 
 
 8. Name four tribes of Indians originally found in Illinois. Give 
 history of Starved Rock. 
 
 9. Tell about the coming of George Rogers Clark. 
 
 10. Name and locate the present capital of Illinois. Write about Fort 
 DeCharters. 
 
 u. s. HISTORY. 
 
 1. When and of whom did the U. S. purchase Louisiana? Who was 
 president at the time? What states were carved out of this territory? 
 
 2. Write of the nullification troubles. 
 
 3. Give a short sketch of Admiral Dewey and also of Paul Jones. 
 
 4. What can you say of John Brown in Kansas?
 
 296 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 5. Connect these characters with some historic facts: Standish, Custer, 
 Andre, Pontiac, Wayne, Morton, Lief Ericsson, Whitney and Hale. 
 
 6. What territory has been acquired by the U. S. since 1861? 
 
 7. Was Andrew Johnson popular as president? Why? 
 
 8. For what are the following dates noted: 1861, 1811, 1644, 1754, 
 1582, 1506, 1818, 1871, 1793 and 1866? 
 
 9. How often did Lee attempt to invade the North? Name the impor- 
 tant battle of each attempt. 
 
 10. During whose administration were the Alien and Sedition laws 
 passed? What were these laws? 
 
 WHITESIDE SCHOOL APPORTIONMENT. 
 
 The following are the school funds and fines apportioned to the towns 
 of Whiteside county, March 28, 1908, by the county superintendent: 
 T. 19 R. 3 $ 48.29 
 
 T. 19 R. 4 Portland 262.79 
 
 T. 19 R. 5 Prophetstown 213.18 
 
 T. 19 R. 6 Tampico 220.15 
 
 T. 19 R. 7 Hahnaman 121.82 
 
 T. 20 R. 2 26.97 
 
 T. 20 R. 3 Newton 129.65 
 
 T. 20 R. 4 Fenton 124.43 
 
 T. 20 R. 5 Lyndon 244.08 
 
 T. 20 R. 6 Hume 121.83 
 
 T. 20 R. 7 Montmorency 120.52 
 
 T. 21 R. 2 Albany 103.11 
 
 T. 21 R. 3 Garden Plain 204.92 
 
 T. 21 R. 4 Union Grove 212.32 
 
 T. 21 R. 5 Mt. Pleasant :. 574.75 
 
 T. 21 R. 6 Hopkins 193.61 
 
 T. 21 R. 7 Sterling 1,597.62 
 
 T. 22 R. 3 Fulton 449.00 
 
 T. 22 R. 4 Ustick 199.71 
 
 T. 22 R. 5 Clyde 182.73 
 
 T. 22 R. 6 Genesee 208.85 
 
 T. 22 R. 7 Jordan 108.13 
 
 $5,740.46 
 
 MOUNT PLEASANT. 
 
 Sweet Auburn ! loveliest village of the plain, 
 
 Where health and plenty cheered the laboring swain, 
 
 Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid, 
 
 And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed. Goldsmith. 
 
 This was the name of a school, and when the township was organized 
 in 1852 from Union precinct, A. C. Jackson applied the title to the town-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 297 
 
 ship. He showed excellent taste, for there is no richer or prettier section in 
 Whiteside. The first claims were made in 1835 by W. H. and John D. 
 Paschal, J. J. Thomas, and Felix French. Jonathan Haines built a saw 
 mill at Jacobstown in 1835, but a freshet soon carried it away. 
 
 The Winnebago Indians were a source of annoyance, but left in 1838. 
 Wolves were troublesome. In 1836 Horace Heaton, Henry Boyer, and 
 Samuel Love came, William Heaton in 1837, and A. C. Jackson. Pro- 
 visions were scarce, and corn was one dollar a bushel. The first school was 
 taught by Oliver Hall from Massachusetts in a log hut in Paschal's timber. 
 He received ten dollars a month and had to board around. Rev. James 
 McKean preached at the house of James Thomas, and in 1836 formed a 
 class consisting of James J. Thomas and wife, and George 0. James and 
 wife. Barton H. Cartwright reached Union Grove every four weeks. In 
 January, 1843, the land came into market, and as money was scarce, the 
 settlers had to make a strenuous effort, selling hogs at $1.50 a hundred, to 
 secure the cash to pay for their claims. At the first town meeting in 1852, 
 Aaron C. Jackson was elected supervisor; assessor, Alfred Haines; 
 collector, Cyrus P. Emery. In 1857 at a town meeting, a committee was 
 appointed to frame a hog law for preventing swine and sheep from running 
 at large under a penalty of five dollars. In 1865 each volunteer was voted 
 a bounty of $110 under the last call. 
 
 Round Grove in the eastern part of Mt. Pleasant was surveyed in Jan- 
 uary, 1856, by W. S. Wilkinson for John A. Holland, C. D. Sanford, J. I. 
 Wonser, and James McCoy. It is a station on the Northwestern railroad. 
 
 Jacobstown, so called from Royal Jacobs who had the mill, and around 
 which grew up a store and blacksmith shop, is now a fleeting memory. 
 
 PROMINENT SETTLERS. 
 
 Among the numerous early emigrants, there are always some who by 
 superior energy and force of character leave a lasting impress upon the 
 community. Aaron C. Jackson was the statesman of the town, holding 
 various offices, justice, in 1842 sent to legislature, in 1847 in the constitu- 
 tional convention, in 1852 supervisor. Jonathan Haines was another type, 
 a mechanic. In 1847 he invented the Illinois Harvester, and manufactured 
 the machine in shops at Unionville till his removal in 1849. Union Grove 
 was named by him, J. T. Atkinson, and Henry Boyer in 1836. Winfield 
 S. Wilkinson was civil engineer and a man of intelligence. After residing 
 at Como and Sterling, he made his home in Morrison in 1858. He was sent 
 to the legislature in 1844 and in 1870 was county surveyor two terms, and 
 for twelve years county clerk. Simon Fellows settled at Round Grove in 
 1850. He was postmaster twice, and held the office of justice for twelve 
 years, his first commission signed by Gov. Matteson. J. D. Odell came to 
 Whiteside in 1839, and after carrying on a grocery trade in Lyndon, retired 
 to Morrison in 1863. He wrote occasionally for the papers.
 
 298 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 MORRISON. 
 
 If Lyman Johnson could rise from the grave, and compare the virgin 
 prairie of his time with the bright and beautiful city of the present day, he 
 would acknowledge his successors have been exceedingly busy. The town 
 was surveyed in 1855 by W. S. Wilkinson. The proprietors were Lyman 
 Johnson, H. S. Vroom, Homer Caswell, John W. Stakes, James Snyder, 
 L. H. Robinson, N. M. Jackson, John J. West, -and W. H. Van Epps. The 
 land was originally claimed by Stakes, but was purchased from him. The 
 name was given in honor of Charles Morrison, a merchant of New York, and 
 friend of Van Epps. Unionville seems to have made the same mistake as 
 Como. The railroad surveyors ran the line through that town, but when 
 the citizens put an exorbitant value upon their property, the company drove 
 the stakes at Morrison, and the fate of Unionville was sealed. The first 
 house was built by Lyman Johnson on the site of Library Hall. With the 
 running of the first train into Morrison, Oct. 19, 1855, the expansion of 
 the young town began. Stores, shops, and dwellings were erected. Norris 
 was the first doctor, and he built has shanty on the site of the Universalist 
 church. Afterwards came Nowlen, Taylor, and Donaldson, who established 
 successful practice. The frame depot of 1857 has lately been replaced by 
 a handsome brick station. John E. Bennett was made postmaster in 1855, 
 afterwards making a gallant record in the rebellion as colonel of the 75th 
 Illinois regiment. In 1857 the first brick block was erected. As Morrison 
 won in the county seat election of Nov. 3, 1857, the records were removed 
 from Sterling, May 3, 1858. This bonanza with the railroad, started the 
 place on a steady career of prosperity. An agricultural fair was held in 
 1856, and continued until 1863, when it was removed to Sterling. But 
 in 1872 the Central Agricultural Society was formed in Morrison, where it 
 has since given yearly exhibitions. 
 
 In 1857 Morrison was incorporated, and at an election April 25, 1857, 
 forty votes were cast, choosing five trustees, S. H. Vroom, S. H. McCrea, 
 L. Johnson, J. G. Gridley, and W. L. Coe, and H. Olmstead, police magis- 
 trate. In 1869 the legislature passed an act incorporating the "City of Mor- 
 rison," and at an election March 29, 1869, to decide upon the adoption of the 
 charter, 168 votes were for, and 49 against. The officers chosen were George 
 A. Whitcomb, mayor, and W. J. Savage, J. Cobleigh, W. L. Coe, S. W. 
 Robinson, J. S. Green, J. A. McKay, aldermen. J. S. Green, was made 
 treasurer, L. G. Johnson, city attorney, and W. E. Savage, clerk. At the 
 election in April 15, 1873, for reorganization under the general laws of 
 the state, E. B. Warner was chosen mayor. For licensing saloons 73 votes, 
 and against 134. The city debt was $4,194. In 1874 saloons carried, and 
 license was fixed at $400. In 1875 A. J. Jackson was elected mayor, and 
 license was increased to $800. In 1877 a city building was erected at a 
 cost of $2,000, for the use of the fire department and the city council. 
 
 Besides Lyman Johnson, who was the leading spirit in the early develop- 
 ment of Morrison, and who died suddenly in 1867, must be mentioned H. S. 
 Vroom, also an active agent in various kinds of business operations, dying
 
 MAIN STREET, MORRISON 
 
 \
 
 OF THE 
 OF
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 299 
 
 in 1875. S. H. McOea, who came to Morrison in 1855, was best known 
 in connection with the warehouse business, shipping the first carload of 
 grain October 1, 1855, afterward in 1862 removing to Chicago, where he 
 became prominent, being president of Board of Trade in 1870. Lester H. 
 Robinson appeared in Morrison in 1855, was active in politics, treasurer of 
 the township, U. S. revenue assessor, and in 1865 sought a broader field in 
 Chicago. James G. Gridley was another energetic citizen of 1855, who 
 built the second warehouse, the Presbyterian church, and the brick school- 
 house, afterwards retiring to Ustick township. 
 
 THE MEMORIAL LOG CABIN. 
 
 I remember, I remember, 
 
 The house where I was born, 
 The little window where the sun 
 
 Came peeping in at morn. Hood. 
 
 In the center of the fair grounds stands the antique ornament of the 
 spot, the Independence Hall, the old North Church, the venerable building 
 like those in Philadelphia or Boston which enshrines a thousand memories 
 of the glorious past. It is the double log cabin, dedicated September 2, 1885, 
 in presence of a vast concourse of people from every section of the county. 
 The day was lovely, and everybody was inspired. 
 
 Col. E. Seely for 25 years president of the Old Settler's Association, was 
 master of ceremonies, and at one in the afternoon, the exercises opened 
 with prayer by Rev. A. M. Early, who settled at Erie in 1843. He thanked 
 the Lord for the joy of the hour, and for the privilege of living amid scenes 
 so captivating. Prof. M. R. Kelly was the orator of the day. He congrat- 
 ulated the early settlers on the erection of this venerable cabin as a fitting 
 monument of their honorable history. "Here you came, as New England- 
 ers, New Yorkers, Pennsylvanians, Virginians, as Englishmen, Irishmen, 
 Scotchman, Germans, and in friendly relationship you made your claims, 
 built your log cabins, and ever since have dwelt in harmony. Your wise 
 management of public affairs has made the reputation of old Whiteside 
 second to no other county in the state. Look at your palatial dwellings, fine 
 schools, well tilled farms, all the conveniences of civilization, and then think 
 of the time when you lived in cabins, when your courts and worship were 
 held in private houses, when you broke prairie, and went supperless to bed, 
 when you go your potatoes from Rock Island, and you meal from Hender- 
 son's Grove, when you paid 25 cents postage on a letter, when you shook 
 with the ague, when you swapped provisions with the Indians, when you 
 made coffee from toasted bread, when whole families slept in the same room 
 partitioned off with sheets and shawls." 
 
 Before Prof. Kelly spoke and afterwards, the Old Settlers' choir, com- 
 posed of L. C. Twitchell of Union Grove, J. A. Sweet of Garden Plain, War- 
 ren and Ezekiel Olds of Albany, and W. H. Colcord of Genesee, led by 
 Samuel Homer, of Morrison, with cornet, enlivened the occasion with such 
 stirring airs as America, Old Hundred, Auld Lang Syne.
 
 300 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Speeches by the old settlers were now in order, and Col. Seely opened 
 the ball. This day lacking only 18 days completed his fifty-one years in 
 Whiteside. He brought provisions for a year, but by October, 1836, he was 
 eaten out of house and home, and had nothing left but wife and six children. 
 A man was sent to St. Louis for provisions, but he came back in four weeks 
 with neither money nor eatables as he had lost the money. "I sowed the 
 first handful of wheat that was sowed in the county. I defy any man to 
 say he sowed before October 15, 1836. Mr. Reynolds sowed on the 20th, 
 I on the 15th." 
 
 In Judge McCoy's remarks, he spoke of his first meeting Col. Seely in 
 his cabin, when he was after a position on a mail route to Springfield, and 
 the colonel's warm welcome. "Take a seat, sir, come in, and take a seat, 
 and let me tell you that face laughed from the crown of the head to the 
 sole of -the feet. I was a mere stripling, and thought he was a splendid 
 specimen of a man." 
 
 Dr. L. S. Pennington praised the early settlers for their struggle and 
 sacrifice in leaving the east to secure a home, and make themselves useful 
 and independent citizens. "But the men and women of 1840 are gone. 
 I look over this assembly, and how few do I recognize." 
 
 Rev. A. M. Early spoke of the religious changes in 46 years. His first 
 parsonage was a log cabin, and his circuit was extended, comprising Ster- 
 ling, Unionville, Albany, Downer's Grove, Lyndon, Erie, Kingsbury Grove. 
 The preachers had to ford creeks and swim rivers, wore patched clothes, 
 lived on corn dodgers, and yet could sing as they rode along, 
 
 How happy are they who their Savior obey, 
 Who have laid up their treasures above. 
 
 E. B. Warner remembered when dressed pork was sold in the county 
 for 62% cents per hundred pounds, when a man could bring a four-horse 
 wagon load of pork to town, and take the pay back in a handkerchief tied 
 by the four corners. Money was scarce. "Why it was no uncommon thing 
 to go through the year without handling a dollar of money." 
 
 Mrs. Dr. S. A. Johnson, of Fulton, spoke of her father, R. J. Jenks, 
 buying half the site of Fulton from John Baker in 1838, of his building 
 the first ferry, and of his prophecy that in less than fifty years a railroad 
 from Atlantic to the Pacific would bring China tea from the west instead of 
 the east. 
 
 But the lion or rather lioness of the festive occasion was Mrs. Phebe 
 Vennum, then one hundred and one, who sat in an ancient arm chair, 
 where she heard all the proceedings, and even took part in the songs. With 
 the gray-haired fathers and mothers were their children and their families, 
 to listen to the tales of the heroic days, and transmit to generations to come. 
 A crowd of curious spectators of these modern days to witness the unusual 
 solemnities. It is safe to say this memorial cabin has no duplicate in Illi- 
 nois, perhaps in the United States. It is on the plan of the Washington 
 monument at the capital, in which each state has a stone.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 301 
 
 The following list of old settlers and the logs they contributed has a 
 profound interest, and contains in itself a volume of history. Every name 
 -awakens a host of recollections. It is taken from the Whiteside Sentinel, 
 Sept. 10, 1885, Charles Bent, editor, which published a complete account of 
 the dedicatory exercises, and from which our sketch was condensed. It 
 will be noticed that with each name is given the date of settlement and the 
 kind of wood. 
 
 EAST CABIN. 
 
 L. S. Pennington, Jordan, 1839, burr oak; Warren, Ezekiel and Walker 
 Olds, Albany, 1838, burr oak; Wm. B. Paschal, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, cherry; 
 Col. E. Seely, Portland, 1834, burr oak; A. J. Seely, Portland, 1836, walnut; 
 S. M. Seely, Portland, 1836, walnut; W. H. Colcord, Genesee, 1839, 'walnut; 
 Mrs. Nancy Paschal, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, black oak; R. T. Hughes, Mt. 
 Pleasant, 1839, red elm; 0. Baker, Mt. Pleasant, 1839, walnut; S. M. Coe, 
 Jordan, 1835, walnut; A. Farrington, Mt. Pleasant, 1836, cherry; Chas. 
 McMullen, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, red oak; Frank Parker, Garden Plain, 1836, 
 red oak; Calvin Williams, Prophetstown, 1837, red oak; E. Parker, Garden 
 Plain, 1836, walnut; C. F. Adams, Portland, 1839, hackberry; 0. T. Clark, 
 Prophetstown, 1836, elm; Mrs. M. J. Knox, Mt. Pleasant, 1839, walnut; 
 D. 0. Coe, Jordan, 1838, burr oak; G. R. Hamilton, Lyndon, 1835, walnut; 
 M. V. Seely, Prophetstown, 1836, walnut; Judge James McCoy, Fulton, 
 1837, white oak; H. H. Holbrook, Genesee, 1838, walnut; Truman Parker, 
 Garden Plain, 1836, butternut; Mrs. R. Parker, Garden Plain, 1836, white 
 oak; Mrs. A. P. Young, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, white oak; A. A. James, Mt. 
 Pleasant, 1837, burr oak; T. B. Eaton, Garden Plain, 1839, cherry; Mrs. M. 
 Sweet, Garden Plain, 1836, cherry; Mrs. S. T. (Kilgore) Grinnold, Garden 
 Plain, 1839, red oak; Mrs. A. L. Hazard, Lyndon, 1837, red elm; F. J. 
 Jackson, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, white oak; M. G. Wood, Genesee, 1836, walnut; 
 C. R. Rood, Garden Plain, 1836, walnut; E. B. Warner, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, 
 white oak; Henry Rexroad, Newton, 1836, white oak; Mrs. Phoebe Vennuin, 
 (centenarian) Union Grove, age 101 years, red oak; J. C. Young, Union 
 Grove, 1837, white oak ; T. W. Stevens, Sterling, 1836, white oak. 
 
 WEST CABIN. 
 
 Geo. 0. James, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, walnut; L. C. Reynolds, Prophets- 
 town, 1835, blue ash; W. F. Boyer, Mt Pleasant, 1835, white ash; W. D. 
 Dudley, by his son, C. W. Dudley, Lyndon, 1835, chestnut; G. W. Thomas, 
 Mt. Pleasant, 1835, red oak; A. W. Fenton, Erie, 1835, walnut; Capt. J. 
 M. Burr, Hopkins, 1835, walnut'; R. Thompson, Portland, 1836, walnut; 
 Richard Thompson, Portland, 1836, white oak; R. J. Thompson, Port- 
 land, 1836, walnut; J. S. Logan, Prophetstown, 1836, -red elm; Mrs. H. 
 M. Grinnold, Fulton, 1836, walnut; Wm. H. Thompson, Portland, 1836, 
 walnut; E. S. Gage, Prophetstown, 1836, walnut; T. Dudley, by his son, 
 W. 0. Dudley, Lyndon, 1836, walnut; H. Parker, Garden Plain, 1836, wal- 
 nut; J. R. Thompson, Portland, 1836, walnut; J. P. Fuller, Portland, 1836, 
 walnut; John C. Swarthout, Lyndon, 1836, white oak; G. W. Brewer, Ster-
 
 302 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ling, 1836, burr oak; Enos Williams, Portland, 1837, walnut; W. B. Hazard 
 Lyndon, 1837, red elm; F. N. Brewer, Lyndon, 1837, walnut; D. P. Brewer 
 Portland, 1837, burr oak; Mrs. Robert G. Clendenin, Mt. Pleasant, 1837 
 white oak ; P. A. Brooks, Lyndon, 1837, hackberry ; D. B. Young, Mt. 
 Pleasant, 1837, red elm; Mrs. P. B. Vannest, Garden Plain, 1837, walnut 
 A. I. Maxwell (Puncheon), Lyndon, 1837, oak; W. C. Thomas, Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, 1837, red oak; Rodney Crook, Prophetstown, 1838, walnut; J. A, 
 Sweet, Garden Plain, 1839, walnut; A. Adams, Portland, 1839, walnut; L 
 Culbertson, Garden Plain, 1839, walnut; J. W. Gage, Prophetstown, 1839' 
 walnut; Z. Dent, Clyde, 1839, white oak; L. B. Ramsay, Prophetstown, 1839 
 pine; Donald Blue, Mrs. D. G. Ackerman, Clyde, 1839, black oak; Daniel 
 Blue, Clyde, 1839, red oak; M. A. Green, Ustick, 1840, red elm; Mrs. F 
 Hopkins Angell, Hopkins, 1840, walnut. 
 
 ENTRY-WAY. 
 
 P. V. Pollock, Hopkins, 1835, walnut; John Kent, Mt. Pleasant, 1839. 
 red oak ; E. J. Ewers, Fenton, 1839, red oak ; C. H. Slocumb, Albany, 1839 
 white oak; A. Zoirns, plate from log cabin built in Garden Plain in 1845, oak. 
 
 SOUTH CABIN. 
 
 H. Brink, Sterling, 1834, poplar; P. B. Besse, Portland, 1835, bun 
 oak; John J. Knox, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, red oak; J. M. Hamilton, Lyndon. 
 1835, butternut; Mrs. Peter Knox, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, cherry; Mrs. B. F. 
 Lathe, Lyndon, 1835, white oak; Henry L. Knox, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, white 
 oak; Mrs. A. Knox, Mt. Pleasant, 1835, white oak; J. D. Fenton, Erie, 1835. 
 walnut; E. B. Hill, Prophetstown, 1835, white oak; Archibald Knox, Mt. 
 Pleasant, 1835, red oak; A. R, Hamilton, Lyndon, 1835, cherry; Win. Hill, 
 Prophetstown, 1835, red elm; C. F. Lusk, Albany, 1836, cherry; J. M. 
 Eaton, Garden Plain, 1836, red elm; Rachel Harvey, Sterling, 1836, red 
 oak; Capt. S. B. Hanks, Albany, 1836, white oak; Mrs. E. Vennum, Union 
 Grove, 1837, red oak; H. D. Burch, Union Grove, 1837, walnut; W. Y. 
 Ives, Fulton, 1837, white oak; Mrs. M. A. Town, Clyde, 1837, white oak; 
 H. C. Fellows, Fulton, 1837, red oak; Mrs. Capt, A. M. George, Garden 
 Plain, 1837, white oak; E. H. Nevitt, Albany, 1837, burr oak; John Coburn, 
 Mt. Pleasant, 1837, red oak; J. W. Hazard", Lyndon, 1837, red oak; John 
 Abbey, Newton, 1837, red oak; Solomon Hubbard, Lyndon, 1838, walnut; 
 Robert C. Andrews, Sterling, 1838, white oak; Mrs. L. B. Crosby, Mt, Pleas- 
 ant, 1838, black oak; Oliver Hall, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, white oak; M. P. 
 Warner, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, walnut ; W. G. Nevitt, Albany, 1838, burr oak ; 
 J. Y. Jackson, Union Grove, 1838, red oak; Mrs. W. H. Judd, Mt. Plea.-am. 
 1838, cherry; Henry Bond, Mt. Pleasant, 1838, white oak; E. C. Hutchin- 
 son, Prophetstown, 1839, walnut; C. P. Emery, Mt. Pleasant, 1839, cotton- 
 wood; J. D. Odell, Mt, Pleasant, 1839, cherry; John Scott, Hopkins, 1839, 
 walnut; Capt. W. S. Barnes, Albany, 1839, white oak; W. S. Wilkinson, 
 Mt. Pleasant, 1839, cherry; A. P. Thompson, Newton, 1839, white oak; 
 Mrs. H. C. Donaldson, Mt, Pleasant, 1839, red elm; Mrs. Julia T. (Samp- 
 son) Russell, Sterling, 1839, walnut; Mrs. Florence H. (Sampson) Whit-
 
 MARY ANN (STAKES) McKNIGHT. 
 MABTON. WASH.
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF TH 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 303 
 
 man, Hokpins, 1839, cherry; Albert S. Sampson, Sterling, 1839, walnut; 
 S. Currie, Mt. Pleasant, 1839, black oak; J. M. Dodd, Mt. Pleasant, 1839, 
 walnut; A. J. Tuller, Prophetstown, 1840, walnut; Sullivan Jackson, Mt. 
 Pleasant, 1840, cherry. 
 
 FIRST WHITE CHILD IN COUNTY. 
 
 In the Whiteside Sentinel of July 25, 1907, we find this reminiscent 
 sketch : 
 
 Mrs. Mary A. McKnight, who is distinguished as being the first white 
 child born in Whiteside county, is visiting in Prophetstown and vicinity 
 and expects to spend several weeks in this county. Her home is in Mabton, 
 Washington. 
 
 Mrs. McKnight is a bright and interesting lady, now past the three 
 score and ten mark but still well and active. Her parents, John W. and 
 Sarah Bowman Stakes, came to this county in 1834, and settled on the 
 banks of Rock river near Prophetstown. Mr. Stakes bought the ferry boat 
 which had been run by a Mr. McClure. This ferry was run across the 
 river from the mouth of Walker's slough to a point above the present site 
 of Prophetstown village. 
 
 Mary Ann Stakes (now Mrs. McKnight) was born in a cabin located 
 near where the north end of the Prophetstown bridge now is, October 19, 
 1835. In 1837 or the next year Mr. Stakes made a claim in Union Grove 
 Precinct, where the city of Morrison now stands. He put up a log house 
 on the land occupied by the residence on Grove street owned now by F. A. 
 VanOsdol. Mr. Stakes returned to Prophetstown and ran the ferry at that 
 place for awhile, later removing to Morrison, where he died in 1861. 
 
 Mary Ann Stakes is now the wife of Geo. McKnight and has resided 
 in the west for a number of years. 
 
 A LETTER FROM VIRGINIA. 
 
 Mrs'. A. C. McAllister writes from Fredericksburg, Virginia: In the 
 Whiteside Sentinel, I note that you ask for information about the first house 
 built in Morrison. My father, H. S. Vroom, erected the first dwelling in 
 Morrison proper. Perhaps some dwellings may have been moved before 
 from Union Grove. He built the house in the summer of 1855, and it is 
 still standing so far as I know. It has been known in later years as the 
 Woodruff House, on the corner south of the M. E. church. Lyman John- 
 son built a house which was used as a hotel across the street east from our 
 house. It is my impression this building was moved there and added to, 
 and not built there. My father and mother had rooms in this house with 
 the Johnsons, until their own was completed. The house may have been 
 begun in 1854, for my parents were married, and my mother went there a 
 bride in March, 1855. The house was not finished till fall. I was born 
 there, Nov. 30, 1855, and was the first child born in the town of Morrison. 
 The first brick dwelling was the house on the hill where my mother died 
 in 1893, built by John E. Duffin in the early days. You can now under- 
 stand my hearty interest in Morrison and Whiteside county.
 
 304 HISTOKY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 MRS. SIMONSON AT NINETY-THREE. 
 
 In January, 1900, the writer had the privilege of calling upon Mrs. 
 Salvina Simonson, nearing her 93rd anniversary. She was born in 1807, 
 two years before Darwin, Lincoln, Tennyson, Gladstone, saw the light^ Her 
 younger days were spent amid spinning wheels, tallow candles, logs on the 
 hearth. Her father was a carpenter, living at Union, N. Y., between Owego 
 and Binghamton. She was married at twenty, and began life on a farm. 
 About 1838 they removed to Illinois, settling on a farm at Round Grove. 
 First was a log house, then a better building of frame. Here her children 
 grew up, and this was the family home for a half century. 
 
 Although the call was made at an early hour in the morning, the old 
 lady was moving about, and with a quick step passed to an adjoining room 
 1o adjust her toilet. Little infirmity. Few wrinkles, a slight deafness, no 
 hesitation in speech. She retired. at nine, rose at daybreak. Up before the 
 rest of the family, often emptying the ashes. 
 
 Think of it, picture it, 
 Dissolute man! 
 
 Slept well, scarcely waking during the night. Ready for three meals a day. 
 She thought people used too much rich food, cakes and pastry, preferred 
 whole wheat bread, enjoyed fruit, avoided tea, put just enough coffee into 
 hot water to give it color, and took no butter but what was used in cooking 
 the food. 
 
 Her health generally good, occasionally a touch of rheumatism. Neat 
 in dress. A small black cap over her delicate gray hair, spectacles, a plain 
 "black shawl, an old-fashioned apron of ample size. She enjoyed reading, 
 and several books of large print were lying on the table. Beautiful was her 
 devout spirit in thankfulness to the Lord for his mercy during the passing 
 years. 
 
 Calmly she looked on either life, and here 
 
 Saw nothing to regret, or there to fear. 
 
 Longevity seems to be a family inheritance, as her mother lived to 95, and 
 then died from the effects of a fall. When the writer made his call, Mrs. 
 Simonson was staying with her daughter, Mrs. Peter Bressler, in Sterling, 
 but she soon went to visit her son Fred in California, and died there. 
 
 THE WATER WORKS. 
 
 A strong crystal spring, dug up and walled in 1881, was the beginning 
 of the water supply. An artesian well was bored in 1896 to the depth of 
 1,645 feet, yielding a daily flow of 300,000 gallons. In 1906 four drive 
 wells, six inches wide and 75 feet deep, were sunk to supplement the artesian 
 -supply. One pump has a capacity of a million gallons daily, the other a 
 million and a quarter. The standpipe, a conspicuous landkark on the hill 
 on the north side, is 35 feet in diameter and 45 feet high. Surrounding the 
 works is a natural park of nine acres, the trees forming a dense shade, fur- 
 nished with seats, offering a tempting resort in the sultry days of summer.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 305 
 
 As you approach the plant is a triangular lawn, embellished with a foun- 
 tain. I. H. Parrish has been the efficient engineer for nineteen years. 
 
 Closely connected with the water works is the fire department. It is 
 of the volunteer order, receives an allowance of $25 from th%city, and has- 
 18 members ready to respond to duty. H. T. Berry is Chief; B. P. Hum- 
 phrey, First Asst. ; W. A. Heiss, Second Asst. ; H. 0. Smouse, Secy. ; R. E. 
 Cochran, Treas. 
 
 "I consider that we have probably the best equipped and most efficient 
 fire department in the state for a city of our size," was the opinion expressed 
 to a Sentinel reporter by Chief H. T. Berry. 
 
 The Jackson Hose company has a record of honor and fidelity. It 
 was formed June 7, 1876. 
 
 The ten men who first donned a fireman's uniform in the city, were 
 Henry S. Ferguson, Charles Spears, A. C. Graper, George Blue, Homer H. 
 Marshall, George W. Stafford, Charles F. McKee, James Martin, William 
 Brearton and E. Y. Lane. 
 
 Twenty-two days after the organization of the company, the ten original 
 members had procured uniforms consisting of blue woolen shirts, blue caps 
 and leather belts upon which appeared the name of the company. 
 
 Of the first ten members, one, Chas. F. McKee remains after a service 
 of thirty-one years. Of the eight members added in 1883 R. E. Cochran 
 remains after a service of twenty-four years. 
 
 Eight members were added in 1883 to comply with the rules of the 
 state association. 
 
 The first fire that called out the company occurred Dec. 29, 1876. Since 
 that time the company has run to over one hundred fires, many of them 
 were dangerous by reason of their location. 
 
 Recently $400 have been spent in putting in stalls for the horses, 
 patent harness holders which enable the driver to harness his team while 
 on the seat, and automatic sliding doors. 
 
 The new pump which was installed last year furnishes 175 pounds 
 pressure and this is enough to force water to the top of any of the. build- 
 ings now standing in Morrison. 
 
 THE SECKET SOCIETIES. 
 
 Unhappy he, who from the first of joys, 
 
 Society, cut off, is left alone 
 
 Amid this world of death. Thomson. 
 
 The Modern Woodmen of America call their organization in Morrison 
 the Henderson Camp, No. 13. The Venerable Consul is Harry L. Welch, 
 the clerk, C. E. Johnson, and Chief Forester, Myron Dillenbeck. There 
 are about 120 members. It provides for a payment of one, two, or three 
 thousand dollars to the families of deceased members, with care in sickness. 
 The age of admission is between 18 and 45, and the applicant must be of 
 good habits. 
 
 The Knights of Pythias have 150 members. The Chancellor Com-
 
 306 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 mander is A. T. Skelley, and the Keeper of Records and Seals, H. T. Berry. 
 The society was organized about 1880. The Pythian Sisters number 125 
 with Mrs. Belle Hart-man as Most Excellent Chief, and Mrs. John Harrison, 
 Mistress of Records and Correspondence. At a Pythian Memorial service, 
 May, 1908, held in Baptist church, 40 members of Anchor Lodge, No. 120, 
 K. of P., and 20 members of Celeste Temple, Rathbone Sisters, attended, 
 and listened to a discourse by the pastor, Rev. J. W. Kinnett. 
 
 The Odd Fellows, Grove Lodge, No. 257, have richly furnished rooms 
 on the third floor of a brick block on Main street. F. C. Barnum is secre- 
 tary. The lodge was organized May 12, 1858. The charter members were 
 W. W. Winter, D. P. Spears, F. W. Chapman, James McCreedy, M. M. 
 McKeen, and F. C. Woodruff. Mr. Winter was the first Noble Grand. There 
 are 135 members. The good women seem to be quite enthusiastic for they 
 muster 170 Rebekahs, with Mrs. Albert Miller as secretary. 
 
 The Mystic Workers, as everywhere else in the county, are increasing 
 continually, having now 250 members. 
 
 Dunlap Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M. was organized May 30, 1859, 
 with ten charter members, the best known being John E. Bennett, S. H. 
 McCrea, H. M. Teller, now Colorado senator. In 1877 there were 85 mem- 
 bers, now about 100. The meetings are on the first and third Mondays of 
 the month in Masonic hall. For 1907 I. D. Woodford was W. Master, 
 Pierre Jackson, secretary. Among the past masters is Dr. A. E. Kennedy, 
 and Mrs. Lurena Kennedy is Worthy Matron of the Eastern Stars, who 
 number 130. 
 
 THE COUNTY BUILDINGS. 
 
 Stone walls do not a prison make, 
 Nor iron bars a cage. 
 
 On a lofty ridge that runs through the northern section of the city are 
 the public edifices of the county. First on the west as you enter the grounds 
 is the fire proof building for the circuit clerk, treasurer, and county clerk, 
 and recorder. In the treasurer's office sitting at his desk was the veteran 
 official, W. H. Thatcher, formerly of Sterling, who as treasurer and clerk, 
 has .grown gray in his duties, and at eighty is the same genial friend as in 
 his prime. In the office of the county clerk upstairs W. C. Stillson is prompt 
 to respond to any call for information. In the copy of the proceedings of 
 the board of supervisors, a pamphlet of 50 pages, printed for distribution, 
 are various reports of the committees. It covers the time from April, 1906, 
 to March, 1907. For instance, there are the physicians' bills for attendance 
 on the poor in the different towns, amounting to nearly $800, in sums from 
 one dollar to a hundred. There are the grocery and dry goods bills for 
 articles furnished the common poor and also indigent soldiers. A full de- 
 tailed report of the- county farm in receipts and expenditures. 
 
 In the center of the group is the court house, completed in 1865 at a 
 cost of over $14,000. The committee in charge was E. B. Warner, R. G. 
 Clendenin, and W. S. Wilkinson. In size the building is eighty-five by 
 fifty-five. The court room is circular, with a gallery. Its chief ornament
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 307 
 
 is the oil painting of Black Hawk's prophet, presented by Hon. E. B. Wash- 
 burne. On the first floor is the sheriff's office, and on the second, the grand 
 jury room where the supervisors also meet. The walls are brick, corners 
 of cut stone. The succession of Judges Heaton, Eustace, Crabtree, and 
 others, who have sat upon the bench, and the lawyers, Henry, Leffingwell, 
 McPherran, Manahan, and others, who have plead at the bar, all passed 
 away, invest the familiar structure with sacred associations. 
 
 On the extreme east is the jail completed in the winter of 1858-59, at 
 a cost of over $10,000. In 1876 improvements became necessary, an appro- 
 priation of $4,900 was made, and under the superintendence of Besse, Pen- 
 nington, Milnes, Spafford, and Wallace, the work was done. The improve- 
 ments were the substitution of eight iron cells, accommodating four prison- 
 ers each, in place of the former stone cells. The new cells are ten feet deep, 
 six feet wide, seven feet high, with a steel corridor five feet wide and twenty- 
 six feet long in front. The notable prisoners confined here of late were 
 the Swarthout boys, and the Italian Randis. The jailor's house of brick 
 was erected on the south side of the jail. 
 
 Judged by the occupants of the jail, Whiteside is a virtuous county, 
 for the cells in December, 1907, were empty, a solitary boy lounging at a 
 corridor window. Charles Hamilton, sheriff, courteously unlocked the heavy 
 steel doors, and gave the writer the freedom of the dungeons. Thirty-two 
 prisoners can be confined, four in a cell, by swinging iron berths on each 
 side. A bath tub with hot and cold water on each floor. When a prisoner 
 enters, he is given a washing, and is obliged to put on clean clothes once 
 a week. The second story is reserved for women. No insane victims are 
 received now, as they are taken to Elgin or Watertown. 
 
 As a prisoner enters, a careful entry is made in a large book of his 
 personal characteristics age, height, hair, eyes, complexion, nationality. 
 Then other particulars. By whom committed, when committed, for what 
 offense, term of sentence, when discharged, how discharged. The prisoners 
 receive no tarts or jelly, but substantial food. The county pays sixty cents 
 a day for men, seventy-five cents a day for women. 
 
 In front of the public buildings is a thrifty native grove, an ideal 
 spot for mass meetings, and here Lyman Trumball, Henry M. Teller, Ros- 
 well G. Horr, and the orators of several campaigns have roused the applause 
 of admiring multitudes. 
 
 In the spring of 1908 the jail was thoroughly cleaned and freshened 
 with paint on all the walls and woodwork and throughout the cells. The 
 colors used were" selected perhaps with a view to awakening the germs of 
 patriotism in the prisoners, as red, white and blue are seen everywhere. The 
 old calcimine on the walls, which had been there for twenty years or so, 
 was scraped off and the walls neatly painted. The work was all done by 
 the men in the cells. The place is in excellent condition, perfectly secure, 
 and has been made a.* attractive as possible to the unhappy fellows whose 
 imprudence renders their enforced retirement from the busy haunts of men 
 necessary for the public good. The sheriff studies to please. 
 
 The salary of each county officer is $1,500, and each has deputies,
 
 308 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 when necessary, the clerk three, circuit clerk two, treasurer one; the sheriff 
 is also supplied with help when necessary. 
 
 These statistics show some of the operations of the county officers during 
 1907: Number of marriage licenses issued, 253; number of arrests made by 
 sheriff and assistants, 60; number of prisoners confined in county jail, 58. 
 Convicts taken to Joliet, 9; crimes for which arrests were made murder, 2; 
 manslaughter, 1; burglary, 4; robbery, 2; grand larceny, 1; assault and bat- 
 tery, 9 ; assault, 2 ; stoning railroad car, 2 ; contempt of court, 1 ; vagrancy, 
 3; disorderly conduct, 2; wife abandonment, 3; bootlegging, 2; dependent 
 boys, 2 ; obtaining money, 2 ; fornication, 2 ; petit larceny, 3 ; entering build- 
 ing, 1 ; burglary and larceny, 1. Insane taken to Watertown, 12. Several 
 insane patients were taken to the asylum by others than officials. 
 
 THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MORRISON. 
 
 By A. J. Jackson, Cashier. 
 
 In considering the subject of banking, one is met by the same conditions 
 that are met in the investigation of any of the professions. The term "pre- 
 historic" presents itself and there the pursuit of knowledge in that direction 
 must end. The members of the various professions in acquiring knowledge 
 in the profession of their choice, must study the elementary treatises and all 
 that follows, but in an article that is prepared for a work of this kind very 
 little generalization is permitted. 
 
 The statement may well be made, that an individual bank is a part qf a 
 great system. This will be seen as early as history's dawn. The world was 
 not old in comparison with the age of the race embraced in the historic period, 
 before it is perceived that attention was bestowed upon what has grown to be 
 one of the prominent departments in business. Before the ten command- 
 ments were given, there were extensive live-stock dealers, operators in real 
 estate, and bankers and brokers. 
 
 The first known banks were organized in the twelfth century. The 
 Venetians seemed to be first, followed by the Genoese and the Florentines, in 
 whose hands the business seemed to flourish most, until the founding of the 
 bank of Amsterdam in the seventeenth century. This particular organiza- 
 tion is named, as this was the model on which was formed most of the Euro- 
 pean banks now in existence. The banks organized under this law control 
 the banks of the British Empire. . 
 
 Our National banking law is copied to a large extent from the joint 
 stock banking law of Scotland, and even the bank of England, organized for 
 the expressed purpose of monopolizing the banking business of the realm, 
 was soon compelled to recognize the leadership of the Scottish banks, and now 
 the province of the bank of "Threadneedle street" is to act as a clearing house 
 for the consolidated banks of Scotland. 
 
 When it was thought wise to take steps to formulate a system of finance 
 to assist in the prosecution of the war of 1861, the then Secretary of the 
 Treasury decided to submit for adoption a National banking law, and in 
 doing so, chose as a model the Scottish banking laws, which were followed as 
 closely as the conditions then existing would permit.
 
 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 309 
 
 Our present banking law was passed in the year 1863, but few banks 
 were organized under it until the close of the following year. 
 
 The First National Bank of Morrison was projected at this time, and its 
 organization number was 1033, showing there were very few compared with 
 the present number, and then those in operation were mostly in the eastern 
 states. This was the first national organization in Whiteside county, and 
 remained the only one for several years. There was none in Lee county, 
 until this bank had been in operation a number of years. 
 
 When the law was passed the minimum amount of capital permitted was 
 $50,000. This limit was retained about thirty years. 
 
 The proposition to organize a national bank in Morrison, had its rise in 
 the banking office of L. Smith & Co. The members of the firm were Dr. 
 Leander Smith a private banker residing in the City of Fulton, and A. J. 
 Jackson of Morrison. 
 
 The work of organization of this bank was one of a few moments' time. 
 Mr. Jackson left the private bank of which he was the manager, stepped 
 across the street to the store of Spears & Bro., located in the store now- occu- 
 pied by W. L. Angell, passed through to the elevator of Johnson, McCrea & 
 Co., returning direct to his banking office, the work was done, and in thirty 
 minutes the organization papers were being prepared for the signatures of 
 the subscribers, and soon on their way to the office of the comptroller of the 
 currency. 
 
 This bank was conducted with the original capital for about six years, 
 when it was increased to $100,000. 
 
 The measure of this bank's success has been a matter of public record. 
 For over forty years its reports have been published in the city papers at such 
 intervals as are prescribed by the banking department. No claim for excel- 
 lence over any of its neighbors is made by the officers of the bank, indeed, 
 they are gratified to find that they have been able to keep pace with the pro- 
 cesion of banks and bankers that have taken their places in the list now 
 before the public. Some banks may have a larger capital, some a more ex- 
 tended field of operations, and may surpass this institution in many ways, 
 and yet the family of ten stockholders that organized the bank and owned it 
 were quite well pleased with their undertaking. The original ten stock- 
 holders were Leander Smith, L. H. Robinson, Chas. Spears, Wm. Spears, 
 W. S. Wilkinson, W. F. Johnson, A. N. Young, Jas. Snyder, A. C. Jackson, 
 and A. J. Jackson. They were among the best and most capable business 
 men in the new city, and were ambitious that their experiments should be a 
 success, and were diligent in informing themselves upon the subject pre- 
 sented. Having no pattern to follow, they evolved a course that afforded 
 them much pleasure and not a little profit. 
 
 In looking back over the forty-four years of the bank's existence, it is seen 
 that only two of those who were in at the christening, are with the stock- 
 holders of today, namely, W. F. Johnson and A. J. Jackson. The bank has 
 had the services of three presidents, Leander Smith, W. S. Wilkinson and 
 E. A. Smith, the present head of the organization, the first two holding their 
 offices from the date of assuming it until their death.
 
 310 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Jackson was elected cashier of the bank on the day of its organiza- 
 tion, and has held the position continuously since. No cashier of a national 
 bank in the United States has held the position for so long a time. It has 
 been said by those of old time, that "there is nothing new under the sun," gen- 
 erally, this may be true, but even in the old conservative profession of bank- 
 ing, there is occasionally something occurring that is not laid down in the 
 books. In the year 1901, Sargent & Greenleaf, a firm manufacturing time- 
 locks for banks and other purposes issued a catalogue of their out-put, and in 
 it appears this passage, "In May, 1874, Mr. Sargent sold the first time lock 
 ever purchased by a banker, to the First National Bank of Morrison, 111., 
 making the attachment himself." 
 
 At this time it was noticed by the cashier, that some kind of a time-lock 
 was invented and was being manufactured at Rochester, N. Y. A letter 
 addressed to the manufacturer inquiring .concerning the new invention, 
 brought a reply containing full particulars, with the promise that the model 
 of the lock should be forwarded at once to Morrison, for the cashier's inspec- 
 tion. . The lock was brought to Morrison, examined by the cashier, who 
 concluded it was likely to be the protection that was needed, and that it 
 would become popular among bankers. The experiment was eminently 
 satisfactory, and soon became generally known to bankers, inquiries began at 
 once to come to the manufacturers, and now there is not probably a bank in 
 the country that is not equipped with a time lock of some pattern. 
 
 The lock placed upon the safe of this bank in 1874, has been in contin- 
 uous service since, and is running perfectly correct. 
 
 It is not thought necessary or desirable to go into details concerning the 
 methods pursued in this bank, for banks are in some ways like households, 
 all good, but managed a little different as to details. 
 
 The bank of course, is quite partial to its awn management, it has 
 endeavored to conduct its business in a liberal and conservative manner, 
 have a careful regard to the national banking law, the instructions of the 
 department, and the supervision of its board of directors. The business of 
 the bank has increased from the date of its organization to the present time. 
 A statement of the condition of the bank at the date of its last report made to 
 the comptroller of the currency, Feb. 14, 1908, is as follows: 
 
 RESOURCES. 
 
 Loans and discounts $252,936.85 
 
 Overdrafts 3.00 
 
 Bonds to secure circulation. . .* 88,000.00 
 
 U. S. Bonds on hand 20,060.00 
 
 Premium on U. S. Bonds 2,760.00 
 
 Stocks, securities, etc 58,172.58 
 
 Real estate and furniture 14,946.45 
 
 Due from banks 45,201.54 
 
 Cash and cash items 50,415.13 
 
 Total $532,495.55
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 311 
 
 LIABILITIES. 
 
 Capital paid in $100,000.00 
 
 Surplus and profits 59,784.50 
 
 Circulation 88,000.00 
 
 Dividends unpaid 1,910.00 
 
 Deposits 282,801.05 
 
 Total $532,495.55 
 
 PRESENT DIRECTORS. 
 
 H. W. Smith, W. F. Johnson, 
 
 0. Woods, E. A. Smith, 
 
 -H. B. Wilkinson, M. H. Potter, 
 
 D. S. Spafford A. J. Jackson, 
 
 BANK OF LEANDER SMITH & SON. 
 
 This is, the only other financial institution in the city. Like the bank of 
 Thomas Coutts in London which kept the same sign on the building 100 
 years after his death, so the name of Leander Smith remains, although dead 
 for several years. The bank was started in 1878 by Leander Smith and 
 Duncan Mackay. and this relation continued till 1889, when Mackay retired, 
 and the present firm of Smith & Son may be dated from 1885. Two sons, 
 E. A., and H. W. now control the business. Interest paid on deposits. A 
 bank of loans and discounts. Money orders are issued by this bank at less 
 rates than are charged by express companies or the postoffice department. 
 
 THE SCHOOLS. 
 
 A little learning is a dangerous thing, 
 
 Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring. Pope. 
 
 The young people find their enjoyment in two buildings, the older and 
 larger on the south side, and the newer on the hill to the north, so that the 
 children are really climbing the hill of science, every day of their lives. The 
 high school and some of the grades are in the old building. A large and com- 
 plete faculty. Prof. E. L. Boyer, late of Bloomington, successor of D. D. 
 Thomerson, is at the head, and teaches English; Gladys Graham, German 
 and history; Anna Taggert, Latin; Gertrude Ross, mathematics; W. E. 
 Weaver, science; Sophia V. Levitin, English; Elizabeth Weidenfeller, com- 
 mercial; Nellie Poorman, music and mathematics. There is a library of ref- 
 erence books and a creditable museum of minerals and curios. On the roll 
 167 pupils. The board of education consists of S. M. McCalmont, president; 
 Jacob Feldman, jr., secretary, and Mrs. P. F. Burtch, C. E. Proctor, H. B. 
 Wilkinson. In the graduating class of 1908 are 21 members, only four being 
 young men: James Lawry, Josephine Happer, Louis Abbott, Helen Green, 
 Winifred Ewers, Lola Reynolds, Helen Smith, Neva Smith, Lottie Coltoti, 
 Mae Conlon, Edith Matthews, Ellamae Feldman, Agnes Lively, Ellis Potter, 
 Florence Angell, Hilding Palmer, Edith Nelson, Marguerite Ladd, Bessie 
 Bradley, Zula Ritchie, Anna Hawk.
 
 312 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The board of education for the district school is composed of W. L. 
 Angell, C. D. Gallentine, W. L. Brewer, S. M. Ladd, R. A. Norrish, F. C. 
 Barnum, and J. H. Gray, president. 
 
 As in all towns, the Morrison school system is a development -from a 
 humble beginning. A log house in 1838, a frame in 1847, a removal and 
 enlargement in 1858, the nucleus of the present edifice in 1860. The present 
 building is brick, three stories, and the original cost was $20,000, with $5,000 
 more for furniture, heating and apparatus. 
 
 One of the teachers has kindly furnished the following sketch: 
 
 Morrison, the county seat and second city in size in Whiteside county, 
 has always prided herself on her efficient public schools. As early as 1859 
 the main part of the south side school was completed. It was two stories 
 high, in a beautiful park of natural timber, and was the pride of the vil- 
 lage. Later another story was added and still later the wings were built, 
 making a twelve-room structure. 
 
 Last November a fire broke out at eight in the morning threatening the 
 complete destruction of the time-honored school house, but the determined 
 efforts of the fire department supplemented by the help of the citizens res- 
 cued it, and it was temporarily remodeled. In June 1908 it will be rebuilt or 
 rather reconstructed and made modern. Fifteen thousand dollars is to be 
 expended in making it again worthy to house the children of Morrison. The 
 outside will not be changed in shape but it will be given an up-to-date ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 During 1907-8 the Mount Pleasant township high school is occupying 
 the second floor. The third floor has for some years been used as a historical 
 museum and a very fine collection has been on exhibition there. The recent 
 fire almost ruined it. 
 
 The north side school is a modern two-story brick with a basement for 
 the heating apparatus. It, too, is surrounded by a fine park of trees 
 "Nature's own planting". This building is almost new and is especially well 
 adapted for school purposes. 
 
 The course of study compares well with courses offered in larger cities. 
 Manual Training is had in some of the grades and in the township high 
 school. This department is well equipped and is growing in favor with 
 patrons and pupils. Sewing has a place in the high school but as yet nothing 
 further has been attempted in domestic science. Music is taught in all the 
 grades and in the high school, a special supervisor being employed for that 
 work. 
 
 It is the purpose of the boards of education, both the township high 
 school board, and the city board, to give the children of Morrison training 
 for useful service. Morrison believes that true happiness is more certain and 
 more permanent to those who have discovered their aptitudes and. that these 
 different courses all help the child to know his bent. 
 
 Supt. J. S. Moyer has had experience in managing schools and he has 
 been given a corps of able teachers. The schools are in good hands, thanks 
 to an interested patronage.
 
 TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL, MORRISON
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF TH 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 313 
 
 Prof. J. S. Mover, thirteen years in the Fulton schools, is principal of 
 the grades, which have an enrollment of 349. In room one is Elizabeth 
 Taylor; two, Emily B. Kelly; three, Eva Duffy; four, Frances J. Wilson; 
 five, Hulda F. Peterson ; another five, Gertrude J. Douglas ; six, Kate Martin ; 
 seven, Mrs. Emma W. Hollingshead ; eight, Miss Emma Reid. Prof. Moyer 
 teaches reading and arithmetic. 
 
 THE SCHOOLS AND THEIR LIBRARY. 
 
 By J. S. Moyer, Superintendent Public Schools. 
 
 The schools of a community are an index of the educational life of the 
 individuals who govern and direct the affairs of the community. And the 
 wealth, culture and general intelligence of the people of Morrison is indica- 
 tive of the educational standard of her schools, which standard is main- 
 tained by an able corps of earnest and efficient teachers. 
 
 The high school building is being entirely rebuilt, and when finished 
 will be one of the most modern and well equipped school buildings in north- 
 ern Illinois. The high school will occupy the second floor and four grades 
 the first floor. The North Side, or ward building is a new and well furnished 
 building accommodating four grades. 
 
 The fact that the high school has an enrollment of one hundred and 
 sixty-five pupils is an evidence of the interest and appreciation that our people 
 have in educational matters. And when it can be said that forty-six of thes? 
 pupils come from the country outside of the city limits, some driving eight 
 miles, and all studiously following a course of study credited by Illinois, Wis- 
 cosin and Chicago Universities, it certainly indicates that the spirit and life 
 of educational conditions of Morrison and surrounding country are com- 
 mendable. 
 
 Nothing is left undone or omitted from the educational forces that 
 may aid our pupils in expressing their self-activities in living and working 
 with such subjects and in such ways as will make healthy bodies, kind hearts 
 and well poised minds. To this end manual training for boys and sewing for 
 girls have been added to the general efficiency of our schools. During the 
 past year a library of two hundred and seventy-five carefully selected books 
 has been secured for the use of the grades. The books have been selected with 
 the view of not only interesting the children in the world around them but 
 also of gratifying the innate love of legend and spirit that makes a large part 
 of child life. In the first and second grades such books at "True Fairy 
 Stories," "Old World Wonder Stories," and "Boy Blue and His Friends," 
 lead the child on from his home nursery stories to see a larger world outside 
 of home and school, while "Plant Babies and Their Cradles," "Five Little 
 Strangers," and "Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans," intro- 
 duce him to nature and history. In the higher grades there is a wider variety 
 of subjects until in the seventh and eighth they may be classified under the 
 heads of history, geography, science and fiction, and include such books as 
 "The Story of Our English Grandfathers," "From Trail to Railway," "True 
 Tales of Birds and Beasts," and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Such a
 
 314 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 variety of books in the hands of interested and earnest teachers cannot fail 
 to stimulate the love of the good and the true in the hearts of school children. 
 Inherent in every child is a life that is responsive to beauty, truth and 
 virtue. These character building influences are found in the expressions of 
 our poets, prophets and seers, and to these the child may go and find in his- 
 tory and poetry, in biography and story, in legend and myth, that which 
 satisfies, strengthens and gives delight to childhood. While if we with- 
 hold from the child the food which its true life craves, we weaken it, throw 
 it into confusion and error, and sin and sickness will follow. Children need 
 the companionship of influences that ennoble and enrich life. Satisfy the 
 child in this particular, and virtue and strength will be the fruit of the uni- 
 versal spirit. 
 
 ODELL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. 
 
 An idle hour I dream away, 
 
 Alone among my books today. The Westminster. 
 
 Gladstone or Macaulay would revel in this quiet retreat on Grove street, 
 not far from the Whiteside hotel. It is a gem in arrangement and material. 
 About 4,000 volumes, large enough for the population, and twenty-five to 
 thirty new books received every month to keep abreast the current thought 
 of the world. There are three tables, containing magazines for reading and 
 books for reference. It is well patronized, in the -winter season of club.? and 
 study, 100 books sometimes taken out. Besides the well selected volumes on 
 the shelves, are cases of curios in the form of shells and coral, Indian skulls 
 and arrows, a variety of mineral specimens. In a show case are rare books 
 like Homer's Iliad, London, 1721, English Reader, 1813, Natural History, 
 1715, U. S. History, 1811. Some choice pictures on the wall, Execution of 
 Nathan -Hale, a bird's-eye of Morrison in 1885, a frame of copper coins, 
 the circle of American authors. But the most entertaining is a large group 
 of Morrison people of all ages and sizes, old and young. A local photographer 
 gathered the faces taken in his studio for thirty years, and put them side by 
 side. As the children then have grown to manhood and womanhood, their 
 baby features are here embalmed. It is a sort of Egyptian immortality. A 
 gallery for coming generations. 
 
 The building is the old Congregational church adapted to its present use. 
 The books and minerals belong to the early Morrison Literary and Scientific 
 Association, who in 1879 received the house and $8,000 from J. Odell, a gen- 
 erous citizen, for the benefit of the public. The property is now in charge of 
 the city which levies a tax for its support in addition to the interest derived 
 from the endowment. There are nine trustees according" to the state law. 
 Patrons and visitors are sure of courteous treatment from Mrs. Frank Rob- 
 inson, custodian. 
 
 A former Sterling boy has shown decided capacity for business. In 187& 
 Samuel H. Ladd entered the jewelry store of Clark & Giddings to learn the 
 trade, came to Morrison in 1886, and has now the finest establishment in the 
 city, his operations extending to kodaks and musical instruments. His store 
 is on the north side of Main street.
 
 MORRISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 r 
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 315 
 
 THE AUDITORIUM. 
 
 Halls on second stories are tiresome and dangerous, and in her spacious 
 place of amusement on the first floor, Morrison has set an example worthy 
 of imitation. The auditorium is on Grove street, built of frame in 1900 at a 
 cost of $15,000. There are seats for seven hundred people, and 1,200 can be 
 accommodated. A stock company, thirty-three share holders at fifty dollars a 
 share. E. A. Smith is president, A. J. Jackson, secretary, and treasurer. 
 
 Across the street is the armory, built several years ago, whose ample floor 
 space permits the evolutions of a company of troops. 
 
 The city receives its illumination from an electric plant established in 
 1889, H. S. Green, president and treasurer, L. R. Ramsay, secretary. There 
 are 130 incandescent lights, furnished at $19.50 a year, and three arc lights 
 at $75 apiece. The price of gas is $1.25 net per thousand feet. The office is 
 on Main street. 
 
 The Whiteside, the leading hotel, brick, three stories, was erected in 
 1865, and is the headquarters for lawyers, judges, jurymen, and other limbs 
 of the law in court time. The block of the First National, opposite, was put 
 up in 1864. A central situation, the street just east leading to the station. 
 
 WHITESIDE FARMERS' TELEPHONE COMPANY. 
 
 This was incorparated May 18, 1903. The capital stock is $20,000, divided 
 into eight hundred shares paid up, with a par value of twenty-five dollars 
 each. The object of the company is to build and maintain telephone lines or 
 exchanges or both in Whiteside and adjoining counties, state of Illinois, with 
 such extensions or connections with other telephone lines as may hereafter be 
 decided, and to furnish telephone communications over its lines at a mini- 
 mum cost to its stockholders. 
 
 The switch board fee $2.50 per share, per year, payable semi-annually 
 in advance. 
 
 Single communications limited to five minutes on party lines, and three 
 minutes on trunk lines. 
 
 There are seven directors. The officers are: 
 
 President, C. H. Mason. 
 
 Vice-Pesident, H. L. Ewing. 
 
 Secretary, C. E. Johnson. 
 
 Treasurer, R. E. Cochran. 
 
 THE GREENHOUSES. 
 
 These are at the southeastern edge of the city, and reached by a contin- 
 uous sidewalk. A delightful stroll on an October morning. Two firms close 
 together. In the front show window of Davis Bros, a bright display of car- 
 nations and chrysanthemums at our visit recalled Lowell's poem on the 
 dandelion : 
 
 Thou art my tropics and mine Italy; 
 To look at thee unlocks a warmer clime. 
 
 Several greenhouses, the longest 400 .feet.
 
 316 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The larger establishment is that of the C. D. Gallentine Co., which has 
 grown from one house 140 feet long, nine years ago, to twenty-nine glass- 
 covered roofs averaging 220 feet in length. The main crops are cucumbers, 
 two crops a season, and tomatoes, one crop. A pretty sight, the tomatoes and 
 cucumbers climbing on wires to the roof. Markets are found east and west, 
 Chicago taking the bulk of the product. To destroy fungvis and insects, the 
 ground before planting is sterilized by infusion of steam through a multitude 
 of pipes. To secure a balmy temperature during the wintry months, 3,000 
 tons of soft coal are consumed. The seed of cucumbers and tomatoes are 
 sown in broad trays, transferred to pots, then planted in the large beds. 
 Cucumbers bear in two months from seed, tomatoes in three. The day tem- 
 perature is kept at 85 degrees, night at 65. 
 
 GROVE HILL CEMETERY. 
 
 Princes, this clay must be your bed, 
 
 In spite of all your toweia 
 The tall, the wise, the reverend head, 
 
 Must lie as low as ours. Isaac Watts. 
 
 A charming spot, a sacred resort. It lies along the northern edge of the 
 city, and the open gateway invites you to enter. Arbor vitae, singly and in 
 clusters, seems to be the favorite evergreen, with its delicate leaves, giving an 
 air of cheerfulness to the solemn retirement. The turf is soft and velvety, the 
 lots are kept trim and fresh, and there is a sad satisfaction in walking up and 
 down the avenues, and reading the names of so many who once took part in 
 the busy affairs of the world. It is like taking a Morrison directory of the 
 last generation. Here they all come at last: Snyder, Sholes, Gray, Wilson, 
 Duffin. Eli Upton, 1811-1900. Dr. H. C. Donaldson, 1825-1896. Coroner, 
 kind physician, awhile in Sterling. Charles Spears, 1814-1884, and Rebecca 
 Spears, 1822-1895, have a monument of light red granite. Leander Smith, 
 1889, aged seventy. Baird, Mason, Wood, Wallace, McAllister, Whitcomb, 
 Jackson, Baker, Ely. Here is a granite memorial that recalls a family sorrow. 
 Burritt E. Phinney, 1883, only 25, and M. Loyal Phinney, 1887, 'only 24, 
 just ready to begin their promising career. Loyal C. Twitchell, Vermont, 
 1812-1903, and Mary H., 1814-1892. Charles Shirk, 1815-1904, and Sarah, 
 his wife. There are three Yennum tombs, and at each the writer expected to 
 see the name of the notable centenarian, Mrs. Phebe, but in vain. Edward 
 Vennum, 1842-1897, soldier. Two Robinson monuments, one simply "Rob- 
 inson," the other S. W. Robinson. John S. Green, 1831-1888. Wm. Spears, 
 1872, aged 59. This couplet over a humble grave: 
 
 Rest, mother, rest in quiet sleep, 
 
 While friends in sorrow o'er" thee weep. 
 
 Burr, Brown, Fellows, Farrington, Boyd, Bent, what associations! The 
 death of his daughter, Charlotte, was a blow to Prof. H. E., which saddened 
 his remaining days. Nancy Kingsbury, 1873, age 64. Levi Beach, 1810- 
 1893. Sampson, Savage, Lane, Baum, Winfield S. Wilkinson, 1812-1893, and 
 his wife, Frances E. Sampson, 1814-1890.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 317 
 
 How life-like thro' the mist of years, 
 Each well remembered face appears. 
 
 A large tract has been added to the cemetery on the north with a vault 
 at the foot of the slope, and already many handsome monuments have been 
 erected. On a long solid block is the name "Jennie Jackson, 1842-1901, the 
 first of her family to depart this life." 
 
 In various parts of the grounds sleep brave heroes of the wars. Win. 
 Henry Harrison Hutten, surgeon U. S. M. H. S. 1838-1897. For thirty-six 
 years a faithful servant of his country. H. P. Baker, Co. G, 8th 111. cavalry. 
 I>. J. Quackenbush, Co. B, 34th 111. infantry. Also G. A. Q., Band of 34th 
 111. Milton Morse, Co. B, 140th 111. infantry. Joseph Myers, Co. B, 34th 111. 
 J. A. Hulett, Co. A, 12th 111. cavalry. Jason Booth, Co. A, 1st W. Va. in- 
 fantry. There is a whole row of the gallant dead. Chas. Vorgt, Co. G, 156th 
 111. Jacob Alsrod, Co. B, 140th 111. J. H. Clifford, Co. F 12th 111. W. A. 
 Stowell, B. H. W., 1819-1899. J. W. Bowser, Co. G, 2nd Mo. S. M. cavalry. 
 
 The main driveways are paved with brick, and many of the lots terraced. 
 The good people of Morrison evidently consider Grove Hill as the choicest 
 jewel in their crown. 
 
 THE MANSIONS OF MORRISON. 
 
 The stately homes of England, 
 
 How beautiful they stand, 
 Amid their tall ancestral trees, 
 
 All o'er the pleasant land. Mrs. Hemans. 
 
 New York has Fifth avenue, Boston Beacon street, . Chicago Sheridan 
 road, and Morrison her Grove street. Too humble a title for so pretty a 
 thoroughfare. Sheridan Boulevard would sound better and do justice to the 
 situation. On a high ridge sloping to the south stand a succession of villas 
 in various styles of architecture, colonial, Queen Anne, Elizabethian. Here 
 beginning on the west is the red residence of M. V. Card, with its sweeping 
 view of the valley, the buff dwelling of J. B. Markey of the refrigerator fac- 
 tory, the elaborate frame mansion of Ed. A. Smith, banker, the buff villa of 
 Charles Bent and next that of his son, the home of the Missas Teller, the white 
 frame of Robert Wallace, the brick of Charles Foster, the square brick with 
 portico of Mrs. Smith, widow of Leander. Among the historic people in this 
 aristocratic row are Julia and Mary Teller, sisters of the distinguished Colo- 
 rado Senator, Henry M. Teller. Of eight children, one is dead, Addison and 
 James are in Colorado. The father died on the farm in Union Grove, the 
 mother in Morrison. A grandfather's clock from the eastern home stands in 
 a corner of the sitting room. No more delightful home than that of Charles 
 Bent with its hospitable hall and spacious parlors. An ideal library in the 
 rear. Low book cases with glass doors along the sides filled with standard 
 authors, one corner devoted to rare volumes of early and later Illinois history. 
 Indian and Mexican vases for the antiquarian. Around the writing table in 
 the center with its fantastic shaded light what deliberations of state, what 
 questions of research, what plans of patriotism. There too. is the Spear?
 
 318 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 house, one of the first on the hill. To the east on Genesee street is the large 
 brick residence of Mrs. Taylor, widow of the old physician. Of late years 
 many handsome residences have been erected on the south side, which is 
 quite level. One of the finest is the splendid villa of M. H. Potter, dealer in 
 lumber, the gray stone, bright roof, and shaven lawn, making a perfect pic- 
 ture. Most are frame but in excellent taste, as those of H. S. Green, Judge 
 Ramsay. J. H. Snyder, A. J. Jackson, Roy Davis, J. W. Steiner. On the 
 lawn of Dr. Hazelton, south of the track, are two primeval relics leaning 
 together which would be a treasure for a historical society. They are the 
 stones, the burrs of the first mill in Whiteside county, at Jacobstown on Rock 
 creek, about 1840 or before. 
 
 THE WOMEN'S CLUBS. 
 
 A creature not too bright or good, 
 
 For human nature's daily food; 
 
 For transient sorrows, simple wiles, 
 
 Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. Wordsworth. 
 
 No city of its size anywhere has so much refinement and intelligence as 
 Morrison. Its good wives and daughters devote their afternoons of leisure to 
 reading and research instead of finding enjoyment in the passing diversions 
 of the hour which leave no permanent profit at the end of the year. The city 
 has at least five associations of ladies who meet regularly for purposes of im- 
 provement. 
 
 One of the oldest is the Fortnightly club, organized in 1894. The 
 officers for 1907-1908, are Mrs. Decima Bent, president; Mrs. Ellen Smith, 
 vice-president; Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd, secretary; Mrs. Hettie Milne, treasurer. 
 There are twenty-one members. A booklet is printed giving the topics for 
 the various meetings. A page is devoted to "In Memoriam" for deceased 
 members. The motto for the year is from Thackeray: "My good people, it 
 is not only impossible to please you all, but absurd to try." The topics of dis- 
 cussion have a wide range : Confucius, Zoroaster, George Eliot, Women of the 
 Bible, Lady Macbeth, Our Forgotten Foremothers, Should a wife recehe an 
 allowance? Readings and songs give variety to the sessions. 
 
 Another is the Monday Evening club. Mrs. Burtch is president, and 
 Mrs. Cornelia Green, secretary. Here, too, the subjects for examination have 
 a broad field. In 1906 they took up The World's Greatest Short Stories, 
 Irving, Balzac, Dickens, Thackeray, Poe, Hawthorne. A leader is appointed 
 previously on essays or on poems. A passage is read by members in turn, 
 and at conclusion questions are asked. In 1907, English Essays had promi- 
 nence. Bacon, Addison, Swift, Lamb, De Quincey, Carlyle. Emerson, 
 Macaulay, Ruskin, Arnold. One year they considered the great poets, like 
 Shakespeare, Milton, Burns, Coleridge, Longfellow. A delegate is regularly 
 sent to general meetings of women's clubs. 
 
 The Daughters of the Revolution have nearly thirty members, and have 
 enrolled many of the prominent ladies of the city. The Regent is Mrs. Mar- 
 garet Lapham Brown; vice-regent, Mrs. Cornelia Green; secretary, Mrs. Val- 
 lie Sholes Green; registrar, Mrs. Letitia Happer Payne; historian, Mrs. Ab-
 
 . 
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 319 
 
 bietta Porter Wilkinson. The meetings are held once a month. Although 
 the questions are chiefly confined to our own country, the patriotism of other 
 lands is not forgotten. Washington and his administration, the constitution, 
 quotations from American history, historic homes, men and women of his- 
 tory with five-minute talks, war time, the historical novel, political parties, 
 show the character of their work. Readings and papers. The discussions are 
 informal and enthusiastic. 
 
 There is a Domestic Science club composed of ambitious housekeepers 
 who aim at excellence in the important and desirable graces of culinary art, 
 meeting at each other's homes from time to time. Practical demonstrations 
 are often given. The topics vary from the "use of salmon" to "preparations 
 from bread dough." 
 
 A Progressive Reading circle take up some of the best books of standard 
 or recent literature. For instance, Nov. 4, 1907, at the home of Mrs. Bent, 
 the lesson for reading and discussion was the first three chapters of "The 
 Little Minister." 
 
 CITY OFFICERS OF MORRISON. 
 
 Mayor, G. H. Kentfield. 
 
 Aldermen, A. P. Pelham, A. D. Stone, C. E. Lutyen, F. A. VanOsdol, 
 R. A. Norrish and Wm. Boyd. 
 
 City clerk, A. R. Baird. 
 
 City attorney, W. A. Blodgett. 
 
 Marshal, Chris Welch. 
 
 Assistant marshal, A. G. Puddifoot. 
 
 Street commissioner, Egbert Buis. 
 
 Supt. Waterworks, I. H. Parrish. 
 
 Supt, Grove Hill cemetery, H. H. Kelly. 
 
 Chief of fire department, Harry Berry. 
 
 The population is between 3,000 and 3,500. 
 
 The Mystic lodge in Round Grove is thought to be the only one of its 
 kind in the United 'States that owns the building in which its meetings are 
 held as well as the ground upon which the structure is located. The hall has 
 lately been enlarged to forty feet in length and further improved by the ad- 
 dition of a stage and two dressing rooms, so it may be utilized for social and 
 dramatic entertainments, parties, balls or other gathering? that very often 
 require a suitable room to assemble in a small place as well as in larger towns 
 than Round Grove. The new hall was formally opened and dedicated in 
 1907. 
 
 THE CHURCHES. 
 
 Why should we crave a hallowed spot? 
 
 An altar is in each man's cot, 
 
 A church in every grove that spreads 
 
 Its living roof above our heads. Wordsworth. 
 
 On one of the southern streets is the Holland church, the largest society 
 in Morrison, and, doubtless, the latest. There are 115 families, 125 scholars 
 in the Sunday school, three catechetical classes, a young ladies society, and a
 
 320 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 woman's missionary. The sermons are in Dutch, morning and evening, and 
 the congregation so large that the frame edifice must be enlarged. Most of 
 the people live in the country, and some at so great a distance that they must 
 start soon after seven for morning service. The families are patriarchal, 
 from nine to twelve children often. Very punctual, turning out rain or 
 shine. Excellent citizens, having brought from the old country the virtues 
 of thrift, economy, and neatness, live bountifully, and work strenously. The 
 sheds for seventy-five teams and the hitching posts indicate the rural char- 
 acter of the worshipers. 
 
 The pastor, Peter John Bouma, was born in the Netherlands, educated 
 partly at Kampen, H., and partly in Michigan. He has been twenty years 
 in America, and five here. Every year he visits every family, occupying two 
 -days every week. 
 
 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 
 
 On Sunday, May 20, 1906, the Mehodist church was re-dedicated amid 
 great rejoicing. The former edifice was so completely transformed that the 
 present is really a new church on the former site. From the Sentinel of May 
 17, 1906, we condense the details of the rejuvenated sanctuary. The entire 
 building was raised three feet, and a stone wall laid, making an eight foot 
 basement for dining room, kitchen, fuel and boiler rooms. The main build- 
 ing is 10x60 feet, and the audience room sixty feet square. It is heated by 
 steam. By means of rolling partitions, all of the rooms can be thrown into 
 one spacious auditorium, with ample seating capacity for special occasions. 
 'The exterior is painted white, the interior decorated, a steel ceiling, walls 
 frescoed, artistic electric light fixtures. There are nine handsome memorial 
 windows, costing $700, given by members of the church. The Good Shep- 
 herd in the east was the gift of Mrs. Lucinda Curtis in memory of her hus- 
 band Cyrus and daughter Eva. On the south, one by J. H. Kennedy, for 
 his father, A. E. Kennedy and his mother, Rachel. Paul preaching on Mars 
 Hill by Charles and Mary McMullen. One by Mark and Phebe Root for 
 their father and mother, John and Elizabeth. On the north side a window 
 given by the Payne family for William and Eliza Payne, and on the oppo- 
 site one by the Thomas families for G. W. and Mary Thomas. One on the 
 east by Chas. McMullen and the Teller family for Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wood- 
 ruff, and another on the west for Mr. and Mrs. I. V. Walker. One on the 
 north by the Epworth League. 
 
 The parsonage is on the north. The first was erected in the sixties, but 
 was sold and removed, and the present attractive and modern residence built 
 in 1903, at a cost of $4.200. Taking church and manse together, no more 
 convenient and complete church property in the county. 
 
 Like all Western churches, the Methodists in Morrison had their days of 
 struggle. Rev. James McKean, a missionary, held service in a grove in Mt. 
 Pleasant, in the house of James J. Thomas. In 1836 he formed a class, con- 
 sisting of James T. Thomas and wife, and George 0. James and wife, the 
 first religious organization in Mt. Pleasant. The semi-centennial was cele- 
 brated in Morrison, May 1-3, 1887. This M. E. society is really an outgrowth
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 321 
 
 of the Unionville church, organized Oct. 8, 1842, Rev. B. Weed, presiding 
 elder, and Rev. Chester Campbell, preacher in charge. The church belonged 
 to Union Grove circuit, Rock River conference. The circuit included Union 
 Grove, Erie, Wine-hell's Grove or Kingsbury, Lyndon, Otter Bluffs, Albany, 
 Genesee Grove, Fulton, and Rock River Bend. Among the prominent names 
 we find A. C. Jackson, class leader, D. B. Young, local preacher, Samuel 
 Slocumb and Luke Abbey, stewards. The services at Unionville were con- 
 ducted in school houses until 1855, when a church was erected, Rev. S. B. 
 Baker, being the preacher in charge. In 1858 came the Morrison church, 
 the first sermon preached in July, 1858, at old Concert Hall, by Rev. J. W. 
 Waterbury. It was on the third floor of the building now occupied by the 
 Green Drug Co., and G. W. Robinson. Here the services were held until 
 the removal of the church from Unionville to Morrison in 1862. At a meet- 
 ing of the society in 1860 at the Baptist church, arrangements were made for 
 the purchase of lots from S. H. McCrea for $300, and the Unionville church 
 for $900, and $100 for the bell which had disappeared. The building was 
 removed and dedicated May 23, 1862. The repairs and removal cost $2,000, 
 In 1858 the Morrison circuit was established, and in 1863 the town was made 
 a station. In 1877 a new church was erected at a cost of $4,808, the old 
 building being remodeled in connection. There was a spire 113 feet high. 
 Rev. H. W. Thomas, D. D., of Aurora, conducted the exercises of dedication, 
 Sunday, Sept 2, 1877. 
 
 Since the organization in 1842, the churches in Unionville and Mor- 
 rison have had 38 pastors, including Rev. M. G. Wenz. At the dedication, 
 May 20, 1906, the sermon was preached by Rev. A. T. Horn, D. D., of 
 Evanston, presiding elder of the Dixon district. On Wednesday, May 23, 
 Rev. A. M. White, of Chicago, former pastor, gave an address. The present 
 pastor, Rev. M. G. Wenz, is a graduate of Northwestern University and 
 Garrett Biblical Institute, and the flourishing condition of the church owes 
 much to his scholarly taste and earnest effort. 
 
 There is a membership of about 250, with numerous societies, mission- 
 ary, ladies' aid, brotherhood, Epworth league, Queen Esther circle. A girl 
 is supported in Porto Rico school. A group of busy workers. 
 
 THE PRESBYTERIAN. 
 
 On March 28, 1905, this sanctuary was the scene of a solemn and yet 
 delightful celebration. It was the fiftieth anniversary of its organization. 
 Of those who became members in 1855, only four are now living, David 
 Cowan, of Polo; Mrs. Ellen B. Murray, Clear Lake, Iowa; Mrs. Agnes W. 
 Graves, Unionville; and A. J. Jackson, of Morrison. To add interest to the 
 occasion many of the older members were present, Mrs. Leander Smith, Mrs. 
 J. H. Snyder, Mrs. M. S. Heaton, Mrs. W. A. Van Osdol, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew. Roses and potted plants threw a freshness 
 and charm over the joyous occasion. 
 
 After invocation by Rev. W. V. Jeffries, of the Presbyterian, anthem 
 by the choir, and prayer by Rev. M. G. Wenz, of the Methodist church, an 
 historical sketch was read by Mr. A. J. Jackson, cashier of the bank. He
 
 322 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 has peculiar qualifications for the performance as he is the only member 
 living in the city who belonged to the early organization. From the sketch 
 which was printed in full in the Sentinel we are enabled to glean much 
 valuable information. At Unionville, March 28, 1855, twenty-two persons 
 in all, met to consider the formation of a Presbyterian church. Among 
 them were John and Phebe Vennum, W. H. Lane and Catherine, Henry 
 and Abigail Ustick, N. M. and Harriet Jackson, Win. Lane, Samuel and 
 Frances Miller, Austin and Fanny Martin. Rev. W. C. Mason and Rev. 
 W. W. Harsha were the committee from Presbytery to effect the organiza- 
 tion. W. Kier and N. M. Jackson were ordained elders. John Kier and 
 A. J. Jackson were received as members, and the roll was then 24. During 
 the next year nine members were added. For three and a half years, Rev. 
 Jacob Coon acted as stated supply. The first services were held in the Con- 
 gregational church at Unionville, organized in 1844. During the summer 
 of 1855 the railroad located its station at Morrison, and the young congre- 
 gation decided to remove thither, in 1858 erected a building, which was 
 replaced in 1883 by the 'present structure. Rev. A. H. Lackey served as 
 supply for two or three years, followed at different times by Armstrong, 
 Kelly, E. Erskine, and others, until the spring of 1863, when Rev. George 
 Paull, a young minister from Pennsylvania, came for five months as he had 
 decided to go as missionary to Corisco, Africa. He soon died there, and was 
 deeply mourned. That autumn, Rev. Geo. T. Crissman was called, laboring 
 with high esteem until 1878. An interval of six months was filled by Rev. 
 W. M. Blackburn, and another of two years by Rev. S. H. Weller. Rev. 
 James Frothingham preached for four years, and on his departure in 1886, 
 Rev. J. W. Skinner was chosen pastor, continuing until his removal to Colo- 
 rado in 1902. Rev. W. V. Jeffries filled the pulpit until 1907, when Rev. 
 \V. C. Crofts was invited to the vacancy. He is a graduate of McCormick 
 seminary, Chicago, a classmate of Rev. C. G. Richards in Sterling. The 
 membership of the church is 310, with 280 scholars enrolled in the Sunday 
 school, and a C. Endeavor of thirty. The usual missionary and ladies' soci- 
 eties, and a men's brotherhood. William' Fraser, elder, in an article in the 
 Monthly Messenger, Fulton, says the present church, occupied in 1884, cost 
 $15,000, and the organ since installed, $1,800. The board of trustees elected 
 in 1893 consisted o"f A. J. Jackson, Edward Vennum. C. Shirk, Robert. Wal- 
 lace, and S. M. Ladd. 
 
 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 
 
 This solid brick church stands on the corner of Gl'ove and Cherry 
 streets, and was erected in 1870 at a cost of $11,000. The Universalists 
 formed an organization as early as 1866 with J. R. Bailey. Jesse McKee, W. 
 Twining, G. S. Fullmer and W. Topping, as trustees; J. M. Burtch, secretary 
 and J. Mayo, treasurer. The constitution was signed by 48 persons. The 
 dedication sermon was preached Feb. 16, 1870, by Dr. Ryder, of Chicago. 
 No regular pastors for many years. Rev. J. F. Newton, of Dixon, has been 
 preaching of late on Sunday afternoons, as well as delivering a series of 
 literary lectures on Friday evening.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 323 
 
 Worship was held as early as 1857 in houses, and in 1862 the brick 
 church was built. Among the early priests were Kennedy, Ford, Daly, Gov- 
 ern, Gormley. When there is no resident pastor, the priest at Fulton has 
 officiated. The present pastor is Rev. M. A. Dorney, educated at the Jesuits' 
 College in Chicago. There are two hundred souls in the congregation, mostly 
 in the country. An altar society of forty ladies. A neat interior with two 
 rows of pews, and on the walls the usual pictures of the stations of the cross. 
 An elegant new rectory lately completed at a cost of $4,"300. A fine situation 
 on a terrace on west side of Bay street. 
 
 THE BAPTIST. 
 
 This was started like other Morrison churches in Union Grove in its 
 palmy days, and the first services were held by Rev. E. Ingham, a home mis- 
 sionary. In 1854 the society was organized with thirteen members, Timothy 
 Dimick and wife, Sanford Williams and wife, W. H. Pollard and wife, E. 
 A. Pollard and wife, Nancy Lewis, Clarinda Dimick, A. I. Maxwell, N. S. 
 Barlow and wife. The first services in Morrison were at Johnson's Hall. 
 The first building was on corner of Genesee and Park streets, completed in 
 1857. Rev. L. L. Lansing was first pastor, succeeded by Rev. J. V. Allison, 
 K. W. Benton, A. A. Russell, Deland, Keene, Collins, and others, no pastor 
 remaining a long time. In 1872 a new brick church was erected on corner 
 of Grove and Cherry streets. The membership at one period was 280, but 
 it has declined of late years, and at present there are 108. The minister in 
 charge is Rev. J. W. Kinnett, in his second year. He took a course at 
 Rochester Theological Seminary, University of Chicago, and is now study- 
 ing for a degree. There are the usual woman's societies, B. Y. P. U., and 
 a Sunday school of 75 pupils. 
 
 On the south side is a small Swedish Lutheran church, and near Smith's 
 bank a Christian Science Reading room, open from 1 to 5 P. M., with Sun- 
 day services at 10 A. M. 
 
 ST. ANN'S EPISCOPAL. 
 
 It was organized, Nov. 22, 1888. The building is frame with a base- 
 ment for parish meetings. Rev. Edwin Weary, of Sterling, is priest in 
 charge. Finance committee consists of R. Norrish, R. E. Cochran, R. Wood, 
 J. Ritchie, A. Penn. There are 15 families, and 32 members. Three guilds, 
 St. Ann's, ten members; St. Margaret's, twelve; Junior, eight. The work at 
 this mission has been performed mostly by the clergy of Grace church. Ster- 
 ling. During the summer, students from the Western Theo. Seminary have 
 spent their vacation in Morrison. For ten years St. Ann's had a resident 
 pastor, Rev. Mr. Gear, now rector of Maywood, 111. Before the erection of 
 a church building, services were held in a public hall. 
 
 THE WHITESIDE SENTINEL. 
 
 Some said. John, print it, others said, Not so, 
 Some said, It might do good, others said, No. 
 
 John Bunyan.
 
 324 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Little Iceland some years ago celebrated her Millennial, a thousand years 
 since her start. America is too young for such a performance. Philadelphia 
 had the Centennial in 1878, and Chicago the Columbus anniversary in 1893. 
 But our semi-centennials are becoming numerous even in the West, and 
 the Sentinel had hers in the issue of July 25, 1907. From a paper of that 
 date, we are glad to give a detailed account of the rise and progress of this 
 long established' journal. The Sentinel says: 
 
 OUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 Fifty years ago July 23, 1857 The Sentinel was first issued to the 
 public. No other newspaper now published in Whiteside was then in exist- 
 ence, so that it can be truthfully said that The Sentinel is the oldest paper 
 published in the county. 
 
 In 1857 the new town of Morrison, which had been located with the 
 coming of the railroad in the fall of 1855, was beginning to develop, and the 
 citizens felt that a newspaper medium should be established by which its advan- 
 tages as a commercial point, and its fine location in the midst of one of the 
 most fertile agricultural districts in the State, could be made more generally 
 known. With this in view they invited Mr. Alfred McFadden, who was con- 
 nected with a paper known as the Fulton Investigator, to take charge of an of- 
 fice in Morrison, which invitation he accepted. They advanced a considerable 
 sum of money to him, which he was to repay in advertising, and copies of 
 the paper. A hand press and a sufficient amount of type to print the paper 
 and do ordinary job work, were purchased, and on the 23rd of July, 1857, 
 the first number of The Whiteside Sentinel, a six-column four-page paper 
 was sent forth to do its work in assisting to build up Morrison and White- 
 side county. 
 
 The Sentinel was conducted by Mr. McFadden until 1862, when, owing 
 to ill health, he leased it to Elmer Searle for one year. At the expiration of 
 the lease Mr. McFadden resumed its publication, and in 1868 enlarged it 
 to an eight-column four-page paper. In July, 1867, The Sentinel was pur- 
 chased by Charles Bent and Maurice Savage, who published it until May, 
 1870, when Mr. Bent became the sole proprietor. He instituted many im- 
 provements, and also enlarged the paper to four pages of nine columns each. 
 In July, 1877, Mr. Bent sold the office to Robert W. Welch of New York 
 city, from whom he repurchased -it in March, 1879, in the interim having 
 published a history of Whiteside county, and has since been its proprietor. 
 
 From April 1, 1899, to Oct. 1, 1899, the Sentinel was published as a 
 semi-weekly, but subscribers were dissatisfied with the change, and it returned 
 to its original form as a nine-column weekly. On Sept. 28, 1905, it was 
 enlarged to a seven-column, eight-page paper, and since July, 1907, has 
 been published as a twelve-page newspaper. 
 
 During the absence of its owner while attending to his official duties 
 as U. S. Pension Agent at Chicago it has been continued under the suc- 
 cessful management of Charles Bent, Jr. 
 
 The Sentinel adds this hopeful prophecy: The cycle of fifty years has 
 now closed at the commencement of which Morrison with now a population
 
 CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN DEPOT, MORRISON
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF TH 
 
 wmmt of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 325 
 
 of nearly 3,000, was a hamlet embracing less than 300 people, and the county 
 with its population now of nearly 40,000, containing then only a few thou- 
 sand inhabitants, and it will not be unreasonable to predict that the next 
 fifty years will bring as great a growth in population and material benefit 
 as the past fifty years have witnessed. 
 
 THE MORRISON RECORD. 
 
 The younger of the two weeklies of the city, and a progressive paper. 
 It was founded March 17, 1894, by H. E. Brown. Buell A. Langdon bought 
 one half interest, Sept. 1, 1894, and the firm became Brown & Langdon. 
 This continued till Jan. 1, 1897, when Langdon bought Brown's interest. 
 Langdon was alone till May 1, 1902, when he sold to W. B. Barnes, who 
 ran the paper until Dec. 1, 1904, when C. E. Johnson purchased one half 
 interest, and six months later, the remainder. Since that time, he has been 
 sole editor and proprietor. 
 
 The Record is a six-column quarto, or eight pages, well printed, and 
 is a bright, clean, attractive sheet. It has one unusual feature. There are 
 no patent insides, no plate matter prepared in Chicago, and sent broadcast 
 over a hundred counties. Numerous advertisements and a generous supply 
 of local affairs furnish material in plenty for the columns. Republican in 
 politics, and sound in every good cause. The presses are run by gas engines. 
 The office is on the north side of West Main street, and the Record comes 
 out every Thursday. Mr. Johnson is a practical printer, an affable young 
 gentleman, and is rapidly advancing the circulation of his paper. 
 
 VARIOUS VENTURES. 
 
 The Reform Investigator, started by Elmer Searle in 1868, devoted to 
 financial reform, published at the Sentinel office, was removed in 1870, to 
 Chicago, and perished in the fire of 1871. 
 
 During the Greeley campaign of 1872 the Morrison Independent was 
 issued with L. S. Ward as business manager, and J. W. Huett, editor, and 
 discontinued in 1874. In July, 1874, the office was purchased by G. J. 
 Booth and Son, who published the Morrison Times, but after two years, 
 they moved to Rock Falls, and started the Whiteside Times. 
 
 In July, 1876, Guernsey Conolly and Frank A. Gore moved their print- 
 ing office from Lyndon to Morrison, publishing the Morrison Democrat, advo- 
 cating Tilden's election, but it retired in 1877. 
 
 THE FACTORIES. 
 
 Let us then be up and doing, 
 With a heart for any fate. 
 
 As you pass to the west end, over a long building is a huge sign with 
 glaring letters, Libby, McNeill & Libby, Condensed Milk Plant. It was started 
 March 4, 1907, W. P. Page, supt., and employs 45 men and 7 girls. The 
 farmers bring milk in ten-gallon cans. After it is weighed, it is thrown into 
 a large storage tank, and the systematic process begins. The heating in
 
 326 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 copper kettles, the adding of sugar, the vacuum pan, where steam eliminates 
 water and impurities, the filling of the cans, placing in coolers, and then in 
 barrels of 600 pounds for shipment to bakers and confectioners. After the 
 cans are emptied, they are washed by steam and sterilized. Nothing is left 
 undone to insure perfect cleanliness. The whole building from top to bot- 
 tom would make a Dutch housekeeper dance for joy. In one room is an 
 array of small bottles on shelves of milk subjected to analysis. As we were 
 informed, these milk plants are a direct benefit to farmers by affording a 
 home market for cash and by increasing the value of the land. It rents for 
 more per acre, and rises in valuation. 
 
 The can-making department at the Libby, McNeill & Libby plant made 
 a very respectable reputation for itself one day by turning out 22,037 cans 
 in four hours. The average run is around the 5,000 per hour mark, but on 
 this particular occasion it was stretched a trifle. This department is in charge 
 of Mr. Bernheisel, lately of Rockford. 
 
 Not far off is the Refrigerator factory. It was started for the sole manu- 
 facture of refrigerators, but to furnish employment at dull seasons of the 
 year, school furniture was added as a sort of by-product. For instance, from 
 May to September, furniture, from September to May, refrigerators. In 
 winter 135 hands are employed. Fifteen years in operation. The chief 
 woods used are elm, ash, and gum. A late innovation in the interior of 
 the refrigerator is the insertion of glass and enamel instead of zinc. More 
 ' ornamental, but increases the price. A perfect fire system with a pressure 
 through the pipes on every floor from their own 51,000 gallon tank. W. H. 
 Colyer, nine years in the works, showed the writer much courtesy. 
 
 SENATOR TRUMBULL AT MORRISON. 
 
 Prof. S. A. Maxwell sends this reminiscence: In the fall of 1866, Sena-* 
 tor Lyman Trumbull addressed a large audience on the political issues. A 
 laughable incident occurred in the middle of his speech. To illustrate 
 a point, he shouted, "Show me a Democrat," and with more emphasis, "Show 
 me a Democrat!" At this juncture, a red-faced, half-witted, and half-intoxi- 
 cated man arose at the end of the platform, and swinging his hat, shouted, 
 "I belong to that party." Senator Trumbull turned, and taking in the 
 measure of the fellow, scathingly retorted, "Yes, and I think you got into 
 it as Nasby did in the Philadelphia convention, by the color of your nose 
 and the smell of your breath." After the tremendous applause subsided, a 
 local politician called the Senator's attention to the fact that the chap was 
 not sound in mind, not a fair representative of the great party, whereupon 
 Trumbull promptly made an apology, by saying that had he known the 
 mental condition of the fellow, he would not have uttered the retort. 
 
 MORRISON IN U. S. SENATE. 
 
 In the Republican & Gazette, Sterling, William Caffrey, editor, July 28, 
 I860, appeared the following advertisement:
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 327 
 
 Hiram A. Johnson. Henry M. Teller. 
 
 Attorneys and Counsellors at law. 
 
 Solicitors in chancery, Morrison, Whiteside county. Will practice at all the 
 
 courts of the 22nd judicial district, and in the supreme and 
 
 U. S. district courts of Illinois. 
 
 But Mr. Teller did not remain long enough in Whiteside to become 
 known to the bar or to the people, for adopting Horace Greeley's advice, he 
 removed to Colorado in 1861, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876, 
 Centennial year, when Colorado was admitted to the Union, he was elected 
 to the U. S. Senate, and except three years in the cabinet of President 
 Arthur as secretary of the interior, 1882-1885, has held the office by re-elec- 
 tion. His present term expires in 1909. During a late campaign, he spoke 
 in Morrison on the court house grounds. It is somewhat curious that in his 
 sketch in the Congressional Directory, 1906, while the town of his birth, 
 Granger, N. Y., 1830, is given, and the town of his education, Rushford 
 academy and Alfred University, no mention of Morrison or Whiteside. It 
 reads: "In January, 1858, removed to Illinois, and practiced law there until 
 April, 1861." 
 
 One of Teller's early cronies during his struggling days in Morrison, 
 was the solemn and dignified A. J. Jackson, cashier of the First National 
 Bank. He always meets the Senator, who regularly visits Morrison to see 
 his sisters when on his way to Washington. They occasionally slept together 
 in an old shack on Main street, since moved away and torn down, whose 
 ceiling was so low that it was impossible to stand erect. They once went 
 to see it, and get a sliver of the tenement that had sheltered their noble frames. 
 
 Honor and fame from no condition rise, 
 Act well your part, there all the honor lies. 
 
 Senator Henry M. Teller, of Colorado, announces that he will return 
 to private life at the expiration of hi^ present term in the Senate in 1909. 
 The Senator, who is in his seventy-ninth year, and in splendid health, said' 
 lately: "I can foresee no contingency that will cause me to again seek elec- 
 tion for the Senate. I do not care to give a specific reason for my retirement, 
 beyond the weight of years. By next March I shall have spent a little over 
 thirty-two years at Washington, mostly as Senator from Colorado. I think 
 that is a sufficient time for me to spend in public service, and will retire." 
 
 ALPHEUS CLARK POST. 
 
 This is number 118 G. A. R., and was organized Dec. 6, 1881. Frank 
 Clendenin was first post commander, and by re-election held the office four 
 years. Among the best known of the twenty since are Charles Bent, G. W. 
 Howe, E. W. Payne, and A". J. Jackson. The commander for 1907 was Wil- 
 liam J. Trye. From 1904 to 1905 was C. W. Mitchell, also a familiar face. 
 The regular meetings are held at the post room on the second and fourth 
 Mondays. Thirty members are given in the blue booklet used by the boys 
 for reference. At the January meeting of the W. R. C., 'No. 116, these
 
 328 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 officers were installed: Mrs. Phoebe Burch, president; Mabel Fellows, sec- 
 retary; Mary Davis, treasurer; Mrs. Lasher, senior vice; Miss Alice Harri- 
 son, conductor; Miss Cora Hall, assistant conductor; Mrs. Amy Heiss, musi- 
 cian ; Julia Winters, chaplain. Talks from the veterans and a banquet suc- 
 ceeded. 
 
 MARRIED SIXTY-TWO YEARS. 
 
 We glean this happy domestic item from the Sentinel of April 9, 1908: 
 
 Besides being election day, Tuesday was an important day for at least 
 two people in this city, as that day was the sixty-second anniversary of the 
 marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jotham McKee.- This worthy couple have been 
 residents of Whiteside county for forty-two years, during which time they 
 have lived in Ustick and in this city. 
 
 Mr. McKee was born in Jefferson county, New York, October 27, 1821, 
 and was one of a family of nine children. He was a farmer in his native 
 county until January, 1866. He then came to Whiteside county, Illinois, 
 and lived in this city for twelve years, during which time he conducted a 
 meat market. He served in the capacity of constable, also as deputy sheriff, 
 and for ten years was city marshal, and for four years street commissioner. 
 He was a capable officer and served the public by attending to his duties with 
 diligence and efficiency. In 1878 he bought a 160-acre farm in Ustick and 
 moved there, conducting the farm for several years. He retired from the 
 farm a few years ago, and came to this city to reside among his many old 
 friends and acquaintances. 
 
 Delight Frink was born November 30, 1824, in Cortland county, New 
 York, and was the daughter of Joseph and Esther Frink, who were natives 
 of New York, as were Mr. McKee's parents. Jotham McKee and Delight 
 Frink were united in marriage April 7, 1846, in New York. They have one 
 son, James, who lives in Rockford, Illinois. 
 
 Mr. McKee, though in his eighty-seventh year, is vigorous for one of his 
 age and during the past winter was always among the first to battle with the 
 snow drifts, keeping his walks clean as many younger citizens neglected to do. 
 
 RECENT DEATHS OF OLD SETTLERS. 
 
 Alfred Heaton, one of the pioneers of Mt. Pleasant, died at his home in 
 Morrison. 1908, after an illness of several weeks. He was nearly eighty-eight 
 years of age and had resided in this township the greater part of the time since 
 1837. 
 
 Alfred Heaton, son of William and Martha Heaton, was born in Jef- 
 ferson county, New York, April 28, 1820. In 1837, eighteen years before 
 the first railroad was built through this township he came with his family 
 to Mt. Pleasant, Whiteside county, Illinois, and located on section 3. In 
 Unionville, May 11, 1845, he was married to Eliza J. Robertson, who died 
 May 29, 1895, shortly after they had celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Heaton crossed the western plains and the Rockies with a 
 company going to California in search of gold. They traveled the entire 
 distance with oxen and wagon. A year and a half later Mr. Heaton returned 
 by way of Panama.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 329 
 
 4 
 
 When the Civil war broke out he enlisted with Company C, Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry, and served until September, 1862, in the same regiment which 
 his son enlisted in later. 
 
 In 1881 he moved to Dakota and was elected a member of the first 
 legislature holding a session in South Dakota after it became a state. 
 
 In 1893 he returned to Mt. Pleasant, which has since been his home. 
 
 Flavins J. Jackson was born Aug. 22, 1825, near Chesterville, Knox 
 county, Ohio, and died Feb. 8, 1908, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 
 16 days. He came west with his father's family in 1837, settling on a claim 
 where Morrison now is and has made his home here ever since. 
 
 UNION GROVE. 
 
 By Prof. S, A. Maxwell. 
 I hear the tread of pioneers 
 
 Of nations yet to be, 
 The first low wash of waves where soon 
 
 Shall roll a human sea. Whittier. 
 
 The original settler of what is now the town of Union Grove was Joshua 
 T. Atkinson, who came to this county in 1834, and made extensive claims 
 in Union Grove during the summer of 1835. He built a cabin into which 
 his family moved in July, 1836. Previous to- his removal to Geneseo, Henry 
 county in 1875, he lived for many years on his farm in Union Grove. He 
 was an energetic pioneer, and with the assistance of Andrus Hubbard and 
 C. G. Woodruff of Lyndon, made the first breaking plow ever constructed in 
 the county. He also has the credit of introducing the first reaper into the 
 county. He held the office of justice of the peace, being first elected in 1836. 
 None of the descendants of Mr. Atkinson are now living in the county. 
 Among other early settlers may be named Henry Ustick, who later removed 
 to Ustick township, Ira Burch, D. B. Young, Elisha Hubbart, Stephen Jeffers, 
 John A. Robertson. All of these have children or grandchildren still resid- 
 ing in the county. Jacob Baker was one of the prominent pioneers. He 
 purchased a claim in 1842. He came from Fulton where he had resided 
 three years, and where in 1840 he organized the first Sunday school in the 
 county. A strong temperance advocate, a radical abolitionist of the Lovejoy 
 type, maintaining a station on the underground railroad for years. Because 
 of his radical views on slavery, he withdrew from the M. E. church, and in 
 January, 1845, at the Unionville schoolhouse, with D. B. Young, Henry 
 Boyer, and others, organized a society more in harmony with their senti- 
 ments. As a sequel to this, a church building was erected in Unionville, and 
 services held regularly until 1870, when the building was removed. Since 
 that time no services have been held in the town except Sunday schools and 
 occasional preaching in schoolhouses. After Morrison sprang up, several 
 churches were removed to that place from Unionville, where they were organ- 
 ized and flourished for a time. Mrs. W. B. Bull, of Union Grove, is a grand- 
 daughter of Jacob Baker, and her children and grandchildren represent the 
 fourth and fifth generation of their noted pioneer.
 
 330 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The first school in the town was taught by Miss Mary Jeffers in 1840, 
 in a room in Henry Boyer's log cabin. In the same year A. J. Maxwell was 
 engaged to build a frame schoolhouse on a corner of the farm of D. B. 
 Young, the same now owned by Hon. H. M. Teller, of Colorado, on the Mt. 
 Carroll road. When the building was enclosed, a meeting was called, and 
 it was decided to change the site, and it was moved across the prairie to the 
 place where Mrs. Graves now lives, near the Unionville schoolhouse. About 
 1882 C. T. Heathcote purchased this building, and removed it to Morrison 
 for a dwelling. It now forms the west part of the residence of Mrs. 0. P. 
 Gray. There are now eight schools in Union Grove, with progressive teach- 
 ers. Among the pedagogues who have taught in the town during the last 
 forty years are Columbus Vennum, W. F. Eastman, S. D. Gossert, F. Ogs- 
 bury, Miss Kate Martin, S. A. Maxwell, W. S. Ellison, J. V. Washburne, 
 Frank Willsey, Miss Bertha Lati-mer, and Arthur Klontz. 
 
 Unionville has the distinction of having the only official branch office 
 of the U. S. Weather Bureau in the county. Complete records are kept show- 
 ing meteorological conditions for every day for the past several years. Mr. 
 S. A. Maxwell, the observer, has during the past five years furnished data 
 to attorneys, bearing on cases in Whiteside and Carroll courts, and Clinton, 
 Iowa. 
 
 Among the early settlers still in the town after 45 years may be men- 
 tioned Ira S. Burch, Mr. and Mrs. Milo Johnson, William Annan, Miss Kate 
 Annan, and John Phinney. The latter is a well known teacher, having 
 served in various parts of Whiteside, and doubtless has the record for more 
 years of educational usefulness than any other in the profession. He is in 
 fairly good health for an octagenarian, and lives on his farm with his daugh- 
 ter and husband, two miles west of Morrison. He was born in Vermont in 
 1824. 
 
 In the west part of Union Grove are the Cat-tail Bottoms, a by-word 
 from the earliest days for rough travel and impossible cultivation. It has 
 been discovered that they are highly valuable, and Oscar A. Oliver, formerly 
 in business in Sterling and Chicago, now residing on the west side of the 
 bottoms, south of Morrison, on the Garden Plain road, has started extensive 
 celery beds, which thrive like a green bay tree. Other growers are Ira Burch 
 and Peter Clapp. The latter has purchased the interest of George DeHaan. 
 The quality of the vegetable is excellent, and large shipments are made to 
 the cities. 
 
 West of Unionville is a neatly kept cemetery. On the tombs you may 
 read such names: Wenger, Richmond, Pollard, Summers. The oldest per- 
 son is Joseph Johnson, who died in 1864, aged ninety, a soldier of 1812. 
 The children of Rev. H. Hawkins, 1861: Jane Root, 1851. Here is a spruce 
 planted by a girl over the grave of her lover. Henry Ustick, aged 66, who 
 died in 1855. Elijah Town, 1843. Peter Root, 1862, Co. B, 75th Illinois 
 Volunteers. These rural grave yards, what places for meditation and mem- 
 ory! Here sleep these faded forms far from the madding crowd, the strug- 
 gles of the busy world.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 3:31 
 
 MRS. PHEBE VENNUM, CENTENARIAN. 
 
 By Prof. S. A. Maxwell. 
 
 The woman of Whiteside county to attain the greatest age was Mrs. 
 Phebe Vennum, whose last years were spent in the home of her son, Edward 
 Vennum, Union Grove, She was born at Rockaway, Morris county, New 
 Jersey, June 23, 1784, the daughter of Benjamin and Abigail Jackson. The 
 father was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, holding the rank of major, 
 On Feb. 25, 1802, Phebe became the wife of Isaac Lewis of Sussex county, 
 by whom she had two sons, James L., born Jan. 25, 1803, and Benjamin 
 J., born July 4, 1805. Mr. Lewis died in 1814, and Mrs. Lewis with her 
 two children removed with her parents to Knox county, Ohio, where, three 
 years later, she married John Vennum, of Washington, Pa. They had three 
 sons, Edward, Columbus, and John N., and one daughter, Betsy, who died 
 in infancy. Mrs. V. came to Illinois with her husband and family in 1846, 
 and settled in Union Grove on section 3, where Mr. V. died Feb. 12, 1858. 
 After his death, she made her home for 31 years with her son, Edward, a 
 prosperous farmer. Her health was remarkable. To her one hundredth 
 year, she had taken little medicine, and was never seriously sick. Her senses 
 to her last illness were acute, and conversation with her was always a pleas- 
 ure. The writer visited her at the age of 102, and presented her a cane on 
 behalf of W. 0. Dudley and A. J. Maxwell of Lyndon. At this time, her 
 sight, hearing, and power to converse, were excellent. One June 23, 1884, 
 her one hundredth anniversary, nearly 200 relatives, friends, and neighbors, 
 young and old, assembled at the Vennum home to pay their respects to the 
 venerable pioneer. Among those present was Benjamin Lewis, of Flint, Mich., 
 the eighty-year old son of Mrs. Vennum. At the old settlers' meeting on 
 Morrison fair ground, Sept., 1884, Mrs. Vennum was present, being then one 
 hundred. 
 
 Mrs. Vennum was nearly five when Washington was inaugurated, fif- 
 teen at his death in 1799, twenty-five when Lincoln was born, thirty-four 
 when Illinois became a state in 1818, fifty when the first settlers came to 
 Whiteside, seventy-seven at the outbreak of the Civjl war, and 105 lacking 
 four days at her death, June 19, 1889. Peter Ford, who died at Deer Grove, 
 1907, at the age of 105, and Mrs. Vennum, are the only two centenarians 
 of the county. 
 
 THE OLD MILL AT UNIONVILLE. 
 
 By S. A. Maxwell. 
 
 The wide-spreading pond, and the mill which stood by it, 
 
 The bridge, and the rock where the cataract fell. Woodworth. 
 
 Perhaps there is no other landmark in Whiteside county familiar to 
 more people than the stone grist mill on Rock creek. Just fifty years ago, 
 in the summer of 1858, its erection was began by John A. Robertson and 
 Wm. Annan, but it was not completed till Dec., 1859. It has always been 
 in operation, and grists of wheat, buckwheat, and corn, are still turned out
 
 332 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 to the satisfaction of customer?. The larger part of its work now is the grind- 
 ing of mixed corn and oats for feeding stock. 
 
 In 1867, Annan became sole owner by the purchase of Robertson's inter- 
 est. Annan died about twenty years ago, and his son, Wm. Annan, who had 
 been employed in the mills since 1868, has conducted the business since. 
 
 The first mill on this site was a saw mill built in 1839 by John A. Rob- 
 ertson and Benjamin Burns. The latter traded his interest in 1842 for the 
 whole of section 2 in Union Grove, and this section of the mill interest changed 
 owners two or three times. In 1855 Porteus Robertson owned it, and sold 
 out to Wm. Annan. For several years, the mill ran irregularly, as saw 
 logs became scarce, and as excellent pine lumber could be obtained cheap at 
 Fulton and Albany. When it became a poor investment, the proprietors 
 wisely concluded to take it down, and erect the present grist mill. 
 
 Rock creek furnishes the power for the mill. Previous to 1862, a brush 
 dam was used, but since, a frame dam has 'done excellent service with occa- 
 sional repairs. The mill and dam are only sixty feet from the public road 
 from Morrison to Unionville, which here crosses the creek on a splendid 
 steel bridge. It was erected in 1892 in place of the previous structure of 
 frame. 
 
 STERLING. 
 
 So we grew together, 
 
 Like to a double cherry, seeming parted. Shakespeare. 
 
 If any one walks Third street from east to west, two miles long, now 
 lined with stores and residences, and thinks of the time when there were a 
 few scattered cabins on either end, he will soon have an idea of the wonderful 
 development of the city. For years there were indeed two rival towns, Har- 
 risburg on the east and Chatham on the wast. Hezekiah Brink was the pioneer 
 who, in June, 1834, put up the first log hut in what is now the first ward. 
 Every year following brought accessions. In 1835 the Albertsons; in 1836 
 Luther Bush, Nelson Mason, Van J. Adams; in 1837 Hugh Wallace, E. B. 
 Worthington, the Woodburns, Ezekiel Kilgour; in 1838 Luther Wetherbee, 
 the Whipples, Jesse Penrose, Jonathan Stevens; in 1840 R. L. Wilson, John 
 Dippell. But there was a jealousy between the two towns. Between the west 
 line of Harrisburg and the east line of Chatham were six blocks called neutral 
 territory. It was soon found that" to exert any influence the towns must 
 sink their differences, and unite for the common good. This necessity was 
 hastened by the importance of securing the county seat. At a conference 
 in 1839 the consolidation was effected, and Sterling adopted as the name, at 
 the suggestion of Hugh Wallace, in compliment to his friend, Col. Sterling, 
 of Pennsylvania. Broadway was made the dividing line, and the new court- 
 house was erected on its west side in 1844. This became the center of busi- 
 ness, and stores sprang up. But a large gap, a long hill still separated the 
 eastern part of Sterling from the west. It was so as late as 1856. After the 
 excitement due to the removal of the postoffice to the west end by Joseph 
 Hutchison, to quiet the enraged patrons, Mr. Hutchison put up a small
 
 THIRD STREET, STERLING, IN 1868
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF TH 
 
 !WVESITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 one-story building on the hill, which gradually attracted trade, and led to 
 other improvements. 
 
 It will be noticed that the avenues of Sterling, running north and 
 south to the river, are much wider than the streets east and west, Rock 
 river was considered a navigable stream, and small steamers in good stage 
 of water came from the Mississippi. So delighted with the arrival of Capt. 
 Harris in 1836 in his steamer Pioneer that the proud citizens of upper town 
 named it Harrisburg in his honor. As late as 1844, when Gait and Craw- 
 ford were carrying on a general store, they sent lard, butter, and other produce 
 to St. Louis by occasional boats that made the trips up and down the river. 
 A political incident is pleasantly recalled in connection with the block 
 built on Third street in 1858 by J. H. Boynton. Hon. John P. Hale, the 
 famous anti-slavery senator of New Hampshire, was advertised to speak, 
 Oct. 30, but the wind was so wintry, that an out-door meeting was impossible, 
 and as the partitions of the Boynton block were not up, the whole lower 
 floor was seated, and several hundred men made comfortable. He spoke 
 for two hours, keeping his audience in good humor with his argument, ridi- 
 cule, and illustration, and there was a sigh when the genial speaker left 
 the stand. No more delightful piece of political oratory was ever given in 
 the city. 
 
 THE HOTELS. 
 
 Whoe'er has traveled life's dull round, 
 
 Where'er his stages may have been, 
 May sigh to think he still has found, 
 
 His warmest welcome at an inn. Shenstone. 
 
 Four of the older hotels are gone, the Central House, Sterling House, 
 the American somewhat later, the Wallace House, now the office of the 
 Gazette. The Boynton has been metamorphosed into a European hotel. The 
 old W T allace House, built in 1854-55 by Hugh Wallace, enjoyed a high repu- 
 tation for twenty years, secured chiefly through the management of Mr. 
 and Mrs. William McCune, who, like the landlords of English country inns, 
 gave their personal attention to office and kitchen. 
 
 The opening of the Gait House, erected in 1877 by Thomas A. Gait, 
 drew together the largest assemblage of prominent persons since the railroad 
 inauguration in 1855. The reception and ball on the evening of August 21 
 was attended by five hundred invited guests, comprising state officers, editors, 
 men in high station from various cities. Flowers, music, decorations, made 
 the brilliantly lighted halls a scene of Arcadian revelry. A sumptuous ban- 
 quet. Toasts and replies by Attorney General Edsall, Speaker Shaw, Con- 
 gressman Burchard, Sullivan of Chicago Journal, Judge Eustace, Win. Barge, 
 M. S. Henry, C. C. Buell, E. B. Washburne stood on the stairway, and said 
 a few words, the last appearance of our distinguished diplomat in the city. 
 The enterprise represents an investment of $75,000. J. H. Gray, of Chi- 
 cago, was the first lessee. The building is brick, four stories above basement, 
 and one hundred by hundred and twenty feet on the ground. Accommoda- 
 tions for two hundred guests.
 
 334 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Built a few years later is the Randolph House, corner Third and A 
 avenue, on the site of the oldest grocery in Wallacetown, kept by Robert 
 and Edgar Randolph, whose gray-haired father, a soldier, was until his 
 death, the oldest citizen, and regularly given the place of honor on the plat- 
 form at public celebrations. It is just north of the Northwestern station, con- 
 venient for travelers, and until her decline of health, was conducted by Mrs. 
 Emma Randolph, widow of Edgar. 
 
 SOME EARLY MEMORIES. 
 
 By John D. Arey. 
 
 Oft in the stilly night 
 
 Ere slumber's chain has bound me 
 
 Fond memory brings the light 
 
 Of other days around me. Moore. 
 
 Before the cities of Sterling and Rock Falls existed, the place they occupy 
 was called Rock river rapids. In 1837 a town of about one half mile square 
 was laid out on the north bank of the river at the head of the rapids, called 
 Harrisburg in honor of Capt. Harris, who ran the first steamboat up the river 
 to this place. Soon after a town of the same size was laid out on the same 
 side of the river, at the foot of the rapids, about one-third of a mile below 
 Harrisburg, called Chatham. At this time the State of Illinois began a 
 series of internal improvements, one of which was a canal up and down the 
 rapids, to enable boats to pass them by a lock. The canal was located along 
 the south bank of the river, and about $40,000 expended toward its construc- 
 tion. This gave the south side of the river a great advantage in future pros- 
 pects, and a town one mile square, called Rapid City, was laid out on that 
 side opposite Chatham, and while the state work was in progress, completely 
 overshadowed the prospects of the two north side towns. The work done on 
 the canal was one-half mile in length, between avenues A and D in the pre-- 
 ent city of Rock Falls. A dry stone wall, eight feet wide at the bottom, and to 
 be four feet wide at the top, was laid along the margin of the river far enough 
 out from the bank to give the canal the proper width, the stone quarried 
 from the bank to build the wall, and the stripping and waste from the quar- 
 ries deposited on the river side of it, making a bank about fifty feet wide 
 and a little higher than the wall. When the work was stopped, the wall, was 
 from six to eight feet in height, but no part of it was completed. The failure 
 of this work put a stop to any further improvements in Rapid City, and it 
 passed out of existence. 
 
 When Whiteside county was organized, Lyndon was fixed upon as the 
 county seat, and the courts were held there for a few years. The town did 
 not furnish a suitable building in which to hold courts and keep the county 
 records, and it became a question between the towns in different parts of the 
 county as to which could hold out the greatest inducements and secure the 
 prize. Harrisburg and Chatham both realized that neither could succeed if 
 opposed by the other, and immediately decided to unite their fortunes and 
 the towns at the same time, which they did by laying out a street north-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 335 
 
 westerly from the river bank, through the center of the piece of land between 
 them, one hundred and fifty feet in width, called Broadway, and extending 
 the streets in each town until they intersected it, distinguishing the num- 
 bering of the blocks, by east, or west, of Broadway. A committee from each 
 town was authorized to decide on which side of Broadway the county build- 
 ing should be located, and on a name for the new town. Block fifty-seven 
 west of Broadway was selected, and the new name was Sterling, given in 
 honor of a personal friend of one of the committee. In 1844 a courthouse 
 was erected, and the courts were therein located. There were then about 
 two-thirds of the inhabitants of Sterling living east of Broadway, but as 
 stores and hotels were built, they were mostly located west, and in 1855, when 
 the first railroad was built, a majority of the people were living there. When 
 the first depot was located there were but two or three buildings in the town 
 west of Third avenue, the lower dam was built the same season, and the stone 
 used in its construction was taken from the old canal wall, and the quarries 
 that were opened in both banks of the river above the dam. Wallace's addi- 
 tion was laid out and stores, hotels, and other business enterprises grew up 
 in the new part of the town. Mills and factories were built on the water 
 power, and the city which was incorporated in 1857 has had a steady growth 
 to the present time. 
 
 In 1857, Morrison, then an important station on the railroad, and 
 located near the center of the county, raised the question of a new location for 
 the county seat. An act was passed by the General Assembly enabling the 
 people to vote on it. Out of a total vote of 3,203, it was carried for the town 
 of Morrison by a majority of 59, and the county offices were moved to that 
 place in 1858, where they have since remained. 
 
 At the time of the earliest settlement of Rock river rapids, the nearest 
 point where the people could receive their mail, was at Dixon's ferry, where 
 the mail route from Peoria to Galena crossed Rock river, and a postoffice 
 was established. The first postoffice was opened within the limits of the 
 present city of Sterling in 1837, and was kept in a store on River street, on 
 the west side of Chestnut street in the town of Chatham. 
 
 FERRIES AND BRIDGES. 
 
 The river knows the way to the sea; 
 Without a pilot it runs and falls. Emerson. 
 
 In the days of Harrisburg, a ferry propelled by horse power was run 
 across Rock River above the rapids for a few years and discontinued. From 
 that time until the lower dam was built, the only way of crossing the river 
 at Sterling with teams, was fording in summer, or crossing the ice in winter. 
 A fund was raised by subscription in 1856, and the first bridge was built 
 from avenue B, crossing the north channel to the island, from the island 
 to the south bank. The bridge was completed with the exception of the 
 floor planking at the south end, when it was carried out by the i<!e in the 
 spring of 1857. The railroad bridge west of Nelson was at the same time 
 taken from the piers and left standing with the track on it, on the bottom
 
 336 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 lands on the east side of the river, about half a mile down the stream. A 
 boat was then built, and a ferry established about two hundred feet above 
 the present location of the First avenue bridge. A cable chain was laid across 
 the river, and the boat was propelled by a tread power, the chain running 
 over the drive wheel, and over pulleys at each end of the boat. A few years 
 afterward another ferry was established at Broadway, and was operated by 
 anchoring one end of a wire cable about a thousand feet in length, in the 
 center of the river above the ferry, with the other end attached to the boat 
 in such a manner that it could be swung across the river by the current. 
 The cable was supported above the water by small boate located at intervals 
 of about two hundred feet, under the line of the cable; it did not prove a 
 .success, and only ran one season. About the same time a rope ferry was 
 started on avenue B below the dam, which was operated until in 1863 a 
 stock company was formed, and a toll bridge was built at the same place, 
 and maintained until a few years after the present bridge was built. 
 
 The present free bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls was voted by 
 a large majority, and completed in 1878. It is a six-span bridge, each span 
 171 feet long, the superstructure of iron being twenty feet above the bed 
 of the river, with a road bed eighteen feet wide, and a walk five feet wide 
 on each side. The abutments and piers of Batavia stone. The structure is 
 guaranteed to sustain a weight of 1,800 pounds to the lineal foot. 
 
 In 1874 George W. Barr fitted up a steam tug, purchased at Lyons, 
 Iowa, and operated it as a ferry boat between the cities. It was called the 
 White Swan, and did a good passenger traffic for several years. 
 
 Avenue G Bridge, completed in December, 1907, is the latest structure 
 thrown across the river. It is the second on the same site. The first barely 
 completed and ready for travel, was swept away bodily in the tremendous 
 ice gorge of March, 1906. The solid iron and stone work snapped like pipe 
 stems before the resistless wall of moving blocks. Steps were taken at once 
 to rebuild, and the rapid reconstruction is worthy of all praise. 
 
 The committee in charge of the construction of the bridge were Super- 
 visors A. E. Parmenter of Lyndon, Frank Thomas of Tampico, and Rollin 
 Halsted of Rock Falls; Road Commissioners F. S. Bressler, Amos Hoover 
 and John I. Phillips, the clerk of the board being Roy R. Baer. 
 
 The approximate estimate of the cost of the superstructure is $32,000; 
 the concrete abutments $8,000; the fill and grading $1,500, making the total 
 cost of the bridge $41,500, which is $3,500 less than the appropriation pro- 
 vided for the building of the bridge. The town of Sterling voted the sum 
 of $22,500 to rebuild the structure and the county appointed a committee of 
 supervisors to act for the county, which is equivalent to appropriating $22,500 
 for the county's share of the bridge. 
 
 The total length of the Avenue G bridge is 1,200 feet and is built in 
 two parts, covering channels on each side of the island at the foot of Avenue 
 G. A truss bridge was erected across the south channel. It is a 300 foot 
 span, the largest single span on Rock river and is a magnificent structure. 
 There are nine spans of 100 feet each on the north side. This is plate girder 
 .superstructure. The width of the roadway is twenty-four feet, and the floor
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 337 
 
 is twenty feet above the normal surface of the water. This is five feet and 
 four inches higher than the old structure. The plate girders are ten feet 
 deep. The floor of the bridge was built on the bottom of the girder. On 
 the old bridge the floor was built in the center of the girder. The girders 
 will act as a wind break during winter. It was necessary to re-enforce the 
 girders and at intervals of fifteen feet "wind" braces were> erected to brace 
 the girders. 
 
 The new bridge is believed to be even more substantial than the other. 
 It looks firm enough to stand for all time. A magnificent prospect up and- 
 down the stream. Really the most picturesque spot in the city's landscape. 
 
 OUR OLDER HOUSES. 
 
 All houses wherein men have lived and died 
 
 Are haunted houses. Thro' the open doors 
 
 The harmless phantoms on their errands glide 
 
 With feet that make no sound upon the floors. Longfellow. 
 
 The cabins of the earliest settlers, Brink, Brewer, Kilgour, and others,. 
 Wallace's fort, are gone. So the hotels, Sterling House and Central House, 
 and later, the American in first ward, torn down in 1908. The stone house 
 west of Central Park, sometimes called the Glass house, was built, says M. 
 M. Warner, about 1847, by Captain McCabe, who many years ago navigated 
 Rock river at the time from Como to Rock Island and operated the stone 
 flour mill at Como. The mill at the time was the largest on Rock river. The 
 captain went to California, and died there. 
 
 Kilgour's log hut stood near the site of Walter Haskell's mansion. 
 George Brewer's father built his first house with bass wood sides, near the 
 river, south of Mr. Brewer's present home. Luther Bush built a low one- 
 story house in 1838 near the present Lincoln school. The stone foundation is 
 two feet thick, heavy enough for tower of Babel. Mr. Bush and his sons 
 Ed and Henry burned brick, and erected that large double dwelling on 
 Broadway, lately purchased by John Hoover. This was in 1856. The son, 
 Henry, with his family, occupied it, and he died there in 1907. John Arey 
 says Hugh Wallace's first cabin was near Power's coal shed, and that he 
 moved into the old wooden fort in 1844. 
 
 Of all the antique dwellings, the Wilson house is the best known. R. 
 L. Wilson came from Sangamon county in 1840, and his family the next 
 year. For awhile they lived in a house near the river, and in 1846 occupied 
 'the present brick near the Central School. It is only one story, the style in 
 that day, as there are some in Prophetstown, with thick walls. It will yet 
 outlast many of our modern dwellings. Here the Col. and Mrs. Wilson 
 entertained a large circle of friends. Here the children grew up and mar- 
 ried. Both liked company. Soon after the colonel returned from his trip 
 to Europe, the writer called, and was received .in a front room. He heartily 
 enjoyed the tour which he had planned long before. No more intelligent 
 and gracious man ever lived in the city. 
 
 Ben Butt house on Third street, first ward, a white-washed frame on a 
 high bank, was put up, says Mrs. R. C. Thompson of De Kalb, sometime in
 
 338 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the forties. An old timer is the small dingy trick once occupied by Sheriff 
 John Dippell. It is on Broadway, north of Fourth street, The American 
 House, first ward, Mrs. Susan Shultz says, was erected in 1857. Luther Bush 
 built the old courthouse with bricks burned by himself in eastern part of 
 Sterling. According to Mrs. M. F. Spalsbury, that narrow house, corner of 
 Third and Fifth avenue, was erected by Dr. Benton for dwelling and drug 
 store about 1849. The lower story is grout, or a mixture of lime and gravel 
 poured into a frame. Early fashion. Now they call it concrete. 
 
 The lower story of the northwestern corner of the casket factory on 
 Third street, it will be observed, is made of even blocks, carefully dressed. 
 These were quarried along the river and trimmed into shape by Edward 
 Jamieson, a Scotch marble cutter from Edinburg. This on the authority of 
 Mrs. Spalsbury. He afterward went south, and was killed by Morgan raiders 
 during the war. She also says that Andy McMoore had a one story brick 
 for the sale of candy and groceries, where Schmoeger's meat shop is now. 
 
 The second set of old buildings may be dated after the fifties. The Wal- 
 lace House, long the leading hotel, being near the depot. The Patterson & 
 Witmer, store block, now the Rock Falls Manufacturing Company. The 
 Commercial block, just west on Third street. Among the private houses are 
 the spacious mansion of Hugh Wallace, west of Simpson's lumber yard, now 
 owned by Mrs. Emma Randolph; next the smaller stone dwelling erected by 
 Gabriel Davis in the same year, 1855; the Smith Patterson residence of 
 Tsrick, further west. Near the park is the old home of Nelson Mason, erected 
 about 1855, where he resided till his removal to Chicago. The postoffice is 
 on part of his lot. The stone in the Wallace, Davis and Mason houses was 
 taken from the river. 
 
 THINGS THAT HAVE VANISHED. 
 
 But past are all his triumphs. The very spot 
 
 Where many a time he triumphed, is forgot. Goldsmith. 
 
 Just as the Roman Empire arose, flourished and fell, so do various enter- 
 prises in the young cities of the West. Conditions change, and they are 
 given up. The mitten factory stands in Rock Falls, but no more mittens 
 .are made. The hand corn-planters of Batchellers are a thing of the past. 
 Zollinger's grist mill makes no more flour. In Sterling, we hear no more 
 of the Williams & Orton Company, the Empire Feed Mill; the Mineral 
 Paint Works, the pruning shears shop, the packing house, which an old 
 directory claimed was the largest west of Chicago, having a capacity for 
 slaughtering 500 hogs per day. After the dam and race were completed in 
 1853, Joshua and William McKinney built a stone mill, which long had a 
 reputation for its flour. Then Church & Patterson, Dillon and Bowers. Of 
 all our industrial establishment?, the distillery started in 1864 by John S. 
 Miller, was the most extensive. The huge buildings covered five acres, two 
 thousand head of cattle grew fat in the sheds, two thousand bushels of grain 
 were used every day, and 8,500 gallons of alcohol daily manufactured. The 
 government tax was $5. (100 a day. or a yearly revenue to Uncle Sam of nearly 
 two million dollars. The business of the works required the services of 117
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 339 
 
 men, whose weekly wages amounted to $0,000. The alcohol was shipped to 
 Europe and South America. For convenience of shipment, the railroad 
 made a switch to the ware house. It was a busy spot. Farmers were sure 
 of a market for their grain, and the highest prices were paid. Nearly every 
 day a procession of teams. In 1880 a disastrous fire involved the sheds and 
 the helpless cattle in common ruin, but the sheds were rebuilt. After th'e 
 death of Mr. Miller, the sons, John and William, carried on the business until 
 the works were closed, 1884, by agreement with other distillers to regulate 
 the production. The buildings remained vacant until they were finally taken 
 down, and today not a brick is left to mark the site. 
 
 Two nurseries once in Rock Falls, now not one. The city has spread 
 over the early gardens of Mr. Lukens, and the evergreens and apple rows of 
 Grove Wright, east of town, have been converted to other uses. The old brick 
 'Courthouse in Sterling on Broadway was a prominent landmark as it stood, 
 lonely and forlorn, for many years, after the removal of the records to Mor- 
 rison, until it was taken down to make way for cottages. The early Presby- 
 terian church is a mournful memory. In your mind's eye, Horatio, you can 
 picture it where the high school now rears its quaint facade. And the little 
 white Lutheran church on the prairie is gone with all its traditions of strug- 
 gle and sacrifice. 
 
 Farewell, a long farewell, too, to the primitive schoolhouses. Yes, two 
 generations of them. Not only those rooms in which Mrs. Worthington and 
 Martha Millikan presided but the next set in the wards: the brick in the 
 first ward, the brown one-story depot in the third, and the two-story square 
 frame in the second, moved to Locust, opposite Burlington station. Wallace's 
 old fort and the diminutive brick of Thomas A. Gait stocjd on or near the 
 site of Simpson's lumber yard. There was a hill, but it was cut away. Wil- 
 liam Miller's spacious frame mansion is on the spot occupied by Wallace's 
 barn. D. R. Beck's incomplete brick, Fourth street, is now metamorphosed 
 into a cozy cottage by Prof. Chaplin. 
 
 East of St. John's Lutheran church, fronting on Seventh street, was for 
 several years after 1858 a desolate graveyard. The tombstones were ready to 
 tumble. John Arey attended funerals there, but no burials were made after 
 the cemetery was opened. In time the bodies were taken up, the ground 
 reverted to the original owners, and cottages are now on the site. The old 
 Sterling House, where Prof. Chaplin's mansion stands, was moved there, and 
 was kept awhile by the late George Wells, a tailor and well-known citizen. 
 His widow, Becky, long survived him. 
 
 In 1854 William Hess came from Pennsylvania and put up a combined 
 bouse and carriage shop on the corner of Fifth street and Ninth, avenue, and 
 for thirty years buggies for repair stood in front of his place. Now the 
 buildings are both gone and grass is growing on what appears to be a vucmt 
 lot. John Arey speaks of T. Winn's hotel in the eastern part of Sterling 
 about 1845 as quite a large building, but it disappeared very early. Nelson 
 Mason and his brother, Carlyle, had a small blacksmith shop near Isaac 
 Bressler's store, in the middle of the prairie, but only for a short time. 
 Carlyle went to Chicago, started iron works, and grew rich.
 
 340 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 And where is the Sunday tabernacle? Where go the figures when they 
 be "rubbit" out? asked the Scotch lad of the master. On Monday evening, 
 March 14, 1904, closed the most remarkable series of religious meetings 
 Sterling ever saw. For nearly five weeks Rev. William A. Sunday spoke in 
 ti wooden tabernacle to several thousand people, afternoon and night. It 
 was the sensation of the city, and men, women, and children crowded to the 
 plain, felt-covered structure. An immense choir sang the songs of Zion. 
 The number of converts was placed at 1,647. Every church received large 
 accessions. On the conclusion of the meetings the tabernacle was removed. 
 
 Long will the tale be told, 
 Yea, when our babes are old. 
 
 As the stranger gazes at the imposing brick tower of the First Congre- 
 gational church on Second avenue and Fourth street, he will never know 
 that for over thirty years a generation of excellent New England people met 
 Sunday after Sunday for worship in the familiar white frame on the same 
 
 ft lt-C 
 
 Where is my Highland laddie gone? 
 
 Where is Wallace Hall, from whose rostrum Wendell Phillips, Horace 
 Greeley, and Henry Ward Beecher addressed admiring audiences, and later 
 Farwell Hall, on whose platform Camilla Urso and Wilhemj drew their bows, 
 and Ingalls and Dr. Swing uttered their messages? 
 
 For twenty years the Agricultural Fair was the yearly jubilee of town 
 an country on Sanborn's forty-acre pasture along the river. Several good 
 wooden buildings were erected in the shape of a floral hall, stables, amphi- 
 theater, and other requisites. Although the display of vegetables and stock 
 was never very attractive, the week was always anticipated with pleasure 
 because the fair was a common meeting ground of friends from all parts of 
 the county. But the weather man so often sent rain and mud that week 
 that the profits failed to pay the premiums, and when Morrison started her 
 fair the Sterling show died a natural death. The visit of Grant and Logan 
 in 1880. widely advertised by A. A. Terrell, drew an enormous crowd, and 
 was the third illustrious occasion in the history of Sterling. 
 
 Gone is that wing dam built by Wyatt Cantrell in 1838 at the foot of 
 Walnut street. It was made of loose stones thrown up in the river, making 
 an angle of forty-five degrees with the bank. For ten years people from 
 Whiteside, Henry, and Bureau brought their, grists to this primitive mill, 
 as it was the only one in the country. Cantrell was a Kentuckian, coming to 
 Illinois in 1812 and settling in Sangamon until he removed to Whiteside in 
 1836. He died in Kansas, but his body was brought to Sterling, and his 
 tomb may be seen in Riverside, with other of his compeers of the thirties 
 
 THE CITY ORGANIZATION. 
 
 When vice prevail?, and impious men bear sway, 
 The post of honor is a private station. Addison. 
 
 Sterling was organized as a city under a special charter granted by the 
 legislature, 1857. At the first election held in April, Lorenzo Hapgood was
 
 GOVERNMENT BUILDING, STERLING
 
 LIBRABV 
 
 OF TH 
 
 DIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 341 
 
 chosen mayor, John Pettigrew and D. H. Myers, aldermen of first ward; 
 Henry Bush and D. R. Beck, for second; James Gait and B. G. Wheeler, for 
 third. At council meeting L. K. Hawthorne was made city clerk; E. N. 
 Kirk, city attorney ; W. S. Wilkinson, surveyor. The charter was amended 
 in 1869. 
 
 From Lorenzo Hapgood to John L. Janssen, elected in 1907, the city has 
 had thirty-nine mayors. In the long list appear the names of several old 
 and prominent citizens. Most were chosen for one term, but a few were in 
 office for the second or third term : Hapgood, Nelson Mason, Coblentz, J. G. 
 Manahan, B. C. Church, C. Burkholder, J. R. Johnson. In 186.6 was the 
 temperance issue, T. A. Gait, mayor. Generally, the contest turns on personal 
 popularity. Of the past mayors .several yet survive the strain of office and 
 live in the city: Street, Green, Lawrence, Hershey, Burkholder, Miller, 
 Johnson, Bell, Lewis. Bennett lives in Minneapolis and Patterson in Kansas 
 City. 
 
 THE TALE OF THE POSTOFFICE. 
 
 By John D. Arey. 
 
 He comes, the herald of a noisy world, 
 
 With spattered boots, strapped waist, and frozen locks, 
 
 News from all nations lumbering at his back. Cowper. 
 
 At the time of the earliest settlement of Rock River rapids the nearest 
 point where the people could receive their mail was Dixon's Ferry, where 
 the mail route from Peoria to Galena crossed Rock river, and a postoffice was 
 established. The /first postoffice was opened within the limits of the present 
 city of Sterling in 1837, and was kept in a store on River street, on the west- 
 side of Chestnut street, in the town of Chatham. River street is occupied by 
 the C. & N.-W. railway and Chestnut street is now Fourth avenue. John D. 
 Barnett was postmaster. The next location was on the south side of Fourth 
 street, between Main and Fulton streets, in Harrisburg, now Sixteenth and 
 Seventeenth avenues. Daniel D. Guiles was postmaster. Eliphalet B. Worth- 
 ington was next appointed, and kept the office in his residence, on the south- 
 east, corner of Third and Main streets, now Third street and Sixteenth avenue. 
 During his term, which was about twelve years, the towns of Harrisburg and 
 Chatham' were united, and he purchased block 52 on the east side of Broad- 
 way and built a residence, where he kept the office to the satisfaction of all 
 parties. Lewis D. Crandall was Mr. Worthington's successor, and at the time 
 of his appointment kept a small stock of groceries and notions in the north- 
 east room of the courthouse, where he kept the office, until he finished 
 the building now standing on the northwest corner of Third street 
 and Eighth avenue, into which he moved his store, and from there 
 the office was taken to a store across the street in the west part of 
 the brick front now standing on the south side of Third street, east 
 of the alley, between Seventh and Eighth avenues. Bradly Nichols suc- 
 ceeded Mr. Crandall, and during his term the office was moved from the 
 brick front to the rear room of a building occupied as a bank on the north- 
 east corner of Third street and Sixth avenue. This room was not a suitable
 
 342 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 place for the office, and a building was erected for it on the northwest corner 
 of Third street and Fifth avenue. This building was the first one erected 
 for a postoffice, and in it were put up the first boxes for rent to the patrons 
 of the office. Joseph Hutchinson, who kept a store in the building now 
 standing on the north side of Third street, the fourth east of Avenue A, was 
 next appointed by President Buchanan, and moved the postoffice into his 
 store. The people, with the exception of a few that were interested in the 
 development of the new western part of town, were so incensed at this action 
 they signed an order authorizing Charles Ginkinger, who was a deputy under 
 the former postmaster, to go to Hutchinson's store and get their mail, take 
 it to the old office and distribute it. In a few days the postoffice department 
 sent an official to Sterling, who told the parties they could not have two post- 
 offices in one town. This made the people furious, and the leading citizens 
 to the number of about forty met in the old part of the town and marched 
 in a body through the middle of the road, where the mud was three or four 
 inches in depth to Hutchinson's store for their mail, and while it was given 
 out to them they occupied themselves by stamping the mud from their boots, 
 and some were careless enough to get up on the counters to do it. This 
 demonstration caused Mr. Hutchinson to promise the people, if they would 
 wait until he could put up a building on the hill, he would move the office 
 into it. He immediately erected a building on the north side of Third 
 street, on the west side of the alley between First and Second avenues, where 
 the postoffice remained through the rest of his term and through the term 
 of L. King Hawthorne, who was appointed by Abraham Lincoln as Mr. 
 Hutchinson's successor. Mrs. Emily J. C. Bushnell wa? next appointed by 
 President Lincoln. She moved the office to a building now standing on the 
 east side of First avenue, the third north of the Germania Maennerchor. 
 Mrs. Electa E. Smith, who kept the office in the same place, was Mrs. Bush- 
 nell's successor. During Mrs. Smith's term Thomas A. Gait and George S. 
 Tracey erected the Academy of Music block, and fitted up the north room 
 for a postoffice, which was occupied by Mrs. Smith during the latter part 
 of her term, in which place the office remained until the present postoffice 
 was built and opened for the first time, Oct. 1, 1905. During the time the 
 office was in the Academy of Music building the following persons kept it, in 
 the order named: Mrs. Electa E. Smith, Charles M. Worthington, William 
 A. McCune, Thomas Diller, John R. Johnson and Thomas Diller, who moved 
 the office into the government building. Mr. Diller's successor is James P. 
 Overholser, the present postmaster. Mail delivery by carriers was estab- 
 lished in the term of W. A. McCune, and rural mail delivery in the second 
 term of Thomas Diller. 
 
 In addition to Mr. Arey's excellent sketch we take some items from 
 an article read by George O. Stroup at the postoffice banquet in 1907. It 
 seems that Nelson Mason carried the sacks from Dixon to Sterling, on a 
 horse in summer and on a sledge in winter. He received the princely com- 
 pensation of eight cents a mile. The postoffice in Barnett's store was in a 
 box kept under the counter, and there were only a dozen families to receive 
 mail. As there were no postage stamps, the postage, 25 cents, had to be paid
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 343 
 
 by the person calling, and if he had no money the letter was either held ' 
 until he borrowed it, or the amount was charged to his account. 
 
 The new government building, erected in 1905 at a cost of $45,000 is a 
 handsome one-story structure of brick and stone, on the corner of Fourth 
 street and Second avenue, on the west part of the old Nelson Mason prop- 
 erty. The business of the office has increased rapidly. At the close of the 
 fiscal year, June, 1907, the total receipts were nearly $23,000 and the ex- 
 penses $14,000, including salaries and other outlay. The amount of money 
 passing through the office in the form of money orders was $110,000. In 
 1894 the receipts were only $13,000, almost doubled in thirteen years. In- 
 cluding the janitor, there are thirty-five people connected with the office. 
 
 The Sterling postoffice for the calendar year 1907 made the greatest 
 gain in its history, the receipts showing a gain of twelve per cent over the 
 year 1906. The receipts for the year 1907 were $24,000, while the year 
 1906 the receipts were $21,500, or a net gain of $2,500. The receipts of the 
 Chicago postoffice during the same period showed a net gain of eight per 
 cent. 
 
 P. O. ACCOUNT BOOK. 
 
 Before the writer lies a little book bound in leather, eight inches by 
 four, which was kept by Mr. E. B. Worthington in part of his administration 
 of the early Sterling office. He was appointed during Harrison's term, 1841, 
 and this book appears to be a sort of cash book or record of moneys received 
 for letters or merchandise. Reading one page recalls a host of old Sterling 
 names: H. Whipple, pills, 50 cents, quinine, 25 cents; Hugh Wallace, 5 
 cents; Luther Bush, letter sent, 12V 2 cents; Col. Wilson, sent, 37 J / 2 ; Van J. 
 Adams, 18%; L. H. Woodworth, 18%; Capt. Woodburn, 18 3 4 ; Albert S. 
 Coe, 121/2 ; Dr. Pennington, 25; N. Mason, 25; John Gait, 25; Carlisle Mason, 
 27; R. C. Andrews, 10; Jesse Penrose, 12% . Some names occur over and 
 over. In fact, the patrons of the office were easily counted. Rev. George 
 Stebbins, the minister, appears frequently, and Hugh Wallace, M. S. Henry, 
 lawyers; R. S. Wilson, county clerk, and the Gaits, John, Maria, James, 
 Mary, and then a mixture, Asa Emmons, Samuel Albertson, Joel Harvey, 
 Kilgore, De Garmo, Manahan, Crawford, Brew T er, Moore, Platt, .Dippell, 
 Wells. A big business in pills and quinine. No doctors or drugs and plenty 
 of ague and bile, and the doses had to be sent by mail. So we find frequent 
 receipts of 50 cents and a dollar for medicines. Accounts were kept of money 
 sent for papers. Charges occur like these: March 21, sent one dollar for 
 Dollar Newspaper for S. Albertson; January 1, sent one dollar for Chicago 
 Democrat for Isaac Merrill; in January, Dr. Pennington sends one dollar 
 to Greeley and McElrath for New York Tribune; in March, sent one dollar 
 to Wilson & Co., for Amer. Book of Beauty for James Gait ; Thomas Gait 
 sends 25 cents for Youth's Friend, Philadelphia; February, R. C. Andrews 
 sends one dollar for Prairie Farmer. 
 
 This fascinating nugget of old postoffice operations runs from 1843 to 
 1847. The book was in possession of Jesse Johnson, grandson of Mr. Worth- 
 ington, and given by him to the W. Co. Historical Society. Accompanying 
 it is a thin ledger in which the dates run from 1846 to 1850. According to
 
 344 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 this some things were charged. That is, under each name is a Dr. account 
 of various items of postage for letters and papers not paid as received. For 
 instance, after Noah Merrill's is footed up on the Dr. side for journals and 
 letters he has credit on the Cr. side by cash and on April 8, 1850, "By use of 
 team and boy for half a day, one dollar." It would make a modern city P. M. 
 grin to glance through the closely written charges of 14 and 25 cents to be 
 balanced on the other page by occasional payments of cash, or sometimes in 
 trade, as so many bushels of wheat or so many pounds of salt pork. Verily, 
 the world moves, and the days of our grandmothers have gone. 
 
 Better fifty years of Europe 
 Than a cycle of Cathay. 
 
 Note. The writer is in possession of a fact never published. When 
 Joseph Hutchinson received the nomination for postmaster it fell like a 
 thunderbolt upon the people, as he was a stranger recently from the east, 
 and it was not known that he was an applicant for the office. The mystery 
 was soon explained. Mr. Hutchinson was from Pennsylvania, President 
 Buchanan's state, and they were personal friends, so that it was perfectly nat- 
 ural for Mr. H. to ask for the office and the President to grant it. So Col. 
 Wilson was made paymaster by President Lincoln during the war, because 
 he and Mr. Lincoln were in the legislature together and belonged to the Long 
 Nine who moved the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. 
 
 The permanent improvement of the streets was begun several years ago 
 and is steadily prosecuted as finances permit. A large extent of Third, Fourth 
 and Locust streets is paved with brick, and many of the other streets and 
 avenues curbed and macademized. Sewerage will soon be installed all over 
 the outlying districts. A long, narrow park in the center of Broadway, at- 
 tractive with flowers and shrubbery in place of the rank growth of weeds so 
 long a disgrace, adds much to the beauty of that fine thoroughfare, destined 
 to become one of the fashionable drives of the future city. A Euclid avenue 
 or Drexel boulevard. 
 
 GROUP OF PIONEER MOTHERS. 
 
 I heard the bell tolled on thy burial day, 
 
 I saw the hearse that bore thee slow away. Cowper. 
 
 During my first visit to Sterling in 1851, in company with my father, 
 we made our home with Hugh Wallace, a Cumberland county lawyer, wh>> 
 had married Mary Gait of Lancaster county. They were both close friends 
 of my father, so intimate, indeed, that he was invited to "stand up" at their 
 wedding. They lived in the old fort, a one-story frame building near the 
 present spacious mansion of Mrs. Randolph on West Third street, built by 
 Mr. Wallace, as he became prosperous. 
 
 A delightful visit of a week. Both were genuine western hosts, doing 
 everything for our comfort. Mr.*. Wallace was a thorough housekeeper. How 
 we ate and how we slept. A bountiful table. This hospitality continued to 
 her death. During her whole life she was a good Samaritan, another Dorca, 
 ever ready to make sacrifice for her own family or her neighbors. The Wai-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 345 
 
 lace home was a Mecca for every eastern visitor. A woman of wonderful 
 self-control. Although trouble after trouble came into her household, her 
 face always wore the same gracious expression. 
 
 But an old age, serene and bright, 
 And lovely as a Lapland night, 
 Shall lead thee to thy grave. 
 
 Mrs. Maria Gait belonged to the Buyers family, who had lived for gen- 
 erations on a tract of land near the Gap in Lancaster county, deeded by the 
 Penns. 
 
 The farm of John Gait, still in possession of the family, lies along the 
 Elkhorn, near Gait station west of Sterling, and here in 1851 I first saw Aunt 
 Maria, whose kindness was so often enjoyed after my removal to the west. 
 Deer were then about, and I remember a pet fawn running in the front yard. 
 
 Aunt Maria was a woman of intelligence and refinement, somewhat re- 
 tiring, finding her highest enjoyment in her own household, not caring to 
 visit, but always delighted to welcome her friends at her hearthstone. Her 
 last years were spent in Sterling, and even at ninety she found great pleasure 
 in rising early to prepare the family breakfast. 
 
 Mrs. Mason's maiden name was Barnett. Nelson Mason, her husband, 
 was a Scotchman .from Paisley. She was a sister of the first Mrs. Pennington. 
 That substantial dwelling between postoffice and park, constructed of stone 
 from Rock river, was erected by Nelson Mason about 1855, the same year 
 the Wallace mansion in the west end. Mr. Mason was mayor during the Civil 
 war. A man of excellent judgment. 
 
 My acquaintance with the Mason family began in 1857. It then con- 
 sisted of the father and mother and the two daughters, Emily and Ann, an 
 older sister, Mrs. Bross, living in Chicago. Never in all my experience have 
 I entered a home where the welcome was so spontaneous, so cordial, from every 
 inmate of the circle. The soul of good cheer pervaded the very atmosphere. 
 The memory of those calls is very fragrant, and I sigh to think that every 
 member of that charming group is no longer among the living. 
 
 for the touch of a vanished hand, 
 The sound of a voice that is still. 
 
 Mrs. Mason was one of the most genial persons I have ever met. Her 
 laugh was contagious. Let me change one word in a familiar quotation: 
 
 A merrier woman, 
 
 Within the limit of becoming mirth, 
 I never spent an hour's talk withal. 
 
 The death of Emily in her prime was a blow to the fond maternal heart 
 and ever afterwards there seemed to be a touch of sadness in the old joyous 
 greeting. 
 
 Only a vestige is left of the neat Worthington cottage on Broadway, 
 which, with its barberry hedge, was once a familiar landmark. This was 
 the postoffice in 1851, and here we came for our letters from the east. Of a
 
 346 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 large family, Anna, Mary and Edward are dead, Mr.-*. Norwood in Chicago, 
 and Josephine, wife of C. C. Johnson, Esq., of Sterling, only remaining. The 
 father, Eliphalet, was a native of Connecticut. 
 
 Mrs. Worthington was a delicate woman, a neat figure, and always wore 
 a curl in front. She received a good education in her Philadelphia home 
 and was ready to give her unsophisticated neighbors the benefit of her accom- 
 plishments. She opened a school, and also taught a class in painting. Like 
 Titian, who used his brush at ninety-nine, Mrs. Worthington never lost her 
 love for art, and in her old age, living alone, the visitor would find her busy 
 at some new painting which she would explain with the genuine enthusiasm 
 of an artist. 
 
 Both Elizabeth Kilgour and her husband, Ezekiel, came from Cumber- 
 land county, Pennsylvania. She was a Graham, a famous name in Scotch 
 genealogy, and the sturdy spirit of the clan survives in her descendants today. 
 They came in 1837, and Mr. Kilgour died in 1848, leaving her the care o/ 
 a growing family. She was equal to the emergency, and trained them well 
 A woman of decided convictions. One physical feature which I recall was 
 her voice, which continued loud and strong even in old age. 
 
 Could her children speak, they might arise and call her blessed, for they 
 all led excellent lives. Two were soldiers, Ezekiel dying in the Nashville 
 hospital in 1862. William, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, who became general, 
 was severely wounded, participated in all the dreadful battles of the Tennes- 
 see campaigns, and saw more desperate service than most of our veterans. 
 For a long time in front of his residence on the Pennington road he had a 
 board labeled "Chickamauga Street." 
 
 Mrs. Col. Wilson, as she was generally called, was Eliza Jane Kincaid, 
 of a prominent Kentucky family. John Kincaid, who died in 1873, was an 
 intimate friend of Henry Clay. Of all our pioneer mothers, Mrs. Wallace and 
 Mrs. Wilson saw most noted people, because their husbands were in politics. 
 While Mrs. Wallace met Stephen A. Douglas and U. F. Linder, Mrs. Wilson 
 knew Lincoln, Edwards, Herndon and the worthies of early Springfield. 
 
 Mrs. Wilson was the last of the pioneer inothers of Sterling to pass away 
 and one of the oldest. She died in March, 1907, and had she lived to the 
 following May, would have been ninety -two. A woman of remarkable firm- 
 ness and composure. A placid brow amid all the trying times of a long 
 career. 
 
 Through all the changing scenes of life, 
 
 In trouble or in joy, 
 The praises of my God shall still 
 My heart and tongue employ. 
 
 SOME EARLY DOCTORS. 
 
 By medicine life may be prolonged, yet death 
 
 Will seize the doctor, too. Shakespeare. 
 
 Dr. A. S. Hudson was in Sterling in 1856, and perhaps several years 
 before. Some prominent families held him in high esteem, and were not 
 willing to be sick under the care of any other physician. Poor Mrs. Coblentz
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 347 
 
 was very enthusiastic in his praise, and would quote his opinions on all occa- 
 sions. A slender man with long beard. 
 
 He was scientific, studious, read much in his profession, and had the 
 bearing of a scholar. For awhile our early library was stored in his house. 
 He built the dwelling now occupied by Ed Bowman. Across the street was 
 Kirk, now the Wash Dillon property, and over on Second street was Sackett. 
 J believe these men had in view a select corner of professional aristocracj 1 , 
 an intelligent Four Hundred. 
 
 All bright fellows and all gone. It makes one sad to recall their shattered 
 hopes. A home course of lectures was organized just before the war, and 
 Dr. Hudson was one of the speakers. His subject was "Correlation of Life and 
 Death." The style was learned, a little above the average Sterling mind of 
 that day. The lectures were given in Commercial block, just west of the 
 burial case factory. On leaving here, the doctor finally reached California, 
 where he died a few years ago. 
 
 As my older readers know, Sterling was once the happy county seat, and 
 the courthouse stood in the block west of Broadway, between Third and 
 Fourth. It was the center of business, and the best storehouse near it is the 
 brick block now occupied by Frank Bowman on Third. In 1858 in this 
 building I found a drug store under the firm of Anthony & Royer. It was 
 soon afterwards dissolved by mutual consent. 
 
 Dr. M. M. Royer came from Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and at- 
 tended medical lectures, I think, in Philadelphia, then, as since, the resort 
 of students. Like Edinburgh abroad. He was a brother of the late George 
 Royer, farmer east of town, whose widow still resides in a neat cottage on 
 Fifth street with her daughter Tillie. The face of John Royer, a son, who 
 married Bertha Seidel, is daily seen at the counter of the Sterling National 
 Bank. 
 
 Lentil his retirement a few years ago and subsequent residence in Chicago 
 and his death at that place, Dr. Royer was in constant practice. Always 
 ready to respond to call of suffering, rich or poor. Willing at any hour of 
 the night. His saddle bags in the H. S. tell of many a weary horseback ride 
 over our early swampy roads when a buggy was impossible. His wife was 
 Lizzie Hoover, and she and two daughters, Emma and Libbie, live in Chicago. 
 No better physician in diseases of women and children. 
 
 During his first years in Sterling, Dr. J. P. Anthony resided on the 
 corner of Fourth avenue and Fourth street. Mrs. Ladd lived and died in the 
 same house, somewhat enlarged. A pump stood in the front yard, and the 
 children from the Presbyterian Sunday school ran there for water. That 
 was in the sixties. 
 
 The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket, 
 The moss-covered bucket which hung in the well. 
 
 When the war broke out Dr. Anthony responded to his country's call, 
 and was appointed surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois, 
 returning at the close of his sen-ice as surgeon of the Sixty-first. Soon after- 
 wards he erected the office on First avenue where Dr. Frank was for awhile,
 
 348 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 residing in the rear dwelling until he built the spacious home on West Fourth 
 street in which he and Mrs. Anthony died, and where the daughter Permelia 
 remains. 
 
 There was something about Dr. Anthony's face and manner that re- 
 minded me of our old family doctor, John W. Luther, in the east. He 
 brought cheer into the sick room, always had a smile and hopeful word, and 
 in his long experience soothed many a sad heart. Seldom failed in his 
 diagnosis. A long and faithful practice. He had the courage of his con- 
 victions, and you always knew where he stood. Besides his son Frank, Dr. 
 Jacob Kauffman read medicine in his office. I remember Jake's stovepipe 
 hat. 
 
 None of our doctors advanced so rapidly as Dr. W. J. Gait. His modest 
 sign first appeared near the gate of Mrs. Amanda Crawford's farm, west of 
 Sterling, then on the Stolp house in Emerson, next in Sterling, where it re- 
 mained. Dr. Gait read medicine in Strasburg, and attended lectures in 
 Philadelphia. Through his family connection and his own activity, he grad- 
 ually gained an extensive practice, which he held until failing health. 
 
 Few of my readers, I suppose, can recall that frame drug store, owned 
 by Harvey, an Englishman, that stood in the hollow on the corner of Third 
 and Locust, about 1860. It was a hollow, sure enough, and in rainy weather 
 on dark nights it was dangerous without a lantern to cross the boards span- 
 ning a raging torrent that might easily drown a man. Dr. Gait bought this 
 building, and erected the substantial edifice in which he had his drug store 
 and office till his death. Several changes since. The Keefers, Mrs. Brown, 
 now Mr. Bickford. 
 
 The doctor died the youngest and the richest of our physicians. Not 
 much over forty-five at his death, by his professional labors and business 
 operations he accumulated in about twenty years an estate of a hundred 
 thousand dollars. As he never married, his last months of invalidism were 
 spent at the Gait house. Dr. Gait was a man of quiet tastes, and his greatest 
 delight was to sit of a winter evening around the stove in his store with a 
 few congenial spirits like Aleck McCloy and Champion, and discuss people 
 and politics. 
 
 PROPHETS OF THE PAST. 
 
 But in his duty, prompt at every call, 
 
 He watched, and wept, he prayed, and felt for all. Goldsmith. 
 
 Among the earliest ministers were Rev. George Stebbins of the Presby- 
 terian, and Rev. S. F. Denning of the Methodist. Mr. Stebbins was an earn- 
 est man and highly esteemed. Mr. Denning was a forcible speaker, and his 
 wife was devoted to the missionary cause. Both deserve to be held in grateful 
 remembrance for their Christian zeal in the day of small things, and for the 
 foundations they laid for churches to come. 
 
 Among the first ministers we heard in Sterling were two Lutherans, 
 William Uhl and Mr. Thummel, father of our genial veteran, Anson. Both 
 sound, serious clergymen, and both, I think, read their sermons. Father 
 Thummel had received a thorough education in Germany, was a solid the-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 349 
 
 ologian, and used our language with an elegance and precision that made it 
 a pleasure to listen. 
 
 Mr. Uhl from Dixon, and Mr. Thummel from Prairieville, were occa- 
 sional supplies, but after awhile Rev. W. A. Lipe received a call to the little 
 white frame church, which, with its tiny belfry, was long a landmark among 
 the trees on the edge of town. He was just from the seminary, boyish in 
 appearance, full of energy and enthusiasm, sociable, much among his mem- 
 bers in Sterling and at Emerson, then Empire. 
 
 He had a strong voice, made the room ring, and was a fine singer. How 
 he reveled in music. At revival meetings, in the Sunday school, he always 
 led the chorus of sacred song. His people and children caught his spirit, and 
 you were sure of lively singing in the Lutheran church. After a chaplaincy 
 in the war, he returned to his charge here, finally leaving for Nebraska, and 
 is now at West Point in that state. Mrs. Hefley, wife of the veteran, is a 
 sister. Mr. Lipe came about 1860 and left in 1873. 
 
 A day of small things when Rev. U. W. Small was Congregational pas- 
 tor, 1859-1864. A society, but no building. The services were held in halls. 
 A modest man, intelligent, well read, laborious, much more vigorous in mind 
 than in body. He married Miss Oilman, graduate of Mt. Holyoke, teacher 
 in Central school, a woman of lovely character. An awful tragedy threw a 
 gloom over their later lives. Their son, Forrest, a lawyer, at the outset of a 
 promising career, was mysteriously killed in Minnesota, and the blow nearly 
 prostrated the poor mother. Miss Oilman's likeness is in our Historical 
 Society. 
 
 No more commanding figure ever stood in the Sterling pulpits than that 
 of Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D. A handsome man of portly form; open 
 countenance, winning manners, and a hand ever ready for the warm grasp 
 of friendship. A mass of dark hair which he shook back from his forehead. 
 A ready writer and a vigorous preacher. His gospel had no uncertain sound. 
 A thorough Calvinist, a disciple of the Alexanders and the Princeton School 
 of Theology. On resigning his charge here in 1865, he started the North- 
 western Presbyterian in Chicago, which finally was succeeded by the present 
 Interior. Dr. Erskine returned to the ministry and accepted the charge of 
 a large congregation at Newville, Pa., where he died a few years ago after a 
 long pastorate. Dr. Erskine left in the spring, and the pulpit that summer 
 was supplied by Prof. Elliott, Scotchman, from McCormick Theological 
 Seminary. 
 
 That autumn a call was given to a tall, dignified young gentleman, bear- 
 ing for his first name that of an excellent relative, Bishop Meade of Virginia. 
 This was Rev. M. C. Williams. His sermons showed marks of careful prep- 
 aration, and were given in a style of pleasant persuasion, with no attempt at 
 declamation, which is almost sacrilegious in the sacred desk. 
 
 After a ministry of eight years and charges in Princeton and Toledo, he 
 finally settled in St. Louis, where he established the MidjContinent, after- 
 wards merged in Herald & Presbyter, Cincinnati. His tastes were literary, 
 and various articles and booklets appeared from his pen. Twice abroad. His
 
 350 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 summers at Mackinac island in a cottage on the hill. His death a year ago 
 removed a correspondent for whom I cherished a warm regard. 
 
 How life-like through the mist of years, 
 Each well-remembered face appears. 
 
 When I came to Sterling in the summer of 1856, Elder Mason was 
 already on the ground. He was really a home missionary of the Baptist 
 church. He had only a Tittle group of members to begin with, Mrs. Harden, 
 Deacon Todd, Nichols, and a few others, but he held revival meetings every 
 winter, and in the spring the converts were taken to the river, and with prayer 
 and song the solemn rite of baptism was administered. 
 
 Mr. Mason was the most genial of men. Much of his pastoral work was 
 done on the street and in the homes. He liked to mingle among people, and 
 always had a cheerful greeting. The present church is the third or fourth 
 which grew from the pioneer chapel which he started, and on the wall should 
 be a tablet with the inscription : "In loving memory of Rev. J. T. Mason, to 
 whose devotion this church under God owes its foundation." He died a few 
 years ago in Amboy, but Mrs. Mason returned, and lives in the early home. 
 
 Like the Congregational, the Baptists at first met in upper rooms above 
 stores. In the choir was C. B. Smith, afterwards a lawyer at Mt. Carroll, with 
 his violin, and the politest of ushers was A. A. Terrell, whose tragic death a 
 few years ago in Chicago will be remembered by our readers. 
 
 Not on the field so early as some of the others was Rev. Emanuel Brown, 
 for nearly thirty years minister of St. John's Lutheran church, dying in 
 1900, on Good Friday, like the Master he served so faithfully. He was de- 
 voted to his congregation, laboring in season and out of season, never taking 
 a vacation, finding his highest enjoyment in his work. Very sociable, plain 
 in his manners and popular with all classes in the community. Families 
 that had no church connection always called upon him in time of sickness and 
 death. A favorite minister for couples who came to town to be married. 
 Like Daniel, a man greatly beloved, and his name is still fragrant in the city 
 where he labored so long. 
 
 To see the hopeful face and active step of Rev. Martin Post, one can 
 hardly believe that he goes back to his first ministry in our Congregational 
 church forty years, or 1866. After a pastorate of six years, to California for 
 a time, and then back from 1884 to 1894. Since his return from the south 
 he resides at Chapin, near Jacksonville, in the regular discharge of his min- 
 isterial functions. An excellent preacher. Thoroughly grounded in the great 
 doctrines of the gospel, and in touch with every type of theological discussion, 
 his discourses are marked by scholarly thought, rhetorical finish, and impres- 
 sive delivery. He has a message, and utters it with a conscience. Perhaps 
 John Wesley will not be the only minister preaching at eighty-five. 
 
 I must add a paragraph of forgotten history. While the Congos were 
 worshiping in a hall a supply one Sunday was Dr. Chadbourne, at that time 
 the most eminent educator in the country. He occupied all kinds of posi- 
 tions as professor at Williams, president of Wisconsin, lecturer at Smith- 
 sonian, leader of scientific expeditions to Florida and Iceland, a remarkable
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 351 
 
 scholar. He was a fluent speaker, wore glasses. How he was brought here, I 
 do not know. 
 
 ONE OF THE EARLY TEACHERS. 
 
 Schoolmasters will I keep within my house, 
 
 Fit to instruct her youth. 
 
 * * * To cunning men 
 
 I will be very kind, and liberal 
 
 To mine own children in good bringing up. Shakespeare. 
 
 A half sheet of paper, bluish in tinge, placed in the Whiteside Historical 
 Society, bears the following legend: "Names of scholars comprising the 
 school taught by Mrs. Sarah Worthington in the old courthouse in 1848." 
 Fifty boys and girls in two columns, a number to each. And who are they? 
 Looking at these names is almost like walking through a cemetery and glanc- 
 ing at the tombstones. Here are some of the most familiar : Ann E. Wilson, 
 Charles Mack, Emma Wilson, Emily Worthington, Harriet Landis, Josephine 
 Worthington, Mary Worthington, Sarah Stebbins, Theodore Mack, Edward 
 Worthington, Arabella Hedlock, Caroline Brink, Harriet Albertson, Martha 
 Kilgour. Most of the fifty are on the other shore. Paper was valuable in 
 those days, and prohibition was already on the carpet. For on the back of the 
 sheet are three stanzas of a cold-water song. Here is the first : 
 
 Speed, speed, the temperance ship! 
 
 Ye winds, fill every sail ! 
 Behold her sailing o'er the deep, 
 
 Out-riding every gale. 
 
 This Mrs. Sarah Worthington was Sarah McShane, of Philadelphia, who 
 was married in 1834 to E. B. Worthington. She had a thorough education 
 in all the accomplishments of those times, and before her marriage was a 
 teacher in Philadelphia. A dingy card before us as we write tells the story: 
 
 Misses Davidson & McShane's 
 
 Infant's School, 
 
 No. 44 North Seventh street, 
 
 a few doors below 
 
 Arch street. 
 
 Terms : 3 dollars Sewing, 1 dollar extra. 
 Hours of tuition, from 9 to 12, and from 2 to 5 o'clock. 
 
 Today this would be called a kindergarten. 
 
 On removing after marriage to Sterling, to meet a. pressing want and 
 beguile her mind, Mrs. Worthington resumed her early occupation. She 
 opened a school, 1838, in the first frame house in the place. Among her 
 pupils were the Bush, Kilgour, and Brewer families. The next year she 
 started a class in painting, in which appear the names of Johnson, Stephens, 
 and Brown. She enjoyed teaching, and of painting she never seemed to tire. 
 Even at an advanced age, far in the eighties, she showed the writer the latest 
 specimens of her skill as they hung on the walls of her parlor. Like grand
 
 352 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 old Titian at ninety-nine, Mrs. Worthington would have been content to die, 
 brush in hand. 
 
 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. 
 
 Farewell, larewell, base world, farewell! 
 
 In touching tones exclaimed a bell ; 
 
 Life is a boon to mortals given, 
 
 To fit the soul for bliss in heaven ; 
 
 Do not invoke the avenging rod; 
 
 Come here", and learn the way to God ; 
 
 Say to the world, farewell, farewell! 
 
 Pealed forth the Presbyterian bell. George W. Bungay. 
 
 For once the staid Calvinists seem to have got ahead of the lively Ar- 
 minians, for as Mr. Fife relates in his anniversary sermon, Aug. 16, 1885, 
 although the circuit rider was early on the ground and occupied on alternate 
 'Sabbaths the courthouse, the Presbyterians were the first to secure a local 
 habitation and a name; The church was organized with ten members on 
 Nov. 4, 1844: John and Maria Gait, Eliza Wilson, Mary Wallace. J. C. 
 Woodburn, with Mary and Jane, W. H. Cole, Carlisle and Jane Mason. It 
 was under jurisdiction of the presbytery of Schuyler. Rev. George Stebbins 
 was elected pastor in 1845, and remained until May, 1856. At his resignation 
 there were thirty-nine members. Mr. Stebbins was much esteemed. For a 
 year the pulpit was supplied by Rev. James L. Rogers and then Mr. Randall. 
 In August, 1857, Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, of Columbia, Pa., was called, and he 
 entered upon his duties that fall, continuing in active service until April, 
 J865, when he resigned to assume other responsibilities in Chicago. A force- 
 ful preacher and a genial man. During his stay, Dr. Alfred Hamilton, of 
 Fagg's Manor, Pa., a theologian of saintly bearing, conducted a revival which 
 resulted in several accessions. During the summer after Mr. Erskine's retire- 
 ment Prof. Charles Elliott, of the McCormick Seminary, filled the sacred 
 desk, and on Oct. 23, 1865, Rev. M. C. Williams, Fort Wayne, Indiana, ac- 
 cepted a call. 
 
 He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
 Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way. 
 
 The ministry of Rev. N. H-. G. Fife began on November 1873, and 
 he had the privilege of assisting in the erection of the new church now occu- 
 pied by the congregation. It was completed in 1885, and the dedication 
 took place on Sunday, Oct. 30. 
 
 The edifice stands on Fifth street, between Locust and Avenue A. It 
 is of brick, Gothic front, with one large main window like York cathedral, 
 and a corner tower, 106 feet high. The floor inclines, pews of ash trimmed 
 with cherry, the seating capacity over five hundred. A large .organ in the 
 northeast corner. The basement contains a main Sunday school room with 
 several smaller rooms and conveniences for social functions. Here are held 
 the various festivals of the congregation. The total cost of the structure with 
 furniture was $30,000. The $1,800 organ was secured by the active efforts
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 353 
 
 of the ladies. The pulpit, chairs and desk, $85, from the Merry Workers, 
 The pulpit bible was presented by Mrs. R. L. Wilson. 
 
 The dedicatory services occupied the day. The morning sermon was 
 preached by Rev. Dr. W. G. Craig, of Chicago, and the evening by Rev. Dr. 
 M. C. Williams, then of Princeton. Among the other ministers present were 
 Mr. Hilton of the Methodist, Mr. Smith of Morrison, and Rev. Martin Post, 
 of Congregational. 
 
 The old church stood on Fourth street on the site of the present High 
 school, although the stone walls were begun in 1849, lack of means prevented 
 the completion of the structure till 1855 and 1853. The basement only was 
 in use for a time. When the upper room was dedicated in 1856, Rev. W. W. 
 Harsha, of Dixon, delivered the sermon. As the building was too small, a 
 brick front was added in 1865, at a cost of $4,000. 
 
 Fifty years! Not long in Rome, but a time of meaning for the new 
 West. Nov. 4, 1894, was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the 
 church, and it was fitly observed. Rev. William Carter, pastor, in the morn- 
 ing gave a concise review of the progress of the society, and in the evening 
 there were various papers read by members of the church and pastors of sister 
 denominations. Reminiscences by Mary Wallace, Maria Gait, Eliza Wilson, 
 all since dead, "Impressions 25 Years Ago" by John Buyers, "The Church in 
 the Last Decade," by George Robinson. In short talks, Mr. Denning and 
 Mr. Flack spoke for the Methodists, Rev. E. Brown for the Lutherans, Rev. 
 Theo. Crowe for the Congregational. Music was unusually elaborate. Solos 
 by Lulu Newcomer and Horace Diller Leah Sprinkle at the organ. 
 
 John Gait, an elder in the Presbyterian church before removal to the 
 West, was one of the pillars of the society from the start. It is said that the 
 first formal public service was held in the school house on Broadway, south of 
 the Worthington home, in November, 1844. When Mr. Stebbins was installed 
 as pastor, he received the munificent allowance of $200 from the general 
 board of the church and an equal amount in pork, potatoes, and similar dain- 
 ties from the people. Before his installation, union services were held by the 
 Baptists and members of other churches, each family bringing its own candle. 
 The old announcement used to be, "Preaching at early candle light." 
 
 Several pastors from the resignation of Rev. N. H. G. Fife kf the pres- 
 ent: S. S. Palmer, 1890-93; Wm. Carter, 1894-99; J. F. Horton, 1899-1901; 
 W. E. Donaldson, 1902-1905. Charles Gorman Richards, now in the pulcit. 
 began his services July, 1906. The trustees are G. G. Keefer, A. A. Wol- 
 fersperger, L. L. Wheeler, Fred Honens, H. C. Atwood. The elders are T. 
 A. Gait, G. L. Robinson, W. P. Hallett, E. L. Gait, H. L. Davis, G. 
 Hanson, H. Reitzel, Fred Honens, Dr. Keefer, M. Dillon. About 125 scholars 
 in the bible school, George Hanson, superintendent. The membership of the 
 church is about four hundred. T. A. Gait, eighty, is the oldest elder, and 
 has grown gray in the office. The late John Buyers was another revered 
 dignitary in the same honor. 
 
 There are the usual societies in connection with the church. One encour- 
 aging feature within the last two years has been the awakened interest among
 
 354 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the men of the church, not in a mere social way, but in real personal activity 
 for the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom. The Presbyterian Brotherhood 
 is a rising association of much promise. The meetings are made agreeable 
 and instructive. Refreshments are often served. At a meeting in March, 
 1908, C. L. Sheldon and Judge H. C. Ward spoke on Civic Righteousness. 
 
 Rev. Charles Gorman Richards, present pastor, is a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, a graduate of Princeton in 1897, and of McCormick Theological Sem- 
 inary in 1901. His only pastorate was five years at Columbus, Indiana, 
 before his call to Sterling. 
 
 MR. STEBBINS STARTS THE CHOIR. 
 
 One hot summer day, says George Brewer, when the Presbyterians were 
 holding services in the old court house, Mr. Stebbins noticed the choir who 
 were sitting around the table below the judge's desk, with heads back and 
 eyes shut. He decided on heroic action, and laying aside his manuscript, 
 he screamed at the top of his voice, "Awake, ye drowsy souls, why sleep ye 
 so under the offers of pardoning grace, ye slumberers of time to eternity, 
 awake!" This tremendous blast so unusual in the quiet preacher, startled 
 everybody, the choir as well, who with their chorister, D. R. Beck, straight- 
 ened up, and cleared their throats for the next hymn. 
 
 TALE OF A CHART. 
 
 There hangs in the Historical Society a chart of the pews in the Presby- 
 terian church about 1860. They are numbered and marked with the names 
 of the families who occupied them. Sometimes two had one pew. There 
 were about sixty pews and of all the persons whose names appear, not one 
 remains but T. A. Gait and Amanda Crawford. The Goes, Pattersons. Wil- 
 sons, Hutchinsons, Penningtons, Manahans, Robbins, Crawfords, Wallaces, 
 Windoms, and dozens of others of the original people all represented only by 
 their descendants, and in some cases not a survivor of the race is left. 
 
 At a business meeting of the Presbyterian church in April, it was shown 
 that the congregational expenses during the year closing March 31, 1908, 
 including the first payments of pledges on the manse fund, contributions 
 have amounted to six thousand eight hundred and forty-five dollars; and the 
 gifts for benevolences, including the various boards of the church and mis- 
 cellaneous outside causes, were nineteen hundred and twenty-three dollars, 
 making a total of money contributed for all purposes of eight thousand seven 
 hundred and sixty-eight dollars. The following were elected trustees: George 
 G. Keefer, C. H. Atwood, W. W. Wheeler, A. A. Wolfersperger, and John 
 G. Wetzel. 
 
 During the year five additional elders have been ordained, and thirty- 
 one new members added to the communicant, roll. Eleven have been dismissed 
 by letter to other churches, and four have been lost by death. Ten adults and 
 eleven children have received baptism. A marked increase was noted in the 
 attendance of adults in the bible school.
 
 THIRD STREET, STERLING
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 JIXIVEP.8ITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 355 
 
 THE FIRST METHODIST. 
 
 To all the truth we tell, we tell ! 
 Shouted in ecstasies, a bell; 
 Come, all ye weary wanderers, see, 
 Our Lord has made salvation free! 
 Repent, believe, have faith, and then 
 Be saved and praise the Lord, Amen. 
 Salvation's free, we tell, we tell! 
 Shouted the Methodistic bell. Bun gay. 
 
 Our Wesleyan friends held services in Sterling township in 1836, and in 
 1838 the church was organized with Barton H. Cartwright as minister, cousin 
 of the famous Peter. Both Peter and Barton spent much of their lives in 
 the saddle on extended circuits, and both lived till nearly ninety. Barton 
 was chaplain in the army, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. 
 He died in Oregon, Illinois, 1895. 
 
 The members of the first class were Hezekiah Brink and wife, Luther 
 Bush and wife, Mrs. Geer and Mrs. Pratt. The charge was part of the 
 Buffalo Grove circuit. In 1855, Rev. S. F. Denning became resident pastor, 
 remaining two years, and promoted the erection of the church in 1856. It 
 cost $9,000, and at its completion, a large debt was resting upon forty mem- 
 bers. In 1882 the church was sued, and the building sold to Henry Murray 
 for $2,000. A dark day in the history of old Broadway. Dr. T. M. Eddy 
 of Chicago was invited to preside at a grand rally of the congregation, and in 
 response to his fervent appeals, subscriptions were received sufficient to pay 
 the debt, and the building was deeded back to the trustees. In 1863 several 
 members withdrew because of opposition to the pew-renting system. In 1867 
 thirty members withdrew, and organized the Fourth Street church. In 1868 
 under S. F. Denning's second pastorate, the church was for the first time freed 
 from all indebtedness. After leaving the ministry, Mr. Denning continued 
 his residence in Sterling, dying a few years ago in his own pleasant cottage 
 on Second street. Mrs. Denning was a cultured woman, faithful in every good 
 work. 
 
 The sweet remembrance of the just, 
 Shall flourish when they sleep in dust. 
 
 In 1877, the parsonage was erected, and the Woman's Home and For- 
 eign Missionary organized. One of the finest church properties in the city. 
 Within a few years the Auditorium and basement have been remodeled and 
 decorated. The grounds are on the corner, and on the west side of the spa- 
 cious area, stands the pretty white parsonage. At the dedication in 1856. 
 Dr. Luke Hitchcock, presiding elder, preached the sermon. 
 
 Rev. E. J. Rose, Ph.D., S. T. D., the present pastor, prepared for the 
 duties of his sacred office, at Illinois Weleyan, Northwestern University, 
 and Garrett Biblical Institute. He has been twenty-one years in the ministry. 
 The present member-hip numbers 270. In the Sunday school two hundred 
 are enrolled. Bert Thomas is superintendent. The usual Ladies' Aid and 
 Epworth League. An active Brotherhood which holds annual meetings with
 
 356 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 banquet and addresses. Much interest by the good women in their missionary 
 society, and occasional addresses by devoted women from China and other 
 countries in the foreign field. Beginning with Barton Cartwright, Mr. Rose 
 is the 29th minister to proclaim the word from the pulpit of old Broadway. 
 Paddock, Denning, and most of the earlier pastors have gone to their reward. 
 
 Part of the host have crossed the flood, 
 And part axe crossing now. 
 
 Charles Wesley has a line for every occasion. 
 
 ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 Our older citizens remember the little white frame church with cupalo 
 which stood among the trees on the northern edge of the city. Here the 
 congregation met year after wear until it outgrew the narrow quarters, and 
 a new building was an absolute necessity. The requisite amount was sub- 
 scribed, the old frame was sold and moved away, and on June 16, 1891, the 
 corner stone of the new structure was laid with suitable ceremony. Rev. 
 Grover Clark, of the Methodist church, offered prayer, the scripture was read 
 by Rev. L. M. Gates of the Baptist, and an address was delivered by Rev. 
 Martin Post of the Congregational. Rev. E. Brown, pastor, explained the pur- 
 pose of the occasion in a few touching remarks. In the corner stone was de- 
 posited a tin box containing the names of the officers of the church and Sun- 
 day school, city papers, coins, school reports, and other features of the 
 current time. On Sunday, April 3, 1892, the edifice was dedicated, Rev. 
 Samuel B. Barnitz, D. D., preaching the sermon. The entire cost was $15,000. 
 
 The society began like other of the Sterling churches in the old court 
 house, and the eleven original members who effected the organization, Dec. 
 4, 1854, were Isaac and Mary Reed, Catherine Lefever, M. C. Auld, Susan 
 Auld, Benjamin and Harriet Reed, John and Elizabeth Hecker, Mary Reed r 
 Thomas Sipe. While in the court house, Jonas Windom led the singing, 
 and Henry Landis played the violin. After meeting a while in the old 
 Presbyterian church, the frame church was begun in 1856, and completed 
 in 1857. This was the building removed for the new edifice in 1891. The 
 lot was given by John Lefever. Isaac Reed and John Hecker were elected 
 the first elders. In April, 1857, there were 31 communicants, and in March, 
 1862, 46. No regular pastor at the beginning, but the pulpit was supplied 
 by Rev. William Uhl, of Dixon,.and Rev. C. B. Thummel, of Gap Grove. 
 Rev. N. W. Lilly succeeded in 1857, and after a stay of almost two years 
 was followed by Rev. W. A. Lipe, who ministered to the people until 1873 r 
 except an interval of service as chaplain during the war. Mr. Lipe was a 
 vigorous preacher, and the congregation gradually enlarged. He held services- 
 in the school house at Empire, and his labors there resulted later in the build- 
 ing of a Lutheran church. In 1873, Rev. Emanuel Brown began a faithful 
 ministry which ended only with his lamented death in 1900. Just one short 
 interruption, when for a few months about 1875, the pulpit was filled bv 
 Rev. A. K. Felton. September 1, 1900, Rev. E. Lee Fleck began his minis- 
 try, which still continues with great acceptance. He was called from Dayton, 
 Ohio, without the ordeal of a previous trial sermon. Mr. Fleck took his col-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITES1DE COUNTY 357 
 
 lege course at Carthage, in this state, and his seminary preparation at Wit- 
 tenberg, Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Fleck is also a graduate of Carthage. 
 
 Few churches anywhere have shown more healthful progress in things, 
 spiritual and material. A spacious parsonage, a splendid pipe organ, a hand- 
 somely decorated interior, and a basement nicely fitted for every social 
 function, are among the substantial improvements. The thirty communi- 
 cants of 1857 have increased to over five hundred in 1908. A Sunday school 
 of 405 pupils, 18 teachers, four adult classes. George L. Carolus is superin- 
 tendent. Numerous societies in connection with the church hold regular 
 meetings, the Ladies' Aid, Ladies' Social Circle, Christian Endeavor, Wom- 
 an's Home and Foreign Missionary. The elders of the church are Daniel 
 Over, Anson Thummel, and Theodore Trouth. A large choir of young 
 ladies and gentlemen led by Miss Muriel Price. 
 
 Our Daily Work is a small four-page paper edited by the pastor and 
 distributed among the members on the first of every month as they leave the 
 church. It gives a variety of items about the societies and affairs of the con- 
 gregation that all ought to know. 
 
 Foreign mission day and other great causes of the general church are 
 punctually observed by the Sunday school with appropriate programs of 
 dialogue and music on Sunday evening. The offerings for these objects are 
 liberal, and the Sunday night audiences are encouraging with full pews. 
 
 A kindly charity on Christmas week, 1907, was the entertainment of the 
 entire Nachusa Orphans' Home, sixty-five, in the social rooms of the church 
 at a bountiful holiday dinner. 
 
 FOURTH STREET METHODIST. 
 
 When I can read my title clear 
 
 To mansions in the skies, 
 I'll bid farewell to every fear, 
 
 And wipe my weeping eyas. Watts. 
 
 This is the last and finest of our churches. In size, beauty, convenience, 
 and massive construction, it is the gem of our ecclesiastical edifices. The cor- 
 ner stone was laid in 1907, and the dedication took place on Sunday, April 
 5. For the week preceding there was a series of jubilee exercises. On Sunday, 
 March 29, Dr. Elliott, of Chicago, preached, and A. D. Traveler, presiding 
 elder of Rockford district. On Monday evening Walter Keller of St. Vin- 
 cent's church, Chicago, gave an organ recital. On Tuesday, sermon by Dr. 
 Brummitt of Epworth Herald, and on Wednesday by A. T. Horn of Oak- 
 land church, Chicago. On Thursday Dr. Swift of Austin spoke to the Broth- 
 erhoods. On Friday fraternal greetings from other churches, in which 
 Thomas of the Baptist, Parvin of the Christian, Rose of Broadway M. E., 
 Davis of Lutheran, Fonken of Y. M. C. A., Crowl of Congregational, and 
 Richards of Presbyterian, took part. A congratulatory letter was read from 
 Rev. Edwin Weary. Episcopal, who was engaged in Dixon. N. G. Van 
 Sant presided. On Sunday morning Dr. Shepard of Englewood preached, 
 and in the afternoon, C. S. Moore, presiding elder of Dixon district made the 
 formal dedication. Dr. Tilroe, of Chicago, spoke in the evening. All through
 
 358 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 these exercises the music, vocal and instrumental, was of high order, Prof. 
 Russell A. Morrison, director, and Miss Vergie L. Bensinger, organist. Large 
 and delighted audiences at every session. 
 
 A dainty souvenir booklet was issued containing portraits of the various 
 pastors, pictures of the church, lists of the officers, a description of the build- 
 ing, and a history of the society. This has furnished much of the material 
 given in this sketch. 
 
 The style of the building is Renaissance, and from the foundation to the 
 top of the two towers the material is concrete. There are two main divisions, 
 the chapel and Sunday school rooms, and the capacious auditorium for the 
 regular service. The frescoing is neat, the windows are of art glass, lighting 
 by gas and electricity, the floors are of hard wood, the woodwork is oak, back 
 of the pulpit is a two manual Pilcher organ. All the fixtures are in harmony, 
 and when lighted at night the effect is inspiring and impressive. The pews 
 will accommodate 750 people, with emergency settings for 250 more. H. 
 B. Wheelock of Chicago is the architect. The splendid church is a monument 
 to the Christian liberality of the men and women of the congregation, and 
 to the untiring devotion of Rev. W. W. Diehl, pastor, who was the soul of the 
 noble enterprise from its inception to its triumphant completion. 
 
 Fourth Street church is an offshoot of old Broadway, now the First M. 
 E. church. In 1867, as many of the congregation lived in the west end, a 
 mile off, it was decided to form a new society, and 39 members withdrew. 
 Wallace hall was rented, and Rev. J. H. Ailing was sent as pastor by the con- 
 ference. During his pastorate, the lots on Avenue A and Fourth street were 
 purchased, and the basement constructed. Rev. W. H. Smith succeeded, 
 1889-72, and the church was completed and dedicated in 1871, at a cost of 
 $18,000. A phenomenal growth. From 39 members there are now nearly 
 500. The Sunday school from 26 scholars to 389 with 78 on the cradle roll. 
 Both the old church and the adjoining rectory were demolished as the entire 
 property was needed for the new edifice. 
 
 No other society in the city has so much energy and perseverence. Every 
 man, woman, and child puts the shoulder to the wheel. Already in 1904, 
 $20,000 were pledged toward the building fund. The Ladies' Aid for three 
 years has been raising $1,000 per year for the same purpose. Of the few 
 wealthy members, one has given $2,000, another $1,500. Even young people 
 who have to earn the money, have pledged various amounts from $50 to 
 $100. The ladies have frequent festivals, and the congregation is kept in 
 a continual state of pleasing excitement that leads to financial profit. The 
 cost of the complete structure is placed at $52.000. The chapel dedicated in 
 1905, cost $20,000. 
 
 Rev. W. W. Diehl is the sixteenth pastor beginning with Rev. J. H. All- 
 ing, and has served the longest pastorate, 1901-08. Of the present board of 
 trustees, James Woodburn is president. Three local preachers, H. K. Hostet- 
 ter, Albert Coe, Mortimer Coe. George Welsh is superintendent of the Sunday 
 school, assisted by seventeen teachers. Mrs. A. C. Randall has the primary 
 department. Five subsidiary societies, all nourishing, Epworth league, 
 Junior league, Ladies' Aid, Women's Foreign Missionary, and Men's Brother-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 359 
 
 hood. On the building committee of the new church were Dr. Hill, C. E. 
 Bensinger, J. P. Overholser, N. G. Van Sant, John Wagner, Isaac Bressler, 
 A. C. Randall, George Beebe, C. H. Woodburn, and the pastor. 
 
 \ 
 
 THE FIRST BAPTIST. 
 
 Ye purifying waters, swell! 
 
 In mellow tones rang out a bell ; 
 
 Though faith alone in Christ can save, 
 
 Man must be plunged beneath the wave, 
 
 To show the world unfaltering faith 
 
 In what the sacred Scripture saith; 
 
 O, swell, ye rising waters, swell ! 
 
 Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell. Bungay. 
 
 In common with the other churches, the Baptists had their time of 
 struggle, beginning in June, 1856, with eleven members. Jesse Rosenberger, 
 George Nichols, and Mrs. Phebe Worthington were among the charter mem- 
 bers. The latter-still living at nearly 96. Rev. H. H. Haff was in charge from 
 June to September, 1856, and in November, Rev. J. T. Mason began a noble 
 ministry which continued to 1880. The first services were held in Boynton's 
 hall. In the choir was C. B. Smith with his violin. He studied law, and died 
 in Mt. Carroll. The late A. A. Terrell was the polite usher. The First 
 church, a diminutive brick with two windows on a side was erected in 1857. 
 Mr. Mason humorously called it a kitchen, hoping for a larger addition, which 
 came in 18'65. As the congregation steadily increased, the present structure 
 with its two towers was built in 1873. Many improvements have been made 
 since, the last being a handsome organ, which rises back of the pulpit, and 
 gives a cathedral effect to the whole interior. Mr. Mason's labors were abund- 
 ant. His face was radiant on the street. Every winter he held protracted 
 meetings, and in the spring soon as the ice had moved out, classes of converts 
 were baptized at the foot of some avenue. He had a charge in Amboy after 
 leaving here. His widow returned' after his death, and worships in the sanc- 
 tuary he did so much to establish. Rev. 0. R. Thomas from Pennsylvania 
 is the eleventh pastor in the pulpit. Among the later ministers pleasantly 
 remembered are W. B. Morris, Dr. A. L. Wilkinson, vigorous and intellectual, 
 and James A. Pierce, who was seized with a violent illness from which he 
 never recovered. He was held in high regard by all demominations, and a 
 fund was gathered for the benefit of the family. 
 
 Facing Central Park, the church has the most desirable situation in the 
 city. An earnest congregation. The present pastor, O. R. Thomas, is from 
 Pennsylvania. The total membership is 240, 85 men, 155 women. In the 
 Sunday school 165 young people, and all singers. W. S. Adams is clerk of 
 the church body, and the deacons are G. P. Perry, W. S. Adams, W. H. Bar- 
 num, W. S. Frey, I. M. Phillips. Wilbur Barnum is superintendent of the 
 Sunday school. Miss May Adams is president of B. Y. P. U. Mrs. I. M. 
 Phillips of the Missionary Society. Mrs. Jenkins of the Ladies' Benevolent 
 Society. The organist of the church is Miss Mabel Philips.
 
 360 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 In deeds of love, excel, excel ! 
 
 Chimed out from ivied towers a bell, 
 
 This is the church not built in sands; 
 
 Emblem of one not built with hands ; 
 
 Its forms and sacred rites revere; 
 
 Come, worship here, come, worship here! 
 
 In ritual and faith excel! 
 
 Chimed out the Episcopalian bell. Bungay. 
 
 In 1856 at the request of a few earnest disciples of the church of Bishop 
 Heber and Jeremy Taylor, Bishop "Whitehouse appointed Rev. Mr. Down- 
 ing, of Dixon, to hold services in Sterling. Just a little band, but they were 
 loyal. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, with their family, B. Fluelling, Sidney Osmer, 
 Gabriel Davis, Mrs. Wm. MoCune. Mr. Downing came every second Sunday 
 afternoon, and the Lutherans kindly offered the use of their small white 
 church on the edge of town. He was entertained by Gabriel Davis. In 
 time services were held in Wallace hall. It was decided to build a church, 
 subscriptions were generously made, and in the spring of 1865, Dr. Clarkson, 
 of Chicago, laid the corner stone of Grace church, First avenue and Fourth 
 street. The original cost was $14,000, but subsequent improvements have ma- 
 terially increased that amount. The young society began to grow, and the 
 seven original communicants were soon surrounded by a numerous congrega- 
 tion. Among the later additions were Mrs. Coblentz, Nelson Maxson and 
 wife. John Price. D. F. Batcheller, Lorenzo Hapgood. For many years, 
 Gabriel Davis and Lorenzo Hapgood were senior wardens. In the vestry 
 were W. A. Sanborn, M. S. Henry, and others. Rev. 0. B. Thayer, formerly 
 a Methodist, was the first rector. Dec. 11, 1864, at the first confirmation, 
 Bishop Whitehouse confirmed thirty candidates. A succession of rectors 
 after Mr. Thayer. Among them Gierlow, Goodhue, Lloyd, Root, Joss, Bate. 
 Rev. J. E. Goodhue was here twice, much beloved, and his memory is precious. 
 He was called to a charge in Newark, N. Y., and died there a few years ago. 
 Gierlow died in St. Louis. The visits of Bishop Whitehouse to the parish 
 are fondly recalled. Mr. and Mrs. Hapgood always entertained him at their 
 brick cottage on Second avenue, and the next morning after confirmation, 
 friends were invited to call. It was an informal reception. The bishop was 
 an accomplished gentleman, not only theologian, but scholar, traveler, lin- 
 guist, and so admirable a talker that you had only to ask a question, and 
 he would pour forth a stream of delightful incident and comment. A hard 
 worker. All Illinois was then his diocese. 
 
 During the rectorship of Mr. Bate, 1902, a spacious parish house was 
 erected in rear of the church by the munificence of John S. Miller, a promi- 
 nent member. Within the last few years, especially since the coming of the 
 present rector, many costly additions have been made to the original structure. 
 Interior decoration, new pews, a fine organ, the elevation of the spire, a 
 chime of bells, gift of the Greenoughs, western extension of the nave. In all 
 its appointments, Grace church is a model of chaste ecclesiastical beauty and
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 361 
 
 fitness. On all holy days and public occasions, the chimes ring out their 
 notes of joy and solemn reminder. 
 
 Rev. Edwin Weary, the present rector, under whom the parish is enjoy- 
 ing a high degree of prosperity, celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination 
 to the ministry, Oct. 18, 1882, in Grace church in 1907 on the same date. 
 The interior was charmingly decorated with palms and flowers. Rev. G. 
 S. Hinkle, Waterloo, Iowa, preached the sermon. The choir rendered a pro- 
 gram of select music. A reception after the service to all in attendance, and in 
 the evening, also, at the parish house, to Rev. and Mrs. Weary, who is an un- 
 tiring assistant in everything connected with the social and general work 
 of the church. Following a congratulatory address by Rev. Mr. Whitcomb, 
 St. Luke's, Dixon, Frank J. Bowman, esq., presented the rector and wife a 
 gift of $50 from the congregation, $25 to represent the past term of activity, 
 and the other $25 in hopeful anticipation of a similar term to come. To 
 all the addresses, Mr. Weary replied in his usual happy manner. 
 
 Few rectors of his age, and he is only in the prime of life, have seen 
 so much strenuous service. Soon after his ordination in 1882, he took charge 
 of missions on the Labrador coast among the Esquimaux and other missions 
 in Canada. In 1893 Mr. Weary came to the United States, and at the close 
 of eight years in East Liverpool, Ohio, a membership increased from 100 to 
 375 communicants, and a handsome stone church, were positive proofs that 
 his labors were abundantly prospered. 
 
 The vestry consists of Frank Taylor, senior warden ; John S. Miller, 
 j unior warden ; William Dougherty, clerk ; Harry Werle, financial secretary ; 
 Capt. A. H. Hershey, Frank Bowman, J. A. Kilgour, William Martell, A. 
 M. Clapp, N. Gaulrapp. There are 121 communicants, 64 scholars in the 
 Sunday school, of which Mr. Weary is superintendent. Mr. Weary came to 
 Grace church in the spring of 1905. 
 
 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL. 
 
 I love thy church, O God! 
 
 Her walls before thee stand. Timothy Dwight. 
 
 Dr. Dwight has a good many followers who love the old church, and 
 carry their preference to their homes in the West. A feeble folk in Sterling 
 in 1857. Ten persons met April 17, at the Boynton House to consult: L. 
 B. Wetherbee, A. McMoore, M. H. Hinsdale, William McKinney, Francis 
 Macey, Joel S. Wilcox, David and Abel Holbrook, Joshua McKinney, Nathan 
 Williams. On June 21, the church was formally organized with thirty mem- 
 bers. Commercial Hall was used that winter, and in May, 1859, a room on 
 second floor of Central block was engaged. Various supplies until Rev. U. 
 W. Small was installed Sept. 22, 1859. His wife was Miss Gillman, a teacher 
 imbued with the spirit of her alma mater, Mt. Holyoke and Mary Lyon. A 
 lot was bought on Second avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, and a 
 frame church was erected in 1864, which was enlarged in 1870. But a mod- 
 ern structure was found to be necessary, and on April 24, 1898, was dedicated 
 the present magnificent temple with its stately tower. Organ, furniture, glass,
 
 362 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 all the equipments in the highest style of art. Prof. Samuel Ives Curti-s, 
 D. D., preached the sermon in the morning, and in the evening, Rev. Martin 
 Post, former pastor, spoke the message. The best musicians of the city 
 rendered selections from the great composers of sacred song. 
 
 The special exercises continued really four days, beginning with an 
 organ and vocal concert on Friday, and closing with a social evening on Tues- 
 day. At the fellowship service, addresses were made by Rev. Emanuel Brown, 
 Lutheran, Rev. William Carter, Presbyterian; Rev. J. A. Matlack, Methodist; 
 Rev. W. B. Morris, Baptist; Rev. Silas Jones, Christian, and Rev. B. R. 
 Schultze, Evangelical. 
 
 The next striking event was the jubilee from June 16 to June 21, 1907, 
 to commemorate fifty years of development, 1857-1907. On Sunday the ser- 
 mon was by Rev. Martin Post, the scripture lesson by Dr. Boardman, and the 
 prayer by Rev. E. W. Clarke, all former pastors. On Sunday evening a 
 fellowship service with the Rock Falls church, and a paper by C. A. Wetherbee 
 on the history of the church. On Friday afternoon, there were greetings 
 by the Sterling pastors, and in the evening talks by early ministers of the 
 society. Of the twelve members who met in 1857 in the Second ward 
 school to consider organization, Mr. and Mrs. John Harpham are still in regu- 
 lar attendance. The oldest and most prominent of the original group was 
 Joshua McKinney, who died in 1907. Among the later members, no one 
 has taken a more active part in the affairs of the church, and, indeed, in every 
 good enterprise, than J. K. Chester. Much of the musical prestige of this 
 church is due to the skill and perseverance of Miss Ella Richards, who for a 
 long time has had the direction of the choir. Frequent recitals are a favorite 
 feature, as well as vesper services. 
 
 Of all the former pastors, Martin Post left the deepest impress upon the 
 congregation from his long residence and earnest spirit. In a letter written 
 at Atlantic City, January, 1894, he says in giving his resignation: "Next 
 April will complete 28 years since I first saw Sterling, Deacon McKinney and 
 a few others, and with the return of June it will be ten years since I began 
 my second pastorate. Our relations have always been delightful. You re- 
 ceived me with all my weaknesses and deficiencies, and I have sought to give 
 you my best. To me and my family, your sympathy has been unfailing, 
 and now, though the pastoral bond be sundered, the one bond, most precious 
 of all, our common love of the Savior, will never be sundered." 
 
 , Rev. Theodore Growl, D. D., has ministered to the large and intelligent 
 congregation of five hundred members since 1894. Both he and his excel- 
 lent family occupy a prominent place in the social life of the community. 
 J. K. Chester is superintendent of the Sunday school of 320 scholars. Of the 
 six deacons, J. K. Chester, Dr. Gordon, W. W. Haskell, Prof. Axistin, C. A. 
 Wetherbee. S. P. Giddings is the dean. 
 
 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 Saints below with heart and voice, 
 Still in songs of praise rejoice.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 3J3 
 
 The Catholics in Sterling at an early day were obliged, like the other 
 societies, to meet for worship in the courthouse. Sol Seely recalls the wonder 
 with which the natives gazed at the imposing ceremonies of the ancient 
 church as conducted by a visiting priest. The first services were by a French 
 priest from Iowa. About 1853 organization was effected, and services were 
 held regularly thenceforth. In June, 1883, Rev. John Daly became first 
 resident pastor, and the first child whose baptism is recorded in the register 
 was Dominic Eagou. He was followed in May, 1876, by Rev. M. J. Byrne. 
 May, 1878, came Rev. C. J. O'Callaghan; February, 1889, Rev. Thos. Quig- 
 ley; March. 1889, Rev. P. McMahon; May, 1892, Rev. R. H. McGuire, and 
 in October, 1893, Rev. J. J. Bennett, who has remained ever since. 
 
 The congregation has had its struggles and changes. The first church 
 was erected of brick in 18'38 on the corner of Second avenue and Fifth 
 street, and was transferred in time to the Christian church, which now meets 
 there for regular worship. The old Presbyterian church on Fourth street, 
 left vacant by the erection of a new edifice, was purchased in 1879, and 
 services held there until the completion of the stately new structure in 1900. 
 The rectory on the south was added in 1901. In some respects the most 
 imposing ecclesiastical property in the city, with the wide front on B avenue, 
 the broad concrete steps and platform at the entrance, and the spire with 
 bells soaring heavenward. The style is Gothic. This handsome church and 
 earnest people owe much to the judgment and perseverance of Father Ben- 
 nett, who at sixty-four has given his best years to the parish. He began his 
 preliminary studies at St. Joseph's college, Bardstown, Ky., and received his 
 final diploma at St. Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Md. He was ordained at 
 Chicago in 1874 by Bishop Foley, labored 14 years at Braidwood, and in 1907 
 celebrated the 33d anniversary of his elevation to the priesthood. 
 
 St. Mary's has about 172 families and several societies. The Altar So- 
 ciety for various beneficent needs of the church. The Junior Society, consist- 
 ing 6f girls from quite young to sixteen, and the Senior Sodality of young 
 ladies from sixteen upwards. The Cadets are composed of boys from six to 
 sixteen, whose motto is 'temperance and purity, with about ninety members. 
 The regular temperance society of sixty men, who are ready to do battle for 
 total abstinence and clean living. The altar ladies are a force, numbering 
 172 members, abundant in good works. The name of the parish was changed 
 from St. Patrick's to avoid confusion, as several St. Patricks, are already in 
 the vicinity. , 
 
 CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART. 
 
 sacred head, now wounded, 
 With grief and shame bowed down. 
 
 Bernard of Clairvaux. 
 
 On the corner of First avenue and Seventh street this handsome church 
 of the German Catholics rears its stately spire, with a melodious bell that peals 
 welcome music every Sunday to saint and sinner. The corner stone was laid in 
 1884 by Archbishop Feehan of Chicago. The building committee was Henry 
 Flock, Adam Hutten, V. Schiffmacher, N. Gaulrapp, Henry Weber. The
 
 364 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 church was organized in 1870, and at first the Germans and Irish held services 
 together. The first services were held in Bressler's hall, 1870, with only thirty 
 families. In 1875 the frame church was built, now used as a schoolhouse. 
 Under Pastor Beineke, afterwards, the parochial residence and sisters' house 
 were erected. The first resident priest was Schamoni, an Italian. Rev. Father 
 Henry M. Fegers came in February, 1885, and the church has enjoyed a 
 steady growth. There are eighty families in membership, and various associa- 
 tions to assist in religious work, the married ladies' altar society, the young 
 ladies' and the young men's societies, as well as the Knights of Columbus and 
 the Knights of America. In the school conducted by the Sisters of St. Fran- 
 cis, one hundred children are enrolled. 
 
 Father Fegers entered upon his sacred calling after a long and thorough 
 study in the seminaries of the church, and is a gentleman of varied culture. 
 A lover of old books. Among his treasures are the Meditations of St. Ignatius, 
 Antwerp, 1620. Another and rarer is Coloquia oder Tischreden Doctor Mart. 
 Luther, Frankfurt am Mayne, 1568. Father Fegers celebrated the 39th anni- 
 versary of his ordination to the priesthood in 1907, and is the dean of the 
 clergy in both Rock Falls and Sterling. 
 
 DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. 
 
 Onward, Christian soldiers, 
 
 Marching as to war, 
 With the cross of Jesus 
 
 Going on before! Baring Gould. 
 
 The first meeting, conducted by Knowles Shaw, was held June 18, 1875 
 in a tent in Central Park. The members living in Sterling and Rock Falls 
 were Mr. and Mrs. E. Brookfield, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Detweiler, Mr. and 
 Mrs. J. D. Nance, George Nance, W. F. Eastman, and Florence Burgess. The 
 church was organized June 27, 1875, and the first trustees were W. F. East- 
 man, R. B. Colcord, and E. Brookfield. The first elders, George Nance, R. B. 
 Colcord, J. S. Detweiler. The first deacons, E. Brookfield, J. D. Nance, W. H. 
 Shepperd, David Grubb. The superintendent of the Sunday school was W. 
 F. Eastman. The pastor was J. N. Smith. The first meeting after that in the 
 park was held in Wallace Hall, the next Sunday in Boynton Hall, and in 
 Aug. 15, 1875, in Colcord Hall. The first of the little band to pass away was 
 Ephraim Brookfield, Jan. 10, 1876. Rev. J. H. Wright became pastor in 
 October, 1876, and remained three years. The first church was dedicated 
 Feb. 1, 1880. It stands on Locust street, and is now, after being remodeled, 
 used as the armory. T. W. Grafton was the next pastor. Desiring a change 
 of situation and better facilities for their work, the society in 1888 purchased 
 the brick building formerly occupied by St. Patrick's congregation, on Sixth 
 street and Second avenue. Smaller rooms were formed from the main audi- 
 torium, and various changes made to adapt it to the needs of the church. 
 Besides the pastors mentioned have been F. L. Moffet, Silas Jones, W. E. 
 Spicer. Silas Jones is now professor in Eureka College. Two promising 
 young members were nurtured in the society, Stephen Zendt and Louis 0.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 365 
 
 Lehman. A missionary in India, Miss Mary Kingsbury. The present pastor 
 is Ira L. Parvin. The superintendent of the Sunday school is W. J. Moore, 
 the marble mason. The usual societies. There are 200 members in the 
 church, and 110 pupils in Sunday school. 
 
 THE REFORMED MENNONITE. 
 
 This was formed in 1868 with 65 members, and the plain white frame 
 church stands on the north-western corner of Riverside cemetery. Services 
 are held every Sunday. Many of the congregation live in the country, and 
 sheds are provided for shelter of teams in inclement weather. Preaching by 
 one of their own members, who serves without compensation. The present 
 pastor is William Miller, who lives on his farm north of Sterling. The so- 
 ciety maintains the dress, customs, and doctrines of the founders in Ger- 
 many, three hundred years ago. 
 
 THE GERMAN LUTHERAN. 
 
 This is one of our later societies. Of the three original movers, all are 
 gone, the last being Charles Behrens and Albert J. Alberts. Their first 
 preacher was Rev. C. Sewel, from Lyons, Iowa, for a year. Rev. F. Lussky 
 came in 1874, and had in his care, this charge and one at Round Grove, 
 since independent with its own minister. In 1904 a neat brick church was 
 built on Third avenue, Sterling. Rev. Louis Gressens, pastor for thirteen 
 years, was educated at Milwaukee, Wis., and Springfield, Illinois. There are 48 
 members. The church belongs to the Missouri Synod. Above the door is 
 the name, Ev. Lutherische Kirche. 
 
 ST. PAUL'S GERMAN LUTHERAN. 
 
 On First avenue is this chaste white frame building, the Swedish Luth- 
 eran remodeled. The membership of fifty families withdrew from the Rock 
 Falls church as they lived on the Sterling side of the river, and decided to 
 have their own house of worship. A few families live in the country. A 
 small Sunday school of which L. Janssen is superintendent. Rev. Adolph 
 Kurtz, who accepted the charge in 1908, is a young gentleman of scholarly 
 attainments and preaches very fluently in both German and English. He 
 was born in Berlin, Germany, educated in this country, was formerly a pastor 
 of the German Lutheran church at Geneva, 111., and for the past four years 
 has been connected with the Lutheran church at Mineola, Iowa. There are 
 the usual ladies' aid and young people's societies. 
 
 THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 
 
 The first services of this society were held in the old courthouse, then 
 in the third story of the hearse factory, until a small house was bought and 
 moved to the site of the present church on Fifth street and Fifth avenue, 
 about 1870. In 1873-4 the new church was erected, during the pastorate 
 of Rev. Mr. Keller. An extended list of ministers, none of them remaining 
 long, Dingle, Eller, Burkhardt, Mohr, Hafele, Thoren, Shultz, Dinen, Knapp, 
 Kadel. About 1890 a controversy arose between the bishops, which nat-
 
 363 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 urally was taken up by the friends of the opposing wings, and there was a 
 secession, like the Free Kirk in Scotland in 1843 led by Thomas Chalmers. 
 The society remaining in possession of the original building call themselves 
 the Evangelical Association, and their local church, Zion. Rev. I. H. Haupt- 
 fuehrer, the pastor, was born in Ohio, studied at Naperville, and after due 
 theological course, entered the ministry, and before his present charge, la- 
 bored in Kansas and Missouri. This is his second year. There are 80 mem- 
 bers. 68 in the Sunday school, twenty in the Christian Endeavor. There 
 is also a mission band, ladies' aid, and a woman's home and foreign missionary 
 society. 
 
 The seceders were organized into the United Evangelical church, and 
 in 1891 erected a chaste frame edifice, corner Third street and Fifth avenue, 
 where they have since maintained regular service. With its two porches, 
 Trinity church has a pleasant rustic effect, no suggestion of the spire or 
 pointed arch. The pastor, Rev. Samuel Carson, born in Belfast. Ireland, 
 studied at Moody Bible Institute and Northwestern University, and was pastor 
 of Garden City Mission, Chicago. His third year here. In the ministry since 
 1898. There are 100 members, a Sunday school of seventy, and Endeavor 
 league, a mission band, and a woman's missionary society. According to Dr. 
 Carroll's table of the numerical strength of the various denominations for 
 1907. the Evangelical Association in the United States has 103.525 members. 
 The Catholics head the list with eleven millions, and the Methodists come 
 second with over three millions. 
 
 In March, 1908, Mr. Carson of Trinity Evangelical church, accepted a 
 call to South Haven, Mich., and a farewell reception was tendered to Rev. 
 and Mrs. S. Carson at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wise and at the same 
 time a reception was tendered to Rev. Lindenmyer, the new pastor of Trinity 
 church. The double reception was attended by a very large number of peo- 
 ple and the evening was delightfully spent. 
 
 GERMAN BAPTIST BRETHREN CHURCH. 
 
 By H. S. Hoak. 
 
 The first successful mission work done in Sterling by the German Baptist 
 Brethren was in a series of meetings held during the winter of 1888 in an 
 empty store room on the south side of Third street between First and Sec- 
 ond avenue, by George Zollers of Mt. Carroll and Daniel M. Miller of Mil- 
 ledgeville, who came here by the request of H. S. Hoak, who was a firm 
 believer in the faith of the Brethren church. His son, I. F. Hoak, was the 
 first convert during that series of meetings, and the first member of the Ster- 
 ling Brethren church baptized in Rock river at the foot of Sixth avenue by 
 Elder George Zollers. 
 
 Meetings continued for about a week and ended with four convert-. 
 
 H. S. Hoak, with the assistance of the elders of Franklin Grove congre- 
 gation kept up the meetings weekly in different localities in the city until 
 finally through the kindness of the Lutheran congregation, a lease of their 
 church was given, to be used every Sunday afternoon by the brethren.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 March 15, 1890, H. S. Hoak began soliciting funds for a Brethren 
 church in Sterling and it is sufficient to say he met with great success. On 
 April 29, 1890, he made his report to the mission board, who decided to 
 furnish all that was lacking to build the church. A lot, known as the Mana- 
 han lot. located on the west side of Sixth avenue between Fifth and Sixth 
 streets was secured, and the church built thereon, Samuel Horning of Mal- 
 vern, 111., was the contractor and builder. June 29, 1889, the church was 
 finished and occupied. July 28, 1891, Rev. P. R. Keltner of Lena, 111., was 
 secured to take charge of the mission. July 16, 1892, a committee of elders, 
 appointed by the Mission Board of Northern Illinois, met in council at 
 church with the members. Said committee was composed of Edmond For- 
 ney, Levi Trostle, and George D. Zollers with Edmond Torney as moderator 
 and' Levi Trostle as secretary. As a final result of said council, the organiza- 
 tion was completed with Elder Daniel Dierdorff of Franklin Grove as pre- 
 siding elder; Rev. P. R. Keltner of Lena, 111., as pastor; Ira F. Hoak, Ster- 
 ling, 111., clerk; and Delia Keltner, treasurer. The new organization was 
 called the Sterling Brethren church. 
 
 The congregation increased until it outgrew its quarters. May 23, 1901, 
 it was decided to move the house to its present location and build an addition, 
 which was done. The dedicatory services were held Nov. 10, 1901. 
 
 The Sterling church being declared self-supporting. Elder P. R. Keltner 
 resigned his eldership Aug. 25, 1905, and took charge of a mission in Rack- 
 ford, 111. Deo. 31, 1908, Rev. Ezra Flory of Southern Ohio was chosen pastor 
 of the Sterling church with Rev. John Heckman of Polo as presiding elder. 
 Between March 25, 1907, and July 1, 1907, a fine parsonage was built on 
 the church property. The present value of the Sterling Brethren church 
 property is about ten thousand dollars and without any incumbrance. It 
 is on Sixth avenue. 
 
 The enrollment, which at date of organization, was twenty-eight, has 
 increased to about one hundred and fifty. Officers at present time are as 
 follows: F. H. Slater, John Baker, George Whisler, trustees; Rev. John 
 Heckman, presiding elder; Rev. Ezra Flory, pastor; George Whisler, Ira F. 
 Hoak, Oliver Shumaker, F.H. Slater, Harvey Myers, John Gerdes, Samuel 
 Myers, deacons; George Whisler, church clerk; F. H. Slater, treasurer. 
 
 The present officers of the Sunday school, organized in 1897, are: Ira 
 F. Hoak, superintendent; Samuel Myers, assistant superintendent; John 
 Baker, secretary; Oliver Shumaker, treasurer; Jennie Hoak, chorister; Clara 
 Wolf, assistant chorister ; Katie Shumaker, Sunday school missionary ; enroll- 
 ment about one hundred and twenty-five. Tributary to the Sunday school 
 is the Home Department, membership fifty, with Mrs. Geo. Whisler as presi- 
 dent and Katie Shumaker as assistant. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1905, a Christian Workers' society was organized with Jennie 
 Hoak as president; Bertha Dutchers, secretary; Sadie Buckley, treasurer; 
 and Clara Wolf, chorister. Present officers are: Mrs. Alice Suter, president; 
 Jennie Hoak, secretary; Clara Hoak, treasuer; Clara Wolf, chorister. Enroll- 
 ment at present time, fifty.
 
 368 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 STERLING CHURCHES IN 1875. 
 
 Nothing shows so vividly the changes of time as old newspapers. They 
 have history just as it happened day by day. A semi-weekly Gazette of 1875 
 has the following: 
 
 CHURCH DIRECTORY. 
 
 Baptist Church. Market-st., north of Central Park. Rev. J. T. Mason, 
 Pastor. Services Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Prayer meeting at 6:30 
 p. m. Sunday school at 12 m. ; J. T. Mason, Superintendent. Young people's 
 prayer meeting Monday at 7 p. m. General prayer meeting Thursday at 
 7 p. m. 
 
 Congregational Church. Spruce, between Third and Fourth-sis. Rev. 
 S. D. Belt, Pastor. Services Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday 
 school at 12 m. ; R. B. Witmer, Superintendent. Young people's prayer meet- 
 ing Sunday at 6 p. m. General prayer meeting Thursday at 7 p. m. 
 
 Fourth-st. M. E. Church. Corner of Fourth and A-sts. Rev. J. H. More, 
 Pastor. Services Sunday at 10 :45 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday school at 12 m. ; 
 M. S. Bowman, Superintendent. Prayer meeting Thursday evening at 7 
 o'clock. Young people's meeting Monday at 7 p. m. 
 
 Broadway M. E. Church. Corner Broadway and Fourth-sts. Rev. J. 
 Bush, Pastor. Services Sunday at 10 :30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday school at 
 12 :20 p. m. ; J. H. Lamb, Superintendent. Prayer meeting Thursday evening 
 at 7. 
 
 Presbyterian Church. Corner Fourth and Pine-sts. Rev. N. H. G. Fife, 
 Pastor. Services Sunday at 10:45 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday school at 9:30 
 a. m. ; T. A. Slaymaker, Superintendent. Prayer meeting Thursday at 7 p. m. 
 
 Church of the Sacred Heart (German Catholic). Corner Seventh and 
 Mulberry-sts. Rev. A. Urban, Pastor. Sendees Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a. m. 
 and 7 p. m. Sunday instruction at 2 :30 p. m. Mass each day at 8 a. m. 
 
 Lutheran Church. Seventh-st., between Spruce and Market-sts. Rev. 
 E. Brown, Pastor. Services Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday 
 school at 12 m. Prayer meeting Thursday evening at 7 o'clock. 
 
 Evangelical Association (German). Rev. M. Eller, Pastor. Services 
 Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday school at 12 m. ; C. Eisele, Super- 
 intendent. Prayer meeting Wednesday at 7 p. m. 
 
 Grace Church (Episcopal). Corner Mulberry and Fourth-sts. Rev. Her- 
 bert Root, Pastor. Services Sunday at 10:30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Sunday school 
 at 12 m., superintended by the pastor. 
 
 St. Patrick's Church (Irish Catholic). Corner Spruce and Sixth-sts. J. 
 Daly, Pastor. Services Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a. m. Vespers at 7 p. m. 
 Mass every morning at 8 o'clock. 
 
 All of these pastors and superintendents are dead or gone, not one left 
 in the city but C. Eisele. 
 
 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. 
 
 This is the newest of the societies in the city, dating only from June, 
 1904. They have no building, but meet in a hall. Different from other
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY . 369 
 
 societies in having no pastor. The services consist of scripture reading, prayer, 
 hymns, and selections from the accepted religious books. The principal figures 
 in the services are the readers, a man reading certain passages from the bible, 
 and a woman reading corresponding selections from Science and Health. A 
 quarterly is issued by the publishing house in Boston, containing the bible 
 passages and secular selections for the general use of the church, so that all 
 the societies throughout the world use the same order on the same Sunday. 
 There is a general subject about which the scripture lessons are grouped. 
 For instance, the subject for April 12, 1908, is "Are Sin, Disease, and Death 
 Real?" Under this comes for responsive reading Isaiah 56 and 57, and the 
 citations from the bible are 2 Samuel 22, Isaiah 25, Psalm 94, Proverbs 28. 
 In the manual before us for April, May, June, 1908, are given the topics for 
 each Sunday's consideration in the quarter. While some are apparently 
 simple, like "Soul and Body," others suggest a field of profound inquiry, 
 like "Is the Universe, including man, evolved by atomic force?" 
 
 The hymnal also issued by the Boston publishing society contains 193 
 hymns with music. Among them are some of the favorites of the universal 
 church, as "Abide with Me," "Joy to the World," "Nearer, My God, to 
 Thee," "Onward, Christian Soldiers," "Watchman, Tell Us of the Night," 
 "Guide Me, Thou Great Jehovah." A solo is given at every service. 
 
 The membership of the society varies. Not so large as usual just now 
 on account of the removal of several families from the city. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Henry Bencus and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Haskell are prominent members of 
 the society. 
 
 The readers are chosen by the society and cannot hold office longer than 
 three years. The present persons in that position are Walter Haskell and 
 Mrs. Nehrhood. The two great sacraments of the church are observed, but 
 not in the usual manner of symbols. No water is used in baptism, no bread 
 and wine in the Lord's supper. These are material, and it is held that these 
 ordinances should have a purely spiritual significance. Members on applica- 
 tion for admission to the church must answer suitable questions, which, as 
 well as other requirements are set forth in a small manual provided for the 
 use of the society. 
 
 PERRY'S TRAINING CLASS. 
 
 Over twenty years George P. Perry, druggist of Sterling, has conducted 
 a class for the study of the bible and the best methods of teaching. It has 
 generally met in one of the churches. The sessions are held weekly during 
 the winter months, and at the close written examinations are often given. 
 Once Prof. H. M. Hamill was present and made an address. During the 
 winter of 1907-08 the class completed a term's work in Brumbaugh's "The 
 . Making of a Teacher." Sixteen members of the cla*s took a written test, 
 the results of which were highly gratifying to the class leader. After the 
 examination ML=S Mary Hey, in the name of the class, presented Mr. Perry 
 with four volumes of Rev. George Matheson's books, to remind him of the 
 appreciation and respect which the class has for their faithful and efficient 
 instructor. Mr. Perry, in his courteous manner, thanked the givers for the 
 pleasant surprise.
 
 370 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 SCIENCE RIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH. 
 
 Two or three miles north of Sterling on a cross street between the Free- 
 port and Hoover roads stands a white frame building in which one branch of 
 the followers of Simon Menno worship. The congregation was organized in 
 1859. Jacob Snavely, John Hendricks, and Jacob Heckler formed the first 
 board of trustees. The first minister was Benjamin Hershey. The present 
 pastor is Rev. Aaron C. Good. The membership is 150. A good Sunday 
 school. Much interest in missions, assisting in the support of the foreign 
 work in India, and at home in -Chicago, Kansas City, Fort Wayne, Philadel- 
 phia, and Toronto. Charities are not neglected. An old people's home in 
 Ohio and at Lancaster, Pa., an orphanage at West Liberty, Ohio, a sani- 
 tarium at La Punta, California, and a college at Goshen, Indiana. Besides 
 the regular church conference, a Sunday school and bible conference is held 
 each year, and a general conference convenes every two years. A board of 
 missions and charities, and ' a board of education have full control of the 
 institutions. Hitherto the church literature has been published by private 
 parties, but now a movement is on foot for the church to do its own printing. 
 The old doctrines are maintained that have been peculiar to this denomina- 
 tion for three hundred years. Menno died in 1561. They believe in affirm- 
 ing, not taking an oath. They are opposed to law suits, to performing mili- 
 tary service, to holding public office, to taking life insurance, to secret so- 
 cieties. Baptism only upon confession of faith. Foot washing is observed 
 as a religious rite, and simplicity in dress for men and women. Of all 
 branches of this faith this is most progressive and in harmony with other 
 Protestant bodies. As a people, they love the soil, and the most flourishing 
 farming communities anywhere are controlled by the Mennonites and the 
 Amish. These sects are the backbone of the agricultural industry of Lan- 
 caster county in Pennsylvania, and are doing their part toward the rural 
 prosperity of Whiteside. 
 
 Adjoining the modest church is the graveyard where many of the plain 
 people of early days are resting. They were the grandfathers and mothers 
 of the present generation. Here lies Jacob and Barbara Snavely, the Landis 
 family, Hecklers, Ebersoles, Rutts, Kreiders, Eshlemans, Kehrs, Jacob and 
 Mrs Hendricks, Millers, Royers, Frys, Myers. Many of these were born in 
 Lebanon, Lancaster, and other counties of eastern Pennsylvania, and coming 
 here in middle life, grew old in transforming the virgin prairies into homes 
 of comfort and happiness. 
 
 THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 
 
 The First National Bank of Sterling, Illinois, was organized in 1870, 
 as No. 1717, with a capital of $100,000. Formal articles of association, as 
 required by law, were adopted September 15, 1870, being signed by William 
 A. Sanborn, Decius 0. Coe, Lorenzo Hapgood, James M. Wallace and John 
 S. Miller. On that date the first shareholders' meeting was held, electing as 
 first board of directors the five persons above named. The certificate of final 
 organization bears date October 8, 1870, and was signed by John Jay Knox, 
 Acting Comptroller of the Currency, the capital stock having been previously
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 371 
 
 paid in full. The bank's first charter expired September 15, 1890, and was 
 extended for a further period of twenty years, by a certificate of succession, 
 dated August 20, 1890, signed by E. S. Lacey, Comptroller of the Currency. 
 
 From the beginning The First National Bank of Sterling met with a 
 favorable reception by the people. The community had outgrown its bank- 
 ing facilities ; and there was urgent need of a strong bank with ample capital. 
 
 The bank began business in the small building, previously occupied by 
 Mr. Sanborn as a private bank, located on the west half of the lot where the 
 bank now stands. Shortly after, at a meeting of the directors held December 
 3, 1870, the building, lot and bank furniture, were purchased of Mr. Sanborn. 
 
 It soon became apparent that more room was needed to accommodate 
 the rapidly increasing business. Accordingly more ground was purchased 
 on the east, adjoining the lot bought of Mr. Sanborn. And in the fall of 
 1874 work was begun on a new bank building. While the new bank build- 
 ing was in process of construction, the business of the bank was carried on 
 in the Harvey building, at No. 112 East Third Street. In the latter part 
 of January, 1875, the bank moved into its new quarters, occupying the west 
 half of the new building the east half having been rented to Hagey & Son 
 for a jewelry store. Later, in December, 1900, the room occupied as a 
 jewelry store was remodeled, and a new safety deposit vault added, thus 
 doubling the space previously occupied by the bank. 
 
 Again in 1906, feeling the need of a more modern building, and bet- 
 ter equipped banking rooms, it was decided to remodel and rebuild the old 
 building, which had done good service for over thirty-one years. Accord- 
 ingly, on September 4, 1906, the work of remodeling and rebuilding began. 
 The undertaking was accomplished without seriously interfering with the 
 business of the bank. The new building is an attractive structure architectur- 
 ally, with fine interior finishings, and thoroughly modern equipments. Am- 
 ple provision was made for enlargement of the business of the bank. The 
 vaults are also protected by an electric burglar alarm. 
 
 Since its organization, the bank has had but two presidents, and three 
 cashiers. John S. Miller, Sr., was its first president, serving in that capacity 
 until his death, which occurred February 27, 1874. Soon after his death, 
 his son, John S. Miller, was elected president, and has continued to hold 
 that office up to the present time. 
 
 Of the three cashiers, William A. Sanborn held the office from the 
 organization of the bank in 1870, until his death, Otcober 24, 1901. On 
 October 29, 1901, Henry Green was elected cashier, holding the office for 
 about a year, when he resigned. He was succeeded by Thomas S. McKin- 
 ney, who died July 1, 1905. Upon the death of Mr. McKinney, Mr. Green 
 was again elected cashier, and still holds that office. 
 
 The First National Bank of Sterling ranks among the strongest and 
 most substantial banking institutions of the state; and every effort is made 
 by its officers and directors to keep its standard up to the highest. With 
 its capital stock of $100,000, it has accumulated a surplus of $100,000 and 
 undivided profits of nearly $50,000. 
 
 While the policy of the bank has always been one of conservatism, yet
 
 372 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 it has never failed to recognize it.s duty to the community at large, by a 
 just and liberal accommodation of its patrons, and an ever-courteous desire 
 to deal fairly with all. The fact that it has served the public well, is shown 
 by its rapidly increasing business. Ten years ago its deposits rarely exceeded 
 $400,000, while, during the past five years they frequently have exceeded 
 $1,000,000. And it is but fair to predict, from past prosperity, that the 
 bank's greatest success and influence in the community, is yet to be realized. 
 
 THE STERLING NATIONAL BANK. 
 
 March 25, 1882, application was made to the Comptroller of the Cur- 
 rency for the authority to organize a national bank. The application was 
 signed by J. H. Lawrence, B. C. Church and Charles A. Reed. James R. 
 Bell, Charles N. Russell, Abijah Powers and E. F. Lawrence were mentioned 
 as associate stockholders with the applicants. 
 
 This bank was to be located in Sterling with a capital of $50,000.00 
 with the privilege of increasing same to $300,000.00. 
 
 April 22, 1882. articles of association were adopted and the name of 
 the association was called the Sterling National Bank. 
 
 The following persons were the stockholders at the time of organiza- 
 tion : James R. Bell, James Dinsmoor, Aaron A. Wolfersperger, Edgar G. 
 Baum, Charles N. Russell, John Wolfersperger, Edwin F. Lawrence, Adam 
 Smith, Charles A. Reed, Bradford C. Church and John H. Lawrence. 
 
 A board of seven directors was chosen by the stockholders, which con- 
 sisted of James Dinsmoor, Charles A. Reed, James R. Bell, C. N. Russell, 
 B. C. Church, A. A. Wolfersperger and J. H. Lawrence. 
 
 This board of directors organized by the election of B. C. Church as 
 president and Charles A. Reed as cashier. The capital was paid in on May 
 15, 1882, and the bank began business. 
 
 As soon as possible the site of the present place of business was secured 
 : and a bank building erected. 
 
 January 1, 1883, the capital stock of the bank was increased to, $75,- 
 000.00. 
 
 In September, 1883, Bradford C. Church, President, died and his son, 
 E. G. Chvirch, was elected to fill vacancy in the board of directors, and James 
 R. Bell was elected president. 
 
 In January, 1885, Adam Smith was elected a director succeeding James 
 Dinsmoor. 
 
 On October 5, 1886, Chas. A. Reed's resignation as cashier was tendered 
 and accepted and John H. Lawrence was elected to fill vacancy. 
 
 At the stockholders' meeting in January, 1889, the names of Abijah 
 Powers and E. F. Lawrence were added to the directory, taking the places 
 on the board formerly occupied by E. G. Church and Chas. A. Reed. 
 
 In January, 1891, Fred Simonson was elected a director and continued 
 ft member of the board for six years. W. J. Bell was elected a director in 
 January, 1894, to fill vacancy caused by the death of Adam Smith. 
 
 In 1902 John H. Lawrence, who had been cashier for over fifteen years, 
 tendered his resignation in order to devote his attention to the already large 
 and rapidly increasing manufacturing business of Lawrence Brothers.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 373 
 
 C. H. Tuttle who had been employed as teller in the bank for several 
 years was elected to succeed Mr. Lawrence and at once assumed the duties of 
 the office. 
 
 During the summer of 1903 the capital of the bank was increased from 
 $75,000.00 to $100,000.00 and the beginning of the year 1904 found them 
 with capital $100.000.00, surplus fund $50,000.00, undivided profits $53,- 
 122.49 and deposits of $583,451.84. 
 
 Cashier Tuttle tendered his resignation Oct. 24, 1904, to take effect 
 Jan. 1, 1905, and same being duly accepted he retired from the business at 
 the last mentioned date. 
 
 Samuel G. Crawford succeeded Mr. Tuttle as cashier and his name with 
 that of Paul T. Gait was added to the list of directors about the same time. 
 
 In June, 1905, James R. Bell who had been president of the bank 
 since 1883 died and John H. Lawrence w r as elected to fill the vacancy. 
 Since the election of Mr. Lawrence to the presidency there have been no 
 changes of officers or directors. 
 
 At this time the bank has a capital of $100,000, a surplus of $100,000, 
 and undivided profits of $25,000 and $600,000 of deposits. Besides accumu- 
 lating the present surplus and undivided profits the bank 'has paid semi- 
 annual dividends satisfactory to the stockholders. 
 
 At this time, in addition to the cashier, the bank employs an obliging 
 and competent force consisting of Harry R. Trudo, Teller; John Royer, 
 Assistant Teller; Walter Reed, Bookkeeper; and Arthur J. Becker, Collector. 
 
 THE STATE BANK OF STEELING. 
 
 The youngest of our financial institutions has its quarters in the former 
 postoffice, corner Locust street and Fourth. Capital, $50,000. Organization 
 was effected Oct. 16, 1905, by F. Heflebower, C. E. Windom, John M. Kohl, 
 J. Frank Wahl, J. H. Gray and August Frank. Charter was granted in 1906, 
 and business began Jan. 24 of that year. Accounts of Gait's savings bank 
 were assumed Jan. 1, 1908. Money is loaned on real estate, and a general 
 banking business is carried on. The directors consist of N. G. Van Sant, C. 
 E. Windom, F. A. Grimes, Fernandus Jacobs, John M. Kohl, J. Frank Wahl, 
 J. H. Gray, of Morrison, the others belong to Sterling. Van Sant is president, 
 C. E. Windom vice president, F. Heflebower is cashier. He is an Ogle county 
 man. Fred B. Frerichs is teller and bookkeeper. The rooms of the old post- 
 office were completely remodeled, hard wood partitions and furniture installed, 
 and the place presents a light and attractive appearance. The directors are 
 among our conservative and substantial citizens, and a good business is al- 
 ready secured. 
 
 THE STREET RAILWAY. 
 
 Everything comes to him who waits, and there was general rejoicing 
 when the first car rolled through third street 011 the afternoon of May 5, 
 1904. Franchises had been secured once or twice before, surveys made, and 
 even rails laid, but the projects were given up. But it was reserved for Ed- 
 ward Higgins to carry the enterprise to a successful completion. The railway
 
 374 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 runs from Main street in Dixon to the end of Fourth street in Sterling, pass- 
 ing through Prairieville and Gap Grove in Lee county, and following for the 
 most part the common highway between Dixon and Sterling. Sign boards 
 advertise regular stations through the country where passengers are received. 
 The interurban cars leave Dixon and Sterling every hour, the smaller cars 
 run in each city every twenty minutes. In Dixon a spur leads from the main 
 line to the Assembly grounds. The fare is 25 cents from Sterling to Dixon, 
 five cents in Sterling. The ride in summer between the two cities presents 
 views of a charming landscape with fertile fields, verdant valleys, attractive 
 homes, and all the tokens of a rich agricultural district. The full name is 
 Sterling, Dixon and Eastern Electric Railway. 
 
 A brick power house with dynamos installed was erected in the first 
 ward near the river, but was soon discontinued, as it was found that the mo- 
 tive power could be secured cheaper at Dixon by using electricity developed 
 by water power at the dam. 
 
 STERLING GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY. 
 
 The city has two kinds of illumination, the gas works, constructed in 
 1870, and the electric plant, in 1890. The Chicago office at 184 La Salle St., 
 the Sterling office on East Fourth. Elmer Crawford is resident manager. In 
 1;he city are 19 arc lights, and 245 incandescent, for which the monthly bill 
 is $439.78. The city hall in addition is $19.20. Most private houses use the 
 gas for cooking, and in the new residences electricity is installed for lighting, 
 as well as in the stores and churches. The price of gas is $1.35 per thousand 
 with a discount for cash of 20 per cent. In electric light, kilo watts at 16 
 cents. 
 
 GALT-BROOKFIELD HOSPITAL. 
 
 In November, 1907, Mrs. Helen M. Brookfield tendered the Thomas A. 
 Gait homestead on West Third street to the people of Sterling and Rock Falls 
 provided they raised an endowment fund of $10,000. The property U con 
 sidered ideal for the purpose. The house was built in 1871 by Thomas A. 
 Gait at a cost of nearly $25,000,. and could not be duplicated today for less 
 than $40,000. The elegant residence with the adjoining grounds is valued at 
 $50,000, and is one of the best and most desirable locations for a hospital in 
 either city. 
 
 The house is large and roomy, and has a sloping terraced lawn. There 
 are two rooms which could be made into wards without any remodeling 
 whatever. One of these rooms is 40x30 feet and the other 30x30, and twelve 
 beds could be installed in these wards. There are several other rooms in the 
 residence which could be fitted up very easily for wards. The library would 
 make a splendid office. 
 
 The house is a four-story structure, and has a fine south frontage which 
 has all the requirements of a hospital, such as sunlight and air. The kitchen 
 and large laundry are located in the basement. One of the physicians of the 
 city stated that should the people of the city build a new building they could 
 not plan it better for a hospital than the residence given by Mrs. Brookfield.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 375 
 
 The interior is finished in the most expensive solid walnut which is highly 
 polished. The house has recently been repaired and remodeled at a cost of 
 several thousand dollars. The cost of additional remodeling to put the house 
 in condition for a hospital would be very light. 
 
 Preliminary steps have already been taken to start the charity on its 
 beneficent mission. A board of directors was elected whose officers are A. A. 
 Wolfereperger, president; W. J. Doherty, vice president; R. L. Halsted, sec- 
 etary, and John Royer, treasurer. The board of physicians is composed of 
 Doctors A. C. Smith, S. S. Kehr and S. A. Allen. 
 
 Liberal offers of assistance have been made. Manager M. C. Ward of the 
 Academy of Music has offered the use of the Academy one night in each year 
 for the benefit for a hospital fund; Mrs. Electa E. Smith of Washington, D. 
 C., whose home for many years was in Sterling and who always has taken 
 great interest in the old soldiers, has offered to furnish a room to be known 
 as the old soldiers' room for the use of the G. A. R., U. S. W. V. and their 
 families. 
 
 Substantial citizens stand ready to contribute liberally. The ladies of 
 the Presbyterian church held a Dutch Market, whose characteristic booths 
 and wares attracted large crowds, and realized $300 for the hospital fund. 
 Subscriptions are under way, and the endowment of $10,000 will be easily 
 secured. 
 
 THE CITY HALL. 
 
 Hear the loud alarum bells! 
 In the startled ear of night, 
 How they scream out their affright! Poe. 
 
 On the corner of Fourth street and First avenue stands the municipal 
 building of Milwaukee brick with its square tower. On the third floor is 
 the council chamber and the hall of the Grand Army; on the second, the 
 police headquarters, the public assembly room, the firemen's chambers, and 
 the Historical Society ; in the basement the station of the fire department and 
 the lockup. The main equipment of the department consists of a hook and 
 ladder wagon, a hose wagon, and several thousand feet of hose. Two heavy 
 Norman horses, about 1,300 pounds, are ready to gallop, night or day, to the 
 scene of destruction. John Gleason is janitor of the building and driver of 
 the grays. There are twenty firemen connected with the city hall, and ten 
 in the first ward with a small hose carriage in the upper barn. S. A. Stull is 
 chief, and the alacrity with which the boys respond to an emergency call de- 
 serves a much higher compensation than the city allows, $60 per year. Fires, 
 of course, are rare, but the position is no sinecure, for it means work and expo- 
 sure when the call comes. 
 
 Be wakeful, be vigilant, 
 
 Danger may be 
 At an hour when all seemeth 
 
 Securest to thee. 
 
 The hall was erected in 1889, and in 1892, the corner tower was elevated
 
 376 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 a full story for the bell of fire alarm. The building has cost complete about 
 $29,000. 
 
 AMONG THE FACTORIES. 
 
 Perseverance, dear my lord, 
 Keeps honor bright; to have done is to hang 
 Quite out of fashion, like a rusty nail. Shakespeare. 
 
 Near the bridge are the new shops of the National Manufacturing Com- 
 pany, who make hardware specialties of standard sorts. It was founded by 
 W. P. Benson and Louis Bittorf, both former employes of the Messrs. Law- 
 rence. Six years ago they began business in a little three-story building, fifty 
 by seventy feet and in 1907 they completed a new shop four stories high and 
 have a floor space of 45,000 feet. They employ nearly a hundred men and 
 their trade has extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The capitalization is 
 $200,000. 
 
 The Novelty Company on Wallace street turn out an elaborate assort- 
 ment of iron hitching posts, lawn and cemetery vases, plumbers' supplies, 
 stove repairs, and porcelain lined cylinders for iron and wooden pumps. A 
 pay roll of fifty men, and a yearly product of $80,000. 
 
 Few persons know that Sterling is the home of the first gasoline engine, 
 and the Charter Gas Engine Company gets its name from John Charter, who 
 twenty-five years ago, solved the problem of operating an engine by vaporized 
 gasoline. From the standard type from two and a half horse power to forty, 
 the company make several other types such as marine engines, traction en- 
 gines, wood sawing outfits, electric generators, both of direct and belt types, 
 hoisters, and several styles of pumping engines and make many for special 
 purposes. These engines are in use for at least 250 different purposes where 
 power is required, from making baggage checks to milking cows. In the 
 early nineties the firm sold the first engine ever put to the latter use and now 
 have several operating in large dairies where they take the place of the old 
 time milk maid and the hired man on the three legged stool. These engines 
 are pushing yachts, making cob pipes, weaving wool and cotton, making fish- 
 ing rods, pens, pop and lace. 
 
 The company employs about fifty men on the average, though at times 
 the force in the shops has approached a hundred. The engines are sent to 
 Mexico and South America. 
 
 On Wallace street is the only concern of the kind in the city, the Sterling 
 Pattern Works, whose specialty is metal and wood patterns of all sizes and 
 shapes. It makes patterns for local factories and inventor.-:, and has 
 a large trade outside. It has just completed the making of a new gaso- 
 line marine engine of two, four and six horse power. The engine is single, 
 double and triple cylinder variety, designed for pleasure boats. The engines 
 were placed on the market and local owners state that they are as near per- 
 fection as possible, as they are light and durable and very powerful. 
 
 The Harrison Manufacturing company, the only company in the two 
 cities making a specialty of all kinds of inside finishing for houses, churches, 
 stores, etc., is located at the foot of Locust street on Mill street. It occupies
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 377 
 
 two buildings, each 60x160 feet and it derives its power from a turbine wheel. 
 
 The company is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of store fixtures, 
 bank fixtures, drug store cases, display racks, interior fixtures for residences, 
 in fact, make a specialty of making anything from wood. 
 
 The company has been in existence in this city for many years. During 
 the busy seasons of the year is employs thirty men and during the dull sea- 
 son not less than eight men. It has an average pay roll of eighteen men. The 
 men are skilled mechanics and their wages are. seldom less than $2.50 per day. 
 
 The annual output of this establishment is about $60,000. 
 
 The most imposing establishment in the city is that of the Dillon-Gris- 
 wold Wire Mill. The buildings, three stories high, cover three and one-half 
 acres, and the floor space ten and one-half acres. The lofty smoke stacks are 
 striking and ornamental. A large variety of wares like wire fence, poultry 
 and garden, wire nails, barbed wire, bale ties, straight and cut wire, telephone 
 wire, gates, are produced. 
 
 Over 2,555 tons of stove polish is made in Sterling every year. The two 
 stove polish factories, the Black Silk company and the Sterling Stove Polish 
 company, between them turn out over seven tons of polish each day of the 
 365 days of the calendar year. This amount of polish, when canned, makes 
 a total of over 1,250,000 cans of the finished product. 
 
 The works of the two companies are large and commodious. The fac- 
 tory of the Black Silk Company is 60x124, two stories in height, with offices 
 15x30. The manufacturing rooms are 40x30 and the labeling rooms five feet 
 longer. The shipping room and stock rooms are 124 feet in length by thirty 
 in width. The upstairs is devoted to laboratory and storage. The works of 
 the Sterling Stove Polish Company are 40x100 feet, two stories high, the en- 
 tire building being devoted to the manufacture of the polish. 
 
 The third largest plant of its kind in the world is the Rock Falls Manu- 
 facturing Company, whose chief product is caskets and hearses, ambulances 
 and undertakers' carriages. 
 
 The casket factory is on the east side of Third avenue and has a floor 
 space of 27,000 feet. It is a three-story brick structure, 150 feet long and 
 60 feet wide. The engine and power house is attached to this building. 
 
 The hearse and carriage plant is located on the west side of the avenue 
 and it occupies 27,430 square feet of floor space. Eighty-five men are steadily 
 employed, and the goods have a high reputation and are in ready demand. 
 The building occupied by the casket factory is the old Keystone Block, where 
 Patterson and Witmer in the sixties did an enormous business in general 
 merchandise. The factory was founded by Ed Brookfield, a young man of 
 remarkable sagacity, who took a sickly venture and developed it into an im- 
 mense success in a few years, but did not live to enjoy its prosperity. 
 
 Over a half century ago John Harpham began the harness business in 
 a small shop, which gradually grew into a manufacturing and jobbing trade. 
 In time his son, John L. Harpham, acquired an interest, the senior Harpham 
 withdrew from active participation, and in 1903 the Harpham Saddlery Com- 
 pany was formed. A three-story brick was erected on Wallace street, with 
 21,600 feet of floor space all occupied. The factory is of modern construe-
 
 378 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 tion, being equipped with an electric elevator and electric motors to operate 
 their various machines necessary in the business. They have three motors 
 with a total capacity of twenty-five horse power which operate the stitchers 
 and die machines and other appliances. There are between forty and fifty 
 men employed steadily in the shops and there are five salesmen on the road 
 with territory in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. The product of the 
 factory for the past year has been equivalent to 10,000 sets of harness. 
 
 Within a year or two, one of the largest bakeries in the state, has been 
 added to the city industries. When all the machinery is in motion, sixty 
 barrels of flour will be turned daily into attractive food. The bread depart- 
 ment has a capacity of 7,000 loaves per day. Much of the product is sold 
 outside of the city in other towns in this part of the state and Iowa. The fac- 
 tory has floor space of 10,400 feet and the present number of employes is 
 about thirty. It is expected this number will be increased in the near future 
 to fifty or perhaps sixty, just as soon as the cracker department gets well under 
 way. In the cracker factory there are forty barrels of flour consumed and a 
 full line of crackers and cookies are being made, which, if packed in the ordi- 
 nary sized cracker boxes would fill no less than 400 of them every working 
 day. A part of this product, however, is packed in paper cartons and in tin 
 biscuit boxes. 
 
 The plant is operated by a thirty horsepower steam engine with an elec- 
 tric auxiliary plant. 
 
 There are three ovens, two in the bakery department of one type and the 
 third in the cracker factory. 
 
 A feature of the baking department which has just been inaugurated is 
 a domestic oven where skilled women bakers are in charge and are equipped 
 to execute orders for fine cakes and pastry. All of the work in this depart- 
 ment is on order and the phone keeps them busy. 
 
 The factory generates its own electric current for lights and this species 
 of power is also used in operating some of the smaller machines. 
 
 The officers of the Sterling Steam Baking Company are F. B. Hubbard, 
 president ; W. T. Egan, vice president and general manager, and B. P. Werntz, 
 secretary and treasurer. Geo. W. Hill, late superintendent of the Western 
 Baking Company at Portland Ore., is in charge as superintendent. 
 
 Without a tall factory or a big display in advertisements, the leather 
 souvenir business of Scott Williams in five years has developed into a lively 
 industry employing in the busy season forty people. He buys his tanned 
 sheepskins' by the carload, and after they are cut into cards, his assistants ex- 
 ercise their taste in burning the pictures and making the letters. His trade 
 covers the country, as he sells cards from Dakota to the Gulf, from New York 
 to San Francisco. Amid the mass of these goods made everywhere, the stock 
 of Mr. Williams stands number one. He has recently shipped orders to 
 Cuba, but has been compelled to refuse further expansion of his business be- 
 cause he has found it impractical to expand with economy. 
 
 The sled works of 0. A. Hoak, Rock Falls, last year did business to the 
 amount of $50,000. 
 
 To meet the call for soothing refreshment in the sultry summer, two
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 379 
 
 ice cream factories come to the rescue. The demand has steadily increased. 
 "When Mr. Jackson began his business in Sterling in 1901 the local trade con- 
 sumed 700 gallons a year, and every year this has increased until last summer 
 he sold ten thousand gallons from his wagons direct to the people. For sev- 
 eral years he has been turning 400,000 pounds of milk into the frozen dainty 
 every year. This approximates 40,000 gallons of ice cream for the year and 
 of this 10.000 gallons is consumed here. The remaining seventy-five per cent 
 is disposed of in the territory north of Kewanee in Illinois outside of Chicago 
 and west into Iowa as far as Mt. Yernon. 
 
 The smaller factory, the Peerless Company, has made rapid strides in two 
 years, selling thousands of gallons at retail from the wagons. The total 
 amount of ice cream made in factories in Sterling is close to sixty thousand 
 gallons per annum and the winter demand is growing rapidly so that it is 
 expected that there will soon be ample business to keep a factory in opera- 
 tion throughout the year. 
 
 Among the smaller industries that minister to the luxury of the stronger 
 sex, is the cigar production. There are six factories in Sterling and Rock 
 Falls, and the records of J. E. Harmon, secretary of the Cigar Makers' Union, 
 show that in 1907 he issued 21,340 labels, each label meaning a box. 
 
 There are two grades of cigars made here the five and ten cent grades. 
 The cigars find a ready sale in most of the cases in the city, and each of the 
 six factories also has in connection a retail store. 
 
 During the year 1907 there was a total of 1,092,000 cigars made in this 
 city. It is estimated that the retail value of the cigars was $30,930. 
 
 The cigar manufacturers here give employment to twenty-eight men, 
 the majority of whom are married and have families. The wages paid to 
 cigar makers are high. 
 
 The following are the names of the factories in the two cities: Frank 
 Cochran, Huber Brothers, E. Limond, J. E. Harmon, Williams & Elsasser 
 and Alfred Pucklewartz. 
 
 The Sterling Broom Works turn out a daily output of twenty-four dozen 
 brooms, making an annual output of 7,324 dozens or 94,088 brooms, having 
 a retail value of $23,622. 
 
 At the foot of Locust street is the largest repairing establishment in the 
 two cities, E. Bander, proprietor. He occupies his own building, which is 
 thirty-five feet wide and 150 feet deep, built of stone and brick. The build- 
 ing is equipped with special machinery for doing iron and steel repairs and 
 work of all kinds. Within the walls of the building there is housed the largest 
 steel lathe between Chicago and Omaha. 
 
 Mr. Bander makes a specialty of building machines from patterns, also 
 doing pattern work. During the past few years he has constructed the steel 
 dredges for the Austin company of Chicago, making a number of the big 
 machines. 
 
 He is now engaged in making' a new type of marine gasoline engines. 
 
 Three dealers in marble and granite are prepared to furnish monuments. 
 Fred Johnson and Henry Krohn confine their attention to local business, but 
 Walter J. Moore fills orders far and wide, carrying the largest stock west of
 
 380 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Chicago. He has made shipments to Mexico and Brazil. His yearly sales 
 amount to $25,000. 
 
 He occupies a building 133 feet long and twenty-five feet wide, using the 
 basement and the first floor. The maximum number of stone and marble 
 cutters employed is seven, and the work is done by compressed air machinery. 
 
 The twenty-second annual meeting of the stockholders of the Whiteside 
 Building and Loan association showed a flourishing condition. Series Nos. 
 39, 40 and 41 which have matured since January 1, 1907, representing a 
 total of one hundred forty-two shares and amounting to $14,200, has been 
 paid in addition to several nice loans being made on buildings in Sterling 
 and Rock Falls, and all the buildings which were held at the first of the 
 year have been sold with the exception of one. W. S. McCloy, Dr. G. B. 
 Dillon and A. J. Frank were elected as three new directors, and the following 
 officers were chosen: President, Dr. J. F. Keefer; vice president, P. T. Van- 
 Home; treasurer, A. J. Platt; attorney, H. C. Ward; secretary, J. G. Wetzel. 
 
 John G. Haglock's new skating rink, The Rollaway, located in First 
 avenue, is the most modern skating rink in this section of the state, being 
 built especially for that purpose. The rink proper is forty-six feet wide and 
 ninety-five feet deep. The walls are of concrete blocks and the roof built 
 on truss work. The floor, which is of hard maple, is laid on a concrete foun- 
 dation. The ceiling and top of the walls are painted white, and in the rear 
 of the building is a music box, rendering band music. 
 
 The following is a list of the improvements in the Twin Cities of Sterling 
 and Rock Falls for the year 1907 : 
 
 INDUSTRIAL. 
 
 Hydraulic Co., power plant $250,000 
 
 U. S. Government, dam 100,000 ( 
 
 C. & N. W. Ry., fill 100,000 
 
 Avenue G Bridge 50,000 
 
 Gail-Borden Co 100,000 
 
 National Manufacturing Company 40,000 
 
 Eureka Co 20,000 
 
 Bassett Sled Works 8,000 
 
 Sterling Cracker Co 10,000 
 
 Paper Mill 10,000 
 
 Novelty Co 7,000 
 
 Black Silk Co 5,000 
 
 Sterling Brewery 3,000 
 
 Swartley Green House 1,000 
 
 Sterling Floral Co 1,500 
 
 WALLACE SCHOOL. 
 
 Alas! regardless of their doom, 
 
 The little victims play. Gray. 
 
 There is Greater New York, and there is newer Sterling. In every ward
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 381 
 
 the old school houses that the last generation knew are down and out. In 
 the west end, District Eight, as organized, stood for twenty years that brown, 
 dingy frame one-story structure that looked like a temporary railroad station. 
 It was erected in 1856. There were two main rooms, an entry, and battens 
 similar to those on a shed, ran up and down. As the school increased, frame 
 buildings, two stories high, were added. 
 
 In 1865 an election was held to vote a tax for the purchase of more 
 ground, and this addition gave the district the entire block where the school 
 now stands. Another election in 1874 for a new 'building, cost not to exceed 
 $25,000, and the edifice was completed that summer. The building commit- 
 tee were W. A. Sanborn, B. C. Church, and James A. Wallace. In 1889 
 additional bonds were voted, and the primary building of four rooms erected 
 in the rear of the main structure. In 1884 Wallace school was adopted as the 
 name as a fit tribute to the memories of Hugh and James Wallace, father 
 and son, who had been so long associated with the growth of the town and the 
 development of the district. 
 
 Some excellent men and women appear in the catalog of Wallace school 
 principals. The first in the newly organized school of 1856 were R. J. Ross 
 and his sister, Rachel. Grove Wright was very popular with pupils and pat- 
 rons, and his yearly entertainments of music and dialogue were enthusiastic 
 events at Wallace Hall. John Phinney drilled the boys in mental arithmetic 
 and in the diagrams of Clark's grammar. Then followed Buell, Thorp, 
 Davis, Harlan, Coe, Piper, Hursh, Hollister. The last two have gone higher. 
 Hursh is professor at Macomb Normal, and Hollister is state visitor for 
 Illinois University. Helen Hosmer, one of the early primary teachers, knew 
 how to gain the affection of the children. The primary instructor, longest 
 in service, was Miss Saide Patterson, who for twenty-five years drilled the 
 youngsters in marching and singing like so many miniature soldiers. By a 
 poetic fitness on returning to Pennsylvania, she passed her declining days in 
 Mereersburg, the home of her girlhood. 
 
 Classes were regularly graduated in the high school department, an 
 Alumni association formed, the last meeting of which was held in 1899. Mi.^s 
 Hannah Mooney was then president, and Miss Minnie Palmer secretary and 
 treasurer. The first graduating class was in 1877, with A. N. Melvin and 
 Elizabeth Crawford the sole star actors. The last class in 1898, consisting of 
 twelve young people, John Ward, Esq., being one of them, closed the educa- 
 tional docket. 
 
 For a while as a sort of a manual or practical mechanical training a small 
 paper was issued, "Wallace Life," the cuts, editorial matter, type setting and 
 printing, all done by the pupils. 
 
 The board consists of six members: Henry Green, C. C. Johnson, H. 
 C. Ward, Paul T. Gait, V. S. Ferguson; W. j' Bell, president, and A. J. 
 Frank, secretary. 
 
 The roll of teachers comprises the following: Miss A. L. Hill, principal; 
 Anna Mooney, 8th grade and supervisor of drawing; Emma Simonds, 7th 
 grade; Mary Whitmore, 6th grade, and supervisor of music; Belle Duffie. 
 5th; Josephine Elliott. 4th; Anna Conboy, 3d; Jessie Buyers, 2d; Maud
 
 382 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Edwards, 2d; Christina Dunbar, 1st; Mary Kannally, 1st. Miss Mooney 
 taught several years in Chicago, and is proficient in her department. Jessie 
 Buyers has held her position for many terms. Since the township high school 
 course was established, 227 pupils have finished the grammar school course. 
 At a regular meeting of the board in June, 1907, a ten twenty-day month 
 school year was established. Miss Hill is the first lady principal of Wallace, 
 and her re-election year after year, is prima facie proof of the efficiency of her 
 administration. 
 
 Among the early directors of the school, the names of Joshua McKinney, 
 James L. Crawford,' and Gabriel Davis must always be mentioned with 
 gratitude. 
 
 At the meeting of the Wallace school board held March 9, 1908, "Home 
 Gardening" was discussed and Tuesday, April 7, 1908, the pupils sent off 
 an order for 1,500 packages of seeds and 125 bulbs at the rate of one cent each. 
 These include eighteen varieties of flowers and eight of vegetables. Each 
 pupil pays for his own seeds. 
 
 One morning the school received a case of stuffed birds of N. O. Lawson, 
 taxidermist of Geneva, 111. The birds prepared by Mr. Lawson are those 
 selected from the many killed during severe storms. The birds will be 
 kept in a glass case with revolving shelves, presented by Mrs. L. K. and Mrs. 
 Lottie Wynn. 
 
 The birds whose homes, habits, and economic value will be studied, will 
 furnish material to aid in the development of powers of observation, compari- 
 son, and judgment. Problems in arithmetic based upon quantity and kinds 
 of food eaten by the different birds, show the advisability of protecting our 
 feathered neighbor.-;. 
 
 Many of the boys and girls are building bird houses and drinking trough?, 
 and otherwise showing an intense interest in the bird life of Sterling. 
 
 Prizes will be given for successful tree-planting, best collection of vege- 
 ables, best collection of flowers, best window boxes, and best collection of 
 seeds. 
 
 THE CENTRAL SCHOOL. 
 
 By H. L. Chaplin, Principal. 
 
 'Tis education forms the common mind, 
 
 Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined. Pope. 
 
 My acquaintance with Sterling school began in the fall of 1894. On the 
 school square stood a three-story brick structure erected in 1867. and a two- 
 story brick veneer building, erected in 1886. On the northeast corner of the 
 square a small frame house used as the janitor's residence. The larger build- 
 ing was devoted to the grades, the smaller, to the High school. All the room 
 in these buildings, excepting the "Old Chapel," was fully occupied prior 
 to the fall of 1894. The year 1894-5 opened with an increased enrollment, 
 and the task of providing additional room was met by running a partition 
 through the old chapel, on the third floor of the larger building, forming 
 therefrom two rooms, one of which was immediately occupied. The absorp- 
 tion of the Sterling High school by the Sterling-Coloma Township High
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 383 
 
 school in 1898, left the smaller building available for the use of the grades, 
 and when the school opened in the fall of that year the third floor of the 
 larger building was abandoned and the sixth, seventh and eighth grades were 
 housed in the smaller building. 
 
 With its twenty-sixth commencement, May 27, 1898, the Sterling High 
 school finished its work, and in the following September its students be- 
 came members of the Sterling-Coloma Township High school. In the 
 twenty-nine years of its existence, two hundred ninety-nine students had been 
 graduated from its courses. It turned over to the Township High school 
 one hundred twenty-five pupils, twenty-one of whom were in the senior 
 class. This High school had done a good work. It had provided a four- 
 years' course of instruction and was on the accredited list of the state univer- 
 sity and a number of colleges. At the completion of its work, Miss Anna 
 Parmelee, the principal, had been with the school eleven years; Miss Kate 
 Stoddard, nine years; Miss Bertha Forbes, seven years; and Miss Mabel 
 Waldo, five years. The character of their work is indicated by the following 
 extract from a letter written to the superintendent in 1897, by Dr. Arnold 
 Tompkins, chairman of the committee on accredited schools for the State 
 University: "Your High school is considered here one of the best in the 
 state, and as accredited, admits to all the colleges of the University." 
 
 The advent of the Township High school brought other changes. In 
 the spring of 1898 Lincoln, Sterling, and Wallace districts voted on a propo- 
 sition to unite into one district. It carried in Lincoln and Sterling districts, 
 but was defeated in Wallace district. Lincoln and Sterling districts at once 
 took steps to unite, and at a special election by very large majorities voted to 
 become one district. The consolidated districts took the official name of Dis- 
 trict Number Three. The writer, however, gave to the united schools the 
 name Union Schools, the one by which they are generally known. 
 
 In order to avoid confusion of names with the new Sterling-Coloma 
 Township High School, the Sterling School was, in the fall of 1898, named 
 by the Board of Education "Central School." 
 
 In organizing the new district "the old school boards went out of office 
 and a new board was elected. In this connection it is fitting to make special 
 mention of three men who were prominent in working for the advancement 
 of their respective schools. Mr. George W. Brewer, of the Lincoln School 
 Board, went out of office after a service of thirty-three and o:ie-half years. 
 His last service to the school was to lead in the movement for consolidation. 
 Rev. E. Brown, of the Sterling School Board, retired after a like service of 
 thirteen years, ten of which were passed as President of the Board. Captain 
 Jphn W. Niles, who had served on the same Board for twenty years, became a 
 member of the new Board. 
 
 It became apparent in 1901-02 that Lincoln School building would soon 
 be filled to its capacity. In 1902-03 temporary quarters for the overflow 
 from this school were secured in the building in Lincoln Park. In the spring 
 of 1906 bonds for ten thousand dollars were voted to build an addition to 
 Lincoln School building. A four-room annex was added during the fall of
 
 384 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 that year, and in January, 1907, the temporary quarters were abandoned 
 and two rooms of the annex were occupied. 
 
 The course of study of the Union Schools comprises the usual eight 
 years' preparatory work for entrance to the high school. In addition, the 
 schools provide special instruction in music, drawing, penmanship, and 
 manual training. The first of these special departments to be established 
 was that of music. In 1882 a special teacher was employed for this branch. 
 It was not, however, until 1889 that regular instruction in music became a 
 feature of the school. In 1895 Miss Ella G. Richards was elected supervisor 
 of music, which position she resigned in 1905. During this period the work 
 became very efficient. Miss Ruth Caughey succeeded Miss Richards and is 
 in charge of this department at the present time. 
 
 Special instruction in drawing was first given in 1891. It became .a 
 regular feature of the school in 1893. In 1896 Prof. C. A. Wetzell was 
 elected supervisor of drawing and of penmanship, which position he still 
 holds. 
 
 Manual training was adopted by the Board of Education in September, 
 1900. At first the work was in sloyd only, all the pupils of the seventh and 
 eighth grades, both boys and girls, participating. But in December, 1900, 
 the Board of Education approved an outline for a course in sewing, and or- 
 dered it put into immediate operation. Since January, 1901, sewing has been 
 a regular branch of the work. In 1903 the manual-training room was 
 equipped with twelve two-pupil benches and twenty-four sets of tools. As 
 now conducted, four classes each of boys and girls receive regular instruction 
 one hour per week. The boys are instructed in the manipulation and care of 
 tools and the principles of wood-working; the girls in the art of sewing and 
 the structure of textiles. Mr. C. A. Wetzell is the instructor in manual train- 
 ing, and Miss Ivy Phelps directs the work in sewing. For several years man- 
 ual training was supported by money received from public programs, but of 
 late the expense has been paid out of the regular funds. This is a small' 
 item, however, as the pupils pay for the material which they use and take 
 home the products of their skill. 
 
 Much activity has characterized the work of the Board of Education since 
 1894. It has refurnished Central School with modern desks; installed a 
 system of thermostatic regulation of heat; substituted cement floors in the 
 basement for the decaying wooden floors; reconstructed the sewer system, it 
 having been discovered that the original sewer had been laid inside the build- 
 ing with common sewer-pipe; substituted L. W. Wolff individual bowls, 
 syphon range, toilet fixtures for the crude device previously in use; installed 
 toilet rooms on the third floor, thereby removing the necessity of sending 
 pupils down three flights of stairs ; erected a substantial fire escape, the same 
 being so connected with the several rooms that pupils leave the building 
 without entering the corridors; installed a fire-alarm system, by means of 
 which a general alarm can be turned in from any part of the building; dis- 
 placed the low-pressure steel boilers (the safe kind which sometimes explodes) 
 with cast boilers; equipped the building with stand-pipe fire protection, the 
 same having a reel of three-inch hose for each floor; placed inside and outside
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 385 
 
 drinking fountains and discontinued the use of the old school well; tinted the 
 walls of the rooms and corridors with cheering colors, 'done in lead and oil; 
 removed the old-time teachers' platforms; lighted the building throughout 
 with gas; constructed vestibules at each of the three entrances; built lava- 
 tories; remodeled the smaller building; laid inside walks and curbed the 
 school square; besides many minor changes looking to the safety, sanitation 
 and comfort of the school. At Lincoln School it has built a four-room an- 
 nex ; removed the old brick building on the northwest corner of the square ; 
 graded down the knoll on that corner; laid a large amount of permanent 
 walks; displaced the hot-air system with steam; substituted slate blackboards 
 for the composition boards ; redecorated the school rooms ; installed drinking 
 fountains; besides a number of minor improvements. Many of the changes 
 mentioned above were expensive, the main question having been, How well, 
 not how cheaply, can this work be done? 
 
 Of the present members of the Board of Education, Mr. C. Burkholder, 
 President, has served the District sixteen years ; Mr. W. N. Haskell, Secretary, 
 twelve years; Mr. W. W. Davis, fourteen years; Mr. R. S. Philips, ten years; 
 Mr. L. C. Thorne, eight years; Mr. A. J. Platt, six years; Mr. Frank Thomas, 
 five years. 
 
 Some of the special features of the Union Schools, besides the depart- 
 ments of special instruction heretofore mentioned, are: A graded library, 
 established in 1894, now containing seven hundred books; semi-annual pro- 
 motions to the high school, in effect since 1903 ; an annual report, containing, 
 among other things, a financial report of the Board of Education, the school 
 calendar, rules and regulations, list of authorized text-books, a report of the 
 Superintendent on the general and special activities of the schools, including 
 a classification of pupils, statistical reports, library summary, etc. ; a salaried 
 truant officer to enforce the provisions of the amended statutes to compel the 
 regular attendance of those who would otherwise be delinquent pupils. The 
 latest activity of the schools is school gardening, undertaken for the first 
 time in the spring of 1908. By this we hope to make, not alone a city beau- 
 tiful and homes beautiful, but lives and characters more beautiful than they 
 otherwise would be. 
 
 Both the original buildings in the present Union district are gone, the 
 brick in the first ward erected in 1860 and the two-story frame in the second 
 ward erected in 1857. In their place are the present substantial and hand- 
 some brick structures. In the long roll of principals in each are Mr. and 
 Mrs. Flagg, Thomas Diller, J. D. Parker, Buell, French, Alfred Bayliss, the 
 latter being longer in service than any of his predecessors. Central School is 
 the largest in the county. 
 
 In the spring of 1908 the scholars of Central School received packages 
 of flower .seeds to plant at their homes during spring vacation time. 
 
 The seeds include six varieties namely, sweet peas, nasturtiums, mari- 
 golds, sweet alyssum, snap dragon and asters, which they will cultivate dur- 
 ing the spring, and some time during the fall months a floral show at the two 
 
 schools will be the result.
 
 386 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 It is expected that the pupils of the two schools will plant about 4,200 
 packages of flower seeds. 
 
 The steel fire escape connected with the two main buildings, erected a 
 few years ago at a cost of nearly $3,000, is considered the finest in the United 
 States, and since the horrible calamity in the school near Cleveland has been 
 advertised in cuts by papers and magazines from New York to California 
 for the example of boards of education to follow. 
 
 The enrollment of Central School for the present year is 648. Its corps 
 of teachers, beginning with the first primary, is Mae Wilcox, Grace G. Goebel, 
 Laura M. Wilson, Irene Bassett, Lora Taylor, Daisy Seymour, Pansy 
 Treasher, Ivy Phelps, Bertha Fay, Estella Daveler, Mignon Haskell, Bertha 
 Senneff, Hattie E. Turner, Bertha M. Williams. 
 
 The enrollment of Lincoln School is 206. The corps of teachers, begin- 
 ning with the first primary, is Helene Lendman, May Adams, Mary Dutcher, 
 Clara M. Pitt rr an, Jennie Hoak, Mabel Whitney. 
 
 The special teachers are Mr. C. A. Wetzell, writing, drawing, and manual 
 training; Miss Ivy Phelps, sewing; Miss Ida G. Rundlett, primary assistant 
 and general substitute. 
 
 [Editorial Note. This large school .was never so flourishing. Prof. 
 Chaplin is untiring in his efforts to increase its efficiency in every depart- 
 ment, and to show their appreciation of his services the Board lately elected 
 him Superintendent for the fifteenth year of his usefulness.] 
 
 THE STERLING TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL. 
 
 By Prof. E. T. Austin, Principal. 
 
 The need of a better high school in this community became so impera- 
 tive that after due notice an election was held April 11, 1896. It resulted 
 in a vote in favor of establishing a township high school. The following 
 men were chosen as the Board of Education : C. A. Wetherbee, Rev. E. 
 Brown, James Platt, F. W. Wheeler, and W. A. Sanborn. 
 
 These men did their duty admirably. Their first task, the choosing of 
 a site, they did by a special election August 1, 1896. It resulted in the 
 selection of the grounds of the old Catholic church at the corner of Fifth 
 avenue and Fourth street. Their next work was to secure fund-. This they 
 also did by election, May 11, 1897, which resulted in favor of issuing $40,000 
 worth of bonds. In selecting the -plans for a building they gave the prefer- 
 ence to those drafted by Reeves & Bailey, of Peoria. These plans were a 
 modification or adaptation of an early Elizabethan type of architecture. 
 
 School opened in the fall of 1898 with nearly two hundred pupils, and 
 the following corps of teachers: Principal, 0. L. Miller, of Michigan; Anna 
 E. Parmelee, Kate M. Stoddard, Bertha M. Forbes. Mabel G. Waldo, Frances 
 G. Hershey, Charles Herrmann, Ida E. Marron. C. A. Wetzell and Ella G. 
 Richards. Henry Werle was appointed janitor, and ha? ever since kept the 
 building and grounds a model of neatness. Of this first corps of teachers 
 Miss Parmelee wa called to the State Normal School at De Kalb, and was 
 succeeded by Alfred K. Jenkins: Mr. Herrmann was also called away; Miss 
 Frances Hershey and Miss Ida Marron were married; and Miss Waldo was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 387 
 
 summoned by death. Since 1902 E. T. Austin, of Michigan, has been prin- 
 cipal. The new members of the teaching corps are Stella Coney, Helen 
 Hopkins, Ella M. Ellsworth, Marie Hershey, G. A. Schmidt, Marjorie L. 
 Fitch, and Sarah Lindsay. The present Board of Education are Rev. Theo- 
 dore Crowl, D. L. Miller, F. W. Wheeler, A. H. Hershey, and W. W. Davis. 
 They have been in office now for many years, and are closely identified with 
 the development of the school and its present prosperous condition. 
 
 The equipment of the school is very complete, and is being systemat- 
 ically added to each year. The physical, chemical, and biological labora- 
 tories are well supplied. The library is 'discreetly chosen, and contains the 
 latest and best cyclopedias, histories, and scientific works. The pictures and 
 statues that ornament the walls and halls are tastefully chosen and artisti- 
 cally disposed. 
 
 Our high school is fully accredited by the following universities and 
 colleges: Amherst, Vassar, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Chicago, North- 
 western and Beloit; and probably most colleges will receive students who 
 have done the work preparatory to entering these universities. 
 
 For several years an annual has been issued, containing original sketches, 
 with local hits, illustrated, neatly printed and bound, and edited by pupils 
 chosen from the higher classes. 
 
 Few rich men remember churches or schools in their wills. The whole 
 property is left to relatives, and sometimes soon scattered to the winds. Dr. 
 L. S. Pennington, pioneer of Jordan, who died in Sterling, 1906, was not of 
 this type. The Sterling Gazette of April 13, 1908, has this paragraph : "The 
 sum of $8,067, the residuary legacy from the estate of the late Dr. L. S. Pen- 
 nington, has been formally turned over to the trustees of the Township High 
 School, and the trustees have loaned $8,000 on real estate security, and the 
 same is drawing an interest of six per cent, making an annual income of 
 $480. This amount, according to the will of the late Dr. Pennington, will 
 be used in assisting to maintain a manual training school at the Township 
 High School. The sum received from the estate of Dr. Pennington is the 
 first material assistance that the public schools of this city have received. It 
 i< hoped that his bequest will serve as an attractive nucleus and that other 
 wealthy men may have their attention attracted to the value of manual 
 training and aid with their wealth in establishing an institution here on 
 an adequat.e footing." 
 
 It may be added there are numerous examples to encourage this educa- 
 tional generosity. Leland Stanford University in California and .Johns Hop- 
 kins in Baltimore are not only beneficent institutions of learning, but lasting 
 monuments to the memory of their founders. 
 
 STERLING BUSINESS COLLEGE. 
 
 By Prof. A. T. Scovill. 
 
 The Sterling Business College was organized in the summer of 1877 by 
 Mr. Harry A. Aument, who conducted the school with marked succass for 
 fifteen years. Mr. Aument was an energetic, progressive school man and at 
 that early date introduced the study of shorthand in the Sterling school, thus
 
 388 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 making the Sterling Business College the first business college in the world 
 to include shorthand a,* a part of its curriculum. The same year he pur- 
 chased one of the old style Remington typewriters for school use, thus giving 
 the school the name of being the first school in the West, if not in the world, 
 to install a typewriter as a part of its equipment. This early progressiveness 
 instituted by its first owner has characterized the school throughout the thirty- 
 one years of its existence, and today it stands the best equipped business and 
 shorthand school in the Middle West. 
 
 In 1892 Mr. Aument sold the school to Wallace Bros., who conducted 
 the school with varied success for about three years, when it was purchased 
 by Mr. William Lueders in 1895. At the beginning of Mr. Lueders' owner- 
 ship he secured the services of Miss Lula L. Ely as Superintendent of the 
 Shorthand Department, and it is largely through her careful, conscientious 
 work that the Sterling Business College received and maintained its excellent 
 name. 
 
 Soon after the purchase of the school by Mr. Lueders he realized the 
 desirability of having a permanent home for the school and set about secur- 
 ing a building designed especially for business college work. He finally 
 accomplished his desire and in the -summer of 1899 the school was moved 
 from rooms in the down-town district, where it had been conducted for the 
 last twenty years, to the northwest corner of Second street and Fourth avenue. 
 Here the school was successfully operated by Mr. Lueders until its sale to 
 Mr. G. W. Brown, president of the Brown's Business College Co., in May, 
 1906. 
 
 On July 1, 1908, the school was formally turned over to Brown's Busi- 
 ness College Co., Mr. A. T. Scovill being chosen by President G. W. Brown 
 to be the local manager and principal. During the months of July and 
 August the building was altered and repaired, the course of study revised 
 to meet the demand of the business world, the standard of scholarship raised, 
 and the school equipped with the latest writing machines and office appli- 
 ances. Principal A. T. Scovill took charge of the commercial department, 
 assisted by Miss Lena A. Kemp, an experienced teacher, transferred from the 
 commercial department of Brown's Peoria Business College. Miss Lula L. 
 Ely continued as superintendent of the shorthand department, assisted by 
 Miss Delia V. Smith. 
 
 During the year several new features were instituted, among them the 
 students' annual banquet, held during the mid-winter sea-on, and the alumni 
 banquet, held in Chicago in the spring of each year. The students' annual 
 banquet is given by the present students of the school to their friends and 
 relative?. The evening's entertainment consists of a literary programme 
 given at the Armory or Academy. After the literary programme the guests 
 retire to one of the banquet halls of the city, where a five-course dinner is 
 served, after which after-dinner talks are given. In the two years the stu- 
 dents' banquet has become one of the mid-winter social functions of Sterling. 
 This entertainment and banquet brings the parents and friends of the school 
 in closer touch with the work of the student. The alumni banquet, held in
 
 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 389 
 
 Chicago each year, reminds the ex-students of the school that they have some 
 interest in their Alma Mater at Sterling. 
 
 During the first year of the ownership, by the Brown's Business College 
 Co. the attendance was increased nearly one hundred per cent. One hundred 
 and thirty-two calls for office help were received direct by the school and in 
 the second year another marked increase in attendance and a greater demand 
 for help was made, the school at this time having an annual enrollment of 
 more than three hundred. 
 
 THE STERLING CLUB. 
 
 Sport, that wrinkled care derides, 
 And laughter, holding both his sides. 
 Come, and trip it as you go, 
 On the light fantastic toe. Milton. 
 
 Club life finds congenial soil in Sterling. Almost every name is repre- 
 sented now, and a few more will make the list complete. A Hamilton club 
 will make the city equal to Chicago, and an Army and Navy club put us 
 into formidable rivalry with London. The Sterling Club is not specific in 
 its application, as it stands for rest, retirement, good fellowship, conviviality, 
 recreation in a quiet way. Every appliance for bodily and mental relief. 
 For indoor atheletics, billiard tables, and for mental enjoyment a reading 
 room, whose table is supplied with the dailies and best current magazines. 
 A blazing fire on the hearth gives a touch of home to the stranger. Open 
 day and night, so that members and friends may drop in at any hour to 
 ertjoy its comforts. Regular social functions are given every year with ban- 
 quet and dancing. The rooms are handsomely furnished and occupy the 
 second floor of the Masonic building on Third street. George Clark keeps 
 the establishment in perfect order. The lately elected officers are: 
 
 President L. L. Wheeler. 
 Vice President J. R. Bell, 
 Secretary J. J. Ludens. 
 Treasurer F. W. Murphy. 
 
 The club was incorporated Jan. 12, 1893, and the first officers were: 
 A. A. "VVolfersperger, president; F. M. Tracy, vice president; B. C. Cook, 
 secretary; John Sanborn, treasurer. The directors included the above officers 
 and John S. Miller, D. L. Miller, and A. H. Hershey. By the by-laws a 
 candidate for membership had to file a written application, endorsed by two 
 members, and if no more than four black balls were cast against him, he was 
 declared elected. The membership fee is ten dollars. All entertainments are 
 to be held on Friday nights. The resident membership is limited to 110. 
 The rooms are open daily from 8 a. m. to 11 p. m. No games on Sunday, or 
 games for money. No ales, wines, or other liquors permitted in the rooms. 
 The first roll of 1893 showed a list of 103 members. 
 
 THE SEARCHLIGHT CLUB. 
 
 The light that never was, on sea or land, 
 
 The consecration, and the poet's dream. Wordsworth.
 
 390 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 While most of our societies are either social or beneficiary, this is purely 
 intellectual. It has for its object the discussion of the profound and practical 
 problems of civic and national life. Men at home or abroad who have made 
 a study of favorite questions are invited to present their views to the club. 
 The meetings are held at the Y. M. C. A. building, and the address is given 
 after a Platonic banquet. Among the speakers have been Walter Stager, H. 
 C. Ward, W. W. Davis, Prof. James, Bardwell, of Dixon, on Public Opinion. 
 
 It was voted to make the" Searchlight Club a permanent organization, 
 with annual dues. J. J. Ludens was elected president and P. A. Kidder 
 secretary and treasurer. 
 
 THE BOAT CLUB. 
 
 A life on the ocean wave, 
 
 A home on the rolling deep. Epes Sargent. 
 
 In October, 1907, owners of launches in Sterling and Rock Falls held 
 an enthusiastic meeting at Bressler's bicycle shop and' formed a permanent 
 organization with J. W. McDonald as president; vice president, Capt. Ben 
 Eick ; secretary, Roy Baer ; and treasurer, Col. Lawrie. A board of seven 
 directors. There are about fifty members and steady accessions. A pennant 
 has been adopted in the form of a triangle, 18 by 30, with blue ground and 
 white letters, which will float in the breeze during the season. 
 
 TWIN CITY FISHING CLUB. 
 
 Three fishers went sailing away to the west, 
 
 Away to the west as the sun went down. Kingsley. 
 
 At the close of 1907 this was organized in W. F. Mangan's harness shop, 
 with S. S. Pauley, president; John Stager, vice president; and Gus Breiding, 
 secretary and treasurer. The object is the stocking of our noble river with 
 fish and their protection afterwards. Requests have 'been made for young fish 
 of the best varieties and favorable replies received. The state promises wall- 
 eyed pike and the United States black bass when the season permits the ship- 
 ping of young fry. There are 400 nominal member?, about 30 who have 
 paid dues, and are active. Ladies are eligible, and ten of the gentler sex are 
 enrolled. 
 
 THE WOMAN'S CLUB. 
 
 But the brethren only seemed to speak, 
 Modest the sisters walked, and meek, 
 And if ever one of them chanced to -say 
 What troubles she met with on the way, 
 A voice arose from the brethren then, 
 Let no one speak but the holy men, 
 For have you not heard the words of Paul, 
 Oh, let the women keep silence all ! 
 
 Time has worked wonders. Since the days of Paul, when women were 
 forced to keep quiet, and of our grandfathers, when they were bunched on 
 one side of the church, the}' have stepped boldly to the front. Woman has a
 
 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 391 
 
 mind, why not improve it? a tongue, why not use it? an influence, why not 
 exert it? When Elizabeth Fry spoke to the wretched women in Newgate, or 
 Lucre-tia Mott took her stand with Garrison in denouncing slavery, or Frances 
 Willard raised her voice in behalf of purity and temperance, they were not 
 stepping outside their sphere. Mrs. Livermore was the Daniel Webster of 
 the platform, but she was also a good mother, and so was Elizabeth Cady 
 Stanton. Women have always been in politics in England. Wicked men, 
 political trimmers, are always ready to ridicule woman's appearance in public, 
 for they dread her crusade against their villainy. Woman always stands for 
 the true, the good, the beautiful. 
 
 So in these later days, we have woman's clubs. Men have a hundred, 
 why not let the wives and daughters have at least one? 
 
 The Woman's Club of Sterling and Rock Falls was organized in 1898. 
 Mrs. Lizzie E. Kehr, here on a visit from Denver, was active in the movement. 
 The first president was Mrs. Caroline E. Foster; Mrs. Anna Mentzer, first vice 
 president ; Miss Permelia Anthony, second vice president ; Mrs. Kate Emmons, 
 recording secretary; Mrs. Grace Hamm, corresponding secretary; and Miss 
 Emily C. Gait, treasurer. A constitution and by-la.ws, which have since un- 
 dergone some modifications. Roberts' Rules of Order were adopted as au- 
 thority. 
 
 As is not generally known, the scheme of activity is very comprehensive. 
 The club is not a debating school or a social function, but a factor of personal 
 instruction, an agent of civic improvement. To facilitate the work there are 
 Various committees: reception, program, educational, music, printing, philan- 
 thropic, house, refreshment, nominating, press. Music is a prominent feature. 
 The club chorus at present has eleven members with Hattie M. Ebersole, 
 leader, and Sophie C. Cruse, accompanist. The departed members are not 
 forgotten in the year books as they are regularly issued. In that for 1907-8 
 n whole page appears as follows: 
 
 In Memoriam. 
 
 To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. 
 Sadie E. Johnson, 
 
 July 23, 1900. 
 Anna Whipple Dillon, 
 
 April 23, 1903. 
 Frances L. Roberts, 
 
 Aug. 9, 1905. 
 Verne Irwin Wilson, 
 
 Nov. 13, 1907. 
 Frances M. Haney, 
 
 July 10, 1907. 
 
 The topics for every meeting of the year are printed in the booklets, 
 Avith the leaders to prepare papers, so that ample time is given for prepara- 
 tion. The topics embrace the whole field of art, literature, the home, the 
 city, health, biography, science, history, travel. It is encyclopedic. January ,
 
 392 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 6 had "Phases of American Life Illustrated in Fiction," with Mary E. Wil- 
 kins, presented by Sadie Murphy; Joel Chandler Harris, by Marie Coe; Ham- 
 lin Garland, by Emma Lawrence; George R. Cable, by Kathryn Leitch. 
 Again, St. Patrick's day, on March 17, had naturally a symposium of Irish 
 melodies by Ross Hull on the violin, an address by Fannie Worthington, a 
 whistling solo by Robert Clark. 
 
 Home talent does not furnish all the enjoyment. Mrs. Bayliss has 
 talked on the Cliff Dwellers, John Quincy Adams on Art and the Day's 
 Work, John Whitman on Prison Life, Mrs. Pelham on The Stage Behind 
 the Footlights, The Educational Value of Play by Miss Nina Lamkin, Judge 
 Richard S. Tuthill on The Work of Saving Children from Becoming Crim- 
 inals, Mrs. Marsh on Life in China. 
 
 The travel class is a fascinating field. For October, 1907, Holland, with 
 its quaint towns and customs, and for 1908, such historic American cities as 
 St. Augustine, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 The regular meetings are held on the first and third Saturdays of the 
 month. There are now about 175 members. A candidate for membership 
 must be proposed by one member and endorsed by two other members, all 
 of whom are personally acquainted with her. The annual dues are two dol- 
 lars. Luella Hill Mack is president; recording secretary, Belle Woodworth; 
 treasurer, Edna H. Loux. The club was represented at the General Feder- 
 ation, St. Louis, 1904, by Anna May Bowman; at the State Federation, 
 Rockford, 1900, by Lizzie E. Kehr and Sadie Murphy; and at the District 
 Federation, Savanna, by Anna May Bowman. 
 
 THE W. C. T. U. 
 
 Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only 
 Which your disease requires. Shakespeare. 
 
 This is one of the best of our organizations, quiet in its movements, and 
 yet so far-reaching in its influence. The regular meetings occur on the second 
 Thursday of the month in the Congregational church, the parlor meetings 
 on the fourth Thursday. A small booklet is issued, giving the topics and 
 order for every meeting during the year, with the speaker who is to lead the 
 discussion. All are practical, many are beautiful and inspiring. for exam- 
 ple, for June 27, 1907, was the "Mission of Flowers" ; for July 25, "Peace and 
 Arbitration"; for Dec. 26, "Temperance and Labor." About fifty of the 
 prominent ladies of town and country meet in these delightful deliberations. 
 To systematize their scheme of activity, there are several departments: Mrs. 
 Vaughn in 1907 had Sunday School Work; Mrs. Daley. Scientific Instruc- 
 tion ; Mrs. Edmunds, Social Purity ; Miss Stevens, Flower Mission : Miss 
 Bush, Fair Work; Mrs. Taylor, Temperance Literature; Mrs. Foster, Fran- 
 chise; Miss Clara McCune, Music. 
 
 STERLING INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This was organized in 1907, is composed of most of our prominent busi- 
 ness men, and has already been the means of securing some substantial
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 393 
 
 industries to the city. At the last meeting John B. Lewis was re-elected 
 president, John M. Stager re-elected secretary, John H. Lawrence treasurer, 
 and 0. E. Maxson, of Rock Falls, vice president. There are nine directors, 
 serving for one, two, and three years. L. K. Wynn is chairman of the com- 
 mittee on home and foreign industries, D. L. Martin of finance, E. F. Law- 
 rence of railroads, Henry Bencus of advertising, H. M. Henderson of mem- 
 bership. 
 
 An important branch of the work of the association is advertising. Nine 
 thousand circulars and 3,000 booklets with the Inter-Ocean write-up and the 
 special canal edition of the Gazette have given Sterling and Rock Falls pub- 
 licity and attention which they never enjoyed before. 
 
 The most important thing accomplished during 1907 was the locating 
 of the Borden Condensed Milk factory. This is of such proportions as to be 
 capable of caring for the milk from 5,000 cows. 
 
 Through the combined efforts of the Sterling and Rock Falls Industrial 
 Association, the Reed Manufacturing Co. was induced to move here from 
 Oregon. 
 
 Through the association the Sterling, Dixon & Rock Falls Packet Co. 
 was organized to give the Tri-Cities the benefit of the new waterway. The 
 company has already increased its capacity for operation and the possibilities 
 in this new project are limitless. 
 
 The celebration held Oct. 24, at the time of the completion and formal 
 opening of the Hennepin canal was the proudest day in our history. The 
 committee of which Mr. E. LeRoy Gait was chairman, spared no pains, and 
 by bringing the great number of celebrated and influential men that it did 
 took the first step towards securing a lock in the government dam. The asso- 
 ciation has now about 150 members, and the number is gradually increasing. 
 
 THE PACKET COMPAKY. 
 
 Who would have dreamed ten years ago that Sterling would be a center 
 of water transportation? But when we read of the Sterling, Dixon, and Rock 
 Falls Packet Company, with a capital of $50,000, organized for active oper- 
 ations in the carrying of coal, lumber, and grain, we must accept the reality 
 of the situation. The freight will be carried on barges, grain taken down, and 
 coal brought up. The company built a barge at Rock Falls, launched in the 
 spring of 1908, 100 feet long by 24 feet wide, with a capacity of 200 tons of 
 grain. Others were added during the season. Small steamboats form part of 
 the equipment. 
 
 All of these new barges have been planned to carry a deck load of coal 
 from the mines along the Illinois river, thus assuring the boats profitable 
 cargos both ways on the trip. The coal carried up the canal during the 
 summer will be held in the yards of the company at the various elevators and 
 what is needed will be brought to Sterling, where it is expected much will be 
 handled by the local dealers. Sites have been selected for twenty-two elevators 
 along the canal, feeder and the river. 
 
 A late purchase is the steamboat Beder and a barge. The Beder is a good 
 strong canal craft, measuring 14 by 76 feet. The barge is 14 by 60 feet and
 
 394 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 is good for carrying eighty tons of coal. Floating elevators are to be con- 
 structed for the disposal of grain, so that when the crops are ready in the fall, 
 all produce offered can be promptly managed. The board of directors are 
 N. E. Shontz, John N. Harpham, John M. Stager, B. Frank Downing, 0. E. 
 Maxson. 
 
 On April 19, 1908, for the first time in the history of Rock River, a steam- 
 boat built strictly for commercial transportation and capable of handling a 
 large barge carrying five hundred tons or more, made the trip from Sterling 
 to Dixon. It was undertaken for the purpose of determining what the con- 
 ditions are in the stream from the view point of the commercial transportation. 
 The Beder never touched bottom at the shallowest places in the river between 
 this city and a point a block below the wagon bridge at I>ixon. Captain Shontz 
 who was aboard of the Beder is well pleased with the results of the trip and 
 says that there will be little difficulty experienced by the engineers in estab- 
 lishing a channel suitable for use by boats that will ply on the canal. 
 
 COMPANY E OF STERLING. 
 
 Before the Rebellion New York had her pet Seventh Regiment for dress 
 occasions; since that struggle Sterling has fostered her Company E for every- 
 day application. It was organized March 24, 1888 by Capt. John W. Niles, 
 with 38 excellent young men. Dr. Frank Anthony was finally made com- 
 mander with L. F. Eisele as first lieutenant, and W. F. Lawrie as second 
 lieutenant. The present commander, Capt. John Cushman, was elected Feb. 
 10, 1902, and has served since that time. The rolls show that 590 men have 
 been members of the company. Three original members are still in the ranks, 
 Col. W. F. Lawrie, Capt. Cushman, and private William Angel. 
 
 Company E saw its first active service in 1894 when it was ordered to 
 Chicago on the Pullman strike. Captain Lawrie commanded and the com- 
 pany saw several weeks of hard service. The second call for service came dur- 
 ing the Spanish-American war, when, under command of Capt. Lawrie, Com- 
 pany E served under General Nelson A. Miles in the Porto Rican campaign. 
 The record set by Company E at that time was the best in the regiment. The 
 worst privations were suffered, but the company came through in excellent 
 condition. 
 
 In military circles Sterling ranks at the head of all cities in northern 
 Illinois. Lieutenant Colonel William F. Lawrie resides in this city and sooner 
 or later will bring to Sterling the headquarters of the Sixth regiment. Com- 
 pany E. with fifty members and three commissioned officers, is located here. 
 Here also is located the Sixth regiment band, the inspector of rifle practice for 
 the regiment, the regimental ordnance sergeant, and the regimental color 
 sergeant. ; 
 
 The roster of Company E is as follows : 
 
 Captain John Cushman. 
 
 First Lieutenant D. B. Doyoc. 
 
 Second Lieutenant Harold E. Ward. 
 
 Sergeants Arthur H. Cullin, first sergeant; William H. Heathcote, quar- 
 termaster sergeant; Arthur Jackson, Ernest McDaniels, Colon Eatinger.
 
 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 395 
 
 Corporals Henry Six, Harry Bailey, Elmer Barley, H. Ferrington, C. 
 Portner. 
 
 Trumpeter Roy Kyger. 
 
 Company E possesses an excellent range, an indoor range and one of the 
 largest armories in the state outside of Chicago. The band is also well 
 equipped in respect to armory and equipment. Both organizations are fully 
 up to the requirements of the new Dick military law and the state require- 
 ments. At present there are in the company 34 privates. 
 
 By recent supplies from headquarters, Company E is now prepared for 
 operations in the field. They are now ready to enter a campaign in two hours' 
 notice with 65 men armed and equipped to the smallest detail. The equip- 
 ment includes shelter tent halves, ponchoes, blankets, pick mattocks, entrench- 
 ing tools, aluminum knives and forks, etc., which with the haversacks, can- 
 teens, meat pans, cups, etc., makes the equipment practically complete. With 
 the next shipment will come the new olive drab overcoats and the new Spring- 
 field rifles which are to supersede the present Krags. 
 
 With the equipment are first aid to the wounded packets. These packets 
 are in air tight boxes and consist of antiseptic bandages, plasters, etc., for use 
 until the arrival of a surgeon. A four hundred pound folding steel range 
 with boilers, meat pans, etc., enough to do the cooking for 128 men, is also 
 added to the list. A noticeable feature of the shelter tents is the fact that they 
 are now large enough to actually furnish shelter for two men. The equip- 
 ment is complete in every detail. 
 
 SIXTH REGIMENT BAND. 
 
 Several years ago the Sixth Regiment band, at that time the Keystone 
 band, was appointed regimental band by Colonel D. Jack Foster. Three years 
 ago Bandmaster Prestin and his musicians withdrew from the regiment and 
 took the name of the Sterling Military band. Late this spring Colonel Edward 
 Kittelsen again appointed the band the official organization of the regiment and 
 as such it remains under Colonel Channon, commanding the regiment at the 
 present time. 
 
 The roster of the band is as follows : 
 
 Chief Musician John Prestin. 
 
 Drum Major Thomas Flynn. 
 
 Principal Musician Jacob Hitzelberger. 
 
 Sergeants Andrew Huber, August Karl, Fred Buck, Harry Haug. 
 
 Corporals .-John Decker, Fred Fraser, John Hutton, William Halverson, 
 Joseph Karl, Ludolp Holz, Alex Lyle, J. J. McKee. 
 
 Privates Maurice Almy", Charles Buck. John Elsasser, Fred Hubbard, 
 Frank Howe, Frank O'Connell, William Palmer, John Wink, James Williams, 
 B. P. Werntz. William Oppold, Milton Cruse. 
 
 FROM THE FIRING LINE. 
 
 Come one, come all. this rock shall fly 
 From its firm base as soon as I. Scott.
 
 396 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Few of our veterans passed through such a continued and exhausting 
 siege of suffering as Isaac Bressler, who enlisted in the 88th Illinois at Chi- 
 cago, Col. Sherman, 1862, fought at Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, where he 
 was captured with 3,000 men, and taken to Richmond. This was the begin- 
 ning of a series of imprisonments and rebel torture. They were kept in Pem- 
 berton prison, opposite Libby, for two months. Part of the time he was in 
 the hospital, receiving no care. When forbidden to spit on the floor, and ask- 
 ing for a cuspidor, he was advised to spit in his hat. Then they were forwarded 
 to Danville, where there were five prisons, mostly tobacco warehouses. The 
 poor fellows were not only starved but almost frozen for want of clothing and 
 blankets. It was in November, windows knocked out, and no fire. Here Ed 
 Mills did much for his relief, being a former friend in Sterling. Bressler be- 
 came so desperate that he offered a fellow who had a blanket his claim on 160 
 acres of land in Whiteside if he would share that woolen luxury and keep 
 him from shivering all night. This princely offer was refused, but the fel- 
 low relented enough to take a secesh dollar which Bressler had in his pocket. 
 
 Andersonville, that synonym for captive horror, was the next stage for 
 Isaac. It was an open pen with stockade around, a small tent at night. The 
 water was good, because not yet polluted by thousands of prisoners, who fol- 
 lowed. But the food was vile, not fit for respectable hogs. Either raw corn 
 meal was furnished, which they were left to cook as they could, or pails of 
 mush and beans delivered in wagons. Finally, after six months of this sur- 
 vival of the fittest, according to Darwin, a detachment of prisoners was sent 
 to another point, and while at Macon, Georgia, Bressler and a few others man- 
 aged to escape, and after wandering through the woods, succeeded in reach- 
 ing Atlanta, after it was taken by Sherman, and there rejoined the regiment. 
 
 G. Waldron Smith, American Express agent at Sterling, enlisted at Romu- 
 lus, Seneca Co., N. Y., 1862, in 126th infantry, was wounded at Gettysburg, 
 and mustered out for gunshot wounds, after a service of two years and seven 
 months. Mr. Smith was thrice a prisoner, and wounded seven times. 
 
 George D. John enlisted in 47th Pennsylvania, Gen. Emery, and was 
 wounded in the side at Cedar Creek, 1864, and has positive proof of the bodily 
 damage in the ball which he preserves as a reward of merit, or medal of 
 honor. George is a retired farmer in Sterling. 
 
 Phil Kereven, Sixth Vermont, saw much fearful fighting as he was all 
 through the battles of the Wilderness, and after wounds at Cold Harbor was 
 in the hospital at Alexandria, Phila,, and Montpelier. Phil also faced rebel 
 fire at Antietam and Gettysburg, where a spent bullet lodged on top of his 
 cranium, the scar being still visible. He was with Sheridan at Winchester. 
 
 He is snuffing the smoke of the roaring fray, 
 With Sheridan only five miles away. 
 
 In at the death of the Confederacy, being at the surrender at Petersburg. Mr. 
 Kereven is now in charge of Central Park, whose tall soldiers' monument 
 crowned by a soldier with rifle is a perpetual reminder of sterner scenes. 
 
 John W. Sheaffer, 75th Illinois, was at the slaughter at Perryville, and 
 took part in all the battles of the Army of the Cumberland, Stone River,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 397 
 
 Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and Nashville, 1864. He is a ready 
 writer, and sent the first letter to Sterling from Sherman's army when he 
 flanked Hood's army from Atlanta. 
 
 Dr. Crandall, 13th Vermont, enlisted at Burlington, and was in charge 
 of the Field Hospital at Gettysburg. Phil Kereven says the doctor's record 
 is all right and speaks highly of his skill and care as a surgeon. He continues 
 his professional activity in Sterling. 
 
 Of all our county veterans, John Mehaffey is the chief, bearing the double 
 distinction of serving in both the Mexican war and the Rebellion. Both times, 
 singular to say, he enlisted at Chambersburg, Pa. In the Mexican war he was 
 in the Eleventh Pennsylvania infantry, following Winfield Scott in his tri- 
 umphal march from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, 1847. A narrow escape 
 in the land of Montezuma. He had yellow fever and was about to be buried 
 alive, when he summoned strength to say with Webster, "I still live." In the 
 civil war Mehaffey was in the 21st Pennsylvania cavalry, riding with Custer 
 and Sheridan. His last engagement was at Petersburg. 
 
 Doubtless the best known of all the Grand Army men in Sterling is Capt. 
 J. W. Niles, of the Ninth Iowa Infantry. -He has resided in the city many 
 years, and being a bachelor, has given the community the benefit of his sym- 
 pathies. He was long secretary of the school board, is chief factotum in the 
 Masonic order, alive to the interests of the veterans or their families, ready for 
 every good word or work. In short, he is the city philanthropist at large. 
 
 SOLDIER'S DIARY IN REBEL PRISONS. 
 
 Isaac Bressler, 75th Illinois, captured at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1883, 
 kept a diary during his confinement. Some was written with lead pencil, and 
 some is gone, but he has kindly permitted us to make extracts from the frag- 
 ments. The prisoners were taken through Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh, Weldon 
 to Richmond. 
 
 Richmond, Oct. 1 Drew ten small crackers and half pound pork for 
 day's rations. 
 
 Oct. 6 I am in prison. 
 
 Oct. 9 Our work consists in hunting lice. This is a hard place to kill 
 time. 
 
 Nov. 9 Got eight loaves of bread for my old s*hoes. Making moccasins 
 to wear. 
 
 Dee. 4 In hospital. Have only half a blanket, no other clothing except 
 what is on my back. 
 
 Deo. 11 Took cars for Danville. 
 
 Dec. 15 Smallpox getting bad. Drew graham bread and raw sweet 
 potatoes. 
 
 Dec. 25 For Christmas present, we got six government hard tack extra. 
 
 Dec. 29 Vaccinated six soldiers. 
 
 April 5 Soldiers busy, splitting wood, making rugs, arguing politics, 
 playing cards. 
 
 April 18 At Andersonville. 
 
 April 21 Went with guard to get wood and pine tops for bedding. Our
 
 398 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 rations 2Va pints corn and V& lb. pork for two of us. The first day two spoon- 
 fuls of rice for two. There are eight acres in the bull-pen which is becoming 
 crowded. 
 
 April 22 I and my partner building a hut. 
 
 April 24 Sights indescribable, where the dead and dying are lying 
 around. 
 
 May 6 Rebels have a double guard on tonight because prisoners are bur- 
 rowing to escape. Reading Benjamin Franklin. 
 
 May 16 Sentinel shot one of our men for crossing dead line. 
 
 May 21 Sun hot. Several thousand more prisoners brought in, some 
 captured near Richmond, some from Danville. 
 
 May 23 More prisoners. Some from western army. The inside of the 
 stockade getting pretty well crowded. 
 
 May 27 Boys still digging tunnels. Two escaped last night. Guards 
 are firing on our men. 
 
 June 8 Beans for supper. 
 
 June 10 Gave $25 greenback for new boots. Gave $90 for two bushels 
 beans and a box tobacco. 
 
 June 12 Some fellow stole my $25 boots. 
 
 June 13 Cold and wet. Horrible to see the poor prisoners lie in the 
 rain and exposed to the weather. 
 
 June 19 Patching up my trousers. Drew corn meal for rations. 
 
 June 22 Prisoners suffering for want of shelter. Guard shot one of our 
 men, said he was over the dead line. Got two shirts washed for forty cents. 
 
 July 11 Six union raiders hung on scaffold. One fell and ran, but was 
 brought back. Some plead for mercy, and asked our prayers. The Dutch 
 captain made a speech, saying that our men gave them a fair trial, and we 
 could do with them as we thought best. May the Lord protect them and bless 
 you and went away. The priest read to them till they were hung. 
 
 July 20 Saw some prisoners make their escape. They ran for all that 
 was out. 
 
 July 24 I got a piece of pie for 25 cents. 
 
 July 27 Sent for potatoes, and got three the size of a walnut for a green- 
 back dollar. Sliced them with a piece of onion and made soup with a little 
 flour. Beans for supper. 
 
 July 28 Bought a small apple for 25 cents. Slaves worked all day at 
 fortifications outside the bull pen. 
 
 Aug. 2 Two ears of corn for supper. Bought a box of tobacco for $25 
 and two bushels beans for $25. 
 
 LETTER FROM GEORGE NEWTON, CO. D, 75TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 FIELD HOSPITAL GA., VINING'S STATION, Aug. 12, 1864. 
 You want to know how I passed the Fourth. To tell the truth. I did not 
 enjoy it at all, for I was in a dangerous place. Our company was detailed for 
 picket duty, and we were marched out. and deployed in a skirmish line behind 
 the one in front. Then we were ordered to lie down, and pile our blankets. 
 In five minutes we were ordered forward double quick, and could see the rebs
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 399 
 
 across the cornfield in their rifle pits on the hill. As soon as we jumped up, 
 the rebs poured a volley of minie balls. After we had gone ten rods, we were 
 ordered to halt and lie down, for the bullets were coming like hail. Very soon 
 a bullet struck my shoulder and glanced off. It felt like a big stone. The 
 ball tore a hole through my jacket and shirt, and made a hole in my shoulder 
 into which you could put the end of your little finger. It will make a scar, 
 I guess, to remind me of July 4, 1864. Our regiment is within three miles of 
 Atlanta, but I am eight miles off. We can see the smoke and hear the booming 
 of the cannon. I have a good place in the hospital, not much to do, plenty of 
 good stuff to eat, a good bed to sleep, and that is all a soldier wants. 
 
 GEORGE NEWTON. 
 ISAAC NEWTON DAVIS, Sterling. 
 
 West of Carnegie Library on Fourth street is the home of Christ Eisele, 
 a veteran of seventy. He was born in Baden, Germany, came to this country 
 in 1851, and in August, 1861 enlisted at New Albany, Indiana, in a company 
 that became part of Col. August Willich's famous 32nd Indiana, one of the 
 hundred fighting regiments of the war. It saw the fiercest of battles : Mum- 
 fordsville, Shiloh, Stone River, Chattanooga, Resaca, Atlanta. Most of the 
 time under Thomas in Army of the Cumberland. The regiment lost 171 men 
 in the service. Mr. Eisele has a chart published in 1864 soon after their dis- 
 charge, of which he is very proud, showing the names of the company and 
 casualties to each, the battles, and the officers of the regiment, brigade, and 
 division. His brother, Jacob, also of Sterling, was in the same regiment of 
 Col. Willich. Christ gave the writer a vivid account of the charge on Mission 
 Ridge. Grant issued the order to take the rebel rifle pits, and then halt, while 
 Hooker on the right, and Sherman on the left, were to close up, and surround 
 Bragg on the heights. But when the boys drove the rebs from the rifle pits, 
 a halt would have exposed them to a tremendous fire from the batteries above, 
 so, disregarding instructions, our troops ran the rebs up the hill, and started a 
 stampede in the whole rebel line, so that Bragg and his army had to make a 
 desperate run to save their bacon. Christ's eyes sparkled as he described 
 the charge. 
 
 Among the veterans who have died within a year or two are John Buyers, 
 of the 13th Illinois, who fell unconscious while taking his cow to pasture, 
 Reuben Rich, six years in the navy, who passed away after a gradual decline, 
 E. C. Whitman, five years on the battlefield, Charles Mack, printer, of the 
 famous 13th Illinois. Of the heroes still living, most move daily on the street 
 or about their work, like Capt. Niles, Capt. Hershey, Will Stocking, Andy 
 ITaberer, Capt. Morgan, H. L. John Bursk, Gordon Pierce, John Aument, 
 James and Richard Arey. John Davis. And they all continue to agree with 
 John A. Dix, "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot 
 him on the spot." 
 
 THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY. 
 
 The burning soul, the burdened mind, 
 
 In books alone companions find. Mrs. Hale.
 
 400 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The library stands on the corner of avenue A and west Fourth street. It 
 owes its existence to the enterprise of R. S. Phillips, who made application to 
 Andrew Carnegie in Dec., 1902, and in March, 1903, received a favorable an- 
 swer, agreeing to give $15,000, providing the city would purchase a lot, and 
 appropriate annually ten per cent of the investment to maintain current ex- 
 penses. In April, 1903, the offer was accepted by the city council. Emory 
 Stanford Hall, architect of Chicago, was authorized to draw plans. It was soon 
 found that $15,000 were not sufficient, and Mr. Carnegie agreed to give $2,500 
 more, provided the city would add $3,000. Bids were advertised for, and in 
 March, 1904, the contract was let to T. P. Ruth, of Polo, for $19,500. By 
 early autumn, the building was completed with the exception of plumbing, 
 heating, electrical work, and some fixtures. The structure is practically fire- 
 proof. The first floor and the attic floor are of metal reinforced concrete, sup- 
 ported on brick walls, or on steel columns incased in concrete. The entire 
 finish of cement, and the stairways of iron. A brick wall rises from the base- 
 ment to the roof between the stack room, containing the books, and the rest 
 of the building, permitting no danger of fire. Brick walls surround the boiler 
 and fuel apartments, and the doors are all steel. All partitions on main flojr 
 are of cement on steel studding and metal lath. 
 
 The building is constructed of brown paving brick and gray Bedford 
 stone, copper architrave and cornice, and green slate roof. The style is Ameri- 
 can Colonial. Two circular cement walks from each corner of the lawn lead 
 over the high terrace to the ten stone steps in front of the main entrance. 
 
 Passing the vestibule with its monolith and mosaic border, you enter the 
 general delivery rotunda covered. with a beautiful stained glass ceiling, sup- 
 ported by eight Greek Corinthian columns. In front is the delivery desk, 
 on the right the general reading room, on the left the children's and reference 
 room, and, further back, the librarian's room, and accommodations for cata- 
 logue cases and wardrobes. 
 
 Back of the delivery desk is a doorway leading to the book stack room, 
 designed for three stories of stacks, affording shelf space for over 30,000 vol- 
 umes. The stacks are steel, and the floors rough plate glass. The cost of the 
 stacks, with various appurtenances, desks, chairs, tables, doors, was about 
 $'6,000. This includes the steel wall cases in reference, children's and reading 
 room, with sufficient shelving for 2,000 volumes. There is sufficient space in 
 the basement for committee and small lecture rooms, and the attic approached 
 by an iron stairway, would make an ideal home for a museum of science, a 
 gallery of art, or a historical collection, all demanding security from ravages 
 of the flames. 
 
 The decorations of the interior are in green, ivory and gold. The cement 
 floors are covered with a cork carpet. The stained glass ceiling over the ro- 
 tunda has a pleasing effect by night and by day. By the way, this was the 
 gift of two generous citizens. The ventilation is by admitting fresh air from 
 the outside through direct-indirect radiators in the reading rooms, and by the 
 exhaustion of foul air through ventilating ducts. Careful drainage prevents all 
 dampness in the walls. 
 
 The total cost of the library building was over $32,000: Andrew Car-
 
 CARNEGIE LIBRARY, STERLING
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 DIVERSITY OF ILLiMC!"
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 401 
 
 negie, $17,500 ; city of Sterling, $13,700 ; generous citizens, $1,050. The city 
 bought the lot, $4,700. This was enlarged on the west by the purchase of a 
 strip ten feet wide, by a private donor for $550. 
 
 At the erection of the library, the board consisted of C. C. Johnson, presi- 
 dent; H. C. Ward, secretary; Henry Green, Thomas Diller, M. C. Ward, George 
 E. Ely, W. W. Davis, E. LeRoy Gait, and A. A. Wolfersperger. At the invi- 
 tation of the board, Henry Green assumed charge of the finishing details, and 
 much of the elegance of the completed structure is due to his good taste. 
 
 Under the direction of Mrs. Haviland, assisted by Miss Murphy, the entire 
 library was overhauled four years ago, the books carefully classified, and a 
 modern card catalogue system installed. This gives ready access to any book 
 on the shelves, and permits also convenient additions to the list. 
 
 HISTORICAL SKETCH. 
 
 By Miss Sadie F. Murphy, Librarian. 
 
 The Sterling Public Library was formed under the revised statute of 1874. 
 The city council of the city of Sterling passed an ordinance authorizing the 
 establishment of a free public library, and appointed a board of trustees of 
 the following members: James E. McPherran, Alfred Bayliss, Thos. A. Gait, 
 Geo. W. Brewer, R. B. Witmer, Bradford C. Church, Wm. H. Bennett, Mar- 
 tin H. Kreider, and R. B. Colcord. 
 
 On the 27th day of April, 1878, the board organized and elected J. E. Mc- 
 Pherran president, who held that office for twenty-five years, or until his death 
 in 1903, and Alfred Bayliss secretary. The library was installed in a room in 
 the Academy of Music block, which was given by Messrs. Gait and Tracy, rent 
 free, for ten years. 
 
 The board received by donation a collection of valuable books from the 
 Sterling Library Society, which had been absorbed by the Christion Associa- 
 tion, to the number of nine hundred and forty-three volumes, and fifty-two 
 volumes by individual gift. These books formed a nucleus for a library which 
 was increased by one hundred thirty-two (132) books purchased, making a 
 total of eleven hundred twenty-seven (1,127) volumes, and on the 9th day of 
 September, 1878, the library was formally opened to the public with Miss 
 Caroline E. Bowman installed as librarian, who held the position for five years. 
 The vacancy left by her resignation in 1883 -was acceptably filled by Miss Belle 
 Hubbard. 
 
 For five or six years the members of the board formed an association which 
 gave lectures, musical and other entertainments from which were derived 
 several hundred dollars annually, which was added to the annual appropria- 
 tion from the city, toward the maintenance of the library. 
 
 The library was removed from the Academy of Music to rooms in the new 
 city building in the winter of 1889. 
 
 The resignation of Miss Hubbard, as librarian, soon followed and Miss 
 Sadie F. Murphy, the present librarian, was appointed. 
 
 Several gifts of books, not very considerable, and small sums of money, 
 less than four hundred dollars, have been given to the library by generous 
 citizens.
 
 402 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 
 
 In the last five or six years many changes have been made. The most 
 effective change to increase its usefulness was the reorganization of the library, 
 begun in May, 1903, by a trained cataloguer, with the assistance of the libra- 
 rian, whose competency to continue the work thus systematized has been shown 
 by the fact that our library is on a par with the best libraries of the same size 
 in the state. 
 
 For several years it was evident that we were outgrowing our quarters in 
 the city hall with no prospects of improving conditions, until, through the 
 efforts of Mr. A. S. Phillips, one of Sterling's well-known business men, the 
 situation was so successfully presented to the Hon. Andrew Carnegie that on 
 the 22nd day of November, 1905, our beautiful new building was opened for 
 operation. 
 
 LITERARY AND MUSICAL. 
 
 How charming is divine philosophy! 
 
 Not harsh and crabbed, as dull fools suppose, 
 
 But musical as is Apollo's lute. Milton. 
 
 During the last sixty years, Sterling has had the privilege of seeing a 
 large number of men and 'women, eminent in every department of activity 
 soldiers, statesmen, musicians, orators, preachers, reformers, politicians. 
 
 We have had Grant and Logan, Banks and Kilpatrick, Oglesby, Howard, 
 and Palmer, among soldiers; President McKinley, Roosevelt before his elec- 
 tion, Douglas in 1855 at the railroad opening, and Lincoln the year before. 
 
 A long list of ministers, Bishops Bowman and Fitzgerald, in the Fourth 
 street Methodist church ; Dr. T. M. Eddy, at Broadway : Dr. Lorimer, in the 
 Baptist; Bishop Whitehouse, in the Episcopal; Father Chiniquy, in the Pres- 
 byterian ; Dr. Swing, in the academy ; Dr. Thomas, at the Congregational. 
 
 No end of political speakers : Tom Reed, Foraker, U. F. Linder, Leffing- 
 well, Farnsworth, Washburne, John P. Hale. Henry Wilson, Richard Yates, 
 Emery Storrs, Schurz, Cnllom. Fourth of July orations by Gunsaulus, Mc- 
 Intyre and Hillis. Frances Willard on purity and Francis Murphy in a 
 course of temperance speeches at Wallace hall. Morrison has had such well 
 known men a-? Senator Trumbull, Teller, and R. G. Horr. 
 
 Various lecture courses season after season brought famous speakers to 
 our platform. Henry Ward Beecher on "The Ministry of Wealth;" Wendell 
 Phillips on "Street Life in Europe;" James T. Field? on "Cheerfulness;" 
 Theodore Tilton on "Problem of Life;" Mrs. Livermore on "Our Daugh- 
 ters;" Fred Douglass, Anna Dickinson, Mrs. Stanton and Susan B. Anthony 
 on politics and reform; John S. C. Abbott on "France;" John G. Saxe and 
 Josh Billings on humor; George Francis Train in a characteristic talk about 
 everything: and Ingalls, of Kansas, in a racy address at the academy. J;>seph 
 Cook's "Ultimate America" at Presbyterian church was a grand effort. Bryan 
 at Chautauqua. Bayard Taylor on Egypt. 
 
 While the city is not large enough to afford any of the reigning stars in 
 opera or soloists on instrument, Theodore Thomas' orchestra and Sousa's band, 
 Camilla Urso and Wilhemj, on the violin, have appeared. Many excellent 
 concerts, time after time. An encouraging feature in this field is the increased
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 403 
 
 attention given to music by the various churches. The choirs seek the best 
 singers, and under drill of skilled leaders, render classical compositions. In 
 the published programs for Sunday services may be seen selections by Men- 
 delssohn, Handel, Tannhauser, Gounod, Dykes. At vespers, which have be- 
 come a happy feature of Sunday observance, the anthems are choice and de- 
 lightfully given. 
 
 University extension lectures were once popular, and for many seasons, 
 a course was regularly given in Sterling by professors from the University of 
 Chicago. Zeublin spoke on English Fiction and Social Reform; Sparks and 
 Harry Pratt Judson, on American history; Nathaniel Butler, on American 
 literature; Jerome Raymond, on European Capitals; R. G. Moulton. on 
 Shakespeare. There was a fee for the course, but the lecturers brought a bax 
 of text books which were free to the members who wished to read on the sub- 
 ject between the dissertations. To realize the full benefit of such a scheme, 
 intermediate study is necessary. 
 
 The academy orchestra frequently ministers to the music lovers of the 
 city. It is composed of W. P. Cochran, first violin ; Ross Hull, second violin ; 
 Charles Morris, viola ; Charles Hewitt, bass; James Jarvis, clarinet; Lester 
 Hendricks, first cornet; Joe Kanaple, second cornet; Arthur Hubbard, trom- 
 bone; L. D. Halsey, traps; E. E. Holdridge, piano. James Jarvis is conductor 
 and Earl Holdridge, general manager. These are not mere amateurs, who 
 have picked up a little superficial practice on their instruments, but earnest 
 and ambitious players who have had the benefit of skilled training in schools 
 of scientific instruction. 
 
 The Banda Verde is the newest organization, dating from 1904. There 
 are 22 pieces. It is not the common brass cohort that makes the welkin ring 
 or the crowd howl at a political caucus, but more of the concert order, the 
 philharmonic type for university convocations. James Jarvis, W. P. Coch- 
 ran, and E. E. Holdridge are among the leading members. They are young 
 men, who have grown up in Sterling, and who are determined by careful ap- 
 plication to give their troupe a creditable position in the harmonious direc- 
 tory. 
 
 Yea, music is the Prophet's art; 
 Among the gifts that God hath sent, 
 One of the most magnificent. 
 
 "What is now known as the Sixth Regiment Band was organized as the 
 Rock Falls Band. In 1874 Sam Moore took the baton, and in 1881 John 
 Kadel. At this time the name was changed to Keystone Band. In 1897 Prof. 
 Nixon became the leader, and a year later Director Prestin took charge. The 
 band became the regimental band of the Sixth Regiment I. N. G. in 189'j, 
 and continued in that capacity to 1905. It served through the campaign of 
 Porto Rico in the Spanish-American war. In 1907 it again became the regi- 
 mental band of the Sixth Regiment. The boys are in demand on all patriotic 
 occasions at home and elsewhere, and always excite admiration by their in- 
 ring music and gallant bearing.
 
 404 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 WHITESIDE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 This was founded in Feb., 1903, by W. W. Davis, and its collection of 
 curios has grown steadily by contributions from all parts of the county. The 
 articles are arranged as far as possible in sections, and placed in show cases. 
 The scope of the society is wide, embracing everything of general as well as 
 local interest. A variety of early papers : Pennsylvania Gazette, 1754 ; Lan- 
 caster Journal, 1801; Lancaster Examiner, 1831; Columbian Sentinel, Bos- 
 ton, 1805; the first Chicago papers after the fire, Oct. 10, 1871; a Gazette of 
 1858 with report of Lincoln and Douglas debate; dailies with death of Grant 
 and of Logan ; Frank Leslie, of 1861. 
 
 Specimens of campaign tickets: Lincoln and Hamlin, Lincoln and John- 
 son, Cleveland and Hendricks, Greeley and Brown, Harrison and Morton. A 
 Harrison Badge of 1840. A fine case of Indian arrows, axes, spears, and the 
 skull of a chief. Numerous pictures. A combined group of 400 old settlers. 
 Portraits and woodcuts of dead and living citizens. A case of autographs of 
 Sumner, Thad Stevens, Dr. Chalmers, Douglas, Washburne, Joseph Henry. 
 Documents with the signatures of Calhoun, Monroe, Pierce, and Grant. A 
 commission signed by Gov. John Reynolds, 1834, when the capital was at 
 Vandalia. An assortment of postals with pictures from places at home and 
 abroad. 
 
 Among the treasures of the library are several books that are out of print, 
 and will yearly grow in value. The Pioneer History of Illinois from its dis- 
 covery in 1673 to 1818, when the state government was organized. By John 
 Reynolds, Belleville, 1852. 
 
 A History of Illinois from its commencement as a state in 1818 to 1847. 
 By the late Gov. Thomas Ford. Chicago, S. C. Griggs & Co., 1854. 
 
 Letters from Illinois, by Morris Birkbeck, Philadelphia, printed for the 
 author. Dublin, reprinted for Thomas Larkin, 1818. 
 
 Illinois as it is: its history, laws, plants, animals, land, railroads, etc. 
 By Fred Gerhard. Chicago, Keen & Lee, 1857. 
 
 Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a corps of discovery, under com- 
 mand of Capt. Lewis and Capt. Clarke, during the years 1804, 1805, 1806. 
 By Patrick Gass. Printed for Matthew Carey, Phila., 1812. 
 
 Discourses on Intemperance, preached in Brattle Square church, Bos- 
 ton, April 5, 1827, and April 8, the Lord's day following. By John G. Pal- 
 frey. A. M., pastor. Nathan Halej 1827. 
 
 Life of Oliver Hazard Perry, with an appendix comprising a memoir of 
 the late Capt. James Lawrence, also a biography of Gen. Pike, and leading 
 events in the lives of Commodores Decatur, Porter and Gen. Harrison. By 
 John M. Niles, Esq. Hartford, 1821. 
 
 Bound volume of an early magazine containing a speech of John Ran- 
 dolph in House of Representatives, 1806. against right of England to impress 
 our citizens. A political article by William Cobbett, 1800. A letter of Joel 
 Barlow to his Fellow Citizens, on certain political measures, 1799. 
 
 Then three regimental histories: The Seventy-Fifth Illinois Infantry, by 
 William Sumner Dodge, Chicago, 1866. The Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer 
 Infantry, prepared by a committee of the regiment, 1892. The Thirty-Fourth
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 405 
 
 Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, by Edwin W. Payne, Sergeant Co. 
 A, regimental historian. . These were all kindly contributed. 
 
 All sorts of relics: A grain cradle, a wooden fork, candle molds, bread 
 basket, spinning wheels, saddlebags, tongs, bellows. A rebel rifle from a 
 southern battlefield. A temperance sign that hung before Como tavern, 1840. 
 On the shelves a miscellaneous array of books, old readers, travels, histories, 
 geographies, religion, poetry, law. Some valuable Smithsonian publications 
 on ethnology and scientific research. A large quantity of minerals which 
 need proper classification. More spacious quarters are badly needed for orderly 
 arrangement of the material which is constantly increasing. The present 
 room is the alcove in the city hall formerly occupied by the public library. 
 
 THE COUNTY'S GREATEST FACTORY. 
 By G. H. Fonken, General Secretary. 
 
 Most of the factories in our county are running full. Several of them 
 are doing night work. There is a factory on the corner of First avenue and 
 Fourth street, Sterling, 111., that starts up at 8 :00 o'clock in the morning and 
 runs until ten every night. It runs Sundays also. This factory is called the 
 Young Men's Christian Association, and its products are character and effi- 
 ciency ; the main by-product is wholesome enjoyment. 
 
 The association -was organized in 1889. Charles Bradley was the first 
 general secretary. Previous to that time E. L. Gait acted as corresponding 
 member of the state association and member of the state executive committee. 
 Through his influence the district convention was held in the basement of the 
 Fourth street Methodist church. At that time the association was organized. 
 Mr. Bradley took charge of the first rooms which were located over the Hend- 
 ricks drug store in the Academy block. Later, these rooms became too small 
 and the association moved to the Lawrence block, where it remained until the 
 present buildng was erected. The first president was E. L. Gait. He and the 
 presiding president, J. K. Chester, are the only members of the board of 
 directors who were members of the first board. 
 
 The membership in the Young Men's Christian Association is open at all 
 times to any man or boy over 12 years of age, of good moral character, with- 
 out regard to creed., and will upon payment of the required fees be entitled 
 to the following privileges: Reading rooms, game rooms, parlors, gymna- 
 sium, natatorium, bowling alleys, baths (tub and shower), camera room, prac- 
 tical talks, educational classes, etc. 
 
 The religious work of the association is sane, sound and practical, and is 
 of the wholesome, virile type. The association is something more than a so- 
 cial or athletic club; it is a body of men and boys banded together for their 
 own highest development, mentally, physically and spiritually, and the ren- 
 dering of the helpful service to all other men outside the organization. The 
 main features are : Meeting for men and boys Sunday afternoons ; meeting at 
 the noon hour at the different shops ; and Bible classes during the week. The 
 foreign work of the association is especially interested in helping to support 
 Mr. Robert E. Lewis, at Shanghai, China.
 
 406 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The evening school is for men and boys employed during the day who are 
 ambitious for better mental equipment. The subjects taught are, bookkeep- 
 ing, penmanship, electricity, commercial law, mechanical drawing and chem- 
 istry. A debating club is also conducted, and a Searchlight Club for the 
 business men. A lecture and entertainment course given. 
 
 A special boy's secretary is employed to work with the boys between the 
 ages of twelve and eighteen. 
 
 Physical training in our Young Men's Christian Association is conducted 
 on a thoroughly scientific basis under a director with expert class leaders, and 
 with the most helpful surroundings for all who desire to keep in good health, 
 secure a most perfect physique, develop more endurance and vitality. Physi- 
 cal examinations are given.- 
 
 There are twenty-one dormitories on the third floor, which are used for 
 young men living in the city away from home. 
 
 Another notable feature is the Ladies' Auxiliary, which was organized 
 shortly after the beginning of the work, with Miss Permelia Anthony as 
 president. This organization has been of great assistance to the association; 
 not only in a financial way, but in a social way by furnishing the rooms, mak- 
 ing them homelike and attractive. Mrs. Chas. Aument is now the presiding 
 officer. 
 
 As a religious center the Young Men's Christian Association is becoming 
 recognized as a meeting place for nearly all of the denominational bodies, and 
 is even doing an excellent work among them in bringing the members to- 
 gether, extending acquaintance, and thus unifying the effort of the best ele- 
 ment of the whole community in improving the moral tone of the twin cities. 
 
 J. K. Chester is president of the association, C. E. Bensinger, treasurer, 
 G. H. Fonken, general secretary, R. A. Allen, physical director. Clyde Lis- 
 senden is assistant secretary. 
 
 An appreciation from the Sterling Gazette: 
 
 "George H. Fonken is the general secretary of the association. Mr. Fon- 
 ken is a hard worker, is always at his post of duty and is never too busy to 
 assist men who need an uplift. He has been of great service in upbuilding 
 the association and backed by the board of directors, he is doing a great work 
 for the young men of the city." 
 
 In 1903 there was a building committee appointed by the board of direc- 
 tors as follows: J. K. Chester, John G. Wetzel, A. J. McNeil, W. P. Utley, 
 John Wagner, and through their earnest efforts a three-story building was 
 erected at a less cost than contractors' bids. The building is of Milwaukee 
 pressed brick, plain, but substantial, costing $30.000, and the lots costing $10,- 
 000, making a total of $40,000. The basement, cement throughout, is fully 
 equipped, the first floor contains the offices and is roomy and open, the second 
 floor can be divided into class rooms; the boys' department rooms are also 
 on this floor. The third floor has 21 sleeping rooms, baths and every con- 
 venience for making it homelike. 
 
 It was through the efforts of the Ladies' Auxiliary that Judge Ben Lind- 
 say, of Denver, delivered his lecture, "Misfortunes of Mickey," at the 
 academy, Feb. 27, 1908.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 407 
 
 WHAT THE DOCTORS ARE DOING. 
 
 Who shall decide when doctors disagree, 
 
 And soundest casuists doubt, like you and me? Pope. 
 
 The Sterling and Rock Falls Physicians' Club was organized May 15, 
 1904, and meets the first Wednesday of the month. The officers are J. F. 
 Keefer, president ; C. E. Parker, vice pres. ; S. A. Allen, secretary. The roll of 
 membership has the names of Frank Anthony, S. A. Allen, C. G. Beard, W. I. 
 Carolus, W. B. Carolus, J. B. Crandall, E. L. Dow, C. 0. Deeming, C. M. Frye, 
 F. W. Gordon, A. H. Harms, M. J. Hill, J. F. Keefer, Jane R. Keefer, S. S. 
 Kehr, N. L. Lehman, F. J. Scott, J. C. Maxwell, C. E. Parker, A. C. Smith, 
 J. L. Snavely. 
 
 Then there is the Rock River Institute of Homeopathy, which holds occa- 
 sional meetings to discuss their special field of treatment. At the January 
 session in 1908 on the program for papers were Gordon, Kehr and Hill, of 
 Sterling, Scott, of Rock Falls, Sickles and Blackman, of Dixon, Sears, of 
 Amboy, Blunt, of Clinton. 
 
 The dentists, too, have their organization. The Lee and Whiteside sec- 
 tion of the Northern Illinois Dental Society had its last meeting in I. 0. O. 
 F. hall, Sterling, and elected as officers, Dr. McMillan, Tampico, president; 
 Dr. Shannon, Sterling, vice pres. ; Dr. Jennings, Rock Falls, secretary and 
 treasurer. Papers in the afternoon, in the evening a banquet and smoker. 
 
 The largest medical gathering ever held in Sterling was the 34th annual 
 convention of the North Central Illinois Medical Association, held in Grace 
 Parish House, .Dec. 3 and 4, 1907. About fifteen counties represented. The 
 grand old man of the occasion was Dr. Thomas Croswell, of Streator, ninety- 
 five, sixty-one years in practice, and still retaining open office. It is his am- 
 bition to attend the medical sociables till he is one hundred. After the ban- 
 quet at six in the evening, served by the ladies of Grace church, toasts and 
 responses, and the election. E. S. Murphy, Dixon, was chosen president for 
 the coming year. 
 
 There is also a Whiteside County Medical Society, and at the election in 
 December, 1907, C. G. Beard, Sterling was elected pres. ; J. F. Keefer, Sterling, 
 vice pres. ; Dr. Wahl, Tampico, secretary ; Dr. Proctor, Coleta, treasurer. 
 
 THE NEWSPAPERS. 
 
 Turn to the press its teeming sheets survey, 
 
 Big with the wonders of each passing day. Sprague. 
 
 The present Gazette is an evolution, a survival of the fittest. The Ster- 
 ling Times, Charles Boynton, issued Dec. 12, 1854, was the first in the town, 
 four pages, six columns. Grattan and Norwood purchased it in 1855, and in 
 1856 sold to L. D. Crandall, William Hyde being editor. In 1856-1857, it 
 passed into the hands of Worthington and Biggert, and was finally discon- 
 tinued. In July, 1856, AVilliam Cavert began to publish the Sterling Re- 
 publican, and in the winter of 1857-58, H. C. Grattan started the Sterling 
 Gazette. Both were soon united under the title, Republican and Gazette, with 
 both men as publishers, until Grattan sold his interest to Walter Nimocks,
 
 408 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 who soon withdrew, leaving Caffrey in sole control. Republican was dropped 
 and Sterling Gazette has continued the proud title for fifty years. In 1861 
 the management was C. M. Worthington & Company, then C. M. Worthing- 
 ton, until the paper was sold to George Terwilliger, Sept. 3, 1870. Mr. Worth- 
 ington purchased the office again, and in 1873 sold a half interest to W. F. 
 Eastman, so that the firm became C. M. Worthington & Co. In March, 1876, 
 Mr. Eastman became sole proprietor until July, when D. J. Jenne bought a 
 half interest, and the firm was Eastman & Jenne. This firm continued to the 
 spring of 1880, when the Sterling Gazette Company was organized, Chalkly 
 John, of Jordan, and W. R. Cobbe, of North Carolina, buying the stock. 
 
 The Gazette has been a rolling stone. The third floor of the casket fac- 
 tory, the upper story of Gait's old hardware store, the basement of the academy 
 of music, the mercantile block, Farwell Hall for seventeen years, its present 
 situation in Wallace Block on West Third, are the various homes of this 
 soaring bird of passage. Frequent changes, too, in ownership. Jan. 1, 1887, 
 Chalkly John purchased the plant after it had been in receiver's hands, for 
 $18,500. With his brother, the business was conducted for several years under 
 the name, C. & H. L. John. This was succeeded in turn by C., H. L., and 
 M. D. John, later by H. L. and M. D. John. When Orville Bassett bought 
 an interest, Sept., 1903, the Sterling Publishing Company was formed, which 
 has recently given way to the former name, Sterling Gazette Company. 
 
 The Gazette was run as a weekly only, seven columns, eight pages, until 
 1881, when the Daily Gazette was permanently established under the John- 
 Cobb management. About five years ago the weekly became a semi-weekly, 
 and on March 1st, 1907, the semi-weekly edition was abandoned and the daily 
 edition has since been issued. The demand for weekly and semi-weekly kept 
 growing less and less all the time, and the daily growing more popular. About 
 four-fifths of the former semi-weekly subscribers have re-subscribed for the 
 daily. 
 
 During the past twenty years the Gazette has had but two business man- 
 agers. P. N. Edwards for five years and M. D. John for the past fifteen years. 
 There have been several different editors, among them being W. R. Cobb, 
 Charles M. Worthington, Joe R. Adams, M. D. John, Scott Williams, Orville 
 P. Bassett (now editor of the Springfield News) and Edward S. Hoover, the 
 present editor. 
 
 The Gazette has eighteen regular employes, often one or more extra, 
 twenty-five or more newspaper carriers, and a pay roll of over $250 per week 
 for the regular employes, not counting carriers. 
 
 The first edition of the Evening Gazette, which was printed on March 
 31, 1878, was a four page paper, four columns to the page, and each column 
 twelve inches in length. 
 
 During the past few years the Gazette has made enormous strides. The 
 plant and equipment have been made up to date and as complete as possible. 
 
 The circulation reached an average of 4,124 for the year 1907, which 
 is by far the largest in this congressional district. 
 
 On occasions of special importance, editions of extra size are issued. Its 
 industrial edition of 44 pages on March 5. 1908, and the profusely illustrated
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 409 
 
 edition of the Fourth Street M. E. Church, March 30, would have done credit 
 
 to the metropolitan journals of Chicago or New York. 
 
 Ayer's Newspaper Annual, one of the leading authorities on newspaper 
 
 circulation in the United States, credits the Gazette with having by far the 
 
 largest circulation of any daily paper in the Thirteenth congressional district. 
 
 The cities in the district having daily papers, with their 1900 census figures 
 
 are as follows: Freeport, 15,100; Dixon, 7,917; Sterling, 6,309; Galena, 
 
 5,005; Savanna, 3,325; Mt. Carroll, 1,965. 
 
 The circulation reports for the district are as follows: 
 
 Gazette, Sterling 4,169 
 
 Star, Dixon 2,607 
 
 Standard, Sterling 2,483 
 
 Bulletin, Freeport 2,298 
 
 Telegraph, Dixon 2,232 
 
 Journal, Freeport 1,950 
 
 Standard, Freeport 1,327 
 
 Sun, Dixon 1,190 
 
 Gazette, Galena 820 
 
 Journal, Savanna 720 
 
 Democrat, Mt. Carroll 600 
 
 Times, Savanna 500 
 
 Mirror, Mt. Carroll 400 
 
 THE STERLING DAILY STANDARD. 
 
 One of the indications of the growth and advancement of a community 
 is the appearance of the daily paper published in it, and today the Daily 
 Standard stands forth as an example of the wonderful advancement of the 
 city of Sterling. 
 
 In the year of 18'88 Theodore H. and Charles Mack established and com- 
 menced the publication of the Whiteside Chronicle in the city of Sterling. 
 For some time these gentlemen edited and managed the publication, the 
 latter finally taking charge of the paper, which he continued to edit until tihe 
 year of 1870 when the name was changed to the Sterling Standard, and Mr. 
 Theodore Mack took over the interest held by his brother. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. Mack sold a half interest in the paper to James W. New- 
 comer, these gentlemen continuing the publication until the year of 1887 
 when Mr. Mack retired, his interest being assumed by Alfred Bayliss. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Newcomer retired from the firm his interest being absorbed 
 by Thomas Diller, who later on secured the interest of Mr. Bayliss and took 
 into partnership Eugene B. Fletcher. 
 
 These gentlemen continued to publish the Standard as a weekly until 
 1892, when modern machinery was installed and the publication was changed 
 to that of a daily. 
 
 From the time of its establishment as a daily, the paper has advanced 
 rapidly until today it stands without an equal in Northern Illinois in circula- 
 tion and advertising value.
 
 410 HISTORY OF WH1TESIDE COUNTY 
 
 In the fall of 1908 active management of the paper parsed into the hands 
 of A. L. Richmond, who purchased the paper and now publishes and con- 
 trols its editorial policies. 
 
 The Standard is strictly Republican in politics, yet its columns are 
 always open to the espousal of all that is right and just, and especially for 
 the advancement of Sterling and Whiteside county. 
 
 One of the largest of printing presses is used to run off the Standard's 
 large edition of 4,800 copies. It is an eight, ten and twelve page seven- 
 column paper, published in the afternoon. 
 
 Besides the newspaper plant, which includes an up-to-date Mergenthaler 
 linotype machine, the Standard company also owns one of the largest and 
 most up-to-date job printing plants in Northern Illinois. 
 
 The personnel of the Standard's staff is as follows: 
 
 A. L. Richmond, president, treasurer, and editor-in-chief; Mrs. A. L. Rich- 
 mond, vice president and secretary; Miss Winnifred Rourke, assistant book- 
 keeper; R. B. McNiel, circulation manager; and D. P. Munn, city editor. 
 
 STERLING BEOBACHTER. 
 
 Thou on the Lord rely 
 
 So, safe, shalt thou go on. German hymn of Gerhardt. 
 
 This is the only German paper in the county. No others nearer than 
 Freeport or Davenport. In English it means Observer. It was started by 
 Carl Strack in 1877, who continued in charge till 1881, when Henry Mathey 
 assumed control. In February, 1883, Louis Oltmanns purchased the outfit, and 
 has been editor and publisher ever since. The average edition is about 1,200, 
 and it has a wide circulation not only among the German patrons in the 
 county, but all over the United States, wherever people have gone who once 
 lived in this section. Some copies find their way to Europe. The price is 
 two dollars here, $2.50 for Deutschland. Friday is the day of publication, and 
 the office is on the second floor of the Anthony block, Fourth street, over the 
 Standard. 
 
 Louis Oltmanns, the editor, is a genuine Teuton, born in Oldenburg, 
 Germany, 1833, and coming to Sterling in 1865 where he has lived to this 
 day. His first business was in the dry goods store of the late R. B. Witmer, 
 where he remained seventeen years. He then decided to use the editorial quill 
 instead of the mercantile yardstick, "and began to educate his brethren from 
 the Vaterland through the columns of the Beobachter. It is an eight page 
 journal, with seven wide columns to the page, and ha.s an excellent advertis- 
 ing patronage. 
 
 THE RECORD. 
 
 Few persons know that a small magazine was published for a short time 
 in Sterling. It was conducted by Calvin Martin, and issued weekly. Before 
 us is the number for March 29, 1879, with^everal original and selected articles 
 like i; Unseen Battles of Youth," by Rev.' N. H. G. Fife; "Wives and Pud- 
 dings," by W. W. Davis; editorials, local items, general news, business cards. 
 Walter Nimock.s and four other candidates for tax collector. Kier was hatter,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 411 
 
 R. L. Mangan had a green house, Stambaugh had paper and paints. About 
 thirty pages. 
 
 Several sheets have risen, flourished and fallen. The Sterling Clear Grit, 
 edited by Ralph W. Norwood, appeared Oct. 13, 1877, but was soon discontin- 
 ued. The Blade, a little seven by nine daily, published by the Booths, ten 
 cents a week, was issued awhile about the early eighties. It was the pioneer of 
 the present Gazette, the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Then was the 
 Sterling Herald, weekly, political and agricultural, which also soon ran its 
 mournful career. 
 
 ORDERS AND LODGES. 
 
 Society, friendship and love 
 
 Divinely bestowed upon man, 
 Oh, had I the wings of a dove, 
 
 How soon would I taste you again. Coicper. 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 174, 1. 0. 0. F. was instituted May 31st, 1855. 
 
 The charter members were Miles S. Henry, Edward N. Kirk, Lorenzo 
 Hapgood, Geo. H. Wells, Amos Fa-sett, Henry Bush, Geo. 0. Blakeslee and 
 Andrew McMoore, all of whom are now deceased, Henry Bush, the last sur- 
 vivor, dying November 20th, 1908, at the ripe old age of 84. For many years 
 the lodge held their meetings in the Capt. J. W. R. Stambaugh building on 
 First avenue. February 26th, 1896, the lodge, with appropriate services, dedi- 
 cated their new hall, a handsome three-story and basement, brick building 
 located at No. 11 East Fourth street. 
 
 The regular lodge meetings are held Monday evenings at 7 :30. January 
 1st, 1908, the membership was 148, and is rapidly increasing. The present 
 lodge officers are Albert L. Street, G. R.; John G. Loos, D. G..M.; Albert Bere, 
 P. G. ; Isaac N. Hoover, N. G. ; Henry Grebner, V. G. ; W. W. Haskell, Rec. 
 Sec'y. ; F. A. Caughey, Per. Sec'y. ; R: A. Kidder, Treas. ; Jos. T. Britt, war- 
 den; J. G. G. Loos, conductor; John Lingham,0. G. ; Fred Grebners, I. G. ; 
 Isaac G. Brimmer, R. S. N. G. ; Dr. W. I. Carolus, L. S. N. G. ; Harry J. Wil- 
 ton, R. S. V. G. ; Will C. Loos, L. S. V. G. ; Rev. E. Lee Fleck, chaplain ; Cyrus 
 Miller, organist. 
 
 The Rebekahs are the ladies' auxiliary of the Odd Fellows and have 75 
 members. Mrs. Elizabeth Brimmer is first noble grand, and Miss Emma 
 Snavely, secretary. 
 
 MYSTIC WORKERS OF THE WORLD. 
 
 Sterling Lodge, No. 2, was organized, Dec. 11, 1895, with 28 members, 
 I. N. Martin presiding officer, W. E. Rose, secretary. It has steadily grown 
 from this humble beginning to a membership of 590. The present officers are: 
 Prefect. T. J. McDonnell; monitor, C. J. O'Brien; Sec., W. E. Rose; banker, 
 A. L. Heckman; marshal. F. W. Eller; warder. B. M. Rutt; sentinel, Harry 
 Roark. The supervisors are E. V. Ford. M. R. Rutt, P. J. Pfeters. The meet- 
 ings are held in their own hall, over the Standard office, on Fourth street, for- 
 merly the hall of the G. A. R.
 
 412 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 This is the largest order in the county, and steadily increasing. Rock 
 Falls has 340 Mystic Workers, Prophetstown 200, Lyndon 125, Erie 100, Tam- 
 pico 75, Fulton 675, Morrison 250. In round numbers about 2,500 in 
 Whiteside. Being both social and beneficial, the order has much to attract 
 the average man who is desirous of being associated with an organization that 
 is at once strong and entertaining. 
 
 MASONIC. 
 By Capt. J. W. Niles. 
 
 The Masonic fraternity of Sterling is one of the most prosperous organ- 
 izations in the city. It has erected and owns the magnificent building known 
 as Masonic Temple, which building would be a credit to a city of much larger 
 pretensions 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 202 A. F. & A. M. was organized in 1856 with E. N. 
 Kirk, W. M., but lost its charter in 1868. Rock River Lodge No. 612 A. F. 
 & A. M. was chartered in 1869, with M. S. Bowman (now of California) as 
 W. M. Its total enrollment to date is 476. Present membership, 254. H. S. 
 Street and M. S. Bowman are the only living charter members. C. H. Tuttle, 
 W. M. ; John W. Niles, Sec. 
 
 Sterling Chapter No. 57 Royal Arch Masons was chartered in Oct., 1859, 
 with H. G. Reynolds as H. P. and Geo. L. Kline, K. Total enrollment, 300. 
 Present membership, 152. W. A. Stoeckle, H. P. ; John W. Niles, Sec. 
 
 Sterling Commandery No. 57 Knights Templar was chartered in Oct, 
 1884, with C. C. Johnson as E. C. Enrollment, 284. Present membership, 
 178. 0. E. Maxson, E. C. ; John W. Niles, recorder. 
 
 Sterling Chapter No. 354 Order of the Eastern Star was organized in 
 July, 1898, with Mrs. Wm. A. McCune as Worthy Matron. Enrollment, 
 200. Present membership, 156. Mrs. Ella Cooper, Sec. 
 
 G. A. R. 
 
 Will Robinson Post No. 274 Grand Army of the Republic, was organized 
 June 14, 1883. Has had an enrollment of 246. Present membership, 98. 
 Capt. J. W Niles has been commander six years. Present commander, P. T. 
 Van Home. F. A. Caughey, Adjutant. 
 
 MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA. 
 
 Forgive this foolish tear, 
 But let that old oak stand! 
 
 On the second floor of the old Farwell building on Locust street where 
 the Gazette office used to be, is the spacious and splendid hall where the 390 
 members of this flourishing association gather in their regular deliberations. 
 A. Richtmyer is clerk, and J. J. McKee, of Rock Falls Man. Company is 
 consul. The camp was organized here July 1, 1883, as Camp 12, with 13 
 original charter members. The order celebrated its 25th anniversary Jan. 5, 
 1908, with big class initiations all over the country. The head office was 
 stationed in Fulton for fourteen years until thev were removed to Rock Island
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 413 
 
 in 1897 after a desperate contest. The first local camp of the Woodmen, 
 Pioneer camp, No. 1, was organized at Lyons, Clinton county. Iowa, the even- 
 ing of Jan. 5, 1883, ,with twenty-one charter members, by J. C. Root, the 
 founder. 
 
 The head camp is the governing body of the society. It meets triennially 
 and is composed of delegates chosen by the state camps, one delegate for each 
 1,500 members or fraction of that number. 
 
 It is a beneficiary order, the insurance varying from $500 to $3,000, ac- 
 cording to dues received. With its membership of 900,000, it claims to lead 
 all similar organizations. The social feature is always prominent. At an 
 initiation in March, 1908, of ten new members, a special train brought to 
 Sterling between 300 and 400 enthusiastic W T oodmeii from Tampico, Lyndon, 
 Prophetstown, and Erie, packing the elegant hall to witness the floor work of 
 the Tampico Foresters, and to hear the addresses of Dr. Rutledge of Elgin, 
 C. A. Davis and J. J. Ludens of Sterling, and George Isherwood of Tampico. 
 
 All well regulated societies nowadays have the ladies in association, and 
 the Woodmen call their feminine adjunct Royal Neighbors of America. In 
 December, 1888, a little club of sixteen women was formed, which was known 
 as the "Ladies' Auxiliary" to Camp No. 171, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and was 
 merely a social organization, its main purpose being to aid the Modern Wood- 
 men of America in that city. Steady improvement and branching out to do 
 greater good resulted in the forming of a woman's fraternal beneficial society, 
 known as the Royal Neighbors of America, chartered under the laws of the 
 state of Illinois, March 21, 1895. It is not exclusive. Any white woman of 
 good character, whether related to a Woodman or not, is eligible to member- 
 ship. This auxiliary in Sterling is No. 30, and has 120 members. It was 
 started about 1900. Applicants must be between 17 and 45 years, and certifi- 
 cates for insurance are written for $250 up to $2,000. The total membership 
 of the auxiliary is now 150,000. Mrs. Louisa Rieger is supreme oracle in 
 Sterling. At all important functions of the order, the Royal Neighbors per- 
 form a very essential service in cheering the performance with their presence 
 as well as managing the banquet and other material accessories of the festival. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE GLOBE. 
 
 One of our newest societies, which has grown rapidly. The parent society 
 dates back only to Aug. 28, 1889, when Dr. W. W. Krape organized the su- 
 preme council in Freeport. Now there are over 100 garrisons with 10,000 
 members scattertd through Illinois, Wisconsin, and other states. The pur- 
 poses of the order are the cultivation of fraternity, patriotism, and character. 
 No one can advance through money, friends, or favoritism. The Sterling 
 garrison is No. 83, and is composed of an energetic and intelligent body of 
 men and women, for there is an auxiliary, called Eminent Ladies. Their 
 annual banquet is the occasion of a feast of reason and a flow of soul. Music 
 and intellectual display. At their last function toasts were responded to by 
 C. E. Sheldon, C. A. Davis, G. D. John, Dr. J. Gregg. Sometimes a debate. 
 A late question was, Resolved, That it was right for Uncle Sam to send the 
 navy around the Horn. A lemon social by the ladies afforded much diversion
 
 414 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 in its various forms of attraction. Then there is a juvenile garrison for the 
 youngsters. There are 330 members, with Warren Powers president, and 
 Warren Hall secretary. Their hall is on the third floor of the Academy of 
 Music, and the meeting is on Monday night. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 
 
 Corinthian Lodge, No. 63, was organized Nov. 23, 1875, with 21 charter 
 members. E. G. Allen, Chancellor Commander; Hugh R. Edwards, Keeper 
 of Records and Seals; John S. Miller, Master of the Exchequer; W. A. Mc- 
 Cune, Master at Arms; J. W. R. Stambaugh, Inner Guard. Other members 
 were C. C. Johnson, Jacob Sides, L. Stoeckle. Some of these early men are 
 dead. Over 400 candidates have been initiated. The membership today about 
 one hundred. The Commander is E. M. McKerg, and Keeper, L. A. Little. 
 The meetings are held every Tuesday night on the third floor of Lawrence 
 block, Third street. There are sixty Pythian Sisters, the social auxiliary. 
 
 CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 This society was organized in Sterling, April 28, 1885, with the following 
 charter members: Rev. H. M. Fegers, Adam Beren, Henry Weber, Wm. 
 Clarkson, Michael Weber, John A. Weber, W. Michels, Joseph Ferenbacher, 
 V. Schiffmacher, Phil Wenckl, J. A. Schiffmacher, Jos. Herziefer. It is of 
 the fraternal order, and provides for insurance from $250 to $2,000. Any 
 regular Catholic in good health is eligible to its privileges. The present 
 membership numbers 41, and the meetings are held the third Sunday of the 
 month at the School of the Sacred Heart. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. 
 
 This is a thriving order, many being young fellows full of enthusiasm 
 and progress. The object is both beneficial and social. At the last meeting 
 W. A. Kannally was elected Grand Knight; F. R. Jackson, treasurer; T. J. 
 McDonald, recording secretary; Rev. H. M. Fegers, chaplain. The Sterling 
 Council was organized in 1902. The meetings are held twice a month in 
 their "rooms at Farwell Hall, where there is every comfort in the way of read- 
 ing and games. A membership of 250 in Sterling, and 140 in Fulton. 
 
 TABULAR" VIEW OF LODGES. 
 Masonic. 
 
 Rock River Lodge No. 612 Stated communications first and third Fri- 
 day of each month. John W. Niles, secretary. 
 
 Sterling Commandery No. 57, K. T. Stated conclaves first and third 
 Tuesday evenings of each month. John W. Niles, receiver. 
 
 Sterling Chapter No. 57, R. A. M. Stated convocations second Wednes- 
 day of each month. John W. Niles, secretary. 
 
 Sterling Chapter No. 354, O. E. S. Stated communications first and 
 third Mondays of each month. Mrs. Ella Cooper, secretary. 
 
 Meetings are held in Masonic Temple, 111 to 113 We^t Third street.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 415 
 
 Odd Fellows. 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 174 Meets every Monday evening in I. 0. O. F. 
 hall, 11 East Fourth street. W. M. Haskell, recording secretary. 
 
 Abraham Encampment No. 49 Meets second and fourth Fridays of the 
 month in I. 0. 0. F. hall. F. A. Caughey, scribe. 
 
 Holtslander Lodge No. 70, D. of R. Meets second and fourth Thursday 
 of each month in I. 0. 0. F. hall. Miss Emma Snavely, recording secretary. 
 
 A. 0. V. W. 
 
 Meets first Friday of each month in Mystic Worker hall, 13 East Fourth 
 street. Franklin Werner, secretary. 
 
 Stars of Equity. 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 15 Meets in Mystic Worker hall, 13 East Fourth 
 street. W. E. Rose, secretary. 
 
 Brotherhood of Yeoman. 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 540 Meets in Mystic Worker hall. W. E. Rose, 
 secretary. 
 
 Fraternal Tribunes. 
 
 Sterling Tribune No. 118 Meets second and fourth Fridays of each 
 month in Mystic Worker hall. Earl M. Hallett, secretary. 
 
 Fraternal Order of Eagles. 
 
 Sterling Aerie No. 831 Meets first and third Thursdays in Mannerchor 
 hall, 208 First avenue. John Harmon, secretary. 
 
 Knights of Columbus. 
 
 Sterling Council No. 662 Meets in Knights of Columbus hall every 
 second and fourth Monday of the month. John McGee, financial secretary. 
 
 Knights of the Globe. 
 
 Sterling Garrison No. 83 Meets every Monday night in Knights of the 
 Globe hall in Academy block. Geo. Beckey, secretary. 
 
 Eminent Ladies, Clara Barton Garrison No. 34 Meets second and fourth 
 Tuesdays of each month in K. of G. hall. Mrs. B. Chapin, secretary. 
 
 Knights of Pythias. 
 
 Corinthian Lodge No. '63 Meets every Tuesday night in Knights of 
 Pythias hall, 102 West Third street. L. A. Little, K. of R. and S. 
 
 Sterling Commandery No. 45, U. R. of K. P. Meets every second and 
 fourth Thursdays of 'the month. C. H. Atvvood, captain. 
 
 Pythian Sisters. 
 
 Rosewood Temple No. 112 Meets second and fourth Fridays of each 
 month. Belle McAllister, recording secretary. 
 
 Knights and Ladies of Honor. 
 
 Twin City Lodge No. 2789 Meets fourth Tuesday of each month in 
 Mystic Workers hall. Earl M. Hallett, secretary.
 
 416 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Knights and Ladies of Security. 
 
 Sterling Lodge 1173 Meets third Friday of each month in Mystic 
 Workers hall. L. L. Law, secretary. 
 
 Modern Brotherhood of America. 
 
 Good Fellowship Lodge No. 1739 Meets the first and third Friday of 
 each month in Mystic Workers hall. Earl M. Hallett, secretary. 
 
 Modern Woodmen. 
 
 Sterling Camp No. 12 Meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each 
 month in Woodman hall, 310 and 312 Locust street. A. Richtmeyer, clerk. 
 
 Good Luck Camp No. 30, R. N. A. Meets first and third Tuesday of each 
 month in Modern Woodman hall. Mrs. Mary Stoeckle, secretary. 
 
 Mystic Workers. 
 
 Sterling Lodge No. 2 Meets first, second, third and fourth Wednesdays 
 of each month. W. E. Rose, secretary. 
 
 0. A. R. 
 
 Will Robinson Post No. 274 Meets second and fourth Saturdays of each 
 month in G. A. R. hall in the City Hall building. G. D. Johns, adjutant. 
 
 Will Robinson Corps No. 45, W. R. C. Meets second and fourth Satur- 
 day afternoons in G. A. R. hall. Mrs. Electa B. Kirk, secretary. 
 
 Spanish War Veterans. 
 
 Leo H. Bushnell Camp No. 18 Meets in G. A. R. Hall. Howard Geyer, 
 adjutant. 
 
 RIVERSIDE CEMETERY. 
 
 Dust, to its narrow house beneath! 
 
 Soul, to its place on high ! 
 They that have seen thy look in death, 
 
 No more may fear to die. Mrs. Remans. 
 
 Lying within the eastern limits, and easily reached by a good walk or 
 by the street cars, which run past the front entrance, is the loveliest spot in 
 the city. The young trees with their fresh verdure, the grassy slopes, the 
 noble outlook of river and woodland and prairie far to the southern horizon, 
 all combine to invest Riverside with a peculiar charm. It is really a sacred 
 park. Not a promenade for gay resort, but a retreat for solemn meditation. 
 When in a serious mood, Addison loved to stroll through the aisles of West- 
 minster Abbey. But ours is a Campo Santo under the open s"ky. Just as in 
 Greenwood you have glimpses of the Sound, and at Laurel Hill of the Schuyl- 
 kill, so our beautiful river glorifies the landscape. The rounded hills lift 
 heavenward, the sparkling stream suggests the water of life. 
 
 Let us first pass into the old graveyard near the street. Here we read 
 names that call up many familiar people. John Weaver, 72, and wife, 81, 
 five Weavers in a row. Samuel Hendricks, 79, the old Waltonian who carried 
 fish from door to door. Bresslers, Hoovers, Landises. An old couple, Adam 
 Spies, 76, Christina, 90. Bares, Delps, Beehlers. Kratz, Shultz. Overs. This
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 417 
 
 i* Anthony Elhuaker, 1880, from Pennsylvania, a near relative of Amos, an 
 eminent lawyer in Lancaster on the anti-masonic ticket with William Wirt in 
 1832. John Edson, 79, and his wife, Emily, 70, were the parents of Mrs. 
 Bushnell, so long postmistress. Eunice, wife of George Wells, 1844, pioneer,, 
 is one of the oldest graves. Cyrus Manahan, 1874, was a popular clerk. 
 Esther Judd, 1843, another pioneer. Ann Ben ton, 1842, was the wife or 
 daughter of Dr. Benton, early physician. There are numerous Brewers. 
 Roots and Kauffmans, too. John Lefevre, 1872. Pap Lefevre was a lively 
 man to the last. He left a large family. This couplet on his stone: 
 
 Dear children, do not weep for me, 
 When in this yard my tomb you see. 
 
 John, north of Sterling, is the only son of many, and he is eighty. Jesse 
 Penrose, 1873, a Quaker, honest, steady, always addressing the writer as Wil- 
 liam. Daniel White, blacksmith, whose shop was where Wallace block is. 
 Here is Wiott Cantrall 1877, aged 86, who figured so conspicuously in the 
 early days of Sterling. A lour among the graves will recall people enough 
 to write a history of the town. 
 
 In the Odd Fellows section, which for years was separate, we find Joseph 
 Rundlett. 81, whose widow is living at the home on Fourth street at 92. C. 
 C. Buell, the soldier, farmer, educator, public citizen. Isaac Reed, 86, of 
 Empire, and his son, Daniel, a soldier. The Greenough family have a huge 
 rock of rough granite, and the Golders a shaft with red panel. Manning, 
 Headley, Stambaugh, all soldiers. The latter died at 59. Joe liked nothing 
 so well as to march with his sword at the head of the boys. Headley, too, was 
 an enthusiastic soldier. 
 
 Crossing the shallow ravine by the vault, we come to the tombs of Samuel 
 Hoover, 1859, aged 66, and Elizabeth, his wife, 1870, aged 71. He was called 
 Cash Hoover, because he paid promptly in coin when money was scarce. W. 
 C. Robinson, 1835-1883, captain Co. A, 34th Illinois. John Gait, 1863, aged 
 65. Sarah M., his wife, 1898, who lived to 93, and busied herself about the 
 house to the last. David M. Crawford, 1883, at 53. From a boy in a store, 
 ond Gait and Crawford was a familiar firm for thirty years in the city. His 
 father, Thomas Crawford, 1854, aged 70. He once kept tavern in George- 
 town, and met many of the great men of the Clay and Webster era in Wash- 
 ington. John G. Manahan, 1897, only 60, a brave soldier of the 13th Illinois, 
 and lawyer of high standing. Win. Manahan, 1886, 80, his father, sheriff of 
 Whiteside, and early emigrant. Jonathan Stevens, 1870, 71. A prominent 
 family. Major Wallace, Empire pioneer, who died in 1861 at 53. His tomb- 
 stone is broken into three pieces. The major was a hunter and liked game. 
 His wife, Elizabeth A., was a member of an aristocratic family in Pennsyl- 
 vania, the late A. J. Cassatt, president of the great railway, belonging to the 
 same. She died in 1886 at 75. Here is another of the old Sterling set, Hugh 
 Wallace, who died in 18'34 at 62. His wife, Mary Gait Wallace, lived much 
 longer, 1809-1895. A woman of remarkable power and hospitality. She was 
 born in the same year as Lincoln, Gladstone, Darwin. This is Capt. Wood- 
 burn, 1872, aged 75, who was among the early crowd, and this doubtless is
 
 418 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 his mother, Mary, wife of George Woodburn, 1797-1846. Here is a name 
 that the present Presbyterians know nothing about, Rev. George Stebbins, 
 1798-1891. He was the first pastor of the church, 1844 to 1856. His daugh- 
 ter, Miss Saide, now resides in the city. Major Bnshnell, 13th Illinois, killed 
 at Ringgold, 1863. Col. R. L. Wilson, red Scotch granite vault, is the only 
 memorial of that style on the grounds. Lot. S. Pennington, 1812-1906. Joel 
 Harvey's tall shaft, 1875, aged 63. Near is the column of John S. Miller, 
 whose son, John, is a prominent member of the Episcopal church. 
 
 For years there was an early burial ground in the eastern part of the 
 town, but under no systematic control. Feb. 16, 1865, the Sterling Cemetery 
 Association was formed with Samuel S. Patterson, T. A. Gait, W. A. Sanborn, 
 B. C. Coblentz, S. P. Gait, James Gait, Robert A. Gait as organizers. S. S. 
 Patterson was made president, B. C. Coblentz secretary, W. A. Sanborn treas- 
 urer, and James Gait superintendent. Originally, L. S. Pennington and 
 James Dinsmo >r appear as president and secretary. At this time forty acres 
 of beautiful rolling woodland running to the river were purchased and plotted. 
 The sites in the new addition were so picturesque that lots were rapidly in 
 demand, and in the last forty years the loved and lost of the Sterling homes 
 are resting in the southern slopes. Adjoining the main cemetery on the west 
 was the small and elegant burial enclosure controlled by the Odd Fellows, and 
 in May, 1886, that society made arrangements by which the order entered into 
 possession of the entire cemetery; and both grounds placed under their direc- 
 tion. Walter Stager, Alfred Bayliss, H. S. Street, M. M. Rover, G. G. Keefer, 
 were the board of managers. H. S. Street, president; Dr. Rover, treasurer; 
 Walter Stager, secretary; Geo. Keefer, superintendent. At present the officers 
 consist of S. S. Kehr, president; Judd Decker, secretary and treasurer; D. L. 
 Miller, superintendent; Michael Rutt, sexton. The new Mennonite church, 
 with its sheds, is on the northwestern corner of the cemetery, but own their 
 share of the grounds. 
 
 Heroes of Older Wars who are in this garden of the dead: 
 
 MEXICAN WAR 1846-7. 
 
 Dr. Traviss, D. W. Hamblin. 
 
 CANADA INVASION 1837.' 
 
 Capt. Benj. F. Sheldon, 7th New York Artillery. 
 
 BLACK HAWK WAR 1832. 
 
 John W. McLemore, Illinois Mounted Infantry; Lieut. J. C. Oliver, 
 Mich. Vol. 
 
 WAR OF 1812-15. 
 
 Captain Luther Bush, John Edison, Levi Walling, John Benner, John 
 I. Taylor, Edward F. Randolph, Asa Grover, William J. Teller. Paul Hecker. 
 
 Over* 150 soldiers of the civil war are buried in Riverside, with suitable 
 memorials over the graves. Resting here, also, are the following noble boys 
 of the 
 
 SPANISH-AMERICAN AVAR. 
 
 Sergt. L. C. Sheldon, E, 6th 111., & N, 4th U. S. ; Cor. James P. Kereven,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 419 
 
 Co. C, 22d U. S. Inft. ; Leo Bushnell, Co. E, 6th 111. Inft. ; Frank Aument, Co. 
 E, 6th 111. Inft.; Roy Eshleman, Co. E, 6th 111. Inft.; Moses Dillon, Jr., 
 Co. E, 6th 111. Vol. Inft. ; Frank Pigg, Co. E, 6th 111. Vol. Inft. ; B. J. Buckley, 
 E, 6th 111. Vol. Inft. ; Edd Bassett, E, 6th 111. Vol. Inft. ; R. P. Church, A, 
 12th U. S. Inft. 
 
 Soldiers in Rock Falls Cemetery: 
 
 Capt. Wm. Parker, A, 75th 111. Inft.; Charles Button, Co. K, 75th 111. 
 Inft.; James Corke, H, 105th 111. Inft,; Wm. Hackett, 111. Inft.; Charles 
 Barnes, 75th & 140th 111. Inft. ; Win. A. Roland, M, 8th 111. Cav. ; Miller, - 
 Pa. Inft.; Lieut. J. W. Smith, Louisiana Immunes; J. E. Durstine, Co. K. 
 84th 111. Inft. ; Fred F. Sheldon, I, 75th 111. Inft. ; Wm. Labram, 111. Inft. ; 
 Wm. G. Patton, 111. Inft.; J. E. VanDusen, Co. F, 3d Mich. Inft.; Silas How- 
 land, Co. G, 147th 111. Inft.; Chas. J. Labram, 147th Mich. Inft.; J. C. Dur- 
 went, Co. G, 153d Mich Inft, ; Lars H. Linn, Henshaw's Battery ; Isaac Orr, 
 Co. K, 77th 111. Inft., and K, 130th 111.; Sergt, H. P. Price, Co. B, 147th 111. 
 Inft. ; Herman G. Huster, Co. B, 13th 111. Inft. ; Geo. 0. Deyoe, 12th 111. Cav. 
 
 Soldiers sleeping in Fulton City Cemetery : 
 
 Gustavus Peterson, Co. F, 52nd 111. Inft.; George L. Lyon, Co. I, 80th 
 111. Inft. ; Joseph Moody, Co. M, 1st Iowa Cav. ; Elisha B. Ralyea, Co. C, 1st 
 N. Y. Cav. ; Charles Shumake, Co. I, 75th 111. Inft. ; James Russell, a veteran 
 of the war of 1812 ; Gorharn B. Plumley, Co. F, 52nd 111. Inft ; Alfred Strotha, 
 Co. A, 60th U. S. Cav. ; Thomas S. Chandler, Co. E, 33d 111. Inft. ; Lafayette 
 Decker, 4th N. Y. artillery; Robert B. Myers, Co. F, 93d 111. Inft.; Edwin V. 
 Burroughs, Co. K, 42nd 111. Inft, ; John L. Knapp, Co. C, 9th Ind. Inft. ; R. 
 H. Adams, Co. A, 7th 111. Inft.; James H. Stoddard, Co. C, 126th 111. Inft.; 
 George Eckert, Co. F, 52nd 111. Inft. ; L. F. Puffer, Co. A, 108th 111. Inft. ; 
 Edward J. Strating, Co. B, 12th Minn. Inft., Spanish-American war; John C. 
 Martindale, Co. F, 93d 111. Inft. ; Alfred B. Conger, Co. D, 6th U. S. Inft., 
 Spanish-American war; Hiran Pulver, Co. D, 47th N. Y. Inft.; Charles Hall, 
 Co. F, 52nd 111. Inft. ; Daniel E. Galusha, Co. I, 92nd 111. Inft. ; H. T. Heller, 
 Ohio Inft.; Oscar Summers, 52nd 111. Inft. 
 
 CALVARY CEMETERY. 
 
 Death rides on every passing breeze, 
 He lurks in every flower. He her. 
 
 North of Riverside on the west line of the Freeport road is this seques- 
 tered place of burial. There are five acres, purchased about 1890 from Clark 
 Powell for $250 per acre. The ground is level, and wide alleys run north and 
 south between the tombs. A variety of evergreen*, spruce, pine, arbor vitae, 
 form a pleasing contrast with the cold marble and granite, and give an air of 
 cheerfulness and immortal hope to the grassy mounds that hold the dust of 
 the cherished dead. When the writer visited the spot on a balmy day in later 
 April the first violets were in bloom, and meadow larks were warbling their 
 sweet notes in an adjoining pasture. For a new cemetery the number of ele- 
 gant monuments is surprising. As usual, the names are numerous of the 
 persons one was used to meeting on the street from town and country. Many
 
 420 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 aged people. Bridget Colford, 1900, aged 81. Wm. Mooney, 1816-1892. Pat- 
 rick Clavin, 76. Thomas Higgins, 1807-1895, and Mary Higgins, 1815-1869. 
 He was the father of the builder of the street railway. Catherine McCormick, 
 1898, aged 68. Morris Morlarty, Ireland, 1820-1907. Patrick Healey, 1820- 
 1904, and wife, Ann, 1824-1905. One of the most elaborate memorials is that 
 of Martin Mee, with columns at the corner, 1824-1891. Several of the family 
 . on the lot. Another handsome one, Martin Costello, 1814-1883, and his wife, 
 Mary, 1821-1879. Gaffey, Grady, Durr, Sullivan, Lawler, Ryan, Drew. On 
 this tomb: 
 
 Dearest mother, thou has left us, 
 
 Here thy loss we deeply feel, 
 But 'tis God that hath bereft us, 
 He can all our sorrows heal. 
 
 This is Hannah O'Neil, 1815-1888, for years the faithful housekeeper in 
 the mansion of Mrs. Mary Wallace. John Horn, soldier, Co. G, 1st Penn. 
 Healy, Burke, Connell, Rourke. Crosses are a favorite device, and the sacred 
 initials, I. H. S. Buckleys have a rough block of gray granite and five small 
 head stones. B. J. Buckley, Co. E, 6th 111. Inf., Spanish-American war. 
 Julia Kilroy, a bright girl, 1865-1894, teacher in Second ward school. Con- 
 lin, Devine, Sheehan, Kelly, Curtin. John Houlihan, soldier, 1847-1863. A 
 very pretty design is the monument of Bernhard Hodgins, 1839-1838, and 
 Margaret, 183'3-1903. The red granite of the upper block forms a fine con- 
 trast with the gray of the base. Kannally family has a huge mass of gray 
 granite and seven head stones. Here lies a devout churchman: M. Dundon, 
 1885, aged 69. "Fortified with all the rites of the holy church, on whose 
 soul sweet Jesus have mercy, Amen." 
 
 THE WATER SUPPLY. 
 
 Still always it is beautiful, 
 
 That life-giving water. Judge Arrington. 
 
 Although not a city man, Joel Harvey was the first person in Sterling to 
 appreciate the convenience and healthfulness of a better source of water than 
 that furnished by the old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket, the moss- 
 covered bucket that hung in the well. He owned a tract of land in the 
 northern part of town, sufficiently high to send a stream of water into the 
 second and third stories of most of "the buildings. Here he started an artesian 
 well in 1873, and continued the bore until it reached a depth of 1,652 feet, 
 and struck a current that gave a flow abundant for all purposes. Wooden 
 pipes were laid in the main streets, and for several years Harvey's water was 
 in extensive use. The pipes gradually rotted, needing constant repair, and 
 the need was urgent for a more substantial and enlarged system to meet the 
 demands of the growing city. The Sterling Water Company was organized, 
 and in 1885 the first well was bored to a depth of 1,435 feet and mains laid 
 throughout the city. Then followed a second well. 1,626 feet deep, and a 
 third, 1.816 feet deep. The present flow is one million gallons every 24 
 hours. There are two pumps with a capacity of five million gallons, and
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 421 
 
 three boilers of 125 horse power each. Fire is kept constantly under two, and 
 the third is hanked for instant service. The consumption of coal, a mixture 
 of nut and slack, is four tons daily. A. W. Wilson, Worcester, Mass., formerly 
 a railway engineer, has been in charge of the machinery for 21 years. An 
 analysis of the water made at the University of Illinois shows 18 per cent 
 mineral matter in a gallon, carbonate of lime and carbonate of magnesia pre- 
 ponderating. This is an unusually small amount of mineral substance for 
 wells so deep. Cool, fresh, and delicious for drinking, and not too hard for 
 ordinary washing. While the stock is owned principally in Portland, Maine, 
 the parent office is in Sterling, according to the laws of Illinois. Judd Decker, 
 superintendent and secretary, has shown commendable efficiency in the dis- 
 charge of his duties. 
 
 OUR TWO GREENHOUSES. 
 
 Bring flowers, fresh flowers, for the bride to wear, 
 
 They were born to blush in her shining hair. 
 
 Bring flowers, pale flowers, o'er the bier to shed, 
 
 A crown for the brow of the early dead. Mrs. Hemans. 
 
 Fronting on Eighteenth avenue is the brick office, cheerful with living 
 color, of the Sterling Floral Company, Robert Lundstrom, proprietor. He is 
 a Swede, and has really inherited the trade, as his father was a gardener on 
 a great estate. There are eight greenhouses. Two are devoted exclusively to 
 carnations, three to carnations and mixed stocks, one to roses, one to palms 
 and ferns, one to propagating. The heat proceeds from a seventy-horse power 
 tubular boiler. To furnish requisite heat, 250 tons of coal per year are con- 
 sumed. The Bride, a white rose, is extensively grown, so much in demand for 
 funerals. Also of the beautiful red, the Bridesmaid. In fact, strange as it 
 may seem, it is the sorrow of the home, the casket, and the cemetery with the 
 decorations of the grave, that supports the floral business. A bad wind that 
 blows nobody good. Nine-tenths of his products, Mr. Lundstrom says, are 
 taken in Sterling and vicinity. The temperature necessary for these delicate 
 creations varies with the season, higher in winter or dull weather, than in 
 mild days or bright sun. Higher at night than during the day. An average 
 temperature for carnations is 50 to 55 degrees. No one variety is allowed to 
 monopolize a long raised wooden bed for the year. For example, pansies are 
 started in the late winter and as they cease to bloom, succeed geraniums, chrys- 
 anthemums, and perhaps lettuce, or some quick -growing vegetable. The soil, 
 of course, is replenished and enriched. Who use the violets? Young men for 
 their Dulcineas. He showed the writer a circular mass of blossoms just picked, 
 two hundred, to meet an order from a luxurious mansion where they would 
 exhale their perfume. 
 
 violets dim, 
 
 But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes. 
 
 To manage the business Mr. Lundstrom requires the aid of two or three 
 hands and a bookkeeper. All extra product is sent to Chicago or St. Louis.
 
 422 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 J. A. SWARTLEY AND SON. 
 
 These grounds are on the corner of East Fifth street and Seventeenth 
 avenue. The residence, a white frame, on the west, and the four greenhouses, 
 the largest three hundred feet long, occupying the rear of the lots. The busi- 
 ness was started in 1901 in a humble way, and has rapidly grown to its present 
 proportions. The front office of concrete is a cozy reception room with a glass 
 case of various trimmings and numerous curiosities picked up by Mr. Swartley 
 in his southern trips : stuffed snakes, minerals, fox skins, and a huge alligator 
 hide twelve feet long. A seventy-five horse power boiler furnishes heat for 
 the buildings. Two large houses are necessary to meet the call for carnations. 
 This seems to be the reigning flower. Much used in churches on Sunday with 
 asparagus for pulpit decoration. It was McKinley's favorite. No other flower 
 keeps its freshness so long. To supply transient customers, jars of cut flowers 
 are kept in the damp cellar. Besides the retail trade at home, shipments are 
 made east and west. Among the latest species of fern is the delicate Whit- 
 man with its exquisite leaves. Mr. Swartley is assisted by his wife and son, 
 Ernest, who both have made a study of the lovely floral world in all its depart- 
 ments. 
 
 THE PARKS. 
 
 There are three pleasure grounds for the people, Lincoln Park in the 
 east, Wallace in the west, and Central in the heart of the city. This is kept 
 in elegant condition by Phil Kereven, Gettysburg veteran. The lawn is 
 smooth and luxuriant, trees throw a grateful shade, and flowers and shrubs 
 make the spot cheerful and attractive. Here are held all affairs of public 
 interest, Fourth of July celebrations, Memorial Day exercises, religious and 
 temperance meetings. Iron settees are placed at convenient points for com- 
 fort. It already has associations of genius. Here General Howard gave a 
 reception,, and here echoed the eloquent voices of Collyer, Hillis and Gun- 
 saulus. 
 
 The ornament of Central Park is the Soldiers' Monument of granite, 
 which rises from a mount of turf to the height of fifty or sixty feet, crowned 
 by an infantry volunteer in heroic size. On the south side are "Shiloh, Stone 
 River, Vicksburg, Atlanta." "The patriotic people of Sterling and vicinity 
 have erected this monument to the memory of the soldiers and sailors who 
 were willing to die that the Union and Liberty might live" on the east side. 
 On the north, "Petersburg, Wilderness, Gettysburg, Appomattox." On the 
 west, "This stone is a reminder of the cost and value of the Union of the 
 States." The base is thickly engraven with the names of departed heroes, and 
 as a soldier dies his name is added to the roll of honor. The monument cost 
 about $5,000, and was unveiled July 4, 1890, with imposing ceremonies. 
 
 MINERAL SPRINGS PARK. 
 
 Not a mile from the east limits of the city is a charming bit of woodland 
 w r ith its grassy slopes, shade of young forest trees, meandering stream, and 
 spring of sparkling water. It was purchased from the late Samuel Albertson, 
 and is controlled by the park association. Much outlay has been made to 
 make the resort attractive. As the Northwestern Fair holds its annual meet-
 
 CENTRAL PARK, STERLING
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 VK!V8!TY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 423 
 
 ings here, a race track and amphitheater have been constructed. A small 
 hotel furnishes good accommodations for all who wish to remain a day or a 
 week. A favorite resort for the Sunday schools of the city in their yearly 
 picnics. 
 
 A Chautauqua under the management of H. M. Holbrook has been held 
 here for four successive seasons, the summer of 1908 making the fifth. The 
 usual program of lecture, music, and mixed entertainment. The star per- 
 formers have been Bryan, Col. Bain, Mrs. Logan, Billy Mason, Billy Sunday. 
 A season ticket is two dollars, single admission 25 cents. A three-room tent 
 is furnished for five dollars. Many of the Sterling people, and others from a 
 distance, find tent life for ten days an agreeable relief from the routine of 
 the residence. The street cars run only to Powell's corner, where omnibuses 
 are ready to meet passengers. A half-mile walk for pedestrians. A spur from 
 the main car track would be a great convenience. The president of the park 
 association is J. T. Williams; secretary, J. N. Harpham. 
 
 CEMENT IN BUILDING. 
 
 For years cement was found to be valuable for curbs and sidewalks, but 
 very suddenly it has bounded into general use as a material for houses. First 
 for basement or cellar walls, now the whole residence is constructed of the 
 solid blocks. They have all the effect of stone in an old Norman castle, and 
 are much cheaper than pressed brick, and more durable in not showing the 
 marks of age. Not only the walls, but the arches, columns, all parts of an 
 edifice, can be constructed of cement, by means of molds adapted to the de- 
 sign. The stone quarry will levy no more tax on our builders. 
 
 An enormous quantity of cement was consumed in the two cites in 1907. 
 The records show that 177 cars of the article were shipped in. The total 
 amount used was about 28,320 barrels, having a retail value of $56,640. This 
 is equal to 177,000 sacks. The heaviest consumers in 1907 were the United 
 States in the government dam and the Hydraulic Company in the piers of the 
 power house, using thirty carloads. Much was required by the Gail Borden 
 milk plant, and by some of the new factories. A number of carloads were 
 used by F. L. Johnson, the Rock Falls Cement and Stone Company, the Ster- 
 ling Concrete Company, the Rock River Concrete Company and George Hall, 
 all manufacturers of cement blocks. Cement in large amounts was also used 
 by Dennis O'Hare, Peter O'Hare, Henry McFadden, W. D. Praetz and others, 
 the last named being cement sidewalk makers and curb builders. 
 
 The cement block manufacture has in a short time grown to large pro- 
 portions. Fred Johnson has the credit of starting the business in 1903, and 
 who in 1904 erected a stable of the material at his residence on Fourth avenue. 
 Already in 1907 about 150.000 cement blocks of the 18-inch size were made 
 in the two cities. Many of the new dwellings in Sterling and Rock Falls are 
 constructed of these blocks, having a substantial and pleasing appearance. 
 The crowning exhibition of the fitness of cement in architecture is the Fourth 
 Street M. E. church, which from ground to pinnacle is constructed of the 
 blocks, molded in every form to suit the fancy of the builder. Dr. Hill's 
 home on Locust is the richest private example in the city.
 
 424 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 TWO HISTORIC WOMEN. 
 
 At her old home on Fourth street and Sixth avenue, Mrs. J. C. Rundlett 
 reached the ninety-second milestone of her long pilgrimage. No celebration. 
 Her daughters were by her side, flowers from thoughtful friends cheered the 
 sitting room with their fragrance and beauty, and various tributes of affec- 
 tion were received from relatives at a distance. 
 
 Both by association and descent, Mrs. Rundlett is now the grand old 
 lady of our city. In early life at Newburyport she often saw Hannah Flagg 
 Gould, the poet, author of that familiar poem : 
 
 Alone I walked the ocean strand, 
 A pearly shell was in my hand, 
 I stooped and wrote upon the sand, 
 My name, the year, the day. 
 
 She dwells fondly upon old Newburyport, next to Boston richest of all 
 New England towns in antiquarian suggestion. This was the home of Wil- 
 liam Lloyd Garrison, and here is the Old South or First Presbyterian church, 
 1746-1896, in whose crypt was buried George Whitefield, that naming apostle 
 of eloquence, 1770. His coffin is still shown, and once the skull could be sesn. 
 
 The family have a large book, called the Lowell Genealogy, containing 
 several hundred names, and tracing the Lowells to their first coming to New 
 England in 1639 from the old country. There were numerous branches, 
 James Russell Lowell belonging to one, and Mrs. Rundlett's kindred to an- 
 other. 
 
 Except a bodily weakness which makes a reclining position . most com- 
 fortable much of the day, Mrs. Rundlett's faculties are in excellent preserva- 
 tion. A bright eye, face with scarce a wrinkle, voice clear, and memory that 
 is quick to recall anything she once knew. Always cheerful, glad to meet 
 her friends, and it is pleasant to see her happy expression as she lies on her 
 couch surrounded by devoted daughters, who are quick to anticipate the 
 slightest wish. 
 
 On Second avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets, in a neat brick cot- 
 tage, the home for over fifty years, reside Mrs. Martha Barrett and her daugh- 
 ter Mattie. Although not old, being only seventy-five, Mrs. Barrett has seen 
 Sterling expand from a village at her arrival in 1855 to a young metropolis, 
 and has also sadly witnessed the departure one by one of the early generation 
 she knew so well. 
 
 Mrs. Barrett's early years were spent in Rushville, N. Y. Her mother 
 and five brothers composed a noble family, one of whom has made the name 
 immortal. Marcus Whitman, pioneer, missionary, explorer, was her mother's 
 brother. She was twelve when he left for the west, and remembers Marcus 
 as a tall, stout man with dark hair and earnest movement. He was ambitious, 
 took a medical course at Berkshire institute, and in 1834 was appointed a mis- 
 sionary physician to Oregon. 
 
 After a short visit he came back, and with his wife and Rev. II. IT. 
 Spanieling and his young wife, they crossed the continent in 1836. driving 
 the first American wagon to the gates of Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 425 
 
 river. A church was established and a farm ope'ned. Only fifty Americans, 
 100,000 Indians. But the Hudson Bay Company aimed to secure the land 
 for England. Whitman -scented the danger, the loss to the United States, and 
 on Oct. 3, 1842, started to ride to Washington, accompanied by one guide and 
 one white man. 
 
 That ride has no parallel. Paul Revere and Sheridan are trifling. Four 
 thousand miles through the snows of the Rockies. He reached Washington, 
 March 3, 1843, and saw Webster, secretary of state, who was unmoved. Pres- 
 ident Tyler was more impressed. Take a wagon train across the mountains 
 and prove the truth of your claim. Whitman led a colony back in 1843 of 
 200 wagons and 1,000 settlers. That decided the policy. In 1846 the north- 
 western boundary line gave us Oregon. 
 
 And what was this Oregon, Washington and Idaho that the winter ride 
 of Marcus Whitman, Mrs. Barrett's uncle, saved from England's grasp to our 
 own domain? It is a small continent, equal to all New England, New York, 
 Pennsylvania, Virginia. It is our western empire with California, In 1842 
 considered worthless by the wise heads at Washington. 
 
 Barbara Frietchie's work is o'er, 
 
 And the rebel rides on his raids no more. 
 
 Then Whitman settled down to his work, but he was not permitted to 
 long enjoy the fruits of his heroism. Nov. 29, 1847, the Indians surrounded 
 the mission, slew Whitman, his wife and twelve companions. But his name 
 endureth. Whitman seminary at Walla Walla and the shaft over his grave 
 will keep his devotion ever glorious. 
 
 The sweet remembrance of the just, 
 Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust. 
 
 SPECULATION IN OIL AND COPPER. 
 
 Gold begets in brethren, hate ; 
 Gold in families, debate ; 
 Gold does friendship separate; 
 Gold does civil wars create. Cowley. 
 
 A tornado swept through Whiteside in 18'60, and forty years later a 
 species of brain storm in stocks of oil and copper. It was not surprising. Men 
 have always been eager to make money. Holland, in 1637, had her tulip craze 
 when worthless bulbs sold for their weight in gold. The South Sea Scheme 
 in England in 1720 sent many a luckless investor into bankruptcy. Cali- 
 fornia was a golden Mecca in 1849. 
 
 Since that time all sorts of mining schemes have occupied the attention 
 of the American people. The rich mineral regions of Colorado and the Pa- 
 cific slope have especially attracted adventure and capital. Then came the 
 discovery of oil fields in Pennsylvania, and a dozen states. The Standard 
 Oil Company grew to be a colossal concern affecting every household in the 
 nation, in the world. 
 
 Two of these commercial propositions were finally placed before the
 
 426 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 quiet citizens of Sterling, who heretofore had shown no desire to amass wealth 
 except by gradual accumulation in the course of legitimate business. The 
 first scheme was in the form of oil. A property had been secured in Texas, 
 a company formed, officers elected and stocks offered for sale. The following 
 advertisement appeared in the Sterling papers in 1901: 
 
 THE ILLINOIS OIL COMPANY 
 
 HAS STRUCK A GUSHER ! 
 
 70,000 BARRELS PER DAY ! 
 
 For a few days longer shares will be sold 
 at ten cents a share. 
 
 Excitement for awhile ran high. A few dollars would purchase numerous 
 shares, enough to assure a competence in old age. Rockefeller became a Croe- 
 sus in oil, and he started in a very humble way. What became of the gusher 
 Texas only knows, and the oil craze passed into a local bubble. 
 
 As the oil delusion was slipping off, the copper glitter was held before 
 eager eyes. Oil was uncertain, wells gave out, but copper was solid, and there 
 was a mountain of that metal in Idaho, waiting to be blasted, and floated down 
 Snake river to Lewiston. Assays showed a richer yield than the world-famous 
 Calumet-Hecla. Clark was king in the copper world, but his supremacy 
 would not continue. This advertisement appeared in the Sterling dailies in 
 1902: 
 
 BUY COPPER STOCK AT oOc PER SHARE ! 
 EUREKA MINING, SMELTING, AND POWER COMPANY. 
 
 People of Sterling and vicinity are offered for a short time only, a chance to 
 buy shares in one of the richest copper propositions ever offered the public. 
 So rich are the claims, the company could sell its entire holdings at more 
 than the total capital stock, but declines to consider any such proposition as it 
 is sure of making vastly more. 
 
 There were a president, secretary, treasurer, and a board of nine trus- 
 tees. This appeal did the business. The stock sold like hot cakes. All ranks 
 from the retired capitalist to the frugal clerk invested their dollars in a scheme 
 that meant a palace on Fifth avenue and a regular winter in Europe. But 
 the enterprise for a hundred reasons moved slowly towards princely returns. 
 The boiler burst, the boat sank, the machinery failed to arrive, and the pro- 
 moters after deluding the weeping stockholders with a few yearly reports, are 
 in criminal obscurity. 
 
 THE ITALIAN MURDER. 
 
 Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood 
 Clean from my hand? Shakespeare. 
 
 On the night of July 14, 1907, Mrs. Isadoro Gennetti was murdered in 
 a frame house near the river in the first ward. Suspicion strongly pointed to 
 two of her country folk, Luigi and Cristina Randi; they were arrested and
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 427 
 
 placed in Morrison jail, in November, tried and found guilty, and sentenced, 
 Luigi to twenty, and the wife to fourteen, years in the penitentiary. Judge 
 Graves presided. Judge H. C. Ward, counsel for prisoners, made a motion 
 for a new trial, but it was overruled. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF STERLING. 
 
 Mayor John L. Janssen. 
 City Clerk M. E. Wilger. 
 City Attorney Carl E. Sheldon. 
 City Treasurer F. A. Caughey. 
 Chief of Police Chris. Baker. 
 Chief of Fire Dept. S. A. Stull. 
 City Collector E. H. McGrath. 
 Supt. of Streets J. L. Harrison. 
 Health Officer Dr. A. H. Harms. 
 
 ALDERMEN. 
 
 First Ward A. R. Hendricks, J. C. Meistei 
 Second Ward M. C. Wharfield, W. J. Moou. 
 Third Ward E. E. LeFever, F. G. Giffrow. 
 Fourth Ward M. C. Ward, C. G. Harrison. 
 Fifth Ward J. E. Conlon, W. F. Lawrie, 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES EXAMINING PENSION BOARD. 
 
 President Dr. A. C. Smith. 
 
 Secretary Dr. J. F. Keefer. 
 
 Treasurer Dr. George R. Proctor. 
 
 The board meet the first Wednesday in each month. 
 
 Sterling claims a population of 10,000, and it is believed in the two cities 
 of Rock Falls and Sterling there are 13,000 people. The vote on April 7, 
 1908, in the local option contest, was 2,043, the largest cast in the history of 
 the township. 
 
 WHITESIDE IN GENERAL. 
 
 Work, for the night is coming, 
 
 Work thro' the morning hours; 
 Work while the dew is sparkling, 
 
 Work 'mid springing flowers. Dyer. 
 
 Bees do well some seasons, but require some care to make them profitable. 
 Henry Stewart sold 10,000 pounds of honey in 1907. 
 
 Alfalfa is receiving more attention every year, as it is found to be valu- 
 able for feeding stock. The seed is a staple at feed stores with clover and 
 timothy. 
 
 Wild animals linger about their early haunts. Ralph Mayberry, while 
 out hunting near Rock Falls recently, killed a large coon, weighing forty- 
 two pounds. Andrew A. Tofte, of Rock Falls, also killed an opossum in his 
 hen house. Large coons have also been shot near Coleta in Genesee.
 
 428 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Concrete is the coming article for building. Lumber is high, stone is 
 scarce, but concrete can be made anywhere. It is a boon to farmers. A 
 farmer lately completed a barn which is built of concrete from base to roof. 
 It is a solid mass, built in a form not of blocks. A concrete floor in base- 
 ment, and another overhead, so that it is fireproof. Nothing but the crop 
 stored inside can be destroyed. In its construction, 500 sacks of cement were 
 used. The work was all done by the farmer and sons. In a similar way, all 
 the new bridges in various parts of the county, have concrete piers and ap- 
 proaches, with the prospect in the future of concrete floors. Planks decay, 
 and steel rusts. 
 
 Within twenty years a marked improvement in roads. Hills leveled, low 
 places filled, sloughs drained, culverts installed, and- many of the main high- 
 ways graveled. Travel is now as easy even after rains as on the turnpikes 
 in the east. 
 
 Farmers have discovered that it takes no more time, no more feed, to rear 
 good stock than inferior grades. This change is especially noticeable in swine. 
 The University of Illinois is encouraging the movement, by purchasing the 
 best animals for its own herd. 
 
 The University of Illinois h'as recently added three Berkshires to its herd 
 at the total cost of $1,050.00. Besides Berkshires, the University is also 
 breeding Poland Chinas, Duroc Jerseys. Chester Whites, large Yorkshires and 
 Tamworths. In driving past our Whiteside fields, specimens of these high- 
 grade animals may be found leisurely feeding. 
 
 Orchards are not flourishing in some parts of the county. Severe winters 
 killed varieties of apples, and the rows are not filled up. Apples are not per- 
 fect as in early years, and regular spraying is necessary for desirable fruit. 
 Even farmers buy imported apples at the grocers for winter use. Peaches 
 spring up spontaneously, and in favorable seasons, yield abundantly. Wild 
 plums still flourish in timber that has not vanished. Small fruits do well. 
 In good years, plenty of strawberries, blackberries, currants, raspberries. No 
 finer melons are raised anywhere. Our markets well supplied with all kinds 
 of vegetables in season. 
 
 One winter diversion of the weary farmer is the public auction held at 
 various places towards spring. These are either regular cattle sales, or sales 
 of implements and stock by men who intend to move or retire. Terms cash 
 for sums under ten dollars, over that amount twelve months credit without 
 interest, or seven per cent afterwards. Always a free lunch of meat, bread, 
 pie and coffee at noon. One generous fellow set out oyster stews, which were 
 received with applause. 
 
 The osage hedge in excellence varies with the locality. Some have been 
 cut away and replaced with wire, which is really the best fence as it takes no 
 room and wastes no ground. Here and there the hedges are quite thrifty. 
 
 It is gratifying in traveling over the county to notice the immense change 
 in the farm buildings. What spacious barns, corn cribs, all the necessary out- 
 structures, painted red, and then the neat residence, with piazza, lawn, concrete 
 walk, and picket or iron fence. People in the country live as cosily as in town, 
 and with telephone and rural delivery have all the conveniences of civiliza-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 429 
 
 lion. The raggedness arid isolation of the old log cabin or weather-beaten 
 shanty have all disappeared. No more riding to town on the hard boards of 
 a lumber wagon, but instead the cushioned seats of a two-horse surrey. Yes, 
 the farmers today are not to be pitied with a bank account and cribs of corn 
 they can hold for advance in market. 
 
 Another valuable help to farmers which they duly appreciate and en- 
 courage is the yearly institute held in so many districts. One was held in 
 Sterling in December, 1907, and one in Coleta, January, 1908. At these 
 meetings, which continue two days, there is a varied program of music, read- 
 ings, and addresses by practical men on topics of timely importance: injurious 
 insects, soils, machinery, poultry, selection of seeds, putting in crops, education 
 for the boys and girls, most profitable stock to raise. These affairs attract 
 large crowds, occurring as they do at leisure times, and awaken great enthu- 
 siasm. Prizes are offered for best displays of fruit and grain. 
 
 It does seem that the climate of Whiteside is changing. In earlier years 
 there were heavy falls of snow, blocking the roads, and often lingering till 
 spring. About 1861 or '62 there were three months of sleighing, a rare lux- 
 ury these degenerate days. The last deep snow was in 1881 when remains 
 of drifts were visible in April. Fifty years ago, winter began in November, 
 and in January retired for a thaw and a mild southwest breeze, but after a 
 week's indulgence, broke dreams of spring, with terrific blasts from Esqui- 
 maux land. Our coldest weather of late is in February, and ice men who have 
 begun to despair, find their best crop made by the zero in that month. 
 
 Within forty years land has rapidly increased in value. Land that sold 
 for ten or twelve dollars an acre at the close of the war in 1865, now readily 
 brings one hundred. With good improvements, $150. Much, of course, de- 
 pends on location and buildings. Farms, indeed, are becoming a favorite 
 form of investment. The cash rent is five dollars or more per acre. But the 
 main consideration is safety. Factories burn, stocks depreciate, stores fail, 
 but the soil, like the flag in the "Star Spangled Banner," is still there. You 
 always know where to find it. You are sure of not being penniless on rising 
 in the morning. 
 
 Timber is not as abundant as formerly. The beautiful groves that glad- 
 dened the eyes of the pioneers are slowly vanishing. The land is too valuable 
 for shade or sentiment or beauty. The Coe grove in Jordan, Round Grove in 
 Hopkins, the. woods at Empire, the fine trees along the streams everywhere, 
 are yearly showing the ravages of the ax. It is a pity, and nothing is done to 
 replace this early growth except a windbreak or a grove near the house. Trees 
 are not only charming in the landscape, but an important element in modi- 
 fying our climate, and regulating the water supply. 
 
 More attention is given of late years in the rural districts to the regular 
 functions of social life as are found in the towns. While spelling schools at 
 an early day or an occasional sermon were the only occasions to draw out the 
 scattered people, now almost every school house has its Sunday school or 
 church service, while the good ladies of the township enjoy frequent reunions 
 with their aid societies and other organizations. Sometimes all classes, young 
 and old, parents and pupils, unite in forming a lyceum at a central place,
 
 430 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 whose literary and musical features are a source of personal improvement 
 and general happiness. 
 
 Farm hands are becoming scarcer, although wages are higher. So many 
 young men flock to the cities, and seek more attractive employment. At pres- 
 ent the minimum price paid for hired men is twenty-five dollars per month, 
 and the farmers in addition to paying this sum of money, also keep a horse 
 and buggy for the help. There are a number of farmers who are paying as 
 high as thirty dollars a month for men, and in addition to this sum also keep 
 a horse and buggy for the help. This high price also includes board and 
 washing, which is worth at least twenty dollars a month, and the horse cannot 
 be fed for much less than ten dollars a month at the present high price of 
 horse feed which would bring the salary of a thirty dollar a month man to 
 sixty dollars a month. 
 
 A peculiar feature of the pay received by help this year is in the fact that 
 it includes the month of March. Usually the amount paid for the month of 
 March is about one-half of the amount paid during the farming months of 
 the season. 
 
 The population of the county in 1840 was only 2,514, and in 1850, 5,361. 
 But then Cook county, or Chicago, had only 43,000. In 1860 Whiteside had 
 grown to 18,737, in 1870 to 27,503, in 1890 to 30,854, and in 1900 to 34,710. 
 
 Investigation reveals the fact that two Meredosia men ship to London 
 each year the hides of over 150,000 fur-bearing animals, worth $100,000. As 
 most of these pelts come from Illinois the extent of the trapping carried on 
 within the confines of this state is somewhat surprising. The early name is 
 French, Marais de Ogee, and means marsh, and much of the big slough lies 
 in the southern flats of the county. 
 
 County Clerk W. C. Stikon has paid out $1,956 for bounties on ground 
 hogs and crows in Whiteside county since the law went into effect, July, 1907. 
 Up to the present 7,595 ground hogs have been killed and 577 crows. 
 
 The tax books of Whiteside for 1908 called for a total of $500,100, an 
 increase of $60,000 over 1907. This is due to the revision of values made by 
 the board of review the year before. 
 
 No more reckless hunting is permitted by careful farmers. They have at 
 last discovered that these idle freebooters wi'th dog and gun, banging away 
 at straw stack or cattle or poultry, have no business on private property. One 
 of our county weeklies published this card : 
 
 WARNING TO HUNTERS. 
 
 We, the undersigned, hereby warn 
 all parties against hunting, trapping or 
 trespassing on lands owned or controlled 
 by us, under penalty of the law. 
 
 This was signed by fifty farmers. It is hoped that similar notices will be 
 posted all over the county. Our native birds and denizens of the woods are 
 already too scarce. These fellows are trespassers. If they are hungry for 
 game, let them rush for the Rockies.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 431 
 
 LOCAL OPTION IN 1908. 
 
 One of the greatest election contests Whiteside county ever experienced 
 over the saloon issue was that of Tuesday, April 7, 1908, and the result shows 
 a majority of the voters went on record as opposed to the licensing of saloons. 
 
 Local option vote in AVhiteside county, Tuesday, April 7 : 
 
 Yes. No. 
 
 Sterling, First 272 150 
 
 Sterling, Second 261 199 
 
 Sterling, Third 219 212 
 
 Sterling, Fourth 132 198 
 
 Sterling, Fifth 124 250 
 
 Coloma, First 146 192 
 
 Coloma, Second 227 189 
 
 Mt. Pleasant, First 237 188 
 
 Mt. Pleasant, Second 195 167 
 
 Prophetstown, First 188 86 
 
 Prophetstown, Second 149 48 
 
 Fulton, First 87 112 
 
 Fulton, Second 94 144 
 
 Jordan 108 37 
 
 Montmorency 34 53 
 
 Hahnaman 35 33 
 
 Genesee 140 86 
 
 Hopkins 70 150 
 
 Hume 46 22 
 
 Tampico 203 140 
 
 Clyde 84 44 
 
 Lyndon 126 93 
 
 Ustick 88 25 
 
 Union Grove 87 21 
 
 Fenton * . 53 24 
 
 Portland 100 41 
 
 Erie 128 139 
 
 Garden Plain, not voting ... 
 
 Newton 54 27 
 
 Albany, not voting ... 
 
 Total 3,697 2,983 
 
 Local option majority 714 
 
 The "wet" towns are, Sterling, by one majority; Coloma (Rock Falls), 
 by eight majority; Fulton, by seventy-five majority; Montmorency, by nine- 
 teen majority; Hopkins, by eighty majority; Erie, by eleven majority.
 
 432 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 VOTE OF THE TOWNSHIPS FOR PRESIDENT IX 1904. 
 
 Jordan 185 
 
 Sterling 1,528 
 
 Coloma 701 
 
 Montmorency 98 
 
 Hahnaman . 152 
 
 Tampico 367 
 
 Hume 125 
 
 Hopkins 204 
 
 Genesee 424 
 
 Clyde 171 
 
 Mt. .Pleasant 823 
 
 Lyndon 240 
 
 Prophetstown 660 
 
 Portland 191 
 
 Fenton . 154 
 
 Union Grove 238 
 
 Ustick 187 
 
 Fulton 653 
 
 Garden Plain 234 
 
 Newton 164 
 
 Erie 310 
 
 Albany 213 
 
 One of the saddest sights to be met here and there in a tour of the county 
 is an abandoned church. Solitary and neglected, it is a mute reminder of 
 happier days and departed worshipers. The following notice in the Morrison 
 Record is an illustration: 
 
 WHITE CHURCH FOR SALE. 
 
 The old Methodist church, known as the "White Church," at Garden 
 Plain, and the lot upon which it stands is offered "For Sale." The building 
 is 32x49 feet, 16 foot walls. Sealed bids will be received for church and lot 
 or for church alone, fell bids are to be sent to H. J. Simpson, Albany, 111., 
 by the 20th of May, 1908, the trustees of said church reserving all rights to 
 accept or reject one or all bids. 
 
 April 27, 1908. By Order Board of Trustees. 
 
 Just as a college or university student feels an ambition for a prize at 
 commencement, so the pupils in the various school? of the townships look for- 
 ward to the results of the yearly examinations. Out of the one hundred and 
 forty-seven pupils from the rural schools who took the final examinations 
 which were held on April 25 in the Sterling, Prophetstown and Morrison 
 high school buildings, seventy-nine passed the required average. The class 
 which consists of fifty-eight girls and twenty-one boys graduated at Morrison 
 on Saturday, June 6. The highest rank was made by Miss Mndge Jones of 
 Sunnyside school, Tampico, Miss Hettie McCracken, teacher, and was 94 4-7
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 43S 
 
 per cent. The second rank was made by Miss Clara Hickey, Mt. Hope school, 
 Garden Plain, and the third by Miss Bertha Grater, Malvern school. 
 
 As Rock river and several creeks, Elkhorn, Sugar, Buffalo, Spring, Rock, 
 traverse the county, the erection and maintenance of bridges is an important 
 item. In 1908 a contract was let for the repair of the river bridge at Prophets- 
 town, and bids received for two new bridges in Hopkins to cost $7,000. Con- 
 crete is now used largely in these structures, as although more costly at first, it 
 will be more enduring. Schools and bridges are the two heaviest factors in 
 shaping the amount of the rural tax-payer. 
 
 Although wolves are almost extinct in the thickly settled districts, they 
 still linger on the outskirts of prairies and woods. The Tampico Tornado 
 says the champion wolf hunter in Bureau or Whiteside counties lives six miles 
 south of Tampico and his name is I. S. Hayes. Mr. Hayes recently shot aii 
 old wolf and killed seven young ones, which makes a total of 164 wolves that 
 he has killed during the past twenty years. Bureau county has paid Mr. 
 Hayes a large sum in bounties and ought to put him on the pension list for 
 ridding the country of so many troublesome animals. 
 
 An indirect benefit of the Hennepin canal and feeder is mentioned by 
 Major C. S. Richie, chief of engineers in charge of the canal: "As a high- 
 w&y for the conveyance of material for the improvement of the middle state 
 roads, which are for the most part in a wretched condition, the canal is un- 
 surpassed. If this improvement of the roads by the utilization of the canal 
 were taken up by the farmers the roads up and down the canal on either side 
 for a radius of many miles could be brought to a desired modern and improved 
 standard." This would apply, of course, to the east and west roads in White- 
 side and beyond that cross the feeder. Firm, substantial highways that can 
 be traversed at all seasons, with heavy loads, are among the pressing needs of 
 rural happiness. 
 
 Fish in Rock river have become so scarce owing to the activity of two 
 generations of Izaak Waltons that steps have been taken to restore the lazy 
 diversion to its early attraction and profit. Congressman Lowden, in response 
 to an application by Fish Warden W. F. Mangan, has promised a consign- 
 ment of game fish which have by this time been placed in the lake east of 
 the government dam. The fish club will do all in the power of its members 
 to protect the young fish until they are large enough to be eaten. In less than 
 ten years it will not be necessary for our anglers to explore the Columbia river 
 for salmon, the streams of the Adirondacks for trout, or of Wisconsin for ba=s. 
 
 OFFICERS OF WHITESIDE. 
 
 Here and there some stern high patriot stood, 
 
 Who could not get the place for which he sued. Byron. 
 
 COUNTY JUDGE. 
 
 N. G. Reynolds, 1849-1857 ; James McCoy, 1857-1859 ; Charles J. John- 
 son, 1859-1860; W. Anderson, 1860-1861; C. C. Teats, 1861-1865; E. G. 
 Allen, 1865-1869; W. Lane, 1869-1882; W. J. McCoy, 1882-1890; A. A. 
 Wolfersperger, 1890-1894; H. C. Ward, 1894-1906.
 
 434 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 CIRCUIT CLERK. 
 
 R. L. Wilson, 1848-1860; A. Farrington, 1860-18'o8; J. N. Baird, 1868- 
 1872; W. P. Squire, 1872-1876; A. Farrington, 1876-1884; L. E. Tuttle, 
 1884-1908. 
 
 COUNTY CLERK. 
 
 N. J. Nichols, 1849-1853; R. De Garmo, 1853-1857; W. S. Wilkinson, 
 1857-1869; E. W. Payne, 1869-1894; G. W. Howe, 1894-1906; W. C. Stilson, 
 1906. 
 
 TREASURER. 
 
 D. Mitchell, 1839-1841; D. Brooks, 1841-1843; D. Hazard, 1843-1847; 
 H. Ustick, 1847-1850; J. B. Myers, 1850-1851; D. Hazard, 1851-1855; Jesse 
 Penrose, 1855-1857; E. B. Warner, 1857-1869; W. H. Thatcher, 1869-1886; 
 A. H. Hershey, 1886-1890; M. H. Seger, 1890-1894; W. Warner, 1894-1898; 
 Mathews, 1898-1902; G. Rogers, 1892-1906; C. W. McCall, 1903. 
 
 SHERIFF. 
 
 J. C. Woodburn, 1839-1840; J. W. McLemore, 1840-1844; J. A. Sweet, 
 1844-1846; McLemore, 1846-1848; L. D. Crandall, 1848-1850; P. L. Jeffers, 
 1850-1852; C. Wright, 1852-1854; W. Manahan, 1854-1856; R. G. Clendenin, 
 1856-1858; J. Dippell. 1858-1860; Clendenin, 1860-1862; R. E. Logan, 1862- 
 1864; Dippell, 1864-1866; L. A. Lincoln, 1866-1868; E. A. Worrell, 18'6.8- 
 1880; T. S. Beach, 1880-1886; G. G. Keefer, 1886-1890; J. W. Farley, 1890- 
 1894; C. C. Fuller, 1894-1898; A. K. Haberer, 1898-1902; Fuller, 1902-1904; 
 
 C. A. Hamilton, 1904. > 
 
 SURVEYOR. 
 
 C. R. Rood, 1839-1842 ; W. S. Wilkinson, 1842-1847 ; W. Pollock, 1847- 
 1853; W. S. Wilkinson, 1853-1857; L. H. Woodworth, 1857-1863; M. T. 
 Woolley, 1863-1865; J. D. Arey, 1865-1871; Silas Sears, 1871-1879; W. C. 
 Holbrook, 1879-1900; E. 0. Hills, 1900. 
 
 CORONER. 
 
 I. Colcord, 1839-1844; G. Buckingham, 1844-1846; C. G. Taylor, 1846- 
 1848; I. Colcord, 1848-1854; D. F. Millikan, 1854-1856; D. Reed, 1856-1858; 
 W. L. Coe, 1858-1860; J. Eddy, 1860-1862; S. Taylor, 1862-1868; W. L. Coe, 
 1868-1870; D. B. Seger, 18704872; J. Riley, 1872-1873; M. Mead, 1873-1874; 
 
 D. E. Dodge, 1874-1876; M. Lathe, 1876-1878; J. A. Nowlen, 1878-1880; 
 H. C. Donaldson, 1880-1892; J. N. Baird, 1892-1900; Congar, 1900-1904; 
 John G. Limerick, 1904. 
 
 COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY. 
 David McCartney, 1872-1880; W. Stager, 1880-1904; H. H. Waite, 1904. 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 C. S. Doming, 1855-1857; M. R. Kelly, 1857-18'39; M. W. Smith, 1869- 
 1873; 0. M. Crary, 1873-1877; B. F. Hendricks, 1877-1886; W. J. Johnson, 
 1886-1902 ; B. F. Hendrick?, 1902.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 435 
 
 COUNTY OFFICERS IN 1908. 
 
 County Judge Henry C. Ward. l 
 
 State's Attorney H. H. Waite. 
 
 Master in Chancery Charles H. Woodburn. 
 
 County Clerk Will C. Stillson. 
 
 Circuit Clerk L. E. Tuttle. 
 
 Sheriff Charles Hamilton. 
 
 Treasurer Charles W. McCall. 
 
 Superintendent of Schools B. F. Hendricks. 
 
 Surveyor Edward 0. Hills. 
 
 Coroner John G. Limerick. 
 
 NATIONAL AND STATE OFFICERS IN 1908. 
 
 U. S. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 President Theodore Roosevelt. 
 
 Vice President Charles N. Fairbanks. 
 
 Secretary of State Elihu Root. 
 
 Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou. 
 
 Secretary of War W. H. Taft. 
 
 Secretary of the Navy Victor H. Metcalf. 
 
 Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte. 
 
 Postmaster General George Von L. Meyer. 
 
 Secretary of the Interior James R. Garfield. 
 
 Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson. 
 
 Secretary of Commerce Oscar S. Strauss. 
 
 STATE OFFICERS. 
 
 Governor Charles S. Deneen, R. 
 Lieutenant Governor L. Y. Sherman, R. 
 Secretary of State James A. Rose. 
 Auditor James S. McCullough, R. 
 Attorney General William H. Stead, R. 
 Treasurer John F. Smulski, R. 
 
 Trustees University of Illinois Carie T. Alexander, Frederick L. Hatch, 
 Alexander McLean. 
 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction F. G. Blair, R. 
 
 UNITED STATES SENATORS. 
 
 Shelby M. Cullom, R., Springfield. 
 A. J. Hopkins. R., Aurora. 
 
 STATE SUPREME COURT. 
 
 J. H. Cartwright, Ogle county. 
 Alfred M. Craig, Knox county. 
 Frank K. Dunn. Coles county.
 
 436 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 David J. Baker, Alexander county. 
 Joseph N. Carter, Quincy. 
 Orrin Carter, Cook county. 
 Jamas B. Ricks. 
 
 THIRTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 
 
 Congressman Frank O. Lowden. 
 
 CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES. 
 
 Hon. William H. Gest, 
 Hon. Frank D. Ramsey. 
 Hon. Emery Graves. 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT. 
 
 State Senator . 
 
 Representatives Hon. Harvey L. Sheldon, R., Whiteside county; Hon. 
 G. M. Tindall, R., DeKalb county; Hon. Henry F. Gehant, D., Lee county. 
 
 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN 1908. 
 
 The election Tuesday, April 7, 1908, made no change in the members of 
 the board of supervisors in Whiteside county, for each of the present incum- 
 bents whose term of office had expired was up for re-election. The board is 
 now composed of the following representatives of the respective towns as 
 named: 
 
 Albany W. W. Blean. 
 
 Clyde Joseph Wood. 
 
 Coloma R. L. Halsted. 
 
 Erie E. M. Peckham. 
 
 Fenton S. C. Givens. 
 
 pulton J. C. Snyder. 
 
 Genesee Mathias Wolber. 
 
 Garden Plain H. J. Simpson. 
 
 Hahnaman John R. Renner. 
 
 Hopkins C. Frank Seidel. 
 
 Hume Henry Brown. 
 
 Jordan Elmer E. Mensch. 
 
 Lyndon A. E. Parmenter. 
 
 Montmorency Theodore Frank. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant Oscar Woods. 
 
 Newton James Y. McCall. 
 
 Portland Bert Besse. 
 
 Prophetstown Elwood Beeman. 
 
 Sterling Adam Beien. John S. Landis and John G. Wetzel. 
 
 Tampico F. A. Brewer. 
 
 Union Grove J. C. Weaver. 
 
 Ustick John J. Entwhistle.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 437 
 
 SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF WHITESIDE COUNTY. 
 
 OLD NUMBER. 
 
 JORDAN. 
 
 NEW NUMBER. 
 
 Dist. 
 
 
 
 
 Dirt. 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Twp. 
 
 R. 
 
 Name of School. 
 
 No. 
 
 County. 
 
 5 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Talbott 
 
 1 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 2 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Compton 
 
 2 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 8 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Gould 
 
 211 
 
 W. and C. 
 
 3 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Knapp 
 
 3 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 6 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Jordan Center 
 
 4 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 7 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Fairview 
 
 5 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 1 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 Stone 
 
 6 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 
 
 
 STERLING AND COLOMA. 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 East Science Ridge 
 
 ' 7 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 1 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 West Science Ridge 
 
 8 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 9 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Union 
 
 9 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 8 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Wallace 
 
 10 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 3 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Central and Lincoln Township 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 High School 
 
 11 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 2 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Woodlawn 
 
 201 
 
 W. and L. 
 
 5 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Coloma 
 
 12 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 4 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Rock Falls 
 
 13 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 6 
 
 21 
 
 7 
 
 Riverdale 
 
 14 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 
 
 
 MONTMORENCY. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 Sturtz 
 
 202 
 
 W. and L. 
 
 2 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 Excelsior 
 
 15 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 Allpress 
 
 16 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 Elmendorf 
 
 17 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 3 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 Banes 
 
 18 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 5 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 McWhorter 
 
 203 
 
 W. and L. 
 
 
 
 
 HAHNAMAN. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Advance 
 
 19 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 2 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Champion 
 
 20 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Reeves 
 
 21 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 6 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Deer Grove 
 
 22 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Island 
 
 23 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Maple Grove 
 
 204 
 
 W.,L.& B. 
 
 
 
 
 TAMPICO. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Ross 
 
 24 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 7 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Pleasant Hill 
 
 25 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 2 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Sunnyside 
 
 26 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Highland 
 
 27 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 8 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Olsson 
 
 28 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 3 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Tampico 
 
 29 
 
 Whiteside 
 
 6 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 Maple Hill 
 
 30 
 
 Whiteside
 
 438 
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 OLD NUMBER. 
 
 Dlst. 
 No. Twp. II. 
 
 LYNDON. 
 
 Name of School. 
 
 5 20 5 Greene 
 
 8 20 5 Fergesen 
 
 4 20 5 Richmond 
 
 6 20 5 Langdon 
 
 2 20 5 Hamilton Grove 
 
 3 20 5 Lyndon 
 
 9 20 5 Riverside 
 
 7 20 5 Jackson Street 
 
 NEW NtTMBEH. 
 Dlst. 
 No. County. 
 
 66 
 67 
 68 
 69 
 70 
 71 
 72 
 73 
 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 
 7 19 5 
 
 PROPHETSTOWN. 
 
 Prairieview 
 
 1-3 19 5 Prophetstown 
 
 1 19 5 Benton Street 
 
 8 19 5 Centerville 
 
 10 19 5 Cloverdale 
 
 5 19 5 Leon 
 
 6 19 5 Woodward's Bluff 
 
 74 
 
 75 
 76 
 77 
 78 
 79 
 80 
 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 
 CLYDE. 
 
 1 22 5 Franklin 
 
 8 22 5 North Clyde 
 
 2 22 5 Center Clyde 
 
 6 22 5 Greenwood 
 
 4 22 5 Malvern 
 
 5 22 5 James 
 
 3 22 5 Alldritt 
 
 7 22 5 West Clyde 
 
 MT. PLEASANT. 
 
 2 21 5 Hiddleson 
 
 8 21 5 McElrath 
 
 5 21 5 Round Grove 
 
 9 21 5 Knox 
 
 7 21 5 Mt. Pleasant Center 
 
 1 21 5 Morrison 
 Morrison 
 
 4 21 5 Upton 
 
 6 21 5 McAllister 
 10 21 5 Humphrey 
 
 UNION GROVE. 
 
 2 21 4 Delhi 
 
 7 21 4 Green Valley 
 5 21 4 Bunker Hill 
 
 8 21 . 4 Independent 
 
 49 
 50 
 51 
 52 
 53 
 54 
 55 
 56 
 
 57 
 58 
 59 
 60 
 61 
 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 
 62 Whiteside 
 
 63 Whiteside 
 
 64 Whiteside 
 
 65 Whiteside 
 
 94 Whiteside 
 
 95 Whiteside 
 
 96 Whiteside 
 
 97 Whiteside
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 439 
 
 OLD NUMBER. 
 Dlst. 
 No. Twp. R. 
 
 Name of School. 
 
 4 21 4 Prairie Center 
 
 1 21 4 Unionville 
 
 3 21 4 Union Grove 
 
 6 21 4 Lincoln 
 
 4 
 1 
 
 USTICK. 
 
 2 22 4 Cottonwood 
 
 8 22 4 Goff 
 
 6 22 4 Gridley 
 
 5 22 4 Robertson 
 
 22 4 Crouch 
 
 22 4 Otto Bluff 
 
 3 22 4 Spring Valley 
 7 22 4 Cobb 
 
 FULTON. 
 
 2 22 3 Smith 
 1 22 3 Fulton 
 
 Fulton Southside 
 
 3 22 3 Cottage Grove 
 
 GARDEN PLAIN. 
 
 1 21 3 Lockhart 
 
 3 21 3 Garden Plain 
 
 2 21 3 East Clinton 
 
 Cedar Creek 
 6 21 3 Stone Street 
 5 21 3 Spring Creek 
 
 4 21 3 Mount Hope 
 
 NEWTON. 
 
 5 20 3 Cottle 
 
 6 20 3 Byers 
 
 2 20 3 Slocumb Street 
 
 3 20 3 West Newton 
 1 20 3 Kingsbury 
 
 4 20 3 Mineral Springs 
 
 7 20 3 Dewey 
 
 8 20 3 Anglese 
 
 HUME. 
 
 5 20 6 South Hume 
 
 2 20 6 West Hume 
 6 20 6 Hume Center 
 4 20 6 East Hume 
 
 3 20 6 North Hume 
 1 20 6 Bend 
 
 NEW NUMBER. 
 
 Dlst. 
 
 No. County. 
 
 98 Whiteside 
 
 99 Whiteside 
 
 100 Whiteside 
 
 101 Whiteside 
 
 102 Whiteside 
 
 103 Whiteside 
 
 104 Whiteside 
 
 105 Whiteside 
 
 106 Whiteside 
 
 107 Whiteside 
 
 108 Whiteside 
 
 109 Whiteside 
 
 110 Whiteside 
 
 111 Whiteside 
 
 112 Whiteside 
 
 113 Whiteside 
 
 114 Whiteside 
 
 115 Whiteside 
 
 116 Whiteside 
 
 117 Whiteside 
 
 118 Whiteside 
 
 119 Whiteside 
 
 120 Whiteside 
 
 121 Whiteside 
 
 122 Whiteside 
 
 123 Whiteside 
 
 124 Whiteside 
 
 125 Whiteside 
 
 126 Whiteside 
 
 31 Whiteside 
 
 32 Whiteside 
 
 33 Whiteside 
 
 34 Whiteside 
 
 35 Whiteside 
 
 36 Whiteside
 
 440 
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 HOPKINS. 
 
 OLD NUMBER. 
 Dlst. 
 No. Twp. R. Name of SchooL 
 
 2 21 6 Woodside 
 1 21 6 Como 
 
 4 21 6 Gait 
 
 6 21 6 Hopewell 
 
 5 21 6 North Star 
 
 3 21 6 Emerson 
 
 NEW NUMBER. 
 Dlst. 
 No. County. 
 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 41 
 42 
 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 Whiteside 
 
 GENESEE. 
 
 9 22 6 Lafayette 
 
 6 22 6 Washington 
 
 5 22 6 Hickory Grove 
 
 3 22 6 Liberty 
 2 22 6 Coleta 
 
 7 22 6 Salem 
 
 4 22 6 Elm 
 
 1 22 6 Hazel Green 
 
 8 22 6 Steuben 
 
 43 Whiteside 
 
 44 Whiteside 
 
 45 Whiteside 
 
 46 Whiteside 
 
 47 Whiteside 
 
 48 Whiteside 
 
 208 W. and C. 
 
 209 W. and C. 
 
 210 W.andC. 
 
 PORTLAND. 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 19 
 19 
 
 2 19 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 3 19 
 
 4 Jefferson Corners 
 4 Arnett 
 
 4 Spring Hill 
 
 6 19 4 Sharon 
 
 8 19 4 Burke 
 
 19 4 Pleasant Ridge 
 
 19 4 Portland 
 
 4 Erie 
 
 81 Whiteside 
 205 W.andB. 
 
 82 Whiteside 
 
 83 W T hiteside 
 
 84 Whiteside 
 
 85 Whiteside 
 
 86 Whiteside 
 
 87 Whiteside 
 
 FENTON. 
 
 3 20 4 East Sand Ridge 
 
 1 20 4 Rock River 
 
 5 20 4 Coborn 
 
 6 20 4 Enterprise 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 20 
 20 
 
 4 Fenton 
 4 Valley 
 
 ERIE. 
 
 2 19 3 West Sand Ridge 
 5 19 3 Wheelock 
 1 19 3 Kempterville 
 
 ALBANY. 
 
 4 20 2 Dublin 
 1 21 2 Albany 
 
 88 Whiteside 
 
 89 Whiteside 
 
 90 Whiteside 
 
 91 Whiteside 
 
 92 Whiteside 
 
 93 Whiteside 
 
 127 Whiteside 
 
 128 Whiteside 
 207 W. & H. 
 
 129 Whiteside 
 
 130 Whiteside
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 441 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 HEROES IN GROVE HILL CEMETERY, MORRISON. 
 
 The roll of the deceased soldiers who are buried in Grove Hill cemetery 
 ia as follows: 
 
 Henry Levitt, C, 8th 111. Cav.; Douglas D. Blodgett, E, 46th 111. Inf.; 
 Michael Harrison, War of 1812; Aaron B. Jackson, G, 13th 111. Inf.; Edward 
 P. Boyer, G, 156th 111. Inf.; Orlin P. P. Wheeler, W. Va. Inf.; Milton B. 
 Strunk, B, 75th 111. Inf. ; Willis M. Alexander, G, 8th Kan. Inf. ; John Hall, 
 Q. M. Col. Barnett's Regt. 1812 ; Edward S. Harris, C, 75th 111. Inf. ; Nicholas 
 S. Mason, A, 34th 111. Inf.; John W. Isenhart, D, 21st 111. Inf.; John W. 
 Bowser, C, 2d Mo. Cav.; Walter A. Stowell, Black Hawk War; James Clifford, 
 
 F, 12th 111. Inf.; Jacob Elsrod, Mex. War and B, 140th 111. Inf.; Charles 
 Voigt, G, 156th 111. Inf.; Francis Dubridge, Marine Corps Flo. War.; Alex- 
 ander Benson, U. S. S. Essex, U. S. Navy; William H. Oberholtzer, 3d Pa. 
 Lt. Art. ; Peter Martin, B, 34th 111. Inf. ; Almanza D. Johnson, H, 1st N. Y. 
 Vet. Cav.; Upton Ruthrauff, A, 146th 111. Inf.; Thomas Powers, 
 
 G, 74th 111. Inf.; James A. Hulett, H, 12th 111. Cav.; Sebary 
 Morse, B, 140th 111. Inf.; Milton Morse, B, 140th 111. Inf.; Jo- 
 seph G. Wheeler, G, 21st Mich. Inf.; Orrie Colebaugh, I, 6th 111. Inf. S. A. 
 W.; George Ashworth, 1st Colo. Cav.; Robert C. Thomson, I, 6th III. Inf. 
 S. A. W.; Edward C. Vennum, E, 46th 111. Inf.; Peter R. Boyd, G, 156th 
 111: Inf.; Charles Churchill, C, 75th 111. Inf.; William H. Whited, A, 33d 
 111. Inf.; John J. Kelley, F, 5th N. Y. H. Art,; James S. Bean, Maj. 86th 
 111. Inf.; Harley Pearson, 20th Kan. Inf. S. A. W.; Jason C. Booth, A, 1st 
 W. Va. Inf. ; Jasper N. Booth, I, 2d W. Va. Inf. ; J. Van Ston, record un- 
 known; Robert J. Fellows, D, 140th 111. Inf.; John S. Gillett, C, 75th 111. 
 Inf.; Cleveland Gillett, 28th N. Y. Inf.; William Pleasant, llth Mo. Cav.; 
 Daniel D. Lincoln, C, 8th 111 Cav. ; John J. Brown, E, 1st 111. Lt. Art. ; Henry 
 Brown, C, 8th 111. Cav. ; George W. Thompson, F, 59th 111. Inf. ; John Lucas, 
 U. S. Navy; George S. Milnes, C, 75th 111. Inf.; William D. Richard, E, 46th 
 111 Inf.; Henry E. Allen, F, 93d 111. Inf.; Robert White, War of 1812; Robert 
 S. Anthony, G, 13th 111. Inf.; William Austin, War of 1812; Columbus 
 Dodge, E, 46th 111. Inf.; David J. Quackenbush, B, 34th 111. Inf.; George 
 A. Quackenbush, Prin. Mus. 34th 111. Inf.; Lyman A. Hulett, B, 147th 111. 
 Inf.; William Lane, E, 46th 111. Inf.; Alman M. Mosher, B, 1st Iowa Cav.; 
 Samuel B. Lenhart, G, 156th 111. Inf.; Jesse McKee, K, 142d N. Y. Inf.; 
 Gardner H. Rugg, B, 38th 111. Inf.; Rollin C. Sholes, C, 8th 111. Cav.; Harvey 
 P. Baker, C, 8th 111. Cav. ; Gurdon Barrows, War of 1812 ; Jo^ph Myers, B, 
 34th 111. Inf. ; Edward Lawton, I, 6th 111. Inf. S. A. W. ; Ralph D. Humphrey, 
 I, 6th 111. Inf. S. A. W. ; John C. Calderwood, B, 147th 111. Inf. ; John S. 
 Harrison, C. 8th 111. Cav. ; William Taylor, H, 42d 111. Inf. ; James Lister, B, 
 1st Iowa Cav. ; W. H. H. Hutton, 20th 111. Inf. and Surg. U. S. A. ; William 
 Henry Paschal, Black Hawk War; Abijah H. Foreman, C, 8th 111. Cav.; 
 Egbert T. Inger>on, B, 18'8th N. Y. Inf.; Aaron H. Martin, K. 74th 111. Inf.; 
 Alpheus Clark, Major 8th 111. Cav. ; William A. Payne, F, 93d 111. Inf. ; James 
 H. Bradley. K, 84th Ohio Inf. ; George W. McKenzie, C, 8th 111. Cav. ; Irving
 
 442 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Williams, I, 75th 111. Inf. ; John Kirman, 4th Ohio Cav. ; John N. Baird, A, 
 34th 111. Inf.; Truman Culver, C, 8th 111. Cav.; Frank Clendenin, Maj. 147th 
 111. Inf. 
 
 SOLDIERS BURIED NEAR MORRISON. 
 
 Heaton Cemetery Aaron Bailey, War of 1812 ; Joseph Bump, C, 75th 
 111. Inf.; Warren Heaton, C, 8th 111. Cav.; James T. Jackson, E, 46th 111. 
 Inf.; John D. Paschal, Black Hawk War; Charles M. Shaw, H, 5th Vermont 
 Inf.; James Thomas, Black Hawk War; Alfred Heaton, C, 8th 111. Cav. 
 
 Round Grove Cemetery Peter Barberry, C, 8th 111. Cav. ; Harvey Bun- 
 zey, D, 115th N. Y. Inf.; William P. Crump, B, 34th 111. Inf.; Albert Fel- 
 lows, E, 4th 111. Cav.; John S. Green, B, 75th 111. Inf.; Thomas Mason, C, 
 75th 111. Inf. ; Oscar Seeley, C, 75th 111. Inf. ; David B. Symonds, G, 13th 111. 
 Inf. ; Lewis Knox, C, 8th 111. Cav. 
 
 Union Grove Cemetery Marvin Goodwin, G, 13th 111. Inf. ; Joseph John- 
 son, War of 1812; Peter Root, C, 75th 111. Inf.; Henry Ustick, War of 1812; 
 Wm. Lane, C, 75th 111. Inf. 
 
 Alldritt Cemetery, Clyde George Beswick, C, 25th 111. Inf.; Richard 
 Foster, C, 75th 111. Inf. ; William Winebrenner, G, 65th 111. Inf. 
 
 Fenton Cemetery Joseph Kaier; Jacob Miller; William P. Moore, F, 
 52nd 111. Inf. 
 
 Malvern Cemetery, Clyde Harvey Conaway, A, 34th 111. Inf. 
 
 North Clyde Cemetery John Riggs; William White, War of 1812; 
 Charles 1. Ward, 100th Ohio Inf. 
 
 Spring Valley John Kier, C, 75th 111. Inf. ; Robert Imlay.
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF THE
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 JOHN S. MILLER. 
 
 Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men 
 of Sterling is John S. Miller, president of the First National Bank. There 
 has not been a single esoteric phase in his career. On the contrary his busi- 
 ness methods have ever been such as will bear the closest investigation and 
 scrutiny and his advancement has come through the recognition and utiliza- 
 tion of opportunity and the exercise of energy and enterprise his dominant 
 qualities. 
 
 A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Miller was born in Pottsville, April 13, 
 1849, his parents being John S. and Barbara (Bach) Miller, both of whom 
 were natives of Germany, the former born at Simothaven and the latter at 
 Elwagen. The father was reared in Germany to the age of sixteen years and 
 acquired his early education in that land. He then crossed the Atlantic to 
 the new world and without means landed at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where 
 in order to provide for a livelihood he followed the baker's trade, and to 
 secure progress along intellectual lines he attended the night schools. In 
 1857 he came west to Freeport, Illinois, where he entered into partnership 
 with C. J. Fry in the manufacture of alcohol. They sold out in 1862 and on 
 the 1st of May, 1864, Mr. Miller became a resident of Sterling, where he 
 continued the manufacture of alcohol until his death, which occurred Feb- 
 ruary 27, 1874, when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife survived him 
 and lived to be sixty-five years of age. He figured in business circles in 
 Sterling not only as a manufacturer but also as a prominent representative of 
 its financial interests, being one of the original promoters of the First National 
 Bank, which was organized in 1870. He was chosen its first president and 
 continued as its chief executive officer up to the time of his death, placing the 
 institution upon a safe, reliable basis and instituting a conservative policy 
 
 445
 
 446 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 that has awakened uniform trust. The bank is capitalized for one hundred 
 thousand dollars and has been a successful institution from the beginning. 
 
 Both Mr. Miller and his wife were members of the Lutheran church 
 and were people of the highest respectability, winning for themselves a 
 creditable position in the regard of their fellow townsmen. Of their family 
 of seven children two were sons and five were daughters. The record is as 
 follows: Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Frank Bartholomae; John S. 
 is the second in order of birth; William H., who was associated with our 
 subject in the banking business, died of heart disease while on a hunting trip 
 in Dakota in 1903; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Bernard Roesing; Julia, 
 deceased, was the wife of E. Stein; Louise M. is the wife of T. T. Ramsdell 
 and is now living in Buffalo, New York; and Alice, deceased, was the wife 
 of W. P. Kennard. 
 
 John S. Miller, the immediate subject of this review, spent the first eight 
 years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents 
 to the west, living for six years in Freeport, Illinois, and one year in Chicago 
 before the family home was established in Sterling, where he has since con- 
 tinued. He attended the public schools in these different towns and for two 
 years was a student in Clark's Seminary at Aurora and for two years in the 
 high school at Chicago. 
 
 Mr. Miller then entered the office of his father as a grain buyer and was 
 engaged in the manufacture of alcohol until 1884, forming a partnership 
 with his brother, William H., on the death of their father in 1874. He also 
 became his father's successor as president of the First National Bank of 
 Sterling and is still at the head of that institution, which is widely recog- 
 nized as one of the strongest moneyed concerns of this section of the state. 
 The bank now occupies one of the most handsome bank buildings in Illinois 
 outside of the large cities. It was remodeled in 1906 and is fully equipped 
 with every modern convenience for the transaction of business and for the 
 protection of depositors. 
 
 On the 22d of January, 1879, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Carrie 
 Ware, a daughter of Richard C. and Carrie (Cameron) Ware. The latter 
 was a daughter of Mrs. Sarah Cameron, whose children were as follows: 
 Mrs. Ware; Marcella, who became the wife of General E. C. Kirk and after 
 his death of Dr. Charles H. Thomas; Sarah, the wife of Dr. J. B. Patterson; 
 Josephine, who married Dr. P. G. Clark, and Elianna, the wife of Albert 
 Vincent. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born four children : Carl W., who is 
 now a medical student in Chicago; Howard, who died at the age of two and 
 a half years; Alice Louise, who passed away when but a few days old, and 
 Fred W., who died at the age of four months. Mrs. Miller passed away 
 December 19, 1889, at the age of twenty-nine years and her death was deeply 
 regretted in the Episcopalian church, of which she was a member, and by the 
 community at large. Mr. Miller is also a member of that church' and his 
 political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has traveled exten- 
 sively, crossing the ocean ten times and visiting thirteen foreign countries. 
 He has thus gained the experience, knowledge and culture which only travel
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 447 
 
 can bring and is an entertaining gentleman, to whom the world instinctively 
 pays deference by reason of his social qualities as well as the success he has 
 achieved. 
 
 WILLIAM L. McWHORTER. 
 
 A life of industry, diligence and well directed effort has been crowned with 
 success that enables William L. McWhorter to put aside business care? and 
 enjoy an honorable retirement from labor. He now resides at No. 801 East 
 Second street in Sterling and is numbered among the native sons of the county, 
 his birth having occurred in Montmorency township, August 23, 1860. He is 
 one of the seven children of Hon. Tyler and Rhoda A. (Ward) McWhorter, 
 of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. 
 
 William L. McWhorter was reared- upon his father's farm in Montmor- 
 ency township and attended the district schools, while later he was a pupil 
 in the Sterling Business College. He then returned to the farm and after his 
 father's death he carried on the farm for a few years. He then bought what 
 was known as the Frank Utley farm of two hundred and sixty-one acres, liv- 
 ing upon it until the spring of 1902, when he rented the farm and removed 
 to Sterling, where he has since lived retired. His rest is well merited because 
 his life has been active and his energy and diligence constitute the basis of 
 his success. 
 
 On the 12th of March, 1890, Mr. McWhorter was married to Miss Ara- 
 bella M. Beale, a daughter of Jacob M. and Margaret (Sturtz) Beale. The 
 paternal grandfather was Nicholas Beale, a native of Pennsylvania; who 
 wedded Mary Hardin and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. 
 He died when past middle life, having reared a large family. The maternal 
 grandfather of Mrs. McWhorter was John Sturtz, a native of Pennsylvania 
 and a farmer by occupation. He married Rebecca Beale, who survived her 
 husband for several years and lived to an advanced age. The parents of Mrs. 
 McWhorter were natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. The father was 
 a farmer during the greater part of his life and afterward conducted a general 
 store near Ursina in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He was a soldier of the 
 Civil war, serving throughout the period of hostilities. He died in Ohio at 
 the age of seventy-three years, while his wife died in 1879, when more than 
 forty-nine years of age. They were Lutheran in religious faith. In their 
 family were two sons and five daughters, as follows: Calvin L. ; Charles H. ; 
 Mary J., the wife of Thomas Costello; Elizabeth, the wife of William Martz; 
 Martha L., the wife of Charles L. Walker; Arabella, the wife of William L. 
 McWhorter; Amanda L., who died at the age of two years. Calvin was killed 
 in a railroad accident when not quite twenty-one years of age. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. McWhorter were born three children: Margaret L., 
 Pauline and Alden Lynn. Of these Pauline died at the age of six months and 
 Alden L. at the age of thirteen months. The parents are members of St. 
 John's Lutheran church and Mr. McWhorter belongs to the Modern Woodmen
 
 448 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 of America. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
 wherever he sees an opportunity to advance community interests or to promote 
 the general welfare he eagerly embraces it. In his business career he has so 
 labored as to win gratifying success and is thus enabled to spend the evening 
 of life in well earned retirement from further labor. 
 
 J. H. MOSHER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. J. H. Mosher deserves mention among those whose lives have been 
 eminently successful by reason of their own labors and intelligently directed 
 energy. He is engaged in the practice of medicine at Prophetstown and at the 
 same time is one of the most extensive landowners of this part of the state, hav- 
 ing two thousand acres of income property, including some of the best farm 
 land of Whiteside county. He was born near Frankfort, Herkimer county, 
 New York, April 26, 1840. The Mosher family is of English descent and 
 traces its connection with American interests from the time of the burning of 
 Saybrook, Connecticut, by the Indians. The parents of Dr. Mosher were 
 George F. and Elizabeth (Tienan) Mosher, the former a native of Maine 
 and the latter of New York city. Both died in Oswego county, New York, 
 however. Their family numbered seven children : George R., who was a 
 well-known merchant and wealthy business man of Oswego county, New York, 
 who died several years ago; William, who passed away in the same county; 
 J. H., of this review; John E., who is connected with copper mines in Ari- 
 zona; Hamilton A., who is living in Oswego county, New York; Elizabeth, 
 who died in Herkimer county, New York; and Katherine, whose death oc- 
 curred in Oswego county, that state. 
 
 Dr. Mosher was reared upon a farm to the age of thirteen years and re- 
 mained with his parents in Oswego county, New York, through the period 
 of his boyhood and youth. His time was divided between the work of the 
 home farm and the duties of the schoolroom and his early education was sup- 
 plemented by study in the academy in the village of Mexico. He left the 
 east in 1863 and with his brother John E. went to California, where he en- 
 gaged in teaching, as principal of the school at Eureka, California, for three 
 years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to New York city 
 and entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. Later he continued his 
 preparation for the profession as a student in the Long Island College Hos- 
 pital from which he received his degree in 1867. 
 
 Having thus qualified for the practice of medicine and surgery, Dr. 
 Mosher came to Prophetstown, arriving in the month of October following his 
 graduation. He at once opened an office for general practice and throughout, 
 the intervening years has been accorded a liberal patronage. From 1871 until 
 1890 he conducted a drug store where he now has his office. He built the pres- 
 ent business block and after carrying on the. drug store with success for about 
 nineteen years he disposed of his stock of goods, retaining only his office room 
 here. While he is widely recognized as an able physician and is accorded an 
 extensive patronage, he has not confined his attention exclusively to his pro-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 449 
 
 fessional duties but has become recognized as an active business man in other 
 lines. In connection with S. G. Baldwin he built the first brick block in this 
 village in 1871. It was not built as a partnership affair, but by arrangements 
 they erected the two buildings side by side at the same time. Dr. Mosher has 
 always been interested to a greater or less extent in real estate since attaining 
 his majority. He bought property in California and in 1873 made his first 
 investment in farm land in Illinois, becoming owner of a half section in 
 Whiteside county. He has since increased his holdings from time to time 
 until he now has about two thousand acres, all lying in this county with ex- 
 ception of a tract of two hundred and forty acres in Iowa which has been in 
 his possession for thirty-one years. He does not buy property for speculation 
 but always improves it and retains it as a source of income. All of the land 
 is cultivated and in the placing of his investments and in the supervision of 
 his landed interests he shows sound judgment and keen discernment;. He 
 also owns town property and in connection with his brother Hamilton owns 
 a cottage in the Thousand Islands, where he spends the summer seasons. 
 
 In 1871 Dr. Mosher was united in marriage to Miss Florence Warner, 
 who was born in 1853, daughter of A. J. Warner. Mrs. Mosher died in 1890, 
 leaving two children : Maude, who was born in 1873 and died in 1894, at 
 the age of twenty-one years ; and George, who was born in 1878 and is now a 
 physician of Chicago, associated, as assistant, with E. Fletcher Ingals, a spe- 
 cialist of Rush Medical College in the treatment of diseases of the chest, nose 
 and throat. He is a graduate of the Madison University, of the Chicago Uni- 
 versity and the Rush Medical College, receiving the Doctor of Philosophy 
 degree from the first named, the Bachelor of Science degree from the Chicago 
 University, and his professional degree from Rush Medical College. In 1894 
 Dr. J. H. Mosher was again married, his second union being with Nellie M. 
 Barnes, a native of Turner Junction, now West Chicago. She came to White- 
 side county at the age of thirteen years with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Charles C. Barnes, of Morrison. One son has been born of the second mar- 
 riage, James B., now twelve years of age. 
 
 While Dr. Mosher has led a most busy and useful life in connection with 
 his professional duties and his extensive business interests, he is also well 
 known as a leader in the ranks of the republican party in this county. He 
 was a delegate to the republican national convention when U. S. Grant was 
 defeated for the third nomination. He has frequently been a delegate to the 
 district and state conventions and his opinions carry weight in the local coun- 
 cils of his party. He has been active in educational affairs, serving on the 
 board of education of Prophetstown since 1876 with the exception of one year 
 and acting as president of the board throughout the entire period. He assisted 
 largely in erecting the present school building and does everything in his 
 power to further the cause of public instruction. He has served on the town 
 board and for a long period has been its president, thus taking an active and 
 helpful part in the management of community interests. He was also a 
 member of the board of pension examiners for four years, beginning in 1891, 
 his appointment coming to him unsolicited. Fraternally he is connected with 
 Masons and holds membership with the Knight Templar Commandery of
 
 450 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Sterling. He belongs to the State Medical Society and keeps in interested 
 touch with the advancement of the profession although during the last six 
 years he has confined his attention to office practice. 
 
 When ambition is satisfied every ultimate aim accomplished, satiety fol- 
 lows, effort languishes and industry becomes futile. It is the man who is not 
 satisfied with present conditions who delights in doing, who finds pleasure in 
 exerting his powers and in solving intricate problems that becomes a forceful 
 factor in the world's development. From early youth Dr. Mosher has been 
 one of the world's workers and his success, so great as to seem almost magical, 
 is attributable entirely to his own labors. There have been difficulties and ob- 
 stacles in his path but he has overcome these by determined purpose and 
 laudable endeavor, and by unfaltering industry, integrity and wise investment 
 has gradually advanced to the goal of prosperity. 
 
 LEANDER SMITH. 
 
 Leander Smith, now deceased, was for many years a well known banker 
 of Morrison and one of the most prominent business men of northern Illinois. 
 His business interests, wide in scope and important in character, brought to 
 him notable success and at the same time proved a factor in the rapid and 
 substantial development of the localities in which he operated. He arrived 
 in Whiteside county in 1856 and was identified with its interests until his 
 demise. He was born February 10, 1819, at Templeton, Massachusetts, and 
 was descended from Puritan ancestry. The early home of the family was at 
 Ipswich, Massachusetts, but Nathan and Nancy (Lampson) Smith, the 
 parents of our subject, were both born at Mount Vernon, New Hampshire, 
 the former in 1777 and the latter in 1782. They had but two sons, Nathan 
 and Leander. The father, a woolen manufacturer and farmer, removed to 
 Templeton, Massachusetts, in an early day and in 1838 took up his abode at 
 Royalston, where he died in 1849, while his wife passed away there in 1854. 
 
 Leander Smith remained upon the home farm until sixteen years of 
 age, when he became a student in the academy at Ipswich, Massachusetts, 
 and acquired a good education. At seventeen years of age he taught school, 
 following the profession for s_ix years. In the meantime he took up the 
 study of medicine, matriculating in the medical department of Dartmouth 
 College, from which he was graduated in 1842, at the age of twenty-three 
 years. He practiced his profession successfully for three years at Richmond, 
 Vermont, and thence went to Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where the lumber 
 resources of the district were being developed. He located at Elkland and 
 from 1845 until 1853 was identified with various interests in the county. 
 His professional skill won him a large and lucrative practice and his energy 
 and keen business insight proved strong elements in the success that attended 
 other business ventures. He became successfully engaged in the lumber 
 business and was also connected with mercantile projects of considerable 
 proportion.
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF TH 
 
 "wtyrnciTV OF ILL'.MC!"
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 453 
 
 Attracted by the reports concerning the gold discoveries on the Pacific 
 coast, in March, 1849, he started for California, participating in the life of 
 the state at the time when the present capital city was but a village of tents 
 and San Francisco contained only a few houses. There was no well organ- 
 ized government and many desperate and criminal characters were found in 
 that region, drawn thither by the opportunities afforded for carrying on their 
 depredations. Mr. Smith engaged in prospecting on the north fork of the 
 American river for a year and rendered efficient aid to the administration of 
 measures to secure protection to the people. He met with good success during 
 the year of his residence in California and in 1850 returned to Pennsylvania, 
 where he resumed his former duties and business connection. He afterward 
 went to Vinton, Iowa, where in 1853 he opened an office for the practice of 
 his profession, also becoming an active factor in the general business life of 
 the place. He owned a large tract of government land upon which he platted 
 a part of the town. 
 
 After a year he removed to Lyons, Iowa, and was identified with its 
 professional and commercial interests until 1856, when he arrived in Fulton, 
 Whiteside county, Illinois. He was a man of keen business discernment, 
 readily recognizing and utilizing opportunities; 'and here he devoted his time 
 to financial projects and enterprises and was also engaged extensively in the 
 manufacture and sale of lumber for ten years. He also purchased large tracts 
 of government land in Wisconsin and Minnesota, from which he cut the 
 timber and then sold the land to those who wished to become permanent 
 settlers. In 1856 he established the banking house of Smith, Root & Com- 
 pany, owning a controlling interest therein until 1864, in which year the 
 financial institution of L. Smith & Company was established at Morrison. 
 The following year it was converted into the First National Bank, of which 
 Mr. Smith became president and A. J. Jackson cashier. In 1876 Mr. Smith 
 took up his abode in Morrison and two years later founded the banking house 
 of Smith & Mackay, an institution which soon took rank with the leading 
 financial enterprises of this part of the state. Mr. Smith was also interested 
 in the real-estate business and owned and assisted in the improvement of two 
 thousand acres of land in Whiteside county, besides several thousand acres 
 in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was considered to be the 
 financial head of Whiteside county and he belonged to that class of typical 
 American citizens who in advancing individual interests also contribute to the 
 public welfare. 
 
 'In August, 1843, at Richmond, New Hampshire, Leander Smith wedded 
 Miss Elizabeth Parkhurst, a daughter of Dr. John Parkhurst, of that place. 
 Her death occurred at Elkland, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1851, and on the 
 2d of May, 1855, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Dolly A. Allen, a native of Cort- 
 land, New York. They became the parents of six children, Alice, Anna E.. 
 Frank L., Lewis W., Edward A. and Harry W. The mother was a daughter 
 of Edward Allen, a granddaughter of Joseph Allen, a soldier of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, and a great-granddaughter of Zebulon Allen, who was the first 
 lieutenant in the Colonial army in the struggle for independence. One of the 
 sons of Leander and Dolly A. (Allen) Smith, Frank L., was born June 26,
 
 454 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 1861, at Fulton, Illinois, and attended the public schools and the University 
 at Champaign. At the age of twenty he entered his father's bank as cashier 
 and remained in that position until his death, which occurred at Pasadena, 
 California, in February, 1887. He married Gertrude Thatcher, a daughter 
 of W. H. Thatcher, a pioneer of this county. He made his home in Sterling 
 and for many years was county treasurer, but now resides in Morrison. The 
 marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Smith was celebrated in 1886 and his 
 death occurred the following year. 
 
 In 1868 Leander Smith again visited California and noted with interest 
 the many changes that had occurred in business conditions, in the govern- 
 ment and in the social and moral life of the city. He belonged to the Masonic 
 fraternity and was a Baptist in religious belief, in which connection he 
 accorded to all the right to their individual opinions. He gave his political 
 allegiance to Jeffersonian democracy until 1848, when he cast his ballot for 
 Martin Van Buren, the presidential candidate of the free-soil party. From 
 1858 until his death he was one of the stalwart advocates of the republican 
 party, and was deeply interested in its success and growth. While at Fulton 
 he was elected to represent the district in the state legislature from 1862 until 
 1864 and while a member of the house served on the committee on banks, 
 corporations, state institutions and others of less importance. He also intro- 
 duced a number of important bills, including the one for the building of the 
 Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, now a part of the Chicago, 
 Burlington & Quincy system. He filled the office of city councilman in Ful- 
 ton for a number of years, was also city treasurer and for a time was alder- 
 man at Morrison. In all of these official positions his labors were marked by 
 a singleness of purpose that never left room for question as to his loyalty or 
 his patriotism. On the organization of the college of northern Illinois at 
 Fulton he became a member of its board of trustees and served as its treasurer 
 until his death, having entire charge of the endowment fund. He died 
 August 7, 1889, and Whiteside county lost one of its most distinguished citi- 
 zens a man whom to know was to respect and honor and who, though 
 eminently successful in business life, ever followed methods which were above 
 reproach or suspicion. 
 
 EDWARD BEHRENS. 
 
 Edward Behrens, whose business career was ever active, honorable and 
 upright, left to his family, at his death, an untarnished name. He was born 
 in Oldenburg, Germany, August 30, 1850, and was a son of Frederick and 
 Rinsty (Wilms) Behrens, also natives of Germany. In their family were 
 two children, one of whom died in infancy. After losing his first wife the 
 father married again and there were two children of that union: Bernard, 
 who died when a young man ; and August, who lives in Montmorency town- 
 ship, this county. In 1866 the father came to America with his second wife 
 and settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, near Dinsmoor. A few years later
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 455 
 
 he bought a farm in Montmorency township, comprising one hundred and 
 sixty acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, suc- 
 cessfully carrying on the work of the fields for many years. He was born 
 February 27, 1819, and died April 6, 1891, at the age of seventy-two years, 
 having for some time survived his second wife. 
 
 Edward Behrens acquired a good education in the schools of Germany, 
 manifesting special aptitude in his studies, and for one season he was a student 
 in an English school in this country. He was reared on his father's farm, 
 making his home with his parents until he attained his majority, although 
 he occasionally worked out by the month. He was a youth of fifteen years 
 when the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world and for forty-years 
 was a resident of Whiteside county and an interested witness of the events 
 which have shaped its policy and formulated its history. 
 
 On the 2d of May, 1878, Mr. Behrens was married to Miss Catharine Bon- 
 gartz, a daughter of Wilhelm and Gertrude (Evan) Bongartz. Mrs. Behrens 
 was born at Cologne, Germany, and came to America with her widowed 
 mother and two brothers in 1870, after the French war, her father having died 
 in Germany when she was six years of age. The death of her mother occurred 
 in Sterling in 1890 when she was about seventy-two years of age. The family 
 numbered two sons and four daughters : Elizabeth, the widow of Adam Hut- 
 ton, of Sterling; Maria, the widow of Martin Roff, of Chicago; Frank Bon- 
 gartz, who makes his home in Sterling; Agnes, the deceased wife of Robert 
 Babelick, her death occurring in Germany; Mrs. Behrens; and Henry Bon- 
 gartz, who lives in Sterling. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Behrens were born three 
 sons, but all died in infancy. 
 
 Following his marriage Mr. Behrens worked for a time in the wire mill 
 in Sterling and subsequently bought a farm of eighty acres in Montmorency 
 township. There he lived for seven years and afterward bought another 
 farm of forty acres. Subsequently he disposed of both of those places and 
 invested in one hundred and fifty-six acres in Montmorency township but 
 removed to Sterling, where he established a coal business. After his father's 
 death Edward Behrens became administrator of the estate and, withdrawing 
 from the coal trade, took up his abode upon his father's farm, which he con- 
 ducted for a year. He then sold his interest in the place to his brother and 
 became a dealer in agricultural implements at Rock Falls in partnership with 
 Jacob Hoffman under the firm style of Hoffman & Behrens. They continued 
 together for several years with good success, after which Mr. Behrens retired. 
 During all this time he retained the ownership of his farm of one hundred 
 and sixty acres but since his death Mrs. Behrens has sold it to his brother 
 August. 
 
 It was on the 10th of May, 1906, that Mr. Behrens passed away, when 
 nearly fifty-six years of age. He belonged to St. John's Lutheran church, 
 having been confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the age of fourteen years. He 
 became a charter member of the organization of that denomination at Rock 
 Falls and when he removed to Sterling transferred his membership here. He 
 was a highly respected citizen, who in every relation of life was found true 
 to his duties and to any trust reposed in him. He held membership with
 
 456 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the Knights of the Globe and was president of the local organization at the 
 time of his death. He served as a school director in Montmorency township 
 and the cause of education ever found in him a warm friend. He was a manly 
 man, who held to high ideals in citizenship and in business, while friendship 
 with him was inviolable. Those who knew him entertained for him the warm- 
 est regard in recognition of his genuine worth, and his death was the occasion 
 of deep sorrow to many who had known him and had learned to appreciate 
 his good qualities of heart and mind. Mrs. Behrens still survives her hus- 
 band and owns a good home at No. 310 Fourth avenue, where she now resides 
 amid the many friends whom she has made in Sterling. 
 
 LOTT SOUTHARD PENNINGTON, M. D. 
 
 Man's worth in the world is determined by his usefulness by what he 
 has accomplished for his fellowmen and he is certainly deserving of the 
 greatest honor and regard whose efforts have been of the greatest benefit to 
 his fellow citizens. Judged by this standard, Dr. Lott Southard Pennington 
 could well be accounted one of the distinguished citizens of Sterling. His 
 life was ever helpful in its nature whether as a physician, in other business 
 lines or in the public service. He met, too, with a measure of success that 
 made him one of the leading landowners of Whiteside county and the strong 
 determination, laudable purpose and unfaltering perseverance which he man- 
 ifested constitute an example that is well worthy of emulation. 
 
 Dr. Pennington was born at Somerset, New Jersey, November 12, 1812, 
 his parents being Elijah and Martha (Todd) Pennington, who were likewise 
 natives of that state. The family numbered three sons and two daughters, 
 but all are now deceased. Dr. Pennington acquired his early education at 
 Somerville, Somerset county, New Jersey, attending a private academy there, 
 while later he pursued his studies in an educational institution at Basking- 
 ridge, New Jersey. His more specifically literary education was supplemented 
 by preparation for the practice of medicine and surgery in New York city 
 and in 1836 he came to the middle west, establishing his home in Jerseyville, 
 Jersey county, Illinois, where he engaged in the active practice of medicine 
 until 1839. 
 
 Through the following year he was a practitioner in Sterling and in 
 1840 he purchased a tract of land and turned his attention to general agri- 
 cultural pursuits. In 1841 he began the cultivation of fruit and ornamental 
 trees and in this connection did an important work, demonstrating the possi- 
 bilities for horticultural development in the state. Gradually he built up a 
 nursery business, in which he continued for fifteen years, having the second 
 nursery in northern Illinois. He sent out only the best nursery stock and 
 did much toward promoting the attractiveness of Illinois by reason of its fine 
 orchards and the shade and ornamental trees used in adorning town, village 
 and country seat. Along legitimate lines he conducted his business, year 
 after year adding to his profits and as his financial resources increased he 
 made purchases of land from time to time until he was the owner of eight
 
 ^i * 
 
 i 
 
 ff,
 
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 OF THE 
 cocrry op I
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 459 
 
 hundred acres of as fine land as could be found in Illinois, all under cultiva- 
 tion. He devoted the latter part of his life to scientific farming and kindred 
 pursuits. He studied closely the conditions of soil and climate and plant 
 food, made experiments and proved his theories to be practical ideas. He was 
 not only interested in the conditions of the country as seen at the present 
 time, but also in the study of geology the construction of the earth's surface 
 and those periods known in scientific parlance as the coal, glacial and other 
 periods. He was always a student, carrying his investigations far and wide 
 into various realms of knowledge. For many years he was a member of the 
 State Horticultural Society and thoroughly informed himself concerning the 
 cultivation of fruit, the soil required for its propagation and the climatic 
 conditions necessary to bring it to perfection. He believed in progress and 
 realized that there is no such thing as standing still that one must either 
 advance or go backward and his course was ever forward. He was always 
 willing to give a bit of advice or speak a word of encouragement when the 
 opportune moment came and his broad scientific as well as practical knowl- 
 edge made his counsel of recognized worth in the community. 
 
 Dr. Pennington also figured prominently in community affairs as a 
 public-spirited citizen who withheld his support from no measure or move- 
 ment calculated to prove of public benefit. In 1861 he was appointed a 
 member of the county board of supervisors and acceptably filled that posi- 
 tion for a number of years. 
 
 In 1837 Dr. Pennington was married to Miss Ann P. Barnett, a daughter 
 of John Barnett, of Brighton, Illinois. She died in 1866. On the 1st of 
 September, 1868, Dr. Pennington was married to Mrs. Ruth A; Morrison, 
 widow of Dr. William Morrison, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a 
 daughter of William and Mary Ann (Thomas) Gait. Her first husband had 
 died in 1867. Mrs. Pennington was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
 was reared to womanhood in that state and was married there the first time. 
 In March, 1866, she came to Sterling and has made her home in Whiteside 
 county to the present time. Her education was largely acquired in the 
 academy at Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Her father, William Gait, died when 
 she was but three years of age, while her mother afterward came with her 
 daughter, Mrs. Pennington, to Whiteside county in 1866 and died in Sterling 
 at the age of seventy years. 
 
 The parental grandparents of Mrs. Pennington were James and Mary 
 (Martin) Gait. The family is an old one in this country, dating its con- 
 nection with America from 1710. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Pen- 
 nington was Zaddock Thomas, who married Ruth Thomas. They were 
 natives of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and lived in Norristown. The 
 Thomas family traces the ancestry back through several generations in Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William Gait were ten children, six sons 
 and four daughters, of whom four are now living: Thomas A.; Mrs. Amanda 
 Crawford, of Sterling; Azeriah, of Chicago, and Mrs. Ruth Pennington. 
 
 The death of Dr. Pennington occurred July 21. 1906, when he had 
 attained the remarkable old age of ninety-three years and eight month?. He
 
 460 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 was one of the most honored of the pioneer settlers, prominent in the early 
 devlopment of the community. The first house which he erected was a little 
 log cabin on the Elkhorn creek and there he lived in true pioneer style, 
 courageously facing all the hardships and privations incident to the settle- 
 ment of the frontier. He purchased his farm from the government and the 
 land came into his possession a wild and unbroken tract, upon which not a 
 furrow had been turned or a rod of fence built. The place is pleasantly 
 situated about four miles from Sterling in Jordan township. With char- 
 acteristic energy he began to clear the land, break the sod and cultivate the 
 fields. This involved much arduous labor, but his work was soon manifest 
 in the changed appearance of the place, which was converted into an excellent 
 farm. As the years passed he not only cultivated his land with good success 
 but also opened a stone quarry upon his place, using the stone for the build- 
 ing of foundations, many of which are the support for substantial homes in 
 Sterling. As the years passed his labors overcame all the privations and 
 hardships of pioneer life and, as stated, he became one of the extensive land- 
 owners of the county and one of its most prominent and resourceful farmers, 
 whose agricultural interests were carried on in accordance with the most 
 scientific methods as well as in accord with the knowledge that he had gained 
 through practical experience. For several years prior to his death he was 
 blind. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Pen- 
 nington also belongs. While a man of strong character and marked indi- 
 viduality, he possessed also a most kindly disposition and long ranked with 
 the most prominent residents of Sterling and of Whiteside county. As the 
 day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its even- 
 ing of completed and successful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet 
 of the night so was the life of this good man. Full of years and honors 
 have passed away, but many more years will be added to the cycle of the 
 centuries ere he will cease to be remembered by those among whom he lived 
 and labored. 
 
 ROBERT E. JOHNSTON. 
 
 Robert E. Johnston, secretary and treasurer of the Johnston Lumber 
 Company, doing business at Rock Falls, was born near Galva, Henry county, 
 Illinois, April 21, 1877. His father, John S. Johnston, was born in October, 
 1827 in Draperstown, Londonderry, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage, being 
 a son of Robert and Jane Johnston, who spent their entire lives on the Emer- 
 ald isle. They were farming people and were among the peasant landholders 
 of northern Ireland, poor with little hope of betterment. 
 
 When about fifteen or sixteen years of age John S. Johnston came to 
 America to seek his fortune, the voyage bjeing made on a sailing vessel which 
 was five weeks in reaching New York, where he landed a stranger in a strange 
 land with only fourteen dollars in his possession. On two different occasions 
 in later years he returned to his native land to visit his mother. After living
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 461 
 
 for some time in Connecticut, he came to Illinois in 1854 and located near 
 Galva in Henry county. He subsequently bought eighty acres of land two 
 and a half miles north of that city, it being the nucleus of the present home- 
 stead, on which he continued to reside until called to his final rest May 6, 
 1889. After coming to this state he married Miss Lucy Maria Sellon, who 
 was born at Frakers Grove, Stark county, Illinois, November 1, 1843, and is 
 a daughter of Henry and Phebe (Stoddard) Sellon. Her father was born in 
 London, England, and was about three or four years of age when brought 
 to the United States by his parents, the family locating at Skaneateles, New 
 York. His father had left the pulpit of St. Paul's cathedral, London, to 
 come to America, several generations back having held that position. Henry 
 Sellon married Phebe Stoddard, who was born in Goshen, Litchfield county, 
 Connecticut, June 11, 1820, and died in Round Grove, Henry county, Illinois, 
 August 7, 1846. His death also occurred at that place. Her parents were 
 Israel and Irene (Frigbie) Stoddard, and the latter was a daughter of Phile- 
 mon and Rhoda (Butler) Frisbie. The father of Rhoda Butler was a soldier 
 of the Revolutionary war. The Frisbie family were Quakers. Mrs. Lucy 
 (Sellon) Johnston still survives her husband. Unto them were born six chil- 
 dren, five sons and one daughter: Thomas H., who is living in Kewanee, 
 Illinois, and is president of the Johnston Lumber Company of Rock Falls; 
 Edward I., of Kewanee; Phebe J., who is living in the same city; William J., 
 a resident of Toulon, Illinois; Robert E., of this review; and George E., also 
 of Kewanee. 
 
 Robert E. Johnston was reared upon the farm in Henry county, Illinois. 
 No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for 
 him during the period of his boyhood and youth. He attended the district 
 schools and afterward became a pupil in the Galva high school, while subse- 
 quently he continued his studies in the Brown Business College at Galesburg, 
 Illinois. In 1892 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Galva, 
 where he continued his education. 
 
 After pursuing his commercial course Mr. Johnston accepted the posi- 
 tion of bookkeeper for the Houghton Lumber Company, with whom he con- 
 tinued for a year in that capacity, while later he became yard manager at 
 Victoria, Illinois, where he spent one year, and for three years he represented 
 the firm at Altona, Illinois. In November, 1902, he came to Rock Falls and 
 was elected secretary and treasurer of the Johnston Lumber Company, con- 
 ducting a general retail lumber and coal business. He is a young man, alert 
 and enterprising, watching every detail pointing to success and as the years 
 have gone by his capable control of this enterprise is 'making it one of the 
 profitable business concerns of the city. 
 
 On the 4th of October, 1905, occurred the marriage of Robert E. John- 
 ston and Miss Alda H. Born, who was born at Lancaster, Ohio, November 1, 
 1883, was graduated from the Decatur high school in 1901 and the Uni- 
 versity of Illinois in 1904. She is a daughter of George W. and Fides (Hal- 
 dermann) Born, also natives of Lancaster, Ohio. Her paternal grandparent", 
 John and Elizabeth (Lemp) Born, were born in Niederpipp, Switzerland, 
 while her maternal grandparent.-, Levi and Marthictte (Littlefield) lT;ilrler-
 
 462 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 mann, were both natives of Ohio. Levi Haldermann was a son of George 
 and Jennie (Williamson) Haldermann, the former a native of Pennsylvania, 
 and Marthiette Littlefield was a daughter of William and Amelia (Dixon) 
 Littlefield, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. Mrs. Johnston's 
 parents are still living. Her father was for many years a railroad bridge 
 builder and coal mine contractor, taking contracts for sinking shafts and 
 building superstructures in connection with coal mines in West Virginia and 
 Ohio. Coming to Illinois he settled first at Decatur, but for the past seven 
 or eight years has made his home in Champaign. His family numbers five 
 children : Alda H., Ora, Russell, Ray and Katherine. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston has been blessed with one daugh- 
 ter, Virginia K. The family residence is at No. 302 East Second street in 
 Rock Falls and the young couple have many warm friends there, while the 
 hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by those who know them. In 
 his political views Mr. Johnston is a republican and in religious faith Mrs. 
 Johnston is a Methodist. His business career has been characterized by a 
 measure of success that can only come through close application and un- 
 faltering diligence, and working along modern lines he has developed an 
 excellent trade for the Johnston Lumber Company. 
 
 JUDGE HENRY C. WARD. 
 
 The judiciary of Illinois has numbered in its ranks many distin- 
 guished and able men but none of those who have sat upon the state or 
 federal bench have been more faithful in service, constant in honor or stain- 
 less in reputation than Judge Henry C. Ward, who is now serving the fourth 
 term as judge of the county court. He mantains his residence in Sterling, 
 where he has lived from early manhood. His birth occurred in Hendrysburg, 
 Belmont county, Ohio, November 16, 1850. 
 
 His paternal grandfather, Philip Ward, was a native of Cecil county, 
 Maryland, and was of English lineage. In his youth he was trained in the 
 work of shoemaking but later became a farmer and for many years car- 
 ried on general agricultural pursuits. He married Margaret Brown, who 
 died in Ohio, at the age of eighty-nine years. His death occurred ten years 
 later when he was also about eighty-nine years of age. 
 
 Their family included John B, Ward, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
 throughout his entire businesss life followed merchandising. He came from 
 Ohio to Illinois about 1874 and settled in Sterling, where three of his chil- 
 dren were then residing, living retired, until his death. In early manhood 
 he wedded Mary A. Mumma, whose surname was originally spelled Muma. 
 Her father was John Mumma, a native of Germany, who was accidentally 
 killed in Ohio when forty-two years of age so that little is known concerning 
 his early history. His wife, however, survived him to the very advanced age 
 of ninety-one years. Their children included Mary A. Mumma, who became 
 the wife of John B. Ward. By this marriage there were born three sons and
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 463 
 
 two daughters: Eber B., deceased; Chattie L., the widow of John G. Mana- 
 han, of Sterling; Eowena V., the deceased wife of John F. Barrett, who has 
 also passed away; W. Scott, of Sterling; and Henry C. The father died 
 August 5, 1899, at the very venerable age of eighty-nine years and seven 
 months, and his wife passed away about three years later when about ninety 
 years of age. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 church and Mr. Ward was interested in community affairs to the extent of 
 giving hearty cooperation to many movements for the public good. He held 
 a number of township offices but preferred rather to remain in private life 
 and leave the office holding to others. 
 
 Judge Ward was reared in his native village of Hendrysburg and mas- 
 tered the elementary branches of learning there. He afterward enjoyed the 
 advantage of instruction in McNeely College of Harrison county, Ohio, and 
 was graduated in 1871. Prior to that time he had assisted his father in the 
 store and following his graduation he engaged in teaching school for one 
 winter. He has made his home in Sterling since October, 1872, at which 
 time- he entered the law office of Kilgour & Manahan as a student. His thor- 
 ough preliminary training was followed by his admission to the bar in 1877 
 and here he practiced until his elevation to the bench. For four different 
 terms he served as city attorney and his efficient professional service and his 
 private practice both indicate the scope of his judicial knowledge and his 
 correctness in the analysis of a cause. In 1894 he was elected county judge 
 and at each regular election since that time has again been called to the office 
 by popular suffrage, so that he is now serving for the fourth term. No 
 higher testimonial of his fidelity and ability could be given than this en- 
 dorsement at the polls, which bespeaks his marked ability and his per- 
 sonal popularity. His opinions are characterized by the utmost fairness, no 
 personal prejudice entering in as a disturbing force. Aside from his ju- 
 diciary duties, Judge Ward has business interest in that he is a stockholder 
 and director in the Sterling Manufacturing Company and in the Charter 
 Gas Engine Company. 
 
 On the 16th of May, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Judge AVard 
 and Miss Mary C. Anthony, a daughter of Dr. Julius P. and Martha J. 
 (Park) Anthony. Seven children were born of this union: Martha W., the 
 wife of H. A. Sowles, a resident of Des Moines, by whom she has one daugh- 
 ter, Dorothy; Alice M., the wife of Dr. Arthur H. Harms, a practicing phy- 
 sioian of Sterling, by whom she has one son, Henry Ward Harmes; John A., 
 a lawyer of Sterling, who married Florence A. Munson, and has two chil- 
 dren, Elizabeth M. and Henry Munson; Julius, who died in infancy; Frank 
 A., a student in the University of Illinois ;. Philip IT., who is attending the 
 Sterling high school; and Mary Helen, yet a student in the grammar 
 schools. 
 
 Judge Ward has always been deeply and helpfully interested in the 
 cause of education and for many years he was a member of the board of 
 the Wallace schools while for about fifteen years he was secretary of the 
 Sterling library board. His aid and influence are given to further any meas- 
 ure or movement promising to prove of public value. Politically he has
 
 464 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 always been a republcan but his political allegiance is in no way allowed to 
 interfere with the performance of his official duties. Both he and his wife 
 are consistent and exemplary members of the First Presbyterian church of 
 Sterling as are the members of their family with the exception of their 
 youngest daughter. The Judge has been a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity since 1871 and is a past eminent commander of the Knight Temp- 
 lars. He affiliates with Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M. ; Sterling 
 Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; and Sterling Commandery No. 57, K. T. The 
 family residence is at No. 807 Avenue B. For thirty-five years he has made 
 his home in Sterling and during the greater part of the time has been an 
 active member of the bar, while throughout this part of the state he is ac- 
 counted one of the strongest county judges. His decisions indicate strong 
 mentality, careful analysis and thorough knowledge of the law and an un- 
 biased judgment. 
 
 HAMLIN A. STURTEVANT. 
 
 Hamlin A. Sturtevant, whose recent death on the 7th of February, 190S, 
 removed from Whiteside county one whom the community could ill affo.d 
 to lose, was one of the popular and best known citizens of Prophetstown, 
 respected and honored by all who knew him and most by those who knew 
 him best. He was born in Peacham, Vermont, October 1, 1839, and came 
 of German and Scotch extraction. His paternal grandfather became a resi- 
 dent of this county and died at the home of his son, Josiah Sturtevant, in 
 Coloma township, at the age of ninety-three years. Both he and his son 
 Josiah were farmers. The latter was born in New Hampshire, June 16, 1804, 
 and was reared and educated in the east. He wedded Mary Ann Robbing 
 who was born in Vermont and in 1843 they removed westward to Illinois, 
 settling first in Sterling. They afterward took up their abode at Como, where 
 they remained for two years, at the end of which time the father purchased 
 a farm in Coloma township, where for many years he successfully carried 
 on general agricultural pursuits, there making his home until 1893, when he 
 removed to Rock Falls. Two years later, on the 4th of October, 1895, his 
 death there occurred as the result x>f a fall which occasioned a broken hip. 
 His wife had died on the home farm in Coloma township when about sixty- 
 five years of age. Their family numbered seventeen children, including 
 three pairs of twins. Eleven of the children grew to years of maturity and 
 five are yet living, namely : Jonas, who resides in 'Caloma township ; Charles. 
 a resident of Lyndon ; Emma and Eva, twins, the former now the wife of 
 V. S. Gibson; and Mrs. Adeline Andrews, residing in Sterling. 
 
 Hamlin A. Sturtevant was only four years of age when the family 
 removed from Vermont to Illinois. He accompanied them on their different 
 removals, being practically reared upon the home farm in Coloma township, 
 where he was early trained to habits of industry and economy, thus laying 
 the foundation for his success in later life. On attaining his majority he
 
 LIBRARY 
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 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 467 
 
 took up his abode in Sterling, where he engaged in buying and shipping 
 cattle and hogs, remaining in that city for about seven years. He continued 
 in the same line of business to the time of his demise and during the war he 
 also bought and shipped horses for the government, being associated with 
 James A. Pattison, of Sterling, a, pioneer in the business and the only stock 
 man in Sterling at that day. In his business interests Mr. Sturtevant dis- 
 played marked enterprise and keen sagacity. In connection with his brother 
 Newton he purchased five hundred acres of land in Coloma township, the 
 brother conducting the farm while Hamlin A. Sturtevant traveled over the 
 country buying stock. About forty years ago he took up his abode in 
 Prophetetown, where he made his home until called to his final rest, being 
 connected with agricultural and stock-raising interests throughout the entire 
 period. As he saw opportunity for judicious investment he added to his 
 possessions until he owned over two thousand acres and also gave four hun- 
 dred acres to his son Burt. They were associated in the stock business, con- 
 stituting one of the strong firms of the county. They shipped over fifty 
 carloads of cattle in 1907, which they fed, and between July, 1907, and 
 January, 1908, placed upon the market more than five hundred head of 
 cattle which they fed. The extent of the business is more than double that 
 of any other shippers of the county and the business was developed through 
 the enterprise and unwearied industry of Mr. Sturtevant, who for many years 
 figured as a most prominent and prosperous stock man of this part of the 
 state. He carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook, 
 allowing no obstacles to bar his path if they could be overcome by determined 
 and honorable effort. He was also one of the organizers of and for two years 
 a director in the Farmers National Bank of Prophetstown. "He had a fine 
 home and four acres of land in the western part of the village, purchasing 
 this place ten years ago and residing upon it until the time of his death. 
 
 In 1869 Mr. Sturtevant was married to Miss Julia Annis, who was born 
 in Prophetstown, November 2, 1849, and died January 19, 1899, leaving a 
 son, Burt A. He also reared the daughter of his wife's sister, Annie Keene, 
 who is now the wife of Paul June, of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1.901 
 Mr. Sturtevant was again married, his second union being with Mi?s Jennie 
 Cleveland, a native of Tampico township and a daughter of Cyrus and Mary 
 Cleveland, of Prophetstown. They were married at Raton, New Mexico, 
 where Mrs. Sturtevant was sojourning for her health. There is one child of 
 the second marriage, Aubrey C., born March 17, 1903. 
 
 In politics Mr. Sturtevant was a life-long democrat and a personal friend 
 of Hon. William J. Bryan. He held a number of the local offices, but while 
 undoubtedly he was not without that ambition which is so powerful and 
 useful as an incentive to activity in public affairs, he regarded the pursuits 
 of private life as being in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts. 
 He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was master of the lodge of 
 Prophetstown for twenty-two consecutive years, a fact which stands as incon- 
 trovertible proof of his popularity with his brethren of the craft. He also 
 belonged to the Royal Arch Chapter of Prophetstown and was a member of 
 the Knight Templar Commandery at Sterling. Without invidious distinc-
 
 468 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 tion he may be termed one of Prophetstown's most prominent and valued 
 citizens. In manner he was social and genial and his circle of friends was 
 very extensive. In his business career there was much that is worthy of 
 admiration and emulation. He always followed strictly honorable business 
 principles and it was through close application, well directed energy and 
 unfaltering perseverance that he gained success. His labors, too, contributed 
 in no small degree to the expansion and material growth of the county, while 
 he himself derived substantial benefits therefrom. 
 
 EDWARD S. HOOVER. 
 
 Edward S. Hoover, editor of the Gazette of Sterling, his native city, was 
 born October 1, 1863. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Hoover, was a native 
 of Pennsylvania and a descendant of one of that party of German Mennon- 
 ites who were picked up by William Penn in London and brought to this 
 country in 1717, colonizing Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The original 
 head of the family was Hans Hoover, a devout Mennonite, and the family 
 continued in that religious faith until the time of Samuel Hoover, who drifted 
 into Methodism and became an exhorter of that church. Samuel Hoover was 
 also a soldier of the war of 1812, but his ancestors, in accordance with their 
 religious faith and teachings, were non-combatants. His wife was Elizabeth 
 Sprecher, and both died when well advanced in years, their graves being made 
 in Sterling cemetery. They had become early settlers of Whiteside county 
 and had aided in its pioneer development and improvement. Samuel Hoover 
 was quite well-to-do and brought with him to Whiteside county considerable 
 money, which earned for him the sobriquet of "Cash Hoover." Upon him the 
 Methodist church of Sterling depended largely for its financial support, and 
 he gave and loaned considerable money to the Methodist society. 
 
 His son, George S. Hoover, born in Pennsylvania, came to Sterling in 
 1855, and for a few years carried on merchandising, bat during the greater 
 part of his life followed the occupation of farming, carefully conducting his 
 agricultural interests so that he derived a good income therefrom. He held 
 various township offices, including that of supervisor, and was active and 
 influential in his community. He married Christiana Grafius, who still sur- 
 vives him, the death of Mr. Hoover having occurred September 15, 1903, 
 when he was eighty years of age. Both were consistent members of the Pres- 
 byterian church. Their family numbered four children: Edward S. ; Henry 
 G., a veterinary surgeon of Sterling; Martin G., a resident of Chicago; and 
 Frank W., a farmer of Minburn, Iowa. 
 
 The maternal grandfather of Edward S. Hoover was Jacob Grafius, a 
 native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and of French descent. . His ances- 
 tors were religious refugees, who settled at York, Pennsylvania, and later lived 
 at Huntingdon. All escaped to York at the time of the Utah massacre save 
 one, Rosanna, who was captured and held in captivity until the exchange of 
 the prisoners at Pittsburg during the French and Indian war. Jacob Grafius
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 489 
 
 was a merchant at Martinsburg, Blair county, Pennsylvania, for a number 
 of years. In antebellum days he was a radical abolitionist and became a stal- 
 wart republican when that party was formed to prevent the further extension 
 of slavery. In 1860 he served as a delegate to the republican national conven- 
 tion at Chicago, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. He 
 was a man of considerable culture and was an elder in the Presbyterian church 
 at Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, where father and son served as elders through 
 succeeding generations for a hundred years. Jacob Grafius married Margaret 
 Glazier, and died in Martinsburg, at an advanced age, while his wife passed 
 away in middle life. They were the parents of one son and three daughters. 
 
 Edward S. Hoover is a direct descendant of Hans Hoover. In his boy- 
 hood days he attended the public schools and lived upon a farm, where his 
 lime and attention were given to the work of field and meadow. He, how- 
 over, early developed a taste for books and newspaper work, and thinking to 
 find other pursuits more congenial than farming he became a newspaper 
 reporter, being connected at different times with papers in Rockford, Belvi- 
 dere and Sterling. In 1904 he became editor of the Sterling Gazette, a repub- 
 lican paper published daily. It is the oldest journal in the city of Sterling, 
 having been established in 1855 and it has the largest circulation of any news- 
 paper in the thirty-fifth congressional district. It likewise has an extensive 
 advertising patronage and the business is a profitable one. Its newspaper 
 editorials are attractive by reason of their clear and concise statement of facts 
 and discussion of issues. The paper in its mechanical construction is neat 
 and pleasing, and its extensive patronage is well merited. 
 
 On the 3d of September, 1903, Mr. Hoover was married to Miss 
 Jane Ruth Parker, a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Spies) Par- 
 ker. They have one daughter, Christiana. Mrs. Hoover is a mem- 
 ber of the Congregational church. Politically Mr. Hoover is a stalwart cham- 
 pion of republican principles. With his family he now lives on the old home- 
 stead of his father and grandfather, a property which has long been in pos- 
 session of the family. The name of Hoover has for several decades figured 
 conspicuously in connection with the history of Whiteside county and Edward 
 S. Hoover is carrying forward the work of his father and grandfather in 
 upholding all interests which work for the county's development apd growth. 
 
 JOHN FRANKLIN SEAVEY. 
 
 John Franklin Seavey, who was formerly actively connected with the 
 agricultural life of Whiteside county, is now practically living retired on his 
 valuable property comprising one hundred and- sixty-five acres, situated on 
 section 8, Mount Pleasant township. He is a native son of Illinois, his birth 
 having occurred in Lee county, October 23, 1842. His parents, Jesse and 
 Sarah J. (Norris) Seavey, were both natives of New Hampshire, the former 
 born August 11, 1810, and the latter March 11, 1812. On his removal to 
 the west, Jesse Seavey located first in Whiteside county and worked on the 
 old Jaoobstown mill for Jonathan Ilayncs. Tn 1840 he .settled in Lee county,
 
 470 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 where he was engaged in farming, owning nearly four hundred acres of land. 
 The father, who was familiarly called "Squire" Seavey, passed away Novem- 
 ber 25, 1882, while the wife and mother survived for many years, her death 
 occurring in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 18, 1905, when she had reached the 
 very advanced age of ninety-three years, being at the time of her death the 
 oldest member of the Woman's Relief Corps of the state of Illinois. Her 
 remains were interred in Palmyra cemetery in Lee county. 
 
 The family of this worthy couple numbered nine children, namely: 
 Charles H., a resident of Hoopeston, Illinois, who was a member of the Sixty- 
 ninth Illinois Regiment in the Civil war; Harriet A., the deceased wife of 
 John Stager, of Dixon, her death occurring in California; George E., who 
 passed away in Whiteside county in the year 1905; John F., of this review; 
 Jefferson, who also served in the Civil war as a member of the Seventy-fifth 
 Illinois Regiment, and who is now deceased ; Josephine, who became the wife 
 of Lewis Whipple and passed away more than twenty-five years ago; Abbie 
 M., the wife of Joseph Renchin, a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Sarah J., 
 the wife of John Fornof, former editor of the Streator Free Press and now 
 postmaster of that city, by whom she has six children ; and Luella, who died 
 at the age of seven years. 
 
 John F. Seaver was reared in Lee county and acquired his education in 
 the common schools. During the period of his boyhood and youth he as- 
 sisted his father in the work of the home farm and remained under the 
 parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-five years, when he started 
 out upon an independent business venture, choosing, however, the work to 
 which he had been reared. For one year he followed farming in Carroll 
 county, after which he went to Madison county, Iowa, where he purchased a 
 farm which he operated for a like period. He believed, however, that his 
 native state offered better advantages and accordingly returned to Whiteside 
 county and purchased land in Mount Pleasant township, this constituting a 
 portion of his present home place, which now embraces one hundred and 
 sixty-five acres. He has made many improvements on his place, including good 
 barns and outbuildings, so that he now has a valuable property. Locating on 
 this farm in February, 1870, he was for many years thereafter actively en- 
 gaged in general agricultural pursuits and in later years raised considerable 
 fctock. He is now practically living retired, the actual work of the farm being 
 conducted by a son-in-law, Albert Bills. 
 
 Mr. Seavey served as a member of the Civil war, enlisting in Lee county 
 as a member of Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry. He had twice previ- 
 ously attempted to join the army, but was restrained from doing so on account 
 of his youth. Another important event in his life occurred when in 1867 he 
 was married to Miss Phoebe Dodd, who was born in Ohio, April 1, 1847. Mrs. 
 Seavey was a little maiden of nine years when she acocmpanied her parents, 
 Josephus and Sarah (Rines) Dodd, to this state, and five years later, in 1861. 
 the family home was established in Whiteside county, where the daughter 
 gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Seavey. Their marriage has been blessed 
 with two daughters, but both are now deceased. The elder, Sarah Ann, died 
 in 1870, in infancy. Lillie L., the younger daughter, born in 1874, was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 471 
 
 married in 1894 to Albert Bills, by whom she had one son, John H., now 
 eleven years of age. Mrs. Bills passed away January 1, 1906, at the early age 
 of thirty-one years. Mr. Bills and his son reside with Mr. and Mrs. Seavey 
 and he is managing the farm for Mr. Seavey. 
 
 Mr. Seavey has always given stanch support to the men and measures 
 of the republican party, but has always declined to accept public office, pre- 
 ferring to give his entire time and attention to his private business affairs. 
 Mrs. Seavey is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps at Morrison, to which 
 her daughter also belonged. Mr. Seavey and his estimable wife are highly 
 respected in the community where they have so long made their home and 
 their friends are numbered by the score. 
 
 A. E. PARMENTER. 
 
 A. E. Parmenter is one of the successful merchants of Lyndon, where 
 he is conducting business under the firm style of Parmenter Brothers. He 
 was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, near Reynolds, on the 20th of 
 December, 1853, his parents being John G. and Harriett R. (Waite) Par- 
 menter. They were natives of the east, but in childhood became residents of 
 Rock Island county, being among the pioneer people of that locality. There 
 they were reared and married and made their home for a considerable period, 
 but at length removed to Lyndon, where their remaining days were passed. 
 The father died at the age of sixty-two years,while the mother reached the 
 age of sixty-nine. In their family were four children: George H., now 
 deceased ; Charles ; Mrs. Sophia Brewer, who has also passed away ; and A. E., 
 of this review. 
 
 The last named remained a resident of his native county until January, 
 1880. He was reared on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the 
 duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He is indebted to 
 the public-school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and 
 to his parents for good home influences which made him early recognize the 
 value of integrity and industry in the active affairs of life. In January, 
 1880, removing to Lyndon, he established a general mercantile store in con- 
 nection with his brother-in-law, A. M. Bruner. This association was con- 
 tinued for two years, at the end of which time George H. Parmenter pur- 
 chased Mr. Bruner's interest and the firm of Parmenter Brothers was then 
 organized. They continued together in business until three years ago, when 
 George H. Parmenter died, since which time A. E. Parmenter has been alone 
 in business, although he continues under the old firm style. While upon the 
 farm he not only tilled the soil but also became connected with live-stock 
 interests and is now engaged in buying and selling live stock with Echel- 
 barger Brothers. He has been connected with this line of business during 
 almost the entire period of his residence in Lyndon and has derived a good 
 income from it, as well as from his mercantile interests. The store is well 
 stocked with a large line of goods, for which he finds a ready sale, owing to 
 his reasonable prices and honorable methods.
 
 472 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 In 1883 Mr. Parmenter was married to Miss Mattie A. Smith, a daughter 
 of Jabez and Adaline Smith. The father is now deceased, while the mother 
 resides with Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter. Three children have been added to 
 this family: Sophia, Harriet and Elbert, all of whom were born in Lyndon 
 and are yet under the parental roof. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Parmenter has ever been a stalwart republican 
 since he first went to the polls and deposited the ballot to which his age gave 
 him right. He became supervisor of Lyndon township in 1897 and has 
 served continuously since, being, six times chosen to the office. His capability 
 is indicated in his frequent election and in the discharge of his duties he 
 displays a public spirit which is most commendable. He has been a member 
 of the Modern Woodman camp for the past twenty years and for ten years 
 has been affiliated with the Mystic Workers of Lyndon. His religious faith 
 is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church in the 
 work of which he is actively interested and for the past twelve years he has 
 served as one of the church trustees. The village finds in him a stalwart 
 supporter of all her progressive interests and while devoted to the public wel- 
 fare he is also deriving substantial benefit from his private business interests. 
 
 EDMUND JACKSON. 
 
 Edmund Jackson, widely known in fraternal circles, is numbered among 
 (hose whose executive ability and powers of organization have had direct 
 bearing upon the growth and upbuilding of fraternal interests, not only in 
 the place of his residence but throughout the country. He is today supreme 
 secretary of the Mystic Workers of the World and in this connection his 
 acquaintance is a very wide one. He is also associated with other organiza- 
 tions based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness and his thor- 
 ough sympathy with their object makes him an affective working force for 
 their growth. 
 
 Mr, Jackson is a native of the state of New York, his birth having 
 occurred in Greenbush, now Rensselaer, May 3, 1853. His parents were 
 Edmund and Ann (Adams) Jackson, the former born in Staffordshire, 
 August 26, 1820, and the latter in Herefordshire, England, August 28, 1823. 
 Through the period of their youth they remained residents of their native 
 land and were there married August 22, 1841. Five children had been added 
 to the family circle ere they left England for the new world, the father hoping 
 to find better opportunities for providing for his family in the lines of both 
 financial and intellectual development. Accordingly, he crossed the Atlantic 
 in March, 1851, and after establishing a temporary home at Greenbush, New 
 York, sent for his family and in August of that year was joined by his wife 
 and children. Two years were passed in the Empire state and then again 
 the family started westward, this time with Illinois as their destination. 
 Favorable reports had reached them concerning conditions in this state, where 
 land sold at a low figure and homes might therefore be secured easily. Mr.
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF TH 
 
 jTTV Qf ['JJ.MC
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 475 
 
 Jackson located in Kankakee county and purchased a farm near Manteno, 
 where he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. As the 
 years passed he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and con- 
 ducted his farm in accordance with the most progressive ideas of modern 
 agriculture. He won success as the years passed and with a comfortable 
 competence he retired from active life, establishing his home in the village 
 of Manteno, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. They had 
 traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-six years ere they wers 
 separated by the hand of death, Mrs. Jackson dying in 1902. Mr. Jackson 
 survived for three years and passed away in 1905. Plis study of the political 
 situation of this country and the issues before the people led him to give 
 loyal support to the republican party, for he believed its platform most con- 
 ducive to good government. His religious faith was that of the Episcopalian 
 church. Unto him and his wife were born nine children: Joseph, who fol- 
 lows farming near Wolcott, Indiana; Thomas, who is engaged in the grain 
 and stock business in Wolcott; Stephen, deceased; David, a traveling sales- 
 man located at Oakland, California; Lucy M., of Manteno, Illinois; Edmund; 
 William W., who occupies the family homestead in Kankakee county ; An- 
 drew, who has departed this life; and George W., who owns and conducts a 
 store in Manteno. 
 
 In his infancy Edmund Jackson was brought by his parents to Illinois 
 and the usual experiences of the farm boy were his during his youthful days. 
 He pursued his education in the public schools of Manteno township to the 
 age of eighteen years, when he began teaching, devoting the succeeding five 
 years to that profession in Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. Turning his atten- 
 tion to commercial pursuits, he conducted a store for two and a half years in 
 Searsboro, Iowa. He then removed his stock to What Cheer, Iowa, where 
 he carried on business successfully until the fall of 1881. On withdrawing 
 from commercial lines he established a real-estate and insurance office at 
 What Cheer, where he continued in that business for nine years. He next 
 entered the field of banking, as president of the First National Bank of What 
 Cheer, remaining at the head of the institution for three and a half years. 
 Disposing of his stock in the bank, in March, 1894, he removed to Fulton 
 and again opened a real-estate and insurance office. In the meantime, how- 
 ever, he was giving considerable attention to mutual benevolent and fraternal 
 organizations, realizing the possibilities for general benefit in these lines. In 
 the spring of 1895, therefore, he became interested with Dr. Clendennen in 
 the organization of the Mystic Workers of the World and from that time 
 forward has given his undivided attention to the interests of the organization, 
 which has made substantial growth until it now has a large membership. 
 He is supreme secretary and his executive force, keen discrimination and 
 capable management have been strong elements in the successful control and 
 development of this society. Since 1900 he has also become a member of the 
 Modern Brotherhood of America, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the 
 American Stars of Equity, the Fraternal Tribunes, the Home Guard of 
 America, the Woodmen's Modern Protective Association, and the National 
 Protective Legion, all of which have strongly pronounced benevolent and
 
 478 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 fraternal features. He is likewise affiliated with the Masonic order and has 
 attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in Freeport Consistory. 
 Of Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., he is a past master, and of 
 Fulton Chapter, No. 108, R. A. M., is a past high priest. He is likewise past 
 patron of Merton Chapter, No. 356, 0. E. S., and in 1902 was elected grand 
 patron of the grand chapter of the Eastern Star of the state of Illinois. He 
 belongs to Holy Cross Commandery, No. 10, K. T., of Iowa and Kaaba 
 Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His membership relations also 
 extend to other orders, including Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 148, I. 0. 
 O. F., of which he is a past grand, and Sylvia Lodge, No. 112, K. P., of 
 Iowa. In all of these orders he has taken a more or less active part and is 
 in thorough sympathy with their principles, for they are based upon mutual 
 helpfulness and brotherly kindness. Since 1900 he has continued in the 
 position of supreme secretary of the Mystic Workers of the World and in 
 1904 was elected a member of the state board of equalization for the thir- 
 teenth congressional district. In March, 1901, he was elected secretary and 
 treasurer of the Associated Fraternities of America, serving until 1903, when 
 he was elected president and filled the position for one term, there being a 
 rule in the organization against re-election to that office. 
 
 Mr. Jackson was married on the 21st of March, 1877, to Miss Emma 
 G. Bennett, of Eureka, Kansas, who was born near Xenia, Ohio, the daughter 
 of Ralph and Rebecca (Hamilton) Bennett. They have one daughter, Una 
 G., who is now the wife of E. Leroy Meade, of Oklahoma. 
 
 Mr. Jackson in his political views is a republican, having been associated 
 with the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has 
 filled the office of justice of the peace in different places where he has resided 
 and his decisions have ever been strictly fair and impartial. While residing 
 in What Cheer he served as a member of the school board and was mayor of 
 the city for one term, his service indicating clearly his fidelity to duty and 
 his loyalty to the interests of the municipality. In 1906 he was elected police 
 magistrate of Fulton. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the 
 slightest degree and he is widely recognized as a man of broad humanitarian 
 principles and views, who recognizes individual obligation and responsibility 
 and who works for that spirit among his fellowmen that prompts mutual 
 helpfulness and kindliness. He is himself a worthy exemplar of the orders 
 which have such qualities as their basic element, and in his official relations 
 with different societies he has become very widely and favorably known. 
 
 LEOPOLD STOECKLE. 
 
 Leopold Stoeckle, now deceased, was born in Baden, Germany. Novem- 
 ber 11, 1832, and of that country his parents, Ludwig and Eliza Stoeckle, 
 were also natives. Their family numbered eight children, six sons and two 
 daughters, but all are probably now deceased. The father was a stone-cutter 
 by trade and came to America in 1845, settling first at. Cleveland. Ohio. He
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 477 
 
 afterward removed to Chicago, where he lived for several years and there the 
 death of his wife occurred. He next returned to Cleveland, .where he spent 
 his remaining days with several of his children, being more than seventy 
 years of age at the time of his demise. 
 
 Leopold Stoeckle was only thirteen years of age when he made the long 
 voyage across the Atlantic with his parents. He had begun his education in 
 the schools of Germany. His later youth was passed in Chicago and he 
 learned and followed the barber's trade there. As a companion and helpmate 
 for life's journey he chose Miss Katherine Bergman; whom he married on 
 the 5th of January, 1852. She is a daughter of Johan August and Katherine 
 (Stefjan) Bergman. Her father was a carpenter and builder, who followed 
 his trade in Chicago after his emigration with his family to the new world. 
 There he continued to reside until his death. His wife survived him for 
 about ten years and died in 1877, at the age of fifty-five years. They were the 
 parents of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, which number in- 
 cluded Mrs. Stoeckle, who came to America with her parents in 1845. She 
 was then a young lady of about fourteen years, having been born in Prussia, 
 Germany, February 15, 1831. She grew to womanhood in Chicago and was 
 there married to Leopold Stoeckle. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stoeckle were born thirteen children, ten sons and 
 three daughters, as follows: John Lee, who was born November 26, 1852, 
 wedded Maria Sheppard, and his death occurred October 8, 1903. Rosa and 
 Katie, twins, born December 15, 1853, are deceased. Emil Albert, who was 
 born April 5, 1855, wedded Alice O'Dair and makes his home in Sterling. 
 James, who was born November 27, 1856, died in infancy. Mary Ann, who 
 was born February 11, 1858, is the wife of William Perkins, their home being 
 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has one son, Walter. Eugene, the next 
 member of the family, was born December 14, 1859, and died in infancy. 
 Edward Eugene, who was born December 17, 1860, is a barber in Stafford, 
 Kansas. He wedded Miss Bess Gilbert, by whom he has two daughters, Pearl 
 and Jeannette. Walter Julian, who was born October 2, 1862, is a mail 
 carrier in Sterling. He wedded Mary Baer, by whom he has three children, 
 Leopold Walter, Fern J. and F. Louis. Julius, who was born January 5, 
 1865, died in infancy. William was born October 24, 1866, and died in 
 1868 at the age of nineteen months. William August, who was born October 
 6, 1868, is employed in the Dillon-Griswold wire mill at Sterling. He wedded 
 Ilattie Schmoeger, by whom he has three children, Arthur Adam, George 
 William and Katharine. George Ludolph, who was born October 10, 1871, 
 was drowned when he had almost reached the age of sixteen year*. 
 
 Leopold Stoeckle arrived in Sterling in 1859, when a young man of 
 twenty-seven years. Here he followed the barber's trade until his death, 
 which occurred June 1, 1881. He was an excellent workman and his genial, 
 cordial disposition and unfailing courtesy made him popular with the gen- 
 oral public and gained him many patrons. He was a prominent Mason and 
 Odd Fellow. At the time of the Civil war he was most loyal to the interests 
 of the Union and helped to recruit soldiers for the northern army. No native- 
 born son of America was more devoted to the interests of his community than
 
 478 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 was Leopold Stoeckle to the welfare of his adopted county, and his many 
 friends and acquaintances esteemed him as a gentleman of genuine worth. 
 Mrs. Stoeckle still survives her husband and has a beautiful home which 
 she built in 1892. She also owns a brick business block at No. 1 East Third 
 street, now occupied by Martin Brothers, and also the business block now 
 occupied by the E. & W. clothing house, together with several good residence 
 properties in the city. She has lived in Sterling for forty-eight years and 
 since her husband's death 'has shown excellent business traits in the care of 
 her financial and invested interests. Moreover, she is a lady of intelligence 
 and refinement and a model wife and mother. 
 
 HON. CALEB C. JOHNSON. 
 
 Hon. Caleb C. Johnson, closely associated with the legal and political 
 history of Sterling and Whiteside county, his course reflecting credit upon 
 the district which knows him as a progressive, public-spirited and honored 
 citizen, was born May 23, 1844, in one of the pioneer log houses of the town- 
 ship of Ustick, about four miles northeast of Fulton. 
 
 His paternal grandfather, John Johnson, was born in England and came 
 to this country with his two brothers, Elias and - . The two brothers 
 
 both went south and all trace of them has been lost. John Johnson married 
 first, Sarah Conke, a native of Holland, and had six children: Sarah, Per- 
 melia, Abigail, Betsy, Jesse and Elias. He married, second, Rebecka Os- 
 trander, by whom he had one boy, John. He practiced law in Troy, New 
 York, and won a reputation as a noted criminal lawyer, being a man of 
 marked eloquence and oratorical power. He served his country as a soldier 
 in the Revolutionary war and lived to a ripe old age. 
 
 His son, Jesse Johnson, father of our subject, was born in Troy, New 
 York, April 2, 1798, and when a small child lost his mother. His father 
 having married again, he left home at the early age of twelve, and never 
 again saw any of his people. He sailed on the lakes for some time and then 
 returned to Lewis county, New York, settling near Lowville, where he met 
 and married Miss Mary Webb, of West Hadley, New York, she being a 
 daughter of Charles and Mary (Gilbert) Webb, both natives of the Empire 
 state. Her mother lived tot be ninety-seven years of age. 
 
 Following his marriage, which took place in the. year 1822, Jesse John- 
 son engaged in farming and in clearing land. About 1835 he removed with 
 his family to Indiana, settling at Mishawaka, near South Bend, where a con- 
 tract to dig a mill race was let to him. He was engaged as a contractor there 
 for about two years. In 1838 he came to Whiteside county, Illinois, his 
 objective point being Plainville. But he learned that a man by- the name of 
 Wing, who owed him a thousand dollars, was at Fulton. He therefore made 
 his way to Fulton, and in the course of time effected a settlement, accepting 
 pay principally in town lots. He was there just before the land came into 
 market and made a claim of three hundred and twenty acres, which he
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SITY OF I
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 481 
 
 entered and improved, continuing the cultivation and development of that 
 property until 1853. There was a great deal of stone in the bluffs and with 
 some of this he built a -fine house. He had one of the most beautiful farms 
 for stock to be found anywhere. 
 
 In 1853, however, he left the farm and moved to Fulton, purchasing 
 the ferry franchise across the Mississippi river, and, in company with his 
 son-in-law, William Knight, putting on the first steam ferry that was ever 
 operated on the Mississippi north of St. Louis. The boat was a nice side- 
 wheeler called the "Sarah," named after his daughter, Sarah, the wife of Wil- 
 liam Knight, and was built for Mr. Johnson at the large steamboat yards at 
 New Albany, Indiana. He brought her down the Ohio to Cairo and thence up 
 the Mississippi to Fulton. After operating the ferry for two or three years, 
 he invested his means in town lots, which rose continuously in value until 
 Clinton was made the division town on the railroad. 
 
 Mr. Johnson resided in Fulton until his death, which occurred October 
 12, 1876. His widow died April 18, 1879. He was the father of twelve chil- 
 dren, all of whom reached maturity with the exception of Cornelia P., who 
 died in infancy. Five of the children are now living. Cornelia P. (second) 
 is the widow of Richard Green, of Fulton, and is now living there; Hen- 
 rietta, the widow of Charles A. Davidson, is now living in Kansas City, 
 Missouri ; Eliza N., the widow of Samuel Dennison, is also living in Kansas 
 City, Missouri; Anna M., the widow of William Reed of Fulton, is now living 
 with her son, George, in Louisiana; and Caleb C. 
 
 One son, Charles J. Johnson, went to Morrison, Illinois, about 1856, and 
 practiced law there for a number of years, after which he went to Rock 
 Island and later to Chicago, but eventually returned to Whiteside county and 
 located in Sterling, where he formed a partnership with his brother, Caleb 
 C., and continued in the practice of law until he had attained an advanced 
 age. He died at the home of his sister, Mary Ware, near Fulton, in July, 
 1899. At one time he was judge of the county court of Whiteside county 
 and was long regarded as a most powerful and eminent attorney. 
 
 Another son, Edward L. Johnson, served throughout the Civil war, 
 enlisting in the First Nebraska Infantry as a private, but died before he 
 reached home, while his regiment was at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 
 
 Cornelia P. (second) and Harriet married brothers, Richard and Wil- 
 liam C. Green, respectively, both prominent residents of Fulton. 
 
 Caleb C. Johnson was reared in this county, spending the first eight 
 years of his life on the home farm and then accompanying his parents on 
 their removal to Fulton. He was educated in the common schools and at 
 the Military Academy at Fulton, and entered from there into the life of the 
 volunteer soldier, enlisting as a member of Company C, Sixty-ninth Illinois 
 Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth Illinois Infantry, and served until the end of the war. The regi- 
 ment was principally engaged in guarding railroads and was badly cut to 
 pieces by guerrillas. 
 
 His military service ended, Mr. Johnson returned to Fulton, and in 
 1866 went to Morrison, Illinois, where he began reading law in his brother's
 
 482 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 office. In 1867 he was admitted to the bar. In 1868 he accepted a position 
 as clerk on one of the large boats belonging to the Diamond Joe line and 
 found this a very delightful occupation. But, in March, 1869, he came to 
 Sterling, where he entered into partnership with Major Mile? S. Henry. 
 They opened a law office in the building where Mr. Johnson is now located 
 and remained together until Mr. Henry's death in 1878. He was then 
 joined by his brother in a partnership under the firm style of C. J. & C. C. 
 Johnson, continuing together until 1893, at which time he went to North 
 Dakota, having been appointed receiver of a national bank at Jamestown, 
 North Dakota, by James H. Eckels, comptroller of the currency. In 1896, 
 after settling up the affairs of the bank, he returned to Sterling and again 
 became actively engaged in the practice of law. 
 
 His name is familiar to all those who are at all acquainted with the 
 legal history of Whiteside county.' He has been retained by either the de- 
 fense or the prosecution in a great many of the important cases tried in the 
 courts of the district. He never fails to prepare his cases thoroughly for 
 trial, and the presentation of them indicates a mind trained in the severest 
 school of investigation, and to which close reasoning has become habitual 
 and easy. His deductions follow in logical sequence, and his marked ability 
 is demonstrated by the many notable forensic victories he has won. 
 
 On the 15th of August, 1871, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Jo- 
 sephine E. Worthington, a daughter of Eliphalet Bulkeley Worthington, 
 long deputy clerk of Whiteside county circuit court, and Sarah (McShane) 
 Worthington. They have one son, Jesse W., a graduate of the University of 
 Wisconsin. He is now reading law in his father's office, having spent two 
 years in the graduate Law School of the University of Chicago. He married 
 Miss Jessie L. Sharpe, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and they have one son, Wil- 
 liam S. 
 
 Caleb C. Johnson is an exemplary member of Rock River Lodge, No. 
 612, A. F. & A. M. ; Sterling Chapter/No. 57, R. A. M., and Sterling Com- 
 mandery, No. 57, K. T., of which he was the first eminent commander, serv- 
 ing for two and one-half years. And he was also an officer in the grand com- 
 mandery of Illinois. 
 
 Politically, he is a democrat and has been honored by a number of 
 official positions. At one time he served on the board of supervisors and 
 was a member of the building committee that had in charge the erection of 
 the clerk's office at Morrison. He served as city attorney for a number of 
 terms, first in 1869. In 1885 he was elected to the Illinois legislature and 
 re-elected for the sessions of 1887, 1893, 1897 and of 1903, he being at that 
 time the nestor of house democrats. He also served in one or two special 
 sessions. He was at every session a leader, taking an active part in the pro- 
 ceedings at all times. His complete knowledge of parliamentary law and 
 usages, together with his natural ability as a political tactician and party 
 leader, won for him in the session of 1893 the position of temporary speaker 
 and organizer of the house, and afterward the chairmanship of some of the 
 most important committees in the house. Under Cleveland's first adminis-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 483 
 
 tration Mr. Johnson was deputy collector of internal revenue, and in 1888 
 he was a delegate to the democratic national convention at St. Louis. 
 
 At present Mr. Johnson is out of politics, devoting himself entirely to 
 his law practice, but performing faithfully the duties and demands made 
 upon him incident to good citizenship. He is a member of the Wallace 
 school board, president of the library board and a trustee of the Illinois 
 Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Quincy. A few years ago he was associated 
 with C. L. Sheldon in an attempt to induce the government to change the 
 proposed line of the feeder for the Hennepin canal so that it would join Rock 
 river at Sterling instead of at Dixon. These two gentlemen were sent to 
 Washington for this purpose and succeeded in their mission, and Sterling is 
 today consequently entering upon an industrial era of great promise. 
 
 Mr. Johnson has always been a close student of those questions which 
 are to the statesman and to the man of practical affairs of deep interest. His 
 labors and efforts have been an essential factor in promoting the best inter- 
 ests of Sterling and Whiteside county and have borne fruit, not only in 
 legislative halls but through the wider contact and friendship with men of 
 the state. 
 
 JOHN M. GOLTMAN. 
 
 John M. Goltman, who has earned the right to live retired, having 
 for many years been a factor in Whiteside county's business activities now 
 makes his home in Sterling. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, September 6, 1833. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war a scout during the operations near Wyoming, Penn- 
 sylvania, and a sharpshooter. He lost his wife when comparatively young, 
 while he lived to an old age. 
 
 Their children included Thomas Goltman, a native of the Keystone 
 state, who became a mechanic, 'building wagons, plows, and doing other me- 
 chanical work. The broad west with its limitltss advantages and opportunities 
 attracted him and about 1844 he arrived in Illinois, while in 1848 he took 
 up his abode near Mount Carroll, in Carroll county, where he engaged in 
 farming. He had wedded Mary Beck, also a native of Pennsylvania and a 
 daughter of George and Mary (Brenner) Beck, who were natives of Penn- 
 slyvania. The father was of Holland descent and was a carpenter by trade. 
 The mother reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years. Her father 
 was a wagonmaster in Washington's army in the Revolutionary war. The 
 ancestral history of John M. Goltman thus entitles him to membership 
 with the Sons of the American Revolution. Following the removal of his 
 parents to Illinois the father continued farming in Carroll county until the 
 health of his wife necessitated their return to Franklin county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, where the death of Mrs. Goltman occurred in 1856 when she was 
 fifty-five years of age. The husband and father survived for only two years, 
 passing away in 1858. Both were members of the Reformed church. They
 
 484 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 had a large family of thirteen children, nine of whom reached adult age, 
 while three are yet living: John M. ; Sarah, the widow of Thomas Buck; 
 and Benjamin, who is living near Center Point in the vicinity of Cedar 
 Rapids, Iowa. 
 
 John M. Goltman remained a resident of his native county until fifteen 
 years of age and was reared to farm life. He attended the district schools 
 and later continued his studies in the Covenanter Academy in Franklin 
 county. When fifteen years of age he came to the west but because of his 
 mother's ill health returned to Pennsylvania. When in his twenty-second 
 year he began reading law in the office of Judge Nill at Chambersburg, Penn- 
 sylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1858. Soon after he was married 
 and in 1860 he came again to Illinois, settling in Carroll county, where he 
 lived until 1861, when he came to Whiteside county. For four years he 
 followed farming in Genesee township and then took up his abode in Ster- 
 ling, since which time he has been a resident of Sterling and Rock Falls, 
 while through his active business career he continued a member of the bar 
 and was accorded a good clientage. 
 
 On the 8th of March, 1860, Mr. Goltman was married to Miss Susan 
 Keefer, a daughter of John and Maria (Grove) Keefer, who were natives of 
 Pennsylvania. The father was a son of Jacob and Barbara (Burkholder) 
 Keefer, the former a farmer by occupation. The wife died when about 
 forty years of age and Jacob Keefer afterward married Mrs. Anna Funk, 
 while his death occurred when he was seventy-six years of age. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather of Mrs. Goltman was George Grove, who was likewise 
 born in the Keystone state and engaged in the tilling of the soil as a life 
 work. He wedded Catharine Knoftzker and died at the age of sixty-eight 
 years, while his wife died at the age of sixty-seven years. They had a fam- 
 ily of eight children. 
 
 John Keefer, father of Mrs. Goltman, was born in Pennsylvania and 
 was twice married. He first wedded Hannah Price and they had four chil- 
 dren, all of whom reached adult age but only one is now living John P. 
 Keefer, who resides at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. After the death of his 
 first wife he wedded Maria Grove. He followed farming throughout his en- 
 tire life and died near Marion, Pennsylvania, in 1863. His widow still sur- 
 vives and is living in Sterling in her eighty-ninth year. They had a fam- 
 ily of eleven children, of whom the following are living: Mrs. Goltman; 
 George G. Keefer, of Sterling; Jacob F., who resides near Marshalltown, 
 Iowa; Samuel S., of Muskegon, Michigan; Emma C., the wife of Benjamin 
 Goltman, who makes her home near Center Point, Iowa; Anna M., who is 
 the widow of William Manahan and resides in Sterling; David M., living in 
 Marshalltown, Iowa; and Christian A., of Chicago. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goltman have been born four sons and a daughter: 
 Thomas Winchester, who married Jessie Rutland and is living in Los 
 Angeles, California; John Keefer, who wedded Agnes Jackson and is a trav- 
 eling salesman residing in Clinton, Iowa; Clarence Edward, who is general 
 buyer and foreman of the John Harpham harness factory of Sterling and 
 who married Elizabeth Williams, by whom he has three children, Susan E.,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 485 
 
 Ruth J. and John T. ; Anna Grace; and Harry Herbert, who is a civil 
 engineer and is now superintending bridge building and dredging in north- 
 ern Iowa. He was a member of Company I, Seventh Cavalry Regiment in 
 the Spanish-American war. 
 
 The parents are members of the Baptist church and are prominent 
 socially, their hospitable home at No. 412 Third avenue being a favorite 
 resort with their many friends. Politically Mr. Goltman is a democrat and 
 for twenty years served as police magistrate of Sterling and for four years 
 as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, while 
 his capablity is indicated by his long retention in office. He is now living 
 retired at the age of seventy-five years, and a well spent life has gained him 
 the uniform regard of those who know him. 
 
 STACY B. DIMOND, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Stacy B. Dimond, the leading physician and druggist of Albany, 
 with a large and profitable business in both lines of undertaking, was born 
 near Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, January 5, 1864. His parents were 
 Josiah and Fanny (Lytle) Dimond, the former a native of Canada and the 
 latter of New Jersey, but lived in Canada a few years. They were married in 
 Illinois, becoming pioneer settlers of Boone county. The Dimond family had 
 removed from Canada across the country with teams, Richard Dimond, the 
 grandfather, bringing his family in this way, while his son, Josiah Dimond, 
 rode a horse all the way. While en route they passed through Chicago, which 
 was then a very small place, giving little promise of the almost phenomenal 
 growth which was to make the city one of the wonders of the world of the 
 nineteenth century. Indians were still quite numerous in this state and many 
 evidences of pioneer life were seen, indicating that the seeds of civilization 
 had scarcely been planted. Josiah Dimond became a farmer and was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead in Boone county. He was 
 one of a family of two sons and three daughters and like the others of the 
 household pursued his education in the district schools. His brother, Stephen 
 Dimond, at the time of the Civil war enlisted as a defender of the Union 
 cause and served for three years and six months with official rank. About 
 the time of the close of hostilities between the north and south Josiah Dimond 
 removed to Iowa, settling there in the spring of 1865. He purchased an im- 
 proved farm in Delaware county, where he made his home for thirty years 
 and was one of the prominent and valued agriculturists of the community. 
 For a long period he filled the office of school commissioner and advocated all 
 progressive measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the community. In 
 1903 he retired from active farm life and located at Earlville, Iowa, where 
 he still resides, but in 1901 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. 
 Their family numbered six children, who reached years of maturity: Richard, 
 who is now living in Lincoln, Nebraska; Gertrude, the wife of W. S. Mid- 
 land, of Hartley, Iowa; Stacy B. ; Emma J.; Fannie; and Josiah, a drug- 
 gist of Altoona, Iowa.
 
 486 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Dr. Dimond acquired his literary education in the schools of Earlville, 
 completing the high-school course by graduation. Consideration of the vari- 
 ous avenues of life open to young men led him to the determination to enter 
 the field of 'medical practice and to this end, at the age of twenty-two years, 
 he became a student in the medical department of the State University at 
 Iowa City, where he was graduated in 1889. Immediately following his gradu- 
 ation he located at Albany, where he has since been successfully engaged in 
 the practice of his profession, having now a liberal patronage. He is today 
 one of the best known physicians in the county and his success is due in large 
 measure to the fact that he has kept in close touch with the progress made by 
 the medical fraternity and is thoroughly up to date in all of his methods of 
 practice. He owns and conducts the only drug store in Albany, having been 
 its proprietor since 1894: He is likewise engaged in the banking business. 
 Associated with Cyrus Brinker, Charles E. Peck and Harvey Senior, he organ- 
 ized the First National Bank of Albany, of which he was elected president. 
 He has thus been closely associated with the financial interests of the county 
 and his efforts have been a factor in the business development of Albany, 
 contributing to general prosperity as well as to individual success. 
 
 In 1891 Dr. Dimond was married to Miss Edith H. Olds, a daughter 
 of Ezekiel and Sarah (Pease) Olds. Her parents were representatives of two 
 of the oldest families of Whiteside county and were among its most promi- 
 nent citizens. Dr. and Mrs. Dimond have but one living child, Dorothy S. 
 In his fraternal relations, Dr. Dimond is a Mason, belonging to Albany 
 Lodge, No. 566, A. F. & A. M. He likewise affiliates with the Knights of 
 Pythias at Albany and in politics is a republican. He has filled several 
 minor offices, but is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. In the 
 line of his profession he is connected with the State Medical and the County 
 Medical Societies, the American Medical Association and the Clinton County 
 Medical Society. He is regarded as one of the most successful and enterpris- 
 ing business men of Whiteside county and as a public-spirited citizen his 
 labors have been a strong element in public progress. He is honored and 
 respected by all who know him for his business success, his professional skill 
 and his personal traits of character, which have won for him warm and last- 
 ing friendships. 
 
 CHARLES FRANKLIN SEIDEL. 
 
 Charles Franklin Seidel, who follows farming on section 11, Hopkins 
 township, was born July 27, 1866, in the same township in which he make? 
 his home. He is descended from German ancestry and in his life exemplifies 
 many of the sterling traits of the Teutonic race. His parents were Charles 
 G. and Mary Ann (Feighner) Seidel, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, 
 respectively. The father came to America in 1844 and established his home 
 in Columbus, Ohio. He was then a youth of fourteen years. He crossed the 
 Atlantic with his parents, Charles and Barbara (Zeiser) Seidel. John Seidel
 
 HISTOKY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 487 
 
 had formerly been a hostler in the king's stables in Germany and later did 
 teaming and staging. After crossing the Atlantic he lived for seven years 
 in Columbus, Ohio, and then removed to Whiteside county with his wife and 
 several of his children, taking up his abode upon a farm in Hopkins town- 
 ship. It was thus that Charles G. Seidel became identified with the agricul- 
 tural interests of Whiteside county. 
 
 Charles F. Seidel, whose name introduces this review, was educated in 
 the common schools of Hopkins township and remained at home until about 
 twenty-five years of age, assisting in the labors of the farm as the work of 
 plowing, planting and harvesting was carried on year by year. He thus 
 received ample and practical training in all departments of farm work and 
 was well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own when he started out in 
 life for himself. 
 
 On the 4th of November, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Charles 
 F. Seidel and Miss Elizabeth Loretta Regan, a daughter of Cornelius and 
 Bridget (Mannion) Regan. Her father came from Ireland to America in 
 1854 and settled in Whiteside county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Seidel have been 
 born six children, Marie, Loretta, Josephine, Francis, Charles and George. 
 
 Mr. Seidel gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was 
 elected to the office of supervisor about nine years ago. He was also tax col- 
 lector for two years previous to his election to the office of supervisor, in 
 which office he has continued to the present time. No higher testimonial of 
 faithful service could be given than his long retention in this position. He 
 has also been school director for several terms and is the present incumbent 
 in the office. His duties are discharged with promptness, accuracy and fidel- 
 ity, and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. He 
 belongs to Emerson Camp, No. 9934, M. W. A., and has many friends both 
 in and out of the order. As a representative agriculturist he is widely known, 
 being now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is 
 under a high state of cultivation. It is improved with a comfortable modern 
 residence and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. His busi- 
 ness interests are capably directed and have brought him gratifying success. 
 He is also popular with his many friends and he holds friendship inviolable. 
 
 THOMAS PFUNDSTEIN. 
 
 Thomas Pfundstein is now living in honorable retirement from labor in 
 a pleasant home at No. 722 Wallace street. He was for many years identified 
 with industrial and manufacturing interests of Sterling, but in the evening of 
 his days is now enjoying well-earned rest. He has passed the seventy-fourth 
 milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Wurtemberg, Ger- 
 many, on the 9th of December, 1833. His parents were Andreas and Mar- 
 garet (Daller) Pfundstein, both of whom were natives of the fatherland, 
 where also lived Thomas Pfundstein, the grandfather, who was a farmer by 
 occupation and died well advanced in years. The maternal grandfather,
 
 488 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Alois Daller, was a school teacher, and both he and his wife, Gressens Daller, 
 lived to advanced years. They had a family of four sons and seven daugh- 
 ters. Andreas Pfundstein was a miller of Germany, where he died about 
 1861 at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife survived him for twenty years 
 and was eighty-seven at the time of her death. Both were communicants of 
 the Catholic faith. Their family numbered five children, but only two are 
 now living, the sister of our subject being Miss Anna Pfundstein, of Dun- 
 ingen, Germany. 
 
 Thomas Pfundstein pursued his education in the schools of his native 
 country and afterward worked upon a farm for three years. He then learned 
 the miller's trade and for twelve years was a soldier in the German army. 
 The favorable reports which he heard concerning the opportunities offered 
 by America led him to seek a home on this side the Atlantic, the year 1886 
 witnessing his arrival. He settled in Sterling, where for nineteen years he 
 worked in the distillery, after which he entered the employ of the Keystone 
 Manufacturing Company, with which he held a good position until his retire- 
 ment from active business life. Careful expenditure in his earlier years now 
 enables him to enjoy a well-earned rest amid the comforts of life. 
 
 On the 15th of August, 1875, Mr. Pfundstein was united in marriage to 
 Miss Augusta Braun, a daughter of Frederick Braun, and they now have five 
 children: Anna, Thomas, Jacob, Emma and Henry, all of whom are yet 
 at home. Thomas and Jacob are machinists employed in Sterling. 
 
 Mr. Pfundstein is a member of the Catholic church, while his wife be- 
 longs to the Lutheran church. They have a wide acquaintance in Sterling, 
 which has now been their home for forty-two years, and Mr. Pfundstein has 
 always been known as a man of industry and reliability, meriting the trust 
 and respect of his fellow townsmen. 
 
 ARTHUR McLANE. 
 
 No history of Erie would be complete without mention of Arthur Mc- 
 Lane, whose name is now on the list of honored dead. He passed away on 
 the 18th of June, 1906, and thus was ended a life of well-directed and hon- 
 orable activity. He was for many years closely associated with the business 
 interests of the town and his labors were of a character that promoted public 
 prosperity while advancing individual success. Wherever known he was 
 esteemed and honored and most of all where he was best known. 
 
 Mr. McLane was born near Richmond in Wayne county, Indiana, May 
 30, 1827, his parents being Jesse and Emily (Neuman) McLane. The 
 father, a native of Pennsylvania, largely spent the days of his boyhood and 
 youth in Virginia and in early life engaged in dealing in horses. In later 
 years, however, he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In 
 the Old Dominion he met and married Miss Neuman, who was a native of 
 that state. They became the parents of ten children, of whom only one is 
 now living, Dr. Jesse N. McLane, of De Funiak Springs, Florida, who is yet
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF THE 
 Y OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNT Y 491 
 
 practicing medicine at the age of eighty-four years. Five of the family lived 
 to be over eighty years of age, while one died some younger and four died in 
 childhood. 
 
 Arthur McLane was reared in the usual manner of farm lads upon the 
 frontier of Indiana, his environments in youth being those which one natur- 
 ally meets in pioneer life. He attended the primitive schools of his neigh- 
 borhood until twenty years of age and in the summer months was busily 
 engaged with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He afterward 
 engaged in teaching school for several winters and was also employed as a 
 clerk. Later he took up carpentering, following the builder's trade during 
 the summer seasons, while in the winter months he continued teaching until 
 his removal westward. 
 
 While still a resident of Indiana, Mr. McLane was married in La Porte, 
 on the 19th of April, 1851, to Miss Emeline Barney, who was born in New 
 York, October 28, 1830, and was a daughter of Ephraim and Ruth Barney. 
 In the year 1854 Mr. McLane removed from Indiana to Whiteside county, 
 Illinois, and made investment in a farm of two hundred acres in Fenton 
 township. After cultivating that property for a year he sold out and pur- 
 chased one hundred acres in Newton township, whereon he made his home 
 until 1859. He then again disposed of his land and next bought a farm of 
 two hundred acres in Fenton township, whereon he engaged in general 
 farming and stock-raising. As the years passed and his financial resources 
 increased he added to his property from time to time until he became the 
 owner of three hundred and three acres, all in one body, and in partnership 
 with James Hubbard owned about two hundred acres. He continued the 
 active management of his farming interests until 1870, when he established 
 his home in Erie and began buying and shipping grain and live stock and 
 also handling coal and building materials. In 1877 he built an elevator with 
 a capacity of twelve thousand bushels. He continued to deal in grain, live 
 .stock, lumber, coal and seeds until about three years prior to his death, when 
 he retired from that field of business. Upon the organization of the First 
 National Bank of Erie he became one of its stockholders, a director and its 
 A'ice president and continued in the office up to the time of his death, when 
 he was succeeded in the directorate by his son Charles. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. McLane was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, 
 who died on the 22d of June, leaving one son, Charles, of Erie, who is a 
 retired capitalist and one of the directors of the First National Bank, deriving 
 his income also from many other invested interests. He married Mrs. Elli I. 
 Rouse, a daughter of James Pratt, who died a year and five months after 
 their marriage. On the 19th of February, 1890, Mr. McLane was again 
 married, his second union being with Miss Mary 0. Middlebrook, who was 
 born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, January 1, 1833. She resided there until 
 after the death of her parents, David and Hettie (Beardsley) Middlebrook, 
 who were natives of Fairfield county, Connecticut. About thirty years ago 
 Mrs. McLane came to Whiteside county, where she has since made her home. 
 
 Mr. McLane was very prominent in community affairs and Erie owed 
 her advancement and improvement in substantial measure to his cooperation
 
 492 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 with movements for the public good. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, 
 becoming a charter member of the lodge at Erie, in which he held all of the 
 offices and served as master. He also served as treasurer for many years, 
 became likewise a Knight Templar Mason of Sterling and joined the con- 
 sistory at Clinton. Both he and his wife were members of the Eastern Star. 
 In politics he was a stalwart republican and capably filled a number of offices. 
 For three years he was supervisor of Fenton township, was also assessor and 
 was largely instrumental in extending the drainage system of Fenton and 
 Newton townships, acting as drainage commissioner for some time. He was 
 likewise president of the village of Erie and gave a public-spirited adminis- 
 tration, characterized by needed reform, progress and improvement. The 
 death of Mr. McLane occurred, as stated, on the 18th of June, 1906, and was 
 the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret to many friends who had learned 
 to esteem and honor him for his loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship, 
 for his honor in business and his faithfulness in friendship. He had lived 
 in this county from pioneer times and wherever known was respected and 
 esteemed. 
 
 ASHER LINCOLN RICHMOND. 
 
 Asher Lincoln Richmond, editor of .the Sterling Daily Standard and 
 president of the Sterling Standard Publishing Company, was born in 
 Brighton, Ontario, Canada, May 18, 1876. His paternal grandfather, Syl- 
 vester Richmond, was a native of New York and a farmer by occupation. 
 Following his removal to Canada he carried on general agricultural pursuits 
 and also operated a sawmill. There his death occurred when he had reached 
 the venerable age of eighty-four years. His wife was Dorothy (Strevol) 
 Richmond, who lived to the extreme old age of ninety-six years. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather of Mr. Richmond was William McGuire, a native of 
 Ireland, who became a farmer of Trenton, Ontario, and both he and his 
 wife were well advanced in years when called to their final rest. The parents 
 of A. L. Richmond were Ichatod and Mary (McGuire) Richmond, both 
 natives of Ontario, and throughout his business career the father followed 
 farming and milling at Brighton. His life span covered more than seventy- 
 three years. Following his demise his widow went to Rochester, New York, 
 where her last days were passed. Both were devoted members of the Method- 
 ist church. Their family numbered two sons and a daughter: Alfred G., of 
 Rochester, New York ; Asher L. ; and Edna, also of Rochester. 
 
 Upon the home farm in Ontario, Canada, A. L. Richmond remained to 
 the age of seventeen years and in the summer months aided in the work of 
 the fields. He at first attended the country schools and later the high school 
 of Brighton, while subsequently he continued his education in the summer 
 sessions of Rochester University and also by attending night schools. He 
 entered business life as a clerk in a dry-goods store, where he remained for a 
 year and a half and then took up newspaper work on the Rochester (New 
 York) Herald, being connected with the business department for seven or
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 493 
 
 eight years. During this time he also completed a two years' college course 
 with the correspondence department, University of Chicago. On the expira- 
 tion of that period he made his way westward to Chicago and, realizing the 
 advantage and value of educational training and desiring to finish his college 
 work, he spent two years as a student in the Chicago University. 
 
 In 1905 he came to Sterling and was business manager of the Sterling 
 Daily Standard in connection with Thomas Diller, the founder of the paper. 
 In 1906 he purchased Mr. Diller's interest in the business and is now presi- 
 dent of the Sterling Standard ' Publishing Company. He likewise edits the 
 paper, which was established in 1868. It is an excellent journal, well merit- 
 ing its liberal circulation and advertising patronage. It is conducted along 
 lines of modern journalism and for years has been a good income-paying 
 property. In connection with the publication of the Standard the company 
 also conducts the largest job office in this section of the state and turns out 
 work of the finest class. The paper is published in the interests of the repub- 
 lican party and its editorials are not without weight in influencing public 
 opinion. 
 
 On the 17th of June, 1902, Mr. Richmond was married to Miss Margaret 
 Powers, a daughter of John J. and Katherine (Mellville) Powers, of Roches- 
 ter, New York. Mr. Richmond belongs to the Baptist church, while his wife 
 is an Episcopalian. Fraternally he is connected with Rochester Lodge, No. 
 660, A. F. & A. M.; the Sterling Club; and with the Royal Arcanum. He 
 is yet a young man, alert, energetic and progressive, and his business enter- 
 prise and capacity are indicated in the success which is attending the paper. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. EBERSOLE. 
 
 Benjamin F. Ebersole has passed beyond the point which renders further 
 labor a necessity and through the fruits of his former toil is now enjoying 
 the comforts of life in well earned retirement in a pleasant home in Sterling. 
 He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1845, and is 
 a representative of old families of that state. His paternal grandparents 
 were Jacob and Magdalena (Rutt) Ebersole. The former, a native of Penn- 
 sylvania, was of German descent and died at the age of seventy-two years, 
 while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-four. 
 
 Their son, Michael Ebersole, born in Pennsylvania, devoted his life to 
 farming, and in February, 1876, came to Illinois, settling in Jordan town- 
 ship, Whiteside county, where he purchased a tract of land of one hundred 
 and eighty acres, giving his time and energies to its further development 
 and improvement until his death in 1892, when he was seventy-four years 
 of age. His wife passed away in 1884. Both Avere members of the Men- 
 nonite church. Mrs. Ebersole bore the maiden name of Anna Frey and was 
 also born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Christian and Maria (Overholser) 
 Frey. who were farming people of the Keystone state and had a family of 
 four sous and two daughters. Her father died at the age of eighty years
 
 494 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ebersole were born four sons and two daughters, 
 but the only ones now living are Benjamin F. and William Henry, the 
 latter a resident of Sonoma, California. 
 
 Benjamin F. Ebersole was reared to farm life in Franklin county, Penn- 
 sylvania, and at the usual age entered the district schools. Through the 
 summer months he worked in the fields, assisting in the task of plowing, 
 planting and harvesting until he had attained his majority, when he started 
 out in life on his own account, working by the month as a farm hand. Hop- 
 ing to benefit his financial condition in the middle west he came to Sterling 
 in 1876, and for three years thereafter was employed in the shops of the 
 Eureka Manufacturing Company. On the expiration of that period he 
 resumed farming and for several years cultivated his father's farm on 
 shares. He afterward purchased the property and made his home thereon for 
 twenty-one years, his carefully directed labors bringing him good success 
 year by year until from his earnings he saved a very desirable competence. 
 After twenty-one years spent upon the original farm he sold that property 
 and removed a mile and a half farther south, where he purchased one hun- 
 dred and thirty-two acres of land, upon which he made his home for two 
 years. In 1902 he disposed of that property and took up his abode in Ster- 
 ling, purchasing a good home at No. 50P> Fifth avenue. Here he has since 
 lived retired, his financial resources permitting him to enjoy all of the 
 comforts and some of the luxuries of life. 
 
 On the 27th of January, 1874, Mr. Ebersole was married to Miss Anna 
 Goshert. who is one of a family of seven children, the others being: Christian 
 E., who was a soldier of the Civil war; Benjamin F. ; Jacob D. ; Amanda E. ; 
 Samuel F., and Sarah Elizabeth. The parents of these children were Jacob 
 and Frances (Ebersole) Goshert, both of whom were natives of Franklin 
 county, Pennsylvania. The death of the father occurred in 1861, when 
 he was forty-two years of age, and in 1876 the mother came to Whiteside 
 county, where she died in 1896, aged seventy-one years. 
 
 Mrs. Ebersole's paternal great-grandfather was Dietrich Goshert, a sol- 
 dier in the patriot army in the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather, Jacob 
 Goshert, was a native of Pennsylvania and a miller by occupation. He 
 married Eve Burkholder, who lived to an advanced age, while his death 
 occurred when he was about seventy years old. Their children were Manuel, 
 Mary, Jacob, Elizabeth, Henry,- Sarah, Joseph, Carrie, Samuel, Anna, George 
 and Susan. The only one now living is Mrs. Sarah Moravey, a resident of 
 Chambersburg, Penns3"lvania. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ebersole 
 was Christian Ebersole, a native of Pennsylvania, who in early life followed 
 the weaver's trade, and afterward became a farmer. He wedded Anna Frey, 
 who died in middle life. By that' union he had three sons and two daugh- 
 ters, of whom Mrs. Goshert was- one. For his second wife Christian Ebersole 
 wedded Mary Bmbaker, by whom he had one son, Daniel. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Ebersole has been blessed 
 with three children: Elsie Amanda, now the wife of George Babcock, a 
 resident farmer of Jordan township, by whom she has five children, Glen 
 E., Gladys Loraine, Merle G.. Mertie Frances and Robert Sterling Bab- 
 cock; Katie Frances, the wife of Archie J. Maxwell, Jr., a resident of Jordan
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 495 
 
 township; and Mertie Elizabeth, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole also reared 
 Anna Blanche and Daniel Benjamin Ebersole, the children of Daniel Eber- 
 sole. 
 
 Our subject and his wife are consistent Christian people, holding mem- 
 bership in St. John's Lutheran church, and his political allegiance is given 
 to the republican party. Viewed from any standpoint, his life may be said 
 to be a successful one, for he has achieved success in business and has 
 gained the unqualified respect of his fellowmen by reason of honorable 
 methods which neither seek nor require disguise. He has lived in this 
 county for almost a third of a century and is greatly esteemed by thosa 
 with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. 
 
 MRS. THERESE LITZRODT. 
 
 Mrs. Therese Litzrodt, residing in Genesee township, was born in Ger- 
 many, August 8. 1854, and is the widow of Henry Litzrodt, who was a 
 native of Saxony, Germany, his natal day being September 4, 1825. His 
 parents were also of German birth and spent their entire lives in the father- 
 land. Their family numbered seven children, of whom Mr. Litzrodt was 
 the second son. At the age of fifteen years he entered upon an apprentice- 
 ship and learned the locksmith's trade under the supervision of W. Demmer, 
 in Eisenach, Germany. With the aid of fifty dollars received from his father 
 he completed his two and a half years' apprenticeship, and during the suc- 
 ceeding eight years followed his trade on his own account. 
 
 When twenty-six years of age Mr. Litzrodt came to America, hoping to 
 enjoy better business opportunities in the new world. He made his way to 
 Sterling, and in the vicinity of that city began work as a farm hand in the 
 employ of a Mr. Sox. He continued in this work for several years and in the 
 meantime, with the capital acquired through his industry and economy, 
 he was enabled to purchase eighty acres of land, upon which a few improve- 
 ments had been made. It was located in Genesee township and was orig- 
 inally covered with timber. At length Mr. Litzrodt took up his abode upon 
 this farm and began its improvement and development. 
 
 For a year he lived alone and was then married in Chicago on the 
 12th of May, 1868, to Miss Sophia E. Wilcken, a daughter of Jacob and 
 Sophia (Swart) Wilcken. Mrs. Litzrodt was born in Mecklenburg, Ger- 
 many, February 17, 1834, and her parents were both natives of that country. 
 They reared a family of four children, but the father and mother are both 
 now deceased, Mrs. Litzrodt being thirteen years of age at the time of her 
 father's death. Mr. and Mrs. Litzrodt traveled life's journey together for 
 about twenty-eight years and were then separated by the hand of death in 
 1890, the wife passing away in that year. Later Mr. Litzrodt made a trip 
 to the fatherland, where he formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Therese Appold, 
 who came to America in January, 1891, at which time Mr. Litzrodt returned 
 to this country. They were married on the 12th of June of that year. By
 
 496 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 her first husband Mrs. Litzrodt had one daughter, who came to the United 
 States with her mother and is now the wife of J. M. Winkey. 
 
 The death of Mr. Litzrodt occurred on the 30th of January, 1905. For 
 many years he had successfully followed farming and had added to his 
 original holdings until he was the owner of one hundred and eighty-five 
 acres of rich and productive land. His life was one of industry and enter- 
 prise and the success which he enjoyed was attributable entirely to his own 
 labors. He enjoyed the respect and confidence of those who knew him, and 
 at his death left many friends in this county. Mrs. Litzrodt still surviving 
 her husband, occupies the residence upon the home farm but rents her land. 
 She owns one hundred and eighty-five acres and from this property derives 
 a gratifying income. She is well known in Genesee township, where she 
 has now lived for seventeen years, and her good qualities have gained for 
 her the esteem and good will of all who know her. 
 
 D. S. DIGBY. 
 
 D. S. Digby owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
 on sections 33 and 34, Mount Pleasant township. The place is splendidly 
 improved as the result of the labors and intelligently applied energy of Mr. 
 Digby, who is justly classed with the progressive agriculturists of this com- 
 munity. In the midst of the farm stands a commodious and pleasing resi- 
 dence which he completed in August, 1905. It is built in modern style of 
 architecture, heated by furnace and supplied with many twentieth century 
 conveniences. 
 
 This farm was the birthplace of Mr. Digby, his natal day being in De- 
 cember, 1863. His parents were George and Hannah (Symonds) Digby, 
 who came to Whiteside county in early life. The father was born in Lin- 
 colnshire, England, April 6, 1828, and crossed the Atlantic to America with 
 his parents, John and Lucy Digby, about 1850. Establishing his home in 
 Illinois, he purchased a land warrant from Margaret A. Merklein and there- 
 with secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, comprising the west half 
 of the southeast quarter and the east half of the southwest quarter of section 
 34, Mount Pleasant township. He likewise became owner of a forty-acre 
 tract, comprising the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 
 34, and with characteristic energy began the development of his farm. How- 
 ever, he sold, eighty acres of his land to his father, who resided thereon for 
 a time, carrying on general farming. At length John Digby disposed of the 
 place and spent his last days in Lyndon, where he died in 1887. at the age 
 of eighty-eight years. His wife, Mrs. Lucy Digby, passed away many years 
 before, about the time of the close of the Civil war. In their family were 
 six children, of whom four are yet living: Mary Jane, who was born in 1836, 
 married a Mr. Lewis, and now resides at Omaha, Nebraska; John, who was 
 born in 1839, and was formerly a resident of Whiteside county, Illinois, is now 
 living at Grand Island, Nebraska; Betsy, who was born in 1842, is the wife of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 497 
 
 William Richardson, a resident of Morrison, Illinois; Thomas, born in 1845, 
 died in Como township, this county, about 1877, and his widow still resides 
 here. Sarah, who was born in 1849, married Thomas Swan and resides in 
 or near Morrison. 
 
 George Digby, the other member of the family, made his home in 
 Mount Pleasant and Lyndon townships throughout his active business life. 
 He engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and in his business af- 
 fairs was quite successful. In addition to the first property which he owned 
 he bought another farm in Lyndon township and made his home in the 
 village of Lyndon. However, he continued to carry on general agricultural 
 pursuits and his livestock interests up to the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred in October, 1894. His political views were in accord with the prin- 
 ciples of the republican party, and in matter? of citizenship he stood for 
 advancement and improvement. In early manhood he wedded Hannah 
 Symonds, who was born in Cambridgeshire. England, in 1828, a daughter 
 of William Symonds. With her two brothers, Robert and David Symonds, 
 she crossed the Atlantic and came to Whiteside county about 1858 or 1859. 
 Both of her brothers enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil 
 war, and David died at the front, while Robert passed away in Kansas in 
 1907. Mrs. Digby also had several sisters, and her half-sister, Mrs. Mary 
 Ann Martin, came to Whiteside county, where she lived for a number of 
 years. It was about 1861 that the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George Digby 
 was celebrated, and unto them were born three children, but the eldest 
 daughter died in infancy. The youngest,' Jessie May, is now the wife of 
 William Barber and resides just south of her brother in Lyndon township. 
 
 David S. Digby, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon 
 the old homestead farm and was early trained to the work of field and meadow. 
 He attended the district schools and also the schools of Lyndon and as the 
 years have gone, by reading, experience >and observation have greatly broad- 
 ened his knowledge. He has always followed farming and stock-raising and 
 has been very successful. When twenty-two years of age he removed to his 
 present home, having here one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 
 33 and 34, Mount Pleasant township. His labors have wrought a marked 
 change in the appearance of the place, for he has added to his farm many 
 substantial improvements and modern equipments which indicate a progres- 
 sive spirit and practical methods. 
 
 On the 22d of December, 1888, Mr. Digby was married to Miss Dora 
 Kaier, who was born in Fenton township, November 1, 1870, a daughter of 
 A. B. and Louisa Kaier, who were early residents of this county and now 
 make their home in Morrison. Mr. and Mrs. Digby have three children: 
 Roy J., who is attending the business college at Sterling, at the age of nine- 
 teen years; Lavina. who at the age of sixteen is a student in the schools at 
 Morrison ; and Nina, thirteen years of age, attending the district schools. 
 
 Since reaching manhood Mr. Digby has given unfaltering support to 
 the republican party, but has never consented to become a candidate for 
 office, preferring to concentrate hi.* time and energies upon his business 
 affairs, in which he has met with well merited success. Socially he is con-
 
 498 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 nected with the Modern Woodmen Camp and with the Mystic Workers at 
 Morrison. Having .spent his entire life in this locality he is well known 
 and the strongly marked traits of his character are such as commend him 
 to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in 
 contact. 
 
 CHARLES N. RUSSELL. 
 
 There is nothing more inspiring than to see a man come to old age 
 crowned with the respect and honor which are the world's tribute to his 
 worth and to the integrity and uprightness of his life. Such a position does 
 Charles N. Russell hold 'in the opinion of his fellow citizens of Sterling and 
 of Whiteside county. For many years he was identified with mercantile 
 interests in the city, but is now living retired. 
 
 He claims Massachusetts as the state of his nativity, his birth having 
 occurred in Greenfield, on the 3d of February, 1826. His parents were 
 Charles and Adeline (Nash) Russell, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, 
 respectively. The family was founded in New England in colonial days. 
 The grandfather, Hezekiah Russell, of Northampton, Massachusetts, served 
 as a second lieutenant in the Third Northampton Company in the Revolu- 
 tionary war and is mentioned as captain of the Second Company on the pay 
 roll of 1784. The Nash family, too, is also a well-known one of New En- 
 gland, and -the maternal grandfather -of Charles N. Russell was Eben Nash, 
 a native of Vermont and a farmer by occupation, who made his home at 
 Duxbury in the Green Mountain state. The. great-grandfather, Daniel Nash, 
 was born January 18, 1780, and was married September 9, 1802, to Mary 
 Marshall, who was born May 9, 1782. They settled permanently at Dux- 
 bury, Vermont. 
 
 Charles Russell, father of our subject, engaged in business as a tailor in 
 Greenfield and afterward at Colerain, Massachusetts, dying at the latter place 
 May 6, 1871, when about seventy-four years of age, his birth having oc- 
 curred May 26, 1797. His wife, who was born February 12, 1805, died Sep- 
 tember 23, 1882, at the age of seventy-seven years and seven months. Both 
 were Methodists in religious faith and were earnest, consistent Christian 
 people. Their family numbered eleven children, ten of whom reached years 
 of maturity, while four are ^ow living, namely : Charles N., of this review ; 
 William, a resident of Westfield, Massachusetts; Le Roy, also of Westfield; 
 and Henry, who makes his home in Carroll, Iowa. One daughter, Mary J. 
 Russell, died November 25, 1907, at the age of seventy-six years and eight 
 months. 
 
 Following tha removal of the family from Greenfield, Massachusetts, 
 Charles N. Russell remained a resident of Colerain, Massachusetts, to the age 
 of sixteen years and then went to New Salem, where he resided until 1846. 
 In that year, at the age of twenty years, he came to Whiteside county, Illi- 
 nois. When a boy he worked in a cotton factory for one dollar per week
 
 LIBRARY 
 OF TH 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 501 
 
 and for fifteen hours per day a condition which would be appalling to the 
 organized labor movements of the present. Ambitious to better his condi- 
 tion, he came west to Illinois and for a year after his arrival in Whiteside 
 county was employed at farm labor. He afterward engaged in teaching 
 school during two successive winter seasons and then again worked as a farm 
 hand for a short time. He afterward made his way to northern Wisconsin 
 with a surveying party, continuing there for a few months, when he again 
 came to Whiteside county and secured a clerkship at Como in the employ of 
 Holmes & Hapgood, with whom he continued for four years, receiving a 
 wage of one hundred and ten dollars for the first year and of three hundred 
 dollars for the last year, this increase coming to him in recognition of his 
 merit, fidelity and worth. Carefully saving his earnings, he engaged in the 
 grocery business on his own account in Como, in partnership with Addison 
 Hapgood, who conducted a department for the sale of tinware in this store. 
 Later they carried on a general store and secured a good patronage. A few 
 years afterward Mr. Russell bought out his partner's interest and conducted 
 the business alone for some time. He then sold out and removed to Sterling, 
 where he dealt in dry goods, groceries and furniture during the year 1863. 
 Disposing of that stock, he turned his attention to the clothing business, in 
 which he continued for some time, and upon withdrawing from that depart- 
 ment of commercial activity he put aside business cares and has since lived 
 retired. By his unfaltering diligence and careful management in former 
 years he gained the financial independence which permitted him some years 
 ago to put aside all business cares and responsibilities. 
 
 On the 25th of December, 1851, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to 
 Miss Julia T. Sampson, whose parents were Henry B. and Nancy (Turner) 
 Sampson, who were natives of Massachusetts. Her father followed the sea 
 for many years and for a long time commanded a vessel. In 1836 he and 
 his wife removed westward to Tremont, Illinois, where they resided until 
 1839, when they became residents of Como, the father there conducting a 
 hotel for many years. His name was originally Henry Briggs and he was 
 master of the vessel called the brig Sampson. On account of the confusion 
 of his own name with that of his ship he changed his name to Henry B. 
 Sampson. His parents were Captain Job and Betsy (Winsor) Sampson. 
 The death of Mr. Sampson occurred December 30, 1865, when he had 
 reached tlie age of seventy-eight years and six months, while his wife died 
 in November, 1863, when about seventy-three years of age. Their family 
 numbered eight children, including Mrs. Russell, who by her marriage be- 
 came the mother of four children, but the firstborn died in infancy. The 
 others are: Annie, who is now acting as her father's housekeeper; Charles, 
 who wedded May C. Hubbard; and John, who died in infancy. The wife 
 and mother passed away in April, 1907, at the age of eighty-one years and 
 seven months. She belonged to the Congregational church and was an 
 earnest, consistent Christian woman, whose many good traits of character 
 won her warm friendships and kindly regards. 
 
 Mr. Russell lived with a Unitarian minister between the aaes of sixteen 
 and twenty years and his religious views are along that line. While he has
 
 502 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 no active business interests now he is a stockholder in the Sterling National 
 Bank and he owns two good store buildings on Third street in Sterling, 
 together with a beautiful home at No. 702 Second avenue, which he erected 
 in 1875. Such in brief is the life history of Charles N. Russell, who has now 
 passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, and in whatever relation 
 he has been found in social circles, in business life and in citizenship he 
 has always been the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth 
 well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him. 
 
 IRVING L. WEAVER. 
 
 The life record of Irving L. Weaver stands in contradistinction to the 
 old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, 
 for in Sterling, the city of his nativity, he has attained prominence and 
 success as an able member of the bar, being well known as a leading repre- 
 sentative of the profession which stands as the conservator of human rights 
 and privileges. 
 
 His natal day was August 5, 1873, his parents being John S. and Mary 
 A. (Delp) Weaver, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grand- 
 father, John Weaver, was born in the Keystone state and was of Swiss and 
 German descent. He followed the occupation of farming and was also a 
 minister of the Reformed Mennonite church. In 1855 he arrived in Ster- 
 ling and purchased land east of the town, securing about a thousand acres, 
 which he improved and cultivated, making his home thereon until about 
 1888, when he passed away at the age of eighty years. He was twice mar- 
 ried, his first union being with Anna Snavely, who died when about thirty- 
 five years of age. Unto them were born five children : Benjamin S. ; Abram 
 S.; John S.; Frank S., and Elizabeth, the wife of Levi R. Rutt. For his 
 second wife John Weaver, Sr., chose Fannie Hoover, who died when about 
 seventy-five years of age. 
 
 The maternal grandfather of Mr. Weaver, of Sterling, was Michael 
 Delp, a native of Pennsylvania and of German and English descent. He 
 followed carpentering and in 1851 came to the middle west, settling in Jor- 
 dan township, Whiteside county, where he purchased a farm. However, 
 he continued to work at his trade for some time, but later took up general 
 agricultural pursuits, in which he continued until 1869, when he retired and 
 removed to Sterling, spending his remaining days in the city in the en- 
 joyment of well earned ease. He died at the age of eighty years, while his 
 wife, Julia A. Grimm, lived to be ninety-four years of age. passing away on the 
 28th of December, 1904. They were the parents of five sons and five daughters, 
 of whom three are yet living: Charles Delp, Mrs. Mary Weaver, and Julia 
 Delp. In the maternal line the ancestry of the family can be traced back 
 still farther to Michael Delp, the great-grandfather, who was born in Penn- 
 sylvania and followed farming in Bucks county, that state. He married 
 Christiana Page, who was of English lineage.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 503 
 
 John S. Weaver throughout the greater part of his life followed the 
 occupation of farming. Like his father, he arrived in Illinois about 1855 
 and established his home east of the city of Sterling, in Sterling township. 
 Forty years were there passed and he was widely recognized as a foremost 
 representative of agricultural interests. He aided in reclaiming wild land 
 for the purposes of cultivation and as the years went by transformed his 
 property into productive fields, adding thereby to the prosperity of the 
 county at large. About thirteen years ago he removed to Sterling, where 
 he and his wife are now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former 
 toil. Of the eight children in their family five reached adult age: 
 Irving L. ; Agnes, the wife of John H. Byers, of Dixon, Illinois ; Alice, the 
 wife of Charles A. Byers, of Sterling; Mary Dillon; and Ada J., the wife of 
 Dr. John L. Snavely. 
 
 Irving L. Weaver was reared upon his father's farm and pursued his 
 education in the district schools near the home place and in the public 
 schools of Sterling. Desiring to enter upon a professional career, he at- 
 tended the Kent College of Law in Chicago, and was admitted to the bar in 
 1896. Immediately thereafter he opened an office for practice in Sterling, 
 where he still remains, and his ability is attested by the large and dis- 
 tinctively representative clientage accorded him. For ten years he has held 
 the office of justice of the peace and in this position renders decisions that 
 are strictly fair and impartial. In 1893 he was elected city attorney and 
 served for two terms. 
 
 On the 9th of November, 1898, Mr. Weaver was married to Miss Mar- 
 garet L. Boyer, a daughter of Thomas and Susan B. (Dennison) Boyer. 
 Mr. Weaver is a member of Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M., of 
 the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. 
 Politically he is a stalwart republican, giving loyal support to the party, but 
 the only offices that he has ever filled have been in the direct path of his 
 profession. He is well known in the county where his entire life has been 
 passed and where he has so directed his labors and energies as to gain a 
 creditable position in professional circles and in the public regard. 
 
 PHILIP T. VAN HORNE. 
 
 Philip T. Van Home, ,who as an architect is conducting a successful 
 business in Sterling, where he is also well known as vice-president of the 
 Whiteside County Building & Loan Association, is a native of the Empire 
 state, his birth having occurred in Columbia, New York, November 3, 1842. 
 The family home was established in that state in colonial days. The paternal 
 grandfather, Philip Thomas Van Home, was a Holland Dutchman, born in 
 New York, and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. His 
 labors, however, were interrupted by his service as a soldier in the war for 
 independence, and he lived long to enjoy the fruits of liberty. The original 
 American Van Home came from Holland during the early epoch in the 
 colonization of the new world.
 
 504 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Thomas Van Home, father of our subject, was born in New York and 
 for some time conducted a lumber mill in Otsego county, but was injured in 
 the mill and his death resulted in 1845. He was then about thirty-seven 
 years of age, his birth having occurred February 10, 1808. His wife, who 
 was born in the Empire state, March 19, 1810, long survived him and died 
 October 28, 1882. She bore the maiden name of Mandana G-amwell, and 
 was a daughter of James and Sarah (Chapin) Gamwell. Her father was a 
 native of Massachusetts and removed to New York, settling in Otsego county. 
 He was an itinerant shoemaker, traveling from house to house and making 
 shoes for the family, as was the custom in those days. He lived to an ad- 
 vanced age and his wife was eighty-three years of age at the time of her 
 death. They reared a large family, but all are now deceased. Unto Mr. 
 and Mrs. Thomas Van Home were born four children, of whom three yet 
 survive: Harrison, a resident of Springfield. New York; Philip T., and 
 James W., now living in Los Angeles, California. 
 
 Philip T. Van Home was ^reared in Otsego county, New York, remaining 
 upon the home farm until fifteen years of age, and he supplemented his 
 early education, acquired in the district schools, by study in Springfield 
 Academy. At' the age of fifteen he began learning the carpenter's trade, 
 which he followed until about 1870. In the meantime, in 1868, he removed 
 westward to Sterling, and about 1870 began doing contract work, being thus 
 identified with building operations until 1896, since which time he has fol- 
 lowed the profession of an architect alone. Seeing opportunity for judicious 
 investment, he is now the owner of several residence properties in Sterling, 
 which return him a good rental, and he is also vice-president of the White- 
 side County Building & Loan Association and was one of its organizers. 
 
 In August, 1862, Mr. Van Home responded to his country's call for 
 aid and joined the boys in blue of Company E, One Hundred and Twenty- 
 first New York Volunteer Infantry, and he lacked but one month of serving 
 three years, remaining at the front until after the close of the war. He 
 was commissary sergeant and was wounded in front of Petersburg on the 
 2d of April, 1865. He participated in many important engagements, in- 
 cluding the battles of Crampton's Pass, Rappahannock, Mine Run, the Wild- 
 erness, Spottsylvania Courthouse, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort 
 Stevens, Summit Point, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Newmarket, Cedar Creek, 
 Hatcher's Run, Petersburg and the Siege of Petersburg. 
 
 When the war was over Mr. Van Home returned to his wife, whom he 
 had left a bride of less than a year in order to go to the front. He had been 
 married on the 5th of November. 1861, to Miss Fanny I. Ray, a daughter 
 of Othaniel L. and Lois (Franklin) Ray. Her father was a native of New 
 York, and her mother of New England. He conducted a hotel in the east, 
 dying in Hamilton, New York, November 5, 1882, at the age of sixty-three 
 years, his birth having occurred March 28, 1818. His wife, who was born 
 in 1822, died November 5, 1865, at the age of forty-three years. Their 
 family numbered four sons and six daughters: Franklin Ray; Fanny, who 
 became Mrs. Van Home; George; Eunice, the widow of Orville Wolcott, of 
 Springfield, Ohio; Ruby, who became the wife of J. M. Reynolds and died 
 in Sterling; Ira, a resident of Hamilton, New York; James, a resident of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 505 
 
 Sterling; Mary L., who died in girlhood; Marcella, who died at the age of 
 ten years; and one who died in infancy. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Van Home was William Ray, a na- 
 tive of New York and a farmer by occupation, who served his country as 
 a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Eunice Loos, who died in middle 
 life, while he reached the very venerable age of ninety-two years. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather of Mrs. Van Home was Edward Franklin, a native of 
 England, who, on coming to America, settled in Herkimer county, New 
 York, where he followed the occupation of farming. He served his adopted 
 country in the Mexican war and died at a very old age. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Van Plorne have one child, Edward Burt, who is time- 
 keeper in the Dillon-Griswold wire mill. He married Miss Lulu M. Kelsey, 
 a daughter of Porter G. and Sophia (Page) Kelsey. There are two children 
 of that marriage, Philip B. and Edward Kelsey. Mr. and Mrs. Van Home 
 also reared a niece, Maude Ray Reynolds, who came to them when a child 
 of ten years, and who is now the wife of Edward L. Bierman, a resident of 
 Lagrange, Illinois. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Van Home attend the Presbyterian church, and he is a 
 member of Sterling Lodge, No. 174, I. 0. 0. F., the Ancient Order of United 
 Workmen and the Knights of the Globe, while of Will Robinson Post, No. 
 274, G. A. R., he is now the commander. His political allegiance is un- 
 swervingly given to the republican party. He and his wife reside at No. 510 
 Fifth avenue, where he owns a pleasant home, which was built in 1872. 
 He has lived continuously in this county for forty years, and has been 
 closely associated with the improvement of the city, especially along the 
 line of architectural adornment. Aside from business interests, too, he has 
 manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good, and his co-opera- 
 tion has been an element in the successful management of various interests 
 that have proven beneficial to the city. He displays all the elements of 
 what in this country we term a "square" man dependable in any relation 
 and any emergency. His easy dignity, his frankness and cordialitv of ad- 
 dress, with a total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal indi- 
 cate a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence 
 and courage that come from conscience, personal ability, right conception 
 of things and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human 
 activities. 
 
 CLARENCE L. SHELDON. 
 
 Clarence L. Sheldon is the senior partner of the law firm of C. L. & C. 
 E. Sheldon, of Sterling, and in a profession where advancement depends en- 
 tirely upon individual merit has gained a position of prominence, which is 
 positive proof of his skill and ability as counselor and trial lawyer. He was 
 born at Sennett, Cayuga county, New York, April 21. 1841, his parents being 
 Rufus H. and Mercy E. (Edmunds) Sheldon, both of whom were natives of
 
 506 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 the Empire state. The paternal grandfather. Ira Sheldon, was also born in 
 New York and was a farmer by occupation. He came of English ancestry and 
 died in middle life. He married a Miss Sheldon, a third cousin, and she was 
 quite advanced in years when called to her final rest. 
 
 Their son, Rufus H. Sheldon, was born on a farm near Sennett, New 
 York, and followed agricultural pursuits as a life work. In 1847 he made his 
 way westward to Illinois, settling at Yorkton, Bureau county, where he entered 
 a claim of three hundred and forty acres. Upon that farm he resided until 
 1888 and transformed the hitherto wild prairie into richly cultivated fields. 
 After carrying on his farm work there for twenty-one years he removed to 
 Sterling, where he resided until about 1882, when he took up his abode at 
 Rock Falls and there spent his remaining days, his death occurring in the 
 fall of 1901 when he was eighty-six years of age. His wife died two months 
 later, in December, 1901. Mr. Sheldon served as postmaster of Yorktown 
 for a number of years and was also justice of the peace and a prominent 
 and influential resident of the community. The farm on which he settled 
 on his arrival in the county is situated on the division line between Bureau, 
 Henry and Whiteside counties and is now owned by Clarence L. Sheldon. In 
 the family were five children who reached adult age while four are yet living 
 Irving W., Clarence L., Rufus Harmon and William Chapman. A daughter, 
 Ida M., became the wife of Newton Petrie and is now deceased. 
 
 In the maternal line, Clarence L. Sheldon is also of English lineage. His 
 maternal grandfather was a native of the state of New York and followed 
 farming as a life work. Both he and his wife lived to be more than ninety 
 years of age. 
 
 Clarence L. Sheldon, whose name introduces this record, was but six 
 years of age when he came to Illinois and upon the home farm he was reared, 
 early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the 
 agriculturist. He attended the district schools between the ages of six and 
 seventeen years and afterward spent one year as a student in the academy at 
 Princeton, Illinois, prior to entering the Western College in Iowa. There he 
 spent one year, after which he became a student in the Lombard University 
 at Galesburg, Illinois, where he remained for three years. He prepared for his 
 profession by two years' study in the law department of the University of 
 Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1868. 
 
 On the 2d of January of the following year he was admitted to the bar 
 and soon after began practice in Sterling, where he has remained to the pres- 
 ent time, covering a period of thirty-nine years. He has won for himself 
 very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has 
 followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and 
 his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. 
 As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before 
 the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest, while 
 his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his profes- 
 sional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his prepara- 
 tion of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys in 
 Whiteside county. He has served as city attorney for two years and as mas-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 507 
 
 ter in chancery for six years. He was likewise alderman for two terms but 
 has preferred concentrating his energies upon his professional duties rather 
 than participating actively in political circles. 
 
 In 1870 Mr. Sheldon was married to Miss Mary Letitia Crawford, a daugh- 
 ter of James H. and Amanda (Gait) Crawford. Five children have been 
 born of this union. Leslie C., the eldest, who was a soldier of the Spanish- 
 American war and also saw military service in the Philippines, died at the 
 age of thirty-one years. Carl Edmund, the second son, is his father's partner 
 in the practice of law. He was graduated in 1899 from the College of Litera- 
 ture and Arts of the University of Illinois and from the law department of the 
 university in 1902. In June of the same year he became a partner of his 
 father under the firm style of C. L. & C. E. Sheldon and in April, 1907, was 
 elected city attorney. He is national vice president of the Sigma Alpha Epsi- 
 ]on, a college fraternity, and editor of one of its magazines. John Rufus 
 Sheldon is a practicing physician at Muskogee, Indian Territory. He attended 
 the University of Illinois, Rush Medical College of Chicago, the Jefferson Med- 
 ical School of Philadelphia, and was graduated from the University of the 
 South at Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1904. He married Miss Maranda Page Tur- 
 ner and they have two children, Edith and Clarence. Edith Irene became 
 the wife of Robert S. Butler, son of E. K. Butler, of Chicago, and they reside 
 in Des Moines, Iowa. They have two children, Robert Sheldon and Margaret 
 Letitia. Bertha died when about two years old. The wife and mother, Mrs. 
 Mary L. Sheldon, died May 2, 1903, at the age of fifty-seven years. She was a 
 member of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 On the 2d of September, 1905, Mr. Sheldon wedded Miss Annie McCart- 
 ney, a daughter of David McCartney. She is a member of the Congregational 
 church, and, like Mr. Sheldon, has many friends in Sterling. Always a warm 
 friend of the cause of education, Mr. Sheldon gave to his children good advant- 
 ages in that direction. His daughter, Edith L, having graduated from the 
 Wallace high school of Sterling and later from the Sterling-Coloma township 
 high school, afterward became a student in the Washington Seminary, a girls' 
 school at Washington, D. C., from which she was graduated in 1902. Leslie 
 was a graduate of the Wallace high school of 1889 and Carl E. an alumnus of 
 1894. 
 
 Mr. Sheldon is a member of Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M. ; 
 Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., and a charter member of Sterling Com- 
 mandery, No. 57, K. T., of which he is past eminent commander. He also 
 affiliates with Medinah Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Chicago. 
 He has always been interested in matters of progressive citizenship and has 
 been a co-operative factor in many measures for the public good. He was the 
 first man to suggest the location of the feeder line of the Hennepin canal from 
 Dixon to Sterling and was appointed on the committee with C. C. Johnson to 
 go to Washington, where he made the argument in support of the line, which 
 was finally changed. Many other tangible proofs of his devotion to the pub- 
 lic welfare might be given. In his early manhood he taught school'at differ- 
 ent times, thus practically earning his way through college. The elemental 
 strength of his character which he thus displayed gave proof of future possi-
 
 508 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 bilities which have been realized in a successful career. The law firm of C. L. 
 & C. E* Sheldon is now a prominent one. Added to the broader experience 
 and learning of the father is the zeal, enthusiasm and energy of the young 
 man and the combination is one which works well in legal circles. Their 
 clientage is of a distinctively representative character and they have won many 
 honorable forensic contests in the courts. 
 
 LEWIS EDWIN BROOKFIELD. 
 
 The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a 
 man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to 
 leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of 
 opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Whiteside county Lewis 
 Edwin Brookfield, now deceased, is spoken of in terms of admiration and 
 respect. His life was so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purposes 
 and so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it became an integral 
 part of the history of Sterling and this portion of the state. 
 
 He was born in Coleta, Illinois, June 5, 1860, the eldest son of Ephraim 
 and Harriet (Yeger) Bnookfieldi, whose family, however, numbered two 
 daughters: Helen, now the wife of Thomas Crawford, of Clinton, Iowa; 
 and Dorothy, the wife of Dr. Hopkins, of Sterling. The father, an early 
 settler of this state, conducted a store in Coleta and was afterward a banker 
 at Rock Falls. While in Florida for the benefit of his health he died at 
 about the age of thirty-nine years. He is still survived by his wife, who has 
 since married Henry Green, of Sterling. 
 
 Lewis E. Brookfield spent his boyhood days in his native city and began 
 his education there, while later he attended the Edward Seminary of Ster- 
 ling, of which he was an alumnus. In his business life he began the manu- 
 facture of caskets and later extended his trade to include the manufac- 
 ture of hearses. He built up a large business and received several medals 
 at different expositions, including a silver medal which was awarded him at 
 the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. It was at the early 
 age of seventeen years that he left school and took charge of the business 
 of the Rock Falls Manufacturing Company, which wa? organized in August, 
 1877, and which, directed by his remarkable ability and governed by his 
 keen insight, developed into one of the large enterprises of the kind, becom- 
 ing known throughout the entire country, its output being sold in all parts 
 of the United States. The house aimed at high standards in the character 
 of its materials, in the methods of manufacture and in its sen-ice to the 
 public and met competition in the rivalry of merit rather than in a war of 
 prices. Throughout his business career Mr. Brookfield was notably reliable 
 as well as determined and energetic. He allowed no obstacle to bar hi? path 
 if it could be overcome by determined and honorable labor, and in business 
 circles he sustained an unassailable reputation a- one whose word was above 
 question, commanding at all times the uniform trust and respect of his col- 
 leagues and the general public. As he prospered in his undertaking? he
 
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 LIBRARY 
 
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 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 511 
 
 made judicious investments in land and became one of the extensive holders 
 of farm property in Whiteside county, his possessions aggregating about one 
 thousand acres. He managed his property and in its control showed excel- 
 lent executive ability and marked foresight. 
 
 Mr. Brookfield was not unknown as a speaker of ability and was fre- 
 quently called upon to preside at public meetings, where his dignity and his 
 tact made him largely an ideal presiding officer. In Masonry he attained 
 the Knight Templar degree and was a worthy exemplar of the craft, which 
 is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His political 
 allegiance was given to the republican party and in 1898 he was a candidate 
 for congress. In his citizenship he was public-spirited and patriotic, loyal to 
 the best interests of the country at large, while in his home community he 
 contributed in substantial measure to the work of upbuilding and progress. 
 Although not college-bred, he was a man of broad education, wide knowl- 
 edge and natural refinement. He traveled extensively, and his letters, which 
 were published in the papers, were read with interest, for he brought vividly 
 before his readers the scenes upon which he had looked or those things 
 which had proven of interest to him. 
 
 On the 15th of September, 1882, Mr. Brookfield was married to Miss 
 Helen J. Gait, a daughter of Thomas A. and Catharine (Anthony) Gait. 
 Mrs. Brookfield was born and reared in Sterling and has always been a resi- 
 dent of this city. She is a representative of one of the prominent families 
 of the county, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. By her 
 marriage she has become the mother of three children : Emily, the wife of 
 Chauncey R. Hardy, of Chicago, by whom she has one daughter, Helen 
 Jane; Fannie, the wife of Earle E. Butler, of Chicago, and they have two 
 children, Helen Sarah and Edwin Brookfield; and Gait, who is attending 
 school. 
 
 Mr. Brookfield was a member of the Presbyterian church and was very 
 active in its work, doing much to promote the cause of the organization and 
 aid in its growth. He was a man of strong character, of marked individ- 
 uality and of lovable disposition, and it is doubtful if a report concerning 
 the death of any other citizen of Sterling has ever caused more genuine or 
 widely felt regret. His fellow townsmen entertained for him the most gen- 
 uine friendship and admiration. He was a man of splendid qualities of 
 heart and of mind and with the passing of the years developed a character 
 which was the exemplification of honorable, upright and courteous man- 
 hood. In business he met with splendid success and yet there was not one 
 esoteric phase in his career. His methods neither sought nor required dis- 
 guise and all knew him as one who could be thoroughly trusted under all 
 circumstances. He held friendship inviolable, regarded it as a privilege as 
 well as a duty to aid in the upbuilding of his city and to uphold the best 
 interests of state and nation. His best traits of character, however, were 
 reserved for his own fireside, and in the family circle he was ever a devoted 
 and loving husband and father. /He died on New Year's day of 1900 at the 
 age of thirty-nine years, and it will be long before the memory of Lewis 
 Edwin Brookfield ceases to be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.
 
 512 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Mrs. Brookfield, surviving her husband, still makes her home in Ster- 
 ling. She is a lady of literary taste and culture, who entered the public 
 schools of Sterling and began her education there, completing it in the uni- 
 versity at Lake Forest, Illinois. She shared with her husband in his deep 
 interest in the welfare and progress of the city and is much interested in all 
 that pertains to the welfare of Sterling. She has recently given the beautiful 
 home in which she was reared to the city of Sterling for a hospital, which 
 is not conducted in the interest of any church or society, but is open to 
 people of all faiths and creeds. It is a beautiful property, situated on West 
 Third street, surrounded by a broad lawn and adorned with fine old trees. 
 It overlooks the Rock river and is most advantageously situated and will 
 ever be a monument to its generous and public-spirited giver. Mrs. Brook- 
 field is recognized as a leader in the social circles of Sterling and her influ- 
 ence is an element in the intellectual and esthetic culture as well as moral 
 development of the city. 
 
 ROBERT L. BURCHELL. 
 
 Among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of White- 
 side county is numbered Robert L. Burchell, whose business interests have 
 largely been of a nature that have promoted the general development of his 
 town while advancing individual success. He is today president of the First 
 National Bank of Erie, and proprietor of the largest mercantile establishment 
 of the town. He has been closely associated with its commercial and finan- 
 cial interests since 1868, and bears an unassailable reputation by reason of 
 the straightforward, honorable business principles that he has ever followed. 
 
 Mr. Burchell was born in Columbus City, Iowa, May 31, 1846. His 
 father, Robert C. Burchell, was a native of Virginia and a member of the 
 legal profession. About 1850 he removed westward, settling in Columbus 
 City, Iowa, and in 1855 became a resident of Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois, 
 where he gained a position among the prominent and influential residents 
 of that locality. His practice was large and of a distinctively representa- 
 tive character, connecting him with the most important litigation tried in 
 the courts of his district. He . was state district attorney for eight years, 
 was one of the electors on the Greeley ticket and later' was a strong Elaine 
 man. He also served as mayor of Oregon and in public office his loyalty 
 was above question, while his ability was widely recognized. He married 
 Miss Mary J. Morris, a native of New Albany, Indiana, and they became the 
 parents of six children : Kate, the wife of Adolph Jones, a resident farmer 
 of Iowa; Henry, a merchant of Walnut. Bureau county, Illinois; Nancy; 
 Robert- L. ; Frank, a merchant of Oregon. Illinois; and Jennie, the wife of 
 Charles Wales, of Savanna, this state. 
 
 Robert L. Burchell acquired his education in the schools of Mount Morris, 
 Ogle county. Illinois, and made his initial step in the business world as clerk 
 in a store in Oregon, where he remained for three years. During that time
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 513 
 
 he largely acquainted himself with commercial methods and, going to Frank- 
 lin Grove, Lee county, Illinois, was also employed as a clerk for a time. Later 
 he occupied a similar position at Dixon but was actuated by laudable ambition 
 to engage in business on his own account and in 1868 came to Erie, where 
 he opened a dry goods store, investing a capital of about thirty-six hundred 
 dollars. As the years have passed his business has constantly increased until 
 he now owns three large stores and carries a stock valued at more than ten 
 times the amount originally invested. In fact he has one of the largest 
 stores in the county, carrying an extensive line of general merchandise. 
 
 A man of resourceful business ability, Mr. Burchell has extended his 
 efforts into various other lines. Soon after his arrival in Erie he opened a 
 private bank, which he conducted until the 1st of October, 1903, when he 
 discontinued the private banking business and organized the First National 
 Bank of Erie, of which he became president, while his son, Robert C., became 
 cashier. The bank is capitalized for forty thousand dollars and now has 
 surplus and undivided profits of twenty thousand dollars. He owns valuable 
 real estate, including the building in which he now carries on business and 
 which was erected by him in 1804. It is a large brick block, two stories in 
 height with basement, having a frontage of one hundred and twenty feet 
 and a depth of one hundred feet. This entire building is occupied by Mr. 
 Burchell in his general merchandising interests. He is also the owner of 
 a valuable farm property in Erie and Fenton townships and has a number of 
 buildings in the village. He also established a creamery in Erie, conducting 
 an extensive and constantly growing business in that line, and in 1870 he was 
 appointed postmaster of Erie and continued to fill the position for many 
 years. This by no means covers the extent of his public service in office, for 
 he filled the position of supervisor for a number of years and was chairman 
 of the board for two terms. He has also been treasurer of the village and 
 school treasurer as well, and whether in office or out of it he gives loyal 
 support to every movement or measure calculated to benefit the community. 
 
 Mr. Burchell was married on the 18th of November, 1866, in Chicago, to 
 Miss Margaret Victoria Jones, a daughter of Augustus and Mary Jones and 
 a native of the State of New York, born November 18, 1847. Their children 
 are : Robert C., who is cashier of the bank ; Mrs. Mary Shoecraft, a resident of 
 Clinton, Iowa; George, who has charge of his father's store; and Ruth and 
 Margaret, in school. The eldest son, Robert C., born June 16, 1870, in Erie, 
 has resided here throughout his entire life with the exception of the period 
 between 1887 and 1895, which he spent in Chicago in the wholesale grocery 
 house of W. M. Hoyt & Company. In the latter year he returned to Erie 
 and has since been associated with his father in business. He was first con- 
 nected with the private bank and the store and upon the organization of the 
 First National Bank became its cashier and has since practically been its 
 manager. He was educated in the public schools of Erie and also spent two 
 years as a student at Lake Forest, Illinois. He is today one of the representa- 
 tive, enterprising business men of the town, a worthy successor of his father 
 who, though still active in the management of his business affairs, largely 
 leaves the work of the bank and the store to his sons. Robert C. Burchell
 
 514 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 was married in 1896 to Miss Vinnie G. Gilleland, a native of Evansville, 
 Indiana, but a resident of Chicago at the time of her marriage. Her father 
 was the Rev. Leland A. Gilleland, a minister of the Congregational church but 
 now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Burchell have been born three 
 children: Robert Lawrence, Richard Gilleland and Leland C. The father 
 is a stalwart Republican in his political views, is connected socially with the 
 Knights of Pythias and is regarded as a representative, enterprising citizen of 
 Erie, standing stanch in support of all interests for the public good, while 
 in his business affairs he manifests keen discernment and unfaltering dili- 
 gence. 
 
 Robert L. Burchell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining the 
 Erie lodge at its organization. He belongs to Prophetstown Chapter and 
 Sterling Commandery. He is always loyal to the teachings of the craft and 
 his life record is one which has gained for him the high respect and confidence 
 of his fellowmen. Throughout his entire life he has endeavored to make all of 
 his acts and commercial moves the result of definite consideration and sound 
 judgment. There have never been any great ventures or risks. On the con- 
 trary he has practiced honest, slow-growing business methods and has sup- 
 plemented them by energy and good system. 
 
 JAMES SMITH. 
 
 James Smith, a successful agriculturist and also one of the most promi- 
 nent raisers of fine stock in Whiteside county, was born in Albany, Illinois, 
 September 20, 1863, a son of William and Sarah A. (Graves) Smith, natives 
 of England. About 1855 they removed from New York to Whiteside county, 
 Illinois, locating in Albany, where the father was first employed for a year 
 by the firm of Quick & Mcllvane as a wagonmaker. Subsequently he engaged 
 in business on his own account and for thirty-five years carried on a most 
 profitable trade. His work was all done by hand and he received from seventy- 
 five to one hundred and twenty-five dollars for each wagon and some of these 
 vehicles are still in daily use, James Smith having three at the present time 
 which are yet in good condition. In the conduct of his business interests he 
 met with a gratifying and well merited measure of success and, having now 
 attained the age of seventy-seven years, is living retired in the enjoyment of 
 well earned rest. His wife, who is also yet living, is seventy-two years of age. 
 This worthy couple became the parents of seven children, five of whom still 
 survive: Mary, the wife of Thomas Corbett, of Fenton; James, of this review; 
 Luella, the wife of S. W. Huff, of Lost Nation, Iowa; Sabina, who became the 
 wife of Fred Miller, of Albany; and William, who likewise resides io Lost 
 Nation, Iowa. 
 
 James Smith acquired his education in the schools of Albany, and when 
 nineteen years of age rented land in Garden Plain township, successfully car- 
 rying on his agricultural interests on this tract for nineteen years. In 1894 he 
 purchased one hundred and twenty acres at fifty-seven dollars and a quarter
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 515 
 
 per acre, on which he has since resided. The land was well improved at the 
 time he bought it and his unremitting industry and capable management in 
 its further development and cultivation are indicated by the fact that it is 
 now worth one hundred dollars per acre. In connection with the conduct of 
 his farming interests he is likewise extensively and successfully engaged in the 
 stock business, making a specialty of fine hogs and thoroughbred draft horses. 
 He raised one horse for which he received two thousand dollars and often has 
 draft horses weighing from nineteen hundred to twenty-one hundred pounds. 
 Plis stock has taken the blue and red ribbon? at the Morrison Fair, while his 
 sheep, which he has raised for a number of years, have taken the first and 
 second and even the sweepstake prizes. He is widely recognized as one of 
 the prosperous and enterprising citizens of the county, whose success has 
 come to him as the direct result of his own untiring labor and sound business 
 judgment. 
 
 On the 3d of May, 1888, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma 
 Winona Storer, a daughter of W. H. and Nancy (Gallaher) Storer, natives 
 of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, Mrs. Storer passing away in 
 that state. In 1884 Mr. Storer came to Whiteside county and purchased the 
 farm upon which our subject now resides. His family numbered six chil- 
 dren, namely : Mary E., the wife of Parson B. Egbert, of Tacoma, Washing- 
 ton; Mrs. Smith; Harry S., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; William, deceased, 
 whose wife is now Mrs. Amos Fletcher, of Albany; Martha A., the wife of 
 Lee Abbott; and Thomas J., who resides in Tacoma, Washington. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two children, Boyd W. and Miles Standish. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Smith is independent, casting his ballot for the 
 men whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party ties. A native 
 son of this county, he is well and favorably known as a representative agri- 
 culturist and stock-raiser and as a citizen whose aid can always be counted upon 
 to further any movement instituted for the general welfare and for the de- 
 velopment and upbuilding of this section of the state. 
 
 THOMAS WORMELL. 
 
 Nature seems to have intended that man shall enjoy a period of rest in the 
 evening of life. In youth one is full of energy and bright hopes and in more 
 mature manhood his labors are performed by a sound judgment that results 
 from experience and observation. If his work is therefore persistently car- 
 ried on he cannot fail to achieve a measure of success that will enable him 
 to enjoy the necessities at least and some of the comforts of life in the evening 
 of his days without recourse to further labor. Such has been the history of Mr. 
 Wormell, who in former years was actively engaged in farming but is now liv- 
 ing retired. 
 
 He was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 15, 1833. His par- 
 ents were John and Ann (Roland) Wormell, both of whom were natives of 
 that country. The father followed various occupations and to some extent
 
 516 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 engaged in contracting. He died in middle life, his wife surviving him for 
 a number of years. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom 
 four daughters are yet living. 
 
 Thomas Wormell, the only surviving s'on, was reared in the county of his 
 nativity as a farm boy, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors 
 incident to the cultivation and development of the fields. His youth was large- 
 ly a period of strenuous toil, for when very young he was put to work at herd- 
 ing cattle. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Ann 
 Turgoose, whom he wedded on the 23d of May, 1854. She died leaving one 
 son, George, who has also passed away. For his second wife Mr. Wormell 
 chose Miss Diana M. Young, and they had one son, Frank T., now thirteen 
 years of age. The wife and mother died in 1901, and in January, 1907, Mr. 
 Wormell married Mrs. Hester Barnes, the widow of Charles Barnes, a soldier 
 of the Civil war, and a daughter of Samuel and Priscilla (Rapp) Thoman. 
 Mrs. Wormell was born and reared in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and was 
 married there to Charles Barnes, by whom she had twelve children: Mary 
 Ellen, who died in childhood; Franklin Pierce; Stella May; Rosanna; Samuel; 
 Elizabeth; Joseph; Sarah; Stafford; Charles; Isabel; and Katie. Of these 
 Franklin P. and Stella May died in childhood. Rosanna became the wife of 
 Milton Culver, a resident of Chicago, and they have three children, Sidney and 
 Josephine. Samuel Barnes, living in Kansas, married Elizabeth Corcoran, 
 who is now deceased and they had four children, William, May, Roy and 
 Pearl. Elizabeth married William Russell, by whom she had four children, 
 Tabitha, Annie, George and Clarence, and after the death of her first husband 
 she became the wife of Mr. Jones, with whom she is now living in Canada. 
 Joseph Barnes, a molder of Rock Falls, wedded Cora Myers, of Tampico, and 
 they have seven children, Maude, Joseph, Ruby, Viola, Nettie, Lillian and 
 Zera. Sarah, the wife of Eli Kewley, had one daughter, Esther, and after the 
 death of her first husband she-married Frank Burke, and had five children, 
 Albert, Frank, Katie, Byron and Annie. Stafford married Sedate Blair and 
 they have one daughter, Lenora. Charles Barnes is married and his children 
 are Nellie, Irene, Frank and Walter. Isabel is the wife of George Hulett, of 
 Morrison. Katie became the wife of Henry William Adams, by whom she has 
 a daughter, Edna Loraine Adams, and her second husband was Egbert Wilson, 
 by whom she has one daughter, Dorothy Wilson. 
 
 Mr. Wormell remained a resident of his native country until twenty- 
 four years of age, when in 1857 he came to America, accompanied by his 
 brother Robert, who died the same fall on the eighteenth anniversary of his 
 birth. Following his arrival in America Thomas Wormell began farming in 
 Hume township, Whiteside county. Illinois, working by the day the first year. 
 In 1858, desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented 
 a farm and in the ensuing years cultivated several rented farms until his un- 
 tiring diligence, economy and perseverance brought him capital sufficient to 
 enable him to purchase a farm. In 1866 he bought one hundred and seven- 
 teen acres of land in Hume township, which he still owns, and there he lived 
 until about 1877, when he removed to Sterling and engaged in dealing in
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 517 
 
 horses for twelve years, or until 1889, when he came to Rock Falls. Here he 
 built a fine residence, which he still occupies, and is now living retired, for his 
 activity in former years 'brought him well merited rest, while the desirable 
 competence which he gained enables him to enjoy well earned ease. 
 
 Mr. Wormell has always been interested in the welfare and progress of his 
 community and his co-operation could ever be counted upon to further pro- 
 gressive public interests. He was road commissioner in Hume township for 
 one year at an early day and put in the first gravel road there. Both he and 
 his wife are members of the Methodist church and their lives are in harmony 
 with their professions, while their good qualities have gained for them the 
 devotion of many warm friends. 
 
 FRANK WELLINGTON WHEELER. 
 
 Frank Wellington Wheeler, special agent for Union Pacific Railroad lands, 
 was born in Keene, New Hampshire, September 15, 1850. The family was 
 an old one of the Granite state. His great-grandparents lived there and it was 
 the birth place of his grandfather, Aaron Wheeler, who was a farmer by occu- 
 pation and was captain of a training company in the days of the old state 
 militia. He married Dolly Gleason and they reared a large family, including 
 Almon Wheeler, who was likewise born in New Hampshire. He became a 
 school teacher of that state and resided in New England until his removal west- 
 ward to Belvidere, Illinois, at a very early day. He afterward became a resi- 
 dent of Cherry Valley, where he engaged in the lumber business in 1856. 
 Several years later he took up his abode in Mendota, where he also conducted 
 business as a lumber merchant, and thence came to Rock Falls, where he 
 again established a lumberyard, becoming one of the representative business 
 men of the city. He wedded Miss Eliza J. Wellington, also a native of New 
 Hampshire and a daughter of Erastus Wellington, who traced his lineage 
 back to the Duke of Wellington, the celebrated hero of the battle of Waterloo. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Almon Wheeler were Congregation alists in religious 
 faith and were people of prominence in the various communities in which 
 they lived. Mr. Wheeler left the impress of his individuality upon municipal 
 affairs in Rock Falls, where he served for several terms as mayor, giving the 
 city a public-spirited, businesslike and efficient administration. He was one 
 of the promoters and director for several terms of the Rock River branch of the 
 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. His family numbered two sons and 
 two daughters: Susan M., the widow of W. W. Brown, of Rock Falls, Illinois; 
 Frank Wellington, of Sterling, Illinois; Jennie A., the deceased wife of F. H. 
 Geyer of Rock Falls; and Dana A., who died in early childhood. 
 
 Frank Wellington Wheeler was only about four years old when brought 
 by his parents to Illinois. He obtained his early education at Cherry Valley 
 and afterwards went to Chicago, where he learned the business of inspecting 
 lumber, becoming an expert. Later he bought and sold lumber on the whole- 
 sale market for a number of years, after which he took charge of a retail
 
 518 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 lumberyard at Mendota. In the fall of 1867 he came to Rock Falls and 
 established a lumberyard for his father, who later took up his abode there, 
 conducting the business for a time, after which F. W. Wheeler and his brother- 
 in-law, W. W. Brown, purchased the business, which they conducted for sev- 
 eral years under the firm style of Wheeler & Brown. The yard is now owned 
 by the Johnston Lumber Company. For the past twelve years Mr. Wheeler 
 has been with the land department of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. 
 Thoroughness characterizes him in everything he undertakes and his enter- 
 prise is one of his strong and salient characteristics. 
 
 On the 2d of February, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of F. W. 
 Wheeler and Miss Louisa M. Coe, a daughter of Marcus L. and Sarah Kirk 
 Coe, and they have two children, Arthur Wellington and LeRoy Coe. The 
 family are members of the Congregational church, and Mr. Wheeler belongs 
 to Rock River Lodge, No.- 612, A. F. & A. M. Politically he is an earnest 
 republican and has been a member of the township high school board since 
 its organization. He served on the building committee for the school build- 
 ing also the Masonic Temple, was vice president of the soldiers monument 
 association and many other committees of importance, including the Henne- 
 pin canal. For forty years a resident of Whiteside county, his circle of friends 
 is very extensive, and he has always been known here as a reliable, enterpris- 
 ing business man. 
 
 HENRY REEDY. 
 
 That Henry Reedy occupies a notable position, both in business and 
 agricultural circles, in Whiteside county is a uniformly accepted fact, and 
 that his labors have been of a character that have contributed to general 
 progress and prosperity as well as to individual success is also known. He 
 is one of the largest landowners in this section of the state, his home prop- 
 erty comprising seven hundred and eighty acres of land, situated in Albany 
 township, and he also owns three hundred and twenty-seven acres situated 
 in Newton township, in addition to two tracts of land, one of thirty-seven 
 acres and a second of twenty-five acres, located on Cedar creek, this being 
 known as Prospect park, one of the most attractive places in this part of 
 Whiteside county. 
 
 Mr. Reedy was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1846, a 
 son of George and Sallie (Troutman) Reedy, representatives of old German 
 families of the Keystone state. The father was a tailor by trade and followed 
 that occupation throughout the greater part of his life. He also owned a 
 farm in Pennsylvania and on that place spent the later years of his life. 
 This property is still in possession of the Reedy family. Both the parents 
 are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1883, while the mother's 
 death occurred in 1888. Their family numbered six children, of whom 
 Henry, of this review, is the eldest, the others being: Mary, the wife of 
 Adam Klee, who resides near the old homestead in Pennsylvania; Amelia;
 
 U3RARY - 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 URBANA
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 521 
 
 Philip ; Emma, the wife of Ezra Leis, by whom she has one child, their home 
 being on the old Reedy farm in the east ; and Frank, who is married and has 
 seven children, his home also being in that state. 
 
 Henry Reedy was reared under the parental roof, his education being 
 acquired in the common schools of Berks county, Pennsylvania. At the age 
 of fourteen years he secured employment at farm labor by the month, receiv- 
 ing for his services three dollars per month. He was thus employed for 
 several years during the summer months, but during the winter seasons 
 returned to his home and continued his education in the common schools. 
 Being a young man of ambitious and energetic spirit and having heard 
 favorable reports concerning the opportunities to be enjoyed in the west, he 
 decided to try his fortune in other fields, and accordingly in 1864 made his 
 way to Wayne county, Ohio, being employed by a farmer named Peter 
 Emrick, near Wooster, from whom he received a salary of twenty dollars 
 per month for his labor. The following year, however, he made his way to 
 Saginaw, Michigan, but not being pleased with that country he remained but 
 three weeks, thence making his way to Whiteside county, the time of his 
 arrival here being March 1, 1867. He first secured employment with 
 Stephen Slocumb, one of the oldest settlers of this county, with whom he 
 remained for a time, and later was employed by John Lutz by the day during 
 the harvest season. At the end of the season he hired to Mr. Lutz for a 
 year, at three hundred dollars. In the meantime he contracted with Mr. 
 Lutz for corn at thirty cents per bushel and on the expiration of his term 
 of service with that gentleman, Mr. Reedy invested his capital in cattle and 
 in this way he made his start in the business world, his net profits being 
 between six and seven hundred dollars. 
 
 In 1870 he was married, after which he took up his abode upon a rented 
 farm, but the following year he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of 
 land in Newton township. He made many improvements on that property 
 and there made his home for eight years. He then disposed of that farm 
 and rented the Leander Smith place, now known a^ the Harry Smith farm, 
 making his home thereon for twenty-three years. As time passed he pros- 
 pered in his undertakings and he has made purchases of land until he is 
 now one of the largest landowners in Whiteside county. His home farm 
 comprises seven hundred and eighty acres of good land in Albany township, 
 three hundred and fifty acres of this being covered with timber, while the 
 remainder is under a high state of cultivation. He has improved the place 
 with good buildings and everything about the farm is kept in a good state of 
 repair. He is here engaged in raising the various cereals adapted to soil and 
 climate and each year harvests good crops as a reward for the care and labor 
 which he bestows upon the fields. In addition to his home property he also 
 owns a farm of three hundred and twenty-seven acres, situated in Newton 
 township, on which stands one of the finest country residences in this section 
 of the state. It contains eight rooms and is modern in its equipments and 
 appointments. Mr. Reedy also owns two tracts of land on Cedar creek, one 
 containing thirty-seven acres and the other twenty-five acres, this being 
 known as Prospect park. This has been subdivided into lots, and
 
 522 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 to the fact that it borders the creek is one of the attractive building sites of 
 this section of the country. 
 
 Agricultural interests have not alone claimed the time and attention of 
 Mr. Reedy, for he is actively and financially interested in various other enter- 
 prises. Associated with Frank Dailey, he is conducting a canning factory, 
 handling mostly tomatoes. This is proving a successful venture and adds 
 not a little to the industrial progress of the community. He is also the 
 owner of a sorghum factory and a sawmill in Albany. He also has a cherry 
 orchard and raises other fruit, three acres being devoted to horticultural 
 interests. He is very methodical in the conduct of his various business inter- 
 ests and his sound judgment and executive ability are proving the basis of 
 his success. 
 
 As above stated, Mr. Reedy was married in 1870, the lady of his choice 
 being Miss Lena Lutz, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 28th 
 of May of that year. Her parents, John and Mattie (Meyers) Lutz, were 
 both natives of Fulton county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Whiteside 
 county in 1863. He was here engaged in general agricultural pursuits for 
 more than a quarter of a century and finally removed to Kansas, where he 
 spent some time and now makes his home in Baring, Missouri. Their family 
 numbered nine children, as follows: John, who. resides in Dallas Center, 
 Iowa; Lena, now Mrs. Reedy; Martin, a resident of Whiteside county; 
 Henry, who was married but is now deceased, his family making their home 
 in Canada; Mary, the wife of A. Clayton, of Amity, Pennsylvania; David, 
 who makes his home in Fowler, Colorado; Fannie, the wife of Samuel Camp- 
 bell, a resident of Kansas; and Samuel and Jacob, both residing in Missouri. 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are still living and at the advanced age of eighty- 
 three years are hale and hearty. 
 
 The home of Mr. and Mrs. Reedy has been blessed with seven children, 
 as follows: Ida, the wife of George Renecker, a resident of Albany; Wil- 
 liam, who is engaged in farming; Minnie, the wife of Louis Slocumb, who 
 is engaged in farming and merchandising; Burt A., who wedded Lillie Gra- 
 ham, by whom he has one son, Teddy H. W., who was the first grandchild 
 in the Reedy family; Edward, who wedded Helen Naftzger, of Albany, by 
 whom he has a daughter, Fern Amelia, born in February, 1908 ; Bessie, who 
 is still with her parents; and George, deceased. 
 
 Mr. Reedy is now living in the village of Albany, where he has thirty- 
 seven acres divided into two different places. Besides his own home he has a 
 house with ten lots, another with two, and the third with fourteen lot-, be- 
 sides six lots in one place and another lot. He also owns a house and lot in 
 Clinton, Iowa. Politically he is a republican with independent tendencies, 
 voting for men and measures rather than party. Religiously he i- identified 
 with the German Reformed church. 
 
 Starting out in early youth in the humble capacity of a farm hand, 
 Mr. Reedy has, through his own industry and laudable ambition, gradually 
 worked his way upward until today he is justly classed among the well-to-do 
 and honorable citizens of Whiteside county. For more than four decades 
 he has been identified with the agricultural and industrial interests of the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 523 
 
 county and throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness 
 his business interests have been so managed as to win him the confidence of 
 the public and the prosperity which should always attend honorable effort, 
 for in all his relations with his fellowmen, whether of a business or social 
 nature, he has never lost sight of the principle of the Golden Rule. 
 
 SAMUEL E. McCUNE. 
 
 Samuel E. McCune has for thirty years resided on the farm which is now 
 his home and his life of intense and well directed activity has transformed 
 this tract of two hundred and twenty acres on section 35, Clyde township, into 
 a well kept and well improved place, lacking none of the accessories and conven- 
 iences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He was born in the state of 
 New York, of the marriage of Robert and Maria (Beets) McCune, both of 
 whom died in the east. The mother was a native of Connecticut and her 
 death occurred in that state. The father was a native of Scotland and be- 
 came the owner of quite extensive landed interests in New York, the McCune 
 family being established in Sullivan county, New York, at an early day. Of 
 a family of four children, Samuel E. McCune had a brother and two sisters: 
 Katura, who is residing at Rapid City, South Dakota; Rosalie, who died in 
 childhood; and John, who still makes his home in Sullivan county, New York. 
 
 The early education of Samuel E. McCune, begun in the public schools 
 of New York, was continued in Illinois. He enlisted in 1861 in the Twentieth 
 New York Volunteer Militia and served for three years with that command. 
 After that war the regiment was merged into what is known as the Eightieth 
 New York Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged with the rank of corporal 
 after having participated in many important engagements, including those 
 of the Army of the Potomac under Generals McClellan, Hooker, Burnside 
 and Grant. He was with the command of the intrepid Illinois general at the 
 time he was discharged. He took part in the hotly contested battle of the 
 Wilderness, the second battle of Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, An- 
 tietam, Gettysburg and Frcdericksburg sanguinary conflicts in which the 
 shot and shell were exchanged for hours as the two contesting armies fought 
 for possession of the field. Mr. McCune was mustered out on the expiration of 
 his three years' term in September, 1864, at City Point, Virginia, and with a 
 most creditable military record returned to New York. 
 
 Removing westward to Illinois in 1866, Mr. McCune settled at Sycamore, 
 where he lived for a year and then came to Whiteside county. He returned, 
 however, to Sycamore, where he continued for a year or two and in 1872 again 
 came to Whiteside county, where he carried on general farming for three 
 years prior to his marriage. 
 
 That important event in his life was celebrated on the 21st of September, 
 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary A. Reynolds, a daughter of Mr. 
 and Mrs, Chauncey Reynolds, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this 
 volume. Ten children have been born unto them. Walter, who was born
 
 524 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 September 3, 1876, and is now residing near Missouri City, Missouri, where 
 he follows farming, married Miss Minnie Cassens, of Whiteside county, Illi- 
 nois, and they have two children, Leon Chauncey and Hazel Althea. Aden 
 R. W., born January 24, 1879, in Clyde township, was married July 2, 1902, 
 to Miss Cora Thomas, of this county, and they have one child, Robert Edward. 
 Clyde L., born November 15. 1880, died December 15, 1881. Ada Rosalie, 
 born February 15, 1882, died the same year. Raymond A., born April 9, 
 1885, died February 11, 1896. Oliver Ivan, born April 4, 1888, Lorain Bell, 
 born May 12, 1893, Althea M., August 13, 1895, Minnie Mae, March 13, 1897, 
 and Kenneth P., January 9. 1902, are all at home. 
 
 Politically Mr. McCune has always voted the straight republican ticket 
 on national issues but has never been active in politics. He has, however, 
 filled a few minor offices and has served as school director. He belongs to the 
 Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen camp of Morrison and he and 
 his are also connected with the Mystic Workers of Malvern, the Fraternal 
 Tribunes and the Royal Neighbors, all of Morrison. Mrs. McCune also be- 
 longs to the Pythian Sisters and is a member of the Evangelical church of 
 Malvern and the Emersonian Reading Circle, a beneficial, social and literary 
 club of Clyde and Mount Pleasant townships. They are people of genuine 
 worth, occupying an enviable position in social circles, where culture and 
 refinement are received as the passports into good society. 
 
 JESSE W. JOHNSON. 
 
 Jesse W. Johnson, who is acceptably filling the office of police magistrate 
 in Sterling, his native city, was born March 29, 1877, and is a son of C. C. 
 and Josephine (Worthington) Johnson, of whom further mention is made 
 on another page of this volume. The son was reared in Sterling and at the 
 usual age entered the public schools, where he passed through successive grades. 
 He afterward did preparatory work for college in the Pennsylvania Military 
 College at Chester, Pennsylvania, and then entered the United States Mili- 
 tary Academy at West Point, where he remained as a cadet for two years. 
 On the expiration of that period he matriculated in the University of Wis- 
 consin for a four years' course and received his degree of Bachelor of Letters 
 in the College of Letters and Science upon his graduation in 1901. During 
 his college days he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta, a national fra- 
 ternity. Following his graduation he returned in the fall of 1901 for post- 
 graduate work under Dr. Richard T. Ely and thus continued his studies for a 
 year. He later entered the graduate law school of the University of Chicago 
 and since that time has been further prosecuting his law studies in the office 
 of his father in Sterling. He has filled the position of police magistrate and 
 is thoroughly qualifying himself for the arduous and difficult profession of 
 the law, expecting to become an active member of the profession, while his well 
 known abilities promise a successful future. 
 
 On the 27th of February, 1904, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Jessie L. 
 Sharpe, a daughter of F. L. and Nettie (McKay) Sharpe, who were natives of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 525 
 
 Illinois, the former of Pike county and the latter of Carroll county. Their 
 fnmily numbered four children, a daughter and three sons, including Mrs. 
 Johnson, who by her marriage has become the mother of one son, William S. 
 Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Johnson gives his 
 political support to the democracy. They are prominent socially in Sterling, 
 the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended them and the circle 
 of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. 
 
 EPHR41M M. EBERSOLE. 
 
 Ephraim M. Ebersole, who for some years prior to his death conducted an 
 insurance and rental agency in Sterling, where he became well known as an 
 enterprising citizen and trustworthy business man, was born in Lancaster coun- 
 ty, Pennsylvania, April 29, 1864. His parents were David D. and Anna (Mar- 
 tin) Ebersole, also natives of the Keystone state. The father devoted his 
 time and energies to farming in the east and after coming to Whiteside coun- 
 ty at an early period in its development he settled in Sterling township, where 
 he carried on general agricultural pursuits until hi? removal to Coloma town- 
 ship a few years later. He remained there for a year and then returned to 
 Sterling township, where he purchased land and carried on general farming 
 until a few years ago. when he took up his abode in Sterling, where he has 
 since lived retired. In his family were two sons and six daughters, namely: 
 Adaline, who resides in Newkirk. Oklahoma; Fannie, the wife of Aaron 
 Book, who resides near Prairieville, Lee county, Illinois; Melinda, who is 
 matron of the Mennonite Mission in Chicago; Ephraim M., whose name intro- 
 duces this review; Anna, of Lee county; David, who resides in Newkirk, Okla- 
 homa: Magdalena, who became the wife of Amos Wise, but is now deceased; 
 .and Amanda, who is still at home. 
 
 Ephraim M. Ebersole was reared in Whiteside county from his boyhood 
 days and attended East Science Ridge district school, while later he became a 
 .student in Sterling Business College. Subsequently he took up the study of 
 telegraphy and was appointed to a position as operator at Iron Mountain, 
 Michigan. Two years later he was invited to go into the insurance depart- 
 ment of the Iron Mountain Bank, where he learned the insurance business, 
 there spending some time. In 1894, however, he returned to Sterling and pur- 
 chased the insurance and renting department of Frank Walzer. He then con- 
 ducted business here on his own account up to the time of his death, and the 
 business circles of the city sustained a distinct loss in his demise. 
 
 On the 23d of December, 1890. Mr. Ebersole was married to Miss Hattie 
 Mack, a daughter of Theodore and Harriet (Emmons) Mack. Her paternal 
 grandfather was Horace R. Mack, a native of Connecticut and of Scotch 
 descent, who wedded Mary Miles. He was born in 1809 and died in 1851, 
 while his wife passed away at the advanced age of eighty years. They had 
 four children: Theodore, father of Mrs. Ebersole; Charles Miles, who was 
 born January 29, 1839. and died in November, 1907; Arthur Le Roy, who
 
 526 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 died when ten years-of age ; and Mary E., who married Owen Bryant, who died 
 in 1907, while she now makes her home at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Hav- 
 ing lost her first husband, Mrs. Mary Miles Mack became the wife of Hezekiah 
 Windom, who died four years later, while her death occurred when she was 
 eighty years of age. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ebersole was Asa 
 Emmons, who married Elizabeth Bartlett. Both were natives of the state of 
 New York and the former was a carpenter by trade. With his wife and daugh- 
 ter he came west to Illinois in 1839, settling in Sterling, where he followed 
 carpentering. Here was born a son, William H., who died at the age of three 
 months. Asa Emmons married a second time, his second wife being Nancy 
 A. Booth, and they had five children : Ida, who was born in 1845 and is the 
 wife of Charles M. Hewitt, of Rock Falls ; Samuel and Lucinda, who died in 
 infancy; William L., who was born in 1855 and died in 1900; and Cora, the 
 wife of S. M. Mingle, of Rock Falls. 
 
 Theodore Mack, father of Mrs. Ebersole, was born October 5, 1836, in 
 Brooklyn. Pennsylvania, and was married in Newton township, Whiteside 
 county, Illinois, December 8, 1859, to Harriet M. Emmons. He returned to 
 Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, in 1851, spending a year and a half in attending 
 school and two years in learning the cabinet-maker's trade in Montrose, Penn- 
 sylvania. In 1855 he again came to Sterling, where he followed his trade un- 
 til 1862, when he enlisted in Company I), Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer In- 
 fantry, joining the army at Louisville, Kentucky, and participating in the 
 war until its close. He was engaged in the battle of Perryville, and the skirm- 
 ish at Lancaster, Kentucky, but escaped unharmed. At Nashville, however, 
 he became ill and after six months of suffering was honorably discharged 
 June 29. 1863. Returning home, his health slowly came back to him and he 
 then followed his trade until the spring of 1868, when he and his brother, 
 Charles M. Mack, founded the Whiteside Chronicle. Later he purchased the 
 interest of his brother and changed the name of the paper to the Sterling 
 Standard. It was devoted largely to temperance reform and was a strong ele- 
 ment in freeing the city from whiskey rule and from the practice of licens- 
 ing saloons. He thus did a noble work for mankind. Mr. and Mrs. Theodore 
 Mack had a family of four children: Myra, who was born July 17, 1861, in 
 Sterling and won the class honors upon her graduation from the high school, 
 died in 1881, when but twenty years of age. Charles Theodore, a printer of 
 New York city, was born January 24, 1863, and married Luella Hill. Harriet, 
 born April 26, 1866, in Sterling, is now Mrs. Ebersole. Elizabeth, born Janu- 
 ary 27, 1868, died February 23, 1869. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole were born two children, Charles D., born 
 January 16, 1892, and Florence Marie, born September 8, 1898. The death 
 of the husband and father occurred November 6, 1903, and was the occasion of 
 deep and wide spread regret. He was a prominent, influential member and 
 active worker of the Congregational church, who served as church clerk for 
 a number of years and also as trustee, while of the Sunday School he was 
 secretary and treasurer. His wife belonged to the same church and shared 
 with him in the good work. Mr. Ebersole affiliated with Sterling Lodge, No. 
 174, 1. 0. 0. F., was presiding officer of that lodge and also of the encampment
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 527 
 
 at the time of his demise. He likewise belonged to Rock River Lodge, No. 
 612, A. F. & A. M., to Corinthian Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and to 
 the Mystic Workers. He was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children 
 and found his greatest happiness in ministering to their comfort. He mani- 
 fested all the traits of an enterprising, progressive and loyal citizen and re- 
 liable business man, his life ever being guided by high principles. Mrs. Bber- 
 sole still survives her husband and in 1907 built a fine residence at No. 403-5 
 East Fifth street, where she is now living with her children. 
 
 W. D. REYNOLDS. 
 
 W. D. Reynolds, who for the past fifteen years has operated the White 
 Pine stock farm, comprising four hundred and sixty acres situated on sec- 
 tions 2 and 3, Mount Pleasant township, is well known as a stock raiser and 
 breeder of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. He was born on this farm, January 
 20, 1861, a son of Chauncey W. and Althea (Dean) Reynolds. The father 
 was born near Rutland, Vermont, November 12, 1821, and there lived until 
 1851, when he made his way westward, locating first in Davenport, Iowa, where 
 for seven years he was employed in a sawmill, although by trade he was a 
 blacksmith. He was married in December. 1856, to Miss Althea Dean, and in 
 the spring of 1858 made his way to Whiteside county and purchased a farm 
 of one hundred and twenty acres in Mount Pleasant township. As he pros- 
 pered in his undertakings he added to his original holdings until he became 
 the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of land situated in Mount Pleasant 
 and Clyde townships. He made many modern improvements upon the farm 
 and was actively identified with general farming and stockraising throughout 
 a long period but for the past fifteen years he has lived retired in Morrison. 
 The mother was born in Westchester, New York, and in early youth accom- 
 panied her parents to Kane county, Illinois. She is now deceased, her death 
 occurring in Morrison, June 14, 1898, when she was sixty-five years of age. 
 She was the mother of five children, namely: Mary A., the wife of Samuel 
 E. McCune, a resident of Clyde township ; Walter Dean, of this review ; Ray- 
 mond A., who is engaged in the undertaking business in Morrison; Lydia L., 
 who became the wife of Rev. R. A. Moreley, a Methodist minister, and passed 
 away February 1, 1899; and C. W., who is engaged in the jewelry business at 
 Colorado City, Colorado. 
 
 Walter D. Reynolds, was reared on his father's farm until he had reached 
 mature years, after which he spent two years in a furniture store in Sterling 
 and then went to Chicago, working in the Fair for a similar period. In 1892 
 he returned to the farm and has since been engaged in farming and stock- 
 raising, now operating his father's property, known as the White Pine stock 
 farm. He makes a specialty of stock feeding and raising and also breeds 
 thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle. He handles from one hundred to one hun- 
 dred and twenty-five head of cattle annually and also raises from one hnudred 
 to one hundred and fifty head of hogs each year, finding this branch of his 
 business a profitable one.
 
 528 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Mr. Reynolds was married in \Vhite.side county to Miss Cora Belle Ells- 
 worth, who was born in Mansville, Jefferson county, New York, in 1864, a 
 daughter of Kneeland and Lurissa Avaline (Goodenough) Ellsworth. Her 
 father was reared in Rochester and was a tanner by trade. He was married in 
 Mansville, New York, and thereafter made his home in that city, passing 
 away in November, 1870, at the comparatively early age of forty years. After 
 the death of the father, the mother was again married, her second union being 
 with Lemuel Bent. Her death occurred on Christmas day of 1900. The mar- 
 riage of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth was blessed with three children, the sisters of 
 Mrs. Reynolds 'being: Josephine, the widow of C. II. Van Schaick, of Syracuse, 
 New York; and Eva G., the wife of J. J. Daly, now a resident of Los Angeles, 
 California, but who formerly resided in Sterling. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds has been blessed with a daugh- 
 ter and son ; Viviene Lurissa, who in 1907 became the wife of Robert S. Mets- 
 ker. and now resides in Belle Plaine, Iowa; and Ellsworth, who is attending 
 school. Mr. Reynolds gives his political support to the republican party and in 
 religious faith is a Baptist, now serving as a deacon in the church. Socially he 
 is connected with the Fraternal Tribunes and the Mystic Workers. He is a 
 man of sound business judgment, enterprising and progressive in his methods 
 and has thereby won a gratifying success which now classes him among the 
 prominent citizens of this section of the state, while his social qualities have 
 gained him many warm friends. 
 
 HON. JOHN GALT MANAHAN. 
 
 No compendium such as this work defines in its essential limitations 
 will serve to offer fit memorial to the subject of this review, for it is impossi- 
 ble to measure the influence of a life of such diversified activity and interests 
 as that of Hon. John Gait Manahan. Prominent as a lawyer and as a pro- 
 moter of business concerns, he was likewise prominent in public service and 
 was equally well known in connection with his earnest, effective and far- 
 reaching labors in behalf of the moral development of the community. 
 Moreover, he is entitled to representation in this volume as one of its honored 
 pioneer citizens, having come to Whiteside county in 1846. 
 
 Mr. Manahan was born in Concord, Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, 
 May 12, 1837, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage, the family being founded in 
 America by one who came from County Cavan, Ireland. The great-grand- 
 father, James Manahan, who was born March 16, 1740, served as a soldier 
 under General Washington in the Revolutionary war and died February 
 17, 1823, having lived for more than a third of a century to enjoy the fruits 
 of liberty which he had helped to win. The grandfather, James E. Mana- 
 han, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, March 16 or March 18, 1777, and 
 at an early period in the development of Whiteside county came with his 
 wife to Illinois, their remaining days being here passed. 
 
 William Manahan, known as Uncle Billy, father of our subject, was 
 born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of February, 1806, and
 
 ILLINOIS
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 531 
 
 -while in the east engaged in merchandising and also conducted a private 
 railroad. Before leaving his native county he was married in 1829 to Miss 
 Isabella Gait, who was also bom there, an aunt of Thomas A. Gait,, of 
 Sterling, and a descendant of Robert Gait, who emigrated to America in 
 1710. The year 1846 witnessed the arrival of William and Isabella Mana- 
 han in Whiteside county. They located in the town of Gait and as the years 
 passed Mr. Manahan became an extensive landowner, having property in 
 different parts of the county up to the time of his death. He was one of the 
 first settlers of this locality who traveled westward by way of the Ohio and 
 Mississippi rivers, driving thence across the country to Fulton. He con- 
 tinued to reside upon his farm near Gait until elected sheriff of the county 
 in 1854, at which time he took up his abode in Sterling, then the county 
 seat. He aided largely in molding the public policy and shaping the destiny 
 of the county at an early day. His opinions carried weight among his fellow 
 townsmen, for it was well known that he had the best interests of the com- 
 munity at heart and that his efforts in its behalf were practical and bene- 
 ficial. Through his agricultural interests he contributed in substantial 
 measure to the material development of the county and at all times he cham- 
 pioned every cause that tended to prove of public good. When he located 
 here, such was the wild condition that he had to go to Springfield to enter 
 his claim at the land office there. Following his removal to Sterling he 
 engaged in the hardware business and also owned an interest in the R. B. 
 Whitmer store. His carefully directed interests, unflagging industry and 
 keen discernment combined to make him one of the wealthy citizens of the 
 community, while his devotion to the public good gained him prominence 
 as a citizen. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and prior 
 to the war was a staunch advocate of the abolition movement, assisting mate- 
 rially in the work of the underground railroad, whereby many a poor slave 
 from the south was assisted on his way to freedom in Canada. The death 
 of Mr. Manahan occurred while he was on a visit to his farm in Hopkins 
 township on the 16th of June, 1886, when he was eighty years of age, and 
 thus passed away one of the most honored and valued pioneer settlers. 
 
 John G. Manahan was a lad of nine years when the parents made the 
 trip down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Whiteside county. The family 
 lived in true pioneer style and amid the environments of the frontier his 
 youth was passed. It was an age in which every individual worked and 
 when men were judged by their personal characteristics, ability and accom- 
 plishments rather than by the record of their ancestors. Mr. Manahan re- 
 mained upon the farm with the family until 1854, when they removed to 
 Sterling. He supplemented his early education by study in Knox College at 
 Galesburg and prepared for the bar in Sterling, beginning his reading in the 
 office and under the direction of the law firm of Kirk & Ward, the latter an 
 older brother of Judge Ward. Before his admission to the bar, however, 
 events of national importance interfered with the continuance of his studies. 
 His patriotic spirit aroused by the attempt of the south to break asunder the 
 Union, he offered his services to the government, joining Company B of the 
 "Thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 18f>l. Fearless in defense of the
 
 532 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 old flag and the cause it represented, he valiantly supported the Union cause 
 until the siege of Vicksburg, in which he was wounded. His injuries neces- 
 sitated his being sent to the hospital at St. Louis and later he was detailed to 
 guard rebel prisoners at Rock Island, taking the first prisoners to Governor 
 Island. His military service covered more than three years and was most 
 creditable. 
 
 When honorably discharged Mr. Manahan returned to Whiteside county 
 and spent the succeeding three years upon his father's farm, with the hope 
 that the outdoor life would again build up his health, which had been 
 broken down through the rigors and hardships of military experience. It 
 was during that period that he married and thus established a home of his 
 own. On Christmas day of 1868 was celebrated the wedding of John Gait 
 Manahan and Miss Chattie L. Ward, a daughter of John B. and Mary A. 
 (Mumma) Ward. The former was a son of Philip Ward, a native of Ches- 
 ter county, Pennsylvania, who followed farming throughout the greater part 
 of his life. He wedded Margaret Brown and in later years removed to Ohio, 
 where he died in his eighty-ninth year, while his wife passed away in her 
 eighty-fourth year. They were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom 
 reached adult age. The Ward family is of English descent. The Mummas, 
 however, are of German lineage and John Mumma, the maternal grand- 
 father of Mrs. Manahan, was a native of Maryland, where he carried on 
 agricultural pursuits. He wedded Mary Fox, who was also born in Mary- 
 land and was likewise of German descent. When about forty years of age 
 he was killed by a falling tree and his wife, long surviving him, died in her 
 eighty-ninth year, being blind for three or four years prior to her demise. 
 
 John B. Ward, father of Mrs. Manahan, was a native of Chester county, 
 Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Hagerstown, Maryland. In early 
 childhood they accompanied their respective parents to Ohio, settling in 
 Belmont county, where they resided until 1873, when they came to Sterling. 
 Here Mr. Ward purchased a number of lots and built a comfortable home 
 on Avenue B, where he died in 1899 at the age of eighty-nine years and 
 seven months. His wife survived him until April, 1903, and lacked but 
 twenty-five days of being ninety years of age. They had three sons and 
 two daughters: Eber B., who was captain of Company A, Thirty-fourth 
 Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died during the war; Mrs. Manahan; 
 Rowena V., the deceased wife of- J. F. Barrett; Winfield Scott Ward and 
 Judge Henry C. Ward, both of Sterling. 
 
 Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Manahan remained for a year 
 upon the old homestead farm and then removed to Sterling, where he pur- 
 chased the ground on which the beautiful home of his widow now stands. 
 There was one daughter born to them Mary Isabella, now the wife of Fred 
 W. Honens, a civil engineer in the employ of the government, now residing 
 at Sterling. They have two children, John G. and Robert W. 
 
 In 1868 Mr. Manahan was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice 
 in Sterling, being a partner of Colonel William Kilgour for a number of 
 years. A large and distinctively representative clientage was accorded him 
 and he became especially prominent in the practice of patent law before the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 533 
 
 federal courts. His preparation of cases was thorough and exhaustive and 
 his position was largely unassailable. Aside from his law practice he had 
 business interests in Sterling, having been one of the organizers of the Ster- 
 ling Ga.s & Electric Light Company and financially interested in the Gas 
 Engine Company. 
 
 In community affairs Mr. Manahan was ever known as one loyal and 
 progressive in support of public measures for the general good. His aid 
 could always be counted upon to further any movement tending to benefit 
 the community. He was largely instrumental in establishing the public 
 library and advocated many interests which were a matter of civic virtue and 
 civic pride. He served as alderman for many terms and for three terms was 
 mayor of the city, giving a businesslike, practical and beneficial administra- 
 tion. He was also elected to represent his district in the state legislature as 
 the candidate of the republican party and gave to each question which came 
 up for settlement during his term his earnest consideration. His support 
 or opposition were always a matter of sincere belief and his political integrity 
 was ever unsullied. He served for twelve years, beginning in 1879, as a 
 member of the state board of charities, and his broad humanitarianism, com- 
 bined with his business dispatch, well qualified him for that office. He had 
 a wide acquaintance among the prominent political leaders of the state and 
 enjoyed the warm personal friendship of Governors Fifer and Tanner. None 
 doubted his Christianity. It was a part of his daily life as well as Sunday 
 church observance. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and for more 
 than twenty-five years served as one of its deacons, while for a long period 
 he was superintendent of the Sunday school. He contributed generously to 
 the support of the church and did everything in his power to promote its 
 growth and extend its influence. He died September 11, 1897, at the age 
 of sixty years, and Whiteside county mourned the loss of one whom it had 
 come to know and honor, one who in pioneer days was connected with its 
 early development, who in his profession had adhered to the highest standard 
 of legal ethics, who in public service had discharged his duties with the 
 utmost fidelity, who on the fields of battle had demonstrated his loyalty and 
 who in the circle of his acquaintances held friendship inviolable and dis- 
 played the utmost devotion to family ties. 
 
 GEORGE H. FADDEN. 
 
 George II. Fadden, president of the village board of Erie, is one of the 
 representative citizens whose efforts in behalf of public progress have been 
 far-reaching and beneficial. He is moreover a business man of energy and 
 determination, who has gained a place among the men of affluence in White- 
 side county by reason of his well directed energy and unwearied diligence. 
 He is owner of the Rock River Dairy Farm and is the only milk dealer in 
 the village in which he resides. 
 
 Mr. Fadden is a native of the province of Quebec, Canada, having been 
 born near Clarenceville, December 8, 1847. His parents were Ira F. and
 
 534 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Lucinda (Patterson) Fadden, also natives of that locality. They resided in 
 Canada until 1889, when they came to Whiteside county, Illinois, and Mr. 
 Fadden spent his last days in Prophetstown, where he died in October, 1906, 
 at the venerable age of eighty-five years. His wife, who was born February 
 26, 1828, in Prophetstown, died February 17, 1908. The Faddens lived in 
 the United States during the colonial epoch of our country's history but 
 became pioneer settlers in Canada and cleared heavy timber land, developing 
 that region in which occurred the birth of George H. Fadden. 
 
 The eldest in a family of twelve children, of whom eleven are yet living, 
 George II. Fadden was reared upon the home farm, about two miles from 
 the town of Clarenceville, to the age of seventeen years. He then left home 
 and has since provided for his own support. Going to Vermont, he worked 
 at the carpenter's trade for a year, after which he returned home to spend the 
 winter. He next went to Marlboro, Massachusetts, where he worked during 
 the greater part of the time during the succeeding two years. He then again 
 went to Canada, where he continued until the fall of 1868, when he once 
 more crossed the border into the United States and this time became a resi- 
 dent of Sterling, where he continued for a brief period. He worked on the 
 dam the year in which the bridge went out. In September, 1868, he came 
 to Erie and for six years was engaged in railroad construction work in this 
 state and Iowa, being thus engaged through the summer months, while the 
 winter seasons were passed at Erie. At length he enterd the butchering and 
 live-stock business with William Guthrie, a relation that was maintained for 
 four years. He continued in the butchering business altogether for about 
 ten years and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to farm- 
 ing, which he followed for eighteen years, his farm buildings being within 
 the corporation limits of Erie. This was his father-in-law's old place, which 
 is now owned by his wife and comprises two hundred and twenty acres of 
 land. Four years ago he left the farm and built his present fine residence, 
 which he now occupies. He is engaged in retailing milk, running a wagon 
 for this purpose, and he owns a valuable farm property of one hundred and 
 Jfifty acres on sections 27 and 28, Fenton township. His farm in the town 
 is conducted as a dairy farm and is known as the Rock River Dairy. Mr. 
 Fadden has continued in the dairy business for the past seven years and 
 is now the only retail dealer in milk in Erie. He keeps twenty-five cows 
 and has a liberal patronage, conducting an extensive and profitable business. 
 Aside from his interests in that line he is a stockholder and director in the 
 First National Bank of Erie, with which he has thus been connected from its 
 organization. In his business affairs he displays sound judgment and keen 
 sagacity and his well managed interests are bringing to him gratifying success. 
 
 On the 22d of September, 1875, Mr. Fadden was married to Miss Geneva 
 M. Gordon, who was born in Rushford, Allegany county, New York, October 
 18, 1852. and in 1854 was brought to Erie, by her parents, Lorenzo Dow 
 and Oris.sa (Rawson) Gordon, who drove across the country from New York 
 to Illinois. Her parents were natives of Allegany county, New York, and 
 continued residents of the Empire state until 1854, when they came to White- 
 .side county. Her father conducted a woolen factory in the east but on
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 535 
 
 reaching Illinois settled upon the farm which is now owned by Mrs. Fadden, 
 on section 7, Erie township. Mr. Gordon purchased two hundred acres of 
 land which was partly improved and which lies partly within the corporation 
 limits of the village. There he resided until his death, which occurred in 
 October 22, 1894, when he was seventy-seven years of age, his birth having 
 occurred in 1817. His wife, who was born in 1817, passed away May 7, 1884. 
 His father, William Gordon, was owner of a large woolen mill in the east. 
 He was a native of New England and was of Scotch descent. His family 
 numbered twelve children. He was very active in the work of the Methodist 
 church and was a local preacher of that denomination. The family of 
 Lorenzo 1). Gordon numbered two children, the older being Marion, the de- 
 ceased wife of Robert Wood. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fadden have been born three children : Lester 
 Gordon, who wedded Christina Michelson and resides upon his mother's 
 farm in Erie township; Mabel Clare, the wife of Fred Bleitz, who is living 
 upon her father's farm in Fenton township; and Hazel Belle. Mr. and Mrs, 
 Bleitz have two children, Gordon and Darrel Hobart. 
 
 While Mr. Fadden has long made his home in this county and is well 
 known as a representative business man, he has been equally prominent in 
 public affairs and is now serving for the second term of two years as president 
 of the village board. He has been a life-long republican and a recognized 
 leader of his party in this locality. He has served on the village board for 
 thirteen consecutive years and has done effective service for the town in 
 its development and progress. He has also been school director here for ten 
 years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. Frater- 
 nally he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Erie and the chapter at 
 Prophetstown and he is also connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge of 
 Erie. His is a sturdy American character and a stalwart patriotism and he 
 has the strongest attachment for our free institutions, being ever willing to- 
 make any personal sacrifice for their preservation, while his loyalty to com- 
 munity interests is manifest in many tangible ways. 
 
 JUDGE AARON A. WOLFERSPERGER. 
 
 Judge Aaron A. Wolferaperger, a well known member of the Sterling bar r 
 was born in Jordan township, Whiteside county, March 22, 1856. The 
 Wolfersperger family is of German Swiss ancestry and Avas established at a, 
 very early clay in the seventeenth century in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, 
 where John AVolfersperger, the grandfather of our subject, was born, reared 
 and followed farming. Later he and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Wolfersperger, 
 came to Illinois in 1868, after selling their property in the east, and resided 
 on one of the farms owned by their son John in Jordan township. There 
 John Wolfersperger. Sr., died at the age of eighty years, while his wife sur- 
 vived him for a few years and died at the age of eighty-four.
 
 536 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Their son, John Wolfersperger, Jr., was an only child. He was born in 
 Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and throughout his entire life followed general 
 agricultural pursuits. He removed westward to \Vhiteside county about 1850, 
 settling in Jordan township when this was a frontier district. He purchased 
 land from the government and from time to time added to his possessions until 
 they aggregated about nine hundred and sixty acres, which he developed 
 and improved, bringing his farms under a high state of cultivation. Be- 
 cause of his judicious investment and capable business management he 
 prospered, becoming one of the wealthy farmers of the county. He resided 
 upon his place until 1884, when he removed to Sterling, where he lived re- 
 tired, his death there occurring in 1897 when he was seventy-seven years. 
 In early manhood he married Lydia Kapp, a daughter of Jacob Kapp, a na- 
 tive of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, and of German descent. The history 
 of the Knpp family also dates back for many generations in that state, where 
 Jacob Kapp followed farming as a life work. Both he and his wife died 
 there. Their daughter, Mrs. Wolfersperger, passed away in 1895 at the age 
 of seventy-three years, while the death of John Wolfersperger occurred in 
 Sterling in 1897 at the age of seventy-seven. They were both members of the 
 Lutheran church and its teachings constituted the guide of their lives. In 
 their family were six children, of whom four are yet living: Cassie W., 
 the wife of Rev. W. C. Seidel, of Sterling; Maggie W., the wife of W. W. 
 Davis, also a resident of Sterling; Henry F., who lives in Minneapolis, Kan- 
 sas; and Aaron A., of this review. 
 
 Judge Aaron A. Wolfersperger spent his boyhood days quietly and 
 uneventfully upon his father's farm in Jordan township, assisting in the 
 work of the fields through the summer months and attending the district 
 schools in the winter seasons. Ambitious for further educational privileges, 
 he afterward attended the Carthage College at Carthage, Illinois, and was grad- 
 uated therefrom in 1876. Having determined upon a professional career, 
 he matriculated in the Union College of Law in Chicago and after completing 
 the course by graduation in 1879, was admitted to the bar and opened a law 
 office in Sterling, where he has remained continuously since. He has made 
 orderly progression in his profession and while his devotion to his clients' 
 interests has been proverbial, he has never forgotten that he owes a still 
 higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. He filled the office of city attorney 
 from 1883 until 1890 and in the latter year was elected county judge by 
 over sixteen hundred majority. He remained upon the bench for four 
 years and his service as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man 
 and a lawyer, distinguished by the utmost fidelity and by marked ability 
 in handling the work of the court. His decisions were strictly fair and 
 impartial, personal beliefs or prejudices never entering in as a disturbing 
 force. On his retirement from the bench he resumed the regular practice 
 of law in Sterling, where he has an extensive clientage of a most, important 
 character. He is now attorney for and a director of the Sterling National 
 Bank, with which he has been thus connected since its organization in 1882. 
 He is likewise president of the Rock Falls Manufacturing Company of Sterl- 
 ing, which manufactures coffins and hearses and employs a large force of 
 workmen in the conduct of it* extensive business.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 537 
 
 On the 4th of November, 1880, occurred the marriage of Judge Wolfers- 
 perger and Miss Anna H. Hendricks, a daughter of Jacob and Sophia 
 (Snyder) Hendricks, who were natives of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. 
 The former was a son of John Hendricks, who was born in the Keystone 
 state, where he followed farming and was of German descent. The maternal 
 grandfather was also a Pennsylvania farmer and of German lineage. He 
 .and his wife died in the east but the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Wolfers- 
 perger came to the west in the '50s and spent their last days in Whiteside 
 county. In the year 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hendricks arrived in Jordan 
 township, where the father purchased a farm, upon which he lived until 
 sometime in the '60s. He then sold that property and removed to Sterling, 
 where he died jn November, 1880, at the age of eighty years. His wife 
 survived him and passed away at the age of seventy-nine. They were the 
 parents of only one child who grew to maturity Mrs. Wolfersperger, who 
 by her marriage has become the mother of a daughter and son. The former, 
 Lelia, is a graduate of Vassar College of the class of 1906. The son, John, 
 was graduated from Cornell University in the same year and is now attending 
 Ihe School of Mining in Columbia University in New York city. 
 
 Judge and Mrs. Wolfersperger are members of the Presbyterian church, 
 jn which he is serving as a trustee. He belongs to Rock River Lodge, No. 
 612, A. F. & A. M.; Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; and Sterling Com- 
 mandery, No. 57, K. T. He also affiliates with Sterling Lodge, No. 174, 
 I. 0. 0. F., and with the Encampment. Politically he was a democrat until 
 1896 and has since given his allegiance to the republican party. With his 
 family he resides at No. 602 First avenue, where he built a pleasant home 
 in 1888. While undoubtedly he is not without that honorable ambition which 
 is so powerful and useful as an incentive to activity in public affairs, he re- 
 gards the pursuits of private life as being in themselves abundantly worthy 
 of his best efforts. He has developed the intellectual powers with which 
 nature endowed him and, well versed in the learning of his profession and 
 with a deep knowledge of human nature and the springs of human conduct, 
 with sagacity and tact, he is in the courts an advocate of power and influence, 
 to whom judges and juries listen with attention and deep interest. 
 
 HARRY HUNTER WOOD. 
 
 Harry Hunter Wood, president of the Eureka Company, carriage manu- 
 facturers at Rock Falls, is in this connection closely associated with the indus- 
 trial development and consequent prosperity of his city and county. He was 
 born in Sterling, Illinois, March 15, 1872, his parents being John and Susan 
 (Holdridge) Wood, natives of the state of New York. His paternal grand- 
 father was a farmer and dairyman, while the father followed various pursuits, 
 devoting some time to the purchase and sale of real estate and of horses. 
 Removing westward he became an early settler of Sterling and after residing 
 ihere for a number of years began the manufacture of wagons, being president
 
 538 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 of the Union Wagon Company, which placed upon the market the Union 
 wagon that was sold in all parts of the country. Mr. Wood continued in that 
 business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was 
 sixty-one years of age, while his wife survived him and passed away in May, 
 1903, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a member of the Episcopal 
 church. 
 
 Harry Hunter Wood was reared in Sterling and acquired his education 
 through the medium of the public schools and the Sterling Business College. 
 He passed through consecutive grades until he became a high school student 
 and afterward received commercial training qualifying him for life's practical 
 and responsible duties. After putting aside his text books he secured a position 
 as bookkeeper and grain buyer in connection with G. T. Elliott's elevator and 
 for a short time was in the Sterling postofh'ce. In 1890 he became bookkeeper 
 for the Eureka Company, carriage manufacturers, and subsequently went 
 upon the road as its traveling representative. His capability led to his pro- 
 motion to the position of sales manager and later he purchased an interest in 
 the business, of which he was made secretary. In August. 190B. he purchased 
 the interest of Thomas A. Gait in the enterprise and was chosen president and 
 treasurer of the company. They manufacture vehicles for domestic and for- 
 eign trade and employ about seventy-Hvc people. The factory is located in 
 Rock Falls and is equipped with all of the latest improved machinery to facil- 
 itate work in their line. They hold to high ideals in the character of their 
 manufactured product, in their personnel and in their service to the public, 
 and that they have gained public confidence and patronage is indicated by the 
 fact that their output is now about five thousand finished vehicles annually. 
 
 On the 20th of October, 1903, Mr. Wood wa.s married to Miss Etta Mc- 
 Cune, a daughter of James A. and Ella (Pickett) McCnne. The family 
 residence is at No. 805 West Fourth street and both Mr. and Mrs. Wood have 
 a wide circle of friends in Sterling and other parts of the county. 
 
 COLONEL PETER EGE. 
 
 Colonel Peter Ege, who is now living retired, although formerly active 
 at the bar as a well known and able lawyer, was born at Pine Grove 
 Furnace, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 10, 1835. His 
 parents were Major Joseph A. and Jane Almyra (Woodburn) Ege. The 
 father was also a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, as was the 
 grandfather, Captain Peter Ege, who derived his title by service in com- 
 mand of a company of Pennsylvania Dragoons and who was wounded in 
 the war of 1812. His father, Michael Ege, was a native of Philadelphia and 
 a son of Brainard Ege, a native of Germany, who became the founder of the 
 family in America, crossing the Atlantic in the seventeenth century. He 
 was accompanied on his emigration to the new world by two sons and set- 
 tled in Trenton, New Jersey. Brainard Ege and his son Michael were both 
 civil engineers and the latter was one of the early teachers of Philadelphia.
 
 COL. PETEE EGE
 
 LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINO.'S
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 541 
 
 Major Joseph A. Egs reared the following children to adult age: Jane 
 Almyra, now deceased; Margaret W., the widow of Major John J. McFar- 
 land, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jane L., the deceased wife of Peter May- 
 berger, who has also passed away; Peter, of this review; Martha E., the 
 widow of George Roddy, of New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania; Henrietta M., 
 the widow of Judge S. Burd, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Joseph A., who 
 served as colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania 
 Regiment in the Civil war and is flow deceased; James H.', who for three 
 years served as a private in the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry and is now 
 residing at Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Francis H. and Ellen E., both of 
 whom have passed away. The mother of this family died in 1850 and in 
 1853 Mr. Ege was again married, his second union being with Kate R. Reish, 
 of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Unto them were born four children: Wil- 
 liam L., deceased; Charles F., a resident farmer of Newton township, Whits- 
 side county; Eva M., the deceased wife of Harper Earl, of this county; and 
 Hattie B., a teacher of Oakland, California. 
 
 The maternal ancestor of Colonel Ege of this review was James Wood- 
 burn, who was of Scotch Irish parentage. He married Agnes Martin, who 
 was of pure Scotch lineage, a daughter of Dr. Martin, who located in Car- 
 lisle, Pennsylvania, in 1734 and served as a surgeon in the war for inde- 
 pendence. He was also in the war of 1812 and occupied the same position. 
 He participated in most of the engagements of the war fought by General 
 Scott and rendered valued service in caring for the sick and wounded. 
 
 Colonel Peter Ege was educated in the east. When the country became 
 involved in hostilities between the north and the south, Colonel Ege, on the 
 14th of April, 1861, only two days after Fort Sumter was fired upon, left 
 Chicago as a member of the Chicago Zouaves in the ninety days' service. 
 Before the expiration of this term he was made first lieutenant on the staff 
 of Governor Richard Yates of Illinois, while General U. S. Grant was second 
 lieutenant on the same staff. General Grant was appointed by Governor 
 Yates colonel of the Twenty-first Illinois Infantry and Colonel Ege had the 
 honor of presenting him with his commission. The regiment of which he 
 became commander was raised by Colonel Curtis, a banker of Quiney. 
 
 Colonel Ege, in August, 1861, was sent by Governor Yates and the 
 state government to recruit a company. He then made his way to White-- 
 side county, where he had located in 1855, and here raised what became 
 Company A of the Thirty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. With 
 this command he served in the Army of the Tennessee and later with the 
 Army of the Cumberland and was made colonel on the 7th of November, 
 1864, in command of the Thirty-fourth Regiment of Veterans. The first 
 battle in which he engaged was that at Shiloh on the 7th of April, 1862. 
 There he was slightly wounded in the neck. Later he took part in the 
 engagement at Corinth, Mississippi, and afterward at Stone River, Buzzard's 
 Roost, Georgia, and Resaca and Rome. At the last named place he was 
 wounded in the abdomen and was confined in the hospital for a short time. 
 This wound proved very serious and from its effects he has never yet recov- 
 ered. However, after a time he was again on active duty with his regiment
 
 542 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and participated in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, where he was slightly 
 wounded in the hand. He was also in the battle of Goldsboro, Georgia, and 
 later he was for one hundred and two days in and around Atlanta, being 
 stationed on the skirmish line. Thus he was in constant danger and was 
 under fire every day and frequently at night as well. At the time of the 
 capitulation of Atlanta he was at that city. He was also in front of Savannah, 
 Georgia, and on the 17th of December, 1864, was wounded at that place, 
 being struck by a bullet in the thumb of his right hand. The injury proved 
 quite serious, however, and confined him to the hospital for six weeks. 
 After the troops under General Sherman had succeeded in reaching the sea, 
 the army started on the return north and on the 15th of March, 1865, the 
 battle of Averysboro, North Carolina, was fought, but in this Colonel Ege did 
 not participate, Colonel Walker being in command of his regiment. He 
 was, however, engaged in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, which 
 was the last serious engagement of the war. Colonel Ege commanded his 
 regiment from this point to Richmond, Virginia, and thence on to Wash- 
 ington, where the army was mustered out. Colonel Ege was in command 
 of a brigade of the Second Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, which 
 he continued to command until it was mustered out July 17, 1865. He 
 served for three years and eleven months in the Thirty-fourth Illinois Vol- 
 unteer Infantry and altogether put in four years and six months' time as a 
 soldier in defense of the Union. He commanded his regiment at the grand 
 review at Washington. 
 
 When the war was over Colonel Ege returned to Whiteside county, 
 where he resumed the practice of law and also engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness. He was for many years a member of the Whiteside county bar and 
 was recognized as an able and learned lawyer. He had from the time he 
 left school in 1854 up to the time of the outbreak of hostilities devoted his 
 attention to engineering and in this work was associated with such men as 
 General George B. McClellan, Major Bushnell and Captain George Brown. 
 He was employed in surveying the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad from 
 Chicago to Dewitt, Iowa, with a Mr. Scott as engineer-in-chief. As stated, 
 after the war Colonel Ege practiced law for n long period, but has now lived 
 retired for a number of years. 
 
 In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Colonel Ege and Miss Harriet 
 L. Booth, a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Beckley) Booth. Her paternal 
 ancestors came to America in 1787 and settled at Virginia near the town 
 of Norfolk. James Booth, the progenitor of the family in the new world, 
 was a native of Wales but was reared in England, in which country his wife, 
 who bore the maiden name of Nancy Stallaker. was born. One of their 
 sons, Daniel Booth, was a colonel of the American army in the Revolution- 
 ary war, commanding a regiment of Virginia volunteers. He died in the 
 Old Dominion in 1790 and left a family of eight children : James, Isaac, 
 Daniel, David, John, Stephen, Jane and Major W. Booth. The Booth 
 family has ever been noted for the loyalty and patriotism of its member*. 
 Among the children of Colonel Daniel Booth was Daniel Booth. Jr., who 
 served as colonel in the war of 1812. Another son. Captain John Booth,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 543 
 
 was killed by the English in the second war with England. His brother, 
 Stephen Booth, who was sergeant of a company, was killed in the same 
 battle. Jane became the wife of W. F. Wilson, who was also a soldier of 
 the war of 1812. Major W. Booth likewise served with the American army 
 in that war. He married Deborah Hart, and they had fifteen children. 
 She was a daughter of Edward Hart, who was a son of John Hart, one of 
 the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1839 Major W. Booth 
 removed westward with his family and settled in Newton township, White- 
 side county, Illinois. He had received a land warrant for service in the war 
 of 1812 and with this he secured a claim in Newton township, which 
 remained in possession of the family until a few years ago. Before his 
 arrival in Whiteside county he had lived in other places. He removed 
 from Virginia to Ohio and thence to Logansport, Indiana, where he lived 
 for four years, after which he came to Illinois, making the entire journey 
 with teams. The Booths have from early colonial days been numbered 
 among the most prominent, influential and leading families of the Old 
 Dominion. Elijah Booth and his wife were the parents of six children, 
 four of whom reached years of maturity. Mrs. Booth died in Logansport, 
 Indiana, in 1844, and it was the year following that the family came to 
 Whiteside county. Of the children, Sylvester H. Booth, now deceased, served 
 as a sergeant in the Civil war. When about twenty years of age he left 
 home on an overland trip to California. The family supposed him dead, 
 as they -had not heard from him for a long period, but after an absence of 
 twenty years he returned. Harriet L., the next of the family, is now the 
 wife of Colonel Ege. Martha J., now deceased, was the wife of Pa-cal 
 Early, who was a sergeant of Company F, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry. 
 Mary M. is the deceased wife of S. H. Beckwith, of Iowa. The father 
 of this family was a builder and contractor. He did not long remain in 
 Whiteside county, but went south and died soon after the death of his 
 wife. 
 
 Unto Colonel and Mrs. Ege have been born nine children : Martha 
 and Maude, both of whom have passed away; Mary, the wife of Charles 
 Wheaton, of La Harpe, Illinois; Harry P.; Henrietta W., the wife of Wil- 
 liam F. Rumbull, of Laurel, Mississippi; Deborah B., the wife of W. L. 
 Olds, of Madison, Wisconsin; Sylvester, a civil engineer, of Laurel, Mis- 
 sissippi and a soldier in the Spanish- American war; Sarah L., who is prin- 
 cipal of the schools of Laurel, Mississippi; and a daughter who died in 
 infancy. 
 
 Colonel Ege and his family are members of the Presbyterian church 
 and are prominent in the social life of the community. He is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity at Albany and Fulton Chapter, R. A. M., while of 
 the Commandery at Laurel, Mississippi, he has become a Knight Templar. 
 At the present time he has the distinction of being the second highest living 
 officer now residing in the state of Illinois and none of the boys in blue have 
 had a more varied military experience than fell to his lot while he defended 
 the Stars and Stripes. He participated in the long marches, the hard cam- 
 paigns, the sieges and the pitched battles, manifesting a bravery and valor
 
 544 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 that inspired his men to deeds of courage. In the years which have since 
 come and gone he has been equally faithful to the interests of his country 
 and in Whiteside county there is no more honored or respected citizen than 
 this worthy veteran, who has now reached the seventy-third milestone on the 
 journey of life. 
 
 JOHN BRADLEY CRANDALL, M. D. 
 
 Dr. John Bradley Crandall, who as a physician and surgeon has gained 
 recognition as one of the ablest representatives of his profession in Sterling and 
 Whiteside county and who during the Civil war made a record as a valorous 
 and patriotic soldier, was born at Roxbury, Vermont, February 22, 1840. 
 
 paternal grandfather wag John Bradley Crandall, who was descended 
 from Sir John Bradley Crandall, who was a lieutenant general and belonged 
 to the right wing of protection to the crown. The grandfather removed from 
 Connecticut to Vermont and served as a justice of the peace in Roxbury. He 
 followed the occupation of farming as a life work and there reared his family. 
 He married a Miss Burnett, whose father was of Scotch descent, and served 
 on Washington's staff in the war of the Revolution with the rank of lieutenant 
 colonel. John Bradley Crandall lived to be about sixty years of age, while his 
 wife reached the advanced age of nearly ninety years. They had a large 
 family, now widely scattered throughout the United States. 
 
 Their son, Daniel Burnett Crandall, a native of the Green Mountain 
 state, followed the occupation of farming and died in Vermont about twenty- 
 five years ago when sixty-six or sixty-seven years of age. He had married 
 Lydia A. Bailey, who was also born in Vermont and was a daughter of Samuel 
 Bailey, of Massachusetts, who removed to the Green Mountain state when 
 it was largely undeveloped and unsettled. He was a hatter in his early man- 
 hood but took up farming after his removal to Vermont, where he died in 
 middle life. His wife, Mrs. Lydia (Reed) Bailey, lived to be about ninety 
 years of age, her home being near Berlin, Vermont. The Reeds were a promi- 
 nent family of that state. Mrs. Lydia A. (Bailey) Crandall survived her hus- 
 band for about ten years and passed away at the age of seventy-one. She was 
 a member of the Congregational church. In their family were three sons 
 and three daughters, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject 
 being George H. Crandall, a farmer of Berlin, Vermont. Another son of the 
 family, Major Richard B. Crandall, of the Sixth Vermont, entered the Union 
 service as adjutant of that regiment and held the position for about a year, 
 when he was promoted to the captaincy. He served with that rank for six 
 months and was then promoted from junior captain to the rank of major. 
 He was a man of strong mentality and a fine soldier. 
 
 Dr. Crandall of this review spent his boyhood days largely at Barry, 
 Vermont, and attended the common schools of Berlin and the academy at 
 Barry. In the latter place he took up the study of medicine, was graduated 
 from the medical department of the University of Vermont and subsequently 
 pursued a post-graduate course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 545 
 
 New York. He ^jpan practice in connection with the army, enlisting in the 
 summer of 1861^XHe was made hospital steward of the Sixth Vermont In- 
 fantry and served until the summer of 1862. He was then graduated from 
 the University of Vermont and in October of that year was appointed assist- 
 ant surgeon in the army. He w T as on active duty with McClellan's forces in 
 the seven days' battle of the Wilderness, belonged to the old Vermont brigade 
 and was in General Baldy Smith's division in the retreat at Harrison's Land- 
 ing. He remained with the Thirteenth Vermont until the autumn of 1863 
 and was the senior assistant surgeon on the Gettysburg battlefield. He was 
 afterward on duty in general hospitals in the Department of the East and 
 was stationed at Burlington, Vermont, until the summer of 1864. Subse- 
 quently he was transferred to the Sloan United States Hospital at Montpelier, 
 where he continued on duty until the hospital closed in the winter of 1865-6. 
 He then took a post-graduate course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
 in New York and, thus splendidly equipped by broad study and the practical 
 and varied experience of army life, in the summer of 1866 he re-entered the 
 regular army and was put on duty in the Department of Missouri as assistant 
 surgeon, being stationed on the frontier until he came to Sterling in 1868. 
 The winter of 1866-7 was spent at Fort Riley and in the spring he went with 
 an expedition of the Seventh Cavalry against the Indians, General Hancock 
 commanding. In that year the regiment was also sent to Fort Dodge and sta- 
 .tioned there in the center of the Indian strongholds. A cholera epidemic 
 broke out there, the disease being brought by colored troops from St. Louis. 
 There were eighty-five cases in all, with twenty-eight deaths. A curious 
 feature was the fact that Troop B, United States Cavalry, was not attacked by 
 the disease, while some of the officers and civilians in the officers' quarters 
 were attacked and died. Dr. Crandall could not account for this except upon 
 the theory that Troop B was quartered in the stables with the horses and 
 the ammonia probably destroyed the gerrns of the disease. He contributed 
 an able article to the Medical Journal on this subject a number of years ago, 
 which was widely copied throughout the country. 
 
 In the fall of 1868 Dr. Crandall left the army and settled in Sterling, 
 Illinois, where he has been in active practice continuously to the persent 
 time, covering a period of over forty years. Throughout this time he has 
 enjoyed a liberal patronage and has long been accounted one of the foremost 
 physicians of this part of the state. He has ever kept abreast with the ad- 
 vanced thought and progress of. the profession and his ability and energy 
 have enabled him to successfully cope with the intricate problems continually 
 presented through the complications of disease. 
 
 In January. 1869, Dr. Crandall was married to Miss Eliza Fluelling, 
 a daughter of Benjamin Fluelling, who was an early lumber dealer of Ster- 
 ling. Her mother was a Miss Robins before her marriage and died in 
 the province of Ontario, Canada, Dr. and Mrs. Crandall have two children: 
 Richard B., who learned the drug business; and Laura, the wife of Stowers 
 Dunbar, of Sterling. Mrs. Crandall belongs to the Episcopal church. 
 
 The Doctor holds membership with the Sterling Club, of which he has 
 served as president. He belongs to Will Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Sterling,
 
 546 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and was on the national staff when General Black was commanding and also 
 when General Brown was commander. He is now a member of the Chicago 
 Commandery of the Loyal Legion and a non-resident member of the Com- 
 mandery of the State of Vermont, Colonel Brown commanding, he having 
 been a colonel in the regiment to which Dr. Crandall belonged. In politics 
 the Doctor is a republican, giving a stanch support to the party, yet without 
 aspiration for office as a reward for party fealty. The only position that he 
 has filled has been in the line of his profession, as he has been president of the 
 pension examining board during the past two administrations. He was also 
 health officer for about ten years and was appointed by the state board as 
 inspector for infectious diseases for the northern part of the state. He belong.-* 
 to both the County and State Medical Societies and United States Medical 
 Association, and is interested in all that pertains to the advancement of the 
 profession in increasing his efficiency and promoting his skill that his labors 
 may be of more direct benefit to his fellowmen. 
 
 WARREN F. POWERS. 
 
 Warren F. Powers is now living retired in Sterling, deriving his income 
 from farming property and other investments. He represents one of the 
 old families of this section of the state and is a native of Palmyra township, 
 Lee county, where his birth occurred September 13, 1851. His parents were 
 Abijah and Amanda (Sprout) Powers, both of whom wre natives of Massa- 
 chusetts. The former was a son of Joseph Powers, who was also born in 
 the Old Bay state and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He 
 married Sarah Powers and in their later years they came to the middle west 
 to make their home with their son Abijah. Mrs. Powers died when seventy- 
 six years of age, on the anniversary of her son's birthday, and a notable 
 coincidence was that he died at the age of seventy-six years on his mother'.-- 
 birthday. The Powers family can trace their lineage back to the thirteenth 
 century. Two brothers of the name were residents of Ireland and one went 
 to England and the other to France, the latter becoming the founder of the 
 family of which the subject of this review is a representative. In the ma- 
 ternal line Warren F. Powers comes of an old New England family. His 
 grandfather was a native of Massachusetts . and a farmer by occupation. He 
 died in the east, when about seventy years of age. after which his widow 
 removed westward to Lee county, Illinois, and died at the age of eighty-nine. 
 
 Abijah Powers began providing for his own support at an early age. 
 working by the day. He noted that the tide of emigration was steadily 
 drifting westward and realized that opportunities must draw them to that 
 section of the country. He therefore resolved that he would enjoy the benefits 
 offered by the west and in the spring of 1837 came to Illinois, settling in 
 Palmyra township, Lee county, where he worked for a year and a half. He 
 then returned to the east and was married, after which he again became a 
 resident of Lee county, in 1839. and there carried on general farming. His
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 547 
 
 home farm contained two hundred and eighty-one acres of land, to which he 
 added as his financial resources increased. In addition to his property in 
 Lee county he had four hundred acres in Whiteside- county, also two half 
 sections in Iowa and other land in Minnesota. The first winter after bring- 
 ing his bride to the west they lived in a little log cabin without door or 
 window to shut out the cold. One year his taxes amounted to five dollars 
 and it occasioned him considerable worry as to how he should raise the money 
 to meet the payment, for money was very scarce in the middle west in those 
 days and the farm products brought but little recompense. As the years 
 passed, however, he prospered and improved several farms, thus contributing 
 to the general advancement of this section of the state as well as to his indi- 
 vidual success. He was the pioneer raiser of shorthorn cattle in this section 
 of the state and perhaps did more to improve the grade of cattle raised than 
 any other man in northern Illinois. He continued to reside upon the old 
 homestead until his death, which occurred in July, 1891, when he was in his 
 seventy-seventh year. His wife still survives him and is now in her eighty- 
 ninth year. She has always been very active, has enjoyed excellent health and 
 has ever been devoted to the welfare of her family. Mr. Powers was not only 
 prominent in agricultural lines but also in community interests, filled nearly 
 all of the town offices and was also elected to represent his district in the state 
 legislature, where he served for one term, and then refused a second nomina- 
 tion. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Abijah Powers were born six children, five of whom 
 reached adult age: Elvira A., the wife of Captain Charles Eckles, of Marshall- 
 town, Iowa; Nellie C., the deceased wife of A. E. Thummel; Mary A., the 
 widow of James C. Nickerson, a resident of Pierre, South Dakota; Warren F., 
 of this review; Austin A., of Palmyra township, Lee county, and residing on 
 the old homestead farm ; and Alfred, who was the first born and died of scar- 
 let fever when six years of age. 
 
 Warren F. Powers was reared upon his father's farm in Lee county and 
 his early educational privileges, afforded by the district schools, were sup- 
 plemented by a course in the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. 
 After putting aside his text-books he resumed farming and one year later 
 was married and began farming on his own account by renting land in Jor- 
 dan township, Whiteside county. He thus continued to engage in agricul- 
 tural pursuits until his father's death, when he inherited a part of the estate, 
 and now owns one hundred sixty-six and a half acres of productive land, 
 which brings to him a good rental. At one time his holdings embraced three 
 hundred and twenty acres, but having opportunity to sell advantageously he 
 disposed of this land and purchased the farm he now owns. 
 
 On the 4th of December, 1872, Mr. Powers was married to Miss Mary E. 
 Miller, a daughter of Henry and Fredericka (Klostermann) Miller. Henry 
 Miller was born in the province of Oldenburg, Germany, November 13, 1822, 
 and Avas a son of Pope E. and Theda (Remmers) Miller. He came to America 
 with his father in 1837 and settled in Cass county, Illinois, where his father 
 died a few months later. In the spring of 1838, with his brother, he removed 
 to Palmyra, Lee county, and engaged in farming on the place owned by him
 
 548 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 up to the time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1892. On the 29th of 
 September, 1850, he married Fredrika A. Klostermann, of Palmyra, Lee coun- 
 ty, a daughter of Ernest H. and Alma Margaret (Frerichs) Klostermann. She 
 was born September 23, 1833, in the grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and 
 at present resides with two of her daughters in Chicago, being now in her 
 seventy-fifth year. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born nine children, two 
 sons and seven daughters, Mary E., the wife of Warren F. Powers, being the 
 eldest. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Powers have become the parents of seven children. Eva 
 M., the eldest, is now the wife of Charles LeFevre, a farmer of Sterling town- 
 ship, and they have two children, Lawrence and Irene. Willard D., who is 
 a bookkeeper in connection with the government works at Sterling, married 
 Miss Nellie Eisel and has one son, Homer. Frank W., who is on a ranch in 
 Colorado, married Mabel Crouch and they have two sons, Warren and Llewel- 
 lyn. Earl died in infancy. Lottie A. is the wife of Richard Proctor, of Coleta. 
 Nellie A. is the wife of Ralph Overholser, of Coleta. Maurice A., who com- 
 pletes the family, is attending business college and resides at home. 
 
 The parents and their children are members of the Congregational church 
 and the family is one of social prominence. Mr. Powers is a stalwart republican 
 who has continuously supported the party yet has never sought office as a 
 reward for party fealty. In February, 1906, having sold the farm, with his 
 wife, he removed to Sterling, erecting a beautiful brick residence at No. 105 
 Sixth avenue, where they are now pleasantly located. They have many 
 friends in the city and throughout the county where they have lived con- 
 tinuously since their marriage. 
 
 GEORGE N. MASON. 
 
 George N. Mason, efficiently filling the position of postmaster at Erie, 
 is a native of Cheshire, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, born July 4, 1856. 
 His parents, James and Abigail (Conn) Mason, were also natives of Berk- 
 shire county and passed away in Hebron, Illinois, where their remains were 
 Interred. The father was a farmer and dairyman throughout his entire 
 life. Soon after his arrival in Illinois he rented an extensive farm and 
 thereon conducted a dairy business, milking over one hundred cows. He was 
 sent to Walworth, Wisconsin, to manage a cheese factory and continued 
 there for two seasons, making the first cheese at that place. His business 
 interests were carefully conducted and he was a man of industry and enter- 
 prise. His family numbered seven sons and five daughters, George N. 
 Mason being the third child. Two daughters and five sons are yet living. 
 One daughter, Belle, who was a successful teacher for a long period, died 
 December 15, 1907. The eldest daughter, Ida, died in Chicago of smallpox 
 shortly after the great fire in that city in 1871. All of the sons of the 
 family are engaged in the creamery business. 
 
 When eight years of age George N. Mason accompanied his parents to 
 Hebron, McHenry county, Illinois, where he was reared upon a farm until
 
 G. N. MASON.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF , LLWo ,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 551 
 
 twenty-four years of age. He acquired his education in the district schools 
 and though his opportunities were somewhat limited he has learned many 
 valuable lessons in the school of experience. As his father was conducting 
 u dairy farm the son learned the business of making butter and cheese, 
 becoming a practical and expert manufacturer in those lines. In 1879 he 
 removed to Erie, where he has since made his home, and in the intervening 
 years he has ever commanded and enjoyed the respect, confidence and good 
 will of his fellow townsmen. Following his arrival here, he accepted the 
 management of the creamery owned by Hubbard & Burchell, continuing in 
 that position for four years, on the expiration of which period lie purchased 
 the business and conducted it under his own name for a number of years. 
 Subsequently he established a factory at Port Byron and the rapid increase 
 in his business eventually made the daily output of butter at Erie twenty- 
 two hundred pounds and at Port Byron one thousand pounds. The excel- 
 lence of the product made it a very marketable commodity and he was 
 always able to command the highest prices. After continuing in the cream- 
 ery business for some time Mr. Mason opened a general mercantile store 
 in Erie and in connection with its conduct also continued to manage the 
 creamery business for a time. Later, however, he disposed of the latter and 
 concentrated his energies upon his mercantile interests. He carried on his 
 creamery and store for about fifteen years. In commercial circles he has 
 gained an enviable reputation as one whose methods will bear the closest 
 investigation and scrutiny and he bases his business moves upon the rules 
 which govern strict and unswerving integrity and industry. 
 
 Mr. Mason has now filled the position of postmaster for ten and a half 
 years, having been appointed by President McKinley during his first admin- 
 istration. It was then a fourth-class office, but since has .been raised to a 
 third-class with three rural free delivery routes and one star route. His 
 administration of the office is entirely satisfactory to the general public, 
 who find him a courteous, obliging official, who is, moreover, prompt in the 
 discharge of all business. He has likewise been president of the village 
 board for a year, was president of the board of education for six years and 
 president of the cemetery commission. His political allegiance has always 
 been given to the republican party, of which he is a stalwart champion, 
 doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success 
 of his party. 
 
 In 1880 Mr. Mason was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Soothill, who was 
 born near Halifax, Yorkshire, England, July 22, 185'6. She Avas brought to 
 the United States at the age of six months by her parents, Joseph and Char- 
 lotte (Maxwell) Soothill, who located at Harvard, McHenry county, Illinois, 
 where Mrs. Mason resided until her marriage. She proved to her husband a 
 faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey for more than a quarter 
 of a century and was called to her final home January 12, 1907. She was a 
 successful teacher for a long period, having taught thirty-seven terms of 
 .school and was a lady of innate culture and refinement, who enjoyed in 
 large measure the esteem and friendship of all with whom she came in 
 contact. Mr. and Mrs. Mason were the parents of a son and daughter.
 
 552 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 The elder, Charles S., who acquired his education in the schools of Erie and 
 in a business college at Davenport, Iowa, was afterward employed in the 
 First National Bank in Morrison, Illinois, and is now receiving teller of the 
 Corn Belt Bank of Kansas City. He was married in 1904 to Miss Mary A. 
 Walker, of Moline, Illinois, who died September 18, 1906, leaving one 
 daughter, Marjorie, who is now with her grandfather Mason. Lois May, 
 who was educated in music in Chicago and had become a teacher in that 
 art, died October 1, 1907, at the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Mason owns 
 an attractive home in Erie and also has other property. His realty inter- 
 ests in the village are represented by four dwellings and two business blocks, 
 and he also owns two hundred acres of rich and valuable farming land in 
 one body in Fenton and Newton townships. He was made a Mason at the 
 age of twenty-one years in Hebron, Illinois, and now affiliates with the lodge 
 at Erie. For the past thirty years he has been a consistent member of 
 Christ's Adelphian church. He is a congenial friend and a popular citizen, 
 who enjoys the good will and confidence of his fellow townsmen in an 
 unusual degree. 
 
 HARRY J. LUDENS. 
 
 Although one of the younger members of the Morrison bar, his years 
 do not seem to impede his progress and Harry J. Ludens is working his way 
 upward to a prominent place among the legal practitioners of this city. He 
 was born in Garden Plain township in 1874. a son of John P. and Dorothy 
 (Vandenberg) Ludens, both of whom were natives of Holland. In the year 
 1866 the father came with his family to the United States, settling in New 
 York, where he worked at farm labor by the month. He afterward spent 
 a year in Wisconsin and in 1868 came to Illinois, locating in Fulton, where 
 he worked at day labor for some time. His unfaltering industry and careful 
 expenditure at length brought him the capital that enabled him to make 
 investment in property and in 1883 he purchased eighty acres of land on 
 section 31, Ustick township. Whiteside county. With characteristic energy 
 he began the further development and improvement of this farm, upon which 
 he spent his remaining days. His life was one of untiring activity and use- 
 fulness and he provided a comfortable living for his family. A devoted 
 member of the Dutch Reform church, he served as one of its officers for 
 many years and did what he could for its growth and upbuilding. In politics 
 he was a republican and served on the school board, but was not an aspirant 
 for public office. He died in 1893 at the age of fifty-four years and is still 
 survived by his widow, who is now living in Chicago at the age of sixty-seven. 
 She, loo, is a member of the Dutch Reform church. Their family numbered 
 fourteen children : Jennie, who became the wife of Jacob Sternberg and 
 passed away in 1888; Annie, the wife of David Sternberg. an agriculturist 
 of Ustick township; Peter, who makes his home in Montana; Lizzie, who 
 wedded Fred M. Dykema, a railroad man of Virden, Illinois; Harry J., of
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 553 
 
 this review; Jacob J., an attorney at law of Sterling, Illinois; John M., a 
 student in Knox College at Galesburg: David, a civil engineer in the employ 
 of the Great Northern Railroad Company in Montana; and Mattie, the wife 
 of William J. Parr, an engineer on the Pennsylvania System in Chicago. 
 The others have passed away. 
 
 Harry J. Ludens was reared to farm life, spending his boyhood day* 
 under the parental roof, his time being divided between the work of the 
 fields and the acquirement of an education. He attended the country schools 
 and the Northern Illinois College at Fulton, Illinois. Before taking up the 
 college work, however, he was employed as a clerk in Fulton and from Sep- 
 tember, 1901, until 1906, he occupied a clerical position in the office of the 
 secretary of state at Springfield. While attending college he read law and 
 finished his studies while in the capital city. In the fall of 1903 he was 
 admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in November, 1908, at 
 Morrison. He has met with fair success here and his careful preparation of 
 cases and his continued study are winning for him success in the difficult 
 and arduous profession of the law. 
 
 Mr. Ludens is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Eastern Star 
 and also affiliates with the Odd Fellows and the Mystic Workers. His polit- 
 ical allegiance is given to the republican party. He is well known in this 
 county, where much of his life has been passed and where he is so directing 
 his labors as to gain recognition as a strong and growing member of the 
 Whiteside county bar. 
 
 JOHN B. LEWIS. 
 
 John B. Lewis, manager of the lumber business of James C. Simpson & 
 Company at Sterling, has also figured actively in the public life of the city 
 and stands for improvement and progress in every line. He is a native of 
 Indiana county, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, Evan Lewis, was 
 born in Wales and followed the sea for a number of years, after which he 
 became a resident of Pennsylvania and gave his time and energies to general 
 agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he took up his abode in Albany, White- 
 side county, Illinois, where he died in 1872 at the age of eighty-three years. 
 His first wife, Agnes (Lyons) Lewis, Avas the grandmother of our subject. 
 She died many years ago in middle life and Evan Lewis afterward married 
 Jane Wallace. 
 
 David Lewis, a son of the first marriage, was born in Somerset county, 
 Pennsylvania, and became a harne.ss-maker by trade, carrying on business 
 along that line in Pennsylvania until the time of the Civil war. In 1865 
 he went to Kansas, settling near Olathe, Johnson county, and in 1868 he 
 arrived in Albany, Whiteside county, Illinois, where he devoted the greater 
 part of his time and attention to the cultivation of a fruit farm. There he 
 died in 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife survived him and 
 passed away at the home of her son Sheldon L. at the Brinington navy yard.
 
 554 HISTORY OP WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 where he has a ranch. Her death occurred in December, 1905. when she was 
 sixty-eight years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis were members of 
 the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Lewis bore the maiden name of Elizabeth 
 Griffith and was a daughter of Abner Griffith, a native of Pennsylvania arid 
 of Quaker stock. Her father followed agricultural pursuits and died at Marion 
 Center, Pennsylvania, on the farm on which he had lived for fifty years 
 or more, being almost a nonagenarian at the time of his demise. His first 
 wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Wisegarver) Griffith, died in early womanhood and he 
 afterward married again. The daughter, Elizabeth, was born of the first 
 marriage in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and there she gave her hand 
 in marriage to David Lewis. 
 
 Twelve children were born of this union, ten sons and two daughters, 
 of whom ten are now living: Albert W., a resident of Albany, Illinois; John 
 B. ; Owen H., of Hendrum, Minnesota; Evan P., of Albany, Illinois; Shel- 
 don L., a twin of Evan, now living at the Brinington navy yard in Washing- 
 ton; James M.. of Helena, Montana, where he is practicing law; Annie L., the 
 wife of Walter Young, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Harry B., who is engaged in 
 the undertaking business at Overton, Nebraska; Agnes, the wife of John D. 
 Quick, an engineer at the smelter at Bingham Canyon, Utah; and Arthur L.. 
 a millwright of the same place. The other two died in early childhood. 
 
 John B. Lewis came to Whiteside county in December, 1868, and attended 
 the public schools of Albany, after which he pursued a course in the Normal 
 School at Fulton under Professor Griffith. Later he pursued a business 
 course in the business college of Valentine & Lillibridge at Davenport, Iowa, 
 and when his education was completed he followed the Mississippi river as 
 clerk on a steamboat for six years during the summer seasons, while in the 
 winter months he taught school. He afterward entered a general mercantile 
 store at Albany, the style of the firm being Simpson & Lewis. Some time 
 later they sold the store and engaged in the lumber business at Cambridge, 
 Henry county, Illinois, removing thence to Galva, Illinois, in the same busi- 
 ness. In 1900 the James C. Simpson Lumber Company bought the lumber 
 business of John Peck in Sterling and Mr. Lewis has managed the business 
 since that time. They have a fine lumberyard and enjoy an extensive trade, 
 the development of the business being attributable in large measure to the 
 enterprise and capable management of Mr. Lewis. 
 
 On the 23d of December, 1892, John B. Lewis was married to Mis.? 
 Theodosia Simpson, a daughter of John and Eliza (Lewis) Simpson. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lewis belong to the Congregational church and are prominent so- 
 cially, their pleasant home at No. 406 West Third street being justly cele- 
 brated for its gracious hospitality. They are both members of the Eastern 
 Star and Mr. Lewis belongs to Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M.. 
 and the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Mystic Workers. Politically 
 he is an earnest republican and in recent years has aided in 'shaping the 
 policy of his party in the city. He has served as supervisor from Albany 
 township for one term and in May. 1905, was elected mayor of Sterling, giving 
 to the city a public-spirited and businesslike administration. His labors for 
 the general good are always of a practical character and have been resulting
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 555 
 
 factors in promoting the city's welfare and improvement. In manner Mr. 
 Lewis is always approachable and is known as a genial gentleman of un- 
 feigned cordiality, while his many good qualities have gained for him warm 
 friendships and high regard. 
 
 MARVIN W. INGWERSEN. 
 
 Marvin W. Ingwersen, cashier of the Fulton Bank, has made steady prog- 
 ress in his business career until today he occupies a prominent place in finan- 
 cial circles and by the consensus of public opinion is numbered among the 
 leading business men of Whiteside county. He was born in Lyons, Iowa, 
 June 28, 1868, his parents being C. H. and Emma (Peters) Ingwersen, both 
 of whom were natives of Schleswig-IIolstcin. Germany. The father came 
 to America in 1852 and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but in 1853 re- 
 moved to Clinton, Iowa. The mother came a few years later, making her 
 way direct to Clinton, where they were married. Mr. Ingwersen followed 
 the occupation of farming and stock-raising for a number of years but in 187S 
 removed to Chicago, where he still makes his home. While in Iowa in 
 1S71 he was elected sheriff of Clinton county and served for one term. Fol- 
 lowing his removal to Chicago he became interested in the live-stock commis- 
 sion business, in which he is still engaged. His life has been one of intense 
 and well directed activity,, resulting in prosperity, and aside from his business 
 interests in the metropolis he is also president of the Iowa Savings Bank of 
 Lyons. Unto him and his wife were born three children : Julius, who is 
 associated in business with his fath'er; M. W., of this review; and Meta, the 
 wife of E. Puttkammer, of Chicago. 
 
 Following the removal of the family from Iowa to Chicago, M. W. Ing- 
 wersen pursued his education in the public schools of that city and at the 
 age of nineteen years took his initial step in the business world, being em- 
 ployed as bookkeeper and clerk in the City National Bank of Clinton, Iowa. 
 There he became familiar with the banking business in all of its departments 
 and was associated with the bank until 1890, when he withdrew and with 
 his father and others engaged in the packing business at Clinton, Iowa. Tho 
 succeeding seven years of his life were thus passed and on disposing of his- 
 interests in Clinton in 1897 he removed to South Omaha, where he engaged 
 in the live-stock commission business. This he followed until 1901 and in 
 the spring of 1902 he and others purchased the private bank of T, B. Ing- 
 wersen, of Fulton, and incorporated under the state banking laws. M. W. 
 Ingwersen was at that time elected cashier and has since continued in the 
 position. His previous experience in banking well qualified him for the re- 
 sponsible duties which now devolved upon him and he has made for himself 
 a creditable name in financial circles, carefully conducting the affairs of the 
 bank, so that it enjoys the entire confidence of the business pxiblic and receives 
 a liberal patronage. 
 
 On the 22d of November, 1902, Mr. Ingwersen was married to Miss 
 Florence M. Bolin. a daughter of Hugh and Mary Lowther Bolin, in whose
 
 556 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 family were five children : Laura, now the wife of W. F. Vicroy ; Ada, the 
 wife of W. L. Park; Florence M., now Mrs. Ingwersen; Wallace, deceased; 
 and Hugh 1., who is living in Council Bluffs. Iowa. 
 
 Mr. Ingwersen takes quite an active interest in everything pertaining to 
 the growth and welfare of his adopted county and his aid and co-operation 
 can be counted upon to further many measures for the public good. He 
 votes with the democracy yet is liberal in politics and never bitterly, aggres- 
 sive. He holds today the only official position that he has ever filled, that of 
 alderman, for he has always preferred to concentrate his time and energies 
 upon his business affairs rather than to seek or fill office. There have been 
 no sensational chapters in his business career but on the contrary he has 
 followed the honest, slow-moving processes which eventually lead to success. 
 Through experience he has learned many points of value concerning the man- 
 agement of important business interests and his sound judgment and enter- 
 prise are continually manifest in his career. 
 
 CHARLES ADAM WETHERBEE. 
 
 X 
 
 They were a sturdy band of people, the old pioneers and early settlers 
 who came to Whiteside county, seeking a more favorable district than the 
 overcrowded east. They were people of strong and noble character, with a 
 determination that enabled them to combat with the trials and hardships and 
 deprivations of the new west. Such conditions developed not only physical 
 powers of endurance but also brought forth the moral, kindly and generous 
 attributes of manhood and womanhood. There was something so akin to 
 nature in all their surroundings, in the vastness of the boundless prairies, in 
 the waving grasses, wild and rank, and in the uncut forests, which constituted 
 the freedom and beauty of the new world, that the best and strongest in men 
 were brought out and developed. When an individual came to the west he 
 largely left his past behind him and was judged by his personal worth and 
 the manner of his conduct. His surroundings were such as to stir the heart's 
 best impulses and develop a hospitality, a kindliness, a benevolence and char- 
 ity unknown and unpracticed in the older, richer and more densely populated 
 commonwealths. Whiteside county is today numbered among the rich and 
 prosperous counties of the state, but it owes much of its character and its 
 splendid advancement to the influences established by its early pioneers. 
 
 Among the first settlers who came to Whiteside county and left the im- 
 press of their individuality upon its upbuilding and progress was Luther B. 
 Wetherbee, of Barry, Massachusetts, who settled on section 12, Sterling town- 
 ship, in 1838. The founder of the Wetherbee family in America settled in 
 Massachusetts at an early period in the colonization of the new world and 
 one of his descendants, Charles Wetherbee, was a soldier in the patriot arrny in 
 the battle of Lexington. The religious principles of the family have remained 
 the same for centuries, as succeeding generations have been connected with 
 ihu Congregational church. Luther B. Wetherbee had formerly been a steam-
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 557 
 
 litter but upon coming west he turned his attention to farming interests, in 
 which he was very successful. He possessed more than ordinary ability and 
 marked force of character. In all public affairs he took a deep interest and 
 was ever ready to lend his aid to movement? and measure? calculated to pro- 
 mote the county's welfare. He stood fearless in defense of what he believed to 
 be right and his life was actuated by the spirit of Christianity. He was the 
 founder of the Congregational church in Sterling and one of its most earnest 
 and effective workers. In politics he was also a factor and was recognized as a 
 stanch republican. Material, social, intellectual, political and moral progress 
 were promoted through his labors and Whiteside county benefited greatly by 
 his work. His wife, who prior to her marriage was Charlotte Adams, was also 
 u native of Massachusetts and traces her lineage back to the Mayflower, being 
 a direct descendant of John Quincy Adams. 
 
 Luther. Wetherbee built the first frame house between Sterling and Sugar 
 Grove. Soon after his settlement in Sterling township there was an attempt 
 made by some foreign parties to appropriate a part of his land that he had 
 entered from the government and the erection of a building was undertaken. 
 Mr. Wetherbee, however, informed the land committee and soon afterward, 
 upon a certain night, the partly completed building was entirely destroyed, 
 after which there was no further attempt made to seize Mr. Wetherbee's rights. 
 For seventy years the name of Wetherbee has figured prominently and hon- 
 orably in the history of this section of the state. Born in 1809, Luther Weth- 
 erbee died November 6, 1873, and thus ended a useful career, the county being 
 thereby deprived of a most valued citizen. 
 
 Charles Adam Wetherbee, whose name introduces this record, a son of 
 Luther B. and Charlotte (Adams) Wetherbee, was born on the old homestead 
 farm in Sterling township, December 17, 1839. Few. if any, of those who re- 
 side today within the borders of the county can claim so long a residence as 
 this native son. He attended the public schools, which were somewhat primi- 
 tive in character owing to the fact that this was a frontier district. Later, 
 however, he had the opportunity of attending school at Kalamazoo, Michigan, 
 and was there preparing for a collegiate course when Civil war was inaugu- 
 rated and thus his school life ended, for in answer to the call for troops to 
 crush out the rebellion in the south he offered his services to the government 
 and in September, 1861, enlisted as a member of the Thirty- fourth Regiment 
 of Illinois Infantry. At the front he participated in the battles of Atlanta, 
 Shiloh, Liberty Gap, Stone River and others. He was taken prisoner at the 
 battle of Stone River but was recaptured by the Union forces before leaving the 
 field. He has a very vivid recollection of the sensation experienced in looking 
 into the end of a loaded revolver held in the hand of an enemy and can testify 
 to the persuasive influence felt under such conditions. After a military service 
 of three years, during which time he experienced all the vicissitudes and hard- 
 ships of war, he was honorably discharged at Atlanta, Georgia, and returned 
 to his home in Whiteside county. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Wetherbee to Miss Margaret L. Penrose was cele- 
 brated in Sterling township, October 5, 1865. The lady was born May 26, 
 1840, in Belmont, Ohio, and is a daughter of Mark and Harriet (Jones) Pen-
 
 558 HISTOEY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 rose, who were natives of Pennsylvania and England respectively. The year 
 1844 witnessed their arrival in Sterling township, where the mother died 
 February 17, 1848, while the father has also passed away. Their family 
 numbered six children : Robert F., William M., Margaret L., Rachel C., Ed- 
 win J. and Harriet. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wetherbee were born four children : 
 Mary P., who is living at home; Ella D., who died March 26, 1904; Charles 
 Earle, an architect in Sterling; and Harriet Addie, the wife of Clarence C. 
 Johnson, who is assistant superintendent of the American District Telegraph 
 and in charge of nearly half of the western offices. 
 
 Mr. Wetherbee, although approaching the limit of years allotted to man 
 by the psalmist, is still strong and vigorous in mind and body. Like all broad- 
 minded and public-spirited men, he is intensely interested in the history of 
 his -county and in all that has been accomplished during the long period of his 
 residence here. Few men have more intimate knowledge of the events which 
 form its annals and he relates in most entertaining way the story of pioneer 
 life. He has lived to see the cabin home replaced by large, commodious and 
 substantial farm residences, the prairies and woodland converted into beauti- 
 ful and productive farms and the hamlets and villages grow into thriving 
 towns arid cities, while churches, schools, business interests and all the evi- 
 dences of a modern civilization have been introduced. At all times he has 
 kept abreast with the trend of modern progress, not only in agricultural lines 
 but also in his interest in the issues and questions of the day which are shap- 
 ing national as well as local history. He is one of Whiteside county's most es- 
 teemed and honored citizens and no record of this section of the state would 
 be complete without mention of the Wetherbee family. 
 
 Taking an active part in political affairs, he has been called upon to 
 serve as road commissioner for six years and as supervisor of Sterling township 
 for thirteen years, resigning the latter office when elected to the legislature in 
 November, 1902. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order. At the 
 present time he is engaged in preparing a book describing his life in the army, 
 the facts being taken from a diary which he kept during his service and in 
 which he wrote of his experience every day. 
 
 ANDREW THOMAS GLASSBURN. 
 
 Andrew Thomas Glassburn is cashier of the Bank of Tampico, the only 
 one in the village, and while his father, John W. Glassburn, retains the 
 presidency, the son is the manager of the business, which is one of profit to 
 the community as well as to the owners. In tracing the early history of 
 the Glassburns, we note that John Glassburn, grandfather of our subject. 
 was a native of Virginia and in his boyhood days went with his parents to 
 Ohio, where he met and married Miss Sarah Ann Fee, a native of Vinton 
 county, that state. In later years they removed to White,*ide county, Illinois 
 and John Glassburn purchased a farm about six miles southeast of Tampico, 
 becoming owner of this property in the '80s. He made it his home through-
 
 MR. AND MRS. J. \V. GLASSBURN
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOfS 
 
 USBAN/l
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 561 
 
 out his remaining days and passed away when about sixty-seven years of age, 
 while his wife died at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In their family 
 were six children: David, Thomas, John, Albert, Sally Ann and Mary, all 
 of whom were farming people, but John W. is the only one now living. 
 
 For many years John W. Glassburn has figured as one of the prominent 
 and influential residents of Tampico and this part of the county, success- 
 fully controlling constantly increasing business interests, and now in the 
 evening of life living retired in the enjoyment of well-earned .ease. His 
 birth occurred in Springfield township, Gallia county, Ohio, June 26, 1834, 
 and there he resided on the home farm with his parents until he attained 
 his majority, when he resolved to see something of the world an<l find better 
 business opportunities elsewhere if possible. In the meantime he acquired 
 his education in the district school, he and his brother riding several miles 
 on horseback in order to pursue their studies. Later a little log schoolhouse 
 was built nearer their home and John W. Glassburn had the privilege of 
 attending school from two to two and a half months in the winter seasons. 
 In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons, 
 and reading and observation, coupled with an observing eye and retentive 
 memory, have constantly broadened his knowledge and increased his effec- 
 tiveness as a factor in the business world. As a boy of nineteen years he 
 came to Whiteside county to look over the country and for a time worked 
 for a man on the Fox river. Later he hired out to Jacob Black, proprietor of 
 a gristmill at Milford, with whom he continued through the winter. Pleased 
 with the country, Mr. Glassburn purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
 land from Mr. Black, or rather made arrangements for the purchase, as he 
 had no money. He then returned to his old home in Ohio and induced his 
 father to come out and buy the farm of one hundred and sixty acres upon 
 which he is now living, for the village of Tampico has been built upon this 
 farm. 
 
 On the 14th of June, 1855, John W. Glassburn was married to Miss 
 Olive Johnston, whose birth occurred in Gallia county, Ohio, January 10, 
 1836. The marriage was celebrated in their native state and in the fall of 
 1856 they journeyed across the country from Ohio to Illinois, making the 
 trip in a wagon after the primitive manner of travel of those days. Mr. 
 Glassburn then set the cover off the lumber wagon and used it as a shelter 
 until he could build a house. The place was two miles north of Yorktown. 
 It was not the farm which his father had purchased, but he lived there for 
 two years, or until he broke the land and made some improvements upon 
 the present farm. Since the spring of 1861 he has lived continuously upon 
 the farm which his father purchased. The first building erected was a gran- 
 ary and he occupied it as a dwelling until a frame house was erected. He 
 continued to occupy that dwelling for a number of years, when it was moved 
 away and replaced by his present fine brick residence in 1887. Mr. Glass- 
 burn carried on general farming until the railroad was built through in 
 1871, when he platted the town of Tampico. He gave his entire attention 
 to the work for a year and then engaged in the grain and stock business, 
 shipping grain and stock from Tampico. That venture proved successful
 
 562 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 and he continued in the grain and stock business for about thirty years, 
 meeting with prosperity. In 1882 he, with W. "NV. Craddock, established a 
 private bank to accommodate the people of the vicinity, but for a time re- 
 garded banking as a side issue. This continued until March 1, 1885, when 
 Mr. Craddock retired from the bank and A. T. Glassburn purchased his inter- 
 ests. About 1882 he built his present bank building and made a separate 
 business of his banking interests. This was the first and is today the only 
 bank in the village. Mr. Glassburn is still its president, but several years 
 ago turned over the active management to his son Thomas, and admitted his 
 son Fred to a partnership in the grain trade. He has always engaged to a 
 greater or less extent in real-estate operations, buying and selling land on 
 quite an extensive scale and eventually becoming the owner of fourteen hun- 
 dred acres in one body west of the town. It was known as the Lawndale 
 farm, and in addition to this property he had several smaller tracts of land. 
 He has since disposed of much of his realty, however, although he is still 
 the owner of two good farms. He has also erected a number of dwellings 
 and business houses in Tampico and has thus contributed in substantial 
 measure to the welfare and improvement of the village. 
 
 John W. Glassburn gave his early political support to the democracy, 
 but voted for Abraham Lincoln and other candidates of the republican party 
 and is now a prohibitionist in political principle. He casts an independent 
 ballot, however, as the prohibition party often has no ticket in the field. 
 His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently 
 called him to office. He has been president of the town board for many 
 years and would have filled other offices to which his fellow townsmen would 
 have elected him had he not declined to do so. He belongs to the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, but is not aggressively sectarian, and on the contrary no 
 good work done in the name of charity or religion solicits his aid in vain. 
 He has given lots to all of the different denominations represented in Tampico 
 and has assisted all in building their churches. He likewise gave the lots 
 for the school grounds and has taken a deep and helpful interest in the cause 
 of education, advocating the employment of good teachers and the constant 
 improvement of the school system. As a member of the school board he has 
 done effective work in this regard, and as a private citizen he is continually 
 laboring for the interests of the community along lines of material improve- 
 ment. He is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the lodge, the 
 chapter and the commandery. 
 
 In 1905 Mr. Glassburn was called upon to mourn the loss of bis wife, 
 who died on the 21st of September of that year. She was a lady of many 
 excellent traits of heart and mind, and her death was deeply deplored by 
 many friends. The family numbered six children: A. Thomas, who is 
 cashier of the bank; Jennie E., the wife of Glenn Reeve, of Denver, Colo- 
 rado; May, the wife of Silas Hovey, of Independence, Iowa; John E., who 
 died at the age of fifteen years ; Fred E., who died at the age of twenty-seven 
 years; and Ina, who died in infancy. 
 
 Andrew Thomas Glassburn, whose name introduces this record, .was 
 born in Springfield township, Gallia county. Ohio, October 4, 1856, and was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 563 
 
 therefore only a few months old when brought by his parents to Whiteside 
 county in January, 1857. Here he has lived continuously since an inter- 
 ested witness of the changes that have occurred, bearing his full share in the 
 progress that has been wrought as the county has kept pace with modern 
 civilization. His youth was spent as that of most farm boys and he attended 
 the common schools until 1875. He then entered his father's grain office 
 in the capacity of clerk and in 1879 was admitted to a partnership under the 
 firm style of J. W. Glassburn & Son. This business relation was maintained 
 until March 1, 1885, when he became connected with the bank, giving up 
 his interest in the grain business and becoming sole owner of the Bank of 
 Tampico in 1887. Although his father is nominally president, he has been 
 the active manager for the past twenty years, his official designation being 
 that of cashier. He has developed the bank in accordance with the growth 
 of the village and surrounding district and the institution has become a 
 valued enterprise in this locality. 
 
 On the 10th of September, 1878, Mr. Glassburn was married to Miss 
 Minnie V. Smith', a native of this county and a daughter of A. M. and 
 Laura Smith. The mother is now deceased and for the past twelve years the 
 father has lived with Mr. and Mrs. Glassburn. There are now two sons in 
 the family: Asa Clyde, who is acting as cashier of the bank; and Vernon 
 Lynn, who is a student in Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Glassburn are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
 in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, doing all in their 
 power to promote its progress. Mr. Glassburn has for the past fifteen years 
 been superintendent of the Sunday school and is also a member of the church 
 board of trustees. His political views were formerly in accord with the 
 principles of democracy, but during the past ten years he has announced 
 his belief in the principles of the prohibition party, but casts an independent 
 local ballot. He has been a member of the village board for a number of 
 years and its president for some time. While in office his course was char- 
 acterized by the utmost devotion to the general good and in every relation of 
 life he is known as a man reliable, enterprising and progressive. The fact 
 that his staunchest friends are among those who have known him from his 
 boyhood to the present is an indication that his has been a most honorable 
 career. 
 
 CHARLES DETRA. 
 
 The attractiveness of Whiteside county as a place of residence finds proof 
 in the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her borders 
 and in the utilization of the opportunities which she offers have found chance 
 for orderly progression in the business world and have gathered substantial 
 benefits as the result of their labors. To this class belongs Charles Detra, who 
 was born in Jordan township, February 1, 1864. He is a son of William and 
 Margaret (Fry) Detra. The father is now residing at Malvern, at the age of
 
 564 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 almost eighty-two years, but, the mother died January 21, 1902, at the age 
 of seventy-two years. They came to Whiteside county in February, 1858, from 
 Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, settling in Jordan township. Thirteen 
 years later they removed to Clyde township and Mr. Detra still owns a farm 
 of one hundred and twenty acres, which is now operated by his son Charles. 
 He had practically nothing to begin life with when he came to this county. 
 His wife had eleven hundred dollars in gold, received from her father, John 
 S. Fry, who came to Illinois at the same time from Pennsylvania. Mr. Fry 
 invested in land in Genesee and Jordan township? and through careful man- 
 agement and judicious investments acquired wealth as the years rolled on. 
 He was closely associated with agricultural interests here until his demise, 
 which occurred when eighty-nine years of age. 
 
 Diligently and persistently .William Detra carried on his farm work year af- 
 ter year and the success which he achieved was attributable entirely to his own 
 well directed labor and capable management. He now derives a good income 
 from his farm, which enables him, in his declining days, to enjoy many of the 
 comforts and luxuries of life which were denied him in earlier years. His 
 early political allegiance was given to the whig party, which he supported 
 until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party and 
 has since loyally followed its banners. He has never cared for nor accepted 
 office yet has not been remiss in the duties of citizenship in giving his en- 
 dorsement and support to many movements for the public good. He is a 
 member of the Brethren church, and high and honorable principles have 
 been his guide through life. 
 
 In his family were the following children, the eldest being Rebecca, now 
 the wife of Joseph Willard Murry, a painter and paper-hanger of the village 
 of Malvern. The others are: Mary, who is living with her father; John, a 
 resident of Malvern; William, who resides near Clarksville, in Butler county, 
 Iowa; George, who is also living in the same locality; Ira, a farmer of Albany, 
 this county ; Charles, whose name introduces this review ; and Malin, who makes 
 his home at Hooppole, Henry county, Illinois. They also lost three children : 
 Frank, who died at the age of fourteen years; Joseph, who died at the age of 
 two years; and Edward, who died at the age of five months. , 
 
 Charles Detra in early boyhood attended the district schools and after- 
 ward spent one year as a student, in the Northern Indiana Normal College, at 
 Valparaiso. He was early trained to the work of the home farm and has 
 largely followed that occupation through his active business life. He has 
 Continuously cultivated the old homestead farm for the past fourteen years 
 and has brought the land under a high state of improvement. In all of his 
 methods he is practical and keeps in touch with the most advanced ideas of 
 progressive agriculture. 
 
 Mr. Detra was married in Malvern on Christmas day of 1898 to Miss 
 Mary Taylor, who was there born and was reared in Whiteside county. Her 
 parents were William M. and Lizzie (Horning) Taylor, who reside in Mal- 
 vern. Her father has engaged in buying stock for many years and is well 
 known in this business connection. He has resided continuously in the 
 county since his marriage, his wife having come to Whiteside county when
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 585 
 
 a little girl from Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Detra have been born three children but the daughter, Mildred, died at the 
 age of sixteen months. The two sons, Ralph Edwin and Charles Russel, are 
 both living. 
 
 A part of the Detra home was built by John Horning, the grandfather 
 of Mrs. Detra, and the first part of the house was built by Joseph Hiddleson. 
 It is one of the old landmarks of the county and has been a mute witness 
 of many changes that have occurred as the work of improvement has been 
 carried forward, converting a wild and sparsely settled district into a region 
 of rich fertility and large population. 
 
 In community affairs Mr. Detra has taken an active and influential part 
 and is now serving as justice of the peace, in which position he has been 
 continued by re-election since the spring of 1898. He votes with the repub- 
 lican party and, as every true American citizen should, keeps in touch with 
 the political problems and issues of the day. He belongs to the Modern 
 Woodmen camp and the Mystic Workers of Malvern and his wife is a mem- 
 ber of the United Evangelical church. The name of Detra has long figured 
 conspicuously and honorably in connection with the agricultural interests 
 here and the record of Charles Detra reflects further credit and honor upon 
 the family name. 
 
 JAMES K. CHESTER. 
 
 James K. Chester, one of the most influential and highly respected resi- 
 dents of Sterling, is contributing in substantial measure to the commercial 
 development and progress of the city through his mercantile interests as pro- 
 prietor of a large dry-goods house. He belongs to that class of representative 
 American men who by promoting individual succass also contribute to the 
 general welfare, and aside from any business connection he is recognized as 
 a public-spirited and progressive citizen. 
 
 His birth occurred in Henrietta, Ohio, March 6., 1843, his parents being 
 Edwin and Mary E. (Porter) Chester, natives of Colchester, Connecticut, and 
 Berkshire, Massachusetts, respectively. The family comes of English lineage 
 but was founded in Connecticut at an early period in the colonization of 
 the new world. The first of the name in this country was Samuel Chester, 
 who came from England in 1665 and settled at New London. David Ches- 
 ter resided at Colchester, where he conducted a farm. He married Prudence 
 Fox, who was more than ninety years of age at the time of her death, while 
 he reached the very venerable age of ninety-six years. 
 
 In their family were seventeen children, including Edwin Chester, who 
 throughout the greater part of his life followed the occupation of farming. 
 He also conducted a hotel in Henrietta, Ohio, when it was a station on the 
 stage coach line before the building of the Lake Shore Railroad. He mar- 
 ried Miss Mary E. Porter, a daughter of Ebenezer Porter, who was a native 
 of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and of Irish descent. Early .in the '30s
 
 566 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 he removed westward to Ohio and took up a farm in Ridgeville township, 
 Lorain county, where he spent his remaining days, living to be about ninety 
 years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eunice Yale, was 
 about sixty years of age at the time of her demise. Their daughter Mary, 
 became the wife of Edwin Chester and they lived for many years in Ohio. 
 There the wife died in 1857 at the age of forty-eight years. Edwin Chester, 
 however, spent his last days in Sterling, passing away at the home of his son 
 James in 1886 when eighty year? of age. They were Congregationalists in 
 religious faith and .earnest, consistent Christian people. After losing his first 
 wife Edwin Chester married again, his second union being with Abigail E. 
 Bliss, who died in 1890 at the age of seventy-eight years. The children of 
 his first marriage, seven in number, were as follows: Lucy Ann, deceased, 
 was the wife of Oscar H. Perry, of Brownhelrn, Ohio; Albert Edward, who 
 died in 1866, was a soldier of the Civil war and as captain commanded a 
 company of the First Ohio Cavalry and was on staff duty to a considerable 
 extent; Charles Fox Chester, who died in 1900 at Burlington, Iowa, spent 
 nearly his entire life in the service of the United States Express Company; 
 Henry Whipple, of Bangor, Michigan, served for four years in the Civil war, 
 becoming captain of Company H, Second Ohio Cavalry, and afterward lived 
 for twelve years in Lawrence, Kansas, while for fourteen years he was treas- 
 urer of the Chicago Theological Seminary; James K. is the next younger; 
 Arthur Porter died in infancy ; and Edwin Porter is now a business man of 
 Grand Junction, Colorado. 
 
 James K. Chester was reared in the place of his nativity and entered 
 upon business as a clerk in a store at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1881. He remained 
 there for seven years and became a member of the firm of Reamer, Hurl- 
 burd & Company for one year. His education was acquired in the public 
 schools of Oberlin and in the preparatory department of Oberlin College. In 
 March, 1869, he came to Sterling, where he entered the dry-goods business 
 in company with John F. Mills of the firm of Mills & Chester, afterward 
 Ingersoll & Chester. Later they consolidated their stock with that of the 
 Sterling Mercantile Company, but Mr. Chester soon sold his interest in that 
 business and formed a partnership with C. A. Hobein of New York under the 
 firm style of J. K. Chester & Company, which connection was maintained 
 for five years. From 1886 until January, 1903, Mr. Chester conducted the 
 business alone and in the latter year the J. K. Chester Company was organ- 
 ized. The company has an elegant store and employs about thirty people in 
 the sale of dry goods, carpets and ladies' furnishing goods. They occupy 
 two floors and the basement of a fine store building and have a most attract- 
 ivelv appointed establishment. The business has been developed through the 
 marked enterprise, diligence and progress! ven ess of James K. Chester, who is 
 accounted one of the most wide-awake and energetic merchants of the city. 
 He is also a director in the First .National Bank and is a member of the 
 Japanese Importing Company of Sterling. A man of resourceful business 
 ability, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes 
 and looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and pos- 
 sibilities of the future.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 567 
 
 On the llth of October, 1866, Mr. Chester was married to Miss Cynthia 
 L. Ingersoll, a daughter of William H. and Sophia (May) Ingersoll. They 
 have one child, Sophia, now the wife of J. A. Kilgour, of Sterling. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Chester are prominent and valued members of the Congregational church, 
 in the work of which they take a helpful part, while to its support they are 
 generous contributors. Mr. Chester is serving as one of its deacons and as a 
 member of the board of trustees and for about twenty-two years has been 
 Sunday school superintendent. Although his business interests are extensive 
 and make heavy demands upon his time he yet finds opportunity to aid in 
 the promotion of those interests which look beyond commercialism to the 
 intellectual and moral development of the race. Politically he is a repub- 
 lican, giving stanch allegiance to the party, yet without desire for office. 
 He and his wife occupy a beautiful home at No. 809 West Third street, which 
 he erected in 1879. While tastefully furnished, its most attractive feature 
 is its warm hearted and cordial hospitality. 
 
 FRANK A. GRIMES. 
 
 Frank A Grimes, manager for the Moses Dillon Company, dealers in 
 lumber, grain, coal and building materials in Sterling, is one of the native 
 sons of Illinois and the spirit of enterprise and progress which have been the 
 dominant factors in the upbuilding of the middle west have been continu- 
 ously manifest in his business life. He was born at Gilman, Illinois, Novem- 
 ber 26, 1870, and is one of the seven children of Newman and Helen M. 
 (Kerns) Grimes, the former a. native of Michigan and the latter of Illinois. 
 The paternal grandfather was Charles Grimes, who for some years lived in 
 Michigan and afterward removed to this state, settling in Iroquois county, 
 where he earned on farming near Gilman, dying there when past middle life. 
 His son, Newman Grimes, was also a farmer by occupation and removed from 
 Iroquois county to Whiteside county in 1871. Pie then took up his abode on 
 a farm northeast of Sterling and two years later removed to a farm west of 
 Sterling, where he owned and cultivated about one hundred and ninety acres 
 of land, continuing to make his home thereon until his death, with the ex- 
 ception of a few years spent in South Dakota. His wife still survives him. In 
 their family were six .sons and one daughter, namely: William T., who is 
 living on a farm near Sterling; Alfred N., of Huntington, Indiana; Frank A.; 
 Herbert R., who is located in Beloit, Wisconsin; Charles 0.,-also living on a 
 farm west of Sterling; Ernest E., who is now in Gait. Illinois; and Nellie M., 
 with her mother on a farm we.st of Sterling. 
 
 In taking up the personal history of Frank A. Grimes we present to our 
 readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Sterling 
 and Whiteside county, having been only a year old when his parents came to 
 this county. Here he was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, attend- 
 ing the public schools through the winter months and later becoming a pupil 
 in the old second ward public school in Sterling, from which he was gradu-
 
 568 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ated in due course of time. He then prepared for the practical and responsible 
 duties of business life by a course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 
 of which he is an alumnus. He afterward worked on the Northwestern Rail- 
 road with the fence crew for a year and subsequently entered the employ of 
 Moses Dillon, a lumber, grain and coal merchant. The business was established 
 in 1865 and incorporated in 1902. Mr. Grimes began in a humble capacity 
 but has steadily worked his way upward and year by year new responsibilities 
 have been given him in this connection with the business of which he was 
 made manager in 1905. Having spent the greater part of his life in Mr. Dil- 
 lon's employ, he is justly accounted one of the foremost business men of Ster- 
 ling, having long since proven his worth and business enterprise. 
 
 On the 15th of February, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Frank A. 
 Grimes and Miss Margaret A. Dillon, a daughter of Moses and Emma (Golder) 
 Dillon, and they now have two children Helen Mary and Alice Emma. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Grimes are active and faithful members of the Congregational 
 church and he is serving as one of the church trustees. Fraternally he is con- 
 nected with Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M., and in his political 
 views is a stalwart republican but has never sought nor desired office, prefer- 
 ring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests. 
 
 ANDREW J. KNOX. 
 
 Among those who have been factors in the business activity of White- 
 side county was numbered Andrew J. Knox, who for a long period was 
 connected with agricultural interests in Mount Pleasant township. He was 
 born in that township, September 27, 1858, and there lived until his demi-e, 
 which occurred on the 1st of January, 1902. He was a son of William and 
 Mary J. (Emery) Knox, who were among the very first settlers of White- 
 side county, taking up their abode here in 1835, only three years after the 
 Black Hawk war, wherein the Indians and the white race contested their 
 right to this great state. After residing for some time in Prophetstown, 
 William Knox removed with his family to the township of Mount Pleasant, 
 and there the father died December 20, 1884, after a residence of almost a 
 half century in this part of the state. He bore his share in the work of 
 general improvement and progress and aided in laying the foundation for 
 the present prosperity and upbuilding of the county. His wife died in 
 March, 1906. They were the parents of the following named: Mrs. Tru- 
 man Scribner, a rasident of Geddes, South Dakota; Walter E. ; William II.: 
 Martin W., who resides in Lafayette, Missouri; C. D., who is engaged in the 
 real-estate business in Sterling; Mrs. Simon Whistler, a resident of Mount 
 Pleasant township; and Andrew J. 
 
 The last named was reared on the old homestead farm and the work 
 of the fields early became familiar to him as he assisted his father in carry- 
 ing on the home place. At the usual age he was sent to the public schools 
 and mastered the branches of learning usually taught. He never cared to
 
 ANDREW J. KNOX
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 USBANA
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 571 
 
 change his line of work, but always continued in the occupation to which he 
 was reared and was classed with the representative and energetic agricul- 
 turists of his community. 
 
 Mr. Knox was married twice. In 1882 he wedded Loretta J. Baker and 
 unto them were born one child, Iva Etta, a trained nurse now living in Chi- 
 cago. On the 31st of March, 1886, Mr. Knox wedded Miss Sadie T. Baker, 
 a, cousin of his first wife, and they became the parents of six children: 
 Ray V., who was born February 1, 1887, and died August 17, 1895; Verna 
 L., born April 15, 1889, and now a student in Morrison; Leta A., 
 born September 26, 1890; Leo. M., born July 24, 1892; Lloyd J., born Feb- 
 ruary 3, 1894; and Walter, born July 1, 1898. With the exception of the 
 youngest, all are attending school in Morrison and the three eldest are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist church. 
 
 The father was a member of the Odd Fellows society and the Modern 
 Woodmen of America, and was a man who in all life's relations followed 
 rules of conduct which- won him unqualified respect and good will. He left 
 his family in comfortable financial circumstances as the result of his energy 
 and determination in business affairs and, more than that, he left to them an 
 untarnished family name. Mrs. Knox still owns the home place of two 
 hundred and thirty acres in Mount Pleasant township, all of which she has 
 leased, with the exception of ten acres, on which is situated her house and 
 where she is now living with her children. She is providing them with 
 excellent educational privileges and is doing everything in her power to fit 
 them for the practical and responsible duties of life, that they may fill 
 useful and honorble positions in society. 
 
 JAMES H. CRUMP. 
 
 James H. Crump is cultivating the Joseph Crump farm of two hundred 
 and ten acres, conveniently situated on section 11, Mount Pleasant township. 
 This farm was his birth place. He first opened his eyes to the light of day 
 October 18, 1874, his parents being Joseph and Lydia (Bull) Crump, both of 
 whom are now residents of Morrison. They were among the pioneer settlers 
 of the county and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for its pres- 
 ent development and progress. The father is now about eighty years of age 
 and is one of the venerable citizens as well as one of the honored early set- 
 tlers of this part of the state. The family numbered six children, of whom 
 four are yet living, namely: William J., a resident farmer of Mount Pleas- 
 ant township, who is cultivating land belonging to George Y. Upton; Mrs. L. 
 K. Finnicum, of Morrison; and Mrs. F. E. Wilson, of Newton township. Two 
 of the children died in early life. 
 
 The other member of the family is James H. Crump, whose educational 
 opportunities were those afforded by the district schools and also by the public 
 school system of Morrison. He was early trained to habits of industry and the 
 spirit of self-reliance and enterprise which he thus developed has been a source
 
 572 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 of his later success. Throughout his entire life he has carried on general 
 agricultural pursuits and during the past ten years has cultivated the old home 
 farm, beginning this work in the spring of 1898. Here he has engaged in 
 buying, feeding and shipping cattle and hogs, handling and feeding from six 
 to ten carloads annually. He also raises the cereal? best adapted to soil and 
 climate and the farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful 
 supervision and practical methods. He now milks from fifteen to twenty cows, 
 selling the product to the condensed milk factory. This branch of his business 
 adds materially to his income and he is justly classed with the substantial agri- 
 culturists of his community. , 
 
 Mr. Crump was married in Newton township to Miss Emma Curry, who 
 was born in that township and is a daughter of Hiram and Minerva (Martin) 
 Curry, who are still living in Newton township and have made their home in 
 the county from pioneer times. Her father came to Illinois in 1856 from' 
 Pennsylvania and resided in Garden Plain township until his removal to 
 Newton township. Mrs. Crump is one of a family of six children : Albert, 
 who is married and resides upon a farm in Newton township; Margaret, at 
 home; Mrs. Louis Echelbarger, whose home is near Erie, Illinois; Elizabeth 
 and Belle, who died in childhood; and Mrs. Crump. The last named was 
 reared in this county and was educated in the common schools. By her mar- 
 riage she has become the mother of four children : Clyde L., born April 23, 
 1898; Alice M., born July 19, 1900; Albert J., March 18, 1905; and Lena 
 M., August 19, 1907. 
 
 Mr. Crump votes with the republican party but has no aspiration for of- 
 fice, as he feels that his time and attention are fully occupied by his business 
 pursuits. He is a young man of energy and determination, who. carries for- 
 ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and as a representative 
 of farming interests stands prominent among the agriculturists of Mount Pleas- 
 ant township. 
 
 RICHARD THOMPSON. 
 
 Richard Thompson, now living retired in the village of Portland, is 
 one of the honored pioneer residents of this part of the state. His memory 
 goes back to the period when deer and wild turkey were abundant in this part 
 of the state and when many evidences of frontier life and its conditions 
 existed. Chicago was at that time the nearest market for grain and Mr. 
 Thompson made frequent trips with oxen to the city by the lake. He has 
 now reached the eightieth milestone of life's journey, his birth having 
 occurred in Ireland on the 19th of March, 1828. His parents were Robert 
 and Lydia (Graham) Thompson, both of whom were natives of the Emerald 
 Isle. In the year 1835 they came to the United States, spending some time 
 in Vermont and afterward in Cleveland, Ohio, whence they proceeded to 
 Chicago by way of the lakes. Reaching that city, they arranged to make 
 the trip across the country to Whiteside county and took up their abode
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 573 
 
 on section 10, Portland township, where they remained until called to their 
 final rest. They were worthy pioneer settlers of this district and aided in 
 extending the frontier and in reclaiming the wild region for the purposes of 
 civilization. Their family numbered eight children, of whom six are living: 
 Mary, the widow of William Bes.se and now a resident of Sharpsburg, Taylor 
 county, Iowa; Richard, of this review; William, who married Laura Fay 
 and resides in Walnut, Illinois; Elizabeth, the wife of M. E. Seeley, of 
 Prophetstown, Illinois; Robert J., who makes his home in Erie, this state; 
 and Hiram C., also living in Prophetstown. 
 
 Richard Thompson spent the first nine years of his life in the land 
 of his birth and then came with his parents to the new world. He was 
 reared upon the old homestead farm in Portland township, amid the wild 
 scenes and environments of pioneer life. There were few opportunities for 
 an education, school being held for about two months in the winter season. 
 The first school convened in a log building rented of Simeon Fuller, while 
 the teacher was a daughter of Smith Rowe. When ten years of age Mr. 
 Thompson could fasten up a yoke of oxen, would go to the timber and chop 
 down trees, put a log chain around the butts and thus drag them home. 
 His youth was largely a period of earnest, unremitting toil and he learned 
 early the value of activity and industry in the affairs of life. He also 
 learned many other lessons which go with life on the frontier the caution, 
 the utilization of opportunity, the watchfulness and the enterprise all of 
 which must be factors in the life of the frontiersman if he would win success. 
 Year by year he assisted his father until he attained the age of thirty-two, 
 when he started out in life, for himself, purchasing two hundred acres of 
 land on sections 1, 2 and 11, Portland township. There were no improve- 
 ments of any kind upon the place, but with characteristic energy he began 
 the development of the farm and as the years passed he wrought a marked 
 transformation in the appearance of the place. He transformed the wild 
 land into productive fields, carrying on the work of plowing and planting 
 until with the coming of the autumn he gathered rich harvests. Upon his 
 farm he placed substantial buildings and made a valuable property, which he 
 continued to further develop and improve until about twelve years ago, 
 when he removed to the village of Portland, where he and his wife now 
 reside. 
 
 In the early times he worked many a day in the harvest field for 
 seventy-five cents and considered it good wages. He can relate many inter- 
 esting incidents of the early pioneer days and well remembers the trip to 
 America, traveling by lake to Chicago. The father there made arrangements 
 with Daniel Brown, who lived at Unionville, to take the family to Whiteside 
 county. Brown had gone to Chicago with a load of grain and had place 
 in his empty wagon to take the family back. Robert Thompson purchased 
 three barrels of flour and one of salt and with what household goods they 
 had they started, being four and a half days getting to Widows Point, twelve 
 miles out of Chicago, such was the condition of the roads. They were almost 
 impassable. At that place they had to leave two barrels of the flour and half 
 of the salt in order to lighten the luggage. It required three weeks to com-
 
 574 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 plete the trip, and then began life in the little pioneer home. As the years 
 passed Richard Thompson aided largely in the development of the farm and 
 gained in that way the knowledge and experience that well qualified him 
 for fanning on his own account in his later years. He was always an exten- 
 sive raiser of hogs, cattle, sheep and horses and his live stock interests proved 
 a very valuable element in his business. 
 
 On the 19th of June, 1852, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Lovina 
 Williams, who was born January 12, 1835, in Lodi, New York, a daughter 
 of Calvin and Sally (Hill) Williams. Her father was born in Massachusetts 
 January 28. 1799, and died in 1883. The mother, who was born April 26, 
 1791, passed away August 11, 1884. In their family were six children, of 
 whom two are living: Mrs. Almina Seeley, a resident of Prophetstown ; 
 .and Mrs. Thompson. The parents removed from New York to Detroit, Michi- 
 gan, and in 1837, came to Prophetstown, where both Mr. and Mrs. Williams 
 passed away. He was a carpenter and followed that trade throughout his 
 entire life. His widow's grave was the first one made in the Prophetstown 
 cemetery. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born seven children: 
 Robert E., who married Laura Wilson, his widow now living in Calhoun 
 county, Iowa; Nathan C., a resident of Idaho; Fred, deceased; Frank D., 
 who is living in Montana; Grace, the wife of Robert McBride, of Lyndon, 
 Illinois; Edwin R., who married Etta Lancaster, of Sterling, Illinois; and 
 Rosa, the wife of Edward Myers, of Spring Hill, Illinois. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church 
 and are earnest consistent Christian people, whose influence has ever been 
 found on the side of right, justice, truth and progress. He served his locality 
 for fourteen years as school director and the cause of education found in 
 him a warm friend. He has now reached the venerable age of eighty years 
 and a life of integrity, activity and honor has gained for him the unquali- 
 fied regard and esteem of all who know him. 
 
 JOSEPH MARK BICKFORD. 
 
 Joseph Mark Bickford, druggist and pharmacist, proprietor of the Ster- 
 ling Pharmacy and the Bickford Drug Company of Sterling, was born in 
 Neenah, Wisconsin, July 2, 1856, and is a representative of English ances- 
 try. The name was originally spelled Beckford and the family was founded 
 in America in early colonial days. The great-grandfather of our subject 
 lived to the remarkable old age of one hundred and two years. The grand- 
 father, a native of New York, devoted his life to farming and fruit-raising 
 and he, too, lived to a good old age. 
 
 Joseph A. Bickford, father of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts 
 and throughout his entire life was engaged in manufacturing interests. Re- 
 moving to the state of New York, he located at Lockport, where he lived for 
 several years and subsequently became a resident of Houghton, Michigan, 
 where he conducted a barrel and stave factory, making barrels for ingots
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 575 
 
 secured in the copper mines. In. 1868 he came to Illinois, settling at Rock 
 Falls, where he established the Eureka Manufacturing Company for the 
 manufacture of furniture, sash, doors and blinds, while later the business- 
 was developed into a carriage manufactory. Mr. Bickford employed a large 
 force of men and conducted the business successfully for a number of years. 
 In early manhood he wedded Sarah A. Stiles and both became prominent 
 and respected residents of Rock Falls. They were devoted and consistent 
 members of the Methodist church and Mr. Bickford was active in the public 
 life, serving as village trustee for several terms, also township collector and 
 assessor at different, times. He died at the age of sixty-seven years and hi& 
 ' wife, who survived him for ten years, was also about the same age at the 
 time of her demise. She, too, was born in Massachusetts but her father 
 was a native of Vermont and a farmer by occupation. He died near Rutland 
 in Danville Green, Vermont, at a comparatively early age, while his wife r 
 Mrs. Sarah Stiles, lived to the age of sixty-eight years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Bickford were born two children but the younger, Minnie, died in infancy. 
 
 Joseph M. Bickford of this review came to Rock Falls with his parents 
 in 1868 when a little lad of ten years and was here reared, pursuing his edu- 
 cation in the public schools of Sterling. When his more specifically literary 
 education was completed he took up the study of pharmacy and served for 
 four years in a drug store in Rock Falls, after which he went to Chicago, 
 where he pursued a full course in the Chicago College of Pharmacy, com- 
 pleting the same in 1879. He then returned to Rock Falls, where he entered 
 into partnership with F. W. Wheeler in the drug business, a relation that 
 was maintained for two and a half years, when he purchased Mr. Wheeler's 
 interest and continued in the business alone until 1902. He then sold out 
 and was not again engaged in trade until 1903, when he purchased his 
 present business, known as the Sterling Pharmacy. In 1907 he also bought 
 the drug store of Mrs. K. B. Brown at the corner of Third and Locust 
 streets. His son, M. Dean Bickford, had just completed a pharmaceutical 
 course in the Chicago College of Pharmacy and at once took charge of the 
 Brown drug store, which he still conducts. The name of Bickford has become 
 synonymous with the drug trade in Sterling and both father and son are 
 recognized as thoroughly familiar with the principles and science of phar- 
 macy, while in trade circles they are known as reliable business men, honored 
 for their success and the straightforward methods by which it has been 
 achieved. 
 
 On the 2Sth of September, 1883, Mr. Bickford was married to Miss 
 Hattie A. Packer, a daughter of Harvey and Charlotte (Bass) Packer, of 
 Rock Falls. Their three children are: Viola M., the wife of Clyde P. Hen- 
 dricks, a resident of Kalkaska, Michigan, where he practices dentistry; M. 
 Dean ; and Charlotte. 
 
 The parents and family are members of the Congregational church. 
 Mr. Bickford 's father was one of the organizers and leading members of the 
 Rock Falls Methodist church and assisted in erecting the first house of 
 wor-hip there, while both he and his wife were active workers in the church. 
 Mr. Bickford belongs to Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M. ; Sterling
 
 576 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; Sterling Commandery, No. 57, K. T.; while both 
 he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Politically he is a repub- 
 lican, but while keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the 
 day, as every true American citizen should do, he has never sought nor de- 
 sired office, preferring to give undivided attention to his business interests, 
 in which he has made steady progress, manifesting that persistency of purpose 
 which ultimately reaches the objective point. His life record is that of 
 a business man of alert and enterprising spirit who finds in his opportunities 
 the incentive for consecutive effort and by the improvement of the chances 
 which have come to him has gained a creditable and gratifying position in 
 the business world. 
 
 JOHN FRANKLIN REEFER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. John Franklin Keefer, successfully engaged in the practice of med- 
 icine and surgery at Sterling, with office at No. 412 First avenue, is one 
 of the native sons of Whiteside county who have attained to a position of 
 distinction in the locality where they have always resided and where they 
 have so directed their labors that their service has been a signal benefit to 
 their fellowmen. Dr. Keefer is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Strickler) 
 Keefer, both of whom were natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Their 
 family numbered only two children and the daughter, Mary Levina, died 
 at the age of fourteen years. The paternal grandfather of the Doctor was 
 John Keefer, a native of Pennsylvania and of Swiss and German extraction. 
 He was a country merchant and in connection with the management of his 
 general store he bought cattle and was a general trader. He died very sud- 
 denly in the Keystone state at the age of about fifty-eight years. His first 
 wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Price, was of English and Welsh 
 extraction. She died after the birth of her fourth child and Mr. Keefer later 
 married again, his second union being with Ann Maria Grove, who is still 
 living in Sterling. 
 
 The maternal grandfather of Dr. Keefer was Benjamin Strickler, also 
 a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. He was a cabinet-maker 
 and fine wood worker and later in life became a horticulturist. Removing 
 westward he settled at Mount Carroll, Illinois, in 1855 and there conducted 
 a hotel and also operated a farm. He passed away there when about eighty- 
 five years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Strock) Strickler, was about 
 seventy-five years of age at the time of her demise. Their family numbered 
 six children, including Elizabeth Strickler, who in early womanhood gave 
 her hand in marriage to Henry Keefer. Mr. Keefer was a farmer in early 
 life and the year 1854 witnessed his removal from Pennsylvania to Illinois. 
 The following year he became a resident of Whiteside county, settling about 
 a half mile from Empire, now Emerson, where he lived for about thirty 
 years. He then removed to Sterling, where for fifteen years he conducted 
 a retail drug store and was classed with the enterprising and respected mer- 
 chants of the city. He died March 23, 1898, at the age of sixty-six years,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 577 
 
 and is still survived by his widow, who makes her home with her son, Dr. 
 Keefer. They were Lutheran in religious faith and Mr. Keefer was very 
 active in the church work, serving for many years as superintendent of the 
 Sunday school at Emerson and doing all things in his power to promote 
 the work of the church in its various branches. He also held some local 
 offices, including that of supervisor and school director. . 
 
 Dr. Keefer has always been a resident of Whiteside county and its at- 
 tractiveness as a place of abode is indicated by the fact that many of her 
 ambitious native sons have remained here to enjoy the advantages offered 
 in many walks of life. He was reared on a farm and acquired his prelim- 
 inary education in the district schools, while later he was graduated from 
 Carthage (Illinois) College on the completion of a classical course in 1878. 
 Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work he then 
 began study toward that end and was graduated from the Rush Medical Col- 
 lege of Chicago in 1881. He also took a post-graduate course in the fall of 
 1892 and 1893. Locating for practice in Sterling, after his graduation, he 
 has since remained here, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century 
 and has become known as one of the ablest physicians of this part of the 
 state. 
 
 On the 10th of May, 1887, Dr. Keefer was married to Miss Ermina Har- 
 per McBride. They became the parents of two children : Marie Viola, who 
 is now attending Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois; and Ralph, who died 
 in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in 1890, and on the 15th of 
 May, 1893, Dr. Keefer was joined in wedlock to Dr. Jane Reid, a daughter 
 of John and Ann (Faron) Reid. Her paternal grandfather was John Reid, 
 a native of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch parentage. He was a contractor 
 and died in Belfast when past middle life, while his wife, Mrs. Mary (Boyd) 
 Reid, was sixty-nine years of age at the time of her death. The maternal 
 grandfather, Andrew Faron, was a native of England and lived in Liverpool, 
 where he died in middle life. He was a stonemason by trade. Unto him 
 and his wife, Ann Faron, were born four daughters, three of whom reached 
 mature years. 
 
 John Boyd Reid, the father of Mrs. Keefer, was born in Belfast, Ireland, 
 while his wife's birth occurred in Liverpool, England. He was engaged in 
 business as a shipsmith in Liverpool. Belfast, Edinburgh, and Kurrachee, 
 East India. In 1843 he caine to the United States and for four years was 
 a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, after which he returned to Liverpool, 
 where he spent a number of years. Later he was a resident of India for four 
 years and then again went to Liverpool. It was at that time that he mar- 
 ried and soon afterward came to the United States with his wife, settling in 
 Effingham county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. His last days 
 were spent in Seattle, Washington, where he died October 12, 1894, at the 
 age of seventy-nine years. His wife survives him and lives with her daugh- 
 ter, Mrs. Keefer, in Sterling. Mr. Reid was a Presbyterian in religious faith, 
 while his wife is an Episcopalian. In their family were three daughters: 
 Dr. Jane Keefer; Miss Annie Reid, now of Seattle, Washington; and Ellen, 
 the wife of 0. A. Byers, also of Seattle.
 
 578 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 By the marriage of Dr. Keefer and Dr. Reid four children have been 
 born: Annie Elizabeth. Laura Bell, Jane Frances and Frank Reid Keefer. 
 Like her husband, Mrs. Keefer is an able physician. She was born in Edge- 
 wood, Effingham county, Illinois, and during the first nine years of her life 
 lived at various times in her native village, Centralia, and St. John, Illinois, 
 and in St. Charles, Missouri. She then went with her parents to Amboy, Illi- 
 nois, where she acquired her common-school education, being graduated with 
 the class of 1878 from the high school. She next entered the Illinois State 
 Normal at Normal, Illinois, and taught in the Amboy schools in 1880-1 and 
 at Morris, Illinois, in 1882-3. The following year she was a teacher at 
 Plainfield, Illinois, and then again at Amboy. Later she entered the Woman's 
 Medical College at Philadelphia in 1886 and was graduated therefrom in 
 1889. The same year she began practice in Sterling. She and her husband 
 belong to the same medical societies, holding membership in the Sterling 
 and Rock Falls Physicians' Club, the North Central Illinois Medical Society, 
 the Whiteside County and the State Medical Societies and the American 
 Medical Association. They are deeply interested in all that pertains to the 
 advancement of the profession and are continually broadening their knowl- 
 edge through scientific research and investigations as well as through ex- 
 perience. Dr. and Mrs. Keefer are members of the Presbyterian church, in 
 which he is serving as an elder. - He also belongs to Sterling Lodge, No. 174, 
 I. 0. 0. F., and the encampment, while he and his wife are connected with 
 the Rebekah degree. Both have gained distinction as physicians of ability 
 and are equally well known socially and have many friends in Sterling and 
 throughout the county. 
 
 FRANK D. RAMSAY. 
 
 Frank D. Ramsay, one of the judges of the appellate court for the third 
 district, wa-> born iu Prophetstown, Illinois, September 27, 1846. His 
 father, Luther B. Ramsay, was a native of Oneida county, New York, and 
 of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1839 he removed to Illinois, settling at Rapid 
 City, now Rock Falls, Whiteside county, where he engaged in surveying land 
 a part of that year. He then returned to New York and brought his family, 
 including his father, to the middle west, after which he engaged in farming 
 in Prophetstown township. The family met the usual experienca* of pioneer 
 life and aided in extending the frontier by the reclamation of the wild dis- 
 trict for the uses of civilization. He continued the development and im- 
 provement of his farm until 1849, when he took up hi,< abode in the village 
 of Prophetstown and spent his remaining days there. For several years lie 
 was identified with its mercantile interests and was successful in his under- 
 takings. He left the impress of his individuality upon th? early develop- 
 ment of the county, aiding in molding public thought and in shaping the 
 public policy, standing as he did at all times for progressive citizenship and 
 for substantial development. In politics he was an old-line whig prior to
 
 FRANK D. RAMSAY
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVtRSKY OF ILLINOIS 
 URBANA
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 581 
 
 the organization of the republican party, when he joined its ranks. He had 
 no aspiration for office, however, being content to do his public service as a 
 private citizen. He married Caroline M. Smith, a native of Poultney, 
 Vermont, and of New England ancestry, her parents being Steven and 
 Tyley (Manly) Smith, who came to Prophetstown in 1840, her father here 
 following the occupation of farming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay were 
 born a son and daughter, the latter being Mrs. Lucy E. Adams, the wife of 
 George B. Adams, advertising manager for the Royal Tailors of Chicago. 
 The father died in 1886, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother's 
 death occurred in 1903, when she had reached the age of seventy-seven 
 years. 
 
 Judge Ramsay received no special advantages in his youth. He attended 
 the common schools of Prophetstown and the Seminary at Dixon, Illinois, 
 and at the age of twenty years entered the office of Frederick Sackett, of 
 Sterling, under whose direction he read law. In 1868 he was admitted to 
 the bar and located for practice in Morrison, where he has since remained 
 with the exception of two years, which he spent in Kansas City. While 
 advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, no dreary novitiate awaited 
 Judge Ramsay. Gradually he worked his way upward and his practice be- 
 came extensive and of an important character. He became noted among 
 his brethren of the legal fraternity for the wide research and provident care 
 with which he prepared his cases and his merits received public recogni- 
 tion, when in 1897 he was elected judge of the circuit court. In 1905 he 
 was assigned to the appellate court for the third district by the supreme 
 court, of the state. He is now filling that position and is a prominent rep- 
 resentative of the judiciary of Illinois. His legal learning, his analytical 
 mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument, all 
 combine to make him one of the capable jurists of the appellate bench, and 
 the public and the profession acknowledge him to be an efficient member 
 of the appelhte court. 
 
 In 1872 Judge Ramsay was married to Miss Lovisa McKenzie, who was 
 born in Prophetstown, in 1848, a daughter of William R. and Harriet 
 (Martin) McKenzie. The father removed from New York to Prophetstown, 
 while the mother came to this county from Canada in 1839. Mrs. Ramsay 
 is of Scotch descent. By this marriage there are two sons: Luther R., who 
 was born in 1876, and is an attorney at law of the firm of McCalmont & 
 Ramsay, at Morrison; and Robert M., who was born in 1879 and is a court 
 reporter of Chicago. Both sons are married. 
 
 Judge Ramsay is a Mason and also a member of the order of Knights 
 of Pythias. In politics he is a republican and, while stalwart in the cham- 
 pionship of the principles in which he believes, he never allows his political 
 views to prejudice him in any way in his judicial duties. He belongs to 
 the local bar association and aside from his service on the bench he was 
 master in chancery for six years. He has earned for himself the favorable 
 regard of the public and the profession. His decisions indicate strong 
 mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an un- 
 biased judgment. He is recognized as a man of finely balanced mind and
 
 582 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 strong intellectual attainments, possessing, too, .that well rounded character 
 which contributes to his success in the discharge of the multitudinous deli- 
 cate duties which devolve upon him. 
 
 JAMES RYAN. 
 
 An excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 32 and 33 
 pays, tribute to the care, industry and supervision of James Ryan. It is the 
 old family homestead upon which he spent much of his boyhood and which 
 he has purchased in recent years. He is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth 
 having occurred in Lee county, December 29, 1861. His parents, Michael 
 and Johanna (Conners) Ryan, were both natives of Ireland and in 1854, 
 crossing the Atlantic to the new world, they made their way to Dixon, Illinois, 
 where the father worked as a common laborer for six years. Eagerly availing 
 himself of every opportunity for advancement, he next rented a farm for 
 five years and, carefully saving his earnings during that period, he pur- 
 chased, in 1865, eighty acres of land on section 33, Montmorency township. 
 Later he invested in eighty acres on section 32 adjoining the original place, 
 thus becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich land capable 
 of high cultivation and large production. As the years passed he devoted his 
 time and energies to the further development and improvement of the prop- 
 erty, which under his care became an excellent farm. Unto him and his 
 wife were born a daughter and three sons: Nora, now in Sterling; James; 
 Patrick, deceased; and John, of this county. The father died in the year 
 1892, while the mother survived for fifteen years, passing away in 1907 at 
 the advanced age of eighty-five years. 
 
 The boyhood and youth of James Ryan were quietly passed, his time 
 being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the interests of the play- 
 ground and the labors of the home farm. His training in the work of the 
 fields was not meager but on the contrary he began work in the cultivation 
 of the place almost as soon as he was old enough to handle the plow. After 
 attaining his majority he rented a part of the old homestead for a number 
 of years and then in 1892 purchased eighty acres on section 32, Mont- 
 morency township. To this he afterward added by purchasing the old home- 
 stead of one hundred and sixty acres, so that he now owns a valuable tract 
 of land of two hundred and forty acres on sections 32 and 33. Montmorency 
 township. His farm presents an attractive appearance, for everything about 
 the place is kept in good condition and pasture land and fields are all rich 
 and productive. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Reardon, who 
 was born in Tennessee, a daughter of William and Katherine Reardon, who 
 are now living in Sterling. Their family numbered six children. Unto Mr. 
 and Mrs. Ryan have been born two (laughters. Katie and Marie. The parents 
 are communicants of the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Ryan is a demo- 
 crat. His fellow townsmen have several times called him to ofliee and he is
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 583 
 
 now assessor of Montmorency township, having been the incumbent in the 
 position for five years. He has likewise been school director for five years 
 and is also treasurer of the drainage district. Coming to this county when 
 four years of age, he has now lived within its borders for about forty-three 
 years and has been an interested witness of the many changes and the trans- 
 formation which has been wrought by time and man. The onward march of 
 civilization has made this one of the richest agricultural districts in this great 
 state, affording to its citizens all the advantages that are known to the older 
 I'ast. Mr. Ryan rejoices in what has been accomplished and has borne his 
 full share in the work of general improvement and progress. 
 
 MICHAEU KLEINSCHRODT. 
 
 Michael Kleinschrodt. who follows farming and stock-raising in Union 
 Grove township, came to Whiteside county in 1872 and has resided here 
 continuously since, with the exception of a year and a half spent in Iowa. 
 He has always made his home in the middle west and the spirit of enter- 
 prise and development characteristic of the upper Mississippi valley has been 
 manfest in his business career. 
 
 He was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, February 2, 1858, his 
 parents being John G. and Katherine (Amos) Kleinschrodt, both of whom 
 were natives of Germany, whence they came to America at the ages of four- 
 teen and twenty-one years respectively. The father accompanied his parents 
 to the new world and the family home was established in Cook county, Illi- 
 nois, where the paternal grandfather of our subject purchased and improved 
 a farm. John G. Kleinschrodt continued to make his home there until after 
 his marriage, when he removed to Wisconsin and a little later returned to 
 Illinois, settling at Elgin, where he remained until 1872. He then came to 
 Whiteside county but three years later went to western Iowa, where he re- 
 mained for several years. He then returned to Morrison and was actively 
 engaged in farming in this locality until he put aside the arduous duties of 
 the fields and established his home in Morrison, where he is now living re- 
 tired, at the age of seventy-seven years. Unto him and his wife were born 
 eight children: John, now a resident of Sterling; Maggie, who makes her 
 home in Elgin, Illinois; Michael, of this review; Henry, also living in Mor- 
 rison ; Philip, of Minnesota ; Mrs. Mary Pierce, whose home is in Elgin, Illi- 
 nois; Charles, who died two or three years ago; and William, of Morrison. 
 
 Michael Kleinschrodt has resided in Whiteside county almost continu- 
 ously since about fourteen years of age and has always been identified with 
 general farming interests. He early became familiar with the work of the 
 fields, as he aided his father in the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting. 
 He thus received broad experience to assist him in carrying on farm work 
 on his own account and is now numbered among the successful agriculturists 
 of Union Grove township. Since the 1st of March, 1902, he has resided on 
 his present farm and is here carefully and successfully carrying on general 
 agricultural pursuits and stock-raising.
 
 584 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 In April, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kleinschrodt and Miss 
 Grace Van Dyke, who was born near Fulton, this county, a daughter of 
 Peter and Rimke (Nouta) Van Dyke. Her father came to the United 
 States in childhood and her mother when a young lady. The father re- 
 sided during the greater part of his life in Whiteside county and followed 
 the occupation of farming to provide for the support of his family. He died 
 in April, 1905, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Kleinschrodt is the 
 eldest in the family, the others being : H. B. and Peter, who are residents 
 of Morrison; Glaus, living in Union Grove township; Abel, who is living in 
 Unionville, Illinois; David, at home; Jacob, who die'd in infancy; and Jacob, 
 the second of the name, who died in September, 1900. 
 
 The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kleinschrodt has been blessed with one child, 
 Bernie Lloyd, born November 6, 1891, and yet under the parental roof. 
 Mr. Kleinschrodt exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and 
 measures of the republican party and is now serving for the fourth year as 
 road commissioner, in which office he has done much to improve the public 
 highways. He has also been school director and the cause of education 
 finds in him a warm and stalwart friend. He believes thoroughly in ad- 
 vancement, in eradicating all that is useless in methods of business or in 
 the elements of citizenship and in promoting public progress along sub- 
 stantial lines. Such a course has characterized his business career and he 
 has steadily worked his way upward, becoming one of the enterprising farm- 
 ers of Union Grove township. 
 
 A. W. GREENLEE. 
 
 A. W. Greenlee 'Stands as a high type of the patriotic and public-spirited 
 American citizen. He served his country as a soldier in the Civil war and 
 has been equally loyal in days of peace, giving proof of his devotion to com- 
 munity interests by fourteen years' capable service in the office of mayor 
 of Lyndon. He has likewise filled the position of postmaster for eleven 
 years and over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong 
 nor suspicion of evil. 
 
 Mr. Greenlee is a native of "Frederickstown, Knox county, Ohio, born 
 February 10, 1842. His parents were Robert and Mary (Christie) Greenlee, 
 natives of Coshocton county, Ohio. On leaving the Buckeye state in 1855 
 they came at once to Whiteside county, where they spent their remaining 
 days. The mother was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, her death 
 occurring in 1856, but the father reached the age of sixty-five years. Their 
 children were: Benjamin F., who died while serving his country as a soldier 
 of the Civil war; Robert A., deceased; Emily Adaline, the wife of Plypton 
 Baker, of West Platt, Nebraska; A. W., of this review; William C., who 
 was a member of the Ninth Iowa Cavalry in the Civil war, serving for two 
 and a half years, but is now deceased; and Ellen, the deceased wife of 
 Ezra French.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 585 
 
 A. W. Greenlee (spent the first thirteen years of his life in the state 
 of his nativity and with his parents came to Whiteside county in 1855, the 
 family home being established at Unionville, Grove township. He remained 
 under the parental roof until his enlistment for service in the Civil war. 
 He was but a lad of nineteen years when in September, 1861, the fires of 
 patriotism burning brightly in his breast, he joined Company I of the Eighth 
 Kansas Infantry, with which he served for twenty-two months. Then came 
 an interval of four months, after which he again enlisted, this time joining 
 the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, continuing in active service altogether for four 
 years, terminated by an honorable discharge in March, 1866. He had been 
 discharged from the Eighth Kansas Infantry because of physical disability 
 but as soon as his health permitted he again joined the army, nor did he 
 hesitate to follow the old flag until it became the symbol of Union victory. 
 He took part in the battle of Perryville and with a cavalry company did 
 much scouting and skirmish duty in the southwest, holding the rank of 
 sergeant. 
 
 When the war was orer Mr. Greenlee returned to Whiteside county but 
 soon afterward went to Hoi ton, Kansas, where he worked in a general store 
 for two years. He then returned to his Illinois home, where he has since 
 remained and with the material interests and substantial development has 
 been closely associated. For twenty years he engaged in farming in Lyndon 
 township, where he rented and cultivated a tract of rich land, while his wife 
 owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Island county. At 
 length, putting aside agricultural pursuits, he took up his abode in Lyndon 
 and for three years was in the employ of the firm of Parmenter Brothers. 
 He was then appointed postmaster and for the past eleven years has filled 
 this position. He has also been mayor for the past fourteen years and 
 in both positions gives a public-spirited administration, looking to the best 
 interests of the community. He has ever placed the general good before 
 partisanship and the interests of his office before personal aggrandizement. 
 He is a stalwart republican, casting his presidential ballot for each Candidate 
 at the head of the national ticket since voting the first time for Abraham 
 Lincoln in the campaign of 1864. He .is recognized as one of the local 
 leaders of his party, his .opinions carrying weight in its councils, while his 
 service as a member of the county central committee for the past sixteen 
 years has been far-reaching and beneficial. In addition to the other offices 
 that he has filled he has served as village clerk and as township clerk and 
 he has ever worked in public affairs toward practical idealism. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Greenlee was married to Miss Olive E. Smith, who was 
 born in Lyndon township in 1850 and here resided until her death in March, 
 1891. Her parents were Harry and Mary Smith, who arrived in this county 
 from New York in the '30s and entered land in Lyndon township, where 
 they aided in planting the early seeds of civilization and in extending the 
 frontier. They continued residents of the township throughout their remain- 
 ing days and were prominent and worthy pioneer people. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Greenlee" were born three children : Maud, now the wife of Carl Palmer, a 
 resident of Sterling; Frank, also living in Sterling; and Halford R., who is
 
 586 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis of the class of 1895 and is 
 now an ensign on the battleship Rhode Island. Having lost his first wife, 
 Mr. Greenlee was again married on the 2d of June, 1893, when Miss Helen 
 Daggett became his wife. She is a native of Lyndon and a daughter of 
 Falarman and Falina (Fitch) Daggett, who remained residents of this local- 
 ity until called to their final home. Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee are well known 
 in the community, having an extensive circle of friends. They attend the 
 Congregational church, of which Mrs. Greenlee is a member, while Mr. 
 Greenlee holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America, 
 The terms progress and patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his 
 character. His business life has been characterized by advancement, while 
 his public service has been the exemplification of marked fidelity to the 
 interests entrusted to his care. 
 
 THOMAS W. STEVENS. 
 
 In a history of Whiteside county's early development it is imperative 
 that mention should be made of Thomas W. Stevens and his wife, the latter 
 being a representative of one of the oldest families of Sterling. Mr. Steven.- 
 also came here in pioneer times and for many years was closely associated 
 with its agricultural development, transforming the wild land into a pro- 
 ductive farm arid gaining through his well directed labors a comfortable 
 competence that enabled him to spend his last days in honorable retirement 
 and to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances. He was born 
 in the northern part of Pennsylvania and came west to Illinois with his 
 parents when a youth of thirteen years, arriving in 1838. They settled half 
 a mile north of Sterling when the east part of the town was called Harris- 
 burg and the west part Chatham. The father, Jonathan Stevens, died upon 
 the homestead farm, which he cultivated for many years, and it was there 
 that his wife, Mrs. Ellen (Bowman) Stevens, also passed away. 
 
 Thomas W. Stevens was reared to manhood under the parental roof 
 and pursued his education in the little school house east of Broadway, in 
 Sterling. He was closely associated with the early events of the city which 
 framed its course and molded its" policy. He was twice married, his first 
 union being with Miss Adaline Coe, by whom he had two children Maltva 
 Coe and Helen Amanda Stevens. The wife, and mother passed away in 1850, 
 and in the spring of 1852 Mr. Stevens went to California in company with 
 some cousins. They inade their way to a ranch, where Thomas W. Stevens 
 continued for about seven years, after which he returned to Sterling and 
 resumed farming in Sterling township, being the owner of forty acres of 
 land 'there, which he had purchased before he went to California. To this 
 he added eighty acres as his financial resources increased and became an 
 active factor in the agricultural life of the community. 
 
 Mr. Stevens married again on the 23d of February, 1859, his second 
 wife being Mrs. Helen Ann Snavely, the widow of Moses Suavely and a
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 587 
 
 daughter of Simeon Maltva and Mary (Miles) Coe. She was a sister of Mrs. 
 Stevens' first wife. Unto this marriage there were born five sons: Frederick, 
 of Sterling, who works for the Rock Falls Manufacturing Company, married 
 Grace Scott, and they have four children living, Wadsworth, Beatrice, Gladys 
 and Earl. Thaddeu.5, now deceased, married Lydia Klein and they have 
 seven children, of whom four ai-e living, Kenneth, Carl, Mabel and Margaret. 
 Frank makes his home in Chicago. Ernest died in infancy. Bowman 
 married Belle Scott and both are now deceased. 
 
 For a considerable period Thomas W. Stevens cultivated his farm in 
 Sterling township, but at length sold that property and purchased one of 
 about three hundred and fifty acres in Hopkins township, where he lived 
 for about six years. He then sold this property to his son Thaddeus and took 
 up his abode in Como, where he resided for about six years. On the expira- 
 tion of that period' he became a resident of Sterling, where his last days were 
 passed, his death occurring January 26, 1904, when he had reached the age 
 of seventy-nine years. His widow still survives and is eighty-two years of 
 church but later became identified with the Congregational church and were 
 age. She was born July 29, 1826. Both were members of the Methodist 
 earnest, consistent Christian people. 
 
 Mrs. Stevens belongs to one of the first pioneer families of Whiteside 
 county and is now the only living member of a family of thirteen children, 
 ten sons and three daughters, who were born unto her parents. She was 
 the twelfth in order of birth. With one exception all the children reached 
 mature years arid reared families. Her father, Simeon Maltva Coe, died May 
 20, 1848, in his sixty-fourth year. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Miles) Coe, sur- 
 vived him for about eight years and was in her seventy-second year at the 
 time of her demise. Mr. Coe held various township offices, to which he was 
 called by the vote of his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and 
 ability. In the early days here he took up a large tract of government land 
 and was one of the first to aid in reclaiming this region, then wild and unim- 
 proved, for the purposes of civilization. He came here to locate in 1838 but 
 had twice visited the district before on a prospecting tour. His son, Simeon 
 Miles Coe, came to Whiteside county in 1835 and also took a large tract of 
 government land. He was closely associated with the later development and 
 progress of the county until his death in 1894 and was widely recognized as 
 a man of prominence and influence here. The Coe family came to Illinois 
 from Monroe county, New York, having lived about twelve miles south of 
 Rochester. The Indians were still seen to some extent in the state and this 
 section of Illinois had become the home of but few white settlers at the time 
 of the arrival of the Coe family, but with characteristic energy they began to 
 clear the soil and cultivate the crops and from the earliest day the family 
 name has figured as one of the most honorable and prominent in the records 
 of Whiteside county. Mrs. Stevens, although now eighty-two years of age, 
 is still well preserved and largely retains her mental and physical faculties 
 unimpaired. She has in recent years, however, suffered from a cataract on 
 the eyes which has left her blind. She does not, however, allow this affliction 
 to overcast her cheerful disposition. She is a most intelligent and entertain-
 
 588 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ing lady and a fine conversationalist. Her many good traits of heart and 
 mind have made her life a blessing to the community and wherever known 
 she is held. in the highest esteem and warmest regard. 
 
 DEDRICK KNALSEN. 
 
 A farm of two hundred acres on section 12, Mount Pleasant township 
 pays tribute to the care and labor of Dedrick Knalsen, who purchased this 
 property in March, 1900. It is known as the Aaron Young farm and when 
 it came into his possession was worth about seventy-five dollars per acre. 
 Today he would refuse one hundred dollars per acre for the place, which is 
 now well improved, while the fields have been brought under a high state 
 of cultivation. He carries on the tilling of the soil and also raises stock 
 and both branches of his business are proving profitable. 
 
 Mr. Knalsen is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in the 
 state of Oldenburg, January 15, 1856. His parents, John and Emily Fred- 
 erika (Gerdes) Knalsen, came to America in 1859 and settled in Lee county, 
 % Illinois, near Dixon, where they made their home for a few years prior to 
 taking up their abode in Whiteside county. The mother died here about 
 twenty-one years ago, when fifty-nine years of age. The father made his 
 home with his son Dedrick Knalsen for about sixteen years prior to his death, 
 which occurred in the fall of 1903, when he was on a visit to North Dakota. 
 He was then seventy-seven years of age. He owned eighty acres of land in 
 Hopkins township, this county, and for several years during his active life 
 followed farming in the employ of others in order to gain a start. He was 
 thus engaged in 1858, when wages were but fifty cents per day. Whatever 
 success he achieved was attributable entirely to his own labors and he well 
 deserved the proud American title of a "self-made man." Unto Mr. and 
 Mrs. Knalsen were born eight children, five sons and three 'daughters, as fol- 
 lows: Henry, a farmer and thresher, living in McLean county, North Da- 
 kota, is now married and has two sons. Dedrick is the next of the family. 
 Maggie is the wife of John Folkers, a farmer, residing in Cloud county, Kan- 
 sas, by whom she has two children. Mary is the wife of Frank Buhler, who 
 follows farming near Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, and they have three sons. 
 Baker and Fred, twins, died about 1878, when twenty years of age. Louisa 
 died in 1879, at the age of fifteen years, and John died in infancy over forty 
 years ago. 
 
 Dedrick Knalsen was largely reared in Whiteside county. He was but 
 three years old when his parents left the fatherland and established their 
 home in Illinois and was but a young lad when they came from Lee county 
 to this county. He attended the public schools and thus obtained a fair 
 English education and received ample training in the work of the farm. He 
 was thus well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own after attaining 
 manhood, and in his chosen life work he has met with gratifying success. 
 He farmed for sixteen years in Hopkins township and since then has lived
 
 tzj 
 O
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 URBANA
 
 - HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 591 
 
 in Moust Pleasant township, purchasing his present place in 1900. In the 
 intervening years he has added many improvements, converting it into one 
 of the excellent farms of the locality, supplied with all modern accessories 
 and conveniences, including the latest improved machinery and substantial 
 buildings. 
 
 In 1876, in Hopkins township, Mr. Knalsen was married to Miss Ida M. 
 Frerichs, who was born in Germany near the town of Gever, which was also 
 the locality of her husband's birth. Her parents, Frederick and Katherine 
 (Uken) Frerichs, came to the United States in 1870 and were residents of 
 Hopkins township, Whiteside county, Illinois, until the death of the father 
 in 1890, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His wife survived and died 
 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Knalsen, in February, 1904, at the age of 
 seventy-seven years. Mrs. Knalsen was an only child and was reared in 
 Whiteside county from the age of thirteen. She attended school in Germany 
 and also in this country. By her marriage she has become the mother of 
 six children. Hannah, the eldest, is now the wife of Harm Thilen, who 
 cultivates the old homestead farm in Hopkins township and they have four 
 children, Emma, Le Roy, Louisa and Edwin. Ricka is the wife of Henry 
 Mammen, who resides on a farm near her father's place, and they have one 
 son, Raymond. Louisa is the wife of Louis Cassens, a resident farmer of 
 Hopkins township, and they have two daughters, Florence and Edna. Ed- 
 ward, at the age of twenty-one years, -assists in the operation of the home 
 farm. Arthur died in 1894, at the age of three years and five months. Harry 
 is attending school at the age of eleven years. 
 
 Mr. Knalsen votes with the republican party and is in thorough sym- 
 pathy with its principles and policy. He has served as school director and 
 in other local offices, and both he and his wife are members of the German 
 Lutheran church. They are interested in its growth and in the extension of 
 its influence and endorse all measures for the public progress and improve- 
 ment. Throughout his life he has been actuated by the enterprising spirit 
 of the west and the salient traits of his character are such as work for success 
 in the business world and command the admiration of all. Starting out in 
 life without assistance, he has gradually worked his way upward and holds 
 today an enviable position as one who owes his prosperity to his well-defined 
 energy and well-directed labors. 
 
 CLARENCE M. FRYE, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Clarence M. Frye is engaged in the practice of medicine and sur- 
 gery in Rock Falls and the extent of the patronage accorded him is in- 
 dicative of the confidence reposed in his skill and ability. He is one of 
 Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in Morrison, April 4, 1877, 
 his parents being Samuel M. and Elizabeth (Maxfield) Frye, whose family 
 numbered two children, the daughter being Mrs. Nellie Hess, now the wife 
 of Fred Hess, of Whiting, Indiana. The father, a native of Michigan, fol-
 
 592 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 lowed farming in early manhood. He was brought to Whiteside county, 
 Illinois, in his youth and was reared in the neighborhood of Morrison. For 
 a number of years he carried on general agricultural pursuits in Mount 
 Pleasant township but subsequently abandoned the tilling of the soil and 
 entered commercial life as a dealer in musical instruments, carrying on that 
 business for many years in Morrison. For the past few years, however, he 
 has lived retired. His wife is a native of Como, Illinois, and was a daugh- 
 ter of NathanieL Maxfield. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania 
 and of German descent. He followed the occupation of farming and lived 
 to the age of seventy-five years. Catherine Frye, the grandmother, lived to 
 be eighty-three years of age. Nathaniel Maxfield, the maternal grandfather, 
 was born in Rhode Island and in early life was a frontier stage driver but 
 during the greater part of his life carried on general farming. Removing 
 to the west during the formative period in the history of this section of the 
 state, he resided in Whiteside county and took up land from the government. 
 It was entirely destitute of improvements and the entire countryside was 
 largely an unclaimed and unsettled district. Mr. Maxfield lived at Como 
 before Sterling was known and subsequently made his home north of Round 
 Grove. At a later date he owned a farm east of Morrison, where he resided 
 until 1888, when his death occurred, he being then seventy-three years of 
 age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Sherman, was an own 
 cousin of General W. T. Sherman, and also of Stephen A. Douglas, and be- 
 longed to an old aristocratic family. She died at the age of fifty-one years. 
 By her marriage she became the mother of two sons and eight daughters. 
 
 Dr. Clarence M. Frye was reared in Morrison and entered the public 
 schools, passing through successive grades until he completed the high-school 
 course in the class of ISO'S. His consideration of the question of a life work at 
 length resulted in the choice of the medical profession and as a preparation for 
 practice he matriculated in Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which 
 he was graduated in 1902. He then located for practice in Rock Falls, 
 where he has remained to the present time. He is thoroughly in touch with 
 the most modern methods pursued by the members of the medical fraternity 
 and his professional service has been of the utmost benefit to many whom 
 he has attended, indicating his comprehensive understanding of the prin- 
 ciples and science of medicine and his correct application of his knowledge 
 to the needs of suffering humanity. He is now medical examiner for a 
 large number of fraternal orders. 
 
 Dr. Frye was married November 7, 1905, to Miss Birdie X. Ferris, a 
 daughter of John S. and Minnie (Davis) Ferris. The family home is at No. 
 305 Dixon avenue, and they have an interesting little daughter, Helen 
 Elizabeth. Dr. Frye is a Presbyterian in religious faith, while his wife is 
 a member of the Congregational church. He belongs to Rock River Lodge, 
 No. 612, A. F. & A. M.,; Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; and Sterling 
 Commandery, No. 57, K. T., while with the Nobles of Tebala Temple of the 
 Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. His political allegiance 
 is given to the republican , party but official honors and emoluments have-
 
 HISTORY OF VVHITESIDE COUNTY 593 
 
 no attraction for him, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his 
 professional labors, which are discharged with a sense of conscientious obliga- 
 tion that has won for him the confidence of the public and the respect of his 
 professional brethren. 
 
 SAMUEL McKEAN McCALMONT. 
 
 Samuel McKean McCalmont, one of the strong and able members of the 
 Whiteside county bar, practicing as senior partner of the firm of McCalmont 
 & Ramsay, at Morrison, was born in Ustick township, this county, December 
 30, 1867. His father, John J. McCalmont, a native of Center county, Penn- 
 sylvania, died September 27, 1869, when about twenty-nine years of age, his 
 son being then less than two years old. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and 
 his great-grandfather, Thomas McCalmont, was a soldier of the Revolutionary 
 war. John J. McCalmont acquired a common school education and devoted 
 his life to agricultural .pursuits. He came to Illinois about 1865, settling on 
 a tract of land in Ustick township, Whiteside county, his remaining days 
 being spent upon the farm which he there purchased and improved. He 
 was an enterprising agriculturist and successful in his undertakings, his well- 
 directed labors bringing go'od results. His political allegiance was given to 
 the republican party and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. His ster- 
 ling characteristics were those which constitute honorable manhood and busi- 
 ness integrity. He married Sarah Elizabeth McKean, also a native of Center 
 county, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish lineage. She is still living, at the 
 age of sixty-six years and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lowry) 
 McKean, both of whom died in Pennsylvania. After losing her first hus- 
 band, Mrs. McCalmont became the wife of John Miller, now of Fulton, 
 Illinois, and unto them was born a daughter, Anna, the wife of Edward B. 
 Garretson, a printer of Moline, Illinois. 
 
 Samuel McKean McCalmont, the only son of the first marriage, was- 
 reared upon a farm to the age of nineteen years and attended the district 
 schools, also continuing his studies in the schools of Morrison and of Fulton, 
 Illinois, being graduated from the Fulton high school in the class of 1888. 
 Later he spent one year as a student in the Northern Illinois College at Ful- 
 ton, and then entered the literary department of the University of Michigan 
 at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the fall of 1889. At the beginning of the school 
 year of 1890 he became a student in the law department of that institution 
 and was graduated therefrom in 1892. He was admitted to the Illinois bar 
 in June of the same year and at once began the practice of law at Fulton 
 and continued there until March, 1895, when he removed to Morrison, where 
 he entered into partnership with Judge Frank D. Ramsay, under the firm 
 style of Ramsay & McCalmont. This relation was maintained until the 
 election of the senior partner to the bench of the circuit court in 1897, after 
 which Mr. McCalmont practiced alone until November, 1899, when Luther 
 R. Ramsay, a son of his former partner, joined him in the firm of McCalmont
 
 594 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 & Ramsay. This is recognized aS one of the strong law firms of the county 
 and this part of the state. 
 
 On the 16th of November, 1898, Mr. McCalmont was married to Miss 
 Mary Alice Taylor, a daughter of Dr. Samuel Taylor, long a practitioner of 
 this city. Mr. McCalmont is an active factor in the public interests and wel- 
 fare of Morrison. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, to the Mystic 
 Workers and the Whiteside County Bar Association. In 1897-8 he served as 
 city attorney, while from 1903 until 1905 he gave to the city a public-spirited 
 and businesslike administration while filling the office of mayor. He is a 
 most active worker in party ranks and has been chairman of the republican 
 county committee. Deeply interested in the public schools, he is likewise 
 president of the board of education of Mount Pleasant township. As a man 
 and lawyer he occupies an enviable position in public regard and is recog- 
 nized as one whose labors have been an element in the best interests and de- 
 velopment of Morrison and his native county. 
 
 FRANK ANTHONY, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Frank Anthony, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine 
 and surgery in Sterling, his native city, was born March 9, 1858. In the 
 paternal line he is descended from English ancestry. His grandfather, a 
 native of England, came with his parents to America and settled in Onondaga 
 county, New York, where the remainder of his life was passed. There he 
 died at an advanced age, after which his widow, Mrs. Permelia Anthony, 
 came to Sterling and here died when more than ninety years of age. 
 
 Their son, Julius Phelps Anthony, was born in the Empire state and 
 became a farmer, teacher and physician. He removed westward to Iowa in 
 1849 and for one year engaged in the active practice of medicine at Comanche, 
 after which he removed to Sterling and for more than forty years was an 
 able physician of this city. He practiced among his fellow townsmen and 
 throughout the surrounding country and his labors were attended with excel- 
 lent results, so that he became the loved family physician in many a house- 
 hold. At the time of the Civil war his patriotism was strongly aroused and 
 in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the army, becoming assistant surgeon in 
 the Sixty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He filled that position until the 
 fall of 1863, when he was appointed surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty- 
 seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, so continuing until the close of the war. 
 He was then mustered out at Springfield in the fall of 1865, having done an 
 important work in the care of the sick and the wounded in the south. Re- 
 turning to his home, he resumed his practice in Sterling and continued an 
 active member of the profession up to the time of his death, which occurred 
 June 9, 1891, when he was sixty-nine years of age. In early manhood he 
 wedded Martha Jane Parks, a native of Pennsylvania. Both were faithful 
 members of the Presbyterian church and their lives were in harmony with 
 their professions. Dr. Anthony gave his political allegiance to the republican
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 595 
 
 party, was a very active worker in its ranks and took a helpful interest in all 
 public improvements and in the progress of the city. He was largely instru- 
 mental in securing the building of the macadamized roads throughout the 
 township. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and three daughters: 
 Permelia, who is now living in Sterling; Darwin H., a resident of California; 
 Martha L., the wife of D. R. Crouse, of Salem, Oregon; Mary C., the wife 
 of Judge Henry C. Ward, a prominent lawyer and jurist of Whiteside county; 
 and Frank, of this review. 
 
 In taking up the personal history of Dr. Frank Anthony we present to 
 our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known here, 
 having spent his entire life in this city. His early educational privileges 
 afforded by the public schools of Sterling, were supplemented by study in 
 Beloit College and he qualified for the profession as a student in Rush Med- 
 ical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated on the 22d of February, 
 1881. On the 1st of April of that year he began practice in his native city, 
 where he has remained continuously since. The name of Anthony has long 
 figured in connection with the practice of medicine and surgery here and 
 has always been associated in the minds of the people of Whiteside county 
 with high professional honor and marked capability. 
 
 On the 4th of October, 1882, Mr. Anthony was married to Miss Nellie E. 
 Persels, and two children were born to them: Nellie L. and Hazel E. The 
 former is the wife of Hugh Ferguson, a resident of Chicago, and they have 
 one son. The latter is a trained nurse in Chicago. The mother died Novem- 
 ber 15, 1901, at the age of forty-two years. She had been reared in the 
 Methodist church, but was a member of the Presbyterian church at the time 
 of her demise. On the 26th of December, 1902, Dr. Anthony was again 
 married, his second union being with Mrs. Allie Sneed, a daughter of Joseph 
 Shultz, of Dixon, Illinois. 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Anthony hold membership in the Presbyterian church and 
 are prominent socially. They reside at No. 202 West Fourth street. The 
 doctor has had some military experience, having enlisted in 1888 in Company 
 E of the Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, of which he became second lieu- 
 tenant. In June, 1889, he was appointed surgeon of the Sixth Regiment 
 and saw service in the railway strike in Chicago in 1894. He was also sur- 
 geon of the Sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Span- 
 ish-American war and went with that command to Porto Rico, being mus- 
 tered out in November, 1898, after the close of hostilities with Spain. He 
 continued with the National Guard until 1900, when he resigned. Fra- 
 ternally he belongs to Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M. ; Sterling 
 Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; and Sterling Commandery, No. 57, K. T. He 
 is likewise connected with the Knights of the Globe and the Illinois Com- 
 mandery of the Naval and Military Order of the Spanish-American war. 
 His political support is unfalteringly given the republican party. In the 
 line of his profession he has various membership associations, belonging to 
 the County and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association 
 and the American Association of Railway Surgeons, being entitled to mem- 
 bership in the last named by reason of the fact that he is surgeon for the 
 Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. He likewise belongs to the
 
 596 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Western Surgical and Gynecological Association and to other societies for the 
 dissemination of knowledge concerning the science of medicine. His inves- 
 tigations have been carried far and wide into the realms of medical lore and 
 he is quick to adopt any new method or remedy which his judgment sanc- 
 tions as of value in his professional work. 
 
 LEWIS C. ARNETT. 
 
 Lewis C. Arnett, a retired agriculturist living in Prophetstown, was born 
 in Portland township, Whiteside county, on the 18th of December, 1842. 
 His paternal grandparents were Lewis and Clara (Sheddick) Arnett, the 
 former a native of Alsace, France, where his birth occurred in 1791. He 
 served as a soldier under Napoleon in his native country, and in the year 
 1827 emigrated to America, first locating in Rochester, New York, while 
 subsequently he removed to Warren county, Pennsylvania, there purchasing 
 a farm. 
 
 His son, Jacob Arnett, the father of our subject, was born in Alsace, 
 France, April 15, 1815, and accompanied his parents on their emigration to 
 the United States in 1827. He remained with his parents on the home 
 farm and assisted in the work of the fields but by the time he attained his 
 majority had become convinced that he could never carry on agricultural 
 pursuits successfully in the Keystone state on account of the stony condition 
 of the soil. The day previous to the celebration of his twenty-first birthday, 
 while doing some plowing, the point of his plow struck a rock and the 
 handles flew up and struck him in the ribs. He told his father he would 
 never touch the plow again and the next day was employed at rafting logs 
 down the Ohio river, arriving in Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1836. He at 
 once took up a claim of land on section 35, Portland township, and the next 
 year induced his father to join him here, entering a tract of land for him- 
 self adjoining his original claim and letting his father settle on the latter. 
 The death of Lewis Arnett occurred in 1868. Jacob Arnett early displayed 
 untiring industry and sound business judgment in the conduct of his inter- 
 ests. He was noted for his trading propensities and would dig ditches, put 
 up fences or work at haying and harvesting, taking his pay in stock or any- 
 thing else which he could subsequently trade off. In a few years he had 
 accumulated quite an amount of property and was widely recognized as an 
 enterprising and prosperous citizen and respected pioneer of his community. 
 At the time of the California gold excitement he fitted out some fine teams, 
 proceeded to the Golden state and there used his teams to excellent advantage, 
 returning to his home in Portland township when he had a goodly supply 
 of the precious metal. For several years prior to his death he was engaged 
 in the implement business at Geneseo, Illinois. His demise occurred in May, 
 1899, at that place, and the county mourned the loss of one of its must 
 honored pioneers and successful business men. 
 
 In 1841 Jacob Arnett returned to Pennsylvania, where he was married 
 to Miss Charlotte Summers, a native, of Germany, who died in August, 1881,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 597 
 
 at the age of seventy years. In the family of this \vorthy couple were seven 
 children: Lewis C., of this review; Samuel J., of Geneseo, Illinois; Phillip 
 S., who resides in Erie, Illinois, Mary E. Smith, of Geneseo; Albert W., who 
 makes his home in North Platte, Nebraska; Clara Rapp, who lives in Henry 
 County, Illinois; and Tillie Alber, of Kansas City, Missouri. 
 
 Lewis C. Arnett was reared on the home farm and when not busy with 
 the labors of the fields during the winter season pursued his education in 
 the common schools. In 1866 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres 
 of land and two years later added eighty acres more to his holdings. He 
 .still owns this farm of two hundred acres of valuable and well improved land 
 and also owns twenty-seven acres of timber land in Henry county, Illinois. 
 In 1878 Mr. Arnett rented his farm and removed to Geneseo, Illinois, where 
 he was engaged in the implement business for three years but on the expira- 
 tion of that period returned to farming, which pursuit he carried on until 
 February, 1908, when he put aside active work and is now living retired in 
 Prophetstown, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest. Per- 
 severance, industry and capable business management have brought him the 
 prosperity which now crowns his labors and he is widely known as one of the 
 prominent and successful citizens of his native county. 
 
 On the 6th of September, 1868, Mr. Arnett was united in marriage to 
 Miss Sarah Roos, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, in May, 1849, 
 a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Lehman) Roos, whose family num- 
 bered five children: Martin J., of South Dakota; Phillip, who resides in 
 Erie, Illinois; Rebecca Heller, who makes her home in Geneseo, Illinois; 
 Mrs. Arnett; and one who is deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Roos died in 1855 
 when about twenty-six years of age, and for his second wife Martin Roos 
 chose Miss Barbara Knapper, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom 
 are yet living. The father passed away in Geneseo on the 22d of September, 
 1901, at the age of eighty-five years, his second wife surviving him until 
 August, 1907, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Arnett have been born eight children. Clare, who is the wife of Gus Weburg, 
 resides at Prophetstown and has four children : Claude, Lewis, Mildred and 
 Robert. Stacy was united in marriage to Minnie Zschiesche and lives in 
 Portland township. Roy, who married Mabel Weber, lives in Henry county, 
 Illinois, and has two children, Guy and Belva. Ida, the wife of Leman Hill, 
 makes her home in Prophetstown. Agnes, who became the wife of Jay 
 Sibley, is living in Portland township. Winnie, the wife of B. Berge, also 
 resides in Portland township. Maude, wife of Frank Sibley, and Harlan 
 are both at home. 
 
 On the 30th of January, 1908, Mr. Arnett was called upon to mourn 
 the loss of his wife. She was a devoted member of the Evangelical church 
 and was highly esteemed throughout the community by reason of her good 
 traits of heart and mind. Politically Mr. Arnett is a republican and is well 
 known in the local ranks of his party a.s an active and efficient worker in 
 the cause of reform, progress and improvement. He has held the offices 
 of constable and school director, has served as school trustee for three terms 
 and as a member of the republican central committee for twelve years. Since
 
 598 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 1872 he has been a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 412, A. F. & A. M., at 
 Spring Hill, has filled all the chairs in that order and has been treasurer 
 for eight consecutive years. For almost three-fourths of a century the name 
 of Arnett has figured prominently in the annals of Whiteside county, for 
 from early pioneer times down to the present, representatives of the name 
 have taken an active part in the work of progress and development here. 
 
 THOMAS NEARY. 
 
 Thomas Neary, living retired in Fenton, was born in County Galway, 
 Ireland, on the 14th of December, 1837, his parents being Peter and Esther 
 (Burns) Neary, who were also natives of the Emerald isle. The father died 
 when his son was but two and a half years of age and the boy was brought 
 to the new world by his mother and a brother, Patrick, about 1850. They 
 settled at Marlboro, Monmouth county, New Jersey, where they lived for 
 four or five years, and afterward removed to Connersville, Fayette county, 
 Indiana, where the mother and brother established their home. Later, how- 
 ever, Thomas Neary came to Illinois, arriving in 1862. He located in Mont- 
 morency township, Whiteside county, near Rock Falls, and further com- 
 pleted his arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in 
 1864. It was in the same year that he offered his services to the government 
 as a soldier of the Union army, enlisting on the 4th of January, 1864, as a 
 member of Company H, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Davis. He 
 joined the regiment at Chicago, was sent to St. Louis and afterward to New 
 Orleans. He participated in the Red River expedition under General 
 Banks and was engaged in warfare with the guerrillas in Louisiana. His 
 service was largely of this nature, the suppression of marauding bands of 
 soldiers who seemed to care more for plunder than for their country. When 
 the war was over Mr. Neary was mustered out at Houston, Texas, in May, 
 1866. 
 
 Returning to Whiteside county on the 26th of June, following, Mr. 
 Neary began farming upon rented land, which he cultivated for three years. 
 In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to pur- 
 chase eighty acres, when he invested in a tract of land of that size on section 
 17, Fenton township. Here he has since made his home, but has extended 
 the boundaries of his property by additional purchases until he now owns 
 one hundred and eighty acres. He has two farms in the township, one of 
 one hundred acres being situated about a mile from the other. He carried 
 one general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success until March, 1903, 
 when he retired to the village of Fenton and built his present home. Here 
 he is comfortably located, his farm labor having brought to him capita! 
 sufficient to enable him to enjoy the necessities and some of the luxuries of 
 life. 
 
 Mr. Neary was married in 1864 to Miss Ellen Scott, who was born in 
 Hopkins township. Whiteside county, July 3, 1845, and has spent her entire
 
 MR. AND MRS. THOMAS NEARY
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 URBANA
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 601 
 
 life in this county. Her parents were Asa and Elizabeth (Taylor) Scott, 
 natives of Ohio, the former born in Morgan county and the latter in Wash- 
 ington county. They were married in the Buckeye state and came west to 
 Illinois in 1835, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Whiteside 
 county. The father entered a claim from the government, the place being 
 situated about a mile and a third south of Rock Falls in Montmorency 
 township. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon 
 the claim, but with characteristic energy he began its development and soon 
 broke the sod and converted the wild prairie into rich and productive fields, 
 large crops of grain replacing the prairie grasses and the wild flowers which 
 formerly covered the countryside. For years Mr. Scott carried on general 
 agricultural pursuits and was known as one of the representative farmers of 
 the community, but his life's labors were ended in death in May, 1883, when 
 he was sixty-six years of age. His wife passed away in March, 1884, at the 
 age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of eight sons and eight daugh- 
 ters and with one exception all of the daughters are yet living, but three of 
 the sons have passed away, one having died at the age of nineteen years as 
 the result of his army experience, sustaining injuries at the battle of Perrys- 
 ville from which he never recovered, although he returned home after that 
 engagement. He had enlisted from Sterling in Company D, of the Seventy- 
 fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and his life was practically given for his 
 country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Neary were born five children: Mary, the 
 wife of Fred M. Prestley, of Fenton; Anna, the wife of Elisha Ball, of Mor- 
 rison ; Emma, the wife of Frank Elmendorf, of Morrison ; -William A., a 
 farmer, of Fenton township ; and Fred C., who is living on his father's farm 
 a mile and a half south of Fenton. Mrs. Neary is a distant relative of three 
 distinguished military heroes of the country, Generals Taylor, Scott and 
 Sherman. 
 
 Mr. Neary maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades 
 through his membership with Morrison Post, No. 118, G. A. R. He belongs 
 to the Modern Woodmen Camp and in politics is a republican, casting his 
 first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and supporting each 
 nominee at the head of the ticket since that time. He never sought political 
 honors nor emoluments, his life being devoted to his business interests, 
 whereby he attained the success that now makes possible his present retirement 
 from business cares. It is fitting that he should enjoy rest in the evening 
 of his days, for he has reached the age of seventy years. 
 
 JOSEPH F. SMITH. 
 
 Joseph F. Smith, whose well directed activity in former years while 
 carrying on general agricultural pursuits now enables him to live retired 
 from further business cares, is pleasantly located at No. 506 East Third 
 street. He was born in Moline, Illinois, August 22, 1844, and is a repre- 
 sentative of one of the old pioneer families of this state. His paternal grand-
 
 602 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 parents were natives of Pennsylvania and his father, Joseph B. Smith, was 
 born in Westmoreland county, that state. He was reared to the occupation 
 of farming and about 1843 came to the middle west, attracted by the broader 
 opportunities for agricultural progress in this new but rapidly developing 
 section of the country. He settled first at Moline and soon after bought 
 land and carried on farming until his death, which resulted from smallpox 
 in May, 1863, when he was about fifty-four years of age. In early manhood 
 he had wedded Catharine Fuller, also a native of Westmoreland county, 
 Pennsylvania, and she survived him for a number of years, passing away at 
 the age of seventy. Both were consistent members of the United Brethren 
 church. 
 
 Their family numbered thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, 
 of whom nine are now living: Charlotte, the wife of William Simmons, 
 of South Moline ; Louisa, the wife of James A. Griffith, also of South Moline ; 
 Joseph F., of this review; Abraham, who makes his home in York county, 
 Nebraska; Mary, the wife of Samuel C. Turner, a resident of Anita, Cass 
 county, Iowa; Sarah, the wife of Asbury Griffin, of South Moline, Illinois; 
 Noah, who resides in Joplin. Missouri; Luella, the wife of George Johnson, 
 also of Missouri; and Nora, the wife of George Bustard, of Moline. 
 
 Joseph F. Smith spent his boyhood days in Moline, Illinois, attending 
 the public schools while upon his father's farm, and during his youth he 
 was instructed not only 'in the branches of learning taught through the 
 system of public education but also in the various departments of farm work 
 as he assisted his father in tilling the soil and caring for the crops. 
 
 He was not yet eighteen years of age at the time of the outbreak of the 
 Civil war but notwithstanding his youth he enlisted for service, as did his 
 brothers, James W. and Jacob Smith. The latter did not enter the army 
 at the beginning of the war but subsequently joined Company F of the 
 Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, while Joseph F. and James W. 
 joined Company H,.of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. The two broth- 
 ers of our subject arcs both now deceased. Jacob was under fire almost con- 
 stantly night and day for six months and participated in twenty-two hotly 
 contested battles but never sustained a wound. The other brother, James, 
 was color bearer of his regiment. Joseph F. Smith loyally marched to the 
 defense of the Union and meeting the enemy at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, was 
 there wounded in battle on the 7th of March, 1862, and lost his right arm. 
 This naturally ended his military service, although he was present at the 
 siege of Vicksburg. 
 
 When he could no longer do active duty at the front Mr. Smith re- 
 turned home and for a time engaged in the cultivation of his mother's farm. 
 He had previously gone to the west, however, to Howard county, Kansas, 
 where he and his brother Jacob entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
 which they afterward sold. Joseph F. Smith then returned to Moline and 
 cultivated his mother's farm, as above mentioned, for several years. As an 
 agriculturist his methods were practical and progressive and his labors brought 
 him a goodly success, which now makes possible his present retirement. In 
 the fall of 1895 he became a resident of Rock Falls.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 603 
 
 In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Elizabeth Irene 
 Gamble, a daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Heck) Gamble, both of whom 
 were natives of Pennsylvania and lived in Westmoreland county. The latter 
 was a daughter of John Heck, a native of the Keystone state and of Penn- 
 sylvania German descent. His wife was Mrs. Sarah Heck, while the paternal 
 grandmother of Mrs. Smith was Polly Gamble. Leaving the east, Josiah 
 Gamble became one of the early residents of Illinois and devoted his time and 
 energies to the occupation of farming until his life's labors were ended in 
 death in 1868. His widow long survived and passed away in April, 1895. 
 They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living : Aaron 
 Gamble, who resides in Altoona, Wilson county, Kansas ; John, who is living 
 in Clinton, Iowa; Irene, the wife of Joseph F. Smith; Otterbein Gamble, 
 whose home is in Moline, Illinois; and Silas, also a resident of Moline. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with two children, 
 Noble Edmund and Clyde F. The "former, H railroad man, married Miss 
 Emma Bassett, and they have four children, Clyde Lester, Irene May, Gladys 
 and Harry Milton Smith. The younger son, Clyde F. Smith, is a fireman 
 on the Northwestern Railroad and lives at Blue Island, Illinois. He wedded 
 Pearl Orr and they have one daughter. Dorothy Darline. 
 
 Politically Mr. Smith is a republican and while never an active poli- 
 tician in the sense of office seeking he acceptably served as tax collector of 
 South Moline for several terms. He is identified with the Grand Army of 
 the Republic and formerly was a member of Moline Post. In this way he 
 has kept in touch with his old army comrades and greatly enjoys the camp 
 fires and the reminiscences of events which occurred on the tented fields. He 
 owns a good home at No. 506 East Third street and is enjoying well earned 
 rest there amid many friends, who entertain for him kindly regard. 
 
 JOHN A. WARD. 
 
 ' Among the younger attorneys at the Whiteside county bar is numbered 
 John A. Ward, whose years, however, seem no bar to his professional success, 
 as he has already gained an enviable reputation as a lawyer. He was born 
 in Sterling, October 16, 1881, and is a son of Judge Henry C. and Mary C. 
 (Anthony) Ward, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. 
 
 While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, he pursued 
 his education in the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until 
 he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1899. He then 
 entered the law department of the University of .Michigan, at Ann Arbor, 
 and was graduated in June, 1902. In December of the same year he was 
 admitted to the bar and began practice in Sterling, where he has remained 
 to the present time. Already he has gained a large clientage and is indus- 
 trious and careful in his work, fearing not that laborious attention to detail 
 and to careful preparation which constitutes the basis of all legal success. 
 He does a large loaning business and also represent^ the Aachen & Munich Fire
 
 604 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Insurance Company, and is agent for the United States Fidelity and Guar- 
 anty Company of Baltimore. 
 
 On the 27th of July, 1904, Mr. Ward was married to Miss Florence A. 
 Munson, a daughter of Charles N. and Elizabeth G. (Gordon) Munson, for- 
 merly of Sterling but now of Pasadena, California. Mr. and Mrs. Ward 
 have one daughter, Elizabeth Mary, and one son, Henry Munson. The 
 parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are prominent socially. 
 They reside at No. 809 B. avenue. 
 
 Mr. Ward's political allegiance is given to the republican party and 
 fraternally he is connected with Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M. 
 He is identified with those interests which represent the welfare and progress 
 of the city and he stands for high ideals in professional and social relations 
 and of good citizenship. 
 
 REV. CHARLES GORMAN RICHARDS. 
 
 i 
 
 Rev. Charles Gorman Richards, pastor of the First Presbyterian church 
 of Sterling, was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1872. His grand- 
 father, Peter Richards, was a native of New Jersey, a farmer by occupation, 
 and an elder in the Presbyterian church. Removing to Pennsylvania, he 
 settled in Luzerne county, where he died in middle age, while his wife, Mrs. 
 Susan Richards, passed away at the age of thirty-five. The grandfather of 
 Peter Richards, Abram Richards, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. 
 
 Peter K. Richards, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsyl- 
 vania and in early life engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor. 
 Later he turned his attention to farming and subsequently became a real- 
 estate dealer of Pittston, Pennsylvania, where he still carries on the business. 
 He married Rosina Corselius, who was likewise born in the Keystone state, 
 a daughter of Peter and Maria (Young) Corselius. The father was a native 
 of New Jersey and of Holland Dutch descent. He filled the office of justice 
 of the peace and was prominent in the work for moral development in the 
 and two daughters: Floyd P.; Jeptha C. ; Jessie M., the widow of Isaac N. 
 community, serving as an elder in the Presbyterian church for over forty 
 years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. P. K. Richards were born six children, four sons 
 Sutton; Dorcas H., the wife of Earl N. Decker; Rev. Charles Gorman, of 
 this review; and Rev. Parke Richards, pastor of the Presbyterian church at 
 Plymouth, a suburb of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Gorman Richards, reared under the parental roof in 
 his native city, attended the public schools there and afterward continued 
 his studies in the Susquehanna Collegiate Institute at Towanda, Pennsyl- 
 vania. He next entered Princeton University, from which he was gradu- 
 ated with the class of 1897. For a year he engaged in teaching in the Sus- 
 quehanna Collegiate Institute and then came west to Chicago, entering the 
 McCormick Theological Seminary, where he prepared for the ministry, being 
 graduated in 1901. Becoming an ordained preacher of the Presbyterian
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 605 
 
 church, he accepted a call from the First Presbyterian church at Columbus, 
 Indiana, where he remained for five years and on the expiration of that 
 period he came to Sterling, July 1, 1906, as pastor of the First Presbyterian 
 church of this city. 
 
 On the 26th of June, 1902, the Rev. Mr. Richards was united in the 
 holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Louise McKnight and they have one 
 son, Alexander McKnight Richards. Mrs. Richards is a daughter of James 
 and Louisa (Lindsay) McKnight, who were natives of Pennsylvania and 
 the father was a lawyer of Chambersburg, that state. He was a graduate of 
 Lafayette College at Easton, Pennsylvania, and for some years was a trustee 
 of that college. He is now deceased but the mother survives and lives in 
 Chicago. They had three children: Miss Elizabeth B. McKnight, who is 
 librarian of the high school at Joliet, Illinois; Mrs. Richards; and a son who 
 died in infancy. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Richards was William 
 C. McKnight, a farmer by occupation, who also owned and edited one of 
 the newspapers of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He was prominent and 
 influential in the community where he resided and for a number of years 
 represented his district in the Pennsylvania legislature. Mrs. Richards is 
 a graduate of Wilson College of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, of the class 
 of 1897, and is a lady of culture, refinement and broad sympathy, who is 
 proving of much assistance to her husband in his work. 
 
 JOHN MEE. 
 
 John Mee, engaged in the fire insurance and loan business with office 
 in the Academy of Music in Sterling, belongs to that class of representative 
 American men, whose alert, enterprising spirit and recognition of opportun- 
 ity constitutes the basis of success. He was born at Colts Neck, Monmouth 
 county, New Jersey, April 23, 1852, and is one of the eight children of Mar- 
 tin and Honora (Hurley) Mee, natives of County Galway, Ireland. The 
 paternal grandfather, William Mee, was born on the Emerald isle, where he 
 devoted his life to farming until called to his final rest. He died when 
 past middle life, while his wife, Mrs. Mary (Kelley) Mee, lived to a ripe 
 old age. They were the parents of five daughters. 
 
 Their only son, Martin Mee, when a young man worked in England, 
 devoting his attention largely to farming. In 1850 he came to America and 
 settled in New Jersey, whence in March, 1861, he removed to Whiteside county, 
 Illinois, and began farming in the town of Hume, where he carried on gen- 
 eral agricultural pursuits for about sixteen years. In 1877 he removed to 
 Tama county, Iowa, settling near Grundy Center, and died at Denver, Colo- 
 rado, in January, 1891, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife was a 
 daughter of John Hurley, a native of Ireland, who was also a farmer by occu- 
 pation and passed away ot the age of eighty-five year.-. He was married 
 five times, the grandmother of Mrs. Mee being a Miss Simon in her maiden- 
 hood. They had five children, two daughters and three sons, including
 
 606 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Honora Hurley, who in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to 
 Martin Mee. She passed away December 27, 1869, at the age of forty-three 
 years, and like her husband, she was a communicant of the Catholic church. 
 They had five sons and three daughters, of whom six are living : John ; 
 Margaret, the wife of J. C. Canty, of Toledo, Iowa; Catherine, the wife of 
 David Buchan, of Waterloo, Iowa; William, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 
 James, of Centerville, South Dakota; and Martin, of Gladbrook, Iowa. Mary, 
 born September 2, 1854, married John Cunniff, of Hume township, this 
 county, and died June 11, 1891. leaving her husband and four children: 
 John, Jr., Catherine E., Elizabeth and William M. 
 
 In taking up the personal history of John Mee we present to our readers 
 the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Whiteside 
 county, having come to this county with his parents when but nine years 
 of age. Here he was reared upon a farm and in the winter months attended 
 the district schools, while in the summer seasons he aided in the work of 
 the fields. After completing his education he engaged in farming on his 
 own account for three years and later engaged in the sale of sewing machines 
 and patent medicines. He was also for a time in the shoe business, and on 
 the 7th of June, 1875, came to Sterling. For the past ten years he has 
 conducted a fire insurance and loan office and has secured a good clientage. 
 He also has an income property in an excellent farm of two hundred and 
 eighty acres in Hume township. 
 
 On the 13th of May, 1890, Mr. Mee was married to Miss Ella Rourk, 
 a daughter of John W. and Mary (Williams) Rourk. They have two chil- 
 dren, Thomas S. R. and Mary H. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mee are communi- 
 cants of the Catholic church and his fraternal relations connect him with 
 Sterling Camp, No. 12, M. W. A. Politically he is a democrat and has 
 figured somewhat prominently in local political circles, having been town- 
 ship collector of Hume township for one term, while for two terms he repre- 
 sented the fifth ward in the city council. His labors in behalf of municipal 
 progress are marked and have resulted beneficially to the city. In all of his 
 official service he is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general 
 .good and his official record is altogether creditable. 
 
 WILLIAM PIMM HIDDLESON. 
 
 Few citizens of Whiteside county can claim so long a residence here as 
 does William Pimm Hiddleson, who for the past fifty-seven years has resided 
 within its borders. He is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of 
 this section of the state, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and 
 thirty acres situated on section 10, Mount Pleasant township. 
 
 He was born in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1843, a son 
 of Rufus K. and Caroline (Converse) Hiddleson, who in 1850 made the 
 overland trip to Illinois, the father making his way to Whiteside county, 
 where he bought a claim from a Mr. Boyer, this property being now the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 607 
 
 home of our subject. The father was of Irish descent and the mother was a 
 native of Vermont. After settling in Mount Pleasant township the father 
 was engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of 
 his life, his death there occurring in 1893, when he had reached an advanced 
 age. He was well known in public life, having for several terms served as 
 sheriff of the county, this being in the latter '50s, while he also acted as 
 county commissioner and throughout the greater part of his residence in 
 the county served on the school board. His wife preceded him to the home 
 beyond, her death occurring in 1885. Their family numbered three chil- 
 dren, the sisters of our subject being Elizabeth, a resident of the state of 
 Washington and the widow of William Heaton, who died in Portland, Oregon, 
 several years ago; and Lydia Jane, the widow of Henry Tucker and a resi- 
 dent of Morrison, Illinois. 
 
 William Pimm Hiddleson was a little lad of seven years when he accom- 
 panied his parents from the Keystone state to Illinois. He was reared in 
 Whiteside county and acquired his education in the schools of Morrison. 
 From an early age he was trained to the duties of the home farm and thus 
 received practical training which served him well when he undertook the 
 management of the farm property. He is now the owner of the place on 
 which he was reared, the place comprising one hundred and thirty acres of 
 valuable land, situated on section 10, Mount Pleasant township. He has made 
 many modern improvements here and is now comfortably situated in life. 
 
 Mr. Hiddleson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen R. Heaton, a native 
 of this county, born in 1854. Her parents, Alfred and Ann Eliza (Robertson) 
 Hiddleson, came to this state from New York about the year 1844. The 
 mother died in 1888, but the father survived her and made his home in 
 Morrison until March 20, 1908, when he passed away at the very advanced 
 age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Hiddleson is one of a family of six daugh- 
 ters and one son, the other members of the family being: Warren, who in 
 1861 enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the Eighth Illinois 
 Cavalry and died in Washington in 1862; Mrs. Olive King, who resides near 
 Merrill, Iowa; Mrs. Alfretta Babcock, a resident of Shell Lake, Wisconsin; 
 .Mrs. Ada Galentine, of Kearney, Nebraska; Mrs. Emily Thomas, of Morrison,; 
 and Katie, who died in infancy. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hiddleson has been blessed with a son 
 and daughter. Charles Pimm, who is engaged in the gas business in Mor- 
 rison, married Miss Margaret Spears, by whom he has two sons, Spears and 
 Alfred, aged respectively eleven and nine years. Pearle Mae is the wife of 
 Charles West, who is engaged in the livery business in Morrison. They have 
 one son, Joshua Pimm West. 
 
 Mr. Hiddleson gives his political support to the men and measures of 
 the republican party and for many years served as a member of the school 
 board. Few men are more familiar with the history of Whiteside county 
 during the last half century than Mr. Hiddleson. As a boy he made his way 
 across the country to Illinois, and with the family bore all the hardships and 
 privations incident to a settlement on the frontier. Many of the now thriving 
 cities and villages of the county were as yet not laid out and much of the
 
 608 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 farm lands were still unclaimed. He has seen the wonderful changes that 
 have since been wrought and with its agricultural interests has been actively 
 identified, so that the history of the pioneer settlement of Whiteside county 
 would be incomplete without the record of his life and it cannot fail to be 
 of interest to our readers. 
 
 JAMES H. WOODBURN. 
 
 James H. Woodburn, residing at No. 1209 "West Third street, is con- 
 ducting business as a nurseryman and dealer in seeds and flowers. He has 
 long been identified with the agricultural and horticultural interests of 
 Sterling and Whiteside county and is thoroughly respected in business circles. 
 
 He was born in Newville, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1836, his parents 
 being George W. and Mary (Williams) Woodburn, likewise natives of the 
 same state. The father followed merchandising in early manhood and in 
 1837 came to the middle west on a prospecting tour. The land in this locality 
 had not yet been -surveyed, but the government required the settlers to fence 
 thirty acres of their homestead, which no one could take away from them, 
 and when the land came into market Mr. "Woodburn purchased two hundred 
 and twenty acres, on which stood a log cabin containing two rooms. He 
 then returned to Pennsylvania and in 1838 came again to Illinois, leaving 
 the old home in the east on the 8th of January, arriving in Sterling on the 
 15th of April. The trip westward was made by wagon across the country, 
 the way often leading through the primeval forests as well as across almost 
 trackless prairie. Mr. Woodburn engaged in farming on what is now the 
 western edge of Sterling, concentrating his energies upon the development 
 of a new farm. His wife died in 1846 and three years later, in 1849, he went 
 to the far west and prospected for gold in California. About seven years 
 were spent on the Pacific coast and in 1856 he returned to Whiteside county, 
 where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he was 
 seventy-five years of age. For his second wife he chose Phoebe Ann Shultz, 
 who is still living. 
 
 James H. Woodburn, the only child of the father's first marriage, went 
 to Indianapolis in his boyhood days and attended an academy there while 
 living with his aunt, Mrs. Margaret F. (Williams) Espy. He spent six years 
 in that city, after which he returned to his native town, becoming a student 
 in the academy there, from which he was graduated in the class of 1854. 
 His education completed, he returned to Sterling, where he began farming 
 and he still lives upon the old homestead, which has been his place of resi- 
 dence for fifty-three years and which is now his property. The homestead 
 contains about twenty acres, lying within the corporation limits of Sterling. 
 He also owns forty acres of the original purchase on the creek, which is 
 timberland. Farming and fruit-growing have been his life work and in 
 connection therewith he has engaged in the nursery business and in floricul- 
 ture. His business is profitable, having been gradually developed along
 
 JAMES II. WOODMFRN
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSfTY OF ILLINOIS 
 URBAIM
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 611 
 
 modern lines and he today receives a liberal patronage in the sale of nursery 
 stock, seeds and flowers. 
 
 In 1858 occurred the marriage of Mr. Woodburn and Miss Susan A. 
 Farrar, of Laconia, New Hampshire, a daughter of Isaac and Hannah Far- 
 rar. Two sons were born of that union: Charles H. and George W., the 
 latter now deceased. The former, who wedded Mary J. Clatworthy, is an 
 attorney of Sterling. Mrs. Susan A. Woodburn, who was a doveted member 
 of the Fourth Street Methodist church, died in March, 1903. 
 
 Mr. Woodburn also belongs to the same church and is interested in 
 everything pertaining to the moral development of the community. He is 
 entitled to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic by reason of 
 his active service as a soldier of the Civil war. He was for three years at 
 the front, enlisting in Company I, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 
 as a private. Immediately, however, he was made sergeant and later was 
 commissioned second lieutenant, but was not mustered in as such from the 
 fact that the company was not full enough, its ranks having been greatly 
 disseminated by the ravages of war. Politically he was originally a whig 
 and since the dissolution of that party has been a stalwart republican. He 
 is interested in all matters of citizenship and his cooperation can be counted 
 upon to further progressive public measures. 
 
 He is one of Whiteside county's oldest settlers, dating his residence here 
 from 1838, and his mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of the 
 state and forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pro- 
 gressive present. When one looks abroad over the fine farms and the thriv- 
 ing cities of Illinois it is hard to realize that it is within the memory of any 
 living man when all this section was largely an unbroken prairie, but such it 
 was during the early youth of James H. Woodburn. One could ride for 
 miles without coming to a house or fence to impede his progress and the 
 land, rich in its natural resources, had not been brought under the plow. 
 From an early date he has borne his full part in promoting the interests 
 which have transformed this into a rich agricultural district with thriving 
 commercial and industrial centers in its midst. 
 
 HARVEY R. SENIOR, 
 
 Harvey R. Senior, vice president of the First National Bank of Albany, 
 was formerly closely associated with agricultural interests in Whiteside county 
 but has retired from the work of the farm and gives his attention merely to 
 his invested interests at the present time. He is a man of undoubted business 
 integrity, of enterprise and of stalwart determination qualities which have 
 characterized him throughout his entire life and gained him his present 
 enviable position as one of the substantial citizens of the community. He 
 was born in Garden Plain township, this county. December 4, 1850, his 
 parents being John and Mary (Murphy) Senior. The father came to White- 
 side county some years prior to his marriage. At the time he located here
 
 612 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 it was difficult to obtain even the necessities of life, while none of the corn- 
 forte and luxuries could be enjoyed. In fact, the settlers had to undergo 
 many hardships and privations in order to reclaim this region for the pur- 
 poses of civilization. Mr. Senior had come from England and in this country 
 he gave his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. In Whiteside county 
 he wedded Mrs. Mary Baird, nee Murphy, the widow of Harvey Baird. 
 With her first husband she came from Ohio to Illinois in 1847 and their 
 home was established in Garden Plain township, where the country was 
 absolutely new, neighbors few and far between and the comforts of life 
 almost unknown. Mr. Baird entered and purchased land and became quite 
 an extensive farmer. Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Baird be- 
 came the wife of John Senior in 1849. By her first marriage she had four 
 children who lived to years of maturity: Frank, now deceased; Ethelinda, 
 the deceased wife of William T. Crotzer; Mary, the widow of Mat Hopkins 
 and a resident of St. Louis, Missouri; and Ebenezer, of Beaumont, Texas. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Senior became the parents of but one child, Harvey R., of 
 this review. Mr. Senior had also been previously married and by his former 
 union had one son, John, who is probably now deceased. Frank Baird, the 
 half brother of our subject, was killed at the battle of Vicksburg in July, 
 1863. The mother died in the same year. 
 
 Harvey R. Senior was reared upon the home farm and educated in the 
 country schools. He was left an orphan at an early age and his opportunities 
 in youth were about -like those of the average boy in a frontier community. 
 At the age of twenty-one .years he commenced farming on his own account 
 on land purchased by the family and for a long period continued actively 
 in, general agricultural pursuits. His early training well qualified him for 
 the capable conduct of his business in this connection and as a farmer he 
 has .been very successful, the methods he has followed leading to prosperity. 
 He early learned how to till the soil to the best advantage and to take the 
 best care of his crops, and thus for a long period he annually gathered rich 
 harvests, for which he found a ready market. Outside of farming he has 
 had but few business interests. In 1902, however, in connection with Dr. 
 S. B. Dimond and C. E. Peck, he organized the First National Bank of 
 Albany, of which he is a director and the vice president. He was also presi- 
 dent for a number of years of the Garden Plain Mutual Fire Insurance 
 Company. 
 
 On the 30th of March, 1876, Mr. Senior was married to Miss Emma A. 
 Stone, of Garden Plain township, a daughter of I. D. Stone, an early settler 
 of Whiteside county who followed the occupation of farming as a life work. 
 Mrs. Senior was the only child of her father's first marriage and there were 
 two sons of his second marriage: Daniel S., now living in Garden Plain 
 township ; and Burt, whose home is in Morrison, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Senior were born four children: Clarence F. and Newell K., both residents 
 of Garden Plain township; and Olive L. and Emily B., at home. The wife 
 and mother died in 1899, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends, 
 who entertained for her the warmest regard in recognition of her many 
 sterling traits of heart and mind.
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY '613 
 
 Mr. Senior gives his political allegiance to the republican party and 
 in 1898 was elected to the office of county supervisor. No higher testimonial 
 of his efficient, faithful and capable, service could be given than the fact 
 that he was continued in the office by re-election until December, 1903, 
 when he resigned, having removed that year to Albany. He has filled various 
 offices in this township and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed 
 in the slightest degree. He is a representative man of his county, public 
 spirited in anything that pertains to its development and progress. He has 
 at all times been broad-minded in his business affairs as well as in his public 
 relations, and the course of life which he has marked out for himself and 
 closely followed is one which has gained for him the unqualified confidence 
 and esteem of his fellow townsmen. 
 
 THOMAS SHIRLEY McKINNEY. 
 
 Thomas Shirley McKinney, who at the time of his death was cashier of 
 the First National Bank of Sterling, having for some years been closely asso- 
 ciated with the financial interests of the city, belonged to that class of men 
 whose worth in business circles and in citizenship caused their death to be 
 the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret. A native of Indiana, he was 
 born on the 27th of April, 1855, his parents being Joshua Vose and Catharine 
 McKinney, who were natives of the Empire state. The father came west when 
 a young man and he and his brother William were very early settlers of Ster- 
 ling, where for some years he conducted a milling business. His last years 
 were spent in honorable retirement from labor in the enjoyment of well 
 earned rest and he died November 27, 1906, at the age of eighty-four years. 
 He was one of the founders of the Congregational church here and a man of 
 deeply religious sentiment, whose Christianity was evidenced in his daily life. 
 He was ever just and honorable, having the strictest regard for truth and 
 veracity, while in his opinions of others he was charitable and in his actions 
 kindly. For many years he served as deacon of the church and such was his 
 life that he left to his family an untarnished name. Unto him and his wife 
 were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom four are 
 now living: Jeannette, the wife of Dr. James E. Harlan, vice president of 
 Cornell College, of Mount Vernon, Iowa; Olive, who became the wife of 
 Clinton L. White, a prominent lawyer of Sacramento, California; William E., 
 who makes his home' in Dewitt, Iowa; and John G., of Los Angeles, California. 
 
 Thomas Shirley McKinney, brought to Illinois in his early childhood, 
 was reared in Sterling, pursued his education in the public schools and was 
 graduated from the high school. He afterward attended Cornell College at 
 Mount Vernon, Iowa, and entered business life as teller in the First National 
 Bank, where his fidelity, loyalty and capability won him promotion. He 
 became assistant cashier and eventually succeeded Mr. Sanborn in the posi- 
 tion of cashier, in which capacity he was retained for a number of years or 
 until the time of his own demise. Ever faithful to the interests of the bank, 
 he contributed in no small degree to its success and was a popular official.
 
 614 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 On the 1st of August. 1892, Mr. McKinney was married to Miss Mary 
 Viola Cassell, a daughter of Abram C. and Barbara (Meyers) Cassell. They 
 became the parents of one son, John B. McKinney. The parents of Mrs. Mc- 
 Kinuey were natives of Pennsylvania, making their home in Philadelphia, 
 where their daughter was born. The father was a cigar manufacturer and 
 about 1869 came with his family to Sterling, where he and his wife still reside, 
 being prominent and highly esteemed old people of the city. They are 
 members of the Christian church and have here an extensive circle of friends. 
 Mr. Cassell was the first prohibitionist in Sterling. His father, also a native 
 of Pennsylvania, conducted a cotton mill there. Mrs. Cassell 's parents were 
 John and Elizabeth (Meyers) Meyers, likewise natives of Pennsylvania. Un- 
 to Abram C. and Barbara (Meyers) Cassell .were born seven children, five 
 daughters and two sons, namely: Henry Clayton, of Pasadena, California; 
 Mrs. McKinney; Elizabeth Gertrude, of Sterling; Addie Laurene; Mabel 
 Dora, the wife of Edward AV. Anger, a resident of Chicago; John Allen, also 
 of Sterling; and Beulah Latina Cassell. 
 
 The death of Mr. McKinney occurred July 1, 1905, when he was fifty 
 years of age. He belonged to the Congregational church with which Mrs. 
 McKinney still holds membership, and his life, displaying many excellent 
 traits of character, won for him the stalwart friendship of the great majority 
 of those with whom he came in contact. He was an exemplary representa- 
 tive of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. 
 & A. M. ; Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M. ; and Sterling Commandery, No. 
 57, K. T. His political allegiance was given to the republican party but he 
 neither sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon 
 his business affairs. In manner he was genial and cordial and he had the 
 happy faculty not only of winning but also of retaining friends, and when 
 he was called from this life Sterling felt that death claimed one whom she 
 could ill afford to lose. 
 
 JUDGE JAMES E. McPHERRAN. 
 
 An enumeration of the men of "VVhiteside county whose record confers 
 honor and dignity upon the community which has honored them would be in- 
 complete were there failure to make prominent reference to Judge James Em- 
 "mett McPherran, for no man of the county was ever more respected or ever 
 more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people or more richly deserved the 
 esteem in which he was held. In his lifetime his fellow citizens, recognizing 
 his merit, rejoiced in his advancement, and since hi death they have cher- 
 ished his memory. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in 
 thought, kindly in action and true to every trust confided to his care, his life 
 was of the highest type of American manhood, and he left the impress of 
 his individuality upon the laws of the .state in their formation and in their 
 execution. 
 
 Judge McPherran was a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, 
 "born in 1834. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Stewart) McPherran,
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 615 
 
 a grandson of Andrew and Martha (Adams) McPherran and a great-grandson 
 of John McPherran. The earliest representatives of the family in the new 
 world came originally from the highlands of Scotland and had all the sterling 
 traits of the Scotch people. Andrew McPherran served his country as a sol- 
 dier in the Revolutionary war. He married Martha Adams, a cousin of the 
 two presidents of that name. Her mother was a Sterling from the town of 
 Sterling, Scotland. Andrew McPherran was one of three brothers, two step- 
 brothers and three sisters who came from Scotland to the new world and 
 after aiding in winning independence for the colonies he settled at Racetown 
 Branch in Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania. Two cousins of the name, 
 John and William McPherran, also came to America with the brothers and 
 sisters mentioned and settled at Baltimore, Maryland. 
 
 John McPherran, father of Judge McPherran, was a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, became an iron master and also operated a farm. He was a devoted 
 member of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as elder, and he died 
 when well advanced in years, having long survived his wife, who passed away 
 in middle life. Of their children, only one, Stewart McPherran, of Kansas, 
 is now living. 
 
 Judge McPherran acquired his early education in Pennsylvania and was 
 graduated from Jefferson College, after which he made his way westward to 
 Chicago and completed a course in the Chicago Law School in 1862. In the 
 fall of that year he came to Sterling, where he opened an office and practiced 
 as a member of the firm of Sackett, McPherran & Ward. After a short time, 
 however, he withdrew from this association and continued alone in practice 
 throughout the remainder of his long connection with the Whiteside county 
 bar. As an attorney he ranked at the head of this bar, being widely recog- 
 nized as a lawyer of more than ordinary ability. His success in a profes- 
 sional way afforded the best evidence of his power?. He was a strong advocate 
 with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. Much of the suc- 
 cess which attended him in his professional career was undoubtedly due to 
 the fact that in no instance did he permit himself to go into court with a 
 case unless he had absolute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. 
 Basing his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses 
 in professional ranks, it naturally followed that he seldom lost a case in 
 whose support he was enlisted. For a number of years he served as master in 
 chancery and was filling that position at the time of his death. 
 
 On the 20th of April, 1865. Judge McPherran was united in marriage to 
 Miss Sarah A. Withrow, of Macomb, Illinois, a daughter of William E. and 
 Harriet Eliza (Chase) Withrow. Her mother was a relative of Salmon P. 
 Chase. Her father was a native of Lewisburg, Virginia, and a graduate of Yale 
 College. He read law in the east and afterward came to Illinois, settling at 
 Rushville in 1835. There he became acquainted with Miss Chase and they 
 were married in 1839. His parents were James and Letitia (Edgar) Withrow, 
 while his wife was a daughter of Moody and Lucy (Farnum) Chase. The 
 former owned a large farm near Cornish, New Hampshire. He was a son of 
 Moses Chase, who served as a private in Captain William Scott's company of 
 Colonel Jonathan Chase's regiment in the Revolutionary war and who was a
 
 616 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 member of the house of representatives three times. He married Hannah 
 Brown. William E. Withrow died in Sterling, November 15, 1886, at the 
 age of seventy-seven years, while his wife died at the comparatively early age 
 of thirty-three year?. They had three children: Chase Withrow, now a 
 prominent lawyer of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. McPherran; and Judge James 
 Edgar Withrow, of St. Louis, Missouri, who has been on the bench for 
 twenty years. 
 
 Four children were born unto Judge and Mrs. McPherran but the only 
 daughter, Mabel, died in 1897 at the age of thirty-one years. Edgar With- 
 row, the eldest son, was admitted to the bar in both Michigan and Illinois 
 and is now land commissioner for the Duluth; South Shore & Atlantic Rail- 
 road and lives at Marquette, Michigan. He married Miss Mabel Alice Wil- 
 kinson and they have two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah. Ralph Stewart 
 McPherran, the second son, pursued a course in chemistry and metallurgy 
 and was graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After 
 spending ten years with the Allis-Chalmers Company at Milwaukee, Wis- 
 consin, he is now holding a position in the line of his profession with the 
 J. 1. Case Threshing Machine Company, of Racine, Wisconsin. Charles 
 Chase McPherran, the youngest son, is a chemist and metallurgist and suc- 
 ceeded his brother in the service of the Allis-Chalmers Company. He mar- 
 ried Mis.? Fredericka Augusta Wholrab, a granddaughter of Colonel Lind- 
 wurm, an old resident of Milwaukee. 
 
 Judge McPherran, because of his long residence in Sterling and his 
 active and honorable service in behalf of public interests, was one of the 
 best known citizens here. He was made a Mason in Washington Lodge, 
 No. 164, A. F. & A. M., at Washington, Pennsylvania, affiliated with Char- 
 tiers Lodge, No. 297, at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1856, and joined 
 Sterling Lodge, No. 202, June '21, 1862, while 'on the 6th of March, 1896, 
 he became a member of Rock River Lodge, No. 612. He was exalted to the 
 Royal Arch Degree of Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., June 27, 1900, 
 was created a Knight Templar in Sterling Commandery, ' No. 57, October 
 80, 1900. and was an exemplary member of the craft. He was long an earnest 
 Christian man and prior to his death united with' the Presbyterian church, 
 of which Mrs. McPherran is also a member. 
 
 He possessed rather a retiring disposition but spch was his genuine 
 worth that the measure of respect and confidence accorded him was no lim- 
 ited One. He might have attained to distinguished honors in political and 
 public life had he so desired. As it was, he was prominent in both state and 
 municipal affairs and in 1873-4 represented his district in the Illinois assem- 
 bly, becoming identified with some of the most important legislative meas- 
 ures enacted during that period, being the author of several bills which 
 today occupy a place among the statutes of the state. Public spirited in an 
 eminent degree, he was interested in all that pertained to local advancement 
 and national progress and when called to positions of honor and trust dis : 
 charged his duties with marked fidelity and promptness. He was especially 
 interested in" the library of Sterling and to him, more than to any other 
 citizen, the city is indebted for its present excellence. His home life was
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 617 
 
 largely ideal and he found his greatest happiness in the quiet enjoyment 
 of the companionship of his wife and children. He died December 11, 1903, 
 at the age of sixty-nine years. Few lawyers have made a more lasting im- 
 pression upon the bar of Whiteside county, both for legal ability of a high 
 order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself 
 upon a community. He stood for high ideals, not only in the practice of 
 law but in every walk of life, and while his retiring disposition limited in 
 a way his circle of intimate friends, there were none who knew him that 
 did not entertain for him the highest respect. 
 
 ANTHONY A. THOME. 
 
 Anthony A. Thome, whose position in the public regard and confidence 
 of his fcllowmen is indicated by his recent election to the mayoralty of Rock 
 Falls, is also well known as a representative of industrial life here, being 
 ?enior partner of the firm of Thome & Decker, general blacksmiths, in which 
 connection he is enjoying a growing and profitable patronage. His life 
 record began in Jordan township, this county, on the 1st of January, 1864. 
 
 His parents were Anthony A. and Maria (Van Buskirk) Thome, natives 
 of Alsace-Loraine. Germany, and New York respectively. The mother be- 
 longed to an old colonial family and on the maternal side was descended 
 from Captain Braddock, of Revolutionary fame. Her father was a native 
 of New York and died in middle life. Our subject's paternal grandfather, 
 who also bore the name of Anthony A. Thome, died in Germany at an 
 advanced age. 
 
 Reared to the occupation of farming, the father of our subject always 
 followed that pursuit. The opportunities of the new world were attractive 
 to him and thinking to enjoy the better business chances on this side of the 
 Atlantic, he came to America and settled first in the state of New York, 
 later becoming one of the early residents of Whiteside county, Illinois. Fol- 
 lowing his removal to ihe west he took up his abode in Jordan township, 
 where he cultivated a good tract of land and successfully engaged in farm- 
 ing operations until his removal to Dixon, Illinois, where he is now living 
 retired. He served as a soldier of the German army ere leaving his native 
 land. His wife passed away in 1905, at the age of seventy-three years, and 
 her death was the occasion of deep regret to many friends who had come 
 to esteem her' for her many good qualities. In the family were five children, 
 four sons and a daughter: Katy. the wife of J. P. Johnson, a resident of 
 Grafton, Nebraska; John, who makes his home in Dixon, Illinois; Anthony 
 A., whose name introduces this record; Henry, of Harmon township, White- 
 side county; and George, of Montmorency township, this county, 
 
 Anthony A. Thome was reared in Nelson township on the home farm 
 and attended 'the district schools, mastering those branches of learning which 
 enable one 'to successfully cope with the problems which continually arise 
 in a practical business career. He lived at home until he had attained his
 
 618 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 majority and when twenty-one year? of age, thinking to find another pur- 
 suit more congenial than that of farming, he began learning the blacksmith's 
 trade, which he has followed continuously .since. No doubt one feature of 
 . his success has been his persistent purpose, while his business advancement 
 may also be attributed to his unflagging industry and his straightforward 
 dealing. He first established a smithy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he re- 
 mained for three years, and then came to Rock Falls and opened a shop, 
 which he conducted alone for about fourteen years. He then admitted John 
 Decker to a partnership and the firm style of Thome & Decker has since been 
 maintained, while a liberal patronage has been enjoyed by the partners. 
 They are both practical workmen and their expert service has given them 
 .1. right to expect and receive a generous share of the public trade. They 
 have a splendidly equipped shop and conduct a general blacksmithing 
 business. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Thome was married to Miss Lily Johnson, a daughter of 
 William and Lorette (Proctor) Johnson. Her father came from Vermont 
 at a very early day and settled near Morrison in Whiteside county, Illinois. 
 He continued a resident of this county throughout the remainder of his life, 
 dying in 1903, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Thome have 
 six children : Mabel, Roy, Clyde, Eftie, Anthony and Dora. The eldest 
 daughter, Mabel, is now the wife of Urban H. Eakle. 
 
 Mr. Thome has been an Odd Fellow for twenty years, holding member- 
 ship in Advance Lodge, No. 590. He is a stalwart advocate of republican 
 principles, has served as a member of the school board for six years and 
 as alderman for four years gave evidence of his loyalty to municipal affairs. 
 He was also elected as mayor of Rock Falls in 1907 and in his official 
 capacity he stands for all those interests which are a matter of civic virtue 
 and of civic pride. He has thus made a good record in citizenship and in 
 business life and deserves classification with the representative men of White- 
 side county. 
 
 JOHN B. GALT. 
 
 John B. Gait, living retired at No. 1204 West Third street, Sterling, has 
 through intense and well-directed energy become one of the prosperous citi- 
 zens of Whiteside county, where he located at an early period in its develop- 
 ment. There are few residents of the county who have more intimate or 
 accurate knowledge of its history. He came here with his parents when 
 this was a frontier region and the family were prominent in reclaiming it 
 for the purposes of civilization. As one looks abroad today over the fine 
 farms with their splendid improvements it seems hardly possible that it is 
 within the memory of living man when almost the entire countryside was 
 wild and unbroken prairie, much of it being still in possession of the govern- 
 ment. Wild game w T as quite abundant here in the early days another proof 
 of the unsettled condition. Comparatively few roads had been made and in
 
 JOHN B. HALT.
 
 LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 U2BANA
 
 HISTORY OF AVHITESIDE COUNTY / 621 
 
 June the prairies were starred with millions of wild flowers and in December 
 covered with one unbroken, glistening sheet of snow. 
 
 John B. Gait was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1835, 
 at the family home, bordering the Conestoga creek. Several generations of 
 the family had previously resided in Pennsylvania. The ancestry was Scotch 
 and the first settlement in America by any of the family was made in Penn- 
 sylvania about 1710. There is a Gait family cemetery at Piqua Valley, 
 Pennsylvania, not far from the old Piqua Valley Presbyterian church. Rob- 
 ert Gait, the founder of the family in America, was the father of James Gait 
 and the grandfather of Thomas Gait, the last named being the great-grand- 
 father of the subject of this review. Thomas Gait and his wife, Isabelle, 
 both died in Pennsylvania. Their son, James Gait, was born in that state, 
 March 19, 1757, and on the 3d of February 1791, wedded Mary Martin, who 
 was born in 1772. He died October 7, 1821, in his sixty-sixth year, while 
 his wife passed away August 2, 1847. They were the parents of eleven chil- 
 dren, as follows: Eliza, William, James, Catharine, John, Alexander, 
 Thomas, Lydia, Mary, Isabelle and Martin. 
 
 Of this family John Gait, a native of the Keystone state, followed mer- 
 chandising there for a number of years prior to 1844, when he journeyed 
 westward to Illinois, settling in Sterling. He became one of the early mer- 
 chants of the city and also purchased a farm that included the present site 
 of the town of Gait, which was named in his honor. After residing in Ster- 
 ling for two years he located upon his farm, which he purchased from Mr. 
 Passmore. There was a log cabin of one room and thirty acres had been 
 broken. The remainder of his farm he purchased from the state and govern- 
 ment. The family never lived in the log cabin, however. It was in the 
 spring of 1846 that the family removed to the farm and with characteristic 
 energy the father began its improvement, erecting there one of the first brick 
 houses in the county. It contained eight rooms and is still standing one 
 of the landmarks of the early days and a. mute witness of the history that 
 has been enacted in that part of the county. In the early days the family 
 hauled grain to Albany on the Mississippi river and the pork market was at 
 Galena and La Salle, where dressed pork sold for a dollar and a half per 
 hundred. Mr. Gait of this review has known wheat to sell here for as low 
 as twenty-five cents per bushel, and other farm products also brought very 
 low prices. His father in the early days would go down the river to St. 
 Louis to buy his groceries and dry goods the frontier settlers being thus 
 far separated from the source of supplies. John Gait continued to supervise 
 his agricultural interests until his demise, which occurred in 1866 when he 
 was in his sixty-sixth year. His wife long survived him, passing away in 
 1898 at the remarkable old age of ninety-four years. They Avere Presby- 
 terians in religious faith and were numbered among the worthy pioneer 
 people of the county, contributing in substantial measure to its early devel- 
 opment and progress. 
 
 In their famliy were thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, 
 of whom four are now living: Elizabeth M., who resides in Sterling ;. John 
 B., of this review; Letitia, the widow of D. M. Crawford, of Sterling; and
 
 622 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 Frances, the widow of John Buyers, also of Sterling. The daughter Eliza- 
 beth resides with her brother John. She always remained at home with her 
 parents, giving to them the utmost filial devotion and love, caring for them 
 through all the years of old age, the mother being ninety-four at the time 
 of her demise. Her kindly spirit, neighborly assistance and her many good 
 traits of heart and mind have endeared her to those with whom she has been 
 brought in contact. The deceased members of the family are : James ; Mary, 
 the wife of James A. Gait; Robert A., Thomas, Alexander, Joseph, William, 
 Henry and Josephine. Thomas was a physician and at one time mayor of 
 Rock Island. William and Henry died in infancy. Joseph was a student 
 of medicine in New York city at the time of his death, and Robert was a 
 farmer and merchant. 
 
 In the maternal line John B. Gait is descended from Captain Robert 
 and Jean Buyers, the former a captain of the Continental army in the Revo- 
 lutionary war. Their son, Robert Armour Buyers, was a native of Penn- 
 sylvania, but of Scotch descent. He followed the occupation of farming and 
 as a companion and helpmate for life's journey chose Elizabeth McCalla. 
 He died of typhoid fever at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years 
 and his widow survived him for but a few years. They left a daughter, 
 Mrs. Sarah Maria Gait, and two sons, John M. and James A. Buyers. 
 
 John B. Gait was only nine years of age when he came with his family 
 to Whiteside county. One can hardly imagine the conditions that then ex- 
 isted here. There were only four houses on the south bank of the river 
 beyond Sterling and the county seat was a small village, giving little promise 
 of industrial or commercial importance. The removal of the family from 
 the city caused Mr. Gait to spend his life in the usual manner of farm lads 
 and while the work of the fields became familiar to him he also acquired a 
 knowledge of the common branches of English learning as a pupil in the 
 public schools. The first school he ever attended was at the corner of Broad- 
 way and Fourth streets in Sterling, held in a small frame building and 
 taught by James McElmore. He later attended a school taught by Mrs. Worth- 
 ington and William Cole. He likewise spent a short time as a student in 
 Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and then began farming on his own 
 account, continuing in that business until he came to Sterling. He is now 
 the owner of the original farm which his father purchased in Hopkins town- 
 ship upon his arrival in Whiteside county. The place comprises three hun- 
 dred and twenty-nine acres of rich and productive land and John B. Gait 
 resided thereon until about 1877, when he removed to the city. In the 
 meantime he had made judicious and extensive investments in property in 
 other parts of the country. He owns twenty-two hundred and forty-nine 
 acres north of Duluth in St. Louis county, Minnesota, in the Messaubic iron 
 range. He spent one year as a commercial traveler, but during the greater 
 part of his life has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuit's or 
 investments. He has, however, traveled broadly for pleasure, visiting Alaska 
 and many parts of the western country as well as the older east, the southern 
 district around the gulf of Mexico and the upper sections of the country
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 623 
 
 surrounding the Great Lakes. He has no active business interests now save 
 the supervision of his property and other investments. 
 
 Mr. Gait has never married and lives with his sister, Elizabeth M. Gait, 
 at No. 1204 West Third street, where they own a pleasant modern residence. 
 They are members of the Presbyterian church, of which their father was 
 one of the founders and also the first elder. Politically Mr. Gait is a stalwart 
 republican, casting his first presidential vote for Fremont and for every 
 republican candidate for president since that time. Before the organization 
 of the party he was an abolitionist, being in hearty sympathy with the move- 
 ment to blot out slavery in America. He has in many instances been identi- 
 fied with the movements for reform and improvement and in Whiteside 
 county is known as a representative and valued citizen. He has witnessed 
 the transformation of the county from a wilderness to its present fine devel- 
 opment and has borne his share in the work of progress as the years have 
 gone by. He can remember when Sterling was but a small village and when 
 outlying districts were largely unimproved prairie land. He has seen deer 
 on the site of the present city and has seen them swim across the river to the 
 island. He has lived to witness a remarkable change in all the countryside 
 and has always cooperated in the work of improvement. The name of Gait 
 has been long and honorably associated with the upbuilding of this section 
 of the state, and John B. Gait, like the others of the family, has stood for all 
 that promotes progress. 
 
 JOHN I). FENTON. 
 
 No history of Whiteside county would be complete without extended 
 mention of John D. Fenton and the family of which he is a representative, for 
 the name has figured in connection with the development of this part of the 
 state from the time when the first white settlers founded homes within the bor- 
 ders of -the county and undertook the work of reclaiming the district for the 
 uses of the white race. Fenton township was named in honor of his father, Jo- 
 seph Fenton, who was a native of Burlington county, New Jersey, and was of 
 Irish descent. When a young lad of nine years he was bound out to a mas- 
 ter whom he served as an apprentice until he had attained his majority. When 
 his term of indenture had expired, he went on a flatboat to New Orleans, mak- 
 ing the long trip down the Mississippi river at a time when all the produce 
 was carried in that manner to the southern market. Following his return 
 to the north he was married to Mis.? Elizabeth Durrell, also a native of Bur- 
 lington county, New Jersey, and of Danish lineage. She was reared in a 
 Quaker family but was not regularly bound out, as was the custom in those 
 days, for the Quakers did not believe in that practice. Following his mar- 
 riage, Joseph Fenton carried on farming in the east until his arrival in White- 
 side county, Illinois. He became the first settler of what is now Fenton town- 
 ship, that district being named in his honor. He was a quiet home man who 
 avoided all political contests and devoted his energies to caring for his fam-
 
 624 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 ily and making for them a comfortable home. In the early days many hard- 
 ships and privations were endured such as are incident to settlement upon 
 the frontier. Their remoteness from cities of any size or importance made it 
 difficult for them to obtain supplies and they had to depend largely upon what 
 was raised. Mr. Fenton raised what was known as razorback hogs but he 
 found no market for them for some time and he had to dispose of his meat 
 by selling one hog at a time. He made his sales to the miners working in 
 the first lead mines near Mineral Point, Wisconsin. There he received at 
 first one dollar and a half per hundred for the meat but later had to sell as 
 low as fifty cents per hundred. In the early days their threshing was done by 
 oxen, tramping out the grain on the floor of the barn. Grain was hauled to 
 Chicago where wheat sold for twenty-five cents per bushel and sugar cost 
 twenty-five cents per pound. The family home was a little log cabin, fourteen 
 by twenty feet, with a puncheon floor, and they resided in this primitive dwell- 
 ing for about fifteen years, or until 1850, when a house of sand and gravel 
 was built. It is the only one in the county and is still standing today, a 
 mute reminder of the pioneer times and a silent witness of the facts which 
 have shaped the history and molded the policy of the county. Alfred Fen- 
 ton, a brother of our subject, was the first white male child born in Whiteside 
 county, his natal day being May 13, 1837. In the family were the following: 
 Elwood W., who in 1850 went with his brother, Joseph R., with two yoke of 
 oxen, to California, where they arrived after travelling five months, spent 
 his last days in Amador, that state; Joseph R., who, as stated, made the trip 
 with his brother, died in Berkeley, California. John D. was the next of the 
 family. Elizabeth died in New Jersey when about three years of age. Rob- 
 ert S. died in Erie. Alfred W. died in Erie in July, 1888. Mary E. is now the 
 wife of R. E. Medhurst, a machinist of Erie. Sylvester H. and Henry C. are 
 both residents of Erie. The father died upon the home 'farm, which he had 
 developed from the wild prairie, passing away September 28, 1874, at the age 
 of eighty years and seven days. His wife passed away in January, 1879, at 
 the age of about eighty years. 
 
 John D. Fenton was born near Mount Holly, Burlington county, New 
 Jersey, November 10, 1832. On the 7th of October, 1835, his parents ar- 
 rived in Whiteside county with their family of. four children. They made 
 the journey westward by canal to Buffalo, thence by schooner to Chicago, and 
 from that point proceeded with two yoke of oxen and a "prairie schooner" 
 to Dixon's Ferry, where a party of ten spent the night of October 6, 1835, in 
 a little log cabin. The next day they arrived in Whiteside county, which was 
 then a part of Jo Daviess county. Chicago -was at that time a little town of 
 no industrial or commercial importance and much of the site of the city 
 which is now thickly covered with business blocks and residences was a 
 swamp marked "bottomless.'"' After reaching this county the father home- 
 steaded a claim of about two hundred acres situated in Fenton township yet 
 a part extending over the boundary line into Erie township. It was upon 
 this farm that John D. Fenton was reared and experienced all of the hard- 
 ships and trials incident to pioneer life. He wore the coarsest kind of cow- 
 hide shoes for which he had to pay three dollars a pair, and at times he would
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 625 
 
 go barefooted for want of the necessary foot covering. Everything in the 
 home was made by hand, including all of the clothing for the children, and 
 in the early days Mr. Fenton went to bed many a time in order to have his 
 mother mend his only suit of clothes. It was very difficult to gain supplies 
 of any kind, not only because money was scarce but also because the towns 
 kept such a limited stock of goods, everybody depending upon what could 
 be raised for the necessaries of life. 
 
 Mr. Fenton continued to work upon the home farm until about twenty- 
 four years of age. assisting in the arduous task of breaking the sod and culti- 
 vating the prairie. He worked for neighbors at fifty cents per day and in 
 1857 was paid in money that proved to be almost worthless, bringing about 
 fifteen cents on the dollar. Thus his wages were diminished although he 
 had been nominally paid fifty cents per day for chopping wood. At twenty- 
 seven years of age he was married and began farming on his father's old 
 homestead, -which he continued to cultivate for several years. He then came 
 to Erie and taught a district school at twenty-five dollars per month. He 
 walked three miles and back each day to teach. He has since resided in 
 Erie township. The only educational advantages which he was afforded came 
 to him after walking to Erie and becoming a pupil, in the little log school- 
 house where the season covered the three winter months. He read law under 
 Judge C. C. Teats but was not admitted to the bar. He has, however, 'practiced 
 commercial law and has been "executor arid administrator of many estates. 
 He is always found to be thoroughly reliable and no trust reposed in him 
 has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. 
 
 On the 14th of March, 1859. Mr. Fenton was married to Miss 
 Marcia "Wonser, who was born in P^llisville, Illinois, March 7, 1840, and came 
 here from Fulton county, Illinois, in February, 1840, with her parents, Mil- 
 den G. and Ruth M. (Churchill) Wonser. Her father died in 1883 but her 
 mother, who was born March 12, 1813, died the evening of April 3, 1908, at 
 the age of ninety-five years. The death of Mrs. Fenton occurred April 17, 
 1906, after they had traveled life's journey together for forty-seven years. 
 She was a remarkable lady, had been a faithful companion and helpmate to 
 her husband and wherever 'known she was held in the highest esteem. By her 
 marriage she became the mother of three children but Myra Blanche, the 
 eldest, died in infancy. Celona Isabelle engaged in teaching school in early 
 womanhood and was a graduate of Fulton College. She became the wife of 
 James P. Hubbart, of Erie township, and died December 18, 1899, leaving one 
 child, Beryl Elizabeth. Ruth Elizabeth, the youngest of the family, is a 
 teacher in the public schools of Erie and resides with her father. 
 
 Mr. Fenton cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore and has 
 been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party in 1856, always 
 voting for its presidential candidates save in 1872, when he voted for Horace 
 Greeley. He is now recognized as an independent and progressive republican. 
 He does not believe in blind allegiance to the party but stands for improve- 
 ment and progress in politics as well as along other lines. He served on the 
 village board of Erie for a number of years, filling that position at the time 
 the village was "incorporated. He has also been president of the village for a
 
 628 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 number of terms and constable for several years, while for some time he 
 served as school director and for twenty-four years has filled the office of jus- 
 tice of the peace, although this service has not been consecutive. He was 
 notary public for about forty years and in 1887 was appointed to fill a vacancy 
 in the position of supervisor, after which he was elected and served for ten 
 consecutive years, acting as chairman of the board one year. He was also a 
 candidate for the legislature from thi? district and stood second highest in the 
 convention. Undoubtedly he could have won the nomination had he announced 
 his candidacy earlier. He served as deputy sheriff for two years under E. A. 
 Worrell, beginning with 1870, and in all his public service his duties have been 
 discharged with promptness and capability that have won him high com- 
 mendation. He has been a correspondent of the Morrison Sentinel since 1880 
 and of the Sterling Standard for a number of years. Although his opportu- 
 nities and advantages in youth were very limited he made steady progress 
 throughout life, is a thinker and student and takes a very philosophic view of 
 many of life's important problems. He is today a broad-minded, intelligent 
 man, of high purposes and lofty principles. Respected and honored by all 
 who know him, he well deserves mention in this volume, for his life work 
 forms an important chapter in the history of the county where he has now 
 lived for seventy-three years. 
 
 JOHN WELLS. 
 
 John Wells is now living retired, his home being in the village of Mal- 
 vern, but he still owns his farm of two hundred and ninety acres on sections 
 22, 23 and 26, Clyde township. He left the farm five years ago, after residing 
 there continuously from 1862. In the interim his labors and energies wrought 
 a marked transformation in the place, which was converted from a wild tract 
 of land into one of rich fertility, annually producing large and abundant 
 crops. 
 
 Mr. Wells is a native of Berkshire, England, his birth having occurred 
 near the boundary line of Wilts-shire, December 12, 1834. His parents were 
 Charles and Lucy (Nash) Wells. The father, who was born in England in 
 1800, came to America, May 15, 1851, and took up his abode in Cuyahoga 
 county, Ohio, where he followed farming for four years, when he was stricken 
 with cholera and died in 1855. His wife died when their son John was about 
 eight or nine years of age. The family numbered six children : Mrs. Mary 
 A. Ferguson, now living in Polo, Illinois ; Mrs. Eliza Carnett, whose home is 
 in Dixon, Illinois; Thomas, William and Maria, all of whom are deceased. 
 
 The other member of the family is John Wells of this review, who was 
 reared in England. His educational privileges were extremely limited, as he 
 practically had no opportunity of attending school, either in his native coun- 
 try or in America. He was but sixteen years of age when the family crossed 
 the Atlantic to the new world, and following his father's death he and his 
 three sisters came to Illinois, settling in Carroll county in 1855. There he
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 627 
 
 resided for seven years and in 1862 came to Whiteside county, where he has 
 since made his home. He took up his abode upon a farm in Clyde township 
 and there continued to carry on general farming with excellent success until 
 about five years ago, when he put aside the more 'active work of the fields and 
 removed to Malvern, where he now resides, deriving a good income from his 
 farm. He and his brother started out here with one hundred and sixty 
 acres, which John Wells had purchased. He sold sixty acres, however, to his 
 brother. He had gone in debt for the entire farm and paid seven per cent 
 interest on the purchase price in advance. In the early days he endured many 
 hardships while trying to meet his payments and suffered many privations, 
 but he possessed a resolute and determined spirit and in course of time over- 
 came all of the difficulties and obstacles in his path. As the years went by his 
 unfaltering industry brought him success and he is now a prosperous agri- 
 culturist. 
 
 Mr. Wells was married in Ohio, returning to that state in 1859 to wed 
 Miss Catherine Ruckel, who was born in Ireland and came to Ohio in 1848, 
 when about eighteen or twenty years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wells have 
 been born nine children : Charles, who is now a merchant of Malvern ; Glen- 
 wood, a farmer residing in this state; Frank, a successful farmer and sheep- 
 raiser of Fort Collins, Colorado; George, who follows farming in Rock Island 
 county, Illinois; Fred, who carries on general agricultural pursuits in Clyde 
 township; Ulysses, at home; Edward, who is operating the old home farm; 
 Agnes, the wife of Samuel James, a farmer of Clyde township; and Irene, 
 the wife of William Detra, who resides at Clarksdale, Iowa. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wells have reared a family of children of whom they have 
 every reason to be proud. In connection with his sons he owns ten hundred 
 and fifty-five acres of the rich farming land of Illinois, lying in Whiteside 
 and Ogle counties* His success is well merited, for it has come as the reward 
 of earnest, persistent labor, and his example in this respect may well serve as 
 a source of encouragment and inspiration to others, showing what may be 
 accomplished when one has energy and perseverance. In politics Mr. Wells 
 has always been a republican and has filled some local offices. He served for 
 three years as road commissioner and for twenty-seven years was school direc- 
 tor, while his son succeeds him in that position. He has always stood for 
 advancement and improvement in public affair* and his aid and cooperation 
 have ever been counted upon in advancing community interests. 
 
 CHARLES C. WELLS. 
 
 Charle? C. Wells, now actively identified with the business interests of 
 Malvern, was born in Carroll county, Illinois, October 20, 1861, but was reared 
 vipon the old home farm in Whiteside county. He is a son of John Wells, 
 of whom mention is made above. Early in life he aided to some extent in 
 carrying on the home farm and later engaged in drilling wells and operating 
 a threshing machine in Whiteside and Carroll counties. Withdrawing from
 
 628 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 these lines of activity, he has for the past five years conducted a general 
 store at Malvern, where he carries a good line of general merchandise and is 
 meeting with success in its sale. Hi? store is tastefully arranged and his 
 reasonable prices and courtesy to his customers secure him a liberal patronage. 
 Charles C. Wells married Miss Nettie Zollers, of Genesee township, this 
 county, and they have three children: Joshua, Irvin and Marjorie. Mr. 
 Wells is a member of the Knight* of Pythias Lodge at Morrison and of the 
 Mystic Workers of Malvern. His political views accord with the principles 
 of the republican party and he has served as town clerk of Clyde township for 
 .the past five years. He is now filling the position of school director and his 
 official duties are discharged with a promptness and fidelity that make his 
 services very acceptable to the general public. He represents one of the old 
 und prominent families of this part of the county and his record is a credit 
 to the untarnished family name. 
 
 YORK EDDY. 
 
 Among the names which are engraved deeply and ineffaceably upon the 
 records of Whiteside county is the family name which is borne by the subject 
 of this review. He has-been a resident of Illinois since the pioneer epoch in 
 its history. The Indians had hardly been driven from their old hunting 
 grounds in this section of the state when the Eddy family was established in 
 Dupage county. The prairies were uncultivated, the forests uncut, the 
 streams unbridged, and in fact the work of civilization and development 
 had been scarcely begun. 
 
 York Eddy was less than four years of age at the time of the arrival of 
 his parents in the middle west. He was born September 5, 1831, in Oneida 
 county, New York, a son of Augustus and Polly (McKinster) Eddy, both 
 of whom were natives of Oneida county, New York. Leaving the east in 
 1835, they made their way westward and settled about nineteen miles west 
 of Chicago in Dupage county. Chicago had not at that time been incor- 
 porated as a city and gave little evidence of the wonderful transformation 
 which was to occur and make its growth one of the .wonders of the world. 
 The family shared in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer 
 life in the establishment of a home upon the wild prairie, but they bore 
 uncomplainingly the hardships incident to frontier settlement and in the 
 course of years their farm became productive and brought them a comfortable 
 competence. In 1854 they removed from Dupage to Whiteside county 
 and their remaining days were passed in Erie township, where Augustus 
 Eddy secured land and carried on a farm. The wife died July 8, 1862, when 
 about sixty-five years of age, while his death occurred in November, 1889, 
 when about eighty-two years of age. Their family numbered six children, 
 but only two are now living, the elder being Lorenzo Eddy, of Harkin, 
 Colorado. 
 
 As stated, York Eddy was less than four years of age when brought to 
 Illinois by his parents, and thus he was reared upon the frontier, where in
 
 tz! 
 -
 
 LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 UR3ANA
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 631 
 
 his boyhood days he occasionally saw Indians, while many kinds of wild 
 animals and wild game were to be seen. His educational privileges in 
 youth were limited owing to the unsettled condition of the country and as 
 the years went by he understood what it meant to break sod and develop a 
 new farm, giving active assistance to his father in this work. 
 
 He was married on the 27th of January, 1853, in Dupage county, to 
 Miss Louisa Newton, who was born in Clinton county, New York, October 
 1, 1833. Her father, Marshall Newton, was born September 7, 1792, in 
 Shoreham, Vermont, and died in Erie, Illinois, February 24, 1878. His 
 wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Jones, was also a native of 
 Shoreham, born March 4, 1793, and her death occurred in Erie, October 5, 
 1870. In 1856 they came westward to Whiteside county, settling in Erie 
 township, where their remaining days were passed, the father devoting his 
 life here to the occupation of farming. In their family were six children, 
 of whom three are yet living: Lucius, now a resident of Erie; Mrs. Eddy; 
 and Emily, the wife of Henry Hamilton, of Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Eddy have been born ten children: Ai, who married Cora Wood and lives 
 in Kansas; Seth, who wedded Cora Seger and is a resident farmer of Erie 
 township, this county ; Nellie, the wife of George Thompson, of Erie ; Clar- 
 ence; Mrs. Laura Pickering, of Wayne, Illinois; Seward, who married Eva 
 Fritz and is living in Erie township; Lloyd, who wedded Minnie Pratt and 
 makes his home in Tampico; Newell, who married Emma Sohrbeck and is 
 living in Erie township; Danna, who married Minnie Scott and resides in 
 Chicago; and Lottie M., the wife of Herbert Smith. 
 
 In 1854 York Eddy removed to Whiteside county and settled on sec- 
 tion 2, Erie township. Here he purchased one hundred and twenty acres 
 of land, which was destitute of all improvements save that a little house had 
 been erected thereon. Indians called there often and there were many evi- 
 dences of pioneer life to be found in. the county. The railroads had not 
 been built and the settlers had to haul their grain long distances to market 
 and to mill. With characteristic energy Mr. Eddy took up the work of 
 tilling the soil and caring for the farm, and as the years passed he brought 
 his fields under cultivation and from the sale of his harvests derived a grati- 
 fying annual income. As his financial resources increased he added to his 
 property and is now the owner of four hundred and ten acres of rich and 
 productive land in his farm, while in the village of Erie he has two acres, 
 upon which his residence stands. Having retired from the farm, he now 
 makes his home in the town and from his property he yet derives a sub- 
 stantial income. For many years he carefully conducted the work of the 
 fields and as time passed he accumulated a comfortable competence which 
 now makes possible his present rest from labor. 
 
 In politics he is a republican, but without aspiration for office. He and 
 his wife have been members of the Baptist church for a great many years, 
 have been interested in its work and have supported various measures for 
 the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community. Mr. Eddy 
 has intimate knowledge of the history of northern Illinois in its development 
 from pioneer times to the present, his memory forming a connecting link
 
 632 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 between the primitive past and the latter day progress and development. 
 He can relate many interesting incidents of early time when there were 
 no large houses upon the farms, the homes of the settlers being mostly log 
 cabins. The work of the fields, too, was done by hand and the scythe and 
 the ox-teams were familiar features of the fields. All this has changed and 
 as invention brought new and improved machinery Mr. Eddy kept up with 
 the progress of the times, being quick to adopt any machinery or measure 
 that would promote farming interests. His energy and diligence consti- 
 tute the basis of his success and his honorable dealing brought to him the 
 unqualified respect of all. 
 
 FRANK HEFLEBOWER, 
 
 There is nothing in the life history of the average business man to attract 
 the reader in search of a sensational chapter but the history of each sub- 
 stantial citizen who is energetic, faithful and reliable in business life and 
 loyal in his devotion to the public good, contains lessons which may well be 
 heeded by the younger generation. Frank Heflebower has made for himself 
 a creditable position in the business world and his labors as cashier of the 
 State Bank of Sterling, are now proving a valued element in its successful con- 
 trol. He was born in Polo, Illinois, October 27, 1865, his parents being John 
 and Annie (Cookus) Heflebower, who were natives of West Virginia. The 
 paternal grandfather, Daniel Heflebower, was born in Virginia and was a 
 planter and .slave owner of an early day. He died in 1865 at the age of 
 sixty-five years. He was of German descent and was twice married. 
 
 The ten children born of the first union included John Heflebower, who 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits and' has devoted his entire life to general 
 farming. Removing westward in 1860, he settled in Ogle county, Illinois, 
 where he still resides. He wedded Miss Annie Cookus, a daughter of Jacob 
 Cookus, who was born in Old Dominion and was of German lineage. Her 
 father made milling his life work and died from an accident prior to the 
 Civil war. His wife was twice married, her first husband being a Mr. Sny- 
 der. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cookus were born eight children. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Heflebower were born four sons and two 
 daughters, namely: Charles W., who has passed away; George C., of Cam- 
 eron, Missouri; Frank, of this review; Margaret Virginia, the wife of Sam- 
 uel Fahrney, of Ogle counly, Illinois; Mary M., wife of Howard Irvin, also of 
 Ogle county; and Joseph A., who resides in that county. 
 
 Frank Heflebower was reared in Ogle county, Illinois, remaining in Polo 
 until ten years ago, after which his youth was spent on a farm. He at- 
 tended the public and high schools of Polo and when he ceased to be a stu- 
 dent became a teacher, following that profession for several years. He be- 
 came a recognized factor in the public life and while teaching school made 
 the assessment in Polo for five years, from 1892 until 1898. In the fall of the 
 latter vear he was elected treasurer of the county, entering upon the duties
 
 
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 633 
 
 of the office in December and filling the position with credit to himself and 
 satisfaction to his constituents for four years. The next two years were 
 largely passed in travel. In the fall of 1905 he arrived in Sterling and organ- 
 ized the Sterling State Bank, in association with R. G. Shumway. The bank 
 was capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and has prospered from the first, a 
 constantly increasing business being conducted. It is located at the southeast 
 corner of Fourth and Locust streets and is supplied with all modern equip- 
 ments, being thoroughly first class in every particular. The first president 
 was N. G. Van Sant, who was re-elected to that office, while the vice president 
 is Charles E. Windom, and Mr. Heflebower is the cashier. The last named 
 also own.? an elevator at Sterling and buys and sells grain. He is likewise 
 interested in the coal trade in partnership with Alfred Weeks, the firm style 
 being the Weeks Coal Company. He is continually alert for good business 
 opportunities and displays a sound judgment that makes his opinions of 
 value in the commercial world. 
 
 On the 12th of September, 1904, Mr. Heflebower was married to Miss 
 Rilla Heller, a daughter of John and Emma (Lance) Heller. Mrs. Heflebower 
 is a member of the Methodist church and is prominent in the social circles of 
 the city. She taught school for seven years in early womanhood and after- 
 ward attended the Northwestern University at Evanston, from which she was 
 graduated in the spring of 1904, being a pupil in elocution under Professor 
 Cumnock. Mr. and Mrs. Heflebower reside at No. 405 Second avenue. Polit- 
 ically he is a republican and his interest in politics is that of a public-spirited 
 citizen who desires above all things the general welfare. He is straightforward 
 and reliable in all his business .interests and his opinions are regarded as 
 sound concerning commercial and financial interests. 
 
 NICHOLAS G. VAN SANT. 
 
 Nicholas G. Van Sant, one of Illinois' native .sons, is well known in 
 Sterling as a banker, business man, lawyer and citizen w r ho cooperates in 
 .many measures that have direct bearing upon the welfare, progress and 
 upbuilding of the community. While giving close and earnest attention to 
 his business and professional interests, he has yet found time to devote to 
 those interests which work for the uplifting of humanity, and is particularly 
 well known as an exponent of the temperance cause and of the work of the 
 Young Men's Christian Association. His natal day was November 22, 1846, 
 and the place of his birth Rock Island, Illinois. 
 
 His great-grandfather, John Van Sant ; was born in New Jersey and was 
 one of the heroes, of the Revolutionary war. After his military experience 
 he engaged in boating and ship-building and reached the very venerable age 
 of ninety-four years. His wife was Mrs. Rebecca Van Sant. His paternal 
 grandfather. Nicholas Van Sant, lived at Lower Bank, New Jersey, and when 
 death claimed him his grave was there made. He was of Holland Dutch 
 descent and was a boat-builder by trade. His business interests, however,
 
 634 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 were interrupted by his sendee as a soldier in the war of 1812. He died 
 when more than ninety years of age and his wife, Mrs. Mercy Van Sant, was 
 also over ninety years of age at the time of her demise. Their family num- 
 bered twelve or thirteen children. 
 
 John Wesley Van Sant, father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, 
 there acquired his education and became a ship carpenter. He was likewise 
 connected with steamboat interests and in 1837, coming to Illinois, settled 
 on the banks of the Mississippi river, where he lived for sixty-five years. He 
 made his home at Rock Island from 1837 until 1860 and then removed to 
 Le Claire, Iowa, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1903, 
 when he was ninety-three years of age. His wife survived him until March, 
 1905, and died in her ninety-fourth year. She was a daughter of Elias 
 Anderson, a native of New Jersey, who came of a race of sailors, but who 
 identified his interests with agricultural pursuits, owning a large plantation 
 and a number of slaves. He died in New Jersey at an advanced age, while 
 his wife, Mrs. Penelope Anderson, passed away when more than ninety 
 years of age. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. John W. Van Sant were born four sons and two 
 daughters, of whom four are yet living: Adam C., who is conducting a com- 
 mercial college at Omaha, Nebraska; Hester A., the wife of Captain Thomas 
 Harris, of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, now at Los Angeles, California; 
 Samuel R., who was president of the Johnson-Van Sant Mortgage Company, 
 of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Nicholas G., of Sterling. 
 
 In taking up the personal history of Nicholas G. Van Sant "we present 
 to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. 
 He lived in Rock Island until he had attained his majority, attending the 
 public schools there and later continuing his studies in Knox College, at 
 Galesburg, Illinois, prior to entering Cornell College, at Mount Vernon, 
 Iowa. He was graduated from the last named in 1870 and thus by liberal 
 educational advantages was well fitted for life's practical and responsible 
 duties. In the meantime, however, he had had military experience as a 
 .soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in 1863 as a member of Company A, Ninth 
 Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for two years. He was in the battles 
 of Guntown, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Pontatock and the last battle of Nash- 
 ville. He served as a private, ever loyal to the cause which he espoused and 
 after the war he resumed his education. 
 
 When he had graduated from Cornell College Mr. Van Sant turned his 
 attention to the boat business in connection with his father on the Mississippi 
 river. After two years, however, he sold out and removed to Rock Falls, 
 Whiteside county, where he conducted a lumber business for a number of 
 years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his yard and entered 
 ihe law department of the John B. Stetson University at Deland, Florida, 
 where he carefully pursued his studies for two years. He next entered the 
 law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was grad- 
 uated in June. 1905. In October of the same year he was admitted to the 
 bar and at once opened an office in Sterling, where he has since continued in 
 practice. Although one of the more recent additions to the Whiteside county
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 635 
 
 bar he is well qualified for the profession and in his trial of causes has shown 
 clear reasoning and logical deductions, together with correct application 
 of legal principles. He is, moreover, well known in financial circles as 
 president of the State Bank of Sterling, which was organized in 1905, with 
 a capital of fifty thousand dollars and has done a large business from the 
 start. He is thus recognized as a leading factor in financial circles of Ster- 
 ling, founding his business upon a safe, substantial basis and pursuing a 
 conservative policy that wins uniform confidence and gains a liberal pat- 
 ronage. He is also identified with the Johnson-Van Sant Mortgage Com- 
 pany, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in business matters his judgment is 
 sound and reliable. 
 
 On the 17th of November, 1870, Mr. Van Sant was married to Miss 
 Ella A. Golder, a daughter of Joseph and Prudence (Goodrich) Colder. 
 They are pleasantly located at No. 601 Second avenue, and the hospitality 
 of their home is much enjoyed by their many warm friends. 
 
 Politically Mr. Van Sant is an earnest republican but without aspiration 
 for office. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades 
 through his membership in Will Robinson Post, No. 274, G. A. R., and is 
 also an exemplary representative of Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & 
 A. M. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church 
 and he is serving on the official board. He has been particularly prominent 
 in his work for local option and is a strong prohibitionist. He regards intem- 
 perance as one of the greatest evils of the country and puts forth every effort 
 in his power to check its course, further indicating his views upon the sub- 
 ject by his ballot, giving loyal support to the prohibition party. He is one 
 of the most earnest and able workers in the local Young Men's Christian 
 Association and, moreover, has lectured for the organization: His influence 
 is always found on the side of right, reform, truth, justice and progress, 
 and his position upon any question of vital moment is never an equivocal 
 one. His interest in the welfare of the city along material, intellectual, social 
 and moral lines is manifest in many tangible ways, and in citizenship he 
 displays the same spirit of loyalty which characterized him when as a boy 
 soldier he fought for the defense of the Union. In fact he stands loyally 
 and courageously in support of every cause or movement which he believes 
 to be right, and the principles which have governed his life are those which 
 work for honorable manhood. 
 
 JEREMIAH v. MCCARTY. 
 
 4 
 
 Jeremiah V. McCarty, conducting a successful business as a hardware 
 merchant at Rock Falls, was born June 22, 1842, in London, England, his 
 parents being Dennis and Johanna (Cochlan) McCarty, both of whom were 
 natives of Ireland. The paternal grandparents emigrated from Ireland to 
 America in 1855, settling near LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where they spent their 
 remaining days. The mother of our subject died when the son was three
 
 636 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 years of age and in 1849 the father married Margaret Barry, also a native of 
 the Emerald isle. They resided in London for twenty years and in 1850 
 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, remaining, however, for about a year 
 in New England. They then continued on their westward way to McHenry 
 county, Illinois, living for a time near Harvard, and about a year later they 
 took up their abode near Elgin. In 1853 they became residents of Peca- 
 tonica, Winnebago county, Illinois, where they resided until 1856, when they 
 again spent a year in Elgin. In June, 1856,- they removed to Lee county 
 and in 1857 to Whiteside county, taking up their abode on a farm northeast 
 of Round Grove, the place being known as the Hecker farm, in Hopkins 
 township. There they lived until 1870, then removing to Sterling, and the 
 father's death occurred in that city on the 3d of October, 1871. Five chil- 
 dren were born unto him and his wife: Jeremiah V., of this review; Kate, 
 who was married in 1872 to M. B. Fitzgerald, a contractor of Sterling; Mary; 
 the wife of James Fitzgerald, also a contractor of Sterling; Ella, the wife 
 of James Ballou ; a mechanic of Chicago; and Fannie, the wife of James 
 Wood, of Chicago. 
 
 Jeremiah V. McCarty spent the first eight years of his life in the land 
 of his nativity and then accompanied his parents to the new world. He was 
 with them on their various removals until the outbreak of the Civil war. 
 when in 1861 'he offered his .services to the government and enlisted for 
 three years in Company E, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He 
 was with the Army of the Cumberland during this time, save for a short 
 period in 186*2, when his regiment was sent to reinforce Grant's army at 
 the battle of Shiloh, returning thence to the department in Tennessee. At 
 the battle of Shiloh Mr. McCarty was wounded twice. He was also in the 
 siege of Corinth and in the battles of Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chicka- 
 mauga, being the only member of his regiment who took part in ' the last 
 named engagement, for the Thirty-fourth Illinois had been detached to 
 guard the bridge that crossed the river over -which his corps passed to drive 
 Bragg out of Chickamauga. At this time Mr. McCarty was made orderly of 
 the brigade. He was also in the engagements of Missionary Ridge, Lookout 
 Mountain, Buzzard's Roast, Resaca, Rome, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree 
 Creek, Jonesboro and the siege of Atlanta, being engaged in continual fight- 
 ing for one hundred and twenty-eight days. He was only once in the. hos- 
 pital, although he was many times" exposed to the thickest fire of the enemy. 
 His bravery and loyalty were ever above question and after the battle of 
 Chickamauga he received honorable mention. At Atlanta, Georgia, he was 
 discharged September 17, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his term, and 
 although he had been at the front for three years he was then but little past 
 the twenty-first year of his life. No veteran of twice his years, however, 
 was more fearless or more true to the old flag than was this soldier boy who 
 faced the enemy in many of the most hotly contested engagements of the 
 war. 
 
 When mustered out Mr. McCarty returned home and followed different 
 pursuits in order to secure a livelihood, leaving the parental roof in 1866. 
 In 1868 he began railroading between Sterling and Rock Island on the
 
 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 637 
 
 Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad. For two years he was em- 
 ployed as a locomotive engineer arid during the succeeding thirteen years 
 was engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company between Bradford, 
 Ohio, and Chicago. For eleven years of that period he lived in Logansport, 
 Indiana. 
 
 Mr. McCarty was married in that city April 22, 1875, to Miss Mary 
 Amelia Cassidy, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Kissinger) Cassidy, 
 the former a native of Pennsylvania and a contractor by occupation, who 
 died in his home in Logansport, Indiana, in 1866. In addition to Mrs. 
 McCarty there were three other children : Cecelia, who was born in Logans- 
 port and who married James Shafer, a locomotive engineer; John M., also 
 a native of Logansport ; and William, general foreman of the roundhouse 
 at Logansport, for the Pennsylvania Railway Company. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. McCarty have two children : Charles J., born in Logans- 
 port, Indiana, September 29, 1876, was eight years of age when his parents 
 came to Whiteside county and in 1894 was graduated from the Rock Falls 
 high school. He then took up the study of electrical engineering in the 
 State University at Champaign, completing the four years' course. He is 
 now a civil engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 
 Railroad Company and lives in Aurora, Illinois. He was for a time engaged 
 with his father in the coal business at Rock Falls. He married Miss Susan 
 Nickelson, a resident of Aurora. Gertrude E., the younger child, married 
 John Kadel, Jr., of Rock Falls, who is engaged in the hardware business 
 with his father-in-law. 
 
 Following his marriage Mr. McCarty continued to engage in railroading 
 until 1881, when he resigned his position with the Pennsylvania Company 
 and with his family returned to Rock Falls. Here he purchased the business 
 interests of the Montague family and dealt in coal, lime and buil'ding ma- 
 terials on lot 6, block 4, River street, continuing there until 1898, when he 
 sold out to the firm of Smith & Grater. He was then engaged in building 
 operations until May, 1905, when he formed a partnership with his son-in- 
 law, Mr. Kadel, in the hardware business, purchasing the stock of Derbe- 
 shier & Sons. They have since carried on the business and now have a well 
 appointed store, in which they are receiving a liberal patronage in recogni- 
 tion of their reasonable prices, honorable methods and earnest desire to 
 please their customers. 
 
 Mr. McCarty suffers slightly from his old wounds but otherwise enjoys 
 good health and is pleasantly situated socially and commercially. He be- 
 longs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and to the Grand Army of the Re- 
 public. He has several times served as commander of the latter and also 
 as adjutant. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Columbus. His 
 political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was for one 
 terns a member of the board of trustees, while for 'five consecutive years he 
 served as assessor of the town. Aside from his business his interest centers 
 largely in the Grand Army of the Republic and he stands with the old guard 
 whose faces are still set to the front. Many of his old army comrades have 
 recently passed away. In all that he does he has been actuated by the spirit
 
 638 HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY 
 
 of Commissioner Warner, of the pension department, who wrote, "As the 
 setting sun shines on our faces as we march down the western slope of life 
 to our last camp in the valley, let us go forward with the same unfaltering 
 step as when in the days of the '60s we bore 'old glory' to the front on many 
 a hard fought battlefield nor furled it until victory was won." Mr. McCarty 
 has never deviated from a course that he believed to be right between his 
 fellowmen and himself and there has been much of the spirit of the old sol- 
 dier in all that he has done as year by year he has fought the battles of life 
 and in the great majority of instances has come out victor in the strife.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA